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Anyone else considering the Photon ?

I've got 4 days left on my new NS4G 30 day trial to exchange for something else - I thought only a GalaxyS2 release would tempt me away but the reaction to the Photon has been far better than I expected. I had a few minutes to fiddle with it earlier today and it feels lighter and better to handle than the EVO3g(to me), the screen is brighter but not quite as clear as the NS4G - whats got me tempted are all the positive comments on reception and call quality.
NS4G is my 1st droid phone and I love the form factor, screen and overall customization - only complaints are the speakerphone(sounds fine on my end, but many complaints on the other end and I have the current update), and reception is occasionally spotty/weak. I'm aware of the current(and maybe permanent) locked bootloader on the Photon and love the future option to easily root/customize the NS4g (the only motivation to do now would be phantom tethering for 4g, and 4g in Indy is basically non-existent). I like the idea of a future laptop interface for the Photon but the current Atrix seems pricey.
I'm going to spend some more time with the Photon but its never the same until you have one, and given only 3 weeks with the NS4G i want to make sure I'm not missing something and get 'stuck'. - any feedback appreciated.

gmore1 said:
I've got 4 days left on my new NS4G 30 day trial to exchange for something else - I thought only a GalaxyS2 release would tempt me away but the reaction to the Photon has been far better than I expected. I had a few minutes to fiddle with it earlier today and it feels lighter and better to handle than the EVO3g(to me), the screen is brighter but not quite as clear as the NS4G - whats got me tempted are all the positive comments on reception and call quality.
NS4G is my 1st droid phone and I love the form factor, screen and overall customization - only complaints are the speakerphone(sounds fine on my end, but many complaints on the other end and I have the current update), and reception is occasionally spotty/weak. I'm aware of the current(and maybe permanent) locked bootloader on the Photon and love the future option to easily root/customize the NS4g (the only motivation to do now would be phantom tethering for 4g, and 4g in Indy is basically non-existent). I like the idea of a future laptop interface for the Photon but the current Atrix seems pricey.
I'm going to spend some more time with the Photon but its never the same until you have one, and given only 3 weeks with the NS4G i want to make sure I'm not missing something and get 'stuck'. - any feedback appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NS4G is your first Android phone. Unless you are a Verizon customer you do not own a Droid.
Seeing as the photon has been rooted, I would chose the photon over the nexus. The upside of the nexus is it will receive the next Android update long before the photon does.
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Photon's nice, but I can't get away from the S-Amoled Screen. I'm spoiled by it.
Photon has the qHD screen, which is the 540x960 resolution that everyone seems to really like. I think 480x800 (Nexus S screen) is fine the way it is. Although I toyed with the EVO 3D and wouldn't mind a 540x960 resolution on super amoled. Yep...I did it again, went off topic with personal opinion!!!

Just spent a good 1/2 hour with the Photon at the Sprint store - screen is probably a trade-off for me... Photon bigger and brighter, NS4g better detail and better colors. Love the size of the NS4G but the P wasn't too hard to get use to. Call and speakerphone quality was a big plus for the P. No-one could really answer whether the tethering/hotspot in 3G was 'free' or not(they believe it to be a paid-for service on both phones-not so far for me on NS4G...obviously without overuse), Was able to activate it on the phone in store as with the NS4G and doubt the store phone was set-up with it as a paid service but maybe???
Gonna sleep on it and probably pull the trigger tomorrow.
Saw the root on the Photon - don't have a need for the dock, but sure a 'stand-alone root' coming soon.

locked bootloader
/thread

noob needs to know? Photon or Epic Touch

I'm going for my first android and the end of the month. So far I have down to either the Photon or the Epic Touch.
After researching and reading, and reading, and reading, and reading...
I still can't decide. Both appear to be great phones, but I'd like to hear some opinions and why's.
So far my Photon reasoning is it's fast, great screen, and I might one day get the dock, but it's locked.
My Epic Touch reasoning is it's lighter, just as fast, great screen too (but different) and it's unlocked.
So what's a noob need to know? What's some of the inside words on the two? Is there a better of the two? Or is there something even better coming out in October?
Too much research has left my little brain scrambled...

unless you need a world phone the Epic Touch completely smokes the Photon is almost every spec...
But if you want a better comparison..what do you generally use your phone for?
There is a rumor of a Nexus Prime...

Current phone doesn't matter. From the point where I got rid of the Razr way back when I've had nothing but slider phones.
I don't do quite the texting I used to and I'm sure I'll get used to an onscreen QWERT fast enough.
EDIT:
Sorry... Misread that the first time.
What do I use the phone for: It's going to be calls, texting, replace the camera, shoot some vid of the 5 yr old, quick searches, I'll use the GPS. I mean basically I'm looking for a full all-in-one that will be my laptop, camera, and phone for when I'm not at home to have the Laptop and Camera.

madcadder said:
Current phone doesn't matter. From the point where I got rid of the Razr way back when I've had nothing but slider phones.
I don't do quite the texting I used to and I'm sure I'll get used to an onscreen QWERT fast enough.
EDIT:
Sorry... Misread that the first time.
What do I use the phone for: It's going to be calls, texting, replace the camera, shoot some vid of the 5 yr old, quick searches, I'll use the GPS. I mean basically I'm looking for a full all-in-one that will be my laptop, camera, and phone for when I'm not at home to have the Laptop and Camera.
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Click to collapse
I say get epic touch as the root method breaks 4g at least if u have sprint idk what carrier you have not to mention heard some people don't like the photons display cause it looks pixely or something of that nature however motos radios from my understanding are some of the best unlike sammys most the time
However I'm hoping to get the new nexus if its bad ass and comes to Sprint
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Go for Epic touch. Period.

Go for Epic touch

I have the MOPHO it's way awesome but after researching the Samsung galaxy S II on Slash gear, and their review of the Epic 2 I think this may be a winner...antenna signal is the only issue that can pop up minus software upgrades. It comes with the same Android OS 2.34 that I am using now so even if it isn't upgraded it will suffice until next year or 2. The GPS is way fast the browser is QWIK so I truly feel I cam lamp on this for a year or two easily. Most importantly I love the screen size and only adds .10" in length.

whats funny is that im in such a similar situation because im also battling between the two. difference is that i have the original epic right now....
im going to wait for the epic touch, but im shocked that no one acknowleged how big the photon battery is

Harder choice than some of you make it sound
on paper and live - the Epic touch beats the photon across the board and it is unlocked.
But:
1. Samsung's upgrade history is less than stellar
2. Google is buying Motorola
3. Hardware docks for Photon
4. Webtop for Photon
5. World phone
6. QHD
My ownership experience with my Epic has been mixed and all of it is due to Samsung's builds.
Regarding pixelation on the Photon vs Epic Touch - I find it hard to believe that a smaller screen with higher resolution would be more pixilated
What it boils down to is that I am not sure that I trust Samsung when it comes to phones anymore. But the Epic Touch is a mighty tempting piece none the less.

Galaxy Nexus or Droid Razr?

I'm making a purchase within the next day or so. Can someone give some in depth thoughts on either phone? Hardware, housing, software, camera, root and ROM potential, etc...
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk

Well overall, i'd recommend looking at their stats on gsmarena and comparing, its pretty much got the summary you need, but i'd say nexus.
its got much greater ROM potential, and therefore pushes itself ahead of the droid razr. the Razr is awesome, but the nexus rom scene seems better to me.
However note i dont own either but as a spectator i think the nexus has better ROM potential.

Never mind

Google Nexus. won't go wrong with it. Then Galaxy. Last choice would be Razr.

RAZR or NEXUS
I have owned both; I would say depends on how "mature" you want your device to be. RAZR is really robust regarding it's skin; copy and paste capabilities; RAZR is really darn easy to ROOT too; (don't remember how hard / easy the nexus was but I had it rooted as well).
I did get to play with the NFC (not beam but wallet) and that was a very cool thing to have; the screen is bigger than RAZR; but RAZR (the phone) is very robust physically as well (screen feels stronger in your hand).
Sorry to go on a tangent there; but again mature "stock" rom with root I would pick RAZR; for the feel in the hand (HMI / GUI) RAZR; external capability (HDMI / Micro SD) RAZR; movie watching (on airplane) NEXUS; NFC payments (obvious winner here) NEXUS;
bottom line; ICS when I had the NEXUS was too darn immature; bugs bugs; and poor nexus was freezing up every once in a while. you're going to ROM it anyways....
From a camera perspective.. I really liked NEXUS quick response time ( shot shot shot shot); however, if you had quality time to take a shot... the RAZRs quality is better....
datawise... (I'm a grandfathered unlimited data person) it always seemed my speed tests the RAZR would always get better results... again both phones were rooted and tethering / downloading constantly... Are you going to drop your phone ( yes - > get RAZR) from a battery perspective... I would pick Nexus.. but...
what was neglected to be mentioned was "RAZR MAXX" now that phone is what I would get.
-DVader88

darthvader88 said:
I have owned both; I would say depends on how "mature" you want your device to be. RAZR is really robust regarding it's skin; copy and paste capabilities; RAZR is really darn easy to ROOT too; (don't remember how hard / easy the nexus was but I had it rooted as well).
I did get to play with the NFC (not beam but wallet) and that was a very cool thing to have; the screen is bigger than RAZR; but RAZR (the phone) is very robust physically as well (screen feels stronger in your hand).
Sorry to go on a tangent there; but again mature "stock" rom with root I would pick RAZR; for the feel in the hand (HMI / GUI) RAZR; external capability (HDMI / Micro SD) RAZR; movie watching (on airplane) NEXUS; NFC payments (obvious winner here) NEXUS;
bottom line; ICS when I had the NEXUS was too darn immature; bugs bugs; and poor nexus was freezing up every once in a while. you're going to ROM it anyways....
From a camera perspective.. I really liked NEXUS quick response time ( shot shot shot shot); however, if you had quality time to take a shot... the RAZRs quality is better....
datawise... (I'm a grandfathered unlimited data person) it always seemed my speed tests the RAZR would always get better results... again both phones were rooted and tethering / downloading constantly... Are you going to drop your phone ( yes - > get RAZR) from a battery perspective... I would pick Nexus.. but...
what was neglected to be mentioned was "RAZR MAXX" now that phone is what I would get.
-DVader88
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I'm porting my Sprint numbers to Verizon and don't want to spend too much money on phones after my wife and I just bought brand new ones last year. I considered the Maxx but it's still $200 everywhere I look. I'm getting two phones from either Amazon or Wirefly. Either the GNex ($100) for me and a Bionic (free) for my wife, or two RAZRs ($50/phone). I'm very undecided and need to make a decision within the next day or so. I really want the GNex and my wife would be more than happy with the Bionic, but I'm leaning towards two Razrs
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Get the razrs then, becuase they are water proof.

Get a purple Droid Razr, they are sexy

Just how bad is the battery on the original Razr? How does it compare to the GNex?
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I'm a Razr Maxx owner and can give you my impression on the device.
The basic Razr is sleek and well built. It feels like a solid device though it is very slim. The battery time on the latest rom (.173) is good. You can standby for 12 hours and still have 70% battery life. I almost kept it, but I was offered the Maxx in exchange. Now, the Maxx is not as thin. It's solid and slightly heavier. I'm a bit spoiled I think from having the slim Razr for a while. But battery life is insane. I can go a day or more without charging, and regular useage, easily. I really have never ran the phone all the way down yet because I'm so use to charging often and it's hard to get it so low. I'd have to forget the phone for the weekend to give it a good test.
The OS is fine and fast. I use SPB launcher right now for some extra fun but it's not necessary. I do wish I had a few more widgets and stuff like ICS but it's still got plenty to do.
My only experience with the NExus was to see it in the store. The manager told me it was the most returned phone they had because of all the bugs. It was a large phone - twice as thick as the Maxx at least - and made of cheep-feeling plastic. The big thing for me was the removeable SD card slot. The Razr has it. The Nexus does not. Such a basic feature I felt was a deal breaker for the Nexus.
I'm happy with my Maxx. It does everything I want though I can't wait for a full fixed working version of ICS. I just think the Nexus is too cheaply built and was pushed out too soon.

.
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well, buy the Galaxy Nexus

Note 2 for maxx??

Question for you MOTO guys. I have a Note 2 currently. I've been looking to trade it for a while now. I have a guy wanting to trade straight up for a 1 month old Droid Maxx (the new version). I was looking for some opinions... I have owned the Razr, Razr HD, Razr Maxx HD and all of those seemed to lag bad. Can someone give me some input on this? Thanks in advance...
Also, I'm a craigslist pro and know everything necessary for the trading part. I'm only looking for input on the devices...

I went from the Note 2 to the Maxx and couldn't be happier. I notice no performance difference at all. The Note has a bit nicer screen (color-wise) but otherwise i can think of nothing that gives it an edge.
Keep in mind though, you'll be going to a very locked down phone with almost no development community. If you're a flash addict, this isn't the device for you.
Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

erishasnobattery said:
I went from the Note 2 to the Maxx and couldn't be happier. I notice no performance difference at all. The Note has a bit nicer screen (color-wise) but otherwise i can think of nothing that gives it an edge.
Keep in mind though, you'll be going to a very locked down phone with almost no development community. If you're a flash addict, this isn't the device for you.
Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I had a feeling it was still like that. Without really researching it... I remember those days when I had the Droid X. Never could really truly change it all that much... I just want to be sure the lag that existed on the razr line isn't on this device. Hard to tell really by just looking at one at a store or I'd do that. The Maxx seems to be more "advanced", besides the screen. Wireless charging, the voice command features, etc. Is the camera a lot better than the previous models? They sucked bad.....

The maxx is just very stock android, which i prefer. I feel like the overlays like TW and Sense just haven't evolved much since the GB days. Yes, they're better than they were, but they aren't really leveraging everything android has to offer yet.
As far as the camera goes, i don't take a lot of pictures, as i have a camera for that. It does take decent pictures, but it doesn't have the features of the Samsung camera. It does ok for me, but a real picture-phile (i think i made that word up) will be disappointed.
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brandon2x said:
I had a feeling it was still like that. Without really researching it... I remember those days when I had the Droid X. Never could really truly change it all that much... I just want to be sure the lag that existed on the razr line isn't on this device. Hard to tell really by just looking at one at a store or I'd do that. The Maxx seems to be more "advanced", besides the screen. Wireless charging, the voice command features, etc. Is the camera a lot better than the previous models? They sucked bad.....
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Click to collapse
The Maxx/Ultra run a very Vanillaish version of android which makes it really smooth and fast, not at all like the Razr HD. The camera is OK, not the best but they did just release a firmware update which improved the camera. Fwiw I have a Note II and a Maxx and the maxx is smoother and faster imho. While there isn't much development for the maxx you can get root and install recovery and used the xPosed framework which provides for some visual customization.

erishasnobattery said:
The maxx is just very stock android, which i prefer. I feel like the overlays like TW and Sense just haven't evolved much since the GB days. Yes, they're better than they were, but they aren't really leveraging everything android has to offer yet.
As far as the camera goes, i don't take a lot of pictures, as i have a camera for that. It does take decent pictures, but it doesn't have the features of the Samsung camera. It does ok for me, but a real picture-phile (i think i made that word up) will be disappointed.
Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Picture-phile... That's a good one.... I take A LOT of pictures with my phone. It's just more convenient and the pictures are as good or better than any digital camera I've personally ever owned... TW on the Note 2 seems pretty important to me. I am probably one of the only people who actually USE the s-pen quite often and the way its built in to TW just works... I think based off what you've told me, I'm going to stick with my Note. I appreciate your fast responses. Have a great day.

brandon2x said:
Question for you MOTO guys. I have a Note 2 currently. I've been looking to trade it for a while now. I have a guy wanting to trade straight up for a 1 month old Droid Maxx (the new version). I was looking for some opinions... I have owned the Razr, Razr HD, Razr Maxx HD and all of those seemed to lag bad. Can someone give me some input on this? Thanks in advance...
Also, I'm a craigslist pro and know everything necessary for the trading part. I'm only looking for input on the devices...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a Note 2 user here...buy I've had a GS3 since its launch day and just upgraded to a Maxx...I fell in love with the Maxx as soon as I started using it...
Development is a little scarce to say the least...but I almost don't even care...the stock performance beats the pants off any ROM/kernel/OC'ing I ever experienced on my GS3...
I do need to take the time to root this thing in the next couple of days but I dont even feel the desire for much else other than basic root functions...
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I was doing a comparison with my brother's N2 and my Maxx. This Maxx, with the LTE, was doing everything faster and smoother. Not once was his phone more responsive or as polished as the Maxx.
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I vote to keep the Note 2.
I'm a former Droid Razr owner...you'd be hard pressed into talking me into any phone that had a locked bootloader like the Motorola devices. Plus the Motorola devices just don't have the sales volume of Samsung so that's another reason that the development community is small. I just love the large amount of custom ROMs that are available for the top selling phones.
For the guy who just came from the S3, I've got Paranoid Android with 4.4 on mine and everything opens pretty much instantaneously. I wouldn't mind having more (Cores/RAM/Storage/Screen) but it would really just be for show. I can wait for my contract to be up before I get the "Next Big Thing" (S5?)
That being said I don't have any other specific complaints about the new Moto Droid devices and I am mulling over getting a Droid Mini on for my stepdaughter for Christmas. Using Early Edge since Verizon took the early upgrade program away, and I promised her a new phone if she kept up GPA above 3.5. It seems to have the same CPU and memory specs as the Maxx and the Ultra, just with a smaller screen. She'll never root it or anything. I wouldn't mind getting her the Ultra or Maxx either but I'm not sure she wants a device that big.
Which leads to my other question, I guess the Maxx/Ultra/Mini are all in this forum since they seem to have the same hardware specs?

brons2 said:
I vote to keep the Note 2.
I'm a former Droid Razr owner...you'd be hard pressed into talking me into any phone that had a locked bootloader like the Motorola devices. Plus the Motorola devices just don't have the sales volume of Samsung so that's another reason that the development community is small. I just love the large amount of custom ROMs that are available for the top selling phones.
For the guy who just came from the S3, I've got Paranoid Android with 4.4 on mine and everything opens pretty much instantaneously. I wouldn't mind having more (Cores/RAM/Storage/Screen) but it would really just be for show. I can wait for my contract to be up before I get the "Next Big Thing" (S5?)
That being said I don't have any other specific complaints about the new Moto Droid devices and I am mulling over getting a Droid Mini on for my stepdaughter for Christmas. Using Early Edge since Verizon took the early upgrade program away, and I promised her a new phone if she kept up GPA above 3.5. It seems to have the same CPU and memory specs as the Maxx and the Ultra, just with a smaller screen. She'll never root it or anything. I wouldn't mind getting her the Ultra or Maxx either but I'm not sure she wants a device that big.
Which leads to my other question, I guess the Maxx/Ultra/Mini are all in this forum since they seem to have the same hardware specs?
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Click to collapse
Correct, this forum covers all of the new Droid line.
Personally I would consider a Moto X for your daughter over the Droid Mini. The specs are about the same but the Moto X feels much better in hand and is a much more stylish device. The Droid Ultra is the worst of both worlds and should not even be considered IMO. I have the Droid Maxx and my wife has the Moto X, and both are great devices with slightly different strengths (battery/screen size on the Maxx, form factor/customization on the Moto X).

unbesorgt said:
Correct, this forum covers all of the new Droid line.
Personally I would consider a Moto X for your daughter over the Droid Mini. The specs are about the same but the Moto X feels much better in hand and is a much more stylish device. The Droid Ultra is the worst of both worlds and should not even be considered IMO. I have the Droid Maxx and my wife has the Moto X, and both are great devices with slightly different strengths (battery/screen size on the Maxx, form factor/customization on the Moto X).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stylish? Huh, she shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. I told her in July I wouldn't be able to get her another phone until May because Verizon had done away with the early upgrade program.
This is based on what I feel like paying. I am going above and beyond to do this for her. Even her mother encouraged me not to do it, but I feel the need to keep my original promise I made last Christmas. And I feel a little bad making her have a Droid Razr with a battery that broke, then an Xperia Play I had sitting around, and then (now) a used Droid Bionic I got off of Ebay.
So...
In the Edge program you basically pay for it every month, full retail divided by 24 months, so the Mini is appealing because full the retail price is only $349, or $14.54 per month. I think the Moto X was $549 so it would be $22.89 a month.
I can buy a 6 pack of Blue Moon with the leftover 8 dollars.
The other thing is that if I was going to go with a larger more expensive phone I like the G2 better than the MotoX. But I haven't looked at any reviews of the MotoX or the G2 either. I hated the HTC interface, and considering I will have to support her remotely, rather have an interface I can deal with. The S4 is not an option because it costs more than the other phones in the same class.
I could put my line on Edge, and do a hand-me-down with my S3 that works perfectly. But I would want an S4 out of that group and it would cost more. I'd rather wait until May when my contract is up and then I can re-up for another 2 year with either an S4 or S5.
So given all that, the Mini seems like a pretty good option considering I'm only paying $349 out of pocket and it has similar specs to all the other current gen Moto phones. But if she really wants a 5" phone we'll talk when she gets in town on Friday.

brons2 said:
Stylish? Huh, she shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. I told her in July I wouldn't be able to get her another phone until May because Verizon had done away with the early upgrade program.
This is based on what I feel like paying. I am going above and beyond to do this for her. Even her mother encouraged me not to do it, but I feel the need to keep my original promise I made last Christmas. And I feel a little bad making her have a Droid Razr with a battery that broke, then an Xperia Play I had sitting around, and then (now) a used Droid Bionic I got off of Ebay.
So...
In the Edge program you basically pay for it every month, full retail divided by 24 months, so the Mini is appealing because full the retail price is only $349, or $14.54 per month. I think the Moto X was $549 so it would be $22.89 a month.
I can buy a 6 pack of Blue Moon with the leftover 8 dollars.
The other thing is that if I was going to go with a larger more expensive phone I like the G2 better than the MotoX. But I haven't looked at any reviews of the MotoX or the G2 either. I hated the HTC interface, and considering I will have to support her remotely, rather have an interface I can deal with. The S4 is not an option because it costs more than the other phones in the same class.
I could put my line on Edge, and do a hand-me-down with my S3 that works perfectly. But I would want an S4 out of that group and it would cost more. I'd rather wait until May when my contract is up and then I can re-up for another 2 year with either an S4 or S5.
So given all that, the Mini seems like a pretty good option considering I'm only paying $349 out of pocket and it has similar specs to all the other current gen Moto phones. But if she really wants a 5" phone we'll talk when she gets in town on Friday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't realize you were buying off contract ... in that case sure the Droid Mini is a very good choice. As for 5" displays, the Droid Maxx is now $499 off contract which is probably the best deal going in that class (price might be good online only though, not 100% sure). I think of the Moto X as the same class as the Droid Mini because the form factor is so small, although it does have a slightly larger display (4.7" vs. 4.3").

unbesorgt said:
Didn't realize you were buying off contract ... in that case sure the Droid Mini is a very good choice. As for 5" displays, the Droid Maxx is now $499 off contract which is probably the best deal going in that class (price might be good online only though, not 100% sure). I think of the Moto X as the same class as the Droid Mini because the form factor is so small, although it does have a slightly larger display (4.7" vs. 4.3").
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update: The Maxx just dropped to $449 off-contract today. Amazing deal IMO.

Would you get this device again?

Hello
My HTC EVO 4G LTE died and I am looking for a used device to keep me going for a bit till I get a new one later this year. I've always been a fan of QWERTY keyboard and Photon Q intrigues me. Do you guys recommend this device? I am also looking at LG Optimus G.
Thanks

The phone is a bit "old" by today's standards... but if you want a keyboard device (and it looks like you're on Sprint) there's probably none better. Probably never will be either....
The device will never get anything beyond 4.1.2 "officially" - but unofficially (CM support et al is quite good) there is 4.4.3 and will continue to be updates for a while probably.

Seeing the thread's title makes me wanna reply...
I just sold my Photon Q weeks ago because it looked too worn out and I want some fresh experience, but when I have that money again I surely will grab another one - heck, I'll shell out even more money for a like-new one, 'cuz it's worth it if you're a collector or a die-hard QWERTY fan. Totally the best in its class. Performance may not be as high as Optimus G but it holds its own with CM11 and @arrrghhh 's overclock blessings.
Sent from Google Nexus 4 @ CM11

I appreciate all the feedback. I made the decision to go with Optimus G, simply because I am planning to use this device for 6 months and the specs of Optimus G won me over the QWERTY keyboard.
Thanks again for all the help.

if other people also interested here is my opinion
i really like this phone and yes i would buy it again.
i was sad when motorola mobility get sold. that was the dead of droid series.
the quality of the phones are really good. like droid 3 iam in love. (i miss this rubbery back cover)
some years ago there was the samsung I927 but that plastic was feeling bad in my hands and it get sold fast.
u was angry that it will slips out of your hands when open the keyboard or was writing
the droid phones are lieing good in my hands only the nokia n97 (my first qwerty) was better because the diplay was in 45°
my xt897 already fall 2 or 3 times out of my hand on the ground and nothing happened
and i was able to rescue the phones everytime. the phone had no os installed and the battery was 0% but that wasnt a problem.
motorola also had great accessories.
like the lapdocks (support for newer android version is in work. but problem with compling the sources. but i think i know the problem if someone can help me and compling my idea pls contact me)
or power packs (if phone is really dead and there is no charger u can connect it and put both in your pocket. the battery in xt897 is embedded).
also the preformance of xt897 is enough. i not wanne play new high quality games on my phone. i not need 4 cores or something like that in my mobile phone. I like the hdmi jack more that is not found in other phones.
the only problem is that u can not buy a xt897 with sim-slot in a store. but CornholioGSM managed it
but motorla just rock !!!!!!!!!!!!!111111111111

They are 93 dollars on Ebay brand new device. Worth every penny. I keep buying them. I have four or five now with cracked screens.

The problem I see as an European, the future is LTE and we cannot use that with this phone, since the frequencies are different than in the States. That is the bummer that will make this phone being replaced in a few years, if it holds that long.

LTE might be the future but as long as H and H+ are working i give a sh*t on LTE...
I'm a hardcore Keyboard-fan and i'm afraid as long as there are no newer devices with a physical keyboard (except Blackberry - i don't like their style) i will use the Q.
And althoug battery is very ****ty I love my Q - thx to all the developers of the AOSP-versions and thx to Cornholio for the SIM-Mod

droid 5
yes until the illusive droid 5 comes out.