[Q] Decide my new phone! - General Topics

Hi guys,
Unfortunately today has been a very upsetting and sad day for me. I took a risk buying a OnePlus One and it has been the best phone that I have ever had, although today has shown that even though it was amazing for me I have had a bad experience with it. As many of you may already know; the OnePlus One is very hard to insure due to it not being the most popular phone and today my phone screen has smashed. Although many of you may think that I'm an idiot for dropping my phone - it was a complete accident and fell out of my pocket, out of the car door and hit a stress point in the bottom left corner. This stress point on the phone was fairly spectacular as it damaged the screen itself with spider cracks running up the whole phone screen and the digitiser failing completely.
I took it apart with my Dad and we both saw that the screens below had smashed as well.
So, apart from the story - what phone should I get?
I'm deciding - although it was the best phone I've ever had - to step away from the OnePlus for two reasons.
The first being that it is hard to insure and even harder to find somewhere in the UK that will actually attempt a repair.
The second being that I've read that in some cases they are charging the price of the phone to repair the screen and getting a hold of a new one is harder because of the invite system that I will have to become a part of again.
So, after that long story - What phone do you think I should get? The LG G3 looks very appealing but the thought of the back buttons puts me off a little bit. Although, there is the iPhone 6 Plus... (If I had no mind).
Could you recommend a phone and why?
Cheers. Jon

This really should go in the dedicated thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1620179
That said, perhaps a Nexus 6 or a Note 4? Both great phones with top-tier specs.
The Nexus being a Nexus with stock Android and customization freedom, and the Note 4 with the spen and great screen and camera. (and a MicroSD, of thatmatters to you).
Sent From My Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N9005 Using Tapatalk

Well I heard great things about Samsung Galaxy Note 4. The photos you make are clear and bright- plus it's a rear and front camera as an extra bonus. The phone has a pen included, where you can copy- paste anything you'd like and share it with friends or save it for later.
Some phone don't have these add ons so if you are a gadget freak, I'd pick this one. Good Luck

Whatever you get, put a damn case on it.

Planterz said:
Whatever you get, put a damn case on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well put, Planterz.

Well, i should recommend Sony Z3, a Good Phone with high quality build...
Another could be a Nexus 6, excellent phone if you like pure Android, and fast UI and work.

Related

Samsung did the curved screen

IT'S OFFICIAL
SAMSUNG GODDAMN DID IT
2 NOTES THIS YEAR, THE NORMAL NOTE 4
AND THE
GALAXY NOTE EDGE
*end rant*
Had to do it in caps.
TouchWiz devs, I wish you happy modding with two more sides of a screen.
Omg
All totally disappointing. If you own note 3 compare to what you pay for so little.
Edge was ugly as hell. And what it is useful for? Another gimmick that dies soon.
kenny1991 said:
Omg
All totally disappointing. If you own note 3 compare to what you pay for so little.
Edge was ugly as hell. And what it is useful for? Another gimmick that dies soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All true, it will be some time before I change my Nope 3 and it won't be for a Nope 4.
Gonna wait for the Nope 5, or the first graphene smartphone.
pretty cool, in to minds weither to get the note 4 i have the 3 and its a freaking awesome phone
kenny1991 said:
Omg
All totally disappointing. If you own note 3 compare to what you pay for so little.
Edge was ugly as hell. And what it is useful for? Another gimmick that dies soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not about usefulness. Samsung incorporated it as the very first company, meaning everyone after this will not be able to claim 'innovation'.
Nobody thought 5.5" on a Note 1 would be useful, either. Nor when the first smartphone came out, for that matter. And look where we are today.
No, this little edge may not have much use. (On that I agree)
However, this is just the first step. Someone had to be the first, and now it opens the door for other designs, with dual-side screens and full-wrist smart watches a future possibility. Now that, I can see being.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk 2
What bothers me is the two step forward, one step backwards approach. They claim no one used USB 3 so back to USB2, how about fixing stupid USB3 so it's autodetecting, not obscure cumbersome manual menu switch that expires as implemented on Note3? Especially now that more computers actually have USB3. And how come GS5 is waterproof and Note 4 not, is Note 4 not expensive enough to be worth protecting from accidental water damage? If the edge screen is properly implemented it could become standard in the future, but I keep on thinking how do you pick up and hold the phone without accidently activating any of the menus there.
Well, time will tell, I'll check it in the store when available but doubt I will be getting it.
pete4k said:
What bothers me is the two step forward, one step backwards approach. They claim no one used USB 3 so back to USB2, how about fixing stupid USB3 so it's autodetecting, not obscure cumbersome manual menu switch that expires as implemented on Note3? Especially now that more computers actually have USB3. And how come GS5 is waterproof and Note 4 not, is Note 4 not expensive enough to be worth protecting from accidental water damage? If the edge screen is properly implemented it could become standard in the future, but I keep on thinking how do you pick up and hold the phone without accidently activating any of the menus there.
Well, time will tell, I'll check it in the store when available but doubt I will be getting it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still don't see why people want their phones waterproof that badly;
The costs are just alot higher, cause the design needs to be smart enough for it.
To test the ip standards seems to be expensive two..
For me;
I am not planning to swim with my phone, The phone is to big to drop into the toilet, I don't need a stupid thing to close down my micro usb port.
Therefor, My Note 3 has been wet from the rain already like 3-4 times. No problem(So did my gear which hadn't have any problems as well).
Okay, if you can have it; a waterproof phone is awesome, but it just ruins the design.
If you are using such expensive phone, be carefull with it. I never have had a phone with a broken display.. Let me say it better; I never had a phone with scratches that came within my usage. Not even the chrome stripe that comes around the note 3 is damaged.. Just use the proper case and tempered glass..
If you are in need of a phone that needs to be dustproof, waterproof, shockproof; This is not the device you are searching for..
To tell you another story;
I have just bought a One M8 because the build quality is superb, I absolutely love the metal.. Now the story continues and I am using that stupid case that got with it, and it gives protection.. but the build is gone.. I can't go without the case, but I also can't go with something around my phone that ruins that beautiful build. Thats why I have decided to sell my one m8 again(lol). I am just way too carefull with the things I appreciate.
Waterproofing doesn't ruin the design, it should be invisible on the outside, (how Sony Z series or GS5 design is ruined by waterproofing?) which is kind of moot point for you (and me) anyhow since you're using case.
If your phone was wet 3-4 times already (especially that you claim to be so careful with it), you're just lucky, my friends Note 3 stopped working first time he got caught in heavy rain. After 5 days of drying it, it seems to work again but just luck something didn't got burn and he was without a phone for 5 days, since at the beginning it wouldn't even boot. USB port doesn't have to have cover, it could be sealed inside with contacts exposed.
I guess everybody has it's own vision of what his/her perfect phone should be, I'm missing waterproofing the most, as the Note3 meets all my other expectations. I bet your change your mind about waterproofing the first time your expensive phone gets water damage.
We even had a guy on this forums dropping his 2 weeks old Note3 into Jet A fuel tank so things happen when you least expect it.
Don't misunderstand me, Note4 is very nice phone, but would I really see much difference between CPU running 2.3GHz and 2.7 GHz or higher screen resolution? GPU needs to be faster just to keep up with larger number of pixels on screen. Waterproofing would give me piece of mind every time I take my kids to waterpark, beach or just get stuck outside in bad weather.
If it wasn't for S-pen I would look for new phone elsewhere, but there is really no alternative if you want s-pen.
Armazia said:
Still don't see why people want their phones waterproof that badly;
The costs are just alot higher, cause the design needs to be smart enough for it.
To test the ip standards seems to be expensive two..
For me;
I am not planning to swim with my phone, The phone is to big to drop into the toilet, I don't need a stupid thing to close down my micro usb port.
Therefor, My Note 3 has been wet from the rain already like 3-4 times. No problem(So did my gear which hadn't have any problems as well).
Okay, if you can have it; a waterproof phone is awesome, but it just ruins the design.
If you are using such expensive phone, be carefull with it. I never have had a phone with a broken display.. Let me say it better; I never had a phone with scratches that came within my usage. Not even the chrome stripe that comes around the note 3 is damaged.. Just use the proper case and tempered glass..
If you are in need of a phone that needs to be dustproof, waterproof, shockproof; This is not the device you are searching for..
To tell you another story;
I have just bought a One M8 because the build quality is superb, I absolutely love the metal.. Now the story continues and I am using that stupid case that got with it, and it gives protection.. but the build is gone.. I can't go without the case, but I also can't go with something around my phone that ruins that beautiful build. Thats why I have decided to sell my one m8 again(lol). I am just way too carefull with the things I appreciate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Note 5 or S7 Edge?

Hey guys, been a long time XDA user, looking for input. I have never owned a Samsung device so I am completely new here. I came from a LG G4 that I loved it but wireless charging just melts down after 30-60 days and starts refusing to charge wirelessly. After 6 replacements I am here. My last one also had wireless connection issues.
The S7 Edge looked to be the best 1-to-1 match with screen size/features so thats what I had my mind on. Verizon recommended we swap for a different device and offered me a Note 5 64gb (because of no SD storage). So the Note 5 should be here in a few days.
BUT my mind was focused on the S7 Edge so I just went out and bought a S7 Edge on impulse, full price (thinking I would sell the Note 5 to recoop my money).
After seeing and playing with both, now I am kind of torn. The rounded edges actually feel nice to scroll off of. I think the edge apps have already lost my interest. I used to use "Side Bar" as a quick launcher and eventually just stopped using it.
Being new to Samsung, I semi know about the SPen and some of its features. The Note 5 is also the same width as my G4, so size isn't a factor here. In fact because of the rounded edges, the S7 Edge feels narrower/smaller than my LG G4.
Is there really anything the Note 5 can't do that the S7 Edge can? Not really concerned with waterproof or SD card. How is the Note 5 processor? The SD820 is probably a little faster but both are plenty fast IMO.
I'd be interested in hearing any FORs and AGAINSTs. I can keep either device right now, what would you choose?
player911 said:
Hey guys, been a long time XDA user, looking for input. I have never owned a Samsung device so I am completely new here. I came from a LG G4 that I loved it but wireless charging just melts down after 30-60 days and starts refusing to charge wirelessly. After 6 replacements I am here. My last one also had wireless connection issues.
The S7 Edge looked to be the best 1-to-1 match with screen size/features so thats what I had my mind on. Verizon recommended we swap for a different device and offered me a Note 5 64gb (because of no SD storage). So the Note 5 should be here in a few days.
BUT my mind was focused on the S7 Edge so I just went out and bought a S7 Edge on impulse, full price (thinking I would sell the Note 5 to recoop my money).
After seeing and playing with both, now I am kind of torn. The rounded edges actually feel nice to scroll off of. I think the edge apps have already lost my interest. I used to use "Side Bar" as a quick launcher and eventually just stopped using it.
Being new to Samsung, I semi know about the SPen and some of its features. The Note 5 is also the same width as my G4, so size isn't a factor here. In fact because of the rounded edges, the S7 Edge feels narrower/smaller than my LG G4.
Is there really anything the Note 5 can't do that the S7 Edge can? Not really concerned with waterproof or SD card. How is the Note 5 processor? The SD820 is probably a little faster but both are plenty fast IMO.
I'd be interested in hearing any FORs and AGAINSTs. I can keep either device right now, what would you choose?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ended up going with the S7 Edge because of the faster processor, better low light shots with the camera and larger battery. Surprisingly I like the curved screen witch is something I thought I wouldn't. The two phones are top notch so you can't really go wrong with either. My wife has my Note 5 because I really don't want to let it go and she likes it so it makes little sense to get rid of it. The S-Pen isn't of much use for me but I do like the larger screen and excellent camera. Depending on what the Note 6 turns out to be I might go with that but for now it's the edge for me.
Yeah for me it really boils down to pen and screen. I am kind of leaning toward keeping the Note 5 and returning the 7E. I just didn't know if I would lose any software features like themes or something.
I am finding my palms are also tapping the screen and doing stuff with the S7E when I am typing or browsing. I have a hard time holding it without the screen going crazy. I just switched hands and it posted this and opened my Messenger chat head. Lol.
to me expandable storage is big. I have Note 5, i am waiting for Note 6 with expandable storage to get. I would say the s-pen is good but not a big deal. I do like taking notes with s-pen.
Unless s-pen is a must, i think sd card and water resistant is big deal for everyday use.
32gb has always been fine for a mobile. I complained about no SD storage though, which is why they gave me the 64gb version.
The waterproofing is cool but I don't plan on having it in water. Underwater pics are cool though. I have a hauwei watch for pool fun.
player911 said:
Yeah for me it really boils down to pen and screen. I am kind of leaning toward keeping the Note 5 and returning the 7E. I just didn't know if I would lose any software features like themes or something.
I am finding my palms are also tapping the screen and doing stuff with the S7E when I am typing or browsing. I have a hard time holding it without the screen going crazy. I just switched hands and it posted this and opened my Messenger chat head. Lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Themes will still be there, the only things you lose are the S-Pen related apps. I see what you mean about the accidental screen taps. I haven't used a case in a couple of days and it's pretty annoying especially when I'm trying to take a picture and open up the gallery. I had to return my Otterbox commuter because it kept ripping off my Zagg screen protectors. Hopefully my new case will be better when I get it tomorrow. It sounds like the Note is a better choice for you. I can always switch with my wife if I want.
I just wanted to chime in about picking between the note 5 and s7 edge. When I bought the note 5 last year, I had to live with no sd card and no removable battery. I can fast charge wireless and hard line as well. I don't really use the s pen as much as before. My previous phone, the note 3 i did. I dunno really, cause my wants and needs are different than everyone else. It some time for me to actually LOVE my new note 5, because I was used to having sdcard/removable battery on the note 3. The build quality is very nice on both phones. All metal, beautiful glass and both have marshnallow. My brother actually has a s7, he just got it a few ago and I bought my note 5 last year November.
I used to be a flash aholic on the note 3. We had recovery, roms and root. So after 2 years of being spoiled, I had to finally let go and move from that kind of want or need. Does that make sense? I realzied that I had give up the flashing game, because of the devices getting more difficult to Root. Specificllay Verizon and the Note series phones. So I when it was time to upgrade last year, I gave up the note 3, decided that I can live with the no sd card and non removable battery and said hello to pure awesome sexiness design of the note 5.
Nowadays, I dont find myself waiting on roms to be dropped. Constantly pressing f5 f5 f5 f5 and refresh to see when it dropped. But that was my choice. No more living with compromises, because a rom worked with this app and sor of didnt work with there other apps. If the s7 edge is constantly on your mind and boggling your curisoity, why not get one? From the few days I was able to play with my brother's s7. It feels nice in the hand, Smooth nice edges, good low light camera fast and snappy processor makes it smooth to operate.
Since I gave up on flashing roms, I just wanted a phone that I can use social media, so I can keep contact with my girlfriend. Facebook, instragram, snapchat, twitter, facebook messnger and facebook videocat oh and make phone calls/send text messages to her as well. I found that my note 5 can do these things with no problem what so ever. Well, sorry for being so long and best of luck on picking between the note 5 and s7 edge.
Yea I am thinking of keeping the note5 and returning the 7E. Memory and waterproofing aren't important to me. The Edge is starting to drive me crazy because you can't hold on to it without touching the edge screen. This causes other inputs to be unresponsive.
player911 said:
Yea I am thinking of keeping the note5 and returning the 7E. Memory and waterproofing aren't important to me. The Edge is starting to drive me crazy because you can't hold on to it without touching the edge screen. This causes other inputs to be unresponsive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might be returning mine too and go back to the Note 5. I got my new case today and this one is screwing with my screen protector too. This is my 2nd edge and never had this much screen protector problems on the many phones I have had. Totally frustrating. With that said I think you are better off with your Note 5...
I owned a LG G2x that had a curved screen like the Edge7 and remember that the screen protector issue was a big one. I stopped using screen protectors years ago though. With the Edge7 I would be cautious but I never planned on using a SP.

The Leaving Party

Hey guys,
It's been a long time since I bothered to post anything here but, I just wanted to make a post to say goodbye.
It's coming up to 2 years since this device was released and now a lot of people on 2 year contract cycles will finally be able to upgrade to a new and better phone.
I was lucky enough to be offered an early upgrade months ago and have been using the s7 edge for about 4 months now.
It's a fantastic phone and it's like heaven after using the G flex 2.
Don't get me wrong, it's certainly not without its own faults, I'm still figuring out how to hold it without constantly touching the edges of the screen.
I've finally traded in my flex 2 though, so I thought I'd share my final opinion of the phone with you all;
Even as I handed the phone over in exchange for a small amount of cash, the clerk commented on how good the flex 2 looks.
That's what I believe won me over to begin with.
It's a beautiful phone, the curved design just draws you in and wraps you up in the screen. It was always so pleasing to hold in your hand and sat very comfortably in a pocket without poking you.
The buttons on the back were (in my opinion) perfectly placed and never ever pressed by accident.
Even the default wallpapers showcased the definition of the screen perfectly with powerful imagery and vibrant colours.
I really wish I could say that such a pleasurable experience as that first moment lasted longer than said first moment.
Unfortunately, the first night I had my flex 2 I bricked it!
I tried to change the lcd density and must have done something wrong because it got stuck in a bootloop.
There was literally zero information on how to recover from this back then so, I took it back to the shop and was given a new one.
If I had had any idea of the future then I would have never accepted a second flex 2...
Over the years I broke another 2 G Flex 2's due to testing everything myself and all the other devs could possibly think of to just do even the simplest modifies on this phone.
In fact, after the 2 years I've had the flex 2, I've found that I'm so far behind the modding and roms scene that I cannot honestly call myself a dev anymore until I feel I've caught up.
As I don't have the kind of money some people do, I can only justify having one phone at a time.
This particular phone (again, in my opinion) has damaged the modifying community, not just because I've fallen behind (that would be a monumental ego trip if I thought that was true) but because so many people have given up truly great work due to lg's policies.
I won't go into it any further as I'm sure you get the point already.
Is anyone else due an upgrade, or are you in the process of dumping this phone anyway?
If you are then please, join me in sharing your final thoughts on the LG G Flex 2.
I'd love to see how other people have been coping with this device for the last 2 years.
TLDR: The LG G flex 2 Is just a pretty face!
Do not get this phone if you are after anything more than an overpriced burner.
X1ras said:
Hey guys,
It's been a long time since I bothered to post anything here but, I just wanted to make a post to say goodbye.
It's coming up to 2 years since this device was released and now a lot of people on 2 year contract cycles will finally be able to upgrade to a new and better phone.
I was lucky enough to be offered an early upgrade months ago and have been using the s7 edge for about 4 months now.
It's a fantastic phone and it's like heaven after using the G flex 2.
Don't get me wrong, it's certainly not without its own faults, I'm still figuring out how to hold it without constantly touching the edges of the screen.
I've finally traded in my flex 2 though, so I thought I'd share my final opinion of the phone with you all;
Even as I handed the phone over in exchange for a small amount of cash, the clerk commented on how good the flex 2 looks.
That's what I believe won me over to begin with.
It's a beautiful phone, the curved design just draws you in and wraps you up in the screen. It was always so pleasing to hold in your hand and sat very comfortably in a pocket without poking you.
The buttons on the back were (in my opinion) perfectly placed and never ever pressed by accident.
Even the default wallpapers showcased the definition of the screen perfectly with powerful imagery and vibrant colours.
I really wish I could say that such a pleasurable experience as that first moment lasted longer than said first moment.
Unfortunately, the first night I had my flex 2 I bricked it!
I tried to change the lcd density and must have done something wrong because it got stuck in a bootloop.
There was literally zero information on how to recover from this back then so, I took it back to the shop and was given a new one.
If I had had any idea of the future then I would have never accepted a second flex 2...
Over the years I broke another 2 G Flex 2's due to testing everything myself and all the other devs could possibly think of to just do even the simplest modifies on this phone.
In fact, after the 2 years I've had the flex 2, I've found that I'm so far behind the modding and roms scene that I cannot honestly call myself a dev anymore until I feel I've caught up.
As I don't have the kind of money some people do, I can only justify having one phone at a time.
This particular phone (again, in my opinion) has damaged the modifying community, not just because I've fallen behind (that would be a monumental ego trip if I thought that was true) but because so many people have given up truly great work due to lg's policies.
I won't go into it any further as I'm sure you get the point already.
Is anyone else due an upgrade, or are you in the process of dumping this phone anyway?
If you are then please, join me in sharing your final thoughts on the LG G Flex 2.
I'd love to see how other people have been coping with this device for the last 2 years.
TLDR: The LG G flex 2 Is just a pretty face!
Do not get this phone if you are after anything more than an overpriced burner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know where you are coming from.
I recommended the GF2 to the Mrs due to the great specs for the money, (about $250.) The phone looks great but you either have the choice of the H955 which doesn't have enough RAM, or the H950, which is held back by AT&T's crappy software that sucks the battery dry in no time. If I could turn the clock back, I'd never have suggested this phone to the Mrs and I feel a bit guilty as she is stuck with it, (Even guiltier now that I'm one the One Plus 3 which is everything the GF2 should have been.)
Let me join the party as well. Like the OP said, my 2 yrs contract is up and make me choose a new phone to continue with the contract. Well, call me stupid, but I choose the LG V20 (yet another LG). I didn't trade-in my H959 as it will continue to serve me as a backup phone.
There're reasons I choose V20 over other phones. Main reason is the QHD display, and another big reason for it is the replaceable battery.
So far, I also enjoyed the great double barrel shooters as well. I always shoot in manual mode if it is possible (if I have enough time to switch to manual mode). The wide angle lens is superb for group photos, as well as the landscape shootings. The normal lens is also very good for night-time shooting and macro photography. The lens-blur on that camera is awesome.
I'm only disappointed that the battery didn't last much longer than expected. But since the battery is replaceable, I don't mind it at all.
spiderx_mm said:
Let me join the party as well. Like the OP said, my 2 yrs contract is up and make me choose a new phone to continue with the contract. Well, call me stupid, but I choose the LG V20 (yet another LG). I didn't trade-in my H959 as it will continue to serve me as a backup phone.
There're reasons I choose V20 over other phones. Main reason is the QHD display, and another big reason for it is the replaceable battery.
So far, I also enjoyed the great double barrel shooters as well. I always shoot in manual mode if it is possible (if I have enough time to switch to manual mode). The wide angle lens is superb for group photos, as well as the landscape shootings. The normal lens is also very good for night-time shooting and macro photography. The lens-blur on that camera is awesome.
I'm only disappointed that the battery didn't last much longer than expected. But since the battery is replaceable, I don't mind it at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting choice Spider,
When the Mrs's GF2 packs in, I will be advising her to go for the One Plus 3. In many ways the One Plus 3 is the opposite of the V20 as the hardware is inferior in pretty much every way. On the other hand, the software is just awesome and has given me the best Android I've ever experienced.
What I always wonder about the GF2 is how it would have performed running something like CM13. Would this have been the phone that we were always promised?
Masteryates said:
Interesting choice Spider,
When the Mrs's GF2 packs in, I will be advising her to go for the One Plus 3. In many ways the One Plus 3 is the opposite of the V20 as the hardware is inferior in pretty much every way. On the other hand, the software is just awesome and has given me the best Android I've ever experienced.
What I always wonder about the GF2 is how it would have performed running something like CM13. Would this have been the phone that we were always promised?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could have choose OP3T, but unfortunately it's not available with my telco, so I've got to stick to LG again. On the other hand, the metal body, the QHD display and QDAC audio is too good to deny this phone. LG's customization to Nougat is also quite decent. The only thing I don't like is the new LG Launcher 5. I've never been a fan of "throw all your icons on the home screen" type launchers. That's one of the reason I don't like XiaoMi phones as well. Luckily, LG let me download the old Launcher 4 "Home & App Drawer" through the "Update Center" and the problem is resolved.
I always would like to run a stripped down version of MM on the GF2. Something like the Slim rom will be awesome. My GF2 H959 has already been on the V20A so I know it can run MM nicely. Just hope that it could run faster.
for my Mrs, I get her a Sony Xperia XZ becoz she's been complaining me a lot how bad the photos taken by her G3 is. Japanese built quality, dedicated shutter button, ip68 certified, and the awesome iA mode on the camera, she's quite satisfied with tha t phone as well.
spiderx_mm said:
I could have choose OP3T, but unfortunately it's not available with my telco, so I've got to stick to LG again. On the other hand, the metal body, the QHD display and QDAC audio is too good to deny this phone. LG's customization to Nougat is also quite decent. The only thing I don't like is the new LG Launcher 5. I've never been a fan of "throw all your icons on the home screen" type launchers. That's one of the reason I don't like XiaoMi phones as well. Luckily, LG let me download the old Launcher 4 "Home & App Drawer" through the "Update Center" and the problem is resolved.
I always would like to run a stripped down version of MM on the GF2. Something like the Slim rom will be awesome. My GF2 H959 has already been on the V20A so I know it can run MM nicely. Just hope that it could run faster.
for my Mrs, I get her a Sony Xperia XZ becoz she's been complaining me a lot how bad the photos taken by her G3 is. Japanese built quality, dedicated shutter button, ip68 certified, and the awesome iA mode on the camera, she's quite satisfied with tha t phone as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd always discounted One Plus from any decision due to it being a Chinese phone with Chinese support.
That changed here in the UK where they teamed up with O2 and sold it in there stores. What really sold the OP3 to me though was the 6GB RAM. Lets face it, for now and the future, you can never have enough RAM.
I agree with you regarding the Camera on the G3. Its the same camera as the GF2 and whilst good in decent lighting, in low lighting it gets its focus wrong time and time again. It's so bad on the Mrs's phone that my LG G2 used to take better shots.

My OnePlus One served me well for over 4 years

I finally got my OnePlus One in July 2014. I'd waited a few months in the hope of getting an invite, however in the end I imported one from China via Ali Express. In total it cost me £269 delivered to the UK, which I seem to remember was slightly cheaper than buying it direct from OnePlus at the time with an invite.
I have since used the phone every day for the last 4 years and 3 months. To be honest the OnePlus is still perfectly fine today, it has 4g, 64gb of storage, 3gigs of ram, NFC. The phone is capable of using all the app's you'd expect any phone to us, it even plays Pokemon Go perfectly fine, which is probably the most demanding thing I do on the phone.
4+ years is the longest i've ever used a single phone for, I think my previous record was the Nokia N95 which I used for 3 years.
Sadly yesterday I had some gloves on, as I reached to put my phone down on my desk at work it slid out my hand and landed on the floor. I'm not even sure how I managed to do that. At the time I thaught the phone worked fine as the actual screen is ok, it just looked to have obtained a bit of damage around the bezel.
However I soon realised the top half of the screen didn't respond to any touch what so ever. After messing about and rebooting in to TWRP, that confirmed only the bottom half of the screen was responding to touch. Meaning I can't actually enter my pattern unlock the phone!
Luckily I had actually made a full backup of all my apps and data the other day, and I can still mount the phones internal storage over USB from within TWRP, so copied a few things off which were not currently on my PC.
I had hoped to keep using the OnePlus One for 5 years, as I think that would be quite an achievement when people seem to be wasting money buying expensive phones every year or two, when theirs no real need to.
After thinking about it last night, reading reviews, watching videos on YouTube I decided I either wanted to get the OnePlus 5T or the Razer Phone. My friend has the Razer phone and the 120hz screen really does spoil you, any other phone just looks slow after using that. The Razer phone is expensive though, about £600 new, I did find one locally which said it was in "pristine condition" for £329, however i didn't really fancy getting something used.
I ended up buying a new OnePlus 5T online for £325, which should hopefully be delivered sometime next week. I think was a pretty good price. I actually think the 5T is a nicer phone than the OnePlus 6 as I really don't want to get a phone with a notch, it's just not a design choice I like. The 6 is not really a major upgrade from the 5T anyway in my opinion, certainly not worth the extra £144.
After watching some videos on OxygenOS, I realised it contained all the tweaks I think are a must have from LinageOS (LED notification colours for example) so i'm hooping just to keep that stock and enjoy the phone. With the recent addition of Project Treble support the 5T should have good custom rom support long after OnePlus don't support it anymore too.
I might well try and buy a replacement screen on Ebay and have a go at fixing my OnePlus One at some point, as it would still be a nice backup phone. That certainly doesn't look like the most easy repair though.
Hopefully the OnePlus 5T will have a good run also, its great seeing how OnePlus have grown in to a respected mobile phone brand since the One was released.
My OPO is also already 4 years with me.
And still going strong.
never had a phone for so long. And wonder if I ever will.
have been checking other phones, and the Pocophone could be my next. Friend of my is very happy with it.
Sorry to hear that about the screen. I've also been using my OPO since like April 2014.
However, I've broken and replaced my screen myself 3 times since then. It's not too bad a repair. Let me know if you need help at any part of it if you do go about replacing it. I recommend getting the replacement screen WITH the middle frame. Makes it much easier.
Both the 5T and the Razer Phone look like solid choices! Best of luck!
@InsaneNutter:
Hey buddy. Not a bad deal for the 5T!
I saw a sealed, boxed, brand new one for £325 on Gumtree today.
128GB version,
With 8GB RAM.
Midnight Black.
seninnha said:
My OPO is also already 4 years with me.
And still going strong.
never had a phone for so long. And wonder if I ever will.
have been checking other phones, and the Pocophone could be my next. Friend of my is very happy with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Pocophone is very interesting I must admit, kind of reminds me of all the excitement about the OnePlus One when that was released. That certainly is a very good deal at the moment, again for me I dislike the notch and lack of NFC, however its still a lot of phone for the money.
umer936 said:
Sorry to hear that about the screen. I've also been using my OPO since like April 2014.
However, I've broken and replaced my screen myself 3 times since then. It's not too bad a repair. Let me know if you need help at any part of it if you do go about replacing it. I recommend getting the replacement screen WITH the middle frame. Makes it much easier.
Both the 5T and the Razer Phone look like solid choices! Best of luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you purchase your screens from out of curiosity? I've seen some on Ebay for around £17 or some for a bit more with all the tools required to undertake the repair.
bmark240 said:
@InsaneNutter:
Hey buddy. Not a bad deal for the 5T!
I saw a sealed, boxed, brand new one for £325 on Gumtree today.
128GB version,
With 8GB RAM.
Midnight Black.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a pretty sweet deal for the 8GB / 128G version! i can see a few second hand 5T's going for more than that.
Just had an email saying my 5T has been delivered, so i'm looking forward to getting that setup when i'm home tonight.
Where did you purchase your screens from out of curiosity? I've seen some on Ebay for around £17 or some for a bit more with all the tools required to undertake the repair.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got all from eBay. One was from seller anybestbuy. Not sure if they have a listing for it still, but it was like "Screen+Digitizer+FrameAssembly" or something. The others were from thinkpan, also with the middle frame. I believe the thinkpan ones I bought in 2015, and the anybestbuy in 2016. In 2015/2016, they were ~$40, which is probably pricier than they are now. I didn't use any tools I didn't already have. The main tool is just a small Philips screwdriver and a pin for taking out the SIM card tray. A small plastic piece, like a guitar pick, is also needed for removing the back cover. Be careful pulling up the battery. It's taped super strong, so just remove it super slowly to avoid bending it. Also note that the replacement screens are not as good quality. The screen itself looks great, but the capacitive (home) buttons are dim. Main thing is that these aftermarket screens are much more prone to breaking. It took a hit on a steel air compressor to break my original screen, but an aftermarket one broke when I dropped a very small wrench on it. I do a lot of machining type things, so your OnePlus is probably in fewer dangerous situations. The screen I bought in early 2016 is going great though! I put a bigger case on it and a RhinoShield screen protector, which has done wonders. That RhinoShield was probably one of my best purchases..
Hope this helps!
A tip for repairing screens
Buy screen digitizer "with frame" (+$8 than digitizer only) , more easier to repair with. (And they are very fragile, as it's not gorilla glass or anything)
This phone is very easy to repair (as I think)
Some tips from me as having 4th screen replacement for opo ??
my opo battery died last month... bought a knck off for 6 dollers and its performing 85-90% of the original one..nt unhappy

Before pulling the trigger on this device

I'm just about to pull the trigger on this beautiful foldable, the only thing I'm worried about is that I use my device the most for watching movies, youtube and twitch.
That black bars kinda bother me.
The other thing is about the durability over time of the screen because I think it will eventually brake after some years of folds. Am I wrong?
Please help me decide beetween this and Oppo Find X2 pro. (I don't care about the price tag as I want to keep the new device for at least 4 years and enjoy it the most)
About my second choice is because I want to fully enjoy a QHD 120hz display and I'm not worried about the battery life for many reasons.. (I had that device and was perfect for me but I experience some pink tint issues so I asked for a refund)
I don't really like do the lottery and hope for a better screen with Oppo or Oneplus screen.
I hope someone can help me.. thank you in advance,
Alessio
You're going to get black bars because of the screen ratio of the device when unfolded. You get smaller black bars when watching in landscape unfolded, but then the camera hole punch cuts into the video content. In portrait you get bigger bars and smaller content, but the hole punch is within the top black bar.
As for durability, I've read Samsung have tested for a certain number of folding/unfolding which equates to opening the device 100 times a day for 5 years. I can't remember where I read this and can't find anything when Googling.
It's supposed to be rated for 200,000 folds. Check out the Fold 1 Forums and ask folks about durability. The Fold2 is supposed to be a lot better.
Sent from my SM-F916U1 using Tapatalk
I've had mine for 2 days now. My previous phone was a Galaxy S20 Ultra which I'm now putting up for sale. Before getting the Z Fold 2, I also bought a Surface Duo, used it for a day and hated it, so I returned it.
It has been a learning curve with the Z Fold 2 because it's such a different device. Still not sure I love it but it's definitely growing on me. The weirdest thing was getting used to the small cover screen but I am now used to that.
I will say that the hardware is fantastic although it is a more fragile phone because of the folding screen and lack of water and dust proofing.
I don't think I'm going to have issues with the screen as long as I don't fold with something in it or press it too hard. The black bars don't bother me - that's just a result of the screen having such odd aspect ratio. The screen is a beauty. I still can't believe Samsung pulled this off. Yes the crease is there but really not an issue.
The only other issue I have with it is how slick it is since my case hasn't arrived yet but I expect that to not be an issue with a case.
I think if you decide to go for this phone, you'll like it a lot as long as you are willing to go through the learning curve of the new form factor. Worst case scenario you can always return it for a refund.
I saw it as a brilliant yet highly flawed device when I got it. Now I cant use a regular phone anymore, they're completely ruined for me. I would have preferred the device be wider because I still don't like the front screen to this day and a little wider would be all it takes to fix it. That inner screen though, shes a beauty. The internet is so much easier to browse in that format, games look fantastic, videos are unfortunately not as good as they could be thanks to the idiotic placement of the inner camera. Yeah, I know why the decided to put it there and I disagree with the decision. This phone is all about that screen and the stupid placement makes videos smaller than they should be or puts a hole in them. Neither should have been happening because it hurts the phones best attribute. As I said; flawed. I cant however go back, regular phones seem ridiculously limiting now.
I upgraded from the OG Fold and love the 2, Marked improvement all over.
The hinge is also a lot stiffer with the added functionality in the Fold 2
Watching content doesn't bother me, you get used to the black bars and it's still a much bigger viewing area than a regular phone.
My only concern is you wanting to keep it for 4 years, this is obviously new technology so no one is going to be able to say whether it can last for that length of time. I had the fold one near 9 months and never had 1 issue with it, no issues with the screen or folding.
I go with a Note. They will last 4 years and are dust/water sealed, add a good case and you're good to go.
If you charge the battery wisely (40-65% charges) you may get 4 years out of it too.
The 10+ is a proven performer and comes loaded with Pie if you prefer that OS as I do. It's got 2 OS upgrades so it should take it to 11 at least.
The 20U may have some minor issues but it seems like a solid Note.
Both support massive SD cards and are fun, fast, responsive machines with drop dead gorgeous displays.
Samsung has over extended its self both technically and financially on the Fold devices I think to spite all the glowing reviews.
Browse the forums of other current Samsung models here to get a better idea of just how small the niche is for this device. Its novelty alone will make it harder to get online tech support for. Samsung online/phone support sucks; some of the worst I ever experienced.
I blew off upgrading to the 20U because Samsung didn't give me anymore bang for the buck than my 10+.
In addition to that was Android Q with its scope storage is a performance hit not seen with Pie. It will also render legacy apks I use a lot most likely unusable.
If the Notes don't provide enough real estate, the Fold 2 be your only choice for now. The next generation should be better.
Lol, Samsung claims the conformal coating on the Fold 2's PCBs are it's waterproofing. Pure hogwash; all the switches and micro connectors are vulnerable.
I would never even consider a smartphone without water and dust sealing. Even my ancient first flip phone had them.
10 years latter it's still functional...
blackhawk said:
I go with a Note. They will last 4 years and are dust/water sealed, add a good case and you're good to go.
If you charge the battery wisely (40-65% charges) you may get 4 years out of it too.
The 10+ is a proven performer and comes loaded with Pie if you prefer that OS as I do. It's got 2 OS upgrades so it should take it to 11 at least.
The 20U may have some minor issues but it seems like a solid Note.
Both support massive SD cards and are fun, fast, responsive machines with drop dead gorgeous displays.
Samsung has over extended its self both technically and financially on the Fold devices I think to spite all the glowing reviews.
Browse the forums of other current Samsung models here to get a better idea of just how small the niche is for this device. Its novelty alone will make it harder to get online tech support for. Samsung online/phone support sucks; some of the worst I ever experienced.
I blew off upgrading to the 20U because Samsung didn't give me anymore bang for the buck than my 10+.
In addition to that was Android Q with its scope storage is a performance hit not seen with Pie. It will also render legacy apks I use a lot most likely unusable.
If the Notes don't provide enough real estate, the Fold 2 be your only choice for now. The next generation should be better.
Lol, Samsung claims the conformal coating on the Fold 2's PCBs are it's waterproofing. Pure hogwash; all the switches and micro connectors are vulnerable.
I would never even consider a smartphone without water and dust sealing. Even my ancient first flip phone had them.
10 years latter it's still functional...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you actually own a Z Fold 2?
The render legacy apks unusable was laughable, that's for sure. He does not own the phone, he's been here trolling for quite a while.
krabman said:
The render legacy apks unusable was laughable, that's for sure. He does not own the phone, he's been here trolling for quite a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Q renders (or soon will) many legacy apks unusable not the Z. Not so funny if you're running Q...
It's a prototype. I build prototype$ not buy them.
I am however fascinated in this product in more ways than one... Samsung gro$$ly overextended themselves on this product line and the game they're playing isn't low poker.
TheMountain said:
I'm just about to pull the trigger on this beautiful foldable, the only thing I'm worried about is that I use my device the most for watching movies, youtube and twitch.
That black bars kinda bother me.
The other thing is about the durability over time of the screen because I think it will eventually brake after some years of folds. Am I wrong?
Please help me decide beetween this and Oppo Find X2 pro. (I don't care about the price tag as I want to keep the new device for at least 4 years and enjoy it the most)
About my second choice is because I want to fully enjoy a QHD 120hz display and I'm not worried about the battery life for many reasons.. (I had that device and was perfect for me but I experience some pink tint issues so I asked for a refund)
I don't really like do the lottery and hope for a better screen with Oppo or Oneplus screen.
I hope someone can help me.. thank you in advance,
Alessio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry i'm late to the party!!! So i came from a Find X2 pro to the Fold 2 and honestly i love the fold 2. I work at a Machine shop and my fold 2 has been perfectly fine (im not saying its the most durable phone on earth , but it definetly feels like its gonna be just fine). if there were any major drawbacks id say the lack of cases that protect the hinge spine , and the crappy rubber inner screen protector (which has been removed),and the cameras (comparing to the Find x2 pro directly) .
overall the black bars while watching youtube i can live with cause it has so much real estate on the inner screen that it quickly became something i dont notice anymore.
The cameras are good not the best but good, the find x2 pro camera was fantastic.
My main issue has to be cases, i currently have 6 cases (araree bonnet wallet,spigen thin fit,gkk thin fit,2xchinese "leather back" cases,ringke clear) and the Araree bonnet is the only one that protects the spine yet its awkward to use when folded(back of case digs into finger when holding 1 handed and cover hanging is a minor annoyance) when open the case is ok. all the other cases yeild the same result , when closed they protect the front & back but leave the spine exposed when folded. so its a catch 22 in the case department.
I also applied a Dbrand teardown skin "ultramatte" and its awesome cause the black back of the phone was a fingerprint haven.
So im sure ive rambled enough haha, but i would honestly say overall even with the drawbacks id take the fold 2 over the find x2 pro if i had to choose again.
also i ordered the Spigen Tough Armor (which seems like it will be a good case protecting the spine/hinge and not being "in the way"when used folded like the araree bonnet)
Either way both phones are really good im sure you'll be happy with either
krabman said:
The render legacy apks unusable was laughable, that's for sure. He does not own the phone, he's been here trolling for quite a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds about right. He doesn't own one and is here just trolling away.
I'm not sure what the point of going to a sub section and complaining about a phone you don't own and aren't going to buy is but it happens often enough here. I completely understand the posts where people say they are disappointed about a device as it comes out, are moving elsewhere, and the why. These posts can be useful to those on the fence. To go back to this device I still think while flawed it's an amazing piece of kit and more than any other phone I've ever encountered; one you really have to use to fully get. It's unfortunate the entry fee is so steep as to make test driving one unreasonable for most.
Honestly I have had every note that Samsung has made and my secondary device is a note 20. I am now spoiled I have had my zfold 2 a month and I can't go back to a regular phone ever again. I'm a fold loyalist from now on
randy2 said:
Honestly I have had every note that Samsung has made and my secondary device is a note 20. I am now spoiled I have had my zfold 2 a month and I can't go back to a regular phone ever again. I'm a fold loyalist from now on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said... I had the fold1 and now the fold2 and can't imagine going back to a "normal" mobile phone again... regardless of brand.
randy2 said:
Honestly I have had every note that Samsung has made and my secondary device is a note 20. I am now spoiled I have had my zfold 2 a month and I can't go back to a regular phone ever again. I'm a fold loyalist from now on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a Note loyalist but I've been playing with the ZF2 at Best Buy and am in love with it. Can't decide if I can give up my SPen though.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
I'm a Note loyalist but I've been playing with the ZF2 at Best Buy and am in love with it. Can't decide if I can give up my SPen though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Next year, the fold 3 is replacing the note line and getting a Spend.
DJW35 said:
Next year, the fold 3 is replacing the note line and getting a Spend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I knew that was the latest rumor. It's one reason I'm considering the Fold 2 now. Might as well grab it, because it will have a higher trade in value next year when I get the Fold 3, LOL.
Add
DJW35 said:
Next year, the fold 3 is replacing the note line and getting a Spend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So they are saying.
So far the durability has been lacking and the price is higher than I pay for a laptop.
The Fold sales have been dismal thus far... if that tells you something.
Sparkling reviews, all of them.
What's wrong with this picture?
I don't share Samsung's enthusiasm and they grossly overextended themselves trying to develop this technology. Their other expensive phones suffered as a result and during a worldwide economic downturn at that. Brilliant.
The Edsel was a similar money sinkhole released during a recession. That ended well.
I call snake eyes.
Break away in a wide track Pontiac GTO... :laugh:
* And maybe tri-fold phone. Oh my... hold on to your hats:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/mspowe...old-smartphone-bandwagon-with-new-patent/amp/
Apple sounds amused, maybe nervous:
https://www.patentlyapple.com/paten...-continue-to-work-on-a-next-gen-tri-fold.html
blackhawk said:
Add
So far the durability has been lacking and the price is higher than I pay for a laptop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without a shadow of a doubt the Fold 2 is the best mobile device i have owned in over 20 years of owning a mobile. Durability is perfectly fine (for me), battery life is excellent, (i get 9hrs SOT with the 90hz app) and the main foldable screen is amazing with or without the factory fitted film protector.
The front screen is still slightly too narrow to make the device 100% perfect but perhaps next years Fold3 will resolve that outstanding issue...
I can't imagine ever going back to a "normal" candy bar style phone ever again.
Yes foldable devices are currently hugely expensive but as an early adopter I accept i have chosen to pay more than the average consumer would. Hopefully (!) In a couple of years Samsung will be able to sell a fold5 for 100 or 200 £$€ more than the equivalent S23 Ultra price.

Categories

Resources