Opinions on Galaxy S6 and OnePlus One - General Topics

Hey everyone,
I currently have the Galaxy S4 and looking to upgrade. I'm stuck deciding between the Galaxy S6 and the OnePlus One, an unusual fork in the road but I have my reasons. I would like your opinion on this matter if you care to share!
I've been an avid Android user as I can (for the most part) easily root and flash my devices to my heart's content, mainly to use Titanium Backup and be able to flash vanilla Android (which is my preferred flavour of Android) without having to settle for a low-end device.
Though as most of you are aware, the Galaxy S6 has Samsung's fancy KNOX eFuse so I can kiss my two year warranty (whilst on the contracted plan) goodbye forever the moment I touch that bootloader. I don't think I would be too comfortable doing that with such an expensive device – unlike the EU, us Aussies have nothing to protect us from things like this. The device itself however is very appealing, with it's fantastic camera and Samsung's revamped design. Though I have not been a fan of TouchWiz at all, my S4 was only stock for about 3 days after purchase as it didn't have KNOX enabled.
Now I'm also considering the OnePlus One – it is a capable contender, IMO and from what I've read thus far. Mainly because flashing and rooting the device does not void warranty at all, and it's half the price of the Galaxy S6. So even if it does give up the ghost, I wouldn't too worried. Of course it doesn't have the S6's great camera and build quality but you get what you pay for.
Now down to the cash money.
If I am to get the Galaxy S6 64GB, I will be paying $80.00 a month for 5GB of data over a 24 months plan for a total of $1,920.
As for the OnePlus One, there aren't any carriers that offer the phone so I will have to buy it for $499.95 from Yotango and using it with my current month-to-month plan that's $39.00 a month for 3.2GB of data. So that about $60 a month, or $1,435.95 over 24 months. Saving $484.05 over a 24 month period, I won't be stuck on a contract, and with that saving could probably get another phone in 12 months if I get sick of it.
Now money isn't exactly a concern as I am willing to pay for the Galaxy S6, but that doesn't mean the savings of the OnePlus One means nothing!
So I'm stuck on deciding which device to go with. I would love to get opinions of those who are pro vanilla Android, rooting, flashing and all that, as well as those are think I should stop bothering with rooting and just go with what Samsung has to offer, and of course anyone who isn't as indecisive as I am.
Cheers!

Related

So... Verizon Edge Program.. How's that work?

I've got a Galaxy SIII on contract that used to expire in December but now expires in April. If I choose to take the Edge Program and upgrade "early", would I have to turn in my SIII or could I sell it on my own and apply that money toward a new phone?
I am torn between liking the ability to upgrade sooner, and hating the fact that my basic plan rate will not change even if I purchase the phone. It used to be that we subsidized our phones over two years on the plan, now, we pay subsidized rates PLUS Edge rates. So, effectively Verizon has raised our rates, if we choose to go Edge, right? Well, I digress... I am mainly interested in whether or not I can sell my phone or if I have to turn it in, and is the Edge Program really worth it for someone who can't stomach having a phone that is two years old... LOL
So with Edge you can get more frequent upgrades through verizon but it's as if you're buying the device off-contract and paying for it over time. Once you've paid at least half of the device's full price + at least 6 months has gone by you can choose to "Edge up" and get a new phone immediately by trading in your old phone. Thing is the cost you're paying monthly has been refreshed to the full price of the new device.
It's not really a good deal since you're essentially paying $300 + your old phone for a new one, plus it guarantees Verizon more income since each edge ensures you're paying full price.
You can get the same deal by waiting 6 months, selling your phone, buying a new one off contract. In many cases this may actually be cheaper. The GS3 is on the verge of going below $300 on eBay (in fact I think it already has). But of course that's an added hassle some don't want to deal with.
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Div033 said:
So with Edge you can get more frequent upgrades through verizon but it's as if you're buying the device off-contract and paying for it over time. Once you've paid at least half of the device's full price + at least 6 months has gone by you can choose to "Edge up" and get a new phone immediately by trading in your old phone. Thing is the cost you're paying monthly has been refreshed to the full price of the new device.
It's not really a good deal since you're essentially paying $300 + your old phone for a new one, plus it guarantees Verizon more income since each edge ensures you're paying full price.
You can get the same deal by waiting 6 months, selling your phone, buying a new one off contract. In many cases this may actually be cheaper. The GS3 is on the verge of going below $300 on eBay (in fact I think it already has). But of course that's an added hassle some don't want to deal with.
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Ah, OK. That makes sense. I'm gunning for the Note 3 when it arrives. Then I guess I can put the Note 3 on their device payment plan like I did my Note 10.1 (instead of Edge). The advantage being I get something from my old phone. Cool.
If you have a minute read post 1 and post 3 that I wrote on the ac forums. The edge program is beyond a ripoff. It's designed to rob you blind and get you trapped even without a contract and with no device subsidy (because let's be honest if you could whip out a wad of cash any time you wanted you probably wouldn't be on this kind of plan anyways). http://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=297933
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Contract expiring but I don't want a new handset.

Hey guys, I have a little issue here. My current 24 month plan with Vodafone(Australia) is almost up. I'm on an 80 dollar plan with 5 gig of mobile internet. I'm quite happy with my current plan already and I don't see myself changing plans or service. The thing is I am very very happy with my current phone which is the Note 3 the only phone I could possible replace it with is the Note 4. I dislike the note 5 with a passion.
The note 4's slight upgrade on the note 3 is not worth to get locked another 24 months with, Since I will most likely keep the same plan and stick with the same provider I was wondering what's my best move? I feel I should definitely get something for it. I really do not want to change my phone for anything on the market right now. Should I just get any of the flagship phones and sell it and go on a holiday or something? Any advice woud be appreciated.
Also here is why I like the Note 3/4 so much even tho it's older.
-Samsung amoled screens
-Big display I love phablets.
-Removable batter - My phone has never been charged or had downtime ever. I use a charging dock and 2 batteries, and keep the spare battery on my wallet.
-the specs on the notes are top notch. My note 3 can still out benchmark most of the other non-samsung flagships.

Why Did You Buy A Galaxy Note 5:User Introduction Thread

Hello
Ive had my Note 5 for 10 days now, coming from an HTC One M7 of 2 years 8 months and felt it was finally time for an upgrade. Ive been a long supporter of HTC products since the EVO 4G days but lately have felt differently about the company so it was time to move on and finally make a change
One of the companies i looked to naturally was HTC's main competitor Samsung. In the past i have said negative things about Samsung. Ive always thought their products were overhyped, overpriced, gimmicky and sometimes unoriginal and that they were lucky to be successful because of their marketing budget. Never liked the bloatiness, not customizable friendly and bland UI of Touchwiz. However i cannot knock Samsung for their displays, has always been the best in its class.
The only product i thought about buying from Samsung at one time was the Galaxy S3, but Touchwiz was the main reason i stayed away. Ive always taken an interest to the Note series but wasnt ready to handle a screen of that size. the phablet idea was ahead of its time though. While i have been critical of Samsung and said their marketing is the reason they are the #1, i will be fair and say they have been more forward thinking in their ideas lately
I actually was more interested in getting a Nexus 6P than a Note 5. However the Note 5 was more convenient and affordable for me without having to switch carriers so the next best thing after the 6P is the Note 5. Also considered getting a S6Edge/Edge+ but thats where the gimmicky and overpriced mantra comes into play.
The camera was the main draw for me, followed by the S-pen functionality. I will miss the front stereo speakers of my M7 though and some of the friendly customizations of Sense. Still trying to get used to Touchwiz but i like it or hate it the Note 5 will be my phone for the next 2 years hopefully i will mostly like it. Its about time i give Samsung a shot so i can fairly criticize it!
Right now i mostly love it but the battery life is a bit of a letdown, hoping Marshmallow update fixes this! The screen, camera, multitask window and s-pen is all what i expected and makes it a nice upgrade over the m7
I had a Nexus 5, i broke the screen. Was replaced with this device for $100 insurance deductible (not bad). Phone rocks but i'm living in touchwiz hell.
SketchyStunts said:
I had a Nexus 5, i broke the screen. Was replaced with this device for $100 insurance deductible (not bad). Phone rocks but i'm living in touchwiz hell.
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Nope not bad at all.
I hate how the app drawer is on the right but can't find a way to move it to the middle of the dock. Is there any way to rearrange it without having to find a replacement UI and therefore drain my battery more? Lol.
had the note 2 time for a upgrade
plus I got some cool gifts
these were the cool gifts
I've been sitting a year out of contract because the SD810 disaster and a garbage generation of phones.
Sprints LTE band2 has always been garbage in Phoenix AZ, so I was getting fed up with 3Mbit at best with full signal).
I was very close to getting a cheaper older phone at T-Mobile until this deal happened.
It was $50 at best buy, and their insurance is great. Also the $100 Samsung pay gift code to get a gear vr for free. The holiday gift pack is just a surprise bonus I'm also trying to take advantage of.
The deal was too good to pass up and I stuck with Sprint, I'm happy I did because the two extra LTE bands that I didn't have with my Optimus G make a world of difference. I will miss rooting though.
[Edits]
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MikeEx said:
I've been sitting a year out of contract because the SD810 disaster and a garbage generation of phones.
Sprints LTE band2 has always been garbage in Phoenix AZ, so I was getting fed up with 3Mbit at best with full signal).
I was very close to getting a cheaper older phone at T-Mobile until this deal happened.
It was $50 at best buy, and their insurance is great. Also the $100 Samsung pay gift code to get a gear vr for free. The holiday gift pack is just a surprise bonus I'm also trying to take advantage of.
The deal was too good to pass up and I stuck with Sprint, I'm happy I did because the two extra LTE bands that I didn't have with my Optimus G make a world of difference. I will miss rooting though.
[Edits]
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you got the link for the vr gear cause I didn't see that part
gronimo21 said:
you got the link for the vr gear cause I didn't see that part
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It might be too late to get the $100 coupon code, but if you do actually have it, here's the gear vr link.
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/wearable-tech/SM-R322NZWAXAR
After dealing with an increasingly slow s3 i finally had had enough of that phone. I was ready to throw it against the wall. I had that phone for two years plus it was already 2 years old by that time i think. Love the note 5. I hate the predictive text, mainly because i type fast and it doesn't always hey the word right and i have to stop and delete and retype...sometimes often. Otherwise I'm loving the phone, no complaints and not even rooted.

"Jump" onto a different phone after the Note 5 ?

Anyone get the itch to "Jump" onto another phone, just to try something else ?
I am on Darthstalker ROM with Jovy's latest kernel from 5.22, and this thing just flies, absolutely butter smooth, warp speed, and I get pretty good battery life, around 5.5h Screen On time.
But I am also a phone whore, having owned like 14 different Android phones the past 5 or 6 years. Typically I only keep a phone 6 to 9 months or so. But this Note 5, I got last August and with a killer ROM + kernel like Jovy's it has made me keep this phone longer than others. I really haven't seen the need to switch this phone, except was thinking of the S7 Edge, but with the bad news of locked bootloader and no root, that's a no go
I sort of get the itch to use Jump on Demand to trade in for the HTC 10, or LG G5 ( now that root available ) just to test out something fresh and different. Anyone else get that itch ?
And I am super duper pumped for the Note 6, it is looking to be a super beast smartphone. 6GB RAM, 4,000mAH battery, 5.8" screen in same footprint size of the Note 5, and will be waterproof. BUT...it also looking to be locked down, like the T-Mobile S7 line, meaning zero development, which if that happens, I don't think I will pick it up with JoD.
What is everything thinking here ? you happy with the Note 5 a year later ? What if the new Note 6 is locked, then what will you do on T-Mobile ?
I will most likely jump to the 6 even if it is locked, so long as it has an SD slot and bigger battery. I ran my 5 without rooting/modding for a couple weeks and it was just fine. There are things like package disabler pro and other non-root workaround apps that accomplish about 90% of what I need root for, so I'm not too terribly worried about it.
re: locked phones
kabuk1 said:
I will most likely jump to the 6 even if it is locked, so long as it has an SD slot and bigger battery. I ran my 5 without rooting/modding for a couple weeks and it was just fine. There are things like package disabler pro and other non-root workaround apps that accomplish about 90% of what I need root for, so I'm not too terribly worried about it.
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Why not get the International Note 6, it will come sim-unlocked and easily root-able.
Plus if you buy it at Amazon.com it will cost about $140 less than the Tmobile model.
Just like the International S7 Edge, it cost $725 + free shipping and NO TAX.
That's a total of $140 savings compared to the Tmobile model brand plus tax price.
Good luck,
Have a great day!
Misterjunky said:
Why not get the International Note 6, it will come sim-unlocked and easily root-able.
Plus if you buy it at Amazon.com it will cost about $140 less than the the Tmobile model.
Just like the International S7 Edge, it cost $725 + free shipping and NO TAX.
That's a total of $140 savings compared to the Tmobile model brand plus tax price.
Good luck,
Have a great day!
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Click to collapse
It'd be nice but I simply don't have that much money to drop on a phone all at once, that's the only reason I still buy from carriers.
kabuk1 said:
I will most likely jump to the 6 even if it is locked, so long as it has an SD slot and bigger battery. I ran my 5 without rooting/modding for a couple weeks and it was just fine. There are things like package disabler pro and other non-root workaround apps that accomplish about 90% of what I need root for, so I'm not too terribly worried about it.
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Click to collapse
I feel the same way. Why root, most phones don't really need it.
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Do you guys happen to get unlimited Hotspot on your phones?

Current large phones trend & regarding batteries

Hello guys!
Do you have the problem like I do that I really would like to buy a fresh, new, fast phone with a new original battery, but looking at the current market I can not find any that suits to me? I am not talking about poor performance or lack of choice, but size... I'm really not interested in those enourmous 6"-6.5" phones because that big size is not comfortable for me, even though I have big hands.
Where is the era of 5"-5.8" phones gone? Do you think the large phones trend will ever stop?
In my situation I'm trying to look at used phones market, but this is also super problematic. If I find a used 5.5" device that suits me, it's battery is pretty much dead. I could buy a new battery and replace it without a problem, but there is no way I can find an original/genuine battery that will have a reasonable and solid life time. This is pathetic I think the dying 2-years batteries is the main trick that corporations use today to force us to change phone every 2-3 years ?
Do you feel me?
Well the way I've decided to combat this is by subscribing to Samsungs access program where I pay like 40 a month and in 9 months I can upgrade to the note 21 or S21 (if I choose to switch). I had the note 9 for 2 years and what I've noticed is I refuse to outright sell my phones for cheap rates after dropping 1200 plus on it. So now I've accumulated phones over the years since Samsung switched up and stopped allowing the early upgrade program with carriers. I got stuck with an s7 plus and 2 note 9s that are just collecting dust. I'm not selling either one for a few hundred dollars. And with insurance from Verizon, if anything happens to my phone I can just get a refurbished one sent to me and then I'll just trade that one back in when I'm ready to upgrade next year. This way I get the fresh new flagships every year and stop accumulating phones. The only downside is the fact that I wanted a phone with dual sim capabilities but Samsung only sells single sim in the US. I guess you can't have it all. Hopefully they eventually fix this issue and provide esim and/or dual sim capable phones in the future.
Now as far as smaller phones, I am not too sure. I believe all the major brands now have been offering smaller variations like the s20 e or fe or whatever its called. The only downside to this is I believe although they are cheaper then the full size flagships, they sadly do have less features and/or tech such as the cameras.
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