Database Info

[Q] Photon Q the better choice?

I told myself if the iphone 5 wasn't jailbroken by this year I was switching back to Android, but the problem now is that I'm on Sprint. Which to my knowledge doesn't have too many viable options. ( I strongly dislike the S3 because of it's crappy screen being easily broken). I had the original Droid, but it was for Verizon and I'm pretty sure I can't put a Droid 4 or my own on Sprint now. I've read this Photon Q 4G is the equivalent or better than the Droid 4, but I want to be sure I'm making a good decision with this. I like the QWERTY keyboard for things like emulators being played easily and stuff, but if it's low end then I would be welcome to other suggestions.

Can't speak to the Droid 4 as I've never seen or used that phone. Not to open an iOS vs Android debate... but i'd sooner have Richard Simmons give me a Tabasco enema then own an iPhone. If you want an iPhone, get an iPhone.
The Q has a great keyboard, nice display, and SnapDragon s4 1.5ghz dual core with 1GB of RAM. There is no lag with switching apps and mine has really good battery life. It does not have a huge dev community like some other phones, but the stock rom has very little wrong with it, and you can get a good deal through BestBuy or Costco. I love the Android OS and admittedly am a huge fan boy. There is nothing wrong with ios if you don't care about the phone being stuck "as is."
Just my thoughts.
Sent from my XT897 using xda app-developers app

The Droid 4 is a glorified Droid 3 with LTE... It uses year and a half old hardware.
The Q uses the brand new Snapdragon S4 chip, while the Droid 4 is using an aged OMAP 4. The performance differences are night and day. I'd say it is a similar difference as going from Tegra 2 to Tegra 3, and the S4 > Tegra 3.
I don't really understand your comment about the GS3 having an easily broken screen, though. I had one for a good 3 months and wasn't too careful with it (dropped a good amount of times), but it never got more than a bump in the casing. It's a very capable phone.
As for iPhone/Photon Q debate. I'm major anti-Apple (have owned countless iPods in the past, but nothing more) and recommend almost everyone who comes to me to get an Android phone. I point older folk, less tech-savvy people, or hipsters to iPhones.

Thank you both for the reply, but I think you misunderstood my first post. (or I didn't word it right). Anyway, I already own the i5, but because it isn't jailbroken decided to go back to Android. The only thing I needed to know was about the Photon Q 4G. I love Android because I feel in complete control no matter what, but with an iphone I know I'm always limited. I don't hate or love one more than the other (yet), but I've been reading the Q runs on equal terms with the GS3 and such as well. With a low dev community that's a medium sized let down, but do they at least have custom kernels to change the look and theme of the phone like the old Droid had?

The dev support on the Photon Q right now is a bit of a letdown if you come from another platform that had/has very active development.
I came from the Epic and that's the exact case. Going from having lists of ROMs, kernels, tweaks, hacks, and mods to almost nothing does make you feel like you're "losing" something, but then as you dive in and begin using the Photon Q, you start to understand why.
Straight out of the box, at least for me, the experience is better. It's smoother, quicker, and just all around better than my Epic ever thought of being. Battery life is considerably better. My Epic was custom kernel'd, overclock/undervolt and had what I thought to be pretty good battery life, but I still carried a spare battery in my pocket for those heavy use days. Seeing that the Photon Q had a non-removable battery concerned me, but the battery life is so much better it hasn't been an issue, and we all know how it is when you have a new platform, you can hardly put it down so all the days have been heavy use days and I haven't once thought "dang, wish I had a charged battery in my pocket I could swap".
Your last statement is a little off... There are to my knowledge two custom kernels for the Photon Q, however a kernel has little to nothing to do with customizing the theme/look/feel. Just skimming the custom kernel threads it doesn't seem as though they have all the wrinkles ironed out on them yet, so I'm still on the stock kernel because honestly I just don't feel a real need to change.
There are a few simply UI mods out there right now, but nothing yet in the realm of a full on theme.
There's a few little things here and there about the Photon Q I personally don't like, but it's mainly just visual stuff like the turquoise percent bars and overscroll, full charge notification/popup, etc.
All in all, it's the best phone out of the box I've had. I'm usually VERY mod happy, but this one really is done almost 100% right stock.

If you got this phone, I highly doubt you'd regret it. Especially coming from an iPhone 5.

Thread moved. Please post questions here in Q&A in future.
Thanks
AvRS

[Q] Need a new phone, please help.

Hi guys, I'm currently in India and will be for the next 6 months or so. I currently have the pantech burst running slimbean r6. It's a great phone, does what I need it to with no lag or anything but the battery life is killing me! I get roughly 3 hours or so of screen time which is isn't enough (on wifi, forget about leaving it on 3g, I might as well walk around with a charger).
I was looking to get a new phone but the absolutely most important thing for me is battery life. Here is what i'm currently considering and I'm only listing locally available products that come with warranty (samsung india won't touch anything that isn't sold here).
LG Nexus 4 - $386
Samsung S3 (I9300, 1gb ram, 3g only) - $404
Samsung S4 (I9500, sammy octa, 3g only) - $576
These are the only ones I'm considering, the note 2 is just too big. That being said, I've been reading reviews and comparisons and have come away completely confused. Some say the n4 has horrible battery life, some say its excellent. S3 apparently doesn't have enough ram. S4 with the sammy core has overheating issues. I'm completely stumped as to what to do. The S4 can be had for roughly $490 since samsung is doing a buyback offer if I trade in my blackberry (they'll also throw in one free display replacement and an S-view cover) but I'm having a hard time considering since I lose my blackberry (faithful backup phone) and also don't get 4g or a snapdragon. Can someone please shed some real world light into this matter?
My usage: the pantech serves me beautifully with barely no lag or issues. Its just the battery and no, there isn't an extended battery available for it. At least none I could find.
Thanks for the assistance guys!

It will be better if you copy-paste this content in to this thread:
[Discussion] What's your next smartphone / What should I buy
You'll get better feedbacks there, Cheers !!

I spoils saint for N4 . The batter life on s3 and (especially ) s4's is said to be impassive but the performance and SUPPORT you gain from purchasing a Nexus is very rewarding . If you're still skeptical about the battery life you can still buy a battery pack ,in moderate capacity, for the deference among any other accessory .

coolsandie said:
It will be better if you copy-paste this content in to this thread:
[Discussion] What's your next smartphone / What should I buy
You'll get better feedbacks there, Cheers !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This guy knows where the party is ^^

S7 or One Plus 3?

HI Guys,
I currently have the S5 and am looking to get a new phone but finding it hard to choose between S7 and the OnePlus 3?
I understand the Oneplus 3 is better value for money but which is the best phone overall? I am leaning towards Samsung as I have always used a Samsung but only worry is whether the performance drops after a few months? The 6GB ram on the Oneplus is pretty tempting but again not sure if with time the performance will be affected.

asureka90 said:
HI Guys,
I currently have the S5 and am looking to get a new phone but finding it hard to choose between S7 and the OnePlus 3?
I understand the Oneplus 3 is better value for money but which is the best phone overall? I am leaning towards Samsung as I have always used a Samsung but only worry is whether the performance drops after a few months? The 6GB ram on the Oneplus is pretty tempting but again not sure if with time the performance will be affected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think either device would be a great upgrade as both companies have done a great job as far as refining their flagship device and so you'll be getting a top phone either way. I have previously had a Galaxy S4 which I really liked and also a Oneplus which I also really liked, both for different reasons. Its going to come down to what needs/preferences you have or want to have in a new device such as camera, sound, build, software, etc.
I found my Oneplus One was great for ROMs,mods and tweaks, there was endless things you could tinker with if you wanted to (you didnt have to). With the S7, it will depend on whether you will be using the Snapdragon or Exynos version, as the bootloader is locked down on the Snapdragon version and so there wont be any aosp ROMs until someone (ever?) finds a way around that. The bonus of the Oneplus one was that it shipped with Cyanogen OS and there were so many (there still are) other ROMs you could try and choose from. Im not sure how this will compare on the OP3, but then again it might not be a big concern to you.
I have the Exynos version S7 myself and havent bothered with rooting or any roms yet as it runs so well out of the box, but its nice to know the option is there if I ever feel like it. I think the upgrade from S5->S7 is a good one for you, as you dont lose features such as the micro sd card and water/dust resistance, which you would have with the S6. The one thing that you would lose would be the ability to use a second battery as its obviously non-removable with the S7, but then again there are tons of good portable batteries these days which can cover that situation.
The OP3 definitely seems like a solid device in terms of actual physical build and specs, it would also be a nice change from Samsung/Touchwiz if you wanted a slightly different OS experience. I dont think the 6GB is something you will appreciate day to day or feel the benefit of right away, as Oneplus themselves hadnt really even optimised for 6GB of ram when they released the device and are currently working on an OTA to address this. But its definitely going to future proof the device for while and provide solid multitasking abilities, although the 4GB on the S7 does a great job of this as well.
I would read through the S7 and OP3 forums on XDA to get a feel of user's opinions and any pros and cons. Sometimes things (good or bad) only come to light a while after the devices have been in the hands of owners who are using them day in day out and putting them through their paces. I would happily recommend the S7 for lovely build quality, superb display, top camera, good battery and all the other features that are actually useful (water resistance, sd card slot). If I didnt have my S7 (it was a contract upgrade) I would seriously consider the OP3, especially as you can just order it without an invite this time, it seems to be very good value for money.

@gsmyth pretty much said it all. Give us an idea of how you use your Galaxy S5. Have you rooted, custom recovery, ROM's etc... Are you a multitasker, heavy browser or social media addict?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA-Developers mobile app

S7 has
Much Better screen with higher resolution
Waterproof
Better warranty
Better camera
Better battery (screen on time)
Sd card 200g
Faster internal storage(speed)
Not usb type c (more accesories)
Exynos processor faster (multicore and everyday life use)
One plus 3 has
More ram
Better gpu for gaming
No knox
Rooting without loosing warranty
Os is simpler like aosp
Developer friendly
Lower price
Build quality is very good in both phones also design is something subjective.

Hi
I have a S7 and my daughter has a S7 Edge , both perform great , both look great ......i am really happy with it

http://m.pocketnow.com/2016/06/28/oneplus-3-vs-samsung-galaxy-s7
here a comparative of the two phones pro and con on both side
Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

asureka90 said:
HI Guys,
I currently have the S5 and am looking to get a new phone but finding it hard to choose between S7 and the OnePlus 3?
I understand the Oneplus 3 is better value for money but which is the best phone overall? I am leaning towards Samsung as I have always used a Samsung but only worry is whether the performance drops after a few months? The 6GB ram on the Oneplus is pretty tempting but again not sure if with time the performance will be affected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps you're interested in my initial comparison between the two over on the OnePlus forum (What device did you ditch for one plus3? - Post 284).
With the S7(E) you are paying (considerably extra) for Screen and Camera Quality, Weatherproofing and design.
If these are not so important you can save money with the Op3. It is a good phone.
Hope this helps somewhat.

S5
I had a S3 before that I rooted and was using Cynagoen Mod for a while but that phone became extremely unstable and just became a brick by the end of it so I decided not to root or install custom ROM on my S5 thinking it would perform better over the long term. However after a year or so the performance dropped a lot and the past 6 months it's been terrible. It
I am more of a multi tasker and do use couple of different social media platforms but not too addicted by any means.

Thanks!
Thanks for your detailed response!! Really appreciate it!
gsmyth said:
I think either device would be a great upgrade as both companies have done a great job as far as refining their flagship device and so you'll be getting a top phone either way. I have previously had a Galaxy S4 which I really liked and also a Oneplus which I also really liked, both for different reasons. Its going to come down to what needs/preferences you have or want to have in a new device such as camera, sound, build, software, etc.
I found my Oneplus One was great for ROMs,mods and tweaks, there was endless things you could tinker with if you wanted to (you didnt have to). With the S7, it will depend on whether you will be using the Snapdragon or Exynos version, as the bootloader is locked down on the Snapdragon version and so there wont be any aosp ROMs until someone (ever?) finds a way around that. The bonus of the Oneplus one was that it shipped with Cyanogen OS and there were so many (there still are) other ROMs you could try and choose from. Im not sure how this will compare on the OP3, but then again it might not be a big concern to you.
I have the Exynos version S7 myself and havent bothered with rooting or any roms yet as it runs so well out of the box, but its nice to know the option is there if I ever feel like it. I think the upgrade from S5->S7 is a good one for you, as you dont lose features such as the micro sd card and water/dust resistance, which you would have with the S6. The one thing that you would lose would be the ability to use a second battery as its obviously non-removable with the S7, but then again there are tons of good portable batteries these days which can cover that situation.
The OP3 definitely seems like a solid device in terms of actual physical build and specs, it would also be a nice change from Samsung/Touchwiz if you wanted a slightly different OS experience. I dont think the 6GB is something you will appreciate day to day or feel the benefit of right away, as Oneplus themselves hadnt really even optimised for 6GB of ram when they released the device and are currently working on an OTA to address this. But its definitely going to future proof the device for while and provide solid multitasking abilities, although the 4GB on the S7 does a great job of this as well.
I would read through the S7 and OP3 forums on XDA to get a feel of user's opinions and any pros and cons. Sometimes things (good or bad) only come to light a while after the devices have been in the hands of owners who are using them day in day out and putting them through their paces. I would happily recommend the S7 for lovely build quality, superb display, top camera, good battery and all the other features that are actually useful (water resistance, sd card slot). If I didnt have my S7 (it was a contract upgrade) I would seriously consider the OP3, especially as you can just order it without an invite this time, it seems to be very good value for money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks!
Thanks! Was helpful, the price difference for the S7 is $120 USD extra so it would be worth paying $120 for those added features
drummerman said:
Perhaps you're interested in my initial comparison between the two over on the OnePlus forum (What device did you ditch for one plus3? - Post 284).
With the S7(E) you are paying (considerably extra) for Screen and Camera Quality, Weatherproofing and design.
If these are not so important you can save money with the Op3. It is a good phone.
Hope this helps somewhat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

kutulu32 said:
S7 has
Much Better screen with higher resolution
Waterproof
Better warranty
Better camera
Better battery (screen on time)
Sd card 200g
Faster internal storage(speed)
Not usb type c (more accesories)
Exynos processor faster (multicore and everyday life use)
One plus 3 has
More ram
Better gpu for gaming
No knox
Rooting without loosing warranty
Os is simpler like aosp
Developer friendly
Lower price
Build quality is very good in both phones also design is something subjective.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More ram but its worst than s7 4gb ram.
S7 better choice.
Enviado do meu SM-G930F através de Tapatalk

asureka90 said:
Thanks for your detailed response!! Really appreciate it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries, let us know what you decide on. :good:

Whichever device you choose I think you will be happy. It's always fun when I pick up a new device especially when it's one of the latest flagship devices. Let us know which one you get. Good luck!
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA-Developers mobile app

gsmyth said:
No worries, let us know what you decide on. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got the S7 in silver! Going to switch today! Whats the best way to transfer all my data/apps to my new phone?
Also, does using Nova Launcher and Swift Keyboard affect the phones performance? I have used these two apps from day one so was wondering if its better to use the stock options for improved performance!
Thanks! @gsmyth @fast69mopar

Great. You'll be happy with the S7E especially now that root is available. The root game all happened in the last few days and there are several threads dedicated to rooting your device. I surely don't think using Nova with SwiftKey will affect performance in any way. Give it a shot and report back so other users will know. Good luck with your new S7E.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA-Developers mobile app

fast69mopar said:
Great. You'll be happy with the S7E especially now that root is available. The root game all happened in the last few days and there are several threads dedicated to rooting your device. I surely don't think using Nova with SwiftKey will affect performance in any way. Give it a shot and report back so other users will know. Good luck with your new S7E.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers! Will let you know how it goes!

asureka90 said:
Got the S7 in silver! Going to switch today! Whats the best way to transfer all my data/apps to my new phone?
Also, does using Nova Launcher and Swift Keyboard affect the phones performance? I have used these two apps from day one so was wondering if its better to use the stock options for improved performance!
Thanks! @gsmyth @fast69mopar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice one!
There is the Samsung switch app which should get most of your data over from your old device. You also get a USB OTG type adapter to hook up for transferring data.
I also use Nova launcher on devices as it's so customisable and also to get that stock look, but haven't installed it on my S7 as I haven't felt the need. Previously touchwiz was pretty laggy and boring looking but I think Samsung have actually improved it quite well. I do miss not having the hide apps feature and having to re-sort the app drawer after installing an app is pretty annoying,but not a deal breaker for me. I have also installed a material theme which changes the icon theme as well ( plus it themes the pull down drawer and settings menu.
I also just use the Samsung keyboard as it's working OK for me, again I have used the Google one on other devices but haven't felt the need to install another one. You can always give both apps a try and see what you prefer on your S7, it really depends on what you find better/nicer/easier.
Enjoy your new phone and see you around XDA!
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

if you looking for value go to op3 but if you have budget go to s7

Need some quick opinions

Right now I have an LG G3 and had a great deal of fun with it. However, with a recent job change I need to get a new phone for business only, and between the cracked glass on my G3 and abysmal battery life and charging problems (it's the original battery) it's starting to interfere with my job.
Right now I'm looking for a good android phone that just has a snappy CPU, decent amount of RAM, and above-all a good battery life (I'll probably have to consider an aftermarket extended battery but the last one I used was a Seidio for my HTC Droid Incredible years ago so suggestions on that would be welcome as well.
After doing some research it seems the G4 overheats and has the same battery issues, the Samsung S6 is still $400, and various other problems I've run into.
Basically I need a CDMA smartphone I can stick my Verizon SIM in and be ready to go. Don't really need to pay $400-$600 so I'm looking around the $200+/- range so any suggestions or recommendations on personal experience would be greatly appreciated.

Nechen said:
Right now I have an LG G3 and had a great deal of fun with it. However, with a recent job change I need to get a new phone for business only, and between the cracked glass on my G3 and abysmal battery life and charging problems (it's the original battery) it's starting to interfere with my job.
Right now I'm looking for a good android phone that just has a snappy CPU, decent amount of RAM, and above-all a good battery life (I'll probably have to consider an aftermarket extended battery but the last one I used was a Seidio for my HTC Droid Incredible years ago so suggestions on that would be welcome as well.
After doing some research it seems the G4 overheats and has the same battery issues, the Samsung S6 is still $400, and various other problems I've run into.
Basically I need a CDMA smartphone I can stick my Verizon SIM in and be ready to go. Don't really need to pay $400-$600 so I'm looking around the $200+/- range so any suggestions or recommendations on personal experience would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see
What's your next smartphone / What should I buy by poseidon5213
and
**DEVICE SUGGESTION THREAD** -- Not sure what device to buy? Ask here! by KidCarter93
Sent from my XT1254 using XDA Labs

^^
Closing thread to save confusion on where the discussion should be now.
Regards, OfficerJimLahey

What is cheaper and as descent as a oneplus 7 pro

I currently have a note 9, I'm shopping for a new, I like the oneplus 7 pro, but a lil pricey. What is cheaper and descent as far as specs?. I'm not a samsung fan. I want something that's somewhat easy to root if I choose, takes descent pictures and has a lot of memory lasting charge and unlocked for verizon or straighttalk. Please give me some ideas, I've looked at mororlas, the oneplus,
I've had a moto x pure and google nexus 6 that I loved, but that was years ago and theyr outdated ?
Please and thank you

1. Find a budget and stay on the righteous path.
2. Find something that meets your requirements. Ram, GPU, Chipset, Dual Sim, 5G, maximum running hours on optimal level.
3. Read as much as possible today about each device you're interested in.
4. Read and watch more reviews. Don't just focus on the thought of dispute and or trend.
5. Do you plan to modify the device. If the answer is yes, you must acknowledge the downfalls of rooting. If the answer is no, don't kid yourself.
There's much to be considered. Everyone has a different light head to what is In your taste, so to speak..
So when you asked the question of what's next. Keep in mind all the pro's and con's of both existing device and your new baby.
Do everything impulsively, do nothing impulsively, either way remain calm.
*Baby is a euphemism*
Also I believe this part is the most important of anything listed above.
We learn from others, we learn from our mistakes.