Which phone has the best software mods? (need help picking) - General Topics

Hi, I am looking to buy a new phone, and the price doesn't matter.
I need: Premium phone in general (good connectivity, fast, etc.) with a stock android or some mod without any bloatware. Good battery life. Loud speakers.
I was thinking about these phones:
- Google pixel XL (seems like a money grab, 6p is the same but costs half of it)
- Nexus 6p (they say it bends and has bad outdoor screen brightness)
- Galaxy 7 series (all of them have terrible speakers only 68dB, and I really need to get some nice software mod on it)
- V20
- HTC 10
- One+3
- suggest?
Maybe you can suggest which phone will have the best custom software mods support from the community?
I don't need a phone that is too hard to mod / flash / root, etc. Should i wait for something to get released, or just go with one of the above?
I already reserved a new nexus 6p in one shop so I can go and just grab it this week if there are no better options...

OP3 is definitely your best option, but I'm not too sure about the camera quality. Oxygen OS is great and rooting is a breeze. Just make sure it works with your carrier.
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk

Thanks, I actually ordered 1+3.
I think you are right, 6p is going to be supported for only 1 more year by google, and it's more expensive than 1+3.
The only problem is that the estimated delivery time for one+3 is on 9th NOVEMBER... thats 29 days.... holy ****...
they say that the delivery time is 2-7 days, but the shipment is going to take them 22-27 days ;]
I hope it's a mistake... but I guess it's coming directly from Shenzen, by a container ship to some sorting place in Malysia and then by a plane to Europe... it makes sense, but.........

Aiur88 said:
Thanks, I actually ordered 1+3.
I think you are right, 6p is going to be supported for only 1 more year by google, and it's more expensive than 1+3.
The only problem is that the estimated delivery time for one+3 is on 9th NOVEMBER... thats 29 days.... holy ****...
they say that the delivery time is 2-7 days, but the shipment is going to take them 22-27 days ;]
I hope it's a mistake... but I guess it's coming directly from Shenzen, by a container ship to some sorting place in Malysia and then by a plane to Europe... it makes sense, but.........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It almost always comes quicker than the estimated date.

do you think it will be possible to get the new google's electronic image stabilisation software for the op3 camera ?

Aiur88 said:
do you think it will be possible to get the new google's electronic image stabilisation software for the op3 camera ?
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What are you referring to? The pixel uses ois, and the nexus 6p eis is pretty bad.

tr4nqui1i7y said:
What are you referring to? The pixel uses ois, and the nexus 6p eis is pretty bad.
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no, pixels won't have ois
they are going to use some kind of gyroscope based eis, it looked pretty good

Aiur88 said:
no, pixels won't have ois
they are going to use some kind of gyroscope based eis, it looked pretty good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right. Woops.

Hello, we already have two threads for this topic:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1620179
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1846277
Thread closed.
The Flash
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Related

Will you be getting the Nexus 5 2015?

http://mobilesyrup.com/2015/05/25/go...nes-this-fall/
The site is reporting that Google will follow up the Nexus 5 with another LG-built smartphone, a 5.2-inch device dubbed ‘Angler’. The smartphone is expected to be powered by a Snapdragon 808 chip and a 2,700mAh battery, though both of those details could change. The idea is to recreate the success of the Nexus 5 by releasing Angler at the $350-$400 price point.
The device will presumably be officially announced tomorrow at the I/O conference, so I'm saving my opinion until then : )
Depends on the size. If it really is modeled after the G4 I am undecided. The G4 is a big phone. I'd have to play with one.
Would love to see a bigger battery in the new 5!
My next phone will be dual-SIM and waterproof. If this phone fulfills these requirements then yes, I could consider it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
will definitely consider if the overall size remains more or less the same as n5..
Went from nexus 5 to one plus one. Waited until they announced the nexus 6 before I made that choice and I'm glad I did. I'm interested in the 5.2 size but the price is a big factor to me.
At this point it would need to offer seriously better battery life for me to consider it. Spec wise the Nexus 5 is still powerful enough and features I'd want like stereo speaker there is a Nexus 5 mod to replicate; and fully functioning Ambient display is available on CM CAF. I don't care about a camera, speaker, or display upgrade as the Nexus 5 is more than fine for me. I have a launch week device that is is mint condition minus a hairline crack by the SIM slot and I just put in a brand new OEM battery that was manufactured this January so I'm good for a while.
AndrasLOHF said:
At this point it would need to offer seriously better battery life for me to consider it. Spec wise the Nexus 5 is still powerful enough and features I'd want like stereo speaker there is a Nexus 5 mod to replicate; and fully functioning Ambient display is available on CM CAF. I don't care about a camera, speaker, or display upgrade as the Nexus 5 is more than fine for me. I have a launch week device that is is mint condition minus a hairline crack by the SIM slot and I just put in a brand new OEM battery that was manufactured this January so I'm good for a while.
Click to expand...
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+1. Bigger battery such as g2's 3000mah would be awesome
Damn, no announcement today
I will get one if i have 350€ left over. Probably wont happen, as I save for a motorcycle this summer. Maybe the Nexus 2016 or something next, altough its more of a "wanting" thing than a "needing".
Oh and if you all are so desperate for a battery only, you can get a Polarcell 2450 mah for way to much money (140€ in europe, simular $) or a bigger back with a big battery like 3800mah for 20€ or 20$.
xXDanielHDXx said:
I will get one if i have 350€ left over. Probably wont happen, as I save for a motorcycle this summer. Maybe the Nexus 2016 or something next, altough its more of a "wanting" thing than a "needing".
Oh and if you all are so desperate for a battery only, you can get a Polarcell 2450 mah for way to much money (140€ in europe, simular $) or a bigger back with a big battery like 3800mah for 20€ or 20$.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much SoT do users average with a polarcell
Nope, Project ARA if available.
beekay201 said:
Nope, Project ARA if available.
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Click to collapse
When is the release date on that?
dicecuber said:
When is the release date on that?
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You will probably be sporting the equivalent of a Nexus One if you are still using a Nexus 5 and wait until that is released.
Nexus 5 + LG 2 Battery > Any phone
What would make a phone better?
sasoq said:
Nexus 5 + LG 2 Battery > Any phone
What would make a phone better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better speakers, better camera, external SD......
It's a fine phone but to pretend it couldnt' be improved at all is a little silly.
if google change the camera app and improve the camera , yes i'll buy it why not ?
ali8383 said:
if google change the camera app and improve the camera , yes i'll buy it why not ?
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Android M seems to improve the camera, and it's only a matter of time before roms are released to make the experience on the nexus 5 even greater!
I worked for a well-known cell phone company, and let me just say the whole camera on the cellphone is just a gimmick companies use for buyers to buy their phones every year, along with other features but camera being near the top. It's the easiest way to attract the buyer. Seriously.
Expecting a great quality picture from a tiny micro camera is unrealistic. My advice for anyone who reads this, just use the phone as it's meant to be used and not for the gimmicks.
sasoq said:
I worked for a well-known cell phone company, and let me just say the whole camera on the cellphone is just a gimmick companies use for buyers to buy their phones every year, along with other features but camera being near the top. It's the easiest way to attract the buyer. Seriously.
Expecting a great quality picture from a tiny micro camera is unrealistic. My advice for anyone who reads this, just use the phone as it's meant to be used and not for the gimmicks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is silly. Everything a cell phone manufacturer puts in a phone is to attract a buyer, regardless if you label it as "gimmick." It's a useful feature that the vast majority of smartphone owners use regularly. Gimmicks are generally just to suck people in and then they're forgotten. It's pretty obvious if you've ever owned more than one phone that picture quality can vary wildly, and truly be acceptable for normal day-to-day use as a camera in most cases.

Were you waiting for the Pixel announcement to decide?

If so, what do you thing about the announcement today?
It pushed me closer towards the v20 personally, but I wonder what you guys think.
NB
biggnaa20 said:
If so, what do you thing about the announcement today?
It pushed me closer towards the v20 personally, but I wonder what you guys think.
NB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope!
The Pixel is not impressive at all to me. I want more in a phone that just takes a good photo.
bhagiratha said:
Nope!
The Pixel is not impressive at all to me. I want more in a phone that just takes a good photo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I love a good camera on my phone, I agree. I need a lot more to put down that much cash.
My V10 has been taken excellent photos. Can imagine the V20 will not disappoint.
Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk
No Pixel overpriced and outdated toys for me. Not in the same league as my Nexus6p or the V20!
The V20 is looking better everyday. Definitely not interested in the pixel xl disaster. I'll keep my Nexus 6p first.
Yeah, V20 looks better in almost every way. If Pixel had removable battery, expandable storage, didn't look like an iPhone, and was cheaper by $100 or so, I'd consider it over this phone. As the stands, the V20 is the phone to beat for me.
Pretty funny how the V20 is the first to ship with Android 7.0 and then the Pixel phones ship with 7.1... Sneaky Google.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA-Developers mobile app
PsiPhiDan said:
Pretty funny how the V20 is the first to ship with Android 7.0 and then the Pixel phones ship with 7.1... Sneaky Google.
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Neither one had shipped yet, "first" remains to be seen
Personally, waiting for V20.
I will say that my disappointment of the Pixel drove me to look for an alternative, which led me to this device. The V20 seems to have solid hardware and software, and I'm betting it's going to cost less than the Pixel, which in my book would make it the best flagship of the year. In any case, we'll find out soon enough.
papashex said:
Neither one had shipped yet, "first" remains to be seen
Personally, waiting for V20.
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Click to collapse
The V20 started shipping in Korea last month, so it is definitely the first.
Pixel priced me out. I have a 6p from them and it seems it's going to be abandon ware after just over a year in existence. I'm gonna get the v20 and just sit on the 6p as a backup phone or maybe sell it. Feel burned a bit by Google though.
???
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I'm betting there's not gonna be a preorder for the v20 since it's such a niche phone. I'm hoping for end of the month release
Sent from my SM-N930T using Tapatalk
david279 said:
Pixel priced me out. I have a 6p from them and it seems it's going to be abandon ware after just over a year in existence. I'm gonna get the v20 and just sit on the 6p as a backup phone or maybe sell it. Feel burned a bit by Google though.
???
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel ya,that's messed up that,although the 6P will get the 7.1 update,it's not cool to push the update(s) back,just for the Pixel line to grab top-billing (I'm 1st......)
JMHO,once you get your hands on a V20,it'll make you all but forget about the Nexus &/or Pixel line-up.
Timely updates are nice,but,I'll take the extra features that LG/Samsung/etc...... offer vs timely updates on stock Android.
I am considering the v20 pixel and the lates moto still undicided. One thing for certain has to be bootloader unlocked ....
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA-Developers mobile app
The critical function for me will be rootability, unlocked bootloader, and free wifi hotspot tethering on Verizon.
I have this on the L3, and that's where I will have to stay until I can move up and keep these.
I'm considering the V20 myself. The Pixel XL just couldn't come close to justifying the $300+ increase over what I paid for my 6P. Plus I'm also considering this for my wife and kids to get them off iPhone's, and with the Pixel that's complicated (as we're on T-Mobile with JUMP). So I will be paying very close attention to this once it is finally available. Though I am seriously considering taking a look at the Axon 7 as well.
Zaphon said:
I'm considering the V20 myself. The Pixel XL just couldn't come close to justifying the $300+ increase over what I paid for my 6P. Plus I'm also considering this for my wife and kids to get them off iPhone's, and with the Pixel that's complicated (as we're on T-Mobile with JUMP). So I will be paying very close attention to this once it is finally available. Though I am seriously considering taking a look at the Axon 7 as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Axon 7 is a great device for the most part. The software leaves a bit to be desired, but it may get better... it will get better once the official (from ZTE) CyanogenMod release for it comes out. Do be aware though, the camera is absolutely garbage in mid to low light. Daylight shots are mostly good and highly detailed, except for some bad edge lens softness. Also be aware that T-Mobile WiFi calling is still not released (who knows if it ever will be) and I'm not sure if VoLTE is working either.
Nitemare3219 said:
The Axon 7 is a great device for the most part. The software leaves a bit to be desired, but it may get better... it will get better once the official (from ZTE) CyanogenMod release for it comes out. Do be aware though, the camera is absolutely garbage in mid to low light. Daylight shots are mostly good and highly detailed, except for some bad edge lens softness. Also be aware that T-Mobile WiFi calling is still not released (who knows if it ever will be) and I'm not sure if VoLTE is working either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it looks like an amazing device. I've read about the issues with Signal Strength as well and is one of the reasons why I'm hesitant to do anything with it. Don't care about the Camera/WiFi Calling to be honest, and may/may not care about VoLTE. But definitely a step backwards from my 6P. Will have to wait and see how the V20 does, though I don't know if I can move to it (I'm really hung up on front facing stereo speakers now).
Zaphon said:
Yeah it looks like an amazing device. I've read about the issues with Signal Strength as well and is one of the reasons why I'm hesitant to do anything with it. Don't care about the Camera/WiFi Calling to be honest, and may/may not care about VoLTE. But definitely a step backwards from my 6P. Will have to wait and see how the V20 does, though I don't know if I can move to it (I'm really hung up on front facing stereo speakers now).
Click to expand...
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Totally forgot about that issue. Yes, it can be a problem. I did notice it had worse signal, but rarely to the point of impacting my usage negatively. This will vary based on where you live. If you're out in the boonies and rely on 1 bar on service constantly, certainly do not gamble with it until they fix it (if they can)... or buy one from somewhere that you can easily return it if it doesn't work out.
Nitemare3219 said:
Totally forgot about that issue. Yes, it can be a problem. I did notice it had worse signal, but rarely to the point of impacting my usage negatively. This will vary based on where you live. If you're out in the boonies and rely on 1 bar on service constantly, certainly do not gamble with it until they fix it (if they can)... or buy one from somewhere that you can easily return it if it doesn't work out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, not sure whether or not it will affect me. I live in Los Angeles, and both at work and home I get 60-110Mbit LTE, but I do occasionally visit an area where even my 6P barely works (while my wife's iPhone just keeps ticking along).

Personal Note to Andy Android...

Sir - you have 15 days from the date of receipt of my phone (business days) to make that much-touted camera work like it should. Otherwise, I, like the rest of my early-adopter brethren, will be RMA'ing these phones in record numbers. You have been warned.
UPDATE: I have asked for and received an RMA box (headed my way). The only reason wasn't the camera, but it was the major one. The B&W camera alone is pretty awesome. If I felt I could trust Essential to make fixing the camera a top priority, I'd probably keep it and wait, but after careful consideration, I can always get 100% of my dough back now, and if I see they have made the camera function to the flagship level, I will re-buy at a later time. I want to love it just like everyone else... but $749 out of pocket sitting in a box waiting... not my style.
rootdude said:
Sir - you have 15 days from the date of receipt of my phone (business days) to make that much-touted camera work like it should. Otherwise, I, like the rest of my early-adopter brethren, will be RMA'ing these phones in record numbers. You have been warned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Meh, camera isn't a deal breaker for me and I imagine it's the same for some others.
Sent from my Mi Note 2 using Tapatalk
rootdude said:
Sir - you have 15 days from the date of receipt of my phone (business days) to make that much-touted camera work like it should. Otherwise, I, like the rest of my early-adopter brethren, will be RMA'ing these phones in record numbers. You have been warned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow.. Dont put words in my mouth. He doesnt speak for me Andy.
Just return it day 1 and go get something else.
Side note; am wondering if they might be pretty dialed in on user feedback for updates. Not counting on it, but since they're small and it runs stock, it might be pretty quick to get fixes.
Full disclosure : I have not orfered a device yet, and am looking closely at this one and the Nokia 8.
I hope they release an awesome update for the camera. On day 16.
skw5115 said:
Meh, camera isn't a deal breaker for me and I imagine it's the same for some others.
Sent from my Mi Note 2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep same here. Camera is down on my list of priorities.
charlatan01 said:
Wow.. Dont put words in my mouth. He doesnt speak for me Andy.
Just return it day 1 and go get something else.
Side note; am wondering if they might be pretty dialed in on user feedback for updates. Not counting on it, but since they're small and it runs stock, it might be pretty quick to get fixes.
Full disclosure : I have not orfered a device yet, and am looking closely at this one and the Nokia 8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want the Nokia 8 more than the ph-1 but don't know when or if it will come to the US. So I ordered the ph-1
Sent from my Alcatel_5054O using Tapatalk
ack154 said:
I hope they release an awesome update for the camera. On day 16.
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This!
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
bricky23 said:
I want the Nokia 8 more than the ph-1 but don't know when or if it will come to the US. So I ordered the ph-1
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Thats what clove is for ?. Im not interested in waiting for the 9, or whatever the US version might be. The nicest feature of the essential is the screen to form factor ratio.
I can't believe people make their phone purchase decisions solely on camera performance and shipping time. It's a daily use device that you'll own for at least a year. You should look at the bigger picture. Case in point is the phone camera. Its not like people are post-processing RAW images at home. They just want a colorful, saturated image that "pops".
superchilpil said:
This!
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
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He can always buy the phone again if that's the case [emoji16]
It's not like some update comes after he returns the phone which makes it the best camera and he can't buy the phone again.
Kay1000RR said:
I can't believe people make their phone purchase decisions solely on camera performance and shipping time. It's a daily use device that you'll own for at least a year. You should look at the bigger picture. Case in point is the phone camera. Its not like people are post-processing RAW images at home. They just want a colorful, saturated image that "pops".
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Exactly. Some are cancelling because they didn't get the FedEx tracking today. LOL!
I have the Sony XA that uses the same sensor as the PH-1 so the photo quality to me is good enough for quick shots. Having the monochrome to improve the photo is a bonus. For anything else, I use my pocketable Sony RX-100 M4 anyway or DSLR for more serious photography.
LastQuark said:
Exactly. Some are cancelling because they didn't get the FedEx tracking today. LOL!
I have the Sony XA that uses the same sensor as the PH-1 so the photo quality to me is good enough for quick shots. Having the monochrome to improve the photo is a bonus. For anything else, I use my pocketable Sony RX-100 M4 anyway or DSLR for more serious photography.
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My problem is not the shipping delay, but the pure lack of any communication.
Now, the camera is not and has never been a deal breaker for me.
I have a Samsung NX300 as my throw around. I keep it in the backpack or in the car.
For serious stuff I have a Canon 7D and a 7D MkII.
The camera on a phone is a last resort and mostly for product pics for things I don't want to forget.
Kay1000RR said:
I can't believe people make their phone purchase decisions solely on camera performance and shipping time. It's a daily use device that you'll own for at least a year. You should look at the bigger picture. Case in point is the phone camera. Its not like people are post-processing RAW images at home. They just want a colorful, saturated image that "pops".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I passed on the phone specifically for this reason. I have a great camera on my Pixel. But we recently had a baby and there's no way I'm getting a kinda crappy camera on my phone while she's growing up. Sure, a good DSLR will outperform even my Pixel but as the old photographer's saying goes, "The best camera is the one you have on you." And that means my phone the far majority of the time.
Before our little one, I didn't care at all about camera quality. But now it's incredibly important, if not one of the most important things.
I'm not trying to change your mind or convince you of anything. Just giving you some perspective on why some, or at least I, will be passing on this phone. I can either get another great phone with a great camera (or keep my Pixel) so I can photograph more precious moments with my daughter, or I can get a phone with a mediocre camera and miss some of those precious moments. That's worth passing on this phone to me. None of the other issues with this phone are a problem for me, but the camera is a deal breaker.
Looks to me like Andy Android has been paying attention. According to Android Central, Essential has dropped THREE updates focused on camera refinements and the pictures they posted today look a damn shot better than they did at first. Clearly. there is a ton of work they can do to improve the post processing through software, so I'm going to give it a long, strong chance to make the cut before I have to return it. I'm a black and white buff since I was in HS, and I really wanted the P10 just because of the dedicated sensor... but I also wanted premium materials... so if this phone can aesthetically hit the right notes and take damn good pics while doing it, I may be selling my full on Sammy Gear Collection and going with this one as daily driver. I'm hopeful now at least. Been waiting for a clean beast like this for ages. Am I climbing back on the bandwagon?
You don't speak for everyone, I will infact be keeping this phone. The camera is the very last thing I consider when purchasing a phone.
It's called a personal note for a reason - I wouldn't choose to speak for you if you paid me. Maybe you can get one of those cameraless flip phones sounds like that's more your speed.
bricky23 said:
I want the Nokia 8 more than the ph-1 but don't know when or if it will come to the US. So I ordered the ph-1
Sent from my Alcatel_5054O using Tapatalk
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Doesn't the Nokia 8 have the same sensor as the Essential?
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
markwebb said:
Doesn't the Nokia 8 have the same sensor as the Essential?
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but the 8 has OIS so it performs better
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
rootdude said:
It's called a personal note for a reason - I wouldn't choose to speak for you if you paid me. Maybe you can get one of those cameraless flip phones sounds like that's more your speed.
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I am an early adopter and you literally said we will all be RMA'ing this phone if there isnt a camera fix in 15 days. That is in fact speaking for more than just yourself.
ack154 said:
I hope they release an awesome update for the camera. On day 16.
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Yup!

Pixel xl vs essential

Anyone make the switch? To be honest, I'm still very happy with my pixel xl. Camera is relevant and the ux/ui performance is still top notch.
I'm thinking this would be a side-grade and not really an upgrade?
Sent from my LG-H932 using Tapatalk
I just picked up an Essential to replace an HTC 10. For me, I was looking at used Pixel XL's (128GB) and new Essential Phone since they're around the same pricepoint.
What came down to it for me was the Snapdragon 835, new/fresh battery, and probably less warranty issues with a brand new phone.
I have a Nexus 6p and I bought an Essential phone and I'm selling the Essential because the camera quality was poorer (even with g cam trying optimizing it, pictures have a slight yellow hue and the picture is a little bit less sharp, while the Nexus 6p often have the best colors right off the bat) and the passage from AMOLED back to LCD was meh. Plus you gonna still have the update faster if you stick to the Pixel. But the build quality is fantastic.
cityle said:
Plus you gonna still have the update faster if you stick to the Pixel. But the build quality is fantastic.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, the Pixel got the November update on Monday. We had to wait until Tuesday.
spotmark said:
Yeah, the Pixel got the November update on Monday. We had to wait until Tuesday.
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But there is still no Oreo, while i have it on my Nexus 6p since September (and I need the LDAC support of Oreo)
spotmark said:
Yeah, the Pixel got the November update on Monday. We had to wait until Tuesday.
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Yeah, I was surprised how quickly essential got that out. But I think he is also referring to os updates. I'm running 8.1 on my pixel. It'll be a while before essential pushes that out.
Sent from my LG-H932 using Tapatalk
I sold my pixel for the essential.
The pixel camera app is much quicker and more reliable than essentials. As far as picture quality goes, indoors, when trying to capture more fine details the Pixel camera definitely wins. In good lighting and outdoors I can't tell a difference between the 2.
In terms of everything else the essential is better. Build quality and materials are better. More storage for less money. Performance is better on the essential. The essential is easier to tote around and use one handed because the bezels are smaller. If it wasn't for essential taking so long to improve the camera app then I would say it is the best smartphone experience I have had. And I have had a lot. Like over 20 easily.
Also I went through 6 pixels. The first one had paint chipping issues like nothing I have ever seen. The second one had a faulty speaker. The third one had radio issues. The 4th had fast charge issues. The 5th had issues with overheating to the point where I couldn't hold the device. And I am not a heavy user. And the 6th I sold as soon as it came in.
ryaleon87 said:
I sold my pixel for the essential.
The pixel camera app is much quicker and more reliable than essentials. As far as picture quality goes, indoors, when trying to capture more fine details the Pixel camera definitely wins. In good lighting and outdoors I can't tell a difference between the 2.
In terms of everything else the essential is better. Build quality and materials are better. More storage for less money. Performance is better on the essential. The essential is easier to tote around and use one handed because the bezels are smaller. If it wasn't for essential taking so long to improve the camera app then I would say it is the best smartphone experience I have had. And I have had a lot. Like over 20 easily.
Also I went through 6 pixels. The first one had paint chipping issues like nothing I have ever seen. The second one had a faulty speaker. The third one had radio issues. The 4th had fast charge issues. The 5th had issues with overheating to the point where I couldn't hold the device. And I am not a heavy user. And the 6th I sold as soon as it came in.
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Which pixel did you have?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Xl
ryaleon87 said:
Xl
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Original or 2nd gen? I had my earpiece speaker blow on my og xl.. had it bl unlocked but it was a Verizon model.. replacement from google had updated bl so i couldnt unlocked and i dumped it.. pre-order 2 xl.. then cancelled a few days before it shipped because of all of the screen issues.....my ph-1 will be here Monday.. cant wait
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
The original. I thought about getting the Pixel 2 but the high price and screen issues keeps me away. If a phone cost nearly $1000 it better be perfect.
I think I ended up with the Essential Phone partly by choice and partly by accident. I'm a Sprint customer. My old Galaxy S5 was broken, I needed a phone that was cheap, as up to date as possible, and available NOW. That was early September. The PH-1 was by far the cheapest option for me to buy through Sprint.
There's a lot to love and a lot to hate. The camera app has gotten better but won't be winning any awards pretty much ever. That said, it's decent. The phone's form factor is small, which means it can fit into a pocket where a Pixel XL won't. As a longtime Samsung owner I love the pure android ability to get rid of bloat, but I'm used to a much more reliable experience and a much better looking screen. I love the huge screen on a tiny phone, but LCD is just so pedestrian at this point. I was always running out of internal space on my Samsung, so it's awesome to have 128GB internal. It's annoying that SD card support and phone jack weren't included. It's probably the best looking phone out there right now, which is kinda cool. Sadly, it's very buggy. It loses connection with my android watch and I've had to completely wipe and reconnect it a few times already. There is no "press the _____ button" to activate Google Assistant" option (as least not that I know of) which is a bit of a downer. Voice recognition is super buggy. The phone says it's listening, but you have to wait of few seconds because it will miss the first few words you say. It also takes about 5 words voice-to-text, then just simply stops taking/writing anymore words. You have to cancel and hit the microphone icon again to get it another 5 words , wash rinse repeat. The touchscreen tends to be unresponsive. It's gotten a bit better since the last patch, but it's still not great. It would have been nice if the fingerprint scanner doubled as a home button like LG does. Finding a case for the Essential Phone was a nightmare, but they're pretty easy to find now. The phone SHOULD BE one of the fastest phones on the market, but instead it's laggy. And one of the biggest reasons to get the Essential Phone -- clip on modules -- is kindof a nothingburger at this point. Honestly, I wish I could have held out for an LG V30+, but it wasn't out yet.
i'm also hesitating...
Just to chime in I got this coming from the pixel, not XL. I really like this phone, especially on the 8.1 beta. Its a great little handset, feels awesome, much better battery than anything Google has, and very snappy. I also had wicked issues flashing anything on my pixel. No trouble so far with the essential for me.
Jank4AU said:
Just to chime in I got this coming from the pixel, not XL. I really like this phone, especially on the 8.1 beta. Its a great little handset, feels awesome, much better battery than anything Google has, and very snappy. I also had wicked issues flashing anything on my pixel. No trouble so far with the essential for me.
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What do you think about the photo and video?
ggh95 said:
What do you think about the photo and video?
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Despite all the negative press, the pictures aren't bad. Their not as good as the pixel, true, but I don't use a phone as my main source for high quality pictures. I know many folks do simply because they always have their phone on them. The bottom line is, no one is going to look at a picture you took with this phone and think, "ew, did your 5-year old draw that?" It works just fine.
I heard about this phone early this year did some research and decided to buy it from Amazon on Jan 24th. I came from a Galaxy S6 and it was a good phone (battery was getting bad) but this phone is head and shoulders better! Especially now that we are running the Oreo B8.1! It is super stable and smooth much more than my old Galaxy S6. I was thinking of trying the Oneplus 5t or maybe the new Huawei Mate 10 pro but I am not sure I will be any happier. Never had the Pixel or 2 If they looked this good I'd buy tomorrow!
ggh95 said:
What do you think about the photo and video?
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with gcam its very good but very bad stabilization for videos
sabi95190 said:
with gcam its very good but very bad stabilization for videos
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What app has good stabilization?
Tech180 said:
What app has good stabilization?
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gcam

Adios Pixel Phones

I've had all of the Pixel XL phones since they first were released and was hoping for a nice upgrade with the Pixel 5. After seeing the specs/hardware it unfortunately looks like I'll be searching for something different now, I'm pretty disappointed to say the least.
Let's see if anyone cares...
TokedUp said:
Let's see if anyone cares...
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Savage
i42o said:
Savage
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That's not how you spell childish.
He is right, though. They slashed most of the features, only slightly toned the price down and now we have a phone without real purpose or usage. Its too expensive for its features, much more expensive than the already decent 4a/4a 5g (but costs double/much more) and cannot be considered an upgrade to the pixel 4 (xl). I wonder.
Morgrain said:
He is right, though. They slashed most of the features, only slightly toned the price down and now we have a phone without real purpose or usage. Its too expensive for its features, much more expensive than the already decent 4a/4a 5g (but costs double/much more) and cannot be considered an upgrade to the pixel 4 (xl). I wonder.
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Exactly, maybe $550 would be a more fair price $599 max, it's essentially Google's take on the nord and that's what $450?
@airmax23,
What features or specs were you looking for that the Pixel 5 didn't have?
Acreo Aeneas said:
@airmax23,
What features or specs were you looking for that the Pixel 5 didn't have?
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Better CPU
Larger screen
Face Unlock - I know that many people did not like it, but I did.
Bye.
Comes with Bose headphones and in smaller packaging, that's me sold.
BJozi said:
Bye.
Comes with Bose headphones and in smaller packaging, that's me sold.
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I was saying "bye" to the Pixel phones, not you.
BJozi said:
Bye.
Comes with Bose headphones and in smaller packaging, that's me sold.
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Correction
Bye Felicia
Morgrain said:
He is right, though. They slashed most of the features, only slightly toned the price down and now we have a phone without real purpose or usage. Its too expensive for its features, much more expensive than the already decent 4a/4a 5g (but costs double/much more) and cannot be considered an upgrade to the pixel 4 (xl). I wonder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They pretty much screwed US users with the pricing, unfortunately. In other countries you're looking at the equivalent of $600-650 with $200 of included free stuff.
Not saying it's cheap or even particularly affordable in the other countries, but at least it doesn't feel like you're getting reamed quite as hard.
The purpose, though? Well, it's a mid-range phone with sufficient RAM and storage and an ultrawide camera with Google's software. Wireless charging, hopefully some decent battery life and a bright display. That fixes a lot of the stuff that was annoying about the Pixel 4 (tiny battery, dim display, and no ultrawide camera pretty much made the Pixel 4 a non-starter for me, ESPECIALLY at the flagship price it was commanding back then).
If you don't mind the 6GB of RAM, you can save some cash and just buy the 4a 5G (or even the 4a if you don't need an ultrawide). They've fixed all the crap that was wrong with the Pixel 4 and have offered a range of price points... sure, they've also made mistakes and left a bunch of stuff out, but the MAJOR stuff is there (like the display you can actually use outdoors in sunlight).
airmaxx23 said:
I've had all of the Pixel XL phones since they first were released and was hoping for a nice upgrade with the Pixel 5. After seeing the specs/hardware it unfortunately looks like I'll be searching for something different now, I'm pretty disappointed to say the least.
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Bye, we are not going to miss you ...
gogol said:
Bye, we are not going to miss you ...
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Such a witty, well thought out response, thank you for contributing.
Imagine being that much of a narcissistic person you open a thread on a forum announcing that you don't buy a specific phone
LISTEN EVERYBODY, LOOK AT ME!
I'm not buying glasses because I don't have bad eyesight
Still patiently and blissfully waiting to see if anybody cares...
Madcat8686 said:
Still patiently and blissfully waiting to see if anybody cares...
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I care.. there is a hate thread.. find it and post there. We don't need another.
Not you.. sorry.
airmaxx23 said:
I've had all of the Pixel XL phones since they first were released and was hoping for a nice upgrade with the Pixel 5. After seeing the specs/hardware it unfortunately looks like I'll be searching for something different now, I'm pretty disappointed to say the least.
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Click to collapse
I'm totally with you. I was considering something different as well but what? I'm sure not going to put up with a Samsung phone and I'm definitely not going to switch to an iPhone. I want that pure Google software experience. Not really any other good choice.
jimv1983 said:
I'm totally with you. I was considering something different as well but what? I'm sure not going to put up with a Samsung phone and I'm definitely not going to switch to an iPhone. I want that pure Google software experience. Not really any other good choice.
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It's good to see someone with a brain respond in this thread. My last Samsung phone was the Note 4 and I actually really liked it. I ended up getting a Note 20 Ultra 5G afew days ago and I'm really impressed with it. It's faster/ smoother than the Pixel 4XL and has a bigger/ brighter screen. It's also now possible to root the Verizon Note 20 Ultra which I'll probably do in a few days.
airmaxx23 said:
I've had all of the Pixel XL phones since they first were released and was hoping for a nice upgrade with the Pixel 5. After seeing the specs/hardware it unfortunately looks like I'll be searching for something different now, I'm pretty disappointed to say the least.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pixels are not for the weak hearted. If you want to just use social media and play games, get a Samsung or an iPhone.
If you want cutting edge development, get the Pixel.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk

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