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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.
I, like most of you, was waiting impatiently for this device for the past few weeks. I was given a retail model on Thursday early and wanted to let my thoughts after 48 hours.
I have to say I haven't been this disappointed in a phone in a while. While the phone is a looker, fundamentals are quite lacking.
Battery life - Same as the S7 and that's not a good thing. Has the same inconsistent issues of quick drains while running idle. As an example, was working on my house yesterday for roughly 4 hours and left the phone down with out being touched. Left it at 90% and came back at 74%. Again no usage. I have 3 other Android phones with more apps running and this doesn't happen except on Samsung. They will never change in this regard. Every year I have hope and get sucked into buying one. Same results.
Fingerprint sensor- I was one of the people that thought all the complaining was unwarranted about the fingerprint sensor placement. I thought this is just an issue for certain people with finger dexterity issues or just looking for something to complain about. Boy was I wrong. It's actually worse! It works maybe75% of the time and that is only using my right hand. Forget about the left hand.. way too awkward and difficult to do with one hand. At first, I thought no biggie, I'll just use face scanning or supplement with Iris scanning. Face scanning again is hit and miss and forget about Iris scanning if you are anywhere outside of bright light. I had the note 7 and that seemed to work a ton better. Maybe a software fix coming? Back to the fingerprint issue.. Samsung Pay doesn't even come preloaded on the phone! Why?!?! Because the NFC chip is on back so have fun using the sensor and holding it to a pay device. I was perplexed how this was a main selling point with the s and note series of last year and how it couldn't be preloaded. Hell it is on the gear S3. I used it 3 times yesterday at 3 different stores. I had to hold the phone upside down and the back facing the terminal. Picture that for a second... Holding your finger on a sensor which is located on the back and also having to have the back of the phone facing the CC reader at the same time. It's unreal. It's absolutely crazy that they threw this phone with the sensor placement at last minute and gathered...Oh yeah how are they going to use Pay? Ah just don't preload it and we won't get so many complaints. If you think I'm full of it.. go try it.
As mentioned with unlocking with the fingerprint, the new home button is virtually useless. I am trying to understand why they are trying to reinvent the wheel and not just use the tried and true method that every Android manufacturer has used for the past few years. It takes a ridiculous amount of time to unlock this phone. Too many steps.touch the side button or home button, wait for face unlock to work and if it doesn't then do finger gynastics with the fingerprint sensor. Seriously I wind up just using pattern after both fail. I use my V20 as my DD and it's 100% unlocking with the fingerprint on one touch Everytime. What the [email protected]#&$ were you thinking Samsung?
Audio - I love music and media and I am a wanna be audiophile. The headphone jack output and sound is no better than the S7. Lower output than most phones and music has a tight soundstage. Sound is tinny and missing elements you would hear on other high end phones. The Bluetooth audio is actually better but that was the same as the S7. It's nothing to write home about to be honest. I knew it wasn't going to be V20 quality but I was hoping for better with the akg tuning and Harmon partnership.Maybe those changes will come to the note 8?
Not all is bad with the phone, I love the screen and how I missed wireless charging! But there are fundamental ergonomic design issues that make this phone clumsy to use day to day. It's like you have to think to unlock it instead of it being second nature. People will see what I mean when they get their device. It feels like Samsung rushed again to market a product. I am praying that the note 8 is the next big thing.
sillyphillie said:
It feels like Samsung rushed again to market a product.
I am praying that the note 8 is the next big thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is this "rushed"? Samsung has had a full year since last year's Galaxy S7, and all the manufacturers have a team actually start working on the NEXT release before they launch the current one. So, OVER a year.
Are you suggesting Samsung do what Apple does? Release a new phone EVERY TWO YEARS? And then the ones in between are just to fix what they screwed up? iPhone 4S = iPhone 4 antenna fiasco fix.
And as for "big", the Notes are TOO big. I will never own a Note phablet.
Just giving my take. This phone is definitely not ready for prime time in my opinion. RAM management is also an issue I forgot to list but that has always been an issue with Samsung so nothing to see here on that. Knew that coming in. Just disappointed they didn't do much to address. Again these are my opinions.
Camera is definitely improved though... Sweet shots I'm getting.
Samsung pay didn't come preloaded in my Verizon S7 Edge, I had to download it. But I do see what you're saying about paying with your fingerprint. But I, myself, have the gear S3 so feel there's no need to use Samsung pay on my phone since the watch does it.
sillyphillie said:
Just giving my take. This phone is definitely not ready for prime time in my opinion. RAM management is also an issue I forgot to list but that has always been an issue with Samsung so nothing to see here on that. Knew that coming in. Just disappointed they didn't do much to address. Again these are my opinions.
Camera is definitely improved though... Sweet shots I'm getting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may not be ready for Prime Time, but they had plenty of time. Any design failures is on Samsung -- their skill set, their design/manufacturing expertise.
Whereas "rushed" is like Google's 2016 Pixel with the HUGE bezels because Huawei turned them down for a Google Pixel phone with no manufacturer branding, and they had to go to HTC and use a re-purposed frame HTC already had -- and they only had 9 months to design/test/release a phone. THAT is "rushed". They couldn't even make it waterproof like they wanted because they ran out of time.
The Pixel and Pixel XL aren’t waterproof because Google ‘ran out of time’
http://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-xl-waterproof-724120/
According to Pierce, when he asked Google why its phone isn’t waterproof, its response was, rather simply: “We ran out of time”.
Pierce states that the development cycle for the smartphone was uncharacteristically short, reportedly “nine months and a week” from design to launch, as Google abandoned its original plans for the phone at the end of 2015.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung has no such excuses, unless you are just saying they are incompetent.
I completely agree hence why I sold my pixel months ago. I'm not saying other manufacturers aren't rushing either. Just making a note that Samsung is as well. Anyway.. my take as someone who has the phone already. Hoping software fixes some of the concerns. But that fingerprint sensor and Samsung pay is there to stay.
ChazzMatt said:
Whereas "rushed" is like Google's 2016 Pixel with the HUGE bezels because Huawei turned them down for a Google Pixel phone with no manufacturer branding, and they had to go to HTC and use a re-purposed frame HTC already had
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Come on its a brand new design... http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=8346&idPhone2=8297
Any phone coming out after the s8 and g6 with ugly ass bezels will be dead on arrival, lets see if htc has enough time to shrink those bezel's.
Re: Samsung pay, there are more than a few phones with rear fingerprint scanners and NFC chips that have been out for some time. I've never found this an issue nor have I heard complaints like this. As of right now the technology you're longing for (a front facing under the screen fingerprint scanner, since that's the only feasible alternative with the infinity display) simply hasn't been released. Unfortunately, the reality is it's these shortcomings that are debatably left out (intentionally?) to keep interest in the next iteration and keep overhead down. Hence why we never get the perfect smart phone. I'll you know when I get the device but I assume it's no different then the others: shiny, new, with some improvements, likely the best phone out, but still short of the perfect phone. (Never get too high of expectations, these companies are here to be profitable) I had the G6 all of 2 days before I was left unimpressed, hopefully that's not the case with the S8.
Oh well take my money. Thanks for the write up!
---------- Post added at 05:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:53 AM ----------
peachpuff said:
Come on its a brand new design... http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=8346&idPhone2=8297
Any phone coming out after the s8 and g6 with ugly ass bezels will be dead on arrival, lets see if htc has enough time to shrink those bezel's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC is screwed if the renditions/leaks are accurate. Still has same general design and big ol bezels
sillyphillie said:
I, like most of you, was waiting impatiently for this device for the past few weeks. I was given a retail model on Thursday early and wanted to let my thoughts after 48 hours.
I have to say I haven't been this disappointed in a phone in a while. While the phone is a looker, fundamentals are quite lacking.
Battery life - Same as the S7 and that's not a good thing. Has the same inconsistent issues of quick drains while running idle. As an example, was working on my house yesterday for roughly 4 hours and left the phone down with out being touched. Left it at 90% and came back at 74%. Again no usage. I have 3 other Android phones with more apps running and this doesn't happen except on Samsung. They will never change in this regard. Every year I have hope and get sucked into buying one. Same results.
Fingerprint sensor- I was one of the people that thought all the complaining was unwarranted about the fingerprint sensor placement. I thought this is just an issue for certain people with finger dexterity issues or just looking for something to complain about. Boy was I wrong. It's actually worse! It works maybe75% of the time and that is only using my right hand. Forget about the left hand.. way too awkward and difficult to do with one hand. At first, I thought no biggie, I'll just use face scanning or supplement with Iris scanning. Face scanning again is hit and miss and forget about Iris scanning if you are anywhere outside of bright light. I had the note 7 and that seemed to work a ton better. Maybe a software fix coming? Back to the fingerprint issue.. Samsung Pay doesn't even come preloaded on the phone! Why?!?! Because the NFC chip is on back so have fun using the sensor and holding it to a pay device. I was perplexed how this was a main selling point with the s and note series of last year and how it couldn't be preloaded. Hell it is on the gear S3. I used it 3 times yesterday at 3 different stores. I had to hold the phone upside down and the back facing the terminal. Picture that for a second... Holding your finger on a sensor which is located on the back and also having to have the back of the phone facing the CC reader at the same time. It's unreal. It's absolutely crazy that they threw this phone with the sensor placement at last minute and gathered...Oh yeah how are they going to use Pay? Ah just don't preload it and we won't get so many complaints. If you think I'm full of it.. go try it.
As mentioned with unlocking with the fingerprint, the new home button is virtually useless. I am trying to understand why they are trying to reinvent the wheel and not just use the tried and true method that every Android manufacturer has used for the past few years. It takes a ridiculous amount of time to unlock this phone. Too many steps.touch the side button or home button, wait for face unlock to work and if it doesn't then do finger gynastics with the fingerprint sensor. Seriously I wind up just using pattern after both fail. I use my V20 as my DD and it's 100% unlocking with the fingerprint on one touch Everytime. What the [email protected]#&$ were you thinking Samsung?
Audio - I love music and media and I am a wanna be audiophile. The headphone jack output and sound is no better than the S7. Lower output than most phones and music has a tight soundstage. Sound is tinny and missing elements you would hear on other high end phones. The Bluetooth audio is actually better but that was the same as the S7. It's nothing to write home about to be honest. I knew it wasn't going to be V20 quality but I was hoping for better with the akg tuning and Harmon partnership.Maybe those changes will come to the note 8?
Not all is bad with the phone, I love the screen and how I missed wireless charging! But there are fundamental ergonomic design issues that make this phone clumsy to use day to day. It's like you have to think to unlock it instead of it being second nature. People will see what I mean when they get their device. It feels like Samsung rushed again to market a product. I am praying that the note 8 is the next big thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never used a fingerprint scanner or whatever on a phone, just good old passcode/pattern. It blows my mind people getting all uppity (no you, people in general) over a freaking unlock method to their phone. It's like a new Porsche/Mercedes and instead of talking about its performance people get all hung up on the palm sensor to unlock the door all the while they have the keys. Phones are all about the screen and apps, etc. Who gives a hoot about a stupid fingerprint sensor.
i plan to use samsung pay with Pin instead of fingerprint since it' on the back
Should we cancel our pre-orders then? I'd be more than happy to stick with my Note 4 than pay £55 a month for the next 2 years.
The funny thing about this bezel less design is I really think it's more beauty than function. Maybe it's the bezel less combined with the edge display but I feel less secure with this phone. I have a gs7 and lgv20 I keep referencing back to and when you are out and about the flat display lends to more secure in the hand feel. Maybe even more comfort.
Every year we hear how awesome a phone is from MWC through the first round of reviews. I'm really wanting to know what the consensus will be on this phone. The LG G6 was a darling when announced now the shine has come way off and people are finding out the size and feel are not what's it's cracked up to be. I'm going to give this phone more time and hope it grows on me.
The Phone Company said:
Should we cancel our pre-orders then? I'd be more than happy to stick with my Note 4 than pay £55 a month for the next 2 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
everyone's got a different opinion... i am still happy to proceed with my s8 plus, and keep in mind... these folks complainin abt battery life are the US models running SD... and we've got exynos
Is Exnos a more thrifty battery chip?
I will get the EU model in any case.
I've either cognitively dissonated myself into loving this phone, or it is really quite good. The official camera fix did some good and leaves open the good possibility that further refining will yield a great result, or I'll stick with the progress being made on the GCam port and use the native app for great monochrome shots (I love the B&W sensor and it is EXCELLENT). That said, no cases... I guess no problem - I ordered some SquareTrade insurance coverage today - if it drops or dies, they'll replace it for a hundred beans - I can handle that kind of coverage...
I'm not seeing the same quality defects others are reporting with their handsets (light bleed, TMOB signal issues, etc.) so either I got a keeper or others are being overly sensitive (nothing personal guys).
I asked for and will likely receive a return package, but I think I'll be sending it back empty. Sorry for the trouble Essential, but you are in my daily carry category now - my S8+ will stay ready for outdoor action as needed (water resistance, etc).
The aesthetics are what has done it for me... Maybe you feel the same? The feeling I get holding and using the Essential do indeed remind me of the first day with the OG iPhone - only ten years better. Hell - I still have some great pics I took with that lousy 2MP, fixed focus, no flash shooter from 2007 on my drive.
Anyway, just one man's changed opinion. If it grew on you too, please post your thoughts. I'm interested to know how many others have now caved.
rootdude said:
I've either cognitively dissonated myself into loving this phone, or it is really quite good. The official camera fix did some good and leaves open the good possibility that further refining will yield a great result, or I'll stick with the progress being made on the GCam port and use the native app for great monochrome shots (I love the B&W sensor and it is EXCELLENT). That said, no cases... I guess no problem - I ordered some SquareTrade insurance coverage today - if it drops or dies, they'll replace it for a hundred beans - I can handle that kind of coverage...
I'm not seeing the same quality defects others are reporting with their handsets (light bleed, TMOB signal issues, etc.) so either I got a keeper or others are being overly sensitive (nothing personal guys).
I asked for and will likely receive a return package, but I think I'll be sending it back empty. Sorry for the trouble Essential, but you are in my daily carry category now - my S8+ will stay ready for outdoor action as needed (water resistance, etc).
The aesthetics are what has done it for me... Maybe you feel the same? The feeling I get holding and using the Essential do indeed remind me of the first day with the OG iPhone - only ten years better. Hell - I still have some great pics I took with that lousy 2MP, fixed focus, no flash shooter from 2007 on my drive.
Anyway, just one man's changed opinion. If it grew on you too, please post your thoughts. I'm interested to know how many others have now caved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really want to like it, I'm trying real hard.
The performance sucks and is not faster than a Moto Z with a Snapdragon 821.
This phone does some really aggressive thermal throttling.
This bothers me.
I really want to like it.
I kind of came to the same conclusion the other day. Software can always be improved with updates, and there's not another phone out there built with better materials. It looks, feels, and is, an upscale phone.
tech_head said:
I really want to like it, I'm trying real hard.
The performance sucks and is not faster than a Moto Z with a Snapdragon 821.
This phone does some really aggressive thermal throttling.
This bothers me.
I really want to like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm interested to hear what you know about thermal throttling. I'm a power user and I play Royale like an idiot and I haven't even felt it get warm, nor do I see the incredible battery drain I see with other devices I've played on in the past (the Pixel XL was the worst for that power drain). Do you have CPUZ installed on it and can get some screenies of the throttling b/c of overheat conditions?
rootdude said:
I'm interested to hear what you know about thermal throttling. I'm a power user and I play Royale like an idiot and I haven't even felt it get warm, nor do I see the incredible battery drain I see with other devices I've played on in the past (the Pixel XL was the worst for that power drain). Do you have CPUZ installed on it and can get some screenies of the throttling b/c of overheat conditions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see/feel the phone get hot. That's the point, before it even gets hot the CPU gets throttled.
If I artificially cool the device or I'm in a cold environment; I can run Antutu and get close to the Qualcomm numbers for their reference platform in the 178k range. I can do that only in a cold environment. If the device is in a warm room the performance drops to 160k or so. If the room is hot or if I try to run again the performance can drop to 150k. I have seen the results drop to below 120k.
Geek bench scores are somewhat better but not great.
1900 single core and 6000 multicore.
The renderscript score is about 8000. Which puts in 33% behind an iPhone 7.
The software grew on me as more mods and ADB tweaks come out...but every time I decide to keep it and slap a skin of the back I find new scratches. Now I even have a scratch on the finish on the titanium. No clue where any of these came from. I haven't had a scratch on a phone in years... I upgrade every few months and always sell my phones mint on Swappa. I've had this a week and it's already scratched to ****. I love the look and feel and I'm happy with the software now but man..it's getting destroyed.
NeutronBomb said:
The software grew on me as more mods and ADB tweaks come out...but every time I decide to keep it and slap a skin of the back I find new scratches. Now I even have a scratch on the finish on the titanium. No clue where any of these came from. I haven't had a scratch on a phone in years... I upgrade every few months and always sell my phones mint on Swappa. I've had this a week and it's already scratched to ****. I love the look and feel and I'm happy with the software now but man..it's getting destroyed.
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Interesting. Mine still looks like it just came out of the box, and it even took a 4 foot tumble to my bathroom floor the other day.
So I hope the new update improves performance.
Right now if the phone gets to an internal temp of 44C it will throttle to less than half the maximum frequency.
This puts the performance, when warm, behind and LG G4, Samsung Galaxy S6 and my old Nexus 6P.
Not happy.
I'm battling the decision now. I'm still in that 15 day return window, and like others am trying really hard to want to like this device.
Love the display. Don't mind that it's not AMOLED - I still get 5-6 hours SoT with moderate-heavy internet/call/text on wifi w/bt connected. No light bleed issues or lifting of panels for me, everything seems in order there.
There are some problems with the software that make me wonder if the problems I have are hardware or software. The micro-stuttering during scrolling (only while touching the screen during scrolling) could be a hardware problem, could be throttling, or could be OS optimization for this device in general. It's smooth as butter as long as I flick-scroll. Even if I slow finger-scroll vs slow flick-scroll the difference is noticeable, goes from stutter to butter. Finger-on-screen lag is like that of a bloated EVO3D trying to flip homescreens.
Then there are the definite software glitches that are present even after a full wipe of the phone (I really wish you could wipe the cache partition on this thing). This includes the occasional 10 second freeze while scrolling, the microstutters mentioned above, having to press back twice when in a conversation in the default messaging app, random screen presses when not touching the screen, regularly having to tap the screen repeatedly to get response from buttons.
And then there's the support - it takes a very long time to get response. I realize they are busy and trying to be responsive, and I am really trying to support this new company... One of the biggest problems I have is for solely existing as a consumer communications device manufacturer, they have some terrible consumer communication processes happening (or complete lack thereof). All I really want to know is that they are aware of and are working on the specific issues. Maybe I have control issues, but the dark is not a friendly place to be with 700 bucks on the line!!
I'm going to leave myself undecided for a few days and see where things go. If I don't see some kind of a software update addressing many of the issues some of us are experiencing I may have to reconsider... Despite all of the short-comings the new company has had as a baby, it's a beautiful baby. Let's just hope it learns fast I'm really hoping the screen issues I'm having are software related, but without confirmation from the company I can't say that I have high confidence right now. I love the feel and design of the device itself, though! *torn*
I am really trying hard to like this device. In terms of overall feel it's immaculate. They did very well on the design of the the phone. My issues come with software and future development. Right now there's clear software bugs and other optimization that needs to be done. If they can work on some of those things the experience on this phone would improve tenfold. Also once they get the source code and kernel out then we can start seeing more Community Development. We could also get things such as custom recovery and root. I'm hoping that in the coming weeks this phone and the community support will improve. I think I'll keep my device for while to see if that happens if not I may be lookin at a Pixel 2.
theandroidbot said:
I am really trying hard to like this device. In terms of overall feel it's immaculate. They did very well on the design of the the phone. My issues come with software and future development. Right now there's clear software bugs and other optimization that needs to be done. If they can work on some of those things the experience on this phone would improve tenfold. Also once they get the source code and kernel out then we can start seeing more Community Development. We could also get things such as custom recovery and root. I'm hoping that in the coming weeks this phone and the community support will improve. I think I'll keep my device for while to see if that happens if not I may be lookin at a Pixel 2.
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There isn't a massive amount of development on the pixel in relation to other Nexus devices likely due to the A/B partitions so I'm dubious on the pixel 2 at the moment
spotmark said:
Interesting. Mine still looks like it just came out of the box, and it even took a 4 foot tumble to my bathroom floor the other day.
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Can the QC really be that hit and miss? I have zero scratches as well on front or back.
rootdude said:
Can the QC really be that hit and miss? I have zero scratches as well on front or back.
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Same here. The one thing I absolutely love is the build quality. It looks exactly as the day it arrived.
Mine looks like the first day. I'm very impressed with the build quality.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
No issues with mine fr a build standpoint. Fell a few times and no scratches. I'm using a glass screen protector even though there is a halo. Rather that scratches than the screen. The update that came out today is probably the software the phone should have shipped with initially... but we were all in a rush to get it. I'm keeping this device for sure! I also like confusing the heck out of ppl... I'm running the Arrow Launcher, blackberry keyboard and I use the iPhone sms sound for text notifications..
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
My only complaint really is I think they went too small. Most smarts phones are a little larger.
hoopsdavis said:
My only complaint really is I think they went too small. Most smarts phones are a little larger.
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I think it's refreshing. I mean I love big phones, haven't used a small sized phone in years, but after using this phone for several days, I love how reasonably compact it is with this screen size. I should rephrase, I love big screen size, not necessarily big form factor. So to have this screen size packed in a smaller form, I think it's awesome.
hoopsdavis said:
My only complaint really is I think they went too small. Most smarts phones are a little larger.
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The "small" form factor with big screen is the the biggest reason this phone came into my radar
flakko86 said:
The "small" form factor with big screen is the the biggest reason this phone came into my radar
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Same with me and many others. The big screen in compact size is among the major pros for buying this mobile. Besides that, I was also attracted to the clean design/material used and the pin port for 360 camera and other gadgets.
But I'm still waiting (impatiently) for how the Huawei Mate 10 pro turns out to be before I buy the essential phone. Hoping the Mate 10 pro is as compact and well built as well, combined with supposedly beast new Kirin 970 and improved dual camera, and maybe some new features like AI, Graphene battery, 3D Face recognition (all already introduced on Huawei's Honor magic). It would be the only contender to essential phone on my list. If Mate 10 pro disappoints then by that time Essential phone would be ready to ship out with 360 camera and charging dock in one go.
I have really grown to like this device. I have been using as my DD since the update, no significant issues and certainly no scratches or signs of wear. The size of the device is a key factor for me, I love the form factor.
In the past, Asus has been keen to release an assortment of phones per generation. Sometimes they were not the usual variety based on budget, rather, Asus would often release models that would be more of a master of a certain trade than its sibling and vice versa.
Point being, what is the probability that Asus will release a variation of this phone with an AMOLED display? I know it's a petty thing to ask, but I'm just antsy because the IPS screen is the one thing holding me back from throwing my money at Asus immediately and commending this as the greatest smartphone of all time, on paper (lol).
What are your thoughts?
The probability is zero.
nykreimox said:
In the past, Asus has been keen to release an assortment of phones per generation. Sometimes they were not the usual variety based on budget, rather, Asus would often release models that would be more of a master of a certain trade than its sibling and vice versa.
Point being, what is the probability that Asus will release a variation of this phone with an AMOLED display? I know it's a petty thing to ask, but I'm just antsy because the IPS screen is the one thing holding me back from throwing my money at Asus immediately and commending this as the greatest smartphone of all time, on paper (lol).
What are your thoughts?
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Take it like this. How many phones have you seen that after release (that is to say after fully revealing all the specs of the phone and selling the first batch to the public), they change specs such as screen technology (which is a huge change)?
Cant do a full research on that but i can almost guarantee that the answer will be zero LOL. Unless a manufacturer encounters an unfixable issue with the screen for which they would be forced to change to another technology, i don't think they will release one with AMOLED display. (and maybe not even that, maybe if there is a huge unfixable issue they would decide to skip the whole phone and just stop the manufacturing and move on to a newer model (with a different name, and fixed issues). We can take for example the Note 7 and their batteries, or the galaxy fold, or the many lg series phones with the bootloop issues (at least some of them) and the list can go on and on. But.... If you can find an AMOLED screen manufacturer maybe he/she can help you out
Personally I wouldn't worry about the screen. You may want to do some research on the flipping camera module as there seems to be a number of complaints around its functionality. If there's problems with it already, I can only imaging it getting worse the longer one has the phone in use. Also, there are now people complaining about boot-loops and constant UI freezes. I think Asus needs to get on top of these issues yesterday or this will turn out to be a big flop.
jinkerz9430 said:
Take it like this. How many phones have you seen that after release (that is to say after fully revealing all the specs of the phone and selling the first batch to the public), they change specs such as screen technology (which is a huge change)?
Cant do a full research on that but i can almost guarantee that the answer will be zero LOL. Unless a manufacturer encounters an unfixable issue with the screen for which they would be forced to change to another technology, i don't think they will release one with AMOLED display. (and maybe not even that, maybe if there is a huge unfixable issue they would decide to skip the whole phone and just stop the manufacturing and move on to a newer model (with a different name, and fixed issues). We can take for example the Note 7 and their batteries, or the galaxy fold, or the many lg series phones with the bootloop issues (at least some of them) and the list can go on and on. But.... If you can find an AMOLED screen manufacturer maybe he/she can help you out
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Good points, but not really in the scope of what I was wondering. I said *variant*, not replacement. I am questioning weather the situation would occur where Asus would keep the IPS model as a cheaper alternative to a more premium AMOLED model.
The most tricky problem when it comes to this situation is what the heck else Asus would add to the "more premium" AMOLED model to make it any more appealing than the "budget" IPS model, since the Zenfone 6 offers more beyond the screen than most competitors in the price range of $500+AMOLED=roughly $630 (adjusted for adequate profit) by MILES.
jaseman said:
Personally I wouldn't worry about the screen. You may want to do some research on the flipping camera module as there seems to be a number of complaints around its functionality. If there's problems with it already, I can only imaging it getting worse the longer one has the phone in use. Also, there are now people complaining about boot-loops and constant UI freezes. I think Asus needs to get on top of these issues yesterday or this will turn out to be a big flop.
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Yikes, that is spooky. I'd hope to not worry about the camera module as its almost literally a pet idea I'd had sketched in my brain for years that would be one of the best instances of killing two birds with one stone I'd ever imagine: solving the offensively awful quality of selfie cams (which I don't use as much as most but the few times I need it are important) and destroying the bane of my interest in new smartphones known as notches with one stone.
However, AMOLED is near a requirement seeing as I use my current IPS equipped phone for rhythm games and other input intensive tasks and sorely miss the lower latency of my previous AMOLED phone. Night and day stuff, for me.
jaseman said:
Also, there are now people complaining about boot-loops and constant UI freezes.
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Please, calm down. They tinkered with Developer options...
https://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone-6-2019/help/uk-shipping-date-t3933035/post79765293
But anyway ASUS confirmed this animations bug, it'll be resolved in the next update.
_jis_ said:
Please, calm down. They tinkered with Developer options...
https://forum.xda-developers.com/zenfone-6-2019/help/uk-shipping-date-t3933035/post79765293
But anyway ASUS confirmed this animations bug, it'll be resolved in the next update.
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I am calm...but to have such issues out-of-the-box is unacceptable. But none of what you point to as a bug fixes the problem with the camera module rattling, or not opening or closing properly. Is that a bug? Can software fix mechanical issues? I read where people are using strategically placed strips of duct tape to "solve" the rattling problem. So maybe Asus can throw in a small roll of duct tape along with a clear case? Yes, some people say theirs doesn't rattle or make added noise when the vibration motor is activated. So is this going to be a hit-or-miss proposition? What about when the module loosens from continual use, and someone wants Asus to do something about it, and they just say it's normal wear-and-tear, not covered by warranty? (Let's face it...this camera is a novelty and most people who get one are going to be flipping this thing in and out until the fat lady sings.) No offense to the more rotund feminine gender out there!!!
Don't get me wrong, I'm interested in this phone for many reasons, but along with limited/missing LTE bands, and a possibly faulty camera module design, I will wait until there are many more end users here in the US who give us their personal hands on reviews to make my decision. I never buy any tech of any kind without doing my homework.
nykreimox said:
I am questioning weather the situation would occur where Asus would keep the IPS model as a cheaper alternative to a more premium AMOLED model.
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But this is exactly what im talking about. Here is how the market works most of the time. If i give you all the specs of a product before hand (including all the models i will be releasing), i take the liberty To make an event so that people can see what im offering and to test it. and i start selling each model of that product. Then all of the suden i decide to add an extra model out of the blue, now that's a risky move from where they might lose rather than gain. Lets number the issues that could happen.
1) People who already bought the IPS screen models would probably not buy it if there are things they already consider as defect (but might no be) in the phone (This alone decreases the sales by a good portion).
2) The cost of production will obviously increase with AMOLED screens, which in terms would also make the sale price of that model to significantly increase. (One of the main reasons this phone is being sold somewhat good is the price, and you will most likely see prices of at least $900+ on that new variant (which in terms kills the appealing price the zenfone has).
3) Following on issue two, (if asus decides to sell the AMOLED screens for repairments, that will obviously increase the repairment price of a cracked screen (accidentally or not accidentally). Believe it or not, more and more people are getting involve on the *fixing their own phones* thing now a days. Some of them will completely disregard the new variant with AMOLED released just because the dont deem it worthy if the cost of the screen repairs exceeds a certain price (which its often the case with AMOLED screens).
4) Following on issue 3, a portion of people are aware of Burn In screens that might develop on AMOLED screens (which we all know it is irreversible). Like always, a portion of people will end up wanting an exchange for a new phone within the warranty time given, then asus have 2 options there: give the customer a new phone if he is not satisfied with the screen performance (because lets say he left the screen on in google maps for 8 hours straight and the status bar got burned into the display, or basically any other app that if left untouched with the screen on for a long time, it might develop burn in image); or withstand the depreciation/anger they will have from those who got the AMOLED variant and got Burnt image on their phones.
These are probably the major issues they could face by doing this out of the blue. (It is just a volatil move). They could have done it if they had announced it along with the other ones at the same time. But now, their best move could be to wait for the next zenfone the are planning to release in the future.
Here is a Bonus issue: I can say with confidence that at the moment of dispatching the phones they might deliver the wrong products since whats going to change is just the screen. (which means returns, exchanges, more time for the consumer to wait, and some bad reviews (like any angry customers would attribute for a very silly mistake) lol)
Your reply is again all about malfunctioning camera mechanism despite that I commented just this your sentence "Also, there are now people complaining about boot-loops and constant UI freezes." I give you the post right here on XDA why it is happening and that this bug will be rectified. But these poor users have caused it to themselves, they made changes at the developer level, and not recognize the negative consequences of doing so, they didn't understand the causal link between the changes they made themselves and the phone's behavior. And then they complained about a broken phone.
jaseman said:
I never buy any tech of any kind without doing my homework.
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When doing your homework you missed above information, so that's why I came up with a fix for this fake news, not just for you, but mainly for others.
I don't even comment about your hijacking of this thread.
I recently bought a Pixel6a with the Black Friday deal in Europe. Loved the software, but hated the hardware. Battery life has been awful since it didn't last a day, the colours look duller than my previous devices, has rainbow banding on white screen which is annoying for me and forced me to change to Dark Mode, but it's still annoying when reading with white background or watching videos (let's say there's a wardrobe in a video, a part of the wardrobe looks greener, the following looks normal and the following looks pinkier). The device doesn't overheat to the point of stop working, but It heats enough to be uncomfortable on my hands doing common everyday tasks (e.g. It gets to 40C when using Youtube/Twitch and 45C while gaming according to CPU Monitor App, but It feels hotter than what it looks like (disclaimer: 5G has been deactivated ever since I got the phone and using latest December update)), and after prolonged use, 15 mins or more, I have to let it down to cool it because touching the bare aluminium is uncomfortable to hold. I've sometimes found out it just heats up for no reason at all with no processes in the background.
I contacted Europe Google Support since I have till the 15th of January to send back the phone if I want. They first suggested a repair (I don't know what the tech support wanted to repair since It just sounds like a defect) and ended up doing an advanced replacement for a completely new device because the tech support guy concluded the device was defective based on my description. The device I got for replacement was a refurbished phone instead of a new factory one. Still, I tested out the device and found out it that had worse rainbow banding and the same heating issue or worse.
I contacted support again and they said they would contact the higher-ups with my case and I'd receive an email soon with an answer. Honestly, I'm not really hopeful with the upcoming answer, and I can't believe Google sends refurbished phones for clients in the returning window, I've had other phones with similar replacements and always got a completely new factory one and I feel betrayed about it.
I read online that a lot of people went through this problem and it got resolved after a replacement but it looks like I haven't been that lucky. Wondering what to do about it, thinking of asking Google about an actual replacement that hopefully doesn't have the uncomfortable heat and rainbow banding, but I'm in the verge of returning it due to this last experience. The pixel 6a is really good for browsing the web and using apps really fast since the software experience is so smooth compared to other devices, but I end up watching videos on my older devices (I have a really old 200€ Samsung, bq) because the experience is just better. I'm also a heavy phone gamer, so I don't mind a little heat when playing games, but this much looks like it's gonna wear the phone really fast and it's very concerning.
However, unlike many other users, I found no issues at all with the fingerprint sensor! Found out It just works better using the tip of the thumb rather than the full thumb and It works 100% of the time on both phones. Thumbs up for that! And also, the motor inside this device that produces the vibrations is the best one I've found so far in my life.
Let me know your thoughts and if you have the same temps while doing simple everyday tasks like me, and if the devices I have are really defective or that's their intended use because I have no stores available near me to check the phones or ask about it, and therefore take action based on it.
Thank you all in advance!
Other issues I found with the Pixel6a that I believe CAN be fixed through software:
The first 5 levels of volume don't actually move the slider a bit. Really annoying.
Saturated colours are really below the rest of the devices in the market. The only option for colour settings is either Natural or Adaptive, but even Adaptive looks like bare Natural on other devices I have. I also can't believe a Pixel has a cold-warm slider for taking photos but doesn't have the same slider for the colours of the phone itself. Let the people have the colours they want and don't force them on your business clamping or force them to root the phone.
Really disappointed to hear about the screen issues.
Honestly a colour temp adjustment for the screen should be standard on all phones now. I was shocked when I found that 2022 pixels still require a custom kernel just to choose your own white point.
That rainbow banding would drive me nuts too - reminds me of old school OLEDs I used several years ago.
Such a shame because I really want to experience the pixel camera, but looks like I'll be forced to go with Samsung or Xiaomi again.
Google's quality control is horrible. You wouldn't be the first to have to ask for a second replacement to get a "normal" device.
The "overheating" issue sort of fixes itself after a few weeks of use. I didn't want to believe others when they told me so, but I have experienced it on my own as well, and it does go away overtime.
DanTheSage said:
The first 5 levels of volume don't actually move the slider a bit. Really annoying.
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That's the case with all Pixels, basically. The bottom half of the volume slider (whether using the device's speakers or headphones (whether wired or not, made by Google or not)) is basically useless. Luckily, there's no noticeable distortion at max, but it doesn't get loud enough always.
DanTheSage said:
Saturated colours are really below the rest of the devices in the market.
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You had mentioned earlier in your post that you have an old Samsung. Compared to what devices on the market do you think the Pixel's screen isn't saturated enough? Samsung has a tendency of oversaturating their displays to make them pop, so they aren't very accurate either.