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Hey all, I've seen a few posts out here similar that were older. My wife has a Nexus 5. It has been alright but she runs into space issues and hasn't been super thrilled with the battery. I have a 5x that I've loved (except it does a weird thing now where the screen won't come on when its in a call, but that's a whole other matter). She's dropped the phone and it's old enough to make me not want to mess with that, so it's time to look for something else.
I was wondering currently in June 2017, what a decent replacement would be for a Nexus 5. I would imagine there are all kinds of options out there that should be decent quality and cheap. Main goals at this point are 32 gig and a good battery. Wouldn't mind SD card capability and replaceable battery but from what I understand, you can't get as many replaceable battery phones anymore.
I'm not 100% opposed to buying one used if there are some that hold up well, but obviously new would be nice. I'm not looking for latest/greatest, just something she will appreciate that will work for awhile. Before we had our Nexus phones, we had the Moto G line, which obviously are kind of bargain basement types and it showed, so I hate to make that mistake again.
Lenovo P2: SD 625, 5100mAh battery and 32/64GB storge with dual sim or single sim + sd card.
hipsterdo0fus said:
Hey all, I've seen a few posts out here similar that were older. My wife has a Nexus 5. It has been alright but she runs into space issues and hasn't been super thrilled with the battery. I have a 5x that I've loved (except it does a weird thing now where the screen won't come on when its in a call, but that's a whole other matter). She's dropped the phone and it's old enough to make me not want to mess with that, so it's time to look for something else.
I was wondering currently in June 2017, what a decent replacement would be for a Nexus 5. I would imagine there are all kinds of options out there that should be decent quality and cheap. Main goals at this point are 32 gig and a good battery. Wouldn't mind SD card capability and replaceable battery but from what I understand, you can't get as many replaceable battery phones anymore.
I'm not 100% opposed to buying one used if there are some that hold up well, but obviously new would be nice. I'm not looking for latest/greatest, just something she will appreciate that will work for awhile. Before we had our Nexus phones, we had the Moto G line, which obviously are kind of bargain basement types and it showed, so I hate to make that mistake again.
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Pragmatically and from my perspective, since I am in the same situation searching for a replacement, the short answer is no. Never. I came over from Apple due to the easier customization ability of Android at the time.
I bought the N5 I have now, second-hand, originally for a family member (but they wanted an Apple), so I got stuck with it. Already rom'd. After getting used to the Android system, I said fine, I'm ditching Apple. Not say their stuff is bad. It just wasn't for me.
A broken screen, a new battery, and constantly rebooting to get a signal and nearly 3 years later and updating through first CM and now Pure Nexus.
I run this thing like a nuclear reactor especially during semester months.
Nothing beats it's simplicity. Nothing. It's one of the best pieces of tech I have ever owned and continues to be my daily driver. I did jump ship to an M9 and while a very impressive device. I yearned for my N5 (I thought it was dead). Got it back to functionality and haven't been back. Needless to say, here's what I am mulling over.
Pixel
Nexus 6p
Htc u11
Samsung S7 (or if I hit the lotto S8)
The Moto's. Since the Pure Nexus community is giving them a lot of love right now, especially the one with the crazy battery life but the 625 processor (if it was Daydream compatible I would've gotten it already).
One plus 3t
The high end xiaomi (I forget the model name)
An HTC 10. Another nice and underrated phone.
I can wax poetic about the N5 for days. Nothing beats it's flexibility, simplicity (aforementioned), and usability. Us N5 users do not need the bells and whistles and yet that's nice but we do more with less. I, too, will lament the day my hammerhead finally goes. In the meantime, I hope my long-winded account helps you out.
Edit: I forgot about the Axon 7.
Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately most of them are quite a bit higher in price than we paid for this Nexus. We had actually used the Moto G line prior to this.
I also have to say that since this is for my wife, I may need to watch out on the screen size being overly gigantor. She may not want something that is too much bigger than the N5. That Lenovo is the best in price so far, but for some reason it doesn't have very good rating on Phone Arena. Wonder why?
I still have my nexus, but upgraded to a Huawei Nova, not the Nova Plus, mainly due to spec improvements and similar screen size. Got 4gb memory and 64gb storage, about the exact same size as the Nexus. I hate the Huawei UI, but CM is available for it now, so not really an issue. It might be a bit pricey though. The Huawei Honor, I think 6x, also has a model that is 5.5in screen.
Not trying to sell Huawei, was just checking the price in the US of the one I have and noticed the Honor was similar. I got the Nova CAZ-AL10 for the specs, price, size, and because it is compatible with the mobile networks here in China. The Nexus was not unfortunately.
I think an Asus Zenfone 3 might not be a bad option. It has great battery life and it's not too expensive
I had a nexus 5x and just came back to my nexus 5 with a custom rom and I am loving it!!!
After the lost of my N5, I got an OP 3T and not even rooted it, sweet and fast on stock.
Edit: Actually rooted it and still sweet and fast, the best; more than 8 hours SOT
What about leeco pro 3. I own one and it is for sure one of the best phones for its price if not the best (USD 199, might be even lower now) the stock ROM isn't much to chant for but put a custom ROM on it and you're golden. They were running a sale on amazon a few weeks back but I'm not sure about its current availability. Snapdragon 821 with 4 to 6gb of ram and 64gb of storage. The camera is its weakest point but it's honestly not that bad. Battery life is also great averaging 6 SOT on nougat and around 8 on stock. 100% recommend.
How about OnePlus 5? I was considering replacing my N5 with it, but I'm not convinced by their previous software support.
gr__or said:
How about OnePlus 5? I was considering replacing my N5 with it, but I'm not convinced by their previous software support.
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Can it be rooted?
maybeme2 said:
Can it be rooted?
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Is there a device that can't be rooted? I think so far all of the OnePlus devices where pretty open and got root quickly. Given that the OP5 has just been announced today, there is no root yet, but I'd be surprised if there isn't a root mid-july.
I don't know. I'm not knowledgeable enough to know. I think some devices are said to be easier to root than others which is what I meant to ask. I own a couple of nexus 5s and an old nexus 7 and they are easy to root. Just don't know enough about the op5.
Sorry I dig up the subject
I think to replace my nexus 5 and I hesitate between the nexus 6p (I find one at 190 euros used) or a nexus 5x (has 100 euros used too) what would be the best choice for you?
Thank you for your answers
Hi everyone
Is the S7 [exynos] worth buying now? I can get it for around ₹22k(330$), brand new with warranty. Or should I go for newer ones like oneplus 5T [~500$]. I'm not planning to root it & use stock rom. Hardware seems good, my other considerations being battery life, software & camera. Any suggestions are welcome..
I have just bought mine, cause now the price is good. I bought a golden S7 and I´m very happy. It´s worth buying. My previous phone was a 2y old S6. These phones rock! 4gb Ram, this back camera, ip68, this processor... u can´t go wrong!
I just got my S7 from Bestbuy At&t for $12.66/mo. love it. Good battery life, great screen, wireless charge. Not easy finding a good screen protector though.
If you plan on staying on stock, then you should focus on both device's specs:
https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=7821&idPhone2=8912
As you can see both devices, even if they are one year apart(launching date wise) they are almost similar.
In this case, I think you are better off going for the S7. I'll always go for a Samsung first.
fast96 said:
I just got my S7 from Bestbuy At&t for $12.66/mo. love it. Good battery life, great screen, wireless charge. Not easy finding a good screen protector though.
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Try Skinomi protectors, I've used them in various phone and they really good.
I purchased it on 7th Feb 2018
I just bought mine yesterday from Flipkart!
got it for Rs 23,000.
The only good options were (according to price range of Rs. 25,000)
Moto x4 , Honor 8 pro, Moto z1, Galaxy s7
I choose this because of
1. Super Amoled 2k display
2. Camera (having dual pixel technology)
3. Guaranteed update to oreo by April 2018
As you know It has all the ingredients of a everyday smartphone, i.e 4GB ram , top of line processing power, 32gb storage, Hybrid sim slot.
For me the screen and camera are the main reasons
I have installed google camera app v4 and it has significant improvement over the photos clicked.
Hope this helps
Super_Commando said:
Hi everyone
Is the S7 [exynos] worth buying now? I can get it for around ₹22k(330$), brand new with warranty. Or should I go for newer ones like oneplus 5T [~500$]. I'm not planning to root it & use stock rom. Hardware seems good, my other considerations being battery life, software & camera. Any suggestions are welcome..
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Definitely no. This device is now 2 years old. Just wait a few months, there would be tons of better devices in this price range.
ZeroCGTI said:
Definitely no. This device is now 2 years old. Just wait a few months, there would be tons of better devices in this price range.
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There's always going to be a better phone coming out in a "few months" and you'll end up waiting forever. I initially thought about waiting as well, but I ran out of patience and got mine at a great price. And I have no issues whatsoever. Innovation on mobile has plateaued so there's no point waiting. My only complaint is that we might not get Android P or even 8.1.
ZeroCGTI said:
Definitely no. This device is now 2 years old. Just wait a few months, there would be tons of better devices in this price range.
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Any suggestions for upcoming better devices..
Sent from my Moto MAXX using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Still the only phone out there that's "small" and has wireless charging, ip68, enough ram, large battery, microsd, amoled, and no curved edge. Not a single other phone! if mine broke I would have to buy another S7
buy it after s9 is announced this month end, should see another price drop on the s7.
Is it worth buying is not the question; the question is more WHERE is it worth buying. As a US S7 (Snapdragon) owner with an MVNO, the answer is equivocal for two reasons:
1. An Exnyos-based S7 has no warranty support in the US; technically, it's a "gray market" phone (only Snapdragon-based S7s are permissible (per Samsung USA). If you want US warranty support, stick with Snapdragon-based S7 series. While you lose out on the wider support of the AOSP and TWRP features with a Snapdragon-based S7, S7+, or S7edge, you are not dead in the water - there ARE fusion firmwares available (stang5litre running an MM fusion firmwarew, and Project L - a Nougat-based fusion firmware). I am running L myself, and it's not any harder to install than an AOSP ROM is on phones that permit them (I came from AOSP on the Galaxy Nexus - which is now my alternate). I'm with Tracfone, the largest MVNO in the US, and can choose between Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile under normal circumstances (I went with T-Mobile, because my IMEI is blacklisted on VZW due to the phone's previous owner)
2. Naturally, outside of the US, your situation is different - which I get. However, all the S7 models will get Oreo; the weird part is that it was announced for older model phones (S6 series) first - which has resulted in much scratchage of heads and chins. The issue therefore is patience (ours).
i would wait till the s9 comes so that the s8 gets cheaper... i like the s8 more due to the battery having more output after a year. on the s7 you will get like 70% battery after a year use and with the s8 you will get around 95%
i bought it as it was the cheapest phone for max price of 300 USD.The Honor 8 was on the fritz plus its getting oreo.Could not beat that price
I purchased a s7 from flipkart yesterday, i paid 23k for it n i am very happy with it, i preferred s7 over moto x4, z2play and iphone se because of these reasons:
1) S7 is a flagship product from 2016, and its worth buying a flagship product over some mid range phone, it gives u a premium feeling.
2) S7 has THE best smartphone screen, its 2k and an insane 577ppi, which is in fact more than that of iphone x,note 8 and s8
3)Out of the box, it has android 6.0 but its upgradable to 7 and 8 as well, but we have to wait till April.
4)This Phone rocks a 4gb ram, it has a sd card slot, ip68 water resistance,12 mp camera and even ois,octa core cpu, fast charge,otg,heart rate sensor and so on
In short we can never call s7 an obsolete device, it meets all the standards of 2018 mobiles and in most cases it surpasses them, it still gives a tough challenge to todays flagships like iphone x, note 8, s8, nokia 8, one plus 5t and so on. So if ur budget howers around 20-23k i would highly recommend buying this beast, u will never regret ur purchase
Absolutely it is worth buying. I have a s8 (exynos) with a s7 (exynos) as a backup. If the s8 didn't exist or I didn't want to spend s8 money on a phone, the only phones on the market in Feb 2018 I would consider would be the S7 and XZ1 Compact. The S7 has the highest DPI screen on the market (STILL) and the smallest body (excluding the XZ1 Compact) with a high end processor. It has a high screen/body ratio for a 16:9 phone, made better by hardware buttons. It has strong development support for custom roms including the ability to run both S8 and N8 roms. It has a camera only slightly worse than the S8.
Go for the S7. You will not regret it. I have been the owener of one S7 for almost one year, and I dont regret it. This phone is the best in his price range.
The S7 is better than any budget/mid phone of 2017-2018 and even some current flagships,it's the best phone i've ever had, got mine on late september 2017, fast, amazing screen, great camera,4gb of RAM,ip68,sd card slot and so on. This phone is a beast, one small detail is that battery life could have been a "little bit better" but no big deal it gets me trought the day with 50% left sometimes more, for me the S7 is still worth in 2018 and even 2019, it's one of the best devices ever made if you ask me, reminds me of the days i had the LG G2 it was my favourite device, now it's the S7 i just love it.
Having owned most of the Samsung S-line phones since day one (missing only S6 and S8) many would probably call me a fanboy. And since you asked this in the S7 section, odds are that most of the other replies are from fans as well.
I really like the S7. Yes, battery life could have been better but that's almost the only beef I have with it. However, for a new buyer, particularly one interested in camera performance and unwilling to install custom roms, I'd give this warning:
The S7 is nearing the end of its support cycle. We will get android 8 and maybe 8.1 if we're lucky, but after that odds are we'll not get any android updates and I have my doubts as to how long Samsung will keep supplying security updates (maybe 2 more years, but could be less). I know many people do not consider this particularly important, but anybody should ask themselves, how much sensitive information they have stored on or have access to through their phones. As soon as those updates stop, you quickly become easy prey for an attack. Despite the awesome hardware of the phone, I would consider buying something else, even at a premium, to avoid this risk.
---------- Post added at 04:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:26 PM ----------
Having owned most of the Samsung S-line phones since day one (missing only S6 and S8) many would probably call me a fanboy. And since you asked this in the S7 section, odds are that most of the other replies are from fans as well.
I really like the S7. Yes, battery life could have been better but that's almost the only beef I have with it. However, for a new buyer, particularly one interested in camera performance and unwilling to install custom roms, I'd give this warning:
The S7 is nearing the end of its support cycle. We will get android 8 and maybe 8.1 if we're lucky, but after that odds are we'll not get any android updates and I have my doubts as to how long Samsung will keep supplying security updates (maybe 2 more years, but could be less). I know many people do not consider this particularly important, but anybody should ask themselves, how much sensitive information they have stored on or have access to through their phones. As soon as those updates stop, you quickly become easy prey for an attack. Despite the awesome hardware of the phone, I would consider buying something else, even at a premium, to avoid this risk.
Best phone in cheap price range. I think phones perfect. It's as good/better than the iPhone 7. Basically a small/one hand use phone and quite powerful.
I need a new phone. I've been on a Note 4 for a while now, and it has reached its end-of-life. Done tons of research, and even when compared against the latest-and-greatest, the Pixel 2 still reviews well. It seems to be exactly what I am looking for. Even though the announcement of the Pixel 3 is right around the corner, it will mostly likely be late Oct / early Nov before consumers can get them in hand anyway. Five months is a long time, and I'm kind of ready to make a move now.
Is the Pixel 2 still the way to go? Do I have to bite the bullet and get another Samsung and get an s9? (I'm on AT&T btw, and I'm really really sick of having a carrier locked phone and waiting on AT&T to add bloatware to all the updates).
Would I be stupid to get the Pixel 2 today? Talk me into it / talk me out of it.
You'd be stupid to go Samsung again, that's for sure.
The Note 4 was arguably Samsung's peak for the Note line, and the S7 Edge the peak for their S line. Sure the new designs are fancy, but are fragile, and Samsung are horrendous when it comes to updates.
I'd suggest looking into a OnePlus 6 especially if you're sick of being carrier locked. Cheaper and more powerful than the Pixel 2, better in every way aside from speakers and camera if they are important to you.
That being said, I miss my Pixel 2 XL for the software as it's so damn smooth, but I do not miss the abysmal screen (Note 4 screen is better). So if you go Pixel 2, definitely get the smaller one with the nicer Samsung screen.
As opposed to what ? Samsung ? Pixel 2 still had several years of guaranteed updates and a smoother software interface with less bloat. I could understand MAYBE if you said an iPhone as most businesses are starting to use iOS and Apple supports their software for several years but against a Samsung that's just a joke.
My $0.02., develop your own pros/cons list as no one knows what's more important to you, than you. Example, I absolutely hate lag in software, probably an unhealthy amount... I also enjoy a headphone jack, but that's less important than software to _me_. At the end of the day, no phone is better at software and camera than the Pixel 2 (I have non-XL, coming from a Samsung Galaxy S3) and that's what I think ultimately creates the Pixel appeal because literally every time you use your phone, in an app, to take a pic, etc, you get that top-of-the-line software experience. How much does Samsung's superior hardware matter when apps lag or freeze and frustrate the user or they're running a 6-month old security patch level?
Also got mine 50% off during Verizon's Black Friday deal last year, figured the savings was worth the locked bootloader. Then we got an unlock method anyways in December so win-win, half price + unlocked BL now. Is the P2 worth full price to you? Who knows. But good luck whatever path you choose!
istrikerx said:
You'd be stupid to go Samsung again, that's for sure.
The Note 4 was arguably Samsung's peak for the Note line, and the S7 Edge the peak for their S line. Sure the new designs are fancy, but are fragile, and Samsung are horrendous when it comes to updates.
I'd suggest looking into a OnePlus 6 especially if you're sick of being carrier locked. Cheaper and more powerful than the Pixel 2, better in every way aside from speakers and camera if they are important to you.
That being said, I miss my Pixel 2 XL for the software as it's so damn smooth, but I do not miss the abysmal screen (Note 4 screen is better). So if you go Pixel 2, definitely get the smaller one with the nicer Samsung screen.
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I love my Pixel 2, but honestly the reason I bought it was because of the camera and because I thought there would be more rom development by this point, but mostly for the camera. I came from a oneplus 3t and I loved that phone so much. The development community was large and very active, and the phone's hardware was awesome.
If it wasn't for the Pixel 2's camera, I would've much rather upgraded to a newer oneplus device or even stuck with my 3t. But seriously, imo forget samsung and there locked ass bootloaders and stupidly overpriced phones.
I ditched Samsung (S6) finally last month and got the Pixel2. I am not much of a ROM flasher but root is very important to me. I was dreading going down in resolution but haven't regretted it once.
Is there any reason NOT to get the Pixel 2? What other phone is popular enough to receive continual updates, and easy to find accessories? Gives fast performance without lag-inducing bloat-ware?
I have an AT&T brand Note 8 and i really like the phone (wish i would have bought the unlocked version). But i like to root and flash roms occasionally and I'm pretty limited on the Note 8. Lucky me my work takes me all across Texas and i just happen to be where AT&T don't have service so i bought the Pixel 2 direct from Google and I'm loving it. I'm running it on Verizon. Super easy to unlock bootloader and root. I've only had it for about a month now and have only did one update (the June update) that got a little confusing but i figured it out (i downloaded it myself from Google instead of doing the ota). Personally, i think the camera on the Note 8 is better than the Pixel 2 camera, but i have both phones so i can always take pictures with the Note and it syncs to my Google photos and i have the pic on both phones. I do feel like the Pixel runs a lot smoother than the Note though. If you buy a Pixel, I'd suggest buying straight from Google so you don't have to worry about the bootloader, although i know carriers bundling things in makes it hard to pass up.
I believe it is still going strong and worth a buy.
Personally I don't the notch design which everyone is copying from Apple now.
In fact I bought one three weeks ago and I'm very happy with it. It's already running Android P DP3. I have considered a Huawei P20, but in the end went with the Pixel 2, mainly because of the fast updates and stock Android (I came from a Nexus 5X)
No regrets!
Meh not that many accessories...
mellojoe said:
Is there any reason NOT to get the Pixel 2? What other phone is popular enough to receive continual updates, and easy to find accessories? Gives fast performance without lag-inducing bloat-ware?
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Well, gotta disagree a little with you on the bolded section. The P2 just isn't sold in large enough numbers to get the choices in accessories like the mainstream iPhones, S9, etc. Otterbox Defender series only has 2 colors for crying out loud...
Edit: a word
It could be a winner for you if that's what you want...luv mine!
Personally I would wait and buy a cheaper, last year's phone in the meanwhile.
Pixel 2 series is great, but you still have to make hard compromises. If you want the 2018 screen quality, go pixel 2; if you want a 2018 battery life and screen size, go XL. But to me these 3 things are essential to a phone (ok maybe not the screen size). Considering the price being top of the lines even compared to an iPhone, and it is a 2017 phone (sort), I would wait.
Plus I got a feel that Pixel 3 may come with wireless charging and other technologies that would make using a phone more convenient. While Pixel 2 is just, with great camera. Not an important factor to me personally.
I just got it coming from a Huawei mate 10
Honestly its a great phone . I got the small version cuz I have a U11PLUS plus as my daily big screen phone. And it's awesome they have all these goodness in such a small phone can be handled one hand
At the moment u11plus plus 128gb and 6gb ram is going for 600$ ish on eBay. If u don't care about updates I would advice u to go with it. The camera with gcam performing better than the pixel believe it or not and the battery is the best in the market. Colours of amazing silver or red are phenomenal, nothing else comes close even the copycat p20 pro
Absolutely! I would recommend the Pixel 2 to anybody who asked I haven't even had any reason to want the XL - I've just got the 5" Pixel.
The software is essentially bloat-free (if you use the Google apps) and the experience is as polished as that of the iPhone.
(I'm not a fan of the iPhone but anybody who's used an Android can't deny on most phones the platform is bloated and a little half-assed in places.)
Plus, if you're big into getting the latest Android versions - we get the Android betas first (and they're supported for 2 years.)
And, once the 2 years are up, if you haven't got a new phone by then, I'd imagine there would be a ton of custom ROMs and such for the phone.
I'm planning on developing some ROMs for the Pixel 2 but I haven't for the moment because I have no reason to; the software is the best I've experienced, so I have no reason to mod the phone. (This is probably why there isn't much in the way of development going on for the phone)
In my opinion, the camera is excellent; I don't use it that much but when I do, it's fast, the quality is fantastic and I have trouble faulting it.
Finally, the battery life is great. As a student, I don't use my phone all day but relatively speaking, I'm quite a heavy user and I get about 3 hours more screen time than most others. Plus, as the phone charges to upwards of 80% in about 45 minutes, battery isn't really an issue. (5-10 minutes at an AC outlet can usually get it up to 20%.)
TL;DR: Particularly if you buy a phone for utility (rather than as a fashion statement), this phone is brilliant. It's the best Android device I've ever owned and, I think, one of the best on the market.
If you want something that looks a bit more flashy, I'd suggest the Pixel XL, though.
The give-a-friend 15% offer is making this pracitcally a no-brainer for me. That brings a brand new direct from Google Pixel2 to $550. That's basically the same price as low end or older model phones. Looks like I'll be picking one up. Thanks for the advice.
Feel free to add any more thoughts, tho, cause I'm sure as we get closer to the launch of the 3, more people are going to be asking for opnions on the 2 as a budget-friendly option.
jerryhou85 said:
I believe it is still going strong and worth a buy.
Personally I don't the notch design which everyone is copying from Apple now.
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Let me correct you sir. Copying from Essential ph-1, not apple. Apple copying that design from Essential ph-1. Get it right.
ivanov13 said:
Let me correct you sir. Copying from Essential ph-1, not apple. Apple copying that design from Essential ph-1. Get it right.
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Ahh, I see. Learned that recently, thanks.
This year Pixel 3 should be the choice if I want to change my phone again.
edwinek said:
In fact I bought one three weeks ago and I'm very happy with it. It's already running Android P DP3. I have considered a Huawei P20, but in the end went with the Pixel 2, mainly because of the fast updates and stock Android (I came from a Nexus 5X)
No regrets!
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me too, I bought my pixel 2 (128GB) using a 20% coupon, used to have a nexus 5x, huge improvement
So everybody has that one thing made them buy Pixel 3 over other phones.. for me that's camera and assume the same for many of the users... what's that one thing made you buy this phone?
ram4ufriends said:
So everybody has that one thing made them buy Pixel 3 over other phones.. for me that's camera and assume the same for many of the users... what's that one thing made you buy this phone?
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After years of being a loyal Samsung customer, I got tired of updates that often took 8+ months after release. Even when they came, my phone often slowed down to a crawl. I also got tired of the locked down bootloader in Samsung phones. This is my first Pixel phone and I couldn't be happier. Superior camera, monthly updates, butter-y smooth performance, unlocked bootloader with ability to root and do titanium backups without losing warranty. Too many reasons to mention. I will NEVER again buy a Samsung. I never understood how inferior specs could have better overall performance, but now that I actually own Pixel, I can.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
The main reason I went to the Pixel is the camera. After owning the Note 9 and getting mostly blurry action shots I went back to the Pixel and couldn't be more happy. I don't miss the curved Samsung displays at all either.
My initial purchase of the OG Pixel and Pixel XL was at least partially driven by price. My wife and I had S4s that I got before Samsung locked them down, so once I had them rooted they were going to get used until they died. Close to three years later the were on their last leg and the dePixel exploit went public. I grabbed the OGs at Verizon for essentially half off retail, ended up with a device that worked exactly like the Google model and even got trade-in money for the S4s. After 2+ years of the OGs (that were still behaving like champs and had moved a while back to T-Mobile), I got myself really tempted to pick up the OP6Ts with the T-Mobile trade-in program that included the Pixel and Pixel XL. The only way I could talk myself out of it was to pickup a Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL and trade in the OGs. Ultimately, it had a lot to do with me not wanting to learn another ecosystem (at 47 years old) or to compromise with anything less than an unlocked bootloader, an excellent dev scene and as close to pure android as is possible. I have no regrets or payments on the phones.
My reason might not be a 'great' one. I was (am) an original Pixel XL owner. I felt it was a very good phone but needed an upgrade. I'm much too invested in Google phones at this point to get anything else. So... I got the Pixel 3 XL. I guess I could have stayed with the original Pixel XL but where's the fun in that?
I'm just saying this to say it - 5 years ago when a new phone came out it was like, "WOAH! It can do THAT!?". These days the annual changes are not exactly exciting. And honestly, most people do the same basic things with their phones - take pictures, use social media, play games, browse the internet, message, etc. Most phones do all of those things pretty well with varying degrees of precision. Battery life seems to have always been and will probably always be something to complain about.
Pure Android, the latest builds, and the best camera.
For me, it was the ability to root and customize. I've been using phones from AT&T for years, mostly Samsungs, and I couldn't do anything with them, not at least while I owned them. Being able to root and mod isn't that big of deal any more, most of the phones work pretty damn well for the most part, and a lot of the features that I use to get by using a custom rom are pretty much standard now. But it's still fun to do.
I love that I always have the latest Android version and security patch. The smoothness is also important. And no bloat.
Always felt left behind with my Samsung and even OnePlus phones .
Needed an upgrade from Samsung S7 which was laggy, and updates were months delayed. Wanted Project Fi, which lowered my monthly bill and offered the best option for international travel. Really like the form factor and minimalist design of the Pixel 3, very snappy performance, unbloated Android and first in line for updates. Great camera and call screening are bonuses. Best phone I've had, by far.
I have to say Pure Android, Camera and a much needed upgrade from my Nexus 6P! Loving this phone so far..
spotmark said:
Pure Android, the latest builds, and the best camera.
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I'm Airmaxx23 and I approve this message.
The only stock Android phone prior to the pixel 2xl and 3xl I ever had was the nexus s from Samsung. It was fine, but, stock Android was really boring back then to me. But, a few phones later and when HTC decided they weren't going to update their phones anymore, even after a super buggy update, I dropped a stock Android ROM on it. I actually really liked it. And, it brought the phone back to life. Then I got a Samsung since the Nexus 6P didn't have financing that I could find, loved it, at least until the S8 was about to drop and Samsung updated it to run slower. Then slower, and so on. I decided screw Samsung and HTC, and tried the Pixel 2xl. LOVED it. Best camera, day one updates, super fast and no updates ever slowed it down. So, the 3 dropped and with wireless charging and a couple other things, I went for it. I don't think I'll ever own another phone, maybe outside of a new essential phone or a One Plus that actually meets my needs.
gettinwicked said:
The only stock Android phone prior to the pixel 2xl and 3xl I ever had was the nexus s from Samsung. It was fine, but, stock Android was really boring back then to me. But, a few phones later and when HTC decided they weren't going to update their phones anymore, even after a super buggy update, I dropped a stock Android ROM on it. I actually really liked it. And, it brought the phone back to life. Then I got a Samsung since the Nexus 6P didn't have financing that I could find, loved it, at least until the S8 was about to drop and Samsung updated it to run slower. Then slower, and so on. I decided screw Samsung and HTC, and tried the Pixel 2xl. LOVED it. Best camera, day one updates, super fast and no updates ever slowed it down. So, the 3 dropped and with wireless charging and a couple other things, I went for it. I don't think I'll ever own another phone, maybe outside of a new essential phone or a One Plus that actually meets my needs.
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I have the Essential phone, and it's the first phone I've kept instead of selling when I got a new phone. It is basically a Nexus/Pixel device. Pure Android, unlockable bootloader, and updates as soon as Google. If it wasn't for the sub-par camera, I'd still be using it. I wish they would stay in business and deliver the phone that was initially promised. The design of the Pixel doesn't hold a candle to the PH-1.
number one reason. Camera. free cloud storage. i take tons of pictures.
second. pure android.
Best phone you can root (at least without the sorts of serious skills / know-how you apparently need for Note 9 and Mate Pro 20, one of which I would have gone for otherwise)
I might be an odd one here, but for me the main reasons where size, no notch and stereo speakers. The cam, quick updates, clean android and haptic motor are nice bonuses.
After owning HTC phones for about 8 years, last 3,5 of those on the rubbish M9, I was looking for a m7 like phone, but with up to date hw. Sadly noone makes good metal unibody phones anymore so I'll just have to deal with the glass sandwich bull****, other than that the P3 is pretty close to perfect.
I assume the OP meant Pixel 3 XL since he's in the 3 XL subforum?
If that's the case, then I bought one because it's ugly as hell and doesn't look like any of my friend's phone. My 6P was also getting old and after bad experiences with anything but a phone directly from Google, I've sort of become a Google sheep and only buy their stuff now.
I was always jumping in between phones, mainly Samsung. Had pretty much every galaxy minus the one and two. HTC one was the best phone I even used, form factor, the OS it was fantastic. Nothing even really compared to it. I couldn't get the pixel at first because well I never had the cash so I was at the mercy of TMobile financing and what they offer wasn't always great. I went from a galaxy s8 to the iPhone x just to check it out since I haven't touched one since the 5. Man did I regret it. Missed my 14 day period and so I was stuck with it for a few months. Note 9 came out and I was really considering it, but well I held myself and then the OnePlus 6T came out. I had a old iPhone 6 laying around I got for $50 so I traded it in for the 6T and the $300 bonus. Good phone but no stereo speakers and notifications killed it for me. I was eyeing the pixel 3 since release day, got my cash ready and just as I was going to buy one, the Black Friday deals got announced, waited and now I have the XL. Supper happy with it. Even the "feel" of the phone is glorious. And the 6T is now on it's way to PA and it's new owner lol
It was the logical choice from my Nexus 6p, which I had since release. Also, Dirty Unicorns support. [emoji6]
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
spotmark said:
I have the Essential phone, and it's the first phone I've kept instead of selling when I got a new phone. It is basically a Nexus/Pixel device. Pure Android, unlockable bootloader, and updates as soon as Google. If it wasn't for the sub-par camera, I'd still be using it. I wish they would stay in business and deliver the phone that was initially promised. The design of the Pixel doesn't hold a candle to the PH-1.
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I almost got the essential phone. I wanted to wait until the pixel 2's were announce first though. By the time they were, I had heard too many reports of the crappy camera. I was upset though when the essential phone 2 was cancelled. I'd really like to see another one, but bigger, great camera, OLED screen, etc. I would buy one if it came out and had those specs. I have been reading rumors of a new essential phone though. So, we'll see.
Anyone considering the S10 or S10+? Why or why not? They're offering a $550 trade in with Pixel 3 XL, so just more curious what people are doing and why.
I'm considering it. Not sure if I can actually pull the trigger on a Samsung device.
Try it out in the store first, I had the s4 after my Galaxy Nexus, that was unlocked and had stock Android flashed, then the s5 which was rooted, but only years after I got rid of it, they got the bootloader unlocked.
The s5 was fast, but it doesn't hold a candle to stock Android.
If you won't miss the stock sounds, UI, apps, root, etc. Then go for it, I consider most of that stuff bloat and a lot of the exclusive features would go unused by me.
My own opinion, but everyone has their own taste.
dchurch85 said:
Anyone considering the S10 or S10+? Why or why not? They're offering a $550 trade in with Pixel 3 XL, so just more curious what people are doing and why.
I'm considering it. Not sure if I can actually pull the trigger on a Samsung device.
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After the S9+, I'm done with Samsung. I always end up going back to Google devices. I had an S8+, Pixel 2 XL, S9+, and now Pixel 3 XL. Samsung just keeps making it harder and harder to modify MY PHONE, and I think that I should have the right to root, etc., when I pay for the phone outright. I enjoyed my Exynos S9+, dont get me wrong, but the Pixel is so much easier. Here in the US, you need to buy an international Samsung if you want to do anything with as far as Roms go, but then you loose functionality because the phone is not built for use in USA. There are ways to make things work, but it is tedious, and time consuming, then Samsung changes crap each time they update. Also, its to the point now that the Snapdragon processors are out performing the Exynos processors.
Phone looks pretty sick but still not enough to convince me to switch to sammy phone. Its a sammy........
lucky_strike33 said:
Phone looks pretty sick but still not enough to convince me to switch to sammy phone. Its a sammy........
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Been with Sammy for so many year. Please no more. Happy with them, even happier with Google.
I still look forward every time to pick up my phone, turn it on and use it,. Loving it. I dont even have a need for Pix 4. I can easily go stay with it for another year. Knowing me id get P4 tho.
But yeah no more Samsung for me. My brother is getting one tho
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do i like locked bootloaders? lmao
I have been very disappointed with my xl 3. I am getting either the s10 or LG v8
What is an S10? Until Google locks the bootloader, I wouldn't be able to tell you what other phones are out there.
I am on Pixel 3 and its been only like 2weeks now. Before this was using a S9+. Best in Pixel 3- rooting and using custom roms with hell lot of features and the bestest camera in the smartphone market now. Cons speaker and display.
Pros of S9+, the best display on a smartphone and speakers tuned by Harmon. Speakers are like the best I have heard ln a smartphone. But worst ever front camera for a flagship, it literally paints everybody in the scene.?
I'm not into locked bootloaders and phones that take 6+ months to update software. My TMo Note 8 is still waiting for official Pie o arrive. I don't care how amazing the hardware is if the software is 1/2 a year or more behind all the time.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
It’s very tempting but the updates are really slow with samsung even if it’s the international version.
I am proud of Pixel 3 getting updates first and all. Unfortunately Pie has been buggy since release and I feel like I have been beta testing the phone for them. I see Samsung's slower release as a more mature release after what Google has fixed.
garyHal said:
I am proud of Pixel 3 getting updates first and all. Unfortunately Pie has been buggy since release and I feel like I have been beta testing the phone for them. I see Samsung's slower release as a more mature release after what Google has fixed.
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Not sure which bugs you refer to, but my phone has run in top notch condition since day one. Good luck with your Samsung. All you have to do is look at the Note 9 forums to find million of complaints about the software. The only mature thing about their software is the release date because as per the many forums on XDA there is a ton of stuff wrong with it.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
Eudeferrer said:
Not sure which bugs you refer to, but my phone has run in top notch condition since day one. Good luck with your Samsung. All you have to do is look at the Note 9 forums to find million of complaints about the software. The only mature thing about their software is the release date because as per the many forums on XDA there is a ton of stuff wrong with it.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
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I have posted my issues on this forum before. Such problems include:
1) lag even after the most recent update
2) I restart my phone daily and on several occasions, the phone restarts to a dead black screen instead of Android
3) the clock on the status bar is stuck, restarting the phone fixes this
4) "always on display" gets stuck
5) LTE connection is bad. Instead of dropping down to 3g, it stays on "No Data" state.
I've got both the pixel and note 9, I've also had the s8 and s9+ wasn't impressed with them but I am with the note. The screen is amazing, no notch and the pen is a huge plus. I'm leaning on keeping my note for now and getting rid of the pixel. I've got the international one so bootloader is unlocked barely any bloat. Then maybe getting the S10+
garyHal said:
I have posted my issues on this forum before. Such problems include:
1) lag even after the most recent update
2) I restart my phone daily and on several occasions, the phone restarts to a dead black screen instead of Android
3) the clock on the status bar is stuck, restarting the phone fixes this
4) "always on display" gets stuck
5) LTE connection is bad. Instead of dropping down to 3g, it stays on "No Data" state.
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Other than a rare lag when first opening the camera, I can honestly say I haven't had any of these issues on my phone. I guess which apps you use has a lot to do with it also, but it sounds to me like you got a bad Apple. Maybe the Note 9 is better for your use, but my Note 8 experience is crap (slow and painfully laggy). Good luck.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
I sold my P2XL & bought an S9+. They are good phones but I couldn't wait for the P3XL to come out. I'm happy with my Pixel. Everything I did with the S9+ was tweaking it to be more like a Pixel, both with looks and adding Google apps to use instead of the Samsung apps. I had duplicates of a bunch of apps. I tried to like Bixby but that was hopeless. I use the camera quite a bit, nothing like the Pixel's that I've ever used.
dmb219 said:
I sold my P2XL & bought an S9+. They are good phones but I couldn't wait for the P3XL to come out. I'm happy with my Pixel. Everything I did with the S9+ was tweaking it to be more like a Pixel, both with looks and adding Google apps to use instead of the Samsung apps. I had duplicates of a bunch of apps. I tried to like Bixby but that was hopeless. I use the camera quite a bit, nothing like the Pixel's that I've ever used.
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I am confused. You sold your Pixel 2 and now you couldn't wait for the Pixel 3? What phone are you using now?
garyHal said:
I am confused. You sold your Pixel 2 and now you couldn't wait for the Pixel 3? What phone are you using now?
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That wasn't very clear. I had a P2XL, sold it and bought an S9+. I used that until the P3XL came out. I sold the Samsung and bought the new Pixel. I take good care of my phone, keep the packaging & accessories in the box. I got a pretty good price for the last few phones I sold on Swappa. It makes it easier than paying big money for a phone every year. I probably got 70% of the cost after 9 or 10 months of use.