Related
I heard that they removed the Swipe down on the fingerprint scanner to bring down the notification shade. This is nearly a deal breaker for me since the phone is so tall. Does anyone know if it's permenantly gone or if it will come back in the next update?
I don't see it in gesture settings may come back in Android P haven't tried beta yet so can't say for sure I'm pleasantly surprised how smaller the actual phone is from seeing on YouTube looked massive for a 6'2" it's actually not bad I can just about reach notification drop down one handed but I have fairly large hands so possibly not so good if have small hands lol
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Tapatalk
There are plenty of Launchers that support pull down for notifications. The only downside is they have to be on the home screen, but with a phone like this, it's fast enough to do 2 inputs rather than fumbling with 1 hand or reaching with your other. Plus, if it's possible with hardware, I'm sure there will be a custom Rom with that capability.
Update at bottom.
Couldn't pass up the price! I got the white one, less fingerprint magnet. I'm using it with Straight Talk with Verizon SIM. Here's my impressions after two days of use.
I've used the Moto X Pure for the past year. It was the only unlocked, multi-carrier large screen phone....I like 'em big ... Wait, that came out wrong....?
Update
First thing I did was all the updates, reset, update, reset... Wash rinse, repeat. Like Android likes to do, I couldn't download the last security update till I got on WiFi.... Wouldn't use data via the Moto's hotspot thus I had to go to the library, very rural area, only WiFi around....pita but typical Android not allowing system updates over data! So an uber clean start.
Overall I think the PH-1 is a good device. I haven't had any real negative bugs. The charging icon when off, the espresso cup, never shows fully charged. Otherwise the software seems like any other decent Android device I've used.
Build quality
IMHO ceramic isn't a good material to use. It's far too slippery to place on any surface, and being an insulator not great at removing heat, not to mention potential signal issues. However, my device's fit and finish is excellent, though it'll be the first device I use a case with — I've never broken a screen, knock on wood, in 5+ years. I have to put this in a case so I can set it on surfaces without it running off.
Screen
It's good, though too small imo. I really like the Moto X Pure more. Haven't compared them side by side on a great photo yet but I'm sure the PH-1 is better in that regard. The biggest pain is the text is so much smaller and there isn't a perfect setting for font size + display size, for me, thus I'm adapting to the default.
Camera
I'm not a big photo person. The camera to me does a good job. It took a photo of small print on a charging brick that can't be read. I've tried it with other devices and none could make the text clear but the PH-1 did.
Notch
IMO this notch and 2:1 screen ratio is stupid. However I will say essential did it the best you could. I don't mind it at all, but the reality is it's not a 5.7" screen — you rarely use the notification area (which is much larger), and if you do you get a wonky aspect ratio. IMO anything below 6" screen size needs to stay 16:9 and no notch. It's amazing how much more screen I have with the Moto X Pure.
Performance
Mine has been great. There's the occasional jitter or lag depending on the app but I've seen that on every Android device I've used — haven't used a pixel. FYI I turned off animations. Essential has done a good job keeping the bloatware down and unnecessary background running apps, I really appreciate that! Now if we could get Google to play along!
The PH-1 also does a lot better with ram management than the Moto! The Moto didn't take much before you were reloading the recent app or web page — I honestly don't think it ever used over 2GB of the ram. The Ph-1 IMO does well keeping recent apps/pages from being reloaded.
Fingerprint scanner
Works fast when it works but a lot of double tries. Might need to redo the setup.
Signal
I tested the signal between my two devices and here's what I noticed. The signal dB & dBm range is much greater on the PH-1 than the Moto. The Moto stays pretty steady in my current location which has a very strong Verizon signal. The PH-1 signal varies a lot ±10. It can be significantly lower or higher than the Moto. It seems to really decrease signal in standby, I'm guessing essential is turning down the power to the antenna to increase battery life when in standby which would be smart, and the signal IS AFFECTED BY HOW YOU HOLD IT, thus a case is a smart idea. Nonetheless my speeds are better.
Enhanced LTE
Can't make phone calls if it's enabled.... Most likely due to being on a mvno. And didn't notice any improvement in signal or data with it on.
Hotspot
Seems to be normal.
Speaker
It's loud! Louder than the Moto! There Moto sounds a bit better but not a lot. I'm pretty impressed.
Call quality
Seems the same.
Battery life
Very good. Nearly double the Moto! — I usually get 5hrs SOT browsing, and have had 12hrs SOT reading. I've always been able to get good SOT compared to most users — due to my usage habits. Where this one does so much better is the SoC IMO. I can browse about 2x what I can on the Moto. I'm sure the screen is more efficient also but I've not had enough time to test the two. I'm very pleased thus far.
Right now I'm at 87% battery with 2 hrs 15 minutes SOT! With LTE, location on, some browsing, signal testing, and writing this long winded thing.
Shipped with no charge
My device arrived with no charge, wouldn't even power into the battery charging state for a while.
Charging
First charge was slow! After that it has charged very fast, and doesn't get hot like the Moto.
USB-C to HDMI
Used this tiny converter and it worked!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B077XFZXXL?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title
However, while video was properly displayed at 16:9 my landscape of the device was over sized. I had to set the display size to the largest, strangely, to make the screen smaller on the TV but it never was 1:1, always slightly bigger, and I couldn't find an adjustment on the TV for scanning HDMI.... Could be the TV.
No exFat support
A pita. Had to format my Samsung T5 ex ssd. The apps to use exfat (Paragon, mixplorer, etc) weren't good enough, better to reformat IMO if you're going to be using a particular device frequently. The read/wire speed to the T5 isn't super fast, ~100MBps.
I don't use NFC and rarely Bluetooth thus I haven't tested them and don't care.
Straight Talk setup
Of course their customer service insisted I get a new SIM card — you can't use the same SIM because they can only use one IMEI number per SIM. So I ordered a new SIM but tried the old one — data didn't work the first couple tries — the proper apn wasn't being loaded, but third time everything is rocking including the proper TracFone apn but it can't be edited — I don't know if that's Android 8 or what.
Got the Moto command center widget working as well though it loads slow on restart. I love this widget!
Used to use Swype, only keyboard I've used really, trying to get used to Gboard.... Not liking it at all!
Thanks for reading!
UPDATE 7.24.18
GPS, LTE, Wi-Fi, and cellular signal
FYI: using Straight Talk w/Verizon SIM.
Went for a drive into town today, I'm in a very rural area, and had a chance to really put the signal issues to the test.
GPS: no problems whatsoever. Connects faster than any device I've owned. Didn't drop either.
LTE: this device switches bands more than my Moto X Pure. While my Moto would stay on band 4 this will switch between 4 & 13, even in the same location not moving. The Moto has about -10dbm better on band 4, but the PH-1 is same or better on 13. I've read some say they think the big issue of signal with this device is band 4, seems lower for me as well.
I maintained a cellular signal the entire drive, but data dropped out just about the same as the Moto does in the same areas. So, about the same imo. However the data signal on this device was noticeably worse in the grocery store. To the point of not being useable till I found that perfect spot.
Wi-Fi: the grocery stores's WiFi was problematic. Connection showed stable but wouldn't transfer data. Turned off data, turned WiFi back on and worked better for a bit. I've had similar issues with other Android devices and WiFi, my Moto has been the best at WiFi connectivity.
I've had similar issues with every Android device I've owned — some type of connection bug in either WiFi, GPS, or data. So, to be fair the PH-1 isn't alone when it comes to connection issues and I'm sure much of that goes back to Google. All in all I would say signal, depending on available bands, can be a bit lower in general thus those really spotty areas may be non-existent. However, when connected I get much faster data speeds than my Moto.
A further note.... If you have VERY dry hands this thing is ridiculously slick! Not so bad when hands are "normal."
Like every Android device I've used or tested it has its own quarks, nothing to horrible though, at least in my case ?
Good review.
Fwiw I am using the custom nav bar app that hides both the nav and status bar. That combined with setting display setting small and font extra large works pretty decent. I am coming from a Nexus 6 which has a ton of screen space.
Were can I find that widget
Sent from my Moto Z3 Play using Tapatalk
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/papho...om-navigation-bar-0-3-5-android-apk-download/
kenbrownstone said:
Were can I find that widget
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a newer version of the widget.... I loaded it last night and it seems ok. If you want the one i had in the screen shot let me know, but I think this one functions better.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x-2014/themes-apps/app-moto-z-widget-t3410892/amp/
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
droidstyle said:
Good review.
Fwiw I am using the custom nav bar app that hides both the nav and status bar. That combined with setting display setting small and font extra large works pretty decent. I am coming from a Nexus 6 which has a ton of screen space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you talking about Natcho notch?
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
Essential has a 19:10 screen ratio, not 18.5/9, which brings it closer to a standard width phone. I actually feel like I have quite a bit more screen over the s8 I had before this. I can't wait until you can fill the notch area on android P. The black bar that happens drives me nuts. I'm using the XDA gestures app and a magisk module to hide the nav bar, so at least I gain that space.
crixley said:
Essential has a 19:10 screen ratio, not 18.5/9, which brings it closer to a standard width phone. I actually feel like I have quite a bit more screen over the s8 I had before this. I can't wait until you can fill the notch area on android P. The black bar that happens drives me nuts. I'm using the XDA gestures app and a magisk module to hide the nav bar, so at least I gain that space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S8 2:1 aspect ratio is to narrow.... I looked at those 2:1 phones compared to my Moto X Pure and I couldn't give up that much screen. I think the PH-1 would have been better at 6" ... But that's me ?
Im not planning on rooting. I get to OCD when I go down that road and waste to much time. So I'll take what I can. But all in all I'm good with the device.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
Charles7 said:
It's far too slippery to place on any surface
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My biggest complaint as well. I have both the glossy black and matte grey, and the grey is so much nicer. No fingerprints, and nowhere near as slippery as the glossy black one
x000x said:
My biggest complaint as well. I have both the glossy black and matte grey, and the grey is so much nicer. No fingerprints, and nowhere near as slippery as the glossy black one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I ordered I didn't notice the grey was matte. Probably could take fine sandpaper and turn this into matte. Did that with a LG G2 and it worked great, but that was plastic.
Think I'll go with the Incipio dualpro case instead, just for the screen drop protection.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
Charles7 said:
The S8 2:1 aspect ratio is to narrow.... I looked at those 2:1 phones compared to my Moto X Pure and I couldn't give up that much screen. I think the PH-1 would have been better at 6" ... But that's me
Im not planning on rooting. I get to OCD when I go down that road and waste to much time. So I'll take what I can. But all in all I'm good with the device.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eventually I"m sure they'll add the setting to go full immersive like they had in oreo under dev settings. I kinda can't wait. That was my favorite thing about running AOSiP and RR, and almost makes me want to go back and just use the gestures app on one of those.
crixley said:
Eventually I"m sure they'll add the setting to go full immersive like they had in oreo under dev settings. I kinda can't wait. That was my favorite thing about running AOSiP and RR, and almost makes me want to go back and just use the gestures app on one of those.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The full immersive mode on Oreo is ok for certain things, but on videos you have to zoom in every single time, not a natural fit thus why I'm a 16:9 fan ?
But that is better than nothing!!!
I really wish Google would have gone all in on gestures AKA Blackberry OS 10. This phone is perfect for that!
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
Charles7 said:
The full immersive mode on Oreo is ok for certain things, but on videos you have to zoom in every single time, not a natural fit thus why I'm a 16:9 fan ?
But that is better than nothing!!!
I really wish Google would have gone all in on gestures AKA Blackberry OS 10. This phone is perfect for that!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Switch back to the P beta for MOAR gestures
rignfool said:
Switch back to the P beta for MOAR gestures
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on 8.1... I'll wait for stable P, thanks though.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
rignfool said:
Switch back to the P beta for MOAR gestures
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, the gestures are so half baked, that is why I'm using the xda app even though I'm on p. The nav bar still being there means you gain no extra space (they could have at least made it transparent. Tried navbar apps but there is no transparency option), and the back button looks ridiculous.
Charles7 said:
Are you talking about Natcho notch?
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Charles7 said:
When I ordered I didn't notice the grey was matte. Probably could take fine sandpaper and turn this into matte. Did that with a LG G2 and it worked great, but that was plastic.
Think I'll go with the Incipio dualpro case instead, just for the screen drop protection.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No...I'm using command bar app that allows full immersive mode. No Nav bar or status bar with any app or desktop mode unless you swipe the screen on finger print sensor. I have full screen from top to bottom all the time.
Yeah I have the Halo Gray...it's a matte finish. I really like it.
droidstyle said:
No...I'm using command bar app that allows full immersive mode. No Nav bar or status bar with any app or desktop mode unless you swipe the screen on finger print sensor. I have full screen from top to bottom all the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you point me to the app you're talking about? Does it need root? I'm not planning on root.... But.....
I haven't found an app that works with the fingerprint sensor, and the immersive mode apps aren't worth it, at least the ones that I have tried. Thanks
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
droidstyle said:
No...I'm using command bar app that allows full immersive mode. No Nav bar or status bar with any app or desktop mode unless you swipe the screen on finger print sensor. I have full screen from top to bottom all the time.
Yeah I have the Halo Gray...it's a matte finish. I really like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It leaves a black bar for me like any other app. Are you on Android p?
No I am on stock 8.1unlocked and rooted..no black bars.
droidstyle said:
No I am on stock 8.1unlocked and rooted..no black bars.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, stock has the notch setting in dev options anyway so yeah I knew that worked even without an app.
Per Google they are adding the option.
https://www.engadget.com/2018/10/10/google-hide-pixel-3-xl-notch/
well, technically, they arent adding it, the option is already available in Pie.
uicnren said:
well, technically, they arent adding it, the option is already available in Pie.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, great point.
TonikJDK said:
Haha, great point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really do hope they refine its implementation though. Moving icons down below is less than ideal.
I hope there's an option to half-hide it too. I could deal with half of that ridiculous notch.
gettinwicked said:
I hope there's an option to half-hide it too. I could deal with half of that ridiculous notch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so I went to best buy this evening to check it out.
unfortunately is was pretty crippled and I could not enable developer options (needed a password), so I couldnt get a full idea of how it looks hidden.
having said that, it really doesnt look as bad as it does in pictures online. however, it is still big.
It is not so visible on home screen if you use a dark wallpaper. Some apps hide it automagically, which keeps the status icons on the top, which is exactly how I wish it would be when hidden. I will probably make a photoshop overlay for wallpapers that will hide the notch with status up high, as I dont really use the live walls or anything like that, though I think devs will figure out a way to do that as well.
Viewing pics and video full screen it (the notch) will bother me very much.
Unfortunately the phone had no internet or cell signal, and of course connectivity settings were not available.
The screen to me is a HUGE improvement over the 2XL it looks fantastic. Even the non-XL was very impressive screen wise. Speakers do indeed sound louder, though I could only play the on-board ringtones etc, which still only preview out of one speaker.
Sadly hard to get a full hands on with it being crippled, but I do feel better about pre-ordering it than I did before I checked it out.
uicnren said:
so I went to best buy this evening to check it out.
unfortunately is was pretty crippled and I could not enable developer options (needed a password), so I couldnt get a full idea of how it looks hidden.
having said that, it really doesnt look as bad as it does in pictures online. however, it is still big.
It is not so visible on home screen if you use a dark wallpaper. Some apps hide it automagically, which keeps the status icons on the top, which is exactly how I wish it would be when hidden. I will probably make a photoshop overlay for wallpapers that will hide the notch with status up high, as I dont really use the live walls or anything like that, though I think devs will figure out a way to do that as well.
Viewing pics and video full screen it (the notch) will bother me very much.
Unfortunately the phone had no internet or cell signal, and of course connectivity settings were not available.
The screen to me is a HUGE improvement over the 2XL it looks fantastic. Even the non-XL was very impressive screen wise. Speakers do indeed sound louder, though I could only play the on-board ringtones etc, which still only preview out of one speaker.
Sadly hard to get a full hands on with it being crippled, but I do feel better about pre-ordering it than I did before I checked it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well do what i did.. reboot to recovery and format it xd xd then u can fully use the device
Delete. Obviously couldn't screenshot it .Duh
Download the app natcho notch to allow status bar information in the notch section but everything else below the notch
wwevoxnj said:
Download the app natcho notch to allow status bar information in the notch section but everything else below the notch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just saw jonathan morison do a youtube review and mentioned this app.....its a great idea and use of the upper screen space. I was wondering if all the notch hiding will cause any screen burn-in.
Just installed Natcho Notch and tried it ... i likes it!
p
psklenar said:
Just installed Natcho Notch and tried it ... i likes it!
p
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I will be doing when I get mine and at least then I can pick and choose between notch/notchless (not crotchless that's something altogether different lol)
Been using Nacho Notch on my 3xl since I got it on Wednesday. Just turned it off to see if there was any difference in color on a white background. Didn't see a thing. Maybe it will the longer it is used, but my phone screen is pretty much on all night because I leave Netflix running when I fall asleep. I'll learn real quick if it does in fact have burn-in or image retention (OLED screen problem).
firepong said:
Been using Nacho Notch on my 3xl since I got it on Wednesday. Just turned it off to see if there was any difference in color on a white background. Didn't see a thing. Maybe it will the longer it is used, but my phone screen is pretty much on all night because I leave Netflix running when I fall asleep. I'll learn real quick if it does in fact have burn-in or image retention (OLED screen problem).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you leave netflix running when you fall asleep?
daleski75 said:
Why do you leave netflix running when you fall asleep?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I usually watch a show when I go to bed. Half the time I fall asleep and wake up realizing I am a few episodes into a series.
Honestly doesn't bother me much (Well, at least it will until I can get root and install an xposed module that cuts charging off and starts charging again when the battery gets slow, or allow you to change the rate at which the phone charges). I used the module on my Pixel 2 XL and the battery was just as good as it was when I first got it 9 months later. Sadly, can't remember the module name, but it makes the chance of reducing your phones battery charge much smaller and livable with.
bsg411 said:
I just saw jonathan morison do a youtube review and mentioned this app.....its a great idea and use of the upper screen space. I was wondering if all the notch hiding will cause any screen burn-in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would assume it wouldn't be any worse than it is stock
the notch in 10.0.3 gets removed entirely, where before the time, network, notifications, etc would still use this part of the screen. come on oneplus, you can do better!
how you get the update? i'm on 10.0 and can't find the update
Deltalfa said:
how you get the update? i'm on 10.0 and can't find the update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=4349826312261679648
Lmao. This option just made our screen smaller. How lazy are the devs. On previous OOS 10.0.1 version, i used SetEdit app to manually hide the notch and it was better.
I've gone back to pie 9.0.9. Oneplus have really screwed up android 10 on the Oneplus 6
I guess I'll stay on 9.0.9 as long as it takes to get this garbage 10 update figured out. Pathetic.
My phone looks stupid now, thanks dev.
SETTINGS-DISPLAY-NOTCH DISPLAY, Is that not working on 10.3.0?
I think this new way is better... No sense to turn black the entire status bar instead of really hide it, now it's like custom roms, i absolutely prefer this new one imo
This is notch hide, before was "turn Black status bar" -_-
Hitman478™ said:
I think this new way is better... No sense to turn black the entire status bar instead of really hide it, now it's like custom roms, i absolutely prefer this new one imo
This is notch hide, before was "turn Black status bar" -_-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new way is worst. We are using amoled screens hence just like old days turning off pixels is similar to the ones we have in 10.3.0 (which is notch hide i.e. pixels turned off). Atleast we had large screen and use the bar above for notifications.
crazix said:
The new way is worst. We are using amoled screens hence just like old days turning off pixels is similar to the ones we have in 10.3.0 (which is notch hide i.e. pixels turned off). Atleast we had large screen and use the bar above for notifications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Imo it's about aesthetic, to have clock, notification battery etc in a black space it seems to be out of the device itself and not inside the design of it..
"Turn black the status bar" was much better
Completely agree. The "new" hide the notch option is hilarious. How the hell they even think about that?
So has anyone had a good experience with 10.3.0?
I like the new one too, It's so symmetrical, while the old one had that tiny curves on the top edges that were so different from the ones on to bottom. But hey, some people like this one, others the old one, so they should probably add the older option as well for everyone to choose the one they prefer.
Yes, give both options. We shouldn't have to argue about which is better. I liked the old method because it kept the same amount of usable space, and that is more important to me than someone else's idea of aesthetics. The new method also makes the phone Look like it has a large forehead.
jamesalfred said:
Completely agree. The "new" hide the notch option is hilarious. How the hell they even think about that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is like Pixel 2 with this big notch. If you hide it, the same happens. Tho isnt a big Deal on OP as on a Pixel phone :silly::silly:
I dont hide, but the font on the home screen is soo small I cant read my Time and its always black. (Screenshot attached).
Hey, I've got small hands, and I'm coming from the 5 inch Pixel 1, where I was able to touch the top left corner with a little stretch. Now I wonder whether I will he able to comfortably use the Pixel 4a, as the screen is bigger, but the bezels are smaller. Any experiences about this?
BenjyTec said:
Hey, I've got small hands, and I'm coming from the 5 inch Pixel 1, where I was able to touch the top left corner with a little stretch. Now I wonder whether I will he able to comfortably use the Pixel 4a, as the screen is bigger, but the bezels are smaller. Any experiences about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Coming from the Pixel 1, you will find it a little harder to use one handed but overall it's pretty usable, but you will have to "shuffle" your hand occasionally to reach the top corners and such.
Personally I wish they made it about 141mm tall instead of 144mm. Would have made it perfect for one handed use
WAusJackBauer said:
Coming from the Pixel 1, you will find it a little harder to use one handed but overall it's pretty usable, but you will have to "shuffle" your hand occasionally to reach the top corners and such.
Personally I wish they made it about 141mm tall instead of 144mm. Would have made it perfect for one handed use
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or they could get some real design experts in and one of them might say "gee, people are generally right handed, so they'll hold the phone with their right hand - why do we keep putting stuff like the hamburger icon or the chrome new tab + icon in the very top left of the screen where it's impossible to reach? Wouldn't it make more sense to put it somewhere like the lower right of the screen, or perhaps an option". But I guess you mention the word option and alarms go off and you get escorted from the building, so awkward switching between one and two handed mode it is.