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I have loved and used Samsung phones since I switched from HTC's fuze.
I had a Captivate, a Galaxy S, Note, Galaxy S3 and was planning on getting a Note 3. The Captivate and Note where grey imports and the Note 3 was going to be one. Another thing that I liked is that you could flash the latest rom from any region and use the modem from your region, did this with all of them.
Now with all the bootloader locking, Knox warning after rooting and now region locking it's very doubtful I'll get the Note 3.
Now this thread is here not to defend the Note 3, or to rant and vent against Samsung, but to provide alternatives to it. It should be a better phone that the Note 1
What would you recommend or what are you planning on doing?
Any recommendation should be unlockable, flashable and rootable as Samsung's phones USED to be.
So, do you guys have any thoughts on the following phones? Pros, cons against the Note 3?
HTC One Max? When will this phone be announced and available?
Sony's Xperia Ultra?
$769.50 Unlocked
Pros: Bigger screen
Cons:
No stylus
No flash on the back
Glass on the back
Screen seems to pick up scratches if you use a pencil and touch is not pressure sensitive. See Ericka Griffin's review
Note 8
$477.50 3G Unlocked
$589.50 LTE Unlocked
Pros:
Even bigger screen
Cons:
Probably would need a BT handset like Sony's SBH52 or Samsung HM5000 Pen Type Bluetooth 3.0 Headset
Outdated S3 hardware and lowres screen
Note 3 Developer's edition
Has anyone used the Note 2 Dev edition? Pros, cons?
Cons:
Really don't know if this will be available, and if it becomes available what capabilities it will or won't have.
So, any thoughts?
Sent from my LG-LS970
jgaviota said:
I have loved and used Samsung phones since I switched from HTC's fuze.
I had a Captivate, a Galaxy S, Note, Galaxy S3 and was planning on getting a Note 3. The Captivate and Note where grey imports and the Note 3 was going to be one. Another thing that I liked is that you could flash the latest rom from any region and use the modem from your region, did this with all of them.
Now with all the bootloader locking, Knox warning after rooting and now region locking it's very doubtful I'll get the Note 3.
Now this thread is here not to defend the Note 3, or to rant and vent against Samsung, but to provide alternatives to it. It should be a better phone that the Note 1
What would you recommend or what are you planning on doing?
Any recommendation should be unlockable, flashable and rootable as Samsung's phones USED to be.
So, do you guys have any thoughts on the following phones? Pros, cons against the Note 3?
HTC One Max? When will this phone be announced and available?
Sony's Xperia Ultra?
$769.50 Unlocked
Pros: Bigger screen
Cons:
No stylus
No flash on the back
Glass on the back
Screen seems to pick up scratches if you use a pencil and touch is not pressure sensitive. See Ericka Griffin's review
Note 8
$477.50 3G Unlocked
$589.50 LTE Unlocked
Pros:
Even bigger screen
Cons:
Probably would need a BT handset like Sony's SBH52 or Samsung HM5000 Pen Type Bluetooth 3.0 Headset
Outdated S3 hardware and lowres screen
Note 3 Developer's edition
Has anyone used the Note 2 Dev edition? Pros, cons?
Cons:
Really don't know if this will be available, and if it becomes available what capabilities it will or won't have.
So, any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see them releasing a developer edition for this phone as much as I would get one it is all about the Spen in Samsungs eyes but you never know
How are Sony's, HTC's and LG's attitudes to rooting now?
Acer Liquid S2 looks very interesting.
Almost same great specs as Note 3:
snapdragon 800 quad core 2.2, Adreno 330, 13mp camera (4K video rec), 1080p Corning Gorilla Glass (lcd) display, 2gb ram.
but with larger screen 6", 4 led ring flash (powerful flashlight), stereo speakers, microSD, up to 128 GB, and... fm radio!
Lte support: 800 / 1800 / 2600.
They haven't published a weight for it yet. No Knox or Region lock! I'm guessing hoping an unlocked boot loader! I have a new crush!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317
keeping my note 2 and buying the refreshed version of this W3 Windows x86 Desktop OS tablet for 280$
http://www.staples.com/Acer-ICONIA-W3-810-1600-81-32GB-Tablet/product_48343
because no phone or phablet will be 8.1" in display size
or have a real desktop OS that runs .exe files
and just use it in tandem using my note 2 to tether unlimited verizon 4G to the windows tablet. and keep the note 2 for calls, messages, notifications, GPS.
both in either pocket.
I was SO getting a Note3 to replace my Note2 as quickly as possible but recent events have turned me off and I'm in no hurry whatsoever anymore. I'm going to sit tight and follow how things develop.
If you're into Samsung have a look at the Mega which I had for about a week. It was really nice but I ended up returning it because when I set the brightness to 100% it would often "auto-dim" due to overheating.
Right now I'm keeping my Note2 but have actively started to look at other brands (I'm only one person and Samsung could care less about my business, but if bad reputation spreads things could change quickly).
Personally the only other phone alternative I would consider is HTC Max which I think is being launched on 15th Oct.
both ultra and mega are sluggish in comparison to Note 3 so a no no for me, and mega is plastic. Note 3 is lovely phone with good features but the beast is caged in cheap looking plastic and the bezel is ugly. The design has put me off somewhat but I love the features. So not sure what I'll do with it I've been offered iPhone 5s 64gb to swap, I'm considering it.
Xperia Z Ultra is the best alternatives.
How about HTC One MAX which will be coming soon?
Fact of the matter is none of the other large size screen phones are considered alternatives to the Note. An alternative or a substitute is something that fulfills the same benefit. Even now after two years of launching the note, there is no phone that provides you with same or equivalent multi tasking features and the S-pen.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk 2
The Xperia Z Ultra is too big with the bezels. I had it for awhile. And it scratches so easily.
If I wasn't getting the Note 3 it would be the LG G2. Nice big display and fast. I also had it for awhile to test. Great phone.
The Oppo N1 is the only interesting phablet alternative.
yes +1 for Oppo N1.
http://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_n1-review-990.php
Tubgirl said:
I was SO getting a Note3 to replace my Note2 as quickly as possible but recent events have turned me off and I'm in no hurry whatsoever anymore. I'm going to sit tight and follow how things develop.
If you're into Samsung have a look at the Mega which I had for about a week. It was really nice but I ended up returning it because when I set the brightness to 100% it would often "auto-dim" due to overheating.
Right now I'm keeping my Note2 but have actively started to look at other brands (I'm only one person and Samsung could care less about my business, but if bad reputation spreads things could change quickly).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
riz157 said:
Personally the only other phone alternative I would consider is HTC Max which I think is being launched on 15th Oct.
both ultra and mega are sluggish in comparison to Note 3 so a no no for me, and mega is plastic. Note 3 is lovely phone with good features but the beast is caged in cheap looking plastic and the bezel is ugly. The design has put me off somewhat but I love the features. So not sure what I'll do with it I've been offered iPhone 5s 64gb to swap, I'm considering it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding the Galaxy Mega, Samsung missed a HUGE (pun intended) opportunity with that device. I checked it out in person at an AT&T store. The first thing I thought was 'Holy Jesus, this thing is huge' (and i'm a pretty big guy, but even I was surprised at the size). The second thing I thought as I played with it was how laggy it was. I know they were just testing the waters, but they went too low-spec with that device. I think people like us (nerds and technophiles) could deal with the lower-res screen and the plastic feel of the phone, but the internals of the device killed it. If they had done slightly better specs (I'm talking maybe Note 2 range) and a slightly smaller screen (6"), there would have been people jumping all over that phone.
That being said, if they come out with a Galaxy Mega 2 next year that is actually speedy and a little bit smaller, then I might seriously consider buying one.
After a quick research I decided that I will wait for HTC ONE Max,My experience with my old HTC HD2 ,which is still my backup device,is very good.
Ascend Mate?
I used Huawei Ascend Mate for a while. It's a pretty good device, quad core, 2GB RAM, 6.1 inch, nice screen, good quality, and the price also. (I paid 350 euros for it in France, which is very cheap compared to the 750 euro price tag of the Note3). The cons were, only 8GB of inner storage (there's a slot for external SD card though), no stylus (this bothered me the most), not really good camera, and -well it isn't really important to every user- no custom software development. Rootable, so u can at least remove the bloatware. I've heard about some MIUI custom ROM for it, though, but never tried it.
hagba said:
After a quick research I decided that I will wait for HTC ONE Max,My experience with my old HTC HD2 ,which is still my backup device,is very good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck. They botched the launch of the One and now the One Mini whose design (at least in China) the One Max shares. Not to mention their precarious financial condition.
azzerc said:
Hi guys.
I have recently upgraded to the HTC One Mini and I have to say that I'd love this handset if it wasn't for the fact that the plastic edge/chassis keeps cracking. I am on my second handset as Vodafone were happy enough to replace my first one when I reported this issue to them but it has happened again on my second. These small cracks were not there when I first got either of the two handsets but seemed to appear after a few days of use. I have been back to the store again and they will replace the handset or let me change to a different model/brand so there is no issue there. My question are: Has anyone else had this issue? As I can't seem to find any info on other instances. And, Does it's big brother the HTC One have the same issue as I may upgrade to that?
Cheers guys any info would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45061270#post45061270
HTC Corp is facing supply constraints on its latest smartphone, sources familiar with the matter said, piling pressure on already disappointing sales and increasing the likelihood the firm will post its first net loss this quarter.
The problems with the HTC One Mini, launched in mid-July to generally positive reviews, come partly from a casing shortage arising from design difficulties that are crimping production rates, one of the sources said.
The casing troubles come hot on the heels of shortages associated with the flagship HTC One model's camera module, indicating the Taiwanese company is still struggling to overcome supply chain difficulties which delayed the One's full launch and contributed to a record low first-quarter net profit.
Another source said consumer and telecom demand for the One Mini could not be met at the moment, even though analysts estimate that the company plans to ship only around 200,000 of the devices each month.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/24/htc-shortage-idUSL4N0HK18P20130924
BarryH_GEG said:
Good luck. They botched the launch of the One and now the One Mini whose design (at least in China) the One Max shares. Not to mention their precarious financial condition.
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who knows my humble contribution may help them with their finacial situation!,besides since I dont have a marriage arrangment with Samsung I see no harm in flirting around a bit!!.
Galaxy Note 2 hands down.
Yes, yes, it's possible to love a phone. Heck, you sleep next to it, don't you? Rate this thread to indicate your love for the Samsung Galaxy Note FE, all things considered. A higher rating indicates that the Samsung Galaxy Note FE is an incredible phone that you enjoy tremendously. You love it.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
It is simply the MOST beautiful thing... Sometimes I find myself just staring at it.
I need a life.
Estetically astonishing, an amazing swansong for the pre "infinity display" desing language at Samsung. If it weren't for all that crappy bloatware. If only I were brave enough to root it. If only i could have one N935F just released in some asian markets like Malaysia.
Much love
The FE just became available here in Manila so i quickly pounced on one. I really liked the Note 7 when it came out and was sorely disappointed when it ended so badly
This phone is magnificent, I have the N8 as well but the FE fits in my hand better and is easier for me to handle. Sort of the difference between an S7 and an S8 overall but very happy to add to my collection. This one is a real keeper here as resale is nil and barely anyone know about it.
Also important for me it's a dual SIM version!
Definite love
Great phone! Dimension, FP reader position, battery life are all to my liking. Top notch phone! Accessories are much cheaper too! lol!
Price of phone could have been slightly lower though.
4.5/5 for me.
note fe is very good, similar to note 8, the price is also affordable, if we talk about the hardware also still able to survive at least 2 or 3 more years (I think)
I just love it too, seriously. Although not being able to root it (for now I hope!) makes me a bit frustrated.. Overall, I agree that the price could have been a bit lower but it's a Note so that's quite understandable...
I'll keep it and keep loving it until there's a really more appealing phone released which I think, won't be released soon as this Infinity-whatever trend of Samsung of the newest devices is just awful to me..
I highly prefer my capacitive navbar and the 16:9 ratio lol
I'm considering buying one. But with shipping and import...that'll be at least 600 EUR, probably more towards 650. The Note8 is already sold at 750, even Dual-Sim. Is it worth shelling out that much (I actually only hate the S8/Note8 because of the rear-mounted FP sensor).
treysis said:
I'm considering buying one. But with shipping and import...that'll be at least 600 EUR, probably more towards 650. The Note8 is already sold at 750, even Dual-Sim. Is it worth shelling out that much (I actually only hate the S8/Note8 because of the rear-mounted FP sensor).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Note FE is the last of his kind, physical front home button, 16:9 ratio.
It's not a bad thing so I ordered one instead of the Note 8 even if price is almost the same.
This phone is made for the Fan only
Hm, I thought about ordering a few so as to minimize my costs. But looking at prices for Note8 on ebay, I doubt this will be a success, if you can buy a European dual-sim Note8 with local warranty for only 50-100 Euros more. Would really need someone who appreciates the front FP as much as I do.
i just traded my s7 with the fe. reasons:
1. i skipped s8 and newer ones because i really despise having to pickup the whole phone from table just to securely unlock it. i trust biometric as far more secure, accurate and convenient compared to password, pin or pattern. the fingerprint scanner must always in the front, ready on your command only by using 1 finger. i readily accept last year hardware performance for this, i really don't mind since they are already powerful enough
2. the design is simply gorgeous and i luv it for still giving my finger some space to grip it on landscape mode because i enjoy watching video on my phone quite a lot during travel/commute. newer phone designs barely give anything to grip
i really wish the design trend will reverse but if it doesn't i think this will be the last time i upgrade my phone. lol
The main issues for me are a) no AOSP/LOS/RR (can't stand Touchwiz or Samsung Experience), b) not much community/official/3rd party development/support, and c) I just can't find it anywhere near me or I would have bought it (despite the curvy edges and non-replaceable battery).
Bought the blue dual sim Note FE about 5 months ago. Always wanted a Note device but choosing this one over the newer models, is due to the consideration of the smaller size and the much more beautiful design (imo) the the front fingerprint sensor. Kinda disappointed that the custom scene is not big, but at this moment in time and considering how stable and good the phone has been so far, rooting it will be enough for me.
Reading though about losing some samsung apps is worrisome though. Apart from the samsung pay (don't care at all as I don't pay through the phone), knox, what else won't work after rooting? Is there a list somewhere?
Feregorn said:
Bought the blue dual sim Note FE about 5 months ago. Always wanted a Note device but choosing this one over the newer models, is due to the consideration of the smaller size and the much more beautiful design (imo) the the front fingerprint sensor. Kinda disappointed that the custom scene is not big, but at this moment in time and considering how stable and good the phone has been so far, rooting it will be enough for me.
Reading though about losing some samsung apps is worrisome though. Apart from the samsung pay (don't care at all as I don't pay through the phone), knox, what else won't work after rootinng? Is there a list somewhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi i was thinking the same as you till month ago . But believe me no need at all , first now we got Android 9 with all new look. Second you can install rootless substratum with andromeda , you will find many themes.
Third now there are many apps that will cover your needs instead of rooting . Just dig in xda
Finally Samsung firmware is very complicated. I used to root my note 3 . It was rootable . It works ok but with some bugs . But now i think that any custom rom will give you a hard time fixing bugs especially with latest version of samsung note .
And all custom rom will not be friendly with s pen features.
nesoor1230 said:
Hi i was thinking the same as you till month ago . But believe me no need at all , first now we got Android 9 with all new look. Second you can install rootless substratum with andromeda , you will find many themes.
Third now there are many apps that will cover your needs instead of rooting . Just dig in xda
Finally Samsung firmware is very complicated. I used to root my note 3 . It was rootable . It works ok but with some bugs . But now i think that any custom rom will give you a hard time fixing bugs especially with latest version of samsung note .
And all custom rom will not be friendly with s pen features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your response. The biggest reason that I want root is to install an ad blocker like adaway and ad-free YouTube as ads can be really annoying to me. But I will surely check the substratum that you mentioned.
Sent from my SM-N935F using Tapatalk
Hello , I'm considering upgrading my 4 years old HTC M8 and I'm looking at the Galaxy S7 , LG V20 , LG G6 ( Not plus ) , HTC 10 .
After reading last night about the S7 on reddit a lot of owners were complaining about battery life and screen burn .
what's your experience with the S7 or S7e ? would you recommend it over the other devices I mentioned ? is there anything else I can get within the price range ?
I've had an S7 (G930F) since it came out. A few months ago I broke it so bought an LG G6. After a week I found the display not as good (can't see the screen in strong sunlight while using the camera), camera interior to the old S7, missed touchwiz (surprisingly), but the biggest thing was the ergonomics. The S7 is the perfect size for one handed use. Phones are getting too big or top heavy to one hand easily. I've now bought a dual SIM G930FD and won't be looking at newer models till this croaks it. I've noticed the flat S8 is a millimeter narrower than the S7, so if you have small hands could be worth a look.
Pretty sure everyone here would still recommend the S7 in 2017 otherwise they would have bought a new phone...
Already threads identical to this one
I ve had several LG Flagships, my opinion is to stay away. Network connection problems (signal gets lost randomly and not coming back if you dont reboot) since G2 maybe G, bootloops in a bunch of models and image retention problem in their screens. LG Mobile marketshare is very small and they don't care making reliable phones.
My advice, stay with brands that have served you well or they belong to the big players. Samsung, Apple, or Huawei. Maybe Xiaomi too. Or you can stay in HTC's territory if you were satisfied.
Personally last phone on my hands is Galaxy S7. Battery life is as in every Android phone, some security patches or play services versions can cause battery drains but updates can fix it after a while. Otherwise problems to non problematic devices are caused by third party apps or by disabling preinstalled apps & services.
I bought it in June this year and haven't regretted it for a second. I'd take an S7 over phones you named any day.
The G6's design is nice but there's all there is to it.
If you're not a camera guy, try getting OnePlus 3T or 5. Other than that, I have no recommendations.
I just got one. Coming from S5 running RR. So far I miss the replaceable battery but love the camera. Performance I would say is about the same. I'm leaving the S7 stock for now, just switched to Nova launcher.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Go for the S7, I haven't heard anyone complaining about it so far.
sure...im using s7 for 10 months and no problem at all....few little problems here and there 99% solved with update and now this is really a good phone with good size( size is very very important for daily use)
If you want an in-its-whole reliable and secure phone with a fast camera, your only options are Apple and Samsung devices if we talk about the high end category. I ve made this conclusion after changing lots of phones and reaearching about them a lot. I am not saying you can't find something else that fits your requirements, but it's possible that issues, bugs etc you did not expect, may come up out of the blue.
So, if you don't like iPhones, you 'll have to choose a Samsung device and S7 is onw of them.
All that is my opinion, one can say this is not like this, I had that device and it was like blah blah. What I say is based on possibility and statistics and I like to help people as I ve done some stupid things in the past concerning phone buys and learned from my mistakes.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
mario24601 said:
I just got one. Coming from S5 running RR. So far I miss the replaceable battery but love the camera. Performance I would say is about the same. I'm leaving the S7 stock for now, just switched to Nova launcher.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
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I've been enjoying mine, granted only been few days so far but I'm impressed. I do miss functionality of RR but I'm sure I'll get use to lacking those features. Size is good and has a headphone jack
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
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 $12.66/mo. love it. Good battery life, great screen, wireless charge. Not easy finding a good screen protector though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Skinomi protectors, I've used them in various phone and they really good.
I purchased it on 7th Feb 2018
I just bought mine yesterday from Flipkart!
got it for Rs 23,000.
The only good options were (according to price range of Rs. 25,000)
Moto x4 , Honor 8 pro, Moto z1, Galaxy s7
I choose this because of
1. Super Amoled 2k display
2. Camera (having dual pixel technology)
3. Guaranteed update to oreo by April 2018
As you know It has all the ingredients of a everyday smartphone, i.e 4GB ram , top of line processing power, 32gb storage, Hybrid sim slot.
For me the screen and camera are the main reasons
I have installed google camera app v4 and it has significant improvement over the photos clicked.
Hope this helps
Super_Commando said:
Hi everyone
Is the S7 [exynos] worth buying now? I can get it for around ₹22k(330$), 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..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
So hello there everyone, as the title says i'm looking to get a Galaxy S7, i looked up for similar threads to get quick answers but i still have lots of questions before i buy.
So basically i need a phone with a good rear camera that has manual mode, water resistance, snappy performance, good battery if possible, OLED display and a headphone jack! Anything else is not that important for me, But what i need most! is a developer friendly phone! not sure if its the correct description but what i want is a phone that has plenty of ROMs and mods, cause i love to try new things even if i break the phone (usually able to fix it after) and i thought the S7 is a good choice (if there is better tell me).
Now i got few questions and i'll appreciate all opinions:
1. Does the camera have manual mode for video recording or just picture ?
2. How solid is the phone and is it mandatory to have a case on it ?
3. Does it have any of the random issues similar to the G4 or V10 from LG ? I don't want a phone that would break itself out of nothing.
4. If i'm into installing and testing ROMs too often, should i go for the Snapdragon or the Exynos variant ? (I'm into the Exynos one but please tell me what do you think).
5. Is there any common problems with the phone ? and what should i be checking for if i'm getting a used one!
6. There is a particular issue i wanna avoid if anyone can tell me how! I dealt with some Samsung devices before, and i had this S6 that had an international 920F firmware but its actually a Sprint variant, accidentally upgraded to Nougat with the 920P firmware and ended locking the network, fixed it using a box and flashed the 920F nougat again but i'd like to prevent this from happening again if possible!
Again, if there is a better choice than the S7 i'm all ears, if i should know anything i'm listening. Would appreciate all help and informations possible!
Also just to mention, i have around 350$ can put more if needed! Thanks again.
Edit: I've asked around, and someone said that the S7 edge sometimes have this issue where you'll have a straight line of bad or dead pixels right where the edge bend starts, he showed me examples also so i was thinking if many people have or had that issue before ?
1. There is a pro mode where you can adjust iso manual focus shutter speed contrast can also shoot in raw.
2. Build quality on the phone is good, they always advertise that the phone is easy to hold. But it isn't, the sides are bezelled and smooth making slippery but people get used to it. I bought a case the first time but it just makes it bulky.
3. Right now our oreo upgrade has battery drain that's not completely fixed, like drains 20 to 30 percent battery overnight. Compared to 5 to 10 percent in nougat. No other bugs except that. (edit) I think its fixed only losing 1 - 2% in 4 hours screen off.
4. Exynos processors are the only s7 phones that can use custom roms.
5. Battery drain in oreo (supposedly fixed now in ERG2) I think its fixed only losing 1 - 2% in 4 hours screen off.
6. Pink lines happen on some phones not all of them ask before you buy. Dead pixels are a result of burn in on amoled displays if the colors never move, the screen in those squares will start to burn and cause a black or brown dot. The aluminum edges on the phone get hot when you play games or watch YouTube like holding coffee.
Amoled have better blacks and contrast if you go the custom route we also have a flicker free mod so the screen doesnt flash 3 times per second like when your recording a lcd monitor better battery life due to shutting down black pixels. High vibrance and saturation.
LCDs offer better whites lower battery life. Accurate color reproduction. Kind of regarded as dull color.
Other phones comparable to the s7 are lg g6 ip68 records in 4k 18:9:5 lcd 2880 1440p display 340 dollars it has a better camera than the s7 is also dual pixel and has laser auto focus and dual rear camera.
We have s8 and s9 ports with Bixby vision and Bixby voice.
But since both phones are old we will be stuck on oreo.
I only bought S7 on Amazon.de Prime day - less than 300EUR. For the price (a brand new phone, official distribution) it's a whopper. Carefully thought this through. Only mid-rangers can be obtained a this price level, out of the new releases, which is not an option for me. One of last usable compact phones (as Pixel, Huawei P10 and Sony Compact aren't much my liking, at all). Below 145mm in lenght, mini audio-jack, waterproof, still quite strong SoC.
You've got all questions answered above already, but I only want to come back to:
Ad.6 - As far as I remember, on the US market Samsung uses Snapdragon 820(821?) SoC only, due to different modem needed for your radio frequencies there. All custom ROMs available here (XDA) are for Exynos, so you would need to stay away.
#4 you need Exynos for ROMs
Unlike LG's, there are no common issues with the S7 or any S series. I bought mine used ten months ago, and it has been fantastic. You will not be disappointed at all.
Just to add- battery drain is not necessary on Oreo. I'm actually getting even better bl on Oreo than on Nougat (first with a stock rom and now a custom). On an absolute basis too, the bl is fabulous, both in screen-off and screen-on mode (i use fhd mode).
And from all I've read, the Exynos variant is much better.
this is my real experience with buying used samsung phone from another country/region, basically you can not repairing it on the official samsung service center. i don't know if this is only on my country or perhaps another country/region too, so if you want to hold the device for long run (2 or 3 year) please buy it from official local samsung experience store and don't import it. btw, i don't have any issue with camera, software, or real life experience with the device.
I didn't get neither notification nor email i thought nobody replied at all. Anyways, thank you all for the info i so appreciate it, especially @pingufanpoy, like a lot.
The feedback seems so positive and i'm even more positive about the phone, i found an S7 G930FD the international dual sim one (Exynos), with 64GB internal storage, 2 cases and a charging dock for 305$ (weird number i know), and as far as i tested all working fine, i wanna have it for few more days like that before starting to mod or whatever just to confirm all is clean.
At first i thought about LG V20 actually but when i done some research some users reported couple of the same issues i had with the V10 which i guarantee nobody will like, and i didn't find much ROMs for it so i didn't really find it a good option. I believe the S7 is also IP68 rated even though i haven't tested it out myself yet but it feels solid in general.
Now pingufanpoy mentioned how screen burn in happens when you have a static display for too long on OLED or when it gets hot, i think i can report the same case or something similar with the LG V10 which actually use an LCD IPS panel, i don't think its called burn in for this case but when the phone gets hot and it does a lot, the screen holds the colors of the image even if you change the screen or turn of the display for quite a bit, till i actually turn of the phone completely and let it sit down for some time. the V10 was the worst LG experience for me after the L7-ii. From my own experience, LG with its modular phone parts make its hardware kinda easy to repair and replace, but its software is the complete opposite in my opinion.
For the S7 i guess the IP68 rating will fail if the phone gets opened or something similar so i'm avoiding that.
Before buying i found a mod that uses the speaker and the ear peace together to produce better sound so i'll be trying that soon. Resurrection remix is my favorite ROM so far so i'll be using that as well just hope the camera still retain its full functionality.
So far so good with the phone actually, despite its 2 years old its keeping up really really good, the battery isn't bad but isn't too great too, i guess its cause the phone is used and the battery already gave up some of its power, might end up with an extended battery case. Removing system apps with adb is possible so didn't to root yet, and having the bloat-wares off the phone makes it even better.
Yea if i can help with anything i'll try my best too, thanks again everyone the phone is great and i'm not regretting it.