TL;DR - What flagship should I get next that I can root and unlock?
After being on the 2013 Developer Edition of the Moto X since it's release, I think it's time for a new phone with some more power behind it. I've been rooted and unlocked for a couple years, switching between multiple ROMs and using Xposed modules, so the hope is unlocking the bootloader won't be a pain in the ass like it was on my old Galaxy S3.
I know several people who have the S6 (non Edge model) and love it and the build quality/features. After a bad experience with Samsung bootloaders, bloatware, and stuck in the legacy channel for ROM support, it makes me wary to give my love away to something I may hate long term. Personally, I'd opt out of the Edge screen.
The Moto X Pure is coming out in September and after having a great experience on Moto, it looks like a strong contender for me. The Pure will get updates first and come unlocked (what kind of bootloader will come on it- or do you install one yourself?). I could not care less about Moto Maker, but the camera sounds like a great upgrade.
We've all heard the hype about the One Plus Two and now that its out and reviews have been surfacing it's positioned as the device to beat. I'm on board since it runs Oxygen and has the best specs on paper. Getting an invite doesn't seem too difficult, but the limited supply creates an issue in acquiring one.
And then I have the Nexus 5 2015 whose specs just got leaked is the most notable I have to consider. Android M is slated to be released in October/November, and that is when I expect the handset will drop too. Almost every Android enthusiast has wanted a Nexus, with me at the top of the list.
With all of these considered, what should I get next?
Speaking for myself, I'm very much interested in the Moto X Pure/Style and the upcomming Nexuses. No interest whatsoever in the S6, and the OnePlus 2 isn't enough of an upgrade to make me want it instead of my OnePlus One. Speaking of which, don't ignore the OnePlus One. $300 for a brand new 64gb one, and it'll be a perfectly competent device for a good long while, plus you'll have custom development support at a level only matched/exceeded by Nexus devices.
As for what you should get next, I can't say. Not yet, without these new devices being released and reviewed. The OnePlus 2 has a better camera...on paper. Same for the Moto X Pure. But without reviews, who can say? Will the underclocked SD810 on the OnePlus 2 perform up to standards? Will it still overheat? Will it be better than the 801-AC on the OnePlus One? What about the 808 on the Moto X Pure? What rumored features of the Nexus 5 will actually come to fruition (and what it have that surprises us)? And what about the Saygus V2? WTF is going on with that phone?
Now is not the time to decide anything.
There is already a thread for this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1620179
Thread closed
I've heard many said 2016 was the worst year of releases of Android devices. I just feel like nothing has really been exciting, it's kind of like the same ole same ole this year. Many may laugh, but the Nextbit Robin has been the most exciting release for me this year. Reasoning being is they actually did something to differentiate themselves by not just focusing on the same ole same ole hardware specs battle (Though I do believe they need to make some improvements for their sucessors), but using software to advance their smartphone and its experience. There have been many improvements made to it, the gallery app, camera app, some upcoming cloud updates like battery life, etc.
I however was impressed by the OnePlus 3 this year, and I thought the Axon 7 is a great smartphone (though I'm not too keen on the camera quality). Other than that, I'm kind of meh this year. People debated on who's the top at times, but honestly, I prefer a smartphone company to just do something great that's unique. I kind of hope Blackberry doesn't die off with their smartphone line. I think they still have something unique and different that the can bring to their own line of smartphones.
Any thoughts?
Any smartphone anyone else has been excited for this year that have already been released or that will be releasing before this year's end?
I think that 2015 was more boring. Marshmallow that was released last year was just Lollipop with like 5 new features, and the phones from last were are pretty boring as far as innovation went. At least the Iphone 7 (2016) was more full of innovation than the 2015 Iphone 6S. And this year we got much more interesting devices. The LG G5 and Moto Z series are one of them. They are both modular and completely redesigned from their successors. Sony as well. They are also redefining their smartphone designs. And as for Nougat that was released this year, Nougat brought a lot of new changes. Such as somewhat a redesigned look, Multi-Window, Vulkan API. And at the end of the year, we will also see the new Pixel phones, and perhaps the Daydream VR as well. In conclusion, 2016 wasn't really boring. i would say that 2015 and even 2014 were much more boring than 2016 is.
I don't think devices are any less exciting, people are not getting excited because the phones have gotten so good that it takes a lot longer to make major improvements or breakthroughs anymore.
I'm not sure what's so innovative about the iPhone 7? I'm not about to give up the headphone jack. When I get stuck inside the office for the day sometimes, i have my phone plugged into the computer speakers all day long and plug it in at times.
So we had a nice discussion last year, comparing the Pure/Style against Google's 6P. Now, since the Google Pixel Phone XL has been announced. Let's discuss, compare and chat about next moves.
Although I've had my MXPE long enough to want something new. I'm not changing this year. The Pixel Phone pricing is insane. Maybe next year. But Google wants to have an iPhone and I didn't go Android to get into iPhone pricing, or at least not a year after buying a MXPE.
The Pixel Phone camera is awesome, unlimited native file storage is fantastic, the image stabilization is incredible. And I'm sure, it will be even better, next year :laugh: . Direct quick updates from Google is very nice too.
The MXPE does have expandable storage, which the Pixel Phone does not have :good: . I also enjoy Moto Actions.
So take the poll and let's chat.
I'll vote stay - consider the fact that
1. The Pixel XL is ridiculously expensive (649 for the smaller Pixel - and it's even painful to see that similar Android flagships such as the S7/Edge/V20/10/Axon 7/OP3 are cheaper and better to begin with)
2. 32GB non-expandable storage
3. No waterproofing
4. No front facing stereo speakers
5. No front facing flash (minor issue TBH)
6. Huge bezels in the front of the screen
The only redeeming part was the camera (which may be/maybe not better than the S7).
...and Verizon Exclusive? (That was the worst part of all)
I'm an avid Google user - but looks like Google has made a huge mistake so far.
sooyong94 said:
I'll vote stay - consider the fact that
1. The Pixel XL is ridiculously expensive (649 for the smaller Pixel - and it's even painful to see that similar Android flagships such as the S7/Edge/V20/10/Axon 7/OP3 are cheaper and better to begin with)
2. 32GB non-expandable storage
3. No waterproofing
4. No front facing stereo speakers
5. No front facing flash (minor issue TBH)
6. Huge bezels in the front of the screen
The only redeeming part was the camera (which may be/maybe not better than the S7).
...and Verizon Exclusive? (That was the worst part of all)
I'm an avid Google user - but looks like Google has made a huge mistake so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good points. Google is going to learn, the consumers for "their" products are not Apple or Samsung types. I thought they would have learned with the Pixel C, which is not flying off the shelves. But I suspect a more reasonably priced phone come 2017.
And the MXPE has Moto Display .
I read from phonearena that unlocked version will be available on Google Play Store...
I agree the specs are not that impressive but also how much more crazier can phone manufacturer's can get with spec wise what we need is a phone that doesn't cut ends like battery life or crappy camera or bad software and something that doesn't cost an arm and a leg we have so many good phones out there but always has something that's not so great if companies start listening to what the consumer wants and like and builds a phone from consumer perspective and not just trying to compete with other manufacturer's
iPhones hold their value. Android phones do not. In a year the Pixel will be available on Prime Day for $299 or so I suspect.
j37hr0 said:
iPhones hold their value. Android phones do not. In a year the Pixel will be available on Prime Day for $299 or so I suspect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly iphones are way behind in the game compared to android they just now started water proofing their phones and put dual front facing speakers android devices has had these for a while now and the battery life simply does not compare and price drops are actually a good selling point as well nobody wants to pay retail price for a a two year old device
Good for people who wait a year. Bad for people who buy at launch. I'm not going to argue tech, because frankly it's not what I was addressing.
What I'm saying is:
Buy and iphone and launch, resell a year later at 25% depreciation and get the new iPhone for a minimum out of pocket cost.
Buy a Pixel at launch resell a year later at 75% depreciation and pay for the new pixel with much more out of pocket cost.
I was going to maybe get the pixel, Why I've been holding off. I'm underwhelmed. I ordered a 32 GB 5X and will be giving my Moto X Pure to my girlfriend to replace her Nexus 4.
I'll keep my MXPE thru Nougat and then move on. I want to see how these Pixel Phones are received over the next few months.
I just priced a Pixel XL with equivalent size and storage to my MXPE. The device would cost $869.00 and then since I have MotoCare, it would cost an extra $99 for Google's coverage. $968 total. And then, the Google coverage has a $99 deductible if I need a replacement. Wow, that would be over $1K. I feel like I was hit with a lightening bolt, and I was just checking a scenario I have no intentions of doing .
Just saw a hands-on review and they showed the double-twist to launch the camera, that's one of the big feature for me. Cool, I didn't know they have it by default...
This was a really disappointing launch in my opinion, and I see no incentive to buy this phone at all.
-huge bezels
-no dual front facing speakers
-no expandable storage
-no removable battery
-locked bootloader
-only 2 years of software support
-iphone-esque copycat appearance
-ridiculous pricetag
For a phone that was supposedly google's proper answer to the iphone, it has quite a lot of drawbacks.
Let's not forget updates - it's even painful to see a lowly, nearly 2-year-old Galaxy A5 receiving Marshmallow (along with the latest security updates) faster than Google...
---------- Post added at 11:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:05 AM ----------
HaggisIV said:
This was a really disappointing launch in my opinion, and I see no incentive to buy this phone at all.
-huge bezels
-no dual front facing speakers
-no expandable storage
-no removable battery
-locked bootloader
-only 2 years of software support
-iphone-esque copycat appearance
-ridiculous pricetag
For a phone that was supposedly google's proper answer to the iphone, it has quite a lot of drawbacks.
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Click to collapse
Even funnier still Samsung (which gets a lot of flak from the Android community) did best (apart from exploding Note 7s) in the Android ecosystem so far... Heck their 'slow updates' are a thing of the past....
To add salt to the injury even a 3 year old+ Galaxy S4 has the September security update...
Looking at the spec comparison of the 2 devices on GSM Arena. The Pixel XL is not that far ahead of the MXPE, when you consider the price difference. Especially now, with the MXPE being on sale these days.
As much as I have said for years, "I'm getting a Nexus/Google Phone next..." It seems every time, a 3rd Party OEM comes with a great Android Device, that stalls me from going Nexus/Google. I did transform my HTC One to a "Google Edition" and that was fun. But that's the closest I've come to a true Google phone. And now, I'm not sure I may ever have a Google Phone at this rate. If they keep these crazy prices up next year, I suspect some 3rd Party OEM will get my money again.
Darnell_Chat_TN said:
Looking at the spec comparison of the 2 devices on GSM Arena. The Pixel XL is not that far ahead of the MXPE, when you consider the price difference. Especially now, with the MXPE being on sale these days.
As much as I have said for years, "I'm getting a Nexus/Google Phone next..." It seems every time, a 3rd Party OEM comes with a great Android Device, that stalls me from going Nexus/Google. I did transform my HTC One to a "Google Edition" and that was fun. But that's the closest I've come to a true Google phone. And now, I'm not sure I may ever have a Google Phone at this rate. If they keep these crazy prices up next year, I suspect some 3rd Party OEM will get my money again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this point I'm not even sure what my next upgrade will be. I don't like where motorola is heading with their new phones, and they've been anything but punctual with updates. If google completely drops the nexus line and only keeps the pixel devices at the current price point, I don't think I'll be going with either of them.
Currently, the only viable alternative I would consider buying is the op3, since it has decent hardware for a (relatively) fair price.
HaggisIV said:
At this point I'm not even sure what my next upgrade will be. I don't like where motorola is heading with their new phones, and they've been anything but punctual with updates. If google completely drops the nexus line and only keeps the pixel devices at the current price point, I don't think I'll be going with either of them.
Currently, the only viable alternative I would consider buying is the op3, since it has decent hardware for a (relatively) fair price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same feeling... What about Nexus 6p? Is it worth switching to? Especially on the camera department, want something better in low light and it seems 6p seems pretty good there? What would I be missing though switching from MXPE to 6p?
I think you should add "other" to the poll.
Like most said here, the Pixels are ridiculously expensive. I personally would not put another rmb into Lenovarola's hands due to horrible support.
I am waiting on deals on the 128gb Nexus 6p. If I can get one around $450, that is the phone I would buy. I will miss the removable storage but I think that is about it.
If I were you I would never change snap808 device to 810. Snap 808/810 are worst cpus from qualcomm. Just wait for good priced snap 820 devices.
sooyong94 said:
I'll vote stay - consider the fact that
1. The Pixel XL is ridiculously expensive (649 for the smaller Pixel - and it's even painful to see that similar Android flagships such as the S7/Edge/V20/10/Axon 7/OP3 are cheaper and better to begin with)
2. 32GB non-expandable storage
3. No waterproofing
4. No front facing stereo speakers
5. No front facing flash (minor issue TBH)
6. Huge bezels in the front of the screen
The only redeeming part was the camera (which may be/maybe not better than the S7).
...and Verizon Exclusive? (That was the worst part of all)
I'm an avid Google user - but looks like Google has made a huge mistake so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No wireless charging!
Honestly, I'm not against with the higher price, because Google can also have it's own flagship
However, this pixel device is not worth what we are paying for.
Just like sony xz, excuse me? 3gb RAM for a $699 phone?
Although pixel have the specs every Android flagship supposed to have, still lacking of some breathtaking feature.
HaggisIV said:
At this point I'm not even sure what my next upgrade will be. I don't like where motorola is heading with their new phones, and they've been anything but punctual with updates. If google completely drops the nexus line and only keeps the pixel devices at the current price point, I don't think I'll be going with either of them.
Currently, the only viable alternative I would consider buying is the op3, since it has decent hardware for a (relatively) fair price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, I don't like where Lenovo is taking things either. I figure worst case next year, I'll get some T-Mobile USA branded device and get WiFi calling back. Or maybe keep the MXPE a 3rd year, but given the slow updates, I doubt we may see any updates after 2 years. I just hope we have better options next year.
namartlu said:
I have the same feeling... What about Nexus 6p? Is it worth switching to? Especially on the camera department, want something better in low light and it seems 6p seems pretty good there? What would I be missing though switching from MXPE to 6p?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread has plenty of discussion about that: Moto X Pure vs Nexus 2015
Any word on how long the pixels will get software updates?
No change regards updates.
Somewhat disappointing given the fact they are trying to sell this phone on a strong software slant.
I agree 2 years of updates, that's a shame....
iPhone have like 4 years. Is truth that the performance decrease with each update....So let's say they have..3 years of "good" updates.
The Pixel, for that price, should have 3-4 years at least.
And I'm quoting the iPhone because, I consider both Apple's and Google's phones the best you can buy today if you want vanilla experience and long support.
iPhone is a fair comparison given the new price point. Given that there was no hidden standout hardware feature, carrying over the Nexus update schedule is a mistake IMO.
I would seriously consider the Pixel if it had an update life cycle similar to Apple. I may pick up a 5X for the time being and see how the Pixel does.
I am new to the forums. In fact I have owned only two Android phones (J5 and Moto G) in the past. After I unboxed my Samsung phone, I noticed something, At about 200$ compared to Apple , Samsung was offering some really great cheap hardware. Can't say the same about Motorola but it was slightly cheaper so that was fine I guess. However once I set up my device, the Samsung software was just pure garbage. Its almost like they were forcing cheap phone buyers to use good hardware but give them terrible experience. On the other hand the nearly vanilla android on Moto G was a great experience. Everything just worked. But when it came to design and hardware, the Moto G felt cheaper than Galaxy J5. I also have used for a short period an S3, S6, Note4, and S8 plus. The Samsung hardware is actually decent. The cameras are good, phones are sleek, batteries are replaceable many times, dual sim and MicroSD cards are a bonus.
Now I was just wondering, I agree that Samsung have had in the past success with selling crappy TouchWiz flavoured Android, so phones slow down over time, lose updates and people upgrade the hardware. But in 2018 I believe this strategy is hurting their sales. The Pixel Phones have caught up, manufacturers like OnePlus in flagship market are offering good value and in the low end Google is making an effort for Chinese manufacturers to come up with low end smartphones with snappier Android thats almost vanilla (work in progress I believe). So when Samsung launches their flagship S9 and S9+ people want something thats just an overall great experience. I don't think people believe TouchWiz is anything unique anymore and Bixby and Siri are just a joke. Instead of spending money on developing and maintaining crappy software that only hurts sales, why doesn't Samsung spend the same money on improving the experience by using things like Machine Learning to improve camera performance, more hardware chips (AI chips in Pixel are an example) and overall the experience in a more sensible way. Samsung phones used to have the best camera in Flagship but the pixel nailed it this time. And that was a result of that AI chip along with better ML for sure.
And not to mention the fact that in countries like India, Samsung has quickly lost its market share. People still consider Samsung in these countries before buying because of past positive experience with hardware and wide service support throughout the country but the software has let down today and so Xiaomi and Vivo and Oppo are considered since they get slightly better hardware at the same cost.
Any idea how Samsung plans to up its game? I would really love to see a Galaxy phone in the 200$ range that runs vanilla Android and is significantly better than Oppo and Vivo and Xiaomi where people would just go with the big brand instead.