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Note 4 Story
Why this thread? Short background - I am building a '61 Chevy Bubbletop, and have a thread in a Chevy fourm that I have been posting pics, etc. Have had a lot of interest and helpful feedback. I thought it would be fun, and maybe helpful to some (maybe even me), so here goes.
I will have the phone in hand Monday. So first, background on my Note 4, and what I'm hoping to experience with the V20.
I have come to the point that I prefer to not install ROMs. I find that typically, no matter how great and stable everyone says a ROM is, it always has some issue of some kind. (Of course even stock ones do to).
So I went a long time w/o rooting or applying a ROM. I finally just had to have root. So I sold my AT&T Note 4 (couldn't root it), and purchased a T-Mobile Note 4 which could be rooted. I rooted it and used like that for quite a while.
I am one that uses a LOT of apps. (The phone is to use, no?) And with that comes more memory use, and lag. The phone got so laggy I just had to try a ROM. I tried 2-3 with varying success. I finally tried Maximum Overdrive's ROM for the Note 4 (he is now working on a ROM for the V20).
It was like a different phone. Fairly fast, not near as much lag. It has allowed me to extend the life of the phone over the past year. In fact, it works well enough that I wonder how smart I am spending several hundred dollars for a new phone.
So why the new phone? I moved to Florida a year and half ago, and AT&T's data here sucks ripe lemons. I'm going to move to Verizon. (My daughter has them, and we have compared speeds etc., and Verizon is much better here).
Choosing the V20
It has been a few months that I have been on the watch for my next phone. I won't bore you with the long story of that...just a few details.
One of my 'must haves' for the next phone was to have 6GB of memory...due to my high application load. Over time my highest priority switch from 6GB of memory to capability to use a phone on both GSM and CDMA (read that AT&T/Verizon) networks. That way I can tergiversate regarding carriers.
So, some of my top phone choices dropped off the list. In fact, pretty much all of them except for the US996.
Concerns
I do have a few concerns about the V20 that I hope will be alleviated quickly:
Battery - I've been reading posts regarding battery and it does not sound good. Since moving to the Max Overdrive ROM on the Note 4, my battery is unbelievable. I'd hate to go downhill with this phone. This may be something that necessiates rooting.
Camera Lens - I'm sure everyone knows why this is a concern
Performance - I read, for the most part, that this phone performs well. But I also read a lot of complaints about LAG. Ugh...my high app use may make this a likely scenario for me
Camera - I see some complaints about low light pics. But I've seen a lot of praise for the camera as well
Initial Plans
Once I get all apps installed, and data imported/restored for those that need it, I plan to use it stock for at least 30 days and see how it goes. Depending on how it goes, especially related to the concerns above, I'll either keep it and move forward, or return it.
I'll start out with it on AT&T. May hold off moving to Verizon until I pass the 30 day return availablility.
Rooting
I would really like to root the phone. But, as that the only way to unlock the bootloader is via the LG site for this phone, I don't know if I will or not...at least this early with the phone. Why does that make a difference? Will lose warranty, as they indicate that on the LG site where you go to get it unlocked.
Apply Rom?
Given that there is a Maximum Overdrive rom for the V20, you'd think I would want to put that on. Actually, this is true...but he is only making one for the 918, as that is the phone he has. So, I will miss out on that honey.
I have read some positive info on a couple others out there, but do see constant issues, even with just rooting. It's not near as smooth as a Samsung (I base that opinion on the issues I see here vs. have experienced with the Samsung). So, I'm skittish about doing anything to it. Given the 996 unlocking flags the phone as out of warranty, I fear that a bricked phone will be a several hundred dollar loss.
Summary
So, looking forward to getting the phone and seeing how it goes, and having fun communicating here about the journey.
ewingr said:
Note 4 Story
Why this thread? Short background - I am building a '61 Chevy Bubbletop, and have a thread in a Chevy fourm that I have been posting pics, etc. Have had a lot of interest and helpful feedback. I thought it would be fun, and maybe helpful to some (maybe even me), so here goes.
I will have the phone in hand Monday. So first, background on my Note 4, and what I'm hoping to experience with the V20.
I have come to the point that I prefer to not install ROMs. I find that typically, no matter how great and stable everyone says a ROM is, it always has some issue of some kind. (Of course even stock ones do to).
So I went a long time w/o rooting or applying a ROM. I finally just had to have root. So I sold my AT&T Note 4 (couldn't root it), and purchased a T-Mobile Note 4 which could be rooted. I rooted it and used like that for quite a while.
I am one that uses a LOT of apps. (The phone is to use, no?) And with that comes more memory use, and lag. The phone got so laggy I just had to try a ROM. I tried 2-3 with varying success. I finally tried Maximum Overdrive's ROM for the Note 4 (he is now working on a ROM for the V20).
It was like a different phone. Fairly fast, not near as much lag. It has allowed me to extend the life of the phone over the past year. In fact, it works well enough that I wonder how smart I am spending several hundred dollars for a new phone.
So why the new phone? I moved to Florida a year and half ago, and AT&T's data here sucks ripe lemons. I'm going to move to Verizon. (My daughter has them, and we have compared speeds etc., and Verizon is much better here).
Choosing the V20
It has been a few months that I have been on the watch for my next phone. I won't bore you with the long story of that...just a few details.
One of my 'must haves' for the next phone was to have 6GB of memory...due to my high application load. Over time my highest priority switch from 6GB of memory to capability to use a phone on both GSM and CDMA (read that AT&T/Verizon) networks. That way I can tergiversate regarding carriers.
So, some of my top phone choices dropped off the list. In fact, pretty much all of them except for the US996.
Concerns
I do have a few concerns about the V20 that I hope will be alleviated quickly:
Battery - I've been reading posts regarding battery and it does not sound good. Since moving to the Max Overdrive ROM on the Note 4, my battery is unbelievable. I'd hate to go downhill with this phone. This may be something that necessiates rooting.
Camera Lens - I'm sure everyone knows why this is a concern
Performance - I read, for the most part, that this phone performs well. But I also read a lot of complaints about LAG. Ugh...my high app use may make this a likely scenario for me
Camera - I see some complaints about low light pics. But I've seen a lot of praise for the camera as well
Initial Plans
Once I get all apps installed, and data imported/restored for those that need it, I plan to use it stock for at least 30 days and see how it goes. Depending on how it goes, especially related to the concerns above, I'll either keep it and move forward, or return it.
I'll start out with it on AT&T. May hold off moving to Verizon until I pass the 30 day return availablility.
Rooting
I would really like to root the phone. But, as that the only way to unlock the bootloader is via the LG site for this phone, I don't know if I will or not...at least this early with the phone. Why does that make a difference? Will lose warranty, as they indicate that on the LG site where you go to get it unlocked.
Apply Rom?
Given that there is a Maximum Overdrive rom for the V20, you'd think I would want to put that on. Actually, this is true...but he is only making one for the 918, as that is the phone he has. So, I will miss out on that honey.
I have read some positive info on a couple others out there, but do see constant issues, even with just rooting. It's not near as smooth as a Samsung (I base that opinion on the issues I see here vs. have experienced with the Samsung). So, I'm skittish about doing anything to it. Given the 996 unlocking flags the phone as out of warranty, I fear that a bricked phone will be a several hundred dollar loss.
Summary
So, looking forward to getting the phone and seeing how it goes, and having fun communicating here about the journey.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just so you know att only has a 14 day return policy
jerrycoffman45 said:
just so you know att only has a 14 day return policy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know. I purchased from B&H Photo. Besides. AT&T doesn't sell the 996, I don't think.
But thanks for the warning. Had I purchase it from them, and expected 30 days, it would have been a pain to learn the hard way that I can't return it if I decide to.
I had the Note 3, 4 then 7 and this phone is larger than all 3. I just recently switched from Sprint and traded in my s7 edge for the V20 and I am happy so far. I purchased a OtterBox Defender case for the phone and with it installed I no longer have any worries of the camera glass, the case is very solid. Plus I left the factory plastic on the camera which people say will help if the phone was to be dropped.
Good luck!
I had been anxiously awaiting the Note 7. At the time 6GB memory was the top of my 'must have' list. So, when it came with 4GB, I was disappointed and decided to watch for a while. Then we know what happened.
I've actually been very interested in chasing some of the better priced competitors, such as Axon 7 or OnePlus 3t. But both the cameras were rated poorly, and then are GSM only.
But, I'm getting tired of these $800 prices. Rumor now is 1K for the Samsung 8.
I ended up purchasing an open box V20 from B&H, has full factory warranty. Got it for 675, no tax, no shipping.
ON the case, I have been using a Bestbuy PLatinum case, which comes with a belt clipped holster, and a kickstand in the case itself. Been great for me. Coming from IT and needing the phone on my at all times, and not wanting to fight the pocket, I used that.
Turns out it is made by Seido, and they have the same for the V20. It arrived from Amazon today. I'll add some pics when I get the phone and get it set up.
This story will continue. Hopefully it will be a pleasant one.
ewingr said:
Note 4 Story
Why this thread? Short background - I am building a '61 Chevy Bubbletop, and have a thread in a Chevy fourm that I have been posting pics, etc. Have had a lot of interest and helpful feedback. I thought it would be fun, and maybe helpful to some (maybe even me), so here goes.
I will have the phone in hand Monday. So first, background on my Note 4, and what I'm hoping to experience with the V20.
I have come to the point that I prefer to not install ROMs. I find that typically, no matter how great and stable everyone says a ROM is, it always has some issue of some kind. (Of course even stock ones do to).
So I went a long time w/o rooting or applying a ROM. I finally just had to have root. So I sold my AT&T Note 4 (couldn't root it), and purchased a T-Mobile Note 4 which could be rooted. I rooted it and used like that for quite a while.
I am one that uses a LOT of apps. (The phone is to use, no?) And with that comes more memory use, and lag. The phone got so laggy I just had to try a ROM. I tried 2-3 with varying success. I finally tried Maximum Overdrive's ROM for the Note 4 (he is now working on a ROM for the V20).
It was like a different phone. Fairly fast, not near as much lag. It has allowed me to extend the life of the phone over the past year. In fact, it works well enough that I wonder how smart I am spending several hundred dollars for a new phone.
So why the new phone? I moved to Florida a year and half ago, and AT&T's data here sucks ripe lemons. I'm going to move to Verizon. (My daughter has them, and we have compared speeds etc., and Verizon is much better here).
Choosing the V20
It has been a few months that I have been on the watch for my next phone. I won't bore you with the long story of that...just a few details.
One of my 'must haves' for the next phone was to have 6GB of memory...due to my high application load. Over time my highest priority switch from 6GB of memory to capability to use a phone on both GSM and CDMA (read that AT&T/Verizon) networks. That way I can tergiversate regarding carriers.
So, some of my top phone choices dropped off the list. In fact, pretty much all of them except for the US996.
Concerns
I do have a few concerns about the V20 that I hope will be alleviated quickly:
Battery - I've been reading posts regarding battery and it does not sound good. Since moving to the Max Overdrive ROM on the Note 4, my battery is unbelievable. I'd hate to go downhill with this phone. This may be something that necessiates rooting.
Camera Lens - I'm sure everyone knows why this is a concern
Performance - I read, for the most part, that this phone performs well. But I also read a lot of complaints about LAG. Ugh...my high app use may make this a likely scenario for me
Camera - I see some complaints about low light pics. But I've seen a lot of praise for the camera as well
Initial Plans
Once I get all apps installed, and data imported/restored for those that need it, I plan to use it stock for at least 30 days and see how it goes. Depending on how it goes, especially related to the concerns above, I'll either keep it and move forward, or return it.
I'll start out with it on AT&T. May hold off moving to Verizon until I pass the 30 day return availablility.
Rooting
I would really like to root the phone. But, as that the only way to unlock the bootloader is via the LG site for this phone, I don't know if I will or not...at least this early with the phone. Why does that make a difference? Will lose warranty, as they indicate that on the LG site where you go to get it unlocked.
Apply Rom?
Given that there is a Maximum Overdrive rom for the V20, you'd think I would want to put that on. Actually, this is true...but he is only making one for the 918, as that is the phone he has. So, I will miss out on that honey.
I have read some positive info on a couple others out there, but do see constant issues, even with just rooting. It's not near as smooth as a Samsung (I base that opinion on the issues I see here vs. have experienced with the Samsung). So, I'm skittish about doing anything to it. Given the 996 unlocking flags the phone as out of warranty, I fear that a bricked phone will be a several hundred dollar loss.
Summary
So, looking forward to getting the phone and seeing how it goes, and having fun communicating here about the journey.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About Battery>> Remember that a) you will be dealing with a phone with IPS screen instead of AMOLED (this has a huge impact on the battery). b)the amount of apps that you have (specially those that requires to sync in the background are often part of the issue of battery drainage (my v20 used to last up to 7+ or 8+ with screen on with just about 7 user apps and the rest system apps, now i have 85 user apps + the system apps which make my phone last about 5+ hours screen on). On the other hand, The Doze mode of this phone is INSANE!!!! OUTSTANDING! With screen off your phone can easily last a day or even two (if you like to listen to music with pandora or Spotify >>> it will still last a lot with screen off).
About Camera Lens>> This is just an opinion but im starting to believe that the camera lens sensitivity is just to a small percent of the stock. Believe me when i tell you that i have throw my phone so hard to the wall (by accident) and with that kind of pressure (even with the poetic revolution cover) it should have made the glass of the camera crack (not to mention my phone has fell a lot). On the other hand, do not remove the plastic it comes with , just to be safe.
About Performance>> The phone is fast but just like any other phone, regardless of the processor, or the amount of ram, it has its limits. Thus, at the beginning i had a blazing fast LG V20. But put 85 user apps inside any phone and see how this will change lol. IT still fast. But every once in a while i experience a little lag. But that is just when i have only 500+mb left of ram. ( how can i know my ram quickly? OvrDrive Rom has the ram bar)
About Camera>> The camera does become slower when you are at very dark environments. But many report, including me, that using manual mode and adjusting it to your liking will make it very fast. I believe the issue is the automatic mode. Although sometimes for me the automatic mode in the dark works great. Also, some people report their photos looking like water paint (it does happen to me only with the wide angle camera. Not very often, but it does)
Now, if you are looking for developments and all that, this phone seems to be going in the right direction. We pretty much have root for every variant, we have some custom stock roms, and also we have LineageOS, Resurrection Remix, and AOKP among others so far for almost every variants.
Appreciate the input. We'll see how my experience goes.
I have a comment/reply or two in blue down in the quote of your response.
jinkerz9430 said:
About Battery>> Remember that a) you will be dealing with a phone with IPS screen instead of AMOLED (this has a huge impact on the battery). b)the amount of apps that you have (specially those that requires to sync in the background are often part of the issue of battery drainage (my v20 used to last up to 7+ or 8+ with screen on with just about 7 user apps and the rest system apps, now i have 85 user apps + the system apps which make my phone last about 5+ hours screen on). On the other hand, The Doze mode of this phone is INSANE!!!! OUTSTANDING! With screen off your phone can easily last a day or even two (if you like to listen to music with pandora or Spotify >>> it will still last a lot with screen off).
Yup. All understood. My comparison will be to my almost 3 year old Note 4. It has all the apps I will have on the V20, Doze mode (Max Overdrive ROM), etc. This has a just barely smaller battery than the Note 4 (which is disappointing...would prefer a fatter phone with fatter battery). So, I would hope the processer is more efficient, and in the end, at least as good on battery as my Note 4.
About Camera Lens>> This is just an opinion but im starting to believe that the camera lens sensitivity is just to a small percent of the stock. Believe me when i tell you that i have throw my phone so hard to the wall (by accident) and with that kind of pressure (even with the poetic revolution cover) it should have made the glass of the camera crack (not to mention my phone has fell a lot). On the other hand, do not remove the plastic it comes with , just to be safe.
I will definitely have the phone in cases. Hopefully I'll have same experience as you.
About Performance>> The phone is fast but just like any other phone, regardless of the processor, or the amount of ram, it has its limits. Thus, at the beginning i had a blazing fast LG V20. But put 85 user apps inside any phone and see how this will change lol. IT still fast. But every once in a while i experience a little lag. But that is just when i have only 500+mb left of ram. ( how can i know my ram quickly? OvrDrive Rom has the ram bar)
I'm sure it has it's limits. I do abuse them, with lots of apps. MOre than 85, I'm sure. I do have a tendency to freeze apps I don't use often. But of course that requires root. With the Maximum Overdrive ROM on my Note 4, the lags aren't too bad. I'm thinking (hoping) that this phone will shine in comparison to my Note 4 with the better specs.
About Camera>> The camera does become slower when you are at very dark environments. But many report, including me, that using manual mode and adjusting it to your liking will make it very fast. I believe the issue is the automatic mode. Although sometimes for me the automatic mode in the dark works great. Also, some people report their photos looking like water paint (it does happen to me only with the wide angle camera. Not very often, but it does)
I use some modes other than automatic on my Canon. I'm excited to see the capabilities of the camera on this phone. With an understanding of shutter and aperture as an advantage, maybe I'll be very happy with it.
Now, if you are looking for developments and all that, this phone seems to be going in the right direction. We pretty much have root for every variant, we have some custom stock roms, and also we have LineageOS, Resurrection Remix, and AOKP among others so far for almost every variants.
If only Overdrive developed for the 996, I would know what ROM to use. I will likely hold off on ROMS for a while. I still see lots of folks struggling with the ROMS and reporting issues or help needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tomorrow...the journey begins
SHAMELESS PLUG, to remind everyone that not everyone has 800$ to throw at a phone upfront.
I was in your boat. I had my eyes dead set on the US996.
Did my research and ended up on the H918.
Look at the ROM development, it's flooded with H918 support.
Will the US996 pick up traction and have as much support as the H918? Who knows.
I even wanted the dual sim, but that isn't even rooted if my memory serves correctly.
Regardless, this phone is stellar.
WETA rom has an US996 version, which I'd definitely recommend. I have my eyes on Max Overdrive, NATF and Resurrection remix, but after flashing WETA, i wouldn't change a thing.
Best of luck to you, m9.
Thanks for the best luck wishes.
I am seeing more dev for the 996. I am hopeful that I'll be happy with it stock. Although, I really want Root, so I may give in.
One thing for sure, it is confusing having all various models in the same forums, and most folks don't indicate which model they are on.
ewingr said:
Appreciate the input. We'll see how my experience goes.
I have a comment/reply or two in blue down in the quote of your response.
Tomorrow...the journey begins
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i would say that Max ovrdrive and Weta are the 2 most stable ones regarding stock roms. Have you tried to talk with OvrDrive ? The h918 and US996 are pretty much alike in all the aspects except some frequencies added to the us996. Maybe you can be a tester for the us996 version. But yeah, first try the phone for a while without any root until the 14 days or possibly some more days are over. If you decide to keep it, then you can jump into the v20's board lol . By the way, you said that you rather a fatter phone? I have seen some battery replacements from third party brands such as zero lemon (which is usually a great brand that produces great batteries) their batteries have way more mah than the original battery from the v20. But it comes with a cost that you might get along with them. It requires to put a very fat case to the phone. I personally dont like it but if you dont care about how fat it looks then you coupd go for it.
I didn't personally talk to Overdrive, but it was asked in his thread of his ROM would work on the 996, and his reply was he would not be supporting it as he does not have one. I too have noticed that ROMs are working on more than one model.
I'll wait and see how the stock battery works out before I go try a fatter one. I'm hoping to stay in the Seido case and belt clip I had already purchased.
Good news/Bad news
Bad news first...but not that bad
I won't have the phone in hand until late Thursday, instead of today
Now the great news
I'll have a brand new phone instead of open big phone, and will sane $175.
I went to Phandroid a bit ago and they announced a sale of the V20 at B&H for $499.99. I had paid $675 for the open box. I called B&H to see if they would refund the difference. Nope. Buy the sale phone and return the open box phone.
Fine with me ?
ewingr said:
Bad news first...but not that bad
I won't have the phone in hand until late Thursday, instead of today
Now the great news
I'll have a brand new phone instead of open big phone, and will sane $175.
I went to Phandroid a bit ago and they announced a sale of the V20 at B&H for $499.99. I had paid $675 for the open box. I called B&H to see if they would refund the difference. Nope. Buy the sale phone and return the open box phone.
Fine with me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my v20's price was practically speaking $331 dollars Brand new sealed . Because of the promotion of the $200 off and the earphone of $149 plus an extra earphone ($149) sent to me from the defective lg v20 returned. I think im going to finish of paying by the 27 of this month
tl;dr version: If I see a US996 for sale that says it "only works with US Cellular" do I take the seller's word for it, or do I know better that the US996 is unlocked for all carriers if you have the right SIM card?
"I've got time" version:
I too am considering a journey from a Note 4 to a US996.
I'm on Verizon, and I just dropped my Note 4 Dev Edition (not that the DE means anything now that the BL unlock was released), cracking the LCD and rendering the digitizer useless. A new(ish) Note 4 is around $200... so I wouldn't bother replacing the screen on my otherwise well-used phone. PS... The phone was in a case, in a belt holster (Spigen Slim Armor / Seidio respectively) and a tempered glass screen protector. ugh.
If it wasn't obvious from my owning a Developer Edition phone... I like to have an unlocked bootloader and root. I had CM13 installed on the Note 4 because TouchWiz was so far behind in a lot of ways. So, I'm considering a V20. I'd rather spend a little more and get a phone that has a SUPPORTED BL unlock method. The Verizon V20 version can be BL unlocked via a hack with a debug bootloader, but it's irreversible and that may lead to issues with being painted into a corner. Enter the US996.
So, I started researching the V20, making sure that there was stable bootloader unlock method, the dev base for ROMs is strong, the reviews are good, etc... and I came across some sales that say that the phone is ONLY for US Cellular. Is this true? The US996 is the unlocked version, correct?
I tried to navigate LG's and USC's websites to get a model number and some info... but I'm not seeing it. Could US Cellular have somehow SIM-locked the phone so that only USC's SIMs work in it? Or... does the seller just not know any better, or wants to play it safe by saying it will only work with the carrier listed?
Thanks for the help! Also... anyone switching from the Note 4, please let me know what you miss. I use my stylus a lot for drawing or annotating on pictures and screenshots... so I think it will be the hardest thing to give up if I go to a V20 or other stylus-less phone.
DrPhant0m said:
tl;dr version: If I see a US996 for sale that says it "only works with US Cellular" do I take the seller's word for it, or do I know better that the US996 is unlocked for all carriers if you have the right SIM card?
"I've got time" version:
I too am considering a journey from a Note 4 to a US996.
I'm on Verizon, and I just dropped my Note 4 Dev Edition (not that the DE means anything now that the BL unlock was released), cracking the LCD and rendering the digitizer useless. A new(ish) Note 4 is around $200... so I wouldn't bother replacing the screen on my otherwise well-used phone. PS... The phone was in a case, in a belt holster (Spigen Slim Armor / Seidio respectively) and a tempered glass screen protector. ugh.
If it wasn't obvious from my owning a Developer Edition phone... I like to have an unlocked bootloader and root. I had CM13 installed on the Note 4 because TouchWiz was so far behind in a lot of ways. So, I'm considering a V20. I'd rather spend a little more and get a phone that has a SUPPORTED BL unlock method. The Verizon V20 version can be BL unlocked via a hack with a debug bootloader, but it's irreversible and that may lead to issues with being painted into a corner. Enter the US996.
So, I started researching the V20, making sure that there was stable bootloader unlock method, the dev base for ROMs is strong, the reviews are good, etc... and I came across some sales that say that the phone is ONLY for US Cellular. Is this true? The US996 is the unlocked version, correct?
I tried to navigate LG's and USC's websites to get a model number and some info... but I'm not seeing it. Could US Cellular have somehow SIM-locked the phone so that only USC's SIMs work in it? Or... does the seller just not know any better, or wants to play it safe by saying it will only work with the carrier listed?
Thanks for the help! Also... anyone switching from the Note 4, please let me know what you miss. I use my stylus a lot for drawing or annotating on pictures and screenshots... so I think it will be the hardest thing to give up if I go to a V20 or other stylus-less phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what to say. Can you link the one you are looking at? I think by only work with US Cellular, they MAY (I don't know) mean a U.S. Carrier, ie. Verizon, AT&T, Sprint or T-Mobile, as opposed to the company US Celluar.
One thing you need to be aware of for the US996...the only way, right now, that it can be bootloader unlocked is by going to a LG site to get an unlock code from them. At that point it will lose warranty. Due to that, I'll be holding off on unlocking for a while. At least, that is my current plan.
Only thing I miss is the stylus going from the note 3 to the v10.
Though I suppose I don't miss the stylus that much since I jumped from the v10 to v20 instead of going back to the note series.
I would love to see lg put some effort into it and make a stylus based top end model instead of putting a stylus version as a middle model. I was hoping the v series would feature a stylus and the g series be a non stylus version but alas it hasn't happened.
Sent from my LG-H918 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
evo4g63t said:
Only thing I miss is the stylus going from the note 3 to the v10.
Though I suppose I don't miss the stylus that much since I jumped from the v10 to v20 instead of going back to the note series.
I would love to see lg put some effort into it and make a stylus based top end model instead of putting a stylus version as a middle model. I was hoping the v series would feature a stylus and the g series be a non stylus version but alas it hasn't happened.
Sent from my LG-H918 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But i think that LG is trying not to copy other brands such as samsung. For this reason they should limit the amount of resemblance between the features of each phone. Thus, there are just a handful of LG's with stylus in comparison to the note series . After all i doubt LG wants to experience the same thing that happened with samsung been sued by apple, and then apple been sued back by samsung (quite a hilarious story though lol) but if i had a company such as LG, i would definitely not want to even put a step in court for a battle that can easily last more than a month of constant interventions and proofs and etc... and could easily cost me 100+ or 200+ millions. In a lg v20 , i believe the stylus is not a necessity (Even for people that would love to have stylus for the v series). On the other hand, one could buy one of this or similars:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1xTouch-Scr...485550?hash=item33c8e075ee:g:0RkAAOSwIgNXmXla
and see if there is an application that resembles what one can do with the note's stylus. you will definitely wont find one that will be exactly the same. But maybe similar and who knows maybe better.
DrPhant0m said:
tl;dr version: If I see a US996 for sale that says it "only works with US Cellular" do I take the seller's word for it, or do I know better that the US996 is unlocked for all carriers if you have the right SIM card?
"I've got time" version:
I too am considering a journey from a Note 4 to a US996.
I'm on Verizon, and I just dropped my Note 4 Dev Edition (not that the DE means anything now that the BL unlock was released), cracking the LCD and rendering the digitizer useless. A new(ish) Note 4 is around $200... so I wouldn't bother replacing the screen on my otherwise well-used phone. PS... The phone was in a case, in a belt holster (Spigen Slim Armor / Seidio respectively) and a tempered glass screen protector. ugh.
If it wasn't obvious from my owning a Developer Edition phone... I like to have an unlocked bootloader and root. I had CM13 installed on the Note 4 because TouchWiz was so far behind in a lot of ways. So, I'm considering a V20. I'd rather spend a little more and get a phone that has a SUPPORTED BL unlock method. The Verizon V20 version can be BL unlocked via a hack with a debug bootloader, but it's irreversible and that may lead to issues with being painted into a corner. Enter the US996.
So, I started researching the V20, making sure that there was stable bootloader unlock method, the dev base for ROMs is strong, the reviews are good, etc... and I came across some sales that say that the phone is ONLY for US Cellular. Is this true? The US996 is the unlocked version, correct?
I tried to navigate LG's and USC's websites to get a model number and some info... but I'm not seeing it. Could US Cellular have somehow SIM-locked the phone so that only USC's SIMs work in it? Or... does the seller just not know any better, or wants to play it safe by saying it will only work with the carrier listed?
Thanks for the help! Also... anyone switching from the Note 4, please let me know what you miss. I use my stylus a lot for drawing or annotating on pictures and screenshots... so I think it will be the hardest thing to give up if I go to a V20 or other stylus-less phone.
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Click to collapse
I've been thinking a bit. I know I saw in a thread somewhere about the US996 being the same model for the Unlocked and for a carrier (don't recall if it was US Cellular). I think the key is 'Unlocked'. Maybe you should put your question in it's own post. May bet more input, from someone who knows for sure.
Thanks for the replies. Take a look at this auction: http://www.ebay.com/itm/381960164377
The seller says they are an authorized US Cellular reseller… so it seems they'd know. And I doubt that they'd distort the truth about the phone being unlocked just to keep USC customers. So maybe there are US996s out there that are locked to USC. It doesn't make sense that there'd be a carrier-locked version of the US996 sold by LG… so maybe USC is locking them. Perhaps I'll ask the seller.
I ended up ordering a "like new" note 4 for $200 before I found out that B&H was selling the US996 for $300 off retail, and now I've missed that deal. So hopefully this Note4 really is in new condition and it will serve long enough for me to try out a V20 while the price drops again somewhere else.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Update… this is the response I got from the seller:
Thank you for your question. We are not selling the phone as compatible with other carriers or carrier-unlocked. We can't guarantee that the phone will work with an another carrier. We are only saying the phone will work with the carrier US Cellular. We can only guarantee that it works with US Cellular.*
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Click to collapse
What do you all think?
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
if you don't care to read the not 100% required info, the question is in the middle -
I've had a s3, s4 and s5, all were rooted & debloated, all ran much better afterwards. when moving up from each one to the other, it was never my being unhappy with the phones - one was lost, one fell in the river while fishing, my most recent i ran over.
anyways, I've been trying to research the next logical replacement for my s5, (this p.o.s. temp phone I'm using is making it difficult however). I've been looking at s7's as they're in my price range and look like they'd be a good next phone. in trying to nail down which one though I've went from semi informed to I've been reading on here for so long now I'm feeling like i know less now than when i started. another thing making this difficult is each carrier has their own section where people are dealing with the phones they currently have, so reading each section doesn't give the perspective of 'if i had my choice, I'd get ____ one'.
so my question is, if i get an s7 that hasn't been updated to the most recent v8 bootloader version that's locked down, and my options are a lower 48 states phone (at&t is my carrier), which version or model would be most ideal to work with?
*not having ads and limiting the amount of collection of my data being collected (because i don't care to feed their machine) are my main needs.
i don't play games, i don't Facebook, i don't use any form of social media except for mechanical trade related forums. i don't bank on my phone.
i watch YouTube vids occasionally on NewPipe, i use my camera, i Google constantly, the only apps i use are adaway, sdmaid, afwall, naked browser and a root browser.
The Canadian version of the s7 has an Exynos processor and a bootloader that can be unlocked.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/how-to/modem-samsung-galaxy-s7-sm-g930f-t3379596
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/development/recovery-official-twrp-herolte-t3333770
audit13 said:
The Canadian version of the s7 has an Exynos processor and a bootloader that can be unlocked.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/how-to/modem-samsung-galaxy-s7-sm-g930f-t3379596
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/development/recovery-official-twrp-herolte-t3333770
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Click to collapse
going off your recommendation, and looking through those threads, it looks like the Canadian version is the sm-g930w8. I've looked on swappa and didn't find one and via Google found a listing for them on Amazon, but those are apparently rebranded as such because they're the snapdragon version.
two questions -
1. is there somewhere else you think i might have better luck finding a good Canadian model here in the states?
2. since I'm looking to buy a phone and not married to any specific phone at this point, is there some other phone you might recommend to someone who could really care less about anything on a phone beyond a decent camera, external sd card slot, not super huge and the ability to block ads effectively (and preferably debloat, which root has always taken care of that and the ads)? I've got about $350 bucks, and that's flexible. i was looking at essential phones but couldn't pull the trigger on one because it seemed to me their limited production run and then potentially closing shop might prove problematic in some way or the other.
You could look on eBay.ca for the Canadian model. The European models also have an Exynos processor.
The problem is that many phones sold in the USA have locked bootloaders which makes rooting more difficult.
Phones with great cameras include the Huawei 20 Pro and LG but neither phone's bootloader can be unlocked.
audit13 said:
You could look on eBay.ca for the Canadian model. The European models also have an Exynos processor.
The problem is that many phones sold in the USA have locked bootloaders which makes rooting more difficult.
Phones with great cameras include the Huawei 20 Pro and LG but neither phone's bootloader can be unlocked.
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Click to collapse
great camera wouldn't be accurate. decent would be the bar I'm shooting for. i don't take pictures of people, moving objects, etc.. just mechanical things in marginal lighting, data plates/ stickers, invoices. . .. boring stuff.
I'm looking to identify the phones origin, therefore the correct processor, off the sticker under the battery, right? (versus the 'settings/ about phone' area).
thanks for you help btw, I'm not the most phone literate, and this p.o.s. temp cricket phone is seriously hindering my research abilities.
To identify the actual model number of a Samsung phone, it's best to boot into download mode. Unscrupulous sellers may put together a phone from different parts which means the model # on the sticker and phone settings match but the logic board is from a different model.
For Motorola and Google phones, the model # is shown on the fastboot screen.
A pixel 2 is a great phone but no SD card.
I've been using an iPhone 6s for more than a year and don't miss having removable storage.
audit13 said:
To identify the actual model number of a Samsung phone, it's best to boot into download mode. Unscrupulous sellers may put together a phone from different parts which means the model # on the sticker and phone settings match but the logic board is from a different model.
For Motorola and Google phones, the model # is shown on the fastboot screen.
A pixel 2 is a great phone but no SD card.
I've been using an iPhone 6s for more than a year and don't miss having removable storage.
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Click to collapse
ok. great info, good to know, woulda never thought to do that.
I'm curious. xda forums seems to be more the android developers, wanna-be's, and annoying tinkerers crowd (I'm in the last bunch). how does someone that's as interested in the inner workings of the phone's end up with a phone you can't mess with as much and have that as a daily driver?
mr_horsepower said:
ok. great info, good to know, woulda never thought to do that.
I'm curious. xda forums seems to be more the android developers, wanna-be's, and annoying tinkerers crowd (I'm in the last bunch). how does someone that's as interested in the inner workings of the phone's end up with a phone you can't mess with as much and have that as a daily driver?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can be an annoying tinkerer too
I use an iPhone precisely because I can't tinker with it. I have two cell lines and get upgrades every year which means I have a chance to try different phones. Reading and finding ways to root, flash TWRP, trying different ROMs takes a long time. To stop myself from spending so much time tinkering, I I went for an iPhone. I still have a couple of Android phones (Moto Z, Huawei P20) but leave those stock, for now.
audit13 said:
I can be an annoying tinkerer too
I use an iPhone precisely because I can't tinker with it. I have two cell lines and get upgrades every year which means I have a chance to try different phones. Reading and finding ways to root, flash TWRP, trying different ROMs takes a long time. To stop myself from spending so much time tinkering, I I went for an iPhone. I still have a couple of Android phones (Moto Z, Huawei P20) but leave those stock, for now.
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Click to collapse
thank you for your answer. that's interesting to know and makes perfect sense.
I'm looking seriously into getting a pixel 2, based in large part on your recommendation. I've found one locally that the guy got straight from Google and will show me his receipt to prove that that. off of the top of your head, is there a best way to make sure that that phone somehow wasn't carrier branded originally and that it's bootloader is unlockable? i know the bootloader switch in developer options isn't greyed out which i gather it would be if it were a Verizon phone that'd been updated? will the previous way you'd mentioned work with this phone?
thank you again for sharing your insights and knowledge.
I don't believe Pixels were sold with any carrier branding, just like the iPhone.
I know Sprint and Verizon are CDMA carriers but that should have unlockable bootloaders.
Here's what I would check when buying a Pixel 2:
1) check for the blue screen tint issue;
2) check the IMEI to ensure that it is not blacklisted;
3) have the person reset the phone in front of you because and sign into your Google account to ensure the phone is not locked to a particular gmail account;
4) insert any sim card to make sure the card is read. You don't want to get a phone with a damaged sim reader that would be an expensive repair;
5) try as many functions as possible including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, make and receive a call, and speaker phone; and
6) get the USB-C to 3.5 mm headphone adapter.
audit13 said:
I don't believe Pixels were sold with any carrier branding, just like the iPhone.
I know Sprint and Verizon are CDMA carriers but that should have unlockable bootloaders.
Here's what I would check when buying a Pixel 2:
1) check for the blue screen tint issue;
2) check the IMEI to ensure that it is not blacklisted;
3) have the person reset the phone in front of you because and sign into your Google account to ensure the phone is not locked to a particular gmail account;
4) insert any sim card to make sure the card is read. You don't want to get a phone with a damaged sim reader that would be an expensive repair;
5) try as many functions as possible including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, make and receive a call, and speaker phone; and
6) get the USB-C to 3.5 mm headphone adapter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is there any way i can kick you down a few bucks? that information, all in one spot, is a godsend. totally helpful.
mr_horsepower said:
is there any way i can kick you down a few bucks? that information, all in one spot, is a godsend. totally helpful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need. The information I provided is available on the Internet for free
Many XDA members have helped me when I needed it and I'm pleased to assist when I can. We're all here to learn and help each other.
Good luck in your quest for a phone.
I'm thinking about buying a OnePlus 7 Pro. It's down to the wire between this or saving some money and just getting a Redmi Note 8 Pro instead. Looking through eBay I see a lot of these phones with Burn-In or Pink screens and that's really what stopping me from making my decision. Is it a common issue with their fAMOLED screens? I also would like to hear what you think about your OP7P's, I don't normally spend this much on phones but I'm tired of not having root and NAND corruption from this cheapo coolpad. Any specific variants or hardware revs I should look for to avoid problems? I plan on getting the 256GB/8GB storage option.
Thanks
Sapphiress said:
I'm thinking about buying a OnePlus 7 Pro. It's down to the wire between this or saving some money and just getting a Redmi Note 8 Pro instead. Looking through eBay I see a lot of these phones with Burn-In or Pink screens and that's really what stopping me from making my decision. Is it a common issue with their fAMOLED screens? I also would like to hear what you think about your OP7P's, I don't normally spend this much on phones but I'm tired of not having root and NAND corruption from this cheapo coolpad. Any specific variants or hardware revs I should look for to avoid problems? I plan on getting the 256GB/8GB storage option.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had my 7 Pro since release. No issues with the screen or the hardware.
Hi , got device like month ago . Upgrade from Xioami k20 and I would say I'm in love specially with display and FP
Finger print is really fast on K20 I never used FP because for me it was slow ... Camera is also really Good at least and if you install Gcam then u know how it goes..
Sapphiress said:
I'm thinking about buying a OnePlus 7 Pro. It's down to the wire between this or saving some money and just getting a Redmi Note 8 Pro instead. Looking through eBay I see a lot of these phones with Burn-In or Pink screens and that's really what stopping me from making my decision. Is it a common issue with their fAMOLED screens? I also would like to hear what you think about your OP7P's, I don't normally spend this much on phones but I'm tired of not having root and NAND corruption from this cheapo coolpad. Any specific variants or hardware revs I should look for to avoid problems? I plan on getting the 256GB/8GB storage option.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You often have to chance it. And hope burn-in and pink screen doesn't happen, but it's an electronic which whatever phone you get you'll either have problems or you won't. Dependant on the batch you get etc.
However in my experience I've never had problems with OnePlus and if it came to that. Warranty is your friend. Unless you're getting used phone which then you're just taking that gamble even more and have no warranty to back you up. Sounds like you're really eyeing that Redmi phone which you should just get. Oh forgot to mention I have the 7Pro 12gb ram 256gb love it. Going to wait for the 8T pro if any.
Thank you everyone for your responses. I'll take a chance on it when my check is deposited. Hopefully I can get my hands on the 12GB model it just depends on what people have for sale at the time. I do know how to replace the screen if that becomes an issue, I'm just lazy and would rather not lol
It seems like there is a nice community behind this phone and the specs speak for themselves. I look forward to working with you all.
Wise choice, your going to enjoy it once you get it!
galaxys said:
Wise choice, your going to enjoy it once you get it!
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Click to collapse
Thanks everyone, I ended up getting a Redmi, unexpected troubles with my rig left me having to spend some of the extra money on a motherboard and getting the cheaper phone.
Just so everyone knows, I heavily regret it. This device might have an unlockable bootloader but is an absolute mess. It's a literal hard brick factory due to Xiaomi's anti-rollback protection which makes development on it pretty much a no go. Most other developers have written off the device completely, such as the xiaomi.eu forums. If you find yourself in the same situation I was, go for the OnePlus.
Sapphiress said:
Thanks everyone, I ended up getting a Redmi, unexpected troubles with my rig left me having to spend some of the extra money on a motherboard and getting the cheaper phone.
Just so everyone knows, I heavily regret it. This device might have an unlockable bootloader but is an absolute mess. It's a literal hard brick factory due to Xiaomi's anti-rollback protection which makes development on it pretty much a no go. Most other developers have written off the device completely, such as the xiaomi.eu forums. If you find yourself in the same situation I was, go for the OnePlus.
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Click to collapse
Why don't you return it? That sucks man. If you can't return reset it to stock. Resell it and start saving up. This will be used more than your computer you need something you'll be happy with. Hope you get this all situated.
I just bought a carrier unlocked version of this phone. It is the xt2115-1. Fastboot commands confirms it is boot loader unlockable. I have not yet unlocked it, or moved my SIM card to it, for that matter. I am coming from a Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite running PE Official, which I love, but the battery is almost toast after nearly 3 years, and my carrier Crickett Wireless keeps sending me messages that my XM8L is not supported after Feb '22.
So I got a pretty fair deal at Sam's Club on this phone ($219). I did look it up here to see how far development has progressed since it was released. I was disappointed to see, not much. Looks like nobody is able to access the /vendor mount and one other (it's late).
I would like to build PE (Pixel Experience) for this phone, but /vendor is pretty much required to do that. Has anyone succeeded in extracting this partition? Or has anyone figured out a reason why it cannot be extracted?
Anyway, I hope we can get some ROMs for this phone eventually. I will do all I can to assist, as I have built ROMs for a few phones, just not this one (or Android 11+). I would also like to eventually build Pitch Black Recovery for this phone, as PBR is the most easy to use recovery, and very powerful too. Just my opinion.
Yeah, just looking at the Sam's Club version of this phone as it is $25 off this weekend, and kind of bummed not much is available at this point. Crossing my fingers there will be some action on this front in the near future.
verbage said:
Yeah, just looking at the Sam's Club version of this phone as it is $25 off this weekend, and kind of bummed not much is available at this point. Crossing my fingers there will be some action on this front in the near future.
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Click to collapse
So did you buy one? I still have yet to root mine, but hopefully will have time this weekend. I hate getting a new phone, especially when the one I had was brilliant! (Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite) Cricket Wireless kept sending me messages that my phone would no longer work on their nework after February, and at nearly 3 years old, the battery is getting tired (easily replaceable, but that doesn't make it compatible with Cricket, and probably AT&T as well). I might wall mount it and use it as a Home Assistant kiosk or something similar, at some point.
Yup, ended up picking up one and it will be a gift for my daughter for X-mas. And I'll probably pick up one for my wife, too, when it goes back on sale again. I have not played with it extensively yet, but it seems pretty impressive for the price. Then again, my daily driver is an LG G4, which was released back in 2015, so probably anything relatively modern will be impressive for me!
We are upgrading for the same reason as you--we use Tracfone with AT&T towers, and yeah, we have been receiving messages about the Feb 2022 deadline.
I think I might take the plunge, and go for a Pixel 6 myself though the base model is like $600. I am dreading the lack of a MicroSD slot, but the camera is apparently stunning. And there is guaranteed tons of custom development on it from the very start given that Google releases the source code for it immediately.
OnePlus is having a flash sale on the OP9 starting in a few hours, and the price will be $600, too, but if you sign up they will give you a $60 voucher bringing it down to $540. But the camera is apparently not as good as the Pixel 6. And I took a look at teardown/repairability info on both, and the Pixel 6 seems much more friendly in this regard.
verbage said:
Yup, ended up picking up one and it will be a gift for my daughter for X-mas. And I'll probably pick up one for my wife, too, when it goes back on sale again. I have not played with it extensively yet, but it seems pretty impressive for the price. Then again, my daily driver is an LG G4, which was released back in 2015, so probably anything relatively modern will be impressive for me!
We are upgrading for the same reason as you--we use Tracfone with AT&T towers, and yeah, we have been receiving messages about the Feb 2022 deadline.
I think I might take the plunge, and go for a Pixel 6 myself though the base model is like $600. I am dreading the lack of a MicroSD slot, but the camera is apparently stunning. And there is guaranteed tons of custom development on it from the very start given that Google releases the source code for it immediately.
OnePlus is having a flash sale on the OP9 starting in a few hours, and the price will be $600, too, but if you sign up they will give you a $60 voucher bringing it down to $540. But the camera is apparently not as good as the Pixel 6. And I took a look at teardown/repairability info on both, and the Pixel 6 seems much more friendly in this regard.
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Click to collapse
I too wanted a Pixel 6 but the lack of MicroSD killed it for me. There are kernel sources available for this phone, both for A10 and A11. I have grabbed the A11 source code. I want to attempt to build PE for this device at some point. I am still getting used to it however, as I had it a full week before I moved my SIM card to it. The only thing I dislike about it so far is the shear size of it. Such a HUGE phone and much more heavy than my Mi 8 Lite. Something I will just have to get used to. Also, Android Auto is very slow to start and the screen must be on and unlocked before my auto's head unit even detects its presence. Very odd.
Update: I am bootloader unlocked, rooted via Magisk, and have Orange Fox recovery installed (not my favorite). I have also managed to get the /vendor partition pulled. I have discovered a few quirks.
- Apex Launcher cannot backup or restore data. Seems to be some sort of permissions issue. This worked fine before unlocking and rooting, so not sure what the connection could be at this point.
EDIT: Apparently this is a problem with A11 and Apex Launcher. But, my Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite can backup and restore Apex data in A11.
- Magisk can not find nor download any modules. A search always reveals nothing.
I will continue to research the issues at hand. I have wiped and restored from Google cloud numerous times (3 so far) and nothing seems to fix this.
So I have a question when you bootloader unlocked were you on Android 10 or android 11 cause I'm on 11 and my code shows on Motorola site as not eligible
Android version does not matter. Try a different email address. If that doesn't work reset your router and modem and it should cycle the IP address. I get that error alot and both of those have worked equally as well.
People are having lots of launch issues with the 7 series, but I just wanted to say that (so far) my P7P has been really good! I like the brightness of the screen, the fingerprint works better for me, everything is snappy, not too hot at all https://nox.tips/ https://xender.vip/.
I hope other people are having a good experience, and if you aren't I'm sorry it's gone that way, I just want nervous people who are stalking the subreddit and seeing all these issues to know that it's not all bad! Having issues sucks, and quirks that you don't like also sucks but remember that you can RMA it and you can get used to things, but also to keep an eye out for any issues people are posting about.
I'm not complaining about these posts btw, keep them coming and I just wanted to give my intial feedback of the phone too, it's been great and I hope it stays that way. Happy Pixeling my Googles
s1helly said:
People are having lots of launch issues with the 7 series, but I just wanted to say that (so far) my P7P has been really good! I like the brightness of the screen, the fingerprint works better for me, everything is snappy, not too hot at all.
I hope other people are having a good experience, and if you aren't I'm sorry it's gone that way, I just want nervous people who are stalking the subreddit and seeing all these issues to know that it's not all bad! Having issues sucks, and quirks that you don't like also sucks but remember that you can RMA it and you can get used to things, but also to keep an eye out for any issues people are posting about.
I'm not complaining about these posts btw, keep them coming and I just wanted to give my intial feedback of the phone too, it's been great and I hope it stays that way. Happy Pixeling my Googles
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I'm gonna say not nearly good for me so far but that's always been the case with me and nexus/pixel phones. I've always had lag issues, quality control issues and scrolling issues (particularly while we browsing). I've had all that with the current phone plus lost the ability to receive texts for 4 days. Everything seems to have resolved itself today for some reason but it'd par for the course for me. I used to think all android phones were buggy like this until I moved over to Samsung after the pixel 3 and it's been a great and smooth experience. I finally came back here hoping things would be better. I do miss the superior multitasking and overall brute force of the Samsungs but I do like the little things that the pixel gets right.
chetly968 said:
I'm gonna say not nearly good for me so far but that's always been the case with me and nexus/pixel phones. I've always had lag issues, quality control issues and scrolling issues (particularly while we browsing). I've had all that with the current phone plus lost the ability to receive texts for 4 days. Everything seems to have resolved itself today for some reason but it'd par for the course for me. I used to think all android phones were buggy like this until I moved over to Samsung after the pixel 3 and it's been a great and smooth experience. I finally came back here hoping things would be better. I do miss the superior multitasking and overall brute force of the Samsungs but I do like the little things that the pixel gets right.
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Click to collapse
Seems like Samsung's your brand bruh. Stick with what works for you tbh.
Power button placement really annoys me. Why would anyone put a power button above the volume rocker? I keep hitting the volume up button thinking its power.
Screen has been pretty nice. The curve is not too bad this time around. I have been avoiding all "waterfall" screens since the OP7P because of the glare and other annoyances that come with such screen but this one on the P7P is ok.
Picture quality is great, probably on par with the iphones and S22s. Video is ok. Antennas are ok, havent had issued so far. Phone can get pretty hot randomly though. Was uploading a couple videos to the cloud and it was taking forever, drained a decent amount of battery and was super hot. Killed the photos app and everything went back to normal. Also got pretty hot doing a couple other things but hopefully nothing serious.
Also, I dunno if its just my luck or maybe thats just the default behavior since Android 12 but I have been getting lots of app reflesh/reloads when switching between apps. So if I am browsing in the reddit app for example, switch to my browser to do a couple things online, maybe open a notes app and note something down, go back to reddit and it refreshes back from the top instead of where I left off. Switch back to the browser and the website would reload instead of resuming where I left off. 12gb of ram on this phone and even had 18gb on my Asus ROG phone but keeps happening. If someone knows how to resolve this, I would be super happy.
Will try playing CODM and see how that goes, havent found a phone that doesnt throttle too much. Everything with an SD 888 and newer has been throttling (yes I know this is not an SD chip).
Sorry for my long reply but wanted to share my experience. Overall, I still like this phone and will probably stay with it for the foreseeable future.
morphius88 said:
Power button placement really annoys me. Why would anyone put a power button above the volume rocker? I keep hitting the volume up button thinking its power.
Screen has been pretty nice. The curve is not too bad this time around. I have been avoiding all "waterfall" screens since the OP7P because of the glare and other annoyances that come with such screen but this one on the P7P is ok.
Picture quality is great, probably on par with the iphones and S22s. Video is ok. Antennas are ok, havent had issued so far. Phone can get pretty hot randomly though. Was uploading a couple videos to the cloud and it was taking forever, drained a decent amount of battery and was super hot. Killed the photos app and everything went back to normal. Also got pretty hot doing a couple other things but hopefully nothing serious.
Also, I dunno if its just my luck or maybe thats just the default behavior since Android 12 but I have been getting lots of app reflesh/reloads when switching between apps. So if I am browsing in the reddit app for example, switch to my browser to do a couple things online, maybe open a notes app and note something down, go back to reddit and it refreshes back from the top instead of where I left off. Switch back to the browser and the website would reload instead of resuming where I left off. 12gb of ram on this phone and even had 18gb on my Asus ROG phone but keeps happening. If someone knows how to resolve this, I would be super happy.
Will try playing CODM and see how that goes, havent found a phone that doesnt throttle too much. Everything with an SD 888 and newer has been throttling (yes I know this is not an SD chip).
Sorry for my long reply but wanted to share my experience. Overall, I still like this phone and will probably stay with it for the foreseeable future.
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Click to collapse
Ah yes, the power button in relation to the volume button is a little annoyance to but I figure you can get used to it eventually. Harder to take screenshots that way I've noticed. One definite positive to this phone compared to my last couple Samsung phones is the batter life. Seems to be much better in that regard for sure. Gaming is definitely better on other phones compared to this one for the more demanding titles. But unless you're into competitive gaming you won't notice much difference.
chetly968 said:
Ah yes, the power button in relation to the volume button is a little annoyance to but I figure you can get used to it eventually. Harder to take screenshots that way I've noticed. One definite positive to this phone compared to my last couple Samsung phones is the batter life. Seems to be much better in that regard for sure. Gaming is definitely better on other phones compared to this one for the more demanding titles. But unless you're into competitive gaming you won't notice much difference.
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Yeah for sure. Not doing any competitive gaming but will for sure be a downgrade when compared to Asus RoG Phone 5S Pro. Just not sure how much of a downgrade. Battery possibly also since that phone had 6k mAh. But obviously 2 very different price points. I am surprised you are getting better battery on this phone than the Samsungs (I guess depends which models you used). However I avoid all Samsungs due to no rooting ability so I cant compare personally (but my wife has been using them without issue).
Button I will probably get used to... or at least use double tap more often.
morphius88 said:
Yeah for sure. Not doing any competitive gaming but will for sure be a downgrade when compared to Asus RoG Phone 5S Pro. Just not sure how much of a downgrade. Battery possibly also since that phone had 6k mAh. But obviously 2 very different price points. I am surprised you are getting better battery on this phone than the Samsungs (I guess depends which models you used). However I avoid all Samsungs due to no rooting ability so I cant compare personally (but my wife has been using them without issue).
Button I will probably get used to... or at least use double tap more often.
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I was most recently using the z fold 4 be t before that the s22 ultra. Definitely good battery life but this pixel is about 10-15% better for me.
This Pixel 7 pro has been nothing shy of awesome for me! First year of no Google shipment delays, out the box the phone set up mirroring my old phone upon just signing in to my account. Screen is great, speed & fluidness is great, love the biometrics, no problems with battery life, etc.
Overall Pixel 7 pro is definitely the best Pixel to date for me. The camera bar actually looks much better in a case but that's just my perception. I also don't have issues with the power button as I've been using pixels for a while, which is funny because I thought it was perfect that they lowered the buttons a little this year which felt like perfect placement to me.
I've always had love for Samsung phones but they just don't do a good job to me at cohesively supplying a consistent product for "everyone".
manners400 said:
This Pixel 7 pro has been nothing shy of awesome for me! First year of no Google shipment delays, out the box the phone set up mirroring my old phone upon just signing in to my account. Screen is great, speed & fluidness is great, love the biometrics, no problems with battery life, etc.
Overall Pixel 7 pro is definitely the best Pixel to date for me. The camera bar actually looks much better in a case but that's just my perception. I also don't have issues with the power button as I've been using pixels for a while, which is funny because I thought it was perfect that they lowered the buttons a little this year which felt like perfect placement to me.
I've always had love for Samsung phones but they just don't do a good job to me at cohesively supplying a consistent product for "everyone".
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Yeah I agree with you, I think one of the most smooth launches.
This phone is a huge step up to the Pixel 6 Pro, even though the spec sheets don't really show it.
As others have mentioned here the Power button and volume buttons are in a strange place, I keep hitting the power button thinking I am going for the volume up. The location of these makes even less sense if you are using a car holder/cradle because most of these cover these buttons or even rock them while supported.
Camera is great for the little I have used it so far, am very impressed with the quality even with a decent amount of digital zoom
Bluetooth connectivity and reliability is my better than Pixel 6 Pro.
morphius88 said:
Yeah for sure. Not doing any competitive gaming but will for sure be a downgrade when compared to Asus RoG Phone 5S Pro. Just not sure how much of a downgrade. Battery possibly also since that phone had 6k mAh. But obviously 2 very different price points. I am surprised you are getting better battery on this phone than the Samsungs (I guess depends which models you used). However I avoid all Samsungs due to no rooting ability so I cant compare personally (but my wife has been using them without issue).
Button I will probably get used to... or at least use double tap more often.
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Click to collapse
I'm not. I'm getting considerably better battery life on this phone than I did on my S21 Ultra which was the phone I got the best battery life with from all the Samsung devices I owned, and the S21 Ultra in turn had a better battery life than the S22 Ultra if reports are to be believed. Although I can't confirm it personally as I've never owned the S22 Ultra.
Also, I'm sure you know but Samsung phones can be rooted, but it can't be done in a way which is non-traceable if a warranty repair is subsequently required. I speak from experience when I say it will be refused even if you unroot and relock the bootloader thanks to the Knox e-fuse.
Beefheart said:
I'm not. I'm getting considerably better battery life on this phone than I did on my S21 Ultra which was the phone I got the best battery life with from all the Samsung devices I owned, and the S21 Ultra in turn had a better battery life than the S22 Ultra if reports are to be believed. Although I can't confirm it personally as I've never owned the S22 Ultra.
Also, I'm sure you know but Samsung phones can be rooted, but it can't be done in a way which is non-traceable if a warranty repair is subsequently required. I speak from experience when I say it will be refused even if you unroot and relock the bootloader thanks to the Knox e-fuse.
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S22 Ultra had similar battery life, but not better than Pixel 7 Pro at least with my own usage. I had S22 Ultra 30 days for testing only.
Also, Knox and their e-fuse is an issue outside of EU. In EU, tripping Knox or unlocking the bootloader doesn't affect the warranty.
I dunno, I miss the power button above. My P7P shipped a week early, so I'll have it by early next week! can't wait to see how it stacks up against my S22Ultra and OnePlus 7 Pro
Beefheart said:
I'm not. I'm getting considerably better battery life on this phone than I did on my S21 Ultra which was the phone I got the best battery life with from all the Samsung devices I owned, and the S21 Ultra in turn had a better battery life than the S22 Ultra if reports are to be believed. Although I can't confirm it personally as I've never owned the S22 Ultra.
Also, I'm sure you know but Samsung phones can be rooted, but it can't be done in a way which is non-traceable if a warranty repair is subsequently required. I speak from experience when I say it will be refused even if you unroot and relock the bootloader thanks to the Knox e-fuse.
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Click to collapse
I was under the impression that only Exynos version of Samsungs could be rooted and that it would trip Knox. I havent seen anything concrete about rooting a SnapDragon Samsung (at least not the last 4-5 years anyway).
ekin_strops said:
S22 Ultra had similar battery life, but not better than Pixel 7 Pro at least with my own usage. I had S22 Ultra 30 days for testing only.
Also, Knox and their e-fuse is an issue outside of EU. In EU, tripping Knox or unlocking the bootloader doesn't affect the warranty.
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A common misconception. It does. I've had a repair refused. Sure, I could perhaps take it further. Assuming I wanted to spend thousands on a court case.
morphius88 said:
I was under the impression that only Exynos version of Samsungs could be rooted and that it would trip Knox. I havent seen anything concrete about rooting a SnapDragon Samsung (at least not the last 4-5 years anyway).
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Click to collapse
To my knowledge Snapdragon Samsung phones can be rooted, providing you get one from a territory that doesn't have a locked down bootloader. The issue is that most Snapdragon Samsung phones in America are from providers like Verizon who lock down the bootloader, it's this that prevents root, not the SOC manufacturer.
Beefheart said:
A common misconception. It does. I've had a repair refused. Sure, I could perhaps take it further. Assuming I wanted to spend thousands on a court case.
To my knowledge Snapdragon Samsung phones can be rooted, providing you get one from a territory that doesn't have a locked down bootloader. The issue is that most Snapdragon Samsung phones in America are from providers like Verizon who lock down the bootloader, it's this that prevents root, not the SOC manufacturer.
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Again, it doesn't in Europe Union, it's not a misconception. You're free to read the EU ruling on consumer protection. If the shop/store refused to do it, they're just scamming (or have no clue about this), but it's against the law.
You don't need to privately file a lawsuit in order for them to follow the LAW. There are government institutions that deal with this stuff, you just have to knock on a proper door (assuming that you live in Europe Union, because if not, that's a different issue).
Beefheart said:
To my knowledge Snapdragon Samsung phones can be rooted, providing you get one from a territory that doesn't have a locked down bootloader. The issue is that most Snapdragon Samsung phones in America are from providers like Verizon who lock down the bootloader, it's this that prevents root, not the SOC manufacturer.
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Ehhhh... Samsung locks them down when ordered directly from them as well. There have been exploits but most of the newer phones, there is a dude who charges people to unlock them.
ekin_strops said:
Again, it doesn't in Europe Union, it's not a misconception. You're free to read the EU ruling on consumer protection. If the shop/store refused to do it, they're just scamming (or have no clue about this), but it's against the law.
You don't need to privately file a lawsuit in order for them to follow the LAW. There are government institutions that deal with this stuff, you just have to knock on a proper door (assuming that you live in Europe Union, because if not, that's a different issue).
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Click to collapse
I can only assume you haven't dealt with a big corporation like Samsung. Knocking on a "proper door" won't make a difference, the amount of red tape you would need to go through renders it not worth the bother unless you have a determination on principle. And even then it won't be easy or quick. Then they'd likely still refuse and deal with the consequences.
Big business don't care about consumer rights, law or no law.
EtherealRemnant said:
Ehhhh... Samsung locks them down when ordered directly from them as well. There have been exploits but most of the newer phones, there is a dude who charges people to unlock them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've rooted my Exynos s22u bought directly from Samsung, no problems (apart from Knox) Are we talking about SD here?
ekin_strops said:
Again, it doesn't in Europe Union, it's not a misconception. You're free to read the EU ruling on consumer protection. If the shop/store refused to do it, they're just scamming (or have no clue about this), but it's against the law.
You don't need to privately file a lawsuit in order for them to follow the LAW. There are government institutions that deal with this stuff, you just have to knock on a proper door (assuming that you live in Europe Union, because if not, that's a different issue).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beefheart said:
I can only assume you haven't dealt with a big corporation like Samsung. Knocking on a "proper door" won't make a difference, the amount of red tape you would need to go through renders it not worth the bother unless you have a determination on principle. And even then it won't be easy or quick. Then they'd likely still refuse and deal with the consequences.
Big business don't care about consumer rights, law or no law.
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Click to collapse
I could be wrong, but I believe what @ekin_strops meant about "Knock[ing] on a 'proper door'" is to go after the "small shop/store", not the whole Samsung corporation on the matter of repairing a knox tripped device in the EU.....
I can imagine the "red tape" and litigation to try and make that happen, honestly would probably lead to Samsung not even implementing knox to trip when unlocking the bootloader to begin with, but they have their reasonings (mostly to market their security capabilities as well as appease carriers) to do this and I doubt they'd let it go easily.....
Beefheart said:
I can only assume you haven't dealt with a big corporation like Samsung. Knocking on a "proper door" won't make a difference, the amount of red tape you would need to go through renders it not worth the bother unless you have a determination on principle. And even then it won't be easy or quick. Then they'd likely still refuse and deal with the consequences.
Big business don't care about consumer rights, law or no law.
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Click to collapse
That's why also big corporations like Apple need to switch to Type-C (in EU) because no one cares about the law, right? lol
I literally never got refused a repair from Samsung (In Germany) even though I OPENLY and CLEARLY mentioned that the Knox is tripped due to running custom binaries, literally sent the device in while it was rooted.
I'm not sure about your experiences, but in Germany, the law works pretty well, and regardless of how big a "company" is, if the law is on your side, there is no one scamming you out of your RIGHT to repair under warranty as it's stated in the LAW and the RIGHT for the WARRANTY under any of the mentioned circumstances.