Database Info

Returning Home? Back to Sammy?

Haven't had a Note since I sold my note 5 to get a Nexus 6p.. I always loved that phone, the specs, and then pen, but really coveted a vanilla Android experience for a while there. After being torn between nexus, pixel, and OnePlus phones for the last three or four years I've been really considering the 20 ultra..
Verizon is offering me 550 for trade in on the pixel 4 XL and some other incentives if I agree to a 2-year $22 a month payment type thing period sounds like an incredible deal especially including the trade-in value for that 4xl, knowing that even the unlocked 128 gig version and mint condition is probably not going to go much more than 450 if that....
They are requiring me to sign up my family for unlimited, I think I can live with that. Does this seem like a good deal or are there other avenues? I figured out the payments and it was a little under $500 plus the value of my pixel 4 XL..
Definitely have missed the note series something fierce over the years. Any tips? Anybody going caseless? I'm a pretty minimal phone guy, tend to enjoy the spigen thin case for the d brand grip.. definitely enjoy minimalist things but definitely want to increase the grip.. am I dumb for considering this switch or is it a no-brainer?

kickenwing13 said:
Haven't had a Note since I sold my note 5 to get a Nexus 6p.. I always loved that phone, the specs, and then pen, but really coveted a vanilla Android experience for a while there. After being torn between nexus, pixel, and OnePlus phones for the last three or four years I've been really considering the 20 ultra..
Verizon is offering me 550 for trade in on the pixel 4 XL and some other incentives if I agree to a 2-year $22 a month payment type thing period sounds like an incredible deal especially including the trade-in value for that 4xl, knowing that even the unlocked 128 gig version and mint condition is probably not going to go much more than 450 if that....
They are requiring me to sign up my family for unlimited, I think I can live with that. Does this seem like a good deal or are there other avenues? I figured out the payments and it was a little under $500 plus the value of my pixel 4 XL..
Definitely have missed the note series something fierce over the years. Any tips? Anybody going caseless? I'm a pretty minimal phone guy, tend to enjoy the spigen thin case for the d brand grip.. definitely enjoy minimalist things but definitely want to increase the grip.. am I dumb for considering this switch or is it a no-brainer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correction, today's random Verizon chat guy is telling me that doesn't qualify for me even though we just spent two hours going over the unlimited plan based on what last night's rep told me.

The 10+ is still a powerful Note if you can get a good deal and don't mind the fixed refresh rate and slightly slower processor/memory. Go with the 512 gb version and 5G if you need it. I would leave it running on Pie as it's a stable, fast platform with no scoop storage to waste cpu cycles and battery.
Both Notes lack the latest bt chipset and can never support AptX-HD. The most advanced HQ codecs they will ever support is LDAC and SSC. A major Samsung audio upgrade fail. Using the bottom mounted C port for HQ audio is cumbersome at best.
I've been considering upgrading to the 20U. However the price tag, issues with protecting its huge square cam hump,the same bt lackluster audio as the 10+, display complaints and the fact it's running on Q dampen my enthusiasm. My 10+ still is a fast, fun machine that's now fully optimized... so Sammy is that all you got?
Do Not use either without a good case; the only thing they love to do more than corner hit is faceplant. With an almost nonexistent bezel these heavy phones can be easily damaged by a drop onto a hard surface. I recommend the Bolt case. Easy to hold, use and takes a beating like Ali.
A screen protector is highly recommended after the factory installed one (if present) wears out. It saved my screen more than once from marring.
The curved screen on both phones makes finding a screen protector/case much more difficult.
However I make good use of the curved portions with the app One Handed Operation plus... so I've come to really like it.
Both are fun, big, capable machines with drop dead gorgeous displays that are positively addictive to use.
As for deal breaking, tell that reject wannabe used car salesman to go pound sand... AT&T is the next best bet as far as coverage in the US in rural areas.

blackhawk said:
The 10+ is still a powerful Note if you can get a good deal and don't mind the fixed refresh rate and slightly slower processor/memory. Go with the 512 gb version and 5G if you need it. I would leave it running on Pie as it's a stable, fast platform with no scoop storage to waste cpu cycles and battery.
Both Notes lack the latest bt chipset and can never support AptX-HD. The most advanced HQ codecs they will ever support is LDAC and SSC. A major Samsung audio upgrade fail. Using the bottom mounted C port for HQ audio is cumbersome at best.
I've been considering upgrading to the 20U. However the price tag, issues with protecting its huge square cam hump,the same bt lackluster audio as the 10+, display complaints and the fact it's running on Q dampen my enthusiasm. My 10+ still is a fast, fun machine that's now fully optimized... so Sammy is that all you got?
Do Not use either without a good case; the only thing they love to do more than corner hit is faceplant. With an almost nonexistent bezel these heavy phones can be easily damaged by a drop onto a hard surface. I recommend the Bolt case. Easy to hold, use and takes a beating like Ali.
A screen protector is highly recommended after the factory installed one (if present) wears out. It saved my screen more than once from marring.
The curved screen on both phones makes finding a screen protector/case much more difficult.
However I make good use of the curved portions with the app One Handed Operation plus... so I've come to really like it.
Both are fun, big, capable machines with drop dead gorgeous displays that are positively addictive to use.
As for deal breaking, tell that reject wannabe used car salesman to go pound sand... AT&T is the next best bet as far as coverage in the US in rural areas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I live in one of those counties where AT&t literally doesn't work in my hometown, a small village on a main highway. Family has just been on Verizon so long. Good deal, it would be nice if there was enough competition too go back and forth always taking the best deal like people started doing with TV providers. Thank you for the in-depth breakdown, that certainly slowed down my upgrade train. Been sitting there going back and forth in and out of Samsung website considering ordering since I left the Verizon store.
Currently on the pixel 4 xl. Love it. Just getting frustrated with the face unlock. Being that at work I'm always in a mask. Considered waiting for a Black Friday OnePlus 8 pro deal, still miss my seven pro sometimes just because it ran like a dream and the 12 GB variant

kickenwing13 said:
Unfortunately I live in one of those counties where AT&t literally doesn't work in my hometown, a small village on a main highway. Family has just been on Verizon so long. Good deal, it would be nice if there was enough competition too go back and forth always taking the best deal like people started doing with TV providers. Thank you for the in-depth breakdown, that certainly slowed down my upgrade train. Been sitting there going back and forth in and out of Samsung website considering ordering since I left the Verizon store.
Currently on the pixel 4 xl. Love it. Just getting frustrated with the face unlock. Being that at work I'm always in a mask. Considered waiting for a Black Friday OnePlus 8 pro deal, still miss my seven pro sometimes just because it ran like a dream and the 12 GB variant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just can't imagine going to a Hertz refresh rate screen after being on 90 Hertz for the last year and a half or so

kickenwing13 said:
Unfortunately I live in one of those counties where AT&t literally doesn't work in my hometown, a small village on a main highway. Family has just been on Verizon so long. Good deal, it would be nice if there was enough competition too go back and forth always taking the best deal like people started doing with TV providers. Thank you for the in-depth breakdown, that certainly slowed down my upgrade train. Been sitting there going back and forth in and out of Samsung website considering ordering since I left the Verizon store.
Currently on the pixel 4 xl. Love it. Just getting frustrated with the face unlock. Being that at work I'm always in a mask. Considered waiting for a Black Friday OnePlus 8 pro deal, still miss my seven pro sometimes just because it ran like a dream and the 12 GB variant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T is a pain too.... as they are partnered with Samsung in ways which seldom serves the customer well. In the US they are Verizon's leading competitor with almost as good coverage.
If you can wait, I would for the next generation or even longer.
If not go with the 10+ or 20U whichever you like more. The 10+ will come loaded with Pie hopefully, if so stay on it. I still don't consider Q an upgrade. Pie has been stable and secure for me for over a year.
If you have an account with Verizon talk to their retention dept or whatever they call it. They can offer deals that sales can't many times. Keep beating at them... as long and as many calls as it takes. Time is on your side if you use it.
One of Samsung's greatest charms is customization and no other Android matches it. It's a very desirable smartphone especially if you want to make look it and act like you want it to.
No 3rd party launchers or rooting needed.
Do get PD MDM package blocker to kill the bloatware, block updates you don't want and more.
The way I get around the unlock trash is by not using it; 2 taps the 10+ is on, 2 taps it's off.
Saves resources, time and frustration.

Can we confirm the unlocked version works fine on verizon? I was hoping to get Wi-Fi calling but I do have a network extender so I'm sure there are workarounds like Google voice to do some Wi-Fi calling if I really needed it. Everything I read says it has the technical capabilities but Verizon is making it hard. Can anyone confirm?

blackhawk said:
AT&T is a pain too.... as they are partnered with Samsung in ways which seldom serves the customer well. In the US they are Verizon's leading competitor with almost as good coverage.
If you can wait, I would for the next generation or even longer.
If not go with the 10+ or 20U whichever you like more. The 10+ will come loaded with Pie hopefully, if so stay on it. I still don't consider Q an upgrade. Pie has been stable and secure for me for over a year.
If you have an account with Verizon talk to their retention dept or whatever they call it. They can offer deals that sales can't many times. Keep beating at them... as long and as many calls as it takes. Time is on your side if you use it.
One of Samsung's greatest charms is customization and no other Android matches it. It's a very desirable smartphone especially if you want to make look it and act like you want it to.
No 3rd party launchers or rooting needed.
Do get PD MDM package blocker to kill the bloatware, block updates you don't want and more.
The way I get around the unlock trash is by not using it; 2 taps the 10+ is on, 2 taps it's off.
Saves resources, time and frustration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considered the note 10 plus .. going to start seeing a lot more of them but I guess I'm just worried about that screen. I really have enjoyed 90 hertz. Just having a hard time convincing myself that going back to 60 hertz for anything would be an upgrade no matter how much I would enjoy the pen and Samsung pay and some of the other things that I haven't had a chance to play around with

kickenwing13 said:
Unfortunately I live in one of those counties where AT&t literally doesn't work in my hometown, a small village on a main highway. Family has just been on Verizon so long. Good deal, it would be nice if there was enough competition too go back and forth always taking the best deal like people started doing with TV providers. Thank you for the in-depth breakdown, that certainly slowed down my upgrade train. Been sitting there going back and forth in and out of Samsung website considering ordering since I left the Verizon store.
Currently on the pixel 4 xl. Love it. Just getting frustrated with the face unlock. Being that at work I'm always in a mask. Considered waiting for a Black Friday OnePlus 8 pro deal, still miss my seven pro sometimes just because it ran like a dream and the 12 GB variant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kickenwing13 said:
Considered the note 10 plus .. going to start seeing a lot more of them but I guess I'm just worried about that screen. I really have enjoyed 90 hertz. Just having a hard time convincing myself that going back to 60 hertz for anything would be an upgrade no matter how much I would enjoy the pen and Samsung pay and some of the other things that I haven't had a chance to play around with
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't say myself as I never had a refresh rate faster than 60hz. Smoother scrolling be nice...
The 10+ has zero display issues though and may be brighter than the 20U. The fact that the 10+ 512 gb is holding its price well is telling.
Since I have the 10+ running on Pie, the OS is a prime consideration for myself. I have it optimized now, it's a fast, stable, efficient platform as are the apks I'm using. Add to that there's more online support for 10+ (including older Notes) and Pie. Frequently that's what I use to help solve many issues. The cost and learning curve to go to the 20U simply aren't worth it.
Samsung didn't provide enough incentive.
Will you have 5G in the foreseeable future? The 5G variants add more sauce to the goose for trouble.
Q definitely does mean trouble especially after Playstore requires scope storage for all apps. My office app which is free would fail and no equalilant alternatives exist. Some of my favorite apks that use overlays be killed as well.
Google made another mess... I don't have to play in it.
Keep researching the different lines.
No rush though as it will be a buyer's market for quit some time
Do what serves you best and pick which features you want the most.
Either model will be fun or simply wait for a better one to come out.
Here are some current screen shots making use of Good Lock apps, stock Samsung launcher/theme/icon packs with Color Wallpaper apk providing the wallpaper.

blackhawk said:
Can't say myself as I never had a refresh rate faster than 60hz. Smoother scrolling be nice...
The 10+ has zero display issues though and may be brighter than the 20U. The fact that the 10+ 512 gb is holding its price well is telling.
Since I have the 10+ running on Pie, the OS is a prime consideration for myself. I have it optimized now, it's a fast, stable, efficient platform as are the apks I'm using. Add to that there's more online support for 10+ (including older Notes) and Pie. Frequently that's what I use to help solve many issues. The cost and learning curve to go to the 20U simply aren't worth it.
Samsung didn't provide enough incentive.
Will you have 5G in the foreseeable future? The 5G variants add more sauce to the goose for trouble.
Q definitely does mean trouble especially after Playstore requires scope storage for all apps. My office app which is free would fail and no equalilant alternatives exist. Some of my favorite apks that use overlays be killed as well.
Google made another mess... I don't have to play in it.
Keep researching the different lines.
No rush though as it will be a buyer's market for quit some time
Do what serves you best and pick which features you want the most.
Either model will be fun or simply wait for a better one to come out.
Here are some current screen shots making use of Good Lock apps, stock Samsung launcher/theme/icon packs with Color Wallpaper apk providing the wallpaper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks dude period pretty sold right now but at least talked into waiting till Black Friday and seeing if they sweeten the pot a little.. if not I may just make a sideways move and go with the pixel five, get the rear fingerprint sensor back which I think is my most missed feature

You are welcome kickwing13.
Major weakness with the P5 is storage.
Even 250 gb isn't enough for me. Currently I have roughly 1 tb of storage, 220 gb alone are used for .wav files.
The P5's blue tooth supports AptX-HD but not LDAC?
That may not matter but it limits your bt audio options.
Samsung on the other hand has their propiatory SSC and LDAC as well but sadly no AptX-HD (or higher) hardware support. The weak bt chipsets in the new Sammy's really ticked me off.
Good wishes making the choice that best suits your needs.
Even with these new big bad phones it you still need to make compromises

blackhawk said:
Can't say myself as I never had a refresh rate faster than 60hz. Smoother scrolling be nice...
The 10+ has zero display issues though and may be brighter than the 20U. The fact that the 10+ 512 gb is holding its price well is telling.
Since I have the 10+ running on Pie, the OS is a prime consideration for myself. I have it optimized now, it's a fast, stable, efficient platform as are the apks I'm using. Add to that there's more online support for 10+ (including older Notes) and Pie. Frequently that's what I use to help solve many issues. The cost and learning curve to go to the 20U simply aren't worth it.
Samsung didn't provide enough incentive.
Will you have 5G in the foreseeable future? The 5G variants add more sauce to the goose for trouble.
Q definitely does mean trouble especially after Playstore requires scope storage for all apps. My office app which is free would fail and no equalilant alternatives exist. Some of my favorite apks that use overlays be killed as well.
Google made another mess... I don't have to play in it.
Keep researching the different lines.
No rush though as it will be a buyer's market for quit some time
Do what serves you best and pick which features you want the most.
Either model will be fun or simply wait for a better one to come out.
Here are some current screen shots making use of Good Lock apps, stock Samsung launcher/theme/icon packs with Color Wallpaper apk providing the wallpaper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How's the under the screen ear piece speaker working out?

Limeybastard said:
How's the under the screen ear piece speaker working out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works fine on calls. Ok for vids but if you want anything the sounds good you need put the Buds in.
For music it's dreadful... not really a surprise*.
Any improvement on the 20U?
*this is on the 10+

blackhawk said:
Works fine on calls. Ok for vids but if you want anything the sounds good you need put the Buds in.
For music it's dreadful... not really a surprise*.
Any improvement on the 20U?
*this is on the 10+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never owned a note 10 plus to compare with to be honest. I'm wondering if it didn't work out well hence the n20u didn't implement this type of ear piece. The note 10 plus has the pen on the correct side though? ?

Limeybastard said:
I never owned a note 10 plus to compare with to be honest. I'm wondering if it didn't work out well hence the n20u didn't implement this type of ear piece. The note 10 plus has the pen on the correct side though?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My first Note, it's on the right side.
Lol, the power button isn't though and they forgot the 3 5 mm jack they use to raze Apple for removing. Maybe the next Note will have the spen going through the middle of the screen... for convenience.

blackhawk said:
My first Note, it's on the right side.
Lol, the power button isn't though and they forgot the 3 5 mm jack they use to raze Apple for removing. Maybe the next Note will have the spen going through the middle of the screen... for convenience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd hazard a guess they'll put it back to the right side.

Limeybastard said:
I'd hazard a guess they'll put it back to the right side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You never know what that box of rabid gerbils will brain storm next... maybe all the buttons will be on the right side.
The button thing doesn't really bother me but the 3.5 mm jack does.
No jack makes audio diagnostics harder too. Lol, that cost Samsung an open box special from me... suck it up Sammy.

Took advantage of 300 of through Best Buy. Probably could have held off until Thanksgiving but was happy with 300 off

kickenwing13 said:
Took advantage of 300 of through Best Buy. Probably could have held off until Thanksgiving but was happy with 300 off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best buy has the unlocked with no activation available currently for 1099 plus tax. According to their black friday flier they'll have 450 off with activation later for black friday probably off the original msrp of 1299.. But by the time you pay for a months of service and stop service etc get unlocked blah blah that savings figure will shrink.
In any case I personally wouldn't even consider a single sim device, especially at this price point.

Limeybastard said:
Best buy has the unlocked with no activation available currently for 1099 plus tax. According to their black friday flier they'll have 450 off with activation later for black friday probably off the original msrp of 1299.. But by the time you pay for a months of service and stop service etc get unlocked blah blah that savings figure will shrink.
In any case I personally wouldn't even consider a single sim device, especially at this price point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understandable for sure. I'm sure something better will pop up closer to Thanksgiving and I'll kick myself a little bit. But still excited, this is as future proof as any device I could get in 2020 for my needs and it keeps me from having to use my 2012 Galaxy note 10.1 anytime I want to mess around with an s pen.

The Note is Dead?

https://www.tomsguide.com/news/sams...46294c8b77c&lctg=11155348&M_BT=62222618014014

Probably not the end of the Note series. Don't expect to see one in 2022 though. Samsung has always been goofy... this year has been a disaster for Samsung and the Android OS.
Between Samsung and Google dropping the ball, I said screw this and will be getting my second new 10+ N975U tomorrow. Zero learning curve means I get to have fun with it instead of troubleshooting it.
In my opinion Pie and the 10+ are still the zenith of both Android and the Samsung Note series.
Fast, drop dead gorgeous, rock solid stable with very little maintenance. So far I have replaced the battery on my heavy used current 10+ and the OS load is over a year old. 8-12 hours of SOT.
The build quality on the 10+ is excellent; it still looks and runs like new.
Good as it gets

blackhawk said:
Fast, drop dead gorgeous, rock solid stable with very little maintenance. So far I have replaced the battery on my heavy used current 10+ and the OS load is over a year old. 8-12 hours of SOT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you replace the battery? Do you have a cell phone repair store do it? (I assume they are not user replaceable)

JeffATL said:
How do you replace the battery? Do you have a cell phone repair store do it? (I assume they are not user replaceable)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw it done and learned from that. Not that hard if you know how to do it and take your time.
You need the battery, OEM rear cover seal, various picks, drivers, heat plate or gun, anhydrous isopropyl alcohol/syringe.

Cannot say whether it is really dead or not. Samsung has been diminishing the series with various features being implemented into the Galaxy series.
I may not use it much, but I like have the S-pen integrated in the phone. I use cheap cases with my Notes, that do not have external slots for the pen.
My biggest issue is the recent lost of the micro SD card slot. Forever reason, my cell service carrier does not offer multiple memory options; usually the smallest. I also did not like when removable batteries were lost. People keep buying them nonetheless.
I think the Note may be a victim of too many versions. The Series has everything the Note does, except the S-pen bay. Some slight difference is shape. They also offer more affordable models that work for my others with less features than the Note or Series. My guess is that the Note was not hitting sales targets well enough.
It's possible they may create a new model series that replaces the Note. May offer a Series version that does include the things that made Note popular.

lovekeiiy said:
Cannot say whether it is really dead or not. Samsung has been diminishing the series with various features being implemented into the Galaxy series.
I may not use it much, but I like have the S-pen integrated in the phone. I use cheap cases with my Notes, that do not have external slots for the pen.
My biggest issue is the recent lost of the micro SD card slot. Forever reason, my cell service carrier does not offer multiple memory options; usually the smallest. I also did not like when removable batteries were lost. People keep buying them nonetheless.
I think the Note may be a victim of too many versions. The Series has everything the Note does, except the S-pen bay. Some slight difference is shape. They also offer more affordable models that work for my others with less features than the Note or Series. My guess is that the Note was not hitting sales targets well enough.
It's possible they may create a new model series that replaces the Note. May offer a Series version that does include the things that made Note popular.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S2x and Note should be merged. For example, make the S22 Ultra have a slot for the S-Pen

JeffATL said:
The S2x and Note should be merged. For example, make the S22 Ultra have a slot for the S-Pen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stupid Samsung. The Note was always a flagship power user device. The marketing morons thought they could expand it's appeal by down playing that. A big phone with lots of bells and whistles for everyone.
Now even the customers are confused and want Samsung to jam a spen into every Samsung. Let the spen orgy begin
I just got my second 10+ so both Samsung and Android can fk off. That will hold me over for another 2-3 years so I don't care how badly they screw up.
Of course that doesn't sell phones... actions have consequences.

blackhawk said:
Stupid Samsung. The Note was always a flagship power user device. The marketing morons thought they could expand it's appeal by down playing that. A big phone with lots of bells and whistles for everyone.
Now even the customers are confused and want Samsung to jam a spen into every Samsung. Let the spen orgy begin
I just got my second 10+ so both Samsung and Android can fk off. That will hold me over for another 2-3 years so I don't care how badly they screw up.
Of course that doesn't sell phones... actions have consequences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm obsessed right now with getting TMB csc on my N20 Ultra. Its not working . Trying to get help in multiple threads. I might just return it as I bought it this week and have not sent in my s20 trade in yet. I think they blocked it.

JeffATL said:
The S2x and Note should be merged. For example, make the S22 Ultra have a slot for the S-Pen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't disagree with you. When S series was originally released, it was a powerful phone like the Note, but was a little smaller and no S-pen. There would were other differences, but it was more because hardware had advanced. When Samsung started doing to multiple versions of S-series and Note, it basically diminished both.
As someone who's been using a Note since the Note 2, I admitted to being biased. I do not have a really an issue with having an S pen usable on a S-series phone. But Samsung made it an accessory to buy. I think that's kind of nickle and dime kind of thing out of the customers.
If Samsung made the "Note" the S-series Ultra with a pen slot and pin. I'd be ok with it.
On a side note, I really hope they bring back sd card slot. I also hope they'll bring back magnetic secure transmission (MST). I use it a lot. Between that and NFC, I rarely need to use my physical credit card. At some point, almost all stores will use some kind of NFC, but the USA is nowhere near it yet.
Personally, I hope they don't make the Z-fold their main flagship and decided to put the S-pen with it. I think the phone is pretty cool and interesting, but I really don't want a phone like that. I see the folding as a risk for breakage. I rather have a large candy bar.
For now, I'll keep using the Note 20 Ultra. Not sure what I'll do with the battery goes bad or my lease ends. I may buy the phone. Who knows what Samsung will have going when either of those situations occur.

JeffATL said:
I'm obsessed right now with getting TMB csc on my N20 Ultra. Its not working . Trying to get help in multiple threads. I might just return it as I bought it this week and have not sent in my s20 trade in yet. I think they blocked it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a bit obsessed now too because my new 10+ came today loaded with Android 10 rather than 9.
What should have been a easy seamless switch going between them is now a lame tap dance.
I was looking at the N20 U's and see how your problem could easily happen. Too many variants and the sellers are deliberately not posting full specs. One of the reasons I rejected the 20U.
I know where you can pick up a new 10+ N975U1 for $800 free 2 day shipping stateside. Lol, it's going to be running on Android 10 though. No connection issues; my AT&T sim card brought it straight online.
Many sellers are doing screwball things with the 10+'s too.
Meh... I would send the 20U back for a full refund. There may be more rude surprises.

lovekeiiy said:
I don't disagree with you. When S series was originally released, it was a powerful phone like the Note, but was a little smaller and no S-pen. There would were other differences, but it was more because hardware had advanced. When Samsung started doing to multiple versions of S-series and Note, it basically diminished both.
As someone who's been using a Note since the Note 2, I admitted to being biased. I do not have a really an issue with having an S pen usable on a S-series phone. But Samsung made it an accessory to buy. I think that's kind of nickle and dime kind of thing out of the customers.
If Samsung made the "Note" the S-series Ultra with a pen slot and pin. I'd be ok with it.
On a side note, I really hope they bring back sd card slot. I also hope they'll bring back magnetic secure transmission (MST). I use it a lot. Between that and NFC, I rarely need to use my physical credit card. At some point, almost all stores will use some kind of NFC, but the USA is nowhere near it yet.
Personally, I hope they don't make the Z-fold their main flagship and decided to put the S-pen with it. I think the phone is pretty cool and interesting, but I really don't want a phone like that. I see the folding as a risk for breakage. I rather have a large candy bar.
For now, I'll keep using the Note 20 Ultra. Not sure what I'll do with the battery goes bad or my lease ends. I may buy the phone. Who knows what Samsung will have going when either of those situations occur.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly , the S22 Standard, FE (if there is one) and Plus should not have S-Pen, but if just the Ultra had it and had a slot it would be king of the castle.
I agree about the Fold3 , it also does not have a slot.
Unfortunately I don't think microSD slot is coming back, its gone the way of the IR Blaster I miss from the s6

JeffATL said:
... Unfortunately I don't think microSD slot is coming back, its gone the way of the IR Blaster I miss from the s6
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Click to collapse
I agree about the SD card slot. All the more reason to get people to buy/subscribe into cloud storage systems.
I forgot about the IR blaster. I did not use it much on my Note4, but I did like it. That could still be useful today. Many media appliances have some kind of app or internet interface, so it's usefulness becomes more diminished by the year.

JeffATL said:
Unfortunately I don't think microSD slot is coming back, its gone the way of the IR Blaster I miss from the s6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung is feeling the heat. 2021 is a bust for Samsung as far as phone sales go.
They have no one to blame but themselves.
With no SD card slot the phone is dead to me.
I'm adding a 1tb v30 card to my second N10+.
I can fill that, no problem as I actually need 2-3tb of data storage. Even 500gb of internal storage barely meets my minimum needs.
May take a year or two but Samsung will likely bring the SD card slot back as has happen so many times in the past. Cloud storage is no substitute for onboard memory; it wastes battery and bandwidth.
Samsung's ineptness has cost them at least one newly released flagship phone with me, probably two or more by the time it's all said and done.
I can do fine for at least 2-3 more years running the 10+'s.
I don't care...

blackhawk said:
Samsung is feeling the heat. 2021 is a bust for Samsung as far as phone sales go.
They have no one to blame but themselves.
With no SD card slot the phone is dead to me.
I'm adding a 1tb v30 card to my second N10+.
I can fill that, no problem as I actually need 2-3tb of data storage. Even 500gb of internal storage barely meets my minimum needs.
May take a year or two but Samsung will likely bring the SD card slot back as has happen so many times in the past. Cloud storage is no substitute for onboard memory; it wastes battery and bandwidth.
Samsung's ineptness has cost them at least one newly released flagship phone with me, probably two or more by the time it's all said and done.
I can do fine for at least 2-3 more years running the 10+'s.
I don't care...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never use that much memory - you load it with 4k movies?

JeffATL said:
I never use that much memory - you load it with 4k movies?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
221gb in wav files alone, lol my CD/HDCD collection in my pocket. My photos are around 1+tb. Data files are around 100gb.
Movies are still the minority simply because I haven't ripped them to hdd.
As far as I'm concerned you can never have enough backup copies...
My actual 10+ app load is deliberately light. Zero social media apps. .

Question Battery and screen

Hi everyone,
I've just bought "by error " this phone ( don't tell my gf I wanted it badly ) and, since I didn't watch any review I have few questions ( I think it will surprise me )
1. Battery: I'm on a Pixel 4 XL now and I had battery drain issues only after updating it to Android 12. The rooted out LOS inside and fixed the problem. It doesn't have 5g and a bigger battery than the flip. Will this phone arrive at the end of the day? Disabling 5G will save me some power? I don't really use the phone more than a normal person but I need it to get me to the end of the day without problems.
2. Screen: looks a bit fragile to me yet saw few cracked screens because of the cold weather. I live in Italy and we don't go under 0 degrees usually ( probably I will sell it first of the next winter ) did anyone had this problem or ar just isolated casualties.
Still on the screen, how many times would it open and close without breaking?
3. Day by day: how do you feel it in a day by day use? Did you get used to the folding system or not? How much ergonomic is it? Is 1 hand usage possible?
I like how it looks but I've never managed to have one in my hand I hope it will surprise me.

Physically play with one before you purchase, this goes for any phone.
What seems insignificant in pictures can be a lot different in real life. When I was considering the S10+ vs the N10+. I was undecided until I had both in front of me. I took a grand total of 5 seconds to go with the N10+. In spite of the similarities the subtle differences of the form factor were striking. After which the differences in the images were crystal clear to me.

Usually I do but not this time. I felt so confident that I've bought it and I don't even need a new phone. Pixel 4xl is in great condition and still does the job pretty well.
Good times when I've used to play games on the phones or rooting those just because are gone. Now I just use the phone as a phone, texting, browsing, socials 1 minutes every 2 days, Google calendar and excel

MySelf_v1 said:
Usually I do but not this time. I felt so confident that I've bought it and I don't even need a new phone. Pixel 4xl is in great condition and still does the job pretty well.
Good times when I've used to play games on the phones or rooting those just because are gone. Now I just use the phone as a phone, texting, browsing, socials 1 minutes every 2 days, Google calendar and excel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That might work out fine for you then. It doesn't meet my needs criteria. I'll likely be running my two N10+'s for years.
Enjoy

blackhawk said:
That might work out fine for you then. It doesn't meet my needs criteria. I'll likely be running my two N10+'s for years.
Enjoy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will for sure, wanted a phone that fits in my pocket for years. Hopefully this will. Thought to sell my pixel but I think I'll keep it, just in case as I kept my Blackberry KeyOne just in case and all the others just in case ( I'm the proud owner of an HTC Desire and a ChaCha, do you remember those? )

As someone who actually owns the phone, I can tell you the battery life is not great left unchecked. If you don't use 5G, it will save a bit. Disabling any features you don't use will save more. Stock comes with virtually everything enabled. Always on display, edge panels, and 100 different gestures are all running and don't need to be if you don't use them.
The crease is an eye sore that first day. People will tell you that you stop noticing it and I honestly didn't believe it. It is true. You eventually stop noticing it unless you are at just the right angle (almost eye level with it folded open).
It's not as fragile as it seems. If you don't stab it, you should be fine. The protector is decent quality, but most issues you'll see are with rough environments or a peel that started and couldn't be left alone. As for folding and unfolding, it is meant to withstand more than most will do in a week per day.
One thing to keep in mind is that the hinge gets dirty easily and that can be a problem. Wipe it off before you open it. Make sure not to get junk in the screen before you close it.
Take the first 14 days seriously. It's easy to tell someone how it looked on paper or even to try it yourself in a store, but that isn't your day to day life. You can't know how folding and unfolding when a call comes in is like standing in a Best Buy. It is a lot different when you aren't consciously thinking about it. If you still feel awkward after a week, start filling out the return.

MySelf_v1 said:
I will for sure, wanted a phone that fits in my pocket for years. Hopefully this will. Thought to sell my pixel but I think I'll keep it, just in case as I kept my Blackberry KeyOne just in case and all the others just in case ( I'm the proud owner of an HTC Desire and a ChaCha, do you remember those? )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always wanted a HTC for it's audio.
Never saw the ChaCha, that's an interesting critter. Laid out for texting...
Definitely keep a backup as it takes the pressure off you if you need to do repairs. The main reason I have 2 N10+'s now.

twistedumbrella said:
As someone who actually owns the phone, I can tell you the battery life is not great left unchecked. If you don't use 5G, it will save a bit. Disabling any features you don't use will save more. Stock comes with virtually everything enabled. Always on display, edge panels, and 100 different gestures are all running and don't need to be if you don't use them.
The crease is an eye sore that first day. People will tell you that you stop noticing it and I honestly didn't believe it. It is true. You eventually stop noticing it unless you are at just the right angle (almost eye level with it folded open).
It's not as fragile as it seems. If you don't stab it, you should be fine. The protector is decent quality, but most issues you'll see are with rough environments or a peel that started and couldn't be left alone. As for folding and unfolding, it is meant to withstand more than most will do in a week per day.
One thing to keep in mind is that the hinge gets dirty easily and that can be a problem. Wipe it off before you open it. Make sure not to get junk in the screen before you close it.
Take the first 14 days seriously. It's easy to tell someone how it looked on paper or even to try it yourself in a store, but that isn't your day to day life. You can't know how folding and unfolding when a call comes in is like standing in a Best Buy. It is a lot different when you aren't consciously thinking about it. If you still feel awkward after a week, start filling out the return.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you think debloating it or flashing a custom ROM ( even I I would like to keep the samsung-ment experience on this phone ) will save a bit more battery?
Are there useless apps preinstalled ?

MySelf_v1 said:
Do you think debloating it or flashing a custom ROM ( even I I would like to keep the samsung-ment experience on this phone ) will save a bit more battery?
Are there useless apps preinstalled ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I missed if you mentioned getting the unlocked or carrier version. If it's a carrier version, there is any of the carrier stuff you don't want. If it's unlocked, it's mostly third-party apps. Honestly, most of that uninstalls now. Anything that can't be uninstalled or disabled can just as easily be removed with an adb command.
It's things, such as Netflix, that Samsung thinks you wouldn't be able to find easily if they didn't include it for you (although it isn't that ridiculous of a thought anymore). There was very little that actually required any sort of advanced removal, which is one advantage of getting a newer phone. In the last couple years, the extras that used to be system apps are now being preloaded as user apps the same as if you had installed them. You also have the option during setup to opt out of a lot. Google still forces it's garbage on you to complete setup, but that can be uninstalled as soon as that's complete (or you can leave the notice telling you to finish setup running indefinitely).
The biggest task is going through the settings and deciding what you will use and what is running sensors without any real necessity. I also recommend Galaxy Max Hz. It will yield a noticeable increase in battery life, even without much configuration at all.
[App]Galaxy Max Hz (Refresh Rate Mods, Screen-off Mods, QS Tiles, Tasker Support and More)
About this app: Refresh Rate Control: Easily control the max refresh rate (Hz) of android devices with multiple refresh rates (e.g. note20 ultra, s20/S20+/S20Ultra, z fold 2, s21/s21+/s21Ultra, tab S7/S7+, z fold 3, z flip 3). This app can limit...
forum.xda-developers.com

I've had mind since about November and I can say my battery life is decent around a day and a half with 50/50 screen on and off

Thank you for answering, I'll come back with more questions probably in few days ( says it's shipped from Netherlands ).
Btw its an unlocked version, last time I've bought a carrier version of a phone it's sucked badly.

General I hope it doesn't have a curved screen

I really want to go back to a Pixel but I can't do the curved screens. I'm one of those people who actually puts his phones in a case and they don't work well with curved screens.
EDIT 10/6: Pre-ordered 7 Pro. The trade in for my 12 Pro Max with Best Buy was just too good to pass up, essentially makes the phone free once I find something to use the gift card for.

EtherealRemnant said:
I really want to go back to a Pixel but I can't do the curved screens. I'm one of those people who actually puts his phones in a case and they don't work well with curved screens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the Zizo Bolt with my Samsung N10+'s and it works very well. Occasionally causes cut/paste problems but going to landscape fixes that. Prevents accidental touches and keeps the phone undamaged. The curved screens absolutely need cases with -slightly- higher than display right/left edge guards or they will likely get destroyed.
Do Pixel's have any curve nested apps like Samsung ie One Handed Operation plus? Otherwise empty curves are sort of wasted space. I use both sides as app launchers and to control various switches.
At first I wasn't sure about the curve display but after a couple months I started to prefer curved over flat. Much easier to keep clean and great for vids. I don't even think about them now after over 2 years. Visually it took some adjustment for me... the visual cortex adapts and integrates.

It has a curved screen. The sneak peak during I/O made that clear.

I'd go back to a Pixel if it didn't suck. P6 was a f&[email protected]( disaster, and still is.

If you don't want a curved screen you can go for Pixel 7 instead of Pro. It has a flat screen!

hemstheworthy said:
If you don't want a curved screen you can go for Pixel 7 instead of Pro. It has a flat screen!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's rumored to have a 6.2" screen which is too small.
I guess Google doesn't want my business so I'll stick with OnePlus.

EtherealRemnant said:
It's rumored to have a 6.2" screen which is too small.
I guess Google doesn't want my business so I'll stick with OnePlus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One Plus seems to be putting out some good models. Google is more screwed up than Samsung and Sammy's pretty screwed up nowadays.

blackhawk said:
One Plus seems to be putting out some good models. Google is more screwed up than Samsung and Sammy's pretty screwed up nowadays.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but OnePlus keeps screwing up the software and there isn't even an MSM Tool for the 10 Pro so if you brick it, which seems to be way too easy to do on OnePlus devices (I have done it multiple times on my 9 despite doing everything right when trying to flash a custom ROM and would have been in a situation if the MSM Tool wasn't available), you are screwed.
Additionally, they have been throttling CPU performance. My Geekbench single core score on the latest OOS 12 is around 800 which makes my 888 slower than the 865. They changed the way they do the throttle as well, it can no longer be disabled with a Magisk tweak. OnePlus' answer to all of us who are complaining about how unresponsive the browser and other operations can be? Toggle high performance mode to force the phone to use high clocks all the time, even when idle, at the cost of much higher power consumption and heat than if they just left the processor alone to begin with. They haven't released OOS12 kernel source that's usable either so no custom kernel around to fix it unless you flash to a custom ROM.
So yeah, I feel like I'm being forced to go back to iOS. At least Apple listens to feedback and fixes bugs, OnePlus doesn't even seem to care about that anymore, and Apple doesn't throttle their SoCs, has prompt updates (OnePlus has been giving India updates first and has been leaving EU and global a month behind and we were already multiple months behind China), and has incredible battery life without having to disable basically every premium feature in the phone.
And yeah, Samsung is a no go for me since the Note 5. Swore that would be my last Samsung and as long as they encrypt the bootloader on Snapdragon variants, I will stick to that.
I guess I better start saving for that 14 Pro Max......

EtherealRemnant said:
Yeah but OnePlus keeps screwing up the software and there isn't even an MSM Tool for the 10 Pro so if you brick it, which seems to be way too easy to do on OnePlus devices (I have done it multiple times on my 9 despite doing everything right when trying to flash a custom ROM and would have been in a situation if the MSM Tool wasn't available), you are screwed.
Additionally, they have been throttling CPU performance. My Geekbench single core score on the latest OOS 12 is around 800 which makes my 888 slower than the 865. They changed the way they do the throttle as well, it can no longer be disabled with a Magisk tweak. OnePlus' answer to all of us who are complaining about how unresponsive the browser and other operations can be? Toggle high performance mode to force the phone to use high clocks all the time, even when idle, at the cost of much higher power consumption and heat than if they just left the processor alone to begin with. They haven't released OOS12 kernel source that's usable either so no custom kernel around to fix it unless you flash to a custom ROM.
So yeah, I feel like I'm being forced to go back to iOS. At least Apple listens to feedback and fixes bugs, OnePlus doesn't even seem to care about that anymore, and Apple doesn't throttle their SoCs, has prompt updates (OnePlus has been giving India updates first and has been leaving EU and global a month behind and we were already multiple months behind China), and has incredible battery life without having to disable basically every premium feature in the phone.
And yeah, Samsung is a no go for me since the Note 5. Swore that would be my last Samsung and as long as they encrypt the bootloader on Snapdragon variants, I will stick to that.
I guess I better start saving for that 14 Pro Max......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A sad state of ball dropping screwups when an Apple starts looking like a viable alternative.
The only flagship Samsung I would recommend is the Note 10+ N975U1. The Beast is a sublime work horse that just keeps running. New can be had loaded with Android 10, but forget trying to root this variant. It runs well stock though.
After that Samsung started going downhill, more hype than meat. If Samsung had a good new flagship it be in my hand.
Between Google Android 11/12, Samsung's no SD card and other insanities, I went with my second new N10+; twins. The one in my hand will be 3 yo this September, current load is 2 yo.
No detectable display degradation of any kind in spite of thousands of hours of use. It looks and runs like new. The only repair has been a replacement battery, due for another soon as it's heavily used. It's a dual drive 1.5tb machine that doesn't run out of ram.
It's a snappy fast phone that's still fun and fulfills its mission. I'm good for another 2-3+ years. Whatever... I'm not buying the hype or the junk.

blackhawk said:
A sad state of ball dropping screwups when an Apple starts looking like a viable alternative.
The only flagship Samsung I would recommend is the Note 10+ N975U1. The Beast is a sublime work horse that just keeps running. New can be had loaded with Android 10, but forget trying to root this variant. It runs well stock though.
After that Samsung started going downhill, more hype than meat. If Samsung had a good new flagship it be in my hand.
Between Google Android 11/12, Samsung's no SD card and other insanities, I went with my second new N10+; twins. The one in my hand will be 3 yo this September, current load is 2 yo.
No detectable display degradation of any kind in spite of thousands of hours of use. It looks and runs like new. The only repair has been a replacement battery, due for another soon as it's heavily used. It's a dual drive 1.5tb machine that doesn't run out of ram.
It's a snappy fast phone that's still fun and fulfills its mission. I'm good for another 2-3+ years. Whatever... I'm not buying the hype or the junk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on iOS from 2017 until 2021. Had the 8 Plus, XS Max, and still have my 12 Pro Max lying here. The lack of customization for notifications bugs me and the annoyance of having to manually sign apps to sideload them was obnoxious but I can live without customization and sideloading if I have a device that just performs well. Apple's hardware is solid too, I didn't have a single hardware issue with any of them.
I can't bring myself to buy anything but new flagships. I would just feel like I threw money away if I went to an older device, even if it's stable. This is obviously a psychological issue, I have many of those lol, but it is what it is. The OnePlus works fine on OOS11 for the most part but again, I can't bring myself to be okay with not running Android 12. I am actually pretty annoyed with some issues with the Indian ROM I flashed on here though so I may just decide to stick with OOS11, root it, and disable the performance throttling either with a custom kernel or by the Magisk module I mentioned because I would probably be able to accept that tradeoff but I always get FOMO whenever a new update comes out.
It's good that you found something you are happy with though. I haven't been totally happy with a phone since the HTC U11 although I will say the 12 Pro Max was close and if it wasn't for the fact that my cheap MVNO doesn't have a carrier bundle on iOS which cost me 5G access, I probably would have just stuck with it. Since I held onto it though and paid in full for my 9, I have a $650 trade in value which will probably drop to $450-$500 when the 14 models drop in the fall which makes the price tag much easier to swallow.
I have some hope OnePlus may get it right with Android 13 so I'm going to see how that goes but if not, and no other viable options (has to have compatibility with all US carriers, has to have an unlockable bootloader, has to have at least a 6.4" screen that's not curved, and has to have at least 8GB of RAM), it's back to Apple.

EtherealRemnant said:
I was on iOS from 2017 until 2021. Had the 8 Plus, XS Max, and still have my 12 Pro Max lying here. The lack of customization for notifications bugs me and the annoyance of having to manually sign apps to sideload them was obnoxious but I can live without customization and sideloading if I have a device that just performs well. Apple's hardware is solid too, I didn't have a single hardware issue with any of them.
I can't bring myself to buy anything but new flagships. I would just feel like I threw money away if I went to an older device, even if it's stable. This is obviously a psychological issue, I have many of those lol, but it is what it is. The OnePlus works fine on OOS11 for the most part but again, I can't bring myself to be okay with not running Android 12. I am actually pretty annoyed with some issues with the Indian ROM I flashed on here though so I may just decide to stick with OOS11, root it, and disable the performance throttling either with a custom kernel or by the Magisk module I mentioned because I would probably be able to accept that tradeoff but I always get FOMO whenever a new update comes out.
It's good that you found something you are happy with though. I haven't been totally happy with a phone since the HTC U11 although I will say the 12 Pro Max was close and if it wasn't for the fact that my cheap MVNO doesn't have a carrier bundle on iOS which cost me 5G access, I probably would have just stuck with it. Since I held onto it though and paid in full for my 9, I have a $650 trade in value which will probably drop to $450-$500 when the 14 models drop in the fall which makes the price tag much easier to swallow.
I have some hope OnePlus may get it right with Android 13 so I'm going to see how that goes but if not, and no other viable options (has to have compatibility with all US carriers, has to have an unlockable bootloader, has to have at least a 6.4" screen that's not curved, and has to have at least 8GB of RAM), it's back to Apple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android 9 may be the best. Haven't played much with the Android 10 N10+ but noticed Karma Firewall lost it's valuable logging feature due to it.
My old free copy of WPS Office works in both version as do most of my trusted overlay apps.
Android 9 and above are all reasonably secure unless you do something stupid. No malware on this 2 yo Pie load yet.
I use Poweramp as my player, just my music files alone are over 225gb.
An SD card is mandatory. I can do a full reload with no internet connection; the SD card is the data drive which is backed up redundantly. Even has all my apps as installable copies, no Playstore needed. So a factory reset isn't that big of a deal if I have to... anytime, anywhere.
Only the DCIM folder (backed up regularly to the data drive), the download folder and the installed apps go on the internal memory. No cloud anything needed or wanted other than Gmail.
So the hardware and firmware aren't my prime consideration, why should they be? It was a step learning curve to optimize these devices. Them fulfilling their mission is my primary consideration. I'm an Android pragmatist, I got out of the Samsung/ Android hype loop over 6 years ago. If not proven good, I'm not using it.
Got lucky with the N10+... always wanted a Note.
Firmware upgrades and updates (apps as well) can and do break things. No need to constantly be chasing the loose ends they create, so I don't.
Pretty much solid play time... that's the plan

Pro version will have a curve screen ... that is a problem with most manufacturer now
i am not a fan of curve screen too.. i went to get p6 and it is ok at first then it has bugs soon after .. another pain is for countries which is not officially sold, it wont be able to use VoLTE and VoWiFi. Need to root and modify the xml ... ah well cant say much about that since it is not official sold.
Seems like OP also is not so great now since they are under OPPO now and Sammy is just too expensive now with more or less not so exiting tech.
Other china phones? that is another story

blackhawk said:
Android 9 may be the best. Haven't played much with the Android 10 N10+ but noticed Karma Firewall lost it's valuable logging feature due to it.
My old free copy of WPS Office works in both version as do most of my trusted overlay apps.
Android 9 and above are all reasonably secure unless you do something stupid. No malware on this 2 yo Pie load yet.
I use Poweramp as my player, just my music files alone are over 225gb.
An SD card is mandatory. I can do a full reload with no internet connection; the SD card is the data drive which is backed up redundantly. Even has all my apps as installable copies, no Playstore needed. So a factory reset isn't that big of a deal if I have to... anytime, anywhere.
Only the DCIM folder (backed up regularly to the data drive), the download folder and the installed apps go on the internal memory. No cloud anything needed or wanted other than Gmail.
So the hardware and firmware aren't my prime consideration, why should they be? It was a step learning curve to optimize these devices. Them fulfilling their mission is my primary consideration. I'm an Android pragmatist, I got out of the Samsung/ Android hype loop over 6 years ago. If not proven good, I'm not using it.
Got lucky with the N10+... always wanted a Note.
Firmware upgrades and updates (apps as well) can and do break things. No need to constantly be chasing the loose ends they create, so I don't.
Pretty much solid play time... that's the plan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I went back to OOS11 last night and I'm going to stick with it for a bit. It seems to work pretty well although I'm annoyed at the discovery that the module that was posted to alter the CPU throttling doesn't actually seem to work fully even on OOS 11.2.10.10. I don't want to go any older than that though so I guess it is what it is at this point. Games definitely are smoother at least. Still not as smooth a iOS though...
I wouldn't mind having an SD card again. I have gotten used to not having one but it does get annoying having to back up my OnePlus backups to the PC when I have to factory reset and then move them back. In the time it took to copy from the PC back to the phone last night, I was able to floss and brush my teeth. When I got back to the computer, the bar was at the very end.
This phone will work for now on OOS11. I really hope that OnePlus listens with OOS13 because I really don't want to buy another phone but being stuck on Android 11 isn't going to be enough for me.
cruzzmz said:
Pro version will have a curve screen ... that is a problem with most manufacturer now
i am not a fan of curve screen too.. i went to get p6 and it is ok at first then it has bugs soon after .. another pain is for countries which is not officially sold, it wont be able to use VoLTE and VoWiFi. Need to root and modify the xml ... ah well cant say much about that since it is not official sold.
Seems like OP also is not so great now since they are under OPPO now and Sammy is just too expensive now with more or less not so exiting tech.
Other china phones? that is another story
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it's not a great situation for the Android ecosystem as a whole right now really. I may just suck it up and get a 7 Pro. I really don't want to go back to iOS. I have an iPad, that's enough iOS for me.

EtherealRemnant said:
Yeah I went back to OOS11 last night and I'm going to stick with it for a bit. It seems to work pretty well although I'm annoyed at the discovery that the module that was posted to alter the CPU throttling doesn't actually seem to work fully even on OOS 11.2.10.10. I don't want to go any older than that though so I guess it is what it is at this point. Games definitely are smoother at least. Still not as smooth a iOS though...
I wouldn't mind having an SD card again. I have gotten used to not having one but it does get annoying having to back up my OnePlus backups to the PC when I have to factory reset and then move them back. In the time it took to copy from the PC back to the phone last night, I was able to floss and brush my teeth. When I got back to the computer, the bar was at the very end.
This phone will work for now on OOS11. I really hope that OnePlus listens with OOS13 because I really don't want to buy another phone but being stuck on Android 11 isn't going to be enough for me.
Yeah it's not a great situation for the Android ecosystem as a whole right now really. I may just suck it up and get a 7 Pro. I really don't want to go back to iOS. I have an iPad, that's enough iOS for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I committed to using the N10+'s for likely another 2-3+ years by buying a second new running on Android 10. Both will likely never be upgraded beyond 10.
Not for everyone but I absolutely wuv this Note. At this point it's optimized very well and is just a gorgeous beast of a work horse. Using a SD card as the data drive adds a layer of protection and redundantly to the device. With a mobo failure or a system crash the data drive will likely be untouched.
So now the processors are too fast to be practical so they throttle them?
Even though the N10+ doesn't have the thinner cpu chipset form factor or the fastest memory it runs almost as fast as the S22U in normal usage.
With the N9 the lag vs N10+/N20U/N22U is quite noticeable. The S22U has a huge battery and less SOT than the N10+. Weights a full display cracking ounce more too.
For what?
If you listen to all the hype the latest Androids sound wonderful... until you think it through and realize what is important for your device to fulfill its mission. That's why a well designed/built 3 yo model running on 2.5 yo firmware can still effectively compete with the newest phones.

blackhawk said:
This is why I committed to using the N10+'s for likely another 2-3+ years by buying a second new running on Android 10. Both will likely never be upgraded beyond 10.
Not for everyone but I absolutely wuv this Note. At this point it's optimized very well and is just a gorgeous beast of a work horse. Using a SD card as the data drive adds a layer of protection and redundantly to the device. With a mobo failure or a system crash the data drive will likely be untouched.
So now the processors are too fast to be practical so they throttle them?
Even though the N10+ doesn't have the thinner cpu chipset form factor or the fastest memory it runs almost as fast as the S22U in normal usage.
With the N9 the lag vs N10+/N20U/N22U is quite noticeable. The S22U has a huge battery and less SOT than the N10+. Weights a full display cracking ounce more too.
For what?
If you listen to all the hype the latest Androids sound wonderful... until you think it through and realize what is important for your device to fulfill its mission. That's why a well designed/built 3 yo model running on 2.5 yo firmware can still effectively compete with the newest phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The annoying thing about the throttling is that it's not necessary. I have used a custom ROM on here and they don't have any of the throttling and it's no problem. Sure, the device gets a bit warmer under load, but it's not dangerously hot, we are talking like 42-48C, well within all normal tolerances. People ***** about their devices being warm and everyone suffers for it. Unfortunately every custom ROM I have tried has issues ranging from a stuttering UI to broken NFC and the fingerprint reader being off center so after the last attempt flashing a custom ROM resulted in a brick, I just went back to OOS and stayed there. Maybe it is time to try again though, I will run OOS11 for a few days and see if I can get used to it.
Honestly I really like my Pixel 3 XL, it's just too slow and lacking in RAM for me to make it my daily driver. The memory is more the issue than the Snapdragon 845 honestly.

P3XL was a great phone, i used it until it went dead last year. Then i went for p6 in hope for a better support and features as promised but then again ...
anyway p6 suffers from bugs since first update and i think still until now it has not been sort out yet. The thing i like about pixel is you can still flash it via fastboot and the image it officially available in the support page.
Just that if the country is not an official country that sell pixel then you will be stuck with no VoLTE and VoWiFi and that is a hassle

EtherealRemnant said:
It's rumored to have a 6.2" screen which is too small.
I guess Google doesn't want my business so I'll stick with OnePlus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After Carl Pei left Oneplus started going down and now they are one of the worst companies under Oppo and the phone OS, design, and specs are not that good!

hemstheworthy said:
After Carl Pei left Oneplus started going down and now they are one of the worst companies under Oppo and the phone OS, design, and specs are not that good!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My OnePlus 9 has better specs across the board than the Pixel 6 besides the cameras. OOS12 is terrible but I don't mind OOS11 so if OnePlus goes back to their roots with OOS13 like they are promising, I may stick around, and besides, the custom ROMs for this device are pretty good so I can just as easily just stick to those.
Qualcomm > Samsung and I don't see that changing with the 7 series.

EtherealRemnant said:
I really want to go back to a Pixel but I can't do the curved screens. I'm one of those people who actually puts his phones in a case and they don't work well with curved screens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the non-pro Pixels are a better value anyways, seeming as this launch won't be too different to the Pixel 6s apart from minor upgrades like a new SoC with moderate performance increase.

razercortex said:
I think the non-pro Pixels are a better value anyways, seeming as this launch won't be too different to the Pixel 6s apart from minor upgrades like a new SoC with moderate performance increase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't go from a 6.55" screen to a 6.2" screen though. Honestly I would rather have a 6.7"-6.10" screen. I could go from 6.55 to 6.4 but with them shrinking the screen size on the 7, it's a nonstarter.

Considering moving on from the S9 (G960U1)

I have a Samsung S9 960U1 on AT&T. I purchased it on eBay a few years ago. Its been good for me. I wouldn't be thinking of another phone but I dropped my S9 in a parking lot a few weeks ago and the screen has a chip and crack in it. First time I've broken a screen since I've owned a cell phone, including all the smartphones I've owned since the Motorola i1 I bought in 2010. I used to root every phone I had and would like to again.
My requirements for a new phone are:
1) Memory Card Slot
Would like support for at least 128GB. Higher support is acceptable.
2) 3.5mm audio jack
I like the option of a physical connection with having to use any other adapters.
3) Rootable with ROM support
I have experience with one-click, TWRP, Cyanogen, etc., been rooting since my Epic 4G Touch. Before that, it was setting bits and bytes on Motorola flip-phones like the Razor V3.
4) 64GB or greater device storage
5) Device performance at least on par or similar to the S9 I have now. I don't need a screaming fast phone.
6) Would prefer something with less than or close to a 6" screen but bigger is acceptable to me since everyone else seems to want a tablet for a phone and that's where the market went.
7) Must be compatible with AT&T.
I've been perusing the OnePlus Nord offerings. They're not powerhouses but I like the price. I recently saw a BLU phone at Best Buy. I've looked at Nokia and Motorola phones also. I also know there are some Samsung phones that can be rooted and have ROM available. The other option is to repair my S9, of course. So what phones should I be looking at? Thank you for any advice.

No 3.5mm jack*, no variable rate display or 5G** but the Note 10+ N975U is a proven work horse with maybe the best display for color rendering even today. Excellent form factor, and good SOT (11-12 hours). It will need a good case.
New ones running on Android 10 can be had for $700, used for half that. Problem with used ones are they will be loaded with 11 or 12. This will slow it down ie scoped storage. Supports up to 1tb of expandable storage, a V30 rated Sandisk extreme runs well in them.
After the N10+ Samsung's flagship offerings are more flawed and less well balanced. Android 9 was Android's zenith so far, 10 is ok, 11 is screwed up, 12 is a mess and 13 is fubar... in my opinion.
*use Buds+ (SSC codec) or a LDAC bt set. Wired is a mess to deal with on this device.
**these tradeoffs net you better SOT, and a more accurately calibrated and trouble free display.

I can definitely do without the best display and 5G. I'll turn off 5G for the time being anyway. The Note 10+ is huge! I remember going from the S4 Active to the LG V10. The V10 was nice but just too big for me to keep. About six months later I got the S7 G930U. It was bigger than the S4 by a little bit. It worked fine and then a time zone OTA messed up the radios and I got the S9. The S9 is bigger still but useable for me.
I'd be okay with Android 10 but have no experience with anything after. It brought some features that I like. Another reason I was.looking at root was to completely forego OTAs and to be able choose my own software and ROMs.

josiahg52 said:
I can definitely do without the best display and 5G. I'll turn off 5G for the time being anyway. The Note 10+ is huge! I remember going from the S4 Active to the LG V10. The V10 was nice but just too big for me to keep. About six months later I got the S7 G930U. It was bigger than the S4 by a little bit. It worked fine and then a time zone OTA messed up the radios and I got the S9. The S9 is bigger still but useable for me.
I'd be okay with Android 10 but have no experience with anything after. It brought some features that I like. Another reason I was.looking at root was to completely forego OTAs and to be able choose my own software and ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've written a lot about the N10+, I have two them.
I saw where Samsung and Android were going and decided to give both a long time out when I bought the second new one 9 months ago.
The N10+'s display is sublime. Almost no bezel and square corners. The spen (which you will use) is on the right side, where it belongs. You absolutely need a good case like the Zizo Bolt or this corner hitting, face plant happy phone will be damaged. It's a 2 hand phone, no doubt about it.
I use my bdu cargo pants pocket to stash it, perfect. Pretty much a dual drive PC that's handheld. With 12gb of ram it just keeps going. It's cool running too.
If you insist on rooting there's the SM-N975F/DS variant. I recommend against it in favor of the Snapdragon; better chipset and cooling. The N10+ will run well stock if optimized. A package disabler or adb edits are needed. The current load on my Pie variant is over 2 years old, still fast and stable with minimal maintenance. It will be 3 yo in October, 1 replacement battery is the only repair. It looks and runs like new, no display degradation is observable, buttons still crisp and the c port jack has no wiggle.
That's what these devices are capable of. I'm not even close to be tired of this Note, it's just fun to use and easy to trick out the stock build.
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I would stay on Android 10 if possible. OTA updates is the first thing I disable This phone hasn't had any malware breach it* in over 2 years, it's reasonably secure if set up right and if you don't do stupid things.
*one scripted jpeg I downloaded damaged some files in the download folder, no big deal, deleted. A trojan preloader made it past the Samsung browser but got deleted from the download folder before it got its payload/opened. Both were prior to my current load. This device is heavily used.

Best bang for your buck(no Memory Card Slot though): Redmi Note 11T Pro for under $400. SoC D8100, very bright(easily usable under sunlight) 144Hz LCD. SHOULD be compatible with AT&T(check yourself for band support). Officially unlockable BL(so easily rootable). Maybe not easily get a warranty though if you are in NA.

blackhawk said:
I've written a lot about the N10+, I have two them.
I saw where Samsung and Android were going and decided to give both a long time out when I bought the second new one 9 months ago.
The N10+'s display is sublime. Almost no bezel and square corners. The spen (which you will use) is on the right side, where it belongs. You absolutely need a good case like the Zizo Bolt or this corner hitting, face plant happy phone will be damaged. It's a 2 hand phone, no doubt about it.
I use my bdu cargo pants pocket to stash it, perfect. Pretty much a dual drive PC that's handheld. With 12gb of ram it just keeps going. It's cool running too.
If you insist on rooting there's the SM-N975F/DS variant. I recommend against it in favor of the Snapdragon; better chipset and cooling. The N10+ will run well stock if optimized. A package disabler or adb edits are needed. The current load on my Pie variant is over 2 years old, still fast and stable with minimal maintenance. It will be 3 yo in October, 1 replacement battery is the only repair. It looks and runs like new, no display degradation is observable, buttons still crisp and the c port jack has no wiggle.
That's what these devices are capable of. I'm not even close to be tired of this Note, it's just fun to use and easy to trick out the stock build.
View attachment 5672395View attachment 5672393
I would stay on Android 10 if possible. OTA updates is the first thing I disable This phone hasn't had any malware breach it* in over 2 years, it's reasonably secure if set up right and if you don't do stupid things.
*one scripted jpeg I downloaded damaged some files in the download folder, no big deal, deleted. A trojan preloader made it past the Samsung browser but got deleted from the download folder before it got its payload/opened. Both were prior to my current load. This device is heavily used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my S9, you can choose to not install an OTA as soon as it's available but I think I waited and eventually it downloaded and installed it over one night. I didn't see a way to turn off updates completely.
I have every desire to stay with Android 10. Having learned that a lot of the things I like about a rooted phone can be done without root and with a package disabler and adb edits is certainly new to me and definitely opens up choices. Are you using an antivirus app on your Note?

iMoc said:
Best bang for your buck(no Memory Card Slot though): Redmi Note 11T Pro for under $400. SoC D8100, very bright(easily usable under sunlight) 144Hz LCD. SHOULD be compatible with AT&T(check yourself for band support). Officially unlockable BL(so easily rootable). Maybe not easily get a warranty though if you are in NA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll consult the official AT&T phone compatibility list before I purchase anything.

josiahg52 said:
On my S9, you can choose to not install an OTA as soon as it's available but I think I waited and eventually it downloaded and installed it over one night. I didn't see a way to turn off updates completely.
View attachment 5672459
I have every desire to stay with Android 10. Having learned that a lot of the things I like about a rooted phone can be done without root and with a package disabler and adb edits is certainly new to me and definitely opens up choices. Are you using an antivirus app on your Note?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can disable with Package Disabler or a adb edit. AT&T can also disable it on their end but I don't trust that!
These two:
Either of the Snapdragon variants are plug and play with AT&T. Put my old N10+ sim card into the new one (N975U1) and everything came straight up on AT&T. No worries.

blackhawk said:
You can disable with Package Disabler or a adb edit. AT&T can also disable it on their end but I don't trust that!
These two:
View attachment 5672483
Either of the Snapdragon variants are plug and play with AT&T. Put my old N10+ sim card into the new one (N975U1) and everything came straight up on AT&T. No worries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you and for the screenshot showing the app you use along with the two services to disable. I guess what I'll do is go to Best Buy or somewhere and look at the S22 in person as it's similarly sized to the Note10.

josiahg52 said:
Thank you and for the screenshot showing the app you use along with the two services to disable. I guess what I'll do is go to Best Buy or somewhere and look at the S22 in person as it's similarly sized to the Note10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome.
S22; no expandable storage, rounded display corners which I hate so much. Only 8gb of ram.
Android 12 in all its hugeness... and inefficiency.
The N10+ has much better SOT.

blackhawk said:
You're welcome.
S22; no expandable storage, rounded display corners which I hate so much. Only 8gb of ram.
Android 12 in all its hugeness... and inefficiency.
The N10+ has much better SOT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm only using the S22 to judge the size of the Note10+. I'll give it's fair chance, size notwithstanding, but without a 3.5mm jack, I don't know if it's for me. I don't need the best screen, best SOT, or even best performance. I don't use my phone enough or for enough exotic purposes to warrant that. That's why I was even looking at budget phones like those from OnePlus but the S9 still is pretty good having been a flagship back in the day. It's only now I feel I'm seeing a decline in battery performance where I used to routinely go two days without charging, now I'm usually around 55% at the end of the day. I hate the notches and holes and would prefer a screen with a frame but those are exceedingly rare now.

josiahg52 said:
I'm only using the S22 to judge the size of the Note10+. I'll give it's fair chance, size notwithstanding, but without a 3.5mm jack, I don't know if it's for me. I don't need the best screen, best SOT, or even best performance. I don't use my phone enough or for enough exotic purposes to warrant that. That's why I was even looking at budget phones like those from OnePlus but the S9 still is pretty good having been a flagship back in the day. It's only now I feel I'm seeing a decline in battery performance where I used to routinely go two days without charging, now I'm usually around 55% at the end of the day. I hate the notches and holes and would prefer a screen with a frame but those are exceedingly rare now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it was silly to remove the 3.5mm jack but not near as inept as removing expandable storage. That cam also has larger file sizes... and no extra storage

To be clear, I don't want the S22. At all. After the S9, nothing appealed to me. Like I said, I'll look into the Note10+ because it seems like a neat device but the size might be its undoing.

josiahg52 said:
To be clear, I don't want the S22. At all. After the S9, nothing appealed to me. Like I said, I'll look into the Note10+ because it seems like a neat device but the size might be its undoing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not that big. It's only 9mm thick and 30 gms lighter than the S22U. The larger display makes working with it easier and great for vids and pictures. It color calibration is excellent and the gamma correction falls right in line because of that. The N10+'s bezel ratio is smaller than the S22U... just one big gorgeous display.
The Note 9 is noticeably slower than the N10+, however when opening apps and games the difference between the N10+ and the S22U is slight. Short of high intensity games it holds it own well and even then does good. The 8gb version of the S22's does not do well against the N10+. Once the S22's ram gets filled the N10+ ripps it to shreds even opening apps. It's very apparent.
There are a lot of choices, I don't envy your task.
I got lucky Samsung had their act together with the N10+ and bought it early. Had it been the N9 or the N20U I would have been not as pleased.
Such is Samsung...

Finally got into Best Buy which might be the last place they still let you pick up the phones. I looked at the S22 Ultra 5G which is a 6.8" screen device. I admit I chuckled a bit when I picked it up. It's huge. Not as big as I expected, probably due to the smaller frame. I could or would almost live with it but it lacks a headphone jack.
I know that's an old feature that most consider ancient technology but I use it four or five times a week for seven or more hours. Bluetooth headphones don't last both in the battery department and also physically. After four sets, I'm occasionally using a set of not very expensive JBLs that have at least lasted close to a year but battery life sucks worst than they did new. I know there are USB C to 3.5mm adapters but they suck and it's another thing to carry around when I wouldn't if the phone has a 3.5mm jack. There's not really anything out there in the S9 or Note10+ class with a 3.5mm jack.

josiahg52 said:
Finally got into Best Buy which might be the last place they still let you pick up the phones. I looked at the S22 Ultra 5G which is a 6.8" screen device. I admit I chuckled a bit when I picked it up. It's huge. Not as big as I expected, probably due to the smaller frame. I could or would almost live with it but it lacks a headphone jack.
I know that's an old feature that most consider ancient technology but I use it four or five times a week for seven or more hours. Bluetooth headphones don't last both in the battery department and also physically. After four sets, I'm occasionally using a set of not very expensive JBLs that have at least lasted close to a year but battery life sucks worst than they did new. I know there are USB C to 3.5mm adapters but they suck and it's another thing to carry around when I wouldn't if the phone has a 3.5mm jack. There's not really anything out there in the S9 or Note10+ class with a 3.5mm jack.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing in the Samsung flagship class. Oddly the 3.5mm jack is present on some of the midrange priced models of that era.
I have a pair of Buds(2.5+ yo) and Buds+(1 yo). Both case charge fast (2 charges per case charge). Both continue to work well.
The Buds+ easily last 8+ hours. It's rare I run them out...
The S9 generation is noticeably slower than the N10+. The N10+'s 12gb of ram (vs 4gb) makes a huge performance difference. The larger ram size impacts battery life very little. The N10+ is a large, powerful device that's design is well balanced... It's just fun to use.

blackhawk said:
Nothing in the Samsung flagship class. Oddly the 3.5mm jack is present on some of the midrange priced models of that era.
I have a pair of Buds(2.5+ yo) and Buds+(1 yo). Both case charge fast (2 charges per case charge). Both continue to work well.
The Buds+ easily last 8+ hours. It's rare I run them out...
The S9 generation is noticeably slower than the N10+. The N10+'s 12gb of ram (vs 4gb) makes a huge performance difference. The larger ram size impacts battery life very little. The N10+ is a large, powerful device that's design is well balanced... It's just fun to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I should have said flagship class, as the S9 was years ago. Of course, the Note10+ demolishes the S9. You still have me considering the Note. You've done well making a case for it. There's just nothing close with its hardware.
Stepping down, there is the A71 or A52. I still like the OnePlus Nord N10. All of those are a decided step beneath the S9 on paper and of course, not worth comparing to the Note10+.
I'll look at the Buds.

josiahg52 said:
Yeah, I should have said flagship class, as the S9 was years ago. Of course, the Note10+ demolishes the S9. You still have me considering the Note. You've done well making a case for it. There's just nothing close with its hardware.
Stepping down, there is the A71 or A52. I still like the OnePlus Nord N10. All of those are a decided step beneath the S9 on paper and of course, not worth comparing to the Note10+.
I'll look at the Buds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a beast, I never run out of ram or storage.
You also have the LDAC option for bt. Sony and Panasonic have a few choices. LDAC may be better than SSC. The pricier Sony ones are probably better for music.
Get the Buds+, the regular Buds aren't as nice but work well for calls. I would recommend using Poweramp as a Player. It's graphic equalizer is how I dial the Buds+ in. My whole 240gb wav file music collection is on the SD card.
I use the spen mostly for Smart Capture (a very useful tool), screen shot writing, as a bt remote shutter release, and magnifier comes in handy at times. I use it once a day sometimes more. That's a sometimes under appreciated Note feature. Lol, for the first couple months I didn't use it

All right, you've convinced me! So where should I buy one from? Best Buy has some available from $450. Say "refurbished" whatever that means to them. Can pick that up locally. I've had decent success on eBay. More recently, I had to return two S8 de-camera'd work phone) and an S9 for not being what they were supposed to be - wrong model numbers - but I returned them successfully. I'm always suspect of eBay "condition" also.