Motorola xt886 vs galaxy nexus. - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

I am going to be getting a phone with a company called iwireless which is a tmobile affiliate. They only really have two decent phones to choose from. They are a Motorola xt886 and a Samsung Galaxy Nexus. I am tyring to decide which one is going to be better for me in the long run. I will be rooting it and trying out different roms.
Here are some pros of the Nexus
-Galaxy nexus has a much bigger community behind it as compared to the xt886. looking at the forums it kind of seems that way.
-Galaxy will be likely have people developing for it for a couple years (I hope)
-HD Super AMOLED™
-1.2GHz Dual-core, OMAP, TI
Some pros about the xt886
-ColourBoost™ qHD (960 x 540 pixels) TFT LCD
-1.2 GHz dual core
-8MP camera
-(from Motorola site) This smartphone has a splash-guard coating too, a high-tech, invisible nanocoating that shields against the unexpected splash—not only on the outside, but on the electrical circuit board inside the housing as well.
They are both the same price. Also iwireless will be getting the S3 at some point. It was suppose to happen before Christmas but they have been having some slight issues apparently.
Should I hold out and wait for the S3 (which could be months, no idea really) or go with either one of these phones? Thanks for the help!!
-haryy

go for the nexus.. that qhd screen sucks compared to the screen of the nexus and the cameras that motorola uses are really bad, even if it is 8 mpx , the pics will probably look worst than the pics taken with the nexus. and being the xt886 a little brother of the original razr you can forget about getting any update.

Don't buy Motorola.
They promise an update, but when the time comes, they just move it to the next quarter. When the time comes again, they say "Sorry, but your device will stay on GB 2.3. You can get a 100$ refund towards the new motorola device", which will be updated for sure, as they promise.

Pretty much everyone here is a nexus user and will recommend such. With that said play with both, see which you like better, walk out with nexus.
Honestly I considered renewing my contact and getting an S3, but after playing around with a friends I'm happy with my gnex, its noticeably smoother in everyday use and it gets updates. So after seeing the difference in performance a nexus provides, even with weaker hardware, I've determined any android device I purchase must be a nexus.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Related

[Q] Why bother?

SKIP TO THE BOTTOM FOR THE QUESTION
I really like the idea of the Galaxy Nexus.
I'm a former Nexus One user, I still have it in the box it came in with the Desktop dock and Car dock too. I'm holding on to it for ever!!!
I passed on the Nexus S because I didn't want a Samsung Phone. I love the way HTC makes their phones. I bought into the hype about their phones feeling "cheap" and "plasticy".
I decided to replace my N1 with a Sensation which has been a pretty big disappointment.
When the GN was announced I decided to swallow my dislike for Samsung's phones and go for it. After reading about the specs it seemed like a decent phone, Nothing groundbreaking just decent maybe even a little sub par when compared to some of the top of the line phones. The only really stand out things about it are the software, which most of the top tier phones will be getting upgraded to at some point.
NFC? It's cool but I can't see using it that much. I think I've run into one other person that was using a Nexus phone and I didn't care to swap info with them. I'd probably pay for stuff with it but I still have to carry a wallet so it's not going to replace my debit card.
Camera? 5mp that's less than 8mp seems like a pretty big step down from what every "top tier" phone out there. Hopefully the low light performance will be really good but somehow I'm expecting disappointment.
Big Screen? I love it big, but then I read about the Galaxy Note.
Pure Google? I've been there with everything up to Gingerbread and I have to say it was barren. I'm on sense now and I've tried (a few times) giving it up to use ADW to get that stock launcher experience I didn't last long. Compared to Sense 3 (I think) Gingerbread is VERY ugly and misses out on a lot of niceties that I've grown accustomed to in Sense.
At least it'll probably get updates first.
It seems like every time I turn around some company is releasing a phone that bests the GN in every way, SGSII, RAZOR and today I read freaking LG has got a phone with a killer display more pixels or something like that.
With that in mind how do you keep your excitement up about this phone?
when it comes to phones, its the software that makes the device, not the hardware......with a Nexus device you will always be on the latest and greatest, nothing is more frustrating to me than to be behind 1 or 2 software releases
Megapixels in cameras are not everything.
The support on Nexus phones is unparalleled. Samsung make good phones. I would get over the plastic hate and get the Nexus. You are on the Nexus forum so you clearly want us to talk you into it
That used to be the case. However with the announcement of ICS and the subsequent announcement from HTC, Samsung and others that ICS would be coming to their later phones it seems like the update argument may not be as valid as it used to be.
Even though I don't see that much use it NFC. Going forward, I won't consider a phone without it.
jivemaster said:
Megapixels in cameras are not everything.
The support on Nexus phones is unparalleled. Samsung make good phones. I would get over the plastic hate and get the Nexus. You are on the Nexus forum so you clearly want us to talk you into it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm totally here to be talked into it .
I will totally admit to unfairly jumping on the "Samsung makes cheap feeling phones" bandwagon. HTC phones have weight, Samsung phones are light.
Yes Megapixels aren't everything but they do count for something.
Ironzey said:
That used to be the case. However with the announcement of ICS and the subsequent announcement from HTC, Samsung and others that ICS would be coming to their later phones it seems like the update argument may not be as valid as it used to be.
Even though I don't see that much use it NFC. Going forward, I won't consider a phone without it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course they're getting updated, but they'll be updated 3+ months after the Galaxy Nexus comes out.
That Samsung build quality stigma is FUD. Is all plastic, but my nexus s is the most solid feeling phone I've had. Light and rigid. I've dropped it on tile and wood floor and keep it in my pocket with no protection except that it's by itself. It still looks mint with zero screen scratches since March.
Don't buy into the megapixel myth. The sensor quality and optics are more important. 5mp is more than any cell phone needs, and provides plenty of resolution for larger prints. most use cases are social networking which does not need even a fraction of that resolution. Wait to see camera reviews and comparisons after people get their hands on shipping product.
You do sound a little confused about what phone you want. There's plenty of good products from various manufacturers with good qualities. What you will get from the GN is vanilla Android, timely updates, a solid all-around performer from a hardware standpoint (maybe not the best at any one aspect, but a formidable complete experience), and the warm fuzzies that super geek Android fans get for nexus devices. That may not be right for you, but that's what it is.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
My first android phone was the Droid X, I loved it as am android noob, then I rooted, then I flashed my first ROM, then CM7 came out for the DX, then I dropped it in a puddle... I was pretty disappointed when my insurance sent me an X2 as a replacement, but I've made it the most enjoyable I can by making my own ROM for it. Now I realize Moto will never stop locking their phones and hardware specs aren't everything, its about the software, which is why I'm 90% sure I'm going to be picking up the Gnex when my upgrade comes at the end of January. I've never owned a Samsung phone and am still skeptical about the build quality, hopefully I will be pleasantly surprised when I buy it
Sent from my DROID X2 using XDA App
What do people equate to build quality?
Do you know a phone that people says has the best build quality?
The iPhone 4 and 4s
Do you know what phone when drops shatters?
Thats right the iPhone 4 and 4s.
Judging build quality by feel alone is stupid. Quality means the grade of the materials used and how they are used. A plastic phone using really good plastic is a higher quality phone then a shattering glass phone.
Lil Jones said:
Do you know a phone that people says has the best build quality?
The iPhone 4 and 4s
Do you know what phone when drops shatters?
Thats right the iPhone 4 and 4s.
Judging build quality by feel alone is stupid. Quality means the grade of the materials used and how they are used. A plastic phone using really good plastic is a higher quality phone then a shattering glass phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The iPhone 4 and 4S are extremely high quality. They're just... made out of glass. Obviously they're going to break when you drop them. Just like a window will break when you throw a cinder block at it. That doesn't mean the window is low quality....
Their reinforced glass is not as good as gorilla glass, I heard.
The one aspect that people seem to be taking for granted also is that because of all these specs and the Nexus name. Galaxy Nexus is going to have a much larger developer following for rooted customization. Also, when you are looking for a new product what better way to narrow down what to get than to ask an expert...well, developers largely choose Nexus.
(Before someone attacks me with the typical response "not everyone wants to root ". No not everyone does. This was Simply offered as one more possitive to add to the Nexus checklist. )
When it comes down to it. everyone should buy what they want cause no one else cares.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
You don't buy the Nexus for the hardware. If my Nexus One would have worked on Verizon I would still be using it.
Let's be honest, if you're regularly browsing this site, chances are you're atleast toying with the idea of rooting the device (if not in the, "The thing will be rooted before I get a text" category).
The Megapixel hype is just that. It's kind of like America's fascination with horsepower -- yes your GT500 outputs crazy numbers, but it still can't turn.
-insert flaming-
Nother Sensation owner here waiting to bounce on the GN for dev support. I will run CM9 or a MiUI ICS variant more than likely. I'd prefer to have the most choice for kernels and roms over slightly better hardware. Do we really need 4 cores in a phone?
Ironzey said:
That used to be the case. However with the announcement of ICS and the subsequent announcement from HTC, Samsung and others that ICS would be coming to their later phones it seems like the update argument may not be as valid as it used to be.
Even though I don't see that much use it NFC. Going forward, I won't consider a phone without it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that still is the case. Even though a manufacture says they will release an update it will never be timely. As manufactures produce more and more models of phones their support goes down the drain. My Samsung Vibrant never got an official update that was promised. The thunderbolt finally got gingerbread.
My G1 was my favorite phone. Great support by htc, google and devs. It always had the latest version of android, even when its hardware could barely run it.
I would rather have a well supported phone than the highest spec phone. While the galaxy nexus appears to have average hardware it will have great android support and dev support.
Availability of developers.
CAN'T STAND OS delays.
Beautiful bezel.
No HD screen + RGB notification combos on Tmo.
That's if this retarded phone ever comes out for Tmo.
Inused to be HTC supporter. But after I got The old Desire, I vowed to not get any HTC anymore. I dislike Sense and replaced with LP pro.
Then I got the Nexus S, and feel really like the design and overal feeling. All blacks, with super Amoled, seems elegant and mysterious.
And it is much lighter as well.
On top of that Qualcomm is not as fast as Hummingbird, Exynos, or now TI Omap.
Nuff said, no HTC anymore.
Nexus phone all the way
Ironzey said:
SKIP TO THE BOTTOM FOR THE QUESTION
I really like the idea of the Galaxy Nexus.
I'm a former Nexus One user, I still have it in the box it came in with the Desktop dock and Car dock too. I'm holding on to it for ever!!!
I passed on the Nexus S because I didn't want a Samsung Phone. I love the way HTC makes their phones. I bought into the hype about their phones feeling "cheap" and "plasticy".
I decided to replace my N1 with a Sensation which has been a pretty big disappointment.
When the GN was announced I decided to swallow my dislike for Samsung's phones and go for it. After reading about the specs it seemed like a decent phone, Nothing groundbreaking just decent maybe even a little sub par when compared to some of the top of the line phones. The only really stand out things about it are the software, which most of the top tier phones will be getting upgraded to at some point.
NFC? It's cool but I can't see using it that much. I think I've run into one other person that was using a Nexus phone and I didn't care to swap info with them. I'd probably pay for stuff with it but I still have to carry a wallet so it's not going to replace my debit card.
Camera? 5mp that's less than 8mp seems like a pretty big step down from what every "top tier" phone out there. Hopefully the low light performance will be really good but somehow I'm expecting disappointment.
Big Screen? I love it big, but then I read about the Galaxy Note.
Pure Google? I've been there with everything up to Gingerbread and I have to say it was barren. I'm on sense now and I've tried (a few times) giving it up to use ADW to get that stock launcher experience I didn't last long. Compared to Sense 3 (I think) Gingerbread is VERY ugly and misses out on a lot of niceties that I've grown accustomed to in Sense.
At least it'll probably get updates first.
It seems like every time I turn around some company is releasing a phone that bests the GN in every way, SGSII, RAZOR and today I read freaking LG has got a phone with a killer display more pixels or something like that.
With that in mind how do you keep your excitement up about this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to use a SGSII but couldn't live with it. Was coming from a Nexus S and before that I owned a N1. It just didn't feel right. It came shipped with 2.3 then after some time 2.3.4 hit when I sold it a month ago 2.3.5 still wasn't official available. In addition they added a strange bootloader which stopped you from flashing CM7. I don't know exactly what happened there but it was one of the points which led me to sell the phone. I'm using a Desire now until I receive my 100% free GN.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
I'll probably just keep my NS for now. All other smartphones sound lame in comparison to the NS + Voodoo Sound.

[Q] Galaxy Nexus Why all the anticipation ?

After seeing all the specs on this phone, and some hands on video, I am pretty dissapointed with the wait. There are phones out now that pretty much rival all aspects of the Nexus - except the ICS. In a month or so, ICS will be available to the the other phones. When it is, it will put the Nexus on par with them (or a notch below).
Whats all the hype about ? It seems like it is all around ICS, and a device we cannot yet get our hands on.
Ics. Duh.
I invented cyberspace. You're trespassing.
Why ?
Because of the ****ty carrier update system.
Personally Id by an Amaze 4g today if the stupid piece of crap carrier and HTC werent in the way of me getting Android 4.0. As it stands pretty much the only way you get to use it is by getting a GN or waiting 2-3 months for decent roms to come out.
Again. Since Google refuses to mandate min. time frames for carrier/OEM updates this means noone has a clue when they can get a major OS update. Making GN the only choice for months.
The HD screen is the second biggest factor , I havent seen any comparison to a QHD screen so dont know if its as big a deal as Im making it out to be.
The display, the OS, and the fact that it's a Nexus device. Win/Win/Win.
For me it's not having an annoying overlay. Touchwiz and Sense are ok, but I'd much rather have vanilla Android.
randypurcz said:
After seeing all the specs on this phone, and some hands on video, I am pretty dissapointed with the wait. There are phones out now that pretty much rival all aspects of the Nexus - except the ICS. In a month or so, ICS will be available to the the other phones. When it is, it will put the Nexus on par with them (or a notch below).
Whats all the hype about ? It seems like it is all around ICS, and a device we cannot yet get our hands on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus line is not suppose to be "top of the line" spec phones.
But to answer your question, the Galaxy Nexus comes with ICS, that's why everyone wants it.
To put things into perspective. I bought my G2x a few month ago, and it shipped with Froyo, with a promised update to Gingerbread. This was many, many months after Gingerbread was released.
Typically, phones won't see the latest android OS a few month after the OS has been announced. So if you want the latest OS, you need to go with a Nexus device.
1.) ICS
2.) Likely to have a huge developer base
3.) Hardware fairly optimized for software (and according to: http://www.theverge.com/2011/11/17/2568348/galaxy-nexus-review , its blazing fast)
4.) 720p HD Screen (again according to the above link and also http://mobilesyrup.com/2011/11/17/galaxy-nexus-review-part-1-hardware-overview-video/ although the screen is pentile, it still is amazing)
5.) Vanilla Android
6.) ???
7.) Profit
Now, I can see why some people might not want to buy this phone because of the following three reasons:
1.) Low-standard GPU - could become obsoleted fairly quickly (really old GPU) and I highly doubt a lot of games in the future could run on this device
2.) Although the hardware is fast now, in a few months from now it may not be as fast in comparison to other devices. (Remember CES 2011 with the introduction of dual core smartphones? From then on, the single core processor phones were essentially obsoleted + it is rumoured that there will be quad core phones later this year - http://mobilesyrup.com/2011/11/15/r...ndroid-4-0-with-a-2-5ghz-quad-core-processor/)
3.) The battery life may not be great with this phone
randypurcz said:
Whats all the hype about ? It seems like it is all around ICS, and a device we cannot yet get our hands on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's exactly what it is a Developer reference phone for ICS
that's why you no longer see the state of the art hardware included anymore since Nexus S
I see all your points.
I guess I think Google/Samsung/Verizon, just dragged thier feet too long on getting it to market IMO. I think higher spec phones are just months away, so the only thing cutting edge here is ICS. Just my opinion.
Now, I do have the Nexus on the way, but I am just not going to be sleepless over it. I just sold my Galaxy Note (too big to function as a phone for me, but one hell of an information device), but I will always wonder how it would have performed with ICS versus GB.
mohitrocks said:
1.) Low-standard GPU - could become obsoleted fairly quickly (really old GPU) and I highly doubt a lot of games in the future could run on this device
2.) Although the hardware is fast now, in a few months from now it may not be as fast in comparison to other devices. (Remember CES 2011 with the introduction of dual core smartphones? From then on, the single core processor phones were essentially obsoleted + it is rumoured that there will be quad core phones later this year - http://mobilesyrup.com/2011/11/15/r...ndroid-4-0-with-a-2-5ghz-quad-core-processor/)
3.) The battery life may not be great with this phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmm... methinks you didn't give your cons much thought as they all contradict. each other.
oilfighter said:
The Nexus line is not suppose to be "top of the line" spec phones.
But to answer your question, the Galaxy Nexus comes with ICS, that's why everyone wants it.
To put things into perspective. I bought my G2x a few month ago, and it shipped with Froyo, with a promised update to Gingerbread. This was many, many months after Gingerbread was released.
Typically, phones won't see the latest android OS a few month after the OS has been announced. So if you want the latest OS, you need to go with a Nexus device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the nexus phones are developer phones so are set at being what google expect the average phone to be in the middle ics lifetime. After all theres no point developing on a phone when no other phone comes close to the specs. The only benefit really is it gets the latest android first rather than waiting for manufacturer releases or even later for mobile operator releases.
Personally I'm still undecided and also considering the RAZR or waiting to see what comes out in the next few months. There is no phone which makes me think I must have it at all costs at the moment. SGS2 is meh, HTC XE looks nice but doesn't excite, only RAZR and Nexus I'm considering though I'd consider the rezound if it was available in the uk.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
pukemon said:
hmmm... methinks you didn't give your cons much thought as they all contradict. each other.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How so? I don't believe I did.
---------- Post added at 03:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:54 AM ----------
gbroon said:
I think the nexus phones are developer phones so are set at being what google expect the average phone to be in the middle ics lifetime. After all theres no point developing on a phone when no other phone comes close to the specs. The only benefit really is it gets the latest android first rather than waiting for manufacturer releases or even later for mobile operator releases.
Personally I'm still undecided and also considering the RAZR or waiting to see what comes out in the next few months. There is no phone which makes me think I must have it at all costs at the moment. SGS2 is meh, HTC XE looks nice but doesn't excite, only RAZR and Nexus I'm considering though I'd consider the rezound if it was available in the uk.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't go for the RAZR, as many reviews I have seen put it on a bad place compared to the Nexus (E.g. www.theverge.com)
For me it's the screen and ICS ....Why the crappy gpu and only 5meg camera and sub par audio is beyond me.....I don't play many games but the gpu in the s2 woulda been nice..I sold my Vibrant and need a phone now might not wait and just get gs2..The gpu in the nexus is very dissapointing ...Why the newer high end device would be speced lower than the older s2 is just dumb imo.
I did find a store that imports them and is expected the 28th for $749 shipped......The gs2 will cost me $444 local tmo.....Decisions Decisions!
Until the quad cores come out much later in 2012 the galaxy nexus will mostly be top dog. The next batch of devices will all be dual core 1.5ish ghz, some will get some version of 720p screens some will not. We should see that clear through summer until the galaxy hd/3.
That's a pretty good run for a device add to it the google experience and well it should hold its own for two years easily. IMO the only people getting screwed are the people buying the gs2 now.
As long add it's out before the end of January on AT&T (unlikely) I'll buy the galaxy nexus otherwise I'll wait for summer.
Well now it looks like the GS2 has already been ported, so maybe months of wait will be reduced to weeks to get a usable ICS rom on some of the better devices. Cancelled my preorder(Nexus) and am thinking of purchasing another Note !
STi489 said:
For me it's the screen and ICS ....Why the crappy gpu and only 5meg camera and sub par audio is beyond me.....I don't play many games but the gpu in the s2 woulda been nice..I sold my Vibrant and need a phone now might not wait and just get gs2..The gpu in the nexus is very dissapointing ...Why the newer high end device would be speced lower than the older s2 is just dumb imo.
I did find a store that imports them and is expected the 28th for $749 shipped......The gs2 will cost me $444 local tmo.....Decisions Decisions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to refer you to here where they go beyond speculation and actually have the device so aren't pulling things out of thin air like 99% of the people here.
For people who tl;dr:
"Before we received the device, what troubled us was the idea of a last-generation GPU pushing 1280×720 pixels of the Galaxy Nexus’ screen — we can now say that fear is unfounded. We picked up and played a few games of Wind-up Knight and found it performed better in its native resolution than did the Motorola RAZR at 960×540. The RAZR uses the same GPU at a slightly slower speed, but has 40% fewer pixels. Google has done some serious tweaking to the graphics drivers to achieve such amazing results."
Just like how we don't compare ATI and Nvidia cards by their GFLOP's nor triangles per second, we should keep in mind that performance is dependant on both hardware and drivers - and varies with games just as some games naturally play better with Nvidia cards and some perform better with ATI/AMD cards. Drivers make a world of difference. Looks like Google/PowerVR/TI have done their job.
STi489 said:
For me it's the screen and ICS ....Why the crappy gpu and only 5meg camera and sub par audio is beyond me.....I don't play many games but the gpu in the s2 woulda been nice..I sold my Vibrant and need a phone now might not wait and just get gs2..The gpu in the nexus is very dissapointing ...Why the newer high end device would be speced lower than the older s2 is just dumb imo.
I did find a store that imports them and is expected the 28th for $749 shipped......The gs2 will cost me $444 local tmo.....Decisions Decisions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once again, MP means jack **** EXCEPT picture size. Do your research before you comment. As some comparisons have said its only a little below the iPhone 4s in quality, and guess what? That's not due to MP.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium
That review was pretty good.

[Q] Galaxy Nexus or Razr

Ok So now that both phones are essentially out. Granted the US version of the nexus isn't but close enough. I am kind of torn one what phone to buy. The biggest thing to me was ICS and since the Razr will be getting it at some point that is a lot less of a factor.
What other Reasons would you guys have for getting one or the other? Yes i have read all the reviews on both and understand the differences between the two. Anything game changing for you guys?
Nexus, the Razr doesn't seem to be all that good and Motorola aren't exactly reliable when it comes to updates.
Keep in mind that even if Razr will get ICS eventually, you'll still have to wait for future increment updates, and then there's jellybean.
I am eagerly waiting for the Nexus for several reasons in addition to being pure Android, better developer support, and future updates. The Nexus, IMO, looks better. The Razr is quite large even though it has a smaller screen. I heard that Razr has better call quality but that's not the most important thing to me because I only use maybe 20% of my phone to make calls. GN has a slightly newer and better SoC. The screen of the Nexus clearly wins hands down. Oh and no locked bootloader.
Having had both a motorola and a samsung previously (Milestone with motorola - non US version of the original Droid and the Galaxy S with samsung) I too faced the same question.
I went with the Nexus in the end as although the milestone was nice hard-ware wise, motoblur let it down and shackled it, motorola blatantly lied about updates and then failed to deliver them, and the updates that did come came with even more bugs than they were supposed to fix. Motorola are only interested in your $$$ their after sales customer service is appaling!
Having had the nexus for a week now I've not regretted the upgrade and would thoroughly recommend. I think as well being a nexus you're pretty much guranteed speedy updates over the razr and I think it looks better too.
I had both on my hand. And definitely goes for Galaxy Nexus, the galaxy nexus screen advantage almost override all other advantages from razr~!
The RAZR will always be crushed by motorola's updates and skins. And comparing the screens, the RAZR isn't even close to the GN.
You came to the Galaxy Nexus forum,which do you expect people to pick? The Razr?
rashad1 said:
You came to the Galaxy Nexus forum,which do you expect people to pick? The Razr?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will be honest, i came here because this is what phone i had decided to wait for. But it seems that its not getting the greatest reviews, and the single biggest reason i picked it (ICS) i am a little nervous about. I mean lets be honest its never great to be the 1 to test something out.(New fighter plane or fire retardant suit comes to mind) I actually have a Razr, bought it for my wife and i like it a lot. I guess i am losing steam for holding out for the GN. And i thought this would be a great place for a discussion on what i should do.
Get the int'l razor. Supposedly bootloader can be unlocked but i havent followed up on that to see if its true. Reviews have been kind of meh to me.
Sent from my samsung gt i9250 which is in the wrong country.
Well if there was a GSM variant of the RAZR, I would actually have to think about my choice.
The RAZR's hardware is incredible, but in the end the non-bloatware Nexus and ridiculous screen quality would trump even the water-resistant and Gorilla Glass 2 feature of the RAZR.
Edit: Ack, there is a GSM RAZR. Good thing I already own the GNEX...
ericshmerick said:
Well if there was a GSM variant of the RAZR, I would actually have to think about my choice.
The RAZR's hardware is incredible, but in the end the non-bloatware Nexus and ridiculous screen quality would trump even the water-resistant and Gorilla Glass 2 feature of the RAZR.
Edit: Ack, there is a GSM RAZR. Good thing I already own the GNEX...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gnex CPU is also slightly better.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
I'd go with the N but not because you can sit back and let Google give you timely updates and fix bugs. My Nexus S shipped with the search bug making it unusable. Best and only response from G was "first we heard about that problem". The hundreds of other users got the same. No update in sight and I never saw one. I lasted a week before rooting and flashing like we always do. Now it is a great device but no thanks to google. Moto would be a lot worse. I assume that I'll treat any phone no matter how it's sold as a dev device that I'll have to flash myself. I have full confidence in my lack of confidence with the new Nexus.
Get the GN,
I just came from a Motorola Atrix! Motorola suck at software updates & love locking bootloaders (although they are slowly changing)
GN FTW!
GN.
10char
Am about to buy the monster here in Germany, will wait for the first batch to be washed out into the market to avoid the baby teething issues (volume, search, whatever else).
Atrix has been good though, once the bootloader got unlocked & the roms started pouring in it became a beauty of a phone!
+1 on the wait and see attitude. let the first batch fly out and the next (fixed) batch to arrive. Whether the inevitable issues are google or samsung isn't important, there is a history of problems with each one so far and the new one is already showing problems. Hearing that the core issue (volume) is hardware related that will be "fixed" in software makes me think I'll not buy one at all now. I'll not go with the Moto for other reasons. The Galaxy S had hardware shortcomings also semi fixed in software and that wasn't good enough. After my third warranty repair I demanded a proper pb which they did and the problem went away. The Nexus S had OS issues that took much too long to fix. The new one no doubt will have issues. I'm not excited to be the fist on the block with another turkey.
JustusIV said:
But it seems that its not getting the greatest reviews.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Official reviews looked pretty good to me, maybe I read them wrong.
Btw...I thanked you on accident, consider it an early xmas gift.
I am fond of Motorola devices, they have good voice quality, good durability, good grip (despite being squarish). But none of their devices seem to support TMobile 3G band, so I can't get it. (As for firmware updates, what updates?)
I'd go with the GN. Bug fixes pretty quick and easy bootloader unlocking make an excellent combination.
However, with Google's acquisition of Moto, maybe they will be the way forward next year?
Thought about the same choice of phones and I think I'll be going with the GN mainly because of removeable battery.
The good thing about thin phones is that you can add to them bigger capacity batteries while still keeping a normal width. I currently have a 2700 Mah battery on my Samsung Galaxy S with the corresponding width (but not weight!) of my ex-Iphone 3GS.
Just yesterday, while abroad on work, I didn't use my phone at all (ok, probably not a very valid test) with wifi, 3G on and this morning, after 1d battery usage was down 12%.
I know that the important thing is lasting a 8h day but I'm the kind of guy that hates thinking about recharging my devices (Ipad 2 is perfect in this aspect) than actually doing it.
So I'm keeping my eye on GN extended batteries, specially from Momax....

[Q] One X or SGS3? 3rd May - ANNOUNCED

So the Samsung Galaxy S3 is being announced in a few weeks time, I am really tempted to return my One X and wait it out. Any others who feel the same?
Update: Looks like there has been a proper leak this time:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/20/galaxy-s-iii-leak/
I can't say I am impressed?????
Update: 3rd May -
http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-preview-hands-on/
Features are fabulous, not sure about the design???
All the rumors point to the galaxy s3 having a hardware home button now . If this is the case I will definitely be keeping my One X. If not, I'll have to compare the specs and see which one I prefer to hold.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Nah. Well IF Samsung totally remade tw and the design of the phone I might consider it IF it shows that the Samsung is a MUCH bettet device. If not? Ill pass.
Skickat från min HTC One X via Tapatalk 2
It's a tough one.
I had the Galaxy S2, then got the Galaxy Nexus. I sold the Nexus and went back to the S2, I loved this phone. I think the camera on the S2 is better than the one X.
So with this in mind, Samsung can only improve upon the phone. I am in a pickle! Keep or return.
I'll probably end up keeping this and then pick up the S3 when it is released. Rumored specs sound pretty good!
almighty shadowgun THD just told me never!
Probably not. Slightly better specs won't mean anything if Samsung continue to use the cheapest and nastiest materials possible to encase their phones. They use the exact same cheap, flimsy and thin glossy plastic for all of their phones from the dirt-cheap Europa to their flagships.
Definitely not.
I have a gtab 10.1 and a galaxy s WiFi 5.0.
That's enough Samsung for me
Sent from my HTC One X using XDA
winwiz said:
It's a tough one.
I had the Galaxy S2, then got the Galaxy Nexus. I sold the Nexus and went back to the S2, I loved this phone. I think the camera on the S2 is better than the one X.
So with this in mind, Samsung can only improve upon the phone. I am in a pickle! Keep or return.
I'll probably end up keeping this and then pick up the S3 when it is released. Rumored specs sound pretty good!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the S2's camera was really bad in low light conditions, in similiar conditions my iphone 4 was able to take acceptable photos. one X's camera does well in low light too.
what really annoyed me was samsung's touchwiz on ICS for the S2. I really like the stock ICS theme and that really ruined it for me, i don't think it even used the new roboto font.
am really happy with the one X, but also quite excited to see what the S3 will bring!
I was about to buy it but with those soooo many problems I decided to wait for the SGIII and see it then decide. At least see if HTC gonna do something about the One X problems
I'll wait and see, having One X in hand makes it easy to wait for announcement and test results
Besides, it's difficult to imagine how would S3 be better. It would have to have 1080p screen or 8 core CPU or massively better GPU. The last one is possible but it won't have as good support as nvidia's Tegra3 has. It won't have dedicated games like THD and it won't have dedicated market like nVidia Tegra Zone.
I don't care how good the specs on sgs3 are, this phone is so amazing. And damn i love the fact that this phone is a mystery still. I love this thing already, but updates will probably be something out of this world. Galaxy S3 will just get stuck to tw5 unlike htc One x will get sense 4.1+
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
I came from a i9100. I got the One X vs. waiting for the SGS3 because we don't know when it will be available (an announcement isn't an actual release). If history repeats itself, trying to get one from the initial batches will be downright painful and expensive.
Spec wise, what more could possibly be added to it that's not offered in the One X? I'm sure the displays will be about the same size and the SGS3 will have SAMOLED HD Plus (non-Pentile). But the colors will once again be exaggerated but not necessarily better and it'll be harder to use in bright daylight. It may be thinner than the One X but may not feel better in the hand (SGS2 vs. Sensation). The quad-core Exynos will be faster than Teg3 but in all but benchmarks how much more speed does a phone need when the OS and apps aren't able to take advantage of it? There were some rumors of it supporting S-Pen which if true would be a cool feature.
The biggest issue and difference between them may end up being battery life. Because of AMOLED and the move to 32nm from 45nm (it's still A9 vs. A15 though) it will be a more efficient phone. And it may have a removable battery. My One X doesn't seem to have the issues a lot of others do so battery life right now is my biggest concern.
By selling my SGS2 now I'll get more for it than after the SGS3 becomes available. The One X should still hold its value fairly well even after the SGS3's launched so I'll lose less if I decide to get and SGS3 than if I skipped the One X all together.
So far I'm happy with the One X. And if any of you think that the SGS3's launch will be flawless and bug free dream on. Once again a new device will launch with a new and untested chip on a new OS using a new overlay (TW4). If the GN's an example, the SGS3 home page will look much like ours until a couple of updates are pushed out. Samsung delayed the launch of the G-Tab 2's because of ICS issues and they are much simpler devices. I don’t think the grass will be greener on the other side, just different.
abc27 said:
Probably not. Slightly better specs won't mean anything if Samsung continue to use the cheapest and nastiest materials possible to encase their phones. They use the exact same cheap, flimsy and thin glossy plastic for all of their phones from the dirt-cheap Europa to their flagships.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my colleagues iphone 4s was completely trashed after 1 drop,
my girlfriends htc hd2 fell apart after 2nd drop,
my gs2: dropped 5 times. still alive and kicking.
except two spots (the impact points) on the corners, no damage done at all!
so i really dont understand the concept of "build quality" of some people
I'm getting my One X sent back and replaced due to flimsy build, if the replacement is as shoddily made I'll be jumping ship altogether.
Build quality of my SGSII wa excellent, just like Galaxy Nexus. Don't mistake build quality with materials quality. Might look plasticky, but was rock solid and reliable.
SGS3 might have Pen and better battery life thanks to shrank down cores, but I don't think I want to go back to AMOLED just yet, even if it's Plus. I need to see side by side comparisons first.
Umyd said:
my colleagues iphone 4s was completely trashed after 1 drop,
my girlfriends htc hd2 fell apart after 2nd drop,
my gs2: dropped 5 times. still alive and kicking.
except two spots (the impact points) on the corners, no damage done at all!
so i really dont understand the concept of "build quality" of some people
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who said anything about build quality?
Who wants to hold a phone they paid €500-€600 for that feels the exact same as a €39 entry-level phone?
BarryH_GEG said:
I came from a i9100. I got the One X vs. waiting for the SGS3 because we don't know when it will be available (an announcement isn't an actual release). If history repeats itself, trying to get one from the initial batches will be downright painful and expensive.
Spec wise, what more could possibly be added to it that's not offered in the One X? I'm sure the displays will be about the same size and the SGS3 will have SAMOLED HD Plus (non-Pentile). But the colors will once again be exaggerated but not necessarily better and it'll be harder to use in bright daylight. It may be thinner than the One X but may not feel better in the hand (SGS2 vs. Sensation). The quad-core Exynos will be faster than Teg3 but in all but benchmarks how much more speed does a phone need when the OS and apps aren't able to take advantage of it? There were some rumors of it supporting S-Pen which if true would be a cool feature.
The biggest issue and difference between them may end up being battery life. Because of AMOLED and the move to 32nm from 45nm (it's still A9 vs. A15 though) it will be a more efficient phone. And it may have a removable battery. My One X doesn't seem to have the issues a lot of others do so battery life right now is my biggest concern.
By selling my SGS2 now I'll get more for it than after the SGS3 becomes available. The One X should still hold its value fairly well even after the SGS3's launched so I'll lose less if I decide to get and SGS3 than if I skipped the One X all together.
So far I'm happy with the One X. And if any of you think that the SGS3's launch will be flawless and bug free dream on. Once again a new device will launch with a new and untested chip on a new OS using a new overlay (TW4). If the GN's an example, the SGS3 home page will look much like ours until a couple of updates are pushed out. Samsung delayed the launch of the G-Tab 2's because of ICS issues and they are much simpler devices. I don’t think the grass will be greener on the other side, just different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this post sums up my feelings nicely!
Jobiza said:
I don't care how good the specs on sgs3 are, this phone is so amazing. And damn i love the fact that this phone is a mystery still. I love this thing already, but updates will probably be something out of this world. Galaxy S3 will just get stuck to tw5 unlike htc One x will get sense 4.1+
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have absolutely no proof of any of this.
abc27 said:
Who said anything about build quality?
Who wants to hold a phone they paid €500-€600 for that feels the exact same as a €39 entry-level phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people just don't care. I am all for the One X as I'll be picking one up soon, but saying things like "it won't be updated blah blah" when you really have no idea is just stupid.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Loved my SGS2 but disliked TW. Sense > TW. If they have a complete revamp on TW5 then might consider. What if the next Galaxy line is WP8? Just imagine the stir caused lol.
Patiently waiting to see what the next range will have to offer guess we'll see a SGS2+ to compete with One S and a bigger brother to compete with One X.
Guessing SGS3 will be quad based on the 4412, 1-2gb of RAM, 4.65" screen Super AMOLED Plus HD, thinner than the One X, battery life that will excel, NFC, coating that is water proof.
Who knows.... love my HOX for the time being!
No, no and NO!!!
I don't believe in madly chasing technology jumping from one device to the next just because of better hardware specs. Actual device capability, and not on-paper specs, should be the reason for an upgrade (IMHO). I don't understand why would I ever want to return my One X (not that I can even if I wanted to ).
Reasons:
I LOVE the display. Cannot emphasize this more. Even if SIII has a full HD display, it would not make me love this display any less.
Form factor: The screen size, thinness, curves, surface finish - in short, everything about the One X body feels perfect to me.
Rational thinking. There's no app out there in the market (nor there will be in the next year or two) that the One X cannot run (based on capability, not compatibility). Even if SIII has a much faster processor, the One X is already so fast that the difference would be marginal, barely noticeable, if at all.
Now, why would I ever give up my One X?

[Discussion] Galaxy Nexus vs Nexus 4 - which would you choose today, and why?

I have an opportunity to get a 16GB Galaxy Nexus BNIB (brand new in box), literally never opened or used, for what I consider to be a really good price at this point given the age of the device. I know that as of a few days ago Google posted the 4.3 factory Android image for the Galaxy Nexus and I've been reading up on how it seems to have breathed new life into the previous flagship device for the Nexus smartphone series.
Now, with yesterday's price drop on the Nexus 4 I have to say I'm on the fence as of this moment. I'm not absolutely sure which one to get given I know the Nexus 4 will be $250 (plus tax/shipping, so about $283 and change according to Google Play), and I can get the Galaxy Nexus for $150 - no it's not some online deal, no it's not on eBay, no I can't point you to where they're that cheap, it's literally a one-time thing from a friend that worked for Google last summer and was given the GN and he never even bothered to open it (he's an iPhone person).
I guess I should say that I'm fully aware of the community of support for the Galaxy Nexus, it's huge and it continues to grow even in spite of the age of the device. It's probably only bested these days by the still awesome community of support for the HTC HD2, probably my fave device ever but that one has long since gone off my radar.
So to make a long blah blah blah help me make a decision post short, here's the real question:
If you had the chance to get a Nexus 4 16GB for $250-ish, today, or a Galaxy Nexus 16GB for $150, today, brand new never opened never touched used etc, which would you choose, and if you can say why then say why.
I'm honestly leaning towards the Galaxy Nexus for several reasons:
- I like the build better and the curved aspect of the shape/display
- I'm not a big fan of the backside glass on the Nexus 4 even in spite of it being Gorilla Glass
- the Galaxy Nexus obviously has pretty much the same or similar features as the Nexus 4 overall (meaning from a functionality standpoint)
- the Super AMOLED display (which with this one I'm considering being brand spankin' new means it doesn't have any burn-in whatsoever which does happen with AMOLED displays; I had a Galaxy S Captivate that after 1.5 years finally started showing the burn-in consistently)
- the removable battery which is probably the biggest most amazing plus of all for the Galaxy Nexus
- the pogo dock (using the contacts on the side) for the Galaxy Nexus (I know it's just for audio and charging but even so it saves wear and tear on the microUSB port (yes I'm aware it's insanely expensive but whatever)
and some other reasons as well but that covers it. So, is the Nexus 4 with a slightly increased resolution (1280x768 vs the GN at 1280x720), the quad core CPU (which isn't a big selling point to me, really), and whatever else it features that much of a better buy over the Galaxy Nexus I'm considering?
One thing that worried me about getting a Galaxy Nexus at this point would have been the age, and the wear on the internal Flash-RAM since it doesn't support a microSD card. I know that with Android 4.3 now available and TRIM finally in action, that's part of why some people are saying their Galaxy Nexus devices are "like new again" because TRIM is cleaning things up - with this brand new never used Galaxy Nexus I could buy, it would be even better and last longer because again a) it's never been used and b) I'd put 4.3 on it within an hour of opening the box, so that's a win-win if I've ever had one.
Anyway, I am seriously curious what other people might thing, so instead of asking this in the Nexus 4 forum where people would probably just flat out call me insane to want a Galaxy Nexus over that device, I figured I'd propose the question here where the Galaxy Nexus community lives.
What say you... the Galaxy Nexus brand new for $150 or the Nexus 4 for $250-ish. I really can't commit to either at this moment so I'm still on the fence.
Regarding 4G:
The 4G aspect potential for the Nexus 4 which I know can be put to use (I use the T-Mobile $30/month plan and I'm in Las Vegas where T-Mobile has outstanding coverage now) is not a consideration as I don't care about 4G at all, period, to any degree whatsoever. Obviously the Galaxy Nexus can't support that at all, but it is HSPA+ capable and again, T-Mobile here in Las Vegas has outstanding coverage so in that respect, from the actual provider perspective, the Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus 4 are the same for my intents and purposes.
The potential 4G capability of the Nexus 4 is therefore irrelevant and not a "buying point" for me at all. Just wanted to make that aspect clear in my considerations.
Thanks.
Nexus 4. I love my Gnex but for the price it will last you much longer. The Gnex although going strong is starting to show its age. And with the N4 soooo cheap I'd say go for it.
if you're getting a new phone, get the nexus 4. the extra $100 is worth it.
Guess I missed another aspect of the Galaxy Nexus that I am interested in:
Ubuntu Touch development uses the Galaxy Nexus pretty much as the reference device in terms of smartphones, and I would love to be able to do some work with that too, so that's another plus towards the GN.
Hrmmm... I see that they're working with the Nexus 4 as well, go figure.
br0adband said:
Guess I missed another aspect of the Galaxy Nexus that I am interested in:
Ubuntu Touch development uses the Galaxy Nexus pretty much as the reference device in terms of smartphones, and I would love to be able to do some work with that too, so that's another plus towards the GN.
Hrmmm... I see that they're working with the Nexus 4 as well, go figure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still, you should go for the N4. Even if the Gnex is going strong now it is not going to last forever. It's slow dual core (compared to the new CPUs), slow GPU and 1 gb of ram are already showing their age. Combine that with the already leaving devs and google's now-crap-support and you should have enough reasons to buy an N4.
PS: I love my gnex but if I had the option to buy an N4 or even the N5, which is coming soon, I'd go for the new one
I'm still sad that I got the GNex last August when the N4 was right around the corner for the same price. It has me salivating for an N5 in a couple months!
I recently was in the same situation but was looking at a used Nexus 4 at the time and went with the Galaxy.
What should you do? Well, I think its more of what do you want to do with your phone.
I don't play games that are very demanding on a phone (if any), I mostly use it to browse sites / message when I'm away from a PC.
So for what I need the GNex does it fine.
If you want more power, well this price drop should effect the value of other second hand phones and you could get something better then the N4. (or a cheaper the new N4)
I've still not found a way to keep enough available memory so that my services don't eventually go into restarting loops, necessitating a reboot. My wife just got a GS4 with 2GB of ram (same amount as the N4), and it's much nicer. Haven't seen it pause for 5 seconds to reload the home screen widgets and icons when exiting the browser, that's for sure.
I think everyone with gnex should w8 until nexus 5 come out.
N4 isnt the Upgrade we're all looking for. Performance on gnex is still decent, sure getting aged a bit but still enough to handle everything for our daily needs.
I agree with the memory point, 1 gig isn't enough anymore these days. You simply getting redraws all the time using facebook or chrome.
For me it's gnex, lg can't make quality phones. Besides, the nexus 4 doesn't have lte either, so it doesn't worth "upgrading". But if buying a new phone, I think nexus 4 is better since price wise they are same, why not the newer one.
If you can wait till Nexus 5 but Nexus 4 is much smoother in every aspect. Yes 4.3 made my GN smoother but it even boosted Nexus 4 performance as well.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4
Nexus 4 has the better GPU. So I'd choose that.
Get the N4, future proof with 1.8GB of RAM. The 700 on GN is getting cramped. That's the only reason I sold mine last week for surprisingly good 200€ (was without any sings of usage though) and ordered a 250€ 16GB N4 on Play Store via German VPN, so with shipping and all that it'll be 265€ (ordered 2, we're splitting costs).
So you'll be off basically even cheaper. If you worry about the glass back, get a dBrand back sticker, looks great and protects the device.
If the Nexus 4 is still available by the end of the year, i'll get that one (Google recently chopped off 100 Euros off of the price of the N4).
I love my GNex and will most likely not sell it because it has been a very solid performer that still gets the job done.
I don't care all that much for gaming and the like, but the increase in raw processing-power and the amount fo RAM are what does it for me.
Of course, the user-replaceable battery on the GNex is a big plus, but the problem is, that in the future we are going to have to live with built-in batteries (I don't like it either, but that's the way things are looking at the moment).
Strongly considering selling my 2012 nexus 7 and then paying cash for the rest to get the 8gb nexus 4. Its such a good deal at $199.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4
madd0g said:
So you'll be off basically even cheaper. If you worry about the glass back, get a dBrand back sticker, looks great and protects the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had never seen or heard of those, but that yellow one is awesome (big fan of yellow and black schemes here), thanks for the info.
I'm still on the fence, remarkably, but I think I'm leaning more towards the Nexus 4 at the moment since I do want to participate in that Ubuntu Touch testing and development. The increased horsepower of the Nexus 4 (quad core, 2GB of RAM, etc) just make it the better device even in spite of me ending up paying almost twice as much (since the GN for me would be $150 brand new as noted). And according to that spreadsheet they use for tracking progress, it's the only device that currently is fully functional as far as the aspects they've worked on (Bluetooth doesn't work on anything of course, and some other hardware like the gyroscope, etc hasn't even started development yet).
Decisions, decisions...
I really hate N4... So I choose my Galaxy Nexus....
Nexus 4 no doubt.It has better battery..more rams mean more speed , not to mention the better gpu.And with google chopped off 100 bucks of its price itll be a good deal for you mate.
Sent from my SMART Galaxy S4 i9500 via Tapatalk 2
was going to get an iphone 5 instead of my nexus , but after i knew google dropped down the price on the nexus 4 , i think i will get that ,, what do u think guys ??
Nexus 4, if I can choose straightly without losing anything.
I would replace my GNex for Nexus 4 if I no need to add something else. I know it's impossible.
However, GNex is really an amazing device. Gonna use it for another year and I'll see what's next.

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