Upgrade Suggestions - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Although my nexus is only about 2 years old, in this day and age, it feels like it's getting outdated and old. I'm starting to get an itch to upgrade my GNex phone and wouldn't mind a few suggestions. My GNex is the first smartphone that I really started to use it as a information consumption device to browse the web, read articles and play games on. As such I've found I do spend a lot of time on it. The things that bother me most are as follows:
1. Poor battery life - even with the 2000mah samsung battery, this hardly gets me through a day without plugging it in somewhere (I don't like carrying extra batteries or a portable battery)
2. Speakers - hardly audible loudspeaker to watch any videos or youtube
3. Screen brightness - I'd say this is acceptable but not as good as it could be
4. Touchscreen responsiveness - not really jittery or lag as that was fixed with jelly bean, but the touchscreen does lag compared to an iphone. I'm not sure if that's just and android or a hardware issue
Things I do like about my Nexus
1. Stock android - for quick updates and no bloatware
2. Formfactor - I think the size is about right, I can do with a bit larger screen like the S4 but not as big as a samsung galaxy note. I want to still be able to put the phone in my back pocket.
Things that I don't really care for
1. Removable battery - I don't see myself ever taking another battery with me
2. Removable microSD card - My 16gb is fine, I never store large videos or files in my phone
3. Camera - Decent pictures are fine, I don't use the camera for anything other than posting or record photos...
4. Super high end build quality - Metal back, glass, anodized aluminum... it's nice but not necessary and doesn't really sway in my decisions
So for those of you who have used other phones, are you able to give some advice in comparison relative to the GNex. I was thinking of the samsung galaxy s4, but wasn't so sure how the battery life compares given it has a faster processor and bigger screen as well as how different the touchwiz is. The LG G2 looks promising too with the 3000mah battery, but I'm hearing mixed reviews with the software and weird button layout.
Any other suggestions on phones... I haven't looked at any of the sony line up or the HTC. If anyone has any first hand experience it would be great, especially from a GNex user.

I would hold out for the N5. I'm unfortunately on Verizon, and as of 2 weeks ago, not a single phone looks appealing to me. I wish my contract was up soon so I could get an N4 on T-MO for the time being. The HTC One is a very good phone also from what I've seen.

I might get chewed up with this comment but....
I too have been itching for an upgrade and I share similar grievances , however I've more or less made up my mind.
Likely candidate: iPhone 5S
I'm ready to jump onto the bandwagon. I've had android phones for as long as I can remember so it's definitely not bias. My reasons for choosing an iPhone over another android device are simple. I absolutely hate the build quality on most of the newer flagship android headsets...traditional plastic. Ever since the iPhone 4, apple has been paying a little more attention to build quality. Since I'm paying ~$700 on a headset anyways, I'll go for an arguably better build quality.
I don't care much for the fingerprint sensor but the new camera features are pretty nice such as 120fps @ 720p stopped down to 24 in post makes for a nice slow motion effect. I used to own a Canon 5D Mark III but had to depart from it for financial reasons and I really enjoyed photography while I owned it. I'd love to pursue that hobby again with the iPhones larger aperture and stabilization. Granted the image quality will be much more inferior to a professional DSLR, I'm sure I can get a good kick out of the improved camera.
Then, I own an iPad and I gotta say I fell in love with iOS 7's new UI design. Many critics call it confusing and childish but I think it's a right step away from leather and brushed steel textures as well as bubbly icons. As I've owned android headsets for a long time, iOS just seems like a welcomed change.
Lastly, I built my own Hackintosh last year after selling my MBP in pursuit of more processing power without the sacrifice of a limb for an apple workstation. As I run OSX on this PC, and having an iPad, my phone stands out as the odd one out. I'd like to reduce fragmentation amongst my devices.
I could care less for a 5" screen that android devices are pumping out, I don't care for the future hexa and octa core phones, and in all honestly...I'm done dealing with roots, custom ROMs and radios. No body forced me to do it sure, that's a valid point but being a college student, flashing is an addiction I can no longer fulfill. I just need something that works.

If you want to be shackled to the itunes then go for an iPhone 5S otherwise get the cheapest, value for money device the N5, which has an equivalent performance of the A7 plus the Nexus gives you a straight 2 updates insurance/ or whatever you may call, with the best dev community !
I'd be getting myself an N5, skipped the N4 for it !

iPhone 5s or N5, all the rest are inferior now, the N5 will have similar benchmarks to iPhone 5s , quad core, octocore means nothing if its not optimized an android chews the CPU an ram way more than iOS that's why apple doesn't need it, like you said roms an all that are pointless unless you have older device that Google has dropped from official updates, nothing beats latest official stock updates.
I still choose the N5 over the iPhone 5s though with its 13mp camera ect.

Ashtrix said:
If you want to be shackled to the itunes then go for an iPhone 5S otherwise get the cheapest, value for money device the N5, which has an equivalent performance of the A7 plus the Nexus gives you a straight 2 updates insurance/ or whatever you may call, with the best dev community !
I'd be getting myself an N5, skipped the N4 for it !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being "shackled" to iTunes is not exactly a life sentence. I don't see many drawbacks/differences than with android. Then, perhaps because I've been spoiled by the Nexus, but the 2 "guaranteed" updates me a nothing to me now...I don't get on-board with the hype trains that haunt said updates.
---------- Post added at 08:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:03 AM ----------
fux0r99 said:
iPhone 5s or N5, all the rest are inferior now, the N5 will have similar benchmarks to iPhone 5s , quad core, octocore means nothing if its not optimized an android chews the CPU an ram way more than iOS that's why apple doesn't need it, like you said roms an all that are pointless unless you have older device that Google has dropped from official updates, nothing beats latest official stock updates.
I still choose the N5 over the iPhone 5s though with its 13mp camera ect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed with pretty much everything except the camera. Having more megapixels can be nice for cropping but the quality does not increase. Chances are you won't be sharing 13MP photos either. What matters most is the the sensor size, and at this time and age pretty much all mobile sensors are identical specially in low light sensitivity. Aperture is another important aspect when it comes to photography, and there really isn't much you can do with a mobile lens to actually call it a "revolutionary" improvement.

I'm waiting for the N5. It shouldn't be much longer. 2 months MAX.
I'd love to get the Note 3 but the N5 price will be hard to beat since I am on a prepaid plan.

N5 Man
I have to agree with most people so far and say to wait until the N5 will be released. There will be a ton of original dev on that device for sure.

Go with your heart.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

If I were on Verizon right now I would go with the LG G2 or the Droid Maxx. But I would wait for the Nexus 5 and see what that brings.

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.

Confessions of a young Fanboy

Hello XDA Community,
I got my first smartphone in middle school. It was my first phone. The T-Mobile Shadow (Windows Mobile). I was 13 then. Now I'm 18, and in College. I spent my free time in doing the easy mods the community created. I got the MyTouch 3g as soon as it came out and started flashing roms. Then, the Nexus One came out and I immediately came up with a scheme to convince my sister to take my old phone so I could get the Nexus One. Anyways, I got it in 10th grade and life was sweet. I was happy. I became a "crack flasher". So I had the phone for a while and decided then to get the Galaxy S3.
As for the Galaxy S3...
I don't know about this phone. I've had it for less then a year. Obviously, I became an HTC fanboy growing up with HTC phones. My friends all got HTC phones. We all flashed roms and enjoyed ourselves. But when this phone came out, I had to make a hard decision. The removable battery, expandable storage (and T-Mobile availability) made it a good choice. It was unlike the HTC One X in those regards. (My friend got that phone) The HTC One just came out. I want it now.
Why?
Well I suppose I'm not that happy with the S3. I got a 64gb micro sd for it. I thought I could replace my ipod. I was so wrong. I hate all of the music players on Android. I regard music too highly to be happy with the Android music experience. Anyways, that's not going to change with any new Android phone. I've learned to live with that. The screen is nice, but it doesn't compare to other displays I've seen. I guess it's because I keep the DPI kind of low and expect crispness? The LG Nexus 4 has an amazing screen also and works very well. The biggest thing though, that I really dislike about this phone, is the build quality. I hate the plastic feeling. I hate the gloss and fingerprints. It feels so cheap. And, the UI isn't even liquid smooth. I've flashed a lot. I guess I'm comparing it to the Nexus 4 now, as I've played with that a bit. I've got very close to really quick, but I'm not satisfied. I paid a lot of money and invested my hopes in this technology but I'm not pleased.
I've found that throughout the time I've owned this phone, I've thought a lot of different things. I've considered Windows Phone, Blackberry, and even iPhone, just because I want something sexy that works well. But I'm an Android man.
I don't know if this is because deep down, I'm an HTC fanboy. Or if it's because I'm a Google fanboy and love Nexus phones (or a combination?). i hate these second thoughts I'm getting after such a long time of having the phone. It's not long enough to justify an upgrade. Am I cursed with being unimpressed forever growing up with so many innovations around me?
Do share your thoughts for me on this. I just wanted to share,
Cheers,
ywindlass
Tl;dr
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
We all have our wish lists for that single, perfect phone. I know I certainly do. Whether it's the IPhone's/HTC's/Sony's great hardware/build quality, or the pure Android experience offered with Nexus, or Samsung's wide array of software features/apps, the "perfect" one.
I love technology and I love my smartphone. I love rooting, flashing, trying out a thousand different things on my phone. But why should I care about it (the smartphone) so much? Of course I have invested lots of money into my smartphone, but it's not healthy to be consumed so much by smartphone. I know I'm going a bit off-topic, but really I'm just trying to tell you, just get a phone for what it really was for, to call, to text. I know apps are so convenient nowadays because we have everything in a device, but sometimes it's not bad to do it old-fashioned.
Get a phone that you will use now and a while. Get a phone that can serve its purpose. While a phone may have many features or many apps, I highly doubt a student or a professional will find use for it every single hour of the day. Most of us I assume probably aren't developers, and even as hobbies, it shouldn't consume much time.
GG2012 said:
We all have our wish lists for that single, perfect phone. I know I certainly do. Whether it's the IPhone's/HTC's/Sony's great hardware/build quality, or the pure Android experience offered with Nexus, or Samsung's wide array of software features/apps, the "perfect" one.
I love technology and I love my smartphone. I love rooting, flashing, trying out a thousand different things on my phone. But why should I care about it (the smartphone) so much? Of course I have invested lots of money into my smartphone, but it's not healthy to be consumed so much by smartphone. I know I'm going a bit off-topic, but really I'm just trying to tell you, just get a phone for what it really was for, to call, to text. I know apps are so convenient nowadays because we have everything in a device, but sometimes it's not bad to do it old-fashioned.
Get a phone that you will use now and a while. Get a phone that can serve its purpose. While a phone may have many features or many apps, I highly doubt a student or a professional will find use for it every single hour of the day. Most of us I assume probably aren't developers, and even as hobbies, it shouldn't consume much time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is by far the best advice I have seen on xda ...ever.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
ywindlass said:
Hello XDA Community,
I got my first smartphone in middle school. It was my first phone. The T-Mobile Shadow (Windows Mobile). I was 13 then. Now I'm 18, and in College. I spent my free time in doing the easy mods the community created. I got the MyTouch 3g as soon as it came out and started flashing roms. Then, the Nexus One came out and I immediately came up with a scheme to convince my sister to take my old phone so I could get the Nexus One. Anyways, I got it in 10th grade and life was sweet. I was happy. I became a "crack flasher". So I had the phone for a while and decided then to get the Galaxy S3.
As for the Galaxy S3...
I don't know about this phone. I've had it for less then a year. Obviously, I became an HTC fanboy growing up with HTC phones. My friends all got HTC phones. We all flashed roms and enjoyed ourselves. But when this phone came out, I had to make a hard decision. The removable battery, expandable storage (and T-Mobile availability) made it a good choice. It was unlike the HTC One X in those regards. (My friend got that phone) The HTC One just came out. I want it now.
Why?
Well I suppose I'm not that happy with the S3. I got a 64gb micro sd for it. I thought I could replace my ipod. I was so wrong. I hate all of the music players on Android. I regard music too highly to be happy with the Android music experience. Anyways, that's not going to change with any new Android phone. I've learned to live with that. The screen is nice, but it doesn't compare to other displays I've seen. I guess it's because I keep the DPI kind of low and expect crispness? The LG Nexus 4 has an amazing screen also and works very well. The biggest thing though, that I really dislike about this phone, is the build quality. I hate the plastic feeling. I hate the gloss and fingerprints. It feels so cheap. And, the UI isn't even liquid smooth. I've flashed a lot. I guess I'm comparing it to the Nexus 4 now, as I've played with that a bit. I've got very close to really quick, but I'm not satisfied. I paid a lot of money and invested my hopes in this technology but I'm not pleased.
I've found that throughout the time I've owned this phone, I've thought a lot of different things. I've considered Windows Phone, Blackberry, and even iPhone, just because I want something sexy that works well. But I'm an Android man.
I don't know if this is because deep down, I'm an HTC fanboy. Or if it's because I'm a Google fanboy and love Nexus phones (or a combination?). i hate these second thoughts I'm getting after such a long time of having the phone. It's not long enough to justify an upgrade. Am I cursed with being unimpressed forever growing up with so many innovations around me?
Do share your thoughts for me on this. I just wanted to share,
Cheers,
ywindlass
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Back when you were content with your phone(s), things were growing much slower than they are now. At the current rate that phones are being released, it's guaranteed that there will be a new and better phone that you will want within the first year. Companies don't want you to be content with a phone for too long. I bet Samsung has better features right now that could have been added to the s4, but they want to save those for the s5.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
I agree on almost all of your points. I've had my share of android phones (G1, Moto Charm, G2x, and now Galaxy S3) and I'm beginning to become disappointed with the experience of this phone compared to that of a newer android device or even an iPhone and it's been only 8 months since I've purchased it. I don't quite agree with you on the music issue as I'm a music junkie myself with a 7 gig library but poweramp has transformed my android music listening experience into a great one.
Back to the S3, I've found that the battery life and build quality have been very sub par for me. Plus the pentile display is nothing to rave about either. Being only a sophomore in high school and tied to my family's family plan on T-Mobile, I really don't have an option to switch. I desperately want a Note 2 or Nexus 4 but financially I'm screwed. Even with the Nexus 4's low price I'd have to wait for the rumored 32gb version for storage reasons but that'd set me back $400 for shipping and tax. The S3 isn't even worth that anymore used.
All in all, I feel as if I should've waited for the Note 2 or Nexus 4 before getting the S3. Don't get me wrong, it's an awesome device that's suits all of my needs fine but there are definitely better choices out there from the perspective of a critical tech junkie such as myself.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
You can see the phones I've had in my signature, all 3 Nokias were indestructible...the old flip phone, I threw it at a wall and it exploded into a million pieces, put it back together and the thing still works...man they really knew how to build phones...
The Nexus One was a great phone. I had to drop it and break the internal screen (oddly enough the outer glass didn't crack at all.). But it felt great in my hand, it was very solid and built well.
The Nexus S was kind of disappointing I have to say...Almost completely the same specs and I felt it wasn't built as well. I sold it for my GS-II
That stupid thing was the retarded stepchild of the S-II fleet...the poor developers were stuck with GB while T-Mobile picked its ass holding back all the updates. ****ty screen for sure, visible display flaws, poor PPI, cheap feeling...I never wanted to get a Samsung again. But I did...
The S-III was a huge improvement to say the least...I'm very satisfied with it. It does feel cheaper than say my old N1, but I think it feels a lot better than the NS or t989. Honestly with a screen protector and an otterbox commuter case, it's just fine. And as long as I have my Cyanogenmod, I don't care what software the thing comes with . Barring anything crazy coming out anytime soon, I don't see myself getting another phone until this falls apart.
In my eyes, as cliche as it may be, since my most important factors are Cyanogenmod and otterbox (or equivalent) case availability, all I care about are the specs. I sure hope screens stop ****in growing though...this one is almost too big as it is...
BTW: I sold my t989 on eBay for $350, all I had to do was unlock the thing, instantly increases it's value by a good $150. Always unlock your phone before you sell it, it will sell for much more.
nyyankees1237 said:
I agree on almost all of your points. I've had my share of android phones (G1, Moto Charm, G2x, and now Galaxy S3) and I'm beginning to become disappointed with the experience of this phone compared to that of a newer android device or even an iPhone and it's been only 8 months since I've purchased it. I don't quite agree with you on the music issue as I'm a music junkie myself with a 7 gig library but poweramp has transformed my android music listening experience into a great one.
Back to the S3, I've found that the battery life and build quality have been very sub par for me. Plus the pentile display is nothing to rave about either. Being only a sophomore in high school and tied to my family's family plan on T-Mobile, I really don't have an option to switch. I desperately want a Note 2 or Nexus 4 but financially I'm screwed. Even with the Nexus 4's low price I'd have to wait for the rumored 32gb version for storage reasons but that'd set me back $400 for shipping and tax. The S3 isn't even worth that anymore used.
All in all, I feel as if I should've waited for the Note 2 or Nexus 4 before getting the S3. Don't get me wrong, it's an awesome device that's suits all of my needs fine but there are definitely better choices out there from the perspective of a critical tech junkie such as myself.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Referring to the music, my library exceeds 30 gigs and I've just found it irritating to sync and manage. Not a huge issue though. I think we're on the same page though. I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks that way about the device. The thing is that I can get the HTC One spending all of my current savings, but then of course that means no new phone in the coming months. And Later this year there are just too many rumors about this "X Phone" and the new nexus... Idk.
zander21510 said:
In my eyes, as cliche as it may be, since my most important factors are Cyanogenmod and otterbox (or equivalent) case availability, all I care about are the specs. I sure hope screens stop ****in growing though...this one is almost too big as it is...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see where you're coming from. I got a huge Seido case for my S3, and then took it off after about a month. I dropped it afterwards (about 9 feet onto my subwoofer, long story) and nothing happened luckily. I like it better without a case. I guess looks would be a smaller factor then. Maybe, I should just snap that huge case back on and try to hold out until the holiday season... Idk lol. Thanks for the reply. :good:
I agree, I'll wait for the next nexus or galaxy note 3 with some saved money.
Perfect phone for me though:
High quality metal build (aluminum perhaps)
1080p 5+inch screen
3000mah+ battery
2ghz quadcore processor
2gb+ ram
Micro SD card slot
64gb+ internal storage
Stock android (for nexus updates)
8+ megapixel camera
Front facing speakers
Not insanely expensive lol
A guy could dream. Can anyone get it right?
ywindlass said:
Hello XDA Community,
I got my first smartphone in middle school. It was my first phone. The T-Mobile Shadow (Windows Mobile). I was 13 then. Now I'm 18, and in College. I spent my free time in doing the easy mods the community created. I got the MyTouch 3g as soon as it came out and started flashing roms. Then, the Nexus One came out and I immediately came up with a scheme to convince my sister to take my old phone so I could get the Nexus One. Anyways, I got it in 10th grade and life was sweet. I was happy. I became a "crack flasher". So I had the phone for a while and decided then to get the Galaxy S3.
As for the Galaxy S3...
I don't know about this phone. I've had it for less then a year. Obviously, I became an HTC fanboy growing up with HTC phones. My friends all got HTC phones. We all flashed roms and enjoyed ourselves. But when this phone came out, I had to make a hard decision. The removable battery, expandable storage (and T-Mobile availability) made it a good choice. It was unlike the HTC One X in those regards. (My friend got that phone) The HTC One just came out. I want it now.
Why?
Well I suppose I'm not that happy with the S3. I got a 64gb micro sd for it. I thought I could replace my ipod. I was so wrong. I hate all of the music players on Android. I regard music too highly to be happy with the Android music experience. Anyways, that's not going to change with any new Android phone. I've learned to live with that. The screen is nice, but it doesn't compare to other displays I've seen. I guess it's because I keep the DPI kind of low and expect crispness? The LG Nexus 4 has an amazing screen also and works very well. The biggest thing though, that I really dislike about this phone, is the build quality. I hate the plastic feeling. I hate the gloss and fingerprints. It feels so cheap. And, the UI isn't even liquid smooth. I've flashed a lot. I guess I'm comparing it to the Nexus 4 now, as I've played with that a bit. I've got very close to really quick, but I'm not satisfied. I paid a lot of money and invested my hopes in this technology but I'm not pleased.
I've found that throughout the time I've owned this phone, I've thought a lot of different things. I've considered Windows Phone, Blackberry, and even iPhone, just because I want something sexy that works well. But I'm an Android man.
I don't know if this is because deep down, I'm an HTC fanboy. Or if it's because I'm a Google fanboy and love Nexus phones (or a combination?). i hate these second thoughts I'm getting after such a long time of having the phone. It's not long enough to justify an upgrade. Am I cursed with being unimpressed forever growing up with so many innovations around me?
Do share your thoughts for me on this. I just wanted to share,
Cheers,
ywindlass
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Companies are getting us used to crave new things within very short periods of time, an example of this is the fact that new phones, tablets or any kind of electronics pop every 4 to 6 months, which is done to satisfy our non-basic needs of always having the latest gadgets, and to create more profits or economic growth for the typical capitalist corporations. We've been spoiled to have new tech very fast, which is in a way bad as this craving (or addiction?) can easily go out control and we can be left bored with very new gadgets in our hands or even go into debt t o satisfy this craving for more. This spoiling behavior makes us feel the need to want more or not to be satisfied with what we have and we can quickly become slaves of technology if we dive too deep into it, hence what you are feeling when you say that you are growing unimpressed with so many innovations or not satisfied or please with the current technology. Perhaps I'm going a bit of topic, but is worth to be aware where we stand as consumers and the invisible ways corporations play with our "addictions" or "needs" for the latest.
I love the looks of both the Nexus 4 and the HTC one better than my Galaxy S3, but no removeable battery and no expandable memory? Get serious? I can deal with a plasic back, the price I paid tells me it's not cheap! Anyways, I don't agree with anything else you said. This phone was awesomly fast out of the box and now I have a custom ROM that even improved on that. Plus, I prefer Samoleds although I admit Samsung could do better. A 1080p screen with Super Amoled + with a different pentile arrangement would be nice. My next phone is most likely to be the Note 3, Samsung is just at the edge of innovation right now, too much so for me not to buy. Can't wait!
nyyankees1237 said:
A guy could dream. Can anyone get it right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say my dream phone would be:
-1080p 4.75in (no bigger, no smaller) super-fancy spaceage whatever screen that can actually get its brightness as low as possible at night, and stays clear and readable in direct sunlight...
-1.5ghz+ ultra-energy efficient 4+ core processor.
-2GB+ RAM
-Micro SD card
-16+ GB internal storage
-Removable back cover and battery
-NFC, Barometer, compass, so many sensors I can start a weatherstation lol.
-Vibration with adjustable intensity from barely felt to earthquake magnitude.
-Latest Cyanogenmod stock, with options to auto-update to stable, M, or nightly releases (a guy can dream...)
-A rear camera that can shoot 1080P video and instant-shutter, no noise high quality pictures, and a front camera capable of doing an HD Skype call.
-2 front-firing speakers (one on bottom, one on top that doubles as earpiece); a rear-facing mic for the camera, and a bottom-facing mic for phone calls
-Capacative buttons underneath screen (menu, home, back in that order)
-24-hour runtime battery
-Body of carbon fiber (the durabilty of plastic with the feel of metal)
-Super gorilla glass whatever that can withstand a 5-foot face-down drop.
I would pay a good $450 for that phone.
Can't forget the holographic keyboard.
Scores over 10,000 on quadrant, I saw a stock HTC one today score 9133 on quadrant running stock 4.1.2. That was impressive.
I like your dream phone.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
zander21510 said:
I would say my dream phone would be:
-1080p 4.75in (no bigger, no smaller) super-fancy spaceage whatever screen that can actually get its brightness as low as possible at night, and stays clear and readable in direct sunlight...
-1.5ghz+ ultra-energy efficient 4+ core processor.
-2GB+ RAM
-Micro SD card
-16+ GB internal storage
-Removable back cover and battery
-NFC, Barometer, compass, so many sensors I can start a weatherstation lol.
-Vibration with adjustable intensity from barely felt to earthquake magnitude.
-Latest Cyanogenmod stock, with options to auto-update to stable, M, or nightly releases (a guy can dream...)
-A rear camera that can shoot 1080P video and instant-shutter, no noise high quality pictures, and a front camera capable of doing an HD Skype call.
-2 front-firing speakers (one on bottom, one on top that doubles as earpiece); a rear-facing mic for the camera, and a bottom-facing mic for phone calls
-Capacative buttons underneath screen (menu, home, back in that order)
-24-hour runtime battery
-Body of carbon fiber (the durabilty of plastic with the feel of metal)
-Super gorilla glass whatever that can withstand a 5-foot face-down drop.
I would pay a good $450 for that phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll take two! Haha
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
The power of a desktop computer, specifically i7 3770k, gtx 580 sli x3, 24gb ram, 256gb sd, all in a sexy Nokia n9 form, running windows 8.
Thats my dream phone. Seems realistic enough.
---------- Post added at 11:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:22 PM ----------
ywindlass said:
Hello XDA Community,
I got my first smartphone in middle school. It was my first phone. The T-Mobile Shadow (Windows Mobile). I was 13 then. Now I'm 18, and in College. I spent my free time in doing the easy mods the community created. I got the MyTouch 3g as soon as it came out and started flashing roms. Then, the Nexus One came out and I immediately came up with a scheme to convince my sister to take my old phone so I could get the Nexus One. Anyways, I got it in 10th grade and life was sweet. I was happy. I became a "crack flasher". So I had the phone for a while and decided then to get the Galaxy S3.
As for the Galaxy S3...
I don't know about this phone. I've had it for less then a year. Obviously, I became an HTC fanboy growing up with HTC phones. My friends all got HTC phones. We all flashed roms and enjoyed ourselves. But when this phone came out, I had to make a hard decision. The removable battery, expandable storage (and T-Mobile availability) made it a good choice. It was unlike the HTC One X in those regards. (My friend got that phone) The HTC One just came out. I want it now.
Why?
Well I suppose I'm not that happy with the S3. I got a 64gb micro sd for it. I thought I could replace my ipod. I was so wrong. I hate all of the music players on Android. I regard music too highly to be happy with the Android music experience. Anyways, that's not going to change with any new Android phone. I've learned to live with that. The screen is nice, but it doesn't compare to other displays I've seen. I guess it's because I keep the DPI kind of low and expect crispness? The LG Nexus 4 has an amazing screen also and works very well. The biggest thing though, that I really dislike about this phone, is the build quality. I hate the plastic feeling. I hate the gloss and fingerprints. It feels so cheap. And, the UI isn't even liquid smooth. I've flashed a lot. I guess I'm comparing it to the Nexus 4 now, as I've played with that a bit. I've got very close to really quick, but I'm not satisfied. I paid a lot of money and invested my hopes in this technology but I'm not pleased.
I've found that throughout the time I've owned this phone, I've thought a lot of different things. I've considered Windows Phone, Blackberry, and even iPhone, just because I want something sexy that works well. But I'm an Android man.
I don't know if this is because deep down, I'm an HTC fanboy. Or if it's because I'm a Google fanboy and love Nexus phones (or a combination?). i hate these second thoughts I'm getting after such a long time of having the phone. It's not long enough to justify an upgrade. Am I cursed with being unimpressed forever growing up with so many innovations around me?
Do share your thoughts for me on this. I just wanted to share,
Cheers,
ywindlass
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
" I want something sexy that works well"
Get a cerulean n9. Though the s3 hardware is very much superior to the n9, the n9 just wins hands down IMHO.
I have both phone and u would pick the n9 over the s3 any day of I didn't water damage the power switch on my n9.. Grrr Seattle rain..
wardoc22 said:
The power of a desktop computer, specifically i7 3770k, gtx 580 sli x3, 24gb ram, 256gb sd, all in a sexy Nokia n9 form, running windows 8.
Thats my dream phone. Seems realistic enough.
---------- Post added at 11:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:22 PM ----------
" I want something sexy that works well"
Get a cerulean n9. Though the s3 hardware is very much superior to the n9, the n9 just wins hands down IMHO.
I have both phone and u would pick the n9 over the s3 any day of I didn't water damage the power switch on my n9.. Grrr Seattle rain..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those specs would definitely be amazing haha. But yeah, I did end up getting the HTC one, and I think I'm happier. I havent even rooted yet and I'm still content. It just works so well. Everything is so clean and sexy.
nyyankees1237 said:
I agree, I'll wait for the next nexus or galaxy note 3 with some saved money.
Perfect phone for me though:
High quality metal build (aluminum perhaps)
1080p 5+inch screen
3000mah+ battery
2ghz quadcore processor
2gb+ ram
Micro SD card slot
64gb+ internal storage
Stock android (for nexus updates)
8+ megapixel camera
Front facing speakers
Not insanely expensive lol
Perfect phone for me though:
A guy could dream. Can anyone get it right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By your specs, would the Google S4 be it?
BTW, my dream specs:
1080p 5+inch screen
3000mah+battery
2ghz quadcore processor
3gb ram
Micro SD card slot
128gb+internal storage
Stock android
12+MP camera
4+MP front camera
Wireless charging
Front facing speakers
FM radio (for my mom)
LTE
Inexpensive
wardoc22 said:
Grrr Seattle rain..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rain? Seattle? Pfft.....
Thetenthdr said:
Rain? Seattle? Pfft.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It rains here 24.7 in the winter.
Yes, yes it does.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

Confessions from a Nexus 5/former Galaxy Nexus User

When I got my Galaxy Nexus (GN) it was sheer happiness. I was using a legacy Nokia Symbian candy bar and this was my first foray into unmolested Android. While all was not perfect with the GN, I was still mostly pleased. Then the fateful day occurred when I dropped the GN a little too hard and the screen shattered even though the phone was protected by a Diztronic TPU case. I now needed a new phone, but I knew the Nexus 5 (N5) would be out soon, so I kept using my shattered GN until the N5 was available and when it arrived, I realized cracking my screen was a blessing in disguise.
Without further ado, my quick major comparisons to the GN:
The N5 is FAST. REALLY FAST. It makes my GN feel like an unfinished prototype/research model that should have never been brought to market.
The N5’s GPS locks on quickly. REALLY quickly. My GN could take a minute or more at times to get a lock and, by then, my wife, annoyed, would whip out her iPhone and tell me my phone sucks.
The N5 has “awesome battery life.” While its battery life is average in general, compared to the GN it is legendary. The GN’s screen and data connection would kill the battery and it would rarely last till the afternoon if I frequently used both. With the N5 I can make heavy use of my screen and data connection and my battery will likely last the day.
Qi support. This makes number 3 above even better and there’s no jamming of Micro-USB ports into the phone and hoping I didn’t have the port upside-down (particularly when it’s dark/at night). When I’m at my desk, my phone is always charging. When a call comes in, I simply pick up the phone and then put it back down to charge when I’m done—nothing to plug in/I’m untethered. When I leave my desk for an hour or three, I have no fear of using or pushing the phone as hard as I’d like as I know I’m probably fully charged, because the phone was sitting on the charger, and I’ll have more than enough battery life for whatever I might encounter. Qi is simply elegant and something the iPhone can’t do.
LTE. While I got decent “4G” speeds on the GN—around 8Mbps down—the 20+/30+Mbps I get now alongside far better PING times is a great improvement.
The N5 has almost zero lag. It’s really that fast. My GN was almost all lag. Project Butter improved things, but the GN still has lag all over the place. I’m sure the N5 will start to slow down as newer software makes greater demands of the hardware, but, for now, this thing flies.
If you’re still using a GN, stop. It sucks, particularly when compared to a modem smart phone. Get the N5 and stop having your wife/girlfriend tell you your phone sucks, because it does.
Cheers.
GN sucks? Off course if you are comparing it to a 2 year newer phone with much better specs... Compare the Galaxy Nexus with Galaxy S2 (similar hardware) or even with newer phones but without those overwhelming specs and GN still rocks.
Maybe not everyone is rich and can affort paying up to 300$ per 2 years for a new phone... We all know that Nexus 5 is better than Galaxy Nexus in everything, I would like to say "Thank you mr obvious".
The point is, I'm happy with my GN, it has poor batery, awful speaker sound and s*tty Wi-Fi antenna but aside that it is a great phone which doesn't lag at all if you equip it with a good kernel and a stable rom. Well, it lags in heavy games or apps but I'm sure a bad optimized app will also lag in the Nexus 5.
I agree with Rayaxe. Of course the Nexus 5 is a much better phone in every aspect, but why does that suddenly mean the Galaxy Nexus sucks?
And I can say, aside from games (I don't really play very demanding games, so I wouldn't know), my phone with KitKat and Mpokang flies. It hasn't lagged at all, not once, and I can multitask without problems (in 4.3 it was painful, compared to 4.4). So I also agree that with a good ROM and kernel that's not an issue.
I still want to get a Nexus 5 (which at the moment is a bit difficult for me, because of my country's massive currency devaluation), but certainly not because I got tired of my GN or feel that it's old/sucks, etc.
AnnS said:
I agree with Rayaxe. Of course the Nexus 5 is a much better phone in every aspect, but why does that suddenly mean the Galaxy Nexus sucks?
And I can say, aside from games (I don't really play very demanding games, so I wouldn't know), my phone with KitKat and Mpokang flies. It hasn't lagged at all, not once, and I can multitask without problems (in 4.3 it was painful, compared to 4.4). So I also agree that with a good ROM and kernel that's not an issue.
I still want to get a Nexus 5 (which at the moment is a bit difficult for me, because of my country's massive currency devaluation), but certainly not because I got tired of my GN or feel that it's old/sucks, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but the Galaxy Nexus does suck.
I'm agree with your comparison. Nexus 5 is much much better than GNex.
But I think it's rude to say GNex sucks.
When GNex just launched, it's also great, isn't it?
Nexus 5 will be in a same position I believe, when the newest Nexus will get launched in the year 2015!
I still love my GNex. Gonna use it for 1 more year.
My wife is still under GN contract and the GN is still nice and getting it done.
This is like the most stupid sentence you could write.
It's like, I remember, when the Game Boy Advance came out and in the shop where I went to buy it a guy told me for 10 minutes how it was the best console ever, how awsome it was etc.
Two years after the Game Boy SP came out and the same guy told me that this was the best console ever and blablabla.
I mean, it's obvious, the upgrade of a phone has to be better than the old version (if it wasn't what kind of upgrade would it be?!), but this doesn't mean that the previous version then sucks.
And maybe you were saying the same about the N1 when the GN came out...
Thank you all for the support of GNex in this forum. I have also switched to N5.
Are you serious? I have a newsflash for you: the Xbox one is better than the Xbox 360. This is just dumb to say dude, no offence. I still love my gnex, it rocks. Its flying and of course it wont play asphalt 8 on max. But its a 2 year old phone.. This is a stupid comparison and a bad conclusion. Sorry to say that.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium HD app
I think you should buy an I-Phone 5S
mrgnex said:
Are you serious? I have a newsflash for you: the Xbox one is better than the Xbox 360. This is just dumb to say dude, no offence. I still love my gnex, it rocks. Its flying and of course it wont play asphalt 8 on max. But its a 2 year old phone.. This is a stupid comparison and a bad conclusion. Sorry to say that.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
, I can play Asphalt 8 with graphics on Low without any lag (in medium it laggs a little bit) and I don't notice any difference in graphics (maybe some lights but irrelevant), the gameplay isn't affected even a bit so why should I care? I am not playing in a TV to tell the difference, in a small screen with a large resolution for its size (like GN) the graphics will always be good for the eye (at least for me and I'm not blind).
Asphalt 8 with Low Graphics > PSP Graphics... so, our Galaxy Nexus can preform really well in gaming, it's not that crap.
I think it's hypocritical to be a fan of the Nexus philosophy and upgrade every year cause of the specs. The original intent of the Nexus line was to show that it isn't about the hardware but the software ultimately delivers. That's why every Nexus phone up to the Gnex had subpar specs, and why people chose to buy Nexus devices cause of the philosophy. The only way I'm changing phones is when this one croaks and I haven't felt limited enough to ditch this phone for my uses. Especially over specs when realtime usage besides gaming is only milliseconds apart from $150 phone vs a $350-$700 phone. Anything, KitKat shows there's still potential to tap. Our brothers with the Nexus S, the HD2s would agree as much.
This thread is stupid. Gnex<3
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium HD app
lonestrider said:
I'm agree with your comparison. Nexus 5 is much much better than GNex.
But I think it's rude to say GNex sucks.
When GNex just launched, it's also great, isn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought this phone due to it's hype. And frankly the S2 I feel is a better phone till today. And from launch this phone had lag issues on ICS and also grainy displays.
Battery life was also rubbish from day 1. I didn't feel it back then because I had no data plan. Speaker is also another lousy aspect of this phone. I've also had stock 4.0.1 totally made me go into a bootloop.
I went through 2 screen replacements, a battery and motherboard replacement. And today my phone reboots after using 3-5 GB of space. Does it suck? I'm afraid it sucks hard.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
I came from an iPhone 4 to a gnex when it first launched, I have to say I loved the large screen of the gnex at first because iPhones always feel tiny an narrow in comparison an still do to this day but everything else sucked about gnex.
Wow. I didn’t expect all the negativity and blind support for the GN, but I’m glad to see many here also agree with my assessment of the GN’s performance. My intention wasn’t to create a “GN sucks” thread, but, rather, to share my experience as a GN owner and enlighten my fellow GN owners as to how taken aback I was and how much better the smartphone experience is with the N5. I didn’t realize how good Android could be/how poor of a performer the GN is until I received the N5. Yes, one should expect the latest and greatest to perform better than an older model, but I chose to share my experience with the community because I am a part of the community and I wanted my fellow GN owners to know how significant this was for me, a GN owner.
As for the GN zealots, I apologize if I insulted you—feel free to keep your legacy device/I won’t make further commentary on this—but, again, the smartphone experience of a GN, compared to the N5, well, sucks, and after using the N5 I feel I was fortunate to have the display of my GN crack. Maybe you’ll get lucky as well .
you're comparing the n5 to a 2-year old phone. of course it will suck in comparison to the n5. the n5 will probably suck in comparison to whatever device is released this time in 2015.
on a tangent, though, i really wish these phones wouldn't get so big. i'd actually like a high-end phone that's not 5" or some craziness like that. i really wouldn't want to have to get an iphone just to get a high-end phone that is around the size i prefer.
naturalblue said:
on a tangent, though, i really wish these phones wouldn't get so big. i'd actually like a high-end phone that's not 5" or some craziness like that. i really wouldn't want to have to get an iphone just to get a high-end phone that is around the size i prefer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I didn’t get the N5 I would have gotten the Moto X, which it probably as close as you’ll get to a modern Nexus with a smaller screen.

[Q] Buying LG G3

Hi,
Lately I've decided selling my iPhone and move to android.
After checking the top devices that android offers I had come up with 3: LG G3, HTC One M8 and Samsung GS5.
I'm having a terrible time deciding between them, although I'm kind of leaning towards the LG G3, and that's why I'm posting this here.
After some research done, I found a bunch of people saying that there's some lag while using it, and I wanted to ask you guys:
As an iPhone user migrating to android, will I find the lag noticeable and a bothersome?
Also, are we expecting to have an unlocked bootloader anytime soon or is it not worth waiting for?
It seems there is no better way other than trying for yourself. Some people say, Android lags badly compared to iOS and Windows Phone. Some don't seem to notice lag. And some don't care about the lag. People are different.
Yuriy.Samorodov said:
It seems there is no better way other than trying for yourself. Some people say, Android lags badly compared to iOS and Windows Phone. Some don't seem to notice lag. And some don't care about the lag. People are different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, yet feeling it for 5 minutes in the store won't give me as much experience and information as will users who use this phone on a daily basis, don't you think?
Idk, as I've never owned an iPhone, but like yurly said, it is all about preference, I don't see lag on my g3, but then again, I've never owned a phone that ever really "lagged" (besides my Samsung moment) but I know people who have gone to Android and loved it, but i also know people who have gone to Android and hated it... And the bootloader will come with time...
---------- Post added at 05:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:11 PM ----------
It's all preference at the end of the day, but you really can't go wrong with any of the 3 devices you listed.
Well an iphone is pretty much just an app drawer lol. Ive owned several iphones including 5s. After iOS 6.0 it all went downhill. I will admit i am an android fanboy and im spoiled by how much customization android has and how open it is compared to iOS.
In terms of the best android phones, i think the HTC One M8 could have been the greatest android device to ever launch but HTC chose to go with the mediocre 4.0 megapixel camera. I dont care what others say, the camera is terrible compared to others. I had to sell my M8 because of that. I personally dont like samsung phones because the bezels the phone has, and im not too big on the plastic build. The G3 is my second LG device and its an amazing phone.SD card slot, removable battery, 2k screen, laser focus, 13mp shooter, OIS, 3gb ram, quad core, i could go on. All those features to me make a great device. My biggest gripe about the G3 is that i have all these amazing features with a locked bootloader....
I just damaged my phone with water and now I'm thinking of getting a new one.
My dilema is between G3, Htc One(M7), Nexus 5 and either of the Xperia Z/Z1/Z1 Compact.
Can you guys share some opinions which you think is best performer, battery life etc?
THaks
iphone 6
@up the flex one?
Send from LG G3
kennypow3rs said:
Well an iphone is pretty much just an app drawer lol. Ive owned several iphones including 5s. After iOS 6.0 it all went downhill. I will admit i am an android fanboy and im spoiled by how much customization android has and how open it is compared to iOS.
In terms of the best android phones, i think the HTC One M8 could have been the greatest android device to ever launch but HTC chose to go with the mediocre 4.0 megapixel camera. I dont care what others say, the camera is terrible compared to others. I had to sell my M8 because of that. I personally dont like samsung phones because the bezels the phone has, and im not too big on the plastic build. The G3 is my second LG device and its an amazing phone.SD card slot, removable battery, 2k screen, laser focus, 13mp shooter, OIS, 3gb ram, quad core, i could go on. All those features to me make a great device. My biggest gripe about the G3 is that i have all these amazing features with a locked bootloader....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually decided getting an Android phone because of the customization and my growing haterd towards Apple.
As to the HTC One M8, it seems amazing, and the only thing that makes me consider the other phones is the camera. I don't want a ****ty one, period. Your feedback only makes me strengthen my opinion.
About the LG, however, my main concern is the lag mentioned by a bunch of people. You, as a previous iPhone user, don't feel annoying lags while using it?
And also, about the S5, on paper, besides the screen maybe (and the 3GB RAM), it's all-round equal or better than the LG.. And I was thinking that with flasing a ROM that doesn't contain the usual **** Samsung provides, it'd be an even better choice?
Ruttix said:
I actually decided getting an Android phone because of the customization and my growing haterd towards Apple.
As to the HTC One M8, it seems amazing, and the only thing that makes me consider the other phones is the camera. I don't want a ****ty one, period. Your feedback only makes me strengthen my opinion.
About the LG, however, my main concern is the lag mentioned by a bunch of people. You, as a previous iPhone user, don't feel annoying lags while using it?
And also, about the S5, on paper, besides the screen maybe (and the 3GB RAM), it's all-round equal or better than the LG.. And I was thinking that with flasing a ROM that doesn't contain the usual **** Samsung provides, it'd be an even better choice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no point to get a nexus 5 now with the nexus 6 coming out this year. For the M8, the camera was mediocre. The S5 has 2gb of ram not 3, and as to comparison, the LG on paper is way better than the galaxy S5. In real world specs, my wife has an S5 and my G3 has better battery life, better stock rom, more ram, and in my opinion a better camera. People say the G3 lags, mine doesnt much, it could be the stock LG rom is so heavy, which it is, but not as near as heavy as bloated touch wiz samsung roms lol. Once LG bootloader is unlocked this phone will be the best phone on the planet. Also, all three of the phones you're looking at have way better battery life than iphones lol.
Its not my phone to pick, but if you want me to pick for you id pick LG G3. If the bootloader isnt unlocked within the next few months sell to get S5 or Note 4. Also i hate BEZELS AROUND A SCREEN (LIKE GALAXY AND IPHONE) I LIKE THE FRONT TO BE MOSTLY SCREEN NOT SCREEN WITH UGLY BEZELS AROUND IT.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbwjTVqwYS0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLnuFr1VbQ4
Ruttix said:
I actually decided getting an Android phone because of the customization and my growing haterd towards Apple.
As to the HTC One M8, it seems amazing, and the only thing that makes me consider the other phones is the camera. I don't want a ****ty one, period. Your feedback only makes me strengthen my opinion.
About the LG, however, my main concern is the lag mentioned by a bunch of people. You, as a previous iPhone user, don't feel annoying lags while using it?
And also, about the S5, on paper, besides the screen maybe (and the 3GB RAM), it's all-round equal or better than the LG.. And I was thinking that with flasing a ROM that doesn't contain the usual **** Samsung provides, it'd be an even better choice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before G3 I had M7 and it was amazing phone. I would get M8 but it didn't felt good in my hand. I love G3 but I still think M8 is better. All depends what you want from the phone. G3 without some modifications will lag quite often. HTC has the smoothest stock experience. You have to try them to make sure wich one is for you.
I would go with the G3, but depending on your provider I've read that this phones bootloader is locked meaning you cant install a custom rom or os if thats important to you. Thats NOT a dealbreaker for me at all I love my G3 and still able to root my G3 I customized it the way I want.
Really great phone, very easy to customize, im not a heavy user so I get through the day just fine with the battery, yes I charge it at work but again it gets me through the day. Years ago I started with a iphone 3g and then made the switch to android been with the samsung galaxy line all the way up to the Galaxy S4, then jumped to the LG G3 this is my very first LG phone and I could not be happier. I found on my Samsung S4 the lagging especially during gaming was driving me crazy. Also I found there was so much more bloatware crap on my samsung phone compared to my new LG G3. Yes the LG has bloatware but much less the S4.
It really depends on what you want and the feel of the phones in your hand when using. My G3 im happy with, you may have to get use to the buttons in the back and also the android os...... iphone was pretty much plug it in and your done. Androids a little different but I prefer android.
I personally hate apple devices I have just come from a note 3 to a g3 for my first lg device so far I like it only lag I seem to have noticed is when opening messages but its like any device don't close unused apps and it will hang, at least I can easily get a full day usage out of any android unlike apples terrible battery and imo once you have an iPhone you have had them all same s*** different bucket but of course that is my opinion
Ruttix said:
Hi,
Lately I've decided selling my iPhone and move to android.
After checking the top devices that android offers I had come up with 3: LG G3, HTC One M8 and Samsung GS5.
I'm having a terrible time deciding between them, although I'm kind of leaning towards the LG G3, and that's why I'm posting this here.
After some research done, I found a bunch of people saying that there's some lag while using it, and I wanted to ask you guys:
As an iPhone user migrating to android, will I find the lag noticeable and a bothersome?
Also, are we expecting to have an unlocked bootloader anytime soon or is it not worth waiting for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought the G 3 to upgrade my Galaxy S 4. I looked seriously at the G 5 and the OneX M8. What I did was to spend some time figuring out what features I did or did not like personally. What I came up with was the biggest gripe I have had personally with any smartphone was having the power and volume buttons on the sides of the phone. Since I habitually carry in my left shirt pocket, I stopped looking at anything over the largest size phone that fit the brand of shirt I wear. I was ALWAYS inadvertently powering off the phone or resetting the volume, I was to the point where I was accustomed to it and had pretty much learned to live with that, but didn't really like it much. I also wanted a removable back cover ans an SD slot. I also am in areas where data signals don't work well, so cloud storage is not a really good alternative. I also wanted the ability, out of the box, to decide where stuff went, either to internal or to SD storage. I would have preferred LG took the same stance as Samsung on offering a waterproof dustproof phone, but this is not the case.
I didn't care for the HTC camera or the Sense UI, but could learn to live with sense OK if all else was well. Good phone, not so good camera. I am also sort of tired of the way Samsung has gotten so obnoxious with bloat and as far as I am concerned they can put Knox where the sun don't shine. Verizon is bad enough here, but the combination of the two is sort of overbearing.
So, I wound up with the LG G 3. I am really happy with it. It literally blows the socks off the S 4 in terms of call quality and signal strength. The S 4 simply is like the junior high playing ball against the high school varsity. Th G 3 GPS is about the same degree better than the S 4. I call the camera of the G 3 and the S 4 a draw. I don't feel the G 3 quad HD screen is particularly world bending, but is just about perfect for my tastes. I can sure see where some like the Samsung view, but the Samsung colors look...well for me they look almost artificial. However that is a strictly personal deal, YMMV. I really like the button placement of the LG. Out of the box the LG experience is, just like they say, simpler and better.
The battery life of the LG is MUCH better than reviews led me to expect. I am not a gamer or power user, but I can get two days of use between charges. Better battery life than the S 4.
I have the stump root apk downloaded and will root it to remove the bloat I don't want. The Android OS has come far enough that for me anyway, the desirability of custom ROM flashing is not such a big deal as it once was. I have the feeling the LG G 3 will catch on enough we will see some more active development in this regard in the near future.

[Q] From G3 to Galaxy S6?

Hi guys, i have a friend who bought G3 not long ago, and he want to replace it with Galaxy S6. let's assume if he would, outside of lower battery, does it really hold any substantial benefit over G3?
Derpling said:
Hi guys, i have a friend who bought G3 not long ago, and he want to replace it with Galaxy S6. let's assume if he would, outside of lower battery, does it really hold any substantial benefit over G3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
S6:
Better processor
Better RAM
Better Software
Better Camera
Better build quality
I heard the s6 is fragile compared to g3
t-shock said:
Yes
S6:
Better processor
Better RAM
Better Software
Better Camera
Better build quality
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Derping asked: "Does it really hold any substantial benefit over G3?"
I would say no.
What t-shock wrote is mostly true if we compare technical specifications, but hardware benefits are not noticeable in everyday use, and software quality is matter of individual taste..
Sent from my LG-D855
draskome said:
Derping asked: "Does it really hold any substantial benefit over G3?"
I would say no.
What t-shock wrote is mostly true if we compare technical specifications, but hardware benefits are not noticeable in everyday use, and software quality is matter of individual taste..
Sent from my LG-D855
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I own both devices and I will say that s6 feels a bit better that the g3
Screen and camera is the main differences
PS You're absolutely right
My cousin came from the states a few days ago and he has the s6 edge i have the s5 and g3. To be honest i didnt saw that much difference. Well the screen on edge rocks and the camera ummm. Took a pic with my s5 and ne with the edge the same position 4 seconds of difference and i cant say theres a difference. Yeah its new but for me its just that.
Enviado desde mi LG-D855 mediante Tapatalk
Derpling said:
Hi guys, i have a friend who bought G3 not long ago, and he want to replace it with Galaxy S6. let's assume if he would, outside of lower battery, does it really hold any substantial benefit over G3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking at going backwards actually. From S6 to G3 (or even G4).
"Stupid!" Some would say....
"Ahh, I see what you're doing there..." others would suggest...
I've never had an iPhone (outside of work) and never will. Absolutely hate them. If I want to blend in with the mainstream 'zombie' public, I'd buy one...and so, I pledged allegiance to the Samsung Galaxy flagship on the release of the S1. I Loved the SGS1; thought the S2 (and S2 in 4G) was brilliant in every way and the best in the series. I didn't like the bubble-like screen on S3 (you cant use a screen protector properly) and the S4, S5 and S6 were getting bigger, heavier, more powerful (killing batteries quicker) and lacking in key features that I considered "important" as a user.
My complaints:
1. S6 build. It's advantageously a disadvantage...
The best thing about Samsung for me, was it wasn't Apple. It was on the andrio0d platform and the phone internally and externally was customizable to how the user saw fit. Now, you can argue the battery-encased in the shell, lack of SD card expandability and "all metal/glass" surroundings is great (you are probably an Apple fan), but to me it works against the S6....customization lacked big time. Let's not forget the S5 was dust/water resistant for a plastic back/removable battery and all ports on phone weren't covered! Also, keep these stupid nano sims for the iPhones, please...We have micro now #smallenough
2. Power/Battery:
I don't "multi-task overload" and usually only have a few apps running at the same time. Not really a big gamer outside of the occasional Angry Birds, yet I was STAGGERED learning how much my battery dropped from LIMITED use. 10 minutes looking at my phones messages and emails and 5% was gone in the blink of an eye. I can't get a full day out of it and I'm the furtherest thing from what would be considered a phone-a-holic. So again, such advantages of this phone in it's ability to cope with the most demanding apps, and graphics in high end mobile games, is biting it in the ass as its OVERLY using too much of the available battery.
3. FM radio
If you're like me, this makes you laugh the S4 and S5 had FM radio chips installed, but Samsung de-activated them. Why?! Who the f*ck knows. They present you with a ferrari and remove the engine...kinda makes it a moot point. I want to listen to live sports on radio...I can't do that unless I can tap into specific 3rd party apps and in some cases, certain times/streams aren't even available....use a LIVE FM RDS radio and it is. The S4-6+ missing this makes zero sense.
I could go on, but I won't. I will admit that in the hand, the phone feels fantastic. As did the S5. The processor of CPU/GPU are far superior, the camera is better and ultra-responsive, the UI might be new to you if you're not familiar, but easy to use. 4G speeds are SUPER fast, WIFI connectivity a breeze, but the more Samsung liken their phones to Apples and cut out common features and shorten battery lifespans, the quicker they will lose customers like me. If you add in the extra horsepower, compensate with either a bigger battery, or more efficient battery sucking less power.
For me, the G3 or G4's camera of 13 or 16MP will suffice...I'm a photographer with a great DSLR, a phone will never replace it and the RAW shooting option on the G4 (possibly G3) is a great option. The phone is a little BIG for my liking, but again, that's LG trying to copy the latest Iphone sizes for you...the GB RAM and storage are on par with market leaders at the moment and the option to use your own battery, manually reset the phone, add a SDHC card for photos/video (particular for RAW images) are just more reasons why I'll go for the option that gives you greater flexibility.
RoOSTA
Really interesting views and thoughts in this thread, gonna jump in....
Ive owned all the Samsung Devices (except the S6), IMO, samsung are pulling an Apple and the prices are starting to creep up, S6 or IPhone 6, Iphone 6+ or S6 Edge, yes its starting to happen.. Samsung are pulling their way back after the S5 flop and boy, are they letting everyone know about it.. oh and charging for it as well
Now that we have 5.0 L, I personnaly think the G3 is awesome. Its had it problems.. the OS being laggy, which Removing Smart Notice cures, the camera taking time to mature and lack of basic manual controls (EV, ISO, WB, Manual focus, Bracketing, Shutter speed etc) and LG still havent fixed the headphones hiss / distortion even after 2 massive updates (4.4 & 5.0), although there are workarounds, but I still love the G3.. why...
Beautiful Big Screen, Great Camera with one of the best OIS systems around (even better than Nokia at times), beautiful audio, great button placement, lovely sturdy robust build (even though its plastic), nice Themes and OS cutomisation, and now under Lollipop (20h), a great OS experience... lets just say I ditched my HTC One M9 for the G3.
Until they release a Tizen powered device, Ill never buy Samsung again.. because no matter how much they slim it down and dress it up.. Touchwiz is still Touchwiz and its like a kids cartoon. The camera looks impressive however, and now theyve added OIS, it seems impressive..
IMO if I was you, Ide get the G4, which is released on the 28th, which is much cheaper than an S6.

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