Loved my S3 but thinking of upgrading - AT&T, Rogers, Bell, Telus Samsung Galaxy S III

Easy, lightweight, slides right into my pocket, light enough to run wth, fell multiple times without breaking (although against swimming pool cement it did last week after 2.5 years). Need a new phone, I am thinking of the Galaxy S5 active as Ican upgrade on ATT, but I am a little dissappointed by the fact that there doesn't seem to be newer battery technology, and the existing battery technology advanced have been mulled by what I see as increases in hardware and processing power, pixel density that aren't really needed on a mobile device.
What is a good upgrade phone as far as ergonomics, battery life, and original development/replacement battery/memory card from the Galaxy S3?

I am using the ZenFone 2 and so far loving it, great processor, 4gb ram, fast charging and a great price
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk

I was thinking about upgrading to the nexus 5 or the HTC One M8 (its just so dam beautiful!) Those are phones I would recomend
Sent from my Nexus 7 2013 using Tapatalk

jimchee said:
I am using the ZenFone 2 and so far loving it, great processor, 4gb ram, fast charging and a great price
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it similar to the GS3 in terms of size and weight? That's what the OP is asking about.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

gfinockio said:
Is it similar to the GS3 in terms of size and weight? That's what the OP is asking about.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Zenfone 2 is bigger than the GS3 at 5.5" screen size, but most phones fall somewhere in the 5 - 5.5" bracket these days unless you're buying the mini variant. The Zenfone 2 is about 30% heavier too, but between the larger form factor and a battery that is about 1/3 larger than the S3 the extra weight is definitely accounted for with features.
I was afraid the Atom processor might hold back the Zenfone 2 development scene, but I just recently read that at least one of the Zenfone 2 variants now has a CM 12.1 alpha. That didn't take long, but time will tell how custom ROMs actually perform on the device vs. stock because we know Asus and Intel will never release the complete x86_64 code. The price point on them is great for the hardware you get. I've been thinking really hard about picking one up myself. However, my old reliable S3 is really still working just fine and running Android 5.1.1 thanks to all the hardworking devs. I just can't convince myself that it is time for a change.
If running a desktop OS on your phone appeals to you, the Intel processor in the Zenfone 2 lends itself pretty well to that apparently. This could be nice trick if you have to interface anything that absolutely requires Micro$oft like corporate/business stuff. If I ever pick one up I might make a run at something like this with a lightweight Linux distro like Porteus.
Very cool phone for the $.

jason2678 said:
The Zenfone 2 is bigger than the GS3 at 5.5" screen size, but most phones fall somewhere in the 5 - 5.5" bracket these days unless you're buying the mini variant. The Zenfone 2 is about 30% heavier too, but between the larger form factor and a battery that is about 1/3 larger than the S3 the extra weight is definitely accounted for with features.
I was afraid the Atom processor might hold back the Zenfone 2 development scene, but I just recently read that at least one of the Zenfone 2 variants now has a CM 12.1 alpha. That didn't take long, but time will tell how custom ROMs actually perform on the device vs. stock because we know Asus and Intel will never release the complete x86_64 code. The price point on them is great for the hardware you get. I've been thinking really hard about picking one up myself. However, my old reliable S3 is really still working just fine and running Android 5.1.1 thanks to all the hardworking devs. I just can't convince myself that it is time for a change.
If running a desktop OS on your phone appeals to you, the Intel processor in the Zenfone 2 lends itself pretty well to that apparently. This could be nice trick if you have to interface anything that absolutely requires Micro$oft like corporate/business stuff. If I ever pick one up I might make a run at something like this with a lightweight Linux distro like Porteus.
Very cool phone for the $.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about battery life that is the biggest thing for me with the form factor

zetsui said:
How about battery life that is the biggest thing for me with the form factor
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Click to collapse
I haven't broke down and bought one yet, so I can't comment. Maybe go ask over in their forum.
I still have my eye on them. The zenfone 2 will probably still be my next purchase unless something more promising comes out between now and then. That's a beast of a phone for $200 - $300.
I'm on AT&T and their phones are a parade of locked down Samsung, LG, and Apple devices, and the AT&T Next thing that they push you towards is really just a payment plan if you do the math. They don't even really subsidize phones anymore. You'll come out way ahead by buying a zenfone 2 or maybe another cheap, used unlocked phone and adding it to their network, and you won't have to deal with their attempts to lock down your device. I'd defect entirely to Straight Talk or some other MVNO, but I haven't convinced the family that it's a good idea just yet.

jason2678 said:
I haven't broke down and bought one yet, so I can't comment. Maybe go ask over in their forum.
I still have my eye on them. The zenfone 2 will probably still be my next purchase unless something more promising comes out between now and then. That's a beast of a phone for $200 - $300.
I'm on AT&T and their phones are a parade of locked down Samsung, LG, and Apple devices, and the AT&T Next thing that they push you towards is really just a payment plan if you do the math. They don't even really subsidize phones anymore. You'll come out way ahead by buying a zenfone 2 or maybe another cheap, used unlocked phone and adding it to their network, and you won't have to deal with their attempts to lock down your device. I'd defect entirely to Straight Talk or some other MVNO, but I haven't convinced the family that it's a good idea just yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah it's still pretty subsdizied especially if you can sell the upgraded phone two years down the line.

Hate to say it but a new phone in the same size category will be tough to fill as most screens are pretty large. Closest thing is probably the moto x, but it is older and you sacrifice removable battery. The LG G3 and G4 sorry removable batteries and had memory expansion but they are considerably larger.

jimchee said:
I am using the ZenFone 2 and so far loving it, great processor, 4gb ram, fast charging and a great price
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Friend sold me his gs3 and he got a zenfone 2..he loves it.

Related

Other device and upgrading phone discussion

Please discuss other devices besides the S3 here.
Thanks
FNM
Good place to start, because you know the "what do you think about the s4" is coming.
Re: Off-topic other device and upgrading phone discussion
I will hopefully get the ball rolling. I personally will wait with upgrading. Reason being is when I upgraded to the s3 when it was at preorders and rumors of other more powerful phones came out. Then the note 2 appeared. I was upset. I will personally wait for the next stage of the new and hopefully octa core processors that the note 2 or the next google phone comes out with.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Re: Off-topic other device and upgrading phone discussion
+1 I absolutely agree with you Bruce Lee. There's really no need for the S IV. The S III does everything I need it to do and more. The last thing I need a phone to do is take over my life.
The only reason to upgrade from the S III to S IV would be bragging rights... How much are they really worth?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Re: Off-topic other device and upgrading phone discussion
theROMinator said:
+1 I absolutely agree with you Bruce Lee. There's really no need for the S IV. The S III does everything I need it to do and more. The last thing I need a phone to do is take over my life.
The only reason to upgrade from the S III to S IV would be bragging rights... How much are they really worth?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S3 doesn't have a 1080p screen with a 400+ ppi. It is as substantial upgrade as any these days. That being said, I'm going to skip over it. It's pretty much one step above or a half step above the s3 in many ways but I am under contract until December so I can't justify paying outright 500$ mostly for the screen overhaul. If anything I'll wait to see the Motorola X phone since it is supposed to be as low as 200$ from what I've read and wait for the s5 or whatever the new hotness is next year.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
I found the Samsung IV release presentation extremely cheesy---I'm not sure what they were thinking.
I am disappointed at all the hype that preceded the release. What happened to the flexible, unbreakable screen? What happened to the very innovative Big-Little Exynos octocore that the US will not be receiving? And a pentile screen again!
I am pleased with the slightly bigger screen, the +400 ppi, and the bump in battery capacity. IMO, Samsung would have hit a home run if they would have built the Galaxy 4 with similar construction like the HTC One (instead of all the plastic). I hear the speakers on the One are amazing and I hope the Galaxy's are at least on par. My contract renews in January and so I will wait to see what the Motorola X and the new Galaxy Note will provide (if it doesn't go up to a 6 in. screen).
I'm completely happy with my s3, not planning on upgrading any time soon!
I don't understand the hype for 1080p displays... Playing any type of game is going to murder your battery, and you're waisting CPU cycles on pixels you can't see. I personally would've rather had a 720p samoled plus display. No more screen burn in, dark pixels, and battery effiecent.
Re: Off-topic other device and upgrading phone discussion
Brand New said:
I don't understand the hype for 1080p displays... Playing any type of game is going to murder your battery, and you're waisting CPU cycles on pixels you can't see. I personally would've rather had a 720p samoled plus display. No more screen burn in, dark pixels, and battery effiecent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sammy has some new tech that's supposed to reduce battery used by the screen, forgot where I read that but I believe it said Nokia has used it as well before. I haven't used the s4 obviously, but the DROID dna has a 1080p screen and I at least can see a huge difference between that screen and my s3 or my girlys one X which is more comparable given that both the HTCs are lcd. Especially in plain text.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
No I will not upgrade,this is something that I learned the hard and expensive way. There is always gonna be something better.
My thoughts exactly on the stupid Galaxy IV event:
http://androidheadlines.com/2013/03...tude-on-display-not-a-new-flagship-phone.html
I will personally wait for the next stage of the new and hopefully octa core processors that the note 2 or the next google phone comes out with.
So I'm coming from a Samsung Infuse, and honestly, this phone cannot piss me off even more than I already am. I'm talking about constant resets (stuck power button), terrible GPS reception, UNBEARABLE LAG even with the latest paranoid android, and finally, messed up APN settings which bares the phone useless since I can't have any service on it! So now you understand of my struggles with my current phone. I'm in search for something that I can rely on and won't have even the slightest bit of lag after 2+ years of owning it.
Now, I've been doing some research on some phones (gs3, htc one x, htc one, gs4) And I come here to find out your honest opinion on the GS3 since the time you've owned it. Should I save some cash buying a GS3 or a One X, or are there some sort of problems with these phones that have ticked you off that I should consider paying the extra buck and looking at the 2013 flagships instead?
lemonz23 said:
So I'm coming from a Samsung Infuse, and honestly, this phone cannot piss me off even more than I already am. I'm talking about constant resets (stuck power button), terrible GPS reception, UNBEARABLE LAG even with the latest paranoid android, and finally, messed up APN settings which bares the phone useless since I can't have any service on it! So now you understand of my struggles with my current phone. I'm in search for something that I can rely on and won't have even the slightest bit of lag after 2+ years of owning it.
Now, I've been doing some research on some phones (gs3, htc one x, htc one, gs4) And I come here to find out your honest opinion on the GS3 since the time you've owned it. Should I save some cash buying a GS3 or a One X, or are there some sort of problems with these phones that have ticked you off that I should consider paying the extra buck and looking at the 2013 flagships instead?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had the blackberry storm WOW I literally through that against the wall it was stupid, I got an xperia arc, liked it got bored with it... then I got the Sony XPERIA ION enjoyed the 12MP camera but again it got boring. I can honestly say since I have gotten the S3 I have not thought about owning another phone, the ease of customization all the support for it and it works. I rely on it and there seems to be always something new to try out on it and I am still not bored with it. I am on the i747m.
lemonz23 said:
So I'm coming from a Samsung Infuse, and honestly, this phone cannot piss me off even more than I already am. I'm talking about constant resets (stuck power button), terrible GPS reception, UNBEARABLE LAG even with the latest paranoid android, and finally, messed up APN settings which bares the phone useless since I can't have any service on it! So now you understand of my struggles with my current phone. I'm in search for something that I can rely on and won't have even the slightest bit of lag after 2+ years of owning it.
Now, I've been doing some research on some phones (gs3, htc one x, htc one, gs4) And I come here to find out your honest opinion on the GS3 since the time you've owned it. Should I save some cash buying a GS3 or a One X, or are there some sort of problems with these phones that have ticked you off that I should consider paying the extra buck and looking at the 2013 flagships instead?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went from the Infuse to the GS3 and haven't looked back. I had a small crack in the corner of my Infuse and also the camera would not focus so I called up to see what my options were to get it replaced through the insurance plan. They told me my replacement was going to be a GS3 but that a $200 deductable would be charged to my next bill. It was a no brainer, especially since I am not eligable for an upgrade for another year. The GS3 is head and shoulders above the Infuse. It's a flagship phone with tons of support. I got it and rooted it that night. There are tons of great roms on XDA and have tried most of them. This phone is amazing. Can't really see why I'd get the S4. Perhaps when the Note 3 comes out, I would consider upgrading. An even larger screen would be very welcome.
Re: Off-topic other device and upgrading phone discussion
An upgrade is really dependant on what you use a device for. The s3 does pretty much what I need it to do for work and for personnel uses.
It's plenty fast still. I ran my iPhone 4 to end of contract and still think it could what I need from a phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
nexus
I think ill wait for another nexus 4 to come out
wutbdat said:
I think ill wait for another nexus 4 to come out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why would they release another of the same version?
It would be nexus 5 or some other name, they wouldn't reuse the same name
Just moved from my trusty Nexus S to the Canadian Galaxy S3. Love it. Finally I have free ram even when doing intensive tasks. Honestly, this is what Android should feel like.
Still learning the thing, installed TWRP, flashed latest cm10.1 nightly and put back my titanium backup. This thing feels like home, but twice as fast.
It's a bit of a shame there's so many S3 variants, really spreads out the development for it, whereas on the Nexus S there were very few versions (like 4, which all shared similar internals minus modems), making things very simple.
I'll see you guys around!
Off-topic other device and upgrading phone discussion
Wow, Samsung 4 is $250 at AT&T and I can only assume that Verizon and possibly Sprint will follow suit:
http://www.phonearena.com/news/AT-T-Galaxy-S4-price-will-be-249-pre-orders-start-on-April-16_id41309
This is a mistake and will cost them some sales numbers. I'm sure HTC, Motorola/Google, and LG are licking their chops.
Tmobile no contract $99 Galaxy S IV is really tempting. Too bad their service sucks in this area. I'll be at 18 months come January and ready to upgrade and am currently tempted by the LG Optimus G Pro and am awaiting the details on the Google X. It sounds like the Note 3 screen will be too big for my liking.

Pipo M7 Pro vs Nexus 7 (flo)

Hey guys, so I'm going Tablet hunting and have come down with 2 leading candidates, the Pipo M7 Pro, a Chinese Tablet. or the Nexus 7 (2013).
The only thing that worries me is the development. As a Flashaholic I'd like a tablet with decent dev support, and I haven't seen any dev support for the Pipo M7 Pro.
Now, the Nexus 7 Multi touch and GPS/random reboot issues have me here at bay, making the debate a bit more intense.
I'll probably use my tablet for reading, school related work or gaming/listening to music (rarely though, I'll probably have my Galaxy Nexus for that which works fine really(or a Nexus 5 by the time it comes out ))
Any recommendations/Opinions/Point of views will be appreciated.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Nexus 7, most of not all the "issues"with it are a very vocal minority, overflowing a small problem, of it were half as big an issue as they try to make ir to bbr, ir would be all the blogs
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
Small, yes.
Vocal, yes.
Very real, though. And, to some degree, acknowledged by the powers that be at Google...
The people posting, including myself, have been through 2-3 of more N7 2013s.
It's the luck of the draw. It may only effect a few percent, but over the multi thousands sold, it's a percentage that needs to be taken seriously.
If you purchase one, be sure that it's from a seller offering a good return/exchange policy.
z0phi3l said:
Nexus 7, most of not all the "issues"with it are a very vocal minority, overflowing a small problem, of it were half as big an issue as they try to make ir to bbr, ir would be all the blogs
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mostly every blog I've read mentions it. But I guess I'm just on that "unlucky and unconventional" part of the internet.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Been thru quite a few "shows" ... the TF101, the 2012 Nexus 7 & now the 2013 Nexus 7...
I still don't hesitate a bit to buy one. Heck, I even wish there is a refurbished sales right now.
danvee said:
Small, yes.
Vocal, yes.
Very real, though. And, to some degree, acknowledged by the powers that be at Google...
The people posting, including myself, have been through 2-3 of more N7 2013s.
It's the luck of the draw. It may only effect a few percent, but over the multi thousands sold, it's a percentage that needs to be taken seriously.
If you purchase one, be sure that it's from a seller offering a good return/exchange policy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it is a hardware issue? And not software related?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Your guess is as good as theirs right now....
Chinese stuff is just not up to par as brand name stuff yet. Their specs look great, benchmarks are great, but in reality they are far far apart when you use both side by side.
I have a Ifive X2 with a RK3188 and it lags like hell, battery is good, screen is nice, but real world performance is just awful. Since I got my Note 8 from repair, I dont use the X2 at all anymore.
For the small price difference it just makes no sense to consider Chinese stuff vs a Nexus 7.
Nutsonfire said:
Chinese stuff is just not up to par as brand name stuff yet.
I have a Ifive X2 with a RK3188 and it lags like hell, battery is good, screen is nice, but real world performance is just awful.
For the small price difference it just makes no sense to consider Chinese stuff vs a Nexus 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This Pipo M7 Pro isn't a fastest tablet in the world and after a bit of customizations is in real world usable. The screen is impressive, good battery, very good Wi-Fi and the firmware is stable. I don't regret my (old ) Nexus 7
M7 is great for browsing internet, reading books and multimedia but not too suited for video games.
I am satisfied but not enthusiastic.
Inviato dal mio M7 pro usando Tapatalk 4
dpaganello said:
This Pipo M7 Pro isn't a fastest tablet in the world and after a bit of customizations is in real world usable. The screen is impressive, good battery, very good Wi-Fi and the firmware is stable. I don't regret my (old ) Nexus 7
M7 is great for browsing internet, reading books and multimedia but not too suited for video games.
I am satisfied but not enthusiastic.
Inviato dal mio M7 pro usando Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your opinion.
Nutsonfire said:
Chinese stuff is just not up to par as brand name stuff yet. Their specs look great, benchmarks are great, but in reality they are far far apart when you use both side by side.
I have a Ifive X2 with a RK3188 and it lags like hell, battery is good, screen is nice, but real world performance is just awful. Since I got my Note 8 from repair, I dont use the X2 at all anymore.
For the small price difference it just makes no sense to consider Chinese stuff vs a Nexus 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pipo is a pretty good Chinese company, we're not just talking about those ripoff chinese companies you find on Ebay, and I have used Rockchip based devices and can vouch for them, they're not as bad as you say.
So your "no sense to consider Chinese stuff vs a Nexus 7" is kind of stereotypical and not really reliable
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Jimlarck said:
Thank you for your opinion.
Pipo is a pretty good Chinese company, we're not just talking about those ripoff chinese companies you find on Ebay, and I have used Rockchip based devices and can vouch for them, they're not as bad as you say.
So your "no sense to consider Chinese stuff vs a Nexus 7" is kind of stereotypical and not really reliable
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First,
I agree with the above line in bold.
Second,
If you aren't in a hurry to buy a tablet, I'd wait to see what the TegraTab and the LG G Pad 8.3 end up being like. That's what I'm going to do when I return/exchange my N7 flo for the 3rd time. I'm on my 2nd one now, so hopefully the 3rd try will be the the charm! I expect both those options to be more expensive, but if either of them is within 100 of the 32gb N7 flo (as long as it's 32gb or 16gb with a microsd), then I'll probably give it a shot.
Third,
If you absolutely want a tablet right now, I can't recommend the N7 in good conscience. Having had two with the same exact issue(multitouch), I would say the odds are pretty good that you'd get one with the same issue. That said, if the N7 is what you like and you don't mind potentially returning/exchanging it, get one. Just be sure to buy from somewhere with a good return/exchange program. I've had pretty good luck with Best Buy so far, as well as Amazon. I'd choose Best Buy if there's one near you for ease of returning/exchanging, i.e. no wait time.
Good Luck!
Jimlarck said:
Thank you for your opinion.
Pipo is a pretty good Chinese company, we're not just talking about those ripoff chinese companies you find on Ebay, and I have used Rockchip based devices and can vouch for them, they're not as bad as you say.
So your "no sense to consider Chinese stuff vs a Nexus 7" is kind of stereotypical and not really reliable
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have one of the latest and greatest Chinese tabs as I write in my post.
Yes they are better then what they used to be but they still lack in some aspects. These tabs using the RK3188 chip in real life are just not want the benchmarks want you to believe. The Chinese keep cutting corners where they shouldn't and it shows. So yeah it looks like you get a lot for 200$ but when you use it you understand why its cheaper.
It's no surprise that all the high end Chinese tabs and phones end up using Qualcomm and Samsung CPUs and cost almost the same as brand name stuff.
Nutsonfire said:
I have one of the latest and greatest Chinese tabs as I write in my post.
Yes they are better then what they used to be but they still lack in some aspects. These tabs using the RK3188 chip in real life are just not want the benchmarks want you to believe. The Chinese keep cutting corners where they shouldn't and it shows. So yeah it looks like you get a lot for 200$ but when you use it you understand why its cheaper.
It's no surprise that all the high end Chinese tabs and phones end up using Qualcomm and Samsung CPUs and cost almost the same as brand name stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since when are benchmarks actually safe, legitimate and trustworthy?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Jimlarck said:
Since when are benchmarks actually safe, legitimate and trustworthy?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are not, but fans of Chinese stuff like to go crazy about them and use them to compare with brand name products. If I see two products with similar scores I would expect similar function but clearly it's not the case.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
I had Asus Infinity TF700T before, but I was very disappointed about the build quality and the lagging of the device. I hated that tab every moment. I didn't install custom rom because it required unlocking the device and loosing the warranty. So I sold it and bought Pipo M7pro.
I like the screen and size of the tablet and this is much faster and smoother than Asus TF700. Also the build quality is better than on Asus, which had loose screen even repaired three times for warranty.
Multi window feature is pretty cool! Check the video from youtube.
I'm really satisfied of this cheap Chinese tab!
Sent from my M7 pro using Tapatalk 4
So after reading some of your messages and doing some more research on my own. I've decided to wait until October, if the Nexus 7 multitouch problems have been resolved (they're addressing the problem at their warehouses/manufacturers or fixed it on an update) I'll buy it, if not, then Pipo M7 Pro will have to be my choice.
Really like the N7 but what use is there buying it when chances are that I'll get a broken Tablet, no, I can wait, I trust Google that they'll resolve this soon, it isn't the first time they've encountered a problem with manufacturers, like the N4 for example, with the infamous exploding back(I did think it was spontaneous and comical so I did have a laugh about it, hopefully the owners got a replacement though)
Thank you all for your messages and opinions. Especially those who gave their completely unbiased opinion and thoughts.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Jimlarck said:
So after reading some of your messages and doing some more research on my own. I've decided to wait until October, if the Nexus 7 multitouch problems have been resolved (they're addressing the problem at their warehouses/manufacturers or fixed it on an update) I'll buy it, if not, then Pipo M7 Pro will have to be my choice.
Really like the N7 but what use is there buying it when chances are that I'll get a broken Tablet, no, I can wait, I trust Google that they'll resolve this soon, it isn't the first time they've encountered a problem with manufacturers, like the N4 for example, with the infamous exploding back(I did think it was spontaneous and comical so I did have a laugh about it, hopefully the owners got a replacement though)
Thank you all for your messages and opinions. Especially those who gave their completely unbiased opinion and thoughts.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the Chinese phones and tablets may have some issues but then again so do other phones. In my opinion it is best to wait for a very comprehensive review before you buy. And only buy from a near-by supplier that is willing to take it back if it is faulty, do not buy direct from China because it is unlikely to get your money back, plus the shipping costs and customs would make it uneconomical to return items.
For example, a year ago I bought a Chinese phone, with superb specifications. It seems to have two faults (at least). First, it is very fussy with the SD card, many applications do not work with it and especially GPS Navigation applications that store huge maps on the SD card. Secondly the GPS receiver is either broken or simply very, very bad. My dedicated Garmin GPS, my wife's iPhone4, my son's Samsung S3 : they all lock on to the GPS almost instantly. The Chinese phone needs to be absolutely stand still for like 5-10 minutes before it can lock on. Completely useless in the car for example, I have to stop the car, and then wait 5-10 minutes so it can lock.
Someone said above that high-end Chinese phones and tabs use Qualcomm and Samsung parts and not their own. Well, no **** Sherlock! That qualifies as one of the most idiotic statements I have read. Every single electronic device in the world uses parts made by various/hundreds of other manufacturers. This has always been the case. I would not expect the Pipo M7 Pro to have components made by Pipo - and it does not matter anyway. My Sony VAIO laptop does not use a "SONY" CPU, or chipset, or GPU, or memory, or capacitors, or resistors, actually I doubt that a single component inside my laptop is actually made by Sony, except perhaps the badge!!!
I have to say, I bought the 2012 N7 as well as my 2013 and both were flawless from the start. My fiancee got my 2012 when i bought my new one and it's still going strong. The only issue I have at all with the 2013 is a delayed wake when using a magnetic cover. That's obviously a software issue, as leaving Bluetooth on fixes the problem.
Oh and Zilliman, your Chinese phone sounds like my old Samsung Captivate. That thing had the worst GPS I've ever seen. Developers worked hard to fix it but it was never very good. Completely useless even when walking, let alone driving.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
RKight said:
I have to say, I bought the 2012 N7 as well as my 2013 and both were flawless from the start. My fiancee got my 2012 when i bought my new one and it's still going strong. The only issue I have at all with the 2013 is a delayed wake when using a magnetic cover. That's obviously a software issue, as leaving Bluetooth on fixes the problem.
Oh and Zilliman, your Chinese phone sounds like my old Samsung Captivate. That thing had the worst GPS I've ever seen. Developers worked hard to fix it but it was never very good. Completely useless even when walking, let alone driving.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a problem for those with N7 Pro : the speakers crackle at high volume.
Do not buy M7 Pro
OK I guess finally I may have something to help after getting so many helps from this nice forum.
I live in China and I'd say I'm quite familiar with Chinese tablets and nexus devices. (proud owner of both types) I've yet to find a Chinese native brand tablet that marches either Nexus 7's build quality or OS stability. (always search for teardown pics before decision) Usually they have small problems here or there, but you don't have a bug list and workaround thread in a good forum simply because they don't have enough users.
There are worth buying Chinese tablets though. They are usually much cheaper than Nexus 7, don't have fatal problems, have good user base and forums to post workarounds of those small issues, and recently they start to come in so many varieties of screen size. (there used to be a time when they are mainly 7" widescreen, before the mighty Nexus 7's arrival.)
IMHO if you prefer 7" tablet, just grab the new Nexus 7. If not, don't buy M7 Pro for the following reasons:
1 Rockchip is not as friendly to devs as its rival SoC company Allwinner. I can find unofficial CM10.2 on AllWinner platform but I find almost nothing on Rockchip;
2 RK3188 seems strong, but in practice it's not a good chip for HD "Retina" display due to poor design choice of a single channel 32bit memory controller, which results a memory bandwidth that nearly kills GPU performance. BTW that's just a fraction of bandwidth compared to the new Nexus 7. I heard the GPU performance is so poor that even stock launcher can't go butterly smooth.
However RK3188 + a 1024*768 display is fine.
Summary: don't buy RK3188+HD display like the M7 Pro; strongly recommend new Nexus 7
correction: No Chinese SoC performs well on 1080p display. I'd guess 720p is the limit.
Hope it helps

Nexus 6 or Note 4 off topic

I know this is G Pro thread but one day all of us will get another phone. The G pro has been a awesome device. The best phone I have ever had. But I want a new one. So I want the Nexus 6 or Note 4. I am asking yall which one. Yalls advice would be appreciated. I am stuck on deciding both are good. I went into att and looked at both. The note 4 has all the bells and whistles. The nexus 6 is big I like. The Nexus will get all the updates first. The Note 4 will not which really does not matter since we root and flash our phones. I would love to hear yalls input on this thanks.
jason504 said:
I know this is G Pro thread but one day all of us will get another phone. The G pro has been a awesome device. The best phone I have ever had. But I want a new one. So I want the Nexus 6 or Note 4. I am asking yall which one. Yalls advice would be appreciated. I am stuck on deciding both are good. I went into att and looked at both. The note 4 has all the bells and whistles. The nexus 6 is big I like. The Nexus will get all the updates first. The Note 4 will not which really does not matter since we root and flash our phones. I would love to hear yalls input on this thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i feel the need to get another phone myself, been thinking on the note 3 before im not able to get from att, and the final price of these phones are getting rediculous, i paid 389 for the g pro, the note 4 is 825! nexus 6 on att 683, my dilemma is note 3 is 699 final and a lil outdated to some, but i have to do the next plan on att so its a matter of how much im willing to spend in taxes. i dont have the money to drop these prices on the phone outright so att being my carrier gotta go with what ya can afford. have an expensive phone and drive a rollscanhardly or save some loot and drive a spark..... decisions decisions! 825 for the note 4! that damn thing better read my mind, play ps4 and xbox games, and get me high at the same time. oh and make bacon too
Note 4 the way to go
Sent from my LG-E980
I'm staying
I am staying with the g pro I'm not changing phone till there no more custom roms left. There some people that don't even have smartphone.
I'll be staying with the OGP till there are quality 64-bit devices worth buying.
If I had to choose today between the nexus 6 and the note 4, I would take the Nate 4 due to:
1. Screen quality
2. Better battery life
3. Removable battery
4. SD
5. S-pen, adds some benefits
Nexus 6 is about the development community more than anything though, there should be plenty of community support for the note 4 as well.
LG G Pro 2
Nuff said.
phatmanxxl said:
LG G Pro 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not released in the US
and not much, last time I checked, happening for development, though a very good device.
capnloo said:
i feel the need to get another phone myself, been thinking on the note 3 before im not able to get from att, and the final price of these phones are getting rediculous, i paid 389 for the g pro, the note 4 is 825! nexus 6 on att 683, my dilemma is note 3 is 699 final and a lil outdated to some, but i have to do the next plan on att so its a matter of how much im willing to spend in taxes. i dont have the money to drop these prices on the phone outright so att being my carrier gotta go with what ya can afford. have an expensive phone and drive a rollscanhardly or save some loot and drive a spark..... decisions decisions! 825 for the note 4! that damn thing better read my mind, play ps4 and xbox games, and get me high at the same time. oh and make bacon too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you see the new lg g 3 Vista? It is 5.7 in and it is only 375$. I mean it's not the best but it looks like a good phone. Check it out
I'd rather get 1+1 if price is a problem. Nexus 6 and Note 4 aren't very smooth (some reviews said so). Maybe because the QHD screen. And if I want a new phone, I want it to have no lag at all.
Xperia Z3 Compact is very alluring, 801 with 720p. The battery is very good too. But the screen is smaller and that might become a problem for you. I'll definitely get this device if I can't get the 1+1.
If you want to wait though, device with snapdragon 810 is around the corner (february?). Rumor also said 1+2 will be coming soon.
Charles7 said:
I'll be staying with the OGP till there are quality 64-bit devices worth buying.
If I had to choose today between the nexus 6 and the note 4, I would take the Nate 4 due to:
1. Screen quality
2. Better battery life
3. Removable battery
4. SD
5. S-pen, adds some benefits
Nexus 6 is about the development community more than anything though, there should be plenty of community support for the note 4 as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
love those features!
note 4 has physical button to wake, it's a plus unless you have the double tap to wake.
The external SD card is a nice feature on any phone. But no devices get supported in an official way like nexus devices, both vanilla Android from Google and the various roms from the developer community both end up supporting the devices real well.
That's one of the reasons why I am leaning towards the nexus 6 because of development and updates. But that note 4 does have some cool stuff. Someone mentioned the 1+1 when that phone came out I was all on it. Thinking this is great high specs cheap price. Then they pulled this invite crap. They lost me good luck still trying to get one.
I would suggest to wait till almost quarter of next year (2015). You would see some 64 bit devices coming to the smartphone market.
At present I don't think one should spent so much money on Nexus 6 or Note 4 or even Z3.
They are all 32 bit, probably you might not notice a drastic change in you experience moving to any of these device.
Wait for 64 bit chips Snapdragon 808 or 810, wait for 4k screens coming next year.
Waiting now shall prove fruitful for you.
For now I have sold my GPro and bought a used Nexus 5 device, pretty, doing this is pretty common here.
I did not go for a new expensive phone for all the reason I just gave.
How about a G Flex?
Sent from my LG-E980 using XDA Free mobile app
vivebatu said:
How about a G Flex?
Sent from my LG-E980 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I liked that phone when it came out but was disappointed in the screen resolution. That phone is still just as expensive as the others.
jason504 said:
I liked that phone when it came out but was disappointed in the screen resolution. That phone is still just as expensive as the others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMHO I basically see no 'usable' difference between 720p and 1080p. But that is just my view.
Further a new G Flex is now available for around $300-350, while a note 4 will cost almost double of that, so you could save tons of money for sure
Sent from my LG-E980 using XDA Free mobile app
vivebatu said:
IMHO I basically see no 'usable' difference between 720p and 1080p. But that is just my view.
Further a new G Flex is now available for around $300-350, while a note 4 will cost almost double of that, so you could save tons of money for sure
Sent from my LG-E980 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in att about 2 months ago a d the flex was the same price it was when it came out. But that's att they are always high. But I want a phone with real good development. I have not looked at the flex development might check it out thanks for your input I appreciate it.

[Q] Asus zenfone 2 vs One plus one

as we all know one plus one is the flagship killer of 2014....
i am so much confused between opo & zenfone 2...
i wanted to purchase asus zenfone 2 but i dont think there will be much development for this device....
if i buy one plus one there are so many cyanogen mod themes....
but one plus one has many problems too... while there are very less chance to get any cm rom on asus device....
zenfone 2 offers better specs but one plus one supports more development
please help me which one should i buy one plus one or asus zenfone 2..???
Mike Stark said:
as we all know one plus one is the flagship killer of 2015....
i am so much confused between opo & zenfone 2...
i wanted to purchase asus zenfone 2 but i dont think there will be much development for this device....
if i buy one plus one there are so many cyanogen mod themes....
but one plus one has many problems too... while there are very less chance to get any cm rom on asus device....
zenfone 2 offers better specs but one plus one supports more development
please help me which one should i buy one plus one or asus zenfone 2..???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should wait to see the official price of zenfone and compare the cost/benefit.
Mrcl1450 said:
You should wait to see the official price of zenfone and compare the cost/benefit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure will wait till march but i really like cyanogen mod...
looking to the people response i dont think asus will support more development...
Mike Stark said:
Sure will wait till march but i really like cyanogen mod...
looking to the people response i dont think asus will support more development...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm almost sure the zenfone 2 will be a popular phone and popular phones always have a good community so the chances of zenfone get cm are high. But we have to wait to see
Mrcl1450 said:
I'm almost sure the zenfone 2 will be a popular phone and popular phones always have a good community so the chances of zenfone get cm are high. But we have to wait to see
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hoping for best...
wish someone will port cm12 for zenfone 2 in future...
Went for the OnePlus One
Since the latest information regarding the Zenfone 2 was suggesting the $199 price tag would be for the 5" 720p device, I decided to order the OnePlus One instead.
It might be that the the 5.5" 1080p model ends up costing $199, but in Belgium (where I live), I suspected it will be more expensive.
The OnePlus one has been out for quite a while now, reviews are super positive. A LOT of development is going on for it, whereas the Zenfone 2 will be brand new in March (?), no reviews at all exist about this phone (will it be any good?) and development will start slow.
Also (correct me if I'm wrong), it would take some work to port CM to the Intel x86 platform whereas the OPO runs CM natively.
I ended up paying $356 for the OPO incl shipping, which seems reasonable. If the Zenfone 2 5.5" 1080p edition with 2GB of ram ends up costing $199, it would be a super deal, but I doubt it...
Rubberducky said:
Since the latest information regarding the Zenfone 2 was suggesting the $199 price tag would be for the 5" 720p device, I decided to order the OnePlus One instead.
It might be that the the 5.5" 1080p model ends up costing $199, but in Belgium (where I live), I suspected it will be more expensive.
The OnePlus one has been out for quite a while now, reviews are super positive. A LOT of development is going on for it, whereas the Zenfone 2 will be brand new in March (?), no reviews at all exist about this phone (will it be any good?) and development will start slow.
Also (correct me if I'm wrong), it would take some work to port CM to the Intel x86 platform whereas the OPO runs CM natively.
I ended up paying $356 for the OPO incl shipping, which seems reasonable. If the Zenfone 2 5.5" 1080p edition with 2GB of ram ends up costing $199, it would be a super deal, but I doubt it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i totally agree with you most of the device running cyanogenMod have snapdragon or any other chipset....
but i have recently heard that cyanogen is not supporting opo anymore and they are working on their own os namely oxygen os.....
but if we look at the price point i think 4gb version of zenfone 2 will be available at 350$ or may be less than that...
well it can't predicted which device is much better...
well i will wait one week after the release of zenfone 2 and wait for the review of other people ...
hoping for good....
and about development i think xda have amazing devs i think anyone of the developer will definitely help asus users to get cm....
Mike Stark said:
i totally agree with you most of the device running cyanogenMod have snapdragon or any other chipset....
but i have recently heard that cyanogen is not supporting opo anymore and they are working on their own os namely oxygen os.....
but if we look at the price point i think 4gb version of zenfone 2 will be available at 350$ or may be less than that...
well it can't predicted which device is much better...
well i will wait one week after the release of zenfone 2 and wait for the review of other people ...
hoping for good....
and about development i think xda have amazing devs i think anyone of the developer will definitely help asus users to get cm....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. Another reason for buying the OPO now is that I really needed another phone as my current one is just too slow for daily use now. If I had time I probably would wait for the Zenfone 2 to come out, wait for reviews/opinions. If you have lots of time to wait, you can wait for the OnePlus 2 (Q3 I think) too.
Rubberducky said:
True. Another reason for buying the OPO now is that I really needed another phone as my current one is just too slow for daily use now. If I had time I probably would wait for the Zenfone 2 to come out, wait for reviews/opinions. If you have lots of time to wait, you can wait for the OnePlus 2 (Q3 I think) too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No man one plus 2 is too far....
i need to buy a new device by march if asus doesnt come up with good reviews than m definitely going to buy one plus one....
Mike Stark said:
No man one plus 2 is too far....
i need to buy a new device by march if asus doesnt come up with good reviews than m definitely going to buy one plus one....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will regret the OPO if you are even a minor perfectionist, and the display quality is important to you. I went through 5 of them because I wanted to love it, but all 5 had terrible yellowish bottoms of the screen.
blyndfyre said:
You will regret the OPO if you are even a minor perfectionist, and the display quality is important to you. I went through 5 of them because I wanted to love it, but all 5 had terrible yellowish bottoms of the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get the yellow bands immediately? I have had the OPO for a few days now, it is a super phone! No yellow bands (yet?).
Rubberducky said:
Did you get the yellow bands immediately? I have had the OPO for a few days now, it is a super phone! No yellow bands (yet?).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, on all 5, and some worse than others. Maybe it has something to do with my retina cones!!
Are you using the on screen navigation keys? If so it makes it much less noticeable. Try turning them off, and brightness up and use hangouts or an app with a white background. Or better yet, don't even look for it and it will never bother you.
I was almost set on a OnePlus One, but I spent the day reading about the Zenfone 2, and now I'm quite intrigued by it. I have a few questions that I hope I can receive some advice on.
1. Purely in terms of performance, how does this particular Intel chip fare against the Snapdragon 801 in the OnePlus One?
2. I keep reading comments about supposed poor battery life on Intel Atom processors, compared to the Snapdragons. Are there any concrete facts concerning this? Or is it just generally assumed that the Intel Atoms translate to poor battery life?
3. I'm concerned about the aspect of software updates and custom ROMs for the Zenfone 2. Asus apparently aren't particularly quick with OS updates, and I'm worried that the Zenfone might end up not receiving as many as something like the OnePlus One. I'd also want the option to try an alternative ROM or two, say CM, in the event I don't like Asus' factory ROM (a lot of people don't seem to like it). Do you guys think the Zenfone 2 will be restricted in that sense, being an Intel architecture as opposed to ARM?
blyndfyre said:
Yes, on all 5, and some worse than others. Maybe it has something to do with my retina cones!!
Are you using the on screen navigation keys? If so it makes it much less noticeable. Try turning them off, and brightness up and use hangouts or an app with a white background. Or better yet, don't even look for it and it will never bother you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have any problems yet (no on screen buttons). So maybe they fixed it in the newer phones? Lets hope it won't come later.
Rubberducky said:
I don't have any problems yet (no on screen buttons). So maybe they fixed it in the newer phones? Lets hope it won't come later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt it will present itself later, you should be fine.
DanielKennethRego said:
I was almost set on a OnePlus One, but I spent the day reading about the Zenfone 2, and now I'm quite intrigued by it. I have a few questions that I hope I can receive some advice on.
1. Purely in terms of performance, how does this particular Intel chip fare against the Snapdragon 801 in the OnePlus One?
2. I keep reading comments about supposed poor battery life on Intel Atom processors, compared to the Snapdragons. Are there any concrete facts concerning this? Or is it just generally assumed that the Intel Atoms translate to poor battery life?
3. I'm concerned about the aspect of software updates and custom ROMs for the Zenfone 2. Asus apparently aren't particularly quick with OS updates, and I'm worried that the Zenfone might end up not receiving as many as something like the OnePlus One. I'd also want the option to try an alternative ROM or two, say CM, in the event I don't like Asus' factory ROM (a lot of people don't seem to like it). Do you guys think the Zenfone 2 will be restricted in that sense, being an Intel architecture as opposed to ARM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Moorefield in the Zenfone 2 smokes the 801 and is more on par with 805. Battery shouldn't be an issue as the new Intel processors are built on 22nm FinFET vs the older 32nm planar. FinFET is what Samsung and TSMC are supposedly releasing this year with the new Samsung Exynos built on what is equivalent to 20 nm FinFET but they are calling 14nm. Anything that reads z2xxx are the older processors which I don't even know why Asus is using. The new processors are z3xxx model numbers. I had a Dell Venue 8 pro with the new Intel chip running full windows and the battery life was comparable to my iPad Air except it ran full windows
Actually it is Intel vs Snapdragon
And Dude go for OnePlus One!
Awesome phone and best specs for this price!Overall nice phone with great features.
Using ONE since 6 Months No issues Whatsoever! :thumbup:
---------- Post added at 05:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:57 PM ----------
@OP ask me anything everything about OnePlus One!
I'll answer any question!
I think of buying an oneplus one, but I'm concerned about some touchscreen issues that some people had.
Does anyone know if these issues have been fixed?
In my opinion, one plus is the best choice. He is good looking. He is not strong but he is famous.
Sent from my LG-F310L using XDA Free mobile app
SuperMan(Alex) said:
Actually it is Intel vs Snapdragon
And Dude go for OnePlus One!
Awesome phone and best specs for this price!Overall nice phone with great features.
Using ONE since 6 Months No issues Whatsoever! :thumbup:
---------- Post added at 05:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:57 PM ----------
@OP ask me anything everything about OnePlus One!
I'll answer any question!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
many people are telling that they are facing yellow tint,touch and heating issues while playing games...
is that true..???

what's the next phone

so I'm looking to upgrade from the s3 and was wondering what the next phone would be? Are people sticking with Samsung devices or has anybody branched out to LG or HT has anybody branched out to LG or HTC?
gvsukids said:
so I'm looking to upgrade from the s3 and was wondering what the next phone would be? Are people sticking with Samsung devices or has anybody branched out to LG or HT has anybody branched out to LG or HTC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup. went from my beloved-can-not-kill S3 to a htconem8. way too freakin much money , though they are cheaper now. fast as heck but poor battery life without tweaking. (heavy user here). if had to do all over , i swear i would get another S3 from online or swappa , etc. just my opinion.
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
Had my hands on a T999v and s3 for a while. Sold them or gave them to family. Just slapped together two broken i747m's to make one good i747m
I've been using an Alcatel Idol 2s for a bit and now I'm using a Nexus 4. Also have a Note 2 as my travelling phone.
I agree with @mrrocketdog about thinking hard about picking up a used sgs3/i747 if the need arises.
Based only on reading a review or two, for a new phone I would give serious consideration to an LG V10, once the price drops.
If not for my current phone, lg g3, I would look at the Moto X Pure Edition if you don't mind a big screen. Baseline starts at $399, fully unlocked and works on all carriers (CDMA like Verizon even), and Moto is supporting unlocking bootloaders.
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk
I liked what I read about the Moto X Pure/Style.
Having had the GalaxyS Captivate as my first Android and still using the SGS3 I like having a removable battery and an external sdcard slot. Those specs are a large part of what attracts me to the V10.
The phone also has 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. The phone also has a micro-sd card slot for expansion up to 2TB of storage. Thankfully, the V10 also retains a removable battery with a capacity of 3000 mAh as well as support for Quick Charge 2.0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.xda-developers.com/lg-announces-the-v10-dual-front-camera-dual-display/
The lack of removable battery on the Moto is the only thing that gave me pause. Memory is expandable so it would not be so bad. All things considered, phone options with removable batteries are getting slim. I personally hate it because while I understand it helps keep the phones slimmed down some, it also means no spare backups or simple replacement of a defective or worn out battery.
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk

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