Database Users

[Poll] Build quality survey, please participate ...

Hi,
If you own a Nexus S, please tell us about your phone.
How many times you have exchanged your phone until you got a perfect one?
If you exchanged it, tell us why? What kind of problem did you get?
If you were asked, "In terms of build quality, what is the worst part?"
With this poll, we could get a rough picture about how well the manufacture / production of Nexus S, Samsung QA, those kind of things.
Thanks.

First in line, first Nexus s, perfect phone, no issues.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

nxt said:
First in line, first Nexus s, perfect phone, no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. The only "problem" with my NS is the home button backlight is not as bright as the others.

First Nexus S, no issues whatsoever. I was very surprised since I went through three G2s(okay hinge, worst hinge, meh hinge) and three MT4Gs(bad screen, no update/bad reception, bad screen) that I ultimately ended ditching for this phone.
If asked what's the worst part of the build quality, I'd say the lack of texture coating to help the phone from feeling so slick.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

first in line, first phone, best phone,
i love him so much..*pets nexi*

unknown.soul said:
Same here. The only "problem" with my NS is the home button backlight is not as bright as the others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too noticed that with my home button.
I've had the NS for 4 days and my battery life doesn't feel like its getting any better but I have used the phone constantly. I get about 5-7 hours usage before charge required again. That's around 15-30 percent.
Sent from my Nexus S

First phone. No issues whatsoever .

Mine works okay except cellular radio problem, but hopefully it'll be fixed through future radio ROM update.

mingkee said:
Mine works okay except cellular radio problem, but hopefully it'll be fixed through future radio ROM update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what is wrong/what do u think is a problem

First phone and no issues.

Much improved over Vibrant. So that is gingerbread over TMo 2.1. Also better than my MT4G, it seems to find its ffc. But rooted/OCLF Vibrant blows over 2k on Quadrant and both HTC phones are up 6db on WiFi sensitivity from both Samsung phones. OTA on SNS seems very good though. Already got first OTA update on SNS!! No TMo klepto wear dragging me down. Wow, Skype, Fring Tango seem to work. Now need to root and get edge and a prepaid SIM card. Only Navigon won't load on SNS but does on all others Inc. SG Tab.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

First phone here also,not seeing any of the problems mentioned in this forum. Bought in UK.
Very nice phone and certainly the best android phone I've used out of desire, desire HD, galaxy s. Very. Impressed with battery, crucifies all previously mentioned in this department.

Second phone. Had to replace first one due to back button being unsensitive like other buttons. Also noticed gsensor is quite jumpy in readings. Trying to understand if this is also hardware error.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

2nd phone - first went back because of the fast battery drain and unresponsive back button.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

XBOHDPuKC said:
2nd phone - first went back because of the fast battery drain and unresponsive back button.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How fast of a drain? I recently feel my battery drains quite fast.
Sent from my Nexus S

I had mine exchanged. Had the metal piece from earpiece crooked and one corner was raised higher than the phones' glass.
GPS reception is horrible on this device however. I can be driving and it randomly loses signal.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

First phone..have not had one hardware issue with it..overall favorite phone ive owned and I've had A LOT!!..
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

bogdi1988 said:
I had mine exchanged. Had the metal piece from earpiece crooked and one corner was raised higher than the phones' glass.
GPS reception is horrible on this device however. I can be driving and it randomly loses signal.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have actually found GPS on this phone to be quite nice i get a fast lock and its always within 5-20 meters... coming from the captivate im extremely happy with the GPS!!..

TheKenAnthony said:
I have actually found GPS on this phone to be quite nice i get a fast lock and its always within 5-20 meters... coming from the captivate im extremely happy with the GPS!!..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think most or all of the U.S. SGS variants had really bad GPS on a lot of phones. I know I came to the Nexus S from Vibrant and it is insane how much better it is.

slowz3r said:
what is wrong/what do u think is a problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The cellular radio freezes when being under no signal condition (subway in underground) for more than about 10 minutes. That the phone is no longer to get signal even the train goes to surface or I get off the station.
I have to power cycle the phone in order to make cellular radio works again.
Wifi and BT aren't affected.
Here is the related thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=882518

Purchase advise

Hello XDA family,
I used to be a regular on the Captivate forum before I moved to WP7. I'm getting a little bored with the newest from Microsoft, and was thinking about moving back to the Android side of life. I've been watching the development of the atrix for quite a while and now that it's been release, I figured I'd look into it.
So, I head back to XDA to get the low down and I see a lot of mixed opinions. I know the bootloader is locked, but like the DroidX, I figured it's only a matter of time before it's cracked, right? Either way, most reviews say that the phone is fine out of the box, and the OTA takes that even further. There is some talk about the mic being jacked on some handsets causing muffled sound, MotoBlur...etc...etc...
Is this phone worth the money? I used to swap roms all the time with the captivate, but that was mainly because it needed it. File system performance, GPS, chronic shut downs, poor battery life, all plagued that device and my man DesignGears and others did their damnedest to correct that. Does this phone have straight up broken features that require the roms at the moment?
Is the screen as bad as everyone says? I'm used to the 3GS, and my last two phones had SAMOLED screens (Captivate, Focus).
I guess, I just don't want to do the ATT phone return merry-go-round again like I did with the Capy (I went through 9)...

Divinedark said:
... I know the bootloader is locked, but like the DroidX, I figured it's only a matter of time before it's cracked, right? ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say don't get your hopes up here. I don't think the bootloader will be defeated unless there's a leak from Moto or an official way to do it from Moto.
Other than that, as a potential Atrix owner I'm interested in the answers to all your questions, too!

I came from captivate to focus to Atrix. I have all 3 laying on my desk and just wait h sim card to whichever I want to use. I find myself carrying the Atrix over 90% of the time because it just works. Never have had any of the random issues people talk about on here. I own a construction company and use my phone hard. Email in the field all day, talk 5000-6000 minutes a month and the battery lasts all day. I use a bluetooth headset so I have never noticed the muffled mic issue, however the update we just got was suppossed to correct that. I would buy another one without hesitation. When the high speed upload is turned on it will pretty much be a perfect device for me. Front camera chat works with Tango app. Gps works out of the box. Good battery and no lag.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Jack
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App

The Atrix works great for me, except for the call quality issue. Great battery life, fast performance in demanding games and apps, very stable.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

Phone call quality

Got my nexus 4 during the first launch and apparently when I use it as a phone the people on the other end have a tough time hearing me. It doesn't happen all the time but people say I sound far away and they ask if I've moved or not but I'm in the exact same position for the duration if the call!
Also, I get the same complaint while on speaker phone.
Does anyone else have these problems?
I'm sure its not the network I'm using either since I'm on Telus in Toronto and I have full bars when talking.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Haven't heard a complaint yet. How's your signal when you are hearing complaints?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Voice Quality
maxpowerxiii said:
Got my nexus 4 during the first launch and apparently when I use it as a phone the people on the other end have a tough time hearing me. It doesn't happen all the time but people say I sound far away and they ask if I've moved or not but I'm in the exact same position for the duration if the call!
Also, I get the same complaint while on speaker phone.
Does anyone else have these problems?
I'm sure its not the network I'm using either since I'm on Telus in Toronto and I have full bars when talking.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can tell you that people are commenting on how clear and crisp my voice sounds.
Either speakerphone, Bluetooth car or regular phone all are excellent call quality.
Much better then my old SGS3.
CC

are you saying that you actually hold the nexus 4 up to your ear and talk into the thing?!?!
do you know what year it is??

Clear and crisp on both ends. No issues hearing people and haven't heard anyone say my end is faint/distorted or anything.

My call quality is awesome, much better than my one X - but the main thing you notice is the volume - its nice and loud. (some would say too loud, but you can always turn it down if you think so)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Ogg said:
are you saying that you actually hold the nexus 4 up to your ear and talk into the thing?!?!
do you know what year it is??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, right? Who uses a phone for a phone any more??
But in all seriousness. I'm wondering if I have a bad speaker or something. Everything else with the phone is fine. A slight buzzing in the earpiece but that's only if I'm using it as a phone but it doesn't bother me. Also, no rattling whatsoever.
The signal quality is fine when during the call. Full bars.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Ogg said:
are you saying that you actually hold the nexus 4 up to your ear and talk into the thing?!?!
do you know what year it is??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why does your third post ever have to be so offensive? You haven't talked on a phone for 5 years?

I think I got the same call quality problem. It sounds even worst than my old ATT captivate.

wawacoffee said:
Why does your third post ever have to be so offensive? You haven't talked on a phone for 5 years?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He was obviously kidding, which the op got. All good. :thumbup:

chrisjcks said:
My call quality is awesome, much better than my one X - but the main thing you notice is the volume - its nice and loud. (some would say too loud, but you can always turn it down if you think so)
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This....
'effin speaker made me deaf the first time someone called me and spoke into the phone
if you have buzzing...that might be an indication of a bad speaker... I just placed a call to / from my phone for you as a test to be sure..
crisp, clear and NO buzzing. ever.

Yes, I have the same issue. People can't hear me as it constantly cuts out, and when it doesn't cut out, it sounds like I'm far away. It's so bad that some people have said "your new phone is a piece of crap!" and in general it's not possible to have a conversation. This has happened in several cities and places where my old htc inspire never had any issues.
I've been waiting for google to send me a new one, but it hasn't arrived yet. Also their customer service has no tools or authority to do anything, except for "sending an email to a specialist."
When I've called them about the RMA and to complain, I've done it from my Nexus phone and they constantly ask me to repeat. When I explain the issue they seem somewhat sympathetic.

^^ Stock rom & kernel?

Today i got my Nexus4 and have the same issues.
People tell me that i sound far away and some weren't able to understand me. My speaker (that one holding to the ear) sounds like an old Nokia with distortion from the wireless signal (induction). Sound chip tends to cut out people on the other end and it sounds like a "bumping volume". I have the same tested on my iPhone 5 and people also tend to sound like "bumping volume" but not that bad as on the Nexus 4. This is clearly a software issue (compressor).
Well i think i have to return my Nexus 4. Cheap doesn't always pay off in terms of quality

100% stock here. Turns out they're shipping me a new one and it should here tomorrow afternoon. So we will see if that one is better.

Got new phone, works now, everyone can hear me fine.

I get complaints anytime I use speakerphone. The caller on the remote end says my audio is choppy and sounds like I am far away. I've been holding out on doing a RMA hoping it will be fixed in a software update. I've tested my mic using different recording apps and the audio playback sounds very clear. I'm wondering if the issue is related to the noise cancelation that takes place when in a call.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

three letters. APN

phermey said:
three letters. APN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Care to explain?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

solvingchaos said:
Care to explain?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure thing. 99% of all call and data quality issues on this phone is due to the APN never being set. Or put in improperly. Most peeps think that inserting the sim is all they have to do.

My Moto X impression so far

This isn't so much for the people who have the phone, but I know a lot of people looking to buy the phone will read the reviews and visit general forum, so here it is:
What I love about it:
Touchless Control -- definitely put those iPhone 5s users in their place when they show off their fingerprint unlock. "Hey Google Now" gets recognized instantly, anywhere, and at almost any volume. I was explain it to someone about this feature in a noisy hallway with him holding my phone, and I was not even loud, and my phone woke up and started listening. Now I whisper it just to see it can hear me, and get super giddy and freaked out at the same time when it does...
Active Notification -- yeah yeah, I know you can download an app for it, but moto X's implementation is by far the best. It knows what you are doing. In the pocket? No problem. Out of the pocket, wake up right away. I don't even bother using the power button anymore. I just nudge the phone a bit when it's sitting on my desk, and the screen comes on. It's a beautiful thing, especially after switching from HTC One, and the One Mini, when the power button was so damn awkward to reach. Or you know, you can just wake it up by talking to it... Just say: open Gmail! and BOOM. It's there.
Assist -- again, Motorola got it right. This is how to make a rom. Assist has completely made my tasker useless... I was using tasker to silence my phone during appointments, at night, and play music and reply messages when I'm driving, now Moto X does all this, with minimal setup. I just let it do its thing, and it has gotten it right almost all the time. It also read your text messages when you are driving, which is pretty awesome.
What I dislike:
My biggest gripe... What is up with the vibration? It feels so mechanical and clunky, as if there is a robot squirrel in the phone grinding two titanium nuts together in its mouth to make the vibration. The long duration vibration is almost unbearable. C'mon Motorola, why would you skimp on something so important and basic?
The screen -- it's a decent screen, but after using the One, I would have to say it is nowhere near top notch. If a beautiful screen is a MUST for you, skip this phone. It's usable, but hardly from beautiful. When it's dim, I could almost see a hue of purple on everything. Pentile displays, I'm telling yah. The screen looks like my old GNex. I eventually liked my GNex because of the custom kernal could make the screen almost really really good, but on the Moto X, which leads to my last gripe...
The bootloader -- all you TMo and Rogers people are damn lucky. I really don't mind the bootloader so much, but I just want to root my phone. I know another root method will eventually come along, but man, Verizon and AT&T are making it difficult. Why do I want to root my phone? Well I happen to enjoy the Xposed framework and have been using it on almost all my other phones. It has completely replaced Rom flashing for me. I want my screen rotation in the quick setting menu damn it, is that too much to ask?
Well that's it. If you don't like to mess around your phone and can live with a robot squirrel and mediocre screen, this phone is for you...
For the owners of Moto X.. How are you feeling about the vibration and the screen? Any cool app or anything that doesn't require root to make the moto X experience better?

personally I like the vibration because it's easy for me to feel it on vibrate while I'm at work. And the screen looks just the same as the S4 I had to me, but some notice screens more than me. I agree with active notifications and all, and I love the twist motion to launch the camera. Only thing I don't like is how locked down it is. (Verizon). And the camera isn't great, so far I don't find the update to have helped too much

I feel like I either have absolutely no high expectations for vibration, or I have the only Moto X that vibrates normally. I haven't noticed any rattling on mine, and it's a really strong vibration. I like it.

holyevilcow said:
This isn't so much for the people who have the phone, but I know a lot of people looking to buy the phone will read the reviews and visit general forum, so here it is:
What I love about it:
Touchless Control -- definitely put those iPhone 5s users in their place when they show off their fingerprint unlock. "Hey Google Now" gets recognized instantly, anywhere, and at almost any volume. I was explain it to someone about this feature in a noisy hallway with him holding my phone, and I was not even loud, and my phone woke up and started listening. Now I whisper it just to see it can hear me, and get super giddy and freaked out at the same time when it does...
Active Notification -- yeah yeah, I know you can download an app for it, but moto X's implementation is by far the best. It knows what you are doing. In the pocket? No problem. Out of the pocket, wake up right away. I don't even bother using the power button anymore. I just nudge the phone a bit when it's sitting on my desk, and the screen comes on. It's a beautiful thing, especially after switching from HTC One, and the One Mini, when the power button was so damn awkward to reach. Or you know, you can just wake it up by talking to it... Just say: open Gmail! and BOOM. It's there.
Assist -- again, Motorola got it right. This is how to make a rom. Assist has completely made my tasker useless... I was using tasker to silence my phone during appointments, at night, and play music and reply messages when I'm driving, now Moto X does all this, with minimal setup. I just let it do its thing, and it has gotten it right almost all the time. It also read your text messages when you are driving, which is pretty awesome.
What I dislike:
My biggest gripe... What is up with the vibration? It feels so mechanical and clunky, as if there is a robot squirrel in the phone grinding two titanium nuts together in its mouth to make the vibration. The long duration vibration is almost unbearable. C'mon Motorola, why would you skimp on something so important and basic?
The screen -- it's a decent screen, but after using the One, I would have to say it is nowhere near top notch. If a beautiful screen is a MUST for you, skip this phone. It's usable, but hardly from beautiful. When it's dim, I could almost see a hue of purple on everything. Pentile displays, I'm telling yah. The screen looks like my old GNex. I eventually liked my GNex because of the custom kernal could make the screen almost really really good, but on the Moto X, which leads to my last gripe...
The bootloader -- all you TMo and Rogers people are damn lucky. I really don't mind the bootloader so much, but I just want to root my phone. I know another root method will eventually come along, but man, Verizon and AT&T are making it difficult. Why do I want to root my phone? Well I happen to enjoy the Xposed framework and have been using it on almost all my other phones. It has completely replaced Rom flashing for me. I want my screen rotation in the quick setting menu damn it, is that too much to ask?
Well that's it. If you don't like to mess around your phone and can live with a robot squirrel and mediocre screen, this phone is for you...
For the owners of Moto X.. How are you feeling about the vibration and the screen? Any cool app or anything that doesn't require root to make the moto X experience better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just so we remain accurate, the screen on the Moto X is not PenTile, but uses the same array as the Galaxy Note 2 from Samsung. Infact, Samsung is the one that makes the screen on the Moto X.
http://anandtech.com/show/7235/moto-x-review/5

samarth1 said:
Just so we remain accurate, the screen on the Moto X is not PenTile, but uses the same array as the Galaxy Note 2 from Samsung. Infact, Samsung is the one that makes the screen on the Moto X.
http://anandtech.com/show/7235/moto-x-review/5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice one .

freak4dell said:
I feel like I either have absolutely no high expectations for vibration, or I have the only Moto X that vibrates normally. I haven't noticed any rattling on mine, and it's a really strong vibration. I like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had three different xs and they all vibrate slightly different
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

eallan said:
I've had three different xs and they all vibrate slightly different
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i'm on my third, too. the first two had minor issues besides the vibration. the vibration was different on all 3, and seemed to get worse as i went along. looking back, i should have not nitpicked and just kept the first because it was nice and tight--none of this loud and rattley/loose nonsense that i have on the latest one, but hindsight is 20/20 i guess. 2 gsm dev editions and then an at&t that i have now, in case anyone's wondering. i saved over $300 getting a used at&t on this latest one.. at least that's how i'm justifying the imperfections this go-around.

So surprised you dont like the screen in comparison with the HTC One. I have both (got a Moto X after the One - which I was besotted with), the Moto X has darker blacks and deeper colours, I easily prefer it over the One. The one looks washed out in comparison - which I was really surprised about as I love the One screen.

Irky things
I have the VZW DEV edition. For the most part everything works great. I have issues where Music from Google Play over my blue tooth head set gets choppy when I'm active (walking, or moving about). My dialer quit suggest contact names when I'm dialing a number and telling me who's calling on incoming calls from contacts. It doesn't recognize my Motorola docks and if I have daydreamer mode set to run when connected to a charger or dock, it doesn't. I'm pretty disappointed with my $650 phone since my Bionic worked great in all these areas.

ranlil said:
I have the VZW DEV edition. For the most part everything works great. I have issues where Music from Google Play over my blue tooth head set gets choppy when I'm active (walking, or moving about). My dialer quit suggest contact names when I'm dialing a number and telling me who's calling on incoming calls from contacts. It doesn't recognize my Motorola docks and if I have daydreamer mode set to run when connected to a charger or dock, it doesn't. I'm pretty disappointed with my $650 phone since my Bionic worked great in all these areas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it doesn't sound like it, but if you think these are manufacturing issues with your particular phone, i've found that motorola customer service has no problem issuing a RMA for you.. i think you could do this anyway as long as it's within the window. their customer service people are a joke with trying to evaluate and fix the issue but they did refund my two GSM dev editions (one with bootloader unlocked). you could always try another one, and even return that and get back on the bionic until something else pops up. why they won't do straight up exchanges i have no idea. they lost my money when i bought a used AT&T the third time around.
however, for all its issues, this is probably my favorite phone ever.

To me the MotoX would be my only option if I went Android.
Main reasons:
- I really appreciate one-handed operation : The MotoX is just a little bit bigger than an iPhone 5 while having a much bigger screen. That makes it easy to reach both the top and bottom of the screen without having to shift my hand around every time to do so.
- The MotoX brought about a new, long-term, game changing feature (Always On Assistant) : It's not easy to bring about a Star Trek like feature which is actually really useful without killing the battery life. Motorola was the only phone to be able to accomplish this. Before the MotoX everyone thought that an always listening voice assistant would kill the battery life. This feature (along with TouchID on the 5s) are not given enough credit for their long term impact on the smartphone realm.
- Motorola was finally the first Android manufacturer to stop being whores to the spec war games : So many times I see android manufacturers cram in whatever specs they can to cater to the stat geeks, without any real thought as to what is actually needed. Motorola was finally the first to stop and ask "Hey, is a 1080p screen really needed over a 720p screen when the non-ocd consumer can't tell the difference anyways? All it really does is kill battery life!"
- I love the fact that the MotoX is assembled in the U.S. : The fact that Motorola took the profit hit to bring assembling jobs to America is a huge plus in my opinion. They could have simply lined their pockets further by having it assembled in China or wherever but they didn't. By doing this they also ensured that American customers would get a quick delivery when ordering online. A company that is willing to forgo extra profits in order to help the U.S. economy gets an A+ in my book.
- Near stock version of android : The skins that LG, HTC, and Samsung throw on their phones are cluttered and disgusting IMO. Not only that but having a manufacturers skin cluttered all over your handset makes it that much harder for them to put it on newer versions of android that come in the future. With the MotoX having a near stock version of android you know that the phone you are getting is clean but will also get future updates much quicker than other skinned handsets would.
- Active notifications look awesome : Instead of a random blinking LED (which is not always present on other handsets anyways) you get active notifications which only come up when the phone senses you are looking at it. Why doesn't everyone have this?
Other, more minor reasons:
- I like that Motorola gives the consumer choices : Even though I would get an all black version (with the back being woven), I still appreciate that Motorola would be the first android manufacturer to give the customer a real choice on colors.
- I really like Moto Skip : Being able to skip past my lock screen is a really convenient time saving feature when you have a long, secure password which I also really appreciate on the 5s with touch ID.

Sounds like a decent chunk of you guys had an HTC one before the x.... Why did you make the jump? Im contemplating that very move (currently have a one)

Moto X only looks like pure android. I'm willing to bet that they have made tons of changes under the hood. This is why this phone may never get advice development. Good thing it's heavily optimized. Makes me wonder if it will be a 2 year phone.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

eallan said:
I've had three different xs and they all vibrate slightly different
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
indeed. whatever happened to 'building the x in the usa means fixing production issues much quicker.'

I only miss root for two things:
1) center clock
2) greenify
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

DertyDOH said:
personally I like the vibration because it's easy for me to feel it on vibrate while I'm at work. And the screen looks just the same as the S4 I had to me, but some notice screens more than me. I agree with active notifications and all, and I love the twist motion to launch the camera. Only thing I don't like is how locked down it is. (Verizon). And the camera isn't great, so far I don't find the update to have helped too much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you actually use the twist-motion for the camera often? Or do you find it too clunky, like what people were saying in comments when the feature was announced?

meant2live218 said:
Do you actually use the twist-motion for the camera often? Or do you find it too clunky, like what people were saying in comments when the feature was announced?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually use it every time I launch the camera. Also I take a lot of pics while driving (bad habit yes), but I go past a classic car lot frequently and take pics sometimes of a new 60's muscle car they might have. I would hate going back to anything else

meant2live218 said:
Do you actually use the twist-motion for the camera often? Or do you find it too clunky, like what people were saying in comments when the feature was announced?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only use it to show it off. Every time I have had to snap a pic I forget it's there.....
Sent from my Moto X

droe411 said:
I only use it to show it off. Every time I have had to snap a pic I forget it's there.....
Sent from my Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm the complete opposite. I even use the twist gesture as a quick way to get into my camera gallery.

I've had a problem that's made me lose some great pics of my daughter. Sometimes when I activate using the twist motion, snap a pic, then go to look at it later, it's not in gallery. I've replicated it a few times. Stock and newest update. Not sure what the deal is there.
All in all: amazing phone. Love it.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

My Xperiz Z3 (D6616) Experience

Hey everyone,
So, I've acquired my Z3 from Tmo on Oct 29th, the day it was released. Thus far, I've pretty happy with it. The battery is amazing, although I know it will last me over a day, or more, I'm stuck in my old habits of charging...which I am attempting to get used to better battery life. Anywho, here's my cons with this phone:
-I was using a Samsung Galaxy S3 (T999). The touch screen worked great. This phone though, I've had delays or my touches not being noticed. More so when I first turn the phone on to the lockscreen. If I give it about 10 seconds, it will respond to all touches.
-Along the same lines as the lockscreen not acknowledging all my touches, this also happens during various games or apps. Playing Arcane Legends, for instance, when I attempt to move, sometimes it doesn't. If I retry two or three times, it will then start working.
-I also get crackling sounds during calls, not all the time, but it is often enough. Also, when I have the touch sounds enabled and speakers plugged into it, it often also makes crackling sounds.
-Had many more settings to choose from when I was using Cyanogenmod 11 on my SGS3. I would figure this to be the case, but I do miss some settings, especially some Security-based ones. Maybe there are secret menus?
-I also wished that the LED was brighter... in my opinion it is really dim.
With all that being said, and knowing that Android L is on the way in a few months, I'm more than willing to wait to see is these issues are resolved. If not, I'll be getting a hold of Sony support to resolve these issues.
I'm curious if any of you have had these issues and if you've found workarounds.
As far as the pros, they outweigh the cons noted above. Battery is awesome, responsiveness if awesome, the overall experience is awesome. Works well with anything that I throw at it and its still goes beyond that.
Thanks,
Johnathan

Hey I haven't experienced any touch screen problems what so ever and I'm a heavy long time android user. Call quality is great as well. Not sure what's going on with yours
Sent from my D6616 using XDA Free mobile app

pezlomd said:
Hey I haven't experienced any touch screen problems what so ever and I'm a heavy long time android user. Call quality is great as well. Not sure what's going on with yours
Sent from my D6616 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pezlomd,
Thanks for the reply. Out of curiousity, what are your OS details:
-Android: 4.4.4
-Baseband version: 8974-AAAAANAZQ-00009-06
-Kernel version: 3.4.0-perf-g0ab9f9a (Fri Sep 5 07:22.38 2014
-Build number: 23.0.D.1.123:
Thanks,
Johnathan

Return it, sounds like you got a defective phone.

Elysian893 said:
Return it, sounds like you got a defective phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ugh... and after I got it the way I want it.

johnathanamber said:
Hey everyone,
So, I've acquired my Z3 from Tmo on Oct 29th, the day it was released. Thus far, I've pretty happy with it. The battery is amazing, although I know it will last me over a day, or more, I'm stuck in my old habits of charging...which I am attempting to get used to better battery life. Anywho, here's my cons with this phone:
-I was using a Samsung Galaxy S3 (T999). The touch screen worked great. This phone though, I've had delays or my touches not being noticed. More so when I first turn the phone on to the lockscreen. If I give it about 10 seconds, it will respond to all touches.
-Along the same lines as the lockscreen not acknowledging all my touches, this also happens during various games or apps. Playing Arcane Legends, for instance, when I attempt to move, sometimes it doesn't. If I retry two or three times, it will then start working.
-I also get crackling sounds during calls, not all the time, but it is often enough. Also, when I have the touch sounds enabled and speakers plugged into it, it often also makes crackling sounds.
-Had many more settings to choose from when I was using Cyanogenmod 11 on my SGS3. I would figure this to be the case, but I do miss some settings, especially some Security-based ones. Maybe there are secret menus?
-I also wished that the LED was brighter... in my opinion it is really dim.
With all that being said, and knowing that Android L is on the way in a few months, I'm more than willing to wait to see is these issues are resolved. If not, I'll be getting a hold of Sony support to resolve these issues.
I'm curious if any of you have had these issues and if you've found workarounds.
As far as the pros, they outweigh the cons noted above. Battery is awesome, responsiveness if awesome, the overall experience is awesome. Works well with anything that I throw at it and its still goes beyond that.
Thanks,
Johnathan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to also add, that as far as functionality of the phone itself, the rotating flaps for the exposed ports seems to be a little flimsy and can easily break. This worries me a bit that if they are accidentally snapped off due to slight mishandling... you'll lose your waterproofing.
Also, I don't like that the volume options when using the volume up and down buttons isn't more granular. For instance, when I wanted to increase the SMS notification volume, I had to go through Setting instead of having more volume options when the buttons are pressed. Did I miss a setting?
Considering getting it replaced to see if that's the issue with the touchness delay or crackling sounds.
Thanks,
Johnathan

johnathanamber said:
I'd like to also add, that as far as functionality of the phone itself, the rotating flaps for the exposed ports seems to be a little flimsy and can easily break. This worries me a bit that if they are accidentally snapped off due to slight mishandling... you'll lose your waterproofing.
Also, I don't like that the volume options when using the volume up and down buttons isn't more granular. For instance, when I wanted to increase the SMS notification volume, I had to go through Setting instead of having more volume options when the buttons are pressed. Did I miss a setting?
Considering getting it replaced to see if that's the issue with the touchness delay or crackling sounds.
Thanks,
Johnathan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone comes with an extra USB cover, won't lose anything. MicroSD/Sim shouldn't come off very often. I don't think you need be concerned.

Elysian893 said:
The phone comes with an extra USB cover, won't lose anything. MicroSD/Sim shouldn't come off very often. I don't think you need be concerned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Elysian893,
I am not concerned for my own experience, however I can see where this can be an issue.
Waiting for my DK48 magnetic dock to arrive, which will alleviate my concern.
Thanks,
Johnathan

Johnathan,
I've experienced some crackling/popping when on a call without using my headset. After a reboot though, it seems to have gone away. The last 2 days, my battery began lasting no more than 5-6 hours. I thought that it might have something to do with an app, so I began experimenting and found that the Sony Photo upload service was hanging, and also Lookout was scanning everything constantly. I uninstalled Lookout and disabled the Sony uploads and things seem to have returned to normal, although I will need another day or so to evaluate.
FWIW, here is my review I posted over the weekend:
___________________________________________
Never owned a Sony phone but now I "have a Sony for my Owny" (older folks will get this line)! I must say - I am in love with one caveat - that being a locked bootloader. Pretty disappointed in that however I was happy to read a page or 2 back that I will likely still be able to root which is really all I care about. That said, the bloatware on the D6616 is minimal, so aside from liking to try out new ROM's and removing ads, I guess I can live with that one "caveat".
The phone itself is gorgeous - in fact, I told my wife that it's almost as sexy as she is (yeah - I take my phone's pretty seriously )! I love its size - I had a OnePlus One which I was pretty happy with, but being an average size guy (that's being generous), I found it really difficult to use it with one hand. The Z3 has a slightly smaller screen size vs the OPO, but the overall build size is proportionally smaller as well, making it even more attractive size-wise. Of course, the other side of that coin is that the OPO has a non-slip back in the 64gb version which was really nice, however I see that wearing out over time. The Z3 is slippery meaning I will likely cover the beautiful beast with a case - but we'll see if I end up keeping a case on it. I've always been one to believe that if you have insurance and a beautiful device, covering that device with a case is counter-intuitive. I'm torn on the case thing - time will tell.
The phone is incredibly smooth and responsive, the speaker is pretty loud and sounds good, and the camera is arguably the best available on a phone. Not sure I like all the options the camera offers - many or pretty hokey - but the picture quality is just brilliant. Overall, this phone may last me more than a year which would beat my last two phones. You see, I have "NewPhone-itus" and it's a serious case!
If anyone has any questions - fire away and I will do my best to answer!

I'm surprised at the z3 hate on xda. With all the complaints about the camera, build quality, software issues, etc, I find myself getting paranoid looking for problems with the phone. The truth is that it's a pretty great phone so far. Great battery, great camera, fast and responsive, and yes, as sexy as shermcraigs wife ?. A week in and I'm happy with my trade from my m8.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

devarshi said:
I'm surprised at the z3 hate on xda. With all the complaints about the camera, build quality, software issues, etc, I find myself getting paranoid looking for problems with the phone. The truth is that it's a pretty great phone so far. Great battery, great camera, fast and responsive, and yes, as sexy as shermcraigs wife ?. A week in and I'm happy with my trade from my m8.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not that the phone itself is bad per say, its the lack of consistency/quality control. I am on my 4th one here due to various issues from indented frame to bad camera to light bleed to massive screen gaps. Thanks to T-Mobile 14 day policy I was able to through so many phones. A rep had to open 5-6 phones to give me a good one when I got my third only to find it has a massive ligh tleak on on side. The one I got today thank god is finally issueless so far at least. My local T-Mobile store is sending many back to Sony, they are actively opening boxes, checking for defects and returning before even giving to customers.
I have owned phones from practically every company, this is the first time I have had to return a phone, let alone 3. All companies have issues with initial batches but this was just too widespread. I am sure future batches will be rectified, its one of the down sides of immediately adopting a new model as soon as release.

abhinav.tella said:
Its not that the phone itself is bad per say, its the lack of consistency/quality control. I am on my 4th one here due to various issues from indented frame to bad camera to light bleed to massive screen gaps. Thanks to T-Mobile 14 day policy I was able to through so many phones. A rep had to open 5-6 phones to give me a good one when I got my third only to find it has a massive ligh tleak on on side. The one I got today thank god is finally issueless so far at least. My local T-Mobile store is sending many back to Sony, they are actively opening boxes, checking for defects and returning before even giving to customers.
I have owned phones from practically every company, this is the first time I have had to return a phone, let alone 3. All companies have issues with initial batches but this was just too widespread. I am sure future batches will be rectified, its one of the down sides of immediately adopting a new model as soon as release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you have to pay for restocking fee of $50?

ShermCraig said:
Johnathan,
I've experienced some crackling/popping when on a call without using my headset. After a reboot though, it seems to have gone away. The last 2 days, my battery began lasting no more than 5-6 hours. I thought that it might have something to do with an app, so I began experimenting and found that the Sony Photo upload service was hanging, and also Lookout was scanning everything constantly. I uninstalled Lookout and disabled the Sony uploads and things seem to have returned to normal, although I will need another day or so to evaluate.
FWIW, here is my review I posted over the weekend:
___________________________________________
Never owned a Sony phone but now I "have a Sony for my Owny" (older folks will get this line)! I must say - I am in love with one caveat - that being a locked bootloader. Pretty disappointed in that however I was happy to read a page or 2 back that I will likely still be able to root which is really all I care about. That said, the bloatware on the D6616 is minimal, so aside from liking to try out new ROM's and removing ads, I guess I can live with that one "caveat".
The phone itself is gorgeous - in fact, I told my wife that it's almost as sexy as she is (yeah - I take my phone's pretty seriously )! I love its size - I had a OnePlus One which I was pretty happy with, but being an average size guy (that's being generous), I found it really difficult to use it with one hand. The Z3 has a slightly smaller screen size vs the OPO, but the overall build size is proportionally smaller as well, making it even more attractive size-wise. Of course, the other side of that coin is that the OPO has a non-slip back in the 64gb version which was really nice, however I see that wearing out over time. The Z3 is slippery meaning I will likely cover the beautiful beast with a case - but we'll see if I end up keeping a case on it. I've always been one to believe that if you have insurance and a beautiful device, covering that device with a case is counter-intuitive. I'm torn on the case thing - time will tell.
The phone is incredibly smooth and responsive, the speaker is pretty loud and sounds good, and the camera is arguably the best available on a phone. Not sure I like all the options the camera offers - many or pretty hokey - but the picture quality is just brilliant. Overall, this phone may last me more than a year which would beat my last two phones. You see, I have "NewPhone-itus" and it's a serious case!
If anyone has any questions - fire away and I will do my best to answer!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would seriously doubt it - he was exchanging a bad unit,
not returning. Big difference.
jhun80 said:
But you have to pay for restocking fee of $50?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my D6616 using Tapatalk

jhun80 said:
But you have to pay for restocking fee of $50?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No fees, because its a defect and you are asking for the same model. Fee is only if you switch models.

abhinav.tella said:
No fees, because its a defect and you are asking for the same model. Fee is only if you switch models.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
really? because i used to have a black s4, and switch to white version but they charged me $50

jhun80 said:
really? because i used to have a black s4, and switch to white version but they charged me $50
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you do it within the first 14 days?
Maybe color change constitutes the equivalent of model change.

abhinav.tella said:
Did you do it within the first 14 days?
Maybe color change constitutes the equivalent of model change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup within 14days

I haven't experienced any lag with the touch screen, but I've experienced slow screen rotation.

jhun80 said:
yup within 14days
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My sister exchanged her white GS4 for another white one due to yellowish tint on top, they did it for free. I think because you just wanted a color change and there was no defect they charged you.

I have T-Mobile.
My only gripe is that there is no Group MMS built in. It really, really sucks. And it is causing me to return this phone in a few days. I can use Textra (or Google Hangouts) for Group MMS, but it will not send them out when WiFi Calling is enabled. I know there is a "WiFI Calling fix" option specifically for T-Mobile phones when using Textra, but all that does is disable WiFi when sending/receiving MMS messages and then re-enables it. That completely defeats the purpose of WiFI Calling if you're not going to have service in a certain area.
Group MMS is extremely important to me. For whatever reason, only stock messaging apps have the capability of utilizing T-Mobile's WiFi Calling to send/receive MMS. (SMS works fine).
My HTC One m7 had the ability to do it with its stock messaging app. So, for now, I have no choice but to return my phone, fight the $50 restocking fee, and go back to my paid off HTC One. I am speechless that this phone does not support it.