Debating... - Galaxy S III General (US Carriers)

Hi all. Just wanted to grab some thoughts of the community here. I am debating between picking up this phone or going with the Dinc 4G. I am on the verizon network with an OG Dinc right now, rooted but just running a plain stock rom, with maybe a different radio or something...its been a long time since I've loaded a different rom lol.
I'm fairly simple. I want a fast phone, I want to be able to change roms, and I want to be able to tether. Right now I run wireless tether. Hell I am not even sure if its needed anymore with the new share everything data plans, don't they have hotspot included? At any rate I have unlimited data which I am sure I will lose during the switch to 4g, but I really don't use much more than a couple GB of data a month anyways.
I don't mind stock roms, in fact I could probably just leave this stock if I can use hotspot with no additional charge, aside from I do like to strip down the bloatware verzon loves to put on their phones. So does anyone think I should go with this phone over the Dinc 4g that has the unlocked bootloader and all that? The main reason I am even considering it is because I am slightly disappointed that the screen on the new dinc is only 4 in. I was hoping for something bigger like a 4.3. I have yet to play with this phone so maybe 4.8 is just too damn big, I dunno but it kinda intrigues me more than the inc and has a faster proc, etc.
As for sense vs touchwiz?...is that what the galaxy has? anyways as far as that goes, I like sense more than just vanilla android. My wife is using a continuium (ugg) and I rooted that for her for the WT option, so if that interface is similar to this one, it kinda feels a little like sense and a lot less like vanilla.
Any thoughts are appereciated. I don't post much around here because I am pretty much a newb to all this kinda stuff. But thanks!

Get this phone. There are already a lot of Roms out and quite a few coming like aokp and aosp, you know roms with No touchwiz. Battery life is amazing with blazer rom and just all in all It's the best phone I've ever had. Screen is amazing, real light weight. I've already had so Amy people be like OMG What phone is that It's beautiful! Plus the built in features like eye stay and direct call are awesome! Go get it, you'll love it.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

{tpc} said:
Hi all. Just wanted to grab some thoughts of the community here. I am debating between picking up this phone or going with the Dinc 4G. I am on the verizon network with an OG Dinc right now, rooted but just running a plain stock rom, with maybe a different radio or something...its been a long time since I've loaded a different rom lol.
I'm fairly simple. I want a fast phone, I want to be able to change roms, and I want to be able to tether. Right now I run wireless tether. Hell I am not even sure if its needed anymore with the new share everything data plans, don't they have hotspot included? At any rate I have unlimited data which I am sure I will lose during the switch to 4g, but I really don't use much more than a couple GB of data a month anyways.
I don't mind stock roms, in fact I could probably just leave this stock if I can use hotspot with no additional charge, aside from I do like to strip down the bloatware verzon loves to put on their phones. So does anyone think I should go with this phone over the Dinc 4g that has the unlocked bootloader and all that? The main reason I am even considering it is because I am slightly disappointed that the screen on the new dinc is only 4 in. I was hoping for something bigger like a 4.3. I have yet to play with this phone so maybe 4.8 is just too damn big, I dunno but it kinda intrigues me more than the inc and has a faster proc, etc.
As for sense vs touchwiz?...is that what the galaxy has? anyways as far as that goes, I like sense more than just vanilla android. My wife is using a continuium (ugg) and I rooted that for her for the WT option, so if that interface is similar to this one, it kinda feels a little like sense and a lot less like vanilla.
Any thoughts are appereciated. I don't post much around here because I am pretty much a newb to all this kinda stuff. But thanks!
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Click to collapse
I had a Dinc too.I didn't get the Dinc 4g. (bleh Verizon wanted branding over the HTC One series), but the big pro isan unlocked bootloader with Dinc 4G. The Verizon S3 does not have an unlocked bootloader. So all ROMS will be based off stock. no radios, no kernels, UNLESS someone can unlocked the bootloader (unlikely) Soooo, If you just want to run rooted apps, (tether, titanium etc) don't mind stock ROMs then go with the S3. I got used to the screen size quick.
Hope this helps

Related

Need some G1 motivation!

Hey guys i need some motivation here.
Im really starting to hate my G1, there really is nothing wrong with it, i just feel like im living in the stone age. Im stuck running 1.6 roms in general because they are the only ones that seem to work 100% and are actually fast and meet my standards.
However these days 1.6 is ancient technology, and the G1 cant seem to handle any improvement, anytime i try an eclair rom its slow as hell and has the lack of drivers so its all hackjobs trying to get everything to work right, the hardware is EXTREMELY outdated, even though its only a year+ old things have progressed massively since then.
It wouldnt suprise me if they discontinue the G1 in favor of the new Mytouch Slide as that would seem to be the natural progression of things, so then i was looking the other day at Verizon and here they are with the Droid Incredible with a spec sheet made of gold
Why should i keep my G1, honestly? Its crippled to 1.6 based roms if you want 100% full functionality, and if you want anything more then that you rely on hackjobs to get everything running right and sacrifice a good amount of speed, when you can just go buy a new phone that comes 100% out of the box with a 2.1 rom and it will run it great all day long with no issues and everything working.
What happens after 2.1? What happens when 2.2 or 2.4 or whatever comes after that?? Our G1s can barely handle 2.01 much less anything that may come after eclair, im just looking at my G1 like an ancient relic with outdated hardware and need some advice, to keep or to leave.
The G1 is an older phone with hardware that was decent when it was released, but has been surpassed by newer technology. That's all there is to it. It's still a good, fun phone.
You have to think of it as you think of any other technology though. Buy a high end computer and in a year it's equivalent to the lowest of the low. If you bought a Mustang GT a year ago, you'd probably be disappointed to see that it's similar to the new V6 Mustang's. The same goes with ALL phones. You should be glad that the phone's still getting love from developers and nearly all apps and games are compatible with it.
I don't need 2.0/2.1 or any future updates to keep me content with the phone. If I start hating it or feel an extreme need for something better by the time my upgrade comes around, I'm most likely going for another Android device. Maybe you should too if you're just not feeling the G1 anymore.
Super D is the fastest ROM I've used on the G1, by far. it's fast enough for my uses. If it's too slow for you, you need to upgrade. Me, I'm sticking with the G1 for a while, because the Nexus is too expensive, and nothing else appeals to me. Except an iPhone running Android ... but that one's still in progress ...
cyan has a 2.1 rom with hardware acceleration just around the corner. how does multiple google accounts, live wallpapers, fully working drivers and the usual cyan tweaks sound?
Sent from my T-Mobile G1 using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
whered you hear that from?
Joe92T said:
whered you hear that from?
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He mentioned it on twitter...
If all you want is a fast, mainstream phone ... get an iphone. The G1 is pure freedom from all the BS youll deal with using something else.
If you're at the point where you need someone else to convince you to stick with the G1, well, i think you have your answer already.
meh.
I have a G1 with a 1.6 rom that has Eclair bits in it. Maybe that's how you need to look at it: what parts of 2.1 is really important for you? Multitouch on browser, maps? Plenty of 1.6 roms have it. I personally have no problems staying with 1.6 since all the necessary items from 2.1 is already ported to the rom, so I'm not really missing out on all the good stuff.
The CSDI roms in all honesty have been very fast and stable. I know I'll keep my G1 for at least another year until Tmo gets some decent phones (N1 is nice, but I'm holding out.) When 2.2 comes out I'm sure the devs will port bits and pieces to the G1 and keeps us G1 owners happy.
If you're truly not liking it anymore, then I would go and get a different phone. There's nothing wrong with that.
You should keep the G1 because it is honestly the best overall device that I have used that has a keyboard. I switched from the G1 to the N1 and then to a BlackBerry because I realized how much I needed a keyboard for typing emails and whatnot. The G1 seems to offer everything that I wanted: Android, keyboard, touchscreen, and most of all, customization. The only major downside to the G1 for me was the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack. I would say the successor to the G1 would be the Droid, but it's not a GSM phone so I can't really use it.
sevuth said:
If all you want is a fast, mainstream phone ... get an iphone. The G1 is pure freedom from all the BS youll deal with using something else.
If you're at the point where you need someone else to convince you to stick with the G1, well, i think you have your answer already.
meh.
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Click to collapse
You, get off the forum.
Yeah some secret eclair roms coming out with massive speed enhanced roms apparently. Just wait man, the future is near for us (eh no shet)
androidlicious said:
You should keep the G1 because it is honestly the best overall device that I have used that has a keyboard. I switched from the G1 to the N1 and then to a BlackBerry because I realized how much I needed a keyboard for typing emails and whatnot. The G1 seems to offer everything that I wanted: Android, keyboard, touchscreen, and most of all, customization. The only major downside to the G1 for me was the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack. I would say the successor to the G1 would be the Droid, but it's not a GSM phone so I can't really use it.
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There's a gsm version of the droid dude :\
protomanez said:
There's a gsm version of the droid dude :\
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I know... but last I checked the Milestone doesn't work on 3G for my carrier, but I'm not sure on that.

Joining the "Incredible Club"!!!

Hey,
Just wanted to share that after 11 months of frustration with my Eris and 3 replacements, Verizon offered to overnight an Incredible to me!
Been writing articles on my blog http://www.jonsuh.com for Eris users, and it looks like I'll be writing articles to help Incredible users now
I'll be seein you in all more often in a couple of days!
Used your site to Root and flash my wife's Eris which basically gave her a new phone. I have a DINC and look forward to seeing what you have to say about it. This is the best phone I've ever owned. I recently Rooted and flashed Sky-Raider Vanilla on my DINC, very stable so far and everything seems to work.
After much frustration with the Eris, I too have switched to the Incredible. I picked up one off of CL that was virtually brand new. I had pretty much gone through the same things you did with the Eris and was running KaosFroyo, a huge improvement from when I first got my Eris running 1.5 on 1/2/2010. But WOW, I can't believe what I've been missing. I immediately rooted the Incredible and am currently running Virtuous for my first INC ROM. Unbelievable how fast it seems, especially anything involving network access, it's sooooo much faster. Looking forward to using the Inc more!!!
ynnufderf said:
Used your site to Root and flash my wife's Eris which basically gave her a new phone. I have a DINC and look forward to seeing what you have to say about it. This is the best phone I've ever owned. I recently Rooted and flashed Sky-Raider Vanilla on my DINC, very stable so far and everything seems to work.
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hybridowner said:
After much frustration with the Eris, I too have switched to the Incredible. I picked up one off of CL that was virtually brand new. I had pretty much gone through the same things you did with the Eris and was running KaosFroyo, a huge improvement from when I first got my Eris running 1.5 on 1/2/2010. But WOW, I can't believe what I've been missing. I immediately rooted the Incredible and am currently running Virtuous for my first INC ROM. Unbelievable how fast it seems, especially anything involving network access, it's sooooo much faster. Looking forward to using the Inc more!!!
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I'm very excited about the Incredible. I had used a coworker's the other day and the response was remarkable, considering even running KaosFroyo how sluggish the Eris can be.
I should be getting it tonight so I'll be sure to root it and flash it ASAP. Will report back
Charging my Incredible as we speak!
i recently just did a trade with someone, my droid1 for an dinc..im really excited..it is coming in on tuesday, cant wait to load up the desire hd rom..so pumped for the flip clock haha
Well, after getting my Incredible and powering it up, I forgot how much I really missed Sense! Being able to use the widgets and apps that I used to depend on so much months ago felt really good. Running Sense without it lagging like crazy like my Eris did was great.
I was successfully able to root, and perform S-OFF and full nand. Being on a Mac, Unrevoked's method was a piece of cake.
For the sake of trying and without going "fancy," per say, I flashed the latest version of Cyanogenmod, only to immediately want to go back to Sense, haha. Although I love LauncherPro and the options CyanogenMod opens up, the inability to use the Sense widgets sucks.
Therefore, currently downloading the Virtuous ROM. If unsatisfied for any reason, I may just end up restoring stock Sense and keep root.
If I have one gripe, it's the lack of trackball notifications. I really did like it on my Eris, but oh well. I'm willing to deal with it
All in all, very satisifed with the Incredible. May end up using my upgrade at the end of the year with one of the holiday Droids and sell my DINC but before Verizon kicks in the tiered data plans so I can grandfather it in for a year or two, but we'll see!
Glad to be a DINC owner.
I'm glad you are all enjoying your Incredibles.
-- luvit, president of incredible club.
jsuh said:
Well, after getting my Incredible and powering it up, I forgot how much I really missed Sense! Being able to use the widgets and apps that I used to depend on so much months ago felt really good. Running Sense without it lagging like crazy like my Eris did was great.
I was successfully able to root, and perform S-OFF and full nand. Being on a Mac, Unrevoked's method was a piece of cake.
For the sake of trying and without going "fancy," per say, I flashed the latest version of Cyanogenmod, only to immediately want to go back to Sense, haha. Although I love LauncherPro and the options CyanogenMod opens up, the inability to use the Sense widgets sucks.
Therefore, currently downloading the Virtuous ROM. If unsatisfied for any reason, I may just end up restoring stock Sense and keep root.
If I have one gripe, it's the lack of trackball notifications. I really did like it on my Eris, but oh well. I'm willing to deal with it
All in all, very satisifed with the Incredible. May end up using my upgrade at the end of the year with one of the holiday Droids and sell my DINC but before Verizon kicks in the tiered data plans so I can grandfather it in for a year or two, but we'll see!
Glad to be a DINC owner.
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Glad you are enjoying your new toy. If you like sense, then you should like Virtuous ROM. It is completely stock. It is just optimized. See you around the forum.

[Q] Picking up an Atrix

I've been phoneless for several months now since my Curve 8320 took a dump, and now I think I'm going to go for an Atrix.
The thing is, MotoBlur is incredibly unnappealing and I'll be rooting and flashing GingerBlur from Day 1 (or a few days after). I know the Atrix is the best device AT&T currently has, but am I silly for purchasing this handset just to flash a custom ROM?
There don't seem to be any strong contenders coming out in a month or less so I feel like this is my only option.
edit: also is there anything I should know before I buy? thanks!
I moved from a Bold to an Atrix about 2 months ago (and am currently rocking GingerBlur 3.5). I love the device and all of the flexibility that it allows.
I personally (people in glass houses and all. . .) wouldn't think that you were dumb for adding a custom ROM to an Android device--isn't that part of the point behind Android?
bradym239 said:
I moved from a Bold to an Atrix about 2 months ago (and am currently rocking GingerBlur 3.5). I love the device and all of the flexibility that it allows.
I personally (people in glass houses and all. . .) wouldn't think that you were dumb for adding a custom ROM to an Android device--isn't that part of the point behind Android?
Click to expand...
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Well, I guess when I ask that question I really mean "what ever will I do when support for GingerBlur ceases to exist?" I'm more of a vanilla Android guy than a heavily modified Android guy. Not to mention I'm very afraid of bricking the device, despite being pretty tech savvy..
Sorry for the double post, and I apologize if this thread is going in the wrong direction, but is there any reason my phone should brick if I explicitly follow the directions on rooting and installing a ROM?
Also, how easy is to flash back to stock for OTA updates or other things? Are there any lasting side effects of this?
I'm pretty much in the same boat.
I was tired of only having Edge data (Unlocked tmo on at), and I was holding out for something with a physical keyboard but I settled on the Atrix.
The verdict is still out for me.
I'm managing to get by with the stock rom (rooted). The biggest thing I hate about the whole blur thing is the contacts and sms apps. This was easily solved by running GoContacts, and Gosms. Installing ADW gave me the feel that I was used to as well.
I just took all the blur widgets and everything and put it in the garbage.
Just don't add a million accounts to it.
Basically I see zero blur and I'm still running. Besides hogging some resources.
That or get a 3rd party launcher.
Gladiatrix would be a good option. It removes the blur and att bloat, bit keeps stock theme. You will need root and tenfars recovery installed.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
summerfences said:
I've been phoneless for several months now since my Curve 8320 took a dump, and now I think I'm going to go for an Atrix.
The thing is, MotoBlur is incredibly unnappealing and I'll be rooting and flashing GingerBlur from Day 1 (or a few days after). I know the Atrix is the best device AT&T currently has, but am I silly for purchasing this handset just to flash a custom ROM?
There don't seem to be any strong contenders coming out in a month or less so I feel like this is my only option.
edit: also is there anything I should know before I buy? thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your not silly for purchasing a device just to flash a custom rom, but the Atrix is a silly choice if you like custom roms. I'd go with the Inspire or Infuse if I were you or better yet wait just a little longer for the SGS2 or HTC dual core offerings. Trust me you'll be alot happier with those phones, the the Atrix gets old really fast with the Motoblur, locked bootloader, lack of promised features and updates that are late and break more features than they fix. Motorola really blew it with the Atrix and this is coming from an Atrix owner not some HTC or Samsung fanboy. It truly is an awfull phone don't buy it especially if you like custom roms as there's only two and thet both suck.
Exador said:
Your not silly for purchasing a device just to flash a custom rom, but the Atrix is a silly choice if you like custom roms. I'd go with the Inspire or Infuse if I were you or better yet wait just a little longer for the SGS2 or HTC dual core offerings. Trust me you'll be alot happier with those phones, the the Atrix gets old really fast with the Motoblur, locked bootloader, lack of promised features and updates that are late and break more features than they fix. Motorola really blew it with the Atrix and this is coming from an Atrix owner not some HTC or Samsung fanboy. It truly is an awfull phone don't buy it especially if you like custom roms as there's only two and thet both suck.
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Normally I'd say yes to the other phones but they are all single core and they'll be outdated in 2 months. AT&T really has no clue releasing single core handsets for $200 on contract. I wouldn't be surprised if the Atrix and Infuse sales numbers were absolutely horrific.
Just get it and use a new launcher. I use launcher plus, but ADW is just as good. There you go, no more ugly blur after thirty seconds. Definitely worth it if you ask me. I don't regret getting the Atrix in the slightest. Plus, there's starting to be a lot of games for Tegra 2 specifically if that matters to you.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

Need your thoughts & opinions...

A little background first. VZW is my only option due to my line being a corporate line. Roughly a year and a half ago, I got fed up with the crappy phone choices (only blackberry at the time), so I just started buying my own and calling the 3rd party service that runs our wireless operations and telling them "I just got a new phone, could you please do an ESN swap?". That has always worked. Recently, the phone choices have gotten much better and include a variety of BB, Android and iOS devices now. Over the last few years I've gone from DINC (personal device I had since it first came out) to blackberry to DINC2 to iPhone4 to currently the Razr M. Now with SIM cards it's super easy for me to use whatever device I prefer.
Here's my current "dilemma". I have a retail Razr M (which I picked up shortly after release). Definitely loving this phone and couldn't be more happy to be back on Android after a brief hiatus to iOS. Had to give it try. Big believer in "you can't bash something without trying it". But damn iOS gets boring fast. Ha! I was excited about the M due to it's smaller footprint AND high end internals. The only thing I don't like is the locked bootloader. I was quite the crack flasher with my DINC and DINC2. The locked bootloader has led me to have interest in the S3. But I've always had an aversion to large screen phones. I like to be able operate my phone one handed. So now I have a brand new S3 sitting on my desk and I'm unsure what to do with it. I'm really enjoying my M and Jelly Bean is (almost officially) here. But I'm very interested in some CM10 or AOKP. I definitely prefer the AOSP stuff.
So the question is, do I continue my "don't bash it without trying it" theory and move over to the S3 for some AOSP love??? Or stick with the M and live with whatever fate that lies ahead?? I can only keep one. Will sell the other.
(sorry for the novel)
hokieputter said:
A little background first. VZW is my only option due to my line being a corporate line. Roughly a year and a half ago, I got fed up with the crappy phone choices (only blackberry at the time), so I just started buying my own and calling the 3rd party service that runs our wireless operations and telling them "I just got a new phone, could you please do an ESN swap?". That has always worked. Recently, the phone choices have gotten much better and include a variety of BB, Android and iOS devices now. Over the last few years I've gone from DINC (personal device I had since it first came out) to blackberry to DINC2 to iPhone4 to currently the Razr M. Now with SIM cards it's super easy for me to use whatever device I prefer.
Here's my current "dilemma". I have a retail Razr M (which I picked up shortly after release). Definitely loving this phone and couldn't be more happy to be back on Android after a brief hiatus to iOS. Had to give it try. Big believer in "you can't bash something without trying it". But damn iOS gets boring fast. Ha! I was excited about the M due to it's smaller footprint AND high end internals. The only thing I don't like is the locked bootloader. I was quite the crack flasher with my DINC and DINC2. The locked bootloader has led me to have interest in the S3. But I've always had an aversion to large screen phones. I like to be able operate my phone one handed. So now I have a brand new S3 sitting on my desk and I'm unsure what to do with it. I'm really enjoying my M and Jelly Bean is (almost officially) here. But I'm very interested in some CM10 or AOKP. I definitely prefer the AOSP stuff.
So the question is, do I continue my "don't bash it without trying it" theory and move over to the S3 for some AOSP love??? Or stick with the M and live with whatever fate that lies ahead?? I can only keep one. Will sell the other.
(sorry for the novel)
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I'd say stick with the phone you like better. Yesterday I was analyzing what I'm missing without root (I'm on team EOS 3.0 on my Xoom) and I couldn't really come up with much. One of the biggest pluses: WiFi tethering, now can be done with any app on verizon because of that lawsuit. Other than that, TiBu is a loss, and maybe some OCing and performance but I mean I loaded up the phone and its still buttery smooth with good battery. Definitely the interface modding and some fun bells and whistles are missing without custom rom but it doesn't really add up to much.
The s3 is gigantic and more expensive. I'm happy with my choice.
Sent from my Xoom using xda app-developers app
Unfortunately, the two phones you've chosen represent opposite ends of the "experience spectrum" - so personal preference is going to play a big part. The only real thing the S3 has over the M that's not subjective is a better camera, and 2gb of ram vs. 1. The rest will depend on your preferences. Yes, the S3 will have more dev support. But the M won't be without it, either - root should be closer, though not guaranteed, based on a comment by P3 last night - but obviously rooting and romming are not always correlated.
Dyelon said:
I'd say stick with the phone you like better. Yesterday I was analyzing what I'm missing without root (I'm on team EOS 3.0 on my Xoom) and I couldn't really come up with much. One of the biggest pluses: WiFi tethering, now can be done with any app on verizon because of that lawsuit. Other than that, TiBu is a loss, and maybe some OCing and performance but I mean I loaded up the phone and its still buttery smooth with good battery. Definitely the interface modding and some fun bells and whistles are missing without custom rom but it doesn't really add up to much.
The s3 is gigantic and more expensive. I'm happy with my choice.
Sent from my Xoom using xda app-developers app
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I agree the S3 is gigantic. I also was trying to come up with things I miss by not having root and couldn't really come up with much that seemed overly important. All were smaller bells and whistles type things. Blur on this phone is very minimal, which I like and is a big plus (for me). I'm really enjoying the M. And love the size. I too am having a smooth experience with pretty solid battery life. No issues whatsoever thus far. Best bet is to probably stick with the M. I got a good deal on the S3 and should have no trouble getting back what I paid, maybe more.
Plus, I've been wanting a Nexus 7...
jntdroid said:
Unfortunately, the two phones you've chosen represent opposite ends of the "experience spectrum" - so personal preference is going to play a big part. The only real thing the S3 has over the M that's not subjective is a better camera, and 2gb of ram vs. 1. The rest will depend on your preferences. Yes, the S3 will have more dev support. But the M won't be without it, either - root should be closer, though not guaranteed, based on a comment by P3 last night - but obviously rooting and romming are not always correlated.
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Yes, they are definitely very different experiences. My preference has always been for smaller, easily pocketable phones. Which exactly describes the M. I don't need/want a tablet in my pocket.
I agree about the camera, but overall the M hasn't really let me down. Sure it would be nice to have a better camera, but it's not a deal breaker for me. You just have to know the limitations that you're working with. And the extra ram would be nice too. But not sure either are worth giving up the form factor that I prefer.
And I have been following the dev support of the M closely as well. I saw the comments by P3 and his team. They are very promising. And definitely helping to influence my ultimate decision. Honestly, I don't really need (or want) to be able to flash billions of roms. Just looking for a (close to) stock experience that is snappy, fully functional and bug free. Which is what I've got right now with the M. Still running the stock ICS, have not updated to the JB leak.
(I think I'm confirming my gut feelings / answering my own questions as this thread moves along... Thanks for the dialogue)
The simplest choice would seem to be ordering a Developer Edition RAZR M. If you really like the M but want the ability to fiddle, that's your route. There are already recovery and root images available for it and I think the devs will be supporting it for a while especially since the RAZR HD and HD MAXX are also running the same internals.
As for the SGSIII - Verizon is the only carrier that doesn't sell it with an unlocked bootloader so technically you'd need to buy the developer edition of that to get what you want anyway.
Neither the RAZR M nor the SGSIII Dev Editions are available via Verizon subsidized contracts.
Personally I think Sammy missed the boat. If the SGSIII Mini did what the RAZR did (same internals with smaller screen) they might have won me over, but they really skimped on the thing. What a shame.
Just my $.02.
I'm a runner and a cyclist, so the smaller the better which is why I loved my Atrix 4G (which is now running JB). The RAZR M is a narrower phone with a bigger screen. It's great to simply stow and go.
Well, now that the M has root, I think your decision is a lot easier. I would say that seeing CM9 and/or 10 is a likely bet. However, the problem now is that anything after that may not run optimally, since the bootloader is still locked and we won't be able to run a kernel optimized for the newest version. That's the problem with my Pro. Somebody ported CM9 and an AOKP ICS ROM for it, and while it does run, it's not as good as it could be. We're still stuck on the Gingerbread kernel.
freak4dell said:
Well, now that the M has root, I think your decision is a lot easier. I would say that seeing CM9 and/or 10 is a likely bet. However, the problem now is that anything after that may not run optimally, since the bootloader is still locked and we won't be able to run a kernel optimized for the newest version. That's the problem with my Pro. Somebody ported CM9 and an AOKP ICS ROM for it, and while it does run, it's not as good as it could be. We're still stuck on the Gingerbread kernel.
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I'm really hoping we can bust the M open over the next year or so =/
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app
mk1151 said:
The simplest choice would seem to be ordering a Developer Edition RAZR M. If you really like the M but want the ability to fiddle, that's your route. There are already recovery and root images available for it and I think the devs will be supporting it for a while especially since the RAZR HD and HD MAXX are also running the same internals.
As for the SGSIII - Verizon is the only carrier that doesn't sell it with an unlocked bootloader so technically you'd need to buy the developer edition of that to get what you want anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon's bootloader can be unlocked with a single app from the play store. Super easy. The development on the S3 phone has been amazing thus far - currently on Liquid Smooth. I'm also considering switching to a smaller phone however and the M seems to be the only phone that's small with power. Following rooting and modding very closely on this phone before making the switch as I have gotten used to all the aokp+CM10 mods in the many S3 roms I've flashed.
You make an excellent point about the Razr HD and HD Maxx, I hope that helps this phone in the mod scene.
aznguyen316 said:
Verizon's bootloader can be unlocked with a single app from the play store. Super easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I said "technically"
But I do agree it is easier on the SGSIII. Part of that is that HTC and Samsung have not taken the time to build system safeguards into their products the way Motorola has.
Browser vendors take pride in the headaches they cause to hackers trying to find vulnerabilities. Handset manufacturers, IMO, should be thinking the same way. With all the personal data on your phone, do you really want to be able to unlock it and obtain root from an app in the Play Store?
This is one of the reasons I like Motorola devices, despite the very limited flexibility.
mk1151 said:
The simplest choice would seem to be ordering a Developer Edition RAZR M. If you really like the M but want the ability to fiddle, that's your route. There are already recovery and root images available for it and I think the devs will be supporting it for a while especially since the RAZR HD and HD MAXX are also running the same internals.
As for the SGSIII - Verizon is the only carrier that doesn't sell it with an unlocked bootloader so technically you'd need to buy the developer edition of that to get what you want anyway.
Neither the RAZR M nor the SGSIII Dev Editions are available via Verizon subsidized contracts.
Personally I think Sammy missed the boat. If the SGSIII Mini did what the RAZR did (same internals with smaller screen) they might have won me over, but they really skimped on the thing. What a shame.
Just my $.02.
I'm a runner and a cyclist, so the smaller the better which is why I loved my Atrix 4G (which is now running JB). The RAZR M is a narrower phone with a bigger screen. It's great to simply stow and go.
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Click to collapse
The M is my first ever Motorola device. It's also my first device running ICS or JB (there were a few of us on here that had issues running ICS on our DINC2s). Spent a little time messing around installing the JB leak and flashing back to stock just to get used to using the stock recovery, fastboot etc. With wifi tether now working on the stock ROM and the ability to disable bloatware in ICS/JB, combined with the very minimal Blur skin, I don't really see the need to root this device right away. Plus, you really can't do everything you'd want to do without an unlockable bootloader. So I agree, the Developer Edition is the way to go if you want to ultimately fiddle with things at some point down the road. May have to pick one up at some point.
Couldn't agree more on Sammy missing the boat. The SG3 Mini would have won me over too if they hadn't watered it down. Maybe we'll see a slightly improved device ending up on VZW? I presume it will eventually come to VZW. Does that SoC they're using even support LTE? Who knows. Maybe wishful thinking. I love the M anyway. But it's always nice to have more options to consider.
mk1151 said:
With all the personal data on your phone, do you really want to be able to unlock it and obtain root from an app in the Play Store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point. I don't..
I've definitely made my decision (which was realistically already made, just need to confirm). Let me know if you know anyone looking for a brand new blue SG3.
hokieputter said:
Good point. I don't..
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Click to collapse
Well plenty of people have done it. Check the forums over there. There are other applications that can do it for u on your own pc if u wanted too. Just saying it's available now. Plus doesn't rooting your phone technically make it a little less secure anyway? That's what blizzards authenticator has lead me to believe Haha. But the point was a locked bootloader isn't end of the line.
VZW-S3 on CM10 via tapatalk

Note 3 Purchase Regrets... should I stick with it?

Soooo, I recently purchased a Note 3 and I'm MOSTLY happy with a lot of things about the phone... BUT the idea that we may never get an unlocked bootloader (SOOO annoying, had a Thunderbolt for the last two years and was really looking forward to getting CM again!) is making me question whether I should stay with my new phone or not. Looking for a little advice on keeping the N3 or getting something new:
Pros:
1.) The hardware is incredible. Coming from the Thunderbolt, this thing is insanely fast.
2.) The screen is awesome. The size doesn't bother me at all.
3.) Battery life!
Cons:
1.) Touch Wiz. I used to own an original Droid and LOVED the OS, eventually switching to CM for added features. Most of the stuff I dislike I can turn off, but there's a lot of bloat and dumb ideas here. (Why Samsung makes me turn up the volume and say I won't explode my head every time I plug in headphones is insane... I'M PLUGGING IT INTO MY CAR AND I'M NO LONGER 12 YEARS OLD.)
2.) The screen isn't big enough to use as an e-reader. This is not a huge issue, I had just HOPED it would be... BUT, since that's the case, I could easily switch to another phone and get a tablet too and not feel bad about it.
3.) Gaming... again, I had hoped the N3 would be able to provide gaming and e-reader and phone all into one device, but Android games are really just too shallow for me.
Soooo, what it really comes down to is if you guys think this device will be unlocked down the line OR if you think I could adjust it to make a more stock android/ AOSP/ CM type experience. If I was able to put CM on here I would be sitting pretty. I'm just worried it will turn into a situation like the Thunderbolt with limited updates and no real way to get new software...
If I did get a new phone, what would you guys recommend? I'm looking at the HTC One, Nexus 5, LG G2 and Galaxy S4. I haven't yet looked into which ones have fully unlocked bootloaders with decent roms, but that would be a deal breaker.
Thanks for any and all help, you guys are awesome!!
It sounds (to me) like you should get rid of it and get a phone that you can put CM on. I, personally, have never been a fan of CM. I like miui (haven't had that working 100% on a phone for probably 3 years now though) or heavily modded stock roms more. But as far as speed and battery life. This thing is awesome. Big screen is a + for me too. And it's got more features than I care to use or learn which is also a + I guess.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Ultimately it all comes down to what you want. I mean, if it doesn't live up to your standards why keep it? It's your money to spend how you see fit. Buy something you feel will be worthwhile. If you're looking for the original Android experience the Moto X is a sweet phone and easy to carry and use.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Premium HD app
Should I be able to sell this one for a decent price? It's basically brand new, always had a case and screen protector...
profman03 said:
Should I be able to sell this one for a decent price? It's basically brand new, always had a case and screen protector...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a little FYI, i came to the note 3 from a razr maxx, also a locked bootloader using safestrap. It is an officially supported device in the CM build. Sure an unlocked bootloader is great no matter the phone, but a really solid phone can sometimes trump that one little perk. Just a different opinion for your process. Good Luck.
This thread will probably be closed and moved to the sticky, but here are my 2 cents.
Out of all the cons presented, the only one that can be fixed well is the "TouchWiz" problem. The other phones either have smaller displays and Android's game market isn't even close to that of iOS, and doesn't seem like it will be soon. I think the LG G2 is the best choice for you (if you are fine without removable battery and microSD). Same Snapdragon 800, similar large 1080p display (I personally prefer it more because it is nearly impossible to get an AMOLED without black marks or unevenness), and also a large battery. Check out their development, it has a lot of exciting stuff going on and CM11 is right now a WIP. I'd say it still has a lot of potential to grow further, and its already a great community now.
Personally, I wasn't that overwhelmed by the N3 (probably because I had the N2). Looking back, I would have taken the G2 (and the $100 savings at the time) but I was an unlimited glitch purchase and don't have much time to customize my phone anymore. I flashed like mad on DInc, GNex, and Note 2, but right now having a device that isn't wiped every week is what I need. In fact, I finished a whole month on the Android 4.0+ Data Usage page for the first time ever.
Yeah, didn't know if this was the right place to post this, so then I copied and pasted it into the Q&A forum... and was going to delete this... now I can't figure out how to delete either thread! Ah well, if there's a major issue, I'm sure a mod will just close it.
Thanks for the input. I'm certainly not sold on getting rid of my N3, just looking into it. As stated, there are a lot of things I love about this phone, and if I could make it better that would be great.
Yeah, the "cons" really aren't cons, but things that I had HOPED the phone would be able to do, but can't. This just makes me feel OK about switching to a smaller phone and then getting a tablet as well.
changt34x said:
This thread will probably be closed and moved to the sticky, but here are my 2 cents.
Out of all the cons presented, the only one that can be fixed well is the "TouchWiz" problem. The other phones either have smaller displays and Android's game market isn't even close to that of iOS, and doesn't seem like it will be soon. I think the LG G2 is the best choice for you (if you are fine without removable battery and microSD). Same Snapdragon 800, similar large 1080p display (I personally prefer it more because it is nearly impossible to get an AMOLED without black marks or unevenness), and also a large battery. Check out their development, it has a lot of exciting stuff going on and CM11 is right now a WIP. I'd say it still has a lot of potential to grow further, and its already a great community now.
Personally, I wasn't that overwhelmed by the N3 (probably because I had the N2). Looking back, I would have taken the G2 (and the $100 savings at the time) but I was an unlimited glitch purchase and don't have much time to customize my phone anymore. I flashed like mad on DInc, GNex, and Note 2, but right now having a device that isn't wiped every week is what I need. In fact, I finished a whole month on the Android 4.0+ Data Usage page for the first time ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree. I love the phone but my flashaholic status is slowly going away. When I had the TP, TP2, Evo, Evo 3D and Rezound I'd have a new rom almost every three days. Depending on what the devs put out. I have never been an AOSP guy so CM never really meant alot to me. I understand that guys want flexibility. I have heard guys say they couldn't stand sense on HTC just as people want TW off their phone. I love the N3 and it's a nice step up from the S3 I had previously. I might kingo and safe strap once I'm done moving just because but I'm really kinda liking not wiping and restoring my phone all the time too. I may have to change my xda button in my signature to just senior member..
Sent from the Note 3 of the Afro Samurai
I came to the note 3 from note 2. I want super impressed coming from n2, but ultimately will keep the n3 and sell my n2. I have to all out because every time I touch my n2 I miss it. I just think it feels better in my hands them does the n3.
I'm so over flashing. I was flashing a new rom at least twice a week. I'm happy with tw. Flashing, imo, is a complete waste of time. To me it kind of sounds like you're trying to talk yourself out of the Galaxy Note 3 and into a different phone simply because the boot loader is locked. If that is the case then yes I would try a phone that you could flash. I happen to have a Galaxy Note 2 with an unlocked bootloader and a stock rom on there if you are interested and it has all kinds of accessories.
Sent from my SM-N900V using xda app-developers app
There are some great points in this thread. I have a note 2 that is pretty new to me. I absolutely love the phone and while I like the unlocked status, I feel I can get most of what I want from a phone with root and xposed modules. I like CM and AOSP ROMs, but the camera quality and options never seem as good with those builds. As a father, the camera has become one of the most important features of my smart phone. That said, I'm considering selling my N2 and HTC One and getting an N3, essentially committing to no more flashing.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
profman03 said:
Yeah, didn't know if this was the right place to post this, so then I copied and pasted it into the Q&A forum... and was going to delete this... now I can't figure out how to delete either thread! Ah well, if there's a major issue, I'm sure a mod will just close it.
Thanks for the input. I'm certainly not sold on getting rid of my N3, just looking into it. As stated, there are a lot of things I love about this phone, and if I could make it better that would be great.
Yeah, the "cons" really aren't cons, but things that I had HOPED the phone would be able to do, but can't. This just makes me feel OK about switching to a smaller phone and then getting a tablet as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You had the exact same phones as me minus the tp.
Tp2, evo, evo 3D, rezound, N3.
Galaxy Note 3, HTC Rezound, HTC Evo 3D, HTC Evo, HTC Touch Pro 2, LG Voyager
Well, before I make any decisions I'm going to root and install xposed and see if I can get all the functionality I want that way. I'm still not too familiar with it since it wasn't a thing on the Thunderbolt... BUT, it looks like it can do a lot of things I want.
From what I have seen so far with this phone is a root with some theming is plenty. Just flashing kernels never really (to me) felt like they did anything. I came from the s3, so just rooting debloating with some greenify makes this phone amazing.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
I say keep your Note 3, root it, freeze/remove bloatware, and customize with Wanam Xposed. As far as your "CONS" go, it sounds like you're going to need a tablet in addition to the Note 3. What kind of gaming are you looking to do? Do you just want something that has a bigger screen/better hardware?
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
profman03 said:
Well, before I make any decisions I'm going to root and install xposed and see if I can get all the functionality I want that way. I'm still not too familiar with it since it wasn't a thing on the Thunderbolt... BUT, it looks like it can do a lot of things I want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Between freezing bloat and xposed framework, its my opinion that custom stock based ROMs are starting to become obsolete. AOSP is a slightly different story.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Just rooted, put xposed on there and wanam. Now I'm adjusting settings and debloating... things are looking up.
I'll sell u my mint verizon note 2..already unlocked running beans right now.
mlin said:
Between freezing bloat and xposed framework, its my opinion that custom stock based ROMs are starting to become obsolete. AOSP is a slightly different story.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 Imo custom stock roms were never considered actual developing in the early android days. They were more so considered themes and the guys creating them were called Chefs. Something changed in the last couple years...however AOSP is were "real development" exists. Xposed app has pretty much shifted things back the other direction allowing the end user to modify a stock rom fairly easy. That combined with a few apps like Ninja morph to modify the framework.res files and the end user can create a custom stock rom fairly easy. I mainly run beans because of the AOSP themeing and I tweak the rest in myself. Dont take me wrong I appreciate guys like Beans because its time consuming doing the things he does.
Anyone interested in trading for a verizon lg g2? Already rooted, too...
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app
After messing around with root, and xposed for a while, I'm less concerned that there won't be enough support on this device to do the things that I want. I do have a few more questions, though:
1.) Has anyone started a list of all the apps that come on the stock rom and which we can freeze or delete entirely? (I will happily start this thread if there's interest and support for it.)
2.) Does anyone know how to prevent the volume getting reduced after plugging in headphones? I use my phone for music in my car and would really appreciate it if I didn't have to turn up the volume every time I plugged it in. (Wanam has an option to prevent the warning pop up, but the volume still gets reduced.)

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