Database Users

Opinions on HTC Desire Z/G2

I'm looking to buy a Desire Z as a gift, and wanted to get some second opinions on the phone. Is the keyboard decent? What's the speed like? How sturdy is the keyboard hinge?
Also, is it fairly easy to root?
I've got an original Desire myself so if it's a roughly similar experience to that but with a keyboard then that'll be good.
Cheers

It's a great phone, 2nd Gen Snapdragon, Adreno 205 GPU...but it is also fairly late in it's life. The keyboard is great, and while people have differing opinions on the hinge, I haven't had any problems.
Just know that it doesn't hold a candle to the 1GB Ram/Dual Core beasts being released today.
Sent from my T-mobile G2 using Tapatalk

The hinge problem has been previously blown up, it is fine.
I couldn't imagine living and typing longer than an sms without a keyboard, I still love it and use it for longer input. If I was buying a phone now I probably could sacrifice the keyboard for a front camera or more CPU power or so. I could even buy a Desire S or a Sensation (just to be in this pricerange). Phones change quickly, quadband is here, I still love this phone.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

in my opinion its still a great phone... sure there are better ones out now rooting isn´t that easy, but not very hard too (if you know how to use adb, you are fine) If you are on 2.3+ it could happen that you need to create a goldcard while rooting...
...what rather concerns me right now is the fact that a lot of people seem to have a problem with a fried emmc chip.
here is a link to the wiki-guide for rooting (so you see how its done):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision

Thanks. Dual core and that isn't a concern, the intended owner is not really fussed about those kind of things, having a keyboard is more important, and I trust HTC as a brand.
Have ordered one now.

h0kum said:
Thanks. Dual core and that isn't a concern, the intended owner is not really fussed about those kind of things, having a keyboard is more important, and I trust HTC as a brand.
Have ordered one now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't regret it! Great phone with great devs taking care of it
Sent from my Bulletproof G2

Like everyone said is great options is not a bad phone every 3d games or apps i like is here. U can use hulu plus and netflix. Adobe flash player 11.
Gameloft hd games
Glu hd games
And other what not to like about this phone? lol
does hd recording 720 p.
It have best keyboard after g1.

in my opinion its still a great phone... sure there are better ones out now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sure wish you could NAME a better phone that is out now!
Remember, it must have the reliability, style, and expensive feel of the G2, must have a great hardware (real) keyboard and beautiful gorilla glass screen like G2, and must be root/developer friendly, have removable battery, and it must provide wifi calling in my weak signal area and free tethering and portable wifi hotspot, and do all of this for US$60/month no-contract service with unlimited 4G everything and no overage charges possible like my G2!
what better one ya got that does all of that?
that's right - NOTHING!

WTF? said:
I sure wish you could NAME a better phone that is out now!
Remember, it must have the reliability, style, and expensive feel of the G2, must have a great hardware (real) keyboard and beautiful gorilla glass screen like G2, and must be root/developer friendly, have removable battery, and it must provide wifi calling in my weak signal area and free tethering and portable wifi hotspot, and do all of this for US$60/month no-contract service with unlimited 4G everything and no overage charges possible like my G2!
what better one ya got that does all of that?
that's right - NOTHING!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An iPhone
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium

fade2black101 said:
An iPhone
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahah u can't be serious because the iphail contains none of the above..
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium

I concur, there is nothing else out there I could see me replacing it with at the moment. I need a hardware keyboard.. More ram and a faster CPU would be handy though... Refreshed DZ required

Great phone, and i will use this as long as it works. I'v had this about little over 11months now, no problems. Only thing is, screen has one frozen pixel in it, tough it's on the side, close to a corner so i barely even notice it, if i look for it, i can see it.
There is Motorola Droid 4 coming, sure looks nice whit that 5-row qwerty. If i would have waited a year longer to upgrade to smartphone world, id get it when it comes.
Now i'm planing on getting a tablet, to get the horsepower going on android. possibly transformer prime, or smth, wonder what CES brings to the table.
I love this phone! Sorry i got drifted to little off topic here.

I won't get another phone until there is a worthy successor. I would like to stick with HTC and I need a qwerty KB (well strongly prefer to have one) so here is hoping for a G3 sometime soon.
Until then though I still get great performance so no immediate rush.

There was also a Samsung qwerty slider I was reading about a while back, can't seem to find the article anymore.

Yea Samsung captivate glide, looks pretty good actually got a tegra 2 processor and 1gb ram... plus one of those beautiful Samsung screens

fredcorp6 said:
Yea Samsung captivate glide, looks pretty good actually got a tegra 2 processor and 1gb ram... plus one of those beautiful Samsung screens
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yea this:
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spec: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i927_captivate_glide-4071.php
look awesome tho. its like galaxy s2+keyboard

hopefully Q1 2012..
Dell Hancock.
Google it.

ewww iphone unless u want to be locked. Even with android without rooting u still will not be lock as you are with iphone.
---------- Post added at 11:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:21 PM ----------
I agree with flinny if they can refresh desire z 2 aka htc t-mobile g3 with stock in usa. I would love to have front face camera,1gb of ram i hate using my mirror to video chat. Get amoled screen back like nexus one. Add the hardware 5 key rows they had on g1 to g3 .
Hopefully stop selling to many damn Htc phone their selling about 10-15 device every year i wish they can stay with 3-5. Limited their work because then they make users like me hack my phone to get update, that they should be doing themselves. Instead of making excuses on why they cant update 1 device to the other.

fredcorp6 said:
Yea Samsung captivate glide, looks pretty good actually got a tegra 2 processor and 1gb ram... plus one of those beautiful Samsung screens
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looked very interesting to me at first, but reviews have been far from stellar:
[URL="http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-captivate-glide-at/4505-6452_7-35033579.html?tag=mncol;rvwBody#reviewPage1"]http://techcrunch.com/2011/11/20/review-samsung-captivate-glide-att/[/URL]
Looks like cheap exterior build quality, and crappy flat keyboard. Nice screen, but hardware specs are merely ok compared to other high end phones currently being released. A Galaxy IIS spec phone with decent keyboard would be killer. But this ain't that.
Can't any manufacturers come out with a high-spec phone, with a decent keyboard?

[Q] Just got my Nexus 4 and it doesn't feel worth the price or "Nexus" label

[Q] Just got my Nexus 4 and it doesn't feel worth the price or "Nexus" label
Let's run down this list:
No LTE
720p screen is relatively standard
No hardware keys
Front camera is wimpy
No microSD
No USB Host/OTG out of box
Not easy to replace/disassemble
Poor impact protection (we've all seen the horrors)
Expensive replacement parts (what is it, $90 for the front?)
Average battery
I literally feel I'd be getting more with a One X or S3 for nearly the same price (I did get the phone directly from T-Mobile, which allows for exchange, though it is more expensive). So what if I have official Google support... what else makes this phone as great as people say it is?!? The GNex, and S2 also seem like better choices, if we are specifically discussing the same price point. The more I use it, the more iPhone-y it feels, just running 4.2.2 instead of iOS 7.
In summary: Why do you have this phone and why do you like it?

Dont cry, just sell it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

ReMiXxXeD said:
Dont cry, just sell it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can return it within 14 days, as I said, this is not an issue.

dwegiel said:
Let's run down this list:
No LTE
720p screen is relatively standard
No hardware keys
Front camera is wimpy
No microSD
No USB Host/OTG out of box
Not easy to replace/disassemble
Poor impact protection (we've all seen the horrors)
Expensive replacement parts (what is it, $90 for the front?)
Average battery
I literally feel I'd be getting more with a One X or S3 for nearly the same price (I did get the phone directly from T-Mobile, which allows for exchange, though it is more expensive). So what if I have official Google support... what else makes this phone as great as people say it is?!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did not do your homework before you bought it?

Alright...sorry for my answer, i just hate if people crying here..you knew the Phones Hadware etc. before you got it. I really like the Nexus, it has very good handling and is lightning fast. The 720p Display is perfect, just rember ; everything above 300ppi looks the same for your eyes. I had to decide between the S3 and the N4 but after a while of playing with the S3 of a friend, i didnt even thought about buying the S3 anymore. I hate TouchWiz, its ugly and it's laggin. Maybe you know someone with an s3/OneX where you can test the phone for yourself
Sorry for my bad English , im German and only 14 years old yet.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

92FS said:
You did not do your homework before you bought it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did, I just want to see the feedback of people who have used it longer than I have. Coming from a Samsung Mesmerize to the latest Nexus device, I expect... a LOT.

ReMiXxXeD said:
Alright...sorry for my answer, i just hate if people crying here..you knew the Phones Hadware etc. before you got it. I really like the Nexus, it has very good handling and is lightning fast. The 720p Display is perfect, just rember ; everything above 300ppi looks the same for your eyes. I had to decide between the S3 and the N4 but after a while of playing with the S3 of a friend, i didnt even thought about buying the S3 anymore. I hate TouchWiz, its ugly and it's laggin. Maybe you know someone with an s3/OneX where you can test the phone for yourself
Sorry for my bad English , im German and only 14 years old yet.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I was to get an S3 or HTC One or One S or One X, the first thing I would to is S-OFF and install the latest CyanogenMod build. I would not stick to Sense/TouchWiz.

dwegiel said:
If I was to get an S3 or HTC One or One S or One X, the first thing I would to is S-OFF and install the latest CyanogenMod build. I would not stick to Sense/TouchWiz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Veeeery good decision !
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

ReMiXxXeD said:
Veeeery good decision !
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean that's kind of a given. My Samsung Mesmerize runs 4.2.2 because of CM, when it would otherwise be stuck at 2.3.4.

dwegiel said:
I mean that's kind of a given. My Samsung Mesmerize runs 4.2.2 because of CM, when it would otherwise be stuck at 2.3.4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, but i dont understand your question then, if you defintely wont keep Sense/TouchWiz , why would you get the S3 or the OneX/S instead of keeping the Nexus? They are nearly the same... except of the Screen Processor etc. And of course the Handling but i think the N4 is better in all those categories ?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

dwegiel said:
The GNex, and S2 also seem like better choices, if we are specifically discussing the same price point. ....
In summary: Why do you have this phone and why do you like it?
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Click to collapse
Seriously?
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Go ahead and buy a S2, I had that phone LOL, read my signature

Overdose1986 said:
Seriously?
Go ahead and buy a S2, I had that phone LOL, read my signature
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For real.
OP, care to explain this?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

dwegiel said:
Let's run down this list:
No LTE
720p screen is relatively standard
No hardware keys
Front camera is wimpy
No microSD
No USB Host/OTG out of box
Not easy to replace/disassemble
Poor impact protection (we've all seen the horrors)
Expensive replacement parts (what is it, $90 for the front?)
Average battery
I literally feel I'd be getting more with a One X or S3 for nearly the same price (I did get the phone directly from T-Mobile, which allows for exchange, though it is more expensive). So what if I have official Google support... what else makes this phone as great as people say it is?!? The GNex, and S2 also seem like better choices, if we are specifically discussing the same price point. The more I use it, the more iPhone-y it feels, just running 4.2.2 instead of iOS 7.
In summary: Why do you have this phone and why do you like it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. it does have lte, its just disabled. you can enable it, i use strictly lte now.
2. its better than most devices
3. one of the best features
4. almost all front cams are wimpy
5. that bugged me a few years back, i quickly grew out of it.
6. doesnt relate to me.
7. fairly easy to disassemble.
8. in certain situations yes. but mine has fallen too many times without any damage, no protection on it, naked.
9. shop around
10. better than average battery.

ReMiXxXeD said:
Okay, but i dont understand your question then, if you defintely wont keep Sense/TouchWiz , why would you get the S3 or the OneX/S instead of keeping the Nexus? They are nearly the same... except of the Screen Processor etc. And of course the Handling but i think the N4 is better in all those categories ?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phones I listed have the features that a Nexus 4 doesn't. Other than a quad core processor, all I see is advantages on the other phones. The HTC One has better audio quality and camera, the S3 (IMO) has a better screen and is a lot more disassembly-friendly, and includes LTE, an SD card slot, and many more things.

simms22 said:
1. it does have lte, its just disabled. you can enable it, i use strictly lte now.
2. its better than most devices
3. one of the best features
4. almost all front cams are wimpy
5. that bugged me a few years back, i quickly grew out of it.
6. doesnt relate to me.
7. fairly easy to disassemble.
8. in certain situations yes. but mine has fallen too many times without any damage, no protection on it, naked.
9. shop around
10. better than average battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. its only has LTE on a single band.
4. Many phones feature 1080p front cams
7. Battery can't be swapped on the go.
8. $90 to replace the LCD and Touchscreen? Let's try $20 to replace the front glass on an S3 instead.
10. depends on the usage, kernel, clock and rom.

estallings15 said:
For real.
OP, care to explain this?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S2 has a nearly as well established dev community, i know the screen is only 800x480, but the processor speed is comparable, USB OTG is out of the box, dedicated buttons for actions.

Overdose1986 said:
Seriously?
Go ahead and buy a S2, I had that phone LOL, read my signature
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please justify the upsides of owning an N4, and I will reply to S2 ownership.

I'm have my nexus 4 since today, and the phone it's amazing... I have the doubt to buy s3 or n4, and decide to nexus4, because of everything.... Better hardware, more beautiful... The card slot I don't care, or radio fm... Nexus it's awesome phone
Sent from my GT3110 using PAC-Man rom

dwegiel said:
Why do you have this phone and why do you like it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No LTE - Not in my area, plus I get better speeds than cable with HSPA+.
720p screen is relatively standard - And more than sufficient for a 4.7 inch display. Why would you want to waste more battery and GPU pushing more pixels? Especially when you ***** about battery life and screen replacement cost just a few lines down.
No hardware keys - Nexus won't ever have them, but you knew that, right?
Front camera is wimpy - More than enough for it's intended purpose. Why would I want to compress more pixels for a video chat?
No microSD; No USB Host/OTG out of box - Design decision, but you knew that, right? Its a phone, I have no need for these.
Not easy to replace/disassemble - Did you check the iFixit teardown? More serviceable than most phones. I think the build design is very good.
Poor impact protection - The drop tests I saw had it compare favorably to the S3.
Expensive replacement parts (what is it, $90 for the front?) - Yes, due to a fused digitizer/display. Seems about average for both.
Average battery - Check out Qualcomm's Battery Guru.
In addition to my differences with the above assessments, I think the phone looks and feels great, works great, is open and unlocked (I will never be on contract again), and is priced at a point where I won't get sick if I lose it or drop it (which for me really adds to the usability).

dwegiel said:
Please justify the upsides of owning an N4, and I will reply to S2 ownership.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get great battery life. The GPS locks insanely fast. The phone is blazing fast. Dev support is second-to-none. It's gorgeous. It feels amazing in my hand. The screen looks great. I don't have to settle for CM.
Oh, and PA is developed specifically for this device. That means we get the new features first. And the builds aren't ports. They're compiled, fully functioning builds.

If N5 gets root?

If the Note 5 gets permanent root, I will be tempted...will you?

Nope.
Samsung is dead to me until I can simply fastboot an unlocked bootloader.
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Heck no. I have a 200gb micro sd and 8000mah battery. I'll take the more practical N4 any day. I kill bloat with package disabler, so fine with it.

Narsil007 said:
Nope.
Samsung is dead to me until I can simply fastboot an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you are loss to Samsung lol because let's face it people who want root etc.. are maybe just 0.01% lol
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

patt2k said:
I don't think you are loss to Samsung lol because let's face it people who want root etc.. are maybe just 0.01% lol
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Until Amazon released their Amazon Underground app, I was having problems with their app store app because it had somehow been corrupted and would not communicate properly with the installed apps and their server. I could not uninstall and reinstall it to fix the problem because Verizon made the Amazon App Store app a system app.
Owning a phone/tablet without root is like owning a PC with no admin rights. I cannot fathom how anyone thinks it's acceptable.

Narsil007 said:
Until Amazon released their Amazon Underground app, I was having problems with their app store app because it had somehow been corrupted and would not communicate properly with the installed apps and their server. I could not uninstall and reinstall it to fix the problem because Verizon made the Amazon App Store app a system app.
Owning a phone/tablet without root is like owning a PC with no admin rights. I cannot fathom how anyone thinks it's acceptable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. A non-rooted phone is totally unacceptable to me too.

No, I won't be tempted. I'm done with Samsung. I've gone without root for nearly a year now, I'm rather over it. Hopefully HTC or Sony come out with a phone I like, otherwise I'm moving to Windows or IOS.

You can go to IOS then jailbreak it then have your phone hacked and basically useless.
Or you can buy the Kickstarter phone called robin. It is completely unlocked.

animal7296 said:
You can go to IOS then jailbreak it then have your phone hacked and basically useless.
Or you can buy the Kickstarter phone called robin. It is completely unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't have unlimited data, cloud storage can be a problem. 5.2" display is a bit small for my taste. Once you go to 5.7" it is hard to downsize.

stueycaster said:
Agreed. I non-rooted phone is totally unacceptable to me too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about Sony? They are the only ones to match the past couple galaxies on an objective level.

xdasucksballs said:
What about Sony? They are the only ones to match the past couple galaxies on an objective level.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not about physical features. I like to be able to disable certain apps, block ads and there are apps I like that require superuser privileges. I'm crazy about ViPER4Android. It requires root to function. Adfree Android not only blocks ads but it blocks known malicious websites.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

stueycaster said:
It's not about physical features. I like to be able to disable certain apps, block ads and there are apps I like that require superuser privileges. I'm crazy about ViPER4Android. It requires root to function. Adfree Android not only blocks ads but it blocks known malicious websites.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got this. I was just suggesting Sony like Z3 or so as some of the best alternatives. Is there just as many root restrictions on the Z3?

xdasucksballs said:
I got this. I was just suggesting Sony like Z3 or so as some of the best alternatives. Is there just as many root restrictions on the Z3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate that. Maybe I'll look into that for my next phone. But there'll be new phones by then. I always use a phone for at least a couple years. In the past 5 years or so I've only had 2 phones before my Note 4. I got it because I liked my Note 2 so much. Also I have extreme need of the stylus. It's going to be pretty hard to give up this phone though. I like it a lot.
Actually I don't know anything about any of the other phones on the market. When I go to get something new I'll study on it. Like I said my Note 2 made me decide on the Note 4 and I didn't even look at anything else.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

stueycaster said:
I appreciate that. Maybe I'll look into that for my next phone. But there'll be new phones by then. I always use a phone for at least a couple years. In the past 5 years or so I've only had 2 phones before my Note 4. I got it because I liked my Note 2 so much. Also I have extreme need of the stylus. It's going to be pretty hard to give up this phone though. I like it a lot.
Actually I don't know anything about any of the other phones on the market. When I go to get something new I'll study on it. Like I said my Note 2 made me decide on the Note 4 and I didn't even look at anything else.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm there with you. My Note 2 was awesome. In fact if I fixed the screen it would still be awesome. And the Note 2 is going to receive official Lollipop.
And the Note 4 is a top device. Only dethroned by the Note5 minus the obvious setbacks.
Objectively speaking nothing tops the Note. I'm still considering the Note5 on and off just because minus the other very important lackings it is indeep the best overall device around.
Objectively it seems only the new Xperias are close. Subjectively however no one thing is perfect for everyone and all phones have very intriguing aspects.

xdasucksballs said:
I'm there with you. My Note 2 was awesome. In fact if I fixed the screen it would still be awesome. And the Note 2 is going to receive official Lollipop.
And the Note 4 is a top device. Only dethroned by the Note5 minus the obvious setbacks.
Objectively speaking nothing tops the Note. I'm still considering the Note5 on and off just because minus the other very important lackings it is indeep the best overall device around.
Objectively it seems only the new Xperias are close. Subjectively however no one thing is perfect for everyone and all phones have very intriguing aspects.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I'm sure the Octacore processor, 4 gb ram, enhanced S-pen and the new Note 4 apps make it a joy to use. And the fixed battery isn't that big of a deal. But I use the infra-red constantly. When I'm messing with my phone and the entertainment center needs a change I don't even have to put it down. Also even if it wasn't for the other lost functionality the lack of SD support is a fatal flaw. I won't own a phone that I can't take the card out of and put it in my computer. That's really stupid as far as I'm concerned. If my phone dies I will not lose all of the data I have in it.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

I'm probably going to pick it up regardless of root. But not right away, I like to observe for a couple of months and see if any major issues pop up.
I figure even if it doesn't get root, I'm not losing much since there's never going to be a permanent root solution for this Note 4. I will miss the battery and SD card options, but I can work around them. In exchange, I'll get a faster, smoother device with a MUCH better fingerprint scanner and better pen, and from what I'm hearing, better battery life. Plus it'll probably be upgraded to M waaaaaaaaay belt the Note 4.
So, unless something else grabs my eye, by the end of the year I'll probably pick this up and sell the Note 4 (or give it to a friend/family member).
But, a permanent root solution that doesn't trip Knox and allows Pay to work would be wonderful.

tedkord said:
I'm probably going to pick it up regardless of root. But not right away, I like to observe for a couple of months and see if any major issues pop up.
I figure even if it doesn't get root, I'm not losing much since there's never going to be a permanent root solution for this Note 4. I will miss the battery and SD card options, but I can work around them. In exchange, I'll get a faster, smoother device with a MUCH better fingerprint scanner and better pen, and from what I'm hearing, better battery life. Plus it'll probably be upgraded to M waaaaaaaaay belt the Note 4.
So, unless something else grabs my eye, by the end of the year I'll probably pick this up and sell the Note 4 (or give it to a friend/family member).
But, a permanent root solution that doesn't trip Knox and allows Pay to work would be wonderful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By that time there'll probably be a Developer Edition available.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

No way in hell, are you crazzy.....................
Without a replaceable battery I would have to be tethered to a battery charger half the time. I sleep with my Note 4 in my top pocket. I have two spare battery chargers on standby at all times. Back in the day of the Razz Maxx I had to keep two phone and I would move the SIM card to the phone with the fresh battery. The battery charger for the Razz Maxx could not keep up with demand. If you were watching video of security cameras the battery would die even if you were connected to the charger. The Note 5 will probably keep up with demand but I doubt you could effectively charge the battery and watch video at the same time. It would be a sloooooooow charge.
Three other bad things about using the usb connection to charge your phone.
1. Batteries have a longer life span if they or cycled property and slow charged.
2. It's going to cause wear to the usb port that you need primarily to transfer data. I guess You could use wireless charging to avoid that problem.
3. Heat: If you are Fast Cycling the discharge and charging of the Note 5, it is going to produce a lot of HEAT that is bad for batteries. Batteries charge better and live longer when they are charged cool. I keep a air conditioned room on my job site just to charge batteries for my power tools. When I pop a fresh battery into my Note 4 it cools the whole phone down.
All I can say is enjoy your new Note 5 and have fun.

Unless root adds micro sd, I think my days of Samsung devices as ended with the Note 4. Even if all go away from cards, I will not buy another Samsung out of spite.

Why should I purchase Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 ?

The new device we already know - Redmi Note 3 - has just been released in new product launch event.
Why should I purchase redmi note 3 ?
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Now, let's check out some hands-on pictures of this beautiful phone.

nice comparison, it seems it will be killer of RAM 3GB Octa core smartphone in view of specs and appearance.

Nice phone. I like it
Inviato dal mio SM-N9005 utilizzando Tapatalk

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Unboxing & Hands-on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tN8WWa2V5Q

Send a mail to Hugo and Xiaomi officials ask them about kernel sources,
If they refuse to release it don't buy it.
Without sources mediatek devices are pathetic, Xiaomi Redmi Note is still stuck with buggy KitKat, and will stuck forever, same will happen with you.
So ensure sources, without sources even xda will not help.
Best of luck !!

vellamo said:
Send a mail to Hugo and Xiaomi officials ask them about kernel sources,
If they refuse to release it don't buy it.
Without sources mediatek devices are pathetic, Xiaomi Redmi Note is still stuck with buggy KitKat, and will stuck forever, same will happen with you.
So ensure sources, without sources even xda will not help.
Best of luck !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually the kernel source was released
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mei...elio-x10-kernel-source-code-released-t3225886

Distell said:
Actually the kernel source was released
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mei...elio-x10-kernel-source-code-released-t3225886
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not for Redmi Note 3, every device has diff hw although CPU is same , s you need your drivers from Xiaomi.
Ask Xiaomi for source, and they will not provide.
Don't fall in Xiaomi's trap.

rockydracer said:
This is not for Redmi Note 3, every device has diff hw although CPU is same , s you need your drivers from Xiaomi.
Ask Xiaomi for source, and they will not provide.
Don't fall in Xiaomi's trap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So whats the trap.
Get a good device for 200 bugs? Okay it would be better with all thedriver sources released but it is Kind of a flGship killer.
AMD what you expect for that price. A device that beats the crap out of an IPhone 6s?
I need a new Smartphone ( my nexus 5 fell into the water, it still works but slowly dies) and you dont get a better bang for the buck right now. And I think we will get the driver source soon.

Distell said:
So whats the trap.
Get a good device for 200 bugs? Okay it would be better with all thedriver sources released but it is Kind of a flGship killer.
AMD what you expect for that price. A device that beats the crap out of an IPhone 6s?
I need a new Smartphone ( my nexus 5 fell into the water, it still works but slowly dies) and you dont get a better bang for the buck right now. And I think we will get the driver source soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is mediatek buddy,..
Xiaomi is known for excellent hw with poor sw , check Mi pad 1, an awesome hw with very very poor sw without kernel sources, gives very poor performance and Xiaomi do not care.
Same will happen with you too.
Sent from my HM NOTE 1W

Here is mine first hands on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-ByyXnUoE4
In next week i will post a full review

rockydracer said:
This is not for Redmi Note 3, every device has diff hw although CPU is same , s you need your drivers from Xiaomi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, but the release from MTK makes it possible for Xiaomi to update the OS to Marshmallow and that is very good news.
Kind regards

My full in depth review of Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 i hope you enjoy it ...

donmarkon said:
My full in depth review of Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 i hope you enjoy it ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for a nice review! Have you tested the wifi and gps? Also interested on your opinion regarding the built in microphone and speaker.
Kind regards

Ormbett said:
Thanks for a nice review! Have you tested the wifi and gps? Also interested on your opinion regarding the built in microphone and speaker.
Kind regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep! I exluded it from review because i considered that there is nothing to say because everything was working as it should, it supports standard gps and glonass so it lock on fast ... About in call sound everybody could hear me good enough so there where no problems at all ...Speaker is fine nothing special ... I did answer on i guess your post on youtube but i will also add it here for others

donmarkon said:
Yep! I exluded it from review because i considered that there is nothing to say because everything was working as it should, it supports standard gps and glonass so it lock on fast ... About in call sound everybody could hear me good enough so there where no problems at all ...Speaker is fine nothing special ... I did answer on i guess your post on youtube but i will also add it here for others
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for quick answer! I have ordered the golden 32GB version and looking forward to get my hands on it.
Kind regards

Ormbett said:
Thanks for quick answer! I have ordered the golden 32GB version and looking forward to get my hands on it.
Kind regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't be disappointed

Hi, (gold, 32gb, redmi note3 5.0.2,MIUI7
MUI 77.0.11.0 215 EURO with shiping)
I will try to give you my feedback, it's my own personal view of the redmi note 3, first some background:
I'm a tech guy, i started using android with one of the first HTC Desire Bravo, i used to root my phones, flash roms, try, optimise as much as possible.
I have brought this phone for my wife, who had previously two Samsung S4, since redmi note3 is dual SIM, it work out quite nice.
I own a Samsung Note 4 , and i will compare the redmi note3 32gb fairly.
the phone costed me 215EUR, it's a flagship, and for that price it's very cheap!
the phone look beautiful, it has an aluminium body, the finition is perfect, the gold (champagne) color is very nice. the aluminium body is very sleepery.
it lack a SD card, which will force you to take the 32gb model (hello 2016)
battery is non removable, but it's more than 4000mAH, it hold with 2 sim cards and full backlight a full day
LCD would be rated 4.5/5 , not the best quality, but almost.
NO Screen protection, honestly if your phone is falling from time to time, do not buy this phone, the LCD will die, buy a housing to get some grip.
the phone is fast for normal apps, messengers, Instagram, phone apps (dialler, phone-book, calendar)
The camera is 13MB pixel in 4/3 format, it's a 10MB pixel in 16/9 format, the camera is not really good, btw i don't understand why xiaomi doesn't set the camera immediately for best quality, you had to go and set both camera by yourself.
same for front camera, not really good, it's a 5MB at 4/3 format, and 3MB on 16/9.
MUI work good, it's fast, some notifications from time to time never appear, i didn't figure out why yet.
Honestly for me that a great phone, because i don't care about the camera and i use my phone for work, but since it's for my wife, she like to do pictures, selfies, and that phone is no good at that point, her old Samsung S4 is doing much better pictures, and that is kinda the deal breaker.
I would recommend this phone to people who don't care about the cameras, it's cheap, look crazy nice, DUAL SIMS.
IF you like to take pictures of any kind, don't waste your time, it is no good.
IF your phone is likely to fall, avoid it, no screen protection, or at least buy some housing.
I like MUI btw, my gf doesn't like it to much, but she doing better every day.
The charger is trash, it's a 0.35mAH, it charge 5% per hour LOL, never seen worse, get your old charger back, or buy a new one immediately.
I forgot to say in my review that the phone is not rooted, but there is a app .apk that root the device in 2min easy and friendly(it''s in chiness, but keep hitting the green button),
Best regards guys!
(hit the thanks button if you like it)

Lisendra said:
IF you like to take pictures of any kind, don't waste your time, it is no good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing your first impressions! I dont know which rom you are using but I know that other people reporting camera improvements with the latest rom.
Kind regards

Miui7
mui 77.0.11.0

Hi,
i have got my note 3 before christmass. With the same ROM 77.0.11.0 as Lisendra. Got it in a GDA for 199€ with DHL shipping, cover and tempered glass screen protection.
The "original" rom had some bugs, I was unable to sincronize the contacts from gmail etc.
A guy on italian forum helped me with a hint about a custom ROM, the first one was a developer, the second one latest stable 7.0.22.0
It doesnt support OTA, so you have to use flashtool, but the flashing is pretty easy, it comes with ROOT and it is cleaned from the scrap chinese apps.
[ROM] [Stable] SphinX V1d - MIUI7 V7.0.22.0 Global, Multi Language, SuperSU
Since I installed that one, the phone does greatly. There are already guides to unlock bootloader, but to instal this ROM you dont need to do so.
For that money it is really a great phone. My old Galaxy S3 seems to be a toy, compared to this. Signal reception is very good (althought LTE band 20 is missing, so i dont have LTE where I live, but in the towns downhill it works pretty good in LTE). GPS (gps, glonass and the chinese satelites) locks really fast.
With 1 SIM the phone is able to work for 2 full days (until the evening of the second day - with the screen ON for about 5 hours).
After 2 weeks of experience, I would buy it again.

Should I get this phone or wait until a new Nexus?

So, a bit of a backstory: I am still on an AT&T GS4. It is obviously years old, but still chugs along. More hangups now than earlier, but restarting fixes it. My phone is rooted, but no custom ROMs or anything, because locked boot loaders are great like that.
I use Tasker for enough things, AdAway, ClockSync (because I am anal and like "perfect" time), ES File Explorer, Light Flow, TB, and I do have some Xposed modules. Some of my Tasker profiles use Secure Settings. I really did like custom ROMs on my international GS2, and was pretty bummed that this did not have them. I also simply like having full control over my phone. It's my hardware, I want to use it how I please.
I have not purchased a Nexus 6p because it is mostly just too large for me. The S7E might be the biggest I would be comfortable with. At this point, I am looking for opinions on whether I should wait for a possibly new Nexus phone, or pick up this one. I would likely grab the 935F, and not the AT&T variant. Another thing that scares me is warranty, or lack thereof, since I would be buying it from an ebay seller. I've never had a phone with a manufacturer defect or something worth warrantying, but it would suck to have a dead phone and be out ~$700.
Any thoughts/opinions/similar conundrums?

If your really into flashing Roms then yea wait becuase the g4 is still a great phone, but if your like me, I wanted to get away from flashing Roms because it consumes too much of my life the s7e is an awesome phone, I took the plunge with no regrets but if u do buy international spend 80$ more and buy from Amazon or b&h they provide you with 1 yr warranty directly from them so if u do have issues u won't have to try to deal with Samsung

Shuthefrontdoor said:
If your really into flashing Roms then yea wait becuase the g4 is still a great phone, but if your like me, I wanted to get away from flashing Roms because it consumes too much of my life the s7e is an awesome phone, I took the plunge with no regrets but if u do buy international spend 80$ more and buy from Amazon or b&h they provide you with 1 yr warranty directly from them so if u do have issues u won't have to try to deal with Samsung
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a GS4, as in Galaxy S4. Or was "g4" just a typo? Either way, it still does fine. Did you happen to buy a carrier branded one or the international?

yugotprblms said:
It's a GS4, as in Galaxy S4. Or was "g4" just a typo? Either way, it still does fine. Did you happen to buy a carrier branded one or the international?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol my mistake the g7e is such a vast improvement over the gs4 I personally would definitely take the plunge. I did go with the art varient as I like how cool the sd820 runs it barely even gets warm as well as I wanted volte, wifi calling, and Samsung pay, as the international ones doesn't , but im sure the exynos has a bit better battery life but my sd820 averages 7 sot so I'm not craving more battery

Shuthefrontdoor said:
Lol my mistake the g7e is such a vast improvement over the gs4 I personally would definitely take the plunge. I did go with the art varient as I like how cool the sd820 runs it barely even gets warm as well as I wanted volte, wifi calling, and Samsung pay, as the international ones doesn't , but im sure the exynos has a bit better battery life but my sd820 averages 7 sot so I'm not craving more battery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, yeah. I figured that is what you meant. I assume you don't care about root much then?

Yea surprisingly I don't care about root anymore, every Android I've owned was rooted but I'm just sick of cat and mouse with rooting flashing Roms I just want to enjoy the phone and i feel Android is finally to a point where I don't need root anymore

Shuthefrontdoor said:
Yea surprisingly I don't care about root anymore, every Android I've owned was rooted but I'm just sick of cat and mouse with rooting flashing Roms I just want to enjoy the phone and i feel Android is finally to a point where I don't need root anymore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, interesting. Thanks for your input!

No prob best of luck on your decision

Shuthefrontdoor said:
Yea surprisingly I don't care about root anymore, every Android I've owned was rooted but I'm just sick of cat and mouse with rooting flashing Roms I just want to enjoy the phone and i feel Android is finally to a point where I don't need root anymore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is pretty much where I'm at. I mean, I would probably root if it were an option for adblock without a VPN, but it's not a deal breaker. OEM's have pretty much taken every cool feature that you could only get through a ROM and baked it in their own, so I have no interest in flashing ROM's anymore.

Wait for an unannounced potentially non existent phone (which is rumored to be by HTC), or get a solid option that you can touch, feel, see.
I think it's personal opinion, as far as warranty, you can get square trade warranty I believe it's called. And if it was never registered you could register it via samsung.
Lastly, depends what you want. I want best screen possible and amazing camera. That's s7 edge for me.
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With a theme and a launcher, I'm running like I'm stock. Best of both worlds.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

I am on the same boat. I am currently watching 2 auctions for the nexus 6p. Don't know if I should pull the trigger or not. My current phone is a iPhone 6 but I wanna get back into the android world as my first smartphone was a nexus. The edge looks awesome but my upgrade ain't ready till October.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I say get the GS7E. I've been running Nexus phones side-by-side with my Galaxy phones since 2013 and the Galaxies are better for everything except timely software updates.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

I picked up the s7 edge about a week ago, the international 935f. I like the size and weight of the phone. I'm not sure if it's the exynos processor, but it's not as smooth as my Nexus 6p. The camera and battery life are better than the Nexus, not by much. I love my Nexus though and will keep it.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Yeah, I am not sure what to do. I am sure the S7E is a badass phone, but I really want to be able to root it and screw around, if only just because I want the ability to do so.

I went from HTC One m8 (Sense rom, and also used GPE Rom for a while) + user of a Nexus 9, over to the S7 Edge.
Honestly, you can like Stock android as much as you want.. But stuff like Touchwiz (or other versions like sense, LG ui etc) have the one or other really awesome feature, that just simply don't exist on Android.
One of my Favourite features on TouchWiz right now:
Screenshot.
Honestly. After i do a Screenshot of a Screen, that is Scrollable (like Internet browser, Facebook posts, Whatsapp chatlog, etc), theres a "+" beside "share" and "delete". If i press the "+", the screenshot-function automatically scrolls down, and does another screenshot. If press + again, it does it a third time.
And it stitches them Together into a sort of "Panorama" screenshot.
In Whatsapp, you have your status bar at the Top, then 2345634 Kilometers Chatlog, and THEN just at the bottom your Text field. The Chat itself is stitched together jsut perfectly.
And if i say perfectly, i literaly mean Pixel-accuracy stitched Together.
my Whatsapp screens only look strange, because of my Background Wallpaper in Whatsapp, that will be "cut". If it were a one-color background, it would be absolutely Perfect.
Cant praise this feature enough, as someone who takes Screenshots here and there.
Stuff like this show me, that it was a right decision to NOT take a nexus. (because, i HAVE experience with Vanilla Android, and i miss NOTHING on Touchwiz. Literaly, Nothing. Not even performance. )

Darkseth said:
Stuff like this show me, that it was a right decision to NOT take a nexus. (because, i HAVE experience with Vanilla Android, and i miss NOTHING on Touchwiz. Literaly, Nothing. Not even performance. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, interesting. I don't know that it is super important to me to be able to take extremely long screenshots. I only ever take screenshots of the thing I am looking at directly.

True, but sometimes, it's quite handy Like for some conversations, that are 1,5 - 2 screens deep
But that's just one of many...
There is an option, to reset all Settings back, without having to do "Factory Reset" (which will delete all your data). That was handy for me once, while stock android doesnt have that.
The Camera App from Touchwiz is pretty good, and the Pro mode is nice (you can save pictures as RAW while in PRO Mode, or turn the shutter speed up to whole 10 Seconds which is useable because of the very good OIS).
Well, in the End, my Preferences won't be an Argument for YOUR preferences. If you love stock android, then waiting for the next Nexus might be worth for you.
But i think, the S7 is a damn good piece of hardware, with a really really not bad Software. You could still use Nova Launcher or something, and maybe a Material Theme, and you'll be noit that far away from a stock android experience. But still have some nice features (+ the awesome hardware)

Darkseth said:
Well, in the End, my Preferences won't be an Argument for YOUR preferences. If you love stock android, then waiting for the next Nexus might be worth for you.
But i think, the S7 is a damn good piece of hardware, with a really really not bad Software. You could still use Nova Launcher or something, and maybe a Material Theme, and you'll be noit that far away from a stock android experience. But still have some nice features (+ the awesome hardware)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never even used pure, stock Android before. Never had a Nexus. I don't have an issue with Touchwiz either, as I would already use Apex/Nova as my launcher anyway. The phone/software itself is great, I am positive. My issue is the locked down environment of it. I want to be able to tinker, and Samsung does not want that.

In a geeks opinion, if you're really into exploring and having fun with that device, I would suggest a Nexus device,it'd be first one to receive updates, Samsung series are good and eye candy, but what they lack is update, late updates and sometimes no update at all. Any ways if brand really matters I suggest go for Samsung, otherwise for full potential use Nexus
Sent from my YUREKA using Tapatalk

Kartikeya861 said:
In a geeks opinion, if you're really into exploring and having fun with that device, I would suggest a Nexus device,it'd be first one to receive updates, Samsung series are good and eye candy, but what they lack is update, late updates and sometimes no update at all. Any ways if brand really matters I suggest go for Samsung, otherwise for full potential use Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I certainly do like the idea, and would have purchased a 6p when it came out, but it is just too damned big for my hands, unfortunately. I essentially have to decide if I want to wait until November or not.