Well it is time for my annual upgrade and I really want this phone. I have some hesitations moving off of Nexus hardware. My first Android phone was a HTC One X+ and I hated sense. Absolutely hated it. I also felt like I was missing out as the software was never updated past 4.1 or something along those lines. Anyway I guess my question pertains to how Sony handles software updates. The Z3 hardware looks amazing but I don't want to be stuck with 4.4.4, have they announced plans to go to L? Also how intrusive are the Sony customizations? I love the stock android experience so I don't want to end up with something half baked. Anyway any help here is appreciated. If only the N6 wasn't so damn big.
From owning a Xperia Tablet Z, I can say I'm rather happy with their releases. There's been several, up to 4.4.4 on a device that's now a few years old. They are obviously not as timely as a nexus device, since Google has lots of internal lead time to develop on the nexus units before the code gets out to partners like Sony. However, I think 3 months isn't horrible to test and develop when Sony is doing it simultaneously for several tablets and numerous phones. If anything, they've been getting faster and faster at it over the last year. I'd guess that 5.0 might show up around 2-3 months after the initial Google release, maybe even faster.
Good to know How has Sony's overall software experience been? Can you delete all the built in apps like walkman and what not?
Well most of built in apps you cant delete (walkman, album, movies, and other stuff).
Also, Z1 was Announced with 4.2, then we receive 4.3, 4.4.2 than 4.4.4 and now we will get 5.0..
And they are fast in my opinion, and generaly i like sony UI the most. I hate touchwiz, and sense and other stuff.
Sony UI is prety close to Original Android feel.
Same hesitations from me...currently have a Nexus 4 and have been trialling the Z3 for the past week. All good so far and I like the fact the battery life is miles better than the Nexus, has a great camera, is Pentaband so I don't need two handsets when travelling to different parts of the World (I didn't upgrade to the Nexus 5 due to the fact it wasn't Pentaband) and is slightly larger...but not too large. The Sony software is not as bloated as others but I will miss the ability to not have vanilla Android and have access to the latest software releases directly from Google. Just hope we don't have to wait too long for Sony to make the latest software available.
I'm heading to the US shortly and have ordered a dual-SIM Z3 since it's not available in the UK (it's also cheaper, approx £410).
-Mikee-
Careful with the dual Sim, mine may have been an anomaly, but one of the Sim slots didn't work and the other gave me horrible reception. Traded it back in for a D6603 and all is right with the world.
I think I will be doing the same. After having the Nexus 4 and then the 5, I'm not interested in the 6 (mainly due to the price though as $800-$850 CDN for 64GB is just too much).
What I like about the Z3 is the battery life (seems like it may be the best out there for an Android phone and the battery on the N5 was awful) and bright screen (the N5 wasn't nearly as bright enough outdoors). I'm hooked on the 5 inch screen size as it is just easier for me to type on. Adding to that you have the waterproofing aspect which may come in handy (though in all my years, I haven't got my phone wet yet!).
I'm worried about the UI aspect as some reviews say there is a bit too much bloatware on the Sony's (though I guess you can always disable it) and of course there is the question of updates. You would have to assume you'd get L from Sony unless they expect you to upgrade to the Z4 to get it (which will probably be out in 6 months ).
Maybe Sony's past history with updating their handsets to the latest software release would give an indication but I don't know what that history is.
I think I'll be getting the Z3 and keeping my N5 around for the first weeks before the return policy expires. I'll have L on it so if it performs well enough I may hold off on the Z3 until L is out. Love me that material. I've been running the Dev preview since it was released and I find KitKat dated to say the least
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I ended up from a glass back phone to another glass back phone (n4 to z3)
However this over doesn't feel that fragile
Pros over my broken screen nexus 4
1) The screen is much brighter and has superb colors!
2) The speakers are in front and are as loud as my nexus!
3) The performance has to be better (s801) and psp emulation is so much easier now!
4) looks more premium (personal opionion)
5) I don't feel heat as much as I did on my nexus 4
6) That amazing camera blows my mind
7) Waterproofing and dust tight build
8) Easy switch from notifications to quick settings using a swipe
9) Theming app is okokgood, not cyanogenmod good!
Cons over my nexus 4
1) I miss the developer love. There may be amazing development, it actually has started (cm11) but nexus were always on a different level
2) The biggest con is that i miss aosp, its love and beauty
3) Ability to switch to art! Why xperia! Why can't you allow me to switch to art? Why can't you make your apps compatible with art?
4) Bloat
5) Why do i have a what's new thing on my navigation bar? Why can't I disable the small app launcher?
These are my views, if you don't mind any of the cons, you wouldn't mind an Xperia
Ps- i got this phone cause one plus hates India, they don't want to give us their phones and nexus 6 is just too big to use! Right now the only phone i may consider switching to would be nexus 5 because aosp is love, is life!
darkrai said:
I ended up from a glass back phone to another glass back phone (n4 to z3)
However this over doesnt feel that fragile
Pros over my broken screen nexus 4
1) The screen is much brighter and has superb colors!
2) The speakers are in front and are as loud as my nexus!
3) The performance has to be better (s801) and psp emulation is so much easier now!
4) looks more premium (personal opionion)
5) I dont feel heat as much as I did on my nexus 4
6) That amazing camera blows my mind
7) Waterproofing and dust tight build
8) Easy switch from notifications to quick settings using a swipe
9) Theming app is okokgood, not cyanogenmod good!
Cons over my nexus 4
1) I miss the developer love. There may be amazing development, it actually has started (cm11) but nexus were always on a different level
2) The biggest con is that i miss aosp, its love and beauty
3) Ability to switch to art! Why xperia! Why cant you allow me to switch to art? Why cant you make your apps compatible with art?
4) Bloat
5) Why do i have a whats new thing on my navigation bar? Why cant I disable the small app launcher?
These are my views, if you dont mind any of the cons, you wouldnt mind an Xperia
Ps- i got this phone cause one plus hates India, they dont want to give us their phones and nexus 6 is just too big to use! Right now the only phone i may consider switching to would be nexus 5 because aosp is love, is life!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can block the what's new and the mini app bar with adb commands
jonshipman said:
You can block the what's new and the mini app bar with adb commands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No no
You don't root and unlock a 830$ phone in the first month itself (if adb needs root)
Of this doesn't need root, steps to disable them please
darkrai said:
No no
You dont root and unlock a 830$ phone in the first month itself (if adb needs root)
Of this doesnt need root, steps to disable them please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adb doesnt need root.
As for the steps, I'd Google them because we probably don't have the same computer.
wolf0491 said:
I feel the development is usually pretty good on the Z line. Depends on if you unlock bootloader or not of course.
Had quite a number of Rom choice for my original Z.
As for the dual Sim 6633 mine works fine in US on ATT. Using only one Sim though.
Sent from my Xperia Z3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is where our thoughts will differ
Xperia z was Sonys comeback phone
Intended to be a hit and it was
Therefore they had to give it special treatment
Now if they stop it, it would feel weird to all those upgrading for development
And Xperia z3 is no comeback phone, it's just a slight upgrade over z2
So you cannot be that sure
Nexus Smexus
I was a big Nexus fan. But there was always some corners being cut. I really just loved the stock Android experience which is why I was greateful for the GPe editions. After having owned a GPe HTC One M8, and a regular M8, I was rather impressed with the skin, they didn't over do it, it was just a matter of having the features that were lacking from stock experience. I found the Sony Z3 to be the same. They didn't over do it on the customizations, in fact they in my opinion did just the right amount of customizations. Sure I wish they didn't put the "what's new" garabage on the phone, but it's not a deal breaker. I plan to freeze the crap apps I never intend to use. Which aren't many. In fact it feels very much stock with minimal customizations. Well worth the camera, beauty, added features, and the waterproofing. I reluctantly threw it in a bowl of water and took a photo...flawless. Though I haven't soaked a phone accidently in years, it's nice to have the feature.
derrickonline said:
I was a big Nexus fan. But there was always some corners being cut. I really just loved the stock Android experience which is why I was greateful for the GPe editions. After having owned a GPe HTC One M8, and a regular M8, I was rather impressed with the skin, they didn't over do it, it was just a matter of having the features that were lacking from stock experience. I found the Sony Z3 to be the same. They didn't over do it on the customizations, in fact they in my opinion did just the right amount of customizations. Sure I wish they didn't put the "what's new" garabage on the phone, but it's not a deal breaker. I plan to freeze the crap apps I never intend to use. Which aren't many. In fact it feels very much stock with minimal customizations. Well worth the camera, beauty, added features, and the waterproofing. I reluctantly threw it in a bowl of water and took a photo...flawless. Though I haven't soaked a phone accidently in years, it's nice to have the feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Derrick,
Do you mind elaborating on the corners being cut? I am in the market between the z3 and nexus 6 and cannot decide which would be better overall. Should I go for the latest phone with stock android? or go for a more premium designed phone? What influenced your decisions?
Richie5767 said:
Hey Derrick,
Do you mind elaborating on the corners being cut? I am in the market between the z3 and nexus 6 and cannot decide which would be better overall. Should I go for the latest phone with stock android? or go for a more premium designed phone? What influenced your decisions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ritchie:
I swap phones every 6 months. So I've had just about every flagship phone out there (Android), including the OnePlus. Nexus devices tend to have poor speakers, and below average cameras. They never look premium (except for the Nexus 4, which was actually the LG Optimus G variant)I owned both and preferred the LG Optimus G version. I found the Nexus devices tend to be thicker. If they're not thicker, they feel thicker (likely due to the Qi wireless charging). Also battery life always feel average.
Even though I much prefer stock Android, I must say OEMs (at least HTC and Sony). I hate Samsung phones, bloated to the max and just plain boring looking. I was happy with the skinned version HTC used even having owned the GPe version as well. Sony feels very much stock with a few tweaks that add value not take away. They also don't add complete non-sense crap you'd ever use like Samsung. Well they do have this stupid "What's New" thing but it's easy to ignore.
Now to answer your question. I recently purchased a OnePlus. That phone was freakin' HUGE!!! It has a 5.5 inch screen, and I believe the Z3 is 5.2. The problem was the phone was just tall and wide with large bezels. It dwarfed an HTC M8 and that's a fairly tall phone. So for me personally I sold it and got a Z3. The size is PERFECT even though it has a 5.2 inch screen. It doesn't feel bigger than my HTC One M8, but I don't have both in hand right now. It definitely feels slipper than the M8, and just as premium. I have not owned a Nexus 6, but right off the bat for me personally I have no interest. It's too big. Much like the OnePlus.
So I really boils down to what's most important to you. If you're worried about getting Android L when it comes out. You'll get it. Even if it's not through official Sony channels. With a phone as popular as the Z3, the only thing holding back development here is waiting for root without unlocking the bootloader. Once that happens, development is going to blow up and that means you'll get your Android L. So don't let that be your limiting factor (assuming you're OK with rooting your device and unlocking the bootloader at some point down the road when the devs have figured out how to backup the DRM keys). If size is a factor and you don't mind talking into what looks like a tablet. Go with the Nexus 6. Me personally I hate phablets. Sony's 5.2 inch Z3 is the sweet spot. It also has a very premium finish, glass front and back. It won't draw attention like pulling out an M8 or even an M7 for that matter, the speakers can't touch the M8 (but who's speakers can?), but the perfect size, perfect software combo (not overly skinned), decent camera (nothing earth shattering), and being water proof...it's a win for me. It's fast, has 3GB of memory, looks premium, and has all that I need. Only thing it's missing: Wireless charging, and an iR blaster. The iR blaster was neat when I couldn't find my remote, but it didn't get a lot of real world use from me so it's not terrible that the Sony doesn't have it.
My favorite flagship phones hands down have been HTC One M8, and this Sony Z3. Hope that helps answer your question.
Stick the Google Now Launcher on it and block What's New & Small Apps and it will feel like stock. I love it.
Related
Like the title says is the GS4 worth using my Upgrade or should I wait for something else? I've been on the iPhone for years now I've own several android devices which I still have an hp touchpad running on cyanogenmod 9 nightly on it which is fantastic. What I liked about the iPhone it was just simple and iOS was smooth (starting out with the iPhone 3G vs earlier android devices) now that years has gone by apple is stuck with the same stuff and I'm tired of it. What drew me to the GS4 was all the features it has, but been reading a lot about it and seems most of those features barely works and a lot of people are having problems with it. I would love to get a 32 gig s4 but do you guys think I should wait for something else to come out later this year? I
It is definitely worth the upgrade in my own opinion. The battery life excellent. I am getting 6 hrs screen time vs the 8 I got on the note 2. The screen is gorgeous and not too small. Works great 1 handed. Features are a bit gimmicky but I do like the air gesture and air view. The camera was the biggest selling point to me. Feature rich and fantastic images.
Absolutely, no question in my mind. Battery life is amazing, camera is superb, and even the sound quality out of the speakers is surprisingly excellent. And not to get snarky, but does your iPhone scroll down automatically just by reading your eye motion as you read a webpage? Because my S4 does .
I'll put it this way: I'm a mobile dev, and usually the first thing I do with a new mobile device is go home and root it. I was so happy with my S4 that in the week I've had it I haven't had any inclination at all to make any additional customizations. I'll do it eventually to get rid of some of the bloatware, but the UI is so satisfying out of the box that I don't think I'll ever bother adding a custom ROM or anything like that.
Happy shopping!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
Starbuck 0507 said:
the first thing I do with a new mobile device is go home and root it. I was so happy with my S4 that in the week I've had it I haven't had any inclination at all to make any additional customizations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. Everything I want this phone to do, it does. I don't have the need to root to gain any features that isn't there in stock firmware.
Beyond that, I'm pretty much just echoing the sentiments of those above. Battery life is excellent (today I'm getting about 6 hours screen on time with an hour of voice calls and plenty of WiFi usage), the hardware is just fantastic and I'm even warming up to TouchWiz, which I hated in the past. It's nice to be able to use my phone and not instantly worry about how I'm affecting my battery life for the rest of the day.
I have 4 upgrades, so I figured why not. The 1080p is a very noticeable step-up and the SoC is very powerful compared to S3 or other phones, except HTC One and Sony Xperia ZL.
MistaBojangles said:
Sony Xperia ZL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S4 kills the Xperia ZL in performance haha. As for the HTC One... DDR3 vs DDR2
(disclaimer: not trying to start a phone comparison war here)
On Topic: The S4 is a great device and it's worth the upgrade from any phone!
I'm definitely going to get the s4! Everyone sold me on it. But rumors are there's going to be a GS4 zoom with a 16MP camera and a GS4 Activ which is dust proof and water proof. So hard to decide! Lol
Obviously relative to the time I loved my 3210 and 3310 but you cannot say they're better phones than what we have today. I thought I wasn't going to buy this because of the screen protector thing, however I needed a new phone because I sold my Windows Phone as that OS is just plain bad. I ended up going for this phone in the end because I hate big phones and it finally felt like Android got its iPhone... a normal sized flagship. I've avoided the mini versions in the past as they're always the poor peoples phone, for some reason OEMs see smaller phones as this? However this phone really makes no compromises.
I love the size, love the speed, love the fact Sony don't do a Touchwiz, the construction is so solid and nice, the camera is great, the screen is great etc. It is such an amazing phone to fit in this size, which next to my iPhone 5c it is barely any bigger. What has amazed me though is I'm getting 4 days on a single charge, I'm not a heavy user, I used to get 2 days on my HTC One, but my Windows Phone only lasted a day and this one is thrashing them all. I'm currently on 70% at 1 day 19 hours, those battery saver things built in really work.
I have to wonder if wanting higher and higher resolution screens is worthwhile, I don't miss the 1080p screen of my HTC One, I didn't miss it with my Windows Phone which was 720p, I don't miss it with this one either. I use my iPhone (which I own because IOS has the best games) and that is even lower res and I just don't care it looks good enough. I don't miss not having 460ppi or whatever the HTC One was, I cannot see a pixel on the screen of this phone or my iPhone, I don't look at my phone with a magnifying glass.
My only gripe is I wish they used the bottom bit for capacitative touch buttons.
Really great phone I'd recommend it to any one, maybe people can pick faults with it, I dunno I can pick faults with every phone I've ever used, at some point you just have to accept there is no perfect phone. The HTC One went on about the front stereo speakers, only they weren't great quality, weren't loud after the updates that toned them down because they would crackle at high volumes, the camera sucked, it was impossible to repair. The 1020, the camera was over rated, it would take 4 seconds between shots, have lots of noise, the battery would barely last a day, Windows Phone sucked. I could go on and on but I think so far the Z1 Compact is the best all rounder I've owned and definitely the best normal sized phoned that you can actually fit in your pocket comfortably.
I have to agree, love this phone so far. Before buying the phone, I was a little apprehensive due to various complaints on this forum about touchscreen, slow to wake, etc. But after 9 days without a reboot, I have yet to experience any bugs. Performance is lightning fast, Sony 4.3 ROM is very stable, and the size is almost perfect (would prefer even smaller, but I don't expect anything smaller with similar performance anytime soon).
Venekor said:
My only gripe is I wish they used the bottom bit for capacitative touch buttons..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^^ THIS! There is plenty of room on the bottom bezel for the buttons, and that would get more usable screen area back. But that's a minor complaint for an otherwise superb phone.
I've not got bugs on 4.3, I just don't get why people want to be on the latest version all the time, I've been on Kitkat with my HTC One and never noticed a difference...
I like the apps that keep the on screen buttons but make them opaque and get rid of the black bar, it means you don't really notice them and you feel like you're getting the whole screen. I still don't get why there is a big unused Bezel there, maybe that didn't have the space and it is a tight fit in there?
The other thing I don't get is you can easily remove the back cover and it is a bit like a Galaxy phone in there, the internals are covered by plastic, you can get the battery out quite easily and it is easy to repair. They should have just made it into a battery cover instead of giving them impression the battery cannot be replaced.
Still it is nice that you can open it up so easily.
I agree...best phone I ve ever used
Sure is best!. I have 4.4.2 rom now and it rox
Send from my Z1C using tapatalk
First of all sorry on my english
Bezel on the end of phone is probably place where you holding hands when you play games or watching movies
a title?
sorry for my poor English
I like its size and the appearance and no shrinkage to Z1.
Im worry that few people choose this phone here（they often appreciate big ones）and it appears few roms. My last phone was Moto me525 defy, it could use dozens of roms.
Finally I would complain that the forum here is not so friendly as in my country.
11 numbers! are needed, I was used none or 6 numbers when you submit frequently.
Love the dimensions and specs of this phone as well.
But I am still not a fan of Android coming from Nokia's Meego Harmattan.
If the Sailfish OS port ever comes (bug free), this would be my perfect phone.
I completely agree. I came from a Find 5, which is nice in its own right, and this phone is just ridiculously good. I left it stock for about 5 minutes before rooting and unlocking, and have not looked back. I have had no issues thus far with KK (the slightly modded version from munjeni), and the performance / battery and build quality is superb. I haven't messed with BT or camera much yet, but getting a few little things like the softkeys out of the way is about all I needed to make this my perfect phone.
:good:
Venekor said:
I've not got bugs on 4.3, I just don't get why people want to be on the latest version all the time, I've been on Kitkat with my HTC One and never noticed a difference...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google does not leave an update/work for nothing uh... If you do not see the differences, is that your usage is too basic to see (e.g., UI improvements...).
Btw, I always used Xperia smartphones and this is the best phone I've ever owned too!
couldn't agree anymore with you! this is my favorite phone too, and i just love it! all other "mini" smartphones either need a large batteri or have little internal memory or something else. this phone is a beast and have it all!
I agree 100% that this is the best phone I have to date. For a compact phone, the specs alone was a winner and has proven to be in it's performance. It's by no means a mini when it comes to resources. Superb processing and battery power and proprietary Sony battery usage software which I don't even have to use, lol.
I appreciate that Sony doesn't have to be out there marketing wise like Samsung and elegantly meet and surpass their performance. Water proof, dust proof, no biggie full LTE support no limitations except maybe finger print reader (like they even use it). I have owned Samsung s2 to s4, even their minis. Ironically I loved the s2
I am soo happy I have jumped ship and look forward to continued Sony development.
sllik said:
Love the dimensions and specs of this phone as well.
But I am still not a fan of Android coming from Nokia's Meego Harmattan.
If the Sailfish OS port ever comes (bug free), this would be my perfect phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes sailfish os on the z1c would it make perfect.
Ok so I've been rolling my N4 for just over 2 years now and although I love it I can't help feeling I'm getting left behind. I'll just say that its been the best phone I've ever owned. Everything works out of the box. Google maps and nav for example. Simple, free and every other phone I've launched in anger at the necessary to me but total garbage navigation apps they provided. Nothing the N4 does I dislike.
I thought I liked the 'development' side. I played a lot with my HTC hd2 and ran that on android until it died but since moving to the nexus I'm a vanilla convert. My life is too busy to go rooting. Some may say I'm a iPhone wannabe owner but thats another blood boiling story so we'll skip that. I just love the updates, the simplicity the support and how much nicer android is over the competition.
So I ask. If I want or need a new phone, where do i go?
As I said I love the google updates/support
Size is important. The N4 to me is almost the perfect size. I'm not a phablet fan at all. The N6 launch was hugely disappointing for that reason.
Not sure how I'd cope with bloatware and a different interface like touchwiz coming from a vanilla android handset.
I suppose the reasons for a possible upgrade is LTE. Its getting more widespread in the UK.
The N4 has started to show some gremlins. Nothing bad but makes me question how long the handset will last.
Camera is utter ****. I'm not too bothered by breathtaking quality. Its still only a phone and if I want a proper pic I'll use my SLR, but convinience rules and the n4 camera is slow, unreliable and makes me look a fool who misses that important moment.
& I suppose storage. I like some music. Have a lot of pictures. & apps take up a lot of space. I don't see myself needing expandable storage but 16gb absolute minimum is a must.
So where do I go from here. New nexus? When will that be along?
Nexus 5? Or is that too old as well?
Or are there any other good android experiences from other manufacturers?
Interested to see what others have upgraded to and how they found moving on.
Cheers
I have a nexus 4 . I am Walting the next nexus (7) . I hope in a 5 inch and a waterproof device. Becaus of. The last update (5.1) of its lire. good chiose friend
Same problem here. Tried a Fire phone, too may issues . Saw in several articles that they are going to made a 2015 version on the Nexus 5 . The Nexus 6 is too expensive
Gary
Sent from my cm_tenderloin using XDA Free mobile app
Galaxy Alpha with CM12
I still love my N4 but it's definitely time for an upgrade. I'm holding out for the nexus 5 2015 (assuming the rumors are correct obviously). I've been rooting and flashing roms on the N4 since I got it, at the moment I'm running the Chroma ROM with hellscore kernel and it's probably running better than when I first purchased it. Because of this I can easily wait for the next nexus release, there is no other device that would suit my needs to be honest.
Sent by neural subspace transceiver node.
Well, the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact has official Cyanogenmod 12.1, although it's still in "testing". Or you could leave it stock, but it wouldn't be vanilla Android. Sony doesn't go too crazy with their UIs though, and you can always use Nova or whatever launcher to give it the AOSP feel. The Z3C is a significantly smaller phone than the Nexus 4, but only sacrifices .1" in screen size. Plus you'll get like double the battery life or more. And front-facing speakers, 128gb expandable storage, waterproofness, etc.
Or you could wait for the Saygus V2. It's not out yet, but it's basically an Android enthusiast's wetdream. Think of every cool feature on all the different flagship phones, and cram them all into a single device, and you get the V2. 5" 1080p screen, front-facing speakers, IR blaster, wireless broadcasting, waterproof, removable battery, fingerprint scanner, 20mp OIS camera, TWO microSD slots, 64gb built-in, 3GB RAM, dual boot capability, rooted (or rootable) out of the box, and damn near every LTE band on the planet.
No, the Nexus 4 is NOT forever device. I'm back to using mine as I sold my M8 (needed the money) and it's SO slow compared to the newer phones out there. Plus the lack of 4G is a bummer
EddyOS said:
No, the Nexus 4 is NOT forever device. I'm back to using mine as I sold my M8 (needed the money) and it's SO slow compared to the newer phones out there. Plus the lack of 4G is a bummer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sold my M8 too, but not because I needed the money, I much preferred my Nexus 4.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
** This is just my personal thoughts and musing on my experience with my first Android phone. I doubt it's very interesting but I thought I'd share anyway and welcome others to comment and share their experiences. If you're not interested just don't read it, please don't pick holes and post snarky comments. **
Boring introduction
I've had an iPhone since the 3G went on sale and upgraded over the years to the 4 and then the 5. Apple always made beautiful hardware and software with flawless usability but at 3 years old my iPhone 5 was looking like a poor relation compared to the latest flagships and the recently launched, palm filling iPhone 6.
I had gone SIM ONLY after my iPhone 5 contract had finished and I was paying around half the amount for pretty much unlimited everything. I certainly didn't want to start another contract with hefty bills each month but there was no way I was going to shell out over £600 for a new one.
I was also getting frustrated with the limitations of the iPhone devices. Everything works perfectly but why do I need a Stocks app if I don't have any stocks? Why do I need an Apple Watch app, the new U2 album or be restricted to using iTunes for my music? (Other music apps are available but don't integrate as well into the functions of the os)
So about 12 months ago I picked up an Android magazine during a long wait in Gatwick Airport and thought I'd see what the other side was offering. I've been an amateur Linux hacker/enthusiast for a number of years so I knew from experience that the trade off in flexibility from a largely open source platform was potentially a more buggy, ugly and inconsistent user experience.
The magazine featured a review of the ZTE Blade S6. It looked just like a very cheap iPhone 6 knockoff (I now have one at work, it's cheap but it does the job) but my mind started mulling over the specs and I began to put a wishlist together in my head. Good camera, expandable storage (a massive drawback on Apple devices), large screen (so I could do away with my crappy tablet), long battery life and good looking (I didn't want a super glossy, plasticy, Samsung Galaxy or iPhone clone).
My investigations lead me to news of the LG G4 launch and a beta testing programme. The phone looked amazing, it was leather for a start, how crazy. I applied for the trial but didn't get selected. The G4 was going to set me back £500 unlocked so after reading the reviews of the G3 and finding it online for just over £200, I bought my first Android phone.
First thoughts
The package arrived and as I opened it I saw a gold and brown box (the kind of colours you expect to see on the wallpaper in an Indian restaurant). I panicked - I had ordered the white phone, I didn't want gold. Metallic plastic looks nasty (no offence if you have the gold one). Luckily it was white inside.
The pearlescent white was OK, not amazing, in fact kind of cheap looking and the logo strip on the front looked like the design had been lifted off of a 90s microwave but overall it was pleasant to hold, slim and if you didn't look too closely it looked quite sleek and modern.
I charged it up (the accessories were actually more stylish than the phone. They should promote the team who made the charger) and booted it.
WTF!!! The icons! Who thought that square icons in grubby shades of the dullest colours was remotely a good idea? The oversized status and soft key bar icons looked uncomfortable and Smart Bulletin was about as much use as a pocket on a sock.
Customisation
I lived with it for a few weeks. The weather effects were fun, I was getting used to the blinking LED and having a file manager was a whole new freedom that meant I could actually work on my phone. I installed an icon pack but still couldn't make peace with that clunky and aesthetically unpleasing UI. Time to root and sign up to XDA.
The first ROM I tried was Resurrection Remix. It had been recommended to me and it was amazing. Customisation that I dreamed of. But for some reason the phone would randomly shutdown in the middle of the night and could only be turned back on by removing the battery. I couldn't risk it. I use my phone as an alarm so I needed it to be reliable.
I discovered Cloudy and combined with XPosed I was able to get a UI that was a compromise between LG and what I wanted, although apps such as the dialer, calculator and the settings interface still bugged me.
I know they are only small things and shouldn't really bother me but your phone becomes an extension of yourself. In fact I interact more with my phone on a daily basis than I do with a lot of people, so it needs to be an enjoyable experience.
When MM was released I went back to stock and thought I could just live with the ugliness. Cloudy had shut up shop, Fulmics wasn't there just yet and I wanted MM! It was a massive trade off. For full camera functions and stability, I sacrificed my hard work fine tuning my ROM, but I got impatient fast. In fact Marshmallow has been announced months ago and no sooner had 6.0 been given to us like a late Christmas present, 6.0.1 was out for other devices.
CyanogenMod 13.0
Then I discovered the tread about CM13. I knew about CM already and knew it was the base for many of the custom ROMs I'd tried in the past but I thought installing this would give me an almost pure Android experience with regular updates and I can live without slo-mo video or the other LG features.
Initially there were bugs that meant my first attempt was short-lived and I ended up going back to stock within a few hours. I have a Xiaomi Mi Band and CM couldn't recognise BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) devices.
Soon the bug was fixed and CM13 was reinstalled. In general my CM experience has been pretty good although it's evident the software wasn't intended for your device. It's not a perfect fit with fewer features in the camera and some niggly bugs (it's only in beta).
The ROOT of all evil
Tiring of my epic quest for the perfect ROM and settling with CM13 was a short lived moment of harmony. I had come to terms with my banking app not working and even the camera but then the rumour leaks - UK to get Android Pay by the end of March.
It's nearly the end of March and no sign yet but it got me thinking about the future of mobile technology and more importantly what I want from a device (it's rarely used as a phone).
It's obvious they are worming their way into more and more areas of our lives and will continue to do so. Android Pay doesn't currently work with CM or rooted devices and it's a cat and mouse game to cloak, hide and workaround these barriers. What I need is a device that fits my wish list and I can run without root.
Hello Moto
So last night I decided to take the plunge and treat myself to a new device. A purer Android experience with a snazzy look, regular updates and a low price tag. My Moto X Style should arrive tomorrow and I'm hoping our relationship will not be as turbulent as it was with the G3.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
"The course of true love never did run smooth". Android isn't an OS for everyone and im glad you took the plunge into the android world after so many years with an iPhone. Hope you enjoy your Moto X and also hope your time with that phone would last for a long time.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
Shifters123 said:
"The course of true love never did run smooth". Android isn't an OS for everyone and im glad you took the plunge into the android world after so many years with an iPhone. Hope you enjoy your Moto X and also hope your time with that phone would last for a long time.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I do love Android. I love the freedom.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
Thanks for your honest opinions , give lightning launcher a try with minimal work it can give you a totally different looking type of interface
markthomson1404 said:
Thanks for your honest opinions , give lightning launcher a try with minimal work it can give you a totally different looking type of interface
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm on Google Launcher at the moment. I really like Microsoft Arrow launcher in a way but it needs more customisation options.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
Hi, although I don't hate my phone, I'm totally agree with you.
The shutdown issue... terrible thing of CM12.1 (and of stock firmware too, but less frequently).
Then you criticized the limitations of LG system, like any other. Sadly many trademarks choose to promote banal and heavy customatizations which make phone like a "closed box"... like iPhone & Family!
Personally, when I want to buy or suggest a phone, I look only for hardware specifications.
The stock firmware will be replaced asap.
I really would appreciate a Nexus with both external SD and removable battery support: the stock Android experience and an easier modding experience, without too many bootloader complications.
It's the same with me, but I'm stuck with a contract.. Have fun with your Moto!
Simone98RC said:
Hi, although I don't hate my phone, I'm totally agree with you.
The shutdown issue... terrible thing of CM12.1 (and of stock firmware too, but less frequently).
Then you criticized the limitations of LG system, like any other. Sadly many trademarks choose to promote banal and heavy customatizations which make phone like a "closed box"... like iPhone & Family!
Personally, when I want to buy or suggest a phone, I look only for hardware specifications.
The stock firmware will be replaced asap.
I really would appreciate a Nexus with both external SD and removable battery support: the stock Android experience and an easier modding experience, without too many bootloader complications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in the hardware is important camp and just wipe the software but with Android Pay launching and requiring you to be unrooted, I need the software to be as perfect as possible stock.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
RapHaeL_4_4_4_ said:
It's the same with me, but I'm stuck with a contract.. Have fun with your Moto!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Amazon should hopefully deliver it in a few hours so I'll report back later
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
that's sad. did you try the official marshmallow stock rom?? for me its the most perfect and smoothest rom ever used in my G3. btw moto is awesome too. good luck!
superawesomeme said:
** This is just my personal thoughts and musing on my experience with my first Android phone. I doubt it's very interesting but I thought I'd share anyway and welcome others to comment and share their experiences. If you're not interested just don't read it, please don't pick holes and post snarky comments. **
Boring introduction
I've had an iPhone since the 3G went on sale and upgraded over the years to the 4 and then the 5. Apple always made beautiful hardware and software with flawless usability but at 3 years old my iPhone 5 was looking like a poor relation compared to the latest flagships and the recently launched, palm filling iPhone 6.
I had gone SIM ONLY after my iPhone 5 contract had finished and I was paying around half the amount for pretty much unlimited everything. I certainly didn't want to start another contract with hefty bills each month but there was no way I was going to shell out over £600 for a new one.
I was also getting frustrated with the limitations of the iPhone devices. Everything works perfectly but why do I need a Stocks app if I don't have any stocks? Why do I need an Apple Watch app, the new U2 album or be restricted to using iTunes for my music? (Other music apps are available but don't integrate as well into the functions of the os)
So about 12 months ago I picked up an Android magazine during a long wait in Gatwick Airport and thought I'd see what the other side was offering. I've been an amateur Linux hacker/enthusiast for a number of years so I knew from experience that the trade off in flexibility from a largely open source platform was potentially a more buggy, ugly and inconsistent user experience.
The magazine featured a review of the ZTE Blade S6. It looked just like a very cheap iPhone 6 knockoff (I now have one at work, it's cheap but it does the job) but my mind started mulling over the specs and I began to put a wishlist together in my head. Good camera, expandable storage (a massive drawback on Apple devices), large screen (so I could do away with my crappy tablet), long battery life and good looking (I didn't want a super glossy, plasticy, Samsung Galaxy or iPhone clone).
My investigations lead me to news of the LG G4 launch and a beta testing programme. The phone looked amazing, it was leather for a start, how crazy. I applied for the trial but didn't get selected. The G4 was going to set me back £500 unlocked so after reading the reviews of the G3 and finding it online for just over £200, I bought my first Android phone.
First thoughts
The package arrived and as I opened it I saw a gold and brown box (the kind of colours you expect to see on the wallpaper in an Indian restaurant). I panicked - I had ordered the white phone, I didn't want gold. Metallic plastic looks nasty (no offence if you have the gold one). Luckily it was white inside.
The pearlescent white was OK, not amazing, in fact kind of cheap looking and the logo strip on the front looked like the design had been lifted off of a 90s microwave but overall it was pleasant to hold, slim and if you didn't look too closely it looked quite sleek and modern.
I charged it up (the accessories were actually more stylish than the phone. They should promote the team who made the charger) and booted it.
WTF!!! The icons! Who thought that square icons in grubby shades of the dullest colours was remotely a good idea? The oversized status and soft key bar icons looked uncomfortable and Smart Bulletin was about as much use as a pocket on a sock.
Customisation
I lived with it for a few weeks. The weather effects were fun, I was getting used to the blinking LED and having a file manager was a whole new freedom that meant I could actually work on my phone. I installed an icon pack but still couldn't make peace with that clunky and aesthetically unpleasing UI. Time to root and sign up to XDA.
The first ROM I tried was Resurrection Remix. It had been recommended to me and it was amazing. Customisation that I dreamed of. But for some reason the phone would randomly shutdown in the middle of the night and could only be turned back on by removing the battery. I couldn't risk it. I use my phone as an alarm so I needed it to be reliable.
I discovered Cloudy and combined with XPosed I was able to get a UI that was a compromise between LG and what I wanted, although apps such as the dialer, calculator and the settings interface still bugged me.
I know they are only small things and shouldn't really bother me but your phone becomes an extension of yourself. In fact I interact more with my phone on a daily basis than I do with a lot of people, so it needs to be an enjoyable experience.
When MM was released I went back to stock and thought I could just live with the ugliness. Cloudy had shut up shop, Fulmics wasn't there just yet and I wanted MM! It was a massive trade off. For full camera functions and stability, I sacrificed my hard work fine tuning my ROM, but I got impatient fast. In fact Marshmallow has been announced months ago and no sooner had 6.0 been given to us like a late Christmas present, 6.0.1 was out for other devices.
CyanogenMod 13.0
Then I discovered the tread about CM13. I knew about CM already and knew it was the base for many of the custom ROMs I'd tried in the past but I thought installing this would give me an almost pure Android experience with regular updates and I can live without slo-mo video or the other LG features.
Initially there were bugs that meant my first attempt was short-lived and I ended up going back to stock within a few hours. I have a Xiaomi Mi Band and CM couldn't recognise BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) devices.
Soon the bug was fixed and CM13 was reinstalled. In general my CM experience has been pretty good although it's evident the software wasn't intended for your device. It's not a perfect fit with fewer features in the camera and some niggly bugs (it's only in beta).
The ROOT of all evil
Tiring of my epic quest for the perfect ROM and settling with CM13 was a short lived moment of harmony. I had come to terms with my banking app not working and even the camera but then the rumour leaks - UK to get Android Pay by the end of March.
It's nearly the end of March and no sign yet but it got me thinking about the future of mobile technology and more importantly what I want from a device (it's rarely used as a phone).
It's obvious they are worming their way into more and more areas of our lives and will continue to do so. Android Pay doesn't currently work with CM or rooted devices and it's a cat and mouse game to cloak, hide and workaround these barriers. What I need is a device that fits my wish list and I can run without root.
Hello Moto
So last night I decided to take the plunge and treat myself to a new device. A purer Android experience with a snazzy look, regular updates and a low price tag. My Moto X Style should arrive tomorrow and I'm hoping our relationship will not be as turbulent as it was with the G3.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that totally sucks! I want iPhone users to see what's so great with Androids. I would actually recommend the G3 to any iPhone user trying to switch to Android. It blows you didn't have a good experience as I love the phone so much I won't upgrade because this phone is a beast. With fulmics 4.2 MM, xposed and G3 tweaksbox your phone would have been a better experience. I myself want to try an iPhone but I just can't let this phone go lol. Well I hope this bad experience didn't want to make you go back as the new G5 might change your mind :fingers-crossed:
GTRanushka said:
that's sad. did you try the official marshmallow stock rom?? for me its the most perfect and smoothest rom ever used in my G3. btw moto is awesome too. good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried official Marshmallow for a few weeks, the battery life was incredible and it was so smooth. I think that's what I find so frustrating, LG make some amazing tech, the specs are top notch and they don't age/slowdown as fast as others but there are so many proprietary modifications to the OS that it's put me off LG.
It's obviously just a personal preference but I just find their design aesthetic unpleasing, like a hybrid of Kit Kat (the dull colours and oversized status/nav icons) and Lollipop (material design, but poorly executed in this case).
The heavy skinning was the reason I avoided Samsung too. Again incredible hardware. These companies seem to take the same half-assed approach to UI design as Microsoft. A jumble of different styles, moving forwards with good ideas but poorly executed with remnants of the past hanging about.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
RapHaeL_4_4_4_ said:
It's the same with me, but I'm stuck with a contract.. Have fun with your Moto!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Omg it's amazing. I few things I miss from the LG...
- Power button position (I'll get used to it)
- Double tap to wake
- Wireless charging
Other than that it's practically perfect (so far)...
- The display is incredible. I'm on about 15-20% brightness and it's so vivid and clear. I had to have the LG between 50-60%.
- Snapchat video filters work, inc slow-mo, fast, reverse (these didn't work on LG)
- Moto display for alerts, you just wave your hand over the front for a power friendly notification screen.
- Pure Android experience so no ugly status bar.
- Super fast burst mode on camera (plus improved low light mode)
- Front flash
- Beautiful shape and rear texture
- Gestures such as double twist for camera mode, karate chop for flashlight, etc
This is the droid I was looking for!
Sent from my XT1572 using Tapatalk
This poll is to determine and estimate how much the new nexus (2016) is anticipated in nexus 6 community.
Used to be YES! But not if the front speakers are gone. Sticking with n6.... Looking at ZTE axon 7 as bootloader is unlocked and twrp plus good hw and cheaper price, good speakers seems worth a better look.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA-Developers mobile app
I see moving to a 5.5" screen as a downgrade.
After spending the price of two laptops on my N6 (£549) I expect it to last more than a couple of years. I like new toys, but there's a limit imposed by common sense. Newer processors may give an infinitesimal improvement in performance, which no doubt can be measured by benchmarks, but the N6 is plenty fast enough for me. The screen may not be the best around these days, but every time I watch a video I think "Wow, this is an amazing quality picture", so again, good enough for me.
No point in squandering resources, is there...?
("I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/George_Best)
I'll stay with Nexus 6, it's the best phone I ever had, even if it's not my daily phone because it's too big, it's really wonderfull with big screen, nice resolution (ready for carboards), enought RAM, 25Go is enought for me, nice photos/videos, good stereo sound with front speakers, fast charge... :good: I still love it
The Nexus Marlin and Sailfish will indeed not be true Nexus devices. It has been announced that Google is rebranding the Nexus brand, rumored at the moment to just be called "G"; and it will not feature a stock version of android, rather there will be G-only features built into the ROM. No word of bootloader yet.
(source: http://www.theverge.com/2016/8/30/12712722/google-new-nexus-phones-brand-name-change)
If there is no Nexus device then maybe I will get the One Plus 3
Outatime67 said:
I see moving to a 5.5" screen as a downgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too, not going to happen as long as there are decent 6" or bigger phones available. It's a pain trying to type messages or emails on such a small screen.
I really want a 64 bit mobile to develop my rom, but the 6P might break if I think about it too hard. So I'll check the new ones, but if they are too expensive here in Europe, and the early reviews are negative, then I'll just keep my N6.
I still love my N6 but I cracked the screen a bit in the corner.
I also want to finally make the move to Project Fi so I'm hoping for a bundle deal.
If what is in the leaks is true. I rather buy note 7. Back design too ugly for me.
There are a lot of reasons why people buy a Nexus device. The 2 most common reasons I always see is either the simplicity of the device (dare I say, bare bones of what a phone should do/have) and stock skin of Android or on the other side, the complex and customisable options that is possible with the fact that Nexus devices are easy to tinker with combined with the support of the developer community who are constantly providing support for devices for years even after they reach their sell by date(shoutout to all the devs btw )
Combined with this I guess its safe to stay for the most advanced users and beginners alike it all depends on if they're specific needs are still being met for them to stay with Nexus 6 or any other device for that matter and if not then it's time to upgrade.
Personally I will probably stick with Nexus 6 for as long as it lasts me or if a phone gets released with everything the Nexus 6 is and hopefully more ( Preferably a phone such as the Xperia Z5 Ultra , if Sony ever release it )
The price is too high for me. No front facing speakers, "just" a 5.5 Inch screen etc etc. For the moment my N6 is fast and stable enough to use it for the best part of the next year as well.
Bottom line, I would rather buy a OnePlus 3, than a "New Nexus" at this point.
Did they unviel it yet? I have my credit card ready. But i love my n6 to much lol
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA-Developers mobile app
I've grown to the size of my phone and cant seem myself owning anything smaller.
Since first buying the Nexus 6 a couple years ago or so I've had a Moto X Pure, Huawei Mate 7, OnePlus 3, and now I'm back to the Nexus 6. This phone just has everything I want in a phone. 6 inch screen (which for me is the perfect size), simple, clean design, great development, stereo speakers, and good battery life. No point in updating to a newer phone for minimal gains in speed at the cost of at least a couple of the N6's great features.
More than likely I'm going to upgrade. My N6 will be paid off in October.
I'm ready for a smaller form factor, unless they completely **** it up and the design is completely underwhelming, I will be getting one, I'm not gonna get it on launch day like the Shamu though , gonna take my sweet time waiting for reviews to make a final decision, there is a chance I will be sticking with this device for another cycle, we'll see
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Outatime67 said:
I see moving to a 5.5" screen as a downgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too, I wish they would make another Nexus with a screen this size! They did it once and never again! I LOVE my N6!
I'll be keeping my N6 or getting the One Plus 3 if what I have heard and read about the new devices is true. I just love my N6, has everything I've ever wanted (minus a removable SD and/or battery which I really don't miss). Got my son a OP3 and it is really nice, I really liked my OP1. OnePlus is as close to a Nexus as you can get and unlike recent Nexus they are still inexpensive.
Nexus 6