Database Users

Xoom, then iPad 2, now Xoom. UNBIASED REVIEW.

Hello, I have been around since day 1 and purchased a 3G Xoom from Best Buy on release day. Ofcourse it was odd from the start with no one in the store knowing what it was. I was showed the "Zune" lol..
Returned it @ day 14 and got a Gift card.
On release day I got the iPad 2 3G 32GB.
Yesterday, I traded my iPad2 for a New Xoom 3G + 200$.
Here is my review..
First off, a big thing in consideration to anyone is the weight.
I believe the Xoom weight's 1.6 and the iPad 2 1.3 but it is a noticeable difference.
If you are a weaker individual or feeble woman I wouldn't recommend the Xoom.
Weight: iPad 2
---
I believe both devices are very sturdy and beautiful pieces of technology. But hand's down the Xoom feel's more expensive. From it's sleek curve's to even it's sexy back exposing the L.E.D flash.
Build Quality: Xoom
---
Alot of people here say that because the Xoom has a higher res it's "better" but that's not true. I am guessing Motorola used Vizio type panel screen while Apple went with a higher quality. Nonetheless I still think if the iPad 2 screen is a 9/10 then the Xoom is 8.5/10.
Screen Quality: iPad 2
---
Multimedia experience and video capabilities are a big thing to not only the modding community but the common folk alike. For instance, if my mom got the Xoom who is not very tech savy put video on it; She honestly wouldn't be able to.
The only downfall of the Xoom IS VIDEO PLAYBACK. ONLY.
And, iTunes. But.... What can you do right?
Speakers on the Xoom are vibrant and I absolutely love having back the Stereo sound.
L.E.D Flash on the device I can literally record in pitch black conditions. I have been having an issue with a little stuttering while recording though even in good lit conditions.
Hands down both Front/Rear Camera's are superior to iPad's.
Because of the fact this is a "open" device people like myself believed I could drag and drop easily movie's/tv show's and such to the Xoom. I hate this problem but hope it will fix itself.
Multimedia Experience: iPad 2
---
The ability to access file system's easily and mod and one's will the Operating System to choose is obviously Android.
The beauty of every movement on Honeycomb is amazing. With the correct widgets and right wallpaper you can make your device a wonder to look at.
The iPad 2 is simply Box icons. I believe Apple will have to evolve this concept to keep up with Android Honeycomb. Remember, Android first started with a G1 with big iPhone.
All in all Operating System experience goes to the Xoom.
O.S Experience: Xoom
---
Last but not least is the Web Browsing.
I could finish this review in a sentence and say Xoom is better but.... FORECLOSURES!!! It happened to my first and this as-well it will randomly just exit itself. So i'm deep into 3-4 tabs and boom everything exit's I lose all progress.
Beside's these pesky mishaps the Stock Browser is magnificent ! Flash is available although I keep off.
Web Experience will have to go with iPad 2 mainly because it is more refined and you can download so many "Tablet" specific replacement's. Will Honeycomb mature? I think so. But can anything happen to Google or.... What they see the future? They are still thinking of Chrome tablet's.
Web Experience: iPad 2
---
Long and tedious review. It really depends on what you want from a device. Personally, I am happy I have the Xoom back... Android has a tremendous amount of potential I can feel it.

jamaicansolja said:
If you are a weaker individual or feeble woman I wouldn't recommend the Xoom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nearly choked on my sandwich when I read this I lol'd so hard

Cerberus86 said:
Nearly choked on my sandwich when I read this I lol'd so hard
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I tried to read this over and over again. How is the screen quailty on the Xoom weaker than the Ipad 2?

blackarsenic said:
I tried to read this over and over again. How is the screen quailty on the Xoom weaker than the Ipad 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing he means in terms of colour vibrancy and general brightness, but not in terms of resolution.

I think he means in terms of brightness, while the Xoom has a much better resolution Apple stuck really bright lights in theirs to make it look better, as a result it has much brighter prettier colors
or something along those lines but most likely in a less sarcastic way

blackarsenic said:
I tried to read this over and over again. How is the screen quailty on the Xoom weaker than the Ipad 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xoom screen is "washed out" compare to my iPad 1. Heck, my Gtablet looks better, more pop (looking at the correct angle of course) than the xoom. Which one thing that really bother me about the xoom, everything else is golden, and I love it.
I'm waiting for the Asus transformer IPS screen tablet. I'll check it out and see if I still want to keep the xoom. I'm a photographer, and having a great screen on my tablet is a must.

jamaicansolja said:
I could finish this review in a sentence and say Xoom is better but.... FORECLOSURES!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think maybe if you'd make your mortgage payments this wouldn't be a problem for you. I don't think you should blame the Xoom for your financial mismanagement.

blackarsenic said:
I tried to read this over and over again. How is the screen quailty on the Xoom weaker than the Ipad 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must be blind, ask your parents.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

I have a SmartQ R10, which has the same IPS screen as the iPad1/2. With that in mind, I feel that the IPS screen is superior to what the Xoom has. Screen angles are fine, but there's a slight bluish tint that I just can't get past on the Xoom (I think it's TFT screens, in general). The colors on the IPS screen seem more natural to me.
I'm an avid comics reader, and I can actually see the yellowing of the pages on the IPS screen. Not so much on the Xoom screen. Just my two cents.

You missed the 800 lb gorilla... apps.
On one you have tens of thousands. The other has a handful.
Sent from my Xoom

Cerberus86 said:
Nearly choked on my sandwich when I read this I lol'd so hard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was being serious.. My Fiance hate's the Xoom as she get's tired holding it quickly. I love the feel personally as I feel it ad's to the feel of quality.

blackarsenic said:
I tried to read this over and over again. How is the screen quailty on the Xoom weaker than the Ipad 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brightness/Viewing Angles. Just go to a Best Buy. Turn Xoom brightness to Full then Turn iPad 2 brightness to full. Then also view a few similar websites and check viewing angles.

MikeyMike01 said:
You missed the 800 lb gorilla... apps.
On one you have tens of thousands. The other has a handful.
Sent from my Xoom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sure spend a lot of energy bashing a product you have stated that you only intend to return anyways. Do you have anything productive to add? Your posting history suggests not.
The xoom has thousands of apps that work just fine scaled up.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App

jamaicansolja said:
Brightness/Viewing Angles. Just go to a Best Buy. Turn Xoom brightness to Full then Turn iPad 2 brightness to full. Then also view a few similar websites and check viewing angles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already find the xoom too bright most of the time, I don't want more brightness, and I don't have any issues at all with the xoom's viewing angles.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App

jamaicansolja said:
I was being serious.. My Fiance hate's the Xoom as she get's tired holding it quickly. I love the feel personally as I feel it ad's to the feel of quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you call your fiance a weak feeble woman to her face?? I very much think not

I didn't know there was such a thing as an "unbiased" review. Isn't all of this one's personal preference thus making it biased? I think an unbiased review would be if just specs were compared. Once preference or one's "experience" get involved it then turns to biased because everyones preference or experience could differ. Thanks for the good info though.
Sent from my DROID PRO using Tapatalk

Bauxite said:
You sure spend a lot of energy bashing a product you have stated that you only intend to return anyways. Do you have anything productive to add? Your posting history suggests not.
The xoom has thousands of apps that work just fine scaled up.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone's grumpy...
What's the point of awkwardly scaled up phone apps? I'll answer that, there is none. The only thing that matters is tablet apps.

MikeyMike01 said:
Someone's grumpy...
What's the point of awkwardly scaled up phone apps? I'll answer that, there is none. The only thing that matters is tablet apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give it time, young Padawan. Even your mighty ipad had little that was tablet optimized for weeks/months after launch. (I know, I had a 64gig one from launch day). It lived on scaled phone apps as well, but in a MUCH uglier fashion.

I love my Xoom. But my wifes iPad 1 has a nicer looking screen with better viewing angle. I have a laptop witha similar screen to the Xoom, and I believe a lot has to do with which type of diffuser they use.

Samsung GALAXY Beam

http://software2tech.com/2012/02/26...echnology-to-android-smartphones-galaxy-beam/

http://reviews.cnet.com/2300-13970_7-10011428.html?tag=mncol

Seems cool but its such a niche market they are targeting.

Probably more than likely targeted for the Asian/Korean market. They had a previous model by the same or similar name last year.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium

Well they called the Note a niche, now it seems pretty popular. But yeah this one will be niche, I don't care, if its not overpriced I will get it. Bigger screen is always a welcome.
I predict future phones will all have projecting ability.

didnt they release this phone like 2 years ago ?
edit.
found it
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i8520_galaxy_beam-3150.php
released july 2010

sandyph said:
didnt they release this phone like 2 years ago ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG released a projector phone a couple of years back.
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Sent from my Galaxy Note (SGH-i717) using XDA Premium.

eksasol said:
Well they called the Note a niche, now it seems pretty popular. But yeah this one will be niche, I don't care, if its not overpriced I will get it. Bigger screen is always a welcome.
I predict future phones will all have projecting ability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The screen is only 4", but you're probably talking about the projected image. But if you're thinking the projected image is going to look even remotely good enough to "enjoy" you're fooling yourself - 15 lumens is pretty weak. And on top of that battery life is probably going to be dismal, other features will definitely be removed or skimped on to make room for the projector (and to keep the cost down), and Samsung will abandon this thing update-wise faster than you can say "Samsung will abandon this thing update-wise". For all those reasons I wouldn't touch this thing with a 10' pole. The more I think about it, you have yourself a recipe for the worst phone of 2012 brewing in this thing.

This video was filmed at MWC2012 at Barcelona.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB3cFLvn9uQ
You can see the main functions and the projector. I am here for any questions.

Interesting concept but projector quality and battery life are probably lacking.

Hey!
I have used the phone for a week now and it's absolutely amazing! Here's a video review I made. I apologize for the bad quality in the dark shots, but my cameras are too average to handle it. I can assure you the image is crisp clear in complete dark rooms, but in even the slightest light you loose details and sharpness, and as you can see in my video, in the evening (it was 7 pm), you can't see a thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL3kEi40aBs
Feel free to ask questions

floiancu said:
Hey!
I have used the phone for a week now and it's absolutely amazing! Here's a video review I made. I apologize for the bad quality in the dark shots, but my cameras are too average to handle it. I can assure you the image is crisp clear in complete dark rooms, but in even the slightest light you loose details and sharpness, and as you can see in my video, in the evening (it was 7 pm), you can't see a thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL3kEi40aBs
Feel free to ask questions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very cool :] Thanks!

floiancu said:
Hey!
I have used the phone for a week now and it's absolutely amazing! Here's a video review I made. I apologize for the bad quality in the dark shots, but my cameras are too average to handle it. I can assure you the image is crisp clear in complete dark rooms, but in even the slightest light you loose details and sharpness, and as you can see in my video, in the evening (it was 7 pm), you can't see a thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL3kEi40aBs
Feel free to ask questions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how was the battery life on it, is it for like a short time use on battery? or can you play an entire movie?

It can go a full 5h on one charge, so they say, but i have never tried to drain the battery on the projector only. What's more, you get a second battery you can charge independently and simultaneously so watching a full movie is a piece of cake. As far as a smartphone goes, it uses the battery fairly ok, you can easily get more than an entire day on 3g, wifi and others.

MadJoe said:
The screen is only 4", but you're probably talking about the projected image. But if you're thinking the projected image is going to look even remotely good enough to "enjoy" you're fooling yourself - 15 lumens is pretty weak. And on top of that battery life is probably going to be dismal, other features will definitely be removed or skimped on to make room for the projector (and to keep the cost down), and Samsung will abandon this thing update-wise faster than you can say "Samsung will abandon this thing update-wise". For all those reasons I wouldn't touch this thing with a 10' pole. The more I think about it, you have yourself a recipe for the worst phone of 2012 brewing in this thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used the phone for a month now. I considered getting it for its battery life more than for its projector. The price is as expected if you consider that pico projectors cost ~£70 on ebay. Nevertheless I am so pissed off with any smartphone's battery life in general that I would easily pay £70 to get one that gives best possible.
This phone has 4" and 2 batteries with 2000miliamphours close to SGSIII or the new google nexus that have much bigger screen. So if I don't use the projector but every thing else turned on 24/7, Wifi, 3G, live wallpaper, skype, steam, 6 im+ accounts and normal to heavy use, I can get 2 days without charging AND having the 2nd battery that comes in the box for another 2 days.
I was expecting the projector to be nothing more than a gimmick and not good as it actually is! With flash support I can stream live tv on my wall or ceiling. I had to craft a base for it from a little box so that it can stay upright and charge at the same time. Sure it needs to be dark but for the times of the day that i wanted to use it, darkness was not a problem. Even in daytime thought, I can use a A4 sheet of paper across the desk from where its charging and play videos or tv shows as an additional 10-12" screen on my desktop.
So your assumption about battery life, sorry to say but it is false. The battery life on this phone is one of the best out there, just because they needed to do so to support the projector. The projector is a feature more than it is a gimmick and it has proven useful for me on every day use.
Cons:
-I've only heard announcements for official upgrade to JB but I haven't received one yet. Still running GingerBread.
-no 3rd party support for roms and kernels, yet., I am missing features such as USB-OTG and overclocking. Barely a rooting guide exists.
-no dedicated XDA forum for GT-I8530
-stock prevents me from using the projector while gps is locating.. (not a yuge problem imo, just annoyance)
Overall the phone is a WIN situation for me. Official or 3rd party support is a matter of time.

Why is there no XDA forum for it? They should start turning op pretty cheap on ebay and with the projector it's an obvious candidate for custom applications.
- Smint

Smint80 said:
Why is there no XDA forum for it? They should start turning op pretty cheap on ebay and with the projector it's an obvious candidate for custom applications.
- Smint
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
General discussion > About xda-developers.com > *** New Device Forum Requests ***
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38333050

First impresions

While still waiting for my note to arrive i would love to hear from anyone who has recieved theres what they think so far and what featured aere the best if not all....i hate waiting but reading peoples veiws will do for now thx

I take it not alot of people got there phone then

Just Got mine yesterday. Uograded from note 1 gtn7000.. one word. Gnote 2 is awesome. So butery smooth! Better display also colors are much deeper. Battery life the best. All I can say is it is a very good choice. Benchmark awesome also. Killed iphone 5 on geekbench
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Does it have the multi-window feature seen on the Korean version?

Love all this fore play reviews hope mine turns up monday thx

Strategist said:
Does it have the multi-window feature seen on the Korean version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question, id like to know that too...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Is there a piece of paper with official specifications? Can someone take a picture of it and post so we can finally see what cell bands it has?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA Premium HD app

PierreTech said:
Just Got mine yesterday. Uograded from note 1 gtn7000.. one word. Gnote 2 is awesome. So butery smooth! Better display also colors are much deeper. Battery life the best. All I can say is it is a very good choice. Benchmark awesome also. Killed iphone 5 on geekbench
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you notice any black crush on dark scenes when you play videos on your note? how about screen tint on low and high brightness. does the note suffer from tint issues like the s3

Black clipping you mean?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

PierreTech said:
Black clipping you mean?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what the difference is between black clipping and black crush, all i knw is that on my s3 when i view most videos with the exception of extremely high quality blu-ray rips, dark scenes appear to loose detail, as if the black become blocky almost like they are not rendering correctly. however bright scenes in daylight or well lit rooms tend to display fine. i was just wondering if the note 2 has solved these problems.
its a very common issues on super amoled hd

I couldn't find it on mine (GT-N7100, ordered from Expansys Austria, shipped from Marseille). I could'nt also find any hint in the englisch manual I downloaded from the Samsung Hongkong Site. I read in a short review that a long press on the back key should bring up the multiview side tab. It definitely doesn't on mine.
Beside the little less text on webpages (which doesn't disturb my surfing experience) I couldn't find a thing that is not better than on the N1.
Strategist said:
Does it have the multi-window feature seen on the Korean version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The plus points for me:
- The screen - brighter, crisper, by far better test result with the black clipping image presented on XDA, good outside visibility. Better automatic brightness handling as far as I'm concerned.
- The pen - oval, so that you can't miss the button side, thicker, longer, riffled button, smooth on the screen
- The battery - I used mine a lot during the day (as it is when you test a new gadget ) and I'm on 28% battery. Very impressed.
- The notification led in different colors.
- The speaker (clearer, more bass)
- Air View works much better than on the promo videos. Practicable and fun.
- Camera with a faster shutter and a lot of bells and whistles.
- Speed of the device - it's just fun to use it.
- Slightly better positioning of volume keys and power key - didn't press the power key by accident so far.
- of course a lot of software improvements but that may come to the N1 too.

Hmm pity about the missing multi-window feature. It looks really cool in that Korean promo video. I would guess it will come in a future update though. There is no reason to make it a Korean exclusive.
Otherwise great to see that you are enjoying the phone. Personally I was impressed with it right from the start but I remember there was a feeling of disappointment among some posters at the announcement. I think a lot of it was because of the slightly lower resolution on the screen. Also it wasn't quite clear at the time that the Note 2 uses RGB instead of Pentile. Anyway clearly the Note 2's screen is great which, combined with all the other upgrades, makes it a worthy successor to a great phone.

Someone needs to get a dump of the korean ROM and make if flashable on the N7000 Note ASAP!!!!!
That is such a killer feature to not have!
- Frank

Whats the multi window feature? I must had missed it

Daps said:
Whats the multi window feature? I must had missed it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1908092

Strategist said:
Hmm pity about the missing multi-window feature. It looks really cool in that Korean promo video. I would guess it will come in a future update though. There is no reason to make it a Korean exclusive.
Otherwise great to see that you are enjoying the phone. Personally I was impressed with it right from the start but I remember there was a feeling of disappointment among some posters at the announcement. I think a lot of it was because of the slightly lower resolution on the screen. Also it wasn't quite clear at the time that the Note 2 uses RGB instead of Pentile. Anyway clearly the Note 2's screen is great which, combined with all the other upgrades, makes it a worthy successor to a great phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Believe me, the Note 2 has so much AI built-in (smart stay, smart rotate, mouse hover, multi windows....i can go on all day) that it makes me realize the name "smartphone" is suddenly an apt one for the device. The quad core + 2GB RAM + full rgb amoled screen yield an experience much like using a laptop so please dont listen to the ones who do not have the device yet and start comparing it to iphone5 out of boredom...doing that is like comparing the note 2 to a 1985 Motorola first generation phone.
Also for the first time I have absolutely no desire to put any custom roms on the phone....the firmware on the note 2 as it is now is an absolute triumph....I cant imagine why anyone would load crap made from the bedroom of some hairless nerd when you have a platform produced by hundreds of professional engineers that went through proper QA

eRode said:
Also for the first time I have absolutely no desire to put any custom roms on the phone....the firmware on the note 2 as it is now is an absolute triumph....I cant imagine why anyone would load crap made from the bedroom of some hairless nerd when you have a platform produced by hundreds of professional engineers that went through proper QA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may change your mind about that when you find out your current rom doesn't support multi-windows.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

eRode said:
I cant imagine why anyone would load crap made from the bedroom of some hairless nerd when you have a platform produced by hundreds of professional engineers that went through proper QA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because historically, that 'crap' has been better than what the engineers put out?
If custom roms weren't better, each in their own ways, then nobody would use them.
- Frank

I find this multiview issue to be weird. Cuz on the Swedish Note 2 manual that is the same as any N7100 it clearly states that multiview is available and how to activate it.
I saw a Swedish video of it with 4G obviously N7105 and sue enough. Multiview was shown.

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Yup. It clearly states that "this function might not be available for your region or depending on carrier brand"

*Д Device specific reviews Д* Alcatel Onetouch Idol 3

Welcome to the home of the Alcatel Onetouch Idol 3
Device Reviews Thread​
In this thread please post the following:
Your personal reviews
Written reviews found online
Any and all
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videos can be posted in this thread (no need for 30 different YT threads)
:good:
Lets enjoy the input of others regarding their point of view.
Not all points of view may represent your thoughts, so please do not disrespect the views of others​

PhoneArena's video review:

My quick 2-cents on this device thus far....
Pros:
- Build quality is ecstatic for such a low price. Very sturdy and no creaks.
- The screen is absolutely gorgeous. I've been using a G2 and I've enjoyed it's IPS display, but I think this Idol 3's trumps it. It's brighter and colors seem to pop out more. Can't rave enough about the screen.
- The external speakers are absolutely loud and crisp. I honestly think it's really close to the quality the HTC M series have... If the M9's speakers are a 10/10, I'd have to give the Idol 3's an 8/10. They're that good.
- Speed wise, things seem fast. I don't game much on my phone, and if I do it's those simple mobile games, but everyday tasks will fare just fine on this device.
- Love the almost stock Android feel!
Cons:
- While I love the build quality, the back plate has a very cheap feel/look to it. Though it's not really a complaint since I expected it. Granted, I'm not really the type to care about build materials but I know it matters to a lot of people. As long as the phone is sturdy, I'm happy. (My dream would be if dbrand made skins for this phone)
- Not a fan of the Alcatel Launcher or it's icon pack. (Nova FTW)
- Camera is so-so. Seems to be on par with my G2's camera, which isn't bad by any means, just not the best.... but then again, for the $199 that I paid for it, how can this be a con... right?
- For the life of me I can't get the double tap to wake feature to work... Does anyone know if it's something I have to enable in settings? I've tried to look and can't find anything. Thanks
- Can't think of any other con at the moment... I'll edit this if I find more.
So far this device is an absolute steal at at $199! What have you guys thought so far?

Double tap to wake, go to settings and it's the first setting under "device" enable slider to double to wake.

Double Tap
I have Nova Launcher installed and double tap does not work. Double tap does however work on the stock Alcatel skin. In the Nova Launcher settings you have to pay for the premium to get the double tap feature.

Don_GT said:
I have Nova Launcher installed and double tap does not work. Double tap does however work on the stock Alcatel skin. In the Nova Launcher settings you have to pay for the premium to get the double tap feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got nova prime running with double tap to wake and sleep working. You could always pin a "screen off/sleep" app to your home and tap it to sleep.

redeyss said:
I've got nova prime running with double tap to wake and sleep working. You could always pin a "screen off/sleep" app to your home and tap it to sleep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you apply double tap to wake and sleep via Nova? I don't see it in the Gesture settings within the app.

mackster248 said:
How do you apply double tap to wake and sleep via Nova? I don't see it in the Gesture settings within the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming you have the paid version, nova prime. Download "screen off and lock" app from play store first. After installed, nova settings, gestures, assign screen off app to double tap gesture. Alternately, just double tap empty portion of screen while running nova as home and you will be prompted to allow screen off app to assume that gesture. Let me know if you get it, good luck!

redeyss said:
Assuming you have the paid version, nova prime. Download "screen off and lock" app from play store first. After installed, nova settings, gestures, assign screen off app to double tap gesture. Alternately, just double tap empty portion of screen while running nova as home and you will be prompted to allow screen off app to assume that gesture. Let me know if you get it, good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfect. Thanks man! Works great.

So far I'll mirror mackster's review, spot on! Nice phone and quick with great screen. I crushed it while installing my apps but it didn't get hot, just a little warm, which impressed me.
I'm worried about the camera. I took about 8 shots and so far not so good. Let me play with it for a couple days and I'll get back to you. I too was using a G2 the last few weeks after selling my G3. G2 camera has ois and was pretty decent. Idol 3 reminds me of nexus 5 cam, decent but only under ideal light, which is what all the pre release reviews said. G2 seems to get a sharper image in good light.
This really looks, feels, and behaves like a $600 phone from late 2013/early 2014 IMHO. I paid $199 and I'm worried about scratching or dropping it, then have to remind myself it cost a third of a flagship phone and I'm going to use and abuse it without all the anxiety that comes with a huge price tag. Probably slap a glass screen protector on it and a skin if available but that's it!

redeyss said:
So far I'll mirror mackster's review, spot on! Nice phone and quick with great screen. I crushed it while installing my apps but it didn't get hot, just a little warm, which impressed me.
I'm worried about the camera. I took about 8 shots and so far not so good. Let me play with it for a couple days and I'll get back to you. I too was using a G2 the last few weeks after selling my G3. G2 camera has ois and was pretty decent. Idol 3 reminds me of nexus 5 cam, decent but only under ideal light, which is what all the pre release reviews said. G2 seems to get a sharper image in good light.
This really looks, feels, and behaves like a $600 phone from late 2013/early 2014 IMHO. I paid $199 and I'm worried about scratching or dropping it, then have to remind myself it cost a third of a flagship phone and I'm going to use and abuse it without all the anxiety that comes with a huge price tag. Probably slap a glass screen protector on it and a skin if available but that's it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here! I planned on not using a case on this thing... but it's so damn thin that I may have to lol. It's just hard to hold due to how thin it is. I asked dbrand if they would make skins for this phone, and their reply was "maybe". So I'm holding out for dear hope that they are. Yeah, camera does seem a little bad. And you're right about the G2's camera in great lighting conditions, it really is well above average in that aspect.
As much as I love this phone (so far), Alcatel really blew it with the name lol. I hate the "idol" name and that font at the back of the phone. If dbrand makes skins for this, I'll be fully happy.

redeyss said:
So far I'll mirror mackster's review, spot on! Nice phone and quick with great screen. I crushed it while installing my apps but it didn't get hot, just a little warm, which impressed me. !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here as well.No major issues using apps. Installed and used phone for awhile didn't get hot at all. Only performance issue I saw was closing many recent apps from recent app screen. Screen is nice and very bright. Blindingly bright. The speakers a loud and sound good. Also the sound out of the audio jack is very loud too which I'm happy about. I tried to use the stock launcher but I missed some features from Nova so I had to install Nova Prime. That's not a knock against Alcatel tho. Today I'm happy with it. We'll have to play around with it for awhile.

Guys, I'm struggling with this camera! Just did a series of comparison photos with my G2, one M8, and the idol 3. Indoor shots of my son with overcast light coming in windows behind me. Colors washed out and details soft and muddy. M8 had best color reproduction and G2 had best detail and sharpness. I switched to Google camera and results improved noticeably but not dramatically, with truer color and crisper images. I tried with and without "eis" electronic image stabilization enabled and didn't seem to make a difference. This could be a deal breaker for me but I'll keep trying, please post your results.
PS, t. Stark perhaps a photo thread is in order.

can u try camera mx or some others from appstore? been using it for sometime.
the sensor itself shouldnt be that much of a difference since its the same widely used i guess.
Sent from my LG-D838 using XDA Free mobile app

gavolo said:
can u try camera mx or some others from appstore? been using it for sometime.
the sensor itself shouldnt be that much of a difference since its the same widely used i guess.
Sent from my LG-D838 using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
I will try camera MX but hope to hear from others so I know it is or isn't a defect in my particular phone. Yes its that bad....

redeyss said:
I will try camera MX but hope to hear from others so I know it is or isn't a defect in my particular phone. Yes its that bad....
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Click to collapse
Did you set it to 13 megapixels? I haven't done a comparison with my g2 yet. From the little pics I took. It seems okay.

guapinoy said:
Did you set it to 13 megapixels? I haven't done a comparison with my g2 yet. From the little pics I took. It seems okay.
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Click to collapse
Yep 13mp and played with settings. G2 has Xcam mod but still miles better. Will try and post pics later from PC.

Moved

my impressions after 2 days:
positives:
1. awesome battery life. i would guess 6+ hours screen time easy.
2. speakers are absolutely awesome.
3. the screen is very bright. wish we could reduce it (might give longer battery life to boot!).
4. no problems with wifi or other things like heat etc.
5. user experience is fast enough - better than nexus 4.
6. excellent build quality.
negatives:
1. camera (ok for the money)
2. need root desperately. to change DPI.
3. biggest negative - tmobile reception is like 10dB lower than nexus 4. at my work, where signal is poor, i used to get LTE with that phone, but now I can't. seriously thinking on returning this .
antutu 64bit score is 33000.

deepasadish said:
3. biggest negative - tmobile reception is like 10dB lower than nexus 4. at my work, where signal is poor, i used to get LTE with that phone, but now I can't. seriously thinking on returning this .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, I've noticed my reception has decreased significantly coming from my HTC One M7 and even the ZMAX is getting better LTE reception. I usually get full bars at home and work but i'm down to 2.
considering returning the phone also and trying out the zenfone 2 since i'm in an area where band 12 is being used by a public tv network and wont benefit me at all.

I think it is going back...

Got my OP5 yesterday, just used it for less than a day but I think I am returning it... The following are the issues I have:
1. Wifi hotspot not working with Echo Dot. It can connect but can't play any music.
2. Battery life is not at all impressive... I started using it this morning at around 8am, and by noon it's down to 50%... That's my normal usage... kind of disappointing.
3. Picture quality not impressive... and don't like the camera app that much. Also saw that 4K video is very shaky without OIS.
So, maybe hang on to it for a few days before sending it back... Who else is returning?
BTW, what is the best way to ship it back (from San Diego to LA, I suppose)? I assume I need to pay for return shipment, and I probably want to have insurance to cover the cost of the device...

Contact OP to arrange a return. I have read on the forums that someone has already done this, and OP arranged a return label for the buyer.

L22EEW said:
Contact OP to arrange a return. I have read on the forums that someone has already done this, and OP arranged a return label for the buyer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tips, just submit my RMA request.

namartlu said:
Got my OP5 yesterday, just used it for less than a day but I think I am returning it... The following are the issues I have:
1. Wifi hotspot not working with Echo Dot. It can connect but can't play any music.
2. Battery life is not at all impressive... I started using it this morning at around 8am, and by noon it's down to 50%... That's my normal usage... kind of disappointing.
3. Picture quality not impressive... and don't like the camera app that much. Also saw that 4K video is very shaky without OIS.
So, maybe hang on to it for a few days before sending it back... Who else is returning?
BTW, what is the best way to ship it back (from San Diego to LA, I suppose)? I assume I need to pay for return shipment, and I probably want to have insurance to cover the cost of the device...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What phone did you use prior to OP5?
I think #1 will be resolved. #2 may need a little more time to determine battery longevity. 24-48 is not enough.
Camera will probably get better. Video on 4k is a lost cause. TBH, 4k on any phone camera right now is not worth it. Buy a real camera for solid 4k footage.
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers Legacy app

L22EEW said:
Contact OP to arrange a return. I have read on the forums that someone has already done this, and OP arranged a return label for the buyer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
martinezma99 said:
What phone did you use prior to OP5?
I think #1 will be resolved. #2 may need a little more time to determine battery longevity. 24-48 is not enough.
Camera will probably get better. Video on 4k is a lost cause. TBH, 4k on any phone camera right now is not worth it. Buy a real camera for solid 4k footage.
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I come from Moto X Pure, need to charge the phone every now and then even when it is new, and recently the battery is dying, I just have someone replaced it and now it's working fine. I will play with it a few more days, but the hotspot thing I am using it daily so it's troublesome, and don't know when or if it will be fixed. The weird thing is that I could tether my ipad to it and get Youtube and stuff alright.

Haven't gotten mine yet but have a question on the hotspot issue. Is this the normal hotspot that you would share your connection with say a tablet ECT? or something different? I use my hotspot everyday mon-fri to watch vids on my tablet during lunch. is that functionally working? or is the problem just with the echo dot?
also just my 10 cents on the 4k video. I'm not a YouTube vlogger and have no need to do anything in 4k so that is a non-issue for me. And like said above, 24 hours it not enough for a battery test.

I came from a OP3, and might be sticking with it to be honest. Prior to my OP3, I had a LG G2 (D802).
If I do send the OP5 back, I might be considering the LG G6.
My order still hasn't been despatch, and we are now into day 3 passed the despatch date (as my order despatch date was/estimated for 23rd June!)
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L22EEW said:
Contact OP to arrange a return. I have read on the forums that someone has already done this, and OP arranged a return label for the buyer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
martinezma99 said:
What phone did you use prior to OP5?
I think #1 will be resolved. #2 may need a little more time to determine battery longevity. 24-48 is not enough.
Camera will probably get better. Video on 4k is a lost cause. TBH, 4k on any phone camera right now is not worth it. Buy a real camera for solid 4k footage.
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bamfsig45 said:
Haven't gotten mine yet but have a question on the hotspot issue. Is this the normal hotspot that you would share your connection with say a tablet ECT? or something different? I use my hotspot everyday mon-fri to watch vids on my tablet during lunch. is that functionally working? or is the problem just with the echo dot?
also just my 10 cents on the 4k video. I'm not a YouTube vlogger and have no need to do anything in 4k so that is a non-issue for me. And like said above, 24 hours it not enough for a battery test.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is very peculiar, affect only the Echo Dot, otherwise it seems ok. However my old phone Moto X Pure has no problem tethering my Echo Dot... I would think the WiFi Hotspot is a standard feature of the OS...

L22EEW said:
I came from a OP3, and might be sticking with it to be honest. Prior to my OP3, I had a LG G2 (D802).
If I do send the OP5 back, I might be considering the LG G6.
My order still hasn't been despatch, and we are now into day 3 passed the despatch date (as my order despatch date was/estimated for 23rd June!)
View attachment 4193541
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Click to collapse
I like the fingerpint sensor in the front... LG G6 has it in the back. Actually the OP5 is very good in that regards, fingerprint sensor on home button, and then capacitive buttons for back and recent, saving some screen space, so although it's 5.5 inch, effectively it is comparable to my 5.7 inch Moto X Pure....

Just installed another system update... let me use it for a couple more days and see if I change my mind...

Got mine Saturday, I like it so far, only thing I will say is the edge from glass to frame doesn't seem smooth. I don't know if it's my phone of if they are all like it though.

DaveP2611 said:
Got mine Saturday, I like it so far, only thing I will say is the edge from glass to frame doesn't seem smooth. I don't know if it's my phone of if they are all like it though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do know there is a screen protector on it right and the screen is only 2D not 3D and I believe everyone's it like that it should look like the screen is a little bit tucked in the frame

hands0m3 said:
You do know there is a screen protector on it right and the screen is only 2D not 3D and I believe everyone's it like that it should look like the screen is a little bit tucked in the frame
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the screen protector doesn't cover the whole glasss and it's the bit from the edge of glass to frame that just isn't smooth like the OP3T I have. It's almost like the glass is sunk too far in to the frame causing a slight lip to it.

I'm deciding whether or not to RMA mine; I am coming from OP 3 and the change isn't that large to warrant 589.00$ so far. I'll decide tomorrow.

I kind of like my OP5. But I come from OPO,s quite an update for me. :laugh:

I'm slightly surprised a few OP3 owners have upgraded to the OP5. Apart from the camera, I just can't see the reason for upgrading. Its not as if the OP3 is slow, has bad support or has a major hardware issue.
To the OP3 owners who have upgraded. Is there really that much difference? Is the difference worth the money?

Masteryates said:
I'm slightly surprised a few OP3 owners have upgraded to the OP5. Apart from the camera, I just can't see the reason for upgrading. Its not as if the OP3 is slow, has bad support or has a major hardware issue.
To the OP3 owners who have upgraded. Is there really that much difference? Is the difference worth the money?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not even see the need to upgrade for the camera.
Sure, a wider aperture sounds better in lowlight and the second sensor with zoom and portrait mode is a nice addition.
But apart from the camera reviews (some don't even sound that good), all comparison shots on the OP3 look as good, sometimes even better than the OP5. The sensor has the same size, so we still see the same slow shutter-speed in lowlight which will cause more blur due to handshake and the missing OIS. Even in daylight (especially with HDR) I've seen shots which were heavily postprocessed waterpaintings because of handshake.
This device certainly has less value for money compared to the OP3 back then. It's still affordable, but you basically get what you pay for.
If Samsung e.g. built a device with the same specs, it would probably not cost that much more after a short period of time.

namartlu said:
Got my OP5 yesterday, just used it for less than a day but I think I am returning it... The following are the issues I have:
1. Wifi hotspot not working with Echo Dot. It can connect but can't play any music.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had issues connecting PS3 controller to phone, I couldn't get it to work nor via BT nor via USB. It seems that they not included some drivers in OP5 kernel, so I installed first available custom kernel which seems to have all standard drivers and now I have no problems connecting PS3 controller via BT and USB. That may be can solve your problem too and other problems related to connecting to external devices.

AcmE85 said:
I do not even see the need to upgrade for the camera.
Sure, a wider aperture sounds better in lowlight and the second sensor with zoom and portrait mode is a nice addition.
But apart from the camera reviews (some don't even sound that good), all comparison shots on the OP3 look as good, sometimes even better than the OP5. The sensor has the same size, so we still see the same slow shutter-speed in lowlight which will cause more blur due to handshake and the missing OIS. Even in daylight (especially with HDR) I've seen shots which were heavily postprocessed waterpaintings because of handshake.
This device certainly has less value for money compared to the OP3 back then. It's still affordable, but you basically get what you pay for.
If Samsung e.g. built a device with the same specs, it would probably not cost that much more after a short period of time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I compared 3T and 5 photos and 3T has way more details even in low light. OP5 details are all watercolored. I see no point in upgrading from OP3T. But as I come from Galaxy S4 I will probably keep mine OP5.

Coming from the oneplus 3 I can honestly say it's an improvement, loving the oneplus 5.