I'm looking to change my iphone 5c. I know the performance of the two phones is almost the same.
This would be my first Samsung. I'm a bit scared of switching because friends of mine had S4 (not mini) variants with major issues including replacement of mainboard).
The reason I am looking at this phone is that I want something with more freedom and future proofing ( removable battery, sdcard, nfc, IR ) and a bigger screen, while being around the $150-$200 price range
So:
Would anyone recommend buying it today?
Has anyone used this phone more than a year or two? I'm looking for a phone to last me at least 2-3 years, as I don't change them that often.
How is the rom availability and performance and stability of the available custom roms?
1) If you want it new, sure. But if you are going to buy it second hand, I would try and get a more recent flagship, something like S5 or G2-G3.
2) I got mine new in november 2014. used it for a year and a few months now. No problems for me.
3) The GT-I9505 variant has the best development support. If you are going to get an S4, get the GT-I9505. Avoid getting any rebranded models. Carriers like Verizon and Sprint rebrand their phones. Verizon even locks the bootloader, making flashing roms a nightmare.
do they have such a thing as shops that sell 2nd hand phones where you are ? I think you would stepping down from a 5c to an S4, you could probably pick up a really good 2nd hand android that meets most of your requirements and buy a new battery.
it's an OK phone but I wouldn't buy it again today given the choice.
the Qualcomm i9505 version has pretty decent rom kernel and mod support, but that is dwindling a little with developers moving on...
Related
Hi,
This question is about i9500 vs i9505
First I want to say that I did go through most of the thread regarding this issue but am confused with the inconsistency.
I'm hoping someone could give me solid advice.
I'm not a person who changes phones quarterly and I hope to use this phone for 2 years. I'm buying the phone outright, no contract (hence no insurance) so I hope you'd understand why I'm picky about getting the best version.
From what I've read, following are the differences between the two:
1) Stutters and lags in games
2) Camera
3) Headphones
4) Battery
Regarding LTE, I will not use it.
My main requirement is a reliable phone. I can live with photos which are a bit saturated or a screen that is no black "black" when turned off.
I just want a phone which I will have the least chance of sending back (I live in Japan and I'm buying this from HongKong. Any repair I need to courier the phone and costs me nearly $100 each time). Having said that, I do like to have the fastest phone for the $700 I pay.
So what do you guys advice?
I'm confused by the reports that says Exynos is faster when Snapdragon is clocked at 1.9GHz vs. Exynos 1.6GHz.
And also I see people swear that Exynos version stutters and lags in games.
On the other hand, I do want to use my headphones. I read the problem only happens to high-end low-impedence headphones. So if I'm using a normal headphone I'd fine with i9500?
Would really appreciate some advice.
Thank you.
I would go with the i9505 with snapdragon being better at releasing source. It is also the same hardware as the US/Canada version so that makes even more development available. I would have to assume the i9505 version can flash us roms since I am running omega on my at&t phone
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium
As the title suggests,
Came across a company called cell-plaza on ebay who are based in Hong Kong selling lots of high end phones, all brand new, for what seems to be very cheap prices.
Details:
Description: NEW LG G2 D801 4G LTE Quad-Core 32GB 13MP Android Mobile Phone- Black (Unlocked)
Price: £141.00
Link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281435055233?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Has anyone had any experience with this company, or can you spot anything suspicious about them?
I've already made the purchase, hoping for the best.
I've been stung by clones & knock off's before, but I've never seen an LG G2 clone before.
Thanks.
If you read the negative feedbacks on ebay you foud that probably they sent you a refurbished phone and probably without warranty. But the price made the deal..
_____________________________________Read more write less and be smart
Hope it works out for you, man. The negative feedback is a bit discouraging, especially the one that says something about changing feedback in order to get refund!
But let us know how it works out for you. I'm thinking at worst (based on feedback) you have a 4 in 5 chance of getting a working phone.
Did it arrive?
Hi, did you receive this phone OK? I'm contemplating buying one myself.
Thanks
alot of negative feedback thats not good... before you flash anything search for refurbished thread and make sure oyu know wich model variant you get by looking on the motherboard otherways youll brick your phone if you wish to flash new rom even root i think..
that is the normal price of a SECOND hand G2 in my country.
gunna be selling my vs980 for 150 on ebay =D
siggey said:
If you read the negative feedbacks on ebay you foud that probably they sent you a refurbished phone and probably without warranty. But the price made the deal..
_____________________________________Read more write less and be smart
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
98.9% Positive Feedback
leethedon1 said:
Has anyone had any experience with this company, or can you spot anything suspicious about them?
I've already made the purchase, hoping for the best.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, now that I have received my G2 from them, I can share some of my experience. I live in USA and good ATT LTE performance is crucial to me. The company sold the ATT D800 version on ebay as new for about $165 bucks, which I think is a fair price for a previous generation fragship phone sold by a shoddy HK company considering that $200 buys me a brand new ASUS Zenfone 2 or Zenfone 2 Laser here in USA with full warranty and all.
The phone arrived two weeks later in the original cardboard packaging sealed in plastic. The phone case looked brand new, no scratches or any signs of use or abuse. I removed the back cover and looked inside. Inside was the original LG battery produced in 2013 and D800 printed on the case. The printed IMEI number matches what is reported by the software, and corresponds to the ATT D800 model. The phone works fine and has already installed two OTA updates, upgrading KitKat 4.4.2 to Lollipop.
Next, I installed the LTE discovery app to snoop around on which LTE bands my G2 is using. Depending on my location in the neighborhood, the bands were switching between Band 2 and the all-crucial Band 17, which confirms I indeed got the D800 for the ATT LTE network. Finally, I have run Geekbench 3 benchmark app repeatedly and the consistent scores of 900+ and 2500+ (single-core and multi-core) are in line with the benchmarks published in many online reviews of G2.
HOWEVER, the printed manual inside the box, talks about LG-P920 which corresponds to an entirely different LG phone, which does point to some kind of shoddy vendor activity.
Either way, I feel pretty happy having purchased an LG2 that looks like new and works like new for just $165 bucks. For me it's a stopgap phone until the Snapdragon 820 devices arrive. The only thing that disappoints me is having just 32GB of storage. I have a music collection that takes up something like 200GB in lossless format, and even converted to a high bit rate MP3, 32GB is just barely not enough. I wish there was an SD card slot. In retorspect, the SD801-based 64GB Oneplus One that's now sold for only $300 USD may have been a better choice. Also, the LG GUI is ok, but not as nice as the Cyanogen OS on a Oneplus One phone. The LG GUI looks ok, it is something like made by geeks, for other geeks. The poor wallpaper collection and the lack of themes is appalling, but fixable. The phone looks like a keeper to me. I look forward to testing the camera performance and trying Cyanogenmod.
Get yourself a tiny Micro sd card reader by Meenova for 10.00 and a 128GB Samsung Micro SDXC Card (can be found under 40 this week due to cyber Monday Week deals if you google slickdeals.net) and you'll be more than set!
I'm using the Samsung 64GB Pro Micro SDXC Card and its amazing.
Akopps said:
Well, now that I have received my G2 from them, I can share some of my experience. I live in USA and good ATT LTE performance is crucial to me. The company sold the ATT D800 version on ebay as new for about $165 bucks, which I think is a fair price for a previous generation fragship phone sold by a shoddy HK company considering that $200 buys me a brand new ASUS Zenfone 2 or Zenfone 2 Laser here in USA with full warranty and all.
The phone arrived two weeks later in the original cardboard packaging sealed in plastic. The phone case looked brand new, no scratches or any signs of use or abuse. I removed the back cover and looked inside. Inside was the original LG battery produced in 2013 and D800 printed on the case. The printed IMEI number matches what is reported by the software, and corresponds to the ATT D800 model. The phone works fine and has already installed two OTA updates, upgrading KitKat 4.4.2 to Lollipop.
Next, I installed the LTE discovery app to snoop around on which LTE bands my G2 is using. Depending on my location in the neighborhood, the bands were switching between Band 2 and the all-crucial Band 17, which confirms I indeed got the D800 for the ATT LTE network. Finally, I have run Geekbench 3 benchmark app repeatedly and the consistent scores of 900+ and 2500+ (single-core and multi-core) are in line with the benchmarks published in many online reviews of G2.
HOWEVER, the printed manual inside the box, talks about LG-P920 which corresponds to an entirely different LG phone, which does point to some kind of shoddy vendor activity.
Either way, I feel pretty happy having purchased an LG2 that looks like new and works like new for just $165 bucks. For me it's a stopgap phone until the Snapdragon 820 devices arrive. The only thing that disappoints me is having just 32GB of storage. I have a music collection that takes up something like 200GB in lossless format, and even converted to a high bit rate MP3, 32GB is just barely not enough. I wish there was an SD card slot. In retorspect, the SD801-based 64GB Oneplus One that's now sold for only $300 USD may have been a better choice. Also, the LG GUI is ok, but not as nice as the Cyanogen OS on a Oneplus One phone. The LG GUI looks ok, it is something like made by geeks, for other geeks. The poor wallpaper collection and the lack of themes is appalling, but fixable. The phone looks like a keeper to me. I look forward to testing the camera performance and trying Cyanogenmod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for posting this and for following up with your findings.
I have a G3 on order from the same seller and started to worry after reading their negative feedback (also AFTER buying - which I would not normally do!).
I'll also post on here once I receive the LG G3 32gb to confirm that the phone received is the official LG Model or a replica, new or used and whether the phone is working as it should.
Thanks for the SD card suggestion too, I will have a look.
I was just looking at a G3 from them this morning. I'll be curious to hear about your experience.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
The G2 is pretty old now despite the capabilities from it. I feel like the price they are selling it for is reasonable
I just purchased a vs980 from eBay for 89.99 and it is in perfect condition. It is refurbished but works like brand new
syrkles said:
I just purchased a vs980 from eBay for 89.99 and it is in perfect condition. It is refurbished but works like brand new
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
before flashing any rom makes sure you know exact variant or else youll brick phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g2/general/warning-to-people-bought-phones-ebay-t2991195
I got the G3 it is legit LG tested everything and its legit. A couple of things though.
Branded T-Mobile who have been EE for nearly 2 years?
Get alerts from T-Mobile saying 156mb update is ready but it just reboots and stays on 4.4.2.
It keeps on turning off and will come on again once I remove and re-insert the battery.
Currently debating whether to send it back for a refund or root to see if it fixes it!
Pryors said:
I got the G3 it is legit LG tested everything and its legit. A couple of things though.
Branded T-Mobile who have been EE for nearly 2 years?
Get alerts from T-Mobile saying 156mb update is ready but it just reboots and stays on 4.4.2.
It keeps on turning off and will come on again once I remove and re-insert the battery.
Currently debating whether to send it back for a refund or root to see if it fixes it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
theres a kdz file for marshmallow to update phone. maybe give that a try..do a search
Don't buy from them, they state 12 month warranty but after 3 months the screen died and they won't honor their warranty.
Hey everyone,
Looking for a phone for around 150 UK pounds with a big display, good camera and long screen on time
Heard the note 3 would suit me
Is it still getting updated? Big dev support still?
How's the Camera?
What to look for in 2nd hand phones
Are the repairs on the display cheap?
Is it worth buying a cracked display cheaper and getting it fixed?
Is the upgrade to note 4 worth it?????
Sorry loads of questions
Coming from an meizu mx5 very poor support sot of around 4 hours and camera Isnt great poor support again from meizu
sutty86 said:
Hey everyone,
Looking for a phone for around 150 UK pounds with a big display, good camera and long screen on time
Heard the note 3 would suit me
Is it still getting updated? Big dev support still?
How's the Camera?
What to look for in 2nd hand phones
Are the repairs on the display cheap?
Is it worth buying a cracked display cheaper and getting it fixed?
Is the upgrade to note 4 worth it?????
Sorry loads of questions
Coming from an meizu mx5 very poor support sot of around 4 hours and camera Isnt great poor support again from meizu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought one for my wife. I have one too and they are great.
It cost me about £220 second hand. The note 4 is considerably more and not £100+ better. So sick with the note 3. Camera is 13 mega pixel and more than just adequate.
I don't really care what the Samsung support is, I put custom roms on both phones so they think they are note 5's. The support on xda is all you need. Get a decent case and screen protector and it'll last.
If you can get it for a price you want them go for it. Still a great phone.
Cheifwhat said:
I just bought one for my wife. I have one too and they are great.
It cost me about £220 second hand. The note 4 is considerably more and not £100+ better. So sick with the note 3. Camera is 13 mega pixel and more than just adequate.
I don't really care what the Samsung support is, I put custom roms on both phones so they think they are note 5's. The support on xda is all you need. Get a decent case and screen protector and it'll last.
If you can get it for a price you want them go for it. Still a great phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the honest reply
Whats roms are good for battery life
Well. I'm using the phronensis rom, which, despite its silly name is pretty dammed good. But have a look around, the thread titles will usually say if they are geared for performance or battery life (or both).
If you're new to rooting and installing custom roms then I'd recommend the all in one tool kit by skipsoft. Just search 'xda skipsoft' in Google. It pretty much does it all for you (or at least it holds your hand through the process). Just make sure that what you tell it is correct and toy should be good to go.
And be careful. I always read the last few comments in a thread to see what bugs have been reported and if the rom is still being updated. Wouldn't hurt to look up a tutorial on YouTube either.
Send me a private message if you'd like a phone chat about it
Would suggest flashing Lean or Idle kernel for good battery life.
Thanks guys
Going to buy a note three tonight for 140 pounds
Is there two different cpus which one would benefit me better.
Also it's locked down To ee is there a sim unlock tool/app
Or is it something I have to buy on the bay
sutty86 said:
Thanks guys
Going to buy a note three tonight for 140 pounds
Is there two different cpus which one would benefit me better.
Also it's locked down To ee is there a sim unlock tool/app
Or is it something I have to buy on the bay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy it unlocked, otherwise unlock codes from EE will cost you. And there are no such tools.
And very likely you're looking at SM-N9005, the Snapdragon version. There's a tiny chance you might have happened upon N900, the Exynos version that has no 4G support. The performance of the two variants is identical.
Thank you , the price for an unlocked note is alot more expensive than the ee branded ohone
sutty86 said:
Thank you for the honest reply
Whats roms are good for battery life
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me after trying a lot of roms the better battery life have got is with this rom : http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-3/development/rom-qs-n9005-lp-t3037655
right gents,
i am now a proud owner of a note 3 unlock, running stock lolipop atm 5.0 going to root and start trying a rom,
paid £160 got an extra 3 batteries plus official samsung box, and samsung usb 3.0 extra battery charger...
and Armoured Case,
Slight marks on left hand side of casing, does not affect screen
i have another case, glass screen coming tomorrow also!
Thanks guys, very happy
cant believe how big it is im coming from a 5.5 inch phone also
Picked one up for $35 as a back up and to flash roms, best amount of money I've ever spent on a Android device!
For a phone this old it still kicks ass.
Cheifwhat said:
Well. I'm using the phronensis rom, which, despite its silly name is pretty dammed good. But have a look around, the thread titles will usually say if they are geared for performance or battery life (or both).
If you're new to rooting and installing custom roms then I'd recommend the all in one tool kit by skipsoft. Just search 'xda skipsoft' in Google. It pretty much does it all for you (or at least it holds your hand through the process). Just make sure that what you tell it is correct and toy should be good to go.
And be careful. I always read the last few comments in a thread to see what bugs have been reported and if the rom is still being updated. Wouldn't hurt to look up a tutorial on YouTube either.
Send me a private message if you'd like a phone chat about it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phronesis (Ancient Greek: φρόνησις) is a word used in the ancient greek and means "wisdom" or "intelligence", common theme in philosophical debates. As you can see, this word can be anything but silly my friend
Thanks for the translation of the name but got to agree does sound odd, not yet flashed but does look absolutely beautiful.
35 dollars wow bargain that's just over 20 pounds in the UK.
Are the phones capable of fast charging only seems to be charging at 1200mah on all my chargers even the fast charge 2.0 charger I have
sutty86 said:
Thanks for the translation of the name but got to agree does sound odd, not yet flashed but does look absolutely beautiful.
35 dollars wow bargain that's just over 20 pounds in the UK.
Are the phones capable of fast charging only seems to be charging at 1200mah on all my chargers even the fast charge 2.0 charger I have
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I charge it with my Nexus 6 charger and it charges pretty quick
Hello everyone.
I have been looking for phones over the last week and I found this nice phone that's pretty affordable with awesome characteristics . Is k3 worth buying, because since it is so cheap,there must be a problem with it,I guess...
Its a good mid range phone from middle 2015. Buy it if you find one cheap.
Also, there seems to be a batch with many issues with the touch screen (Ive one with a bad screen) and with no support from the company: https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/K-and-...h-Screen-Issue-in-Lenovo-K3-Note/td-p/2128737
So in my opinion its a gamble when you buy from Lenovo (because the issue the screen issue is still there with k4 and k5 (or what its called)).
Deleted
imo, dun buy it.
i bought it based on its spec, very impressive.
regret ever bought it.
dun buy it.
ps:
out-of-box, chinese version will download tons of crappy chinese apps/games once the data connection/wifi is 'ON', b4 u realised/understand wats going on.
all stock apps/games r restricted use for china (restrictly no settings for any other cities out of china).
sound speak is too small, too soft, cant even hear alert/alarm.
usb connection non existence for sd storage, only for charging or otg.
external sd storage another screwed problem, unfriendly usage.
risk brick phone in order to install custom roms, experimental stage not sorted-out teethling problems.
no support from lenovo, retailer support scuks, new phone replace with refurbish phone, etc.
good luck if u wishes to buy lenovo phones.
pss:
seriously wants to buy lenovo k3 note, dun ever buy the chinese version, get the ROW (Rest-Of-World) version.
psss:
screen start to show sign of flickering after six months. damn :-[
Hads mine for nearly a year and it`s been fine, great phone for the price.
You can find it on aliexpress for 90€ shipping included (100$) at this price, its really hard to get such a good device.
About all the chinese stuff inside, just flash international android 6 and it will be more clean and you get play store
Also this device has huge comminuty and now we start to see Cyanogenmod running quite good
Even right now, its the best device you can get for 100$ !
And if it break after a year or two, you need to remember you just paid 100$ for it
Hello,
I am considering if I should buy new S4 costs 200 € or if i should choose another one and spend few tens of bucks to xperia z2, lg g3 or something else?
S4 is nowadays quite old phone but still as good or better as newer ones at same price.
What do advice me you who probably own this phone?
Now I have xperia Z which i am going to give my wife. I dont need big upgrade maybe just camera and display, but in build quality I will definitely downgrade with it wont I?
Buy Note 4 or S5 or Nexus 5/5X. S4 is only good if you run custom rom, but its showing age
The S4 (the GT-I9505 model specifically) can still handle anything you throw at it pretty well.
And rom development is still strong.
And I don't think Samsung became the top smartphone manufacturer for nothing.