Did we make the right choice? - Moto Z Force Questions & Answers

I for one have been happy so far with my phone, but it has only been two days. I was going to hold out for the new Google Pixel phone and had been hoarding all the news I could find about it, but then the worst happened... A cracked screen on my faithful yet never able to root Note4. I have the best hookup at Verizon and choose to stay there so when I called him up and the best thing we could find was a $300 credit for my phone towards a Moto Z, I started my research and realized how amazing this phone looked on paper.
Two days in however, and I already have the feels lurking at my back. I tried a search for root on here and I'm unsure if it's possible and even worth the effort until tried and proven. I'm also missing the ease of plug and play headphones, I'm curious about the stuttering camera that's supposed to be amazing, and I'm questioning if there are any phones I should go to as I have 12 more days to do a return/exchange before I'm locked in.
I realize others have talked about similar subjects, I just want to know if this phone is going to be "future-proof" for the next two years, is it going to ever get more popular so as we can get sustained and confirmed root and better than just 2-3 roms? What's the future of this phone on XDA?

If you want a phone that any of this can be answered in 12 days then this is not the phone for you

This phone probably will not get root..But I bought for the mods ..I loved the projector..Unfortunately my 6p died yesterday. For no reason it just stopped working . Won't turn on and no bootloader mode plus no computer can recognize it. So when the pixel released I will be buying it ..
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

If it gets root, great, if not, no big deal for me. I had my note 4 for a looong time with no root. And when they finally did root it I didn't even bother anymore. As long as it works good as a phone I can always goof with launchers and widgets to customize/personalize.

This is big Red, this is a Verizon droid phone. No one should expect root and if that's a deal breaker this phone is not for you. If you want a headphone jack and don't want to use the dongle, this phone is not for you. If you want the fastest camera, this phone is not for you.
If you want a well made phone with excellent performance and good battery life, this phone may be for you. If you want a phone with a very good screen and an overall very good camera with good radios, this phone may be for you.
Sent from my XT1575 using XDA-Developers mobile app

I don't understand DongleGate.
"I'm also missing the ease of plug and play headphones"
As opposed to the "hassle" of plugging the adapter to the end of your beloved headphones once, and then living the rest of your life as normal?

I'm happy with this phone. It's pretty darn fast and has a newer version of Android. The giant battery mod is sweet, and it has an SD card slot. I'm excited to see what other mods come out.
The only reason I ever rooted was to get free hotspot and newer versions of Android. This phone has free hotspot, and I'm willing to bet we'll get at least Android O. I had enough Bluetooth stuff around to make work.
This phone replaced the two phones I carried everywhere before. It was an adjustment, but I'm happy.

Related

Evo bottom line

I have read so many complaints and rants and raves. But all in all have seen most of them fixed with roms and kernels. This is a pretty pointless post but I just wanted to see one with people that are happy with their evos. I got mine at bb on launch day and still rocking it.
Sent from my Evo using XDA app.
Happy? I just proposed to my Evo.
Although nothing will beat my first phone (Sanyo VM4500)...the EVO is the 2nd best phone I have owned
++ I got mine on day one. Just did OTA updates and turn off all radios until I need them. I can go 3 days before a recharge with moderate surfing, texting, and phone usage. I read XDA forums mostly to understand how the phone works and how to avoid problems, but I think the stock EVO used sensibly, just plain rocks.
I'm not one of those who walks down the street with my phone in my face, nor do i walk through the mall with it glued to my ear, nor do i care about email push. I can understand how battery life is an issue for some, but for a dinosaur like me, it's the best Smartphone I've ever used. In fact, when you think about it, it's actually more powerful and capable than the Win 98 computers we were using just 10 years ago!
Android is a great os if:
You are a min / maxer and can take things into your own hand with root and custom roms.
The issue comes when you are not willing to do the above but still expect certain things out of the box.
The average mindless cow with little clue will do just fine with any os.
Aridon said:
Android is a great os if:
You are a min / maxer and can take things into your own hand with root and custom roms.
The issue comes when you are not willing to do the above but still expect certain things out of the box.
The average mindless cow with little clue will do just fine with any os.
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Mindless cows are entitled to buy these phones. They are not specifically for hackers only.
GaryJ51 said:
Mindless cows are entitled to buy these phones. They are not specifically for hackers only.
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I didn't say otherwise.
GaryJ51 said:
Mindless cows are entitled to buy these phones. They are not specifically for hackers only.
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There should be an IQ test before buying a phone.
afflaq said:
There should be an IQ test before buying a phone.
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There are some people....
I agree that unfortunately this device does not come out of the box set up well for the average "phone" user. Getting the most out of the EVO or Android in general is not for the faint of heart or impatient (or stupid) people.
That said, I too am almost ready to propose to this phone. Two more paychecks and I can afford the diamond crusted engagement case I have on lay-away (that was a joke..)
I would say best phone ever but to be honest I don't think of the evo as a phone, at all. It is truly a pocket sized computer that comes with a phone and is sold by a phone company. It's nothing short of revolutionary.
I got mine launch day from Best Buy too, been loving it, no root or nothing and no problems.
If you use the evo stock, you don't have problems, just battery, but if you root the phone, the problems start!
Sent from my EVO!
I got mine from launch day, been loving this phone already. I've rooted and don't see much problem at all. I think if you know what to do after rooting then most problem.can ne resolve easily.
I've tested so many rom and still can't find much problem at all.
This indeed the best phone i've own.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I'm still using stock from the day I bought it, the 2nd week it came out with all the OTA updates. No root, yet! I get 14 - 18 hours per charge with pretty heavy usage. People just need to read and tweak.
I love my Evo and my girlfriend loves it when I bring it to bed with us.
Swyped on my HTC Evo using XDA App
acrh2 said:
Happy? I just proposed to my Evo.
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Just? Dude, we've been happily married since launch
I just started a similar thread before reading your thread.
I'm rooted, running baked snacks 9.6 (the latest was slow) with the netarchy-toastmod FPS fix and overclocked with setcpu. I leave gps, wifi, and 4g on continuously just because I can (I rarely get 4g reception in San Marcos TX). Last night I didn't even charge the phone and I still had 50% battery life when I woke up. I get 55 frames per second consistently (stdv 5-6), and 5-point multitouch (I can play 5-note chords on piano app). It is blazingly smooth and fast. I spent hours downloading apps... probably have like 70 by now and it's still incredibly fast.
I love how I can just go to Google Nav and say my location and it understands me, and loads the destination onto the gps. In fact many apps I can just talk right into the phone and it just translates it.
I completely customized the home screen. It's pretty much my dream phone post XDA help. I have yet to find a single flaw. And it was a lot of fun learning how to root, flash roms, install kernels, and customize. It's like building your own PC and tweaking it to perfection. But then again I like projects and customization so the android community and xda community is definitely the place for me. The developers here are so awesome.
The difference between the EVO out of the box and the EVO in my hands is so large it may as well be called a different phone and it's all thanks to open source, sharing community.
I guess it's obvious I've become an EVO junkie by now. Iphone's are smooth out of the box, but so boring. What's to play with?
I compare the iphone to an xbox360 and an EVO to a PC computer. The former works out of the box (mostly) but you are limited to a closed system. The PC can be endlessly tweaked and customized.
Anyway, cheers!
The Evo is a great phone, and a great development tool.
I have had mine sine i/o, and my network is big red. It's created quite a powerful duo for me. No 4g, but I don't really care about that. I don't even think it's in my area, but I'm not even about to map check it.
This phone has allowed me to get back into android programming etc without hassles, and I've been doing more and more things every day. I look forward to being able to release roms, themes, etc as well, once I get the hiccups polished out
As for the Evo, really, if it wern't for the XDA community, I don't think it would get as much play. I know I would have ditched the phone has it been a case of the Droid X, etc. It came down to the wire, and the Droid X was just days away. I made the choice to stick w/ the Evo, and stay far away from the Milestone boot loader.
I have the Evo to thank for a renewed interest in mobile technology and programming that I have not had, since the Touch Pro 1 days.
Casshern said:
I have had mine sine i/o, and my network is big red. It's created quite a powerful duo for me. No 4g, but I don't really care about that. I don't even think it's in my area, but I'm not even about to map check it.
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What did it take to change the MEID to make it work? I have a DroidX and hate it, I figure I can get a cheap Vz phone and port the MEID if I can find the tools.
Any way, good choice to stick with the Evo, I keep hoping to get one but Sprint sucks where I am at.
NakkiNyan said:
What did it take to change the MEID to make it work? I have a DroidX and hate it, I figure I can get a cheap Vz phone and port the MEID if I can find the tools.
Any way, good choice to stick with the Evo, I keep hoping to get one but Sprint sucks where I am at.
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I didn't go that route.
You can still manage to make things happen if you bash your head against a wall long enough, and talk to a million different people.
But don't forget. You get no insurance, no support, no anything. They provide the service to you, that's it. Provisioning works with *228, no hassles, but the initial work has to be done by you. Pre-programming, setting up the intricate details and whatnots.
Side note: Why do you hate the Droid X?
Casshern said:
I didn't go that route.
You can still manage to make things happen if you bash your head against a wall long enough, and talk to a million different people.
But don't forget. You get no insurance, no support, no anything. They provide the service to you, that's it. Provisioning works with *228, no hassles, but the initial work has to be done by you. Pre-programming, setting up the intricate details and whatnots.
Side note: Why do you hate the Droid X?
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If Vz won't accept Sprint phones then how did you get it to work?
And sorry I didn't see until recently that MEID thing was illegal, I actually cam back to delete it but I guess I am too late...
Physical buttons are my #1 peeve I despise the ones on the front and I constantly hit the camera button on the side.
I should not EVER have to hear a button click to press and the pressure it takes to push them could be measured foot pounds plus I have big fingers and always hit 2 at a time.
- There are no words to explain how much I hate physical keys, it takes all caps and vulgarity, you get the idea.
Also coming from an iPhone with great asian support built in, including hand writing, this has none and even on the market the apps to replace it suck (I am being generous here.) I used it daily on my iPhone.
No front camera.
When I turn on Wi-Fi my bars drop in half.
Motoblur ... yuck

thining about getting the M

i have been eyeing the s3 for a while but have steered away from it due to build quality, and sheer size of the device.
i really like the smaller size of this phone, especially after seeing my girl with it for so long, and how convenient it has been for her. it seems to preform well even stock, as she is very timid towards rooting and romming.
my first question : would you guys suggest this phone?
i currently have a droid x2, and it has been interesting to say the least . i am looking for something dependable (which i know most motorola's are, even the dx2 was) as well as something that can perform. how is performance in your eyes?
one more thing, there is a successful method for unlocking the bootloader in the retail edition from what i have read..... is this the case? if so, do you guys see development for this device growing in the future? or does it seem to be dying down.?
thanks in advance, it seems like a pretty trusty little phone from what ive read.
Lorenzo VonMatterhorn said:
i have been eyeing the s3 for a while but have steered away from it due to build quality, and sheer size of the device.
i really like the smaller size of this phone, especially after seeing my girl with it for so long, and how convenient it has been for her. it seems to preform well even stock, as she is very timid towards rooting and romming.
my first question : would you guys suggest this phone?
i currently have a droid x2, and it has been interesting to say the least . i am looking for something dependable (which i know most motorola's are, even the dx2 was) as well as something that can perform. how is performance in your eyes?
one more thing, there is a successful method for unlocking the bootloader in the retail edition from what i have read..... is this the case? if so, do you guys see development for this device growing in the future? or does it seem to be dying down.?
thanks in advance, it seems like a pretty trusty little phone from what ive read.
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Click to collapse
yes you can unlock the bootloader, and development has been growing on this phone sense the unlock. i like my m it preforms well and the battery life is great.
Definitely recommended. Best android phone I've had yet
Sent from my XT907 using xda premium
Agreed, the RAZR M ticks all my boxes. Has been an amazing phone love it.
Performance wise, its great. And there is a kernel to get it to 1998 MHz if you root. Development has just kept growing really as stated before.
ShadowRAZR said:
Agreed, the RAZR M ticks all my boxes. Has been an amazing phone love it.
Performance wise, its great. And there is a kernel to get it to 1998 MHz if you root. Development has just kept growing really as stated before.
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I still love the phone even if it were stock (which its not) and I ALWAYS long for an upgrade 6 months after getting a phone.I have NO desire to replace it. The size is perfect, build quality outstanding, battery life great, performance good, it has almost the latest OS which for an android phone that's not a nexus is about as good as it gets. The one reservation I had about it and all Motorola phones was the locked bootloader but with that cracked and AOSP CM10.1 (4.2.2) I'm in love!. I just bought my wife a Titanium (Best Buy only) M in like new (no evidence of use) condition with case and sd card off eBay for $250 and honestly I want hers too lol. Got mine in the same condition in white off of eBay as well but for $350 which then was a great price for a like new M.
The one drawback is the smallish partion for apps on the internal SD card and as far as I can tell no easy or reliable apps to SD (I did it with one app which one day borked, wiped and destroyed my micro sd). This kind of kills this phone if your a mega gamer (mulitple games with 500+mb data will quickly wipe out internal space).
there is a bootloader unlock on this now. which makes it even more exciting, and maybe will produce that much more development.
i think it is an all around great phone from all of the research ive done. i just want to make sure the same X2 experience doesnt happen again. lol
another HUGE thing is that this phone is not huge. just when you thought phones would turn into tablets, the razr M comes along. hopefully it starts a trend in making them small again.
thanks for all the responses guys, i will be joioning the ranks in about two weeks. :good:
Lorenzo VonMatterhorn said:
there is a bootloader unlock on this now. which makes it even more exciting, and maybe will produce that much more development.
i think it is an all around great phone from all of the research ive done. i just want to make sure the same X2 experience doesnt happen again. lol
another HUGE thing is that this phone is not huge. just when you thought phones would turn into tablets, the razr M comes along. hopefully it starts a trend in making them small again.
thanks for all the responses guys, i will be joioning the ranks in about two weeks. :good:
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keep in mind that most development is CDMA (VZW) based, but there are "fixes" to make them work on GSM carriers.
jco23 said:
keep in mind that most development is CDMA (VZW) based, but there are "fixes" to make them work on GSM carriers.
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yeah i am vzw. as much as it pains me to say it.
Definitely recommend the M. The battery life for me has been great. I do keep bluetooth and GPS off all the time, but my wife keeps both on and her phone will still go a couple days without charge. i used mine throughout the day, and as well as as a hotspot while storm chasing and it will easily go the whole day for me.
Selectel Wireless
Anyone using this phone on PagePlus, Straight Talk, or Selectel Wireless? I am thinking of ditching my S3 and USCC. Nothing but problems with reception.
This is a midrange device. I cannot recommend it. The only reason I got this is because my nexus shattered when I dropped it. I hate the keyboards lag on this phone, and pretty much lag all around. But I like that it is splashproof...
Other than that, low res screen, no tv-out, weird storage, etc.... good phone for my wife, but she's rockin s4....won't trade
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app
HonkyTonker said:
Anyone using this phone on PagePlus, Straight Talk, or Selectel Wireless? I am thinking of ditching my S3 and USCC. Nothing but problems with reception.
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i use it on net 10(att simcard), but i know there is a thread about flashing this to page plus you have to stay on ics for it to work if i remember correctly

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

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

[OFFICIAL OFF-TOPIC LOUNGE] Talk about (most) anything

Hi all you Verizon Note 4 owners,
I noticed there wasn't an off topic thread for you guys & gals to talk about non-Note 4 related things, so I've created this place to do just that. This will be the only place off-topic discussions are allowed.
Of course, not anything goes, stick to the rules and keep it civil. Report any questionable post(s) & don't let things get out of hand or it'll be closed.
Thanks & Enjoy!
So anyone read theres speculation that Lollipop isnt coming to the Note 4 till may. Im not too worried about it myself cause my DE is perfect, however my wife is disappointed (she has retail version) as some of her friends got it on their phones (S5, and some other brands) and she cant understand what's taking so long, after I explained things to her shes not convinced and feels lile we are being screwed. Ahh the joys life.
Matttrix said:
So anyone read theres speculation that Lollipop isnt coming to the Note 4 till may. Im not too worried about it myself cause my DE is perfect, however my wife is disappointed (she has retail version) as some of her friends got it on their phones (S5, and some other brands) and she cant understand what's taking so long, after I explained things to her shes not convinced and feels lile we are being screwed. Ahh the joys life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat as you. I got the DE and wife got retail. She wants some lollipop. I told her she's out of luck and the only lollipop she'll be getting is from me lol
I love the android system but there is one game I miss the most from apple. Fantastic Contraption. If you never heard of it YouTube it. It is an amazing game. I am sure this is probably one of the dumbest question ever but can it be ported to android?
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
Android_Fr3ak said:
I love the android system but there is one game I miss the most from apple. Fantastic Contraption. If you never heard of it YouTube it. It is an amazing game. I am sure this is probably one of the dumbest question ever but can it be ported to android?
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I miss one thing about apple, camera+ app. The best photo editing app in existence and the developer "tap tap tap" doesn't want to come to android. Just being an a$$.
Other than that apple is like a bad history for me. lol
I learned a shocking feature on iPhones the other day, if you go into the privacy settings there is a feature in there that tracks your address the time you spent there where you travel to everything you do in plain English and very easily accessible. Does android have a feature like that built in? I hope not lol not that I go any place bad it just seemed a little intrusive. I do know they have GPS and all that but that was really precise.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
droidxxxxx said:
I learned a shocking feature on iPhones the other day, if you go into the privacy settings there is a feature in there that tracks your address the time you spent there where you travel to everything you do in plain English and very easily accessible. Does android have a feature like that built in? I hope not lol not that I go any place bad it just seemed a little intrusive. I do know they have GPS and all that but that was really precise.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know, but we do have a file in the system called "mobile tracker" that is, I think, used to track your phone just in case you lose it. Not sure, but I usually freeze/delete it with titanium back up. Also, if you're rooted, you can always install xprivacy module that prevents anything you suspect.
What's the longest you guys ever went without rooting your devices? I would say a month, I've just gotten my first Android phone (ZTE Warp) and the bootloader wasn't unlocked yet, I checked the forums every day until I seen the almighty *HOW TO ROOT ZTE WARP* boy was I excited. Ever since then I've never owned a android if I couldn't root it but this might be my first time, I'm looking to purchase the note 4 this April or May I only have the option of getting the att&t or Verizon variant (just my luck, lol) most likely I'll chose which ever gets rooted first. I'm sure by either April or May it should be rooted.
MartyMar_XVII said:
What's the longest you guys ever went without rooting your devices? I would say a month, I've just gotten my first Android phone (ZTE Warp) and the bootloader wasn't unlocked yet, I checked the forums every day until I seen the almighty *HOW TO ROOT ZTE WARP* boy was I excited. Ever since then I've never owned a android if I couldn't root it but this might be my first time, I'm looking to purchase the note 4 this April or May I only have the option of getting the att&t or Verizon variant (just my luck, lol) most likely I'll chose which ever gets rooted first. I'm sure by either April or May it should be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had my Verizon HTC One M7 for a couple months before it was rooted, and even then you had to send your phone away and pay $25. I think a month or two after that beaups and someone else came up with a method that worked pretty well on linux and that was it. Then I had the M8 for a couple of months until there was a way but it also cost $25 and ran directly on the phone. I'm not so much concerned about root, really. I just want ****ing lollipop.
Hey everyone. Trafalger888. Used to be an RC but haven't been around for a couple years. Life happened. Just getting back into everything. Lits of catching up to do. Just wanted to make a quick introduction.
murderdock said:
I had my Verizon HTC One M7 for a couple months before it was rooted, and even then you had to send your phone away and pay $25. I think a month or two after that beaups and someone else came up with a method that worked pretty well on linux and that was it. Then I had the M8 for a couple of months until there was a way but it also cost $25 and ran directly on the phone. I'm not so much concerned about root, really. I just want ****ing lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U gotta be [email protected]$!n me! You had to send your phone away? Lol
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
You know I wasn't so bothered at first by the lack of lollipop, in my past I was changing roms several times a week or day to get things going however thats changed now since I got my DE. What bothers me now now about the delay and the S6 and other things do I want to stay with Samsung anymore after this breaks or I want a new phone. Is it really time to say that Samsung is just isnt what it could should be?
Matttrix said:
You know I wasn't so bothered at first by the lack of lollipop, in my past I was changing roms several times a week or day to get things going however thats changed now since I got my DE. What bothers me now now about the delay and the S6 and other things do I want to stay with Samsung anymore after this breaks or I want a new phone. Is it really time to say that Samsung is just isnt what it could should be?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know. I have always enjoyed their product. But the delays can be frustrating. I agree. This is the one thing lacking for me. Yet I still continue to purchase their phones, because in the end they still do make the best phone. Just my opinion of course.
My wife has a retail note 4 and while she doesn't understand all the issues tied with lollipop right now she feels dumped. I dont see the big deal myself as im happy the way my phone is however for roms things have been VERY slow going... but then again im not really sure what other roms are going to bring that I cant do myself. Which I think most of us DE owners can do. I think if root was found and oprn bootloader things might be alot different but whats bothering me is Samsung's direction right now. If this is signs of the Note 5 and 6 etc. I just might go elsewhere. Some videos were released today showing the note 4 against the S6 and only slight speed differences in actual use and even camera loading. So over all for now Im happy to have a removable battery and SD card and a unlocked bootloader.
I can imagine how overloaded this section will be the minute root has been achieved, 404 errors and everything, lol. Anyway being that this is a off topic thread, I would like to say that the snow here in NY is annoying -__- .
How about the release of Sprints SM-N910P Lolipop.. Two questions who wants to see what they can do with it and see what works (of course it will lack advanced calling version X. Then comes the question will this influence Verizon to release it.
Matttrix said:
My wife has a retail note 4 and while she doesn't understand all the issues tied with lollipop right now she feels dumped. I dont see the big deal myself as im happy the way my phone is however for roms things have been VERY slow going... but then again im not really sure what other roms are going to bring that I cant do myself. Which I think most of us DE owners can do. I think if root was found and oprn bootloader things might be alot different but whats bothering me is Samsung's direction right now. If this is signs of the Note 5 and 6 etc. I just might go elsewhere. Some videos were released today showing the note 4 against the S6 and only slight speed differences in actual use and even camera loading. So over all for now Im happy to have a removable battery and SD card and a unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And yes root and an open bootloader would be nice. Look what happened with the S3 though. But I truly feel that the release and things like the locked bootloaders are not so much the manufacturer but the carrier. I may be wrong but I beleieve that pressure from the carrier is the main reason they do this.
What are the chances of me swapping a one month old Note 4 for a Nexus 6? Good or slim to none
Did you use a regular 2 year upgrade or edge to get the note 4?
Your best bet would be calling customer service. But even that is entirely dependent on how nice of a rep you get. If one says no politely hang up and call back. They make notes on your account when you call so don't call a bunch in 1 day. I work at an authorized retailer and most stores can't do anything after the 14 days.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
Samsung vs. HTC now that some key features are being taken away. Hmm.

Is the phone worth it?

I'm considering getting this phone refurbished from amazon. I want to make sure the bootloader is easily unlockable before buying. Other than that, i'd like to see how other people like the phone before buying. thx
Yes, easily unlockable.
I like mine. I like the quick security updates, I don't have any stability problems, and for the price, it is a great phone. I don't rely on it as my main camera so I have lower requirements for camera but it is pretty good with gcam.
For a smaller phone, it is pretty heavy but I don't mind that either.
If there is a complaint, I do wish that for the thickness and size, they could have squeezed a bigger battery in.
I just got one refurbished as well as a backup/replacement for my OnePlus 5 (USB C port not cooperating anymore). Super easy to unlock (plenty of guides to follow). Love the form factor, screen is sharp, decent battery life, runs perfectly.
Development seems to be rather slow. I'm guessing that's because there will never be another essential device. I like the phone though, an upgrade to the OnePlus 3T I had before. I might switch to Google Pixel 3a/3a XL at some point.
jxcorex28 said:
Development seems to be rather slow. I'm guessing that's because there will never be another essential device. I like the phone though, an upgrade to the OnePlus 3T I had before. I might switch to Google Pixel 3a/3a XL at some point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the opposite I think, they are not developing things ie. camera on this phone as they are flat out on the new one!
purpleuser said:
I'm considering getting this phone refurbished from amazon. I want to make sure the bootloader is easily unlockable before buying. Other than that, i'd like to see how other people like the phone before buying. thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggest you do some research about cell signal strength before buying this phone.
chanh2018 said:
I suggest you do some research about cell signal strength before buying this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. In nearly every other way this phone surpasses the Moto Z2 Play I was using before, except that it seems to get much weaker LTE signal in my area. Other than that I love it. Check your carrier LTE bands to see if it has good coverage in your area.
purpleuser said:
I'm considering getting this phone refurbished from amazon. I want to make sure the bootloader is easily unlockable before buying. Other than that, i'd like to see how other people like the phone before buying. thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes ..
Come into the Essential echo chamber and ask if we like the phone ... Capital idea ...
purpleuser said:
I'm considering getting this phone refurbished from amazon. I want to make sure the bootloader is easily unlockable before buying. Other than that, i'd like to see how other people like the phone before buying. thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best phone ever, and with the addition of the 360 camera you are way ahead.
knochnkopf said:
I agree. In nearly every other way this phone surpasses the Moto Z2 Play I was using before, except that it seems to get much weaker LTE signal in my area. Other than that I love it. Check your carrier LTE bands to see if it has good coverage in your area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already have a spare BNIB...
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
If I broke my phone today, i wouldnt hesitate to buy another. I convinced my brother to upgrade an older phone to this one and he's been pleased. He bought his refurbed for $115 on Sprint. For the price, i cant think of anything better. Camera is ok, google camera helps. My cell signal is fine (wife has pixel 2 hd, havent noticed issues where hers is working and mine is not.) Her camera does everything better than mine. Software/performance else where is just as good.
I love the form factor and build quality, screen to body ratio is still great two years on. Updates are fantastic and I am enjoying Q.
Phone keeps Shutting down
Hello everyone ? my brother's Ph-1 keeps shutting down right after powering up, I have tried everything from factory resetting to trying a different charger, nothing seems to work. This happened after he didn't use the phone for almost a month, it worked perfectly before.
The phone doesn't stay on for more than a minute or two which means i cannot use ADB to side load an update
The phone is running Android P and the April security update patch.
Please do help me out
Thanking you
Kalasingha said:
Hello everyone [emoji112] my brother's Ph-1 keeps shutting down right after powering up, I have tried everything from factory resetting to trying a different charger, nothing seems to work. This happened after he didn't use the phone for almost a month, it worked perfectly before.
The phone doesn't stay on for more than a minute or two which means i cannot use ADB to side load an update
The phone is running Android P and the April security update patch.
Please do help me out
Thanking you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With respect, please start a new thread. It is rude to hijack someone else's with an unrelated issue.
Additionally, when you do, please also indicate if the phone stays on while connected to the charger.
Sent from my CMR-W09 using Tapatalk
Please don't buy this device . I got mine for Georgian Lari 430 (157$). Device is getting laggy when trying to play Mobile Legends. Device has touch issues and in 2019 it's not satisfying to see device getting hot.
For example : I am dragging my joystick in Mobile Legends and phone lets off the joystick itself so my character keeps stopping. Battery life is not best either but thanks to the fast charge it goes up really fast. I had Xiaomi Pocophone before Essential and trust me - This is not device for 2019.
Edit for additional info: Wi-Fi coverage is terrible on this device. If you are not in the same room where WiFi router is - Your signal will be weak af
Def the best phone purchase I made at $250! And the updates that are on or before the pixel updates is icing on the cake! I keep seeing all these new phones come out that look nice but then I remember that most if not all will not get updates like the Essential phone I already have in hand and I forget all about the new phones... If / or hopefully when Essential releases a new phone I will be first to buy as I love getting monthly updates on time!

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