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There's a lot of threads discussing how the Nexus camera sucks, yellow tint on the screen, and different memory setups per Nexus 6. I wanted to share my experiences with supporting evidence.
I received my Nexus 6 mid November and felt like the screen had a yellow tint but it wasn't a deal breaker so I didn't care. Then I noticed my camera would take blurry pictures no matter how I focused the picture. It got to the point I was tired of dealing with it so I had Motorola send me an advanced RMA this week.
Memory Comparison (Nexus 6 vs Nexus 6 picture below)
First thing I noticed, my current setup is 64gb midnight blue with eMMC Hynix and DRAM Samsung. My replacement device is 64gb MB eMMC Sandisk, DRAM Samsung. I wiped both phones, no encryption, running stock. The device with the Hynix appears to be faster when it comes to Androbench write & read speeds.
Screen Comparison (Nexus 6 vs Nexus 6 picture below)
As stated above my first device has a yellow tint, but it wasn't a big deal. My new device has no tint at all. I compared it to my wife's Note 4 and the whites are equal, it's a clear difference between the old and new Nexus 6.
Camera Quality
Night and day difference, I didn't understand those who praised the Nexus 6 camera, I always thought it was subpar to my old Note 3. Well the new phone has changed my opinion about the Nexus 6 camera completely.
In conclusion, for those who believe there screens are yellow, you are probably right. If you can't live with it just get a replacement phone. For those who thinks the camera sucks on the phone, you probably have a defective camera. As for the eMMC and DRAM I believe there are some differences here and that's why some will play a game and it lags, and for some it doesn't. I dropped out of kindergarten because of recess, I don't play games...
I will post pictures showing the differences between Nexus 6 screens, read/write speeds, and camera comparison. I'm hoping this thread will help those who are unhappy with certain aspects for their phone.
2swizzle said:
I drop out of kindergarten because of recess, I don't play games... .
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LMAO!
I like you, you should post more.
Riktar said:
LMAO!
I like you, you should post more.
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Click to collapse
Thanks bro, I'm just trying to help those who are unhappy with their Nexus 6. Most people talk about problems but they never show evidence, or propose a solution. I'm hoping to do both with this thread, so people can hold Motorola accountable for the defective units, and everyone can love their Nexus 6 like I love my new RMA Nexus 6.
I've had the same experience. Got an early batch, had some slight burn in (although it came that way it seems) and got it replaced through att. New one is hynix/Samsung dram as well and I must admit the phone is spectacular. Everything runs super smooth, and compared to my note 3 camera this is no joke. Love the fast shutter.
2swizzle said:
There's a lot of threads discussing how the Nexus camera sucks, yellow tint on the screen, and different memory setups per Nexus 6. I wanted to share my experiences with supporting evidence.
I received my Nexus 6 mid November and felt like the screen had a yellow tint but it wasn't a deal breaker so I didn't care. Then I noticed my camera would take blurry pictures no matter how I focused the picture. It got to the point I was tired of dealing with it so I had Motorola send me an advanced RMA this week.
Memory Comparison (Nexus 6 vs Nexus 6 picture below)
First thing I noticed, my current setup is 64gb midnight blue with eMMC Hynix and DRAM Samsung. My replacement device is 64gb MB eMMC Sandisk, DRAM Samsung. I wiped both phones, no encryption, running stock. The device with the Hynix appears to be faster when it comes to Androbench write & read speeds.
Screen Comparison (Nexus 6 vs Nexus 6 picture below)
As stated above my first device has a yellow tint, but it wasn't a big deal. My new device has no tint at all. I compared it to my wife's Note 4 and the whites are equal, it's a clear difference between the old and new Nexus 6.
Camera Quality
Night and day difference, I didn't understand those who praised the Nexus 6 camera, I always thought it was subpar to my old Note 3. Well the new phone has changed my opinion about the Nexus 6 camera completely.
In conclusion, for those who believe there screens are yellow, you are probably right. If you can't live with it just get a replacement phone. For those who thinks the camera sucks on the phone, you probably have a defective camera. As for the eMMC and DRAM I believe there are some differences here and that's why some will play a game and it lags, and for some it doesn't. I dropped out of kindergarten because of recess, I don't play games...
I will post pictures showing the differences between Nexus 6 screens, read/write speeds, and camera comparison. I'm hoping this thread will help those who are unhappy with certain aspects for their phone.
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Dude, that is great info. I guess it is true about not getting the newest release. Thanks bro
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
I'm wondering if this issue was the hold up leading to everyone waiting for 64gb phones the past month or so.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
The dram/emmc manufacturer seem to be random as you can see here http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/nexus-6-internal-memory-chipsets-t2955045
Hynix for storage and ram. Not mix and match like some people's devices it seems. 64 GB MB from GPS manufacture date shows 10/21 in the BL.
Now that I have two Nexus 6 in my possession, I plan to test them to the max to determine if there's a huge difference in performance.
I didn't tell you guys the best part of getting a advanced RMA...... Due to the phone being brand new, they don't have any refurbished phones. Which means you get a brand new phone and you get an EXTRA TURBO Charger for Free!!!
2swizzle said:
Now that I have two Nexus 6 in my possession, I plan to test them to the max to determine if there's a huge difference in performance.
I didn't tell you guys the best part of getting a advanced RMA...... Due to the phone being brand new, they don't have any refurbished phones. Which means you get a brand new phone and you get an EXTRA TURBO Charger for Free!!!
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I asked moto uk if I had to return the charger and they told me to return everything that's in the box! So I'm annoyed about that and the fact that I have to send my phone back before I can get my replacement! I don't think moto care exists in the UK.
But awesome that you get to keep the turbo charger, have fun!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
mustyrash said:
I asked moto uk if I had to return the charger and they told me to return everything that's in the box! So I'm annoyed about that and the fact that I have to send my phone back before I can get my replacement! I don't think moto care exists in the UK.
But awesome that you get to keep the turbo charger, have fun!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
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Did you request an "advanced RMA"? They send you a new phone overnight and place a temporary hold on your credit credit card until you return the defective device. As for returning the items, the information package a I received with my new phone says return phone only, no accessories.
2swizzle said:
Did you request an "advanced RMA"? They send you a new phone overnight and place a temporary hold on your credit credit card until you return the defective device. As for returning the items, the information package a I received with my new phone says return phone only, no accessories.
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I just called them up and told them about it and they just said we will send you a label and once we receive the delivery we will give you a xCode. I'm in the UK so idk if its a USA only thing, if you are in the USA.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
2swizzle said:
There's a lot of threads discussing how the Nexus camera sucks, yellow tint on the screen, and different memory setups per Nexus 6. I wanted to share my experiences with supporting evidence.
I received my Nexus 6 mid November and felt like the screen had a yellow tint but it wasn't a deal breaker so I didn't care. Then I noticed my camera would take blurry pictures no matter how I focused the picture. It got to the point I was tired of dealing with it so I had Motorola send me an advanced RMA this week.
Memory Comparison (Nexus 6 vs Nexus 6 picture below)
First thing I noticed, my current setup is 64gb midnight blue with eMMC Hynix and DRAM Samsung. My replacement device is 64gb MB eMMC Sandisk, DRAM Samsung. I wiped both phones, no encryption, running stock. The device with the Hynix appears to be faster when it comes to Androbench write & read speeds.
Screen Comparison (Nexus 6 vs Nexus 6 picture below)
As stated above my first device has a yellow tint, but it wasn't a big deal. My new device has no tint at all. I compared it to my wife's Note 4 and the whites are equal, it's a clear difference between the old and new Nexus 6.
Camera Quality
Night and day difference, I didn't understand those who praised the Nexus 6 camera, I always thought it was subpar to my old Note 3. Well the new phone has changed my opinion about the Nexus 6 camera completely.
In conclusion, for those who believe there screens are yellow, you are probably right. If you can't live with it just get a replacement phone. For those who thinks the camera sucks on the phone, you probably have a defective camera. As for the eMMC and DRAM I believe there are some differences here and that's why some will play a game and it lags, and for some it doesn't. I dropped out of kindergarten because of recess, I don't play games...
I will post pictures showing the differences between Nexus 6 screens, read/write speeds, and camera comparison. I'm hoping this thread will help those who are unhappy with certain aspects for their phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what was the reason for RMA?
Never mind I'm an idiot
The first thing I noticed when I got my N6 was the yellow tint. It was very noticeable when put next to my HTC M8 and my GF's Xperia Z3. I somewhat fixed it with a screen adjustment app by turning up the Blue levels. Had to file an insurance claimed due to a cracked screen, so hopefully the new one doesn't have the yellow tint problem. Other than that, the phone worked great. No camera problems for me.
Just to clarify when you say games seem to lag for some and not others this is not correct.
The same games lag for every Nexus 6 user. I don't think it's right to fill someone's head with thinking it could be there phone or the company who makes there ram that makes a difference.
Madden Nfl Mobile and a whole slew of other games would have lagged on both the devices you had.
Hand76 said:
Just to clarify when you say games seem to lag for some and not others this is not correct.
The same games lag for every Nexus 6 user. I don't think it's right to fill someone's head with thinking it could be there phone or the company who makes there ram that makes a difference.
Madden Nfl Mobile and a whole slew of other games would have lagged on both the devices you had.
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To say "this is not correct" can't be 100% proven because there's several people posting certain games lag for them, then someone replies "the same game runs flawless on my Nexus 6". Having two Nexus 6 in my possession, I can says with hands on testing there are some differences between the two setups. My old device runs butter smooth, and my new device seems to be a bit slower. Is it a deal breaker, NO.
2swizzle said:
To say "this is not correct" can't be 100% proven because there's several people posting certain games lag for them, then someone replies "the same game runs flawless on my Nexus 6". Having two Nexus 6 in my possession, I can says with hands on testing there are some differences between the two setups. My old device runs butter smooth, and my new device seems to be a bit slower. Is it a deal breaker, NO.
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I have a performance thread going on the main page and by the end there was no debate that a majority of the games mentioned (magic 2015/madden mobile/super man unlimited) and many others do not work right (I mean with no lag) on anyone's Nexus 6.
People from all different roms and kernels reported the same.
Download Madden on your new phone that you say has faster speeds and you will see the same.
Nexus 6P is $50 off with Free overnight shipping until December 22 listed, I've never owned a smartphone that didn't have expandable storage (EVO 4G, Samsung Note2, Note4, Moto X Pure is my first without removable battery yet still enjoy the sdcard option) but have also tried USB OTG which is seems easy enough for transfers-expansion but wondering what size Nexus 6P people bought here & if they still think they made the right selection?
If N6P came with a replaceable battery, OIS for video recording, I'd get the 64 or 128 GB model but I'm still considering the 32 GB model because it'll likely be supplanted within 12 months but would appreciate some feedback from actual owners especially those who could comment on 4K video size & video recording size implications on this device..
Thanks!
i think 64 may be the sweet spot in terms of value. 32 is definitely too small for me. I've always filled up 32 gb too quick, especially on a nexus with nandroid backups and titanium backups. I got the 128gb and I'm very happy with that size. To me when i'm already spending so much, $100 more or less doesn't really make or break it and i'll probably keep the device close to 2 years. Yes, it may be suplanted in 12 months, but the nexus that supplants it will also lack removable storage and removeable battery.
Thanks, not sure why this thread is not visible in the XDA app without viewing in browser..I'll probably order the 64GB especially now that it's the same price the 32GB was a couple days ago..if for some reason I'm disappointed with the Nexus 6P I could return it but I hope it exceeds my somewhat skeptical expectations..
I went the 128gb route this time. I probably could have been ok with 64, but decided that it wasn't all that much more to get the most I could. I did this just to make sure i had enough room down the road. I would avoid the 32gb version as I have mine just about to that point and i don't really think I am that big of a data user, just seems to add up fast
32gb is fine for me, I have many apps and games on my phone and am only using 5gb, plenty of room for pictures and video if need be.
So completely user dependent. The N5 is still a completely viable phone, and it maxed out at 32GB.
I went with the 64GB because it was the value sweetspot to me, and since I have a child I plan to save a few movies for those waiting rooms and such instead of needing to stream them.
The one thing I will mention, if you really think you'll replace it in a year, you'll likely have an easier time selling the 64/128 configurations.
How much of the 32GB is user accessible?
Not too worried about photos as much as 4K video & slow mo video space demands.. I assume could be offloaded via USB OTG but that might get annoying..good to hear some are satisfied with 32GB however.
64GB should have better futureproof resale value than 32GB but I've never actually sold an old device rather keep them around as backups but they are starting to pile up I read a recent article that factory resets don't really delete data on Android but isn't everything encrypted by default now without a significant performance hit..?
I've had the Samsung S4 with 16 GB which I always thought was not enough, however I've always had a fast MicroSD card wiht 64GB which I stored all of my photos, music and videos on. This was plenty and so when I found a deal on the Nexus 6P for 450, I jumped on it. It was brand new and unlocked with two cases. I have had 20 GB of music typically, a lot of photos, and a few videos, 2 Nandroid backups and backups for apps for quick installs. When I went with the Nexus, after a couple of problematic flashes, which makes me love the external SD, because I never erased it by accident and makes it easy for re-flashing, I found that I will not be storing photos on it as I just backup to Google photos.
have you seen this review: http://www.anandtech.com/show/9820/the-google-nexus-6p-review
it lays out the good with the bad. my biggest concerns were it being too big and the battery, and it hasn't been bad in either area.
One thing you can ask yourself is what are you storing on your current phone with the SD card? Do you still want to be able to carry that data around with you? Are you using it?
I went with the 64GB after considering those points. I had a G3 with a 64GB SD card loaded with movies and music... but the reality, I didn't really need/use it. I think I was doing it because I could. That's just me though. Some people do want to carry around their whole music catalogue.
Same goes for filming video - ask yourself how much you are doing now? It's probably a strong indicator of your future use.
(FWIW - I agree that when it comes to resale, the 64GB model probably marks the sweet spot)
Thanks I'll read through any review that actual owners think is fair..
I have 128 GB cards nearly full of videos but like you I don't really need all of them rather was doing it because I could & still could on the Nexus 6P I assume with USB OTG.. music library is uploaded to Google Music but are there cloud services that can stream HD videos as well as local-probably none that I'd entirely trust-there are even photos that I'd rather not trust in the cloud?
I should mention that I've considered Nexus handsets in the past but they always lost to the competition in side by side comparisons starting from the Evo 4G to Note 2 to Note 4 last year which beat the Nexus 6 in side by side comparisons. On paper the Nexus 6P looks interesting but I haven't been able to run side by side comparisons yet (coming to Best Buy soon apparently).. Note 5 having lost its removable battery & storage no longer trumps more versatile unlocked devices like the Moto X Pure which I own & prefer especially with its rich front facing stereo speakers but since I want longer battery, fingerprint sensor & latest updates to a bright screen (though not as bright as MXP I've read) with front facing stereo speakers (which I'm told are louder but not as rich as MXP), I think this year is time to give Nexus handsets another try..if the 64GB aluminum is still available at $499+tax tomorrow Noon I'll probably pull the proverbial trigger unless this thread directs elsewhere..
The only reservation I have about the 128GB memory is its effect on battery life. Does anyone know a formula to compute the effect of greater memory on battery life?
I got the 32GB version in graphite grey because this was the only one I could obtain from Vodafone. Well, I would have loved the 64GB version too but worst case I could use a USB Type C stick for extra storage with some movies on it.
Thanks everyone so I ordered the 64GB Aluminum today (with expected overnight delivery by Monday or Tuesday) which including $36.80 in sales tax was $535.80..hope I like it more than http://www.anandtech.com/show/9820/the-google-nexus-6p-review seems to..
I'll have to check out sRGB mode because I'm not a fan of oversaturated AMOLED cartoony artificial looking colors but it never stopped me completely from buying Samsung Note 2 & 4 (still in Adapative display but switch modes on occasion) but do enjoy the natural non-saturated colors of MXP including clean LCD whites (even went away from default Vibrant mode to Normal Mode in its screen mode):
"I'd like to mention that I tested both the device's default colour calibration as well as its sRGB calibration. This setting is rather hidden for the average user: You have to enable the developer options menu by tapping repeatedly on the "Build Number" found in Settings => About Phone, after which the menu will appear under the global settings menu. It's a pity that Google didn't make this option more accessible via the general display settings, but it will be required to access if you care about accurate colour reproduction on the Nexus 6P."
"With Snapdragon 820 phones coming in just a few months there’s also the viable option to hold out for better alternatives as we're on the verge of a large generational jump that will undoubtedly bring a lot of improvements to the table."
Am I going to regret the Nexus 6P when Snapdragon 820 phones come soon?
Mod edit: Link removedXiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro Review Video on YouTube.
Just recently got my hands on the Redmi Note 3 Pro. I reviewed the Redmi Note 3 with 3GB of RAM. A great phone but it lacks a MicroSD card slot, so it had a rather major flaw. Now the Redmi Note 3 Pro is out to fix this with MicroSD support in the dual SIM slot (Either micro sim + MicroSD or 2 x micro sims). And it now has a new camera sensor ( s5l3p3 Samsung ISOCELL 16MP) and a new chipset the Snapdragon 650. Overall this is an impressive phone for the price. Metal build, great screen. Very fast (78k in AnTuTu 6) The internal storage is also very quick for a phone at 150mb/s read and 50 mb/s writes. Can't really fault it only that the camera is very poor at low light still. And it has no NFC support.
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Pros:
Great build with a metal body
The Snapdragon 650 sets new standards in power for the price
1500+ Single core score in Geekbench 3
78,000 Antutu 6.0.4 score
Great battery life 8 hours+ screen on time
Fast LTE support 300mbps
Sharp and bright screen. Ver decent 1080p panel
Great price Vs performance ratio
4k video with Google camera
FM Radio
Great sound quality
Cons:
No NFC support
Only quick charge 2 and not version 3 the chipset supports
Camera is very poor in low light
Very poor video in low light (Useless)
No 4k video support in the stock camera app (Need to use Google camera for 4k)
MIUI 7.1 has Chinese in and around it (No global MIUI 7 ROM yet)
No root yet, locked bootloader too?
Final thoughts.
I'm impressed, an amazing phone considering the price. It can beat some flagship models in everything apart from the camera. I cover all this in the full video review.
Camera samples, The first and last two are low light photos:
Video samples:
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Download the originals here (440mb)
Hi Chris ! Seems you're the first one who got hand on this - very nice - phone !
About the camera, can you test with "Manual Camera Compatibility" app to show if they let some manual settings avaible ? ( could solve the low light issue with the appropriate camera app : freedcam or fv-5 if manual shutter is avaible)
Hendrickson said:
Camera samples, The first and last two are low light photos:...
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Can you please share some pics captured in night and some with Flash.
dukeforever said:
Hi Chris ! Seems you're the first one who got hand on this - very nice - phone !
About the camera, can you test with "Manual Camera Compatibility" app to show if they let some manual settings avaible ? ( could solve the low light issue with the appropriate camera app : freedcam or fv-5 if manual shutter is avaible)
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Manual mode camera only lets you change the white balance and ISO.
Hendrickson said:
Manual mode camera only lets you change the white balance and ISO.
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Well ... Too bad !
aki_007 said:
Can you please share some pics captured in night and some with Flash.
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Not a photo, but low light video test:
Mod edit: Link removed
Photos come out the same in these conditions, out of focus and blurred. The camera lags in low light really bad, the mobiles only true weakness.
I just ordered mine, looks like it'll be nearly a month before it gets here! After nearly a year away from Android and custom ROMs I have plenty of reading to do
pepdavies said:
I just ordered mine, looks like it'll be nearly a month before it gets here! After nearly a year away from Android and custom ROMs I have plenty of reading to do
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Where did you order yours from?
i ordered mine from GearBest yesterday.
Says it will be shipped on the 19th, but then customs will probably hold onto it for a while
I got mine from Aliexpress, hopefully it will get some custom roms or root soon so I can remove a few Chinese apps. Or a global rom asap.
DrWillz said:
Where did you order yours from?
i ordered mine from GearBest yesterday.
Says it will be shipped on the 19th, but then customs will probably hold onto it for a while
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Gearbest as well. Last items I ordered took over 3 weeks to get here. Got an iphone 3GS until then. Slow isn't the word lol
Hendrickson said:
I got mine from Aliexpress, hopefully it will get some custom roms or root soon so I can remove a few Chinese apps. Or a global rom asap.
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Thanks for the great review of the Pro - I wasn't aware the pro was available to buy yet - your very quick off the mark - amazing stuff.
So just placed an order for one on Aliexpress with Fantacy Technology but now worried about the software.
Do I just message them and tell them I want an unopened box i.e. phone straight from the factory with MIUI 7.1 English and Traditional/Simplified Chinese language only?
See I don't want any tampering with the software before I receive it. Want it just as dispatched by Xiaomi.
Thanks for any advice
Hi,
Yes that's what I did. I asked them to just send me a factory sealed RN3P without opening it. Otherwise they open it up and install Google Play. And they did that for me which was great, just send it exactly as they received it from Xiaomi. Reason I got it so fast is I was talking to the seller on Aliexpress just after the Chinese launch and got him to get it especially for me before it ran out of stock. First release in China sold out in a day or something, but he was able to get a few units. But only in white. Of course I had to pay extra for this
Any info about locked bootloader or succesfull root method? Custom ROM would be great for this...
Hendrickson said:
I got mine from Aliexpress, hopefully it will get some custom roms or root soon so I can remove a few Chinese apps. Or a global rom asap.
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How much it is?
Inovator said:
Any info about locked bootloader or succesfull root method? Custom ROM would be great for this...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Locked and no root for now, I've tried a few root apps and nothing seems to work.
exodius48 said:
How much it is?
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It's currently just out and sellers are overcharging for it. But it should be around $180 for the 2GB model and just over $210 for the 3GB version. Prices will come down. At the moment it's around $230.
Hendrickson said:
It's currently just out and sellers are overcharging for it. But it should be around $180 for the 2GB model and just over $210 for the 3GB version. Prices will come down. At the moment it's around $230.
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Hmm.. 210 USD is arround 2.800.000 rupiahs, and its very cheap phone with monster spec.
my future phone I hope global rom releases soon I am thinking after Mi5 comes out
twrp and root is a must
Hendrickson can u please check how long does it take to charge from 0 to 100 with the standard adapter & cable that came with the phone thanks....
Here's my review - hope it helps.
Ok so I have had my RN3 Pro for a whopping 7 days now so here's a few things to take away which may help you.
I ordered from Vickmall, the golden 32GB/3GB version I think with conversion was about $380 AUD so not too bad.
- I (stupidly?) took the free postage offer, which I guess from years of ordering cycling gear from the UK where free postage is the norm, and delivery is within 7 days, seemed to be no major issue.
- In hindsight, 2.5 weeks to my door wasn't too shabby, but their poor tracking system means the parcel is often in a completely different country by the time the tracking information is updated (mine is still showing last updated from the 9th of Feb)
On to the phone :
- Well he(she) arrived in a standard China post box which contained the bubble wrapped Mi box, a silicone case (basic, but does the job) tempered glass screen protector and some wipes to clean the screen. External packaging looked worse for wear, but not issues with the internal box (Kudos to Vickmall for the bubble wrap!)
- Mi box was opened I assumed so they could fire up the phone and do a QC check maybe. All films etc were still on the phone.
- Vickmall included a pretty average looking China-AU adapter which actually does the job for now, but I wouldn't want to leave this thing on unattended.
- Despite my repeatedly asking, Vickmall DID NOT install Google Play or Google Apps, but that's literally a 10 minute job to set it up (I honestly believe the people manning the online chat don't relay any customer requests to those who ship the item)
The phone itself is actually a very high quality, feels well balanced, lighter than my Moto X Style and slightly narrower too, and at least 1mm thinner. It's more similar in size to an iPhone 6 and no dramas with it being too big for the average user.
- Bezels are small and the chins aren't overly large or look out of proportion.
- The included silicone case is cheap but it does the job, for now.
- Phone takes a combo of micro sim and SD card (at once) or nano sim on it's own (as it goes in the SD card slot)
- Phone booted up quickly enough, and once I connected to the wifi it ran some OTA updates to the MIUI OS which took about 10-15 mins.
- I installed Google Playstore and Google Apps easily enough and then installed Nova to replace MIUI. MIUI actually isn't that bad, but I prefer the Nova feel myself.
So in reality it probably took no more than ½ hour to set the phone up. It came about 50% charged so I had adequate time to play around with it and move photos, music etc over to it and get it feeling like my Moto X.
So what do I like -
Battery life is great. It was at 100% at midnight, it's 9.15 now and still on 85% with some Facebook, IG etc.
Camera is actually pretty good, with great filters, modes etc.
Sound is plenty loud and clear even considering the rear mounted speaker.
Display is super sharp (IMHO 1080p is more than adequate for 5.5" screen)
Screen sensitivity is awesome. No missed touches etc.
FM radio. I actually missed this on my Moto X Style.
Snappy and accurate finger print scanner.
Expandable memory, thank God!!
Big battery (take note Motorola / Lenovo)
What am I not so keen on -
Nothing really. Being a Chinese phone means that most of the deep rooted files, ie ring tones and themes are in Chinese, however I downloaded one of the many aftermarket apps and got my own ringtones, alarm tones, message tones etc.
There are Chinese ones pre-loaded, but being in Chinese I couldn't actually understand what I was looking at.
Nothing seems to indicate quick charging from the standard included charger (is this normal?)
For mine, for the cost, there's not a great deal out there that's any better. A full 1080p screen, huge battery, metal construction, 3GB with expandable memory and a pretty good camera all for just over $350 is a bargain.
Even tho the phone is a meant for the Chinese market, so it's essentially a Chinese model, don't be put off. Literally ½ hour of time, plus Youtube and Whirlpool forums, and you will find it's actually pretty basic to get it up and humming!
4/5 rating for me!
We need separate subforum for RN3 Pro
Folks (not just here on XDA) but even generally are asking the normally-understandable question - how relevant is the (long in the tooth) original Pixel that is three years old?
As someone that owns a Pixel 3a himself, and saw his mom purchase a refurbished original Pixel, I am in a position to actually answer that.
1. Unlike three-year-old devices from anybody else (except Apple), you can still get current firmware for them. (Heck, that's gotten to be untrue of even three-year-old Apple iPhones - how many iPhones got booted to the curb with the current version of iPhoneOS?) Mom's Pixel has Pie installed (and could have gone to Q - following my own 3a) - the difference is strictly personal preference.
2. The price is still sane. (Mom's refurbed Pixel was $109USD - on Amazon - and from a quality refurbisher - BuySpry of Gaithersburg, MD.)
3. Given the two points above, you can take them to any carrier - anywhere in North America. (Naturally, thesame is just as true of new Pixel 3a and 3a XL phones; I took mine to Tracfone, after all.)
Can't afford a new phone - get a quality refurbed Pixel instead.
Well, the phone itself could be good but google screwed up!!!
1 Software support 3 years is good? You kidding? Apple has 5 year support. Even Iphone 6s has got latest firmware that's released a year before our OG pixel. And will receive another update whereas pixel last firmware is Android 10.
2 Pixels just have too much problems!!! They die out of nowhere for example latest pixel death https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel/help/boot-past-google-logo-white-screen-t3959968 Everyone knows that 128 GB pixels with toshiba chips are prone to die. Audio chips die on pixels, heck even the best thing on this phone camera has problems, on some pixels pictures come out blurry on edges because of rear glass (In later pixel 2 and 3 camera lens is isolated from rear glass). Verison models have disabled bootloader unlocking, you still can unlock bootloader on first gen verizon, but not on 2 & 3. If you do not have unlocked it on pixel 1 and OS corrupts itself you are screwed. Also if you unlock it and relock without being 100% stock you have a brick. Many people here have done this Their pixels turned into bricks.
If you have pixel released before 2017 january you get at minimum 20$ from google and if your pixels has audio problems you get upto 500$ from google. They knew about this issue, just did not care.
I hate apple and iphones, but their phones seem to be much better in build quality and longevity then google pixels. Nexus line was much better at this!
matusala said:
Well, the phone itself could be good but google screwed up!!!
1 Software support 3 years is good? You kidding? Apple has 5 year support. Even Iphone 6s has got latest firmware that's released a year before our OG pixel. And will receive another update whereas pixel last firmware is Android 10.
2 Pixels just have too much problems!!! They die out of nowhere for example latest pixel death https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel/help/boot-past-google-logo-white-screen-t3959968 Everyone knows that 128 GB pixels with toshiba chips are prone to die. Audio chips die on pixels, heck even the best thing on this phone camera has problems, on some pixels pictures come out blurry on edges because of rear glass (In later pixel 2 and 3 camera lens is isolated from rear glass). Verison models have disabled bootloader unlocking, you still can unlock bootloader on first gen verizon, but not on 2 & 3. If you do not have unlocked it on pixel 1 and OS corrupts itself you are screwed. Also if you unlock it and relock without being 100% stock you have a brick. Many people here have done this Their pixels turned into bricks.
If you have pixel released before 2017 january you get at minimum 20$ from google and if your pixels has audio problems you get upto 500$ from google. They knew about this issue, just did not care.
I hate apple and iphones, but their phones seem to be much better in build quality and longevity then google pixels. Nexus line was much better at this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. How many 3 year old or longer iPhones are capable of running the current (non-beta) iPhoneOS?
2. And iPhones (of the same age) don't have problems? I'm not saying that Pixels (or any age) are problem-free; I know better than that. (The same is true of any device - even iPhones and iPads.)
3. Your point is "seems" - how much of that is that the userbase is more willing to give Apple a pass than they are willing to give ANY other ODM - even (if not especially) Google. I support iPhones and iPads as well - not just Android hardware.
Then there is the cost of buying in to the Apple ecosystem - the hardware cost especially, in terms of used hardware - that is the BIGGEST problem with the Apple ecosystem vs. Pixels (I'm talking hardware of the same age). I don't "hate" Apple - in terms of either hardware OR software - if I did, I wouldn't support either one. However, it is flunking the "value" test - and especially at the three year old end (where the original Pixel and Pixel XL are). Further, I made plain that I don't recommend hardware from any OTHER Android ODM at that age - and for the very reason I made plain in my post; the support is not there!
(Yes; Samsung falls down here as well - and I don't hate Samsung, either; I came to the 3a from an S7 (of the Snapdragon sort) - now in honorable retirement. In addition, there is a LOT of non-Android Samsung hardware here - all of the household TVs (except one) and one of our two refrigerators; and considering I'm in the United States (not Europe OR Asia), the dominance of Samsung is earned.
PGHammer said:
1. How many 3 year old or longer iPhones are capable of running the current (non-beta) iPhoneOS?
2. And iPhones (of the same age) don't have problems? I'm not saying that Pixels (or any age) are problem-free; I know better than that. (The same is true of any device - even iPhones and iPads.)
3. Your point is "seems" - how much of that is that the userbase is more willing to give Apple a pass than they are willing to give ANY other ODM - even (if not especially) Google. I support iPhones and iPads as well - not just Android hardware.
Then there is the cost of buying in to the Apple ecosystem - the hardware cost especially, in terms of used hardware - that is the BIGGEST problem with the Apple ecosystem vs. Pixels (I'm talking hardware of the same age). I don't "hate" Apple - in terms of either hardware OR software - if I did, I wouldn't support either one. However, it is flunking the "value" test - and especially at the three year old end (where the original Pixel and Pixel XL are). Further, I made plain that I don't recommend hardware from any OTHER Android ODM at that age - and for the very reason I made plain in my post; the support is not there!
(Yes; Samsung falls down here as well - and I don't hate Samsung, either; I came to the 3a from an S7 (of the Snapdragon sort) - now in honorable retirement. In addition, there is a LOT of non-Android Samsung hardware here - all of the household TVs (except one) and one of our two refrigerators; and considering I'm in the United States (not Europe OR Asia), the dominance of Samsung is earned.
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Click to collapse
1 I did not write it out of nowhere. My sister has iPhone 6s and it works well on latest iphone firmware
2 Again i am not saying that, but Pixels have much more problems. Everyone knows this here. 128 GB models, speaker, cameras and so on. Iphones are more reliable. Pixel 2 is better but first gen google really screwd up!
3 I am not defending apple i do not like that company, but software is on higher level there. At least you do not get this ****ing ads EVERYWHERE and viruses DIRECTLY from play store. Their software is wayy ahead of android in that. But android is open source and that is why i am able to use latest version of android on my Nexus 4 & 5 which are from 2012 and 2013 respectively.
Now i am never going to have ANY apple products but you should give them a credit where it's due.
iPhones aside the pixel is still relative as a daily driver as in messaging, socials, calls, texts, email and browsing.
I have pie on a nexus 4 but I wouldn't use it out of choice as a daily driver, it's purely a back up device, it's dated.
I paid £150 for my pixel back in january, I'll get another year or so out of it on a custom ROM and then it will either get left in a drawer or binned depending on the battery.
It's a personal preference, I had the nexus 5x and 6p and both went blod but I bought another 5x as it was a cheap, sensible usable phone which is how I see the pixel now.
Just my opinion.
I had $100 to spend on a phone. Been looking all around to get a phone with good camera. So i bought a google pixel for $85. The BEST camera you can get for under $100!
As Good As the Camera Is...
gingerboy92 said:
I had $100 to spend on a phone. Been looking all around to get a phone with good camera. So i bought a google pixel for $85. The BEST camera you can get for under $100!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not saying that the Pixel camera (any Pixel) is bad - I know better. (The Pixel 3a's camera is - easily - THE best camera I have ever owned OR used.) However, that isn't why I bought - or recommend - the Pixel 3a in particular (or Pixels as phones in general).
Here are my "Pixel points"; they apply to Pixels in general with the sole exception of the Pixel 4 (due to its price expectations).
1. Pixel pricing is sane.
2. Unless you purchase a carrier-specific model (and there is exactly zero reason to do that), you can take it to any carrier.
3. You can go to Android 10 - fresh from Google - from the jump. (Yes - even on the original Pixel.)
4. In addition to the camera, it has one of the best AMOLED displays of any device. (Shocking but true fact - when watching videos, given a choice between my PC - connected to 32" of TV display - or my Pixel 3a - the 3a wins most of the time. It's not JUST the AMOLED display, it is said display's HDR support - not exactly commonplace at the sane end of the price curve.)
As to how LITTLE the camera mattered, in my initial responses to Pixel reviews, I used the "#whatcamera?" hashtag - the camera mattered THAT little. Length and strength of support mattered - enough to boot the S10e out of the purchase matrix - and I actually had hands-on time with it (but not with the 3a) before hitting the "Buy" button.
Lastly, the usual reasons for needing to root don't exactly apply to Android 10, either. I am choosing NOT to root my 10 install. I can - but why? I ran without root starting with beta 3, and realized that there has to be a reason TO root - and with 10, there mostly isn't.
PGHammer said:
I'm not saying that the Pixel camera (any Pixel) is bad - I know better. (The Pixel 3a's camera is - easily - THE best camera I have ever owned OR used.) However, that isn't why I bought - or recommend - the Pixel 3a in particular (or Pixels as phones in general).
Here are my "Pixel points"; they apply to Pixels in general with the sole exception of the Pixel 4 (due to its price expectations).
1. Pixel pricing is sane.
2. Unless you purchase a carrier-specific model (and there is exactly zero reason to do that), you can take it to any carrier.
3. You can go to Android 10 - fresh from Google - from the jump. (Yes - even on the original Pixel.)
4. In addition to the camera, it has one of the best AMOLED displays of any device. (Shocking but true fact - when watching videos, given a choice between my PC - connected to 32" of TV display - or my Pixel 3a - the 3a wins most of the time. It's not JUST the AMOLED display, it is said display's HDR support - not exactly commonplace at the sane end of the price curve.)
As to how LITTLE the camera mattered, in my initial responses to Pixel reviews, I used the "#whatcamera?" hashtag - the camera mattered THAT little. Length and strength of support mattered - enough to boot the S10e out of the purchase matrix - and I actually had hands-on time with it (but not with the 3a) before hitting the "Buy" button.
Lastly, the usual reasons for needing to root don't exactly apply to Android 10, either. I am choosing NOT to root my 10 install. I can - but why? I ran without root starting with beta 3, and realized that there has to be a reason TO root - and with 10, there mostly isn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why you replied like that. He was supporting your argument. FYI, Verizon versions of Pixels can be taken to any carrier. There is no difference except for locked bootloader, and Verizon Pixel 1 has a workaround.
matusala said:
Well, the phone itself could be good but google screwed up!!!
1 Software support 3 years is good? You kidding? Apple has 5 year support. Even Iphone 6s has got latest firmware that's released a year before our OG pixel. And will receive another update whereas pixel last firmware is Android 10.
2 Pixels just have too much problems!!! They die out of nowhere for example latest pixel death https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel/help/boot-past-google-logo-white-screen-t3959968 Everyone knows that 128 GB pixels with toshiba chips are prone to die. Audio chips die on pixels, heck even the best thing on this phone camera has problems, on some pixels pictures come out blurry on edges because of rear glass (In later pixel 2 and 3 camera lens is isolated from rear glass). Verison models have disabled bootloader unlocking, you still can unlock bootloader on first gen verizon, but not on 2 & 3. If you do not have unlocked it on pixel 1 and OS corrupts itself you are screwed. Also if you unlock it and relock without being 100% stock you have a brick. Many people here have done this Their pixels turned into bricks.
If you have pixel released before 2017 january you get at minimum 20$ from google and if your pixels has audio problems you get upto 500$ from google. They knew about this issue, just did not care.
I hate apple and iphones, but their phones seem to be much better in build quality and longevity then google pixels. Nexus line was much better at this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lets try compare:
1. Talking bout upgrade, the iphone never ever get latest new feature, for example night sight from pixel 3, og pixel still get it.
2. That is hardware problem, conditional. Verizon? Are you kidding me? Thats diff product, just buy full unlockable.
fahmi182 said:
Lets try compare:
1. Talking bout upgrade, the iphone never ever get latest new feature, for example night sight from pixel 3, og pixel still get it.
2. That is hardware problem, conditional. Verizon? Are you kidding me? Thats diff product, just buy full unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NightSight turns out to be a software update - merely go to Camera 7.1 on any Pixel.
The same has turned out to be the case with most of the software related leaks - if not all of them.
The single-carrier issue is not just Verizon - it is in any country the restriction exists, such as the UK.
That is why I recommend the full unlockable. There is no longer a penalty fir doing so.
This is my taking on OP post.
1. We are on XDA. Software update was never a problem. Lineage are always there. Even my S3 i9300 still alive.
2. Price here rn on my country is crazy cheap. I myself got OG pixel before pixel 3 launch below 200 usd. It's really hard to see someone with a phone that are not Huawei, Samsung, Xiaomi or iPhone. Even OnePlus is really not popular here.
3. 90% phone sell here are not bound by carrier. Unlocked.
4. Yes, pixel do have it's own problem. Just about 3 month ago, my vibrator motor just died.
I own a 5" OG Pixel 32GB.
I missed the pissing match. I take it no one one, as usual?
I have a Pixel and Pixel XL 128gb, and after the recent Google camera port that allow SuperResZoom, I'm going back to the Pixels as my daily driver. The photo quality from the Pixel is so good, I can't justify shelling out a thousand dollar for the latest devices.
The main problem with these phones is the battery life. You can replace the battery yourself, but it can be difficult and easy to break the screen if you're not used to it. And make sure the microphone is working because that was one of the design flaw. The call quality isn't great with this phone. Other than that every else run great. I love the finger print scanner as opposed to face unlock of the newer devices.
I might consider the 3a if it goes on sale nearer to $200 this Black Friday.
MrxSiN said:
This is my taking on OP post.
1. We are on XDA. Software update was never a problem. Lineage are always there. Even my S3 i9300 still alive.
2. Price here rn on my country is crazy cheap. I myself got OG pixel before pixel 3 launch below 200 usd. It's really hard to see someone with a phone that are not Huawei, Samsung, Xiaomi or iPhone. Even OnePlus is really not popular here.
3. 90% phone sell here are not bound by carrier. Unlocked.
4. Yes, pixel do have it's own problem. Just about 3 month ago, my vibrator motor just died.
I own a 5" OG Pixel 32GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right
I just bought an OG Pixel 128gb today for rm460 in a local shop(online can get much cheaper I know).
I thought to myself I needed an affordable phone, ofcourse Xiaomis was on my mind but low end Xiaomi had unusable camera. This is the first time I've used a Pixel and coming from iPhone XR I'm really impressed with GCAM especially NightSight. Pixel > Xiaomi Redmis anyday unless you prefer your Mobile Legends and won't mind a terrible low light camera.
Oh yeah I'm really impressed with everything but very disappointed with the battery life...any tips of custom ROM to extend the battery life?
What I Had Been Saying bout Pixels in General (exception - Pixel 4)
funtikar said:
You are right
I just bought an OG Pixel 128gb today for rm460 in a local shop(online can get much cheaper I know).
I thought to myself I needed an affordable phone, ofcourse Xiaomis was on my mind but low end Xiaomi had unusable camera. This is the first time I've used a Pixel and coming from iPhone XR I'm really impressed with GCAM especially NightSight. Pixel > Xiaomi Redmis anyday unless you prefer your Mobile Legends and won't mind a terrible low light camera.
Oh yeah I'm really impressed with everything but very disappointed with the battery life...any tips of custom ROM to extend the battery life?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The exception I pointed to was the Pixel 4 - the two reasons were the price AND the Soli/facial-recognition. (Why those two? Soli drives the facial recognition - which has a flaw - which is not present in fingerprint recognition - which is in every other Pixel.) Worse - what ODM is a big investor in the facial-recognition space? Apple. Basically, the Pixel 4 is an Android iPhone - with a price to match. No frigging thank you!
Other Pixels - and especially the 3a? Sensibly priced. Take them to any provider - anywhere on the planet. The Camera app is growing on me; in fact, I've found a NEW use for it - documenting purchases. That deadly Google Camera app is ideal for taking pictures of receipts (remember, those snaps show up in Google Photos, which is also accessible away from the phone).
Due to the recent price drop and my long time desire to find out if band 71 and the camera would make much of a difference, finally got one yesterday.
I've been using an LG V30 (rooted) for quite a while (2 yrs?), and have to say, very happy to have switched. The major differences for me;
1) The camera is much better. I tried various gcam ports on the V30, and some of them had almost all the functionality, but even the best of them didn't result in the pictures the 3a gets. The lens / micron size is the reason for that, I think. It's very evident in any low light situation.
2) T-mo band 71 is alive! I didn't know if it was or not, so pretty big surprise when my LTE data is about twice as fast as before. I've not measured with speedtest but simply observing the chunk size when updating in playstore. Of course that varies with how busy their servers are, etc etc. But 'overall', having done it enough times with ea phone, the 3a is clearly much faster via 71.
3) While the V30 is better in numerous other respects, one has to decide; what's the most important to you? For me, the 3a suits my needs very well.
Cheers
Using speed test (ookla) and another called speed check (both from playstore), download was 102.5 Mbps and 105 Mbps respectively, and up was 12.5 Mbps for both. I never bothered to check the speed with my V30 (with these apps), so can't compare, but this result I think is very good.
I concur 100%! I was truly dedicated to the v20, did make some fantastic phones v20 and v30.
I made the to switch back to 3a xl and definitely agreed with everything you said.
Sargo a Year In
AsItLies said:
Using speed test (ookla) and another called speed check (both from playstore), download was 102.5 Mbps and 105 Mbps respectively, and up was 12.5 Mbps for both. I never bothered to check the speed with my V30 (with these apps), so can't compare, but this result I think is very good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came from the Galaxy S7 a year ago (it wasn't broke; it is Sargo's backup) and while folks STILL think it was *all about the camera*, as good as Sargo's Camera app is. it didn't even figure (at all) in my decision to change phones; you have to take enough pictures for a camera (or Camera app, for that matter) TO matter. Yes; to put it bluntly, the camera (AND app) on the Pixel 3a flat-out smacks the camera app on the S7 with an overlarge trout - hard. (However, the same is true of most phones - regardless of price - and that was BEFORE the recent price drop.) Still, the camera is just BARELY in the top five of why I recommend it as a phone; other thigs are - quite honestly - further up the list. The three years of OS upgrades - direct from Google - is the BIGGEST reason why. (That means 2022 is when upgrades from Google run out.) The ONLY other phone ODM that plays in this turf is Apple - and - other than the iPhone SE - do they play in this end of the price turf?
Glad you're enjoying the phone. It's pretty great.
Pixel 3a is a great phone , one of the last of its generation without punch holes and other terrible implementations.
Fingerprint and headphone jack present , i feel sorry that we will not see same phones in the future
Same. Didn't get it for the camera but it is nice to have the option in my pocket if I need it. For me, I wanted vanilla android and I am very happy with it.
I came from (mostly) custom roms and I imagine that by the time the official updates end that both twrp and the custom rom scene will have advanced a fair bit so I'll be using it for a good while yet. I treat my phones like my cars; I runs them till they don't run no more. This is actually the first new phone I've had in over a decade as I usually score a pass-on from friends when they upgrade.
I'm not into that "got to have the latest phone" deal so I'll be getting as much life as I can out of my 3a