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So had my HD2 for 2 and a half years, was on a 2 year contract but they didn't offer me an upgrade and I didn't keep track
Anyway, love my HD2 with android on it, is there much of a point in upgrading to a newer phone like the Galaxy s2, or should I wait and get an even better one in the near future?
If so, what are the new phones I should look out for?
Yeh I would wait if you currently happy, Most devices are on Android 2.3.7, I would wait for ICS to be the standard OS version & better hardware/battery spec of future development.
I don't think the upgrade to SGII or any other phone right now to be worth it. I would only consider Samsung Galaxy Note due to it's big screen.
On April quad core phones are expected to arrive, like the HTC Edge. If you can resist the urge to buy, wait until then.
Just read this article in CNN...
(CNN) -- A month after being released to mostly positive reviews, Samsung's flagship phone is getting some validation from Consumer Reports. The publication has run all its tests, kicked the phone's tires, and named the Android-powered Galaxy S4 its top rated smartphone.
The previous list-topper was the Optimus G, a solid $100 4.7-inch phone from LG that held Consumer Reports' No. 1 spot for several months. The Optimus G is now ranked as the No. 2 smartphone, followed by the HTC One, the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the Apple iPhone 5.
Consumer reports bases its ratings on a number of extensive tests and rates the devices in categories including ease of use, display and voice quality, portability and battery life. The $200 Galaxy S4's weakest scores were in video quality and portability. Like all the other smartphones on the list, it also had mediocre scores for voice quality, a sacrifice that seems common in the smartphone market. The publication also lamented the lack of one-button phone access.
Consumer Reports specifically called out the S4's 5-inch, 1080p touch-screen, multitasking in split view, and a built-in IR feature as some of the handset's standout features. The abundance of features were seen as appealing to more advanced users without complicating the phone for more entry-level users. The publication said the device's camera was "among the best phone cameras for photo quality."
The Galaxy S4 is an update to Samsung's wildly popular S3 phone, which was one of the best selling smartphones of the past year. Samsung was the leader in the smartphone market in in the first quarter of 2013, according to research firm IDC, and it looks like its latest offering will help it hang on to that top spot for the time being.
Last week, Google announced a new version of the Galaxy S4 that will run a pure form of the company's Android mobile operating system. That unlocked and uncluttered phone will cost $649 when it becomes available at the end of June.
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CNN article
Googled it further...
Google Releasing a Samsung Galaxy S4 with Stock Android OS
By Matthew O'Connell, Content WorksMay 16, 2013 10:28 AMprint
Exciting news for Android and Google lovers came out of the annual Google I/O developers conference yesterday. The keynote speech from CEO Larry Page, which lasted more than 3 hours, announced a new variant on the Samsung Galaxy S4. The new Google version of the popular smartphone will run on a stock Android operating system, a potentially appealing prospect for a lot of tech geeks.
The Samsung Galaxy series has built a huge following due to its impressive hardware. On the S4, a 1080p screen with 441 ppi, a 13 megapixel camera, and a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon processor are among its most impressive pieces of hardware.
The stock Android Jellybean 4.2 OS on the upcoming Google S4 eliminates the Nexus branding that other Galaxy devices have held and comes with a completely unlocked bootloader. The themes and skins that have identified Galaxy software will be replaced by a basic and direct Android interface, and it will have no preinstalled apps bogging it down. That will make for a cleaner and more customizable phone, ideal for developers who seek the capability to modify their devices (hence its announcement at the developers’ conference).
Perhaps because of Google’s backing or perhaps because of the lack of Nexus branding, the stripped-down, unlocked Google S4 will carry a lower price tag than other Galaxy iterations. When it hits the stores June 26, AT&T and T-Mobile members will be able to pick up this developer’s dream device for a relatively light $649.
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pcworld article
Will an official S4 Vanilla ROM be coming soon???!? :fingers-crossed:
So I bought my Tab S2 about two weeks ago (and am going to return it).
Rumors are saying the Tab S3, the true update to the S2 (not the 2016 S2 I bought) will be announced on September 1 along with the Gear S3 watch. This is shortly after the Note 7 is announced.
Let's post here as details become available. Everything for now is just rumors.
The rumor I'm hoping comes true is that is has the processor from the S7. That is a beast and huge upgrade over the S2's dated note 4 processor.
I hope its true, since i have 30 day to return my 2016 S2, i might consider going for the new model due to the new cpu.
RMXO said:
I hope its true, since i have 30 day to return my 2016 S2, i might consider going for the new model due to the new cpu.
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New ones always launch about $150 more than their predecessors.
The way I think of it, the Tab S is the Galaxy S5, the Tab S2 is the Galaxy S6, and the Tab S3 will be the Galaxy S7.
Usually leaks begin months before an official announcement. The Tab S2 was announced in Jul 15 but the form factor and dimensions were leaked way back in Feb. I think it this were true we would have more details by now.
In any case, I doubt Samsung is going to go with such a high-end SOC for a tablet, but hopefully I will be wrong.
Lightn1ng said:
New ones always launch about $150 more than their predecessors.
The way I think of it, the Tab S is the Galaxy S5, the Tab S2 is the Galaxy S6, and the Tab S3 will be the Galaxy S7.
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I bought the 2016 S2 as well 3 weeks ago...but got an open box for $225....so I cant complain... I went through every Note in the series tablet and phone... and I love this thing I do miss the S Pen. Samsung is throwing out a lot of buggy stuff in the last two years though.. thank God for root because because I fixed everything that way.. I definitely want to the Note 7!
Sent from my SM-N920T using XDA-Developers mobile app
For the price (I paid $299 for the 8.0 WiFi version of the 2016 S2), I wasn't going to wait. I'm absolutely pleased with the 2016 S2, I can finally "stick" with an Android Tablet (tried so many, always went back to iPad Mini). I doubt there will be much "lift" from a refreshed Tab S3 -- the usual faster processor, maybe better camera, but in day to day, it's probably marginal benefit. The one thing you will most certainly get is a faster update to Nougat.
I believe it's highly unlikely there will be a S3 this year with a recently released refresh. All of the rumor sites list the specs of the refresh and the model number I've seen references the 9.7 LTE refresh (sm t819).
Additionally the release cycle for the Galaxy Tab S series seems to consistently launch in the summer, with the refresh released this summer I out the chances of seeing a Tab S3 between zero and nil.
I paid $340 at Costco for the T813 (9.7") and it came with the Samsung book cover ($70 on Sammys website), so it was definitely a good deal. This recent price drop makes me think they are clearing out the last model in anticipation of the new one. Costco is where that 90 day return comes from, so I'll be unrooting and going back to stock before returning if the s3 is announced.
Bringing it out early September seems to make sense to be with the recent releases if you throw in the 2016 refresh, which held them over a little longer.
I don't see the S2 as being in line with the S6, its really just a big Note 4 (sans S-pen). So maybe we get a Note 5 for the S3. That's a decent upgrade on the processor and probably worth it to me.
I guess there is always something better around the corner. I just hate to be the sucker that helped the clear out last years model right before something better comes out, and makes the S2 drop even further in price. It's like buying a Note 5 right now. It'll be outdated and cheaper here soon....
ThePublisher said:
I just hate to be the sucker that helped the clear out last years model right before something better comes out, and makes the S2 drop even further in price. It's like buying a Note 5 right now. It'll be outdated and cheaper here soon....
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The model T813 was released in April (3 months ago). That's hardly being the sucker that bought last years model right before the new model came out. Now if you bought a T810 I could go with that, but you bought a brand new model. Same case and aesthetics, new processor/GPU, higher performance in benchmarks, and is arguably already the best Android tablet. I understand wanting the latest and greatest, which is why I bought the T713. That said there's nothing about an FCC filing yet, the sites that mention the FCC filing are all mistakenly identifying the T819 as a Tab S3 and not a refreshed Tab S2 LTE, no announcement from Samsung. Once there is an announcement from Samsung the wait timer starts, which typically is a 3 month wait (June/July announcement typically results in a September release).
ThePublisher said:
I don't see the S2 as being in line with the S6, its really just a big Note 4 (sans S-pen).
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I do, in terms of release cycle.
S5 (Tab S1) is great but has some things wrong with it.
S6 (Tab S2) removes some features that were loved about the S5 but still overall a better device.
S7 (Tab S3...?) adds back everything that people hated being removed from the S6 (in the Tab case, maybe the S3 will have a 16:10 screen...? who knows)
Give us a new Note 8.
better accu? when I wach youtube with my 8.0 tab the accu I can't enjoy all the day (or even 8 hours) of my nice tab
Some differences in the new 2016 refresh:
http://www.sammobile.com/2016/04/12/samsung-just-released-an-updated-galaxy-tab-s2-with-improved-performance/
Some differences in the SD 652 vs SD 820:
http://www.androidauthority.com/snapdragon-652-vs-802-whats-difference-686684/
I believe they moved to this CPU because it's cheaper to make. It's on the older 28nm process, which they probably have excess capacity on. It gives them more profit and ability to close out old stock without losing as much or at least cutting into profit less. To me the biggest difference is that the GPU is less capable. I would wait unless you're trying to get a good tablet and can't afford to drop $500+. Then it's still a great tablet if you're getting it for under $350 IMHO.
Pick_A_Name said:
Some differences in the new 2016 refresh:
http://www.sammobile.com/2016/04/12...ated-galaxy-tab-s2-with-improved-performance/
Some differences in the SD 652 vs SD 820:
http://www.androidauthority.com/snapdragon-652-vs-802-whats-difference-686684/
I believe they moved to this CPU because it's cheaper to make. It's on the older 28nm process, which they probably have excess capacity on. It gives them more profit and ability to close out old stock without losing as much or at least cutting into profit less. To me the biggest difference is that the GPU is less capable. I would wait unless you're trying to get a good tablet and can't afford to drop $500+. Then it's still a great tablet if you're getting it for under $350 IMHO.
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As I stated earlier in this thread, the new refresh model gpu is garbage comparing to last years's models. I am not a gamer and the light games I do play stutter and drop frames while last year's model played all these games at full frame rate without frame drops or stuttering.
So I agree with the above that Samsung probably used this soc in the 2016 models to save on costs.
Hopefully there will be an tab s3 this year.
Maybe the 713/813 and 719/819 are the new Tab S3. I just noticed in Samsung's list of Knox-supported devices the T813 is listed under Samsung Galaxy Tab S3!!!
It is a PDF file I downloaded from Samsung, I can't remember the link.
Edit: here it is! https://www.samsungknox.com/knoxportal/files/GalaxyDevicesSupportingKNOX.pdf
midnightrider said:
Maybe the 713/813 and 719/819 are the new Tab S3. I just noticed in Samsung's list of Knox-supported devices the T813 is listed under Samsung Galaxy Tab S3!!!
It is a PDF file I downloaded from Samsung, I can't remember the link.
Edit: here it is! https://www.samsungknox.com/knoxportal/files/GalaxyDevicesSupportingKNOX.pdf
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I have the SM-T719 and the box says Tab S2 (it is the Qcom processor model w 6.0.1)
mac231us said:
I have the SM-T719 and the box says Tab S2 (it is the Qcom processor model w 6.0.1)
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The point is Samsung slipped up and called it the Tab S3 internally. Regardless what it says on our boxes these models may be the ones they're planning on shipping in new boxes and calling them Tab S3.
I don't see a reason to release a S3 a couple months after a refresh. Just doesn't make sense at all. The S2 2016 is $350 for 8", that's a far cry from trying to clean out inventory price, and once again, would be pointless to do so soon...
Yes, I got my 713 for $175 (after CB), due to the price mistake, but I also waited 5 weeks to receive it, with clear warning that replacements within return window isn't happening. Only a 15% restocking fee if you return it. I love this tablet though! I've had a N7 2013 that is on its death bed. Going from a 1800 sunspider score to 580 is pretty darn noticeable!
Also, why would anyone return their 713 and 813, especially if you got a deal for the S2... THE opportunity cost is negligible. Spending a $150 more to get 15% speed bump would be a dimwitted move. Especially if you're mostly doing light gaming, reading, and email. That's why tablet sales are so bad, you don't need to update nearly as often as your smartphone, because you're doing significantly less with it! Honestly, even that is pointless, my N6 keeps up with everything I throw at it...
My N7 I wholeheartedly believe would still been fast enough for everyday use if it wasn't for the age and thousands of hours chugged on that CPU and RAM. This S2 destroys that tablet in specs, that's why it would be so unadvisable to forfeit all that money for barely an upgrade!
Just my logical 2 cents...
Agreed. These new models are a rockin' deal. The 8 incher wifi was 299 and I paid 399 for the 9.7. Totally ok with the price and value.
Another thing that makes me think there won't be a Tab S3 so soon (apart from the obvious lack of any evidence so far) is that it would make sense for Samsung to release their next flagship tablet on Android Nougat from day one and that's not going to be possible for a long while.
Dear Android devotees,
The nexus model range ended. All those, who are familiar with Android longly, know it is somehow sad to hear such kind of news. It is an end of a chapter - indeed- and this means also the inception of a new one , now called as PIXEL.
I created this thread for the German community part of this forum who want to speak about rumors, news and opinions in general in regard to Google's next flagships ( in English of course).
Let's do it again & happy flashing!
I know it's the xl forum but if the 5" starts at 649 then the xl will be 699 or 750. They are pulling the same crap like last year. The 5x was way too expensive at launch. Fr 200/ 250 it's a good phone, but the price wasn't justified by only it getting fast updates. The xl has to outclass the 6p. And that will be difficult simply because the 6p is an excellent phone still and it's a lot cheaper and development is going strong. Not to mention the 2k oled display stereo speakers and good camera. If it's not better then people are better off buying the 6p. (If we're kepping it within the nexus line) I will wait for development to get rolling before deciding if I buy another nexus. Currently okaywith the 5x (bought it for 200) and the op3. The op3 is excellent for tinkerers on a budget. The axon 7 is also an option but development for europe is non existent because of the locked bootloader.
Doc Moody said:
I know it's the xl forum but if the 5" starts at 649 then the xl will be 699 or 750. They are pulling the same crap like last year. The 5x was way too expensive at launch. Fr 200/ 250 it's a good phone, but the price wasn't justified by only it getting fast updates. The xl has to outclass the 6p. And that will be difficult simply because the 6p is an excellent phone still and it's a lot cheaper and development is going strong. Not to mention the 2k oled display stereo speakers and good camera. If it's not better then people are better off buying the 6p. (If we're kepping it within the nexus line) I will wait for development to get rolling before deciding if I buy another nexus. Currently okaywith the 5x (bought it for 200) and the op3. The op3 is excellent for tinkerers on a budget. The axon 7 is also an option but development for europe is non existent because of the locked bootloader.
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Fully agreed. I'll stay with the 6p until I see it rooted and having a decent community.
But I'll switch away from the 6p as soon as I see the community of the Pixel growing. My 6p gets way too hot with normal usage and I'm pissed off about that.
I am still hoping that they offer something that could justify the price. e.g. top tier display and sensors to make it Daydream compatible (which should be the case), unlimited online storage and so on.
But the design and specs from the leaks seem pretty lackluster :/
Doc Moody said:
I know it's the xl forum but if the 5" starts at 649 then the xl will be 699 or 750. They are pulling the same crap like last year. The 5x was way too expensive at launch. Fr 200/ 250 it's a good phone, but the price wasn't justified by only it getting fast updates. The xl has to outclass the 6p. And that will be difficult simply because the 6p is an excellent phone still and it's a lot cheaper and development is going strong. Not to mention the 2k oled display stereo speakers and good camera. If it's not better then people are better off buying the 6p. (If we're kepping it within the nexus line) I will wait for development to get rolling before deciding if I buy another nexus. Currently okaywith the 5x (bought it for 200) and the op3. The op3 is excellent for tinkerers on a budget. The axon 7 is also an option but development for europe is non existent because of the locked bootloader.
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Yes, I totally agree. I am remembering to the good old "pay-less-for-much" concept, but I would classify this as dead since the nexus 5 actually. We might get something unbelievable, who knows? Yet we don't have many 105% authentic information.
D4rkSoRRoW said:
Fully agreed. I'll stay with the 6p until I see it rooted and having a decent community.
But I'll switch away from the 6p as soon as I see the community of the Pixel growing. My 6p gets way too hot with normal usage and I'm pissed off about that.
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Yup, also I do agree here. I just checked the sectiona and it was around 11 active roms and 6 active kernel threads.
ts-apps said:
I am still hoping that they offer something that could justify the price. e.g. top tier display and sensors to make it Daydream compatible (which should be the case), unlimited online storage and so on.
But the design and specs from the leaks seem pretty lackluster :/
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I am really really hoping for a good camera and battery, having a decent microphone would be also nice.
I think daydream puts sensors on the hardware, the same as gearvr.
I guess that has to be on board as minimum.
I hope that all sensors are located in the phone. Just take a look at Project Tango to to see the possibilities.
It would also be very beneficial to things like Argumented reality (e.g. Pokemon Go), GEO Location or activity recognition which are far from being perfect on our current devices.
Well, 5 days left. Really lookig forward for anything suprising.
OK so the N5X is 3 years old now... any new phones out or coming out that are similar in price (budget-mid price range), and will have similar custom ROM support?
Just curious, as my N5X is still going strong, but there seems to be a roadblock on getting Android Pie to be fully functional in the few attempts I see (encryption?)
I've been keeping an eye on the new Nokia #.1 devices, and other similar specc'd phones.
Thanks.
I think OnePlus 5T or OnePlus 6 is a true worthy successor
meciu99 said:
I think OnePlus 5T or OnePlus 6 is a true worthy successor
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Perhaps in function, but they cost quite a bit more.
meciu99 said:
I think OnePlus 5T or OnePlus 6 is a true worthy successor
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I replaced my Nexus 5x with an Essential PH-1 on Prime day. This is the first non Nexus device I ever owned but it's very much a spiritual successor to the Nexus lineup. I am waiting for it to go back on sale again so I can pick one up for my mom.
I would consider something like the OnePlus/Oppo if it were available on Sprint but unfortunately my device selection is limited being on this provider.
btux81 said:
I replaced my Nexus 5x with an Essential PH-1 on Prime day. This is the first non Nexus device I ever owned but it's very much a spiritual successor to the Nexus lineup. I am waiting for it to go back on sale again so I can pick one up for my mom.
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Those are still pretty spendy at $400+. I'm looking for the $300 or less range, same as the 5X was. I really can't see spending that much for a phone, as I'm not quite as hooked into it as some seem to be, I just need a nice reliable device I can customize easily like the 5X.
Nokia 7+ or Xiaomi Mi A2. Both Android One.
Nokia 7.1 (processor isn’t very good though), Nokia 7.1 Plus (awesome if launches globally near China price) or Nokia 8.1 (TBA).
ahmed.shaikh626 said:
Nokia 7.1 (processor isn’t very good though), Nokia 7.1 Plus (awesome if launches globally near China price) or Nokia 8.1 (TBA).
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Yeah I was looking at the Nokia phones as well. I'm in the US, so want to purchase them here so they have a warranty valid in the US.
Any more thoughts on this topic as the holiday sales are upon us?
@g90814: try Cypher OS in the meantime
rp158 said:
@g90814: try Cypher OS in the meantime
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I did... a little quirky, kept locking up, other little issues. I don't think Pie will be viable for the N5X in the long run.
Right now I'm running latest Oreo stock but rooted with Magisk and Franco kernel.
I'm asking about new phones, not ways to keep my old phone running.
Thanks.
@g90814, you're welcome
The Pixel 1 and Pixel 2 prices are about 300-500 bucks now. And that is very good.
vdhero said:
The Pixel 1 and Pixel 2 prices are about 300-500 bucks now. And that is very good.
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Older phones. I'm looking for more current ones.
g90814 said:
Older phones. I'm looking for more current ones.
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you can try the Xiaomi Mi 8 SE or The Pocophone F1 the Poco has a flagship specs with snapdragon 845 but its camera is not pretty good because Xiaomi just nerf the Poco's camera in the stock camera so you have to install a google camera. Mi 8 SE has snapdragon 710 which is quite rare and according to some people, it's a Snapdragon 845 with a weaker GPU.
vdhero said:
you can try the Xiaomi Mi 8 SE or The Pocophone F1 the Poco has a flagship specs with snapdragon 845 but its camera is not pretty good because Xiaomi just nerf the Poco's camera in the stock camera so you have to install a google camera. Mi 8 SE has snapdragon 710 which is quite rare and according to some people, it's a Snapdragon 845 with a weaker GPU.
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Xiaomi Mi 8 SE not available in US as of now unless you want it shipped from China.
Pocophone is an option, but a little expensive for my tastes ($345 for 64GB model) and not available with US warranty (yet).
g90814 said:
Xiaomi Mi 8 SE not available in US as of now unless you want it shipped from China.
Pocophone is an option, but a little expensive for my tastes ($345 for 64GB model) and not available with US warranty (yet).
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From everything I found, at that price point, the Pocophone is the best one, anything cheaper is way worse and not many things a little bit more expensive like at $400 or $500 are still not as good as it is. You don't really have to worry about warranty if you buy on Amazon though, if Xiaomi don't give you warranty, Amazon will as well as the resellers so don't worry about that. Bellow that 300 bucks, you may also get some other Xiaomi phones with good specs but most of them are using snapdragon 6xx which is not quite good.
Essential phone is truly the lowest price replacement of good quality.
I wouldn't recommend that pocophone for anyone in America because it doesn't work on Verizon or Sprint.
The pixel phones are all decent, but they have major hardware issues and look ugly.
LG makes the best looking and some of the most feature rich phones, but can't ever update software. (V30 is just an awesome phone form factor tho)
If I had to recommend a few replacements these would be it:
Galaxy s8 or newer Samsung flagships (TouchWiz is better than stock Android in 2018 amazingly)
Essential phone
LG v30*
Oneplus 6t (No other OnePlus phones though because the rest are beat by Galaxy s8/s9 and the essential phone at every price point)
*For v30 you must be a regular headphone jack user. That quad dac is amazing. Makes a $10 pair of headphones sound like $150, and regular car speakers sound like a full on audio upgrade. Being an LG there is next to no software support and no dev support, but the audio almost makes up for it.
---------- Post added at 05:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:12 AM ----------
Other option to consider however....
Downgrade to upgrade.
The 5x sucks you'll be happier with a Galaxy note 4, note 3, or a Nexus 6 as they are all faster and better phones in 2018 due to having 3gb of ram.
Plus they have great dev support and in the note devices extended batteries that can last a long time. Going from a Nexus 5x to any flagship with 3gb or more of ram in the last 5 years is really a massive upgrade. That 1gb of ram is the difference between usable and unusable.
nascar48 said:
Downgrade to upgrade.
The 5x sucks you'll be happier with a Galaxy note 4, note 3, or a Nexus 6 as they are all faster and better phones in 2018 due to having 3gb of ram.
Plus they have great dev support and in the note devices extended batteries that can last a long time. Going from a Nexus 5x to any flagship with 3gb or more of ram in the last 5 years is really a massive upgrade. That 1gb of ram is the difference between usable and unusable.
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Thanks for all that, Nascar. Lot's to consider, but the 'downgrade to upgrade' is a valid point. I was eyeing some refurb Galaxy s# phones, maybe I'll go for that.
I have bought a OnePlus 6 with the discount from Black Friday (and that will be valid until Christmas, I think). It is exactly the same price as the Nexus 5x 32gb originally.: $429,00. In this sense I think it is a proper successor. It is a little big, though.
And I disagree with the post above. The S8 is a great phone, but it is worse than the OnePlus 6 in most aspects but the camera.