To buy, or not to buy? - Essential Phone Questions & Answers

Hello all,
I have a crappy old lg g4. It's really unstable and doesn't preform well.
I am a student so i'm short on cash and I am looking into buying an essential ph-1 but I have heard of numerous issues regarding the touch, crashing, random rebooting, camera and other things. Are these issues common? Are they fixed by custom roms? Or is this phone a minefeild that I should avoid?
I tried to find documentation on this but there is just mentions of it online and it's not clear how widespread they are.
Any answers to clear this up would be appreciated.
Thanks!

adam_s_459_ said:
Hello all,
I have a crappy old lg g4. It's really unstable and doesn't preform well.
I am a student so i'm short on cash and I am looking into buying an essential ph-1 but I have heard of numerous issues regarding the touch, crashing, random rebooting, camera and other things. Are these issues common? Are they fixed by custom roms? Or is this phone a minefeild that I should avoid?
I tried to find documentation on this but there is just mentions of it online and it's not clear how widespread they are.
Any answers to clear this up would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, if you're coming from an LG G4 no wonder you're a little paranoid. :cyclops:
To help answer your question, being a student your cash flow is limited so base your choice on intended use and on available price. If you can find an Essential at a relatively good price, it's a good phone with good specs which, as a brand, it's no more susceptible to quirks and ticks than any other name brand. It also has a healthy online community to engage with for questions/support.
In the end though, if you're weighing purchasing a device versus paying a bill or buying a box of ramen and your primary use would be for email/text and begging for boob pictures I'd consider something boring with proven reliability (used Samsung S6 or S7 can be purchased around 100 bucks nowadays). Otherwise, if you have a line on a good, decently priced, Essential and don't have to hang out on street corners for book money after buying ... go for it.

Aimless Rambler said:
First, if you're coming from an LG G4 no wonder you're a little paranoid. :cyclops:
To help answer your question, being a student your cash flow is limited so base your choice on intended use and on available price. If you can find an Essential at a relatively good price, it's a good phone with good specs which, as a brand, it's no more susceptible to quirks and ticks than any other name brand. It also has a healthy online community to engage with for questions/support.
In the end though, if you're weighing purchasing a device versus paying a bill or buying a box of ramen and your primary use would be for email/text and begging for boob pictures I'd consider something boring with proven reliability (used Samsung S6 or S7 can be purchased around 100 bucks nowadays). Otherwise, if you have a line on a good, decently priced, Essential and don't have to hang out on street corners for book money after buying ... go for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I can get it for like CA$220 so I might just pull the trigger. I'm just doing research right now my plan actually resets in December so if something like a pixel 2 refurbished pops up I'll snag that, but thanks for your responce. (And yeah I'm a lil paranoid)

adam_s_459_ said:
Yeah I can get it for like CA$220 so I might just pull the trigger. I'm just doing research right now my plan actually resets in December so if something like a pixel 2 refurbished pops up I'll snag that, but thanks for your responce. (And yeah I'm a lil paranoid)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems to me you might be better served by a Pixel 3a given its time in the Android life cycle...
I would assume you can score one for only a little bit more than a used PH-1... And not get something with a 2 year old battery

rignfool said:
It seems to me you might be better served by a Pixel 3a given its time in the Android life cycle...
I would assume you can score one for only a little bit more than a used PH-1... And not get something with a 2 year old battery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree and the Pixel 3a should be coming down in price with the release of the Pixel 4 in the next couple months.

mruno said:
I agree and the Pixel 3a should be coming down in price with the release of the Pixel 4 in the next couple months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theses are good points, I'll definitely look into it I never thought about the release cycle of the pixel 4
Thanks!

adam_s_459_ said:
Hello all,
I have a crappy old lg g4. It's really unstable and doesn't preform well.
I am a student so i'm short on cash and I am looking into buying an essential ph-1 but I have heard of numerous issues regarding the touch, crashing, random rebooting, camera and other things. Are these issues common? Are they fixed by custom roms? Or is this phone a minefeild that I should avoid?
I tried to find documentation on this but there is just mentions of it online and it's not clear how widespread they are.
Any answers to clear this up would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all comes down to your intended usage and budget. The reality is, most of us do not keep the same device as a daily driver for more than a year. If you want to spend 400 bucks on something you'll be bored with in 6 months despite the initial wow factor then your student cash flow is much better than mine was as a student. In the end, you just need a device which works for your needs.

Aimless Rambler said:
It all comes down to your intended usage and budget. The reality is, most of us do not keep the same device as a daily driver for more than a year. If you want to spend 400 bucks on something you'll be bored with in 6 months despite the initial wow factor then your student cash flow is much better than mine was as a student. In the end, you just need a device which works for your needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would keep the device for 2 years but I'm looking for the most value for my $300 (CAD) and a device which I won't have issues with . RN I'm torn between the pixel 3a (if the price drops) and Galaxy a50. Either way I'll be happy so I'll just have to see which is cheaper at the time. Thanks!

Related

Just got Oneplus 64gb invite....

Hey all....
Much to my surprise, I woke up this morning with an invitation to buy the 64GB Oneplus One. I went ahead and made the purchase. Whether I keep it, sell it or use it....no clue.
The G3 was my response to not being able to get the OPO invite. However, after having the G3, I have grown quite fond of it. I have concerns about the customization level even with xposed running. Customizing is important to me. Storage is whatever, not a huge deal. Photographs and videos are a mid priority on my list.
Anyways - anyone here have a chance to play with both? Which did you prefer? I have 1 week to return my G3 before I'm stuck to it. I will most likely return the G3 if the OPO doesn't arrive fast enough to be on the safe side. I'll deal with the return fee.
If anyone has any experience or thoughts on it please share. I read some other threads which were less constructive and more just bickering.
Thanks everyone.
tehpud said:
Hey all....
Much to my surprise, I woke up this morning with an invitation to buy the 64GB Oneplus One. I went ahead and made the purchase. Whether I keep it, sell it or use it....no clue.
The G3 was my response to not being able to get the OPO invite. However, after having the G3, I have grown quite fond of it. I have concerns about the customization level even with xposed running. Customizing is important to me. Storage is whatever, not a huge deal. Photographs and videos are a mid priority on my list.
Anyways - anyone here have a chance to play with both? Which did you prefer? I have 1 week to return my G3 before I'm stuck to it. I will most likely return the G3 if the OPO doesn't arrive fast enough to be on the safe side. I'll deal with the return fee.
If anyone has any experience or thoughts on it please share. I read some other threads which were less constructive and more just bickering.
Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i gave away my invite..the g3 is far superior than the opo
I just got an invite also and I also bought it. Main reason is because Franco is developing kernels for it, and it being fully unlocked. I like the g3 but the software is pissing me off
bradm23 said:
I just got an invite also and I also bought it. Main reason is because Franco is developing kernels for it, and it being fully unlocked. I like the g3 but the software is pissing me off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From a hardware perspective I am quite happy with the g3. That being said...I am Stoll yearning for more customization. The software has been frustrating me as well.
One question I need to answer is if the cost is worth it. 350 is an awesome price.
hello00 said:
i gave away my invite..the g3 is far superior than the opo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gave mine away also...dont want to have to deal with that company.
And no doubt G3 is better...
sent from Canada via my Note 3, Note 2 or One X +
I got the invite too, G3 is leagues ahead
Even if the devices were similar, I'm so annoyed with OP's business practices that I don't want to support them anyway.
How is the software frustrating? If you download Chrome, Hangouts, Google Camera, and install the Google Now launcher and dialer, you pretty much have a stock experience. Hell you could even get rid of the lock screen and use a replacement to get a more stock feel. Xposed modules will let you customize almost anything Cyanogenmod can.
bigkevbosky said:
How is the software frustrating? If you download Chrome, Hangouts, Google Camera, and install the Google Now launcher and dialer, you pretty much have a stock experience. Hell you could even get rid of the lock screen and use a replacement to get a more stock feel. Xposed modules will let you customize almost anything Cyanogenmod can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is a good post. after all is said and done, they will be quite similar with what is installed. for me, i like to tinker with ROMs and building environments (i'm a ux/ui designer) to play with.
bloatware can be removed so i'm not worried about that. at this stage it is mostly a matter of time. I already ordered it and will just turn around and sell it and keep the G3 or switch to it. I haven't put my G3 down since I got it. Truly an awesome phone.
I may have ordered it because i had waited 4 months for the invitation. Finally comes after I already getting into a committed relationship with the G3. LOL.
tehpud said:
Hey all....
Much to my surprise, I woke up this morning with an invitation to buy the 64GB Oneplus One. I went ahead and made the purchase. Whether I keep it, sell it or use it....no clue.
The G3 was my response to not being able to get the OPO invite. However, after having the G3, I have grown quite fond of it. I have concerns about the customization level even with xposed running. Customizing is important to me. Storage is whatever, not a huge deal. Photographs and videos are a mid priority on my list.
Anyways - anyone here have a chance to play with both? Which did you prefer? I have 1 week to return my G3 before I'm stuck to it. I will most likely return the G3 if the OPO doesn't arrive fast enough to be on the safe side. I'll deal with the return fee.
If anyone has any experience or thoughts on it please share. I read some other threads which were less constructive and more just bickering.
Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gave my invite away. G3 is leagues ahead, and I am rather fond of LG. The One Plus is a good phone for the price, and the software is top notch. (I have the One Plus ROM installed on my G2. Same hardware I believe) I just believe the G3 is superior in terms of everyday usage. My two cents.
How do you guys get invite to OPO? Should I just register on web site?
TheAfroGuy said:
Gave my invite away. G3 is leagues ahead, and I am rather fond of LG. The One Plus is a good phone for the price, and the software is top notch. (I have the One Plus ROM installed on my G2. Same hardware I believe) I just believe the G3 is superior in terms of everyday usage. My two cents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am seeing a consistent trend in this direction. The every day user seems to prefer the G3 while others justify the OPO due to cost, faster updates (assumed by the claimer), and better battery life.
Once I get it in my hands - I will know quickly which I prefer. I just hope we get an unlocked bootloader on the G3. Doesn't have to be right away but soon!
tehpud said:
I am seeing a consistent trend in this direction. The every day user seems to prefer the G3 while others justify the OPO due to cost, faster updates (assumed by the claimer), and better battery life.
Once I get it in my hands - I will know quickly which I prefer. I just hope we get an unlocked bootloader on the G3. Doesn't have to be right away but soon!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In no way am I bashing the One Plus, I rather like the price for the specs inside. Applauded Google for bringing the Nexus line into fruition, and pushing manufacturers to not screw over the average consumer with mediocre specs for a lot of money. I just am not seeing the justification of a smartphone of that price, when build quality, screen material, and overall spec wise, the G3 beats it (for not a lot more money, I might add)
Another reason I shied away from the One Plus, is the shady dealings of both the manufacturer, and how CM royally screwed over a large contributor base. Again, a great phone, but with shady dealings and practices involved I can see no reason to jump ship to that.
Why would anyone even compare the one plus and g3? It's not even close. People want the one plus because its hard to get.....period.
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I have both phones. In my opinion, the G3 is far superior than the Oneplus One in every way hardware wise. The G3 is thinner, smaller, has a better camera, and the screen is gorgeous (everyone has their own opinions). The only thing I like about the Oneplus is cyanogenmod's theme chooser, other than that I'm more than happy with the G3.
Plus, I'm sure cyanogenmod will make it's way to the G3 sooner or later since our T-Mobile G3s are bootloader unlocked.
Edit: Oh, just wanted to point out that the sandstone back of the Oneplus is AMAZING! It feels much better in hand than the G3, but it is also wider and taller which is a no-no.
Sell the OPO for like 100 more than you paid for.
Can't go wrong with either really, as long as you can get an invite for the OPO. They're picking up the pace with those though and you should be able to purchase it outright by the end of Q3 (August)
If any of you have spare invites I still haven't gotten one yet and I'd love one for tinkering. The random invite system is dumb. I was one of their earliest supporters but I didn't create a forum account for a while so I got burned.
arcanexvi said:
If any of you have spare invites I still haven't gotten one yet and I'd love one for tinkering. The random invite system is dumb. I was one of their earliest supporters but I didn't create a forum account for a while so I got burned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1!!!!!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I have both phones, and to be honest, they don't really feel like competitors. The G3 is polished, slim, and solidly built, but is heavily restricted with its locked bootloader. The OPO is a flashaholic's dream, but the hardware isn't as nice. Mine has the slight yellow band at the bottom of the screen, too. The OPO feels much faster, but not overwhelmingly.

Jelly effect on all phones?

I love this phone but am very aware and ocd about how a phone works and I do have the scrolling problem. If it's an issue that's with all phones, not just ones "who can see it"...but if it's all phones, I may just try to get adjusted to it. If it can or will be corrected, I want to send the phone back in the 15 day period.
Anyone have any idea if this will just continue with this phone or will be corrected? Or if sending back and re-buying, I have a chance of getting one where it doesn't happen?
This is gambling i think. You can get one which is not affected, but also you can get one which is more affected, than yours now. I'll also send back the phone for replacement if it's not fixed in my 15 day period. I love this phone, really.... Everything is awesome, but this jelly thing :/
EDIT: Manufacture date: 12th June, panel is s6e3fa5
Will they "replace" it? They say it's normal....not a defect.
I asked support for a replacement two days ago and they told me the only thing they can do is refunding. I guess adjusting to it won't be that hard after all.
All phones are affected returning won't do you any good. There won't be any update to fix the issue, its a design choice.
You have 2 choices:
Refund
Keep the device and live with the jelly
Kirahvi said:
All phones are affected returning won't do you any good. There won't be any update to fix the issue, its a design choice.
You have 2 choices:
Refund
Keep the device and live with the jelly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you underline words, they aren't always true. I saw a couple of videos, someone's phone is falling apart by this effect, but i've seen videos where the user's display has zero jelly effect. So no, not everybody has it.
True. I don't have it AT ALL, and there is nothing wrong with my eyes. I have seen for myself devices that suffer from it. Mine doesn't
Well... unlike you I happen to have some evidence to support my underlined claims.
https://www.xda-developers.com/conf...ay-upside-down-likely-reason-jelly-scrolling/
+1 I don't have it. My was produced on 9th of June. 8/128 #nojello
It depends, someone has a strong jello effect, someone has none/little to none. Mine has but it's almost nothing. And 1+ can't fix this, since this is their design choice. How do you people find the manufacture dates of your phones?
--EDIT--
nvm, found it. It's on the sticker at the back of the box. Mine is 2017.06.07, 6GB/64GB
david19au said:
It depends, someone has a strong jello effect, someone has none/little to none. Mine has but it's almost nothing. And 1+ can't fix this, since this is their design choice. How do you people find the manufacture dates of your phones?
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Click to collapse
selling box
This reminds me of the iPhone "antennagate", where many reported bad reception due to manufacturers defects. I had that iPhone and mine was fine. Turned out to be isolated, not overall problem.
I don't have the OP5, but am considering it, so interested in discussion.
IF I did own it, don't know if I would return it.
The way OP is handling it is poor. They could learn from Steve Jobs. He was a master at dealing with this type of situation.
BTW, I own a Le Eco Pro 3 phone. Another Chinese company crashing and withdrawing from US, despite well priced, great hardware phones.
This is a complex, tough business.
I've tried everything to reproduce this effect, to no avail. Unfortunately, my phone is perfect to my eyes. Well, I do notice the slight stutter when I scroll very fast. I can more than live with that for the specs I'm getting. Honestly, I don't even care.
I feel badly for the people affected by this issue. Such a great phone and it's really a shame that they can't enjoy it like most of us.
bramgoodwin said:
This reminds me of the iPhone "antennagate", where many reported bad reception due to manufacturers defects. I had that iPhone and mine was fine. Turned out to be isolated, not overall problem.
I don't have the OP5, but am considering it, so interested in discussion.
IF I did own it, don't know if I would return it.
The way OP is handling it is poor. They could learn from Steve Jobs. He was a master at dealing with this type of situation.
BTW, I own a Le Eco Pro 3 phone. Another Chinese company crashing and withdrawing from US, despite well priced, great hardware phones.
This is a complex, tough business.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No business is tough if know when to scale the business up and how.
Oneplus, I think, got too greedy and scaled up too quickly while their QA and After-sales departments couldn't keep up with the pace.
Oneplus is acting like Apple/Samsung with their price raises and all but not following it with the QA/After-sales of those companies. They simply can't. They just aren't there yet.
If this phone would be priced, say, $75 less than what it is, I would happily live with it despite some QA issues like the minor, barely noticeable, jelly effect that I have. I would even stand in queue and wait for an invite according to the invitation system they had in place during their early years.
At $540, I'm sorry, I would 'Never Settle'. I'm more demanding at that price. LG G6 is available for cheaper and that too is a very good phone.
cheesechocolate said:
No business is tough if know when to scale the business up and how.
Oneplus, I think, got too greedy and scaled up too quickly while their QA and After-sales departments couldn't keep up with the pace.
Oneplus is acting like Apple/Samsung with their price raises and all but not following it with the QA/After-sales of those companies. They simply can't. They just aren't there yet.
If this phone would be priced, say, $75 less than what it is, I would happily live with it despite some QA issues like the minor, barely noticeable, jelly effect that I have. I would even stand in queue and wait for an invite according to the invitation system they had in place during their early years.
At $540, I'm sorry, I would 'Never Settle'. I'm more demanding at that price. LG G6 is available for cheaper and that too is a very good phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree, bought my LeEco Pro 3 for $249, following your logic.
Look, US market is so lucrative, Chinese MFG see it as gold. But, its one thing to produce a good phone, very different ongoing development and service.
Le Eco was similar with big slogans, but couldn’t even sustain for 6 months in US.
Still great market for $399 phone, but can they make a profit so development investments can continue?
Interesting to see what happens.
I have a little jelly effect.
its noticeable when i see minutely.
Will this kind of issue be increased by regular usage or it will be like that...forever unless oneplus provide some update.
If it stays that way... then i am fine as its barely noticeable but it improvise over time then its a big issue.
My phone manufacturing date is 16 Jun 2017
bramgoodwin said:
Agree, bought my LeEco Pro 3 for $249, following your logic.
Look, US market is so lucrative, Chinese MFG see it as gold. But, its one thing to produce a good phone, very different ongoing development and service.
Le Eco was similar with big slogans, but couldn’t even sustain for 6 months in US.
Still great market for $399 phone, but can they make a profit so development investments can continue?
Interesting to see what happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The kinda business model Oneplus has, they don't even need much R&D. The dev community does it all for them without any cost.
They give pretty much stock android. So not much R&D there.
Camera module is also bought from others so they can as well buy the processing algorithms.
Rest all components like GPS, NFC, Display etc. are bought out-of-the-house and Oneplus simply assembles them.
With this kinda business model you can't really go wrong if you just sort out your business funding, QA, and after-sales.
That's all you need and you'll get the sales to compensate for the lower price.
They seem to be deviating from their business model by the price raises and the QA/After-sales issues. Oneplus 5 suffers from the consequences of that deviation from the business model.
No jelly effect here. I got mine before they went on sale so I guess I'll say a got Lucky! Was considering leaving this phone before for the U11 but I can't stand HTC software. So I'll keep this rare "non-effective" device .
Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using Tapatalk
No issue here. I got lucky. Really I have zero issues with this phone.
lopmig1 said:
No issue here. I got lucky. Really I have zero issues with this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
qasq said:
+1 I don't have it. My was produced on 9th of June. 8/128 #nojello
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Click to collapse
You, NoJello heroes keeping the hope in us. I really hope that my replacement won't have this issue. :good:

Pixel 2 XL bad press and forum experience

So I returned the 64GB XL that I originally ordered due to me not adding the preferred care and seeing all the quality control and screen issues. I reordered a 128 GB device with preferred care and cancelled. All the bad press, all the threads and posts about quality control issues, this being a "travesty" and other comments. I cancelled and reordered 5 times and I finally followed through with the purchase. But only on one condition. I wasn't going to look at articles, forums, videos or any sort of press regarding the device at all for a week. I had read about all the issues and was still weary about it when I received the device on the 26th. I set it up and the first thing I did was look for this blue tint. I have a VERY slight tint at extreme angles that I do not view of device from but it did not bother me a bit and did not interfere with my experience. So what did I do next? I used my phone as my daily driver and in the same manner that I did my $8+. Since the 26th, I have had no issues, and I can honestly say that I could not be more thrilled with this device. It is exactly what I was looking for. My first vanilla Android experience and it is amazing. So with that being said, let's get to the question. Has anyone else avoided the negative press and forums to get their own experience? Has anyone else come to the and conclusion that I have? I can't say that the phone is perfect. I can't say that every device is made equal. But I can say that if you are on the fence with your purchase, just buy it. Experience the device for yourself, form your own opinion. Keep in mind what you have learned from other's experiences, but really form your own opinion with your own experience and come share with us. If you don't like it, just return it. Thanks for the read everyone! If you like your device great! If it wasn't for you, I hope you find the device you're looking for. Have a great one everybody!
I ordered on day one and my phone was very blue at even a slight angle. I returned it and ordered another and I am very happy with it. the processor is a beast. battery and camera are the best there is. Software and features are way ahead of others and will stay there. You need to try it. Don't read or buy into the negative hype. Try it. If you don't like it returning the device is easy and costs nothing.
@MacTheRipperr
I didn't let it get me down. I pre-ordered on the 6th, got it the 28th, never returned it, and never cared about the press.
I don't care about random people's opinions, and I have no idea why everyone does. I figured once I got it, i would see if I like it, if not, I would return it and move on.
The media is and always will be full of ****, the same with the vast majority of people sadly. I still hear people run in their mouth about this device in telegram chats and online that never have nor will hold an xl2, at that rate, why would anyone take anything they say at face value? It's sad that people fall to peer pressure, and can't be big enough to make a decision for themselves, they have to follow the norm.
Anyways, my device like most others shifts colors at an angle, and it doesn't bother me. I always have and will use black themes while I'm on an oled device. You can't get this rich of black color which makes everything else pop on lcd.
Coming from a 6p, this phone is light years faster than it was, and the battery life I've had on stock with the stock kernel, has put all other devices I've had to shame. I couldn't be happier with the xl2
This phone ticked all the boxes I want/need and after the trade in plus the rebate from T-mobile I'd be stupid not to jump on it. While waiting all the complaints about the screen came in so I was curious to see what it would look like when I got it. Opened the box and turned the screen on, tilted it and said...."that's it???". I've been loving it since day one. Best phone I've ever had.
If anything the negative press had lowered my expectations some, so when I finally got my phone I was absolutely blown away by how great it is. I couldn't say if I had not read anything bad about the phone, whether or not my response would have been the same, but all I can say is that this is the best phone I have ever used (going from Nexus 5, to 6, to 6P, to 2XL)
I find it humorous that in advance of the iPhone X, Apple puts out a paper saying that burn-in and blue tint upon tilting device are normal for oled screens, and not a defect. I wonder if all the media sources that blasted the Pixel 2 XL for being a "mediocre" device because of those screen issues will be as hard on Apple as they were on Google?
I've read the articles and kept up with stuff, but I really just don't give a sh__, to be frank. Is there a blue tint at angle? Yup. Does it bother me? Nope. Is there screen burn in/retention? Don't know. (I have not seen anything and don't care about trying it out to see.) This phone is so freaking phenomenal, I can't believe that people steer clear over some bad press given by a bunch of YouTube reviewers that nit-pick everything with every phone ever made.
To prove my point on how little the everyday user cares, I showed 2 buddies of mine my 2 XL the other night. They both just recently got the iPhone 8+ and they've had Apple devices going back to the iPhone 6. Both of them played with my 2 XL for at least 15 minutes. Neither of them mentioned anything about the screen other than they said they loved the lack of huge bezels. Both commented on how blazingly fast it performed. They also loved how it listened for music and displayed what was playing automatically.
I'm happy with my 2 XL. If by some chance Google does some sort of recall, etc. I may go ahead and do that, but as of yet, I see no reason to RMA my phone.
Dang, OP. Nailed my experience, but in a different manner: Ordered during the event and got mine on the 20th. Also came from an S8+.
Have since stopped reading comments on popular Android tech sites due to the sheer vileness of them. Maybe it was present before and I just never noticed, but the comments sections are a total sh_tshow. I am embarrassed to be a part of a community that can treat each other so poorly.
I imagine someone new to the community going on to these sites and just being absolutely stunned by how petty and rude we must seem.
It's not just Pixel articles either; Samsung, HTC, LG.... It's unavoidable.
I like my S8+ and my 2 XL. I liked my V20. My son loves his V30 (and before that, his HTC 10). Why can't we seem to accept that they're all great devices? Why do we have to be so vile to each other?
Sorry... That went longer than I had planned...
/rant end
It's hands-on for me! Media suxes!!
MacTheRipperr said:
So I returned the 64GB XL that I originally ordered due to me not adding the preferred care and seeing all the quality control and screen issues. I reordered a 128 GB device with preferred care and cancelled. All the bad press, all the threads and posts about quality control issues, this being a "travesty" and other comments. I cancelled and reordered 5 times and I finally followed through with the purchase. But only on one condition. I wasn't going to look at articles, forums, videos or any sort of press regarding the device at all for a week. I had read about all the issues and was still weary about it when I received the device on the 26th. I set it up and the first thing I did was look for this blue tint. I have a VERY slight tint at extreme angles that I do not view of device from but it did not bother me a bit and did not interfere with my experience. So what did I do next? I used my phone as my daily driver and in the same manner that I did my $8+. Since the 26th, I have had no issues, and I can honestly say that I could not be more thrilled with this device. It is exactly what I was looking for. My first vanilla Android experience and it is amazing. So with that being said, let's get to the question. Has anyone else avoided the negative press and forums to get their own experience? Has anyone else come to the and conclusion that I have? I can't say that the phone is perfect. I can't say that every device is made equal. But I can say that if you are on the fence with your purchase, just buy it. Experience the device for yourself, form your own opinion. Keep in mind what you have learned from other's experiences, but really form your own opinion with your own experience and come share with us. If you don't like it, just return it. Thanks for the read everyone! If you like your device great! If it wasn't for you, I hope you find the device you're looking for. Have a great one everybody!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I preordered it and kept it.
Ive had a Galaxy Nexus Nexus 5 Nexus 6p and now the Pixel XL 2 I can tell you... You will never get a "perfect" phone from Google you just wont. But you dont get this phone because its perfect. You get it because you dont have to wait for updates from the carrier that will never come. You dont have to worry about the bootloader being locked. And you can pretty much count on the most developer support.
Everyone of the phones listed above had an "issue" blown way out of proportion.
Galaxy Nexus was battery life even leading to Verizon offering a extended battery
Nexus 5 had a screen issue where anything after the 1st batch had a yellow tint to the display. (I was lucky to get one of the good ones but then 3 months later my phone decided to not DL or send MMS at all no matter what i did. I had to RMA it and got a yellow tint phone. Oh and battery life issues.
Nexus 6p had screen issues and battery issues where the phone would shut down once the battery reached anywhere from 15% to 50% Oh there was also a software bug on only this phone where the phone would refuse to switch to LTE and the only way to make it do this was to go into the secret *#*4636*#*# and toggle the LTE radio. This was not fixed for 2 security updates
See you will never get a "perfect phone" from Google. Just like a lot of their products start out pretty ****ty and get better through several updates.
Well, I most definitely want to thank you guys for your feedback and being honest without the hostility. It's good to see that I am not alone in my experience. Thanks for replying with tact. We can only lead our fellow enthusiast by example. Thanks again for your responses.
I've had a horrible experience through all of this, I'm also a new member here, although I've been a lurker for years. BUT I pre-ordered, kept the order and received a P2XL that is blue straight on and gets worse at any angle. I RMA'd my device, new one will be here this friday/saturday. Thing is after a week I really love this phone and willing to try at least one more as it seems there is or was a quality issue but most here that have RMA'd are reporting they've gotten a better device back. I agree what another member posted about the rhetoric and the way people are treating each other but that's the interwebs these days. Also seems a bunch of people here received great devices to begin with (ANOTHER REASON TO ORDER ONE AND TRY IT YOURSELF) but unfortunately some of them just assume everyone's device is the exact same as theirs and some of them even deny there could be an issue saying "we see these things differently" and we should "just shut up or get a refund". Don't listen to them, don't really take much weight in what anyone says (including me) about their personal experience until you've had the exact same experience with the same device to relate to their issues posted. We're here to share our experiences with these devices with each other but for every 1 P2XL user here there are probably at least 4 or 5 if not more that are ecstatic to own these phones from Google. Remember most people who have issues go onto forums and websites to see if others are experiencing the same issues. So it becomes a breeding ground for every issue ever found on "x" device within "x" days of being released. Like what's been said here before, it's not just here, all manufacturers have issues with their devices and for me IMO the P2XL is what I want/need in a phone. Hopefully you'll order one up and give it a shot, you're truly missing out on an amazing experience with an amazing device.
You know things are desperate when people have to make "feel good" threads.
As for the validity of media or what else has been said here, this entire thread is pure conjecture and speculation made against others who disagree.
Im also not sure who this is directed at. The people who dont like/want this phone wont be here.
Neither will the people who returned them.
As for the point of the thread.
If you buy a device that costs a grand, might aswell demand no ISSUES.
Neither apples pathetic response to possible issues with the screen nor Google's "we are looking into it" imply a whole lot respect for the consumer or confindence for their devices.
You can like your device, you can claim its perfect, beautiful, whatever. But for this price, nothing short of perfection(as much as it can be achieved) should be demanded.
If im paying a grand, i dont want to be bothered by RMAs or other BS.
If they have QC issues, they are free to perhaps ship some jobs back to Europe/America. Im sure they have enough money to pay decent wages for people to QC their devices or produce them here.
If not, they should not expect mercy from the consumer or press, and yes this includes apple too
What a pathetic age we live in.
shadowcore said:
.
If you buy a device that costs a grand, might aswell demand no ISSUES.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do know you're paying for more than hardware right? You don't really think you're getting a minimum of 3 years OS updates, a minimum of 3 years of monthly security updates, support help right on the device, and all that unlimited storage for nothing do ya.
shadowcore said:
If you buy a device that costs a grand, might aswell demand no ISSUES.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not demand pink unicorns as well, since we're apparently asking for the impossible?
No device is without "issues". Not a one.
If you won't pay a grand for any non-perfect device, and no such device exists, you are basically claiming no device is worth a grand.
Welp...okay. it's a perfectly valid opinion. Thanks for sharing.
PhoenixPath said:
Why not demand pink unicorns as well, since we're apparently asking for the impossible?
No device is without "issues". Not a one.
If you won't pay a grand for any non-perfect device, and no such device exists, you are basically claiming no device is worth a grand.
Welp...okay. it's a perfectly valid opinion. Thanks for sharing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you believe any of the current issues would be present, if they had QC that actually was managed properly?
It cant be because of technology that the device costs this much, about a grand, in 2017.
Surely they can afford proper QC at an asking price of 1 grand.
Im not sure proper QC is like pink unicorns, but i guess people should just shut up.
A proper premium tier QC is pink unicorns. Im having the timw of my life now.
---------- Post added at 05:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:28 PM ----------
AndrasLOHF said:
You do know you're paying for more than hardware right? You don't really think you're getting a minimum of 3 years OS updates, a minimum of 3 years of monthly security updates, support help right on the device, and all that unlimited storage for nothing do ya.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats true, i wish only they provided a black skin/overlay for android.
Its 2017 and only custom roms offer amoled friendly UI.
Im not sureni value android updates when they offer no enhancements i need.
shadowcore said:
Do you believe any of the current issues would be present, if they had QC that actually was managed properly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
QC doesn't stop issues from reaching the public. It limits them.
A certain number of bad devices will invariably get out in the market. This is unavoidable.
If you are trying to claim that it is avoidable, that any company could release a device and the public would not see a single failure, please - do tell; what fantastical device is it?
If you are trying to claim that *all* Pixel 2 XL devices are bad, well, you're entitled to your opinion, but if that is indeed the case, your opinion is not at all relevant to us.
PhoenixPath said:
QC doesn't stop issues from reaching the public. It limits them.
A certain number of bad devices will invariably get out in the market. This is unavoidable.
If you are trying to claim that it is avoidable, that any company could release a device and the public would not see a single failure, please - do tell; what fantastical device is it?
If you are trying to claim that *all* Pixel 2 XL devices are bad, well, you're entitled to your opinion, but if that is indeed the case, your opinion is not at all relevant to us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pray tell, do you really believe issues such as blue tint or burn in wouldnt be caught by proper QC?
These issues are so obvious, even non-tech savy people can notice them.
And no, i didnt claim qc prevents all bad apples, but thw moat obvious ones. Way to strawman my point there.
All google needed to do, when noticing issues in QC , is hold off on the release date.
You can probably imagine how much i enjoyed last years fiasco with exploding batteries with samsung.
If anything, that was the epitome and parody of the flagship smartphone industry.
Imagine buying a porsche and getting one that had paint issues or an expensive mercedes with discolored glass.
If i wanted to gamble and try my luck, i would get an Oppo, not a pixel or samsung.
I agree with both you guys lol. IMO the issue is when testing Google from day 1 just looked past the blue tint and other issues thinking "This is the way it has to be" "it's a trade off" and software updates will fix it or it's just supposed to be like that. Hence the quality issues, if you tell your QC dept that it's supposed to look like that then they'll unfortunately let them all leave the factory like that. Probably why there's 50 shades of blue and no direct reasoning or answer from anyone as to why there's such a variance between the exact same devices produced on the same date even. BTW shadowcore is onto something I've been previously saying, yea there's shortcomings with any new device but it shouldn't be this bad all over the map with these things for the price they charge. And then attempted sweeping under the rug of it all, "working as intended" just to rub ya the wrong way after all that money spent whether you got 5 discounts or paid full retail. PRINCIPLE. This is top tier device I know it's been done before here but would you buy a brand new BMW/AUDI/LEXUS/MERCEDES and be just fine with creaking plastic crappy interior you sit in every time you drive? We need to interact with this screen every day all day for some people.
shadowcore said:
....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is their QC sub-par? Do they actually have more defective units than other vendors?
Is there anything other than the initial media coverage, now little more than background noise, that implies Google's devices see more defects in the market than others?
Or, as you just admitted in the last post, are you just super happy about any and all failures and maybe that is what is driving your fervor?
I mean, even if that's what it is, I get it. These companies make billions - watching them trip and fall, even if it's only in our perception, can be somewhat cathartic - is it really any more than that, though?

Essential PH-1 vs Essential's Next Phone

All,
I am in the market for new phone. I am trying to decide what to do. I really the like Essential PH-1 after using both Nexus and Pixel phones. I'm on my backup Nexus6 phone after my Pixel decided to no longer boot.
I am not in a rush to get a new phone and have been doing some research. It appears Essential may be releasing a new phone in the next couple of months.
Would you get the PH-1 or wait it out for the next phone?
WhammyDroid said:
All,
I am in the market for new phone. I am trying to decide what to do. I really the like Essential PH-1 after using both Nexus and Pixel phones. I'm on my backup Nexus6 phone after my Pixel decided to no longer boot.
I am not in a rush to get a new phone and have been doing some research. It appears Essential may be releasing a new phone in the next couple of months.
Would you get the PH-1 or wait it out for the next phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always wait for the next thing.
Even if announced in the next few months, it probably won't be avail for another 3 months.
Can you wait six m months before you get a new phone?
If the answer is yes, then wait.
You might have to wait until August. The next phone will have a better camera. It does the job for me.
http://www.businessinsider.com/essential-phone-camera-andy-rubin-2018-4
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Has there been any hint on size of phone? I definitely do not want a phone as large as the Nexus 6. It is just too big.
tech_head said:
You can always wait for the next thing.
Even if announced in the next few months, it probably won't be avail for another 3 months.
Can you wait six m months before you get a new phone?
If the answer is yes, then wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My only issue with getting the PH-1 now is that in another year, Essential will stop sending OS updates. That to me is possibly worth waiting.
WhammyDroid said:
Has there been any hint on size of phone? I definitely do not want a phone as large as the Nexus 6. It is just too big.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They indicated the 360 camera would still be functional.
I doubt that they are going to increase size dramatically.
WhammyDroid said:
My only issue with getting the PH-1 now is that in another year, Essential will stop sending OS updates. That to me is possibly worth waiting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The updates have been fast and furious on the PH-1 so far. And it is sooo much smaller than a Nexus 6. That you will love.
Low light camera is the only downside to PH-1, and I haven't even installed the Google Cam, shame on me.
8.1 is brilliant on this device.
chiadrum said:
The updates have been fast and furious on the PH-1 so far. And it is sooo much smaller than a Nexus 6. That you will love.
Low light camera is the only downside to PH-1, and I haven't even installed the Google Cam, shame on me.
8.1 is brilliant on this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree. I've only had mine for 3 days, but it's been solid for me, and the form factor is perfect. I'll probably play around with root / camera stuff in the next month, and it's evident that Essential listens and releases updates to try and fix issues. That is rare.
I use the oem camera app for black and white photography which it does brilliantly and the GCam port for everything else, great combo imho. Love the phone, it's superb on 8.1
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Do you have a phone budget? PH-1 has been selling on a discount vs new. The next model will surely be back in the $700+ range. If you want a good daily phone running the latest Android, its not a bad choice. If you arent afraid of lightly used phones, you can get ones in mint condition on swappa for low $300's. Good value if you are into that sort of thing.
rambleon84 said:
Do you have a phone budget? PH-1 has been selling on a discount vs new. The next model will surely be back in the $700+ range. If you want a good daily phone running the latest Android, its not a bad choice. If you arent afraid of lightly used phones, you can get ones in mint condition on swappa for low $300's. Good value if you are into that sort of thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I doubt the next phone will be a $400 phone.
They will have learned. They might keep the PH-1 in a single color to have a low end phone, then have the new phone as a flagship.
Who knows? It most definitely won't be this cheap.
I have to agree with the sentiment hare. It's a very good deal right now for a great handset. Updates are better than Sony, which is saying something, and they seem very responsive to fixing issues. Plus, development is just starting to get some traction.
WhammyDroid said:
My only issue with getting the PH-1 now is that in another year, Essential will stop sending OS updates. That to me is possibly worth waiting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really wouldnt shock me to see them adopt the 3 year os update pact that google started with the pixel 2 xl.
aknotts415 said:
It really wouldnt shock me to see them adopt the 3 year os update pact that google started with the pixel 2 xl.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, I'm just not sure if I want to take that chance.
tech_head said:
Yeah, I doubt the next phone will be a $400 phone.
They will have learned. They might keep the PH-1 in a single color to have a low end phone, then have the new phone as a flagship.
Who knows? It most definitely won't be this cheap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not expecting the phone to be cheap. I want it to be great. I'm really impressed with their design so far and I like the fact that essential is producing better design with the same OS update model.
I do not want another manufacturer because of all the bloatware that is installed.

Why Is Development Lacking?

This is only a question and dicussion I want to bring up, this is not about anything else, and truly not about disrespecting anyone, but just asking why is development slow... Please don't be offended, it was not my intentions by asking these things, just trying to figure why a nice phone doesn't have more people working on it is all..
I have my own ideas, maybe these are the reasons.
1. Smaller Company - but the Geeks know who Andy Rubin is
2. See number 1, with Andy Rubin at the wheel, where are the Android enthusiasts supporting the project?
3. Ok company has had a bad start, lots of bad reviews, mostly over the camera
So a smaller company, and the newbie phone users are all chasing after the bigger well known names, but again, what's happening here with the Android Geeks?
Anyhow, small company, bad reviews, started out costly, now prices are down. So where's the Android love for one of the Founders?
Agreed. But I guess we have 2 more years (till 2020, I guess) of support from essential side. I own Xiaomi Mi5 and Essential Ph1. Quite a lot of difference in development. SD820 has started to show signs of aging and 3GB ram is not holding up well. Will hold on to Essential for next few years. Hope development kicks in. Although happy with stock rom and android p beta program.
Not a bad phone at all. for 500 dollars. Not much into camera. Overall a great phone. Dunno why there was so much negativity around this phone.
del
@Rahat34, I sometimes wonder if there was just a lot of propaganda posting going on against the Essential. It was strange all the negativity as you mention, and to be honest, we all know all phones out there get their share of it, but for some reason, I really wondered when it came to this phone, now this was all without even owning this phone, I just thought it was odd. By the way, they just went on sale for half off, I ordered a few at $249USD...
But looks like the sale is over.
@Tech_Savvy, so is there any work going on with TWRP at the moment, that there should be something working soon?
As far as ROMS are concerned, there's a lot of Android users in the world, so saying how many we need, well, that's anyone's guess.
The AospExtended, this is a really nice ROM I'd like to see for the Essential.
Also if my eyes are seeing correct, I didn't notice Franco or Void with Kernels for the phone.
Then there's microG, any ROMs supporting it good?
I wonder, if Xposed is working good on Esssential with Oreo, stock or custom?
DoR3M3 said:
@Rahat34, I sometimes wonder if there was just a lot of propaganda posting going on against the Essential. It was strange all the negativity as you mention, and to be honest, we all know all phones out there get their share of it, but for some reason, I really wondered when it came to this phone, now this was all without even owning this phone, I just thought it was odd. By the way, they just went on sale for half off, I ordered a few at $249USD...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even for $500, gettiing a SD835, unlockable bootloader, titanium-ceramic build,a nice lcd panel (and what not) was a steal. $250, its nuts . Here, we get 625 schip at this much price and crappy glassy phones.
Must have been some sort of propaganda/conspiracy. Every phone has drawbacks, But boy every youtube review was bashing this phone.
Rahat34 said:
Even for $500, gettiing a SD835, unlockable bootloader, titanium-ceramic build,a nice lcd panel (and what not) was a steal. $250, its nuts . Here, we get 625 schip at this much price and crappy glassy phones.
Must have been some sort of propaganda/conspiracy. Every phone has drawbacks, But boy every youtube review was bashing this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's a low price I paid...
Depends what you're after really. If you want a few solid roms, or a hundred half baked bug ridden roms. I've done the "huge" forums before where I had to wade through twenty roms in order to find one that functioned decently. I'm past my days of needing to flash a new rom on a daily basis though. Work and kids keep me from having the time to do that anymore even if I wanted to.
I"ll take a solid dependable phone with support from the manufacturer any day.
I'll add as well, there are quite a few roms that are simply not posted on these forums (validus, gzosp, etc).
crixley said:
I'll add as well, there are quite a few roms that are simply not posted on these forums (validus, gzosp, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive heard to go to discord but ive found nothing. Where should i go to find them?
Sure no one wants half baked, but there should be twice the amount of development going on that is at present.
Anyhow, I would hope that everyone agrees there is not a lot of development going on.
So, what do people think on this forum about an email drafted up, and the Modding Community reaching out to Essential, in hopes of building up it's modding development?
just got the phone from prime day sale plus extra $100 off from AMEX, paid around $170 total. I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised by the build quality, it makes my LG V30 feels like a toy. Reception problem with AT&T is real though I would actually see zero reception driving around my neighborhood in upstate NY which never happens in any other phones I have.
oceansoul said:
just got the phone from prime day sale plus extra $100 off from AMEX, paid around $170 total. I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised by the build quality, it makes my LG V30 feels like a toy. Reception problem with AT&T is real though I would actually see zero reception driving around my neighborhood in upstate NY which never happens in any other phones I have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@oceansoul, sorry, not sure what you mean by your post for development?
Thanks
you asked for why there is so little development for the phone, maybe because of the reception issue, not many people are using it? at the same spot I am getting -112dBm for PH-1 and -83dBm for Lg V30 on ATT LTE band 2
It really doesn't sound like you'll be happy with this phone, I'm sure someone will take it off your hands.
oceansoul said:
toxic much? you asked for why there is so little development for the phone, maybe because of the reception issue, not many people are using it? at the same spot I am getting -112dBm for PH-1 and -83dBm for Lg V30 on ATT LTE band 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
toxic much, what does that mean?

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