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It is time for a new phone, my Moto X Style (Pure) on T-Mobile is getting a bit long in the tooth.
1) storage is only 16GB so even with the few apps I use, I have to clear cache to update apps (photos, videos, etc all goto the SD Card)
2) signal is crap at times and call quality suffers
3) Lenorola is starting to slack on Android update time frames, they use to be quick with the last two Moto X and now they are getting behind (even with security updates)
I am on T-Mobile and I mainly do alot of audio (BT), some pictures and video, and the rest is just FB, Email, Text, Web Browsing
My choices are to go with the V20 and root it to get a few apps that I need
or wait and order a Pixel XL (128GB) and ride the google update train again.
I was faced with the same decision.. 16GB is just a non-starter for me, and I couldn't wait for the 128GB version to become available. Also Google's hardware didn't completely impress me.. I picked up the V20 coming from the Note 7.. honestly my plan is to run with it until the Note 8 comes out more than likely. I think the Google phone will have a longer lifespan and obviously quicker updates.. but I needed a phone and couldn't wait for the 128GB version to come out. Also the price difference was pretty significant compared the Verizon's price on the V20.. so that was a factor as well.
Overall the V20 didn't 'wow' me like the Note 7 did.. but its still a very good phone and for the $650 or so I got it for I am happy.. I don't think the Pixel XL would have wowed me either to be honest after having the Note 7 though.
The last LG phone I had was the G4 and that was a bit of a let down.
Since I am on T-Mobile coming from a Moto X Pure (3rd Gen) I won't get any trade in value at all (keeping it as a backup)
It is $30 a month for the V20 on T-Mobile, or I buy the Pixel XL and get $325 in credit over 24 months which will take away some of the hit over time for the Pixel XL
I am leaning to the V20 right now, especially because of how on top of updates LG has appeared to become. I just hate the bloat, hopefully there are good fixes for that or someone later releasing a cleaned up stock rom
I was faced with the same problem
Pick the Pixel for:
- better camera (especially video stabilization)
- fast updates and longer lifespan
- better one-handed usage
- fluid software experience
- looks (subjective I know, but I kinda like it and it has no camera hump)
Lg v20 for:
- removable battery
- better sound experience
- military grade drop protection
- manual camera mode if that's your thing
- expandable storage
- second screen is useful sometimes
I obviously went with the v20. Unlocked bootloader on T-Mobile and root on it fixes some software problems. Although I wouldn't complain if I had went with the Pixel either
I'm currently facing the EXACT dilemma.
After reading your comments, I think I might pick up the T-mobile version of the V20 instead.
Since we still do not have an official V20 root for the Canadian model.
Looks like I am leaning to the V20 as well. Mainly for the camera, screen, audio.
Even if we get a stock cleaned up ROM later then it would be perfectly fine.
Not sure about your options in your part of the world, but here in New Zealand the pixel XL is $1400 while i bought the V20 for $900. So yea, no explanation needed
Pixel is a ugly ass phone.
Sent from my LG-H918 using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 01:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:42 AM ----------
I loved my Nexus 6
Sent from my LG-H918 using XDA-Developers mobile app
I came from the nexus 6P which I loved to this phone and to honest I love the battery life and everything it has to offer so far. Up in Canada they are offering the B&O H3 headphones plus 200 off which was 799 for the whole package which is a wicked deal
I have the Tmo V20 and I didn't feel like there was much bloat...well compared to AT&T's devices. Coming from the N7 my only gripe is the low light pictures come out gainier than the N7. I hated the edge screen on the N7 but I really dig the second screen on the V20. The screen isn't as saturated as an AMOLED screen, but in everyday use I don't notice it. Done call the V20 ugly, but I honestly love the looks. Of course most people throw a case on their device, so does that even matter?
Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk
If you listen to BT audio a lot stop hesitating and go get the LGv20 and grab a pair of BT headphones with Aptx support (lgv20 one of only a couple phones that support it.) I have these and they are awesome.
https://www.amazon.com/Monster-SuperSlim-Bluetooth-Wireless-Headphones/dp/B015EGRK9S
Honestly paying that much for a mere 128 gb is outrageous. For $400-500 like the old Nexus phones... sure I might be convinced to give up the extensive list of V20 features some of which were not even present in the Note 7. I see the Pixel XL like the Android version of the IPhone 7's business model: add a camera that's nice but doesn't blow the others out of the water anymore, give it a short shelf life with limited storage and non-removable battery (so that you MUST upgrade after 12 months), put a lot of emphasis on zippy when the competition are pretty zippy already. Overall a pretty meh exterior design like the V20 and Iphone7. The Note is prettier but that finger print magnet back is a chore and I had enough of TouchWiz lagging down the experience compares to the V20.
I have a YouTube Red account. With a 250 GB Samsung micro SD ($70 eBay) and 64 GB on board I have so much content I don't know what do with.
I picked up two new TVs on black Friday. I use the V20 IR blaster with both. Same for the Kinivo HDMI splitter, no more fumbling with that little easy to lose clicker.
The V20 has Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, which the others don't have, is like one of the best V20 features. I use a 3.0 Anker PowerCore+ 10k mAh power bank ($40 Amazon) with an iOrange-E type C cable and the V20 absolutely flies from 40%-80%.
The second screen is probably the most useful feature I can switch to different songs on Amazon music app, use it as the zoom wheel in video recording, allows for more fluid app switching than interrupting the main screen just to use the multitasking soft button. And the quad DAC actually drives my V-Moda M100s. I wanted to test this against the Note 7 but the Fire Department said no can do homey. And rumor is no more headphone jack on new Samsungs. You'll have to spend $300 on Bluetooth Bose headphones with as good a sound as upper mid tier wired cans.
Honestly...even if V20, Note 7, iphone 7 and Pixel XL were all priced the same it would be a no brainer for me as far as useful features I rely on every day.
For me, it was a price per gb difference, and a looks thing. I came off an S6 Edge, and for me, the Pixel looks like an iPhone minus the home button. Yeah, it's on 7.1, and will get updates sooner (but I'm on Verizon so it's bound to be slower no matter which one). The smaller capacity model would never work for me, I download too many movies and stuff for that. My Edge was 64 and that was a decent balance between saving until I downloaded it off to the computer. Plus I get the expansion slot for more just because you never know. Could care less about the removable battery, but to some it's a plus. The camera seems to be subjective on video reviews, between people that prefer one over the other. I use a DSLR for anything important, so it's not a deal-breaker for me, and it takes pictures just fine for my eyes anyway. I didn't buy it as a camera, I bought it as a phone. And I know the LG G2 I had was rooted pretty quickly if memory serves, and just browsing seems like we've got a good group tackling that now (missed that on my S6). So in the end, the cost savings, and the aesthetics won me over between the two, with everything else basically being a wash either way. Plus, coming from the other phone, every time a gal looks at it, they always seem to say "Wow that's big". Simple pleasures, but it never gets old
By the way, NetFlix now has downloads. As does Amazon video and YouTube Red. I see no win with a phone that kills micro SD.
I bought V20. And I love myself for that decision.
Mahendra Dhaker said:
I bought V20. And I love myself for that decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Believe it or not I returned the S8 and got mine. I'm freakin stoked by what LG has to offer. This my 1st non samsung phone and its rooted.
I ended up selling my V20 it was glitch fest everywhere even after several factory resets and the batter drain was bad.....I do miss the extra camera and the DAC but outside of that I love the S8+. This is my first Samsung phone since the note 3.
dakunclear said:
I ended up selling my V20 it was glitch fest everywhere even after several factory resets and the batter drain was bad.....I do miss the extra camera and the DAC but outside of that I love the S8+. This is my first Samsung phone since the note 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am kind of on the same page. I jumped on the v20 from a note 4. My note 4 had less bugs, better battery life, and a better screen. "Auto" picture quality was much better on the note.
Things i will miss about the V20/Pros
~ Full manual camera controls and the wide angle lens
~ DAC
~ Second display
~ Build Quality
~ Removable Battery
***Biggest complaint by far is Battery life.. From my Pokemon Go experience specifically, my Girlfriend has a iPhone 6s. My note 4 battery life was better than hers. My V20 is literally half that of hers now. Same apps installed across both phones. Phone gets HOT.
I want to get a new phone to replace my S6. The two main options I have honed in on are the Axon 7 64GB and the OnePlus 3T. Here are the strengths of each
Axon 7
Better screen (higher resolution)
Better warranty/support
Better speakers
SD card support
OnePlus 3T
Better processor
More RAM
Physical home button.
Thoughts? Those of you have one and wish you got the other?
crcostel said:
I want to get a new phone to replace my S6. The two main options I have honed in on are the Axon 7 64GB and the OnePlus 3T. Here are the strengths of each
Axon 7
Better screen (higher resolution)
Better warranty/support
Better speakers
SD card support
OnePlus 3T
Better processor
More RAM
Physical home button.
Thoughts? Those of you have one and wish you got the other?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, processor and RAM doesn't make that much of a difference when they're this close.....Unless you're a gamer?
Other things to look at, that may make your decision.
Camera - OnePlus 3T wins
Audio - Axon 7 wins
How much space do you really need? My SD card died last week and I was all freaked out, but it all fit on my 64gb Axon 7 internal memory until my new card arrives.... If I had a bunch of movies to save, this would be a deal breaker. I even have 2100 songs and they only eat up about 7-8gb.
I'm an "audio" buff....So the choice was easy for me, and the camera is good enough on the Axon 7 that I can live with it and make it do what I need it to. Sometimes a little editing is needed.
Well this is my point of view, take it with a grain of salt.
ZTE:
- Better Screen (not reaaaaaally noticeable, yes it is better, but both are good enough so that you cant tell each other apart). Real difference might be appreciated with QHD wallpapers, but not much else.
- Better Speakers, and overall sound quality. This has to be the largest difference. Watching videos in the Axon vs the OP3 is like going from dial up to broadband. Plus, the Axon drives higher impedance headphones without much of a hassle.
- Better in call quality. This is a direct consequence of having better audio.
- SD Card Support. I thought I wouldn't need it too much but actually, it is a nice thing to have.
OP3:
- The fact that the screen itself is lower res, means lower battery consumption. Since I read an article from AnandTech, we might be talking maybe up to 30% less usage from the screen + cpu/gpu load.
- The camera has to be better, you don't have to work yourself out to get an awesome picture. Though, if you get it right on the ZTE you can absolutely get beautiful pictures.
- Better processor? Really? Lets suppose you actually need the difference in clocks, where the OP3 would make a difference, how long can you really keep that clock up? Maaaybe 5 minutes before hitting thermal limits where the better cpu just doesn't mean anything anymore.
- Physical button. Well this is really up to you, I prefer the fingerprint scanner on the back.
- Alert Slider. Really an advantage for the OP3, really like this feature, and if it ever becomes configurable, that would be awesome.
-6GB of RAM?? Well, I have 4GB on my Axon and never has an app crashed on me, and I was suprised to find myself having 20+ apps open without the phone even noticing and instantly switching between them with all of them loaded in RAM. So this one is up to you, but I wouldn't mind. It does make the OP3 more futureproof if anything...
- Software> the OP3s software is hands down better than the Axons and that is the best that the OP3 can pull over the Axon, by far.
About support, well I don't know how well any of them do with support so i will not comment on this.
My conclusion is then: should you care about media consumption, buy the Axon, don't even think about it. If what you want/need the best performance around and like having the best software and dev help, then get the OP3. I wouldn't look on hardware differences too much.
Not a gamer in the slightest. I will occasionally take toddler snapshots with the camera when my panny is not handy.
This is more an overall performance and form comparison.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Axon 7 has Daydream support, also.
Now that Axon 7 is getting proper sound support on LOS/LOS based roms, it is Axon 7 hands down.
A7 has better cellular connectivity support. Has more bands than the OP3/T do.
How prevalent is this Google Play bug I am seeing on the Axon 7?
I've had three OP phones and never buying them again. All above aside, they have terrible touch screen lag which makes them unusable. Axon is also cheaper.
Sent from my ZTE A2017G using Tapatalk
I have both...Also mate 9..Just bought each over this last month...I am coming from my still loved note 5..
First off...Don't think too much into 2k unless vr is your factor. I did too. But after experiencing these latest devices running 1080 with 5.5 inch to 5.9 I cannot believe I said all I did in the past...The one plus 3t is just as sharp for regular use and have not tried any VR on any device...The Axon 7 is great as well...Not as speedy as the latter but still a steal for the price...To be honest the one plus 3t and Axon 7 are both comparable however the camera is a bit better FOR ME so far on One plus but I have to say that 20mp isn't bad at all...The 1440 on the Axon isn't that noticable to me either. Really. The one plus screen looks slightly better to me I guess because of the brightness and calibration. Still miniscule ...Both perform crazy fast for their price but one plus and mate 9 are definitely smoother for me...Just flip a coin. You can't go wrong...I just could not make up my mind so I bought them all...If I have to sell one I will. But for now they are all nice and safe clean and ready for my reviews...Sort of babbling here really but if you have any specific questions I can totally help. I do not keep notifications on so I'll have to check for reply manually. I haven't been on in a year here ...But I'll be checking back for your comments. Or Inbox
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk
You can supposedly get Google assistant on Axon 7 which won't happen on op3t
Sent from my ZTE A2017G using Tapatalk
crcostel said:
I want to get a new phone to replace my S6. The two main options I have honed in on are the Axon 7 64GB and the OnePlus 3T. Here are the strengths of each
Axon 7
Better screen (higher resolution)
Better warranty/support
Better speakers
SD card support
OnePlus 3T
Better processor
More RAM
Physical home button.
Thoughts? Those of you have one and wish you got the other?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
crcostel said:
Not a gamer in the slightest. I will occasionally take toddler snapshots with the camera when my panny is not handy.
This is more an overall performance and form comparison.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
crcostel said:
How prevalent is this Google Play bug I am seeing on the Axon 7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can say I was on the same boat as you in January, when I bought my first Axon 7 and I was amazed with the device. Even when I loved it, I decided to get a Mate 9 because I heard it was a great device. I used the Mate 9 for a couple of weeks and sold it and got the Axon 7 again, I couldn't stand the media consumption in the Mate 9, because of the screen and the sound. The Mate 9 has an amazing display, but I'm used to QHD since many years ago, and somehow I could notice the difference in certain situations. About the sound, Axon 7 is clearly the winner here. The reason I changed the Axon 7 was the camera, because was average and everybody claimed that Mate 9 had a super camera. Truth is, that I didn't see too much difference between the 2 in picture quality, so better go back with the Axon 7.
Regarding the comparison, 821 is less than 10% better than 820, so it makes no difference in real world usage. RAM neither, because most of the time I have 2GB free on the Axon 7, so why should I want 2GB more?, that is only pure marketing and never an app would require so much RAM.
In my opinion, the physical home button is a waste of space, because it only makes the device bigger with no need. I always have hated capacitive buttons, but what I love about the Axon 7 is that even with capacitive buttons, the aspect ratio is great. Is smaller than some of the 5.5" devices I have used before that rely only on software buttons.
The OP3T has a worse display, both resolution and quality, and the people who say that is because of the battery, is lying or they don't know much about technology. Display technology has advanced so much in these years, and even when this statement was true in the beginning, now the QHD screens out there have similar power consumptions. Also to point that the screen on the Axon 7 is exactly the same of the Galaxy S7 Edge, so I can say is really nice to have a display like this one.
As for the OP3T, is true that is has slightly better performance, camera and battery, but is no match for the Axon 7 regarding media consumption (sound, display, storage, etc.) and the difference is huge between the 2.
As someone suggested you, if you aim to media consumption, there is no better device than this one. If you are kind of a ROM addict or you are deep into development, get the OP3T.
:good:
P.D.: All the bugs and problems the Axon 7 (including Play Store) are fixed now with the update that came a few days ago, and I can confirm it.
P.D.2: Have you consider to wait for the OnePlus 5?
crcostel said:
Not a gamer in the slightest. I will occasionally take toddler snapshots with the camera when my panny is not handy.
This is more an overall performance and form comparison.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If performance is your concern then look no further and buy the OP3, unless, since you are an XDA member, know a thing or two about tinkering with ROMs and flashing your phone. In that case then its an Audio vs Camera situation...
In had the oneplus 3 and returned it within 2days. Axon 7 has been the better phone for me.
It's really a matter of opinion. You won't find that much difference in the specs.
Battery - The charging speed is the same (see this), and this), battery is the same (slightly better on the a7). I use the phone a lot and I'm very happy with the battery capacity.
Screen is nearly the same (A7: 2K AMOLED, OP3: 1080p Super AMOLED).
Processor - You won't notice the difference. Seriously, the A7 has great speed.
Camera - The A7's camera is excellent in day light. Not in day light? Not so much. It's fine. But in day light you can take amazing pictures with it (which show great on the screen ). There are a bunch of camera samples online from each phone (and maybe even a camera comparison), so check that out.
You might also want to check some other stuff out like durability, speed, etc. In videos. But do keep in mind that in speeds as high as flagships phone you probably won't notice the difference.
RAM - The 4GB RAM on the A7 is enough for me. I don't see how anyone would need 6GM RAM on a smartphone. (I've also heard that OP3 doesn't use all it's RAM, I wonder if that's fixed already).
The fingerprint scanner on the back is surprisingly comfortable and it's really a matter of getting used to it. I got used to it very quickly and it's instinctive to me.
The stock ROM isn't that great but it could be replaced by unlocking the bootloader so I personally wouldn't take that into account here. Plus the A7 started getting a lot of attention from ROM makers and has LOS official support and other ROMs available.
Also the A7 is cheaper.
The audio is also excellent.
Design is also great, the phone is very pretty (suck it LG G6 )
I enjoy my phone greatly.
Axon 7 +'s
audio
warranty
OnePlus 3T
pretty wood cases
It looks like the stock ROM is probably better (built-in dark theme and accent color adjustment. Well executed)
Processor matters. Maybe not in speed but the additional features Qualcomm rolls up in the chipset can... as long as the manufacturer implements them.
For me, it came down to warranty and particularly the Dash charging is proprietary. I'd rather not buy up a bunch of chargers which charge fast only on their phones. Yes, Quick Charge 3.0 is proprietary to Qualcomm in the sense that USB-C PD is the real standard - but it's less proprietary.
My next phone must have the most standard charging available. I'm tired of this proprietary charging junk. Dicking with finding the right power adapter is annoying and just adds up in $30 and $40 costs if I want car adapters and additional AC adapters which support whatever standard.
Just think of the extra $60 you spent on extra Quick/Fast chargers for the office & car which will be obsolete on your next phone. Hidden costs are crap.
I have it on mine. Just pressed home button held it and there it is. 7.0 stock.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk
Thanks everyone - going to BestBuy tomorrow to get a feel for the ergonomics and then will buy from BH if it passes. Currently have VZW so I'll try to get it going and if not, off to ATT
Also worth noting that the Axon 7 can be had for almost 40% less than the equivalent 3T, which seems almost too good to pass up for an incremental upgrade.
Also, from what I understand, it only fully supports AT&T and T-Mobile in states so do beware.
With axon 7 getting proper sound on LOS and an SD card for me it's a no brainer....I like to take my movies with me when I travel so sticking everything on the 256gb SanDisk is awesome....I will never but a phone with no microSD...I don't even wanna count how many times I wiped internal storage when I was resetting for a new Roman install....Having my TWRP backups on external storage was literAlly a life saver for me personally
So you will have all had the phone for a month or so now .
Still waiting here for the UK release ,but is it worth waiting for ,love the design of it
What's all your views on it .
my choices are
Wait for essential in the UK
Pixel 2 XL
HTC U11 + if it comes es to the UK
LG V30
I've grown to love this phone. Out of the phones you mention, the only one I would consider would be the P2XL. However, since Essential is starting to release source files, I'll be perfectly happy to stick with the PH-1 if we start seeing some development.
If I had the choice now, I'd probably go for the Pixel 2 XL. Having owned the PH-1 for a month now, I realize that it is still pretty much unfinished product. The hardware is no doubt, beautiful but the software still feels incomplete. Although Essential has sent out a few updates and the software had improved markedly, it is still not up to par with other phones in the market (e.g. phone lags when scrolling, it freezes every now and then and the camera software is still not that great).
Although we haven't seen how the Pixel 2 XL really works, I'd assume it's in better shape than the Essential software. In short, I'd ask whether you'd want to be a beta tester for Essential or go with a more established player like Google. In my case, I am getting the Pixel 2 XL and will sell the PH-1 (or may keep it as a backup) when it arrives.
I was waiting for the Pixel 2, not XL (850+ dlls for me is too much), but then the full desing leaked and the Pixel 2 ended up horrible. For me it was 650 + taxes for the pixel 2, with 64 gb and outdated design. On the other hand Essential is 700 for 128gb an much better looking, also I had the oportunity to saw one at a local best buy and it was amazing on the hand, great build quality.
If you have no problem with spending 850+ dlls for a phone and you really need the fastest Android updates then go for the Pixel XL 2, but I think the essential is at a reallly good point right know and it looks like things are going to be better
combat goofwing said:
So you will have all had the phone for a month or so now .
Still waiting here for the UK release ,but is it worth waiting for ,love the design of it
What's all your views on it .
my choices are
Wait for essential in the UK
Pixel 2 XL
HTC U11 + if it comes es to the UK
LG V30
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I currently own both the HTC U11 and Essential with the pixel 2 XL on order, so if you are familiar with the U11, i can give you a fairly good idea of what you'l be getting with the essential. Between the two I have, they are very different and you get different value for your money. With the essential you get 128GB, great build and materials. I love the look and design. The edge to edge display is really something you have to see in person to appreciate. Having had the s8+, the Essentials bezel less design is better in my opinion. Battery size is ok at 3040mAh. It's also getting update pretty frequently so there's hope all bugs will be ironed out soon. So far nothing I can't live with.
I think you can get the U11 for $550 and $650 for the 64gb and 128GB respectively. I'm guessing the U11+ will be similar to the U11 in terms of specs, but with hopefully a larger, less bezel. So with the U11 as reference you get a more traditional, possibly outdated design. You either love it or hate it for it's "classic" look. Aside from that you get a solidly built phone as well. It feels good in the hand, it runs great with probably one of the only android skins I actually like. It has a really good camera, once having had the highest DxO score for a bit until it was overtaken by the iphone and now pixels. Still a great camera none the less, miles ahead better than the essential, so I expect the U11+ to have the same if not slightly better. Still nothing wrong if it's the same camera in my opinion. The U11 has a 3000mAh battery, so I expect the U11+ to have at least that much, hopefully more. The edge sense is actually pretty cool and useful too once you setup custom actions per app.
Then's there' s cost. The essential is $700 US dollars for 128GB. If the U11 is $750 normally for 128GB, I can only assume the U11+ will be more if a 128 option exists. The U11+ will most likely have sd card support. That's still cheaper than the pixel 2xl that starts at $850 for 64gb and $950 for 128gb with the exact same internals, with a much better camera. but pixel does have bigger screen but s8 like bezels on top and bottom. At least there's speakers there but if you want edge to edge, the essential is a nicer looking option.
I actually prefer the Essential over my U11. The camera isn't that important to me on a smart phone. It works, takes decent pictures if needed. I'm no professional and I don't pretend to be. But the look, feels and size is what makes the essential my daily driver now. I am totally happy with my essential, and I'll be critical with the pixel 2 given all the good the essential has. I don't regret my purchase and even got one for the wife
Personally I love the essential phone. My favorite this is the size of the phone. It's pretty much identical to size of the Galaxy S5 and it's all screen. As far as software, I don't really have any issues at all anymore, the occasional things creeps up from time to time. Every phone has those random little on offs. There isn't a software on Earth that hasn't frozen hasn't lagged hasn't bugged out at one time or another. Essential has done a really great job of keeping consistent updates coming. Through both the monthly security updates and via essential services and resources app on the play store.
I could honestly careless about the camera, it has never been a selling point for me on a phone ever. That being said, I don't have any issues taking pictures and they turn just fine for me. If you want to shoot a movie on your phone(like all the reviewers expect a phone camera to clearly do) maybe look towards the pixel. I have no interest in pixel xl 2 because it's to dam big for my hands and those size phones are hard for me to use. After using this phone, I have no interest in using a phone that has bezels as big as the regular pixel 2.
You can't go wrong with either phone, and unless you pre-order the pixel 2 xl it's going to be a wait for that device as well.
swagglepuff said:
Personally I love the essential phone. My favorite this is the size of the phone. It's pretty much identical to size of the Galaxy S5 and it's all screen. As far as software, I don't really have any issues at all anymore, the occasional things creeps up from time to time. Every phone has those random little on offs. There isn't a software on Earth that hasn't frozen hasn't lagged hasn't bugged out at one time or another. Essential has done a really great job of keeping consistent updates coming. Through both the monthly security updates and via essential services and resources app on the play store.
I could honestly careless about the camera, it has never been a selling point for me on a phone ever. That being said, I don't have any issues taking pictures and they turn just fine for me. If you want to shoot a movie on your phone(like all the reviewers expect a phone camera to clearly do) maybe look towards the pixel. I have no interest in pixel xl 2 because it's to dam big for my hands and those size phones are hard for me to use. After using this phone, I have no interest in using a phone that has bezels as big as the regular pixel 2.
You can't go wrong with either phone, and unless you pre-order the pixel 2 xl it's going to be a wait for that device as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that I have used for a while, the reviews were really hard. Saying that this phone is bad and telling people not to buy it only because the camare is not good makes me wonder what kind of "reviews" and "tech journalism" we have today
TheDethEgineer said:
Now that I have used for a while, the reviews were really hard. Saying that this phone is bad and telling people not to buy it only because the camare is not good makes me wonder what kind of "reviews" and "tech journalism" we have today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, I have been waging a war on Android central recently and their over bias bull**** reviews. Sites like those only care about flagship devices, infact the only phones they don't say bad things about are Samsung. That same attitude has rolled over to the forums, just a bunch of people who have never even seen one in person saying it's a horrible device. Yet I come to the good ol' XDA it's full of people actually trying to help other users.
That's why I don't buy phones based on reviews, if I listened to Android central, I would have never owned the HTC 10, the Honor 8 or the axon 7. All of which are fantastic devices, but because they don't do things like Samsung they all got ****ty reviews and recommendations.
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QD2DC said:
I currently own both the HTC U11 and Essential with the pixel 2 XL on order, so if you are familiar with the U11, i can give you a fairly good idea of what you'l be getting with the essential. Between the two I have, they are very different and you get different value for your money. With the essential you get 128GB, great build and materials. I love the look and design. The edge to edge display is really something you have to see in person to appreciate. Having had the s8+, the Essentials bezel less design is better in my opinion. Battery size is ok at 3040mAh. It's also getting update pretty frequently so there's hope all bugs will be ironed out soon. So far nothing I can't live with.
I think you can get the U11 for $550 and $650 for the 64gb and 128GB respectively. I'm guessing the U11+ will be similar to the U11 in terms of specs, but with hopefully a larger, less bezel. So with the U11 as reference you get a more traditional, possibly outdated design. You either love it or hate it for it's "classic" look. Aside from that you get a solidly built phone as well. It feels good in the hand, it runs great with probably one of the only android skins I actually like. It has a really good camera, once having had the highest DxO score for a bit until it was overtaken by the iphone and now pixels. Still a great camera none the less, miles ahead better than the essential, so I expect the U11+ to have the same if not slightly better. Still nothing wrong if it's the same camera in my opinion. The U11 has a 3000mAh battery, so I expect the U11+ to have at least that much, hopefully more. The edge sense is actually pretty cool and useful too once you setup custom actions per app.
Then's there' s cost. The essential is $700 US dollars for 128GB. If the U11 is $750 normally for 128GB, I can only assume the U11+ will be more if a 128 option exists. The U11+ will most likely have sd card support. That's still cheaper than the pixel 2xl that starts at $850 for 64gb and $950 for 128gb with the exact same internals, with a much better camera. but pixel does have bigger screen but s8 like bezels on top and bottom. At least there's speakers there but if you want edge to edge, the essential is a nicer looking option.
I actually prefer the Essential over my U11. The camera isn't that important to me on a smart phone. It works, takes decent pictures if needed. I'm no professional and I don't pretend to be. But the look, feels and size is what makes the essential my daily driver now. I am totally happy with my essential, and I'll be critical with the pixel 2 given all the good the essential has. I don't regret my purchase and even got one for the wife
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Don't go saying better camera just yet. The HTC U11 and the first pixel are tied at a dxo mark of 90. While google unofficially claims a score of 98 for the new pixels we will see. I am sure HTC has plans to continue it's stellar camera software.
UK owner
I bought mine from a seller in the US as I was willing to take a chance that the early reviews were off the mark.
I've had the phone for almost 4 weeks now, and it's a great phone as far as I'm concerned.
Battery life is excellent, I get a minimum of 5 hours + SOT regularly for my usage, which I have never managed with previous phones., Even managed almost 7 hours a couple of times with lighter usage.
Latest updates from Essential have made real progress in stability.
Yes, the camera is average, but not as bad as many have said.
It takes decent photographs as far as I'm concerned, and I use it occasionally for work purposes with no problems in quality.
It does feel very nice in the hand, and the screen coverage looks great.
Hope this helps.
Something I need to mention that I initially forgot. The screen brightness when outside in sunlight. I think some of the early reviews said it was little under lit, but I think they may have adaptive brightness on, because I've used it often when out and about. I've noticed if you toggle off adaptive and adjust it manually if it's sunny, it's fine.
I would pick the PH-1 over any of those devices, the design is different in a good way, the lack of accessories (cases mainly) makes it more like a acquired taste. hey all use the same Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 and 4GB of RAM so it's based on your style. The Essential has been great to me and it turns heads. If you decide on the others - I would say Pixel 2 XL so you are ensured support
swagglepuff said:
Exactly, I have been waging a war on Android central recently and their over bias bull**** reviews. Sites like those only care about flagship devices, infact the only phones they don't say bad things about are Samsung. That same attitude has rolled over to the forums, just a bunch of people who have never even seen one in person saying it's a horrible device. Yet I come to the good ol' XDA it's full of people actually trying to help other users.
That's why I don't buy phones based on reviews, if I listened to Android central, I would have never owned the HTC 10, the Honor 8 or the axon 7. All of which are fantastic devices, but because they don't do things like Samsung they all got ****ty reviews and recommendations.
---------- Post added at 11:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:04 PM ----------
Don't go saying better camera just yet. The HTC U11 and the first pixel are tied at a dxo mark of 90. While google unofficially claims a score of 98 for the new pixels we will see. I am sure HTC has plans to continue it's stellar camera software.
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Well yes and no. The score is official. But what that number equates to in real world performance is relative. To say the u11 isn't "as good" as the pixel 2 does not mean the u11 camera isn't great, although the phrase does imply that. I think a score in the 90s will result in excellent camera performance to some degree. I have no reason to believe HTC won't improve on what they've built so far. Regardless as an android user we have some quality and exciting phones to choose from.
QD2DC said:
Well yes and no. The score is official. But what that number equates to in real world performance is relative. To say the u11 isn't "as good" as the pixel 2 does not mean the u11 camera isn't great, although the phrase does imply that. I think a score in the 90s will result in excellent camera performance to some degree. I have no reason to believe HTC won't improve on what they've built so far. Regardless as an android user we have some quality and exciting phones to choose from.
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I did not know they made it official, well in that case. Let's see what HTC brings with the U11+. I have always loved HTC and their simple user interface. If the rumors are correct it will be a thin bezel design as well, which makes me excited. I honestly wouldn't have given the U11 back had it had a higher screen to body ratio. It was a little too big for my liking.
I loved the look and feel of the phone, substantial in the hand, good button feel and I liked where the buttons were.
NIce looking screen too.
Software and camera were OK,
I *hatehatehate* stock android ! First thing I have always done is root and Rom .
I returned it, very late actually like just last week as I was holding out hope of kernel and Factory image release but not soon enough. I resurrected my 6P and am still using that because I **really* love the 6P.
I would absolutely buy the PH-1 again when my 6P dies and Essential gets some ROMs.
The PH-1 is a fabulous device. Now that Xposed is live for Nougat, using Xposed on the PH-1 would greatly enhance the experience, for me. Where else are you going to get that kind of hardware and 128GB storage for under 700? I did keep the camera JIC lol
Zo0
swagglepuff said:
I did not know they made it official, well in that case. Let's see what HTC brings with the U11+. I have always loved HTC and their simple user interface. If the rumors are correct it will be a thin bezel design as well, which makes me excited. I honestly wouldn't have given the U11 back had it had a higher screen to body ratio. It was a little too big for my liking.
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I know how you feel. Been an HTC fan since the windows mobile days and loved HTC manilla/rosie/sense and whatever else it was called in between lol. I miss developing for the those older phones. Sense is the only android skin I truly love. Hopefully I'll be apart of the user trials for the u11+ as well. But the essential will be a hard phone to beat design wise.
Still like my PH1. Not sure I want the Pixel 2 xl. I've got a 6p to trade on it also but it's not really a great looking device in my opinion. Haven't ruled it out though as a backup device. Honestly I really want to see if I can get the Xperia XZ1 to run on Verizon as it has all the lte bands. Plus it's got aptx for my home Bluetooth setup. Sony hates the US so it's been an impossible task so far.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Thanks guys ,some great responses and information,still using my trusty N6P ,if I could gather a UK release date on the PH-1 it would help ,but essential seem reluctant to commit to one so far .Had the early shut down issues in the N6P ,but I changed the battery for lots more life in it just yet .
combat goofwing said:
Thanks guys ,some great responses and information,still using my trusty N6P ,if I could gather a UK release date on the PH-1 it would help ,but essential seem reluctant to commit to one so far .Had the early shut down issues in the N6P ,but I changed the battery for lots more life in it just yet .
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Not sure if www.swappa.com is an option for you but they have some on sale, from used to mint. I buy and sell and on there all the time. Extremely reliable, PayPal verified and secure. One in mint condition at $620 isn't bad.
We all know that the OnePlus 6 releases in a day or so, with that big countdown meter on the top of our forum. The question is will you upgrade? Our device is now two years and 6 months old, so usually the time is ripe for an upgrade, but there are special cases. Will you be doing the upgrade or not?
When stating your answer, please say why you're doing so.
No need to upgrade unless your phone is physically damaged to the point it affects your usage. The 3t can last probably till 2020. The Snapdragon 821 got a lot of horsepower for many years ahead
I am still waiting for fingerprint scanner under the touchscreen. Maybe could be happen with 6T or onsplus 7..
i ain't got no money
moreover the device hasn't really slowed down alot yet
I dont have enough money to upgrade an oneplus phone. Moreover, there are exchange offers at online stores, but this device is already the best. And the huge amount of developer supports it has right now, there is really no dire need for upgrade.
switched to oneplus from a xiaomi mi note 5 pro, even tho it was a newer device but i love my op3t more than rn5pro
no reason to upgrade for that ugly NOTCH
Mine is still running fine, will wait till 5G devices start showing up in 2019
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
No.....................
No way.............................
Our 3T is the best.
3t is still a beast in performance.
I have no money overall (just bought new car).
And well...it would depend on how good camera and battery will be. If the 6 is not even near s9+, well....
Only issues with 3t is battery, even after hard reset (2) Oreo drains a lot and a lot and a lot.....
Maybe when I will have time, twrp and a custom kernel.
Tapatalked with my OnePlus 3T
I will upgrade in a year to the Pixel 3. The 3T had a much better price than the pixel 1, but I think the Oneplus 6(T) will not be much cheaper with my
Smartphone subscription
kamilmirza said:
no reason to upgrade for that ugly NOTCH
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Yeah, that notch is so weird. Every manufacturer jumping on that bandwagon, purely just because Apple did it, on a phone that isn't even selling that well.
redpoint73 said:
Yeah, that notch is so weird. Every manufacturer jumping on that bandwagon, purely just because Apple did it, on a phone that isn't even selling that well.
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To be fair, the notch on the OP6 at least is way smaller than the iphones. Weird still, but I think it looks much better than apples design.
My plan is to keep my OnePlus 3T for 4 years or as long as it lasts - whichever comes first.
I don't like notches (it's a visual distraction, though I think the way OnePlus and Huawei hide it is fine.
I also want a front-facing fingerprint reader, and under the glass would be good.
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs
Not liking the recent 5T or 6 designs. They are too much high end flagship. If I were to design something, it would have a traditional FLAT AMOLED screen (1080*1920 is fine) so that screen protectors are cheap and easy, a 4200 mAh battery, front facing fingerprint reader, a chassis that is rubberized so it needs no case and has a lip to protect the screen, decent cameras with OIS but nothing super fancy needed but documented for Devs, Snappy 835 is fine (enabled for ok Google while plugged in/screen off), headphone jack, micro SD card, configurable alert slider (more configurable than 3t), highly customizeable multicolor LED and vibration (full light flow support), one global model with support for all bands everywhere, fully unlockable/Dev friendly, and a $425 price tag.
Oh, for that price 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk
I will wait for oneplus 10
ha ha ha ha ha......
My 3T is still a beast, although it hitches sometimes. Just gonna put a new battery in and keep it moving
The 3T has been the most surprising phone I've owned.
It's very well built, it's quick and reliable and the feeling of being appreciated enough to receive timely updates is wonderful.
I bought the 5T on a whim....and while it is an excellent phone, the 3T still feels ahead of it's time somehow.
OnePlus have won me over. I went from Samsung to Huawei - but my next phone will be the OnePlus 6T.
The constant updates are reassuring and the Oxygen OS is wonderful. Build quality also, is always tighter than most.
But let's get away from fragile glass backs and return to a more durable casing. I don't want to have to baby my phone.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk
redpoint73 said:
Yeah, that notch is so weird. Every manufacturer jumping on that bandwagon, purely just because Apple did it, on a phone that isn't even selling that well.
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Click to collapse
BTW, Notch was introduced by Essential Phone... which had even smaller notch that the iPX
Sent from my #FlagshipKiller3T using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 06:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:27 PM ----------
Frankenscript said:
Not liking the recent 5T or 6 designs. They are too much high end flagship. If I were to design something, it would have a traditional FLAT AMOLED screen (1080*1920 is fine) so that screen protectors are cheap and easy, a 4200 mAh battery, front facing fingerprint reader, a chassis that is rubberized so it needs no case and has a lip to protect the screen, decent cameras with OIS but nothing super fancy needed but documented for Devs, Snappy 835 is fine (enabled for ok Google while plugged in/screen off), headphone jack, micro SD card, configurable alert slider (more configurable than 3t), highly customizeable multicolor LED and vibration (full light flow support), one global model with support for all bands everywhere, fully unlockable/Dev friendly, and a $425 price tag.
Oh, for that price 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk
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Really dude? All that for just $425? It ain't possible in my opinion :/
Sent from my #FlagshipKiller3T using Tapatalk
Just saw the specs of P5....Poor resolution upgrade!
I guess it's pointless and waste of money....what are your thoughts?
Since our security updates will end this month, I plan to upgrade for those and take advantage of the strong T-Mobile 5G signal in my area.
amandeepparmar said:
Just saw the specs of P5....Poor resolution upgrade!
I guess it's pointless and waste of money....what are your thoughts?
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My thoughts?
If you only now just saw the specs you haven't been following the news. You likely also do not understand why Google didn't go with the 865/865+ in the two devices.
For me, it boils down to which features I consider more important. Right now I'm leaning towards the P5 simply because of the aluminum body, but the 4A 5G and its headphone jack is compelling. I think in the end, it's going to boil down to "do I want to pay the extra $200 or not?"
Accidently deleted while attempting to quote.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
Coming from the 2XL... The 5 is an upgrade. As far as the ppi... https://www.androidauthority.com/chasing-pixels-810926/ this article from AA is very good and I'm sure I won't notice it much. But I am going to wait for reviews and actually see it side by side
In case you missed topjohnwu's tweets:
https://twitter.com/topjohnwu/status/1311370798267990016
Ive never been one of the sheeple, the people who buy into aspirational technology (people who aspire to own somehting because its new and everyone else has one), so its not even a decision for me. Im a fucntional user, if a device performs the functions i need it to, im happy. The only reason i ever upgrade devices is when one is dead, or very much close to being....
I do not get the "new device every 6 months" buyers...i just dont, i think thats insanity
Personally i look at the lines of sheeple at Apple Stores on every release and weep for humanity, and the planet which gets raped to bring people ovepriced (thanks to Apple - they are the root of all evil, not least because they overprice their products, thereby forcing everyone in the market to follow suit, because to do anythign less is to be seen as inferior, so blame Apple, i do, asshat comapny) devices they dont really need
Pretty much the forumula is: new phone = new camera that takes pictures of an even more distant galaxy, hmm very useful in every day life
Some people in some countries have way too much spare money if theyre buying new phones all the time
Im sticking with what works for me, not a corporations bottom line, thanks
Also this:
https://www.xda-developers.com/google-pixel-4a-5g-pixel-5-great-value-in-us/
I loved the Pixel 5. I think Google made a small decision to stick with full hd resolution simply because you don't notice as such if the panel is good. It's easy on the battery. It will be easy on the chipset and provide consistent performance.
Pixel 5 does not lack anything as such. The only thing i was a bit disappointed was ufs 2.1 storage. Other than that I'm loving the Pixel 5. I'll get it maybe this Christmas or so!
The more I think about it, the more the 4a5g is looking like the better deal. Only differences between it and the five are two less gigabytes of RAM, no 90hz refresh, and a smaller battery, but the battery is still bigger than the 2xl, so battery life should still be an improvement. I've not yet owned a phone that had a 90hz refresh rate, so that's not really a huge deal to me yet.
The big draw toward the 4a5g for me personally is that the screen is bigger, which would make it feel like more of an upgrade compared to the 2XL.
The materials used are also different, but I've never really been a huge fan of glass backs. Plastic was always all right with me, so the 4a5g won't bother me in that regard. It supposedly feels pretty good in the hand even though its materials are "lesser than” the materials used for the 5 back.
Forgot about wireless charging too, but personally I've never owned a phone that had wireless charging, so again, not a big deal for me yet.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
sharkie405 said:
The more I think about it, the more the 4a5g is looking like the better deal. Only differences between it and the five are two less gigabytes of RAM, no 90hz refresh, and a smaller battery, but the battery is still bigger than the 2xl, so battery life should still be an improvement. I've not yet owned a phone that had a 90hz refresh rate, so that's not really a huge deal to me yet.
The big draw toward the 4a5g for me personally is that the screen is bigger, which would make it feel like more of an upgrade compared to the 2XL.
The materials used are also different, but I've never really been a huge fan of glass backs. Plastic was always all right with me, so the 4a5g won't bother me in that regard. It supposedly feels pretty good in the hand even though its materials are "lesser than” the materials used for the 5 back.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
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I second your thoughts here. 4a5 is certainly a better handset and not much hard hitting on the pocket too!
So far with lack of reviews and having seen a few of the random videos we can get. The OnePlus 8 Pro is looking better to me. Really need to see some full reviews
ZombieUsr said:
So far with lack of reviews and having seen a few of the random videos we can get. The OnePlus 8 Pro is looking better to me. Really need to see some full reviews
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I kind of agree with you here, except that I am seriously looking at going the OnePlus 8T route.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
ZombieUsr said:
So far with lack of reviews and having seen a few of the random videos we can get. The OnePlus 8 Pro is looking better to me. Really need to see some full reviews
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sharkie405 said:
I kind of agree with you here, except that I am seriously looking at going the OnePlus 8T route.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
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I am changing my mind to OnePlus 8 Pro too, I can go to swappa.com and get for less price than P5 with taxes. I am seriously considering going back to iPhone. Google has been using the same camera sensor hardware since the Pixel 2 came out. That means if Google ported the sofware algorithms to the Pixel 2 it would take pictures the same if not damn close to being the same.
after being a 4 year pixel 2 xl owner... the pixel 5 feels like a natural successor. Jut my opinion though
i currently use a pixel 3 because i prefer the size but im pretty much done with the pixel series. the cost is far too high and the features are less and less. the 4 had no fingerprint reader..... so i was thinking of getting a Zenfone 7. great size, great amount of ram........ EXPANDABLE STORAGE!!! but after seeing the OnePlus Nord N10, i might change my mind. ill have to see after the first reviews but it has what i want/need in a phone. google is just too obsessed with trying to either win the apple crowd, or become like apple.
maybe if they ever add features like expandable storage ill buy another pixel but the odds of that happening are not good. knowing google, theyll probably give up on the pixel line after the pixel 7 so i plan on holding on to my Panda Pixel indefinitely.
Okay i changed my decision probably.
I don't think i'll be getting Pixel 5 solely because of outdated hardware. Only if they had upgraded the camera sensors i'd have gone for it. The current sensor is at the end of its life.
I can't decide if I want to get a OP8T, OP8 Pro, or Pixel 5.
I prefer the flat screen of the 5 and 8t, the rear fingerprint sensor on the 5, and the telephoto on the 8 pro.
Get rid of P2-XL?
amandeepparmar said:
Just saw the specs of P5....Poor resolution upgrade!
I guess it's pointless and waste of money....what are your thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on your battery. After October, no more OTA's from Google.
If your battery is good, between updates from Google Play Store and LineageOS, I think the phone
would be plenty secure. I plan to keep using mine for awhile. running LineageOS
YoshiFan501 said:
I can't decide if I want to get a OP8T, OP8 Pro, or Pixel 5.
I prefer the flat screen of the 5 and 8t, the rear fingerprint sensor on the 5, and the telephoto on the 8 pro.
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lol Flat screen is such a bliss. My next phone will be a flat screen. I am tired of this curved look and miss touches due to the curve
I went from. The p2xl to the 5, it's definitely an upgrade for me. I love how smooth it feels with the extra ram and 90hs screen, the SD765g has no trouble giving me a great experience on the couple games I do play, (pubg and genshin impact) the battery life for me is about double what the 2xl was and I'm happy to know I'll be getting monthly security updates for the next three years. There are still a couple things I don't like. The top behind the screen speaker is just so-so, far inferior to the 2xl's stereo front firing speakers. However I don't watch or listen to much without headphones or a bt speaker anyways and it does fine for calls. they removed a feature I did actually like.. active edge, I miss sweezing to activate assistant rather than saying hey Google or swiping the corner but still not really a deal breaker for me just so thing to get used to.
Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk