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Non Tool Forum => Gadget Freak and EDC Forum => Topic started by: Kev D on August 24, 2016, 04:50:52 PM

Title: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on August 24, 2016, 04:50:52 PM
My samsung galaxy note 4 on the UK 3 network finally updated to android M today (Marshmallow 6.0.1). Talk about late to the game, android N is coming out soon.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: zrxoa1 on August 24, 2016, 04:52:41 PM
My wife's Note 4 on ATT is still stuck on 5.1.1.   My Nexus 6 should get some Nougat love soon!

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on August 25, 2016, 01:34:36 PM
my Nexus 4 is on 5.1.1 and from what I read I can forget about seeing an official update for it, meanwhile there are unofficial updated roms for it...

So essentially the one thing that made me choose my Google device over any other brand has been nullified by Google after just a few updates. Well done!

That being said, the Nexus7 update disaster (making a useable device completely rubbish) might explain the hesitation to update older devices much more than minimal.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on August 25, 2016, 05:40:53 PM
I want to replace my aging Nexus 4, but I'm holding on to until the new Nexus phones come out, unless there are some really good deals that come up on the 5X in the meantime.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on August 25, 2016, 06:51:34 PM
I'm likely to go for a BQ Aquaris M5 as a replacement for my nexus 4.

Nexus 4's seem to go for anywhere between 40 and 150 euros on flea bay so selling my old phone might just cover a nice chunk of the upgrade price,  if only I could afford to buy the new phone first
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: m47mu74nt on August 25, 2016, 07:08:26 PM
I am still happy with my first gen motoG (X1032, 3G modem, no mSD slot)
CM13 here (so android 6.0.1)
But next device might run plasma-mobile or one of its cousin (I'd like to get closer to Linux than android)
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on August 26, 2016, 04:00:46 PM
I'd like the new Note 7 but to have the same contract as I have now is now another £18 a month with the note 7. My contract is up in a couple of months so I'll see what kind of deal I can get when the time comes.

My note 4 was driving me nuts with the battery life. I thought android M would sort it but it was still the same so I bought a new one. Hey presto it's now ok again.

That worries me though because I've only had it 18 months and with the new note 7 I wouldn't be able to do that. I really like being able to replace it if needed.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on August 26, 2016, 06:52:50 PM
I pretty much love my Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.4 S. It makes me regret tremendously not going with an S3 vs my Nexus 4 back in the day. The S3 camera takes far better photos than the nexus4 in spite of them being the same spec. The S3 also has an sdslot, and easily replaced battery.

However the tab8.4s was definitely a lot more money that most of the other tablets I was looking at, but I don't regret it at all...

As you mention with the Note7, there's probably a lot on those devices I'd like, but the appeal of a BQ phone is that I can have 3 of them for the price of a new samsung whatever is current model, so if it goes wrong, I don't feel bad, plus as we all seem to be experiencing, 2 years on we'll likely be looking at something better anyways, so why go with the top of the range when it'll likely be obsolete before we even get the plastic protector off the screen.

I do like the Oneplus platform, but I feel that both them and the Google/Nexus platforms are losing the plot with the idea of affordable devices.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: sLaughterMed on August 28, 2016, 02:19:42 PM
I pretty much love my Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.4 S. It makes me regret tremendously not going with an S3 vs my Nexus 4 back in the day. The S3 camera takes far better photos than the nexus4 in spite of them being the same spec. The S3 also has an sdslot, and easily replaced battery.

However the tab8.4s was definitely a lot more money that most of the other tablets I was looking at, but I don't regret it at all...

As you mention with the Note7, there's probably a lot on those devices I'd like, but the appeal of a BQ phone is that I can have 3 of them for the price of a new samsung whatever is current model, so if it goes wrong, I don't feel bad, plus as we all seem to be experiencing, 2 years on we'll likely be looking at something better anyways, so why go with the top of the range when it'll likely be obsolete before we even get the plastic protector off the screen.

I do like the Oneplus platform, but I feel that both them and the Google/Nexus platforms are losing the plot with the idea of affordable devices.
Im still running an S3. It was a great phone, although  slower than similar speced phones now(the last couple updates before support was dropped did a number on my device). Ive been thinking of moving to a custom ROM, because otherwise the S3 is fantastic: microSD slot, removable battery, not too big, durable, and it is still fairly competitive spec wise. I think you lose the awesome camera if you move away from TouchWiz though :(
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on September 05, 2016, 05:33:33 PM
I'm likely to go for a BQ Aquaris M5 as a replacement for my nexus 4.

Nexus 4's seem to go for anywhere between 40 and 150 euros on flea bay so selling my old phone might just cover a nice chunk of the upgrade price,  if only I could afford to buy the new phone first

Mine's shagged (cracked back, replaced battery, camera's not working properly, doesn't hang up calls correctly) so probably not worth selling.  The new google (Pixel) phones are looking like they'll be quite pricey too. :(
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on September 05, 2016, 06:27:01 PM
You might get some money for it as is,  some people don't mind fixing those things for a more custom rom friendly device, although be sure it's listed as is not working 100%

I bought a ringke fusion cover for my Nexus4 as soon as I had ordered it,  has nearly never been without it,  which has helped a lot I imagine,  my niece killed her n4 within 6 months with some lesser cover
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on September 06, 2016, 10:53:29 AM
Samsung have pulled the Note 7 off the shelves over here due to battery issues, mainly setting on fire.  The say they make the handsets but source batteries in the area the phones are sold so it's down to a bad batch of batteries from whoever supplied them sale over here.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: derekmac on September 06, 2016, 02:02:43 PM
I'd like an S7 or Note 7, but not sure if I'll be able to afford one...  Our current contract is up for an early upgrade, and ends in February. I could sell my iPhone 6 Plus, and it would cover the upgrade cost, but I don't think I'm ready to completely ditch Apple.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on September 06, 2016, 07:49:35 PM
I'd like an S7 or Note 7, but not sure if I'll be able to afford one...  Our current contract is up for an early upgrade, and ends in February. I could sell my iPhone 6 Plus, and it would cover the upgrade cost, but I don't think I'm ready to completely ditch Apple.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Come on ditch Apple  :pok: You know you want to >:D :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: derekmac on September 06, 2016, 08:09:55 PM
I'd like an S7 or Note 7, but not sure if I'll be able to afford one...  Our current contract is up for an early upgrade, and ends in February. I could sell my iPhone 6 Plus, and it would cover the upgrade cost, but I don't think I'm ready to completely ditch Apple.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Come on ditch Apple  :pok: You know you want to >:D :D
If I can get one cheap enough, I'll temporarily switch. Can't leave for good though!!  :evilbanana:


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 08, 2016, 03:53:11 AM
Yes you can.  Make the move while you still have some sensation in your hippocampus.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on September 08, 2016, 07:27:44 AM
^^ This

And £600 for an iphone 7 :ahhh :rofl: ::)
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on September 08, 2016, 12:03:05 PM
I dropped my note last night as I got out the car. It was in the neoprene shock sock I carry it in, but it made a full face splat on the floor. 

I had that sickening moment where you hope it's ok but don't want to look in case it isn't.  These £4 sleeves are money well spent, once again it has protected my phone from damage.

I've spent a lot on cases and slim armours, etc over the years but these are by far the cheapest option, and have protected it very well. As long as they are replaced when the corners start to wear it seems to work very well. At £4 a go off amazon I always buy a few at a time ready for when one wears out.

They are the caseflex neoprene sleeves btw
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: derekmac on September 10, 2016, 04:12:46 PM
So...  I might be getting an S7 Edge today.  My brother in law is a manager at two Telus stores, and was able to get us a wicked plan, and phone discounts.  With Samsung offering a $200 discount when trading in any phone (I have an old crappy one :D ), I'll be able to afford it without having to sell my iPhone!  Happy happy!!  :woohoo:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on September 10, 2016, 04:47:42 PM
So...  I might be getting an S7 Edge today.  My brother in law is a manager at two Telus stores, and was able to get us a wicked plan, and phone discounts.  With Samsung offering a $200 discount when trading in any phone (I have an old crappy one :D ), I'll be able to afford it without having to sell my iPhone!  Happy happy!!  :woohoo:

Nice one  :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 11, 2016, 04:10:40 AM
That's great news Derek!

I've been eligible for a hardware upgrade for a couple of years now but I'll save it until my phone has serious issues.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: derekmac on September 11, 2016, 05:51:22 PM
Well I did it!  Came home yesterday with a new S7 Edge. :dd:  The best part is, it didn't cost me a cent.  Our plan is about $10 more a month (total for both lines), but we're also getting 3gb more data a month (9gb total).

My brother in law really wanted me to wait and get the new iPhone but I needed a change.  I've been using an iPhone for the last two years, and was getting bored of it.  I do still love my iPhone, and will use it.  From everything I've read, the iPhone works much better with my Phantom 3.  I will try the S7 though.

Since it's been two years since I've used a good Android phone, I have to say I'm super impressed with the S7 Edge!!  What a slick, responsive phone!!  The OS itself is WAYYYY better than the last time I used one.  I never did like Samsung Touchwiz, but the way they have it now is quite nice.  Of course, I can always use a different launcher if I want.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on September 13, 2016, 05:47:41 PM
Ordered a Nexus 5X rather than waiting for the Pixel/Nexus replacements next month.  Prices have been dropping and stocks are getting low - I reckon the 5X is a couple of hundred quid cheaper than the 5" Pixel will be.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on September 13, 2016, 08:50:14 PM
Well I did it!  Came home yesterday with a new S7 Edge. :dd:  The best part is, it didn't cost me a cent.  Our plan is about $10 more a month (total for both lines), but we're also getting 3gb more data a month (9gb total).

My brother in law really wanted me to wait and get the new iPhone but I needed a change.  I've been using an iPhone for the last two years, and was getting bored of it.  I do still love my iPhone, and will use it.  From everything I've read, the iPhone works much better with my Phantom 3.  I will try the S7 though.

Since it's been two years since I've used a good Android phone, I have to say I'm super impressed with the S7 Edge!!  What a slick, responsive phone!!  The OS itself is WAYYYY better than the last time I used one.  I never did like Samsung Touchwiz, but the way they have it now is quite nice.  Of course, I can always use a different launcher if I want.

How's the new phone?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: derekmac on September 13, 2016, 09:48:18 PM
Well I did it!  Came home yesterday with a new S7 Edge. :dd:  The best part is, it didn't cost me a cent.  Our plan is about $10 more a month (total for both lines), but we're also getting 3gb more data a month (9gb total).

My brother in law really wanted me to wait and get the new iPhone but I needed a change.  I've been using an iPhone for the last two years, and was getting bored of it.  I do still love my iPhone, and will use it.  From everything I've read, the iPhone works much better with my Phantom 3.  I will try the S7 though.

Since it's been two years since I've used a good Android phone, I have to say I'm super impressed with the S7 Edge!!  What a slick, responsive phone!!  The OS itself is WAYYYY better than the last time I used one.  I never did like Samsung Touchwiz, but the way they have it now is quite nice.  Of course, I can always use a different launcher if I want.

How's the new phone?
I'm absolutely loving it!!  I've always kind of preferred Android, but with everyone in the house having Apple devices, they just all worked together soooo well!!
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 13, 2016, 11:48:23 PM
When all of your devices are Apple it makes sense to stay with Apple.  They do work together quite well and there is a serious benefit to that.

But, if you want more freedom in your devices and what you can do with them it makes sense to stay away from Apple.

I'm glad you are enjoying your new phone!

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on September 15, 2016, 12:39:52 PM
5X arrived yesterday and had updated to Nougat within a couple of hours.  It's a little faster and bigger than my 4 but not that different.  The fingerprint scanner is good, and I'm looking forward to being able to use Android Pay.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on September 15, 2016, 01:01:37 PM
part of me is tempted to custom rom my Nexus4, but I'm hesitant without a backup phone...
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on September 15, 2016, 01:53:10 PM
5X arrived yesterday and had updated to Nougat within a couple of hours.  It's a little faster and bigger than my 4 but not that different.  The fingerprint scanner is good, and I'm looking forward to being able to use Android Pay.

Hows the new android N?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on September 15, 2016, 02:06:15 PM
Doesn't seem very different from Marshmallow to me.  Biggest difference would seem to be multi-window, which is very cool.  I'm sure there are other things I'll discover though.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: derekmac on September 25, 2016, 02:05:38 AM
So one awesome thing I'm loving about my S7 edge, and the little usb adapter thingy is.....  Being able to hook up my DSLR to it, and copy pics to my phone. :tu:  It might not sound like a big thing, but it makes me happy!! :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 27, 2016, 03:37:46 AM
You can do that with iOS too, but you may need to jailbreak it first.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on October 05, 2016, 11:54:40 AM
I'm glad I didn't wait for the Google Pixel phones to be released.  I'm sure they're very nice, but £600 is a lot.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on October 05, 2016, 12:15:39 PM
yeah, same reaction I had when I saw the SRP on the Pixel phones...
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on October 05, 2016, 01:31:59 PM
No microSD slot on them either to allow expansion
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on October 05, 2016, 01:34:00 PM
My contract is up at the end of the month, now I don't know what to get. Note 7's go back on sale on October 28th after the battery issues so need to stay clear of those for a while, and the new pixel doesn't have an SD slot for expansion so you'd have to buy the biggest one if you want a lot of memory which means much more £££

Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: NutSAK on October 05, 2016, 10:07:25 PM
I'm still loving my Moto G (2015) on Marshmallow.  The only thing that could possibly make it a better phone for me is a compass.  The lack of it makes navigation on foot a bit frustrating in unfamiliar places.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on October 06, 2016, 11:47:59 AM
I'm still loving my Moto G (2015) on Marshmallow.  The only thing that could possibly make it a better phone for me is a compass.  The lack of it makes navigation on foot a bit frustrating in unfamiliar places.

I'm still loving my note 4, so I think I'll stick with it until I really need to change it for a newer one. I'll save my money to spend on MT's and Alox SAK's
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on October 06, 2016, 12:53:39 PM
I'm still loving my Moto G (2015) on Marshmallow.  The only thing that could possibly make it a better phone for me is a compass.  The lack of it makes navigation on foot a bit frustrating in unfamiliar places.
ironic since the Moto G (2013) & Moto G (2014) have one  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: NutSAK on October 06, 2016, 05:57:51 PM
I'm still loving my Moto G (2015) on Marshmallow.  The only thing that could possibly make it a better phone for me is a compass.  The lack of it makes navigation on foot a bit frustrating in unfamiliar places.
ironic since the Moto G (2013) & Moto G (2014) have one  :facepalm:

Yep, they dropped the magnetic field sensor between 2nd and 3rd generations.  I assume to save some $.  It makes very little difference in car navigation.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on October 06, 2016, 08:48:08 PM
I'm still loving my Moto G (2015) on Marshmallow.  The only thing that could possibly make it a better phone for me is a compass.  The lack of it makes navigation on foot a bit frustrating in unfamiliar places.
ironic since the Moto G (2013) & Moto G (2014) have one  :facepalm:

Yep, they dropped the magnetic field sensor between 2nd and 3rd generations.  I assume to save some $.  It makes very little difference in car navigation.
Yet obviously that's not where it's needed... you'd think that by the time a 3rd generation of an item is out the related costs would all have dropped. Hence why usually storage/ram doubles at no cost increase. Wonder if this is the same logic behind apple dropping the headphone socket. Imho if you're purporting to create something that multitasks, removing features doesn't seem to be the way forward.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 06, 2016, 11:26:01 PM
I'm still loving my Moto G (2015) on Marshmallow.  The only thing that could possibly make it a better phone for me is a compass.  The lack of it makes navigation on foot a bit frustrating in unfamiliar places.
ironic since the Moto G (2013) & Moto G (2014) have one  :facepalm:

Yep, they dropped the magnetic field sensor between 2nd and 3rd generations.  I assume to save some $.  It makes very little difference in car navigation.
Yet obviously that's not where it's needed... you'd think that by the time a 3rd generation of an item is out the related costs would all have dropped. Hence why usually storage/ram doubles at no cost increase. Wonder if this is the same logic behind apple dropping the headphone socket. Imho if you're purporting to create something that multitasks, removing features doesn't seem to be the way forward.

I never really thought of it like that, but you are absolutely right.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: NutSAK on October 06, 2016, 11:31:51 PM
I'm sure that they also understand that compasses don't sell phones. Screens and cameras do.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on October 11, 2016, 11:05:28 AM
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is in the news again, the new handsets are doing the same as the old ones, so Samsung have recalled them and recommended everyone that has one switches it off and doesn't use it.

The news says one went up in smoke on a flight in the US last Wednesday.  Samsung share price has plummeted costing the company a potential $17 billion. Talk about getting it wrong, it's just a bigger S7 with a pen.

I bet someone at Samsung has been fired.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: NutSAK on October 11, 2016, 12:46:16 PM
I owned a couple of generations of Galaxy.  I would never buy one again due to major software bloat.  Of course, that is a small issue compared to venting with flames... :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Etherealicer on October 11, 2016, 01:00:45 PM
I owned a couple of generations of Galaxy.  I would never buy one again due to major software bloat.  Of course, that is a small issue compared to venting with flames... :D
They decreased the bloat... and how many exploded world wide... bet you have a iPhone 6 :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on October 11, 2016, 01:29:51 PM
I wish they had carried on making "play edition" phones with the stripped down version of Android vs the bloated manufacturer editions...
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on October 11, 2016, 01:56:35 PM
It's just been on the lunchtime news, they have pulled the plug on them now. No more Note 7
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: David Bowen on October 11, 2016, 02:07:23 PM
Yep, second recall for the same phone. Samsung just needs to hang it up and call it a day. Sucks because it really is a good phone and customers love it.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: NutSAK on October 11, 2016, 02:08:17 PM
I owned a couple of generations of Galaxy.  I would never buy one again due to major software bloat.  Of course, that is a small issue compared to venting with flames... :D
They decreased the bloat... and how many exploded world wide... bet you have a iPhone 6 :D

My brother has an S7.  That phone is nowhere near stock Android.  Moto G here, and I've never owned an iPhone.

Sorry, I've had my share of Samsung (phones, monitors, TVs etc.) and am not a fan.  You should see all the monitors and TVs that have crossed my workbench because they had to save $.0001 on crap capacitors in the power supplies.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on October 11, 2016, 02:12:53 PM
Yep, second recall for the same phone. Samsung just needs to hang it up and call it a day. Sucks because it really is a good phone and customers love it.



They've done that today, no recall, scrapped it.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Etherealicer on October 11, 2016, 04:58:41 PM
I owned a couple of generations of Galaxy.  I would never buy one again due to major software bloat.  Of course, that is a small issue compared to venting with flames... :D
They decreased the bloat... and how many exploded world wide... bet you have a iPhone 6 :D

My brother has an S7.  That phone is nowhere near stock Android.  Moto G here, and I've never owned an iPhone.

Sorry, I've had my share of Samsung (phones, monitors, TVs etc.) and am not a fan.  You should see all the monitors and TVs that have crossed my workbench because they had to save $.0001 on crap capacitors in the power supplies.
I loved the Samsung flip phones; I had a UMPC Q1 :D... Now I own a Note 3 (because of the pen and it is the only smartphone I ever owned privately). Can't say I have a huge knowledge of Samsung, but I have a friend who is very savy in these things (has his own company making cashless payment systems) who told me that with the S7 edge you can get pretty close to stock (I think they really did change that in the latest series). Anyway...

The Moto Z Force Droid is in my remaining favs for replacing the Note 3. Together with the Note 7 (no other smartphone offers a pen) and the HP Elite X3. By the time I decide on one its probably none of these 3 ::). The Note 3 is old but there is no rush to replace it, still runs very good, battery lasts days and its reasonably fast.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: NutSAK on October 11, 2016, 05:05:06 PM
Can't say I have a huge knowledge of Samsung, but I have a friend who is very savy in these things (has his own company making cashless payment systems) who told me that with the S7 edge you can get pretty close to stock (I think they really did change that in the latest series).

I will have to disagree with your friend, unless for some reason the OS is different on the edge than on the regular S7, and I can't imagine that it would be.  I've rooted and installed stock Android on many devices, and the S7's OS is definitely not stock Android.  It might be closer than it used to be, but it's still at an unnecessary level of bloat, IMO.  If you want a clean Android OS, I recommend the Moto or Nexus devices.  Although, as I understand it, even Nexus devices might be going away from "vanilla" Android N.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: kaput on October 11, 2016, 06:08:51 PM
Yikes!  :facepalm: http://money.cnn.com/2016/10/10/technology/samsung-galaxy-note-7-turn-off/

"No one should have to be concerned their phone will endanger them, their family or their property," Kaye said in a statement.

Samsung offered replacement phones -- but those burst into flames too.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Etherealicer on October 12, 2016, 11:36:40 AM
Yikes!  :facepalm: http://money.cnn.com/2016/10/10/technology/samsung-galaxy-note-7-turn-off/

"No one should have to be concerned their phone will endanger them, their family or their property," Kaye said in a statement.

Samsung offered replacement phones -- but those burst into flames too.
Yep, I guess it is off my list of phones to get :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: kaput on October 12, 2016, 05:09:49 PM
Yikes!  :facepalm: http://money.cnn.com/2016/10/10/technology/samsung-galaxy-note-7-turn-off/

"No one should have to be concerned their phone will endanger them, their family or their property," Kaye said in a statement.

Samsung offered replacement phones -- but those burst into flames too.
Yep, I guess it is off my list of phones to get :D
Shoulda got it while supplies were hot! Uh, I mean available...  :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 12, 2016, 11:06:43 PM
It's just an extra feature.  That's what they get for not using the Firestarter app responsibly!   :drink:

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Etherealicer on October 18, 2016, 11:36:11 AM
Can't say I have a huge knowledge of Samsung, but I have a friend who is very savy in these things (has his own company making cashless payment systems) who told me that with the S7 edge you can get pretty close to stock (I think they really did change that in the latest series).

I will have to disagree with your friend, unless for some reason the OS is different on the edge than on the regular S7, and I can't imagine that it would be.  I've rooted and installed stock Android on many devices, and the S7's OS is definitely not stock Android.  It might be closer than it used to be, but it's still at an unnecessary level of bloat, IMO.  If you want a clean Android OS, I recommend the Moto or Nexus devices.  Although, as I understand it, even Nexus devices might be going away from "vanilla" Android N.
I just noticed that there might be a difference US vs Europe (and also carrier).
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: NutSAK on October 18, 2016, 02:25:40 PM
Can't say I have a huge knowledge of Samsung, but I have a friend who is very savy in these things (has his own company making cashless payment systems) who told me that with the S7 edge you can get pretty close to stock (I think they really did change that in the latest series).

I will have to disagree with your friend, unless for some reason the OS is different on the edge than on the regular S7, and I can't imagine that it would be.  I've rooted and installed stock Android on many devices, and the S7's OS is definitely not stock Android.  It might be closer than it used to be, but it's still at an unnecessary level of bloat, IMO.  If you want a clean Android OS, I recommend the Moto or Nexus devices.  Although, as I understand it, even Nexus devices might be going away from "vanilla" Android N.
I just noticed that there might be a difference US vs Europe (and also carrier).

That could certainly be the case. Many times the model numbers aren't even the same country to country and carrier to carrier.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Sazabi on October 20, 2016, 05:34:28 PM
So I have been looking for a second Android phone to use as a credit card reader via Square, as my Windows phone isn't compatible (-_-).  While I was really interested in the Moto G 4th Gen, I couldn't really stand forking over ~$230 for the higher memory model from Amazon; so I popped into the local AT&T and ended up walking out with one of their Maven 2 models for a whopping $43 out the door.  For something that I'll use roughly once or twice a year, I figure I did pretty well; the older Maven model was more than that at the few local retailers that still had them in stock, namely, Dollar General. :D

... This is a rant for another time, but for what few apps I need for my phone on the rare occasion, no one caters to the Windows Mobile platform.  I like my phone, quite a bit, and for the two freaking apps that I need, one isn't offered?  Really?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: NutSAK on October 20, 2016, 05:38:52 PM
In order to have good software support for an OS platform, that platform has to sell well.  Since Windows mobile has ~2% of the market share, why should anyone cater to it?

See here: https://www.netmarketshare.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx?qprid=8&qpcustomd=1
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Sazabi on October 20, 2016, 07:18:51 PM
In order to have good software support for an OS platform, that platform has to sell well.  Since Windows mobile has ~2% of the market share, why should anyone cater to it?

See here: https://www.netmarketshare.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx?qprid=8&qpcustomd=1

I know, it's the classic story of too little, too late for the platform.  Really, though, that's the only complaint I have for it; it's been a wonderful phone, otherwise.  :cheers:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: sLaughterMed on November 02, 2016, 07:30:50 PM
So I have been looking for a second Android phone to use as a credit card reader via Square, as my Windows phone isn't compatible (-_-).  While I was really interested in the Moto G 4th Gen, I couldn't really stand forking over ~$230 for the higher memory model from Amazon; so I popped into the local AT&T and ended up walking out with one of their Maven 2 models for a whopping $43 out the door.  For something that I'll use roughly once or twice a year, I figure I did pretty well; the older Maven model was more than that at the few local retailers that still had them in stock, namely, Dollar General. :D

... This is a rant for another time, but for what few apps I need for my phone on the rare occasion, no one caters to the Windows Mobile platform.  I like my phone, quite a bit, and for the two freaking apps that I need, one isn't offered?  Really?
It's because no one wants to deal with those whiny Windows phone users :P
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on November 22, 2016, 12:25:48 PM
My note 4 battery is finally giving up the ghost. As soon as it gets put under load it gets really hot and my phone starts restarting. As soon as I plug it in to the charger it cools down and runs ok again.

When looking at the battery I can see it's expanded and bellied out on both sides so it's definitely had it. At the mo I'm using my old work phone until my new batteries arrive, hopefully today or tomorrow. I've got the new anker one coming and a samsung genuine one.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Josh613 on November 23, 2016, 08:51:02 PM
After a new phone. Decided to steer away from iPhone.

Don't want a contract as I have a sim only contract and planning to travel so want to buy it outright

Stuck between a s6,s7 or a note but not sure which one. I'm really hard on my phones anyone can help me out?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on November 24, 2016, 01:14:40 AM
After a new phone. Decided to steer away from iPhone.

Don't want a contract as I have a sim only contract and planning to travel so want to buy it outright

Stuck between a s6,s7 or a note but not sure which one. I'm really hard on my phones anyone can help me out?

General rule for Samsung phones- don't get the even numbered ones.

The original Galaxy was good, the Galaxy II was bought by only four people worldwide, and three of them hated it.

The SIII was an excellent phone and helped cement Samsung as a serious contender in the phone marketplace, the SIV was about as well received as HIV, but without the fun of contracting it.

The S5 is a great phone and the S6 was a serious step backwards, so they rushed out the S7, which is supposedly quite good, although I don't have one and don't use it.  But, it benefits from being waterproof like the S5, so if that is important to you (it was to me) then it's probably a good choice.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Josh613 on November 24, 2016, 09:03:50 AM
After a new phone. Decided to steer away from iPhone.

Don't want a contract as I have a sim only contract and planning to travel so want to buy it outright

Stuck between a s6,s7 or a note but not sure which one. I'm really hard on my phones anyone can help me out?

General rule for Samsung phones- don't get the even numbered ones.

The original Galaxy was good, the Galaxy II was bought by only four people worldwide, and three of them hated it.

The SIII was an excellent phone and helped cement Samsung as a serious contender in the phone marketplace, the SIV was about as well received as HIV, but without the fun of contracting it.

The S5 is a great phone and the S6 was a serious step backwards, so they rushed out the S7, which is supposedly quite good, although I don't have one and don't use it.  But, it benefits from being waterproof like the S5, so if that is important to you (it was to me) then it's probably a good choice.

Def

Hmm

Any thought on the note series? I'll probably end up with a iPhone 6s ha
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on November 24, 2016, 12:48:46 PM
After a new phone. Decided to steer away from iPhone.

Don't want a contract as I have a sim only contract and planning to travel so want to buy it outright

Stuck between a s6,s7 or a note but not sure which one. I'm really hard on my phones anyone can help me out?

General rule for Samsung phones- don't get the even numbered ones.

The original Galaxy was good, the Galaxy II was bought by only four people worldwide, and three of them hated it.

The SIII was an excellent phone and helped cement Samsung as a serious contender in the phone marketplace, the SIV was about as well received as HIV, but without the fun of contracting it.

The S5 is a great phone and the S6 was a serious step backwards, so they rushed out the S7, which is supposedly quite good, although I don't have one and don't use it.  But, it benefits from being waterproof like the S5, so if that is important to you (it was to me) then it's probably a good choice.

Def

Hmm

Any thought on the note series? I'll probably end up with a iPhone 6s ha

I've had the Note 3 and Note 4, both have been excellent. My mum has my note 3 and loves it and I still have the note 4. Other than just having to get a new battery for it, which you can change yourself as the back pops off to allow you to do it, it's been a great phone.  Now I've got the new battery in it, it's great again.  After the note 4 I'd avoid them like the plague, the note 5 didn't get released here, they skipped the 6 and the 7 has been pulled last month due to all the setting on fire and blowing up issues.

Edit:

My note 4 has trashed a micro SD card fairly quickly after getting the phone 2 years ago, but since I went to a samung one it has been fine.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on November 24, 2016, 01:05:22 PM
as far as samsung goes, perhaps best the non spontaneously combustive model?  >:D

seems the iphone 6's have to worry about "touch disease"

part of me would almost be tempted by the iphone5c if they weren't such horrible colours, they are pretty solid and not outrageously priced like other iphones.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Josh613 on November 25, 2016, 10:37:33 PM
Ended up with a 6s. Got a good deal on it.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Chako on December 18, 2016, 09:49:14 PM
Out of the blue, I figured that I should get another cell phone. I still have my Samsung S3, but I will never go back to Rogers. I went to the local mall today and cased every cell phone joint in the place. I never paid attention to just how many there are. Well colour me bemused at how many places there are. After a few hours of mind blowing confusion in regards to cell plans, and cell phones. I even unlocked my old phone which will make a nice gift for someone (I would never let anyone I know knowingly go with Rogers if I can help it). Well oddly enough, the very last place I went to had some good deals. More importantly, the sales staff had the proper service attitude, which to me is golden. I ended up getting an LG G5 as it appeared to have a good camera feature set which was important to me. I even bought the LG Cam Plus module for it.

I hope my dealings with Virgin Mobile are a lot better than my past history with Rogers.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 18, 2016, 11:39:25 PM
Find out what network Virgin is n.  If they are on the Rogers network you are likley to still have problems.  In the Toronto area and other major centers Rogers has better coverage, but in Northern Ontario I find the Bell/Telus network is far superior.  The further away from cities you go, the more likely you are to be covered on Bell because the government uses Bell and they need the coverage for emergency response.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Chako on December 19, 2016, 12:39:37 AM
Virgin Mobile is basically Bell. I would be surprised they would use the Rogers infrastructure.

I never had issues with Rogers coverage. I had issues in paying my bill. Rogers went out of their way to inconvenience me at every step.

Loving the new phone. I did find out I didn't get the phone number I selected from the list offered but that is a very small inconvenience. On the plus side, I found I had 23 dollars in my Google account that I forgot about. :rofl:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 19, 2016, 01:05:10 AM
Rogers has little coverage at my parent's place but they refuse to change because they have been with Rogers for years.   :facepalm:

I wasn't sure if Virgin was Bell or not.  There are only two networks across Canada, and ask if the others run off one network or the other.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Chako on December 19, 2016, 01:53:13 AM
Here are some photos of the new phone along with my two older ones.

First off is an ancient LG 325 circa 2005. Next is my Samsung S3 circa 2012, and last the LG G5 which was bought today.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo004/IMG_2527small_zps5n7lucme.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo004/IMG_2527small_zps5n7lucme.jpg.html)

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo004/IMG_2532small_zpsyw6mmavp.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo004/IMG_2532small_zpsyw6mmavp.jpg.html)

So after a 2 year cell phone free hiatus, I once again get connected.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 19, 2016, 01:58:03 AM
:borg: :assimilate:

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Chako on December 19, 2016, 02:07:09 AM
 This makes perfect sense.  :facepalm:  :D

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/Chako_photo004/CEul8rMWgAASMR8_zps3cprxr2x.jpg) (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/Chako_photo/media/Chako_photo004/CEul8rMWgAASMR8_zps3cprxr2x.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on December 19, 2016, 12:23:01 PM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_Mobile_Canada  :pok:

Bell owned
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 20, 2016, 01:34:27 AM
Well there you go then.

I'm hearing rumors of a new Super Nokia smartphone.  Anyone else hearing of such a thing?

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on December 20, 2016, 11:59:37 AM
seems to be that they are going to release some new android phones now that they are out from under the MS chokehold.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 22, 2016, 03:14:27 AM
Yeah MS really dropped the ball.  They had a lot going for them with WinCE but let it die too soon with no replacement. Windows Mobile was the dominant mobile OS before Android and iOS existed.

They must have taken complacency lessons from Blackberry.  :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: campussecurity on February 11, 2017, 06:32:28 AM
Just replaced my iPhone 6S with a new Google Pixel. Also have a Blackberry Private that runs Android. The Pixel is one hell of a phone.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 11, 2017, 11:41:37 PM
I have been looking at the Pixel phones, and it was one of the ones I strongly considered a couple of weeks ago when I needed a new phone.  In the end I went with the Galaxy S5 Neo, which is just an upgraded version of my old S5.  As an added bonus, I was able to use the same Otterbox Defender that I originally got for my original S5.   :tu:

Def
Title: Android Phones
Post by: campussecurity on February 12, 2017, 02:44:47 AM
Nice Grant! Don't think we can get the Neo where in the US. Or I would for my wife. She loves her S5. Just looked up the Neo that's some killer specs.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 12, 2017, 04:09:32 AM
It's a nice phone. I really liked the S5 and this one is a hod rod version of it.

I'm quite happy with it 

Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on March 12, 2017, 04:05:45 PM
Just got myself a Oukitel K10000, a decent smartphone by it's features, but why I really wanted
it, is the 10000mah battery!  :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh

That's right ladies and gentlemen, I did say 10000mah battery...

After three days of constant fiddling and playing with it, constantly on Wifi and all, 40% battery left and it was first charge...


And all this for 217 euros  :tu:

Size and weight wise... it's a beast, 5,5" screen, 300+ grams weight

I'll get some pics in soon, cause I know how MTO rolls ;)

Oh and I forgot, it also works as a powerbank...  :drool:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on March 12, 2017, 08:45:12 PM
That's a hell of a battery. How is it to carry being so heavy?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on March 14, 2017, 06:57:10 PM
That's a hell of a battery. How is it to carry being so heavy?

My first cellphone was Nokia 1611, you get used to it :D

That said, after some checking... Yes the K10000 is my heaviest phone ever  :ahhh

 :cheers:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on March 14, 2017, 07:30:41 PM
Aforementioned pics...

Sorry for the bad quality pics, lighting was challenging to say the least...


Nice 5,5" screen (yes those are air bubbles under the screen protector film ::) still waiting for the reinforced glass screen protector...)
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/2017-03-142020.15.25.jpg)

It's a thick smurfer, at least twice the thickness of my old Samsung Galaxy S5 (also twice the weight)
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/2017-03-142020.15.43.jpg)

It has a thin clear plastic cover on the back... I found it handy holding some familiar merchandise... ;)
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/2017-03-142020.15.56.jpg)

Definitely not a phone for those who want light gear and/or the best performance, but for me it's just what I need, decent performance, long battery life :cheers:

Oh ya, forgot: The current version runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on March 20, 2017, 01:30:28 PM
I don't know what's going on with my provider at the mo, but since last Thursday/Friday I have lost 4G at home, and the 3G is up and down every 5 minutes. They say they are looking into it, but no update. If I drive half a mile up the hill it's perfect, so I'm guessing it's the cell tower that covers my area.

Still no home internet either, waiting for a new cable modem now it's been diagnosed correctly.

I had to actually interact with people in person this weekend  :o
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on March 20, 2017, 07:04:52 PM
Update on the Oukitel K10000, I charged it on Sat week before last, still has 25% battery life left, so 10+ days battery life confirmed :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on March 20, 2017, 11:04:54 PM
Update on the Oukitel K10000, I charged it on Sat week before last, still has 25% battery life left, so 10+ days battery life confirmed :tu:
:sa:
BTW, I recommend keeping the battery above 15% or so. It will last much longer before becoming weak.  :tu:

What about quality?
How does it handle websurfing?
Anything you don't like?
 :)
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on March 21, 2017, 11:40:33 AM
Update on the Oukitel K10000, I charged it on Sat week before last, still has 25% battery life left, so 10+ days battery life confirmed :tu:
:sa:
BTW, I recommend keeping the battery above 15% or so. It will last much longer before becoming weak.  :tu:

What about quality?
How does it handle websurfing?
Anything you don't like?
 :)

Performance wise I'd say its on par with my old Galaxy S5, which is perfectly fine for me. I think the touchscreen is actually more responsive on the Oukitel and it seems that surfing is somewhat faster (I have Firefox on both phones). I've pretty much gotten used to it now, but it is a really heavy smurf, easily heaviest phone I've ever had, surpassing even the venerable Nokia 1611, affectionally called "The Log" ;)

It's recommended to get a reinforced glass screen protector for it, no Gorilla Glass here.

All in all I really like it, it's worked perfectly for me :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on March 21, 2017, 04:06:10 PM
10 days!! If use my note4 normally I can get a day at most out if it, sometimes not even that long. 
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on March 21, 2017, 06:08:18 PM
10 days!! If use my note4 normally I can get a day at most out if it, sometimes not even that long.

Well, of course it depends on the use, mine sees very light use normally, but I would point out that the K10000 has 3 times larger battery than Note 4 ;)


EDIT: Oh and yes, 10 days confirmed as I just connected the charger with the phone being at 17%  :salute:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on March 21, 2017, 08:20:45 PM
With my wife's Samsung Galaxy Core acting up more and more I've been looking for a replacement. A new battery and wiping the cache partition a few times (but not a factory reset) seem to have little effect. It can be plugged in charging for hours and it suddenly decides it's "fully charged" and stops charging. You unplug it and it's only got 10% charge, plug in again, full. Rinse repeat.  :facepalm:

I'm considering a Motorola Moto G4 Play as a good option for upgrade as it's not overly expensive but a decent hardware upgrade.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on May 04, 2018, 02:15:47 PM
Over a year later...

About 4 months ago we finally replaced my wife's Galaxy Core with an LG K8 2017 since it really was beyond fixing and barely functioning, she got the Galaxy a few months after I got my Nexus 4, and replaced it before. The other day I pulled the trigger on a Moto G5 Plus, 2nd hand off amazon in very good condition, should arrive early next week. The past few weeks my Nexus4 has randomly been dropping out of the sim requiring me to reenter the PIN, as well as a few instances where something like using the camera caused a total lockup. Over the past few days it got a lot worse and the phone locked up on it's own while sitting idle on my desk, hence my need to get a replacement ASAP. According to my order receipt, I had the Nexus4 for 4years 8 months, which isn't terribly bad, especially with a phone that has a glass back prone to shattering (mine is still intact) The Nexus 4 will likely still be useful as a GPS for the car or similar, running without a sim it should do fine, and battery life isn't a big concern as it can be plugged in.

Hoping the G5 plus does well, at the very least I can play with it for 30 days and return it. Someone might say why didn't I wait and go for the new G6, the reasons are: price, much larger size, and glass back (seriously?)
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on May 04, 2018, 02:54:46 PM
I need a new phone... not only is the screen badly cracked on my old one but I'm finding there are certain apps that need a more recent version of Android. I don't want to spend hundreds but I also don't want it to become obsolete as soon as I buy it....
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: David Bowen on May 04, 2018, 03:30:27 PM
Who's your service provider and what are you looking for in a phone? I'm a wireless consultant for a nationwide chain stores who sells Verizon. Maybe I can point you in the right direction.

Sent from my SM-T377V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on May 04, 2018, 04:17:21 PM
I need a new phone... not only is the screen badly cracked on my old one but I'm finding there are certain apps that need a more recent version of Android. I don't want to spend hundreds but I also don't want it to become obsolete as soon as I buy it....


I’d get either the Pixel 2 or moto G6, depending on budget. But the last time I needed a new one I bought an iPhone, so what do I know? :shrug:  :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on May 04, 2018, 04:40:46 PM
I need a new phone... not only is the screen badly cracked on my old one but I'm finding there are certain apps that need a more recent version of Android. I don't want to spend hundreds but I also don't want it to become obsolete as soon as I buy it....


I’d get either the Pixel 2 or moto G6, depending on budget. But the last time I needed a new one I bought an iPhone, so what do I know? :shrug:  :D
Think you missed the point on both accounts. Although a G6 is slightly more affordable, the Pixel range seems to have jumped the high end only bandwagon, oh for the good ole days of affordable Nexus phones.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on May 04, 2018, 10:34:17 PM
My service provider is Vodafone (here in New Zealand) and my old phone is an *ahem* Ace 3 but I was happy enough with it except that its Android version is too old to run several apps I want. I will probably get a second hand phone because I am poor at the moment.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on May 07, 2018, 12:46:04 PM
Well my G5 plus arrived this morning and I'm all switched over from my Nexus 4. So far it's been pretty awesome, once I got past the 5 system updates pending (and then factory reset with latest update). Sadly no Oreo yet, but this device is due for the upgrade at some point.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on May 16, 2018, 11:05:36 AM
My note 4 is still on marshmallow and doesn't look like it'll get anymore updates
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on May 16, 2018, 12:39:31 PM
Not overly surprising considering how little updates my Nexus4 got even as a google device.

My Moto G5 Plus however came out 4 months before Oreo was released, and while it is on the update list, Oreo has been out over 8 months now. The new Moto G6 range are on Oreo, so I suspect they are going to wait for the initial upgrade rush to wear down before the older model gets the update especially since there is marketing material which points towards Oreo vs Nougat as a perk to upgrading to the G6 line vs G5/G5S
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on August 11, 2018, 05:21:29 AM
OK, what is a good version of Android to get? I don't want to suddenly find in the near future that my version won't support many apps/updates of apps (which is the case now with my old phone).
If I get, say, an S7 and it uses one version of Android, can I easily update to a later version if it is supported by that model of phone?  :think:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on August 11, 2018, 12:28:20 PM
OK, what is a good version of Android to get? I don't want to suddenly find in the near future that my version won't support many apps/updates of apps (which is the case now with my old phone).
If I get, say, an S7 and it uses one version of Android, can I easily update to a later version if it is supported by that model of phone?  :think:
That's entirely up to the phone manufacturer of the phone.

For example, my current Motorola G5 Plus is slated to receive Oreo (8.1) soon but that will be the last main version update it receives, in fact about a week and a half ago the release notes dropped so I should be getting it soon ish hopefully. In the meantime it's on Nougat (7.0)

Meanwhile my Samsung Galaxy Tab S T700 8.4 is still running Marshmallow (6.0) with only some minor security updates and won't be changing Android versions unless I install a 3rd party rom.

There are already some new devices dropping (mostly Google iirc) that will come with Pie (9.0)

Years ago they talked about removing a lot of features and having them as addon apps to make updating easier, ie the cores would involve less work for each device, but I get the feeling if you really want updated versions, you'll be looking at a new device in a year.

https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7-7821.php S7 is slated to have upgrade to Oreo as well, beyond that is anyone's guess. I can't imagine you'll have problems for at least a few years when even Oreo (and the hardware spec of the phone) are several generations behind. Also consider my old Nexus 4 was still going fine with Lollipop (5.1) until it started suffering from random hardware glitches after over 4 years of service.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on August 11, 2018, 12:44:42 PM
Thanks... I might try to get an S7, unless there is another brand that is comparable but cheaper if it's not as popular.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on August 11, 2018, 01:04:02 PM
also worth noting: I bought my nexus 4 about the same time the replacement nexus 5 was released, and again my g5 plus when the g6 plus was released. So technically I'm going for mature hardware with maintained software.

my eyes water at the sight of the prices of the bleeding edge devices.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: ironraven on August 14, 2018, 02:30:52 AM
I had to retire my old Motorola last week. I heard a cracking noise, and the only thing it could have been on my desk was my work computer, my phone, or my notepad was about to self destruct. Picked up my phone, and it was decidedly warm to the touch. Shut it off, dropped it in my empty and dry coffee cup, and let it cool off. Or catch fire, as the case might be. Fortunately, my desk didn't become a bonfire, but when I got the case off, the casing itself had seperated along both sides and there was the smell of lithium battery. Smurf. Smurf smurf, smurfity smurf smurfer! Part of the last lot of Moto Xs assembled in America, held up for four years almost to the day.

Got the new phone on the next day. Sadly, they don't make smaller phones anymore. But.... Samsung J7 2018 is impressing me. Battery life is amazing- I can leave it standby, just chilling, and it drops from 100% to 98% over 10 hours. The battery life estimate rounds to days for how I'm using it. Nifty toys in it, like an FM tuner. Need to attach headphones to use as an antenna, but I always have those in my pack anyway. Still getting used to the hard button layout, and I"m not sure I'm completely thrilled with how it does notifications for email and text, but I might not have it set up quite right. The only thing I haven't been able to do is figure out how to access the SD card.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on August 18, 2018, 01:07:36 PM
My Samsung  Note 4 is getting retired.  It's eating batteries now and the screen response has got really slow since I dropped it a few weeks ago  :facepalm:

It's getting replaced with a Samsung S9 Plus, which should arrive on Tuesday. 

It means all new charging cables as it's usb C instead of micro usb, new phone case and screen protector, so I hit amazon for them all this morning and they will be here by Wednesday.

 :mail: :mail:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on August 20, 2018, 07:39:10 PM
Using an iPhone here.

Send help.  :ahhh
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on August 20, 2018, 08:41:57 PM
Using an iPhone here.

Send help.  :ahhh

I used to use an iPhone,  I switched to android when the iPhone 5 came out.  I prefer the freedom android gives over iOS, especially for streaming apps like kodi
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on August 20, 2018, 09:12:30 PM
Using an iPhone here.

Send help.  :ahhh

I feel your pain. Switched to an iPhone SE a year ago after using two very good android phones - to get a more compact model - and wish I hadn’t. It’s not bad, but I prefer the android OS. I can’t justify a new phone right now, so it’ll have to do.   :shrug:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on August 20, 2018, 09:21:39 PM
My hearing aid is a “made for Apple” device.  ::) which is why I have the iPhone.  :ahhh :cry:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on August 20, 2018, 10:39:48 PM
Shouldn't you have an earPhone instead then?  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on August 20, 2018, 10:53:54 PM
Then they wouldn’t be hearing aids. :P

If an Made for Android version existed, I wouldn’t have the iPhone. :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on August 20, 2018, 11:18:07 PM
My hearing aid is a “made for Apple” device.  ::) which is why I have the iPhone.  :ahhh :cry:

Android are coming  :tu:

https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-is-rethinking-the-hearing-aid-and-now-android-is-too/
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on August 21, 2018, 12:28:39 AM
Yay.  :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on August 21, 2018, 01:10:17 PM
New phone arrives today between 1 and 2pm  :mail: :ahhh
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on August 21, 2018, 01:30:33 PM
:popcorn:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on August 23, 2018, 12:40:43 PM
How do Samsung's J series phones compare to the S?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on August 23, 2018, 02:12:48 PM
I don't know, I've never had one of their J series. My Samsung experience is limited to the note 3 and 4 and now the S9+

I'm loving the S9+
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on September 14, 2018, 10:53:23 AM
Finally had enough of my iPhone. :twak:

Going to pick up a new Nokia later today - either the 6 2018 or 7 plus, depending on how they feel. :woohoo:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on September 14, 2018, 06:05:56 PM
Nokia 6 it is.  :like:

Nice to be back on a big screen again, and to not have to use iOS.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on September 14, 2018, 10:21:11 PM
Good choice :tu:
My sons have all gone over to the dark iOS side and my spouse is considering it... I shall be stalwart...
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Antti Lammi on September 22, 2018, 12:59:04 PM
Im loving my Note 3, still somehow best phobe ever owned. I had Note 4, Iphone 7, Galaxy s8+, Honor 8 and  Honor 9 but still came back to Note 3 with RRO 6.1 ( Oreo 8.1) only camera isnt good as others but still damn good phone

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Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on October 14, 2018, 08:52:14 PM
Hilarious, my wife's LG K8 2017 is getting the Oreo 8.1 update now.

I bought my Motorola G5 plus because they promised such an update, still waiting :twak:

And while I know it's out there it stills says no update available  :-\
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on October 17, 2018, 12:55:50 PM
My S9 plus is Oreo 8.0, it hasn't got 8.1 yet either.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on October 17, 2018, 02:09:46 PM
I'm still on 7.0

My phone came out the same month as hers, mine has been on the update list for ages, hers wasn't even scheduled to get it so it's a surprise

Afaik most updates are skipping 8.0 direct to 8.1, considering the next version (9.0) is already in the wild  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on October 17, 2018, 07:43:09 PM
I've been eyeing the Oukitel K10 as an upgrade for my current K10000...

http://gsmversus.com/oukitel-k10/

11000mAh battery, nice specs and Android 7.0 with upgrade to Oreo coming  :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh

What's not to like?

 :D

PS: Oh and it's actually 50g lighter than the K10000  :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on November 28, 2018, 03:42:45 PM
Any phone buying advice?
I'm thinking of getting one next year.
Something with a reasonable price, and will get updates. :think:

The Nokia 6 looks like an interesting candidate.  :tu: Little bloatware, and updates to 2020 at least.
Or Moto G6?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on November 28, 2018, 04:54:02 PM
Or the Nokia 7 plus. Big battery and Android one!

I have no idea which is the best. :ahhh :D So many choices. :ahhh
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on November 28, 2018, 05:01:11 PM
Dunno what you should get, but my criteria were:

The most (or closest to) stock version of Android.
Can use all the screen one-handed
Fingerprint recognition
3.5mm headphone jack
Not a glass back
Decent camera
32MB min, expandable if poss
£200-ish

Waterproof would have been nice, but not for that money.

That lot got me a Nokia 6.1, which I'm very happy with.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on November 28, 2018, 05:26:47 PM
Dunno what you should get, but my criteria were:

The most (or closest to) stock version of Android.
Can use all the screen one-handed
Fingerprint recognition
3.5mm headphone jack
Not a glass back
Decent camera
32MB min, expandable if poss
£200-ish

Waterproof would have been nice, but not for that money.

That lot got me a Nokia 6.1, which I'm very happy with.
Good to know.  :cheers:
You seemed to be thinking along the same lines as me, with that list.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on November 28, 2018, 06:45:08 PM
Did someone say "big battery"?

I've been looking at Oukitel K10...

Decent specs and 11000mAh battery  ;)

Also 50grams lighter than my K10000  :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on November 28, 2018, 06:48:21 PM
 :like:
A bit big for me though. :think:

The Nokia 7 plus has a reasonably big 3800 mah battery. :think:
It’s specs look twice as good as an iPhone 6s.
And it’s on amazon for €300... :think: Tempted....
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on November 28, 2018, 09:02:46 PM
My list is:
- doesen't cost a grand or anywhere near that
- has fairly recent version of Android or can be updated to one

Is anyone here familiar with LineageOS?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on November 30, 2018, 05:57:06 PM

Is anyone here familiar with LineageOS?

Nope, what is it?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on November 30, 2018, 08:37:22 PM
aware it exists, never used it on any of my phones yet. Contemplated a couple times...
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Antti Lammi on December 02, 2018, 08:43:15 PM
My list is:
- doesen't cost a grand or anywhere near that
- has fairly recent version of Android or can be updated to one

Is anyone here familiar with LineageOS?
Yea im using Resurrection Remix before that i used LineageOS and before that CyanogenMod

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Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on December 02, 2018, 08:47:27 PM
My list is:
- doesen't cost a grand or anywhere near that
- has fairly recent version of Android or can be updated to one

Is anyone here familiar with LineageOS?
Yea im using Resurrection Remix before that i used LineageOS and before that CyanogenMod

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Out of curiosity, on what phone?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Antti Lammi on December 03, 2018, 06:09:04 AM
My list is:
- doesen't cost a grand or anywhere near that
- has fairly recent version of Android or can be updated to one

Is anyone here familiar with LineageOS?
Yea im using Resurrection Remix before that i used LineageOS and before that CyanogenMod

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Out of curiosity, on what phone?
On Samsung Galaxy Note 3

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Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on December 03, 2018, 03:58:54 PM
My list is:
- doesen't cost a grand or anywhere near that
- has fairly recent version of Android or can be updated to one

Is anyone here familiar with LineageOS?
Yea im using Resurrection Remix before that i used LineageOS and before that CyanogenMod

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Out of curiosity, on what phone?
On Samsung Galaxy Note 3

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Thanks.  :cheers:
Is it still working with no slowdowns, etc?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Antti Lammi on December 03, 2018, 07:37:04 PM
My list is:
- doesen't cost a grand or anywhere near that
- has fairly recent version of Android or can be updated to one

Is anyone here familiar with LineageOS?
Yea im using Resurrection Remix before that i used LineageOS and before that CyanogenMod

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Out of curiosity, on what phone?
On Samsung Galaxy Note 3

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Thanks.  :cheers:
Is it still working with no slowdowns, etc?
It works extremly well gotta say even better than orginal, no lags and no slowdowns. Only what is broken is Bluetooth calls

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Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on December 03, 2018, 07:40:10 PM

Is anyone here familiar with LineageOS?

Nope, what is it?
An alternative to Android. But it kinda uses Android. :think:  I think.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on December 03, 2018, 07:59:31 PM

Is anyone here familiar with LineageOS?

Nope, what is it?
An alternative to Android. But it kinda uses Android. :think:  I think.  :dunno:
Is it like Ubuntu vs another version of Linux?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on December 03, 2018, 08:28:11 PM

Is anyone here familiar with LineageOS?

Nope, what is it?
An alternative to Android. But it kinda uses Android. :think:  I think.  :dunno:
Is it like Ubuntu vs another version of Linux?

U
I went and read up on it after I questioned what it was :tu: now gonna check on the other ones Antti mentioned  :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Antti Lammi on December 03, 2018, 08:34:17 PM

Is anyone here familiar with LineageOS?

Nope, what is it?
An alternative to Android. But it kinda uses Android. :think:  I think.  :dunno:
Is it like Ubuntu vs another version of Linux?

U
I went and read up on it after I questioned what it was :tu: now gonna check on the other ones Antti mentioned  :like:
Resurrection Remix is based on LineageOS and CyanogenMod is basicly same as LineageOS but its older. LineageOs is pure android with few tweaks here and there but it has no extra stuff compared exmple Samsungs Touchwiz

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Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on December 03, 2018, 10:18:39 PM
I’ve decided to try out the Nokia 7 plus. :think:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on December 04, 2018, 02:04:56 PM
 :tu:  When will it be available?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on December 04, 2018, 02:15:49 PM
I ordered it on amazon, there was a sale a few days ago.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on December 04, 2018, 02:20:31 PM
Ah.  For some reason I read it as 7.1 plus.  Hope you like it!
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on December 04, 2018, 02:24:41 PM
Ah.  For some reason I read it as 7.1 plus.  Hope you like it!
They’ve made a bit of a mess of their naming conventions, haven’t they?  :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on December 04, 2018, 02:28:40 PM
Congrats on the phone Pabs :tu:

And now I am trying to track down my wife's old Note 3 so I can put LineageOS on it :ahhh been unsure for over a year and none of us (my wife, myself and our little girl) know where it is :ahhh so may not ba able to do this and I was sure hoping I could :facepalm:

Be nice to just use as a home mini tablet :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on December 04, 2018, 02:43:29 PM
I meant the Ressurection Remix instead of Lineage :think: I have already downloaded RRemix :tu: just need to find the silly phone now :ahhh :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on December 04, 2018, 02:46:42 PM
I meant the Ressurection Remix instead of Lineage :think: I have already downloaded RRemix :tu: just need to find the silly phone now :ahhh :D
I hope your note 3 gets a new lease on life.  :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on December 04, 2018, 03:18:00 PM
If you are looking for an inexpensive android with a big battery check out the LG Charge X  I had used one briefly before I got my Samsung S7.  I upgraded to the Samsung because I wanted something a bit smaller and also because I got a great deal on it.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on December 05, 2018, 03:21:56 PM
I meant the Ressurection Remix instead of Lineage :think: I have already downloaded RRemix :tu: just need to find the silly phone now :ahhh :D
I hope your note 3 gets a new lease on life.  :tu:

That is what I was hoping as well but who knows where it is now :facepalm: if I find it and get it up and running good again I will definitely post about it here :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Antti Lammi on December 06, 2018, 12:38:34 PM
Soon gonna try android Pie  9.0 version now just running this awesome ROM(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181206/2664636b9652696161ce967007c8d554.jpg)

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Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on December 06, 2018, 11:23:11 PM
If you are looking for an inexpensive android with a big battery check out the LG Charge X  I had used one briefly before I got my Samsung S7.  I upgraded to the Samsung because I wanted something a bit smaller and also because I got a great deal on it.
Wow, that really is a big battery, compared to most of the phones by the big makers! :o
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on December 06, 2018, 11:32:54 PM
If you are looking for an inexpensive android with a big battery check out the LG Charge X  I had used one briefly before I got my Samsung S7.  I upgraded to the Samsung because I wanted something a bit smaller and also because I got a great deal on it.
Wow, that really is a big battery, compared to most of the phones by the big makers! :o

It was a decent phone I never really gave it a chance because I got it for next to nothing and then the deal came along on the S7 and I couldn't pass on the upgrade.

I still have it sitting in a box as a backup if I ever need one.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on December 07, 2018, 10:03:12 AM
I still have it sitting in a box as a backup if I ever need one.
How much?  :pok:  :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on December 07, 2018, 10:10:15 AM
My only experience with budget phones was a Moto G4, and I have to say that it felt great for the price back then.  :)
But now it’s old, and there are better budget phones.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on December 07, 2018, 10:23:16 AM
My only experience with budget phones was a Moto G4, and I have to say that it felt great for the price back then.  :)
But now it’s old, and there are better budget phones.
going from the Nexus 4 to Moto G5 Plus hasn't been as bad as I had expected. I guess I was expecting something similar to Samsung bloat where they have their own Samsung apps installed alongside the traditional/Google versions that do the exact same thing  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on December 07, 2018, 06:05:00 PM
That is the only (to me) drawback to Samsung :facepalm: there flagship models suffer less because of good insides but the I would go with other brands for budget models for sure  :ahhh and I did when I had an LG :cheers: I had a Stylo 3 and was very impressed with it overall :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on December 07, 2018, 06:13:51 PM
Did I mention the K11 is under 400 euros?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on December 07, 2018, 06:14:09 PM
 >:D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on December 07, 2018, 06:21:39 PM
That is the only (to me) drawback to Samsung :facepalm: there flagship models suffer less because of good insides but the I would go with other brands for budget models for sure  :ahhh and I did when I had an LG :cheers: I had a Stylo 3 and was very impressed with it overall :like:
I reckon Samsung devices are crippled by their own bloat, and they have the potential to be great phones...
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on December 07, 2018, 06:30:28 PM
Bixby is about as stupid as it gets :facepalm: I mean what is wrong with the Google Assistant  :dunno: it is better integrated and understands my country twang much better than Bixby :facepalm:

 ::) :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Antti Lammi on December 07, 2018, 11:19:29 PM
Gotta say i rooted and changed roms of all my past phones just cause of those bloatwares, i allmost keeped Note 4 but when motherboard went faulty i ordered new motherboard replaced old and sell it. Note 3 is this best Note compared to Note 4, 5, Edge and 7 cause its stable and components wont fail down easily

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Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on December 07, 2018, 11:45:02 PM
I wonder how long the hardware on a mid range phone will last...
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Antti Lammi on December 07, 2018, 11:56:05 PM
Pretty long but only downside is that updates wont be on same stage as on higher price range. Usually mid range gets update or two before development stops, custom roms might get bit more updates but it depends on popularity of phone

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Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on December 08, 2018, 12:17:31 AM
Nokia phones are part of Android One, which get android updates for two years and security updates for three years, at least.
So, example, the Nokia 7 plus. Released with Oreo in 2018, updated to Pie late this year, and will receive Q as well.
In theory.  :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on December 08, 2018, 01:38:26 PM
Just to say that current Nokia phones are Nokia only by name, so do not expect old Nokia quality or durability...  :dunno:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on December 08, 2018, 02:01:36 PM
 :cheers:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on December 08, 2018, 06:30:18 PM
No one seems to update any model for long, they want you to buy the new model to get the updated software.

Google seems to neglect their offerings rather quickly, even though they typically run quite vanilla installs.

I think the best you can really hope for is one major update from the version the device came with, then you have to start looking at unofficial sources.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on December 10, 2018, 08:54:48 PM
The Nokia is working great so far.  :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on December 10, 2018, 09:03:25 PM
Glad to hear it Pabs :tu:  :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on December 23, 2018, 02:33:27 AM
Just perusing some budget phones...
Noklia 6 (2018)
Oppo AX5
Motorola moto e5
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on March 06, 2019, 07:22:23 PM
My new Oukitel K10 arrived yesterday...

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7833/40336812543_49ed963656_c.jpg)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7833/33425672698_b116afc95c_c.jpg)

Even though it's physically larger than the old K10000, it's actually 50g lighter  :)

Better specs, 11000mAh battery instead of 10000mAh, blah blah blah  :D

It's a huge black monolith and I love it for that  ::)

I'll get better pics some time...
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on March 19, 2019, 04:38:30 PM
Thats a beast of a battery, how are you getting on with it?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on March 19, 2019, 07:25:24 PM
Oh it's handling itself, sunday before last I charged it, last sunday it was on 15% and I had fiddled with it quite a lot,
put it on the charger, about an hour and a half later it was on full charge again :pok:

(It's a 5V/5A charger...  :))
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on March 19, 2019, 07:28:30 PM
Other than that... It's more of the same, really...

I mean it's 50grams lighter than the K10000, but mostly the same experience.

Sure it's faster and the touch screen is more responsive.

I do like it  :cheers:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 19, 2019, 07:53:41 PM
Glad to hear you are getting along with your new phone,  Aleph :tu: :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 19, 2019, 07:55:03 PM
I know you have said somewhere else, but what is the screen size of that thing :ahhh :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on March 19, 2019, 07:59:13 PM
6"  :)

18:9, 2160x1080
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on March 19, 2019, 10:15:32 PM
What version of Android does it have?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on March 20, 2019, 06:51:38 PM
Android 7 Nougat, not sure if there will be and upgrade to Oreo  :pok:  :cheers:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Happy Gilmore on March 20, 2019, 09:55:15 PM
I have the One+ 6T, first phone in years I am actually satisfied with. The only drawback I have found it sometimes it is really too big. It's super super fast and the T-mobile version comes with 10gig of ram, and base of 128gb of storage.

cheers,
H.G.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on March 20, 2019, 10:37:33 PM
Android 7 Nougat, not sure if there will be and upgrade to Oreo  :pok:  :cheers:
My Nokia is on Pie. :whistle: :D

Seriously, the battery on your phone is awesome!
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 21, 2019, 11:13:48 AM
6"  :)

18:9, 2160x1080

Thanks :salute: I wished my battery was even close to that :ahhh I have a comparable screen anyways :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on March 21, 2019, 11:44:15 AM
Thanks :salute: I wished my battery was even close to that :ahhh I have a comparable screen anyways :D
I don't think that you ever said what phone you have. :poke: :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 21, 2019, 12:19:39 PM
Samsung Galaxyy S8+ :cheers: I have had it for close to a year now :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on March 21, 2019, 03:11:00 PM
Nice.  :cheers:
I hear that Samsung has done some techosorcery to the batteries in those to make them last longer before capacity degredation.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on March 21, 2019, 04:09:33 PM
I upgraded from a Note 4 to a S9+ last August and the batteries are far better than they used to be.  Even with a brand new battery in the Note 4 I was charging it at lunch time with heavy use, I easily get a full day with the S9+
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on March 21, 2019, 04:30:45 PM
I heard the battery is actually bigger than it claims to be.  :think:
Reason being, if you don't use the entire capacity of a battery, because some of it is software-locked, then battery degredation happens more slowly.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 25, 2019, 02:47:36 AM
That is great to hear about the batteries :like: I didn't know that :tu: I use my phone lots during the day, for work and for here :cheers: and am usually on around 40% by coming home time and charge it on the way home in the truck :salute: by the time I get home the battery is usually back at 100% and ready for whatever else I can throw at it til bedtime :D Some evenings it gets a lot of use but sometimes I just use my computer and it gets put on the wireless charger, to be full and ready for the next day :salute:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Happy Gilmore on March 25, 2019, 03:05:03 PM
Oh, thats another thing about the 6T vs the 6 from One+, it has a 4000mA battery. Even with use on a game nearly 100% of the day, it finishes the day with around 37%. If I dont use it much usually at 65ish percent at the end of the day. I’ve actually used it for 2 days without issues.

Cheers
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on April 09, 2019, 12:45:10 PM
My S8+ just updated to Pie last night :ahhh  Not sure how I feel about it yet :think: Some of the apps are better already and some have changed in ways that I may not love :-\ I guess I might as well get use to it and move forward :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on April 10, 2019, 10:29:08 AM
Some of the standard icons look a bit crappy to how they were, the camera and gallery ones for starters. I preferred the old previous ones.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on April 10, 2019, 10:49:39 AM
I've just gone back to Apple. :think:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on April 10, 2019, 11:33:06 AM
:sa:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on April 10, 2019, 12:10:32 PM
Some of the standard icons look a bit crappy to how they were, the camera and gallery ones for starters. I preferred the old previous ones.

The icons are difffernt but my camera app seems better now :think: :like: I don't know if it really improved battery life or not though :dunno: I am getting along with it a bit better already but it does aggravate me that my alarm clock was changed a bit and it took a couple days to get it back to the way I wanted :facepalm: :D Otherwise no major downsides to it :salute: :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on April 10, 2019, 12:10:48 PM
I've just gone back to Apple. :think:

 :twak:

 :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SirVicaLot on April 10, 2019, 03:34:28 PM
 :iagree:  :D

I got the LG V40 a while ago when my S6 broke down. Basically got it for free because my wife was in need for a new phone as well, and there was some kind of special old-for-new promotion.

Really like the camera with the three different lenses on it, but man that phone is a large brick  :ahhh Have to start carrying a man purse to be able to have it on me  :D :twak:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: hiraethus on April 10, 2019, 04:48:52 PM
 :D  Nothing against Android - I was very happy with the OS and most of the apps - but the hardware (Nokia 6.1), though beautifully made, was a bit flaky.  A bug in the speaker meant that call volume was low and couldn't be raised, and it kept crashing Spotify and Strava, two apps that I use regularly.

I've gone back to an iPhone SE - second hand for just over £100 and it's great to have a phone that can genuinely be used with one hand only.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on April 10, 2019, 06:49:28 PM
I've just gone back to Apple. :think:

Burn! Burn the heretic! :viking:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on April 10, 2019, 06:50:55 PM
 :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Antti Lammi on April 10, 2019, 08:34:34 PM
Just updated my secondary phone Note 3 to android pie. Kinda like new android but if we talk battery life nothing beats 4.4.2 kitkat custom rom. I havent got SOT over 12h even with 10k mAh battery after i updated android higher version


Only Tools Matters
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on April 10, 2019, 10:50:25 PM
:nanadance: :nanadance: :nanadance:

A bug in the speaker meant that call volume was low and couldn't be raised, and it kept crashing Spotify and Strava, two apps that I use regularly.
Try fly spray?  :think:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on April 10, 2019, 10:53:25 PM
I have upgraded to an S4 Mini  :rofl:  discarded by a friend so my search is on hold for now.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on April 10, 2019, 11:03:59 PM
I have upgraded to an S4 Mini  :rofl:  discarded by a friend so my search is on hold for now.
At least it's got more than 1gb of RAM. :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on April 14, 2019, 07:15:30 AM
So far I am liking the new facelift of Android Pie :cheers: It is suppose to be better battery wise but I haven't really noticed much of a difference :dunno: It has tweaked most of my apps and the interface is a bit different, which isn't a negative and other than some of the icons changing colors and confusing me some :ahhh it all seems good :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on April 14, 2019, 07:17:37 AM
At least it's got more than 1gb of RAM. :tu:

The S4 was a great phone :cheers: I had a ZTE before my first Samsung smartphone (which was an S5 :cheers: ) and the S5 was a major upgrade from the ZTE :o I really loved the size of the S5 and possibly still would have it if not for shattering the screen............... on 2 different ones :whistle: :facepalm: :oops:

 :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on May 18, 2019, 06:39:15 AM
Got a cheap Samsung S5 off of eBay to salvage the screen for one of my other ones but it was in such good shape when I got it that I decided to play around with it first (who knows I may just keep it as is ??? ) :cheers: I flashed Lineage 16.0 on it ( Android Pie) with GApps and so far I am liking it very much :like: It took a few Youtube videos and a little research but a couple hours after I got it, I had it up and running the new OS 8) It is the first ROM I have ever flashed to a phone and I am pleased to say that I didn't brick the device :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on May 18, 2019, 06:46:53 AM
I'm trying to decide whether to put Lineage OS or Resurrection Remix on my phone... or neither.  :think:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on May 18, 2019, 10:41:25 AM
I'm trying to decide whether to put Lineage OS or Resurrection Remix on my phone... or neither.  :think:
this might be of interest if you want to de-googlefy
https://e.foundation/

S4 mini seems to be on the list of supported devices.
https://gitlab.e.foundation/e/wiki/en/wikis/devices-list
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: derekmac on June 03, 2019, 04:41:10 AM
I switched to a P30 Pro a few weeks ago, and the battery and camera on this thing are fantastic to say the least!!
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on June 03, 2019, 11:25:55 AM
I switched to a P30 Pro a few weeks ago, and the battery and camera on this thing are fantastic to say the least!!
how's the spyware?

And did you get it before or after the great crash?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: derekmac on June 03, 2019, 03:48:01 PM
how's the spyware?

And did you get it before or after the great crash?
I figured they can't spy any worse than Google already is, lol.

Got it before all the BS happened. It sounds like the support will still be there, but if it looks like it'll head south, I'll probably try and trade it for an S10.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on July 11, 2019, 01:57:36 PM
Resurrection Remix (or other custom ROM) users - should I remove anything off my phone before installing it? What happens to the stock Android stuff once I make the switch?

Apparently I need to have "TWRP recovery installed along with unlocked bootloader". No idea what these things are but OK, I can do that I'm sure. :dunno:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on July 11, 2019, 06:29:56 PM
Resurrection Remix (or other custom ROM) users - should I remove anything off my phone before installing it? What happens to the stock Android stuff once I make the switch?

Apparently I need to have "TWRP recovery installed along with unlocked bootloader". No idea what these things are but OK, I can do that I'm sure. :dunno:

Everything will be wiped clean.

As for the TWRP and rest... If you don't know what you are doing, don't try it. Make sure you have step by step instructions for everything and that you understand what they do before you start, or you'll have a nice phone shaped brick in your hands.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on July 11, 2019, 08:40:43 PM
If you don't know what you are doing, don't try it.
Where's the fun in that?  :D
That hasn't stopped me before eg building my PC, changing my car's engine myself...
It's only an old S4 Mini so not the end of the world if it fails.

But thanks for the warning.  :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on July 11, 2019, 08:49:54 PM
This guide might help:

https://www.getdroidtips.com/resurrection-remix-samsung-galaxy-s4-mini/

I have not tried this as I do not have S4 mini so...
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on July 11, 2019, 09:25:48 PM
Thanks. I am already looking at that site for the downloads but hadn't seen that guide.  :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on July 13, 2019, 10:07:40 AM
Well I may not go through with it, I have 25-30 tabs open in my browser telling me conflicting stories about which apps to download, rooting my Android  :whistle: , backing up my phone, USB debugging, Odin, OneClickRoot, TWRP, SDK Manager, ADB command...  :ahhh
One problem is many of these guides are outdated and the apps they refer to are either much different now or unavailable.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on July 13, 2019, 03:00:04 PM
Having installed many versions of OSes on various PCs over the years with no issues, and only a few custom roms on android devices, it's not to be taken lightly. That being said I haven't bricked a device yet. I also tend to only mess around with older devices that have well documented methods and stable alternate roms. I have had it be frustrating when it isn't working how it's explained, and required several tries to get it to work. Finding the right guides and roms is key at the start, once you've done it a few times it gets easier like most things in life, but I've definitely found the experience varies from device to device. Also it seems as time goes by the tools are getting easier to use.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on July 21, 2019, 11:51:47 AM
Either I'm dumb or something is wrong... I can't even download the ROM.  :dunno:
If I click on the folder it just goes up a level.  :bnghd:  :crash:
https://archive.resurrectionremix.com/?dir=oreo/serranoltexx
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on July 22, 2019, 12:43:50 PM
It is a bit tricky to do but just keep at it and I think you will get it :cheers: Just youtube it and most phones have a step by step on how to do this :salute:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on July 22, 2019, 07:21:45 PM
Either I'm dumb or something is wrong... I can't even download the ROM.  :dunno:
If I click on the folder it just goes up a level.  :bnghd:  :crash:
https://archive.resurrectionremix.com/?dir=oreo/serranoltexx
there may not be an oreo version of that rom for your phone
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on July 26, 2019, 02:25:18 PM
There is, it's just that their download page is only a directory and doesn't show a download for the file. My phone can get Oreo but not Pie, but that's OK because that in itself is a huge leap forward.
I did a search on the net and downloaded the correct file for my phone elsewhere.
I installed TWRP Custom Recovery on my phone using Odin.
Somewhere along the line I have rooted my phone using Odin.  :think:
I have backed up my phone using TWRP and also using Samsung Kies.
Hopefully there's not too many other steps to do so I might try to install Resurrection Remix in the morning.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on July 28, 2019, 01:02:37 AM
It didn't work so still on the stock OS.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on August 01, 2019, 01:44:11 AM
Have you tried anything else yet?  :think:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on August 01, 2019, 08:35:40 AM
No... perhaps I should ask for help somewhere such as the XDA Developers forum.  :think:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on August 01, 2019, 12:36:04 PM
Would be  a start :D If I was close by we might could figure it out :cheers: but I get to wordy and tend to ramble on with typing :facepalm:

Either way, I hope you get it sorted :cheers: :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Aloha on August 01, 2019, 02:40:14 PM
I am needing a new to me phone.  I've always liked Android but since I run a iMac I use iPhone since it plug and play to transfer info from phone to computer.   I realized I just need a simple phone these days.  I don't use many apps and would love to get the simplest phone that would connect as seamless as possible to my Mac. 

Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on August 01, 2019, 10:11:26 PM
Would be  a start :D If I was close by we might could figure it out :cheers: but I get to wordy and tend to ramble on with typing :facepalm:

Either way, I hope you get it sorted :cheers: :like:
Thanks mate.  :cheers:  I ramble on too.
Do you remember any of the steps you took to get it working?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on August 02, 2019, 05:11:58 PM
I did watch YouTube videos specifically for my phone and version of Android I wanted to flash plus other videos with step by step of what needed to be downloaded, then I plunged in and it did take a try or so to get it right but once I got it installed it worked rather well :cheers:

Make sure you get all the utilities you need for your phone (of course reading above it looks like you may have them and a few extra :whistle: :D )

Also if Ressurection didn't want to download there are other roms that can be downloaded  :tu:

Lineage has Pie for the S4 mini :tu:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cyanogenmods.org/forums/topic/download-lineage-os-16-for-galaxy-s4-mini-lte/%3famp

Just a link to read about it (it's for the LTE version and I don't know the version phone you have) but it will get you to their site as well :cheers:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on August 02, 2019, 10:18:45 PM
Thanks Poncho.  :cheers:

I did get RR downloaded from elsewhere in the end, the problem now is it won't install.
I also did think about trying Lineage OS since everything else is all set up. I kinda had my heart set on RR but.... oooooh, Pie!  :drool:

Yes mine is the LTE version - I'll check that link out, thanks!
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on August 03, 2019, 01:37:29 AM
 :hatsoff:

:nanadance:         :nanadance:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on August 03, 2019, 02:28:45 PM
:woohoo: IT WORKS!!!  :woohoo:
:nanadance: :nanadance: :nanadance: :nanadance: :nanadance: :nanadance: :nanadance: :nanadance:

My Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, formerly running Android 4.4.2 Kitkat is now running Resurrection Remix / Android 9 Pie!
I needed to open the script of a file and delete a few lines either on the Oreo version or this Pie version which I was pointed to. I'm currently downloading apps and setting everything up....
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on August 03, 2019, 02:38:34 PM
Nice one!
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on August 07, 2019, 04:24:07 PM
Just seeing this :ahhh Great job and congrats :like: :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on August 18, 2019, 03:32:11 AM
What's a good music player for Android? I already have Spotify but I tend not to stream on my phone so it would be primarily for playing off my SD card.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on August 18, 2019, 06:01:01 AM
I just usually use the default player on my phone but don't listen to music much..... so not much help :-\ Sorry :shrug: I do really like VLC player for video and it supports audio as well so it may be the best one to go for :salute:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on August 18, 2019, 10:13:25 AM
I've had success with the AIMP audio player
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Aloha on August 21, 2019, 06:29:45 PM
Anyone got a Network Unlock Key code for an old SII?  Or a way to get one free? 
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on August 21, 2019, 07:56:43 PM
Are those things different in the US?
I believe that here, it's serial number specific.
And that the network will give it to you for free if your plan is up, or you've spent enough money on phone credit with them.
You can get the number without fulfilling those conditions, but it costs extra, usually done by a third party phone repair store.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Aloha on August 21, 2019, 08:24:32 PM
This is a T Mobile phone.  I was just messing with it and trying to see if my Att SIM card would work.  Phone said needs Network Unlock Key.  I guess I can root it but wanted to see if anyone had a source for network unlock key.  I can pay for one but I was mostly just fooling with the phone.  New to Android and Galaxy. 
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on August 21, 2019, 10:40:57 PM
Try the XDA Developers forum.: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/help/network-unlock-control-key-t1790632

I don't find it the easiest to navigate, but it's where the experts live.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on August 22, 2019, 03:57:21 AM
There is a process to unlock a carrier locked phone :think: I read tons on it a few years ago but all the info is in there but I am afraid the access to memory in my brain has slowed in the last few years :oops: :facepalm: :rofl: I have bought unlocked phones that worked with Verizon towers and used them with a different company that uses the same towers :salute: I am thinking that T-Mobile may be easier to unlock than companies like Verizon :salute:

Try Youtube :D they have videos on how to do everything :cheers: :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on August 22, 2019, 03:59:36 AM
Try this link :think:

https://sim-unlock.net/simlock/Samsung/Galaxy_S2/
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Aloha on August 22, 2019, 06:30:28 AM
I was hoping to be cheap since the phone is an older one.  I have seen paid services that guarantee to send a unlock code.  I"ll check out the links you fellas gave  :tu:.  Thank you both. 

I will also call T Mobil and ask if they'd unlock the phone.  Worth a try a least. 
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on August 22, 2019, 07:33:56 PM
So the other day a security update comes out for the wife's phone, she installs it, and now she can't connect to the WIFI at our accommodation anymore (which has been flakey for a few of our devices beforehand).

Aggravating since I don't have enough free space on the laptop to do a full backup of it to factory wipe it and see if that fixes the issue. I have tried just about everything else suggested that I found on the net. Bonus frustration since she is limited to only 1Gb data/month while roaming abroad. Also since she takes heaps of photos with it and usually backs them up to google photos on the wifi when we get back.

I did get it to sync her photos the other day by using my phone as a hotspot, never noticed before today that it's either wifi or hotspot, I can't make a hotspot and use the wifi for data. Luckily my limit is 10Gb a month and I'm nowhere near hitting it.

That being said I'm kinda drooling over the specs of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 range.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on August 22, 2019, 11:48:04 PM
Hope you can get the wifi problem sorted,  Whoey :facepalm: updates that break more than they fix should be outlawed :rant: :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on August 22, 2019, 11:51:07 PM
And they should outlaw giving you only a year of updates for your phone. :D
How long did Microsoft provide updates for Windows 7? :think:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on August 23, 2019, 12:12:46 PM
And they should outlaw giving you only a year of updates for your phone. :D
How long did Microsoft provide updates for Windows 7? :think:

 :iagree: and it was several years :whistle: :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on August 23, 2019, 07:24:02 PM
I have ordered a 64GB usb stick from amazon, sadly couldn't use my Spanish Prime account, as it won't deliver to an amazon locker in France so they forced me to use .FR and I had to do the minimum 25 euro order to get free albeit slow shipping. I had some other smalls I wanted, one of my usb cables was starting to fray near the plug, and my activity band is cracking (and the security loop actually broke off it).

hopefully then I can back it up and get it fresh and happy again.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on August 23, 2019, 08:34:51 PM
I have a big bunch of microSD cards and USB drives on the way from amazon. I never want to lack for portable storage. :D
I was also planning to buy some cheap second hand hard disk drives for more data storage (I'm planning on mirroring anything I put on them! :dwts:)
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on August 23, 2019, 09:51:30 PM
Hope the stuff gets there quick, Whoey :salute: and the reinstall is a smooth process  :cheers:

Pics when it gets here Pabs :pok: :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on August 27, 2019, 11:41:37 AM
Pics when it gets here Pabs :pok: :D
240GB. :drool:
(https://i.imgur.com/pPqeaIE.jpg)
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: AlephZero on August 28, 2019, 02:46:34 AM
Dude, what do you do with all those?  :pok:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on August 28, 2019, 10:06:11 AM
:dd: Play with them. :dd:
Hehe.
The 16gb cards seem great for random tasks and swappable OS'es for a Raspberry Pi.
I'll do some fun stuff with the USB sticks, like encrypting some for personal data storage and putting linux tools on the others.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on August 28, 2019, 07:58:17 PM
so I sit down today now that I have a 64gb usb3 stick to backup the phone to, install the LG software suite to backup and before I start I decided to pull the sim and memory card and boot it up... low and behold the WIFI works again.

power down, put it all back to normal and it's fine...  :facepalm: :bnghd:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on August 30, 2019, 01:31:52 PM
Great pic,  Pabs :salute: love buying new stuff like that :dd: I bought a couple 32gb flash drives the other day in a 2 pack because I needed them to reinstall windows 10 on my new ssd :cheers: I formatted one of them and prepared it for the  windows 10 install files and after getting the BIOS and ssd ready it worked wonderfully  :cheers:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on August 30, 2019, 01:36:41 PM
so I sit down today now that I have a 64gb usb3 stick to backup the phone to, install the LG software suite to backup and before I start I decided to pull the sim and memory card and boot it up... low and behold the WIFI works again.

power down, put it all back to normal and it's fine...  :facepalm: :bnghd:

Don't you hate when that happens :facepalm:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on August 30, 2019, 01:47:35 PM
so I sit down today now that I have a 64gb usb3 stick to backup the phone to, install the LG software suite to backup and before I start I decided to pull the sim and memory card and boot it up... low and behold the WIFI works again.

power down, put it all back to normal and it's fine...  :facepalm: :bnghd:
Lol.... Technosorcery!
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on August 30, 2019, 02:21:29 PM
Great pic,  Pabs :salute: love buying new stuff like that :dd: I bought a couple 32gb flash drives the other day in a 2 pack because I needed them to reinstall windows 10 on my new ssd :cheers: I formatted one of them and prepared it for the  windows 10 install files and after getting the BIOS and ssd ready it worked wonderfully  :cheers:
I just used one of the new USBs to install a new version of Linux on my laptop.
I used the Linux Mint system I already had on the laptop to download and burn Kubuntu to the USB, then I used the USB to delete Mint and install Kubuntu.
I didn't prepare the BIOS though, so it was a rough process to get it to work. :facepalm:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on August 30, 2019, 07:40:41 PM
At least you got it to work in the end :cheers: :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on October 01, 2019, 02:18:26 AM
I was hoping to be cheap since the phone is an older one.  I have seen paid services that guarantee to send a unlock code.  I"ll check out the links you fellas gave  :tu:.  Thank you both. 

I will also call T Mobil and ask if they'd unlock the phone.  Worth a try a least.

You ever get anywhere with this, Aloha  :think:

:nanadance:             :nanadance:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on October 24, 2019, 11:33:50 PM
The disassemblable Fairphone 3 looks great. :drool:

(https://cdn57.androidauthority.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/fairphone-3-exploded-view.jpg)

If only I didn't already have a working phone.  :facepalm: :D

Maybe when my phone conks out....
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on October 25, 2019, 07:47:57 PM
Very cool :o I will now have to go and read about it :D :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on November 10, 2019, 10:29:25 AM
love the concept, camera could do with some better options, especially at that price!
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on December 27, 2022, 03:54:55 AM
Time for a new phone. My Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini has been rocking Android 9 via Resurrection Remix for some time now but the battery discharges quickly, sometimes at an alarming rate (the charge % is counting down like seconds), even with a replacement (but non-genuine) spare battery I just bought. Also the speakerphone has not been working for some time.

So I'm going to actually spend money on a new phone, about a couple hundred $$$.
I thinking Nokia G21.... any thoughts?  :pok:

EDIT: Have just seen some bad reviews of it. :(
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on December 27, 2022, 10:34:39 AM
Through a chance at work I swapped my Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for a Samsung Galaxy S22.

Killer phone, battery could be better (That's why I managed to get it). But for my needs it's fine

Crazy camera compared to many of the previous phones I used.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on December 27, 2022, 09:18:18 PM
 :like: lovely phones
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on December 28, 2022, 04:48:48 AM
I thinking Nokia G21.... any thoughts?  :pok:

EDIT: Have just seen some bad reviews of it. :(

I was also looking at Motorola Moto G22... and also read a bad review.  :facepalm:
Perhaps that's going to be the case for anything in my price range?  ::)
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on December 28, 2022, 05:15:27 PM
the last phone I bought for personal use was Motorola.

I'm mainly on Samsung because of work, my alternate work option was xiaomi mi 11 Lite 5G (which is hella fast, but suffers from Xiaomi bloat/custom interface and not nearly as nicely polished interface as the Samsungs)

I would probably do Motorola again.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on December 28, 2022, 09:20:44 PM
They upgraded my Nokia brick at work to a Samsung A13, not a bad phone.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 28, 2022, 10:59:40 PM
the last phone I bought for personal use was Motorola.

I'm mainly on Samsung because of work, my alternate work option was xiaomi mi 11 Lite 5G (which is hella fast, but suffers from Xiaomi bloat/custom interface and not nearly as nicely polished interface as the Samsungs)

I would probably do Motorola again.

While I am hoping my Note 20 will last me a while longer, I am eyeing a Motorola for my next phone.  Or maybe a Pixel.

I'm not against another Samsung, but I don't see much that is exciting from them right now, especially since they are ending the Note series.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on December 28, 2022, 11:01:44 PM
I would also consider Samsung, although I'm trying to keep bloatware to a minimum.
Also, I like to be different.  :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on December 29, 2022, 08:49:23 PM
I only stopped using my Motorola G5 plus because my work phone (Samsung A52 5G) had a better camera, dual sim, and I was tired of carrying and charging 2 phones, then the opportunity to free upgrade to the S22 presented itself. I see it is on sale here in Spain for 666euros right now, I definitely wouldn't buy a phone in that price range, my pain threshold is under 300euros.

That being said, I do love the S22...
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on January 06, 2023, 11:36:51 PM
They upgraded my Nokia brick at work to a Samsung A13, not a bad phone.

I'm leaning toward the A13 because the others that interest me are hard to find .
Any downsides?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on January 07, 2023, 08:37:37 AM
Also not sure if I should bother with the 5g one or not....   :dunno:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on January 10, 2023, 08:24:16 AM
From my experience at work the 4g models are slightly thinner than the 5g. Also unless you are actually going to use the 5g, it's probably not financially worthwhile as they tend to cost more, plus vendor charges for 5g access. It is fast, but battery life suffers a lot.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on January 10, 2023, 02:58:04 PM
I'll probably have to get a new phone sooner than later my samsung S7 has served me well but it's getting outdated, not enough storage for all the apps and it's started to act up now and then.

Been looking at the S22 but it sure is pricey  :ahhh
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on January 10, 2023, 10:32:54 PM
I was also considering a Nokia 5.4... anyway long story short I have a Motorola G51 5G on the way, I probably shouldn't have bothered with 5G but oh well. It seems a good phone generally and I like some of the other features.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: GearedForwards on January 11, 2023, 01:00:02 AM
I'll probably have to get a new phone sooner than later my samsung S7 has served me well but it's getting outdated, not enough storage for all the apps and it's started to act up now and then.

Been looking at the S22 but it sure is pricey  :ahhh

The S23 series should be announced at the beginning of Feb, which should drop the price of S22 stock a bit  :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on January 21, 2023, 02:19:29 PM
Two questions, is 128GB enough for a new phone so it will last into the future more than a few years or should I be looking at the S22 with 256GB ?

Is there any downside to getting an unlocked phone as opposed to getting one through my carrier which is Xfinity ?  Xfinity has been out of the S22 with 256GB for a while now.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: GearedForwards on January 21, 2023, 08:52:29 PM
Two questions, is 128GB enough for a new phone so it will last into the future more than a few years or should I be looking at the S22 with 256GB ?

Is there any downside to getting an unlocked phone as opposed to getting one through my carrier which is Xfinity ?  Xfinity has been out of the S22 with 256GB for a while now.

The size depends on if you use cloud storage or back things up to a computer, if you take a lot of pictures and videos but don't do those things then the 128GB might start to fill up in about a year and a half. I'd say that 128GB would be ample for most people, but if you want peace of mind with plenty of video space then 256GB.

There's no real downside, I prefer unlocked phones personally as they give freedom to move to cheaper carriers or grab a travel SIM whilst on holiday. The only real benefit of locked phones is that a certain carrier may give you a better than average price or an incentive, often a tablet or wireless earbuds nowadays.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on January 22, 2023, 05:33:54 AM
Thanks !
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on January 22, 2023, 08:26:50 AM
long story short I have a Motorola G51 5G on the way...
Except they said they don't have it in stock (so why was I able to buy it online then? :crash: ) and have refunded me.
Back to the drawing board....
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on January 22, 2023, 01:48:22 PM
 :oops:  That stinks ! 
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on January 22, 2023, 07:06:17 PM
Two questions, is 128GB enough for a new phone so it will last into the future more than a few years or should I be looking at the S22 with 256GB ?

Is there any downside to getting an unlocked phone as opposed to getting one through my carrier which is Xfinity ?  Xfinity has been out of the S22 with 256GB for a while now.

I generally get the most storage I can, then stick a giant ass memory card in it too.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on January 22, 2023, 07:14:04 PM
I'm using about half the 128GB on mine right now, not much music, but a lot of photos on the phone.

Also I have the choice of dual sim or single sim + micro SDCard...

one of my older A series samsungs had dual plus sd... so I kind of feel robbed.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: GearedForwards on January 22, 2023, 07:17:06 PM
I'm using about half the 128GB on mine right now, not much music, but a lot of photos on the phone.

Also I have the choice of dual sim or single sim + micro SDCard...

one of my older A series samsungs had dual plus sd... so I kind of feel robbed.

I don't think the S22 series even has micro SD, so comparatively not that robbed I guess?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on January 22, 2023, 07:26:02 PM
ah you are correct, my A51 had all three, the A52 5g had the dual or single + sd, the S22 only has dual sim
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on January 23, 2023, 02:23:53 AM
I'm using about half the 128GB on mine right now, not much music, but a lot of photos on the phone.

Also I have the choice of dual sim or single sim + micro SDCard...

one of my older A series samsungs had dual plus sd... so I kind of feel robbed.


I didn't think that the Samsung S22 had Micro sd card capability   :think:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: GearedForwards on January 23, 2023, 05:22:50 AM

I didn't think that the Samsung S22 had Micro sd card capability   :think:

It doesn't
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on January 23, 2023, 06:41:56 AM

I didn't think that the Samsung S22 had Micro sd card capability   :think:

You are correct.  I don't have an S22.  All the Androids I have had had Micro SD slots, and I guess I kind of assumed they all did.  I know iProducts don't, and it is a feature I very much miss on my iPad.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 02, 2023, 02:56:13 AM
I just preordered a s23 256gb through my carrier. They had a $ 500 discount which made it cheaper than the s22. I should have it by Feb 15th.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 02, 2023, 11:45:16 AM
I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it when you get it, and once you have a few miles on it.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 02, 2023, 01:47:24 PM
I hope I like it, I'm so used to my S7 but it is a needed upgrade.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 03, 2023, 11:51:11 PM
S7 still?  Wow.

I can't keep a phone that long.

I've had several phones since the S7 came out.   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 04, 2023, 05:36:05 AM
It's been a great phone I just hope the S23 will last as long and be as trouble free  :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 04, 2023, 11:43:31 AM
I think since the S7 came out I have had:

Galaxy S5 (what I would have been using when the S7 was released)
Galaxy S5 Neo (when I broke my S5, it was the cheaper replacement option)
Galaxy A8 (again, cheapest option)
And now a Note 20 Ultra

The Note 20 wasn't the cheap option this time, but I have been keeping an eye out for my next phone already.  Despite being in an Otterbox Defender, the rear half of the glass casing got shattered within a couple of months of getting it, tland there are a few damaged pixels on the screen.  When the Defender finally broke I replaced it with an aluminum case, and a few weeks later I cracked the screen.

I like this phone, but I use them pretty heavily and between being banged around and being outside all day, every day in the weather, they just don't last.

Still, this one has put up a good fight, being still useable after almost three years.

I think I may break my Samsung streak and go to either a Pixel or Motorola next.

I have to keep a constant running tally of my next phone option because I have had a few phones meet a rather abrupt end.   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 04, 2023, 01:37:44 PM
I considered another brand and looked at the Pixel but after watching reviews I decided to stay with what was familiar. I( also didn't want my new phone to be any bigger than the S7 since I like the size.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on February 04, 2023, 10:08:38 PM
Congrats on the new phone, Steve :woohoo: :like: :like:

I am gonna upgrade to the S23 series as well :salute: I use the phone enough for work related stuff that they are luckily gonna help me with it :ahhh :like:

I have an S20 Plus right now but the battery life is not great these days :ahhh
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 05, 2023, 01:35:32 PM
I considered another brand and looked at the Pixel but after watching reviews I decided to stay with what was familiar. I( also didn't want my new phone to be any bigger than the S7 since I like the size.

I have a Note 20.  Pretty much every phone is going to be a step down from this one, size wise, which is too bad as I really like big phones.  It saves me having to get glasses!   :ahhh

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 05, 2023, 02:12:05 PM
Congrats on the new phone, Steve :woohoo: :like: :like:

I am gonna upgrade to the S23 series as well :salute: I use the phone enough for work related stuff that they are luckily gonna help me with it :ahhh :like:

I have an S20 Plus right now but the battery life is not great these days :ahhh

Nice !   :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on February 08, 2023, 06:22:14 PM
 :cheers: when are you suppose to be getting yours :think: :tu: I think mine said Feb 17th but I haven't heard anymore since I ordered it :shrug:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on February 08, 2023, 06:24:13 PM
I have a Note 20.  Pretty much every phone is going to be a step down from this one, size wise, which is too bad as I really like big phones.  It saves me having to get glasses!   :ahhh

Def

The S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra series both have the pen and same screen size as the Note series did :cheers:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 09, 2023, 12:48:14 AM
:cheers: when are you suppose to be getting yours :think: :tu: I think mine said Feb 17th but I haven't heard anymore since I ordered it :shrug:


Same Feb 17
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: GearedForwards on February 09, 2023, 04:40:50 AM
The S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra series both have the pen and same screen size as the Note series did :cheers:

Yeah the Ultra series is just the Note series under the main SX branding. This is partially to shed the Note battery reputation and partially to have more familiar naming convention to the iPhone etc.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on February 09, 2023, 10:03:40 PM
I have always preferred the S series to the Note but my parents usually went for the Note :salute: my mom was the first with a Note 3 (probably one of the best phones of its time and for a few years) my and dad and wife also had one but my first Samsung was the S5 and I loved that phone :dd: awesome camera on that as well :woohoo:

I am hoping the S23 Ultra has the best camera I have ever had (it will be my first Ultra/Note sized phone) the S20 Plus has a great camera and I have loved it but it is time to upgrade because of battery life  :salute:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 11, 2023, 11:35:14 PM
Just got a tracking # and it should be here on Tuesday    :woohoo:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on February 11, 2023, 11:52:11 PM
I'm pretty happy with the S22 for most things.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on February 12, 2023, 02:46:41 AM
Just got a tracking # and it should be here on Tuesday    :woohoo:

 :woohoo: I got tracking earlier today as well and one things says Monday and another Tuesday :ahhh either way I am totally excited to get mine :woohoo: :like:

I'm pretty happy with the S22 for most things.


My dad has the S22 Ultra and really loves his :cheers: but he doesn't use his for as many different things as I do :D It is his work phone but I do just as much on my phone as he does in regards to work :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 12, 2023, 06:51:52 PM
The S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra series both have the pen and same screen size as the Note series did :cheers:

Good to know.  This is my first Note model and I heard it was also supposed to be the last.  I didn't realize they were continuing it with a different name.

Technically speaking mine is the Note 20 Ultra 5G, which seems like you have to have a giant phone just so they can print the name on it.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 12, 2023, 11:31:30 PM
Just realized I needed to order some new USB A to C cables and new chargers. Amazon to the rescue  :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on February 14, 2023, 03:52:59 AM
My phone was delivered today and I got home, got everything I wanted transferred then logged into everything and then activated it :woohoo:

Typing on it right now 8)

And took this close up with the camera :salute: gonna play with the settings some more and see how really good it is :cheers:

(https://i.imgur.com/ytHvrMRh.jpg)
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 14, 2023, 05:31:00 AM
 :woohoo:    :like:



Fed Ex tried to deliver mine today but it needed to be signed for  :facepalm:

Hopefully they will catch me home tomorrow   :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 14, 2023, 10:46:35 AM
Nice pic Poncho!

And good luck today Steve!  I hate waiting for things, especially things that should have already been delivered!

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on February 14, 2023, 02:58:35 PM
Thanks Steve and Grant :hatsoff:

I hope you are able to receive the package today, Steve :ahhh probably FedEx and with phones they usually make you sign or at least accept it in person rather than leaving it on your porch :cheers: with as many packages that get stolen it is best but sure is hard sometimes :ahhh
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 15, 2023, 01:49:35 PM
My new phone came yesterday. All my info transferred without a problem. Still getting used to it, not sure I like that all the buttons are on one side but I guess I'll get used to it. I like the bigger screen size  :tu:

I'll give another report when I've had it for a bit.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 15, 2023, 04:04:51 PM
Button placement is always different and very confusing!   :D

Hood luck with the new phone!  I'm glad you got it safe and sound!

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 15, 2023, 06:32:49 PM
One thing that is annoying me is that there is no way to change the notification sounds for different apps. 
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 15, 2023, 06:39:48 PM
That would be nice, but to be fair, I've never felt the need to have that.

I'd be surprised if there wasn't an app on Google Play that did that though.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 15, 2023, 08:24:30 PM
That would be nice, but to be fair, I've never felt the need to have that.

I'd be surprised if there wasn't an app on Google Play that did that though.

Def

I figured it out, a little more convoluted than the old way.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on February 15, 2023, 10:37:23 PM
Grab Expert RAW off the galaxy store for way more control of the camera
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on February 16, 2023, 11:26:59 AM
Grab Expert RAW off the galaxy store for way more control of the camera
I've heard of Gcam, similar thing?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 16, 2023, 01:53:41 PM
Pretty happy with the battery life on the S23,  I made it all day on one charge with plenty to spare.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on February 16, 2023, 09:50:49 PM
I've heard of Gcam, similar thing?
Yes, guess it's more of a Samsung version.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on February 16, 2023, 09:51:45 PM
https://galaxystore.samsung.com/prepost/000005977497?langCd=en
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on February 16, 2023, 10:56:18 PM
Heading to get that app now :salute: :woohoo: :like:

Thanks Whoey :hatsoff:

Glad to hear the phone is working out for you, Steve :tu: :like:

Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 17, 2023, 12:43:47 PM
I'm giving it a shot too.  Thanks for the link!

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on February 17, 2023, 12:53:07 PM
Steve, I can't remember but I believe that on my S8+ I could only copy and paste things 1 at a time but when I got the S20+ I had a clipboard on my keyboard (the icon looks like a small clipboard :D ) and can copy and paste many things from it :woohoo:

I usually copy all the links for the Imgur pics I want to post that day and use it like that :cheers: It has really made posting different pics much more efficient :like:

I added a pic and the icon is circled  :cheers:

Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 17, 2023, 09:05:22 PM
Thanks for the tip !
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on February 18, 2023, 12:35:55 AM
You can also log into Imgur (I use Chrome) then scroll down to Desktop Site, then go to the pull down menu in Imgur and go to Images to get to your images to copy the links  :cheers:

Sometimes it takes a few tries because it wants you to download the app, I never use the app and only use Imgurs website on my phone :tu: for uploading and the img links :cheers:

Hopefully you can get to the Images page (I leave it open in a tab always) and saves from having to use your computer :salute:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 20, 2023, 02:03:25 PM
I'm getting used to my new phone now and have it all set the way I like it. I'm really liking it a lot, so much faster than my old phone. I'm still learning the new camera but it's much better than the old one. So far I've been ending the day with around 60% battery which is a huge improvement over the S7 which would need to be charged throughout the day.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 20, 2023, 02:19:01 PM
Enjoy it while you can- after a year or two most phone batteries will lose their potency.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 21, 2023, 06:09:15 PM
Enjoy it while you can- after a year or two most phone batteries will lose their potency.

Def

I'm going to try out the Battery protection mode to see if it will prolong the battery life. It puts a cap on the charge at 85% since apparently charging to 100% all the time is what wears out the battery faster.



Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: GearedForwards on February 21, 2023, 06:44:28 PM
I'm going to try out the Battery protection mode to see if it will prolong the battery life. It puts a cap on the charge at 85% since apparently charging to 100% all the time is what wears out the battery faster.

That should help, but to be honest your experience should be good in general over the years. It's not just a large battery, the gen 2 Snapdragon is more efficient, which is part of why you're seeing such long runtimes.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 21, 2023, 11:09:49 PM
That should help, but to be honest your experience should be good in general over the years. It's not just a large battery, the gen 2 Snapdragon is more efficient, which is part of why you're seeing such long runtimes.

Good to know   :tu:  I figure I'll do what I can to keep the battery healthy. I also set a routine so that it won't fast charge overnight when regular charge is all that's really needed.

If 85% doesn't get me through the day it's easy to switch it off.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on February 22, 2023, 08:51:53 AM
I sometimes use Flight Mode to save battery, especially if I'm somewhere remote as I reckon the constant searching for a signal is quite draining. (Anecdotal)
Quicker to get back 'online' too.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 22, 2023, 01:16:16 PM
This video has some good tips


https://youtu.be/atJEUPsStdU
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on February 22, 2023, 06:52:54 PM
Great video :like: :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on February 24, 2023, 02:57:46 PM
Took this in RAW last night in my yard with a tripod and the S23 Ultra  :cheers: It has been edited now but I am wondering that the different colors it is picking up in the edits are possibly the true colors of the stars in them :o

Set it for 4 minutes in astrophoto mode :salute:

(https://i.imgur.com/IVnM12Ph.jpg)
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on February 24, 2023, 09:18:23 PM
Cool!  :tu:

As for the true colours of the stars, they will be modified to some degree as the light passes through our atmosphere.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 24, 2023, 10:29:33 PM
Cool pic Poncho, how are you liking your new phone ?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on February 25, 2023, 03:29:51 PM
Cool!  :tu:

As for the true colours of the stars, they will be modified to some degree as the light passes through our atmosphere.

Thanks Synco :hatsoff:

 Definitely true :tu: I can't wait for a nice clear night with a full moon :ahhh
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on February 25, 2023, 03:38:11 PM
Cool pic Poncho, how are you liking your new phone ?

Thanks Steve  :hatsoff: I am really liking it so far :tu:

My S20 + had the same RAM and since it had a MicroSD the storage was similar but since I got the free upgrade in storage because or the pre-order, the S23 Ultra has way plenty of space for me :ahhh :woohoo: :like:

The processor is faster and I can tell a difference but the biggest thing for me is battery life :salute: it has a bigger battery and me being a fairly heavy user, my old phone was having to be charged at least once or twice a day :facepalm: this one lasts me all day and I am very happy about that :woohoo:

I have been using Samsung Buds of some sort for the last 3 years as well and the newest version of them has really upped the bar :tu: I always keep one in for answering calls and I can hear much better on a loud construction site  :salute: the Buds 2 Pro (gotten way cheaper with my pre-order credit) have a better quality sound and although I am not an audio guy, the difference is enough that even I can really tell :woohoo:

The camera is a definite upgrade, I have had some great cameras from Samsung over the years but this is the first Ultra I have had and I am super happy with it :woohoo: I am still trying to figure out all the settings and best ways to get better pics :cheers:

So, overall, I rambled on to say that I am happy with it and like it :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 25, 2023, 08:50:51 PM
Glad you are liking it !     I'm amazed how much faster the S23 is   :o  and so smooth.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on February 25, 2023, 10:03:36 PM
From the S7, yes I am sure it is lots faster :ahhh

That is a 7 generation jump you made :sa:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on February 26, 2023, 05:49:33 AM
From the S7, yes I am sure it is lots faster :ahhh

That is a 7 generation jump you made :sa:


(https://i.imgur.com/nqRhPWz.gif)

Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 07, 2023, 04:47:18 AM
100x zoom of the moon :ahhh
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on March 07, 2023, 05:32:49 AM
 :o
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on March 07, 2023, 05:48:23 AM
Nice job!

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 07, 2023, 01:12:49 PM
Thanks Grant :hatsoff:

:o

I know right! :ahhh I had been trying to do the astrophotography with a tripod and it doesn't look anywhere near as good as this and it was freehand while standing on my porch steps :ahhh :woohoo:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on March 09, 2023, 11:44:16 AM
You can even see the hole at the bottom where they put the air in.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 09, 2023, 05:03:17 PM
I know :ahhh Looks like an orange to me except for the color  :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Aloha on March 10, 2023, 04:46:35 PM
Thats just awesome.  If I wasn't in the ecosystem of the other guys I'd jump ship.  Heck I still might  :think:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: GearedForwards on March 10, 2023, 04:53:53 PM
Thats just awesome.  If I wasn't in the ecosystem of the other guys I'd jump ship.  Heck I still might  :think:

You can iMessage on Android nowadays  :pok:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Aloha on March 10, 2023, 05:01:21 PM
Nice.  I'm sure I can also "plug" into my computer and other devices.  I'm sure part of it is I've been using apple since 3GS and Mac since early 2000. 
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 10, 2023, 07:16:33 PM
Samsung has DEX which is an actual desktop environment. All you need is a monitor and and HDMI cord :woohoo: you can also hook it straight to a PC and as long as the DEX app is on that computer it will start up DEX as well :tu: you can do that wireless now as well :cheers: Also Windows has a phone link app that allows you to mirror your phone on it as well :salute: so plenty of ways to connect :like:

Quick share between devices is also a big plus. Everyone in my family has a Samsung except for my daughter.

Chat enabled texts also means read and delivered, plus shows when the other person is typing (as long as both have it enabled) :tu:

Samsung is starting to turn the corner with Apple these days  :cheers:

Lots of Android devices are starting to do this though 8) :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Aloha on March 10, 2023, 07:22:25 PM
 :salute:

We're the opposite here.  We all have apple and the youngest has android.  We ended up with apple not because I think its great, just familiar.  My deck top tho has been flawless as opposed.......  This is not the thread  :oops:.

I could see myself jumping ship since its never really left the so called dock  ;).  I only recently got an 11 cause my daughter got the new version.  I came from a 5  :whistle:.  I am no fan boy nor devotee.  Its been a decent phone but.......
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: GearedForwards on March 10, 2023, 07:42:26 PM
Samsung has DEX which is an actual desktop environment. All you need is a monitor and and HDMI cord :woohoo: you can also hook it straight to a PC and as long as the DEX app is on that computer it will start up DEX as well :tu: you can do that wireless now as well :cheers: Also Windows has a phone link app that allows you to mirror your phone on it as well :salute: so plenty of ways to connect :like:

Quick share between devices is also a big plus. Everyone in my family has a Samsung except for my daughter.

Chat enabled texts also means read and delivered, plus shows when the other person is typing (as long as both have it enabled) :tu:

Samsung is starting to turn the corner with Apple these days  :cheers:

Lots of Android devices are starting to do this though 8) :like:

Dex is something about Samsungs that always catches my eye, I love the concept of it.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 11, 2023, 12:42:36 AM
I have a Samsungg work tablet that stays on DEX mode (with a Bluetooth keyboars) and this makes it very familiar to use with my phone when I do use it on my desktop :cheers: you can also drag and drop files between the 2 of them as well :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on March 11, 2023, 11:54:06 AM
When my laptop started having issues last year I got a Kindle Fire 10 with a Bluetooth keyboard as an inexpensive interim solution.

It runs Fire OS, which is Android with the Fire OS branding put on it, and they restrict apps, but it's easy to install the Google Play store and get all that back.

I have to say, as a tablet it is not great, but not bad.  As a small laptop replacement ot is remarkably impressive.

It's good for watching Netflix, surfing and using MS Office, but a little underpowered for gaming and any kind of video editing is out of the question.

I have to say, I'd never thought it would be a decent laptop replacement, but I'm really pleased with it.  I still need my laptop for handling drone photos and other things, but the little Fire tablet is doing a lot more than I expected it to.

I can only imagine a higher quality Samsung tablet would do even better.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 11, 2023, 11:19:57 PM
It is a few generations behind now but still works great :cheers:

I take it with me on trips and it works great for lots of internet stuff, MTO, FB, Netflix and the like :tu: I make sure to turn off the data and the wifi on because it is for work :whistle: :cheers:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: GearedForwards on March 12, 2023, 03:35:39 AM
The ETA Prime YT channel does a lot of reviews of different devices (focused on emulation and mobile gaming), but whenever a device has a desktop mode, like Dex, he does a whole video evaluating it. Even older Samsung devices tend to do really well.

If you got a USB-C stand and connected it to a docking station, you could literally just dock your phone and have it turn into a full desk set up.

I'm sure there are limitations on software, but a lot of what the average consumer does would likely be supported.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 12, 2023, 03:09:16 PM
DEX was limited more in the early days but with each generation and software update it is becoming more and more capable :woohoo:

I use it some and would love to have a monitor setup with keyboard just for it, as I rather enjoy it and like to use it more :salute: :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 12, 2023, 03:12:55 PM
Also, my last 2 Samsung phones (the S20 Plus and now the S23 Ultra)  both have 12gb of RAM, I think that makes a huge difference in being able to run DEX effectively on it :salute: up until last year my desktop only had 8gb of ram :ahhh I now have 32gb in my new system and it makes doing different tasks much easier and fluid :woohoo: but it is crazy to think that my phone had better specs than my main system :facepalm: :rofl:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on March 12, 2023, 10:51:31 PM
I just figured out swipe typing on samsung keyboard.  :woohoo:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 13, 2023, 01:01:44 AM
Oh yes,  that makes a big difference in typing once you get good at it 8) :woohoo: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on March 13, 2023, 02:33:26 AM
It will take some practice I guess but I like it  :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 13, 2023, 03:28:39 PM
Sometimes it gets words completely wrong though :whistle: I like using predictive texting better most of the time :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on March 13, 2023, 03:35:41 PM
Yes, I noticed that. I'll try it for a while and see if I keep using it or not.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 13, 2023, 04:18:06 PM
I am back and forth about using it and sometimes use it a lot when texting :cheers:

Some words are easier like this and some aren't :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on March 14, 2023, 03:43:00 PM
I took this shot this morning


Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 14, 2023, 10:03:27 PM
Awesome! I :like: that :woohoo: 8)
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on March 14, 2023, 10:30:28 PM
Not quite as impressive a zoom as the Utra but still pretty good.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on March 14, 2023, 11:35:49 PM
Still a very impressive pic and shows how capable the whole S range is :woohoo: :like: :like:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on March 15, 2023, 02:46:15 PM
Can't be a real photo- I can't see any spy balloons in it!   :D

Great shot otherwise!

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 17, 2023, 01:57:50 PM
Has anyone got a Pixel phone?  If so, what do you think of it?

I unfortunately have to get rid of my Note 20.  I love it, but over the past couple of years it has proven too fragile for the likes of me.  I cracked the glass back plate shortly after getting it, then cracked the screen last year and now I have shattered the camera lens.

I can put up with all kinds of cracked and broken screens and cases, but I need the camera.   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Millhouse on May 18, 2023, 11:35:04 PM
If I was to switch to an Android phone, it would be for a Pixel. I like that it is pure Android with no interface overlays and that updates will be available for 5 years.

A friend has a Pixel 6 Pro and is really happy with it, previously having a few Samsung Galaxy phones.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 19, 2023, 12:19:14 AM
My biggest concern is the lack of memory card in it. 

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on May 19, 2023, 06:47:52 PM
Samsung has unfortunately quite putting micro SD storage as well :facepalm: but since I pre-ordered I got a double storage upgrade for free and it has me with 512gb :woohoo: so no need for extra storage :salute:

I do miss the feature though and wished they would put it back in :ahhh

I have heard great things of the Pixel but I enjoy the look of Samsung for now and haven't felt the need to swap over :cheers:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: GearedForwards on May 20, 2023, 07:55:27 AM
Pixels are excellent value for money and the Pros can still pull their weight as a flagship. The lower costs mean that you can opt for a higher storage model and still end up paying less than a Samsung.

Though with that track record... I would recommend slathering whatever phone you get in a rugged case and every form of glass protector on the market.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 20, 2023, 12:26:12 PM
Since I started using Android way back with my Motorola Atrix in 2011 or so, I've always used Otterbox Defenders, and for the most part, my phones have looked virtually brand new when their time came.

I think only one phone I had (maybe the Samsung A8?) didn't have an Otterbox Defender available for it and I ended up having to get an Otterbox Commuter case for it.  I liked the case well enough, but it was no Defender, and I ended up with a crack in the screen.

I had a Defender case for this phone (Samsung Note 20 Ultra) but it actually broke apart on the phone- I think the curved screen created weak points in the corners of the case. 

It was the first time a Defender case had failed me, so I replaced it with an aluminum case.  You can see the details here:

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,89057.0.html

I'm also seeing that the Defender series no longer has built in screen protection, which is a bit disappointing, but they claim they have designed them now to accommodate the best screen protectors, so I guess that makes sense.  I have had a few built in Defender screen protectors get old and crappy over the years.

I'm looking at the Pixel 7 Pro, mostly because it is the one with the 5x optical zoom, a feature I use often.  The 7 doesn't have that, and the 7a (budget version) doesn't have much of anything at all.

The optical zoom on my Note is the camera I have somehow managed to shatter on my Note, or I would just keep the damned thing going.

I'm also hoping the non-curved screen of the Pixel and the aluminum body are also going to withstand a bit more punishment, backing up the Otterbox the Pixel will be in before it leaves the store.   :facepalm:

That's disappointing that Samsung is also doing away with the memory card slot.  If I get a Pixel, it will be the first non- Samsung phone I have had in years, since my original Android, the Atrix.

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,28001.0.html

That was a great phone, but it was well and truly dead when it was replaced.  I got the Samsung S3 next, and it was only good for about 3 months before I had serious issues with it.  I came up with all kinds of work around for it, but after a total of about 6 months, I traded it for an S5.  When that one died I got the S5 NEO, which was a mistake, and it was eventually replaced with the A8.  That was also a mistake- if you are going to go Samsung, don't go cheap.   :facepalm:

The A8 was replaced with the Note, as often the screen on the A8 wouldn't work, even before I cracked it.  The almost complete lack of hardware buttons makes it very difficult to send text messages or answer phone calls when the screen doesn't work.   :facepalm:

The Pixel seems like the best choice right now, having done as much research as I can without actually going into the store, but I see Motorola also has a fancy new phone out.  I lived the Atrix and I wouldn't be against another Motorola, although with Google buying Motorola a number of years ago I kind of always figured they were more or less the same phone as the Pixel anyway.

I am open to other suggestions though, but if it's one thing I have learned with my iPad, I'd rather have have an Android phone.  I like my iPad, but I'm much more comfortable and familiar with Android.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 05, 2023, 03:13:13 PM
Has anyone gotten one of the "no name" type phones from Amazon?  I am specifically thinking of phones from companies like Ulephone, Xiaomi or Blackview, because frankly I am getting tired of spending good money on phones that are just going to break.

Unfortunately I have heard that these phones have all kinds of spyware etc built into them and I am wondering if that's true, and if so, how easy it may (or may not be) to remove it.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Aloha on June 05, 2023, 03:27:42 PM
How about a used phone?  Every phone I have had since iPhone 4 has been used.  I am currently on iPhone 11.  I usually  buy a several versions older than the current one knowing sellers are ready to upgrade and just want to get rid of theirs. 

   
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 05, 2023, 06:53:00 PM
I have enough problems with rapidly aging batteries that I don't know that a used phone is an ideal choice for me.  I hate the idea of buying one that is already "used up" if you know what I mean.

Also, Megan bought a used iPhone a couple of years ago from a friend and it broke (known issue apparently) shortly after she got it.  Since it was from a friend, she couldn't really try to get her money back, and I ended up having to buy her a new iPhone.   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: GearedForwards on June 06, 2023, 02:46:56 PM
Xiaomi is a major tech brand, the others I've never heard of.

 The spyware thing is mostly just overblown superstition.

How are you so hard on phones?
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 07, 2023, 12:52:27 AM
I'm not entirely sure, but considering how many stitches and surgeries I've had to put my bones back in some semblance of order, I am apparently hard on everything.   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on June 16, 2023, 04:24:15 PM
Budget in a battery replacement when you purchase an used phone. :D

It's a pity you're not here, if you were in the EU or Australia I might recommend a budget phone, the HMD Global G22. :think:
Ifixit sells official parts for it, in collaboration with the manufacturer.
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/25/hmd-global-launches-nokia-g22-repairable-smartphone.html
https://eustore.ifixit.com/collections/nokia-parts

Screen €50, battery or back cover €25.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 16, 2023, 10:41:43 PM
Nice.

I'm still using my Note, and just being frustrated by the lack of zoom lens.   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on June 17, 2023, 01:15:40 AM
Would it be possible to get the back replaced (camera covers included)  at a place? Bulbs and Batteries around here are licensed Samsung repair specialists and I had the back of my S20 Plus fixed and they replaced the camera cover as well because my zoom was broken for a year or so :facepalm: it didn't help mine really because so much dust had already settled and scratched the inside camera :ahhh but maybe you haven't had it broken long enough and might be able to repair :salute:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on June 17, 2023, 01:16:57 AM
If you have the front replaced as well they also put in a new battery but my screen was excellent and I hated to over dou le the repair price bill :ahhh

Otherwise, just the back isn't to extremely ridiculous to get fixed :cheers:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 17, 2023, 02:02:01 AM
The screen could be replaced under warranty, but I have to pay a portion (deductible) of about $57.  No problem.

The shop that is authorized to do the work won't do it unless they can also replace the back of the case, because they don't think it will survive the screen replacement.  That's another $150.

Now with the camera broken, I don't know how much more that would cost, but I'd say at least $300 overall to repair this phone would be a safe bet.

Or, I can claim a replacement phone under the insurance, and that will cost me about $400 (it's a $2k phone remember) but then I get a whole new phone out of it.   A hundred dollars more than the repair and I get a fresh battery as well, rather than parts of a new phone and parts of an old one.

Or, I can spend $27/mth for the next two years and get a brand new Pixel 7 Pro, or, spend $7.50/mth and get a Motorola.  Yeah, the Pixel will cost more in the long run, but it's easier on the wallet than shelling out $300-400 all at once.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on June 17, 2023, 06:26:08 PM
I get ya  :cheers: I think to change the back of my phone and the camera covers was about $140 US :think: was a year ago and I can't remember exactly but to replace front back and get a battery was somewhere in the $350 range :ahhh so I did the back and waited until the S23 Ultra came out and got that now, so I totally get about getting a new phone with all the bells and  :whistle: :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on June 17, 2023, 07:42:41 PM
We had Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite as part of our fleet for a while, and while the specs make a good run against the samsung equivalent at the price and being a very snappy and quick phone overall, it lacks the polish of the samsungs, and suffers from too much Xiaomi bloat in my opinion.

I am currently facing some issues with the S22, mainly it not liking many cables and chargers. Wireless charging is fine, but it's become hell to tether in the car with android auto (bluetooth for calls is fine). I might consider some old device with a duplicate sim for data and just use that for Waze navigation, and keep the s22 bluetooth tethered for calls.

The only thing about the new pixel phones that make me uncomfortable is the price being a tad over my comfort zone... since the s22 cost me nothing through work. Otherwise after my old nexus being stock android, I am looking forward to another clean android phone experience, maybe I'll think about a 6
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 17, 2023, 11:09:26 PM
The price on the Pixel phones is quite attractive to me, especially when compared to the offerings from Samsung.

That's also one of the reasons I was looking at Motorola again- the prices are much better than many Samsung models.

That having been said, I also discovered that Samsung offers a (relatively) reasonably priced rugged option- the Galaxy XCover 6 Pro.

https://www.samsung.com/ca/smartphones/others/galaxy-xcover6-pro-black-128gb-sm-g736wzkdxac/buy/?cid=ca_pd_ppc_google_galaxy-xcover6-pro_sustain_b2b-ruggedized-hhp-retention_other_rtb_20180114-samsung%20galaxy%20xcover6%20pro-w&gad=1

It looks interesting not just because it apparently doesn't require a case to be rugged, but also has a swappable battery- just pop open the cover, pull the battery out and stick another one in.

I have t seen what the spare batteries cost, but I imagine it will be prohibitive, but it's still a nice option to revive a 2 year old phone.

It also accepts up to a 1TB memory card, which I like.  I have oodles of data (115gb/mth), so accessing Dropbox, Google Photos, Netflix etc isn't a concern, but many of the places I work have little or no service.  Because of that I like to have things local, not just in the cloud.

The specs on the Galaxy XCover are a bit off the "latest and greatest" but should be well within my scope and abilities- I am not a talented, skilled or serious photographer, nor am I hard-core phone gamer.  I don't use my phone for editing my TikToks or OF videos- that's what I have an iPad for.

I may have a look at the XCover, even if it is one of the dumbest names ever put on a phone.   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on June 21, 2023, 12:13:56 PM
We have some xcover 5 in our fleet... Severely unpowered and struggles with teams and outlook

Hope the 6 is better
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 22, 2023, 12:21:23 AM
I intend to have a look at it in the store at some point and see what I think.

I realize it won't be a top tier phone, but I'd prefer a phone that works to one that gets broken constantly.   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on June 23, 2023, 08:27:17 AM
So I got a Motorola G82... really liking it so far....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TibcRWH1L5Y&t=524s
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Don Pablo on June 29, 2023, 12:02:25 AM
Budget in a battery replacement when you purchase an used phone. :D

It's a pity you're not here, if you were in the EU or Australia I might recommend a budget phone, the HMD Global G22. :think:
Ifixit sells official parts for it, in collaboration with the manufacturer.
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/25/hmd-global-launches-nokia-g22-repairable-smartphone.html
https://eustore.ifixit.com/collections/nokia-parts

Screen €50, battery or back cover €25.
We ended up buying one to give to my grandmother on her birthday in a few weeks.
It was on sale for €150 (164 USD, 217 CAD), and it's exceeding my (low) expectations for performance. :)
Screen seems ok, yeah it's lower resolution but only real niggle is text not being fully sharp and smooth when you are scrolling. But what can you expect from such a cheap phone? :shrug:

We'll try testing calls, and if you have any ideas for decent practical performance tests I'm listening.
It claims to have UFS storage, that's supposed to be a fair bit faster than emmc storage. :think:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: BPRoberts on July 04, 2023, 11:08:38 PM
So I got a Motorola G82... really liking it so far....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TibcRWH1L5Y&t=524s

+1 for Moto. My last 2 or 3 phones have all been from them (mid-range models) and they've been solid. Probably about due for a new one, it's at a little over 3 years and while it's doing fine itself (battery holds a charge, doesn't crash, etc.), it's starting to struggle a little with Android Auto, which is my unofficial "old phone" barometer.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on July 05, 2023, 09:20:32 PM
Some of the features I like so far is the karate chop torch, the 3.5mm headphone jack (apparently that's rare these days?) and the battery lasts for days.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on July 08, 2023, 02:19:01 PM
moto gestures is one thing I miss about my G5plus... it's still a decent phone, but I got tired of having 2 phones in my pocket
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on July 08, 2023, 08:13:40 PM
I've been holding off on getting a new phone and just continuing on with mine, broken screen, camera and all.  It's a bit frustrating when I want to take a picture of anything at a distance, but otherwise it works well enough.

If it wasn't a bit frustrating, it wouldn't be my phone.   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on July 09, 2023, 01:24:19 AM
I did live with a phone with a broken zoom camera for over a year and a half myself :facepalm: :D I could zoom to maybe 2.9 X then when it hit 3 it was total blur :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh

Hopefully you can get what you want and in budget :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Syncop8r on August 29, 2023, 12:48:17 PM
So I got a Motorola G82... really liking it so far....

Today it suggested we update to Android 13.
Niiiice....  :tu:
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on August 29, 2023, 09:09:27 PM
Samsung S22 has been on Android 13 all along I think?

We ended up buying the wife a Oppo Reno10 (8GB ram 256GB storage) yesterday during a tax free sale. Seems pretty good compared to the other phones in the price range (although I didn't see any Motorola or Google phones in that shop...) it has some weird feature where you can allocate part of the storage as ram... so it currently is running max 16GB ram.

So not only was the 21% tax knocked off, they threw in the Oppo bluetooth earbuds, so big upgrade all around for her from the Samsung A32 (which she was still using wired headset with).
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Whoey on August 29, 2023, 09:10:56 PM
Oh and I really want a pixel, but one thing is stopping me. I use dual sim, and it only has one physical sim, the other must be eSim, which I can do but I do feel like it is limited.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: GearedForwards on August 30, 2023, 05:58:39 AM
I'm still using my original Oppo Reno, got it Dec 19 and it's been rock solid, though it's showing its age.

I have aspirations of upgrading to the Pixel 8 Pro later in the year, hopefully the next gen of Tenser will smooth out its issues. The Pixel Fold is lovely looking, but besides 1st gen teething issues, that is certainly out of my price range.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 04, 2023, 12:15:59 PM
Yeah, I am also quite leery of folding screens, although I do very much like the concept of smaller phone/bigger screen.

But with my uncanny ability to break phones, I'm not sure I want to try something even more fragile than the usual ones.   :facepalm:

A guy at work has a folding one (I don't know what model) and he really likes it, but then he spends much of his time in the office, while I spend 100% of my time in the field.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 05, 2023, 11:53:53 AM
I suppose it was only a matter of time given that there is only one piece of glass over all three cameras, but the glass has now given way over the regular camera lens now too.

I am effectively down to just the wide angle lens on my phone, and the cracked glass goes across it too, so it's only a matter of time before that one dies as well.

I guess I will start looking at new phones again.  I could probably get a good deal n a Pixel 7 Pro since the 8 is out any day now.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on September 08, 2023, 12:49:56 AM
I have a lens protector on my S23 so I can hopefully avoid that issue.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 12, 2023, 12:57:43 AM
I'm finding little bits of glass everywhere and I think it is from my rapidly deteriorating camera lens, and that's just not good- especially with a puppy in the house that likes to pick up and try to eat any small thing he finds.

So, I said smurf it and ordered a Google Pixel 7 Pro today, as well as a cheap case (with camera protector) and some glass screen protectors. 

Yes, yes, I know, cheap case = bad, but as I'm a bit disappointed in Otterbox right now I figure I'll use the case for now until I find something I actually like.  I can't carry a phone without a case, as that gives it a lifespan of maybe three days.

Also, now that I have ordered the Pixel 7 Pro, the Pixel 8 will come out in the next 48 hours and the price on the 7 will drop drastically.   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: SteveC on September 14, 2023, 01:36:10 AM


I've had good luck with Tech21 cases
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 16, 2023, 12:34:12 AM
I will look into those.

The Pixel is here and I am using it now.  It is very different from the Samsung interface, and I am having trouble trying to get used to where everything is.  After having five Samsung phones (and two tablets) it's a lot to get used to

The loss of Samsung apps like Gallery is kind of weird.

Still, I like it, but I think I'm going to have to figure out how to increase the font size in Chrome as I can barely see this text as I type it.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 16, 2023, 01:24:57 PM
It's weird that it's the same Operating System, yet appears almost totally different from Samsung.

I thought it would be a more seamless transition, given that:

1- my first Android was a Motorola
2- I have a Fire tablet, running Fire OS, which is just Android with a bunch of Fire graphics slapped over top of the Android ones
3- I had a Motorola tablet for a while.
4- I mistakenly assumed a Google OS on a Google device would have all the bells and whistles.

But, there is no native Gallery app other than Google Photos.

The camera app more closely mimics the Apple camera than the Samsung one.

The pull down menu at the top is completely different and doesn't seem to offer nearly as many options.

There are no home, back or menu keys at the bottom.  For the longest time, I had no idea how to find the apps I've installed.

I'm at that point where I'm not sure I like it or if it's just different and I'll get used to it!

Doesn't really matter in the end- this is my phone for at least the next two years, so I will have no choice but to figure it out!

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on September 16, 2023, 06:43:09 PM
My parents went the Pixel route several years ago (they are both back to Samsung now) and I got very much the same impression from them as well :salute: They both ended up loving the phone but were more familiar with the Samsung, the apps and its eco system, so they ultimately went back with their next phones :salute:

They both also started out with Motorola Droids but Samsung wasn't that much different at the time either :D
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: GearedForwards on September 16, 2023, 11:11:27 PM
It's weird that it's the same Operating System, yet appears almost totally different from Samsung.

I thought it would be a more seamless transition, given that:

1- my first Android was a Motorola
2- I have a Fire tablet, running Fire OS, which is just Android with a bunch of Fire graphics slapped over top of the Android ones
3- I had a Motorola tablet for a while.
4- I mistakenly assumed a Google OS on a Google device would have all the bells and whistles.

But, there is no native Gallery app other than Google Photos.

The camera app more closely mimics the Apple camera than the Samsung one.

The pull down menu at the top is completely different and doesn't seem to offer nearly as many options.

There are no home, back or menu keys at the bottom.  For the longest time, I had no idea how to find the apps I've installed.

I'm at that point where I'm not sure I like it or if it's just different and I'll get used to it!

Doesn't really matter in the end- this is my phone for at least the next two years, so I will have no choice but to figure it out!

Def

I think this is mostly just you needing to get to grips with the changes, but it's Android, if you want some of the Samsung stuff back then just install it. You can also install a launcher to make it more to your liking too, that's the beauty of the OS!
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 17, 2023, 01:16:26 AM
Absolutely true.  I am going to try to learn it as is, and then modify it where necessary.

I very much like the phone itself.  There are some photo/video options that I am looking forward to playing with too. 

Oh, and I also figured out the pull down menu thing.  It's not the same as Samsung, but there seems to be all the options I need, and it is a bit more configurable than the Samsung one was.

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on January 19, 2024, 08:28:55 AM
Its upgrade time again, though I wasn't going to bother, until I saw the deals everywhere.  Upgrade to the Samsung S24 Ultra before the end of the month and you get the 512gig instead of the 256gig and they throw in the Galaxy watch 6 as well.  I currently have the note 20 ultra and galaxy watch 4, so decided it was time to upgrade.  Now I have to wait a week for it to arrive  :mail:

and of course a new phone means new case etc.  Sadly my favourite cases, Quadlock, only have the S24 ones on pre-order that ship mid feb, so have to wait for that to.  Amazon special until then I think.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Antti Lammi on January 19, 2024, 09:58:42 AM
Its upgrade time again, though I wasn't going to bother, until I saw the deals everywhere.  Upgrade to the Samsung S24 Ultra before the end of the month and you get the 512gig instead of the 256gig and they throw in the Galaxy watch 6 as well.  I currently have the note 20 ultra and galaxy watch 4, so decided it was time to upgrade.  Now I have to wait a week for it to arrive  :mail:

and of course a new phone means new case etc.  Sadly my favourite cases, Quadlock, only have the S24 ones on pre-order that ship mid feb, so have to wait for that to.  Amazon special until then I think.
Luckily you choose ultra since it has Snapdragon instead Exynos (downgrade cpu chip) but i dont know why samsung didnt implement it to all models


Only Tools Matters
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on January 19, 2024, 11:52:22 AM
Its upgrade time again, though I wasn't going to bother, until I saw the deals everywhere.  Upgrade to the Samsung S24 Ultra before the end of the month and you get the 512gig instead of the 256gig and they throw in the Galaxy watch 6 as well.  I currently have the note 20 ultra and galaxy watch 4, so decided it was time to upgrade.  Now I have to wait a week for it to arrive  :mail:

and of course a new phone means new case etc.  Sadly my favourite cases, Quadlock, only have the S24 ones on pre-order that ship mid feb, so have to wait for that to.  Amazon special until then I think.

I've been considering the Quad Lock case too.  I have been trying to decide whether to do that or go back to an OtterBox Defender, which failed miserably on my Note 20 Ultra.

It's been what, four months now since I bought the Pixel and I'm still using my $15 Amazon cheapo case.   :facepalm:

Def
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on January 19, 2024, 01:03:40 PM
Quadlock are good, I'm on my second one for my note 20 now, but only because of how loose the quadlock bit was getting with the ring stand attachment.  My phone gets taken on and off stands and the ring stand put in and taken off probably more than is normal, plus I fidget with it when sat in meetings, etc, so when it started to feel like it was getting less secure I replaced the case when it was around 18 months old.

My new phone is also magsafe compatible and quadlock have mag mounts to, so I've also ordered all the new mag heads for my mounts so the quadlock twist bit will get used way less and last longer I would think.   I've got mounts all over at home, plus in my car and my desk at work, its about the most secure mounts and robust cases I've found in all the years I've had phones.
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on January 20, 2024, 08:10:53 PM
Its upgrade time again, though I wasn't going to bother, until I saw the deals everywhere.  Upgrade to the Samsung S24 Ultra before the end of the month and you get the 512gig instead of the 256gig and they throw in the Galaxy watch 6 as well.  I currently have the note 20 ultra and galaxy watch 4, so decided it was time to upgrade.  Now I have to wait a week for it to arrive  :mail:

and of course a new phone means new case etc.  Sadly my favourite cases, Quadlock, only have the S24 ones on pre-order that ship mid feb, so have to wait for that to.  Amazon special until then I think.

That is awesome, Kev :woohoo: I have the S23 Ultra and I have really loved it :tu: I will try to keep it for a few years but I am excited to see what the S24 Ultra will be able to do :like: :popcorn:

The Galaxy AI has me intrigued as well and luckily it should be out on the S23 Ultra in the coming months :tu: the picture editing aspect is what I really want to see :ahhh
Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Kev D on January 22, 2024, 11:52:31 AM
That is awesome, Kev :woohoo: I have the S23 Ultra and I have really loved it :tu: I will try to keep it for a few years but I am excited to see what the S24 Ultra will be able to do :like: :popcorn:

The Galaxy AI has me intrigued as well and luckily it should be out on the S23 Ultra in the coming months :tu: the picture editing aspect is what I really want to see :ahhh

Thanks, I've had this one 3 1/2 years now so looking forward to getting the new one.  It should arrive the end of this week.  The AI search looks interesting to as well as the photo editing.
My temporary case and screen protector have already arrived as well as the rest of my quadlock mounts upgrade stuff, so just need the phone now.

Title: Re: Android Phones
Post by: Poncho65 on January 22, 2024, 06:02:09 PM
 :o lots of nice new tech goodies :drool:

Hoping the phone arrives pretty quickly for you :tu: :like: :like: