So I was all ready last week to pull the trigger on a Droid 4 with Verizon, despite being with AT&T, until realizing that...
I have really inexpensive unlimited data with AT&T, while Verizon wants me to wear leather and vasoline for the pleasure of data
The Droid 4 is a Motorola… and it took like nine months of promises for the Backflip to get updated.
I'm not sure I want to buy a phone today with a glimmer of hope of ICS next November, rather than waiting a few months for something else.
Has this factored into anyone else's actions?
Not having ICS really doesn't bother me that much. GB is pretty nice IMO. It looks like ICS will come eventually. Third quarter maybe. But I would be surprised if we don't have an ICS ROM to flash long before then. I don't plan on running stock for long anyways, so for me, dev support is more important that what version of Android it ships with. Judging by the dev support for the Droid 2 and Droid 3 I am pretty sure that we should have pretty good support for the Droid 4 as well.
Support is already there for the Razr as well. Since they are so similar I would not be surprised to see some ROMs ported from there which could help speed up the process.
True enough, but the Backflip left an unpleasant taste in my mouth for Motorola upgrade support and for relying on open ROMs. I'm happy writing embedded software, but my phone is also a business tool and needs to be pretty solid.
I wasn't too concerned either, my archos tablet was maxed at 1.6, and GB is a lot nicer. ICS will get around when it does, and this phone does everything I could want. If I need something it doesn't offer, then I'd look into new ROMs.
It would be fun to tinker with ICS, though.
Wotta said:
So I was all ready last week to pull the trigger on a Droid 4 with Verizon, despite being with AT&T, until realizing that...
I have really inexpensive unlimited data with AT&T, while Verizon wants me to wear leather and vasoline for the pleasure of data
The Droid 4 is a Motorola… and it took like nine months of promises for the Backflip to get updated.
I'm not sure I want to buy a phone today with a glimmer of hope of ICS next November, rather than waiting a few months for something else.
Has this factored into anyone else's actions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was using a RAZR up until last week when I got my D4. I LOVED the RAZR, awesome phone, but the lack of a keyboard was killing me.
That was GB, and I've played with a Nexus for 2 weeks while I was trying to figure things out, and honestly, ICS is great and all, but there's really nothing on the Nexus I couldn't do on a GB phone that I was like "I gotta have this".
It's a great operating system, but it's not the "end all be all" for mobile computing.
I also was not very happy with the build quality of the Nexus. it just wasn't nearly as nice.....period. You cannot convince me otherwise, as I scratched the hell out of that thing in the 2 week time that I had it. My RAZR after 3 months of solid use, still looked basically brand new, and was rock solid.
The GB implementation on both the RAZR and the D4 is AWESOME. Blur is so minimal these days, it's hardly noticeable, and the only FC's I've had on this thing have been with Bank of America's stupid app, that FC's on every device. (I dropped BofA for banking recently....so goodbye crappy app)
So from personal experience, I can honestly give you a straight up review of both OS's, and tell you, it shouldn't factor in your decision at all.
Hardware is WAY more important in the long run, because I would hate to have a phone that had the latest software, but looked like a piece of crap after 6 months. Also, without a keyboard, I have learned I just can't live that way yet. Speech to text is only "so" good, and it won't replace my keyboard until they can figure out how to make it better. I also cannot for the life of me figure out swype, so forget that hot mess.
The one thing that I really truly miss on my D4 that the RAZR had, is the screen That 4.3" beauty on the RAZR was ridiculous. It was the best AMOLED that I've ever laid eyes on. I haven't seen the 7.7" Samsung Galaxy Tab, that is supposed to be even better than that, but if it's even 1/3 of what the RAZR was, it's going to be awesome.
The D4 screen is bleh.....it really is the only weakness that I can see in what is otherwise a rock solid, applications monster, that helps my productivity everyday.
So that's my $.02.
As for the idea of leaving an unlimited data plan on AT&T, if I were you, I would call Verizon, not go into the store, and haggle. Tell them the only way you leave your AT&T contract is if you get unlimited to replace it.
They do have special offer codes, that can get you the unlimited data plans, but you have to demand it. It may take talking to a manager, so don't be shy about it.
ICS/CM9 will be coming sooner than expected
see link
ICS INFO
Garlick, thanks. I'm not actually very concerned about the unlimited data. I have WiFi in most places so my "unlimited" has averaged about 250MB, below any of the limits anyhow. But AT&T is great for Euro-travel also; Verizon is more expensive in the places it works. If it's that great a device, I may jump soon anyhow.
phrir1 said:
ICS/CM9 will be coming sooner than expected
see link ICS INFO
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Yes, but I was saying that I tend to avoid the custom ROMs for stability reasons.
phrir1 said:
ICS/CM9 will be coming sooner than expected
see link
ICS INFO
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Thanks for posting this.... I had been wandering since the RAZR and the D4 have the same innards if the roms could simply be ported back and forth with some minimal optimizations...
Someone installed this ROM on their Droid 4 without issue
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1385428
I've had the bionic, which I thought is a solid phone yeah it had some connectivity issues but other than that its solid, then I had my Samsung Galaxy Nexus and don't get me wrong ICS is awesome on it but its a Samsung it had just as bad data drops as my bionic if not worse. Which by the way is for sale. Then I got my DROID 4 and have been back in heaven yeah I miss the bigger scree but everything else it makes up for it.
i will wait for ICS/CM9, but it seems like i wont have to wait too long!
that, and the big screen are the only things i miss about my DX
Wotta said:
Garlick, thanks. I'm not actually very concerned about the unlimited data. I have WiFi in most places so my "unlimited" has averaged about 250MB, below any of the limits anyhow. But AT&T is great for Euro-travel also; Verizon is more expensive in the places it works. If it's that great a device, I may jump soon anyhow.
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Honestly... I have unlimited data from verizon, grandfathered from before they put the cap on. BUT, looking at my usage, i never exceed 2gb. And i stream music every day on my commute (1 hour each way).
as far as international travel goes.. i would NEVER pay for verizon (or any carriers global roaming) i have a quad band GSM phone that i take with me anywhere i go and and just buy a local pre-paid sim and pop it in.
Related
Is this phone and company worth switching over too ? Do to Sprints changing my plan without my approval,I have the opportunity to switch to another carrier.Out of the other big 3 Verizon,T-mobile & AT&T is the only one that is willing to put their offer in writting to me. The other reason I am even looking at this phone and company is because both of my sons want the IPhone and my wife only wants a phone offered by them as well..
So..please fellow XDA members tell me staright up..should I stay with Sprint and my Hero for 1-1/2 years more..or start fresh with this phone and AT&T..
Mac
50 views and not even 1 response..?
Is there no one on-line that has this phone wanting to step up and answer the question ?
I really would like to know the feelings of the folks here,since those that have this phone also have AT&T's service..
Mac
Not an easy one to answer really. I would say if you are completely turned of by what Sprint did to you then changing wouldn't be a bad thing. Going with AT&T will get you points with your family. And who couldn't use more points with their family, right?
That being said, you have by now undoubtedly heared about the GPS problems facing the Galaxy S phones. Some have found their phone is better with different versions, some claim all the updates and changes have made their GPS unuseable. If you are in need of a phone that has good GPS then I would say you can find better. Personally, the GPS issue isn't a deal breaker for me. I am also one of the lucky ones that find it works fine for how I use it.
The phone itself is amazing. Being on XDA also helps as there are many helpful and informative people. Also, the Captivate has been out long enough that the mods are becomming better and better every day, that is if you are into modding your phone. Heck, stock it still is a good phone.
So it all boils down to what you really want to do. I think that is why you haven't had anyone jump on giving you an answer. Good luck my friend!
There is no "right carrier". The advantage of AT&T (now) is coverage and GSM. AT&T has better coverage then T-Mobile, but about equal to VZW. GSM allows you take your phone to Europe - VZW CDMA does not;
But the future brings change - VZW has a slew of World phones coming out (they have GSM as well as CDMA) - VZW has LTE coming out - which is supposed to be a global standard - so travel issue may be a thing of the past.
AT&T has the iPhone today, but rumor says a CDMA iPhone on VZW for the holidays. But rumors are rumors.
I don't know what you are looking for in writing - all the carriers plans are on their web site. T-Mo does have the best customer service, and VZW has some great android phones. If you don't travel much, and T-Mo has good coverage where you live, they seem to have the best prices and some of the best phones.
AT&T is fine too - not trying to steer you away. I moved to AT&T for an iPhone years ago - and I travel to EU; so VZW wasn't cutting it.
Anyway If the family wants AT&T and the price for phones and service fits, then make the move. But you are stuck for 2 years.
Sounds like it's 3-1 in your house. I'd go ahead and make the switch if thats what your family wants. I don't think you'll be worse off with one carrier over the other, at the end of the day they will all screw you. Captivate is a great phone if you can deal with the sometimes difficult to deal with GPS.
I agree. Go with what makes your family happy overall. The Captivate is a fine device, and I've been much more pleased with it than I was with my iPhone. Talk it over with your family, putting them first won't do you wrong.
My first phone was from Virgin Mobile and was prepaid. I know they leased out network access from Sprint. It was awful. I never had good coverage, and then they started charging more for everything. I left them.
I've been with AT&T now since 6th grade. They've never screwed us over, they've always been helpful, and whenever we've had problems, like my sister signing up for those joke things they advertise on tv putting huge data charges on our bill, they cleared it up right away and even gave us a credit on the account.
Of course you're going to hear horror stories of bad customer service from everyone, but really it's not all that common. I've always thought AT&T had great phones, and they've all last me a long time.
My favorite phones have always been Samsung ones as all but one of my phones has been from them. My first was a Sony Ericsson S710a and it lasted me until one day I was sliding it open, and it slipped out of my hand and into a wall and the LCD shattered. After that I had a Samsung a727, then the SGH-i607 Blackjack, then the SGH-a877 Impression, and now the Captivate.
You will be happier with AT&T then with Sprint. But ultimately, you pay the bill and you decide where your money goes. I'll just add that I don't usually praise any company for no reason.
I love this phone with ji6 gps works completely fine for me it does what its supposed to every time lately gets me there no issues. Im very happy with att besides they make you pay for tethering, but theres ways around that with this phone, hehe ;-)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Thanks Guys..
I hate spending a-lot more money so soon on moving my service (since may 2010)..but I really don't know how I could stay with them.
As to any cell company posting their policy on line..well..that can and does change (with Sprint almost daily)..and actually having a written signed contract is something the other companies won't do,AT&T will.That does a lot for me..and for my wife peace of mind.My boys have wanted the I phones for sometime..I don't want one..which is why I am asking about the Captivate. BTW...Sprint elected to change my verbal contract given to me at the time of signing..and I fought it the best I could without turning my Lawyers loose..and I most likely would have won,but the cost to do so would have been prohibitive without a written contract,or so what they told me when I spoke to them about it..
So..the phone has a GPS problem..and that isn't a deal breaker for me,but I do want to see it fixed and soon.Having a 2.2 rom is what I am running on my hero now along with one of the best looking themes going right now IMHO..http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=797077 and so hopefully we can get this ported over here at some point..even if I have to learn how to do it myself
FWIW..I looked closely at this phone and also the Ios4 and hands down this one blows it out of the water on anything video..I stopped by T-Mobile and watched the HD Avatar movie on their version when I was looking at what they offered...It was just awesome..simply jaw dropping..
I am looking forward to the 2.2 upgrade and what comes after with it..So..I will be on here more and more reading what I can..
Thanks Again
Mac
Mac, just a heads up. The leaked 2.2 rom we have actually fixed the GPS. There's no real problem anymore. Obviously it will become more refined when the final release comes out but it definitely works now.
Sent from my Captivate
stuffy is a difficult company but I can't feral with poor service so I disk with them. get used to advanced features like tethering being blocked and such. but you can fix that by looking in the dev section. att isn't all bad though mostly because they are stupid, I told them verizon had a 15% vetrans discount (they do) and asked att if they had something similar. well they didn't but the customer service rep put me on an active duty discount because she didn't know better. it needs to be approved at a higher level with pics of my id and a valid military email according to there website, well I put the papers in anyway and had 15% off my bill the next month. so they obviously don't look at it.
verizons version of bloatware is full blown add ware. if you plug an incredible into a windows pc it hijacks explorer and goes to a v cast music site. on the fascinate they replaced the google services with microsoft services.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk
I think it's refreshing to see all the honest answers, not a ton of chest pounding "our phone is the best" posts. Most people on XDA by nature are into tweaking so the out-of-the-box limitations aren't a showstopper.
For me, I really need a world-capable phone. My family also is on ATT so that helped as well. I think all the carriers are converging on offering similar product. ATT has less HTC stuff but has the IPhone. ATT is currently behind on Android, but the Captivate is certainly helping to address that. I like the phone and have recommended it friends. Go for it.
miztaken1312 said:
Mac, just a heads up. The leaked 2.2 rom we have actually fixed the GPS. There's no real problem anymore. Obviously it will become more refined when the final release comes out but it definitely works now.
Sent from my Captivate
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Cool..that is good news..
Thanks
Mac
I will give my two bits. My experience has been good with att. Cs has never been bad, but at times there were moments that did not go smoothly. Always quick to address concerns of mine and they love giving credits out to keep me happy. I have been one of the lucky that never had major problems out of the box with the captivate. But coming from a storm running on atti think my standard were lower. Gps on froyo still doesn't work perfectly but has had improvement with locking and tracking. Dev support is actually really good so that is a big plus. My wife loves her captivate and she is not a techie at all. Hope my input helps.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
flashman2002 said:
I will give my two bits. My experience has been good with att. Cs has never been bad, but at times there were moments that did not go smoothly. Always quick to address concerns of mine and they love giving credits out to keep me happy. I have been one of the lucky that never had major problems out of the box with the captivate. But coming from a storm running on atti think my standard were lower. Gps on froyo still doesn't work perfectly but has had improvement with locking and tracking. Dev support is actually really good so that is a big plus. My wife loves her captivate and she is not a techie at all. Hope my input helps.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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It does,and greatly appreciated..
I understand the gps issue,and I am wondering if the delayed release of FroYo on this phone is partly because of it. Rooting and adding on customs roms has been working great for me on my Hero..and that phone is finnally acting the way it should have all along. Removing AT&T's bloatware will be my first priority after 2.2 is released..
I am curious about one thing..I know you can't load 3rd party apps unless rooted and a custom rom..but can you direct push them with the sd out of the phone and in a reader from a pc ? If we are working out of windows and a terminal..we should be able to insert any .apk or what we want.. anywhere we want..can't we ?
Thanks Again Guys
Mac
mobius911 said:
I think it's refreshing to see all the honest answers, not a ton of chest pounding "our phone is the best" posts. Most people on XDA by nature are into tweaking so the out-of-the-box limitations aren't a showstopper.
For me, I really need a world-capable phone. My family also is on ATT so that helped as well. I think all the carriers are converging on offering similar product. ATT has less HTC stuff but has the IPhone. ATT is currently behind on Android, but the Captivate is certainly helping to address that. I like the phone and have recommended it friends. Go for it.
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Same here..I know folks have their favorites and also know there will always be folks that have problems..but it is refreshing to see a honest straight forward discussion with out any of the fan fair these types of threads always seem to degenerate into.
Mac
Mac11700 said:
I am curious about one thing..I know you can't load 3rd party apps unless rooted and a custom rom..but can you direct push them with the sd out of the phone and in a reader from a pc ? If we are working out of windows and a terminal..we should be able to insert any .apk or what we want.. anywhere we want..can't we ?
Thanks Again Guys
Mac
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You can push them using ADB or even easier, if you google something called the "Android Central Sideload Wonder Machine" or just sideload wonder machine, someone created an app to so that you don't even have to use the command prompt or hack the phone. No need for a custom rom, and I don't believe rooting is needed.
Here, I'll link you to it.
SIDELOAD WONDER MACHINE
I made the switch you are thinking of about 1.5 years ago and I have no regrets. One thing to keep in mind is the data cap ATT now has on their new subscribers. I signed up when unlimited was an offering, and honestly I don't know that I would have been comfortable using 1 smartphone, let alone 3-4 of them with limited data usage. ATT also had better coverage where I lived last year but would say Sprint is on par within the city limits now. The Evo is a really nice phone (Several people I know have them and are pleased) but I won't go back to Sprint after all the horrible customer service I had with them for 8 years. My local ATT business rep does an incredible job and is a big reason that I just renewed with them(they let me keep unlimited data). Ultimately, if I was in your shoes, I would probably do what made my family/wife happy as long as it isn't going to cause financial heartache when you exceed the data limit. I think they charge in blocks of 200mb for overage but you should definitely look into how much data your family has/will be using. My .02
Edited to add: Depending on what kind of user you are (business/personal) you might want to leave that cog. 2.2 alone until it works. I loaded it last weekend, went out to a job, and was unable to d-load an important pdf that was in my e-mail. Fortunately I had a laptop but in the past I would have been able to count on my phone for a quick blueprint reference. Sounds like it may be a fun thing to play with as long as you don't REALLY need everything on your phone to work. Also, the GPS was horrid on cog. 2.2. Needless to say I flashed it back to the original software when I got home. My GPS works just fine after the JH7 OTA update was installed. Worked yesterday on a 2 hour drive where I only had phone coverage for 20-30 miles. I haven't "tweaked" the GPS settings, just whatever they changed with JH7 is working.
itsjustaphone said:
I made the switch you are thinking of about 1.5 years ago and I have no regrets. One thing to keep in mind is the data cap ATT now has on their new subscribers. I signed up when unlimited was an offering, and honestly I don't know that I would have been comfortable using 1 smartphone, let alone 3-4 of them with limited data usage. ATT also had better coverage where I lived last year but would say Sprint is on par within the city limits now. The Evo is a really nice phone (Several people I know have them and are pleased) but I won't go back to Sprint after all the horrible customer service I had with them for 8 years. My local ATT business rep does an incredible job and is a big reason that I just renewed with them(they let me keep unlimited data). Ultimately, if I was in your shoes, I would probably do what made my family/wife happy as long as it isn't going to cause financial heartache when you exceed the data limit. I think they charge in blocks of 200mb for overage but you should definitely look into how much data your family has/will be using. My .02
Edited to add: Depending on what kind of user you are (business/personal) you might want to leave that cog. 2.2 alone until it works. I loaded it last weekend, went out to a job, and was unable to d-load an important pdf that was in my e-mail. Fortunately I had a laptop but in the past I would have been able to count on my phone for a quick blueprint reference. Sounds like it may be a fun thing to play with as long as you don't REALLY need everything on your phone to work. Also, the GPS was horrid on cog. 2.2. Needless to say I flashed it back to the original software when I got home. My GPS works just fine after the JH7 OTA update was installed. Worked yesterday on a 2 hour drive where I only had phone coverage for 20-30 miles. I haven't "tweaked" the GPS settings, just whatever they changed with JH7 is working.
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Dam good advise..Thanks
They charge in 1 gig allotments for overages now..not 200 mb. I too was worried about doing just this..and this is per line..not per plan. I went back through all of my bills and no-one has even come close to 1gig..let alone 2 gigs..but I understand that can change too.
The main thing for me and my family is getting a phone that is going to work..every time. I've run into some issues with mine on my job where I needed it and something crashed it. Also it's so tiresome for me to hear all the complaints and moaning when something crashes or FC's on their phones..I can deal with it happening on mine cause I am used to tinkering with it..but I have to say I am very tempted some by the I 4's simplicity...it would be nice just to not have to worry about updating mine almost daily,and just use the durn thing. I just don't know if I could deal with it or not as a day to day phone. I am at a loss in that regards..I know you can jailbreak them and do similar things we do with our Androids..but..I don't know enough about that to even consider doing it right now. I most likely would just so I could download apps and movies on it to watch from my pc..I got a week to figure this all out..and you all here are helping a-lot..
Thanks
Mac
I honestly liked the iphone4, and had one for a week. It was fun and all, but it had the same problem as my 3G, the ability to make and MAINTAIN a phone call. Obviously that isn't much of an issue for younger kids since you can still text with spotty coverage(my 13 yo uses about 60 min. a month and 1,000,000,000,000 text messages) I don't know if the iphone is somehow on a different signal than the other phones, but I have been very pleased with the PHONE CALL ability of the captivate. My wife loves the iphone (though she keeps eyeballing the captivate now) and like you, I do not enjoy fixing problems, so I have tried my best to keep her interest in my phone at a minimum. I can honestly say I do not miss the iphone for anything. I also enjoy the *cough cough* wireless tethering of my captivate(free app) that iphone never did get right(and when it did work, there was the whole loss of signal issue). The iphone is good at running apps and texting, outstanding even. I just really need to make phone calls and MAINTAIN a call when I make it. But like I said in my previous post, if your use is personal, iphone might work. If you make important calls, it fails.
Hey guys How everyone doing?
I see that you guys dont got a Q&A Section over here, so I decided to drop this here. Today i'm heading over to the store to switch from Sprint to Verizon.Needless to say Sprint service has only gotten worse over the years. Been with them for almost 10 years now (be 10 yrs in Janurary). AnyWhoo, I got a couple of questions for you guys, pretty straight forward, and Sorry in advance if this was the wrong place for this. But basically im coming from the EVO 3D (EVO 4G Previous to that) and I understand that the Razor is being released in early November, But I need to switch today cause between the TErrible 3G, and Data and such, I need my phone for work. My Co-Worker has Verizon and tells me that his Data coverage is amazing. So im thinking of picking up the Bionic, seeing that its the latest and greatest out right now on Verizon, But Ive been reading around for the past 24hrs that alot of people have there 3G/4G signal just cut off. Now I dont really lose my 3G (5 miles north of Boston) here, but the data speeds are just so slow that I cant really do anything most of the time. I got ROOT and all of that good stuff of course, but trying all the different Tweaks and Radios and such can only help so much. So my Question is, Is the Bionic Plagued with losing its 3G/4G signal out of no where constantly? I figured I'd ask you guys before I did anything today. Thats the one thing that worrys the most. Of course im also worried about root and such, cause over at the EVO 3D DEV section we got some great DEVin going on right now, But I really gotta focus on more important things than that right now. Any advice would be great fellas! I really appreciate it, and once again SORRY if this was put in the wrong place
Jon
I refuse to read this until you break some of this up into paragraphs....this is ridiculous.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk
WOW.....Gee thanks for the help Brotha!!! that was so helpful in many ways. DO you really have that much trouble reading it? Jesus, DO you want me to add 10 periods between each word LOL?
I like my Bionic and all (and the coverage is certainly better than the ATT garbage I came from) but I would recommend seriously considering the Nexus Prime. (Screw the RAZR.) If you've been with Sprint for a decade, are you sure that you absolutely cannot wait another 2-4 weeks for a clean, unlockable phone?
Underwater Mike said:
I like my Bionic and all (and the coverage is certainly better than the ATT garbage I came from) but I would recommend seriously considering the Nexus Prime. (Screw the RAZR.) If you've been with Sprint for a decade, are you sure that you absolutely cannot wait another 2-4 weeks for a clean, unlockable phone?
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well that was my original intention. But the one thing i was worried about was AVAILABILITY for the galaxy nexus. I figured id would have to be a member of verizon in order to pre-order the nexus. So I thought maybe ill get the bionic for now until the galaxy nexus came out. But things with sprint has just gotten to bad lately. Its a tough decision, but now u got me second guessing LOL. that may be the best thing i think. Thanks for the feedback!!!
This is just my experience, but I have noticed the data has been dropping a lot lately. I lost data yesterday, but after I turned the phone on the off it came back.
My only issue with doing that is when I power down & restart I lose apps, which gets old. Then I have to download all again.
Its frustrating paying $110+ a month for something that loses data & forces me to reinstall apps.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk
In. my opinion the bionic is a dirty phone and would recommend it to anyone the data is blazing fast and I very rarely have any data drops and I have to be in the middle of nowhere for that to happen. And with the fact that you can't add an extended battery to the razr this phone is just plain better.
Sent from my [R3] BLURR3D DROID BIONIC using XDA App.
bionicmonkey said:
In. my opinion the bionic is a dirty phone and would recommend it to anyone the data is blazing fast and I very rarely have any data drops and I have to be in the middle of nowhere for that to happen. And with the fact that you can't add an extended battery to the razr this phone is just plain better.
Sent from my [R3] BLURR3D DROID BIONIC using XDA App.
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But the data drops aren't from spotty network, they're from a goofy radio. So, to me that is a toss-up. You can live in a prime coverage area, like me, and still have issues. The upcoming patch is supposed to fix the problem on all phones, but I will believe it when I see it. MOT has already backpedaled on the bootloader issue, so I would not be surprised to see them do so on a 100% radio fix.
As I said, I would not even consider the RAZR. I replaced the battery on my iPhone six times (no kidding), so the idea of not being able to swap a batt without disassembling the handset drives me nuts, even if it does take less than 10 minutes.
If you are able to get a Bionic now and trade to a Prime when they come out, then you really have nothing to lose. For someone who does not have that option, though, waiting a few extra weeks would be advisable IMO.
Another vote for waiting for the Galaxy Nexus. I really like my Bionic, but Motorola has already said, by releasing the Razr, that the Bionic isn't its priority anymore, and given the number of issues many are having with the phone and the locked bootloader, I'm tempted to say that if you can wait and get the GNex, you should. My 14 days ran out before the GNex was announced, but otherwise, I would've made the jump.
Also, skip the Razr altogether. It's a slightly improved Bionic with no user-replaceable battery. Don't bother.
I made the switch from Sprint to Verizon in July (to lock in the unlimited data plan - had to pay an ETF for that but it was worth it - I had an Evo 4G). Service and speeds are amazing, but as other posters have stated, I get the data drops like once a day. Usually, a flip to Airplane mode and back fixes the problem. I am sure it is bad radio code, not a bad network.
I started with a Droid Charge through Costco with the hope of being able to swap it out for the Bionic. As luck would have it, Costco eagerly replaced the Charge with a Bionic for both me and my wife because the Charge had such crappy bluetooth that would drop all the time for many of their customers. There was no argument when we went back in.
Now Bionic: I love the Webtop mode and for that reason would probably stick with Motorola, but my work may be different than yours. I'm typically in an office setting that has a lot of network lockdowns. Having a 'second computer' over which my employer has no control is very nice.
My concerns regarding the Nexus are two-fold: 1) I don't know if they will use the same crappy file system that they used on the Charge or if Google had complete control over the software down to that level of detail. It could also be that ICS uses a whole new file system - I just don't know - I am only pointing it out as an area I would research if I were making the same purchase decision as you are.
2) Development for the Charge was limited. With Google's impending purchase of Moto, I expect accelerated development on Moto products.
Finally, with regards to the Razr: Cool, but no replaceable battery means no battery pulls when things go wrong. I stand taller than 4'8" so an extra 5mm of phone thickness in my pocket is not an issue.
Hi Jon,
I've had EVERY carrier over the past few years, and I can say, Verizon is by far the best. In todays day in age where data is everything... Verizon brings it. Even 3G I would still sometimes get 1.5mbps, and now with LTE 4G, its amazing.
The price of Verizon is kind of "Eh" but, when I'm sitting on the Naval base (which gets horrific signal) and I can still pull 10-15mbps down, I can say I'm one happy guy.
The only thing that concerns me about Verizon is their policies on things, ie: Bootloaders, Rooting, etc. If I were you. I'd wait until the Nexus becomes available. If you go on craigslist, there are people willing to sell their old phone PLAN to you, as in those old unlimited data ones. HIGHLY suggest going there. I have had friends do that recently with NO issues.
Either way, As much as I love Sprint's phones (EVO 3D being OC'ed to 1.8Ghz) Verizon's reception is incredible nationwide If you have any questions, PM me!
I just realized that I neglected to address your real question. I recently switched from AT&T to Verizon, and the difference in network has been night and day. I went from getting 100kbps down on a good day with AT&T to consistently getting 500kbps+ with 4GLTE, and I've only dropped one call in the month+ I've had the phone. Switching to Verizon was among my better decisions I've made lately.
wanderfowl said:
Another vote for waiting for the Galaxy Nexus. I really like my Bionic, but Motorola has already said, by releasing the Razr, that the Bionic isn't its priority anymore, and given the number of issues many are having with the phone and the locked bootloader, I'm tempted to say that if you can wait and get the GNex, you should. My 14 days ran out before the GNex was announced, but otherwise, I would've made the jump.
Also, skip the Razr altogether. It's a slightly improved Bionic with no user-replaceable battery. Don't bother.
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I believe the Bionic is still a priority. They're advertising it during NFL games that it comes with free NFL network. The average user doesn't really care about a lot of what we talk about on here. Some people will prefer the bulk of the Bionic, and others will prefer the Razr.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA App
I would definitely recommend waiting for both the razr and galaxy nexus to be released, then going to the store and giving 5 minutes to each phone. I like my bionic, but I regret not examining it more closely before buying it. But with that being said, the battery life on this is amazing with the extended battery, and that is a critical factor for most. How would you like to have a droid razr that only lasts half a day? Sure it looks pretty, but what's the point if it's off half the time. As for the galaxy nexus, samsung is on fire now, so I have no doubt that it'll be the best phone you can have.
reverepats said:
Hey guys How everyone doing?
I see that you guys dont got a Q&A Section over here, so I decided to drop this here. Today i'm heading over to the store to switch from Sprint to Verizon.Needless to say Sprint service has only gotten worse over the years. Been with them for almost 10 years now (be 10 yrs in Janurary). AnyWhoo, I got a couple of questions for you guys, pretty straight forward, and Sorry in advance if this was the wrong place for this. But basically im coming from the EVO 3D (EVO 4G Previous to that) and I understand that the Razor is being released in early November, But I need to switch today cause between the TErrible 3G, and Data and such, I need my phone for work. My Co-Worker has Verizon and tells me that his Data coverage is amazing. So im thinking of picking up the Bionic, seeing that its the latest and greatest out right now on Verizon, But Ive been reading around for the past 24hrs that alot of people have there 3G/4G signal just cut off. Now I dont really lose my 3G (5 miles north of Boston) here, but the data speeds are just so slow that I cant really do anything most of the time. I got ROOT and all of that good stuff of course, but trying all the different Tweaks and Radios and such can only help so much. So my Question is, Is the Bionic Plagued with losing its 3G/4G signal out of no where constantly? I figured I'd ask you guys before I did anything today. Thats the one thing that worrys the most. Of course im also worried about root and such, cause over at the EVO 3D DEV section we got some great DEVin going on right now, But I really gotta focus on more important things than that right now. Any advice would be great fellas! I really appreciate it, and once again SORRY if this was put in the wrong place
Jon
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The radio CAN go wonky, but it seems to be only when you are in a mediocre LTE area or otherwise are switching between LTE and CDMA connections. If stability is more important to you than speed, I've found that if I set my radio mode to CDMA only, the connection is rock solid. As an added plus, the battery lasts MUCH longer without the LTE radio going!
EDIT: Also, the speed is very acceptable, even on 3G/CDMA. I had a Sprint Photon 4G and 3G throughput often didn't break 200Kbps in either direction. With my Bionic, i regularly get 600Kbps+.
Dude I've had the same dilemma. After my fiasco with Epic 4g Touch with terrible reception and slow internet (where my EVO was doing just fine) I left Sprint and signed my soul out to Verizon.
I also couldn't wait for Galaxy Nexus which I'm gonna get eventually.
Now. I didn't want to get an expensive temporary phone so I went for LG Revolution. God I'm glad they have that 14 days exchange policy. What a piece of junk.
So now I've got Bionic and I'm temporarily happy.
Now the important stuff.
I drive truck all over the country and all I can say about Verizon coverage is wow. I don't know what a dropped call is and I can watch Hulu almost everywhere.
The infamous LOS happened to me every now and then on that POS Revolution (Stock unrooted). Now I read that this is happening on Bionic too. So it must be the network problem then. Nothing we can do about that I'm afraid.
It didn't happen yet on my new Bionic but I've gotten it 2 days ago.
Rooted and de-bloated today so we'll see.
BTW. I don't believe Galaxy Nexus will come out according to leaks. (11.10)
Similar leak said Motorola Razr will come before (10.27) and now it's for pre-order on VZ website saying "Will ship by 11.10.11.
I think Galaxy Nexus will follow that pattern and it will go on pre-order 11.10 and will start to ship 2-3 weeks from that date.
But I would be more than thrilled if I'm being wrong.
reverepats said:
Hey guys How everyone doing?
I see that you guys dont got a Q&A Section over here, so I decided to drop this here. Today i'm heading over to the store to switch from Sprint to Verizon.Needless to say Sprint service has only gotten worse over the years. Been with them for almost 10 years now (be 10 yrs in Janurary). AnyWhoo, I got a couple of questions for you guys, pretty straight forward, and Sorry in advance if this was the wrong place for this. But basically im coming from the EVO 3D (EVO 4G Previous to that) and I understand that the Razor is being released in early November, But I need to switch today cause between the TErrible 3G, and Data and such, I need my phone for work. My Co-Worker has Verizon and tells me that his Data coverage is amazing. So im thinking of picking up the Bionic, seeing that its the latest and greatest out right now on Verizon, But Ive been reading around for the past 24hrs that alot of people have there 3G/4G signal just cut off. Now I dont really lose my 3G (5 miles north of Boston) here, but the data speeds are just so slow that I cant really do anything most of the time. I got ROOT and all of that good stuff of course, but trying all the different Tweaks and Radios and such can only help so much. So my Question is, Is the Bionic Plagued with losing its 3G/4G signal out of no where constantly? I figured I'd ask you guys before I did anything today. Thats the one thing that worrys the most. Of course im also worried about root and such, cause over at the EVO 3D DEV section we got some great DEVin going on right now, But I really gotta focus on more important things than that right now. Any advice would be great fellas! I really appreciate it, and once again SORRY if this was put in the wrong place
Jon
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The 27th was always the pre-order date for the RAZR, a few sites got it confused.
Stank0 said:
Dude I've had the same dilemma. After my fiasco with Epic 4g Touch with terrible reception and slow internet (where my EVO was doing just fine) I left Sprint and signed my soul out to Verizon.
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Same for me with the Samsung epic 4g touch. Just crap of a phone samsucks when it comes to udates on their firmware even my wife has the nexus s great software updates. Horrible firmware and software fixes from Samsung. Galaxy nexus will suffer from samsungs lack of updates for fixes and issues. Look at the Droid charge. I just switched from sprint 2 weeks ago and took over someones unlimited plan and bought my bionic happy now
Sent from my DROID BIONIC
Also have HTC rezound coming too
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using XDA App
MillionManMosh said:
The 27th was always the pre-order date for the RAZR, a few sites got it confused.
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Click to collapse
The leak shows the release date for Razr as 10.27.11 (Engadget) and it became available for pre-order that date. (or was it 29th?) the same way it shows release date for Galaxy Nexus as 11.10.11.
By way of extrapolation, Galaxy Nexus will be availale for pre-order 11.10.11.
And again, I'd LOVE to be wrong.
http://www.zimbio.com/New+Mobile+Ph...Verizon+Leaks+Support+Motorola+Droid+4+Launch
No wonder Hashcode is like the ONLY Dev working on CM7 for this phone. I can't believe they'd release the D4 6 months after the D3. Such BS.
.... That is why a Verizon stuff sell me his droid 3 last week ......
I purchased the Droid3 on the day it was released in July and I'm furious. I'm sure people who purchased it a month ago are going ballistic now that they are out of the return window. Can't believe this is being released in two weeks. I'm about 90% ready to pay the ETF and switch to Straight Talk and get out of contracts for good. I can get practically any phone available US or imported and use it on ST.
I know the service probably pales in comparison to Verizons but at $80/month for 24 months, there should be more of a protection in future-proofing phones. Checked on Verizon for trade-in value, $80...
Looks like a razor with a keyboard, kinda ugly imho, i can't see this coming out too soon.
Anyways locked bootloader which will take even more months to be come usable, same specs as the droid 3 with maybe 1gb of ram and a 1.2 cpu, not worth an upgrade at all.
-smc
I find it amusing that people are surprised by this. As soon as the Droid 3 came out I knew it would be followed by a 4g version not long after. I also don't understand why people are upset about it. Your phone doesn't automatically become worse when this phone launches. And anyone who thought the Droid 3 was going to get good dev support was out of their minds. We're super lucky to even have hash. Either way I can't wait to get a Galaxy Nexus. Totally done with Motocrap. 32gb card still doesn't work for music.
People, it's Motorola. Like any other corporation, they want some way to get more money, and if they need to release the first 4G/LTE slider phone, then they want to do it as fast as they can..
Sent from my DROID3 using XDA App
i4mt3hwin said:
I find it amusing that people are surprised by this. As soon as the Droid 3 came out I knew it would be followed by a 4g version not long after. I also don't understand why people are upset about it. Your phone doesn't automatically become worse when this phone launches. And anyone who thought the Droid 3 was going to get good dev support was out of their minds. We're super lucky to even have hash. Either way I can't wait to get a Galaxy Nexus. Totally done with Motocrap. 32gb card still doesn't work for music.
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Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat. I've had a DX and now a D3. Screw Moto, I'm going to break the keyboard mapping file, take this piece back as my 2nd return, pull the same shenanigans for a 3rd return, and then flip $#!+ about this phone being a turd and get a GNex. I want pure Android from it's creator, not this MotoBull.
I knew this would happen.. I was pissed that much better phones were released within a week after this phone was released... Personal preference is now key to buying phones these days. Technology is only advancing FASTER meaning something twice as good will be released within weeks of what the best is now. 2 years ago we had a 550mhz D1, year later the speed and ram doubles with the D2, not quite a year passes and now dual core is standard. Less than 6 months and quadcore phones will make the D4 comparable to owning a D1. All I have to really say is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
ChaoticWeaponry said:
and if they need to release the first 4G/LTE slider phone, then they want to do it as fast as they can..
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They already did, same release date as our XT862, its called the Motorola XT860 4G, AKA Canadian Bell Droid 3...
http://developer.motorola.com/products/xt860-4g/
So what it's ugly and battary not portable. They must keep supporting the droid 3 with updates though
Lyxdeslic said:
http://www.zimbio.com/New+Mobile+Ph...Verizon+Leaks+Support+Motorola+Droid+4+Launch
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Wasnt this supposedly the leaked image of the razor, like 2 months ago????? lol
Luckily we still have Hash;who is btw doing an awesome job. Another thing we have in our favor is that the D3 & Bionic are so similar, so hopefully we can piggyback alot of ROM's, Mods, & Themes.
Oh men. I buy Droid 3, four days ago...
Of all the people with a D3 pissed that the D4 is being released....do you even have 4G service where you live? I don't so I could give a **** less.
*I love my Droid3..f'off Samsung Captivate*
Are you really care?
I bought D3 because it's a global phone. But the D4 is NOT.
It's CDMA and 4G only.
arthurcorell said:
Are you really care?
I bought D3 because it's a global phone. But the D4 is NOT.
It's CDMA and 4G only.
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Click to collapse
Specs I saw is that the D4 is the first LTE Global Phone
(I'm too new to post links)
Zoom in to the specs, QuadBand GSM
tila11 said:
Oh men. I buy Droid 3, four days ago...
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Click to collapse
Assuming you bought from VZW, you have a 30 return period. You're in luck.
I've also read about this yesterday, it appears that the gsm and removable back had been removed as well. Guess tone to move to a bionic
Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk
I wont have 4G service where I am for a while, so having a 4G radio is more of a hassle at the moment. I refuse to buy a phone with a non-removable battery, its one of the reasons I stay away from the iPhone. The Droid 4 looks like it still has Gingerbread on it. I'm not so sure what people are mad over.
i just GOT my Droid 3, WTF motorola
http://www.bgr.com/2012/01/02/droid...-to-be-discontinued-in-january-report-claims/
How is it going to affect our phone and service? I had a D1 before the upgrade (a short while ago). As far as I can remember, D1 didn't reach that mark somewhere 1 year or more after its inception. Anyway, how do you feel about this if it turns out to be true?
Thank you.
I like my phone and with Hash porting ICS, it is even sweeter. Who cares?
Sent from my XT862 using XDA App
My old phone was the Droid Eris, which received its 2.1 upgrade after it stopped selling and has received two security updates since, including one in March 2011, about one year after the Eris went EOL.
So far the rumors have said that the D4 would come December 8, then December 22, now February 2. I tend to trust rumors only after they come true. In any case, the Droid X got its GB update after EOL, as did the D2, so EOL doesn't mean much anyway, unless, of course, you want to buy another.
We knew the d4 was coming so this is old news.This doesn't mean its end of support.
What does "all of Verizon's 4G LTE Hotspots to be discontinued" mean? As in, your 4G device cannot act as a hot-spot any longer? At first glance, it sounded like they were shutting down all their 4G connections, haha.
So now that the D3 is "retired" does that mean if I get a replacement under warranty it'll be a Droid 4 or something else?
I swore off Samsung after the Fascinate. Their software was god awful and their support was terrible. But since then, they've taken so many steps in the right direction. TouchWiz4 is actually pretty fantastic, and they're the fastest with updates now. Not only that, but they've left their bootloaders unlocked and are very dev friendly.
Motorola, on the other hand, has been on a downward spiral since the Droid. When I first saw the Droid 3, I was expecting a slow, bulky phone with terrible software, an awful keyboard, and a fugly screen. But I was wrong. I thought they were turning things around, I fell in love with the phone, and I sprung for it. The phone was beautifully designed, with a great keyboard, thin profile, and it was paired with shockingly nice software. It was fast, and is still Verizon's best 3G phone. They were promising unlocked bootloaders and quick updates.
Yet here we are, less than 6 months later. It has only seen one update. And it's successor is already finalized and ready to be released. Motorola wasn't expecting the phone to be so wildly popular(it was the 2nd or 3rd top selling Android smartphone), and they were desperate to get a 4G version out. They've completely forgotten about the Droid 3 and are giving it's owners the middle finger. And they're doing the same to Bionic owners with the Razr and Razr owners with the Maxx(aka Droid X3.)
So, unless they turn things around like Samsung, this was my last Motorola phone. This is my 5th or 6th Droid 3 and, thankfully, Verizon gave me an early upgrade for my troubles, so I'm getting a Galaxy Nexus very soon. I'm done with Moto's BS.
This phone is only something to hold me over until T-Mobile goes away. Even then, I will use it on VZW until it either falls apart or becomes completely irrelevant. Somehow, I don't think either of those things will happen too soon, unless I drop it repeatedly on pavement lol. It's already been dropped, before I bought it from craigslist, and still looks fine
After we go back to VZW, I may contemplate getting the D4, but it doesn't look as good as the D3 IMO.
Lyxdeslic said:
What does "all of Verizon's 4G LTE Hotspots to be discontinued" mean? As in, your 4G device cannot act as a hot-spot any longer? At first glance, it sounded like they were shutting down all their 4G connections, haha.
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Click to collapse
More likely they are coming out with a complete new line of MiFi and USB devices.
fairplay89 said:
So now that the D3 is "retired" does that mean if I get a replacement under warranty it'll be a Droid 4 or something else?
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Click to collapse
Since VZW is still selling reconditioned Droid R2D2 units right now, and have put in place a trade-in program when you buy a new phone, I have a strange feeling that they will have quite an inventory of reconditioned D3s to send out in these cases. Also, Moto can still manufacture a few - VZW just won't be selling them new.
GoogleAndroid said:
Yet here we are, less than 6 months later. It has only seen one update.
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That's one more update that the Fascinate saw in six months, IIRC. And just about the same as the Thunderbolt, or the Inc 2, for that matter. As far as what the phone is designed to do with GB, is there something in software that needs to be updated on the D3 right now? (Well, actually, I'd love some of the Tasker-like battery saving stuff in the Razr...)
And it's successor is already finalized and ready to be released. Motorola wasn't expecting the phone to be so wildly popular(it was the 2nd or 3rd top selling Android smartphone), and they were desperate to get a 4G version out.
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Click to collapse
Remember that Motorola does not decide which phone Verizon sells - Verizon decides that. Thinking back on the history of the keyboard Droid line, the D2 came out about 10 months after the D1. I am sure that Verizon was eager to get a D3 in house in about the same amount of time; I am also sure that they would have loved having it with LTE, but the reality is that Motorola was struggling with LTE (witness the Bionic's long delay and complete redesign). So, Verizon ordered the D3 for July - 10 months after the D2 launch, with a reliable 3G radio and pretty darned good hardware for the time (I think I would have preferred 1 GB of RAM, gut 512 MB isn't terrible.)
Now that LTE is more widespread, Verizon obviously thinks of it as a competitive advantage over other carriers, it sort of makes sense that they want an LTE Droid keyboard phone to carry on. I think that this six/seven month difference (we are still waiting for the D4) is just a one-time thing because of the launch of LTE - I think that a presumed D5 will come out closer to the end of 2012 than toward the middle.
Well, maybe until they come out with 5G networking in about ten years or so...
They've completely forgotten about the Droid 3 and are giving it's owners the middle finger. And they're doing the same to Bionic owners with the Razr and Razr owners with the Maxx(aka Droid X3.)
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I still don't see how coming out with new lines is giving existing owners a middle finger, but whatever...I'd say that if the D3 never gets another software update, and doesn't get ICS, I'll agree with you, but we are, I think, months away from that being a decision that can be made. (And I think that D3 runs just fine on GB. There are some cool features in ICS, but they are not exactly killer cool features compared with GB in my opinion.)
So, unless they turn things around like Samsung, this was my last Motorola phone. This is my 5th or 6th Droid 3 and, thankfully, Verizon gave me an early upgrade for my troubles, so I'm getting a Galaxy Nexus very soon. I'm done with Moto's BS.
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Good luck with the Nexus - it sounds like a great phone.
The D3 is definitely my last Moto phone for a while, unless they drastically change the way they do things. This device on it's current version of GB is still loaded with tons of known bugs and issues, and Motorola isn't doing a damn thing about it. When the D4 comes out, then it is even more unlikely to get updated. Add in the unwillingness to unlock bootloaders and you have your answer.
The people making the decisions at Motorola are a bunch of pretentious a-holes who think their large market share will last forever, but it won't.
This phone is frickin' sweet with ICS. I think it'll keep me happy for quite some time...unless it breaks that is. EOL? Meh.
After reading all these replies, my concern comes down to this: what is the likelihood verizon and motto stop supporting this phone after it reaches to mark? Supporting means OTA first, ICS next.
As far as the phone is concerned, I LOVE it. I think it offers better value than D4 in terms of cost ($40 at costco), scalability (removable battery), and option to use XT883 radio.
I think verizon and motto probably realize there are some un-intended values bundled in D3, that's why they are anxious to put the label on it just 6 months after its inception.
newshook said:
After reading all these replies, my concern comes down to this: what is the likelihood verizon and motto stop supporting this phone after it reaches to mark? Supporting means OTA first, ICS next.
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Considering that they just released a security update for the D1, and that the DX received a GB update, as did the D2, both over a year after they were released - I think it's pretty likely that there will be at least security updates going forward, perhaps GB updates to 2.3.7 if they decide not to do ICS. But, we'll see...
Well it's a story known all to well. I had the bionic. Every time I would call Verizon they would tell me to wait for the new update that was around the corner or they would just replace the phone with another Bionic. The new. 905 update just made the phone unusable. I finally broke down and called verizion yet again not expecting any real help. I was very kind and basically killed em with kindness. After explaining that I have had issues since day one and that I required a working smartphone for work and there was a history of me calling all the time, they finally moved me to what they called level 2 support. Had to explain the whole process from day one to now again. The man was very kind, as was I and offered me a thunderbolt. I asked him if there was any way to change out to a different dual core 4g phone cause the thunderbolt was a step backwards. He then said he could give me a razr. OK I guess but I then asked if he could do any dual core 4g that wasn't a Motorola. He said no at first cause phone companies are cracking down on the exchanging phone issue. As I started to say OK send me the razr, he asked if I would hold for about 10min. I said sure. When he came back he said I can tell you are not happy with Motorola at all and in general not happy with the way things have been handled. He said he asked his boss if something could be done and got approved the Galaxy Nexus for me. Now I am waiting on it to arrive. (If you are willing to take a total of an hour and a half and be extra kind and not demand stuff they will work with you. Key is to keep talking till they offer a phone and never say no if they offer a phone you don't want. Just ask if its possible for something else in an indirect way) So I can't wait to start being part of the nexus forum and am very excited to be getting a phone with an unlocked bootloader again. My Incredible was just that. Incredible. I am hoping the nexus will be the same.
Sent from my POS DROID BIONIC
Congratulations, but the "big mistake" is unnecessary and kind of insulting. I've never had any problems with mine unless I was on one of the GB-based ICS ROMs.
Sorry if offended. I have had nothing but trouble from this phone. It has been so unreliable its not funny. Even with the ics leaks I still had issues. It would had been a great experience if it was reliable. I am not the type that likes to offend so I will remove that part. Apologies my friend.
I was just being a baby. Maybe it's just me being jealous. Seriously Congrats on the S3. My brother just got one (I made him pre order to not screw up our family's unlimited plans) and I want to make love to it.
I thought the op got a galaxy nexus not a s3
Too bad you been having problems with your bionic, I haven't have any problems with mines even on the ICS leaks from 2231-235
Hope you enjoy the gnex more than I do bc for me the bionic have a better reception/data connection than the gnex I had
It is a nexus that is on its way indeed. Thanks and I am not too worried about reception as I am stability. The bionic just would not stay connected to data for nothing except on .902 and even with that I had to battery pull about every 2-3 days cause of no data. Even with the ics leaks. 3 bionics and all have had the same problem. It would have been a great phone just if data was a solid connection and an unlocked bootloader. Maybe for those still with the bionic maybe you will get an unlock tool one day. Saw a tweet from Motorola about a week ago saying they were working on one but of course its been said for a year they were going to unlock the bootloaders.
Nexus, my bad. Too many Galaxy devices going on right now! the Galaxy Nexus is a piece of sheer beauty though. Someone came with with the GSM variant on 4.1.1 for me to root, and I was amazed at just how smooth JB is.
I would not ditch a Bionic for a Nexus now.
I ditched the bionic for any dual core 4g phone they would give me. Just so happened to be a nexus.
I just got off my 3rd phone call with VZW.
1st call- Told them some of what I had tried to do to fix the data dropping. (All of which I read about here or elsewhere on the interwebz) Removed battery, adjusted nighttime settings.
Result- New Sim Card, no data drops for 2 days, then they came back with a vengence
2nd call- They asked me to factory reset my phone. I'm a little bit pissed at this point but I tried it. They are the expert in this conversation and I figured refusal to waste my time would result in me wasting more time before anything was actually resolved. Also I didn't want to end up yelling at some poor soul in a call center.
Result- Data drop within 3 hours of resetting the phone.
(less than 10 minutes ago) 3rd call- Samsung Galaxy Nexus is being shipped to me. I was leaning towards the razr but they told me that the razr was having some data problems as well. I'm really sick of this and just want a working 4g smartphone. 4g is the greatest thing before or after sliced bread, I can watch youtube with no buffering at any time. I loved the bionic so very much visible screen in direct sunlight ftw, good build qualify, fits well in my hand, ect. I didn't have to hint or argue with them to get the nexus, I asked what phones were available to me and they said the Nexus and the Razr. I hinted about the S3 and they shot that down without missing a beat, probably knew I was going to ask before I started. Also I'm getting the extended battery because they are out of the regular batteries.
Result- Oh please merciful spaghetti monster let phone work out.
If you're having data trouble call them and follow the steps. I'll see you in the nexus forum, I'll be the one lurking.
Never
Never ever have I had problem with my Bionic. I would never of traded, no way Jose. With ICS its the best thing out. Strong casing, not that plastic thin stuff. Love my Bionic but if you happy and it is what it is. Good luck with the Nexus. Reading all posts here seems like people feel the same way. In the past I never waited that long for an exchange lol.
---------- Post added at 07:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:20 PM ----------
Surlock said:
I just got off my 3rd phone call with VZW.
1st call- Told them some of what I had tried to do to fix the data dropping. (All of which I read about here or elsewhere on the interwebz) Removed battery, adjusted nighttime settings.
Result- New Sim Card, no data drops for 2 days, then they came back with a vengence
2nd call- They asked me to factory reset my phone. I'm a little bit pissed at this point but I tried it. They are the expert in this conversation and I figured refusal to waste my time would result in me wasting more time before anything was actually resolved. Also I didn't want to end up yelling at some poor soul in a call center.
Result- Data drop within 3 hours of resetting the phone.
(less than 10 minutes ago) 3rd call- Samsung Galaxy Nexus is being shipped to me. I was leaning towards the razr but they told me that the razr was having some data problems as well. I'm really sick of this and just want a working 4g smartphone. 4g is the greatest thing before or after sliced bread, I can watch youtube with no buffering at any time. I loved the bionic so very much visible screen in direct sunlight ftw, good build qualify, fits well in my hand, ect. I didn't have to hint or argue with them to get the nexus, I asked what phones were available to me and they said the Nexus and the Razr. I hinted about the S3 and they shot that down without missing a beat, probably knew I was going to ask before I started. Also I'm getting the extended battery because they are out of the regular batteries.
Result- Oh please merciful spaghetti monster let phone work out.
If you're having data trouble call them and follow the steps. I'll see you in the nexus forum, I'll be the one lurking.
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Won't see me there. Never had data drops and since everyone is in 4g there is no 3g traffic so 3g is very smooth. Also the fact that they gave u the fat battery means they will send u the back also which when connected, it will be heavier. But if you're happy thats what counts/
---------- Post added at 07:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:30 PM ----------
The reason they're running out of Bionis is because people are re-buying them. G o to Swappa and see that price has not dropped and that the demad is high. The Bionic is back.
Getting a new Bionic and sim card sent to me. Hopefully it works better than this one.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2
For those being sent a Nexus, what about your Bionic? Did they want it mailed back to them? Did they say keep it?
vzw
my bionic's headphone jack started going bad about 5 months in, called vzw and they sent me a new phone for free being it was under warranty. I love the bionic, if it's broke, just fix it.
To those who haven't had any trouble with the bionic, I envy you greatly. I think I've given the phone more than a fair shake at this point and it gave me a white 4g signal of doom in return.
rlewis312010 said:
For those being sent a Nexus, what about your Bionic? Did they want it mailed back to them? Did they say keep it?
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They want it back. I'd like to keep it, perhaps one day, when cars fly, moto will fix it and I'd have a valuable backup, or maybe the nexus would be the back up. Or I could use it like a tiny tablet for....something.
The Bionic could have been a great phone if it was not for the LOCKED BOOT LOADER, and the monsterious level of bloatware(I blame Verizon/Motorola, and not android for this issue). My experience with pure google phones has been outstanding(I own a Nexus S 4g), heck most of the modder's/developers on XDA are in essence trying to actually enjoy the greatness of simply pure google. Why else would I install a custom ROM, because most of the custom rom's are faster and bloatware free. I have what cellphone carriers have done to great phones, quite simply they turn them to ****.
My Verizon contract just ran out and I traded my Bionic for an unlocked GSM Galaxy Nexus. I never had any problems with my Bionic and loved it, but the Nexus is a better phone. It's amazing how much faster and smoother it seems, and the build quality is very good. It's not cheap feeling at all. I think the Bionic's flimsy back actually made it feel a little cheaper. I do miss the Bionic's super bright screen outside, though. That thing is just amazingly visible in direct sunlight. The Nexus' screen can't hold a candle to it in that regard, at least.
I am curious to know if anyone here, that has switched from the Bionic to the Nexus, actually used ICS on their Bionic first. When I switched over to ICS from GB on my Bionic, it WAS like having a whole new phone, and responsiveness was amazing. Probably the same experience I would have gotten if I had upgraded from a .905 Bionic to a Nexus.
Well, that was my thought last night, so I called VZW and after about 10 minutes the conversation got to the point where they were offering me a replacement. No yelling or any arguing was required - it was very nice. They offered me any 4G LTE phone except the HTC 1X, Galaxy SIII or new Incredible (for free and no contract extension). They said that the Galaxy Nexus and Razr MAXX were probably the best that were available. After much deliberation, I opted for the Razr MAXX since I think it barely wins out due to the awesome battery life. Plus, ICS is officially released for it, so it's an upgrade from the Bionic any way you look at it. It should arrive in 2-3 days. I have no idea what the development community is like for the MAXX; I was just kind of hoping there was something out there.
Worst case scenario - I don't like it, sell it on eBay and buy a Nexus with the sale money.
crobs808 said:
I am curious to know if anyone here, that has switched from the Bionic to the Nexus, actually used ICS on their Bionic first. When I switched over to ICS from GB on my Bionic, it WAS like having a whole new phone, and responsiveness was amazing. Probably the same experience I would have gotten if I had upgraded from a .905 Bionic to a Nexus.
Well, that was my thought last night, so I called VZW and after about 10 minutes the conversation got to the point where they were offering me a replacement. No yelling or any arguing was required - it was very nice. They offered me any 4G LTE phone except the HTC 1X, Galaxy SIII or new Incredible (for free and no contract extension). They said that the Galaxy Nexus and Razr MAXX were probably the best that were available. After much deliberation, I opted for the Razr MAXX since I think it barely wins out due to the awesome battery life. Plus, ICS is officially released for it, so it's an upgrade from the Bionic any way you look at it. It should arrive in 2-3 days. I have no idea what the development community is like for the MAXX; I was just kind of hoping there was something out there.
Worst case scenario - I don't like it, sell it on eBay and buy a Nexus with the sale money.
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I never rooted my bionic and my reading lead me to believe that the dev community hadn't fixed this particular issue with the data. You can buy a 4k battery fro the nexus for $20 so that wasn't a big issue to me. They didn't offer me a maxx just the regular razr.
Yeah, I've seen that 4K battery...Yikes. It could power a boat. The biggest appeal to the Nexus is unlocked bootloader and slim profile. Everything can have ICS these days, with the right hacks, so the "always get the latest updates from Google" tagline never swayed me. I still don't see how it beats the MAXX. I guess I'll find out soon enough if I made the right choice. I never had any complaints about the screen on the Bionic, and the MAXX is supposed to be the same if not a little better. I sit in front of an HD display all day at work to compare it to.