[Q] Few questions before buying xt890 - RAZR i Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello xda-developers community.
I am considering buying Razr i, but there are few things that are worrying me. I hope you could clarify some of it. I've read most of topics here but didn't found satisfying answers.
1. App compatibility.
I've heard that 90% apps are working fine. However, most of informations are quite old, and I dont know about new apps, or these yet to come. So how compatiblity really works? Intel Atom is emulationg ARM architecture, or apps itself have to be designed to work with x86 architecture? It might be a noob questions but it seems important to me, especially when it comes down to not that popular applications, where creators did not think about intel based phones.
Are there alternatives for apps that do not work?
2. Pentile screen.
Is it that bad? I've read some reviews and most of them complained about bad looking fonts and overall uglyness of displayed content.
3. Mic and speaker quality.
Same as above, supposedly sound quality is poor due to waterproofing?
4. xt890 from Singapore.
Allegro.pl (polish ebay) in past month has been flooded with cheap razr i phones from singapore. By cheap I mean about $180 for new one ( Motorola is selling xt890 for about $270 on ebay.de.) Everything is a bit fishy: the price, delivery time, guarantee, customs charge. Do you know enything about it?
I would be gratefull for answering these questions as well as general comments on if it is worth to buy xt890 now. I am considering few other phones (s4 mini, htc one mini, moto g, and few chinesee smartphones) and Razr i is my first choice for now (especially after announcing 4.4 support).
Thanks in advance.

I will try to answer your questions one by one, where I can.
Furydrone said:
Hello xda-developers community.
I am considering buying Razr i, but there are few things that are worrying me. I hope you could clarify some of it. I've read most of topics here but didn't found satisfying answers.
1. App compatibility.
I've heard that 90% apps are working fine. However, most of informations are quite old, and I dont know about new apps, or these yet to come. So how compatiblity really works? Intel Atom is emulationg ARM architecture, or apps itself have to be designed to work with x86 architecture? It might be a noob questions but it seems important to me, especially when it comes down to not that popular applications, where creators did not think about intel based phones.
Are there alternatives for apps that do not work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think even more than 90% works. On ICS almost all the apps are working, on JB just a little bit less apps. If u count ICS and jb as one, I think around 95%.
Most new apps support x86 natively, built in with the new compiling methods. But not all.
Intel atom does not emulate. It changes codes on the fly from arm to x86. That's also why some apps won't work because of inbuilt library's in the app that are using code that the libhoudini (translate arm to x86) library doesn't know. A good example is TomTom (tested on jb, not ICS, so ICS may or may not work). For TomTom to work, we need an updated libhoudini or updated library's in the app for x86. In both cases we can't do anything, we can only wait.
Furydrone said:
2. Pentile screen.
Is it that bad? I've read some reviews and most of them complained about bad looking fonts and overall uglyness of displayed content.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the fonts case I agree about that it sometimes doesn't look well. But you will get used to it. But besides that all other things are being displayed as intended. My opinion of course.
Furydrone said:
3. Mic and speaker quality.
Same as above, supposedly sound quality is poor due to waterproofing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never read about this. Intel/Motorola even included an acoustic module to get sound more clearer.
Furydrone said:
4. xt890 from Singapore.
Allegro.pl (polish ebay) in past month has been flooded with cheap razr i phones from singapore. By cheap I mean about $180 for new one ( Motorola is selling xt890 for about $270 on ebay.de.) Everything is a bit fishy: the price, delivery time, guarantee, customs charge. Do you know enything about it?
I would be gratefull for answering these questions as well as general comments on if it is worth to buy xt890 now. I am considering few other phones (s4 mini, htc one mini, moto g, and few chinesee smartphones) and Razr i is my first choice for now (especially after announcing 4.4 support).
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About eBay I don't know. It indeed sounds fishy when u can get it for $180. Just be cautions.
About the other phones, I know some.
S4 mini. Stock ROMs has random restarts. They fixed it in custom ROMs though. Nice phone.
HTC one mini, dunno
Moto g, big topic somewhere in this forum.
RAZR I, still my phone to get. Big battery live, with moderate use I can get 2 to 2,5 days with it. Camera button. Intel. Snappy. I just like it . Downside, almost no cases, custom ROMs (cm) aren't available or won't work properly yet! X86 undiscovered place for us. And some apps .
But I am exited about the new android version. I hope they upgrade the Houdini files so even more apps will work as intended.
Hazou
Sent from my GT-P5110 using XDA Premium HD app

Thank you for your reply, it's very helpful.
How about GPS in razr i? Is it working good?
I heard that qualcom processors are the best when it comes down to GPS, so how is intel doing? It's quite important for me.
It's hard to decide which phone should I get, currently I'm leaning towards chinesee Innos I2 (I can't post link for some reason).
But mostly becouse of price ($170 for brand new one) and 2 years warranty. Motorola virtually doesn't support their phones where I liive and for the same price I can get only used razr i.
Maybe I will switch to xperia z1 compact some time from now or wait for new realeses of 'mini' smartphones.
Anyway, thanks for replying.

Furydrone said:
Thank you for your reply, it's very helpful.
How about GPS in razr i? Is it working good?
I heard that qualcom processors are the best when it comes down to GPS, so how is intel doing? It's quite important for me.
It's hard to decide which phone should I get, currently I'm leaning towards chinesee Innos I2 (I can't post link for some reason).
But mostly becouse of price ($170 for brand new one) and 2 years warranty. Motorola virtually doesn't support their phones where I liive and for the same price I can get only used razr i.
Maybe I will switch to xperia z1 compact some time from now or wait for new realeses of 'mini' smartphones.
Anyway, thanks for replying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS is fine. i can get a fix within less then 10 seconds. Even faster sometimes. also the accuracy is good enough for daily navigation.
ye, it is a hard choice sometimes to get a phone that has all the things u like
No problem!
Hazou

3. Mic and speaker quality.
Same as above, supposedly sound quality is poor due to waterproofing?
In my opinion, the microphone sound quality is very sharp and clear. I can even hear callers breathing. A big improvement from my earlier Defy phone.
However I wouldn't dare to submerge my XT890 to water. For example, there are no covers for usb- or headphone-ports. Compared to my Defy, it had a rubber cover for the ports.
XT890 only has some splash resistant coating on the pcb, but it has no IP certification (like IP67 for Defy). So it is not actually waterproof.

So, I've bought xt890. Used one, supposedly in perfect condition, it should arrive in 2 days.
Once again, thanks for your replies, I hope it was a good choice.
Can you recommend some must-have apps for good start? It will be my first android phone.
I think I have seen a thread somewhere here about favourite apps, but I don't seem to be able to find it now.

Related

How would you rate Liquid?

I'm thinking of getting an Acer A1. I live in Canada and have used a G1 before it arrived here, so i think it's time to upgrade. However Canada is lacking in the android department and if i get a phone like the Nexus One...although i can use it on my network, i will only get 2g speeds (which suck). So I was wondering for those of you out there who may have used a few android phones if you can answer a few questions for me to help me decide!
1) How does the hardware/feel of the phone feel compared to others? (acer tends to be lower build quality)
2) What is the highest android firmware version we have ported, I've read around that 2.1 is on it...but can someone confirm this?
3) Does anyone know if the nexus one is coming to canada anytime soon? Or the release date of the Sony x10? (this way i can wait for a more preferred phone)
Thanks in advance!
bgmrk said:
1) How does the hardware/feel of the phone feel compared to others? (acer tends to be lower build quality)
2) What is the highest android firmware version we have ported, I've read around that 2.1 is on it...but can someone confirm this?
3) Does anyone know if the nexus one is coming to canada anytime soon? Or the release date of the Sony x10? (this way i can wait for a more preferred phone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used these Android-phones: HTC G1, HTC Hero, Sony Ericsson X10 (@work) and I have a Acer Liquid myself.
1/ The Liquid device feels a little more "plastic" then other current phones. Also read from alot of people that have dropped their phones in the floor and got problems with "leaking" displays. Dont have any problems with mine Liquid however...
2/ 2.1 is working on Liquid. Using 2.1 on my liquid without any big problems. Still a leaked dev-release that is modified, but it works well with the modifications Angio&Co have made to it.
3/ Dont know anything about release-dates, but I have to say: Dont expect Sony Ericsson X10 to be alot better then the other devices out there. To start with it is "already old" running Android 1.6. It also has the same amount of ram as Acer Liquid. The CPU runs on 1ghz and the Liquid runs on 768mhz, but the Liquid is still faster on starting apps and in respons (this may change to release of X10... but dont expect it...). The "only" things that makes X10 good is the bigger screen and the camera. But I would go for a N1 instead if I was going to buy a phone today...
hi, i'm from Italy and i get my Liquid only 2 month ago, but i can tell you that i'm very happy about my choice.
Before that phone, i had on Iphone 3GS but someone stoled it
Anyway... Hardware 8,5:
Good processor, IMPRESSIVE Touch screen, too plastic cover (not very impression of resistance)
Design 8: very beautiful black screen but the button of camera, volume and pause are placed not in correct mode because they are "descent" and when you are making a pic, often the finger slips to bottom.
Battery 4: only a day of autonomy
My opinion....is a great phone
i got it because is the only android i can get in 1900 3g band... (rogers dream and magic were more expensive to me, go figure, i live in colombia)
its really nice, very fast and i like the looks, its way better than 1st gen android phones, up there with the nexus and the milestone
Thanks for the feedback guys! Looks like I'm going to be going with the Liquid...at least until the N1 makes it's way to Canada! Thanks again!
bgmrk , be prepared for bad customer service. I really mean that, take a look at http://android.modaco.com/content/acer-liquid-liquid-modaco-com/302053/scary-liquidscary-screenhorrible-pictures/
Most of the people in that thread dropped their phones but some did not. Anyway, look and read some of the replies they got from Acer.
As long as I keep my phone alive and well and I don't have to deal with Acer then I say this: I love my Liquid.
MMMM i'm aware of the poor customer service from Acer, having my last laptop be from them. Thats one of the deciders in my choice. Acer products tend to have a low build quality, but thats what makes them cheaper. I'm willing to give it a shot though. Thanks for that link! it was a good read
it's a great device and the price tag is great for what you get, the price performance tag is the best of the whole market for now
I'm pretty happy with my Liquid right now. I initially wanted the black version, but I was sent the wrong one. I was going to send it back, but after a few days with it, I decided that I really wanted to keep it. Now, Acer isn't exactly known for phones, let alone smartphones, so I was a bit hesitant. I can tell you, the phone is much better in person than in screenshots. The build quality is pretty good, it does creak a little bit if twisted a little. The battery cover will NOT come off unless pried, a good thing. Currently, the N1 is the only device with better specs on the market. At a little less than $400, it's a great buy for an unlocked smartphone. The only complaints I might have are the external speaker, which really is bad, and the screen, although very good in clarity and quality, sometimes doesn't register. But, it could be the OS too. Anyway, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the device.
Overall I would give it an 8.5 out of 10.
bgmrk said:
MMMM i'm aware of the poor customer service from Acer, having my last laptop be from them. Thats one of the deciders in my choice. Acer products tend to have a low build quality, but thats what makes them cheaper. I'm willing to give it a shot though. Thanks for that link! it was a good read
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not sure if you read the blogs but the n1 is available to canadians. but afte a full 24hrs of research, i'm still highly interested in liquid. thanks for starting this thread. it has also helped me to decide.
ive had my Liquid since christmas. previously i was a winmo HTC user. ive got about 10 HTC devices at home.
i have to say im more than happy with the quality of the Liquid. i wasnt aware of any problems with the screen but after reading that link posted above i find it hard to believe that anyone would expect Acer to repair/replace a device under warranty that had clearly been dropped in such a way that the screen broke. idots in my opinion.
ive had experience of most of Acers smartphone/PDA devices in the past and was always of the opinion that they were pretty rubbish when compared to other manufacturers. the Liquid has changed my opinion of them though.
i love it!
The acer is the best phone with this price: very fast and nice system
I love my Liquid. I got it since January, and it's been great. I think it is the best looking Android phone out there.
I have a HTC Kaiser (aka Tytn II). It wasn't as great as most websites claim it is. You could say it was over-rated. But with Acer Liquid, it was the opposite. The reviews on the Liquid were mostly mixed but when you actually use it, it is quite good.
Now, i am hesitant to get phones of HTC. Two reasons. One is that HTC is slow to fix/update ROM's. The other one is UI customizations (Sense UI in HTC's case and Motoblur in Motorola's case). I think these customizations cause problems with apps. I download a lot of apps from the Market and see a lot of comments about the apps not working on HTC xxx or Motorola xxx. But they all worked fine on my Liquid. So, i prefer "vanilla" Android because i think most developers write for "vanilla" Android.
I see a lot of comments about apps not working on Nexus One, too, but it is different. Nexus One uses Eclair and it is newer than most Android phones out there so there are bound to be problems with apps written for pre-Eclair Android.
All in all, Liquid is a great phone!
Just got my Liquid a few days ago too. I use it with no data plan (wi-fi only) on T-Mobile in the U.S. I owned a myTouch 3G when it first came out, it feels snappier and has better specs than that device. The hardware buttons are a bit hard to fumble with, but no device is perfect. I'm impressed with the camera, 5MP, even has ISO 100-800 manual settings. If Acer follows through and gives us an updated 2.1 ROM for the A1, then they are well on their way to carving a slice of the Android pie.

Superb value for money

I just have to write that I came across this phone last week end. I was looking to purchase the Sony Xperia S for a family member, I have just purchased myself the Sony Xperia Z and truly like the phone. Could not get the Sony S but while browsing in the store I noticed the LG. I read the specs and thought the price must have been a mistake. I purchased it on the spot and can only write I am amazed at this best kept secret!
Its simply incredible value for money. Same CPU power as my Sony and the screen is amazing.
How on earth has this mobile not been better advertised? Quad core and all the extras for half the price of my Samsung Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy Note! Quality wise to my eye they are one and the same though the Sony Z knocks them all for six in this respect BUT so it should its an expensive mobile.
I have read some of the usual gripes here regarding this phone and some are fair comment while others are the usual silly remarks. I ponder what some of the whiners would recommend at this price range? I am a regular techno junkie and accidently found this LG and am amazed by it.
Well done LG, maybe LG should do an awful lot more marketing?
Thank god there are people who think the same, rather than complain all day.
Sent from my (V20A, Unlocked, Rooted, CWM, Optimised) LG-P880 using xda app.
Ryland Johnson said:
I just have to write that I came across this phone last week end. I was looking to purchase the Sony Xperia S for a family member, I have just purchased myself the Sony Xperia Z and truly like the phone. Could not get the Sony S but while browsing in the store I noticed the LG. I read the specs and thought the price must have been a mistake. I purchased it on the spot and can only write I am amazed at this best kept secret!
Its simply incredible value for money. Same CPU power as my Sony and the screen is amazing.
How on earth has this mobile not been better advertised? Quad core and all the extras for half the price of my Samsung Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy Note! Quality wise to my eye they are one and the same though the Sony Z knocks them all for six in this respect BUT so it should its an expensive mobile.
I have read some of the usual gripes here regarding this phone and some are fair comment while others are the usual silly remarks. I ponder what some of the whiners would recommend at this price range? I am a regular techno junkie and accidently found this LG and am amazed by it.
Well done LG, maybe LG should do an awful lot more marketing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing they don't do more marketing because, when the phone was their flagship, pricing wasn't as attractive as now. Now that it's this attractive, they have their Optimus G out and their G Pro on the way, so this one is too low on the list for any marketing investment from LG.
On the other hand, the stores that sell them for these extremely competitive prices should do a bit more marketing about this one
BTW, where did you get it and for how much?
Love this phone, sure s3 has regular updates and better support from gameloft, but its £27 vs £18 a month on the cheapest site I found
Sent from my rooted P880
I suppose people actually describing what their problems are, in detail, would be helpful.
And I don't see why we should try to help LG market their own products. (Even if I know how these companies tend to work - "Aah, we have 50 complaints about the 4x and the tegra3 from people on the internet, but our Snapdragon product for a limited market with a contract that you need to be braindead to sign up for gets loads of praise! Cancel the tegra stuff now, because l33tr000tclock thinks tegra3 lags!!1elevenseses!").
But yeah, the OP is right. Definitely very good value for the money. The best value for the money, even. Still surprised by how thick and plastic the competing phones are, for example.. Or the praise for the Sony screens - love that one. "It's a bravia screen, so it's good and expensive".. no, it's a backlit led/superled2 screen made in China, like all the rest. Which Sony deemed was sufficient for production units.
And manufacturers make a lot of bad choices like that from a consumer perspective. LG has made several "business-choices" like that earlier as well. So no complaining isn't really going to help, to put it like that. People who make informed purchases tend to be happier customers, after all.
Still - yes, you'd think LG would advertise this phone a bit better, if they knew what was good for them, right? That they'd say: look, here's an expensive screen we made, that has the touch matrix integrated in the screen layer, fantastic colours, very stable, no backlight bleeding in the picture, etc. This is the forerunner to what we imagine will be even slimmer and lighter phones in the future - perhaps one day we can integrate the circuits into the transparent layers? (<-note: actually technically possible). And the tegra3 array is the best performing kit, that also has the best battery life during load. Enjoy! Also, custom bootloader and open source! Wohoo!
You know, you'd think they would do that. But inside the industry HQs, the arguments go like this: "We need a more streamlined and cheaper design that uses the same components as everyone else, that maintains the market, so we can use the razor blade model infinitely, and get people to buy the same €400 phone year after year! So don't go making a phone that actually has the latest tech if you don't need to, for crying out loud, what are you trying to do, bankrupt us!?".
So when aberrations like the 4x turns up, that actually is a good phone (sadly, doesn't use lithium polymer battery, and didn't ditch the thick antenna module and so on - could have saved a few mm there. But outside of that, all contact points, mainboard solder, frame, construction is high above par), it won't be thought of as a product that the company should sell to earn money. It's thought of as a product that might impress enthusiasts, but which will be unsuited for sales in the general market. Even if that actually proves to not be true, and the price ends up in a very comfortable area.
Basically, you have the phone now costing less than a two-three year old htc. Loads and loads of dual-core phones that also cost more, that don't have expansion slots or a battery slot. So what will very likely be argued is that the 4x is essentially cannibalizing the market downwards. Even if the support LG has come up with for the phone, with the upcoming jellybean and open loader (for dual linux/alternate/android boots?) is very promising.
But trust me on this one - even if the entire gawker site started to cover the 4x and the linux spins, in the way they seem to want to have sex with their iphones, that still wouldn't be sufficient to change the thinking about how an "enthusiast device" can't be sold to the general consumer market, without cutting the legs off it.
Obviously that's not true - when android and alt. loaders, extra equipment, installing apps, etc., is as easy as it is -- then any reasonable person will see that we don't really have enthusiast devices any more, in any sense. Instead they average user-devices just become easier/possible to use. But that thinking persists anyway. And honestly I don't think we or "media" sites really can do much to change that.
Because when your strategy folks pull in people to test devices, they don't know anything about the hardware or the construction, right? They won't compare and say "this iron edge on the bottom of the phone is inconvenient! Get rid of it!". Instead they say: "I like this iron edge a bit better than the other one!"..
Xenogenics said:
Thank god there are people who think the same, rather than complain all day.
Sent from my (V20A, Unlocked, Rooted, CWM, Optimised) LG-P880 using xda app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know right!
skryptus said:
I'm guessing they don't do more marketing because, when the phone was their flagship, pricing wasn't as attractive as now. Now that it's this attractive, they have their Optimus G out and their G Pro on the way, so this one is too low on the list for any marketing investment from LG.
On the other hand, the stores that sell them for these extremely competitive prices should do a bit more marketing about this one
BTW, where did you get it and for how much?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not sure where you live but here in the netherlands it ALWAYS has bin way cheaper then the htc one x and was and still is the best bang for the bucks.

[thoughts] What the S5 needs to do before April 11th to earn my money

Well, THAT happened 10 hours ago........
The launch for the S5 came and my enjoyment faded pretty quickly. You can see from my track record in my signature that I've been a pretty loyal customer of Samsung for quite some time now, and this may be the first Galaxy launch that I won't have a pre-order in the system. Other than stepping away from the Galaxy line to pick up the Atrix 4G, the first mass produced phone with a fingerprint scanner, coincidentally, I've enjoyed only Samsung phones for the last 4 years. The "premium version" of the S5 was supposed to be 5th in line, what with the 20MP camera, metal body, G-Note 3 battery size, 5.25" screen - you've seen it all and read it all, it didn't show up today. Now unless Samsung is about to pull the biggest stunt they've ever pulled, the Unpacked5 event is in the books and we're not getting anything more than what we got today.
Is there any positive that came out of this event? Sure! USB 3.0 is a big thing for me as I have lots of 3.0 gear and want that from my next phone, it's dust and water resistant, cool fingerprint scanner providing it works flawlessly unlike the one on the iThing, updated TouchWiz which (try not to judge) I actually like a little bit, the wearables, the bigger focus on health, better processor, camera, and connectivity, but then comes the let downs, especially for S4 owners. Same 1080p screen at almost the same size, same 2GB of memory, almost the exact same front camera, soon to be the same OS (again, I like TW so I'm sticking it out on 4.3 until the TW 4.4.2 comes out), same plastic body that I don't necessarily mind, but would have appreciated a little change other than just putting dimples in the back cover, and probably worst of all to me, they're offering it in a 16GB format again after what they just did to us who pre-ordered and / or early adopted the S4, sticking us with next to nothing for internal space because they believe everyone has kids and needs to have likely a ton of space dedicated to a kid mode with pre-installed games and crap. I'm single and not looking for that anytime soon!!! It's like they claimed to listen to their customers but only those who are married, have children, want a "modern glam look," whatever the hell that means, and work out enough to bring their phone with them while exercising!
Damn that's a lot of negatives so far. So what can Samsung do between now and launch to earn my money short of releasing their ultra premium version that was supposed to exist but doesn't, and calling this one the S5 Neo? Let's take a look, and please, feel free to help me add to this list!
Ship the phone with an unlocked bootloader - I know, fat chance, right? But if you don't want people complaining about lack of storage, let us kill it off as we see fit! I also know it isn't up to Samsung on this, the carriers are the ones being douchebags about it, but Samsung put their foot down with them previously by stopping them from dictating all the individual revisions when they launched the SIII, making them all the same shape and size, so why can't they force their hand on this in the sake of making even the smallest group of their customers happy - those that truly use the phone for what it was meant for!
Negate the 16GB version - this is obvious, why the hell is this even a thing anymore with Samsung.... just get rid of it if you're not going to slim down this ridiculously large ROM of yours! Ship with the 32GB at minimum and announce the 64GB as well. iThings do this as a standard now, and while iSheep love to keep their music on their device and we have this little thing called external storage and another little thing called Google Music, we don't have to, but seriously, cut the crap and ditch the 16GB model!
Allow us to remove certain features we just aren't going to use, EVER - as I stated already, I don't have kids and don't need a Kids Mode. If you aren't going to let us root the thing AND aren't going to launch it with more than 16GB, let me get rid of the damn Kids Mode. Or the health features. Or anything else I decide useless or unnecessary. When looking at pics of the camera settings on the S5, I'm able to download more features as I see fit - why not make some of this crap downloadable and not don't ship it with the device? Why not make an Aroma-like installer when you first boot it and say "hey, would you like all of this crap or just some of it?" like any PC software does when it installs something - Typical or Custom installation. Sounds like I'm asking for a lot here, but really, I'm asking to not be forced a lot that I really won't use. And before you comment that if I don't need it, don't buy it in the first place, there are so many things I love about my S4 and TouchWiz that I'm not planning to part with in order to have "a phone," my N7 has a purpose and it isn't so I can keep the screen on when I need it just by looking at it. It does great for playing movies on a trip but not for letting me change the channel of my big TV when I want to watch a blockbuster movie....
Ship with at least the S805 processor for crying out loud - if you're not going to blow us away with something new and powerful, at least ship it with the very latest processor this time from Qualcomm. The 800 has been out for months, the 801 is obviously an incremental update over the 800, and the 805 isn't that much better, but at least give us the goods instead of just going along with the same processor found in the N5 and G-Note 3. I don't think we've heard which one for sure will be included, but from what I've read, so far they say it's the 800 or the 801. EDIT - it's the 801, confirmed by Qualcomm....
Include wireless charging in the box - I shouldn't have to say this, wireless charging is now old technology, the SIII had the capability but not the attention or love needed for Samsung to just release the official cover, the S4 cover took 3 months to post online for sale, and with all the competition shipping their phones with it included, why aren't we able to get it without paying $50+ for it? I used a 50% off coupon to get it for $25, but that's $25 more than I should have spent after being let down on a promise that the SIII was supposed to be able to do it on a phone with nearly useless internal storage....
Sell us some legit accessories this time, namely a car dock - I'm always impressed when people recognize me from my review on the only working car dock for the S4 since Samsung decided to screw around with the whole thing and make my Infuse dock useless. It worked on the Skyrocket and SIII, and would have fit the S4 except it wasn't possible to get the thing working properly by charging and outputting dock audio on it, so it's collecting dust in a box right now. Sure, I get it, you want to sell me something new instead of letting me use the same one for my last phone, and that's different than what you are doing (or didn't do?) with the wireless charging cover, but in this situation, you're not even selling me one! The S4 sold tens of millions of devices, did you stop and think that maybe ONE of them would be going in a car and being used for playing music or navigating that owner safely from one place to another?
?
?
?
That's all I got for now, I'm sure we can come up with more and while I highly doubt Samsung is listening to people like me, one of their 200M customers (I'd like to think I counted 4 times for buying 4 iterations of the Galaxy line), there's always a chance someone is listening. I bet they'll listen when they're trying to figure out why the sales figures are going to be monumentally lower this go-round, that's for sure!!!
A note to fanboys of all kinds, Samsung, HTC, Nokia, iThing, etc - let's keep it clean here, please. You haven't heard me bash anyone else here, even Samsung really, so please don't get this thread locked on me. I'm sure you have witty comments like Nokia and HTC have today, with their "Samesung," "Buyers Remose," and even the most original ones like telling me that you're disappointed or this phone is ugly.... As if we haven't seen those comments before. Be original if Samsung isn't, post something relevant to the discussion if you're going to post at all! I don't waste my time on writing this stuff to insult others, so don't do it to insult me. If you were never considering buying it, you don't have any reason to comment on here because nothing you're going to say will come across as helpful to myself or others. If you were considering buying it or even, dare I say switching from another brand, or actually will be buying this phone - let's discuss intelligently your reasons why!
:good:
FM radio..
In Slovenia in past month we have major electric blackdown becouse of mother nature - no internet no nothing.. but FM radio did work.. on my S2 I could still listen what is happening, but on newer device.. bljah.. must have tool which cost them 1 euro cent per device..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
I agree with all you say. Particularly about wireless charging, and accessories which get launched with fanfare and then never see the light of day. The other thing they could do is to put one of the new gear items in the box too. That would be a good sweetener. Lol.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk
NO KNOX!!! Or forget about Custom ROMs and warranty.
redzion said:
FM radio..
In Slovenia in past month we have major electric blackdown becouse of mother nature - no internet no nothing.. but FM radio did work.. on my S2 I could still listen what is happening, but on newer device.. bljah.. must have tool which cost them 1 euro cent per device..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you know it doesn't ?
Two points here:
1. I see you are American, and that in the US the carriers **** in their customers' heads when it comes to freedom. The international S4 has an unlocked bootloader, it has been like that since the original S.
2. The Snapdragon 805 isn't available yet, sadly.
And why isn't 2GB of RAM enough? I have 300+ apps here, 9 accounts syncing and available RAM never goes below 700MB.
I'm going to point something out to everyone here that wants Samsung to get rid of security features such as locked bootloaders or Knox.
We are the minority. Do you Expect Samsung to tailor to us and risk the average consumer's information and safety so people can run an AOSP build or a custom kernel?
Ship the phone with an unlocked bootloader - I know, fat chance, right? But if you don't want people complaining about lack of storage, let us kill it off as we see fit! I also know it isn't up to Samsung on this, the carriers are the ones being douchebags about it, but Samsung put their foot down with them previously by stopping them from dictating all the individual revisions when they launched the SIII, making them all the same shape and size, so why can't they force their hand on this in the sake of making even the smallest group of their customers happy - those that truly use the phone for what it was meant for!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I'm not excusing the US carriers for doing this, but why do you think they try to steer people away from rooting and unlocking the bootloader? People mess up, brick their phone, and then try to do a warranty claim on them. They're protecting their profits, and as a business you cannot blame them for that. Anyone else here would do the same thing to retain profits. And what do you mean "use the phone for what it was meant for?" The phone is meant to be a mobile multimedia cellular device, which in fact still does on the software it ships with no problem.
Negate the 16GB version - this is obvious, why the hell is this even a thing anymore with Samsung.... just get rid of it if you're not going to slim down this ridiculously large ROM of yours! Ship with the 32GB at minimum and announce the 64GB as well. iThings do this as a standard now, and while iSheep love to keep their music on their device and we have this little thing called external storage and another little thing called Google Music, we don't have to, but seriously, cut the crap and ditch the 16GB model!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do agree with this, I don't see too much point of the 16gb version. Still at least gives you a start of 10gb of storage at least.
Allow us to remove certain features we just aren't going to use, EVER - as I stated already, I don't have kids and don't need a Kids Mode. If you aren't going to let us root the thing AND aren't going to launch it with more than 16GB, let me get rid of the damn Kids Mode. Or the health features. Or anything else I decide useless or unnecessary. When looking at pics of the camera settings on the S5, I'm able to download more features as I see fit - why not make some of this crap downloadable and not don't ship it with the device? Why not make an Aroma-like installer when you first boot it and say "hey, would you like all of this crap or just some of it?" like any PC software does when it installs something - Typical or Custom installation. Sounds like I'm asking for a lot here, but really, I'm asking to not be forced a lot that I really won't use. And before you comment that if I don't need it, don't buy it in the first place, there are so many things I love about my S4 and TouchWiz that I'm not planning to part with in order to have "a phone," my N7 has a purpose and it isn't so I can keep the screen on when I need it just by looking at it. It does great for playing movies on a trip but not for letting me change the channel of my big TV when I want to watch a blockbuster movie....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can disable features you don't need. But just because you decide a feature you think is useless or unnecessary, does not translate to everyone else will think this too. I like the kids mode feature, I've got kids and nephews that get my phone somehow all the time.(Anyone with kids can attest to that too! ) I'm sure people will love this feature.
Ship with at least the S805 processor for crying out loud - if you're not going to blow us away with something new and powerful, at least ship it with the very latest processor this time from Qualcomm. The 800 has been out for months, the 801 is obviously an incremental update over the 800, and the 805 isn't that much better, but at least give us the goods instead of just going along with the same processor found in the N5 and G-Note 3. I don't think we've heard which one for sure will be included, but from what I've read, so far they say it's the 800 or the 801.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is Qualcomm's area right here, ARM cpus are following the development of x86 cpus. Meaning it's reached a point now where development for ARM cores is slowing down, tremendously. We probably won't see any groundbreaking ARM cpu's come out for maybe at least a year or so now, took x86 cpus years to show good and cost effective performance gains.
Include wireless charging in the box - I shouldn't have to say this, wireless charging is now old technology, the SIII had the capability but not the attention or love needed for Samsung to just release the official cover, the S4 cover took 3 months to post online for sale, and with all the competition shipping their phones with it included, why aren't we able to get it without paying $50+ for it? I used a 50% off coupon to get it for $25, but that's $25 more than I should have spent after being let down on a promise that the SIII was supposed to be able to do it on a phone with nearly useless internal storage....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now you're just being greedy.
Sell us some legit accessories this time, namely a car dock - I'm always impressed when people recognize me from my review on the only working car dock for the S4 since Samsung decided to screw around with the whole thing and make my Infuse dock useless. It worked on the Skyrocket and SIII, and would have fit the S4 except it wasn't possible to get the thing working properly by charging and outputting dock audio on it, so it's collecting dust in a box right now. Sure, I get it, you want to sell me something new instead of letting me use the same one for my last phone, and that's different than what you are doing (or didn't do?) with the wireless charging cover, but in this situation, you're not even selling me one! The S4 sold tens of millions of devices, did you stop and think that maybe ONE of them would be going in a car and being used for playing music or navigating that owner safely from one place to another?
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Click to collapse
I do agree with this, but also at the same time there are 100s of other companies making accessories that Samsung does not make.
Samsung is not going to tailor the phone just for one person or a small group, they're doing it for what they believe are the best choices for their devices. Looking at their track record of the Galaxy line up, I'd say they've got it down pretty good.
Why do u need a 2k screen on a 5" device? It eats battery life, it bogs down cpu and gpu performance for something that your eyes can't notice. I cant even see a pixel on my s4.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk
My wishlist for S5 -Premium
1. 5.2" inches screen in body-size of S4. It's not too hard if they look at LG G2.
2. Radio FM, and playable via loudspeaker.
3. Good camera in low light condition.
4. Smaller bezel, by aluminum.
5. QHD display.
6. Better performed in drop-test, maybe
7. Keep removable battery + external SDcard.
8. Snapdragon 805 or Exynos 64bit octa-cores.
9. Only 1 "main" international version, both have LTE-A, 4K video rec etc...
10. Wireless charging included.
11. Ram 3G
12. At least 32 GB internal memory, like Note 3.
13. Fingerprint inside screen.
14. Max brightness at 600nit, like Note3.
15. Flash Xenon for camera and flash led for Camcorder.
16. 120 fps video recording at 1080p
17. Not too heavy. <150g.
18. Clearer audio recording, noise reduction.
19. Stereo sound on louder speaker like HTC One.
20. A better earphone with improved DAC
21. Sapphire glass for screen and camera lens.
22. Dust and water resistant is good, but I hope it will not affect the bezels.
23. Remove Samsung logo in the front and rear. Just Galaxy.
24. Note 3 fake leather still better than this S5C, or aluminum body.
25. Working, interchangeable for S-pen or any stylus pen, docking, etc
26. Front camera 5MP, rear 18MP
27. Hot plugged battery, SIM and microSD card without restart phone.
28. Include an projector like Galaxy Beam
29. USB 3.1
30. Removable and downloadable all bloatware, Knox, gesture...
31. 3000 mAh battery
32. New flat Touchwiz, it's still ugly.
33. Touchwiz fully runnable in ART and compatible with any pixel density.
34. Free lags, especially open the contacts/dialer must be faster.
35. Dual boot Android & WP, maybe triple with Ubuntu or GPE rom.
36. Update firmware at least 24 months, not like i9300.
37. Not too many versions in worldwide.
38. For some sharing features like Galaxy Beam, Samsung should share this app to works on other Android devices, (now we only have Android Beam).
The same for SS smart watch, smartTV....
39. Still support Adobe flash (it's not SS or GG obligation, but I hope it).
40. Improved airview and air gestures in smarter way than before (Example: hover finger on the links help user preview link, not zooming like now). Open the API for all the sensors function and support the developers to create much good app based on them.
dandroid13 said:
Two points here:
1. I see you are American, and that in the US the carriers **** in their customers' heads when it comes to freedom. The international S4 has an unlocked bootloader, it has been like that since the original S.
2. The Snapdragon 805 isn't available yet, sadly.
And why isn't 2GB of RAM enough? I have 300+ apps here, 9 accounts syncing and available RAM never goes below 700MB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When kitkat was being written all the engineers had to use a smart phone with only 512 mb of RAM.
This will be moot tho with TouchWiz which is the most bloated god awful software on Android. 2gb IS enough yet the s4 still suffered from lag.
With the newer processors not being available yet Samsung should have focused on design. They put zero effort into that. This will be their first flop in the galaxy line. And by flop I mean by their standards. It will still sell millions.
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
fernando sor said:
When kitkat was being written all the engineers had to use a smart phone with only 512 mb of RAM.
This will be moot tho with TouchWiz which is the most bloated god awful software on Android. 2gb IS enough yet the s4 still suffered from lag.
With the newer processors not being available yet Samsung should have focused on design. They put zero effort into that. This will be their first flop in the galaxy line. And by flop I mean by their standards. It will still sell millions.
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have minimal lag here, but even Nexus can lag, it's not just TW or Sense.
adichandra said:
Why do u need a 2k screen on a 5" device? It eats battery life, it bogs down cpu and gpu performance for something that your eyes can't notice. I cant even see a pixel on my s4.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is so true. people just want a better spec sheet not realizing going above 1080p will actually lower benchmarks particularly with the s800 and 801 being the only SoC available now. To get something you probably wont even notice you will be sacrificing just about everything else performance wise.
---------- Post added at 01:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:40 PM ----------
dandroid13 said:
I have minimal lag here, but even Nexus can lag, it's not just TW or Sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Come on It was a pretty common bug on the s4. I have a Samsung tab note 10.1 and it lags considerably.
I've had numerous HTC phones over the years and sense has been toned down quite a bit. sense 3.0 was a system draining nightmare.
I really don't think you can compare a straight android ROM to A samsung rom and say with a straight face this makes no difference on performance or lag.
Just compare the size of a nexus 7 rom to any s4 rom.
fernando sor said:
Come on It was a pretty common bug on the s4. I have a Samsung tab note 10.1 and it lags considerably.
I've had numerous HTC phones over the years and sense has been toned down quite a bit. sense 3.0 was a system draining nightmare.
I really don't think you can compare a straight android ROM to A samsung rom and say with a straight face this makes no difference on performance or lag.
Just compare the size of a nexus 7 rom to any s4 rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, the Note 10.1 is slow, but the problem isn't how light or heavy the ROM is, the lag happens because the Java-based Android Runtime isn't a optimized as iOS, for example.
dandroid13 said:
Sure, the Note 10.1 is slow, but the problem isn't how light or heavy the ROM is, the lag happens because the Java-based Android Runtime isn't a optimized as iOS, for example.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually dalvik at runtime. Dalvik virtual machine and kitkat is optimized quite well.
When you add a huge amount of code on top of that of course it will change the performance.
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
fernando sor said:
It's actually dalvik at runtime. Dalvik virtual machine and kitkat is optimized quite well.
When you add a huge amount of code on top of that of course it will change the performance.
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, but it'll never be as good as iOS or WP, sadly.
Anyway, here's a closer look at the new TW, and, you guys can kill me, but I really like it. http://www.phonearena.com/news/New-...z-what-changed-with-Samsungs-software_id53163
dandroid13 said:
Sure, but it'll never be as good as iOS or WP, sadly.
Anyway, here's a closer look at the new TW, and, you guys can kill me, but I really like it. http://www.phonearena.com/news/New-...z-what-changed-with-Samsungs-software_id53163
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually that's a matter of opinion. My nexus 7 2013 and HTC one run as well as any iOS device I've played with. And they're of course other factors such iOS locked down system, boring home screen, no widgets, tiny screen etc.
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Saw today a tweet from O2. 661 Euro. That is a lot of money. Think I have to pass.
anubius said:
Saw today a tweet from O2. 661 Euro. That is a lot of money. Think I have to pass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn.

[Q] Would you still buy the Z3c today?

Hello from North Carolina, US.
After carrying the Note 2 for two years, I am over the large phone form factor and was considering the Z3c back when it was released. But, I'm on Verizon (CDMA) and it just wasn't a good time to shift to TMobile. My Note 2 died, and I started carrying my wife's old Galaxy S3, which confirmed my preference for a smaller handset. Since my contract with Verizon is over in June, I figured I would carry the S3 until then, see what phones were announced at MWC and make my next phone decision based on that.
Frankly, for my use cases... MWC was MEH.
The S6/edge and HTC One M9 are both lovely phones, but I don't feel like they meet my needs as well as the Z3c. With the Z3c, I love the small form factor, the waterproofiness, the battery and the dedicated shutter button. Also, an S6 with as much storage as the SD card I already own will be hundreds of dollars more expensive than the Z3c.
That said, is it crazy to buy a 6 month old phone? Considering my use cases (primarily utilitarian - music, email, rss, news/weather, social, navigation, camera - no processor intensive games) and considering how surprisingly well the S3 is still running with these use cases at nearly three years old, I am thinking the Z3c may still be a good fit for me. And, I don't want to wait as long as the rumors are saying I would need to wait for the Z4 series (autumn 2015).
What about you, would you still buy the Z3c today? Do you think, based on how I've described my uses, that it would be a good fit for me? Is there another small form factor device I should be considering? Should I suck it up and wait for autumn and the Z4's?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this.
Cheers
Jack
JackinNC said:
Hello from North Carolina, US.
After carrying the Note 2 for two years, I am over the large phone form factor and was considering the Z3c back when it was released. But, I'm on Verizon (CDMA) and it just wasn't a good time to shift to TMobile. My Note 2 died, and I started carrying my wife's old Galaxy S3, which confirmed my preference for a smaller handset. Since my contract with Verizon is over in June, I figured I would carry the S3 until then, see what phones were announced at MWC and make my next phone decision based on that.
Frankly, for my use cases... MWC was MEH.
The S6/edge and HTC One M9 are both lovely phones, but I don't feel like they meet my needs as well as the Z3c. With the Z3c, I love the small form factor, the waterproofiness, the battery and the dedicated shutter button. Also, an S6 with as much storage as the SD card I already own will be hundreds of dollars more expensive than the Z3c.
That said, is it crazy to buy a 6 month old phone? Considering my use cases (primarily utilitarian - music, email, rss, news/weather, social, navigation, camera - no processor intensive games) and considering how surprisingly well the S3 is still running with these use cases at nearly three years old, I am thinking the Z3c may still be a good fit for me. And, I don't want to wait as long as the rumors are saying I would need to wait for the Z4 series (autumn 2015).
What about you, would you still buy the Z3c today? Do you think, based on how I've described my uses, that it would be a good fit for me? Is there another small form factor device I should be considering? Should I suck it up and wait for autumn and the Z4's?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this.
Cheers
Jack
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For sure I'd still buy the Z3C today.
You're using your wife's S3 which is over 3 years old, so calling a 6 month old phone 'old' is kind of bs (No offense @ all)
As for the Z4, well.... there is no word about a Z4C and based on what Sony previously did, there shouldn't be a Z4C, but a Z5C (if ever).
The Z3C is a great phone, besides the occasional build flaws and bad camera under low light conditions.
That's great feedback, thank you.
Dsteppa said:
You're using your wife's S3 which is over 3 years old, so calling a 6 month old phone 'old' is kind of bs (No offense @ all)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None taken. The last 5 phones I've bought for myself or my wife have been purchased within 2 weeks of release, sometimes by me standing in line on release day. I buy them early, use them for 2 years when I can contractually upgrade and get a new one and start the cycle over. I typically use a phone for two years and it starts to feel "old" to me at ~18-20 months when a couple new cycles of phones and android versions have been released. My concern is not that the phone is "old" now, rather that, being 6 months old now, it may start to feel old at 12-14 months rather than 18-20.
Btw, I followed your photo link from another post of yours. Like you comments here, your sample photos are really helpful.
Thanks again
Jack
JackinNC said:
That's great feedback, thank you.
None taken. The last 5 phones I've bought for myself or my wife have been purchased within 2 weeks of release, sometimes by me standing in line on release day. I buy them early, use them for 2 years when I can contractually upgrade and get a new one and start the cycle over. I typically use a phone for two years and it starts to feel "old" to me at ~18-20 months when a couple new cycles of phones and android versions have been released. My concern is not that the phone is "old" now, rather that, being 6 months old now, it may start to feel old at 12-14 months rather than 18-20.
Btw, I followed your photo link from another post of yours. Like you comments here, your sample photos are really helpful.
Thanks again
Jack
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
Well I don't know, in terms of specs I don't see much changing any time soon, unless all manufacturers decide to make 64bit phones or use a new type of battery that either lasts long and/or charges super fast.
In the end as long as you're doing 'normal' things the phone should be your companion for at least 2 years without you really noticing a difference between your phone and other people's.
Z3 and Z3 compact are best options on android right now.
implying you don't want a phablet.
new phones like GS6 and ONE M9 are cool but you can find a Z3 for 500€/$ and a Z3C for 400, (gs6 and one ~750$)
you'll have same software 5.0.2 with better UI, and better battery, only the camera will be a bit behind but still excellent.
so unless you have money to waste just go for it it's a good deal
I love my z3 compact but if I were to buy a new phone now, I would get the galaxy s6 edge.
The biggest issue I have with the z3c is the speaker. Currently if I am in a semi loud surrounding, I can hardly hear the other person on the line.
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Free mobile app
As usual it depends on what you need. Me personally there is no other phone than the Z3c atm. Size/hardware/design... its perfect for me.
So if you're looking for a smaller phone (one hand use) with excellent battery life and fast hardware just go for it there is nothing that comes even close in that department.
I'm very torn right now, I'm frustrated that I would have to use the bloated stock software to get decent camera quality (no barrel distortion and better low light) and that CM12, while it runs decently doesn't support the features locked away by DRM. I'm contemplating reverting back to a Nexus 5...I think my biggest issue would be the camera, I thought it would be superb but in reality it only matches my nexus considering the distortion. And Sony's DRM and bootloader locking nonsense seems ridiculous to me.
zander21510 said:
I'm very torn right now, I'm frustrated that I would have to use the bloated stock software to get decent camera quality (no barrel distortion and better low light) and that CM12, while it runs decently doesn't support the features locked away by DRM. I'm contemplating reverting back to a Nexus 5...I think my biggest issue would be the camera, I thought it would be superb but in reality it only matches my nexus considering the distortion. And Sony's DRM and bootloader locking nonsense seems ridiculous to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can just root and then debloat.
2mal16 said:
you can just root and then debloat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's easy...the hard part is losing all the customizations. I went to stock 5.0.2 rooted, system R/W support isn't there, I lose all sorts of little features like expanded desktop, quick unlock, navigation customization...
zander21510 said:
That's easy...the hard part is losing all the customizations. I went to stock 5.0.2 rooted, system R/W support isn't there, I lose all sorts of little features like expanded desktop, quick unlock, navigation customization...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rw is already fixed though you wont like the process if you want to Stay on locked bl. Those features will be implemented either by Sony or more likely xposed working. Just give it some time
2mal16 said:
Rw is already fixed though you wont like the process if you want to Stay on locked bl. Those features will be implemented either by Sony or more likely xposed working. Just give it some time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure Sony is done with us after this update, minus maybe a couple security patches there won't be any new features. I already tried CM12 for a good month, just couldn't stand the camera and the bugs were a bit too much for a DD. Hoping for xposed and working recoveries on lollipop...that's about all I can do right now.
zander21510 said:
Pretty sure Sony is done with us after this update, minus maybe a couple security patches there won't be any new features. I already tried CM12 for a good month, just couldn't stand the camera and the bugs were a bit too much for a DD. Hoping for xposed and working recoveries on lollipop...that's about all I can do right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jeah it will Come soon enough, I mean lolli was just released and recoveries,custom Kernels and a working xposed will all make their way on this device sooner or later. Just play the waiting game... again
zander21510 said:
Pretty sure Sony is done with us after this update, minus maybe a couple security patches there won't be any new features. I already tried CM12 for a good month, just couldn't stand the camera and the bugs were a bit too much for a DD. Hoping for xposed and working recoveries on lollipop...that's about all I can do right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's see... The Xperia Z that has been released for about 2 years also received the Lollipop update, why would you think that Sony would stop update a phone that's just been out 6 month's. Can you please tell me your logic?
Sent from my D5803
Nice Features
There are some things which are so nice. Most of the new phones arent waterproof. Phones are getting bigger and bigger. But the z3c is smaller but quite good.
I certainly would buy the Z3C again, the biggest gripe I have is the lack of Quality Case choices. Great phone IMO, size, battery, speed and takes above average pictures(Auto mode) and if you take the time to use the manual settings it can take excellent pictures.
So far, Sony Z3C has no real competition. In android world. I just bought one.
Dsteppa said:
Let's see... The Xperia Z that has been released for about 2 years also received the Lollipop update, why would you think that Sony would stop update a phone that's just been out 6 month's. Can you please tell me your logic?
Sent from my D5803
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well with the persisting rumors that Sony is either scaling back or dropping their mobile division...I just have a gut feeling.
And I guess I changed my mind. Just ordered a replacement Nexus 5 like my old one. I will miss the size and it is a sharp looking phone, but the broken features that can never be fixed (mostly camera stuff) and the DRM nonsense really turned me off of this phone. I may be an oddball but I just don't like that I'm missing all the little customizations and things on CM12 when I'm on stock, and Xposed will probably only fix about half of those features. Miss Privacy Guard, Quick unlock, all that good stuff. And I just don't like the UI design choices. Plus all the no-name "device reporting" and "anonymous reporting" services running in the background that can't be disabled.
I'm sure in a few months CM12 will have the microphone & other issues ironed out, but what's the point of having a 20MP camera that has distortion and poor image quality that (from what I've read) can never be fixed in an AOSP rom?
I would recommend it to my fiancee that doesn't use her phone for much more than texting and Youtube, but not for a tinkerer like myself.
FOR SURE! Unless you want to wait for a Z4 Compact to even be announced, and then eventually come out, I'd say the Z3 Compact remains the best phone at it's size from anyone, still to this day. The Galaxy S5 Mini just came out recently, and it's a Snapdragon 400! The Z3 Compact has a great, waterproof build, MicroSD, Camera Button, and 801 processor. Nothing else comes close unless you're okay with a leviathan of a phone I love my Z3 Compact and really do not desire a new phone or ever again something larger...
Would definitely still buy again. Just ticks so many boxes that other devices don't (size, speed, battery, microSD, camera). It really has no competition. I'm not sure we'll see a Z4 compact at all - doubt z3 compact is a big seller and with Sony in such a mess, they may just focus on the Z4. If that happens, we're in bad shape for fully spec'd < 5" Android devices. The good news is that the hardware is advancing so slowly now, the z3c will probably be a viable platform for quite awhile.
My Galaxy S4 (two generations old!) still runs CM12 perfectly fine. It's an SD600!

Buying xperia z?

Hey guys I'm about to buy a refurbished Xperia Z from Amazon, but I'd like you guys to give me some advice. Do you recommend me? My main concerns are battery, display(they say blacks are grayish), camera and sound. I come from a galaxy s3 and lumia 640 XL(maybe someone has/had one of these smartphones and could give me some thoughts). I suppose the performance is great. I also noticed the device has some pretty good community and development(which the s3 lacks a bit)-which is also very important to me... am I right? Also, how does AOSP-based lollipop(may I dare and also say marshmallow ) run on it? Sorry guys for too many questions and also sorry for my english.
Best regards!!
What can I say...
FIRST- if you're buying it for $100 or less maybe it is till a good deal, otherwise maybe it is better to see at other low-to-mid-range
SECOND- yes, the performance is good, even better with lollipop, screen looks better now (maybe sonybravia got better, maybe because lollipop has more white in it and the white is being displayed better), but anyway you have to UNDERCLOCK it in order to get a decent battery life
THIRD- battery life is very disappointing, you HAVE to underclock it and root it and greenify it to get any good battery life, unless you can charge it every 12 hours
FOURTH - the device is getting older and so the interest in this device (im talking about support from devs)
FIFTH - the phone gets hot, like really really hot when you're using it playing games (unless you underclock it), and since the back cover is only a adhesive line, when it gets hotter with the help off the Nfc antenna (which is set to push against the backcover) the backcover gets up and looses its waterproofness
SIX- the flaps - the damn flaps- they're everywhere - and you need to open them every-time you charge the phone, put on the headphones, remove the sim, remove the microSD, and they tend to get loose with time especially the one of the charger since you need to charge it frequently
NOW... that I told you about it downsides, its not a bad phone nowdays, it has a big and very beautiful display, connectivity is like the best i've ever tried, performance is pretty good (cpu + gpu ), camera performs really well - especially in macro, dev support for now is good.
Overall for someone who has it I think it can take another one or two years, but I personally would not buy it unless I find it for cheap or cannot buy a used phone. Personally I would look into a HTC M8 or a LG G3, maybe even used.
You decide
aaronkatrini said:
What can I say...
FIRST- if you're buying it for $100 or less maybe it is till a good deal, otherwise maybe it is better to see at other low-to-mid-range
SECOND- yes, the performance is good, even better with lollipop, screen looks better now (maybe sonybravia got better, maybe because lollipop has more white in it and the white is being displayed better), but anyway you have to UNDERCLOCK it in order to get a decent battery life
THIRD- battery life is very disappointing, you HAVE to underclock it and root it and greenify it to get any good battery life, unless you can charge it every 12 hours
FOURTH - the device is getting older and so the interest in this device (im talking about support from devs)
FIFTH - the phone gets hot, like really really hot when you're using it playing games (unless you underclock it), and since the back cover is only a adhesive line, when it gets hotter with the help off the Nfc antenna (which is set to push against the backcover) the backcover gets up and looses its waterproofness
SIX- the flaps - the damn flaps- they're everywhere - and you need to open them every-time you charge the phone, put on the headphones, remove the sim, remove the microSD, and they tend to get loose with time especially the one of the charger since you need to charge it frequently
NOW... that I told you about it downsides, its not a bad phone nowdays, it has a big and very beautiful display, connectivity is like the best i've ever tried, performance is pretty good (cpu + gpu ), camera performs really well - especially in macro, dev support for now is good.
Overall for someone who has it I think it can take another one or two years, but I personally would not buy it unless I find it for cheap or cannot buy a used phone. Personally I would look into a HTC M8 or a LG G3, maybe even used.
You decide
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for your elaborated answer You really made me think about it.
FIRST- it costs me about $160(in a very good condition) and I really can't pay any more than this for a smartphone. It's actually a pretty good deal for what it normally costs in my country. If you/somebody could recommend me a better phone for this price point(taking into consideration the development community)...
SECOND- good to know.
THIRD- well I have to say it sounds dissapointing. Underclocking...doesn't sound that good to me... although I'd have no problem using greenify. 12 hours with 4g on? What's the usage?(heavy...moderate...)
FOURTH- this is the first thing I look when looking for an android device. If it doesn't allow custom ROMs and doesn't have a decent community behind then I don't buy it.
FIFTH- the "gettin really hot" thing sounds also really dissapointin. I'm not a heavy gamer but I do like to play graphic-intensive games from time to time. So is it really that annoing? About the waterproofness... really not important to me.
SIX- pretty annoing huh? Especially the headphones thing. What if you cut them out? You think there'd be any inconvenience on doing this aside from loosing the waterproof thing(and design of course)?
Well... so yeah some bad news for me here. But I can't find a decent phone wich also has community behind for this price. And another which makes me go for it are the 2GB of RAM.
So I wait for some other answers too guys
Also read my first post's EDIT.
Buying today XZ is stupid... seriously.
When I bought my XZ price of Z1compact was almost the same and it still is, its 20$-30$ difference for most of time(New XZ cost about 180$ z1c 200$)
And for that price you can buy WAY better phones, starting from Galaxy S4 to LG G series. And you want to stick to Sony you can get even z1 or used z2
As far as I love this phone I would not recommend it to anyone, battery is below average, camera is worst than my old Arc S, and those cover flaps are pain in the A##
This is best example of phone that look good, but those small bugs in everyday usage make it annoying to use...
And yes I still use it :] Because after using new phones... I found out that most of them are the same: average battery, and looots of small bugs that make them annoying after some time. So I decide to change phones once per 3-4 years...
Info
For that price NO! Performance with LP is good, camera not so good even with LP. Didnt have issues with overheating, connectivity is good. Screen and colors looks pretty nice for me.
MultiPDev said:
Thank you so much for your elaborated answer You really made me think about it.
FIRST- it costs me about $160(in a very good condition) and I really can't pay any more than this for a smartphone. It's actually a pretty good deal for what it normally costs in my country. If you/somebody could recommend me a better phone for this price point(taking into consideration the development community)...
SECOND- good to know.
THIRD- well I have to say it sounds dissapointing. Underclocking...doesn't sound that good to me... although I'd have no problem using greenify. 12 hours with 4g on? What's the usage?(heavy...moderate...)
FOURTH- this is the first thing I look when looking for an android device. If it doesn't allow custom ROMs and doesn't have a decent community behind then I don't buy it.
FIFTH- the "gettin really hot" thing sounds also really dissapointin. I'm not a heavy gamer but I do like to play graphic-intensive games from time to time. So is it really that annoing? About the waterproofness... really not important to me.
SIX- pretty annoing huh? Especially the headphones thing. What if you cut them out? You think there'd be any inconvenience on doing this aside from loosing the waterproof thing(and design of course)?
Well... so yeah some bad news for me here. But I can't find a decent phone wich also has community behind for this price. And another which makes me go for it are the 2GB of RAM.
So I wait for some other answers too guys
Also read my first post's EDIT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well,
ONE - if you want a phone with good Dev community support and with that budget you'll have to take a look at ex-flagship devices, like HTC One M7 (this one remains IMHO one of the best devices ever), LG G2(very good camera from what I've been told, and powerful cpu), Samsung Galaxy S4(well because it is a Samsung and everybody has one so many developers...)
THREE - Underclock means you lower the frequency of the Cpu (example. it goes from 1.5 Ghz quad-core to 1.1 Ghz quad-core), I like more uncerclock than greenify, and underclocking at 1.1 Ghz in my opinion gives the best performance/battery life/heat ratio. Usage is normal, 1 hour browsing; 1 hour listening to songs (in 3g, even when 4g is available I disable it); 1 hour 9gag and gets at evening with 30-35%...
FOUR - many custom roms for now, and quality is really good, im using currently the 5.1.1 modified and runs pretty good.
FIVE- when you underclock (which I recommend!) you give your device better battery life but also it heats less. If you don't mind the waterproofness then it's better because I wouldn't call Waterproof a really thin bezel of adhesive (They're crazy !!!)
SIX- yeah, they're annoying but anyway you can live with that, and design is really good and would be a shame if you removed them.
So my list woud be;
1.Htc One m7
2.Lg g2
3.Samsung S4 or Xperia Z
(and btw where do you live? maybe i can see smth for you)
icrunchbanger said:
For that price NO! Performance with LP is good, camera not so good even with LP. Didnt have issues with overheating, connectivity is good. Screen and colors looks pretty nice for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it seems the camera is not that good as I thought. Do you think moto g 2/3 has better camera? Although they only have 1GB or RAM.
MultiPDev said:
Well it seems the camera is not that good as I thought. Do you think moto g 2/3 has better camera? Although they only have 1GB or RAM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an XZ owner i would definitely recommend you to go with Moto G2/3. Beside better camera there will be MM support for both the 2gen and 3gen Moto, while not for XZ.
aaronkatrini said:
Well,
ONE - if you want a phone with good Dev community support and with that budget you'll have to take a look at ex-flagship devices, like HTC One M7 (this one remains IMHO one of the best devices ever), LG G2(very good camera from what I've been told, and powerful cpu), Samsung Galaxy S4(well because it is a Samsung and everybody has one so many developers...)
THREE - Underclock means you lower the frequency of the Cpu (example. it goes from 1.5 Ghz quad-core to 1.1 Ghz quad-core), I like more uncerclock than greenify, and underclocking at 1.1 Ghz in my opinion gives the best performance/battery life/heat ratio. Usage is normal, 1 hour browsing; 1 hour listening to songs (in 3g, even when 4g is available I disable it); 1 hour 9gag and gets at evening with 30-35%...
FOUR - many custom roms for now, and quality is really good, im using currently the 5.1.1 modified and runs pretty good.
FIVE- when you underclock (which I recommend!) you give your device better battery life but also it heats less. If you don't mind the waterproofness then it's better because I wouldn't call Waterproof a really thin bezel of adhesive (They're crazy !!!)
SIX- yeah, they're annoying but anyway you can live with that, and design is really good and would be a shame if you removed them.
So my list woud be;
1.Htc One m7
2.Lg g2
3.Samsung S4 or Xperia Z
(and btw where do you live? maybe i can see smth for you)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems the decision is getting harder and harder, although I already bought it because I don't wanna loose the deal. It's not available anymore at this price after buying it. I'm waiting for it to arrive in about two days I'll test it and if it doesn't satisfy me I'll return it.
ONE - Those devices are about $50 more expensive.
THREE - Maybe underclock could do the job, but will it still run smooth at lets say 1.2ghz? Anyway I think for the usage you described the battery doesn't sound that bad.
FOUR - Yeah, I'm looking at the hacking section and I'm stunned
FIVE - well, I'll happily underclock it if it doesn't affect performance too much. Maybe setting to the normal clock when gaming. And for the waterproofness thing... I'm shocked Anyway... I don't mind.
SIX - I guess...
From those devices you mentioned the only one I can afford is the Xperia Z. I really can't pay more than that for a device.
So, do you think I should buy a low end device from this or last year like the moto g 2014? I'm scared of the 1GB of RAM.
I live in Spain and price is a bit high here in Europe. I can buy from Amazon.es/fr/de/it... but I think I only have two options: buy a low-end device with no support from community or an exflagship device with support like the Xperia Z. I also think having 2GB of RAM is important right? I can't spend more than 150€/$160... ad I guess I'm asking too much from a device for this price. I really appreciate your help.
icrunchbanger said:
As an XZ owner i would definitely recommend you to go with Moto G2/3. Beside better camera there will be MM support for both the 2gen and 3gen Moto, while not for XZ.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't 1GB of RAM too low nowadays?
Akinaro said:
Buying today XZ is stupid... seriously.
When I bought my XZ price of Z1compact was almost the same and it still is, its 20$-30$ difference for most of time(New XZ cost about 180$ z1c 200$)
And for that price you can buy WAY better phones, starting from Galaxy S4 to LG G series. And you want to stick to Sony you can get even z1 or used z2
As far as I love this phone I would not recommend it to anyone, battery is below average, camera is worst than my old Arc S, and those cover flaps are pain in the A##
This is best example of phone that look good, but those small bugs in everyday usage make it annoying to use...
And yes I still use it :] Because after using new phones... I found out that most of them are the same: average battery, and looots of small bugs that make them annoying after some time. So I decide to change phones once per 3-4 years...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I can't afford those devices. I barely can afford the Xperia Z because I found a good deal.
MultiPDev said:
Isn't 1GB of RAM too low nowadays?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all depends of usage but i wouldn't worry about it so much. Motorola comes with almost pure Android.
icrunchbanger said:
It all depends of usage but i wouldn't worry about it so much. Motorola comes with almost pure Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'm considering the moto g 2.
MultiPDev said:
Thanks, I'm considering the moto g 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Moto G (2nd generation) doesn't stand a chance to Xperia Z!
XZ has better specs, better screen, better CPU, more Ram, more internal memory ecc.
Yes, the Moto G (2nd generation) is being updated to Marshmallow but really with all the support from the Dev's we can still get unofficial AOSP Marshmallow Roms.
PS.: one more thing, I currently live in Italy and in big cities it is really easy to find used phones from people that sell them at a local website. I've been checking the prices for some time because I wanted to get a better phone and phones like the LG G3 go as low as 200 euro. Htc One M7 can be found for 150 euro in really good condition, one thing is that you don't have warranty, only if they give you the bill of the phone, then it is as you had bought it(be careful though not giving you a printed bill from the internet.) if you can live with that, that would get you a really good phone with low money.
aaronkatrini said:
Moto G (2nd generation) doesn't stand a chance to Xperia Z!
XZ has better specs, better screen, better CPU, more Ram, more internal memory ecc.
Yes, the Moto G (2nd generation) is being updated to Marshmallow but really with all the support from the Dev's we can still get unofficial AOSP Marshmallow Roms.
PS.: one more thing, I currently live in Italy and in big cities it is really easy to find used phones from people that sell them at a local website. I've been checking the prices for some time because I wanted to get a better phone and phones like the LG G3 go as low as 200 euro. Htc One M7 can be found for 150 euro in really good condition, one thing is that you don't have warranty, only if they give you the bill of the phone, then it is as you had bought it(be careful though not giving you a printed bill from the internet.) if you can live with that, that would get you a really good phone with low money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, XZ specs are really impressive for me, but the problems mentioned worry me. The screen seems a bit poor to me from what I read. Maybe the Moto G has a better screen and battery(camera also? I doubt it). Anyway... the XZ is on its way and I can't wait to test it!!!
The biggest problem I have with buying a used phone from people is, aside from the warranty- which is also important, the fact that I can't return it if it doesn't satisfy me. Thank God for Amazon!! lol :victory:
Hey what about speakers sound?
Yeah amazon has its benefits.
Sound speakers? Hah! That tiny little thing that barely makes a sound? ?
aaronkatrini said:
Yeah amazon has its benefits.
Sound speakers? Hah! That tiny little thing that barely makes a sound? ��
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disappointing. It seems the device has lots of flaws.
MultiPDev said:
Unfortunately I can't afford those devices. I barely can afford the Xperia Z because I found a good deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case welcome to the club
icrunchbanger said:
In that case welcome to the club
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks buddy I hope I stay here for long
aaronkatrini said:
What can I say...
FIRST- if you're buying it for $100 or less maybe it is till a good deal, otherwise maybe it is better to see at other low-to-mid-range
SECOND- yes, the performance is good, even better with lollipop, screen looks better now (maybe sonybravia got better, maybe because lollipop has more white in it and the white is being displayed better), but anyway you have to UNDERCLOCK it in order to get a decent battery life
THIRD- battery life is very disappointing, you HAVE to underclock it and root it and greenify it to get any good battery life, unless you can charge it every 12 hours
FOURTH - the device is getting older and so the interest in this device (im talking about support from devs)
FIFTH - the phone gets hot, like really really hot when you're using it playing games (unless you underclock it), and since the back cover is only a adhesive line, when it gets hotter with the help off the Nfc antenna (which is set to push against the backcover) the backcover gets up and looses its waterproofness
SIX- the flaps - the damn flaps- they're everywhere - and you need to open them every-time you charge the phone, put on the headphones, remove the sim, remove the microSD, and they tend to get loose with time especially the one of the charger since you need to charge it frequently
NOW... that I told you about it downsides, its not a bad phone nowdays, it has a big and very beautiful display, connectivity is like the best i've ever tried, performance is pretty good (cpu + gpu ), camera performs really well - especially in macro, dev support for now is good.
Overall for someone who has it I think it can take another one or two years, but I personally would not buy it unless I find it for cheap or cannot buy a used phone. Personally I would look into a HTC M8 or a LG G3, maybe even used.
You decide
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in my country a NEW xperia z costs around 280-300 euro, i think people still prefer it

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