Buyers remorse - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S6

I love this phone, but the up and down issues are disappointing. One day I have really good battery life and the next day the opposite. Apps unfortunately like Pandora are still closing in the background. I am now debating if rooting and throwing a rom is worth breaking the warranty. Anyone else in the same boat?
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NYLUVBUG said:
I love this phone, but the up and down issues are disappointing. One day I have really good battery life and the next day the opposite. Apps unfortunately like Pandora are still closing in the background. I am now debating if rooting and throwing a rom is worth breaking the warranty. Anyone else in the same boat?
Sent from my SM-G920T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also considering rooting. I always used to with previous phones, but this time around I just haven't felt like it. I was hoping the latest OTA would improve the battery life...nah. Maybe a debloated rom like Xtrestolite would do the trick.
I feel very strongly that I shouldn't have to install a different rom or turn off certain features in order to have good battery life. Samsung should have made the phone thicker (bigger battery). I'm also shocked at the ram management of this phone.

Dr. Fed said:
I'm also considering rooting. I always used to with previous phones, but this time around I just haven't felt like it. I was hoping the latest OTA would improve the battery life...nah. Maybe a debloated rom like Xtrestolite would do the trick.
I feel very strongly that I shouldn't have to install a different rom or turn off certain features in order to have good battery life. Samsung should have made the phone thicker (bigger battery). I'm also shocked at the ram management of this phone.
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Click to collapse
You really shouldn't have to flash a ROM just to get what you paid for but unfortunately that's the case with the S6 and even then it isn't the phone it should be.
So flashing a ROM will help improve battery life, RAM management (biggest issue imo), and performance. When I ran stock experienced lag when I connected to WiFi, the phone will just slow to a crawl on top of that there were lag issues I was having when typing, switching apps (on top of apps having to reload!), and even just unlocking/locking the screen.
I emphasized improve because it's still nowhere near it should be, like at all. I still occasionally experience outbursts of lag that requires me to restart but it's better than before. I'm having serious buyers remorse with this phone and already made up my mind to jumping to another phone (eyeing the new Moto X Pure and Nexus 5) and ditching Samsung phones for the rest of forever.

I agree. I don't want to have to root in order to be plagued with the same problems.
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Rooting this phone saved it for me, before I had to recharge twice a day and was lucky if I even got 1-2 hours of SOT. Now I get 16-18 hours with 4-5 hours SOT consistently. Root it and you won't regret it!

ipaq_101 said:
Rooting this phone saved it for me, before I had to recharge twice a day and was lucky if I even got 1-2 hours of SOT. Now I get 16-18 hours with 4-5 hours SOT consistently. Root it and you won't regret it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which rom did you go with?
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Can anyone suggest a good Rom that handles ram better? Thanks
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NYLUVBUG said:
Which rom did you go with?
Sent from my SM-G920T using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
I did the Rapture 2.1 rom with unikernel v6.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/tmo...pment/romrapture-v1-0uvu2cof67-22-15-t3162603
Make sure to upgrade your baseband and bootloader, this instructions are in the file. Best rom I have used to date.

Thinking of jumping over to a Nexus in 5 months =/

As I came from a Nexus 5 and was already accustomed to having to charge frequently, the battery life has been fine, perhaps even 10-20% better than my old N5. I can't stand music apps shutting down and my LTE connection is wonky. If I go into an elevator and lose signal, I have about a 10% chance it won't reconnect to LTE after exiting until I reboot. My camera makes weird noises and has the ripple effect when launching. I also still haven't figured out why it vibrates every once in awhile with no apparent corresponding notification. After paying half what I paid for the S6 for my previous 2 phones, the Nexus 4 & 5, I had very high expectations for the S6. I think photo quality is about the only category where it has met or exceeded my expectations. My nexus devices also held their resale value very well while the S6 is tanking fast.

Cklaven said:
As I came from a Nexus 5 and was already accustomed to having to charge frequently, the battery life has been fine, perhaps even 10-20% better than my old N5. I can't stand music apps shutting down and my LTE connection is wonky. If I go into an elevator and lose signal, I have about a 10% chance it won't reconnect to LTE after exiting until I reboot. My camera makes weird noises and has the ripple effect when launching. I also still haven't figured out why it vibrates every once in awhile with no apparent corresponding notification. After paying half what I paid for the S6 for my previous 2 phones, the Nexus 4 & 5, I had very high expectations for the S6. I think photo quality is about the only category where it has met or exceeded my expectations. My nexus devices also held their resale value very well while the S6 is tanking fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The camera noise is the camera senor optimizing.
You can change the ripple effect under lock screen> unlock effects.
The random vibrations is a new feature Samsung added in 5.1.1. It is actually an indicator that an app has crashed and most of the time you don't know what even crashes.
Doing a factory reset would help you if the LTE issue. Even I dont get LTE in an elevator, but it always comes back.

Yeah can't knock the photo quailty. Really hope samsung fixes the current issues before they release the note 5 and edge.
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this is my first samsung product since i had the note 2. i gave up on them for years. i love the s6, great design, premium feel, good sound and much better battery life than my nexus 5 had. no remorse here at all. it really is like having a iphone made for android. its also refreshing to not have to have cm nightlies to flash daily, frees up more of my time. although aosp would be a beast on this device.

fix-this! said:
this is my first samsung product since i had the note 2. i gave up on them for years. i love the s6, great design, premium feel, good sound and much better battery life than my nexus 5 had. no remorse here at all. it really is like having a iphone made for android. its also refreshing to not have to have cm nightlies to flash daily, frees up more of my time. although aosp would be a beast on this device.
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but your Nexus is smoother, the S6 simply lags over time. Nothinng can be done to fix Touchwiz.

oxxshadow said:
but your Nexus is smoother, the S6 simply lags over time. Nothinng can be done to fix Touchwiz.
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Click to collapse
true to an extent but ive had my s6 for 3 weeks and i see no lag.

fix-this! said:
true to an extent but I've had my S6 for 3 weeks and i see no lag.
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Click to collapse
You will, trust me. Used a S6 for a week, ditched it already for a 3rd Gen Moto G, and that has 1GB of ram. It still multitasks better and runs smoother. I am waiting for the new Nexus. Take a look at this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQR5B-KuQ1M
While the Moto G cannot touch the S6 in terms of camera, display, and gaming performance, general tasks are much more smoother. I think Samsung git it out of the park with design, but not in software.

As others have said, the camera is fantastic, but there RAM management is absurdly bad. My device lags badly every day, despite resetting the device and clearing system cache. I get a weird vibration when taking pictures if I accidentally tap the side of the phone. Tasker cannot effectively work because it keeps getting killed (RAM management), Pandora rarely works correctly (RAM management), and apps constantly reload (RAM man- you know). I love the design and the camera, but holy cow it isn't worth it. I'm waiting until the next set of phones are out in the fall, then I'm switching (probably to the new Moto X).
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I am coming from a s5 and had a m9 for a few weeks that I loved but needed to return due to cracked camera lens so I gave the s6 a try had the s6 for a little over a month and I was feeling the same way about a week or so ago don't know why it took so long to sink in just seems like the os started to get worse over time lag battery life etc, I came close to buying a g4 and thought about selling my s6 online. So I caved in, broke knox, installed rapture rom and now I have been getting around two days on a full charge, I haven't had much time for heavy use this week but its a lot better than having 50% by lunch. I feel that this should hold me off till the sd820 hits the market. I don't think I'll return to samsung anytime after this device. It's just sad that they have teams of people to make a device and a few people on xda can make it run so much better. It almost seems like they are being held back on purpose I guess to get people ready for the s7 next year. Either way if you are stuck with the device then ask yourself if knox is really a big deal, if you are within return policy then send it back! you should be happy with what you pay for.

I know I will root at some point. I'm just holding off for the time being. BTW camera is awesome lol
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I'm considering rooting and trying Rapture 2.1. After 3 months with this phone, I was hoping that the stock ROM would be fine as is. In the past with other ROMs, I've noticed that the stock ROM is decent and the constant flashing of ROMs may not be worth it for me. The laggy experience and the terrible battery life with the current T-Mobile ROM makes me want to root and flash a better ROM.
Any downsides of flashing another ROM besides the following:
1. Losing warranty if you trip KNOX
2. No Samsung Pay functionality when it is released?

Related

3 MAJOR things stopping me from buying the Note 4

I am undecided on this device or the Nexus 6. However, I was leaning more towards the T-Mobile Note 4 for use on AT&T. I have been reading through these forums, along with the AT&T Note 4 forums. The three major issues I have been reading on are:
1. Screen uniformity issues (apparently common among AMOLED panels) Many have complained about a pink tint or residue on certain portions of the screen when viewing whites. Others have also complained that certain sections of the screen are cooler and have more of a blue tint. I have read very few actually state they got perfect screens. These AMOLED issues seem to be more prevalent in the Black Galaxy Note 4s (the color I wanted, too). I have also noted that some are complaining about graininess in their displays. Why does one of the "best" displays on the market suffer from these issues?
2. Headphone output? Its been no secret that almost every Samsung Galaxy flagship had very low volume, but apparently the Note 4 takes it to a new level. The volume with headphones plugged in, when using the stock music app is so low, it apparently is half the volume of the iPhone 5S. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM. I understand about volume mods and roms, but not everyone has time to mess around with that. I also refuse to carry around an iPhone and Note 4 just to get a good listening experience.
3. LAG? Apparently Samsung's TW is still lagging and stuttering just like its predecessors before it. Of course with the Note 4, "its not bad, and much improved", yet still there. When launching apps there are noticeable delays. Using the hangouts app produces quite a bit of stutter, and using the multitasking view.
I believe if anyone is going to drop $750+ dollars on a phone, they should not have to spend time "fixing" the above issues. I really hope that I am WRONG about these issues, because honestly, there really isn't much more to choose from when it comes to phones this year. The Nexus 6 display is lacking, and so is battery life. What's left? iPhone 6 Plus? Nah.
LOL go buy the iphone...
I don't have problem with headphones and it's louder than ever.
Don't have screen problems either..
Also no lag at all.
twe90kid said:
LOL go buy the iphone...
I don't have problem with headphones and it's louder than ever.
Don't have screen problems either..
Also no lag at all.
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Click to collapse
That's what I wanted to hear. No iPhone for me, nope not no way, not no how. I will not overpay for a limited device like that.
BlockEight88 said:
I am undecided on this device or the Nexus 6. However, I was leaning more towards the T-Mobile Note 4 for use on AT&T. I have been reading through these forums, along with the AT&T Note 4 forums. The three major issues I have been reading on are:
1. Screen uniformity issues (apparently common among AMOLED panels) Many have complained about a pink tint or residue on certain portions of the screen when viewing whites. Others have also complained that certain sections of the screen are cooler and have more of a blue tint. I have read very few actually state they got perfect screens. These AMOLED issues seem to be more prevalent in the Black Galaxy Note 4s (the color I wanted, too). I have also noted that some are complaining about graininess in their displays. Why does one of the "best" displays on the market suffer from these issues?
2. Headphone output? Its been no secret that almost every Samsung Galaxy flagship had very low volume, but apparently the Note 4 takes it to a new level. The volume with headphones plugged in, when using the stock music app is so low, it apparently is half the volume of the iPhone 5S. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM. I understand about volume mods and roms, but not everyone has time to mess around with that. I also refuse to carry around an iPhone and Note 4 just to get a good listening experience.
3. LAG? Apparently Samsung's TW is still lagging and stuttering just like its predecessors before it. Of course with the Note 4, "its not bad, and much improved", yet still there. When launching apps there are noticeable delays. Using the hangouts app produces quite a bit of stutter, and using the multitasking view.
I believe if anyone is going to drop $750+ dollars on a phone, they should not have to spend time "fixing" the above issues. I really hope that I am WRONG about these issues, because honestly, there really isn't much more to choose from when it comes to phones this year. The Nexus 6 display is lacking, and so is battery life. What's left? iPhone 6 Plus? Nah.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep got mine on preorder never had an issue with screen, if stock is bad no reason to mod download powerapp which is one of the best music players, go to settings and put outpt to the highest and promise to impress, and literally just downloading nova will get rid of most if an lag. Youll be fine and appreciate the phone more.
lwsoccjs said:
Yep got mine on preorder never had an issue with screen, if stock is bad no reason to mod download powerapp which is one of the best music players, go to settings and put outpt to the highest and promise to impress, and literally just downloading nova will get rid of most if an lag. Youll be fine and appreciate the phone more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After reading the thread on the display issues, I was quite worried. It seemed rare to get a perfect display. Of course I am sure majority of people do not have perfect displays and just don't notice it. This is why I prefer IPS panels instead of AMOLED.
unless you suffer from OCD, ignore all that non sense and buy the damn phone; its the phone of the year, by a LARGE margin, period
No problems with the phone from me. Screen is perfect, volume is plenty loud (way louder than any iPhone), lag is a non issue.
This phone does everything and does them ask well. I do have a custom ROM on it, which make a difference. If you want to buy a phone and leave it stock you should look at a nexus 6 a Motorola X or an iPhone. This phone is way better rooted with a custom ROM.
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ShrekOpher said:
No problems with the phone from me. Screen is perfect, volume is plenty loud (way louder than any iPhone), lag is a non issue.
This phone does everything and does them ask well. I do have a custom ROM on it, which make a difference. If you want to buy a phone and leave it stock you should look at a nexus 6 a Motorola X or an iPhone. This phone is way better rooted with a custom ROM.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Well rooting and flashing roms can be an amazing thing. It's just that I did that before with my S3 and S4 and I was always changing roms, never keeping anything lol. It also got annoying have to re-setup everything all the time when updates came. I think you could get into trouble by dirty flashing.
How is your signal reception? Do you use T-Mobile? How is the GPS accuracy?
From what I've seen personally and heard from reading it almost seems that the black n4's are more likely to have display issues........Racist !
Lol damn those black phones lol
I don't have screen troubles
I don't have lag
Headphones could be a bit louder
But nothing like you described
Always the black man, I am offended samsung ....#sue
...and honestly, if you are not willing to try the phone hands on you have no right to complain about it. touchwiz will always lag next STOCK android. it is no DIFFERENT next to an lg, xperia, and htc is SLIGHTLY (thats a stretch) better in the lag department because it is the CLOSEST to stock android.
With all your complaint, either go buy an iphone or go buy a nexus device because 3rd party manufacturers are not for you lol. feels like im back on the lg g3 forum all over again with posts like this...that should tell you something....complaints are UNIVERSAL until you buy the damn thing
mgbotoe said:
Always the black man, I am offended samsung ....#sue
...and honestly, if you are not willing to try the phone hands on you have no right to complain about it. touchwiz will always lag next STOCK android. it is no DIFFERENT next to an lg, xperia, and htc is SLIGHTLY (thats a stretch) better in the lag department because it is the CLOSEST to stock android.
With all your complaint, either go buy an iphone or go buy a nexus device because 3rd party manufacturers are not for you lol. feels like im back on the lg g3 forum all over again with posts like this...that should tell you something....complaints are UNIVERSAL until you buy the damn thing
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Click to collapse
Well if I could gather some respective opinions first before going out and spending $750+ then I'd rather go that route. Not too mention, if the phone does not work out for me, I'd have to pay T-Mobile a $50 restocking fee. So excuse me for using a "forum" the way it was designed.
Third party manufactures are not a bad thing, however, after using the S3 & S4, I have noticed a slow down or lag when it shouldn't be there, given the specs. I have read various reports of the Note 4 doing the same thing, so I figured I'd ask.
BlockEight88 said:
Well rooting and flashing roms can be an amazing thing. It's just that I did that before with my S3 and S4 and I was always changing roms, never keeping anything lol. It also got annoying have to re-setup everything all the time when updates came. I think you could get into trouble by dirty flashing.
How is your signal reception? Do you use T-Mobile? How is the GPS accuracy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Tmobile Note 4 on AT&T. I get full LTE everywhere. I actually get faster speeds than the AT&T model on AT&T got.
Have absolutely NO GPS issues. I don't know where that complaint came from, I leave my location settings on this phone to "Device only" which means it doesn't use the WiFi or cell signal to locate me at all and have still never had any issues.
With the device on "high accuracy" it locates you instantly.
Not to mention the battery life on this thing is absolutely insane.
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ShrekOpher said:
Using Tmobile Note 4 on AT&T. I get full LTE everywhere. I actually get faster speeds than the AT&T model on AT&T got.
Have absolutely NO GPS issues. I don't know where that complaint came from, I leave my location settings on this phone to "Device only" which means it doesn't use the WiFi or cell signal to locate me at all and have still never had any issues.
With the device on "high accuracy" it locates you instantly.
Not to mention the battery life on this thing is absolutely insane.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Thank you for your opinion. Can I ask when you bought the T-Mobile phone if you had service through them? I am reading that before the device is unlocked it first must be activated and used on its original carrier.
BlockEight88 said:
Well if I could gather some respective opinions first before going out and spending $750+ then I'd rather go that route. Not too mention, if the phone does not work out for me, I'd have to pay T-Mobile a $50 restocking fee. So excuse me for using a "forum" the way it was designed.
Third party manufactures are not a bad thing, however, after using the S3 & S4, I have noticed a slow down or lag when it shouldn't be there, given the specs. I have read various reports of the Note 4 doing the same thing, so I figured I'd ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, see it how you will im just stating the hard cold fact on the matter.
Point im trying to make is that EVERY single manufacturer will have the issue you just stated, thats the plain cold fact. Heck, even Nexus is having the complaints you are currently having.
Its a lottery my friend. If you are one of the unlucky ones you will end up with the unlucky device. If you want to nit pick at everything, you will end up with an unlucky device because you will always see something wrong.
See where I'm getting at?
The phone is great, it does not lag the way you are making it sound. I got zero screen issue and I'm satisfy with the sound of it...ITS LOUD. Unless you want your ears to bleed, the Note 4 is not for you. You want to use it as a boombox...the note 4 is not for you. It is smooth for what we KNOW to expect from samsung. They got so many things on here that needs to load and given the time they do and the tweaks I have on my phone, I'm satisfy and will forgive it. If you can't forgive it, than go grab an iphone or a nexus. We can bash on iphone all we want but their optimization is brilliant! They and google do so damn good job at it and make every other phone look like crap next to them (...nexus that is, im giving too much credit to icrap here lmao!) as far as "lag" is concern.
Also to make another note, most of the lag complain you see also deals with google apps. For some odd reason the only phone google apps (especially hangout) work flawlessly on are nexus devices, any other you will see lag. Nave samsung apps are FAR SUPERIOR in smoothness next to hangout. Using it make my phone feel like a cheap second rated phone
mgbotoe said:
Lol, see it how you will im just stating the hard cold fact on the matter.
Point im trying to make is that EVERY single manufacturer will have the issue you just stated, thats the plain cold fact. Heck, even Nexus is having the complaints you are currently having.
Its a lottery my friend. If you are one of the unlucky ones you will end up with the unlucky device. If you want to nit pick at everything, you will end up with an unlucky device because you will always see something wrong.
See where I'm getting at?
The phone is great, it does not lag the way you are making it sound. I got zero screen issue and I'm satisfy with the sound of it...ITS LOUD. Unless you want your ears to bleed, the Note 4 is not for you. You want to use it as a boombox...the note 4 is not for you. It is smooth for what we KNOW to expect from samsung. They got so many things on here that needs to load and given the time they do and the tweaks I have on my phone, I'm satisfy and will forgive it. If you can't forgive it, than go grab an iphone or a nexus. We can bash on iphone all we want but their optimization is brilliant! They and google do so damn good job at it and make every other phone look like crap next to them (...nexus that is, im giving too much credit to icrap here lmao!) as far as "lag" is concern.
Also to make another note, most of the lag complain you see also deals with google apps. For some odd reason the only phone google apps (especially hangout) work flawlessly on are nexus devices, any other you will see lag. Nave samsung apps are FAR SUPERIOR in smoothness next to hangout. Using it make my phone feel like a cheap second rated phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate that. You are right about every manufacturer having its issues. When I tried the iPhone 6 plus, it lagged too. But not as bad as my previous experience with Samsung devices. Perhaps "lag" isn't the right word. I guess the right word would be stutter. I always found the animations to be a tad jerky on Samsung devices, despite awesome specs. Hopefully its as improved as everyone here is making it out to be.
Its a shame though they don't make the headphone volume go louder. :/
BlockEight88 said:
Well if I could gather some respective opinions first before going out and spending $750+ then I'd rather go that route. Not too mention, if the phone does not work out for me, I'd have to pay T-Mobile a $50 restocking fee. So excuse me for using a "forum" the way it was designed.
Third party manufactures are not a bad thing, however, after using the S3 & S4, I have noticed a slow down or lag when it shouldn't be there, given the specs. I have read various reports of the Note 4 doing the same thing, so I figured I'd ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well considering best buy has them to demo and so does TMOBILE. I say hit the stores and you decide. So many threads about the phone not being perfect. Also every phone cost 500 plus so it not that big anymore. A smartphone comes with a smart phone price. U need to see for your self. I love it my boy hates it. It your money you need to go and see.
BACARDILIMON said:
Well considering best buy has them to demo and so does TMOBILE. I say hit the stores and you decide. So many threads about the phone not being perfect. Also every phone cost 500 plus so it not that big anymore. A smartphone comes with a smart phone price. U need to see for your self. I love it my boy hates it. It your money you need to go and see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing with going to Best Buy and T-Mobile is that they have demo versions running on the phone, which can slow everything down.
Honestly, you should just buy a note 4. Nothing else now or in the near future compares.
My headphones are too loud. If there is such a thing.
Screen is what everyone I show the phone notices. In a good drooling/jealous way.
I've never had a phone with less lag.
I am custom however. Firekat v4

How I managed to reduce lag - for inexperienced users

The S6 is a fast and fluid phone by all means and doesn't lag often -but it does. And until Samsung (under AT&T's crippled control) comes forward with some firmware updates we can expect less than optimal software. These steps seemed to help keep performance smooth and lower the frequency of any stuttering for the time being.
Step 1
Disable Bloat
AT&T Bloat - AT&T FamilyMap, AT&T Hot Spots, AT&T Live, AT&T Locker, AT&T Locker, AT&T Mail, AT&T Mobile Locate, AT&T Mobile Transfer. AT&T Navigator, Caller Name ID, Device Help, DriveMode, Milk, Milk Video , Smart Limits (Why is there so much!?!)
Samsung Bloat - S Voice, Keeper, Lookout, Hancom Office 2014,
Other Bloat - OneNote, Skype, Uber, YP, Hangouts, Instagram, Facebook, Amazon
You can disable more or disable less, but honestly the bulk of the bloat comes from AT&T.
Once you disable everything restart your phone. It is important to make sure all of the applications are not loaded in the RAM, and a reboot should guarantee this. Of course, if you root you can delete the applications instead of disabling them - it's your call.
Step 2
Disable Sensors You're not Using
NFC
Motion and Gestures - Direct call, Smart alert, Mute, Palm Swipe to capture
Bluetooth
Themes (These may not actually affect performance, only time will tell)
Account Sync
GPS
Wifi - Network notification, Always allow scanning
News Briefing
Step 3
Stay up to date
System updates
Google Play App updates
Galaxy App updates - new users may not know to check this application for system updates
That about does it for now. Time to wait for both ROMs (if the bootloader is ever unlocked) and firmware updates.
Hippoman13 said:
The S6 is a fast and fluid phone by all means and doesn't lag often -but it does. And until Samsung (under AT&T's crippled control) comes forward with some firmware updates we can expect less than optimal software. These steps seemed to help keep performance smooth and lower the frequency of any stuttering for the time being.
Step 1
Disable Bloat
AT&T Bloat - AT&T FamilyMap, AT&T Hot Spots, AT&T Live, AT&T Locker, AT&T Locker, AT&T Mail, AT&T Mobile Locate, AT&T Mobile Transfer. AT&T Navigator, Caller Name ID, Device Help, DriveMode, Milk, Milk Video , Smart Limits (Why is there so much!?!)
Samsung Bloat - S Voice, Keeper, Lookout, Hancom Office 2014,
Other Bloat - OneNote, Skype, Uber, YP, Hangouts, Instagram, Facebook, Amazon
You can disable more or disable less, but honestly the bulk of the bloat comes from AT&T.
Once you disable everything restart your phone. It is important to make sure all of the applications are not loaded in the RAM, and a reboot should guarantee this. Of course, if you root you can delete the applications instead of disabling them - it's your call.
Step 2
Disable Unnecessary Sensors
NFC
Motion and Gestures - Direct call, Smart alert, Mute, Palm Swipe to capture
Bluetooth
Themes (These may not actually affect performance, only time will tell)
Account Sync
GPS
Wifi - Network notification, Always allow scanning
News Briefing
Step 3
Stay up to date
System updates
Google Play App updates
Galaxy App updates
That about does it for now. Time to wait for both ROMs (if the bootloader is ever unlocked) and firmware updates. Samsung is known for laggy launch software and that is what we're dealing with, folks.
I would appreciate feedback and input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, this is almost laughable. You literally have everything on the device disabled? Turn off WiFi Bluetooth GPS??? Why don't you just run your phone in airplane mode since you're only one step away from it....
Even more laughable that you think its "laggy" and not the fastest phone on the market.....
Even MORE laughable that you're actually waiting for the bootloader to get unlocked.... check with the S5 people who bought their phones a year ago and see how that's going for them...
You should just delete Steps 2 and 3 from your list since step 2 is just rediculous, and step 3 is just common sense.
TechSavvy2 said:
Lol, this is almost laughable. You literally have everything on the device disabled? Turn off WiFi Bluetooth GPS??? Why don't you just run your phone in airplane mode since you're only one step away from it....
Even more laughable that you think its "laggy" and not the fastest phone on the market.....
Even MORE laughable that you're actually waiting for the bootloader to get unlocked.... check with the S5 people who bought their phones a year ago and see how that's going for them...
You should just delete Steps 2 and 3 from your list since step 2 is just rediculous, and step 3 is just common sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Coming to terms with lag is hard. Especially after you spend your hard earned money on a new SamsungĀ® Phone. EVEN more so for someone who cries under a guide made for inexperienced users. You sound like you know what you're talking about - why are you here?
I don't have everything disabled. I said Disable Unnecessary Sensors(I changed it for you). If any of them are necessary to you, leave them on. Are you still confused?
The phone IS laggy. Every Android phone is to different degrees and your new, shiny Galaxy S6 is no different. ESPECIALLY the AT&T variant. I said the bulk of the bloat comes from AT&T, so other versions of the S6 are probably faster and what you read about. Not this one.
The bootloader might be unlocked, or maybe not. Assuming it definitely won't be is laughable.
There's no need to freak out on a guide for inexperienced users. A TON of people bought the S6 and don't know how it works. You certainly do, so don't waste your time.
This is a good guide and starting point, thank you for taking the time to post it here. As always, other users should take all guides as such; a starting point to customize "your" rig for what "you" use. Take what you like and leave the rest aside. :good:
S6 making more problems than S5
My S5 Goes better then the s6 Egde
I opted to get the iPhone 6+ a chance,,and I don't regret it. with the 8.3 update is just buttery smooth, I was going to get the S6, but will all that bloat and no root in the near future the decision was easy. Now just wait for the LG G4 to come out and see what it brings....
The M9 is just out of the equation since I really hated that bezel when I had the M8
eortizr said:
I opted to get the iPhone 6+ a chance,,and I don't regret it. with the 8.3 update is just buttery smooth, I was going to get the S6, but will all that bloat and no root in the near future the decision was easy. Now just wait for the LG G4 to come out and see what it brings....
The M9 is just out of the equation since I really hated that bezel when I had the M8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yay for you. Who cares?
Sent from my SM-P900 using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2
Well the M9 display and camera are quite poor compared to the S6 and iPhone. It's really unfortunate.
The new iPhone is only 5 months away, so enjoy your phone while it's relevant. I've played around with iOS 8.3 and it really is killer, I just don't like iPhones lol.
Hippoman13 said:
Coming to terms with lag is hard. Especially after you spend your hard earned money on a new SamsungĀ® Phone. EVEN more so for someone who cries under a guide made for inexperienced users. You sound like you know what you're talking about - why are you here?
I don't have everything disabled. I said Disable Unnecessary Sensors(I changed it for you). If any of them are necessary to you, leave them on. Are you still confused?
The phone IS laggy. Every Android phone is to different degrees and your new, shiny Galaxy S6 is no different. ESPECIALLY the AT&T variant. I said the bulk of the bloat comes from AT&T, so other versions of the S6 are probably faster and what you read about. Not this one.
The bootloader might be unlocked, or maybe not. Assuming it definitely won't be is laughable.
There's no need to freak out on a guide for inexperienced users. A TON of people bought the S6 and don't know how it works. You certainly do, so don't waste your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do people always relate bloat to lag? Do you realize in reality it has almost nothing to do with lag, if at all?
It's like saying "my computer is slower because 70% of my hard drive is full instead of 50%" . It's pure rubbish and simply not true.
So please, I understand you are trying to help but please don't steer people in the wrong direction.
It's just a common XDA myth that everyone jumped on without doing their own research.
WizeGuyDezignz said:
Why do people always relate bloat to lag? Do you realize in reality it has almost nothing to do with lag, if at all?
It's like saying "my computer is slower because 70% of my hard drive is full instead of 50%" . It's pure rubbish and simply not true.
So please, I understand you are trying to help but please don't steer people in the wrong direction.
It's just a common XDA myth that everyone jumped on without doing their own research.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're joking, right?
Many bloat apps run in the background and consume CPU and RAM. They don't just sit there dormant in the storage.
WizeGuyDezignz said:
Why do people always relate bloat to lag? Do you realize in reality it has almost nothing to do with lag, if at all?
It's like saying "my computer is slower because 70% of my hard drive is full instead of 50%" . It's pure rubbish and simply not true.
So please, I understand you are trying to help but please don't steer people in the wrong direction.
It's just a common XDA myth that everyone jumped on without doing their own research.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are an idiot.... Because on physical disk drives (HDD's not SSD's) being fuller does mean slower. That is that the drive will take longer to seek data as the way that the disk writes/reads data it would have to move the heads back an forth much further/more often. as I drive gets fuller it also fragments data more often. his is why a SSD is superior at seek times as it does not have to seek data on a physical level, especially as they get closer to full utilization of capacity.
Beyond that, a HDD writes from outside edge of the disk inward. This is because at the same rpm, each revolution that the disk makes it is able to pull more data on the outside of the disk than the inside. Density of data is uniform so it simply passes more data. Think of a car that has a tiny (diameter) tire vs a large one (same car). At the same rpms in a given gear, the large diameter tire will be moving faster. Why? The outside edge has a higher velocity than the inside of the tire as it spins. The further a spinning object reaches from center, the faster it will be spinning at an outside edge vs inner.
I agree this guide is bs...Just as your understanding of computer storage architecture is.
There really isn't much lag. That may be b/c I disabled everything first thing after unboxing, but I disabled b/c I dont want all those apps downloading updates. Not b/c I noticed any lag. Touchwiz is definitely snappier than the GS5.
I'm running my HTC M8 GPE (just wiped it clean). The M8 is a tad bit quicker/responsive, but the S6 is very, very close. M8 GPE is still an awesome phone
The camera and added software features like multi-window, quick camera access, etc. make the S6 slightly better in my opinion (for me at least).
My main concern with the S6, and why I'm considering returning it and waiting for the Note, is the battery life. So far it just hasn't been good. Probably 3.5hrs of screen time. And I can't replace the battery, so after a year the battery life is going to be bad. It does charge fast, but I don't want to have to worry about that.
brushrop03 said:
There really isn't much lag. That may be b/c I disabled everything first thing after unboxing, but I disabled b/c I dont want all those apps downloading updates. Not b/c I noticed any lag. Touchwiz is definitely snappier than the GS5.
I'm running my HTC M8 GPE (just wiped it clean). The M8 is a tad bit quicker/responsive, but the S6 is very, very close. M8 GPE is still an awesome phone
The camera and added software features like multi-window, quick camera access, etc. make the S6 slightly better in my opinion (for me at least).
My main concern with the S6, and why I'm considering returning it and waiting for the Note, is the battery life. So far it just hasn't been good. Probably 3.5hrs of screen time. And I can't replace the battery, so after a year the battery life is going to be bad. It does charge fast, but I don't want to have to worry about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah the battery has been a disappointment so far coming from the g3... but I only had the g3 for a month and had a nexus 5 for a year before that so I'm kinda used to it. Still a buzzkill tho
I feel like each and everyone of you shouldn't be surprised by any of this. It happened on S3, S4, S5 and the note devices why would the S6 be any different. Until we start putting our foot down(never going to happen) as consumers it's safe to assume that the S7 won't be any different.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using XDA Free mobile app
LeKtRiCzzz said:
I feel like each and everyone of you shouldn't be surprised by any of this. It happened on S3, S4, S5 and the note devices why would the S6 be any different. Until we start putting our foot down(never going to happen) as consumers it's safe to assume that the S7 won't be any different.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was by no means surprised. I saw the size of the battery before I bought it. I know it's a quality screen that will also impact it. I'm surprised it gets the same kind of battery life as the nexus 5 tbh
This is honestly so dumb. There is no lag...
DigitalUnderground said:
I was by no means surprised. I saw the size of the battery before I bought it. I know it's a quality screen that will also impact it. I'm surprised it gets the same kind of battery life as the nexus 5 tbh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm only disappointed in the fact that we finally get a Samsung battery efficient processor, but then they make the battery smaller than the S5 and seal it. I could see myself keeping this phone for 2 years, but I would need to replace the battery at some point.
brushrop03 said:
I'm only disappointed in the fact that we finally get a Samsung battery efficient processor, but then they make the battery smaller than the S5 and seal it. I could see myself keeping this phone for 2 years, but I would need to replace the battery at some point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can understand that... but remember the device's footprint is smaller and more compact than the s5. There's only so much room. Once you've owned a nexus 5, u learn to keep a charger at the office in case of emergency and a car charger in the center console outlet.
DigitalUnderground said:
I can understand that... but remember the device's footprint is smaller and more compact than the s5. There's only so much room. Once you've owned a nexus 5, u learn to keep a charger at the office in case of emergency and a car charger in the center console outlet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I have a 2A charger at work and in my car. So i'm usually not far away from a charger. But the more you charge, the faster you wear the battery life. If I could replace the battery, not a big problem. But they sealed it!!! arghh!! wth Samsung?!
brushrop03 said:
Yeah I have a 2A charger at work and in my car. So i'm usually not far away from a charger. But the more you charge, the faster you wear the battery life. If I could replace the battery, not a big problem. But they sealed it!!! arghh!! wth Samsung?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never replaced a battery in any phone I've had and I don't use microsd so I actually like the device being sealed. It adds to the build quality and the sturdiness. You couldn't have the glass back if it was removable

Switched from Note 4 to Nexus 6. See samples and comparison shots inside thread!

Hello everyone! I'm thinking of getting rid of my Note 4 and getting either a Xperia Z3 or a Nexus 6. Don't get me wrong, the Note 4 is a great device, but for the money, the amount of lag and terrible low-light and indoor pictures and pretty bad battery life is just too much for me.
The most important things for me are:
Battery life
Performance (multitasking)
Camera
All the blogs said the Note 4 was the device for me, but over the last 3 roms I haven't been able to fix ANY of these issues.
How's the Nexus 6? Are you guys generally speaking happy with it? Has anyone played with the Note 4 and could maybe shine some light on their opinion and experiences? Thanks!
UPDATE:
I've pulled the trigger, photography examples are here. Quite surprising if you ask me:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61486380&postcount=60
zkyevolved said:
Hello everyone! I'm thinking of getting rid of my Note 4 and getting either a Xperia Z3 or a Nexus 6. Don't get me wrong, the Note 4 is a great device, but for the money, the amount of lag and terrible low-light and indoor pictures and pretty bad battery life is just too much for me.
The most important things for me are:
Battery life
Performance (multitasking)
Camera
All the blogs said the Note 4 was the device for me, but over the last 3 roms I haven't been able to fix ANY of these issues.
How's the Nexus 6? Are you guys generally speaking happy with it? Has anyone played with the Note 4 and could maybe shine some light on their opinion and experiences? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the note 4. Lived the screen and the software actually wasn't half bad but there was lag, especially in the multitasking section. Also battery life was pretty bad and the phone heated up substantially even with little usage and of course saying that it's not on latest android software (which isn't a big thing for most). Just got the nexus 6 a few days and was completely blown away by how solid it is. Speakers are much louder than the HTC one m8 in certain situations (Spotify streaming seems to be on par) but in the vine app the videos are super loud and clear. Being on latest software is great and the screen itself being a 6 inch 2k display is very useful and not over kill at all although I do with the screen was more on the cooler side. Last but not least the development community of course is outstanding in the nexus community so overall the nexus is a solid choice. I've also had the z2 which is the same as the z3 is great but if your a modder/developer than you'll stay away as there isn't much. Only thing going for the z3 is the screen and battery life. I consistently got over 5 to 6 hours of screen on time on the z2 stock which I miss but not enough to go back lol
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
If you don't mind me asking, how is the camera and battery life on the nexus 6? I have read multiple sites and videos. They're all over the place. Some say the camera is awesome while others no. Other sites say that the battery life is good. Others say it's terrible... How does it compare with the note 4 and z2? I'm more intrigued by the nexus to be honest. Haha.
Sent from my Note 4 using Tapatalk
zkyevolved said:
If you don't mind me asking, how is the camera and battery life on the nexus 6? I have read multiple sites and videos. They're all over the place. Some say the camera is awesome while others no. Other sites say that the battery life is good. Others say it's terrible... How does it compare with the note 4 and z2? I'm more intrigued by the nexus to be honest. Haha.
Sent from my Note 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Batterylife is about 4-5 hours screenontime depending on usage off course. And for me the camera is quite good (not Galaxy S6 good) especialy with sufficient light, pics are crisp and detailled and colors are quite accurate. I`ve had all the Notes too but the N6 will grow on you i`am sure. And it has very good speakers btw.
Camera is great, but I'm not a "picture taker". Love the app, A Better Camera. Takes full advantage of all 13mp. Battery life varies heavily on kernel and the settings you chose. I can go a couple days. I don't really worry about battery life though. Ex. I had 12% and ran a short errund, 20 min at most. When I got back battery was 93%. Hail to the turbo charge...
Sent from my Nexus 6
zkyevolved said:
If you don't mind me asking, how is the camera and battery life on the nexus 6? I have read multiple sites and videos. They're all over the place. Some say the camera is awesome while others no. Other sites say that the battery life is good. Others say it's terrible... How does it compare with the note 4 and z2? I'm more intrigued by the nexus to be honest. Haha.
Sent from my Note 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol well I never take pictures. I did however take a few shots when I got it. The pictures seem good but then again I'm no professional. The battery life is OK to say the least when I first got it but it settled down after a few days. I'm now on chroma ROM stock nothing changed but the rom itself and I just pushed over 5 hours SOT. On bone stock before I rooted I believe I was getting a little over 3 hours with heavy gmail refreshing/internet browsing(chrome)/xda /YouTube watching and mostly all on T-Mobile LTE with db of around -109 to -112 at the place I work so id say it's pretty good honestly. If you root and ROM like most people do then you'll exceed those stock limitations for sure as evidence of me.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
I don't like to mod or root my devices. So it would have to be stock everything. Camera performance is important to me, as is the ability to spend the day being able to take pictures. I could kill my phone with an afternoon of capturing some snapshots. Haha.
Knowing that I wouldn't root my device, would you still recommend it? ^_^ thanks.
zkyevolved said:
I don't like to mod or root my devices. So it would have to be stock everything. Camera performance is important to me, as is the ability to spend the day being able to take pictures. I could kill my phone with an afternoon of capturing some snapshots. Haha.
Knowing that I wouldn't root my device, would you still recommend it? ^_^ thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah definitely. The phone itself is a beast. Love the form factor, the screen, the speakers, stock software. The camera itself is fast and very simplistic, although it could use more manual camera options like the s6, but I'm sure you can download a camera off the play store with such options and of course you can record video in 4k so overall its not a bad contender what so ever.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Just got my N6 Wednesday. Completely stock I'm getting 6-7 hrs sot. Web browsing, YouTube etc. Camera is OK but it's not something that is important to me. I don't take many pictures. Quick charge works well. I came from a note 3. It was a good phone but I like this phone better. Better battery life than I ever got with the N3.
Stock... You've got a great camera. Again battery life is good, its a rather hefty one, but depends on you. How you use it, WiFi vs data, downloads, streaming etc. Basically battery life is in your control.
713brianp27 said:
Stock... You've got a great camera. Again battery life is good, its a rather hefty one, but depends on you. How you use it, WiFi vs data, downloads, streaming etc. Basically battery life is in your control.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that. That's why I'm so ticked about note 4... My usage is minimal. I am on Wi-Fi 90% of the time. My phone has been off the charger for an hour and this is the first time I've picked it up in an hour and it's already down 4%. Samsung did something horribly wrong.
I also have an awesome Nokia dt-903 wireless charger which I miss using since I switched my Nokia 1520. Haha. So as long as battery is good enough to last a day with normal usage, like taking some pictures, browsing the web for 20 minutes a day, and answering whatsapp and line messages throughout the day, then I'm happy. [emoji1]
Thank you for your reply!
Sent from my Note 4 using Tapatalk
zkyevolved said:
I understand that. That's why I'm so ticked about note 4... My usage is minimal. I am on Wi-Fi 90% of the time. My phone has been off the charger for an hour and this is the first time I've picked it up in an hour and it's already down 4%. Samsung did something horribly wrong.
I also have an awesome Nokia dt-903 wireless charger which I miss using since I switched my Nokia 1520. Haha. So as long as battery is good enough to last a day with normal usage, like taking some pictures, browsing the web for 20 minutes a day, and answering whatsapp and line messages throughout the day, then I'm happy. [emoji1]
Thank you for your reply!
Sent from my Note 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I`am sure the N6 will not be a letdown i`am sure, i would advice to buy the 64GB version (if available) as there is no sdcard tray to expand memory. As for the size you`re hands and brain will be used to it within 2 days and after that most other phones will look tiny
gee2012 said:
I`am sure the N6 will not be a letdown i`am sure, i would advice to buy the 64GB version (if available) as there is no sdcard tray to expand memory. As for the size you`re hands and brain will be used to it within 2 days and after that most other phones will look tiny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha. No doubt. I have the note 4 now. Before I had the Nokia 1520, another 6 inch device. But that one wouldn't allow me to sit down with the phone in my pocket. Haha. And I was counting on getting the 64gb model. ?
Sent from my Note 4 using Tapatalk
For sure. Unfortunately Verizon only had 32gb. That being said I have had phone a while and have multirom with 2 extras. Still over 17gb left. If you need it, get it!
---------- Post added at 02:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:56 PM ----------
$50 price difference is nothing. I remember "needing" 64 on iPhone 5S and paid, what 200 more. Foolish
zkyevolved said:
I understand that. That's why I'm so ticked about note 4... My usage is minimal. I am on Wi-Fi 90% of the time. My phone has been off the charger for an hour and this is the first time I've picked it up in an hour and it's already down 4%. Samsung did something horribly wrong.
I also have an awesome Nokia dt-903 wireless charger which I miss using since I switched my Nokia 1520. Haha. So as long as battery is good enough to last a day with normal usage, like taking some pictures, browsing the web for 20 minutes a day, and answering whatsapp and line messages throughout the day, then I'm happy. [emoji1]
Thank you for your reply!
Sent from my Note 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note looks like a great phone. If I had TMO or Sprint it would of been a tough call. Do they still have external SD?
713brianp27 said:
Note looks like a great phone. If I had TMO or Sprint it would of been a tough call. Do they still have external SD?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. I toyed with the idea of a note 4, then I remembered id had a Samsung before.
zkyevolved said:
Hello everyone! I'm thinking of getting rid of my Note 4 and getting either a Xperia Z3 or a Nexus 6. Don't get me wrong, the Note 4 is a great device, but for the money, the amount of lag and terrible low-light and indoor pictures and pretty bad battery life is just too much for me.
The most important things for me are:
Battery life
Performance (multitasking)
Camera
All the blogs said the Note 4 was the device for me, but over the last 3 roms I haven't been able to fix ANY of these issues.
How's the Nexus 6? Are you guys generally speaking happy with it? Has anyone played with the Note 4 and could maybe shine some light on their opinion and experiences? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this switch and haven't looked back since dropping my note 4 for the nexus 6.
I've had the Note 4 , 2 of them between me and my GF, and have been using the Nexus 6 for about 3 weeks now..
My Note 4 experience has been nothing like the OP. I got great battery ( mostly on LTE all day ...RF around -90 to -105db ...SOT almost 7 hrs), neither of the two Notes heated up to an uncomfortable level, the camera on both N4s has been stellar and way better than the Nexus 6 ! The Note 4 had a bit of lag but that was resolved ( at least for me ) when animations were toned down to 0.5x under Developer Options.
If camera, especially in low light situations, and battery are your priorities, stay away from the Nexus 6 ! I love the Nexus 6 but not for its camera or battery.
If it wasn't my impatience for the latest FW w/o rooting, I would have def. kept the Note 4 ! I wish there was a GPE version of the N4!!
I have no experience with the Z3, so can't comment on that device.
zkyevolved said:
Haha. No doubt. I have the note 4 now. Before I had the Nokia 1520, another 6 inch device. But that one wouldn't allow me to sit down with the phone in my pocket. Haha. And I was counting on getting the 64gb model. ?
Sent from my Note 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung is a good phone. TMO and Sprint service is pathetic. At least here. So having Verizon I went with S5 after years of apple. Glad I did. And thanks to whomever, I was able to get a developer ed. I do miss sdcard a little, but removable battery was NICE. Hardly ever had to charge. Just swap to a fresh bat. I think Sammy is going away from those perks now so now it would be an easy choice....
Yeah, that's what I keep hearing. I guess I'll stick with my Note 4 a little while longer to see what happens with Samsung and their ROMS.
I went to a shop yesterday and did a camera test, and wow... I mean, the detail on the Nexus 6 is fine... But ... What a difference in camera quality...

Finally getting me one, stoked for the battery life!

Having lost both my trusty S2 and Nokia E6 to water damage (repaired, worked for a while, but eventually both became unusable), and absolutely hating the life on S2 and loving it on E6 (and old backup E72 especially) I'm very stoked to finally get a waterproof android with capable life given the phone that it is. Looking up roms/tweaks/root while killing time for tomorrow's mail.
IF anyone else is a data minimalist, music enthusiast, and traveler (aka possible no recharge, read about the ultra saver mode already and will likely use that one mainly) how is your experience with battery life? How about waterproofing?
Skv012a said:
Having lost both my trusty S2 and Nokia E6 to water damage (repaired, worked for a while, but eventually both became unusable), and absolutely hating the life on S2 and loving it on E6 (and old backup E72 especially) I'm very stoked to finally get a waterproof android with capable life given the phone that it is. Looking up roms/tweaks/root while killing time for tomorrow's mail.
IF anyone else is a data minimalist, music enthusiast, and traveler (aka possible no recharge, read about the ultra saver mode already and will likely use that one mainly) how is your experience with battery life? How about waterproofing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont worry much about battery life since i have a charger every night. But mine is good. I run TMS5 right now. Great rom hope yours don't come with the 5.0 pre installed ( no root, no way to downgrade yet ). Here's my battery life with very little phone usage as I've been camping and don't worry about a phone when I'm camping.
dirtydodge said:
I dont worry much about battery life since i have a charger every night. But mine is good. I run TMS5 right now. Great rom hope yours don't come with the 5.0 pre installed ( no root, no way to downgrade yet ). Here's my battery life with very little phone usage as I've been camping and don't worry about a phone when I'm camping.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very cool. And isn't there a way to flash stock 4.4.2 via odin or something? Like soft-unbrick kinda deal.
Skv012a said:
Very cool. And isn't there a way to flash stock 4.4.2 via odin or something? Like soft-unbrick kinda deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not if 5.0 is pre installed or you take the ota. Unless your getting the active. I think the s5 active can downgrade from 5.0.
dirtydodge said:
Not if 5.0 is pre installed or you take the ota. Unless your getting the active. I think the s5 active can downgrade from 5.0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope the seller I got it from didn't update. He said he hasn't in a few months, but that sounds close for comfort given 5 was released in april and phone would blast that notification.
I say as long as you don't feel like you HAVE TO root...you'll be pleased with this device even if its been upgraded to 5.0 already. I've had mine for a few months now and I upgraded to 5.0 (without knowing the full implications) after a couple days of getting it. I do admit it would be nice to able to disable the charger cover nag notification and to be able to at least have to option to run XGELS again...but thats not a game changer for me. I'm coming from a GS3. Of all the devices I've had on AT&T this one has been the most issue and quirk-free so far.
I usually run in Power Saving Mode (performance), toggle Location on only when I'm not at home, toggle bluetooth on when needed, have FB (with some notifications enabled), FB messenger, ESPN (with notifications for like 4 teams), email polls every hour on one account.
I'm a software dev (not Android tho) so I listen to and stream ALOT of music M thru F while I pound and click away. If I'm on wifi all day I can stream 6 hours of music and get 5 hours of screen time easily and consistently with %30 to %35 left after the end of the day.
One of these days I'm going to go balls out and TRY to kill the thing in one day. Haven't been able to do it yet with my version of heavy usage. YMMV.
Looks like 4.4.2, getting the pre-rooted 5, flashfire, towel, etc.
I think the battery life is pretty good once u disable some bloat. I'm on the 5.0 Ota unfortunately and my s5 can get threw a full day with a single charge.
And... I'm coming from an s3 that had a zero lemmon 7000 mah battery.. it lasted nearly a week lol
But, I'm still pleased, wish I could root but I'm getting by ok... in all I'm not a huge fan of lolipop l, mainly the new restrictions on a few things implemented. Lolipop would be great rooted tho. Like the other guy said tho, not a deal breaker
I enjoy mine and sure u will as well
Waterproof, dunno haven't tried but from what I have seen it seems to do pretty well. I'd say it's sure to survive a splash in the tub or something
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
standy/idle w limited usage ~2 days. if i use it normally itll last most of the day. this is w zerolemon stock size replacement.
I can vouch for the quality of zero lemon products. I'd say it's a fair bet the zero lemmon stock size battery is better quality than the Samsung one
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app

Hey Note Owners.. talk me out of buying

I currently have an S4 on Sprint. The screen cracked a couple weeks ago and I'm ready for my upgrade. I would like to stay on Sprint and I don't mind using my upgrade eligibility to get a big discount (which rules out a phone like the Moto Pure).
I want a bigger phone, ideally 5.7. I want something with an improved battery life (shouldn't be hard my s4 has a SOT of like 3 hours at most). I don't care about not being able to swap the battery or expandable storage. I want a better camera. I want something that will eventually be able to flash custom roms (seems like the note5 is getting close to this).
Why shouldn't I get one in about a week? What phones are better? Again - whatever phone I buy is going to come from the carrier, so something like a used note4 is not an option. Thanks!
The note 5 will work well for most of your needs. But I'm not sure about custom roms though. I'm not sure about the future but right now, development is slow. There is one custom rom at the moment it looks like for sprint. Something like the moto x or the next nexus may be better if development is important to you since they should work across all carriers. The exynos processor and multiple carrier versions will hurt development. But camera and battery life have been amazing (for me at least, some may disagree).
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---------- Post added at 07:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:14 AM ----------
The new z5 premium also looks nice (will it work on Sprint?)
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I won't talk you out of buying a Note 5, simply because this is the best phone I have ever owned.
The camera, the hardware, the speed, the customization, the sound coming through headphones, the call quality, the battery life, and dat S PEN! Well worth my upgrade and money.
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The new note afaik has an issue with the pen, which when inserted backwards makes it stuck. There are ways to carefully extract it, but you can easily break the S-pen sensor.
zags14 said:
I currently have an S4 on Sprint. The screen cracked a couple weeks ago and I'm ready for my upgrade. I would like to stay on Sprint and I don't mind using my upgrade eligibility to get a big discount (which rules out a phone like the Moto Pure).
I want a bigger phone, ideally 5.7. I want something with an improved battery life (shouldn't be hard my s4 has a SOT of like 3 hours at most). I don't care about not being able to swap the battery or expandable storage. I want a better camera. I want something that will eventually be able to flash custom roms (seems like the note5 is getting close to this).
Why shouldn't I get one in about a week? What phones are better? Again - whatever phone I buy is going to come from the carrier, so something like a used note4 is not an option. Thanks!
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Get a note 4..... If you can find one
dikidera said:
The new note afaik has an issue with the pen, which when inserted backwards makes it stuck. There are ways to carefully extract it, but you can easily break the S-pen sensor.
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That issue is 100% user error. I'm not worried about that
ryanalan82 said:
Get a note 4..... If you can find one
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As I said, I want to take advantage of my upgrade discount so I can't get a note 4. I could find one, but I would be paying 400$+ as opposed to the 250$ i can get the note5 from Sprint for.
oy yes TW, lag and very few custom roms.
My old phone was also a Galaxy S4. I used my upgrade to get the Note 5 and couldn't be happier. To be honest on Sprint the Note 5 is probably the best phone you can get
well...something to consider before buying..the AT&T and verizon variants come with locked bootloaders...
if you have small hands...this is not for you....one hand text sucks big time! Speaker isnt that loud as far as notification goes, unless you root your phone and modify some values. Battery is Decent, you get about 4-5 hours SOT. Dev is so-so on tmobile and international version. I think thats about it. This is my first Note series, all the past note are way too big for me, even this one is big for me, but I can work around it.
Chord_Hugo87 said:
if you have small hands...this is not for you....one hand text sucks big time! Speaker isnt that loud as far as notification goes, unless you root your phone and modify some values. Battery is Decent, you get about 4-5 hours SOT. Dev is so-so on tmobile and international version. I think thats about it. This is my first Note series, all the past note are way too big for me, even this one is big for me, but I can work around it.
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There is actually a feature on the device that lets you slide a keyboard to the side for smaller hands. They were thinking of you and people who text and drive
I had it all...all s series and note series and i was a litle sceptic about removing sd and battery but now I have note 5 in my hands and I have to say it is the BEST phone I had and I had it all and I am from EUROPE
I swore myself off TouchWiz after I owned my S4, it was my least favorite android phone. But after I had a really bad experience with the LG G4, I returned it and swapped it for a Note 5. Absolutely loving this phone. Never have had a phone this snappy even after loading it up with all my apps etc. I always notice that out of the box phones are great, and invariably after a week of use they bog down... Not this thing. Software is way toned down as far as TouchWiz is concerned. The S Pen is a pretty great touch. After having it, I realize if you're going to have a large device, might as well maximize functionality and have a stylus and some decent software to go along with it. I give this phone a solid 9/10, 9 because of the no expandable memory but really is a moot point with cloud storage being so good these days, and free. Also, if you're looking to flash custom stuff, consider that Knox will trip and you'll lose out on Samsung pay and other features requiring intact security flag. Definitely cruise over to the Note 5 sprint development page to see what's available before making a jump.
Really I don't think you can go wrong with this device. It's very well done, and has a very premium feel for a device, a first for Samsung... Finally I feel like I'm getting what I pay for
Love the hardware, hate the software. You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to the hardware, it's really fantastic. But I can't get over how much this phone lags for me and how quickly the battery dies so I will be switching back to an iPhone once the 6s Plus is released. On my old 6 Plus I could end the day with 50% battery, on my Note 5 I have to charge around 5 PM, extremely disappointed. But if you can deal with Android the Note 5 seriously is probably the best out right now.
IAmPears said:
Love the hardware, hate the software. You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to the hardware, it's really fantastic. But I can't get over how much this phone lags for me and how quickly the battery dies so I will be switching back to an iPhone once the 6s Plus is released. On my old 6 Plus I could end the day with 50% battery, on my Note 5 I have to charge around 5 PM, extremely disappointed. But if you can deal with Android the Note 5 seriously is probably the best out right now.
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I've been surfing this forum and am shocked seeing how many people are complaining about bad battery life. I honestly think it is certain carriers. Which model and carrier do you have?
Because I have AT&T and my battery life is exceptional. It is to the point where I don't even worry about battery life anymore.
WizeGuyDezignz said:
I've been surfing this forum and am shocked seeing how many people are complaining about bad battery life. I honestly think it is certain carriers. Which model and carrier do you have?
Because I have AT&T and my battery life is exceptional. It is to the point where I don't even worry about battery life anymore.
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I have Verizon, I've even gone and used Package Disabler Pro to turn most of the bloat off and have full strength signal the whole day. I've gone from not having to worry at all about battery to seeing it drop to 75% after 3 hours of barely any use.
IAmPears said:
I have Verizon, I've even gone and used Package Disabler Pro to turn most of the bloat off and have full strength signal the whole day. I've gone from not having to worry at all about battery to seeing it drop to 75% after 3 hours of barely any use.
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Bro, something is wrong. It's either verizon royally screwed something up in their software or you have a defective phone. No joke.
My Note 5 sips battery and all I did was disable all the AT&T bloatware, I didn't even use that app. I am consistently getting 20-25 hours off the charger and 5-8 hours of screen on time. I'm not over exaggerating either.
Losing 75% in 3 hours of not doing much is definitely a problem. I would see if other verizon users are experiencing the same. If not, I would exchange it for a new one unless you are already hell bent on getting the iPhone.
Good luck!
I purchased the Package Disabler Pro app a few hours ago, I'll let you know how it goes on my end. Im on a Verizon Note 5
hunsinger89 said:
There is actually a feature on the device that lets you slide a keyboard to the side for smaller hands. They were thinking of you and people who text and drive
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Hahaha damn got caught.

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