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NFT: New Android Phones

Sonic Youth : 4/13/2017 10:35 am
Going for a phone upgrade for Verizon and seeking some input on recent Android phones. I absolutely hate Samsung and refuse to use a Samsung phone after the trash that was my Note 4 (and to a lesser extent, GS4). Used my sisters G3 for a while and really liked it, so was thinking about going with an LG.

However, I've also heard amazing things about the Pixel XL. In the past, I've been pretty big on getting the best specs and having the capabilities of removable battery, SD card slot, etc, but recently I've kind of realized that these features aren't as necessary as I used to claim.

Basically have it down to Pixel XL, G6, or V20. The modular Motorolas look really cool also but kind of gimmicky.

Anyone have any input or experiences with these 3-4 phones?

Also, please don't tell me to get an iPhone. I'm not going to.
Also looking, interested to know recs  
trueblueinpw : 4/13/2017 10:41 am : link
Been a fan of HTC in the past but their flagship latest phone apparently doesn't get the camera or battery right so that's out. I think the Hawei phone is getting good press now.

I'm sure this has occurred to you but, you're eliminating much of the market by nixing iPhone and Sammies.
I am doing the same  
Kevin in Annapolis : 4/13/2017 10:44 am : link
right now. Down to the Pixel, S8, and G6.
RE: Also looking, interested to know recs  
Sonic Youth : 4/13/2017 10:45 am : link
In comment 13426529 trueblueinpw said:
Quote:
Been a fan of HTC in the past but their flagship latest phone apparently doesn't get the camera or battery right so that's out. I think the Hawei phone is getting good press now.

I'm sure this has occurred to you but, you're eliminating much of the market by nixing iPhone and Sammies.
I do hear you. I've just had such awful experiences with Samsung phones that I refuse to purchase another one, and I'm not a fan of iOS.

The Note 4, for a "flagship" phone, was the laggiest, buggiest piece of shit I've ever had. I'm not giving Samsung my money anymore.

The S8 is due out in a few days  
B in ALB : 4/13/2017 10:45 am : link
I plan on upgrading to that right away. Verizon has been pressuring me to upgrade before it comes out but i'm not falling for that. Oldest trick in the book.
S8 and 8+ are on sale  
Kevin in Annapolis : 4/13/2017 10:46 am : link
at Best Buy.
Pixel.  
BH28 : 4/13/2017 10:49 am : link
Best android phone I've ever used and I've been using them since the og droid slider. No stupid manufacturer skins, monthly security updates and the latest and greatest versions of android right from Google.
My Note 4 just died 2 weeks ago.  
D-Rod : 4/13/2017 10:52 am : link
I picked up a Moto Z Play for $325 new. Not top of the line, but decent enough specs and the battery lasts forever. Not a lot of bloatware either with a pretty vanilla android. I agree that I probably won't be using the mods on it.
RE: Pixel.  
Sonic Youth : 4/13/2017 10:52 am : link
In comment 13426551 BH28 said:
Quote:
Best android phone I've ever used and I've been using them since the og droid slider. No stupid manufacturer skins, monthly security updates and the latest and greatest versions of android right from Google.
How speedy is it? I usually go for feature rich phones, and the lack of an SD card/removable battery is kind of bugging me. But I think it might be time to get over that. (The SD card slot is the big one to me).
RE: RE: Pixel.  
Kevin in Annapolis : 4/13/2017 10:56 am : link
In comment 13426564 Sonic Youth said:
Quote:
In comment 13426551 BH28 said:


Quote:


Best android phone I've ever used and I've been using them since the og droid slider. No stupid manufacturer skins, monthly security updates and the latest and greatest versions of android right from Google.

How speedy is it? I usually go for feature rich phones, and the lack of an SD card/removable battery is kind of bugging me. But I think it might be time to get over that. (The SD card slot is the big one to me).


Agreed, the lack of an SD card virtually rules out the 32GB Pixel for me. 128GB would be the only option.
Very fast  
BH28 : 4/13/2017 10:57 am : link
Least laggy phone I've used. The biggest drawbacks are lack of any waterproofing and a weak speaker.
I love my HTC 10  
giantBCP : 4/13/2017 11:00 am : link
The LG V20 and the HTC 10 have some of the best sound quality that's available (through the headphone jack). If you're interested in music, the American version of the LG G6 does not have the audio capability of the LG V20 or the European version of the G6.
RE: Very fast  
feelflows : 4/13/2017 11:01 am : link
In comment 13426573 BH28 said:
Quote:
Least laggy phone I've used. The biggest drawbacks are lack of any waterproofing and a weak speaker.


I'm waiting for either the 2nd gen Pixle or the S8. Not sure which way I'm leaning yet.
RE: Pixel.  
Kevin in Annapolis : 4/13/2017 11:02 am : link
In comment 13426551 BH28 said:
Quote:
Best android phone I've ever used and I've been using them since the og droid slider. No stupid manufacturer skins, monthly security updates and the latest and greatest versions of android right from Google.


Does the Pixel come with any bloatware apps that can't be deleted? My S5 has a bunch of apps I don't use and can't delete (just turn off).
RE: I love my HTC 10  
Sonic Youth : 4/13/2017 11:03 am : link
In comment 13426581 giantBCP said:
Quote:
The LG V20 and the HTC 10 have some of the best sound quality that's available (through the headphone jack). If you're interested in music, the American version of the LG G6 does not have the audio capability of the LG V20 or the European version of the G6.
Can you expound on this a little? I'm a musician and listen to a lot of music/podcasts on my phone. Sometimes its my own recordings/productions, but a lot of time I stream through Spotify. Is the difference of DAC still noticeable when streaming, considering the bitrate through a streaming service is probably relatively low?
RE: RE: Pixel.  
Sonic Youth : 4/13/2017 11:04 am : link
In comment 13426586 Kevin in Annapolis said:
Quote:
In comment 13426551 BH28 said:


Quote:


Best android phone I've ever used and I've been using them since the og droid slider. No stupid manufacturer skins, monthly security updates and the latest and greatest versions of android right from Google.



Does the Pixel come with any bloatware apps that can't be deleted? My S5 has a bunch of apps I don't use and can't delete (just turn off).
Its a Google phone so it should be totally stock android.
Bitrate through a streaming service  
giantBCP : 4/13/2017 11:12 am : link
like Spotify is not low at all. I've tested my HTC phone against a friends Samsung and it crushed it as far as sound quality and volume is concerned.

I used to have a G4, and I loved it. I've been looking into the V20 since I feel that my HTC phone has a screen that's a little too small. If I were in your position, I'd go with the V20.
RE: RE: RE: Pixel.  
BH28 : 4/13/2017 11:25 am : link
In comment 13426597 Sonic Youth said:
Quote:
In comment 13426586 Kevin in Annapolis said:


Quote:


In comment 13426551 BH28 said:


Quote:


Best android phone I've ever used and I've been using them since the og droid slider. No stupid manufacturer skins, monthly security updates and the latest and greatest versions of android right from Google.



Does the Pixel come with any bloatware apps that can't be deleted? My S5 has a bunch of apps I don't use and can't delete (just turn off).

Its a Google phone so it should be totally stock android.


Correct, no bloatware. The Verizon version i think comes with 3 apps that are easily uninstallable. The verizon version has also been getting monthly updates on par with the non-verizon version.
Yeah, I think I'm leaning with v20  
Sonic Youth : 4/13/2017 11:25 am : link
IR blaster is useful for when I can't find my remotes, which is strangely missing from both phones.

wish there was a way to waterproof it...maybe i'll look into the case
I have a Pixel  
Bramton1 : 4/13/2017 11:26 am : link
No bloatware, aside from a few Google apps considered essential (Search, Photos, Gmail). But even that is limited. You won't have to worry about Google Plus or anything.

I get what you mean about no SD card slot. I thought that would bug me too. That's why I got the 128 GB model. Plenty of space on the device now.

It didn't hit me for months that the battery was nonremoveable. But you can do a force restart on the device by holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds.

For the record, I have a Pixel, not an XL. My wife got the XL, but I opted for getting more storage space. I find the regular Pixel very comfortable in my hand.

The biggest compliment I can give the Pixel is that prior to that phone, I was rooting my Androids for the previous 6 years. Haven't felt the need to do it with this phone.
Google Pixel 2  
NYG27 : 4/13/2017 11:44 am : link
Quote:

A new report from South Korea’s Electronic Times claims Google is investing $880 million in a mega deal with LG Display to secure a large supply of flexible OLED displays. This would a) ensure the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL avoid the supply problems which continue to dog the Pixel and Pixel XL, and b) give these next generation smartphones a stylish new look.

Consequently what is arguably more interesting is the information that Google may be planning significant new looks for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Given that the polarising design of the Pixel and Pixel XL was about the only consistent criticism of these otherwise critically acclaimed handsets, it would show Google is taking feedback seriously as its hardware ambitions grow.

On the subject of the camera, sources have claimed the camera will be improved, not in terms of the megapixel count but in the number of extra features. Google particularly wants to focus on getting low-light photography right.

The processor also gets a mention, and Google has apparently been testing models with both Snapdragon 835 and Intel chips, but has already ruled out cheaper brand MediaTek.


Release date should be late fall of 2017. This is the phone I'm waiting on, especially if rumored 128 GB model comes out.
I don't like the stock Android experience  
giantBCP : 4/13/2017 11:48 am : link
Even though it's slightly less smooth, I always prefer to use a launcher. I've been using Nova launcher for some time now.
My wife & I got switched to ATT  
BocaGene : 4/13/2017 11:57 am : link
and yesterday we preordered G8 & G8+. ATT is having a BOGO on these new phones. Also picked up a S3 Gear watch and a Galaxy Tab E for .99 cents each. Delivery date is April 21.

My wife upgraded from the G6 and I from a Note 4.

Since we have DirectTV, it seemed like a no brainer for us. No data charges for anything from DirectTV via G8 phones.
To all other Note 4 users  
Sonic Youth : 4/13/2017 12:10 pm : link
Did you have constant problems with lag? I had this issue with multiple devices over the span of years. It was incredibly frustrating and impacted even the smallest of tasks, like typing. I've seen the phones lag for 10-15 seconds when typing an MMS.

That phone alone has guaranteed that I will not buy another Samsung for the foreseeable future
RE: The S8 is due out in a few days  
Gatorade Dunk : 4/13/2017 12:34 pm : link
In comment 13426542 B in ALB said:
Quote:
I plan on upgrading to that right away. Verizon has been pressuring me to upgrade before it comes out but i'm not falling for that. Oldest trick in the book.

Sincere question - if you're going to upgrade to the S8 right away anyway, why would it be a trick for you to upgrade before it comes out? What makes that the oldest trick in the book?

(Also, aren't there older tricks in the book that might not be cell phone related at all?)
Have the regular sized Pixel and absolutely love it  
jlukes : 4/13/2017 12:39 pm : link
I came from the Nexus 6P and I just didn't want to go with the XL this time around.

RE: RE: The S8 is due out in a few days  
feelflows : 4/13/2017 12:44 pm : link
In comment 13426782 Gatorade Dunk said:
Quote:
In comment 13426542 B in ALB said:


Quote:


I plan on upgrading to that right away. Verizon has been pressuring me to upgrade before it comes out but i'm not falling for that. Oldest trick in the book.


Sincere question - if you're going to upgrade to the S8 right away anyway, why would it be a trick for you to upgrade before it comes out? What makes that the oldest trick in the book?

(Also, aren't there older tricks in the book that might not be cell phone related at all?)


Probably something to do with contract.
Another cool feature for these new Android phones  
giantBCP : 4/13/2017 12:48 pm : link
with USB-C ports with USB 3.0 is the fact that you can basically plug anything into them and it will work, from portable hard drives, to keyboards, and even these new USB docks that people use for the new Macbooks. With a USB dock, you can plug multiple things into your phone, and even hook it up to wired ethernet, while having the phone displayed onto a tv over hdmi, with a keyboard and mouse hooked up at the same time. Hard drives, game controllers, USB audio interfaces are all plug and play.
Friend has the Pixel and he loves it  
ZogZerg : 4/13/2017 1:02 pm : link
I have the S7 and it works great, especially after the update to Nougat.
I still have the Galaxy S5 but I'm looking to upgrade as well  
Anakim : 4/13/2017 1:05 pm : link
The problem is that these phones cost an extra $20-$30 a month. It's expensive!
RE: RE: The S8 is due out in a few days  
Scyber : 4/13/2017 1:23 pm : link
In comment 13426782 Gatorade Dunk said:
Quote:
In comment 13426542 B in ALB said:


Quote:


I plan on upgrading to that right away. Verizon has been pressuring me to upgrade before it comes out but i'm not falling for that. Oldest trick in the book.


Sincere question - if you're going to upgrade to the S8 right away anyway, why would it be a trick for you to upgrade before it comes out? What makes that the oldest trick in the book?

(Also, aren't there older tricks in the book that might not be cell phone related at all?)


If you upgrade before the s8 comes out, you would be stuck with an older phone at a higher price once the s8 comes out. They will likely lower the price of the s7 (and possibly other phones) once the s8 comes out.
got a new battery for my Note 4  
SHO'NUFF : 4/13/2017 2:57 pm : link
just like brand new! removable battery is a must...SD card, meh.
RE: RE: RE: The S8 is due out in a few days  
Gatorade Dunk : 4/13/2017 8:58 pm : link
In comment 13426884 Scyber said:
Quote:
In comment 13426782 Gatorade Dunk said:


Quote:


In comment 13426542 B in ALB said:


Quote:


I plan on upgrading to that right away. Verizon has been pressuring me to upgrade before it comes out but i'm not falling for that. Oldest trick in the book.


Sincere question - if you're going to upgrade to the S8 right away anyway, why would it be a trick for you to upgrade before it comes out? What makes that the oldest trick in the book?

(Also, aren't there older tricks in the book that might not be cell phone related at all?)



If you upgrade before the s8 comes out, you would be stuck with an older phone at a higher price once the s8 comes out. They will likely lower the price of the s7 (and possibly other phones) once the s8 comes out.

I guess I misunderstood - I read it as an attempt to get B to essentially pre-order the S8. I get it in this context for sure.
well mine just died  
tator : 4/17/2017 11:44 am : link
my lg g3 motherboard is not going to make it.. I was hoping to make it to the next sale but doenst appear that way.
Damn
RE: I still have the Galaxy S5 but I'm looking to upgrade as well  
Mike from SI : 4/17/2017 11:48 am : link
In comment 13426844 Anakim said:
Quote:
The problem is that these phones cost an extra $20-$30 a month. It's expensive!


I am in the exact same boat, plus I slightly cracked my screen. It sounds like people on here like Pixel, so I may try that.
RE: RE: I still have the Galaxy S5 but I'm looking to upgrade as well  
Anakim : 4/17/2017 9:59 pm : link
In comment 13431257 Mike from SI said:
Quote:
In comment 13426844 Anakim said:


Quote:


The problem is that these phones cost an extra $20-$30 a month. It's expensive!



I am in the exact same boat, plus I slightly cracked my screen. It sounds like people on here like Pixel, so I may try that.


How much is the Pixel?
RE: RE: RE: I still have the Galaxy S5 but I'm looking to upgrade as well  
In comment 13431984 Anakim said:
Quote:

How much is the Pixel?


It's a full price phone - $649 for the 32GB, or about $27/mo on a 24 month payment plan.

I got mine on a Black Friday deal for $10/month. Haven't seen a big deal like that on it since. They've had difficulties keeping models in stock. So I guess they haven't had to give discounts.

New Pixel is expected in the fall, so deals may come available this summer.
Ah, still pricy. $27 a month is still expensive  
Anakim : 1:49 am : link
I'm out of contract but it's still like $200 a month (after taxes) for two people. It's ridiculous.
my work phone is a 32gb Pixel  
J : 5:15 am : link
I can try to answer questions for you guys... I don't use it for much other than email, calls, SMS, hangouts... it's snappy. Not sure what features are specific to the pixel, and not Nougat, although my personal phone (LG Aristo) is on an earlier version of Nougat
RE: To all other Note 4 users  
In comment 13426743 Sonic Youth said:
Quote:
Did you have constant problems with lag? I had this issue with multiple devices over the span of years. It was incredibly frustrating and impacted even the smallest of tasks, like typing. I've seen the phones lag for 10-15 seconds when typing an MMS.

That phone alone has guaranteed that I will not buy another Samsung for the foreseeable future


I have that issue with my Note 3 :(
Gatorade  
B in ALB : 7:03 am : link
Verizon was trying to get me to upgrade from my S6 to an S7 before the S8 comes out. Not falling for it. I'd rather wait the extra couple of weeks for the latest phone.
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