After 24+ hours, my thoughts on the E3D - HTC EVO 3D

Commenting on just these categories:
Fit and finish. Pretty much solid and well built. Though its measured as roughly the same weight because of its narrower feel, to me its a tad bit heavier just because the device feels smaller in the hands. The word Density comes to mind.
Battery. Overall its much better than my evo 4G. With similar location, usage and brightness I'm getting a full day's of use and then some. I'll still get a backup battery for emergencies but I'm glad its outlasting the OG Evo.
3D. Its nifty, works decently. I wouldn't use it all that much but its nice that its there to use and show.
Screen. I read alot and the AMOLED+ and pentile LCD display types are the screens I prefer not to have. I'm glad HTC went with SLCD. Sure its not eye popping colors but to me the colors look accurate and sharp and not over saturated. Text is crisper and easier on the eyes. If you've tried to read for a long time on a AMOLED screen, eyes get kinda tired. The iphone4's IPS display is to me the best all around. Other than that, visibility inside outside has been great. nothing unexpected and usable in all but the brightest sunlight.
What I would change:
Camera 3D/2D switch is loose. Both camera button and switch is made of metal and is high quality but the rattling takes it down a bit. Once ifixit posts their tear down, I'd like to see if I can put a tiny piece of electrical tape between the outside switch and the inner electrical switch to make it not rattle.
The menu buttons are super sensitive, quick brush and the key gets activated. The power button is also sensitive. I've accidentally powered on or off the device just holding it and especially handing it to people to hold. If there was a way to turn down or detune the sensitivity of atleast the capacitive buttons, I'd pay for that "its a feature, not a bug"
The menu buttons are very bright at night even when the screen is dimmed all the way and never turns off while screen is on.
Don't get me wrong, its a high end phone worthy to represent the best of Android/HTC and I will use and enjoy this phone even more than my mogul, TP, TP2, Pre, and Evo 4G that came before it.
This thread is meant to foster comments on your own experiences. Comment accordingly. Now back to playing with the phone

Get an Otter Box from the Sprint store (or wherever cheaper). It covers the camera button perfectly so it doesn't feel so fragile. The 2d/3d toggle can be hard to switch tho... Amazing case for an amazing phone.
Sent from my freakin' awesome Evo 3D using XDA Premium App

Love that its like a droid incredible it looks so much smexier than the evo 4g its nice and skinny!
love the screen and over sense 3.0 is AMAZING love this phone and I'm actually comfortable keeping it stock and not really clamoring to flash something new, maybe in a month but right now very happy!
3D is cool!! but i feel like my eyes get all googly for over 3D minutes after i use the feature
also! love the battery life!

I agree, been running CM for so long, it will be nice and refreshing to go back to sense for a while.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App

I pretty much agree. Also:
- The Power/Sleep button is too soft to the press. Sometimes the screen will turn on in my pocket or I'll bring up the power menu by accident with very little effort.
- By default, LED Notifications were all unchecked for me. They should set them on by default (kind of odd that they didn't).
- Make the icons for the included apps high-resolution. ie People and Messaging, when placed on the homescreen, look blurry and low-res.

I love this phone. But, being rooted has spoiled me and I'm dying without it.
Also, HTC Sense launcher doesn't scroll wallpapers: fail

freeza said:
I love this phone. But, being rooted has spoiled me and I'm dying without it.
Also, HTC Sense launcher doesn't scroll wallpapers: fail
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Click to collapse
Forgot to add that. 10000000% agree.

Yes, the power button is Waaay to sensitive, even sliding your finger across the top of the phone will activate it. Simply touching the button will turn off the screen, pressing it will power it off. Taking off the cover causes the power button to activate often.

You might have a bad EVO cuz my camera switch button is extremely solid and has no rattle at all
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App

Los Altos said:
Yes, the power button is Waaay to sensitive, even sliding your finger across the top of the phone will activate it. Simply touching the button will turn off the screen, pressing it will power it off. Taking off the cover causes the power button to activate often.
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Click to collapse
It's funny because my power button is very stiff, and very flush with the case. Pretty much impossible to accidentally turn on.

irev210 said:
It's funny because my power button is very stiff, and very flush with the case. Pretty much impossible to accidentally turn on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. Kind of PITA to press it....

Battery life much better the 2nd day. Looks like it will get close to lasting as my 3500 extended....

codyisnottanner said:
You might have a bad EVO cuz my camera switch button is extremely solid and has no rattle at all
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App
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Click to collapse
i agree with this, mine is pretty solid, but i did get a skin for it and makes it a bit challenging to turn it on from the front

My power button is exactly like the evo 4g
Los Altos said:
Yes, the power button is Waaay to sensitive, even sliding your finger across the top of the phone will activate it. Simply touching the button will turn off the screen, pressing it will power it off. Taking off the cover causes the power button to activate often.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App

My power button is also really sensitive. I did notice a small difference though after removing the back cover, fiddling with the switch a bit, and then putting it back on. It's no longer quite so sensitive.

irev210 said:
It's funny because my power button is very stiff, and very flush with the case. Pretty much impossible to accidentally turn on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here,I have to actually press the button to get the screen on

Battery life for today is 8 hours! Boooo

novanosis85 said:
Battery life for today is 8 hours! Boooo
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Click to collapse
Yeah I have the same thing going on... I will say though my screen on time is much longer than the Evo. So I will guess that when I am not messing with it all day the battery will be better.

novanosis85 said:
Battery life for today is 8 hours! Boooo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is that a Boo...
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk

irev210 said:
It's funny because my power button is very stiff, and very flush with the case. Pretty much impossible to accidentally turn on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- My power button is fairly stiff too. About perfect IMO.
- Feels more solid than the evo 4g IMO
- Battery life is pretty good, surprisingly. Way better than the reviews made it out to be. And i've been using 4g a lot.
- I've had no problem with call quality or data connection. Just as good as my old evo so far. Not like some of the reviews made it out to be, my calls have been very clear, probably clearer than my old evo too.
- Screen is very nice compared to the original evo
- Bottom buttons are A LOT brighter than the evo, honestly wish theyd be a little dimmer.
- 3d works better than most reviews led me to believe. I had a really hard time focusing on the pre-loaded 3d pictures. But my self-taken pictures, videos, spider man, and the movie all looked good in 3d and i had no problem focusing. The pre-loaded ones were giving me a headache for some reason.

Related

Knew I'd hate it, but I was wrong

OK, I had fully decided to sit this one out. All week, I've been reading and watching reviews. Though I had a preorder at Radio Shack, I read the reports on launch day and decided to stay home and call in to cancel. I was one of the nay-sayers.
But yesterday, I was shopping next to the Sprint Store, and decided to go in to see it... and I was hooked. Went to Radio Shack, and the girl there saved me the last Evo 3D anyway, knowing I'd come in after all. How funny.
My reaction after having it for awhile? I truly love my OG Evo, but this device is much better in very noticeable ways:
1. The first thing I noticed is a small thing, but the haptic feedback is DRAMATICALLY better. Tighter and more subtle, just as it should be. Haven't heard this in any of the reviews, but I really like it. Makes the whole phone feel better for me, because I'm a fan of the feedback, especially with the keyboard.
2. This think is insanely fast and smooth. No lag, and it feels almost like it can read my mind going somewhere before I think about it.
3. Not a Sense fan, but I like the effects and speed of this. I could see myself staying with Sense if devs are able to improve on it. See gripes below on what I don't like.
4. Camera isn't as bad as I expected. It may even be significantly improved. The app definitely is. Low light stills are better. Video is improved but still awful, and the sound is not improved at all.
5. The 3D? I actually love it. It's fun... really a nice feature. But I can see that you have to have good eyesight and some patience for it. My wife took one look and wanted nothing more of it. Reminds me of the old Viewmaster images, and I was a big fan. Brings back a bit of my childhood. Good app idea is for Viewmaster to revive all its old collections and make them available for download. How cool would that be? Sign me up!
6. As a phone, I love that the speaker is loud enough, and call quality doesn't sound any worse. Not sure it's improved, though.
OK, now for some gripes:
1. Though I generally like the size and weight, the new screen actually feels much smaller. It's narrower, of course, which in combination with the higher resolution makes everything smaller in portrait view. I'm not sure the screen is brighter and better than the Evo as some have said... seems somewhat duller by comparison.
2. My biggest gripe is that the capacitive buttons are TOO FREAKING BRIGHT, and there doesn't seem to be a way to fix that. And they never shut off. Devs need to fix this or give us ways to adjust to taste.
3. The 3D in movies is much harder to see and notice. The movies have tended to make 3D effect more subtle, and therefore it's difficult to see dramatic effect on this smaller screen. That's both good and bad, I guess. Don't imagine I'll be investing in 3D movies on this, but who knows?
4. Small things... a little harder to hold (or maybe I'm not used to it yet), the speaker isn't as good or as loud and there seems to be a bit of vibration.
5. Sense 3.0, though fun and slick, feels confining and incomplete to me. I miss some of the customization I had in CM7, but would love to keep the lockscreen and weather effects. Somebody explain to me the function of that stupid carousel. First time, "whee!" but after just dumb. This phone desperately needs root and the devs to add things that are missing (customizable buttons on the notification bar, GB wink-out effects, custom rosie, etc.).
In conclusion, I expected to hate it, or not like it enough to try it. That was dead wrong. Is it enough for me to keep it? Well, some key improvements are missing for me, like a significantly improved camera (I'm a photographer, and very picky about this). Sure, I have better cameras, but this one is with me all the time. I'd like to remove the SD card without removing the battery.
I'm loving the 3D, but can see how some non-nerds would lose patience with it quickly. I'm guessing that we'll see a service for ordering 3D prints in the future and other sample 3D photos (c'mon, Viewmaster!), and that will be fun.
Bottom line is that it HAS to get root in the next 30 days, or it goes back for sure. I've seen too many improvements on the Evo with custom ROMs, and I've made my phone new again so many times over. Gotta have that. And just think what the devs could do with this phone.
Nice review! Interesting perspective.
Yeah... No clue about the carousel.. it spins to fast to be useful... I love mine too!
The buttons definitely are to bright... They need to dim with the screen.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App
I was leary of a launch day buy but I'm really glad I got it.
I really didn't care about 3d but I must admit I'm liking it.
Have to have root though.
Forgot to add.. I hate the app drawer, I want to fling it.
The charge port needs to be on right side.
The bright capacitive buttons where starting to get on my nerves as well. You can turn them off with the "screen filter" app from the market. The its primary feature is to dim the screen, but you can keep the screen at 100% and still disable the buttons' backlight.
Speaking of lights...why the hell would HTC take away my flashlight and give me a mirror? I used that HTC Flashlight all the time! Sure as heck don't need to be looking at my ugly self all the time, lol. I know I can download one, but just saying.
davec1234 said:
The charge port needs to be on right side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know, I think I like the port where it is. Nice place for my thumb to go. The narrower phone is making holding and thumb typing much more difficult in portrait mode... That's another gripe for me.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
-Apollo- said:
Speaking of lights...why the hell would HTC take away my flashlight and give me a mirror? I used that HTC Flashlight all the time! Sure as heck don't need to be looking at my ugly self all the time, lol. I know I can download one, but just saying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And I look way uglier on that mirror. Development will add that back when we get root. Until then, the Switchpro widget works for me.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
Cubfan99 said:
Video is improved but still awful, and the sound is not improved at all.
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Click to collapse
I'm still on the fence, but I do shoot video with my phone enough (hey, it's always with me) to have this turn me off. I've dealt with the Evo 4G's terrible (and I mean, TERRIBLE!) audio on videos because it's overall a great phone, but I was hoping the next generation would have fixed the problem. Poop.
First thing I noticed was the haptic feedback as well. I told the BB employee that it felt like the Droid X and he said that a few other people had told him that, too.
I didn't notice how bright the capacitive buttons were, so I guess it doesn't bother me.
I hate the app drawer as well! I don't like the "pages." I feel that pages could've been implemented better (um, horizontally maybe?)
As much as I thought I'd be keeping 3d off permanently I've actually had a lot of fun messing around with it.
One other small thing that bugs me is how the clock widget always seems to have to catch up when you go back to the home page from something else. It's frozen on the time it was when you were looking at it last and quickly flips to update. It's minor, and won't matter too much because I plan on not using the sense clock widget anyway.
Cubfan99 said:
And I look way uglier on that mirror. Development will add that back when we get root. Until then, the Switchpro widget works for me.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, no doubt! Thanks man, I'll give it a shot.
Flashlight is not lost guys, a member has already posted the apk in the themes and apps section... But here is one that I have... Install like any apk,
http://db.tt/btJ1IwC
Bussin Caps from my 3D shooter
The carousel would make more sense if it took you to the home screen every time you flicked it. You can use that instead of the home button.
Why I would use the carousel to bring me back to the same page I am on makes no sense to me.....
Thanks for the review OP, i think you were head-on with your points.
I do think tho, the narrowness of this device allows me to put a case on it and actually prefer its larger width, i loved that in the OG Evo.
As for the Carousel, kinda lame that once you flick it and it starts spinning, you can't put your finger on it and choose which screen to go to, it always recovers to the screen you flicked from.
Cubfan99 said:
You know, I think I like the port where it is. Nice place for my thumb to go. The narrower phone is making holding and thumb typing much more difficult in portrait mode... That's another gripe for me.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I'm right handed, talking while charging blows plus it stresses the port.
Just extract the flashlight apk from a sense rom in the EVO 4g dev section, it works fine on our phones.
Also I kinda like the narrower size, it fits better in my hand and pocket. I was ready for a new phone and I don't regret picking this one up at all.
phatmanxxl said:
Just extract the flashlight apk from a sense rom in the EVO 4g dev section, it works fine.
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Click to collapse
What a good idea. I'll try that.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
ktrotter11 said:
Flashlight is not lost guys, a member has already posted the apk in the themes and apps section... But here is one that I have... Install like any apk,
http://db.tt/btJ1IwC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang... that's even easier. Thanks!!
mine goes back today.
i am tired of waiting for HTC and Sprint to release a phone that has been properly tested and functional.
ringers and notifications too low even at full volume
camera switch on my phone jiggle (cheap feeling)
occasional screen freeze
lower than desired photo quality
and of course...
locked bootloader
i have no intention of waiting for HTC to get off their asses. i know all the top devs are working hard and its appreciated, but my money will be spent on a different device
^

HTC changed the Rezound's design?! Lets look at some evidence shall we...

The power and volume buttons on the rezound are a hindrance at best, poorly designed and implemented.
I mean come on, flush buttons for critical functions... what was they thinking?!
Sure flush buttons can work, but they must be on the facing side of the device and be clearly visible is some way. Like the power button on many devices. (my laptop for example) They at least need to be able to be found easily tactically.
But the buttons on the rezound are thin, leaving little room for tactile differentiation and they are also placed on the side of the device where you can not see them without actively turning the phone and looking. So yeah, they are small pain and annoyance in an otherwise fine phone.
But was this always so? Was the buttons like this from the beginning and all through in house use testing and never discovered... or was it a last minute design change that wasn't thought through?
Lets look at some evidence shall we. Stock photos of the rezound in official HTC accessories.
Lets see...
Exhibit 1: HTC Silicone Skin view A
Exhibit 2: HTC Silicone Skin view B
Exhibit 3: HTC TPU Case view A
Exhibit 4: HTC TPU Case view B
Exhibit 5: HTC Extended Battery and Battery Door
This is only a few examples, there are others.
As you can see, these Rezounds all have buttons that protrude from the device slightly, just enough to allow tactile location of these critical controls.
It may just all be a trick of the angles and lighting when the pictures were taken, but they seem to protrude too far for that.
I believe these devices are early build units destined for in house testing and use of the final design. For some strange reason though, they changed the buttons to a flush mount for the actual production run.
Sad seeing as how great the phone is otherwise.
I have no issues with the power button and volume rocker. Once you get used to it they perform just fine imo.
Hmm. I plan on getting the extended battery and I am wondering how the cover will effect the flush buttons but in the meantime I'm a fan of the design. I'm already use to them and find myself trying to turn on my incredible on the right.
Sent from my Dinc HD I mean my Vigor I mean my Rezound using Tapatalk
I have had mine for a few days, I am getting better, but I would still appreciate a better tactile feel for the button placement.
More nitpicking.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 10.1
Marine6680 said:
I have had mine for a few days, I am getting better, but I would still appreciate a better tactile feel for the button placement.
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Click to collapse
well i totally agree that the volume button suck LOL....i use a TPU case and it really sucks to adjust the volume witht eh case on. Now witht he Otterbox Commuter i can press the buttons even easier witht he case on compared to being off...All i can say really is, Is this your first HTC DEVICE (not being mean either)?????....in the recent years ive noticed HTC's buttons have gotten more and more flush with the Housing. Like the EVO 4G, the volume buttons were great, but the POwer button was a pain in the ass. The EVO 3D buttons were horrifying. The were slightly raised this time but hard as hell to press. But I try not to worry about the buttosn so much. Its gets people thinking a little too much and then they start to think about returning it HEHE. Id say if they start to get real frustrating for you, maybe u can get a replacement and see if another one differs from the one u have now?....thats what I did with my EVO 3D and the second one was a world of difference...
reverepats said:
well i totally agree that the volume button suck LOL....i use a TPU case and it really sucks to adjust the volume witht eh case on. Now witht he Otterbox Commuter i can press the buttons even easier witht he case on compared to being off...All i can say really is, Is this your first HTC DEVICE (not being mean either)?????....in the recent years ive noticed HTC's buttons have gotten more and more flush with the Housing. Like the EVO 4G, the volume buttons were great, but the POwer button was a pain in the ass. The EVO 3D buttons were horrifying. The were slightly raised this time but hard as hell to press. But I try not to worry about the buttosn so much. Its gets people thinking a little too much and then they start to think about returning it HEHE. Id say if they start to get real frustrating for you, maybe u can get a replacement and see if another one differs from the one u have now?....thats what I did with my EVO 3D and the second one was a world of difference...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm like you. I have the Otterbox Commuter case and this is a non-issue for me.
There is no difference.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
The button on my first rezound protruded,and had good response with tpu case. My second rezound buttons are flushed , but really is not a problem so I enjoy the phone.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
Some rezounds have buttons that pop out a bit and some rezounds have buttons that are flush with the bezel. Not an actual difference in the devices, it is a difference in the plastic pieces(volume rocker/power button). If you open up the device you will see what I am referring to.
Being a incredible 2 user for ovet a year...I stoll can't get used to volume buttons on the opposite side
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk
I hate the flush buttons... Otterbox fixed that issue for me tho
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
My buttons look just like the pics. I can see the protrusion and feel it if I run my finger along the edge.
The volume rocker is in the same position as my old phone so it works great for me.
I would have preferred the power button on the side of the phone as I think it would be easier to push it one handed. Like right below the volume rocker so I could press it easily with my middle finger when holding the phone in my left hand. As it is, sometimes I unintentionally adjust the volume at the same time as hitting the power button due to holding the phone with my other fingers in that area. I'm sure I will get used to it and my hand position will adjust and it will become second nature for me to avoid doing that.
At first the buttons were annoying, but I have gotten used to them!!
I take it you're in the graduate program "Human Factors& Ergonomics".
This is my first smartphone, the buttons work great.
I wish they offered phones in different varieties for different sized people. for instance, I'm tall and have big hands so these 'small' phones like the Rezound are a bit if a pain to use. i'd like a much bigger phone that fits in my hand better and is easier to use the touchscreen(I keep accidentally hitting the wrong buttons/links on the screen).
The power and volume buttons i agree are difficult.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
This is far from my first HTC device... and not my first android. I have been around since the G1 days and followed the development since early 2007. All have been HTC phones.
The buttons are just a bit of a pain and a little more thought would have been nice. I love the phone otherwise though.
I did a slight mod to my TPU case that helps a lot with using the volume buttons.
I am a fan of good well thought out design. I am not a fan of design for designs sake. The rezound borders that line in a few places but overall I like it.
This was mostly just an observation I noticed and thought I would share.
The only thing that annoys me I'd that I'd like for the headphone jack to be on the opposite side. When I put my phone in landscape I turn it to the left so the buttons are by my right hand. When I have headphones plugged in, I have to rotate it the other way so the plug doesn't get in the way. It's just a minor annoyance.

First Impressions

I got me Evo Lte around 11am, and heres what I've noticed so far
The phone is gorgeous. The quality of the materials used feels absolutely amazing in the hand. The weight is simply perfect as well. As a user of both the 4g and 3D, i can say HTC has outdone its previous two evos by miles.
The Lte's buttons are extremely easy to press. It doesnt take much force to make the buttons go down. While the might be viewed as beneficial for some users, others might not like it, as your phone might reboot or dial someone in your pocket.
The kickstand is also superb. I've never used a better kickstand. Although small, you can tell how strong the thing is from the first time you open it. It stands the phone up at 3 different angles. If you have no nails though, you'll probably find yourself having a hard time getting it it open. With a silicone case i found it very difficult to open the kickstand as well, however a tpu case was much less intrusive.
There were some slightly less pleasurable things though:
The kickstand wasnt completely flush with the silver rim on one end. while barely noticeable, it's enough to remind me that this phone is early in HTCs restructuring phase and that i shouldnt expect this phone to be perfect.
When plugging my SD card in, i noticed the same issue as well. Although everything worked properly, the sd card was at the slightest angle from the words "SD Card." Not significant enough to make me not want the phone (read: i love it), but HTC still has come a long ways and should still continue to do so.
The rear cover was also slightly off. Granted this could be from the kickstand, but it exposed some of the internals if i didnt close it with the corner in question first. This in my opinion was definitely not okay. I would be careful with this phone near water.
The rear cover was also very flimsy. It attaches to the red strip on the left and right side, but without anything in the middle. This causes you to be able to push on the plastic and feel it move up and down. Again it made me feel like my phone wasnt as protected as it could be.
Finally to install my screen protector, i took my tpu case off, and along with it comes the rear cover. I am not feeling this rear cover.
All in all, imo the nice things outweigh the bad, but its just something for people to take note of
Initial software for those interested:
HBoot: 1.12.0000
Radio: 1.02.12.0427
April 26, 2012
S-On of course
Hardware version: 0003
Software version: 1.13.651.1.710RD
Kernel version: 3.0.8-01360-g3fd0422
Sense 4.0
Android 4.0.3
PRI: 2.28_003
PRL: 25003
Hardware:
Screen is bright and gorgeous. I usually keep my brightness turned down about 2/3 of the way and it is still pretty bright. Phone is very thin compared with my 3D.
Pretty light but feels more solid than say a SGSII. My kickstand is not quite flush with the case but no biggie to me. Power button is nice and has a good feel to it.
Back cover came off ok but had to give a little force. Not a big fan of the gloss finish on it. Seems like it would scratch very easily. Volume rocker is not part of the back
cover so they are nice and firm compared to the 3D which could feel spongy. Kickstand feels solid even sitting both ways.
Software:
For those asking about Speedtests on 3G, I ran some tests against my Evo 3D. Testing to the same server (Phoenix, AZ)
1st
3D - 53kbps down 101kbps up 1489ms ping
LTE - 540kbps down 741kbps up 332ms ping
2nd
3D - 27kbps down 57kbps up 1455ms ping
LTE - 415kbps down 729kbps up 324ms ping
3rd
3D - 36kbps down 80kbps down 1455ms ping
LTE - 308ms ping 587kbps down 716kbps down
This was a laugher. LTE wins by a landslide. Not fantastic speeds but much, much better than before
More to come
dagnasty said:
I'll have mine in a few mins. I'll see if mine has the same issues. Mind if I use this for my first impressions too/
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go ahead, i was hoping others would share their thoughts too
Awesome, thanks for the mini review! I'm glad you covered the buttons, because I felt that was something reviewers never really touch up on. I owned the 4G and I loved the way the buttons felt, but going to the Evo 3D I felt the power button took a downgrade (it was WAYYY too easy to press IMO).
Can anyone with the phone confirm if a 64 gig sd cards works.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Thanks for the info! Maybe this thread could be retitled as first impressions?
Looks like I'll be waiting for a while yet to receive mine. In the mean time, is there any chance you can confirm two things for me? Both are simple (gimmick stuff):
1.) If you have the camera as one of your lockscreen icons, does pressing the dedicated shutter/camera hardware button skip the lockscreen and take you to the camera app?
2.) Can you record slow motion video @ 720p? This should be an obvious yes, but all reviews I've seen only had 390p or whatever... just curious. I know older HTC phones could (Rezound, for example).
brennen.exe said:
Looks like I'll be waiting for a while yet to receive mine. In the mean time, is there any chance you can confirm two things for me? Both are simple (gimmick stuff):
1.) If you have the camera as one of your lockscreen icons, does pressing the dedicated shutter/camera hardware button skip the lockscreen and take you to the camera app?
2.) Can you record slow motion video @ 720p? This should be an obvious yes, but all reviews I've seen only had 390p or whatever... just curious. I know older HTC phones could (Rezound, for example).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Did not work for me.
2. I set my video to 1080p and enabled slo-mo. The resulting video is 768x432
dagnasty said:
1. Did not work for me.
2. I set my video to 1080p and enabled slo-mo. The resulting video is 768x432
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Sprint papers say you should be able to bypass lock screen with camera button-- or perhaps I misread?-- so I thought that was the trick. Thanks for both. Odd that slow motion knocks you down to... what is that, 480p I guess?
Can one of you awesome folks check something for me please? I know that if you press and hold the camera button while the camera app is open, it will start burst shooting a ton of pictures. Is there a way to change or disable this? Might not be necessary with the dedicated camera button, but I like being able to hold that button to AF, then release to snap the picture.
vulcZ said:
Can one of you awesome folks check something for me please? I know that if you press and hold the camera button while the camera app is open, it will start burst shooting a ton of pictures. Is there a way to change or disable this? Might not be necessary with the dedicated camera button, but I like being able to hold that button to AF, then release to snap the picture.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can disable continuous shooting from the settings or set it to limit to 20 frames
vulcZ said:
Can one of you awesome folks check something for me please? I know that if you press and hold the camera button while the camera app is open, it will start burst shooting a ton of pictures. Is there a way to change or disable this? Might not be necessary with the dedicated camera button, but I like being able to hold that button to AF, then release to snap the picture.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have mine in hand yet. Waiting for the inter-office as it was delivered to the main office and I'm remote.
But the shutter button is a two-stage button. So I would think, that pushing it a little gets you the auto-focus. All the way, takes a pic. Just like a digital camera. Holding takes lots of pics. I would assume that the burst mode can also be turned off.
How's the ear piece volume and clarity. That was a problem with the initial evo. Ear piece volume was way quiet, even at the loudest setting.
dagnasty said:
1. Did not work for me.
2. I set my video to 1080p and enabled slo-mo. The resulting video is 768x432
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read that you have to hold down the camera button for a little bit to have it skip the lockscreen and go straight to camera. Can you test this?
gpz1100 said:
How's the ear piece volume and clarity. That was a problem with the initial evo. Ear piece volume was way quiet, even at the loudest setting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the main speaker is pretty loud and clear, much better thn the evo 3D's.
Call quality, i only have 1-2 bars so voice sounded robotic, but it got decently loud
i couldnt test the loudspeaker cause my call dropped
bobarune said:
I read that you have to hold down the camera button for a little bit to have it skip the lockscreen and go straight to camera. Can you test this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, got nada
alexjzim said:
the main speaker is pretty loud and clear, much better thn the evo 3D's.
Call quality, i only have 1-2 bars so voice sounded robotic, but it got decently loud
i couldnt test the loudspeaker cause my call dropped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I was mainly referring to the loudness/quality of the ear piece, not speaker phone. I expect the latter to sound so so, but the ear piece should be nice and loud and clear (the galaxy nexus I played with was really loud).
This phone is amazing fellas. You will see why Apple tried to keep it out. Also the vast majority of the reviews don't do it Justice
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
brennen.exe said:
Thanks. Sprint papers say you should be able to bypass lock screen with camera button-- or perhaps I misread?-- so I thought that was the trick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if your phone has a PIN (or password), if you have the camera app as one of your lockscreen shortcuts you can drag that app to open and it will bypass the PIN screen and just use the camera. Leaving the camera app will then prompt for the password.
That's what I read, I dont have a phone in my hands.
Is tha screen size real noticeable bigger over the E3D ?
sent from my EVO 3D Nocturnals Xi36 ICS 4.0.4 Sense 3.6 Downgraded Hb 1.5 to 1.4

Please, help correct me if I'm wrong...

My Galaxy Nexus died in a horrible freak accident, and SquareTrade ended up sending me a wad of cash to find another phone. Logically, I wanted to take the S3 for a test drive because it's the newest, hottest kid on the block (and I missed not having a MicroSD card).
I picked up my T-Mobile S3 in store today for the full retail price, and walked out excited as I always am to have a new toy in hand. Now, beware, I'm going to say some negative things about this phone, but that is because I want you guys to tell re-assure me that I'll learn to love it, or they'll get fixed etc because I really want to like this phone.
First off, the good things over my dead GNex:
Speed: Holy cow, that Krait CPU is blindingly fast. I knew the GNex was never a rocketship, but I wasn't aware of how slow it was until I played with the S3. Things run like butter, and JB(4.1) is only going to make that more amazing.
Camera: Yeah, the GNex camera sucks. This isn't as amazing as I hoped it would be, but it is nice to have something that instantly looks like crap.
Screen: It is a sweet screen, but I'm not sure if it is better than the GNex. If it is, I don't really see it (and can't compare side by side) and is still in amazing screen.
Now, the things I don't like:
SMS: WHY THE **** does my SCREEN turn on EVERY TIME an SMS comes in??? WHERE IS THE SETTING TO KILL THAT?!
Lockscreen: The "barely touch" to unlock is a joke. (Yes, I know you can replace it)
The body: Man, that blue looks pretty, but holy balls is that phone a pain to hold on to in 90 degree heat. What's the point of making a gorgeous phone that you have to keep in a case?
Build quality: It honestly doesn't feel as "solid" as the gnex, but has anyone had any quality issues with theirs yet?
Bloatware: I thought the Sensation was bad when I bought it, but this phone has so many apps that I never want to use, it's not even funny. I spent the first half hour going through and disabling applications.
Signal Quality: I drive a certain stretch of road that is hell on connections. I've had HTC's, Samsungs, etc drop out. It's just a great place to test radios and phones... Well, this one? Drops as much as the old HTC G2 did, if not more. Absolutely impossible to keep a signal. Now, thinking it was a bad signal day, I popped my micro SIM in an adapter and back into my HD2 and drove the road again... This time? No issue.
Home button: Really? A hard to press, narrow button for the most used button on the phone? I worry about dropping the phone, as it is so light, I have to hold it tightly with one hand to press the button.
So I know this may seem petty, but I'm really hoping you guys can convince me one way or another. Sure, this phone will always be faster than my GNex, but a GNex is half the price, and for me, in many ways feels like a better phone.
Thanks
Another thing I've notice, the screen can't figure out if it wants to be dim or bright. It'll sit there and go from one extreme to the other over a minutes time. Never in the middle.
Is it sounding like I have a defective unit?
I also had a Nexus Prime and I would of kept it if it had an sd card slot and WAY better camera & that's where the S3 comes in. Sure it has bloat and touchwiz isn't the best but AOSP is on its way & with it, improvements. As for build quality, I like it better than the nexus. Signal wise I was have at least 3 bars so I'm happy. I do agree though that the unit gets quite hot sometimes, but overall I love this device
Higher the processor speed the hotter it runs. You could limit the processor speed but you lose the blazing speed.. but I also lose the blazing heat. LOL.
As for the build quality its not bad. It doesn't feel like it'll break when I try to bend the unit. The gorilla glass is pretty strong but its not shatter proof. Don't drop it! Already seen a few shattered screens.
The software issues are just that.. all just software which is easy to change either by using replacement programs like handcent SMS or rooting then replacing the rom or disabling and removing the bloat. All that should matter is the hardware and if you're happy with the performance, look, feel, battery life, and reception.
Sent from my SGH-T999V using xda app-developers app
Yes please but on a screen protector. Dont trust the gorilla glass its bad. they should just take gorilla glass out of the specs for the phone. it doesnt work. i dont care how many youtube videos you watch that says it does.... it doesnt
curtiscr87 said:
Yes please but on a screen protector. Dont trust the gorilla glass its bad. they should just take gorilla glass out of the specs for the phone. it doesnt work. i dont care how many youtube videos you watch that says it does.... it doesnt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never had issues with scratches on my Gorilla glass, even on my tablet which gets abused in the shop while I'm working on things. Then again, my HD2 never got a scratch either.
franknozly said:
Higher the processor speed the hotter it runs. You could limit the processor speed but you lose the blazing speed.. but I also lose the blazing heat. LOL.
As for the build quality its not bad. It doesn't feel like it'll break when I try to bend the unit. The gorilla glass is pretty strong but its not shatter proof. Don't drop it! Already seen a few shattered screens.
The software issues are just that.. all just software which is easy to change either by using replacement programs like handcent SMS or rooting then replacing the rom or disabling and removing the bloat. All that should matter is the hardware and if you're happy with the performance, look, feel, battery life, and reception.
Sent from my SGH-T999V using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So Handcent can fix the screen on issue? GoSMS so far hasn't been any help.
AttachedSilver said:
I also had a Nexus Prime and I would of kept it if it had an sd card slot and WAY better camera & that's where the S3 comes in. Sure it has bloat and touchwiz isn't the best but AOSP is on its way & with it, improvements. As for build quality, I like it better than the nexus. Signal wise I was have at least 3 bars so I'm happy. I do agree though that the unit gets quite hot sometimes, but overall I love this device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You nailed it, the camera and the MicroSD slot are the two most compelling things about this phone for me.
arthurbrownleeiv said:
I've never had issues with scratches on my Gorilla glass, even on my tablet which gets abused in the shop while I'm working on things. Then again, my HD2 never got a scratch either.
So Handcent can fix the screen on issue? GoSMS so far hasn't been any help.
You nailed it, the camera and the MicroSD slot are the two most compelling things about this phone for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes handcent fixes that screen on issue if you disable popup notifications. That's the kind of notification that shows a dialog box with a quick reply option.
If disabled then the screen doesn't turn on and the SMS stays in the notification area.
Infact you can enable the pop-up notification but choose to disable screen on for pop-ups. That works too.
Sent from my SGH-T999V using xda app-developers app
arthurbrownleeiv said:
Another thing I've notice, the screen can't figure out if it wants to be dim or bright. It'll sit there and go from one extreme to the other over a minutes time. Never in the middle.
Is it sounding like I have a defective unit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you don't have the eye/face detection turned on? My screen does that at work (I have mine set on) and even though I'm not directly stairing at it, it picks up my eyes (I have my phone placed below my monitor). Sometimes it bugs me enough just to turn the thing face down.
or maybe it can be the autolight sensor.
:shrug
There's a setting in gosms to turn off the "screen turning on with an sms" option
My major concern is with the home button. What on earth were they thinking?
I'm a firm believer that AOSP on this phone will make it a true winner with the on-screen navigation buttons enabled and the capacitive and physical ones disabled. Maybe we could repurpose the big ol physical one to do something else in the future.
Sent from my Droid Incredible using the XDA app.
franknozly said:
Yes handcent fixes that screen on issue if you disable popup notifications. That's the kind of notification that shows a dialog box with a quick reply option.
If disabled then the screen doesn't turn on and the SMS stays in the notification area.
Infact you can enable the pop-up notification but choose to disable screen on for pop-ups. That works too.
Sent from my SGH-T999V using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll download that one and give it a whirl.
rosedog said:
Are you sure you don't have the eye/face detection turned on? My screen does that at work (I have mine set on) and even though I'm not directly stairing at it, it picks up my eyes (I have my phone placed below my monitor). Sometimes it bugs me enough just to turn the thing face down.
or maybe it can be the autolight sensor.
:shrug
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I turned off a lot of the gesture/motion things right out of the box, as some just didn't seem natural at all. I could never get the whole unlocking motion one to work either. That was annoying for a bit.
Bluerai said:
There's a setting in gosms to turn off the "screen turning on with an sms" option
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll check again, but I'm not finding it.
Div033 said:
My major concern is with the home button. What on earth were they thinking?
I'm a firm believer that AOSP on this phone will make it a true winner with the on-screen navigation buttons enabled and the capacitive and physical ones disabled. Maybe we could repurpose the big ol physical one to do something else in the future.
Sent from my Droid Incredible using the XDA app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sad thing is, as much as I'd love to have on screen buttons like the Gnex, then we're stuck with that long chin being nonfunctional. I guess it wouldn't be bad if the back and menu button never lit up and were completely disabled. Possible use the home button as a shutter button then? Who knows.
It really does blow my mind how they did a physical button for the home button of all things.
I enjoyed a physical home button on my previous phones. To each his/her own?
Cappurnikus said:
I enjoyed a physical home button on my previous phones. To each his/her own?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I loved the ones on the HD2. However, they weren't as difficult to press, and the phone was a lot heavier. It made it so when you pushed them, the phone didn't want to flip out of your hand. The SGS3 is so smooth and lightweight, I don't even try to hit the home button one handed anymore.
Cappurnikus said:
I enjoyed a physical home button on my previous phones. To each his/her own?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although I have a trackpad on the g2 I use it to turn the phone on so I love the home button on the s3 since a lot of times I leave the phone on the desk or table during lectures and stuff and its just convenient to turn the phone on that way but like some said its hard to press without fearing of it falling out of ur hand due to the large size and thinness
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda app-developers app
My home button is very easy to press and it never feels like it'll fall out of my hand while holding it with only one.
thetony said:
My home button is very easy to press and it never feels like it'll fall out of my hand while holding it with only one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you have smaller thumbs? For me, I have a big wide thumb, and I have to press with enough force to make my thumb "go into the recessed" area to completely depress the button.

Poll: Rear buttons; Love them or Hate them?

I'm curious where people rank the rear buttons on the G2 in practice. If you have the phone and have been using it a reasonable amount of time, what's your take on the button placement compared to typical placements of the keys on the side/top etc.
I would prefer side ones. I can't tell which is which on the Verizon version and have to flip the phone around to see
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
love them. much better than top/side buttons. it just makes sense.
I absolutely love the buttons on the back. For me, the buttons, thin bezel and knock-knock feature all make for a unique and fun experience. Love it.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I rarely use the buttons at all anymore..... But, the few instances I do, I have to turn the phone over because the Verizon ones are so small. I prefer power on the right, volume on the left.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
ffejy462 said:
I rarely use the buttons at all anymore..... But, the few instances I do, I have to turn the phone over because the Verizon ones are so small. I prefer power on the right, volume on the left.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank god for Knock-On, because I rarely touch the volume keys (Tasker automates it for me for most situations) and I have a Power button on my AOKP navbar as I usually avoid the power buttons on phones so I don't wear the out (usually do volume-wake).
the rear keys are extremely useful when i listen to music with wired third party earphone; while my phone is in my pocket, and i want to skip/rewind the songs.
i just put the rear side facing outside, and whenever i feel like changing the song, the button is always within reach without pulling the phone out of my pocket.
unlike most phones with side volume/power key.
and of course i used gravity box to enable those functions.
Rear buttons: fully functional, no accidentally pressing volume n power when holding the sides of phone anymore, easier to take selfie snapshots, knock knock reduces the power button from getting worn out fast, power button doubles as a notification light and glows during a phone call (looks cool at night) and also makes the phone unique (if you're into that).
Sent from my G2
They're cool but taking a screenshot is a pain.
SmiLey497 said:
They're cool but taking a screenshot is a pain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always use QuickMemo to take screen shots.
Absolutely love them. I have a case so I keep my index finger on the edge of the button cutout (essentially making sure my finger is by default on the volume down) and then I can easily find which button is which without thinking twice. My hands aren't that big and it's still very comfortable. My dad was a bit skeptical about it and he picked up the phone and noticed his finger just went to the buttons and realized it actually makes sense and isn't just a gimmicky idea.
I would like to see rear buttons as a rule in future phones.
Using for a week and quite comfortable with them. I love knock-on. Problem trying to zoom in camera though!!
Sent from my LG-D802 using XDA Premium HD app
Definitely more love.
1) I constantly use a Bluetooth headphone so adjust the volume while the phone is in my front pocket is easy
2) Knock knock is way too cool
3) I seldom even use the power button at all with so much convenience built into the G2 stock UI (Korean F320S) Anyway Kit Kat is out for F320S
What back buttons?
Honestly, I don't even notice the back buttons since I use the knock knock feature.
The only times I used the buttons is for volume adjustment when I'm watching a video. Even then, I don't even see it as an inconvenience.
I have slight OCD so I avoid using the buttons so they don't waste. They seem as if the paint would rub off after to much use.
kolembo said:
Using for a week and quite comfortable with them. I love knock-on. Problem trying to zoom in camera though!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the "Take picture with power button" function in the stock ROM was hilarious; who could possibly do that? Selfies I guess, but using the rear camera, that'd be almost impossible with any kind of normal position on the phone.
Esteef said:
Honestly, I don't even notice the back buttons since I use the knock knock feature.
The only times I used the buttons is for volume adjustment when I'm watching a video. Even then, I don't even see it as an inconvenience.
I have slight OCD so I avoid using the buttons so they don't waste. They seem as if the paint would rub off after to much use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree. Knock-on is one of the most unexpectedly awesome (for me at least) features I've had in a phone in a long time, and I almost never use my power button.
I must say that it's a good thing knock-on is great though, cause the button layout on my VS980 is terrible. It seems like a simple fix like moving the power button next to the volume buttons would have fixed this, and made the buttons more distinct feeling. Putting it in the middle of the volume buttons make it impossible to tell which button you are pressing.
SmiLey497 said:
They're cool but taking a screenshot is a pain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i find it much easier. i use my one index finger to hold down both power and volume and bam, pic taken, nice and simple.
I absolutely love those bastards at the back of the phone. First because it allows the bezel to be almost non existent and 2 cause it gives the phone an identity. I love them.
Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk
really awesome, I love them so much

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