im just curious, but if i add them up right, there is 7 radios in the phone right?
wimax, cdma, wcdma, gsm, wifi, bluetooth, and FM.
geeze... and to think i thought my old nokia was amazing when i could change the exterior covers! lol
I was at the sprint store today polking around, and i must say after picking up several other phones, Samsungs, HTCs i realized the weight difference in the photon. The EVO3d is a brick of a phone, but i do like the metal frame it has. i had the evo 4g but this photon feels lite for all the internal goodies shes packin.
the lady at sprint even held my phone for a second when i asked a question about it, and she said "oh wow thats lite" and i thought to myself "dont you work here and have photons in stock?"
but anyways, i know the weights are very close, its not like its several OZ more or less, but just a hair and i can def feel the difference.
just curious what other owners thoughts about the size and weight. Im personally impressed.
Very impressed with my photon coming from an evo. Really like the screen and the overall snappiness of the phone. Still waiting to see the gs2 variant but I am quickly becoming a huge fan
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App
bigj225 said:
Very impressed with my photon coming from an evo. Really like the screen and the overall snappiness of the phone. Still waiting to see the gs2 variant but I am quickly becoming a huge fan
Sent from my MB855 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love my MoPho!!! I had just switched from Verizon to Sprint, after finding a loophole in my contract, and wanting a 4G phone, but... I had a Motorola Droid X, (rooted and all...), and I switched to Sprint, and got the Evo.
[I am not an HTC, nor EVO hater, you may soon understand]
I could not stand the Evo, because I am an app junkie, and the Evo had poor internal memory, (comming from about an 8 GB device, to less than one gb...), not fun, and yes I did use Apps2SD. The Evo could not hold my apps! I had to return it, and wait for something better. (I still cannot believe that I didn't do my homework on the Evo, ---besides the internal storage, it's a great phone.)
I purchased the phone with the latest update from The Shack, (RadioShack), for $30, (as I had just missed the forth of July sale). I could not root it, because of the update, and the phone was not able to be downgraded, and I said to myself, "This phone is stylish, nice, and I love the features, but I am an app junkie, I am annoyed by an Android device that isn't rooted, and I have 30 days to return this", (along with what I added up to be $50 of accessories - dock, cases, Otterbox Defender, etc....) I am happy I got them from eBay and Amazon, because unless they were on a RadioShack super clearance, I won't save much, even with the 25% off accessories with a new Sprint phone deal.
So, I sucked it up, took out my 16GB SD card that I had used for my Droid X, put the original and returned it.
I am glad I canceled the Sprint account, don't worry, I was returning to the Now Network!
About ten to fifteen days later, I heard about the Photon, and I was super excited!!!
Here I am... I get great Sprint WiMax reception, and I can't wait for Sprint 4G LTE, and I am sad because I can't get a straight answer if our MoPho's are LTE capable. Well, sorry for the book I just wrote... LOL.
Now I love this!!!
Sent from my WebToplessly Rooted MoPho, (Motorola Sunfire/Photon 4G MB855) using the XDA Premium app on Sprint, the Now Network, with WiMax.
(4G LTE/Unlocked Bootloader Pending)
Related
Hi all,
I'll be eligible for an upgrade in a couple of weeks, and while my Eris running GSB has been great fun, I am ready for something that's faster, has more memory and a better screen. My wife has a DInc and I like it--excellent screen, a nice size--not too small, nor too large--and the browser is so much faster than on my Eris.
Therefore, I'm thinking about the DInc2, which adds in the ability to run a SIM when traveling outside the US as a nice perk. While Sense is attractive, I'll probly want to root it soon, both to de-bloat it and find a custom ROM that suits me.
So what current Vzw phones are you considering as a step-up after your Eris? Is 4g really valuable, if you're not streaming music or movies (I don't)? And does 4g suck battery and bandwidth (I'm hoping to keep my legacy unlimited data plan but don't know yet how that will work out). I'm not sure I like some of the newer humongous-sized phones, so a middle-sized device feels the best compromise.
Suggestions?
Thx in advance...
I will be getting the Galaxy Nexus once it is released
Either the Galaxy Nexus or Droid Razr perhaps unless Razr ships with locked bootloader.
I'm upgrading to the Galaxy Nexus in December, and I too am on a legacy unlimited plan. To the best of my knowledge we can upgrade to a 4G phone without loosing it, but I will probably have 4G off most of the time to save battery. I have wanted a Nexus on Verizon since the Nexis One and it is a huge upgrade over this phone (but I will always love my little Eris) so that is what I plan to get
As for the Droid Incredible 2, it would be a solid phone and nice upgrade, but you would be buying yesteryear's technology. But it would be better than no upgrade at all. Good Luck
P.S. Be sure to check out the dev community around any phone you are thinking about, the Nexus family usually has a large one but I don't know about the Droid Inc. 2
Sent from my Gin-Tazz using XDA App
cdkizzle said:
Either the Galaxy Nexus or Droid Razr perhaps unless Razr ships with locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does
http://www.droid-life.com/2011/10/1...ons-droid-razr-will-have-a-locked-bootloader/
I'm down to the revolution, dx2, and the stratosphere.
Previously the fascinate but I've found other phones that are free.
I made a spreadsheet of my comparisons of free phones (either from BBY, TigerDirect or Wirefly)
I threw the charge in there just for comparison. I've seen it for $99
Galaxy s2. Screw verizon and their crappy phones.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
I'm about to "do this".
The info here specifically the spreadsheet is invaluable. Thanks!
Stratosphere here. I really don't want the slide-out but...the phone has everything else.
They better not take away my legacy unlimited plan
I let you know, I'm probably going through Wirefly!
D
I love my Eris. But gave it to my daughter and upgraded to the Dinc2. I like the not too large footprint. Rooted easily. Great battery life. And a reasonable price.
I'll take some flames here and say the HTC Trophy 7:3
The Eris was the first and the last Android phone I will ever have. Only downside is the Trophy can't tether at this point, so I keep the Eris around only for tethering.
Down to one
Well this weekend I couldn't pass up the deal on the red DInc2. I upgraded my wife to one for free!! Soon we will have no Eris's in the house, I just need for the Galaxy Nexus to come out.
scouter68 said:
Well this weekend I couldn't pass up the deal on the red DInc2. I upgraded my wife to one for free!! Soon we will have no Eris's in the house, I just need for the Galaxy Nexus to come out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I'm gonna go try to upgrade early, so I can get the nexus and finally have a non cracked screen
Sent from my Eris using xda premium
REZOUND!
I went with the Rezound on launch day. I am so glad I got this phone. This thing is quick and has decent battery. I'm getting about 17-20 hours depending on my use(I have just 4g LTE turned on, with both LTE/CDMA it sucks the battery down. Just CDMA also allows better battery. You need the app LTE onoff to achieve just LTE on.). I know a lot of people say no because it doesn't have S-Off yet. The only reason I need S-Off is to permanently remove the bloatware. The phone has temp-root and you can freeze apps and it will stick on reboot. But honestly even with the bloatware this thing is fast and no memory problems!
The rezound sounds nice, but I went with the Tbolt a couple weeks ago. I got a good deal on it. I rooted it as soon as I got it, and so far I have had no problems out of it. With a custom rom running on it, I am getting better battery than my wife's stock dinc2 even with 4g turned on all the time. I think this is still a good phone to think about now that the price has come down.
Great, here goes the resale of my Photon after I paid $630.00!
http://wireless.amazon.com/f/springsprint?tag=phandroid-20
I feel for you. When I bought my Photon, it was off CL and there was a zillion of them for sale. I seriously doubt the Photon has much resell value which sucks but at least its a solid phone.
I was chatting with another member who has Photon, cardock, HD Dock, smart controller, bluetooth keyboard for $650.00. I dont see this happening!
With the LTE announcement, honestly, I was just going to give my Photon away when the SG Note hits Sprint!
Hello,
At least on my local Craigslist, the Photons still fetch a decent amount. In addition, on Ebay, the prices are not in the gutter.
When it comes to upgrade, I am hoping the fact I also have the HD Dock, Motorola Bluetooth Keyboard, and Mouse, will bring a high enough amount to offset the next phone I get as I am eligible for an Upgrade after May 18th.
As a former Premier Gold Member, I have until December to take advantage of my last Annual Upgrade from what I have been told. I am really hoping Sprint comes out with another Motorola Flagship Handset before December. All I know is that whatever one I get must be LTE. I really hope it does not end up being a Crapple iPhone 5. From what I have read, the 5 will offer LTE and after my EVO3D experience, I am pretty soured from getting another HTC. Thus, the choices by December might be pretty slim.
J
@Jungle Jack, after I read your post I thought of something, my Photon cost $630.00 no contract, you can get Photon for $0.01, but your married to Sprint for 2 years and if you want divorce, it will cost you $300.00 or so anyway. Therefore, you could get a decent price from CL or FleeBay!
With that said, I have been playing with phones since early 2000 (BB!), this is by far one of the best phones currently on the market. We have a ton of Photon users that jump ship for SGII, then a month later come back.
The only thing I'm waiting on is Samsung Galaxy Note! Which when I played with it, is light years ahead of Photon! WAY faster (1.4Gzh Processor), Cool UI that you can draw and cut-&-paste with pen, true 1080P HD, and a beautiful TV for a screen!! (5.4")
I am amazed at the prices people are paying!
They are available on Craigslist in the cities I frequent (LA and NYC) for $200-$250 in NEW condition all the time.
And I agree, it is a GREAT phone. It just works the way it should 100% of the time. And battery life is way better than any other Android phone I have had.
Hello,
This is by far my favorite phone by leaps and bounds. Funnily enough, my second favorite was a Motorola StarTac that Sprint offered for a very limited time it seems.
Granted, being with Sprint since the late 90's, we did not always have access to be latest and greatest handsets.
It has gotten a great deal better starting with the HTC EVO 4G. I just wish Sprint and Motorola had a better relationship as I am quite fond of the Droid RAZR, but do not think we will be getting a Sprint version. I am simply hoping for simply a freshening up of the Photon before my Upgrade is void. With there reported to be a multitude of LTE Devices on their way before the end of the year, perhaps there will be a Motorola Android LTE Device...
Cheers,
J
and another thing, we have dual bands (CDMA and GSM) witch is another selling point driving the price!
dsims7_2000 said:
I was chatting with another member who has Photon, cardock, HD Dock, smart controller, bluetooth keyboard for $650.00. I dont see this happening!
With the LTE announcement, honestly, I was just going to give my Photon away when the SG Note hits Sprint!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when do you think the note will get to sprint?
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
Equalizir said:
when do you think the note will get to sprint?
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who knows but if I had to guess, this summer. At CTE, they stated Sprint and Verzion were getting it. AT&T has it. Rumors are hell! If they don't have it by beginning of July, I'm going back to AT&T!
dsims7_2000 said:
Who knows but if I had to guess, this summer. At CTE, they stated Sprint and Verzion were getting it. AT&T has it. Rumors are hell! If they don't have it by beginning of July, I'm going back to AT&T!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the notes awesome but I just can't see rocking that as a phone. Its so huge!
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
Equalizir said:
the notes awesome but I just can't see rocking that as a phone. Its so huge!
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but it IS a phone! (Its really not as big as you might think, I played with one at AT&T last Saturday) Yes bigger than a phone, smaller than a tablet. 99.9% of the time, Photon is in my pocket and the note fit into my pocket.
Not to mention, the Note has so many atvantages over Photon (and I mean noticable!) that, given one had the money or upgrade available, we be stupid not to IMO.
Except the Note is still a Samsung, so will gps/data/actually acting as a phone still suck?
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk
Edited to add:
Well if what they're saying on this thread about the AT&T version carries over to the CDMA version, Samsung may finally have figured out GPS...
dsims7_2000 said:
but it IS a phone! (Its really not as big as you might think, I played with one at AT&T last Saturday) Yes bigger than a phone, smaller than a tablet. 99.9% of the time, Photon is in my pocket and the note fit into my pocket.
Not to mention, the Note has so many atvantages over Photon (and I mean noticable!) that, given one had the money or upgrade available, we be stupid not to IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might pick one up next year if it comes to Sprint. But only if I can get a holster for it cuz I wear my Photon on my belt. Too much stuff in my pockets already lol.
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
Equalizir said:
I might pick one up next year if it comes to Sprint. But only if I can get a holster for it cuz I wear my Photon on my belt. Too much stuff in my pockets already lol.
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have seen a few on FleeBay but nothing really flips my wig? To be honest, I rarely use clip on Defender (Likely because it winter and I have a coat and need quick access?)
I'm really digging the Galaxy Note Presige Vintage G-Note Diary Series. Room for money and Credit Cards. And if it does not add too much bulk and still fits in pockets.................otherwise, I will continue to look at holsters also.
EDIT: BTW, Photon is not only phone for $0.01, they have a 4G yard sale! With the announcement of LTE, and the 2015 death date, they need to do 2 things. 1. Get you into a 2 year marriage you can jusitify. 2. Dump the inventory of WiMax Phones. I don't have WiMax where I live and will never get it, so a 4G phone means nothing to me over a phone that is solely 3G!
Which would u choose? I'm figthin the urge to go buy the galaxy nexus Sunday I love the photon and thinking it may be better to wait on a fully functional stable joker rom cuz I miss hbo go...I don't really believe Motorola is actually gonna update this phone to ICS in the future and I'm not worried about LTE just yet I'll jump on that train when it actually rolls out in my area
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
rruss said:
Which would u choose? I'm figthin the urge to go buy the galaxy nexus Sunday I love the photon and thinking it may be better to wait on a fully functional stable joker rom cuz I miss hbo go...I don't really believe Motorola is actually gonna update this phone to ICS in the future and I'm not worried about LTE just yet I'll jump on that train when it actually rolls out in my area
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely positively zero question, the Galaxy nexus all the way.
My friend has one, I've spent extensive time using it. Simply the best phone I've ever used, it was phone of the year last year.
Also, being a Nexus phone - you will get the first updates for new OS'es . My sisters Nexus S got ICS already. Effen Motorola said what... November?
Jokers work is awesome, and I thank him profusely. I hope Motorola hires him!
For me, this phone is a red headed stepchild. Moto only cars about Verizon customers. I'm never buying a moto phone again.
Jeff_in_LA said:
Absolutely positively zero question, the Galaxy nexus all the way.
My friend has one, I've spent extensive time using it. Simply the best phone I've every used, it was phone of the year last year.
Also, being a Nexus phone - you will get the first updates for new OS'es . My sisters Nexus S got ICS already. Effen Motorola said what... November?
Jokers work is awesome, and I thank him profusely. I hope Motorola hires him!
For me, this phone is a red headed stepchild. Moto only cars about Verizon customers. I'm never buying a moto phone again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus is already obsolete. I'd wait and see what the Galaxy SIII has to offer when Samsung makes the announcement on May 3. I'm not impressed by Sprint's verison of the HTC One X. HTC lost me after releasing that piece of crap Evo 3D (always losing signal and roaming). And according to the FCC test results, the radio in the EVO 4G LTE seems to be crappy as well.
Question
galaxy nexus is be OK,I think that..
five40 said:
The Nexus is already obsolete. I'd wait and see what the Galaxy SIII has to offer when Samsung makes the announcement on May 3. I'm not impressed by Sprint's verison of the HTC One X. HTC lost me after releasing that piece of crap Evo 3D (always losing signal and roaming). And according to the FCC test results, the radio in the EVO 4G LTE seems to be crappy as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you not been paying attention to all the Epic 4G Touch issues? For months the phone would just randomly drop service without letting you know and you had to reboot to restore it. The radio in it is garbage on top of that. The Photon radio is a serious step up. Every single phone Samsung has released for Sprint has had major issues.
I really dont like my Photon and it will be the last Motorola phone I buy. My wife has a DroidX2 Global on Verizon and its a piece of crap too. She's probably going to go to an iPhone (Its her work phone and they have discontinued Android devides so its either iPhone or BB) and Im going to get a HTC One when it comes up for sale on Sprint. Maybe Ill give her my Photon for her Sprint line. She has an OG Epic she uses on Sprint but she probably hasnt made 10 calls on it in a year.
five40 said:
The Nexus is already obsolete. I'd wait and see what the Galaxy SIII has to offer when Samsung makes the announcement on May 3. I'm not impressed by Sprint's verison of the HTC One X. HTC lost me after releasing that piece of crap Evo 3D (always losing signal and roaming). And according to the FCC test results, the radio in the EVO 4G LTE seems to be crappy as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd hardly call it obsolete. Yes S3 series is going to get announced. HTC and Moto lost me, and a pure google with with no crappy skin is awesome.
Also, the Nexus community have dialed the roms in for that phone like race cars. The Roms and kernels are awesome.
Interesting about phones.. 5 months is considered obsolete. My intel i7-920 overclocked to 3.8Ghz is still an awesome computer. They chip was launched in 08.
My 2 cents!
MadFlava said:
Have you not been paying attention to all the Epic 4G Touch issues? For months the phone would just randomly drop service without letting you know and you had to reboot to restore it. The radio in it is garbage on top of that. The Photon radio is a serious step up. Every single phone Samsung has released for Sprint has had major issues.
I really dont like my Photon and it will be the last Motorola phone I buy. My wife has a DroidX2 Global on Verizon and its a piece of crap too. She's probably going to go to an iPhone (Its her work phone and they have discontinued Android devides so its either iPhone or BB) and Im going to get a HTC One when it comes up for sale on Sprint. Maybe Ill give her my Photon for her Sprint line. She has an OG Epic she uses on Sprint but she probably hasnt made 10 calls on it in a year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Photon is the best piece of hardware Sprint has to offer right now.
The Galaxy Nexus is just a tweaked Galaxy SII. I was a big HTC fan until the EVO 3D and I know Samsung phones aren't known for stellar radio performance, neither does HTC.
I'm waiting on the Galaxy SIII, but back to the OP's question.
I would go with a Galaxy Nexus because the display is absolutely gorgeous.
I owned one for a few weeks. Took it back because I'm on the edge of 2 Verizon LTE towers and would lose signal quite often. I know it's not isolated to the Nexus because a friend of mine owns the Verizon equivalent of the Photon (can't remember the name right now) and has the same LTE issues problem.
i been kickin around the same idea, and this EVO LTE is looking even better with a 1.5 GHz processor!?!?!
BUT.... i look back on the pros and cons
If i switch to the Nexus or EVO LTE
Pros(even tho they end up sounding like cons
-Faster Processor (even tho we have 1.3 OC i still clock down to 1.0, so not too powerful of persuasion.
-LTE - BUT... sprint is adding this technology and it will be WIP.
Screen - no doubt its a better screen, BUT it will probably chew more power
-1080p camera (but the devs are working on this for the photon)
-Official ICS (BUT id end up wiping out and flashing CM9 so im back to where i am now)
-Lighter - this is one pro that i cant argue, the EVO LTE is a feather!
-Front camera - 1.3 v vga (not a biggy for me)
Cons
-Only CDMA, less radios, less cell signal probably
-$$$ it will take a few bills outta my pocket
-phone is bigger and will be bigger in the jeans pocket
-more attractive to be stolen at the gym
when i rethink everything through, i honesty am more tempted to go buy a second photon for backup. The photon is not at a huge hardware disadvantage. software wise... just think how fast joker has done what he has done with using code out of the air. Im sittin my fat ass down with the photon for a long time.
Once or IF sprint ever comes back out with a worldwide android phone that can beat the Photon in the ring, THEN ill switch over. but for now, the photon has too great of devs, and amazing radios that i cant ignore. a phone is for communications, and without great radios, well... your SOL.
my 2 cents
Just hope this great devs don't switch over to an lte phone lol
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
alot of great points being brought up i swore to myself i would never buy another samsung phone because i had a terrible experience with the epic touch signal wise i just didn't get the same signal i got with my photon in the exact same spots no arguing that. i would love to get the evo lte too BUT intergrated battery is too iphone-ish for me and i feel like it will be a HUGE disadvantage to rooters and another way for sprint to **** with me and take more money out my pocket if my phone gets screwed up if motorola werent on verizons jock i would wait for them to come out with a lte phone...by the way do you guys think that googles purchase of motorola will eventually lead to a Motorola manufactured Nexus? how awsome would that be
Sent from my Thrive using xda premium
Easy choice. The Galaxy Nexus. As much as I love the Photon, people need to look beyond the software UI when choosing a phone. Galaxy Nexus has LTE capability, Photon has Wimax capability. Wimax is on its way out while LTE is on its way in. The LTE footprint by Sprint will be nationwide whereas the Wimax footprint is standing put.
Get the Galaxy Nexus because even joker's rom is stock ICS which is what the galaxy nexus is anyways except you will get LTE capability at some point in the future depending on which market you live in.
rruss said:
alot of great points being brought up i swore to myself i would never buy another samsung phone because i had a terrible experience with the epic touch signal wise i just didn't get the same signal i got with my photon in the exact same spots no arguing that. i would love to get the evo lte too BUT intergrated battery is too iphone-ish for me and i feel like it will be a HUGE disadvantage to rooters and another way for sprint to **** with me and take more money out my pocket if my phone gets screwed up if motorola werent on verizons jock i would wait for them to come out with a lte phone...by the way do you guys think that googles purchase of motorola will eventually lead to a Motorola manufactured Nexus? how awsome would that be
Sent from my Thrive using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im with you there. I might be willing to try the Note but at this point, who knows if its coming or not.
Jeff_in_LA said:
Jokers work is awesome, and I thank him profusely. I hope Motorola hires him!
For me, this phone is a red headed stepchild. Moto only cars about Verizon customers. I'm never buying a moto phone again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why would they hire him?
And if you look at the amount of sold units between Vz and Sprint you would see why Moto caters to Vz. Sprint is no longer considered an Class A service provider by any OM.
photon all the way. with miui its a fantastic phone. and wouldnt trade if for anything. and yes. more is to come with this phone. it can only get better
How is a less functional phone fantastic? No 4G, no MMS
five40 said:
How is a less functional phone fantastic? No 4G, no MMS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
?????
five40 said:
How is a less functional phone fantastic? No 4G, no MMS[/QUO
I think he was thinking in terms of a fully functional ics rom and as far as 4g goes more people don't have it anyway
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
halfdriven said:
?????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My post was in response to the MIUI comment
Sorry I thought I quoted the post.
ICS is pretty cool but it should not be the primary driver in making this decision. The Photon is already running CM9 and it will get official ICS support later this year. You need to compare specs between these two phones and match them to your lifestyle. Me, I live in a suburban area where the signal strength is only OK. I used to get a decent signal outside and in different spots within my house but now that I have a Photon that has all changed. I get signal almost everywhere. I don't have 4G in my area so I'm able to run CM9 as my daily driver with zero complaints. In my opinion the Photon is superior but if I lived in the middle of Manhattan I'd probably be rocking a Galaxy Nexus because the city's coverage is much better and Manhattan will get LTE.
The Galaxy Nexus and Photon are really apples and oranges. One is a Wimax phone while the other is an LTE phone. There are some areas with both types of 4G, but for the most part if you're not in the buildout you'd be stuck with 3G data. One is $150 on craigslist and the other is $200 on contract.
Its better to compare the Galaxy Nexus to the HTC EVO 4G LTE. In that respect, the only advantage to the Galaxy Nexus is being a Google-supported device. That really doesn't mean much to me, since Google has shown that they only care about one generation past, and ICS only just came to the Nexus S 4G last week, even the HTC Sensation and the international Galaxy S2 got ICS before that.
Even if you have a fully functional Photon with ICS though, which doesn't exist, the Galaxy Nexus is still better. And you better be prepared to pay $400+ more for the privilege.
My wife has Virgin and she's sick and tired of her Samsung Intercept (what a shocker.) We want her to stick with a non contract provider, and it seems like most of the other carriers have sub par android offerings. The EVO V seems intriguing but I have 2 big concerns. 1. The phone is a year old. I know it had Good specs at the time and having ICS helps now but I want this phone to last more than a year. 2. I've read in some places that battery life is atrocious. Now my wife isn't a power user, but I also don't feel like hearing her complain constantly about the battery life. I'm leaning more toward this phone than the Milestone because I like the bumped specs and having a legit ICS is a big selling point. As far as a no contract Android goes, is this a good get or should I wait / keep shopping around or do others have some suggestions I may have overlooked?
dvandam said:
My wife has Virgin and she's sick and tired of her Samsung Intercept (what a shocker.) We want her to stick with a non contract provider, and it seems like most of the other carriers have sub par android offerings. The EVO V seems intriguing but I have 2 big concerns. 1. The phone is a year old. I know it had Good specs at the time and having ICS helps now but I want this phone to last more than a year. 2. I've read in some places that battery life is atrocious. Now my wife isn't a power user, but I also don't feel like hearing her complain constantly about the battery life. I'm leaning more toward this phone than the Milestone because I like the bumped specs and having a legit ICS is a big selling point. As far as a no contract Android goes, is this a good get or should I wait / keep shopping around or do others have some suggestions I may have overlooked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The battery life is about middle ground as far as Android high end phones. You can get a full day out of it if you need/want to. The phone, IMHO, still has plenty of life left in it. It fits great in your hands. And watching 3D videos on YouTube is awesome. I know people will say it is/was a gimmick, but I completely disagree. It is just an extra feature on a phone that sets it apart from the other ones. I think once the iPhone comes out with 3D, everyone will rush to get one and other phone makers will make it a standard feature on all phones. It was just ahead of its time on the Evo 3D. With hardly any other phones to share 3D images with, it makes it hard to show off how awesome 3D images and videos are without being next to someone and showing them on your phone.
I can understand people wanting to have the next generation of bigger and better phones, but just because a newer model is out doesn't make the Evo 3D magically stop working or cease to have a dual core processor with 1GB of RAM...which still runs every app and game, still makes phone calls, and send texts with ease.
This may or may not affect you, but could...the Evo 3D uses WiMAX and will that network will still be support for a few years in places where it is operational. Such as my little city. I have WiMAX and I use it as if my life depends on it. Sure, I could get the newest phone with LTE, but until Sprint gets it in my city, I'm stuck with 3G. And once you go 4G you can't go back.
I vote get the Evo 3D. And enjoy! I know I have enjoyed mine and will continue to...I am eligible for an upgrade, but I'm not sure I can do it yet because I love this phone and 4G data.
-Ken
Sent from my iPhone with the bigger Gee Bees.
It's a great phone at $100 off craigslist if you are already on sprint or can flash it somehow for another carrier. To pay $300 for it would be an incredible waste of money. Sprints wimax is worthless if you are moving and only ok if you are not. If your house is right next to a wimax tower you might be ok. I thought it has been said it has a few problems out of the box with sprints\virgins version of ics so be ready to flash\root it right away to make it work better. A lot of work for a $300 phone. The 3d part is really just a gimmick, kind of a add-on for the kiddies. These are the realities of this phone.http://voices.yahoo.com/3d-devices-smartphones-causing-headaches-eye-8858717.html
I love my Evo 3D now with ICS, but I wouldn't buy a new one now. Phones get old fast, your best bet is to buy the latest and greatest and it may last 2 years.
Buy it new for like $100 flash it to virgin. Its $300 cuz your not signing a contract. I'm running meanrom ics and I get days of medium use with absolutely no lag or issues.
Everybody gets the latest and greatest because that's how manufactures control the market. I don't think any other phone for this price is even comparable.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
notasimpleway said:
The battery life is about middle ground as far as Android high end phones.
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Those must be the magical unicorn Android phones...
I'm averaging 50% remaining charge after ~36 hours with everything enabled except 4G. You can get 2 days out of the EVO V easily with Harmonia 3 (a cleaned up stock ROM):
http://www.vmroms.com/index.php?topic=157.0
I can't report on stock battery performance because frankly I rooted and installed Harmonia 3 about an hour after I got the phone.
Of the smartphones I've owned (Palm Pre, EVO 4G, Optimus V, Optimus Slider) and used, the EVO V is by far the best all around. This phone with a no-contract Virgin plan is just about perfect (for me).
I suspect those reporting atrocious battery life are leaving 4G on.
sailio said:
Buy it new for like $100 flash it to virgin. Its $300 cuz your not signing a contract. I'm running meanrom ics and I get days of medium use with absolutely no lag or issues.
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There is a LOT of issues with flashing it to Virgin, he'd be better off flashing to Boost but regardless of which carrier it would involve cloning the MEID/ESN of a donor phone and I wouldn't suggest it unless you know a lot about phones and have a backup in case it takes you a while. It is worth it though even at $300, the specs are just as comparable to today's phones and over the time she would have the phone a couple of years it would have paid for itself several times in comparison to getting it on contract at a subsidized price. I would DEFINITELY suggest it, the phone's specs as I said are comparable to phones coming out today (even higher specs than some new phones) and whether or not it remains supported it'll still remain a good phone for a time to come.
Esn has nothing to do with flashing it to another carrier... Just firmware and pri. I work for radioshack so I deal with this on a daily basis
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Not to hate on HTC... but I would wait for new galaxy to drop in price. I think that is going to be the best phone out this year and honestly you will be good for atleast 2 years.
Battery is amazing if you are using a MEAN rom. Otherwise, so/so. Also... I would say the biggest concern is the crappy hardware. You are taking a chance at having a blown earpiece or failing digitizer. These are common issues and I suffer from BOTH.
sailio said:
Esn has nothing to do with flashing it to another carrier... Just firmware and pri. I work for radioshack so I deal with this on a daily basis
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
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lol it does when the carrier doesn't allow flashing Work at radio shack? I've actually flashed phones so I know Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile blocks MEIDs/ESNs that are not in their database. It's not like flashing to Cricket or Metro PCS because of this fact. You could flash to Boost or Virgin without changing it but you won't be able to put it on your account Go to Virgin or Boost and just try and activate an account with an ESN/MEID not in their database, it won't work and customer service won't do it either lol (nor will they add it)
The only and I mean *only* way to get a non virgin or boost phone working on a virgin or boost account is by flashing and changing the ESN/MEID.
Also, I HAAAAATE when people say "I work for Radio Shack" or "I work for Best Buy Mobile" or "I work for geek squad" and use it to say (hey I'm an expert) not to diss on any of these (in fact I'm sure a lot of them are very good), but the vast majority of people I know at these jobs know very little and only know what's part of their official training etc. Again not all of them but pleeeaaassseee don't be so sure in something you obviously don't have experience in and giving a user HORRIBLE advise in which they will likely regret it if they try and follow it In fact you probably shouldn't give advice on a subject unless you've tried it (which you obviously haven't lol)
I'm interested in some feedback on this. I used to love HTC. Had the touch pro, touch pro 2, evo4g and the evo 3d. All fantastic. I wasn't impressed with the evo lte, so I got the s3 on the black Friday deal.
She is certain the evo lte is a great phone that will keep her happy for two years, like the original evo has. It seems everything I've read says otherwise and I'm looking for some first hand experience.
Cost is an issue, but I don't want her locked in a contract with a piece of garbage. She is not a geek and her evo isn't even rooted.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
I have had an LTE and there are 4-5 around work and they all love them.. Great battery and fast.
I would buy one all over again!
Couldn't see getting an evo and keeping it for two years without it being rooted. Great phone but not out of the box
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Let me put it this way... Mine is stock, and only rooted to use adblock and T backup. I am in charge of Mobility at a very large company, and I can use any device I wish from any vendor whenever I want. I currently have an iPad, a Nexus 7, an iPhone 5, an HTC "Titan II" Windows phone, and an Evo 4G LTE (all corporate owned, but they pay my bills). My assistant just IM'd me to ask if I wanted him to send over the new One X (the answer is yes of course). My wife owns an SIII.
I'm saying all this to make this point: My daily driver is the EVO, and I expect it will remain so for now, even with the new One X and the S4. I really like it that much. The performance is better than my Nexus 7, I love the kickstand and the expandable RAM, and the camera is very important to me (I'm reading the new X One is so-so in normal light).
So there you have it... from someone that could have anything, I prefer my EVO. Maybe for dumb reasons, but that's my vote.
thanks for all the feedback, feel much better about the whole thing now
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
I've had mine for almost a year now, and I'm happy with it. I would by another one if I had to do it over again.
It may have some quirks, but what phone doesn't? I had to do the LTE airplane dance in the beginning, but with a few radio updates and better LTE coverage, that has become a thing of the past.
Sent from my EVO LTE enjoying Blues and Jazz
Your wife is correct. I love my LTE. Great phone IMO.
method1911 Sense5LTE
The EVO is a great phone. Was well worth it when I got it but I still don't have hardly any lte in my area so sticking with my 3D until I was upgrade eligible would've been my best bet.
I have had all the phones u listed and now have LTE. By far the best of them all. I am very pleased with mine.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
I'll trade you my Evo lte for your s3. And then you get the HTC one. Lol
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Love my Evo. I would get the One if I wasn't so far from my upgrade but whatever. No complaints here.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
I know the point has been made, but I definitely second that emotion ...I don't know, I think anyone who loves the Original Evo4g, or anyone coming from the original Evo, will fall in love with this phone. It's like it's the same exact phone but with all these great improvements, yet still remaining the same good ole Evo4g...(as opposed to some of the various other attempts at "improving" the original Evo4g ie Evo3d, etc.).
Although, like many here I too am very interested in checking out the One(m7) as I haven't gotten to hold it in hand yet, and it sounds impressive...But somehow, I got the feeling I'll be with this EvoLTE for a long while to come. I've absolutely loved it since day one....BTW..I too could have any phone(Sprint anyways I want, I work with them everyday, and I'm not tied into a contract) but for me this is the one.
No regrets on LTE, love this phone. It will be going to Fiancé here shortly when One Black drops, she has been happy with her HTC shift for a while now, but is slowly going downhill. For me I just have to be on latest. For buying a new phone I can't imagine why someone would choose LTE over One, price difference is negligible.
Sent from Taptalk on EVO LTE soff on some awesome custom Rom!
If you don't have lte, or expect it in the near future I would go with the Evo lte because it has the about to do data and voice at the same time.
The new One, does not have svdo so you can't do them at the same time.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
First off, what kinds of responses did you expect coming into a Evo LTE forum? You're gonna get positive reviews. That said, if she loved her OG Evo not even rooted, she will LOVE this device. The svdo is nice to have, too.
Also, as for not having LTE any time soon,...my area wasn't even on s4grus' radar for soon, and I started getting it last week.
Lastly, the guy who said he hasn't held a One in hand yet, I did today, without being tethered by a cable. It was amazing, the feel in hand was so natural and awesome. Getting it ASAMFP.
Your wife will love this device. My only complaint is the overly aggressive background task killing, and not comfortable to hold (I Dont use a case, but a case does fix that). For some reason, on the LTE, I feel compelled to put my pinky under bottom of device for support and it starts to cramp up. One does not make me do that and fits the hand more naturally.
Today at sprint, I saw a ZTE flash. It's a cheap phone (50$ on contract) and was surprised at it's specs, and impressive display and 12mp camera. A bit thick, but for a cheap phone, I was impressed. It comes with 4.0.3 and is a pretty unmolested AOSP ROM, very nice. If limited on cash, seems like a really nice option to have.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
I have an EVO LTE and a Photon Q LTE. Both fantastic phones, but I would recommend the EVO over the Photon q any day. And as for the comment about getting positive reviews in this forum... Take a gander at the Sidekick 4G forums and ask the same question... or even the Photon q forums. They all either say "wait for the new One" or "buy anything but this for X solid reason." My EVO LTE has some hiccups but is reliable, gets great service (I don't have any issues grabbing the occasional LTE when I travel through michigan), and the battery life is amazing. If you turn data off at night you can easily squeeze 1 to 2 days out of this battery with moderate to heavy use.
Overall I would recommend this phone, if not simply for the fact that it's like an OG EVO, but better. A lot better.