Is RAZR Maxx still a viable smartphone as of end of 2012? - Motorola Droid RAZR

Hi,
I'm from Indonesia, and i own Xperia Ray now, and i am interested on Razr Maxx because of the battery life but beside that, i also expect the non laggy performance of a dual core and 1GB of RAM.
Can the Razr Maxx be recommended for me at this time of year? Fyi, the Razr Maxx is still +- 500 USD Sim free on my country, while Acro S is around the same price, and SGS3 for around 650USD. Meanwhile the original RAZR is around 350USD (on discount) and Galaxy Nexus for 330USD. the Razr Maxx HD, which is my dream phone, is still unclear whether it will come to my country on the future, regarding of Motorola decision to reduce the Asia Pasific scope.
Things that make me doubtful with Razr Maxx are the CPU+GPU side (which is so 2011 but nonetheless should be still more powerful than a single core of Xperia Ray shouldn't it be?) and the unclear JB update path (no precise date mentioned on upgrade table).
Should i choose another phone? Or should i wait for the Razr Maxx HD? Really need your input who owns RAZR Maxx Thanks for any input
PS: I prefer not having a Samsung device cause of the TouchWiz. My preferences is to use ICS UI, or any UI that is unobtrusive to the ICS core UI (like Sony's )

Nobody likes to answer?
Sent from my ST18i using xda app-developers app

hansip87 said:
Things that make me doubtful with Razr Maxx are the CPU+GPU side (which is so 2011 but nonetheless should be still more powerful than a single core of Xperia Ray shouldn't it be?) and the unclear JB update path (no precise date mentioned on upgrade table).
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Click to collapse
I won't be too worried about the existing hardware on the Razr Maxx. I'm running ICS very smoothly, and while I'm not running any super high advanced programs, nothing I've tired to run has slowed it down at all.
That said, with the way phone tech is changing so fast, I probably wouldn't get a one if I was looking right now. Newer phones are designed for all the advantages of the newest OS, the Maxx was a 2.3 phone while 4.2 is out now. Just two examples: The Maxx still has the "hard" buttons at the bottom of the phone. The newest OS has "soft" buttons. A 'full screen' program and use that button space to display a bigger area. Additionally, the Maxx does not have a gyroscope so it can't use Photosphere, the newest thing for the Android camera.
Sure, these are both relatively minor things, but they'll start adding up. Two months later there will be something else the Maxx can't do that others can. Then another thing, then another thing.
Look at it this way: My phone is less than a year old and already it's being surpassed by other, newer devices. 12 months from now there will be devices that have surpassed those devices. My phone will now be two or more generations old. I can live with that, because in 4-5 months later I'll be moving to a new phone. But if you're just getting a new phone now, will you really want to be trading it out in a year's time?
That's not to say I hate my Maxx right now. I don't, not at all. But with smartphones the technology comes rapid fire. What was top of the line 12 months ago is average now, and obsolete 12 months later. You'd be buying average right now, not top of the line.

Pretty much everything that RedRamage says is true but..... the decision mainly lies in what you want. If you plan on making calls, watching youtube/netflix, playing games such as shadowgun and just normal things such as that then you can't go wrong with a razr as it won't be left in the dust regarding app development for sometime, there isn't much money in making apps that can only be available to people that can afford the latest and greatest, you may not get the crispest of graphics down the road or smoothest of motion but, it will work!
If you are looking to overclock, heavily mod, and try to push your gpu to it's maximum, then the razr is not the way to go as it has an encrypted bootloader so custom kernels can't be flashed, and the processor is dated in comparison to new devices rolling off the shelves. There are some custom ROMS you can flash with a taste of jellybean regardless if it will get an official update or not. ICS runs great on the RAZR and a couple apps like crackle and overskreen don't seem to like jellybean much
If you go with the razr, just spend the extra and get the maxx, the battery life is worth it

Hi Red and Draxin, thx for the Reply
RedRamage said:
That said, with the way phone tech is changing so fast, I probably wouldn't get a one if I was looking right now. Newer phones are designed for all the advantages of the newest OS, the Maxx was a 2.3 phone while 4.2 is out now. Just two examples: The Maxx still has the "hard" buttons at the bottom of the phone. The newest OS has "soft" buttons. A 'full screen' program and use that button space to display a bigger area. Additionally, the Maxx does not have a gyroscope so it can't use Photosphere, the newest thing for the Android camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About the Onboard buttons, myself actually don't mind with the onboard button, i actually like it more than the on screen button which takes up some real estate. About the photosphere, i'm not sure but shouldn't it work on all Android phone? I mean, if Google Sky Map can work, why not Photosphere? and with this sheet of details of Razr Maxx being real, i won't count it out too quickly http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/behind-the-glass-a-detailed-tour-inside-the-motorola-droid-razr/
RedRamage said:
Look at it this way: My phone is less than a year old and already it's being surpassed by other, newer devices. 12 months from now there will be devices that have surpassed those devices. My phone will now be two or more generations old. I can live with that, because in 4-5 months later I'll be moving to a new phone. But if you're just getting a new phone now, will you really want to be trading it out in a year's time?
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Click to collapse
Yup you're right, but in Indonesia, the RAZR Maxx was launched June 2012, seems the phone cycle is not as fast as it is on USA or other places. There is not even one Snapdragon S4 based phone here today, the highest only SGS3 for now, even the Bond Phone doesn't show it's nose while the film is already on the theaters.. really digging for Xperia T/TX but with my experience with a 1500mAh battery on Ray, i'm not sure that i want to have those flagship phones with meager battery capacity anymore..
Myself is not really a tech maniac on the phone side. All i want are smooth experience, no lag operation with great battery life. so if it is smooth and can live long, i'm all for it if i am a tech maniac, surely i will set my eyes on the Xperia T or TX, or Nexus 4 maybe but once again battery life hinders them
Draxin said:
Pretty much everything that RedRamage says is true but..... the decision mainly lies in what you want. If you plan on making calls, watching youtube/netflix, playing games such as shadowgun and just normal things such as that then you can't go wrong with a razr as it won't be left in the dust regarding app development for sometime, there isn't much money in making apps that can only be available to people that can afford the latest and greatest, you may not get the crispest of graphics down the road or smoothest of motion but, it will work!
If you go with the razr, just spend the extra and get the maxx, the battery life is worth it
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the input too I'm more of an internet guy, the games that i like to play are the simple ones like Angry Birds or Bad Piggies, all those HD games is just too hard to play with on screen control so not my cup of tea. but majority of my current phone's battery goes to Internet related application like Maps and Browser.
The standard Razr is really tempting though, at 350USD it is a really cool phone to be had.. but well if only the Maxx battery can be plugged in
Draxin said:
If you are looking to overclock, heavily mod, and try to push your gpu to it's maximum, then the razr is not the way to go as it has an encrypted bootloader so custom kernels can't be flashed, and the processor is dated in comparison to new devices rolling off the shelves. There are some custom ROMS you can flash with a taste of jellybean regardless if it will get an official update or not. ICS runs great on the RAZR and a couple apps like crackle and overskreen don't seem to like jellybean much
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Click to collapse
Well, i am okay with no kernel modification, as long as i can root at least, it's okay it is rootable isn't it?
Thanks guys, your inputs are helpful, if any please give me more input that would be greatly appreciated. :good:

I'll say no. Battery life is good on max, the phone is a bit laggy on ics. And I don't want too spend another year waiting for jelly beans update.
Sent from my Motorola Razr XT910 on ICS 4.0

vash_h said:
I'll say no. Battery life is good on max, the phone is a bit laggy on ics. And I don't want too spend another year waiting for jelly beans update.
Sent from my Motorola Razr XT910 on ICS 4.0
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Click to collapse
Ou, ok.. :-/ Could you describe the lag you experienced? How's the situation with Live wallpaper enabled? Hmm.. or should i wait for that Jelly Bean update first? Holy smokes maybe RAZR Maxx HD or Razr i will be here then #reallyhopeso

The phone is not laggy for me in stock ics...
Sent from my XT910 using xda premium

Yes, it is easily rootable thanks to eternityproject.
Now if you are looking to flash custom ROMs....... that is where it can get a little tricky, and ypu would need to do your homework. Some wont work with a bootstrap recovery and some ROMs may soft brick or possibly hardbrick your device if you flash with the wrong recovery. If you are planning on flashing ROMs, get to know RSD lite beforehand.
Personally I haven't had a reason to look at custom ROMs, I run rooted with Stock ICS with NOVA prime launcher and it just purrs for me, I have jellybean on my xoom and the only thing I miss is google now. I grabbed boot menu manager apk from the playstore (thanks whirleyes) just for nandroid backups though it is capable of much more.
One question for you though, since Indonesia is behind the US in the phone cycle, are you sure ICS is available in your region? Razr is shipped with Gingerbread, and had read about another fella from South Africa that wasn't getting ICS (jeanjaqc I believe) pushed it with RSDlite, and when he was done, the phone wouldnt communicate with his computer so he couldn't root

Draxin said:
Yes, it is easily rootable thanks to eternityproject.
Now if you are looking to flash custom ROMs....... that is where it can get a little tricky, and ypu would need to do your homework. Some wont work with a bootstrap recovery and some ROMs may soft brick or possibly hardbrick your device if you flash with the wrong recovery. If you are planning on flashing ROMs, get to know RSD lite beforehand.
Personally I haven't had a reason to look at custom ROMs, I run rooted with Stock ICS with NOVA prime launcher and it just purrs for me, I have jellybean on my xoom and the only thing I miss is google now. I grabbed boot menu manager apk from the playstore (thanks whirleyes) just for nandroid backups though it is capable of much more.
One question for you though, since Indonesia is behind the US in the phone cycle, are you sure ICS is available in your region? Razr is shipped with Gingerbread, and had read about another fella from South Africa that wasn't getting ICS (jeanjaqc I believe) pushed it with RSDlite, and when he was done, the phone wouldnt communicate with his computer so he couldn't root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When i came to look around at local Phone store booth, the Standard Razr was on display and it ran on ICS, so yeah i am sure the update is already available.
Well, with ICS already at near stock condition, i think i don't need to flash custom ROM i think.. Just remove those bloatware (if any, thank God no Verizon here ) and it should be decent performer i think
Seems like i will take the plunge at year's end, maybe the phone will be on sale around 400US$ later.. will pray for that Thanks all

Basically, the phone is awfully slow when updating apps, laggy in stock apps such as gallery (opening the gallery), music player (loading the application), camera ( switching still picture to video).
At times, even unlocking lock screen is laggy.
My definition of laggy may be different from u guys. If compared to blackberry storm, it's still fast. However comparing it to when it was gb, it's slower.
Btw, using stock ROM, rooted but no tweaks.. Rooted to use tibu.
Not using much widgets, only the contacts widget, Calendar widget and the system widget where i can easily toggle on and off my wifi and blue tooth.
Using still image as wallpaper, no live wallpapers. No much background apps, except avast antivirus, whatsapp, naver line.
Sent from my Motorola Razr XT910 on ICS 4.0

vash_h said:
Basically, the phone is awfully slow when updating apps, laggy in stock apps such as gallery (opening the gallery), music player (loading the application), camera ( switching still picture to video).
At times, even unlocking lock screen is laggy.
My definition of laggy may be different from u guys. If compared to blackberry storm, it's still fast. However comparing it to when it was gb, it's slower.
Btw, using stock ROM, rooted but no tweaks.. Rooted to use tibu.
Not using much widgets, only the contacts widget, Calendar widget and the system widget where i can easily toggle on and off my wifi and blue tooth.
Using still image as wallpaper, no live wallpapers. No much background apps, except avast antivirus, whatsapp, naver line.
Sent from my Motorola Razr XT910 on ICS 4.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm.. i'm confused, i mean, some guys say it is fast, some say it's slower.. Well, with my own experience on demo booth, the interface is quite fast, but as always, anything without user apps is definitely fast..
@vash_h: if you're on clean state after FDR, is it still laggy for you?

Oh yes, when I'm with friends and using phone on vacation (androidele) after 2 days my battery still has power .
My Maxx works perfectly(ICS 4.0.4)has no lag and fly on the network (beware of programs installed)

Razr Maxx Amazing
I use Razr Maxx AsiaRetail (India) bought 2 months ago. I have rooted my phone on ICS 4.0.4 using eternityproject's EasyRootICS 1.5. I use chefs freezer to feeze all motorola bloatware (citrix receiver, smart actions, gallery, music, motocast, bejeweled game...basically everything i did not need). I use andoid assistant (18-in-one) to clear cache and kill any open apps (easy widgets available, as well as an ignore list so that you don't kill the apps that you need like gmail or whatsapp). The phone runs smoothly on ICS without any battery extender or overclocking script. I use Google Play Music for Music, Gallery JB+ for Gallery (AWESOME) and MX Player for Videos (AWESOME AGAIN!!!). I am on wi-fi one quarters of a day and constantly on calls (2G + 3G - Only for data, But mostly 2G). The phone runs 2 days on my average usage. (3-4 hours screentime, 8 hours+ calls and about 3-4 hours of wifi - see my screenshots). This phone is purely on usage basis. If you are interested in development section (MIUI, CM10 and other roms) this phone is not for you. I tried MIUI, did not give me a good battery life (about 60% when compared to stock rom - with frozen bloatware). I haven't tried any JellyBean based roms due to its few bugs. Given my usage, i am going to stick to this phone for atleast 2 years. I am extremely happy with my choice. I would recommend it to any stranger that passes by for example, I wouldn't have bothered to write such a long post but I did! think on it.
P.S.: that little bit charging in the screenshots you see is due to me transferring songs to my phone using data cable.4-5 mins maximum.

traitor123 said:
I use Razr Maxx AsiaRetail (India) bought 2 months ago. I have rooted my phone on ICS 4.0.4 using eternityproject's EasyRootICS 1.5. I use chefs freezer to feeze all motorola bloatware (citrix receiver, smart actions, gallery, music, motocast, bejeweled game...basically everything i did not need). I use andoid assistant (18-in-one) to clear cache and kill any open apps (easy widgets available, as well as an ignore list so that you don't kill the apps that you need like gmail or whatsapp). The phone runs smoothly on ICS without any battery extender or overclocking script. I use Google Play Music for Music, Gallery JB+ for Gallery (AWESOME) and MX Player for Videos (AWESOME AGAIN!!!). I am on wi-fi one quarters of a day and constantly on calls (2G + 3G - Only for data, But mostly 2G). The phone runs 2 days on my average usage. (3-4 hours screentime, 8 hours+ calls and about 3-4 hours of wifi - see my screenshots). This phone is purely on usage basis. If you are interested in development section (MIUI, CM10 and other roms) this phone is not for you. I tried MIUI, did not give me a good battery life (about 60% when compared to stock rom - with frozen bloatware). I haven't tried any JellyBean based roms due to its few bugs. Given my usage, i am going to stick to this phone for atleast 2 years. I am extremely happy with my choice. I would recommend it to any stranger that passes by for example, I wouldn't have bothered to write such a long post but I did! think on it.
P.S.: that little bit charging in the screenshots you see is due to me transferring songs to my phone using data cable.4-5 mins maximum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He3.. Seems like you are really enjoying your phone so want this phone now X)
I am not a ROM junkies fortunately, as long as it is smooth riding and has quick toggles on status bar, then i'm all for it

I am also preparing to get the RAZR Maxx end of the year when my current provider's contract ends (then I can switch to the provider that has the RAZR Maxx and keep my number). I saw the RAZR on a good deal, but it looks like the phone is no longer available in South Africa. But the MAXX is a better option anyway. Hope my country has the ICS update! Although would love to use Cyanogenmod - which I'm currently using on my Milestone (but I could probably stick to stock for a while anyway before going custom).
Almost fell for the Huawei Ascend P1, but I hate the camera's bulge, and it's not really much of a better phone compared to the RAZR Maxx.
Now RAZR (Maxx) HD would be awesome, but I also don't know if we'll get it here.

Well, this phone has a good hardware. In deed, stock rom is a bit slow, but with some modifications you will have a really fast phone. Not to talk about custom roms... Great signal, design and feeling using it
I'm sure that it will be a great device after an year

i haven't noticed any slowness...maybe a little lag when installing or uninstalling an app. thats it.

In my personal opinion this phone is very good, I own one with ICS stock ROM and so far I am extremely happy with it, I have managed to make 4 days without recharging, with occasional Wi-Fi and 3G use (couple hours a day), and about 6 1/2 hours of screen use. As for the lag issues other people reports, I only can say it lags when installing apps, and with some demanding games. Apart from that is a smooth experience.
I highly recommend it!!

badger_8007 said:
In my personal opinion this phone is very good, I own one with ICS stock ROM and so far I am extremely happy with it, I have managed to make 4 days without recharging, with occasional Wi-Fi and 3G use (couple hours a day), and about 6 1/2 hours of screen use. As for the lag issues other people reports, I only can say it lags when installing apps, and with some demanding games. Apart from that is a smooth experience.
I highly recommend it!!
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Click to collapse
traitor123 said:
i haven't noticed any slowness...maybe a little lag when installing or uninstalling an app. thats it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm, So it lags like stuttering when installing/updating app and you do something else? or the phone seems to stop for a while on installing/updating app? Well my single core experience with my Xperia tells me that this kind of lag is common though. or is it I/O bottleneck i guess?

Related

I need your "Fascinating Opinions"

My brother is in the market for a new smartphone, so QUICK, tell me your opinions/experiences with this "Fascinating phone"
Overall it's a good phone however Samsung has not been updating the phone and as a result you will be dependent on community for upgrades...
The stock filesystem and gps drivers were ****ty and Samsung did not really deal with the issue as fast as they should have.
The effects were bad gps lock meaning you could not get an accurate read if at all for location based apps and performance below what the hardware should be capable of.
As of late the gps has been solved and if your willing to root your phone you can update your filesystem to remove additional lag and upgrade to a newer version of Android OS.
Considering the phone price has dropped in price its good but if you can hold out do so as the phone is roughly 6 months old meaning something better dual core or 4g, lte, is coming out very soon and you will be locked in for another 2 years
I would wait for the HTC Thunderbolt. It's suppose to come out in the next couple of weeks. It'll be a better option than the Fascinate.
If you need a phone today, then I would recommend the Fascinate but only if you are planning on rooting it and using custom ROMs. The stock fascinate doesn't even come with Google search. It comes with the MS Bing and you can't change that unless you root and install some Mods.
If you're not planning on rooting and Modding the phone, then I would recommend the Droid X.
i agree with modus, it's a great phone if you plan on rooting and modding it. even the droidx can be rooted and modded though, i was debating between the fascinate and the droidx when i needed a new phone a few months ago. the fascinate's screen is much better, in my opinion, at handling color saturation and sharpness when i compared it to my friend's droidx. i feel like the camera is better too, even though the mp count is lower. i think we have a better image sensor
modus81 said:
It comes with the MS Bing and you can't change that unless you root and install some Mods.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to root to get google and the google search widget back on the phone, you just need to use Launcher Pro instead of Touch Wiz.

Razr very choppy and lagy with original rom 2.3.6 ?!?!?!?!

why, I bought a new motorola razr, the first thing I see its this phone is really choppy and have too much lag comparing with samsung or htc devices I have =/
I just don't understand why, my droid 3 is more faster than razr and only have 512mb
soo, what I think, its related with motorola ui and version off android?! Can we have a clean cm7 with everthing working, including the webtop and tv mirror?
please tell me, because I'm start to be desapointed with my razr. I have a rezound with stock rom and 2.3.4 version, and runs pretty well.....more, the evo 3d and droid 3 are fast too....
this razr is like galaxy ace with performance and opening applications
into the phone option when I press one character it will take like 3 seconds to apear one name with the character I press....the others phones only take 0.10ms
another thing...the WIFI connection....why its soo week
EclipseX said:
why, I bought a new motorola razr, the first thing I see its this phone is really choppy and have too much lag comparing with samsung or htc devices I have =/
I just don't understand why, my droid 3 is more faster than razr and only have 512mb
soo, what I think, its related with motorola ui and version off android?! Can we have a clean cm7 with everthing working, including the webtop and tv mirror?
please tell me, because I'm start to be desapointed with my razr. I have a rezound with stock rom and 2.3.4 version, and runs pretty well.....more, the evo 3d and droid 3 are fast too....
this razr is like galaxy ace with performance and opening applications
into the phone option when I press one character it will take like 3 seconds to apear one name with the character I press....the others phones only take 0.10ms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try using other launcher. im using go launcher. its pretty smooth with email n calendar widget on screen.
I already try, I have the ics launcher for now. but its not normal you see =
soo I've got a score with quadrante 2491....=/ its too low comapring to 3000 from my droid 3
EclipseX said:
I already try, I have the ics launcher for now. but its not normal you see =
soo I've got a score with quadrante 2491....=/ its too low comapring to 3000 from my droid 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd experienced the same laggy with stock system I got with my first Raz. Got a replacement, a new system but same sdcard wich I though was bad. It's running flawless now.
I think it's related to system version (or a bad intallation). Try a new rom. Do wipe data and cache. If the issue persist you may have got a defective device. Mine is running smoothly now.
Also I tried the Chinese ICS leak and the system get even better.
Sent from my XT910 using Tapatalk 2
another thing I found is my second cpu is offline
EclipseX said:
why, I bought a new motorola razr, the first thing I see its this phone is really choppy and have too much lag comparing with samsung or htc devices I have =/
I just don't understand why, my droid 3 is more faster than razr and only have 512mb
soo, what I think, its related with motorola ui and version off android?! Can we have a clean cm7 with everthing working, including the webtop and tv mirror?
please tell me, because I'm start to be desapointed with my razr. I have a rezound with stock rom and 2.3.4 version, and runs pretty well.....more, the evo 3d and droid 3 are fast too....
this razr is like galaxy ace with performance and opening applications
into the phone option when I press one character it will take like 3 seconds to apear one name with the character I press....the others phones only take 0.10ms
another thing...the WIFI connection....why its soo week
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still asking myself why I still have this phone. It is laggy and choppy and I hate it. I bought a $300 phone and its **** honestly. The only thing that is keeping me from selling this phone is that I flashed the first leak of ICS and boy it our phone smooth. The first leak was fast, smooth, and just amazing. If official ICS isn't here by the end of may im getting a better phone.
really...its soo smoth? whats don't work? I almost want to install the leak one
EclipseX said:
really...its soo smoth? whats don't work? I almost want to install the leak one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using the ICS leak 6.14.75 with Apex launcher and for me it's smooth. Quadrant score is around 3000 plus or minus. What's not working varies case by case from what I read in the forum but for me, only three issues so far.
1. Battery level is way off when I first flashed it but now seems fine after I wiped cache and reset. I also used a free battery calibrate app from the market.
2. Sometimes I need to press power button twice to wake up the phone. Maybe it's because I don't have screen lock on but I don't care much. I am pretty sure it's a bug in this version.
3. 3g/4g icon sometimes shows in notification bar even when data is off. But again I don't care because I mainly use widgets to show my data ON/OFF anyway.
I am actually debating if I want to move on to official ICS when it's available. There are a lot more bloats to be add on the official release. With the leaked version I can uninstall any bloat in the system app without worrying about future OTA since leaked ICS won't get OTA anyway LOL. This is just a personal preference. I don't like anything that I don't use in my device.
Are you using Rom Toolbox (or some other tool), and changed the governor?
You want mot_hotplug unless you have a specific reason NOT to use it.
You'll get very choppy response with the ondemand governor.
/2 cents
I don't find any lag on mine..its rooted and on stock ROM 2.3.6, Asia version. And I am using Go Launcher EX at the moment.. Its smooth as butter..
Sent from my XT910 using XDA
im having the same problem with the stock, never rooted latest update. before it was butter, now its laggy as all hell.
I have the original mode in processor
Sent from my XT910 using XDA

[Q] Jelly Bean 4.2?

Just pre-ordered an HTC One X + from AT&T today. Comes with JB 4.1 I believe. Coming from iPhone (jailbroken of course.) I see there was also a recent announcement, something about 4.2 being released by Google to VOSD. Read some of the improvements in 4.2 and would love to have them. But frankly, I don't want to spend hours futzing with my phone or risk bricking it. On the other hand, I don't want to wait 6 months for HTC to release a 4.2 update.
Without any prior experience can someone throw me a bone. Will there be a 4.2 ROM here I can download that will be stable and how long do you estimate before it is available versus waiting for HTC?
I've heard good things about Sense, but if I consider myself to now be a lifelong Android user, isn't it better to get used to using a vanilla version of the OS instead of using some manufacturer-specific overlay like Sense? So should I install a custom ROM no matter what from that perspective or will I loose to many conveniences/features specific to the phone?
Finally, will I be able to go back to stock HTC ROM (whatever is the most recent version) for warranty/resale purposes if I don't wait for the HTC upgrades?
I believe the JB 4.2 was only released yesterday with the sale opening for the Nexus 4/10. I am not really bothered as there are only "cosmetic" updates anyway like this orb pic shooting cam setting and dop down notification.
I got my HOX+ yesterday, after being very happy with the HOX since it was releases in April. And I have to say, so far unlocking/rooting the HOX + is not really necessary or a thing that needs to be done as soon as the batterry has charged to full the very first time you have it in your hands.
HOX+ with HTCs Sense is running very well, smooth as hell. And while I don't like the Sense launcher as it is restricting too much my daily use, I find alternative launcher much better..they provide amazing eye candy. In particular the Apex launcher is worth to have a look at.
But the integration of Sense is the background is just great, Contacts/phone/social media integration is basically perfect, as is the Google calender and in particular Google Now.
There also is a noticable improvement with the sound quality, and sound is mind blowing with the alternative player PowerAmp.
Development will take off for the HOX+ soon, and devs are already on it. Once CWM is up and running I will also unlock/root, if only for for the adblock
I am not a fan of AOSP as it is too stripped down for me. But that is pure personal taste.
Give the development a few weeks, in my opinion the HOX+ is already coming out of the box an amazing piece of technology, and Sense together with JB 4.1.1 is a very good user experience!
So in a way, it seems you could consider Sense a package of apps/features, that you might otherwise install over the vanilla OS anyway? I suppose when I think about it, I spent hours to jailbreak and install Cydia apps on my iPhone to customize how the lock screen works, notification works, the spring board works, the wallpapers work, etc. So even though iOS interface is consistent from version to version, I always modify it to my liking - essentially building my own "Sense" for iPhone.
One thing I don't like is bloatware - apps installed that I don't need but can't install. And I'm sure the AT&T One X+ comes with plenty of it? (At least in Windows PC's you can uninstall the stuff.) So my gut is telling me I will still probably end up rooting and going with a custom ROM anyway. I'm mainly looking for stability and consistency for years to come, despite what device I own. Not that learning a new interface "flavor" has a steep learning curve, but it would be nice to "standardize" on one "flavor" be it Sense or CM10 + some specific launcher app, etc etc. To be honest I don't have hours and hours to experiment anymore so it may be best to take what HTC gives me and be done with it. But I know I will crave 4.2 when available just to see what's improved (I've read about it - not groundbreaking but better), so I guess I'll probably cave and give at least one custom ROM a try. Makes the phone more unique too, which is kind of a novelty. But ya, this stuff we are talking about is foreign to probably 90% of the smartphone users out there. So the devices wouldn't sell as well as they do if they had issues or were hard to use out of the box!
hardstuffmuc said:
I believe the JB 4.2 was only released yesterday with the sale opening for the Nexus 4/10. I am not really bothered as there are only "cosmetic" updates anyway like this orb pic shooting cam setting and dop down notification.
I got my HOX+ yesterday, after being very happy with the HOX since it was releases in April. And I have to say, so far unlocking/rooting the HOX + is not really necessary or a thing that needs to be done as soon as the batterry has charged to full the very first time you have it in your hands.
HOX+ with HTCs Sense is running very well, smooth as hell. And while I don't like the Sense launcher as it is restricting too much my daily use, I find alternative launcher much better..they provide amazing eye candy. In particular the Apex launcher is worth to have a look at.
But the integration of Sense is the background is just great, Contacts/phone/social media integration is basically perfect, as is the Google calender and in particular Google Now.
There also is a noticable improvement with the sound quality, and sound is mind blowing with the alternative player PowerAmp.
Development will take off for the HOX+ soon, and devs are already on it. Once CWM is up and running I will also unlock/root, if only for for the adblock
I am not a fan of AOSP as it is too stripped down for me. But that is pure personal taste.
Give the development a few weeks, in my opinion the HOX+ is already coming out of the box an amazing piece of technology, and Sense together with JB 4.1.1 is a very good user experience!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to chime in. I'm coming from 4 years of iPhone (still have my 4S and from the day I turned on the X+, I was in wow factor! Device runs SMOOTH as heck, responsiveness is more than I expected, just overall Great experience overall. That being said, I still want to be able to customize it even more. My iPhone had all the tweaks, theming, etc that truly made it my experience. So, i'm new to the whole "rooting" for Android devices as I'm a Mac guy also, but have a PC on standby waiting for instructions.
I'm really excited to actually take the dive in Android and especially with this particular device!
sense UI is the best for me among all the launchers.
i don't mind 4.1.1 vs 4..2 i don't think there's much changes anyways.
I have Jellybean 4.2 on my Nexus 7 and my old GNex. It is really buggy and the UI changes suck. There is battery drain, slow charging, instability and BT is broken. I rather have a stable Jellybean 4.1 and get a stable 4.2 in a few months on my Hox+.
Hellion said:
Just to chime in. I'm coming from 4 years of iPhone (still have my 4S and from the day I turned on the X+, I was in wow factor! Device runs SMOOTH as heck, responsiveness is more than I expected, just overall Great experience overall. That being said, I still want to be able to customize it even more. My iPhone had all the tweaks, theming, etc that truly made it my experience. So, i'm new to the whole "rooting" for Android devices as I'm a Mac guy also, but have a PC on standby waiting for instructions.
I'm really excited to actually take the dive in Android and especially with this particular device!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a 4S for a time. Customising it was a pain in the arse. I'll be glad if I never see cydia again . You can customise a lot of android without needing to root. But some things like taskbar icons, transparency effects for system apps, bootlogo's, system transition effects ect. You need to be rooted for.
AndroHero said:
I had a 4S for a time. Customising it was a pain in the arse. I'll be glad if I never see cydia again . You can customise a lot of android without needing to root. But some things like taskbar icons, transparency effects for system apps, bootlogo's, system transition effects ect. You need to be rooted for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a verified working root for us ATT users yet? Saw a lot of talk about one which is why I'm asking. If so, any moon steps on how to root? I need it mainly for titanium backup to backup data files too and more tweaks.
Also hope someone can fix the broken Steele headset controls for this dang phone. All u can do is pause and play tracks from your wired or Bluetooth headset. Can't change tracks nor adjust volume from your stereo headset, huge fail for me! At the gym 5 days a week for hours and nothing worse then pulling this link out of my pocket the whole workout to manually change tracks and adjust volume for certain songs.

[Q] KitKat on Legend

Hi,
I've read that KitKat would need less resource compared to JB.
Since there are already ROM's based on JB for the Legend, do you think that a custom ROM will rapidly appear based on KitKat for this phone?
Thanks.
No.I don't think there are any developers left on this forum.
I too believe this won't happen, sadly. JB for Legend wasn't such a good idea, it simply can't run smoothly on that device. But, if what google says is true (about the hardware requirements), then 4.4 could be the greatest thing that has happened to this phone in a while. I still use my Legend as an mp3 player, but i would just love it if it was more functional, so i could use it in some high-risk situations (to avoid breaking my GN4). This could be Legends last chance to die with honor
Personally I have the Baked Blackbean Rom on my Legend (JB thus) and I'm rather satisfied of this Rom (thank you to the team BTW).
It lags a bit and there are some bugs but it allows me to play with the latest versions of the apps (I love the latest version of gmail for example).
Give it a try if you haven't already. The Legend deserves a better end than as a mere MP3 player .
mr.death7 said:
Personally I have the Baked Blackbean Rom on my Legend (JB thus) and I'm rather satisfied of this Rom (thank you to the team BTW).
It lags a bit and there are some bugs but it allows me to play with the latest versions of the apps (I love the latest version of gmail for example).
Give it a try if you haven't already. The Legend deserves a better end than as a mere MP3 player .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also using JB on my Legend, but it is not really that stable (don't get me wrong, congrats to the developers, they did a great job), but it just feels too "heavy" on the phone. My biggest problem was the low amount of internal memory - yes, i know you can create a partition on the sd card, but i've never managed to accomplish it. Tried everything, just wouldn't work. So I really can't use the latest app version, as i can have about three apps installed at a time xD
Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. The app that launches 10 sec after you put your finger on it...
For the internal storage, I use Link2SD, which actually works pretty well. When I check, it tells me that I got something like 280MB in use and still have 70MB free.
I just created like you said a second partition (using a soft [named Mini-Tool if I remember correctly] in Windows while my phone was plugged in USB) and then using this second partition to install my apps.
Are you interested in trying again ? You have another phone but, anyway...
I've been part of legend community for about 2 years now, never got into full blown deving, rather doing relatively small mods, tweeks and stuff for personal use only (read, cutting my teeth with android).
Activity in legend has unfortunately died over the past 3-6 months and I haven't seen much from our last major Dev zeubea for long time, so unless there is a skilled Dev equal or better than zeubea out there that loves the HTC legend, its not going to happen. Even then given that jb version never really got finished to stable version, I very much doubt KitKat would come anywhere near the level that jb reached simply due to lack of source code for the required harware drivers...
Ya never know your luck in a big city...
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
Well, let's hope such a developer exists than...
KK has been ported to the HTC Desire so there's hope
and sorry to hijack, but is anyone willing to test some gapps? Would be appreciated, cheers!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=47101145&postcount=204
Ah cool! That's indeed a good news!
Thanks for the info.
KK was said to be optimized for devices with 512 MB+ RAM via Project Svelte. The Legend unfortunately doesn't even have that much.
But, I ask, why would everyone ideally want to have their Legends running Android 4.x? I don't understand why because although Gingerbread is now running on less than half of all Android devices, it was the last OS on our phone to run fluidly and with stability. With JB and above, Google's cramming more and more features into Google Play services, which really brings down the space the Legend has in its internal memory for apps. KK just won't run like Google intended to on this device. I just don't understand why people want the latest and greatest on a ~4 year old device. Maybe you have your reasons, and I'll respect that, but I can't think of any reason why personally.
It hurts to say, but with the Legend nearing four years since announcement, this phone isn't worth being developed for anymore. It wasn't that huge of a hit, like the original Desire or the Sensation. Therefore, it tends to be more forgotten. It doesn't have the computing power of neither of these devices, nor does it even come close to it, so while the aforementioned devices are slowly getting the bleeding edge, we'll be getting it slower, if at all.
It's a harsh reality, but if you want the best experience in Android possible, it's time to upgrade. ~Four years, that's around two two-year contracts. For Legend owners in Canada, your contract should have been up just this past summer.
This phone will always be a classic, guiding HTC through its brilliant design language with the HTC One flagship and its variants. Its legacy is shown on the devices that succeeded it. Unfortunately, I don't believe it has anything more to bring.
Hi Asovse1,
Thank you for your opinion.
You're right when you say that 4 years are an eternity for a smartphone but personally right now I can't afford a new device that would have for example the screen quality of the Legend (which has an amoled screen while even recent phone still use LCD). If I buy a new phone around 99 $ (my budget) I would have a screen with a poor resolution so the change is not worthy.
I have a JB Rom on my Legend and I can enjoy the last version of GMail for example that has really cool stuff. And this version of gmail runs rather smoothly on my phone, so why not ?
The Legend doesn't have 512MB RAM, for this reason he wasn't supposed to support ICS, but it worked, so while it works with the new version of Android, I will hope that a talented developer will build a Rom for this fantastic phone .
Or maybe I can wait just a few days ans see what the Moto G has to offer...
Cheers.
Hear hear, someone in the same boat as myself. Still using my Legend for daily use. I am on CM7.2 stable. Only GPS is not reliable. Tried a lot higher roms, never worked out well.
I am looking into importing a Chinese phone. Nice specs and an affordable price. Only risk is a broken phone within 2 years...
Sent from my Legend using xda app-developers app
Hi Wim,
Have you ever tried the Baked one as I mentioned earlier?
I have it on my Legend and use it daily without any problem. And the GPS works too, even if sometimes it needs some time to find itself, once it's done, it works perfectly.
Hello there,
I have great news for all the fans of the Legend: it might get KitKat !
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1905588&page=28
Let's cross our fingers !
Cheers!
It's been 5 years, any news?

Just came back to Android, thoughts

Hey guys how's it going? Just picked up a LG G2 on Verizon this week and its my first time using android since the Galaxy Nexus back on Ice Cream Sandwich. Android has come such a long way since its amazing. Just kind of thinking out loud here but I'm almost considering going back to iOS. By now I thought android would be much smoother than what I have seen running AOSP 4.3 and 4.4 ROMs, not necessarily lag and the phone stuttering but the frame rate of the phone and scrolling just doesn't match iOS which is really a bummer. Does anyone else feel this way? I feel like Android is such a beautiful OS, Google Now is absolutely amazing and android is way better looking and complex than iOS but there's still a couple things that I did like about it. The music app by Google on the phone is pretty laggy and is a little tough to navigate IMO. Does anyone recommend any music players that are better?
Does anyone else feel the frame drop I am experiencing though? Would love to get my hands on a Nexus 5 because I know they have the best optimization possible in most cases.
Also Verizon guys because I know buttons are kind of different, am I gonna get used to thesr buttons or will a case make it any better? They're driving me crazy especially when the phone is laying on a table and I have to pick the phone up to turn it off.
datsyuk said:
Hey guys how's it going? Just picked up a LG G2 on Verizon this week and its my first time using android since the Galaxy Nexus back on Ice Cream Sandwich. Android has come such a long way since its amazing. Just kind of thinking out loud here but I'm almost considering going back to iOS. By now I thought android would be much smoother than what I have seen running AOSP 4.3 and 4.4 ROMs, not necessarily lag and the phone stuttering but the frame rate of the phone and scrolling just doesn't match iOS which is really a bummer. Does anyone else feel this way? I feel like Android is such a beautiful OS, Google Now is absolutely amazing and android is way better looking and complex than iOS but there's still a couple things that I did like about it. The music app by Google on the phone is pretty laggy and is a little tough to navigate IMO. Does anyone recommend any music players that are better?
Does anyone else feel the frame drop I am experiencing though? Would love to get my hands on a Nexus 5 because I know they have the best optimization possible in most cases.
Also Verizon guys because I know buttons are kind of different, am I gonna get used to thesr buttons or will a case make it any better? They're driving me crazy especially when the phone is laying on a table and I have to pick the phone up to turn it off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried several AOSP roms on the G2 and I find the LG stock rom to be quicker, stable and better battery life etc... at this present time then AOSP. While the stable version was just released yesterday it still needs time to work out the kinks.
Jimi Mack said:
I have tried several AOSP roms on the G2 and I find the LG stock rom to be quicker, stable and better battery life etc... at this present time then AOSP. While the stable version was just released yesterday it still needs time to work out the kinks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah just curious as to what's going on because it still seems pretty choppy to me and I am even trying out the new runtime ART. Maybe I'll flash a stock ROM like Clean ROM. Honestly I played with a friends Moto X week or two ago on Verizon on 4.4 and was very impressed!
datsyuk said:
Yeah just curious as to what's going on because it still seems pretty choppy to me and I am even trying out the new runtime ART. Maybe I'll flash a stock ROM like Clean ROM. Honestly I played with a friends Moto X week or two ago on Verizon on 4.4 and was very impressed!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I encourage you to try Clean Rom. And download the trial version of PowerAmp. If you go back to iOS after to listening to this phone running poweramp on a stock based rom, it just wasn't meant to be. I came to this phone after an iphone and I'm telling you with a decent pair of headphones, this phone sounds amazing.
Buttons are a getting used to thing.
I keep turning the phone over to make sure I have it on the right one.
datsyuk said:
Also Verizon guys because I know buttons are kind of different, am I gonna get used to thesr buttons or will a case make it any better? They're driving me crazy especially when the phone is laying on a table and I have to pick the phone up to turn it off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stop complaining use knock on and knock off
LG G2
I came from an iPhone5 went for an S4 then this. Never looking back.
Sent from my LG-D802 using xda premium
jiteshj said:
Stop complaining use knock on and knock off
LG G2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No knock off on AOSP
you need to realize that KitKat for LG G2 is in Alpha stage...which means it is not 100% more like 70%...ART isnt even working.
jedthehumanoid said:
I encourage you to try Clean Rom. And download the trial version of PowerAmp. If you go back to iOS after to listening to this phone running poweramp on a stock based rom, it just wasn't meant to be. I came to this phone after an iphone and I'm telling you with a decent pair of headphones, this phone sounds amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS! How would you compare your iPhone and your G2? Which one has the better sound with headphones? I mean, both set at the best settings you did on them. It is very important for me, as I can't decide between a G2, a Z1 and an iPhone 5S. I already own an iPhone 5. Had a lot of iPhones before though. I will even run the portable amp way witht them, I love my C&C BH and I love my ZO. :good:
G1_enthusiast said:
you need to realize that KitKat for LG G2 is in Alpha stage...which means it is not 100% more like 70%...ART isnt even working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running CM11 Rom not posted on this site (it was but the thread was closed) theres a newer version floating around on that other site that is really good, and ART works just fine. I've been running it for a week with no problems at all.
I can't from iOS as well and the scrolling took me a little while to get used to. I don't notice it much now. I think it's just a difference in scrolling mechanics I think. That being said iOS bored me and in loving my g2
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
xian_online said:
I'm running CM11 Rom not posted on this site (it was but the thread was closed) theres a newer version floating around on that other site that is really good, and ART works just fine. I've been running it for a week with no problems at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what site is that?
G1_enthusiast said:
what site is that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/109073-rom-wip-cm11-for-lg-g2-vs980/
Someone tell me if I'm breaking some rule by linking to this.
Anyway, this is a great rom. Really stable for this early on, been running it for over a week. Switched to the kernel posted in the non carrier G2 dev section a few days ago, running spectacularly considering how new it is. The only really bad problem I'm having is the kernel broke the camera. Not all the time, it works sometimes, but it craps out sometimes. It has the same problems as the other ASOP roms are having (low benchmarks, the stock camera app has only 8mp cam (13mp works in other cams,) sound quality suffers compared to stock, etc) but generally its fast, smooth, stable, and I love it. I can't go back from kitkat now. Give it a shot!
xian_online said:
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/109073-rom-wip-cm11-for-lg-g2-vs980/
Someone tell me if I'm breaking some rule by linking to this.
Anyway, this is a great rom. Really stable for this early on, been running it for over a week. Switched to the kernel posted in the non carrier G2 dev section a few days ago, running spectacularly considering how new it is. The only really bad problem I'm having is the kernel broke the camera. Not all the time, it works sometimes, but it craps out sometimes. It has the same problems as the other ASOP roms are having (low benchmarks, the stock camera app has only 8mp cam (13mp works in other cams,) sound quality suffers compared to stock, etc) but generally its fast, smooth, stable, and I love it. I can't go back from kitkat now. Give it a shot!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
eh verizon....I'm running tmobile
Just give it a little more time. Cm11 is going to run very very well.
Sent from my LG-VS980 using Tapatalk
cckeeler said:
I can't from iOS as well and the scrolling took me a little while to get used to. I don't notice it much now. I think it's just a difference in scrolling mechanics I think. That being said iOS bored me and in loving my g2
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still having a little trouble typing it seems...
But I came from iOS. I just couldn't stand it anymore, and needed a new change of pace. I feel like I've missed so much by not being on Android for so long.
Thanks the input, hopefully Cyanogenmod 11 picks up quickly for the G2. It runs pretty well Android has come such a long way the thing that drives me crazy the most about this is the way the scrolling works in Android, iOS has absolutely wonderful scrolling, elastic, and consistent. Flicks on Android are choppy in apps at times and not consistent on how it scrolls. SMS and iMessages sent a little quicker and more consistent as well but that's not a big deal. Miss iTunes a bit for music management too idk how to get my Recently Added playlist onto my device which I locally store all of the songs on it.
Also blows my mind but Google images when you scroll through is extremely laggy! Probably the most lag I've seen anywhere on the phone. You would think being their own website and me using Chrome that wouldn't happen haha.
That said Android is a beautiful OS, way more entertaining and options than iOS. Let's see if I can get used to it I have until January 15th I can get a full refund if I want to.
Not long ago, I was cleaning out my garage and checking out some old PCs, trying to clean up the harddrives before recycling.
The damn Windows Me was sure running "fast like hell". ... simple OS does run faster .. even on crappy HW.
(one thought crossed my mind ... how crazily-fast it would run on my current kick-ass HW ?)
datsyuk said:
By now I thought android would be much smoother than what I have seen running AOSP 4.3 and 4.4 ROMs, not necessarily lag and the phone stuttering but the frame rate of the phone and scrolling just doesn't match iOS which is really a bummer. Does anyone else feel this way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree... However, I cannot cope with the limits of iOS, so I keep picking android phones.

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