I love my S2 and now that it seems to have moved on, I thought I'd ask you guys if you have any recommendations on where to go next....
What phones out there stack up?
If you will remove touchwiz and install a custom rom, you will like the s4. s5 doesn't have much good rom development yet (mostly stock based roms).
For value, get the one plus one and if you can't get it, buy a nexus 5 (still perfectly fine for everyday use). The moto g 2014 is also very good too.
For best specs and probably best phone of 2014, I personally recommend the note 4. It feels premium and everything about it is awesome.
If you like front spacing speakers, get a htc one m8. Best speakers by far but average camera.
For best battery, I recommend s5 or one plus one. They both have large batteries and they last long too (due to 1080p screen resolution). S5 has ultra power saving mode, oneplus one doesn't. But on software side, oneplus one is superior).
If you like stock android right out of the box, the moto x 2014 is a no brainer. (Yes, not the nexus 6) However, not many developers have this phone yet.
For the best skinned interface, people (afaik) recommend an lg g2 or lg g3. Both getting cheaper and becoming a favourite for custom rom or kernel developers (like dorimanx for lg g2).
gsstudios said:
If you will remove touchwiz and install a custom rom, you will like the s4. s5 doesn't have much good rom development yet (mostly stock based roms).
For value, get the one plus one and if you can't get it, buy a nexus 5 (still perfectly fine for everyday use). The moto g 2014 is also very good too.
For best specs and probably best phone of 2014, I personally recommend the note 4. It feels premium and everything about it is awesome.
If you like front spacing speakers, get a htc one m8. Best speakers by far but average camera.
For best battery, I recommend s5 or one plus one. They both have large batteries and they last long too (due to 1080p screen resolution). S5 has ultra power saving mode, oneplus one doesn't. But on software side, oneplus one is superior).
If you like stock android right out of the box, the moto x 2014 is a no brainer. (Yes, not the nexus 6) However, not many developers have this phone yet.
For the best skinned interface, people (afaik) recommend an lg g2 or lg g3. Both getting cheaper and becoming a favourite for custom rom or kernel developers (like dorimanx for lg g2).
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Thanks mate that was really helpful!
If you like the size of the S2, you can try the sony xperia z1 compact or xperia z3 compact.
But i will my S2 till it dies. For me it is still fast enough with a custom rom :silly: And the devives with a snapdragen S400 (which has 4 cortex a7 cores) aren't really faster than our beloved S2 with 2 cortex a9 cores. Both has a clockrate ~1,2 ghz und the instruction per clock hasn't been improved.
My beloved Z Ultra died two weeks ago and I’m still inconsolable. So I looked at what Sony has to offer presently and the XA Ultra with its 6.0” screen seemed like the closest thing to it. Well, let’s just say the XA Ultra has done little to alleviate my pain and sorrow.
If any Z Ultra owner is considering the XA Ultra, I poster a review here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xa-ultra/how-to/xa-ultra-impressions-t3468894
Interesting review. It verifies what I suspected and essentially knew when the XA Ultra came out: It just can't replace a Z Ultra.
Anyone looking for a replacement should consider the Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra, Huawei/Honor Note 8, Lenovo Phab2 Pro or the Xiaomi Mi Max. They are proper 'Ultra replacements' and should be on the shortlist.
It won't ever give anymore a Sony Phone which can replace a Z Ultra fully
The Z Ultra idea came from Sony to do something very revolutionary, this wasn't 100% perfect executed by Sony on Z Ultra like the just 3000mAh battery or the bad cam so it became a flop
So it's understandable that Sony does do these Ultras for the special people but that's not their main target phone
Your PDesire
Interesting some people who haven't used an XA Ultra writing it off, having never tried it... XA Ultra is what it is, a midrange 6" phone, so will never compete with what the Z Ultra was at release. But for today, with the options available, if you want worldwide LTE, it's one of the best options and presents many improvements over the Z Ultra. The alternatives mentioned above are so far either not delivered or don't deliver usable LTE for large parts of the world.
I really wonder when 'LTE' became the most important aspect of a device, more important than anything else such as hardware etc?
It sounds like 'LTE' is so important that it makes up for a MediaTek Helio P10 with Snapdragon 800 level performance and hardware that isn't a too much of an 'upgrade' from the Ultra, beside the camera.
The XA Ultra is very easy to dismiss just by looking at what it offers:
1. Smaller display size than the Ultra (itself a dealbreaker).
2. Similar CPU performance (i.e. no step forward since 2013...).
3. MediaTek (forget about ROMs and the Open Devices program).
4. Lower build quality than the Ultra.
5. Low storage and RAM for a 2016 device.
6. Price is similar to more powerful devices from other brands.
Pluses would be 'official Marshmallow' (I don't consider that too much of a benefit in a world of ROMs) and far better camera than the Ultra. The rest? So-so.
A device such as the Xiaomi Mi Max or Huawei/Honor Note 8 or Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra and the Lenovo Phab2 Pro offer substantial improvements on all areas in comparison with the Ultra and is the natural choice for anyone looking for a replacement.
Getting the XA Ultra over any of those, using the 'LTE argument' is downright silly actually. Even if another device would only get EDGE data I would take it over the XA Ultra as long as the rest is top-notch and then solve the connectivity in a different way.
I just can't see how LTE can 'compensate' the MediaTek Helio P10, smaller screen, lesser build quality, low amount of storage and RAM etc and the pricetag.... If LTE is that critical I rather buy the Xperia XZ. Far more powerful than the XA Ultra and the screen size doesn't matter, it is a downgrade anyway. I would also rather pick up the Z3TC SGP621 over the XA Ultra.
E90 Commie said:
I really wonder when 'LTE' became the most important aspect of a device, more important than anything else such as hardware etc?
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Click to collapse
Yet again, you assume that just because a feature is less important to you, it's less important to everyone else. Fast data is the most important feature of a phone to me. I also want a big screen. Would prefer 6.4, and would prefer latest Snapdragon, but of course those things aren't all available right now on one phone.
It's patently clear you haven't used the phone if you don't think the hardware is an upgrade, perhaps you should try one out first? Note that camera isn't the only clear upgrade for XA over Z.
I also love the fact that your "Getting the XA Ultra over any of those" argument includes two phones that aren't available yet.
I have fast HSPA+ here and haven't noticed any problems with HD streaming (YouTube etc) due to any particular 'slowness' of the connection. I typically reach around 15-16 Mbit/s HSPA+ and that is also why I can accept some 'compromise' on the LTE side of things in exchange for a better device.
The optimum device has 20-40 LTE bands, obviously (it would be the best solution since it would cover everything) but the reality is different. Just skipping devices due to LTE bands when no other options are available (I don't consider 'keep using the Ultra' as the best option anymore).
I fully agree that the best solution is a lot of LTE bands, Snapdragon 8xx and a 6.44-7" display with a lot of RAM and storage. As it is now, those things aren't available (yet) and compromises has to be made.
My key priorities are certainly powerful hardware, 6.44-7" display and excellent battery life (8-13 hours SOT as an upgrade from the Ultra 5-6 hours SOT). The XA Ultra is just not even close to be an interesting 'upgrade' and this Amazon link says it all:
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Xperia-...id=1466713400&sr=8-6&keywords=xperia+xa+ultra
For $329 I can buy the XA Ultra with 3GB RAM (same as the Z3TC in 2014), 16GB storage (same as the Ultra in 2013), 2700 mAh battery (smaller than the 3000 mAh in the Ultra) and a MediaTek Helio P10 offering similar performance as the Snapdragon 800. Yes, the XA Ultra has seriously improved cameras and it can also be argued that it has Marshmallow out of the box (an improvement over 5.1.1 in the Ultra).
It doesn't participate in the Open Devices Program, though (thanks, MediaTek) and even if its stock ROM is 'faster' than the Ultra 5.1.1 - the Ultra has no problem keeping up using something like PAC, Sony Concept ROM or one of the MM or Nougat builds. So buying the XA Ultra because the stock ROM is 'faster' isn't a too good idea.
For approximately $330-344 I can buy a Xiaomi Mi Max offering substantial upgrades in comparison with the XA Ultra and the Ultra:
4GB RAM (3GB in the XA Ultra, 2GB Ultra), 128GB storage (16GB XA Ultra and Ultra), Snapdragon 652 (80K AnTuTu in comparison with the 40-45K of the XA Ultra and Ultra), same display size as the XZU and 0.44" bigger than the XA Ultra and so forth. Its battery is 4850 mAh compared to 2700 (XA Ultra) and 3000 (Ultra).
The only thing the XA Ultra has to offer is.... LTE and a camera that seems to be good. 'It runs Marshmallow' or 'the Sony ROM has a lot of improvements over Ultra 5.1.1' doesn't sound like compelling reasons to buy it.
Buying the XA Ultra as an 'upgrade' from the Ultra, citing 'LTE frequencies' as a reason why it becomes 'better' than a device with way more powerful hardware isn't a particularly good idea.
I just don't see how the XA Ultra can be something worth buying when comparing with the competitors. If we accept downgrading the display size, then a lot of options are available around the price point of $330 and they are way more powerful (a Snapdragon 820 can be fitted if the budget is stretched a couple of tens).
Making a statement such as 'the XA Ultra beats the Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra, Huawei/Honor Note 8, Lenovo Phab2 Pro and Xiaomi Mi Max because it has LTE bands x, y and z' sounds really... backwards. It is like arguing that 'this computer with Intel Celeron and Intel HD4000 beats this powerful gaming rig because it is connected to a 100 Mbit/s broadband line while the gaming rig has a 10 Mbit/s line....
I always compare with competitors and I am just unable to see any reason to buy the XA Ultra in comparison with the other options. Buying it because.... it is a Sony Xperia and it has LTE frequency x, y and z just doesn't feel particularly logical.
If Sony give as a proper XZU successor (Snapdragon 821 or faster, 4-8GB RAM, 64-128GB storage, 4500-500 mAh battery, 2K 6.44" display, XZ camera, microSD or UFS card slot and so on I will be all over it. But getting the XA Ultra 'instead' because of LTE and 'it is what Sony offers' rather than switching brands (until Sony get their acts together) isn't logical either, I am afraid.
Hell, how many words do you need to say you don't really like that phone (the one that you've never used)? A full page of mostly nonsense, basically: happy to step back 5 years on data speeds, not happy to lose 0.4" of screen; but if you are losing 0.4", you may as well lose 1.2". Laughable. I hope you're happy with your cheap phone, it works for you and the trade-offs you're happy to make, but there's no need for lengthy tedious diatribes on why everyone else is wrong.
Making a statement such as 'the XA Ultra beats the Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra, Huawei/Honor Note 8, Lenovo Phab2 Pro and Xiaomi Mi Max because it has LTE bands x, y and z'
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No-one apart from you has spouted this idiocy. We all have preferences.
Edit: and no-one knows what would beat the Asus or Lenovo, because so far they are imaginary.
Buying the XA Ultra as an 'upgrade' from the Ultra, citing 'LTE frequencies' as a reason why it becomes 'better' than a device with way more powerful hardware
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Click to collapse
You want to tell me where the Z Ultra has "way more powerful hardware?" Again, as a non-user of the XA Ultra? It has a slightly bigger screen and a slightly bigger battery. Way more powerful?
The Xiaomi Mi Max is a serious upgrade from the Ultra - especially the 4/128 version. It is simply a better choice than the XA Ultra for those looking for a replacement.
Double the amount of RAM (in comparison with the Ultra).
Decent CPU upgrade (from 40-46K AnTuTu to 80K AnTuTu).
Same display size (wider brightness range).
Way more storage (128GB instead of 16GB).
Excellent battery life (12-13 hours SOT in comparison with 5-6 hours SOT).
So in what way is the XA Ultra a 'better' upgrade path for an Ultra owner than the Mi Max and the other options?
Asus has started deliveries of the Zenfone 3 Ultra and it is another interesting upgrade.
The XA Ultra is simply a disappointing device from Sony and they could do way better. Making a 'XZ Ultra' - i.e. a 6" version of the XZ would be a way better approach.
It is also interesting with attempts to defend the XA Ultra, especially in comparison with a device such as the Mi Max considering the MediaTek CPU and everything. There are absolutely nothing 'premium' about it and trying to use arguments such as 'enjoy your cheap phone' when defending the XA Ultra doesn't sound particularly right.
Edit: The statement of 'way more powerful hardware' referred to the Mi Max and the other new phablets.
I would like to ask you this simple question:
In what ways are the Mi Max (and the other options) NOT a good upgrade from the XZU - while the XA Ultra is?
My Mi Max is doing everything my Ultra does, it has all strong points of the XZU and it improves on the weak ones (RAM, storage, camera, adds fingerprint scanner and provide a decent CPU speed boost). What 'trade-offs' do you see with the Mi Max?
Yep, sure, those phones are way better for running Antutu, knock yourself out with that. What you can't seem to get through your head (I suspect you never will), is that this is a phone and mobile data device. The fact that it gets better scores doesn't matter at all. The fact that it doesn't have decent data speeds does. To me. Yeah, you're impressed by different brands of chips and scores, enjoy. I won't hamstring myself with crap data on a mobile device. That's why it's better. For me and others.
You appear unable to grasp that not everyone wants the same thing from their phone that you do. It's like conversing with an infant.
Asus has started deliveries of the Zenfone 3 Ultra
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Where? Not the US or the UK. I've only had one Asus phone, it was awful and only lasted a few months, but maybe they've improved.
A phablet should fulfill the following requirements in order to be a worthwhile upgrade from the XZU:
1. Faster CPU/GPU
2. Increased RAM (4GB or more)
3. Increased storage (32GB or more)
4. Similar screen size (or slightly bigger - up to 7")
5. Run a newer Android version out of the box (6.x, 7.x)
6. Decent developer support and ROMs such as AICP, RR or the Sony Concept ROM etc.
7. Adequate cellular connectivity (HSPA+ minimum, LTE good to have)
8. Improved battery life (8 hours or more SOT, heavy use)
9. MicroSD or UFS for expandable storage
10. Adequate camera (i.e. better than the XZU pretty atrocious unit)
I.e: An 'Ultra II' simply put - offering the same basic properties as the XZU while improving the weaknesses (especially RAM and storage).
The Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra, Huawei/Honor Note 8, Lenovo Phab2 Pro and Xiaomi Mi Max fulfill those requirements - albeit with some question marks surrounding ROM development for the Kirin (Huawei).
All four are decent upgrades from the XZU, offering the same basic properties, while improving on the weaknesses.
I have never experienced a 'speed problem' with my C6802 - it typically provide stable 15-16 Mbit/s download speeds and even if my C6833 is faster I have no problem with downloading files, doing HD streaming etc on such a speed. When I use data plans with 2GB caps, speed doesn't exactly matter for the simple reason that you don't do heavy use on such a limited plan anyway. When I have my unlimited data SIM in, getting a stable 15-16 Mbit/s over HSPA+ is.... good enough even for HD streaming.
Having a fast CPU, more RAM, more storage and so on brings tangible benefits and especially the storage part was an issue on the Ultra. Hardware when paired with a decent ROM is simply the key aspects of a device - LTE just can't make up for 16GB of storage or a MediaTek Helio P10.
I buy devices as 'mobile computers' and prioritize hardware and software (the latter is a matter of custom ROMs, I just don't care for stock ROMs). The XZU is an excellent mobile computer and the Xiaomi Mi Max is even better because it keeps all strengths of the Ultra down to the RR ROM and pairs them with improvement of the weaknesses.
The XA Ultra has some extra LTE bands, yes - but is a weak performer in all other areas, especially storage and CPU. And those two areas matters - not because of AnTuTu but because of more demanding apps and games coming out. It is reasonable to expect serious improvements in performance on a device three years newer than the one being replaced.
Even better would be Snapdragon 820, 821 or the upcoming '830'. Less than a 650? Not good enough simply put. Same with the storage - 16GB has been small on the XZU, buying a new device with the same internal storage makes no sense - my storage problem would continue. Using the microSD as a 'solution' (i.e. moving appdata) isn't optimum in 2016 when there are several devices with 32-256GB internal PLUS microSD.
The Xiaomi Mi Max is simply an excellent Ultra replacement.
I give up. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it think.
I just wanted to say that unfortunately my screen broke and it became unresponsive to touch so I was contemplating on other phones but I couldn't find a z ultra replacement I thought of the Asus Zen 3 ultra but it is too extensive so I bought me another z ultra to replace my broken z ultra there's no other like it
rickgillyon said:
I give up. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it think.
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It's not necessary to think too much in order to realize this simple fact: XA Ultra isn't a proper XZU replacement compared to other alternatives including the XZU itself.
You would need to develop that capability first.
jaime4272 said:
I just wanted to say that unfortunately my screen broke and it became unresponsive to touch so I was contemplating on other phones but I couldn't find a z ultra replacement I thought of the Asus Zen 3 ultra but it is too extensive so I bought me another z ultra to replace my broken z ultra there's no other like it
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The XZU is still a beast so great choice. It seems like Asus is starting to drop prices for the Zenfone 3 Ultra in comparison with some of the sky high ones listed before ($699).
Let's hope there will be a 8xx based 6.44-7" phablet next year - preferably sharing hardware with a flagship as well (lower development cost).
---------- Post added at 06:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:06 PM ----------
rickgillyon said:
You would need to develop that capability first.
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Perhaps you could describe the thought process leading up to the conclusion that the XA Ultra is a 'better' XZU replacement than other options... I still see a 16GB MediaTek device there.
Edit: Or is the XA Ultra a better device because of:
1. It's a Sony
2. It has LTE 800/900 etc
3. It runs Sony stock Marshmallow
4. The camera is better than [insert device]
It is a bit hard to claim that the XA Ultra has great hardware or performance paired with excellent storage - thus making it a great upgrade path for XZU owners....
Well I did think hard on that asus zen 3 ultra, but the quality, brand and looks of the z ultra it's what brought me back to it. I know that's it's getting old on it's hardware but still capable for the most task at hand besides that price it's also affordable compare to the zen 3 ultra, may be some day there will be a xperia z ultra replacement. I was hopping on the xa ultra but what a dissepiment from Sony their loss my z ultra.
I've hung around for ages waiting for a decent z ultra from Sony,but it seems unlikely now that it will ever happen.So I took a deep breath and looked at the competition,and it seemed to come down to the mi max or the honour note 8.Went with the honour note 8 mainly because of the better specs and also the superior screen.Was pondering waiting for the lenovo phab pro,but I'm glad I went for the note 8,the Kenobi looks a bit chunky width wise.Aesthetically the old Sony wins out.And I lose waterproofing/NFC and 4g on my particular network 02,apart from that,the note 8 really is a huge upgrade on the Sony.Camera,2k amoled screen,ram,storage,fast charging etc etc.So far-so happy!
Sent from my EDI-AL10 using XDA-Developers mobile app
jaime4272 said:
I just wanted to say that unfortunately my screen broke and it became unresponsive to touch so I was contemplating on other phones but I couldn't find a z ultra replacement I thought of the Asus Zen 3 ultra but it is too extensive so I bought me another z ultra to replace my broken z ultra there's no other like it
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Click to collapse
I have a 6806 and a 6833, both with broken displays. I decided to buy a display assemly which cost 45€ and another 45€ to have it fitted. With less than 100€ I now have the c6806 working again which I will use in the americas for the LTE bands used on that side of the world. I was sad to see handset like the ZU setting in a box not working. I do love this phone and I'm very happy to have invested on a new dispaly . You certainly are not going to get a phone for less than 100€ with those specs...:good:
The Zenfone 3 Ultra would be a worthy replacement for the Sony XZU. Looking at the xda forum for it, but there's currently no bootloader unlock, and not even root. The honor note 8 has root and bootloader unlock, but you do need to put some effort in to tweak and tune it to make it work well.
The Xiaomi mi max has a fairly active hacking community, so I think that's the best choice to replace our much loved Sony
I didn't mention the Lenovo, because supplies dried up and was only on sale in USA.
Hi All,
I was using a S7 Edge from the time it was released. Sold if off after pre-booking Note 7.
Long story short, I am looking to buy a new phone.
Where I stand now: I am currently using a Moto X Style, however it lags a bit in games like Mortal Kombat X. Hence the urge to upgrade.
Options: 1. Moto Z + Hassleblad mod + JBL Speaker mod (Moto Z Force is not available in India)
2. Samsung S7 Edge
I am confused as to which phone to buy. The S7 Edge checks all the boxes except that it doesnt support dual sim and MicroSD at the same time and it has a measly 32GB inbuilt.
The Moto Z doesnt have the above issue.
My biggest question regarding the Moto Z is its camera and the Hassleblad mod. From whatever reviews I have read, the mod is a disaster when it comes to image quality (except when zoomed).
What I use the phone for: Mainly for gaming, GPS, Music, Camera, Surfing.
It would be great if you folks can help me decide.
I'd say go for the Z Force. Bigger battery, better camera. Shatter shield too which helps alot. Ive been using it for the past month and i havnt been disappointed in the performance of the phone. Im aware z force is not available where you are but it wasn't available for me either as im in London. Had it shipped over and I sure havn't regretted it.
I have Moto Z unlocked version in the US and I like it, but for me the low light camera on the S7 edge is better for me and takes and focus a lot quicker, takes pics much faster, the battery in the S7 edge is bigger, unless you get the Moto Mod for the Z, the S7 edge is 3600 and the standard is 2600 for the Z unless you use the moto mod to add to it. me personally I`m probably going back to the S7 edge in few days. I had the Note 7 in the blue coral color and loved it, and that blue coral just came out here in the USA, so I think I will be making trip Back to Best Buy to return my Z for the S7 Edge Blue coral.
I had all the Notes family and the S7E.
I wanted to give Moto a try, the unlock version.. love the Mods. As far as the support( XDA family) it's kinda of weak.
Don't go to the Moto forum, they are all sheep. The Moto Z is a good placement holder until Samsung or Others bring out their 2017 models, in 3 to 4 months.
Thanks for the response folks.
Is anyone using the Hassleblad mod? If yes, is it worth it?
I go on road trips very frequently and need a mobile with a good cam. This would just be a temporary phone till Sammy's next flagship comes out.
If I can get hold of the Coral Blue S7 Edge, I will it eyes closed. I just love the color.
shuvadeep said:
Hi All,
I was using a S7 Edge from the time it was released. Sold if off after pre-booking Note 7.
Long story short, I am looking to buy a new phone.
...
I am confused as to which phone to buy.
...
It would be great if you folks can help me decide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In your question you ask if it's better for your needs to buy a Samsung S7 Edge or a Moto Z...
You have already received some answers and made your consideration too...
In my opinion they don't have a lot of sense... I'll try to explain (to you and to other interested...) why.
S7 & Moto Z are for sure two of the best phone in the whole market. I don't think there is a single task ("doable" with a smartphone...) that can't be done with them.
Moto Z have the plus of modularity which, beneath still a bit "embrional" an S7 will never have. But let this apart.
The core of the discussion is that S7 and Moto Z are the two (top...) opposite in their projectual philosophy.
Where Samsung decided to provide an "fitfully already to use phone" with a lot of UI extensions, apps, gadgets as so on, BUT (quite) hard to modify and with a lot of possible issues in this, Motorola made the opposite choice: a (really!) quite "Vanilla" Android with no apps added BUT very easy to modify and with an enormous level of possibilities on this, with a great compatibility granted by a quite stock OS. To explain how many a Moto Z is "basic" out of the box, it's shutdown menu include only the... "shutdown" option and a lot of custom ROM come with more apps installed than on Moto Z (it's provided with quite a minimal Gapps....).
So, this is the real point to evaluate in chosing: what type of user are you?
If you are the type of user not interested in rooting/Xposed modules and so on, stick with S7 that is able to provide a quite good experience "out of the box"... if, at the contrary, you are the type of user (like me...) that consider an Android with no root an unuseful piece of hardware, Moto Z is your choice: it's level of "easyness" in customizing it is one of the best ever seen on a stock product in years... a real "ready for geeks" product with infinite possibilities.
Between this two products, let me add a third contendant (a bit more oriented to Moto Z than S7 anyway...): OnePlus 3T is for sure an object to give it a look before decide what to buy...
Can someone please shed some light on the Hassleblad mod?
Is it really worth it?
Thinking about exchange my XL to get the Moto force since I am pretty sure my XL is coming with the 7.1.1 patch that blocks the unlock boot loader and I will have no need for this phone, I was looking at the Moto z force which is much better and looks like it might be a better phone esp with the battery mod. Does the Moto z force have 7.1.1 Roms yet?
You're talking about getting both on Verizon? I believe the Moto Z force is a Verizon exclusive, and won't allow to unlock the boot loader either. I'll go with the Pixel.
If you want to use the Mods go for the Moto Z Force. Also consider that more mods should be coming soon. Also, some of the custom moto actions (like shake for flashlight & turn upside down to silence the phone) are awesome! Also, the ROM seems pretty well optimized, but maybe that's just the SD820 doing his job.
The Pixel XL on the other hand has better software support (just got the January security patches, after being on November security patches before on my Moto Z) and seems to have a slightly better camera. Also, a Moto Z Force with the battery mod should be pretty thick
Pixel XL really hard to find at any store or carrier
icebear8 said:
Thinking about exchange my XL to get the Moto force since I am pretty sure my XL is coming with the 7.1.1 patch that blocks the unlock boot loader and I will have no need for this phone, I was looking at the Moto z force which is much better and looks like it might be a better phone esp with the battery mod. Does the Moto z force have 7.1.1 Roms yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There seems to be a world wide shortage of Pixel XL phones. I searched and my chosen carrier (gotta use the word 'chosen' loosely) could not supply one even though they have warehouses and stores coast to coast.
So I chose a Moto Z. And to clarify it is not a Moto Z Force or Moto Z Play etc... It seems to be the real generic Moto Z at the high end of the specs and price range.
But to answer your question the best I can - I think the Roms will be available soon from the carriers. My reasoning is that 3 days after I got the phone and the carrier pushed 7.0, the battery life went down. So I expect some updates soon.
But now that I am rooted, at least I get to decide on when to update and I can backout if things get worse.
Heya all. Just a quick (Or maybe not so quick) question here:
Ive been looking for ANYTHING involving rooting, roms or a recovery for the Z980L. My wife has this phone and it's an all around decent device (Aside from the glass battery cover that broke day one) She's had it almost a year now and I have come up with squat. I was finally able to root it with Kingo, but it's only a temp root and is lost on reboot.
Now, on to my question:
The Z987, is IDENTICAL (or so it appears to me) to the Z980L. Same specs, same chipset, same size, same everything, except that the Z987 is for the cricket network and the Z980L we purchased unlocked from Frys electronics. So, since I have been thus far unable to locate a recovery for the Z980L, could I use one that was for the Z987? I mean the recovery doesn't care what carrier the phone is on, right? They both are for use on GSM networks, so in theory, it shouldn't explode the second it's flashed, doing it;'s best Chernobyl impersonation, right?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hi.
I bought the ZTE Grand X Max 2 Z988 & used it briefly as my main phone, I bought it as a temporary phone to hold me off until I could get the S8+, I still own the phone & still use it when home to keep from over working my S8+, I keep my old phones & old tablets use them for somethings to minimize the wear & tear on my new good expensive phone & tablets processors, anyways so I still use the Grand X Max 2, it's actually pretty good phone, the ZTE Z Max & the ZTE Grand X Max & Grand X Max 2 were all great fast smooth running phones, especially for their price tag, I found all kinds of hacks & mods for the TeamMobile ZTE Z Max, I didn't find any for the 1st generation Grand X Max Plus or it's successor the Grand X Max 2, I found this extremely frustrating.
I also have a Straight Talk Samsung Galaxy S6 SM-907VL that I bought as a temporary phone & I couldn't find anything tips or tricks or hacks or mods on that specific S6 model, I couldn't believe that there was nothing on a Samsung S line phone, now I will only buy phones from Verizon or AT&T or unlocked phones straight from the companies website, my preference is unlocked phone but if I come across a real good deal then I will take it.
It seems that Straight Talk & Cricket Wireless phones are not devices that developers are generally drawn to trying out & that is why there is a major lack of tips & tricks & hacks & mods for the devices.