Do you have any regrets with this phone? - Sprint HTC One (M9)

I was looking at this and the s6 edge. I want reliability more than anything else. Samsung really scares me with their yearly releases on phones which could equate to shoddy hardware and software and shortcuts being taken.
Is the m9 a solid phone? Any issues?

wtd03 said:
I was looking at this and the s6 edge. I want reliability more than anything else. Samsung really scares me with their yearly releases on phones which could equate to shoddy hardware and software and shortcuts being taken.
Is the m9 a solid phone? Any issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As big of an htc head I am I would go with Samsung S6. The m9 is not the choice this year in my opinion for recommendation. Don't get me wrong I love my m9 coming from the m7 huge upgrade but you'll have more fun with the s6 without touch wiz ?

No regrets especially after all the blunders I've seen with the s6. They don't seem to be evident in the s6 edge though. That being said I don't have any real issues that some are having.
Sent from my 0PJA2 using XDA Free mobile app

wtd03 said:
I was looking at this and the s6 edge. I want reliability more than anything else. Samsung really scares me with their yearly releases on phones which could equate to shoddy hardware and software and shortcuts being taken.
Is the m9 a solid phone? Any issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no issues that wont be sorted out with the next ota.. the only thing that bugs me is the radio in the m9 but assuming that gets fixed (like how the n5 had radio issues on spark at first but was fixed) I love the phone, touchwiz is enough to make me never touch a sammy again

None. What would I've got, S6.... ? This phone is awesome and I'll get the M10 too most likely. Reason, bc IMHO HTC seems to design phone just for me! Lol!

Yes. Buying it.

I don't regret it, however the radio is borked on the Sprint version. They have been promising a fix for weeks and the radio is terrible. Not so much signal issue but hand offs are awful. I have xposed working so hopefully 5.1 will fix the issues. Other than the radio I don't have that many problems. I set up an S6 today for someone else, yes it was nice and touchwiz has come leaps and bounds but I still highly prefer Sense. 4K screen, a touch bigger would have made it a lot better. Plus Samsung is now pulling an apple and shafting it's customers on internal memory. I will say I really did like the display on the S6, while my m9 screen is nice I wish they would have did 4k. There is always next year

I originally got an S6 edge after reading the reviews for the S6 edge and the M9. The accelerometer was defective out of the box. Samsung wanted me to send it to them and wait 2 weeks for a refurb replacement for a phone I had for less than a day. There were multiple reports of this exact issue with the phone, but their support pretended they had no idea. Due to the account type I have with Sprint (SWAC) and there being zero corporate stores within a 1 hour radius of where I live, returning a device is a huge PITA. This is the 2nd Samsung mobile phone I have bought, and the 2nd one that was defective. Fool me once... I returned it and got an M9, and I am happy with my decision.

Related

Note VS. HTC One X AT&T

I'm really leaning towards the AT&T Galaxy Note but I am somewhat swayed by the HTC One X. Leaning more towards the Note because of the development and SD card. I just love Samsung phones and have had bad experiences with HTC phones. But the one thing keeping me from the Galaxy Note is the horrible S3 processor. Its to bad we didn't get the Qualcomm S4 chip like the ONE X got.
HTC One X Pros:
-Great Design
-Awesome screen
-S4 Chip
Cons:
-Locked Bootloader (kind of a newbie at rooting but have been successful flashing roms with the i777, and skyrocket)
-16GB internal and THAT'S IT
-Horrible at multitasking (pretty much a deal breaker)
-Many report defects with the phone: screen issues, loose buttons, dust in screen
G-NOTE Pros:
Development support (Tons of ICS roms)
Very easy to root and flash rom
Love the form factor
Spacious
SD-Card
Cons:
Processor, while faster than the Exynos chip, its still out performed
Think I answered my own question, but would love to hear some thoughts on those who have been using the Note now for a couple months. I HATE LAG and read the Note suffers from this, but I plan on flashing Saurom.
Let me attempt to help you out.
I had the onx x first and exchanged it for about 5 times for defects. Good luck getting a perfect one.
screen is better quality on one x. But the note is almost as good with bigger size.
I'm done with the one x. Happy with the note since switch.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
You pretty much said it yourself the not e is totally the way too go. I considered going to the X when it first came out but with all the little problems it seems to have and me loving everything about my Note i see no reason to get it.
I guess I've had two devices without lag or I just don't know what lag is. I guess that click an icon to and it takes half a second on occasion to do that action is lag but I'm just not that impatient.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
If you were even considering the One X why not wait for the S3? It is very comparable in size to the X. The only real difference I see is a little bit of real estate and a pen.
I am seriously looking at the S3 as a backup phone to my Note. I can't see it replacing the Note though.
This is like comparing apples to oranges...
Unless you are buying international, the one x will not be quad. Since you mentioned att I'm assuming you want an att phone, might be wrong here.
IMO note wins, love it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
The GNote is a great phone, which has been remarkably bug free for the most part. I am also going to pick up a SGSIII after launch. I just sold my skyrocket to make room for the SGSIII. I never even considered the HOX.
I like to switch out periodically.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
With an ICS ROM there is no lag on the Note that I can tell. You would be sorry real quick with the limited storage and locked bootloader. The Note's processor has never been an issue to me. While not as "good" as the Exynos, still a quality chip with LTE support. Note is a great phone. I've owned it since day one.
I have an upgrade available and I was thinking about getting the HOX ---
but I think Im gonna wait for the S3 or the next iPhone. The HOX and its lack of features (removeable battery, expandable storage, unlocked bootloader) makes me think its going to be another Atrix. All the balls but noone to play with it. (Although the Atrix has come a long way since it was released).
If you want, get the Note first. When the gs3 comes, get that and sell the Note. I am really spoiled by the Huge screen....I dont think I will switch anytime soon. Unless 「Note 2」
-Once you go NOTE, you'd say 4 inches a Joke
You come on a note forum as ask which one we'd get? Lol.
The One-X has to many shortcomings which far overshadow the few good things about the device. I wouldn't even consider the device.
The S3 seems not special enough. My next device will probably be a note 2
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
If I have to use this god forsaken iPhone another day I'm gonna EXPLODE!!!
If i were you i'd get the Htc one x, and share your experience with htc with us. I had it with htc, good design but lots of hardware issues. I had the titan, issue gallore.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
I think the fact you can buy two spare batteries for the note for 15$ is a pretty good argument haha
add to the fact that you can have 48+ gb's on the note
I don't see what good a camera with zero shutter lag is if your going to fill up the 9 gb's the user has available in absolutely no time.
After upgrading to ICS, I've experienced no lags or hiccups with the S3 processor
The Note is better than the One X, but i dont think it is better the SGSIII so the SGS3 will have to give me my new phone Fix till the Note2 drops.........Cant wait on both of these devices.
I purchased the One X the day it came out, upgrading from a galaxy s2. Had to take first one back because of a broken speaker. Kept the "good" one for a week then took it back and was going to wait for the sgs3... then out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimmer of sunlight shining off the Galaxy note.
I said meh and figured I'd keep it a couple weeks and wait for the 3. Surprised to say that I cancelled my pre-order on the sgs3 yesterday (had the phone about a week now).
Love the note, the development community is great and diverse (even coming from the vastly populated sgs2 community), and the accessory / upgrade options that the note has well established.
One X multi tasking finished it off for me, sense took way too much memory, battery life hurt, screen was great but I'm spoiled by the perfect contrast of the amoled since the sgs2 (I am in darker environments most often and the inverted screens are unbeatable on amoled). Locked boot loader will eventually be cracked but I don't want to support a company (at&t or htc) doing that anyways, so it made the decision that much easier.
I'm a big benchmarker myself, so seeing some of the scores on the note felt like a punch in the gut at first. But after loading cm9 and tweaking a bit I've got mine running great with no noticeable lag at all, which is less than I can say for my sgs2 on cm9 and especially the HOX (even without sense).
Go grab the hox play with it for a bit, you get 30 days return with at&t. But know that the processor isn't something you're going to hold and look at daily (like the feel of the phone, or the bad ass screen- both of which the note wins out on IMO) :beer:
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
I hadn't even seen this thread until after I exchanged for an AT&T Note, but I got the AT&T HTC One X two weeks ago.
My summary of it was: ICS and the Hardware are nice, but coming from the SGS4G, I liked having an external sdcard.
Since the HOX bootloaders are locked and s-on, not really much rom development yet. I'm sure there will be awesome roms when they unlock.
So with that, I figured I'd keep my phone stock + root for a while and wait for unlocked bootloaders. But the software on the HOX is kinda flaky. I lost my job a few weeks ago and need phone calls from recruiters. The other day I got 5 emails stating that they tried calling me but no answer. That won't work for me.
So, Now I have a note
Processor isnt EVERYTHING!
-Once you go NOTE, you'd say 4 inches a Joke
I swap phones all the time. I am always curious about what is new.
That being said I am a huge fan of the note, but snagged a one x at launch.
Within the first hour, or the honeymoon phase, I was in love. The one x is well built, and is a snappy phone. However, with natural and practical use - the phone loses its luster with the multi tasking. While it may not seem like a big deal - imagine an app, or a web page re loading fresh at every view.
Also, imagine a phone with no sd slot, leaving you with no greater than 8gb storage for media once all of your apps were installed. The point of owning a smart phone is a one stop shop of a device - one that you can browse the web, listen to music, make calls, use apps etc. the point of a smartphone, for me at least is to NOT carry multiple devices for life's activies. I don't have an unlimited data plan, so te fact that I couldn't store my music on the phone was a deal breaker, since I use my phone at least 5 days a week for music.
Also, the gps performance was sub par. I can not confirm that this was or was not my particular unit- but if the phone wasn't under the window of my car it would quickly lose gps signal.
Note is one of the best phones I've used. The only downside is that it requires almost constant 2 handed use. Sure you may get away with some one handed action, but not while driving.
---------- Post added at 11:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:38 PM ----------
Don't get me wrong - rhe one x feels and looks superb. The display is, although smaller, just as beautiful as the note's. However, after the initial "wow" factor wears off, You begin to feel like the onex was kinda pushed out the gate. It's poor memory management is assumed to be directly related to allocating system resources to making sure sense runs well and good - which it does.
My final point being - of you were to try a device for 30 days, I would test a note. There are some cool things happening almost daily now to keep you interested and also improving an already awesome device. Give htc some time to figure out their situation and figure out if they want REALLY sell their flagship device or not.
When I saw the Note I just feel in love with this device from the bigging and watch story on it on youtube and web and forums about other people posted about the device.
I did look into the HTC ONE X
I was so upset it didn't support SD Card that really turn me down on this device.
don't get me wrong both are wonderful devices and it's up to you what device you would like to have and do research on it before you buy it.

Other device, comparisons to other devices, and upgrading phone discussion

Please use this thread to discuss devices other than and any comparisons with other devices on or about the Note III in this thread and any other off-topic issues that are not needing a new thread.
Post with respect, this is a helpful community, hope we all learn from this stuff in here.
I would like to see peoples opinion's on the note 3 compared to the LG G2. I am on the fence on the two. Im coming from the S3 so the note will be quite large. Being on Verizon we dont have the Nexus 5 option so it seems it is up to these two devices. My main hesitation on the Note is how locked down it is. We might not get customs roms on it at all. The LG G2 has Loki so we are good to go on that one. Both of the build qualities are lacking so thats a wash.
Joey, have you ever been in a... in a comaprison?
sorry title made me think of Airplane movie :fingers-crossed:
fletch33 said:
Joey, have you ever been in a... in a comaprison?
sorry title made me think of Airplane movie :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, THAT was one funny movie......
I'm on the fence about mine. I got in on the Verizon unlimited data glitch and have a Note 3 coming.
I have a Note 2 and if not for the glitch wouldn't have considered upgrading. The Note 3 just didn't excite me enough to spend the money. I HATE pentile matrix screens and I felt like the move to 5.7" wasn't enough. I want something in the 5.9" to 6.1" range.
With California taxes I'm in for about $385, and I figure I could sell the Note III for $700ish. Then in a couple months I could sell my Note II for around $300 and have a nice little fund for a new device. What I really want is the HTC One Max, but who knows if Verizon will ever get it?
I don't know what to do.
---------- Post added at 04:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:09 PM ----------
eddie33081 said:
I would like to see peoples opinion's on the note 3 compared to the LG G2. I am on the fence on the two. Im coming from the S3 so the note will be quite large. Being on Verizon we dont have the Nexus 5 option so it seems it is up to these two devices. My main hesitation on the Note is how locked down it is. We might not get customs roms on it at all. The LG G2 has Loki so we are good to go on that one. Both of the build qualities are lacking so thats a wash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The G2 is a really nice device. I hate the buttons on the back, but everything else about the physical form factor is great.
The screen is really nice, it's fast, excellent camera and battery life. I hate LG's skin, but with Nova you can cover up a lot, and now that it's Loki'd I figure it's only a matter of time before AOSP roms are available.
SeanPlunk said:
I'm on the fence about mine. I got in on the Verizon unlimited data glitch and have a Note 3 coming.
I have a Note 2 and if not for the glitch wouldn't have considered upgrading. The Note 3 just didn't excite me enough to spend the money. I HATE pentile matrix screens and I felt like the move to 5.7" wasn't enough. I want something in the 5.9" to 6.1" range.
With California taxes I'm in for about $385, and I figure I could sell the Note III for $700ish. Then in a couple months I could sell my Note II for around $300 and have a nice little fund for a new device. What I really want is the HTC One Max, but who knows if Verizon will ever get it?
I don't know what to do.
---------- Post added at 04:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:09 PM ----------
The G2 is a really nice device. I hate the buttons on the back, but everything else about the physical form factor is great.
The screen is really nice, it's fast, excellent camera and battery life. I hate LG's skin, but with Nova you can cover up a lot, and now that it's Loki'd I figure it's only a matter of time before AOSP roms are available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the LG spectrum and it's a great phone except for cheap sensors. Before I ever buy lg again I will install android sensors or sensor box on the store demo first. Cheap sensors have a lower range and/or operate erratically. I.e. Magnetic sensor: og Droid 0-2000, gs3 0-20000 and LG Spectrum 0-200!
What's it mean? Compass apps not reliable or accurate, Google sky map to jittery to use, auto brightness works poorly, when on call screen takes longer to turn on for the keypad, etc. At first I thought I had a lemon but LG insisted it was the applications.
Sent from LG Spectrum using XDA app
contract up !!!! What to buy next?
My contract will be up soon. I am looking to replace Verizon samsung Galaxy Nexus which I loved. I was looking at the Note 3. I like the big screen.
I have a rooted phone and want to root this new phone. The main reason I root is for the hotspot feature. Anyone have any suggestions on what phone I should look at. I am using MIUI Android Rom right now. I would be open to even staying with original OS if it had everything I wanted.
Would also like a phone with a longer lasting battery.
Has the Note 2 had any problems I should be aware of?
Any help is appreciated.
I have time so I am willing to wait if there is a good recommendation. I also don't want a bigger screen. The note 3 size seems to be perfect.
susieq29 said:
My contract will be up soon. I am looking to replace Verizon samsung Galaxy Nexus which I loved. I was looking at the Note 3. I like the big screen.
I have a rooted phone and want to root this new phone. The main reason I root is for the hotspot feature. Anyone have any suggestions on what phone I should look at. I am using MIUI Android Rom right now. I would be open to even staying with original OS if it had everything I wanted.
Would also like a phone with a longer lasting battery.
Has the Note 2 had any problems I should be aware of?
Any help is appreciated.
I have time so I am willing to wait if there is a good recommendation. I also don't want a bigger screen. The note 3 size seems to be perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Note 2, frankly... is incredible. I've had the verizon note 2 for a year now and i'm dying for the note 3. my note 2 is practically my best friend at this point. I know i sound like such a fanboy but i literally just smile when my friends complain about their phones, mine never has any of their stupid issues.
SeanPlunk said:
I HATE pentile matrix screens and I felt like the move to 5.7" wasn't enough..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I challenge you to take 2 1080p screens smaller than 6" and, without prior knowledge, tell anyone which is pentile and which is any other matrix with your naked eye.
susieq29 said:
Has the Note 2 had any problems I should be aware of?
Any help is appreciated.
I have time so I am willing to wait if there is a good recommendation. I also don't want a bigger screen. The note 3 size seems to be perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the Note2 for about six months... it is easily the best phone I've ever owned. Seriously, it absolutely blows the doors off the Galaxy Nexus, in performance, build quality, screen quality, battery, phone call quality... I wouldn't have upgraded to the Note3 if it wasn't for the Verizon glitch. ...that and my wife wanting my Note2!
Dan76 said:
I've had the Note2 for about six months... it is easily the best phone I've ever owned. Seriously, it absolutely blows the doors off the Galaxy Nexus, in performance, build quality, screen quality, battery, phone call quality... I wouldn't have upgraded to the Note3 if it wasn't for the Verizon glitch. ...that and my wife wanting my Note2!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree 100 %.
The Note 2 is BY FAR the best phone I've ever owned and I have basically owned every high end phone ever made.
The N2 is the first phone I have ever owned that I was 100% totally satisfied with and haven't been impatiently waiting for the next phone to come out for an upgrade.
I will still probably buy the Note 3 at some point (I have a line I can use for an upgrade and keep my unlimited data), although I will wait and make sure it is at least rootable first as I just know I would never be totally happy with a 100% stock phone.
I'm intrigued by the HTC One Max. I don't use the s-pen or multi-window much and I do use the external speaker daily. I'm hoping for more information about the Max this week. Also, my eyes aren't what they used to be so the large screen may work. Then again the Note 3 is calling to me since I have loved my Note 2 since it's release.....we'll see
Oh_wow said:
I'm intrigued by the HTC One Max. I don't use the s-pen or multi-window much and I do use the external speaker daily. I'm hoping for more information about the Max this week. Also, my eyes aren't what they used to be so the large screen may work. Then again the Note 3 is calling to me since I have loved my Note 2 since it's release.....we'll see
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/07/verizon-htc-one-mac-fingerprint-scanner-removable-back/
Looks like an AWESOME phone to me, but I use the s-pen quite a bit.
This obviously is a question I can only answer myself but wanted some input from some people that have bathed themselves in note 3 info... lol and some likely coming from an s3.... I'm not eligible for a new phone until march 2014... however I'm sure I could call and call and eventually get an upgrade to edge anyway (done this before... it works.. just keep calling) edge obviously a bit of a rip off.. but i could kill a few other accounts i don't really use often to make up for the cost.... and obviously if i wanted to flip a phone i could do so in 12 months or so..... with that being said..
I do love the size.. and the bigger screen is preferable to me when it comes to videos.. and other things. The speed is obviously sweet and so is the size... however..
I use my phone to play general games.. not a huge gaming on phone person.. (less you could get league of legends on there lol)... i use my phone as a basic camera..... as well to surf the web... 75% of the time i have access to a desktop in which time i could use my phone as well... i do enjoy surfing whatever sitting on the couch obviously..... I'm really on the fence... I always get super hyped over a new phone (got s3 right away and it took several calls to Verizon to get it done) in which yes, its a nice phone with nice camera options... with that being said.. its still a phone... using it to call people is its basic purpose... i've started to utilize google calandar more and more as i have a disability that the meds hinders my short term memory..so that would be one nice thing.. the s pen is sweet.. looks so awesome.. but i don't see me using it much except to jot down phone numbers or addresses on the fly (which wouldn't be often.. i'm not a people person type of guy and my job doesn't require any use of cellphones) So i'm thinking a faster processor.. better camera..the faster processor and screen size would be the main reasons..... but do i really want to go for it? do i really want to get it now and go on the verizon edge program? I just feel like I may be jumping in and after a month regretting my decision... anyone coming from an S3 have an early opinion? ( i also am in an area where voice calling isn't that great... and i would hope it would be better with the s3 (its better on my wifes older galaxy nexus)... that would be something i suppose i would have to find out after the fact.. and use the 30day policy... to go or not to go..... been thinking about it A LOT for the past week.
Be careful... if you're on Sprint or Vzw, it's only a 14 day policy
loopers said:
This obviously is a question I can only answer myself but wanted some input from some people that have bathed themselves in note 3 info... lol and some likely coming from an s3.... I'm not eligible for a new phone until march 2014... however I'm sure I could call and call and eventually get an upgrade to edge anyway (done this before... it works.. just keep calling) edge obviously a bit of a rip off.. but i could kill a few other accounts i don't really use often to make up for the cost.... and obviously if i wanted to flip a phone i could do so in 12 months or so..... with that being said..
I do love the size.. and the bigger screen is preferable to me when it comes to videos.. and other things. The speed is obviously sweet and so is the size... however..
I use my phone to play general games.. not a huge gaming on phone person.. (less you could get league of legends on there lol)... i use my phone as a basic camera..... as well to surf the web... 75% of the time i have access to a desktop in which time i could use my phone as well... i do enjoy surfing whatever sitting on the couch obviously..... I'm really on the fence... I always get super hyped over a new phone (got s3 right away and it took several calls to Verizon to get it done) in which yes, its a nice phone with nice camera options... with that being said.. its still a phone... using it to call people is its basic purpose... i've started to utilize google calandar more and more as i have a disability that the meds hinders my short term memory..so that would be one nice thing.. the s pen is sweet.. looks so awesome.. but i don't see me using it much except to jot down phone numbers or addresses on the fly (which wouldn't be often.. i'm not a people person type of guy and my job doesn't require any use of cellphones) So i'm thinking a faster processor.. better camera..the faster processor and screen size would be the main reasons..... but do i really want to go for it? do i really want to get it now and go on the verizon edge program? I just feel like I may be jumping in and after a month regretting my decision... anyone coming from an S3 have an early opinion? ( i also am in an area where voice calling isn't that great... and i would hope it would be better with the s3 (its better on my wifes older galaxy nexus)... that would be something i suppose i would have to find out after the fact.. and use the 30day policy... to go or not to go..... been thinking about it A LOT for the past week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whether or not you consider Edge to be a rip off, I prefer it to dropping $300 on the phone, plus paying my ETF for my old line. That is a total of roughly $310 +$50 for last bill + $300 + taxes for Note 3 = $660 on the lean side. With Edge I spent $102 with Priority Overnight shipping, screen protectors, first month of Edge, and taxes. Now when I sell my HTC One, I sell for around $400 after shipping and paypal fees, that leaves me with just enough to justify upgrading to Note 3. Now in 12 months, I will have paid $300 or so, and I can upgrade to the next Note 4 by then. I find this better.
Okay now on to your question: S3 is a good phone, but no Quad Core Processor, 2GB RAM is okay low compared to Note 3, but 1080p screen is a nice addition, makes watching 1080p movies so much better (based on my experience with 1080p on HTC One). No more scaling, or downsizing. Honestly if you can get the Note 3 at $299 or Edge it then do it. I recommend it.
N3 > LG2 because it has a micro sd slot and no annoying fixed nav bar taking up display space. What is the point of the bigger display if you end up having about the same space as a 5" display (if no nav bar)?
S3 and N3 seem IMO two different devices. I have medium hands and find the phablets too big for one hand operation and awkward (too big) to carry in a belt case compared to my S4. That said, if I did not have several tablets, I would choose the N3 as a true all-in-one device.
this. the htc one max has my attention but the biggest question is when will it come to verizon? remember the htc one? and if htc one max has removable sdcard i may have to buy it and have my note 3 and then decide which i like better. i love sense when it comes to htc phones but cant stand nonremovable battery and expandable storage so we will see. and i really like having an s pen if i dont use a whole lot when you need it, it comes in very handy but if the ppi is much higher and screen is better on one max i will be sure of that so it will be an interesting few weeks
oneandroidnut said:
this. the htc one max has my attention but the biggest question is when will it come to verizon? remember the htc one? and if htc one max has removable sdcard i may have to buy it and have my note 3 and then decide which i like better. i love sense when it comes to htc phones but cant stand nonremovable battery and expandable storage so we will see. and i really like having an s pen if i dont use a whole lot when you need it, it comes in very handy but if the ppi is much higher and screen is better on one max i will be sure of that so it will be an interesting few weeks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on this. Your signature shows that you have used several HTC devices. What's you overall opinion of them? thanx
oneandroidnut said:
this. the htc one max has my attention but the biggest question is when will it come to verizon? remember the htc one? and if htc one max has removable sdcard i may have to buy it and have my note 3 and then decide which i like better. i love sense when it comes to htc phones but cant stand nonremovable battery and expandable storage so we will see. and i really like having an s pen if i dont use a whole lot when you need it, it comes in very handy but if the ppi is much higher and screen is better on one max i will be sure of that so it will be an interesting few weeks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everything I've read/seen shows a removable battery and 16-64GB on-board storage + Micro SD slot. Add this to the front speakers, S-Off having been developed for the VZ One variant, and the only shortcoming is the S-pen features that you won't get vs the N3. I've asked around recently to find out if any of that gets ported to ROMs, so if that's not available I think I finally know what I'm going to buy. I need a new phone immediately if not sooner, but just want to feel like I'm getting my money's worth.

Are you happy with your S5?

How's it going guys I currently have the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and in 15 days I'll be able to jump to a new phone. I have a question for you guys... What are some pros and cons on the s5? I'm huge into flashing roms don't want to be stuck with another phone where the development is kind of dead.(Not knocking on the devs for the T-Mobile note 2 but development was pretty much non extent)
I recently made the jump both to T-Mobile from Verizon and the Galaxy S5 from the S3. I really liked the LG G3, but development there seemed to move at a snail's pace and there's still not much happening. For me it helped that I always ran Beanstown (Alliance) ROMS on my Verizon Galaxy S3 and seeing that team move to T-Mobile was a huge incentive. I like to tinker and maybe somewhere out there people are cooking up some good stuff for the LG, but the T-Mobile Galaxy was both familiar and easy to root, put a recovery on and flash new "available" ROMS. The phone it's self gets the job done and there are even some nice surprises once you plow through all the features. So long story short, if development is important to you, I don't think you can wrong with the Galaxy.
Yes. Absolutely. I've had the g2 and the 5s. The s5 was a huge upgrade from those phones
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roote223 said:
Yes. Absolutely. I've had the g2 and the 5s. The s5 was a huge upgrade from those phones
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Im extremely happy with this phone even more so after putting alliance on it . I had a Att GS4 for 2 months and it had to go..It had a locked bootloader so there was no kernel flashing what so ever . Only custom roms based off stock . I also was thinking about the G3 until i took a look in the development thread and under original development it said NEVER. Everything meets my standards . Very VERY happy with my purchase
i have always loved stock android for its speed and customization , but with the s5 and xposed it just works very well and the battery life is awesome getting like 3 days on a charge on stock rom .
Also another happy user. When the S5 was announced I was disappointed but later down the line decided to try it again. I love the speed, camera, screen and feel of it. It really makes the s4 seem like a cheap toy in comparison. Used to be a nexus only guy, but will continue to support the galaxy s line.
Thanks guys looks like this will be the phone I'll be upgrading to.
I miss my note 3 and still like the LG g2 over my crapsung s5
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the device is very powerful and im mostly happy. the one thing that really bugs me is the phone doesnt work very well as a phone. dropped calls when i use wifi calling the person on the other end doesnt hear me sometimes. volte is screwy sound goes in and out during calls. maybe t mobile network is not developed enough,? idk i came from att with galaxy s3 the international one without lte and i had much less problems.
this morning i tried 5 times to make a call finally after reboot i was able to.
again not sure if its the phone, tmobile or my settings or a combination of all. but im not happy
Wait for the Note4, the s5 is a real disappointment.
Especially the childish looking OS, what a real drag!
AxAtAx said:
Wait for the Note4, the s5 is a real disappointment.
Especially the childish looking OS, what a real drag!
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Note 4 is too big. S5 LTE-A as the base flagship device would have been nice though. Otherwise, i came from the S4 and i love my S5. Overall its smoother, battery lasts forever even when downloading all day. Only down side of the phone is i had to pay for it ha.
had good battery life at first then the update killed that, still better than most.
the stock rom has tons of problems glitches errors all that, touchwiz is amazingly bad at everything, the camera is SO bad at focusing and actually taking pictures is a pain, every menu is just a huge wall of choices, no planning or thought went into streamlining TW
music playback skips (still)
tethering will not connect unless using a custom rom
phone slides out of my pocket like it was designed to do it
pixels visible on certain colors because its still a stupid pentile
msg to samsung; please copy the sense 6 msg app exactly, its lightyears ahead of yours
so other than halfway decent battery this phone is disappointing
on my 3rd replacement because data stops working all the time and calls are just pure static but the update fixed that
aburgthing said:
I recently made the jump both to T-Mobile from Verizon and the Galaxy S5 from the S3.
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I did the same thing for all 5 of our lines (ETF pay off was the draw). The S5 is a great device. My mother has an S3 and the screen now looks small compared to the S5. The S5 has fantastic battery life and is very responsive in everything it does.
Very happy with the S5.
Also very happy with T-Mobile.
Overall I'm happy and would do it again.
I have to agree about the camera focus issue.....esp. closeups. I kind of think the the s4 camera was a bit better.
And I've had the s3, s4 and s5 and have always disliked the side button. The s5 is worst of all. I constantly look down at my pocket and my phone is doing things, like I pulled it out one time and it had brought itself into the playstore(!!!).....It has made multiple pocket calls on it's own. No kidding. I think I'm pressing the side button while slipping it into my pocket.
I ended up going with the Note 4 so far so good maybe I'll pick up an s5 to play with the roms in a few months
I was not happy with my AT&T S5 due to the locked bootloader. I am very happy with the TMO S5. Very customizable not toooo big, not too small. Doesn't lag, but gets a couple days of battery with medium use. Got a nice case and glass screen protector so it's pretty safe. Very dependable with Omega rom. What's not to love?
Very Pleased!
I am VERY pleased with my T-Mobile S5. It's my favorite phone I've owned thus far. I had the S3 before this and really liked that phone and also the Vibrant prior to that (which I was also pleased with). This is actually the 1st Galaxy phone that I've kept the TouchWiz base on though. I really enjoy the customization options on AOSP as well as the appearance, but I also enjoy the stability of KitKat TouchWiz base on this one (using XtreStoLite ROM by Edgar).
I like the Note 4 Specs, but it's just too big for me it wouldn't be comfortable in my pocket, and it's not like I wear skinny jeans either. Another nice luxury is the water resistance that the S5 offers, and the Note 4 does not. I hope that you enjoy your Note 4 though, best of luck!
JDM Civic EG8 said:
How's it going guys I currently have the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and in 15 days I'll be able to jump to a new phone. I have a question for you guys... What are some pros and cons on the s5? I'm huge into flashing roms don't want to be stuck with another phone where the development is kind of dead.(Not knocking on the devs for the T-Mobile note 2 but development was pretty much non extent)
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Even at the end of the year, I still very much like my Galaxy S5. The reasons I purchased it are still completely valid for me, even with the release of the Note 4 as well as several competitor's phones. Part of the criteria is that while I have a larger display, it shouldn't be too much larger in overall footprint than my prior phone. This put it over the Note 3 as the Note 4 was not available at that time.
Couple feature notes:
1. Screen size/quality. Prior to the Note 4, the S5 was also Display mates "best display ever" report winner. The Super AMOLED display at 5.1" also had phenomenal color matching when the display settings are set to Cinema.
2. Camera. 16 megapixel ISO cell outperformed in daylight conditions and in my opinion eliminated the low light issues I had with the Galaxy S3. Note 4 has optical stabilization, so it's a better camera if this is your number one feature.
3. micro SD card. Important feature, I use it extensively to get the most out of my phone. Pictures, Music, Movies do not consume storage on the phone and some applications support installation to SD card.
4. Environmental protection. The S5 is IP67 against dust and water. While it's not water proof, I've started YouTube and thrown it into pitchers of water for 15 minutes or so for the brag factor. So the feared toilet dunk is not as much a concern as you can wash it with soap and water after retrieval.
5. Fingerprint reader. Yeah, it's not perfect but when properly trained, you'll find it works pretty well. I use it not only to unlock my phone, but in combination with Last Pass (has support for S5 fingerprint reader) and Pay Pal applications (fingerprint to pay). There are more on the way. Would be nice if Google adopted the API as a standard so that Google Wallet used it as well.
Pros:
Moving from one Samsung phone to another is extremely easy, especially with the use of the Kies software to backup your content/settings.
Excellent display quality over Galaxy Note 2.
Greatly improved camera.
USB transfers are faster at USB 3.0
Pretty close to waterproof.
Great audio with headphones.
Solid Bluetooth functionality.
Touch Wiz UI has been greatly reduced in footprint and is actually useful.
Great battery life and the ability to go Ultra for days of power.
Fingerprint reader is supported by several third party developers besides just Samsung apps.
Official Samsung Qi wireless charging options are available (charging back or S View wireless cover).
Numerous case options
Cons:
USB cover must be closed for IP67 waterproofing.
Wireless Qi Charging Back from Samsung makes the phone FAT.
Touch Wiz UI as memory/performance impact.
KNOX security has a "electronic fuse" that once tripped voids warranty. Flashing ROMs may trip that fuse if proper methods are not followed.
Fingerprint reader is not as accurate as desired.
Plastic build (low on issue meter as case hides this, other premium build phones have their metal hidden by cases so it's no big deal)
Even well over 8 months after release you'll find that the Galaxy S5 is a great challenger to even the latest released phones. Processor and Video performance are still incredible.
That said, there is rumors of the S6 coming sooner, depending on if you are willing to wait until March you may find the newer product has specs worth waiting for. But if you have to upgrade now, I believe the S5 will continue to be a solid workhorse for a few more years. Which is good, at $600 it's expensive to get every single generation point release. I skipped the S4 for example when waiting to upgrade from my S3.
New to the s5, maybe 2 mths. I had one a few mths ago but the lack of dev made me sell it and stay with my s4 for a few more mths. Then I came across another s5 and decided the best way to fall in love with it was to donate one to my fav developer. So if you want to fall in love with your s5 check out my man @The Sickness and his sick and twisted rom....trust me you will be in love with it as i am. Support on the rom is far one of the best in my opinion, all due respect to all other threads.
OK but moving to note 4 in a couple months when I can jump
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Okay tell me the m8 is the phone to buy please!

I am on the fence here..Had Note 3 love Amoled but hate Tw and the plastic...I did have the M7 loved it, but camera was bad....Did not like the G3 ...thinking of the M8 or Note 4 ...I don't use the spen and want a premium phone!! Help!!
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I loved my S3 but the M8 is light years ahead of samsung in my opinion. It's fast and just works like it's supposed to. Keep in mind that Samsung is locking all bootloaders and I don't know about you but waiting on safestrap only to flash modded stock roms doesn't do it for me. My only complaint is that it works too well and I don't find myself looking for mods and flashing new things, which is good, but bad if you like that diversion.
I am also comparing the g3 and the m8. Att is swapping out my s5 for another phone of my choice. Both phones seem nice. I guess I need to hit the store and play with them both.
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Intub8 said:
I am also comparing the g3 and the m8. Att is swapping out my s5 for another phone of my choice. Both phones seem nice. I guess I need to hit the store and play with them both.
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I had the G 3 for three days ..did not like it....It's very laggy, heats up quickly..I rooted mine , debloated with xposed and still was slow. Another issue was wireless charging .Att&t only uses pma chargers and they make you buy their charging cover and base....no thanks.....m8 is light years better than the g3.
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A few things
1. I'm going on 2 days without charging and I'm still at 20% - Amazing
2. Just look at the back of the "new" iPhone. Look familiar? Ya, that's what I thought. The design of the M8 is revolutionary.
3. What other cell phone has 2 forward facing speakers? And they sound better that anything out there.
4. Sense 6 is probably the best Android OEM skin ever. I'm with others that say while flashing ROM's is fun and the developers are great and make amazing ROM's but I've not had a reason to unlock and flash.
5. Just go hold one in your hand. Compare it to the plastic feel of other phones. No contest.
GalaxyNotesTx said:
I am on the fence here..Had Note 3 love Amoled but hate Tw and the plastic...I did have the M7 loved it, but camera was bad....Did not like the G3 ...thinking of the M8 or Note 4 ...I don't use the spen and want a premium phone!! Help!!
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I bought a Samsung S 5 Active and an HTC One M8 at the same time, the S5 for my wife as we have different needs.
The S5 camera is better, is more waterproof and I prefer the hard-buttons (home, back, menu/windows.) In every other way, the M8 is better. Even though the S5 has a faster processor, the M8 seems faster. M8 feels slimmer and nicer (than either S5 model), battery lasts nearly double the time. And I happen to really like Dot View (and the ease of turning the display off by closing it. )
And iPhone wielding coworkers fondle the M8 in ways they wouldn't touch an S5.
In most ways, though, it's just different. I really don't like the Samsung interface, and replaced it on my Tab Pro, so it's no surprise that I don't like how the S5 menus and screens are laid out. Sense/Blink is okay, but I don't need either kind of live-feed so I put Nova on it anyhow.
I think the M8 is better. Like an Audi is better than a Honda - it doesn't get you from point A to B better, but the ride is more enjoyable. But you can be happy with either one.
I hope no one minds me adding a small question to this thread, as I'm also about to buy an M8:
I've read in many places that the finish on it makes it very slippery. How true is it? Do owners usually use a case or not? It would be a shame to put a case on such a nice looking phone!
if no case - is the back cover replaceable? If after a year mine gets all scratched, can I just replace it with a new one like I do on my S3?
thanks!
Well just tried to buy m8 two different stores and lte would not light up..says no apn settings. I'm in Houston...huge lte here..Never had this problem with any other phones before..looks to be HTC issue?
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Slartibartfast_ said:
I hope no one minds me adding a small question to this thread, as I'm also about to buy an M8:
I've read in many places that the finish on it makes it very slippery. How true is it? Do owners usually use a case or not? It would be a shame to put a case on such a nice looking phone!
if no case - is the back cover replaceable? If after a year mine gets all scratched, can I just replace it with a new one like I do on my S3?
thanks!
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Thats the problem with such a beautiful device. You don't want to cover it up with a case but want to protect it from everyday use. I use a thin TPU clear case at work and when I'm out but take it off when I'm home just to feel the quality of the M8. As far as slippery, yes it's a little slippery but not too bad. The back is not replacable like on a phone with a removable battery if that's what your thinking. E-bay (and I'm sure other places) have backs for sale but you'll have to take the phone apart to change it out since the phone is 90% one piece metal. Check out ifixit.com for the teardown and see if you can do it. Personally I don't think it is as bad as they say it is but I'm a mechanic and field service engineer so taking stuff apart and fixing them is what I do for a living.
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GalaxyNotesTx said:
Well just tried to buy m8 two different stores and lte would not light up..says no apn settings. I'm in Houston...huge lte here..Never had this problem with any other phones before..looks to be HTC issue?
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Maybe but I don't have that problem where I live (Washington DC area).
GalaxyNotesTx said:
I am on the fence here..Had Note 3 love Amoled but hate Tw and the plastic...I did have the M7 loved it, but camera was bad....Did not like the G3 ...thinking of the M8 or Note 4 ...I don't use the spen and want a premium phone!! Help!!
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I had an m8 and "please don't bash me for this m8 owners" the camera is absolutely horrible. Huge letdown with the m7 then again with the m8. I had the m8 and tried to convince myself that I loved it. As far as root and s-off, the m8 is awesome. The camera is horrible and the phone is too tall. I switched to the s5 once I heard they had root and couldn't be happier. These are just my opinions.
an0ther said:
I had an m8 and "please don't bash me for this m8 owners" the camera is absolutely horrible. Huge letdown with the m7 then again with the m8. I had the m8 and tried to convince myself that I loved it. As far as root and s-off, the m8 is awesome. The camera is horrible and the phone is too tall. I switched to the s5 once I heard they had root and couldn't be happier. These are just my opinions.
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I agree the camera could be better out of the box but if you play with the setting in manual mode you will get amazing results. Most users are just casual photogs so they need point and shoot and never mess with the other features. I only use my phones camera as a conveiance because when I go to events etc. I take my point and shoot and my HD camcorder. I too thought the form factor of this phone would be too big but after having it for a month or so it's really not that big feeling. It actually feels smaller than my Vivid in my pocket. We won't take your comments as a bash, at least you didn't go with the iPhone Plus.
S5 or M8?
I'm trying to decide between the S5 and the M8 also.
Sounds like everybody is generally in love with the M8 because of the look and feel. Personally, I have trouble understanding why people complain about the plastic on the Samsung phones. If you plan to use the phone naked, then the look would make a difference. I never feel comfortable using these flimsy phones without a TPU case, and once you put a case on it, you rarely see the back of the phone. To me that makes all of that lovely metal a waste.
Otherwise, the waterproof qualities of the Samsung are a plus and most people seem to think the camera is better. Also, the lack of an easily replaceable battery on the M8 is a concern for me.
It seems that Sense UI, the speakers, and the general experience of using it is the big advantage for the M8. Also unlocked bootloaders and the availability of multiple stock roms is a plus. I'm not sure which phone wins out on battery life, but the Samsung has the bigger battery.
All in all, I'm leaning toward the S5, but it's a very close call.
Do you use a case on your M8? If so, what's the advantage of the pretty back?
Just got the M8 love it...very fast , very clean ui..no junk touchwiz here.... no complaints....This phone is very nice...only second generation...M9 will be even better....S5 feels and looks like my 9 year old niece designed ...good luck!
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I too was in a position to choose between the M8 and S5 when my Galaxy Note II decided to finally give up the ghost only after 18 months of use. Despite a full restore it just kept freezing up and corrupted not only my 64 GB SD card, but also the internal memory. Because my phone is my lifeline, I couldn't afford to take any more time to try to fix it, and bought a replacement - the M8.
I have never had as many issues or physically destroyed a phone as quickly as the Note II. While I enjoyed the plastic at the beginning due to making the weight of the phone lighter, it was also more prone to scratches, cracks, abrasion marks, etc. Although I liked the Touchwiz features, I hated the FischerPrice design. Why are all of the icons huge on the screen? Nova launcher quickly became my friend.
I temporarily reverted to my Iphone 4 while shopping for a new phone. While I also hate IOS7, i did realize that I missed the feel and sturdiness of the metal chassis design. This swayed me to look at the M8 after I found out that the new model was almost all metal, unlike the M7.
I viewed the reviews and specs of both the M8 and S5. While the better camera on the S5 was definitely important, these were the factors that made me choose the M8:
1) Metal iPhone like build. I'm not too rough on my phones, but the even more plastic flimsy build of the S5 didn't seem like it would hold up any better than my Note 2 did. i also hated the new Band-Aid like design. The S5 looks like a toy.
2) Dual stereo speakers. I am a musician and DJ. Music is my life. While the volume of the Note 2 and S5 were "ok', there is no doubt that the M8 was not only superior in sound quality, but offered the rare stereo experience.
3) Camera - the M8 is adequate, but not up to par with other phones, especially the S5 and new LG. However, I weighed this against my use of the device for music. I rarely take photos or videos with my phone. Yeah, every once in a while as a spur of the moment keepsake, or to send to someone, but never to save and print, etc. I realized that the camera was the least important feature to me, so even though the S5 would win in this category, the M8 was sufficient for my needs. That being said, some of the camera features are very nice, and if you use manual mode, you can get some pretty decent shots.
4) Size - Although I liked the bigger screen on the S5, and prefer the technology, I found my Note 2 to be just a tad too big every once in a while. The slightly smaller M8 seemed to still give me the larger real estate that I wanted (compared to the minuscule iPhone 4, which I found unusable for non mobile web browsing). I was not mistaken.
5) Interface. I was very surprised with how clean the Sense 6 interface was. Although I don't use BlinkFeed (not customizable enough for me) it seems like so much more a native android experience. I don't feel like it gets in the way like TW did. I don't even use Nova anymore, simply because I love the weather clock widget. It was designed with simplicity in mind, but not to a point of making it toy like. If anything, it is elegant.
6) Internal memory. The S5 only has 16 GB of internal memory. The M8 has 32. Let's face it, there's a lot that can not be stored on an external SD card.
Other factors -
I really like the dot view case. While I thought it was gimmicky at first, I really find it helpful. The scrolling caller ID, the tap to view time/weather, the quick voice call feature, auto on/off when opening/closing the cover. Actually all very useful.
I do miss having a full RGB led notification indicator. However I'm finding it less important than I did on the Note 2.
I actually like the stock music player. I used Google Play Music on the Note, but now only use it for cloud based stuff (21K songs LOL). Otherwise I've been using the native player. I like the Music Channel feature with the scrolling lyrics.
One thing that almost made me overlook the M8 was that the M7 did not have a removable battery or SD slot. The M8 now features a micro SD slot (up to 128 GB!) so that's no longer an issue. While the M8 still does not have a removable battery, I find the battery life of the phone to be amazing. I do tend to have it on a charger most days, but yesterday I spent 14 hours at the casino. Even with constantly checking my phone, using it for several calls, texts, etc., I still had 20% at the end of the day without using power saver mode. My note would have been dead in 6-8 hours.
Even with the announcement of the New iPhone 6, I do not regret my choice of the M8. I really enjoy using this phone. YMMV, but the best thing to do would be to evaluate the features and how they fit your needs.
Both the M8 and G3 are badass phones. I have both and keep switching. Converted M8 to Dev and of course updates are like they are supposed to be. G3 no unlocked bootloader, can be a problem for some. The lag that those complain about on the G3 is virtually non-existent but sometimes can be seen. I think once LG issues an update, and they will, it won't even be a conversation anymore. I think LG is going straight to L, and will address everything at that point. Of course HTC will issue the same updates, probably faster too, but in the end, if LG fixes some of the "nagging" issues, it will be so much better.
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GalaxyNotesTx said:
Just got the M8 love it...very fast , very clean ui..no junk touchwiz here.... no complaints....This phone is very nice...only second generation...M9 will be even better....S5 feels and looks like my 9 year old niece designed ...good luck!
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Now that's funny. I say the same about my wifes Note 3, so cartoonish.
theandies said:
I agree the camera could be better out of the box but if you play with the setting in manual mode you will get amazing results. Most users are just casual photogs so they need point and shoot and never mess with the other features. I only use my phones camera as a conveiance because when I go to events etc. I take my point and shoot and my HD camcorder. I too thought the form factor of this phone would be too big but after having it for a month or so it's really not that big feeling. It actually feels smaller than my Vivid in my pocket. We won't take your comments as a bash, at least you didn't go with the iPhone Plus.
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I haven't had any trouble with camera and I prefer the luxury finish that gives the M8 over the S5.
I was gonna open a new thread but this is what I was looking for
Used iPhone 3G > Captivate > S3 > Note 2 ----> Got bored of Android, and more so with constant rooting and roms, and a times frustrating lag and crashing. So I bought into the hype and paid 1K for an iphone 6 64GB ( was waiting from Carrier too and then sell t but wait was 6 weeks ) , used for 3 days and realized I miss the Android control and usage. I sold the iPhone for 940, lost money and ordered an M8 from my Carrier - since I know its premium finish and I simply want to root it
I have been reading about GPE but most people say the stock is best itself
Have I picked the right phone as I want to stay away from the same Rom game and needs a smooth phone
inningsdefeat500 said:
Have I picked the right phone as I want to stay away from the same Rom game and needs a smooth phone
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Only you can answer if its the right phone for you.
But what I can say, is the stock experience is smooth, snappy and won't disappoint. To be honest, I've felt like HTC has gotten very close to having a great stock ROM experience for some time now. And that is pretty much realized with Sense 6, especially combined with the hardware on the M8. I mean, there is always tweaking that can be done with custom ROMs, and whether you want a custom ROM or not completely depends on your own preferences and usage. But I really feel that we are at a point where the stock software is stable, fast and smooth, and a custom ROM is not needed to get basic functionality or to overcome lag caused by Sense (as has been the case for older devices).
That being said, I went to a custom ROM early on (second day I owned the M8) because I can't stand AT&T's bloatware and limitations (blocked tethering if not on a tethering plan). But that is really another matter. Lag and performance are not an issue on the stock software.
Also, you can't really compare the M8 with Samsung devices. I have a current Samsung tablet (Tab Pro 8.4) and it lagged and crashed on TouchWiz, and all but forced me to go AOSP (which made it much faster and more stable). So don't take the Samsung experience as being indicative of all Android devices. The M8 is simply snappy in comparison.
redpoint73 said:
Only you can answer if its the right phone for you.
But what I can say, is the stock experience is smooth, snappy and won't disappoint. To be honest, I've felt like HTC has gotten very close to having a great stock ROM experience for some time now. And that is pretty much realized with Sense 6, especially combined with the hardware on the M8. I mean, there is always tweaking that can be done with custom ROMs, and whether you want a custom ROM or not completely depends on your own preferences and usage. But I really feel that we are at a point where the stock software is stable, fast and smooth, and a custom ROM is not needed to get basic functionality or to overcome lag caused by Sense (as has been the case for older devices).
That being said, I went to a custom ROM early on (second day I owned the M8) because I can't stand AT&T's bloatware and limitations (blocked tethering if not on a tethering plan). But that is really another matter. Lag and performance are not an issue on the stock software.
Also, you can't really compare the M8 with Samsung devices. I have a current Samsung tablet (Tab Pro 8.4) and it lagged and crashed on TouchWiz, and all but forced me to go AOSP (which made it much faster and more stable). So don't take the Samsung experience as being indicative of all Android devices. The M8 is simply snappy in comparison.
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tx man, I have 8.4 Tab Pro too. Lot of the comments on this thread are so similar to my past usage with Samsung - man it feels good to be back with Android. I was SO missing the back button the iphone and unlocking with fingerprint was a bore, had to wait till it opens, keep eye on the phone to swap channels on Tune in radio whereas in droid, u can simply swipe w/o looking. Lot of other small things make the difference
I was deeply torn between an S5 and the M8. My wife actually poked fun at me for not being able to decide. They are both solid phones, but ultimately I wasn't able to give up the freedom to tinker. The S5 is locked down hard on AT&T, and while it has root, at some point it's going to be totally closed - or at least developers are going to be stuck on the last officially supported kernel until people get tired of it. There is safestrap, and I looked into it, but it sounds like people are already getting weary of development on the locked versions. Thus, there will likely never be a non-TW ROM for it. The T-mobile version isn't locked, but apparently doesn't perform as well on AT&T networks, and you would have to find a way to get one without switching carriers.
The M8, on the other hand, has a future. Even once HTC gets tired of supporting it, being able to unlock the bootloader (either officially or unofficially) and S-off means that people will be creating new ROMs for it until it, like my old Skyrocket, just get so old that no one has them anymore. That was the deciding factor for me, especially in light of the fact that I switched to Cyanogenmod a long time ago on my Skyrocket, and never looked back. So, in a way, firewater (and ultimately Sunshine) sold me on the M8.
Now, the fact is that I have come to really like Sense. Sure, it doesn't have every option I'm used to in CM, but it's a solid skin that doesn't get in the way. I opted for a full (including CID) conversion to the Developer Edition, and have stuck with it for now. Thus, the ultimate irony is that I have the ability to do whatever I like to my phone, and I'm so happy with stock that I've not installed a single alternate ROM. However, I am also happy knowing that one day I will be able to.

Upgrade time

My wife is due for an upgrade. She likes this phone (M9) or Galaxy S6. What phone should she go with. She is most concerned with photos because we have a 11 month old. She is sick of the iPhone. I ask this question in the HTC M9 forum because I can mess with the S6 any time due to the fact that a few of my family members have that phone. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.
S6 honestly. I love my M9 but the S6 blows it away in *almost* every area, especially the camera. I actually liked my M8 camera better compared to the M9's. I just feel the S6 offers more than the M9 can deliver in this generation. I hope things change with the next HTC phone, but that's just how I feel. The sales of the M9 kind of reflect that too...
Crawshayi said:
S6 honestly. I love my M9 but the S6 blows it away in *almost* every area, especially the camera. I actually liked my M8 camera better compared to the M9's. I just feel the S6 offers more than the M9 can deliver in this generation. I hope things change with the next HTC phone, but that's just how I feel. The sales of the M9 kind of reflect that too...
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Same hardware and better GPU in m9. Haven't seen the S6 in action, but like you said and from what I have read, sounds like the S6 would be your go to for just out of the box choice.
good points
Everyone is making good points especially about the camera. The s6 camera will likely please you a bit more than the m9. However... if you wife is used to an iphone she will certainly appreciate the M9 build quality much more, also less bloat than the s6. The phone is beautiful and we have seen noticeable improvements with the camera over the past few months. The camera is also updated via the play store by htc so improvements are easy to roll out and happen more frequently than waiting for another ota.
I personally will never go back to touchwiz also I love the build quality of the One devices.
I was in the same boat, and had the opportunity to use both phones simultaneously for a couple of months. The M9 crushes the GS6 in essentially every category EXCEPT camera. The GS6 is probably the best cell phone camera out right now, the M9 doesn't hold a candle to it.
I have a new baby myself, so I went with the GS6 for no reason other than the awesome camera.
You can do like I did, but keep in mind, you will be getting terrible battery life, scrolling that feels laggy and weirdly heavy, and a bloated ROM the likes of which I haven't seen since..well..the GS5.
FlowingAway said:
I was in the same boat, and had the opportunity to use both phones simultaneously for a couple of months. The M9 crushes the GS6 in essentially every category EXCEPT camera. The GS6 is probably the best cell phone camera out right now, the M9 doesn't hold a candle to it.
I have a new baby myself, so I went with the GS6 for no reason other than the awesome camera.
You can do like I did, but keep in mind, you will be getting terrible battery life, scrolling that feels laggy and weirdly heavy, and a bloated ROM the likes of which I haven't seen since..well..the GS5.
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Having been around both phones I would actually disagree on a few things... the GS6 definitely has a way better display, far clearer and brighter than the 1080p on the M9. Software is better, but as you say still bloated compared to Sense which is my personal favorite as well. Fingerprint scanner is awesome on the GS6 too, something I would like on the M9 since I hate pin codes/patterns/whatever so I just leave my phone unlocked and vulnerable. Battery life on the GS6 doesn't win awards, but then again the M9 is worse than the M8 and doesn't have wireless charging which is just so handy to have when you're going to bed and don't want to fumble for a cord. Also, I will add the GS6 has better signal. I have friends in the exact same spot with the same service, yet pulling down better signal and speeds with the GS6 versus the M9. I am actually going to be getting into a program with the Note 5 soon and I don't know what I'm doing yet with my M9. I really don't want to sell it but I can't see a good reason to hold onto it... I mean the Note 5 will solve the biggest complaint about the GS6 which is battery life so really I won't have any complaints other than Touchwiz.
If you read reviews on Sprint.Com. There is numerous complains about M9 Camera, on the S6 there are numerous complaints about the battery. On the LG G4 there is very few complaints about anything. Users rate G4 9.9 where as M9 is rated 8.3 and S6 only slightly better.
If I bought today, I'd get an LG G4. It also has a good camera. You can enable tethering without even rooting, which is one of the major reasons I root.
Good luck.
mswlogo said:
If you read reviews on Sprint.Com. There is numerous complains about M9 Camera, on the S6 there are numerous complaints about the battery. On the LG G4 there is very few complaints about anything. Users rate G4 9.9 where as M9 is rated 8.3 and S6 only slightly better.
If I bought today, I'd get an LG G4. It also has a good camera. You can enable tethering without even rooting, which is one of the major reasons I root.
Good luck.
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There are more reviews bc more people bought M9 and S6 the the LG4.
theotrman said:
There are more reviews bc more people bought M9 and S6 the the LG4.
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S6 yes, M9 um no. M9 is a dismal failure (sales wise) for HTC.
See http://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-lg-78-usa-android-sales-631597/

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