Should I buy the G5? - LG G5 Questions & Answers

It's about time I upgraded my G3 and naturally I'm looking at the newer G5 but I've read a lot of mixed reviews. If you had the chance again, would you buy it again? I'm going the unlocked way because I'm not wanting to add another $30 to my cell bill so that disregards many other newer phones. The 3T is the only other option I'm really debating (yes I'm trying to be cost efficient)... Any thoughts?

Don't do it. The G5 is a nice enough phone, but LG's support for is it pathetic. I have the factory unlocked RS988, and there's no Nougat update anywhere in sight. All the major carriers have been updated, but the factory unlocked version of this flagship phone (which should have been first) gets nothing but mixed messages from LG's customer service team. Throw in the way that the "friends" modules were botched to the point where you have to wonder why no one has filed a class-action law suit, and you have the perfect storm of customer discontentment. In case you didn't already know: the Camera Plus module has major compatibility and charging issues, the highly regarded Bang & Olufsen Hi-fi module is not available is most markets including the US, the Rolling Ball never made it past the demo mode and the 360 VR headset is practically useless due to the lack of supporting apps (no Google Cardboard support, in spite of ads saying otherwise). The only decent module was the 360 Cam, which works with any Android phone.

Well in the opposite end of this guy. If you your looking for phone with root and such. Make sure version 850 and 830 is in your country. If that doesn't matter to you then fine. This phone is definitely worth getting. For $300 and specs, you won't find a better deal.
Seems like newer manufacturered versions have less issues. Before you buy make sure its newer. It will be on the box.
Sent from my LGE LG-H830 using XDA Labs

psantos1091 said:
It's about time I upgraded my G3 and naturally I'm looking at the newer G5 but I've read a lot of mixed reviews. If you had the chance again, would you buy it again? I'm going the unlocked way because I'm not wanting to add another $30 to my cell bill so that disregards many other newer phones. The 3T is the only other option I'm really debating (yes I'm trying to be cost efficient)... Any thoughts?
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well...in my opinion it is totally worthy of its money...i was previous user of oneplus device (OPX) and i didnt had great time with the support the phone had +way oneplus mainly treated their <<low>> end device...the G5 on the other hand i got it some months now and i regret absolutely nothing about it,got the official update and its still running smooth and perfect...i cant compare it with other devices in its category as its my first flagship phone....all i can say is that iam 100 happy about the specs and especially its price

Related

Should I settle for the V10, or wait for the LG G5?

The V10 is an awesome device. I've been going through all reviews (Youtube & Forums alike), and I'm pretty much okay with it more than any flagship currently on the market. However, the October release of the V10 is kind of awkward and untimely considering (rumors) that they plan to announce the LG G5 in the first quarter of 2016. As a keen tech-savvy consumer / power user, I am aware that flagships grow exponentially every year offering the same premium price (i.e. S6 is an improvement of the Note 4, and probably the S7 will be an improvement of the Note 5). So it is highly likely that the LG G5 will be an improved version of the V10, and the V11 will be obviously a step up higher than the G5.
While I am not in a hurry to buy a new phone, despite my very crappy/laggy cheap Lenovo A536, I am still occasionally tempted to get the V10 (especially when my current phone freezes to eternity). On the other hand, it keeps me from doing that as I am anticipating LG's announcement at CES 2016 in a month or two from now, which will be readily available on the market by March or April, offering it at an introductory price that would be the same with the V10 right now.
Also, another thing that keeps me from getting the V10 is the massive size of it, when the G5 will very likely inherit its features with a 5.5-inch display and slightly better specs + ergonomics.
Well if there's no hurry then there's no harm in waiting to see what is out there. New phones are always coming out
Sent from my LG-H900 using Tapatalk
If you have a barely usable phone now - get a new phone soon as possible.
As for waiting for the next best thing ... what are you going to do in March when that edition comes out and they announce they'll be another phone coming.
The differences in the phones is somewhat minimal.
Go to the stores, spend time with each model you like and get the one that feels right. Its far more productive to have a useful tool than it is to have a tool that doesn't work. Waiting for the 'bigger-better-deal' in the next 3 to 4 months is keeping you from being productive today.
This is just my opinion. Good luck in your choice.
I voted no, wait for the G5. Or go a different route.
I'm actively trying to trade out of my v10. I like aspects of the phone, but if and until certain software changes are made there are better options out there now.
I love having a SD card and removable battery, but the fingerprint scanner sucks. The DPI on this phone is ridiculous. I mean, when the phone is in landscape you can't even see all the options in the sound menu.
I'm on Verizon, so I can't (yet, if ever) root and fix these issues myself. If that changes, my opinion would. Just a few tweaks could fix this phone. The outlook is dim, however, and as it stands currently I can't recommend it.
I got the v10 for the free stuff. My mom is enjoying her free tablet from T-Mobile and I love having the 200gb sd card, extra battery and charging cradle. It has its issue but honestly it is a very solid phone that works well overall. It's not bleeding edge but that has its advantages of being more stable overall. I agree with the other posters, if your phone is on its last legs like my note 2 was get the v10 you'll enjoy it, if your current phone is chugging along fine just wait for the next model.
So it REALLY depends on what you want to do with the device.
If you're interested in having the "latest and greatest" or are doing thing that might require a device that has the highest possible components, then I'd wait. If you're looking for a REALLY good device, then I'd go with the V10.
Coming from the Note III, I LOVE my V10. It's a great device
I wouldn't consider going to the V10 settling!
There will always be a latest and greatest. Once the G5 comes around, there will be rumors of a newer device. If you don't know what you want yet, and your current phone is at its end, buy a used nexus 6 or g4 for cheap until you make up your mind.
Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk
Yep.. If you feel like you are settling you shouldn't get it.
Depends on what you want. G5 might have a better camera, but probably a smaller display, no 2nd screen, no HiFi DAC/amp, etc. Unless it comes with an OLED screen, maintains microSD & battery swap, and immensely better camera - I probably won't care.
blackhemi4x4 said:
I wouldn't consider going to the V10 settling!
There will always be a latest and greatest. Once the G5 comes around, there will be rumors of a newer device. If you don't know what you want yet, and your current phone is at its end, buy a used nexus 6 or g4 for cheap until you make up your mind.
Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk
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Thanks! One of the things I also need is the Dual-SIM feature. While I know that some have the H961 available, I still do not see it on my trusted seller's offerings yet. I really need that Dual-SIM as I live in Asia. I currently have an unlimited data sim separate from my daily calling and texting sim card. I do understand though that LG G5 will offer that as well but a month after the official model is released, same was with the LG G4.
Nitemare3219 said:
Depends on what you want. G5 might have a better camera, but probably a smaller display, no 2nd screen, no HiFi DAC/amp, etc. Unless it comes with an OLED screen, maintains microSD & battery swap, and immensely better camera - I probably won't care.
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Rumors say that it will have a 5.6-inch QHD display? Either way, 5.5-inch is enough for my needs, and a .1 inch difference from a V10 is negligible to me. Wouldn't care much about the 2nd screen.
I'm waiting for the G5 personally. Its only a few months around the corner most likely.
I would trade V10 with G5 IF the G5 have front facing speaker,sd card, removable battery and a camera that even better than G4 and V10 (since i got no. 3 in photograph contest while most people using a DSLR camera )
So far i really like my V10 right now, so far a really great device imo and i would stay with V10 if G5 doesnt meet my requirement
LG 5 rumors suggest the battery won't be removable so that may be a deal breaker for some. The rumored specs don't seem much superior over the v10
Oh really thats a bummer, i heard it use SD 820 chip i dont know if it worth a trade
But removable battery kinda a huge deal for me

So, who's excited? What phone are you coming from? What are your thoughts?

It seems like news surrounding this device is really, really slow. What's going on?
I've been a long-time Note user and have recently become disenchanted with the Note line. Although I am an S-Pen addict, I've always been more attracted to phones that have something really unique about them ... hence, my interest in the Phab 2 Pro. I had the LG Optimus 3D and loved the 3D features and screen, and the raw power of the phone, but the trend died out and LG stopped updating it.
Anyway, I'm not just interested in the Phab 2 Pro, I'm totally obsessed with it. Are there any other people out there who are as excited about this phone as I am?
I'm not a developer, so I'm going at this phone from a pure consumer vantage point. But I want to drum up some excitement or something ...
So what is your level of interest? Curious? Planning on developing for it? Planning on waiting in line on Day One?
I plan to be FIRST in line on Day One.
You aren't the only one. I check Google everyday...like everyday twice a day..I can't wait I've already set the money aside for it lol I want it so bad I wanted to pre-order it on August 1 just so as soon as bestbuy opens I can just walk in and grab it. Like best buy opens at 10 I'm trying to have it and be in my car by 10:10 lol
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA-Developers mobile app
I'm going to get one Launch day! I am amazed, very little news on this device! I too have been trawling for updates, and not much to be found!
Definitely can't wait been interested in this phone since I heard the announcement, will be putting down my nexus 6 but will still be used for VR fun. I'm also interested in Project Ara from Google but not sure if AR will be part of modular phones. My main reason for getting this phone is a bigger screen than my nexus 6 (I'm a gamer) and AR obviously. On a side note Intel is coming out with a VR & AR combo headset next year no smartphone or PC required. You can also use your naked hands to interact in the VR world.
I will am also be coming from a Nexus 6 once the Phab 2 Pro comes out. Sure would be nice for a definitive release date to be set though.
Announcement will be very soon I'm assuming, here's a video posted today, it's from a Greek website I had to use Google Translate
Translated site - http://goo.gl/SuWcR3
Original site - http://goo.gl/ybYYyi
Note 4, here. I'm anxiously awaiting this, LG V20, and to see any other announcements. I WANT this size with the high resolution. Every other huge phone has been low end garbage. I'm a huge guy, I like the size. The camera/Tango setup looks nice, too. I can actually use it
I am also checking everyday. Do you have any idea if it will be released in UK or Ireland ?
Bad news - Delays!
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Leno...cial-Project-Tango-phone-gets-delayed_id85312
I would be SUPER excited if I had even a bit of hope that Verizon will carry this phone. I doubt it, and I'm stuck in a rural area with only VZW or USCellular as my options. I had a Nexus 6, bought a used 6P (love it!) on Swappa, and I'm extremely disappointed that the next "large" Nexus or Pixel is only 5.5"! Ugh. Maybe the V20 once it's rooted...
I'm definitely getting this phone when it eventually goes on sale. The best source of information I've been able to find for updates about the phone is twitter. From everything I've read so far, it may be out by late October or sometime in November. #Phab2Pro #WaitingNeverStops
This official looking marketing video would seem to confirm a November 2016 release.
Which marketing video would that be? I have seen quite a few, though none that hint at a date.
shdwphnx said:
Which marketing video would that be? I have seen quite a few, though none that hint at a date.
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The video linked in my prior post. At the end it flashes very quickly "Available November 2016".
jeffx said:
The video linked in my prior post. At the end it flashes very quickly "Available November 2016".
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Ah. uMatrix was hiding the video from me.
Clay Bavor, the head of Google's VR confirmed that the Phab 2 Pro is coming in November.
https://www.cnet.com/news/google-tango-lenovo-phab-2-pro-november/
I'll be honest, it's pretty disappointing to see that so many corners were cut on the supposed flagship Google "Tango" device.
Snapdragon 652 - This processor is on par with last gen technology. It's not bad, but it's not exactly great either. That being said, don't expect it to match the iPhone 7, LG V20, or Note 7 in terms of performance.
Micro USB - Not sure what they were thinking here either. Most if not all new devices are now USB-C, yet here is a device that's implementing a last gen hardware feature. They really couldn't afford to increase the price by a couple dollars to implement a USB-C port?
LCD Screen - And the biggest disappointment of all is the lack of an AMOLED display. Nothing says "cheap Chinese phone" more than the lack of an AMOLED, which is extremely sad given that even the low end Galaxy and LG devices now sport AMOLED screens. (Hell, even Pixel has an AMOLED.)
I don't mind compromising on the first two points, but the LCD screen was a terrible decision, especially for a device labeled as "professional".
As much as I'd love to support Tango, I'm afraid this device simply cannot compete with the current flagship offerings. The gimmick is also doesn't carry enough weight to buy into this brand only to suffer with a sub-par display and Lenovo's questionable update practice.
I really hope Tango succeeds so that something more premium is made, but thus far it's looking pretty bleak.
YandereSan said:
I'll be honest, it's pretty disappointing to see that so many corners were cut on the supposed flagship Google "Tango" device.
Snapdragon 652 - This processor is on par with last gen technology. It's not bad, but it's not exactly great either. That being said, don't expect it to match the iPhone 7, LG V20, or Note 7 in terms of performance.
Micro USB - Not sure what they were thinking here either. Most if not all new devices are now USB-C, yet here is a device that's implementing a last gen hardware feature. They really couldn't afford to increase the price by a couple dollars to implement a USB-C port?
LCD Screen - And the biggest disappointment of all is the lack of an AMOLED display. Nothing says "cheap Chinese phone" more than the lack of an AMOLED, which is extremely sad given that even the low end Galaxy and LG devices now sport AMOLED screens. (Hell, even Pixel has an AMOLED.)
I don't mind compromising on the first two points, but the LCD screen was a terrible decision, especially for a device labeled as "professional".
As much as I'd love to support Tango, I'm afraid this device simply cannot compete with the current flagship offerings. The gimmick is also doesn't carry enough weight to buy into this brand only to suffer with a sub-par display and Lenovo's questionable update practice.
I really hope Tango succeeds so that something more premium is made, but thus far it's looking pretty bleak.
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I agree that the micro-usb is outdated. But, at least i'm still able to use all my old charging cables.
Anyhow, I just received the Phab2 (base), and while this model has a different screen supposedly, it is very clear and bright. moreso than i was expecting. if the low end version is this good, the pro must be pretty swell.
alaska100 said:
I agree that the micro-usb is outdated. But, at least i'm still able to use all my old charging cables.
Anyhow, I just received the Phab2 (base), and while this model has a different screen supposedly, it is very clear and bright. moreso than i was expecting. if the low end version is this good, the pro must be pretty swell.
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So where are you using this phone and on what service? I'm interested in the phab 2 pro but have never used a phone not supported by any carriers and they will never support a larger than 6 inch phone. It seems that this should work for at&t but I'm a little surprised people don't talk about the lack of carrier support a little more. I wonder if that is why it got delayed. Lowes and Best Buy have to figure out how to sell unsupported phones to people who have never bought one.
justinernst said:
So where are you using this phone and on what service? I'm interested in the phab 2 pro but have never used a phone not supported by any carriers and they will never support a larger than 6 inch phone. It seems that this should work for at&t but I'm a little surprised people don't talk about the lack of carrier support a little more. I wonder if that is why it got delayed. Lowes and Best Buy have to figure out how to sell unsupported phones to people who have never bought one.
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as of now, i switched from a t-mobile(metro pcs) phone to this and am on 4g only in the US, Florida specifically. I will hopefully be going to at&t next week, assuming i have time. regardless, 4g has been enough for the time being, but i don't like paying for LTE and not getting it.
my guess would be that upon release, all models will become either an AT&T exclusive or at least be advertised by AT&T, but i still can't even confirm the LTE bands this phone uses. Lenovo tech support says 1900, 1700 and 700, but he had googled it, as they don't have spec data yet, apparently.

Is the G5 a good upgrade?

Hi, I'm now on a Galaxy Note 3 and would like to upgrade to the G5, since it has the specs I'm looking for.
However, I felt like asking you guys if there's any better option I should consider, or any defects that are not worth risking for (bootloping?)
Thanks a lot in advance
totalnoob34 said:
Hi, I'm now on a Galaxy Note 3 and would like to upgrade to the G5, since it has the specs I'm looking for.
However, I felt like asking you guys if there's any better option I should consider, or any defects that are not worth risking for (bootloping?)
Thanks a lot in advance
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The price and specs are great. The rom/root community is okay size. Build quality is trash. Don't buy this phone. With a little more money you could buy the One Plus 3T or One Plus 5. Better specs, build quality, rom/root, etc.
My next phone is Note 8 or One plus 3T or 5. I am not trying to bash phone. Just giving you an honest opinion. Look through the threads you will see tons of people with GPS, Backlight Bleed, bootloop issues, etc. I love LG, but will be my last LG phone for a long time.
Sent from my LG-H830 using XDA Labs
I'm looking to get the H850 for my mom since it is only $300CAD if I get my friend to bring it back from Hong Kong. Can't find any another phone in that price range that would be better than the LG G5 H850...
Hardware and price are amazing, especially the model RS988 that covers the most weirdest bands that are available in areas like Canada. Unfortunately, the root/bootloader on the rest of models are bringing tons of problems, if its rootable/unlockable at all. Custom firmware choice is very poor, and they are raw even after 1 year of release. What it means is that you basically can't use NFC on most of custom roms (if not all). The stock firmware on the other hand is very well made and stable. I'm using it with Magisk without issues. So far the only problem is stock kernel doesn't seem to be energy efficient, so battery flies away in a day or two of use. However, battery is replaceable, what is offered in not that many flagship phones nowadays.
I can't agree about bad quality of build. I would say its very good comparing to what else you can meet nowadays.
Other than that, it's one of the best phones available for 250$ on B&H (Titan) if not the only good one.
Yeah not sure about other countries, but in Canada it's hard to beat the LG G5. OnePlus 3T/5 are $600/$650CAD+tax respectively and the G5 can be found for $330-370 all in. Even 2016 mid-range phones like the Axon 7 and Honor 8 are $400-$500+tax.
Build quality isn't up to par with other flagships, but it's not terrible IMO. At least it's better than most mid-range phones.
It is a lottery phone.
damiloveu said:
It is a lottery phone.
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I would have to agree with this statement.
Build quality is pretty bad guys sorry. I've had plenty of low/Mid/High end of phones. I've never seen this many issues as this one. When I see GPS and backlight bleed threads filled with countless complaints. Yeah that's bad build quality.
Damiloveu statement pretty much sums it up right it's a lottery phone. 50/50 hit or miss, be for warned potential new g5 buyers. GREAT phone if no issues. And if it does have problems many headaches await you.
Sent from my LG-H830 using XDA Labs
dimon222 said:
Hardware and price are amazing, especially the model RS988 that covers the most weirdest bands that are available in areas like Canada. Unfortunately, the root/bootloader on the rest of models are bringing tons of problems, if its rootable/unlockable at all. Custom firmware choice is very poor, and they are raw even after 1 year of release. What it means is that you basically can't use NFC on most of custom roms (if not all). The stock firmware on the other hand is very well made and stable. I'm using it with Magisk without issues. So far the only problem is stock kernel doesn't seem to be energy efficient, so battery flies away in a day or two of use. However, battery is replaceable, what is offered in not that many flagship phones nowadays.
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I would install Fulmics on the LG G5 if I can get it for my mom, so the RS988 is out of the question for me. I just cannot buy phones if I cannot install custom ROMs on it. I hate being at the mercy of manufacturers for software updates.
I'm so confused as to why manufacturers cannot just sell one or two variant of the same phone. Making dozens of variants seems so stupid.
coming from P9.
Maybe my most complain bout this device is the GPS as i always use gps for ingress, second is battery and the rest is the design and build quality though I dont have the screen retentention issues yet.
Thanks a lot, everybody. I think I'll get this phone, it features literally *every* feature I need on a device.
cheeze.keyk said:
coming from P9.
Maybe my most complain bout this device is the GPS as i always use gps for ingress, second is battery and the rest is the design and build quality though I dont have the screen retentention issues yet.
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I got a used AT&T H820 and it had the GPS issue, especially worse when cloudy and rainy. However, I returned the AT&T one and got an unlocked RS988 and I couldn't be happier with my purchase.
totalnoob34 said:
Hi, I'm now on a Galaxy Note 3 and would like to upgrade to the G5, since it has the specs I'm looking for.
However, I felt like asking you guys if there's any better option I should consider, or any defects that are not worth risking for (bootloping?)
Thanks a lot in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you need a hot swappable battery, the G5 is great.
If you game a lot, and want the ability to do so without remaining plugged in and burning up your phone, then the G5 is perfect for you.
As far as performance, no issues whatsoever.
Battery life is average, but with the ability to swap out new batteries and charge dead ones outside the phone in a charging port, you honestly don't have battery downtime. It's just always up.
That's the biggest advantage of this phone.
If you're looking for a better deal, you don't need unlimited battery life, or you're looking for a rich featureset, I would look elsewhere.
The gps is absolute wank and I don't have the time or inclination to do a hardware fix. I did a quick comparison with my friend who owns an OP3 indoors; his had gps lock with 15 seconds but mine was still searching after several minutes. In fact, I have almost missed turnings when driving a few times because of this POS. I never replace my phone until it has had 18 months usage but for the G5, I will make an exception.
I have LG G5 since April 2016 after my Note 3 : no root or anything, LG updates regulary.
I never have problems with it.
-No bootloop, no GPS bugs, a better reception with the same carrier...
-Camera is really good, especially the large wide-angle.
-Battery life: a day with a little use (waze to go work -one hour/day) wifi on, "always on display" always activate, some internet at evening : Facebook, Twitter, insta, mails...
-IR for soundbar, tv is really good !!
But no SPen ? So I will get the Note 8, really great for work, with the camera options easier than LG suit.
And finally, i prefer Samsung environment, even if G5 is really a good phone.
Envoyé de mon LG-H850 en utilisant Tapatalk
It's not worth the broken GPS sensors which are a known hardware defect. They'll fix it for you, but it's never the root of the problem so it will come back. I've sent mine in 3 times, GPS works for a couple days, then ceases to work again. Terrible quality control, by far the worst phone I've owned. My Galaxy S4 was better.
totalnoob34 said:
Hi, I'm now on a Galaxy Note 3 and would like to upgrade to the G5, since it has the specs I'm looking for.
However, I felt like asking you guys if there's any better option I should consider, or any defects that are not worth risking for (bootloping?)
Thanks a lot in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, looks like i'm not the only one who migrate from Galaxy Note 3. let me tell you my short little story
I upgraded since my Note 3 were exynos version which didnt support 4g band. i was looking for cheap second hand devices with LTE support :laugh: ( dont judge me, bussines is low here in indonesia i cant afford phone more than 250$ - on indonesia currency and prices of course)
so i search all available markets, online and offline. some guys recomended 3 phone. LG G5 h860, xperia z5, and HTC m9 ( all cost about 200-250$ here, second handed) so i spent about 3 days on google comparing all 3 phone. i kick z5 out from my list since i had a bad experience with sony devices ( heat issue, poor audio quality, you name it) so it just m9 or g5. m9 is a good phone, its the cheapest one, had official support for lineage and SlimOS. solid built, and dual speaker. the drawback were its photo quality, its much worse than my note 3 even with 20mp camera. but at that time i cant find g5, the only available one were g5 SE version which is downgrade one ( 3gb ram and qualcom 625) and it cost about 299$!! hell no, so i pick the m9. but as i said before, i'm not really satisfied. the main advantages comparing my old note were: better sound, better network 4g, better official OS ( Lollipop vs nougat) and custom, and fast charging. but thats the only option i got that time. after several months some guys here sold his g5 h860 on low prices, i dont need to think twice so today my g5 finally arrived. still looks good for a second hand devices, the ony issue were the screen ghosting when the devices getting hot. but it would dissapear after some minutes, i can live with that. BUT, comparing to my m9 the battery drains faster, no root option, no custom recovery or rom. so for answering your question, IF i moved from note 3 directly to G5 i would be really happy as it has more advantages. but since i got my hand on m9 first i still feel little dissapointed . i cant stop comaring 3 of them. note 3 has bigger display and spen support, m9 has the best custom rom suppot and great battery, while g5 has the most awesome camera and screen resolution :cyclops: .
alldine345 said:
well, looks like i'm not the only one who migrate from Galaxy Note 3. let me tell you my short little story
I upgraded since my Note 3 were exynos version which didnt support 4g band. i was looking for cheap second hand devices with LTE support :laugh: ( dont judge me, bussines is low here in indonesia i cant afford phone more than 250$ - on indonesia currency and prices of course)
so i search all available markets, online and offline. some guys recomended 3 phone. LG G5 h860, xperia z5, and HTC m9 ( all cost about 200-250$ here, second handed) so i spent about 3 days on google comparing all 3 phone. i kick z5 out from my list since i had a bad experience with sony devices ( heat issue, poor audio quality, you name it) so it just m9 or g5. m9 is a good phone, its the cheapest one, had official support for lineage and SlimOS. solid built, and dual speaker. the drawback were its photo quality, its much worse than my note 3 even with 20mp camera. but at that time i cant find g5, the only available one were g5 SE version which is downgrade one ( 3gb ram and qualcom 625) and it cost about 299$!! hell no, so i pick the m9. but as i said before, i'm not really satisfied. the main advantages comparing my old note were: better sound, better network 4g, better official OS ( Lollipop vs nougat) and custom, and fast charging. but thats the only option i got that time. after several months some guys here sold his g5 h860 on low prices, i dont need to think twice so today my g5 finally arrived. still looks good for a second hand devices, the ony issue were the screen ghosting when the devices getting hot. but it would dissapear after some minutes, i can live with that. BUT, comparing to my m9 the battery drains faster, no root option, no custom recovery or rom. so for answering your question, IF i moved from note 3 directly to G5 i would be really happy as it has more advantages. but since i got my hand on m9 first i still feel little dissapointed . i cant stop comaring 3 of them. note 3 has bigger display and spen support, m9 has the best custom rom suppot and great battery, while g5 has the most awesome camera and screen resolution :cyclops: .
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Ok, first off, thanks a lot for the detailed feedback. I actually appreciate it when people put a little effort in helping others online.
I ultimately settled for a G5, since a replaceable battery is more important to me than a bigger one, and also because I could really use those extra 0.3" on the screen. Moreover, you were unlucky in getting an h860 variant, because the european h850 has some decent support over here.
Lastly, I am not getting another HTC device again, I had an HTC Desire S. Let me tell you something about that phone: you could *not* remove the battery with the device on, risking a total brick. Yup, you heard me right. A flimsy plastic clip was all that kept your precious phone from mayhem and destruction. The best part is that it was a hardware defect, obviously ineligible for warranty replacement, and I don't recall HTC ever acknowledging the issue, let alone provide the user with some kind of compensation. Also, HTC always was a pain in the ass to customize, and the HTCdev program is a joke.
Nonetheless, thanks a lot for the feedback man. Have a good one
totalnoob34 said:
Ok, first off, thanks a lot for the detailed feedback. I actually appreciate it when people put a little effort in helping others online.
I ultimately settled for a G5, since a replaceable battery is more important to me than a bigger one, and also because I could really use those extra 0.3" on the screen. Moreover, you were unlucky in getting an h860 variant, because the european h850 has some decent support over here.
Lastly, I am not getting another HTC device again, I had an HTC Desire S. Let me tell you something about that phone: you could *not* remove the battery with the device on, risking a total brick. Yup, you heard me right. A flimsy plastic clip was all that kept your precious phone from mayhem and destruction. The best part is that it was a hardware defect, obviously ineligible for warranty replacement, and I don't recall HTC ever acknowledging the issue, let alone provide the user with some kind of compensation. Also, HTC always was a pain in the ass to customize, and the HTCdev program is a joke.
Nonetheless, thanks a lot for the feedback man. Have a good one
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yeep, my biggest regret were i didnt read much about lg g5, infact i read too many about it so i skip the most important things. from what i gather around the web, g5 has 2 version. G5 and g5 SE. the g5 has snap820, 4gb ram and single sim, while g5 SE had snap 625, 3GB ram and dualsim. i use 2 simcard one for main use and another for data connection. and h860 has both advantages from 2 g5 version, snap 820/4gb ram and Dualsim support. i didnt bother to check on XDA for root method as i though it just the same as samsung or HTC, even with many varian usually all of them has the same exploit. i never though i would be so wrong on my life . and for the HTC part, well what can i say, here in indonesia we didnt have official HTC service centre so if we had a malfunction devices we just need to fix it on our own . same goes to LG G5 since the only one that they sold here were g5 SE, some friend of mine already bought g5 from singapore last year and when his screen broke he sent it to LG centre but they refuse it, they said the only accept g5 SE. so i'm totally aware when i bought those devices, i cant rely on warranty or official services. and its not the first time, usually lot of devices which sold here were downgraded version comparing to international one. like
note 3 on international version they had snap801 and lte support while official one the had stupid exynoss and 3g only. same goes with Note 5 snapdragon inter vs exynoss local, and also xiaomi devices, huawei, and many other brands which i dont remember anymore. thats why, many people here usually bought new/second hand devices from another country because they want to feel the real experience while also acknowledge they cant bring it to official service centre when it broke later.
Hell no.

Picking up a P30 Pro in todays circumstances

With all this upheaval, what do you think about grabbing one while they're going cheap, used and good condition?
Im aware of the circumstances and that Huawei banning bootloader unlocking makes the situation even worse. If we could find a way to unlock the bootloader by unofficial means, I'd be happy to pick one up if there's decent 3rd party developer support
Could this be an opportunity or just a waste of time and money for us?
I've just bought one for £520 and it's only a month old. I'm prepared to take the risk for such a good phone and hopefully this Trump crap will come to an end soon
I have one sealed here myself but debating if I should have opted for Mate 20 Pro instead for worthwhile savings
Things could possibly reverse back to normal, if the ban goes full on, it could come to a total of $11m lost of business for the states with the companies combine, plus other possible complications, even regardless of that, and full ban on huawei, existing devices are not effected going by what Google have said
I got one before the 'news'. No regrets, it's a great phone.
Yeah i'd say buy it or get the mate 20 pro it's a better deal.
It has a better screen also
Although i don't care for that myself
i have a p30 pro love the phone but i am thinking about getting rid of it becaues of the hole ban thing i buy my phone off line every year and just tread my old one in so just looking at it from a money aspect
It's still worth every cent of the original retail price, let alone the massive discounts you can find. Its the best phone of 2019, and I've tried them all...
I agree. I'm watching a few variants on ebay, mainly the VOG-L04 model. If prices continue to fall, I might end up with more than one.
Sledge007 said:
I got one before the 'news'. No regrets, it's a great phone.
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Ditto.
I just picked mine up about to days ago. And I paid premium price for it. I was looking for the best battery life, performance and camera. I'm not really a fan of Samsung. I have no complaints with this phone. Other then I have a defective figure print sensor.
Bought a new one about a week ago. Could not be much happier overall. I don't necessarily need Android Q. The phone is working fine as it is. However this might be the last Huawei I'll buy depending on what happens in the future. It's very unclear future for Huawei now. For current phones I don't care though. This phone has the hardware I need that no one else has.
No regrets for me too. I bought it after the news came out. P30 pro is already a futuristic device. Huawei can always use AOSP and we can use alternative for Google services
Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk
I picked one up over the weekend, new. I'm not too bothered about the crap - it's a great phone, will get Q, will probably get security updates, and will definitely get Play store updates - that's good enough for me.
And it's a matter of time before either of the countries blink and things go back to normal
Well, I just picked one up brand new here in Canada. Coming from a Pixel 3xl. Don't regret it one bit. Nothing wrong with the pixel at all, but it fell short in a couple areas within the camera that the p30 pro delivers on. I don't really care about the situation happening, I believe it will get resolved.
I bought my P30 Pro before the ban for full price.
I love the fact that it has a best in class camera that's the most versatile in the industry, 2 day battery life, the fastest charging speeds and just its overall gorgeous design.
I have no regrets. I don't take politics seriously and think the news and media puts this in a scaremongering light as Google and various US-based companies wouldn't want to lose out on potential revenue and business.
Can you guys imagine If Huawei and Honor, Xiaomi, OPPO etc. Get an agreement to make one OS to all chinese Smartphones, this way the devs will forget about Play Store, cause only Pixel Will left ... Since even Motorola and Nokia are from China now! Is pretty much the end of Android!
felipy2k said:
Can you guys imagine If Huawei and Honor, Xiaomi, OPPO etc. Get an agreement to make one OS to all chinese Smartphones, this way the devs will forget about Play Store, cause only Pixel Will left ... Since even Motorola and Nokia are from China now! Is pretty much the end of Android!
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Just a little correction. Nokia is from finland
Sent from my VOG-L29 using Tapatalk
cardozclive said:
Just a little correction. Nokia is from finland
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I thought that the smartphone division was sold to a chinese Company , maybe was Lenovo and Motorola .. my bad!
ph03n!x said:
And it's a matter of time before either of the countries blink and things go back to normal
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On the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Trump said “U.S. companies can sell their equipment to Huawei,” without going into detail. “We’re talking about equipment where there’s no great national security problem with it,” Trump continued. It’s not clear what this means for now, but it’s likely Huawei will be able to acquire basic components like Qualcomm processors and Google’s Android OS.
Source

Question Advice for a budget moto user?

Hi, I've had Moto phones like the Razr-i, G4 Play, and G7 Play but am growing unhappy with their limited security updates. I worry more about being up to date with security patches as there is always more news about exploits. I'm not familiar with OnePlus. Are they consistent about security updates? I see a claim of more years of support, but wonder how it works in practice for the budget models. In my experience, Moto has been pretty lackluster in pushing updates even before the 2 year window expires.
Has anybody here also used budget Moto phones and already switched to the N200 5G? How much difference would I find using this phone?
As my username says, I am a light user of Android. I mostly use it to glance at the Google Calendar, Slack notifications, and calls and SMS. I use desktop and laptop computers for most of my regular email, web browsing, etc. But, I've noticed that it is hard to read web pages on a 720 pixel wide screen because it is fuzzy if you scale so that the whole page fits. I also see it stutter, and assume this is because my current phone only has 2GB RAM.
I disable the Google assistant and actually want a phone to be more like an idle pocket computer, not a busy bee trying to be clever and annoying me with suggestions, integrations, etc. I have been able to configure the Moto launcher to be boring like that. Can that be done with the N200 or would I need to install Nova launcher or something?
I use Mint, a T-Mobile MVNO and care about stability for calls with both VoLTE and WiFi Calling. I don't really care about 5G speeds vs LTE but would hope it makes the cell connectivity more stable rather than less?
Thanks for any feedback or real world review!
You'd rather get a pixel 4a for that kind of usage and concerns about security patches, not a oneplus.
Huh... you don't think the N200 will get regular updates? Or are you saying OnePllus doesn't provide good security even if it is up to date? Do you think OnePlus is less secure than Moto or the same?
I feel like the pixels are in a different price bracket.
I'm just gonna point out that OnePlus is a Chinese company, and uses an Android OS variant made in China.
Chinese companies are not exactly known for keeping other countries (or their own) personal data secure (quite the opposite).
Take that how you will.
Hmm, do people think OnePlus is any less secure than Moto? Moto is also a Chinese company (part of Lenovo).
I find this hard to sort out.... those factories have to be trusted to put together the hardware and image the firmware. Even the pixel phones are made there, aren't they? If you go down this path questioning it, why assume that any software update afterwards can secure it, if the origin is murky? :-/
Edit: I've wondered the same thing about used phones and how permanently someone can tamper with it. That's one reason I am buying new budget phones and wondering about the N200 versus the Motos!
I don't mean to take this away to off-topic land. Can anybody report what security patch level they have received with a retail (unlocked) US N200 5G?
And if anybody is using one with T-Mobile or Mint, do you find it to be getting stable network connectivity and calls?
yes, stables calls and connectivity in Los Angeles area with Tmobile. As of the time of this writing its on July Security Patch. If you are worried aobut exploits and want the latest patches it best to just go with a official google supported phone the like Pixel series or a Iphone as they keep up to date with security patches on their latest devices.
In my experiance if you just want it for calls and text and the like you should be ok. I just came off a pixel 3a for this phone and before that I did the samsung s thing and before that the motorola cliq series. Am I totally thrilled with the phone? No, it's a budget phone that runs better than any other budget phone I have seen, however, it is still a budget phone My hope is that as soon as we can get root that the phone will rock due to it actually having decent hardware. So it's more of an expectation thing. Sounds like it will be fine for your use case, Good readability screen and enough horsepower for what your doing.
Hey lightuser, which company are you conducting this "questionnaire" for?
If I may?
Motorola?
lightuser said:
Huh... you don't think the N200 will get regular updates? Or are you saying OnePllus doesn't provide good security even if it is up to date? Do you think OnePlus is less secure than Moto or the same?
I feel like the pixels are in a different price bracket.
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Click to collapse
Im saying you want cheap and android and stable security patches? Go with the mother of it all, pixel (not the high-end ones of course).
I got the n200 because of "free" from tmo, it's not what im used to thought. This phone is weak and slow and 5G/wifi speeds suck.
If those basic functions are sooo weak and you oneplus officially said: 1 major upgrade of the OS, you just know this little weak guy doesn't have a long life in the security updates either
lightuser said:
I don't mean to take this away to off-topic land. Can anybody report what security patch level they have received with a retail (unlocked) US N200 5G?
And if anybody is using one with T-Mobile or Mint, do you find it to be getting stable network connectivity and calls?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got the unlocked variant from the OnePlus store. I got an update on August 4th with the July 2021 security patch, so that's what I have now. Before that, I had the 2021-04-01 update.
I'm going to join in and *not* recommend OnePlus for light android users. They don't have a great long-term update policy - see articles like https://www.androidpolice.com/2021/...e-commitment-is-uninspiring-yet-unsurprising/. They also anecdotally don't have a great support team, and don't deal with factory-broken hardware well (for example, the microphone issues with the OnePlus One which left many users without a very inconsistent microphone when making calls on phone speakers or speakerphone).
The reason the community likes OnePlus is not their updates, though. It's the custom ROM community: every OnePlus phone has its ROM released, and has an unlockable bootloader.
What this means is *if you're willing to install a custom ROM*, you're almost guaranteed the community - XDA forums and the like - will provide updates above and beyond the product's lifetime. With this, for example, the OnePlus One, released in 2014, still has new community-based updates today! See threads like https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...1-july-10th-lineageos-17-1-june-11th.3693223/.
This also means you get a guaranteed ability to root the phone, and thus can change and optimize the OS for your usage.
To be clear, if you're willing to use comumunity-produced ROMs, and understand the benefits and drawbocks of that, OnePlus phones are great. Lots of people will be drawn to them, similar to google phones, and you'll get software for into the future at the cost of having to rely on builds provided by strangers on the internet.
If you aren't, or have never installed a custom ROM and would rather not, don't get OnePlus. The three things they've had going for the are: custom ROMs, hardware that's specced above what you'd expect at the price point, and marketing. Software is not their strong suite.
I really like the Nord N200's hardware design, it's great bang-for-buck, and it seems quite sturdy. But people have *already* reported microphone issues when using cases which with OnePlus's track record will probably never be fixed unless you apply the fix yourself as part of a custom ROM, and you won't be happy 2 or 3 years down the road when your options are to run an outdated OS or rely on strangers online to provide custom OS builds with no guaranteed support or bugfixes, and which automatically void your warranty when installed.
enian.doda said:
Im saying you want cheap and android and stable security patches? Go with the mother of it all, pixel (not the high-end ones of course).
I got the n200 because of "free" from tmo, it's not what im used to thought. This phone is weak and slow and 5G/wifi speeds suck.
If those basic functions are sooo weak and you oneplus officially said: 1 major upgrade of the OS, you just know this little weak guy doesn't have a long life in the security updates either
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Click to collapse
the ATLEAST "one major update" will probably be a jump to the next major android version, however the " regular maintenance updates" will be the regular security patches that they most likely roll out in a timely fashion as they are known to do usually. It sounds like it will be s supported just like any other oneplus phone in my opinion. The hardware is decent for the price and considering its free from tmobile (cant beat that), its actually runs everything fine including all the games ive played just fine (Call of Duty , CLASH OF CLANS), the only super major weak disaappointment is the camera, considering Xiaomi can make sub $250 budget phones with a impressive budget camera, it puts the N200 camera to shame. I dont know your 5G test environment but in Los Angeles where i am, if i lock onto the same 5G bands as my friends Iphone 12,, i actually get better 5G speeds than my friend who has a Iphone 12 Max. WiFi speeds seem normal to me, but then again i am only 10-15 feet away from the router most of the times.
enian.doda said:
Hey lightuser, which company are you conducting this "questionnaire" for?
If I may?
Motorola?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I'm just a user looking at my G7 Play which says "your software is up to date" and a February patch level, and finding only disappointment when I look at the available replacements and consider how soon I'll see this again...
Thanks all! I guess I am hearing the message that I need to either adjust my belief about what "budget" means (to consider Pixels etc) or accept that security is not included at the budget level...

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