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So, I've owned only Android devices since I began buying smartphones and tablets, but I really feel like very little has changed with regards to Android's performance ever since the Snapdragon 800 in 2013. Even the addition of more RAM and higher-spec processors hasn't really changed much about the AOSP experience, and my old (GPE-converted) Galaxy S4 still feels like I could throw most anything at it.
With the Nexus 6P finally bringing the last few things I really wanted in a mobile phone (the fingerprint sensor, metal, 1440p AMOLED, pure Android without compromising the camera, USB-C), I'm really thinking that this may be my last Android phone for a long while. I feel like, while equally unnecessary, the N6P will offer the pinnacle of stock Android, while rounding out the feature set of all I look for. I was debating whether to cheap out and buy a N5X for dev and general mucking about, but I think I will instead commit to getting the 6P for the above reasons.
My last upgrade to the G3 was almost unnecessary, even though I love the phone. I only upgraded, since my S4's power button broke and headphone jack got a bit wonky. Had that not happened, I think I'd be still using it today as my DD. I didn't even feel the itch to upgrade to any of this year's devices (except the Nexus phones and the buzz around the fp sensor and camera), and I've already had the device for more than a year.
While it may be an unpopular opinion around these parts, I think I may switch to an iPhone (probably the 7+) when my contract is up just to see how that platform improves over the next couple of years. A second GB of RAM totally changed that phone, which shows just how behind they are in some aspects, and where potential lies. I just don't see Android making any earth-shattering changes, mostly because it doesn't need to anymore. OEMs drive their own crap update cycle by bogging down their updates and the like, a problem which never existed on my GPE-converted S4, and won't exist on the Nexus.
Don't really know why I felt like making this post, but I did. :silly:
I agree with you on certain points.
But remember,
my old (GPE-converted) Galaxy S4 still feels like I could throw most anything at it.
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Click to collapse
You did something to your phone in order to be fast / smooth / etc. While we as a community continue to do this and find ways to improve everything.. Android (stock) has come a long way.
I'm really thinking that this may be my last Android phone for a long while.
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Click to collapse
You reasoning for this is there is nothing really new on Android and Android phones haven't really evolved much but the same goes for iOS. This coming from someone who keeps going back and forth from Android to iOS. iOS is much more polished and needs less specs to run smooth, but you also have to remember they only have to worry about support their own hardware. And while yes, there has been phone upgrades from Apple (bigger screen, etc.), this is stuff Android has been doing for a long time.
It's kind of hard honestly.. after a certain point.. development / upgrades happen slower.. when jumping from phone to phone now, things don't seem like much of an upgrade. I think that's because we upgrade phones so often now, we don't notice the differences as much. But say you had to keep your S4 for another year without the ability to root / install a custom ROM, I'm sure you'd be all over the N6P.
While XDA has made Android development much bigger and contributed in a positive way, it has also kind of spoiled us and made us think the way you are.
For me the big things that keep me on android are customization and the ability to do what I want with the phone (not what Apple or anyone else wants me to do). I would love to say this would be my last phone for a while but 2 things will prevent that....
1. I'm a tech junkie
2. Android support is 2 years
Well, the LG G3 isnt the best phone... you'll probably like the Nexus 6P a LOT!
I said that with the Nexus 6. I might still keep the Nexus 6 but I'm at least going to give the 6P a shot.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
I'm not far behind but not because Android vs Apple but because my life centers around MS products. I work in IT, exclusively with MS products. Why is my mobile device on a different ecosystem?
I'm excited for what MS has in store for their APIs that allow ios and Android apps to behave as if they're in their natural environment. I think this approach is going to flatten the playing field and OS will no longer matter.
Now if they could just make tech without built in obsolescion the market will start filling with devices that have purpose instead of purely consumerism. There WILL be a threshold of device waste that will force our hand.
Excel made some good points. And I too felt the same about not seeing much improvement from my phone but the continuous development thru ROMs makes it seems like the progress is small but it not....if you tally up the progress over the 1 year iPhone life cycle it is a lot of progress.
Google has too many things going on and unfortunately doesn't take the time to perfect their products except their search engine. They rather create a new product versus refining an existing one.
Imagine if google only had drive, no gmail, no G+, a tablet, one PC, and Android that ran on a single phone from one manufacturer....say LG. And Kept that same phone and just improved the hardware each year and the software as well....and diverted all other efforts towards perfecting that single device. That phone would be light years ahead of apple. Instead google has close to 200 products and services they wear themselves thin with. And tackling the immense task of attempting to make android run seemless and smooth on
Almost 19,000 devices instead of on just a handful of devices plus one phone is the difference between google and apple.
With that said and even with google continuing to expand like they do....I still think Google's android os running on top tier android devices will surpass IPhones in all aspects in couple years.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Exel said:
You did something to your phone in order to be fast / smooth / etc. While we as a community continue to do this and find ways to improve everything.. Android (stock) has come a long way.
You reasoning for this is there is nothing really new on Android and Android phones haven't really evolved much but the same goes for iOS. This coming from someone who keeps going back and forth from Android to iOS. iOS is much more polished and needs less specs to run smooth, but you also have to remember they only have to worry about support their own hardware. And while yes, there has been phone upgrades from Apple (bigger screen, etc.), this is stuff Android has been doing for a long time
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Click to collapse
Partially correct on the first point. It is fundamentally still "stock" (no kernel mods/custom features) on GPE firmware, but yes, I haven't tried stock since the original shipping firmware. I haven't rooted my phones since putting GPE on the S4. My Nexus 9, the G3, and the S4 all run unrooted, the former two of which are on stock firmware. The biggest pain about Android is debloating carrier crapware, a problem nonexistent on Nexus devices.
I feel like Android has matured to the point that there is little left to give. As far as supporting their own stuff, that's why I feel like the N6P would be the ultimate.
WoodroweBones said:
For me the big things that keep me on android are customization and the ability to do what I want with the phone (not what Apple or anyone else wants me to do). I would love to say this would be my last phone for a while but 2 things will prevent that....
1. I'm a tech junkie
2. Android support is 2 years
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, but customisation is so easy to do on Android without mods or root. The only other phone I was considering was the S6 edge +, which is also comparably restrictive. I just haven't felt the need to root since the S4.
An iPhone, on the other hand, I would be keen to jailbreak instantly. Quite a lot of interesting tweaks come out of Apple's "crack R&D team" (like swipeselection....), and jailbreaking is the only way to stay on that edge and get appropriate customisation.
I would also be using pretty much solely Google apps there anyway, since the default apps are kinda terrible.
bsg411 said:
Google has too many things going on and unfortunately doesn't take the time to perfect their products except their search engine. They rather create a new product versus refining an existing one.
Imagine if google only had drive, no gmail, no G+, a tablet, one PC, and Android that ran on a single phone from one manufacturer....That phone would be light years ahead of apple. Instead google has close to 200 products and services they wear themselves thin with.
With that said and even with google continuing to expand like they do....I still think Google's android os running on top tier android devices will surpass IPhones in all aspects in couple years.
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Click to collapse
But the diversity is the beauty of Google. The fact that they move the ecosystem forward and have a constant stream of novelty across their business is what helps them succeed. Android itself doesn't really need more improvement, is my argument. It's already there, and their job is to create new services to drive the platform.
Android as an OS already far exceeds that of iOS IMO, especially with Google Now. What I want to see is how Apple catches , since their platform seems to still be in flux (as far as performance and service delivery goes).
You'll change your mind when they release the Nexus 14z, which will project it's 16k display directly to your brain, and be able to read your thoughts instead of having to speak "OK Google".
I'm serious, because Google will have perfected mind control by then and we'll all be drones.
All hail Masters Page and Brin, our merciful overlords!
---------- Post added at 09:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:31 PM ----------
Seriously though, I admire your pragmatic upgrade preferences on smartphones.
TemporaryTester said:
But the diversity is the beauty of Google. The fact that they move the ecosystem forward and have a constant stream of novelty across their business is what helps them succeed. Android itself doesn't really need more improvement, is my argument. It's already there, and their job is to create new services to drive the platform.
Android as an OS already far exceeds that of iOS IMO, especially with Google Now. What I want to see is how Apple catches , since their platform seems to still be in flux (as far as performance and service delivery goes).
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Click to collapse
I agree with you the software is better but implementing all the services via the OS on a multitude of devices is a difficult task. However starting with this 6P nexus devices I think are on par with iPhone (hardware and software) and I bet will surpass the iPhone 7 next year.
I just wish they worked with one manufacturer to help perfect the hardware and built on a good hardware design instead of going back and forth with with hardware features and designs .....kinda like the 5x with 6P features.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
If the 6P lives up to the hype, the improvements left are physics stuff: battery life, moar camera, lighter/thinner/stronger, waterproof, sapphire display.
That said, iPhones have been such a bitter disappointment since the Gingerbread days. I'm on Apple for the most part (MBr, iMac 5k) and would consider switching to iOS but the differentiators that custom Androids offer simply aren't there, or even possible. The current crop of crippled hardware is missing too much. When Apple makes a real retina display (eg AMOLED 2k) and loses the oversized HTC-ish bezels it'll be worth another look. Assuming Apple gives out widgets, call recording & MinMinGuard too.
WoodroweBones said:
2. Android support is 2 years
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Click to collapse
For a Nexus device the support window is 3 years. N5 is 2 years old and just recieved Android 6.0. It will continue to get updates for atleast another full year. Unfortunately that is likely to end when android N comes next fall.
Interesting that this phone has everything you ever wanted. Did you know you wanted a 1440p phone with a fingerprint scanner 2 years ago? Probably not. I'm sure innovation will continue, though maybe slowly. I'd like to see better battery tech.
This is how the technology cycle is. You cant have the same level of developments every year throughout the products/os cycle.
I believe many of the features we see added are already developed. They just hold back so they can have a balance of Big n small changes each year & also market couple of features as exclusives for the latest version.
It is the same with iOs as well. You will not see a lot of big changes. Many of them will be hardware based. As os's get more refined hardware dependency will reduce. Today you can get excellent performance from a mid range android device. Tomorrow it will spread to lower end devices aswell. In principal its a good thing.
Right now the top most focus for any R&D of software or hardware company is battery life. The company that cracks it will play a major role.
CrashTestDroid said:
If the 6P lives up to the hype, the improvements left are physics stuff: battery life, moar camera, lighter/thinner/stronger, waterproof, sapphire display.
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Click to collapse
Really? People are still hung up on sapphire? Sapphire is brittle. I want foldable screens. I still believe Nokia's concept of a phone that trifolds and then bends to fit as a watch is the future. No more carrying a giant brick in my pocket.
Spaderess said:
For a Nexus device the support window is 3 years. N5 is 2 years old and just recieved Android 6.0. It will continue to get updates for atleast another full year. Unfortunately that is likely to end when android N comes next fall.
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Click to collapse
True... I guess for me I mean 2 years of getting a new android version but yeah technically 3 years support I suppose.
warplane95 said:
Well, the LG G3 isnt the best phone... you'll probably like the Nexus 6P a LOT!
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Click to collapse
A G3 running BlissPop ROM is truly a thing of beauty! It's incredibly compact and lightweight for a 5.5" phone, and it flies without the LG software on it. It has a great camera (a step behind the current best, but I've had very few pictures I wasn't very happy with), and the screen as much better than it's reputation indicates it should be ... mostly, I think, because the default brightness is quite low. And the battery life is quite good ... I end most days with 50% after about 1.5 hours of SOT.
I'm mostly upgrading to the 6P because I usually buy a new phone every 6-9 months, but it's been 14 months and I need a new shiny object to fondle. I'm honestly not expecting it to be a whole lot better than the G3 for me ... better screen, better speakers (I hope) and a fingerprint reader may or may not be enough to compensate for the substantial increase in bulk. I had a Note 5 for a week, and it just didn't feel like much of an improvement so I sent it back, which I have never done before.
And my G3 has a replaceable battery, and I could probably be happy with it for 5 more years, if I wasn't such a gadget whore.
Of course I certainly don't think an iPhone is the answer .... that's just ridiculous!
Whoops double post
Here's an idea...try to find a friend with an iPhone who would be willing to trade with you for a week or something. Wipe the phones, trade your SIMs and see how the other side lives.
Sent from my LG-V410 using Tapatalk
Though it had it's issues, the Nexus 6 strong enough in all the categories that I stuck with it for a full year. The only thing strong enough to pull me away now is the 6P. I fully expect it to keep me locked in for the next year as well. However, it could be good enough that I don't feel the need to upgrade to next year's nexus. Only time will tell.
Hello,
I'm thinking of buying a small phone, since I find it uncomfortable those that exceed 5 inches.
I was watching and analyzing those who have good battery, camera and features and I think the best that there are currently on the market are these 2: the Iphone SE and the Sony X Compact.
I'm not going to use it for games of any kind. What I most look for is that it has good battery life, a good rear camera (selfies do not bag) and, if possible, you can hear well with the headphones on.
Obvious that it is 2 different operating systems and, leaving aside that, since I like to use IOS or Android, from their own experience, comments or whatever: with which would they stay?
From now, thank you for you help!!
salocin82 said:
Hello,
I'm thinking of buying a small phone, since I find it uncomfortable those that exceed 5 inches.
I was watching and analyzing those who have good battery, camera and features and I think the best that there are currently on the market are these 2: the Iphone SE and the Sony X Compact.
I'm not going to use it for games of any kind. What I most look for is that it has good battery life, a good rear camera (selfies do not bag) and, if possible, you can hear well with the headphones on.
Obvious that it is 2 different operating systems and, leaving aside that, since I like to use IOS or Android, from their own experience, comments or whatever: with which would they stay?
From now, thank you for you help!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't ever owned an SE so I can't really comment on it vs the compact. However I do know that the compact has more picture storage potential due to the SD Card slot (SE doesn't have one). The SE uses a 12 megapixel shooter vs the Compact using a 23. I am note a huge taking pictures kinda guy so no complaints from me on the camera but I guess that's not saying much. Anyway below is a link to a video comparing the two. It's a little outdated as it has the compact running marshmallow (it has Nougat now) but does a decent job of comparing the two. https://youtu.be/U5g7LTCJqaY
Sony. Water resistance, SDcard. That's about it lol.
The SE may perform smoother as it is powered by the 6S internals.
Sent from my SM-G930T using XDA-Developers Legacy app
If you're not bothered about customizing then buy an iPhone, if you want customization then buy any Android.
iphone fails
- missing notification led
- no customizing and no jailbreak in sight, closed source system
- no slight to unlock (stupid doubble press home button to unlock since apple removed slide to unlock)
- less ram, no sd card, memory not expandable
- 1600 mAh vs 2700 mAh and no quick charge
- smaller display hurts your eyes,
- ligning connector incompatible (how many cables do we need ?)
- easy scratches on alu frame,
- banana bending,
- design from 2012
- steve jobs is dead
etc
-
How is the dev community for this phone though?
There doesn't seem to be any official Lineago OS builds and only one AOSP ROM ...
I would buy this phone in a heartbeat with Lineage OS support but without it seems like one would be dependent on one single developer for ROMs on this phone.
andTab said:
How is the dev community for this phone though?
There doesn't seem to be any official Lineago OS builds and only one AOSP ROM ...
I would buy this phone in a heartbeat with Lineage OS support but without it seems like one would be dependent on one single developer for ROMs on this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome to join the dev community and help to bring LineageOS to this device. Otherwise buy yourself a Nexus...
ondrejvaroscak said:
You are welcome to join the dev community and help to bring LineageOS to this device. Otherwise buy yourself a Nexus...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus phones have ****ty hardware, so no thank you. Then I will get an iPhone.
Don't need a phone with a manufacturing defect that has thousands of phones failing and Google telling you that you are sadly 21 days out of warranty.
Problem solved
I have owned both of them and I found the iPhone SE to be the absolute perfect size for 1 hand use. The X Compact is good but there are still times where the opposite corner can be hard to reach. The SE also feels great in hand and is built with high quality materials. I inevitably returned mine and got a X Compact instead. They are both great phones and if OS doesn't matter to you, I would go with the SE, but I personally prefer Android and it's customization so I returned it.
switcher said:
iphone fails
- less ram, no sd card, memory not expandable-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you're comparing two different Systems, iOS doesn't require as much RAM as Android.
Aviad1928 said:
Well you're comparing two different Systems, iOS doesn't require as much RAM as Android.
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Click to collapse
maybe in the old days, but have you seen IOS 10.3 on the SE today ? Compared to the SE the XC performs much better
and the iphone 7+ is shipped with 3gb for a good reason
switcher said:
maybe in the old days, but have you seen IOS 10.3 on the SE today ? Compared to the SE the XC performs much better
and the iphone 7+ is shipped with 3gb for a good reason
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha honestly I haven't seen an iPhone since 2012, maybe you're right
I own both, they both have positives and negatives. I actively swap between the two because of that! The iPhone is smooth and beautiful, great quality hardware, but iOS feels much more restricted and the screen is very small (even for a small phone fan like myself). Camera is awesome; super quality and quick in all conditions, although selfie camera is only 1.2mp. Not that big a deal though since the pics still look good. X compact on the other hand has a much more vibrant screen which is bigger (but not too big!), very snappy and excellent performance compared to other androids, the system is overall much more customizable, great camera too with wider lens and better selfies. But overall the phone feels cheaper in hand (plastic body), and like all android phones it doesn't have the super polished behaviour, look and feel of apple. As I said, positives and negatives for both! For me I use Google Apps for everything, which is more restricted on iphone obviously, and I like being able to read news clearly on my commute on the larger brighter screen, so I use the x compact more. But sometimes I go back to the iPhone se just because of the smooth shiny experience
Hello, I really wanted a powerful and fast phone with clean interface, so I bought an iPhone 7 as the first non-Android phone in 7 years, so I'm very experienced with Android. I just wasn't impressed with with the Pixel for it's price. I also have a SE. I need some functionality in Android that's missing on the 7 and looking for a companion small phone that I can alternate with if needed, so I'm looking to get rid of my SE to fund for the Compact.
What I do learn from using iOS is that it's more primitive than I thought, despite the clean smooth experience. Somethings are just a joke on it I don't know how they get away with it when millions people are paying for it. But it has it's benefits as well, I do enjoy the A10 chip performance and not spending many hours to setup my phone. And some things just work better, like the Fine my iPhone. On the Honor 8, I could just bypass that lost phone screen . I see too many bugs on Android with skinned devices, and giant devices, which made me really tired of dealing with them. The Pixel just doesn't do it for me in term of pricing, all the issues I'm hearing about, the availability. I would say the Android market abandoned me, not the other way around, and this pushed me to iPhone.
My last Sony phone was the Xperia Play. I'm hoping the current Sony's OS is not too far away from stock Android.
I bought the X Compact for my wife as a Christmas gift - the other phone I was looking at was the iPhone SE.
After she tried out a loaner iPhone for about three weeks she decided she preferred Android, chiefly due to more free apps being available/costing less than the iOS version.
From everything I gathered from the numerous reviews, it essentially comes down to which platform you prefer. The iPhone SE has a slightly better camera in low light (night), but that looked like the only hardware advantage. If you go with the x-compact, try to wait until B&H photo has it on sale for $270. It's done that 3 times in the last five months.
switcher said:
iphone fails
- no customizing and no jailbreak in sight, closed source system
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was also seriously considering the SE, but that is the big reason I got the X compact. The Sony open devices program is a major plus for me. I look forward to actually owning my own device and have freedom of messing around with it, maybe even trying out Jolla's SailfishOS when it's available.
The only thing that concerns me about Android is there seems to be vulnerabilities exposed on the net or viruses (adware that calls back to someone's server in the background and monitors SMS messages) through legitimate apps.. seems there's a security flaw announced once a week. How is development for security patches on it, given the frequency of malware?
Not sure about ios but I kinda like having open source android., So long as devs are on top of things and not just adding feature fluff.
volcolm said:
The only thing that concerns me about Android is there seems to be vulnerabilities exposed on the net or viruses (adware that calls back to someone's server in the background and monitors SMS messages) through legitimate apps.. seems there's a security flaw announced once a week. How is development for security patches on it, given the frequency of malware?
Not sure about ios but I kinda like having open source android., So long as devs are on top of things and not just adding feature fluff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android now have built in permission management so you can deny that app from accessing your personal info. It would be nice to have a built in feature to block internet access outright, but generally only MIUI based roms have that. I don't see it as an issue aside from people who download dubious apps or sideloading from questionable sources.
If you are that concerned you should get a phone that is promised monthly security updates, which is a Google Pixel. https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/ I was surprised the X Compact (international version) have timely monthly security updates.
I would say the closed source nature of iOS potentially makes it more insecure, with open source at least you have much more developers looking at it and alerting the issues.
eksasol said:
Android now have built in permission management so you can deny that app from accessing your personal info. It would be nice to have a built in feature to block internet access outright, but generally only MIUI based roms have that. I don't see it as an issue aside from people who download dubious apps or sideloading from questionable sources.
If you are that concerned you should get a phone that is promised monthly security updates, which is a Google Pixel. https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/ I was surprised the X Compact (international version) have timely monthly security updates.
I would say the closed source nature of iOS potentially makes it more insecure, with open source at least you have much more developers looking at it and alerting the issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'd have been easier to state that the XC already gets monthly (security) updates as the GP, but I digress. This is good, probably better than most manufacturers in that regard. My last phone was a buy once, throwaway after a couple months because Huawei decides "Want latest Android, your phone is obsolete -- buy a new Mate instead". Before folks say "Wait, they update their Mate line now!" - watch a "beta" ROM come online from Huawei after a year of not releasing any updates for months (once new phones are around the corner), the poof, scrapped ROM/patch (and now your phone is obsolete/vulnerable) because hey go buy new shiny phone to get the latest "update". It's infuriating, a phone should be "supported" for at least 3 years. Usually the good XDA developers make a phone last much longer than that!
Been a long time since I did a forum post, but need help with a decision I am faced with and was hoping someone can help...
So, I got the Samsung S9+. It's great. Does has some lag issues (particularly scrolling) . Screen is nice. Battery is ok. Wireless charging and camera is great too.
My dilemma comes since Google recently announced a $200 off promo for the Pixel 2 XL (if you finance). I would not have considered getting it since the price was way out of proportion to the phone you were getting, but now with the reduction in cost... The question is:
Should I return my S9+, save the Carrier Financing and go with the Pixel 2 XL (now more reasonably priced)?
Mind you to return my S9+, it will require a little hoop jumping and some pain with my carrier, but what doesn't?
Anyone had both phones or have both phones... thoughts, opinions, suggestions?
You read all the VS. articles on the net, and they are about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine... you guys are the "real world" users... wanting your honesty will help a great deal!
Great post well written (not usual ramblings) ok so is the Pixel XL 2 worth the hoop jumping, yes it most certainly is. Will it be worth it to ditch the S9+ to get the Pixel XL 2?
Well that depends on how important certain features are to you, for example Wireless charging? Or expandable storage? Will 128gb be enough?, is it ok that the Pixel has only ip67?
Ok also to clarify as you have probably read & seen about the Pixel 2 XL's Display. The S9+ has the best display period .....,however there is nothing awful about the Pixel XL 2's it's blown up a bit, wait I won't argue that blue shift is there, it is, however it's not that bad and after using it for now 3 months I don't notice, or pay attention to it.
The pixel XL has the best camera in a smartphone (at present) or rather perhaps their post processing, regardless it's really that good. Updates are another obvious factor for the Pixel, front facing speakers, battery life is much better on the Pixel, design although basic, is unique and enjoyable, it's fast &, fluid.
So if I were you weigh up what's important to you, but you wouldn't be disappointed with the Pixel, especially with $200 off, it's a absolutely fantastic device to use, I love my pixel & I think you would appreciate it as much as the rest of us Team pixel users do :good:
Any more questions feel free to ask :good:
I have both the devices with me. Pixel 2xl beats Samsung s9 plus hands down.
I was having a note 8, just 3 months old. Sold it and went for s9 plus.
Trust me pixel 2 xl is the one to go for. The only reason I keep a Sammy device is for its extra skin features like secure folder app, screen resolution and the premium feel.
REST all the pixel 2 xl wins... Be it fluidity, speaker output, camera quality
Duncan1982 said:
Great post well written (not usual ramblings) ok so is the Pixel XL 2 worth the hoop jumping, yes it most certainly is. Will it be worth it to ditch the S9+ to get the Pixel XL 2?
Well that depends on how important certain features are to you, for example Wireless charging? Or expandable storage? Will 128gb be enough?, is it ok that the Pixel has only ip67?
Ok also to clarify as you have probably read & seen about the Pixel 2 XL's Display. The S9+ has the best display period .....,however there is nothing awful about the Pixel XL 2's it's blown up a bit, wait I won't argue that blue shift is there, it is, however it's not that bad and after using it for now 3 months I don't notice, or pay attention to it.
The pixel XL has the best camera in a smartphone (at present) or rather perhaps their post processing, regardless it's really that good. Updates are another obvious factor for the Pixel, front facing speakers, battery life is much better on the Pixel, design although basic, is unique and enjoyable, it's fast &, fluid.
So if I were you weigh up what's important to you, but you wouldn't be disappointed with the Pixel, especially with $200 off, it's a absolutely fantastic device to use, I love my pixel & I think you would appreciate it as much as the rest of us Team pixel users do :good:
Any more questions feel free to ask :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick come back...
I don't know... I mean the S9+ has the 845 Processor and 6GB of RAM and it's jitter on scrolling is sickening at times. I could assume that Samsung will fix this with an update at some point (like they always do) .
It's so hard to choose... I like the wireless charging, samsung pay and of course SD card expandability , but I am not going to keep any phone more than a year... Plus, getting the security updates and newest android releases is pretty decent.
damn... decisions, decisions...
Just being able to charge and listen to music at the same time without using any stupid adapter, makes the S9+ the ideal phone. Also, wireless charging is somewhat important since I have a lot of chargers already
However, Pixel's ecosystem and fluidity is something that I miss from the S9
drtushar said:
I have both the devices with me. Pixel 2xl beats Samsung s9 plus hands down.
I was having a note 8, just 3 months old. Sold it and went for s9 plus.
Trust me pixel 2 xl is the one to go for. The only reason I keep a Sammy device is for its extra skin features like secure folder app, screen resolution and the premium feel.
REST all the pixel 2 xl wins... Be it fluidity, speaker output, camera quality
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I hear too...
The lag on a new phone with better specs just bothers me.... I'm sure samsung will release a fix plus something to help with battery... but I don't know if I want to wait that long..
t-shock said:
Just being able to charge and listen to music at the same time without using any stupid adapter, makes the S9+ the ideal phone. Also, wireless charging is somewhat important since I have a lot of chargers already
However, Pixel's ecosystem and fluidity is something that I miss from the S9
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Click to collapse
yeah i know... having wireless charging is definitely important...
I don't listen to music anywhere but my car normally at its radio is Android Auto compatible... I can see how headphone jack thing still gets people upset, but it's not that big of a factor for me! :highfive:
I just came from the Pixel 2 XL because the hardware itself was a disaster. My blue tint was tragic and just sad compared to my terrible ancient iPhone (any angle past 30 degrees was ocean blue), the edges had problems with touch sensitivity, and then the charging port fried (I returned it at that point). The battery wasn't great for me either.
The P2XL camera processing is better and the actual phone is definitely less laggy, though.
Keive said:
I just came from the Pixel 2 XL because the hardware itself was a disaster. My blue tint was tragic and just sad compared to my terrible ancient iPhone (any angle past 30 degrees was ocean blue), the edges had problems with touch sensitivity, and then the charging port fried (I returned it at that point). The battery wasn't great for me either.
The P2XL camera processing is better and the actual phone is definitely less laggy, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You thinking you got a “bad Apple” with your pixel? No pun intended
mahst68 said:
Been a long time since I did a forum post, but need help with a decision I am faced with and was hoping someone can help...
So, I got the Samsung S9+. It's great. Does has some lag issues (particularly scrolling) . Screen is nice. Battery is ok. Wireless charging and camera is great too.
My dilemma comes since Google recently announced a $200 off promo for the Pixel 2 XL (if you finance). I would not have considered getting it since the price was way out of proportion to the phone you were getting, but now with the reduction in cost... The question is:
Should I return my S9+, save the Carrier Financing and go with the Pixel 2 XL (now more reasonably priced)?
Mind you to return my S9+, it will require a little hoop jumping and some pain with my carrier, but what doesn't?
Anyone had both phones or have both phones... thoughts, opinions, suggestions?
You read all the VS. articles on the net, and they are about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine... you guys are the "real world" users... wanting your honesty will help a great deal!
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Click to collapse
You want real world users?, I can tell you I had the Pixel 2 XL and now I'm having the S9+, and I can surely say I would never pick the Pixel 2 XL again.
This is my first Samsung device, but honestly, it has everything you wish in a phone.
Pixel 2 XL camera is overrated, and moreover, S9+ kicks Pixel 2 XL ass in low light conditions. I did many tests, in many light conditions, and I can tell you that the Pixel 2 XL doesn't taken a pic you can't take with another flagship phone. Yes, is true that the dynamic range and the HDR+ is magic, but quality and detail is poor overall, and Pixel 2 XL always put a lot of noise and grain in the pictures when the light is missing. I watched all the reviews and videos about the camera, and the day I had it in hand, it was a huge disappointment because quality is not that impressive.
With the Pixel 2 XL you are risking a lot in terms of quality, because is not only about the blue tint, is also the black crush, the black smearing, problems with speakers, with screen, with other internal components... Pixel 2 XL has the worst quality control I have even seen in a smartphone, a lot of people are returning theirs, and even after 4-5 exchanges, they still are not satisfied with the device. Even stores are running away from them, because they have the highest return rate ever seen in a device, and distributors don't want to sell this device anymore, because is a headache with warranty and service. Hardware problems can't be fixed by software!.
Moreover, Google and distributors are still sending units from October and November, even 4-5 months after they were manufactured, which for me look really suspicious, and make me think they are just selling the ones that other people sent back.
Stock Android is for XDA people, but real world people appreciate the fact of having options and gestures in a phone, and not being obligated to root or install custom ROM's to get certain useful functionalities; did you see Android P?, is a ripoff of Samsung Experience and Android now is copying useful things from other manufacturers, which I'm not saying is a bad thing, but then where's the creativity and the step forward?.
The ONLY true reason to pick the Pixel 2 XL would be the updates, but otherwise, I would stick with the S9+ and never look back. I don't care about updates since Nougat, because nothing has changed too much, and Project Treble will make updates easier for everyone. But be aware, because Google tends to mess the older devices, we saw it with the Nexus 6P when the first Pixel came out, and now that we have the Pixel 2 XL, there are a lot of issues with the first Pixel. They are behaving kind of Apple slowing down phones or making them unusable.
With the S9+ you get the latest hardware, and all those issue you mention, I don't have them at all, but maybe because I'm using Exynos version; anyway, S9+ for me is smoother and faster than Pixel 2 XL and I don't have any doubt that any problem you can have will be fixed through software.
Ask me whatever you want, I know both devices really good.
:good:
No phone now is terrible.....we have reached a point where it's marginal in a lot of ways.
It just depends on features and Samsung has many....:good: for some that is great, others it's annoying.
I'm no Fanboy I just like my tech, I even have an iPhone X which I very much like :good:
So the Pixel doesn't kill or win hands down (not from my perspective) however it does offer a better user experience in terms of Updates, it offers a better Camera, all be it perhaps all In the post processing, but it's magical :good: and no Samsung hasn't trumped, but that's not saying the camera on the S9+ is terrible (It's most definitely not) I like it :good:
Samsung camera reimagined (Marketing) Camera improved yeah it is from my point (had the S8+ to) But it's not as big as advertised
It's tough but I don't have to choose, but if I had to and was in your shoes, then I would be thinking of what's important & what's not, the Pixel is where I would go, and I'm sure the S10 or if Samsung rename, is where your going to find the most improvement.
Go Pixel then see what next year brings :good:
If you like firmware updates on a monthly basis, go with the Pixel XL2. If you want to mod, unlock bootloader, root, etc Go with the Google Pixel XL2. I loved my Google Pixel XL and regret getting rid of it... The only thing is you go to get use to the a/b partitions and flashing. There are only (3) devices at this time, that i know of, running a/b partitions...the Google Pixels. both 1 and 2, and the Moto Z2 Force ( which i just bricked 2 in 4 days). But all devices eventually will be going that route, flagships at least....
*edit*
By the way, Security with the Pixel 2 is better because it gets the monthly security patches., on a monthly basis, the way devices should get updates. KNOX is for corporate companies and unless to the regular consumer, other then secure boot, i recently found out.
*edit x 2*
Whatever you do, DONT GET A VERIZON Pixel because they dont allow Boot Loader Unlocking, UNLESS the device is booted with a different SIM card, other then Verizon, you can Unlock Boot Loader and still be on verizon...
I just switched from a Pixel2 XL. I can say that the idea of having a pure stock android directly from Google's kitchen was my first argument to get the pixel2 xl but the user experience and hardware didn't seduce me enough. I continuously felt having a missing feature to make things easier, like swiping to make a call or send sms, or take a screenshot then edit it and send it, showing the hand to take a selfie, listening via 2 Bluetooth headsets to same music my wife and I, ...etc
One can say that there are workarounds for most of "missing" features but it doesn't even come close to it and I didn't pay so much to be in need of 3rd party apps to have fade copies of essential (missing) features ...
Some other "necessary" features can only be obtained by installing xposed, like realtime network speed meter, call recording, customize navigation bar ...
Concerning the hardware, I hated the display not only because of the tint but for two other major reasons: 1. Feels like cheap plastic especially if you knock on it in the middle. 2. While using it on daydream vr, the screen has bad quality and an ugly black tearing (which can also be seen without vr).
VR is also a major argument for me to switch to S9+. There you CAN see how marvelous the screen is and how complete is the oculus ecosystem !
The camera on pixel2 xl is not that wonderful as it is said. The S9+ camera is really practical and powerful and accurate (personal pov).
About stereo speakers, it was also a tempting feature on pixel2 xl but hearing the stereo surrounding sound of S9+ is a great pleasure. A sound more realistic and with sufficient bass (sort of).
Also, I was disappointed with pixel2 xl when I recorded a video then found out its sound was mono while S9+ records videos in stereo and makes watching them a great experience !
As a flasholic, I hated the A/B seamless updates thing which makes flashing and experimenting a lot harder and troublesome.
Lag lag lag, the bad word sticking to touchwiz since ages. I don't find it laggy at all especially when considering the amount of its features. One can remove 99% of bloatware and additional stuff and gain the "legendary" nude android smoothness but then, it's nude ! I didn't pay for that. People tend to compare by benchmarks. The S9+ is doing really well on that part, but in everyday use I am sure I CAN achieve regular stuff on my S9+ faster than on Pixel2 XL !
All that being said, I again feel I'm using a "smart"phone .
Edit : I was also tempted by the long-term updates which I could get 3 years long on the pixel2 xl but, hey, are we keeping our devices more than a year ? Hell no, so why bother ? I enjoy the best looking and functioning device now until another better one seduces me...
googy_anas said:
The camera on pixel2 xl is not that wonderful as it is said. The S9+ camera is really practical and powerful and accurate (personal pov). .
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I agree with most of your points, but you've got to be kidding regarding the camera. The pixel camera is still consistently the best out there.
Goronok said:
I agree with most of your points, but you've got to be kidding regarding the camera. The pixel camera is still consistently the best out there.
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Click to collapse
I'm not kidding but I'm not a professional too. All I can say is that my S9+ pictures AND videos look better than what pixel2xl gave me. (Still personal pov)
Can I test a little bit here, I won't name the device the photo was taken with .....
First one .....
Second one :good:
What one is the Samsung? I can tell you which one is way more accurate in colour, and the better of the scene, both same auto settings and exactly the same conditions :good:
I've had both and like the S9+ at least a little better. I returned my 1st P2XL for a very blue display. The 2nd one started flashing brightly when the display went off. I got a good one for the 3rd, sold it before something else happened. After returning 2 units I lost my love for the device. Stock phones are so capable now I've lost the urge to root & mod. I really like the S9+, it just works well & the display is beautiful. It'll hold me until the P3 comes out. They are both great but I've never returned anything twice for defects. Some on here have had 5 or 6 rmas.
I had a S9+ and a Pixel 2 XL. The S9 went back for horrible black crush and smearing. Take your brightness way down and scroll through something. Also try to watch a video on Netflix. I ordered another S9 to see if it's and isolated incident. Problem is there's a thread on Android Central with the same issues. I put the S9 and Pixel next to each other. They smearing and crush looked identical. I've always been a stock Android guy, but the stereo speakers and other features on the S9 almost have me won over...if the next screen is better.
Has anyone gone from a OnePlus device to the S21? I'm curious to hear your thoughts. I currently have a OnePlus 7 Pro, and I've been waiting for the 9 series launch, to see what they had to offer. After seeing the specs and reading/watching a ton of reviews of the 9 series, I'm on the fence between upgrading to a 9 or the Galaxy S21. I prefer to root my phones. I'd like to hear your experience, if you've made this similar switch.
7T user here and looking to buy the S21. Only main thing I'll miss is having a second user account which I can switch to use different login for apps. Shame there isn't any smaller flagships with SD 888
Tldr; if you aren't willing to adjust to OneUI, want a mid-sized phone with great battery, or want to have a different phone than your friends, oneplus 9. Otherwise get the s21 off swappa and you'll love it!
I had a Oneplus 7 Pro (and every non-T oneplus since the Oneplus one). After that I got a oneplus 8 and was pretty happy with everything except the camera. Ended up getting a base S21 for a great deal on swappa ($600 a week after launch). First samsung since the Note 2 and am very impressed with OneUI 3.1. Camera is fantastic, size is much better, flat screen rocks, case selection is endless, really digging wireless charging, speakers rock, battery is a little inconsistent (definitely not the 8-10 hours SOT I'd get on the oneplus 8, but plenty for a day of use). The screen is GORGEOUS (colors, fluidity, etc are way way better than the 7 pro and the 8). I do miss the offscreen gestures a bit, but sideactions is a pretty great substitute. What won me over was GoodLock. It really does make the stock rom feel like a custom rom and it's 100% stable.
Also, s21 ultra fixes the bad battery life of the s21 base. Also has super fast charging.
OnePlus 3T, OnePlus 5T, S21 plus.
I'm happy with the purchase, the SW is good, only few more add-ons. You can beabloat it very quickly.
Battery is good on Plus model with my usage always 4g-5g 7+ SOT one day usage or 5 hour 2 day usage.
Very good audio and display. Little bit of theming thanks to GoodLock app
I'd love to know what I can debloat without affecting anything.
If you want to root then stay with OnePlus, it is easier. I migrated from a OP 6T to a S21+ and I love it. I do miss the option to root. You can unlock/root samsung but only if you get international/exynos variant and then no warranty, or pay a ridiculous bootloader unlocking fee and likely lose warranty as well. No such issues with oneplus.
I guess if you are not a US customer then this is a nonissue for you.
I went with the S21 Ultra. There really isn't much gain for me in root anymore. I did like Adaway and Viper, but the Samsung phone has very good audio controls. And I'm using dns.adguard.com as a private DNS server in the connection settings. It's been working fine so far for minimizing those annoying ads.
ledvedder said:
I went with the S21 Ultra. There really isn't much gain for me in root anymore. I did like Adaway and Viper, but the Samsung phone has very good audio controls. And I'm using dns.adguard.com as a private DNS server in the connection settings. It's been working fine so far for minimizing those annoying ads.
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Click to collapse
Yeah I have found that root is not really needed anymore, a lot of the old benefits of root are now implemented in official releases. The biggest one for me was spoofing location, but I still have my OP 3T and OP 6T so I can always use those if I want to do any spoofing.
I had OP 8 plus and after a year got tired of recurring problems, namely bluetooth issues with connecting or more accurately losing connection with my Galaxy Watch 3. Went back to samsung and got the 21Ultra on Tmobile. LOVE. IT!!! system wide font changing. Fast fast fast. Battery tremendous. 512GB memory. Screen gorgeous. And CAMERA IS UNBELIEVABLE.
not and one plus user but I did come from a pixel. I disabled a bunch of samsung apps as soon as I got the s21+. So far I dislike the phone a lot. I miss the modding and the ASOP experiance. The Amount of Bloatware on Samsung phones is way to much and in your face. Hardware wise I have no complaints. Just wish a stock rom would come out.
ledvedder said:
I'd love to know what I can debloat without affecting anything.
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Click to collapse
ADB AppControl 1.6.2 Extended has it all in preset options and allows you to revert back easily should you disable something in error.
Have used it on several ASUS, Samsung, LG .. tablets and phones without issue
Manuals for ADB AppControl
One of the many things that I'm loving about my S21 Ultra over my OnePlus 7 Pro is that I'm getting service in areas that I was never able to get it with the OnePlus.
ermacwins said:
7T user here and looking to buy the S21. Only main thing I'll miss is having a second user account which I can switch to use different login for apps. Shame there isn't any smaller flagships with SD 888
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Click to collapse
Hey, I was also disappointed to discover this feature was MIA. After years of exclusively using AOSP based ROMs it seemed like a poor oversight on behalf of Samsung after switching... That is, until I discovered the Secure Folder function.
To be completely honest, while there are a few features missing (like specific quiet hours, an easy way to turn off notifications, etc), I much prefer the Secure Folder sandbox to running a second user. It's effectively the same thing but without the clunk of switching back and forth.
OP5T here. Only thing I miss is Dash charge. Otherwise the jump (OZ Exynos here) was the right timing. This has all the refinement it needs for my use, it seems to just work. Appreciate the great screen, stereo speakers, refined design. OneUI has come a long way.
I was a hater but I'm enjoying the experience. Remove the Samsung apps that mirror google native apps, aka bloatware, and it's all good in my books.
I switched from a OnePlus 6T to the S21 5G - mostly because of opportunity, since I was offered a low price. Otherwise I would probably have waited for a good price to get the OnePlus 9.
Nevertheless, I am positively surprised by the S21. One UI 3 is greatly designed. Battery performance is a little disappointing, but some debloating and customizations (root based) made it acceptable. Theming support is a little mere as of now (syngery, substratum, ...) but that's the same for lots of Android R devices atm.
As a power user heavily relying on root, the process of rooting was a little unpleasing, yet everything is working great.
What I don't like:
- Exynos. Why not have the Snapdragon for all of the world? Exynos has always been behind its Snapdragon pendant. The performance difference has gotten less significant, but still: The Snapdragon version is the stronger one.
- Rooting is more complicated and breaks OEM warranty.
- Lack of good Gcam ports, but this is just a matter of time.
I've been more than pleased with the S21 Ultra without root so far. I've been rocking in for a few weeks. I don't feel the need for V4A, since Samsung has a really good EQ and sound enhancements. And a combination of Blackada and DNS66 has been working to block annoying ads.
Reacon said:
Hey, I was also disappointed to discover this feature was MIA. After years of exclusively using AOSP based ROMs it seemed like a poor oversight on behalf of Samsung after switching... That is, until I discovered the Secure Folder function.
To be completely honest, while there are a few features missing (like specific quiet hours, an easy way to turn off notifications, etc), I much prefer the Secure Folder sandbox to running a second user. It's effectively the same thing but without the clunk of switching back and forth.
Click to expand...
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Can I have a 2nd YouTube app and Gmail app running?
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...