4G Android phone megathread

[04101Seadog]

I just went through the same process picking between the M8, the G3, or waiting a couple of weeks for the 2014 Moto X. I'm coming off using a blackberry for the last 5 years, but am finally getting an Android and here was what I came up with:
 
G3
pros: Screen, battery promotion, camera, 3GB ram, SD card, Removable Battery, cost ($49 on Amazon/2 year)
cons: Battery Life, Overheating, LG's Skin on Android, LG updating with Android L, buttons on the back -didn't like
 
M8
Pros: Battery Life, Metal construction, Sense interface, HTC supporting next 2 Android updates, Fast - no lag I've seen, cost ($49 on Amazon/2 year)
Cons: Camera is awful, no removable battery, size is tall - screen is small compared to G3
 
MotoX
Pros: Design and construction, hands free tech, larger screen, pure Android interface, 
Cons: Camera is good not great, battery is suspect, not released yet on Verizon so no real hands on. Cost ($200 ballpark when customized /2 year)
 
When all was said and done i picked up the M8, as the camera is good enough for me, and the other factors that I was looking for it was either at the top, or #2 on my list. It just got here today, so I'll be curious to see if I made the right choice.

 

[Boggs26]

Boggs26, your wife's coming from an LG G2, that's a pretty big phone as it is, and new stuff is even bigger, so if she's got smaller hands, it might be worth it to play with some devices beforehand.

Thanks, that was our fear. After going in and playing around with the phones, I stuck with my initial plan of upgrading to the G3 (I'll write up a review one I've played with it for a few days) and she decided to go with the slightly smaller S5. So far we are both happy worth or choices.

 

[crystalline]

Tried switching Google Voice to use in Hangouts, but hit a problem: I use Voice to send texts from a web browser and this is buggy with Hangouts.  It's a known problem that you can't send SMS to some people in your contact list, potentially depending on how their phone number was entered.
https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!category-topic/hangouts/messaging/aD_aHNH-_Go
I switched back to Google Voice and away from Hangouts.
 

Still not sure how group texts work, but it seems now you can send images via GV/MMS.  I just tested it and it sends the recipient a link.  Not a perfect solution, but seems better than what it used to be.

 
I thought this only now works for Sprint and T-Mobile who have negotiated MMS agreements with Google.  Did that come from Verizon or AT&T?

 

[Fratboy]

It works for Verizon, Crystalline.

 

[crystalline]

Yay!!

 

[Marceline]

From my own tests I was able to exchange MMS successfully with Sprint users, but it did not work with Verizon. But that was about 2 days after they rolled this out, so maybe they've fixed it since then.

 

[Traut]

Got the new Moto X on Friday. Motorola did a fantastic job with this phone. The way in which the phone manages and prioritizes notifications is outstanding. Motorola's supplements to Android are incredibly useful. The phone knows I'm in the car and reads texts to me. The voice controls are first rate. The build quality and screen are outstanding. I've found the camera to be much better than reviewers give it credit for. But so far, I'm very impressed with this phone. Happy to be the hell away from Touch Wiz. 

 

[PortlandSoxFan]

The Nexus 6 is evidently made by Motorola, I believe I'll be getting that one closer to it's release rather than 6-9 months after like I did the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5.  My last Motorola was the awful Bionic; they have to be much better by now!

 

[Corsi]

So my I dropped my Moto X (first gen) the other day and it completely shattered.  I asked Amazon for a replacement and instead they offered me a full refund for the phone (~$525) even though I bought the phone for $0.01 with a 2-year contract.  Anyway, I wasn't going to argue with that.
 
Aside from just replacing it with another Moto X, what's out there if I want to get a phone with a bit bigger display?  Not Note-big, but bigger than the Moto X.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

Wait for the Nexus 6.

 

[Seven Costanza]

Or the new Moto X?

 

[Corsi]

Wait for the Nexus 6.

 
Is the November 3rd release date confirmed?
 
I picked up a cheap Droid Incredible for $20 to hold me over until I get something new.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

 
Is the November 3rd release date confirmed?
 
I picked up a cheap Droid Incredible for $20 to hold me over until I get something new.

Not sure on the exact date, but it will be unveiled this month with an expected appearance on the market next month.
 
It's rumored to be based on the Moto X and it'll be a pure google experience without all of the Verizon/AT&T/T-Mobile bullshit. Probably run around $350.

 

[Corsi]

Beautiful.  Loved the Moto X experience.  Will likely be sitting tight until this one drops.

 

[deconstruction]

Beautiful.  Loved the Moto X experience.  Will likely be sitting tight until this one drops.

 
The Nexus 6 is rumored to have a 5.9" screen, which is "Note-big," so you might want to go for the 2014 Moto X at 5.2". 

 

[FL4WL3SS]

I'll "Note-big" you pal.

I already talked him into it. STOP RUINING IT.

 

[Corsi]

 
The Nexus 6 is rumored to have a 5.9" screen, which is "Note-big," so you might want to go for the 2014 Moto X at 5.2". 

 
Ah, actually didn't even realize the 2014 Moto X has a larger form factor than the original.  I'll have to check it out.

 

[deconstruction]

I'll "Note-big" you pal.

I already talked him into it. STOP RUINING IT.

 
Hey, if he wants to carry around a fanny pack for his phone, have at it. 
 

 

[FL4WL3SS]

That might actually be amazing. I should create a case that doubles as a fanny pack.

You're onto something, buddy, you're onto something.

 

[Fratboy]

Droid Turbo will be dropping on Verizon on 10/28, and it looks to be a Moto X size/experience device with Nexus X's internals.
 
I'm drooling.

 

[Corsi]

Droid Turbo will be dropping on Verizon on 10/28, and it looks to be a Moto X size/experience device with Nexus X's internals.
 
I'm drooling.

 
Any word on pricing?

 

[Fratboy]

 
Any word on pricing?

 
No word yet. I'm expecting it'll be $199. I'd be stunned if it topped that, since that's where the M8, G3, and S5 were all priced when they launched.

 

[Corsi]

 
No word yet. I'm expecting it'll be $199. I'd be stunned if it topped that, since that's where the M8, G3, and S5 were all priced when they launched.

 
Makes sense.  When these launch at $199 on contract, what's the typical no-contract price?  $650 or so?

 

[crystalline]

Rumor is that Nexus 6 and 9 launch tomorrow with Android L.

Edit: From Forbes http://www.forbes.com/sites/jaymcgregor/2014/10/14/nexus-9-to-launch-tomorrow-and-will-be-the-first-device-to-run-android-l/

 

[Corsi]

Rumor is that Nexus 6 and 9 launch tomorrow with Android L.

Edit: From Forbes http://www.forbes.com/sites/jaymcgregor/2014/10/14/nexus-9-to-launch-tomorrow-and-will-be-the-first-device-to-run-android-l/

 
Google just officially announced it: http://www.google.com/nexus/6/
 
Available for pre-order starting in late October.

 

[Foulkey Reese]

Def ordering the Nexus 9.
 
Not sure if I wanna pay full price for the 6, but damn...

 

[Corsi]

From the official Motorola blog:
 

Nexus 6 will be available for pre-order through the Google Play Store in late October starting at $649. There are two colors to choose from - Midnight Blue or Cloud White - and two memory options - 32GB and 64GB. Nexus 6 will also be available on motorola.com and through carrier partners starting in November. You’ll hear from our carrier partners soon with additional pricing and availability information. In all, Nexus 6 will come to 28 countries across Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America starting later this year and as we head into Q1.
 

http://motorola-blog.blogspot.com/2014/10/nexus-6-from-google-and-motorola-more.html?linkId=10037351

 

[Fratboy]

Hoo boy. So there's no SD card, but they'll have a 64 GB option available, and it'll be on Verizon Wireless. It's going to be a very difficult decision choosing between this and Droid Turbo, but a 6" display is a LOT of phone, and coming from the Galaxy S3 (friend of mine gave me a gently used one over the summer), 5.2" will be easier to deal with than 6".

 

[Fratboy]

Well, I guess the days of the $399 Nexus phones are history.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

$649 WTF?? Google was preaching better phones for cheaper cost, what is this shit?

I'm still getting it.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

Maybe since my wife signed us up for AT&T Next, I'll be able to use that to get this phone.

 

[Fratboy]

$649 WTF?? Google was preaching better phones for cheaper cost, what is this shit?

I'm still getting it.

 
The difference being that now they'll be available on contract with the carriers. They'll sell a lot more this way, but really, yeah, it's too bad they've gone this route. Now they're just another device "manufacturer".

 

[PortlandSoxFan]

Yeah, that model sucks for those of us that jumped off of contracts a couple years ago.

 

[crystalline]

 
The difference being that now they'll be available on contract with the carriers. They'll sell a lot more this way, but really, yeah, it's too bad they've gone this route. Now they're just another device "manufacturer".

 
 

Yeah, that model sucks for those of us that jumped off of contracts a couple years ago.

 
 
Interesting article on Nexus pricing:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2426636,00.asp
 
 

[The Nexus 5] is a match for any $649 unlocked device.
 
That's because it is a $649 unlocked device, of course. There's no manufacturing magic going on here. The Nexus 5 is a loss leader, so Google can seed stock Android phones out to developers, satisfy the Android faithful and maybe even get enough stock Android devices out into the world to put pressure on Google's OEM partners to accept the latest versions and features.
 
There's always a delicate dance with the Nexus, though. Nexus phones are rarely marketed heavily, because Google wants to leave room for other high-end Android phones in the marketplace.
 
And so far, Google's partners haven't been able to sell phones for Google's prices, because they need to make money on the hardware. Google can sell a limited number of Nexus phones at cost or even at a loss, making the money up from its huge reservoir of ad revenue. Samsung, LG, and HTC, which rely on phone hardware sales for their profits, can't.
 

 
The Nexus 6 is the end of the loss leader line.  Sad, but we were getting a huge deal before this.

 

[zenter]

The Nexus 6 is the end of the loss leader line.  Sad, but we were getting a huge deal before this.

 
It's part of it. Another is that contract-driven carriers will refuse to sell/highlight phones if the phone maker competed directly with them. The higher "retail price" also means carriers do device customization (e.g., good things like wifi calling and crappy things like CarrierIQ).
 

Yeah, that model sucks for those of us that jumped off of contracts a couple years ago.

 
Agreed - T-Mobile users are particularly screwed since buying off-contract is meant to be a way to save money, and now Google is properly playing ball with the big boys. That said, I'm expecting my $350 64GB OnePlus One in the next couple weeks. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[PortlandSoxFan]

I thought I was a lock to get the 6, but now I'll explore all my options.  I have a pair of Nexus 4's to sell, will replace one of the 4s with my 5, and buy something new.  The Net10 plan got better since I signed up, it is 3G of LTE a month before it gets throttled, and I'm paying a total of $86 for 2 lines essentially on AT&T's network

 

[PortlandSoxFan]

The OnePlus is appealing...but no wireless charging is a deal breaker for me.  I've come to rely on it, with chargers at work and multiple at home.

 

[TSC]

Anyone looking to unload an AT&T compatible phone? I just smashed my 5s, and don't have the money to afford a new/unlocked one - nor the ability to upgrade right now. I just need something that can get emails, texts, and snap an occasional picture. Or have any suggestions for something cheap for 100$ or less that I can use for a couple of months.

 

[Harry Hooper]

Make Jeff Bezos an offer for a Fire? Amazon is apparently sitting on $83 million in inventory of those phones.

 

[Fishercat]

OK, I went with the S3 prepaid last time around (about last year at this point), and the charge port has basically hit its breaking point: works in very limited scenarios and only with certain chargers. Since it's technically damage (eat a bowl of dicks Samsung), they're putting at least 70 on the repair and it has to be shipped out. The local places that'll touch it are putting the cost at 110 and not guaranteeing anything. Considering you can buy a new one from a reputable retailer for under 200 at this point, it seems like a fool's errand to go that route.
 
So I'm between sending it in to Samsung, putting up at least 70 bucks and waiting up to a month to get my phone back (and putting up the money for a temporary phone until it comes back), and basically punting this phone and getting something different. I'd probably try and sell it on Ebay to make some money back and put it toward something else. So I guess the questions are
 
A. Those are my two best options at this point, right? And I'm not crazy for thinking that the swap out is the best move, right?
B. If I'm going to something new in the pre-paid world, what are the recommendations? Generally medium data usage (I rarely meet my 2 GB a month pre-throttle), medium-high texts, very little actual talking, space for apps and some music is most important. SD card slot is preferred (if not, need at least 16 GB on the device)

 

[jayhoz]

I had the same thing happened to my S3 charging port and Verizon sent me a refurb for free. Maybe try another rep to see if they are more generous?

 

[Corsi]

So the Droid Turbo was just announced.  Will be in Verizon stores on the 30th.  $199 w/ contract, $599 w/o.  
 
I'm within the return window for my Moto X 2nd gen.  Really tempted to jump to the Turbo because of that beastly battery.
 
Digging the variant with this Nylon backing
 

 

[FL4WL3SS]

Anybody know if I get a subsidized Nexus 6 from AT&T will it have the AT&T bloatware on it? I can't find that information anywhere.

 

[Monbo Jumbo]

Have subsidized prices been released for the NEXUS 6 yet?
 
I believe all NEXUS come without bloatware - that's the point - no skins - but don't spend your money based on my word

 

[FL4WL3SS]

No, they have not. Pre-order starts tomorrow and I'm hesitant to pre-order without knowing this information.
 
Like you said, the Nexus line is supposed to be bloatware free, but I don't trust the wireless companies if they're subsidizing the phone. I may just wait until it's released in store.

 

[saintnick912]

I have read for certain that the updates will be delayed on the carrier versions of the Nexus 6 for "network certification" vs the unlocked version.  So I wouldn't be surprised if some carrier software gets stuffed in as well.

 

[glennhoffmania]

I'm having a weird issue all of the sudden on my M8.  Sometimes when I try to open the camera app it says unable to start application or something.  If I reboot it's fine.  Half the time it works anyway.  Supposedly this has been a known issue for a while but I don't see any fixes from HTC.  I keep reading that you should change the settings in Last Pass and that resolves the issue, but I have don't it installed.  Any advice?

 

[zenter]

I'm about to return the OnePlus One I got. Not a fan of the size. Anyone want it at cost before I return?

 

[Fratboy]

So I just pulled the trigger on the Droid Turbo 64 GB. I called telesales and got the **LOYALTY SMARTPHONE PLAN** unlimited data, unlimited messages, 2GB data $10 overages for $60/month, courtesy of being out of contract. I expected two day delivery, and they're gonna deliver overnight.
 
Giggity.

 

[Foulkey Reese]

So I just pulled the trigger on the Droid Turbo 64 GB. I called telesales and got the **LOYALTY SMARTPHONE PLAN** unlimited data, unlimited messages, 2GB data $10 overages for $60/month, courtesy of being out of contract. I expected two day delivery, and they're gonna deliver overnight.
 
Giggity.

Mine will be here on Monday.
 
This is the phone I've been waiting for.