4G Android phone megathread

Monbo Jumbo

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jimv said:
Can you offer an initial review? Curious to know how its working out
 
i like it. 
 
But I'm coming from Sprint, in an area where Sprint has good coverage - so Google can only be an upgrade.
 
The feature I really like is what they brought over from Google Voice - that I can call or text from ANY device logged in to google.   So now I can send and receive SMS texts from my tablet or desktop, not just my phone. 
 

sonsoftrotnixon

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I have a MOTO X (2nd gen) and this latest update has killed my battery life.  Also bluetooth doesn't work without turning it off and on several times to get it to pair with my car or bluetooth speaker.  Has anyone experienced this similar problem with Bluetooth?  I've deleted all profiles and started from scratch but still doesn't work.
 

rembrat

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Nexus 5 won't connect to my home WiFi anymore but it connects to other WiFis. When did Android turning into a pos?
 

timlinin8th

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For all the VZ LG G3 owners, my phone let me pull down an update this morning. So far the wifi browsing has been nice and quick, best its been since it did the Lollipop update. Battery drain still seems like its dropping a lot but I haven't wiped out my cache or anything like that yet. Just FYI for those of you that like me have been dealing with crazy wifi lag issues.
 

4 6 3 DP

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Hoping the folks here can help:
 
I have Verizon, on contract till May next year (though I'd dump it to fix this issue). I have a Samsung Note 3.
 
I notice call quality degrades/drops on 95 north between Canton/Attleboro, I notice them on Rt 3 by Pembroke and other spots, down the Cape it is awful (Brewster area). But the worst part is at my place on the Cape (I only got internet for the summer), it goes out of service altogether. Not ideal, but I use my Google Voice for phone and actually like being a little out of service, though texts over wife using Verizon Messaging are inconsistent. Once my service goes out of service, even if I drive back to an area that is good, I have to re-boot my phone to get it to turn on network. I can't even just put it in airplane mode then back off.
 
As such I am sick of this phone. Google searches show this is not uncommon for the Note 3. I was always of the understanding that the Motorolas were the best for coverage, but the Turbo has mixed reviews on coverage. Plus I am used to the bigger screen. Was going to look at the G4, but it supposedly has reception issues. If Verizon would just allow calls over Wifi this wouldn't be an issue, but as of yet this hasn't been put into place (supposedly mid-2015??)
 
Anyways, anyone have a good experience with any of the newer phones after weaker phone reception with a Samsung?
 

Foulkey Reese

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Samsung really does have weak reception compared to other phones I've used. My Galaxy Nexus and Galaxy S4 both would cut in and out in my office. My Droid phones (Droid 1, X, and now Turbo) always got a full signal in the same spot.
 
I have nothing but good things to say about the Turbo and have (literally) never once had a signal issue in my CT/Mass area of coverage. Also it seems like the Turbo is one of the few phones that is having a good Lollipop experience so far. It's super fast and smooth for me. And it helped my one real complaint about the phone which was it's formerly slow shutter speed on the camera.
 

glennhoffmania

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I know I'm behind the times but I just recently upgraded to Lollipop on my M8.  The notifications are annoying.  Now instead of getting an envelope on my lock screen I have to choose between having a full bar notifications across the middle or none at all.  Same for texts.  Am I missing something?  I know that they made a lot of changes to the lock screen but this seems like a downgrade to me, unless there's a work around that I can't find.
 

SumnerH

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glennhoffmania said:
I know I'm behind the times but I just recently upgraded to Lollipop on my M8.  The notifications are annoying.  Now instead of getting an envelope on my lock screen I have to choose between having a full bar notifications across the middle or none at all.  Same for texts.  Am I missing something?
No, the notifications/card changes are one of the biggest annoyances of Lollipop.
 

drbretto

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Monbo Jumbo said:
Goodbye Sprint.
Hello Google Fi.

Looking forward to small bills.
 
Got my invite a couple of days ago. How are you liking the phone? That's the big sticking part for me. I wasn't sure I'd want a Nexus 6 but I'm not sure how much of that is just bias? I'll be coming off of a HTC One m8. Did you have a flagship phone before you switched?
 
 
Edit: Hmm... I checked some reviews, this phone night not be so bad afterall...
 

Monbo Jumbo

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drbretto said:
 
Got my invite a couple of days ago. How are you liking the phone? That's the big sticking part for me. I wasn't sure I'd want a Nexus 6 but I'm not sure how much of that is just bias? I'll be coming off of a HTC One m8. Did you have a flagship phone before you switched?
 
 
Edit: Hmm... I checked some reviews, this phone night not be so bad afterall...
 
I buy flagship phones, but turn them over less frequently. I managed to get 3 years out of my HTC 4G LTE previous handset. 
 
The phone - I like the Nexus 6, and was considering it before they launched fi, as I wanted a phablet. I use it for navigation in my car a lot, so I like the bigger screen.  It's a good phone. Battery life is meh, but that's not important for me. I don't think they need the insane screen resolution - I'd prefer 1080p with better battery life, but small quibbles.
 
If you're unsure on the Nexus 6, there are two new Nexus phones rumored in the pipeline. Here's a link to more info on the phone rumors 
 
IF THE RUMORS ARE CORRECT, THE HUAWEI NEXUS PHONE WILL BE THE DEVICE TO BEAT IN 2015
 
I really like the Google Voice features built into Fi, but you don't need to get the service to get those. Texting from phone OR tablet Or home or work desktops is awesome, as is having my voice mails (with transcripts) available on all those devices. 
 
The phone defaults to wifi for both calls and data.  I've noticed it automatically connected to wifi at both the supermarket and the car wash.  No problem with drops, hand-offs. Call quality is excellent on the 6, but it's a Motorola so expected. 
 
Fi has an app that shows you EXACTLY how much data you've used and how many days left in the billing period.  I'm going to come in right at my 1 gig plan. My bill will be $34. incl taxes and fees. 
 
It's interesting how this business has changed, from years of carriers subsidizing phones to sell expensive plans.   Now Google I think will be effective in selling full price, Google-branded phones as people are attracted to the pay only for the data you use model. I shelled out $700 up front (phone $535 with tax, free shipping, $65 to upgrade my car holder, and $99 for 2 years insurance with Squaretrade).  But the low monthly bills are attractive. 
 

drbretto

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Well, I think I'm gonna do it. I'll just have to wait for a commission check to afford the upfront phone cost. I had dismissed the nexus prematurely and just assumed it was a cheaper hunk of plastic than it appears to be after looking it up.

I can't wait to much longer though. I recently moved and my service is terrible. It doesn't even matter to me if the cell part works around here. It's the wifi part I want and it can't get any worse.

I was kicking around the idea of a phablet this time around, but I couldn't decide on one. The nexus 6 wasn't on my list but it'd sure as hell beat paying Verizon 80+ bucks a month
 

Monbo Jumbo

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You can pay for the Nexus 6 over time if you buy it when you sign up for Fi. I bought mine before I got the invite and activated it on Sprint for a few weeks as my HTC was totally dying.
Time payments aren't an option if you buy the phone from the Google store.
 

Monbo Jumbo

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true
 
Also - the turbo charger is sick, and in part makes battery concerns less important.  And as a bonus, when you sign up for Fi, they send you a mobile battery pack, headphones and a case (white.) 
 
 

 
 
 

drbretto

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Oh, that's cool that they send a battery pack. That app is a nice feature, too. Something that should have been standard with every smartphone. Yeah, I'm gonna do it. Probably gonna have to wait a month, just to be sure, but I think that's the way to go.
 

glennhoffmania

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How come every time I boot up my phone now I get a message during start up that Android is upgrading?
 

Dollar

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Does anyone here have the Samsung Galaxy S6?  I'm long overdue for a new phone (my Galaxy S3 is way past its prime and is usually starting to die in the early afternoon), and I'm trying to decide whether to go with an S6, an iPhone 6+, or hold out until late September at the latest to see what's coming next. I have unlimited data with Verizon, but I'm about ready to give that up since I rarely use more than a couple GBs a month and would rather have a phone with great battery life and a top-of-the-line camera.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  
 

Couperin47

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Dollar said:
Does anyone here have the Samsung Galaxy S6?  I'm long overdue for a new phone (my Galaxy S3 is way past its prime and is usually starting to die in the early afternoon), and I'm trying to decide whether to go with an S6, an iPhone 6+, or hold out until late September at the latest to see what's coming next. I have unlimited data with Verizon, but I'm about ready to give that up since I rarely use more than a couple GBs a month and would rather have a phone with great battery life and a top-of-the-line camera.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  
 
Wait for reviews of the latest Moto X Pure (called the Style outside the US): 5.7" HD quad display, huge battery with fast charge and a 21 mp camera, all for $400.
 
http://www.androidcentral.com/moto-x-style-hands-biggest-and-most-customizable-moto-x-yet
 

Traut

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Couperin47 said:
 
Wait for reviews of the latest Moto X Pure (called the Style outside the US): 5.7" HD quad display, huge battery with fast charge and a 21 mp camera, all for $400.
 
http://www.androidcentral.com/moto-x-style-hands-biggest-and-most-customizable-moto-x-yet
I have the Moto X 2014 and I'm buying the X Pure. The X 2014 is a really great phone. More battery life, faster charging, and improved camera means that I'm buying this outright. Moto's software is nice. And despite the initial reviews, I find the X 2014's camera to be very good. As in to my eyes, I can't tell the difference between photos I take and photos taken on a Samsung or iPhone. And the turn gesture to auto activate the camera is genius.
 

Monbo Jumbo

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There's a little more clarity to the new Nexus phone rumors now.  Two new phones, 2nd gen Nexus 5, and 2nd gen Nexus 6 are expected Oct/Nov.  The Nexus 5 will be made by LG, the 6 by Huawei. 
 

Couperin47

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Trautwein's Degree said:
I have the Moto X 2014 and I'm buying the X Pure. The X 2014 is a really great phone. More battery life, faster charging, and improved camera means that I'm buying this outright. Moto's software is nice. And despite the initial reviews, I find the X 2014's camera to be very good. As in to my eyes, I can't tell the difference between photos I take and photos taken on a Samsung or iPhone. And the turn gesture to auto activate the camera is genius.
 
I have an original Moto X (well the slight specific branded US cellular variation), and it's the best phone I've ever had.  The Android update to Lollipop for these has been highly problematical...US Cellular is always slow/late to do this stuff. In this case their soak/beta tests have gone so badly they skipped the first 2 variations of Lollipop and keep having serious issues with the version they have now been trying to test for over 5 months. Considering the issues those with the 2nd generation have had with this upgrade, I'm hoping they give up and never push it to us.  Note the Pure will bring back an SD card slot. What does it lack that other flagship phones have ? No fingerprint reader, no usb-c (at this time you can do usb c OR fast charge...not both), and the quality of the cam is yet to be reviewed, otherwise it looks to be a lot of phone at a very good price point and, of course, retains the Motorola reception quality which is still hands down the best.
 

Boggs26

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Monbo Jumbo said:
There's a little more clarity to the new Nexus phone rumors now.  Two new phones, 2nd gen Nexus 5, and 2nd gen Nexus 6 are expected Oct/Nov.  The Nexus 5 will be made by LG, the 6 by Huawei. 
Is this official? I've heard rumors for months but did Google or someone announce it as fact?
 

SeoulSoxFan

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trekfan55 said:
I'm looking into the LG G4 once it hits the market in Panama. Any thoughts?
 
BUY IT. 
 
Cause LG needs your money:
 
http://www.talkandroid.com/258383-lgs-mobile-division-ekes-out-a-200000-profit-in-q2-2015/
 
Yup, only reporting a meager $200k profit. LG news is dominating Korea tech circles here, with the rumors of the LG Electronics division being bought by Google (fat chance I say).
 
The phone itself is quite impressive & deserves a long look. The leather back's fit & finish is not perfect, but it has removable battery & feels grat in hand. If I didn't just upgrade to Note 4 I'd have gotten it.
 

Orange Julia

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I was careless this afternoon and hit the install button on that stupid lollippop update. After almost an hour of my phone being all fudged up, hanging on updating apps etc, I see now there's the 5.1 update which I went ahead and installed. We'll see how much it fucks up the phone.  I managed to go almost 3 weeks not installing it. I know I'm going to regret all of this.  I should just get a papercup and a string.
 

JakeRae

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Probably a silly question, but does anyone have access to One Plus Two invites? My Nexus 5 just shattered and I'm not sure I can manage the three month wait until the new ones come out.
 

jimv

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Orange Julia said:
I was careless this afternoon and hit the install button on that stupid lollippop update. After almost an hour of my phone being all fudged up, hanging on updating apps etc, I see now there's the 5.1 update which I went ahead and installed. We'll see how much it fucks up the phone.  I managed to go almost 3 weeks not installing it. I know I'm going to regret all of this.  I should just get a papercup and a string.
That's v6.0, rumored to be out in Nov if you can wait that long
 

drbretto

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Ordered my Nexus 6. Should be joining the Google Fi express by the end of next week. No idea how sprint and T-mobile are out in the boonies by the lakes in NH but I have some damn-good wifi, so that's all I need. I looked at my previous bills and I'm averaging 0.2 Gigs per month and paying almost $100 per for the privilege. This is basically $500 down to save $75 per month for the foreseeable future. I'm pumped!
 

drbretto

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Orange Julia said:
I was careless this afternoon and hit the install button on that stupid lollippop update. After almost an hour of my phone being all fudged up, hanging on updating apps etc, I see now there's the 5.1 update which I went ahead and installed. We'll see how much it fucks up the phone.  I managed to go almost 3 weeks not installing it. I know I'm going to regret all of this.  I should just get a papercup and a string.
 
I like how you went from "fudged up" to "fucked up" in the same paragraph.
 

glennhoffmania

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Orange Julia said:
I was careless this afternoon and hit the install button on that stupid lollippop update. After almost an hour of my phone being all fudged up, hanging on updating apps etc, I see now there's the 5.1 update which I went ahead and installed. We'll see how much it fucks up the phone.  I managed to go almost 3 weeks not installing it. I know I'm going to regret all of this.  I should just get a papercup and a string.
 
I managed to avoid it for months before giving in after incessant pop ups telling me that updates were available.  There has to be a way to turn those things off.  So far I don't love 5.0 and I've had all of the glitches everyone has talked about on all of the tech message boards.  Supposedly 5.1 will be available for HTC phones this month.  They better have fixed this shit.
 

Fratboy

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Lollipop 5.0 soft-bricked my OG Nexus 7, and I had to do a factory reset for it to take right, but they fixed it with the subsequent two updates.
 
I'm part of the soak test for Motorola, and Droid Turbo is at 5.1.1, and it's smooth, but I think a factory reset might be the way to go to get some things fixed when I have a few hours.
 

Couperin47

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Fratboy said:
Lollipop 5.0 soft-bricked my OG Nexus 7, and I had to do a factory reset for it to take right, but they fixed it with the subsequent two updates.
 
I'm part of the soak test for Motorola, and Droid Turbo is at 5.1.1, and it's smooth, but I think a factory reset might be the way to go to get some things fixed when I have a few hours.
 
For many it seems that clearing the cache partition solves a lot of issues, a tactic just short of a factory reset. Google for the exact arcane procedure to do this on Moto X and Droids as it varies slightly, depending on your series/version. Since this doesn't delete your files or settings, it's definitely worth a shot before nuking everything.
 
This is the info for a first generation Moto X, I think the Droid Turbo is a slight variation on this:
https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/prod_answer_detail/a_id/94946/p/30,6720,8696
 

Orange Julia

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It has been less traumatic than I thought, probably because there was the 5.1 right behind it. I will say the slow is much slower between apps and screens though.
 

Foulkey Reese

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Orange Julia said:
It has been less traumatic than I thought, probably because there was the 5.1 right behind it. I will say the slow is much slower between apps and screens though.
Download Nova Launcher and your phones home screen will fly.
 

drbretto

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Project Fi people (or is it just you and me, Monbo?), and I suppose others as well, what is your stance on rooting?
 
I've rooted some phones and not others. It usually comes about when I run into something that I absolutely need the phone to be rooted for, but I can't even remember which things I needed in the past that made it worth it. I have heard both that it does and does not mess with the  Google Fi network swapping, so I don't know what to believe in anymore.
 
What are some of the things worth rooting a phone for? I want to figure out if i'm going to do it at all or not before Wednesday when the phone comes in.
 

rodderick

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Foulkey Reese said:
Download Nova Launcher and your phones home screen will fly.
This. My home screen was redrawing constantly on the Google Now launcher after updating to Lollipop. I installed Nova Launcher about 3 months ago and my phone is as fast as it was out of the box. I don't have many apps installed though, so for a heavier Android user the effect might not be as drastic.
 

4 6 3 DP

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I wish I could switch to the Turbo. I am appalled by the performance of the Samsung Note 3 on the Verizon Network (constantly not keeping good reception while on major highways, etc). The radio inside on the thing has struggled since Lollipop came out. Just waiting until next spring when I can get a Motorola Phone. 
 

Monbo Jumbo

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drbretto said:
Project Fi people (or is it just you and me, Monbo?), and I suppose others as well, what is your stance on rooting?
 
I've rooted some phones and not others. It usually comes about when I run into something that I absolutely need the phone to be rooted for, but I can't even remember which things I needed in the past that made it worth it. I have heard both that it does and does not mess with the  Google Fi network swapping, so I don't know what to believe in anymore.
 
What are some of the things worth rooting a phone for? I want to figure out if i'm going to do it at all or not before Wednesday when the phone comes in.
I've never rooted.  I did read somewhere that rooting enables you to step the screen resolution down from QuadHD to 1080p for better battery life.  There is at least one other Fi user on the board, as I got a PM from someone about it a while back. I don't remember who. 
 

SumnerH

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Monbo Jumbo said:
I did read somewhere that rooting enables you to step the screen resolution down from QuadHD to 1080p for better battery life.
This doesn't make sense. Even if you drive the screen at lower resolution, it's still physically powering all the pixels. I mean, I guess that you might run the CPU slightly less if you're rendering things at lower res, but that's a pretty minor effect.

EDIT: http://www.phonearena.com/news/We-changed-the-LG-G3s-display-resolution-to-1080p---we-got-superb-performance-and-negligible-battery-life-increases_id65982 shows less than a 2% difference.
 

glennhoffmania

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What's the easiest way to send videos from a phone?  It seems that almost every video I take that's longer than 7 or 8 seconds is too big to send.  I try to attach it to a text or email and it says I've exceeded my file size limit.  That seems ridiculous.
 

glennhoffmania

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When I've done that a lot of times the person I'm sending it to says the link didn't work.