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Anyone else have a slightly loose home button? Mine is only very slightly loose but it regularly looks misaligned. I think the problem is the cut out for the button is actually a little bigger on one side so there is room for it to wiggle up and down. I can tell this because of the lines across the bezel. I don't think it is enough of a problem to return it on warranty so it will probably slowly drive me mad over the next few months. I'll take a picture later to try and show it.
cathain said:
Anyone else have a slightly loose home button? Mine is only very slightly loose but it regularly looks misaligned. I think the problem is the cut out for the button is actually a little bigger on one side so there is room for it to wiggle up and down. I can tell this because of the lines across the bezel. I don't think it is enough of a problem to return it on warranty so it will probably slowly drive me mad over the next few months. I'll take a picture later to try and show it.
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Click to collapse
Nope, it isn't loose at all on my phone. You should try and change it - after all you payed a lot of money for this phone.
pedmond said:
Nope, it isn't loose at all on my phone. You should try and change it - after all you payed a lot of money for this phone.
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Click to collapse
It seems to be the same problem the Note 3 had. From reading that it seems there might not be much point point sending it back as users who did got the phone back and it still had the issue. Might see about swapping it for a new unit with the retailer I bought from
Here is a couple of pics, it was really hard to get it to focus for some reason despite me having a good camera? But you can see it is crooked with the left side higher than the right, you can even see the small gap along the top of the button towards the right side in the pic where the screen is on.
Mine has a distinctive click sound when i press it and takes a bit more force over the note 2
re: loose button on note 4
Yeah mines slighly loose too. I checked out two other ones in seperate stores and they all seem to have minor play in their home buttons. I even compared it to the note 3 they also had on display and it felt identical. It looks to me like its a common "feature" for the note series. Looking at the disassembly videos on youtube shows that the button isnt really adheared to anythingand iis simply pinched between the frame and glass. With that knowledge, its easy to understand why the button has some play in it without worrying too much about it. Even if you swap it for another one, its gonna be the same with maybe a slight difference in tolerences but overal it will be loose sooner or later. Same story goes for the power and volume buttons.
As for me however, ive got this is issue with the oleophobic coating right under the home button which according to Videotron in Montreal Canada, Isn't covered by warranty even if the phone is only a week old!! For some reason the oleophobic coating is missing under my home button which leaves a bunch of fingerprints just under it. Its a pain to look at especially since its freaken brand new and shouldn't have this happening so early on. But so far Videotron has NOT honored any kind of replacement warranty to me and informed that so long as it doesn't hinder the usability of the device, its wont be covered. I think Thats the lamest after sale service Ive hade to date and can't believe that they don't stand behind their products.
colapticus0983 said:
Yeah mines slighly loose too. I checked out two other ones in seperate stores and they all seem to have minor play in their home buttons. I even compared it to the note 3 they also had on display and it felt identical. It looks to me like its a common "feature" for the note series. Looking at the disassembly videos on youtube shows that the button isnt really adheared to anythingand iis simply pinched between the frame and glass. With that knowledge, its easy to understand why the button has some play in it without worrying too much about it. Even if you swap it for another one, its gonna be the same with maybe a slight difference in tolerences but overal it will be loose sooner or later. Same story goes for the power and volume buttons.
As for me however, ive got this is issue with the oleophobic coating right under the home button which according to Videotron in Montreal Canada, Isn't covered by warranty even if the phone is only a week old!! For some reason the oleophobic coating is missing under my home button which leaves a bunch of fingerprints just under it. Its a pain to look at especially since its freaken brand new and shouldn't have this happening so early on. But so far Videotron has NOT honored any kind of replacement warranty to me and informed that so long as it doesn't hinder the usability of the device, its wont be covered. I think Thats the lamest after sale service Ive hade to date and can't believe that they don't stand behind their products.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I think you're right. The little bit of play I don't mind but it seems the resting position for the button on my phone is always slightly crooked. Nobody else even notices it until I point it out to them. I've emailed Samsung to see what they say but I think I'm just resigned to living with it.
Thats crap about you oleophobic coating, I find with new phones it wears off after a few months anyway so eventually the whole front will be a fingerprint magnet!
Here's some pics of the oleophobic coating defect I was describing from my previos post.
Exchanged my Note 4 for a new one and it is much better, hardly any play in the button. Maybe I'm overanalysing it but it still looks ever so slightly crooked, I can live with it though.
cathain said:
Exchanged my Note 4 for a new one and it is much better, hardly any play in the button. Maybe I'm overanalysing it but it still looks ever so slightly crooked, I can live with it though.
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I need to do this.. Mine has become a loud, creaky mess when it was originally just fine.
cathain said:
Exchanged my Note 4 for a new one and it is much better, hardly any play in the button. Maybe I'm overanalysing it but it still looks ever so slightly crooked, I can live with it though.
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Click to collapse
how much play is there now, compared to before? my note edge has a similar "problem". not really a big deal for me personally,
but it's kind of annoying. it's not very noticeable though, i have to look real close to even see any crookedness.
i can barely notice that my home button ever so slightly moves if i push it with my fingernail, but it's not like it's loose or anything.
i guess this is just the way it's supposed to be. working as intended and all that.
still wish the home button would be like the one on my note II. not jiggly, and nearly no clicking sound.
Every Galaxy devices I've come across, whether in the stores or personally speaking, have a misaligned home button, looks more prominent on one side compared to the other. Unfortunately, shows Samsung's innovation. I've been through over a dozen Note 4's, the AT&T variants had an extremely loose feel, whereas the T-Mobile variant is just about right.
cathain said:
It seems to be the same problem the Note 3 had. From reading that it seems there might not be much point point sending it back as users who did got the phone back and it still had the issue. Might see about swapping it for a new unit with the retailer I bought from
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Judging by the pictures, looks normal to me, based on Samsung's manufacturing standards if you ask me.
cathain said:
Here is a couple of pics, it was really hard to get it to focus for some reason despite me having a good camera? But you can see it is crooked with the left side higher than the right, you can even see the small gap along the top of the button towards the right side in the pic where the screen is on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shouldn't require too much force. The click shouldn't be too loud and tacky, the sound be soft.
equlizer said:
Mine has a distinctive click sound when i press it and takes a bit more force over the note 2
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Click to collapse
When going through the return and exchange process for the Note 4's, each home button had its distinctive feel, some felt squishy on the left side with a significant gap between the right side and display. One home button even had a noticeable scratch on the aluminium part of the button.
Regarding the Oleophobic coating, its advised to never clean the display with water or oily hands. Install a screen protector from day one. 70% isopropyl alcohol is the way to go.
colapticus0983 said:
Yeah mines slighly loose too. I checked out two other ones in seperate stores and they all seem to have minor play in their home buttons. I even compared it to the note 3 they also had on display and it felt identical. It looks to me like its a common "feature" for the note series. Looking at the disassembly videos on youtube shows that the button isnt really adheared to anythingand iis simply pinched between the frame and glass. With that knowledge, its easy to understand why the button has some play in it without worrying too much about it. Even if you swap it for another one, its gonna be the same with maybe a slight difference in tolerences but overal it will be loose sooner or later. Same story goes for the power and volume buttons.
As for me however, ive got this is issue with the oleophobic coating right under the home button which according to Videotron in Montreal Canada, Isn't covered by warranty even if the phone is only a week old!! For some reason the oleophobic coating is missing under my home button which leaves a bunch of fingerprints just under it. Its a pain to look at especially since its freaken brand new and shouldn't have this happening so early on. But so far Videotron has NOT honored any kind of replacement warranty to me and informed that so long as it doesn't hinder the usability of the device, its wont be covered. I think Thats the lamest after sale service Ive hade to date and can't believe that they don't stand behind their products.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you press hard enough you can actually re-position and resettle the button more to the right to fill that gap you were referring to. I've felt buttons in the which which felt like something protruding through the middle as I move my index finger from left to right (edge-to-edge) on the home button.
cathain said:
Yeah I think you're right. The little bit of play I don't mind but it seems the resting position for the button on my phone is always slightly crooked. Nobody else even notices it until I point it out to them. I've emailed Samsung to see what they say but I think I'm just resigned to living with it.
Thats crap about you oleophobic coating, I find with new phones it wears off after a few months anyway so eventually the whole front will be a fingerprint magnet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will look slightly crooked to you because Samsung never added adequate cushioning to keep the button centered. Overtime, the button will settle itself. Some Note 4's, even as seen in previous Galaxy phone, have light from the capacitative phones leaking between the gap of the home button and capacitative buttons; best seen in dark-room settings.
cathain said:
Exchanged my Note 4 for a new one and it is much better, hardly any play in the button. Maybe I'm overanalysing it but it still looks ever so slightly crooked, I can live with it though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Over time, the home button wears off a bit. Every Galaxy device I've owned, I've always added a piece of scotch tape on the home button to not mess up with the alignment, etc. Everytime it came to reselling the device, the home button would feel as new to the subsequent owner as it did to me.
ateld said:
I need to do this.. Mine has become a loud, creaky mess when it was originally just fine.
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Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 04:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:49 PM ----------
Its definitely the way its supposed to be. Some home buttons will even appear flushed / recessed whereas some will even looked elevated sticking out from the display. Samsung doesn't take this into account in their QC process, because they add the minimum adhesive to make the plastic home button work. If they had changed their materials and design a bit, would have made a dramatic difference; but they didn't since the Galaxy S2 days.
niqen said:
how much play is there now, compared to before? my note edge has a similar "problem". not really a big deal for me personally,
but it's kind of annoying. it's not very noticeable though, i have to look real close to even see any crookedness.
i can barely notice that my home button ever so slightly moves if i push it with my fingernail, but it's not like it's loose or anything.
i guess this is just the way it's supposed to be. working as intended and all that.
still wish the home button would be like the one on my note II. not jiggly, and nearly no clicking sound.
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Click to collapse
To say the issue doesn't exist, doesn't mean you're wrong, its just how far your eyes can see. The majority paid over $700 for a device which is suppose to compete with the inferior iPhone. Samsung had to make some compromise somewhere. Samsung believes and priorities in profits and margins, manufactures virtually everything in the IT Sector, and doesn't have the caliber to keep a quality control basis or invest in the amount of innovation compared to Apple; however the INTERNAL technology in Samsung's phones will always be superior, because they innovate and design them, from SoC's to Display technology ; Apples priorities their development based on innovation, patents, and EXTERNAL design more over their profits and margins, their most recent report is mere coincidence.
great answer there man, thanks :good:
just something we have to live with then
overall, i'm very satisfied with my note edge. but with such an expensive and high-end device it's easy to get
caught up in the details, such as this very very minor flaw found in the home button alignment.
like i stated earlier, mine isn't really that crooked, but it's just obvious enough to take note of it. about 0.5 mm difference between the right and
the left side of the button i would say. it's literally almost nothing at all, but for the "trained eye" it might cause some headache.
i suppose the only thing to do about this is to accept things the way they are.
hey, my home button works. that's the most important thing. it's not loose by any means.
i actually paid about 8000 norwegian krones for my phone (1000 us dollars) for this phone, off contract.
it's expensive. this is also probably why i'm very aware of any possible "defect" or "fault" to the device.
great phone though. no regrets :good::good: :cyclops:
I'll quote you, for the "trained eye" it might cause some headache.
There are other faults in the display as well, which we can blame AMOLED technology on.
Its not good to know too much. :silly:
I'm glad my ownership with this device is pretty much a lease with T-Mobile. Once I reach $375 in payments, I'll be off to the Galaxy S6 or Note 5, whichever suits me first.
niqen said:
great answer there man, thanks :good:
just something we have to live with then
overall, i'm very satisfied with my note edge. but with such an expensive and high-end device it's easy to get
caught up in the details, such as this very very minor flaw found in the home button alignment.
like i stated earlier, mine isn't really that crooked, but it's just obvious enough to take note of it. about 0.5 mm difference between the right and
the left side of the button i would say. it's literally almost nothing at all, but for the "trained eye" it might cause some headache.
i suppose the only thing to do about this is to accept things the way they are.
hey, my home button works. that's the most important thing. it's not loose by any means.
i actually paid about 8000 norwegian krones for my phone (1000 us dollars) for this phone, off contract.
it's expensive. this is also probably why i'm very aware of any possible "defect" or "fault" to the device.
great phone though. no regrets :good::good: :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
arjun90 said:
I'll quote you, for the "trained eye" it might cause some headache.
There are other faults in the display as well, which we can blame AMOLED technology on.
Its not good to know too much. :silly:
I'm glad my ownership with this device is pretty much a lease with T-Mobile. Once I reach $375 in payments, I'll be off to the Galaxy S6 or Note 5, whichever suits me first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't know exactly what you are referring to when you say faults in the display, but as far as i know i haven't noticed
much to report, except for some weird and very light tendencies of "shadow artifacts" to the left of the app icons
on my edge display. this is only something i barely was able to see if i scrolled up and down through the edge display.
the app icons caused some darkened areas on the left side of the edge display, but this is hard to depict and
probably just me seeing things. if i covered the edge display with a piece of paper the effect was no longer to be seen.
if i removed the paper, the "shadows" were still there. (only covered the app icons, and by doing this the shadows disappeared while scrolling).
we could go on like this for ages though, there will always be something.. :laugh:
i'm also keen on getting my hands on either the note 5 / note edge II (?) or the S6. the note edge is by all means a fantastic device,
and i'll stick to it until i feel the urge to move on. S6 / S6 edge = just around the corner :good:
Yep, the display issues are less visible on the Note Edge thanks to the curved area which tends to mask the tint effect. The shadowing is as a result of the Pentile Matrix used on the display, not a true RGB panel. However, close-enough. Samsung is a funny company nowadays, sometimes releases phones with AMOLED sRGB panels and sometimes Pentile. The best display to date was on the Note 2. I don't know why I was so keen on selling that beast.
niqen said:
don't know exactly what you are referring to when you say faults in the display, but as far as i know i haven't noticed
much to report, except for some weird and very light tendencies of "shadow artifacts" to the left of the app icons
on my edge display. this is only something i barely was able to see if i scrolled up and down through the edge display.
the app icons caused some darkened areas on the left side of the edge display, but this is hard to depict and
probably just me seeing things. if i covered the edge display with a piece of paper the effect was no longer to be seen.
if i removed the paper, the "shadows" were still there. (only covered the app icons, and by doing this the shadows disappeared while scrolling).
we could go on like this for ages though, there will always be something.. :laugh:
i'm also keen on getting my hands on either the note 5 / note edge II (?) or the S6. the note edge is by all means a fantastic device,
and i'll stick to it until i feel the urge to move on. S6 / S6 edge = just around the corner :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
arjun90 said:
Yep, the display issues are less visible on the Note Edge thanks to the curved area which tends to mask the tint effect. The shadowing is as a result of the Pentile Matrix used on the display, not a true RGB panel. However, close-enough. Samsung is a funny company nowadays, sometimes releases phones with AMOLED sRGB panels and sometimes Pentile. The best display to date was on the Note 2. I don't know why I was so keen on selling that beast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hehe, i must agree with you there, note II has a great display. still got mine right here.
it will probably be sold on though, i'm a student and i can't really afford having multiple phones right now. :silly:
you seem to know your way around these phones, i'm more of a novice in terms of the technical stuff i'm afraid
are you familiar with the "shadowing" on the note edge? i've asked around, but so far people have told me i'm seeing things
that aren't there. quite a nut though, that these shadows seen to the left of my app icons disappear if i cover my edge display
while scrolling it. the shadows appear to the far right of my main display, right next to the edge. funny how i cannot see them
if i cover the edge display itself, but hey, i'm a novice.. and until today i thought my eyes were only playing tricks on me
i'll be quite interested to see what kind of display samsung will use on their coming flagship phones.
fingers crossed the home buttons will be a tad better, but let's not get too optimistic :laugh:
The shadow you are are talking about is an anomaly as a result of Samsung's manufacturing of the curved screen. Not all the screens are curved equally. In each and every screen has a slight variation as seen in the regular Note 4 as well. Samsung has gone to far. They can't maintain consistent quality control. There's a thread in the accessories section of the forum for the Note 4, and many are reporting how substandard the screens are in terms of equal curvature on both sides. I'm very sure the same principle applies to edge, where on Note Edge might have a greater degree of curvature compared to another Note Edge Unit. This is why I didn't purchase the Edge this time around. It always takes eons for Samsung to understand what we all are facing with their products. It took them four years to correct the black color in their AMOLED screens, 5 years to figure out a metal frame was more viable than plastic frame, and the list goes on. Sam-sung needs to start listening to their customers if they want to regain trust, business, and move beyond the competition.
niqen said:
hehe, i must agree with you there, note II has a great display. still got mine right here.
it will probably be sold on though, i'm a student and i can't really afford having multiple phones right now. :silly:
you seem to know your way around these phones, i'm more of a novice in terms of the technical stuff i'm afraid
are you familiar with the "shadowing" on the note edge? i've asked around, but so far people have told me i'm seeing things
that aren't there. quite a nut though, that these shadows seen to the left of my app icons disappear if i cover my edge display
while scrolling it. the shadows appear to the far right of my main display, right next to the edge. funny how i cannot see them
if i cover the edge display itself, but hey, i'm a novice.. and until today i thought my eyes were only playing tricks on me
i'll be quite interested to see what kind of display samsung will use on their coming flagship phones.
fingers crossed the home buttons will be a tad better, but let's not get too optimistic :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
arjun90 said:
The shadow you are are talking about is an anomaly as a result of Samsung's manufacturing of the curved screen. Not all the screens are curved equally. In each and every screen has a slight variation as seen in the regular Note 4 as well. Samsung has gone to far. They can't maintain consistent quality control. There's a thread in the accessories section of the forum for the Note 4, and many are reporting how substandard the screens are in terms of equal curvature on both sides. I'm very sure the same principle applies to edge, where on Note Edge might have a greater degree of curvature compared to another Note Edge Unit. This is why I didn't purchase the Edge this time around. It always takes eons for Samsung to understand what we all are facing with their products. It took them four years to correct the black color in their AMOLED screens, 5 years to figure out a metal frame was more viable than plastic frame, and the list goes on. Sam-sung needs to start listening to their customers if they want to regain trust, business, and move beyond the competition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
very true my friend. and yes, the edge is a new concept, at least in this format. S6 will also be available with a curved screen they say.
quite interested in seeing what changes they've made, if any, and how the display acts accordingly.
all these minor issues is evidently a biproduct of innovation. truthfully i must admit i'm quite impressed samsung
has the balls to step up their game and try out new things, even though this edge concept might still be in its early stages
of development, and there are many things that could be improved. i hope they'll find a way to polish things correctly. if they do,
this might be a potential game changer. we'll find out, sooner or later :good:
despite the anomalies that may occur (or do occur) i find the edge to be very useful. it really adds the edge (quite literally) to the functionality of
the note, which has been superb thus far, at least in most cases. last note i had (and still have) is the note II though.. two generations apart, and
several differences big enough to make these phones very alike in their own ways. all respect to the note II though.. quite the champ!
I would have opted for the Note Edge had case manufacturers stepped up their game in manufacturing cases for this gem. Also, I was a bit disgruntled when Samsung chose to go with a plastic frame instead of metal for the Note Edge. Hopefully the S6 and subsequent generation of Galaxy phones will all be streamlined into one manufacturing standard.
niqen said:
very true my friend. and yes, the edge is a new concept, at least in this format. S6 will also be available with a curved screen they say.
quite interested in seeing what changes they've made, if any, and how the display acts accordingly.
all these minor issues is evidently a biproduct of innovation. truthfully i must admit i'm quite impressed samsung
has the balls to step up their game and try out new things, even though this edge concept might still be in its early stages
of development, and there are many things that could be improved. i hope they'll find a way to polish things correctly. if they do,
this might be a potential game changer. we'll find out, sooner or later :good:
despite the anomalies that may occur (or do occur) i find the edge to be very useful. it really adds the edge (quite literally) to the functionality of
the note, which has been superb thus far, at least in most cases. last note i had (and still have) is the note II though.. two generations apart, and
several differences big enough to make these phones very alike in their own ways. all respect to the note II though.. quite the champ!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am considering buying a S7 edge but I am really put off by the curved screen. Everytime I look at the phone in some shop, for just few minutes, the design looks beautiful for sure... but when actually looking at stuff inside the screen like images, some Apps, etc it really look bad to me with everyting distorted/curved at the edges.
Anyone else had this feeling? do you get used to it after few days of usage? or for most people it looks ok since the beginning?
I would for sure buy the normal S7 if it was 5.5"
Thanks
I have the S7EDGE. To me i only bought it for two things, looks and bigger battery. I even disabled all edge features. Its easy to use. Content sure wraps around the edges but its not annoying to me. And the size of the phone is great. Extremely compact for the 5.5 screen it has.
A curve is a distorted straight line, this wil never change. Personally I have no issues with it, I do see what u mean but I consider it a property of the curved edge and it doesn't hinder me in any visual aspect when watching a video or browsing. It also doesn't add anything to the phone for me in terms of usability (I went for looks ) so going for the edge-less version is a good choice also. The bigger battery was also what made me choose the edge.
I came from a Galaxy s5, to the SG7E. Chose the edge for the bigger battery and to give the something-different a try.
I've had the phone for about 3 weeks now and am pretty happy with it.
It's true that the edge of the display will slightly distort image edges but I don't find myself distracted by that at all in normal phone use - web, email, sms, taking pics/video, viewing pics/video, using navigation (Google Maps, Garmin Viago, Locus Pro).
What I have NOT done yet is any gaming, in particular with the Gear VR, so no opinion on that yet.
Its just great. Im not distracted by the edges at all. Furthermore, I love the effect it creates. Even just a facebook app looks more interesting to browse.
tacchan23 said:
but when actually looking at stuff inside the screen like images, some Apps, etc it really look bad to me with everyting distorted/curved at the edges.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the point It's like an infinity pool where the water or pixels goes over the edge (hue hue), and that's pretty much the whole "thing" with it. If you're not into the edge, then get the regular "flat" S7. I love the edge though, even though I've disabled every edge feature.
Just should probably check it out in-store once or twice more to see if you like it or not, but I suspect you do like it. Also, there is a small learning curve to learn how to use the curved screen. It does have palm rejection, so it'll detect when your palm rests on the screen while you're using it, but it's just a piece of software, meaning it's not perfect, so you'll get some miss-clicks here and there, but you'll quickly learn how to hold the phone.
Overall, I do not regret getting it. It's pure tech porn.
The second reason I bought this phone for was the fact that it's the narrowest 5.5" phone in existence. And it can't be like this if not curved. First reason is the battery life.
Cst79 said:
The second reason I bought this phone for was the fact that it's the narrowest 5.5" phone in existence. And it can't be like this if not curved. First reason is the battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the phone is pretty small for its display size, so no complaints there!
A little
When I first used my s7 edge I too noticed the weird distorted kinda 3d effect near the edges, but you get used to it really fast and when you do those videos and pictures look truly amazing, the in hand feel is great and even though I have large hands barely suffer from the accidental presses. Furthermore if you do find it an issue you can use a case, I personally use spigens tough armor which brings great protection without adding an unpractical amount of bulk.
In conclusion do not worry about it, this is a great phone and you will not regret it
Thanks for the replies, I will try to play with it a bit longer in some shop.
By the way I also don't feel the benefit of "the screen being 5.5 but not wide as other phones" (which I also read in many reviews). Of course I understand the meaning behind this, but in the end the curved edges are at least in part (maybe 50%?) wasted screen not used "properly", so I can't really say I have a real 5.5" screen (and so of course the phone is less wide and more comfortable to hold)
tacchan23 said:
Thanks for the replies, I will try to play with it a bit longer in some shop.
By the way I also don't feel the benefit of "the screen being 5.5 but not wide as other phones" (which I also read in many reviews). Of course I understand the meaning behind this, but in the end the curved edges are at least in part (maybe 50%?) wasted screen not used "properly", so I can't really say I have a real 5.5" screen (and so of course the phone is less wide and more comfortable to hold)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, I get that, and I guess that's true, but I didn't really buy the Edge for the 5.5 inch panel. I bought it for its design, and the 5.5 inch is just a bonus to me. I had an even bigger device prior to the Edge, so the Edge is tiny to me, but again, I already knew that and I don't personally care about "wasted space". I get what you're saying though.
But yeah, go and check it out in a store again and see if it grows on you or not. If not, maybe take a look at the flat S7. It has a smaller screen (5.1"), but maybe it'll fit you better. I have no idea
***UPDATED AGAIN****
This is my first time posting a review for phone, because I am that impressed.
A little background so you have an idea of where I am coming from. I have literally purchased every flagship phone a company has had to offer since 2009 (Very expensive vice) from Blackberry 10 devices, Windows devices, iPhones to Android devices. I have an absolute love for gadgets and phones, I hold no loyalty to any company period and never will, just because you have 2-3 products that were solid from the company doesn't mean its not going to create a turd every once in awhile. Loyalty with hardware generally in my opinion garners tunnel vision for someone and the user tends to ignore the downsides or errors with a product. Samsung built Note's 1-7 and the S series, you think all of them were great? No, but big publications I notice seem to think so and its not just Samsung, its all manufacturers for phones. Your decision to buy a phone should be based not only what speaks to you personally but can do what it needs to do for you, not what is "cool" or what everyone else has. Every individual is born with their own preference on things and people should use it.
Parts I am covering, if I left something out and you want me to add it or just ask a question please feel free.
*Overall Build Quality
*Screen Quality
*OS overall functionality and speed
*Sound Quality with HD Bluetooth (LDAC) / Reception
*Camera
*Battery Life
*Summary (Praise and Gripes)
Build Quality
The second you take this phone out of the box and peel off the plastic covering it, you know you are holding top quality piece of hardware, you will find yourself looking all over it from top to bottom for a couple of minutes easy. It's edges are smooth, you don't feel any sharp points while holding the phone, it is a bit slippery (I use a case on every phone no matter what) so I would suggest a skin if you don't like cases. I don't have the brass to walk around with 800 dollars possibly slipping out of my hands and into the wind. Even the speaker grills to the USB-C port cutouts are top notch. I LOVE where they placed the fingerprint sensor, right on the side where my thumb is, this should be the location for every phone ever built in my opinion. I've been using the Blackberry Keyone for a week now and one of the big things I love about a Blackberry is the build of almost all their phones (Priv was garbage) and you will hear a lot of people just say the Keyone is a solid built brick and they are right. This guy is right there with it except glass, it has some nice heft in your hand when you hold it. I would rate the build of this phone without a doubt the 2nd best built quality wise across all platforms of phones so cheers to Sony for that.
Screen Quality
So I put this guy up against the the S8 Plus, and the iPhone 7 Plus. The reason I put the iPhone 7 Plus in here is because its only 1080p and the Sony shows 1080p until you are actually running 4k so its not always in 4k mode FYI and there is not an option to change this (Stupid!) So I was running content side by side against these 2 guys and weather its in 1080p or 4k, theres no comparison, the detail is just stupid. The blacks are amazing and the fact that this phone is an IPS display out-doing an AMOLED is crazy talk. This is the king of displays hands down no contest not even up for debate.
OS overall functionality and speed
Ok so some of you are familiar with Google's Nexus phones and the latest being the Google Pixel and know that since you are getting everything Google intended the user experience on Android to be, for the people that are new or aren't familiar with these Android devices, lets just say you should really try one out, they are bloat free and extremely fast phones. So for the last year or so, the Google Pixel was the fastest Android phone period, it really blew people away at how fast opening and closing applications to having a ton run in the background just wouldn't slow the thing down. So I have always said the there's fast, then there's Google Phone fast...... until now. I dont even know where to begin on how stupidly fast this phone is anything you do or throw at it, and you can say "well it has the Snapdragon 835 in it", yeah that's true but if phones were purely off a spec sheet, the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Plus would run at the same speed, software implementation with hardware is extremely important. In no way shape or form is the Galaxy S8 or Plus even in the same solar system as this thing. You can lookup on Youtube there are posts of people running tests this guy and it's quite embarrassing how much faster this Sony is and the one thing I never see reviewers do is show how actually using all the applications while have all of those open at the same, time. This phone does....not....slow....down. Run 10-12 apps on my S8 Plus, lagasaurus rears its ugly head, micro shudders you know what I am talking about. People that claim that theirs never does that is a liar. There are only a few phones on Android that I would say are free of Lag and Micro Stutters, Google Pixel, HTC M8, talk about butter...mmmm...butter.... There could be the argument "who needs that many apps open", well believe it or not when you are busy sometimes, you don't always close everything down and really you shouldn't have to in this day in age with tech. The ease of use navigation using Sony's launcher and the Settings is so simple it doesn't need a spotlight to be hones, its clean and straight forward and you aren't digging for options unlike some out there.
Sound Quality
(Speakers)
There are 2 front facing stereo on this guy, and I do and I know a lot of people love the fact they are facing you and not facing down so when you are cupping the phone it blocks the sound. Its a huge plus for this phone, the sound quality out of the speakers are not amazing but solid, games or Youtube or speakerphone on a call is loud enough that you can hear what is going on even if your surroundings are not so quiet. Quality wise I wouldn't say its going to win awards nor would I say its going to blow you away like some of HTC's boom sound on previous phones or like the Blackberry Passport. But all in all its right where it needs to be and if you need louder speakers I suggest getting some headphones.
(Headphones)
So I own quite a few headsets ranging from Blue Headsets, Sony MDR-1000X, Sennheiser HD 800s just for example, Plugging any one of these guys and listening to all sorts of music sounds just awesome, not just good but actually awesome. I'm not going to go any further into it because this is a very very subjective category given some people are audio files and some are not, some people can actually hear certain sounds and some actually physically cannot (yes you can actually go see a doctor to see which frequencies you can actually hear).
(Reception/ Call Quality)
So this is just my experience with AT&T, I can't give claim to other carriers. The calls are clear and precise and people say they can hear me just fine, no echos. I can hear people with no issue at all same goes for putting the call on speaker as mentioned before. I have 0 complaints in this department.
Camera
Alright sorry about the long delay for the Camera review. Now I will state from the start I am not a pro photographer and nor am I skilled with manually adjusting camera's. I will keep this short and sweet because you can find a ton of pictures from this phone online in forums or YouTube for reference. I did a comparison between the S8+ the iPhone 7 Plus and the Google Pixel. I personally prefer the natural colors that come from the iPhone and the Sony and the Pixel, popping colors from the Samsung might be yours so I believe it to be personal preference. So what I was looking at purely on these phones was, how clear are the pictures and is the shutter lag bad? For a simple user, that's all you care about. I immediately ignore low light references because they are null, who the heck takes pictures in the dark? Majority people send pictures of things or family/friends during the day, if you need low light go buy a DSLR. Back to the camera. The selfie camera I can barely tell the difference between all of them, they are all clear and I would say the Pixel is a little less detailed. I can distinguish what is what as clear as day in all of the front facing cameras. The rear camera, like I mentioned before, the S8+ is the only one that has extremely high saturation, but quality overall, I cant really tell the difference they all look fantastic in my opinion and maybe on some pictures some look more sharp than others but all of them are extremely fast to take a photo and it looks great. As far as the slow motion, its not very easy to use nor can I think of many places or instances I will use it. As far as the few I have seen with camera issues, I am sorry to hear that I would get the phone replaced because the photo quality is right up there with the best and if you are getting any different that is substantially noticeable, then that means there is something wrong.
Battery Life
So this might be premature but usually with phones battery life is horrible at the start because it needs to break-in and a phones software needs to settle in. Well I for one can say since day one its like the rules of everything we know don't apply here, I would consider myself to be a heavy phone user. I watch YouTube, Funimation shows, Wifi is on all day, I really don't cut things out or turn things off on phones just to save battery because I am either too lazy, or it cuts out to much functionality. I take the phone off the charger at 630AM every morning, then at lunch I'm always at 75% or more. I plug it in and let it charge, I don't while I clear out some emails and work and by the time I pick it up again its at 100% and I don't have to plug it in until bed time which is 11PM roughly, and when I am ready at 11PM, its at 65%. I have never got this thing down below 60%. I have no complaints here for battery life.
Summary
As you noticed I haven't spoken about the bezels, and I am not going to because its irrelevant, they are there because of the speakers and Sony's choice, if it bothers or you don't like it that's fine go buy another phone. There are quite a few other phones out there that are worth your hard earned money, and the more you spend I believe you should get more. "When I spend more money I want less" said NO ONE EVER! Sony does not disappoint in this regard yet in the past, I would highly beg to differ. If you look at everything you are getting with this phone, its really hard to think of anything that they left out. HD Bluetooth Sound, LDAC, Headphone Jack, 4k Screen, Stero Speakers, Front Facing Speakers, Amazing Camera, Awesome build quality, Rapid 3.0 Charging, USB-C, Fingerprint Sensor, Notification Light I mean the list goes on the only thing its missing is Cake. My only real negative things I can say so far right now is that the US version of this phone has a disabled fingerprint sensor, I purchased the UK variant to get around this. Also I actually like the Sony launcher a lot, I always use Nova or Action Launcher 3, been toying with Evie another great launcher, you can change the Grid Size and Icons to whatever you like too. Theres no option to change the screen resolution which does bother me, I am not saying my phone needs to be in 4k all the time because of obvious reasons but at least 2k. But other than that, this phone deserves a lot more attention that it will actually get.
Hope this helps anyone looking to get a phone or just plain curious about this guy and what it has to offer. Cheers!:fingers-crossed:
*audiophile
Nice! I will get mine tomorrow !
Shnig said:
*audiophile
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Click to collapse
Language flame as first reply. Thank you Internet, faith restored.
ukemochi said:
This is my first time posting a review for phone, because I am that impressed.
A little background so you have an idea of where I am coming from. I have literally purch...........
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Is there an option settings to change the display scaling or alternatively in developer settings to change the dpi or smallest width?
I always find Sony and Samsung to be scaled like a child's play phone.
Thanks
You can change icons size and grid settings on homescreen and app list.
Are the Volume and Camera buttons made out of metal? or are they the same as the side?
Lazaros_K said:
Are the Volume and Camera buttons made out of metal? or are they the same as the side?
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Click to collapse
All the buttons on the phone are of the same material and it seems like a hard plastic, its not cheap feeling at all.
FartyParty said:
Nice! I will get mine tomorrow !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will be impressed, enjoy.
I am thinking about this phone to replace my Sony Z3 compact but $800 isn't an easy pill to take.
I am also thinking about the HTC U11. I am going to make a choice in the next few days as the screen on my Z3 compact is failing due to the seal failing. I know a dud can happen but I have had two Z3 compacts fail me so I am on the fence.
Just got mine today and boy does it feel premium
Amazing quality bloody hell!!
Also fired up the 4khdr demo video amd was blown away
sfex3best said:
Just got mine today and boy does it feel premium
Amazing quality bloody hell!!
Also fired up the 4khdr demo video amd was blown away
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Enjoy it!
4ktvs said:
I am thinking about this phone to replace my Sony Z3 compact but $800 isn't an easy pill to take.
I am also thinking about the HTC U11. I am going to make a choice in the next few days as the screen on my Z3 compact is failing due to the seal failing. I know a dud can happen but I have had two Z3 compacts fail me so I am on the fence.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope this helps, I dont know where you live but if you are in the US, order from the UK from Clove Tech, you pay the EX-VAT price which is huge savings. They sell it for 540 pounds which is 697 dollars, and their variant unlocked version has the fingerprint scanner, where as if you wait for the US to get it you will pay 800 dollars and thats not including tax and you DONT get a finger print scanner.
Im sorry about your Z3 bud, I bought one for the wife quite awhile back and hers is still plugging away. Best of luck.
Great review, roll on camera pictures and review. Oh and battery life
Just to share my 2 cents.
Received mine this morning.
Pros -
Build quality is incredible, ts like a piece of jewelry or an expensive watch. Fit and finish is superb.
The colour choice "Midnight Black" is awesome
Performance is very good, smooth and snappy
Photos compared to my s7 edge are actually very very good. Better in some.
Video recording is also very very good.
On the fence -
Whilst the screen is very very good, i personally still prefer the look of amoled panels. Even with a 4k HDR beast the s8 in my opinion still has a better screen. Its a good screen, a very good screen just not the best.
The bezels are a little large and considering the speakers aren't very powerful i'm not sure what the trade off is.
Cons -
Speakers even being stereo are not particularly loud but if you have had a Sony phone in the past then you are probably used to this.
Bloat - There is a bit of bloatware pre installed, it can be disabled but not uninstalled.
Screen - If you're going to give us a 4k screen give the user the option to choose 4k resolution at all times. Its my choice to sacrifice battery life if i choose to.
A couple of bits that i'm not sure are specific to my unit, the vibration motor isn't very powerful and there is a faint click sound occasionally when it is buzzing. Nothing that would make me believe it has a fault but i can hear it.
Also my screen has missed a couple of inputs, it may be me just getting used to it.
jms.flynn said:
Just to share my 2 cents.
Received mine this morning.
Pros -
Build quality is incredible, ts like a piece of jewelry or an expensive watch. Fit and finish is superb.
The colour choice "Midnight Black" is awesome
Performance is very good, smooth and snappy
Photos compared to my s7 edge are actually very very good. Better in some.
Video recording is also very very good.
On the fence -
Whilst the screen is very very good, i personally still prefer the look of amoled panels. Even with a 4k HDR beast the s8 in my opinion still has a better screen. Its a good screen, a very good screen just not the best.
The bezels are a little large and considering the speakers aren't very powerful i'm not sure what the trade off is.
Cons -
Speakers even being stereo are not particularly loud but if you have had a Sony phone in the past then you are probably used to this.
Bloat - There is a bit of bloatware pre installed, it can be disabled but not uninstalled.
Screen - If you're going to give us a 4k screen give the user the option to choose 4k resolution at all times. Its my choice to sacrifice battery life if i choose to.
A couple of bits that i'm not sure are specific to my unit, the vibration motor isn't very powerful and there is a faint click sound occasionally when it is buzzing. Nothing that would make me believe it has a fault but i can hear it.
Also my screen has missed a couple of inputs, it may be me just getting used to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too have one in hand. I think the color is Deep Sea Black but who cares, right? :silly:
The large bezels help when you need to hold the phone in landscape mode. I too think it would be nice if the speakers were a little louder but I think it is a result of the waterproofing. If they were to boost the volume signal then they would probably distort too much and then we would complain about that. Can't win.
My vibration is a little soft also, but then again the only phone I know of with a strong vibration is the Moto X Pure. The wife has a brand new one because she smashed the screen in the one I gave her and she loves it (as do I) and the vibration on that thing will knock the fillings from your teeth. Not sure if it has to do with the amount of power being sent to the motor, or the motor itself. I just know that every phone I have ever owned except the Pure has a relatively weak vibration.
I am OK with the screen being at the default of 1080. Plenty good enough for a 5.5 in screen. I have an Amoled phone and comparing the two screens it's hard to tell which is which. The XZ Premium screen looks great in bright sunlight so no problem there. So far I love it. I do wish that Sony would unlink the ringtone volume from the notification volume. I know it can be done because I have another phone running Nougat 7.1.1 and they are not linked. What I did was use a ringtone creator app to artificially lower the volume of the sound I use for notifications (texts) and that way when the volume is on full for the ringtone the notification volume appears to be about half as loud... just the way I like it.
I would recommend this phone to anyone! :good:
figo_rulz11 said:
Great review, roll on camera pictures and review. Oh and battery life
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Click to collapse
Thank you, and as far as the camera and battery life added into the review, I will do it at the end of the week so the battery is broken in and I have some time to really play with the camera in all aspects, I should have something up by Saturday.
jms.flynn said:
Just to share my 2 cents.
Received mine this morning.
Pros -
Build quality is incredible, ts like a piece of jewelry or an expensive watch. Fit and finish is superb.
The colour choice "Midnight Black" is awesome
Performance is very good, smooth and snappy
Photos compared to my s7 edge are actually very very good. Better in some.
Video recording is also very very good.
On the fence -
Whilst the screen is very very good, i personally still prefer the look of amoled panels. Even with a 4k HDR beast the s8 in my opinion still has a better screen. Its a good screen, a very good screen just not the best.
The bezels are a little large and considering the speakers aren't very powerful i'm not sure what the trade off is.
Cons -
Speakers even being stereo are not particularly loud but if you have had a Sony phone in the past then you are probably used to this.
Bloat - There is a bit of bloatware pre installed, it can be disabled but not uninstalled.
Screen - If you're going to give us a 4k screen give the user the option to choose 4k resolution at all times. Its my choice to sacrifice battery life if i choose to.
A couple of bits that i'm not sure are specific to my unit, the vibration motor isn't very powerful and there is a faint click sound occasionally when it is buzzing. Nothing that would make me believe it has a fault but i can hear it.
Also my screen has missed a couple of inputs, it may be me just getting used to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd would keep on eye on that click sound, you and the guy that posted just right after you mentioned that the vibration isn't that strong, but mine vibrates pretty strong and actually manages to scare the crap out of me at work because I'll have it on the desk and it goes off (co-workers will always make dirty jokes in reference to the sound) but that's something I will keep my ear open for on that click sound, so far nada.
ukemochi said:
I'd would keep on eye on that click sound, you and the guy that posted just right after you mentioned that the vibration isn't that strong, but mine vibrates pretty strong and actually manages to scare the crap out of me at work because I'll have it on the desk and it goes off (co-workers will always make dirty jokes in reference to the sound) but that's something I will keep my ear open for on that click sound, so far nada.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not clicking the duration of when the vibration motor is active which makes me believe it isn't a fault. As an example if i get a call and my phone is on vibrate i don't hear it at all. Its only when i have vibrate on screen tap and use the soft keys. It's like the faintest of clicks when the vibration motor is initializing. Again nothing to make me think its faulty but i noticed it straight away.
jms.flynn said:
Is there an option settings to change the display scaling or alternatively in developer settings to change the dpi or smallest width?
I always find Sony and Samsung to be scaled like a child's play phone.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you can change it in the developer settings best setting to ever come to android for none rooted users anyways
Yes, yes, it's possible to love a phone. Heck, you sleep next to it, don't you? Rate this thread to indicate your love for the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3, all things considered. A higher rating indicates that the Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 is an incredible phone that you enjoy tremendously. You love it.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
I've used my phone for about a week now, and I just love it. The phone is great, quality, screen color, brightness, comfortable in the hand, great photo quality, nice sound. My only BUT is MIUI, but well, for the moment I use NOVA.
I have been using this phone for a month now but I have noticed a left-right wobble in the screen. Is that normal or I need to get it checked from xiaomi. The wobble just ruins the premium overall experience with the phone.
harmeet_randhawa5 said:
I have been using this phone for a month now but I have noticed a left-right wobble in the screen. Is that normal or I need to get it checked from xiaomi. The wobble just ruins the premium overall experience with the phone.
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I think that's normal, I've seen it reported on a couple of the video reviews. That's the price you pay for a slider mechanism and no notch. A small price, imo.
After the first 12 hours, I'm very ambivalent about this phone. I absolutely love the display, it gorgeous to look at, very nearly bezel-less, and much sharper than my previous Samsung AMOLED (albeit an old one). What I don't like is the weight and the slippery surfaces. It's a bit better with the cover on, but what's the point of a flashy ceramic surface if it's only usable with a case over it? I realize this is a general problem with pretty much every high-end phone, not just this one, and I suspect that people who don't like plastic are the same ones who worry about themes.
Recieved mine 3 days ago.
I think it's good. Coming from a Mix 2, it's a refined version of the concept working pretty well.
Mine has also this left-right wobble, it's not wobbly.. you can push it to the side a little, if you push it but it makes a litte.
Been using mine for a few days now, and I'm getting used to the increased size. Using gestures helps a lot with general ease-of-use, particularly with one-handed operation. I can't see any wobble issues with mine, but the sliding mechanism is quite stiff compared to what I've seen in the videos, so maybe I got one that's a bit tighter. The speed of the thing is something to behold, booting takes a few seconds, and even running a TWRP backup is super-fast at a couple of minutes at most.
She's a hefty beast of a phone. I often use my phone to read in bed and having an oled display should be nicer for my eyes but even at the lowest brightness it is still fairly bright. The phone is quite heavy. I notice a tad wobble without a case if I am pushing the top right corner. I do not use the front facing camera. Not at all. MIUI is smooth but it has numerous bugs some of which make me frustrated. The main bug is that gboard will not allow me to use a personal dictionary. Other users on MIUI phones suffer the same bug. Still unresolved (there is a bug-ticket) Another bug includes the inability to keep Edge Gestures open. The gestures baked in are nice but being primarily bottom edge gestures it makes you(read me) hold the phone much lower and exacerbates the weight of the device.
Battery performance is excellent. The assistant button is awesome. You can map it. I find myself using google assistant way more because of it.
I will be unlocking and adding a custom ROM as those two bugs make my everyday use of the device harder than it should be. Especially the keyboard. It is incredibly frustrating when I need to type names and places in Japanese because of it.
I came from the mi mix 2 (gifted to my wife) and I also use the Redmi 4x. Both solid phones thanks to the community of developers. Xioami isn't available in my country so if something breaks I am SOL. However, I feel Xioami products are worth the risk.
tl/dr: Solid phone. Heavy. Fast. MIUI is good. But depending on the usuage bugs can be frustrating.
invisiblewave said:
After the first 12 hours, I'm very ambivalent about this phone. I absolutely love the display, it gorgeous to look at, very nearly bezel-less, and much sharper than my previous Samsung AMOLED (albeit an old one). What I don't like is the weight and the slippery surfaces. It's a bit better with the cover on, but what's the point of a flashy ceramic surface if it's only usable with a case over it? I realize this is a general problem with pretty much every high-end phone, not just this one, and I suspect that people who don't like plastic are the same ones who worry about themes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I felt the same way about using the cover, but I purchased a transparent protective film for the back and the screen, and I took away the slippery issue and allowed the phone to look like it had nothing on. It looks gorgeous!
alexisjmz said:
I felt the same way about using the cover, but I purchased a transparent protective film for the back and the screen, and I took away the slippery issue and allowed the phone to look like it had nothing on. It looks gorgeous!
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Click to collapse
Can you post a link to what you used? I'm now using the phone without the cover, since it makes a surprising difference when trying to wedge it into the pocket of my workout shorts, but I'm scared to death of dropping it every time it's in my hand.
invisiblewave said:
Can you post a link to what you used? I'm now using the phone without the cover, since it makes a surprising difference when trying to wedge it into the pocket of my workout shorts, but I'm scared to death of dropping it every time it's in my hand.
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Click to collapse
I used this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KN36KFM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A30R5FB6PSKP9L&psc=1
If you're looking for a hard shell, these won't do, but it will provide some grip and scratch protection. Hope it helps.
alexisjmz said:
I used this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KN36KFM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A30R5FB6PSKP9L&psc=1
If you're looking for a hard shell, these won't do, but it will provide some grip and scratch protection. Hope it helps.
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Click to collapse
Thanks, I may well give that a try. I highly doubt the ceramic will scratch, it's harder than the glass on the front, but I definitely need more grip. Once it's on, is there any way to get it off easily?
invisiblewave said:
Thanks, I may well give that a try. I highly doubt the ceramic will scratch, it's harder than the glass on the front, but I definitely need more grip. Once it's on, is there any way to get it off easily?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's a protective film, it isn't that hard to remove.
is there a SUPER NIGHT SCENE MODE? or was that the Night Scene Mode
Is this a good phone? Happy day to day use? Is the headphone adapter decent? Does anybody LOVE this?
ToneLa said:
Is this a good phone? Happy day to day use? Is the headphone adapter decent? Does anybody LOVE this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do, now I have vanilla Android on it! The hardware is outstanding, the software it ships with I found difficult to use. Now I no longer have MIUI on it, it's by far the best phone I've ever owned. It performs like a flagship, but at nearly half the price of most of its competitors, and it's visually gorgeous. I can't comment on the headphone adapter since I don't use cables other than for fastboot operations.
invisiblewave said:
I do, now I have vanilla Android on it! The hardware is outstanding, the software it ships with I found difficult to use. Now I no longer have MIUI on it, it's by far the best phone I've ever owned. It performs like a flagship, but at nearly half the price of most of its competitors, and it's visually gorgeous. I can't comment on the headphone adapter since I don't use cables other than for fastboot operations.
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Click to collapse
Great! I'm likely to go for a custom ROM / not MUIU myself so it's great to hear the hardware is top notch.
I think this is my next phone. Still a bit curious about how custom ROMs deal with the excellent camera and the slider, but that's not necessarily an immediate concern.
Happy to see it get some love! I might get the jade one, and put the EU ROM on it
invisiblewave said:
I think that's normal, I've seen it reported on a couple of the video reviews. That's the price you pay for a slider mechanism and no notch. A small price, imo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you better describe this "wobble"? I don't think I understand what you are referring to. I'm just curious. I have the phone since two weeks ago and don't see anything weird in the screen.
Marcelocohenarg said:
Can you better describe this "wobble"? I don't think I understand what you are referring to. I'm just curious. I have the phone since two weeks ago and don't see anything weird in the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you haven't noticed it, just forget about it. There's nothing wrong with my screen either. The hardware is rock solid, the software leaves a lot to be desired, imo.
Mi MIX 3 is the best android phone I have had so far and I went through all versions of Samsung Galaxy and Google. I am using my global version with stock launcher on T-mobile LTE with no connection issues.
1. Display is just perfect, bright and beautiful with no ugly front camera cutouts.
2. Sliding the phone by default opens the selfie camera, but customizable to any other app.
3. There is a separate button on the side of the phone (like Bixby), which is completely customizable as well.
4. I love how fast the finger print scanner works in this phone. Overall phone operation speed and app launching/operation is faster than my Google Pixel 2 XL and Galaxy note 9.
5. Always on display (AOD) works as expected most of the time (it tends to move up on the screen and turns off in low light conditions).
6. There is a small message indicator light which flashes white light.
7. There is a Edge Glow (similar to Samsung Galaxy phones) feature which is supposed to only work when you receive notifications and AOD is off. I noticed the glow on occasion with AOD on and now I am using a android app "Always On Edge - Edge Lighting" to further customize and use the feature.
8. The phone ships with a plastic phone case/10W wireless charger base/Type C-3.5 mm adapter cable.
9. Camera in this phone is one of the best in the business (especially in low light).
10. Battery appears to be on the smaller side but I have had no issues with moderate use (over 60% left from morning to bed time).
11. Ceramic back is beautiful but a fingerprint magnet ; I am still using the phone without a case, which makes it a bit slippery; I placed a back protector clear film which did not help with the fingerprints but a bit easy to hold.
12. Phone is ~10 grams heavy compared to the Samsung Galaxy note, but it has a great balance and well made feel. You will notice it in the front shirt pocket for few days after the initial use (especially with a case).
13. There is a small movement of the screen in the top left corner (when you tap), due to the slider mechanism, which is barely noticeable.
14. MIUI launcher/ software is very smooth and I never felt the need to root the phone and install vanilla android version. I just changed the defaults for the browser/text apps to google. There is a drop down menu similar to any android with a screenshot toggle.
15. MIUI gives you only two sound options Regular (audible ring)/Silent. Silent mode can be programmed to vibrate; I wish Xiaomi makes it simple with sound/vibrate/silent modes with next SW update. There is a Do not disturb (DND) mode which can be programmed.
16. The stock "vibration intensity" is very low compared to Samsung or Google phones. It is easy to miss a notification or call when the phone is inside the pocket especially with a case. I don't know if any apps can let you change the vibration intensity without rooting.
17. So far, I love everything about the phone which is made better than any other android at any cost. If I drop the phone and break the display, I may not easily find a replacement screen in the local store. For ~$550 phone cost compared to ~$900 I spent on Samsung/Google phones, I am taking that risk.
Yes, yes, it's possible to love a phone. Heck, you sleep next to it, don't you? Rate this thread to indicate your love for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, all things considered. A higher rating indicates that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is an incredible phone that you enjoy tremendously. You love it.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
Hi as the devices are out in the German speaking countries, some initial comments from my side. I am coming from different devices including Fold 1, N20U and the one with the i, just as a background. My main daily driver in the last 12 months was the Fold 1 which I absolutely loved, that's why I ordered the Fold 2 on the first day.
- Overall a real 2.0 version of a 1.0 product I loved. A lot of improvements
- The small screen is a lot better, I was using the small Fold 1 screen quite often and liked also typing on it, as I swype heavily, and the short distances make it really quick. That advantadge is still there, but smaller, on the other side typing of words which you can't swype like passwords is easier now due to the additional screen real estate.
- The quality of the small screen has significantly improved from my point of view in terms of brightness and clarity
- I hated the small screen for only being able to arrange three apps in the permanent row at the bottom, and it is 5 now! Big improvement
- Audio is incredible, I also had the Mi10 which was the king in that category from my point of view, Fold2 equal or better. Incredible loud. Don't forget to turn Atmos on.
- I treated the Fold 1 very carefully for a couple of weeks, until I found out that nothing happens - actually my 1 year old Fold 1 is in best condition although handled like any other phone. I am in the same phase now with the Fold 2 - I am worried
- I have the Aramid standing cover and I don't like it. It looks cheap and covers only a part of the device, additionally it is more instable on a desk than without it. I am planning to switch to the leather cover
- Training the face recognition is so incredibly fast (1-2 seconds) that I think this cannot be save....
- You have to switch the large display to tablet mode in order to get tabs in the browser or multi window in outlook, this setting is only visible if you have the display open. Took me time to find it. Only then the large inner display makes real sense
- I am a heavy user of the small display and mainly use the large one for media consumption, which results in something like 60/40 usage small/big. With this setup, the battery seems to be fantastic, although to early to provide any detail. The German magazine CHIP made exactly that test and came to incredible runtime with the small display.
- The haptic of the whole thing made a big step forward compared to fold 1, especially the hinge. Real great feeling.
- Not really a dealbreaker, but strange: The flashlight is the weakest I had on a phone for years
- I am everything but an expert for smartphone cameras, more the point and shoot average user. Photo quality seems great to me, but look for better experts to talk about that. The usability is great, fast and responsive
- Generally, same comment applies to N20U and S20U, I think the OneUI made big steps forward in the last two years. Especially looking at the whole eco system with watch and earbuds, the whole user experience is now really great and close to an other phone (can' remember the name, someting with an i as far as I remember)
This are my initial impressions. I am happy with my purchase up to now.
Digging the Samsung Notes app on the big screen. Obviously doesn't support S-Pen but finger writing works surprisingly well.
Sent from my SM-F916U using Tapatalk
So after 5 days, thoughts...
First of all, the delivery was surprisingly on time, (never bought directly from Samsung Germany before) so that was a good start with the experience.
I wasn't overly impressed with the unboxing though. But still, unwrapping the warnings of was a good feeling. Then closing the device for the first time was a "wooow" moment. Coming from the Fold, that hinge feels so sturdy and worthy. I guess I played around, opened , closed the device for a minute or 2 before booting up the device.
It's screen protector in and outside are perfectly fine for the moment. The inside feels a bit "rubbery" and cheapish if I may say so, but it does the job fine.
The big screen is bright enough and clear enough for the everyday use. Regarding the flex mode, I do not give much about it. It's not mature enough yet to use it fully IMHO.
The outer screen, geez I use it a lot. I already used it quit often on the original Fold, but this upgrade is an enlightening. One hand usage, swiping my messages away. A quick look at social media is lovely, reading quickly any article is OK.
The build in general is sturdy, mature and a joy. I have the Mystic Black version. No need to tell anyone it's a fingerprint magnet. It's slippery as well.
And that's what annoys me a bit. I don't care they didn't put any extras in it this time. I mean, you just spend 2000 euro/dollar on a device. Then 60 Euro shouldn't be that big of a problem either. But they should've had it available in shops, online etc to get a case, cause you want to protect it, and this Mystic Black version is slippery as an eel.
I need a case or skin for this version.
But the conclusion is, samsung nailed it, to give us a 2000 euro experience, that feels like a 2000 euro device.
Did I need they phone? No, do I wanted the phone? Yes. But can I go back to a "normal" phone after 2 generations of foldable phones? Probably, but difficult it'll be...
After heavily utilizing my Mystic Black Fold 2 for a weekend, here are some of my thoughts below. I'll try not to repeat common things that I've read here or seen in reviews, but overall, I'm loving this device and having a pocketable large screen!
- The narrower front screen is surprisingly easy to type on, even without swiping. I have nubs for thumbs and I was shocked that I wasn't producing typos left and right.
- The visibility outside for both screens is pretty good, though the inside screen suffers from high reflectivity when outside in the sun. It doesn't affect you as much if you're looking straight on and slightly closing the hinge to angle the display helps.
- This device is so slippery it continually falls out of my pocket when I get in my car or sit at an angle. Where are you Fold 2 cases?! So far no damage but there have been a couple close calls.
- I have tried to be extra careful with this device but the inside screen protector is scratched up. I only notice it at certain angles under bright light but it makes me sad. I'm tempted to remove the inside screen protector but I'm not sure the ultra thin glass would hold up any better.
- The power button is a bit awkwardly placed for my hands and I found that I was constantly swiping up/down on it by accident which opened/closed the notification shade so I turned off that gesture.
- Speaking of that power button, it's tough to feel the button when attempting to scan my fingerprint but that could be due to me being used to face unlock with my iPhone 11 Pro and Pixel 4XL. I'm sure this will become more natural over time and the fingerprint scanner is mighty quick.
- I haven't found many widgets I like as they're not yet optimized for the screens (this includes some of the Samsung apps which surprised me). Many take up a lot of room on my homepages but then have small/compressed text/images. Hope this improves over time.
- I love the ability to be able to have multiple apps open but I initially got confused (and frustrated) with the Android split screen multi-tasking. I hope to be able to take advantage of this more as I use the phone.
- Very minor gripe but I wish there were more stock live wallpapers like how Google provides with their Pixels.
- Not sure if anyone else is encountering this but when I open to the bigger screen, there's a click that happens if I press down on the hinge on a bit. I found that opening to the larger screen by applying more pressure with the tips of both thumbs prevents this.
- Sometimes I get "disoriented" over which screen orientation I'm on when using the larger screen (i.e. is it currently in portrait or landscape?).
- When I have the device open in landscape, I like to keep the speakers on top both to project the sound a bit better and b/c the back half with the camera is a bit more grippy compared with the front screen (I took off the front screen protector).
- Haven't had any issues using Samsung Pay with this device.
- This device is amazing when you're out shopping with a significant other and need to keep the kids entertained with the large screen and loud-ish speakers!
Needs a TOTAL makeover!
I love it yeahhh!
My absolutely favorite phone is ... Nokia e90 Comunicator. I had this 3 times ln the past. Still have one Nokia e7 in perfect condition. I had also Htc Z . My first Android. I love foldables because... I love it, just love this Wow effect and of course more functionality. Bar phones looking like soaps. Even bigger and bigger Soaps!
propov8 said:
I love it yeahhh!
My absolutely favorite phone is ... Nokia e90 Comunicator. I had this 3 times ln the past. Still have one Nokia e7 in perfect condition. I had also Htc Z . My first Android. I love foldables because... I love it, just love this Wow effect and of course more functionality. Bar phones looking like soaps. Even bigger and bigger Soaps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love the Nokia Communicator. And even flashbacks to the Psion Organiser that I still have in a drawer somewhere.