Returning the S8+ & back to Pixel XL, Pros and cons if anybody is interested - Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion

Returning the S8+ & back to Pixel XL, Pros and cons if anybody is interested - Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion

Well I'm returning s8 plus. It just can't beat out pixel overall. Pros and cons of s8 plus for anybody interested.
Pros
Screen- is bright and very big
Battery- best battery I've ever used to date
Sdcard- also best phone with sd slot I've used to date, loads 10,000 plus photos in seconds
Camera- excels in low light, regular light it can't touch pixel
Web pages- loading and scrolling is probably fastest I've ever seen on mobile device
Samsung pay- still love Samsung pay over Android pay
No bezels- looks amazing and sleek
Samsung ui- I've always loved it and I still like it. Has countless options that are unreal but still not as fast as pure Android but that's to be expected
Edge screen- probably my favorite feature. Absolutely love night clock
Cons
Screen- is weird ratio and colors look over saturated except on basic mode then everything else looks washed out. Some apps don't like no bezels. Keyboard is weird and reply tabs in notification bar are very tiny and odd
Camera- normal light pixel has it beat, too saturated and unrealistic
Fingerprint sensor location- yes you get used to it but back on pixel and it is still way easier
Screen protector/case- good luck getting a glass screen protector to stick and a case to match without intruding on each other
No bezels- I found it hard to reach to bottom of phone for home button or anything on nav bar really
Bixby/buttons- bixby needs no statement it is just rubbish (and bixby button) and the other buttons are spread out. I like how pixel has volume and power on same side and textured power button

oneandroidnut said:
Well I'm returning s8 plus. It just can't beat out pixel overall. Pros and cons of s8 plus for anybody interested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like your Pros outweigh your Cons, although I do agree with your statement on the fingerprint scanner.
[RANT]Whatever possessed Samsung to place it where it is, is beyond me, for me the placement has rendered it pretty much well useless (Yes, in time you will get used to it; I could also get used to driving my car from the back seat, but bad design is bad design). Thankfully there are other options to secure your phone (facial recognition is by far my favourite and quickest; Even if it isn't as secure...)
However, I have always detested Touchwiz, even with the constant improvements it doesn't compare to some of the top launchers out there.[/RANT]
Enjoy your Pixel XL

coldmethod said:
Looks like your Pros outweigh your Cons, although I do agree with your statement on the fingerprint scanner.
[RANT]Whatever possessed Samsung to place it where it is, is beyond me, for me the placement has rendered it pretty much well useless (Yes, in time you will get used to it; I could also get used to driving my car from the back seat, but bad design is bad design). Thankfully there are other options to secure your phone (facial recognition is by far my favourite and quickest; Even if it isn't as secure...)
However, I have always detested Touchwiz, even with the constant improvements it doesn't compare to some of the top launchers out there.[/RANT]
Enjoy your Pixel XL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They might but things like the over saturated screen and weird ratio are very big deals to me so therefore they outweigh all the good lol
Yes the fingerprint is weird. I honestly think they quit R&Ding the device and just threw on back to beat iphone out and get some sales. Hopefully they take their time with the Note 8 and it is perfection. I would rather have my note 7 back over the s8 plus at this point.
Touchwiz has gotten better but yes it could still use some more features. But hey they all could always use more feautres!

oneandroidnut said:
They might but things like the over saturated screen and weird ratio are very big deals to me so therefore they outweigh all the good lol
Yes the fingerprint is weird. I honestly think they quit R&Ding the device and just threw on back to beat iphone out and get some sales. Hopefully they take their time with the Note 8 and it is perfection. I would rather have my note 7 back over the s8 plus at this point.
Touchwiz has gotten better but yes it could still use some more features. But hey they all could always use more feautres!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair call on the oversaturation, I think I have just gotten used to it (almost all of my devices are Samsung, I'm constantly fiddling with our TV picture settings ). Although I'd probably suggest getting used to the new aspect ratio, I imagine it will make an appearance on the Note 8 and become the norm, considering Samsung now has a penchant for using large phones with one hand.

Default screen mode is Adaptive - this over saturates the screen colours. Use Amoled Photo. This is calibrated to Adobe RGB standard.
No bezel - this is a plus for me, and most people. This is the way smartphones are going. Less bezel = better phone. More for aesthetics than anything.
Screen protector/case - I never use them. They ruin the look and feel of the phone.
Camera - still the best on the market in my opinion. Beats anything else out there.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...probably-shouldnt-buy-a-google-pixel-anymore/

the_scotsman said:
Default screen mode is Adaptive - this over saturates the screen colours. Use Amoled Photo. This is calibrated to Adobe RGB standard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers for the tip, I hadn't touched this setting, but now I've made the switch it looks much better.

coldmethod said:
Fair call on the oversaturation, I think I have just gotten used to it (almost all of my devices are Samsung, I'm constantly fiddling with our TV picture settings ). Although I'd probably suggest getting used to the new aspect ratio, I imagine it will make an appearance on the Note 8 and become the norm, considering Samsung now has a penchant for using large phones with one hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I don't like the fake look though. If I take a photo I want it to be realistic. I took some photos and then look at photo and object and was like man it looks way off. The note 8 better have a normal screen ratio!
the_scotsman said:
Default screen mode is Adaptive - this over saturates the screen colours. Use Amoled Photo. This is calibrated to Adobe RGB standard.
No bezel - this is a plus for me, and most people. This is the way smartphones are going. Less bezel = better phone. More for aesthetics than anything.
Screen protector/case - I never use them. They ruin the look and feel of the phone.
Camera - still the best on the market in my opinion. Beats anything else out there.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...probably-shouldnt-buy-a-google-pixel-anymore/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't stand the over saturation. Looks bad unless you drop to basic. Pixel camera is best imo ?
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

I also went back to my trusty Pixel XL. It is the first time I have ever voluntarily gone back to a device. The Pixel's performance can't be even distantly touched by the S8+. The optimization is worth its weight in gold alone. The S8+ is a beautiful and all around more polished piece of hardware that is severely hampered by what might be a disparity in GPU requirements v. Infinity display requirements and software that simply makes horrid use of the 2017 spec bump underlying it. I think Samsung went a bit too ambitious this time and left a few too many rough edges.

TheAnarchist1 said:
I also went back to my trusty Pixel XL. It is the first time I have ever voluntarily gone back to a device. The Pixel's performance can't be even distantly touched by the S8+. The optimization is worth its weight in gold alone. The S8+ is a beautiful and all around more polished piece of hardware that is severely hampered by what might be a disparity in GPU requirements v. Infinity display requirements and software that simply makes horrid use of the 2017 spec bump underlying it. I think Samsung went a bit too ambitious this time and left a few too many rough edges.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't have said it better. The s8 is just so close to perfection but so far from it lol
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

I smell descent in the S8+ ranks... lol

coldmethod said:
Looks like your Pros outweigh your Cons, although I do agree with your statement on the fingerprint scanner.
[RANT]Whatever possessed Samsung to place it where it is, is beyond me, for me the placement has rendered it pretty much well useless (Yes, in time you will get used to it; I could also get used to driving my car from the back seat, but bad design is bad design). Thankfully there are other options to secure your phone (facial recognition is by far my favourite and quickest; Even if it isn't as secure...)
However, I have always detested Touchwiz, even with the constant improvements it doesn't compare to some of the top launchers out there.[/RANT]
Enjoy your Pixel XL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read that the only reason they threw the sensor in the back was because they ran out of time. They wanted it in the screen but didn't have enough time time for production.

I forgot garbage bixby and the button!!!
Edited op for it!
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

you forgot a couple more things that makes the s8+ sweep the floor with it..
HDR screen certification.
IP68 water and dust proofing.
Wireless charging and Fast Wireless Charging
Micro SD card expansion.
Bluetooth 5.0
Always On Display.
Iris scanner security.
bye felicia

-Alan said:
I read that the only reason they threw the sensor in the back was because they ran out of time. They wanted it in the screen but didn't have enough time time for production.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also read somewhere that the above sensor placement may hold the CrApple iSh#t 8 from being delivered as per their normal schedule, if it is true at least CrApple have the sense to ensure deadlines don't affect the final product. (please excuse my uncharacteristic optimism regarding CrApple products)
For the fanboys/fence sitters - Yes Apple has it's applications, yes some people prefer simple... this is an Android forum. As I have said in the past iPhones are for people that want a smartphone but aren't smart enough to use them. ~ from an open platform fanboy.
oneandroidnut said:
I forgot garbage bixby and the button!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too forgot this useless piece of redundant garbage (sort of points out how irrelevant Bixby is in a world of Google Now), although the button remapped to be a "back" button is handy.
Hopefully Samsung will pull their collective heads out of each other's butts and allow the button to be remapped to whatever the consumer wishes without a 3rd party app, instead of the usual "this is how you will use the device you payed for and rightfully own" attitude of large corporations.

-Alan said:
I read that the only reason they threw the sensor in the back was because they ran out of time. They wanted it in the screen but didn't have enough time time for production.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They wanted it to be on the same spot as the home button under the screen, but Synaptics couldn't get it working good enough in time.

I'm also going to return mine. I'm kind of disappointed that the audio quality is subpar IMHO. Comparing it with my Nexus 6P, the sound level is lower than the 6P and honestly the 6P sounds more crisp. If I'm paying close to a grand for a device- S8+ with paid bundle, I would wish the manufacturer doesn't skimp on features like Samsung did with this phone. The mono speaker audio and then the issue with the tint... I tried adjusting in settings but there's still a slight red hue which is annoying to say the least. The fingerprint scanner... But I can get used to that. The Bixby button being disabled to use with other applications. It's just too many compromises for a device like this. Thinking I'll wait for the Note 8 or the next Pixel. Damn, I had such high hopes and really wanted to like this phone, but I can't justify spending $950 on something I'm not fully satisfied with.

xxsanioutlawxx said:
I'm also going to return mine. I'm kind of disappointed that the audio quality is subpar IMHO. Comparing it with my Nexus 6P, the sound level is lower than the 6P and honestly the 6P sounds more crisp.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well pointed out. One of the major gripes I think is the sound quality. I have tested a bunch of different HiFi headphones on my S8+ but it's nowhere close to the previous Mate 9 audio quality: to low the volume, mushy details in medium tonality, overall "not there". I am not sure where Pixel stands from the sound quality perspective but I would be eager to test it beforehand.

h4ck3r69 said:
you forgot a couple more things that makes the s8+ sweep the floor with it..
HDR screen certification.
IP68 water and dust proofing.
Wireless charging and Fast Wireless Charging
Micro SD card expansion.
Bluetooth 5.0
Always On Display.
Iris scanner security.
bye felicia
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually have sdcard in the op thank you and they still don't beat the pixel lol always on you know pixel has this too right?
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

the_scotsman said:
They wanted it to be on the same spot as the home button under the screen, but Synaptics couldn't get it working good enough in time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once again shows Samsung is becoming more like Apple. I got money on the s9 having it under screen on front pulling more people in to buy it instead of waiting a few more months and perfecting the s8!
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

TheAnarchist1 said:
I also went back to my trusty Pixel XL. It is the first time I have ever voluntarily gone back to a device. The Pixel's performance can't be even distantly touched by the S8+. The optimization is worth its weight in gold alone. The S8+ is a beautiful and all around more polished piece of hardware that is severely hampered by what might be a disparity in GPU requirements v. Infinity display requirements and software that simply makes horrid use of the 2017 spec bump underlying it. I think Samsung went a bit too ambitious this time and left a few too many rough edges.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There were two key features that kept me from getting the pixel. Wireless charging and dust and water resistant. In my line of work I need That! If pixel 2 has those, I'm sold.

Related

First Impressions about HTC U11

Hello, everyone!
I watched few reviews about the phone...And really sorry to say it but I'm not much impressed, but I definitely will upgrade to from htc one m8. Big htc fan here . I like the style, screen, colours ..Can't really say about the camera probably will be good.The new sound should be awesome + the headphones... But when come to the software..... For one year they didn't touch the sense? Really ? Even TouchWiz is changing, can't understand why htc decided to stay at sense 8, or like is now just "HTC Sense UI" . In the whole review, I generally see - The colours, squeeze (I think they too much depending on this new feature which we still didn't know how it will work after month or two of using it), How google OK works that was fun tho , wasn't working the first few times and the 3d sound...And exactly how they said - simple. And I wasn't disappointed like this from quite long time .I expected something more "brilliant". They just made a review on software app - the edge stuff, htc companion and OK Google They even didn't mention htc sense, which didn't move much from 2015. Isn't this little bit pathetic to you? I want to hear your thoughts on that. Did you expect more, like me? Anyway, I'm still considering buying it when the sales start in my region.

Well having been able to hold it in my hands and play with it for a few hours I can say the following:
First of I really like the Edge Sense feature as it worked really well on my review unit. In combination with a deeply integrated Goggle Assistant and Amazon Alexa it will be a well done upgrade if new ways of using your phone. Sense has made a large step in the last year and continues in debloating with regard to reducing HTC Apps that are redundant to Google Apps, as well as tweaks regarding performance done under the hood, and last but not least integration of the above mentioned Edge Sense.
Camera is top notch, achieving highest DxOMark - 90 Points - rating of a Smartphone thus far.
Audio has come one step further as well. Only thing to name here, as it will already suffice, is the implementation of Active Noise Cancellation with the In-Ear Headphones coming in the box, and USB-C-to-3.5mm-adapter that brings an integrated Amplifier as well an an 24bit DAC.
The display, though some might dislike the design of the front, has really deep blacks and good colours - especially if compared to an AMOLED.
Ah and IP67 of course is a great step forward.
Those are just my 2 cent of a first impression coming from a personal hands on. Mire will follow once I receive the U11 myself and go to some more time to play.
Sent from my htc_pmeuhl using XDA Labs

How black is black? The G6 came close to AMOLED with a 0.228 cd/m2 and the HTC 10 logged in at 0.29 according to the GSMArena review.

jpmiv said:
How black is black? The G6 came close to AMOLED with a 0.228 cd/m2 and the HTC 10 logged in at 0.29 according to the GSMArena review.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Screen noticeably better than on 10. U11 is a "must update" for anyone holding prior to a 10. For 10 owners, not mandatory (but definitely better in several ways).

anyone listened to the headphones is it the same loudness of of htc 10 ?

Huge ugly bezels and only 71.4% screen to body ratio.
Looks very much like a pixel from the front which had a very "dated" look from the front and that was months ago in 2016. This being 2017 now this large bezeled design looks even more outdated.
HTC failed in this aspect and really should have shrunk the bezels and made the screen larger as 5.5" is just too small and large bezels are an eyesore.
Other than that the phone seems really great on paper to me and has some very desriable specs.
Sent from my S8 plus, Note 7, S7 Edge or S6

5m4r7ph0n36uru said:
Well having been able to hold it in my hands and play with it for a few hours I can say the following:
First of I really like the Edge Sense feature as it worked really well on my review unit. In combination with a deeply integrated Goggle Assistant and Amazon Alexa will be of a well done upgrade if new ways using your phone. Sense has made a large step in the last year and continues in debloating with regard to reducing HTC Apps that are redundant to Google Apps, as well as tweaks regarding performance done under the hood, and last but not least integration of the above mentioned Edge Sense.
Camera is top notch, achieving highest DxOMark - 90 Points - rating of a Smartphone thus far.
Audio has come One step further as well. Just One thing to name is the implementation of Active Noise Cancellation with the In-Ear Headphones coming in the box, and USB-C-to-3.5mm-adapter that brings an integrated Amplifier as well an an 24bit DAC.
The display, though some might dislike the design of the front, has really deep blacks and good colours - especially if compared to an AMOLED.
Ah and IP67 of course is a great step forward.
Those are just my 2 cent of a first impression coming from a personal hands on. Mire will follow once I receive the U11 myself and go to some more time to play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is good to hear. I'm a big fan of HTC and this device seems a step in the right direction for them. I put my pre-order in and am very excited. I've also always liked HTC for their willingness to let users unlock as they please, dev friendly. This phone has me pretty excited.

One thing I need to know, is the earpiece speaker better/louder than the horribly quiet 10? If I'm anywhere other than a relatively quiet place I can barely hear anyone on a phone call.

yung40oz84 said:
This is good to hear. I'm a big fan of HTC and this device seems a step in the right direction for them. I put my pre-order in and am very excited. I've also always liked HTC for their willingness to let users unlock as they please, dev friendly. This phone has me pretty excited.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which colour did you pick. I went for black. Thought of ordering the Amazing Silver but they didn't have it at my carried in Germany. Those two colours are the most gorgeous ones in my eyes. Maybe black is better as on silver you can see fingerprints a lot better than on the black one. Guess this would get me on my nerves by the time anyway.
And the glas, as well as the metal edge are feeling really good in hands. Was a warm day when I used it this first time, and it had a good grip even with my sweaty hands. There was no time it felt slippery to me.
Sent from my htc_pmeuhl using XDA Labs

I'm excited to see how the device does irl, I never pre-order. The echo dots are cool, but I don't think I will use them much. Also concerned about charging and using headphones at the same time. I do that at work and on flights. I might wait for the note 8, but that is a long way off and will probably be a huge phone.
For the money, I think the U11 is the best bang/buck combo, especially because it is unlocked, will have custom roms and all kinds of tweaks that this great community will use.
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

force70 said:
Huge ugly bezels and only 71.4% screen to body ratio.
Looks very much like a pixel from the front which had a very "dated" look from the front and that was months ago in 2016. This being 2017 now this large bezeled design looks even more outdated.
HTC failed in this aspect and really should have shrunk the bezels and made the screen larger as 5.5" is just too small and large bezels are an eyesore.
Other than that the phone seems really great on paper to me and has some very desriable specs.
Sent from my S8 plus, Note 7, S7 Edge or S6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get out of here Sammy fanboy. My current HTC 10 is 5.2" and it's not small by any means. I couldn't care less about the bezels on this device or mine... I'll take them over the gimmicky curved edges that cause a slew of annoyances and functionality issues. I had the S8 for a week and I took that crap back and gladly paid the $50 restock fee.

tkoreaper said:
Get out of here Sammy fanboy. My current HTC 10 is 5.2" and it's not small by any means. I couldn't care less about the bezels on this device or mine... I'll take them over the gimmicky curved edges that cause a slew of annoyances and functionality issues. I had the S8 for a week and I took that crap back and gladly paid the $50 restock fee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah im honestly not a huge fan of the edge screens either ..gotten used to it but would prefer a flat screen for sure.
And just because 5.2 isnt small to you automatically means that everyone should think the same?
And fanboy? Takes one to know one HTC fanboy

force70 said:
Yeah im honestly not a huge fan of the edge screens either ..gotten used to it but would prefer a flat screen for sure.
And just because 5.2 isnt small to you automatically means that everyone should think the same?
And fanboy? Takes one to know one HTC fanboy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Given an option I'd like less bezel for sure but definitely not even close to a deal breaker. I have multiple phones Pixel XL is my daily driver, have iPhone 7 plus, S8+ and G6. The G6 and S8+ look great with minimal bezel but using Pixel or iPhone 7 plus doesn't bother me at all.

kirdroid said:
Given an option I'd like less bezel for sure but definitely not even close to a deal breaker. I have multiple phones Pixel XL is my daily driver, have iPhone 7 plus, S8+ and G6. The G6 and S8+ look great with minimal bezel but using Pixel or iPhone 7 plus doesn't bother me at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a deal breaker for me either im just not a fan of the aesthetics.
The 5.5 screen is something i can't deal with though ...my s7 edge has it and I hate it (although the U11 would be alot better due to the normal aspect ratio). Its mostly why i went with the S8 plus....just for the screen size.

force70 said:
Yeah im honestly not a huge fan of the edge screens either ..gotten used to it but would prefer a flat screen for sure.
And just because 5.2 isnt small to you automatically means that everyone should think the same?
And fanboy? Takes one to know one HTC fanboy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is this, high school? It's easy to assume your fanboyism based on the phones you have in your signature and the fact that you had absolutely nothing good to say about the U11... Why are you even here? What is your assumption based off of... that fact that I disagree with you? If I'm an HTC fanboy then why would I even bother with the S8? I guess you just overlooked that. You also forget that barely 6 years ago the first Note came out with a 5.3" screen and that was considered huge at the time... And even now that is FAR from small.
---------- Post added at 07:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:17 PM ----------
If a smartphone can be too thin for its own good, we can agree the same applies to bezels. I wager that people wanting less and less bezels aren't accustomed to the issues that come with them. First, a bezel adds strength... I'll let you take a guess as to what effect shrinking it would have on that. Then there's the absolutely annoying accidental touching issues... and no, cases don't help with that unless you use a really bulky case. I've never held or owned a phone and said "I wish the bezels were smaller" nor have I ever felt that bezels impeded any phone's functionality and my ability to use them.

tkoreaper said:
What is this, high school? It's easy to assume your fanboyism based on the phones you have in your signature and the fact that you had absolutely nothing good to say about the U11... Why are you even here? What is your assumption based off of... that fact that I disagree with you? If I'm an HTC fanboy then why would I even bother with the S8? I guess you just overlooked that. You also forget that barely 6 years ago the first Note came out with a 5.3" screen and that was considered huge at the time... And even now that is FAR from small. You really think that the 0.3" that your S8+ has over this U11's 5.5" display really matters, ROFL? Don't make me laugh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive owned lots of phones from various manufacturers over the years including HTC. Other than the 6P there hasnt been anything else that Ive really liked the last few years other than what sammy has delivered.
And i guess your reading comprehension is not that great as i mentioned 2 things i wasnt a fan of on the U11...and I also mentioned everything else looked great.
Im here because the device does hold some interest for me...and because I can be. Dont like what i say....move along...
And i wont bother with your silliness after this, dont want the mods in here now do we?

Moderator Warning,
Guys enough of the bickering please. Can we keep the posts civil. I will be keeping a eye on this thread.

5m4r7ph0n36uru said:
Which colour did you pick. I went for black. Thought of ordering the Amazing Silver but they didn't have it at my carried in Germany. Those two colours are the most gorgeous ones in my eyes. Maybe black is better as on silver you can see fingerprints a lot better than on the black one. Guess this would get me on my nerves by the time anyway.
And the glas, as well as the metal edge are feeling really good in hands. Was a warm day when I used it this first time, and it had a good grip even with my sweaty hands. There was no time it felt slippery to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually got that dark blue

force70 said:
Huge ugly bezels and only 71.4% screen to body ratio.
Looks very much like a pixel from the front which had a very "dated" look from the front and that was months ago in 2016. This being 2017 now this large bezeled design looks even more outdated.
HTC failed in this aspect and really should have shrunk the bezels and made the screen larger as 5.5" is just too small and large bezels are an eyesore.
Other than that the phone seems really great on paper to me and has some very desriable specs.
Sent from my S8 plus, Note 7, S7 Edge or S6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is a tired and worn out argument. The performance of the U11 in all ways justifies the Bezels. Samsung wouldn't be able to pull off as great as a phone with their Bezel-less gimmick. The Bezels are there for good reason.

LibertyMonger said:
this is a tired and worn out argument. The performance of the U11 in all ways justifies the Bezels. Samsung wouldn't be able to pull off as great as a phone with their Bezel-less gimmick. The Bezels are there for good reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please elaborate, Id like to see what exactly bezels...in particular top and bottom have to do with performance.
I could see before on the m7,m8 etc with the full front firing speakers but such is not the case with the U11.
And I wasnt remotely argumentative..i was merely sharing my first impression of the device as that is the thread title is it not?
Thanks.
Sent from my S8 plus, Note 7, S7 Edge or S6

24 Hours with my New XZ Premium REVIEW

***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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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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Click to collapse
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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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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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.

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.
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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

pixel 3 xl leaks look impressive

https://9to5google.com/2018/05/28/google-pixel-3-front-panel-notch-leak/
Love the fact that they are sticking with the front facing speakers and the notch with thin bezels.

Well for me that's an ugly design... What a mistake with this bloody notch, i prefer a normal bezels and nae notches

misiokicio said:
Well for me that's an ugly design... What a mistake with this bloody notch, i prefer a normal bezels and nae notches
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+1
All is pure speculation, maybe this is not: Google-pixel-3-display-notch-rumors/ or with this . . .
Since P supports notch, that doesn't mean that Pixel 3 will have it. You must take into account that Google will sooner or later request from manufacturers to release monthly security updates, which is good thing btw.
I think we just have to wait and see.

Hopefully, thin or no bezels, no notch, 6gb ram, 845 soc, lalalala...

I'm still with the Pixel XL....if the 3 XL has a notch I'll buy a 2 XL and hope that the 4 XL doesn't have a notch. F notches.

If the Pixel 3 XL has a notch I'm considering switching to Apple because that means even Google is just copying the iPhone

Wasn't the essential phone the first with the notch? Or are my timelines messed up.

Lol.. you can disable the notch on the amoler screens without losing battery, and Apple copied the notch from the Essential phone. I don't mind the notch frankly.

Guess I'll be sticking with the pixel 2 xl for awhile.

The only thing I think I would miss with a notch is the center clock. Other than that I can't see the big deal.

As far as I'm concerned, it's a lazy and uninspired design... I'm not a fan of the notch, but if you're going to use it for some reason, at least don't give your phone a "chin" too.
I'm convinced that notch nonsense is a fad... and I'll wait for a notchless Pixel 4 XL

I too don't see the point of a notch when you'll have that huge chin... Also, this notch seem really deep...
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

F the notch

Back to the Samsung Note for me, and bonus Ill be able to get that phone in August. Its a dam shame too, I honestly thought Google had more integrity and innovation up their sleeve than to copy Apple with a trash notch. My money goes to where the innovation is taking place and this notch trend is hot garbage.

I say just keep the pixel 2 XL and wait for the pixel 4. The pixel 2 is not even a year old and we still get two major os updates after Android p. And by that time the technology for full screen displays will be there it's too early in the game for top manufacturers to take the risk and having a device flop due to issues. There are too many complications with senors and cameras to go full on immersive mode. yes the notch is pointless and basically a trend now, but we have to realize every company is going to try to implement it better and try and give us that full screen experience. It's all business at the end of the day, and I'm ok with that but the pixel 2 XL will definitely hold its own until the tech and resources are there to get rid of all bezels. We also have to take these leaks with a grain of salt because we are only heading into June, so we do have at least another 4 months to go designs can always change. Google is smart with there choices and do produce the best phones thus far with minor flaws as far as the screen quality fiasco went. But they are hands down the smoothest experience you will find with Android devices, not so much with design wise. But that's not what's important the longevity and performance that counts.

Love the notch! If the rumors are true then Pixel 3 XL ftw!

Why is everyone *****ing about the notch? Soooo essentially all you are saying is “I want black bars and less screen? The notch ALLOWS more screen real estate. You want two stero speakers, a large screen, minimal bezzles, ect ect... but why don’t you see you get SCREEN in place of black bars?

Froztvolt said:
Why is everyone *****ing about the notch? Soooo essentially all you are saying is “I want black bars and less screen? The notch ALLOWS more screen real estate. You want two stero speakers, a large screen, minimal bezzles, ect ect... but why don’t you see you get SCREEN in place of black bars?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. The notch adds a little bit of screen where there would otherwise be no screen. I'm glad I don't have strong feelings about it. If you've ruled out the phone because it has a notch you are probably being a little (or a lot) too weird about it. The big Pixel 3 will likely be a very nice device. Go with the notch (if it's there). It gives the phone a little something different from the usual rectangular body and rectangular screen - the same old look. I prob didn't change your mind but the P3 will be so awesome. You have 5 months to learn to like the notch.
---------- Post added at 01:21 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:42 AM ----------
datchico305 said:
I say just keep the pixel 2 XL and wait for the pixel 4. The pixel 2 is not even a year old and we still get two major os updates after Android p. And by that time the technology for full screen displays will be there it's too early in the game for top manufacturers to take the risk and having a device flop due to issues. There are too many complications with senors and cameras to go full on immersive mode. yes the notch is pointless and basically a trend now, but we have to realize every company is going to try to implement it better and try and give us that full screen experience. It's all business at the end of the day, and I'm ok with that but the pixel 2 XL will definitely hold its own until the tech and resources are there to get rid of all bezels. We also have to take these leaks with a grain of salt because we are only heading into June, so we do have at least another 4 months to go designs can always change. Google is smart with there choices and do produce the best phones thus far with minor flaws as far as the screen quality fiasco went. But they are hands down the smoothest experience you will find with Android devices, not so much with design wise. But that's not what's important the longevity and performance that counts.
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You are right about the Pixel phones, they are the best of the android devices. I returned a couple P2XLs d/t display problems then when I got a good one I sold it and bought an S9+. I miss the Pixel, will be all over the next model. I am struggling waiting for the P3, can't comprehend a P4

Froztvolt said:
Why is everyone *****ing about the notch? Soooo essentially all you are saying is “I want black bars and less screen? The notch ALLOWS more screen real estate. You want two stero speakers, a large screen, minimal bezzles, ect ect... but why don’t you see you get SCREEN in place of black bars?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly my view as well. Apple just happened to be one of the companies to introduce the notch but it was not that it was a great/innovative invention as such - it was a compromise. They had to keep some part for the sensors and stuff. So calling other companies adopting a notch as copycats is like telling that all companies earlier had a rectangle screen so everyone was copying that as well - which is stupid. The people who complain would also have complained that Apple is giving higher screen to body ratio compared to Google in case Google didn't adopt the notch.

Froztvolt said:
Why is everyone *****ing about the notch? Soooo essentially all you are saying is “I want black bars and less screen? The notch ALLOWS more screen real estate. You want two stero speakers, a large screen, minimal bezzles, ect ect... but why don’t you see you get SCREEN in place of black bars?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, what can be the added screen real estate used for? It cant even show all status bar/notification icons. You cant watch video or look at pictures because it hinders the view. Better solution would be a combination of no bezzels and some kind of smart immersive mode.

Overall love

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.
Click to expand...
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.
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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.

Note20 Ultra Appreciation Thread

This phone is AMAZING. Holy crap. Near perfect phone, for me.
What's your favorite things about it so far? Any surprises? Things you've noticed?
For me:
-WOW 120Hz is amazing. Ditto the 9ms response on s-pen.
-The new Notes app is pretty different!! The pages thing makes sense since it exports to PP. It's interesting how the folders are used instead of categories. The whole look is different though... Mine defaults to black, the save button moved or disappeared, the bottom bar is different... Still adjusting!
-5G sucks in my area with T-Mobile. 12 Mbps. I shut it off so I only get LTE, and I get 71 Mbps. That's in my house though, so it'll probably be better outdoors. I hear 5G doesn't penetrate buildings well.
-The finish and feel of the phone is PHENOMENAL. So premium. Blows every other phone away, easily. Definitely pinky tones in the bronze, but I don't care. I'm rocking a clear case because this phone NEEDS to be shown off. The Spigen Liquid Crystal is great! My wife asked me if I bought a pink phone, haha.
-Camera doesn't show the zoom levels right away, which surprised me. I was trying to figure out how to choose the zoom. Had to choose the close up button first I believe. 50x zoom sucks indoors. Grainy as heck!
-That camera bump is beautiful, don't care what anyone says, haha.
-Fingerprint scanner... What on Earth happened? It's SO MUCH BETTER. I haven't had a single failure yet! I had them CONSTANTLY on my Note10+. Either I programmed my fingers better or this thing is way better.
-Hate the new s-pen location. Awkward for 93% of the population.
-Did they remove the ability to turn on the battery percentage? I'm not seeing it.
NO REGRETS! THIS PHONE RULES!

Its an amazing phone. I am coming from a galaxy S8+ so its a huge step up. The last note I had was the the note 4 and the note 7 for like 3 weeks. It does have the battery percentage option. When you pull down the notification panel, the 3 dots icon next to the settings icon and click status bar, that will let you add the battery percentage. I don't feel any issues with the s pen placement. Now I just need a good screen protector for it, but there isn't too many options yet and I am not a fan of those tempered glass protectors. The battery life on it is good too. FIngerprint scanner is super fast. Much better on the front of the screen than behind like it was on the s8. I wish I had also got the moga controller when I ordered the phone, but it is what it is. I just have to wait till september 15th to get it now.

Notifications-Status Bar will get you battery percentage

Lense fog is no bueno

gsingh22 said:
Its an amazing phone. I am coming from a galaxy S8+ so its a huge step up. The last note I had was the the note 4 and the note 7 for like 3 weeks. It does have the battery percentage option. When you pull down the notification panel, the 3 dots icon next to the settings icon and click status bar, that will let you add the battery percentage. I don't feel any issues with the s pen placement. Now I just need a good screen protector for it, but there isn't too many options yet and I am not a fan of those tempered glass protectors. The battery life on it is good too. FIngerprint scanner is super fast. Much better on the front of the screen than behind like it was on the s8. I wish I had also got the moga controller when I ordered the phone, but it is what it is. I just have to wait till september 15th to get it now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's for to be a MASSIVE jump in quality! I'm pumped and I'm coming from last year's Note! I think the s-pen bothers me more because I've had it on the right for the last 6 years... So it's muscle memory at this point for me.
I haven't had a screen protector on my Note phones since the 5, and I've never had a scratch! Not sure your usage obviously, but they're really strong. And getting stronger by the year! I like that smooth, naked feel of the glass.
tourbound129 said:
Notifications-Status Bar will get you battery percentage
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
fatboypup said:
Lense fog is no bueno
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you experienced it?? I haven't yet. I read one person complaining about it.

this thread makes me sad knowing that my order won't be with me til monday.
My Clear view case is arriving tomorrow though - maybe ill root that :laugh::laugh::good:

I don't notice an improvement in the finger print scanner, still seams slow and fails often still. I turned off battery optimization for biometrics and that didn't seem to help either.

PsiPhiDan said:
Yeah that's for to be a MASSIVE jump in quality! I'm pumped and I'm coming from last year's Note! I think the s-pen bothers me more because I've had it on the right for the last 6 years... So it's muscle memory at this point for me.
I haven't had a screen protector on my Note phones since the 5, and I've never had a scratch! Not sure your usage obviously, but they're really strong. And getting stronger by the year! I like that smooth, naked feel of the glass.
Thank you!
Have you experienced it?? I haven't yet. I read one person complaining about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every time I put my handset in a ac vent mounted vehicle holder

PsiPhiDan said:
Yeah that's for to be a MASSIVE jump in quality! I'm pumped and I'm coming from last year's Note! I think the s-pen bothers me more because I've had it on the right for the last 6 years... So it's muscle memory at this point for me.
I haven't had a screen protector on my Note phones since the 5, and I've never had a scratch! Not sure your usage obviously, but they're really strong. And getting stronger by the year! I like that smooth, naked feel of the glass.
Thank you!
Have you experienced it?? I haven't yet. I read one person complaining about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really sucks

fatboypup said:
Really sucks
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Click to collapse
Is it at least clearing up? I don't take pictures while I'm driving with my phone mounted so if it clears up then it's no issue to me.

Love mine. Battery life isn't perfect but pretty much everything else is
Sent from my SM-N986B using Tapatalk

Notefan161 said:
Love mine. Battery life isn't perfect but pretty much everything else is
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. And even battery life is pretty solid considering the screen!

Not a big jump from the 10 plus for me but:
-Love the zoom on the camera, im pleasantly surprised how well it works.
-The smaller punch hole is definitely noticeable and appreciated.
-I find it very comfortable to hold
-Love the new Spen location
-Really love the GD power button back where it should be lol
-Almost zero bezel and slightly bigger screen is noticeable for me
-camera bump doesnt bother me at all, i though it might...dont even notice it
-the 512gb of storage is great
- snapdragon 865 plus is fast as blazes
- fingerprint scanner MUCH better than 10plus
Not negatives but must mention
- I dont notice the 120hz a ton honestly
-Battery life is close to the 10 plus but maybe just a bit worse but ive only had it not a week yet so may still improve

Maybe I'm in the minority but was the delay on the spen that big of a deal?
---------- Post added at 06:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:43 AM ----------
fatboypup said:
Really sucks
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Click to collapse
Ooof thats bad. I dunno folks say it happens all the time but if it happens to me it will be the first time in like 23 devices since 2008

force70 said:
Not a big jump from the 10 plus for me but:
-Love the zoom on the camera, im pleasantly surprised how well it works.
-The smaller punch hole is definitely noticeable and appreciated.
-I find it very comfortable to hold
-Love the new Spen location
-Really love the GD power button back where it should be lol
-Almost zero bezel and slightly bigger screen is noticeable for me
-camera bump doesnt bother me at all, i though it might...dont even notice it
-the 512gb of storage is great
- snapdragon 865 plus is fast as blazes
- fingerprint scanner MUCH better than 10plus
Not negatives but must mention
- I dont notice the 120hz a ton honestly
-Battery life is close to the 10 plus but maybe just a bit worse but ive only had it not a week yet so may still improve
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? I went back to 60Hz for a little while to try and compare battery life and almost vomited. Couldn't do it. Try it out if you haven't! A/B comparisons are always the best. Agreed on all other points. VERY pleasantly surprised about the fingerprint scanner improvement. That drove me nuts on the 10+.
Battery being about the same is actually impressive considering the improvements to the screen!
That 5x zoom is AMAZING. Took kids to the zoo yesterday... That was really useful. And they're so CLEAR at that 5x zoom. Absolutely great!
pcriz said:
Maybe I'm in the minority but was the delay on the spen that big of a deal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me it wasn't a big deal, but once I tried the new one... I bet it'd be hard to go back it's so instantaneous now. I love it. I use the s-pen hours a day though, haha.

Totally agree with:
* Fingerprint scanner vastly improved since S10+, Note 10+, S20+
* Build quality and feeling while holding is really superb
* 120hz are significantly noticeable, but you get used to it quickly (you realize how noticeable it is, when you go back to a 60hz device)
I'm also leaning towards using it bare naked, to enjoy the actual premium looks and build quality...
However, after 7 days of careful use, I already see some superficial, light scratches on the screen (under certain light angles) ...
Do you really don't have the slightest, tiniest, scratch on it, @PsiPhiDan?

I don’t know if i can post this video comparison of my S20 Ultra vs Note 20 Ultra rattling sound. I’ve seen people complaining about it on the Note 20 Ultra.
But here it is....
https://youtu.be/a_o52ZzwqEE
Conclusion: ***spoiler***
....it is so much quieter than the S20 Ultra. And I appreciate it. :good:

rodrigofd said:
Totally agree with:
* Fingerprint scanner vastly improved since S10+, Note 10+, S20+
* Build quality and feeling while holding is really superb
* 120hz are significantly noticeable, but you get used to it quickly (you realize how noticeable it is, when you go back to a 60hz device)
I'm also leaning towards using it bare naked, to enjoy the actual premium looks and build quality...
However, after 7 days of careful use, I already see some superficial, light scratches on the screen (under certain light angles) ...
Do you really don't have the slightest, tiniest, scratch on it, @PsiPhiDan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use a clear Spigen case. So nope!

PsiPhiDan said:
I use a clear Spigen case. So nope!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant if you were using a screen protector of any kind, not a case

rodrigofd said:
I meant if you were using a screen protector of any kind, not a case
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Click to collapse
Oh I see. Maybe I'm just bad at seeing them? I haven't seen a scratch on my screens on Note devices since the Note5. So maybe I'm just not looking in the right light. Definitely not gonna start now! Haha.

Database Users

welcome