I really can't help but stand in awe of the contempt Sony Ericsson has for consumers. That is putting it lightly. I feel as if I'm trapped in an inside joke that I can never hope to escape, much less understand. I'm not really sure where to start, so I'll just start.
Has anyone done a tear-down on the x10 to see whether or not the CPU in it is what they claim it is? From what I have experienced, I cannot see it being any more than a 500Mhz processor. The most basic functions are plagued with bugs and completely unacceptable lag! Try scrolling through any menu, opening the address book or just trying to tap on the right thing (though this last one doesn't have much to do with the CPU). It feels like I'm fooling the device into doing whatever it is that it was supposedly made for! The entire 'xperience' reminds me of when touchscreen functionality was first seriously being introduced to the market well over a decade ago. I feel the same way that consumers presumably felt at that time after having a go: "Well gee, this is kind of neat, but this interface is so damn unresponsive! It's a gimmick!"
I've seen people complain all over the place about it not have multi-touch functionality. While they are right to do so (any device of this nature lacking said functionality is downright irrelevant and might as well have "DOA" written on it with a thick, black marker upon release), they are missing the overwhelmingly stronger, more fundamental point worthy of complaint: the SINGLE touch experience.
Sure, this travesty was promised a 2.1 update from the beginning: a beacon of light for all of us having had the misfortune of making too much of an impulse purchase or impulse contract signing. I could and did take comfort in the hope that things will be up and running; responsive and fixed! The day of the update's release came and went. To my utter astonishment the folks at Sony Ericsson actually managed to make everything even worse. The overall responsiveness of the phone was worsened; enough to actually notice. Little convenient buttons shortcuts and buttons were removed or rearranged (like the ability to save a new contact after having punched in a number). The icing on this fail cake was the introduction of a new major problem on top of all the others! Now there are massive proximity sensor issues. Now my wife can't even use the unit to talk to her family without turning speaker phone on and off or mashing the keypad with her cheek, randomly (it can't be due to some 3rd party app, since it was like this from the beginning, freshly flashed with 2.1). I should have mentioned that this isn't even my phone, it's my wife's. All of this anger, sadness and disappointment is purely second-hand.
To any of you reading this thinking to themselves, "It's not so bad, he's clearly exaggerating." I suggest you go out and try using an iPhone for five minutes, it doesn't matter the model. Maybe you think I'm an Apple fanboy! Try an HTC Desire or a Galaxy S smartphone. Hell, try any touch screen smartphone currently on the market today. It's like night and day.
Does anyone have any tips as to how I can make this experience the slightest bit more bearable for my wife? I see custom builds all over the development section, but I'm not sure which one is the most put together or ready for every day use. I apologize if I've offended anyone or shattered any world views.
Thanks guys.
Dont get it?
never mind. basically the OP thought posting a thread slamming the x10 in a forum full of x10 developers and users was a good idea
Also dude if you wan to know the best custom build, read the posts like the rest of us have to cause at the end of the day its your decision
First of all let me make it clear I. Love. This. Phone. No question this is the best - functionality wise - phone I have had in more than 10 years. Because it is my daily driver and the attention grabber everywhere I went (until the S6 edge came out) I am even more disappointed/disturbed by Samsung treating the phone, and those that really like, as disposable.
Because Samsung billed this as a concept phone there is virtually ZERO real development for the edge panel since it was announced last September. The bad part is that Samsung themselves could have made useful panels but instead they dropped the ball. How many months more will we see that the panel store is "coming soon"? Instead of exploiting this feature and keeping us engaged it is now an exercise in futility hitting the download button to see the same panels or virtually useless ones that are not in a language you don't understand or is of zero use.
Then there s the ROM aspect. I used to do more flashing that Barry Allen back in the day. Have you seen the number of fully functional ROMS for this phone. It is slim to none. It seems Sammy's lack of passion to push the phone has pushed chefs to other devices. This is squarely on Samsung.
Lastly, I am an accessory fiend - admittedly. Finding GOOD accessories and add-on's to this phone have be like finding the Lost Ark of the Covenant. From buying 9 different screen protectors that promise to protect the actual edge - that don't or looking for a functional case almost everything is a chore or a serious waiting game. they have sucked the fun of really getting into this device - for me at least.
If this new article is to be believed they are even going to cut down on some of the specs from the Note 5 equivalent: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...ge-2-features-leaked/articleshow/47204012.cms. I will not believe it until I see it but I do not feel good about the next iteration of the phone either. When you consider that there is no removable battery in the S6 nor a micro slot either things do not look good.
If things go as the article states and I see that the marketing and exposure for the Note Edge 2 or anemic I will stick with what I have now. Again, I love this phone which makes the stagnant interaction on this board and in products tick me off more. This could have easily been avoided.
I totally agree with everything you have said. I was so excited about the Galaxy Edge announcement! A phone with two screens and great specs. I still love my phone but like you I am extremely disappointed at the lack of development for our devices. I too used to flash a new ROM every few weeks but I can't. I also can't believe Samsung took their eye of the ball and stopped giving us Edge owners (people who put faith in their 'concept' design)exclusives or even panels (which was promised).
I have made a few posts in the DEV section asking why we have so few ROMS/tweaks etc. Apparently it is to do with not having the source code..even though it has been released..so I'm not sure if this is the real reason etc
I kinda agree as well. This phone has been rather dissapointing to me. Not because of lack of potential but lack of support and development. This phone had the potential to be epic but it is now shadowed by the over hyped s6 edge. Oh well. Im guessing because the s6 edge has had a great bit of responsiveness and praise the next note edge will be better supported. I kinda am torn with the idea of a smaller screen but 5.5 is still a good size screen.
Sent from my SM-N915P using XDA Free mobile app
I absolutely disagree entirely
---------- Post added at 06:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:38 AM ----------
Let me explain. ...
It's supposed to be a useful accessory. .... not a full blown new gadget.
When u look at it in that context it is incredible.
Just the
1) nightclock
2) edge board as the app tray
3) quicksetting shortcut functions
4) a second screen when dealing with quick functions such as music player etc
Are enough to make this worthwhile as adding tangible beneficial functionality.
Anything else is a bonus and won't really add much more utility. Yes it would be nice but won't add that much.
I'd bought this after some indecision as was pretty sure it wouldn't get developer support given the limited numbers. Took the plunge because the edge was just too enticing.
Couple of months on, am quite happy overall. The phone itself, as everyone agrees, is fantastic. Plus,
1. Lots of cases now, from flip to non flip. Range covers the edge as well as leaving it open.
2. Screen protectors have been a pain, especially the lack of glass ones. The plastic ones, however, do cover the full edge, and are quite smooth. You have to wait for a week or so for all the bubbles to vanish and the surface to really smoothen out, though.
3. ROMS are in short supply, but as if now, find it is responsive enough without too many tweaks. A lot of the mods for Note 4 work quite well, which eases the pain.
4. The Samsung panel store started well and then died out. But there are quite a few very useful productivity panels coming on play store now. I particularly like the quick settings and quick contacts ones. Still some shortage of content based feeds etc, but don't think that will be resolved.
So some minuses, but overall still very good. No thanks to Samsung, of course (which is the point of the OP, I suppose) ☺
4.
arbit12 said:
I'd bought this after some indecision as was pretty sure it wouldn't get developer support given the limited numbers. Took the plunge because the edge was just too enticing.
Couple of months on, am quite happy overall. The phone itself, as everyone agrees, is fantastic. Plus,
1. Lots of cases now, from flip to non flip. Range covers the edge as well as leaving it open.
2. Screen protectors have been a pain, especially the lack of glass ones. The plastic ones, however, do cover the full edge, and are quite smooth. You have to wait for a week or so for all the bubbles to vanish and the surface to really smoothen out, though.
3. ROMS are in short supply, but as if now, find it is responsive enough without too many tweaks. A lot of the mods for Note 4 work quite well, which eases the pain.
4. The Samsung panel store started well and then died out. But there are quite a few very useful productivity panels coming on play store now. I particularly like the quick settings and quick contacts ones. Still some shortage of content based feeds etc, but don't think that will be resolved.
So some minuses, but overall still very good. No thanks to Samsung, of course (which is the point of the OP, I suppose) ☺
4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) I agree about the range of cases but prefer the a flip that covers the edge. ...
Imo the protection is more important than the visibility.... 99% of the time u need the edge only. ... there is no problem with leaving the flip open. Eg when using as a night clock.
2) I think screen protectors are pointless. ...especially if u have a flip case.
Any protector inevitably takes away from usability.
I agree to an extent with the op. I guess one of the things I am most disappointed about is that ever since lollipop came out for our edge phones, the main features that were HUGE turn on to the edge screen have been removed. Case in point, the camera button that was on the edge screen is now off to the side of the phone. Even what little they offered in the edge screen in kit Kat has been reduced even further with lollipop. I truly feel that as great as this phone is, I should have stayed with my note 4. The edge was seriously overhyped to bring us in and then dropped like raw egg on concrete.
Sent from my SM-N915P using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
I love love this phone. When I heard that S6 was to be edged both sides I was very disappointed in what they did to that generation. No removable battery and slot for SD card , I feel like I'm look I ng at a CrApple phone. If this is the way Samsung is going, I'll keep this phone till it dies and look elsewhere.
Sent from my SM-N915P using XDA Premium HD app
djsbad said:
I agree to an extent with the op. I guess one of the things I am most disappointed about is that ever since lollipop came out for our edge phones, the main features that were HUGE turn on to the edge screen have been removed. Case in point, the camera button that was on the edge screen is now off to the side of the phone. Even what little they offered in the edge screen in kit Kat has been reduced even further with lollipop. I truly feel that as great as this phone is, I should have stayed with my note 4. The edge was seriously overhyped to bring us in and then dropped like raw egg on concrete.
Sent from my SM-N915P using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am wondering whether to upgrade. Could you mention any other negative changes? Thanks.
arbit12 said:
Am wondering whether to upgrade. Could you mention any other negative changes? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u like playing around with ROMS etc... then don't buy it.
If u r not fussed by that sort of stuff. ... there isn't a better phone in the world.
Should have clarified. I already have the edge. Wondering whether to upgrade to Lollipop
sand1303 said:
I kinda agree as well. This phone has been rather dissapointing to me. Not because of lack of potential but lack of support and development. This phone had the potential to be epic but it is now shadowed by the over hyped s6 edge. Oh well. Im guessing because the s6 edge has had a great bit of responsiveness and praise the next note edge will be better supported. I kinda am torn with the idea of a smaller screen but 5.5 is still a good size screen.
Sent from my SM-N915P using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that for the most part the disappointment comes at the hands of Samsung. sure, would I love for the battery to have been bigger and give me a solid 6 hours screen time...of course. but from form factor, wow factor, functionality standpoint this phone is awesome. I just feel that by abandoning it - at launch - they left a lot on the table.
djsbad said:
I agree to an extent with the op. I guess one of the things I am most disappointed about is that ever since lollipop came out for our edge phones, the main features that were HUGE turn on to the edge screen have been removed. Case in point, the camera button that was on the edge screen is now off to the side of the phone. Even what little they offered in the edge screen in kit Kat has been reduced even further with lollipop. I truly feel that as great as this phone is, I should have stayed with my note 4. The edge was seriously overhyped to bring us in and then dropped like raw egg on concrete.
Sent from my SM-N915P using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I, personally, feel I got everything I expected and more. Especially from a superficial perspective. This phone turns heads -and go a few numbers for me :good: based on people not knowing what the heck it was. I actually got 6 people to buy the phone base on my conversation with them about all its features. With lollipop coming so late/ changing accustomed to features, the panel store sucking and limited to no development I can see how "overhyped" could be applied but for me its only from the standpoint that my expectation level was higher from a Samsung support and development standpoint.
countryg1rl said:
I love love this phone. When I heard that S6 was to be edged both sides I was very disappointed in what they did to that generation. No removable battery and slot for SD card , I feel like I'm look I ng at a CrApple phone. If this is the way Samsung is going, I'll keep this phone till it dies and look elsewhere.
Sent from my SM-N915P using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen brother! I saw the S6 in silver and was impressed by the look of it. when I saw the emasculated features of the side panels the first thing I thought of was: they are going to do something monumentally horrible to the note edge 2. Then I read the article I posted. I have not rooted the phone because, for the most part, it is a beast out the box. But if you are going to make the screen smaller, no removable battery, no card slot and have continually crappy support and development then I will stick with what I have until something better comes along. The sad part is that I am REALLY brand loyal. If you treat me right I will get in line to hand you my money for what I believe is something worthy to be purchased. Samsung is really making me question them. Yes, the note 5 is probably going to be a beast but I really like the Note edge dangnabbit and want them to just do what's right by the people they sold the edge to.
arbit12 said:
Should have clarified. I already have the edge. Wondering whether to upgrade to Lollipop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took the plunge cuz so many people who flashed it said it made the phone run faster. no such luck here and my battery drains faster. If I could un-do it I would. But everyone's experience is not the same.
arbit12 said:
Am wondering whether to upgrade. Could you mention any other negative changes? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In all honesty, the phone itself is awesome! I love the note edge. The problem is samsung development. They could have blown this to the moon and beyond, but it seems like they are trying to pull backon the edge screen. Even kitkat had more to offer than lollipop. The lollipop update has removed quite a bit of the edge screen features that made it so attractive to begin with.
I'd still buy the edge, but if they keep removing edge screen features, then id rather go back the note 4
Welcome to Samsung Folks
As much as I hate to say it, this is no different from what Samsung has always done in the past. This is their business model. The sooner they can obsolete devices, the sooner they can sell more.
The amazing thing is that they get the device to the point where it works very well, with the bare minimum features and stability they can get away with, and then totally forget about the device. The Gear S on my wrist, the Note 10.1 2012 and 2014, the Note 2, all of these devices Samsung got to work, worked out the majority of bugs, and left them without looking back.
This is what they do. Sadly, you buy a Galaxy device for what it is now, not what it can become in the future. They are locking them down tighter so developers can't do anything anymore, and carriers are loving every moment of it.
I watched videos of Samsung's developer conference and it was sparse. No one wants to mess with their devices anymore, and sadly, people messing with their devices is what got them to where they are now. That is what's changed. Just like jailbreaking iPhones was huge early on but fizzled out after Apple started to sell more devices based on the eye catching features outweighing the desire for customizability, rooting and building custom roms is fizzling out as Samsung sells crocksh*ts of Galaxy devices that have three or four excellent features that keep people buying them blindly without caring about customization.
Blogs are ignoring these issues brought up by OP because they are being paid or coerced or conned by Samsung into glorifying everything about the S6, while actively ignoring the Note. "If we give you this tester device, you aren't allowed to talk negatively about any of our other devices, and are limited to saying X, Y or Z about those other devices."
Samsung knows that the Note is the BEST phablet, or really, it is the BEST Android phone out there. Hands down. I'm not saying that because I like it, I'm saying it because based upon the balance between features and price, it is number one.
I have a Nexus 6. It isn't all that it is cracked up to be, and I wonder whether that's because Google is slacking off. In any case, I bought the Nexus a few days ago, and I'm already done with it. It is clearly a baseline phone. Current roms have nothing but kernel mods, everyone is trying to make it more "buttery smooth," and Xposed has been trampled by Samsung's big boot.
So what's really going on? Is Samsung thinking they don't have to try so hard because no matter what any other manufacturers do, they won't be able to match Samsung's eye catching features? Look at LG's attempts. They are good, but not ground breaking.
In any case, Google and manufacturers are taking back our customizability from us, and forcing us into the iPhone model, while throwing out a bone here and there and acting like Android is still the customizable and open ecosystem it has always been.
There it is.
sbrownla said:
As much as I hate to say it, this is no different from what Samsung has always done in the past. This is their business model. The sooner they can obsolete devices, the sooner they can sell more.
The amazing thing is that they get the device to the point where it works very well, with the bare minimum features and stability they can get away with, and then totally forget about the device. The Gear S on my wrist, the Note 10.1 2012 and 2014, the Note 2, all of these devices Samsung got to work, worked out the majority of bugs, and left them without looking back.
This is what they do. Sadly, you buy a Galaxy device for what it is now, not what it can become in the future. They are locking them down tighter so developers can't do anything anymore, and carriers are loving every moment of it.
I watched videos of Samsung's developer conference and it was sparse. No one wants to mess with their devices anymore, and sadly, people messing with their devices is what got them to where they are now. That is what's changed. Just like jailbreaking iPhones was huge early on but fizzled out after Apple started to sell more devices based on the eye catching features outweighing the desire for customizability, rooting and building custom roms is fizzling out as Samsung sells crocksh*ts of Galaxy devices that have three or four excellent features that keep people buying them blindly without caring about customization.
Blogs are ignoring these issues brought up by OP because they are being paid or coerced or conned by Samsung into glorifying everything about the S6, while actively ignoring the Note. "If we give you this tester device, you aren't allowed to talk negatively about any of our other devices, and are limited to saying X, Y or Z about those other devices."
Samsung knows that the Note is the BEST phablet, or really, it is the BEST Android phone out there. Hands down. I'm not saying that because I like it, I'm saying it because based upon the balance between features and price, it is number one.
I have a Nexus 6. It isn't all that it is cracked up to be, and I wonder whether that's because Google is slacking off. In any case, I bought the Nexus a few days ago, and I'm already done with it. It is clearly a baseline phone. Current roms have nothing but kernel mods, everyone is trying to make it more "buttery smooth," and Xposed has been trampled by Samsung's big boot.
So what's really going on? Is Samsung thinking they don't have to try so hard because no matter what any other manufacturers do, they won't be able to match Samsung's eye catching features? Look at LG's attempts. They are good, but not ground breaking.
In any case, Google and manufacturers are taking back our customizability from us, and forcing us into the iPhone model, while throwing out a bone here and there and acting like Android is still the customizable and open ecosystem it has always been.
There it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, the market moves a an absolutely blistering pace.. Before one device is even completed the tech inside of it is basically obsolete think of it from an research and development standpoint. They have to develop the best device they can, which I feel they do a damn good job at, so during the time of development they have to already be looking ahead to the next iteration of the same device. It's a giant cycle of constant improvement that takes time to design, to then develop, to implement it , and then market the **** out of it and in background the new device is already begun it's design and development process .. Samsung more so that not, delivers a top of the line device consistantly.. we here on xda tend to be more knowledgeable and more used to the tech than the average consumer whom maybe coming from some crap device to even a note 3 which would blow their mind not to mention the note 4 or edge. Come on Samsung is constantly smashing the competing oems in tech and design. Htc doesn't count because their internals are absolutely horrible, I don't care what it looks like because I know it's a pile of garbage. LG just looks at Samsung and then kangs the f out of them. Their ui is so twiz like it's not even funny. Except it runs like crap. Nice cams that's it. Samsung does a damn fine job in my opinion. Better than any other oem by miles. They aren't perfect, but they are still the best.
jdidtht said:
Dude, the market moves a an absolutely blistering pace.. Before one device is even completed the tech inside of it is basically obsolete think of it from an research and development standpoint. They have to develop the best device they can, which I feel they do a damn good job at, so during the time of development they have to already be looking ahead to the next iteration of the same device. It's a giant cycle of constant improvement that takes time to design, to then develop, to implement it , and then market the **** out of it and in background the new device is already begun it's design and development process .. Samsung more so that not, delivers a top of the line device consistantly.. we here on xda tend to be more knowledgeable and more used to the tech than the average consumer whom maybe coming from some crap device to even a note 3 which would blow their mind not to mention the note 4 or edge. Come on Samsung is constantly smashing the competing oems in tech and design. Htc doesn't count because their internals are absolutely horrible, I don't care what it looks like because I know it's a pile of garbage. LG just looks at Samsung and then kangs the f out of them. Their ui is so twiz like it's not even funny. Except it runs like crap. Nice cams that's it. Samsung does a damn fine job in my opinion. Better than any other oem by miles. They aren't perfect, but they are still the best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one argues, it is the best of the tippity top phones on the market.. the argument is in the developement and lack of support. Its like buying a laptop in order to have adobe photoshop where ever you are, and then finding out that they will no longer offer adobe photoshop to that one model. And then you find out that the next model of the same laptop is getting adobe photoshop, office suite pro, 283tb of unlimited cloud storage, and a date with sofia vergara with a garanteed handjob.... tell me you wouldnt be just a lil upset.. lol
arbit12 said:
Should have clarified. I already have the edge. Wondering whether to upgrade to Lollipop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've recently upgraded to lollipop and at first I hated it - made my phone run slow, hot, and the battery drained super fast. As much as I hated doing it, I did the dreaded factory reset and restore, painstakingly loading back on the hundreds of apps and settings. But so far it's been worth it and the phone feels snappier than before. I can't really comment on battery life yet but hopefully that will be better too.
As for negatives I don't like that you can't deactivate the lollipop style notifications as now when browsing YouTube the notifications cover the screen.
Regarding the camera, I actually prefer to have the shutter button on screen, as it's easier to hit and the position of my fingers mean that I know longer get a finger in the shot!
I really wish I saw this thread yesterday!!! I just came home with the Sprint variant and found this two minutes after I updated to Lollipop and rooted.. Are you serious? Did I just drop $800 on "THE BEST DEVICE SINCE SILICON WAS DISCOVERED!!" that is basically a Betamax player already?!? (showing my age with that reference..) If I read y'all correctly, I'm stuck with TouchWiz, I can't discover that perfect "unknown" little custom ROM to flash, and I basically ruined the eponymous Edge by upgrading from 4.4.4? Really? K.. deep breath...
Lollipop has killed the Edge. It was a great phone out of the box with Kit Kat. Although AT&T shoved the update down our throats, the community has come through with a downgrade. Development has been slow but im sure and hope itll come around. Its my daily driver and I am more content with smaller mods and full functionality over full blown customization.
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** This is just my personal thoughts and musing on my experience with my first Android phone. I doubt it's very interesting but I thought I'd share anyway and welcome others to comment and share their experiences. If you're not interested just don't read it, please don't pick holes and post snarky comments. **
Boring introduction
I've had an iPhone since the 3G went on sale and upgraded over the years to the 4 and then the 5. Apple always made beautiful hardware and software with flawless usability but at 3 years old my iPhone 5 was looking like a poor relation compared to the latest flagships and the recently launched, palm filling iPhone 6.
I had gone SIM ONLY after my iPhone 5 contract had finished and I was paying around half the amount for pretty much unlimited everything. I certainly didn't want to start another contract with hefty bills each month but there was no way I was going to shell out over £600 for a new one.
I was also getting frustrated with the limitations of the iPhone devices. Everything works perfectly but why do I need a Stocks app if I don't have any stocks? Why do I need an Apple Watch app, the new U2 album or be restricted to using iTunes for my music? (Other music apps are available but don't integrate as well into the functions of the os)
So about 12 months ago I picked up an Android magazine during a long wait in Gatwick Airport and thought I'd see what the other side was offering. I've been an amateur Linux hacker/enthusiast for a number of years so I knew from experience that the trade off in flexibility from a largely open source platform was potentially a more buggy, ugly and inconsistent user experience.
The magazine featured a review of the ZTE Blade S6. It looked just like a very cheap iPhone 6 knockoff (I now have one at work, it's cheap but it does the job) but my mind started mulling over the specs and I began to put a wishlist together in my head. Good camera, expandable storage (a massive drawback on Apple devices), large screen (so I could do away with my crappy tablet), long battery life and good looking (I didn't want a super glossy, plasticy, Samsung Galaxy or iPhone clone).
My investigations lead me to news of the LG G4 launch and a beta testing programme. The phone looked amazing, it was leather for a start, how crazy. I applied for the trial but didn't get selected. The G4 was going to set me back £500 unlocked so after reading the reviews of the G3 and finding it online for just over £200, I bought my first Android phone.
First thoughts
The package arrived and as I opened it I saw a gold and brown box (the kind of colours you expect to see on the wallpaper in an Indian restaurant). I panicked - I had ordered the white phone, I didn't want gold. Metallic plastic looks nasty (no offence if you have the gold one). Luckily it was white inside.
The pearlescent white was OK, not amazing, in fact kind of cheap looking and the logo strip on the front looked like the design had been lifted off of a 90s microwave but overall it was pleasant to hold, slim and if you didn't look too closely it looked quite sleek and modern.
I charged it up (the accessories were actually more stylish than the phone. They should promote the team who made the charger) and booted it.
WTF!!! The icons! Who thought that square icons in grubby shades of the dullest colours was remotely a good idea? The oversized status and soft key bar icons looked uncomfortable and Smart Bulletin was about as much use as a pocket on a sock.
Customisation
I lived with it for a few weeks. The weather effects were fun, I was getting used to the blinking LED and having a file manager was a whole new freedom that meant I could actually work on my phone. I installed an icon pack but still couldn't make peace with that clunky and aesthetically unpleasing UI. Time to root and sign up to XDA.
The first ROM I tried was Resurrection Remix. It had been recommended to me and it was amazing. Customisation that I dreamed of. But for some reason the phone would randomly shutdown in the middle of the night and could only be turned back on by removing the battery. I couldn't risk it. I use my phone as an alarm so I needed it to be reliable.
I discovered Cloudy and combined with XPosed I was able to get a UI that was a compromise between LG and what I wanted, although apps such as the dialer, calculator and the settings interface still bugged me.
I know they are only small things and shouldn't really bother me but your phone becomes an extension of yourself. In fact I interact more with my phone on a daily basis than I do with a lot of people, so it needs to be an enjoyable experience.
When MM was released I went back to stock and thought I could just live with the ugliness. Cloudy had shut up shop, Fulmics wasn't there just yet and I wanted MM! It was a massive trade off. For full camera functions and stability, I sacrificed my hard work fine tuning my ROM, but I got impatient fast. In fact Marshmallow has been announced months ago and no sooner had 6.0 been given to us like a late Christmas present, 6.0.1 was out for other devices.
CyanogenMod 13.0
Then I discovered the tread about CM13. I knew about CM already and knew it was the base for many of the custom ROMs I'd tried in the past but I thought installing this would give me an almost pure Android experience with regular updates and I can live without slo-mo video or the other LG features.
Initially there were bugs that meant my first attempt was short-lived and I ended up going back to stock within a few hours. I have a Xiaomi Mi Band and CM couldn't recognise BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) devices.
Soon the bug was fixed and CM13 was reinstalled. In general my CM experience has been pretty good although it's evident the software wasn't intended for your device. It's not a perfect fit with fewer features in the camera and some niggly bugs (it's only in beta).
The ROOT of all evil
Tiring of my epic quest for the perfect ROM and settling with CM13 was a short lived moment of harmony. I had come to terms with my banking app not working and even the camera but then the rumour leaks - UK to get Android Pay by the end of March.
It's nearly the end of March and no sign yet but it got me thinking about the future of mobile technology and more importantly what I want from a device (it's rarely used as a phone).
It's obvious they are worming their way into more and more areas of our lives and will continue to do so. Android Pay doesn't currently work with CM or rooted devices and it's a cat and mouse game to cloak, hide and workaround these barriers. What I need is a device that fits my wish list and I can run without root.
Hello Moto
So last night I decided to take the plunge and treat myself to a new device. A purer Android experience with a snazzy look, regular updates and a low price tag. My Moto X Style should arrive tomorrow and I'm hoping our relationship will not be as turbulent as it was with the G3.
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"The course of true love never did run smooth". Android isn't an OS for everyone and im glad you took the plunge into the android world after so many years with an iPhone. Hope you enjoy your Moto X and also hope your time with that phone would last for a long time.
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Shifters123 said:
"The course of true love never did run smooth". Android isn't an OS for everyone and im glad you took the plunge into the android world after so many years with an iPhone. Hope you enjoy your Moto X and also hope your time with that phone would last for a long time.
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Thanks. I do love Android. I love the freedom.
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Thanks for your honest opinions , give lightning launcher a try with minimal work it can give you a totally different looking type of interface
markthomson1404 said:
Thanks for your honest opinions , give lightning launcher a try with minimal work it can give you a totally different looking type of interface
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Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm on Google Launcher at the moment. I really like Microsoft Arrow launcher in a way but it needs more customisation options.
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Hi, although I don't hate my phone, I'm totally agree with you.
The shutdown issue... terrible thing of CM12.1 (and of stock firmware too, but less frequently).
Then you criticized the limitations of LG system, like any other. Sadly many trademarks choose to promote banal and heavy customatizations which make phone like a "closed box"... like iPhone & Family!
Personally, when I want to buy or suggest a phone, I look only for hardware specifications.
The stock firmware will be replaced asap.
I really would appreciate a Nexus with both external SD and removable battery support: the stock Android experience and an easier modding experience, without too many bootloader complications.
It's the same with me, but I'm stuck with a contract.. Have fun with your Moto!
Simone98RC said:
Hi, although I don't hate my phone, I'm totally agree with you.
The shutdown issue... terrible thing of CM12.1 (and of stock firmware too, but less frequently).
Then you criticized the limitations of LG system, like any other. Sadly many trademarks choose to promote banal and heavy customatizations which make phone like a "closed box"... like iPhone & Family!
Personally, when I want to buy or suggest a phone, I look only for hardware specifications.
The stock firmware will be replaced asap.
I really would appreciate a Nexus with both external SD and removable battery support: the stock Android experience and an easier modding experience, without too many bootloader complications.
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I was in the hardware is important camp and just wipe the software but with Android Pay launching and requiring you to be unrooted, I need the software to be as perfect as possible stock.
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RapHaeL_4_4_4_ said:
It's the same with me, but I'm stuck with a contract.. Have fun with your Moto!
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Thanks. Amazon should hopefully deliver it in a few hours so I'll report back later
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that's sad. did you try the official marshmallow stock rom?? for me its the most perfect and smoothest rom ever used in my G3. btw moto is awesome too. good luck!
superawesomeme said:
** This is just my personal thoughts and musing on my experience with my first Android phone. I doubt it's very interesting but I thought I'd share anyway and welcome others to comment and share their experiences. If you're not interested just don't read it, please don't pick holes and post snarky comments. **
Boring introduction
I've had an iPhone since the 3G went on sale and upgraded over the years to the 4 and then the 5. Apple always made beautiful hardware and software with flawless usability but at 3 years old my iPhone 5 was looking like a poor relation compared to the latest flagships and the recently launched, palm filling iPhone 6.
I had gone SIM ONLY after my iPhone 5 contract had finished and I was paying around half the amount for pretty much unlimited everything. I certainly didn't want to start another contract with hefty bills each month but there was no way I was going to shell out over £600 for a new one.
I was also getting frustrated with the limitations of the iPhone devices. Everything works perfectly but why do I need a Stocks app if I don't have any stocks? Why do I need an Apple Watch app, the new U2 album or be restricted to using iTunes for my music? (Other music apps are available but don't integrate as well into the functions of the os)
So about 12 months ago I picked up an Android magazine during a long wait in Gatwick Airport and thought I'd see what the other side was offering. I've been an amateur Linux hacker/enthusiast for a number of years so I knew from experience that the trade off in flexibility from a largely open source platform was potentially a more buggy, ugly and inconsistent user experience.
The magazine featured a review of the ZTE Blade S6. It looked just like a very cheap iPhone 6 knockoff (I now have one at work, it's cheap but it does the job) but my mind started mulling over the specs and I began to put a wishlist together in my head. Good camera, expandable storage (a massive drawback on Apple devices), large screen (so I could do away with my crappy tablet), long battery life and good looking (I didn't want a super glossy, plasticy, Samsung Galaxy or iPhone clone).
My investigations lead me to news of the LG G4 launch and a beta testing programme. The phone looked amazing, it was leather for a start, how crazy. I applied for the trial but didn't get selected. The G4 was going to set me back £500 unlocked so after reading the reviews of the G3 and finding it online for just over £200, I bought my first Android phone.
First thoughts
The package arrived and as I opened it I saw a gold and brown box (the kind of colours you expect to see on the wallpaper in an Indian restaurant). I panicked - I had ordered the white phone, I didn't want gold. Metallic plastic looks nasty (no offence if you have the gold one). Luckily it was white inside.
The pearlescent white was OK, not amazing, in fact kind of cheap looking and the logo strip on the front looked like the design had been lifted off of a 90s microwave but overall it was pleasant to hold, slim and if you didn't look too closely it looked quite sleek and modern.
I charged it up (the accessories were actually more stylish than the phone. They should promote the team who made the charger) and booted it.
WTF!!! The icons! Who thought that square icons in grubby shades of the dullest colours was remotely a good idea? The oversized status and soft key bar icons looked uncomfortable and Smart Bulletin was about as much use as a pocket on a sock.
Customisation
I lived with it for a few weeks. The weather effects were fun, I was getting used to the blinking LED and having a file manager was a whole new freedom that meant I could actually work on my phone. I installed an icon pack but still couldn't make peace with that clunky and aesthetically unpleasing UI. Time to root and sign up to XDA.
The first ROM I tried was Resurrection Remix. It had been recommended to me and it was amazing. Customisation that I dreamed of. But for some reason the phone would randomly shutdown in the middle of the night and could only be turned back on by removing the battery. I couldn't risk it. I use my phone as an alarm so I needed it to be reliable.
I discovered Cloudy and combined with XPosed I was able to get a UI that was a compromise between LG and what I wanted, although apps such as the dialer, calculator and the settings interface still bugged me.
I know they are only small things and shouldn't really bother me but your phone becomes an extension of yourself. In fact I interact more with my phone on a daily basis than I do with a lot of people, so it needs to be an enjoyable experience.
When MM was released I went back to stock and thought I could just live with the ugliness. Cloudy had shut up shop, Fulmics wasn't there just yet and I wanted MM! It was a massive trade off. For full camera functions and stability, I sacrificed my hard work fine tuning my ROM, but I got impatient fast. In fact Marshmallow has been announced months ago and no sooner had 6.0 been given to us like a late Christmas present, 6.0.1 was out for other devices.
CyanogenMod 13.0
Then I discovered the tread about CM13. I knew about CM already and knew it was the base for many of the custom ROMs I'd tried in the past but I thought installing this would give me an almost pure Android experience with regular updates and I can live without slo-mo video or the other LG features.
Initially there were bugs that meant my first attempt was short-lived and I ended up going back to stock within a few hours. I have a Xiaomi Mi Band and CM couldn't recognise BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) devices.
Soon the bug was fixed and CM13 was reinstalled. In general my CM experience has been pretty good although it's evident the software wasn't intended for your device. It's not a perfect fit with fewer features in the camera and some niggly bugs (it's only in beta).
The ROOT of all evil
Tiring of my epic quest for the perfect ROM and settling with CM13 was a short lived moment of harmony. I had come to terms with my banking app not working and even the camera but then the rumour leaks - UK to get Android Pay by the end of March.
It's nearly the end of March and no sign yet but it got me thinking about the future of mobile technology and more importantly what I want from a device (it's rarely used as a phone).
It's obvious they are worming their way into more and more areas of our lives and will continue to do so. Android Pay doesn't currently work with CM or rooted devices and it's a cat and mouse game to cloak, hide and workaround these barriers. What I need is a device that fits my wish list and I can run without root.
Hello Moto
So last night I decided to take the plunge and treat myself to a new device. A purer Android experience with a snazzy look, regular updates and a low price tag. My Moto X Style should arrive tomorrow and I'm hoping our relationship will not be as turbulent as it was with the G3.
Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
that totally sucks! I want iPhone users to see what's so great with Androids. I would actually recommend the G3 to any iPhone user trying to switch to Android. It blows you didn't have a good experience as I love the phone so much I won't upgrade because this phone is a beast. With fulmics 4.2 MM, xposed and G3 tweaksbox your phone would have been a better experience. I myself want to try an iPhone but I just can't let this phone go lol. Well I hope this bad experience didn't want to make you go back as the new G5 might change your mind :fingers-crossed:
GTRanushka said:
that's sad. did you try the official marshmallow stock rom?? for me its the most perfect and smoothest rom ever used in my G3. btw moto is awesome too. good luck!
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I tried official Marshmallow for a few weeks, the battery life was incredible and it was so smooth. I think that's what I find so frustrating, LG make some amazing tech, the specs are top notch and they don't age/slowdown as fast as others but there are so many proprietary modifications to the OS that it's put me off LG.
It's obviously just a personal preference but I just find their design aesthetic unpleasing, like a hybrid of Kit Kat (the dull colours and oversized status/nav icons) and Lollipop (material design, but poorly executed in this case).
The heavy skinning was the reason I avoided Samsung too. Again incredible hardware. These companies seem to take the same half-assed approach to UI design as Microsoft. A jumble of different styles, moving forwards with good ideas but poorly executed with remnants of the past hanging about.
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RapHaeL_4_4_4_ said:
It's the same with me, but I'm stuck with a contract.. Have fun with your Moto!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Omg it's amazing. I few things I miss from the LG...
- Power button position (I'll get used to it)
- Double tap to wake
- Wireless charging
Other than that it's practically perfect (so far)...
- The display is incredible. I'm on about 15-20% brightness and it's so vivid and clear. I had to have the LG between 50-60%.
- Snapchat video filters work, inc slow-mo, fast, reverse (these didn't work on LG)
- Moto display for alerts, you just wave your hand over the front for a power friendly notification screen.
- Pure Android experience so no ugly status bar.
- Super fast burst mode on camera (plus improved low light mode)
- Front flash
- Beautiful shape and rear texture
- Gestures such as double twist for camera mode, karate chop for flashlight, etc
This is the droid I was looking for!
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Anyone who has their doubts about this phone... I get it. Motorola is in a unique situation with their Z lineup of phones. What once started out as a phone with an unbreakable screen and flagship specs has now become a mid-range device with a breakable screen and an attractive price point. This phone is a steal on Verizon for just $10 a month on a new line. The unlocked price of $499 with the 360 camera mod is a pretty good value as well. So Motorola is pushing value with the Z4, and I'm here for it. So I bought a Z4 despite watching every YouTube review that told me to buy a Pixel 3a instead... And I'm so glad that I did. This phone is a BEAST... And I'm coming from an LG G8.. a "high-end" Android device. Don't get me wrong I loved my G8, and had no intentions of abandoning it as my daily driver. I bought the Moto Z4 for two reasons. Value & Fun. I still had a lot of my Moto Mods from my Z2 force and I missed playing emulators on my phone with the Moto Gamepad so I figured for the price, this would be a great "fun" second phone. Now it is my daily driver. The killer feature on this phone is battery life. The 3a doesn't come close, nor does my G8. I can literally go for two days without needing a charge-up, and I'm on my phone 24/7. What made me apprehensive about this phone was the Snapdragon 675 processor. I knew my performance that I'd come to love would take a hit. Especially with gaming and running so many apps... To my surprise, this "mid-range" processor has surpassed my expectations. Yes, I notice a difference coming from the G8, but I'd put it on par with the prior year's G7. The main place that you notice slow down with the mid-range processors is on System boot-up and gaming. Day to day activities like Web Browsing, GPS, Snapchat, YouTubing, etc... You won't be able to tell a difference. Going from 6 gb of ram to 4gb was never a big deal to me because no one really needs 6gb of ram on their device. The Camera on this phone is INCREDIBLY detailed and it beats my G8 for most shots. I'm assuming Pixel's 3a would probably win the camera war, but that's about it... And that's why so many reviewers were wrong about this phone. I love the backwards compatibility with all of the Moto Mods and they all fit quite nicely despite what you may read online. LTE speeds on this phone are really nice. I live in a rural area and don't always have the best 4G speeds or signal strength but the Z4 hasn't let me down. I hope to see more development grow for this device being that Bootloader Unlock and root is as simple as unlocking from Motorola's website and patching your boot image with Magisk. After unlocking and rooting, I've been hard at work pushing this "mid-range" device to its MAXIMUM and trust me when I say it flies.
And here are some random camera samples!
I second this. I was apprehensive about buying the Z4 at first, and even smack talked it a bit when I first seen the specs compared to previous Z line products. Boy was I wrong. I absolutely love this phone.
My only complaint at first was the fingerprint scanner. But simply adding the same finger twice fixed that issue.
This from the guy with the Android tattoo ??
I fully agree with you! Came from a OnePlus 6T McLaren, but missed all the fun I had with my Moto Mods the time I still had my Moto Z and Z3 Play devices. When I got the opportunity to buy a second hand Moto Z4 directly from Germany, I took the chance and bought it with the hope, it would be sufficient to me. I have had it for less than a month now and I still do not regret to have bought it! I do not miss my OnePlus 6T at all! Especially, the usage of InstaShare Projector and 360° Camera is great fun and I have not yet noticed any deficiencies regarding the "weak" mid-range processor (but I am definitely NOT a gamer).
Especially the screen is fantastic! I noticed a huge difference in comparison with the screen of Z3 Play - the Z4 screen's haptics are very much better (it is not that sensible towards input - so it is much easier to write messages free of errors). Microsoft surface stylus types support is very nice, too - for testing purposes, I bought such a cheap pen supporting the MS surface protocol and writing with this stylus really works like a charm!
The only thing I miss with this phone is Dual SIM support.
Excellent and appreciated review but if like to hear more about build quality compared to the LG devices as I was eyeing those as a possible replacement for the S5.
Unfortunately I do not have the unlocked version since I'm in a rural area but without steady work.
Edit: For the much shorter version of this read the last paragraph or two.
I've only owned a few phones
The Droid X goes without saying.
The s3 new from big red but I was able to ditch touch wiz immediately the very first night (but an excited all night with lots of reading) since development was already about six months in.
And an S5 that was one year old when I bought it for like 140 us bucks (she wanted an iPhone). After some quick searching I said yeah 140 will work with me but I detest the gold color. It's cid 15 which I determined before my purchase.
The Droid X was tough as nails I'm telling you. I got it from big red as my first smartphone I got this huge ottorbox(sp?) where I could probably drop it from a cliff onto some rock in the mountains and not hurt it. That case was way too bulky for me.
Very long story a bit shorter for me anyway. I was coming home from working late one night and was going about 60mph on a short but winding road home. But I got home and didn't have my phone, I went back to the office, not there either. I drove slowly home that night in first gear all the way looking for it and was very lucky to spot the phone in the road. I stopped right there put the flashers on as it was an emergency to me... I found the back that night and took a machete to the weeds along the road and found the battery.
Excellent. The screen was not cracked, the phone was scratched on all four corners (probably got lucky) but I put the battery back in and it fired right up no problem and without one scratch on the screen.
The Samsung's were nice too with some development still going on both (for sure my S5 is running pie). But the s3 lasted a couple years and the screen died.
My S5 has fared much better but the screen finally cracked and I'm on my second "extended" battery. I still use it when using a weed eater and the rocks are flying for tunes.
This z4 is way better {fairly heavily disabled apps and permissions with adb) and the build quality reminds me of my first smartphone.. it's made of metal and feels like a high end device should feel in the hand.
I looked at s lot of phones and weighed all my limited options. Save up for a used phone a few years old, or get the g7 power fairly cheap unlocked or get the z4 with big red again.
I'm so glad I made the investment and look forward to finding a used (hopefully) gamepad mod for emulation. Phones in general have come a long way but this device is the best choice for me now.
I'd love root and all that but I'm not missing it as much as I thought I would right now.
After my few days off research on debloating I'm happy and only recently added a new Google account for testing s few things.
I do miss my microg and Google free life I've had with the S5 but again no regrets yet.
I know this wasn't so about the z4 but hope the comparisons help..
The Galaxy's felt cheap for top tier devices compared to my original dx. And this phone brings back that quality feeling.
Edit2 Damn your UI looks more stock than mine but maybe it's the wallpaper or volume.