Getting the V20 Now (US996), still recommended? What's your opinion? - LG V20 Questions & Answers

Hi Everyone,
I'd love to hear opinions from first hand owners of the LG V20, and if you'd buy it again.
I'm pretty set on getting either th LG V20 or the Pixel XL. I'm pretty aware of the specs of both but I wanted the Pixel XL for CopperHeadOS (supposedly more secure, but they only support Google phones for the most part, Pixel XL being one of them). As for the LG V20, I like it more, specwise (bigger screen, better DACs for audio, removeable battery, expandable memory, just better all around in my opinion- where it counts... and better price), but there doesn't seem to be any super secure ROMS out there, which is why I wanted to get the Pixel despite it's price (costs about double right now), and lack of expandable memory.
Otherwise, with my own research, the V20 seems to be a decent phone.
I'm coming from an Xperia Z2, decent phone, but horrible microphone (everyone says they can't hear me), also horrible speaker phone (not loud enough, if I'm driving I can't hear anything).. those are examples of quirks about the Z2.
Any input? Any quirks/annoyances you have about the V20 (specifically for the US996 model, no bootloops hopefully?)? Any input on secure ROMS available for it? To be honest, I'm kind of weary of the whole rooted process, it probably got easier by now, but I used to root and put custom roms on my old android devices, was such a process and always had risks of bricking it etc... only ones I'm willing to hassle over for are secure ROMs (like Copperhead OS)... oh yeah, how is the LG V20 out of the box? Is it pretty decent? Or is it frustrating with the bloatware where you "have to" unlock/root/install custom firmware+rom to make it "useable"?
Thanks in advance!

Was also wondering, anyone else with a USS996 try tethering with At&t, does it work?

I went with v20 this week, the Pixel XL was my first choice... however, I picked up a refurbished Sprint compatible v20 for $299 on Amazon. Luck for me, the software version on it was old enough to unlock the bootloader with DirtySanta.
Overall I've been a fan of LG since the G2, and the v20 is my favorite LG phone so far. I'm glad I didn't spend far more on a Pixel XL. That said, if the unlock had failed, I wouldn't have been as happy.

ssnova said:
Was also wondering, anyone else with a USS996 try tethering with At&t, does it work?
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Click to collapse
Just tried blue tooth and wifi tethering on my LG-US996 on AT&T worked fine for me. Connected my ipad pro in both modes to it no problems.
---------- Post added at 03:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:16 PM ----------
As for your other questions. Just got mine today and have been messing with it so take what I say with a grain of salt cause I've only had one day to play with it. I moved from a ZTE Axon 7 which kept having poor connection issues for me.
No issues so far with boot looping on my LGV20 US996. The power/unlock/lock button being the finger print scanner threw me off of a bit as I kept searching for it but its actually kind of nice where it is. The second smaller screen is great (not sure why many reviews called it a gimmick, I really like being able to see the message of texts etc while reading on reddit or something). The charger that comes with it feels a bit slow but I also have a pixel charger that I use with my Switch which seems to work fine with the v20.
The unlocked version which i got off amazon (which reading the reviews seems to be a gamble which one you get) but the version I got is unbranded and had no carrier bloatware. It did come with a few such as Evernote, Facebook, Instagram, and a few other LG apps. No real complaints on bloat tbh, its not as clean as say stock android but its nowhere near as bad as a branded samsung (Though your mileage may vary if you end up with a carrier version of the phone O_O).
Haven't tried any rooting or installation of any custom ROMS I don't think I will this time around either as the phone seems to be fine with out it. I did however install Nova Launcher and downloaded the apk for Google Now integration so now the launcher feels almost like Google's but better.
Let me know if you have any other questions, I'm pretty happy with my purchase would likely make it again but again I've only had a day with it so far.

I just got mine as well on July 25th, Coming from the droid turbo the sound fried on that phone couldn't make calls or listen to music. As for this phone it runs great only issue I'm finding is being that it is unlocked and can use on any carrier I'm finding I can't update the phone says phone is not registered I wrote LG to find out why and I have not heard back yet,if I'm not mistaking there is a 7.1 now or maybe even higher, I don't know if I should root and take a chance on it, I'm starting to use android pay and I like it if I go for rooting I won't be able to use it but some say you can tweaking this and that so it will work. I don't know and as for Roms, I don't know what is here yet for the V20....

Same I haven't been able to receive an update either, will you please post back when you find out?
Also after a day of use the one thing I do suggest is the moment you get your phone turned on go and disable "Mobile Service Manager" if you got the US Cellular unlocked version this is the the app that carrier used to push bloatware, at least it doesn't come pre installed.

Hey thanks a lot for the feedback Srenyti! Did the tethering/hotspot work out of the box? Did you have to play with any APN settings or anything? How's it call quality on it?
Good to hear that it seems to be decent out of the box, I was getting tired of fooling around with android phones to get it to work "right". Only downside is getting security updates for the phone in the future....
Someone mentioned earlier about getting an older firmware, do they not all unlock if you wanted to go custom?
Srenyti said:
Just tried blue tooth and wifi tethering on my LG-US996 on AT&T worked fine for me. Connected my ipad pro in both modes to it no problems.
---------- Post added at 03:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:16 PM ----------
As for your other questions. Just got mine today and have been messing with it so take what I say with a grain of salt cause I've only had one day to play with it. I moved from a ZTE Axon 7 which kept having poor connection issues for me.
No issues so far with boot looping on my LGV20 US996. The power/unlock/lock button being the finger print scanner threw me off of a bit as I kept searching for it but its actually kind of nice where it is. The second smaller screen is great (not sure why many reviews called it a gimmick, I really like being able to see the message of texts etc while reading on reddit or something). The charger that comes with it feels a bit slow but I also have a pixel charger that I use with my Switch which seems to work fine with the v20.
The unlocked version which i got off amazon (which reading the reviews seems to be a gamble which one you get) but the version I got is unbranded and had no carrier bloatware. It did come with a few such as Evernote, Facebook, Instagram, and a few other LG apps. No real complaints on bloat tbh, its not as clean as say stock android but its nowhere near as bad as a branded samsung (Though your mileage may vary if you end up with a carrier version of the phone O_O).
Haven't tried any rooting or installation of any custom ROMS I don't think I will this time around either as the phone seems to be fine with out it. I did however install Nova Launcher and downloaded the apk for Google Now integration so now the launcher feels almost like Google's but better.
Let me know if you have any other questions, I'm pretty happy with my purchase would likely make it again but again I've only had a day with it so far.
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Tethering/hotspotting worked for me directly out of the box on AT&T also did not have to make any APN setting changes. I just put in the sim, turned it on and it found everything fine. I did double check and it found AT&Ts APN just fine. I have network mode set as global and tried to test out between global vs late/gsm directly but didn't really seem to make a difference.
Call qaulity seems pretty good to me, it's more crisp and clear than my axon 7 which is the only one I've used in recent memory.
As for finding old firmware I believe that would depend on the firmware package you find. If it's straight carrier OEM version it may not be unlocked (unsure about this as anytime I've ever bothered to get a custom rom it's never been carrier firmware). Custom ROMs are always unlocked in my experience.
Yeah security updates are def lacking. And bloatware is fine as long as you disable that app I mentioned before it gets a chance to do anything.
When setting up the phone yesterday it didn't feel as snappy as it does now, so expect some settling in time for the phone it seems.

I don't want to complicate things too much, but Woot has the Pixel 5" 128 on sale for $429:
https://sellout.woot.com/offers/goo...?ref=eml_w_nd_4_img&ref_=pe_3185080_248419990

Jawbox said:
I don't want to complicate things too much, but Woot has the Pixel 5" 128 on sale for $429:
https://sellout.woot.com/offers/goo...?ref=eml_w_nd_4_img&ref_=pe_3185080_248419990
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Click to collapse
Verizon version, most likely locked bootloader .

I bought a vs995 coming from a moto x pure 2015. My moto had such diminished battery life I could not make it a full day without charging 3 times if I used the phone at all... It was good for maybe 2 long phone calls... I wanted a phone I could replace the battery on if I wanted atm I believe this is the newest one to still have the feature.

tstack77 said:
Verizon version, most likely locked bootloader .
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I'd want to stay away from the Verizon version. I thought I'd take any unlocked Pixel XL, to one day load CopperheadOS on there, but turns out they only release roms for the older Nexus phones and you have to buy a Pixel XL directly from them (like $1100 or so), I'd still consider it, but all in all I'll probably pass on that phone(Pixel XL) for right now, kind of expensive for me now.

Related

And They Wonder Why G4 Sales Suck...

LG says no plans for G4 Android 5.1.1 update at the moment
Are we going directly to Android M? When I had my G3 we had the same issue, no 5.1.1
Given all of the issues with Lollipop, this may be a blessing in disguise but
the negative publicity from this may further impact the already poor sales.
Actually
I am eager to buy a new phone. I do have the cash. I do not like Touchwiz, and no SD Card is a no go. So no S6.
The Nexus 6 is way to big and no SD Card. HTC M9... oh well.
So, the LG G4 is the only option. Why am I not holding this phone in my hands?
It is available for nearly a month now (give or take depending where you live) and no root method available, without LGs unlock code. ....No bootloader unlock. No XPOSED because of that, and no CM Mod or anything even possible because of that.
Coming from a Nexus which I love (despite the camera, the battery, the missing SD Card and the terrible GPS) I am not willing to buy a piece of expensive phone which is not mine.
So maybe, just maybe that is a reason why sales are not that great...
There are other reasons I am fully aware, but this is the deal breaker for me...
By the way: I visit here daily. I can not really tell where we are in terms of a unlocked bootloader and easy root method? Anyone here that could sum it up?
fpsq said:
I am eager to buy a new phone. I do have the cash. I do not like Touchwiz, and no SD Card is a no go. So no S6.
The Nexus 6 is way to big and no SD Card. HTC M9... oh well.
So, the LG G4 is the only option. Why am I not holding this phone in my hands?
It is available for nearly a month now (give or take depending where you live) and no root method available, without LGs unlock code. ....No bootloader unlock. No XPOSED because of that, and no CM Mod or anything even possible because of that.
Coming from a Nexus which I love (despite the camera, the battery, the missing SD Card and the terrible GPS) I am not willing to buy a piece of expensive phone which is not mine.
So maybe, just maybe that is a reason why sales are not that great...
There are other reasons I am fully aware, but this is the deal breaker for me...
By the way: I visit here daily. I can not really tell where we are in terms of a unlocked bootloader and easy root method? Anyone here that could sum it up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are no where unless someone's keeping it hush hush. I check daily too.
The xda and tweak people are just s handfull of users ... Most buyers are regular and they don't even know xda .... If you want a phone that get every update then buy a Google phone, or a iphone. If you want a unlocked bootloader now then buy a Samsung. If you don't want those phones , then stop whining and buy a G4 or any other phone with Android on it instead of complaining. Sales are not depending on if a bootloader is unlocked or not !
Verstuurd vanaf mijn LG-H815 met Tapatalk
fpsq said:
I am eager to buy a new phone. I do have the cash. I do not like Touchwiz, and no SD Card is a no go. So no S6.
The Nexus 6 is way to big and no SD Card. HTC M9... oh well.
So, the LG G4 is the only option. Why am I not holding this phone in my hands?
It is available for nearly a month now (give or take depending where you live) and no root method available, without LGs unlock code. ....No bootloader unlock. No XPOSED because of that, and no CM Mod or anything even possible because of that.
Coming from a Nexus which I love (despite the camera, the battery, the missing SD Card and the terrible GPS) I am not willing to buy a piece of expensive phone which is not mine.
So maybe, just maybe that is a reason why sales are not that great...
There are other reasons I am fully aware, but this is the deal breaker for me...
By the way: I visit here daily. I can not really tell where we are in terms of a unlocked bootloader and easy root method? Anyone here that could sum it up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is it essential for you to have an unlocked bootloader and root? I don't understand why its a dealbreaker - obviously you buy a phone based on its spec and features and no phone comes with 'unlocked bootloader' and 'root' as features.
XPosed is a heaving pile of **** which is buggy and unstable even at the best of times and if you start installing custom ROM's you start losing features.
I and plenty others bought this phone as it meets what we were looking at at the time. Root would be a bonus, but even then two weeks in I still can't think of anything I need root or a custom ROM for...
dontpannic said:
... but even then two weeks in I still can't think of anything I need root or a custom ROM for...
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Really? [emoji58]
Sent from my G4 whilst wishing for root
dontpannic said:
but even then two weeks in I still can't think of anything I need root or a custom ROM for...
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Ads. Mothereffin' ads everywhere. In apps, in web pages, on YouTube. Blocking ads alone is worth gold.
Alright, ads is a good one. Not a lot else though to be fair!
dontpannic said:
Alright, ads is a good one. Not a lot else though to be fair!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really?
GravityBox is a HUGE one. It controls the look and behavior of everything on your phone.
Downloads2SD for remapping hardcoded folders like Downloads from internal storage to the SD card.
DisableFlagSecure for taking screenshots in apps that forbid it.
XHangouts for configuring image quality and other things in Hangouts.
NotifyClean for suppressing annoying system notifications that cannot normally be disabled.
The list can go on, I'm sure others use a lot more than this.
I am also missing a few features that I can only use with root. AdAway, AirAudio to stream my sound to other devices, etc...
siraltus said:
Really?
GravityBox is a HUGE one. It controls the look and behavior of everything on your phone.
Downloads2SD for remapping hardcoded folders like Downloads from internal storage to the SD card.
DisableFlagSecure for taking screenshots in apps that forbid it.
XHangouts for configuring image quality and other things in Hangouts.
NotifyClean for suppressing annoying system notifications that cannot normally be disabled.
The list can go on, I'm sure others use a lot more than this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyones usage is different remember - I just want to use a phone and from previous experience with my S4 introducing xposed to it turned it into a buggy mess, I don't want that happening to this phone.
dontpannic said:
Why is it essential for you to have an unlocked bootloader and root? I don't understand why its a dealbreaker - obviously you buy a phone based on its spec and features and no phone comes with 'unlocked bootloader' and 'root' as features.
XPosed is a heaving pile of **** which is buggy and unstable even at the best of times and if you start installing custom ROM's you start losing features.
I and plenty others bought this phone as it meets what we were looking at at the time. Root would be a bonus, but even then two weeks in I still can't think of anything I need root or a custom ROM for...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
99% agree with you there. I got this device for the ability it has without any root/unlock. Fully agree that Xposed has never done anything good for me in my experiences...usually end up having bugs and ending up factory resetting rom I'm on.
Also confused as to why people expect that the G4 would already be unlocked or rooted. This device has been out for just over 3 weeks, fellas. Sure, there are other manufacturers (HTC which I LOVE save for their inability to understand that a good camera is a requirement in 2015) that are able to be unlocked like 30 seconds after you open the box. LG is NOT that way. The G3 was a pain in the butt last year for this from what I understand and this device is running a newer processor and supposedly more secure version of android.
In the end, I would like to have root, so I can get rid of the T-Mobile stuff...and yeah, while I can DISABLE it, that doesn't get rid of it, it's just lying dormant...I still have a disabled app taking up space on my device.
siraltus said:
Ads. Mothereffin' ads everywhere. In apps, in web pages, on YouTube. Blocking ads alone is worth gold.
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Click to collapse
Yes this times 1000. Plus getting rid of bloat (although the LG does not have nearly as much as my Samsung devices had) plus I really want to be able to use Titanium Backup again.
Also...Not sure why everyone is so set on being on the latest version of Android at all times. I learned my lesson on that the hard way. Last device I was on was the Note 4. We were extremely irritated that we were getting Lollipop so late compared to all the other Sammy devices. Boy was I wrong to wish for it. It came with more bugs than new features, most of which made the device nearly unusable to me, resulting in my spending $280 to get the device half paid off so I could JUMP to the G4.
Rather than rolling out a new version of Android, I'm sure many users would prefer that LG work on the number of bugs that some users have experienced thusfar. That being said, 5.1 seems to be doing me pretty well for this device for me
A free wifi tethering method would be nice to have again.
I don't see the link between 5.1.1 and bad sales. If someone refused to get G4 because they won't update it to 5.1.1, I find this hilarious. 5.1.1 is a maintenance update, nothing major as I am aware, so LG can include the most important fixes from the latest available android version through OTA update, and there is no need to show you the latest android build number. 5.1 can include everything 5.1.1 got.
dontpannic said:
Why is it essential for you to have an unlocked bootloader and root? I don't understand why its a dealbreaker - obviously you buy a phone based on its spec and features and no phone comes with 'unlocked bootloader' and 'root' as features.
XPosed is a heaving pile of **** which is buggy and unstable even at the best of times and if you start installing custom ROM's you start losing features.
I and plenty others bought this phone as it meets what we were looking at at the time. Root would be a bonus, but even then two weeks in I still can't think of anything I need root or a custom ROM for...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you even used Xposed recently? Root itself is fantastic, and does not harm usability. You can use apps like Greenify and Titanium Backup to remove apps and improve battery life, modify the tethering provisioning check to use the hotspot, etc. I also use Xposed on 5.1.1 and on 5.0, 4.4, etc., and I don't have any issues at all. the 10+ modules I use never have problems.
I'm keeping my rooted G3 until we can root the G4, as I need root in some form or another.
dontpannic said:
Alright, ads is a good one. Not a lot else though to be fair!
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Click to collapse
The phone is is great all on its own but I am looking forward to no ads and a tweaked Rom to hopefully get rid of the awful lagging and missed touch issues
Give the devs time. There's a lot of money pledged in the bounty board which should attract some top devs, so short of JesusFreke coming out of retirement I doubt it'll be in the next month.
Actually revisited
fpsq said:
By the way: I visit here daily. I can not really tell where we are in terms of a unlocked bootloader and easy root method? Anyone here that could sum it up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you purchase the open EUR H815 handset, you can officially unlock the bootloader through LG's Dev website, and from there install TWPR and flash SuperSU for root.
This method is not (yet?) available to other models, however.
You're correct that there are currently no unofficial methods to unlock the bootloader or root the device, yet.

H820 OTA Update Aug 18

E: The Unsolicited OTA Update, or Why I'm Leaving This Phone. See post 3 for details.
I got a notice that there is an update for at least the ATT 820 variant of the G5 today. I'm not going to flash it until someone else does or we have a changelog, I dont want to ruin any potential root capabilities we might be looking into at the moment. Does anyone have any information on it? Guessing it's an attempt to close up some of the QuadRooter vulnerabilities, but that's just a guess.
Any info here?
E: Contacted both LG and ATT. Supposedly it's just to enable wifi calling and nothing else, but they didn't offer a changelog or anything so I'm not going to flash it as I don't care about that functionality.
I updated for the hell of it.
3 out of 4 vulnerabilities have been patched. Along with this, I've immediately noticed they added the normal launcher with app drawer. Much nicer.
Figured I'd take one for the team on this one...so if you want root, I'd suggest blocking this update as long as possible.
Update time. So, I didn't initiate the update. I didn't want to install it at all. I look down at my phone this afternoon and it says update on progress... Nice. OK, fine whatever.
Now there's a persistent notification in the pull-down whenever you don't have mobile data enabled. And you can't get rid of it unless you turn on mobile data.
Sorry, but **** this. I'm getting rid of the phone. This is ridiculous.
Screenshot attached. Returning the phone and probably just going to get another G3 that I "upgraded" from. Pity, I liked this phone, lots of potential but I can't handle no root, bootloader lock, ads, ads, ads, ads, and persistent notifications. I just honestly don't see how anyone can handle a phone without root and adblock these days. I also can't understand how if a consumer spends $600+ for a device that they cannot do whatever they wish to it. Brick it, throw it in the ocean, root it. Imagine if computers all came with a locked administrator account. Absurd.
Lol i will never root my device, last time i did, i ****ed it up, so i am happy with my stock lg g5, i will never root anyphone
I'm also not digging the H82011K OTA as it rendered my favorite data saving app unusable.
I was very happy with my rooted/rom'ed G3 until a bad CM13 nightly fried the motherboard. Now I've been suffering the life of G5 over a month and while it's not terrible (Adguard helps) it's just not the same. I'd still like to repair that G3 someday if I ever get the time/ patience to get around to it...
Nowadays people don't root often your phones because the software is getting better. If this is your first priority, you should get something like the Oneplus 3.
jreed3786 said:
3 out of 4 vulnerabilities have been patched. Along with this, I've immediately noticed they added the normal launcher with app drawer. Much nicer.
Figured I'd take one for the team on this one...so if you want root, I'd suggest blocking this update as long as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mrhizzo said:
Nowadays people don't root often your phones because the software is getting better. If this is your first priority, you should get something like the Oneplus 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really wondering which oem (and when ?) will jump first on kernel_version 4.x with possible "Live Patching"...
oF2pks said:
Really wondering which oem (and when ?) will jump first on kernel_version 4.x with possible "Live Patching"...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as "Live Patching" is concerned, I hope none of them do - ever. If I wanted my devices hijacked and tampered with behind my back I'd use Windows 10. This sounds bad for freedom within the Android community (why many chose it over iOS in the first place).
PHYCLOPSH said:
I'm also not digging the H82011K OTA as it rendered my favorite data saving app unusable.
I was very happy with my rooted/rom'ed G3 until a bad CM13 nightly fried the motherboard. Now I've been suffering the life of G5 over a month and while it's not terrible (Adguard helps) it's just not the same. I'd still like to repair that G3 someday if I ever get the time/ patience to get around to it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shouldn't take more than a half hour. I replaced the broken screen and digitizer on my G3 after I dropped it on its face. Pretty easy really, the hardest part of getting the screen off was just getting the adhesive separated from the screen > body. Not bad at all. The board would be easier, it comes out as a piece.
Reason I downgraded to a G5 from my G3 is because even though the replacement screen was LG branded, it still had quirks... I'd be typing something and suddenly "This is a sentence I'm typinng aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"
Super annoying. But honestly, not as annoying as the newest G5 update + ads ads ads ads...

New stock A2017U best way from here?

Picked up the $330 deal from Newegg Ebay. The phone is charged and unmodded / not updated. The software it came with is A2017UV1.0.0B27. There is an update pending but I've not applied it yet. I'm well versed with ADB and fastboot coming from a long line of Nexus phones that I always root...
There seems to be lots of ways forward from here but I'd like to see what people recommend. It appears that an unlocked bootloader will make it so future updates cannot be applied. I've always unlocked in the past but I hope to get wifi calling (T-Mobile) in future updates (from what I understand that's on the way but not out yet?). If a non-stock rom allows wifi calling I'd be game for that as I typically am not a fan of how companies bloat the standard android rom.
Main things I want:
TWRP
(seamless?) root (primarily for AdAway and TiBackup)
Band 12
Wifi calling
Remove any potential ZTE spyware
What do you think? Unlock the bootloader and forget future ZTE updates? Keep it locked?
Thanks!
OTA updates work just fine with an unlocked bootloader. They do not however work if the system or recovery has been modified.
I ran stock for a few weeks. Recently switched to resurrection remix. It adds a lot of additional configuration ability. Most of the settings that were/are available in gravity box. GB is no longer possible until xposed is redeveloped for 7.
I'd say unlock the bootloader first, then either try stock or one of the aosp roms. Been on RR for just two days now, first impressions include bettery battery life and faster UI interaction.
gpz1100 said:
OTA updates work just fine with an unlocked bootloader. They do not however work if the system or recovery has been modified.
I ran stock for a few weeks. Recently switched to resurrection remix. It adds a lot of additional configuration ability. Most of the settings that were/are available in gravity box. GB is no longer possible until xposed is redeveloped for 7.
I'd say unlock the bootloader first, then either try stock or one of the aosp roms. Been on RR for just two days now, first impressions include bettery battery life and faster UI interaction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh... understood. Seamless is the way to go for future updates then. I'll unlock and take that route. Thanks much!
Lost Dog said:
Ahh... understood. Seamless is the way to go for future updates then. I'll unlock and take that route. Thanks much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My personal experience with Lineage (never tried RR, but I guess it's close to lineage) is overall disappointment. Half of the apps I tried didn't work, especially some 3D games. The stock camera app is unbearably bad IMO, from comparisons I decided to make I hate the overall quality of the photos... ZTE's system is not even close to full of bloatware. The only added out of the box apps are WPS Office which comes in handy, AccuWeather which is kinda questionable, true; ZTE Cares which mostly tells you to reboot your phone if you have a problem (1.14 mb, never open), this WeShare thing that you can ignore completely, and the stock music, browser, etc and Gapps. Even the calculator and some kinda useful apps are all packed on one app, and you can add shortcuts... Can't really say I've seen less bloated phones in the market...
TWRP and root are completely fine on Stock
no idea about band 12
ZTE spyware... The only thing I heard about was the location provider on A2017G which is being changed on the next update. We had Qualcomm IZat (Korea) and we got changed to Tencent (China) so that's kind of a spyware. but you can uninstall that with root
and I understand people who say that the stock ROM is ugly. Just use a launcher.
the only real advantage that I can see is the possibility to use Substratum with a pitch black theme. I could get near to 2 days battery with that stuff.
^^How recently have you tried it?
I'll be out and about tomorrow so will get a chance to play with the camera to see how well it does in RR. I got both the google camera and aosp camera apps installed. We'll see how good/bad the pics come out. I don't expect dslr results out of a cell phone camera anyway so camera quality isn't at the top of the list for me.
Same with games. Can't remember the last one I played on a phone. Most of my use is email/web/navi/voip. Long battery life is at the top of my list. With typical usage, I could go 2 days between charges and still have ~40% remaining. If I get 3 days now with RR with similar usage/sot, I'll be happy camper. Not to mention, the phone is more responsive.
Stock isn't bad until you've tried something else, then you get a feel for how heavy the ui is.
Band 12 is supported on both tmo and att as far as i know. I know i've seen it a few times on att.
Does anyone have an alternative link to the files in this post:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/wip-axon-7-root-bootloader-unlokced-t3441204
Dev-Host either throws out a ton of spam links or just stalls on the download.
Alright!
I'm on 7.1.1 with backed up stock bootloader and recovery. Rooted with a modified version of Magisk and passing the safetynet check.
So far, signal strength seems good and the addition of wifi calling is fantastic....
I don't have T-Mobile, but I believe the latest update, v. 7.1.1 B19 includes WiFi calling.
ETA: Oops. I guess that's what I get for getting distracted and posting a response an hour after I started it.

New to me US997 LG G6 incoming, how to set it up?

Hey everyone, my Nexus 6P finally bit the dust and I decided to replace it with an LG G6. I chose the G6 for the size, the (reportedly) good camera, the headphone jack, and the price - $230 used. I paid a few $$ extra to get the US unlocked version. I really wanted a Pixel 2 XL but couldn't justify the price, even currently on sale for $650. I'll be running this phone on T-Mobile here in the US.
It seems there are lots of opinions on this phone and also lots of tips, tricks, and tweaks to make it a better overall experience. So I have three questions for you all:
1) This is my first used phone purchase. What should I do to ensure everything is wiped clean for any potential privacy and performance concerns? What should I look for to ensure everything about this phone is 'legit'? I bought it from a reputable eBay seller, so I'm not too concerned, but I feel that any efforts put in here would be worthwhile.
2) Can I flash stock Android 8.0/8.1 since I have the unlocked version? Is this recommended? I'm coming from two Nexus phones so I'm worried I'm going to miss pure Android. However, I'm mostly concerned with a stable phone with good performance over my comfortable user interface so if things run better on LG's version of Android 7 I'll stick with that.
3) Tips on photos? I'm an amateur photographer and so I like getting the best possible photos (not selfies) out of my phones too.
Thanks!
Smitty
Unlock bootloader, flash Lineage OS 15.1. (follow tutorial, be careful doing all that, it's trickier on US997 model, but can be done)
Install Cstark Google Camera (produces best photo quality), there's also one for wide angle.
https://g6-community.rosti.no/downloads/
u.of.ipod said:
Hey everyone, my Nexus 6P finally bit the dust and I decided to replace it with an LG G6. I chose the G6 for the size, the (reportedly) good camera, the headphone jack, and the price - $230 used. I paid a few $$ extra to get the US unlocked version. I really wanted a Pixel 2 XL but couldn't justify the price, even currently on sale for $650. I'll be running this phone on T-Mobile here in the US.
It seems there are lots of opinions on this phone and also lots of tips, tricks, and tweaks to make it a better overall experience. So I have three questions for you all:
1) This is my first used phone purchase. What should I do to ensure everything is wiped clean for any potential privacy and performance concerns? What should I look for to ensure everything about this phone is 'legit'? I bought it from a reputable eBay seller, so I'm not too concerned, but I feel that any efforts put in here would be worthwhile.
2) Can I flash stock Android 8.0/8.1 since I have the unlocked version? Is this recommended? I'm coming from two Nexus phones so I'm worried I'm going to miss pure Android. However, I'm mostly concerned with a stable phone with good performance over my comfortable user interface so if things run better on LG's version of Android 7 I'll stick with that.
3) Tips on photos? I'm an amateur photographer and so I like getting the best possible photos (not selfies) out of my phones too.
Thanks!
Smitty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just switched from my Nexus 6P to the US997 also, although my Nexus always functioned fine.
First off, forget camera quality if you want to use anything but a stock (stock as in LG's version of stock) based ROM. This problem goes back the the G3, LG's stock roms use proprietary software to utilize the camera to it's fullest capability, which we don't have with community built roms. I prefer stock android also, but Nova launcher gets it close enough to where I don't really think about it unless I'm in the settings menu or quick settings pulldown or something.
As far as privacy, likely it will be freshly factory reset when you get it, but you could always flash the stock firmware with LGUP, this should overwrite the whole Rom if I'm not mistaken. I did this on mine.
Did you buy auction or buy it now? Lots of buy it now sellers on ebay sell "refurbished" (as in they refurbish it, not LG) phones. I've bought phones from ebay and some had imei labels that were obviously printed from someones computer, or labels that were peeled off and taken from another phone. Not saying it won't function correctly, but it's possible you might not have waterproof still if someone took it apart.

Favorite xt1765 ROM and why

I am just wondering what you guys(or girls) favourite custom ROMs are for the Perry xt1765 and why?
Or do you prefer stock and why?
I'm currently running Resurrection Remix and I do really like the look and all the customization and the smooth and snappiness of the ROM overall, but I made several mistakes during the install and can't get it unencrypted.
So I was planning on reinstalling RR but the only other ROM I've used is the stock ROM.
So basically, I'm wondering if there's something better for me or more my style.
I just don't have the time or patience to read the info about all the ROMs and install them for a few days to test them out.
Once again, when giving your opinion, please go into detail about WHY you like that ROM so much.
Thanks in advance
:good::fingers-crossed:
AesopRock127 said:
Hi I'm not sure if this should be in the questions and answers section or this section. Since it's a discussion, and this section had the word discussion in it, I am assuming this is the correct section....
Basically, I am just wondering what you guys(or girls) favourite custom ROMs are for the Perry xt1765 and why?
Or do you prefer stock and why?
I'm currently running Resurrection Remix and I do really like the look and all the customization and the smooth and snappiness of the ROM overall, but I made several mistakes during the install and can't get it unencrypted.
So I was planning on reinstalling RR but the only other ROM I've used is the stock ROM.
So basically, I'm wondering if there's something better for me or more my style.
I just don't have the time or patience to read the info about all the ROMs and install them for a few days to test them out.
Once again, when giving your opinion, please go into detail about WHY you like that ROM so much.
Thanks in advance
:good::fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My preference for virtually every Android gizmo that I own/owned (dozens) is stock, xposed framework (if supported), and a few essential modules. Why be that you may ask? First - I only nab devices that have near AOSP stock rom or a well established stand-in. An unlockable bootloader is absolute table stakes; have no interest in fighting with vendor imposed restrictions. Then there's stability and functionality. Typically everything just works with stock. I'm not into perpetual beta testing everyday commodities. Life is too short to be doinking around with ROM idiosyncrasies and developers who are unable (or insufficiently skilled) to adapt generic ROMs for specific hardware. Might sound crass but reflects pragmatic priorities and limited discretionary time. I prefer to use my gizmos, not manage them.
tl;dr: pick your poison wisely.
Davey126 said:
I prefer to use by gizmos, not manage them.
tl;dr: pick your poison wisely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wise words my friend.
Davey126 said:
My preference for virtually every Android gizmo that I own/owned (dozens) is stock, xposed framework (if supported), and a few essential modules.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, thanks for your thorough and well thought answer. I actually know this about you from browsing other threads. Secondly, I'm curious what you consider to be essential Xposed modules? I have Xposed installed but find it hard to pick through and find the gems in the largely useless (to me at least) download section. Been experimenting with different custom rooms and while I still really like the RR one, I'm starting to feel like I may be happier in stock as well, maybe just a debloated one. So although I didn't intend this with my OP, I'm interested what you or anyone considers to be essential modules on Xposed or even Magisk. Thanks for your opinion
Sent from my Motorola XT1765 using XDA Labs
AesopRock127 said:
First off, thanks for your thorough and well thought answer. I actually know this about you from browsing other threads. Secondly, I'm curious what you consider to be essential Xposed modules? I have Xposed installed but find it hard to pick through and find the gems in the largely useless (to me at least) download section. Been experimenting with different custom rooms and while I still really like the RR one, I'm starting to feel like I may be happier in stock as well, maybe just a debloated one. So although I didn't intend this with my OP, I'm interested what you or anyone considers to be essential modules on Xposed or even Magisk. Thanks for your opinion
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like to keep things simple and functional; reliability is a top priority. I also demand full control over my gizmo's while rarely using those capabilities. Could care less about theming and other eye candy.
My essentials:
- AOSP based ROM
- TWRP
- Root manager (SuperSU or Magisk)
- Kernel manager (typically EX)
- Nova launcher
- Xposed framework w/gravitybox and edge
- Greenify w/xposed (used sparingly)
- SD Maid
- Adguard
Of course I have dozens of high quality apps that are universal along with a handful that are device specific. The only Magisk modules I use are those that are absolutely necessary for device compatibility. I do use other Xposed modules (eg: Wifi password; OwnOrientation) but typically only where needed.
Davey126 said:
I like to keep things simple and functional; reliability is a top priority. I also demand full control over my gizmo's while rarely using those capabilities. Could care less about theming and other eye candy.
My essentials:
- AOSP based ROM
- TWRP
- Root manager (SuperSU or Magisk)
- Kernel manager (typically EX)
- Nova launcher
- Xposed framework w/gravitybox and edge
- Greenify w/xposed (used sparingly)
- SD Maid
- Adguard
Of course I have dozens of high quality apps that are universal along with a handful that are device specific. The only Magisk modules I use are those that are absolutely necessary for device compatibility. I do use other Xposed modules (eg: Wifi password; OwnOrientation) but typically only where needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I see the benefit of this.
I'm starting to agree more and more.
You get the stabability of the stock rom with the customization of a custom rom with gravitybox.
I personally dislike most pie and edge type apps and my preferred launcher is adw EX but besides that I can really see your point.
Sent from my Motorola XT1765 using XDA Labs
AesopRock127 said:
I am just wondering what you guys(or girls) favourite custom ROMs are for the Perry xt1765 and why?
Or do you prefer stock and why?
I'm currently running Resurrection Remix and I do really like the look and all the customization and the smooth and snappiness of the ROM overall, but I made several mistakes during the install and can't get it unencrypted.
So I was planning on reinstalling RR but the only other ROM I've used is the stock ROM.
So basically, I'm wondering if there's something better for me or more my style.
I just don't have the time or patience to read the info about all the ROMs and install them for a few days to test them out.
Once again, when giving your opinion, please go into detail about WHY you like that ROM so much.
Thanks in advance
:good::fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, none of the nougat roms are great.
Lineage, Dot, RR all suffer from serious SD failures and crashes because of the USB bug when you plug it into the computer.
All the nougat roms, including stock, have a real serious problem with calls and texts coming through. I've tried ALL the roms and even made the XT1765 stock rom, and my phone just will not ring every time someone calls it. It goes into a weird sleep and just won't shake itself out unless i make a call/text.
Hold out for Oreo.
Articul8Madness said:
Honestly, none of the nougat roms are great.
Lineage, Dot, RR all suffer from serious SD failures and crashes because of the USB bug when you plug it into the computer.
All the nougat roms, including stock, have a real serious problem with calls and texts coming through. I've tried ALL the roms and even made the XT1765 stock rom, and my phone just will not ring every time someone calls it. It goes into a weird sleep and just won't shake itself out unless i make a call/text.
Hold out for Oreo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not noticed any of these issues on stock or RR except for out of state texts seem slow.... Take awhile to come in. Besides that though I do have to agree N is nothing special
Sent from my Motorola XT1765 using XDA Labs
Articul8Madness said:
Honestly, none of the nougat roms are great.
Lineage, Dot, RR all suffer from serious SD failures and crashes because of the USB bug when you plug it into the computer.
All the nougat roms, including stock, have a real serious problem with calls and texts coming through. I've tried ALL the roms and even made the XT1765 stock rom, and my phone just will not ring every time someone calls it. It goes into a weird sleep and just won't shake itself out unless i make a call/text.
Hold out for Oreo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have two E4s in the family associated with Verizon. One totally stock; not rooted/unlocked; routinely takes OTAs. Other is BL unlocked, rooted, running stock 7.1 ROM from late 2017. Neither exhibit the symptoms you describe. Actually, quite the opposite. Rock solid performers.
Why would you think Oreo is going to solve your problems which are likely the result of heavy tinkering and incomplete restoration attempts?
AesopRock127 said:
I have not noticed any of these issues on stock or RR except for out of state texts seem slow.... Take awhile to come in. Besides that though I do have to agree N is nothing special
Sent from my Motorola XT1765 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you plug the phone into the computer via USB, you have to fight to get it to accept if you're doing transfers. While you can drag and drop files to your device via PC, you cannot delete anything on the phone via PC or transfer anything from device to PC. That is a SERIOUS BUG that creates the hassle of taking the battery out to retrieve the SD card to put it into a SD adapter and into the slot if your pc has it. Not a dealbreaker, but terribly inconvenient on the model since you have to take the battery out every time.
---------- Post added at 03:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:57 PM ----------
Davey126 said:
Have two E4s in the family associated with Verizon. One totally stock; not rooted/unlocked; routinely takes OTAs. Other is BL unlocked, rooted, running stock 7.1 ROM from late 2017. Neither exhibit the symptoms you describe. Actually, quite the opposite. Rock solid performers.
Why would you think Oreo is going to solve your problems which are likely the result of heavy tinkering and incomplete restoration attempts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have 2 E4s in the family associated with MetroPCS. Now we're over to TMobile, devices are unlocked straight from Metro. Both are rooted/bootloader unlocked. Only one took that March OTA (the significant other's) and it was a ***** undoing the damage on their phone that caused with the root.
Since I unlocked the bootloaders on these variants, stock or custom OS we miss phone calls. It does weird things where text messages will not come in unless you send one out first. It also will not ring once its sleep for so long; I literally have to make a phone call and "activate it" to get it ringing. Many people over the last 2-3 months keep telling me they've called and it DOESN'T RING on their end. I've also called folks and heard no ringing.
You CANNOT compare the Verizon variant to any other since you can't do squat with it but maybe root. Also, verizon always seem to have the better phones that hold up NO MATTER WHAT. Hard price to pay when you can't really do nothing with it.
Metro's variant has been a pain in the ass since day 1. And from what I've seen on here so have the Sprint ones. I don't like stock on this phone at all, even though I made a stock rom which was necessary to unlock it down the row, but this model sucks.
---------- Post added at 03:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:02 PM ----------
Davey126 said:
Why would you think Oreo is going to solve your problems which are likely the result of heavy tinkering and incomplete restoration attempts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe once Squid2 gets the device trees properly some of the isms will go away.
Also, if unlocking the bootloader is "heavy tinkering" then what are we doing on here? I do complete restoration attempts just fine, these and other problems started the minute the bootloader was unlocked and not before. And on the Metro variant, which is a POS, well, guess it was coming. Won't be getting another phone from them, tell you that much.
Articul8Madness said:
When you plug the phone into the computer via USB, you have to fight to get it to accept if you're doing transfers. While you can drag and drop files to your device via PC, you cannot delete anything on the phone via PC or transfer anything from device to PC. That is a SERIOUS BUG that creates the hassle of taking the battery out to retrieve the SD card to put it into a SD adapter and into the slot if your pc has it. Not a dealbreaker, but terribly inconvenient on the model since you have to take the battery out every time.
---------- Post added at 03:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:57 PM ----------
Have 2 E4s in the family associated with MetroPCS. Now we're over to TMobile, devices are unlocked straight from Metro. Both are rooted/bootloader unlocked. Only one took that March OTA (the significant other's) and it was a ***** undoing the damage on their phone that caused with the root.
Since I unlocked the bootloaders on these variants, stock or custom OS we miss phone calls. It does weird things where text messages will not come in unless you send one out first. It also will not ring once its sleep for so long; I literally have to make a phone call and "activate it" to get it ringing. Many people over the last 2-3 months keep telling me they've called and it DOESN'T RING on their end. I've also called folks and heard no ringing. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to be contrary but I'm on metropcs and I have literally none of these issues.
Not on RR and not on fully updated stock.
Not sure what happened with yours and maybe I just got lucky but the only thing that I couldn't do on fully up to date stock was install xposed.
I think that was because you need a patched boot IMG to get it running not sure.
Like I said before sometimes out of state texts take a while to come in but I'm talking 5 minutes later and not activated by a phone call like in your case.
My phone connects to my computers just fine with any old cable.
Can fastboot or transfer files to and from SD or internal and delete as well with no issues.
Maybe mines newer and they fixed it somehow because I've only had mine about six months but only started unlocking the bootloader a few weeks ago
Sounds like a serious PITA for you my friend I've been a loyal metropcs customer since they first came to my state and I've only had one problem phone from them so I'm sorry you've had such a crqp experience but believe me they either fixed the problem or like @Davey126 said its more likely something botched.
Do they have twrp flashed on them?
Are they encrypted or not?
Just curious
Ive never had to take my SD card out I can even transfer files in TWRP mount section...
Articul8Madness said:
You CANNOT compare the Verizon variant to any other since you can't do squat with it but maybe root. Also, verizon always seem to have the better phones that hold up NO MATTER WHAT. Hard price to pay when you can't really do nothing with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did no such thing. Our E4s are associated with Verizon but not tied to that provider. As noted, one is bootloader unlocked with all of the associated magical powers (ooo!). Second remains locked and unrooted by choice; like 'dem OTAs. One does not have to purchase Verizon's crippled handsets to leverage their service. As for "better phones" (cough) your E4 hardware and mine are virtually identical. No more, no less.
Articul8Madness said:
Also, if unlocking the bootloader is "heavy tinkering" then what are we doing on here? I do complete restoration attempts just fine, these and other problems started the minute the bootloader was unlocked and not before. And on the Metro variant, which is a POS, well, guess it was coming. Won't be getting another phone from them, tell you that much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have no idea what transpired after unlocking but whatever happened your experiences don't mirror those of others.
AesopRock127 said:
Not to be contrary but I'm on metropcs and I have literally none of these issues.
Not on RR and not on fully updated stock.
Not sure what happened with yours and maybe I just got lucky but the only thing that I couldn't do on fully up to date stock was install xposed.
I think that was because you need a patched boot IMG to get it running not sure.
Like I said before sometimes out of state texts take a while to come in but I'm talking 5 minutes later and not activated by a phone call like in your case.
My phone connects to my computers just fine with any old cable.
Can fastboot or transfer files to and from SD or internal and delete as well with no issues.
Maybe mines newer and they fixed it somehow because I've only had mine about six months but only started unlocking the bootloader a few weeks ago
Sounds like a serious PITA for you my friend I've been a loyal metropcs customer since they first came to my state and I've only had one problem phone from them so I'm sorry you've had such a crqp experience but believe me they either fixed the problem or like @Davey126 said its more likely something botched.
Do they have twrp flashed on them?
Are they encrypted or not?
Just curious
Ive never had to take my SD card out I can even transfer files in TWRP mount section...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of Metro users on here reported about the transfer issues using custom roms in the approprpiate threads. So that isn't isolated. Maybe it's the batch of phones perhaps. I know running DotOS or RR specifically, the phone would run, but if I rebooted it would bootloop. Considering I rarely rebooted once on, that was something I noticed after having to pull the SD card out. But no big thing - Lineage was my go to OS anyway, and had no probs with that.
Yes, both phones have twrp flashed on them. No, not encrypted.
These aren't the first Metro phones I've had. Had the LGL70 before and the LGOptimusL9. No probs with those until years after having them. With the E4's, its been struggle since day one (which wasn't a total loss because I wound up writing guides and really studying this variant).
---------- Post added at 05:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:21 PM ----------
Davey126 said:
Did no such thing. Our E4s are associated with Verizon but not tied to that provider. As noted, one is bootloader unlocked with all of the associated magical powers (ooo!). Second remains locked and unrooted by choice; like 'dem OTAs. One does not have to purchase Verizon's crippled handsets to leverage their service. As for "better phones" (cough) your E4 hardware and mine are virtually identical. No more, no less.
Have no idea what transpired after unlocking but whatever happened your experiences don't mirror those of others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In fairness, I did get the phones from an authorized retailer and not corporate themselves. Maybe the phones were duds from the start, but what is so weird is that they came from 2 different metropcs' stores about a month apart from each other.
Can't say Davey. But if you read the Moto forums, the Metro folks got more than their fair share of probs. I've always loved a Moto phone, but the way Lenovo's been acting since acquiring them, they may be intentionally sending out lemons. I make my phone usable, but at the 3 month mark its time for another one and with the E4 being cut from Oreo because of the premature release of the E5, I don't know if I want to stick with Moto.
My Metro service sucked. Switched back to TMobile just from the last week of service being slowed to a crawl and being non-existent, even on my Iphone SE. After calling and complaining about it they said to take my business elsewhere, so I took it to their head company, who TMO says they don't get priority on service as a MVNO.
I was stuck with Verizon for 7 years after they bought PrimeCo. Never liked them - they locked my Moto Razr down so tough it was ridiculous and all I wanted was RINGTONES, custom RINGTONES on the thing. The one and only time I took an unlocked phone to them S4Mini, they said it wouldn't work on their network (which was crap). But their phones do hold up when cotton and corn won't, sadly.
Articul8Madness said:
A lot of Metro users on here reported about the transfer issues using custom roms in the approprpiate threads. So that isn't isolated. Maybe it's the batch of phones perhaps. I know running DotOS or RR specifically, the phone would run, but if I rebooted it would bootloop. Considering I rarely rebooted once on, that was something I noticed after having to pull the SD card out. But no big thing - Lineage was my go to OS anyway, and had no probs with that.
Yes, both phones have twrp flashed on them. No, not encrypted.
These aren't the first Metro phones I've had. Had the LGL70 before and the LGOptimusL9. No probs with those until years after having them. With the E4's, its been struggle since day one (which wasn't a total loss because I wound up writing guides and really studying this variant).
---------- Post added at 05:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:21 PM ----------
In fairness, I did get the phones from an authorized retailer and not corporate themselves. Maybe the phones were duds from the start, but what is so weird is that they came from 2 different metropcs' stores about a month apart from each other.
Can't say Davey. But if you read the Moto forums, the Metro folks got more than their fair share of probs. I've always loved a Moto phone, but the way Lenovo's been acting since acquiring them, they may be intentionally sending out lemons. I make my phone usable, but at the 3 month mark its time for another one and with the E4 being cut from Oreo because of the premature release of the E5, I don't know if I want to stick with Moto.
My Metro service sucked. Switched back to TMobile just from the last week of service being slowed to a crawl and being non-existent, even on my Iphone SE. After calling and complaining about it they said to take my business elsewhere, so I took it to their head company, who TMO says they don't get priority on service as a MVNO.
I was stuck with Verizon for 7 years after they bought PrimeCo. Never liked them - they locked my Moto Razr down so tough it was ridiculous and all I wanted was RINGTONES, custom RINGTONES on the thing. The one and only time I took an unlocked phone to them S4Mini, they said it wouldn't work on their network (which was crap). But their phones do hold up when cotton and corn won't, sadly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got to agree with you there....
Difficult phones provide the opportunity to learn which is always a good thing, albiet frustrating at times.
MetroPCS just announced a rebranding to Metro by TMobile.
I was under the impression they used the same exact network since when TMobile bought Metro they gave me a free phone because my old one would no longer get a signal when they moved to TMobile network....
At least that's how they described it to me at the store.
But you notice a difference on TMobile over Metro?
I personally have no problems here in NH, works all over my state and the LTE literally screams, i sometimes even get a better speed test then my Xfinity.
The only issue I've had so far on my current setup is I no longer am notified of voicemails and visual voicemail won't load....
Not sure why that is but I can still check voicemails manually...
Is this an issue anyone has run into?
If so, anyone have a solution?
Was considering stopping at Metro and seeing if they could help, maybe it needs another Metro app or something but they will just tell me not to tinker with my phone and refuse to help me.
They are pretty ignorant of anything not involving selling a phone or normal everyday setup.
For a corporate store, they sure lack in the support department....
Articul8Madness said:
In fairness, I did get the phones from an authorized retailer and not corporate themselves. Maybe the phones were duds from the start, but what is so weird is that they came from 2 different metropcs' stores about a month apart from each other.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never purchase carrier aligned/branded phones. I seek out the multi-service variant (eg: XT1768), wait for a sale and then add the (unlocked/rooted) device to whatever service I happen to be using at the time. I have neither the time nor patience to dink around with balky firmware. I also expect to be the master of my devices with no restrictions beyond those imposed by the HW itself. That requirement largely determines what gizmos make the short list.
AesopRock127 said:
I got to agree with you there....
Difficult phones provide the opportunity to learn which is always a good thing, albiet frustrating at times.
MetroPCS just announced a rebranding to Metro by TMobile.
I was under the impression they used the same exact network since when TMobile bought Metro they gave me a free phone because my old one would no longer get a signal when they moved to TMobile network....
At least that's how they described it to me at the store.
But you notice a difference on TMobile over Metro?
I personally have no problems here in NH, works all over my state and the LTE literally screams, i sometimes even get a better speed test then my Xfinity.
The only issue I've had so far on my current setup is I no longer am notified of voicemails and visual voicemail won't load....
Not sure why that is but I can still check voicemails manually...
Is this an issue anyone has run into?
If so, anyone have a solution?
Was considering stopping at Metro and seeing if they could help, maybe it needs another Metro app or something but they will just tell me not to tinker with my phone and refuse to help me.
They are pretty ignorant of anything not involving selling a phone or normal everyday setup.
For a corporate store, they sure lack in the support department....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "rebranding" is because Tmobile just bought Sprint, and so from what Tmobile said, they need to "reprioritize" their service from their top tier GSM/CDMA down to their MVNOs. I'm gonna guess this is to get ready for the conversion to 5G, since TMO confirmed to me their users get first dibs on service, then Sprint, then the MVNO's, since while they own Metro and Simple Mobile, they also "lease" airtime from them for service.
Don't get me started at how messy this is, considering Tmobile's computer systems are always down, and something as simple as getting a text to remind me to pay the bill or confirmation I've paid NEVER HAPPENS NOW.
There is a difference over service between Metro and TMO - depending on where you're at in the country you can definitely tell. Never got full LTE on Metro instead H+ barely, but never had problems with TMO in that department. Calls on that last week no matter what phone with Metro...service just would cease to exist.
I always got VM's on Metro but it wouldn't ring and go straight to VM but Visual Voicemail NEVER EVER WORKED, especially since I felt punished because I wouldn't update my data to unlimited.
And yes, their people are ignorant of everything, but then they can be considering they franchise. Their tech support, albeit good English speakers, sucks in comparison to TMO.
I had a situation with TMO where I called and paid the bill over the phone but their new system lost the payment even though it showed I paid, it didn't credit to the account. TMO automatically credited it for me and escalated to see what's wrong with the line. Metro would have NEVER done that. EVER. They wouldn't even credit me a SIM card when one I bought didn't work - made me pay 20 bucks for a replacement because their system couldn't process it. No thanks.
---------- Post added at 07:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:53 PM ----------
Davey126 said:
I never purchase carrier aligned/branded phones. I seek out the multi-service variant (eg: XT1768), wait for a sale and then add the (unlocked/rooted) device to whatever service I happen to be using at the time. I have neither the time nor patience to dink around with balky firmware. I also expect to be the master of my devices with no restrictions beyond those imposed by the HW itself. That requirement largely determines what gizmos make the short list.
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I didn't have that option when I got service. I hadn't had service for 8 years. Normally I get factory unlocked used phones from ebay as my personal play tinkering devices, but an actual phone to talk with, it was a budget buy and for 50 bucks and being Moto didn't feel it was going to be a clunker. Normally I have to scout and negotiate for the international phones I like, but as Samsung is proving, just because its not carrier aligned doesn't mean the manufacturer won't lock the phone down.
Articul8Madness said:
Normally I have to scout and negotiate for the international phones I like, but as Samsung is proving, just because its not carrier aligned doesn't mean the manufacturer won't lock the phone down.
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Never said that. A bit of upfront research makes all the difference. Been doing this for nearly 15 years; haven't bricked a handset yet and never experienced the boatload of woes others report. My phones just work.
Davey126 said:
Never said that. A bit of upfront research makes all the difference. Been doing this for nearly 15 years; haven't bricked a handset yet and never experienced the boatload of woes others report. My phones just work.
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Never said you said that. I was just pointing out the hard fact about Samsung locking down phones post S7. I been tinkering with phones since my Verizon branded Razr3. Ain't bricked a phone yet that couldn't be unbricked, lol. Had some I loved, had some I hated.

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