Database Users

Z2 first impressions

Its of course selling eggs to grandma as you guys probably have this phone but I just wanted to say its the best phone I have ever used.
I have come from an iPhone, and previously used a Galaxy S4, HTC One and Note 3
1. Build quality - lovely. Samsung needs to leave iPhone 3 style and plastic fantastic. HTC is also very nice - difference is a taste thing
2. Screen. Excellent. Can't really comment. Samsung looks more 3D but also more weird. Sony is somehow more crisp.
3. Takes an SD card - yay!
4. Buttons really nicely placed
5. A photo button - Sony's camera division makes itself know
6. Sony software is non-intrusive
7. Mostly weather proof
8. Battery capacity significantly higher (3200 vs 2800&2800). However S5 does have a removable battery
9. On switch on the side (not the top which is a pain) and can set the phone to have a double tap to switch on, which is great
Galaxy S5 looks and feel disappointing, still plastic fantastic.
HTC One M8 very nice. Not much in it. Prefer the more military look of the Z2
It was also nice to get a screen protector in the box. A small thing I know but useful.
Development points ? have to say something to sound honest but really can't think of much. The door covering the charger point looks a bit flimsy. understand its needed for the water proofing but lets see how it goes. Would like a numeric line of keys in default keyboard. Could someone also make a dock that can be used with the a case on!!! Some silly extras, like a 4k res screen but I guess this will happen at sometime in the future
Perhaps the top phones are so good these days that its all down to taste really, but the keyboard is good on the Z2 and I feel, along with the Note 3, that Android has finally answered the usability of the iPhone but with much enhanced functionality.
best rgds

It definitely is a amazing phone.
1. Screen is amazing & super sharp quality, images look great on it (I turn off x-reality as it kinda "samsungs" the colours & makes them too poppy)
2. No issues with sound quality, others have complained about notification volume etc but last night I was on the PC, the TV was on & the phone was sitting on the couch way across the room & I got a notification & almost jumped, guess it depends on the quality of the sound files you use, call quality is also good & you can tweak the equaliser.
3. Battery life is amazing, I'm getting just over 2 days with 7 hours+ SOT, gaming browsing, emails & syncing etc.
4. Build quality is pretty damn good other than slight gap issue, last 2 devices were galaggy S & galaggy S3 & really hated the plastic lightweight feel of them, Z2 feels much more premium & nicely weighted.
5. Camera quality is good as well, it will never be as good as a dedicated camera but it does a damn good job of coming close, just look at some of the pics taken by members here in various threads.
6. The sony UI is much more subtle, quicker, smoother & less invasive than samsungs touchwiz though there are a few niggles.
7. Waterproofing is a bonus but I for one won't be dunking it in water.
8. Music quality is great as well & there a good few settings you can tweak to get it to sound better, I like to listen to Led Zeppelin bootlegs & the sound settings allow me to get it sounding great even if it a AUD or SBD recording.
9.Double tap to wake works 95% of the time for me.
10. It is sleek & super sexy to look at.
Some gripes.
1. Really miss a reboot option in the power menu but then I used to custom roms.
2. Can get very warm when gaming, using the camera or websurfing on sites that have lots of animated gifs.
3 Lockscreen widgets seem to be restricted in size, I use Chronus on the lockscreen & notice that some info like weather & date are slightly truncated unless to drag down on the widget then it displays ok but goes back to being truncated again.
4. The glass back does make the phone feel a lot more slippery than I would like but it too sexy looking to put a case on, bit like having a supermodel but putting a bin liner over her head when going out.
5. The over heating does worry me as it gets very hot right where the microSD card is & I have experienced music playback issues right after gaming, let it cool down & music played back fine.
6. Sometimes the lockscreen swipe doesn't work with a horizontal swipe but it does with a vertical swipe.

BanziBaby said:
The glass back does make the phone feel a lot more slippery than I would like but it too sexy looking to put a case on, bit like having a supermodel but putting a bin liner over her head when going out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my Nexus 4 (also has a glass back) I put a screen protector on just the back of it (back protector, I guess?). This made it much less slippery without sacrificing much, if anything, in terms of aesthetics. You could give it a shot.

@JMonkeYJ yeah I might just do that, doesn't help that I have sweaty hands lol

My Casual Galaxy Note 4 First Impressions - Specs Not Included ;)

Hey guys! Just made my first impressions video on the Galaxy Note 4! Went a different route and didn't get into the obvious since it's not a full review, and just went into how it felt using the device for a short time.
Video link:
The Galaxy Note 4 - My Casual First Impressions: http://youtu.be/-FPV6Vlu0qg
Written:
The first thing you’re going to notice with the Galaxy Note 4 is it’s excellent build quality, rivaled by only a few phones. Having owned a Note 3 and being satisfied with it’s fake metal banding, once you get a phone with this kind of build quality you really realize what you were missing out on. Holding it gives you a very premium feel in your hand which is awesome. Even with the chamfered edges, it’s still comfortable to hold. I’d say it feels better and more substantial in your hand than that of the LG G3 even with it being quite a bit larger.
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The display on this is my favorite. Displaymate also says this is the most accurate display on the market today. One thing I missed from using phones with an LCD display, is when the background is black.. the pixels are still lit up. As we all know, this is not the case with samsung phones and the blacks are purely black and really make the images pop. Oh, and for all the people that complain and say the screen it too vibrant? You realize you basically have a TV in your pocket, right? Go to the settings and CHANGE it do a different mode. Cinema mode is what seems to be the most accurate.
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The back, still being faux leather, still feels very nice in the hand and personally.. I like a plastic back. When I owned the HTC One I was way to scared to set that thing down without a case because I didn’t want to either, A, mess up the screen. Or B, mess up the nice metal backing. Not to mention in the winter it can get quite cold to the touch and just isn’t worth the trade-off to me.
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Performance on this thing is just incredible. Now I don’t like stock launchers. Even with the Nexus 6 I will be putting Nova launcher on it. So all of that “touchwiz lag” people talk about, I’ve yet to see it no this phone while with my Note 3, the first day you could notice it right off that bat with certain things. Keep in mind, switching the launcher only changes your homescreen, touchwiz is still everywhere else. But.. it’s a lot better than it was.
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One thing that I’ve noticed with this phone and that can get quite annoying is the feature to minimize whatever screen you’re on. It’s a really nice feature, but I find myself accidentally activating it all the time when trying to go to my notification tray. I like to swipe down from the corner, and now that is how you minimize the app. So, I now have to adjust a bit and make sure I’m not hitting the corner exactly.
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One thing I didn't plan on mentioning with this phone was the whole "gapgate" issue. Because to me, while I could see very clearly in videos that there is some sort of gap, I figured it wouldn't effect anything on a day-to-day basis, if at all. That was until today.
I took my phone out of my pockets (it's the weekend, I'm wearing only sweats and casual clothes), and sure enough.. there was lint or something at the top of the display. So I had to actually take a receipt I had laying around to dig it out because sadly, my nails would not suffice.
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Conclusion:
Other than the small gripe I have with the minimizing the window and the.. I'm not even sure if it should be a big deal to me or not, gap issue, this phone is absolutely incredible.
However, if you're ready for an upgrade, wait until the Nexus 6 is out officially before deciding on whether you should get this, the Nexus 6, or for you Verizon folk, the Droid Turbo.

nice video

appreciate your input, good video!

Turn off multi window if you don't use it and it won't minimize window

You can turn of the swipe to minimize gesture but still keep multi window on but you'll have to activate it by holding the back button

My Note 4 is coming and I have some questions

Hi friends, I have a Samsung Galaxy Note since 2012 and I used to love it. It was fast, big, it had a good camera, an almost perfect screen (The first HD Super Amoled screen) and the amazing S-Pen. It went from 2.3.5 Gingerbread to Android 5.0 Lollipop (Unbelievable). But yes, after 3 years of heavy using it, it started to show problems. The camera stopped working fine, It didn't focused anymore, the S-Pen started malfunctioning (moving elements of the screen without even touching it), the USB board went bad (including the microphone and usb jack) and the screen has burn-in issues. Then I assumed that was time to change it. Now I'm looking for the new flagship, the Note 4 (which I'm going to buy in January). So I read almost every review of it, every video and photos taken with his camera and everyone says that the phone is almost perfect (I mean almost because the 80% complains about the Touchwiz Layer in the OS, which I love and I don't have any problem to live with it) and doesn't have any flags. So I came here to ask to the people who already owned it and have some daily experience with the device what are their thoughts, problems and good things about it. Also some little things that I'm a bit worried:
-How good the camera is?
-It's early to ask because no one had this phone for more than 4 months, but does anyone experienced screen burn in? And how looks the screen in direct sunlight?
-What parts of the phone are metal? Only the frame or the whole body? And how feels it? It's good to handle or still feels like cheap plastic?
-What about the phone duration? Anyone had scratches on it? How bad they're? Please if you can add some photos of them, because the phone isn't even released here in Argentina and they arent any covers or protectors for the it so I need to stay for around 3 months with a "nude" phone.
Sorry for too many questions, but I really need to know how good this phone is because the price is really high. Thanks!

galaxynote2 said:
Hi friends, I have a Samsung Galaxy Note since 2012 and I used to love it. It was fast, big, it had a good camera, an almost perfect screen (The first HD Super Amoled screen) and the amazing S-Pen. It went from 2.3.5 Gingerbread to Android 5.0 Lollipop (Unbelievable). But yes, after 3 years of heavy using it, it started to show problems. The camera stopped working fine, It didn't focused anymore, the S-Pen started malfunctioning (moving elements of the screen without even touching it), the USB board went bad (including the microphone and usb jack) and the screen has burn-in issues. Then I assumed that was time to change it. Now I'm looking for the new flagship, the Note 4 (which I'm going to buy in January). So I read almost every review of it, every video and photos taken with his camera and everyone says that the phone is almost perfect (I mean almost because the 80% complains about the Touchwiz Layer in the OS, which I love and I don't have any problem to live with it) and doesn't have any flags. So I came here to ask to the people who already owned it and have some daily experience with the device what are their thoughts, problems and good things about it. Also some little things that I'm a bit worried:
-How good the camera is?
-It's early to ask because no one had this phone for more than 4 months, but does anyone experienced screen burn in? And how looks the screen in direct sunlight?
-What parts of the phone are metal? Only the frame or the whole body? And how feels it? It's good to handle or still feels like cheap plastic?
-What about the phone duration? Anyone had scratches on it? How bad they're? Please if you can add some photos of them, because the phone isn't even released here in Argentina and they arent any covers or protectors for the it so I need to stay for around 3 months with a "nude" phone.
Sorry for too many questions, but I really need to know how good this phone is because the price is really high. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- The Camera is fine, in my opinion, but that probably depends on the persons preference and use.
- I can't say I have experienced any burn-in, but the screen is okay in direct sunlight; however, if you angle your phone to inspect the glass in sunlight with the screen on, I notice a reddish tint all over with that blurryness you would experience if you were in a well-lit city at night without glasses when you need them haha :silly:
- Admittedly, the phone feels a tad delicate, but that's what cases are for! I have been using an s-view case without a screen protector since purchase and it still looks like-new! If you aren't going to use a case for your phone though, a full metal body might be better.
- With my s-view case and no screen protector, my phone has no scratches - that I can see. Unless you carry your phone in the same pocket as your keys and other objects, you will be fine :3 Unless you carry sand in your pocket Phone duration seems to vary among different models though. I am using a 910V (?) and I get anywhere from 4~6 hours of Screen-on time. The stand-by time is the best part though imo. I can usually go 2 days or more without a charge.
edit:
The red tint usually happens if I angle the phone on purpose I leave my brightness settings on automatic and the screen is always clear (as it would be at nighttime) with the sun directly over me.

JippleStar said:
- The Camera is fine, in my opinion, but that probably depends on the persons preference and use.
- I can't say I have experienced any burn-in, but the screen is okay in direct sunlight; however, if you angle your phone to inspect the glass in sunlight with the screen on, I notice a reddish tint all over with that blurryness you would experience if you were in a well-lit city at night without glasses when you need them haha :silly:
- Admittedly, the phone feels a tad delicate, but that's what cases are for! I have been using an s-view case without a screen protector since purchase and it still looks like-new! If you aren't going to use a case for your phone though, a full metal body might be better.
- With my s-view case and no screen protector, my phone has no scratches - that I can see. Unless you carry your phone in the same pocket as your keys and other objects, you will be fine :3 Unless you carry sand in your pocket Phone duration seems to vary among different models though. I am using a 910V (?) and I get anywhere from 4~6 hours of Screen-on time. The stand-by time is the best part though imo. I can usually go 2 days or more without a charge.
edit:
The red tint usually happens if I angle the phone on purpose I leave my brightness settings on automatic and the screen is always clear (as it would be at nighttime) with the sun directly over me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the fast answer! And how do you feel using this phone? Do you have any complain or something that didn't liked about it?

galaxynote2 said:
Thanks for the fast answer! And how do you feel using this phone? Do you have any complain or something that didn't liked about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I had any complaints, the s-pen would convince me that it's worth it so I'm pretty biased xD

The phone is just fine. But u should buy the qualcom varients as this is my 3rd note 4. Its qualcom but backside 4g+ is written. Its true if u see the display from an extreme angle you will see red tint but its normal for me cause almost nobody watch the display from 170 or 180 degree. Qualcom chipset has better ram and bettery management over exinos one. And the phone really looks premium. Not only looks but u will feel it when you touch it. No problem seeing the display at direct sunlight. And it does not matter if they use gorilla glass 10 it will have scratch if you do not use screen protector or flip cover. So be careful.

Returning the S8+ & back to Pixel XL, Pros and cons if anybody is interested

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall love

Yes, yes, it's possible to love a phone. Heck, you sleep next to it, don't you? Rate this thread to indicate your love for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, all things considered. A higher rating indicates that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is an incredible phone that you enjoy tremendously. You love it.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!

Hi as the devices are out in the German speaking countries, some initial comments from my side. I am coming from different devices including Fold 1, N20U and the one with the i, just as a background. My main daily driver in the last 12 months was the Fold 1 which I absolutely loved, that's why I ordered the Fold 2 on the first day.
- Overall a real 2.0 version of a 1.0 product I loved. A lot of improvements
- The small screen is a lot better, I was using the small Fold 1 screen quite often and liked also typing on it, as I swype heavily, and the short distances make it really quick. That advantadge is still there, but smaller, on the other side typing of words which you can't swype like passwords is easier now due to the additional screen real estate.
- The quality of the small screen has significantly improved from my point of view in terms of brightness and clarity
- I hated the small screen for only being able to arrange three apps in the permanent row at the bottom, and it is 5 now! Big improvement
- Audio is incredible, I also had the Mi10 which was the king in that category from my point of view, Fold2 equal or better. Incredible loud. Don't forget to turn Atmos on.
- I treated the Fold 1 very carefully for a couple of weeks, until I found out that nothing happens - actually my 1 year old Fold 1 is in best condition although handled like any other phone. I am in the same phase now with the Fold 2 - I am worried
- I have the Aramid standing cover and I don't like it. It looks cheap and covers only a part of the device, additionally it is more instable on a desk than without it. I am planning to switch to the leather cover
- Training the face recognition is so incredibly fast (1-2 seconds) that I think this cannot be save....
- You have to switch the large display to tablet mode in order to get tabs in the browser or multi window in outlook, this setting is only visible if you have the display open. Took me time to find it. Only then the large inner display makes real sense
- I am a heavy user of the small display and mainly use the large one for media consumption, which results in something like 60/40 usage small/big. With this setup, the battery seems to be fantastic, although to early to provide any detail. The German magazine CHIP made exactly that test and came to incredible runtime with the small display.
- The haptic of the whole thing made a big step forward compared to fold 1, especially the hinge. Real great feeling.
- Not really a dealbreaker, but strange: The flashlight is the weakest I had on a phone for years
- I am everything but an expert for smartphone cameras, more the point and shoot average user. Photo quality seems great to me, but look for better experts to talk about that. The usability is great, fast and responsive
- Generally, same comment applies to N20U and S20U, I think the OneUI made big steps forward in the last two years. Especially looking at the whole eco system with watch and earbuds, the whole user experience is now really great and close to an other phone (can' remember the name, someting with an i as far as I remember)
This are my initial impressions. I am happy with my purchase up to now.

Digging the Samsung Notes app on the big screen. Obviously doesn't support S-Pen but finger writing works surprisingly well.
Sent from my SM-F916U using Tapatalk

So after 5 days, thoughts...
First of all, the delivery was surprisingly on time, (never bought directly from Samsung Germany before) so that was a good start with the experience.
I wasn't overly impressed with the unboxing though. But still, unwrapping the warnings of was a good feeling. Then closing the device for the first time was a "wooow" moment. Coming from the Fold, that hinge feels so sturdy and worthy. I guess I played around, opened , closed the device for a minute or 2 before booting up the device.
It's screen protector in and outside are perfectly fine for the moment. The inside feels a bit "rubbery" and cheapish if I may say so, but it does the job fine.
The big screen is bright enough and clear enough for the everyday use. Regarding the flex mode, I do not give much about it. It's not mature enough yet to use it fully IMHO.
The outer screen, geez I use it a lot. I already used it quit often on the original Fold, but this upgrade is an enlightening. One hand usage, swiping my messages away. A quick look at social media is lovely, reading quickly any article is OK.
The build in general is sturdy, mature and a joy. I have the Mystic Black version. No need to tell anyone it's a fingerprint magnet. It's slippery as well.
And that's what annoys me a bit. I don't care they didn't put any extras in it this time. I mean, you just spend 2000 euro/dollar on a device. Then 60 Euro shouldn't be that big of a problem either. But they should've had it available in shops, online etc to get a case, cause you want to protect it, and this Mystic Black version is slippery as an eel.
I need a case or skin for this version.
But the conclusion is, samsung nailed it, to give us a 2000 euro experience, that feels like a 2000 euro device.
Did I need they phone? No, do I wanted the phone? Yes. But can I go back to a "normal" phone after 2 generations of foldable phones? Probably, but difficult it'll be...

After heavily utilizing my Mystic Black Fold 2 for a weekend, here are some of my thoughts below. I'll try not to repeat common things that I've read here or seen in reviews, but overall, I'm loving this device and having a pocketable large screen!
- The narrower front screen is surprisingly easy to type on, even without swiping. I have nubs for thumbs and I was shocked that I wasn't producing typos left and right.
- The visibility outside for both screens is pretty good, though the inside screen suffers from high reflectivity when outside in the sun. It doesn't affect you as much if you're looking straight on and slightly closing the hinge to angle the display helps.
- This device is so slippery it continually falls out of my pocket when I get in my car or sit at an angle. Where are you Fold 2 cases?! So far no damage but there have been a couple close calls.
- I have tried to be extra careful with this device but the inside screen protector is scratched up. I only notice it at certain angles under bright light but it makes me sad. I'm tempted to remove the inside screen protector but I'm not sure the ultra thin glass would hold up any better.
- The power button is a bit awkwardly placed for my hands and I found that I was constantly swiping up/down on it by accident which opened/closed the notification shade so I turned off that gesture.
- Speaking of that power button, it's tough to feel the button when attempting to scan my fingerprint but that could be due to me being used to face unlock with my iPhone 11 Pro and Pixel 4XL. I'm sure this will become more natural over time and the fingerprint scanner is mighty quick.
- I haven't found many widgets I like as they're not yet optimized for the screens (this includes some of the Samsung apps which surprised me). Many take up a lot of room on my homepages but then have small/compressed text/images. Hope this improves over time.
- I love the ability to be able to have multiple apps open but I initially got confused (and frustrated) with the Android split screen multi-tasking. I hope to be able to take advantage of this more as I use the phone.
- Very minor gripe but I wish there were more stock live wallpapers like how Google provides with their Pixels.
- Not sure if anyone else is encountering this but when I open to the bigger screen, there's a click that happens if I press down on the hinge on a bit. I found that opening to the larger screen by applying more pressure with the tips of both thumbs prevents this.
- Sometimes I get "disoriented" over which screen orientation I'm on when using the larger screen (i.e. is it currently in portrait or landscape?).
- When I have the device open in landscape, I like to keep the speakers on top both to project the sound a bit better and b/c the back half with the camera is a bit more grippy compared with the front screen (I took off the front screen protector).
- Haven't had any issues using Samsung Pay with this device.
- This device is amazing when you're out shopping with a significant other and need to keep the kids entertained with the large screen and loud-ish speakers!

Needs a TOTAL makeover!

I love it yeahhh!
My absolutely favorite phone is ... Nokia e90 Comunicator. I had this 3 times ln the past. Still have one Nokia e7 in perfect condition. I had also Htc Z . My first Android. I love foldables because... I love it, just love this Wow effect and of course more functionality. Bar phones looking like soaps. Even bigger and bigger Soaps!

propov8 said:
I love it yeahhh!
My absolutely favorite phone is ... Nokia e90 Comunicator. I had this 3 times ln the past. Still have one Nokia e7 in perfect condition. I had also Htc Z . My first Android. I love foldables because... I love it, just love this Wow effect and of course more functionality. Bar phones looking like soaps. Even bigger and bigger Soaps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love the Nokia Communicator. And even flashbacks to the Psion Organiser that I still have in a drawer somewhere.