Technology Get the latest on technology, electronics and software…

Android: Phone News and Discussion Thread

Thread Tools
 
Old Aug 5, 2015 | 04:47 PM
  #12121  
oonowindoo's Avatar
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
Likes: 4,273
From: Los Angeles
Sealed battery and non expandable memory do not bother me.

I am too used to Samsung's saturated colors. It makes all the other android phones' color look dull. Very much like TV.
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2015 | 05:54 PM
  #12122  
is300eater's Avatar
I Shoot with a Camera
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,078
Likes: 3,669
From: Vancouver BC
Originally Posted by oonowindoo
Sealed battery and non expandable memory do not bother me.

.
Agree

I used to rant about it until I started asking myself, why? I've been using external battery packs the last 3 years (vs buying extra batteries) and with my Note 3, I currently have 32gb + 64gb and could totally get by with just 64gb, however 32gb would be pushing it.
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2015 | 06:47 PM
  #12123  
Costco's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
Moto X lacking OIS is kind of a big deal. At this point for me, it's Nexus or bust. Otherwise an iPhone.

Hardware-wise - processor, screen (at least for AMOLEDs), features like fingerprint readers, Samsungs are so good. But the software is just so shitty. Build quality is ugh too.

Originally Posted by justnspace

that's a brand new leak/rumor.

ive been following the LG nexus 5 leaks since last month.
every one of them pegged it with either the snapdragon 808 or 810.

it's the 620!!
Not sure how credible they are, but I found it on the /r/Android subreddit.

Google Nexus 5, Huawei Nexus Possible Specs Leaked : Android
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2015 | 07:23 PM
  #12124  
oonowindoo's Avatar
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
Likes: 4,273
From: Los Angeles
I don't think i can ever use Iphone again. My phone is a company phone with calendar full of tasks and meetings and Iphone's calendar SUCKS compare to androids.
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2015 | 08:38 PM
  #12125  
Costco's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
Originally Posted by is300eater
Agree

I used to rant about it until I started asking myself, why? I've been using external battery packs the last 3 years (vs buying extra batteries) and with my Note 3, I currently have 32gb + 64gb and could totally get by with just 64gb, however 32gb would be pushing it.
Every smart phone I've had since 2009 - iPhone or Android, has had its battery life diminish over time. I don't like to upgrade my phone every year if I don't have to, as it gets prohibitively expensive.

Quick charging is awesome. But I've already needed to buy a new battery after about 9 months, as it seems like the battery has degraded. At first I only charged the phone at night, then unplugged it soon as it got to 100%. Been lazy recently though.

Originally Posted by oonowindoo
I don't think i can ever use Iphone again. My phone is a company phone with calendar full of tasks and meetings and Iphone's calendar SUCKS compare to androids.
The default calendar app, or a different one?

The google calendar on Android sucks IMO. It's very cluttered. Maybe I haven't set it up correctly, but the built-in calendar on my friend's iPhone 6 is much easier to read. I don't even use the one on my Note 4, it looks like a grocery list.
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2015 | 08:41 PM
  #12126  
Costco's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
Holding out hope for the Z5/Z5 Compact too! I like having an SD cart slot, especially since with Android M you can use it an SD card as internal storage. More Android OEMs are adding SD card support, I'm sure in part because of M.
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2015 | 08:43 PM
  #12127  
oonowindoo's Avatar
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
Likes: 4,273
From: Los Angeles
Default calendar. The key is unsync all the BS crap like FB birthday and other craps they should NOT be on the calendar anyways.

When it is strictly sync to outlook. It shows words rather than dots like Iphone.

I have tried my co workers' iphone 6+ calendar... not up to my standard. and IMO, the interface is a lot more user friendly than Iphone because android actually got a back button.
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2015 | 05:38 PM
  #12128  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
<p>
Originally Posted by Costco
. Not sure how credible they are, but I found it on the /r/Android subreddit. Google Nexus 5, Huawei Nexus Possible Specs Leaked : Android
</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>cool, now all reports are pointing towards the 620. <br />this is my next phone, as i've grown tired of OG N5.&nbsp;<br />Back up duty, she will go&nbsp;</p>
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2015 | 06:33 PM
  #12129  
stogie1020's Avatar
Needs more Lemon Pledge
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 52,768
Likes: 2,000
From: Phoenix, AZ
Originally Posted by Costco

The default calendar app, or a different one?

The google calendar on Android sucks IMO. It's very cluttered. Maybe I haven't set it up correctly, but the built-in calendar on my friend's iPhone 6 is much easier to read. I don't even use the one on my Note 4, it looks like a grocery list.
It's a little clunky, but Jorte Calendar on android is pretty good.
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2015 | 08:30 PM
  #12130  
mattg's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 22,909
Likes: 388
From: OR
Sounds like Android is in big trouble with such a fragmented marketplace. Samsung isn't doing well and HTC is breathing it's dying breath. Unless it's just media sensationalism. Apple has a death grip on the premium phone market.
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 12:52 AM
  #12131  
is300eater's Avatar
I Shoot with a Camera
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,078
Likes: 3,669
From: Vancouver BC
Originally Posted by mattg
Sounds like Android is in big trouble with such a fragmented marketplace. Samsung isn't doing well and HTC is breathing it's dying breath. Unless it's just media sensationalism. Apple has a death grip on the premium phone market.

meh' I'll never buy an iPhone and likewise for millions and millions of people out there. Android will never go away
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 02:32 AM
  #12132  
oonowindoo's Avatar
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
Likes: 4,273
From: Los Angeles
If i recall correctly, android is still the market share leader.

Android: if we can beat Iphone with 1 brand, we will beat it with 100 different brands

I for 1 will stick with Android. I dislike itune very much!
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 06:27 AM
  #12133  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
<p>i enjoy the different options of specs and pricing for android.</p><p>would dislike the structured pricing and one spec model of Apple.</p>
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 07:10 AM
  #12134  
Doom878's Avatar
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 28,427
Likes: 1,567
From: Miami, FL
Originally Posted by mattg
Sounds like Android is in big trouble with such a fragmented marketplace. Samsung isn't doing well and HTC is breathing it's dying breath. Unless it's just media sensationalism. Apple has a death grip on the premium phone market.
Samsung is slumping but I think Chinese brands are taking away their market share. Android has a death grip on the world market share. I just came back from the DR and I don't think I saw any iPhones
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 02:29 PM
  #12135  
mattg's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 22,909
Likes: 388
From: OR
I guess a lot of it is media sensationalism then. This was the article I was reading.

HTC Is Now Essentially Worthless (And Insecure) | TechCrunch

Even if HTC is dead, I guess that doesn't mean Android is dead. They don't seem to be competing with Apple when it comes to premium phone sales (at least when you factor in making a profit). I really liked my HTC EVO 4G, and it was kind of a fluke how I ended up with my 6 Plus, but I have no ragrets. I'm not a phone modifier/unlocker so iPhone is great for me. We'll see what the future holds but for now I agree with all the tech/phone sites that call the 6+ the best phone there is and ever has been. It's pretty remarkable. It's not just the best phone I've ever had, it's probably the nicest "thing" I've ever owned.
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 02:53 PM
  #12136  
F-C's Avatar
F-C
Senior Moderator
20 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 18,064
Likes: 1,435
From: NYC
n
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 03:09 PM
  #12137  
mattg's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 22,909
Likes: 388
From: OR
N
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 03:13 PM
  #12138  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
<p>I'm jealous of your Capital letter without any other lower cased helpers.</p>
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 03:14 PM
  #12139  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
<p>N</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>*edit</p><p>when did that change!?</p>
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 03:14 PM
  #12140  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
<p>I LOVE SCREAMING AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS BECAUSE THIS IS SPART.....ANDROID!</p>
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 03:15 PM
  #12141  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
<p>LOL THIS IS AN AWESOME CHANGE!</p>
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 03:22 PM
  #12142  
mattg's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 22,909
Likes: 388
From: OR
I'm not getting it.
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 05:12 PM
  #12143  
oonowindoo's Avatar
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
Likes: 4,273
From: Los Angeles
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 05:40 PM
  #12144  
mattg's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 22,909
Likes: 388
From: OR
Is that why I'm not getting it? You guys are doing cocaine and I'm not. Share the love?
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 08:48 PM
  #12145  
Costco's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
Originally Posted by mattg
I guess a lot of it is media sensationalism then. This was the article I was reading.

HTC Is Now Essentially Worthless (And Insecure) | TechCrunch

Even if HTC is dead, I guess that doesn't mean Android is dead. They don't seem to be competing with Apple when it comes to premium phone sales (at least when you factor in making a profit). I really liked my HTC EVO 4G, and it was kind of a fluke how I ended up with my 6 Plus, but I have no ragrets. I'm not a phone modifier/unlocker so iPhone is great for me. We'll see what the future holds but for now I agree with all the tech/phone sites that call the 6+ the best phone there is and ever has been. It's pretty remarkable. It's not just the best phone I've ever had, it's probably the nicest "thing" I've ever owned.
HTC has been circling the drain for sure. The M9 is a disaster.

iPhones weren't on my list for years (since I went from iPhone > 3GS > Galaxy Nexus) until they got bigger screens. I am hoping iOS9 irons out the kinks, especially with the 3rd party keyboards. I cannot do without swipe texting. If they improved their notification system as well, I'd be sold.

As many drawbacks as iPhones have, they have the most cohesive user experience. Everything just works. UI elements aren't all mixed up. Great device availability and resale value, premium materials and construction, great customer service... AT&T and Samsung told me to go pound sand when my 2-week old Note 4's paint started chipping.

iPhones are still easily the most popular line of phones for many good reasons, not just due to their marketing. The next few months will be very interesting. Android definitely isn't going anywhere, and I would hope not.
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2015 | 09:49 PM
  #12146  
mattg's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 22,909
Likes: 388
From: OR
I would hope not either. Competition is a good thing. It's crazy to hear that a huge successful company like Samsung who sells a shit ton of phones is hurting (in their cell phone division) though. It's almost hard to believe. At least they have other divisions of their company to keep them afloat even if their phone business is struggling. If not they could be in the same situation as HTC.
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2015 | 02:26 PM
  #12147  
Costco's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
Hands On With the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+

Thanks for making it easy, Samsung. Definitely won't be getting a Note 5 now. Non-removable battery, and even then it's smaller than the 3-year old Note 2's battery. No SD card slot, 32/64 gb capacities.

So what differentiates the Note 5 from other phones now? A lot of choices for a phablet with an "HD" screen now. Might as well call it a Samsung iPhone 6+. Article posed a good point... maybe they're testing out to see if the stylus is staying or not.
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2015 | 02:42 PM
  #12148  
Costco's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
HTC cuts 15 percent of workforce amid weak sales

Lenovo Newsroom | LENOVO 1ST QUARTER FY15-16: TOUGH MARKETS, SOLID RESULTS

Not good... as mentioned, HTC is doing awful. Surprising to see that about Lenovo though. I really like Motorola devices.
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2015 | 10:05 AM
  #12149  
CocheseUGA's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,761
Likes: 960
From: Kennesaw, GA
The age of removable batteries and expandable storage draws to a close.
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2015 | 11:20 AM
  #12150  
Mizouse's Avatar
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 64,114
Likes: 3,366
From: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Geez so the 64gb s6 edge+ is $915 with AT&T???

Ugh screw you AT&T, so tempted to switch to a different carrier since they will no longer offer subsidized phones.

I just want usable LTE speeds for once too....
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2015 | 11:29 AM
  #12151  
Doom878's Avatar
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 28,427
Likes: 1,567
From: Miami, FL
Is LG the last to offer SD cards?
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2015 | 02:07 PM
  #12152  
Costco's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
Originally Posted by CocheseUGA
The age of removable batteries and expandable storage draws to a close.
Originally Posted by Doom878
Is LG the last to offer SD cards?
Nope on both counts. Wouldn't make sense, as Android M will treat SD card storage as internal storage. That is, you can download apps on your expandable memory instead of just media.

Nexus devices likely won't have SD card slots, as usual. But the Moto X Style will have a microSD card slot, while the 2013 and 2014 Moto X do not. I don't see Xperia devices dropping their expandable storage.

That's one reason why I hate that Apple is a trendsetter. They're on a crusade to simplify and do pointless crap like make devices thinner and thinner at the expense of functionality. I don't give a damn if this year's model is .00007mm thinner than last year's, give me a bigger battery. Samsung usually tries to copy or outdo them. I'm guessing this is partially why the new Galaxy models don't have expandable storage or removable batteries.
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2015 | 04:17 PM
  #12153  
CocheseUGA's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,761
Likes: 960
From: Kennesaw, GA
Originally Posted by Costco
Nope on both counts. Wouldn't make sense, as Android M will treat SD card storage as internal storage. That is, you can download apps on your expandable memory instead of just media.

Nexus devices likely won't have SD card slots, as usual. But the Moto X Style will have a microSD card slot, while the 2013 and 2014 Moto X do not. I don't see Xperia devices dropping their expandable storage.

That's one reason why I hate that Apple is a trendsetter. They're on a crusade to simplify and do pointless crap like make devices thinner and thinner at the expense of functionality. I don't give a damn if this year's model is .00007mm thinner than last year's, give me a bigger battery. Samsung usually tries to copy or outdo them. I'm guessing this is partially why the new Galaxy models don't have expandable storage or removable batteries.
You don't see the Xperia line selling any, either, which is why it will be gone in a couple of years. At least here.

They're setting a trend for rigid devices, which have shown to sell. No crappy plastic backs. Just have to face the fact that swappable batteries aren't a thing anymore. The Style adds back an SD slot, but won't sell either.
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2015 | 06:26 PM
  #12154  
Costco's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Likes: 3,489
Originally Posted by CocheseUGA
You don't see the Xperia line selling any, either, which is why it will be gone in a couple of years. At least here.

They're setting a trend for rigid devices, which have shown to sell. No crappy plastic backs. Just have to face the fact that swappable batteries aren't a thing anymore. The Style adds back an SD slot, but won't sell either.
I get the appeal of a "seamless" back. I really liked that about iPhones and my 2013 Moto X. You can pull off a premium feel with a removable cover though, like LG did with the G4.

Sony has an absolutely terrible marketing campaign. I love their devices, and it's a shame it's difficult to get them, at least the up to date versions.

Speaking of which, here's another way HTC screwed up. Non-removable battery. If you want to take it apart to replace, have fun:

https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/HTC+...Teardown/39166
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2015 | 07:01 PM
  #12155  
oonowindoo's Avatar
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
Likes: 4,273
From: Los Angeles
Originally Posted by CocheseUGA
You don't see the Xperia line selling any, either, which is why it will be gone in a couple of years. At least here.

They're setting a trend for rigid devices, which have shown to sell. No crappy plastic backs. Just have to face the fact that swappable batteries aren't a thing anymore. The Style adds back an SD slot, but won't sell either.
I actually thought about getting the Xperia when i got my Note. But realized both the software and the hardwares are already outdated.
Reply
Old Aug 15, 2015 | 10:06 AM
  #12156  
CocheseUGA's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,761
Likes: 960
From: Kennesaw, GA
Originally Posted by Costco
I get the appeal of a "seamless" back. I really liked that about iPhones and my 2013 Moto X. You can pull off a premium feel with a removable cover though, like LG did with the G4.

Sony has an absolutely terrible marketing campaign. I love their devices, and it's a shame it's difficult to get them, at least the up to date versions.

Speaking of which, here's another way HTC screwed up. Non-removable battery. If you want to take it apart to replace, have fun:

https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/HTC+...Teardown/39166
The market has accepted that phones are to be replaced every 18-24 months, so battery replacement isn't that big of a deal anymore. I've replaced the battery a couple times on iPhones, which is more than I did when I had a removable one on the S3.

Having expandable memory I wish was a standard, but unfortunately it is not. I had a Windows tablet for a week that had a simple push-in slot for memory. I don't understand why manufacturers can't do this and keep the rigidity, but they want to sell upgrades. I've just come to deal with the fact that if I want to bring all my music with me, the iPod Classic has to come along.
Reply
Old Aug 15, 2015 | 02:18 PM
  #12157  
mattg's Avatar
Senior Moderator
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 22,909
Likes: 388
From: OR
The battery in my 6+ is so good I have never wished I could get to it to change it. Expandable memory would be nice though and you would think they could include it without adding bulk to the device. But Apple would rather you pay extra when you buy the device for more memory, or pay them for cloud space when you realize you should have bought a device with more memory. While that pisses us off you can't say it's not a good business model.
Reply
Old Aug 15, 2015 | 02:45 PM
  #12158  
Mizouse's Avatar
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 64,114
Likes: 3,366
From: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
thats how it is with samsung too now, they need to increase their profits since they've been down the past 7 consecutive quarters.
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2015 | 07:18 AM
  #12159  
Doom878's Avatar
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 28,427
Likes: 1,567
From: Miami, FL
Good news to anyone forced to ATT Mobile Share plans. The data given has increased at no cost. I now pay $100 for 15GB vs 10GB. Check your plan for more info.

Yeah I'm most likely not buying my next phone through the carrier since I will be charged an extra $25/month. Luckily my Note 4 probably has another year in it before the stupid 2 year bugs timer expires (conspiracy theory). Either I get an LG cheap or auto upload pics to my dropbox/Onedrive/etc and delete photos immediately since I have so much data now.
Reply
Old Aug 17, 2015 | 11:32 AM
  #12160  
CocheseUGA's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,761
Likes: 960
From: Kennesaw, GA
Had mine upgraded to 15 awhile ago under a promotion. I want them to do the T-Mobile 4 lines for $30 each.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:02 AM.