Android: Phone News and Discussion Thread
10-25-2016, 12:56 AM
Updated my Nexus 6 to Android 7.0 OTA image sideload with no issues. Loving the split screen to view recent apps, notifications look much better and looking forward to using the new data saver settings. Overall behaves the same with a few tweaks/additional features, feels like I have a new phone too :-D
10-25-2016, 07:08 AM
Team Owner
Maybe it's because I've had bad luck with Samsung but I don't care for the phones to upgrade OS's since it fries the battery.
10-25-2016, 07:39 AM
10-25-2016, 07:41 AM
Team Owner
Yeah man they upped their game 
10-25-2016, 10:31 AM
The last Samsung phone I had was a Samsung Intercept, early android.. slow buggy and I remember waiting and waiting for an OS update, never came. That's when i switched to nexus 4 and have always had good experience with all OS android updates, and received them fast.
10-25-2016, 10:48 AM
Senior Moderator
Really want the new Google phone. That is all. 
10-25-2016, 10:54 AM
Team Owner
They've been advertising it like crazy. People actually know there are Google phones.
10-25-2016, 11:58 AM
Nice looking phonesXiaomi Mi Note 2's curved screen and great specs will help you forget about the Note 7 - Android Authority
Your Note 7 replacement has arrived. No, it’s not from Samsung, it’s from Xiaomi, and it’s called Mi Note 2.
Unveiled minutes ago at a Beijing press event, the Mi Note 2 bears a striking resemblance to Samsung’s ill-fated Note 7, thanks to the curved edges of its screen. This is one of the first non-Samsung devices to feature an “edge” screen.
The Note 7 resemblance extends to the rounded fingerprint sensor, which appears to be embedded beneath the glass, just like on the recently announced Xiaomi Mi 5s and Mi 5s Plus. The glass back of the Mi Note 2 is also curved, creating an eye-pleasing symmetrical design that converges into a metallic frame.
The display of the Mi Note 2 is a 5.7-inch Quad HD OLED panel. This is likely the flexible display that leaked a few days ago, but you obviously won’t get to flex it, because it’s encapsulated in glass. Taking the curved edges into account, the Note 2’s screen to body ratio is 77.2%, a figure that’s held down by the sizeable top and bottom bezels.
Like other recent Xiaomi flagships, the Mi Note 2’s spec sheet is quite impressive. You get Snapdragon 821, the latest processor from Qualcomm, coupled with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64 or 128GB of flash storage (UFS 2.0) space. Powering everything is a beefy 4,070-mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0. Audiophiles will want to hear about the Aqstic audio processor, which offers 192KHz/24-bit Hi-Fi sound.
The rear camera boasts a whopping 22.56MP IMX 318 sensor from Sony, featuring electronic image stabilization (but not OIS) and hybrid (phase detection and contrast) autofocus, while the selfie camera is a f 2.0 8MP IMX 268.
Xiaomi says the Note 2 features global LTE support for a total of 37 LTE bands supported.
As usual, Xiaomi is keeping the price of the Mi Note 2 at a very decent level, at least in China.
Here’s the breakdown:
It’s not clear yet what the “Global” variant is exactly or why it’s more expensive than the Chinese model of the same specs, but it’s possible that the difference lies in the configuration of the LTE modem.
Unveiled minutes ago at a Beijing press event, the Mi Note 2 bears a striking resemblance to Samsung’s ill-fated Note 7, thanks to the curved edges of its screen. This is one of the first non-Samsung devices to feature an “edge” screen.
The Note 7 resemblance extends to the rounded fingerprint sensor, which appears to be embedded beneath the glass, just like on the recently announced Xiaomi Mi 5s and Mi 5s Plus. The glass back of the Mi Note 2 is also curved, creating an eye-pleasing symmetrical design that converges into a metallic frame.
The display of the Mi Note 2 is a 5.7-inch Quad HD OLED panel. This is likely the flexible display that leaked a few days ago, but you obviously won’t get to flex it, because it’s encapsulated in glass. Taking the curved edges into account, the Note 2’s screen to body ratio is 77.2%, a figure that’s held down by the sizeable top and bottom bezels.
Like other recent Xiaomi flagships, the Mi Note 2’s spec sheet is quite impressive. You get Snapdragon 821, the latest processor from Qualcomm, coupled with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64 or 128GB of flash storage (UFS 2.0) space. Powering everything is a beefy 4,070-mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0. Audiophiles will want to hear about the Aqstic audio processor, which offers 192KHz/24-bit Hi-Fi sound.
The rear camera boasts a whopping 22.56MP IMX 318 sensor from Sony, featuring electronic image stabilization (but not OIS) and hybrid (phase detection and contrast) autofocus, while the selfie camera is a f 2.0 8MP IMX 268.
Xiaomi says the Note 2 features global LTE support for a total of 37 LTE bands supported.
As usual, Xiaomi is keeping the price of the Mi Note 2 at a very decent level, at least in China.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 4GB + 64GB: 2799 yuan (~$415)
- 6GB + 128GB: 3299 yuan (~$490)
- 6GB + 128GB Global: 3499 yuan (~$515)
It’s not clear yet what the “Global” variant is exactly or why it’s more expensive than the Chinese model of the same specs, but it’s possible that the difference lies in the configuration of the LTE modem.
6.4" screen
Xiaomi announces Mi MIX with borderless display - GSMArena.com news
Alongside the Mi Note 2, Xiaomi also unveiled the Mi MIX, a so-called concept phone with a borderless display that will actually be on sale.
The Mi MIX has a custom-made 6.4-inch, 2040x1080 pixel, 17:9 aspect ratio display that takes up 91.3% of the front. The display has really thin bezels on the top and sides, making it look nearly borderless. There is only one significant bezel, and that is at the bottom, where you will also find the front speaker and camera. The Mi MIX does not have physical buttons at the bottom and is the first Xiaomi phone with on-screen controls. The 17:9 aspect ratio means even with the on-screen buttons you still get full 16:9 area for your content.
The earpiece and proximity sensor are completely hidden and had to be reimagined. The Mi MIX uses a piezoelectric ceramic driver for the earpiece and an ultrasonic proximity sensor, which works through the display.
The body of the Mi MIX is made entirely out of ceramic, with ceramic back, ceramic frame, and ceramic buttons. The design uses a mortise and tenon joint for attaching the display to the body, instead of glue or other adhesives. The industrial design has been done by designer Philippe Starck.
Inside, the Mi MIX runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821. The 128GB model gets 4GB of RAM while the 256GB model gets 6GB of RAM. The 256GB model also gets gold trim, with 18K gold accents on the camera lens and fingerprint sensor on the back. The back camera has 16 megapixel resolution with PDAF and 4K video, and the front camera is 5 megapixels. The phone also has dual SIM connectivity. The whole thing is powered by a 4,400mAh battery with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging.
The Mi MIX is priced at RMB 3,499 ($515) for the 4GB/128GB model and RMB 3,999 ($590) for the 6GB/256GB model. Both variants come with a leather case.
The Mi MIX has a custom-made 6.4-inch, 2040x1080 pixel, 17:9 aspect ratio display that takes up 91.3% of the front. The display has really thin bezels on the top and sides, making it look nearly borderless. There is only one significant bezel, and that is at the bottom, where you will also find the front speaker and camera. The Mi MIX does not have physical buttons at the bottom and is the first Xiaomi phone with on-screen controls. The 17:9 aspect ratio means even with the on-screen buttons you still get full 16:9 area for your content.
The earpiece and proximity sensor are completely hidden and had to be reimagined. The Mi MIX uses a piezoelectric ceramic driver for the earpiece and an ultrasonic proximity sensor, which works through the display.
The body of the Mi MIX is made entirely out of ceramic, with ceramic back, ceramic frame, and ceramic buttons. The design uses a mortise and tenon joint for attaching the display to the body, instead of glue or other adhesives. The industrial design has been done by designer Philippe Starck.
Inside, the Mi MIX runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821. The 128GB model gets 4GB of RAM while the 256GB model gets 6GB of RAM. The 256GB model also gets gold trim, with 18K gold accents on the camera lens and fingerprint sensor on the back. The back camera has 16 megapixel resolution with PDAF and 4K video, and the front camera is 5 megapixels. The phone also has dual SIM connectivity. The whole thing is powered by a 4,400mAh battery with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging.
The Mi MIX is priced at RMB 3,499 ($515) for the 4GB/128GB model and RMB 3,999 ($590) for the 6GB/256GB model. Both variants come with a leather case.
10-25-2016, 12:16 PM
Team Owner
We don't mess around
10-25-2016, 12:52 PM
Team Owner
Read Android Central's review on the V20. Pixel is faster, battery kind of crappy although removable, kind of a jack of all trades master of none.
10-25-2016, 12:55 PM
Can imagine that edgeless display being quite annoying though, mainly when using it one-handed. But I guess for a phone of that size, it won't be one-handed much. As long as I can get a case that wraps around and protects the display while not covering part of the screen, some bezels are perfectly ok.
10-25-2016, 02:06 PM
Team Owner
Yup. I learnt it the hard way. From now on, i avoid all edge and probably edgeless screens. Cool on paper, not practical at all.
10-25-2016, 02:44 PM
Senior Moderator
Don't see the appeal of bezel less phones. A phone is not a tv.
10-25-2016, 03:59 PM
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10-25-2016, 04:28 PM
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Pixel arrived today... I keep forgetting how much I hate setting up new phones.
#FirstWorldProblems
#FirstWorldProblems
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Mizouse (10-26-2016)
10-26-2016, 06:38 AM
Senior Moderator
I want and need a new phone but am having such a hard time deciding 
My Galaxy S5 has the equivalent to 500k miles on her.
My Galaxy S5 has the equivalent to 500k miles on her.
10-26-2016, 06:42 AM
10-26-2016, 06:51 AM
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10-26-2016, 06:53 AM
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What color did you go with for your Pixel cu2wagon?
I went and looked at them again at Verizon last night for 20min and still can't figure out which color I like more. I have never had this issue with phones before. I know real problems right
Has anyone else here gone to check them out at the Verizon store? Whats do you guys thing of the colors?
I went and looked at them again at Verizon last night for 20min and still can't figure out which color I like more. I have never had this issue with phones before. I know real problems right
Has anyone else here gone to check them out at the Verizon store? Whats do you guys thing of the colors?
10-26-2016, 07:09 AM
do they all have white faces? if so, that shit is ugly to me.
and if given the option, i'd go with a white back to match the front
then either get some skins or a case.
well then, i guess you could cover the white face front with a skin.
i'd do this. I'd get a skin to match either the blue or black.
and if given the option, i'd go with a white back to match the front
then either get some skins or a case.
well then, i guess you could cover the white face front with a skin.
i'd do this. I'd get a skin to match either the blue or black.
10-26-2016, 07:12 AM
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I got the "cheap" one. 5", 32GB, black. I originally wanted blue because I've had blue phones for my last two, but it sold out and then I realized it had a white face instead of black. Which is a deal breaker because white is for iPod phones, and those aren't allowed in my house.
It's a replacement for my OG Moto X (2013?) which was struggling to stay charged.
Overall, the larger size is taking some getting used to. I miss being able to comfortably one-hand everything. I find it to be too damned slippery being all glass and metal. I liked the rubberized plastic back of my X.
Performance? Eh, it's a 3 years newer phone... It like leaving a '63 Super Beetle for a 911 GT-3. I'm not loving the Android N OS, but I assume that's just something I'll get familiar with over time.
It does make phone calls, and the internet works on it, so that's good.
That feature they advertised about connecting two phones together to copy everything together about half worked. I still need to manually fix some stuff and oddly, even with the option of "moving all apps", it didn't. Not sure if maybe I hauled the transfer, or if it just didn't work.
Battery life seems good. But again, I'm coming from a phone that I couldn't be away from a cord for more than an hour without recharging to a safe level, so that doesn't say much.
It gets hot when it's working hard, streaming music and using GPS, for example. Or updating eleventybillion apps and trying to surf the internet, etc.
It's black and roughly rectangular shaped. It's got a fingerprint scanner which I thought was dumb bit is kind of neat... When I remember to use it.
I do miss the twist wrist to launch the camera action from the Moto X, and the active display that sensed motion or light sensor change to display the time and notifications.
Oh, and I need to go buy all new USB cables now
It's a replacement for my OG Moto X (2013?) which was struggling to stay charged.
Overall, the larger size is taking some getting used to. I miss being able to comfortably one-hand everything. I find it to be too damned slippery being all glass and metal. I liked the rubberized plastic back of my X.
Performance? Eh, it's a 3 years newer phone... It like leaving a '63 Super Beetle for a 911 GT-3. I'm not loving the Android N OS, but I assume that's just something I'll get familiar with over time.
It does make phone calls, and the internet works on it, so that's good.
That feature they advertised about connecting two phones together to copy everything together about half worked. I still need to manually fix some stuff and oddly, even with the option of "moving all apps", it didn't. Not sure if maybe I hauled the transfer, or if it just didn't work.
Battery life seems good. But again, I'm coming from a phone that I couldn't be away from a cord for more than an hour without recharging to a safe level, so that doesn't say much.
It gets hot when it's working hard, streaming music and using GPS, for example. Or updating eleventybillion apps and trying to surf the internet, etc.
It's black and roughly rectangular shaped. It's got a fingerprint scanner which I thought was dumb bit is kind of neat... When I remember to use it.
I do miss the twist wrist to launch the camera action from the Moto X, and the active display that sensed motion or light sensor change to display the time and notifications.
Oh, and I need to go buy all new USB cables now
10-26-2016, 07:23 AM
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Oh and the power brick and provided cables are white. Like a crApple. 
10-26-2016, 07:33 AM
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do they all have white faces? if so, that shit is ugly to me.
and if given the option, i'd go with a white back to match the front
then either get some skins or a case.
well then, i guess you could cover the white face front with a skin.
i'd do this. I'd get a skin to match either the blue or black.
and if given the option, i'd go with a white back to match the front
then either get some skins or a case.
well then, i guess you could cover the white face front with a skin.
i'd do this. I'd get a skin to match either the blue or black.
I originally thought the silver might match my silver pixel c but it isn't even close. The silver on the Pixel phone is more of a warm silver and the silver on the Pixel C is a colder looking silver if that makes any sense.
The white faced one looks more premium but also at the same time it looks more like an iPhone to me. My GF first asked me why I was looking at an iPhone at the Verizon store. The black which is really more of an ash grey color doesn't look near as much like an iPhone. From pictures online the white glass on the back of the silve and white one blended together really well it seemed. In person most of the time when the light hits it it really doesn't blend so well together. The black one the glass and metal blend much better.
Now I am leaning towards getting a grey pixel and putting a silver metal skin on the back to accomplish what I want which is black front and silver back.
Yes I have a problem and I am a really indecisive person.
I found this case I thought hey that would actually look really good on a white phone. Probably due to being a Penn State fan though.
10-26-2016, 07:34 AM
Team Owner
Do they still make phone chargers black? My last 3 Samsungs are white.
10-26-2016, 07:37 AM
black front and silver back would look great!
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Mizouse (10-26-2016)
10-26-2016, 07:37 AM
Senior Moderator
Anker does
10-26-2016, 07:42 AM
my stock nexus 6p charger is black and I have black tronsmart aftermarket usb-C charger.
*nudge nudge* cu2wagon, tronsmart usb-c with c cables were like 15 bucks on amazon and are certified/authorized usb-C product *nudge nudge*
*nudge nudge* cu2wagon, tronsmart usb-c with c cables were like 15 bucks on amazon and are certified/authorized usb-C product *nudge nudge*
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cu2wagon (10-26-2016)
10-26-2016, 07:49 AM
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Make sure it has the 9V 2A output or your phone will charge slower than the included charger.
10-26-2016, 07:51 AM
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It isn't black though. That bugged me too and was why white is an option since you can see the screen outline on both colors. The Nexus6 was 100% one shade across the screen and the Nexus6P blends together about 95% of the time between the screen color and the bezel. There is no chance of the screen and bezel blending together on the Pixel at all.
10-26-2016, 08:53 AM
Three Wheelin'
I am currently an iphone / ios user but have been thinking about switching to android / google phone. I have always used the iphone and love that if anything happens to my phone I can walk into apple store and take care of it right away. For those of you that use the google phone's what do you guys do when something breaks or if you crack a screen?
10-26-2016, 09:11 AM
10-26-2016, 09:27 AM
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I am currently an iphone / ios user but have been thinking about switching to android / google phone. I have always used the iphone and love that if anything happens to my phone I can walk into apple store and take care of it right away. For those of you that use the google phone's what do you guys do when something breaks or if you crack a screen?
2. The one time I did, it's because I'm an idiot and tried blowing the pocket lint out of the speaker and microphone holes on my phone and ended up blowing out the mic.
3. Motorola was cool and did a 1 time replacement where they sent me a new phone and I sent them the busted one back.
4. I can't remember if I just made due without a mic because, you know, who makes phone calls anymore? or if I just grabbed an old phone to limp by until the replacement arrived.
5. Profit. Or something.
10-26-2016, 09:47 AM
Team Owner
Yeah Apple has that HUGE advantage of if you break your phone, they can fix right then and there assuming you live near an Apple Store (I have 4 in my county). When my phones break I have a backup iPhone (shit where did I leave it last) until they ship me a new phone via insurance. If it's just a cracked screen, you can probably go to any of those fix it places. Plus I believe ATT is going to offer screen repair fixes via insurance.
10-26-2016, 11:27 AM
Senior Moderator
I am currently an iphone / ios user but have been thinking about switching to android / google phone. I have always used the iphone and love that if anything happens to my phone I can walk into apple store and take care of it right away. For those of you that use the google phone's what do you guys do when something breaks or if you crack a screen?
i havent broken one in a while. My S5 has gone thru the wash countless times, bounced around inside the dryer half a dozen times, gone swimming at least once a month the last 2 summers, dropped kicked, skid across countless parking lots all without a case/protector. Its showing its age but works flawlessly yet. (also part of the reason im looking at a new phone as its time, just wish UsCell had the pixles in their stores to go fondle and hold). The last time i damaged a phone insurance had a new one overnighted so i wasnt without a phone long.
10-26-2016, 12:07 PM
Three Wheelin'
I am very anal about my phones too. I always have them in a case and a screen protector from day one but stuff happens.
10-26-2016, 12:17 PM
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i havent broken one in a while. My S5 has gone thru the wash countless times, bounced around inside the dryer half a dozen times, gone swimming at least once a month the last 2 summers, dropped kicked, skid across countless parking lots all without a case/protector. Its showing its age but works flawlessly yet. (also part of the reason im looking at a new phone as its time, just wish UsCell had the pixles in their stores to go fondle and hold). The last time i damaged a phone insurance had a new one overnighted so i wasnt without a phone long.
10-26-2016, 12:22 PM
offered on the 6P and on the Pixels.
I didnt bother throwing down the extra coin for it...
im super careful with my phones, as all i do is sit in an office all day.
10-26-2016, 01:21 PM
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10-26-2016, 03:04 PM
Anyone with a nexus6 update to 7.0? I was waiting for OTA but haven't received it yet. I was thinking about downloading the full image and wiping everything, but surprised we can get an OTA image from https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/ota so we don't lose anything. Downloading now...
Plan is with T-mobile - $30 5GB/month LTE data prepaid
Plan is with T-mobile - $30 5GB/month LTE data prepaid
10-27-2016, 04:15 PM
TMO offering 50% back for purchasing unlocked Pixel or Pixel XL from Google store....
Need to sign up for T-Mobile One plan.
https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-a...ixel-offer.htm
Need to sign up for T-Mobile One plan.
To take advantage of this limited time offer, purchase an unlocked Pixel from Google or anywhere else, sign up for T-Mobile ONE, then just show us your proof of purchase via our validation site. You’ll automatically see a $13.55 credit to your monthly bill for 24 months (for a grand total of $325, or half the cost of a 32GB Pixel).