Android: Phone News and Discussion Thread
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
Likes: 4,273
From: Los Angeles
Base on my experience, Samsung phone's battery starts to show issues at around 1.5 year mark....
I remember the days when i would have 80% left after a day of work (i do not use phone a lot at work), now it is around 50% with nothing changed.
I remember the days when i would have 80% left after a day of work (i do not use phone a lot at work), now it is around 50% with nothing changed.
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,077
Likes: 3,669
From: Vancouver BC
meh', I usually get a new phone every 2 years anyways
Thread Starter
Be Strong AND Courageous!
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Joshua 1:1-9
My Nexus 5 battery life was fine until I got my OS updated / I think the new OS is fine for a time in an older rig... but as they tweak it, the older phone has a harder time keeping up... this is all just BS theory ... I have no numbers but I know my rooted, super clean older than crap phones never had battery issues... all of this is IMVHO
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
Likes: 4,273
From: Los Angeles
Well i am not sure if this was their intend when all of them decided to remove the option to replace battery.
Now the case is sealed and you can't replace the battery, at the same time the price of cellphones are climbing with every new generation and when you add the nature of battery usage life span, it creates a perfect business model.
Almost like a disposable industry, you pretty much have to get a new phone after a # of years and you know what phones are more expensive since last time you bought one
fuking smart if you ask me.
Now the case is sealed and you can't replace the battery, at the same time the price of cellphones are climbing with every new generation and when you add the nature of battery usage life span, it creates a perfect business model.
Almost like a disposable industry, you pretty much have to get a new phone after a # of years and you know what phones are more expensive since last time you bought one
fuking smart if you ask me.
Thread Starter
Be Strong AND Courageous!
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 9,305
Likes: 43
From: Joshua 1:1-9
Well i am not sure if this was their intend when all of them decided to remove the option to replace battery.
Now the case is sealed and you can't replace the battery, at the same time the price of cellphones are climbing with every new generation and when you add the nature of battery usage life span, it creates a perfect business model.
Almost like a disposable industry, you pretty much have to get a new phone after a # of years and you know what phones are more expensive since last time you bought one
fuking smart if you ask me.
Now the case is sealed and you can't replace the battery, at the same time the price of cellphones are climbing with every new generation and when you add the nature of battery usage life span, it creates a perfect business model.
Almost like a disposable industry, you pretty much have to get a new phone after a # of years and you know what phones are more expensive since last time you bought one
fuking smart if you ask me.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 28,427
Likes: 1,567
From: Miami, FL
Then 
your battery. These software updates put a toll on the hardware. I've had two Note 2's crap out in a year and their batteries were already losing charge much faster.
They took a page from the Apple playbook now that they have market share. Need more battery? Get a new phone. Pay $200? Nah man finance $700+. Buying a 2nd battery and portable charger has expanded the life of my Note 4 by a year. If not, I'd have upgraded as well.
your battery. These software updates put a toll on the hardware. I've had two Note 2's crap out in a year and their batteries were already losing charge much faster.Well i am not sure if this was their intend when all of them decided to remove the option to replace battery.
Now the case is sealed and you can't replace the battery, at the same time the price of cellphones are climbing with every new generation and when you add the nature of battery usage life span, it creates a perfect business model.
Almost like a disposable industry, you pretty much have to get a new phone after a # of years and you know what phones are more expensive since last time you bought one
fuking smart if you ask me.
Now the case is sealed and you can't replace the battery, at the same time the price of cellphones are climbing with every new generation and when you add the nature of battery usage life span, it creates a perfect business model.
Almost like a disposable industry, you pretty much have to get a new phone after a # of years and you know what phones are more expensive since last time you bought one
fuking smart if you ask me.
google released the time frame on last update on nexus devices...
nexus 5x and 6p will get last OS update in September of 2017. and will get last security update September of 2018.
damn you google and your business model forcing me to upgrade in september of 2018.
nexus 5x and 6p will get last OS update in September of 2017. and will get last security update September of 2018.
damn you google and your business model forcing me to upgrade in september of 2018.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
Likes: 4,273
From: Los Angeles
Yes, unless you ask Iphone ppl.
I went to check out the S8+ over the weekend. While it does look fancy in a way, but it did not WOW me as it did with the picture, especially at $850+tax.
I did not like the hidden Home Screen/Back button.
I went to check out the S8+ over the weekend. While it does look fancy in a way, but it did not WOW me as it did with the picture, especially at $850+tax.
I did not like the hidden Home Screen/Back button.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 28,427
Likes: 1,567
From: Miami, FL
I noticed the G6 has HDR10/Dolby Vision. YouTube and Netflix (if supported) should look amazing. S8+ has superior chipset and GPU though.
Have you guys seen the Sony Xperia XZ Premium? Sexy and specs are comparable to the S8+.
Samsung Galaxy S8+ vs. LG G6 vs. Sony Xperia XZ Premium - GSMArena.com
Have you guys seen the Sony Xperia XZ Premium? Sexy and specs are comparable to the S8+.
Samsung Galaxy S8+ vs. LG G6 vs. Sony Xperia XZ Premium - GSMArena.com
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
Likes: 4,273
From: Los Angeles
I noticed the G6 has HDR10/Dolby Vision. YouTube and Netflix (if supported) should look amazing. S8+ has superior chipset and GPU though.
Have you guys seen the Sony Xperia XZ Premium? Sexy and specs are comparable to the S8+.
Samsung Galaxy S8+ vs. LG G6 vs. Sony Xperia XZ Premium - GSMArena.com
Have you guys seen the Sony Xperia XZ Premium? Sexy and specs are comparable to the S8+.
Samsung Galaxy S8+ vs. LG G6 vs. Sony Xperia XZ Premium - GSMArena.com
I glad it is not curved anymore
i almost bought 1 before until i realized it did not have a flash for Camera.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 81,385
Likes: 3,068
From: Appleton WI
I love my S8+. Of course im coming from a S5 so just about anything is an upgrade. My buddy picked up the V20 a few weeks before the S8 came out and he prefers my S8, He has the latest and greatest IPhone for work and hates it and says the S8 blows that away.
Cool. I have a V10 and I love it. I have no need to upgrade just like hearing about other devices.
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 52,768
Likes: 2,000
From: Phoenix, AZ
Netflix Cuts Off Rooted Android Devices
Netflix Cuts Off Rooted Android Devices | News & Opinion | PCMag.com
There are many trade-offs to rooting your Android phone or tablet. The latest addition to the negatives column is losing the ability to stream videos from Netflix.
Thanks to the inclusion of new digital rights management software, the latest version of the Netflix app won't work on devices whose Android OS has been rooted—the process of gaining access to system settings and other parts of the OS that Google and the device manufacturer intentionally blocked.
If you have a rooted device and browse to the Netflix app on the Google Play store, you'll now see a notice explaining that the app is not compatible, AndroidPolice reported over the weekend. The change, according to Netflix, is intended to make it harder for people to pirate the company's video content by using a new digital rights management platform, or DRM.
As with any app update, there is a workaround for people who have rooted devices: simply don't update the app. That means losing out on improvements to the Netflix app, but such a trade-off might be acceptable for casual Netflix fans who really want root access to their Android device.
Netflix's decision to strengthen its DRM comes after the company added the ability for subscribers to download certain shows and movies to their phones and tablets so that they can watch them on flights or other places without internet access.
Thanks to the inclusion of new digital rights management software, the latest version of the Netflix app won't work on devices whose Android OS has been rooted—the process of gaining access to system settings and other parts of the OS that Google and the device manufacturer intentionally blocked.
If you have a rooted device and browse to the Netflix app on the Google Play store, you'll now see a notice explaining that the app is not compatible, AndroidPolice reported over the weekend. The change, according to Netflix, is intended to make it harder for people to pirate the company's video content by using a new digital rights management platform, or DRM.
"With our latest 5.0 release, we now fully rely on the Widevine DRM provided by Google," Netflix said in a statement to Android Police. "Therefore, many devices that are not Google-certified or have been altered will no longer work with our latest app and those users will no longer see the Netflix app in the Play Store."
As with any app update, there is a workaround for people who have rooted devices: simply don't update the app. That means losing out on improvements to the Netflix app, but such a trade-off might be acceptable for casual Netflix fans who really want root access to their Android device.
Netflix's decision to strengthen its DRM comes after the company added the ability for subscribers to download certain shows and movies to their phones and tablets so that they can watch them on flights or other places without internet access.
I'm kind of cheap in that I refuse to pay big money for a new phone, instead, once my four year old Moto X started only going about six hours on a charge, I popped for a new Moto Z Play (Amazon for about $390). Yeah, the Z Play may not be sexy like a lot of other phones these days, but I routinely get two to three days on a charge. 
Senior Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 81,385
Likes: 3,068
From: Appleton WI
Small update. So far my biggest complaint is Bixby and the separate non changeable button for it right below the volume button. Im constantly hitting it trying to adjust the volume only to have Bixby pop up. Samsung should just let Google/Android do the info/search stuff for you. At minimum allow me to change the function of the button. Camera wise this thing takes great pictures, battery life is great. I dont think i have seen it below 45% after a full days use yet by time i go to bed.
I am #76,361,211,935
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 344
From: Ottawa,Ontario
There are a number of ways you can remap the Bixby button .. some more elegant than others .
Samsung Galaxy S8: remap the Bixby button (Updated: new root method) - Android Authority
Samsung Galaxy S8: remap the Bixby button (Updated: new root method) - Android Authority
Azine Jabroni
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 9,245
Likes: 2,226
From: Austin, TX
Thinking about going Pixel from iOS in the fall. Not sure though
Last edited by kurtatx; May 23, 2017 at 08:00 PM.
_
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,327
Likes: 3,435
1) Buy 128 GB Pixel XL from Verizon on new line.
2) Keep Pixel on new Verizon line for 60 days (minimum).
3) Switch / port in Verizon line to TMobile and keep Tmobile service until Tmobile pays off Pixel via MasterCard (TMobile say typically between 15-30 days)
4) Cancel Tmobile service (after 30 days?)
5) Profit!
monthly device payment for 128 GB Pixel XL = $36.24
Verizon Unlimited plan = $85
Total = $242.48 ($121.24 x 2 months service) + tax
1 month of TMobile One (1 line) = $70/month (tax and fees included)
TMobile SIM starter kit = $25
1 month of TMobile Premium Device Protection Plus = $15/month
Total: $352.48 + tax for 128 GB (unlocked) Pixel XL
https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-a...of-the-red.htm
https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-a...the-red-qa.htm
2) Keep Pixel on new Verizon line for 60 days (minimum).
3) Switch / port in Verizon line to TMobile and keep Tmobile service until Tmobile pays off Pixel via MasterCard (TMobile say typically between 15-30 days)
4) Cancel Tmobile service (after 30 days?)
5) Profit!
monthly device payment for 128 GB Pixel XL = $36.24
Verizon Unlimited plan = $85
Total = $242.48 ($121.24 x 2 months service) + tax
1 month of TMobile One (1 line) = $70/month (tax and fees included)
TMobile SIM starter kit = $25
1 month of TMobile Premium Device Protection Plus = $15/month
Total: $352.48 + tax for 128 GB (unlocked) Pixel XL
https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-a...of-the-red.htm
May 24, 2017 — Kicking off the Un-carrier’s summer celebration with the first of three announcements with four great pieces of news, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) president and CEO John Legere today announced a spectacularly simple way for Verizon customers to switch to T-Mobile, keep their phone—and #GetOutoftheRed.
Starting May 31, Verizon customers with two of the most popular smartphones out there can walk (or run) into any T-Mobile store, put their phone on a faster network built for unlimited—and get that phone paid off in full. This limited time offer works whether you owe $1 or $1,000 on your phone—and gets you on T-Mobile ONE with device protection. With no more phone payments to make, that could mean thousands of dollars right back in your pocket.
#GetOutoftheRed
T-Mobile is getting rid of the friction that customers experience when switching from Verizon—no more giving up your device, buying a new one and transferring your photos, contacts and apps. All that hassle—gone! Starting Wednesday, May 31, when you switch to T-Mobile from Verizon with a qualifying phone, you’re free to keep your phone and your number—no trade-in required. Simply port in a number with T-Mobile ONE, pop in a new SIM, and you’re all set. It’s that quick and easy.
But it gets better. T-Mobile will also pay off anything you owe on that phone—whether you owe $1 or $1,000—for you and anyone else on your account when you sign on for T-Mobile ONE and device protection. That could mean thousands of dollars back for a family. And, you’ll get paid faster than ever—typically within 15 days—with a digital prepaid MasterCard. So you’ll get your money before your old carrier bill is even due.
Participating customers just need to insure their device with T-Mobile’s Premium Device Protection Plus for $15 per month.
Limited time offer; subject to change. New financed or leased device (or if Verizon iPhone SE, 6S, 7, or Pixel BYOD, PDP+ required), qualifying credit, service, port-in, 60+ days with carrier, and timely redemption required. You must be active and in good standing when payment is processed; typically 15-30 days. 1 offer/subscriber; up to 5 lines. Card issued by Citibank N.A., member FDIC. Terms apply; card expires.
Starting May 31, Verizon customers with two of the most popular smartphones out there can walk (or run) into any T-Mobile store, put their phone on a faster network built for unlimited—and get that phone paid off in full. This limited time offer works whether you owe $1 or $1,000 on your phone—and gets you on T-Mobile ONE with device protection. With no more phone payments to make, that could mean thousands of dollars right back in your pocket.
#GetOutoftheRed
T-Mobile is getting rid of the friction that customers experience when switching from Verizon—no more giving up your device, buying a new one and transferring your photos, contacts and apps. All that hassle—gone! Starting Wednesday, May 31, when you switch to T-Mobile from Verizon with a qualifying phone, you’re free to keep your phone and your number—no trade-in required. Simply port in a number with T-Mobile ONE, pop in a new SIM, and you’re all set. It’s that quick and easy.
But it gets better. T-Mobile will also pay off anything you owe on that phone—whether you owe $1 or $1,000—for you and anyone else on your account when you sign on for T-Mobile ONE and device protection. That could mean thousands of dollars back for a family. And, you’ll get paid faster than ever—typically within 15 days—with a digital prepaid MasterCard. So you’ll get your money before your old carrier bill is even due.
Participating customers just need to insure their device with T-Mobile’s Premium Device Protection Plus for $15 per month.
Limited time offer; subject to change. New financed or leased device (or if Verizon iPhone SE, 6S, 7, or Pixel BYOD, PDP+ required), qualifying credit, service, port-in, 60+ days with carrier, and timely redemption required. You must be active and in good standing when payment is processed; typically 15-30 days. 1 offer/subscriber; up to 5 lines. Card issued by Citibank N.A., member FDIC. Terms apply; card expires.
What phones are eligible?
The following devices are eligible:
There’s no trade-in required to get your iPhone or Pixel paid off, and you can keep that device to use on the T-Mobile network when you switch and sign up for T-Mobile ONE and Premium Device Protection Plus.
Limited time offer; subject to change. Qualifying device & credit, port-in from eligible carriers, and qualifying service required. Carrier’s Early Termination Fee or remaining device balance, including lease purchase option paid by prepaid MasterCard® Card (expires in 12 months) typically within 15 days (device reimbursement) or 30 days (ETF). Submit proof of balance & 60+ days in good standing w/ carrier within 30 days of port-in and be active and in good standing when processed. We might ask for more information. Up to 5 lines. One offer per subscriber. T-Mobile Prepaid MasterCard Card is rebate/reimbursement or exchange on new device, service, or port-in (maximum $350 per individual for ETF)
The following devices are eligible:
- iPhone SE, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus
- Google Pixel, Pixel XL
There’s no trade-in required to get your iPhone or Pixel paid off, and you can keep that device to use on the T-Mobile network when you switch and sign up for T-Mobile ONE and Premium Device Protection Plus.
Limited time offer; subject to change. Qualifying device & credit, port-in from eligible carriers, and qualifying service required. Carrier’s Early Termination Fee or remaining device balance, including lease purchase option paid by prepaid MasterCard® Card (expires in 12 months) typically within 15 days (device reimbursement) or 30 days (ETF). Submit proof of balance & 60+ days in good standing w/ carrier within 30 days of port-in and be active and in good standing when processed. We might ask for more information. Up to 5 lines. One offer per subscriber. T-Mobile Prepaid MasterCard Card is rebate/reimbursement or exchange on new device, service, or port-in (maximum $350 per individual for ETF)
