4G Android phone megathread

InsideTheParker

persists in error
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
40,371
Pioneer Valley
It seems like you made your decision but you're probably perfect for mintsim
I have no contract with ting, and can change any time. If I understand the mintsim charges correctly, it's even cheaper than ting. It seems that while ting charges different amounts for messaging, data and talk, this is all lumped together and would end up being less. I am going to look into it, thanks.
 

teddykgb

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 16, 2005
11,025
Chelmsford, MA
I have no contract with ting, and can change any time. If I understand the mintsim charges correctly, it's even cheaper than ting. It seems that while ting charges different amounts for messaging, data and talk, this is all lumped together and would end up being less. I am going to look into it, thanks.
Just check t-mo coverage in your area. I don't remember which network ting uses and I'd hate for you to switch into no coverage.
 

charlieoscar

Member
Sep 28, 2014
1,339
Okay, I know that but when I had my phone first connected via Bluetooth I didn't hear anything until I turned up the volume on the car's audio from about 20 to about 40. Then I realized that I didn't have my phone's volume turned up. When I did that I didn't need to turn up the volume on the car's audio. It may be that you have another problem; I was just suggesting a possible solution.
 

InsideTheParker

persists in error
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
40,371
Pioneer Valley
This morning I discovered that if I have both phones on with their Bluetooths enabled, the new one functions as a phone and the old one is identified as the "player." So I can hear my music through the old phone and use the phone thru the new one without having to switch back and forth, with the only cost being battery time. BUT, it is still annoying that I can't do both with my much more expensive new phone.
 

Couperin47

Member
SoSH Member

InsideTheParker

persists in error
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
40,371
Pioneer Valley
Under Motorola's supervision, I removed both phones from the car nav and initially only re-installed the Moto. It still worked only as a phone and not as a music player. Subsequently, I reconnected the Huawei as well, and found that it worked as a music player and the Moto is taking the phone calls. Having read the forum, I guess I am fortunate that the Moto connects for phone calls!
There is an interesting point made in one of the comments to the thread you linked to, namely that you have to somehow disassociate the older phone from the steering-wheel controls also. Since I almost never use them, I didn't do that, and will look into it.
Thanks for everyone's contributions. (p.s. It turns out we have a 2011 Outback, not 2010, but I doubt if it makes any difference.)
 

Couperin47

Member
SoSH Member
Under Motorola's supervision, I removed both phones from the car nav and initially only re-installed the Moto. It still worked only as a phone and not as a music player. Subsequently, I reconnected the Huawei as well, and found that it worked as a music player and the Moto is taking the phone calls. Having read the forum, I guess I am fortunate that the Moto connects for phone calls!
There is an interesting point made in one of the comments to the thread you linked to, namely that you have to somehow disassociate the older phone from the steering-wheel controls also. Since I almost never use them, I didn't do that, and will look into it.
Thanks for everyone's contributions. (p.s. It turns out we have a 2011 Outback, not 2010, but I doubt if it makes any difference.)
Google Moto 5gplus Bluetooth Subaru Outback and on the first page alone you'll find a ton of other threads with tons of issues: on some older models (2012) installs only worked using voice commands as opposed to the dash head end. The main takeaway is that Subarus + Moto phones have been having issues for years now. Good luck...from the look of things you're going to need it to find if there is a secret way to get them perfectly connected.
 

InsideTheParker

persists in error
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
40,371
Pioneer Valley
You could always just connect with an aux cable for music.
I just went out to the car and found what appears to be an audio input, next to the USB port. I'll have to get the right cable. Even if that doesn't work, I am probably going to keep the Moto, which I can use for the car phone calls, using the old phone as a music player. Less elegantly, I am burning some CDs of my favorites for use in the car. The quality of the car audio is so good that it's worth it. Ting gave me a credit for all the time I spent on the phone to Motorola and the option of returning the Moto. I like it so much except for this issue, I guess I'm going to stand pat for a while.
 

glennhoffmania

meat puppet
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 25, 2005
8,411,599
NY
Anyone know anything about Essential? My wife just got some offer through her company for the new phone but I know nothing about it.
 

jayhoz

Ronald Bartel
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
17,368
Android O is rumored to be arriving on the Pixel on Monday to coincide with the eclipse.
 

teddykgb

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 16, 2005
11,025
Chelmsford, MA
Anyone know anything about Essential? My wife just got some offer through her company for the new phone but I know nothing about it.
I'm super interested but it's a gamble. I'll probably wait for reviews but it'll be a gamble the whole way. New company support for Android has always been difficult even if Rubin is running it. They could easily go under before the 2 years they are committing to updates is up. Either way, their focus on beautiful but durable so you don't need a case is something I've been wanting for a long time so I'm hopeful
 

glennhoffmania

meat puppet
Lifetime Member
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Jul 25, 2005
8,411,599
NY
That review of Essential certainly didn't make me want to run out and buy it. Thanks for posting.
 

jercra

No longer respects DeChambeau
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
3,147
Arvada, Co
I kind of agree but it didn't make me not want to get it either. I'm currently on a Nexus 6P on Fi and it is fast approaching "worst phone I've ever owned" territory. The combination of no confirmed functionality, price or availability date for Pixel2 and Fi apparently only ever letting Pixel be its high end phone, I'm actually considering the unthinkable - xfinity wireless. I don't think I can live with my "charge it 3 times a day only to die at 35% battery left" 6P until Google releases the Pixel 2 XL for $1k or whatever it will be. I may go either Essential or Oneplus 5 and activate on Xfinity. Anyone switched to Xfinity Wireless or used a Oneplus 5?
 

jimv

Member
SoSH Member
Feb 5, 2011
1,118
I have the same phone and service - 6P on Fi - and my experience has the exact opposite. Service wherever I need it and good battery life. Do you watch a lot of video? I don't and that seems to be a real battery drainer

I'll consider the Pixel XL 2 when it hits, but I may wait to upgrade. I don't foresee dropping Fi either
 

milfordsoxfan

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 26, 2006
516
Connecticut
Same phone and setup, except I have terrible battery life but good service. I'm constantly charging this thing. I don't want to pay $600 for the ten month old Pixel XL, I don't want to wait til October to get rid of this phone, and I really don't want to pay whatever the Pixel XL 2 is rumored to cost.

I don't know what to do, but I know I'm ready to get rid of this goddamned 6P. There is a rumor that there will be a mid-tier Fi phone at some point. If it turns out to be a Motorola, I might get it. The Moto X was the best phone I ever had. I'm tired of having a huge phone.
 

jercra

No longer respects DeChambeau
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
3,147
Arvada, Co
I have the same phone and service - 6P on Fi - and my experience has the exact opposite. Service wherever I need it and good battery life. Do you watch a lot of video? I don't and that seems to be a real battery drainer

I'll consider the Pixel XL 2 when it hits, but I may wait to upgrade. I don't foresee dropping Fi either
Today I had a one hour phone call and that's all I used my phone for. Battery was at 50% after 4 hours off the charger. Since it goes from anywhere between 35% and 20% to power off, I would have made about another 1-2 hours of not using it before it died. This issue is not isolated to me. I don't mind Fi but Xfinity is Verizon's network and $45/mo for 20 GB per line. That's better than Fi's 10GB/mo pricing, would mean I don't need to watch my usage anymore and would have Verizon network which is the best in my area. Sadly,to activate the service you need to buy a phone from them and iPhone and Samsung are non-starters for me. The landscape looked so promising with Fi a couple of years ago. It just turned into another half-implemented Google service.
 

JakeRae

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 21, 2005
8,125
New York, NY
My original Nexus 5X died a couple months ago (bootloop issue). Thankfully, I have a free replacement and it doesn't have a bootloop problem yet. Unfortunately, it has an occasional freezing and needing to be restarted problem instead. It also has the same awful battery life as the original. I'm about ready to move on from it, but not sure exactly where to go next.

I love running stock Android. Unfortunately, after 2 generations of poorly constructed Google phones (Nexus 5 and Nexus 5X, both had bootloop issues and the latter just generally underperforms, although I was very happy with the Nexus 5 until it became a part time job to keep it running after 18 months) I'm not really sure I trust Google anymore from a longevity standpoint and the rave reviews on the Pixel won't really mean anything until it makes it through another year without breaking down. That leaves me a little uncertain where to go next.

I want something of a similar size to my current phone in terms of physical dimensions. I could go a little bigger, but being able to comfortably and securely use the phone in one hand is key for subway commuting. That rules out anything plus-sized. It also means the OnePlus 5 is stretching the size level I am comfortable with. After that, I'd like a top-tier camera, since my phone is now my primary camera, and relatively strong battery performance. Waterproofing, actual screen size (e.g., edge-to-edge), and display quality are all secondary concerns. I am not opposed to a super high end screen or a waterproof phone, but I don't feel I need them.

On the current market, the Samsung Galaxy 8 seems like it checks all my boxes, but Samsung's OS still leaves me a bit leery, and I don't want to root for fear it'll create issues with work IT. The OnePlus 5 is generally a good fit for my needs except I'm worried it is a bit too big. The Essential sounds like it has a sub-par camera, which is unfortunate, because it would otherwise be perfect. The Pixel 2 seems like it's likely to be a significantly more expensive version of the Galaxy 8 with marginal benefits for that extra cost. (Anything made by LG falls into my basic longevity concerns issue since they made both my short-lived Nexus phones.)

This really long post boils down to a question as to whether SoSH has opinions as to whether any (or which) of these devices fit my wishes, or if there is some alternative on the horizon I don't know about. Alternatively, is it time for me to give up on Android and jump ship to an iPhone when the iPhone 8 is released? 5 years ago, I finally did this in regard to my laptop after being a stalwart PC person and have never once regretted that decision.
 

LondonSox

Robert the Deuce
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
8,956
North Bay California
I have dropped my 6p too many times. I think it's the size, the screen is toast though fictional and battery life has gone to hell.
I want to upgrade but there's not a lot of exciting stuff out there.
 

saintnick912

GINO!
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Oct 30, 2004
4,968
Somerville, MA
This really long post boils down to a question as to whether SoSH has opinions as to whether any (or which) of these devices fit my wishes, or if there is some alternative on the horizon I don't know about. Alternatively, is it time for me to give up on Android and jump ship to an iPhone when the iPhone 8 is released? 5 years ago, I finally did this in regard to my laptop after being a stalwart PC person and have never once regretted that decision.
If you want to punt on a decision for a little bit, there have been deals floating around on a Moto G 5 Plus with 64GB storage and 4GB RAM for $250 this week. I can confirm that the camera is comparable to the Nexus 5/5x (servicable), the screen and physical dimensions are very similar to those, and the battery life is night and day better. It's not 100% stock with the super fast updates, but it's pretty close in look and feel and nothing adding Nova Launcher couldn't fix.

The main downsides are no NFC and micro-USB instead of USB-C.

If you're looking for a stopgap until something you like better is available, you could do a lot worse.
 

JakeRae

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 21, 2005
8,125
New York, NY
If you want to punt on a decision for a little bit, there have been deals floating around on a Moto G 5 Plus with 64GB storage and 4GB RAM for $250 this week. I can confirm that the camera is comparable to the Nexus 5/5x (servicable), the screen and physical dimensions are very similar to those, and the battery life is night and day better. It's not 100% stock with the super fast updates, but it's pretty close in look and feel and nothing adding Nova Launcher couldn't fix.

The main downsides are no NFC and micro-USB instead of USB-C.

If you're looking for a stopgap until something you like better is available, you could do a lot worse.
Thanks, but I'm not looking for a stopgap. My current 5X is serviceable, I'm just sick of it and the its occasional failures and general inadequacy. Spending a few hundred dollars to get a phone that won't lead to a better experience would just be flushing money down the toilet. I want a phone I can happily use for the next 2-3 years and I am willing to wait a little while for that phone (anytime this calendar year is fine if it leads to a real upgrade over what's available now).
 

saintnick912

GINO!
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Oct 30, 2004
4,968
Somerville, MA
Cool, if you're willing to wait it's likely the Pixel 2 will be for sale sometime in October given history, and the upcoming Moto X 4 should be a step up from the G that I mentioned or the 5/5x with pretty much (if not entirely) stock Android. It's heavily rumored to the be the next Project Fi phone, and likely to be in the $400 range.
 

Lose Remerswaal

Experiencing Furry Panic
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Kicking and screaming I am finally ready to upgrade to a Smartphone. I had a cell phone before any of you had a cellphone and I still have a cellphone, but the battery used to last nearly 3 weeks on a charge and now it lasts about 3 days. It makes good calls (what I mostly use it for) and is ok for texts (no emojis, please!) and pictures, but I do need some apps (maps, a bit of web browsing, not much else) and I know texting will be much easier with a smartphone.

I'm on Verizon Wireless. I'm sure I am eligible for whatever upgrades they offer as my current phone is 4+ years old. I'm looking for something Android (not iPhone) so I can get my gmail easily on it, and I'd prefer something small compared to large so I can shove it in a pocket and be less likely to break it when I sit down.

Any suggestions as to what they might have available for Free or for cheap at VW that would do what I need it to do?

Many thanks.
 

jayhoz

Ronald Bartel
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
17,368
First things first. You need to come to grips with the fact that your battery is only doing to last a day. 2 at max. In addition to the cost of the phone you are going to need to budget for additional chargers (one in each car and one one in the office) and a case.

After you are done with that...get a Pixel.
 

Lose Remerswaal

Experiencing Furry Panic
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
I know about the charging. Wife has to charge hers daily, so I can do that. I've just enjoyed being able to make fun of her all these years about having to charge it and I won't be able to do that anymore. She's gotten really good cases online for dirt cheap as well as screen protectors so I'll go that route.

Thanks!
 

jayhoz

Ronald Bartel
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
17,368
I know about the charging. Wife has to charge hers daily, so I can do that. I've just enjoyed being able to make fun of her all these years about having to charge it and I won't be able to do that anymore. She's gotten really good cases online for dirt cheap as well as screen protectors so I'll go that route.

Thanks!
What phone does she have? Might want to purchase a phone that is compatible with her chargers.
 

Lose Remerswaal

Experiencing Furry Panic
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
She's got a Samsung Galaxy -- I think 7? Whatever was cheapest about a year or so ago, and she's happy with it. One charger and home, one at her office, so sharing would be tough as she uses that home one every night
 

SumnerH

Malt Liquor Picker
Dope
SoSH Member
Jul 18, 2005
31,900
Alexandria, VA
What phone does she have? Might want to purchase a phone that is compatible with her chargers.
Most (non-Apple) phones are going to moving to USB-C in the future, I wouldn't tie myself to the old micro-B connectors just for compatibility (especially given all the benefits of the C plugs). You can always pick up a pack of C-to-micro-B adapters for like $8 and keep one on your keychain for when you're stuck in her car or something.

 

jayhoz

Ronald Bartel
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
17,368
Most (non-Apple) phones are going to moving to USB-C in the future, I wouldn't tie myself to the old micro-B connectors just for compatibility (especially given all the benefits of the C plugs). You can always pick up a pack of C-to-micro-B adapters for like $8 and keep one on your keychain for when you're stuck in her car or something.

You beat me to it. Would only suggest buying a phone with USB C (Pixel) or Lightning (iPhones).
 

Strike4

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
3,896
Portland, Maine
My original Nexus 5X died a couple months ago (bootloop issue). Thankfully, I have a free replacement and it doesn't have a bootloop problem yet. Unfortunately, it has an occasional freezing and needing to be restarted problem instead. It also has the same awful battery life as the original. I'm about ready to move on from it, but not sure exactly where to go next.

I love running stock Android. Unfortunately, after 2 generations of poorly constructed Google phones (Nexus 5 and Nexus 5X, both had bootloop issues and the latter just generally underperforms, although I was very happy with the Nexus 5 until it became a part time job to keep it running after 18 months) I'm not really sure I trust Google anymore from a longevity standpoint and the rave reviews on the Pixel won't really mean anything until it makes it through another year without breaking down. That leaves me a little uncertain where to go next.

I want something of a similar size to my current phone in terms of physical dimensions. I could go a little bigger, but being able to comfortably and securely use the phone in one hand is key for subway commuting. That rules out anything plus-sized. It also means the OnePlus 5 is stretching the size level I am comfortable with. After that, I'd like a top-tier camera, since my phone is now my primary camera, and relatively strong battery performance. Waterproofing, actual screen size (e.g., edge-to-edge), and display quality are all secondary concerns. I am not opposed to a super high end screen or a waterproof phone, but I don't feel I need them.

On the current market, the Samsung Galaxy 8 seems like it checks all my boxes, but Samsung's OS still leaves me a bit leery, and I don't want to root for fear it'll create issues with work IT. The OnePlus 5 is generally a good fit for my needs except I'm worried it is a bit too big. The Essential sounds like it has a sub-par camera, which is unfortunate, because it would otherwise be perfect. The Pixel 2 seems like it's likely to be a significantly more expensive version of the Galaxy 8 with marginal benefits for that extra cost. (Anything made by LG falls into my basic longevity concerns issue since they made both my short-lived Nexus phones.)

This really long post boils down to a question as to whether SoSH has opinions as to whether any (or which) of these devices fit my wishes, or if there is some alternative on the horizon I don't know about. Alternatively, is it time for me to give up on Android and jump ship to an iPhone when the iPhone 8 is released? 5 years ago, I finally did this in regard to my laptop after being a stalwart PC person and have never once regretted that decision.
I have a 5X on Fi and it's been great. Going on about 8 months now with no real issues. Seems to be a pattern in this thread though - some people have horrible experiences with Google devices, but others have great experiences.
 

Doc Zero

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 6, 2007
12,435
Any Plan B suggestions if the Pixel is out of stock or too expensive?
If you're looking to cut costs, the Nextbit Robin is still kickin around for like $130-$170. Clever little phone with cloud storage and an interesting design.

Moto G5, as mentioned above, is a good, cheap alternative to mid-level/top-shelf phones.

I'm currently reviewing the Honor 6X and although Huawei's software drives me bonkers, it's a good bargain for like $200.
 

Marceline

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Sep 9, 2002
6,441
Canton, MA
You could look at the Huawei Mate 9. It's currently $450 and should see a price drop soon when the Mate 10 comes out (October).
 

Boggs26

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 12, 2005
1,152
Ashburnham, MA
Just got an email saying that I can get a $480 device credit on a Note8 if I trade in my Note5, plus get a free wireless charger and 128gb micro SD card. Almost sounds too good to be true. Anyone want to tell me why I shouldn't jump at a Note8 for $20/mo?

Sent from my SM-N920V using SoSH mobile app
 

Doc Zero

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 6, 2007
12,435
If you've been using a Note 5 and you love it there are literally zero reasons not to take that deal. That's awesome and I'm super jealous.
 

Doc Zero

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 6, 2007
12,435
I think the Note 7 is my favorite phone of all time. Boy did I have fun with that thing for a whole few weeks.
 

Boggs26

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 12, 2005
1,152
Ashburnham, MA
Doc what do you have for a phone now (and are you in VZW)? According to the email the $480 credit is good for a trade in of any of the following: iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, Google Pixel XL, LG G6, Motorola Z Force, Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 Edge/S8/S8+/Note 5

$335 credit: iPhone 6/6 Plus/6S/6S Plus, Google Pixel, HTC 10, LG G5/V20, Motorola Z Droid, Samsung Galaxy S6/S6 Edge/S6 Edge+

$240 credit: iPhone SE, HTC M9, LG G4/V10, Motorola Z Play, Samsung Galaxy Note 4/S5

Sent from my SM-N920V using SoSH mobile app