4G Android phone megathread

milfordsoxfan

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Jan 26, 2006
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My S7 is slowly becoming worse and worse, is the S9 in a good place still for $499 unlocked (I travel a boatload for work so hotswapping sims is key).
I don't know what service you use, but if you sign up for Google Fi today, the Pixel 3 XL is 50% off, $449-499 depending upon storage (the Pixel 3 is also 1/2 off). I'm sure they are clearing inventory before the Pixel 4 comes out in a month or so. The Pixel is probably a better phone than the S9. I don't know how long you need to stay on Fi for in order to be qualified for the deal. If you're travelling internationally, Fi is pretty great. There are cheaper MVNOs, and you're dependent upon T-Mobile, though.

If Samsung is your thing/you don't want to change carriers, new S9s are going for like $400 on eBay, and as low as $250 or so used on Swappa. If you're working off an S7 right now, I'd imagine you'll be fine with an S9 for 2-3 years depending upon your use case. Outside of the cameras, phone hardware has really only incrementally improved over the past 2 years or so. If it weren't for battery deterioration, I'd still be on the Pixel 1.
 

tmracht

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Aug 19, 2009
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On a business ATT plan while im in the states. Ebay is a good shout ill poke around there too. Saw the sale on BH and was tempted by that impulse buy temptress.
 

tmracht

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Aug 19, 2009
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I guess that's a consideration, is that close on the horizon for a sub 700 dollar phone?
 

Time to Mo Vaughn

RIP Dernell
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Mar 24, 2008
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If you are going to get a new phone, wouldn't you want one that will handle 5G when it rolls out in your area(s)?
No?

What do you need to do on a phone at Gigabit speeds that 100Mbps of LTE coverage is unable to adequately handle. Additionally new radio chips are generally very inefficient and cause major battery drain. We saw this for the first few rounds of LTE phones.
 

rembrat

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May 26, 2006
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I don't know what service you use, but if you sign up for Google Fi today, the Pixel 3 XL is 50% off, $449-499 depending upon storage (the Pixel 3 is also 1/2 off). I'm sure they are clearing inventory before the Pixel 4 comes out in a month or so. The Pixel is probably a better phone than the S9. I don't know how long you need to stay on Fi for in order to be qualified for the deal. If you're travelling internationally, Fi is pretty great. There are cheaper MVNOs, and you're dependent upon T-Mobile, though.
My Pixel 1 XL died randomly Monday night and I ended up getting this 50% off Pixel 3 XL offer. I feel like I got a heck of a deal.
 

milfordsoxfan

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My Pixel 1 XL died randomly Monday night and I ended up getting this 50% off Pixel 3 XL offer. I feel like I got a heck of a deal.
It's the best Android phone I've had, and I've had quite a few dating back to the first Droid. I bought it at launch for $1000, but only because they had a dollar-for-dollar travel credit at the time. I bought the 1 XL for around $600 or so when they were clearing inventory for the 2 XL. If you have the luxury of timing it, I'm fairly convinced this is the way to go with Android phones right now as the improvements from year to year are so marginal. Android phones don't hold value, and every time I've paid full retail for one, I've ended up feeling like a sucker when there is an inevitable steep discount immediately thereafter.

As an aside, I think the earbuds that are included with the 3 XL were designed by a masochist. They are the least comfortable headphones I've ever used, and as a bonus they're almost impossible to keep in your ear for any length of time. It's almost as though they were intended for the ear of another species.
 

bohous

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Jul 21, 2005
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As an aside, I think the earbuds that are included with the 3 XL were designed by a masochist. They are the least comfortable headphones I've ever used, and as a bonus they're almost impossible to keep in your ear for any length of time. It's almost as though they were intended for the ear of another species.
Interesting you mention the earbuds. I have had my Pixel3 XL for almost a year never use my phone for music However I am traveling today and used the earbuds for the first time to listen to podcasts on the plane. I thought it must have just been my ears but was thinking the same thing. Even the little wing doesn't help. Just a horrible design.
 

saintnick912

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As an aside, I think the earbuds that are included with the 3 XL were designed by a masochist. They are the least comfortable headphones I've ever used, and as a bonus they're almost impossible to keep in your ear for any length of time. It's almost as though they were intended for the ear of another species.
I've felt that way about any Apple ones I've ever tried, the only decent ones I ever got with a phone were by Sony.
 

Laser Show

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Nov 7, 2008
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Anyone have any thoughts on Galaxy S10 vs. the new Pixel? I'm getting a new phone this week and am having trouble discerning any major differences between them.
 

jayhoz

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Jul 19, 2005
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Pixel is pure Android without all the gimmicky BS that Samsung layers on top. Pixel gets all the OS updates first and the Pixel backs up pictures to Google images at full resolution for free.

I honestly don't understand why anyone would buy Samsung.
 

Laser Show

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Pixel is pure Android without all the gimmicky BS that Samsung layers on top. Pixel gets all the OS updates first and the Pixel backs up pictures to Google images at full resolution for free.

I honestly don't understand why anyone would buy Samsung.
Ok I love the sound of that. I was reading that the battery isn't great on the Pixel, but I'm not sure it's significantly different enough to justify buying the S10 instead.
 

jayhoz

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Jul 19, 2005
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Do your due diligence on the 4. I have the 3 and love it, but have not looked at the reviews on the 4 yet. In the generic choice between Pixel and Gakaxy S I'd choose Pixel 100% of the time though.
 

johnmd20

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I have a Pixel 2 right now and I ordered the 4, it's arriving tomorrow. The Pixel 2 batter(smaller sized version) is one of the best smart phone batteries I have ever experienced. It genuinely lasts two full days. I have read the 4's battery will only last about half that long.

That sucks, but it's not a debacle. I always have plugs. But I really did like getting 2 days out of my phone. It's less stressful when you don't have to think about the battery constantly.
 

johnmd20

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The Pixel 4(NON XL version) is the worst case scenario for me. The battery is absolutely awful. The reviews have correctly assessed this problem and they are right. I was 100% this morning and I'm already at 72% and i haven't used my phone much. My 2 would be at 89% right now, at least. I already have charger anxiety and I've had this phone for 8 hours.

And for some reason, I can't pause or play my podcasts from the lock screen, like I could on the 2. Hopefully that gets fixed in an update.

Also, the notifications are bad and the vibration strength is non-existent. So if I want to see if I have messages, I have to continually check my phone because the vibration is so ineffectual. What the fuck! But I have to make sure not to LOOK at my phone, because then it unlocks. And I don't want to unlock the phone, I want to see if I have notifications. So you must position your head to not be looking at the phone. The entire process is lame, makes me feel like more of a mouse on a wheel than I normally do.

Finally, my work email (Blackberry work) will now require a password every 10 minutes now because the FaceUnlock is so new, the app isn't provisioned for it. Obviously that will be fixed, eventually, but it's an absolute debacle in the short term. I loved how the fingerprint scanner worked.

I have so much regret. My pixel 2 was definitely getting creaky and a little bit slow(the Pixel 4 is definitely smooth and BLAZING fast) but my user experience, for what is important to me, is significantly diminished by this new phone. I'm angry at myself for buying the phone on release day, but my Pixel 2 had a little crack in the glass on the back and it was getting worse and bigger with wear. Stupid idiot. I sincerely should have just bought another Pixel 2.

If you care even a little bit about battery life, this is the phone you should avoid.
 

bohous

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Jul 21, 2005
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The Pixel 4(NON XL version) is the worst case scenario for me. The battery is absolutely awful. The reviews have correctly assessed this problem and they are right. I was 100% this morning and I'm already at 72% and i haven't used my phone much. My 2 would be at 89% right now, at least. I already have charger anxiety and I've had this phone for 8 hours.

And for some reason, I can't pause or play my podcasts from the lock screen, like I could on the 2. Hopefully that gets fixed in an update.

Also, the notifications are bad and the vibration strength is non-existent. So if I want to see if I have messages, I have to continually check my phone because the vibration is so ineffectual. What the fuck! But I have to make sure not to LOOK at my phone, because then it unlocks. And I don't want to unlock the phone, I want to see if I have notifications. So you must position your head to not be looking at the phone. The entire process is lame, makes me feel like more of a mouse on a wheel than I normally do.

Finally, my work email (Blackberry work) will now require a password every 10 minutes now because the FaceUnlock is so new, the app isn't provisioned for it. Obviously that will be fixed, eventually, but it's an absolute debacle in the short term. I loved how the fingerprint scanner worked.

I have so much regret. My pixel 2 was definitely getting creaky and a little bit slow(the Pixel 4 is definitely smooth and BLAZING fast) but my user experience, for what is important to me, is significantly diminished by this new phone. I'm angry at myself for buying the phone on release day, but my Pixel 2 had a little crack in the glass on the back and it was getting worse and bigger with wear. Stupid idiot. I sincerely should have just bought another Pixel 2.

If you care even a little bit about battery life, this is the phone you should avoid.

Sounds like you should return it, eat the restocking fee, and pick up a Pixel 3.
 

johnmd20

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I’m certainly thinking about it.
Just to follow up here, the battery has gotten significantly better. I charged Friday afternoon at 1pm and didn't have to charge again until 3pm today. Over two full days, with moderate use and a lot of texting, and a ton of podcast listening via bluetooth, but no video watching.

Still, I have no idea what was going on that first day but I'm back on board with this phone. The battery isn't bad at all.
 

Bigpupp

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Jun 8, 2008
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Wife was looking into the Pixel 4 but ended up picking the OnePlus 7t. She absolutely loves it. Camera isn't up to what the Pixel would be, but is still much better than her S8, and the battery life has been crazy good compared to what she had as well.

And I'm totally jealous of the 90 hz refresh rate. It's stunning.
 

Fishercat

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So I think I know the answer based on the thread and discussion from a few months back, but to verify, I have an S7 on its last legs and I'm ready to break up with Samsung again (the phone experience wasn't great, it's been holding okay performance wise for the past year but for a flagship it really got outpaced quite quickly).

If I'm looking for a mid-range (just below Flagship phone) under $400 or so...is the Pixel 3a my best option? I've been seeing that it'll drop to $300 for Black Friday. The only downside for me is the lack of wireless charging (my last two phones had their charge/micro port break quite early on) but I think I just need to take precautions or be more careful with my handling of it. Is there any other brand/phone I should be looking at in that range? General usage: battery is priority for me but willing to take an "ok" battery for better overall performance. Nice camera is a plus but largely just need a phone with a lot of basic utility. Any other brands I should be looking at? Would prefer to stay in the under $400 range.

(Note: I have T-Mobile and I'd prefer to stick with it if possible)
 

Time to Mo Vaughn

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Mar 24, 2008
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So I think I know the answer based on the thread and discussion from a few months back, but to verify, I have an S7 on its last legs and I'm ready to break up with Samsung again (the phone experience wasn't great, it's been holding okay performance wise for the past year but for a flagship it really got outpaced quite quickly).

If I'm looking for a mid-range (just below Flagship phone) under $400 or so...is the Pixel 3a my best option? I've been seeing that it'll drop to $300 for Black Friday. The only downside for me is the lack of wireless charging (my last two phones had their charge/micro port break quite early on) but I think I just need to take precautions or be more careful with my handling of it. Is there any other brand/phone I should be looking at in that range? General usage: battery is priority for me but willing to take an "ok" battery for better overall performance. Nice camera is a plus but largely just need a phone with a lot of basic utility. Any other brands I should be looking at? Would prefer to stay in the under $400 range.

(Note: I have T-Mobile and I'd prefer to stick with it if possible)
Pixel 3a is almost certainly the best phone under $400, but I'd actually recommend that you wait until Black Friday or the week after for better deals. I think you may actually see the Pixel 3 (not 3a) drop to under $400. Last year Google ran some amazing deals for the then brand new Pixel 3 of either buy one get one half off or I think like $300-400 off as a single phone the week after Black Friday. Go check out blogs like Droid Life or even check out this thread.

The other thing I'd highly recommend you consider is moving from T-Mobile to Google Fi. Fi uses a combination of T-Mobile's, Sprint and US Cellular's networks, so you'd be getting better network coverage than you have today, and possibly a lower price. I believe they may have offered a free Pixel 3 to people that switched networks as part of their deal last year. I've had Fi for a bit less than a year now after being a hardcore Verizon user for years. I've had zero problems with my coverage, so for someone going from T-Mobile it's an even better option.
 

ElUno20

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This issue started about a month and a half ago after a galaxy s9 update....

Any pics do not downlald on mms messages. The stock galaxy s9 message app just started crashing. So i downloaded google messages and now it's like 50/50. They come in and just spin "downloading". What I'll have to do is turn off my wifi, close the app, open it and hit download on that text. From what I've read, mms texts are supposed to download on the network, however, ive never had to manually turn off my wifi and do it myself. It used to just do it automatically.

I'm on ATT and have chatted with them several times, each time it's the same thing, just a reset of the network settings that doesnt work.

Anyone else run into this? Googling hasnt brought back much help either.
 

Bigpupp

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Jun 8, 2008
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This issue started about a month and a half ago after a galaxy s9 update....

Any pics do not downlald on mms messages. The stock galaxy s9 message app just started crashing. So i downloaded google messages and now it's like 50/50. They come in and just spin "downloading". What I'll have to do is turn off my wifi, close the app, open it and hit download on that text. From what I've read, mms texts are supposed to download on the network, however, ive never had to manually turn off my wifi and do it myself. It used to just do it automatically.

I'm on ATT and have chatted with them several times, each time it's the same thing, just a reset of the network settings that doesnt work.

Anyone else run into this? Googling hasnt brought back much help either.
My wife (OnePlus 7T) and I (Galaxy Note 9) are both on AT&T and were having the same thing happen about a month ago. We were using Signal for our MMS, and switching back to stock apps on each phone cleared it up for us. We just assumed it was a Signal problem.
 

ElUno20

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Jul 19, 2005
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My wife (OnePlus 7T) and I (Galaxy Note 9) are both on AT&T and were having the same thing happen about a month ago. We were using Signal for our MMS, and switching back to stock apps on each phone cleared it up for us. We just assumed it was a Signal problem.
Sadly this hasnt worked for me.
 

milfordsoxfan

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Jan 26, 2006
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My Pixel XL (1st gen) battery finally got to the point of unusability. $16 for a new battery from Amazon and 30 minutes of work to replace it and it's good as new.
Did you get one of those kits from iFixit to in order to pull it apart or did you already have the tools? Different use case, but I need to swap out the battery on an old MacBook Air that Apple will no longer service. It seems like those iFixit kits are legit, curious to know if that's the case.

Kudos to you for keeping a phone alive for this long. I had to restrain myself from upgrading during the recent sales. I really like the smaller form factor of the iPhone Pro (oh for a Moto X with current specs and good battery life), but I couldn't really justify dropping $1200 on it. I'm also not sure if I want to go through the pain in the ass of switching to a different ecosystem.
 

SumnerH

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Did you get one of those kits from iFixit to in order to pull it apart or did you already have the tools? Different use case, but I need to swap out the battery on an old MacBook Air that Apple will no longer service. It seems like those iFixit kits are legit, curious to know if that's the case.

Kudos to you for keeping a phone alive for this long. I had to restrain myself from upgrading during the recent sales. I really like the smaller form factor of the iPhone Pro (oh for a Moto X with current specs and good battery life), but I couldn't really justify dropping $1200 on it. I'm also not sure if I want to go through the pain in the ass of switching to a different ecosystem.
I gambled on an unknown Hong Kong vendor, it came with the weirdo screwdriver, 3M tape, and 3-4 pry tools for cracking the case. I already have a heat gun, you probably do really want that for the Pixel and it'll add another $15-20 if you have to buy one. Before I bought it, I went on YouTube and watched a couple of videos on how to replace the battery, and I made sure the kit I got had all the tools that were required.

I use the headphone jack a lot, so I'm hoping to keep this phone going at least another couple of years.
 

Zoidberg

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Jul 13, 2005
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I recently got the new Pixel 4 after springing for the trade-in to cut the cost in half. For the first time since I got the new phone, I tried to light up the hotspot, and it failed.

"Authentication failed. Please try again later."

I contacted Verizon via chat, and they basically told me that they'd had other similar reports, but couldn't immediately fix it. Sounds like they did some manual add of my phone to get it to work, but it won't take effect until midnight. (assuming they must push config changes, etc overnights as a change window?)

Am I missing something, or shouldn't this be super easy, as just a provisioning issue? I'll check on it tomorrow and if it's not working, head in to the Verizon store down the street, but this seems like it should just not be that difficult to get to work.

Anyone who also got the Pixel have something similar happen?
 

Marceline

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I use the headphone jack a lot, so I'm hoping to keep this phone going at least another couple of years.
This is pretty much my view... I have a 2 year old Oneplus 5T and I'm hoping it'll last for a few more years. Battery performance is still good - I never charge above 80%. Don't want to get something with no headphone jack.
 

Time to Mo Vaughn

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Mar 24, 2008
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Headphone jack folks: can I ask why? I admit Bluetooth is lossy, but I'm already listening to compressed audio anyway, so what is your source media and are you using some expensive Hi Fi headphones?
 

Marceline

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Headphones. I'm usually using either Beyerdynamic DT770, Sennheiser Amperior or Etymotic HF5.

I have some bluetooth headphones but I haven't really heard anything that compares to any of those.
 

SumnerH

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Headphone jack folks: can I ask why? I admit Bluetooth is lossy, but I'm already listening to compressed audio anyway, so what is your source media and are you using some expensive Hi Fi headphones?
1. Wired headphones don't need to be charged or conk out midway through the day. I'll sometimes listen to music for 6 hours and talk on the phone for 3 hours in a day. Not having to shuffle in multiple headsets to ensure they're always charged is nice, especially at work and at home. I use Bluetooth on the road.
2. Wired headsets are a better talk quality in my experience.
3. My music's mostly ~256 kbit/sec VBR OGG Vorbis (ripped from CDs way back in the day), with some high-bitrate mp3 and lossless FLAC as well. A lot of my movies are 640 Kbps 5.1 or better. For the most part, the media is way more transparent than Bluetooth, even with a2dp.
 

mt8thsw9th

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Jul 17, 2005
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In the hell freezing over category I’ve gotten so sick about a number of things about iOS that I’m likely getting a Galaxy s10e. The iPhone XS is the worst phone I’ve owned in a decade and things have really dropped off since the 4 (and Cook’s Apple’s notebook issues are beyond the pale and I’m glad I maxed out a 2015 MacBook Pro). What on earth is with Google basically charging for cloud storage in lieu of actual physical storage space for the Pixel?
 

milfordsoxfan

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In the hell freezing over category I’ve gotten so sick about a number of things about iOS that I’m likely getting a Galaxy s10e. The iPhone XS is the worst phone I’ve owned in a decade and things have really dropped off since the 4 (and Cook’s Apple’s notebook issues are beyond the pale and I’m glad I maxed out a 2015 MacBook Pro). What on earth is with Google basically charging for cloud storage in lieu of actual physical storage space for the Pixel?
Is it iOS primarily driving the move, or is it the iPhone XS specifically? I ask because I'm very strongly considering making the opposite move after a decade on Android. The batteries on the new iPhones seem to be great, and the Pixel 4 models seem very underwhelming. Also, the lack of resale value for Android phones compared to iPhones drives me nuts, especially since many of them are priced at the same levels.

As to your question about the cloud storage, I think that's just Google doing Google things (and I suppose adding a tiny revenue stream, but it's not like there are a ton of Pixel buyers). I had the Nexus 4, 6, 6p, and then the Pixel 1 XL and 3 XL. Google has always been weird with their hardware. It is kind of incoherent, for lack of a better word. Maybe because the phones don't drive revenue like at Apple, maybe because they're made by different manufacturers. I just don't think they really care all that much. It's nice to have vanilla Android and to get prompt updates, but the hardware itself has always been a mixed bag.
 

Time to Mo Vaughn

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Is it iOS primarily driving the move, or is it the iPhone XS specifically? I ask because I'm very strongly considering making the opposite move after a decade on Android. The batteries on the new iPhones seem to be great, and the Pixel 4 models seem very underwhelming. Also, the lack of resale value for Android phones compared to iPhones drives me nuts, especially since many of them are priced at the same levels.

As to your question about the cloud storage, I think that's just Google doing Google things (and I suppose adding a tiny revenue stream, but it's not like there are a ton of Pixel buyers). I had the Nexus 4, 6, 6p, and then the Pixel 1 XL and 3 XL. Google has always been weird with their hardware. It is kind of incoherent, for lack of a better word. Maybe because the phones don't drive revenue like at Apple, maybe because they're made by different manufacturers. I just don't think they really care all that much. It's nice to have vanilla Android and to get prompt updates, but the hardware itself has always been a mixed bag.
A core competency of their business is that their software could run on just a large amount of commodity hardware. Unfortunately they seem to be trying to apply that principle to their phones missing that we can't scale phones horizontally. I have a hard time seeing myself ever move away from the pure Google experience of a Pixel phone (currently on a Pixel 3), but the 4 is certainly underwhelming for the price.
 

Harry Hooper

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Anyone using Verizon's budget carrier with the horrific name visible (aka v*s*ble)? Reviews would be much appreciated.
 

Marceline

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A core competency of their business is that their software could run on just a large amount of commodity hardware. Unfortunately they seem to be trying to apply that principle to their phones missing that we can't scale phones horizontally. I have a hard time seeing myself ever move away from the pure Google experience of a Pixel phone (currently on a Pixel 3), but the 4 is certainly underwhelming for the price.
Consider Oneplus phones as an option - you're still getting a relatively pure Google experience with very quick and frequent OS updates and the phones are quality at a good price point. OxygenOS is basically the closest you will get to stock Android from any non-Google phone.
 

milfordsoxfan

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So, is it worth upgrading to the Galaxy s20 Ultra if I already have the s10+ ??
Unless there is something wrong with the S10+, probably not. I'm sure the 120 Hz screen is nice, but unless you game on your phone, it's not the sort of thing I'd shell out for. It's also my (uninformed) guess that 5G connectivity will be of limited use in the near future.

Broadly, upgrading any 1-2 year old flagship phone gives you a real marginal gain right now, other than having a brand new battery. All these Android plastic/glass/metal slabs are pretty well commodified.
 

NJ_Sox_Fan

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Unless there is something wrong with the S10+, probably not. I'm sure the 120 Hz screen is nice, but unless you game on your phone, it's not the sort of thing I'd shell out for. It's also my (uninformed) guess that 5G connectivity will be of limited use in the near future.

Broadly, upgrading any 1-2 year old flagship phone gives you a real marginal gain right now, other than having a brand new battery. All these Android plastic/glass/metal slabs are pretty well commodified.
Kind of what I figured. I'm assuming the new camera wil be nice, but the 100x zoom will be gimmicky and not actually effective
 

stepson_and_toe

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Aug 11, 2019
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Kind of what I figured. I'm assuming the new camera wil be nice, but the 100x zoom will be gimmicky and not actually effective
Review of the camera and zoom levels: https://www.cnet.com/news/samsung-camera-test-galaxy-s20-ultras-108-megapixel-camera-100x-zoom-photos/

About 2/3-rds of the way down, there are images of the SF Museum of Modern Art at no zoom, 10x/30x/100x zoom. The latter is pretty blurry as any movement in holding the phone will show up. I'd assume that the phone offers voice control of the shutter, which would be the best way to go.
 

glennhoffmania

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Has anyone bought the Galaxy S20 basic version? I have an S9 and I have to decide in the next few weeks to either buy it or return it for a new lease. My S9 is fine but the battery is definitely not as good as it used to be. Basically my choices are to buy the S9 for $200 or lease an S20 for a year for $8 more per month than I pay now. Seems like economically the choice is easy but I generally hate switching phones.
 

johnmd20

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5G now, but that will be useless for a while. But I wanted to give an update on the newest Google phone.

I got the Pixel 5 on Thursday. It is glorious. I am not sure what the heck Google was doing with the 4 but it was a bad phone. The face unlock sucked, especially in mask world. The 5 brought the perfectly placed fingerprint back. Opening the phone is so much easier and now I don't open my phone by mistake when I just want to check the time. And it's, of course, significantly faster in every way.

But the battery. THE BATTERY. I opened my phone at 1:00pm on Thursday. The battery was at 76%. 49 hours later, with pretty consistent use, and I am at 10%.(this included downloading and installing like 87 apps) That is a three day battery life. This won't last forever, but that is a significant improvement on the 4, where consistent use would get me a day and maybe some change. This is a real phone and a great phone.

One other weird thing is that the Podcast controls via Pocketcast are back on the lock screen, too. For some reason, they just didn't work on the 4, maybe because of the face unlock? I don't know. That's not a huge thing but it was a nuisance I don't have to deal with anymore. The controls are back. The 4 had so many nuisances. So far, I'm not seeing any problems with this phone. And I really, really hate face unlock on my iPhone and I despised it on the Pixel 4. Apple definitely does it better but the finger is so much easier and seamless. And not just because of masks, but obviously that makes a huge difference in 2020. I can open my phone with a mask on again.

On a scale of 1 to 5 G's, this is an easy 5. It's awesome.
 

tmracht

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Aug 19, 2009
3,070
5G now, but that will be useless for a while. But I wanted to give an update on the newest Google phone.

I got the Pixel 5 on Thursday. It is glorious. I am not sure what the heck Google was doing with the 4 but it was a bad phone. The face unlock sucked, especially in mask world. The 5 brought the perfectly placed fingerprint back. Opening the phone is so much easier and now I don't open my phone by mistake when I just want to check the time. And it's, of course, significantly faster in every way.

But the battery. THE BATTERY. I opened my phone at 1:00pm on Thursday. The battery was at 76%. 49 hours later, with pretty consistent use, and I am at 10%.(this included downloading and installing like 87 apps) That is a three day battery life. This won't last forever, but that is a significant improvement on the 4, where consistent use would get me a day and maybe some change. This is a real phone and a great phone.

One other weird thing is that the Podcast controls via Pocketcast are back on the lock screen, too. For some reason, they just didn't work on the 4, maybe because of the face unlock? I don't know. That's not a huge thing but it was a nuisance I don't have to deal with anymore. The controls are back. The 4 had so many nuisances. So far, I'm not seeing any problems with this phone. And I really, really hate face unlock on my iPhone and I despised it on the Pixel 4. Apple definitely does it better but the finger is so much easier and seamless. And not just because of masks, but obviously that makes a huge difference in 2020. I can open my phone with a mask on again.

On a scale of 1 to 5 G's, this is an easy 5. It's awesome.
Good to know I have the 4 and it's fineeeee. But not good. I'll upgrade when the 5 goes on sale thanks.
 

Tangled Up In Red

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Nov 8, 2004
4,534
Bernal
Yeah, thanks for the review of the 5. Please keep us posted as you use it, I imagine it's my next phone.
As someone who has paid no attention, what's the deal with 5G? Why useless for a while?
 

johnmd20

mad dog
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Dec 30, 2003
61,978
New York City
Yeah, thanks for the review of the 5. Please keep us posted as you use it, I imagine it's my next phone.
As someone who has paid no attention, what's the deal with 5G? Why useless for a while?
Because it's barely been rolled out, you need to be ridiculously close to the tower for it even to work,(for now) and the speeds are really only good /noticeable for downloads, which you won't be doing on the road because it completely and utterly melts your battery.

Maybe in 6 months to a year it will be fully rolled out. And it'll be a incremental bump up for everyone. The Pixel 5 does have 5G capability. But it's mostly going to be using the LTE part of the network for now.(5G is built on top of LTE) And, frankly, this 5G thing is completely overhyped because the faster speeds won't apply to 99% of what anyone does. This is like when TVs tried to sell the curved screens. It's new and different, but ultimately didn't provide that much of a difference in quality.

And sure, you can perform surgery with no latency with a phone and that's awesome, but how many people are going to be doing that? People care more about their batteries than they do about great download speeds or latency when they are on the road. And I can't remember the last time I wanted to watch a Youtube video while on the road and had trouble loading it.
 

Time to Mo Vaughn

RIP Dernell
SoSH Member
Mar 24, 2008
7,180
Because it's barely been rolled out, you need to be ridiculously close to the tower for it even to work,(for now) and the speeds are really only good /noticeable for downloads, which you won't be doing on the road because it completely and utterly melts your battery.

Maybe in 6 months to a year it will be fully rolled out. And it'll be a incremental bump up for everyone. The Pixel 5 does have 5G capability. But it's mostly going to be using the LTE part of the network for now.(5G is built on top of LTE) And, frankly, this 5G thing is completely overhyped because the faster speeds won't apply to 99% of what anyone does. This is like when TVs tried to sell the curved screens. It's new and different, but ultimately didn't provide that much of a difference in quality.

And sure, you can perform surgery with no latency with a phone and that's awesome, but how many people are going to be doing that? People care more about their batteries than they do about great download speeds or latency when they are on the road. And I can't remember the last time I wanted to watch a Youtube video while on the road and had trouble loading it.
I'm 100% with you on 5G. LTE is like 100 Mbps anyway, unless you're streaming VR content (which you're not anymore since Google Cardboard did with the Pixel 3), there's almost nothing that LTE won't handle for you already. Plus it's not going to matter unless we got back to unlimited plans anyway. Since the pandemic I'm using like 0.25 - 0.5 GBs of data a month anyway.
 

OldeBeanTowne

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 12, 2007
1,071
Thanks for the review as I'm looking at the 5 too. Can anyone compare the 5 with the 4a? And any idea when the 5 might go on sale?