View Full Version : Help me decide which phone to get
So, I'm eligible for a new phone in four days. When I was younger I tended to splurge and get really new models when I was eligible, but the last couple of phones I've gone a couple of generations earlier than the latest to save money. This time I'm thinking of going a little more high-end, or at least, closer to the latest stuff than I have before.
I'm using the Galaxy S5 right now, so I'm wondering if anyone has any testimonials (good or bad) for most of the more popular models released over the last year or two. Like:
Galaxy S7/8/9 (particularly the Edge variants)
Google Pixel
Google Pixel XL
Moto Z Droid
Moto Z2
LG G6
Maybe the OnePlus 5 (seems like a nice mix of new and cheap).
I'm like 95% sure I want to stick with Android, too.
Don't get a Huawei Android, the battery is rubbish, the signal is rubbish too! Best thing now is i'm also due a new fone.
Tacitus
08-01-17, 12:47 PM
I bought a MotoG4 at the turn of the year and love it. The G5 is out now and only seems to have refinements over the 4, so would recommend that one.
The only downside would be if you don't fancy carrying a 5.5" monster in your pocket (ahem), but it's fast, full 1080p with a good camera for half the price of some phones offering much less. More or less stock Android, too, so there's no bloatware.
Good stuff, thanks.
My current phone is 5", and pretty much every phone I've had has a) been a little smaller than the largest screens on the market but b) felt perfect when I used it. But then, every time I upgrade to something a little bigger, I almost instantly end of preferring it. :laugh: So, knowing myself, I'm fairly certain I'll wanna go for that general range you mentioned: 5.2 or 5.5". As big as that may seem, some of these are getting up to 5.8" or 6", which sounds nuts, but then, three phones ago I would've thought 5" sounded nuts.
Mr Minio
08-01-17, 12:55 PM
This one looks good:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/26/f3/3f/26f33f85257b0bd88a80041f975e1815.jpg
MovieMeditation
08-01-17, 12:57 PM
My friend had Apple and then went Android which has been where he stayed for the past many years. He had a few Galaxy's but went LG recently and said it's the best phone he ever owned.
Personally, I was an Apple guy but went Android a year or so ago with a Galaxy S7 Edge. A lot of good things, but after trying both heavy hitters, I would probably still consider myself a fan of what Apple does. My next phone will probably be an iPhone again... if they step it up and bring OLED displays and stuff like that...
Tacitus
08-01-17, 12:59 PM
Good stuff, thanks.
My current phone is 5", and pretty much every phone I've had has a) been a little smaller than the largest screens on the market but b) felt perfect when I used it. But then, every time I upgrade to something a little bigger, I almost instantly end of preferring it. :laugh: So, knowing myself, I'm fairly certain I'll wanna go for that general range you mentioned: 5.2 or 5.5". As big as that may seem, some of these are getting up to 5.8" or 6", which sounds nuts, but then, three phones ago I would've thought 5" sounded nuts.
It took me a while to get used to 5.5, so much so that I was in two minds over selling it and buying something smaller again. Glad I stuck with it though - With the size and resolution (this is the first 1080p phone I've had) I really don't need a tablet.
Battery's decent too - With heavy use I'm still getting a day out of it, and when things are less frantic I can see up to 72 hours.
Slappydavis
08-01-17, 01:17 PM
I dearly held on to my galaxy S4 for years (first smartphone actually). The screen died earlier this year and it wasn't cost effective to replace.
I spent waaay too much time agonizing over the replacement. But eventually that decision almost got made for me when I switch to project fi, which only has something like 3 compatible phones. Eventually I went with the Pixel because I could justify the cost with how much I was going to save over AT&T.
I think the Pixel is an excellent phone, but is honestly more than I need. I went out of my way to find things I needed something on the tier of a pixel to run, and Daydream was about it. Which I do like ; Virtual Virtual Reality is pretty neat, and the google arts and culture app is actually quite amazing (call me swine but in some ways I like it more than going to a museum).
That said, my GF bought a nexus 5 to get on to project fi, and I think I would have been just as happy with that phone. She'd also want me to tell you NEVER EVER GET AN EDGE. She despised that edge phone. I thought it was fine.
The Pixel is probably the best phone I've ever had, but I don't think it was honestly worth the marginal 300 or so dollars above a phone that would have suited me just fine. But I can't say it's not a wonderful device, so if you think you'd use the full capabilities, it's a great phone.
I do hear that a Pixel 2 is on it's way though.
Just fyi, I know two people with OnePlus phones, and one absolutely hates it and the other one loves it. Leading me to believe you should demo the phone if possible before you buy.
I dearly held on to my galaxy S4 for years (first smartphone actually). The screen died earlier this year and it wasn't cost effective to replace.
I spent waaay too much time agonizing over the replacement.
Yeah, I figured you'd be one of the best people to talk to about this, because we probably both approach decisions like this the same way: we're going to use this device dozens of times a day for years, so it's worth doing some real research. Lots of YouTube video reviews and side-by-side comparisons, yeah? Just tell me you didn't create a spreadsheet.
But eventually that decision almost got made for me when I switch to project fi, which only has something like 3 compatible phones. Eventually I went with the Pixel because I could justify the cost with how much I was going to save over AT&T.
I think the Pixel is an excellent phone, but is honestly more than I need. I went out of my way to find things I needed something on the tier of a pixel to run, and Daydream was about it. Which I do like ; Virtual Virtual Reality is pretty neat, and the google arts and culture app is actually quite amazing (call me swine but in some ways I like it more than going to a museum).
Yeah, it seems like we're at the point where it's way less about functionality and more about speed and feel. Pretty rare to get a decent phone that can't run what you want, but very common to get one where you don't like the size, or button placement, or some of the UI decisions.
That said, my GF bought a nexus 5 to get on to project fi, and I think I would have been just as happy with that phone. She'd also want me to tell you NEVER EVER GET AN EDGE. She despised that edge phone. I thought it was fine.
Hmmm, I was definitely considering one. Any elaboration would be nice (erroneous touch input based on edge screen?). That said, I expect there to be a moderate cost difference, anyway, and I wasn't planning on paying too much more for an edge display (maybe if it's, like, a $30 difference).
The Pixel is probably the best phone I've ever had, but I don't think it was honestly worth the marginal 300 or so dollars above a phone that would have suited me just fine.
That's a lot more; did you buy unlocked? When did you get it?
Just fyi, I know two people with OnePlus phones, and one absolutely hates it and the other one loves it. Leading me to believe you should demo the phone if possible before you buy.
Thanks. Aye, I was planning on waltzing into Best Buy soon just to handle a few.
Oh, and while the odds of me switching carriers (Verizon to Project Fi) are kinda slim, wouldn't mind hearing your thoughts on that, too. Sounds pretty decent.
This one looks good:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/26/f3/3f/26f33f85257b0bd88a80041f975e1815.jpg
That is a thing of beauty. I would buy that
Powdered Water
08-01-17, 01:58 PM
My mom is in town and we just upgraded her phone from an ancient i-phone to a new 7plus. I've never had an i-phone but if I ever get another new one I'd get one of those. Pretty damn sweet. Water proof too. The new samsung 8's are pretty sweet too. we were fiddling around with it while she was getting her new phone. The newest phones aren't usually much money when upgrading so get the newest one you can.
Slappydavis
08-01-17, 02:09 PM
Yeah, I figured you'd be one of the best people to talk to about this, because we probably both approach decisions like this the same way: we're going to use this device dozens of times a day for years, so it's worth doing some real research. Lots of YouTube video reviews and side-by-side comparisons, yeah? Just tell me you didn't create a spreadsheet.
Like, I want to joke about this, but it honestly crossed over into obsession. I used to regularly stay up all night a few years ago, but the latest I've stayed up in the last year was when I found myself at phonearena at 6am comparing cost effectiveness.
What's funny is that all of that came down to me having a moto g4 for about a week. And that was a GREAT budget phone. The only thing that drove me absolutely crazy was the delay in the gps (which I found out later was likely due to the lack of an internal compass on this model?), which is one of the most consistent features of a phone that I do use. Other than that, absurdly good phone for the price (like 90% of the functionality of what I use phones for, at ~150 bucks).
But during that time I also started looking at what I was going to do for my sim card for the 3ish weeks I was going to spend in Europe. It was going to cost somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 dollars for a paltry amount of data via AT&T, and while there were other options I basically didn't want to have to worry about counting data while in Europe, which made it a big push for google fi, as there is no difference in data between the US and Europe (there are small costs for international calls still though, reasonable, something like 20 cents a minute, but you can also just skype).
I committed to project fi, which invalidated the bulk of my research, and then my late night brain committed to the pixel because I'd been actively trying to spend money on myself (I budget for "fun" purchases, but I almost never spend it and it just grows, the switch helped that). Then I committed to the pixel.
I did forget to mention. If you take a lot of pictures, the pixel is AMAZING. Truly outstanding camera. I really ought to use it more.
I'm actually regretting the marginal cost less and less the more I think about the phone. I really did get a lot of great pictures (in particular the 360 VR pictures of landmarks in Europe) and they already mean a lot to me.
Hey, I forgot the one significant downside of ANY current project fi phone, there is NO sd card slot. If you need a lot of storage space directly on your phone you'll either have to spring for the larger onboard memory or get a different phone.
I don't currently need much storage space, but I've been rocking a Ipod classic sine 2009, and it's bound to die sooner or later (I'm generally not a huge fan of apple products, but the ipod classic 6th generation 160gb is probably my favorite piece of hardware ever, I take terrible care of this thing; aside from years of drops and dents, I dropped this thing in the OCEAN [there is sand all over the inside of this device still] and it's lasted 8 years). I had planned on putting my music all on my phone someday so I'd only have to carry one device, but I won't be able to do that with this phone.
Yeah, it seems like we're at the point where it's way less about functionality and more about speed and feel. Pretty rare to get a decent phone that can't run what you want, but very common to get one where you don't like the size, or button placement, or some of the UI decisions.On this part, the pixel is really satisfying. I might get weirdly sexual if I start describing it, but it feels great to hold. I have a folding case because I hate screen protectors but I have to have something to protect it when I drop it all the time; but every once in a while I'll conjure up a reason to take it out of the case and just hold it and think about how man has truly conquered nature.
Hmmm, I was definitely considering one. Any elaboration would be nice (erroneous touch input based on edge screen?). That said, I expect there to be a moderate cost difference, anyway, and I wasn't planning on paying too much more for an edge display (maybe if it's, like, a $30 difference).I think it was just too big for her. And the screen cracks really easily. She also didn't really care for the additional functions, though the clock at night was kinda nice.
That's a lot more; did you buy unlocked? When did you get it?I bought directly from google, they had some promotional thing or another that I can't remember.
Thanks. Aye, I was planning on waltzing into Best Buy soon just to handle a few.I did the same, I also recall that I came away with a good impression of the ZTE Axon 7 mini when I handled it at Best Buy
Slappydavis
08-01-17, 02:17 PM
Oh, and while the odds of me switching carriers (Verizon to Project Fi) are kinda slim, wouldn't mind hearing your thoughts on that, too. Sounds pretty decent.
My general pitch about project fi is that if you either use a lot of data (I'd say more than 3 or 4 gigs a month) or talk a lot, or are in rural areas a lot, you probably won't see as much benefit from project fi. The coverage is slightly weaker overall (which leads to the dip in call quality).
But if those aren't issues, I'm a huge fan. My GF and I share a plan and it even fairly divides up how much each person owes based on usage and evenly splitting the "base" cost of talk/text.
The cost model is 20 dollars for the first line of talk/text and 10 dollars per gb of data (and it's granular, if you use 955 mb, you'll be credited back 45 cents). It's by far the best company to work with, they are very transparent and simple.
But again, if you have coverage problems already, or use a lot of data, you probably could stick with your current provider for now without issue.
Captain Steel
08-01-17, 02:20 PM
Why, the new Cinco Fone (from Cinco Mobile) of course!
It's the only phone endorsed by Ed Begley Jr.!
"Simply press NO times for zero!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZG8ZKwaC1jY
This one looks good:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/26/f3/3f/26f33f85257b0bd88a80041f975e1815.jpg
My dad collected antiques and had a fone like this, i remember playing with it as a child, unbeknown to him, and an earwig crawled out of the ear piece😳
Captain Steel
08-01-17, 02:47 PM
My dad collected antiques and had a fone like this, i remember playing with it as a child, unbeknown to him, and an earwig crawled out of the ear piece😳
Ha! I haven't seen a earwig in years! (Thank God!)
I remember them when I was little - they liked to get into stored clothes.
My dad collected antiques and had a fone like this, i remember playing with it as a child, unbeknown to him, and an earwig crawled out of the ear piece😳
Ha! I haven't seen a earwig in years! (Thank God!)
I remember them when I was little - they liked to get into stored clothes.
We get quite a few of them here, plus 'silver fish' a silver crawly that ends up in our bath tubs! Horrible they are, think they come up from my neighbour downstairs 😁
So, I'm eligible for a new phone in four days. When I was younger I tended to splurge and get really new models when I was eligible, but the last couple of phones I've gone a couple of generations earlier than the latest to save money. This time I'm thinking of going a little more high-end, or at least, closer to the latest stuff than I have before.
I'm using the Galaxy S5 right now, so I'm wondering if anyone has any testimonials (good or bad) for most of the more popular models released over the last year or two. Like:
Galaxy S7/8/9 (particularly the Edge variants)
Google Pixel
Google Pixel XL
Moto Z Droid
Moto Z2
LG G6
Maybe the OnePlus 5 (seems like a nice mix of new and cheap).
I'm like 95% sure I want to stick with Android, too.
Two-generation LG user here. Currently on the LG G5. I would recommend sticking with the Galaxy.
I purchased my G5 October 2016. Two weeks later, the screen started showing signs of unresponsiveness. After a warranty replacement with a factory refurb (don't get me started on that), the phone seemed fine. Six months or so later, similar screen issues began to creep in. Since, the power button is non-responsive and the screen ghosts images of whatever was recently open.
Google has page after page of similar complaints. Some users claim that this G5 screen should not have burn-in, but I can't seem to fix it with the help that's been posted. Power button issues seem to be common too. I mention the screen because I've read (take that with a grain of salt, being the inet and all) that the G6 uses the same screen. I'm techy, but not techy enough to bother confirming that because at this point my next buy will be a Galaxy. I bought my mom's phone for the last two generations, and her s5 has lasted longer than both my last two LGs. I loved my G3, but right at the two-year mark, the screen simply died. I had to buy an eBay replacement screen and perform some surgery to be able get my files off.
Anecdotal. Google some of these issues to see if that sways you.
All the best with whatever you decide on!
Also, I prefer the dimensions of the LG as compared to the taller, narrower Galaxies. I am willing to compromise on that if the phone will last longer. Still don't like the awkward blur/sharpen filters on the Galaxy cameras, but still willing to overlook that for overall life. Damn. and I like to remove the battery. STILL!!! lol. If my power button worked, I wouldn't need to pull the battery. So there's that?
Thanks for the tips, ynwtf. Was leaning towards the Galaxy anyway, so no worries, I'll skip the LG (though the last LG phone I had, I did like, but that was like three phones ago).
My general pitch about project fi is that if you either use a lot of data (I'd say more than 3 or 4 gigs a month) or talk a lot, or are in rural areas a lot, you probably won't see as much benefit from project fi. The coverage is slightly weaker overall (which leads to the dip in call quality).
But if those aren't issues, I'm a huge fan. My GF and I share a plan and it even fairly divides up how much each person owes based on usage and evenly splitting the "base" cost of talk/text.
The cost model is 20 dollars for the first line of talk/text and 10 dollars per gb of data (and it's granular, if you use 955 mb, you'll be credited back 45 cents). It's by far the best company to work with, they are very transparent and simple.
But again, if you have coverage problems already, or use a lot of data, you probably could stick with your current provider for now without issue.
I don't use a lot of data or have big coverage problems, so that sounds like a decent fit. Only reason not to do it, I guess, would be changing just a few weeks before a big trip across country. Hmmm. I'll read up on it some more/think about it.
cat_sidhe
08-02-17, 12:09 PM
So, I'm eligible for a new phone in four days. When I was younger I tended to splurge and get really new models when I was eligible, but the last couple of phones I've gone a couple of generations earlier than the latest to save money. This time I'm thinking of going a little more high-end, or at least, closer to the latest stuff than I have before.
I'm using the Galaxy S5 right now, so I'm wondering if anyone has any testimonials (good or bad) for most of the more popular models released over the last year or two. Like:
Galaxy S7/8/9 (particularly the Edge variants)
Google Pixel
Google Pixel XL
Moto Z Droid
Moto Z2
LG G6
Maybe the OnePlus 5 (seems like a nice mix of new and cheap).
I'm like 95% sure I want to stick with Android, too.
I just switched from Galaxy S5 to Huawei. It's like Samsung, but faster and better pics. Cheaper too, and much less bloat.
Elessar
08-02-17, 01:06 PM
I just switched from Galaxy S5 to Huawei. It's like Samsung, but faster and better pics. Cheaper too, and much less bloat.
Oh please no Huawei. I had one and it was the worst. Wouldn't even work when the weather turn cold (-1°C). I hate the name btw :D
At the moment I had 3 phones, none of which is fully functioning. One Samsung that's very old and couldn't check my emails for some reason. One Nokia that's good for the emails but doesn't have LINE & KakaoTalk for some reason. The third one doesn't have anything except all of my old contacts that would not import into newer phones.
Have to keep all 3 in my bag.
Sorry for not contributing to the thread :rolleyes:
cat_sidhe
08-02-17, 02:52 PM
Oh please no Huawei. I had one and it was the worst. Wouldn't even work when the weather turn cold (-1°C). I hate the name btw :D
Seriously??? I've had nothing but an easy ride with mine so far. Btw I agree about the name. :rolleyes:
Stirchley
08-02-17, 04:00 PM
We had one of these until fairly recently.
33108
I think Slappydavis has convinced me to go with Project Fi. I was gonna wait on the upgrade to see what kind of phone credit I got towards it (in the day, they used to give you $200 towards the new phone to incentivize you to sign another two-year contract), but it looks like that's basically been done away with, along with contracts, even with Verizon. So the phone cost is the same, and the data cost is higher, and it's less flexible.
Only arguments for staying would be network quality, really wanting a phone Fi doesn't support, or simple inertia. So I'll probably take the plunge today.
I mentioned this off-handedly to my brother and he's already switched like two hours later. I hope slappy's getting commission or something, because he probably just got them two new signups.
Slappydavis
08-03-17, 05:44 PM
I think @Slappydavis (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=86075) has convinced me to go with Project Fi. I was gonna wait on the upgrade to see what kind of phone credit I got towards it (in the day, they used to give you $200 towards the new phone to incentivize you to sign another two-year contract), but it looks like that's basically been done away with, along with contracts, even with Verizon. So the phone cost is the same, and the data cost is higher, and it's less flexible.
Only arguments for staying would be network quality, really wanting a phone Fi doesn't support, or simple inertia. So I'll probably take the plunge today.
I mentioned this off-handedly to my brother and he's already switched like two hours later. I hope slappy's getting commission or something, because he probably just got them two new signups.
Solid choice. I can wholeheartedly endorse project fi. It's also VERY easy to discontinue if you find the plan doesn't suit you.
It's very possible that I love project fi so much just because I don't have to deal with AT&T anymore, but I think that feeling of hate should have worn off by now and I still really like it.
By far project fi's biggest downside is that there are so few phones that work for it, but for anyone who is considering a phone that does work with project fi, I endorse it.
Now if only google fiber came into my town I could dump comcast...
Oh, also, I can't figure out why anyone would ever pick more than 1GB with Project Fi.
At first, I couldn't figure out why it mattered what they picked at all, since it says you're credited for any data you don't use and the "overage" charge is the same rate as the upfront cost. I thought maybe it was just to help them estimate what kind of capacity they'd need. But someone with support clarified that you get credited for the data towards future data, not as a cash refund. So picking 2GB just means you have to use 2GB from them at some point.
Can't come up with any reason not to just pick the lowest tier, though, since any overages are billed the same.
By far project fi's biggest downside is that there are so few phones that work for it, but for anyone who is considering a phone that does work with project fi, I endorse it.
Yeah, the fact that the Pixel and Pixel XL were already on my shortlist made this an easier choice than it otherwise would have been.
Now if only google fiber came into my town I could dump comcast...
Yeah, same. Though FWIW, I had Comcast, and switched to FiOS, and it's much better. Very happy with it. The jump in quality seemed larger, though, because I'm in a weird area that got "old" boxes with literally the ugliest and clunkiest modern UI I've ever seen. I'll have to find screenshots. You won't even believe they're real.
So there you go, Verizon: I added one service and ditched another. And there were a bunch of years inbetween where I had both, anyway. You're welcome.
Slappydavis
08-03-17, 05:48 PM
Oh, also, I can't figure out why anyone would ever pick more than 1GB with Project Fi.
At first, I couldn't figure out why it mattered what they picked at all, since it says you're credited for any data you don't use and the "overage" charge is the same rate as the upfront cost. But someone with support clarified that you get credited for the data towards future data, not as a cash refund. So picking 2GB just means you have to use 2GB from them at some point.
Can't come up with any reason not to just pick the lowest tier, though, since any overages are billed the same.
The only reason is to self-budget. Meaning, if you don't WANT to let yourself go above a certain amount of data, you can pay it up front and set your fi to warn you a bunch of times when you're getting close to the limit.
But if you're just going to use what you want, and pay whatever at the end of the month, yeah, there's basically no point.
Slappydavis
08-03-17, 05:51 PM
Yeah, same. Though FWIW, I had Comcast, and switched to FiOS, and it's much better. Very happy with it. The jump in quality seemed larger, though, because I'm in a weird area that got "old" boxes with literally the ugliest and clunkiest modern UI I've ever seen. I'll have to find screenshots. You won't even believe they're real.
Sadly Comcast and AT&T are truly the only hi-speed internet providers in town at the moment. And AT&T simply doesn't go fast enough (at least when we last checked). It's terrible.
The only reason is to self-budget. Meaning, if you don't WANT to let yourself go above a certain amount of data, you can pay it up front and set your fi to warn you a bunch of times when you're getting close to the limit.
But if you're just going to use what you want, and pay whatever at the end of the month, yeah, there's basically no point.
Yeah, it's actually kind of clever, because I think they're assuming (probably correctly) that anyone interested in this setup uses < 1GB of data per month on average. And since it only credits unused data to future data, and you still have to buy at least 1GB...you're actually paying more. And I actually think (though haven't confirmed) that it only carries over to the next month, rather than in perpetuity, so I'm guessing I can't build up a huge silo of unused data and then have no chance of going over.
Still a good deal, though, since the price difference is wayyyy lower than Verizon.
Stirchley
08-04-17, 03:01 PM
Sadly Comcast and AT&T are truly the only hi-speed internet providers in town at the moment. And AT&T simply doesn't go fast enough (at least when we last checked). It's terrible.
Our only cable provider is Comcast. I'm fine with them though they keep increasing the monthly charges. Having Internet service with AT&T (Frontier) was never an option for me. The service is slower than Comcast & we had so many difficulties with Frontier when they first took over from AT&T.
Slappydavis
08-04-17, 09:20 PM
The only reason is to self-budget. Meaning, if you don't WANT to let yourself go above a certain amount of data, you can pay it up front and set your fi to warn you a bunch of times when you're getting close to the limit.
But if you're just going to use what you want, and pay whatever at the end of the month, yeah, there's basically no point.
Yeah, it's actually kind of clever, because I think they're assuming (probably correctly) that anyone interested in this setup uses < 1GB of data per month on average. And since it only credits unused data to future data, and you still have to buy at least 1GB...you're actually paying more. And I actually think (though haven't confirmed) that it only carries over to the next month, rather than in perpetuity, so I'm guessing I can't build up a huge silo of unused data and then have no chance of going over.
Still a good deal, though, since the price difference is wayyyy lower than Verizon.
I could be wrong, as I've never gone under 1gb, but I believe you'd actually get a money credit not a data credit. So if you use zero data, your next bill will be 10 bucks less. If so, there's no backlog of carryover data.
This is the way my friend claims it works for him at least.
Sorry, meant to reply sooner: that's surprising. If that's the case, then there really is no point whatsoever to picking any amount over any other, in which case it really is just for their own research and data budgeting purposes. I guess I'll find out soon enough, though, because there should be lots of times where I don't use anywhere near 1GB. And it does kinda matter because, if that's true, I'd probably use my phone more.
Anyway: got the phone yesterday. It is predictably lovely. Even when I don't spring for a nicer phone, new ones are always snappy and smooth, the way even the old phone normally is after a software update.
Monthly bill should only be going down slightly when you factor in the phone cost, but hey, it'll still be less, and for more data, and with more flexibility. And a nicer phone. Score. Thanks for the recommendation.
Things that are already great:
The screen is gorgeous, as expected.
The pictures are very sharp, as slappy said.
The fingerprint scanner isn't a gimmick. It works very well and, if anything, I'm worried that once I get totally used to it it'll be weird to ever use a phone without it.
Using the fingerprint scanner to swipe down the notification slide is a great touch. No pun intended.
Some of the setting tweaks seem like small steps back (I used to be able to toggle between sound/vibrate/mute, but now there's a Do Not Disturb option that's a little more opaque, at least at a glance). But I expect I'll get used to those, or figure out how to change them, soon enough.
Only choice left is whether or not to get a case. Normally hate them, but there's one that doubles as a wallet, and while that doesn't really sound like my speed either, it might be nice to just carry the one. Might go that route even if only just for the Seattle trip.
So far, happy with the choice. Thanks to everyone for their feedback. :up:
cat_sidhe
08-09-17, 12:23 PM
OMG OMG NEW PHONE GLOW, amiright Yoda???
Yeah, for sure. I've been through this routine enough that I'm not quite as giddy as I used to be, though. At this point I'm just as excited for that new system snappiness as I am about anything else. Which means I also get excited for system updates. :laugh: Seems like a flaw that updating your OS would result in a noticeable speed improvement, but here we are.
Photos really are great looking, though:
33307
I also wonder if I might have finally, with the 5.5" screen, gone just a little too big for my hand size. It's bound to feel that way a little at first, though, so too soon to say.
cat_sidhe
08-09-17, 01:06 PM
Yeah, for sure. I've been through this routine enough that I'm not quite as giddy as I used to be, though. At this point I'm just as excited for that new system snappiness as I am about anything else. Which means I also get excited for system updates. :laugh: Seems like a flaw that updating your OS would result in a noticeable speed improvement, but here we are.
Photos really are great looking, though:
33307
I also wonder if I might have finally, with the 5.5" screen, gone just a little too big for my hand size. It's bound to feel that way a little at first, though, so too soon to say.
I was also amazed by the quality of the first pic I took with my new phone. I'm a rabid photo taker, so that's THE thing I look at first. FIrst time I used the front cam on my new phone was shocking. It's far too good. Every single flaw I have was right there. O.o Not used to that from a front cam.
Haven't had that many new phones, so I will still be giddy for a few new phones to come.
cat_sidhe
08-09-17, 01:08 PM
Btw, is your hound a boxer or a mastiff?? Can't quite tell from his loss of will to live expression.... :lol:
It's far too good. Every single flaw I have was right there. O.o Not used to that from a front cam.
"This camera is awesome! I look terrible!" :laugh:
Haven't had that many new phones, so I will still be giddy for a few new phones to come.
I liked that, after awhile, they caught on enough to make the boxes themselves little delights to open, evocative of a box of chocolates, with all sorts of little pockets and slots.
Btw, is your hound a boxer or a mastiff?? Can't quite tell from his loss of will to live expression.... :lol:
Neither: the rescue league said (and I think they're right) that he's half lab, half pit bull. But that mix does end up looking a lot like a boxer, and he's been mistaken for one before.
From certain angles he looks a lot like a lab, and others a lot like a pit bull. And he's just as clingy as you'd expect from that mix, too.
cat_sidhe
08-09-17, 01:22 PM
"This camera is awesome! I look terrible!" :laugh:
I liked that, after awhile, they caught on enough to make the boxes themselves little delights to open, evocative of a box of chocolates, with all sorts of little pockets and slots.
I won't lie, I got excited over the box too.
Guess we really are big cats. :lol:
cat_sidhe
08-09-17, 01:23 PM
Neither: the rescue league said (and I think they're right) that he's half lab, half pit bull. But that mix does end up looking a lot like a boxer, and he's been mistaken for one before.
From certain angles he looks a lot like a lab, and others a lot like a pit bull. And he's just as clingy as you'd expect from that mix, too.
A boxer saved me from drowning when I was 3. <3
Btw, is your hound a boxer or a mastiff?? Can't quite tell from his loss of will to live expression.... :lol:
ROFLMAO! He always looks like that. Marvin the paranoid android.
I won't lie, I got excited over the box too.
Guess we really are big cats. :lol:
Ha. Yes.
I don't generally sit in them, though. Generally. :indifferent:
A boxer saved me from drowning when I was 3. <3
Wow! More to that story?
cat_sidhe
08-09-17, 01:35 PM
Ha. Yes.
I don't generally sit in them, though. Generally. :indifferent:
http://i.imgur.com/lVlPvCB.gif
Wow! More to that story?
My parents were at a house party at a childless couple's house, so there was a swimming pool but no fencing around it. They were inside, without loud music, and I was outside, amusing myself. Obviusly found the pool wildly amusing, until I fell in and couldn't get out. I remember very clearly trying to scream for them, but water filing my throat every time I opened it. A big friendly rust coloured boxer called Bully jumped in and dragged me out by my hair, at the precise moment my parents saw flailing and heard barking and commotion.
cat_sidhe
08-09-17, 01:40 PM
Bloody hell. Smart dog.
The couple, and Bully, ended up moving to Australia, and 2 years later, we ended up in a house down the same street as the house I almost drowned in.
A big friendly rust coloured boxer called Bully jumped in and dragged me out by my hair, at the precise moment my parents saw flailing and heard barking and commotion.
33308
Good dog.
cat_sidhe
08-09-17, 01:42 PM
33308
Good dog.
I am only here by act of dog. :lol:
Whooo.
I was sad for a very short period of time when I saw that the Pixel and the XL had gone on sale just two days ago, IE: just a few days after my brother and I both bought one. Huge sale, too: like $200 and (I think) a free Daydream VR headset). But sometimes there's a grace period for new signups, so I contacted support, and it sounds like I bought close enough that they'll let me get in on it. Sweeeeeeeet.
cat_sidhe
08-10-17, 01:41 PM
I hope they noticed it's soon your birthday!!!
They did not. I'll go file a complaint now.
Slappydavis
08-10-17, 03:14 PM
Whooo.
I was sad for a very short period of time when I saw that the Pixel and the XL had gone on sale just two days ago, IE: just a few days after my brother and I both bought one. Huge sale, too: like $200 and (I think) a free Daydream VR headset). But sometimes there's a grace period for new signups, so I contacted support, and it sounds like I bought close enough that they'll let me get in on it. Sweeeeeeeet.
There's something bittersweet about recommending a product to someone, and then they go and get a better deal than you did.
More bitter than sweet really....
(jk, glad you were able to find a good deal!)
I did briefly think "I wonder if he can get in on this," but then I was pretty sure you said you got this a year ago, or something. Though in exchange for the price difference, you got to use that sweet, sweet phone much sooner than I did, while I was using the Galaxy S5, which is obviously just a half-notch above using smoke signals.
Slappydavis
08-10-17, 05:20 PM
I did briefly think "I wonder if he can get in on this," but then I was pretty sure you said you got this a year ago, or something. Though in exchange for the price difference, you got to use that sweet, sweet phone much sooner than I did, while I was using the Galaxy S5, which is obviously just a half-notch above using smoke signals.
I got mine about 4 months ago, but considering how much it helped me during traveling, I think it's fair. I'd be more upset if I had just randomly decided to upgrade and then a few months later it just happened to go on sale, but my Galaxy S4 actually broke (loved that phone, was very sad to see it go, despite it being out of date) so I had to decide kind of quickly. If I missed out on the deal because I was just antsy to upgrade it'd be much more sad.
Neat on the Daydream deal too! Honestly you gotta try doing the 360 degree picture thing, I love it.
Also it makes me look better for recommending it. I would have felt bad if I suggested it right before it went on sale and you got accidentally screwed. Now I look smart!
cat_sidhe
08-10-17, 06:50 PM
Whooo.
I was sad for a very short period of time when I saw that the Pixel and the XL had gone on sale just two days ago, IE: just a few days after my brother and I both bought one. Huge sale, too: like $200 and (I think) a free Daydream VR headset). But sometimes there's a grace period for new signups, so I contacted support, and it sounds like I bought close enough that they'll let me get in on it. Sweeeeeeeet.
There's something bittersweet about recommending a product to someone, and then they go and get a better deal than you did.
More bitter than sweet really....
(jk, glad you were able to find a good deal!)
DUDE.
cat_sidhe
08-10-17, 06:53 PM
Tell you what, Slappy, if there's a law of diminishing returns, there's, also a law of connectivity. You paid Yoda a goid turn, maybe I pay you one.
Tell me eeeeverything you need. Maybe, just maybe, there's something I can pass on in that groovy community paying forward way. You never know!
Slappydavis
08-10-17, 07:21 PM
Haha, no need. I'm really fortunate in life, if anything I owe karma. I appreciate the thought!
So Yods, seeing as you're so in love with this phone, would you cry if you dropped it in the toilet?
cat_sidhe
08-10-17, 07:48 PM
I'm fortunate too. Doesn't mean you can't make use of your MoFos. ;)
So Yods, seeing as you're so in love with this phone, would you cry if you dropped it in the toilet?
Nah. But I'd probably swear.
Never dropped a phone in the toilet, though. I'm particularly aware of the grip I have on my phone in any situation where that's even a possibility. Especially with this phone because, unlike a lot of other newer phones, it's not rated especially high in water resistance.
I dropped my flip phone in the toilet years ago. I might have pushed it out of my pocket when I was cleaning the bathroom which I'm pretty sure I never admitted to Mr D. Damn thing still worked. I really didnt like that phone much so in hindsight I should have flushed.
Update:
Love the phone, very happy with the choice so far. Like looking things up whenever it strikes me and not having to think much (if at all) about whether I'm nearing a data threshold/cap/whatever.
Might post in here again after Seattle, since that'll be a really good test of the phone where I'll be using it very often, and for lots of different things, but I already feel a lot better about the potential of doing all that. :up:
MovieMeditation
08-17-17, 01:57 PM
Which one did you end up getting, Yoda ?
Pixel XL.
https://www.androidcentral.com/sites/androidcentral.com/files/styles/larger_wm_brw/public/article_images/2016/10/google-pixel-pixel-xl-retail-4.jpg?itok=Rj4vGVtV
Once I decided to go with Project Fi, it was pretty much that or the regular Pixel. There were only, like, one or two other phones compatible with the service, and I think they were both out of stock. The Nexus 6P looks decent, but I already had the Pixel/Pixel XL on my short list even before hearing about Fi, so I didn't really look at them seriously. It was mostly just a question of whether I was going to switch carriers, and if so, would I go for the larger phone. Glad I did, on both counts, at least so far.
MovieMeditation
08-17-17, 02:25 PM
Pixel XL.
Once I decided to go with Project Fi, it was pretty much that or the regular Pixel. There were only, like, one or two other phones compatible with the service, and I think they were both out of stock. The Nexus 6P looks decent, but I already had the Pixel/Pixel XL on my short list even before hearing about Fi, so I didn't really look at them seriously. It was mostly just a question of whether I was going to switch carriers, and if so, would I go for the larger phone. Glad I did, on both counts, at least so far.
That's awesome, the phone seems cool. I don't know much about Google's phones nor their service - other than their service isn't available here in Denmark. :(
But I like the choice you made; obviously it made sense to you on more than one occasion, but also just the fact that you didn't go for any typical phone - a Galaxy or an iPhone. The Google ones seem really great. It might be contender for my next phone, we'll see, though as I posted earlier I still like Apple - though they need to up their game if they want me back again...
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