When I got my Galaxy Nexus (GN) it was sheer happiness. I was using a legacy Nokia Symbian candy bar and this was my first foray into unmolested Android. While all was not perfect with the GN, I was still mostly pleased. Then the fateful day occurred when I dropped the GN a little too hard and the screen shattered even though the phone was protected by a Diztronic TPU case. I now needed a new phone, but I knew the Nexus 5 (N5) would be out soon, so I kept using my shattered GN until the N5 was available and when it arrived, I realized cracking my screen was a blessing in disguise.
Without further ado, my quick major comparisons to the GN:
The N5 is FAST. REALLY FAST. It makes my GN feel like an unfinished prototype/research model that should have never been brought to market.
The N5’s GPS locks on quickly. REALLY quickly. My GN could take a minute or more at times to get a lock and, by then, my wife, annoyed, would whip out her iPhone and tell me my phone sucks.
The N5 has “awesome battery life.” While its battery life is average in general, compared to the GN it is legendary. The GN’s screen and data connection would kill the battery and it would rarely last till the afternoon if I frequently used both. With the N5 I can make heavy use of my screen and data connection and my battery will likely last the day.
Qi support. This makes number 3 above even better and there’s no jamming of Micro-USB ports into the phone and hoping I didn’t have the port upside-down (particularly when it’s dark/at night). When I’m at my desk, my phone is always charging. When a call comes in, I simple pick up the phone and then put it back down to charge when I’m done—nothing to plug in/I’m untethered. When I leave my desk for an hour or three, I have no fear of using or pushing the phone as hard as I’d like as I know I’m probably fully charged, because the phone was sitting on the charger, and I’ll have more than enough battery life for whatever I might encounter. Qi is simply elegant and something the iPhone can’t do.
LTE. While I got decent “4G” speeds on the GN—around 8Mbps down—the 20+/30+Mbps I get now alongside far better PING times is a great improvement.
The N5 has almost zero lag. It’s really that fast. My GN was almost all lag. Project Butter improved things, but the GN still has lag all over the place. I’m sure the N5 will start to slow down as newer software makes greater demands of the hardware, but, for now, this thing flies.
If you’re still using a GN, stop. It sucks, particularly when compared to a modem smart phone. Get the N5 and stop having your wife/girlfriend tell you your phone sucks, because it does.
Cheers.
lol, i loved my galaxy nexus! it demolished my nexus s i speed. but when i got my nexus 4, it just blew away the gnex in speed and performance. but then i got the nexus 5.. it makes the nexus 4 feel like a childs toy
Amen to all that.
But to be fair, the GNex was pretty good for its time--it was roughly in the same class as its contemporary, the Galaxy S II (just as the N5 is with the LG G2). But of course the N5 is so much faster and smoother and an all round better smartphone. A few things that I still feel the GNex is better though--it feels more comfortable holding the GNex than the N5 because the GNex is more rounded while the N5 has sharper edges. I still prefer the audio jack placement on the GNex. And I miss slightly the removable battery--my GNex had the official extended battery. But these are small issues compared to the vast improvements that the N5 brings.
I also agree with all of this. I came from a Galaxy Nexus as well, and I loved that phone. Even now, it was "fast enough" and the battery lasted "long enough" and it was a solid working device. I had a Nexus One before that, so I was starting a pattern of skipping every other Nexus phone, so it was time to buy the Nexus 5.
My experience exactly matches every one of your points. Battery life and overall speed are by far the biggest differences I've noticed. I'm as happy with this phone as I was when I upgraded to the GNex two years ago.
I actually was very happy with my gnex, i did end up getting the nexus 5 and very happy i did, cant go wrong with stock android kit kat
Better than my nexus 4
Having never owned the gnex, or its predecessors, the N4 was my first Nexus device. That being said I was shocked at how much better the N5 is. particularly in signal strength. on H+ there wasn't a single place in Toledo that I could get above 95 dbm. and my house was regularly 117Dbm or lower. Now (after flashing back to the xxx.xxx.17 modem) I see about 100dbm in my house on LTE and consistently around 80 on H+!!! The .23 modem that came with 4.4.1 KILLED MY SIGNAL!
I really think Lg/ Google skimped with the hardware on the N4. Yea the processor was great for the time and the phone will hold its own for another couple of years.
But after about a week of enjoying that flashy glass back i was too paranoid about walking around with a piece of fine china to enjoy my device. I always thought the back was more suited for a girl anyway, besides the fact that after armoring your phone in a rugged case to protect the stupid glass back, you couldn't see it anyway.
All in all the N5 is a joy. People complaining about the speaker must not have had a nexus 4. And who cares about "loose" buttons the ceramic tactile feel of them makes up for it.:laugh:
simms22 said:
lol, i loved my galaxy nexus! it demolished my nexus s i speed. but when i got my nexus 4, it just blew away the gnex in speed and performance. but then i got the nexus 5.. it makes the nexus 4 feel like a childs toy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second this post. I was EXTREMELY proud of my nexus 4...until I got the nexus 5...the size difference and battery life make the nexus 4 feel like a toy. Very well put Simms.
Agreed on all counts. The galnex spec sheet was outdated within four months. I'm just glad I rode my vzw contract out and gave them the bird for t-mobile (pre-paid) and the nexus5.
good day.
Having owned pretty much every Nexus device since the GNex ( GNex, N4, N5 and N7) the N5 simply blows them all away, and I really loved the N4.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
The GNEX was garbage even when it was current!
The N5 is a rocking piece of kit.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Well... I have both phones and can agree with most of this, but how about this "awesome battery life" and LTE?
It is really not bad... except when LTE mode is activated and LTE network is found. It looks like battery drain on LTE is almost the same in active use and in sleep - and phone is warm all the time. Almost like some kind of hand warmer - handy at winter.
Better Battery stats and everything else confirms, that phone is in deep sleep, but battery graph falls with same speed in active use and deep sleep state - and this is on almost "bearable" LTE signal (-80...-90 dBm). Drain stops immediately, when mobile network mode is switched to 3G.
Will try out other network when I go to christmas vacation. Maybe this is some kind of network issue.
nmt1900 said:
...and phone is warm all the time. Like some kind of hand warmer - handy at winter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird. My phone is only warm when charging.
Good riddance to this POS phone. Can't wait to activate my n5 on T-Mobile!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
BinkXDA said:
Weird. My phone is only warm when charging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might be some network issue. Will know little more next week, when phone can be tested with other operator in another country.
Switch from iP4 to GNex -- I was happy to switch over to android
Switch from GNex - N5 -- insanely estatic and sheer satisfaction -- blazing speeds, HD screen
I have the Galaxy Nexus and to be quite honest with you I still use the sh*t out of it. I found it to be a great device. I wonder when Samsung gets the Nexus contract again what they will have in store for us.
I have a soft spot for it since it was my first Nexus and it had a good amount of storage space 32gb. Since I have tabs and phones I use them all for different things. I use my Nexus 7 for gaming, my Galaxy Nexus for audiobooks and multimedia, and my Nexus 5 for everything else. Overall I love my Nexus 5 and Galaxy Nexus..heck I'm downloading a ROM for them now!
Cheers
---------- Post added at 01:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:03 AM ----------
I have the Galaxy Nexus and to be quite honest with you I still use the sh*t out of it. I found it to be a great device. I wonder when Samsung gets the Nexus contract again what they will have in store for us.
I have a soft spot for it since it was my first Nexus and it had a good amount of storage space 32gb. Since I have tabs and phones I use them all for different things. I use my Nexus 7 for gaming, my Galaxy Nexus for audiobooks and multimedia, and my Nexus 5 for everything else. Overall I love my Nexus 5 and Galaxy Nexus..heck I'm downloading a ROM for them now!
Cheers
I also had a GN but I was always annoyed by it's overall slowness. For me there was only minor improvement compared to my former Nexus One.
After just half of a year later I got my N4 and was much happier with it, than with Gslug Nexus.
The N5 is even better than the N4, but compared to the Change from GN to N4 the change is not that dramatic. The only advantages of the GN were its look and feel (which is in my opinion the best out there) and its robustness.
The only disadvantage right now is, that there are only a few usable and very limited Custom Roms for the N5 because of KitKat but this is only a temporary problem.
BinkXDA said:
When I got my Galaxy Nexus (GN) it was sheer happiness. I was using a legacy Nokia Symbian candy bar and this was my first foray into unmolested Android. While all was not perfect with the GN, I was still mostly pleased. Then the fateful day occurred when I dropped the GN a little too hard and the screen shattered even though the phone was protected by a Diztronic TPU case. I now needed a new phone, but I knew the Nexus 5 (N5) would be out soon, so I kept using my shattered GN until the N5 was available and when it arrived, I realized cracking my screen was a blessing in disguise.
Without further ado, my quick major comparisons to the GN:
The N5 is FAST. REALLY FAST. It makes my GN feel like an unfinished prototype/research model that should have never been brought to market.
The N5’s GPS locks on quickly. REALLY quickly. My GN could take a minute or more at times to get a lock and, by then, my wife, annoyed, would whip out her iPhone and tell me my phone sucks.
The N5 has “awesome battery life.” While its battery life is average in general, compared to the GN it is legendary. The GN’s screen and data connection would kill the battery and it would rarely last till the afternoon if I frequently used both. With the N5 I can make heavy use of my screen and data connection and my battery will likely last the day.
Qi support. This makes number 3 above even better and there’s no jamming of Micro-USB ports into the phone and hoping I didn’t have the port upside-down (particularly when it’s dark/at night). When I’m at my desk, my phone is always charging. When a call comes in, I simple pick up the phone and then put it back down to charge when I’m done—nothing to plug in/I’m untethered. When I leave my desk for an hour or three, I have no fear of using or pushing the phone as hard as I’d like as I know I’m probably fully charged, because the phone was sitting on the charger, and I’ll have more than enough battery life for whatever I might encounter. Qi is simply elegant and something the iPhone can’t do.
LTE. While I got decent “4G” speeds on the GN—around 8Mbps down—the 20+Mbps I get now alongside far better PING times is a great improvement.
The N5 has almost zero lag. It’s really that fast. My GN was almost all lag. Project Butter improved things, but the GN still has lag all over the place. I’m sure the N5 will start to slow down as newer software makes greater demands of the hardware, but, for now, this thing flies.
If you’re still using a GN, stop. It sucks, particularly when compared to a modem smart phone. Get the N5 and stop having your wife/girlfriend tell you your phone sucks, because it does.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, none of the custom roms are impressive or better than stock on a Nexus device. There are many custom roms but that's only cause it's way easier to develop for a Nexus device than it is for non stock Android devices. And unfortunately most of the roms are identical with very minor variances as well as being pure garbage.
The roms that add features are worth looking at but so far non are as stable as stock.
I used to own 2x GNEX at the same time. One flashed with every top custom rom available and the other pure stock. As nice as some of the added features the custom roms had and as fast as the custom kernels seemed to be, the roms weren't stable and the kernels started bogging down in a few days.
The stock phone never slowed down and performed consistently till the end.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that on a Nexus, stock is best cause it's built by the best developers already....
I've used custom roms on all my other Android phones but will not be on my N5 based on my custom rom experience on the GNEX!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Elisha said:
To be honest, none of the custom roms are impressive or better than stock on a Nexus device. There are many custom roms but that's only cause it's way easier to develop for a Nexus device than it is for non stock Android devices. And unfortunately most of the roms are identical with very minor variances as well as being pure garbage.
The roms that add features are worth looking at but so far non are as stable as stock.
I used to own 2x GNEX at the same time. One flashed with every top custom rom available and the other pure stock. As nice as some of the added features the custom roms had and as fast as the custom kernels seemed to be, the roms weren't stable and the kernels started bogging down in a few days.
The stock phone never slowed down and performed consistently till the end.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that on a Nexus, stock is best cause it's built by the best developers already....
I've used custom roms on all my other Android phones but will not be on my N5 based on my custom rom experience on the GNEX!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems like you never tried Franco Kernel.
Gesendet von meinem Nexus 5 mit Tapatalk
tr1cky1 said:
Seems like you never tried Franco Kernel.
Gesendet von meinem Nexus 5 mit Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have. I even bought the app when I had the GNEX.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Related
I am reading a lot of bemoaning with regards to what is considered poor battery life on the Nexus 4 based on comparisons made by Anandtech's review, and I feel that people are forgetting the golden rule of smartphones. That rule being that every phone has at least one 'fatal flaw' that you have to accept when you finally purchase that device. I feel like this thread will put things into perspective for those who just want to have it all. Reality is what it is, I'm not saying you should settle and give in to sub-ideal phones, but hey if you need a phone you need a phone, ideals and wishes won't make phone calls or grab your emails for you.
Let's start with the iPhone 5. Firstly, it's iOS and all its annoying ecosystem that surely every Android enthusiast has distaste for in some way or another. I'm pretty sure that rules it out alone and causes us think "Well who cares how long the battery lasts if I hate using the thing. Pass." It does have great battery life on LTE, quality construction, more accessories than you can shake a stick at, etc etc, but it's still iOS. No LTE in my area either but hey not the phone's fault.
Onto the HTC One X, which is a good phone in many regards but still has those 'fatal flaws.' It costs $465.50 (6 months after launch) unlocked which isn't too heinous but it isn't pentaband GSM keeping you from 3G/HSPA+ on T-mobile or whatever random 1700 band International carriers there are in the world. Also has frequent wifi antenna problems for many. It only sports 1 GB of ram. It is not pure Android, HTC Sense is hated by many, can be replaced with a custom rom, which is very good. Curious how the HTC one X (1800 mah) did better than the S3 (2100 mah).
Motorola Razr M. I rather like the physical feel of this phone, but with 4.0 ICS, nowhere to buy it unlocked, 1 GB of ram, and less dev support than these other phones I wouldn't consider it strongly.
Next the Motorola Razr i. Only has 4.0.4 ICS, 1 GB of ram, $498.50 unlocked also with no 1700 band support. Screen is probably not in the HTC One X leagues either.
Skipping a few brings me to the Motorola Photon Q. Obviously this thing is only for QWERTY lovers, of which I am not. Hey it probably kicks ass though if that's your thing. Oh but wait, you can only get it from carriers which means you'll be signing a contract. Wuh-oh no dice, that ain't nice.
LG Optimus G... Locked bootloader. (I held one and went "eww" but that's a personal thing), A year after ICS was released, Jellybean has been out for months, and yet LG releases this 'flagship' phone with ICS, tsk tsk. No 1700 band, 545.50 Unlocked. Only one of the versions has a micro-sd slot too, bizarro.
Galaxy S3! Personally the T-999 T-mobile Galaxy S3 is my personal choice over the Nexus 4. BUT Problems?!!? For me it was price at $550, the build quality of the phone, and the physical big home button. I've read too many reports of them cracking on their own (while in Otterbox Defender cases or whatever other big boxy tank armor people buy) because of the crappy plastic used and also overheating during usage or charging. A phone's screen shouldn't break on it's own sitting on your desk. Those issues are rather personal so really the problem is price for a 6 month old phone.
Anyway enough of this, there are many things which aren't negatives to some and other things that definitely are negatives that I haven't included, such as motorola camera quality or something along those lines.
Honestly, where can you buy a 299 or 349 dollar unlocked smartphone with the latest hardware (except that 5" panel on the HTC DNA), latest Android OS which is also vanilla, predictably tons of dev support, and isn't a plastic pile of junk? Although the Nexus is lacking LTE, enough storage for many, less than best battery life, and whatever other gripes there are out there. Also the benchmarks are meh, personally I could care less how fast it runs a benchmark. There gets to be a point where speed no longer matters, sort of like the difference between 100 FPS and 400 FPS when playing a video game or watching a movie. I mean if the phone can load apps faster than the Optimus G by .001 seconds who really cares? It's about real world usage to me, not benchmark scores. That's me though and I realize that isn't everyone's opinion.
So anyway if someone wants more storage and awesome battery but doesn't care about being forced into a contract, they won't mind getting a Razr Maxx HD. But if another person wants to avoid contracts, have the freedom to use their phone internationally even, with the latest operating system the Nexus 4 is the best bet because of the price with the S3 tailing behind it due to custom roms.
Someone could assign a point value to every category and rate phones across the board, but the amount of points per category, or rather the importance of certain traits over others, is totally independent for each person out there shopping for a device.
Long story short here, every phone has its drawbacks and issues, it's a question of which has the least amount of flaws when weighing the needs/desires of the consumer.
The Nexus 4 does the best job of fitting my needs, but it isn't perfect. I doubt any phone ever will be, but that's beside the point. The point is what is here and now available to chose from. The point is that battery benchmark graph that I can't link due to lack of posts. I would have never bought a Nexus 4 like I did if the price wasn't so good. If it were 600 dollars I would have passed and held out for custom roms to keep me afloat on the latest version of Android.
(If you're pissed I made a thread about this don't reply telling me that. Just let it sink to the bottom of the forum to rot and die.)
Thanks and happy phone hunting.
The optimus g has basically the same hardware specs and gets great battery life. Is it wrong to expect the n4 to get somewhere in the same ballpark? N4 appears to have just average battery life which is odd. I still plan on getting it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I wish I could want an iPhone because honestly I'm tired of rooting and tweaking and iPhone gets great battery no matter what you do.
But I love stock android and honestly I feel like I am chasing a dream. First android phone was epic touch 4g then I rooted awesome battery and ICS skins. Then ICS came out battery life was crap and issues. Ran that way for months. Then jellybean waiting for Samsung kernel horrible performance. Sprint data slow as crap. Then got a gal nex no 4g now slower 3g. LTE is a mile away and it is slow.
Then nexus 4 announced no sprint version leaving sprint for T-Mobile now trying to buy four nexus 4's for the family must wait again.
So at this point if battery life sucks so be it I'm stuck chasing a dream.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Fataldesain said:
I wish I could want an iPhone because honestly I'm tired of rooting and tweaking and iPhone gets great battery no matter what you do.
But I love stock android and honestly I feel like I am chasing a dream. First android phone was epic touch 4g then I rooted awesome battery and ICS skins. Then ICS came out battery life was crap and issues. Ran that way for months. Then jellybean waiting for Samsung kernel horrible performance. Sprint data slow as crap. Then got a gal nex no 4g now slower 3g. LTE is a mile away and it is slow.
Then nexus 4 announced no sprint version leaving sprint for T-Mobile now trying to buy four nexus 4's for the family must wait again.
So at this point if battery life sucks so be it I'm stuck chasing a dream.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me, the iPhone sucks without jailbreak. Especially when you are used to Android (even Stock Android) you will miss so many options. You will miss the tweaking (just because iOS sucks already). And btw, the iPhone is small as sh**.. so no wonder it's battery will last longer. How ever, browsing/writing textes is a pain in the ass on the iPhone.
Had the iPhone 3G (omfg) and the 4S.... glad I could sell them on ebay to some brainfart.
And btw: Once you get to jailbreaking your iPhone it's all problems and annoying work.
Battery is a pretty big one for me, as well as storage.. lte not so much, waiting a while to decide but I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a note 2 little more expensive but I can prolly get the woman to let me spend my own money on it :good:
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Don't really need 4G.
See, the problem with the iPhone is, that it's an Apple product.
Apple-Hate aside, what people must realize, if they are in an area that offers 4G connectivity, it will also offer FULL 3G connection. The hypothetical max of HSPA+ is 42mb/s which if you're lucky, you can get close to. Also, TheVerge got 5Mb/s in a Metropolitan area, which is more than sufficient. I leech off StarBucks wifi, getting 450 KB/S and can watch HD video and anything I realistically need.
Please tell me someone, who uses 100% of their 4G.
Yeah once your used to android its hard to leave but my thing is since the iPhone 4 apple has had a smooth working phone with great battery. I have used about 10 android phones and honestly the iPhone 4 runs better than most and it is three years old.
Now things are getting better because the specs are crazy in all these phones. But sometimes I envy the apple sheep because they think they have the best and are satisfied with it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I'm going to try and not sound like another "vs." thread but I'm genuinely curious about an N5. I had an N4 before upgrading to a Note 3 and after a few months I'm just not happy with the size of it (that's what she said). It just doesn't feel natural using this phone one-handed even after all this time. Also the ROM support for me is lacking (particularly PA which I dearly miss).
How many of you guys have tried both devices? Should I bother getting an N5 or should I wait for whatever is next that Google reveals? If there's one thing I'm leery on is the battery life. I do a lot of on site troubleshooting and I'm constantly hammering my battery with navigating and looking things up and this Note 3 holds up admirably. Can I expect the same out of the N5?
Sent from my hlte using XDA Free mobile app
I have a Note 3 Neo which is not too dissimilar to the flagship model. I switched to Nexus 5 and I couldn't be happier. It's not perfect for one handed use, but it's a lot more comfortable to hold than the Neo.
I can't really attest to the battery life because I've been using Franco kernel from day 1 without any noticeable battery worries. Neo probably lasted a bit longer but since you have the flagship with a better battery, the difference might be a bit more noticeable.
The Nexus community has the most active and innovative development I've come across. I used the Moto X before the Note 3, and despite all the praise it receives, I prefer the Nexus 5 much more because of all the modding options it offers.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I've had a Note prier to the G2 and now N5.
For me N5 is everything that I want in phone, it would hurt if it would be let's say 5.3" that's my ideal size, but I really don't miss more screen that much. Only on the day's I see my father heavy using his Note 3, or my mother with her G2.
The reason I was not happy with the Note 3, was because I've got tiered of hardware buttons and always weird noise making homescreen button (I have such luck that all of mine past Samsungs had something weird going on with the home button - or it's just me being paranoid )
Anyway the battery on Note is decent it gets me trough the day with normal to heavy usage ( without games ) when the Note would run on the same pace for a day and 3-5 hours more.
For me it was at first an easy jump to the G2 because of no hardware buttons, and then form the G2 to N5 because im just a phone junkie and I love pure experience, fast device, and everything open source out of the box. While G2 was near perfect after flashing PA or CM on it.. that was still not it, for me at least. N5 is a beast and since I'm using it there is no "devil" in me looking out for some other phone.
Well maybe the iphone, but I've owned 3gs and 4.. and I got bored the same week lol.
For you I would suggest G2 is the perfect option, it has the same if not better battery then N5 (I'm not joking) and Lg skin is not that bad as Samsungs.. but it's not better either.
G2 + dormiax (or what is the name of kernel) + cm, mahdi, or PA and you will be one happy camper!
Guys, we do not allow comparison threads... thread closed
I am a long time Verizon customer, and after a horrible customer service issue yesterday......I am looking to switch to AT&T.
I've been on the Note 3 since October of 2013 and absolutely love the device. Since Vzw is so behind releasing devices, if I switch to AT&T I am open to two devices I am interested in.......the Note Edge and the N6. Anyone of you come from a Note to the N6, that has owned/used the N6 long enough to give me some feedback, pros/cons? I am reading a lot of negative when comparing the cameras......but am aware the N6 is vastly improved from previous. One thing I really am most concerned about is screen clarity. Just hoped for anyones direct feedback that came from a Note and is live with their N6.
Concerns:
Screen clarity,colors, overall brilliance. Samsung has been superior IMO for the last few years. My Galaxy S Fascinate, my S3, now my N3......all in my opinion had the best appearance than any comparable phone on the market at the time of their release. It is one of the biggest deciding factors I've base my devices around for the last several years. I don't want to go backwards if the N6 is noticeably less.
No external memory slot. Even though I've had an issue with the last 3 Samsung devices involving the SD card, its still nice to have that storage available, especially when storing ROM's and backup data.
No removable battery. Again going back to flashing ROM's, I'm used to devices with removable batteries.....which is critical in some cases needing to do a battery pull. Perhaps you Nexus fans can reassure me this is a non-issue.....
TIA
LXative said:
I am a long time Verizon customer, and after a horrible customer service issue yesterday......I am looking to switch to AT&T.
I've been on the Note 3 since October of 2013 and absolutely love the device. Since Vzw is so behind releasing devices, if I switch to AT&T I am open to two devices I am interested in.......the Note Edge and the N6. Anyone of you come from a Note to the N6, that has owned/used the N6 long enough to give me some feedback, pros/cons? I am reading a lot of negative when comparing the cameras......but am aware the N6 is vastly improved from previous. One thing I really am most concerned about is screen clarity. Just hoped for anyones direct feedback that came from a Note and is live with their N6.
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the note 4 and gave it to my wife when the nexus came out. To be honest I regret it Note is way better display. Camera yes improved but Note is better then N6.
I had the Note 3 for a year. It was absolutely my favorite device I had owned yet. The Note series is great, one can't deny. I loved the large powerful device. I was so close to buying the Note 4, until I found out the Nexus 6 was coming with a 6" display. It was a no-brainer for me. I rarely ever used the spen so that wasn't a factor. I couldn't stand the idea of a rear facing speaker so the forward facing speakers on the N6 was a big plus. Power wise, well they are both power houses so no factor. Touchwiz vs pure Android, well for me pure Android was a big plus. Design of the N6 is very appealing to me. I don't have a preference, nor could I tell you the difference in the displays, They both look good to me. I can say from the Note 3 to the N6, the screen quality is at least as good. I have zero complaints with the camera. I mean it's a phone; if I want professional photos then I would use a camera. I guess in the end it's user preference but you asked for opinions/experiences so I thought I'd share mine. I don't regret nor even think about my decision to go with the N6. It's what I wanted.
Huge discussion here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/note-4-vs-nexus-6-t2906800
NICEGYPT said:
I have the note 4 and gave it to my wife when the nexus came out. To be honest I regret it Note is way better display. Camera yes improved but Note is better then N6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
b.huss2 said:
I had the Note 3 for a year. It was absolutely my favorite device I had owned yet. The Note series is great, one can't deny. I loved the large powerful device. I was so close to buying the Note 4, until I found out the Nexus 6 was coming with a 6" display. It was a no-brainer for me. I rarely ever used the spen so that wasn't a factor. I couldn't stand the idea of a rear facing speaker so the forward facing speakers on the N6 was a big plus. Power wise, well they are both power houses so no factor. Touchwiz vs pure Android, well for me pure Android was a big plus. Design of the N6 is very appealing to me. I don't have a preference, nor could I tell you the difference in the displays, They both look good to me. I can say from the Note 3 to the N6, the screen quality is at least as good. I have zero complaints with the camera. I mean it's a phone; if I want professional photos then I would use a camera. I guess in the end it's user preference but you asked for opinions/experiences so I thought I'd share mine. I don't regret nor even think about my decision to go with the N6. It's what I wanted.
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Click to collapse
Good feedback. The first reply definitely was a pretty clear opinion, but I'm happy to see a counter for the N6 with yours. I'm definitely going to go hands-on in a store tonight, but for those of you who have the N6 I feel can give better feedback since you are more adapted already.
Getting ready to add two more concerns to my OP .........keep the replies coming. :good:
The N4 screen is brighter and cooler than the Nexus, but doesn't really offer any clarity benefit to me. It would be a better performer in direct sunlight though. I had both in hand for a couple weeks and in the end the Nexus was the right device for me. I prefer a stock android build and noticed many of the Samsung additions I either ignored or turned off. Your best bet is to think about the things that are important to you and then get some time in store with both to gain an understanding of how each devices handles those things. To me it came down to the fact that touchwiz just felt heavy (although it has come a very long way) and i wasn't really utilizing the S-pen the way i thought I would. I also like the ability to have access to factory images and the strong developer support within the Nexus community.
You cant go wrong with either though. I didn't dislike the Note, I just like the Nexus more
Tikerz said:
Huge discussion here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/note-4-vs-nexus-6-t2906800
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A ton of info surely in there, but that was pre-release for both devs. Surely there are hands-on replies in the current end, but that is a lot of sifting. I'll keep browsing it in daytime if I can't get what info I am content with here though, thanks. :good:
LXative said:
Thanks.
Good feedback. The first reply definitely was a pretty clear opinion, but I'm happy to see a counter for the N6 with yours. I'm definitely going to go hands-on in a store tonight, but for those of you who have the N6 I feel can give better feedback since you are more adapted already.
Getting ready to add two more concerns to my OP .........keep the replies coming. :good:
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I have no concern about the storage. I am on the cloud for years now. All my pic and music on the drive and good music. once I feel the storage are full which I never seen it I clear my storage.
Battery on the note 4 is better. You can get almost 5 to 5 and half hours SOT. On the other hand nexus will get about 4 hours SOT.
I haven't owned a Note, but I've played with a few. Most recently, I handled a Note Edge for a bit over the weekend. It is definitely a nice device. Did it have a bunch of features that made it a clear winner over the Nexus? No. The edge display, although a nice touch, felt rather gimmicky and overall not very useful. I also had problems with Touchwiz not responding properly to the stylus input. Maybe someone broke the stylus, but from what I've heard and seen about Touchwiz, my first impression was that it was bugging out. The rear-facing mono speaker sucks in comparison. Also I didn't notice anything special about the display.
In fact, I love the warmer color temperature of the Nexus 6. I'm surrounded by overly-cool LCD displays and fluorescent lighting in my office. The warmer colors of the Nexus 6 were a welcomed sight. Let's not forget that natural colors are actually warmer than your standard LCD display, and it's my opinion that the Nexus 6's display produces more true-to-life color than any of my LCDs, and the overly blue tint to Samsung devices.
There's no doubt that some may find the extra features of the Spen and Touchwiz interface a "better" experience, and some go ape**** over the changeable battery and SD slot, but are those few features worth the higher premium of a Samsung? No, not in my opinion.
I switched from Note 3 to Nexus 6. Enjoyed the Note 3 a lot, but there where some things I disliked a lot.
1) these capacitive buttons are horrible. When using mhl adapter with TV you have no buttons on TV. They take a lot of space. Display buttons extend the display when watching videos or looking at pictures.
2) touchwiz. great - these features like multi window. I used them twice because they really are cool, but never again.
3) I liked the spen a lot. But after switching to Evernote I simply stopped using it.
4) Samsung & updates. *shakehead* when Samsung releases 5.0 for Note 4, Google releases 5.1. Let's not talk about when update will come to Note 3 which is one year old. Yes - I know. There is a beta from India you can flash but if you NEED your phone, will you flash a beta? It is simply horrible, that a one year old device is not treated the same in regards of updates as the current flagship. Everybody who pays 700€ for his Note 4 today has to keep in mind, that his phone will be treated as "old" in just one year. And it is even worse with the updates for tablets.
the hardware Samsung makes is the best on the market, but I want to keep my phone longer then one year.
I have my Nexus 6 now and am quite happy with it.
Greetings,
Elmar
I bought the Note 4 at T-Mobile the day it came out and I returned it after 2 weeks.
At first, it was great. Loved all the S Pen features. But then, I started noticing lag and stuttering thanks to TouchWiz. I rooted and debloated it, but it still had lag that I wasn't comfortable with. Other people are saying they don't notice it, but I returned it and bought the N6 when it came out. And I haven't looked back.
I've had 2 of every note for my wife and I on at. If you absolutely need to flash and tinker go with the n6 its a great device. Otherwise I would stick with the note if you don't mind stock touchwiz. There is almost no Dev support on the 3 due to locked bootloaders and I don't think the 4 will be any better. All you can flash on the 3 is variants of stock and only with safe strap installed. Hashcode who developed safestrap no longer supports it so for the 4 there would need to be a new Dev working on things if that method will even work.
Tldr if you need to flash and mod go n6 if not go note 4. You have even less of a chance at Dev support on the edge. But they are all great devices!!
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
The Note 3 is what I have had experience with as I have owned it since it came out last year. I haven't gotten the chance to play with the Note 4 but what I can say is that the Note series never disappoints.
As far as the carrier goes I really wouldn't recommend going with AT&T or Verizon because if you are looking to root your phone and flash roms it will be a hassle to do because of the locked bootloader. I recommend you go on the T-Mobile network instead.
I say the Nexus 6 and Note 4 are great devices they both have the same snapdragon 805 chip among other things so the difference would be whether you want touchwiz or not.
DON'T FORGET if you can afford it, T-Mobile unlocked devices will work on att so there is that option. Also Verizon offer developer versions of the notes that aren't locked but are full price up front.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
I had the note 3 and 4 on vzw, got the note 4 on release day and had it till I got my n6 3 weeks ago. I loved my note devices but I noticed some lag on them over time not bad by any means but more like hiccups. Always put on Nova launcher bc I hated touchwiz. Screen was brighter on note 4 but I don't mind the n6 screen. Camera at night isn't as good but in daylight the n6 focuses faster than the note 4. For what I like the n6 is the phone for me.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
I own a T Mobile Note 4 and using on AT&T network. It works great with no issues.
I ordered a Nexus 6 with Friday delivery so can't fairly compare yet.
A few Note 4 things.
1. FireKat custom rom has made all the difference. It is stock TW tweaked to perfection. No lag and battery last 5 to 6 hours of SOT.
2. Screen on Note 4 is incredible.
3. We did get CM12 on Note 4.
I had a Note 3 until may of this year when I got my G3 which I still have. The Nexus is leaps and bounds past the Note.
TheAmazingDave said:
I haven't owned a Note, but I've played with a few. Most recently, I handled a Note Edge for a bit over the weekend. It is definitely a nice device. Did it have a bunch of features that made it a clear winner over the Nexus? No. The edge display, although a nice touch, felt rather gimmicky and overall not very useful. I also had problems with Touchwiz not responding properly to the stylus input. Maybe someone broke the stylus, but from what I've heard and seen about Touchwiz, my first impression was that it was bugging out. The rear-facing mono speaker sucks in comparison. Also I didn't notice anything special about the display.
In fact, I love the warmer color temperature of the Nexus 6. I'm surrounded by overly-cool LCD displays and fluorescent lighting in my office. The warmer colors of the Nexus 6 were a welcomed sight. Let's not forget that natural colors are actually warmer than your standard LCD display, and it's my opinion that the Nexus 6's display produces more true-to-life color than any of my LCDs, and the overly blue tint to Samsung devices.
There's no doubt that some may find the extra features of the Spen and Touchwiz interface a "better" experience, and some go ape**** over the changeable battery and SD slot, but are those few features worth the higher premium of a Samsung? No, not in my opinion.
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The brilliance of the colors on the Galaxy phones is actually my preference. I am a hobby/amateur photographer, so I always have tons of my favorite pictures on my phone. Being you can actually control the tones/contrast settings.......that is all user interface, your preference. I've never noticed any blue tinting to any of my last several Samsung devices, interesting to hear that from another perspective. Thanks for posting up your experience, these are the kinds of posts I am looking for. :good:
theguardian99 said:
I switched from Note 3 to Nexus 6. Enjoyed the Note 3 a lot, but there where some things I disliked a lot.
1) these capacitive buttons are horrible. When using mhl adapter with TV you have no buttons on TV. They take a lot of space. Display buttons extend the display when watching videos or looking at pictures.
2) touchwiz. great - these features like multi window. I used them twice because they really are cool, but never again.
3) I liked the spen a lot. But after switching to Evernote I simply stopped using it.
4) Samsung & updates. *shakehead* when Samsung releases 5.0 for Note 4, Google releases 5.1. Let's not talk about when update will come to Note 3 which is one year old. Yes - I know. There is a beta from India you can flash but if you NEED your phone, will you flash a beta? It is simply horrible, that a one year old device is not treated the same in regards of updates as the current flagship. Everybody who pays 700€ for his Note 4 today has to keep in mind, that his phone will be treated as "old" in just one year. And it is even worse with the updates for tablets.
the hardware Samsung makes is the best on the market, but I want to keep my phone longer then one year.
I have my Nexus 6 now and am quite happy with it.
Greetings,
Elmar
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Outstanding, this is a direct comparison for me.....since I'd be making the same change. And actually your 4 points directly relate to myself and my own preferences/experiences too. Thank you. :good:
XxKINGxX2580 said:
I bought the Note 4 at T-Mobile the day it came out and I returned it after 2 weeks.
At first, it was great. Loved all the S Pen features. But then, I started noticing lag and stuttering thanks to TouchWiz. I rooted and debloated it, but it still had lag that I wasn't comfortable with. Other people are saying they don't notice it, but I returned it and bought the N6 when it came out. And I haven't looked back.
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I've had a few hangups here and there, and started out swearing I'd remain stock/OTA only (like a lot of us on here do). After about 3-4 months, and the lack of updates (thanks Verizon), I rooted. Of course limited due to being locked down, but the experience even without AOSP based ROM's was much better than stock. And I've always used APEX Launcher to avoid TouchJizz. Glad to see the N6 answered your concerns though, definitely adds to the +++ side for me.
powdered_donuts said:
I've had 2 of every note for my wife and I on at. If you absolutely need to flash and tinker go with the n6 its a great device. Otherwise I would stick with the note if you don't mind stock touchwiz. There is almost no Dev support on the 3 due to locked bootloaders and I don't think the 4 will be any better. All you can flash on the 3 is variants of stock and only with safe strap installed. Hashcode who developed safestrap no longer supports it so for the 4 there would need to be a new Dev working on things if that method will even work.
Tldr if you need to flash and mod go n6 if not go note 4. You have even less of a chance at Dev support on the edge. But they are all great devices!!
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
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I like exploring different ROM's for sure. I really can't understand why carriers lock their devices down and offer little or no different customizations. It'd be a different story if they would see what changes the dev's make (that we want) and give OTA options of the same. Even as simple as a toggle for flashlight.......
jae2014 said:
The Note 3 is what I have had experience with as I have owned it since it came out last year. I haven't gotten the chance to play with the Note 4 but what I can say is that the Note series never disappoints.
As far as the carrier goes I really wouldn't recommend going with AT&T or Verizon because if you are looking to root your phone and flash roms it will be a hassle to do because of the locked bootloader. I recommend you go on the T-Mobile network instead.
I say the Nexus 6 and Note 4 are great devices they both have the same snapdragon 805 chip among other things so the difference would be whether you want touchwiz or not.
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I would be all over T-Mobile if they had service where I work. But T-Mobile has no data where I live OR work......so unfortunately it is not an option for me. I am limited to Verizon towers and AT&T towers only.
powdered_donuts said:
DON'T FORGET if you can afford it, T-Mobile unlocked devices will work on att so there is that option. Also Verizon offer developer versions of the notes that aren't locked but are full price up front.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
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If my own ignorance to this option of T-mob device compatibility on AT&T networks, I would have purchased my last device from them. Verizon has stuck it to me hard with my Note 3 and their customer service, and being I paid outright for this Note 3......its going to be hard for me to justify dropping that cheese on another device outright. Definitely will keep that in mind though, maybe even if I decide to shop Swappa. :good:
nismo591 said:
I had the note 3 and 4 on vzw, got the note 4 on release day and had it till I got my n6 3 weeks ago. I loved my note devices but I noticed some lag on them over time not bad by any means but more like hiccups. Always put on Nova launcher bc I hated touchwiz. Screen was brighter on note 4 but I don't mind the n6 screen. Camera at night isn't as good but in daylight the n6 focuses faster than the note 4. For what I like the n6 is the phone for me.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
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:good:
martinezma99 said:
I own a T Mobile Note 4 and using on AT&T network. It works great with no issues.
I ordered a Nexus 6 with Friday delivery so can't fairly compare yet.
A few Note 4 things.
1. FireKat custom rom has made all the difference. It is stock TW tweaked to perfection. No lag and battery last 5 to 6 hours of SOT.
2. Screen on Note 4 is incredible.
3. We did get CM12 on Note 4.
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I should have bought the dev edition Note 3, but then again there is hardly any support on the Verizon end........so I'm actually glad I didn't. Still something to think about if I do shop Swappa.
Pilz said:
I had a Note 3 until may of this year when I got my G3 which I still have. The Nexus is leaps and bounds past the Note.
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Can you be specific as to what is so dramatic in the differences? If you have time, and don't mind? I'd love to hear what your experience has been. :good:
LXative said:
Can you be specific as to what is so dramatic in the differences? If you have time, and don't mind? I'd love to hear what your experience has been. :good:
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The Note 3 was a good phone when I didn't know any better about Android when I bought it. The phone seemed fast compared to my S3 but it WS extremely limited in terms of modding which is what I hated. TW was always laggy for me (more noticeable when I used my Nexus 7 then used my Note 3). After a while it for extremely annoying to me that my Nexus 7 with its 1.7ghz process and 2gn or ram was faster than my 2.3ghz 3gb of ram Note 3. I was rooted running Nova launcher on it until I accidentally updated to kitkat. I lost root in the update and I decided that I would upgrade he phone when something better came along because the TW nonsense was not for me. I liked the dual window and the S pen was cool at first but then it became a gimmick. The physical home button started to click weird after 7 months and it was not ideal to use and felt primitive compared to the onscreen buttons of my Nexus 7 (2013)
I had mentioned modding earlier which is important to me especially with TW because there was a good amount of lag comparatively speaking. Others may have found the Note to EB fast, but have then use a Nexus or AOSP device and then use the Samsung. Its sad because it was nice despite its shortcomings. The camera focus was horrible in my Note, but when it did focus after much frustration it would take nice pictures. Now let's talk ergonomics, the Note is extremely boxy for a 5.7in phone. I like big phablets however the Note 3 was terrible to hold even with a minimal case. Then there was the camera which protrudes a good amount just like the S5, and Note 4 making a slim case a bad idea if you want to protect the camera lens.
My wife has the S5 and whenever I use it it's awful just like I recall my Note was. My wife used to love Samsung too, but she now likes the way Nexus devices are or any phones with on screen buttons and minimal bloat. (She's not s technology snob at all either) her phone lags and stutters even with the bloat disabled as much as possible. Back on topic with the Note 3 now, I decided that the physical buttons, non ergonomic design, bad camera focus, laggy software, slow updates, bloat galore and general lack of easy development/mods was too much. I then bought a G3 at the end of May last year and instantly loved it. LG's UI was nowhere near as heavy as Samsung's and the G3 became my favorite non Nexus devices. In fact I still use my G3 even thought I love my Nexus. I wasn't going to wait for the Nexus 6 or whatever I thought it would be called to come out because I was done with the Notes shortcomings. The best decision I ever made was to get rid of my Samsung phone. I like the Nexus and G3 and will get the G4 and Nexus phone next year unless LG screws up their nice design.
In the end it was more than one thing for me and I hopes this helps you. I don't hate Samsung, I just don't like their phones the way that I used to. I still have an awesome Samsung TV and LG TV in my house and a Samsung Ativ Book 9 Plus (i7 mode) but I won't but another Samsung phone the way they are now.
I had the Note 3 for several month and before that a Note 2 for a good while - both on Verizon. Having grown tired of Verizon locking down their devices and Samsung pressing on with Knox, I decided to move on from both ... grabbed a Nexus 6 with T-Mobile back in the beginning of December. I admit I wasn't sure if I could deviate from the Note as I grew accustom to the Note series and all the great things it has to offer - screen, camera, having the SPen, Multi Window, Pen Window, etc. But, as I started to think about it, I realized I almost never used the SPen and Multi Window/Pen Window were very rarely used as well. After almost 2 full weeks with the Nexus 6 I can say without a shadow of a doubt I do not miss my Note 3 AT ALL! About the only thing I miss is the battery life - the Nexus 6, in my use/experience, has not even come close to what I achieved with the Note 3! (I'm not really worried about this as I'm sure the kinks will be worked out by Google/Moto to get better results).
Comparison of the (in my opinion) major factors:
- Screen: Turning off Adaptive Brightness on the Nexus 6 makes a HUGE difference (and is a must IMO) and , in my most humble opinion, puts it on par with the Note 3 display. However, the Note 3 still wins this contest ... The N6 screen gets plenty bright and visibility outdoors hasn't been an issue, but overall I think the N3 has a slight edge. Also, the feel of the screen is different on the N6. The N6 glass seems "stickier" (for a lack of a better word) ... My fingers slid across the glass easier on the N3 and it's definitely better at managing finger prints!
- UI: Hands down goes to the N6!! Absolutely no comparison! While I'm not a TouchWiz hater (I actually think it compliments the Note series well) I was never a huge fan. Yes, it has some useful features, but a vast majority I found to be gimmicky and never used them. All they did was clutter the settings menu and app draw. And there is no denying TW lags ... now it was never significant in my experience, but definitely noticeable! Now, 5.0 on the Nexus 6 absolutely beautiful and straight out flies! Multitasking it so fluid that it makes up for Multi Window - switch between apps using the recent key (or whatever they're calling it in 5.0) is smooth with quick transitions. Google added nice features (ambient display, battery saver, priority notifications - to name a few) that are, well useful! Granted other OEMs have used similar features them in the past, but they're baked in very nice in 5.0 ... not intrusive and easy to ignore).
- Battery: As I stated above, I had better results from my Note 3. The N6 gets me through the day, but if I was a heavy user I'd find myself needing to charge mid day for sure
- Sound: Nexus 6 is better in every category! Dual front facing speakers!! Nuff said LOL! Headphone jack output is better and louder in-call volume.
Feel-in-hand/Build: While slightly taller,wider and heavier the Nexus 6, after a few days of use, feels better in hand. I admit, the additional width took some getting used to (the height wasn't an issue for me), even though it's only slight difference in width, it's definitely a difference you'll notice. But like any new device, it becomes a none-issue after a few days. The curved back on the N6 makes the feel-in-hand great, but certainly makes things annoying if you're trying to use the device while it's laying flat on a hard surface. Although the same could be said for the Note 3 and it's protruding rear camera (never did understand that design!)
The build on the Nexus 6 is stellar!! Just a solid piece of machinery LOL There's no give to this thing at all! The N3 always felts kinda cheap to me ... it'd creek a little bit when holding it in a certain spot, the plastic didn't feel premium and it developed hair-line cracks in the plastic outer band around the SPen although it was never dropped/abused.
Camera: (DISCLAIMER: I AM IN NO WAY A PHOTOGRAPHER ... I ENJOY TAKING PICTURES, BUT TRUTH BE TOLD I DON'T KNOW MAY ASS FROM LEFT FIELD!!!) I may be the only one to say this, but I was never a fan of the Note 3 camera (I still feel the Note 2 camera was superior). I always had a tough time getting decent shots. However, towards the end of my run with the device I turned off the image stabilization feature (I think that's what it was called) and had MUCH better success! The Nexus 6, IMO, takes really good photos. Like any smartphone camera, it does better in the right conditions. But, with HDR on, I am finding the pics to be more than ample for my needs.
Depending on your wants and needs, I don't think you can go wrong with either device. In the end it all comes down to personal preference. At this point in my life, I wanted the latest, pure, unskinned Android OS, fast updates and a root/hack friendly environment (with great developer support). If those aren't appealing to you, than the Note 4 is probably the next best choice. I say go play with both a few time at a local store before making a decision ....
I'm considering getting the N6 and I was hoping for some thoughts from anyone who had a N5 and moved to the 6. I love my N5 but I just wish it has better battery life. I am honestly torn between the N6 and the Note 4, so I'm hoping some of you can help me make up my mind. [emoji3]
Things I like about the N6: open platform and lots of development, large battery, decent camera, lollipop, and water resistant. I am just a little concerned that it is just too big a phone.
Things I like about the Note: lots of features, S-pen, decent battery, good camera, better form factor than N6, replaceable battery, ability to expand storage via SD card.
I am not thrilled about Touchwiz, and the fact that the At&t variant is totally locked down with no development community.
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk!
i had a nexus 5 as well, and a 4, galaxy nexus, nexus s, and nexus one. that was my big concern as well, as im not a big guy(5'7"). but, after a week of using the n6, i picked up the n5, and it fekt tiny. really, the n6 ferls just normal size now, but the n5 feels tiny
acts4:12 said:
I'm considering getting the N6 and I was hoping for some thoughts from anyone who had a N5 and moved to the 6. I love my N5 but I just wish it has better battery life. I am honestly torn between the N6 and the Note 4, so I'm hoping some of you can help me make up my mind. [emoji3]
Things I like about the N6: open platform and lots of development, large battery, decent camera, lollipop, and water resistant. I am just a little concerned that it is just too big a phone.
Things I like about the Note: lots of features, S-pen, decent battery, good camera, better form factor than N6, replaceable battery, ability to expand storage via SD card.
I am not thrilled about Touchwiz, and the fact that the At&t variant is totally locked down with no development community.
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk!
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Just my opinion, but I do not like the style of the Galaxy Note nor the Galaxy S series of devices. I think the Nexus 6 is more aesthetically appeasing. But the Nexus 5 is one of my favorites. A powerhouse of a phone in a sleek black jacket.
Have you guys found it a problem to get the N6 in your pockets? How are you getting around with it?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk!
acts4:12 said:
Have you guys found it a problem to get the N6 in your pockets? How are you getting around with it?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk!
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I was worried about this and got mine in the first wave. Surprisingly I got used to holding and pocketing very quickly (3-4days) and I'm fairly average sized. Now my nexus 5 seems weird to hold
acts4:12 said:
Have you guys found it a problem to get the N6 in your pockets? How are you getting around with it?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk!
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no, it fits just fine. that was my problem, i envisioned it being too big. but its not as big as you think it is. if youf nexus 5 fits in your back pocket, the the nexus 6 will as well.
I've used a Nexus 5, but I never owned one. I have a LG G3 which is a child's toy to me when I use it. As Simms said the Nexus 6 feels normal after a while. I've had mine for a month today actually and I haven't looked back. Once your get a Nexus phablet you don't go back.
I whole heartedly love the N5. I have jumped to many different devices (oneplus, note 3, g3, etc) but i kept coming back to the N5. The battery life drove me nuts, but the dev community is amazing.
I love the feel and real estate of bigger phablet sized phones, I just hate the software. I had the Att version of the note 3, but the dev scene was crippled due to the locked down bootloader and knox. Im not sure if its that way with the note 4 now.
The nexus 6 fits in my pocket fine, but its impossibe to use with one hand unless you have big hands. As mentioned before going back feels small (I felt this way goimg back to the N5 from the oneplus). You do get use to it though.
If you like the stock android, and can deal with the size. By all means go for the N6. It feels like a premium device. If youre into the bells and whistles software wise go for the note. To me the deciding factor is the dev community. Its quiet now for the N6 (mainly because its ridiculously tough to get it right now), but it will pick up as more and more people obtain it. I dont feel confident in the same for the note.
Thats just my opinion. Hopefuly i help.
I like the form factor of the note 4 much better. The nexus 6 is too wide. Having said that you cant beat stock android.
I had a nexus 5 and the nexus 6 is much bigger. I feel like the performance is very similar. Front facing speakers and almost double the battery life (screen on time) is very nice. The phone fits in all the pockets i used for my nexus 5 so carrying it around isn't an issue.
benman715 said:
The nexus 6 fits in my pocket fine, but its impossible to use with one hand unless you have big hands.
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I have huge hands, and i cant use it one-handed.
Still love the Nexus 6 though. I was updating my Nexus 5 tonight, and man it feels like the small iphone 2g in my hands
Thanks so much guys. I feel like if I go the Note route I will be happy for awhile bit then after I get used to the phone Touchwiz will start to get old and I'll be itching for a change. With the N6 I'll always be able to flash something different and keep things interesting.
It seems like all of you guys are getting used to the size of the N6 so that definitely helps alleviate some of those concerns.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk!
I came from the N5 its a fantastic little phone. The N6 is very large as you know. Too large for some. I'd give it the old 14day college try and see if it's for you. Might not be. It won my heart over but it wasn't immediate mind you. It took some time getting used to the size. As for the display they're very different. Again, something you'll need to experience for yourself to see if its for you. I can't comment on the note 4, but I do come from long line of Sammy devices and still have 3 in our family. Nothing they've done in the last 2 years or are doing at present interests me. They are stagnant, beyond boring, and aesthetically look very cheap. That's the truth and good luck deciding
I have larger hands and can almost use the note with one hand, but it fits in all my pockets just fine.
I came from the N5 as well. The battery life for me is amazing I charge once a day in the morning and don't change again until the next day.
The note may have touch wiz and expandable memory, but when the device gets in more hands (i see people are still having trouble getting it) the development will be great.
an open device with the best specs. and when you get board there will be so many roms you can flash.
I would definitely get the N6.
Nexus 6 is so huge compared to the Nexus 5 feel so kind of you know what I hold the Nexus 5 damn Google Voice sucks laugh
Via my NeXus™ 7FHD on XDA Premium app
I came from an N5 and there is no looking back. Everything is better (except one-handed use) and you don't even notice the size after a week.
I'm 6" 185 lbs and wear skinny jeans. Zero issues. Lol.
I have both. I'm still getting use to the size, but I don't mind it to much. The one thing I don't like is I'm super paranoid of dropping it because its so slippery and wide no homo. I would never use a Samsung unless it was a nexus.
fcuk milk, got root?
Hey guys,
I just sent my note 7 back and I need a "new" phone. :crying: I am using the G5 atm but I am not a fan of it and will return it.
So now I am on the fence between these two phones. I just need a good, reliable one to tide me over till the s8 comes out.
Which one should I get? I could get either one new for like 300.
I am leaning towards the Nexus 6 since the Note 4 isn't being updated anymore.
The only thing that bothers me is the lack of an Sd slot but I can live without that.
What do you think? Nexus 6 or Note 4?
Thank you for your help
If you're familiar with the Note 7, going with the Note 4 might be best, since you're likely used to using the S-Pen. However, as you note there isn't any more support for it, even though I'm sure custom ROMs can take up some of the slack.
Is the S-Pen more important than the Nexus 6 receiving an update to Android 7.1 in the near future?
There are two versions of the Note 4, the Exynos one and the Snapdragon one. There are no custom roms for the Exynos.
Sent from my Nexus 6 running Nougat using Tapatalk
@istperson: True about Exynos, and I admit forgetting that. However he should answer, at least for himself, the question I asked above. If the S-Pen is more important than updates, he'll want a Note 4. Otherwise he'll want a Nexus 6.
I have to say the N6 is a great phone in my opinion. It's fast and the stock ROM is pure android. You get nougat too if that's important to you. Plenty of ROMS to play around with. I'm running pure nexus 6.0.1. from August and it's damn near perfect. The screen is large and the dual front speakers sound good. Quickcharge is great if you use it alot. Wireless charging is pretty much crap. Lack of SD card sucks. It's heavy and huge. For gaming it's great and battery life is good (not great). It can be had on Swappa for around $175 if you want to save some money. I've long been a gadget geek and part of that is me swapping phones often. I've had many different ones, but I can't seem to find something that justifies giving up the N6. I really want to buy a new phone but the N6 is so good, I can't seem to find something that is worth spending more money on.
N6 hands down....come get ya some Nougat!
Nexus 6 hand down, the repair shop I help manage have been getting the n6 for less than 200. I got our sales guy to get one, and now he and I have convinced over 10 people to buy them this month nexus 6s to people in the last month. We are getting 4 more in to sell as well lol People see my phone and they love it!
Thanks for all your replies, guys! I seriously appreciate all the input. I am going to get the Nexus 6 used first, and my colleague will let me borrow his old Note 4. I will update back later on which device I decided for permanently
So I just got the Nexus 6 and the Note 4. I was immediately more impressed by the N6. It's so huge and looks so amazing. I also just downloaded Nougat. I feel like the Nexus charges faster than the Note. I am gonna pop a sim card in and use both phones for the next week.
rivethead23 said:
I have to say the N6 is a great phone in my opinion. It's fast and the stock ROM is pure android. You get nougat too if that's important to you. Plenty of ROMS to play around with. I'm running pure nexus 6.0.1. from August and it's damn near perfect. The screen is large and the dual front speakers sound good. Quickcharge is great if you use it alot. Wireless charging is pretty much crap. Lack of SD card sucks. It's heavy and huge. For gaming it's great and battery life is good (not great). It can be had on Swappa for around $175 if you want to save some money. I've long been a gadget geek and part of that is me swapping phones often. I've had many different ones, but I can't seem to find something that justifies giving up the N6. I really want to buy a new phone but the N6 is so good, I can't seem to find something that is worth spending more money on.
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I use a 3 coil wireless charger and have had no issues. Yes it charges slower, it also keeps the USB port from getting banged up that much faster.
So I am ending my project prematurely. The Note 4 is hella laggy and just pure **** software wise. I bet it would run flawlessly if Samsung supported it but I don't have the nerve to deal with this overheating, laggy mess.
The Nexus 6 is really nice, the only thing that bothers me is the awful front camera, the kinda average battery life and the below average rear camera.
I really like Nougat and I think the Nexus 6 runs flawlessly. I wish Google would extend the OS updates. It's marvelous. I love the huge screen. I regret not getting this phone earlier lol. It feels so good having the latest Android.
I had both, Nexus 6 HANDS DOWN!
I just switched from the Note 4 (snapdragon) to Nexus 6.
First off, 2 years ago i was deciding between these two devices and I chose the note 4 because I didn't want to give up the s pen or and the LED notification light. However as android evolved from kitkat to marshmallow, I ran into major problems with rooting. Note 4 ran best on kitkat. Once I went lolipop I had to disable SecurityLogAgent via systemapp remover in order to salvage my root otherwise knox would bootloop. I also found that once I went MM, I ran into some pretty big problems such as mmc read fail errors, boot loops, screen not waking up, the list goes on. I bought a few new batteries as well to rule out that possibility. Now some of these could have been hardware related as I did wipe out on my bike quite a few times with the phone in my pocket (otterbox commuter case), but from what I've been reading, I wasn't the only note 4 user with these issues. I honestly believe the knox bootloader and knox software deliberately screws up your device if you root. It got to the point where I smashed my note 4. My note 4 wouldn't even wake up and activate my alarm clock, to wake me up! unreliable! No matter what I tried, even running it on bone stock, the same problems kept happening. I did not bother downgrading back to loli, or kitkat because I wanted to keep the latest security updates.
Performance & First Impressions
I got the Nexus 6 as a temporary phone since I was considering going Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra. Yet once I held the Nexus 6, and analyzed how it is bone stock, I instantly fell in love with the device. I like the slight bulk at the back of the phone which adds a good feel in my hand. I don't like thin phones. They are very slippery. A plus to Motorola for this ergonomic design. Good weight and a great feel.
Not only are the direct OTA updates from google so CLEAN, but you get the latest of the latest! Android 7 Nougat is bloody amazing!!! holy %#$#$^%! You can't get any cleaner stock rom than the google OTA releases. Literally half a page of apps installed in your app drawer.
The true beauty of this device is how easy it is to root/modify/customize. Once you unlock the bootloader, you're good to go. No knox or any 3rd party app screwing with your stuff.
Both are snapdragon 805 but the Nexus is clocked way higher. The Nexus also has a better screen. Larger, higher PPI and I think it's brighter too. Front facing stereo speakers are quite nice. The little speaker on the back of the note 4 is no comparison. Games run better on the Nexus 6 due to a higher clocked CPU.
With root, you can activate the hidden LED notification light behind the top speaker. You cant get it to blink though, but I'm okay with a solid light.
So what does the Note 4 have over the Nexus 6?
Note 4 battery life is definitely better. Note 4 camera is also better. Nexus 6 has zero image stabilization. The Note 4 also has external storage (micro SD slot) where the Nexus 6 relies on 32gb (or 64gb model) internal storage only plus whatever space you have on your google drive. Note 4 has removable back, easier to replace the battery although it isn't too hard to do on the Nexus 6.
Repairing
I've taken my Note 4 apart at least 3 times and boy what an annoying task it is. You see, samsung designs their phones in ways where if the user attempts to open them, you risk severely damaging your samsung phone. The older samsung models didn't have this problem. For the note 4, you risk tearing a a few ribbons and your antenna if you don't pry the screen from the bezel properly and very carefully. You have to know where these ribbons are prior to opening the Note 4. Note 4 screen replacement is also very annoying and you need new adhesive to re-seat the screen properly after disassembly. So basically, You really don't want to take your Note 4 apart unless you really have to.
The Nexus 6 however, is super easy. The back is just a sticker held by adhesive. Once that comes off it's just like the older phone designs. After few screws you have easy access to the battery, and very easy screen replacement. The only ribbon you have to worry about when prying off the back sticker is the one connected to the battery. You have to be in pretty deep to hit it though in my opinion.
Conclusion
When I was choosing between these two devices two years ago, I should have gone with the Nexus 6 instead, period. I plan to use a custom kernel with CPU governor in attempts to de-clock the CPU for certain profiles in order to gain more battery life. Nexus 6 battery life is quite bad within heavy usage. Other than that, the Nexus 6 is the best power-user phablet you could possibly own as of this day.
@d4ndr0id: A few screws? Try 22 of them.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
@d4ndr01d: A few screws? Try 22 of them.
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I laughed when I read that, especially that 4 screws got stripped when I was taking them out. Luckily a t4 bit was able to get them out easily. I haven't really had any problems with Samsung screws getting stripped when I repair them at work.
I have both phones, both with root access/unlocked bootloaders. I switch between the two frequently mainly because the Note 4 has better cameras and wifi calling (Verizon) and the Nexus has no wifi calling (for Verizon). I live in an area with very low signal and drop calls often.
But with that said, I use the N6 most mainly because it "feels" faster to me. The Note 4 is a fantastic phone though and I would be perfectly fine using it, especially now that it has an unlocked bootloader.