Database Develop

[Q] What phone is next for you?

I see 3 contenders, each has strengths and weaknesses [in no particular order]:
HTC One (M8)
Samsung Galaxy S5
Sony Xperia Z2
I'm not thrilled with the camera on the HTC One (M8), but overall I'm ok with HTC
and have been very happy and thankful for the support I've received on this forum,
I love my Vivid and it's still a great phone.
The S5 has a great camera, and all the other features that matter for me [SD card slot,
active community support, replaceable battery, strong environment resistance] ... BUT
I don't like KNOX and based on what I'm reading [and experiencing with my Samsung
Galaxy Note 10.1 - 2014 Edition tablet], that lockdown & strategy isn't going to go away
any time soon ... and may, for all intents and purposes, be 'insurmountable' without
giving up warranty support - which isn't OK with me, cuz I'm not made of money ...
On to the Sony ... seems like the specs are pretty good, perhaps lacking in onboard
memory [16Gb at the moment, I'd prefer 32Gb or 64Gb], good processors, decent design
and build quality ... but the community support seems thin [perhaps because Sony isn't
a huge player in the US? Perhaps because they're release cycle & adoption by big US
carriers is a lilttle thin & doesn't get as much press as HTC and Sammy? I don't know]
and I don't know how good the accessory market is for them ...
So the question is ... what phone is next for you, and how/why did you come to that
decision?
If it's one of these three, great ... if it's not, great ... because that may help me to see
options I have missed.
Thanks in advance for taking time to slog through my drivel.
-dmm

Trying to keep the expenses down, so to actually upgrade I am considering the Galaxy S4. The S5 is too expensive, HTC One does not have a replaceable battery, don't particularly like Sony these days.
Mind, I am still 3 months from upgrade time, and my mind is not set.

I replaced the Vivid with a Nexus 4. Comparing the early effort for custom roms Vivid vs Nexus, it was literally night and day. Waiting weeks/months to find a way to unlock the bootloader vs 2 minutes with the nexus.
I will never buy another carrier branded phone, nor a phone that is locked down. If I were to upgrade again, I would have to go with the Nexus 5. I might not get the bells, whistles and prestige of the lofty flagships, but for an Android buff like me, the open nature of the nexus line is priceless.

cmerlyn said:
Trying to keep the expenses down, so to actually upgrade I am considering the Galaxy S4. The S5 is too expensive, HTC One does not have a replaceable battery, don't particularly like Sony these days.
Mind, I am still 3 months from upgrade time, and my mind is not set.
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Click to collapse
I was using Vivid in 2011, 2012.
In 2013, I was thinking between google edition i9505 and AT&T SHG-I337 for the upgrade Google edition came unlock but it was cost around $600 at that time. AT&T phone was network locked but it cost around $65 for upgrade with 2 years plan.
I went with AT&T SGH-I-337. I rooted the phone before I activated. After activation I installed the custom rom. The phone came with Android 4.2.2.
This month I installed the 4.4.2 custom rom (Golden eye 29, 30 then 31). I am very happy with S4 this way.
I am thinking of going for S5 after the developer find a way to tame the knox thingy.

Recommend moto x still?

I have 2 Nexus 5's and I sold one and have $ to buy another phone I'm looking @ the Moto x and it looks cool (bamboo wood edition)
I'm wondering what model number should I purchase for T-Mobile and for their LTE and HSPA+ also does the Moto X support all T-Mobile bands?
Secondly who provides the updates to the Moto X, I see so many versions such as America Movil or whatever.. all confusing me does the updates go through the carrier or straight to device like a Nexus?
Third hows the battery life on this thing, I'm talking about screen on time and real world usage!

markdapimp said:
I have 2 Nexus 5's and I sold one and have $ to buy another phone I'm looking @ the Moto x and it looks cool (bamboo wood edition)
I'm wondering what model number should I purchase for T-Mobile and for their LTE and HSPA+ also does the Moto X support all T-Mobile bands?
Secondly who provides the updates to the Moto X, I see so many versions such as America Movil or whatever.. all confusing me does the updates go through the carrier or straight to device like a Nexus?
Third hows the battery life on this thing, I'm talking about screen on time and real world usage!
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Click to collapse
i just picked up a 32gb developers edition for $250 2 hours ago. I love it. I still have the white nexus 5. I never felt a connection with the nexus 5, its just like a flat brick, this feels much more like the nexus 4, and s. Solid in your hands and ****. I recommend it, but as for the roming portion, I dont know yet, thats what im worried about because the development looks weak as hell in here.
Any recommended roms?

I don't think there is a lot of development for the Moto X because you pretty much already have a stock Android experience with a couple of added benefits that aren't just gimmicks. No bloatware either. Only reason most people root this phone is to install Unicon and Xposed in order to change icons and make visual tweaks without the need for third party launchers or roms.
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Once Motorola stops giving updates, development will increase.
Necessity is the mother of inventions. There is no need for roms at the moment as it is an awesome phone out of the box.
I had similar exp with my previous phone .
:angel:

All of above applies only if you have non-AT&T Moto X. If you buy an AT&T Moto X, you will be laughed at. Don't fall for a phone with locked bootloader, never. HTC's fortune started to fall when they put out phones that were unfriendly to developers and hackers. Samsung has started down the slippery slope as well and they will begin to suffer as a consquence. Moto X was a great phone but their myopic decision to cripple the phone with unlockable bootloader for the largest US carrier (ATT) consigned it to the dust bin, it seems.

I'd suggest buying a GSM Developer Edition so you keep your warranty intact after unlocking. This phone with Xposed Gravity Box installed has ended my 4 Year obsession to flash roms entirely. Gravity Box can do almost anything a Rom can do, I even went back to stock on my Nexus 7 with this module and couldn't be happier. Not thinking about the latest Rom or waiting for a new build to try and then have to wipe and setup my phone/tablet again is a blessing.

This is the first phone I've had that I've ever run stock. I'm thinking of unlocking it, just to install xposed, but that's really it.
Even my three Google Experience devices (Nexus One, Nexus S, and Xoom) were all rooted within a day or two of owning them. This phone is just really nice as-is.
-Jim

ill echo what everybody else said. The Moto X is the first Android phone that i have zero desire to install a different ROM. with just root and Xposed, the phone gives me everything i need without forcing me to give up the great features like Touchless Control, Active Display etc...

jamesc760 said:
All of above applies only if you have non-AT&T Moto X. If you buy an AT&T Moto X, you will be laughed at. Don't fall for a phone with locked bootloader, never. HTC's fortune started to fall when they put out phones that were unfriendly to developers and hackers. Samsung has started down the slippery slope as well and they will begin to suffer as a consquence. Moto X was a great phone but their myopic decision to cripple the phone with unlockable bootloader for the largest US carrier (ATT) consigned it to the dust bin, it seems.
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Samsung has a wider range of customers now that android has developed. It is the iPhones competition and people who are tired of iPhones and iOS look at that competition with on sheet greater specs, camera and a wide array of commercials going against the iPhone people are leaning towards the gs5 vs any other android device. The gs5 has outsold the iPhone 5s in the first weekend of its release. I'm not a Samsung fanboy nor apple fanboy, I've used both ecosystems before I loved iOS but now that android has developed I wouldn't think about going back to iOS unless there's specs and other enticing options to draw me back. I have a macbook air, but I have the moto x and let me get on topic with this one. The moto x is a really great device but I think the op should wait for the successor of the moto x or wait for the "last" nexus device. There's more great devices coming out later on this year and I think he should hold off.
MOTO X SLAPPED

[Q] Future Proof?

Is it safe to say this phone is future proof? I'm in the market for a new smartphone and the X has been at the top of my list(Pure edition). They've already confirmed it will be receiving Lollipop so thats a plus. I know the 801 processor is no slouch, but i'd have to imagine everything moving forward by 2015 should be carrying an 805. Although its still early, the lack of development (based on threads) kind of turns me off. I don't want to solely rely on Moto to push updates to my phone. I'm a flashaholic, so not being able to mess around with the latest drives me nuts lol. Aside from that, the specs on the phone seem great it runs fluid and its a great size. What do you guys think?

I think of this phone like a "Nexus+", its pure stock android with very useful features. Dev doesn't seem like its going to take off any time soon for this phone. By the way people are talking on the forum...we should be one of the first to see Lollipop on our phones so that's a plus for the X.
The only downside I see on this phone is the camera could be better and an SD card slot would be great. I'm sure a future update will take care of the camera issue.
And nothing is future proof.

Motorola phones have been pretty "future proof" as I still have plenty of support for my Razr Maxx HD. If you have an unlocked bootloader (pure edition) then you are good to go. As far as processing power, the phones are much more capable than anything software developers can throw at it. I have a lowly S4 in my Droid Maxx and everything runs smooth. One thing to consider since you are a flashaholic is that the stock rom will be better than any other rom out there since the software that makes a moto x a moto x does not work on other roms, ie. the active display and touchless controls. Of course there are alternatives but they are no where near as polished and well executed. The twist to launch camera feature is so simple I can't believe it is a moto exclusive. Makes you laugh at those other developers and say wtf, such as wtf Samsung, their software is awful, so much so that you can't even be mad at it, just have to laugh. That is the reason why development for the og moto x and droid ultra/Maxx is so slow or in the case of the Maxx, CM dropped it completely. It is not because of poor sales, but because there is a lack of interest. I've flash many ROMs on my razr but I always end up switching back to stock, debloated of course.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

No current phone is future proof...
The last year has seen very little advance in ARM-based phones. That won't be true of the next year. In a year, only low-to-mid range phones will be 32 bit. New chips will be on 20 nm process with better power management. I've ordered a Moto X to be a 2-year phone, but in 2 years, the current technology is going to be quite dated. My hope is more effort is put into power management than processing power for the next generation. I think the X will be updated regularly making it last better than an S5 or G3, but it won't stay current for capabilities a year from now.

I loved my Razr MAXX HD, just like Johnny Wong said, and it can still hold its own ( What I mean is that Moto phones usually have great support for long after they have been released). I don't necessarily think the phone is "future proof" because its hardware will certainly be outdated by next year. But, I do think this phone will be useful for years to come. I get that pretty much means future proof, I just wouldn't exactly use that wording. I have the VZW edition, so I don't have an unlocked bootloader, and I will be upgrading in a year. If you get the pure edition I think you will be set. I agree that this is almost an update to the Nexus 5.

[Q] as of today

would you buy the nexus 6 again today over other phones?

Yes but not direct from Motorola
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

Probably not.
bambam126 said:
would you buy the nexus 6 again today over other phones?
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Click to collapse
I perhaps would try the LG G4. Prior to switching I had the LG G3 and it was a pretty great phone. Considering you only needed root and the exposed framework to do many cool features. Thought that it was a great concept for moving forward with devices. No longer waiting for that special ROM to come. It was truly a no hassle phone.
I'd go with the Sammy S6 edge except it is very small on screen size. But my number one concern with any phone is support for Android Auto, cause when I'm mobile, I am and want to be hands free mobile. But in my humble opinion, the Nexus is much more of a dedicated ROM, Framework, and Governor type phone which requires constant attention and tweaking by the user to get the most out of.

I love my N6 but I wish the camera was faster. The camera on the G4 is the only thing I covet
Sent from my Benzo'd Google N6 on VZ

Yes, I was not at all impressed with the m9. I must admit the s6 did impress me however only 5 inches and no front facing speakers makes me not want it. I must admit I am anxiously waiting for the note 5 and what ever the next Nexus device is going to be at the end of the year. If the next Nexus is smaller than 5.5 inches I will definitely consider the Note 5.
I am still very happy with my Nexus 6

I tend not to buy phones that are 6 months old. If it was 3 months ago, then yes.
There is nothing now that I feel would be any better either though. I'd probably be waiting until Autumn unless I had a desperate requirement

Yes, mostly because root is more and more elusive. There's so much less to worry about with a Nexus device: no need for exploits nor bootloader codes, no worries about bricking, and no lack of dev support.
That said, there are areas I would like to see improvement. Between Google and all the dev support, we don't have to wait long to see and implement them.

Coming from a S4 to this phone is like night and day. Boot loader, root, general flashing all much easier with a great forum to provide support.... whats not to love?? If none of those things matter to you then any phone would do but if you like to live a little on the edge and try new stuff.... this type of phone is a good choice.

Yes. Tired of waiting for ROMs and bootloader hacks and root access for other phones. Google gives you access to everything right out the box.

I would buy my Nexus 6 today in a heartbeat. Even though it's now an "older" device, there are many points that I love and haven't really seen in other devices. Top 5 reasons:
1. Aftermarket/community support
2. Build materials and quality (I like the plastic back with the metal frame. Might not be as "pretty" but the back is less likely to show abrasions and won't dent)
3. Lollipop/"Pure" Android (no bloat, cutting-edge software, timely updates)
4. The amazing hardware package (although we all agree the camera could be better on a device in this class)
a. awesome processors
b. lots o' RAM
c. fantastic radios (cell, GPS, BT, WiFi)
d. wonderful front stereo speakers
e. dat screen, doh
f. etc...
5. Size and shape

As others have said, I cannot go without an rooted and unlocked device. My heart would sink if i had an unmodable phone. The dev and community support is great. Other phones may have nice features here and there or higher benchmarks but if it cannot rooted and unlocked I'll pass. The manufacturers may have a their own idea of how a phone should be setup, but I don't prefer it. I want to tweak it to my liking, especially since this is primarily what in use to communicate with the world.
Just as in the plethora of ROMs available here: some are stock+ while others have a ton of features. I, fortunately, have the ability to choose which user-interface best pleases my needs.
If all phones were unlocked and rootable I would have to rethink my answer.

I would absolutely buy it again.

I did just purchase mine. Had the s6 and had to return it because of display issues and the battery life was terrible. At the store they gave me a replacement with the same display issue (pink tint on bottom 1/3 of the display, very noticable next to the display model). Looked at the g flex 2 and m9 and decided I wanted to go with this. I had been saying I was gonna get a nexus anyway but the s6's hardware was very appealing. I am not disappointed with my decision at all. I did think the battery life would be a little better on this and it does get uncomfortably toasty at times but I do love this phone.

Definitely would buy again.
1) Unlockable bootloader with so little hassle
2) Dev community
At the same time I have been putting up with a slow camera ;(
Edit: good solution for camera just found: open camera (in the GPS: Dev mark Harman)

glenny buster said:
I did just purchase mine. Had the s6 and had to return it because of display issues and the battery life was terrible. At the store they gave me a replacement with the same display issue (pink tint on bottom 1/3 of the display, very noticable next to the display model). Looked at the g flex 2 and m9 and decided I wanted to go with this. I had been saying I was gonna get a nexus anyway but the s6's hardware was very appealing. I am not disappointed with my decision at all. I did think the battery life would be a little better on this and it does get uncomfortably toasty at times but I do love this phone.
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Check out the disabling services thread in general http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/disabling-google-play-services-guide-t2999821/page22 post 220 talks about disabling receivers, it refers to the google play update receivers they start with system.update. I disabled those 3 and battery life has been pretty good (along with other stuff I don't use... Fit, Kids, and such). Of course you need to be rooted to do this, I am using My Android Tools (I got the paid version but there is also a free version I think) to disable stuff. Just pay close attention to the thread and don't try to experiment.... at a minimum, you will want to have a nandroid backup before you start just incase you disable something by mistake.

in tech, its all about timing. there are 810 phones i can get today.. though i think i might be happier with the 805 than the 810, but the chips in the s6 look pretty good... i might even wait for the 6s-plus to come out if i were shopping today (if the 6 plus had 2 gigs of ram i would have gotten a 6 plus)... the phone i wanted more than anything was the droid turbo when deciding (was between nexus 6, moto x, m8 and droid turbo... so lots of moto). after seeing all the development for the nexus, i dont think i would go to another phone... but an lg nexus with ips display might be nice (dont need 4k, 1080 is fine... want a 4200 mAh battery).
and i have a feeling we are still unlocking new potential with the phone, porting moto features, getting cm implementation ironed out... lollipop is still in growing pains...

I just bought mine a couple weeks ago so I'd say yes. I was just tired of lack of root and delayed updates on the Note 4.

Similar device to the 2nd gen Moto X?

I've been thinking of upgrading from my 1st gen Moto G. I eventually settled on the 2nd gen Moto X as a suitable replacement. Unfortunately, due to a horrendous experience with Motorola customer service, that's not going to be happening. I kind of settled on the 4.7" Idol 3 as a replacement (yeah, quite a step down, and more of a sidegrade from a Moto G), but I thought before I pulled the trigger I'd try to crowdsource another option.
Basically, my priorities are:
Length no greater than 140mm (5.5"). So I guess I'm looking at a 5" screen.
Unlocked GSM.
Price range $200-300 (new).
Not terribly old; still available new.
Company with a decent track record of getting OS updates to their devices.
Any opinions on non-Moto options I could look at?

fornax.sh said:
I've been thinking of upgrading from my 1st gen Moto G. I eventually settled on the 2nd gen Moto X as a suitable replacement. Unfortunately, due to a horrendous experience with Motorola customer service, that's not going to be happening. I kind of settled on the 4.7" Idol 3 as a replacement (yeah, quite a step down, and more of a sidegrade from a Moto G), but I thought before I pulled the trigger I'd try to crowdsource another option.
Basically, my priorities are:
Length no greater than 140mm (5.5"). So I guess I'm looking at a 5" screen.
Unlocked GSM.
Price range $200-300 (new).
Not terribly old; still available new.
Company with a decent track record of getting OS updates to their devices.
Any opinions on non-Moto options I could look at?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus 5? Close to that price point I'm guessing!

Good luck finding anything, most newer phones are either to big or to expensive or both. The moto x 2014 has its flaws for sure but based on your above specs its STILL your best choice.
https://www.motorola.com/us/motomaker?pid=FLEXR2
Starting at $299 new

Optimusman said:
Nexus 5? Close to that price point I'm guessing!
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Wow, I didn't actually realize that was in my price range (or close enough, anyway). That's really tempting, but it's almost a 2 year old phone (actually a month older than the phone it would be replacing). I think I'd be concerned about how long it's going to be supported yet. Definitely a step up, though, so I'll consider it. Thanks!
adm1jtg said:
Good luck finding anything, most newer phones are either to big or to expensive or both. The moto x 2014 has its flaws for sure but based on your above specs its STILL your best choice.
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Yeah, after the experience I just had, I'm voting with my dollars. Moto is out for this one.
I just ran across the Huawei P8 Lite, which is sort of looking interesting at first glance.

maybe wait on the new lg based nexus that should be announced in a few months i think its only 5.5"

adm1jtg said:
maybe wait on the new lg based nexus that should be announced in a few months i think its only 5.5"
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Are you talking about what I've been hearing referred to as the Nexus 5 2015? Will probably be out of my price range at release, and I'm not sure I can wait that long. Thanks for the suggestion, though.
As great as the old Nexus 5 looks, I'm reading about Google putting a 2 year cap on major OS upgrades for the Nexus line, and that's almost up already. So that's out as well.
P8 Lite still looks interesting, except that they're still on KitKat with it. I can probably live with that until someone gets an aftermarket ROM running on it, though... I've only been playing around with Lollipop for a few weeks on my Moto, and I haven't found anything I can't live without.

just be sure you can unlock the bootloader and that there is dev support for that phone. Many of the cheaper phones ESPECIALLY meditek based ones seem to have questionable support and os upgradeability

Yeah although the nexus 5 is 2 years old the snapdragon 800 is similar to the 801 found in the moto x2014! The screen is an HD lcd panel, similar as far as resolution, yet different type of screen, x2014 has an amoled screen! And truthfully the nexus 5 if the bootloader is unlocked and your rooted with custom recovery will have the newest software for a few years to come! Unlike many other oem's which implement there own software into Android therefore guaranteeing very few updates! Look at the nexus 4, runs current 5.1.1, but I'm sure once 6.0 comes out the amazing devs will port roms for Android 6.0, and that phone is ancient lol, but it's a nexus!!! Good luck whatever you choose friend