Just bought s5 mini (g800f) - Galaxy S5 Mini Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I broke my s4 minis digitizer and decided to go with new phone, so i bought used s5 mini.
I didn't check if s5 mini had cyanogenmod available, but thank god i found hennymcc made unofficial version I had some troubles with Gapps
My biggest problem was netflix not working, but finally after hours of googling i found fix for it and now i can stream netflix to my chromecast 2.
So my question is what kind of experiences you've had with your s5 mini and are you liking your phone?

I've had this phone for slightly over a year and while it's been allright, I am pissed off at a few things:
Promised Lollipop update has been MIA for quite a few months and possibly not coming at all.
It's pretty under-powered with a relatively weak processor and not enough RAM. It is comparable to the much much older Galaxy S3.
Despite that, it was pretty expensive for a mid-range phone (something that might have changed as it is a last year model).

Yep I like the screen on this phone, but after doing more research i maybe should've gone with moto G 2015.
I paid 200e for this phone, I could have got this cheaper but i was in a hurry. I just hope that this device will get CM support for 1-2 more years.
Just got to hope that hennymcc, CTXz, Unjustified Dev won't get bored of this device

I get mine as a gift 3 months ago and I'm really dissapointed with Samsung in general; the gave us poor support and ugly and heavy interface. I'm selling it in order to buy a Moto G (2015) or a second hand Nexus 5. As you say, at least the screen is really good
Enviado desde mi SM-G800M mediante Tapatalk

Yeah i'm kind of getting pretty fond of this phone, maybe i would like this less with stock rom.

It was pretty damn good when I was about to buy it, but after buying this device I got some problems:
•BATTERY LIFE. It can die on 2-4days in 100% charge on standby mode.
•POWER. It's pretty damn bad. I thought that using S5 with S3 processor and graphics card was a nice idea... IT TAKES 2-5 MINUTES TO LOAD NORMALLY AND WORK NO LAG AFTER TURNING IT ON.
•PRICE. Well, I bought it on 50% discount and it wasn't a big hit to me but if I would bought this phone on full price... For price I got (150€) specs and everything fits into it. But a retail(when launched) price is too big.
AND I WANT AND I WAIT FOR LOLLIPOP!!! (and marshmallow but I never get it, that's why I am looking at NextBit Robin)

Related

Am I too poor to be excited about the Note 4?

OK, I guess if I had infinite money, then I'd just go out and buy a new smartphone every year, but unfortunately I'm not. Though I will spend money on tech that I think are important, eg I bought a little xmas prezzie for myself in the form of a 51 inch plasma telly.
It's just that I already have a Note 2. I'd be paying a fair bit of money over 24 months to get a Note 4 and I just don't feel as excited by this piece of new tech as I "should be"? The screen isn't much bigger than the Note 2, which 2 years on still actually does everything I need it to do, though it has inexplicable slowed down a little than it used to be (maybe memory too full).
It just doesn't seem that revolutionary from the Note 2. My last 3 phones were Nokia N86, Samsung Galaxy S2, Samsung Galaxy Note 2. And going to the Note 4 just doesn't as seem as revolutionary as the previous jumps?
I have mucho respect for you! I wish I could make a full 2 year run on a smartphone. I haven't found one that either didn't crash, smash, or just frustrate me to hell and back (or I fried rooting it). I actually liked my LG G2 and wouldn't have upgraded, but it hit the 6 month mark and the digitizer went haywire. 6 months. That's the least time any phone has lasted me. A year is average. So far, I'm not impressed with my Note 4, and may return it within the 14-day period. The battery life is truly unimpressive, the camera has focus problems, it lags all over the place, the interface is so...2010...the only thing that I really do like about it: SAMOLED. The Samsung displays are beautiful, and it doesn't hurt my head at all. My G2 gave me headaches. I may 'downgrade' or just try another device.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app
I pulled the triger and after 2 years I switched from Note 2. You right, it is not a big jump like before ( originally switched from HTC G2 to Note 2 ) but there is not coming back to 720p screen for me. This one is a beast.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
I had the note 2 for a full year right when it came out. I sold it after a year to get the g2. After a year with the g2, I'm so glad to be back to the note family, specifically the note 4. This phone is a beast, I can easily see myself keeping this one for a full 2 years!! It's definitely an upgrade over the note 2 by leaps and bound.
keithfrombm said:
i have mucho respect for you! I wish i could make a full 2 year run on a smartphone. I haven't found one that either didn't crash, smash, or just frustrate me to hell and back (or i fried rooting it). I actually liked my lg g2 and wouldn't have upgraded, but it hit the 6 month mark and the digitizer went haywire. 6 months. That's the least time any phone has lasted me. A year is average. So far, i'm not impressed with my note 4, and may return it within the 14-day period. The battery life is truly unimpressive, the camera has focus problems, it lags all over the place, the interface is so...2010...the only thing that i really do like about it: Samoled. The samsung displays are beautiful, and it doesn't hurt my head at all. My g2 gave me headaches. I may 'downgrade' or just try another device.
Sent from my samsung-sm-n910a using xda free mobile app
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Click to collapse
i am sorry to say this but you are lying! Troll alert!
I bought the note 2 when it came out and loved it but was getting some usb charge board issues about a month before the note 4 came out, i decided to pre order the note 4 and got it on release day and it's a superb phone the best I've ever owned and a good upgrade from the note 2 I think personally.
The screen alone is amazing.
@Rudy:
What specifically is he lying about?
Some people have reported battery issues, and it is a known fact that TouchWiz is somewhat laggy compared to other launchers/themes. Although it has been getting a lot better in recent versions and IME, I have almost no lag on my phone. Also if you check around quite a few people have been having an issue with their camera and focus issues.
His personal experiences with various phones are his own. Unless you were there to witness his usage of the phones.
Calling someone a troll and a liar without backing it up with verifiable facts from credible industry sources is in very poor form and very un-cool.
So either provide some backup with verifiable links to industry sources to prove him/her wrong, or quietly go on with your life and leave others be.
i upgrade on a 5 yr cycle. went to the note 4 910u from a nokia n8.
camera is slightly better (16mpx ois vs 12mpx), software is much better compared to symbian, storage is more (160GB vs 40GB), wireless charging and bluetooth and screen are better, lag is gone once i enabled dev mode with animations off.
i would not upgrade on less than a 4yr or 5yr cycle. thats the best ROI. if you have a note 2 stay with it until 2017/18.
Lol I cant stay on one phone more than 5 months
Sent from my SM-N910G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
keithfrombm said:
I have mucho respect for you! I wish I could make a full 2 year run on a smartphone. I haven't found one that either didn't crash, smash, or just frustrate me to hell and back (or I fried rooting it). I actually liked my LG G2 and wouldn't have upgraded, but it hit the 6 month mark and the digitizer went haywire. 6 months. That's the least time any phone has lasted me. A year is average. So far, I'm not impressed with my Note 4, and may return it within the 14-day period. The battery life is truly unimpressive, the camera has focus problems, it lags all over the place, the interface is so...2010...the only thing that I really do like about it: SAMOLED. The Samsung displays are beautiful, and it doesn't hurt my head at all. My G2 gave me headaches. I may 'downgrade' or just try another device.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Well it isn't the same for everyone. For me battery is awesome on this phone 6h non stop heavy usage, over 2 days on moderate - this is double comparing to my previous phone which was Nexus 5. Touchwiz is s#*@= comparing to Google launcher tough, went straight to nova. Basically my opinion is: brilliant piece of hardware and very, very bad software. I hope someday we will get pure android rom.
jeanclaudevandamme said:
OK, I guess if I had infinite money, then I'd just go out and buy a new smartphone every year, but unfortunately I'm not. Though I will spend money on tech that I think are important, eg I bought a little xmas prezzie for myself in the form of a 51 inch plasma telly.
It's just that I already have a Note 2. I'd be paying a fair bit of money over 24 months to get a Note 4 and I just don't feel as excited by this piece of new tech as I "should be"? The screen isn't much bigger than the Note 2, which 2 years on still actually does everything I need it to do, though it has inexplicable slowed down a little than it used to be (maybe memory too full).
It just doesn't seem that revolutionary from the Note 2. My last 3 phones were Nokia N86, Samsung Galaxy S2, Samsung Galaxy Note 2. And going to the Note 4 just doesn't as seem as revolutionary as the previous jumps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The simple reason is because you are not fully utilising the Note 2 and hitting the boundaries of the phone itself. If you were hitting the edges you would notice that the extra performance from the Note 4 would be awesome.
I change my phone every few months and the boundary i had was lack of wireless charging on my previous phone (sony z2 32gb 3gb). The Samsung S4 and S5 had terrible camera and the lack of the additional 1GB really hurt.
It took me 3 weeks to open my note 4 box and start using it because i was putting off transferring the data. All i have really got from S5/Z2 to Note 4 is the wireless charging.
A|ex said:
The simple reason is because you are not fully utilising the Note 2 and hitting the boundaries of the phone itself. If you were hitting the edges you would notice that the extra performance from the Note 4 would be awesome.
I change my phone every few months and the boundary i had was lack of wireless charging on my previous phone (sony z2 32gb 3gb). The Samsung S4 and S5 had terrible camera and the lack of the additional 1GB really hurt.
It took me 3 weeks to open my note 4 box and start using it because i was putting off transferring the data. All i have really got from S5/Z2 to Note 4 is the wireless charging.
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I would say that his approach is way more sensible than yours. You could have easily incorporate wireless charging to both xperia z2 and galaxy s5 for much less money than note 4 cost. If that was the only edge you were looking for you simply wasted your money.
torquadon said:
I would say that his approach is way more sensible than yours. You could have easily incorporate wireless charging to both xperia z2 and galaxy s5 for much less money than note 4 cost. If that was the only edge you were looking for you simply wasted your money.
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Sony Z2 has no wireless charging at all only the Z3 has but it does have 3GB
Galaxy S5 only has 2GB not 3GB (not enough)
actually from looking at some rumours about upcoming phones, I'd be interested in the next-gen Sony Xperia Z Ultra, the so rumoured Z4 ultra, with 6.4" screen and 1440p and stylus support. but that's just vapourware atm, CES will tell.
funnily enough, i just want a bigger screen in a new phone, like that is literally the top priority. the current z ultra is a year old so its processors/res etc rules it out. though it's not too expensive to buy outright now on ebay.
I've upgraded from a note 2 and the difference is significant. The upgrade in these camera alone was worth it.
I started saving money when i bought the note 2, so the note 4 was paid off as soon as it came out.
I am writing this message from my note 2,as it's a nice device to mess around with now, and I'm currently running Lollipop ?
EP2008 said:
I've upgraded from a note 2 and the difference is significant. The upgrade in these camera alone was worth it.
I started saving money when i bought the note 2, so the note 4 was paid off as soon as it came out.
I am writing this message from my note 2,as it's a nice device to mess around with now, and I'm currently running Lollipop ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lollipop on your note 2? Can you provide a link?
A|ex said:
Sony Z2 has no wireless charging at all only the Z3 has but it does have 3GB
Galaxy S5 only has 2GB not 3GB (not enough)
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Click to collapse
I didn't check it for long time and didn't know that Sony resigned from wireless charging cover. My bad.
I'm not sure you understood his post. He didn't say that there is no difference, neither I did. All I am saying is, I believe his approach is more sensible. According to you 1gb ram and wireless charger is worth 600GBP, and for me it is not. Amount of people who will need that extra ram is relatively small, I updated from nexus 5 only because I could, not because it was by any means necessary. Both phones are more then capable of running any app from Google play smoothly, many of them would work better on nexus for that simple reason that Samsung apps use huge amount of ram/cpu and unless u root there is no way to disable them.
I was on the Note 3 and didn't had any plans to get the Note 4 as I thought it wasn't worth upgrading to.
But I haven't regret it a second! The quality of the phone is amazing! Better screen and better battery life. Love it!
/CK
I upgrade every two years. My previous phone was the note 2 and I'm thoroughly impressed. Everything, other than battery life, is a dramatic improvement. What really make this phone revolutionary upgrade from any other devise is gear vr. Think of all the advancements ever brought to the smartphone market and realize that nothing compares to gear vr.
Bruce lee roy said:
I upgrade every two years. My previous phone was the note 2 and I'm thoroughly impressed. Everything, other than battery life, is a dramatic improvement. What really make this phone revolutionary upgrade from any other devise is gear vr. Think of all the advancements ever brought to the smartphone market and realize that nothing compares to gear vr.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This plus imagine Note 4 + Gear VR + Gear S! Although Gear VR will not allow you to call or text when the user is wearing it, with Gear S, you could do that by talking to S-Voice! I have not tried this out personally - because I am poor, but it should work... right? :S That and advanced s-pen :3
But for the whole upgrading thing: If I were to upgrade my phone today - or within the year, I would go with the Note 4. If I were patient enough to wait a few more months, well, then clearly I wouldn't get the note 4 S: The way I see it though, technology has been upgrading crazy fast so it's no big deal if you're out of the loop lol
edit: I am biased though since I already own the note 4 + VR

Thinking of ditching my Nvidia Shield Tablet and jumping on a Tab S

Title say's it all really.
I bought my Shield thinking game streaming from my PC would be fun, but I hardly ever use it. I expected the Shield to be a killer tablet and although it has plenty of power I'm sick of the bugs, glitches and general lag. The battery is not that great and I find the aspect ratio and size a little bit annoying. To be honest it's been a bit disappointment.
I just recently upgraded my phone from Galaxy S2 (I know old) to a Galaxy A5 and I have to say I'm pretty impressed with with Samsungs updates, my phone feels way smoother and nicer to use than my shield, so much so that I'm thinking of selling it and getting a Tab S, most probably 10.5. I've been reading and watching plenty of reviews and I'm liking it more and more.
What do you guys think? Should I jump ship? I think I'm basically looking for some reassurance that it's a good thing to do! lol
burt_ie said:
Title say's it all really.
I bought my Shield thinking game streaming from my PC would be fun, but I hardly ever use it. I expected the Shield to be a killer tablet and although it has plenty of power I'm sick of the bugs, glitches and general lag. The battery is not that great and I find the aspect ratio and size a little bit annoying. To be honest it's been a bit disappointment.
I just recently upgraded my phone from Galaxy S2 (I know old) to a Galaxy A5 and I have to say I'm pretty impressed with with Samsungs updates, my phone feels way smoother and nicer to use than my shield, so much so that I'm thinking of selling it and getting a Tab S, most probably 10.5. I've been reading and watching plenty of reviews and I'm liking it more and more.
What do you guys think? Should I jump ship? I think I'm basically looking for some reassurance that it's a good thing to do! lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i saw the nvidia shield and i really didnt care for it at all.. it was quite big for what it does and didnt seem special at all.. you can do the same and more with a tab s and the screen is a lot larger and its a ton lighter.. i do have the t807v which isnt rootable but i use it as a media/gaming tablet and it lasts for a long time on a full charge. it is snappy even though the t807v doesnt have root..
with that being said, id say it depends on which version you get since a rootable tablet clearly would make it even easier for you to decide.
i use ps4 remote play on the tablet and it works great (even without pairing a ps4 controller)
Sent from my SM-G925V using XDA Free mobile app
I'm used to having tablets with a 10" screen, so the Shield was a bit of downgrade in that area. Also after looking at the lovely screen on my Sammy A5 the Shield looks pale and a little washed out in comparison.
I'm annoyed with the Shield as it seems like an effort to have to get things working, and the lag is really bad at times. On my Galaxy A5 everything just works as it should and I don't really need to tinker that much. I'm also quite enjoying touchwiz, it's improved a lot since the days of my Galaxy S2, and TBH I'm quite sick of vanilla android, I always root and install custom firmware on my devices, and it's the reason why I've managed to keep my S2 going for so long, but touchwiz actually feel's like a breath of fresh air at the moment. But I'll probably end up installing custom ROMs on my phone/tab in a year or so anyway (once I tire of touchwiz).
I'd definitely want be rooting my Tab S if I were to get one, so I'll have to avoid the t807v. How many different version/models are there? I'm in the UK so will that make a difference to any region specific versions?
Also how long does the Tab S take to charge? The Shield takes between 2-4 hours to get a full charge, but my new phone the Galaxy A5 went from 3% to 80% in about half hour so I'm pretty impressed.
Go for it ! And the Tab S 10.5 has a really good battery life
I actually went for the 8.4, compared side by side with the 10.5 and I found the 8.4 much lighter and comfortable to use.
The screen and battery size difference weren't a deal breaker for me. All other specs are the same.
Make sure your new Tab arrives in a sealed box, and with a charged battery.
If your battery is next to none or empty, it may be unable to use it's full capabilities.
burt_ie said:
I'm used to having tablets with a 10" screen, so the Shield was a bit of downgrade in that area. Also after looking at the lovely screen on my Sammy A5 the Shield looks pale and a little washed out in comparison.
I'm annoyed with the Shield as it seems like an effort to have to get things working, and the lag is really bad at times. On my Galaxy A5 everything just works as it should and I don't really need to tinker that much. I'm also quite enjoying touchwiz, it's improved a lot since the days of my Galaxy S2, and TBH I'm quite sick of vanilla android, I always root and install custom firmware on my devices, and it's the reason why I've managed to keep my S2 going for so long, but touchwiz actually feel's like a breath of fresh air at the moment. But I'll probably end up installing custom ROMs on my phone/tab in a year or so anyway (once I tire of touchwiz).
I'd definitely want be rooting my Tab S if I were to get one, so I'll have to avoid the t807v. How many different version/models are there? I'm in the UK so will that make a difference to any region specific versions?
Also how long does the Tab S take to charge? The Shield takes between 2-4 hours to get a full charge, but my new phone the Galaxy A5 went from 3% to 80% in about half hour so I'm pretty impressed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's an T805 which is an international one but has little development (CM based roms and such) and if you play games and such, the tab s sends to get warm near the camera. There is an SM-T800 (10.5 wifi), SM-T700 (8.4 wifi) and so on. Typically it takes 2-4 hours to charge fully, but I don't keep track so around that. There's no quick charge for us ?
You could wait a bit as new tablets are coming out this summer. So you might see prices go down ?
The one I was looking to get is the T800, is that one and to root?
burt_ie said:
The one I was looking to get is the T800, is that one and to root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T800 is the one you want. Lets you access to all the goodies
Sent from my SM-T800 using XDA Free mobile app
zombolt said:
The T800 is the one you want. Lets you access to all the goodies
Sent from my SM-T800 using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Awesome! Just what I wanted to hear!
Well I've initiated the return of my Shield to Amazon...just printed out the return label.
burt_ie said:
Awesome! Just what I wanted to hear!
Well I've initiated the return of my Shield to Amazon...just printed out the return label.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. The T800 (I own that also ) has cm12, Resurrection remix, and a few more. It's awesome
DUHAsianSKILLZ said:
Yeah. The T800 (I own that also ) has cm12, Resurrection remix, and a few more. It's awesome
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Click to collapse
Even better news! xD
I'll have to get reading in the forums to find out how to root this baby...now I cant decide if I should order one on line and save myself some money or just buy one from the shop across the road! lol
Well i have one now... went and bought it from the local store!
I have 45 days to see if I like it, already rooted and so far so good
For what its worth, I had the Shield for a few months, just returned it and got an 8.4. The Shield was good for gaming but suffered from lag after lollipop hit. Wifi was bad as well. I was willing to live with it until a crack appeared in the volume button area. I then gave up and got the 8.4.
I'm learning to live with Touchwiz - its not terrible. The rest of the tablet runs smoothly.
I like the shield, but I hardly ever use if for gaming, I bought the control pad and game streaming wasn't as fantastic as I thought it would be.
burt_ie said:
I just recently upgraded my phone from Galaxy S2 (I know old) to a Galaxy A5 and I have to say I'm pretty impressed with with Samsungs updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The A5 has mediocre specs and screen. If you are impressed with the A5 you will be blown away by the Tab S.
Eddie Hicks said:
The A5 has mediocre specs and screen. If you are impressed with the A5 you will be blown away by the Tab S.
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Click to collapse
I know the A5 is only mid range, but I'm really happy with it. It had the right specs and performance that I was looking for and within my price budget.
I have the Tab S now (typing this from it) and so far so good, it's taking me a little while to get used to going back to a bigger screen but it is beautiful to look at (especially compared to the Shield Tablet).
I'm rooted and looking for a good ROM and possibly lollipop.
burt_ie said:
I know the A5 is only mid range, but I'm really happy with it. It had the right specs and performance that I was looking for and within my price budget.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that's all that matters. I probably would have picked up a used S4 or something on Swappa. Anyway you will love your Tab S, 10.5. I purchased mine the first day they were available. I am rooted but I have not installed a custom ROM. This is my first Android device I have not installed a ROM. So far, especially with Lollipop I am happy with it the way it is. That may change down the road if someone makes a ROM that has a significant improvement on performance.
I think I'm on my 6th, maybe even 7th android device now! I'm just looking at the stock lollipop Roms, deciding whether to try one out or wait for the official UK one from Sammy.
I had the Shield Tablet LTE. It did everything well but the battery couldn't last me over 6 hours on average. I was envious of my friends having the Tab S with their beautiful Super AMOLED screens. Finally, I decided to trade it in for a Tab S 8.4. I love the Tab S and so far it's done everything that the Shield could do. It's performance on gaming isn't up to par with the Shield but otherwise everything else is equal if not better than the Shield tablet. I'm glad the battery of the Tab S 8.4 could last me close to 9 hour on average.
Well so far I'm loving 10.5 Tab S, I'm rooted and running Lollipop 5.0.2. The screen is amazing and I much prefer the size over the 8 inch Shield, the colours are really vibrant and it's light and really thin, it's a joy to use.
Like you said, it's not quite as good for gaming as a shield but to be honest I don't care, I don't think hard core gaming on a small device is really that impressive so I'll stick to my PC for that.
My Shield is all packed up and ready to be sent back to Amazon today, to be honest I'm happy to see it go and I don't regret my decision at all!

Note 3 at the end of 2015, worth buying?

Hi guys,
Yesterday I hard bricked my GS4 trying to update it to marshmellow. The repair will cost $40 and this is after I spent $110 replacing the digitizer. I decided to give up on that device (It was getting a bit beat up anyway).
Walmart is currently selling the ATT version for $250. I bought it but now I am wondering if it is still worth the value now (late 2015). The S4 was starting to show its age especially with the bloatware which is why I was attempting to upgrade the OS. What better place to ask this than a forum full of tech geeks like me who have actually used the device!
So, what do you guys say? Is it worth it now to buy as a daily driver? What do you guys think of the cost? How is the custom rom community? I saw that Samsung EOLed it at 5.0 but what are the chances custom roms will keep going for a few more versions? I have just started to browse this section of xda. The S4 was a hassle especially if people accidentally upgraded it to Lollipop. I know I followed the directions to a T but I still go the hard brick so I am hesitant to attempt to mess around with a Samsung device again.
If anyone has experience with the S4, how is the experience compared to it?
Sorry if this stuff was recently asked, I just quickly browsed the front page of this section
It is an excellent device. The only thing that bothers me is the size. My personal opinion: Debatably, even the latest gen devices haven't added much value to the daily use factors(speed, screen quality etc). A little bit, yes. But not a lot. You can compare the devices and see it yourself. I don't need to upgrade the device. My hands are relatively smaller, so the size matters especially considering the case etc. Otherwise Note 3 is a solid device. Ofcourse root and get rid of the crapware if you running stock rom. You will be happy you did.
FYI to give you an idea about the price: In 2014, i bought a "certified like new" from att for 270 + taxes + activation without contract. It was really new except for the brown box it came in.
Again, My Personal opinion: Just got a OnePlus X for my wife. Only $267 including shipping. Good specs, 1080P screen , snapD 801 processor, thinner, lighter and handy compared to iphone or GS 6. In short Love it.
For me size doesn't matter since I am 6'2" with giant hands. I bought my mom the original OPO and she liked it. The only thing I feel like I would be missing out on are the fingerprint readers but those are currently only on the high end devices right now which I can't afford yet.
Note 3 is indeed a great phone/device you can have but in the mean time you can have too many other comparatively new devices in the same range of bucks, then why go back to 2013 while in my opinion you can buy some MOTO, LG, Asus, and a lot of Chinese flagship devices in that range or just a little more up on. I would suggest you Note 3. And i would never bought it if i was in your place. (worthy mention that i have one AT&T's N900A) but my situation is quite different, i have bought it (used one) almost 9 months ago and that too here in Pakistan where most of the new devices are either out of my range or not at all available here.
Hell yes. I wont upgrade cause I know I wont like my nextphone as much as my note 3. Its a tough phone. Ive bootlooped and softbricked this thing so many times and it just keeps getting better. I broke the screen once and mailed out for it to savea couple hundred and do it myself and now have half n900a and half n900t. I know. Just the carriers. I might just get another note 3 when this one dies.

What's your next device? Note 7 or something else?

I'm assuming a lot of you are like me, and have had the Note 4 close to 2 years now- close to paid for... wondering if anyone is considering getting a Note 7 or something else and why?
I was all excited about upgrading to a Note 7 but the limited research I've done based on the S7 is the bootloader will probably be locked meaning no root, no roms, etc... so now I'm not sure if I just stick it out a while long with my Note 4 or look elsewhere for another device? (nexus ###?)
Comments appreciated.
Araltd said:
I'm assuming a lot of you are like me, and have had the Note 4 close to 2 years now- close to paid for... wondering if anyone is considering getting a Note 7 or something else and why?
I was all excited about upgrading to a Note 7 but the limited research I've done based on the S7 is the bootloader will probably be locked meaning no root, no roms, etc... so now I'm not sure if I just stick it out a while long with my Note 4 or look elsewhere for another device? (nexus ###?)
Comments appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a pain in the butt shopping for where to go from the Note 4. Where, oh where, is it's successor? I so hate the idea of a non-replaceable battery. Maybe, if it wouldn't be too grueling to take my next "sealed" phone apart to replace the dang thing. The next big screen Nexus? Arrrgggghhhhhh!
Well if I didn't just post a lengthy reply to a similar question in the Intl. forum! (In fact I did; this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/general/moving-to-flagship-t3404126 my ramblings are the first post on page 4 ) Bullet points:
* I think the Note 4 is (still, 2 years in) a great device and I plan on keeping mine after making my last few payments. It will be a super fancy universal IR remote... ...among other things Definitely no shortage of ways to repurpose an old/extra Android device.
* I really hope the upcoming Nexus has expandable storage... I could see that happening this year with Google's "adoptable storage" (and other OEM's failing to... adopt it ) It's equally possible that I just really want that to happen. Either way, if it does, the larger screen version will be my next phone.
* The Note 7 looks beastly and if it doesn't have a locked bootloader I might go for it. The thing is, I'd really like to avoid buying anything from TMO aside from service... ya know, "vote with my wallet" against their abysmally late updates. I have a "new" Tab S2 TMO variant that's now the only model of that tablet that hasn't been updated to MM yet, making it as well as my N4 dead last (including other carriers) to receive the 10 month old OS. No way I can throw down up front for a $$$ N7 though, and I did do a couple of exchanges with the TMO insurance that were super easy, so bootloader unlocked = maybe, locked = not. a. chance. (not that I'd ever pay money for a "computer" that locks me out from self-administration, but particularly since I trust TMO 0% wrt updates and may need to handle that myself.)
* Option 3 = ??? Hoping to find the following: strong/friendly development community, expandable storage, >= 5.5" quality display, standard headphone port (IMO it's ridiculous that dropping this is becoming "a thing" w/o a superior replacement), and "good" battery life. Hopefully not asking too much in 2016, sure was in 2015.
Currently leaning towards a Nexus I suppose... not really in any rush to move on from the N4. Oh and definitely agree @steven.m - sealed battery = planned obsolescence but (clearly) any phone without a completely impractical metal unibody is simply not "PREMIUM" enough for... something something... of today! Note that a removable battery isn't even on my "wish list"... I was trying to make it realistic
I'll keep this N4 until it's dead. Then I'll most likely look at Nexus, HTC or Moto devices. About the only thing I'll miss is the WiFi calling.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Labs
Xiaomi Mi Max for me
Xiaomi Mi Max 6.5 inches of Android goodness, plus removable battery and sd card support. Samsung has iphoned their way out of my hands. If I wanted a iphone I would have bought a iphone, but such is life. Wife has s7 edge and she keeps telling me it is the worst phone she has ever owned. With that in house review why would I buy a Note 7?
vanemburghj said:
Xiaomi Mi Max 6.5 inches of Android goodness, plus removable battery and sd card support. Samsung has iphoned their way out of my hands. If I wanted a iphone I would have bought a iphone, but such is life. Wife has s7 edge and she keeps telling me it is the worst phone she has ever owned. With that in house review why would I buy a Note 7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to look that model up- I don't know Xiaomi, but maybe I will get to know them. :highfive:
Edit: Hmmm.... love the size of the screen, but not QHD.... and battery not removable. Close, but I dunno.
steven.rn said:
I'll have to look that model up- I don't know Xiaomi, but maybe I will get to know them. :highfive:
Edit: Hmmm.... love the size of the screen, but not QHD.... and battery not removable. Close, but I dunno.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang just did another spec search and you are right http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_max-8057.php says non-removable battery. What is up with that, cheaper to produce?
vanemburghj said:
says non-removable battery. What is up with that, cheaper to produce?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and the capacity can be battery capacity can be maximised this way since they don't have to make provisions for the battery to be removed.
I think I'm done with Samsung for now. Waiting for the Note 4 MM update this long and the fact that they basically abandoned the Galaxy Tab Pro six months after they released it have really turned me off.
I think I'll be trying one of the 'upstart' manufacturers. I've been considering the Huawei Mate line for a while now, but their software has always been a drawback (but at least they update it). Now I've been reading that they are making software and their EMUI skin a priority as they attempt to break into the US/NA market. I look forward to seeing what they've got. Also, T-Mobile specific versions of any phone seem to not get nearly as much development, which is understandable. But I think I'll get an unlocked international phone next time.
I will be keeping my Note 4 (just like I still have my Note 3) for use with the virtual reality headset that I will be getting. It still has enough processing power and a very good screen resolution for that type of activity.
I'm thinking about the zenfone 3 ultra 6.8inch monster lol
The note 7 isn't on my radar, I too am think of going with a nexus if it has a memory card slot but all of this won't be for a while as I just traded in my s7 ( which was part of bogo ) and got my note 4 back that I jumped about 6 months ago. I missed it so much I will keep it for ever, even after its paid off. I also have the s7 edge which just became rootable so I might play with it for a while but it's my work phone and I have until November before I can jump again but it won't be a Sammy phone. I don't really like the s7 edge as those edges are a real nightmare unless you have a case on it you will have accidental touches that will drive you crazy. I'll hold on to my note 4 until next year and then start looking.
I didn't realize the s7 had been rooted
Techngro said:
I think I'm done with Samsung for now. Waiting for the Note 4 MM update this long and the fact that they basically abandoned the Galaxy Tab Pro six months after they released it have really turned me off.
I think I'll be trying one of the 'upstart' manufacturers. I've been considering the Huawei Mate line for a while now, but their software has always been a drawback (but at least they update it). Now I've been reading that they are making software and their EMUI skin a priority as they attempt to break into the US/NA market. I look forward to seeing what they've got. Also, T-Mobile specific versions of any phone seem to not get nearly as much development, which is understandable. But I think I'll get an unlocked international phone next time.
I will be keeping my Note 4 (just like I still have my Note 3) for use with the virtual reality headset that I will be getting. It still has enough processing power and a very good screen resolution for that type of activity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Honor 5x which is from Huawei also., bought it a few months to test, for $200 premium looking, metal casing, 2 sim slots and external sd... but no removable battery and we are supposed to get MM any day now..
but yes I think I want a google phone, but it has to have external sd, maybe I can deal with non removable battery, but who knows. and they better start lowering prices of phones, they would sell more and sell every year selling at about $500.. that's just me thinking out load.. :silly:
because I have my father in law had the S2 very outdated and giving him problems.., so off went my note 3 which was my sons, so he plays with it,
I started with HTC, had almost every single phone till the M7, then moved to Samsung from S2, S3, Note 2, 3, 4.. and on the Notes had 2 of each, for me and my wife.. also with the M7.. I have paid to much on phones and then they don't take care of the updates which the dev do it better than Samsung is very disappointing since manufacturing them is really under $200 coming from the take downs of the devices.. way to much profit, then they expect us, to buy new phones every year...
try to return a new phone u buy in T-Mobile, they offer u half of less after 3 or 4 months then they sell it back as certified phones for double than what they paid getting it back from you... really sucks..
remember a phone is for making phone calls......
I have a pc, laptop,
2 tablets Samsung as well, and they stop with the updates after a year. u get lucky maybe give it a year 2 or 3 months...
super surprised about this MM update on our phones giving that we are almost on our 2 year.. very surprised, guess they are trying to say we will support them longer... remember Note 4 came with KitKat, then Lollipop, and now MM... wow....
darn even apple updates the phones till the older phones can't except the updates to slowing it down or not enough space left..
opps rambling, let me stop... haha
This is a good question I guess it depends on if note 7 comes with 820 or something better I won't buy a 820 phone there are cheaper options with same processor. Im thinking Nexus. But if note 7 has 4000mah battery it may get my money. My last 2 Samsung phones have had bad gps
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA-Developers mobile app
mdiaz33685 said:
I have the Honor 5x which is from Huawei also., bought it a few months to test, for $200 premium looking, metal casing, 2 sim slots and external sd... but no removable battery and we are supposed to get MM any day now..
but yes I think I want a google phone, but it has to have external sd, maybe I can deal with non removable battery, but who knows. and they better start lowering prices of phones, they would sell more and sell every year selling at about $500.. that's just me thinking out load.. :silly:
because I have my father in law had the S2 very outdated and giving him problems.., so off went my note 3 which was my sons, so he plays with it,
I started with HTC, had almost every single phone till the M7, then moved to Samsung from S2, S3, Note 2, 3, 4.. and on the Notes had 2 of each, for me and my wife.. also with the M7.. I have paid to much on phones and then they don't take care of the updates which the dev do it better than Samsung is very disappointing since manufacturing them is really under $200 coming from the take downs of the devices.. way to much profit, then they expect us, to buy new phones every year...
try to return a new phone u buy in T-Mobile, they offer u half of less after 3 or 4 months then they sell it back as certified phones for double than what they paid getting it back from you... really sucks..
remember a phone is for making phone calls......
I have a pc, laptop,
2 tablets Samsung as well, and they stop with the updates after a year. u get lucky maybe give it a year 2 or 3 months...
super surprised about this MM update on our phones giving that we are almost on our 2 year.. very surprised, guess they are trying to say we will support them longer... remember Note 4 came with KitKat, then Lollipop, and now MM... wow....
darn even apple updates the phones till the older phones can't except the updates to slowing it down or not enough space left..
opps rambling, let me stop... haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am getting to the point where I can no longer justify spending $650-700 on a phone. You're right, there are so many decent options now for half the price.
I'm waiting to see what the Nexus phone phones are like this year. I'm hoping they'll have a nice premium phone this year. The 6P was a nice start. HTC may kick it up another notch. Rumors are that Google wants a phone that will directly compete with the iPhone. Well see if that happens. I've had only Samsung smartphones (Galaxy S, Note 2, note 4, galaxy light). It's time for something different
Jeez the note 7 is going to be almost 1000.
Sent from my SM-N910T3 using xda premium
HTC makes the best Nexus phones imo.
I might get the Moto G4 Plus
rile1564 said:
I'm waiting to see what the Nexus phone phones are like this year. I'm hoping they'll have a nice premium phone this year. The 6P was a nice start. HTC may kick it up another notch. Rumors are that Google wants a phone that will directly compete with the iPhone. Well see if that happens. I've had only Samsung smartphones (Galaxy S, Note 2, note 4, galaxy light). It's time for something different
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed... but then again, do I have enough time to monkey around with ROMs again? Realistically - no. If I get an Android device again, I'm just going to have to get the latest Nexus. I'm tired of TW and trying to hack things to make them behave like I want them to...( I'm looking at you NFC icon ).

Is it still a good idea to buy a Galaxy S5 Mini in july 2016?

Hello guys, my Z3c is dying on me and I've come to notice that the S5 Mini is a well-rounded phone. My sister has one and it has survived many falls and abuses.
Is it a good idea to buy a new one in these days? Or should I go to something newer? I'm a die-hard fan of small phones, but my options are very limited (S5 Mini, iPhone SE or an overly expensive z3c).
And if you believe that it's a good idea to buy a S5 Mini, which variant should I aim for?
Thank you for your ideas.
I have one, bought it used 3 months ago, and have had no problems. One warning I have is it seems harder to unlock yourself than previous Samsung SX phones. It's got good battery life, removable battery, memory card slot, all the things I was looking for. Some websites I went to warn that it's got worse specs than the full S5, and for no good reason. Reddit subs around phones seem to hate it. Just make sure you make sure the phone is legit and not stolen before you buy it, etc.

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