Database Develop

Considering jumping ship for an Axon 7...

This thread could be total blasphemy...sorry in advance if it is!
I've bad my op3 for maybe 3 weeks and really like it. Performance is excellent and smooth. Battery life is great. Absolutely love Oxygen OS.
But the audio experience doesn't match what I had with my Nexus 6 and I believe I can see the limitations in the 1080p screen when zooming into photos that I have snapped. They don't look as crisp as the N6 when viewing close up, even though I know the op3 has a better camera.
The Axon 7 has a lot to offer at the same price point. Awesome audio experience, better screen, bigger battery (even if becomes a wash due to the better screen), expandable storage. What's not to love with regards to specs?
My only concerns are ZTE's UI and the bootloader. I don't have an issue running stock firmware if it is good. I have no desire to unlock or root my op3 because I'm completely satisfied with OOS. if ZTE's UI isn't good, I'm scared of being stuck with it.
Anyway that ended up being a longer post than I thought. But are there any op3 owners pondering the Axon 7?

I'm satisfied with the Snapdragon 820's integrated DAC, and this is coming from someone who's accumulated thousands of dollars of audio equipment through the years.
I really don't care what my photographs look like on a phone's tiny 1080p screen. I edit and examine my photographs on my computer and the 4K television it outputs them to. I'm satisfied, as long as the phone takes great shots and film that are worthy for future preservation.
It is a little odd for you to post this on the OP3's XDA developer forum, if you're not one who commonly unlocks, roots, and contributes, besides the fact you seem unsatisfied with the phone. I don't think that you will find many people if any who would encourage to switch devices here.
In fact, I really dislike the ZTE brand, they are poor in updating their device's software, the quality control is poor, all three ZTE devices I've owned have suffered hardware failures, one as recent last month with my father's Axon. The developer community and customer service is poor as well. OnePlus has poor customer service, but developer community is among the best.
I wish you luck on your journey.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

Judging by these comparisons I've found, the Axon7 has some advantages, but overall the OP3 still beats it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iln4VouVW-Q
Camera is better on the OP3 except the abysmal camcorder audio, which has been fixed on XDA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXF-J-zCKQM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfGzHmIqbkY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5sQBh_qnJk
the most important factor for me: Unlocking the bootloader, rooting and flashing roms is allowed by OnePlus! Also there is already a huge community for this device.
I was in the same situation as you are right now but quickly reconsidered after seeing these videos.
Their ui is ugly too


biglilsteve said:
This thread could be total blasphemy...sorry in advance if it is!
I've bad my op3 for maybe 3 weeks and really like it. Performance is excellent and smooth. Battery life is great. Absolutely love Oxygen OS.
But the audio experience doesn't match what I had with my Nexus 6 and I believe I can see the limitations in the 1080p screen when zooming into photos that I have snapped. They don't look as crisp as the N6 when viewing close up, even though I know the op3 has a better camera.
The Axon 7 has a lot to offer at the same price point. Awesome audio experience, better screen, bigger battery (even if becomes a wash due to the better screen), expandable storage. What's not to love with regards to specs?
My only concerns are ZTE's UI and the bootloader. I don't have an issue running stock firmware if it is good. I have no desire to unlock or root my op3 because I'm completely satisfied with OOS. if ZTE's UI isn't good, I'm scared of being stuck with it.
Anyway that ended up being a longer post than I thought. But are there any op3 owners pondering the Axon 7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well well... If that bootloader is unlocked I'm in

I'm also on the fence between OP3 and Axon 7; both devices have strong and weak points, but as OP say the ZTE UI and bootloader lock would make the difference.
Quality checks also do have importance, thus it would be nice to hear from existing Axon 7 owners.

You're not on an Axon 7 forum what's the point of this thread? If you want to move on a new phone our opinion doesn't matter.

Well if someone happen to have both, or experience with ZTE, it does. I am also interested to know. The Axon 7 I believe offers 2 UI choices; the ZTE one, and stock Android, which is a big plus (no DnD disabled-slider BS and whatnot). This is a good forum to discuss it, because the audience is tech-savy and can give good feedback on what they know about difference between Op3 and A7, I think.

Oneplus - Custom rom and unlock bootloader
Axon - ?

AcmE85 said:
.... Unlocking the bootloader, rooting and flashing roms is allowed by OnePlus! Also there is already a huge community for this device...

Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the most important plus point for OP3 over axon.
And this is the reason I'll always go with OP3

madsponge26 said:
Oneplus - Custom rom and unlock bootloader
Axon - ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Axon should have better display and audio (both DAC and speakers).
Design and development wise OP3 wins hands down, though.

Im on the same boat, the phone on paper beats the the 1+3 (bigger battery, better screen, better sound, expandable storage, etc) I almost preordered it, there are a few things holding me back, this will be my 1st time buying an ZTE phone, I dont know how good their hardware is, nobody knows anything about their update system, is uncertain if the bootloader will be unlocked, the black/grey version will be coming out the 2nd week of August by that time the next Nexus might already be announced (I know I might want that phone too).

@Giocarro
The OP3 DAC can easily compete with higher priced devices
https://youtu.be/ATxLNEDYqDk?t=1h23m54s
http://pocketnow.com/2016/06/27/oneplus-3-review#toc-7
Initial anecdotal impressions of the OP3 were very positive.
This phone has a clean, punchy, balanced output from the headphone jack,
and this amp is more powerful than the hardware found on the Galaxy S7 or LG G5.
Running this phone through some analyzer tools, it handily beat those two flagships,
and trailed directly behind some of our absolute favorite music phones like the HTC 10 and LG V10,
just nipping at the heels of the iPhone 6S. This was shocking in the best way possible.
The OnePlus 3 sounds like a very good option for the audiophile on a budget.
The bottom firing speaker is no slouch either. Not the loudest we’ve tested for alerts and notifications,
but providing detailed and crisp playback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Good discussion guys. @AcmE85, the links you posted are very helpful!
Obviously, I could have taken this post to the ZTE forum but I didn't want to be inundated with responses from people that are overly excited about the ZTE. I figured here, people might be a little more calculated in their responses...and most of you have been. Thank you!

I just want to clearify that I am not biased.
I can admit that my OPOs display is objectively sharper than the OP3 when displaying small fonts for example...
I was also thinking about returning my OP3 for the ZTE but kept it in the end.
The Axon7 has some advantages, but in the areas which are most important to me the OP3 shines.
I probably would have waited for the next Nexus anyway if it wasn't for the OP3.

AcmE85 said:
I just want to clearify that I am not biased.
I can admit that my OPOs display is objectively sharper than the OP3 when displaying small fonts for example...
I was also thinking about returning my OP3 for the ZTE but kept it in the end.
The Axon7 has some advantages, but in the areas which are most important to me the OP3 shines.
I probably would have waited for the next Nexus anyway if it wasn't for the OP3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, your comments were very objective.

I know it's subjective but that phone is fugly (imho)

drummerman said:
I know it's subjective but that phone is fugly (imho)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha funny I think the opposite. I think it is a better looking phone than the op3...especially from the front. From the back they are both equally attractive.

biglilsteve said:
Haha funny I think the opposite. I think it is a better looking phone than the op3...especially from the front. From the back they are both equally attractive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like the love child of a radiator cover and an LG :laugh:

Buying a phone beased on hardware specs is never a good idea. ZTE is too new in this game. You will just waste money.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Please explain why you say that. Exclude updates (could be bootloader unlock)

Does Shamu have a worthy successor yet ?!

Hiya tech-mates !
I'd love to have your opinion.
I just asked myself, if my (underestimated)beloved Shamu needs to be replaced tomorrow, for any reason, (hope he won't, at least few years)
which phone could be as good as N6 was (and still is) nowadays ?
I.e. our shamu is being old little by little but still in race yet imo..
Got it since 2 years from now, and the more time passes, the more I like N6 !
-32/64bits transition is in a good way and almost finished (flagships). I think new SoCs (even more powerful) are still not as efficient as SD805 is. (without filling RAM with useless data or using an 32bits-adaptator which waste ressources)
-Cameras are quite better now
-Fingerprint scanner is a classic feature now (if you need it)
-Stock ROM "outdated" and security patch ends soon
-better StB ratio (not that much)
IMO, there's no device yet which beat the Shamu considering overall characteristics. And buying a new one will make me loose some beloved features I guess (screen size/type/quality, awesome dualspeakers, software fluidity, xda ressources/ROMS, Qi, LED)
If I need to buy a new phone today, I'll surely take a brand new N6 but i'll think about waiting for a OP5 or maybe chinese devices P10+/Mi Mix2/Mi 6+.
Which one would you choose ? (do your own suggestions)
(excuse my english, he's dirty)

I would recommend either waiting for the OP5 or getting the OP3T. I used to own the N6 but it ended in a tragic fate. So I decided to get the OP3T. Love it! Super fast, great camera, great battery, I love the fingerprint scanner, and the notification LED. The only downfall IMO is the speaker. It can easily be covered up and block sound. Other than that I would definitely recommend the OP3T or the OP5 if it it any good
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

baeren131 said:
I would recommend either waiting for the OP5 or getting the OP3T. I used to own the N6 but it ended in a tragic fate. So I decided to get the OP3T. Love it! Super fast, great camera, great battery, I love the fingerprint scanner, and the notification LED. The only downfall IMO is the speaker. It can easily be covered up and block sound. Other than that I would definitely recommend the OP3T or the OP5 if it it any good
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any phone which have a speaker as good as the N6s one ?
So hard to leave that speaker :S

mesco38 said:
Is there any phone which have a speaker as good as the N6s one ? [emoji14]
So hard to leave that speaker :S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can only think of the 6P or the pixel... (If you don't get one with the glitched out speaker...) But sorry. I can't think of anything, but I know what you mean. I definitely miss that
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

The new Google phones are to expensive .
OnePlus 3T or LG G6 are acceptable priced.
But my N6 - debloated and decrypted - is still fast and smooth.
I can wait...

mesco38 said:
Is there any phone which have a speaker as good as the N6s one ?
So hard to leave that speaker :S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Axon 7 has very good sound, stereo speakers.

mesco38 said:
Is there any phone which have a speaker as good as the N6s one ? [emoji14]
So hard to leave that speaker :S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pixel XL speaker is much weaker (hah). Clear but sounds muffled compared to the venerable Shamu. Also only one speaker so the only stereo is through the headphone jack. Other than that, the Marlin is nice.

I read an article recently that Nokia (Yeah, read that correctly) wants to push the Nexus line back into existence. Or at least as close as possible, replicating the Nexus experience of little to no bloatware, and fast updates. My N6 is chugging along just fine right now, but I hope that Nokia follows through, because that just might be my new phone..

I've been watching for one, but there just aren't a lot of options if you like larger phones. What I need to see...
5.5" minimum screen size. 16:9. Might have to reevaluate if the ratios change much more. 1080p or better.
AOSP builds supported, no locked bootloader.
Better RAM/CPU/storage specs than the N6.
SD card. I don't care if the phone comes with 1TB internal, I want the damn SD slot. The manufacturing cost is about 20 cents, just put it in.
Forward facing speakers that sound decent.
Decent reception on TMobile LTE bands. Ideally supporting all US carriers, but Sprint/VZW are annoying.
Ideally, TMobile WiFi calling enabled.
Ideally, 4000+ mAh battery or user removable so I can get a bigger battery.
Ideally, flat screen so I can use tempered glass screen protectors.
Max price $500 US.
Oh yeah, no spontaneous combustion.
Axon 7 is the only one close. Flat screen and battery are not there, but the price is nice and performance is good. AOSP builds are fully functional now, thanks to the devs over there.

I know it's not a nexus-killer, but I just ordered a Note 5 to replace my Nexus 6. There's nothing that quite matches the beauty of Samsung, plus I just miss the S-Pen. Plus it'll be just enough smaller, thinner, and lighter enough that it won't feel big and bulky in my hand, as well as it being nice and balanced unlike the N6 which is noticeably bigger and heavier on the top than on the bottom.
The only things I'll really miss of the N6 are 1) 100% carrier compatibility 2) Stereo front speakers (oh man, no phone beats these) and 3) plain stock os, although that's starting to lag behind on speed (even though it gets faster antutu than lineage). Anyway. I'm pretty excited. And again, definitely not a nexus-killer in any way, but the Note 5 just has things I value more than getting a vanilla experience.
Besides, if Google is going to turn Apple and make an iphone-clone and also make it so I have to be unrooted/locked anyway in order to pass safetynet, I might as well move back to what's comfortable to use. Just my 2c.

NLBeev said:
The new Google phones are to expensive .
OnePlus 3T or LG G6 are acceptable priced.
But my N6 - debloated and decrypted - is still fast and smooth.
I can wait...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree and will wait too until he dies
N6 debloated, even encrypted, still runs everything perfectly smoothly and still have one of the best stereo dual speakers.. Autonomy is fine too, event after 2 years he's still running 1 day and half with normal/good use (no wifi, always on 4G, no gps, using youtube with or without earphones at least 1 hour)

alresave said:
The Axon 7 has very good sound, stereo speakers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, didn't know that phone, looks great. Stock ROM excepted, he really looks like a N6 "successor" (not really sure that SD820+4Go RAM+64bitsOS runs that much better than SD805+3Go RAM+32bitsOS - your opinion ?)(I don't trust benchmarks)
Heard something about alternative ROMs with him ? Will look after some xda forums
Anything about ZTE quality/updates/after-sales ?

ttabbal said:
I've been watching for one, but there just aren't a lot of options if you like larger phones. What I need to see...
5.5" minimum screen size. 16:9. Might have to reevaluate if the ratios change much more. 1080p or better.
AOSP builds supported, no locked bootloader.
Better RAM/CPU/storage specs than the N6.
SD card. I don't care if the phone comes with 1TB internal, I want the damn SD slot. The manufacturing cost is about 20 cents, just put it in.
Forward facing speakers that sound decent.
Decent reception on TMobile LTE bands. Ideally supporting all US carriers, but Sprint/VZW are annoying.
Ideally, TMobile WiFi calling enabled.
Ideally, 4000+ mAh battery or user removable so I can get a bigger battery.
Ideally, flat screen so I can use tempered glass screen protectors.
Max price $500 US.
Oh yeah, no spontaneous combustion.
Axon 7 is the only one close. Flat screen and battery are not there, but the price is nice and performance is good. AOSP builds are fully functional now, thanks to the devs over there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agreed.. SDCard excepted, got the same requirements
Hope there's a new phone soon (pixel2 ? but they don't seem to go on this way..)
Axon 7 looks great indeed

BlockOfDynamite said:
I know it's not a nexus-killer, but I just ordered a Note 5 to replace my Nexus 6. There's nothing that quite matches the beauty of Samsung, plus I just miss the S-Pen. Plus it'll be just enough smaller, thinner, and lighter enough that it won't feel big and bulky in my hand, as well as it being nice and balanced unlike the N6 which is noticeably bigger and heavier on the top than on the bottom.
The only things I'll really miss of the N6 are 1) 100% carrier compatibility 2) Stereo front speakers (oh man, no phone beats these) and 3) plain stock os, although that's starting to lag behind on speed (even though it gets faster antutu than lineage). Anyway. I'm pretty excited. And again, definitely not a nexus-killer in any way, but the Note 5 just has things I value more than getting a vanilla experience.
Besides, if Google is going to turn Apple and make an iphone-clone and also make it so I have to be unrooted/locked anyway in order to pass safetynet, I might as well move back to what's comfortable to use. Just my 2c.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SHAME ON U
SHAME2U
SHAMU !!
What's the interest turning GPhones into Apple-likePhones ?

mesco38 said:
...
What's the interest turning GPhones into Apple-likePhones ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Money! They want us to use Android pay. Banks don't like rooting; fear of fraud.

As the Moto X Pure was a nice update of what I loved about the N6, I was hoping that the 2017 Moto X would continue that line. Unfortunately, from the leaks we have seen, it looks more like an HTC phone or even an iPhone than the logical continuation of the N6. But the price points that MotoLenova are hitting are really tempting. I even think the G5 Plus would make a nice phone at that price. I'll see what they eventually release with the Moto X before I decide. I've just gotten to a point where the Pixels of the world are too expensive for what you get.
But like all of us here in the N6 forum, I am still rocking my Shamu.

NLBeev said:
Money! They want us to use Android pay. Banks don't like rooting; fear of fraud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMO, I don't think Android/applepay will last over time..
So insecure and new-gen credit cards are developped right now (with screen/digital pin or fingerprint scanner)

mesco38 said:
IMO, I don't think Android/applepay will last over time..
So insecure and new-gen credit cards are developped right now (with screen/digital pin or fingerprint scanner)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I can't think of other reasons why Google makes it more difficult to get root access.
G. doesn't even manage to create a dark UI.
I am beginning to dislike Google....
Hopefully there will be soon new credit-cards.
BTw Phone paying is recently introduced here in the Netherlands.

NLBeev said:
But I can't think of other reasons why Google makes it more difficult to get root access.
G. doesn't even manage to create a dark UI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess, users who make last their phone 3+ years by rooting, installing customroms, changing screens and batteries themselves, is not worthy in this consumery society..
When you see how sheeps spend their money with iPhones, spending 1000€/years sometimes to get a 2years-late technology.. Com'on, "Think different"
NLBeev said:
I am beginning to dislike Google....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, same for me :crying:
At least stock android/G-devices
NLBeev said:
Hopefully there will be soon new credit-cards.
BTw Phone paying is recently introduced here in the Netherlands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here, in France, banks have already made an agreement among them, tu use a local payment service called "paylib". So they don't wanna introduce android pay. (but applepay is already working here..)
Fu**ing retarded country we are..

mesco38 said:
Totally agreed.. SDCard excepted, got the same requirements
Hope there's a new phone soon (pixel2 ? but they don't seem to go on this way..)
Axon 7 looks great indeed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SD is one of those things people seem to love or hate. There's no one right way, but there's also nothing saying you have to put a card in there if there's a slot. But if there's not a slot, you have no choice. As it's tiny, costs almost nothing, and harms nothing to have it, why not? Then everyone can have it however they like. Those digital packrats can have tons of storage, those who prefer not to have one just don't install one. The Axon 7 implementation is particularly nice, the SIM tray is a dual SIM and one of them can be an SD or a SIM. It can even be both, but that requires some modifications to the SD cards. IMO the only people to gain anything from it not being there are device manufacturers (sell overpriced higher capacity versions), and cloud providers trying to sell you storage.
Axon 7 is really the only device I could see buying right now. The LG G6 looks nice, but LGs history with bootloops and lack of service has me avoiding them. AOSP is not possible at the moment though, so G6 is out.
OnePlus 3T looks nice, screen is a bit small and no SD.
I really liked my Note 3, but Samsung is on a lockdown thing right now, and I won't buy a device I can't actually own. He who controls the software controls the device.
None have the removable battery, which would be nice, and all are a bit small on battery for me, but I can live with that. Nothing is perfect. I'm in no hurry at the moment, Shamu and the devs here are treating me well.

Is the OnePlus 3T still a great phone one year later?

Hello again! I've been looking at the OnePlus 3T for a while now, but I didn't want to jump the gun yet.
It was a steady $500 CAD here in Canada for a 64GB and I found a 128GB OnePlus 3T that comes with 2 cases,
for $480 CAD, now, the phone has been out for almost exactly one year now and it's only now $120 off, so this
leads me to my questions, should I go ahead and purchase it? Is it still a great choice, one year later?

As long as you don't need the fake bokeh effect that a dual camera setup gives, you won't regret buying this phone.

I've had mine since April and still love it. Even though that new Pixel XL 2 is tempting, I essentially will do the same thing on both phone and can't justify the money when my 3t is still running excellent

FadedAssassiin said:
.... Is it still a great choice, one year later?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is. I bought mine in December and it is one of the best purchases that I have made.
To elaborate, I have been mostly stock except for magisk root, and never faced any issues with this device. I use it for work and play, and it never disappoints. I would not change this phone except maybe for the iPhone X (but a $1000+ phone? screw that)

I came in late to the OP3/3T game and got mine in June of this year and haven't looked back since. Sure I 'want' a Pixel 2 XL but damn that price... The 3T has been amazing to me. I've got mine unlocked, using FreedomOS CE with Magisk, AdAway, Substratum (Ozone & Swift Dark), Nova Launcher with Prime & Google Companion, Google Pixel Dialer/Contacts, Google Pixel 2 Live Wallpaper and a slew of other minor things here and there. OnePlus gives you serious freedom and the devs are already pushing hard on custom O ROMs. If you're here on XDA you most likely enjoy tinkering and this phone will let you go above and beyond simply because of the great folks in the various forums and communities let alone the ease to do so because of OnePlus keeping it open.
Side note: You can get the fake bokeh effect easily by using Google Camera with a Magisk Module to fix the crash bug. Neat stuff but I just use the included OnePlus Camera myself.

How much more is the 5? I love my 3t and couldn't be happier with it.

CJ-Wylde said:
I came in late to the OP3/3T game and got mine in June of this year and haven't looked back since. Sure I 'want' a Pixel 2 XL but damn that price... The 3T has been amazing to me. I've got mine unlocked, using FreedomOS CE with Magisk, AdAway, Substratum (Ozone & Swift Dark), Nova Launcher with Prime & Google Companion, Google Pixel Dialer/Contacts, Google Pixel 2 Live Wallpaper and a slew of other minor things here and there. OnePlus gives you serious freedom and the devs are already pushing hard on custom O ROMs. If you're here on XDA you most likely enjoy tinkering and this phone will let you go above and beyond simply because of the great folks in the various forums and communities let alone the ease to do so because of OnePlus keeping it open.
Side note: You can get the fake bokeh effect easily by using Google Camera with a Magisk Module to fix the crash bug. Neat stuff but I just use the included OnePlus Camera myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do we get fake bokeh with Google camera? I use it and I'm not able to get it!!

srharshajava said:
How do we get fake bokeh with Google camera? I use it and I'm not able to get it!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's called Lens Blur

CJ-Wylde said:
It's called Lens Blur
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lena blur is not potrait mode!!

3T is still a great phone whose specs are being duplicated by major manufacturers.

srharshajava said:
Lena blur is not potrait mode!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it's not, it's a fake bokeh effect. It's not all that great, but it's all we have if using Google Camera.

FadedAssassiin said:
Hello again! I've been looking at the OnePlus 3T for a while now, but I didn't want to jump the gun yet.
It was a steady $500 CAD here in Canada for a 64GB and I found a 128GB OnePlus 3T that comes with 2 cases,
for $480 CAD, now, the phone has been out for almost exactly one year now and it's only now $120 off, so this
leads me to my questions, should I go ahead and purchase it? Is it still a great choice, one year later?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're probably going to get a lot of us fan-boy-ing about it. Do you have any questions about it in particular? As far as I'm concerned, it's the best phone I've ever had & may betray my normal cycle of purchasing phones (every 2-2.5 years) and just hold onto it.
You're super free with the software. People say it's "unbrickable" (though I just had the scariest experience of my entire custom-flashing-life of the last 7ish years, but it was resolved either way). No removable battery & expandable storage sucks dongers but that's the trend regardless. The specs are far beyond what's needed for a telephone if you ask me. The price for what you get in hardware + software freedom is craziness (in a good way).
The ONLY THING is if you really need amazing camera HARDWARE, then you should be looking at Samsung, Apple, or the new Pixels. That being said, there are many camera mods enabling you to use (on custom ROMs) the OnePlus camera, the Pixel camera with HDR+, the Snapdragon camera, and if you aren't already aware, learning how to use Manual mode can do wonders...

purplepenguin said:
You're probably going to get a lot of us fan-boy-ing about it. Do you have any questions about it in particular? As far as I'm concerned, it's the best phone I've ever had & may betray my normal cycle of purchasing phones (every 2-2.5 years) and just hold onto it.
You're super free with the software. People say it's "unbrickable" (though I just had the scariest experience of my entire custom-flashing-life of the last 7ish years, but it was resolved either way). No removable battery & expandable storage sucks dongers but that's the trend regardless. The specs are far beyond what's needed for a telephone if you ask me. The price for what you get in hardware + software freedom is craziness (in a good way).
The ONLY THING is if you really need amazing camera HARDWARE, then you should be looking at Samsung, Apple, or the new Pixels. That being said, there are many camera mods enabling you to use (on custom ROMs) the OnePlus camera, the Pixel camera with HDR+, the Snapdragon camera, and if you aren't already aware, learning how to use Manual mode can do wonders...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am just looking for a speedier phone than I have right now, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, which I am sure is a definite night and day difference in performance, the OnePlus 3T caught my eye back in February, and the price seemed quite good for such a stunning phone. I do have a few questions, how do you rate the fingerprint sensor? Is it fast or super fast, compared to maybe a iPhone 6S or 7, but that might be stretching it. How does the camera do at night? In a poorly lit room? Thanks for the reply!

SourPower said:
How much more is the 5? I love my 3t and couldn't be happier with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the late reply! The OnePlus 5 is going for $720 Canadian Dollars for the 64GB, whilst the used OnePlus 3T 128GB is going for $480 Canadian Dollars.

FadedAssassiin said:
I am just looking for a speedier phone than I have right now, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, which I am sure is a definite night and day difference in performance, the OnePlus 3T caught my eye back in February, and the price seemed quite good for such a stunning phone. I do have a few questions, how do you rate the fingerprint sensor? Is it fast or super fast, compared to maybe a iPhone 6S or 7, but that might be stretching it. How does the camera do at night? In a poorly lit room? Thanks for the reply!
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Click to collapse
I'm the wrong dude for both of those questions probably. I only messed with fingerprint a littttttle bit on my s5. Compared to that, OP3T is blazing fast.
For the camera, have barely used it honestly! lol Good luck!

FadedAssassiin said:
I am just looking for a speedier phone than I have right now, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, which I am sure is a definite night and day difference in performance, the OnePlus 3T caught my eye back in February, and the price seemed quite good for such a stunning phone. I do have a few questions, how do you rate the fingerprint sensor? Is it fast or super fast, compared to maybe a iPhone 6S or 7, but that might be stretching it. How does the camera do at night? In a poorly lit room? Thanks for the reply!
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I am using stock OOS and the fingerprint is blazing fast.
Regarding the night camera, installing the Google modded apk is the way to go. It offers fantastic night shots.
Unleashed by ONEPLUS 3T rooted

Absolutely! I love it like a child. It's my baby.
I have often said to OnePlus that their customer's service should favorably compare to the phones they produce. Their customers service, in a word, is awful. It is somewhat heartening that it is getting better.
They produce a wonderful product. Their support leaves a little more time, I hope. I have never come across a situation quite like this. The quality of their products far exceeds their support. I think. in time that situation will change. They will improve or fail and that would be a shame.
XDA could learn a lesson from what I said about OnePlus. Their product is truth. Their support also leaves something to be considered.

CJ-Wylde said:
No it's not, it's a fake bokeh effect. It's not all that great, but it's all we have if using Google Camera.
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Portrait mode (with dual camera) is fake bokeh also. Just not as fake. It's true, the Google lens blur often results in "fuzzy" edges on the subject, or obviously fake/cheesy looking Photo-chopped effect.

redpoint73 said:
Portrait mode (with dual camera) is fake bokeh also. Just not as fake. It's true, the Google lens blur often results in "fuzzy" edges on the subject, or obviously fake/cheesy looking Photo-chopped effect.
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Yeah, it's as good as we can get with the single-lens and OP / OP3T setup. I don't use it even though it's neat for up-close 'macro' like shots, but the fakeness of it does show through most of the time. I'm saving now to get another DSLR and do love my OP3T for quick on-the-go snaps. It is good for that, the picture quality is leaps above most phones out there, and for it's price point, not really anything to compare to it.

srharshajava said:
Lena blur is not potrait mode!!
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Not literally, no. But "portrait mode" is just an Apple baloney marketing name for "fake bokeh effect". Now every phone manufacturer feels like they need dual camera and "portrait mode" (which I'm sure Apple is suing them for using that name). Even dual camera is just software trickery (in conjunction with dual camera) to fake a bokeh effect that will never be possible with the focal length of a smartphone camera.
Obviously, you won't get the exact same effect as a phone that has dual camera (OP5, iPhone plus, etc.).
---------- Post added at 12:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:12 PM ----------
FadedAssassiin said:
Is it still a great choice, one year later?
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Back to the original question: I would say YES it's still a great phone.
I was unimpressed with the OP5, with its mostly incremental improvements, and the "jelly effect". We've actually seen a number of folks on this forum, looking to get a new phone, and opting for the 3T instead of the 5.
Of course there are other, impressive options (Pixel 2, Galaxy S8) with their own pros and cons. But of course they are quite expensive, and don't measure up to the shear value of the 3T; with its combination of build quality, value, and dev community here on XDA.
I don't find myself yearning for the "latest and greatest" phone yet. Maybe next year. The 3T is holding it's own quite well, and still a very solid and capable device.

Oneplus 6

The new oneplus 6 just copied the Asus Zenfone 5

They do look very similar. The 5Z compares favorably with the OP6. I've got a ZenFone 5 that is working great but I'm considering getting the OP6 to get the faster processor, cleaner Android, and better Gorilla Glass.

Our Asus have expandable storage, Stereo Speakers, if we get a clean version of Android on our devices its game over

They have a common screen resolution, notch, and.. pretty much it.
Some things that's on the OP6 that I'd like on the 5Z: the alert slider, cleaner more stock version of android, and more finish options.
I was considering the OP6 for a few minutes, but the camera on the 5Z wins. I love taking pictures and miss a wide angle lens.

These Asus phone's are great camera is great plus the stereo speakers are loud

If the 5/5z supports Treble I imagine someone will boot an AOSP image on it a few months from now. Not sure if any devs are interested in this phone, so custom ROMs might not arrive till next year. OnePlus phones are supported heavily by the community, whereas Asus devices usually see less development.

Ace42 said:
If the 5/5z supports Treble I imagine someone will boot an AOSP image on it a few months from now. Not sure if any devs are interested in this phone, so custom ROMs might not arrive till next year. OnePlus phones are supported heavily by the community, whereas Asus devices usually see less development.
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Thats very true but for now we have a badass Asus Zenfone 5 nice screen, stereo speakers,nice camera expandable storage great battery Life plus we got Root

Too bad it's glass and has a notch. It would be perfect.

temporarium said:
Too bad it's glass and has a notch. It would be perfect.
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The LG G7, OP6, and ZF5 have options to hide the notch if I'm not mistaken. It's the trend for 2018 and possibly '19, so get used to it.

Ace42 said:
The LG G7, OP6, and ZF5 have options to hide the notch if I'm not mistaken. It's the trend for 2018 and possibly '19, so get used to it.
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The ZF5 doesn't have this option yet (or I haven't found it if it does). Granted, I like the notch so I wouldn't hide it anyway.

gtchs said:
The ZF5 doesn't have this option yet (or I haven't found it if it does). Granted, I like the notch so I wouldn't hide it anyway.
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Got an update today and now I see the option to hide the notch in the display settings. It seems to work well if you don't like the notch.

These phones keep getting better with every update

I probably end up buying the OP6 tomorrow when it releases. I couldn't wait til July for Asus to be release.

I went ahead and ordered a OP6 today and should have it on Friday. Figured I can always sell it for close to what I paid if I decide to keep the ZF5 instead.

gtchs said:
I went ahead and ordered a OP6 today and should have it on Friday. Figured I can always sell it for close to what I paid if I decide to keep the ZF5 instead.
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I will be interested in your comparison between them. I am deciding between Mi Mix 2s, ZF5, and OP6. ZF5 actually seems to tick the most boxes (SD card, useful wide angle secondary lens, 3.5mm, not overly bloated UI) just waiting to see if development pick ups.

kitchenfork said:
I will be interested in your comparison between them. I am deciding between Mi Mix 2s, ZF5, and OP6. ZF5 actually seems to tick the most boxes (SD card, useful wide angle secondary lens, 3.5mm, not overly bloated UI) just waiting to see if development pick ups.
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I have a Mi Mix 2 (not the 2s) that I'm trying to sell now. It's an awesome phone but I don't like MIUI and it's a little heavier than I'd like. There are custom ROMs for it that work well though.
It's hard to beat OP with regard to their version of Android without going with a Pixel or one of the Android One devices. I like ZenUI too so far as it's not overly bloated and works pretty well (love the automatic rotating wallpaper feature ).
If only the ZF5Z were available when I got the ZF5 I would most likely not have ordered the OP6.

Guys, don't fall for the O+6.
I had the 5 and I bought this Zenfone 5.
Ok it has not the same power (cpu/GPU/ram) but the rest is quite the same and the experience is great so far (excepted tiny interface bug with smaller screen resolution).
We have stereo speakers (test yourself, mono then put stereo and you will see the benefits), expandable storage (very useful to accumulate 4K video recording or watch movies with this big 6,2" screen while in the train ).
And for what ? 180 euros less than O+6.
Ok we lack 8.1 but with treble and partnership between Google and Asus , we'll have good updates
Just stick with your zenfone and wait for O+ 6T if you wanna change

Failing to find N6 replacement - 1+6, Moto G6, Nokia 7+

As described in the title.
I'm failing to find a replacement for my N6..
Pixels are way above the budget.
OnePlus feels like it but lacks stereo speakers, but looks like good enough as camera (ois) and OS (updates,cleaner).
Moto g6 is mid ranger - good value for money, lacks OIS and stereo. Plus OS updates will be long delayed if I compare it with ny wife's G5S Moto.
Nokia 7+ looked promising as design, Android One program, battery. Budget wise - exactly to the point. However missing stereo speakers. And camera looks like disappointment to reviewers due to lack of OIS.
Any thoughts ?

My brother has the Nokia 7+. And I own a Nexus 6. As for comparison, I can say that 7+ is an OKAY upgrade. But sure, N6's speakers are better. 7+ speaker is not bad tho. But trust me, you'll miss the amoled display. 7+ cameras are awesome, don't listen to reviewers. Install gcam and viola, pixel quality shots on N7+.
We have the same situation tho. For now, I consider the Xiaomi Mi8 SE and refurbished Pixel XL.
As I wait for a worthy replacement, I am maximizing the life out of my N6. Recently changed the battery, flashed custom ROM & kernel. And man, I never thought this device will still hold its own like it does. Maybe keep this phone until the end of this year. I think we still have to wait for more SD710 phones to come out. But that's just me. Cheers!

@Ivan - thanks! Sounds promising And yes - N6 is still holding on, just I've dropped it. Still has life in it though.
Which ROM do you use?

TodNex said:
@Ivan - thanks! Sounds promising And yes - N6 is still holding on, just I've dropped it. Still has life in it though.
Which ROM do you use?
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I'm on AOSiP 8.1 with Popcorn Kernel v1.4 and it's working very great. Still observing for best battery life tho.
Oh, I forgot to mention, I'm very hyped for the budget Pixel phone with SD710. I think that's the phone for me.. and I feel it. :laugh:
Well, if you can endure the cracked screen for until early 2019, wait for it.

TodNex said:
I'm failing to find a replacement for my N6..
.....Any thoughts ?
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I'm looking for a replacement, including wireless charging.
I wait for a Nokia 8 Sirocco with a lower price.

TodNex said:
Pixels are way above the budget.
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No financing options where you are? I ask because financing through Google is how I got my P2XL.
My N6 though is still seeing use. My roommate preferred it over the Moto X Style (XT1575) I got for her, simply because the screen was larger as well as Android 8.x custom ROMs. That's saying something when an older device is preferred over a newer one, but I digress. I wouldn't go with any of the options you give in your post title however. None of them have quad HD screens and apparently they don't have stereo speakers either. Instead, I'd look into used devices such as on Swappa and get one from there.

Thank you for your replies.
Yes, not easy..N6 proved to be actual in the present, and not easy to replace in mid-range.
Yes Pixels are.very expensive here.
I would go with LineageOS if I was not security freak and doubting about installing Google Apps aside from a site.

OpenGApps.org is a reputable site and has been the "go to" option for years. However, several developers on XDA also have downloadable GApps packages available. I'd hunt for them if you don't trust OpenGApps.org, and then upgrade your N6. Nitrogen is a good choice, better than LineageOS I feel.

Imagine if they revived shamu with 18:9 aspect ratio, fingerprint sensor, usb type c, upgraded camera & SoC, same awesome front firing speakerS. Heck yeah, that's my dream phone!

It already exists. It's called the Pixel 2 XL.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
It already exists. It's called the Pixel 2 XL.
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Nah, no headphone jack & wireless charging.
And I also mean the curved back design of shamu.

None of which were on your list. Now, obviously people's mileage will vary here, but wireless charging is something I never used, and as for the headphone jack? I was just like you in thinking I would die without a headphone jack. And then I grew up.
P. S. I rather like phones I can't spin on a desk.

OnePlus 5T seems like such a perfect replacement - probably what I'd get if I were in the market right now. Oneplus has became the de facto nexus replacement after google decided to update its pricing scheme

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
It already exists. It's called the Pixel 2 XL.
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No headphone jack on the 2XL. thats a deal breaker for me.

Ta3miyyasandwich said:
OnePlus 5T seems like such a perfect replacement - probably what I'd get if I were in the market right now. Oneplus has became the de facto nexus replacement after google decided to update its pricing scheme
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Thinking about this too. OP5T is still available in my country, 3rd party tho. Will wait for 5T price drops when OP6 arrives here.

I admit that I'd like to see Google buck trends like Samsung, but I don't see it happening. Since there are so few choices out there for decent devices with unlockable bootloaders you will at some point have to decide what you would prefer to give up, whether it be a display without a notch, a headphone jack, or wireless charging.
I can live without the headphone jack, but I also have bluetooth headphones. If I couldn't, I'd be using the USB audio adapter Google provided in the box.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
..., a headphone jack, or wireless charging...
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The only thing I want is wireless charging.
> 4 years of wireless charging and the N6-battery is still good for a day ...

And that is where mileage will vary. I never used wireless charging and don't care if the device has it.

It's too bad Google wants to be like/become Apple. First with the OS now the notch...What's next? Google needs to move away from trying to be Apple before people start to move away from Android. If they haven't started to move away already. I'm also having a hard time finding a worthy phone to replace the Nexus 6...But so far I'm happy staying with it for awhile.

rushier.ivan said:
Imagine if they revived shamu with 18:9 aspect ratio, fingerprint sensor, usb type c, upgraded camera & SoC, same awesome front firing speakerS. Heck yeah, that's my dream phone!
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long live 16:9 :victory: