Overall love - Samsung Galaxy A40 Real Life Review

Yes, yes, it's possible to love a phone. Heck, you sleep next to it, don't you? Rate this thread to indicate your love for the Samsung Galaxy A40, all things considered. A higher rating indicates that the Samsung Galaxy A40 is an incredible phone that you enjoy tremendously. You love it.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!

5/10 meh

9/10. The Samsung A40 (2019) is the best phone I've had so far. I had the Samsung A5 (2017) before and was already annoyed at the growing size of phones. This A40 phone came along which was a similar size fixing all the issues with the 2017 A5.
Software setup: LinageOS 12.1/OC Tweaked Kernal/root
Pros:
- headphone jack
- OLED, ace screen
- Amazing screen/body ratio
- Really good XDA support for kernals, roms and root
- Great camera in ideal conditions
- Feels snappy enough
- MicroSD Two SIM card support
- Fast fingerprint reader
- Cheap with plenty of good condition seconds around
- very light, thin and small phone
- Easy to find 3rd party cheap repair shops with parts in stock/available
Cons:
- Root is harder to do than previous phones, but works
- Battery SOT of ~7 hours is a bit on the low-side. It's just OK. Using the app "LeanDroid (root)" really helps by shutting the data and switching from 4G to 2G when the screen is off
- The compass in Google Maps is wrong sometimes (I've always had this with phones)
- Camera is terrible in dark conditions

Charlie Cooper said:
9/10. The best phone I've had so far. Had the Samsung A5 (2017) before and was already annoyed at the growing size of phones. This phone came along which was a similar size fixing all the issues with the 2017 A5.
Software setup: LinageOS 12.1/OC Tweaked Kernal/root
Pros:
- headphone jack
- OLED, ace screen
- Amazing screen/body ratio
- Really good XDA support for kernals, roms and root
- Great camera in ideal conditions
- Feels snappy enough
- MicroSD Two SIM card support
- Fast fingerprint reader
- Cheap with plenty of good condition seconds around
- very light, thin and small phone
- Easy to find 3rd party cheap repair shops with parts in stock/available
Cons:
- Root is harder to do than previous phones, but works
- Battery SOT of ~7 hours is a bit on the low-side. It's just OK. Using the app "LeanDroid (root)" really helps by shutting the data and switching from 4G to 2G when the screen is off
- The compass in Google Maps is wrong sometimes (I've always had this with phones)
- Camera is terrible in dark conditions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice detailed review! Kudos

Charlie Cooper said:
9/10. The best phone I've had so far. Had the Samsung A5 (2017) before and was already annoyed at the growing size of phones. This phone came along which was a similar size fixing all the issues with the 2017 A5.
Software setup: LinageOS 12.1/OC Tweaked Kernal/root
Pros:
- headphone jack
- OLED, ace screen
- Amazing screen/body ratio
- Really good XDA support for kernals, roms and root
- Great camera in ideal conditions
- Feels snappy enough
- MicroSD Two SIM card support
- Fast fingerprint reader
- Cheap with plenty of good condition seconds around
- very light, thin and small phone
- Easy to find 3rd party cheap repair shops with parts in stock/available
Cons:
- Root is harder to do than previous phones, but works
- Battery SOT of ~7 hours is a bit on the low-side. It's just OK. Using the app "LeanDroid (root)" really helps by shutting the data and switching from 4G to 2G when the screen is off
- The compass in Google Maps is wrong sometimes (I've always had this with phones)
- Camera is terrible in dark conditions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uhh this is a40 not a5 review

Mikicrep said:
Uhh this is a40 not a5 review
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mentioned the 2017 A5 as that's the phone I upgraded from when I got my A40. This review is for the A40. I've tweaked my review to make it more clear tho!

Charlie Cooper said:
I mentioned the 2017 A5 as that's the phone I upgraded from when I got my A40. This review is for the A40. I've tweaked my review to make it more clear tho!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohh okay then, sorry

Related

[Q] What do you want to see on a 2015 smartphone? :)

Hey everyone! Hope everyone here is having a good day. So what would you guys/girls like to see on a 2015 smartphone?
I personally would like to see these specifications/features:
- Dimensions/size similar to a Nexus 5
- Unique design that stands out from other smartphones
- 5" Quad HD display
- Front-facing stereo speakers
- 8MP front-facing camera
- 21MP rear camera with OIS + 4K recording
- Stock Android
- Physical home button with pulse notification LED on it
- Aluminium bezel with a soft touch plastic back
- A multimedia panel like the Galaxy Edge but something less pronounced
- Snapdragon 810
- 4GB of RAM
- Adreno 430
- 4000mAh battery
- 16gb - 128gb storage capacity
- Variety of colour options
Yes... A long list of configuration. Boring, I know. So I decided to make a video on this 'Dream Smartphone' of mine, which I called the '2015 Concept Smartphone'.
I am new user to XDADEVELOPERS, so I cannot post links. Dam. But if you type in 'XTPN 2015 Concept Smartphone' in your YouTube search, it should be the first video.
And please do check it out! It'll help a lot
On a side note, please excuse my poor video editing and 3D modelling skills. I'm a first Industrial Design student so it's kind of all new to me. However, I'm open to all constructive criticism.
Thank you for passing by,
Phil
I would like to see more 3D screens on the market!
Thank you for this thread.
Honestly, mine isn't impressive but I think it could be made as a budget phone like the nexus 5.
4.7-5 inch screen in Nexus 5 form factor.
Android Lollipop of course
2 GB of ram.
Latest quad core
Minimum of 13 Megapixel back camera, 2 mega pixel front. Hopefully Optical Image Stabilization.
Stock android (Play edition?)
Front speakers
2,700 Mah battery
32GB starting storage, expandable up to 128GB SD card
Pulse notification light.
Soft buttons or even capacitive keys
1080p screen. Don't really care for Quad HD or 4k or whatever. I'd rather have battery.
To me that would be a fantastic phone.
- I would like to see fully waterproof phone that can stay into the water up to 30 meters for an indefinite period of time
- Battery that lasts more than 72 hours even after heavy usage and charges within five minutes
- REMOVABLE BATTERY
- DUAL ACTIVE SIM
I hope I am not asking for too much!
@goro11
That would awesome. Maybe like a 3DS-Phone? If you get my idea.
@Whiplashh
Love a budget phone. I own a Nexus 5 myself! I don't mind soft buttons or capacitive buttons either. But from my experience, I want something like the iPhone (home button + power button). The power button on my Nexus 5 got jammed a few months ago and there was no other way I could turn on the device. Luckily I had 3 months left on the warranty and got a replacement (thanks Google). And this is why I dig the buttons of the iPhone.
I would like to see an upcoming focused more the battery life too. I want something that would last a full day with medium usage. Not a full day as in MORNING-AFTERNOON, but a full-full day as in MORNING-MIDNIGHT. This would be great.
@maheshpatel
Sweet. As for the waterproofing, not only should they improve the duration of underwater usage and depth. They should also make the touchscreen usable whilst the device is in the water. Because most of the current waterproof smartphone(primarily the Sony Xperia Z line) has an unusable touchscreen whilst immersed underwater. Unless there is a device out there that has this ability?
Thanks for the replies everyone!!
The link to my '2015 Concept Phone' video. Finally!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GZP5tiEko8&list=UUrXHEU3hnGj3McjXUctKHOA
Thanks
How about upgradable ram?
Sent from my D6503 using xda premium
I want to see:
HTC One M9:
Snapdragon 810
4Gb RAM
5.2, 2K display
13MP Back Camera, 4K Video 60 FPS
Even better stereo speakers with BoomSound
Even better sound in earphones
And be able to change HTC Sense on pure Android
5.7-5.9" (Anything below 5.7" = NOPE.)
4GB RAM
64Bit Snapdragon 810 or maybe even 815.
Adreno 430
32-128GB + MicroSD slot
21MP 4K OIS rear camera (I don't care about the front one, I don't do selfies.)
Preferably waterproof, but it's not a dealbraker.
So, basically, the Note 5.
HTC and Sony
I'd like to see HTC making some more phones except high-end ones and flagships, and also, I'd like to see black ui in sony's android 5.0 skin. 4.3 and 4.4.x is too....white-y.
XTPN said:
@Whiplashh
Love a budget phone. I own a Nexus 5 myself! I don't mind soft buttons or capacitive buttons either. But from my experience, I want something like the iPhone (home button + power button). The power button on my Nexus 5 got jammed a few months ago and there was no other way I could turn on the device. Luckily I had 3 months left on the warranty and got a replacement (thanks Google). And this is why I dig the buttons of the iPhone.
I would like to see an upcoming focused more the battery life too. I want something that would last a full day with medium usage. Not a full day as in MORNING-AFTERNOON, but a full-full day as in MORNING-MIDNIGHT. This would be great.
Thanks for the replies everyone!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree with you.
to be honest, I would even be extremely happy with an HTC M7 with a 13 megapixel camera. That would be a fantastic phone I think.
Project ARA
By 2015 end well see Project Ara phones selling those are perfect for geeks
we know Basically phone features ,specs Revolve around the Chipset. example i prefer 810SoC to future proof it
Price ,availability are my concerns
if i could create $450 phone initially
then $250 bucks per year I think its great
But I'm still Concerned about Build Quality,Phone Looks, button placement etc
I would like to split the Chin bezel Of Sharp Aqueos Crystal and place it as fore head then
That would be awesome !!!!
Thank you for the replies and all your great ideas!
@stress40
Up-gradable RAM would be nice. Like @[email protected] said. This is where project ARA comes into play. Where literally any specifications or feature can be upgraded, due its modular system.
But I'm still Concerned about Build Quality,Phone Looks, button placement etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely understand you. But would 'technotons' or phone geeks as you say be concerned about anything else besides the specification(performance wise; ram, cpu, gfx card, etc.) of the device?
5.7-5.9" (Anything below 5.7" = NOPE.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is that? I know it's a personal preference thing, but what's your reason?
I'd like to see HTC making some more phones except high-end ones and flagships, and also, I'd like to see black ui in sony's android 5.0 skin. 4.3 and 4.4.x is too....white-y.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm completely with you on this one. I received the 5.0 update on my Nexus 5 a weeks ago. And to me, the white is too overpowering. I don't mind it. I just prefer black.
Thanks to everyone again!!!
Hi every one i have a question a little bit diferent XD
What phone you recomend me for this 2015?
Please not a samsung because in my country all the samsungs have an exynos and no a snapdragon, i want a snapdragon mobile to have more roms XD.
And oviusli a long battery life
Can eny one help me?
Sorry bad english mode on XD
Sent from my SM-N900 using XDA Free mobile app
Expecting 0ne M9 and Sharp aqueos crystal 2015 edition
7242
Modular Phone !!
I would love to customize a phone in a way I always want.
6 inch screen.
13 MP camera.
A bigger battery maybe...
Project Ara is a great initiative by Google. Let's see how far it goes.
Hi every one i have a question a little bit diferent XD
What phone you recomend me for this 2015?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe look at reputable brands that are releasing flagship devices in 2015? Like HTC, Sony, Motorola, Google, Oppo, OnePlus, etc. Can't go wrong with that
Expecting 0ne M9 and Sharp aqueos crystal 2015 edition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good. :good:
Project Ara is a great initiative by Google. Let's see how far it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be aware of it too.
XTPN said:
Hey everyone! Hope everyone here is having a good day. So what would you guys/girls like to see on a 2015 smartphone?
I personally would like to see these specifications/features:
- Dimensions/size similar to a Nexus 5
- Unique design that stands out from other smartphones
- 5" Quad HD display
- Front-facing stereo speakers
- 8MP front-facing camera
- 21MP rear camera with OIS + 4K recording
- Stock Android
- Physical home button with pulse notification LED on it
- Aluminium bezel with a soft touch plastic back
- A multimedia panel like the Galaxy Edge but something less pronounced
- Snapdragon 810
- 4GB of RAM
- Adreno 430
- 4000mAh battery
- 16gb - 128gb storage capacity
- Variety of colour options
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to see a very capable phone aimed at the masses (I hate being asked to pay more than a ThinkPad laptop for a sim-free phone - )
- 4.7"-5.1" display with MotoX/MotoG-like easy to hold curves and backing
- Full HD resolution
- Snapdragon 610/615 performance or better
- Adreno 330 performance or better
- 3GB+ RAM
- minimum 16GB internal storage free for user (not 16GB total, 8/9/10/11 or whatever free)
- water/dust resistance ~IP68
- 3200mah+ removable battery
- rear camera that is at least as good as the Galaxy S4/iPhone4 from way back when (including near-instant response and optical image stabilisation)
- at least dual sim dual active with one easy swap sim slot like Nokia Asha phones (triple sim dual active would be even better)
- hardware switches (could be inside battery cover) to enable/disable camera, gps, bluetooth, mobile data, wifi, microphone
- samsung-like hardware home button (with capacitive on either side or not)
- full kernel source code
- full android device tree source code
- source code for the binary blobs (drivers etc) we have to deal with now
I mainly want more variety @ the $350 - $400 pricepoint. I don't see the big names suddenly dropping their prices into this range but if they were to make a few cuts to their flagship's specs, it could work. As it has already been mentioned multiple times, Google's project is very intriguing. That would be great to see if get off the ground.
@allyouwant
I wouldn't mind that either. Let's hope they come out soon.
@MiyagiSan
Nice one.
- minimum 16GB internal storage free for user (not 16GB total, 8/9/10/11 or whatever free)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally understand and agree with what you said here. Most devices are like that and it sucks. Phone companies should make space for the pre-installed OS and other software's outside of the specified storage. If you get me.
@confed
Very true. I reckon the price tag of most devices turns most people off. That being said, I was hoping the N6 followed a similar price as its predecessor. I don't blame the rise in price, just disappointed a little.
Thanks for passing by everyone. And to those who haven't seen my video yet, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GZP5tiEko8
And finally MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM AUSTRALIA!!!!

Elephone M2 Full Specs Revealed

The upcoming Elephone M2 along with some press photos. The device features a design that signifies a bit of a departure from the usual Elephone styling.
The Elephone M2 is now confirmed to have an octa-core MediaTek MT6753 processor with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of ROM. Depending on the time frame of the launch, will either make the M2 a full-blown flagship or a high-mid-range smartphone.
M2 will have a 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080p display from LG. The M2 will keep up with the trends and will pack a fingerprint sensor on the front (which claims to recognize fingerprints in 0.5 seconds) over the home button (which appears to be a physical button). Also on the front will be a 5 mega-pixel camera on top.
View attachment 3484211
View attachment 3484212
View attachment 3484213
View attachment 3484214
Source: Elephone, Gizchina
Elephone M2 looks like Huawei P8 design, but I like it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbbY3qZMaSo
Just ordered one, at an amazing pre sale price of $149- USD.
I love elephone m2 over than elephone m1.
Will it support 4g. Front camera is 8 or 5 mp ??? In company website it shows 8mp cam front side.
Download latest Android Lollipop 5.1 stock firmware for Elephone M2 smartphone from here
Just received, gold.
Main camera 13mp IMX214, front camera ov5670.
4g almost all bands.
Emmc 5 with 25gb free space out of 32gb and transfer rate more than 130mb/sec[emoji106] [emoji33]
after a couple of hours, i managed a working CWM Recovery for newly M2.
http://www.needrom.com/download/cwm-carliv-6/
CWM Carliv Elephone M2
It works for flashing zips (supersu) and i'm testing also for backup purpose.
Update guys
first of all Great Phone from Elephone..
i have tested many elephone in the past.. this M2 is one step ahead!
only disappointed about no OTG compatibility :L
Pros:
- Huge Ram 3Gb with 2,2Gb free and rom, 25Gb free, smooth system (if you change launcher) and very high speed for internal memory (app start is very fast)
- Very good FHD display, colors and viewing angle.. and miravision optimization!
- Good and responsive touch with 5 points
- Good signal strength (better than Redmi Note 2 that is my first phone now) and 800Mhz band 20 4G support (is very used in Italy)
- Notification led (red)
- Not bad battery specs, real measured 2600mAh
- Good camera IMX214 13Mp f/2 and will be better using 3rd part apps
- Not bad 5Mpixel front camera 5Mp OV5670 f/2.2
- Very good fingerprint, allow to unlock in less than 1 seconds and can store many fingers (success percentageat firts try more than 80%)
- Gestures and double tap to wake
- Very good design as well, very thin and ergonomic
- Two microphones and good call quality
- Good speaker position if you listen music putting your phone on a desk
Cons:
- No Otg Support
- Single speaker instead of stereo (there are two holes, but only the left one is with speaker)
- Physical keys on the left side (i don't like it a lot)
- No backlighted soft keys
- 2 Sims or 1 Sim + Micro SD (one slot is shared)
- Not available accessories (covers) .. bu it's really new.. we need to wait
- A little heavy.. 172g and dimensions may be better managed
- No quick charge.. power supply is 1A/h and took about 3 hours from 0 to 100%
- Built In Battery
my Italian Unboxing & Review:
megthebest said:
Update guys
Pros:
- Notification led (red)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, there's a notification led too? I received mine a few hours ago, and I had the same issue with the p8000. My unit did not come with notification led, and as far as I can see, its the same case on this one.
Also, how do you like the display? I feel like mine is quite yellow, even when I opt for cooler display levels.
a.cid said:
Wait, there's a notification led too? I received mine a few hours ago, and I had the same issue with the p8000. My unit did not come with notification led, and as far as I can see, its the same case on this one.
Also, how do you like the display? I feel like mine is quite yellow, even when I opt for cooler display levels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi,
yes my sample has notification led, on the left side of camera.
Is only red.
You can see it also during charge from 0% to 90% battery (if i remember well)
My display is not bad for white balance and i like a little the warm colors..
megthebest said:
hi,
yes my sample has notification led, on the left side of camera.
Is only red.
You can see it also during charge from 0% to 90% battery (if i remember well)
My display is not bad for white balance and i like a little the warm colors..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh now I see it! Thanks!
The LED is soo tiny and placed deep inside. I received plenty of notifications, but it never light up so far in the day. I did not charge the phone either (the battery lasts quite decently), so did not find it through there either.
I see you've made cwm for the device. If I may ask, how did you root the device? I rooted the p8000 by simply installing supersu, and since the experience on the m2 has been quite similar so far, I think it might work the same with it.
a.cid said:
I see you've made cwm for the device. If I may ask, how did you root the device? I rooted the p8000 by simply installing supersu, and since the experience on the m2 has been quite similar so far, I think it might work the same with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flashed cwm via flashtool using rom scatter from needrom repository (delete first row of scatter txt (birdtoolmin[4] ).
After flashing, flashed supersu.zip from chainfire site o here in xda.
witout cwm, if you only download suspersu from play store, after opening, you wll see that it is unable to update binaries. so different approach.. non the same as P8000
megthebest said:
Update guys
first of all Great Phone from Elephone..
i have tested many elephone in the past.. this M2 is one step ahead!
only disappointed about no OTG compatibility :L
Pros:
- Huge Ram 3Gb with 2,2Gb free and rom, 25Gb free, smooth system (if you change launcher) and very high speed for internal memory (app start is very fast)
- Very good FHD display, colors and viewing angle.. and miravision optimization!
- Good and responsive touch with 5 points
- Good signal strength (better than Redmi Note 2 that is my first phone now) and 800Mhz band 20 4G support (is very used in Italy)
- Notification led (red)
- Not bad battery specs, real measured 2600mAh
- Good camera IMX214 13Mp f/2 and will be better using 3rd part apps
- Not bad 5Mpixel front camera 5Mp OV5670 f/2.2
- Very good fingerprint, allow to unlock in less than 1 seconds and can store many fingers (success percentageat firts try more than 80%)
- Gestures and double tap to wake
- Very good design as well, very thin and ergonomic
- Two microphones and good call quality
- Good speaker position if you listen music putting your phone on a desk
Cons:
- No Otg Support
- Single speaker instead of stereo (there are two holes, but only the left one is with speaker)
- Physical keys on the left side (i don't like it a lot)
- No backlighted soft keys
- 2 Sims or 1 Sim + Micro SD (one slot is shared)
- Not available accessories (covers) .. bu it's really new.. we need to wait
- A little heavy.. 172g and dimensions may be better managed
- No quick charge.. power supply is 1A/h and took about 3 hours from 0 to 100%
- Built In Battery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I been reading in several websites that the M2 support OTG but couldn't try on my one. Is any software side missing on the phone.
MT6753 support OTG!!
rdcosta said:
Hi, I been reading in several websites that the M2 support OTG but couldn't try on my one. Is any software side missing on the phone.
MT6753 support OTG!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Elephone M2 do not support OTG, it may support only with auto powered devices or with y cable.
So definitely no support for main part of customers.
Many elephone lack of this OTG support, we will expected bettere for new models.
It does work with a powered hub but that's no use on the go is it!
Kangburra said:
It does work with a powered hub but that's no use on the go is it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried with my external powered HDD and didn't work. Maybe may OTG cable is damage.
Apart from lack of OTG is missing a quick charge, and a better battery to be perfect last night I was charging the phone on mains and the battery was still going down. Some app was sucking to much battery.
Screen is fantastic in my opinion.
rdcosta said:
I tried with my external powered HDD and didn't work. Maybe may OTG cable is damage.
Apart from lack of OTG is missing a quick charge, and a better battery to be perfect last night I was charging the phone on mains and the battery was still going down. Some app was sucking to much battery.
Screen is fantastic in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Overall I am happy, given it was €150 it will do until Samsung bring out the S7 with micro SD.
Very good in my opinion, today i receive OTA update 31st december, the phone is very good at the moment, and i use it instead of my other phone xiaomi redmi note 2 [emoji4] [emoji6]
Good modding with twrp, root, xposed and gravity box..
No OTA for me, but I've flashed the update and it seems the same, no problems though :good:

Recommendation needed

I have to buy a phone for my wife and my maximum budget is $250 (maybe even $275).
The S5 mini is available exactely for $250!
Would you recommend me this phone (for $250)?
Pros:
- I like that it has a fingerprint scanner (my wife previously always used a pincode)
- water/dust-proof
- supports new Android versions
- the design is familiar since my wifes previous phone was a Galaxy S3.
Cons:
- I'm reading bad things about battery life and speed.
- gps problems
Do you recognize these pros en cons?
Can anyone give me their recent experience (and maybe recommendation)?
Thanks!
weslyr said:
I have to buy a phone for my wife and my maximum budget is $250 (maybe even $275).
The S5 mini is available exactely for $250!
Would you recommend me this phone (for $250)?
Pros:
- I like that it has a fingerprint scanner (my wife previously always used a pincode)
- water/dust-proof
- supports new Android versions
- the design is familiar since my wifes previous phone was a Galaxy S3.
Cons:
- I'm reading bad things about battery life and speed.
- gps problems
Do you recognize these pros en cons?
Can anyone give me their recent experience (and maybe recommendation)?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pros:
- The fingerprint scanner is OK but not the best in the market,because it's a swiping scanner and not a on tap scanner. So it can sometimes not recognize your finger because you swiped bad and it can be sometimes not comfortable.
- The water proof isn't intended to take hours into water to use it normally. It's only for these moments when accidently you drop it into the water.
- "new Android versions" isn't so correct, because at the moment the newest Android version is Marshmallow and it won't release for S5 Mini. The last update is Lollipop 5.1.1 but it's very slow and with some lags.
- I don't think that the design between S3 and S5 Mini is similar.
Cons:
- Battery life is quite good for my utilization. (my utilization is normal and not so intensive) But it depends from people.
- Never had a GPS problem.
I'm running an 800H (Qualcomm) with KitKat.
Performance and battery life are very good.
Camera is excellent in bright light.
Phone size and weight are perfect for me.
Touchwiz is not bloated
Fingerprint scanner is a joke compared to iPhone and Nexus 5x
GPS is not very fast at updating location when driving.
Camera hazy in low light without flash.
fingerprint scanner is like in the films (really) : "swiping?"
GPS is very bad, sometimes it does not fix in open air
flash is good, but camera is not good at dark, it does not have any image stabilization (optical-digital)
but i'm rooted and 5.1.1 works very good, and i debloated it myself, on a overclocked (1.4 to 1.6 ghz cpu, 320 to 600 mhz gpu) but its not heating
note: sorry for my english
I ended up with a Galaxy J7, because of the better battery life and screen size.
The fingerprint was the only thing going for the S5 mini, but it didn't seem all that good so it fell out of choice.
Thanks for the input all!
For that price (50 less) the Huawei honor 4X is a MUCH beter choice!

Sub 4.8" phone - should I get S5 mini?

I am looking for a new sub 4.8” phone. I had S4 mini once and the size was perfect. I then upgraded to LG G2 and it is frequently inconvenient to carry. Actually, when I think about it, the weight might be more important then than size, so provided the phone is light, I could go a bit larger than 4.8"
The things I MUST have:
- good camera: At least on the S4 level
- very good battery life
- MicroSD card slot, OR at least 50GB internal storage
- Android M: from manufacturer, I need photo quality at the highest possible level so that rules out CM13
- root
Things it would be nice to have, but can live without:
- NFC
- dual sim
- waterproof
Things I do not care for at all:
- gaming: I have been using a smartphone since 10 years now, and not once I played a game on it
- production year: I don’t care if the phone is 2016 or 2013, as long as it fits the bill
Here are the phones I already considered and rejected:
- Xperia Z3c: perfect phone with clown camera
- Xperia Z5c: after 4 hours of research it looks like Sony again made the camera not very good (might reconsider if it turns out the camera is actually good)
- Galaxy S5 mini: I read it is a downgrade form S4 mini (but if it is only about GPU then I might reconsider)
- LG G2 mini: good camera, size and battery, but no M, LTE and 1 GB of ram is a serious tradeoff
- Redmi 3: bad camera
- Mi4c: so-so camera and battery life
- Mi5: size, so-so camera
- Meizu Pro 5: OMG this phone is PERFECT... Except for being a shovel. Such a pity they never completed Pro 5 Mini.
Suggestions and comments will be appreciated.
Contry: EU
Use: phone, podcasts, camera!, navigation
I'm on the same boat as you. What did you decided?
ArcherGT2 said:
I'm on the same boat as you. What did you decided?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is nothing.
Galaxy S5 mini probably comes the closest, but it is still disqualified by crappy fingerprint scanner, slow CPU and possibly problems updating to Marshmallow. If I HAD to buy a phone, I would probably get it, But it is not enough to justify a switch from Lg G2 (especially, since there is some progress in works on getting stock LG G2 camera quality on CM-based roms).
I am waiting for S7 mini, but it looks like it might share the faith of S6 mini (ie. it won't exist).
So for the time being I am sticking to my Lg G2 f320 and hoping a trend to smaller flagships that has appearently bashfully began, will bear some smaller flagship-grade phones.
Well, let's hold hands until that happens hahaha
Cheers mate
impactor said:
There is nothing.
Galaxy S5 mini probably comes the closest, but it is still disqualified by crappy fingerprint scanner, slow CPU and possibly problems updating to Marshmallow. If I HAD to buy a phone, I would probably get it, But it is not enough to justify a switch from Lg G2 (especially, since there is some progress in works on getting stock LG G2 camera quality on CM-based roms).
I am waiting for S7 mini, but it looks like it might share the faith of S6 mini (ie. it won't exist).
So for the time being I am sticking to my Lg G2 f320 and hoping a trend to smaller flagships that has appearently bashfully began, will bear some smaller flagship-grade phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new Galaxy A (2016) series are actually the new S7/S6 mini-s! Why not?
Sent from my higgs2g using XDA Labs
Hicham03 said:
The new Galaxy A (2016) series are actually the new S7/S6 mini-s! Why not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me look at my notes for 'why not'... Let's see... Ah, here it is:
- as heavy or heavier as the certainly not 'mini' Lg G2
- not waterproof
- no optical stabilization of camera
impactor said:
Let me look at my notes for 'why not'... Let's see... Ah, here it is:
- as heavy or heavier as the certainly not 'mini' Lg G2
- not waterproof
- no optical stabilization of camera
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I see...
I'll search about the phone that match your criteria..
Sent from my higgs2g using XDA Labs

Moving to the xz3 from the p20 pro. Worth it?

Used to be a sony fan and thinking of making the switch.
Mainly due to the quicker update cycle. I'd be missing shooting raw and I don't know how battery life measures up.
What do you guys think, what would I be fsjnibgg and what would I be trading?
Thanks
The ROM is unexceptional. Quite a few Pie features missing and little customisability.
The camera is mediocre.
The battery life is excellent.
The screen is amazing.
The housing is extremely slippery. Wet block of soap slippery.
I'm starting to really like it now that I've rooted it with Magisk and installed a few tweaks (battery life seems even better with the LKT module).
evak2979 said:
Used to be a sony fan and thinking of making the switch.
Mainly due to the quicker update cycle. I'd be missing shooting raw and I don't know how battery life measures up.
What do you guys think, what would I be fsjnibgg and what would I be trading?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can only recommend the XZ3. Great phone.
And it's not true - the camera is outstanding. All the real life reviews confirm that.
Thank you
I am really thinking about it.
A contract with vodafone UK for 41/month which includes 32 GB of data, Spotify and a 9 pound up front cost sounds very good on this device.
The sim only alternative (with 25 gbs) is 25/month. Which means the device cost over two years would be around 380ish.
I may try getting it today - anything you guys disliked other than the fingerprint placement?
In general I really like the phone
Pros:
- amazing screen
- nice design
- fast and snappy
- almost stock Android
- improved camera and camera interface
- feels premium
- fast updates
-
Cons:
- only 4GB RAM which is insufficient
- occasional lags or freezes in launcher
- very limited new Android Pie additions
- no headphone jack
- grainy photos when shooting indoors
- pre-installed bloatware without option to uninstall (especially Facebook)
- side sense is a sick joke (disable immediately if you don;t want to smash the phone into the wall after 10 minutes of usage)
- annoying blue artefacts where screen curves
- lack of accidental touches sensing causing screen to randomly stop responding
- way overpriced considering competition
- no quick charger in the box (UK at least)
- super slippery so you'll have to slap a case ASAP
Sensination said:
In general I really like the phone
Pros:
- amazing screen
- nice design
- fast and snappy
- almost stock Android
- improved camera and camera interface
- feels premium
- fast updates
-
Cons:
- only 4GB RAM which is insufficient
- occasional lags or freezes in launcher
- very limited new Android Pie additions
- no headphone jack
- grainy photos when shooting indoors
- pre-installed bloatware without option to uninstall (especially Facebook)
- side sense is a sick joke (disable immediately if you don;t want to smash the phone into the wall after 10 minutes of usage)
- annoying blue artefacts where screen curves
- lack of accidental touches sensing causing screen to randomly stop responding
- way overpriced considering competition
- no quick charger in the box (UK at least)
- super slippery so you'll have to slap a case ASAP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Super helpful list. Thank you my friend !!!
Wait for the XZ4.
Sony phones are amazing with great performance and personality
mufunyo said:
The ROM is unexceptional. Quite a few Pie features missing and little customisability.
The camera is mediocre.
The battery life is excellent.
The screen is amazing.
The housing is extremely slippery. Wet block of soap slippery.
I'm starting to really like it now that I've rooted it with Magisk and installed a few tweaks (battery life seems even better with the LKT module).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The camera is excellent both front and back.... check your eyes dude!
Nidhal AKA the king said:
The camera is excellent both front and back.... check your eyes dude!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on your definition of excellent. It's the exact same sensor module as found on the XZ1 which is over a year old. Not quite flagship for a company that is the worldwide market leader in camera sensor design and production. I'm also pretty sure the triple camera setup on the P20 pro outperforms the XZ3's outdated single 18MP camera. So given the context, mediocre is the right word.
mufunyo said:
Depends on your definition of excellent. It's the exact same sensor module as found on the XZ1 which is over a year old. Not quite flagship for a company that is the worldwide market leader in camera sensor design and production. I'm also pretty sure the triple camera setup on the P20 pro outperforms the XZ3's outdated single 18MP camera. So given the context, mediocre is the right word.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, camera is not that good like on XZ2 Premium or Huawei P20 Pro, but definitely much better then on XZ Premium and XZ1. Let's say at daylight Sony camera is better and on lowlight Huawei camera is better (my opinion because of colours on photos). RAM is higher on P20 Pro. And no gestures on Android 9 if it is important. Everything else is better. Sound, screen, speed, build quality (back glass on Huawei P20 Pro is a jake; it is stratched after 10 days of use without any case).
tomo100brt said:
Yes, camera is not that good like on XZ2 Premium or Huawei P20 Pro, but definitely much better then on XZ Premium and XZ1. Let's say at daylight Sony camera is better and on lowlight Huawei camera is better (my opinion because of colours on photos). RAM is higher on P20 Pro. And no gestures on Android 9 if it is important. Everything else is better. Sound, screen, speed, build quality (back glass on Huawei P20 Pro is a jake; it is stratched after 10 days of use without any case).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Compared with my wife P20 Pro - same results indoor with natural lightning. Did not tested yet on low light.
tomo100brt said:
Yes, camera is not that good like on XZ2 Premium or Huawei P20 Pro, but definitely much better then on XZ Premium and XZ1. Let's say at daylight Sony camera is better and on lowlight Huawei camera is better (my opinion because of colours on photos). RAM is higher on P20 Pro. And no gestures on Android 9 if it is important. Everything else is better. Sound, screen, speed, build quality (back glass on Huawei P20 Pro is a jake; it is stratched after 10 days of use without any case).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xz2 beats p20 pro so how is that lol and its also prooven
You will miss 4000 mAh battery from P20 Pro. You will also miss the camera, P20 Pro has better post processing (not as noisy photos), much better in low light and RAW-support.
XZ3 has only 4 GB RAM, not sufficient in a 2018 flagship phone. Huawei used 6 GB in their 2016 flagship phones.
You can not use XZ3 without case. It’s like a soap in your hand and glass back scratches easily.
Otherwise it’s Sony’s best phone yet, not bad at all, but not on the same level as other flagship phones.
Personally the only two things that made me decide against the P20/Mate 20 were my dislike for EMUI and the fact that Huawei discontinued their boot loader unlocking service last summer. Sony's ROM is much closer to AOSP and if you want root you can easily unlock it.

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