Phone Oppos....

"JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t" (jawzx2) 01/12/2018 at 21:36 • Filed to: None

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It’s time.

As much as I love my Lumia 950XL, it does not support WiFi calling, and I’m having a bitch of a time dealing with a combination of Skype and Cell amplifier (skype is flaky on the phone for some reason, and the cell amplifier is highly weather dependant...) It’s also time that I admit that Windows Phone isn’t going anywhere new and to give in to the two-mobile-OS-system... :|

none of this makes me happy, but if I get a phone that supports wifi calling I can get Fi or Ting and save a bunch of money on my bill too... I can’t really justify a flagship handset now that I’m a farmer, but I can’t let myself get a phone with a lame camera, all the amazing Lumia cameras have ruined me... NO iDevices. So, unlocked Android is what I’m looking at... My top pick at the moment is the Xperia XZ1 ($599) or the XZ1 compact... I like the idea of the smaller form factor, and lower price of the XZ1 Compact ($499), while having the same (high end Snapdragon 835) CPU and Camera as the XZ1, (they both have MicroSD slots, so I consider the 32 vs 64GB onboard memory thing moot...) I like the Xperia form factor and don’t care about the “omg, huge bezel!” That all the people seem to complain about... Also they both have great audio and are IP67 waterproof, handy for working outside. And Oreo out of the box.

I’m still pulling my hair out about the one thing though... The XZ1 compact only has a 720p screen... I mean... I have a 518ppi QHD OLED screen right now... The XZ1 is full HD and 423ppi HDR LED, the XZ1 compact is only 319ppi.... I mean, can I live with that? I.... I don’t know... The XZ premium has a 4K screen (800ppi!!!), but no other advantages (and shorter battery life and no Oreo) but its the same price as the XZ1 now...

Oppinions? Suggestions? Ideas for a different handset?

404 - User No Longer Available > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 01/12/2018 at 22:11

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If you’re going Fi... why not Moto X4 Android One?

And if you want the best camera it’s really down to the Pixel.

CompactLuxuryFan > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 01/12/2018 at 22:15

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The Xperias aren’t supported by Project Fi.

“Project Fi is available on the Pixel, Android One Moto X4, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6. Currently these are the only smartphones to support our network of networks.”

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 01/12/2018 at 22:17

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If you are looking at Fi your options are limited to the Pixels and the Motorola X4. I personally love my Fi service and Pixel 1.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > 404 - User No Longer Available 01/12/2018 at 22:17

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Mediocre camera.

Still no full manual control on the Pixel camera, and that bothers me... despite the sample images out there showing it does a very good job...

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > CompactLuxuryFan 01/12/2018 at 22:20

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you’ll note I also mentioned Ting... actually Ting is more attractive due to its wider selection of supported phones (basically T-mobile and Sprint compatible devices and WiFi calling).

Textured Soy Protein > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 01/12/2018 at 22:26

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If you want to use Fi you need a Pixel, Nexus, or Moto X4 Android One Edition (which is exclusive to Fi).

T-Mobile (and the assorted MVNOs that run on its network) can do wifi calling on the phones on this list with the little wifi calling icon next to them.

Ting’s wifi calling support list doesn’t specify which Android models work with it but assuming you activated it on the T-Mobile network you could probably go off the T-Mobile list.

You may also want to look at MintSIM or MetroPCS for T-Mobile network on the cheap.

If you want a smaller phone, stock-ish Android, not too expensive, and while not top level specs still basically covers all the expected features like water resistance, NFC, etc, Moto X4 is worth checking out, whether it’s the regular unlocked version or the Android One version thru Fi. You’re more likely to get Android updates for a longer period of time with Android One since Google manages the updates for that.

Be careful if buying the regular unlocked version from Amazon, they sell it for cheaper if you get the version with Amazon ads on the lock screen. They do this with several phones. I’m not willing to “pay” for a cheaper phone with ads on my lock screen.

I use an unlocked Galaxy S7 Edge on T-Mobile wifi calling. My wife has a Moto G5+ on Total Wireless (Verizon) since we’re sometimes out in the boonies where Verizon has better coverage. The G5+ is nice for a budget phone but it lacks some features like NFC and the more I use my S7E and its OLED screen (set to a more natural color mode than the default setting) the more the G5+ screen feels kinda dull and washed out in comparison.

OnePlus 5T or maaaaybe Essential PH-1 could be good if you’re looking at a bigger phone. But supposedly the Essential even after all the software updates is still kinda janky in spite of its top level specs.

If you’re willing to look at less-stock Android, an unlocked regular S7 or S8 might be an option. They’re on the smaller side. With some effort you can get them more stock-ish. They have Samsung bloat but no carrier bloat. I generally go for more stock phones but I’ve got my S7E to the point where I like it.

LG G6 is another option kinda like the S8 but cheaper and honestly I hate LG phones, their software is a mess.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 01/12/2018 at 22:32

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Ting too... I’m torn about the Pixel... nice phone, really good camera, but no manual controls on said camera...

404 - User No Longer Available > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 01/12/2018 at 22:36

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Then it still sounds like you’re better off getting a cheaper phone and buying a separate camera with the money saved...

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > 404 - User No Longer Available 01/12/2018 at 22:39

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I already have several thousand dollars worth of pro-level DSLR gear, the Idea is to have a good camera on my phone... ‘cuz I always have it with me...

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Textured Soy Protein 01/12/2018 at 22:43

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Not sure how I hadn’t seen that list yet... huh, the XZ1 Compact supports wifi calling, but not the regular XZ1 weird...

The GF has an S7, It’s camera dissapoints me every time I use it... I can’t justify the price of an S8, or that would probably be where I go (or maybe a one+ 5T). I know there are some cheap refurbs out there, but I don’t really want a refurb...

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 01/12/2018 at 23:27

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You can always install another camera app with manual controls. That’s one of the wonderful things about android, if you don’t like something you can just replace it with something you like better.

Textured Soy Protein > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 01/12/2018 at 23:36

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I feel generally fine with the S7E camera which as far as I know is the same as the S7. I leave it in HDR basically all the time and occasionally go into manual mode. I have a habit of basically always tweaking pics in Snapseed which I’ve gotten pretty good at. I snagged it back in September for $475 from B&H but they’re not carrying the full unlocked version anymore. They do have the T-Mobile branded (but apparently unlocked) regular S7 for $399 .

Personally the XZ1 Compact would just be too damn small for me. I like bigger phones. Also with the fingerprint sensor disabled in the US it’s a non-starter for me.

The first Sony phones in the US with a working fingerprint sensor are the just-announced XA2 series that have the SD630 and 1080p screens. The regular XA2 is 3 GB RAM and 5.2" screen, XA2 Ultra is 4 GB RAM and 6.0" screen. No word yet on if they support T-Mobile wifi calling.

B&H also has the HTC 10 for $329 . That supports T-Mobile wifi calling. Apparently its Oreo update may be rolling out soon . Might be a good move.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 01/13/2018 at 00:28

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Coming from Windows Phone as well, I have been placated with my One+5. It’s not the same, and Android in general gives me fits of rage often enough I eternally debate going back to an iPhone, but when it does work as I expect it’s a damn fine phone. I do appreciate how well it’s made, it feels like a Nokia device. And I don’t throw that out there lightly.

I use the Microsoft lock screen, Next. And their Arrow launcher. Neither are as amazing as Live Tiles, but it feels less foreign to use. The One+5 camera isn’t terrible. The Pixels and Samsung have it beat, but I don’t feel like I’m using a potato to take photos.

One+ is finicky on OS updates, so there is that to consider. Not sure if Sony would be faster. I just got Oreo after buying the phone 6 months ago.

I think Android Authority or even Windows Central recommended the One+ devices 5/5T as the best phones for Windows Phone converts since the overall existing similar. I’ll see if I can find the article in the morning for you.

There are also the reborn Nokia-branded phones. No idea if the camera meets your requirements though. But they are seriously cheap for the impressive specs they offer.

pip bip - choose Corrour > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 01/13/2018 at 06:49

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iPhone SE

(i know you say no Apple, but it is fantastic)

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Textured Soy Protein 01/13/2018 at 10:19

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hmmm, HTC10 wasnt on my radar... RAW support for the camera is actually a big plus... I’m ok with a camera who’s auto mode has some annoyances if the hardware is good. Always like to check out flickr for a device because the stuff posted there is usually made by people who arent just using auto mode for snapshots, the results from the HTC10 actually look really good.

Monkey B > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 01/13/2018 at 10:28

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this...and if he really likes the Windows feel he can download a launcher to give him that UI.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 01/13/2018 at 11:18

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Here is the article I mentioned. I agree with their points, having owned and used this phone daily for several months.

Of note: You can use Cortana to replace the Google voice assistant, but MS has removed the always listening function for now. So with Cortana, you have to have the app open and tap the mic to use verbal commands. I’ve tried using Cortana, but it just does not integrate as seamlessly as I want, so I have deleted it twice now. I never use the Google assistant. Google already knows everything about me, I am reluctant to volunteer more info. I know that MS is still collecting the same info, but saying Cortana rather than Google makes it easier to disconnect that knowledge.

https://www.windowscentral.com/oneplus-5t-review

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > pip bip - choose Corrour 01/13/2018 at 11:44

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Screen is too small.. I made that mistake coming from the Luma 830. While not large by today’s phones, the 830 had enough screen you didn’t feel cramped while thumb-typing. I Hated my SE because it was too damn small. The 950XL has a screen that is probably as big, if not larger than the entirety of the SE, screen, body, all of it.

A 6/S/7/S/8 size iPhone would be less discomforting to use.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 01/13/2018 at 13:08

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I had forgotten that the 5T was so cheap... this is my new top contender

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 01/13/2018 at 14:00

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Just pulled the trigger on a 6/64gig 5T.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 01/13/2018 at 14:31

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Hardware wise I am impressed. It feels quite a lot like the old WP Nokia phones.

Software wise, as I said, I have some issues. But I cannot tell how much of that is Android is a hot mess, or 1+ just isn’t as quick to update as they perhaps could be. And while the Reddit One+ pages are salty AF, I have to say they do seem to push patches fairly quickly. Faster than MS did in fact.

I hope you are pleased with your ownership experience. My complaints are probably just me being grumpy I can’t my WP back.