[General Topics] ewingr:
I'm probably being too particular. I'm struggling with deciding on a phone to buy. Some thoughts:

Base Info: I'm in U.S., AT&T user. I'm OK with 1080 screen (good enough, allows for less battery hit), prefer Amoled.

Must Have

- Must work on AT&T (but likely purchase TMobile for rootability)

- 6GB memory (I know all the arguments about it is 'not needed'. But I have set this as a must.

- Decent camera, including low light'

- Good, functional GPS

- Minimum of 5.5" screen

- Minimum performance per 820

Strongly desired but not Must Have

- 821 or faster

- SD card capability (This is close to a requirement, but realize I may have to compromise

- Larger battery/better battery results

- Dual front facing speakers

- Rootable

Interesting note: I am not necessarily interested in a custom ROM, although I have had some I like (Including the one I am on now on my Note 4), I have found over the years that ALL custom ROMS (at least that I have used - all being on Samsung phones) have problems (moreso than stock ROMS).

Every thing I look at seems to have a strong negative. Among those I've considered:

One Plus 3 and 3T

The main drawback on this one is I have seen quite a lot of folks on the Oneplus forum having GPS issues. I even put up a poll to see the percentage of folks with problems, vs not, etc. Only got 8 responses. Fifty percent of the 8 was less than ideal GPS satisfaction. Given the low response, that also makes me suspect of the community involvment.

Camera reviews commonly are that it is quite lacking

Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe Special Edition

Camera - Problematic

Seems pretty locked down

Community support lacking

Still not available

Pricey at 799

Huwaei Mate 9

Only the 'Porsche' version has 6GB memory

Priced around $1500 - Uh, let's move on

Mi 5S Plus

This phone looks quite interesting. On the Mi5S forum someone asked why no 5SPlus forum, and the reply was they have stopped making them. But I do seem them available, and at pretty good prices now. I am tempted. A few thoughts on this one:

From what I can tell, they don't have some of the needed/preferred bands for AT&T. This pretty much disqualifies it.

Mi Note 2

Another very interesting one. Some good, some not so good.

It DOES have the required bands for AT&T, according to the specs page

4070 Battery. Sounds good to me

Unfortunately, only the IMX 318 camera sensor

I don't really like the Samsungesqe curved screen

Too early to decide. But strongly interested.

I am leary about purchasing a phone from over seas, which I'm not familiar with the brand, and no 'evaluation' period. This one thing makes me lean away. If not for this, I'd be most interested in this phone.

ZTE AXon 7 Enhanced

I'm probably most interested in this unit at the moment. Some thoughts:

Reviews regarding sound are very good. Front facing dual speakers

Does have SD card slot

I do see not too great input on the camera

There are others I had started to consider but on initial inspection they had 4 GB memory. I'm only chasing 6 GB phones.

So, as to be expected I guess, there is no "Perfect Phone". Maybe the S8 next year will be close, but I'm tired of the $800+ prices. I may find myself waiting until next year to see what pops up in the first half. But I am getting really interested in moving up from the Note 4.