yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Questions and Answers] eyasinseo:
That sounds like a helpful initiative to streamline discussions and avoid redundant threads. Consolidating discussions about phone and tablet choices can help users make informed decisions and access advice more efficiently. It also fosters a sense of community where users can share their experiences and recommendations with others who may be seeking guidance. If there are any specific questions or concerns about particular devices, feel free to ask!
[General Questions and Answers] Bajja:
Which exact model number am I looking for in a Pixel 7, 7a, 7 Pro, if I want the most "moddable"/unloced version? Is there a list somewhere - I did a quick (half-ass, sorry) search, but haven't found yet.
[General Questions and Answers] traman124:
Any unlocked Pixel would work as long as it isn't a US Verizon variant (which can't be bootloader unlocked).

Sadly Verizon models don't have a distinct model number for all phones that can be easily found on eBay so you'll have to ask the seller.
[General Questions and Answers] traman124:
Nothing OS just implemented silent call recording - a Nothing Phone 2/2a might work
[General Questions and Answers] Bajja:
There are google pixel 7a, 128gb, brand new, on amazon.ca for sale (sold and shipped by amazon) for $399.99 cad, marked down from $599.99 cad. I ordered one. Here's the link to the page: Pixel 7a Link.

It says 2023 model, GWKK3, snapdragon.

I have some questions:

-Why are there so many "renewed"/"refurbished" Google Pixel 7, 7a, and 7pro phones around? Even on amazon.ca (canada) alone there appears to be plenty; lots. Is this a bad sign? I've been too busy to do the usual routine of putting serious amounts of time into researching the differences, pros/cons, issues/recalls/etc. But I have seen some bad reviews (amazon.ca mostly, and maybe on the renewed ones). And some "cons" related to poor battery life.

What is wrong with these phones for there to be so many "refurbished" units around?

-I thought the "tiers" for at least this pixel model went: 7a, then 7, then 7pro (from "worst" to "best"). Isn't that right? It seems like the 7a is quite popular, maybe solely due to the lower cost, and I guess it came out more recently than the 7?

-And does anyone think the extra $200 cad for a new Pixel 7 (on sale from $799 to $599) is worth it?
[General Questions and Answers] traman124:
That 7a would be perfectly fine. The renewed ones aren't bad - they are usually trade-ins on Amazon or bought through carrier auctions.

Even here in the US Amazon renewed listings have bad reviews but they are fine in my experience.

7a is sold at a lower cost and is quite similar to the 7 so I would recommend the 7a over 7. If you can find a 7 Pro it'll be a step up with a 3rd camera, 1440p display, and other flagship features.

At the end of the day, it's your choice though :)

Edit: Pixels 6 and above use Google Tensor, not Snapdragon

Edit 2: I didn't realize you ordered, enjoy your 7a!
[General Questions and Answers] Bajja:
I didn't see a notification for your reply (well, I guess it doesn't send one if you only make an edit) - but thank you.

I have the device now, still in box, I haven't touched it yet. I want to make 100% sure that I have one of the "correct" models that is fully unlocked and and whatever else. How can I be absolutely certain?

On the box it has:

SKU: GA03694-US

Model: GWKK3

Got it from amazon.ca (shipped and sold by amazon.ca, as I think I mentioned), and I'm in canada (obviously).

I'm not sure if looking up the IMEI would give any more information (that would identify it as an unlocked model).

Edit. Forgot, I checked here for any info on if it's an unlocked model. No mention.: https://www.phonemore.com/specs/google/pixel-7a/gwkk3/

Maybe I should've posted this in the Pixel 7a forum...

Thank you.
[General Questions and Answers] traman124:
That's a North American unlocked variant, all good :) you should be just fine. There are lots of great ROMs for the 7a.
[General Questions and Answers] Bajja:
Ok. Thanks so much for your help, and the speedy reply too, @traman124. I appreciate it.

I might actually try out the "stock" software first. I'm thinking about calyx os. But now you have me wondering what else might be out there. So I'll have a search around to see what there is. Maybe I can learn how to better search here on the xda forums for that, haha.

Thanks again.
[General Questions and Answers] traman124:
You're welcome! I love EvolutionX, LOS, and Calyx for now but there are lots of others :)
[General Questions and Answers] debrajds:
Hello everyone. I'm here after a while now. I'm looking to buy a new phone. I used to love my oneplus 3, then I had to go for Redmi Note 11 (spes) for budget reason and life became so miserable. I believe a phone I buy should by mine and mine only. I struggled a lot rooting and installing third pary roms especially nethunter. I failed and I am stuck at Topaz which still works (not camera with its full feature though).

The security apps on xiomi and realme are nightmares. And what is this latest thing that phones/tablets can't be rooted? I can't root my Moto Tab G62 or install the old rom (new rom is just bogus). Also cant root and fix Realme C11 (2020) model. This is both frustrating and sad.

I don't want realme, xiomi, or similar, FULL STOP.

I am looking into moto and samsung and my budget is 20-26k max. All the samsung phones under this budget looks similar and boring, and few moto phones have snapdragon. I want OIS, decent ram (6Gb or more),amoled/poled, have 5G (indian) and i want a phone which i can do anything on i.e. rooting, installing 3rd party roms especially nethunter (as i did with OP3).

I also need to be able to shoot 4k @30fps atleast.

I don't play games much but want to use coding/network tools etc i.e. a good processor and fast storage.

Some other features I like are:

Gorilla glass protection

Notification light

good GPS system

good battery

Thank you everyone in advance. I will truely appreciate your valuable feedbacks. 😊
[General Questions and Answers] okomo:
Looking for new photo smartphone. Photos are most important for me, but don't want to move on ios.

I was sure that I want pixel 8 pro (jow can buy for 800euros),but the longer I'm reading, the more I have doubts. I heard of not good battery life and poor modem.

Other phones that I'm looking at: Samsung S23+, Vivo x100 pro, oneplus 12, honor magic 5/6 pro (dxo mark said it is best photo phone now, but I heard that dxo is taking money from companies for their reviews). Also I don't like curved edges, but will consider if it's really worth it.

I'm stuck.

What do you think?
[General Questions and Answers] WalkTheEarth:
I'm looking for a phone that has more than 3 main custom roms and good gps. (using Poco M3 Pro 5G rn)
[General Questions and Answers] Omar_62:
any small phone with great custom os support (phones like galaxy s3 mini or mini II something like that) :)
[General Questions and Answers] antiseptic18:
Looking for a feature phone with hotspot/tethering capability via bluetooth. I got a sonim xp5plus, but it's way too big, and it's android based.
[General Questions and Answers] henonchschonleinpurp:
Answering the query of @debrajds​

​

Samsung F54 5g​

easily meets your expectations. Just 6 months since it release and there are already forums explaining rooting techniques via odin. Mighty battery, 6gigs ram,ois camera, 108mp 1°,8mp wide, 2mp macro, 4k video rec

MotoG​

has ditched the macrolens and gone with a dual camera setup unlike Samsung, which are still good. There are 2 phones in the midranger segment, both released in Q3 of 2023:

M84, M54​

- obviously M84 being t the superior priced, Snapdragon soc version. Both come with 8 -12 gigs of ram. Custom rom developers have always had a slightly more preference for the Snapdragon soc.

Here's a practical summary:

MotoG​

SamsungF54 5g​

UI	clean	bloated*
Soft updates	1yr	3-4yrs

*Samsung's bloatware can be easily debloated with Shizuku so let that not affect your ultimate decision.

Both the phones trade heavy blows, and both the phones have a heavy user base and will eventually have a heavy custom rom base. But Samsung has had more threads in xda forums!

Samsung has spent more in the software and updates, whereas Motorola for hardware. Both are a win win.

Cheers!
[General Questions and Answers] henonchschonleinpurp:
In the flagship segment, there are the three big giants trading blows: Apple has been the king of video recording. Pixels have been ruling the photo segment, but not so cool in video. Samsung flagships are in the middle, quite good in both. These are the phones that rely on the small/true android lens and home grown software processing and are not relying/not tied up to on any 3rd party Photo companies for camera processing/ hardware. With each year, with each flagship - these giants find a way to improve their software processing.

The other phones you quoted: OP,Vivo are the opposite and the image qualties are good with filters, but not exceptional. Escpecially with Oneplus, the camera stays a little less below flagship as always.

Honor 6 pro doesn't sit by definition in the flagship segment of Pixel 8 pro, and even in the camera, lacks the popular BSI sensor & laser guided photo capture, for better image quality in the dark - seen in flagships like samsung, Lacks the dual skin flash.

Among the choices youve quoted, would prefer s23/pixel 8 pro Pixel 8 pro's battery is overall good to get though the day too.

Cheers!
[General Questions and Answers] henonchschonleinpurp:
The Alcatel GO FLIP 5 supports bluetooth tethering.
[General Questions and Answers] henonchschonleinpurp:
Phones whose latest versions are supported by atleast 3+ official custom roms:​

More and more device manufacturers are delaying the release of their ROM builds to the open source community, leaving us with a handful of device manufacturers who are very generous - and for whom custom ROM builds are sprawling with official websites. Here are the 7 devices you can confidently buy, who support official custom ROM support - published after filtering 12 active official custom ROM websites -

paranoid

Lineage

evolution

pixel experience

Calyx

Graphene os

Elixir

crdroid

bliss OS

Ubuntu touch

AlphaDroid

Rising OSS

The 7 device series - that will surely provide 3+ official rom support in future:​

Redmi note series - Note 12 /note 12 turbo/ 12r pro - supported by 8 official custom ROMS

Xiaomi Mi series - Mi 12/12r - by 4 official custom ROMS; Mi 13/13 pro - 1 official custom ROM supported

Poco X series - X5/X5 pro - 6 official custom roms

Poco M series - M5 - 4 official custom roms; M6/M6 Pro - 2 official custom Roms

Poco F series - F5 - 4 official custom roms

Nothing Phone - Phone 2 - 3 custom roms ; Phone 1 - 6 official custom ROMS

Pixel phones - 10+ active official custom ROMS available for latest pixel.

Detailed analysis of these 7 devices with their present state of custom ROM development, attached as a pdf​

- to help you navigate and search the latest ROMS easier/ to keep/ edit/ update as a personal guide.

Obviously latest Oneplus, samsung device custom ROM development has stalled. Unofficial release only exist for them.

Official ROM support for Oneplus stopped with Oneplus 9 series, for Samsung with s10 series. No more official custom ROMS for them at the moment. Unofficial ones do exist.

Based on your budgets and preferences, go for it.

Cheers!
[General Questions and Answers] XperiaPL013:
Is there any phone with the snapdragon 8 gen 3 where the bootloader can be unlocked without a 7 day wait time or some other BS.
[General Questions and Answers] traman124:
OnePlus 12 maybe?
[General Questions and Answers] DiamondJohn:
dont forget AlphaDroid!!!!! and RisingTechOSS
[General Questions and Answers] traman124:
I absolutely love the time that was put into this overview but I wanted to also mention the danger of buying a Xiaomi phone with the new BL unlock policies...
[General Questions and Answers] henonchschonleinpurp:
Pleased to hear mate.

Does it apply to redmi phones too?
[General Questions and Answers] henonchschonleinpurp:
On it mate.. .will add it in the list!
[General Questions and Answers] traman124:
Yes, but only in China for now... Some people in other Asian countries have also seen these new restrictions but not everyone has. It'll be instated everywhere else eventually though...
[General Questions and Answers] henonchschonleinpurp:
Updated sir... thanks for the input!
[General Questions and Answers] ultlight:
what exactly are the new BL unlock policies that make it dangerous? where can I read about it? cause I was thinking of buying a xiaomi phone so if the phone is not supported by xiaomi via updates anymore, then I could install a community ROM.
[General Questions and Answers] traman124:
For now the policies are only in China so if you see one you like, you're good to go but keep in mind you'll no longer receive updates to the stock ROM. The policies will be expanded globally though, it's been all but confirmed.

The policies themselves include gaining level 5 on Xiaomi's CN forums, only unlocking 3 devices/yr, and we waiting for certain times for your request to be manually approved...

See this:

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1722320199297147373
[General Questions and Answers] MonsterMMORPG:
Poco X6 Pro 512 / 12 GB vs Galaxy S23 FE 256 / 8 GB - which one should I buy?​

I want camera to be good but Poco X6 Pro hardware seems so superior

Would it worth to buy Galaxy S23 FE only for camera?
[General Questions and Answers] henonchschonleinpurp:
You are comparing a 2024phone vs 2023 phone.. forget the hardware, in every functionality there is a slight edge for x6 pro

1. X6 2024 Mtk faster than 2023 snap Soc

2. Better audio quality! (Ldac), better display, faster ram,lighter device

3. Even camera! Poco's photo procsssing might lag, but its post photo AI features are betfer than samsung

4. Updates - same -S23 wont get the 7 year updates

5. Custom rom community - Official roms like paranoid etc. Arrivewithin 1year of release for poco.. and take 4years from samsung! (X5 vs s10)

Addthe hardware, as u told, poco x6 crushes it. Samsungusually never minds the hardware.. So thats fine!

The only savinggrace? If u love oneui/boxy feel of s23! Hyper os has bridged/refines the os gap too..
[General Questions and Answers] traman124:
Keep in mind a good GCam port will make the X6 camera look just fine...
[General Questions and Answers] MonsterMMORPG:
thanks. do you know any good gcam port for that? i think i will go with poco x6 pro
[General Questions and Answers] traman124:
This GCam port works on most devices that I've tested (including those from Mediatek). What it does is brings Google's camera interface and photo processing to other phones. Just download the APK and install it and you should be good to go :)
[General Questions and Answers] MonsterMMORPG:
awesome ty

ordered poco x6 pro

also which settings should i set?
[General Questions and Answers] traman124:
I don't know the settings that you should use on an X6 Pro (it should work fine OOTB) but remember to set sensor logic. To do this, for each cam , go to GCam settings -> additional settings -> additional module, set the Google sensor logic to the correct sensor - for the 64mp main use rear regular binned, for the 8mp ultrawide use rear ultrawide (NOT binned), and ignore the macro. Also set the HDR preset for the main lens to 7a (in the additional modules -> main cam -> interface and HDR, set HDR to 7a)
[General Questions and Answers] RooterBooter:
Hey all,

I'm wondering if now would be a good time to upgrade my phone. I currently use a Samsung galaxy A71 and am looking for something that I can play with lol. By "play with" I mean a phone I can tweak to my heart's content without worrying about any bl unlock issues or any other unlock issues. I know Samsung is making it hard to root their phones with Knox or whatever, so I want something compatible with T-Mobile that I can root and play with. All suggestions are welcome, as well as approximate prices. TIA.
[General Questions and Answers] traman124:
I am on US T-Mobile and use my Pixels - they're great. Pixels have great ROM support + Google honors the warranty on BL unlocked devices, even in the US. You can get a 7a for 499 (currently 374 on sale). If you like the A71 size, either an 8 Pro (999, on sale for 749 in most US stores) or a 7 Pro (which can be bought in box on eBay for around 470) would be great and ROM friendly.
[General Questions and Answers] Niccca:
What is Up guys ?

I am Niccca and recently I dipped my phone in Dal Curry and now after a motherfaq*** oh sorry Motherboard repair the phone is good to go... Shhhh... ! My phone was dead because of Miui and it got bricked Don't tell anyone as I have also posted an Add on OLX selling my phone at 9000.

So I have decided to replace my old Redmi Note 10 pro with Moto Edge 40 neo and I am inviting your ideas to buy a new phone I have 14000 rupee in my account and I only can spent 13999. So please suggest is MOTO EDGE 40 NEO worth Buying in April 2024 ?
[General Questions and Answers] HANNAN1996:
Hi

my next phone is just for basic task, like communicating with whatsapp, gmail, scanning QR code for college class attendance ( I think this can be done with 3rd party software like google lens? ), just that.

I already have primary phone, so I won't open youtube,listening to music, etc moreover playing game :D . This phone is just secondary phone.

So, what I'm looking from that phone is just it's durability (I will use it for at least 4 years), and cheapness (since I didn't use it so often then I think it should be cheaper)

What phone should I buy?
[General Questions and Answers] Kill Face:
I got (a refurb?) Pixel 6 from my insurance after my Pixel 4a died...

I say 'refurb?' because it didn't come with a box, but otherwise looks new. Is there a way to check? e.g. SMART disk report?​

I'm wondering if I should sell it before I scuff it up and buy something like a Pocophone? (I loved the F1, which you can't seem to get these days!)

I can't afford an expensive phone, so I'm looking for something that I can nearly (perhaps 1.5x) cover for the price I might get for the Pixel 6...

Should I just stick to the 6? Is that the best I'm going do? What I want from a phone is performance, reliability, durability and battery life. I don't care about screen or camera. Obvs. I'd like to be able to install a custom ROM.

Sorry if this is the wrong place ask questions like this...

Many thanks,
[General Questions and Answers] Kill Face:
Thanks for moving the thread here.

Any poco haters?

Can't find good reviews!
[General Questions and Answers] vgs1987:
Hi everyone, I would like to buy a phone that I will use for root and "spoof camera" "camera injection" app, which one do you recommend? thank you!
[General Questions and Answers] Trunksleo:
Hi im looking for buy a phone for my father this are the options

Xiaomi note 13 pro and plus 5g

Honor 90

Poco x6 pro

Samsung a55

Huawei nova 9

Xiaomi 12

Xiaomi 13t

Edge 40

Thanks for your advice.
[General Questions and Answers] Spaceboy60:
Looking for phone with microsd, decent custom rom support and 190g max weight.
[General Questions and Answers] alvarizz:
I would suggest that you should go for Samsung s24+ as it will last you longer than Xiaomi and it's value for money. Samsung s24+ has bigger and better display than Xiaomi 14. It also provides you with better battery life and faster performance. It has amazing camera quality for both photos and videos. It will also provide you with option of having 2 SIMs and 1 eSIM whereas on the other hand Xiaomi will give you option of only 2 SIMs.
[General Questions and Answers] NOSS8:
If you plan to flash ROMs take the Xiaomi and especially not a CN version.
[General Questions and Answers] Kill Face:
Any PIxel 6 haters?
[General Questions and Answers] smakedz:
Gotta lower down my budget to Php. 23-25k since my Redmi Note 11 suffered purple OLED bleeding and my A20s lagged badly. I got my A51 repaired though.

I'm having hard time deciding between Nothing Phone (2a) and Samsung Galaxy A55 as a daily driver since both are priced at Php. 23,000 via GoBuyMall.ph on Shopee Philippines, though the difference is the A55 has 8/256GB while the (2a) has 12/256GB.

My main priorities are shooting cameras, performance and software. Plus having longer battery life is a must.

I also heard concerns about A55 having virtual proximity sensor and (2a) having ok camera, though Nothing OS 2.5.5 update fixed one of the issues.
[General Questions and Answers] somewhatconfused:
Sorry, I am new here.

Please direct me to the right place if I am not in the right forum and I will ask there.

Simply put I am looking to buy a Sony Xperia 1 or 5 III to put Linux on (I was recommended to try Lineage).

I was going to try putting Linux on a Samsung galaxy s10e that I had and found out that they are terrible to work with and could not get the bootloader unlocked because it was restricted.

Found out I could try getting an international version and probably get it working but it likely wouldn't work great in NA as it wouldn't have as many of the bands to use here.

So main question is, are there any quirks like this to be aware of before buying a device? There seems to be good support for the os on these devices from what I can tell. Does anyone know of a model or region that would be locked out of having access to what I would need to use lineage on the device? If so what model should I look for when shopping for a device?
[General Questions and Answers] muhschaf:
Hi guys,

i need some advice for a new phone.

my G8441 starts dying rn, so i need a new one.

i have some requirements for that phone because i want to use it as daily driver and as emergency office/internet access if my PC goes belly up.

Buget: No Budget. No custom builds. It have to be normal Serial. But quality have to be worth it.

Region EU or EU compatible. Phone can be imported by me, so as long as it is compatible to EU standards it will be fine.

Features in order of importance:

* SD Card. it needs an SD card for Offline Storage. 256GB or greater.

* Flashable. So you can forget any Phone that has no ROM in this forum or can't be unlocked.

* It needs to be sturdy. So no folding phone or similar flimsy things. Don't need Nokia level of sturdy but G8441 level of sturdy would be very appreciated

not so important:

- Fingerprint sensor. was nice on the sony. maybe want that again.

- somewhere around the 4.5" to 6" size

- Switchable battery or wireless charging. USB C is a given due to EU standards

- Metal/Aluminium case

- thou i may not playing on it, a beefy CPU would be nice

Any ideas?
[General Questions and Answers] adnej:
I was going to pick the refurbished Pixel 7 Pro over the Pixel 8, and I don't know if that's a dumb decision or crazy, but basically, it would save me a certain amount of money, which is good. I can't afford the Pixel 8 Pro, and I'd really, really like to have a very solid zoom. Optical plus digital. But I don't know if that's a stupid decision to make. It's a considerable savings. I usually only use a phone for 18 months, maybe 2 years, and that's how long the major updates will last.

The refurbished phone is $324 with a one-year warranty
[General Questions and Answers] xXx yYy:
Picking a refurbished Pixel 7 Pro over a new Pixel 8 sounds like a very reasonable decision! If saving money is important and you value the zoom capabilities, the refurbished Pixel 7 Pro seems like the perfect choice for you.
[General Questions and Answers] Justadudeinspace:
I agree with "xXx yYy," considering the current market price for the Pixel 8 Pro, making the choice for the Pixel 7 Pro based on price is completely reasonable. For comparison between the two, check out this article from Android Central (<~Click Here). I believe the Pixel 7 Pro to still be a very note worthy phone, and doesn't drastically fall behind the Pixel 8 Pro--for a third of the costs. Honestly, if I hadn't gotten my Pixel 8 Pro for merely $200 through T-Mobile, I very well would consider making the same choice.
[General Questions and Answers] Aridlin:
Would myphone hammer energy x be good?