yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Questions and Answers] Planterz:
I think your 2 best bets are the LG G2 and a Samsung Galaxy S4. Both are close enough in size to the Nexus 4 (bigger screens, but close external dimensions). The G2 is undoubtedly the better phone, with better processor, GPU, and camera. It's basically the same device as a Nexus 5, but with a far better camera and battery life with a bigger screen all in the same dimensions. . The S4 is still no slouch, and has the benefits of a microSD slot and removable battery. Gotta be wary of burn-in on a 2nd hand unit or refurb though with the AMOLED screen. Of course, nether UI is remotely near stock Android, but your choice of a number of custom ROMs on either can easily cure that.

The problem with both the G2 and the S4 is that you'd be replacing your 3 year old phone with a 2 year old phone. In that regard, it might actually be wisest to get the OnePlus X. New phone.; basically a year old in terms of tech, and more future-proof than those other 2. I recently looked at the OnePlus 2 forums, and there's surprisingly little amount of development going on, considering how quickly it started on the OnePlus One. I'm guessing that it's because the OP2 isn't nearly as popular, for various reasons (SD810 overheating issues, pricier, and so many are still content with their OPO's). There's not much development yet for the OPX (it just came out, after all), but I would expect there to be more development for this phone than the OP2 because of the price and because not everybody wants a phablet, making it a more popular device. From what I've seen, OxygenOS looks to be mostly a copy of CyanogenMod, which really is basically stock Android with features added (that you can choose not to use). Might want to wait a bit though, to see of development picks up as more people get ahold of one.

Blu? Most (all?) of theirs are rebrands of Chinese stuff, but some are certainly produced different for the American market. The Vivo Air LTE seems to fit the bill. Crazy thin, but still with a 2050mAh battery. Probably not the best battery life, but you've been using a Nexus 4 for 3 years, so you're used to that. Blu however is certainly not known for updates; in fact they're known for not updating. Also, the interface on recent Blu phones seems heavily modified, and custom ROMs and even root is sparse, as they're not very popular phones. In your case, I'd recommend avoiding Blu.

I'll also recommend avoiding random Chinese stuff, since even the few that actually have LTE don't support American bands. Sometimes not even all the right HSPA+ bands.

There's budget phones like the Moto G, but they're a step or 2 down from the flagships of 2 or even 3 years ago (like your Nexus 4). Don't bother.

There's some other phones that are better devices than all of these within your price range, like the LG G3 or OnePlus One or Note 2., but they're way bigger than what you want. The preference for a smaller phone limits you horribly these days.
[General Questions and Answers] gorilla p:
Keep in mind, the N4 supports Band4 LTE.

I actually have the custom 33/107 radios on bit.ly/makostuff

The LG Flex 2 on eBay is hard to turn down if you don't care about custom ROMs.

Luckily the dev support on the N4 has put me in a position where I'm not in a huge hurry to get a new phone and can kinda wait things out. Its still more than fast enough.
[General Questions and Answers] jakejm79:
Thank you for the input guys, yes the G2 was an outside thought but the not near stock experience was side tracking me a little plus I couldn't find one for the same price that I could get a N5 for.

I had considered the Vivo Air LTE and Oneplus X but neither support band 12 (neither does the N5, but I don't mind dropping $150 for phone that I need to replace in a year or 2, vs. $200-$250).

T-Mo originally had just edge coverage in my state with HSPDA+ or Band 4 LTE in a few of the major cities, they have recently rolled out Band 2 LTE coverage almost state wide (so they are now a viable option if I have a Band 2 LTE device), but they are starting to roll out Band 12 in a few places now, so I suspect within the next couple of years they I will need a Band 12 device.

Ideally I'd like something less (or about) 5" snapdragon 801 or preferably better, 3GB of RAM, something reaching stock android (though custom roms can fix that) and Band 2, 4 & 12 LTE support, at that point I would stretch to $250+ a bit since it would be a device that should see me through the next 3 years, but I seem to be making a trade off somewhere, either the performance, price, size or connectivity. The size I can be flexible on, the others it all depends, I'm flexible on price if I can get everything I want, but then I can justify approaching $300 for a phone if I'll have to replace it in a year or so and vice-versa, I can take a trade off with performance if the price is right.

Maybe next year (maybe there will be a oneplus X2, basically the oneplus 2 in the X size packaging and price, that would fit the bill) or maybe a N5X will be in my price range then. In the meantime I will keep an eye out for a good deal on the G2 or similar.
[General Questions and Answers] jaswinprakash:
Galaxy j5/j7 has no screen protection like gorilla glass????
[General Questions and Answers] jakejm79:
Any feedback on a Zenfone 2 laser? Seems to almost check all my boxes and is only $250 for the 32GB model.
[General Questions and Answers] nicche:
Hi everyone! sorry for my bad english!

I'm looking for a cheap tablet with max 8' inc. dislpay... Until now I've already seen : Nexus 7 (2013) Hisense sero 8 pro and Lenovo tab S8-50... anyone could suggest me the best one? thx
[General Questions and Answers] gorilla p:
I think the only devices you're going to find pure AOSP Android is going to be on a Nexus or Moto E/G/X device.

But, anything that has a decent CM version should work as well, which brings me to my next idea...

Now stay with me here...

A friend of mine was looking for a decent Android device but didn't want to spend much since it wasn't THAT important to him, so he got an Amazon Fire phone for $130 and gave me the Amazon Prime subscription that comes with it ($99 value).

He knew I would end up spending some time showing him how to use it and set it up for him. Well I hated the Amazon FireOS, but the device itself was pretty good.

While playing with it, I found that you can get temporary root (until you reboot) with KingoRoot. With that temp root, you can flash SafeStrap Recovery. (So with literally 2 clicks, I had Root and Safestrap recovery)

When you reboot into safestrap recovery (looks like CWM), there is a completely stable CM11 version available for it here on XDA.

So I set it up and it works great.

I think this is a really good idea for anyone just looking for a cheap option, or was already looking to get Amazon Prime.
[General Questions and Answers] jakejm79:
Interesting idea, any suggestions where to find one, Amazon doesn't seem to have them. Seems like the N5 has the edge with the screen but the FP beats it with camera, everything else seems somewhat close.

In all honesty though my N5 did actually arrive and does in fact seem to be refurbished and not just used despite the warning from resellerratings and BBB (I really didn't expect it to arrive at all, or at least be severely delayed). I don't mind turning around and selling it if I can find something better, but it fits all my cheap end requirements (adequate processor, ram and band 2 and 4) and came in on the very low end of my budget, in fact I couldn't find anything comparable for within $50 of it.
[General Questions and Answers] ms2sf:
I am not sure what phone to get. I have a Note 2 and I would upgrade to the Note 4 but I am on Verizon and cannot root it. Is it possible to buy a factory unlocked Note 4, root it and then use it on Verizon?
[General Questions and Answers] gorilla p:
If you don't care about prime, you can get one for $105 here, but if you have the N5 in good working condition, I'd stick with that. Get a good ROM and kernel on that and there's no reason that shouldn't last you a couple years.

Be sure to check out Wugs Root Toolkit for a quick Root and TWRP recovery.

http://xdaforums.com/google-nexus-5/development/toolkit-wugs-nexus-root-toolkit-v1-8-3-t2517778

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Amazon-Fire-P...-unlocked-Smartphone-/181940569402?nav=SEARCH
[General Questions and Answers] Planterz:
No. Unlocked phones won't work on Verizon's network, because each device has to have its IMEI registered in their system. Plus, only Verizon phones have their primary LTE band with the only exceptions being the Nexus 6, 5X, 6P, and Moto X Pure/Style (and even then there's a process to register the IMEI). Both the Nexus 6P and Moto X have 5.7" screens, same as the Note 4. However, they can't be purchased on contract. As for other on-contract alternatives, look in to the LG V10 and G4, or the Droid Turbo 2. I have no idea about root on those though; I'll leave it to you if you want to look into it or not.
[General Questions and Answers] Irumar:
LG G3 & G4 support is good. Just that Android 6.0 is starting to be rolled out now, for both these devices, so devs will wait b4 launching CM 13 or 14 versions
[General Questions and Answers] gorilla p:
Support for the G3 is decent, but G4 is nonexistent. Maybe it will improve, but I've really been spoiled with my Nexus devices.

ROM support is now a big factor in deciding on a device now.
[General Questions and Answers] ddamani9:
which one should i go for

OPO

OPO X

Motorola X Play

or any other phone in same budget..?
[General Questions and Answers] yzak58:
OPO
[General Questions and Answers] Nipenthis:
Hi guys!

I'm torn between buying the Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 and the ZTE Nubia Z7 (NOT mini or MAX).

They'll both cost me roughly the same (the Nubia is ~30 euros more expensive, but the included headphones kinda make up for some of it), and I feel like the ZTE has better specs overall, but I'm a bit worried because it's a device over a year old versus a pretty new one, as well as a 32 bit processor versus a 64 bit one.

What do you guys think?

(Also, if you have a better suggestion for less than 200 euros I'd be glad to hear it :) )
[General Questions and Answers] robgee789:
What about the redmi note 3 mate, it looks better than both of those phones
[General Questions and Answers] neonflash:
huawei p8 lite or wileyfox swift?
[General Questions and Answers] bluspring00:
What should I buy?

Lenovo Tab Yoga 2 or Lenovo Tab 2 A10-70
[General Questions and Answers] Spansgood:
I am looking for a new phone.

Hello all, i am in the market for a new phone and I have very specific wants/needs.

So specific in fact that I am having issues finding one that meets my criteria. I would love to get some input from the community here.

Thank you for your time.

Need:

4G LTE (unlocked, and compatible with metro pcs)

Has to have Bluetooth for my wear watch.

5” screen or greater.

Gorilla glass 3, 4 preferred

At least android 5.0, 6.0 coming preferred (NEVER IOS!!)

SD card slot. Has to have it. Non negotiable.

Removable battery, to replace when it gets worn out. (might concede this, depends)

>10mp rear camera. Would like to have a decent camera app.

Optional but desired:

I really want front facing speakers, makes Netflix and music much better.

Fingerprint reader.

Decent front camera

Comes in black

Camera has image stabilization.

Camera has a “raw” mode.

1920x1080 or greater

Under $600

I have looked at the nexus 6p and I really like it. But it’s a no go because SD card slot is non negotiable. I will not spend this amount and not have a SD card slot.
[General Questions and Answers] Planterz:
LG G3, G4, or V10, or Galaxy S5 or Note 4 fits the bill, as long as you get the T-Mobile version (unlocked). I'm pretty sure they've all got 5.0 or 5.1. Obviously the more recent are the ones more likely to get updated to Marshmallow (and sooner). You can pick up a G3 for $220 brand new off eBay right now. Way cheaper than your $600 limit, and maybe older than you're looking for, but it'd tide you over for a while until something "perfect" comes around. G4's are pretty cheap these days too. The V10 has unmatched photo taking for a cameraphone, and pretty much everything you're looking for. Out of all those I listed, the S5 is probably the "worst", with only 2gb RAM and slightly aging hardware. But if you're not looking for a phablet, it's probably the best choice out of those, and anything else that's out there.

Oh, I just remembered the Moto X Pure/Style, but I'm too lazy to re-edit everything. The battery isn't removable, but Motorola's aren't impossible to repair like HTC's or the new Samsungs. The HTC M9 almost matches, except for the impossible to replace battery.
[General Questions and Answers] SKDesignsuccw:
Device to buy under 15k

Which is the best and most reliable option to go with under 15k. Expected specifications are: 2 GB RAM, Screen size 5.5 inches and expandable sd memory, longer battery life and ofcourse good customer care support.

Thanks for your suggestions.
[General Questions and Answers] Viva+:
Hello everyone

So I was looking for a music player and eventually opted for another phone altogether, but had a hard time finding something affordable with 32GB internal storage here (North Africa).

I looked at the LG G3 (for the equivalent of $350), Xperia Z2 for $390 (used is around $340), and came across someone selling the Z5 Compact for $500.

Heard mixed reviews about the LG G3.

Z2 only comes with 16GB, I won't rely on internal storage but this gives me claustrophobia.

The Z5 C looks discouraging because of the lackluster interface (How do previous Xperia themes look on it?), not to mention the resolution, RAM and the lacking corner pads, I like the size though...

Wouldn't mind a Note 4 since I need something to draw on, but the size is inconvenient and the price is another story.

Now I'm torn between the Z2 (if it ends up being the box that comes with noise cancelling headphones), and the Z5 C if I can get the price down to $400.

Thoughts?

Edit: I mean is there anything noteworthy I am missing that you'd personally find important however minimal?
[General Questions and Answers] electrojas:
I am at a loss with this ongoing confusion also. I am currently running a Nexus 6 on Straight Talk with Verizon's nano SIM. I get VoLTE and excellent signal, but its time to move on. Some of these newly introduced Chinese phones have insane specs for half what I paid for this phone. I've really been thinking of trying one but even if it looks like it would support it on paper, they still say no Verizon. Same with the Zenfone 2 laser and LG flex 2. I have zero choice if I want signal but Verizon where I'm at and I have read posts of random people saying they are using Verizon with Straight Talk on some of these but, I can't afford to buy one just to find out that Verizon isn't going to work. Can anyone in the know on this stuff shed some light for us with such limited choices? Thank you in advance.
[General Questions and Answers] zelendel:
As long as it will accept a sim card it should work as they have started adding support for their GSM based sim cards but beware with china based phones as GPS almost never works as they are hard coded to connect to China sats. So most will not connect to gps in the states. Also remember that as the secondary radio for CDMA devices you will not get all the benifits of Verizons networks.
[General Questions and Answers] electrojas:
Thanks for your reply. I see a lot of people wondering about this new Verizon Straight Talk SIM. It is my understanding that the SIM is for the LTE side and when you hit a spot with no LTE, you then switch to CDMA and get 3g until your back to an area with LTE. Where I am getting confused is let's take the Huwaei P8 lite and Max. They claim to have a U.S. version and on spec it would appear that it should work, yet they specifically say will not work with Verizon's network. I'm starting to wonder about that now that Straight Talk is handling this for unlocked devices because they are happy to get you on if they can because obviously they gain a customer. Now a Verizon contact user bringing one of these phones into their store? I can see why they would laugh you right out the door. If anyone here can help shed more light God bless you.
[General Questions and Answers] AlienFreek01:
Ok so I recently cracked my phone screen, so I'm getting an upgrade. I need your guy's help to decide what phone to get. I want a phone that I can root (nothing crazy, just so I can use stuff like xposed, lucky patcher, freedom, rom toolbox etc.), (oh and the root to be permanent, not an until boot thing). The only problem here is I'm on verizon, and verizon are ****ing a**holes when it comes to root and studd. My current phone is a Note 3 (which I can do everything I want on), so anything a step up would be nice. I don't need the newest phone (if I can do what I want with it than I do), but just something nicer that I can do stuff with. Like I said, I don't need bootloader unlocks or anything, just root. If downgrading is required to root, that is fine. Any phone brand is good for me, really, but I prefer samsung. Thanks for any help guys!
[General Questions and Answers] Nipenthis:
I've thought about it, but it seems like I'd have to wait at least 2 months till I can have it and I can't really wait that long :/
[General Questions and Answers] Viva+:
also anyone have firsthand experience of the overheating in Z5?
[General Questions and Answers] Mokiwipeout:
Z2 user here.

The only "problem" is the non removable battery (for some people at least), since that means that you will have to buy another phone somewhat sooner than its specs would be outdated(3 gb of ram is still not widely seen even in the newer flagships, along with the decent snapdragon 801, which doesn't really overheat unless you're playing something like gta San andreas).

Regarding the 16 gb of storage.

If you are willing to root the phone, just get an SD card, and transfer onto it all of your data. If you are not willing to root though, you may want to look for another phone.

Would probably recommend the note 4 or note 5 or maybe even the s6. However, make sure you ask other xda users who use verizon so that you can buy a device where you can do the things you like.
[General Questions and Answers] EchoReaper:
It's about time I've upgraded from my Galaxy S3, but I'm having a bit of trouble finding a new phone because I'm a bit picky. The features I am looking for are as follows:

- Durable metal body (not something covered by cheap plastic like the S3)

- Rectangular shape (like the OnePlus One -- not the rounder corners the S3 has)

- Black body available

- Physical home button (like on the S3)

- Context menu button instead of Google search button

- Home, context menu, and back buttons on the body of the phone and not UI buttons left up to the OS

- Hardware specs of S3 or better

Are there any phones that fit this list like a glove?
[General Questions and Answers] shravansp24:
I think Samsung only uses physical buttons nowadays.. And for your requirement, the Galaxy Alpha feels the best.. Rectangular, metal edges, hardware home button, same size as s3, much more powerful..

---------- Post added at 08:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 AM ----------

I used a newly bought Z5 for a few minutes and used it outside under the sun..

It got warm after a few minutes but everything was still smooth and no lag.

And after opening the camera ""under direct sunlight"" the device got really warm and gave me a warning that the camera will shut down if the temperature continues to rise but after 15mins the camera was still working smoothly and the heat was constant..

---------- Post added at 08:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:36 AM ----------

Ummm... The G3 is a phablet, the Z2 is a big device and the z5C is a compact one.. They three fall in totally different categories.. If you're using a phone that's 5" or less and don't do multitasking much, I'll recommend the z5c or else the z2... G3, the QHD display with 801 will lead to less battery life and less performance and that display is also not that good either

---------- Post added at 08:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:41 AM ----------

Galaxy s5..

Or OnePlus 2, it has 64gigs of storage which is sufficient for most

---------- Post added at 08:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:45 AM ----------

OnePlus One if you can bear it's size and above average display

---------- Post added at 08:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:47 AM ----------

15k Indian rupees?? I don't think you have many choice under 15k but you can put a little extra and try the moto X Play if you care about updates or the Galaxy note 3 neo.

The oneplus one is a great phone but customer service is pretty bad

---------- Post added at 08:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:50 AM ----------

How about the MiPad??? It's great but over these three, I'll pick the lenovo tab S8
[General Questions and Answers] Greydesk:
Help me choose between these three options

Hi all,

Time to replace my THL W200S with a new Chinese import. My current options are:

http://www.banggood.com/BLUBOO-Xtouch-4G-5-inch-MTK6753-1_3GHz-64Bit-Octa-core-Smartphone-p-1009401.html

http://www.banggood.com/KINGZONE-K2-5-Inch-3GB-RAM-MT6753-1_5GHz-64Bit-Octa-core-4G-LTE-Smartphone-p-1008131.html

http://www.banggood.com/UMI-IRON-Pro-5_5-Inch-3GB-RAM-MT6753-64Bit-Octa-core-1_3GHz-4G-Smartphone-p-1010020.html

They are all similar phones with the same camera and chipset. Ideally I'd love something like them, in the same pricerange, that had both NFC, a notification LED and could take 2 Sim + microSD. None of them have all three of those features.

Greydesk
[General Questions and Answers] MrTooPhone:
Why is it none these low cost, high spec phones are never compatible with the US networks? Seems that the only high spec phones that work in the US are those expensive ones built by the big name companies.
[General Questions and Answers] Felimenta97:
No Nexus 10, no Nexus 7, no LTE, no Xperia T, no nothing.
[General Questions and Answers] mfsr98:
Yup :c it's sad

Well, here just don't have the Nexus 10, but the Nexus 7 was only here like a week ago.
[General Questions and Answers] vj_dustin:
It's not just Brazil. I'm from India and we have no LTE, no Nexus 10, NO GALAXY NEXUS (never was launched), Nexus 7 came just now at a whopping rs.20000 for 16gb wifi only that's like $400.

But bless us, I was planning to get a phone by the end of the year with equal specs as you quoted.

And nexus 4 falls just perfect, I have absolutely no confusion now :p

It's gonna be launched by November end at rs.23000 or $460 for 8gb and rs.27000 or $540 for 16gb :D

Don't you think instead of Ace, my recommended Defy+ is better?

Sent.... just sent!!
[General Questions and Answers] Felimenta97:
We got Galaxy Nexus, not Nexus 7. But the Nexus 4, which should be here by next year, will be around $1000

And go for Defy+

"What really matters in this world, anyway?"
[General Questions and Answers] bmancell:
So from some research, Windows & Android is basically not happening.

So the one thing I 100% need is a usenet client (for downloading) and the ability to set those downloads to a server on my network. Is this even possible?