WC 1M Post Challenge - You Ready?!

[N_LaRUE]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

Otherwise, there isn't anything. I could use a XZ3 as a back up or get a N 9 (software and fingerprint scanner issues and price as a no right now), but nothing that screams "cut corners and buy me"!

I've decided the Nokia 9 isn't for me. I just don't need the headache of a phone that could be buggy. I had that experience already and don't want a repeat.

I'm a little stuck on what to get.

I'm considering the XZ3 but only because it's familiar to me, however I'm open to other OEMs just not sure which ones.

I don't need or want the latest and greatest and I don't want to spend a fortune. If I decide on the XZ3 it will be after the Xperia 1 comes out so the price drops.

Any thoughts on something comparable to the XZ3? Keeping in mind price wise things are a touch more here in some instances. I'm buying unlocked as well.

 

[MSFTisMIA]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

I've decided the Nokia 9 isn't for me. I just don't need the headache of a phone that could be buggy. I had that experience already and don't want a repeat.

I'm a little stuck on what to get.

I'm considering the XZ3 but only because it's familiar to me, however I'm open to other OEMs just not sure which ones.

I don't need or want the latest and greatest and I don't want to spend a fortune. If I decide on the XZ3 it will be after the Xperia 1 comes out so the price drops.

Any thoughts on something comparable to the XZ3? Keeping in mind price wise things are a touch more here in some instances. I'm buying unlocked as well.

You can buy a Pixel from 99, assuming a pre-owned unit and international shipping is palatable for you.

All half jokes aside, if you don't mind older flagship I could suggest a P20 Pro if you can stomach EMUI. I'd suggest a Mi Mix 3 or Mi 9 if you can stomach MiUI. Or you can wait until HMD shows they have a clue about updates and fix the bugs on the Nokia 9.

You've got choices man, and time. A XZ3 ain't a bad consolation price though, honestly.

 

[MSFTisMIA]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

Picked up a V35 and have put the G7+ up for sale (possible trade). Even though there are things about the G7 I really like and understood why LG recycled this for the V40, I think the V35 is a better intermezzo device for me.

 

[libra89]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

Picked up a V35 and have put the G7+ up for sale (possible trade). Even though there are things about the G7 I really like and understood why LG recycled this for the V40, I think the V35 is a better intermezzo device for me.

Congrats! Yeah, I'm guessing you would have a better connection experience for sure as well. I'm looking forward to your impressions.

 

[libra89]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

Had the session today and I felt like I was read by them. Not in a bad way, but I felt like I was understood. Unfortunately, I couldn't think of any questions but I think I can see this working for me.

My brother says to go the school route, but I don't know. I did register for an intake appointment which is what they call the first one. I don't doubt them but there's a limit to how many sessions you can do in a year and it's solution focused. It can help but probably not my other stuff lol...

 

[MSFTisMIA]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

Today was worth throwing away work wise.

 

[MSFTisMIA]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

Congrats! Yeah, I'm guessing you would have a better connection experience for sure as well. I'm looking forward to your impressions.

Data connects slightly better, but the difference is that I get better signal in lower signal areas as the right bands are being used. Speed wise, they are the same as both phones use the SD 845 + 6GB RAM.

Otherwise typical LG. The Bluetooth headset connection was louder on the G7, but clearer on the V35 vocally. The RHAs tend to be quieter, which is why Flossy Carter went in and roasted the True Tone wireless buds.

I flashed that AT&T bloat for Google Fi bloat (why do I have 2 phone dialer and contacts apps). It still hardware wise recognizes the phone as the AT&T variant, which is why I have to manually update the Google Fi ROM going forward.

 

[libra89]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

Data connects slightly better, but the difference is that I get better signal in lower signal areas as the right bands are being used. Speed wise, they are the same as both phones use the SD 845 + 6GB RAM.

Otherwise typical LG. The Bluetooth headset connection was louder on the G7, but clearer on the V35 vocally. The RHAs tend to be quieter, which is why Flossy Carter went in and roasted the True Tone wireless buds.

I flashed that AT&T bloat for Google Fi bloat (why do I have 2 phone dialer and contacts apps). It still hardware wise recognizes the phone as the AT&T variant, which is why I have to manually update the Google Fi ROM going forward.

That's really good to hear about the improved connections as I remember your issues with the G7+.

Gotcha, and that's really brilliant actually! Now I get why you said that it is better, even though you have to manually update. I hope it will continue to do the job decently at least.

 

[libra89]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

Today was worth throwing away work wise.

Dang.

 

[N_LaRUE]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

You can buy a Pixel from 99, assuming a pre-owned unit and international shipping is palatable for you.

All half jokes aside, if you don't mind older flagship I could suggest a P20 Pro if you can stomach EMUI. I'd suggest a Mi Mix 3 or Mi 9 if you can stomach MiUI. Or you can wait until HMD shows they have a clue about updates and fix the bugs on the Nokia 9.

You've got choices man, and time. A XZ3 ain't a bad consolation price though, honestly.

I'll take a look at the P20 and Mix 3/9 and see what I think.

I"m not holding my breath waiting for the N9 to be fixed to any satisfaction. I'm guessing they'll eventually make it 'better' but it will never be great so I'd rather not bother.

I have no issues with the Pixel 3 in general. I get that it's got a great camera and it's quick, etc but there are other aspects about it that don't really sit with me.

As for Sony phones. Now the main reason I went for a Sony phone originally is because it had something Nokia phones had, a camera button. Sounds silly but it's something I like. Irritates me to no end that Nokia/HMD dropped it. Sony also has SD support, something I like in general.

Sony also makes great phones on the whole. Recently I've been taking my phone out of it's case to charge because the cheap charging cord I bought has a fat head that doesn't go through the case. You forget how nice your phone is when it's in a case. The XZ is not Sony's best phone but even then, it's got a nice feel to it.

So, yes the XZ3 is still a contender but I'll have to think a little bit more.

As for time, yes and no. The battery on my XZ is not that great. I need an all day phone and the damaged charging port is becoming annoying. So yes I'll wait but only for so long. I'm thinking maybe a birthday present in June.

 

[N_LaRUE]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

In other news I've decided to start decorating my office area. Just way too monotone (beech wood shades). I got some nice artificial plants and started printing out some pictures to hang on the wood cubicle walls. So far I have Australia and Vanuatu up. I made them PDFs to print so they get a border around them. They look good.

 

[MSFTisMIA]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

I'll take a look at the P20 and Mix 3/9 and see what I think.

I"m not holding my breath waiting for the N9 to be fixed to any satisfaction. I'm guessing they'll eventually make it 'better' but it will never be great so I'd rather not bother.

I have no issues with the Pixel 3 in general. I get that it's got a great camera and it's quick, etc but there are other aspects about it that don't really sit with me.

As for Sony phones. Now the main reason I went for a Sony phone originally is because it had something Nokia phones had, a camera button. Sounds silly but it's something I like. Irritates me to no end that Nokia/HMD dropped it. Sony also has SD support, something I like in general.

Sony also makes great phones on the whole. Recently I've been taking my phone out of it's case to charge because the cheap charging cord I bought has a fat head that doesn't go through the case. You forget how nice your phone is when it's in a case. The XZ is not Sony's best phone but even then, it's got a nice feel to it.

So, yes the XZ3 is still a contender but I'll have to think a little bit more.

As for time, yes and no. The battery on my XZ is not that great. I need an all day phone and the damaged charging port is becoming annoying. So yes I'll wait but only for so long. I'm thinking maybe a birthday present in June.

I remember the repair issues you had at one time or else I'd say that if you don't like what you see, maybe a battery and charging port swap is an option to consider. This is why I prefer phones with Qi, as based on my usage I top up at night and can avoid charging port issues.

Sony does make good stuff, but they a better job of getting in their own way. HMD has some good ideas, I just hope they don't keep getting in their own way.

I enjoyed my Pixel experience. Like you, there are certain things with the Pixel 3 I just didn't think was that much of an improvement over the Pixel 2 to justify the asking price. None of the phones I suggested have micro SD support, so keep that in mind.

I'm sure you will find something.

 

[N_LaRUE]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

I remember the repair issues you had at one time or else I'd say that if you don't like what you see, maybe a battery and charging port swap is an option to consider. This is why I prefer phones with Qi, as based on my usage I top up at night and can avoid charging port issues.

Sony does make good stuff, but they a better job of getting in their own way. HMD has some good ideas, I just hope they don't keep getting in their own way.

I enjoyed my Pixel experience. Like you, there are certain things with the Pixel 3 I just didn't think was that much of an improvement over the Pixel 2 to justify the asking price. None of the phones I suggested have micro SD support, so keep that in mind.

I'm sure you will find something.

I don't see the point of doing anything with the phone at this stage. By the time I paid for that I probably could get a new XZ for the same price. Sony phones are notoriously expensive to repair.

If it was easy I'd do it myself but I don't see it being a simple exercise.

I know most phones are dropping SD support like they are dropping the 3.5 jack. As long as the internal memory is there I wouldn't have an issue but most phones I'm looking at have 64MB of internal. Not bad but not great.

My coworker has a P20 Pro and he likes it. Unfortunately he's not a picturing taking type of person so I can't get much from him on that.

You sometimes wish you could test drive a phone. I don't mean buy then sell either.

I'll just keep looking.

 

[libra89]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

This made me think of something that MIA and 99 mentioned about the Nokia 9, and other phones previously, and maybe even Rue as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-VEwCuZnv8

 

[MSFTisMIA]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

I don't see the point of doing anything with the phone at this stage. By the time I paid for that I probably could get a new XZ for the same price. Sony phones are notoriously expensive to repair.

If it was easy I'd do it myself but I don't see it being a simple exercise.

I know most phones are dropping SD support like they are dropping the 3.5 jack. As long as the internal memory is there I wouldn't have an issue but most phones I'm looking at have 64MB of internal. Not bad but not great.

My coworker has a P20 Pro and he likes it. Unfortunately he's not a picturing taking type of person so I can't get much from him on that.

You sometimes wish you could test drive a phone. I don't mean buy then sell either.

I'll just keep looking.

Buy and return during return period and pay restocking fee is how some have done it.

I wonder if you'd be eligible in France to do what Sports Driver has done in his country where he's test driven some phones.

I get not wanting to do it the repairs. Some people just buy another version of the same phone and keep the old one for parts if it's a model they like.

You've got a ton of options.

 

[MSFTisMIA]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

This made me think of something that MIA and 99 mentioned about the Nokia 9, and other phones previously, and maybe even Rue as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-VEwCuZnv8

Tech reviewers are never reliable. It's always subjective and because that's how some make their living, the shill stuff is real. Got to know what you are looking for so you can read through the reviews with the right grain of salt.

 

[MSFTisMIA]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

That's really good to hear about the improved connections as I remember your issues with the G7+.

Gotcha, and that's really brilliant actually! Now I get why you said that it is better, even though you have to manually update. I hope it will continue to do the job decently at least.

It's running fine so far. Battery life is a bit betterthan the G7, standby time is stellar. Makes me not understand why LG was so ****ty in calibration for its IPS panels.

 

[N_LaRUE]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

Buy and return during return period and pay restocking fee is how some have done it.

I wonder if you'd be eligible in France to do what Sports Driver has done in his country where he's test driven some phones.

I get not wanting to do it the repairs. Some people just buy another version of the same phone and keep the old one for parts if it's a model they like.

You've got a ton of options.

Not keen on doing the buy/return route. Bit of a pain overall. I know it's better than keeping a phone you don't like but I'd rather not do that if I don't have to.

I'm not sure how Sports Driver was able to do the test driving thing. It's possible something like that is available here. I'll have to see what I can find.

I looked into the repairs I'd have to do. I could probably do the repairs and change the battery but just not sure I want to bother. As for buying another XZ, nope. I'm ready for something newer. Sure I don't need the power the newer phones have but I know the processor in my phone isn't great with power usage so getting a newer SOC makes sense in general. Also camera tech has gotten better and my phone won't be updated to Android 9. So it's time to update.

Yeah, options. Just too many.

 

[N_LaRUE]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

This made me think of something that MIA and 99 mentioned about the Nokia 9, and other phones previously, and maybe even Rue as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-VEwCuZnv8

I do agree with him on many points if not all.

On this site we used to complain about reviewers all the time because they always bashed WP for no other reason than lack of apps and not liking the interface because it was, shock horror, different. Yes lack of apps was an issue but that shouldn't be the main reason to dislike a phone.

WP failed due to these reviews but MS and the competition (Google not bringing their apps over for example) also had a lot to do with it's downfall as well.

A lot of reviewers are biased for whatever reason (money may play some part). Some are better than others. But it seems to me these days if the phone isn't Apple, Samsung or Google it's considered second grade. Irregardless of how good the phone is.

That's pretty much where we are now in my view. It's partially why I don't want a Samsung, Pixel or iPhone (aside from price). I owned a WP because I wanted something different so I sort of carried that over when I stopped owning one.

Sure I look at and read reviews and I try to keep in mind the biases when doing so.

Picking a phone these days is a bit more difficult.

 

[Laura Knotek]

Re: WC 150K Post Challenge - You Ready?!

I do agree with him on many points if not all.

On this site we used to complain about reviewers all the time because they always bashed WP for no other reason than lack of apps and not liking the interface because it was, shock horror, different. Yes lack of apps was an issue but that shouldn't be the main reason to dislike a phone.

WP failed due to these reviews but MS and the competition (Google not bringing their apps over for example) also had a lot to do with it's downfall as well.

A lot of reviewers are biased for whatever reason (money may play some part). Some are better than others. But it seems to me these days if the phone isn't Apple, Samsung or Google it's considered second grade. Irregardless of how good the phone is.

That's pretty much where we are now in my view. It's partially why I don't want a Samsung, Pixel or iPhone (aside from price). I owned a WP because I wanted something different so I sort of carried that over when I stopped owning one.

Sure I look at and read reviews and I try to keep in mind the biases when doing so.

Picking a phone these days is a bit more difficult.

I also am an oddball in this case, since I chose Moto and LG Android phones after leaving Windows Phone.

In my case, I was more interested in little bloatware (with the Moto devices), and manual camera controls /high quality audio support (with the LG device).