Android Megathread!

Discussion in 'Geek Cave: Computers, Tablets, HT, Phones, Games' started by Yeskey, Nov 28, 2016.

  1. Yeskey

    Yeskey Friend

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    I've noticed that a lot of our phone threads are scattered about and are rather old, so rather than just make a new thread talking de/merits of android X, I figure we can have a mega thread to talk about all the new stuff as it comes out. Including both Android phones and DAPs.

    Content-wise, I just picked up the OnePlus 3t and I'm putting it through the ringer as I type. It has the zippy snapdragon 821 and programs are flying right off the screen. It's my first android phone (coming from windows) And I've already fallen in love with it.

    The 3T's onboard audio is a different story though, as the snapdragon's integrated audio is pretty sub par. Running the CFA Orion, music is neutered, flat, and noise floor is noticeable at low volumes (no surprise there). At least it'll make me push for a portable DAC.

    Who's ready for Nougat?
     
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2016
  2. barelyincollege

    barelyincollege Nice Pit Bull

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    I just switched from a Google (Huawei) Nexus 6P to a Google (HTC) Pixel.

    The biggest difference I noticed is how fluid and smooth everything feels in comparison to the 6P. No micro-stutter, no quirky hardware issues, and the software just glides along like butter. 7.0 Nougat is a welcome improvement over 6.0 too.

    It's not the flashiest looking, most feature-filled or best value phone out there, but it gets the core features (performance, build quality, ergonomics, camera, battery life) right and has been a pleasure to use so far. I really like it, and I didn't think I would when I looked at the specs alone.

    Haven't put the onboard audio through its paces yet, but it sounds notably louder and better than my 6P, which was well-known for its subpar audio perforamnce. I miss the 6P's dual front-facing speakers, but at least that gives me an excuse to gain more experience with IEMs.
     
  3. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    As the resident smartphone expert here on the board I can say the Pixel XL is the finest phone I've ever used. I miss the expandable storage of my s7 edge but everything else is leagues better on the Pixel XL. It had a fluidity that even my iOS devices don't seem to have. Add in the camera and assistant and it's one hell of a phone.
     
  4. Yeskey

    Yeskey Friend

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    I'm still learning the android environment myself, last night at a Madeon concert my phone's flash light kept turning on while I recorded video, and I couldn't figure out how to turn it off. The concert was an absolute blast cuz' laser light show + ear exploding bass is always a good day. (Glad I brought hearing protection)

    The pixel would have been a big option for me if it wasn't for that ludicrous price tag. ($650 is crazy!) Assistant looks like a fun toy to play around with though. I'm currently using a cut down version on Allo and it's cute asking google silly questions like "When's your birthday google?"
     
    Last edited: Nov 30, 2016
  5. aufmerksam

    aufmerksam Friend

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    Hey @zerodeefex, does the 6p support pass-through charging? I cannot find a clear answer for this. It appears that the pixel (phone) will. Do you know?
     
  6. take

    take Friend

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    How would pass through charging work with only one port?
     
  7. Deep Funk

    Deep Funk Deep thoughts - Friend

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    Went from iPhone to Samsung A5 2016. No more Apple for me...
     
  8. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    Don't have the like one hub that supports this so I can't test for you.
     
  9. aufmerksam

    aufmerksam Friend

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    So you're saying there's a chance...

    Thanks. Wasn't trying to put you on the spot, just figured if anyone would know unequivocally it was you.
     
  10. Yeskey

    Yeskey Friend

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    Can anyone recommend a system wide app for finer volume control? With only 15 steps at my disposal, the volume on my 1+3T goes from too quiet at 1 to deafening at 2. IEM is CA Orion.
     
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2016
  11. take

    take Friend

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    I use Fine Volume Control. The interface is dated and clearly hasn't been updated in a long time, but it works. Be sure to mess around with the "Advanced Preferences" if you have any issues, such as "Volume accuracy fix" and "Do not modify API volume." I have the latter checked for my Nexus 6P, but it depends on the phone.

    Also, you can star the issue on the Android bug tracker to help get it some attention.
     
  12. Cakecake

    Cakecake Guest

    Thinking of upgrading to Pixel from iPhone 6. The impedance is rated 4.8 compared to 2.0.

    Anyone try Pixel with andromeda?
     
  13. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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    No, but I just got a Galaxy A8 (2016) and it's quite bass light with the Andromeda. I've had to shelve the bass up a few dB to get it to sound about the same as with my iEMatch "High" -12dB pigtail. I listened to a colleague's before buying and thought it was OK, but I haven't checked with his again to see if there's a difference (can't see how there would be). The innards are basically those of an S6 with the Wolfson DAC, for what that's worth. Someone on HF says the Zout is 0.7 ohm, so it's strange the bass levels are so low. Sounds OK otherwise though the highs are a touch grainy.
     
  14. dark_energy

    dark_energy Friend

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    I just got a Nokia 6 (3GB RAM) 32 GB storage, running Nougat 7.1. I was looking for a phone around 200-300eur and choose this because i did not notice any lag or locking up when i tried it. Aluminium chassies, solid look. This is a keeper for me. It even has an IPS FHD display which looks decent.
     
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2018

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