Best products from r/AndroidMasterRace

The big thing to remember is that in the Android world, you have the power of choice. In Apple's walled garden, you get the 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB device that will be outdated in two years and requires proprietary accessories (I'm looking at you, Lightning charger). It can seem a little daunting at first, but get your hands on a few models and figure out what exactly you do like about each one. I got the S6 this go around because I really liked the camera and the screen, but I'd gone into the store expecting to walk out with a Nexus 6.

I can tell you, though, that I won't ever buy another phone that doesn't have an unlocked bootloader. I got used to flashing custom ROMs back on my first Android (OG Moto Droid), a habit that continued for years after that. Not being able to have Cyanogen or anything AOSP on my S6 feels...wrong. My next phone will probably be a Nexus, but I have my S6 in a place that I'm happy with, for now.

What did you like or dislike about each of the models you've mentioned? That's a pretty wide array of phones with regard to size and quality. The Fascinate and Transpyre are base-level burner phones. The Desire is a decent model for being prepaid, but I've never used it myself. I liked my M7 a lot, but unlocked the bootloader and ran custom ROMs as soon as I could. The S5, as I understand, is just the previous generation of the phone I have now, which I feel is closest to Apple style of the phones you've listed.

Looking at the Transpyre, I think the closest to that form factor that you'll find is something like the LG G4 or the Moto X. Someone can will fact check me on that, probably, but I've read really good things about those models being close to Stock Android, and having great build quality. If I were to buy a new phone today, it would be one of those, or a Nexus.

You'll see a lot of people on /r/AndroidMasterRace pointing out that Apple users like to complain about shoddy build quality on Android phones. That can be true to an extent, if their example phones are burners meant for kids or people in underdeveloped countries. Apple does not make mid or low grade phones, however. Remember this when comparing your current phone to new devices. A lot of people return to the Apple world after venturing into Android territory because they buy whatever the cheapest prepaid device is, then get turned off by the off-brand hardware from 2010 not performing as well as a flagship from 2015.

I guess what I'm saying is that you should have realistic expectations about whatever you decide to get.

If you want protection, but also looks and grip, I'd definitely take a look at a UAG case. They're a tad pricey but offer amazing protection, Look really great, and drastically improve grip/handling

-Cutout for IR blaster

-Good button clickeyness (tactile response)

-Includes a decent screen protector

-Comes in 5 color variants (navy blue, white, black, orange, and clear)

-Has a flat back, so it feels and looks thicker than most cases would, but it won't rock on a flat surface

9/10 for looks

9.5/10 for protection

9/10 for functionality (button response, port access...)

UAG Website Link

Amazon.com Link

Amazon.ca link


Alternatives:

Incipio Dualpro (I own one, 7/10 looks, 7/10 protection, 8/10 functionality)

Incipio Feather (I own one, 9/10 looks, 3/10 protection, 8/10 functionality)

Poetic Atmosphere (I own one, 8/10 looks, 6/10 protection, 8/10 functionality)

Spigen Slim Armour (do not own one. Excellent ratings, cheaper than UAG)

Overall, you're right, macOS isn't bad, it's based on BSD and BSD itself is pretty awesome too. But, with macOS Apple is dissing every other piece of hardware, macOS works better with iPhones, since with Android phones you have to either use ADB or install "special" software which doesn't even work that well to do something as simple as transfer files. I've also had trouble transferring files from an NTFS drive to a Mac Mini (More "special" software to install). The UI may look nice but I found it to be very uncomfortable to use and I even prefer Windows 10's UI over it productivity-wise. In addition to that, Mac only works on Apple hardware, which allows them to put any price tag on their products as they want, so Macbooks are very much overpriced. You're an iOS developer, so it's understandable why you'd use macOS. Nevertheless, if you're interested in some good laptops which cost less/the same as a new MacBook Pro 15" and provide much better specs (and are also as thin), have a look: Dell XPS 15 Touch, MSI GS63VR, HP OMEN, System76 Gazelle.

You can definitely get a original Pebble for £50, (not including VAT probably).

I love my Steel version of the original, and the timeline update (yours will ship with it installed) is fantastic.

If s6 (most likely yes) has same 3,55mm port as s5 then I would recommend htc u350 headphone adapter.

With them you can use any standard 3,55mm headphones as hands free kit, you can control your music (1 click play/pause, 2 clicks next track, 3 clicks previous track) and if you want you can also set click and hold as volume + and doubleclick and hold as a volume-.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/HTC-Audio-Adapter-Stereo-Headset-Black/dp/B0020GTQCU

Don't worry about those headphones that are in the picture, you can just take them off and use that adapter part with any headphones.

Added bonus is that, if you have PlayStation 4 you can use those htc u350 sets with ps4 headset too, microphone works well with multiplayer chat.

Yes these are just single button ones so no volume control, but it is just awesome to be able to use my big cans with my music and still be able to go directly to incoming call.

I've got the Honor 9 in the UK, and it's served me very very well. An incredibly fast and smooth performing phone. Surprisingly great camera considering the price point. Large internal storage with SD slot. Good battery life, no heat issues I've encountered. Headphone jack, IR blaster. Here's the UK Amazon link with full spec @ £229.97

The SanDisk Sansa was my go to device for a few years. I tend to push mp3 players past their limits because I run daily. Switched over to a Diver mp3 player and it's now my fav player. It's main benefit - waterproof.

I sweat a lot and sometimes run in the rain - this thing is a champ. Plus, it connects to a computer as a USB drive - nice and simple.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0194REAX2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480279486&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=luvvitt+galaxy+s7&dpPl=1&dpID=51cR6cxJCnL&ref=plSrch&dpPl=1&dpID=51cR6cxJCnL&ref=plSrch

I bought this case when the phone first came out. I've dropped my phone countless times and this case has protected it super well. really recommend a case since it's all glass

Holy cow it's crazy to be even replying in the same thread as you. Android master race bow down to one of your leaders!!

Good to know about the efuse, I've been rooted since day one so I haven't had to really follow the new news on updates to the rooting process.

/u/Phred_Felps, if you need more info and this guy is offering I'd take him up.

I guess I can take this time to ask a question of my own. My screen just cracked and I was planning ordering a replacement on amazon and giving it a go. It's the first time I've done it though and I don't want to break the digitizer. Is there a model you recommend and do you think it's worth the risk? I was thinking of going with this kit, mostly because it's the most popular:

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Screen-Replacement-including-Microfiber/dp/B00DUR2GZM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409835571&sr=8-1&keywords=galaxy+s4+screen+replacement

LG G4! Just got mine and absolutely love it. On par with the Nexus 5X, though the G4 is marginally better

> So? I can link a cheap controller to http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009OIK6O4/ref=pd_aw_sbs_3?pi=SL500_SS115&simLd=1[1]

So can I.

>And the red ring was only on the Xbox 360, using that in an argument is like me saying PC is bad because Mac can't run games.

Macs can run games, they just tend to have about 1/4 the power as a Windows PC the same price.

>And of course the console would be more expensive if you would buy all the new titles that come out, you think it'll be different on pc if you decide to buy all those games?

www.humblebundle.com, http://www.gog.com/, http://store.steampowered.com/ Youre trying to tell me games are the same prices?

>Some people prefer a console's OS, want to plug and play and can afford all of it, like the controller, and I'm sure there are many more reasons. You just need to accept that there are other opinions than yours.

PC is plug and play, sometimes moreso than a console. You can plug any controller ever made into a PC, I can play Call of Duty on a Super Nintendo controller if i want. I can even plug in a wireless Xbox 360 controller adapter and play Mario Kart with 8 people in the game.

There may be other "opinions" but they are wrong.

If you dont like Windows, you can play games with this: http://store.steampowered.com/bigpicture

You can get an adapter that takes plugs into your phones micro USB port and gives you a full USB port as well as a micro USB female port for charging. I use one for my NVIDIA SHIELD portable, which I use as my "console" to stream PC games to the main TV rather than my bedroom.

Ahh the glories of Android.

Edit: Something like this. Not necessarily recommending this specific cable, just the style.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CXAC1ZW/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_53GKub0J4BMB4

I do something similar now using this cable. Quick, painless, gets my files that I keep on the drive on and off the phone easily. I also used it last week to transfer some books I downloaded onto my phone onto my kindle. Honestly a very handy tool to have tucked away in your bag.

I have a OnePlus X that still works great. I think the galaxy S6 and S7 both use micro USB as well.

[or you could keep one of these with you] (https://www.amazon.com/TechMatte-Connector-Resistor-Approved-Standard/dp/B0151RKYBG)

So? I can link a cheap controller to http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009OIK6O4/ref=pd_aw_sbs_3?pi=SL500_SS115&simLd=1

And the red ring was only on the Xbox 360, using that in an argument is like me saying PC is bad because Mac can't run games.

And of course the console would be more expensive if you would buy all the new titles that come out, you think it'll be different on pc if you decide to buy all those games?

Some people prefer a console's OS, want to plug and play and can afford all of it, like the controller, and I'm sure there are many more reasons. You just need to accept that there are other opinions than yours.

Moto g is a good buy and you'll save some cash http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Moto-3rd-Generation-Unlocked/dp/B00ZQVSKSM

> "Oh haha, I don't want or need to do anything more. I just want a simple phone."

Know how I respond to people like that? I link them this

Wow you can get those for 59.99, thats 0.30$ per gigabyte. Thats a pretty handy bot...

Ugh too bad i live in Canada, land of the expensive everything.

Well thats not TOO badly priced here

The Samsung Galaxy A "8" tablets seems to be pretty good based on the specs and price, along with the fact they come with Android 9.0. That's at least a place you can start looking. However it does still have micro USB instead of USB-C, not sure if that's a problem or not.

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Android-Tablet-Black/dp/B07VDB92RK/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=samsung%2Bgalaxy%2Btab%2BA&qid=1574371232&sr=8-4&th=1

Anywhere online like amazon. I used this one.

Better yet, the Android version is $15 for a 64GB USB 3.0 OTG.

Price for a 64GB USB 2.0 iXpand for iOS? $70.

Plus if you want a drive that you can easily leave in your phone, they make micro USB flash drives and microsd adapters that are much smaller than the one shown.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00R0ZAMTM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1463968671&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=meenova&dpPl=1&dpID=41dF3fqC1OL&ref=plSrch

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00RBGYGPG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1463968721&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=micro+usb+drive&dpPl=1&dpID=31E1IYklsaL&ref=plSrch