Moto z or x pure - Moto Z Questions & Answers

I have tossed between buying verizon Moto z or x pure. Saying price is not an issue. I will use it in T-Mobile. Many said x pure is a better phone than z? Is it true?
I don't use verizon, does z have all GSM bands? can I do firmware update using computer when verizon has new firmware come up?
Any comments are welcome.

The verizon Moto Z does not have all GSM bands. If using it on Tmobile, I would say get the Moto X Pure, despite having 'lesser' specs than the Z. Band 12 is important for Tmobile, and the Verizon Moto Z does not have band 12 support.

ccheung said:
I have tossed between buying verizon Moto z or x pure. Saying price is not an issue. I will use it in T-Mobile. Many said x pure is a better phone than z? Is it true?
I don't use verizon, does z have all GSM bands? can I do firmware update using computer when verizon has new firmware come up?
Any comments are welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Z is a much better phone. The AMOLED screen on the Z looks better and works better with Moto Display. The battery life on both phones is crappy but at least with the Z you have the option to use a battery mod. Really, the only advantages the X has are the headphone jack and front facing speakers. The Z has a fingerprint sensor, Mods, and will likely get the next major Android version.
There is no reason to buy the Verizon version (Droid model) to use on T-Mobile when there is an unlocked version readily available. The unlocked version has all the frequencies you need.
https://www.motorola.com/us/products/moto-z#Specifications
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Moto Z is the best
ccheung said:
I have tossed between buying verizon Moto z or x pure. Saying price is not an issue. I will use it in T-Mobile. Many said x pure is a better phone than z? Is it true?
I don't use verizon, does z have all GSM bands? can I do firmware update using computer when verizon has new firmware come up?
Any comments are welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi ccheung,
The Moto Z is a better mobile than Moto X Pure. Moto Z has a better processor, more RAM, a good camera, a better display, and so on.
The Moto X Pure is still an excellent mobile, and will likely be a lot cheaper now that the Moto Z is on the scene. If you can afford it, however, you’re most likely going to want to go for the Moto Z.
Thanks
motorolaservicecenterchennai co in

The better choice is obviously the newer phone, especially in its unlocked form.
But if flashing custom firmware is your thing, the Moto X is actually the better bet as there's an active dev community for it. The Moto Z's dev community is still rather quiet.

Related

Question HTC M7 vs HTC DROID DNA...

Hellow Guys i want to ask... wats the diference? about the new M7? i mean the Screen is more smaller... and the CPU is 1.7Ghz... but as i know the QUalcom CPU that the Droid Dna have is the same and can be overlocked at 1.7Ghz.. because the CPU can Handle That the COmpany of HTC dow-clock the CPU of the HTC DROID DNA to 1.5GHz... when can Reach with no risk at 1.7Ghz... so wats the Difference the SCreen Density is 480Dpi and the M7 Screen Density is 460Dpi so? whts the Diferencie...
if the HTC M7 Uses the SAme CPU as the HTC DROID DNA (but the DNA is down-clock) whats the Big Deal About that? i mean... we can be at 1.7GHz with no problem on the HTC DROID DNA? i have been for 5 days using the 1.7GHz and in the GPU 487MHz... no probelms no SOD or reebots ... so whats the diference on the New HTC M7 on the HTC DROID DNA? if we can be at the same range ... because the hardware is the same...
I thought and don't quote me on this that the M7 has additional storage 32GB, a removable battery and an SD Card slot. All the stuff that the DNA is kinda lacking.
Being someone who just got the DNA, i kinda hope the m7 will have horrible battery life so i can still feel good about my phone lol.
treahuggs said:
Being someone who just got the DNA, i kinda hope the m7 will have horrible battery life so i can still feel good about my phone lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't. It's going to have a 2300mah battery, so unless HTC makes a monumental mistake with Sense 5, it should have better battery life.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
Wow, that post was close to incomprehensible. The m7 is not a "droid" branded device, and will not be a flagship phone. Samsung has their s3 series, sure they make other phones, but the s3 line is their top product. For Htc, it is there incredible series, usually distinguished by the name, or the red highlighting. The dna is latest phone in that series of great phones.
The m7, while a capable device, is not in the same league as the dna. Regarding s-off, I assume you have not had Htc devices before. S-off always comes, and honestly it's really not that big of a deal anyway. Like others have mentioned, it only makes things slightly easier.
Good luck on your purchase
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2

			
				
Serinety said:
The m7 is not a "droid" branded device, and will not be a flagship phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh? The DNA/Butterfly is a regional interim release based on the One XL. The M7 will be HTC's "flagship" global phone to compete with the XZ, SGS4, and LG E940 and will include quad-band HSPA which the Butterfly intentionally did not. Here are features it's supposed to have (based on leaks) not in the DNA:
First use of SoLux display technology in a mobile device
32GB+ internal storage
2,300 mAh battery
13MP Exmor RS camera sensor
First official use of Sense 5
It's supposed to follow Samsung's lead with the SGS3 and be released on multiple U.S. carriers without any changes (unlike the One XL, EVO 4G LTE) and Sprint's supposed to carry it so a CDMA version will exist. If VZW decides not to carry it then the DNA will remain the HTC "flagship" but only on VZW. There’s not one feature on the DNA that’s superior to the leaked specs of the M7. And while the M7’s display might be 3/10 of an inch smaller SoLux stands to set a new standard in brightness and outdoor usability. As it is, the DNA’s display is 30% dimmer than the OG One X.
If you’re on VZW wait until the HTC U.S. launch of the M7 on February 19th to see if their one of the carriers that’s going to carry it. If they don’t and you want an HTC device the DNA’s still a solid choice if you can live with the battery and storage constraints.
BarryH_GEG said:
Huh? The DNA/Butterfly is a regional interim release based on the One XL. The M7 will be HTC's "flagship" global phone to compete with the XZ, SGS4, and LG E940 and will include quad-band HSPA which the DNA/Butterfly intentionally did not. Here are features it's supposed to have (based on leaks) not in the DNA:
First use of SoLux display technology in a mobile device
32GB+ internal storage
2,300 mAh battery
13MP Exmor RS camera sensor
First official use of Sense 5
It's supposed to follow Samsung's lead with the SGS3 and be released on multiple U.S. carriers without any changes (unlike the One XL, EVO 4G LTE) and Sprint's supposed to carry it so a CDMA version will exist. If VZW decides not to carry it then the DNA will remain the HTC "flagship" but only on VZW. There’s not one feature on the DNA that’s superior to the leaked specs of the M7. And while the M7’s display might be 3/10 of an inch smaller SoLux stands to set a new standard in brightness and outdoor usability. As it is, the DNA’s display is 30% dimmer than the OG One X.
If you’re on VZW wait until the HTC U.S. launch of the M7 on February 19th to see if their one of the carriers that’s going to carry it. If they don’t and you want an HTC device the DNA’s still a solid choice if you can live with the battery and storage constraints.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The DNA has quad band hspa...
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Bigandrewgold said:
The DNA has quad band hspa...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The J Butterfly/Butterfly which are the generic versions of the DNA sold everywhere directly by HTC do not. All of HTC's "flagships" that they've sold directly globally do.
Global Butterfly
Global One X+
BarryH_GEG said:
The J Butterfly/Butterfly which are the generic versions of the DNA sold everywhere directly by HTC do not. All of HTC's "flagships" that they've sold directly globally do.
Global Butterfly
Global One X+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok... I never said the butterfly had it, I was just commenting on the fact that you were wrong on stating that the dna does not have quad band hspa
AW: Question HTC M7 vs HTC DROID DNA...
Bigandrewgold said:
The DNA has quad band hspa...
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats right,my Dna works with 3G and HSDPA in Austria with H3G (Three) Provider
Sent from my HTC Droid DNA using xda app-developers app
BarryH_GEG said:
Huh? The DNA/Butterfly is a regional interim release based on the One XL. The M7 will be HTC's "flagship" global phone to compete with the XZ, SGS4, and LG E940 and will include quad-band HSPA which the DNA/Butterfly intentionally did not. Here are features it's supposed to have (based on leaks) not in the DNA:
First use of SoLux display technology in a mobile device
32GB+ internal storage
2,300 mAh battery
13MP Exmor RS camera sensor
First official use of Sense 5
It's supposed to follow Samsung's lead with the SGS3 and be released on multiple U.S. carriers without any changes (unlike the One XL, EVO 4G LTE) and Sprint's supposed to carry it so a CDMA version will exist. If VZW decides not to carry it then the DNA will remain the HTC "flagship" but only on VZW. There’s not one feature on the DNA that’s superior to the leaked specs of the M7. And while the M7’s display might be 3/10 of an inch smaller SoLux stands to set a new standard in brightness and outdoor usability. As it is, the DNA’s display is 30% dimmer than the OG One X.
If you’re on VZW wait until the HTC U.S. launch of the M7 on February 19th to see if their one of the carriers that’s going to carry it. If they don’t and you want an HTC device the DNA’s still a solid choice if you can live with the battery and storage constraints.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally true. The M7 will absolutely be a flagship device on every carrier its launched on.....at least until the snapdragon 800 SoCs arrive in phones by mid year...
M7 should be launched in march I believe and looks to have the 600 series SoC probably... Given Rajs discussion of it being in hands of consumers earlier...
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Bigandrewgold said:
ok... I never said the butterfly had it, I was just commenting on the fact that you were wrong on stating that the dna does not have quad band hspa
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I corrected it.
Serinety said:
Wow, that post was close to incomprehensible. The m7 is not a "droid" branded device, and will not be a flagship phone. Samsung has their s3 series, sure they make other phones, but the s3 line is their top product. For Htc, it is there incredible series, usually distinguished by the name, or the red highlighting. The dna is latest phone in that series of great phones.
The m7, while a capable device, is not in the same league as the dna. Regarding s-off, I assume you have not had Htc devices before. S-off always comes, and honestly it's really not that big of a deal anyway. Like others have mentioned, it only makes things slightly easier.
Good luck on your purchase
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
Serinety said:
Wow, that post was close to incomprehensible. The m7 is not a "droid" branded device, and will not be a flagship phone. Samsung has their s3 series, sure they make other phones, but the s3 line is their top product. For Htc, it is there incredible series, usually distinguished by the name, or the red highlighting. The dna is latest phone in that series of great phones.
The m7, while a capable device, is not in the same league as the dna. Regarding s-off, I assume you have not had Htc devices before. S-off always comes, and honestly it's really not that big of a deal anyway. Like others have mentioned, it only makes things slightly easier.
Good luck on your purchase
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. I like my DNA as much as the next guy, but the m7 is definitely an all around better specced device.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
How much more of a difference does 280mAmps make with the M7's battery?
orangechoochoo said:
How much more of a difference does 280mAmps make with the M7's battery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't it almost 300mah more?
Edit: I meant 300 lol
You're right about 280. It will make some difference but not night and day.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
2300 v 2020.
orangechoochoo said:
How much more of a difference does 280mAmps make with the M7's battery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's 12% larger. The wildcard is how much energy the SoLux display consumes. In non-mobile applications it's twice as efficient as incandescent bulbs. It's never been used in a mobile device before so all 12% of the extra battery life could be used by the display or it could consume half the energy of existing displays furthering the M7's battery life. We'll have to wait until it gets tested to know the impact.
sgt. slaughter said:
M7 should be launched in march I believe and looks to have the 600 series SoC probably... Given Rajs discussion of it being in hands of consumers earlier...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It’s supposed to be released Q1 and it would be fantastic for HTC if they could score being the launch customer with the M7. The XZ is using the same SoC as the DNA/Butterfly and I’d guess LG’s 1080P device will too. 600 will be far more effective against Exynos Octa. Here’s an interesting article where Qualcomm’s CEO describes what Samsung’s trying to do with Octa and why.
http://www.unwiredview.com/2013/01/...5-octa-its-just-a-misleading-publicity-stunt/
So whats the amswer of my qiestion about ot jave thw aame stuff thw only diferrence is thw camera
Sent from my HTC Droid DNA using xda premium

Us Carrier availability?

Anyone know if any US carriers will be offering the device? I'm with T-Mobile and they have the Xperia Z (a million years after is initial release) and I was wondering if they may follow up with xperia z ultra?
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
dhoshman said:
Anyone know if any US carriers will be offering the device? I'm with T-Mobile and they have the Xperia Z (a million years after is initial release) and I was wondering if they may follow up with xperia z ultra?
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No such information yet.
In fact, I hope that the Ultra WON'T be picked up by a US carrier since it will result in a branded, bloated version with outdated ROM and locked bootloader. The T-Mobile Z is a warning (stuck on 4.1.2 for now, ugly logo on the back, bloatware and locked bootloader) and I would be sad if such a magnificent device as the Ultra would be castrated and humiliated like that.
The Ultra should be experienced as a pure Sony experience. To paraphrase an old Panasonic ad: "Visit Sony Store. Sony all the way. Nothing else."
What I hope for is that Sony will sell the C6806 in their stores since the Sony Store is great. They offer decent financing options too with their Sony Card with different rewards and points for those that doesn't want to pay it outright.
It is time for people in the US to buy devices unlocked, unbranded, bypassing the carriers altogether. What those carriers are doing to their devices is just horrible and sad.
T Mobil
I have the unlocked, unbranded X.Z.U. running T-Mobile and I couldn't be happier!
The only thing is I have to turn off WiFi in order to send picture texts. Why? No one knows!
Look into your MMS settings, that might be your problem.
Sent from my C6806 using XDA Free mobile app

G2 vs Galaxy S4 vs HTC One

Title says it all.
I'm currently on an HTC One but have the option to change phones via company contract.
Now, I am happy with the One but getting an itch to switch.
How does the G2 compare against the One and S4 in terms of hardware?
Also, how much custom development will be going into the G2?
Sent from my Nexus 7
MrTW said:
Title says it all.
I'm currently on an HTC One but have the option to change phones via company contract.
Now, I am happy with the One but getting an itch to switch.
How does the G2 compare against the One and S4 in terms of hardware?
Also, how much custom development will be going into the G2?
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is something I have been thinking about as well. However because the S4 and HTC One have Google Editions i am sure those are going to get better Dev support. The G2 is better hardware wise. Only time will tell when it comes to dev support.You may want to wait and see what the Nexus 5 looks like in the next month or two and then pick.
MrTW said:
Title says it all.
I'm currently on an HTC One but have the option to change phones via company contract.
Now, I am happy with the One but getting an itch to switch.
How does the G2 compare against the One and S4 in terms of hardware?
Also, how much custom development will be going into the G2?
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of all those phone the HTC One will have the better development. It has an unlockable bootloader and is the exact same as the international version, google version, and all other GSM versions.
The rest of the choice is completely user pref. 5.0 AMOLED vs. 4.7 SUPER LCD vs. 5.2 IPS LCD, plastic vs. metal, TW vs. LG vs. Sense, Ultra Pixel vs. 13 MP, HUGE BATTERY vs. 2300 mah vs. 2600 removable, future updates for the next few android version (HTC's and Samsung's track record) vs. Questionable updates if any, perfect Google Edition experience vs. possibly never having it, 800 snapdragon vs. 600, and the list goes on.
With the locked bootloader it will slow down development for a while and might even turn people away from this phone. Only time will tell... Just do not buy a phone assuming that the bootloader will be hacked because it may not. Buy it because you like it as is
joshuadjohnson22 said:
Out of all those phone the HTC One will have the better development. It has an unlockable bootloader and is the exact same as the international version, google version, and all other GSM versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlockable bootloader? Only very limited HTC Ones were unlocked on Verizon via htcdev.com. This was quickly shut down a few hours after release. The bootloader is locked, and currently there is no way to unlock. Development is slow on the VZW side.
The sgs4 has much more dev due to Loki and a lot more phones being unlocked at this time.
emplox said:
unlockable bootloader? Only very limited HTC Ones were unlocked on Verizon via htcdev.com. This was quickly shut down a few hours after release. The bootloader is locked, and currently there is no way to unlock. Development is slow on the VZW side.
The sgs4 has much more dev due to Loki and a lot more phones being unlocked at this time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not know you were talking about the verizon model. Only the Verizon model blocks the unlock, all the rest (Sprint, Tmobile, AT&T) accept it (last time I checked)
With verizon aside compare the development for the AT&T S4 and HTC One and you will see what I mean.

[Q] atrix 4g vs moto x

So I did a quick search if there was any thread regarding people's experience switching from atrix 4g to moto x and couldn't find any.
For those who did switch over to the Moto X, what significant changes did you experience (like or dislike) from switching over from the Atrix 4g? I really love the fingerprint scanner to turn my phone on without looking or having to input any code, which is part of why I have not upgraded or so. My Atrix 4g is still going strong, but I was contemplating whether I should give the Moto X a try.
Another reason why I was thinking of getting the Moto X is that, we, atrix 4g users, were promised $100 credit from Motorola/Google for not updating the OS of our phones, as long as we switch phones to another Motorola phone, if I remember right. So with that being said, the Moto X price just dropped to $99, which would make it essentially free for us as long as we renew our contract if I am correct in thinking so. Has anybody tried that approach yet? The price drop for the Moto X is new so I don't think anyone has tried yet, but I would like to hear opinions about this as well.
Wasn't that offer a limited time one?
Enviado desde mi MB860 usando Tapatalk 2
andresrivas said:
Wasn't that offer a limited time one?
Enviado desde mi MB860 usando Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just checked through the email that they have sent me, the $100 credit is still active until... June 30, 2014.
does that apply to international customers?
And is that only if you get a plan?
Sent from my MB860 using xda app-developers app
http://slickdeals.net/f/6366254-get...ola-admiral-cliq2-electrify-miles-to-trade-in
I'm not sure if I'm allowed to include the link, but its a link I shared in slickdeals.net. didn't seem to get any momentum.
To answer your question, I think you need to be in the mainland US for it to work. You'll need to purchase your new phone (i.e. Moto X, or other phones included in the link I provided), fill up a rebate form from Moto (also included in the link), trade in your Atrix (or other phones that qualify), then they will send you the rebate.
The phone that you trade in must have been bought from the US.

phones to replace v30

So what is everyone looking at to replace the v30 for 5g and beyond. Thx...
Maybe LG V60?
Wysłane z mojego LG-H930 przy użyciu Tapatalka
skretch said:
Maybe LG V60?
Wysłane z mojego LG-H930 przy użyciu Tapatalka
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except LG V60 (allegedly flagship phone!) only has 1080p vs the QHD 1440p all LG flagship phones have had for years. I've had 1440p since 2014 Moto Quark and I'm NOT downgrading.
They did that for the stupid dual display gimmick, so resolution would match on both screens. Give me ONE good screen. I don't want two.
I use the HDMI out & MiraCast (not ChromeCast) on my V30 frequently. So I'd be looking for phones that could do both of those.
ChazzMatt said:
Except LG V60 (allegedly flagship phone!) only has 1080p vs the QHD 1440p all LG flagship phones have had for years. I've had 1440p since 2014 Moto Quark and I'm NOT downgrading.
They did that for the stupid dual display gimmick, so resolution would match on both screens. Give me ONE good screen. I don't want two.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see the 60Hz being a bigger fail. I got a Realme X2 Pro after my LG V30 and I'd take 1080p 90Hz over a 1440p 60Hz any day. Not to mention that this panel looks better than what my LG looked like with a grainy display (that honestly didn't bother me at all at the time, but this one looks much clearer).
adsubzero said:
I see the 60Hz being a bigger fail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that too. In 2020 for flagship phone you need 1440p and more than 60Hz. Even the OnePlus Pro (which has so much stuff removed -- like headset jack, no microSD card) has 1440p and more than 60Hz.
I make fun of OnePlus for their misleading lies but in this one case they are giving better display than LG.
newbe1droidx said:
So what is everyone looking at to replace the v30 for 5g and beyond. Thx...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on what aspects of LG V30 you liked and stuff that you didn't like.
For example if you liked wired audio, your choices are very limited.
Anyone hear about motorola one fusion plus?
Well, I'm a Verizon customer. The two I have been looking at on their website are the one plus 8 (they don't offer the pro) and the LG v60. Pluses and cons for both. The LG is about $50 more, so in the end, that might be the deciding factor. But, I'm not looking too seriously right now. It will still probably be awhile before I get a new one.
These are the two "flag ship" phones I have been looking at. Not really looking at the Motorola razor or the Samsung ones as they are both quite a bit more costly.
gimpy1 said:
Well, I'm a Verizon customer. The two I have been looking at on their website are the one plus 8 (they don't offer the pro) and the LG v60. Pluses and cons for both. The LG is about $50 more, so in the end, that might be the deciding factor. But, I'm not looking too seriously right now. It will still probably be awhile before I get a new one.
These are the two "flag ship" phones I have been looking at. Not really looking at the Motorola razor or the Samsung ones as they are both quite a bit more costly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you wait until next year -- after December 31, 2020 -- Verizon will drop CDMA and be LTE only. At that point, it might not matter so much if it's a "Verizon" phone or just a carrier unlocked phone.
For instance, the 2020 VERIZON Galaxy Galaxy S20 doesn't have a microSD card while all other variants (including Samsung's official carrier unlocked) does have microSD card. Why doesn't Verizon's? Allegedly because Verizon's 5G antennas are too bulky -- so they had to save space somewhere. But you STILL need a special case for the Verizon Galaxy S20, as it's not the same size as other carrier S20, even without microSD slot! Verizon also dropped RAM from 12GB to 8GB Did AT&T drop the microSD card and reduce RAM? They use the exact same flavor 5G as Verizon... Or is it because (for now) Verizon has CDMA, LTE, and G5 antennas? Well, next year they won't.
What’s likely happening here is that Samsung needed to figure out a way to bring mmWave support to the Verizon Galaxy S20 without increasing manufacturing costs too much. For whatever reason, it decided dropping the RAM amount by 4GB and ditching the microSD card slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also don't be swayed by 5G claims. "mmWave" with higher frequencies -- the variant Verizon and AT&T are building out -- is aptly named. It basically can't even pass through a mm of glass window. T-mobile is building out lower frequency 5G which travels for longer distances but is like 200mbps instead of 500mbps. Still fast enough!
Point is, I don't care about 5G since it is going to drain battery life.
ChazzMatt said:
For instance, the 2020 VERIZON Galaxy Galaxy S20 doesn't have a microSD card while all other variants (including Samsung's official carrier unlocked) does have microSD card. Why doesn't Verizon's? Allegedly because Verizon's G5 antennas are too bulky -- so they had to save space somewhere. But you STILL need a special case for the Verizon Galaxy S20, as it's not the same size as other carrier S20, even without microSD slot! Verizon also dropped RAM from 12GB to 8GB Did AT&T drop the microSD card and reduce RAM? They use the exact same flavor G5 as Verizon... Or is it because (for now) Verizon has CDMA, LTE, and G5 antennas? Well, next year they won't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon has a long storied history of procuring nerfed versions of smartphones, unfortunately. It's one of the many reasons I walked away from them. Great signal; horrible everything else.
Caffination said:
Verizon has a long storied history of procuring nerfed versions of smartphones, unfortunately. It's one of the many reasons I walked away from them. Great signal; horrible everything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto. And they're also well known for lying and saying a phone won't work or isn't allowed on their network, even though you can take an activated SIM and drop it in with no problem (eg, my V30 H931 (originally) which runs fine with VS996 installed).
This is why I switched to Total Wireless. They don't play the dumb IMEI game that VZ does, you save money, and you still get VZ towers.
Caffination said:
Verizon has a long storied history of procuring nerfed versions of smartphones, unfortunately. It's one of the many reasons I walked away from them. Great signal; horrible everything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, long storied history. Here's my Verizon story which covers 2014 - 2016 involving lying and nerfing...
1) Verizon lied about the 2014 Droid Turbo being global exclusive. It wasn't even exclusive device to Verizon in the U.S. and I proved it to the dismay of XDA Verizon fanbois.
2) In 2016, Verizon delayed giving Marshmallow update for six months while all other worldwide versions had that update, because 2014 Droid Turbo with Marshmallow was equal or better to all their other 2016 NEW phones Verizon were trying to sell. So, they nerfed the Droid Turbo until after the 2016 Q3/Q4 back-to-school and holiday sales had finished.
Here's the full story:
MOTO QUARK
I bought three of the 2014 Moto "Quark", which was the best phone of 2014, the smaller sibling of the Moto Nexus 6. Both designed by Google when they owned Motorola -- with almost identical specs except for size. Remember these were awesome specs in 2014: 3GB RAM, 5.2" 1440p OLED, Qi wireless charging, 21MP camera, 3900 mAh battery (Quark). Yes, Quark had 5.2" display, but back then phones were smaller and until that year, the Nexus model number had NOTHING to do with screen size. It was merely the generation number. 2011 Nexus 3 (4.65"), 2012 Nexus 4 (4.75") 2013 and Nexus 5 (4.95") were all almost 5". The 4.95" Nexus 5 (2013) was merely the 5TH Nexus -- had nothing to do with screen size. But for some reason, Google decided the 2014 Nexus 6 should be 6" because their Nexus 7 tablet was 7"...
Until August 2014, Google was testing TWO different versions for the 2014 Nexus -- the 5.2" and the 6". They ended up going with the 6" and the 5.2" was re-purposed to be the Moto Quark. Ironically, the smaller Moto Quark had a larger battery (3900 mAh) than the larger Moto Nexus 6.
But about that time, Google was selling Motorola to Lenovo. So, to blunt the the competition from a FANTASTIC phone to compete with Moto Nexus 6, Google/Lenovo decided to sell the Moto Quark under different model names in different regions, different carriers. Stupidity, personified. "Quark" is the series code name, like "Joan" is for the V30. We all started calling it that because it was the SAME phone series, just like for V30, a US998 is same phone as EU H930. Just different firmware and (maybe) bands.
DROID TURBO/MOTO TURBO/MOTO MAXX
However, not only were they all the same series (like our V30 US998 and H930), but TWO of Quark models were exact clones of each other. Even same FCC ID.
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Verizon's version was called Droid Turbo (XT1254). And it was identical in every way -- including same FCC number to the Moto Maxx (XT1250) sold by other U.S. (regional) carriers. Well identical in every way, except the Moto Maxx had Motorola sanctioned bootloader unlock, while the Verizon Droid Turbo did not. The Moto Maxx XT1250 even ran on Verizon with Verizon SIM card, because guess why? It had the exact same FCC number, and thus had identical bands, etc. To Verizon's network, it was indeed a "Droid Turbo". (I predicted this was possible, then users proved it.)
In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare said, "That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet."
So, the Moto Maxx XT1250 was basically the "Dev" version of the the Droid Turbo XT1254. Buy it, unlock bootloader, install TWRP, put in Verizon SIM card. You could even flash Verizon firmware if you wished. Much like our V30 US998 to VS996 Frankenstein. But remember this was back in 2014... Cross flashing Verizon FIRMWARE over XT1250 worked because it was ALREADY the same phone.
There was a 3rd Moto Quark (or 2nd if you count the XT1254/XT1250 clones as the same phone), called the XT1225. In India, this variant was sold as the "Moto Turbo (XT1225)." In Latin America, it was sold as Moto Maxx (XT1225). Yes, it had different bands from the Droid Turbo XT1254/Moto Maxx XT1250, but in a good way for me. It had no CDMA, but had extra LTE and HSPA bands, and had ALL the AT&T bands, including the new (at the time) LTE band 5. However, you could not buy this one in the U.S.
So, I bought three -- importing them from Puerto Rico and Mexico. Bootloader unlocked, rooted, ran CM 12.1 and LOS Revolution Remix ROMs. (No you couldn't cross flash XT1225 firwmare over XT1254/XT1250 or vice versa.)
XDA DRAMA
With these specs in 2014 (3GB RAM, 5.2" 1440p OLED, Qi wireless charging, 21MP camera, 3900 mAh battery) and the too huge size at the time of the Moto Nexus 6, I decided the Moto Quark was my best bet to upgrade from the 4.95" 1080p LG Nexus 5 with too-small battery.
With me, so far? OK.
Back then, XDA tended to segregate all models according to carriers. The T-mobile Galaxy Widget would be separate from the Sprint Galaxy Widget, which would be separate from the AT&T Galaxy Widget. SO, people would coming in to a forum would automatically assume THEIR carrier version was what people were talking about. (Back in 2017, also had this trouble initially with T-mobile H932 users even in this V30 forum. Coming from older phones, some users don't understand changes.) But in late 2014, XDA started lumping all the models together -- like this V30 forum is now. Except XDA mistakenly called it the "Droid Turbo" forum and wouldn't re-name it "Quark" forum -- even though ALL the variants were being discussed there.
Adding fuel to fire, Verizon LIED in all their release hype and claimed their Droid Turbo (XT1254) was a GLOBAL EXCLUSIVE. The device wasn't even exclusive to them in the U.S. much less the entire world. (U.S. XT1250 was identical device, ran on Verizon with Verizon SIM card and had easy bootloader unlock.)
"Droid" is a trademark owned by Verizon. They can call any phone a "Droid". So, technically yes the Droid Turbo was exclusive to Verizon. But the exact same phone (same FCC ID) was being sold by a dozen regional LTE/CDMA carriers under the "Moto Maxx" (XT1250) model name. I even provided links to those carriers where people could buy these Moto Maxx XT1250.
Once I pointed out this fact -- Verizon was LYING through their teeth, the XT1250 was not only the same phone as the Verizon Droid Turbo but in fact a better phone due to easy bootloader unlock, PAGES of heated arguments ensued. Ignorant Verizon fanbois didn't want to believe it. They wanted to believe Verizon had cornered the market on this FANTASTIC phone. They were grudgingly willing to believe perhaps other variants like Moto Turbo XT1225 (with different bands, different FCC ID) existed for OTHER countries, but BY GOLLY, ONLY Verizon had this phone in the U.S.! (How can you love a carrier that much, like they are God? Or believe carrier PR hype that much?)
If you know anything about electronics, same FCC ID number carries weight of law due to the ADA law for handicaps/disabilities. Your company can fined by the U.S Government and be sued in class action lawsuit for millions of dollars if you mis-identify the characteristics of an electronic communication device, which is identified by the FCC number. You can call it whatever you like (Droid Turbo, Moto Maxx) but the FCC ID number is the unique identifier in the U.S. There's no way deep pockets Verizon nor Motorola/Lenovo would open themselves up to that kind of liability.
Plus, the Verizon fanbois didn't like that other Quark variants being discussed in THEIR forum. But this XT1254/XT1250 clone proof REALLY got under their skin. They called me a liar and worse -- even though I had FCC documentation. One of the FCC documents is attached, but I had whole chain of evidence, that not only was Moto Maxx/Moto Turbo XT1225 same specs as Droid Turbo XT1254 (so all were Quarks in spite of different model names), but furthermore that Moto Maxx XT1250 = Droid Turbo XT1254 to 100th decimal point.
______
Mods got involved, thread was cleaned, people got warned and even banned. Months later, I ended up an XDA Recognized Contributor. Because of my extensive knowledge of the cell phone industry, I'm the one who figured all this out. I went looking through the FCC records and searching regional telephone carriers. Most people only know about the Big 4 (now Big 3) -- but there are many other carriers with their own towers and licences serving remote areas like in Appalachia, Alaska, parts of Michigan, etc. I'm not talking about MVNOs but actual carriers. Cricket and MetroPCS used to be regional standalone carriers before being bought by AT&T and T-mobile. Back then, LTE/CDMA carrier MetroPCS in particular would get the EXACT same phones as Verizon, but under a different model name. For instance, the Verizon LG Revolution = MetroPCS LG Esteem -- and LG didn't even bother removing the Revolution boot up animation from the media folder. It had both animations in the media folder. But it allowed Verizon to claim (fake) "exclusive" for LG Revolution. All that kind of stuff flies under the radar to people who only know about the major carriers.
As a result of all this conflict, XDA did open a separate Moto Maxx forum and moved all non Droid Turbo content over there. But the ironic thing is all Development (kernels, CM and later LOS ROMs) were posted there. So, Verizon "Droid Turbo" owners had to go over THERE (Moto Maxx forum) to get stuff, once Sunshine Dev team found an exploit to unlock the Verizon Droid Turbo variant bootloader about a year after release. Whereas, the Moto Turbo and Moto Maxx variants always had bootloader unlock, TWRP and ROMs. Droid Turbo was late to the party.
So, point is, Verizon lies about phones.
VERZION DELAYED OS UPDATE
Then, in July 2016 when Marshmallow update pushed from Motorola servers for ALL Moto Quark variants, the Verizon Droid Turbo did not get their update. Motorola confirmed they sent it to Verizon and it would be released by Verizon. When? Only Verizon knew. Maybe they were testing it? NO, they weren't. They were just sitting on it. Why? Because all the back-to-school new phone sales were starting, then the holiday new phone sales after that and the Droid Turbo specs were still too good. 3GB RAM, 5.2" 1440p OLED, Qi wireless charging, 21MP camera, 3900 mAh battery. THAT 2-year old phone with new OS would still be as good as or better than any new phone Verizon was selling! So, if they didn't update the OS, then people will have to buy new phone to get Marshmallow. Only end of December 2016 did Verizon finally release the Marshmallow update for their Quark -- and it immediately bricked the phones which had encrypted storage. So, Verizon had to pull the update for a couple of weeks, then release a revised version. That shows Verizon was NOT extensively testing it for six months, they were just sitting on it to nerf the Droid Turbo from being too good a phone so people with "old" phones would buy new ones.
Point is, Verizon will purposefully degrade (or delay updates) to an older phone to increase sales of newer phones.
They were also the first to insist upon bootloaders which could not be unlocked -- even for Google Nexus/Pixel phones.
ChazzMatt said:
Yes, long storied history. Here's my Verizon story which covers 2014 - 2016 involving lying and nerfing...
1) Verizon lied about the 2014 Droid Turbo being global exclusive. It wasn't even exclusive device to Verizon in the U.S. and I proved it to the dismay of XDA Verizon fanbois.
2) In 2016, Verizon delayed giving Marshmallow update for six months while all other worldwide versions had that update, because 2014 Droid Turbo with Marshmallow was equal or better to all their other 2016 NEW phones Verizon were trying to sell. So, they nerfed the Droid Turbo until after the 2016 Q3/Q4 back-to-school and holiday sales had finished.
Here's the full story:
MOTO QUARK
I bought three of the 2014 Moto "Quark", which was the best phone of 2014, the smaller sibling of the Moto Nexus 6. Both designed by Google when they owned Motorola -- with almost identical specs except for size. Remember these were awesome specs in 2014: 3GB RAM, 5.2" 1440p OLED, Qi wireless charging, 21MP camera, 3900 mAh battery (Quark). Yes, Quark had 5.2" display, but back then phones were smaller and until that year, the Nexus model number had NOTHING to do with screen size. It was merely the generation number. 2011 Nexus 3 (4.65"), 2012 Nexus 4 (4.75") 2013 and Nexus 5 (4.95") were all almost 5". The 4.95" Nexus 5 (2013) was merely the 5TH Nexus -- had nothing to do with screen size. But for some reason, Google decided the 2014 Nexus 6 should be 6" because their Nexus 7 tablet was 7"...
Until August 2014, Google was testing TWO different versions for the 2014 Nexus -- the 5.2" and the 6". They ended up going with the 6" and the 5.2" was re-purposed to be the Moto Quark. Ironically, the smaller Moto Quark had a larger battery (3900 mAh) than the larger Moto Nexus 6.
But about that time, Google was selling Motorola to Lenovo. So, to blunt the the competition from a FANTASTIC phone to compete with Moto Nexus 6, Google/Lenovo decided to sell the Moto Quark under different model names in different regions, different carriers. Stupidity, personified. "Quark" is the series code name, like "Joan" is for the V30. We all started calling it that because it was the SAME phone series, just like for V30, a US998 is same phone as EU H930. Just different firmware and (maybe) bands.
DROID TURBO/MOTO TURBO/MOTO MAXX
However, not only were they all the same series (like our V30 US998 and H930), but TWO of Quark models were exact clones of each other. Even same FCC ID.
Verizon's version was called Droid Turbo (XT1254). And it was identical in every way -- including same FCC number to the Moto Maxx (XT1250) sold by other U.S. (regional) carriers. Well identical in every way, except the Moto Maxx had Motorola sanctioned bootloader unlock, while the Verizon Droid Turbo did not. The Moto Maxx XT1250 even ran on Verizon with Verizon SIM card, because guess why? It had the exact same FCC number, and thus had identical bands, etc. To Verizon's network, it was indeed a "Droid Turbo". (I predicted this was possible, then users proved it.)
In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare said, "That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet."
So, the Moto Maxx XT1250 was basically the "Dev" version of the the Droid Turbo XT1254. Buy it, unlock bootloader, install TWRP, put in Verizon SIM card. You could even flash Verizon firmware if you wished. Much like our V30 US998 to VS996 Frankenstein. But remember this was back in 2014... Cross flashing Verizon FIRMWARE over XT1250 worked because it was ALREADY the same phone.
There was a 3rd Moto Quark (or 2nd if you count the XT1254/XT1250 clones as the same phone), called the XT1225. In India, this variant was sold as the "Moto Turbo (XT1225)." In Latin America, it was sold as Moto Maxx (XT1225). Yes, it had different bands from the Droid Turbo XT1254/Moto Maxx XT1250, but in a good way for me. It had no CDMA, but had extra LTE and HSPA bands, and had ALL the AT&T bands, including the new (at the time) LTE band 5. However, you could not buy this one in the U.S.
So, I bought three -- importing them from Puerto Rico and Mexico. Bootloader unlocked, rooted, ran CM 12.1 and LOS Revolution Remix ROMs. (No you couldn't cross flash XT1225 firwmare over XT1254/XT1250 or vice versa.)
XDA DRAMA
With these specs in 2014 (3GB RAM, 5.2" 1440p OLED, Qi wireless charging, 21MP camera, 3900 mAh battery) and the too huge size at the time of the Moto Nexus 6, I decided the Moto Quark was my best bet to upgrade from the 4.95" 1080p LG Nexus 5 with too-small battery.
With me, so far? OK.
Back then, XDA tended to segregate all models according to carriers. The T-mobile Galaxy Widget would be separate from the Sprint Galaxy Widget, which would be separate from the AT&T Galaxy Widget. SO, people would coming in to a forum would automatically assume THEIR carrier version was what people were talking about. (Back in 2017, also had this trouble initially with T-mobile H932 users even in this V30 forum. Coming from older phones, some users don't understand changes.) But in late 2014, XDA started lumping all the models together -- like this V30 forum is now. Except XDA mistakenly called it the "Droid Turbo" forum and wouldn't re-name it "Quark" forum -- even though ALL the variants were being discussed there.
Adding fuel to fire, Verizon LIED in all their release hype and claimed their Droid Turbo (XT1254) was a GLOBAL EXCLUSIVE. The device wasn't even exclusive to them in the U.S. much less the entire world. (U.S. XT1250 was identical device, ran on Verizon with Verizon SIM card and had easy bootloader unlock.)
"Droid" is a trademark owned by Verizon. They can call any phone a "Droid". So, technically yes the Droid Turbo was exclusive to Verizon. But the exact same phone (same FCC ID) was being sold by a dozen regional LTE/CDMA carriers under the "Moto Maxx" (XT1250) model name. I even provided links to those carriers where people could buy these Moto Maxx XT1250.
Once I pointed out this fact -- Verizon was LYING through their teeth, the XT1250 was not only the same phone as the Verizon Droid Turbo but in fact a better phone due to easy bootloader unlock, PAGES of heated arguments ensued. Ignorant Verizon fanbois didn't want to believe it. They wanted to believe Verizon had cornered the market on this FANTASTIC phone. They were grudgingly willing to believe perhaps other variants like Moto Turbo XT1225 (with different bands, different FCC ID) existed for OTHER countries, but BY GOLLY, ONLY Verizon had this phone in the U.S.! (How can you love a carrier that much, like they are God? Or believe carrier PR hype that much?)
If you know anything about electronics, same FCC ID number carries weight of law due to the ADA law for handicaps/disabilities. Your company can fined by the U.S Government and be sued in class action lawsuit for millions of dollars if you mis-identify the characteristics of an electronic communication device, which is identified by the FCC number. You can call it whatever you like (Droid Turbo, Moto Maxx) but the FCC ID number is the unique identifier in the U.S. There's no way deep pockets Verizon nor Motorola/Lenovo would open themselves up to that kind of liability.
Plus, the Verizon fanbois didn't like that other Quark variants being discussed in THEIR forum. But this XT1254/XT1250 clone proof REALLY got under their skin. They called me a liar and worse -- even though I had FCC documentation. One of the FCC documents is attached, but I had whole chain of evidence, that not only was Moto Maxx/Moto Turbo XT1225 same specs as Droid Turbo XT1254 (so all were Quarks in spite of different model names), but furthermore that Moto Maxx XT1250 = Droid Turbo XT1254 to 100th decimal point.
______
Mods got involved, thread was cleaned, people got warned and even banned. Months later, I ended up an XDA Recognized Contributor. Because of my extensive knowledge of the cell phone industry, I'm the one who figured all this out. I went looking through the FCC records and searching regional telephone carriers. Most people only know about the Big 4 (now Big 3) -- but there are many other carriers with their own towers and licences serving remote areas like in Appalachia, Alaska, parts of Michigan, etc. I'm not talking about MVNOs but actual carriers. Cricket and MetroPCS used to be regional standalone carriers before being bought by AT&T and T-mobile. Back then, LTE/CDMA carrier MetroPCS in particular would get the EXACT same phones as Verizon, but under a different model name. For instance, the Verizon LG Revolution = MetroPCS LG Esteem -- and LG didn't even bother removing the Revolution boot up animation from the media folder. It had both animations in the media folder. But it allowed Verizon to claim (fake) "exclusive" for LG Revolution. All that kind of stuff flies under the radar to people who only know about the major carriers.
As a result of all this conflict, XDA did open a separate Moto Maxx forum and moved all non Droid Turbo content over there. But the ironic thing is all Development (kernels, CM and later LOS ROMs) were posted there. So, Verizon "Droid Turbo" owners had to go over THERE (Moto Maxx forum) to get stuff, once Sunshine Dev team found an exploit to unlock the Verizon Droid Turbo variant bootloader about a year after release. Whereas, the Moto Turbo and Moto Maxx variants always had bootloader unlock, TWRP and ROMs. Droid Turbo was late to the party.
So, point is, Verizon lies about phones.
VERZION DELAYED OS UPDATE
Then, in July 2016 when Marshmallow update pushed from Motorola servers for ALL Moto Quark variants, the Verizon Droid Turbo did not get their update. Motorola confirmed they sent it to Verizon and it would be released by Verizon. When? Only Verizon knew. Maybe they were testing it? NO, they weren't. They were just sitting on it. Why? Because all the back-to-school new phone sales were starting, then the holiday new phone sales after that and the Droid Turbo specs were still too good. 3GB RAM, 5.2" 1440p OLED, Qi wireless charging, 21MP camera, 3900 mAh battery. THAT 2-year old phone with new OS would still be as good as or better than any new phone Verizon was selling! So, if they didn't update the OS, then people will have to buy new phone to get Marshmallow. Only end of December 2016 did Verizon finally release the Marshmallow update for their Quark -- and it immediately bricked the phones which had encrypted storage. So, Verizon had to pull the update for a couple of weeks, then release a revised version. That shows Verizon was NOT extensively testing it for six months, they were just sitting on it to nerf the Droid Turbo from being too good a phone so people with "old" phones would buy new ones.
Point is, Verizon will purposefully degrade (or delay updates) to an older phone to increase sales of newer phones.
They were also the first to insist upon bootloaders which could not be unlocked -- even for Google Nexus/Pixel phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree and hate when carriers play games with updates . Android Manufacturers allowed carriers to rename and modify their smartphones and software, which was a mistake from the beginning. I dislike Apple, but i have to hand it to them when it came to their devices. None of the carriers could modify the software or hardware in any way. This meant that their devices performed exactly the way they were intended to, and software development was only under their direct control.
ibnturab said:
I totally agree and hate when carriers play games with updates . Android Manufacturers allowed carriers to rename and modify their smartphones and software, which was a mistake from the beginning. I dislike Apple, but i have to hand it to them when it came to their devices. None of the carriers could modify the software or hardware in any way. This meant that their devices performed exactly the way they were intended to, and software development was only under their direct control.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what Treble GSI images were supposed to fix, but don't. Because GSI images don't have the drivers and proprietary features major OEM (LG and Samsung) stock firmware have.
Wow great info chazz, opened my eyes for sure. So then which phones should we get then, unlocked and or international? Then which network for area of us we are in?

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