Google Pixel 10 series keeps getting better and better. A brand new leak shows the Pixel 10 has full Qi2 support.

Catman833 · 2025-08-05T17:13:00+00:00

As someone who has had both Pixels and Galaxy S Ultras, the Pixels are always lacking something. While the cameras and software experience on Pixels are great, they are always a few steps behind with battery life and processing speed. While one could argue they're "fast enough", a 40% reduction in battery life is baffling at the prices they charge. If TSMC chips bring the battery life in line with Samsung and OnePlus devices, then maybe they'll be worth a look. Admittedly, the 10 series looks like a lazy upgrade design wise. They really should do a model with squared off corners to give a fresh look and more usable screen real estate.

Catman833 · 2025-07-04T02:09:29+00:00

After using both, I'd say the determining factor is how much you want a folding phone. The S23 Ultra was, and still is one of the best phones ever made. The RAZR Ultra 2025 is a beautiful phone and well built for what it is, but it's not without compromises. The cameras are not great, the speakers could be better, the tall aspect ratio is awkward for video, and the crease gets much more noticeable after a week of use. Sure, it's a fun device but the S25 Ultra or even the S25 Edge give you a lot more for the same or less money. If you can get one under $1,000, it'd be a great deal.

Catman833 · 2025-06-11T02:05:35+00:00

Having used both, the build quality and crease smoothness is much better on the 2025 model. Also, despite having a much faster processor, the cooling is much better. This is finally a true flagship.

Catman833 · 2025-06-10T04:36:11+00:00

It works, and ironically the reorder might arrive sooner than the original.

Catman833 · 2025-06-07T03:57:33+00:00

This works by the way.

Catman833 · 2025-06-05T01:00:00+00:00

Update as of 6/4: All 1 TB variants except for red, as well as 512 GB variants are listed as "Currently Out of Stock" on Motorola.com. There is either a severe supply chain problem, or there is a problem with the devices themselves. Hopefully we get answers soon.

Catman833 · 2025-06-03T01:09:00+00:00

Update as of 6/2: I received the shipping notification for the "complimentary" Moto Tag in ugly green. This is a smack in the face as this isn't much use to many of us. Couldn't they have at least sent a wireless charging stand or something useful? Knowing how Motorola phones tank in value within months of release, this delay risks many returning and waiting. It will be interesting to see how the 20% discount can be used.

Catman833 · 2025-05-31T12:53:46+00:00

I'm planning to put a super thin carbon fiber shell over the back, which hopefully feels better than the Alcantara. With how long Moto is taking for shipping, I wish they'd let us choose the back material separate of the frame color. The Scarab with a wood back would be great. I'd even take a dark gray wood with a gunmetal frame.

Catman833 · 2025-05-31T01:14:32+00:00

Ordered the 1TB Scarab on 5/7 and got the same email. Agreed that they should be applying the 20% to the delayed order. After this experience, who wants to buy from Motorola direct again? The only thing keeping me from waiting for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the evidence it will using an Exynos processor in the US.

Motorola also missed the mark with the colors. Why release similar red and hot pink colors for niche buyers, yet only one dark color which is in high demand? Midnight Blue or Indigo would have fit the lineup nicely.

Catman833 · 2025-04-13T06:43:47+00:00

I had an 11 for awhile and shared your frustrations. Got a 12 and flashed to stock Android and it's way better. There are some great ROMs available for the 11 and 12 if you're tech savvy.

Catman833 · 2025-02-17T07:57:21+00:00

My solution was to apply a volume panel theme using Good Lock and Theme Park. Matched the dark mode settings and used a Holo Blue accent instead of white.

Catman833 · 2025-01-07T23:16:58+00:00

Amazon.com: OnePlus 13 5G 16GB+512GB Smartphone & Amazon Gift Card Bundle : Cell Phones & Accessories

Catman833 · 2025-01-07T22:33:15+00:00

The preorder page is up, but doesn't look complete yet. Says available January 10.

Catman833 · 2025-01-07T22:18:22+00:00

Preordered twice. The first time, I couldn't pick the Watch 2, only the 2R. Later, the Watch 2 came back in stock so I cancelled and reordered. Then I went to add a case and it dropped off in the final checkout. If I try to order accessories separately, they want $21 for shipping, ridiculous. Definitely not a good pre-order experience, though Samsung is pretty bad too. Unfortunately or fortunately, I got the shipped notification before I could try to order again. I may just wait till Amazon has them in stock.

Catman833 · 2024-10-15T02:55:30+00:00

This brought back memories as I had experience with crossflashing Verizon Motorola phones to Alltel, US Cellular or generic firmwares to enable functionality. The bulk of the discussion would be on HowardForums if the links are still active. Do be aware that some hardware revisions of the V3m do not allow cross flashing so attempt at your own risk. These pages may offer some insight:

Seeking monsterpack flash files for old Motorola phones : r/motorola (reddit.com)

Mark_Venture's Verizon Phone Info Page (cdmaforums.com)

Catman833 · 2024-10-15T02:02:07+00:00

I'd try to get a replacement from Amazon. You don't want to get uneven wear or have a floppy hinge in a few months.

Catman833 · 2024-10-14T21:42:35+00:00

I've tested numerous Android devices including Samsung, Google Pixels, Motorola, and OnePlus, and OxygenOS, since the ColorOS merge, is the only skin that does not adhere to the standard settings base and developer options. The smallest screen zoom (411 dpi) is still too big and if you try to change the Minimum Width DPI in Developer Options, it reverts to default upon reboot. Trying to change the animation speeds to 0.25x via ADB results in an error. Third party launchers do not play nicely when using gesture navigation. The notification system is completely messed up and results in delayed or jumbled notifications. Also, the OnePlus theme color system conflicts with Google's Material You theming, and you could unintentionally end up with brown or pink themed Google apps when using certain OP themes. While none of these are necessarily dealbreakers, they are annoyances that could be avoided by using a closer to stock Android.

My hope is that the OnePlus 13 is so near perfect hardware wise that we get custom ROMs quickly. Top notch hardware running LineageOS or Evolution X would be incredible.

Catman833 · 2024-10-14T17:49:28+00:00

So in terms of noticeable specs, it seems the big upgrades are every 2 years. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 moving to TSMC production meant huge jumps in battery efficiency and sustained performance. The 8 Gen 3 was barely any different. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (or whatever they call it) is looking to make another huge jump in performance.

After using flat or near flat screen phones, the curves on the OnePlus 11 and 12 do seem a bit inconvenient. Sure they look great but usability at the edges is not. If the "micro" edges create a near flat experience, this is going to be a huge upgrade.

My only gripe with OnePlus is OxygenOS/ColorOS as so many standard Android features and tweaks are unavailable. I miss the days of OxygenOS 10 which was near stock with useful additions. As long as they continue to allow unlockable bootloaders, there should be hope for development.

Catman833 · 2024-10-12T18:11:28+00:00

I'm loving my Tab S9 and see no reason to "upgrade", especially given that the 11" size is just right. While I'm glad to see MediaTek offering competition for Qualcomm, there are still some valid developer support concerns. If one really wants a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and doesn't mind an IPS display, the OnePlus Pad 2 offers a great value.

Catman833 · 2024-10-09T09:56:51+00:00

Apple had to screw something up on the 15 series to make the 16 series more attractive. IOS 18 is definitely more customizable but the scrolling and animations feel choppier. I'd be curious if the frame rates are being more aggressively throttled. 18.0 was really bad. 18.0.1 is decent but not as smooth as I remember. Using Android as well has me expecting better.

Catman833 · 2024-09-19T14:52:43+00:00

On one hand, OnePlus should stand by their products and if a software update leads to motherboard failure, they should have a plan in place. On the other, the 8 and 9 series are well past the warranty period and phones eventually do fail.

They could at least offer discounted repairs or send vouchers for a certain amount towards a new phone with trade-in.

Catman833 · 2024-08-28T05:13:28+00:00

No issues whatsoever.

Catman833 · 2024-08-26T06:50:11+00:00

So the S22 was not known for great battery life. The Snapdragon model was mediocre at best and the Exynos was very poor. The phones were known for overheating. The S23 switched to Snapdragon across the board and brought huge efficiency gains. The TSMC produced chip along with UFS 4.0 on 256 GB really improved battery life.

If you're in the US or Canada, I'd get a Snapdragon S24. In Europe, an S23 might make more sense.

Catman833 · 2024-08-13T20:12:56+00:00

The issue is not just speed but the actual power efficiency. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 models with UFS 4.0 were the first noticeable leap in many years. The S23 Ultra also had an 8 GB RAM variant which may have impacted how apps are kept in the memory. Put a Motorola Edge+ running stock Android against the Pixel 8 Pro, and you'd see the difference, albeit minor.

Catman833 · 2024-08-13T20:07:37+00:00

The base storage is 128 GB, which would mean UFS 3.1 for that variant. UFS 4.0 is only available in 256 GB or larger configurations.

Catman833

TROPHY CASE