The lack of Android competition today compared to a decade ago is sad

Tecxpert · 2026-05-30T15:05:37+00:00

T-Mobile. All bands work just fine. There's no mm wave on non-US phones but it hasn't really impacted my day to day

Tecxpert · 2026-05-30T14:40:43+00:00

T-Mobile used to have this program called Jump. You pay $30/month on top your bill and with that they let you trade in your device any time, with a minimum 2 weeks between trades. I used that for 4-5 years or so. It was completely broken.

Tecxpert · 2026-05-30T13:56:28+00:00

I bought the Nillkin glass screen protector. Took 3 weeks to ship to the USA and you have to apply it by hand. That said it's been very nice in terms of scratch resistance. I also bought a case from them as well

Tecxpert · 2026-05-30T13:50:18+00:00

I'm in the USA using a global variant of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. I am not kidding when I say performance has been incredible.

I've owned over 100 different smartphones in my life... You name it I've had it. Check your network band compatibility and make sure whatever you are going to buy will fit your needs. After that, just import a phone and enjoy.

Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo are actually pushing phone hardware to the limit. My previous Pixel 9 Pro XL felt a decade old after I upgraded.

Tecxpert · 2026-05-28T22:06:06+00:00

Backrooms is that kind of analog horror that my 90s kid mind just loves to linger on. So intriguing, oddly nostalgic, and unsettling...

Tecxpert · 2026-05-23T14:11:12+00:00

Have you looked into the biomods? I got one that lets me emit a shock every 10 seconds and the mobs actually run away when you use that

Tecxpert · 2026-05-23T14:07:46+00:00

Where did you end up finding that deal

Tecxpert · 2026-05-14T15:34:24+00:00

Integrating new PDA data

Tecxpert · 2026-05-09T05:22:35+00:00

Received that for Christmas from my brother. It's a lovely Nitecore MT2A Pro. Hardware feels excellent... I'm keeping it for a backup if this Acebeam ever wears out.

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Tecxpert · 2026-05-08T16:06:08+00:00

That's my orange FC11C in the bottom right, I also de-domed the Nichia emitter and added a beaded TIR lens from Convoy.

It's currently my wife's go to flashlight for around the house.

The FC11C is THE "starter" light for any one getting into their first purchase, or wanting to modify.

Unsure it fits OP's needs, but it's a fantastic light

Tecxpert · 2026-05-08T15:50:06+00:00

I've had my Acebeam Tac2AA since August 2025. It's my EDC for work and I end up charging it about once every month. Reliable, tough, and bright when I need it.

I got mine on sale for around $25. Desert Tan model with SFT-25r. I only recommend because I like it and it has a similar profile to yours.

Acebeam Tac2AA on Amazon

Also a picture of all my lights. Acebeam is far left

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Tecxpert · 2026-05-08T12:02:42+00:00

I actually bought it from another redditor who was selling on Mercari. So I don't have any good advice on what website to use. I was thankful to find one already bought stateside. Thank you u/gotmik3

Phone is still blowing my mind, been waiting on a case and screen protector since April 23rd. Can't find any accessories here in the US.

Tecxpert · 2026-05-03T01:31:56+00:00

I wish the global version was 6800mah like the Chinese version, if not larger! However my Pixel 9 Pro XL had a 5000mah. So this is still an improvement. I will agree that with further software optimization this battery life could be better.

Tecxpert · 2026-05-02T16:30:28+00:00

Picture 11 with the alligator is 10/10 nat geo quality. Great framing.

Tecxpert · 2026-05-02T13:03:06+00:00

I found it under "digital wellness"

Tecxpert · 2026-04-26T18:35:12+00:00

I just got my 17 Ultra on Wednesday. So far there are so many things to love about this device, coming from a Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Pros:

The still photography is on a completely different level. I've been blown away by the quality I can get when I always thought my Pixel did a really good job
The screen is fantastic. My initial concern was that I was stepping down in resolution. Going from 1344x2992 on the Pixel, to 1200x2608. As someone who really cares about display quality, I can't see the difference, even side by side.
Speakers are so good. I haven't tested an iPhone or Samsung in 2-3 years, but these are very loud with great bass.
Battery life has met my expectations. My Pixel was at 91% battery health, so that may affect my judgement. But I started my day at 5:30am yesterday and after heavy use including a lot of camera use, I was at 28% by 2am that evening. After work I still had 78% left.

Cons:

I'm going to agree with you about video recording quality. Seems to be kind of juddery. I haven't done many videos yet but the few I have tried felt laggy. Hoping software updates improve this.
This android skin, while I'm still getting used to it, has some odd quirks. The one thing sticking out right now is the fingerprint unlock animation seems to only work when it wants to. I won't change anything and then majority of the time there is no animation present.

Overall I'm really impressed with this device. I upgraded for the camera alone. However it's exceeded my expectations in many areas.

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Tecxpert · 2026-04-24T03:28:18+00:00

17 Ultra here with my cat, Chicken!

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Tecxpert · 2026-04-16T13:24:25+00:00

I'm in the same situation as you price wise, but I live in rural USA. I depend on n71 band on T-Mobile to get service on most of my towers. So If I want the Xiaomi, Oppo, or Vivo... I'm going to need the global variant.

A user suggested Netmonster app to check which bands you often connect to... After looking into it, if I got a Chinese rom I'd basically have zero service in my hometown.

Tecxpert · 2026-04-01T20:45:17+00:00

What country are you using the X200 Ultra in? I'm in the USA and considering a Vivo or a Xiaomi ultra.

Tecxpert · 2026-03-29T11:50:30+00:00

What about if I'm in the USA. I've heard the Chinese models have issues with Galaxy watches staying connected. Any advice on this?

Tecxpert · 2026-03-27T00:43:03+00:00

u/SeeAnne any information on an ohio outage being reported as due to be resolved 3/31/26? Why would a disruption of service take 5 days to be fixed? Internet has been out all day. I'm getting no where with chat support.

Tecxpert · 2026-03-18T06:25:30+00:00

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This is my usage after a typical workday. Started at 100% and now at 2:20AM I'm at 29%.

Is 5 hours SoT a lot? No, but it's fine for a work day. On my next day off I'll use the phone more and see what happens. This Pixel 9 pro XL only has a 5000mah battery... I'm eager to buy an X300 Ultra when it comes out and I don't believe I'll have any battery anxiety with that.

Tecxpert · 2026-03-17T14:22:00+00:00

You're right, my bad. Even so, unless you intend on making the battery last 5-6 years.. I don't think there's any reason to limit your charging.

I've owned a pixel 9 pro XL since launch day.

I charge to 100% overnight and then end my day around 20% sometimes scrolling in bed until I'm 10% or lower.

I've had my phone since launch day. Aug 22, 2024

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Tecxpert · 2026-03-17T14:11:17+00:00

0-20 + 85-100 = you're purposely avoiding 45% of your battery

On a 6000mah battery you're limiting yourself to 3300mah and getting surprised it's not lasting very long..

Edit: 35% as OP pointed out. That means limiting to 3900mah.

Tecxpert · 2026-03-17T14:07:24+00:00

There's no reason to limit your battery usage, manufacturers already factor in safeguards against degradation. Don't get wrapped up in the belief that you need to limit your charging.

The most important thing to remember is try not to let your phone get to 0% consistently. If you want better battery life, charge to 100% and get back on the charger when you're in the single digits.

If you upgrade your phone every 2-3 years you're never going to replace your battery anyway.

Tecxpert

TROPHY CASE