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Help Official "Complaints about the Photon" (Rant/Discussion) Thread

You know that terrible feeling upon waking and realizing that you did break up with your boyfriend for some super unimportant reason? Well, that is how I felt when waking up next to my Photon, which replaced my Galaxy.

I hate this phone! It shuts down and requires a hard restart to get it back up....the music player is unattractive and glitchy....bluetooth sometimes works with media, sometimes with phone and rarely with both (using a motorola headset with two earpieces)....I hate the interface blur thing, and where is my super AMOLED screen???....it is slowwwwwwww....and did I mention it is not at all sleek and sexy, and it prolly makes my ass look fat. And (I live in SF) the 4G is super lame and constantly falls off and does not pick up 3G without a ton of drama.

So so so super sad and missing my Galaxy. When is new Galaxy getting to Sprint? I promise to never dump it again for leaving toilet seat up~
 
OMG, this photon sucks! 7 years in Tibet to accomplish ANYTHING. my single core was faster.....wtf??? i feel bad for the HTC people who actually think this POS is better than the cold frigid land they came from!


Sprint, save my soul! when will next galaxy be here??? is 9/9 a good date? need to be in the 30 day window~
 
The EVO wasn't faster, it is the motoblur that makes it appear slow. I switched the launcher to Go Launcher EX and changed the screen transition effect under preferences to "quick". If you do that, it will seem more like the EVO.

MTA: I have now noticed the screen door effect issue when watching movies. It doesn't really bother me during the normal day to day use of the phone, but it is hard to ignore when watching videos.
 
I've used the 3VO and the Photon each for about 2 weeks, and I would argue that all the radios are better in the Photon. Phone reception and wifi win hands down over the 3VO. And I personally like the pentile screen. Unless you use a magnifying glass to look at your screen, or you delight in counting pixels, I doubt you'll notice. The Photon's battery life is also better in my experience - it gets an extra couple of hours or more than the 3VO. And the volume improvement over the 3VO is dramatic (although I hear the recent update to the 3VO has helped this)

That said, the UI on the 3VO is just light years better. Sense is easier and more intuitive, and the Sense browser beats any of the 3 I've tried on the Photon. Plus, BT on the 3VO is easier to use than the Photon. My Parrot hands-free car kit has worked with every phone under the sun over the last 3 years, but it fights tooth and nail with the Photon. I've seen several other BT complaints about the Photon as well.

The biggest issue is the Photon is still an unknown quantity. The silent call issue has yet to be worked out (even though it's still a very young phone) and the other assorted annoyances may all be fixed in short order... or not. The 3VO is more seasoned. The big kinks seem to largely have been worked out. So how willing are you to wait/be annoyed/tweak before you get what you want? The Photon has more potential, IMO. But the 3VO has realized a lot more of its potential already.

For me, this thing has to be a Phone first. And the Photon is better on that point without a doubt. And it lasts a lot longer than the 3VO in terms of battery. A better UI with a dead battery or dropped calls doesn't do much for me. I can customize the UI any way I want with launchers and widgets. I tried a few other launchers and didn't think any of them was a significant improvement (although I only tried the free versions) over the Photon, and have gone back to Blur lite or whatever it's now called. And it's really not bad.

So assuming they fix the dropped call issue with the pending OTA, I'm sticking with the Photon (although I do occasionally lust after Sense.)
 
tlaz said:
I've used the 3VO and the Photon each for about 2 weeks, and I would argue that all the radios are better in the Photon. Phone reception and wifi win hands down over the 3VO. And I personally like the pentile screen. Unless you use a magnifying glass to look at your screen, or you delight in counting pixels, I doubt you'll notice. The Photon's battery life is also better in my experience - it gets an extra couple of hours or more than the 3VO. And the volume improvement over the 3VO is dramatic (although I hear the recent update to the 3VO has helped this)

That said, the UI on the 3VO is just light years better. Sense is easier and more intuitive, and the Sense browser beats any of the 3 I've tried on the Photon. Plus, BT on the 3VO is easier to use than the Photon. My Parrot hands-free car kit has worked with every phone under the sun over the last 3 years, but it fights tooth and nail with the Photon. I've seen several other BT complaints about the Photon as well.

The biggest issue is the Photon is still an unknown quantity. The silent call issue has yet to be worked out (even though it's still a very young phone) and the other assorted annoyances may all be fixed in short order... or not. The 3VO is more seasoned. The big kinks seem to largely have been worked out. So how willing are you to wait/be annoyed/tweak before you get what you want? The Photon has more potential, IMO. But the 3VO has realized a lot more of its potential already.

For me, this thing has to be a Phone first. And the Photon is better on that point without a doubt. And it lasts a lot longer than the 3VO in terms of battery. A better UI with a dead battery or dropped calls doesn't do much for me. I can customize the UI any way I want with launchers and widgets. I tried a few other launchers and didn't think any of them was a significant improvement (although I only tried the free versions) over the Photon, and have gone back to Blur lite or whatever it's now called. And it's really not bad.

So assuming they fix the dropped call issue with the pending OTA, I'm sticking with the Photon (although I do occasionally lust after Sense.)
Click to expand...

Great post for comparisons from your own personal experience.

The one thing I can say that the 3vo has (as an advantage) over the MoPho is that the 3vo is already a 2nd generation phone (since it's the successor to the E4G). The MoPho is the 1st generation on Sprint and there's no telling if any future versions of Motorola's Android "superphone" on Sprint will be pushed as a potential "flagship" device. I think Motorola and Sprint were just "testing the waters" with regards to the Photon. If their projections for the MoPho are on par or better than expected, I'd imagine to see better things to come (especially with Google's purchase of Motorola). For me, that's a great thing.

And just to add one last thing regarding Sense UI 3.0. Yes, it is very nice, but I still think the UI is limited (as far as customizing) compared to any of the aftermarket launchers that are available. I thought they would have a "transparent" theme for Sense UI 3.0, but from all that I've gathered so far, I haven't that available. Why is that important? Well, for wallpapers, if you create your own wallpapers to the exact dimensions (1080X960) to fit the phone's resolution, the top toolbar and the bottom phone launcher block the wallpaper. So if you're using a wallpaper with someone's face, you better be sure that their head isn't too close to the top...otherwise you won't see the top half of their face...hahaha...Same for the bottom.
 
TJoseph said:
I haven't noticed the pixilation issue yet and the screen looks great to me. I don't like the Motorola launcher at all compared to Sense. I have installed Go Launcher EX and I think I have gotten the interface to a configuration I can live with (it is still not Sense) after a lot of work.
Click to expand...

I became a lot happier with my Photon after I gave up trying to make it look and behave like my Evo and just embrace the change. That said, there are ways to regain that Sense feel. Launcher Pro (and Plus) has some very Sense-like options including widgets. If you're sold on Go Launcher (like me currently), check out Android Pro Widgets. It's free and includes some nice Sense-like widgets. Finally, you can give yourself the Sense 3.0 lock screen look with Agile Lock.
 
I was shopping for a new phone for my girlfriend last week and got a chance to play around with the MoPho finally. My buddy has had the 3D since launch day and I've had some time with it but not really impressed with it over the 4g except for the Qhd screen and the dual core processor. It didnt seem like THAT big an upgrade. So I decided if I liked the Photon I would get it for her and maybe have it for myself and give her my old 4g:cool: My other buddy who works for a 3rd party retailer also has the photon and I got to play with his as well a few days ago.

First I should say what I liked:

It seemed very snappy and hell, it better be with the Tegra2. I also liked the Motoblur. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be in fact I could live with it, but I would root before having to put up with it. I really liked the form factor compared with the 3D. I feel the 3D feels just too bulky, I don't know how to explain it but the MoPho feels great in your hands for some reason and its not like the 3D is huge. The speaker was like a car speaker so loud and crisp. Sweet. Excellent phone except for...

The screen. Pardon me while I vent but I cannot believe Motorola is putting this Pentile shit on its top tier phones and expecting us to be alright with it. For all those thinking it is fine you must have some pretty terrible vision or be over 60. I can understand the Galaxy S phone looking like that...but that was a freaking year ago! I'm completely dumbfounded by the choice to use this screen. I felt like I what I was looking at was some mutant offspring off the Epic and Hero screens. Sorry if I sound dramatic but I'm a little pissed because I would have bought the phone if it weren't for the screen. I didn't notice it at first because larger squarish objects look fine but as soon as you see an animation or text it was plain to see. The phone at the sprint store had a moving wallpaper with some blades of grass and I swear an original Nintendo could have made it look better.

I don't know how you guys put up with it but if you can congrats cause its a great phone. For those thinking about it do yourself a favor and play around with one first and DO NOT take someones opinion that its "not that noticeable" because it might be VERY noticeable and drive you nuts. There is no way in hell its better than the Evos screen, not even the 4G.


I reluctantly bought the 3D cause I can live with the little things that bother me at least the screen doesn't look like its off a Game Boy color. I hope someone at Motorola is reading this!!!!


Rant off
 
2strokenut said:
I don't know how you guys put up with it but if you can congrats cause its a great phone. For those thinking about it do yourself a favor and play around with one first and DO NOT take someones opinion that its "not that noticeable" because it might be VERY noticeable and drive you nuts. There is no way in hell its better than the Evos screen, not even the 4G.
Click to expand...

Not all PenTile screens are created equal, and the technology is likely here to stay. Samsung uses PenTile screens themselves, for example, as opposed to RGB stripe. They have a lot of advantages over standard displays, including increased brightness and visibility while being more energy efficient. That said, yes, they do have drawbacks as well. Some will notice a PenTile screen more readily than others, and a portion of those people will never be able to unsee it.

For those of us who can't see it or choose to ignore it, it's not a big deal. I readily admit the first time I looked at a Photon I had nearly the same reaction you did. Now that I've owned one for a week, I don't notice it unless I stop and think about it. Even then, I just shrug and move on. To me, the ability to clearly read the phone in bright summer sunlight while not draining the battery is a huge advantage over not being able to see pixels in a dark room.

However, you do give good advice. Go see the phone in person and play with it, multiple times if you can. Give the screen a chance. Just like I was, you might be surprised at how much it grows on you. Or you may hate it as much the third time you see it as you did the first. It's subjective, and no blog, review, forum post, or tech report can tell you how you will see it.
 
I agree with Citizen Coyote. It's really not that bad. For those that delve into the minutia of such things, it may be irritating - but for most on these forums its a non issue. Coyote mentioned several reasons why Motorola could have chosen this screen, and some of those are precisely why I prefer it.

Also, this is purely conjecture, but consider that the pentile screen could be a strategic supply chain move. Many choices are made during the evolution of a product, which even the most keen consumer will never be aware of, or understand.

This has been discussed at length in another thread.
 
Frisco said:
Nice write up, dickie6. Have you tried different launchers (Launcher Pro, ADW, etc)? Sometimes those can remedy some of the font issues, as many launchers offer themes with different fonts.
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Frisco, what are you doing here? You probably dont recognize me, but you seem like and old dear freind from back on the Eris thread. I read your posts and thanked you many times over there.

I have been forced to switch to Sprint and am just researching what phone to get. Sorry, back on topic.

I too have been dissapointed in the photon as much as i want to like it. Oddly enough I find myself drawn towards the Nexus S 4g, which nobody seems to consider anymore. I know it is an older phone now, but it seems all around better, for me at least.

But,......if the silent call issue gets resolved the photon is back at the top of my list.
 
mkvoran said:
I agree with Citizen Coyote. It's really not that bad. For those that delve into the minutia of such things, it may be irritating - but for most on these forums its a non issue. Coyote mentioned several reasons why Motorola could have chosen this screen, and some of those are precisely why I prefer it.

Also, this is purely conjecture, but consider that the pentile screen could be a strategic supply chain move. Many choices are made during the evolution of a product, which even the most keen consumer will never be aware of, or understand.

This has been discussed at length in another thread.
Click to expand...

There was a thread on Moto's website showing 2 different screens and there was a huge difference just between the 2. Im yet to meet anyone else with a qHD screen so I can't compare and like CC, I don't notice it unless I look for it after that first week of adapting to it. And like CC its important I can read my phone in bright direct sunlight and not murder a battery like my names Charles Manson.
 
Xenic said:
if all else fails, iPhone 5 in October LOL
Click to expand...

Xenic said:
Lol....just seems like some people arent able to be pleased.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't be surprised if a ton of the people that join the android forums, just to complain about their phone, will be iPhone 5 owners when it's released on Sprint in October or whenever it's released...LOL. You're correct that some people aren't able to be pleased.
 
2strokenut said:
I was shopping for a new phone for my girlfriend last week and got a chance to play around with the MoPho finally. My buddy has had the 3D since launch day and I've had some time with it but not really impressed with it over the 4g except for the Qhd screen and the dual core processor. It didnt seem like THAT big an upgrade. So I decided if I liked the Photon I would get it for her and maybe have it for myself and give her my old 4g:cool: My other buddy who works for a 3rd party retailer also has the photon and I got to play with his as well a few days ago.

First I should say what I liked:

It seemed very snappy and hell, it better be with the Tegra2. I also liked the Motoblur. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be in fact I could live with it, but I would root before having to put up with it. I really liked the form factor compared with the 3D. I feel the 3D feels just too bulky, I don't know how to explain it but the MoPho feels great in your hands for some reason and its not like the 3D is huge. The speaker was like a car speaker so loud and crisp. Sweet. Excellent phone except for...

The screen. Pardon me while I vent but I cannot believe Motorola is putting this Pentile shit on its top tier phones and expecting us to be alright with it. For all those thinking it is fine you must have some pretty terrible vision or be over 60. I can understand the Galaxy S phone looking like that...but that was a freaking year ago! I'm completely dumbfounded by the choice to use this screen. I felt like I what I was looking at was some mutant offspring off the Epic and Hero screens. Sorry if I sound dramatic but I'm a little pissed because I would have bought the phone if it weren't for the screen. I didn't notice it at first because larger squarish objects look fine but as soon as you see an animation or text it was plain to see. The phone at the sprint store had a moving wallpaper with some blades of grass and I swear an original Nintendo could have made it look better.

I don't know how you guys put up with it but if you can congrats cause its a great phone. For those thinking about it do yourself a favor and play around with one first and DO NOT take someones opinion that its "not that noticeable" because it might be VERY noticeable and drive you nuts. There is no way in hell its better than the Evos screen, not even the 4G.


I reluctantly bought the 3D cause I can live with the little things that bother me at least the screen doesn't look like its off a Game Boy color. I hope someone at Motorola is reading this!!!!


Rant off
Click to expand...

You were fine on this rant, with exception to the comment regarding people's vision or being over 60. I'm perfectly fine with it. To each their own. Everyone has their own opinion, but just keep it there and let's stay away from the projections towards why others are okay with it.
 
ok ok, so i am not missing it.....

its the little grid thingy you see in the light when the screen is off right???


cuz really when its on and i am looking at whatever... i cant see it...and i got damn good vision.....


and if something like that is a break point....

well then dont let the door knob hit ya, where the good lord split ya...:p:p;););):D:D:D:D
 
tlaz said:
I've used the 3VO and the Photon each for about 2 weeks, and I would argue that all the radios are better in the Photon. Phone reception and wifi win hands down over the 3VO. And I personally like the pentile screen. Unless you use a magnifying glass to look at your screen, or you delight in counting pixels, I doubt you'll notice. The Photon's battery life is also better in my experience - it gets an extra couple of hours or more than the 3VO.
Click to expand...

It's interesting I keep hearing this, both the radios and battery. I own both phones, and find the wifi is much weaker on the Photon, though cell signal strength is about the same. Also, the battery on my 3VO lasts much longer; by noon it's down to about 80%, while with the Photon I'll be lucky if it's still at 50%.
 
My phone is odd, my friends tell em it rings at least ten times before I pick up, thought it was my ringtone, but my other friend said the same thing, never had that issue with my evo 4g, any solutions or why it rings ten times?
 
I also noticed there is no hold button on my phone if someone else calls, I can not put the other person on hold, just says mute, or add another call
 
For whatever reason the in store demo phones look terrible. However the phone I have looks great and us hardly visible. It also seems that lower resolution graphics make the effect seem more pronounced. Dowload something like a high res pic or gamr and I can't tell at all. It seems great to me no complaints here!

Maybe some MoPhos have different screen manufacturers or hardware revs. Try taking it back if you get one that looks bad.
 
I could not even use my EVO4G outside to answer a call because I couldn't see the screen. The Photon is the best smartphone I have ever seen and I have touched or setup at least 6 different ones in the last month at my job.
 
Every phone has a weakness. There is no such thing as the perfect device. That being said I am torn about the MoPho. It has SWEET data speeds even on Sprints pathetic network and Motorola just plain has the strongest radio hardware and signal acquisition/radio driver software you can buy right now. Also this phone has AWESOME audio capabilities (call clarity, speaker phone, media output). I am rethinking my priorities as I'm coming off of the Nexus S 4G which had a sick display but bullshit reception/data speeds and poor audio qualities. I would rather have a phone which can perform in the real world and perhaps underwhelm visually than look at a clocking screen that looks beautiful as it keeps searching and searching for a signal/data connection. I believe this post is a case of lack of real world experience and poorly thought out conclusions in action. Pick your poison...

Also, Motorola was relatively quick to push out the software update (which hit today!!!) to fix the "silent call" issue which in my opinion just put an end to the only REAL problem this phone had (hopefully, time will tell).
 
I turned on my old Evo this morning to finally do a wipe in preparation for turning it in for credit. I was surprised to see a screen I once considered gorgeous instead looking slightly muted and muddy (not to mention everything looked oversized thanks to the lower resolution). I guess that's the effect of getting used to the Photon's display. :)
 
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