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

[drexappeal]

It was stuck on 'Data Off - User/Screen'. I think that was because I was manually toggling my data, but that was only because it wouldn't toggle it on/off itself. If I left my 4g on and turned JD on, it wouldn't shut the 4g off when I locked the phone.

BatteryLife (the Curvefish app) also isn't very compatible with the MoPho. It works, but unlike most phones where it shows the whole number (i.e. 55% or 98%) it only shows decimal numbers (90%, 60%, 40%). Kind of irritating, but not a huge deal.


And sure. Here.

ADW Launcher
ADW Theme Glow Legacy Red Pro - Mariux
Glow Legacy Live Wallpaper Red - Mariux
Smart Keyboard Pro
Glow Legacy Red Keyboard Skin - Mariux

The themes/skins give the phone a very evil tron feel to it, if you've ever watched Tron Legacy, which I suppose is the point. It ended up costing me about 5-8 dollars to fully customize the phone with it, but I think it was well worth it. I'll post screens if I can ever get the screencap working.

Mariux allows bill to account, but the maker of Smart Keyboard doesn't. If you like autocorrect, you'd need the pro version. The trial only autocorrects compound words.

Thanks for the links. I'll add them to the Launcher thread now. Once you get a chance, definitely post the screen shots in the screenshot thread! It'd be cool to see your setup.

As far as the battery apps are concerned, yeah I came to that realization that Motorola's system only reports 5-10% increments (5 percent at the top and bottom, 10% in the middle). I was only able to find 2 or 3 battery indicator apps that showed the 1% changes and they're working pretty well for me. I can't remember which thread I posted those in, but should be somewhere around.

 

[whatsitsname]

I would like to hear why you are considering taking it back?

Even I'm considering taking the Photon back later today. I'm probably take it back to the Howe and Arden store. I'm sure you know where that is.

I just can't stand the way this phone displays dark videos. Also my music player crashes since the update. Even a factory reset didn't help. Also every day or two my 4G toggle will not turn on my 4G. Only a restart of the phone will fix it. Seeing as tomorrow will be my last day to exchange or return, I think I'm just gonna return it.

 

[Streptovsky]

Thanks for the links. I'll add them to the Launcher thread now. Once you get a chance, definitely post the screen shots in the screenshot thread! It'd be cool to see your setup.

As far as the battery apps are concerned, yeah I came to that realization that Motorola's system only reports 5-10% increments (5 percent at the top and bottom, 10% in the middle). I was only able to find 2 or 3 battery indicator apps that showed the 1% changes and they're working pretty well for me. I can't remember which thread I posted those in, but should be somewhere around.

What're the battery indicator apps you're using?

 

[drexappeal]

What're the battery indicator apps you're using?

For the toolbar
https://market.android.com/details?id=ch.blinkenlights.battery

Widget for the homescreen
https://market.android.com/details?id=fr.depoortere.android.CircleBatteryWidget

 

[Streptovsky]

For the toolbar
https://market.android.com/details?id=ch.blinkenlights.battery

Widget for the homescreen
https://market.android.com/details?id=fr.depoortere.android.CircleBatteryWidget

Looks neat, but I prefer BatteryLife, even if it doesn't show full numbers.

 

[Wolfedude88]

Err I don't know how you are outside 30 days when the phone hasn't even been release for 30 days.

Maybe he is the same way as me, I first got the EVO 3d, then took it back and switched it for the Photon, so my 30 days is up as well.

Also I just had my first reboot today since the update, might try a factory reset.

Anyone else have a reboot since the update?

EDIT: Make that another reboot.

 

[mak916]

Even I'm considering taking the Photon back later today. I'm probably take it back to the Howe and Arden store. I'm sure you know where that is.

I just can't stand the way this phone displays dark videos. Also my music player crashes since the update. Even a factory reset didn't help. Also every day or two my 4G toggle will not turn on my 4G. Only a restart of the phone will fix it. Seeing as tomorrow will be my last day to exchange or return, I think I'm just gonna return it.

Yes I know where it is. Not my favorite store. The one in Elk Grove is a little better store IMO. I must say I really like the Photon. The only problem I have been having is trying to log into my Youtube account and the metal piece over the camera button fell off today. Other than that I am happy with the phone. I would try to see if they can fix it or replace it. If not, you can always wait for the SGS2. I would say you can try the 3VO, but most people on this "side" don't like it. lol

 

[Ronny71]

Sense was great but I don't really miss it cause I ran a few different launchers...My main complaint was the Text size...But like sumone else said you can change that with sum of the different launchers...

 

[Super Noob]

I was up for a renewal update and picked the Photon instead of the Evo 3D. I read several reviews and watched a few vids including the Schmackdown! Motorola Photon 4G vs HTC EVO 3D video

So I got the Phton but I was disappointed at how much slower the Photon was compared to the OG Evo and was thinking I made a mistake. I got some seriously crappy 4G speeds, about .1 Mb downloads (which is pathetic by any measure).

I then found the "Network Mode" on the wireless settings. It was originally set to "Any CDMA", so I changed it to "Automatic" and then I was blown away by the speed difference!!

It went from .1Mb to 5Mb and needlessly to say I was very happy with the 4G speeds. See screenshots below.

 

[Gogators1974]

Maybe he is the same way as me, I first got the EVO 3d, then took it back and switched it for the Photon, so my 30 days is up as well.

Also I just had my first reboot today since the update, might try a factory reset.

Anyone else have a reboot since the update?

EDIT: Make that another reboot.

I've done 2 and wks great

 

[wubbie075]

I'm still troubled by periods of extreme lag. I'll press an icon or widget and nothing will happen for 5 to 10 minutes. Then eventually, everything I tried to do happens all at once. As soon as the lag clears up, everything works fine for a while. When this occurs, NOTHING works except the Home button.

It doesn't happen that often, maybe 3 times a week, but when it does it's extremely frustrating. It's really dampening my feelings for the phone overall.

I barely ever even show anything on the phone to anyone because I'm afraid when I do it will lag up and look like I bought a piece of crap (which I sometimes think I did *sigh*).

I want to love this phone.. I really do.. but honestly I just miss my Evo and look forward to next year's upgrade.

 

[drexappeal]

I'm still troubled by periods of extreme lag. I'll press an icon or widget and nothing will happen for 5 to 10 minutes. Then eventually, everything I tried to do happens all at once. As soon as the lag clears up, everything works fine for a while. When this occurs, NOTHING works except the Home button.

It doesn't happen that often, maybe 3 times a week, but when it does it's extremely frustrating. It's really dampening my feelings for the phone overall.

I barely ever even show anything on the phone to anyone because I'm afraid when I do it will lag up and look like I bought a piece of crap (which I sometimes think I did *sigh*).

I want to love this phone.. I really do.. but honestly I just miss my Evo and look forward to next year's upgrade.

Are you using performance mode or something else?

And had you already gotten a replacement?

 

[JSchu22]

I'm still troubled by periods of extreme lag. I'll press an icon or widget and nothing will happen for 5 to 10 minutes. Then eventually, everything I tried to do happens all at once. As soon as the lag clears up, everything works fine for a while. When this occurs, NOTHING works except the Home button.

It doesn't happen that often, maybe 3 times a week, but when it does it's extremely frustrating. It's really dampening my feelings for the phone overall.

I barely ever even show anything on the phone to anyone because I'm afraid when I do it will lag up and look like I bought a piece of crap (which I sometimes think I did *sigh*).

I want to love this phone.. I really do.. but honestly I just miss my Evo and look forward to next year's upgrade.

I have the same issue, its doing it right now as I type this actually. Thats woukd explain why im holding a family members iPhone. Ugh, the Photon is like a woman thats bad news, but that you cant let go of.

 

[Damar1979]

I'm still troubled by periods of extreme lag. I'll press an icon or widget and nothing will happen for 5 to 10 minutes. Then eventually, everything I tried to do happens all at once. As soon as the lag clears up, everything works fine for a while. When this occurs, NOTHING works except the Home button.

It doesn't happen that often, maybe 3 times a week, but when it does it's extremely frustrating. It's really dampening my feelings for the phone overall.

I barely ever even show anything on the phone to anyone because I'm afraid when I do it will lag up and look like I bought a piece of crap (which I sometimes think I did *sigh*).

I want to love this phone.. I really do.. but honestly I just miss my Evo and look forward to next year's upgrade.

5-10 actual minutes? Or are you exaggerating? Because if what you say is actual fact, you should have went to a sprint store and demonstrated that to them so you could get another one.

 

[JSchu22]

Heres a new one- The battery completely drained but even though I had it connected to the charger, it was discharging faster than it was charging (It wouldn't power back up and stayed powered up if I was using it).

I'm going to start calling this phone Christine.

 

[wubbie075]

Are you using performance mode or something else?

And had you already gotten a replacement?

Yes, I'm on performance mode.

5-10 actual minutes? Or are you exaggerating? Because if what you say is actual fact, you should have went to a sprint store and demonstrated that to them so you could get another one.

No exaggeration. Once I was outside my building having a smoke and tried to do something on the phone. The action finally actually occurred shortly after I finished my cig and returned to my desk.

I've already gotten a replacement because of this issue.

Like I said it is not extremely frequent. I just wish I could figure out why it's happening.

 

[Gogators1974]

Maybe he is the same way as me, I first got the EVO 3d, then took it back and switched it for the Photon, so my 30 days is up as well.

Also I just had my first reboot today since the update, might try a factory reset.

Anyone else have a reboot since the update?

EDIT: Make that another reboot.

Did a hard reset and wks awesome

 

[StevenW]

Hi there everyone, I've owned a Motorola Photon 4G for a few months now, practically a living nightmare. I figured the problems I had might be common and that Motorola software updates would fix them, but apparently not.

Allow me to list all of the problems I have with this hunk:

1. 4G will not stay connected for longer than 3 minutes, ANYWHERE. Even though Sprint's data coverage map shows the highest level of coverage in this area and where I work, as well as my signal meter reading 3-6 bars. For some reason, if I leave WiFi on 24/7, 4G will stay connected for at least 20 minutes most of the time before it shows "ZZZ" above the 4G symbol and refuses to respond again.
2. The data connection, regardless of 4G or 3G will drop completely. The 3G / 4G symbols will turn grey and neither will work until I toggle 4G off then on again.
3. The phone randomly restarts on occasion.
5. 3G is incredibly slow, I mean slower than dialup.
6. The phone likes to go into an endless reboot loop when I toggle off/on 4G.
7. When I turn on Wireless Hotspot or Tethering, the phone's 3G or 4G connection goes into an endless disconnect/reconnect cycle, and therefore is completely useless.

To be honest, it seems to me like this phone is designed not to work correctly... Unfortunately though, I'm not the account holder with Sprint so there doesn't seem to be much I can do with it. Has anyone else had these problems? I've searched all over the place for these problems and can't really find any of them, just similar, less annoying ones.

The sad part is, I'm coming from owning a Verizon Motorola Droid (original), and I say so far the Photon is a HUGE downgrade.

 

[drexappeal]

Hi there everyone, I've owned a Motorola Photon 4G for a few months now, practically a living nightmare. I figured the problems I had might be common and that Motorola software updates would fix them, but apparently not.

Allow me to list all of the problems I have with this hunk:

1. 4G will not stay connected for longer than 3 minutes, ANYWHERE. Even though Sprint's data coverage map shows the highest level of coverage in this area and where I work, as well as my signal meter reading 3-6 bars. For some reason, if I leave WiFi on 24/7, 4G will stay connected for at least 20 minutes most of the time before it shows "ZZZ" above the 4G symbol and refuses to respond again.
2. The data connection, regardless of 4G or 3G will drop completely. The 3G / 4G symbols will turn grey and neither will work until I toggle 4G off then on again.
3. The phone randomly restarts on occasion.
5. 3G is incredibly slow, I mean slower than dialup.
6. The phone likes to go into an endless reboot loop when I toggle off/on 4G.
7. When I turn on Wireless Hotspot or Tethering, the phone's 3G or 4G connection goes into an endless disconnect/reconnect cycle, and therefore is completely useless.

To be honest, it seems to me like this phone is designed not to work correctly... Unfortunately though, I'm not the account holder with Sprint so there doesn't seem to be much I can do with it. Has anyone else had these problems? I've searched all over the place for these problems and can't really find any of them, just similar, less annoying ones.

The sad part is, I'm coming from owning a Verizon Motorola Droid (original), and I say so far the Photon is a HUGE downgrade.

A few months? Do you have a demo version of the MoPho? The phone didn't get released until July 31. That's only 1 1/2 months.

Have you even tried to go in and get a replacement phone? The problems you've been having seem to have been resolved for people that got replacements.

 

[StevenW]

A few months? Do you have a demo version of the MoPho? The phone didn't get released until July 31. That's only 1 1/2 months.

Have you even tried to go in and get a replacement phone? The problems you've been having seem to have been resolved for people that got replacements.

Guess it seemed like a few months, I got it on August 3rd. I haven't tried to get a replacement yet, I don't know what to tell them in order to get a new, working replacement, instead of just some "refurbished" one that'll do the same thing. :/

 

[drexappeal]

Guess it seemed like a few months, I got it on August 3rd. I haven't tried to get a replacement yet, I don't know what to tell them in order to get a new, working replacement, instead of just some "refurbished" one that'll do the same thing. :/

Tell them that you seem to have gotten a defective Photon and the phone continues to re-boot randomnly or the phone will turn off and the only way to turn it back on is to remove the battery.

 

[simcha]

Tell them that you seem to have gotten a defective Photon and the phone continues to re-boot randomnly or the phone will turn off and the only way to turn it back on is to remove the battery.

And don't take "No" for an answer. Be firm and polite.

 

[Torisen]

Guess it seemed like a few months, I got it on August 3rd. I haven't tried to get a replacement yet, I don't know what to tell them in order to get a new, working replacement, instead of just some "refurbished" one that'll do the same thing. :/

Dang, that is sad to hear, I am sorry about your problems with the phone. I bought mine a week ago and I've not seen any of those problems or any other problems that other people are reporting. Maybe they did have a bad initial batch of phones.

Sorry sir, I hope you get a replacement that works like mine, it is a dream phone.

 

[Ohiojoe]

Maybe one of you huge photon fans can help me out here. I am an historic smartphone power user and I end up rooting the phones less than a week after I have them (after I have ensured that I want to keep the phone). Anyway, I just recently upgraded from my EVO 4G to the Photon, but I am convinced there is a defect in the camera, that will leave me no choice but to revert back to my EVO if it is not recognized as a defect. Because if it is not a defect, it is absolutely horrid. I understand that some people may not care about the camera in the phone, but I use mine extensively in my EVO. I was jazzed to get the photon because of the 8 megapixel camera and dual core, and I love the phone in all respects except that the camera is unbelievably and profoundly much lesser quality than the EVO.

When I am taking pictures or video with my photon, just looking at the screen before I take a picture or video, I can see what I would call ' swimming grain' throughout the image, and most notable in the area of color or darker areas. It is like a faint static image one might see on their legacy television when tuned to a non used frequency. This is apparent in 100 percent of the camera usage, and then when I actually take the video or take a picture, it shows up in the pictures and video as prominent as it did on the screen.

Now, initially I thought this was a setting I could fix. But when I did a google search for a possible fix, I could swear I saw at least one mention of this being a known issue with a certain batch of photon phones (I can't find that particular comment now). So I took it back to Best Buy, and the clerk was extremely helpful and helped me exchange it, but I checked the phone after it was activated (he said there was no way to check it until it was activated, which I didn't really question him about) and, low and behold, it has the same ' swimming grain'/static issue. Now the clerk was very polite but I think he thought I was just being too critical. He admitted seeing it, but he admitted also that he was not much of a camera user. I had stepped outside of the store in the broad daylight and took a picture of a sheriff cruiser ( which was all black) and it was very apparent. Unacceptable, really.

Now, either I am not being too critical and this is undeniably a defect, or the EVO has got a phenomenal groundbreaking ability of picture taking. I admit this might be possible, because people are blown away by the pictures I upload that I've taken with my EVO, and some swear I am using special lenses or photoshopping (I'm not). Now, I can understand the Photon's camera may not be as good as the EVO, but this is ridiculous. It would be like the equivalent of a non camera aficionado seeing white bars crossing every image and other people who don't use cameras saying, "Maybe it is just a lesser quality camera?". So trust me, this has got to be a defect, or I am embarrassed for motorola that they would let something of this horrid quality pass as their final product.

To complicate matters, there area several people uploading their own pictures and video from the photon where said video and picture have that horrid quality about them. But it seems as though they have never used a high quality camera in a phone before because none of them seem to realize it's a horrid video or picture. And there was at least one video I saw that was high quality like I would expect and was comparable to eagle video I am use to. So I'm pretty certain it a defect, but again it seems no one is talking about it.

I would love for this to be an actual defect so that I can get it fixed and/replaced, and keep the photon for all other awesomeness, so can anyone tell me if they know about this being a defect in a certain batch of photons?

PS: Saying you are dumbfounded about what someone else is saying is not an insult. I think of the word dumb Might have thrown you off there, But it only means he was confused by what everyone was saying.

 

[Ohiojoe]

PSS: I also meant to say that this static phenomenon is only mildly apparent when just looking at the picture/image in the screen of the phone, but becomes more and more visible the more you zoom in to the point of absurdity before you even come close to zooming in 100 percent (i.e. 1:1, or how it would look printed out at its highest quality).