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Is this phone still worth upgrading to?

X

Xelios

Android Enthusiast
Hey guys. I'm a current Droid X user and trying to upgrade to something new(er). Found a used but mint Thunderbolt on sale locally for 100 bucks. I'm curious to see what are your opinions on this. How far has this phone come from launch, and is it still a good contender?

I remember back when it launched it was plagued with battery life issues. This is really my main concern. How bad is it really? I checked the Verizon coverage page and my area is included in the coverage, so that's a good start.

I'm also more than likely going to be installing a custom ROM over it. However, I'd still like to know how the stock UI is. More importantly, for the Motorola phones I've seen so far, there's usually an SBF file incase you mess up flashing and brick the phone. Does HTC have any kind of recovery tool, or is the phone done for if you mess it up?

These are my prime concerns with the phone. However if anybody has any other tidbits to add, please feel free to. I appreciate every bit of info.

EDIT: Also how is the GPS? One thing I forgot to ask, the GPS on my DX is terrible. Takes forever to lock in, if it does.
 
The battery life stinks with the standard battery, but then again, it isn't any better with any other 4G phone. Get an extended battery and you'll be fine. It's a little unsightly but actually makes the phone easier to hold.

GPS works fine. There were a lot of problems with it in the beginning but it was fixed with updates. There's a free app called GPS Status that you might want to take a look at. The Thunderbolt had the same problems with taking forever to lock on and running this app fixed the problem. Like I said though, the GPS problems have since been taken care of.

I like the UI but I've always thought that Sense is the best so I might be biased. My phone is also stock, I don't mess around with custom roms. ICS is coming in the next few months, that's enough for me.

The Rezound would be a better route to go but I doubt you'd find one for $100. If you're looking to stay off contract, a like new Thunderbolt for $100 sounds like a good deal.
 
Figured the battery life would suck. The extended battery definitely is a bit ugly, but I guess I can deal with it. I'll probably look for a case that hides it somewhat, or something like that.

Thanks for the tip on the GPS. I'll run the app on my phone incase I actually end up not getting the Thunderbolt, although it's looking pretty likely at this point.

Didn't know ICS was coming, so that's great news. I'll hold off on any custom modding for now then.

I'd have loved to get a Rezound but the cheapest I've seen one is about 250. I'm not too bothered by dual core processors and all that garbage, my Droid X has served me fine performance wise, I'd just really like the 4G. But yeah thanks for the info man, I really appreciate it. I'll try to get my hands on it.
 
Thanks to Verizon's impending unlimited changes, I decided to pick one up so I could hop on 4G before it goes into affect. It should be here next week. I've already ordered a Rezounded battery, to replace the stock one, and am kicking around the idea of the extended for camping trips and the like. I think the TB is a good option for those of us not eligible for an upgrade now. Looking forward to getting my new toy!
 
Yeah it seems to be a great upgrade path. I'm not to keen on signing a new contract, so this phone will fit the role well. Not sure a Rezound battery will be enough for my needs though, so I'll have to deal with that giant bulge.
 
I wouldn't suggest it if you were to use an actual "upgrade" for it but if you can grab one for $100 by all means go for it! I've been due for an upgrade since Feb and haven't just because I don't really see anything that gets me. The Razr Maxx with that massive battery has me a lil but I'd rather wait for the HD.

The extended battery is great, ugly to look at but adds a nice feel to the phone. It gives me enough power to get thru a day of moderate to heavy usage. I never turn off 4G, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, etc. I used to with the older batteries but no longer need to.

There are also tons of ROM's that developers have had plenty of time to fine tune and work out whatever bugs existed. I'm currently running iKReaM's latest which is great.
 
My wife has an incredible. Wants more space. I can get thunderbolt new for free through Verizon. Since the plan is to stay with HTC. Is it worth it
 
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