Should I do it?

[heycal]

I was about to switch to an iphone after years of suffering with android glitches and bugs, most recently with my LG Lucidvs840 with Verizon, but am tempted by the G2. But iphones are nice, and I recently switched from PC to a Mac Air and am very happy with it. Everything does what it's supposed to do all the time. Maybe Apple really is better.

But love some aspects of the G2, specifically the battery. How nice not to have battery anxiety anymore. But at what price? Anyone have any thoughts? Any glitches or annoyances or anything else about this phone that doesn't always work as it's supposed to? Any regrets?

 

[stef7]

I personally don't find navigation and multitasking with an iPhone to be pleasurable at all. I find the UI of the Android OS to be much more engaging, expressive, and permissive over iOS.

It's not even remotely close.

You would have a period for evaluating one and returning wouldn't you? I'm not sure how that works exactly, but I don't think you'd be risking a thing by trying an LG G2.

 

[dportal2006]

I was about to switch to an iphone after years of suffering with android glitches and bugs, most recently with my LG Lucidvs840 with Verizon, but am tempted by the G2. But iphones are nice, and I recently switched from PC to a Mac Air and am very happy with it. Everything does what it's supposed to do all the time. Maybe Apple really is better.

But love some aspects of the G2, specifically the battery. How nice not to have battery anxiety anymore. But at what price? Anyone have any thoughts? Any glitches or annoyances or anything else about this phone that doesn't always work as it's supposed to? Any regrets?

I have half a dozen smartphones in the last two years including the Iphone 5. ALL OF THEM have bugs and flaws. Android has come a long way the last few years. The operating system is not perfect but it is versatile and if you equip it with good hardware it works really well and smooth. The Iphone 5S has nothing on the LG G2 when it comes to speed and smoothness. Both phones are fast but the LG G2 has much bigger screen and battery. If you like IOS then by all means go with the Iphone but if you are looking for a top of the line android smartphone that works well you can go with the LG G2.

The G2 has been working very well for me and i plan to keep it for a few more months. I will probably change it at the end of the year for something newer but that is only because i am a mega geek that always likes to have the latest gadget but not because the phone needs replacement.

 

[acejavelin]

The current software and implementation of the G2 is rock solid, the only real "bug" currently on KitKat is an issue with Play Music stopping on occasion when streaming on mobile data. LG is aware of the issue so I fully expect that to be corrected on the next update.

The G2 is an amazing phone, I've had lots of smartphones over the years and honestly only have one complaint with the G2, and all phones with screens in excess of 5", and that is that they difficult to use one handed, but that is a personal thing. I think the sweet spot for screen size is 4.7"-5", anything larger is cumbersome to use one handed which is why I still use my Nexus 4 as my daily driver and my G2 is my work phone. If the screen size isn't an issue for you, go for it, you won't be disappointed.

 

[stef7]

Ahem, I will add, the Voice Dialer / Voice Command is buggy.

Even after a FDR, it's simply under-performing:
Voice Recognition sub-par,
DIAL syntax was removed,
It even miss-phrases the response when you've confirmed the
contact to dial, for example, I have a contact
Sam and Lori with an entry for Home

Just before dialing it will say:
"Calling to" sam and lori home which is incorrect English, but it sadly also comes out sounding funny, phonetically something like this: "Calling toosam..."

The JB voice dialing over BT (or using the button on the dialer UI) was rock solid. In KK, this feature is now junk.

Sorry - no desire to hijack the thread, but KK is less than perfect in other ways too. Likely though - it's still to be head and shoulders above iOS on a 5s, specially if you have history with Android.

 

[Simple_fear85]

Ahem, I will add, the Voice Dialer / Voice Command is buggy.

Even after a FDR, it's simply under-performing:
Voice Recognition sub-par,
DIAL syntax was removed,
It even miss-phrases the response when you've confirmed the
contact to dial, for example, I have a contact
Sam and Lori with an entry for Home

Just before dialing it will say:
"Calling to" sam and lori home which is incorrect English, but it sadly also comes out sounding funny, phonetically something like this: "Calling toosam..."

The JB voice dialing over BT (or using the button on the dialer UI) was rock solid. In KK, this feature is now junk.

Sorry - no desire to hijack the thread, but KK is less than perfect in other ways too. Likely though - it's still to be head and shoulders above iOS on a 5s, specially if you have history with Android.

I would have to disagree with you on the voice dialer/voice command. I have no issues what so ever with it, nor with kitkat. I been on kitkat for two weeks and its far superior compared to the earlier versions.

Also I do like the idea of how apple works, just it seems they are the same thing on every release. Apple hardware from the outside looks the same pretty much, and the whole software looks too childish IMHO. Apple has one phone that they release where google/android have many different phone companies ie: samsung, LG, ect. Android can possible to be modded and/or tweaked.

I tried apple once and had to reason to leave. Many issues with just the software itself. I been a long time google user since the beginning. I even tried windows for a bit, and still seen myself using android more.

 

[jimbo1mcm]

G2 is rock solid. It replaced my Iphone 5S ( by choice ). It integrates with my Macbook Pro and other Apple devices. I can move photos and music wirelessly between my MBP and G2 or use a USB cable with Android File Transfer. The G2 currently has the most screen with the least bezel. It looks and feels great. I really like it.

 

[stef7]

simple_fear85, your disagreement noted.. actually - you motivated me to perform the FDR post-KK install, and I did so, but the behavior didn't change.

I'm thinking you are actually dialing using your voice but using some other program, and we are talking about two different things.

Otherwise, I'm at a complete loss to explain how your phone works perfectly, because clearly the program that is launched using the two mechanisms I described doesn't accept the syntax "DIAL" with the numerical digits spoken like it did under JellyBean. :smokingsomb:

 

[heycal]

Thanks for the input, folks. I just returned from the Verzion store where I was checking these phones out, and I have some concerns:

1) G2 felt a bit big in my hand and awkard to use. I'm a one handed guy, and it was a bit unwieldly. Of course, the pair of handcuffs around the phone sure didn't help matters. Will I get used to this size, or will it always feel too big?

2) Am I doing something wrong, or does the maximum font size setting not actually increase the text size in the messaging and email apps all that much? In contrast, both the iphone and samsung and probably many other phones let you make the text practically jumbo sized. One of the key requirements of my new phone is the ability to use a very large font for messaging so I can read and jot off quick texts on the go without reaching for my reading glasses all the time. I found the maximum setting that either me or the Verizon guy could come up with to be a bit hard to see.

Could this big giant phone really have such a relatively small maximum font? (Not to mention small and unchangeable sized icons on the bottom row home screen.) Combine that with a lousy stock keyboard I can barely type on and I've got some real concerns. When I can see and type better on the tiny iphone, well, that's a big thing to me. I'm not a super tech guy, and while I'm willing to load a few apps here or there and customize this or that, I'd much rather have the things the phone comes with work well when in basic areas like this.

Thoughts?

 

[stef7]

If you can go back to the store you might try these things, because the device is very configurable:

1). The LG allows you to modify the position of the Dial keys, Keyboard, and Lockscreen pad (to enter the PIN) with one hand via
Settings | One-handed operation.

2). Settings | Display | Font Size, even FontType can be changed (to Very Large or MAXIMUM). Try it, it will also result in your menus being larger, not just the SMS app. But you can also change the default mailer (I use K9 Mail) and modify just about everything in it.

3). The basic keyboard has it's limitations. There are replacements from the Playstore like Big Keys or Big Buttons. You can also use your phone in landscape mode for bigger sized keys.

My fingers are small. I sometimes use the phone one handed, by laying it across my fingers palm up. I can then use my thumb to hit where I need to on the device, and position the device where I need to.

HTH

 

[heycal]

2). Settings | Display | Font Size, even FontType can be changed (to Very Large or MAXIMUM). Try it, it will also result in your menus being larger, not just the SMS app.

Tried this. It didn't make the text in the messaging app big enough. Bigger, yes, but not big enough. That is the issue here. Meanwhile, Samsung and Iphone were capable of much larger text size.

 

[stef7]

Wow, MAXIMUM was insufficient in the SMS app?

Hmmm.
Then possibly a download like Big Font from the Playstore???

 

[heycal]

Wow, MAXIMUM was insufficient in the SMS app?

Hmmm.
Then possibly a download like Big Font from the Playstore???

Yes, surprisingly small -- and for such a big phone too...

Do any of you G2 folks have acccess to a recent model iphone or Samsung galaxy to confirm that their maximum sizes are dramatically bigger?

 

[dportal2006]

Thanks for the input, folks. I just returned from the Verzion store where I was checking these phones out, and I have some concerns:

1) G2 felt a bit big in my hand and awkard to use. I'm a one handed guy, and it was a bit unwieldly. Of course, the pair of handcuffs around the phone sure didn't help matters. Will I get used to this size, or will it always feel too big?

2) Am I doing something wrong, or does the maximum font size setting not actually increase the text size in the messaging and email apps all that much? In contrast, both the iphone and samsung and probably many other phones let you make the text practically jumbo sized. One of the key requirements of my new phone is the ability to use a very large font for messaging so I can read and jot off quick texts on the go without reaching for my reading glasses all the time. I found the maximum setting that either me or the Verizon guy could come up with to be a bit hard to see.

Could this big giant phone really have such a relatively small maximum font? (Not to mention small and unchangeable sized icons on the bottom row home screen.) Combine that with a lousy stock keyboard I can barely type on and I've got some real concerns. When I can see and type better on the tiny iphone, well, that's a big thing to me. I'm not a super tech guy, and while I'm willing to load a few apps here or there and customize this or that, I'd much rather have the things the phone comes with work well when in basic areas like this.

Thoughts?

You guys were definitely doing something wrong. The maximum font size on the G2 is huge. You can probably read the text message from like 3 feet away.

 

[Simple_fear85]

simple_fear85, your disagreement noted.. actually - you motivated me to perform the FDR post-KK install, and I did so, but the behavior didn't change.

I'm thinking you are actually dialing using your voice but using some other program, and we are talking about two different things.

Otherwise, I'm at a complete loss to explain how your phone works perfectly, because clearly the program that is launched using the two mechanisms I described doesn't accept the syntax "DIAL" with the numerical digits spoken like it did under JellyBean. :smokingsomb:

I am honesty not trying to bash you you or say your wrong. Like I said I see nothing wrong with my phone on my end with the fdr. I even did a test of downgrading and reinstalling kit Kat twice and it still working fine. If you don't like it have you thought about downgrading? I made a post of how to do so on here to explain a little better in detail.

 

[acejavelin]

Yeah, not sure what you guys are talking about with font size, I just tried it on Maximum and could read a text 10' away, literally.

 

[heycal]

You guys were definitely doing something wrong. The maximum font size on the G2 is huge. You can probably read the text message from like 3 feet away.

Yeah, not sure what you guys are talking about with font size, I just tried it on Maximum and could read a text 10' away, literally.

Interesting. Are you guys both Verizon? Maybe it's a carrier problem? It wasn't just me unable to get a huge font on text messages on G2, but the Verizon employee as well. (Not that I trust those guys all that much….)

Are either of you able or willing to post a screen shot of your maximum font in action on the messaging app, and/or anyone else feeling like doing so? Love to see what it looks like. (And anyone have a Galaxy or iphone 5s handy for comparison, two phones which I know for a fact can go very big on Verizon?)

 

[acejavelin]

Interesting. Are you guys both Verizon? Maybe it's a carrier problem? It wasn't just me unable to get a huge font on text messages on G2, but the Verizon employee as well. (Not that I trust those guys all that much

 

[heycal]

Here ya go... Minimum font size, medium font (normal), and maximum. And on Verizon as well.

Thanks so much for doing this. Much appreciated! But I must say, that doesn't look terribly big. Maybe I'm being fooled because i'm not seeing it in actual size on the phone itself and it's bigger than it looks here, but that seems nowhere near as big as iphone or Samsung can go, and just a tad too small for my aging eyes to see without my glasses and similar to what I encountered in the store.

 

[acejavelin]

Thanks so much for doing this. Much appreciated! But I must say, that doesn't look terribly big. Maybe I'm being fooled because i'm not seeing it in actual size on the phone itself and it's bigger than it looks here, but that seems nowhere near as big as iphone or Samsung can go, and just a tad too small for my aging eyes to see without my glasses and similar to what I encountered in the store.

Maybe... Do what you need to, if the S5 has something better that appeals to you, by all means go for it, cell phones are personal, one phone isn't for everyone no matter how much manufacturers want it to be. Pick what's best for you.

 

[heycal]

Maybe... Do what you need to, if the S5 has something better that appeals to you, by all means go for it, cell phones are personal, one phone isn't for everyone no matter how much manufacturers want it to be. Pick what's best for you.

I'm just shocked if it's true the G2 can't go bigger than that (and surprised anyone could claim to be able to see that from 10 feet away.) I'll have to investigate further and maybe visit another store.

Here are some images of larger text messages I dug on on the internet. All considerably bigger. Don't think any one of these are Samsung, which I know can go huge too.

 

[stef7]

heycal,
accessibility is important. and perhaps the "Maximum" font setting is still insufficient for you - but please try it, as well as the other settings I proposed.

I downloaded Big Font from the PlayStore and installed it on my G2. Then I used LG G2's Quick Memo feature to capture the phone's screen. I don't know what you can actually expect from another phone, based on the images you posted, but here is what you can definitely expect from a G2 where the font is boosted to 300% using this program.

First image is an SMS message from my son.
Second image is one of the phone's Settings / menus.
Third, an app called Rich Notes.
Fourth, an NRSV Bible app.
Fifth, a phone setting sub-menu (selecting between Charge Phone, or Media Sync).

I don't know if Big Font is definitely compatible with other devices like the Samsung... but you can ask the people in the store if it can be downloaded and you can try it. Note, first I boosted the font and restarted the phone, then I boosted it again to 300% and rebooted the phone. The app isn't difficult to use, providing you can see the screen, so ask for help in the store if you need it.

Hope it helps.

 

[heycal]

Thanks, Stef7. I have no doubt I can download some app to get bigger messaging, but it would be nice if the phone itself offered font size big enough for me to be comfortable with. I actually used to use an app like the one you describe with my current LG, but found it glitchy and just went to living with the old one. (Maybe I'll try this Big Font one right now with my Lucid and see how it feels these days.)

If I have to download both a new keyboard and a new messaging app just to make it as good as other current phones on the market in their stock form, well, those are strikes against it in my book. Still a very appealing phone on many other levels, but these are drawbacks to be considered.

 

[stef7]

Yes, try the app with your Lucid. That's a good thing to do. You will possibly have to change the boost to the font size twice as I described, once ramping it to the limit (which I think ultimately pushes the unit to "Maximum"), then rebooting, then doing it again to 300% (to go past what was effectively Maximum) and rebooting.

The LG device is highly configurable as are the Samsungs. I've proven to you that you don't need to replace the SMS app to see larger text. That's not a strike, and unless you've tried the Samsung, let's start with a level playing field here. Same is true until you've held the iPhone in your hand and tried it.

By all means, try an iPhone and a Samsung in the store. It's really important for you to do so. Don't base your purchase decision on screenshots and the posting of others.

I wager - the extent of the configuration to font size, which works best for you - out of the box on these other devices, really isn't there and they too will need to have a special program to accomplish it. I could be wrong, but snapshots from the web that are simply portions of the screen (and I provided you full screen shots) don't tell the story.

Anyway, your testing with the Lucid should be very helpful to you. Seems like, you aren't in a time-pressure situation to select another device... Great, you can make an informed decision.

It's good you have choice, and I know you'll find something that will meet your needs.

 

[heycal]

Yes, try the app with your Lucid. That's a good thing to do. You will possibly have to change the boost to the font size twice as I described, once ramping it to the limit (which I think ultimately pushes the unit to "Maximum"), then rebooting, then doing it again to 300% (to go past what was effectively Maximum) and rebooting.

The LG device is highly configurable as are the Samsungs. I've proven to you that you don't need to replace the SMS app to see larger text. That's not a strike, and unless you've tried the Samsung, let's start with a level playing field here. Same is true until you've held the iPhone in your hand and tried it.

By all means, try an iPhone and a Samsung in the store. It's really important for you to do so. Don't base your purchase decision on screenshots and the posting of others.

I wager - the extent of the configuration to font size, which works best for you - out of the box on these other devices, really isn't there and they too will need to have a special program to accomplish it. I could be wrong, but snapshots from the web that are simply portions of the screen (and I provided you full screen shots) don't tell the story.

Anyway, your testing with the Lucid should be very helpful to you. Seems like, you aren't in a time-pressure situation to select another device... Great, you can make an informed decision.

It's good you have choice, and I know you'll find something that will meet your needs.

Already put it on the Lucid and trying it out now, so we shall see!

But to be clear here: I have tried out several phones max text size in person in the store, not just looked at screen shots. Iphone is great, Samsung Galaxy's are great, G2 NOT great. It's simply not as big as the other ones, and not as big as I need. So that definitely IS a strike against this phone.