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LG G2 or Nexus 5

H

happyhungarian

Junior Member
I am on the market for a new phone, as my old one (Galaxy S+) is driving me nuts. I don't want to spend $600, so I was planning on getting the Nexus 5. The thing is, I am worried about battery life, so if I can get it for close to $400, I would go for the G2. There's several listings online for ~$400 G2s, but they don't seem too trustworthy.

The only thing I like about the G2 over the N5 is the battery life, should I bother? I plan to keep GPS, bluetooth, Google Now, etc. off regardless of what phone I get (and I like to keep the brightness low, as I don't like it when a phone burns my retinas), will the N5 last me through the day? I'd appreciate any input, thanks in advance...
 
Just as a data point, I picked up a like-new condition G2 off of Craigslist for $250. I think they're by far the best used phone deal out there right now.

You say you only like the battery life of the G2 over the N5. What do you like from the N5 over the G2?

I went G2 for both battery life and better camera. I'm also a fan of the double tap to turn on the screen.
 
I went for the G2 mainly due to price and battery life. Bought mine off of ebay for 300$ and it is in great condition, battery easily lasts me a day or more and I have everything turned on. Only reason I would go for the N5 would be for software, but there are several AOSP based roms that are good for the G2.
 
VashHT said:
but there are several AOSP based roms that are good for the G2.
Click to expand...

That same argument goes for getting software features of the G2 on the N5. I do see where you're coming from, though. Better battery, better camera, and AOSP to top it off.

It's worth noting that AOSP ROMs are always better on Nexus devices. They're always hacky and a bit sloppy on other devices. Not that a non-Nexus phone can't have solid ROMs, it just takes a lot more work.
 
For ROMs, I run my G2 on the stock rom and I think it's just fine. Why do I need AOSP?

I'm using Nova Launcher instead of the stock one. Otherwise, once you root and remove the bloatware, there's really nothing too distracting about the LG implementation. I like the stock camera app and quick launch shortcuts in the notification drawer.
 
DeviousTrap said:
Just as a data point, I picked up a like-new condition G2 off of Craigslist for $250. I think they're by far the best used phone deal out there right now.

You say you only like the battery life of the G2 over the N5. What do you like from the N5 over the G2?

I went G2 for both battery life and better camera. I'm also a fan of the double tap to turn on the screen.
Click to expand...

I like the presence of the stock rom, the prospect of getting updates for a looong time, it's easier to handle on account of its size, easy to root (I've seen complaints online regarding the difficulty of rooting the G2 increasing with each update).

I am not too comfortable with buying a used phone =(
I don't mind that it's used, I just fear that I'll be ripped off.
It hadn't occured to me to buy an N5 used though, that might make more sense since there's a lot of people dissatisfied with it.
 
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depending what carrier you want and which 16GB/32GB size you want...

t-mobile has the G2 for just under $400 (before taxes/ some fees etc)

at&t wants $470. you should check if a t-mobile/verizon/at&t G2 works on at&t/...'s (LTE) network
 
paperwastage said:
depending what carrier you want and which 16GB/32GB size you want...

t-mobile has the G2 for just under $400 (before taxes/ some fees etc)

at&t wants $470. you should check if a t-mobile/verizon/at&t G2 works on at&t/...'s (LTE) network
Click to expand...

That's tempting, but I want an unlocked phone, I don't want carrier crap, and slower updates. Am I being unreasonable? Should I not worry about being locked to a carrier?

I also don't know anything about the return policy for N5, is it easy to do RMA's or returns? Do you deal with Google or LG?
 
happyhungarian said:
That's tempting, but I want an unlocked phone, I don't want carrier crap, and slower updates. Am I being unreasonable? Should I not worry about being locked to a carrier?

I also don't know anything about the return policy for N5, is it easy to do RMA's or returns? Do you deal with Google or LG?
Click to expand...

if you buy directly from google play store, their RMA/return process is a lot better (you go through google, not LG). i believe google gives you a new phone for RMA, not a refurbed one

https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2411741?hl=en
http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/general/rma-thread-t2515575/page90

for sim locks, check the carrier. i know most recent Verizon smartphones are GSM/LTE-capable and Verizon stopped sim-locks some time ago. you need to do your own research obviously to make sure it is unlocked and the LTE/3G bands work with your provider

LG G2 factory unlocked int'l sold by people via amazon, would be slightly better than buying from random people on ebay. $410 for 16GB, $430+ for 32GB, obviously figure out if LTE/3G bands work with your provider

http://www.amazon.com/LG-G2-Factory-.../dp/B00FCMFOFM
 
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Thanks paperwastage, there are some comments in the amazon link you sent me, someone said:

"I just spent 6 hours talking to AT&T... This phone does NOT work with AT&T. Do not buy an unlocked version, unless all you're wanting to do is use it as a phone. The mobile data will NOT work on AT&T from an unlocked phone like this."

What the hell does being unlocked have to do with LTE/3G? Is this guy/gal on crack or is he/she right?
 
happyhungarian said:
Thanks paperwastage, there are some comments in the amazon link you sent me, someone said:

"I just spent 6 hours talking to AT&T... This phone does NOT work with AT&T. Do not buy an unlocked version, unless all you're wanting to do is use it as a phone. The mobile data will NOT work on AT&T from an unlocked phone like this."

What the hell does being unlocked have to do with LTE/3G? Is this guy/gal on crack or is he/she right?
Click to expand...

You have to make sure the specific model has support for the bands your carrier uses. They will very from carrier to carrier and international versions.
 
happyhungarian said:
Thanks paperwastage, there are some comments in the amazon link you sent me, someone said:

"I just spent 6 hours talking to AT&T... This phone does NOT work with AT&T. Do not buy an unlocked version, unless all you're wanting to do is use it as a phone. The mobile data will NOT work on AT&T from an unlocked phone like this."

What the hell does being unlocked have to do with LTE/3G? Is this guy/gal on crack or is he/she right?
Click to expand...

that's why I say you have to verify the LTE/3G bands match... otherwise, you won't get the LTE service.. LTE spectrum is pretty fragmented - most phones do support the quad-band GSM/UMTS (2G/3G) spectrum though

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LG_G2#Model_variants

AT&T uses LTE bands 2,4,17, 30, and the D802 global version doesn't support any of those LTE bands. You'll only get 3G data on AT&T (most likely that guy didn't setup APNs correctly, so he couldn't get 3G data working)
 
Ok, thanks guys. Looks like the US version of Nexus 5 (which is the one I would be getting if I decided to buy one) supports AT&T's LTE service, and the AT&T version of the G2 supports AT&T LTE (which is annoying). So I can't really buy an unlocked G2 and expect to have LTE access.

$470 for the AT&T G2 doesn't sound bad, I will be shelling out $400 for the 32 GB N5 anyway, I might as well pay $70 more and get better battery life. Yet I'm not comfortable with buying a carrier specific phone, don't they come with carrier bloatware (on top of LG bloatware) and even more delayed updates? Any suggestions?
 
I have a Nexus 5 on T-Mobile. My understanding is the GPE should work on AT&T as well (I hope, I'm switching to AT&T soon).

I really love the Nexus 5. I agree, it doesn't have epic battery life, but it still gets me through a full day without any issues. Of course YMMV on that. I think it's pretty good though.

The Android 4.4.3 update is rolling out to the Nexus devices now. Not sure what's in it yet, but it's a reminder of why I like the Nexus phones, always up to date without needing to resort to temperamental ROMs.

I also love the design and build of the Nexus 5. It's all black, no logos on the front, only a subtle embossed Nexus logo on the back. And it has a soft touch back that feels good in the hand, doesn't feel slippery, or is a huge finger print magnet. The glossy plastic G2 would bother me some.
 
G2 without a doubt, unless the Nexus experience is super important to you and you will never even root your phone.
 
happyhungarian said:
Ok, thanks guys. Looks like the US version of Nexus 5 (which is the one I would be getting if I decided to buy one) supports AT&T's LTE service, and the AT&T version of the G2 supports AT&T LTE (which is annoying). So I can't really buy an unlocked G2 and expect to have LTE access.

$470 for the AT&T G2 doesn't sound bad, I will be shelling out $400 for the 32 GB N5 anyway, I might as well pay $70 more and get better battery life. Yet I'm not comfortable with buying a carrier specific phone, don't they come with carrier bloatware (on top of LG bloatware) and even more delayed updates? Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

http://swappa.com/buy/lg-g2-att

go swappa if you don't mind used...


read about custom ROMs to see if they are stable or missing features like IR blaster (if you don't mind flashing). i know there's LOKI patch for the bootloader, so it doesn't matter whether you can unlock the bootloader
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-g2/development
 
Ravynmagi said:
I really love the Nexus 5. I agree, it doesn't have epic battery life, but it still gets me through a full day without any issues. Of course YMMV on that. I think it's pretty good though.

The Android 4.4.3 update is rolling out to the Nexus devices now. Not sure what's in it yet, but it's a reminder of why I like the Nexus phones, always up to date without needing to resort to temperamental ROMs.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I mean if it can last a day with 4-5 hours of SOT (not including games), I can definitely live with that.

Red Storm said:
G2 without a doubt, unless the Nexus experience is super important to you and you will never even root your phone.
Click to expand...

Are you saying I won't be able to root the G2? I will be rooting whichever phone I get, so that's kinda important.

paperwastage said:
http://swappa.com/buy/lg-g2-att

go swappa if you don't mind used...


read about custom ROMs to see if they are stable or missing features like IR blaster (if you don't mind flashing). i know there's LOKI patch for the bootloader, so it doesn't matter whether you can unlock the bootloader
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-g2/development
Click to expand...

I don't mind buying used if the seller is completely honest, haven't heard of swappa, what makes it trustworthy?

Gah, I'm not a big fan of custom roms, I don't have the patience anymore to play around with them, and I doubt they'll have the stability of a stock rom (you have to experiment a lot with various different roms). I just don't like the bloatware crap, I wish every OEM would give you the option to go with stock androd... I also hate how the menus on the G2 look, all white and stuff...

So the LOKI patch works? I've read complaints by people saying it's getting increasingly hard to root/flash the G2 with each update...
 
happyhungarian said:
I don't mind buying used if the seller is completely honest, haven't heard of swappa, what makes it trustworthy?
Click to expand...
reputation.....

you can see that some entries are highlighted yellow, and the seller has reviews and stars based on the devices they sold. reviews are more detailed and explains what was wrong

ebay feedback is relatively useless compared to this (too much fluff / useless data, limitation in comment size)...



Gah, I'm not a big fan of custom roms, I don't have the patience anymore to play around with them, and I doubt they'll have the stability of a stock rom (you have to experiment a lot with various different roms). I just don't like the bloatware crap, I wish every OEM would give you the option to go with stock androd... I also hate how the menus on the G2 look, all white and stuff...

So the LOKI patch works? I've read complaints by people saying it's getting increasingly hard to root/flash the G2 with each update...
Click to expand...

well, you'll have to do your own research 😀.... don't have a LG G2, can't speak about the specifics

buy a GPE edition android if you want stock android with external SD / removable battery (things that the nexus doesn't have). too bad LG G2 doesn't have a GPE edition

(could always go for a much cheaper Moto G LTE... decent battery life (for teh non-LTE version, need to wait til they test the LTE version), not as good as lg g2 but it comes to as close to stock as possible, and microSD + LTE)
 
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happyhungarian said:
Are you saying I won't be able to root the G2? I will be rooting whichever phone I get, so that's kinda important.
Click to expand...

No you can root the G2, I meant that you should get the Nexus only if 100% stock Android is that important to you and if you're the type that doesn't root their phone. With root you can get rid of the annoying parts of the G2, which has much better battery life than the N5.

The only thing the N5 has over the G2 is the physical makeup of the phone. The G2 is a horrid slimey plastic, while the N5 is probably the best feeling plastic phone of all time (in my opinion).
 
Yeah I only mentioned AOSP roms because OP was looking at the N5 as well, figured it might be a reason I tried a few and I'm just using stock rooted now, with g2 xposed and the g2 tweaksbox I have my phone pretty well customized to my liking. Only thing that annoys me is the lockscreen, wish I could get that back to the AOSP one somehow.
 
happyhungarian said:
Ok, thanks guys. Looks like the US version of Nexus 5 (which is the one I would be getting if I decided to buy one) supports AT&T's LTE service, and the AT&T version of the G2 supports AT&T LTE (which is annoying). So I can't really buy an unlocked G2 and expect to have LTE access.

$470 for the AT&T G2 doesn't sound bad, I will be shelling out $400 for the 32 GB N5 anyway, I might as well pay $70 more and get better battery life. Yet I'm not comfortable with buying a carrier specific phone, don't they come with carrier bloatware (on top of LG bloatware) and even more delayed updates? Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

You can pretty much just disable any of the AT&T apps along with others that you don't need anyways.....Updates are a different story as you'll have to be patient for them.
 
This is no-brainer.
If anything get the G2 because the battery will last you all day.
I had the N5 for a month. Hated on days where I had to conserve to get through the day.
Never ran out of battery on the G2.
What good is a phone if its dead ??
 
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