LG G5 as a replacement for my Galaxy S5, or...?

[MamaBear2014]

I've been going through a 2 year saga with this Galaxy S5, where the sound is bad on my outgoing phone calls. Lots of forum posts on that. When I talk to clients, they tell me that I sound muffled, like I'm in a tunnel, or far away. Yet when Verizon talked me through a test of the Voice Recorder app, it sounded crisp and clear. Forum consensus is that it may be a software problem with the phone.

http://forums.androidcentral.com/sa...-issues-during-phone-calls-2.html#post5138381

Long story short, it's apparently a defective model - the whole series. I've been through 3 of these phones already - each time having to pay about $100 on my insurance, to replace them. ( Samsung apparently won't own up to this. )

So today, when I called a client and he said to call him back, that he couldn't hear me, that was the last darned straw. I went into a Verizon store this afternoon and talked with them and they totally sympathized and offered me a sweet deal to upgrade to a LG G5. I know nothing about the phone. It seems spiffy and all. But they said that it cant do Qi wireless charging, which is a real turn-off for me. One of the few things I enjoyed with the S5.

Frankly, I don't really need the latest greatest with tons of bells & whistles. I need a reliable phone that clients can hear me on, and that I can have some Android apps on. Front & rear camera, at least as good as the S5. And wireless charging is very convenient for me. And did I mention - that clients can hear me on?

So if any of you have suggestions in this regard, please suggest away.

MamaBear

 

[llamadon]

My G5 sounds really good on both ends.

 

[MamaBear2014]

My G5 sounds really good on both ends.

Per above, I just don't know if I need an $800 phone.

 

[marz at play]

I was LG fan boy and had high hopes for the G5. I run a business and need a reliable phone in all aspects. I just got the Note 5 about two weeks ago and highly recommend it for business professionals. The G5 disappointed me.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[MamaBear2014]

I was LG fan boy and had high hopes for the G5. I run a business and need a reliable phone in all aspects. I just got the Note 5 about two weeks ago and highly recommend it for business professionals. The G5 disappointed me.

Posted via the Android Central App

Was just making a few notes:

1. I don't need an $800 phone
2. I need one that clients can hear me clearly on.
3. I need one that can do Android apps, obviously. ( easy peasy )
4. I need one that has at least as good a camera as the Galaxy S5 I'm replacing.
5. I need one that can use a wireless charging pad.

And because of the expensive Galaxy S5 fiasco, and Samsung apparently not owning up to a defective design, I'm shy about buying a Samsung phone anymore.

So based on that, what would you suggest for a replacement phone, group? Keep in mind that the end pocket on my purse is just big enough for an S5 sized phone.

 

[fresca2u]

I have a G5 coming from a Galaxy S4. The sound quality is good at both ends, at least on the few phone calls I have made - maybe not helpful, since I don't talk a lot on the phone any more. There is no wireless charging, but the QC feature is very fast compared to my old S4 (although it may not be working at full speed on Verizon G5s. See Quick Charge 3.0? thread). I also have a limited capacity purse, so the size of the phone also made a significant impact on my decision to buy it. The camera is way better than the one on the S4. And I love having a replaceable battery, not so much for regularly swapping but more to completely replace aging batteries that are holding significantly less charge than when they were new.

I really like the phone. It's fast, has a great camera, fast charging, swappable batteries, a cool wide angle camera, and an IR remote. Those things are more important to me than the water resistance, better low light camera, wireless charging, Samsung Pay, and sexy prettiness (I like the looks of the G5, but I seem to be in the minority on that) of the S7. Also, although I am careful with my phone, I do drop it once in a while. I have more faith in the G5 surviving a fall or two versus the all glass on the S7. And the G5 is more repair friendly should I need it. The modular "Friends" weren't a significant factor for me, and being a little cheaper than the S7 was just icing on the cake.

If the wireless charging is very important to you, than you'll want to skip the G5. I think (limited experience with voice calls) it fits all you other criteria just fine.

 

[Drayk]

I'm not sure where to drop this comment so I'll drop it here:
Personally, I don't get the hate for the G5. I've used android for the past , IDK....4/5yrs, or so. I've had an HTC Vivid, SG3, GS4, G-Note 4, LG V10 and now the LG G5. I've been on the G-Note 4 since launch day and a couple months ago wanted a "fresh" experience. I just couldn't wait for the G-Note 6. Removable battery & media are a must for me. I picked up the V10 on the cheap and absolutely loved it!!!. My wife wanted a new device and I suggested the LG G5. She picked it up and absolutely loves it!!! Of course, I had to pick one up as well.
IT'S AWESOME!!!!!
Manageable size, lightning fast, great features, fresh look/feel, great UI (IMHO)....etc, etc. I don't get the negativity. This device isn't old enough yet.
Most lot of the smack I'm reading is what users "presume" will be issues down the road. I'm totally happy with my dicision.

 

[Darkmatter0603]

Was just making a few notes:

1. I don't need an $800 phone
2. I need one that clients can hear me clearly on.
3. I need one that can do Android apps, obviously. ( easy peasy )
4. I need one that has at least as good a camera as the Galaxy S5 I'm replacing.
5. I need one that can use a wireless charging pad.

And because of the expensive Galaxy S5 fiasco, and Samsung apparently not owning up to a defective design, I'm shy about buying a Samsung phone anymore.

So based on that, what would you suggest for a replacement phone, group? Keep in mind that the end pocket on my purse is just big enough for an S5 sized phone.

I know that you stated you need wireless charging and although the Nexus 5X does not have wireless charging it is a great phone that that meets almost all of your requirements, given that you want a phone that is around the size of the S5. If you want a better camera, the Nexus 6P is the better option but the screen is 5.7 inches so it is a bit too big for your requirements. Both phones are pretty cheap for the specs they contain the Nexus 5X is around $300 and the Nexus 6P is around $450.

 

[MamaBear2014]

We were at Walmart today and walked by their mobile kiosk where they had an LG Vista for $149. Would that meet my criteria?:

1. I don't need an $800 phone
2. I need one that clients can hear me clearly on.
3. I need one that can do Android apps, obviously. ( easy peasy )
4. I need one that has at least as good a camera as the Galaxy S5 I'm replacing.
5. I need one that can use a wireless charging pad.

 

[CSOReaper]

You want a Ferrari on a Pinto budget.....

The G5 has excellent call quality, the very best camera available, etc.

If I were you and I was worrying about talking to clients, I wouldn't be worried about the price. Do the 2 year lease.

Not bring rude, but hard to give you advice on these phones when you are looking to spend $150.00.

 

[MamaBear2014]

You want a Ferrari on a Pinto budget.....

The G5 has excellent call quality, the very best camera available, etc.

If I were you and I was worrying about talking to clients, I wouldn't be worried about the price. Do the 2 year lease.

Not bring rude, but hard to give you advice on these phones when you are looking to spend $150.00.

Didn't say looking, but if I get excellent call quality with a $150 phone and the camera is still as good as the S5, why spend more? It IS for business, after all, and the camera is secondary.

 

[jek48]

Was the Galaxy S5/Verizon problem a regional thing? There's a couple reasons I ask. First, I've had an S5 for 2 years now and have never had that complaint (and btw, I'm probably going to get a G5 as replacement because of the replaceable battery). Next, I remember about 4 years ago I got a new Nexus and it had TONS of mic problems (during calls, my mic would mute and they couldn't hear me). It turns out that the problems were region specific (it had to do with the towers or something like that). I had looked it up in forums, and there were only problems in specific regions of the country.

To finish that story, I was under warranty, so I had free replacements. My choice was between the Nexus or the Galaxy S3 initially, and they wouldn't budge on giving me an S3 as a replacement (they would offer a lesser phone). So, I kept sending the phone back. I went through SEVEN Nexus phones. I kept telling them unless you give me an S3, then I'm just going to keep exchanging the phone as soon as it has a problem (and they had to overnight a replacement each time). Finally Verizon gave in and sent me an S3.

 

[MamaBear2014]

Was the Galaxy S5/Verizon problem a regional thing? There's a couple reasons I ask. First, I've had an S5 for 2 years now and have never had that complaint (and btw, I'm probably going to get a G5 as replacement because of the replaceable battery). Next, I remember about 4 years ago I got a new Nexus and it had TONS of mic problems (during calls, my mic would mute and they couldn't hear me). It turns out that the problems were region specific (it had to do with the towers or something like that). I had looked it up in forums, and there were only problems in specific regions of the country.

To finish that story, I was under warranty, so I had free replacements. My choice was between the Nexus or the Galaxy S3 initially, and they wouldn't budge on giving me an S3 as a replacement (they would offer a lesser phone). So, I kept sending the phone back. I went through SEVEN Nexus phones. I kept telling them unless you give me an S3, then I'm just going to keep exchanging the phone as soon as it has a problem (and they had to overnight a replacement each time). Finally Verizon gave in and sent me an S3.

Warranty replacement hasn't been "free". It's cost me $100 a pop to replace each of these phones - on the 3rd S5 now - and STILL have the problems!
And I have no idea how to get Samsung to own up to it and compensate me. They're a huge impersonal corporation. But this is REALLY turning me off to EVER buying Samsung again!

 

[jek48]

Warranty replacement hasn't been "free". It's cost me $100 a pop to replace each of these phones - on the 3rd S5 now - and STILL have the problems!
And I have no idea how to get Samsung to own up to it and compensate me. They're a huge impersonal corporation. But this is REALLY turning me off to EVER buying Samsung again!

In my case, it wasn't up the phone manufacturer. It was Verizon who was replacing the phone each time for me. It may have helped that the first couple times I would go to the Verizon store and the employees could physically see the problems. Once I established that pattern, they could tell my complaints were legit. Regardless, that really doesn't help you any now. I've been very happy with my Galaxy S3 and S5. If they had kept the replaceable battery, I'd most likely be buying an S7. Good luck on your search.

 

[Hugo]

Was just making a few notes:

1. I don't need an $800 phone
2. I need one that clients can hear me clearly on.
3. I need one that can do Android apps, obviously. ( easy peasy )
4. I need one that has at least as good a camera as the Galaxy S5 I'm replacing.
5. I need one that can use a wireless charging pad.

< . . . >

Keep in mind that the end pocket on my purse is just big enough for an S5 sized phone.

On April 2nd, my wife and I switched from our Samsung S5's to our current LG G5's. We love them.

1. We paid about 579 each, plus tax, at a Sprint store.
2. We had the same issues as you with voice on our Samsung S5's. The G5 has been perfect in this regard, and my wife, who is a heavy user of both voice and data, confirms this.
3. The G5 does apps better, as it has more ram and storage and is faster.
4. The G5's camera is definitely better. The S5 has no optical stabilization, the G5 does. The G5's camera is more responsive and its software is better designed. The G5 has standard and wideangle lenses. Etc.
5. No wireless charging. We did stop using wireless charging on our Samsungs, as it made our phones hot.

The G5 is somewhat larger than the S5.

 

[Drayk]

On April 2nd, my wife and I switched from our Samsung S5's to our current LG G5's. We love them.

1. We paid about 579 each, plus tax, at a Sprint store.
2. We had the same issues as you with voice on our Samsung S5's. The G5 has been perfect in this regard, and my wife, who is a heavy user of both voice and data, confirms this.
3. The G5 does apps better, as it has more ram and storage and is faster.
4. The G5's camera is definitely better. The S5 has no optical stabilization, the G5 does. The G5's camera is more responsive and its software is better designed. The G5 has standard and wideangle lenses. Etc.
5. No wireless charging. We did stop using wireless charging on our Samsungs, as it made our phones hot.

The G5 is somewhat larger than the S5.

My wife switched from a Galaxy S6 to the G5 about 3 weeks ago. She loved it so much I had to get one last week. I switched from a Galaxy Note 4 and I love this device. The G5 is a more manageable size, it's faster & more responsive and does everything I need it to do & then some. I use Nova Launcher so I got the app drawer back.
I'm a business owner and I'll be looking hard at the Galaxy Note 6 when it's released. They say the removable media will be back but if the removable battery doesn't make an appearance, I'm done with Samsung.

 

[MamaBear2014]

On April 2nd, my wife and I switched from our Samsung S5's to our current LG G5's. We love them.

1. We paid about 579 each, plus tax, at a Sprint store.
2. We had the same issues as you with voice on our Samsung S5's. The G5 has been perfect in this regard, and my wife, who is a heavy user of both voice and data, confirms this.
3. The G5 does apps better, as it has more ram and storage and is faster.
4. The G5's camera is definitely better. The S5 has no optical stabilization, the G5 does. The G5's camera is more responsive and its software is better designed. The G5 has standard and wideangle lenses. Etc.
5. No wireless charging. We did stop using wireless charging on our Samsungs, as it made our phones hot.

The G5 is somewhat larger than the S5.

I actually warped a battery so badly with wireless charging the S5 that it popped the case open and I replaced it. I learned not to just leave it on the charger, but only put it on in the AM when I get up, and it charges to 100% before noon when I need it. Why the heck cant these Qi wireless chargers have regulators in the pads, that STOP when they reach the right voltage? Jeez!

 

[Mike Dee]

I actually warped a battery so badly with wireless charging the S5 that it popped the case open and I replaced it. I learned not to just leave it on the charger, but only put it on in the AM when I get up, and it charges to 100% before noon when I need it. Why the heck cant these Qi wireless chargers have regulators in the pads, that STOP when they reach the right voltage? Jeez!

My charger stops when it's done, however I am not using it with the G5. I always thought wireless charging would be a deal breaker for me but with fast charging I really don't care.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[MamaBear2014]

I was LG fan boy and had high hopes for the G5. I run a business and need a reliable phone in all aspects. I just got the Note 5 about two weeks ago and highly recommend it for business professionals. The G5 disappointed me.

Posted via the Android Central App

How so?

 

[MamaBear2014]

We were at Walmart today and walked by their mobile kiosk where they had an LG Vista for $149. Would that meet my criteria?:

1. I don't need an $800 phone
2. I need one that clients can hear me clearly on.
3. I need one that can do Android apps, obviously. ( easy peasy )
4. I need one that has at least as good a camera as the Galaxy S5 I'm replacing.
5. I need one that can use a wireless charging pad.

Well, given the above list, is there anything else Verizon has, that would be a better replacement than the G5?

I'm just feeling down about having to buy a whole new phone because of SAMSUNG's apparently bad model design where clients cant hear me when I call them. I'm out about $800 because of this, and if anyone knows of any contacts at Samsung, where I could appeal to them to compensate me, or as a last resort, of any attorneys who would sue them for me, please post.