Nexus 6P Travel Fail... Disappointed

[PaulQ]

I have spent the past two weeks in Spain, Morocco and France. I brought my 6P as a phone but also a camera of course. Not rooted, have April update. No launcher.

First...

The fingerprint reader sucks! I am so disappointed. Yes, it periodically had trouble reading my fingerprint prior to this trip but I have no idea what happened... It dropped to about a 50% success rate during the entire trip. Before you ask... Weather varied widely and I did wipe the prints and retrain them about halfway through the trip.

I just changed my PIN to something easy to enter and frequently swiped up to enter it after the fingerprint failures. I also increased the time before the phone locked so I could take pictures quickly.

Second...

It's freezing up on me more and more over the course of this trip. Sometimes I'll press the back button or any of the three Android buttons, it will remain highlighted and just freeze for about 10 seconds. What is that??

The worst incident was when I was at the Eiffel Tower and the power button wouldn't wake the phone. It did nothing. After about ten seconds, it just came to life. ??

Third...

The camera shot speed is too slow. I know that many factors can influence this. I settled on Camera Zoom MX as my camera. You have to click the shutter and hold the phone in place for a few seconds. If you drop the phone down too soon, you just get a blur. Yes, this might just be the app...

But...

On the plus side, when everything worked and you held the phone for a few seconds, I got some AMAZING pictures.

So... I'm going to wipe the phone when I get back home and see if that helps.

I love the Nexus concept and the hardware seemed solid... Now I have doubts. Praying that a wipe leads to a restoration of faith in Nexus!

 

[hallux]

I have spent the past two weeks in Spain, Morocco and France. I brought my 6P as a phone but also a camera of course. Not rooted, have April update. No launcher.

First...

The fingerprint reader sucks! I am so disappointed. Yes, it periodically had trouble reading my fingerprint prior to this trip but I have no idea what happened... It dropped to about a 50% success rate during the entire trip. Before you ask... Weather varied widely and I did wipe the prints and retrain them about halfway through the trip.

I just changed my PIN to something easy to enter and frequently swiped up to enter it after the fingerprint failures. I also increased the time before the phone locked so I could take pictures quickly.

Some have reported that elevation and humidity changes can impact the ability of the FPR recognizing the print properly. Also, are you not familiar with the power button shortcut to launch the camera? Just tap the power button 2x from any screen (even locked) and the camera launches (this may still work with a 3rd-party camera too).

Second...

It's freezing up on me more and more over the course of this trip. Sometimes I'll press the back button or any of the three Android buttons, it will remain highlighted and just freeze for about 10 seconds. What is that??

The worst incident was when I was at the Eiffel Tower and the power button wouldn't wake the phone. It did nothing. After about ten seconds, it just came to life. ??

I've had this infrequently, usually while streaming music over bluetooth and tracking an indoor workout on Google Fit.

Third...

The camera shot speed is too slow. I know that many factors can influence this. I settled on Camera Zoom MX as my camera. You have to click the shutter and hold the phone in place for a few seconds. If you drop the phone down too soon, you just get a blur. Yes, this might just be the app...

But...

On the plus side, when everything worked and you held the phone for a few seconds, I got some AMAZING pictures.

So... I'm going to wipe the phone when I get back home and see if that helps.

I love the Nexus concept and the hardware seemed solid... Now I have doubts. Praying that a wipe leads to a restoration of faith in Nexus!

I think the shot speed may be the camera app, though I haven't used anything but the stock app as pictures are not my primary phone use. Honestly, If I was going on a trip like that I'd be taking a real camera, one with an 18 MP sensor and an optical zoom. In fact, I'm going to Vegas next month and it'll be the first trip I take where I DON'T have my real camera but since I'm going for work and I don't anticipate much daylight time off work I don't anticipate too many chances for photos.

Honestly, I'm SHOCKED at just how much faith and importance people place on cameras on phones. A picture from a phone camera in no way can compete with one from an actual camera especially when dealing with zoom or blowing up for prints.

 

[LeoRex]

Honestly, I'm SHOCKED at just how much faith and importance people place on cameras on phones.

That's because the phone is most likely with them, always. You can't drag around a DSLR with you all the time.

 

[neo905]

That's because the phone is most likely with them, always. You can't drag around a DSLR with you all the time.

I don't think so. If I am going on a trip for weeks where I plan on taking pictures. I pack a real camera. They are so small these days they are half the size of the 6p. Nothing really dragging around about a DSLR on a two week vacation.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[hallux]

That's because the phone is most likely with them, always. You can't drag around a DSLR with you all the time.

All the time, sure. But when going on a trip to a foreign land (or at least somewhere new/different), it's a different story. I went to Mexico City for work last year, took my EOS-M with me as I was going to be there over a weekend. Of the 5 of us in the group, I was the only one with a real camera when we went to the Teotihuacàn Pyramids over the weekend and I got some FANTASTIC pictures that my phone (at the time) wouldn't have taken and I'm not sure my 6P would have either.

I'm not saying a DSLR is a necessity but something with a bigger sensor than a phone and an optical zoom will get better quality pictures.

 

[PaulQ]

Guys... Guys... Of course I did bring a "real" camera too which I used frequently. But as said above, there were times that I didn't want to have my real camera out of my bag and carrying it openly (e.g. the streets of Morocco).

Yes, I am aware of the double press for the camera but it was wonky....usually the slow too. My best option was to have the phone auto lock after like 5 minutes and just use the power button to turn on and off.

 

[3450]

That's because the phone is most likely with them, always. You can't drag around a DSLR with you all the time.

Exactly this. You're most likely not on an international trip every day (If you are, I'm jealous), and most likely only have your phone on you. If I go somewhere where I know I'll take pics (ex: domestic or international trips), I bring a 'real' camera. I also take pics on the 6P to compare.

 

[LeoRex]

I'm not saying a DSLR is a necessity but something with a bigger sensor than a phone and an optical zoom will get better quality pictures.

Of course. But these phones have become pervasive... so for all those day to day events, having one with a good camera is critically important to many people. My wife has a very good quality compact that she'll bring on special occasions, but the vast majority of the pictures she takes, she takes on her S7... and camera was the single most important factor that I used to pick that as her next phone.

There's a utility there... having a device that can serve many functions, including the ability to take really good photographs... that can't be stated enough.

On a recent trip to Disney, dragging around two small children, I wouldn't have wanted to lug around anything extra that I didn't need. And between my 6P and the G4 she had at the time, the pictures and videos we got were by no means diminished because they came from a phone.

And other times... at the beach last summer, I saw quite a few parents dragging around DSLRs, effectively adding an extra child they need to take care of... yeah, I'm all set with that.

I'm not arguing that these phones eliminate the need, I'm simply pointing out that the rapidly improving quality of mobile cameras has made life far easier than it once was.

 

[neo905]

Of course. But these phones have become pervasive... so for all those day to day events, having one with a good camera is critically important to many people. My wife has a very good quality compact that she'll bring on special occasions, but the vast majority of the pictures she takes, she takes on her S7... and camera was the single most important factor that I used to pick that as her next phone.

There's a utility there... having a device that can serve many functions, including the ability to take really good photographs... that can't be stated enough.

On a recent trip to Disney, dragging around two small children, I wouldn't have wanted to lug around anything extra that I didn't need. And between my 6P and the G4 she had at the time, the pictures and videos we got were by no means diminished because they came from a phone.

And other times... at the beach last summer, I saw quite a few parents dragging around DSLRs, effectively adding an extra child they need to take care of... yeah, I'm all set with that.

I'm not arguing that these phones eliminate the need, I'm simply pointing out that the rapidly improving quality of mobile cameras has made life far easier than it once was.

Again, unless you are a member of the paparazzi and have a ridiculous lens that you can see into a bedroom from two miles away and requires a tripod to use I don't get this lugging around hyperbole. Do you realize how small DSLR's are now? How about one person brings a real camera and one person brings their phone? Why the need to bring two phones with you everywhere you go on vacation if pictures are that important to you? If you have two small children you are already used to lugging around exponentially bigger crap every time you want to go somewhere. These phone cameras are great for static scenery in a well lit environment but that's about it.

 

[vailmc1]

Lugging around my DSLR is a hassle. Definitely not buying a new one either.

 

[LeoRex]

Again, unless you are a member of the paparazzi and have a ridiculous lens that you can see into a bedroom from two miles away and requires a tripod to use I don't get this lugging around hyperbole. Do you realize how small DSLR's are now? How about one person brings a real camera and one person brings their phone? Why the need to bring two phones with you everywhere you go on vacation if pictures are that important to you? If you have two small children you are already used to lugging around exponentially bigger crap every time you want to go somewhere. These phone cameras are great for static scenery in a well lit environment but that's about it.

It's not hyperbole, far from it actually. I see plenty of people whipping out camera/lens combos that are totally unnecessary... I see these Ansel Adams wannabes all over the place, huge camera bag around their neck, fumbling with some monster lens that is woefully overkill for the task at hand, trying to set up the perfect shot of their 3 year old petting a goat. Meanwhile I already took a couple of quick pics and my phone's back in my pocket while I'm enjoying spending time with my son. I saw parents have to stay behind to keep an eye on their camera gear while the other takes their children on Splash Mountain. But in any case, there isn't a single DSLR on the market that is as portable, convenient or versatile as a modern smartphone. Not every moment needs to be shot with a Hasselblad.

Phone cameras have grown to be far more useful than the limited use case of "static and bright". They've advanced to the point where you can get pictures that more than meet many people's standards in a variety of conditions. My 6P does quite well in darker conditions and even trying to capture the scenes of an active life. Granted, you won't see them winning Lucie Awards, but the quality of pictures they can bring is more than enough for what most people need. I have a ton of shots from my 6P, outside of the scenario you list, that accomplished their mission... get the shot, and do it well. I can look back and enjoy the memory of those moments and that memory is by no means diminished because it was taken with a phone.

You can disagree.... that's fine. But there's a reason why these companies are investing large chunks of R&D on improving the camera performance. The consumer now demands it. And it's pretty much the only real way to differentiate between the 'flagships' and the rest of the market.

 

[N4Newbie]

I also increased the time before the phone locked so I could take pictures quickly.

When the phone is locked, just do one of these:

1. Double-tap the power button to instantly load the camera app (well, the default camera app, anyway) without requiring your PIN/swipe pattern

2. Tap the power button once and then swipe up from the camera icon at the bottom-right corner of the screen

To change your default camera app:

a. Figure out which is the current default (you can use one of the methods above)
b. Go to Settings -> Apps -> [current default camera] -> Clear defaults
c. Use one of the methods above to launch the camera (you will have to enter your PIN this one time only) and select the desired default camera app from the list of installed camera apps available.

 

[Almeuit]

Again, unless you are a member of the paparazzi and have a ridiculous lens that you can see into a bedroom from two miles away and requires a tripod to use I don't get this lugging around hyperbole. Do you realize how small DSLR's are now? How about one person brings a real camera and one person brings their phone? Why the need to bring two phones with you everywhere you go on vacation if pictures are that important to you? If you have two small children you are already used to lugging around exponentially bigger crap every time you want to go somewhere. These phone cameras are great for static scenery in a well lit environment but that's about it.

As the saying goes .. the best camera is the one with you and most people ALWAYS have their phone. A phone having a good camera isn't an impossible thing anymore.

 

[neo905]

It's not hyperbole, far from it actually. I see plenty of people whipping out camera/lens combos that are totally unnecessary... I see these Ansel Adams wannabes all over the place, huge camera bag around their neck, fumbling with some monster lens that is woefully overkill for the task at hand, trying to set up the perfect shot of their 3 year old petting a goat. Meanwhile I already took a couple of quick pics and my phone's back in my pocket while I'm enjoying spending time with my son. I saw parents have to stay behind to keep an eye on their camera gear while the other takes their children on Splash Mountain. But in any case, there isn't a single DSLR on the market that is as portable, convenient or versatile as a modern smartphone. Not every moment needs to be shot with a Hasselblad.

Phone cameras have grown to be far more useful than the limited use case of "static and bright". They've advanced to the point where you can get pictures that more than meet many people's standards in a variety of conditions. My 6P does quite well in darker conditions and even trying to capture the scenes of an active life. Granted, you won't see them winning Lucie Awards, but the quality of pictures they can bring is more than enough for what most people need. I have a ton of shots from my 6P, outside of the scenario you list, that accomplished their mission... get the shot, and do it well. I can look back and enjoy the memory of those moments and that memory is by no means diminished because it was taken with a phone.

You can disagree.... that's fine. But there's a reason why these companies are investing large chunks of R&D on improving the camera performance. The consumer now demands it. And it's pretty much the only real way to differentiate between the 'flagships' and the rest of the market.

Bottom line is, especially with young kids or fast moving objects, smartphone cameras just aren't there yet. There are just physical limitations in the hardware that smartphone cameras will never be able to overcome to their DSLR counterparts. Taking a picture of historically buildings or flowers, sure, that's fine.

 

[neo905]

As the saying goes .. the best camera is the one with you and most people ALWAYS have their phone. A phone having a good camera isn't an impossible thing anymore.

We weren't talking about day to day existence. We are talking about a vacation. I don't leave my house with luggage on a daily basis. I do when I go on vacation. I expect to take pictures when I go on vacation so I take a real camera with me. Other than that, yes, I just use my smartphone camera.

 

[mookiekillsit]

I just took my phone to Vegas and got amazing pics at both day and night. I have no complaints about this phone except the camera quick launch doesn't work every time. Not a big deal TBH

 

[Vtec-Pete]

I must be one of the lucky ones; my fingerprint sensor works perfectly, I've never had the phone freeze on me and I'm very happy with the camera - for a phone I think it is excellent. Maybe if I took a trip to Paris, however, it'd all go wrong!

Cheers

Pete

 

[Slow_S10]

It's not hyperbole, far from it actually. I see plenty of people whipping out camera/lens combos that are totally unnecessary... I see these Ansel Adams wannabes all over the place, huge camera bag around their neck, fumbling with some monster lens that is woefully overkill for the task at hand, trying to set up the perfect shot of their 3 year old petting a goat. Meanwhile I already took a couple of quick pics and my phone's back in my pocket while I'm enjoying spending time with my son. I saw parents have to stay behind to keep an eye on their camera gear while the other takes their children on Splash Mountain. But in any case, there isn't a single DSLR on the market that is as portable, convenient or versatile as a modern smartphone. Not every moment needs to be shot with a Hasselblad.

Phone cameras have grown to be far more useful than the limited use case of "static and bright". They've advanced to the point where you can get pictures that more than meet many people's standards in a variety of conditions. My 6P does quite well in darker conditions and even trying to capture the scenes of an active life. Granted, you won't see them winning Lucie Awards, but the quality of pictures they can bring is more than enough for what most people need. I have a ton of shots from my 6P, outside of the scenario you list, that accomplished their mission... get the shot, and do it well. I can look back and enjoy the memory of those moments and that memory is by no means diminished because it was taken with a phone.

You can disagree.... that's fine. But there's a reason why these companies are investing large chunks of R&D on improving the camera performance. The consumer now demands it. And it's pretty much the only real way to differentiate between the 'flagships' and the rest of the market.

As someone who a couple of years ago bought a DSLR I couldn't agree with this more if I tried. When I first got that camera it went everywhere with me. Picnics, parties, kids sporting events... etc. And while it was nice to occasionally capture some unique moment in time, in retrospect 90% of the time it was just not worth the hassle. Granted for things like the wedding photos that I took for a friend and some other things like that it has proven invaluable, but I have gradually become much more selective about when I drag that camera around with me. Over time I have found that my camera phone can suffice for the vast majority of events. Especially since I can snap a quick picture of something then slip it back in my pocket and go back to enjoying being in the moment. As opposed to constantly having to worry babysitting a bag full of gear that I cost four times what my first car did.

So far my 6P has not let me down but honestly for me right now I don't have any middle ground between Camera phone and DSLR either. A nice compact point and shoot has been something that I have wanted to pick up for a while, but honestly for me camera phones are getting so good that I haven't been justify buying an additional piece of gear. Especially when you consider that with the phone everything is backed up automatically so I never have to worry about losing any pictures. A point and shoot would actually be a step backwards in that regard.

 

[LeoRex]

OK... back to the OP's topic...

What you are experiencing is not the norm. Not sure what is going on to be honest. The FPS is near perfect on mine.. it mis-reads so infrequently that when it does, I'm a bit surprised. And the camera has also been rock solid...

What software revision are you at the moment? And have things improved at all?

 

[N4Newbie]

OK... back to the OP's topic...

What you are experiencing is not the norm. Not sure what is going on to be honest. The FPS is near perfect on mine.. it mis-reads so infrequently that when it does, I'm a bit surprised. And the camera has also been rock solid...

What software revision are you at the moment? And have things improved at all?

The OP is not using the stock camera app. He really should give it a try...