[Oxy]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

I was walking by the Google service center @ 1 MG Rd mall, and casually enquired what a battery swap would cost me.

Turns out, nothing! Mind you, it's a 3-year-old, out-of-warranty device and they owe me nothing.

'Hand over the phone. Come back in an hour'.

Ain't that sweet!

Wait, Google has a service center in Bangalore? So no more sending across your Pixel by courier to Mumbai?

When did this happen?

[Chetan_Rao]

Originally Posted by Oxy

Wait, Google has a service center in Bangalore? So no more sending across your Pixel by courier to Mumbai?

When did this happen?

Mail-in and carry-in are both options now, serviced by the same partner (F1).

A nationwide authorised service center list can be found on this page.

[searacer932]

Guys, Any reviews of Moto Edge 50 Neo mobile phone? The spec looks decent and I really like the 5 years OS and security update policy. I just want a fill it, shut it and forget it type phone that I can use for the next 5 years. Please note the phone will not be used for gaming at all. It will be used for browsing, OTTs and usage of other apps (UPI, GMAP, YouTube).

[RaguHolla]

Casual observer of this thread.

I'd like to share a brief review of my daily used "old" phone, the OnePlus 5T.

I still use the 5T as my daily driver, which I bought in 2017, 7 years and counting. It still gives me around 18 hours of battery life, with approximately 7 hours of screen-on time. I have changed the battery once due to a OnePlus battery recall and also had the motherboard replaced due to a bricked update, all free of cost at the OnePlus service center.

My typical usage includes WhatsApp, browsing, Google Maps, phone calls, listening to songs (mostly offline), and watching YouTube (via the browser).

The last security update was in September 2020, and it's still on Android 10. While this might be a major no-go for most people, we have a Moto Edge 50 Pro in the family. The typical smoothness on both phones is almost the same. My default browser is Firefox with NoScript and uBlock. I always prioritize websites over apps. If an app is needed for any reason, it is removed as soon as its purpose is fulfilled (e.g., Digi Yatri app, mAadhaar).

Not having 5G is a drawback; however, 5G and 4G have similar call performance where I live (compared with the Moto Edge 50 Pro), so I'm not missing much. Typical calls start suffering since Airtel heavily throttles 4G users, but sending a PORT SMS once in a while sorts out the issue for the next year. Call quality is seamless on Wi-Fi.

Browsing is usually good on Wi-Fi but suffers on data. This could be a combination of slower speeds and NoScript + uBlock in Firefox. I am okay with the current experience. I made Firefox my default because even if any links are clicked, NoScript blocks all scripting by default. Only trusted sites are allowed to run scripts. The bonus of NoScript + uBlock is a typically ad-free experience. I use YouTube Music in desktop mode, which allows the screen to be turned off while still playing songs. Since uBlock typically blocks all ads, it's good for long-drive music streaming. I usually prefer it over the Amazon Music app.

The camera was great in 2017. However, now it shows its age when compared to current-generation devices.

Most Android devices can last years, rather than the typical 3 to 4 years that the market suggests. If one removes all the junk that comes with the phone, it should last.

I will use the phone till it dies and then probably shift to something similar, like a Pixel or Moto phone. I also see that taking a top-end device rather than a mid-range one lasts longer and compensates for the initial expense in the long run.

[am1m]

Originally Posted by RaguHolla

Most Android devices can last years, rather than the typical 3 to 4 years that the market suggests.

I will use the phone till it dies and then probably shift to something similar, like a Pixel or Moto phone. I also see that taking a top-end device rather than a mid-range one lasts longer and compensates for the initial expense in the long run.

Resonates so much and absolutely agree. There is no reason to junk a perfectly good phone after just 3-4 years as most people seem to do. I'm using an almost 7-year old Samsung as my only phone! I browse, stream movies, some office work, whatsapp, google maps, gpay, etc. No gaming or power user type stuff. (And I'm old and ugly enough to not care about the rear camera spec for selfies! )

I'd love to use the phone till it hits the decade mark, but one app I might need for the office is not being supported anymore on the version of Android, and I'm not finding covers for the phone anymore (can't imagine using the phone without a good back cover, I drop it at least once a week!) So I might have to 'upgrade' (junk a perfectly good phone for no good reason!) sometime this year.

[ninjatalli]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

Invoice shows 100% discount on part and labor. They didn't charge me their diagnostic/estimation fee either. ]

Fantastic - the wife's 4 year old Pixel4 is doing good but drains out of battery very fast. I'm amazed that the battery cost is around 2k inr only. Even if they do charge us for the battery replacement, makes sense to do a visit and get it replaced.

[vaibhav_a_a]

I used a oneplus 3T from March 17 till March 23. It was the phone I was really happy with - coming off a windows phone it was a welcome upgrade. The Oneplus worked great, but showed its age largely due to battery issues. Then, I moved to Oneplus 11 which is working OK so far (about to complete 2 years). I love Android for its user-friendliness and use it for work email access and general surfing, photos, social media, and calling. I'm not into gaming and try not to watch too much content on the phone but cannot help it at times.

Is anyone able to opine on when we should change the battery of a oneplus? It still provides a full day's use (24 hrs) but sometimes it doesn't. Currently the health is down to 90% for a nearly 2 year old phone. Do I do this when it drops to say, 50%? lower?

On a different note, I bought my father a oneplus 12R last month. Phone works fine but curious if I need to register the warranty anywhere. We just forgot about it actually, hope its not too late.

[RaguHolla]

Originally Posted by vaibhav_a_a

Is anyone able to opine on when we should change the battery of a oneplus? It still provides a full day's use (24 hrs) but sometimes it doesn't.

One can test battery health using Oneplus Disgnostic app, which could be sideloaded from apkmirror. Even service center side load the same app (they have USB in which apk resides).

Originally Posted by vaibhav_a_a

On a different note, I bought my father a oneplus 12R last month. Phone works fine but curious if I need to register the warranty anywhere.

For both warranty claim, I just needed to show softcopy of invoice. Since Invoice also has IMEI number they can always verify validity. Further if IMEI number changes due to replacement of board (within warranty or paid), they keep track of new IMEI in their system. For future warranty claim, they can always traceback from Invoice.

If you have bought it via amazon/flipkart, you can always show invoice from App/site. Otherwise see if you can have softcopy kept somewhere.

[IamNikhil]

Originally Posted by vaibhav_a_a

I bought my father a oneplus 12R last month. Phone works fine but curious if I need to register the warranty anywhere. We just forgot about it actually, hope its not too late.

Just the invoice of the purchase will suffice, in case you need to raise a claim. Make sure you save a soft copy of the same as the printed one tends to fade with time.

[ashvek3141]

I am looking to pick an android phone under 30k for my MIL for the upcoming Republic Day sale.

Currently, she's using some old Samsung phone which is having issues.

Requirements are - Telephony, receiving SMS's, WhatsApp, Youtube, decent camera, occasional leisure games (Candy crush types).

Anything decent in the range of 20 - 30k would be good. Sub 25k would be great infact!

She doesn't change the phones often, hence something that can last long.

I don't have much idea about androids, let alone the mid-rangers. However, checked a few YT videos and found the below 2 seem like a good option -

1. Realme GT 6T
2. Moto edge 50 Pro
3. OP Nord 4.

[fiat_tarun]

Any users of the Nothing 2a or 2a plus here ? Looking at this for my mother as a change from the Samsung's and Moto's she's been using over the years.

I have read mostly good reviews barring the green tint issue which seems to be a problem in the dark when screen brightness is turned down which should not be an issue in my case.

[IamNikhil]

Originally Posted by ashvek3141

I am looking to pick an android phone under 30k for my MIL for the upcoming Republic Day sale.

Currently, she's using some old Samsung phone which is having issues.

Requirements are - Telephony, receiving SMS's, WhatsApp, Youtube, decent camera, occasional leisure games (Candy crush types).

Anything decent in the range of 20 - 30k would be good. Sub 25k would be great infact!

1. Realme GT 6T
2. Moto edge 50 Pro
3. OP Nord 4.

Go for the One Plus. Would be a refreshing change for her coming from an old Samsung. Also, considering the basic requirements, this would be a good fit in my opinion.

[bijims]

Originally Posted by ashvek3141

I don't have much idea about androids, let alone the mid-rangers. However, checked a few YT videos and found the below 2 seem like a good option -

1. Realme GT 6T
2. Moto edge 50 Pro
3. OP Nord 4.

Although you said you don't know much about the matter, the phones you have come up with are the best options within your budget.

Considering the usage scenario, I would recommend the Moto Edge 50 Pro, I have personal experience with all three and nothing comes close to the in-hand feel and quality that the Edge 50 Pro has with the eco-leather back. The top-of-the-line Edge 50 Pro was available at a good discount during the BBD sale and I expect similar discounts in the upcoming sale as well.

The Edge 50 Pro, albeit having a smaller battery and SD 7 Gen 3 as against SD 7+ Gen 3 of the other two, makes up for this with its excellent camera, 125W fast charging, 50W wireless charging, IP68 rating and overall great build.

If not the Moto, both the Realme and OnePlus are still great offerings with the OnePlus having a slight edge in my books due to the full metal body and better promise of updates.

[IamNikhil]

Just read in the GSMarena review that One Plus has claimed about using the industry's first microfiber vegan leather on the back of the new 13 series, usually found in high-end furniture and vehicle interiors. Also, this is offered only on the variant in Blue colour. The other two options, White and Black feature glass rear panels.

Since a majority population do not use their phones without a case, the purpose of all these gimmicks is superficial at best.

[ValarMorghulis]

Originally Posted by IamNikhil

...industry's first microfiber vegan leather...

Quite a roundabout way of saying 'faux leather'.