I think this should have been in the pros, cons, first thoughts thread, but Oh well.
So far i am pleased. I came from an S5, with an S4 active before that. I, like many, wanted to go with the Note 7, but we all know how that went. I like the responsiveness. Screen is clear even though it is not an AMOLED. I have no complaints with the clarity(not a snob, though). I fly for a living and flight apps are large when you download maps, charts and approach plates. They also do not allow for transferring to external memory, so having a 64 GB internal capacity helps a lot.
My main complaint is that I really liked the hands free mode on my S5 for when I was connected to the Sena bluetooth communicator on my motorcycle helmet. It gave me full voice commands for phone, text, navigation and music. I could say call John Smith and it would dial the number. Text Dana, and it would ask me what I wanted to write. The V20 seems to want to use google for everything and will not let me make texts via voice while connected. I got rid of the google play music on start up and have rocket player start when BT is connected. As for texts, it asked me to unlock the screen and open the app. Hard to do when the phone is in my pocket and I am doing 75 on the interstate. I am searching for an option to fix this, whether it be an app or native. It also tries to use Google to make phone calls. Not my contacts. It called some unknown 1-800 customer service number on me twice when I tried calling my wife. Again, I'll try an app to see if I can get around this. I will say that is is much clearer to listen to through the BT headset than the S5 was. Edit already, I have gotten it to read a text and make a call from my contacts, but it does not read me the text when I receive it or tell who it came from. Just a notification ding. I have to tell it to read the text, but I have to know who it came from. This doesn't work for me since I am on call a lot for work and get my notifications via text. I'll update as I learn more. Could just be user error
Another comment is the lack of waterproofing. I mount my phone on my motorcycle handlebars and use it as my GPS. I rode for 5 hours of straight rain through France a couple years ago without any worries about my S4 active having any issues(and it didn't). The V20 on the other hand will need something to help it out. I have a Poetic case on order, but I think I will need one of those waterproof baggie things. I could have gone with an S7 or S7 Edge, but the 32GB internal memory turned me off.
Battery life is nice. It was at full charge last night when I unplugged it to take upstairs to bed. It was still at 100% when I checked it at 0730 in the morning. It was only down 2% an hour or two later after an FB check and a few other tasks. I have been using it on and off throughout the day and am now at 46% at 6:24 PM.
Calls have been clear. This is a smart phone that actually works as a phone. I did download a ringtone app to get some better ringtones. I really don't care for the LG options for them or for notifications.
Photos are pretty sharp. I haven't had a chance to really play with the camera yet. I did notice some curving around the edges on the wide angle lens. Similar to what a GoPro does. I'll get some sunrise pictures tomorrow to see how the low light capabilities are and then more daytime shots over the weekend to test it even more.
Double tap to open is very nice. Especially since I leave it sitting face up on my desk and the power button is on the back. No picking it up to see if I want to give my attention to the texts I receive. And you can double tap on an open place on the screen to shut it back down.
When I come up with more discoveries, I'll let you all know.
Ryan
Loving the phone thus far though.
