1st day with the Z2 Play

Fred_Smith · Feb 1, 2018

I will admit, it was not my 1st choice for a phone, but from a spec / cost perspective (and Verizon had it), I opted for it.

This phone replaces my old trust Galaxy S5, which I really liked, but it was getting old, and I recently broke the screen, so now that is being retired or re purposed for kid use perhaps if the screen is replaceable.

I use the Nova app launcher as I prefer the clean look. So far the phone is ok. Granted, it's not been a full day. Though I do like that it appears to charge quickly, I do not like that it uses the MicroUSB C as this is a huge P.I.T.A. as all my cords, etc. now have to be changed or I buy adapters. Also, the SD / SIM card port is also a P.I.T.A. as now I have to make certain I have access to something very thin to access. Although I will add that with the S5, it was handy to access the cards by removing the back cover, the battery could easily pop out.

Dannydet · Feb 1, 2018

Yep. All new phones use the "C" charger.
No way around that.

Fred_Smith · Feb 1, 2018

It's what I figured. So today I bought a bunch of new cords and adapters.

I am really missing the LED status that I have grown accustomed to from last two phones. Now I have no way of knowing something is new unless I check it often, or keep vibe on, which I hate.

rdsok · Feb 2, 2018

While the USB-C connection may currently be an issue because of the prevalence of the existing cables etc... it's a much better design and in the end will be an asset to everyone.

Being able to plug it in either direction is great. If it's also using USB 3.1 power spec's... it can also be used to power/charge devices with up to 20v/100w requirements meaning that it's likely to take over for notebook/tablet power supplies which currently have no standard.

While the SD card solution isn't great... it's no worse than other methods I've used on my past phones I've had. On my early smartphones it was no more a hassle to take the battery cover off to access it than to use the pin to eject it as the Z2 Play has. I've also accidentally ejected them when they were accessible from an exterior slot. I'm afraid someone would have a complaint about any solution used and what they are currently using is as good ( or bad as it were ) as any I've seen.

I really don't see the issue with having LED's for notifications vs have them on the screen... its the same difference to me.

Fred_Smith · Feb 2, 2018

rdsok said:
While the USB-C connection may currently be an issue because of the prevalence of the existing cables etc... it's a much better design and in the end will be an asset to everyone.

Being able to plug it in either direction is great. If it's also using USB 3.1 power spec's... it can also be used to power/charge devices with up to 20v/100w requirements meaning that it's likely to take over for notebook/tablet power supplies which currently have no standard.

While the SD card solution isn't great... it's no worse than other methods I've used on my past phones I've had. On my early smartphones it was no more a hassle to take the battery cover off to access it than to use the pin to eject it as the Z2 Play has. I've also accidentally ejected them when they were accessible from an exterior slot. I'm afraid someone would have a complaint about any solution used and what they are currently using is as good ( or bad as it were ) as any I've seen.

I really don't see the issue with having LED's for notifications vs have them on the screen... its the same difference to me.

Yes, totally understand all. I honestly like the new charging port as it makes perfect sense.

As for the SD card, well that is what it is. I have already lost the little pin tool that came with the phone (kids most likely took it) but a small paperclip works as well.

For the LED notifications, that is just something I have to get used to. I am not one to get a phone then swap because of something trivial like that. So far I like it. It has a much lower battery drain than my S5, and it charges much faster.

I have ordered a screen shield as well as a back cover (case). Though I like the ascetics of the phone, with the raised camera bezel, the phone does not lie flat.

Fred_Smith · Feb 16, 2018

Sometimes I wish that I was one of those that kept up on phones and technology more so that when I need to do a quick replacement, I can get what I need quickly without fear of buying the wrong thing. Case in point is this phone, although I will say that some reviews show it being lackluster, it is proving itself good enough for me.

I am very impressed with the battery life (granted, it's compared to an S5 that was 3 years old). Additionally, the camera (both) work great.

I have gotten use to the fact that I do not have the Notification LED's always there, but it is turning out to be a good thing as I am not constantly looking at my phone as much as I used to, and obviously this aides in the diminished battery drain.

Clementine_3 · Feb 16, 2018

I just picked one up to have as a backup (don't ask lol), I've always liked Moto's. The thing I missed the most when I got my Essential was the on-screen notifications, I hated just the LED. I had to get used to it in reverse

Fred_Smith · Feb 16, 2018

True. For me, I came from a Moto Droid Razr M to the S5, so that was quite the jump. Now moving to the X2 Play, seems a little less frustrating. Then again, I use Nova Launcher (as with the S5), so appearances are mostly the same. Still trying to get used to a few little nuances that come with the upgraded op sys.

Murf1 · Feb 27, 2018

I didn't like not having LED notification at first either. But I just gotten use to waving my hand over it every so often setting on my desk . Saves on battery so I guess it is a good thing.

1st day with the Z2 Play

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