The pros for me:
- The dual-core processor is making the cell-phone experience very smooth for me. I'm not waiting for the menus to load anymore and there haven't been any hiccups during operation!
- Apps run smoothly.
- The camera is great! (for me, anyways)
- There's enough internal and external storage to last me a long time.
- The 4G LTE network is REALLY fast. This is a point I was very skeptical about, but I'm happy to say I've been proven wrong. Whether it will stay this fast after more and more people get on the 4G network...well...we'll see.
The cons for me:
- Bloatware. I'm actually incredibly pissed that I cannot remove pre-installed apps such as Blockbuster's app, any vcast stuff, Citrix, CityID, the list goes on. Just because Verizon (or whoever) forces the app to stay on the phone with no way of uninstalling it doesn't make me want to try the apps any more. In fact, it makes me not want to try them.
- Battery life on the Bionic is something I have to cater to. I turn off access to 3/4g networks if I have wifi and my screen brightness is at its lowest setting. Even at these settings, the phone requires a charge at night, every night. Oh well. At least I have a really cool phone that does a bunch of useful stuff.
In my opinion, I have the best phone available. On to justifying my hate for this Verizon sales associate.
I got my Bionic a few days ago. I was looking at it at home and I noticed that I could turn off 4G data connection, but I couldn't turn off the 3G data connection to save battery. Well, a day ago I went to the Verizon store and asked if there was a way to turn off the data connection (and asked if they would remove the bloatware apps. No luck there). The guy, who seemed like a manager, flat out said "No, you can't turn off data on the phone."
I said, "Um, actually, I had the option to turn it on and off on my Droid. I can also turn off 4G on the Bionic by changing the mode from CDMA/LTE to CDMA only, but I can't seem to turn off 3G." I knew there was nothing this guy could tell me now to help me. I just decided to see this conversation to its organic end.
"Let me see," he said. I handed him my phone and he pressed some things, furrowed his brow, and kept pressing. Then he gave it back and concluded, "You can't turn off 3G on 4G phones."
"Okay, thanks." And I left.
Sitting on the toilet yesterday night, I saw this app called "Guided Tours" which had videos of things you can do with your phone, listed by category. I saw "Basic Set-Up and Usage Videos" and tapped. Then I saw the video "Battery Convservation Tips and Tricks," so I tapped that too. Sure enough, the video shows me exactly how to turn off my data connection for conserving battery.
Moral of the story: Verizon employees don't know any more than you do beyond major selling points of their product. Don't ask them for help having to do with how the phone works.
