Sorry for the essay, I always do this... I've had my OPO for a week. Due to my job, my exposure to technology is pretty constant; in the past year alone, I've owned or used heavily: Apple iPhone 5S, 6 and 6 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3 and Note 4, Nexus 4 and 5, Sony Xperia Z3, HTC One M7 and M8. I only say this because its easy for me to compare devices so I can hopefully give some useful input.
My previous phone was the HTC One M8 which was my previous favourite, a really excellent phone IMO. However, I've gotta say, I can't put the OPO down. I actually chose it deliberately because it is large, and I don't currently own, nor do I intend to ever buy a tablet (I have had quite a few of those as well!). My HTC had an excellent screen but found it a bit too small for me in terms using as a phablet - partly because the on-screen buttons, present on most Android phones rob you of space in normal daily use. Even comparing a 5.1" SGS5 to an M8, the screen on the latter looks a lot smaller.
Not only does the OPO have capacitive buttons to free up screen real estate but also the bigger screen I was seeking.
I don't want to make you read a long review, so here are my impressions.
* I can't put it down, it feels up there with the other premium handsets and feels "special" to use.
* The screen is very nice indeed, ignore that its "only" 1080P, this looks plenty sharp enough and gives better battery life. Loss of 1-star though for having a very slightly yellow tint at the bottom of the screen on whites. This apparently goes away eventually.
* Although its obviously going to take a while to get updates, I don't mind because Cyanogen gives you so much scope to customise and has some excellent added functionality (NOT bloat). It's also pretty close to a stock experience if you want it to be.
* The speaker is loud and clear, not as good as an M8 with its stereo speakers but still pretty good. Sound quality with headphones is a mixed bag. Enabling AudioFX is a must, but I don't use any kind of EQ or tone control with it, however somehow it still seems to improve the sound. Without it, I felt kind of disappointing, but with it, as good as I've heard from a mobile phone yet (using Soundmagic E10 earphones).
* The camera is kind of disappointing. The main reason is the lack of OIS. If it had this, I think it would be easier to take decent phones. It IS actually a capable camera, but you need to tweak the settings to make it a bit better. Saying that, I was also disappointed with the Z3 Camera despite the praise heaped upon it. I'd take the iPhone 6 over this for photography.
* The battery life is seriously good. Unless I were to play games all day (which I don't), I never manage to run it down. Depending on usage, I reckon a minimum of 5.5 hours Screen On Time, but anything up to 10 in the house with a strong Wifi signal. Overnight drain is about 3% in 8 hours.
* It feels great in the hand IMO (and I don't have huge hands). I can generally (just) use it one-handed, I feel the Nexus 6 (which I was interested in) would generally go over the top yet not have any more usable screen estate. I'm not sure how well that (IMO rather lovely) Sandstone back will wear in the long term, but I also don't wish to put it in a case. When you've got a really nice phone, they always feel better naked.
* Call quality is not often talked about but it seems fine to me, very clear.
Overall, I love it. It's not perfect, but when you consider it is the equivalent of an iPhone 6 Plus (£699 ip6+ v £269 OPO for the 64Gb models) and yet with a LOT more potential for customisation out of the box, it makes an excellent Phablet (yes I hate that word too, but...).
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