My lovely, amazing, wonderful Droid 2 is finally kicking the bucket, it seems. Freezing regularly, dying at random, and the physical keyboard is off again, on again with how it decides to work.
Apparently, they're out with the Droid 4 now (which has the same amount of Ram as my NETBOOK, which freaks me out a little). But, I'm willing to expand. Upgrading my phone (through Verizon) means losing my unlimited data plan, but I don't use much data anyway.
Anyone have any experience with the droid 4? What about iPhones? One over the other? Other brands? Any input is welcome.
Posted by Orincoro (Member # 8854) on :
I'm a fan of Apple's product integration strategies. Not as big a fan as I used to be, considering the competition is better than when Apple swept the market, but I still like it and will stick with it when it comes to upgrading from my now ancient 3G and original Ipad. I bought a fully stocked macbook pro recently with the Retina display, and I'm a fan so far.
Posted by rollainm (Member # 8318) on :
I've had the iPhone 3GS, 4, and now the 5, and I'll probably stick with Apple for my next upgrade. The iPhone just works for me.
That said, if you love your Droid 2, you'll probably love a newer Android even more as both the tech and OS have come a long way since that particular phone.
Honestly, don't even bother with our opinions on what's best. Just go to a Verizon store and play and decide for yourself.
Posted by Aros (Member # 4873) on :
Galaxy S3. All the way.
Posted by MattP (Member # 10495) on :
My current pick is the Nexus 4 if you're staying in the Android world. I was an iPhone guy in the past, and their product integration is pretty nice - as long as you own all Apple products. Google's ecosystem is maturing though and I like the fact that I can consume Google's services on pretty much whatever platform I'm using.
The S3 is also nice, and the Note 2 if you want an enormous screen with a stylus option.
Posted by Stephan (Member # 7549) on :
Take a good hard look at how much data you use. I realized that 22 hours a day I usually have access to wifi. Why was I paying $15 - $30 a month for a data plan?
I bought a refurbished 64gb IPhone 4S for $500, and popped in a SIM from h2o wireless that gives me a combination of 1000 text and minutes, no data plan required, for $25 a month.
Straight talk is about to offer the iPhone 5 from Walmart with a data plan for really cheap.
If you prefer android, there are many without data options as well, more up front but I am well ahead over a 2 year Verizon or AT&T contract.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
I have a Droid Incredible 2 which I love to death. I've played with my friends' Galaxy 2 and S3 and they are also both pretty amazing (actually, more amazing than mine), though I'm not sure if I like the screen quite as big as the S3 is. It's a big adjustment.
I'll keep mine until it dies, but if it dies in the next year, I'm in love with the RAZR Maxx. Regardless, I'll be sticking with Android, as I love it to death.
I'll also say that I've tried a couple of the newer Windows phones in the last few months, and I actually enjoy the user interface. I'm still hooked on Android, but I love the layout.
Posted by Mucus (Member # 9735) on :
quote:Originally posted by MattP: My current pick is the Nexus 4 if you're staying in the Android world.
That would be my pick as well. A Nexus device will give you significantly quicker (and probably more) OS updates than if you get a phone that has manufacturer apps/skins on top of android.
I currently have a Nexus S and I've gone through 3 major OS revisions and several minor upgrades in those while there are devices bought in that time-frame that have done only one.
Posted by MrSquicky (Member # 1802) on :
Especially if you are going with the Nexus, you should look into ditching Verizon and going with a pre-paid plan. The Nexus isn't subsidized by the carriers, so there is no reason to go with them. Even with phones that are subsidized, pre-paid plans are cheaper in the long run anyway, plus you can switch at any time.
Posted by Armoth (Member # 4752) on :
I'm really loving my HTC One X. I love android, I love HTC - the screen quality is unmatched. And I love the HTC OS.
They say that iPhones are better for a simpler user - for a user who does not like to customize his experience all that much.
They say that Android is far more powerful and customizable.
Posted by Aros (Member # 4873) on :
My only problem with the Nexus is the lack of upgradable memory.
And the Galaxy S3 has a better front facing camera and WAY more battery life (around 2x) than the iPHone 5, the Nexus, and the HTC One X.
Other than that, they're all fairly comparable. The one negative is that the Nexus has doesn't have the pre-loaded software sludge. Then again, some of the Samsung software (especially for NFC file sharing) is actually useful.
Posted by manji (Member # 11600) on :
I still use a clamshell. It seems to fulfill all of my phone-related needs.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
I upgraded to a GS3 (from a 6-year-old flip phone) towards the end of last year, and I absolutely love it. I don't know if I'd like having a bigger screen (e.g., the Note II), and I know I wouldn't like a screen that's much smaller (e.g., my previous phone).
I've never been an Apple person, so I'm afraid I can't offer much insight into anything but the tiny old-school midget iPod nano.
Posted by Blayne Bradley (Member # 8565) on :
As someone who works in a call center for a big wireless phone duder company I can only give the following advice:
DON'T DO IT.
Its a trap!
Just get a 60$ knock off from China that has good reviews so they don't force you to renew your commitment, make them offer you the moon when it expires.
Posted by Stephan (Member # 7549) on :
I have had android and iPhone. When I got my wife the refurbished 4s, I took her 4. I will have it until it dies. I don't like phones any bigger, which is the new thing for android.
I miss the ease of putting things in android without using iTunes, which I hate with a passion. Other than that, I use my phone for music, kindle, gps, and audio books. I will never need anything powerful for that.
Take a good hard look at your usage before signing 2 years away.
Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
Unfortunately, at the moment, I don't have any choice as to provider or plan. I'm veeeeeery recently out of college, and currently without a full-time job (though I've had some promising interviews this week, so fingers crossed). My plan is tied in with my parents' (family share thing), and it is actually cheaper that way, even were I to be currently paying them back, because of deals my dad gets through work. It's a weird situation, I know, but it's one I'm stuck with for now, until I can actually start paying my own way.
As far as usage is concerned where it fits in with, say, Apple's product integration--it's a little weird. I have a hookup in my car that lets me connect my iPod touch to my car stereo, but it doesn't have the same thing as the iPhone 5. My ipod is actually the only apple product I own, and it was a gift. I had the thought that it would be nice to have my music and phone on one device, but I have approximately 40 gig of music, and I've heard that when an iphone gets "full," it starts running incredibly slowly. Hence my hesitation on that front.
I like the idea of sticking with Android-based devices. I don't really use too much data, honestly--my phone is mostly calls, texts, and occasional internet use. I don't stream video or music using my phone.
Is 4g really worth it at this point in time, or would it be better to try and find a deal on a 3g phone?
Posted by steven (Member # 8099) on :
quote:Originally posted by Blayne Bradley: As someone who works in a call center for a big wireless phone duder company...
Which one? I used to do tech support for AT&T wireless through a vendor company.
Posted by Stephan (Member # 7549) on :
quote:Originally posted by Tinros: Unfortunately, at the moment, I don't have any choice as to provider or plan. I'm veeeeeery recently out of college, and currently without a full-time job (though I've had some promising interviews this week, so fingers crossed). My plan is tied in with my parents' (family share thing), and it is actually cheaper that way, even were I to be currently paying them back, because of deals my dad gets through work. It's a weird situation, I know, but it's one I'm stuck with for now, until I can actually start paying my own way.
As far as usage is concerned where it fits in with, say, Apple's product integration--it's a little weird. I have a hookup in my car that lets me connect my iPod touch to my car stereo, but it doesn't have the same thing as the iPhone 5. My ipod is actually the only apple product I own, and it was a gift. I had the thought that it would be nice to have my music and phone on one device, but I have approximately 40 gig of music, and I've heard that when an iphone gets "full," it starts running incredibly slowly. Hence my hesitation on that front.
I like the idea of sticking with Android-based devices. I don't really use too much data, honestly--my phone is mostly calls, texts, and occasional internet use. I don't stream video or music using my phone.
Is 4g really worth it at this point in time, or would it be better to try and find a deal on a 3g phone?
There are third party converters now to connect the Iphone 5 to the "old fashioned" connection.
Based on your data usage I wouldn't worry about 4g, but if you are on your parents plan no matter what anyways, you might as well take a subsidized phone. But are they paying for your portion of the bill?
Another option would be to get something like the Samsung player, basically an Android Ipod Touch, and a "dumb" phone for your calls and texts.
For that matter, you might just want to hold off until you get a job.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
If you want 4G, it depends entirely on where you live. Plenty of places still don't have the network for it, to say nothing of LTE. Check your service provider's coverage map to see what you have in your area. If you don't even have 4G, don't bother with the phone.
Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
My parents are footing my portion of the bill. The reason I'm going to need to get a new phone soon is because my current phone is literally dying on me (as in, the electronics aren't working correctly), and that's the only way I have other than email that anyone can contact me. No land line in my apartment.
Lyr, I'm in the Dayton, Ohio area. We have everything here.
Posted by Geraine (Member # 9913) on :
I have a Galaxy Note II, and while it is large, I love it more than any other phone I've owned. The Kindle App is great on it. The large screen is awesome Posted by steven (Member # 8099) on :
quote:Originally posted by Geraine: I have a Galaxy Note II, and while it is large, I love it more than any other phone I've owned. The Kindle App is great on it. The large screen is awesome
Until Android phones have the same customer support quality as Apple, and also have an app store that is not a virus-filled cesspool, I think I'll stick with my iPhone.
I can walk into an Apple store and ask pretty much any question I want about my iPhone, and someone there will know the answer, and be happy to help me. With that as an option, I'm not sure I even want the possibility of the BS hassle of having a real problem with an Android phone. Regular wireless store employees are simply nowhere near as knowledgeable about their many products as Apple store employees are about their much smaller number of products. Apple keeps things simple.
I want the phone to work, and I don't want to have to put a lot of energy into dealing with the phone. it's supposed to make my life easier, not more complicated.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
You, my friend, are a victim of marketing. Posted by MattP (Member # 10495) on :
The only customer support I've ever required for a phone was to replace a defective unit and my cell phone store has been just as effective at doing so as Apple, though the line may have been longer at the Apple store and I had to schedule an appointment ahead of time with a "genius" in order to do it.
Sure, if you want or need a lot of handholding and you live near an Apple store then the iPhone may be a better option. That's why I recommend it to my mom. Otherwise, it's not particularly more robust or easy to use.
Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
I've been very pleased with the Verizon customer service, the one time I had to use it. It was a weird issue, too, with my phone being stuck in Bluetooth mode, even though I'd never used a bluetooth device in my life. Took it in, explained the issue, and I was out again two minutes later, no charge.
Posted by Dan_Frank (Member # 8488) on :
quote:Originally posted by TomDavidson: You, my friend, are a victim of marketing.
That's what you say about all Apple fans, right?
All of the best and brightest tech experts and developers I know are pretty die-hard Apple fans these days, and have what seem to be excellent arguments for why they have those opinions. But that's marketing too, right?
Posted by steven (Member # 8099) on :
quote:Originally posted by TomDavidson: You, my friend, are a victim of marketing.
Which wireless phone company did you do tech support for? It was AT&T, for me.
Don't get defensive. I'd like to point out, though, that because
1. Apple has very little variation in ALL of its phones
2. It has basically NO variation in its mobile OS (unless you cont the differences between older versions and the most current one)
3. the iPhone has been very popular for several years longer than Android
it's very easy to get/find good support for iPhones, both online and in Apple stores. You can even get good support from third parties, because the iPhone has been so big for so long.
In addition, the iPhone has all kinds of accessories that aren't as easily available for other phones. For instance, I use the Mophie battery case, because I don't like having to carry a charger with me as I go through my day. You can't even get such a case for most Android phones. Why? Because the Android market is so fragmented.
I'm not the victim of marketing. I just like things to be simple and convenient. I like to save my time and energy for things that matter more to me.
Posted by stilesbn (Member # 11809) on :
quote:Originally posted by steven: Until Android phones have the same customer support quality as Apple, and also have an app store that is not a virus-filled cesspool, I think I'll stick with my iPhone.
I can walk into an Apple store and ask pretty much any question I want about my iPhone, and someone there will know the answer, and be happy to help me. With that as an option, I'm not sure I even want the possibility of the BS hassle of having a real problem with an Android phone. Regular wireless store employees are simply nowhere near as knowledgeable about their many products as Apple store employees are about their much smaller number of products. Apple keeps things simple.
I want the phone to work, and I don't want to have to put a lot of energy into dealing with the phone. it's supposed to make my life easier, not more complicated.
quote:Originally posted by steven: Don't get defensive. I'd like to point out, though, that because
1. Apple has very little variation in ALL of its phones
2. It has basically NO variation in its mobile OS (unless you cont the differences between older versions and the most current one)
3. the iPhone has been very popular for several years longer than Android
it's very easy to get/find good support for iPhones, both online and in Apple stores. You can even get good support from third parties, because the iPhone has been so big for so long.
In addition, the iPhone has all kinds of accessories that aren't as easily available for other phones. For instance, I use the Mophie battery case, because I don't like having to carry a charger with me as I go through my day. You can't even get such a case for most Android phones. Why? Because the Android market is so fragmented.
I'm not the victim of marketing. I just like things to be simple and convenient. I like to save my time and energy for things that matter more to me.
I believe you just changed (or at least added to) your argument to argue back and are trying to pull it off like you had been saying it all originally.
Posted by steven (Member # 8099) on :
quote:Originally posted by stilesbn:
quote:Originally posted by steven: Until Android phones have the same customer support quality as Apple, and also have an app store that is not a virus-filled cesspool, I think I'll stick with my iPhone.
I can walk into an Apple store and ask pretty much any question I want about my iPhone, and someone there will know the answer, and be happy to help me. With that as an option, I'm not sure I even want the possibility of the BS hassle of having a real problem with an Android phone. Regular wireless store employees are simply nowhere near as knowledgeable about their many products as Apple store employees are about their much smaller number of products. Apple keeps things simple.
I want the phone to work, and I don't want to have to put a lot of energy into dealing with the phone. it's supposed to make my life easier, not more complicated.
quote:Originally posted by steven: Don't get defensive. I'd like to point out, though, that because
1. Apple has very little variation in ALL of its phones
2. It has basically NO variation in its mobile OS (unless you cont the differences between older versions and the most current one)
3. the iPhone has been very popular for several years longer than Android
it's very easy to get/find good support for iPhones, both online and in Apple stores. You can even get good support from third parties, because the iPhone has been so big for so long.
In addition, the iPhone has all kinds of accessories that aren't as easily available for other phones. For instance, I use the Mophie battery case, because I don't like having to carry a charger with me as I go through my day. You can't even get such a case for most Android phones. Why? Because the Android market is so fragmented.
I'm not the victim of marketing. I just like things to be simple and convenient. I like to save my time and energy for things that matter more to me.
I believe you just changed (or at least added to) your argument to argue back and are trying to pull it off like you had been saying it all originally.
IPhone accessories aren't REQUIRED. You don't NEED a case, a speaker dock, external battery, etc.. However, if you WANT those things, they are available. For Android devices, there simply aren't versions of many of those accessories.
For instance, I've used an Otterbox case, because it protects the phone so well, and I have worked in some jobs that required me to crawl in places that could cause damage to a smartphone. You can't get Otterboxes (or any other really good protective case) for many Android devices. The same thing goes for good battery cases like the Mophie.
Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
My biggest issue with the iPhone, I think, is that there's no physical keyboard. I don't like having just a touch screen keyboard. And I haven't heard of any accessory that even comes close to changing that.
Posted by MattP (Member # 10495) on :
quote:The same thing goes for good battery cases like the Mophie.
Most Android phones use small, lightweight batteries that are removable. I'd much rather carry a spare battery or two than wrap my phone in a case that makes it heavier and bulkier than the phone I upgrade from two generations ago.
At least for this particular item, it seems like you're trying to sell a weakness (massive/heavy battery case required to accomodate non-removable battery) as a strength.
Posted by steven (Member # 8099) on :
quote:Originally posted by MattP:
quote:The same thing goes for good battery cases like the Mophie.
Most Android phones use small, lightweight batteries that are removable. I'd much rather carry a spare battery or two than wrap my phone in a case that makes it heavier and bulkier than the phone I upgrade from two generations ago.
At least for this particular item, it seems like you're trying to sell a weakness (massive/heavy battery case required to accomodate non-removable battery) as a strength.
I hear you. However, I still need a protective case, and the Mophie performs that function fairly well. Taking an Otterbox apart to change batteries would be a giant pain, especially if I had to do it several times a week.
What I would LOVE is a case that protected as well as the Otterbox, but also had a battery. The Mophie protects the back of the phone very well, but I still make sure I face the phone inward when I slide it into my pocket. I don't want the unprotected front of the phone to get cracked because of impact with something hard.
Posted by steven (Member # 8099) on :
I actually just found out that Mophie makes a rubberized protective case, but it's not super-well-reviewed.
Can one of the rubberized case companies not buy one of the battery case companies, or vice-versa? This is ridiculous.
Posted by happymann (Member # 9559) on :
My contract expires in a month (and that's 3 phone lines) and we're thinking of going with another carrier since the service for our carrier in our local area sucks. We don't have any good phones so we wanted to take the opportunity to not only go to a different carrier, but get new smart phones too.
Should I get new phones with the new contract, or should I get secondhand phones with a new contract?
Posted by steven (Member # 8099) on :
quote:Originally posted by happymann: My contract expires in a month (and that's 3 phone lines) and we're thinking of going with another carrier since the service for our carrier in our local area sucks. We don't have any good phones so we wanted to take the opportunity to not only go to a different carrier, but get new smart phones too.
Should I get new phones with the new contract, or should I get secondhand phones with a new contract?
Secondhand phones means no contract. If the carrier doesn't give you new phones, they are not going to make you take a contract.
As far as switching carriers, I would just look at the coverage maps for each carrier in your area and then decide based on that. Each carrier has some good phones, both smartphones and non-smartphones. Just make sure you check online reviews THOROUGHLY before you get a new phone.
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