Smartphones, which to get?

Bergboy123

Semi-Pro
Hey all, I'm looking into smartphones and frankly would love to hear opinions and advice from those of you that are knowledgeable or have experience!

Right now I'm throwing around Iphones vs Androids
 
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Deleted member 232704

Guest
I've had a rotation of about 18 different Android phones and my last was THE one that met my standards. PS : I've attempted to use an iPhone 4/4s but its just too small, boring, and slow with junk specs dated back in 2009. ( Over exaggeration intended ). The Nexus 4 which just got released a while back ( November 27th i believe ) has great battery life, screen ( though not as good as an HTC One X ) , build quality ( problems have occurred to some owners that the back cracks easily but it hasnt happened to me ) , and a fast processor. Works amazingly if you flash a custom ROM and overclock it. I chose this phone also because its bandwidths are for both T-Mobile and AT&T ( which i use both currently ) so i have HSPA+ with both carriers. Didn't figure out how to get 4G LTE on AT&T but my area doesn't even have it here so theres no point in attempting it. Camera quality is great as well. Works well outdoors in low lighting also. BUT*****. I doubt someone will be able to pick one up for retail price from Google. This phone came to my house in 2 months since they had a low stock and high demand. Sold out in a couple minutes. Theres a lot to say about this phone that i cannot type all of it! My second choice is the HTC One X.
 

adventure

Banned
Hey all, I'm looking into smartphones and frankly would love to hear opinions and advice from those of you that are knowledgeable or have experience!

Right now I'm throwing around Iphones vs Androids

I don't see how you're throwing around smartphones seeing as you don't even have one, much less several, yet. If you do intend to throw your phone/s around I recommend a case with excellent drop protection.

If you mean you're throwing out iphones and androids as possibilities, that makes sense as these are the leading types of smartphones available. Just do some elementary research on amazon, cnet, or just do a general 'net search.
 

ollinger

G.O.A.T.
It doesn't matter. If you research phones on a tennis website, you'll probably never use all the potential any of the phones has to offer anyway, so get the cheaper one.
 

Disgruntled Worker

Professional
IPhone if you want something that simply works
Android if you feel more confident in your technical abilities

I don't know anything about technology. But I enjoy embracing advancements in speed and processing. I also want something reliable and won't break in a couple months. I have an iPhone 4.
 

quest01

Hall of Fame
I'd get the Samsung galaxy note 2. It has a huge hd screen and a ton of nifty features. Either that or wait for the galaxy s4 to come out. Also I heard rumors the iPhone 5s may come in a 4.8 inch screen version.
 

Bergboy123

Semi-Pro
I don't see how you're throwing around smartphones seeing as you don't even have one, much less several, yet. If you do intend to throw your phone/s around I recommend a case with excellent drop protection.

If you mean you're throwing out iphones and androids as possibilities, that makes sense as these are the leading types of smartphones available. Just do some elementary research on amazon, cnet, or just do a general 'net search.


Haha yes, obviously I'm throwing around the ideas, not the phones. And I definitely am going to research, just wanted to hear from others.
 

Bergboy123

Semi-Pro
It doesn't matter. If you research phones on a tennis website, you'll probably never use all the potential any of the phones has to offer anyway, so get the cheaper one.

I realize that a tennis website is one of the worst places, but I'm doing it to hear opinions, and I'm not a big poster on forums besides this one. I will definitely be doing my own research I just like to hear real experiences of others.
 
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Deleted member 232704

Guest
I'd get the Samsung galaxy note 2. It has a huge hd screen and a ton of nifty features. Either that or wait for the galaxy s4 to come out. Also I heard rumors the iPhone 5s may come in a 4.8 inch screen version.

Well, its not the iPhone 5s to come in a 4.8 but a 2nd iPhone coming alongside with it called the iPhone Math. It's just rumored for now. Theres more info on TechnoBuffalo 's website.
 

max

Legend
It doesn't matter. If you research phones on a tennis website, you'll probably never use all the potential any of the phones has to offer anyway, so get the cheaper one.

Good point, Ollie! I considered an iphone; I'm an old Apple fan; they make good stuff. But I axed people what they actually were doing with their iphones. "Playing a game" was a pretty popular response.

That's not really for me. I just use a cell phone as a phone. I'm not into screen games.
 

PaulFCB

Semi-Pro
Right now I'm throwing around Iphones vs Androids

1. Android by a Light-Year.

2. Nexus by Google, whichever is around when you plan to buy it. For now it's Nexus 4. Samsung Galaxy S3 would come second cause it's more expensive and it's not worth it in my opinion, you'll get the best out of Android using Googles home phone and not one controlled by a 3rd party.
 
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albino smurf

Professional
I just bought a Note 2 and really like it. I had an EVO so I was used to a larger phone and let me say this thing is awesome, plus how often do you use a phone as a phone these days?
 

JRstriker12

Hall of Fame
I've had a rotation of about 18 different Android phones and my last was THE one that met my standards. PS : I've attempted to use an iPhone 4/4s but its just too small, boring, and slow with junk specs dated back in 2009. ( Over exaggeration intended ). The Nexus 4 which just got released a while back ( November 27th i believe ) has great battery life, screen ( though not as good as an HTC One X ) , build quality ( problems have occurred to some owners that the back cracks easily but it hasnt happened to me ) , and a fast processor. Works amazingly if you flash a custom ROM and overclock it. I chose this phone also because its bandwidths are for both T-Mobile and AT&T ( which i use both currently ) so i have HSPA+ with both carriers. Didn't figure out how to get 4G LTE on AT&T but my area doesn't even have it here so theres no point in attempting it. Camera quality is great as well. Works well outdoors in low lighting also. BUT*****. I doubt someone will be able to pick one up for retail price from Google. This phone came to my house in 2 months since they had a low stock and high demand. Sold out in a couple minutes. Theres a lot to say about this phone that i cannot type all of it! My second choice is the HTC One X.


Don't think the Nexus 4 has 4G LTE: http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/29/3569688/why-nexus-4-does-not-have-4g-lte
 

Turbo-87

G.O.A.T.
I'd get the Samsung galaxy note 2. It has a huge hd screen and a ton of nifty features. Either that or wait for the galaxy s4 to come out. Also I heard rumors the iPhone 5s may come in a 4.8 inch screen version.

How is that Note to carry around, though? I wear a Motorola Electrify in an Otterbox case on my belt, but the note seems HUGE and nerdy to try on a belt. :) I dig the stylus and big screen, but the sheer size has kept me with my current Motorola.
 

JRstriker12

Hall of Fame
Hey all, I'm looking into smartphones and frankly would love to hear opinions and advice from those of you that are knowledgeable or have experience!

Right now I'm throwing around Iphones vs Androids

If you are already heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem (itunes, mac computers, etc) are into buying all the most recent apps you might just stick with the most recent iphone.

If you like gps maps that work well and a voice activated system that's better than Siri, take a look at the most recent Nexus.

If you don't care about having the most recent Android release and want 4G LTE, I'd also give the top end HTC or Samsung phones a look too.

What ever you do, don't go with a super cheap phone with a Android operating system, while android is solid, some of the overlays from the low-end phone makes are horrible.
 

sonicare

Hall of Fame
stop being a peasant and just get an iphone. even the iphone 4s (last generation) is better than any android phone out there.
 

Leelord337

Hall of Fame
i love my droid razr maxx..its fast on the internet, easy to navigate around..and battery life is AWESOME, I hardly ever have to charge it it seems
 

Cindysphinx

G.O.A.T.
I'm a non-techie and I have a Samsung Galaxy. Lovin' it.

I am not a fan of the hunt-and-peck input in the iPhone world. I am a Swype gal, so I need the android platform.

Also, I need the large text and large screen the Galaxy affords. I can use it without reading glasses.

How sweet is that? Mighty sweet!
 

albino smurf

Professional
How is that Note to carry around, though? I wear a Motorola Electrify in an Otterbox case on my belt, but the note seems HUGE and nerdy to try on a belt. :) I dig the stylus and big screen, but the sheer size has kept me with my current Motorola.

hate to break it to you but whatever you clip to your belt is going to be nerdy. My Note 2 fits in my pocket just fine. Or you could get an arm strap for jogging and wear it like a shield...
 
D

Deleted member 232704

Guest
The Lumia 900's camera wasn't as nice as i expected. The antenna isn't the greatest either when i compared it to my S3. The button placement isn't the best either. Though, it is a clean nice looking phone. I had windows developer on it and when i was able to customize it, Windows Phone 7 showed out a lot more than stock.
 

Polaris

Hall of Fame
hate to break it to you but whatever you clip to your belt is going to be nerdy. My Note 2 fits in my pocket just fine. Or you could get an arm strap for jogging and wear it like a shield...

Thorin Samsungshield, King under the Mountain !! :)
 

adventure

Banned
stop being a peasant and just get an iphone. even the iphone 4s (last generation) is better than any android phone out there.

This is the type of stupid name-calling which give the apple fangirls a bad name. There are other options out there. Let it go.
 
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Deleted member 232704

Guest
Lumia 900 is the best choice. The build quality is amazing. Its not painted on colors. Its White, Blue, Black to the core. Meaning if you dented it, the core color wouldn't be some random color. Also, screen replacement is easily done. Sim card tray looks pretty cool too....
On the Samsung, the SuperAMOLED display is nice and all, but since its a windows phone, the tiles are always in the same spot, the tiles after a period of time, burn into the screen. You can see this on all Samsung devices with SuperAMOLED. Even though the Focus has more PPI than the Lumia, the screen on the Lumia looks much nicer.
Since their processors are both practically the same, performance shouldn't be a problem. The battery life on the Nokia is great. I haven't tested the Focus 2 for too long, but i had a good look at it briefly.

IMO, i wouldn't go pick up a Samsung made Windows phone. I feel as if HTC's, Nokia's, and other brands have more quality built WP7/8 phones out there.
 
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ChuDat

Professional
Lumia 900 is the best choice. The build quality is amazing. Its not painted on colors. Its White, Blue, Black to the core. Meaning if you dented it, the core color wouldn't be some random color. Also, screen replacement is easily done. Sim card tray looks pretty cool too....
On the Samsung, the SuperAMOLED display is nice and all, but since its a windows phone, the tiles are always in the same spot, the tiles after a period of time, burn into the screen. You can see this on all Samsung devices with SuperAMOLED. Even though the Focus has more PPI than the Lumia, the screen on the Lumia looks much nicer.
Since their processors are both practically the same, performance shouldn't be a problem. The battery life on the Nokia is great. I haven't tested the Focus 2 for too long, but i had a good look at it briefly.

IMO, i wouldn't go pick up a Samsung made Windows phone. I feel as if HTC's, Nokia's, and other brands have more quality built WP7/8 phones out there.

Thank you, looking at reviews on various sites the Lumia got the better rating but on ATT most customers prefered the Focus 2. Good to have a 3rd word
 

albino smurf

Professional
Not all of us are willing to rock cargo pants with a 46" waist.

Seriously can't even imagine cargo pants, heel I don't even own bluejeans and nowhere near a 46 inch waist. But I am a man, with man sized hands, so holding a phone is not much of an issue for me.
 

KenC

Hall of Fame
Thinking outside the box for a moment here. Most of what people are buying smartphones for can be better done by a tablet. What are the real uses for a smartphone if one already has a tablet? I say get a 10" tablet for your portable computing needs and then watch your smartphone needs change drastically.

The Galaxy Note 2 tries to bridge the two needs but is not as comfortable as a tablet and not as comfortable as a phone either. Most typical smartphones are not very good at being tablets either.
 

adventure

Banned
which is why its in a odds & ends thread

The recommendations in this thread are just pure garbage.

Invest $6 once for an online membership to get objective test results from consumer reports and then compare that with the gazillion terabytes of free information/reviews on the top phones available everywhere in a very selective fashion.

It's really not that difficult to figure out that there are really not more than a handful of top candidates in smartphones.
 
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JRstriker12

Hall of Fame
Thinking outside the box for a moment here. Most of what people are buying smartphones for can be better done by a tablet. What are the real uses for a smartphone if one already has a tablet? I say get a 10" tablet for your portable computing needs and then watch your smartphone needs change drastically.

The Galaxy Note 2 tries to bridge the two needs but is not as comfortable as a tablet and not as comfortable as a phone either. Most typical smartphones are not very good at being tablets either.

IMHO -It will only work if you want to carry around a tablet all the time. A 10 inch tablet is kind of big for the times when you just need to run out quickly without a bag or carrying something in your hands. At least with a 7-inch you might be able to stuff it in a jacket.

But even at that, you've doubled the number of devices your are carrying and you need to decide if you want to layout the extra cash for a data plan for your tablet.

I think most the things people use their phone for work for the most part even with the trade-off (more mobile, but maybe a little harder to use) - text, quick check email, mapping, quick internet check/search, music, podcast.

Would be interesting to see what would happen if they started adding phone functionality to tablets and linking to a headset.
 

dParis

Hall of Fame
September seems to be a pretty busy month for new smartphones. I'm in the market for a new one and have an eye on a couple of possibilities. I'm definitely not a tech geek and I'm finding it tiresome reading through all the fanboy warring (from all sides).

I notice many of these new phones have "IR blasters". What I'd like to know is, are there any apps that use this feature for measuring distance? I'm not sure what the range of the phone-based IR transmitter is, but a measuring device would be an invaluable tool for someone who needs to take room dimensions.
 

JRstriker12

Hall of Fame
September seems to be a pretty busy month for new smartphones. I'm in the market for a new one and have an eye on a couple of possibilities. I'm definitely not a tech geek and I'm finding it tiresome reading through all the fanboy warring (from all sides).

I notice many of these new phones have "IR blasters". What I'd like to know is, are there any apps that use this feature for measuring distance? I'm not sure what the range of the phone-based IR transmitter is, but a measuring device would be an invaluable tool for someone who needs to take room dimensions.

Haven't looked for a range finder, but I know my S4 can now be used as a TV/DVR remote. Comes in handy when the kids or wife lose or hide my remotes and the game is coming on. :)

If you're looking for the top of the line right now look at the Galaxy S4 or the new Moto X for android.

If your'e not to fussy, don't mind a smaller screen, and won't get ticked if Apple releases a new version in the next few months, you can't go wrong with the more recent iphone.

Honestly, unless you have a lot of apple content or are a strictly apple computer household, 99% of the people out there could be happy with either one. Just comes down to singling out what's important for you. Can't miss with an iphone for the most part, but if you want some additional bells and whistles and a bigger screen, then Android is probably the way to go (IMHO).

I have a few friends with the windows phones who like them and I've read some good things on the Nokia 920 and 1020 - but you'll risk a lack of apps and with the MS Nokia merger, the current version of windows phone OS is probably dead.
 
Lumia 1020 perhaps? That camera is an absolute monster. Or if you just want a monster, get the 920. Be prepared though, it's absurdly heavy!
 

dParis

Hall of Fame
At the moment, I'm rocking an iPhone 3 :wink:, so I'd say I'm due for an upgrade.

I don't mind the way the iphone operates and the new iOS7 looks nice, but my vision isn't getting any better and I need a larger screen, so that might be my top priority. I'm actually looking at the new LG G2. Big screen - but they trimmed a bunch of plastic off the sides - so it's not a big phone, nice camera, it should be speedy and it generally seems to have a nice suite of features. Also, it is a tri-band phone that is able to take advantage of all of Sprint's 4G data frequencies. I know a lot of people don't like Sprint, but they have pretty good coverage in my area and are well positioned for growth - so their unlimited package is pretty attractive.

If the iPhone would get a bigger screen soon, I would probably stick with Apple but it doesn't seem to be in the stars.
 
Is that a Windows phone? I tried a Windows phone in the store and didn't care for the OS.

It is a Windows phone indeed. It runs smoothly actually, the app support is lacking a bit but it's getting there.

I bought my 920 simply for the fact that I fell in love with the design (it's yellow) and has an awesome camera.
And it's a Nokia, which means that you could drop it from the Empire State Building and actually cause a hole in the ground while not damaging your phone. Dropped mine a few times, admittedly not while sober and it's an absolute tank. Just a few small scuffs and NO damage to the screen.
 

dParis

Hall of Fame
It is a Windows phone indeed. It runs smoothly actually, the app support is lacking a bit but it's getting there.

I bought my 920 simply for the fact that I fell in love with the design (it's yellow) and has an awesome camera.
And it's a Nokia, which means that you could drop it from the Empire State Building and actually cause a hole in the ground while not damaging your phone. Dropped mine a few times, admittedly not while sober and it's an absolute tank. Just a few small scuffs and NO damage to the screen.

When I think of Nokia, and Moto to an extent, I think of durability.

I've been searching to no avail for an IR rangefinder app and I decided I want a meat thermometer included now, as well. :)
 

Dags

Hall of Fame
If the iPhone would get a bigger screen soon, I would probably stick with Apple but it doesn't seem to be in the stars.
It looks like Apple are making an announcement next Tuesday; it's highly likely that will involve the unveiling of the new iPhone (or iPhones if you believe some of the stuff you read).

My suspicion is that the next phone will have the same screen as the existing iPhone 5, but if you can wait until next week you should know what's actually going to be their offering this year.
 

JRstriker12

Hall of Fame
At the moment, I'm rocking an iPhone 3 :wink:, so I'd say I'm due for an upgrade.

I don't mind the way the iphone operates and the new iOS7 looks nice, but my vision isn't getting any better and I need a larger screen, so that might be my top priority. I'm actually looking at the new LG G2. Big screen - but they trimmed a bunch of plastic off the sides - so it's not a big phone, nice camera, it should be speedy and it generally seems to have a nice suite of features. Also, it is a tri-band phone that is able to take advantage of all of Sprint's 4G data frequencies. I know a lot of people don't like Sprint, but they have pretty good coverage in my area and are well positioned for growth - so their unlimited package is pretty attractive.

If the iPhone would get a bigger screen soon, I would probably stick with Apple but it doesn't seem to be in the stars.

I have sprint too. Love the unlimited data as I stream Soundcloud and Pandora in my car all the time. In my area 4G is a bit spotty, but when you find it it's fast. Recently updated from an HTC Evo 3D to a Galaxy S4 on a buy-one get-one free deal. S4 has a massive screen. I've also heard good things about the HTC One.
 

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