New phone time. TO THE FUTURE!

[SmokeAndMirrors]

So I got the HTC One V a few months ago, and I have major buyer's remorse. Even for a mid-range smartphone, good lord, it's awful. I'm done with this stupid thing.

Time for something new, and this time, I'm going to go the route I did with my last smartphone: buy up, so it'll last long.

So I'm looking at high-end smartphones of the Android variety. Don't bother suggesting the iPhone. Not even the tiniest bit interested.

Right now I'm looking at the HTC One and the Galaxy S4. "Didn't you just get an HTC that sucks?" Yes, I did. But before that I had an HTC Incredible that was freakin' awesome. So... don't know how to chalk that up.

What I like about the HTC is the build quality, sound quality, and Blinkfeed sounds interesting, but I'll have to get my hands on it to know. Sense 5 also looks real, real slick.

What I like about the Galaxy is removable battery and expansion slots and lots of little features and customization.

I'm really bummed that the HTC has a non-accessible battery. At the same time... I've said to myself I was going to upgrade my battery, but I never actually do it. At the end of the day, it's more money. Adjusting to the battery length is cheaper.

In kind of a similar thing, I don't know how many of the Samsung's whiz-bang extra features I'd actually used. It's kind of like gestures in Dolphin. Sounds cool, but do I use it? No, never.

So really, at the moment, this is coming down to two things to me: an tough, beautiful case, or storage expansion options.

I am tough on my stuff. I also have lots and lots of music. I have an interest in both these features.

Is there any other phone out there that you guys recommend I take a look at? I'm looking for bleeding edge. I want to be 30 before I have to get another goddamn phone. I never would have left my Incredible if I hadn't left Verizon.

Oh, that's another thing. It needs to either be available unlocked, or compatible with a carrier who does month-to-month. I am never doing a contract again, after how badly Verizon tried to screw me over.

Thoughts?

 

[shlunka]

I believe the Nexus has faster processing speed than the Galaxy, but the Galaxy offers external memory storage options. Either one will work great.

 

[ChuckBerry]

It's the external memory option that makes the Galaxy attractive as my next smartphone. Any other smartphones do it?

 

[Harshaw]

If you want something tough yet feature-rich, there's the Galaxy Rugby Pro. Built-in tough case, waterproof, etc. Android 4.0. Around $100 the last time I looked (Jan).

I would have gotten one last time around, but they were out of stock (everywhere, nationwide). I will say that I don't regret getting the Galaxy S III instead, though, and buying a tough case for it -- bigger screen, faster processor, Jelly Bean instead of Ice Cream Sandwich, etc.

EDIT: That's $100 with contract, sorry.

 

[digsbe]

I've liked my HTC Thunderbolt but I'm due for an upgrade soon. I was looking into the HTC Droid DNA but have read mixed reviews. Right now I'm looking at the Galaxy S4 as a potential option. I'm similar in that I have no desire to get an iPhone. I'd also like to stick with Android and not go the route of a Windows phone.

As far as build quality goes I think the Samsung and HTC phones are probably similar. My family all have Galaxy S1 phones (apart from my sister who has an older iPhone she got on sale) and they've had them for over 2 years with no major problems. I've had my HTC Thunderbolt for about 2 years and it still functions well.

I think a good thing is that some companies are starting to offer more no contract phones. I also have Verizon and I am seriously considering changing providers. From what I've heard T-Mobile has reasonable no-contract service and a wide selection of phones.

 

[sawyerloggingon]

My thoughts are smart phones are stupid.I have a nice little flipper I keep in my shirt pocket. If I want to Google something or check my mail I wait until I am home. Last turkey day I was at a family reunion and at one point I looked around and most people were sitting there looking at their smart phones instead of relating with live people around them they had not seen in months or even years, I just shook my head.

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

I've liked my HTC Thunderbolt but I'm due for an upgrade soon. I was looking into the HTC Droid DNA but have read mixed reviews. Right now I'm looking at the Galaxy S4 as a potential option. I'm similar in that I have no desire to get an iPhone. I'd also like to stick with Android and not go the route of a Windows phone.

As far as build quality goes I think the Samsung and HTC phones are probably similar. My family all have Galaxy S1 phones (apart from my sister who has an older iPhone she got on sale) and they've had them for over 2 years with no major problems. I've had my HTC Thunderbolt for about 2 years and it still functions well.

I think a good thing is that some companies are starting to offer more no contract phones. I also have Verizon and I am seriously considering changing providers. From what I've heard T-Mobile has reasonable no-contract service and a wide selection of phones.

Yeah, I'm considering T-Mobile, since you can "bring your own phone." Right now I'm with Virgin. They're fairly comparable in terms of price, but with Virgin, you're more limited in phone selection. I would have to dump this one to switch.

Doesn't bother me. Can't believe I spent $150 for this crap. I actually wonder if it's defective, or if they simply over-estimated what kind of specs are required to run ICS well. If I didn't have a really positive experience with HTC in the past, I wouldn't even consider the One. But I'm looking to spend a lot more money this time around, and 1 for 2 isn't a steller record.

But it's made of aluminum, dude. I mean, it's literally carved from a block of aluminum. That's appealing. And stereo? On a phone. Holy crap.

The thing about the Samsung's is that they never make a major departure. HTC does that all the time, and I guess sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but when it works, it REALLY works.

But Samsung never flunks out either. And that's really worth considering.

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

My thoughts are smart phones are stupid.I have a nice little flipper I keep in my shirt pocket. If I want to Google something or check my mail I wait until I am home. Last turkey day I was at a family reunion and at one point I looked around and most people were sitting there looking at their smart phones instead of relating with live people around them they had not seen in months or even years, I just shook my head.

Not all of us can wait.

Lots of people have smartphones for no discernible reason, but I use every inch of that horsepower. That's why this one is so disappointing. I need it to do what I want it to do right now. I'm not a gamer or a Facebook addict; I'm a productivity user.

 

[sawyerloggingon]

Not all of us can wait.

Lots of people have smartphones for no discernible reason, but I use every inch of that horsepower. That's why this one is so disappointing. I need it to do what I want it to do right now. I'm not a gamer or a Facebook addict; I'm a productivity user.

Is it a work tool, something you need for your job?

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

Is it a work tool, something you need for your job?

Yeah, at least for my freelance work. I need to know things right away with some of the stuff I write.

As a non-driver, I also Google Maps and NextTrip like a fiend. Getting around with America's crappy public transit requires tactical access.

Really, those apps, the 'net, email, and EverNote make up the majority of my smartphone use, apart from calls and texts.

 

[sawyerloggingon]

Yeah, at least for my freelance work. I need to know things right away with some of the stuff I write.

As a non-driver, I also Google Maps and NextTrip like a fiend. Getting around with America's crappy public transit requires tactical access.

Really, those apps, the 'net, email, and EverNote make up the majority of my smartphone use, apart from calls and texts.

Sounds like you may actually need it. I find most people get addicted to those damn things and walk down the street looking into them instead of living in the real world.

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

Sounds like you may actually need it. I find most people get addicted to those damn things and walk down the street looking into them instead of living in the real world.

Yeah, I know what you mean. Closest I get to goofing off with my phone is Word Search and listening to music. :lol:

We are definitely over-connected, which is part of the reason I'm required to know things fast. But I even that out by doing a lot of street-beating. "Shoe leather reporting," they call, and it's a dying art I'm trying to bring to my generation.

If I have to read one more article sourced with a ****ing Twitter feed, I'm going to scream.

But unfortunately that doesn't change that I need to know when things change as quickly as possible from as many access points as possible, and I need to be able to respond.

 

[digsbe]

Yeah, I'm considering T-Mobile, since you can "bring your own phone." Right now I'm with Virgin. They're fairly comparable in terms of price, but with Virgin, you're more limited in phone selection. I would have to dump this one to switch.

Doesn't bother me. Can't believe I spent $150 for this crap. I actually wonder if it's defective, or if they simply over-estimated what kind of specs are required to run ICS well. If I didn't have a really positive experience with HTC in the past, I wouldn't even consider the One. But I'm looking to spend a lot more money this time around, and 1 for 2 isn't a steller record.

But it's made of aluminum, dude. I mean, it's literally carved from a block of aluminum. That's appealing. And stereo? On a phone. Holy crap.

The thing about the Samsung's is that they never make a major departure. HTC does that all the time, and I guess sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but when it works, it REALLY works.

But Samsung never flunks out either. And that's really worth considering.

Can't beat an aluminum phone. I don't drop mine often, but I want it to be durable and last me several years. I don't want 1 tumble to destroy the thing.

I agree regarding Samsung and HTC. All of Samsung's smartphones have the same basic design and features, HTC will deviate and make phones that are tailor made for certain consumers. Sometimes they turn out well, other times they flop.

Personally, I could care less about the preinstalled apps some phones market and "Facebook/gaming integration" that many find to be important. I want a phone with a powerful processor that can handle what I give it. I use my phone for school quite often and it's an invaluable tool when I'm out on rotations and need to look up something. I use my phone for word processing sometimes too and for viewing lecture videos and PowerPoint presentations. I also want a phone with a decent battery life. I heard that although the Droid DNA is powerful, it has a non-removable battery that is fairly standard in size compared to the features they put into the phone. I want something that can be on the wireless internet network with usage and not last me just half a day. I'm impressed with the power and battery life that most Samsung phones have, but I still like HTC and their unique set of phones. I wanted the Note 2 because I know that I would use it's features, but it's just so large. I'm looking at the S4 right now. I'm hoping that HTC will release a competitor to the S4 soon as well. They may have one in the works but I have yet to read about it.

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

Can't beat an aluminum phone. I don't drop mine often, but I want it to be durable and last me several years. I don't want 1 tumble to destroy the thing.

I agree regarding Samsung and HTC. All of Samsung's smartphones have the same basic design and features, HTC will deviate and make phones that are tailor made for certain consumers. Sometimes they turn out well, other times they flop.

Personally, I could care less about the preinstalled apps some phones market and "Facebook/gaming integration" that many find to be important. I want a phone with a powerful processor that can handle what I give it. I use my phone for school quite often and it's an invaluable tool when I'm out on rotations and need to look up something. I use my phone for word processing sometimes too and for viewpoint lecture videos and PowerPoint presentations. I also want a phone with a decent battery life. I heard that although the Droid DNA is powerful, it has a non-removable battery that is fairly standard in size compared to the features they put into the phone. I want something that can be on the wireless internet network with usage and not last me just half a day. I'm impressed with the power and battery life that most Samsung phones have, but I still like HTC and their unique set of phones. I wanted the Note 2 because I know that I would use it's features, but it's just so large. I'm looking at the S4 right now. I'm hoping that HTC will release a competitor to the S4 soon as well. They may have one in the works but I have yet to read about it.

The HTC One (no letters after it -- just One) is the competitor for the S4. They're being released pretty close together.

Yeah, I'm pretty much with you. What I need more than anything is instant processor response. Fast. Right now.

The thing about the superphones is that none of them have amazing battery life, with the possible exception of the Razr Maxx. But man, I gotta tell ya, I hate their UI, and it's dual core. The others I'm looking at are quad. It probably doesn't matter much right now, but it's going to matter in a year or so.

I guess with the Samsung you have the possibility of an extended battery if you're ok with a bit more bulk. No chance of that with the HTC One.

But I split my heavier input duties with the Asus Slider, which has its own physical keyboard. So for me... I can get away with a little less battery life. If I need to actually compose something, I've got a tablet with real keys. And in my case, that's kind of essential -- I have an RSI, and extended input on a screen hurts.

But if you want the phone to pull double duty... might wanna go with the S4 or the Maxx. Also, maybe get your hands on a Note and see if you could get used to it.

 

[Green Balls]

I've gotten some good phone deals on ebay, but they weren't unlocked as advertised. With the new law you can't do it yourself, but get to know someone who works for a cell shop. Most often you'll find a cool person who will take care of you. And if you ask, sometimes they will sell you a return for some cash on the side. But you didn't hear that from me.

 

[lizzie]

Oh, that's another thing. It needs to either be available unlocked, or compatible with a carrier who does month-to-month. I am never doing a contract again, after how badly Verizon tried to screw me over.Thoughts?

I have no helpful advice on a phone, as I am just about as low-tech inclined as a person can be, but I wanted to comment and agree with you regarding Verizon. Our here in the rural area where I live, I had hell trying to find any wireless internet service, but discovered that a Verizon aircard will work, when nothing else will, so I bought an aircard and didn't have to agree to a contract. It's kind of expensive, but worth it to me, because a dial-up was soooooooooo slow. Anyway, a few months ago, I had to call Verizon because of a technical problem, and they made me what I thought was a good offer, for a new aircard or hotspot, for less per month, but I'd have to agree to their 2 year service. No big deal, I thought, and I had 14 days to change my mind and return the equipment. Well, I wasn't nearly as happy with the "upgrade" as I was with my old aircard, so I called them to get my old aircard reactivated, and I sent them the new one back, in the pre-addressed box they had sent me (and I sent it with delivery confirmation required). They charged me 185 dollars for an "equipment fee", and claimed that they had not received my package, eventhough I had confirmation that they did. They said I sent it to the wrong location, although it was the location they had sent a pre-addressed package for. Pissed me off to no end, and I will not make that mistake again.

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

I have no helpful advice on a phone, as I am just about as low-tech inclined as a person can be, but I wanted to comment and agree with you regarding Verizon. Our here in the rural area where I live, I had hell trying to find any wireless internet service, but discovered that a Verizon aircard will work, when nothing else will, so I bought an aircard and didn't have to agree to a contract. It's kind of expensive, but worth it to me, because a dial-up was soooooooooo slow. Anyway, a few months ago, I had to call Verizon because of a technical problem, and they made me what I thought was a good offer, for a new aircard or hotspot, for less per month, but I'd have to agree to their 2 year service. No big deal, I thought, and I had 14 days to change my mind and return the equipment. Well, I wasn't nearly as happy with the "upgrade" as I was with my old aircard, so I called them to get my old aircard reactivated, and I sent them the new one back, in the pre-addressed box they had sent me (and I sent it with delivery confirmation required). They charged me 185 dollars for an "equipment fee", and claimed that they had not received my package, eventhough I had confirmation that they did. They said I sent it to the wrong location, although it was the location they had sent a pre-addressed package for. Pissed me off to no end, and I will not make that mistake again.

Damn. You know what? I'm sure the CS person you wind up on the phone with really doesn't know what happened, but I'm starting to believe their higher-ups "lose" things on purpose.

I had to put down a $400 deposit for my plan (I had a very short credit history, so I wind up having to do things like this a lot), which I was entitled to recieve back after one year of on-time payments. So after the year, I called in to get it back. Everything checked out and they filed the request for me.

Never got it back.

Called again. Re-filed. Nothing. Repeat 4 or 5 times.

Finally, they start giving me some run-around about (yes, this is really what they said) how they have Qwest hold their deposits, but Qwest turned into Century Link and it got lost. And then they told me I was basically SOL. Like it's my damn problem they lost my money.

I wound up having to file a complaint with the BBB in order to get it back, and the thieves still made me pay a cancellation fee despite that being in the terms of my complaint resolution.

At the end of the day, it took me 4 months and countless hours of my time to get back a large chunk of money that was never theirs to begin with.

Just thieves, the lot of them.

Now I pay half as much money for the same service and I can leave whenever I want.

 

[CaptainCourtesy]

I have a Samsung Skyrocket... after having an iPhone for 3 years. Best choice I made. Go with the Galaxy 4. I hear it's excellent. What I like about the Skyrocket is that it is very customizable and has lots of external options. I purchased a memory card and I went with an extended battery. They actually are pretty inexpensive... got mine for $20. One thing to remember, though: if you go with an extended battery, nearly all cases will not fit... though I know a few that do. The Samsung's are pretty tough. I tend to NOT be tough on my phones (practically never drop them), but on the occasions that I have, they've handled it well.

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

I have a Samsung Skyrocket... after having an iPhone for 3 years. Best choice I made. Go with the Galaxy 4. I hear it's excellent. What I like about the Skyrocket is that it is very customizable and has lots of external options. I purchased a memory card and I went with an extended battery. They actually are pretty inexpensive... got mine for $20. One thing to remember, though: if you go with an extended battery, nearly all cases will not fit... though I know a few that do. The Samsung's are pretty tough. I tend to NOT be tough on my phones (practically never drop them), but on the occasions that I have, they've handled it well.

Thanks Toughness was my main concern with a plastic case. Not gonna lie; my small electronics take some knocks. I'm almost always moving when I'm using them hard. Several years ago, I knew my old netbook was a good buy when it survived a trip down a flight of stairs.

I don't use cases, because although I don't use my phone all the time, when I do, I'm really pushing the processor. Cases trap tons of heat.

I think I'm gonna have to get them in my hands, because I really do like Sense, but, man... expandable options.

 

[CaptainCourtesy]

Thanks Toughness was my main concern with a plastic case. Not gonna lie; my small electronics take some knocks. I'm almost always moving when I'm using them hard. Several years ago, I knew my old netbook was a good buy when it survived a trip down a flight of stairs.

I don't use cases, because although I don't use my phone all the time, when I do, I'm really pushing the processor. Cases trap tons of heat.

I think I'm gonna have to get them in my hands, because I really do like Sense, but, man... expandable options.

I agree about the heat, though the cases I use tend to be silicon and don't trap the heat as much as the plastic ones. Regardless, if you get a larger battery, there are only a few cases anyway. Also, the expanded battery comes with a new battery door to accommodate it and these are sometimes sturdier than the original.

 

[lizzie]

Damn. You know what? I'm sure the CS person you wind up on the phone with really doesn't know what happened, but I'm starting to believe their higher-ups "lose" things on purpose.

I had to put down a $400 deposit for my plan (I had a very short credit history, so I wind up having to do things like this a lot), which I was entitled to recieve back after one year of on-time payments. So after the year, I called in to get it back. Everything checked out and they filed the request for me.

Never got it back.

That's exactly what I suspect happened. Someone received it, confirmation of delivery was done by the USPS, and it conveniently disappeared, probably for someone else's personal monetary gain.

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

FYI, I wound up pre-ordering the HTC One on Ting.

I'm moving over from Virgin. I like Ting's bill tier system and their general ethos. They were also a LOT better than Virgin when I called their CS line with questions. They also had the cheapest price on buying the One off-contract.

I went with it because a comparable S4 would cost about $200 more, and I'm just not convinced it's got $200 more worth of value. That's kind of out of budget.

But due to the non-repairable nature of the One, I'm thinking I might get insurance on it, which should cost a few bucks a month.

 

[AGENT J]

I have the HTC one X and a Samsung Galaxy 3, BOTH are awesome phones so i cant imagine their next versions not being awesome.

In many ways i liked my blackberry torch and thought it was superior to both those phones but it simply didnt have the variety of apps that android offers.

 

[Helix]

i've been using a Droid X for more than three years now, and though i really like it and it has done great, it has some problems with the most recent browser upgrades. it was also getting buggy, so i went to get an S4 today. so far, i really like it. i'm learning it now, and it's really intuitive. latest feature i discovered : you can use it as a TV remote. i've been waiting years for that one.

the only downside is that i had to buy it outright to keep my unlimited data plan, and that cost a chunk of change. however, i've been saving up for a while, and i would have had to pick a 4 gig plan, which would have cost an extra twenty something a month. i figure i'll make the money back in less than two years, and now i'm off contract. the only way this costs me money is if Verizon cuts off unlimited anyway. even then, i don't much care; i don't upgrade phones as often as others anyway, so it's worth it for peace of mind.

so far, i like everything about the phone. i'm waiting to see how the battery holds up, but so far, so good. i might buy an extended depending on whether it gets really low after the workday. i don't like just barely scraping by. at this point, it's behaving like my DX extended, though, and i've been using it heavily today.

 

[digsbe]

I recently upgraded from my Thunderbolt too. I got the Galaxy Note 2 and absolutely love the phone. It's a big phone with a big screen but that's how I like it. I frequently use the S pen and find it super convenient to write down notes whenever you need to quickly. It's also useful because you can take notes while you are on the phone. The battery life is very very good, after about a day of heavy usage it only drops down to roughly 50-40%. It's great for viewing documents and powerpoint presentations as well. I also like navigating with the pen instead of using my fingers all the time.

My only problem is that some of the phones are buggy. The first phone I bought was brand new and quit charging after about 3 weeks. I had to go the warranty route with Verizon and they sent me a certified pre-owned replacement. The replacement they sent me had screen problems where gray colors were very pixelated and there was a film in between the screen and the glass cover. I had that one replaced and the 3rd phone I have has no problems. Verizon has a year long warranty, so if anything is defective with this phone I can send it back and get another. Most other people never have problems with the phone and it's very sturdy. In my case I was just unlucky... twice :lol: