New phone time, won't be an iPhone

Post by **Jeremy** » Apr 13, 2012 1:15 AM

I'm 90% certain I'll be staying on Verizon. The only alternative that would make any sense is Sprint since ATT has identical pricing, but Sprint service has a baaaad reputation in CT. I'd like to get my upgrade done before Verizon starts charging for the privilege (April 22).

I really like my Droid, but it's showing its age. I like it because it uses base Android without an overlay and if I want to muck around with it that's not real hard to accomplish. Rooting/ROMing is easy. The hardware is rock solid, the screen is very good, and the battery life is good. Not great, but good. Picture quality is important to me. Not megapixels really, but quality photos. I've been using the camera on my Droid a LOT in my labs, those photos have come in awfully handy.

No iPhone for me. I don't particularly care for them for various reasons.

The top contenders currently are the Samsung Galaxy Nexus (the only non-overlay Android device currently sold, correct?) and the Razr Maxx (maybe Bionic).

I'm not fond of Motorola's software rollouts, so I lean heavily towards the Galaxy. Price is a concern, I'm annoyed that I can get the Nexus for $80 if I were a new customer, but would need to pay nearly triple that for an upgrade (keeping in mind I haven't used a carrier sponsored upgrade in nearly 5 years). I may go harangue a store sales flunkie tomorrow, but it feels like I'm buying a car instead of a phone.

If anybody has direct experience with any of those phones or knows how to get the best deal possible on a new phone, I'd love to hear it. Amazon, Newegg, and Wirefly all have identically better pricing than the VZW store, but nothing like the $80 for a Galaxy Nexus with a new contract deal that I've seen multiple places.

freetoride · Post by **freetoride** » Apr 13, 2012 2:42 AM

Good luck, this may be worse than buying a car. I doubt if anything can beat Samsung for nice graphics and camera. I don't understand the business model now...... give the good stuff to new customers, they couldn't care less if they keep long time relationships.

wkohler · Post by **wkohler** » Apr 13, 2012 2:43 AM

It would suck to buy a phone that works, I know.

I was with you until I used an iPhone. Just sayin'.

A friend has the Samsung, replacing his Droid. He only went with it because it was thinner than the iPhone, which is a reason I didn't get. He likes it - much better than the Droid. He's had some issues with it, but nothing major. Just minor annoyances you generally get with Android. Aside from that, he'd get it again given the opportunity.

Paul in N FL · Post by **Paul in N FL** » Apr 13, 2012 8:44 AM

I just recently switched to the iPhone 4S.
I used to be in the same boat as you until I got an iPhone. Like kohler said in my thread a while back, "It just works."
Also the battery life is amazing, I can got two FULL days without charging with heavy usage.

The camera is pretty damn good too, I'm sure there are better, but everything is clear, non-pixelated, and the flash is nice.

Kyle in NO · Post by **Kyle in NO** » Apr 13, 2012 8:49 AM

Everyone says they don't want an iPhone until they get one. AT&T service is horrible however.

Post by **mooseheadm5** » Apr 13, 2012 8:53 AM

My sister got the HTC Rezound and really likes it. Apparently HTC has their shit together.

Still, I want a phone with a physical keyboard, so probably Droid 4 for me (to replace my Droid 1.) I have so many things on my phone it is getting slow, which is reasonable considering how old it is.

m-racer · Post by **m-racer** » Apr 13, 2012 9:00 AM

I find this whole phone thing to be pretty interesting. Because of the nature of my work, the different time zones I have clients in, etc. I am linked up 24/7. I have a Motorola waterproof phone (ok, that's because I fish), a sat phone. and several laptops and cameras of different sizes. I am in no way tech adverse (probably just the opposite), but I have never found a single device to be all that appealing as they don't do anything as well as a single designed (for purpose) device. I do think those days are coming though. Perhaps, it is also generational, as I do not entertain myself with my phone and I do not feel any need to text everyone I know every 20 seconds. I do want it to connect and ring.......in VA and China and London. I read everyhing you guys post about phones. Find it most fascinating and some of the apps are pretty amazing. Based on what I am reading here, I think I am going to look at an I-phone 4 this weekend. Good stuff, thanks.

jhall · Post by **jhall** » Apr 13, 2012 9:09 AM

I'm not tech savvy, and I don't feel like I'm a trendy douche. Ok, a douche but not trendy.

My company got me a 4s a few months back. I never even thought about getting an iPhone before that. I've used blackberry's over the past few years because you could get them cheap or free with new contracts.

I think "it just works" sums it up. But I'll add to that: it does what I want it to do.

Post by **Justin_FL** » Apr 13, 2012 9:11 AM

I have a GN on Verizon. Got it back in December when the phone was finally released. Don't have much to complain about-- the device simply works. Did have some problems with the phone and data connections in December, but that apparently was caused by nationwide network problems, not the phone.

The thing really cooks on 4G. 15-25mbit/sec although 4G coverage is really sparse in the area I live and work, so I'm almost exclusively on 3G and also see better battery life as a result. Can't comment on 4G battery life, though it is worse. With the 3G only radio it will easily go 24 hours without a charge. Can always get the larger battery if needed.

Before ICS, I was very much going towards an iPhone. The larger screens of most Android phones are simply nicer to use as touchscreen input, so that was quickly settled. The new OS seemed to polish up the interface and clean up much of the kludgy feeling of Android. I still prefer a keyboard for easier typing but I wouldn't want a larger phone. The GN is easy to use with one hand (for me) and slides right in my jean pocket without feeling like a huge brick.

Overall I would buy the GN again but it seems that every 6 months there is something newer or better anyway.

Post by **Jeremy** » Apr 13, 2012 9:20 AM

wkohler wrote:It would suck to buy a phone that works, I know.

I was with you until I used an iPhone. Just sayin'.

"Just sayin''. Is this the latest fad phrase? I've been hearing it everywhere over the last week. I realize it's been in the lexicon for a very very long time, but over the last week I've noticed that the people using it aren't "just saying" anything. They're so confident of their opinion that they're willing to beat me to death with it. No you, necessarily, Chris, though I'm well aware of your experience with your Droid.

Some things the iPhone doesn't do: Allow me to use my data plan as I see fit (tethering). Trackmaster software (which is pretty flippin' awesome). Interface with Megasquirt (via BT no less). Allow me to, in general, mess around with it and make it my own. The iPhone is a great phone, I won't knock it, but it's not for me. I also really don't want to argue about it. I'm happy you're happy with your phone choice. Allow me to be happy with mine.

I never said I wanted a new phone because my current one "doesn't work". Mine has been just fine for me. I'm far more annoyed by the carrier shenanigans across the board than I am with my device.

JesterMX6 · Post by **JesterMX6** » Apr 13, 2012 10:00 AM

i'm running an unlocked, rooted nexus. It so smooth and vanilla that i haven't even loaded a custom rom. That's how much i love Ice Cream Sandwich.

The nexus will be my suggestion.

I'd like to be clear here, My work phone is an iphone. I have plenty invested in the iOS paradigm but still come back to android. Certain things are more refined on the iphone. and it seems that some developers (mostly game devs) put more work into the ios version than the android version. but overall, the nexus (and my previous droid 3, droid x, droid 2, and droid 1) brings me back to android without a second thought.

edit:
one thing to keep in mind. the iphone has slightly superior battery life, but is also just 3g.

the razr maxx has awesome battery life. friend of mine has it and loves it.

if you get the nexus, get the Samsung extended battery (that should have just been the normal battery to begin with) and make sure you charge it full, discharge it completely...and i mean completely. the phone shouldn't even boot up. then recharge it again. its not much larger than the OE battery at all, but its a hell of a lot better than the OE

clangpap · Post by **clangpap** » Apr 13, 2012 10:53 AM

Jeremy wrote: Some things the iPhone doesn't do: Allow me to use my data plan as I see fit (tethering).

I don't understand that. Is this your plan limitation rather than iPhone limitation? I use mine a personal hotspot all the time to use with the wifi iPad.

Some of the other limitations I know nothing about, but don't doubt you for a second.

One of the kids, like you really tech savvy, loves his Galaxy and mocks my iPhone. The other got an iPhone because his HTC (don't remember the model but it was the latest and greatest 6 months ago) was always in for repairs.

Post by **mooseheadm5** » Apr 13, 2012 10:58 AM

Can you turn off 4g when you don't want it? Most of the time I don't care about speed.

Post by **Justin_FL** » Apr 13, 2012 11:09 AM

mooseheadm5 wrote:Can you turn off 4g when you don't want it? Most of the time I don't care about speed.

If you are asking on the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, the mobile network options let you choose LTE/CDMA or just CDMA.

I leave it on CDMA, since there is basically no 4G coverage. Some people that live in areas with marginal 4G coverage report problems as the phone data will pause momentarily as it switches back and forth between 4G/3G. There is apparently an update that fixes the issue but Verizon hasn't pushed it out yet.

S14 · Post by **S14** » Apr 13, 2012 11:46 AM

I had a droid-x and just switched to an iPhone.

-better battery life
-better phone signal
-feels nicer in your hand
-built better

So glad I switched, although I've been told that the droid-x is positively the worst android phone made.

Nanajoth · Post by **Nanajoth** » Apr 13, 2012 1:18 PM

I have a Galaxy Nexus now, I rooted it just to keep the tradition going. It is leaps ahead of my Droid X, and the LTE connection is extremely fast. The battery life blows, but the performance of the phone is great.

Not having a crappy Motoblur/Sense/etc overlay is really great.

TurboChris · Post by **TurboChris** » Apr 13, 2012 3:10 PM

Kyle in NO wrote:Everyone says they don't want an iPhone until they get one. AT&T service is horrible however.

Agreed, I've been runing unlocked iphones on TMobile since they came out.

oldskool · Post by **oldskool** » Apr 13, 2012 5:09 PM

I dropped my phone in the can while taking a piss. Don't get too attached to them as they will fail at some point.

carnutdallas · Post by **carnutdallas** » Apr 13, 2012 5:28 PM

I wish I had string and a can, so much simpler and the rate plan is fantastic.....

nnarth212 · Post by **nnarth212** » Apr 13, 2012 5:38 PM

JesterMX6 wrote:i'm running an unlocked, rooted nexus. It so smooth and vanilla that i haven't even loaded a custom rom. That's how much i love Ice Cream Sandwich.

I just ate lunch and I am hyungweee again.

howdyoudothat!?!WTFBBQ!>?

Nanajoth · Post by **Nanajoth** » Apr 13, 2012 6:26 PM

The one other thing that keeps me buying Android is that I can call Verizon customer support and they will send me a warranty replacement phone. No need to set up an appointment at the Apple store and have a "genius" talk to me like an idiot.

davintosh · Post by **davintosh** » Apr 14, 2012 1:25 AM

Why are these devices still called "phones"?

Sorry; nothing else to add. I still use a phone that's mostly just a phone.

freetoride · Post by **freetoride** » Apr 14, 2012 2:19 AM

My Fascinate is fairly decent as a phone, but the coolest thing it does is connect to my Bluetooth obdII connector and reset the check engine lights.

C.R. Krieger · Post by **C.R. Krieger** » Apr 15, 2012 12:29 AM

What little I can add from my new Droid experience:

Sprint won't let you tether for free. OTOH, you can get a 19% BMW CCA discount on Sprint services.

There's a checkbox switch for 4G on my HTC. Use it or don't. Actually one for 3G, too.

Moose, I felt the same way as you did about a keyboard. I got the HTC Shift 4G instead of the corresponding Samsung (with a slightly larger & brighter screen), mostly because the sliding part felt more substantial and precise.

Post by **mooseheadm5** » Apr 15, 2012 12:31 AM

You know what else rocks about the slide out keyboard vs. any on screen iOS or Android? No random autocorrects.

C.R. Krieger · Post by **C.R. Krieger** » Apr 15, 2012 12:40 AM

mooseheadm5 wrote:You know what else rocks about the slide out keyboard vs. any on screen iOS or Android? No random autocorrects.

Ummm ... wrong; although I think there's an input setting where you can change that.

Post by **mooseheadm5** » Apr 15, 2012 12:46 AM

C.R. Krieger wrote:
mooseheadm5 wrote:You know what else rocks about the slide out keyboard vs. any on screen iOS or Android? No random autocorrects.
Ummm ... wrong; although I think there's an input setting where you can change that.

The only thing mine autocorrects is that it adds appripriate apostrophes when there can't be another choice for the word, and it adds a period if you his space twice. It doesn't try to choose a word from its dictionary when it doesn't get a recognized input word. I checked my settings and all of the physical keypad autocorrects are on and it never messes with me the way the on screen does. Though you can turn a lot of the stuff off for the on screen, most people don't, which spawned the damnyouautocorrect.com site.

desmofan · Post by **desmofan** » Apr 15, 2012 9:07 AM

I recently (December of last year) changed from my OG Droid to a Bionic. Since the lates OS upgrade, I have had zero problems with anything. It is fast, stable, and a great form factor.

One thing I have decided to do from now on is to buy used, and not "upgrade" through Verizon. There are no new phones coming out that don't have issues out of the box, and getting a phone that is 6 months old or so (at least released for 6 months) tends to let those be sorted prior to purchase. I paid $250 for a 2 week old Bionic with an Otterbox case, extra battery, extra battery charger and HD video dock (craigslist). Also, I am not tied to Verizon anymore, as I did not have to agree to a new two year contract. The Nexus/Rzr/Razr Maxx phones are still quite expensive, but a good Bionic can be had for about $200. I have not really found that Motorola being slow in updateing the OS is an issue, as if it is important, you can always root and ROM. I have also noticed that Motorola radios are much better, and yield MUCH better cell signal/phone performance.

Just my $0.02 worth, and probably overpriced at that.

Post by **Jeremy** » Apr 30, 2012 10:45 PM

To update this, I went with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. I purchased it through Amazon Wireless to save about $70 off the VZW store price.

Love it.

Battery life was a little weak out of the box, a quick ROM update to a near stock 4.04 based AOSP ROM improved things greatly. 4.04 radios improved problematic reception areas for me as well, it now matches what my 0G Droid could do in that regard.

If you're fond of staring at the (admittedly gorgeous) screen for long periods, the battery won't last. I can get about 2 hours of "screen on" time from the stock battery. Sometimes up to 2 1/2, but not more. It's enough for my needs, I can easily go the entire day on a full charge, and the larger screen is easy on the eyes and makes it easier to use. There are larger batteries available should I need them. Stock is 1850 mAh, there's a 2100 Samsung battery and a few 3900 mAh monsters with accompanying bulging replacement covers as well.

ICS is fantastic. If you currently own a phone that's slated to receive the update, you're going to love it. Some things have moved/changed, but everything that did change was for the better IMHO.

The camera takes great snapshots, but that's it. It's good for snapping shots in my Microbiology class that'll make their way into my lab reports and snapping people-shots at events. Forget any distance work, there's no zoom and the resolution isn't there to crop it later. It's a phone camera. Not the best, but the "instant picture" feature where it continually focuses and captures the shot right when you hit the button is fantastic. No missing the moment while the camera focuses. I've missed out on many a great "dog shot" because of that on my old Droid.

On that note, if you guys haven't discovered Dropbox yet, it's fantastic. It's cloud based storage, which has been great for me with class work and moving from computer to computer, lab to lab (no more flash drive to keep track of and make sure I copy things to). The really fantastic feature as pertains to Android though, is that you can set it up so that it automatically uploads any picture you take to a Dropbox folder. With Dropbox installed on my desktop at home, syncing is automatic. The Dropbox folder is a folder in my Users folder.

That means no USB cables needed to get pictures off my phone. They're already there when I get home. It can be set up so that it only uploads when it's on WiFi if you're concerned about data usage. I believe the iOS app for iPhone has similar features, if there's any iPhone users reading this.

Just because I'm absolutely shameless, if you decided to sign up for a Dropbox account, use this link: http://db.tt/mKlDga5j Both you and I will get an extra 500MB of storage if you sign up via referral.

Jeremy

Nanajoth · Post by **Nanajoth** » May 01, 2012 12:21 AM

ICS is where they finally got Android right.

MyE28.com

MyE28.com

New phone time, won't be an iPhone

New phone time, won't be an iPhone