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[Q] CES 2011; Which Phone is The best.

Which of these listed phones do you think is the best from CES 2011
Motorola Atrix
Motorola Bionic
htc Thunderbolt
T-Mobile G-Slate
Sony Ericsson Xperia arc
Any thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.
P.s And which carrier Sprint, Verizion, AT&T, T-Mobile is the best carrier for service and data/Internet.

Phone: HTC Thunderbolt
Servce: Verizon I have LTE in my area
The Bionic and Atrix have better specs but because of Motorola's habit of crippling devices, I cant support them. Maybe they will lock the bootloader maybe they wont, I can only base it off past experience and past experience tells me they will.
also Dual cores are nice but the OS and apps wont take full advantage of it for quite some time.

Hey thanx for replying, I have my htc EVO, but sprint service is just not cutting it.

HTC ThunderBolt. Where I live T-Mobile ain't cuttin' it! I still have my G1 and love it but when my contract is up the Thunderbolt will be hitting shelves and my job gets me 20% discount on Verizon every month.
Agreed about Motorola, I can't support them and happen to love HTC devices allot.

hd2 remains

The Atrix looks really nice, but I daren't think about the battery life on it. I guess it charges when in the dock though so it might not be too bad.
Anyway, I'm in the UK and wouldn't mind Three picking up any of those phones!

The Atrix is clearly the best. Thunderbolt? Not even close.

I just got my Nexus One back so i will be using it until Samsung's new Galaxy S 2 comes out, hopefully with Orion under the hood

Phone: Sony Xperia Arc. I like the look of it (most of the phones bored me) and it has a really good camera apparently.
Service: Verizon has service everywhere (apparently a lot in California where just about every other server lacks), but in my area, it doesn't matter because all the carriers have service here. I use T-Mobile and the service is quite fast here, no dropped calls and I won't probably won't switch carriers. I would check the map and avoid carrier fanboys trying to make you switch(seriously, why is it that US has carrier fanboys?!)

What's on AT&T's Android horizon??

From the looks of it, the best Android phone coming out (that we know of) is the HTC Holiday? 1.2 GHz, qHD...it's supposedly coming out during the (wouldn't you guess) holiday season, AFTER phones on other carriers with 1.5 Ghz and 720p screens have been out for a couple months. Wth? From the looks of it, AT&T might not get the Nexus Prime (or whatever it's called, at least not right away). In fact, it's rumored to be going to Verizon, who is also getting the HTC Vigor, the Motorola Dinara, and a couple of the phones in that recently leaked Samsung lineup are going to Verizon.
Of course, where these phones go is all speculation...but damn, someone tell me my crappy carrier will be getting something good within the next 6 months!!
Perhaps I'm missing something...

The Samsung Galaxy S2 should be out next month. That will be the top Android device for ATT. And there is a slight chance they get the Nexus-Prime this Nov/Dec.
I would get the Galaxy S2. Will be a great device and last a long while if there is a steady XDA user base for ATT's version.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA Premium App

Zorachus said:
The Samsung Galaxy S2 should be out next month. That will be the top Android device for ATT. And there is a slight chance they get the Nexus-Prime this Nov/Dec.
I would get the Galaxy S2. Will be a great device and last a long while if there is a steady XDA user base for ATT's version.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA Premium App
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I dunno. It'll be a 1.2 ghz releasing about the same time as the other supposedly 1.5 phones, AND the screen resolution isn't even qHD, let alone at all on par with the 720p... You're right though, if the development is good (on XDA, etc.) then that does a lot for the phones lasting value.
But spec wise, it seems the SGS2 has been held off of US shores for FAR too long, and it risks being outdated almost immediately.
Are there really no other good ATT phones in our future? Can we expect some surprises to be unveiled in the coming weeks for phones on par with these beasts Verizon, etc. are getting?

Import an unlocked prime.

Well, AT&T is buying out T-Mobile and I'm sure with it will come a bunch of new phones for AT&T

There's rumors a Nexus Prime will be dropping for every carrier.

Samsung makes me sad :(

Samsung were amazing with the Galaxy S line, no complaints there. The Infuse came along and it was pretty much the Galaxy's weirdly put together and slightly upgraded step brother. And as we all know, a hold over for the S2. Then the S2 comes out and everyone's excited. Hell yeah, party! Greatest phone ever made, yeah cool, whatever.
And we all love our phones. And then the Skyrocket. The freakin Skyrocket... This phone comes out a month after the S2. I mean, I love Samsung, but this phone release trend is outrageous. Yes people like HTC release a ton per year, but over many carriers. Samsung has three phones for the same carrier in six months. This just irks me. Please discuss.
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and get used to it buddy. specially on AT&T. LTE is just starting up on AT&T. Meaning there is a wave of phones not far from shore. Samsung, HTC, Motorola it hasnt even started.

Optimus-Prime said:
and get used to it buddy. specially on AT&T. LTE is just starting up on AT&T. Meaning there is a wave of phones not far from shore. Samsung, HTC, Motorola it hasnt even started.
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Android eco-system enables this. This is how they are outpacing apple.

S2 came out several months ago didn't it? I believe it was the US carriers creating the giant delay while everyone else in the world enjoyed it for a few months.

Optimus-Prime said:
and get used to it buddy. specially on AT&T. LTE is just starting up on AT&T. Meaning there is a wave of phones not far from shore. Samsung, HTC, Motorola it hasnt even started.
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Yep - I think you're right. I heard at LEAST 2 more Samsungs by the EOY for Android/ATT alone. Plus a few more for TMobile, Sprint and Ver.

Guys its not like iPhones where the new phone takes an absolute dump on your phone. Samsung puts their best foot forward on most of their phones. Keyword MOST. the new phones are just incorperating the new technology such as LTE for att. Just enjoy the phone you have knowing that its not out of date yet since the new iphone only has 1/2 a gig of ram
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

I meant to say the new iphone takes a dunp on your old iphone. I accidently left it open. I didn't mean your samsung phone. If we look at the galaxy s vs the 4 the sgs had a power vr sgx 540 where as the 4 only had a 535. Not trying to turn this into a iphone vs android. Just using the new iphone old iphone model.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

The moment you walk out with your phone its already obsolete because there is a new one coming. I actually perfer this "abundance" of phone. it gives us options.

I just don't like the fact that reps have no idea of up coming phones but the net does. I specifically asked about gs2 when I bought my infuse and att claimed to have no idea, 1.5 months later and its released.
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I dont think the stores actually have an idea of what they are getting, keep in mind there are different departments which handle different stuff.
im guessing the retail part, just sells the device...
or they are complete asses and just dont say anything....

They just don't say anything. I have a friend who works for verizon and they learn about what the phone is as far as features before the phones come out
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sorry to say this, but this thread is stupid.
that is like getting mad at mercedes, "i just bought this E class for 50,000$, now they come out with the new CLS!". haha

when you made your Android purchase, you have to accept that one fact that the turnover of devices are very very high... If you don't like this then you'd be better off with the iPhone.
Otherwise, think about how your phone, even though it might be like 4-5 devices behind the newest device, is still so much better than the newest iPhone in the market.

People really don't understand the point of this thread.... I just look at other companies that don't release 4 phones for one carrier in a 6 month span. I love Samsung just not this crap.
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netnerd said:
sorry to say this, but this thread is stupid.
that is like getting mad at mercedes, "i just bought this E class for 50,000$, now they come out with the new CLS!". haha
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No, this is quite a bit different.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium

While I do agree with you to an extent, I think you miss an important factor that is causing this.
The Galaxy S line was 3G HSPA. Then AT&T launched their HSPA+ network, and the Infuse is "4G" with HSPA+ and halfway between the SGS and the SGS 2 lines. So the Infuse was thrown out there so Samsung had a high end HSPA+ phone. Then the SGS 2 came out as the full upgrade from the SGS line. It also had HSPA+ as that's still the dominant "4G" network for AT&T right now. Shortly after they release the SGS2 LTE with 4G LTE so they again have a high end phone on the best network AT&T has to offer.
So while it seems like they have released 4 phones in a year and a half, 3 of them upgraded their network support. They probably could have waited on the SGS 2 and just released an SGS2 LTE, but I suspect the SGS2 will drop in price faster than the LTE version will as the LTE network grows, giving them maybe a $100 and a $200 model, or even $150/200.
I don't think you'll see them release as many now that we don't have any network upgrades for another couple of years when they upgrade to LTE Advanced (and I suspect that will roll into LTE phones sooner rather than later).
But yeah, I know what you mean. I would have been pretty annoyed if I had bought an SGS2 and then the SGS2 LTE came out, but the LTE came out soon enough after the SGS2 that you could have returned the SGS2 for the SGS2 LTE if you wanted. They were JUST over 30 days apart, but the Skyrocket was announced before 30 days was up, so you could have returned immediately and used a temporary phone for a couple of days.

This thread isn't stupid...it makes a point
Their frequency of phone releases addresses AT&T's network upgrade needs, not Samsung.
AT&T contracts the OEM's to make devices for them. AT&T is paying boatloads for each device run. Thus they have an incentive to move 'old' devices out as soon as possible to make room for the latest tier. It's about recouping cost with device/accessory sales and new contracts.
Keep in mind, that unless you have confirmed LTE service in your area, paying full price for an LTE phone wouldn't make much sense. On contract? Sure and just wait for your LTE coverage to arrive.
AT&T got caught due to VZW's strong LTE push and the 'postponed' T-Mo M&A. So they have to make an LTE push in profitable markets and have a device that can answer VZW's offerings.
The bottom line in my opinion is for you the consumer to do your own homework and not rely on the salespeople to 'educate' you. They won't. They aren't trained to.
You have this forum, Google and more web rags on mobile tech than you could possibly read. A wealth of info for free where you can research and plan your purchase.
My Infuse and wife's Cappy are expected to remain in service for another 3 yrs. At that point I'll sell them to help offset the costs of their upgrades. If there's a need to upgrade soon than that, it'll be because the new device will fulfill a need these devices couldn't possibly fill.
Both of these phones are powerful and feature rich so I feel confident in their longevity.
Although, that flexible AMOLED screen tech is sexy!!! I'd love to see device designs!

Kevinr678 said:
People really don't understand the point of this thread.... I just look at other companies that don't release 4 phones for one carrier in a 6 month span. I love Samsung just not this crap.
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then you should just be a sheep and get iphone!
choices is good! 4.5 too big? get 4.3 gs2!
4. 3 too small? get 4.5 gs2! now everyone is happy!
that is like complaining fast food restaurants sell hamburger and chicken sandwich instead of just selling one kind!
---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:49 PM ----------
millerja01a said:
AT&T got caught due to VZW's strong LTE push and the 'postponed' T-Mo M&A. So they have to make an LTE push in profitable markets and have a device that can answer VZW's offerings.
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now att have another problem, Verizon give you 4gb of LTE for 30$
if att don't follow suit, I might get galaxy nexus with 4gb of LTE for 30$

netnerd said:
then you should just be a sheep and get iphone!
choices is good! 4.5 too big? get 4.3 gs2!
4. 3 too small? get 4.5 gs2! now everyone is happy!
that is like complaining fast food restaurants sell hamburger and chicken sandwich instead of just selling one kind!
---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:49 PM ----------
now att have another problem, Verizon give you 4gb of LTE for 30$
if att don't follow suit, I might get galaxy nexus with 4gb of LTE for 30$
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The reason you piss people off so much is due mainly in part to how of an ass you are. Personally I don't care for iphones. Another thing is why is everyone who has sn iphone is a sheep? Some people genuinally prefer them. I think you talk way too much without thinking, and you really need to stay out of people's topics if your main objective is to cut them down, try to make every point they make seem invalid, and in a general sense just get on people's nerves.
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AJerman said:
While I do agree with you to an extent, I think you miss an important factor that is causing this.
The Galaxy S line was 3G HSPA. Then AT&T launched their HSPA+ network, and the Infuse is "4G" with HSPA+ and halfway between the SGS and the SGS 2 lines. So the Infuse was thrown out there so Samsung had a high end HSPA+ phone. Then the SGS 2 came out as the full upgrade from the SGS line. It also had HSPA+ as that's still the dominant "4G" network for AT&T right now. Shortly after they release the SGS2 LTE with 4G LTE so they again have a high end phone on the best network AT&T has to offer.
So while it seems like they have released 4 phones in a year and a half, 3 of them upgraded their network support. They probably could have waited on the SGS 2 and just released an SGS2 LTE, but I suspect the SGS2 will drop in price faster than the LTE version will as the LTE network grows, giving them maybe a $100 and a $200 model, or even $150/200.
I don't think you'll see them release as many now that we don't have any network upgrades for another couple of years when they upgrade to LTE Advanced (and I suspect that will roll into LTE phones sooner rather than later).
But yeah, I know what you mean. I would have been pretty annoyed if I had bought an SGS2 and then the SGS2 LTE came out, but the LTE came out soon enough after the SGS2 that you could have returned the SGS2 for the SGS2 LTE if you wanted. They were JUST over 30 days apart, but the Skyrocket was announced before 30 days was up, so you could have returned immediately and used a temporary phone for a couple of days.
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Thank you. This is exactly what I was saying. And yes, I agree that the main issue is more than likely carrier related especially since Att is the only carrier that released a Skyrocket. This is what I'm looking for, discussion. Not for someone to sit here, call me stupid, and bash my topic and opinion in every way possible.
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I need help deciding which carrier/phone/plan

Ok, I've looked at all the carriers and the resellers to include post and pre. I've been on a family plan for ever and I'm about to drop off and start my own family plan with my daughter.
I've just gotten a settlement and want to pay up front for at least the first year or more but want to stick to under 2K. What I'm having trouble with is deciding which is best. Everything I read is this is better but another says different.
When I drop off the Verizon and start my own I'll lose the unlimited data so I need to consider data, 4g, unlimited and whatever on 2 androids and what is the best latest and greatest.
Sprint looks like cheapest but no 4g unless I'm seeing it from for Arkansas and Indiana. Verizon has best coverage but data is limited and raises price when you go over which I would. ATT is expensive and has 2Gb cap which is about same for T-Mobile.
I'd love to buy two unlocked kick ass quad cores and do Simple which would be 4G but hear it's unreliable.
Anyone have any recent experience like mine that can share some input? I'm needing 2 Androids (best phones) with unlimited data (or a ton of it) and unlimited text and pic, plus around 1000 or more minutes.
My brain is fried, only reason I'm asking... Prolly over thinking but it's a lot of money.

go with sprint or tmo?
since data is obviously a big must for you, i would suggest considering sprint above all. it will give u the unlimited data and relatively affordable prices. theyre launching the samsung galaxy nexus with 4g lte support very soon, and that of course, is a great developer phone.
if not the galaxy nexus, you will want to consider the samsung galaxy s ii epic 4g touch. it is sprint's version of the galaxy s 2 and definitely a phone that can hold its own. both phones are about 199 up front, and are quality samsung smartphones that should last you two years.
tmobile is a good carrier to consider because even though data is capped at 2gb, its 4g hspa+ network is pretty fast, and if oyu go over, they will only throttle your speeds, not charge you an overage fee. the throttling will be annoyingly slow (i speak from experience), but at least you wont pay overages. for tmobile phones, i would consider the htc one s or the samsung galaxy s ii. both phones are solid, dual-core phones and the one s launches with android 4.0 on board.

ynksrule93 said:
since data is obviously a big must for you, i would suggest considering sprint above all. it will give u the unlimited data and relatively affordable prices. theyre launching the samsung galaxy nexus with 4g lte support very soon, and that of course, is a great developer phone.
if not the galaxy nexus, you will want to consider the samsung galaxy s ii epic 4g touch. it is sprint's version of the galaxy s 2 and definitely a phone that can hold its own. both phones are about 199 up front, and are quality samsung smartphones that should last you two years.
tmobile is a good carrier to consider because even though data is capped at 2gb, its 4g hspa+ network is pretty fast, and if oyu go over, they will only throttle your speeds, not charge you an overage fee. the throttling will be annoyingly slow (i speak from experience), but at least you wont pay overages. for tmobile phones, i would consider the htc one s or the samsung galaxy s ii. both phones are solid, dual-core phones and the one s launches with android 4.0 on board.
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I've been thinking it's going to be sprint but not having the 4G is bugging me big time. It's almost as if they painted the whole map with 3G though so it will help. Daughter will be staying put in college but I'll be bouncing all over the place helping family take care of different things until I start getting low on funds again.
I cant do the throttled data as it will most likely be my only internet in the Toy Hauler that I'll be sleeping in and I like my Netflix to much. Maybe someone will know some magic combo that is better than anything I've seen so far. Have two weeks till she can port her number.

which sprint phone?
that makes sense, if cellular data is going to be your primary source of internet, then sprint's unlimited plan is probably the way to go. (but i would like to hear if anyone has any better ideas).
what smartphone are you leaning towards for you and your daughter?

If you're looking for an available quad-core then no questions asked it's the HTC One X.
And you want 4G? Don't make it a priority in your checklist, 4G won't have the same coverage as 3G in the next 2-3 years and by then you'll probably be getting a new phone. IMO get into a carrier with the best 3G coverage if data is a must for you. You won't need anything faster on a mobile device anyway.

ynksrule93 said:
that makes sense, if cellular data is going to be your primary source of internet, then sprint's unlimited plan is probably the way to go. (but i would like to hear if anyone has any better ideas).
what smartphone are you leaning towards for you and your daughter?
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I had been looking to buy a digitizer for a G2X my niece had laying around and hitting Simple Mobile then my daughter told me she's paying 94 per month to ATT and has the smallest minute package and only 2GB of data. I'm used to being unlimited and paying less than that so I think that's insane.
I was looking at 2 that was on sprints site both being 1.2 dual, Nexus and G11 S Epic. Daughter already has an Iphone and I will if I have to (she asks) buy her another but I'd hate giving money for a mac phone. Would rather pay double for an Android than the iphone.
cepcamba said:
If you're looking for an available quad-core then no questions asked it's the HTC One X.
And you want 4G? Don't make it a priority in your checklist, 4G won't have the same coverage as 3G in the next 2-3 years and by then you'll probably be getting a new phone. IMO get into a carrier with the best 3G coverage if data is a must for you. You won't need anything faster on a mobile device anyway.
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That One X comes out in June to sprint. I can stay in my family plan I'm in now if hers being att doesn't try and lock her into another two year.

Updated, Sprint 4g phone capable of running ICS or JB, no contract.

Read last post.
Best Sprint 4g wimax phone for Internet Sharing? Pretty easy question, all I care about is a phone good enough to root, run a custom rom and enable internet sharing. Yes, I understand LTE is better but I plan on getting a Windows Phone 8 device after Sprint realizes how stupid they are being and adds them.

I was thinking of the Evo 4g but having issues finding one. What about a Epic 4g Touch?

Not one person has any help? Should this be in a different place?

If you live in a Wimax market, the Epic 4G Touch is a great phone. I bought mine in January and even though I do not live in a Wimax market, I still love this phone and in.my opinion it is well worth the $250 I paid then. I would imagine with a new contract it's probably about a hundred bucks now. Off contract you would pay anywhere between $150 and $300 depending on condition and what the seller is asking.
There is plenty of support from developers, we have official ICS and Samsung is working on a JB release.
The E4GT does not have a locked boot loader. Extremely easy to flash custom ROMs, very fast, smooth, excellent build quality.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

I would also like it to run Android 4.0 or higher that I can purchase pretty cheaply through ebay or cowboom. I am not sure if I am staying with Sprint and I have 1 of 3 phones still under contract but Sprint 3g is so slow in Houston I need a 4g phone.