Hi guys, I just recently got 500$ to throw down on a new smartphone. And I can't decide which one to get. BTW Im coming from a T-Mobile G2
Here are my options (Feel free to reccomend other devices)
1. Nokia N900
2. LG G2x
3. HTC Sensation 4G
I want your opinions on which phone to get, and if there are any other phones I could possibly get for around the $500 or less price range. The phone must work on at LEAST T-Mobile 3G If not 4G.
I would LOVE an SGSII but they cost too much.
between those..
the LG.. its cheaper right?
the N900 is outdated.
but then the HTC sensation is newer then the LG and stronger.
but as allways its the company you trust the most you buy from and the phone you feel for.. but the Nokia is outdated now.. and a non android phone..
Yeah thanks for the help, I wanted a Galaxy S II Really badly but I can't find one for $500 so I gave up and am probably going to go with the next best thing, the Sensation 4G.
theNOOBuser said:
Hi guys, I just recently got 500$ to throw down on a new smartphone. And I can't decide which one to get. BTW Im coming from a T-Mobile G2
Here are my options (Feel free to reccomend other devices)
1. Nokia N900
2. LG G2x
3. HTC Sensation 4G
I want your opinions on which phone to get, and if there are any other phones I could possibly get for around the $500 or less price range. The phone must work on at LEAST T-Mobile 3G If not 4G.
I would LOVE an SGSII but they cost too much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
G2!
You have a G2 already and are upgrading? Because you already have a G2, try the Nokia I guess. Great hardware but not much comparison to the G2.
Hi!
I am going to switch to sprint from AT&T because I lost my job. I am going to get onto my mother-in- law’s plan because my wife is already on it. They have a family plan so I was just going to jump onto their plan to save money.
The only problem is that I have a Dell Streak and am so in love with it. I have the awesome stock unlocked factory ROM on it and can tether with an unlimited data plan. It’s a great phone but does seem a little out dated by being a little slow. Also I am tired of paying 85.00 a month for unlimited mobile to mobile, unlimited data, and unlimited testing. I know it’s a decent deal but money is tight at the moment.
The only solution so far is to go to sprint because that is what my wife and mother-in-law are have. The only close phone that sprint has that is close to what I have is the Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G. The phone would be 19.95 a month and 10.00 a month for the data for that phone. I am wondering if there is a huge ROM support group for the Galaxy S II if I wanted to say put Ice Cream Sandwich on it stock style with unlock tethering with the sprint network. I know some networks make it real hard to change your ROM’s phone.
The other choice would be just to go with the Samsung Replenish because it seems like a decent phone and has Android capabilities but I just think I would find myself depressed going from an extreme mod phone like the Dell Streak to the Samsung Replenish.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Let me know the ins and outs of moding a Galaxy S II on the Sprint network. And what phone you think would be best. You think the extra 10.00 is worth the Galaxy S II? I just think I will be going for the Galaxy S II because that is what I am used to.
Side note is that I am 8 months from my contract expiring with AT&T and have unlimited data smartphone plan. I was thinking about using an extra lame old phone that I have laying around the house and taking of my data plan by calling in and say I do not have it any more I just have a basic phone and ask them to remove my data plan. This was when I port my number over to Sprint they will only charge me the basic termination fee than the more expensive one because I had a smartphone. Do you think this would work?
Best,
needspractice
Bump!
Bump!
I'm think I just saw this on the Streak area. Galaxy SII development is a million times more active than the Streaks, there are hundreds of modded Sammy, ASOP and AKOP roms, the devs are incredible. I could never go back to my streak from my S2
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA
How do you know if you get that model? check the back of it? do you get that one at the Sprint store?
I have not bought one yet. I could call and ask or go by there and ask to see the one in the box before I get it.
Also do you think its a big deal to give up my unlimited data plan on AT&T?
Are the brand new ones in the stores today the GT-19100 model? Also are the white ones GT-19100?
I called the store and they say its the D710? Is that an entirely different model?
Thats the unlocked version and is not compatible with Sprint!
Im going for the Galaxy S III!
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA Premium App
When you root it or flash a new ROM does it give you portable wireless hot spot?
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA Premium App
needspractice said:
I was wondering if anyone knew of the latest or best phone that has the greatest ROM rooting following at the moment greater than the Galaxy Nexus?
I have a Galaxy Nexus right now and its great but I am just bored with it. I would like to upgrade. The only problem is that I use [GNEX TOOLKIT V11.1.0] Drivers, Backup, Unlock, Root, Recovery, Flash + MORE [SPRINT] which is the best tool around.
I was wondering if there are tools like this or better for other newer phones that I may upgrade to or should I just stay with my Nexus for while?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please ask that question in this thread or in this thread.
Hello folks! Well, let me preface my question with this: I love my infuse. Unfortunately, AT&T has become to expensive, so I must switch over to another carrier. I'm 15 so I don't really have a source of income, but I would very much like a new phone. I will most likely be switching over to Verizon, and getting a phone then. So here is my main question: Should I buy the SGS3 VZW variant, or wait for a while until Google releases their new line-up?
Things I am looking for in a phone:
Screen size: 4.5-5.0''
Brand: Samsung, Motorola, or Nexus branded phone (Preferably Samsung)
Micro SD: Must have (I bought a 64GB Sandisk for 100$)
CPU: Preferably a Quad-core, dual would be acceptable if overclockable.
Ram: Preferably 2GB, 1GB is acceptable (I hear that Android utilizes RAM very efficiently)
Radio: As long as it has 3G, I'm fine
Audio card: Preferably something with a Wolfson, I really enjoy Voodoo Sound
Camera: The higher the better (preferably with a low shutter lag camera)
Thank you guys for your time,
Connor Baker
Here's the thing. Verizon I find is the most expensive of the bunch. So if your looking to save money I'm not sure Verizon is the way to go.v
Another thing I thought of, if it was just me I would do a prepaid plan. I know T-Mobile offers unlimited talk, text, and web for 50 a month. If it was just my phone on the plan that's how I would go. Especially if I already had a phone. I think at&t offers similar deals.
I like Samsung myself but they seem to be doing away with microsd storage. I can deal with a non removable battery but I don't like cloud storage.
Ultimately the choice is yours and if you do decide to wait for a new line up of phones maybe you can switch to a prepaid plan until then. Save a couple bucks anyway.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app
csandman1977 said:
Here's the thing. Verizon I find is the most expensive of the bunch. So if your looking to save money I'm not sure Verizon is the way to go.v
Another thing I thought of, if it was just me I would do a prepaid plan. I know T-Mobile offers unlimited talk, text, and web for 50 a month. If it was just my phone on the plan that's how I would go. Especially if I already had a phone. I think at&t offers similar deals.
I like Samsung myself but they seem to be doing away with microsd storage. I can deal with a non removable battery but I don't like cloud storage.
Ultimately the choice is yours and if you do decide to wait for a new line up of phones maybe you can switch to a prepaid plan until then. Save a couple bucks anyway.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your quick reply I may have not explained in depth enough why I have to leave AT&T. My parents just recently finalized their divorce, and my Dad and I (who are on AT&T, with my younger brother and Mom on Verizon ) literally can not afford to continue with the plan. Either I get a *dumb* phone on prepaid t-mobile, or I can get a smartphone on Verizon. Both my parents are really tight on money, but my Mom would be willing to take me on to her plan (Verizon that is).
I was previously hoping to save up and buy a GT-i9305, but that most likely not be possible for a VERY long time. I am looking forward to the LG Optimus G gracing the U.S, but I have no clue whether LG will follow through with this phone and provide software updates. I often hear that LG has a bad reputation.
Thanks for your time,
Connor Baker
P.S: I most likely will want to develop android, so that's why I'm aiming for android phones. I may however, go over to the light side and get an iPhone 5 as I know it will be supported for 2 years at least.
Connor Baker said:
Thanks for your quick reply I may have not explained in depth enough why I have to leave AT&T. My parents just recently finalized their divorce, and my Dad and I (who are on AT&T, with my younger brother and Mom on Verizon ) literally can not afford to continue with the plan. Either I get a *dumb* phone on prepaid t-mobile, or I can get a smartphone on Verizon. Both my parents are really tight on money, but my Mom would be willing to take me on to her plan (Verizon that is).
I was previously hoping to save up and buy a GT-i9305, but that most likely not be possible for a VERY long time. I am looking forward to the LG Optimus G gracing the U.S, but I have no clue whether LG will follow through with this phone and provide software updates. I often hear that LG has a bad reputation.
Thanks for your time,
Connor Baker
P.S: I most likely will want to develop android, so that's why I'm aiming for android phones. I may however, go over to the light side and get an iPhone 5 as I know it will be supported for 2 years at least.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could always switch over to Straight Talk SIM, (BYOP) for $45/mo for unlimited talk, text, and data. Simply buy the SIM card, insert into your phone, and activate it. You can even port out your existing number to the new plan, and your ATT line will be closed. If you get an ATT Compatible Straight Talk SIM, you won't even need to unlock your phone to use it.
k-semler said:
You could always switch over to Straight Talk SIM, (BYOP) for $45/mo for unlimited talk, text, and data. Simply buy the SIM card, insert into your phone, and activate it. You can even port out your existing number to the new plan, and your ATT line will be closed. If you get an ATT Compatible Straight Talk SIM, you won't even need to unlock your phone to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking about this... The thing is though, as awesome as my infuse is on Scott's CM10, it's still old. There's only so much a single core processor can do (ex. Music stutters while browsing the web or reading a book). I'm really looking into Verizon, and their SGS 3. I've looked at it's forums a few minutes ago, and it doesn't seem to have gotten nearly as much love as our precious Infuse. That kind of worries me. Anyone think the new Nexus phone will have a micro sd?
Thanks for your time,
Connor Baker
Connor Baker said:
Anyone think the new Nexus phone will have a micro sd?
Thanks for your time,
Connor Baker
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just did a search for Nexus 4 specs and found this - credit PCMagazine
The bad news? The Nexus 4 comes with just 8GB of on-board storage, and does not have a microSD slot for expansion, according to the pre-sale page.
Pony Express said:
Just did a search for Nexus 4 specs and found this - credit PCMagazine
The bad news? The Nexus 4 comes with just 8GB of on-board storage, and does not have a microSD slot for expansion, according to the pre-sale page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ooooohhh.... That stings. So a quick question on opinion, how future proof is the SGS 3 at Verizon? I understand that you can OC the CPU, but I'm mainly worried about the poor GPU. Also, it's the advent of the quad-core phone, and 2GB of RAM is the new standard. I'm really perturbed now at the lack of attention in terms of development that the SGS 3 is getting. It's a big turn off.
My parents main problem with me not having a phone is that they can't contact me.
I would say go by a Verizon store soon and give the SGS3 a test spin based on the way you use the phone... you will no doubt have to keep it for a couple of years and we will all ( that are under contract) have to sit back and watch more cool stuff come out that we will have to wait to get. I have the International SGS3 - take a quick look at the dev for it - I am amazed... and lovin' it !!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1566
Pony Express said:
I would say go by a Verizon store soon and give the SGS3 a test spin based on the way you use the phone... you will no doubt have to keep it for a couple of years and we will all ( that are under contract) have to sit back and watch more cool stuff come out that we will have to wait to get. I have the International SGS3 - take a quick look at the dev for it - I am amazed... and lovin' it !!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1566
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know... I had actually wanted to get the international, but unfortunately I don't have enough money to do so. that's why I'm scared of how little development that phone has going on.
EDIT: Also, I will be going into the Verizon store to test out the SGS 3 tomorrow. Do you think it'll be really laggy on account of them never restarting the phone? Is it strange I always get the urge to clear the demo phone's Cache and Dalvik? xD Maybe so. Just a little worried at the prices of the plans.
Connor Baker said:
I know... I had actually wanted to get the international, but unfortunately I don't have enough money to do so. that's why I'm scared of how little development that phone has going on.
EDIT: Also, I will be going into the Verizon store to test out the SGS 3 tomorrow. Do you think it'll be really laggy on account of them never restarting the phone? Is it strange I always get the urge to clear the demo phone's Cache and Dalvik? xD Maybe so. Just a little worried at the prices of the plans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. So I went to the Verizon store at the mall near me and messed around with the phone there. I have no idea why, but compared to my infuse, the thing felt clunky and slow. No OC kernel on Scott's CM10. I thing I may just wait for the LG Optimus G to arrive, but I'm kind of wary with LG smartphones. Has anyone owned one before?
Connor Baker said:
. Anyone think the new Nexus phone will have a micro sd?
Thanks for your time,
Connor Baker
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Nexus device will ever have the capability to use MicroSD.
Why Nexus devices have no SD card
TL;DR: They want to be like the iPhone with a unified memory structure.
verizon has some nice things like much better insurance and shared data, (att followed up with similar data plans though) but the pricing is very similar between the two companies. they tend to mirror each other but what verizon doesnt say is that any phone with 3g needs a data plan, not that you are looking at texting phones or anything.. other things are verizon has free verizon to verizon minutes. att has free mobile to mobile on any network and roll over minutes.
the plans look basically identical but att is in some ways a better deal and verizon tends to have fees you don't think about. but you also have to consider that verizon has a stronger network. it is less frequent now but i still get dropped calls for no reason on att. and the lte coverage is basically nothing. but then you have to look at the fact that hspa+ is faster than verizon 3g and lte is still in it's infantcy even with verizon and verizons gs3 has locked bootloaders (wtf) their phones are not cross network compatible and have isolated development due to different radio hardware and firmware....
sprint may be a better deal money wise. they get android updates when att and verizon lag behind in that area. they also are much cheaper and get better htc phones than verizon...
but if it's just you and not a family plan then what you need is strait talk. they have the gs2 on their website and that is still a great phone but i here the bootloaders are locked, it's bassically an i777 without the att emblem but someone tried to flash other firmware on one and it didn't work.. but maybe that person didn't know what they were doing? if the screen res is too low for you on the gs2 you could just buy a phone out right and get a strait talk sim card. that's what i'll do when my contract is up.. no question about that at all.
Well, now I've turned my sights on the Optimus G, and the specs look amazing. I have almost no doubt that it will land on Verizon before or on the holidays... So, what are peoples experiences with LG smartphones? Any opinions on the Optimus G?
i think you'll have to wait and see on that one. the screen looks to have amazing specs. and the s4 snapdragon dualcore is very fast so the s4 pro quad core has got to be a beast. but i messed with the lg nitro which had great specs at the time and it was kinda laggy. not that i think it would slow down with a load but the interface was slow. i also played with the thrill and it seem fast enough but the 3d screen was not great and the camera app took time to load.
from what i understand there was a lot of frustration with development on the thrill. the g2x/optimus 2x was a big seller but there was a certain amount of screen problems, no other major complaints though. i think you'll have to just wait and see if they got it right this time. the hardware is there for sure. you just might want to check out the forums and see what users are saying.
Dani897 said:
i think you'll have to wait and see on that one. the screen looks to have amazing specs. and the s4 snapdragon dualcore is very fast so the s4 pro quad core has got to be a beast. but i messed with the lg nitro which had great specs at the time and it was kinda laggy. not that i think it would slow down with a load but the interface was slow. i also played with the thrill and it seem fast enough but the 3d screen was not great and the camera app took time to load.
from what i understand there was a lot of frustration with development on the thrill. the g2x/optimus 2x was a big seller but there was a certain amount of screen problems, no other major complaints though. i think you'll have to just wait and see if they got it right this time. the hardware is there for sure. you just might want to check out the forums and see what users are saying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I went over to the LG Optimus G forum and it basically consists of people asking for a way to unlock the bootloader, and fear of being abandoned in terms of software updates. That was kind of shocking to read through some 20 pages of anger, fear, and bitterness from past phones.
Now I'm pretty sure I'll just wait for the GT-i9305 to arrive in the U.S I guess. Anyone heard anything about this?
Connor Baker said:
Well, I went over to the LG Optimus G forum and it basically consists of people asking for a way to unlock the bootloader, and fear of being abandoned in terms of software updates. That was kind of shocking to read through some 20 pages of anger, fear, and bitterness from past phones.
Now I'm pretty sure I'll just wait for the GT-i9305 to arrive in the U.S I guess. Anyone heard anything about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The GT-i9305 is the Euro version of the SGS3 and as such would most likely only be available here as an import. As it also has Euro LTE radio, US LTE would be a no-go.
Pony Express said:
The GT-i9305 is the Euro version of the SGS3 and as such would most likely only be available here as an import. As it also has Euro LTE radio, US LTE would be a no-go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you think that the U.S will get a similar version? I really hope so...
Connor Baker
Sent from inside hurricane Sandy
Connor Baker said:
Do you think that the U.S will get a similar version? I really hope so...
Connor Baker
Sent from inside hurricane Sandy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doubtful as the US carriers already have their versions.
Stay the heck out of Sandy's way. :silly:
Pony Express said:
Doubtful as the US carriers already have their versions.
Stay the heck out of Sandy's way. :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the U.S will just have to wait for the S4? That's kind of sad...
Connor,
FYI
You'll be able to purchase the Nexus 4 unlocked in the Play Store starting November 13th for $299 (8GB), $349 (16GB) or $199 with a two-year contract on T-Moble (16GB).
I know this is will more than likely be wide open to opinion but I am gonna give it a try. I have rooted and messed around with several phones in the past so I am kinda hip on things but it has been a long time and seems as though now I am light years behind the times so here I am seeking opinions on my possible next phone.
What I was "rocking" a Motarola M XT907 fully rooted w/custom rom. Seems like I had my old friend since I was a lad but now it has given up the ghost and put to pasture. So now I have a temp XT907 NON rooted, fully updated, all stock and has a cracked camera lens. I searched and found it might still be able to be rooted but may involve spending money (not sure on all this). So if I am going to spend any $$ on a phone I thought I would go for a different one unless I can get this thing to my needs. So here are my needs 1.) Must be usable with Verizon, 2) able to have free (non subscription) wireless tethering capabilities.
That's pretty much it for necessities. If this one can still be made to do that great, if not or not feasible to do so what would be the best phone to get to be able to do this. Also I don't want a HUGE phone but a little bigger would be fine. Also buying outright so not to give up any data plan so cheapest way to go would be a huge +.
Thanks all and remember to be kind
Your Criteria of Size does tend to reduce the options. But I guess you know that already.
First Criteria, being able to work with VZW. That's pretty easy, especially considering you are going to buy it outright. What you are looking at is a phone that is marketed as for Verizon network. Or is "Unlocked". Just so we get the terms right, a unlocked phone represents a device that was originally meant for a different carrier but can now be under on Any Carrier. Some phones are Factory Unlocked by the Manufacturer. That means the same thing. Phones sold for Verizon Network are "Locked" to that Carrier and will only work with that Carrier's active account. Now Verizon has some attractive offers, you might want to consider those too.
As to your Other criteria of Tether, depending on which phone you are getting, the phone will have Out of Box tether capability. Now, I personally do not have experience on Verizon Network, but with other Carriers, you do get Tether enabled out out box. Only thing is, it costs extra per month. However If you are willing to Root, whatever phone you choose, you can add Tether Capability without monthly charges.
So that brings us to main question, which phone ? Your current Droid Razr is 4.82 x 2.40 x 0.33 in. The phones relatively similar sized and come to mind in no particular order are
Nexus 5 - All time favorite phone with several people, especially since its a Nexus. It comes factory unlocked and is pretty versatile. Released in 2013, its not the latest either but is only slightly bigger.
HTC One M9 - Released in April 2015, this is pretty newish phone. I am not that familiar with it, to say for a fact if it offers Tether. You might want to ask that question here if you wish. It too has people who swear by it.
Samsung Galaxy S4 - Its a 2012 phone, not the very latest but extremely rugged and decent jump from your Razr. The Galaxy s4 or s5 are better options but are larger sized. Also there's potential trouble of not being able to Root later versions of Samsung Phones. So trade carefully. If in doubt ask.
There are several other phones that come to my mind. however, they don't fit into either criteria so Skipping them for now.
You might be able to browse these phones either in BestBuy or elsewhere. All of phones mentioned above can be obtained on ebay or amazon. Should you choose to go with a preowned one, you can consider our sister site swappa.com
As you said, each person has a different opinion and you will get a plethora of opinions. the above is my 2 cents.
Perseus said:
Your Criteria of Size does tend to reduce the options. But I guess you know that already.
First Criteria, being able to work with VZW. That's pretty easy, especially considering you are going to buy it outright. What you are looking at is a phone that is marketed as for Verizon network. Or is "Unlocked". Just so we get the terms right, a unlocked phone represents a device that was originally meant for a different carrier but can now be under on Any Carrier. Some phones are Factory Unlocked by the Manufacturer. That means the same thing. Phones sold for Verizon Network are "Locked" to that Carrier and will only work with that Carrier's active account. Now Verizon has some attractive offers, you might want to consider those too.
As to your Other criteria of Tether, depending on which phone you are getting, the phone will have Out of Box tether capability. Now, I personally do not have experience on Verizon Network, but with other Carriers, you do get Tether enabled out out box. Only thing is, it costs extra per month. However If you are willing to Root, whatever phone you choose, you can add Tether Capability without monthly charges.
So that brings us to main question, which phone ? Your current Droid Razr is 4.82 x 2.40 x 0.33 in. The phones relatively similar sized and come to mind in no particular order are
Nexus 5 - All time favorite phone with several people, especially since its a Nexus. It comes factory unlocked and is pretty versatile. Released in 2013, its not the latest either but is only slightly bigger.
HTC One M9 - Released in April 2015, this is pretty newish phone. I am not that familiar with it, to say for a fact if it offers Tether. You might want to ask that question here if you wish. It too has people who swear by it.
Samsung Galaxy S4 - Its a 2012 phone, not the very latest but extremely rugged and decent jump from your Razr. The Galaxy s4 or s5 are better options but are larger sized. Also there's potential trouble of not being able to Root later versions of Samsung Phones. So trade carefully. If in doubt ask.
There are several other phones that come to my mind. however, they don't fit into either criteria so Skipping them for now.
You might be able to browse these phones either in BestBuy or elsewhere. All of phones mentioned above can be obtained on ebay or amazon. Should you choose to go with a preowned one, you can consider our sister site swappa.com
As you said, each person has a different opinion and you will get a plethora of opinions. the above is my 2 cents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate the reply, Used is not a problem. I'm not afraid to root and I guess that's why I came here some phones have a lot more options, (rom's , tether work arounds) or in general more dev interest than others. About the only two things I do on a phone these days are use it for home internet service (unlimited data with no tethering service plan) and talking to my friend google. Looks like the M9 may be a fit. Thanks again.
malloneem said:
Appreciate the reply, Used is not a problem. I'm not afraid to root and I guess that's why I came here some phones have a lot more options, (rom's , tether work arounds) or in general more dev interest than others. About the only two things I do on a phone these days are use it for home internet service (unlimited data with no tethering service plan) and talking to my friend google. Looks like the M9 may be a fit. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are talking about Developer interest and Rom choices, I think any of the Nexus would be your better bet. As to the M9, there are 8 LP Roms and 6 MM roms that I see over here. Seems like Decent Choice to me. Wish you well.