[Q] Buying advice: Nokia N9, Lumia 800 - or SGSII? - General Questions and Answers

Hi all,
here's a question I've been pondering for a few weeks, and I'd like to hear your opinions:
Should I get a Nokia N9, a Lumia 800 - or a Samsung Galaxy S II?
Now I'm aware that we're talking about 3 entirely different concepts here. I'm aware that Meego is having a near-death experience, that WinPhone maybe "isn't there yet" and I know about the pros and cons of Android too.
I don't need the thousands of apps in the Android Market (uh, Google Play). What I need on a daily basis is strong, 100% reliable Outlook/Exchange support, and SMS/MMS. The rest is optional (though I wouldn't mind a reasonable SatNav).
So the choice is probably more a question of philosophy.
I admire the hardware of the N9. I like its "always on" screensaver clock and the minimalist UI. WinPhone on the Lumia 800 would mean compromising on design in exchange for a wider app ecosystem and long-term support.
The SGSII, to my mind at least, is much less elegant, and Android... I'm not sure I like it. True, it would offer the greatest flexiblility, but tbh the UI in ICS is getting on my nerve.
Ah, decisions ...
Any suggestions on the "philosophies" point much apprreciated!
(just let me say once more that I'm fully aware of the specs - so no need for additional info there. Just let me know what you think, or what you'd do)
Ta!
N.

I would go Nokia Lumia 900. Have an android and hate the fact that I am at the mercy of carriers to get updates to the OS. Most apps are useless in the market I have 50 installed but use only 5-6 for anything. W7P has a beautiful functional interface (gifted it to my sister) and helps u get stuff done rather than making u waste time with complications.
Planning to go W7P route soon as the contract ends.
Look up its review on zdnet for business users

Samsung galaxy s2 is best among your list.N9 hardware is k..but think about os.that's running on meego and development on that phone is stopped.lumia is good phone running on w7 but the problem with that phone is the applications are very less for windows but i admire the nokia's hardware..
Take the sg2.it is the best performance phone in Android and having lot of devolopes in that you can check in xda..in my opinion it will be the best phone for you...
Xperian using xda app

Hi all,
many thanks for your thoughts!
Really can't decide atm. Guess I'll wait another month or so (for prices to drop) and then just order all three of them and see which suits me best. Will keep you posted!

Nightcookie said:
Hi all,
many thanks for your thoughts!
Really can't decide atm. Guess I'll wait another month or so (for prices to drop) and then just order all three of them and see which suits me best. Will keep you posted!
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Click to collapse
If you want extreme hackability/versatility go the N9, followed closely by the SGSII.*
If the N9's not officially available in your country, I'd say the SGSII "just" edges it out.
If you want something that "just works" & is always stable/snappy but quite dull (I don't mean UI-wise) get the 800.
As for outlook/exchange support, on N9 it's pretty solid (WP7x would be better I imagine, still waiting for my L800**)
There's several very insightful threads you need to read at talk.maemo.org to get the full picture.
Have a search & if you still need some pointers to specific ones I may be able to dig-them-up later.
SatNav is excellent on the N9....
At this point it's actually slightly more feature-packed than the Lumia phones.
Although 6mth+ from now that probably won't be the case w/ND 3.0 etc.
But it will still remain very competent well into the future.
SMS/MMS support works well too, nicely integrated into the contacts system etc.
I personally think the L800 is slightly better overall than the 900.
Sure there's no FFC, it doesn't have LTE, & no CAT14 HSDPA.
But that's it really, the 900's screen isn't really hugely better, it really depends on the use.
In fact, in RWT's for most use cases, I would personally pick the L800's higher PPI screen.
If you're doing lots of reading of small text (esp. for certain text/background color combos).
That's really the only area the 900 will outshine the 800 screen-wise.
The L800's design/aesthetic & build quality is def. slightly better (& the N9's even better).
Support is not as big an issue for the N9 as some make it out to be
It's been way above industry standard for the past 6mth & will remain at standard (at least) for at least another 6.
Beyond that there'll still be regular minor updates for perf/security/stability/usability (Nokia does it like no other) till 2015.
Plus there's the amazing Maemo community that's always rallied behind Nokia Linux-based devices over the yrs.
I've also not found that I'm missing any apps except for games, if you're a heavy gamer you may get bored.
But there's also some amazing emulation software that you just can't get on WP or even stock Android.
Some of the apps are truly unique, simply because of the lower-level access/permission they have.
I'm not subscribed to this thread (busy), so any further -more specific- questions feel free to PM me.
*but dude, you may as well wait for the SGSIII, it'll be announced very soon!
**I've played a fair bit with relatives/friends WP's, & read a truck-load about it.

Related

Your opinions on ALL OSes

Ok, basically my wife is looking into a new phone and our options are more or less limitless, she just wants advantages and disadvantages of each OS. She's not picky and doesn't always need the most popular OS, she wants form, factor, and function. I am looking for a phone that will take a sim so trying to avoid Verizon and Sprint phones. Heres my opinions on the ones I can think up.
iOS-I wouldnt touch it with a ten foot pole personally but regardless of my personal feelings if it's jailbroken it's not actually a terrible OS just a bit bland. The hardware limitations and the fact that they're still building the same updates for the 2g that they are for the 4g causes some immense limitations and I cant think of an update that made a real difference.
Android- Good but often laggy even with a snapdragon. The UI customization is nice but they're killing themselves not allowing a GPU accelerated UI. I have a Dell Streak for my "fun phone" and though I love it it does seem more appealing to have a phone that "just works" for her. I dont think android will be quite as long-lived though its doing well so far. How can one expect a UI to have devoted developers when you can get anything you want free.
Windows phone 7- Perfect business device, still in what seems almost an open beta phase and lacking a lot of basic features. More promise than any other OS but for the time being it's not living up to the hype.
BadaOS-Support? What support? plays out like a bad WebOS ripoff
Blackberry-Just the most boring thing in the world. Aside from battery life I cannot seem to realize how this OS sells well outside of the old people who dont really know how to use a phone but want something high end...
WebOS- It had it's day in the spotlight and that didn't last too long... I mean its functional but feels almost dirty compared to the more modern OSes
WM6.5- Great OS for someone who wants to devote hours and hours and hours to customizing it to be the most functional OS. Sadly the only device worth having thats wm6.5 anymore is the LEO/HD2.
These are all opinions of mine, she just wants to know the opinion of others. Thanks for your input.
What is her level of technical expertise?
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Moderate, a gaming device would be great but something with a pleasant UI is more appealing
If you don't mind about the limited hardware choice then iOS is very good, especially for newcomers. It'll probably make your life easier (less questions to answer).
Android is a different matter. The experience depends highly on what manufacturer you go for, but if you choose well then you get one of the best (functionality-wise) smartphone OSes out there together with a wide choice of hardware.
Personally I'd suggest the Nexus S (if you can cope with 16GB storage), or failing that the Galaxy S. Both are lovely devices, but the Nexus edges it with it's lovely display, GPU accelerated transitions (Android finally somewhat smooth) and Gingerbread.
Windows Phone 7? If you're a big business and/or Office user, then it's probably the easiest OS to get working with. It has good video/gaming capabilities and a GPU accelerated UI but currently suffers from limited storage space on most devices.
Choose if you love the UI or are a OneNote addict, otherwise I'd stick to the safer bet of Android/iOS for the time-being and wait for things to play out. You probably wouldn't buy a device running iOS 1 or Android 1.5 today, so I'd wait for Windows 7 to catch-up. It is good. It will be great, just in a little while.
That said you should have no problem editing/viewing Office docs or accessing Exchange email on either Android or iOS.
BlackBerry OS - used to be the pinnacle of a smartphone OS, but a lack of innovation and poor hardware has choked the platform, and RIM have said that in the future top-end BlackBerry devices will run the QNX OS they are running on the PlayBook.
WebOS - very good, but still failed to catch up fully with iOS/Android even with the recent update. That said, I think someone has to try a WebOS first - some people love it, some hate it. Limited range of apps.
WinMo 6.5 - Do not buy anymore, unless your business requires it.
Bada OS - Just no. No developers. No apps. No fantastic devices.
joeearl13 said:
If you don't mind about the limited hardware choice then iOS is very good, especially for newcomers. It'll probably make your life easier (less questions to answer).
Android is a different matter. The experience depends highly on what manufacturer you go for, but if you choose well then you get one of the best (functionality-wise) smartphone OSes out there together with a wide choice of hardware.
Personally I'd suggest the Nexus S (if you can cope with 16GB storage), or failing that the Galaxy S. Both are lovely devices, but the Nexus edges it with it's lovely display, GPU accelerated transitions (Android finally somewhat smooth) and Gingerbread.
Windows Phone 7? If you're a big business and/or Office user, then it's probably the easiest OS to get working with. It has good video/gaming capabilities and a GPU accelerated UI but currently suffers from limited storage space on most devices.
Choose if you love the UI or are a OneNote addict, otherwise I'd stick to the safer bet of Android/iOS for the time-being and wait for things to play out. You probably wouldn't buy a device running iOS 1 or Android 1.5 today, so I'd wait for Windows 7 to catch-up. It is good. It will be great, just in a little while.
That said you should have no problem editing/viewing Office docs or accessing Exchange email on either Android or iOS.
BlackBerry OS - used to be the pinnacle of a smartphone OS, but a lack of innovation and poor hardware has choked the platform, and RIM have said that in the future top-end BlackBerry devices will run the QNX OS they are running on the PlayBook.
WebOS - very good, but still failed to catch up fully with iOS/Android even with the recent update. That said, I think someone has to try a WebOS first - some people love it, some hate it. Limited range of apps.
WinMo 6.5 - Do not buy anymore, unless your business requires it.
Bada OS - Just no. No developers. No apps. No fantastic devices.
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I thank you for your reply my wife still wants WP7 but I keep trying to tell her that even though I use it it could take time to work the kinks out. She is considering android but samsung devices are hard to go with especially the galaxy S devices due to the buffer overrun issues. I think we've more or less narrowed it down to those two its just hard to pick which though she is in love with the netflix integration. I think its between the mytouch 4g and the samsung focus
The MT4G is a fantastic device. I'm sure she'd have more fun with it than WP7 and its limited options.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Now when you say limited options what do you mean? I only ask because I recently converted to windows phone 7 after tinkering with android for 2 years and never once having something that felt 'complete.' Also is there any site that I can make one of those phone histories on or do I have to use paint?
WM: The most tested OS good and stable for business, thousands of apps, tweaks, themes, etc a lot of knowledge.
Android: Nice to play with as all is new and free but I got easily bored
WP7: So new, needs more time to get mature. Too closed similar to apple
The hardware limitations and the fact that they're still building the same updates for the 2g that they are for the 4g causes some immense limitations and I cant think of an update that made a real difference.
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No they aren't. The 2g is stuck on Ios 3.2, while the Iphone 4 is on 4.2. Plus the hardware in the Iphone 4 is just about as fast as Snapdragon, and cortex. Hell, the A4 is a Cortex A8.
Android- I like Android a lot, but some of the manufactures don't take it as seriously as I like, and some manufactures are terrible with updates.(Samsung) And the UI isn't hardware accelerated AFAIK. But very easy to customize, I like that. Manufactures can make Android great, or bad.(Motorola, I'm talking to you with your Motoblur crap)
Ios- I like Ios too, but there are a few issues with it. AT&T is the big one, and the second issue because of that is limited data. I can't say that it's a bad thing that to make it useful to my standards, you have to jailbreak it because every Android phone I've had I've rooted for it to work great. I wish Apple would come out with an Iphone with a screen bigger than 3.7inch. And I wish Steve would not have so much hatred towards Adobe, because that means no real flash for Iphone while it's fully capable of it. Frash is okay for the Iphone, but real flash would be better.
BB Os- I'll tell you the same thing I tell people I sell these to. Blackberry is a business phone, so don't expect the fun and colorful UI you see in other OSes. It is very simple to use though, but RIM is stuck on hardware that was released almost 2 years ago. The Pre is originally clocked at 600 mhz like the Droid, the chip inside the Torch which is the newest Blackberry is only at 624 mhz, like the Storm, the Storm 2, the Bold, etc etc. Also, Blackberry does not like to update their phones to the current OS, despite most of the phones having the same specs. It is what it is.
Windows Mobile 6.5- Not bad, but not great. A nice business OS though.
Windows Phone 7- I like it a lot, but no flash support right now is a killer. I don't mind it not having things like bluetooth transfer since I really don't use it, but I would like copy and paste. Also they need to hurry up and expand to different carriers! D:
Symbian- Personally I never used it, but people say it is very versatile.
Webos- I like Webos a lot, I really do. But there simply isn't enough support behind it from developers, which means a huge lack of apps compared to Android and Ios. The big thing that kills me about it, is the fact that the Pre only has a 3inch screen, even the Pre 2 has a 3inch screen despite having specs that can be compared to the Droid 2!
Bada- Samsung, so I can't expect too much from it. I haven't tried it though, and I really don't want to.
What kind of user is your wife? If she wants a phone that does games, txt, email etc... then you have to take into consideration what is the best at these?
IOS even with it's limitations is probably the most "polished" out there. Has a huge base of followers, tons of apps, and it does work out of the box. Sure it's bland in its interface and your locked in with AT&T and the iWorld of Apple. Not to mention that you can't do anything with the hardware itself.
Android: Catching up to Apple - but still not the "iPhone killer" - yet. I personally love Android - and with enough tweaking I don't experience lag on my Captivate. But.. I would highly suggest NOT getting a Galaxy S phone. Too many issues with the devices to merit getting. I would go with an HTC.
Win Mobile 7: Although this looks promising.. if I wanted a boring interface and all the junk that goes with the OS? I'd have an iPhone. And not to mention it's still in its infancy - so who knows if it will go the way of the Do Do bird?
Should also mention about Android, if she gets an Android phone but doesn't root it, then she'll have to deal with all the bloatware the carriers put on the phone.
Can someone really tell me what WP7 and iphone comparisons there really are aside from their more strict markets. I mean yeah you cant sideload apps as easy as android but what motivation do devs have to continue developing if their apps are distributed for free.
For the simple love of sharing!!!
As it have been done for many years in WM
z33dev33l said:
Can someone really tell me what WP7 and iphone comparisons there really are aside from their more strict markets. I mean yeah you cant sideload apps as easy as android but what motivation do devs have to continue developing if their apps are distributed for free.
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IOS or WP7?

Im using 3GS right now and will either upgrade to a WP or IP4/5, I am sick of Android feeling like its still in a beta stage and freezing, closing apps, lagging no matter what phone. Anyway back when I used the focus the UI was amazing! But it was missing features...IOS is great! Time for some new features though imo, has WP7 been upgraded to more features? And how long will those updates last for the current WP's? What in your opinion is the best WP? And ultimatly what do you think is better? Hopefully Apple announces what IOS5 will be like. I really like WP7 but it felt like it needed time to get more features and some Apps were not optimized properly(ebay) but wow! That os is like butter! If it keeps getting features I may have to go WP! Especially if IOS5 is the same old, But for now I guess I gotta stay IOS.
maybe you should wait until fall or september,then both iphone 4s and major updates for WP7 are released,that time you can make a better comparison.which phone to buy...
The Fall Update to WP is a pretty big one, and new hardware will come out with it so I'd wait. The OS as it is, is to me the best designed out there, and the features people have been aching for are almost all coming with Mango (the fall OS update). Its going to be pretty nice, but ultimately up to you what you like most.
you've already pointed out that ios is complete and mature, try a friends phone around christmas and see if wp7 updates are all they're claimed to be...
the iPhone/iOS really is matured. You know where the saying comes from "There is an app for that".
I am still missing a lot of apps I was using on the iPhone, which are not (yet) available for WP7. But I really like the look of feel of WP7.
Wait for Mango if you like simplified device working more or less without any trouble
and you don't miss some basics. The UI is consistent and very easy.
For more sophisticated and better equipped device look somwhere else.
doministry said:
Wait for Mango if you like simplified device working more or less without any trouble
and you don't miss some basics. The UI is consistent and very easy.
For more sophisticated and better equipped device look somwhere else.
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IMO the UI on Wp7 blows iOS out of the water. It's simple yet still highly functional. I keep making my older and less technical users go to WP7 devices. They all seem to love it and I see them on their phones all the time - I'm sure their productivity is tanking lol.
Ignorance is Bliss, as they say.
But I'd wait until Mango and IP5 is our and make a more informed decision.
Right now WP7 can't hold a candle to iOS, but the update will be big. Unfortunately it's months off so you'll have to use a phone that has 30+% less functionality than your 3GS and many showstoppers (and lack of Apps) if you upgrade NOW.
I'd wait.
Wait for iPhone4S/5 and WP7 Mango update, and then decide. You might look into Samsung Galaxy SII as well, it's very fast. Maybe more device coming out with Dualcore/Quadcore that improves Android. WP7 is still in beta stage imho.
I've been using wp7 since October when I replaced my 3gs, and I've missed nothing so far.and that's been very honest, the thing is all I use to use on the iPhone was Facebook eBay satnav n a few more apps so the 300k appstore didn't matter to me. You've gotta think about the features and apps u need. Upgrading to wp7 guarantee u mango update regardless of the handset you choose.
Wp7 Focus
wp7 for sure, the metro UI is amazing.
I just bought a WP& phone, will post what i think of it, just hope the app market kicks off and MS add more functionality and that it becomes moddable
opti7 said:
I just bought a WP& phone, will post what i think of it, just hope the app market kicks off and MS add more functionality and that it becomes moddable
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Functionality is more than coming:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1084161
Marketplace is already pretty good considering dev's cant create certain apps yet (Mango SDK will have all the 1500+ API's available, many of which will be used to create these lacking apps).
If you are looking for heavy modification, it may not be the platform for you, but people will definitely be modding it. Just not the extent WM & Android users are probably used to.
I went with the iPhone4, Im still gonna wait and see how WP7 goes and see what Apple does with IOS5, then I can make my Dec with what I want, but Ive heard from a lot of news sources that WP7 is doing pretty bad in sales and that its really not catching on at all, hopefully it dosnt go the way of the Kin phones...
As some have already said, I would probably wait for the Mango update and iPhone 5 before making the decision. I got a WP7 and I really enjoy it, but I think to make a fair choice, you should wait to pick between the two.
solidkevin said:
I went with the iPhone4, Im still gonna wait and see how WP7 goes and see what Apple does with IOS5, then I can make my Dec with what I want, but Ive heard from a lot of news sources that WP7 is doing pretty bad in sales and that its really not catching on at all, hopefully it dosnt go the way of the Kin phones...
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Actually sales of wp7 from start till now are better then sales of iphone when it came out for same amount of time + soon nokia will arrive with their wp7 phones and wp7 is gonna blow the market
eXtremeLT said:
Actually sales of wp7 from start till now are better then sales of iphone when it came out for same amount of time + soon nokia will arrive with their wp7 phones and wp7 is gonna blow the market
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Nokia phones in 2012 which is dumb imo, why not get it rolling out as quickly as possible?
solidkevin said:
Nokia phones in 2012 which is dumb imo, why not get it rolling out as quickly as possible?
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They are doing it as quickly as possible. Its a major change at Nokia, it doesn't happen overnight. Nokia is planning for a late 2011 release of their first phone(s), and they are planning a whopping 12 devices (rumored so far) in 2012 running wp7 (including a dual core N8 version with a 12MP high optics camera). They will be using both qualcomm chips and SE dual core chips according to forbes.
http://blogs.forbes.com/elizabethwo...bes.com: Technology News)&utm_content=Twitter
There will also be some pretty nice second gen phones from Samsung, HTC, LG ect so people should have quite a few nice ones to choose from.
dtboos said:
They are doing it as quickly as possible. Its a major change at Nokia, it doesn't happen overnight. Nokia is planning for a late 2011 release of their first phone(s), and they are planning a whopping 12 devices (rumored so far) in 2012 running wp7 (including a dual core N8 version with a 12MP high optics camera). They will be using both qualcomm chips and SE dual core chips according to forbes.
http://blogs.forbes.com/elizabethwo...bes.com: Technology News)&utm_content=Twitter
There will also be some pretty nice second gen phones from Samsung, HTC, LG ect so people should have quite a few nice ones to choose from.
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Click to collapse
If the OS is up to par with IOS in terms of features and Apps by the time Nokias phone comes, thats my next phone, Nokia=Fantastic hardware+Camera, Crap Symbian...

WP7 vs Android, help me out

I'll be getting a new phone within the next month probably. The question is what OS it will run. Currently I have a Motorola Milestone XT720 running Android (running a poor build of CM7 right now). The phone has an underpowered processor and miniscule amount of RAM and doesn't do the best job of running android.
I've been watching WP7 for a while and I've felt tempted to make the switch from Android to WP7. I think Android is a great OS, but I have issues with some aspects of it and have been checking out the other camp (iOS/iPhone does not appeal to me at ALL btw).
Here's what appeals to me about WP7:
+ Metro UI looks slick, pretty and unique
+ All the transitions around the OS (at least as I've seen in videos) look fantastic. Really looks like a lot of detail, animations and polish around the entire OS.
+The unified UX and UI of Metro are really appealing to me, who has had a headache of an experience with Android (I am what I believe is a "power user" and do not have trouble with technology, but navigation and looks of android have been clunky).
-ICS brings more polish to Android and looks like a big improvement but google has basically taken the swiping around OS straight from Microsoft's book and the new UI isn't as consistent around the entire OS as I'd like to be (as opposed to Metro).
+ Some Microsoft services. Zune looks gorgeous, and the service seems interesting (although I found the previous model in which users kept 10 songs at end of month more appealing). Microsoft Office looks very nice and seems to have all the productivity I need (Google Doc app on Android pretty much sucks - though I do like gdocs in general). I use my android primarily for productivity and music and looks like WP7 has great stuff built in.
+ I hear performance and battery life on WP7 generally tops android.
+ "The phone to save me from my phone". When I saw that ad campaign a year ago when I had just gotten my android, I didn't really get what the tagline meant. After spending a year endlessly tweaking, theming and modifying my android in every way possible, I understand. Android is customizable and that is nice. However, I waste so much time with that aspect of Android. What I want is the complete package, in a beautiful design that simply works. It's what I spent all that time tweaking android and switching ROMs to achieve, but I never seem to be happy. I feel that WP7 may actually save me from my phone.
The problem with WP7 for me:
- I worry about making the switch from Android's massive app market to WP7's smaller one. I do see the statements about it being the fastest growing one though.
- There are a number of standout apps on Android that are simply amazing quality apps. (i.e. PowerAmp, SPB Shell 3D, Beautiful Widgets etc...) Can anyone list some unique quality apps that WP7 has? Like 5-10 app list would be great.
- I'm a fan of a bunch of google services. How do the microsoft ones compare? (i.e. bing vs google, office vs docs, maps etc...)
- APPS ARE SO DARN EXPENSIVE. Looked at the market the other day and saw games seem to go on average at $7 as opposed to Android where pretty much everything is free.
- Where are the phones? This is my biggest issue with WP7 right now. I live in Canada and use AWS for my carrier. There are like 2-3 WP7 phones that work with my carrier (WIND) and they are all old stuff from like WP7 launch. The new phones don't seem to be carrying AWS 1700/2100 bands. New Nokia phones looking amazing (except for lack of ffcamera) but no AWS bands and not coming to Canada for a while (and I want to get a new phone within the month). What WP7 phone with good specs could I get if I wanted one?
Galaxy Nexus is coming to Canada and works with Wind and has amazing specs so that might be what I end up with... but I'd like to know if I can consider getting WP7.
Lastly, if you've made the switch from Android to WP7, please feel free to share your thoughts on how you feel after the switch.
Thanks!
(Hopefully I posted this in the right section - not sure)
I'm a windows mobile / windows phone lover and have been since day 1 so I won't go on and on about why you should jump to wp7, but I will say this...
Now that Nokia has entered the fray the app market and support will grow more and more... There will be new wp7 users purely because of nokia...
My mates are all android boys and i gotta say, its looking dated compared to wp7... My android mates marvel at the speed of metro ui when they see me check on several emails and some text messages and delete them and have the phone back in my belt pouch in seconds...
Well you won't need SPB Shell or Beautiful Widgets in WP7, since WP7 is already 'beautiful' enough and I'm sure you'll agree with me. PowerAMP is pretty sweet in that it can play a lot of file types, something you can't do in WP7, but I really don't see the need to play so many types of files. Usually I use my phone to watch Youtube videos, which WP7 does flawlessly, or listen to MP3 songs, not some other funny formats. But then again, it depends on your usage.
There are a lot of quality apps in WP7, but I don't know what to recommend because it's basically all up to your usage. I find things like 'The Onion 7' and 'Cyanide and Happiness' really unique and good on WP7, but it's not for everybody.
For those apps that are 'for everybody', the integrated Facebook and Twitter experience is really something that is unmatched. There are really good Twitter apps too like Birdsong for more functionality.
As for Microsoft services vs Google services, I'll have to say that Microsoft has the upper hand in Office compared to GDocs, and Google has the upper hand in their Maps. Bing vs GSearch, it's subjective. I find GSearch much better for searching serious stuff, while Bing in WP7 is really useful is helping make your life easier. Local cinemas, food and stuff like that. I don't get to enjoy them because I live in a country that is not supported by Bing.
At the end of the day, I think the question you have to ask yourself is this: Are apps more important, or general user experience more important?
Because WP7 is still really short on apps. The big names are there, but when it comes to maybe your local cinema or airlines to purchase ticket, or funky apps like FaceNiff to steal people's Facebook passwords, WP7 just won't have it for now. I can't say for the future.
Meanwhile, WP7 is great on the user experience. Live Tiles to me is much more functional than Widgets, battery life is great, UI is fluid and responsive, seldom crashes, more integrated services (I use the integrated Facebook chat a lot, it has become sort of a WhatsApp for me.), less problems.
I'm using a HD2, couldn't stand using NoDo, went back to Android NAND, wanted to try Mango 'just for fun', stuck with it. Just couldn't leave it. I'm seriously considering buying the Nokia Lumia 800.
it depends...now I'm on the WP7 side...
I'm a proud owner of a HD2 and with it I passed through WM 6.5 all Android Roms and finally WP7
The decision is hard, by the way if you go with WP7 will not regret you just have to wait 6 months to have a Marketplace comparable (in quality) with Android Market. If I have to chose, I would not consider Android if I was not meant to root it; if you want to root then wait for ICS to see if that brings something worth...
This is my view;
- Phone core features: both are extremely dependable, Android has been optimized a bit more and usually drains less battery (even if that depends also on the HW). I would give 10/10 to Android and 9/10 to WP7
- Phone UI: Android stock UI sucks, maybe ICS will be better but at the moment the only comparable UI are MIUI (there are excellent themes) and at some extent Sense, but that means that you have to root it. I would give 9/10 to WP7 and 6/10 to stock Android (8/10 to MIUI and 7/10 to Sense)
- Embedded Apps: WP7 has embedded Mobile Office, a wonderful Zune and an excellent Messaging apps; I would give 9/10 to WP7 and 6/10 to stock Android
- Third Party Integration; Android is great and API natively support deep integration with 3pp applications; I would 9/10 to Android, 6/10 to WP7
- Market: Functionally wise they are similar; Android Market counts "uncountable" apps, MS Marketplace is at its beginning...but many useful and popular apps have been ported and in the last 3 months it has improved a lot, so I expect a huge development with current (Nokia) and future device launches (Christmas)
- Other: WP7 is coupled with Zune that is a great piece of SW; nothing similar on Android side. I would give 9/10 to WP7 and 6/10 to Android
Thanks guys. I was worried I would be getting "Android sucks GO WP7!" posts as replies, but responses so far have been exactly what I'm looking for - good analysis. Of course I'm not quite ready to make my decision, but does anyone have any idea of any upcoming T-mo or other AWS 1700/2100 band WP7 phones coming out soon? Do you think Nokia will make a 1700/2100 band Lumia?
On a side note - I find it dissapointing that there's no front facing camera on the lumia. With the skype buyout by microsoft that seems like a really poor decision.
syrenz said:
Thanks guys. I was worried I would be getting "Android sucks GO WP7!" posts as replies, but responses so far have been exactly what I'm looking for - good analysis. Of course I'm not quite ready to make my decision, but does anyone have any idea of any upcoming T-mo or other AWS 1700/2100 band WP7 phones coming out soon? Do you think Nokia will make a 1700/2100 band Lumia?
On a side note - I find it dissapointing that there's no front facing camera on the lumia. With the skype buyout by microsoft that seems like a really poor decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, MS is still ironing out WP7. It's still in the invention mode, so to speak, and probably in another year WP7 will be finally fully caught up to iOS. We all should begin to see some serious hardware by then.
syrenz said:
(Hopefully I posted this in the right section - not sure)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not right section, this is not related to Q&A about WP7. Thread closed.

Help me make an expensive decision, XDA. (Nexus 4 v. iPhone 5)

Note to Mods: If this is in the wrong section, I truly am sorry, I just don't know where else this can go.
A note to peasants like me: LEAVE ALL YOUR BIAS BEHIND. Please make good argumentative points, don't just baselesly bash everyone who doesn't think like you. Also, don't just say "uhuh that sukz jst bcuz wow l00zer n00b ur mum" to back up your points.
Thanks.
Ok, now that that's out of the way, on to the elephant in the room:
I'm considering buying an unlocked phone to use for Tmo or Att prepaid plans here in the US. I'm seriously considering the iPhone 5, and the Nexus 4, or a considerably similar phone.
I want you(the community) to help me decide by making some points and just helping me out. This is a big decision and I trust you guys at XDA will help me make the correct decision.
Reasons why I'm considering the iPhone 5:
-Apps developed here almost always before Android, and usually run better on iOS than on Android (Temple Run, Instagram, etc.)
-Some apps exclusive to iOS, like Quizlet (This is a HUGE point, being that my main "studdy buddy" is Quizlet since StudyBlue has a garbage Android app.) (Also, in apps like Flipboard, certain channels blocked to
-iMessage: a lot, and I mean A LOT of my buddies own iPhones, I miss out on a lot of iMessage stuff.
-System-wide color Emoji support (this is the stupidest reason, this shouldn't even be a reason, but whatever)
-Better and much broader range of cases available(LifeProof is a huge bonus, as is Otterbox, etc.)
-Screen looks really nice (even though it's somewhat of a downgrade)
-Notification Center for the lock screen is GREAT imho.
-Find my iPhone and other services already baked in, rather than a standalone app
-Solid construction
Reasons why I'm considering the Nexus 4/Comparable devices
-Google Now
-Ability to make programs default programs, unlike iOS
-Customization
-Swappable keyboards
-Google Maps
-Already have a considerable amount of money (~$15) bought in Play Store stuff that I'd have to rebuy on App Store, plus the money in my Play Store account from credit for buying a Nexus 7 (~$20 left)
If I went the iPhone way, I'd make a complete switch, which means get rid of my N7, which I currently use for college, and replace it with an iPad, which I've heard is better for college.
So, XDA, can you help me make an educated and very expensive decision? Thanks. I'll be monitoring this thread
contract or locked for the iphone? personally i'd go with a nexus for the fact that it's unlocked at a great price, albeit not as great as a contracted phone. also depends if you love to flash or leave it out of the box? iphone only wins for ditching the glass on glass concept
nyamoV2 said:
contract or locked for the iphone? personally i'd go with a nexus for the fact that it's unlocked at a great price, albeit not as great as a contracted phone. also depends if you love to flash or leave it out of the box? iphone only wins for ditching the glass on glass concept
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both would be unlocked. I like flashing new ROMs, but I'll usually wait until they're relatively stable or at least until basic necessities begin to work.
Depends , on what you like to do... But why do you say that is a downgrade the ip5 display, it has the most accurate colors....
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
z0mg hwo cud u menshun appul produks on xda zomg u shud b kikband :laugh:
For the iphone: it works, good battery life, the newer versions of siri are pretty much tied with google now (whereas the older version was easily beat by google now), and most importantly, it works! (did I mention it works yet? well, it works). Apps tend to run better, and it just feels smoother. I hate to give it to apple, but I have never found an android phone with hardware as nicely done as on an iphone. The con is that it's extremely limited, and I don't like the UI.
nexus 4: just look through the XDA development forums. Then look back at that iphone...need I say more? :good:
added to that, I prefer the UI and the greater amount of customization. Also more great apps are free for android than on Iphone (or at least the ones I tend to use). Overall I feel that an android can do more easier than iphone can, provided you set things up right. I'm mostly looking at the homescreen, but also the settings menu, etc.
So obviously I'm biased towards an android, but I think an iphone has plenty of advantages as well.
Well, I'm sure you'll be told to go to the device recommendation thread - but I might as well post since I have nothing better to do and it's not locked yet.
I've had Apple devices before and have nothing against them. I bought a MacBook a few years back because it was the best choice for me at the time. I've since gotten rid of the "laptop" part of my device collection and use Linux and an Android tablet + phone. I considered the iPhone when I was shopping.
Personally, I do not like where the iPhone is at right now, that's one of the reasons I didn't go with it. I think Apple really needs to "re-think" iOS and do something perhaps like Samsung has with "Simple" and "Basic" modes for the UI - so that they can get to creating something more than a glorified App Drawer. It's an eyesore to me, and though I appreciate that it's familiar to many people, I don't think it's even the easiest configuration to use for new tech users.
I don't really know why an iPad would be better for "college" - I'm going to college right now and have seen people use both Apple and Android tablets. I think the Transformer series from ASUS is the most "college friendly" type of tablet, but I guess it depends on what you're trying to do with it.
If you can't tell, I love learning and playing around with the stuff I have. Android is a better playground for this than iOS which doesn't exactly encourage it. They like to cultivate their system to a high level, but I prefer being able to experiment even if it's possible the outcome will suck.
It really depends on what's important to YOU. I ended up choosing the SIII because I wanted a removable battery and micro SD card and Apple just didn't offer this no matter what. That's what I wanted and what was the "deal maker" for me. I also like that there's so much customisation without having to void the warranty. I can make this the phone I want - the UI is very important for me and while I don't mind OSX (although Ubuntu has done for the general OS look what OSX really ought to do) on a computer, I'm really not a fan of iOS - I feel like Apple's technology and ideas are great, but their software and design aesthetic are lagging - like if Windows 8 hadn't moved on and instead decided to keep the Win98 look so people would be "more comfortable". Because I wanted the removable battery + SD card, that would rule out the N4 for me, too. Personally, I'd still go for the SIII or wait for the IV.
I'm on T-Mobile, I switched from Sprint. I love the service, though I've heard it's not so great on an iPhone. I'd consider the plans and your area and what kind of service there is, too. I have 4G towers all over the city where my school is and get very fast speeds all over campus. But T-Mobile isn't everywhere and I think there are speed issues with the iPhone although if they're getting one, maybe they're changing things ? I don't know, since I'm not in the market for a new phone I haven't looked into this.
i would never suggest to go for a iphone for a simple reason of the difficulty in sharing media over bluetooth. I share a lot of stuff with my friends over bluetooth specially music which is not possible on iphone. i am unsure if the lates iphone 5 has these limitations removed or not. Maybe you could share via whatsapp or other messenger but there are times when there is no network coverage and you want to share stuff and thats when you need bluetooth.
This is well worth watching if you've haven't already, made a similar decision for me quite simple..
...If you like to customize, theme whatever then Get the Nexus, if you want a Phone that does what it says on the tin, and nothing more, get the iPhone.
Nexus 4 for me... Iphone 5 have a lot of problems...
Please ask such questions in the device suggestion thread.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

[Q] The typical question: Android or iOS.

Hey everyone!
First of all, I am new here. I joined with the vision of getting my question answered, but then i fell over some other threads, and found this forum exciting. So i might stick around for awhile.
*Excuse me if i posted this the wrong place*
Brief:
I currently am in the situation where.. Yes, I am sick of my iPhone.
It's a GREAT phone! It's fast, stylish, and durable (atleast so far!).
But i miss the lack of customization.
Untill last december, i've had android phones. However, back then they were slow. The fastest one I've had, was a Galaxy S II. It was fast back then, but when i use my friend's now, it's so laggy and edgy.
I am really considering getting an Android. But there's a few things holding me back..
iPhone
+ I have an iPhone 5. It's fast.
+ My iPhone 5 is stylish.
+ I have 2 MacBook Pro's, an iMac, Apple TV, iPod and an iPad. So i fear the communication between Android and them.
+ The applications. I personally find Appstore filled with higher-of-quality applications.
+ iCloud. It stores my contacts and stuff. But Android's got an alternative for that tho.
+ iMessage. I love being able to chat from my macbook to iPhones, without confuse. And fast iPhone-to-iPhone chat without the recievant have to download specific software.
+ Reputation. Call me childish, but i just find it "cooler" to have an iPhone..
- Screensize. God it's starting to annoy me. I like having a big badass phone.
- Features. I personally think that the iPhone 5 lacks features.
+/- Jailbreak. Jailbreaking the iPhone gives it alot of awesome features! But having the need to jailbreak it, sucks. Also it makes it impossible to update to the newest immediately. Also yet jailbroken, the system is still very limited. Also it takes a lot of time for it to come out. I haven't had my phone jailbroken for 8 months.
Android
++ CUSTOMIZATION!
++ The freedom to do basically what you want with the phone.
+ Screensize; I find the iPhone 5 screen a tat too small. I miss a bigger size phone, eg the Galaxy S II.
- I fear the speed? Will they be as snappy as i am used to on my iPhone?
- Durability. I remember the old Android phones went slow in just a few weeks due to cache's and stuff. How does that seem now?
+ Features. I think that most Android phones have got some very interesting features. Eg: One Blink Feed, Note 3 S-Pen, S3/4 eye-motion detector.
+ No-jailbreak. Altho Android have the ability to get rooted, it's not necessary (unless you want flashed ROM's). I find that great for my needs, since i love customizing and changing my homescreen-layout / phone functionality on a day-to-day basis. Also iPhone jailbreaks takes a lot of time to come out.
I am very unsure of what to do. It's very hard!
I really like my iPhone, but i miss the lack of customization.
My heart tells me to keep my iPhone, but my brain and inner-geek tells me to go fetch an android.
If it was up to me, i'd have both. But i don't have the money to get a new Android and keep my iPhone. Then i will have to sell my iPhone first.
Could you guys possible give me some aspects and viewpoints on this? I am open for critiques, since i am not coloured of "what's better or worse". I just want personal views.
Also, have anyone gone from iPhone 5 to Android? And did you regret it? (Which i am afraid that i MAYBE will).
And if you advice me to get an Android: Which one?
Thanks in advance!
Welcome at the XDA forums my friend!
From what I think, iOS is child's play in comparison to Android.
Howell iPhones are indeed fast, stylish, etc, the OS won't ever give you control of things.
Apple has it's stuff working together well and so, but the price ofcourse, is to it.
Going through your points, you can make yourself a conclusion, this is just my view on things:
Speed
Android can be as fast as you want it to be, only if you are willing to spend the money on it which you would've spend on an iPhone. Also, making tweaks or changes to your system (You're on XDA anyway) helps greatly in this process.
Keep in mind that Apple has only few devices to optimize their system for, while Android is changed to work on a specific device.
Sync
I have to agree here that Apple has the syncs sorted out better. On Android this is a bit messier, but still working very well when you've got everything up and running. The main reason for this, is that Android is existing more and more out of fragments rather than a fullyfixed system.
Apps
Ofcourse the Appstore is filled with way more quality apps; Apple doesn't allow all Apps to there store. It's part of their policy. Where Google only removes apps from their Store, Apple only allows apps to their store.
Also I kinda like that Google makes their apps available to iOS, which I've barely seen the other way.
Messaging
iMessage is great, but since a few months, Hangouts has the same features plus more! And best of it, it's nearly standard packed (older devices will have to update Talk) with the system.
Durability
Android phones are in my opinion better in getting a new life than iOS phones. Ensurely when you're rooted/unlocked. Phones that have been all forgotten about by their manufacturers (also Apple does this) can still be up to date and smooth thanks to the great devs around. It may take some bravery, but that's completely on to yourself.
The other points not covered by these are more subjective I think.
Like I said, take your own conclusions from this and let me hear what it'll be!
Makes sense
Thanks for your reply!
Your aspects makes sense. Especially with the price thing.
Apple's expensive, and one option-only. (okay, 5c too)
Where Android phones in the same price scale, will top at quad core with double the speeds. RAM too.
What phone would you suggest i get then? In Denmark the variety of sold phones is limited.
You can see them here www . telenor . dk / privat / mobil /
(i cannot post URL's yet)
Android all the way. With the customizations and the community you can't go wrong.
iPhone: good camera, fast, decent battery life
Android: everything else
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
android - viruses and lots of apps
iOS - nice phone

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