Database Info

Am I being too overly fearful?

My cellphone history:
Cell phone - Bought for - Sold for - Used for
Nokia X6 - 250 $ - 180$ - 2 months
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10i - 250$ - 220$ - 2 months
Apple iPhone 3gs - 300$ - 100$ - 1 year
HTC Incredible S - 250$ - 180$ - 1 month
I have had other cell phones in the gaps but I don't remember them, the prices or the time used for.
So here is my story, I have had the need to buy a cellphone in the recent days and I have been following the market too. I first wanted an HTC Sensation which was for 320$, 3 months earlier, but now, I can find the same one for 210$ or something. I then wanted a Samsung Galaxy S 2 which was available for 380$ 2 months before but now I can find one for 260$ or less. The same goes with other cell phones I have been following (much of stalking).
Living in a country where I get 15$ a month for my pocket money, you can understand the importance of even 1$ for me. 10$ here means a lot for some people. I can get a Nokia 1280 or a Nokia 1202 for 10$, so, that explains the story. Being the guy who loves new technology, I want to get the best technology around me and get one which can get me through a period of 1 - 2 years without being called outdated or old. From the above history, you can know that I have used the iPhone 3gs for 1 year or even more time than that due to the fact that Apple gives update to most of it's devices (starting from 3gs), I was happy with it but that's the time when the iPhone 4s came to the market and I had to bear a loss of 200$. That loss meant a lot to me. It brought down to the earth from the sky. There aren't any companies which offer contracts which are good. I then think that I should wait for the next model to release because I want to buy an older model because it would fall cheaper.
This is being too big, long story short. Any cellphone that comes to the market losses it's value within a new cellphone from that company. Since I want to buy a phone and not bear a big loss the next time and have the best technology at the same that, I can't decide to buy a cellphone because I am being fearful because if I buy a cellphone, it might loss it's value tomorrow when a better one comes to the market and I will have to bear a great loss again. I was just wondering if I am being too fearful regarding this matter.
Can anyone advise me what to do because I am confused a LOT?
Note: All the phones talked about above are second hands because I can't offered new ones.

Thats the way it is with technology, especially in the fast paced mobile market. New models are always coming out and devices depreciate very quickly. You want a phone that can work for your needs, it doesn't have to be the lastest and greatest if your needs don't require high end hardware.
iPhones do get supported quite a while in new OS versions, but for older devices the OS can be stripped of new features like Siri. iPhones are also more expensive because you are paying for the brand name. If you want an Android device that stays up to date for a while, get a Nexus device. But you don't need to be on the latest and greatest phone with the newest version of Android. Find something you like and can afford and buy it. Don't assume it will get any OS updates if its an older or uncommon device. And don't pay attention to its resale value, technology loses its value fast.

I kinda wonder why it is more important to you what your phone costs than what it can do for you. Personally, I don't care at all about value loss. I list the features I want and then go for the cheapest model that has them. The phone then gets used till it either breaks down or is lost.

spunker88 said:
Thats the way it is with technology, especially in the fast paced mobile market. New models are always coming out and devices depreciate very quickly. You want a phone that can work for your needs, it doesn't have to be the lastest and greatest if your needs don't require high end hardware.
iPhones do get supported quite a while in new OS versions, but for older devices the OS can be stripped of new features like Siri. iPhones are also more expensive because you are paying for the brand name. If you want an Android device that stays up to date for a while, get a Nexus device. But you don't need to be on the latest and greatest phone with the newest version of Android. Find something you like and can afford and buy it. Don't assume it will get any OS updates if its an older or uncommon device. And don't pay attention to its resale value, technology loses its value fast.
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Sorry but the talk isn't about getting an iPhone or an Android. Not that you are provoking a war or something. I just liked the way it was, simple and stable. I can't recall any crash on the OS or anything. Anyway, the topic is being turned away. The basic meaning of getting an update is that most of the new applications are supported by the latest OS. Having OS 4.3.3 won't get you the Facebook application because it isn't supported, likewise, you can't get Google Chrome application on anything below 4.0.4 on Android, that's where it starts to suck.
I have to agree that technology loses a lot of value in a very short time. I was just wondering if I was being too fearful. I can't even decide on something.
onyxbits said:
I kinda wonder why it is more important to you what your phone costs than what it can do for you. Personally, I don't care at all about value loss. I list the features I want and then go for the cheapest model that has them. The phone then gets used till it either breaks down or is lost.
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In my case it does, specially with the case that I want an upgraded chipset model when it becomes cheaper.

I recommend purchasing a device second hand if you haven't decided that already, but with fairly good dev support and a large community.
EDIT: that way ROMs running latest firmware which would be delayed or discontinued on your handset, will come your way in just a matter of time
Galaxy nexus, or S2 would be smart options imo
Sent from my GT-I9300

Yea, would agree with 23Six. Galaxy Nexus or SGS2 (if SGS2, try to get the I9100 as there are a couple of variants and the I9100 has a wider dev base). With the Nexus, OS updates are pretty much as soon as Google releases them AFAIK. The SGS2 should be at a relatively good price point and shouldn't depreciate too much further since the SGS3 is out and SGS4 sounds to be in the pipeline.

It's a lot of money - but it's up to you if it's worth it.
One thing I think that's keeping you back is that you are looking at price to determine value. Price doesn't tell you if something is still a good phone, if the phone can still do what you need.
"Keeping up with technology" is an expensive hobby - but it's just a hobby, it's not necessary. You can buy a phone and keep it for two years, no problem - and it will probably be just fine unless you lose it or break it. Your iPhone 3 was still just fine and wasn't a $200 loss when the iPhone 4 came out. You had the phone for a period of time before the price dropped - it will ALWAYS be cheaper to wait, and you can wait literally forever.
I agree with onyxbits - figure out what you really want from a phone and then figure out which model best meets your needs for a price you're okay with. Setting a budget can help you narrow it down instead of feeling pressured and unsure.

Is the 1020 still worth getting?

My 4s is crapping out slowly, and i found a brand new lumia 1020 for $250 on kijiji, brand new, in yellow! kinda tempted to get it cuz of the nice camera and windows 10 around the corner, as well as denim just released, but it is 2015, and the 1020 wasn't a powerhouse to begin with. what do you guys think? save the $250 and wait, or will the phone still be viable for some time? as you can tell, i'm on a budget. would have gone for the oneplus one, but with the canadian dollar + shipping it will likely be $500+ delivered.
anyway, thanks for the advice.

Just for camera?
The question is "Are you going for this phone just for camera?". If you answer is "yes" then, go ahead. This is the simply the best camera out there. At this budget, superb.
But, if you considering moving from Android to Windows Phone, that is a big adventure. Mainly because of the App store and other features of the WP, which Android user may not like.
I advise you to check the Windows Phone OS first (may be borrow phone from a friend) before actually buying.
Note: I am using this phone just for its camera.

I have been using the Nokia Lumia 1020 for about 6 months. It has been doing very well for me, and I bought it for two reasons. One, I missed Windows OS. I used to use a HTC Wizard, then a Tytn and finally the Kaiser. They were fantastic, and the Kaiser I used straight for a good 5 years. In fact, that phone I still have and it works just fine, however the battery is showing its age and the front bezel has cracked and fallen off in places.
The second reason is that my Samsung Galaxy SII LTE was an absolute piece of garbage. I used it for almost 2 1/ years and it was problematic pretty much from the get-go. I had battery issues (replaced the battery)... then there were the constant freezes, crashes, app drops and more. It was absolutely terrible! I had more issues with Android than any other phone I have used..
I've used a lot of phones, but my Windows OS phones have been the best ones I have ever used! I got hooked with the old Motorola VX220... and moved on from there..
Glad to be back to Windows OS and I don't see myself ever going back.
The 1020 I bought both for the camera (I love it) and for the phone itself. It has proven to be more than reliable, it has proven to be an absolute wonderful phone!
Granted it sucks not having expandable storage space, but hey, that 4s you have isn't either!
I'd say grab one, they are excellent phones and will treat you well...! Just make sure you get a case for it as the phone can feel a bit slippery without one..

I don't feel the need of getting the next samsung device, what are your opinions?

Its all the same, nevertheless. I find nexus 6P more elegant and unique, thus the reason buying it because theres so many people with samsung devices, even low class people which just filters out its uniqueness and its price tag making it look worthless outside. What are your opinions? If your on Samsung S6/Edge/+, would you have the need to upgrade to an device such as Samsung S7?
EDIT :
I've posted an explanation as to what low class in this instance means. forgive me if it had you in any way, i was never trying to make any of you owners sad, its just that for so many, they have this phone and it just gets rid of its status 'elegant'. Elegant is ment to be beautiful, stylish. But when everyone has this 'elegant' phone, where does the definition exist of being stylish?
EDIT2:
I love the samsung edge because its invention of curve screen. I've even had friends give them to me to try for an hour or so. The thing is that, i don't like people having the same phone as me. I was about to get the nexus 5x but one of my friends got it, so i went ahead with nexus 6p. But that doesnt mean that i would get another new phone if someone else has the same phone as me because that would be regarded as wasting money.

I agree I'm in a bond my Samsung smartphone if I should get the new one must have something waw and cool and interesting

I got my Galaxy S phone to be different from everybody else.
Then I got my Galaxy S4/S5 because they were simply the best.
Samsung is neither unique or the best anymore so...

Nexus6p stands strong in Android market . I hope Samsung won't compete to beat n6P with bloatware and bla bla. Hail nexus6p

After living with the LG G4 for a couple weeks, I'll be sticking with Samsung, if for no other reason that I FAR prefer the Home/capacative buttons that Samsung offers compared to the on screen buttons that all the other major makers use. Plus, I like Samsung's screens the best, & they are always at or near the top in camera, performance, etc. Custom ROMs take care of the bloat. Now, Samsung isn't perfect, & I am very disappointed by their removal of SD & replaceable battery, which is why I'm still hanging in there with my S4, which I had planned to replace with the S6. It looks like the SD is coming back, which will be probably be enough for me to go with the S7. If the S7 had replaceable battery, it would be a slam dunk for me. Despite the G4 having those features, it's size & button arrangement (including the power & volume) made it an overall less preferable unit to me than my aging S4.

I agree with the OP, my next device will be a Nexus one.

Not going to upgrade/downgrade from the note 4. But it will interesting to see if Samsung has learned something and if they will put the removable battery and a micro sd card back into their phones.
But yeah real buttons will always beat out in screen ones

So no one have an issue with this person stating even "low class" people have a Samsung?...Obviously not.
Sent from my Z10 using xda premium

If you can afford it buy Galaxy S7 or just buy some chinese Android phone.
But I definitely like to have microSD card back on Galaxy S7

You sound pretentious and terrible. Just because a company sells their product successfully does not make them worse. They're still using top of the line, listening to consumers by reinstating the microSD slot. You're not special because you have money to buy better products. If you wanna be so "different" go buy an iPhone. You have the same mindset as an apple fanboy.

Like most phones, upgrading every year isn't very appealing because there's only so much that can be improved. I wouldn't upgrade from a Galaxy S6. But I certainly will from my S5 Sport!

II-DJ-Messiah-II said:
even low class people
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Really, low class? Well you are the Messiah so I guess everyone is low class to you.

I agree with some of you, I don't seen the point of upgrading every year, there isn't a big enough difference between each years models. I don't mind iPhone once they are jailbroken, I have an iPhone 4 that has been through hell and back with me and still kicking. I have been through a kyocera slide I got stuck in boot loop and bricked a HTC desire. Now have an LG G3 that I love and haven't had any problems. If your going from a device that that is a couple models older and is going obsolete then upgrade, but most of us don't have the money laying around to to by a new phone every year.
Have they even set a release date for the Galaxy D7 yet?

By low class, you have to understand that i am not defining those who have samsung as lower class. its your choice to have it or not. but the thing is that wherever i go, everywhere! people have got either samsung or apple in their hands and to me it feels like its just too many. it just destroys its elegancy and its price tag. i don't know how to explain but I hope i cleared some misconceptions

Not usually one to post, but you're not helping yourself any with your explanation. You still come off as elitist, shallow, and rather petty to be honest.
Who cares how many people have a phone? Are you going to tell me an iPhone isn't nice because millions of people have one? Or that the Galaxy series is suddenly not one of the best phones, simply because more people have it?
I dunno if this is going to be breaking news to you, but with contract subsidies and pricing offers and various discounts, even the most expensive of smartphones are a relatively cheap luxury item. With the modern reliance on cellphones, and mobile data, of course having a good phone is going to be something most people will spend a few extra dollars on. Is it really a newsflash that people want the best? Or did you not consider that most people are flocking to the Galaxy series, and the iPhone lineup, because they have a longstanding legacy of being two of the best, powerhouse smartphones available.
Furthermore.. elegance? Really? They're phones, not watches. They're consumption devices that have increasingly more and more uses.. not just little gadgets people get, to show off how rich or awesome they are. Only the geekiest of the geeks have a nerdgasm about how much more elegant their phone is than the average person. The rest of us standard model geeks would rather just enjoy our phones as the tools that they are, and try to find the one that works best for us.

Well done, ThePheonixChameleon. I totally agree, although what do I know, I'm an inelegant, low-class owner of a Galaxy S4, no less.

There is no need to get a Samsung devuce, because there is OnePlus out there...
I was a great fan of Samsung devices, and I'm still are. But now I have two OnePlus devices and I'm very satisfied with them. So I won't get any other device for now and the near future. :beer:

hella356 said:
Well done, ThePheonixChameleon. I totally agree, although what do I know, I'm an inelegant, low-class owner of a Galaxy S4, no less.
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Ehh, I just picked up my fourth rooted Galaxy S3 off Swappa. Still clinging to that antique, cliche phone.. with it's plastic case and inelegant awesomeness that made it the only phone anyone wanted of it's generation.

I currently own a Galaxy S5 Sport. Great phone, but the first thing I did was flash CM12.1, waiting for CM13. Touchwiz is a piece of ****. Samsung phones are so much better than one would think if you get rid of the garbage stock ROM. I'm not just speaking aesthetically, the performance is atrocious. It's so smooth and never hangs up now, also doesn't force close when trying to do something intensive and the RAM management is much better!

victor1g said:
'm not just speaking aesthetically, the performance is atrocious. It's so smooth and never hangs up now, also doesn't force close when trying to do something intensive and the RAM management is much better!
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Totally agree. I also had a SGS5 before I exchanged it with the OnePlus Two. I tried a lot of different Rom's. The very best I flashed on it was AICP. I was very satisfied with that Rom. Maybe you will try it out. :thumbup:

Would you buy an Essential Phone again?

Hi all, just discovered the Essential Phone yesterday while getting ready to buy a Sony Xperia XZ2 compact. I like a sleek, small(er) phone and there are very few options that will work on Verizon's CDMA network.
I've been researching all I can on this phone and would likely buy one certified refurbished off Amazon. The price seems amazing!
I've been reading a bit about cellular quality (people losing signal) and other small issues. Of course you always hear about issues online but rarely do people post their pleasant experience with a product.
How popular are these phones? Did they sell well? Do you think there are many out there that have never had any issues or, are these a better 2nd phone next to a more reliable daily driver?
One thing I would like to do is use a new Samsung Galaxy Watch with my new phone. I've read Pie has had some issues playing nice with smart watches (Galaxy watches in particular?)
I also have read the Essential Phone is easily rootable which is fantastic. I've rooted phones in the past (it's been a while) and have no issue doing so again if it would help make this amazing phone more stable, reliable or work better with a smart watch.
SO - Should I (or would you) buy the Essential Phone again or should I skip to the Sony Xperia XZ2 compact? The major driver of my decision is reliability.
Thanks for any comments or recommendations. I'll keep reading up and researching.

I would most certainly buy another Essential. They are smooth, reliable, the custom rom community has grown exponentially recently, and the battery life is decent if you aren't heavy into mobile gaming. As a plus, it also gets updates as soon as (or in a couple cases, faster) than the Pixels. It's a good size and the screen quality is really great for the price. The signal reception issue can be a bit of a hassle, but I've managed to work with it. I won't be getting another phone until this one dies, or I have heaps of cash to get a Samsung Note whatever the new one is when I can buy it.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

I'd buy again, definitely. Just not for the original price. Try ordering yours in China, you can buy one for 100-130USD, but what you get is a lottery. i bought 3 pieces and 2 were perfect, one was a bit heavily used with scratches and poor battery.
Overall, phone is still great in 2019. I use it as daily driver since 13 months. XZ2 looks medieval compared to essential.
Cons:
- probably hard to resell
- impossible to replace battery, use it till it dies 1-2 years later and rip the phone
- a bit heavy, but it's thanks to great build materials

Almost everything is good for me. The camera could be better, but gcam helps with that. The biggest issue I have is the touchscreen being janky.

The best of the PH1 support and the construction of the terminal, I never had signal or screen problems, the camera is good (although in low light the pictures have a lot of noise). I always liked it from the moment it came out but as it was not positioned to score for many, the sale price was its most negative point. It became a viable option when its low price to $ 450, in that value had no competition. If a PH2 comes out, it will be my next cell phone, in terms of support, without counting Pixel, it is far the best support and customer service. After having flagships of Samsung and Lg, in Android there are 3 options Pixel, OnePlus and Essential.

I would definitely buy it again, but only if I could find a great deal for it (I won't pay a full price for ANY phone, period). Managed to get my PH1 for under US$150 (that's including a 360 camera and a DIY replacement for a shattered screen), and couldn't be happier with it. Everyone's usage pattern is different, so the opinions may vary, but for me it's by far the best phone I ever owned. Speaking of reliability, this phone has never let me down so far, it just works. Rooting of Android Pie is indeed easy with Magisk. I don't use TWRP, and keep this phone full stock (rooted).
I don't care for smartwatches, so can't comment on using them with the Essential, sorry.

I concur with other posters, would buy again. Came from OnePlus 5, intended this to be a backup phone as the OP USB port is janky. The PH1 is now my daily driver, really like the device. Use the Gcam for a better camera, easy to root. Screen is fantastic IMO too. Battery life gets me thru a day no problem, normal usage. Price is good...snagged one with the 360 cam for 180.

How is your experience with small brand Android phones?

There are several brands mainly sell only on Ali, Gearbest and slowly coming on Amazon now, like Umidigi, Ulephone and some others, that you don't really see before. What 's your experience with them? Some models are quite competitive on performance and price, at least on the paper. I just don't know how they can hold up on long term. Some of those phones have really radical and interesting designs that I would like to try, at least as a side phone, back up device etc. I am planning to get one of those, maybe even rugged one, as now we need to go out to the wild for exercises, (social distancing?) Bluetooth stability, GPS, screen would be main consideration points.

I have used BLU before, I think it's an American brand exclusively sold on Amazon, used as a second phone/gap phone when the main one is down/repaired. I didn't read the specs before buying it. It's a cheap model and the ram is so low, it always crashes, so I got rid of it very soon, Then I have some Pantech and ZTE phones. ZTE is a very big brand in China but very small market here, only sell limited models and the support is not up to date. However the phone I have is very sturdy and good. Got it from Newegg with a daily deal and used for more than 1 year, now it's still a back up device to use in cars, bluetooth for podcast or OBDII scanner. Only problem is the battery is weak now, and the mobile band chip is not working well. Build quality is nice.
Right after I wrote this thread, the next day I say this Amazon flash deal on one of the Ulephone, seems a nice one and got it right away. I will see if it can hold up well. From first impression it's not bad.

never heard about these companies like Umidigi, Ulephone in my entire life

Yeh, they're out there on the fringe's...

I usually buy such phones for parents who lose their phones once every couple of months. Or they break them. Therefore, I treat them well, they do not have time to fail.

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