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Pick My New Phone

I am ready to toss out my old Wing (my Kaiser died) and am in the market for a new phone.
The problem I am having is that I feel like purchasing a phone now would be a mistake, since it is likely that a new, mo-betta version will be out in a month or so.
As such, I am willing to wait, up to three or four months if necessary, for the perfect phone.
I have been shopping around, visiting Gizmodo and the like, searching for the best possible phone that should last me until 2012.
Anyone have any suggestions? Buy now, or wait, and if so, which phone?

Comming form kaiser you must need a hardware keyboard.
If that is correct you have 2 options:
1. Buy now a great Rhodium (the best hardware keyboard to this date)
2. Wait a few months and go for the Tera (smaller screen than Rhodium
Let us know what you´ve got

If you don't need a hardware keyboard, HD2 all the way!

If you want some new excitement from the old WM scene, then go for the awesome Nexus One android on tmobile!

Honestly, its either you settle for already out of date with any WM6.5 phone or you go for Android for which updates will keep on rolling out straight from the manufacturer. Windows Phone Series 7 was just announced, but its not going to be available until the holidays... that's 10 months from now. So if you get an HD2, unless there are ROM leaks (which are unlikely given the hush environment thus far and the fact that the ZuneHD can't be yet be cracked), your stuck with WM6.5. If you get a Touch Pro2, your already a year behind, as the hardware specifications was released a over year ago in the original Xperia X1. So honestly, Nexus One or X10 (assuming you want XDA support) are probably the way to go, if you want your phone to last you a long time. Otherwise, iPhone 3GS or Palm Pre, as both of those will definitely get all OS updates likely for the next 2 years.

Hey, Guys, thanks for the suggestions thus far.
For clarification;
I am currently on T-Mobile and with three lines, will probably be with them for a while. I also travel to Africa and Europe from time to time, so I prefer a Quad-Band, if this is still the tech for that.
I do like my hardware QWERTY, but the Wing's keyboard is lacking so I've kinda gotten used to the on-screen keyboard. I really liked Kaiser's keyboard though...
I don't like WinMo7's new interface, per the hand's-on reviews I've seen. I guess this means I'll be looking at Android.
So far, I like the Nexus One best due to the 1ghz processor, but I've read bad things about the contract(s). I'll probably end up buying the phone outright if I can get away with no contracts at all.
I checked out the Rhodium but the specs were a little light for me. Does anyone have one that can testify to it's capabilities? Looks like HTC's TouchFlo is built-in...

Snarksneeze said:
Hey, Guys, thanks for the suggestions thus far.
For clarification;
I am currently on T-Mobile and with three lines, will probably be with them for a while. I also travel to Africa and Europe from time to time, so I prefer a Quad-Band, if this is still the tech for that.
I do like my hardware QWERTY, but the Wing's keyboard is lacking so I've kinda gotten used to the on-screen keyboard. I really liked Kaiser's keyboard though...
I don't like WinMo7's new interface, per the hand's-on reviews I've seen. I guess this means I'll be looking at Android.
So far, I like the Nexus One best due to the 1ghz processor, but I've read bad things about the contract(s). I'll probably end up buying the phone outright if I can get away with no contracts at all.
I checked out the Rhodium but the specs were a little light for me. Does anyone have one that can testify to it's capabilities? Looks like HTC's TouchFlo is built-in...
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Click to collapse
T-Mobile US or Europe?

sonus said:
T-Mobile US or Europe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, T-Mobile US.

Snarksneeze said:
Hey, Guys, thanks for the suggestions thus far.
For clarification;
I am currently on T-Mobile and with three lines, will probably be with them for a while. I also travel to Africa and Europe from time to time, so I prefer a Quad-Band, if this is still the tech for that.
I do like my hardware QWERTY, but the Wing's keyboard is lacking so I've kinda gotten used to the on-screen keyboard. I really liked Kaiser's keyboard though...
I don't like WinMo7's new interface, per the hand's-on reviews I've seen. I guess this means I'll be looking at Android.
So far, I like the Nexus One best due to the 1ghz processor, but I've read bad things about the contract(s). I'll probably end up buying the phone outright if I can get away with no contracts at all.
I checked out the Rhodium but the specs were a little light for me. Does anyone have one that can testify to it's capabilities? Looks like HTC's TouchFlo is built-in...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Snark, I suggest you get the T-Mobile HTC HD2 for the U.S. I suggest you wait 2 months for the HTC HD2 to be released. I think you will be able to unlock it and make it work elsewhere if you travel.

Nexus One or HTC Bravo hands down.
Once you go android you wont go back

I like what I've read about the HD2, the specs seem to be in line with the Nexus One.
Both phones look nice, but the Nexus One seems to have an edge on the HD2, since the Android OS is open source and the HD2's OS is months from being obsolete.
From everything I've read, it looks as if WinMo7 will be locked down and that really worries me. The only reason I've stuck with WinMo phones is because of you great folks here at xda-dev. If they lock down WinMo7, how long will this site continue to offer the support they so freely give to WinMo users?
As far as the Nexus One goes, I can see that some of you are already offering OS updates for Android phones, so I suppose that this is the only way to move forward?
HD2 Pros: Can expect subsidization from my carrier.
HD2 Cons: Appears to run WinMo6.5, will the support last 2 years or more?
Nexus One Pros: Open-Source OS, tons of apps and supports and growing!
Nexus One Cons: Not subsidized under my current plan, more expensive to start but cheaper in the long run.
Thanks to everyone responding so positively! You've given me a lot to think about and a bunch of phones to review!

Seems to be a bit of excitement about the HTC Desire (nee Bravo, nee Passion) and according to the folks at modaco, its specs rival and sometimes surpass the Nexus One.
From the (leaked) photos, it sports the Sense UI and has a optical trackball for onscreen navigation.
Still no hardware keyboard, but I have the feeling that this is going to be a rare beast in the future anyway. At one point it was a must-have, but since the iPhone made it without one, the newer phones look to be pushing the envelope as well.
I will be waiting for HTC's MWC announcement today. I suspect they will offer it to Orange first in Europe and then hope to drop it in the States by X-Mas. If so, I could always order one and have it shipped overseas, but I would probably opt for the Nexus One in that case first...

Yesterday I bought the TouchPro2. It's pretty nice, but I am seriously missing the extra hardware buttons I use to interact with the Start Menu and my fav eBook reader :-(
I'm loving the awesome RAM and the nearly unlimited ROMs out there. EnergyROM's main thread has over 1000 pages already, wow!
As soon as the HD2 is back in stock, I'll be switching over to it and giving the Rhodium to my wife.
Thanks to everyone who responded with the great ideas and sorry it took me so long to actually buy the phone, LOL!

Great choice!
You won´t regret!
Rhodium is so far the best hardware keyboard device on the market
Even if not having the great 1ghz processor

Perhaps a poll is in order of the choices you are thinking about? We can let the numbers do the talking. I also agree that Android is where it is at in this day and age.

[Q] Developers Next Phone (Android)... HTC, Samsung, Motorola, other?

Hello All. I am just wondering about how developers feel about the bootlock from Motorola versus the lack of support from Samsung, and the battery woes of HTC. What kind of phone are you guys planning on getting?
My personal view seems that Samsung makes a pretty good phone, and who cares if they don't support it because DEVs make better roms anyway. What do you all think? What is the phone of choice?

I'm curious about this as well. I'm looking at all the next gen stuff and wondering which tablets and phones will end up being supported by devs and most of all CM. I'd like to get an xoom or a galaxy tab 10", but if all the devs are planning on buying the HTC flyer I'd go that way just to ensure I have the the dev's device of choice. I guess the best bet is to wait for everything to be released and see what happens?

Bump ........

Well I'm no dev, but I'm planning on sticking with Samsung more than likely. You're totally right- even though Samsung doesn't support it, devs do (better than Samsung ever could), and the hardware is better than anything out there.
Anyways, why do we all root and use custom ROMs? Because we're dissatisfied with stock software. So company support doesn't matter much to me.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

You asked about phones. IMO, tablets are a different topic entirely (different use cases, different pocket! ), so all I'll say is that when I get a tablet, I'll just get the best one for the best price I can afford
As for my next phone: I'm kinda bummed. I'm VERY happy with my Desire HD, but NFC has caught my attention, so my next phone will be:
-slightly smaller than the DHD
-have NFC
-have the best screen (outdoor visibility) I can find
-last a full day with heavy usage (my DHD fits the bill after using JuiceDefender and SetCPU)
As for who makes it: I don't care, as long as it's rootable (and everything seems to get rooted ). But my last couple of phones have been HTC, as they seem to jibe with my upgrade curve

wow... Guess Devs aren't reading my lowly post. haha

Best out?

Hi I am looking at getting a new phone currently I have a htc desire and it made me fall in love with android because with my desire I rooted and flashed custom roms.
Which phone would you suggest I go for that is either out at the min or is soon to be released.
It must be android in order to compete with my desire
Thanks for your opinions
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium App

I too am currently looking for an android phone.
I was pretty much sure I was going to get the Thunderbolt or Evo depending on if Verizon would match Sprint's current bonus minutes offer. But now I've been reading about other phones (LG G2x, EVO 3D coming soon...) and new developments such as dual core processors, etc... and I'm thinking maybe I should wait.

Depends what your budget is. Galaxy S II seems a favorite.

I think it'd be a good idea to think of what you want and then we could make some suggestions... I'm hoping for the Droid Pro II (eventually) but that's because I like keys and don't mind the smaller screen.

sephriam said:
I think it'd be a good idea to think of what you want and then we could make some suggestions... I'm hoping for the Droid Pro II (eventually) but that's because I like keys and don't mind the smaller screen.
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Since the OP hasn't been back I won't feel bad hijacking this thread.
Looks like now I'm deciding between the Galaxy S II and the Evo 3D.
Since the GS2 is going to be open source, does that mean we will probably be able to put HTC Sense 3.0 on the GS2? I really wanted an HTC and I like their UI but I think I'd rather have the better camera than 3D.
Is there another HTC phone that will compare with the GS2? Also, I read Samsung is bad about updating, but if I'm rooting and flashing a new ROM that is moot, right? The devs will update ROMS here and I can grab those, right?
It's really more phone than I think I need but I've had mine for almost a year past my contract expiring so I'm not someone who needs to replace my phone asap, I will probably live with new phone for 3-4 years. And I don't mind waiting a few more months for price drop and devs to do their thing. So I'd like to future proof it a little bit even if it costs a bit more right now, I think.
Or I get the Thunderbolt right now but it seems like I should go to dual processors and 1gb ram for future OS updates but that is kind of guessing on my part based on what I've been reading the past few days.
I'm going to use it mostly for phone, texts, email, music and internet browsing. Then once I learn more about the android apps I'd like to integrate it with my home AV system as much as possible. I'm coming from a dumbphone that I dropped my data plan for so it's just calls and texts and casual pic taking right now. Kind of excited to get a smartphone.

What Sprint phone do you recommend?

My 2yr upgrade is coming up in April. I'm looking to continue running with Android OS (sorry Apple, you'll have to wait a few more years to get my hard earned cash). I'm curious to know what phones are currently out which developers are highly supporting at the moment? Also, what phones is everyone anticipating to get in the months to come. I'm coming from an EVO 4G where deveopement was very high (currently running w/MIUI Swiper version) So, I'm hoping I can get a new phone with similiar Dev support. Curious what everyone's thoughts are on this. Thanks in advance!

Depends on your criteria.
I bought Photon 4G because of specs. The build quality is better than HTC and Samsung. It is also a world phone (GSM locked in US) and has a good display screen. The camera is also very decent. No big complains yet. I have it rooted and it worked absolutely great for me. However, I have noticed that Sprint is a smaller carrier than ATT and Verizon and so, dev support is similar across the board. Moto on Sprint probably has less dev support than Samsung Galaxy series, since it is popular and specs are similar across varients on other carriers -- making it easier to port/share development across different carriers.
End of the day, Samsung, HTC and Moto, all run Android and you can customize it whatever way you like and will look the same on all phones. Lots of choice, but it might be a simple hardware comparison that will help you choose one.
I have owned HTC, Samsung, Nokia and Moto in the past. I believe that Nokia and Moto has the best build quality and it shows.

[Q] Need a replacement for my girlfriends Blade.

Hi, I need a replacement for my girlfriends ZTE Blade's, she needs two phones. I have been looking for something similar in size, and the ONE S looks to fit the bill. It's not hugely bigger. Although a handset with a 3.7 screen would be ideal.
I have no desire to root the phone etc. I just need to give her something reliable and dependable. The specs of the ONE S would suit her fine. But I'm thinking there may be a caveat. Such as, HTC are as bad as LG when it comes to OS software updates. Or the battery life sucks big time. Or sense really slows everything down.
The iPhone would be perfect in terms of size, specs and performance. But we are an ANDROID family, so I would like to keep our investment in Tablets and software.
My sincere apologies for the hugely general question. My current handset a Galaxy NEXUS which was such an easy choice, I'm running official Jelly Bean. But, choosing for a petite lady, something that works and won't become outdated in 12 months is super hard.
She has a 10" Galaxy Tab which recently got ICS, and I want to keep the devices running comparable versions of the OS.
I would be very grateful for any insights, or other handset recommendation's. Many thanks. Anil
Addition: I thought I would point out after user Ollaz's response below, I plan on only buying an unlocked retail version of any handset.

Why not the HTC One S. The updates are also affected by the carrier as they need to be approved, but as HTC said a few months ago, that they will be focusing on the One series and will not release new phones all the time, which means that these devices will get updates. But of course, buying any new product has the problem of eventually getting old and it will be just cut off. The way it has to be.
Also, in the same range there appears to be the ASUS Padfone (which is one hell of a device, but I didn't buy it because god knows if or when ASUS will update their devices). The LG Optimus 4X kinda seems like a beast and is in the same price range.

Ollaz said:
Why not the HTC One S. The updates are also affected by the carrier as they need to be approved, but as HTC said a few months ago, that they will be focusing on the One series and will not release new phones all the time, which means that these devices will get updates. But of course, buying any new product has the problem of eventually getting old and it will be just cut off. The way it has to be.
Also, in the same range there appears to be the ASUS Padfone (which is one hell of a device, but I didn't buy it because god knows if or when ASUS will update their devices). The LG Optimus 4X kinda seems like a beast and is in the same price range.
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Hi Ollaz, thanks for the info on HTC devices. I plan on buying a retail version of any handset, not locked to any one carrier etc. I appreciate technology moves on and some devices get left behind. My recently retired Optimus 2X still only has an official Ginger Bread release, even though the hardware is more than capable of running ICS.
I have an ASUS Transformer and it received an ICS update early this year. So in my book ASUS are pretty good whereas software updates are concerned. If Google made a sub four inch handset I would buy that without hesitation. Beast hardware is only as good as the software. And LG have a terrible software update record.
Thanks. Have fun. Anil

First off, the Asus Transformer is a different case. Since it's a tablet, it doesn't have to go through the extra step of carrier testing that a phone does for an update.
My came from a 3.7" HTC Incredible and really wanted to stick with a smaller form factor she could use with one hand (typing being the biggest issue). She is very happy with the One S, she just had to get used to using two hands for typing, but its thinness made it an easier transition from the old phone.
FWIW, HTC has already promised Jelly Bean will be coming within a few months, and I wouldn't necessarily expect the Transformer to get it.

radar5 said:
First off, the Asus Transformer is a different case. Since it's a tablet, it doesn't have to go through the extra step of carrier testing that a phone does for an update.
My came from a 3.7" HTC Incredible and really wanted to stick with a smaller form factor she could use with one hand (typing being the biggest issue). She is very happy with the One S, she just had to get used to using two hands for typing, but its thinness made it an easier transition from the old phone.
FWIW, HTC has already promised Jelly Bean will be coming within a few months, and I wouldn't necessarily expect the Transformer to get it.
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Hi radar5, thanks for sharing your experiences. I have to disagree with the point regarding "carrier testing". I always buy stock retail devices, with no ball & chain 12-24-36 month contracts. My LG O2X came completely stock, there are no carrier hurdles for LG to jump. Yet their handset is two years behind the OS release curve. The worlds first dual-core phone, and it's still on Gingerbread. Nothing to do with carriers.
I would buy another ASUS product, they have provided 5 updates since I bought the Transformer Tablet. Two of those have been major OS updates. I wouldn't go near LG with a very long stick. HTC looks as if it is learning this lesson of keeping your hardware reasonably up to date with the latest OS.
Apple do an excellent job in this area, they're not perfect, but better than most ANDROID OEM's. Hopefully HTC is getting their **** together, and their simpler hardware line up is a sign of the future. Resulting in timely OS updates. And easier consumer hardware choices.
At the moment HTC's One S is my current choice for my girlfriends next handset. I did see something today which made me pause for thought. ACER's Liquid Glow, a truly terrible name, but it's a 3.7" handset running ICS. And the slated European price is €179.99. The One S in Italy cost's €485 from AMAZON. A big difference.
Thanks. Have fun. Anil

I see where you're headed with this, but keep in mind you can't comprare that ACER and the One S. The specs are way too off for that.

Ollaz said:
I see where you're headed with this, but keep in mind you can't comprare that ACER and the One S. The specs are way too off for that.
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Hi Ollaz, my girlfriends current handset's the ZTE Blade's are great, except they only run Gingerbread. Switching between Gingerbread and ICS does become a little annoying. Gmail is a great case in point. The ICS version is way better than the Gingerbread version.
So horsepower specs are not that important. And anyway, my retired Optimus 2X has great specs, but still only has old software. Some of the newer HTC phones have better specs than my Galaxy NEXUS. But my GNEX is running a stock version of Jelly Bean 4.1.1, now, today. Not some marketing quarter in the future which invariably gets moved.
I love having a fast phone, but my girlfriend needs stability and OS device parity. Thanks for your thoughts, they have been helpful in making me decide what I need to buy.
I must admit I was a little shocked when I discovered the price of the One S in Italy. HTC want iPhone 4s money, they are crazy! No wonder their sales revenue has dropped 60%. Selling purely on hardware specs has a really limited shelf life. Sooner or later you have to innovate in software. All HTC and most ANDROID OEM's do, is a few custom apps and skins. Google writes the OS for free!
Many thanks. Anil