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So I'm looking to get my first android powered device , my question is what do you guys suggest to be a good phone for my first experience? Looking at spending around $500 usd budget (will go over for something I really like, but no $800 desire hd stuff lol), and don't want something "out of date" or have a poor build quality.
here is some info to go off of:
-I am not eligible for a upgrade so will pay retail
-In the us
-at&t carrier, no data, so any at&t specific phones are out of the question
-have wifi in vehicle and anywhere I go (one main reason I don't have a data plan)
-like a big screen and or keyboard since my hands aren't exactly small
Thanks in advance for any help. Also one more question that I haven't found the answer for, I saw a marketplace while signing up but cant view, what are the requirements to view?
p.s. I think this might belong in the Q and A section...
my first smartphone was the palm pixi a fantastic OS but then went to htc hero id say thats now a beginners phone
now im with an epic
You could probably score a used Nexus One on eBay or Craigslist for $500.
TheBiles said:
You could probably score a used Nexus One on eBay or Craigslist for $500.
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That is one thing that I've thought about, I've also looked at the htc desire, its a little more then other phones but i like the design and the extra ram it offers.
I think nexus one. Just my .02
Thanks for the responses, I guess I need to start hunting for a good condition nexus one. Am I correct for saying that you can not buy them new anymore?
if you can get one (UK only afaik), the Orange San Francisco seems to be a good phone to start with, at about £90.
It's the ZTE Blade, and has an HDPI (high res) screen and reasonable CPU etc.
Worth a look if you can lay your hands on one.
zte blade has a nice exterior, probably one of my favorites so far . But the processor seems a little slow (clock wise), anyone have any experience with how well the Qualcomm MSM7227 competes with say a snapdragon or samsung hummerbird cpu?
id get a nexus one or desire, there not too expensive anymore and have ample power to keep up with technology for the next couple of years, the hero is good but its starting to show its age now, it depends what you want, the nexus one is better built imo but the desire has more ram and an optical trackpad instead of a trackball
Just remember if you do purchase a T-Mobile Nexus One - and you end up getting a data plan down the line.. your stuck on Edge forever while on AT&T's network.
There are AT&T Nexus One's out there.. but your going to be paying a premium.
AndroHero said:
id get a nexus one or desire, there not too expensive anymore and have ample power to keep up with technology for the next couple of years, the hero is good but its starting to show its age now, it depends what you want, the nexus one is better built imo but the desire has more ram and an optical trackpad instead of a trackball
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Is the trackball like blackberrys dumb trackball? I hated that thing with a passion when I tried to use it (even though touch screen means I will rarely use it). I have never used a optical trackpad before. Is it like say running your finger on the bottom of a laser mouse? I know it is kinda bad analogy.
avgjoegeek said:
Just remember if you do purchase a T-Mobile Nexus One - and you end up getting a data plan down the line.. your stuck on Edge forever while on AT&T's network.
There are AT&T Nexus One's out there.. but your going to be paying a premium.
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Yes, I have been looking around on craigslist and what not, t-mobile ones in mint condition run about $400, while ones bought straight from google run about $450, which I would want anyways so I don't have all the tmobile bloatware from the get go.
SnafuPossum said:
Yes, I have been looking around on craigslist and what not, t-mobile ones in mint condition run about $400, while ones bought straight from google run about $450, which I would want anyways so I don't have all the tmobile bloatware from the get go.
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Dude... removing bloatware takes every bit of 10 minutes. I'm assuming that you're going to root anyways, so just save yourself $50.
So you can remove it? Did not know that. Yes I will root it, but I just wont our of the box because of a laziness factor lol. (atleast im truthful )
SnafuPossum said:
So you can remove it? Did not know that. Yes I will root it, but I just wont our of the box because of a laziness factor lol. (atleast im truthful )
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Easily, and the chances are that any custom ROM you flash will be already purged of bloatware.
The Nexus One is a great starter phone. I personally started with a cheap G1 I found on craigslist. The owner had bought a new phone and didn't know about modding and even after I told him he wasn't interested in doing it. After a while I traded up and got the Nexus One.
The good thing about the T-Mobile version of the N1 is that if you do decide to get data service, and you're okay with the EDGE speeds (slower than 3G), then you can pay the cheaper price for the data plan. I've heard from here and there of people with the AT&T version of the Nexus One having their phone automatically upgraded to the more expensive data plan because Google must have given them an updated IMEI list for the phones.
Well just a update, purchased a Desire HD. Waiting for it in the mail, I can't wait!
Hey guys, finnaly i decided to buy the new s2 skyrocket insted of the galaxy nexus phone.
I understand its alredy much more stronger and with the ics update its gonna rock.[am i wrong untill now?]
Im also gonna move from the US soon so i need an unlocked version, i have found only this one due to the fact AT&T/Verison and all thos dont sell the phone without a contract, so i found this one :
https://negrielectronics.com/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-skyrocket-i727-white-unlocked.html
Is this site reliable? is it new from the manufactore or pre-used? should i trust them? its only says unlocked but does that means sim-free?
Thx guys!
Best thing to do is see if you can get to a Walmart and try to find someone who will sell you a phone without a contract this has worked for several people I know
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
What do you mean "someone" ? just ask people around or is it on sale there?
I bought my Skyrocket from them because I couldn't find anywhere else that sold the white SR unlocked. It was actually cheaper for me to get the SR from them compared to getting the original S2 outright in Sydney, Australia.
The phone is new but they need to open the box to unlock the phone. The plastic film (which says don't text and drive or something like that) is still on the phone when you get it.
I read a couple of reviews about the site online and they seem reliable.
Why is there no Silver/Blue aluminium builds on the internet?
I can only seem to find the ceramic black MAO one. I dont want to get that version as i have seen various chipping issues surfacing on the internet.
Also does HTC replace the phone if it does chip? and is this with the standard warranty statement included or do i need the actual receipt ?
Edit: Im in the UK if that helps
read through the thread on 'micro oxidation' when it comes to chipping. Long story short, HTC admits this is a cosmetic problem and will not officially replace the phone under warranty, at least not anymore.
So my suggestion is if you want to risk it, buy it from a respectable retailer (ie: myphone,amazon,expansys etc) that have a specific policy when it comes to returns that if in 30 days you get a defect, you can return it.
i returned 3 phones and got refunded in the end from amazon(brilliant service) but i wont be buying htc anymore.
vasp3690 said:
read through the thread on 'micro oxidation' when it comes to chipping. Long story short, HTC admits this is a cosmetic problem and will not officially replace the phone under warranty, at least not anymore.
So my suggestion is if you want to risk it, buy it from a respectable retailer (ie: myphone,amazon,expansys etc) that have a specific policy when it comes to returns that if in 30 days you get a defect, you can return it.
i returned 3 phones and got refunded in the end from amazon(brilliant service) but i wont be buying htc anymore.
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Thats why i want a silver one but cannot seem to find any on the internet. Any reason as to why this is ? (im in the uk)
Any of the U.S. T-mobile models will be Blue/Silver. People are listing them as "Black", but there are no Black U.S. One S's yet.
trippinz said:
Thats why i want a silver one but cannot seem to find any on the internet. Any reason as to why this is ? (im in the uk)
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amazon has it for 480GBP sim free.
search for htc one s grey
interestingly enough the black now costs 370!!! instead of 415 that it was initially
I think HTC doenst have a exact colorname for the Grey/Blue one. In germany the shops call it metallic gray/grey. Price about 444€.
Gesendet von meinem HTC One S mit Tapatalk 2
Official name is "gradient metal"
So why are there no 'gradient metal' versions on ebay ? I can only find out of uk sales for that version
i wouldnt buy a phone off ebay. no guarentees. Besides it may be that everyone is after a grey one since the black one is crap
trippinz said:
So why are there no 'gradient metal' versions on ebay ? I can only find out of uk sales for that version
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They are available from the carriers.
I wanted to buy a carrier-free one and couldn't find one (although this was in the first week of release) hence purchasing from 3UK - I'm surprised they are still not available.
Handtec site says due in soon and taking preorders; exspansys the same. I'm guessing all the independant retailers decided the black would be more popular and are now left holding lots of black stock whilst the carriers went for both.
I have to say the 3UK bloatware isn't as bad as I expected and I'm glad I bought the phone despite really wanting it "vanilla"; there is no external branding. If you really do want the grey version then I'd suggest it's worth considering buying from the high street.
us customs
does any one have any idea for if ordering the phone from the UK(clove) to the US will charge me to pay duties(customes fee) when the device get to the US?
or does it get straight to the address?
Thanks
gingi007 said:
does any one have any idea for if ordering the phone from the UK(clove) to the US will charge me to pay duties(customes fee) when the device get to the US?
or does it get straight to the address?
Thanks
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http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/basic_trade/internet_purchases.xml
(Can you tell I'm bored atm )
thanks
thank you for the link.
still i couldn't understand if they will charge or not... it quite vaguely
Hi guys,
I’ve been a HTC user for years now, starting with the Hero and then the Wildfire S and I want to go a step further with my next androphone.
I was thinking about the Nexus 4 but I am a bit frustrated by the no-stock issues and, well, I’ve been happy enough with HTC so...
I met the One S, went through several tests and was quite interested until I read comments about “Helicoptering”, S3 ship instead of S4, black version easily scratched…
So, I am asking you two things:
- Should I go for it anyway? Your campaign concerning the Helicoptering was pretty efficient, I feel really unsure about this phone!
- What should I carefully look for when buying it? Any serial number to prefer or to avoid?
Thanks for your help!
Bkyn said:
Hi guys,
I’ve been a HTC user for years now, starting with the Hero and then the Wildfire S and I want to go a step further with my next androphone.
I was thinking about the Nexus 4 but I am a bit frustrated by the no-stock issues and, well, I’ve been happy enough with HTC so...
I met the One S, went through several tests and was quite interested until I read comments about “Helicoptering”, S3 ship instead of S4, black version easily scratched…
So, I am asking you two things:
-Should I go for it anyway? Your campaign concerning the Helicoptering was pretty efficient, I feel really unsure about this phone!
-What should I carefully look for when buying it? Any serial number to prefer or to avoid?
Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for it is what I would say, if you get the helicoptering issue then just send it back to HTC to hopefully fix it or replace it, but you'll never know till you get one, I've mostly heard this about certain roms, haven't yet heard this on stock non rooted phones.
As for your second question it really depends on where you live if your in the US then you should get an s4 chip because thats all that tmobile over here in the US uses now a days and they do have a black version and a gradient blue but if you like the black one then get it, they wouldnt put it back up for sale for a limited time if they didn't fix the paint chipping but I'm stuck with the gradient blue, anywhere outside the US grounds switched to s3 chips so be careful as there aren't too many roms to try as the s4....hopefully this answers your questions and should you have any other questions feel free to ask
T-Mobile HTC one s
leohdz148 said:
Go for it is what I would say, if you get the helicoptering issue then just send it back to HTC to hopefully fix it or replace it, but you'll never know till you get one, I've mostly heard this about certain roms, haven't yet heard this on stock non rooted phones.
As for your second question it really depends on where you live if your in the US then you should get an s4 chip because thats all that tmobile over here in the US uses now a days and they do have a black version and a gradient blue but if you like the black one then get it, they wouldnt put it back up for sale for a limited time if they didn't fix the paint chipping but I'm stuck with the gradient blue, anywhere outside the US grounds switched to s3 chips so be careful as there aren't too many roms to try as the s4....hopefully this answers your questions and should you have any other questions feel free to ask
T-Mobile HTC one s
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Thanks for the quick answer !
I'm a bit suprised by your first answer, I thaught it was a hardware issue and not a software one... Do you mean that if I never root my phone, I won't face this issue ?
I'm living in Germany so I assume it will be S3 for me...
It is a hardware issue. It gets worse with time.
Apparently the helicopter home thingy is resolved in devices with serial number >=ht24.
If you can get an S4, get it. The S3 is inferior in every way. I'd even recommend you to import one rather than getting an S3...
I got the black/grey european S4, and I cant say Ive noticed any scratches. Not more than my blade and tablets got in their first weeks as well anyway.
So, what you want is a One S in a box with the following information: Model: Z520 (mine ends with 'e', guess thats for europe), CPU: 1.5Ghz, dual dore S/N: First 2 digits 24 or higher.
Get a gs3
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using xda app-developers app
So I have a Galaxy S4 I've had for a year (before that I had the S3) with Verizon and I'm really tired of this locked bootloader crap. I'm kind of on a budget, so I could use some advice.
I really just want a phone that's as close to stock as possible and can be easily rooted/flashed. So, ideally a Nexus 5 or 6. I also saw HTC phones and Motorola phones on Verizon's web site, but I don't know if those phones are locked or not.
I would like to trade in my old phone and sign up for a contact as leverage, as I can't afford paying too much. Any advice would be appreciated.
On a budget, get a used phone from last year off eBay or here on Swappa, and you won't even have to re-up your contract. HTC M7, LG G2, Moto X (especially Developer Edition), one of the Droids. They should all be rootable, but I can't speak individually for unlocked bootloaders.
masronmarsa said:
For budget phones, you can pay some attention to China phones like Huawei, ZTE, XiaoMi, THL, ZOPO, Doogge and more. They are some China brands recommended. How do you think? I myself prefer Huawei phones.
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None of those will work on Verizon in the USA.
Planterz said:
On a budget, get a used phone from last year off eBay or here on Swappa, and you won't even have to re-up your contract. HTC M7, LG G2, Moto X (especially Developer Edition), one of the Droids. They should all be rootable, but I can't speak individually for unlocked bootloaders.
None of those will work on Verizon in the USA.
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Thanks for the recommendation I'll check it out. I'm most interested in Nexus, HTC, LG, or Moto. Would I be able to trade in my S4 for some value?
I suggest you to go for HTC M8. This device is really stylish.
This device
1. Feels nicer to hold.
2. Knock on feature.
3. seems faster
4. Takes a micro sd card.
Rickyzx said:
I suggest you to go for HTC M8. This device is really stylish.
This device
1. Feels nicer to hold.
2. Knock on feature.
3. seems faster
4. Takes a micro sd card.
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The problem with HTC M8 is the camera, otherwise would be a great choice. I have the oneplus one and I am really happy.
marbertshere said:
So I have a Galaxy S4 I've had for a year (before that I had the S3) with Verizon and I'm really tired of this locked bootloader crap. I'm kind of on a budget, so I could use some advice.
I really just want a phone that's as close to stock as possible and can be easily rooted/flashed. So, ideally a Nexus 5 or 6. I also saw HTC phones and Motorola phones on Verizon's web site, but I don't know if those phones are locked or not.
I would like to trade in my old phone and sign up for a contact as leverage, as I can't afford paying too much. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Click to collapse
you can have a contract plan ,then cellphones is relatively cheaper .as for online shopping ,
you need to ask them for details if their cellphones are unclocked or not to avoid any
trouble .
Oneplus one...had some invites...all shared ;p
+1 for OnePlus One, great phone for cheap price.
People say the nexus has terrible battery life, so accordong to this, I wouldn't recommend you to buy one. I'd recommend you to buy a moto g though, since it's actually a smaller version of a nexus, and allegedly has better battery life, but more of that I'd recommend either an htc one m8 or an lg g3, if your wallet can handle the price. Now, about off-contract, I'd suggest the oneplus one, because it's a flagship killer and it's relatively cheap, as said above.
I recommend the LG G3...the bootloader can be sort of unlocked via Bump, but the LG Rom is pretty close to stock, doesnt add too much extras. It has a great camera and awesome screen, SD Card and removable 3000mAh battery. It's a nice phone! I will agree that Nexus phones have very poor battery life, but you can install just about anything on them in terms of ROMs. If sticking with GSM, the OnePlus One is nice too but I'm not sure where that company is going with CyanogenMod and OnePlus on the fritz. They will probably have to develop their own rom in the future, unless you want to load the CyanogenMod version, which you can do that too. Moto X phones are good, battery life would still be my concern, but its as close as stock as you can get besides nexus.
I'm probably going to look at the MotoX or droid Turbo.. I'll check out the OPO. I guess I have some hw to do. I'm using Verizon's edge plan, and I don't think that's a traditional contract. I also need to look at and see what kind of development is going on for each of these devices.
People mentioned eBay and Amazon.. Are there any sites that are specifically for buying/trading used phones?
marbertshere said:
I'm probably going to look at the MotoX or droid Turbo.. I'll check out the OPO. I guess I have some hw to do. I'm using Verizon's edge plan, and I don't think that's a traditional contract. I also need to look at and see what kind of development is going on for each of these devices.
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OnePlus One won't work on Verizon's CDMA network.
People mentioned eBay and Amazon.. Are there any sites that are specifically for buying/trading used phones?
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At the top of the forum page, there's a link for Swappa, XDA's own marketplace.
Go here for help deciding your next phone : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1846277
balx96 said:
The problem with HTC M8 is the camera, otherwise would be a great choice. I have the oneplus one and I am really happy.
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I agree with you. I have also noticed that the camera quality of HTC devices is relatively low than Samsung devices.