[Q] What phone should I get? - General Questions and Answers

Hey guys. I'm on Simple mobile (T mobile). I'm currently using a Samsung Galaxy Exhibit 4g (not exhibit 2), and it is... terrible. I seem to have picked the worst phone I could have imagined. It is slow, unreliable, the touchscreen is inaccurate, the gps is not reliable, the battery life is awful, and sometimes it just freezes for no apparent reason.
That being said, I don't think I should pick my next phone by myself and I would like a little help. My main use is texting, getting bus schedules, and occasional phone calls or internet usage. I just need something reliable that will get me information without freezing and has a battery that lasts a full day.
My budget is about $200, hopefully less. The phone needs to work with Simple/T mobile (1700 band). I would prefer something fairly standard size (3.7"-4" ish).
I'm not in a great hurry, so if anyone can recommend a few models to watch I can wait for a decent deal. I also don't need the latest software, but android 4.0 at least would be appreciated.

s dous
More questions here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1846277
Sent by typing by my fingers

I would say get the nexus 4 or 5. Save a bit more. Otherwise the sony xperia lineup are pretty affordable as well. And nice design
Sent from my R800i using xda app-developers app

According to me you should go with Nokia Lumia 720. Nice mobile phone with best features.

^^^^LOL^^^^
Typical Nokia Fanboy

PLS any one suggest hd android phone under 15000/-
I heard Micro MAx Canvas HD has Issuses????

If you don't absolutely need the phone now and your upgrades will come up soon, I'd try to wait until a sale. For the S3 last year it was 399 and then in November they had it down to 100. I got my g2 3 years ago for free waiting for a deal. Look for back to school sales and black Friday sales if you can wait that long. That's 2 to 3 months and will be here before you know it.
If you can't and don't have an update, nexus 4 unless you need an sd card (why I didn't get it). If you have an update and can't wait, just spend the extra 100-200 for the best phone as while it seems like a lot, over 24 months it's 4 to 8 a month. Would you buy one less foofy coffee or beer out a month to have a much better phone that you use every day and you won't be in the same situation in 6 months? I know I would.
Also, buy a popular phone so you're guaranteed development support a year in. I learned that with the galaxy tab 8.9. No development on it but 10.1 is still supported by cm. Got the s3 bc with 30 million units sold when I bought it, IT WILL BE SUPPORTED FOR AWHILE!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Acer Liquid E1
If you search a lowbudget midrange smartphone you may want to take a look at the Acer Liquid series.
I have the E1 and it may be a low-activity device, there is a custom rom made by Brick3ed that improves almost every vital part
of the OS.
The screen is quite big (4.5") and Acer uses a IPS panel, and that just works out fine for me. It has one gig ram, dual core cpu and runs on android 4.1.1
I suggest you watch some videos on youtube

Sony Xperia P

Thanks for the suggestions so far everyone. Careful though. Simple Mobile operates on the 1700 band. A lot of the seggested phones don't work on that band.

Related

Which phone to get??

I'm on Orange in the UK and due for my upgrade in Oct/Nov this year.
I've had my X10 about 14 months now and still like it, though I am running Froyo on it which improved things greatly!
I'm a really heavy user - average 900 mins, 1500 txts & 750MB of 3G data per month, plus a similar amount of data over Wi-Fi. I also consider my phone to be my main music player and camera and love playing games.
Which phone should I go for and why? I'm really unsure as to what I should be looking at - I want something that won't date quickly, has a decent battery life (charging it every night is normal to me) and has a decent screen.
Not too bothered about 3D and don't want a physical keyboard. Not bothered about back button etc being physical buttons or not.
Sent from my X10i using XDA Premium App
You just described the Galaxy S II. Wont age fast, plays games amazingly, decent battery life but its much better with a custom rom (I also charge every night), and the screen is the most amazing display I have ever seen. However you said your upgrade isn't until October so I wouldn't be surprised of something new and more amazing is out by then.
Silent8Strike said:
You just described the Galaxy S II.
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Exactly what I thought while I was reading your needs. Personally I would go for optimus 2x mostly cause is more affortable and still can keep up pretty well but yeah if you need a pure beast then s2 is what you want
Samsung GS2 and you'll be a happy man
Thanks guys, cost isn't an issue cos of my high usage (and the size of my bills) I can get any handset for free when I upgrade, except iPhones but I wouldn't want an iPhone anyway!
I was looking at my mates S II the other day and thought it seemed pretty decent so I guess you've confirmed what I was already thinking.
Sent from my X10i using XDA Premium App
i would definately recommend you the samsung galaxy s2, as its the best phone on the market right now, and also with dualcore, good battery and supe amoled plus screen! best phone you can get at all!

[Q] Contemplating phones, want advice.

Hi everyone,
I'm a longtime lurker in these forums, and I'd love some advice on phone options.
I'm a Verizon Wireless customer, and for some specific reasons, have to stay that way.
My current phone is a Droid 2 Global. It's my first Android device. Previously, I had Windows Mobile, for phones and PDAs, dating all the way back to when it was called Windows CE.
I'm happy-ish with Android, and plan on staying with Android for now, but it's time to upgrade, and I'd like to do it while I can still stay on my grandfathered unlimited data plan (so anytime between now and the next 3-4 months).
I'd like to get a phone I'll be happy with for the next 2 years, so I'd like to have some future-facing features, like high resolution and NFC, in addition to enough RAM to run today's software and tomorrow's.
My current phone, the D2G, running the stock rom and the .629 update, is slow like a turtle moving through molasses. It once wasn't this way, and it's not overloaded with apps, but it's a situation I'd like to avoid in the future.
So, in my next phone, I'm looking for the following, and I can't seem to find a phone that has all of these features:
-removable, easily replaceable battery (so I can carry around more than one)
-global (GSM/HSPA) capability
-physical keyboard
-1 GB RAM or more
-dual core processor (or better)
-4G LTE
-ICS + moderately decent upgrade schedule for future releases
-NFC
-1280x720 screen
No phone matches all of these. The three phones that come closest are:
1. HTC Rezound: no physical keyboard or NFC
2. Samsung Galaxy Nexus: no physical keyboard or global capability
3. Droid 4: non-removable battery, no NFC, no 1280x720 screen
I travel internationally a couple of times a year, but not more frequently, so I suppose that I could just keep my current phone (the D2G, which is SIM-unlocked) for world-roaming purposes, and use it when I travel.
I've had a physical keyboard for a long time - my last 5 phones have had one, and I type much faster on it. I could give it up, but don't really want to.
I feel like NFC is a serious want-to-have, not for today, but for 12 months from now, when it'll be convenient and more common.
I want the higher resolution 1280x720 screen. I don't HAVE to have it, but when buying a phone for 2 years, it seems like it'd be foolish not to get it.
The other thing that tempts me is that it seems like we have phones with quad-core processors just around the corner - is it worth waiting a few more months to get one? My single core D2G was the fastest phone out there when I got it about two years ago, and now it's one of the absolute slowest - does it make sense to go dual core when quad cores are here?
---
Anyway, that's what I am thinking about. Can anyone provide some guidance?
Should I just bite the bullet and get the Galaxy Nexus, and travel globally with my slow-as-molasses D2G? Or should I saddle up with the Droid 4 and its sad screen, forget about replacing the battery, and live near a charger at all times? Or maybe just wait until something cooler comes out from around the corner?
Anyone?
Bueller? Bueller?
Wait a couple weeks for the S3 and either use your D2G for global use, or buy an incredible 2 or Droid 3 for global use on the cheap. Physical keyboard is worthless now, as screen sizes coupled with amazing auto correct software make touchscreen keyboards a breeze and an obvious choice.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
Would you take the SIII over the Galaxy Nexus?
Are the non-Nexus Samsungs much harder to root?
I honestly love the Nexus. It's sexy and snappy. I bought one for my wife. I don't think the SIII will be harder to root than the Nexus. Your call really. The SIII will be newer and the "it" phone for a while, but the Nexus is still very capable and is gonna be way cheaper right now. You can probably get a Nexus for about $100 on contract as long as you avoid corporate Verizon stores. They will rape you on price and give you **** service. Check Costco or Best Buy in your area. They'll be cheaper on both devices than a Verizon store.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
one thing I would say about the resolution is that its a bit of a marketing ploy.
once you start getting above WVGA resolutions unless you perch the device on your nose its quite hard to tell the difference.
Whats more important is actually the screen tech, I can promise you that a decent panel at a lower res will look a lot better than a cheap or average panel with a high res.
Will time make a difference? nope, not unless you become very short sighted and actually have the device on the end of your nose
To be honest id agree with you on the NFC thing, if your set on keeping it for a few years it would be worth it, but that's a relatively newish tech hitting the markets, might be worth holding back a few months until Q3 12 to see whats in the pipe line. A lot more NFC devices will be coming out, one of them is bound to tick more of your boxes....
just a thought.
Nexus is always a good bet...
Coming from Sprint, I don't really know about Verizon's phones..
However,
Physical Keyboards are a dying breed. Most of these phones will be bulky and have bigger batteries or shorter battery life.
Currently typing this on my Galaxy Nexus, I highly recommended this phone.
Yes, there are only soft buttons (sans the power and volume), but its definitely future tech.
Amazing resolution (the screen has mfc defects, but they're often overlooked)
LTE, HSPA, GSM
And I do believe it has a place for your SIM card (Sprint doesn't use sim cards, so I'm not sure)
The phones extremely thin, light battery, and has a nice feeling curved glass and battery cover.
Great battery life once you unlock it and flash a battery mod.
No complaints here
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA

Tell me what to buy?

Hey all
Im looking to venture into the world of tablets but with so many being available its all a little confusing! I like the look of the Nexus 7 for its power and incredibly good price but for me 7 inches is just a bigger phone I want something with the price tag and power (near enough) of a Nexus but with something like a 10 inch screen to make it feel like an actual tablet. Im only 16 with a part time job so i cant go for something like the Asus Infinity even though i would love that
So start shouting out your tablet choices people!
Your choices are quite limited; 10 inchers are usually at least $400.
I would recommend watching slickdeals.net for some reburbished deal if you really need one. In truth, however, the difference between 7 inch and phone is already quite significant and it makes the most sense for your price point (short of a "cheap" brand like archos).
i think go for the ipad if you like a bigger screen than nexus 7 ipad is also have the speed.
I love the size of my nexus7 so far there's not much I don't love about this tablet!I hear they are releasing a 10 inch soon so you could wait for that but I don't know if it will be tegra3 or Qualcomm. Again this tablet rocks! Rooted w/ stock ROM cwm recovery & trinity kernel.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
MacGyver Jack said:
Hey all
Im looking to venture into the world of tablets but with so many being available its all a little confusing! I like the look of the Nexus 7 for its power and incredibly good price but for me 7 inches is just a bigger phone I want something with the price tag and power (near enough) of a Nexus but with something like a 10 inch screen to make it feel like an actual tablet. Im only 16 with a part time job so i cant go for something like the Asus Infinity even though i would love that
So start shouting out your tablet choices people!
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Click to collapse
I would recommend the Toshiba Excite 10 inch. It has HDMI out with an SD card slot. That's the tablet I would get if I wanted one.
Another good option is the Asus as you mentioned. You can look up the Samsung Galaxy Note Tablet. It comes with a stylus and I think it has app that directly support it. You can't go wrong with any of these. Just pick the features that you want and get it. I would suggest going to your local electronics store and trying them out to see which one you like as each of them have customized their Android OS with their custom apps and settings. All of the mentioned above have quad cores so you can't go wrong with that.
If you're looking for smaller/cheaper then you can go with the Samsung Galaxy Player 5. Its $200 and its what I use for my "tablet" experience. Its smaller and portable than the above but that may not be what you want. Note that this is a single core so you're sacrificing power and size but you gain portability.
marniel647 said:
i think go for the ipad if you like a bigger screen than nexus 7 ipad is also have the speed.
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iPad also has a pricetag triple the Nexus 7. He said he doesn't really have a lot of money since he's only 16 with a part time job.
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium
Thanks for all the help so far!
I dont mind saving up for the more pricey tablets because im currently 4 weeks into my summer holidays and the rest of my work has to fit around my A-Levels.
A 10inch Nexus would be great but the realease date could be a while yet!
I wont be taking the tablet out the house much only to go away to my Caravan every weekend
gagdude said:
iPad also has a pricetag triple the Nexus 7. He said he doesn't really have a lot of money since he's only 16 with a part time job.
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium
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And the reason I use XDA is to not have to hear of Apple and their products... It's one of my principles not to ever use an Apple product
Nexus7:thumbup::
sent from my htc
If you are desperate for a larger tablet then you could pick up something like the Galaxy Tab. It's a bit older than the Nexus, but stil pretty decent, especially if you run ICS.
It's on for sale for £279 at carphone warehouse www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/m..._WIFI_16GB/HANDSET?portal=GLSHOP&promo=GLSHOP
Otherwise I'd recommend a Nexus 7.
Twodads said:
If you are desperate for a larger tablet then you could pick up something like the Galaxy Tab. It's a bit older than the Nexus, but stil pretty decent, especially if you run ICS.
It's on for sale for £279 at carphone warehouse www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/m..._WIFI_16GB/HANDSET?portal=GLSHOP&promo=GLSHOP
Otherwise I'd recommend a Nexus 7.
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Click to collapse
Im not incredibly desperate, Just want to replace my crappy Acer Extensa 5235
I think i might wait for the Nexus 10 but the Galaxy note 10.1 is catching my eye although its aimed at artists and creative people ( I cant draw to save my life )
I have the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, and i have been loving it so far! I haven't even needed to root it, i'm still stock and its quick with a beautiful screen! I got the 16GB WiFi version with a 32GB MicroSD b/c i watch TV on it while i'm at work. The battery life is just AMAZING! I don't think i've ever gone lower than 50%! And i watch shows and movies for HOURS! There is some noticeable lag every now and again, but its usually pretty peppy! And it comes stock with ICS, they have even rolled out 2 updates since i bought mine! Thats rare! No word yet on if it will get Jelly Bean, but it doesn't matter to me, i love this tabby! Good luck on your hunt!
A good tablet would be the Toshiba excite 10. It has a nice screen, tegra 3, several ports, and very good speakers. The best part is that it's only $300 at Costco.
Sent from my NookColor using xda premium

Is the Xoom still worth getting?

Hello everyone. Right now I have an Acer Iconia A100 7" tablet. I really want a 10" tablet but dont have a lot that I can spend for one. Ive been looking at the Xoom for a little while now since I can find them around the $200 range if Im lucky. The question is, with the Nexus 10 out now, is it still worth it to get a Xoom or would it be better to hold out a few months and save for a Nexus 10?
And if it helps, I would be using the tablet for a little of everything. Internet, music, movies, games and a lot of reading (mostly comics).
I greatly appreciate any info that can be provided.
JohnnyDanger said:
Hello everyone. Right now I have an Acer Iconia A100 7" tablet. I really want a 10" tablet but dont have a lot that I can spend for one. Ive been looking at the Xoom for a little while now since I can find them around the $200 range if Im lucky. The question is, with the Nexus 10 out now, is it still worth it to get a Xoom or would it be better to hold out a few months and save for a Nexus 10?
And if it helps, I would be using the tablet for a little of everything. Internet, music, movies, games and a lot of reading (mostly comics).
I greatly appreciate any info that can be provided.
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Click to collapse
Well, kinda depends on your needs. Xoom is and has always been a strong tablet, but at two years old, it is starting to show it's age.
Xoom is a versatile, solid, all around tablet, 32 gb with expandable storage, bluetooth, hdmi, and usb. It's weakness's mainly are the backlight, it's heft (for some) and it's age. 720p display, and about impossible to see outside during daylight(sunlight and overcast.) Tegra2 is a good processor but dated and unable to take advantage of all the benefits of newer games demanding the power of a quadcore like the tegra3 ( dead trigger.) Right now it is very minor things we are missing out on. Eventually there may be games we can't play at all. More than likely Jelly bean is the last official update the xoom will get. I can't speak for the developers. If you don't care about latest and greatest, but need something fully functional and good bang for the buck...... xoom is a definite option
Nexus 10 has a great display, true 1080p, and the A15 cortex dual core processor destroys the tegra3 quad core in comparison tests from what I have read. It is the closest any tablet has come to being what the xoom was two years ago. The deal breaker for me is no expandable storage.
Hope this helps
Getting?
Enviado de meu GT-P3100 usando o Tapatalk 2
Thanks for the great info Draxin. You have me some things to think about. I can do without the 1080p and thinking about it I'm not sure that running the newest and greatest games matters. On the other hand viewing outside is kind of a big deal.
Decisions decisions.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
Draxin said:
Well, kinda depends on your needs. Xoom is and has always been a strong tablet, but at two years old, it is starting to show it's age.
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Lol, sorry Drex - showing its age? La La La La ... not listening. (covering ears) Any device is relative to it's users needs. Newer is not always better. Bigger, faster, lighter most likely (in some aspects, other areas maybe not). Does it really suit my needs? Probably not. The next best thing, will be replaced by the next best thing the following year. Vicious cycle my friend. Marketing is evil and we consumers are its puppets They can always count on that buyer that must have the newest whatever. We are making these guy rich lol.
Happy New Year! Xoom Xoom-
Mjamocha said:
Lol, sorry Drex - showing its age? La La La La ... not listening. (covering ears) Any device is relative to it's users needs. Newer is not always better. Bigger, faster, lighter most likely (in some aspects, other areas maybe not). Does it really suit my needs? Probably not. The next best thing, will be replaced by the next best thing the following year. Vicious cycle my friend. Marketing is evil and we consumers are its puppets They can always count on that buyer that must have the newest whatever. We are making these guy rich lol.
Happy New Year! Xoom Xoom-
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Click to collapse
True. But Johnny Danger isnt looking to sell off a xoom, he wants to know if it is a viable option still in the 10 inch market. So he needs to ask himself what he wants from his new tablet before purchasing. Xoom is a fantastic tablet and easily one of the best purchases I have made, but I made my purchase almost a year ago when it was still running honeycomb stock and developers were porting ICS. I Got to watch it make leaps and bounds in functionality, smoothness, and reaching for the limits of it's potential. Now developers are facing the limitations of the space in the system partition for OS. And it sounds like they can't scrape any extra space from the internal sd or make some available on the ext. sd cause it is locked. So if Johnny Danger wants a solid, hard working tablet that can do anything he wants to do now, and should be able to do most(if not all) tasks in the future, the xoom is a perfect fit, he just needs to be aware that what we have now may be close to as good as he will get over the next two years of ownership(not saying it is bad), just saying don't expect much more from Motorola.
If he wants the latest and greatest games at their full potential, see movies in full resolution get OTA's of newer OS's and have a tablet equipped to get the most out of anything coming down the pike in the next two years, he needs to save up and get the nexus 10, conveniently priced at around the same range the xoom was when it first came out
If you asked 3-4 months ago, well yes.. But now there is no reason to buy a 2 years old device (and was out AOSP) with price ~$300.
Draxin said:
So if Johnny Danger wants a solid, hard working tablet that can do anything he wants to do now, and should be able to do most(if not all) tasks in the future, the xoom is a perfect fit, he just needs to be aware that what we have now may be close to as good as he will get over the next two years of ownership(not saying it is bad), just saying don't expect much more from Motorola.
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Click to collapse
True, I fully understand the question. Basically the gist was yes it is still worth getting if it suits his needs no argument.
Nhan Lam said:
If you asked 3-4 months ago, well yes.. But now there is no reason to buy a 2 years old device (and was out AOSP) with price ~$300.
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AOSP or AOKP depends on which ROM chosen. (rooted)
Nhan Lam said:
If you asked 3-4 months ago, well yes.. But now there is no reason to buy a 2 years old device (and was out AOSP) with price ~$300.
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Click to collapse
I'm fully happy with xoom and this will be long relationship. I had in my hands asus transformer but truelly i cant see any limitations or u want gaming on it - but its not for it.
Well I went ahead and got a xoom. I bought a used one on Craigslist and feel that I got a good deal. I got 32gb xoom, original box and charger, official Motorola xoom cover, and 2 screen protectors for $150.
I absolutely love it. Everything runs great, including the games I play. My son was watching YouTube videos on it and sometimes it hiccups but that doesn't bother me. The thing that really took me by surprise is the battery life. It lasts so long on a charge. Now I understand why people were so upset with the Acer iconia tab a100 battery life. This is one of the fewer purchases I have no regrets about. Just a fantastic tablet.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium HD app
JohnnyDanger said:
Well I went ahead and got a xoom. I bought a used one on Craigslist and feel that I got a good deal. I got 32gb xoom, original box and charger, official Motorola xoom cover, and 2 screen protectors for $150.
I absolutely love it. Everything runs great, including the games I play. My son was watching YouTube videos on it and sometimes it hiccups but that doesn't bother me. The thing that really took me by surprise is the battery life. It lasts so long on a charge. Now I understand why people were so upset with the Acer iconia tab a100 battery life. This is one of the fewer purchases I have no regrets about. Just a fantastic tablet.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium HD app
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Click to collapse
Good on ya! I really don't think you'll have any regrets, it's still a very speedy tablet and the build quality is unsurpassed.
rbross3030 said:
Good on ya! I really don't think you'll have any regrets, it's still a very speedy tablet and the build quality is unsurpassed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are not lying about the build quality. This thing feels so well made its incredible.
Mjamocha said:
Lol, sorry Drex - showing its age? La La La La ... not listening. (covering ears) Any device is relative to it's users needs. Newer is not always better. Bigger, faster, lighter most likely (in some aspects, other areas maybe not). Does it really suit my needs? Probably not. The next best thing, will be replaced by the next best thing the following year. Vicious cycle my friend. Marketing is evil and we consumers are its puppets They can always count on that buyer that must have the newest whatever. We are making these guy rich lol.
Happy New Year! Xoom Xoom-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're kidding yourself if you think it has anything to do with marketing. The Xoom has been showing its age for a while. Its great that devs continue to bring us the latest firmware but even they have acknowledge that the Xoom's limits are being pushed.
It is as you said, relative to needs, but I think its also good to think about the future. What will a 2 year old device be able to do a year from now? Two years from now?
I'd say save up honestly and hope for a sale on the N10 (tho it looks like the OP already invested v0v)
JohnnyDanger said:
Well I went ahead and got a xoom. I bought a used one on Craigslist and feel that I got a good deal. I got 32gb xoom, original box and charger, official Motorola xoom cover, and 2 screen protectors for $150.
I absolutely love it. Everything runs great, including the games I play. My son was watching YouTube videos on it and sometimes it hiccups but that doesn't bother me. The thing that really took me by surprise is the battery life. It lasts so long on a charge. Now I understand why people were so upset with the Acer iconia tab a100 battery life. This is one of the fewer purchases I have no regrets about. Just a fantastic tablet.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just made the same switch today I paid 50 more then you but my girl has n7 I did not want same thing so I just got this but I like it actually have not even rooted
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk HD
If you want buttery smooth android goodness, put eos 3 nightly # 155 on your xoom, johnny danger. You'll thank me later
alex94kumar said:
If you want buttery smooth android goodness, put eos 3 nightly # 155 on your xoom, johnny danger. You'll thank me later
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Alex, I will see about doing that.
@Cubanluke88, Im well aware that a 2 year old device is not going to be on par with the most recent devices, like the N10. But at this point it was a matter of me wanting a 10" tablet that would do what I needed it to do now. I may still get a N10 in a few months and just give my Xoom to one of my kids (I have three, two that are teens). But for right now, its working great and I couldnt be happier. Especially at the price I paid. I might be getting a new job soon and if I do, Im going to be taking a hour train ride to work and back and Im just happy to know that Im going to have a nice big tablet to provide entertainment on those train rides if I do get the job.
Xoom or Xoom II or Xoom II ME?
JohnnyDanger said:
Thanks Alex, I will see about doing that.
@Cubanluke88, Im well aware that a 2 year old device is not going to be on par with the most recent devices, like the N10. But at this point it was a matter of me wanting a 10" tablet that would do what I needed it to do now. I may still get a N10 in a few months and just give my Xoom to one of my kids (I have three, two that are teens). But for right now, its working great and I couldnt be happier. Especially at the price I paid. I might be getting a new job soon and if I do, Im going to be taking a hour train ride to work and back and Im just happy to know that Im going to have a nice big tablet to provide entertainment on those train rides if I do get the job.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like the OP I'm looking to get a reasonably priced tablet for Browsing, a little eReading and some video watching. It's hard enough to justify what is really a gadget purchase and I certainly can't justify the ~€500 price ranges of the top tablets. My target is around the €200 mark.
I like the look of the Nexus 7, but the small screen bothers me a little. I've a Sony Xperia S and 7 inches doesn't seem to give me enough of a boost over it's 4.3 inches to justify spending €250. So I'm looking at reputable brands which have been discounted (due to age or market forces) rather than the budget trinkets that you can get. I even considered a heavily discounted Playbook (~€170) but that's just too far out of the park in terms of OS, support, etc.
I can get a Xoom II (16 GB, WiFi) for about €280, but thats at the upper end of my target budget. I can get a Xoom (32 GB WiFi) (B-stock, new but damaged/opened packaging) for €200, and that has my attention. But I'm worried about the processor speed and the display. I could also get a new Xoom II ME (16 GB, WiFi) for about the same price, €200. Apart from the newer specs (a faster processor and better screen), the 8.2 inch format strikes me as possibly more portable (for use while commuting). WiFi only is also fine for me as when I'm not in a normal WiFi area I'll use my Xperia S as a hotspot.
So, given my budget limitations and the fact that it's probably for light browsing/reading use (some videos while on holidays perhaps), would the Xoom II ME or the older Xoom be the best bet? Is the new screen a worthwhile upgrade? Thoughts please?
-----------------------
Update: Having read a bit more about portability and useability of the various sizes (7, 8 and 10) I'm leaning towards the Xoom 2 ME.
JohnnyDanger said:
Thanks for the great info Draxin. You have me some things to think about. I can do without the 1080p and thinking about it I'm not sure that running the newest and greatest games matters. On the other hand viewing outside is kind of a big deal.
Decisions decisions.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually there are quite a few new screen prtectors that dont degrade the quality that allow you to still see your xoom in the sunlight
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Dyflinn said:
Like the OP I'm looking to get a reasonably priced tablet for Browsing, a little eReading and some video watching. It's hard enough to justify what is really a gadget purchase and I certainly can't justify the ~€500 price ranges of the top tablets. My target is around the €200 mark.
I like the look of the Nexus 7, but the small screen bothers me a little. I've a Sony Xperia S and 7 inches doesn't seem to give me enough of a boost over it's 4.3 inches to justify spending €250. So I'm looking at reputable brands which have been discounted (due to age or market forces) rather than the budget trinkets that you can get. I even considered a heavily discounted Playbook (~€170) but that's just too far out of the park in terms of OS, support, etc.
I can get a Xoom II (16 GB, WiFi) for about €280, but thats at the upper end of my target budget. I can get a Xoom (32 GB WiFi) (B-stock, new but damaged/opened packaging) for €200, and that has my attention. But I'm worried about the processor speed and the display. I could also get a new Xoom II ME (16 GB, WiFi) for about the same price, €200. Apart from the newer specs (a faster processor and better screen), the 8.2 inch format strikes me as possibly more portable (for use while commuting). WiFi only is also fine for me as when I'm not in a normal WiFi area I'll use my Xperia S as a hotspot.
So, given my budget limitations and the fact that it's probably for light browsing/reading use (some videos while on holidays perhaps), would the Xoom II ME or the older Xoom be the best bet? Is the new screen a worthwhile upgrade? Thoughts please?
-----------------------
Update: Having read a bit more about portability and useability of the various sizes (7, 8 and 10) I'm leaning towards the Xoom 2 ME.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I finally plumped for the Xoom 2 ME. 8.2 inch screen, price (€200 vs €250) and mini HDMI clinched it over the Nexus 7, plus I really think that I don't need Quad Core nor will I do for a few years yet. Portability beat the Xoom or Xoom 2.
Only qualm is that I ordered it from Expansys as they had the best price (by about €25). For a mainstream seller it has far more negative reviews than it should have (they should really take their Facebook page offline). I did order via Amazon rather than directly, perhaps that adds a little more security to the order.
Hopefully I'll be one of the 89% positive buyers. :fingers-crossed:
Well, whatever Expansys is doing wrong for some, it was a pretty efficient transaction for me. Ordered it from Expansys via Amazon on Monday night and it was delivered (via a forwarding company from a UK address) by Wednesday night! Picked it up this morning.
I've only played with it a little and charged it up. Will do the ICS update when I get home as the work wifi is acting up. I was able to tether it to my Xperia S and so far it's looking nice, though the web browsing seemed a little jerky/laggy. Maybe ICS will improve that.
I have since noticed that my Xperia S actually has a faster CPU, more storage, a higher ppi, a better camera and will likely get Jelly Bean later in Q1. If only it had an 8 inch screen

[Q] Decent budget phone for rough use?

Needing some advice... Currently have a Note 2 and love it but its not very easy to be very active with. Just slightly too big and costs too much for me to want to risk it coming out of my back pocket at 25mph (cycling) or out of a front pocket while running. Yes I realize I could just get something that more or less straps it to me but I don't really want another thing to wear.
So priorities... Small(3.5-4inch screen and as thin as possible), gps, gsm 2g,3g,and prefer lte but not required, and able to sustain screen on time of at least 3hrs while using gps and data at the same time. If thats getting to the edge of the expected battery life then changeable batteries is a must. I would prefer to stay in the range of 200-300usd.... Lastly must use microsim... and if possible a million dollars too.
I am pretty new to android so unfamiliar with what is a decent older handset that would fit my needs.
rans0m00 said:
Needing some advice... Currently have a Note 2 and love it but its not very easy to be very active with. Just slightly too big and costs too much for me to want to risk it coming out of my back pocket at 25mph (cycling) or out of a front pocket while running. Yes I realize I could just get something that more or less straps it to me but I don't really want another thing to wear.
So priorities... Small(3.5-4inch screen and as thin as possible), gps, gsm 2g,3g,and prefer lte but not required, and able to sustain screen on time of at least 3hrs while using gps and data at the same time. If thats getting to the edge of the expected battery life then changeable batteries is a must. I would prefer to stay in the range of 200-300usd.... Lastly must use microsim... and if possible a million dollars too.
I am pretty new to android so unfamiliar with what is a decent older handset that would fit my needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you must use microSim...meeh...that's a problem...really...
Apart from the microSim must....samsung galaxy S3 seems great....battery life is good...has 2G, 3G....i think no LTE...but the price is not great either....
Another great device is the Nexus....but then you would have gone too far from the awesome Note 2
The goal with using the microsim is so I don't have to get a new sim card and mess up my unlimited data plan with att. I would just swap sims.
I asked before I realized the microsim is pretty new so as of now it looks like I am limited to a new phone or in the older and slightly cheaper is the s3. There are other newer used phone but saving 75 vs buying new just isn't worth the gamble for me....
So the hunt continues... Current candidates are the s3,nexus 4,s3 mini, and possibly the Samsung rugby pro.
I hate to spend so much money on any of them but it might just be what it is... I saw on amazon the s3 mini for 279$ no contract.. Which would work.
Sent from my Note 2 using Tapatalk 2
Ask here mate:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1620179
"To err is human, to forgive is divine"
Sent from my SGS II
Will move it over there.
Sent from my Note 2 using Tapatalk 2
rans0m00 said:
So priorities... Small(3.5-4inch screen and as thin as possible), gps, gsm 2g,3g,and prefer lte but not required, and able to sustain screen on time of at least 3hrs while using gps and data at the same time. If thats getting to the edge of the expected battery life then changeable batteries is a must. I would prefer to stay in the range of 200-300usd.... Lastly must use microsim... and if possible a million dollars too.
I am pretty new to android so unfamiliar with what is a decent older handset that would fit my needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd recommend you using Xperia Go. FullProof: Water, Scratch & Impact proof phone. But Non-Removable Battery...
http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_go-4782.php
Samsung Rugby Pro (AT&T). Does all standard frequencies, plus both T-Mobile and AT&T LTE. Rugged as well. Snapdragon S4 Dual-Core, removable battery, 5 MP camera, etc. It's basically a smaller, rugged, Galaxy S3.
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/SGH-I547ZKAATT
I like it. Will have to figure out if I can use a microsd to mini sd adapter. Totally forgot about those when looking at my phone options.
Sent from my Note 2 using Tapatalk 2
Considering the rugby pro too. A big factor in this purchase will be the cost of the phone... I will use it roughly 3hrs 4x a week and it literally goes in a pocket and transmits my location and accepts calls... So doesn't have to be a powerhouse or even a good screen. Just kind of small and good battery life really....
Sent from my Note 2 using Tapatalk 2
rans0m00 said:
Considering the rugby pro too. A big factor in this purchase will be the cost of the phone... I will use it roughly 3hrs 4x a week and it literally goes in a pocket and transmits my location and accepts calls... So doesn't have to be a powerhouse or even a good screen. Just kind of small and good battery life really....
Sent from my Note 2 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's $250 Buy It Now on eBay.
Hmm I will put that high on the list too then. I was searching and couldn't find it that cheap anywhere but I did forget to ebay during my mass Google'ing
Sent from my Note 2 using Tapatalk 2
Xperia active is also dirt cheap.but it maybe hard to find
Sent from my LT30p using xda premium
After some thought I decided I am for sure getting one of the new phones this year so I am throwing my Note 2 into the elements. I figure the odds of me breaking it are not too great and if it happens I'll just fall back to a blackberry I have laying around for a couple months while waiting on a new phone to be released. Thanks for the good phone options I was not aware of... Opened my eyes to some decent older phones if I find myself absolutely needing a beater phone.
Sent from my Note 2 using Tapatalk 2

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