Where / How Do You Folks Upgrade? - General Questions and Answers

Currently I'm rolling with AT&T and am starting to get on that new device train, you know, get the new tech (phone or tablet) when it comes out. Thing is, I don't have a ton of disposable income. College is not kind to you. I do however, have an upgrade from AT&T.
Point of this thread is to get some insight from you guys as to how you move up in the phone game. Do you use your upgrades? Where do you go to buy the phone? Do you keep or sell the previous device?
Thanks for the help!!

I TRY to upgrade every 2.5 years max. And I like to keep the phone. But there's not many choices of phones to buy in my country so this slow down the process. Also devices are very expensive here so I need to gather all the money I need before buying one
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using Tapatalk 4

sebtorres82 said:
I TRY to upgrade every 2.5 years max. And I like to keep the phone. But there's not many choices of phones to buy in my country so this slow down the process. Also devices are very expensive here so I need to gather all the money I need before buying one
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright! You buy from a carrier or used from a person?

Carrier
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using Tapatalk 4

I wait till i have an upgrade, then use it. I always keep one old device as a backup, and sell any others on Craigslist (to avoid ebay fees)
Sent from my XT912 using xda app-developers app

Related

Up for new phone soon, need advice..

OK, Verizon customer, inc2, almost ready for upgrade.. here's what I want to do,
1- save some $$ - have two phones and plan is $180 a month,
2 - want a current device with community support or manufacturer updates,
Thinking of getting a nexus phone, maybe throw it on a pay-as-u-go plan, I don't mind buying my own phone, if it's going to stay current and save me some $$ over the few years I have it.
I would prefer to stay on Verizon if possible,
Any suggestions would be appreciated, thx!
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2
Galaxy Nexus 4G LTE $0.01
Well, 5 hours before I posted this, apparently the Nexus 4G LTE has gone on sale for 1 cent at Amazon Wireless;
I'd like to insert the link to the page, but unfortunately (despite using XDA for quite some time) my account is new. Just go to Amazon and search for the Nexus 4G
I think that fact alone will persuade you ;], and I'm not totally sure, but I'd like to assume a phone as popular as the Nexus 4G has a great community. Plus, the Nexus is always first to get updates (Jellybean! Woohoo!)
That price is only for an upgrade package... thx though..
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2
Oops
rhcreed said:
That price is only for an upgrade package... thx though..
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry about that, seems like I overlooked it and got a little too excited myself

Unlocked GSM Phone

My brother in law wants to get my sister a smart phone. He doesn't want to pay over 200 and wants it to have Android and a decent camera(at last 3mp). He prefers new but would buy used if need be. An ideas guys?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Landara said:
My brother in law wants to get my sister a smart phone. He doesn't want to pay over 200 and wants it to have Android and a decent camera(at last 3mp). He prefers new but would buy used if need be. An ideas guys?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On some places in the Internet they are S2 for 220 eur. Second hand of course
Landara said:
My brother in law wants to get my sister a smart phone. He doesn't want to pay over 200 and wants it to have Android and a decent camera(at last 3mp). He prefers new but would buy used if need be. An ideas guys?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nokia 3310!
haha!
20 bucks.
well anyways, you can try getting a cheap nexus on craigslist. or an S2.
because of the S3, they are going for very very cheap compared to how much they really are worth.
Wolfbeef123 said:
Nokia 3310!
haha!
20 bucks.
well anyways, you can try getting a cheap nexus on craigslist. or an S2.
because of the S3, they are going for very very cheap compared to how much they really are worth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL
whatever your desired phone, don't choose chinaph*ne
Dun be too cheap, preferable a second hand of any phone that is within 1 year old.
If u get a brand new but an older model u are gonna have a bad time.

[Q] Way to Delay Upgrade?

Hello everyone, I'm a longtime Sprint user, and am looking forward to my switch to Verizon very soon! I currently own an EVO 4G LTE, and am taking a look at what phones I should get when I switch companies. The best available phone right now appears to undoubtedly be the SIII.
I have heard that there are some pretty awesome phones on the horizon, and I would love to get them (HTC's apparent phablet, Razr Maxx HD, etc.). However, I really don't think I can wait until November because I can't possibly tolerate Sprint anymore and their ridiculous lack of coverage in my area (they told me the towers are being upgraded for the past 7 months).
So my question is this: is there any way to delay my upgraded phone price so that I can use it once these newer phones are released? In other words, can I use another phone or do something else in order to not use that contract upgrade until November, even if I sign up for their service this week? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you would just go get the SIII if you were in my position, that's useful input too. I love the phone, I just feel like it will be "dated" in a month. Seems like the worst possible time to buy... I'm in a pickle.
Thoughts?
I don't know the answer to your question but I just switched to Verizon from sprint and got the S3. Waiting on it in the mail now. I don't think u can do what u want but im not sure. Hopefully someone can answer it for sure
Sent from Galaxy SIII
You would have to purchase a phone at full retail price. Then you could get the pro rated price later.
Brian Gove said:
You would have to purchase a phone at full retail price. Then you could get the pro rated price later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or he could buy a phone off craigslist and go in there with one already...
fenixnr said:
Or he could buy a phone off craigslist and go in there with one already...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is an interesting idea - so I would need to find a Verizon-capable smartphone on Craigslist as cheap as possible, and then use the "upgrade" later when I want?
Another option would be do the pre paid route until you find a phone you want, then jump on contract.
jaben2 said:
Another option would be do the pre paid route until you find a phone you want, then jump on contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had not thought of this option yet, although the thought of going pre-paid doesn't appeal to me for some reason. I doubt my wife would go for it either. I have heard that pre-paid is getting more popular though - any suggestions for going pre-paid if I do explore that route? There's so many options out there now...
PsiPhiDan said:
I had not thought of this option yet, although the thought of going pre-paid doesn't appeal to me for some reason. I doubt my wife would go for it either. I have heard that pre-paid is getting more popular though - any suggestions for going pre-paid if I do explore that route? There's so many options out there now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to the galaxy nexus forum and look at the threads that say prepaid service guides or something similar. One of them says "rule your plan with..." they all talk about the best prepaid plans for the money.
Here is one of the more popular ones http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1455014
Obviously you don't have to do it with a nexus, you can use one of the prepaid ****ty phones. They just talk about the plans there. When I read it a long time ago most of them involved getting the prepaid phone and then switching out the sim card so you could just chill with the original phone until something interesting comes out on Verizon.
jaben2 said:
Another option would be do the pre paid route until you find a phone you want, then jump on contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't that be essentially the same thing as buying a phone and going month to month on Verizon until getting the phone he wants at a pro-rated price and contract?
Brian Gove said:
Wouldn't that be essentially the same thing as buying a phone and going month to month on Verizon until getting the phone he wants at a pro-rated price and contract?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only difference would be pre-paid may be cheaper, if I'm reading your message correctly.
Also, thanks for the quick replies everyone! I look forward to joining this community soon. Looks like I'll be getting an SIII this week. If it was just me, I'd employ one of these ideas you guys gave me. But since my wife is included... I'm gonna go the simple route and get the SIII, which was equivalent to my current phone anyway (EVO 4G LTE). Seems like it has the dev support to last the two years like my old EVO 4G did (it can run JB now - amazing). Plus the extra RAM future proofs it a bit. I don't game, so I don't need quad core I doubt. The S4 chip is a beast anywho.
Thanks again guys! See you in the forums soon!
Oh one last quick question: any issues I'll have rooting and unlocking this phone? I've only owned HTC and been with Sprint, so I'm unsure of how to do all of this. I hear Verizon is not very friendly about unlocking phones.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
PsiPhiDan said:
Oh one last quick question: any issues I'll have rooting and unlocking this phone? I've only owned HTC and been with Sprint, so I'm unsure of how to do all of this. I hear Verizon is not very friendly about unlocking phones.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was just a pain in the ass to get it unlocked to begin with. Since it's been figured out it's simple. Bookmark the guide in my sig, Droidstyle did a good job about laying it all out.
PsiPhiDan said:
Only difference would be pre-paid may be cheaper, if I'm reading your message correctly.
Also, thanks for the quick replies everyone! I look forward to joining this community soon. Looks like I'll be getting an SIII this week. If it was just me, I'd employ one of these ideas you guys gave me. But since my wife is included... I'm gonna go the simple route and get the SIII, which was equivalent to my current phone anyway (EVO 4G LTE). Seems like it has the dev support to last the two years like my old EVO 4G did (it can run JB now - amazing). Plus the extra RAM future proofs it a bit. I don't game, so I don't need quad core I doubt. The S4 chip is a beast anywho.
Thanks again guys! See you in the forums soon!
Oh one last quick question: any issues I'll have rooting and unlocking this phone? I've only owned HTC and been with Sprint, so I'm unsure of how to do all of this. I hear Verizon is not very friendly about unlocking phones.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader can be unlocked easily, obtaining root is a simple one-click affair, and VZW has never been friendly about anything but your open wallet. Congrats on the new phone and carrier switch.
Brian Gove said:
It was just a pain in the ass to get it unlocked to begin with. Since it's been figured out it's simple. Bookmark the guide in my sig, Droidstyle did a good job about laying it all out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay that sounds good, thank you!
I was concerned mostly because with my phone, only the non-updated ones can be rooted and unlocked right now. Since I had mine since launch day, my original bootloader was able to be hacked and exploited. New phones bought today have different bootloaders that have patched the explored holes. HTC can be evil that way. I know Samsung is more dev friendly, but I wanted to make sure there were no stipulations like with my phone where I would be screwed if I bought a new one now.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
PsiPhiDan said:
Hello everyone, I'm a longtime Sprint user, and am looking forward to my switch to Verizon very soon! I currently own an EVO 4G LTE, and am taking a look at what phones I should get when I switch companies. The best available phone right now appears to undoubtedly be the SIII.
I have heard that there are some pretty awesome phones on the horizon, and I would love to get them (HTC's apparent phablet, Razr Maxx HD, etc.). However, I really don't think I can wait until November because I can't possibly tolerate Sprint anymore and their ridiculous lack of coverage in my area (they told me the towers are being upgraded for the past 7 months).
So my question is this: is there any way to delay my upgraded phone price so that I can use it once these newer phones are released? In other words, can I use another phone or do something else in order to not use that contract upgrade until November, even if I sign up for their service this week? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you would just go get the SIII if you were in my position, that's useful input too. I love the phone, I just feel like it will be "dated" in a month. Seems like the worst possible time to buy... I'm in a pickle.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are going to wait 3 weeks you might as well wait for the note 2. Just my two cents.
Sent from my big red Samsung Galaxy S3 using XDA Premium.
There's still no release date on the Note 2 is there?
Plus I'm not sure a phone that large is for me. I'm getting the Note 10.1 soon, so do I need a phone that's a tablet too? I'm not sure. Plus I won't pay over 200 for a phone. I'm guessing the Note 2 will go for 300 or more.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
When I switched to Verizon from T-Mobile in December I went month to month on an OG Droid I owned until the GNex came out and then I upgraded
PsiPhiDan said:
This is an interesting idea - so I would need to find a Verizon-capable smartphone on Craigslist as cheap as possible, and then use the "upgrade" later when I want?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It wouldn't have to be a smart phone. Buy a cheap flip phone or something. However there is always something Coming soon so you may find yourself with that cheap phone for a long time

Which phone is worth getting? (First Android Phone)

Hello XDA ,
So I would like to know from your guys. I own a Samsung Star now and I want to get a new phone. This means my first ever Android phone that I will own (I have used Android before, but those where phones from friends). My question is which phone is the best pick to get.
ill use it mainly for apps (mainly games), whats-app, some internet when on wi-fi.
I personally was thinking about the Nexus 4 which is been sold for €450 here in the Netherlands. But what do you guys think? I would love to have Jelly Bean and a fast phone.
Go ahead and suggest me something but keep it under the Nexus 4 or at the same price as the Nexus 4.
#Robert
Go with the nexus 4. I have it and it's definitely the best in the price range. It's so good in fact I've been thinking about selling my old phones to buy a nexus 4.
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio Z715e using Tapatalk 2
sy224048 said:
Go with the nexus 4. I have it and it's definitely the best in the price range. It's so good in fact I've been thinking about selling my old phones to buy a nexus 4
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Click to collapse
100% agree!
If I'd buy a new android phone (I'm sure it would be an android phone ) I would buy a nexus, too.
You'll get OS updates really fast and for quite a long time and you'll have a slim rom without bloatware.
Hope I could help!
Nexus 4 is an excellent choice.
Wait for the S4 or go with Note 2. The S3 is now a lot cheaper with the Note 2 out and the S4 being announced.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
You are a perfect candidate for a nexus 4 Key lime pie will be out in a few months and you can bet the N4 will have it first.
If you know someone in the US, have them buy it for you. Much cheaper!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
The Nexus 4 is a great phone, but the two big things it lacks are an external SD card and removable battery.
Think about how you'll use the phone and if those things might be useful to you. I keep a lot of music on my external SD card so that it doesn't take space away from apps - I don't live in an area where I can just stream everything all the time, do you ?
If you plan on doing things with custom ROMs and such, an external SD card can be a lifesaver, too - and general convenience. But if you don't, the Nexus 4 might be a good choice since it will receive updates without you having to do anything.
Removable battery is nice because if you are buying off-contract, especially, you don't have to worry about babying the battery - the battery will lose so much charge per year no matter if you treated it perfectly. If you're not getting a subsidized upgrade, that might not be something you want to be stuck with. It's also nice to be able to carry a spare battery especially if you're playing games for an extended period of time (I carry one so I can play emulators between classes without having to worry "what if I don't go right home ?").
Nexus 4 is a great mobile but still there are few drawbacks of this mobile.
Consider other similar mobiles in the price range, S3, HTC, Sony etc
Look about this http://www.wikomobile.com/telephone-portable-Cink-Peax.php at €170
Yes, get the nexus 4 !!
Well , that depends what you like , right now the samsung galaxy s4 is the fastest phone , but not the most beautiful and the one who is better made. The most beautiful and the second fastest phone is HTC one , but this one doesnt have a sd card slot. Personally i will get the htc one with contract from vodafone , it will cost 300€ , its the first time i will buy a phone in this mode , but phones are getting bigger and bigger , and rumors already said that nexus 5 will get a 5.2" display. So every year phones get 0.2" bigger , so i will keep the htc until phones start to get smaller.
That was my opinion. Have a great year
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium
Galaxy S4, it's definitely worth getting
Any HTC, Nexus device.
OPPO Find 5 from oppostyle.com. Best value 1080p phone.
S4!
It is sick!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
The battery and SD card isn't so bad. 16GB is plenty for me! The battery isn't really of a issue. Most of the time the phone will be in standby.
How is the speed btw? Good enough for intensive apps? including games hehe
But I do agree the Nexus 4 is probably my pick but go ahead with suggestion. I already have 108 euros and need 450 so im getting there!!!
Really exited to get my first ever smartphone, android phone. Some of you might think that I am really behind stuff but he im 18 and didn't have the money first :crying: now I'm working hard to earn it so I can get a new phone :laugh:
I'd wait for the S4. I mean, the OS is pretty much the same with every phone, so what you really want to be looking at is specs.
Sent from my LT26i using xda premium
Nexus 4 is the best. But its available in selected countries only.. !!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
deeprocks31 said:
Nexus 4 is the best. But its available in selected countries only.. !!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
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Click to collapse
I can get it from 4 shops here in the NL. They just import them from the UK I guess. Cheapest is 450 and the website is really good so I trust them!
But in USA its contract base sales. Not via play store currently..!!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

[Q] Anyone else angry about the M9 already on it's way?

I, for one, am pissed. I just got into another 2 year deal to get this phone and they are talking about it's replacement already. They should have made it known, so people could decide themselves if they want to wait.
I'm not sure where you've been but in today's smartphone market, flagship devices are lucky to last 4-6 months before they are dated. The 2 year plan is not feasible for keeping the latest smartphone.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
sensatti said:
I'm not sure where you've been but in today's smartphone market, flagship devices are lucky to last 4-6 months before they are dated. The 2 year plan is not feasible for keeping the latest smartphone.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Transparency is all I'm asking. If the phone is coming out in 2-3 months, then they already are past the planning stage and may already be in the manufacturing stage. Either way, I think it would be decent of them to layout the long term. Don't know where you are but in America these phones are expensive and tied to expensive carriers, So I would like to know all my options if the ,manufacturer already knows they're putting them out.
If that's true I'm not really mad. The way I see it is that with such a short time between releases the M9 will be only a slight improvement at most.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using XDA Free mobile app
Where are you seeing information about the M9?
I don't think they need to disclose anything... There will always be a newer phone around the corner.
You know that without them announcing anything... And if you are on a 2 year contract, what is the difference if a new one comes out 6 months later, or a year later. Changes nothing.
And if you are going to play the waiting game for the next 'big thing' you'll always be waiting, as there is always a next big thing coming...
The only thing I have read about an "M9" is that they are cancelling the M8 Prime to focus on the M9 which will be released in Q1 2015......... right on schedule.
So enjoy your M8......... I know i am.
If you wait for the M9 you might as well wait for the M10. You'll only have the latest and greatest for a month or two with all the flagship phones available.
I believe I'm in the Verizon forum and if so they have the Next program. If u got it when this phone came out they had a special which basically every month what Next costs you is credited back to you so you have the Next program free! New phone can come out tomorrow for all I care and I can trade my phone in for it with $0 out of pocket. A beautiful thing for the OCD people that want the latest and greatest . Those not interested there is the standard 2yr contract plan for phones. Easy two choices so choose wisely . Don't blame the cellphone company for your choices on how u will upgrade. They have to keep up with the times to stay in business, the user doesn't have to, it's a choice.
deeznuts said:
I believe I'm in the Verizon forum and if so they have the Next program. If u got it when this phone came out they had a special which basically every month what Next costs you is credited back to you so you have the Next program free! New phone can come out tomorrow for all I care and I can trade my phone in for it with $0 out of pocket. A beautiful thing for the OCD people that want the latest and greatest . Those not interested there is the standard 2yr contract plan for phones. Easy two choices so choose wisely . Don't blame the cellphone company for your choices on how u will upgrade. They have to keep up with the times to stay in business, the user doesn't have to, it's a choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy a phone on contract, root it (if possible) keep it in mint condition. If one day it becomes un rootable sell it as mint rooted and dance in the profit. Buy new phone off contract. Rinse. Repeat.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
wtoj34 said:
Buy a phone on contract, root it (if possible) keep it in mint condition. If one day it becomes un rootable sell it as mint rooted and dance in the profit. Buy new phone off contract. Rinse. Repeat.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True but unless u find a real dummy ur never gonna get back what u paid. Still going to pay at least $100 out of pocket after selling 8-14 month old device. How much does an HTC One X+ go for today compare to when it came out? Example
I'd rather pay $0 out of pocket and upgrade when I want to and still pay only $160/month for two lines with 10gb of shared data. Just need to turn s on, unroot, fix tampered banner, flash stock Rom and return device. No one knows the better .
deeznuts said:
True but unless u find a real dummy ur never gonna get back what u paid. Still going to pay at least $100 out of pocket after selling 8-14 month old device. How much does an HTC One X+ go for today compare to when it came out? Example
I'd rather pay $0 out of pocket and upgrade when I want to and still pay only $160/month for two lines with 10gb of shared data. Just need to turn s on, unroot, fix tampered banner, flash stock Rom and return device. No one knows the better .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True true. The example I use for my case though would have to be the note 2. Once that got locked up on an OTA it started selling like hot cakes. 100-150$ for a new phone is perfectly acceptable for me though. I am losing some money but the enjoyment from the phone is worth it :good:
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
The day you buy a phone is the day it's old. These guys have at least two models when they release the "current"phone. They pay for the new phones research costs.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
wtoj34 said:
Buy a phone on contract, root it (if possible) keep it in mint condition. If one day it becomes un rootable sell it as mint rooted and dance in the profit. Buy new phone off contract. Rinse. Repeat.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I did this to get the DNA, SG3, SG4, M7, bought M8 on contract, still have mint M7 and mint M8 and those will be sold to fund next flagship device of my choosing to buy off contract until I have my contract ready, or a new phone is out.
Personally, for me. I think I might deviate away from the HTC One series devices unless they make some serious design changes which I do not see. I don't truly have a need for the boomsound speakers and would give those up for a regular phone speaker and a smaller phone overall. (Just imagine the M8 without the top and bottom speakers, jeez, or even without the wasted htc logo bar) - sorry for off topic.
Dude, this is HTC WAY OF OPERATING. more than the others. I know, I was a huge HTC fanboy. I bought the Sensation, then 3 months in they announce Amaze...bought the One X only to hear DNA. I THINK THEY DEVELOP TWO at a time. I left for LG with the Nexus 4 then the G2, but get this, while waiting for the G3 I bought the M8 cause I couldn't wait any longer.
I'm big enough to say NO MATTER WHAT A COMPANY DOES WITH RELEASES I'M GONNA *****....I have a problem
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I don't get it man. There are talks about the m9 but that doesn't mean that it's going to be released soon. The earliest would be around January. Talks are just talks and they're more than likely leaks.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Does the M9 you speak of make your current phone any less usable? I dont understand this way of thinking. You could wait for this new phone but then again you might as well just keep waiting from now on because there's always something better down the line. Enjoy what you have.
Samsung, HTC, and Apple all release one phone a year in its line (ex Galaxy S). So the M9 in Q1 of 2015 is right on schedule. You're mad about that? I bet the iPhone 7 will be out summer 2015... Doesn't mean people won't buy the 6 this summer.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Not mad at all. Such is life in this fast-paced world of technology.
the only thing i am angry about is the stupid black htc bar what a waste of real estate. I do witsh his thing had a 5.3 inch screen. then it would be perfect. its super fast no lag and it looks cool. o ya and it has s-off

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