And I'm not sure I want to stay in the HTC family if they haven't released graphic driver software that can actually make their phones usable.
The phone I'm looking to upgrade to is the HTC Touch Pro 2. So I'm wondering, does anyone have this phone? If so, does it have the appropriate 2D and 3D drivers it should (10fps for video is f**king insanity)?
Finally, if not, what would be a good upgrade from the Kaiser (and don't say the Touch Pro, because it was also released without it's drivers)?
Regarding Touch Pro 2
Have a look on it´s proper section, you can read experiences and recommendations from several users
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=479
I am in the same boat - I can renew my contract at at&t and get a cheap new phone.
I really dislike HTC for the stunts they pulled with the Kaiser drivers.
I am actually eyeing the iphone. If they had it with a 1 year contract, I would jump on it in a sec (even if it was $100 more to buy).
The iphone is a fascinating device indeed. I would love to have one, specially one of the recent 3GS with 32GB memory.
It comes full with functionality, there is plenty of software for it and above all, it has a great user interface and design. It is great to use.
But, there is a major inconvinience: it costs a fortune!
I mean 600 Euro or more for an unlocked iphone, or the equivalent level for plans is very expensive.
Add to that the vulnerabily of the device (never ever drop it, scratch it and take care to not grease the glass all the time), it is a headache to own one.
HTC devices, on the other hand, have two appealing characteristics: they can be obtained cheap (because they do have a long lifetime, so they end up cheap on ebay for a good value price) and they can be hacked, modded and expanded at your hearts will.
Conclusion:
1) If you have the money.
2) If you prefer to USE the device instead of HACKING it.
Get yourself the iphone. You will be happy with it.
Otherwise, just get the HTC one you fancy and live with its limitation, enjoying all the stuff you can do with it (new firmware, cooked firmware, lots of applications, customizations, etc.).
Cheers,
vma
vma said:
The iphone is a fascinating device indeed. I would love to have one, specially one of the recent 3GS with 32GB memory.
It comes full with functionality, there is plenty of software for it and above all, it has a great user interface and design. It is great to use.
But, there is a major inconvinience: it costs a fortune!
I mean 600 Euro or more for an unlocked iphone, or the equivalent level for plans is very expensive.
Add to that the vulnerabily of the device (never ever drop it, scratch it and take care to not grease the glass all the time), it is a headache to own one.
HTC devices, on the other hand, have two appealing characteristics: they can be obtained cheap (because they do have a long lifetime, so they end up cheap on ebay for a good value price) and they can be hacked, modded and expanded at your hearts will.
Conclusion:
1) If you have the money.
2) If you prefer to USE the device instead of HACKING it.
Get yourself the iphone. You will be happy with it.
Otherwise, just get the HTC one you fancy and live with its limitation, enjoying all the stuff you can do with it (new firmware, cooked firmware, lots of applications, customizations, etc.).
Cheers,
vma
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in the same boat as the original poster. I am looking for a new phone since my iphone 2g has the dreaded dead strip which is common for the iphone.
At first when it happened I instantly wanted to replace the iphone with another one however on craiglist the 2g were still going for around $150 to $200. However again these were used and most likely were going to start crapping out just like my current. On mine the volume buttons began get stuck and eventually from trying to plug them out ended up coming off. Then I explored the option of a newer 3g since it is better phone overall of the 2g with better form factor and speakerphone. However they were going for $250 to $300 but then again with no warranty. Also since I am taking it to tmobile it would be without 3g.
So yeah the iphone is expensive choice for me since the same plan I have now on ATT would cost me $65 more a month which is $780 more a year. If I decide to take with tmobile then I am paying $300 for an iphone that does not have a warranty. The one year warranty is ridiculous for a phone that retails for $600.
get the touch pro 2 on tmobile 8/12 and be very happy
So, my wife is eligible for an upgrade (Sprint). She doesn't care about the power phones like the Evo (which is what I have) or the Epic, she just wants a "nice" phone that takes good pictures, and has a flash. So that means at least 3mp, preferably 5+. I thought the Transform was perfect, but they want $149 for upgrade, which I can also get an Evo for... so doesn't make sense, and she doesn't want to pay that much anyway (not to mention the extra $10/mo the Evo and Epic require).
I'm kind of left scratching my head here. Why is it so hard to get an intermediate Android phone with a flash... for $50 or less?
I have one option I'm considering, which is getting the Optimus S through upgrade (free today), and just selling it, and using the proceeds to buy a new Samsung Instinct HD off of eBay. I need to be sure that the ESN on the Optimus will still be good though. Price-wise it should work out fine, and the Insinct HD has a 5mp camera with flash. She currently is using the original Instinct, which she's fine with, except for the photo quality and lack of a flash.
Also, what I'd really like to know is, if there is something coming down the pipe for Sprint soon that will fit the bill, or at least cause the price of the Transform to drop. Anyone know? Or anybody know how to get a Transform for free, or no more than 50 bucks?
Aw, come on guys, no response? Help me out here! Please?
So, anyway, I'm in process on this already. I got the Optimus free as an upgrade, and am selling it unopened on eBay and it looks like I'll get north of $200 for it, and the auction ends this afternoon.
Last night the wife brings up another wish for her new phone, in addition to the flash... speech to text. She wants to be able to send a text message while driving - i.e., no typing. Of course Vlingo takes care of this is high fashion, but that's Android only (at least certainly not on... whatever OS that Instinct HD uses). So before I buy that thing, I'm wondering if you guys know of a Sprint Android phone that has a flash.
I am considering the possibility of getting the Transform, which I should be able to get for maybe around 200-ish used, or around $250 new, if I'm patient and lucky. But she doesn't care about the slide out keyboard, and she'll be nervous about my selling her old Instinct to make up the difference in cost. But I can't think of another Android phone, on Sprint, that has a flash! What's up with that anyway!? Do you guys know of one? Please help, quick!
Seems like this cell phone will not be released in the U.S.
Why is there no smartphones that is bigger than 5.7 inches available in the United States Of America?
cryingthug said:
Seems like this cell phone will not be released in the U.S.
Why is there no smartphones that is bigger than 5.7 inches available in the United States Of America?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad I'm not the only one that noticed this. It seems to be a coordinated effort - almost a conspiracy that phones bigger than 5.7 inches don't make it to the USA and/or receive little to zero promotion and/or support.
It's nice to know I'm not the only one whose been clamoring for a 7" phone since the first Samsung Tab was released! PUT A CELLULAR RADIO IN IT, I said.
I'll be bringing the Zenfone 3 Ultra into the states in a couple of months. Might even have a go at opening up the US LTE bands with the post at the top of this forum.
But Why?
mikkej2k said:
I'm glad I'm not the only one that noticed this. It seems to be a coordinated effort - almost a conspiracy that phones bigger than 5.7 inches don't make it to the USA and/or receive little to zero promotion and/or support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nathanotis and mikkej2k,
And if the reviewers do review the phablet many say that the phone is way too big. I am convinced that the people that say that have abnormally small hands. LOL.
My question now is, why do you think that there is nothing over 5.7 available in the U.S?
cryingthug said:
nathanotis and mikkej2k,
My question now is, why do you think that there is nothing over 5.7 available in the U.S?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No risk takers in the American market?
Or,
Simple supply and demand. There's not enough demand. Just stick with what's most profitable.
As more people mature ( grow older ) carriers will be forced to sell/allow larger smartphones on their networks. I believe that Sprint , T-Mobile , Verizon , and AT&T are the biggest stumbling blocks to larger phones. After the carriers I think the manufacturers don't want to go big - if they can charge more for less , why not?
*Older people would want larger screens because they are easier to read.*
Better For The Eyes
mikkej2k said:
*Older people would want larger screens because they are easier to read.*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not old and my eyes are excellent but I agree with the larger screens are easier to read 100%. I very much dislike trying to look at a web page on a sub 6 inch screen. What a horrible experience. If the web page is not designed for mobile you are just scrolling all the time. People are paying all this money to have data on their phones and then having to look at all that tiny font. No thank you. Plus videos and movies look so awesome on the larger size screens.
cryingthug said:
Seems like this cell phone will not be released in the U.S.
Why is there no smartphones that is bigger than 5.7 inches available in the United States Of America?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is, one that i know for sure is huawei mate 8, a 6 incher, it supports ATT and T-Mo LTE bands in USA.
only gripe - the Kirin 950 SoC, not the performance side of it, but the no source code side of it, meaning no 3rd party roms, OS upgrade and security patches are at mercy of huawei, they are not known to be diligent when it comes to that ..
http://www.anandtech.com/show/9878/the-huawei-mate-8-review
nathanotis said:
It's nice to know I'm not the only one whose been clamoring for a 7" phone since the first Samsung Tab was released! PUT A CELLULAR RADIO IN IT, I said.
I'll be bringing the Zenfone 3 Ultra into the states in a couple of months. Might even have a go at opening up the US LTE bands with the post at the top of this forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Samsung Tab S 8.4 certainly had a cellular radio in it, that was my last cell phone...
I like big phone and I can not lie....
omniphil said:
The Samsung Tab S 8.4 certainly had a cellular radio in it, that was my last cell phone...
I like big phone and I can not lie....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did it work as a phone? Was the size ever a hindrance?
(Just realized you also posted to the other thread I'm watching)
nathanotis said:
How did it work as a phone? Was the size ever a hindrance?
(Just realized you also posted to the other thread I'm watching)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doesn't easily fit in your pocket, but that's really the only size hindrance. I actually still have it and use it in my car as a navigation device. It still preforms quite well..
It was cheap too under $500 when new, which is quite a bit cheaper than any flagship phone at the time.
It seems that the Zenfone 3 Ultra (International version & no warranty) is being sold on a large Internet website but it costs several hundred more than they said it would be. It is priced out of reach at almost $700 it is not worth the money. I am not buying.
cryingthug said:
It seems that the Zenfone 3 Ultra (International version & no warranty) is being sold on a large Internet website but it costs several hundred more than they said it would be. It is priced out of reach at almost $700 it is not worth the money. I am not buying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's priced high because it just came out, if you wait a month it should come down to normal pricing....
cryingthug said:
It seems that the Zenfone 3 Ultra (International version & no warranty) is being sold on a large Internet website but it costs several hundred more than they said it would be. It is priced out of reach at almost $700 it is not worth the money. I am not buying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 4GB/64GB model runs for $630 or so for first hand retail (IE: direct from the original seller). The $700 you mentioned is from a reseller (IE: they paid $630 and are reselling it for a small profit).
The 3GB/32GB model runs for about $460, and is probably more in line with the pricing you had heard announced.
The real trick is finding either model in stock at a first hand retailer, as the resellers are buying them up as quickly as they can.
There is a market for the plus 5.7 phones. Everytime one these phones are announced , people that like smaller phones complain as if they'll be forced to switch. Most of those that prefer smaller phones act as though they don't want the larger phones released.
Why does this bother people that like smaller phones? When the original Galaxy Note came out it was groundbreaking for a mainstream company to release a phone that big. Now it's commonplace ( I'm looking at you Apple - iPhone Plus )
shdwphnx said:
The 4GB/64GB model runs for $630 or so for first hand retail (IE: direct from the original seller). The $700 you mentioned is from a reseller (IE: they paid $630 and are reselling it for a small profit).
The 3GB/32GB model runs for about $460, and is probably more in line with the pricing you had heard announced.
The real trick is finding either model in stock at a first hand retailer, as the resellers are buying them up as quickly as they can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a little I formation for ones that might be looking to purchase the Asus Zenfone ultra (ZU680KL), with 4gb of ram and 64gb internal memory.
I purchased mine new, from EBay with a one year warranty. Purchase price was 593.00, factory unlocked, with free shipping and handling (still higher than originally advertised). Device came from Never-Msrp, out of Houston, Texas.
Slbtrb79 said:
Just a little I formation for ones that might be looking to purchase the Asus Zenfone ultra (ZU680KL), with 4gb of ram and 64gb internal memory.
I purchased mine new, from EBay with a one year warranty. Purchase price was 593.00, factory unlocked, with free shipping and handling (still higher than originally advertised). Device came from Never-Msrp, out of Houston, Texas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What carrier are you using your phone on? What type of bands will the phone let you access? What type of factory support do you get? ( if any? )
mikkej2k said:
What carrier are you using your phone on? What type of bands will the phone let you access? What type of factory support do you get? ( if any? )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cricket, which is owned by AT&T, also speeds are capped by them at 4Mbps on 4G and 8Mbps on LTE. I get Hsdpa bands and Gsm bands. The phone has LTE bands, but can't be accessed here. I'm hoping to root soon, not sure if the LTE bands can be accessed then. This however is not real important to me or I would have not purchased the phone anyway. I'm getting 3Mbps on download speeds. Was getting 4-5Mbps on my HTC 10, thru Cricket. Have had no problems to ask for any factory support yet. Asus sent paperwork with phone for a one year warranty against defects and workmanship (standard for most phones). I have something thru eBay, not sure for how long. The warranty really does you no good if you root the phone though. I had a one year warranty on my HTC One M8 and have a one year on my HTC 10, but they are rooted, so their warranties we're voided anyway. Never had to ask for factory support on them either. Asus has a website devoted to their phones, with various types of information, even including how to's on bootloader unlocking on many models (including the zenfone 3 deluxe), source codes, etc.
I guess it's a matter of what you want out of a phone. If you want a faster processor and LTE in the US, this is not the phone for you. It's not the phone my HTC 10 was (gave to my wife), because of the processor, and LTE. But I was essentially looking for a 7 inch tablet with 4gb of ram, great camera, video player with a very good sounding dual speakers, external SD card, and has phone ability. Very hard to find many 7 inch tablets with all the above specs together. I get all of the above with this 6.8 screen Ultra phablet. Also the build quality of this phone has really improved over the previous Asus phones. Realy like the metal workmanship. Not quite as good as HTC 10, but getting there. So far very happy with it and hoping they will unlock the bootloader like they did for the Deluxe.
Thanks for the questions. Never knew how to answer in short sentences. I answer this way in person also. Hope it wasn't to long winded for you.
---------- Post added at 05:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:46 AM ----------
Slbtrb79 said:
Cricket, which is owned by AT&T, also speeds are capped by them at 4Mbps on 4G and 8Mbps on LTE. I get Hsdpa bands and Gsm bands. The phone has LTE bands, but can't be accessed here. I'm hoping to root soon, not sure if the LTE bands can be accessed then. This however is not real important to me or I would have not purchased the phone anyway. I'm getting 3Mbps on download speeds. Was getting 4-5Mbps on my HTC 10, thru Cricket. Have had no problems to ask for any factory support yet. Asus sent paperwork with phone for a one year warranty against defects and workmanship (standard for most phones). I have something thru eBay, not sure for how long. The warranty really does you no good if you root the phone though. I had a one year warranty on my HTC One M8 and have a one year on my HTC 10, but they are rooted, so their warranties we're voided anyway. Never had to ask for factory support on them either. Asus has a website devoted to their phones, with various types of information, even including how to's on bootloader unlocking on many models (including the zenfone 3 deluxe), source codes, etc.
I guess it's a matter of what you want out of a phone. If you want a faster processor and LTE in the US, this is not the phone for you. It's not the phone my HTC 10 was (gave to my wife), because of the processor, and LTE. But I was essentially looking for a 7 inch tablet with 4gb of ram, great camera, video player with a very good sounding dual speakers, external SD card, and has phone ability. Very hard to find many 7 inch tablets with all the above specs together. I get all of the above with this 6.8 screen Ultra phablet. Also the build quality of this phone has really improved over the previous Asus phones. Realy like the metal workmanship. Not quite as good as HTC 10, but getting there. So far very happy with it and hoping they will unlock the bootloader like they did for the Deluxe.
Thanks for the questions. Never knew how to answer in short sentences. I answer this way in person also. Hope it wasn't to long winded for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, as a side note. There is a factory rom and source code for the Ultra ZU680KL on Asus site for download, in case you would have a problem.
Motorola nexus 6 is 5.96 inches FYI.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
If you want to know why manufacturers are not shipping as much to the US lately, look at the patent system in the US. Once you ship any products to the US, you are counting down the time until you get sued by someone in east Texas...
Not worth the money to sell things in the US market until this situation gets under control.
Hi, sorry if this has been posted before but I couldn't find anything useful.
I have this person who have a cerebral palsy wanting a new phone. He had a phone before (SG5) but that now broke because he dropped it so many times and he's stuck with 24 months contracts. Finally today his contract is due for upgrade but we're thinking of not renew/upgrade contract but wanting to buy the handset outright but to keep the sim card going.
Phone needs to be rugged/strong (like The DeWALT Phone? but it's 5" - bit of struggle to type).
Screen Size : If possible, big screen? So he can type/send text message. (i like this idea something like Xiaomi Mi MIX 6.4 inch)
Budget : happy to spend around £500 ish but willing to pay more if phone is worth the money spend but not too expensive obviously (i.e. over £1000)
Screen need to be strong (will consider applying screen protector as well) - Gorilla Glass?
Ample of covers available, to protect the phone itself and need to be available in the UK as well (amazon/mobilefun/etc..)
What he use the phone for? - Well, he like to play most games, especially pokemon go(!), want to start using video phone and texting to families/friends, so it's pretty much all round.
Also, one other thing, can you send text (sms) using tablet if it has SIM compatible on tablet? as it would be nice to have 7" Tablet as I have seen 1 or 2 floating online but unsure if it works with sms.
Please state weather the phone (or tablet) is available to buy now or on pre-order as we're looking to purchase ASAP.
Many thanks
Have a nice day
COLT45 UK said:
Hi, sorry if this has been posted before but I couldn't find anything useful.
I have this person who have a cerebral palsy wanting a new phone. He had a phone before (SG5) but that now broke because he dropped it so many times and he's stuck with 24 months contracts. Finally today his contract is due for upgrade but we're thinking of not renew/upgrade contract but wanting to buy the handset outright but to keep the sim card going.
Phone needs to be rugged/strong (like The DeWALT Phone? but it's 5" - bit of struggle to type).
Screen Size : If possible, big screen? So he can type/send text message. (i like this idea something like Xiaomi Mi MIX 6.4 inch)
Budget : happy to spend around £500 ish but willing to pay more if phone is worth the money spend but not too expensive obviously (i.e. over £1000)
Screen need to be strong (will consider applying screen protector as well) - Gorilla Glass?
Ample of covers available, to protect the phone itself and need to be available in the UK as well (amazon/mobilefun/etc..)
What he use the phone for? - Well, he like to play most games, especially pokemon go(!), want to start using video phone and texting to families/friends, so it's pretty much all round.
Also, one other thing, can you send text (sms) using tablet if it has SIM compatible on tablet? as it would be nice to have 7" Tablet as I have seen 1 or 2 floating online but unsure if it works with sms.
Please state weather the phone (or tablet) is available to buy now or on pre-order as we're looking to purchase ASAP.
Many thanks
Have a nice day
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best place to ask is to post in the thread below
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1846277
Sent from my SM-S903VL using Tapatalk
Oh, ok thanks
I know this is a common topic, but all the threads I've found on it thus far are at least a year old, an effective eternity when you're looking for advice on what phone to get.
For the last year or so I've been using a $30 Straight Talk phone. I picked it up when my old phone broke and I needed a new one "right frickin' now". But, frankly, it's driving me up a wall with its limitations and right now, this being tax return season, I've got the chance to buy a new one. I don't really have time to go through the hundreds of options though, so I'm hoping some of you can help me narrow it down a bit. What I need in a phone is:
Sub-$150 price range (Used would be OK)
Rootable
Decent compatibility and performance with Cardboard-like VR headsets (I got one for Christmas that I've not been able to really use)
At least 16GB onboard storage + SD card slot
Compatibility with Straight Talk
Having some good custom ROMs available would be a plus, but as long as I can root it and uninstall whatever crapware it comes with I'll be satisfied.
Thanks in advance
There's a thread exists for the same topic. Ask here.