Currently with VZW/Droid X, what should I do?

[Excelsior]

I've always been with Verizon and I got a Droid X before the iPhone came out or else I probably would have one. I currently use a Macbook Pro as my primary computer if that makes a difference. I have no real issue with Android, I just want the best phone I can get. I naturally still have the unlimited data plan. Should I get an iPhone 5 as my upgrade, get the best droid available, or hold out until something better?

Thanks.

 

[Bateluer]

Should I get an iPhone 5 as my upgrade, get the best droid available, or hold out until something better?

Thanks.

Everything known about the next iPhone is speculation based on leaks and possible fakes. It could easily be a 4S with a die shrunk SoC and an LTE radio.

If you want to buy right now, then the Galaxy S3 is Verizon's current top of the line phone. As far as I know, Moto's refreshed line up, the Razor HDs, have no release date yet. But, that Razor HD MAXX might be worth a serious look too.

^ Assumes you want to stick with Verizon. Likely, you'll be purchasing a phone at full retail pricing too, to preserve your unlimited data.

 

[Excelsior]

Everything known about the next iPhone is speculation based on leaks and possible fakes. It could easily be a 4S with a die shrunk SoC and an LTE radio.

If you want to buy right now, then the Galaxy S3 is Verizon's current top of the line phone. As far as I know, Moto's refreshed line up, the Razor HDs, have no release date yet. But, that Razor HD MAXX might be worth a serious look too.

^ Assumes you want to stick with Verizon. Likely, you'll be purchasing a phone at full retail pricing too, to preserve your unlimited data.

If the iPhone is as you describe it (die shrunk SoC/LTE) then it wouldn't really be worth it, yes?

And I would need to purchase one off plan at full price in order to keep unlimited data? Damnit!

 

[podspi]

Sadly, that is correct. If you use an upgrade credit you lose unlimited.

Honestly, for a new phone, it is cheaper for most people I know to just drop the unlimited in exchange for the credit. But if you lose a lot of data, you don't really have any other choice

 

[Red Storm]

Supposedly the Galaxy Note 2 is coming to Verizon, and then there is also the HTC Note competitor that should be coming out. And then you've got the iPhone, as well potentially a new Nexus device, along with the Droid Razr HD Maxx (non-Maxx = not worth it). So potentially a very nice lineup by the end of this year for Verizon.

 

[swanysto]

Everything known about the next iPhone is speculation based on leaks and possible fakes. It could easily be a 4S with a die shrunk SoC and an LTE radio.

If you want to buy right now, then the Galaxy S3 is Verizon's current top of the line phone. As far as I know, Moto's refreshed line up, the Razor HDs, have no release date yet. But, that Razor HD MAXX might be worth a serious look too.

^ Assumes you want to stick with Verizon. Likely, you'll be purchasing a phone at full retail pricing too, to preserve your unlimited data.

Yeah, I am a little skeptical about the new iPhone as well. Last year there were some nice "leaks" of the iPhone 5 as well. I am waiting to see what the new iPhone entails before I get my next phone, so it will be interesting.

 

[Chiropteran]

If you really like Verizon and want to stick with them you should probably wait and see about the next iphone. Verizon's android phones are typically poorly supported if you like your OS to be updated.

I was in a similar situation, except my droid bionic broke and I had to decide whether to buy a new Verizon phone. Since I don't use a lot of phone time and Verizon was trying to take away unlimited data, I switched to the $30/month t-mobile prepaid plan for 5GB data, 100 minutes, and unlimited txts. Using a galaxy nexus with that plan and I've never been happier with my cellphone, for less than half the cost of my Verizon service.

 

[PowerYoga]

If you upgrade you'll lose unlimited.

That being said, if you need the new p hone now get a S3 and root it and forget about VZW's shit support. I got a S3 and the first thing I did was root it and swap out the rom for a cleaner one. JB is also being released soon (rumor is later this week) and then you'll get a lot of official galaxy S3 JB based roms that you can play with without waiting for verizon's release.

If you like your walled gardens, iphone 5 is supposedly due to be released later this month as well. For larger devices others have already mentioned the galaxy note 2. There's other droid phones coming out, but having no experience with HTC or the newer moto phones (have a droid x myself) I can't tell you how good they are.

 

[Nothinman]

I've always been with Verizon and I got a Droid X before the iPhone came out or else I probably would have one. I currently use a Macbook Pro as my primary computer if that makes a difference. I have no real issue with Android, I just want the best phone I can get. I naturally still have the unlimited data plan. Should I get an iPhone 5 as my upgrade, get the best droid available, or hold out until something better?

Thanks.

The Droid X is one of the worst Android experiences I've had over the past few years. Maybe it's just me, but Motoblur is terrible and the phone is so locked down it's a PITA to put custom ROMs on it.

If the S3 is as easily rootable as PowerYoga says, I would suggest that or a Galaxy Nexus which was obviously designed to be rooted and ROM'd.

 

[PowerYoga]

The Droid X is one of the worst Android experiences I've had over the past few years. Maybe it's just me, but Motoblur is terrible and the phone is so locked down it's a PITA to put custom ROMs on it.

If the S3 is as easily rootable as PowerYoga says, I would suggest that or a Galaxy Nexus which was obviously designed to be rooted and ROM'd.

Took me about 30 minutes to root my phone, and this is with research and downloading included.

There's a good topic here at xda devs:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709

I also managed to root my droid x and got a ICS rom on it, but man it took 3-4 hours with my buddy who's a developer to do it.

 

[s44]

Does anyone know the answer to my question from the other thread (whether it's possible to go unlimited 3G->unlimited LTE if you don't buy subsidized)?

Assuming you stay with VZ, your options are: buy S3 now, wait for iPhone/Note 2 soon, or wait for another Nexus closer to the holidays. I wouldn't mess around with Moto if you want good update/dev options. I'm also not sure any new Nexus will actually appear on Verizon.

 

[Excelsior]

If you really like Verizon and want to stick with them you should probably wait and see about the next iphone. Verizon's android phones are typically poorly supported if you like your OS to be updated.

I was in a similar situation, except my droid bionic broke and I had to decide whether to buy a new Verizon phone. Since I don't use a lot of phone time and Verizon was trying to take away unlimited data, I switched to the $30/month t-mobile prepaid plan for 5GB data, 100 minutes, and unlimited txts. Using a galaxy nexus with that plan and I've never been happier with my cellphone, for less than half the cost of my Verizon service.

I have heard about that plan, it does sound intriguing. I am currently paying $72 a month, so not super cheap.

I currently don't use a ton of data, but with 4G who knows.

Thanks for all of the tips everyone. I will continue to hold out through the end of the year as my phone isn't pissing me off yet.

 

[Binky]

I don't think it matters what you use for a home computer. Just try the phones and see what you like more. More people have iphones, which may be a plus or a minus for your decision. Unless you have bought a significant amount of apps on Android there should be no reason to stick with Android if you like the iphone better.

You should also take a look at the Windows phones. The app selection is pathetic, but the UI works well. The apps that are available look pretty nice too.

You should never hold out for something better. Technology moves WAY too fast in phones. There will always be something better - just learn to live with it.

I just rooted an S3 this weekend. Even with limited knowledge, it shouldn't take more than an hour or two. I could root another one in about 15 minutes but i did have to spend time reading though various XDA forums.

The price for an S3 off contract is pretty high. Personally, I upgraded recently to a used Galaxy Nexus, which is not as nice as the S3, but it's pretty close. I think you could also buy a brand new Galaxy Nexus direct from google for $375 to use on ATT or tmobile.