I'm finally due for a smartphone! What should I get?

[happyguy155]

I can finally get a new phone with Verizon, but I have no idea what to go for. I mainly use my phone for communication, but it would be nice to pick up wifi in the area to check email. A blackberry would definitely be overkill and I think a Droid probably would be too.

What are some phones I can take a look at?

 

[Patranus]

Wait 3 months and get an iPhone.

 

[HAL9000]

Wait 3 months and get an iPhone.

Yeah I'd go with either an iPhone or an Android device, I'm not really familiar with american phone networks so I can advice specifics, but if you consider your self a techie then a jailbroken iPhone or a Rooted Android phone is the way to go.

Forget blackberry (in my opinion)

 

[Dacalo]

Either iPhone or Android platform. I have an iphone 4 and I love it, had 3GS before. Took me a while to get on the iphone bandwagon as I deemed it "trendish" but I love the phone.

 

[rcpratt]

Wait for the new dual-core snapdragons (MSM8260 and MSM8660) in 1Q '11 (Android). That's what I'm waiting for. I would consider an iPhone, but it seems moronic to buy a 6+ month old phone when you're stuck with it for 18 months with how quickly mobile technology improves.

 

[Bateluer]

On Verizon right now, if you want a phsyical keyboard, Droid 2 Global. If you want just a touch screen and large screen, Droid X. If you want the Blackberry-like styling, Droid Pro.

Rumor has it, they will be getting dual core Tegra 2 devices from LG and Moto, in the near future. Additionally, the HTC Merge, a CDMA spin on the G2, will be showing up on Verizon soon. The Tegra 2 devices will likely be top of heap, as far as processing power goes. I'm not a big fan of the iPhone as I like to use my phone to occasionally make phone calls, although a Verizon iPhone could see Apple correct their design flaw with the original iP4.

 

[silverpig]

I just got an iPhone 4 because I'm in Canada and we can't get the cool 4.3" android phones yet. If I were you'd, I'd be all over a DroidX.

 

[happyguy155]

I think I'd prefer a keyboard if I were to get the Droid. Where can I start looking for black friday deals for these phones? Do they come from stores like Best Buy?

 

[MrX8503]

If you can wait a little bit longer you can get the refresh of smartphones. The current smartphones are near 6 months old.

 

[Dr. Zaus]

I have been on the iPhone for a while; I like it. My friend has a galaxy... he likes it.

I like that my family's 3 iphones and 1 ipad all share the same app catalog.

 

[JimmiG]

Battery life is an issue with current Android phones. That's the biggest issue with all smart phones except maybe the iPhone4.

My Desire doesn't survive my commute + full day without charging for 30-60 minutes via USB some time during the day. Otherwise it dies at around 5 p.m. when I'm on my way home. 45nm SoCs didn't help much either, as far as I can tell from the reviews I've read... maybe another 30-40 minutes of life.

 

[happyguy155]

So if I were to buy a lower priced phone, say iphone 3gs, are there any charges to simply change my phone? So if a year from now I wanted the droid 17, could I replace the phone just as easily?

 

[jaydee]

Because I value free tethering and world-wide use, if I were to pick a phone right now, I'd go with a Droid 2 Global.

If those two things weren't such a big deal to me (mainly tethering), I'd probably wait and go with iPhone 4 when it comes to Verizon.

 

[s44]

Love how this thread goes instantly from "BB/Android would be overkill" to "Tegra 2 or bust!"

The question is really how interested and willing you are to customize your own experience with hacking, mods, etc. Not at all: wait for WinPh7 or iPhone (neither are on Verizon yet). A lot: definitely Android. (The Droid 2 and X are pretty solid out of the box, though... The Samsung Fascinate -- $1 at BB BF -- is the best current Verizon if you're willing to play with it.)

Oh yeah, don't be sure you need a physical keyboard until you play around with Swype. IMO it's sufficient reason to go Android.

As far as upgrades, I think Verizon allows them one year in at a somewhat higher price ($80-$100 more?). But the phone you choose now won't affect the upgrade process later.

Because I value free tethering and world-wide use, if I were to pick a phone right now, I'd go with a Droid 2 Global.

You realize basically every single smartphone can be hacked for free tethering... For some it doesn't even require root access.

 

[happyguy155]

Thanks for the help. Is there a big mobile forum where I can find more information about tethering and what "root access" entails? I feel a little lost in the phone world. I have never really thought about spending money on a phone for anything more than calling people. Free tethering would be very nice, though.

With the new refresh coming not too far away, would I be able to snag one of today's phones (maybe droid 2?) for under 100? I can upgrade my Verizon contract so I may consider something that may be overkill if it has to last me for the next 2 years.

Love how this thread goes instantly from "BB/Android would be overkill" to "Tegra 2 or bust!"

The question is really how interested and willing you are to customize your own experience with hacking, mods, etc. Not at all: wait for WinPh7 or iPhone (neither are on Verizon yet). A lot: definitely Android. (The Droid 2 and X are pretty solid out of the box, though... The Samsung Fascinate -- $1 at BB BF -- is the best current Verizon if you're willing to play with it.)

Oh yeah, don't be sure you need a physical keyboard until you play around with Swype. IMO it's sufficient reason to go Android.

As far as upgrades, I think Verizon allows them one year in at a somewhat higher price ($80-$100 more?). But the phone you choose now won't affect the upgrade process later.


You realize basically every single smartphone can be hacked for free tethering... For some it doesn't even require root access.

 

[DivideBYZero]

This is a good site:

Changed my mind.http://www.howardforums.com/forum.php?

 

[sivart]

The itunes requirement eliminated any iPhone for me. I use Linux and hate itunes, so it was an Android for me (Droid Incredible).

Plus, I disagree with Apple's business processes and how they limit their distributors. I also don't like the way they keep some technologies out of their phones and force you to use their proprietary stuff. Similar to the reason's I don't buy Sony products either.

 

[notposting]

BTW, for battery life on my Droid I do find JuiceDefender and ULV/LV kernels work well together. Could be worth a shot for some people to try.

For the OP...maybe wait for a VZW iPhone. I would expect that to be the best combination for reception, battery life, and pleasant to use. Maybe see if the W7 phones on VZW turn out good.

 

[happyguy155]

What are the big differences between the newest Droid phones?

Can I get the Droid X but keep the same contract so I don't have to pay for 3g internet?

 

[Pliablemoose]

The itunes requirement eliminated any iPhone for me. I use Linux and hate itunes, so it was an Android for me (Droid Incredible).

Plus, I disagree with Apple's business processes and how they limit their distributors. I also don't like the way they keep some technologies out of their phones and force you to use their proprietary stuff. Similar to the reason's I don't buy Sony products either.

http://lifehacker.com/5674772/never-sync-your-iphone-with-itunes-again

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Love my Droid X

 

[YoungGun21]

What are the big differences between the newest Droid phones?

Can I get the Droid X but keep the same contract so I don't have to pay for 3g internet?

You ABSOLUTELY need the unlimited data package with any of these smartphones.

 

[mercenary223]

I purchased a droid 2 4 days ago because i had a motorola cliq before and liked the keyboard. The droid 2 is a lot better phone as far as screen, speed, and apps but the keyboard is different and a lot harder to use and easy to hit the wrong key. My battery also needs charged twice a day. My wifes Droid x doesnt have a keyboard but it takes way better pics and the battery lasts a lot longer so i am exhanging. Target online has the droid2 for free and x for 70 and best buy has fascinate for free but i would rather have better app use then brighter screen.

 

[james1701]

I bought the Droid X last week when Amazon Wireless had them for a penny. So far, I really like the phone. Out of the box with the standard facebook app and the news and weather widgets and things running, I can get about 10 hours out of a battery charge with moderate use. I just started playing with things to save the battery by turning things off. So far, it looks like I am track to run about 16 hours, depending on how much Angry Birds I play.

I like it better than the Iphone 3g I had. Its more flexible once you learn how to use the phone and apps. Also, I don't care for Itunes, and not being locked into using that was a big plus for me.

One really cool app I found will let me overclock my computer on the phone, on the fly in real time, using the ROG Connect on my mobo. Thank you Asus.

I forgot to mention the speakers. They are pretty loud, but are a little tinny sounding. With my Iphone, I could not hear them that well, so I like this one much better.

 

[zerocool84]

Wait 3 months and get an iPhone.

There's a new iPhone coming out in 3 months??? That's news to me.