iphone 4 user looking to upgrade

[joejoe666]

So I have been using iphone 4 for 3 years now through my company. i am eligible for an upgrade with AT&T. i have to pay the subsidized cost.

Should i go with Samsung Galaxy 4, 5, note 3 or something else?
*don't want an iphone 5s...screen is small
*not sure if paying extra $150 for galaxy 5 or note 3 over Galaxy 4 is worth it
*i have only played with andriod for a few mins (ever)

1 thing i will say is that iphone recover mode with itunes is amazing. (i can switch to any other iphone, plug it into itunes, and all of my apps, etc are loaded) does andriod have a similar feature?

 

[vshah]

check out the htc one m8 as well.

 

[s44]

If the Note 3 size works for you, it's still the best choice. Otherwise I'd suggest the G2 -- great battery life, basically the same modern chipset as this year's phones, and not too big (the One M8 and the Z2 are so bulky you really should get the Note instead). See if you can play with a few models in the store to check the bulk in hand and pocket though.

Android will automatically re-download your apps to a new device if you want it to. Getting everything including data restored from a backup requires root tools though.

 

[Sid59]

if you're willing to hold out to see if iPhone rumors are true about the larger screen, that may be an option?

 

[joejoe666]

i dont mind waiting till june i guess.

right now, is note 3 the best option? (better than S5, M8, LG G2)??

 

[jhansman]

If your not set on an Apple product, the Nexus 5 off contract is a great phone. Virtually bloat free (Gapps and a few others), great display, and quick. A bit larger than I like but you get used to it. I'm done with Samsung and the other makers/providers who load up their products with more unremovable crap than you imagine.

 

[MrSquished]

if your not set on an apple product, the nexus 5 off contract is a great phone. Virtually bloat free (gapps and a few others), great display, and quick. A bit larger than i like but you get used to it. I'm done with samsung and the other makers/providers who load up their products with more unremovable crap than you imagine.

amen to that brotha!

 

[Commodus]

I'd hold out until the next iPhone if possible (I think it'll be closer to September, though it may show up early). It's clear that you like what iOS brings to the table, and you'd have a slight learning curve switching platforms.

If you go Android, you'd probably want to go Nexus 5 or Moto X. They're good values for money, and they'd give you a more familiar OS update experience. Going from same-day updates for three years to months-delayed updates for 1.5 years (if you're lucky) would be a bit of a shock.

 

[blairharrington]

So I have been using iphone 4 for 3 years now through my company. i am eligible for an upgrade with AT&T. i have to pay the subsidized cost.

Should i go with Samsung Galaxy 4, 5, note 3 or something else?
*don't want an iphone 5s...screen is small
*not sure if paying extra $150 for galaxy 5 or note 3 over Galaxy 4 is worth it
*i have only played with andriod for a few mins (ever)

1 thing i will say is that iphone recover mode with itunes is amazing. (i can switch to any other iphone, plug it into itunes, and all of my apps, etc are loaded) does andriod have a similar feature?

I'm a former iPhone user. Transitioning to Android is pretty simple.

No matter what I or anybody tells you, I strongly advise you visit your local AT&T and simply hold each device to see what you think about them. Performance wise they'll all suffice your needs. If the security sensor annoys you ask the rep if they have dummy models. I also suggest you head over to T-Mobile and put the Nexus 5 in your hand. AT&T doesn't sell it.

Every flagship has their pros and cons. You need to determine what you care about. (Camera, battery life, expandable storage, size, weight.)

I had an S4 Active last year and I've been using a Nexus 5 for a few days now. I will strongly recommend the Nexus 5 to you. It's super lightweight, feels awesome in hand, and fast as hell performance. However you must purchase it unsubsidized and that will set you back $350. Plus that model is only 16 GB, if that matters to you.

Not sure what your situation at AT&T is however they will lower your bill $15 a month if you bring your own device to them. So the Nexus 5 gets a point in that regard.

The iPhone 6 is coming in September and will most likely sport a 4.7" screen. You need to decide if you can wait till then.

 

[bearxor]

If you're an iPhone user curious if you'd like Android, you can always pick up a Nexus 4 on swappa for $200. Still a great phone and a great way to see of you like it. This way you can have your mind fully made up by September and decide between a larger iPhone and a Note 4.

 

[zerogear]

Nexus 5, HTC One M8 and Moto X are the obvious choices.

 

[joejoe666]

so after looking into everything...i am leaning towards LG G2 because its free after 2-yr contract extension (please, no debate on pre-paid vs post)

my main question is...i plan on handing this phone down to my mom when i get a new phone. So will battery life be an issue 2-3 yrs from now? can i replace it on G2? should i go with S4 or S5 for the ability to replace battery in a few years?

 

[bearxor]

If you're a little technically inclined, replacing a battery isn't a big deal in most phones.

 

[joejoe666]

how long before i have to replace battery?

 

[Anubis]

id wait till WWDC to see what apple is gonna announce

 

[wand3r3r]

No matter what I or anybody tells you, I strongly advise you visit your local AT&T and simply hold each device to see what you think about them.

This should really be stressed as a critical point. I went to check out the s5 and one m8 as well as other phones and there are huge size differences and aesthetics which can easily be noticed while seeing them in person.

Get a list of top choices (prioritize them) and then go check out the physical device. You may very well change your mind seeing them in person. There are differences which can't be seen on paper.

 

[Eug]

Yeah I'd wait for the iPhone 6 if you like the iOS ecosystem and iTunes restores.

 

[Kenmitch]

The LG G2 looks nice. I might pick one up and give my wife the LG Optimus G Pro.

On another note why is it LG is the only one that has reasonable prices on phones....As in retail pricing. The G2 is only $465 with no contract on ATT which seems cheap compared to other phones.

 

[joejoe666]

id wait till WWDC to see what apple is gonna announce

i do like iphone and its ecosystem, but i will for sure have to pay like $300 even with AT&T discount for an Iphone 6. i am not sure if its worth with when i can get G2 for free or S5 for $170. I am having a tough time justifying it in my mind. Also thanks for the other advice...i will definitely play with actual devices before pulling the trigger.

 

[Kenmitch]

i do like iphone and its ecosystem, but i will for sure have to pay like $300 even with AT&T discount for an Iphone 6. i am not sure if its worth with when i can get G2 for free or S5 for $170. I am having a tough time justifying it in my mind. Also thanks for the other advice...i will definitely play with actual devices before pulling the trigger.

The free G2 on contract is going to be a hard deal to beat. Not sure if the other offerings would be worth the price difference....Too me at least.

Go play around with them as suggested as it's the best way to choose a new phone.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Nexus 5, HTC One M8 and Moto X are the obvious choices.

only to you....the S5 or the note 3 are really the only obvious choices! Everybody knows that!

 

[alexeus]

I would personally go for S5. First because I rather Android OS over anything else and second ... S5 it's a great phone. Didn't see anyone complaining about it... or at least no yet

 

[Anubis]

i do like iphone and its ecosystem, but i will for sure have to pay like $300 even with AT&T discount for an Iphone 6. i am not sure if its worth with when i can get G2 for free or S5 for $170. I am having a tough time justifying it in my mind. Also thanks for the other advice...i will definitely play with actual devices before pulling the trigger.

id still wait to see what in announced. itll most likely release in the fall (which is what they normally do) and you an make the call then