Hey isn't there a cell phone thread already? I need to get a new cell in the next several days and figured I'd better do some homework. Any reason to get anything other than a Samsung Galaxy S5?
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Hey isn't there a cell phone thread already? I need to get a new cell in the next several days and figured I'd better do some homework. Any reason to get anything other than a Samsung Galaxy S5?
A friend who stays much more on top of these things noted the OnePlus One, due out... now-ish, would be his pick for an Android next time. $300-$350 outright, not tied to a carrier. I'm waiting for more info to roll out; you may not be able to get one on your time frame.
I also have been so astonished at the physical abuse that my S2 has survived (I dropped it while doing the garage roof, more than once... admittedly with a case) that I'm terrified to get anything other than a Galaxy, and still terrified that the S5 won't have my current phone's irrational durability.
quite happy with my htc one (personal) and htc one m8 (work). I like the htc sense skin. these are my 3rd and 4th htc android's and I've been nothing but pleased with each one.
though, why isn't there a quality v-salon forum specific app for the android yet?
Or for the iPhone. I've had way more luck just using the mobile web version on my phone than with any Forum apps.Quote:
Originally Posted by roseyscot
people still use those cute little things?Quote:
Originally Posted by Matthew Strongin
I've had great luck with the Galaxy and all other Samsung products we have (kids' Chromebooks, tablets & TVs). Mine took some drops, too - but ultimately ended up in the bottom of the koi pond at Omaha zoo. I temporarily replaced it (7 months ago) with a cheap T139 flippy that fits great in my jersey or pants pocket, but its features limit me to playing the demo version of Tetris for about 90 seconds. I'll likely replace with a couple old S or S2s because I don't care to carry a tablet around with me.
Sure do. They're totes adorbs.Quote:
Originally Posted by roseyscot
One thing I like about the iPhone design over the Galaxys is that it's easier to hold having the hard edges. The aerodynamics of the Galaxy series often makes for slippery one-handed jersey pocket insertion and extraction. And while sitting, it tends to slide out of your cargo short pocket into large bodies of water.Quote:
Originally Posted by roseyscot
And for those of us who don't have large hands, I can actually use the iPhone with one hand instead of needing both to hold the Galaxy.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nierman
People actually carry around those tablet sized android phones? How do those things fit into your jersey pockets?
For forum apps - ForumRunner works just fine for me. I have to search for Vsalon every few times - but the browsing/reading/navigating/commenting is just fine.
I have one of these as well and I do like it.Quote:
Originally Posted by roseyscot
Nexus 5. Pure Andriod, no stupid 'skins' and free apps to junk up your experience. This is the first phone I've ever been more than indifferent towards. It's great - fast; all-day battery life; decent camera (see the ride threads); and just so, so easy to use.
http://images.gizmag.com/hero/nexus5.PNG
Highly recommended.
I'm gonna be "that guy" and say the best bike phone of all time was the Nokia N82.
- Decent enough camera
- Camera auto launches when you open the lens cover
- Physical camera shutter button
- Swappable battery for really long rides
- Vector based maps so you can store the entire US on the phone and not need an internet connection for navigation.
- Small and rugged
- Excellent radios
It seems like the iPhone is the only thing going these days that is nice AND "small". I really liked the form factor of the original Lumias but if I'm going to get sucked into an ecosystem it's not going to be that one.
My iPhone 5 just got a speck on the camera sensor. Apple told me if it had happened during the warranty period, they would have given me a new phone. But I am about 4 months out of that, so I am stuck with a speck on the camera sensor. Shows up in every photo. Evidently a problem with iPhone 5 cameras. Oh well. I am really not into post-processing all my phone snaps.
Phone reviews never tell you how easily services are integrated.
OnePlus One looks great on paper, but no one knows in real life.
Hence Nexus 5. Having the hardware guy and software guy under the same umbrella pays dividends in UI.
re: durability - look at a phone from 5 years ago. Many have protective cases built in. In the interest of lightness mfgs. have made phones more fragile. Add a $7 bumper case - drop it and get directions to In-n-Out simultaneously.
*pls. note this is not an oppty. for G-flame.
My employer finally relented so this will be my first smart-phone, I've been using the same G'zOne for about 4 years now. The nuances between operating systems will be mostly lost on me.
This. This this this. The Nexus 5 is the best Android phone out there. I was a very happy user of the Galaxy Nexus until, ~3 years later, I found the battery draining very quickly and it started to crash several times a day. I just got an HTC One M8 and it's a nice phone but has too much Verizon shit on it that I can't uninstall. Get the Nexus 5.Quote:
Originally Posted by davids
It won't tho. It's the dif btwn headaches and "hey it just works." Simple stuff like sharing photos, making quick lists.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Musgrave
While on the topic of cell phones; I finally relented and listened to my wife about switching plans. We both are using ting now, and our bill has dropped from 150$ to about 50$ a month for us both. It basically piggybacks off of Sprint's network, and charges based on minutes, text messages, and data usage. I am on wifi mainly, but was worried about data usage when on my bike and listening to pandora. As of now it has been working quite well.
You can buy a replacement camera for like 40 bucks. Repairs like this take a steady hand but they're not rocket science and they're well documented on ifixit, etc. Obviously fix at your own risk, YMMV, etc, but I've done similar stuff. The relative ease of repair and availability of parts is one thing I really enjoy about the iPhones I've had (4s, 5s).Quote:
Originally Posted by j44ke
I'd like to add an asterisk to my testimony... I like everything except the ultra pixel camera. I can't get decent pics with the thing. This could absolutely be my lack of understanding though, rather than the relative crappiness of the camera itself.Quote:
Originally Posted by BShow
nierman, love the bar tape on your mower!!
Motorola Razr, work device. "gorilla glass" and bullet proof body, it'll take a beating. NOT water proof even with Otterbox case, fell into bathtub once, oops. Function, can't compare, last smart phone was a palm treo, so the razr is quite an improvement. Not a techno guy, just use what I need and it works great.
Have a look at the new Sony Z2...
Water proof... good camera.....battery lasts a very long time.
Highjack alert: We're thinking of taking a machette and hacking the cord that ties us to Verizon. We're just sick and tired of paying their prices, being bound by their contracts and dealing with a company that's too big to care. Besides Ting, what other quality pay as you go plans are out there? I've heard Ting is pretty much hip deep in Sprint's pocket.
Also, I'm not really well educated on what phones go where, but are there phones that one can use if you move from carrier to carrier? Besides jail breaking, what else needs to be done? Wife has an iPhone that's presently tied to Verizon.
Lewis,
I was in the same situation and I called to end my contract and pay the early termination fee. They begged me not to go and offered a "loyalty plan" that makes by bill $68/month for unlimited talk and text and 2GB of data. I was paying $125/month. If you threaten to leave, they offer the plan. I travel for work so I really want to keep Verizon's coverage. Sprint service is laughable in my territory and ATT is not much better.
The Verizon people have the phones locked to the carrier pretty well. Total PITA. Then again, I have a Windows Phone so take my advice with a grain of salt.
I've never used it but Verizon offers a pay as you go service.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lewis Moon
My two cents:
I've moved form that bloody slow Motorola Defy, to a Samsung Galaxy Xcover2.
Main reason, both are really waterproof, that means a no-hassle for cycling, whatever is rain, sweat, mud. The phone works. But the Samsung just works better
The Xcover2 is not small, but can be used with one hand. I've put a thin rubber-case which gives solid grip with gloves, I can easily take a pic while riding.
Id does have a decent battery, will hold enough for a long ride with a cycling app always running, and a lot more left.
What makes it stand apart form many smartphones is the physical hard buttons on the front. For me is a big deal: wearing winter gloves, without hard buttons on the phone you simply can't pickup a call or check for a msg/missed call/use the camera.
Pros:
-waterproof/dustproof
-physical buttons for main functions and camera (no problems with rain or gloves)
-decent battery life (battery is replaceable, so a 2nd battery is smaller to carry than a charger)
-average good camera
-petty stable OS and good phone construction
Con's:
-like many Android devices, apps are installed in phone's memory and this may slow it down with lots of apps onboard (this can be tricked with an OS mod)
-no Led to remind of missed call/msg/etc
-could be too big to operate one-handed for people with small hands
-camera is a bit slow to turn-up (a few seconds)
Look at Republic wireless.
You do have to buy a phone from them and there are only 2 choices but for $10 a month without data or $25 with it is hard to beat.
If you are thinking of cutting your internet cord also look at Pageplus cellular. I use their online retailer Kitty Wireless to buy my time from them and they use the Verizon network and offer plans with quite a bit of data and I believe tethering is allowed since you have paid for a set amount of monthly data.
I think since you have a Verizon Iphone you could bring it over.
Also my wife uses Virgin wireless for her Iphone at about $35 a month with limited talk minutes but unlimited text and data.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lewis Moon