Buying an Android phone upgradable to 4.0

[macmax]

I have been narrowing down on 3 mobile manufacturers (Samsung, Sony Ericsson and HTC) for a decent budget phone approx. 250-260 USD.

I have browsed through all the mobiles offered by Samsung, but only the high end phones (i.e. SIII, SII, Note etc.) are upgradable to Android 4.0.4. On the other hand, Sony Ericsson has Xperia Ray which is decently placed at 260USD and has firmware update for 4.0.4.

I am unable to find any suitable phone with HTC in the budget range with similar requirements.

On the other hand, I have not completely overlooked the Windows Phone offerings. I have Nokia Lumia 710 and Samsung Omnia W I8350 as a choice. I am more towards Omnia as it offers Super-Amoled display and Gyroscope (which might be a requirement for WP 8).

If I overlooked any phone that might suit my needs please feel free to let know.

[jakem1]

If you can wait a little while Microsoft will be announcing their plans for WP8 in 8 days. That might help you decide as they should clarify the upgrade path for existing phones.

Historically, Windows Phones have always received timely upgrades regardless of price, something that can't be said of Android.

[Dick Montage]

At the price range you give, I'd say an SE device is your best target. I got my ex a Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S for ?200 and it's a bloody awesome phone!

[macmax]

If you can wait a little while Microsoft will be announcing their plans for WP8 in 8 days. That might help you decide as they should clarify the upgrade path for existing phones.

Historically, Windows Phones have always received timely upgrades regardless of price, something that can't be said of Android.

Thanks. I also had similar thoughts to wait till 20th and then decide.

[macmax]

At the price range you give, I'd say an SE device is your best target. I got my ex a Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S for ?200 and it's a bloody awesome phone!

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S definitely looks neat. Though on the higher range, I will consider this.

[Asrokhel]

I got my ex a Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S for ?200 and it's a bloody awesome phone!

In American dollars, it would cost over $300. But he never said which provider he is with, so they may have deals on SE phones.

[Digitalx]

Just check on XDA forums for devices which the community have updated to ICS.. A lot of the "official" devices that don't get it have it there. Only involves rooting and flashing a rom which isn't rocket science.

Just be cautious if your going for devices in their default glory that sony's UI over android is pretty bad compared to standard android/other companies. You can install a launcher from app store like nova launcher to help with home screen but doesn't really help the wider issues OS wide.

If you want a small/cheaper device which is nice out of the box I'd suggest something like the HTC One S

[macmax]

Asrokhel, we do not have carrier limits in India :-)

Digitalx, will check XDA forums.

[LightEco]

Any reason to overlook Motorola? The Razr is probably the best phone I've had in a long time and its getting an ICS upgrade as early as today.

Edit: NM, totally had a brain meltdown. For some reason just assumed you were on Verizon in the US. Sorry!

[yowanvista]

Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S definitely looks neat. Though on the higher range, I will consider this.

The low amount of internal storage (~320MB) on this device would limit the number of apps to be installed on your phone memory. Get something with at least 4GB of Internal Storage.

[thealexweb]

HTC Desire HD is upgradable to 4.0

[macmax]

HTC Desire HD is upgradable to 4.0

It is, but the price is close to 400USD in India.

[thealexweb]

It is, but the price is close to 400USD in India.

Really? It's from the backend of 2010 so must be cheaper than that by now 0.o

[macmax]

Omnia W was refreshing to use. The touch was smooth and very responsive. The only drawback if any is the lack of good apps on the device. Nokia Lumia has better app (Nokia maps, Nokia drive etc.). My wife absolutely loved Omnia and Windows Phone for its simplicity and ease of use.

I played a bit with HTC ONE V running Android 4.0.4 and Xperia Ray running Android 2.3. Xperia has a smaller screen and even though it ran an outdated OS, the touch was responsive. The plus for HTC was the UI, but it would not be correct to compare them as they are running different OS. I dont know how much of an UI uplift would help Xperia on upgrading to 4.0.4.

I will wait till 20th to hear an update on WP8 and then take a decision. Appreciate your inputs :-)

[Roger H. Veteran]

Moved to Android