Looking at a new phone


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Hey guys, I'm sort of new to really looking at phones seriously. Currently I use the Droid Razr and while I really like the form factor and design the phone has been getting extremely sluggish. It runs hot, and I can't seem to control how much power it's using. It often lags on just using the browser, google maps, etc and often the only way to get it working well again is to completely restart it. That and I absolutely must charge it every night. I've gotten to the point where I charge it as often as possible.

 

Now the phone is two-three years old now and has been dropped a couple times. Regardless the primary uses of my phone are this:

 

1) GPS

2) Phone/texting/messaging

3) Email

4) Web searches (not all that often)

 

I've all but given up attempting to watch video on it, but i'd like to be able to if I can. And, if at all possible I'd like to know if there's an easy way to get rid of Verizon's apps.

Now, that all being said I am wondering what would be a good phone to grab. I've been looking at the Galaxy S5, the HTC One and the Droid Maxx. Anyone suggestions?

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I vote HTC One over the S5, not that I've ever seen or used the S5 (nor the Droid Maxx for that matter). Beautiful piece of kit, and I personally would much rather have it than any Galaxy phone.

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HTC don't care about their customers, and you'll be left with rooting and installing custom ROMs to keep it up to date, which for a regular end user, you probably don't want to do it.

Would you consider any WP phones from the Nokia range?

If not, the Sony Xperia Z or Z1 are quite good phones.

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As far as I can tell, Verizon doesn't have the Sony Xperia phones. And I cannot afford buying it standalone. Otherwise the Galaxy Note 3 doesn't look horrible, either.

Honestly I want a Nexus 5 but it's really frustrating that it's not on Verizon, I just don't want to switch to another carrier.

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As far as I can tell, Verizon doesn't have the Sony Xperia phones. And I cannot afford buying it standalone. Otherwise the Galaxy Note 3 doesn't look horrible, either.

Honestly I want a Nexus 5 but it's really frustrating that it's not on Verizon, I just don't want to switch to another carrier.

 

The two phones that I would vote for (Nexus 5, Xperia)  apparently don't work on Verizon anyway, so like you say, that means switching carriers  :/

 

If you want a 'phone phone' that meets all your criteria above - I vote HTC - no contest. (or perhaps wait for the One M8 if you want a shiny shiny phone :D )

 

If you want a phone that does a bit more - go for the Note. The Stylus and the screen size can work well - and I have seen people put it to good use, but there really isn't a particular killer app that IMO. And since you haven't outlined anything that you'd like to do with your phone (i.e. use as an acceptable tablet replacement, notes, PDF/Word viewer) that would put the Note over the One, I think just go for the HTC One. I doubt you'll regret it :)

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The HTC One seems like the best bet. The primary reason i want to stick with Android is because I already have most of my stuff synced with Google. I'm not sure really about the Window's Phone's ability to sync with google but honestly I'm not sure I want to jump into a Windows phone just yet. Perhaps I'll try one out at the store.

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If that list is it then you are lucky in that you get to choose from WP, Android or iOS.

If you want something cheap and simple to use then WP is a great OS.  

If you want a fast easy to use Android then the Nexus 5 is a great choice.  As long as you don't need a decent camera the Moto G is an amazing device with an amazing low price tag.

The iPhone is an obviously a key player here but IMO it's driven by price.  If you don't mind spending then you won't go wrong.  Just be aware your paying twice the price of any of the above apart from the Moto G which is is about five to six times cheaper!

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I'm looking in to getting the Sony Xperia Z2, although you say that it doesn't look like Verizon offer the Xperia line which is a shame. I had been thinking about the S5 before details were released. Now that I know the specs, I would probably just recommend saving some money and going for the S4 instead. I've heard good things about the HTC One, but I've never really tried HTC devices before so I can't comment on that or the Droid Maxx.

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HTC don't care about their customers, and you'll be left with rooting and installing custom ROMs to keep it up to date, which for a regular end user, you probably don't want to do it.

 

http://www.phonearena.com/news/HTC-promises-to-update-new-Android-flagship-models-in-North-America-for-two-years-after-launch_id52663

 

They have promised to update phones for two years after launch. Let's see if they keep up with the promise. Out of all those phones, the One is the best choice. Build quality, stereo speakers, UI that's not bloated, good dev. support (although the S5 will have good support also). Are you looking at the M7 or M8? 

 

If you want something as close to stock Android as possible, look at the Moto X.

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Why would anyone consider spending 600$ or more for a phone to do that:

If you want to get rid of your money just give it to me and I will send you a Nokia 520 for 400$

 

1) GPS

2) Phone/texting/messaging

3) Email

4) Web searches (not all that often)

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Why would anyone consider spending 600$ or more for a phone to do that:

If you want to get rid of your money just give it to me and I will send you a Nokia 520 for 400$

 

1) GPS

2) Phone/texting/messaging

3) Email

4) Web searches (not all that often)

To add, 520 has offline GPS.

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To add, 520 has offline GPS.

 

The reason is because as time goes on, even normal apps begin to use more resources. The more powerful the phone the longer it lasts. Same principle with any computer. Also I want a phone I enjoy looking at. I don't mind practicality but if I had a choice I'd get a Sony Z2 only because I like the way the phone looks.

Yes, i'm a visual buyer but whatever.

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I recently upgraded from a Droid X to HTC One M8 and absolutely love it. I pretty much do the same things you do, but now I have 4G (Unlimited!)

 

This thing is super fast!

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