General **What phone should I buy next?** -- Not sure what device to buy? Ask here!

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KidCarter93

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Hi everyone,

This thread is a continuation of this thread.

This is here so you can discuss what your next phone/tablet should be, if you're not sure what to pick.

Also, if you need advice as to which device is better than another, then feel free to ask those questions in here aswell.

This is an attempt to clear out all the similar threads being created around these forums.

*NOTE* I will be requesting thread maintenance as and when it is needed, to remove any SPAM comments
 
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KidCarter93

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Sorry for the late response. Had an absolute hell-ish day yesterday.
I will buy a tablet but I am not sure which. Note 10.1 or Nexus 7? I think nexus 7 is too small as a 4.7 inch phone user but not sure about it. But I want to have pure google experience. Is nexus 7 really that small or not? I'm stuck :(
There is a noticeable difference from a 4.7 to a 7 inch screen, but if you're worried it'll be too small then the Note 10.1 would be a good choice. The upside is that both are great devices, so the only real difference between the 2 is the screen size.
I thought about bying the Xiaomi M2 or the Galaxy nexus and i cant pick it since the M2 has better hardware and it is smaller but only MIUI can be installed on him unlike the galaxy nexus which has a huge variety of roms.
Which is more important to you for your choice? Is it the screen size or the customization of it?
If you don't want to be running MIUI, then choose the Nexus because of the huge variety of roms, like you said.
That might be the better option for you though cause the Xiaomi M2 isn't much smaller than the Nexus but the Nexus can have a lot more done with it. Plus it's always on top with the updates.
One of my friends asked me for suggestion...
His budget isn't all that big, with a max cap of 15000 inr (~275 usd, though the indian customs are notorious for high taxes; the s3 costs around 38000 inr = 690 usd; so hope you get the picture)
Mainly looking for a low budget android, maybe even a mid end device...

All he needs is "the latest android" on which he can play games...but I know about the quirks that come with a low end phone: inadequate internal mem, low cpu & gpu, lack of official upgrade support...the list kinda goes on...

I have zeroed on sony's live with walkman, mainly for the fact that it gives the most value for money...
The more the money saved + better features; the more likely choice it would be...
If anybody has better suggestions, please share them...

Brands present in india: Samsung, Htc, Sony, Micromax and smaller presence of Motorola and Huawei...
There is no contract system available here, neither are "subsidies" or such...

- Via xda premium
The first thing that came to my head was the SE Xperia X8. Even though it's quite an old device now, it's running on ICS and is a really stable and powerful phone for what it looks like.

HTC Rezound is always another choice aswell. It's got the ICS update and there's still quite a lot of dev support for the phone. It's got a dual core 1.5Ghz processor which means games like GTA 3 and Nova will rub perfectly well on the phone. Definitely a strong choice.

As far as Samsung go, the Samsung Nexus S fits the criteria you've asked for. It's just on the higher end of the budget, but considering your friend wants the latest on it, the Nexus S is ideal because it's running on JB and is a cracking little phone.

Out of those, I would suggest the Resound for all over performance and usage though.
Hope this helps :)

Sent from Stephen Hawking's rooted wheelchair
 
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jasspreet

Senior Member
May 9, 2011
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Google Pixel 6a
Hi all :)
I want to buy a bigscreen:)
And i am confused,what to buy tablet or ipad???
And if tablet then which one??
Tablet that i can carry easily and which have good specifications,hardware,and good dev support..
Pls guide me!
 

KidCarter93

Retired Forum Moderator
Mar 26, 2012
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Hi all :)
I want to buy a bigscreen:)
And i am confused,what to buy tablet or ipad???
And if tablet then which one??
Tablet that i can carry easily and which have good specifications,hardware,and good dev support..
Pls guide me!
Even though the iPad is a powerful device, considering it's Apple, its price and fact that it can't be customized like Android can, knock it down in my opinion. But if you've had apple devices before, then iPad could be a good choice for you.

As far as android tablets go, if you're looking for a smaller tablet then the Nexus 7 is definitely worth looking at. It's brilliant what it can do for the price of it, and devs will be able to push it further anyway.
If you'd like a bigger screen, then there's the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime and Galaxy Note 10.1. They're the 2 bigger tabs I'd recommend because they've both had great reviews from friends of mine who have got them and they wouldn't look back at all.

Sent from Stephen Hawking's rooted wheelchair
 

KidCarter93

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Mar 26, 2012
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And what about 7 inches!!
Which wil be the best???
Tab 7.7 or 7+ or tab 2??
The Tab 2 wins IMO. It doesn't look as slick as the other 2, but it can out-perform them.
The real powerhouse of 7 inch tabs is the Nexus 7 as mentioned in my last post though.

Sent from my Sony Xperia S using XDA Premium
"Knowledge is power" = Read, Read, Read!
 

jasspreet

Senior Member
May 9, 2011
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The Tab 2 wins IMO. It doesn't look as slick as the other 2, but it can out-perform them.
The real powerhouse of 7 inch tabs is the Nexus 7 as mentioned in my last post though.

Sent from my Sony Xperia S using XDA Premium
"Knowledge is power" = Read, Read, Read!

1.But nexus 7 is not having expandable memory.
2.u mentioned that tab 2 will be good than others but dont u think that the other too mainly 7.7 has greater power in hardware..
3.every one say android is more customizable than idevices but how can it be..i mean that idevices are to jailbroken and similarly android has to be rooted..can u pls explain that too..so
 

KidCarter93

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1.But nexus 7 is not having expandable memory.
2.u mentioned that tab 2 will be good than others but dont u think that the other too mainly 7.7 has greater power in hardware..
3.every one say android is more customizable than idevices but how can it be..i mean that idevices are to jailbroken and similarly android has to be rooted..can u pls explain that too..so
Fair enough the Nexus doesn't have expandable memory, but in terms of power and future updates, it's quite far ahead.

The Tab 2 might not have the best hardware, but from my experience, it out-does them. Maybe because I didn't really push it to the limits.

Myself, and others say that iOS is not as custom as Android because it's true. To so anything extra on an idevice you have to be jailbroken. Whereas with Android, you can customize it big time without needing root, but then once rooted there's a ton more that can be done aswell. You can do more with android straight out the box.

Sent from my Sony Xperia S using XDA Premium
"Knowledge is power" = Read, Read, Read!
 

jasspreet

Senior Member
May 9, 2011
289
9
Google Pixel 6a
Thanks for your replies
Ok..
1..i have heard that ics is having wifi issues,is it true???they say sgs2,sgs3,sgnote,tab 7.7 etc
2.and revently samsung has provided with so called"brick bug""is this also true??
Thanks for your replies:)
 

InventedTiME

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May 7, 2012
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Galaxy Note

Has anyone had a chance to preview a Galaxy Note? (Like at a trade show, developer conference, etc...)

I am thinking of the Note for my next device, particularly because of the stylus. I used to have an Acer tablet and LOVED being able to take handwritten notes on PDF's, documents, etc.... I have had one other tablet since (an HP) but it was pretty horrible trying to write on because it would frequently pick up your palm hitting the screen as a multitouch gesture and skip the writing around. I like being able to write naturally without having to hold the pen and not letting my hand touch the screen.

Will this be a problem with the Note? Most of the commercials and such I have seen, it looks to me like the people are purposely not writing naturally. I am hopeful this won't be a problem because I read Wacom made the Stylus and they are experts on the art / handwriting applications.
 

Saturny

Senior Member
Jun 11, 2012
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Decatur, Ga
Agree.

My next phone is going to be the S3!! I wish Samsung would stop making the phone bigger though...when I first got the S2 I got made fun of because how big it is although it's very thin...I don't see what's the point of going bigger...

I somewhat agree with you. But some people like/love big phones and may even need them, otherwise they wouldn't sell. I have the S3, and to me, 4.8 is the "sweet spot". I came from a Motorola Defy, and it felt pretty small (I have big hands). Plus my dad was always complaining about it. My parents sometimes use my phone (mom's hands are small, dad's a little bigger than mine), so I needed a big phone that everyone can easily use & agree on. Now they love it.
 
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mikef

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Lola_samsung

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Nokia Lumia 710 or Samsung Galaxy i9001

Hi everybody,

I have Samsung i9001 smartphone and the other day I got an opportunity to exchange it for Nokia Lumia 710.
I really like how fluid and fast Nokia (and Windows phone) is, but I didn't had any chance to try Nokia so I'm not really sure which phone to choose.

I use my phone for surfing, texting, game playing ...
Wouldn't like to change my phone for something worse.

Any thoughts?
 

Remcotjuuh

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Aug 7, 2012
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I'm currently enjoying a Galaxy Ace running Cyanogen 7.2. Delightful phone, owned it for 3/4 year. It does have a few downsides, which I find to be the processor and the screen, and that's why I saved up some money and decided to buy a new one around Christmas/the beginning of 2013. The one I want to get next is the Galaxy S2 PLUS. Yes plus. It hasn't been released yet, but rumours say it will be around Christmas. The (leaked) specs are very similar to the North American T-Mobile Galaxy S2 and the price is estimated at $360.

And for the post above, check your original thread ;)
 
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KidCarter93

Retired Forum Moderator
Mar 26, 2012
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Hi everybody,

I have Samsung i9001 smartphone and the other day I got an opportunity to exchange it for Nokia Lumia 710.
I really like how fluid and fast Nokia (and Windows phone) is, but I didn't had any chance to try Nokia so I'm not really sure which phone to choose.

I use my phone for surfing, texting, game playing ...
Wouldn't like to change my phone for something worse.

Any thoughts?
I've owned the galaxy before but not the lumia, but since you originally posted, I've watched a couple of videos and read a couple of reviews about the lumia.
Both these phones are pretty similar in terms of hardware and the general power of the device. And both of these can easily perform those tasks you need them to, without it being a problem.

Because of that, if you've been happy with the Samsung, you're better off staying with it because there's no point in swapping phones like that, just to get a device which can do nothing your previous device couldn't do.

Velcro. What a rip off!
 

KidCarter93

Retired Forum Moderator
Mar 26, 2012
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Coventry, UK
I'm currently enjoying a Galaxy Ace running Cyanogen 7.2. Delightful phone, owned it for 3/4 year. It does have a few downsides, which I find to be the processor and the screen, and that's why I saved up some money and decided to buy a new one around Christmas/the beginning of 2013. The one I want to get next is the Galaxy S2 PLUS. Yes plus. It hasn't been released yet, but rumours say it will be around Christmas. The (leaked) specs are very similar to the North American T-Mobile Galaxy S2 and the price is estimated at $360.

And for the post above, check your original thread ;)
Have you got your heart set on the S2 Plus, or are you still looking at other phones as possible choices aswell?

Velcro. What a rip off!
 

Lola_samsung

Member
Mar 16, 2012
6
0
I've owned the galaxy before but not the lumia, but since you originally posted, I've watched a couple of videos and read a couple of reviews about the lumia.
Both these phones are pretty similar in terms of hardware and the general power of the device. And both of these can easily perform those tasks you need them to, without it being a problem.

Because of that, if you've been happy with the Samsung, you're better off staying with it because there's no point in swapping phones like that, just to get a device which can do nothing your previous device couldn't do.

Velcro. What a rip off!

Well, the thing that I like about Nokia is how fluid it is (and its camera ;) ). I have custom rom on my Samsung but there are some application crashing, and from time to time it's really slow (when I want to hang up on a call the screen just go black for about 5 seconds) and that is the thing that bugs me.

I have a feeling that android is just not that good.
 

KidCarter93

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Mar 26, 2012
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Well, the thing that I like about Nokia is how fluid it is (and its camera ;) ). I have custom rom on my Samsung but there are some application crashing, and from time to time it's really slow (when I want to hang up on a call the screen just go black for about 5 seconds) and that is the thing that bugs me.

I have a feeling that android is just not that good.
As said in my previous post to you, because the 2 phones are really quite similar, you won't notice difference when it comes to power and speed anyway. This is good because if you've been experiencing little problems with your Samsung, then you can quite easily switch knowing that these problems won't be there.

Would you have to pay anything to get the Lumia, or is it a straight swap?

Velcro. What a rip off!
 

Lola_samsung

Member
Mar 16, 2012
6
0
As said in my previous post to you, because the 2 phones are really quite similar, you won't notice difference when it comes to power and speed anyway. This is good because if you've been experiencing little problems with your Samsung, then you can quite easily switch knowing that these problems won't be there.

Would you have to pay anything to get the Lumia, or is it a straight swap?

Velcro. What a rip off!

Straight swap... but I'm going to think about it. Anyway thank you for your help
 

KidCarter93

Retired Forum Moderator
Mar 26, 2012
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Straight swap... but I'm going to think about it. Anyway thank you for your help
That makes things easier then. The main advice I can give, is to have a test run on the lumia beforehand (if you can). Whether a friend has one, or you go to a shop and see if they have one you could test out. That way, you'll get a feel for the phone and know whether it'll be right for you or not.

Velcro. What a rip off!
 

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  • 1
    I can't believe it's been so long since I joined, and posted an intro. I still have the same phone, and I need to "upgrade" badly. This sounds like the right thread to ask.

    First, I'm looking for suggestions to replace a Galaxy S7, SM-G930W8 (Exynos).
    My main uses for a mobile phone are: texting, email, web browsing/streaming (eg: youtube), "tools" apps - eg: unit converters/calculators, and some..specific apps like TrolMaster (indoor gardening, at/for work) and Appliance apps - eg: Danby, etc., video/music listening - eg: VLC, and taking photos. I sometimes like to connect a usb microscope to it via usb OTG
    The camera on my S7 has been broken for years. I'm struggling without it. I have to ask roommate to use phone for their camera.
    I'd like expandable storage, have manufacturers completely removed that option now too?

    Forgive my incorrect terminology; I want something "unlocked"(?) or easily unlockable (bootloader, right?), that I can put a custom ROM on (Calyx, or Lineage are two that interest me), good camera (I don't need the latest triple lense, 5-dimensional, 8K camera. But I don't wan't worse than what the S7 has - including video capabilities such as 1080p 60fps if possible). Headphone jack please (though I do finally have BT headphones now). USB-C charging would be nice. I would be ok with the same or larger size/screen as S7.
    And I'm not looking to buy a brand new "flagship" $1800 phone either. I think I bought this S7 used, a few years old/after release for maybe $300-400 cad.
    I'd love to hear some suggestions.

    Thank you.

    Edit: Where are some online sources to buy quality used phones? Like Pixel phones, for example. If there are any.
    The best place to buy used devices depends on where you live.

    Here in the United States Swappa and Back Market are great (BackMarket is also available in a few other countries). Based on your usage of the Canadian dollar I'd assume you live in Canada in which case eBay refurbished is your best option.

    Most phones from the past ~3 years don't have expandable storage (Samsung A series does but also has no ROMs) oZr headphone jacks (enfones had them but they pulled their bootloader unlock tool so you can't ROM them anymore).

    I'd say get a used Pixel 7 Pro or 7 and flash Lineage on it, it'd serve you well for the next few years (here is a link to a used 7 for about 350 CAD on eBay Canada). (edit: it's already out of stock)
    1

    OnePlus 12 vs Xiaomi 13 Ultra vs Xiaomi 14


    I can get OnePlus 12 or Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Xiaomi 14 at similar price around 700 dollars in my region. For my important aspects are:
    1. Display: My eyes are a little bit sensitive to PWM, but it's relatively acceptable to me with the "Аnti-flicker" option in Xiaomi OS, but it's not perfectly


    2. Root and mod friendly: official/unofficial custom roms and mods by OnePlus/Xiaomi fan groups ( which fan group has more development in this aspect)


    3. Camera: I'm interested in who has offer the better hardware and therefore the possibility of improvement by software (GCAM) as well as modifications by fan groups

    1.As far as I can find both phones Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 run at 1920 Hz under 50% brightness, I'm not shure when Oneplus 12 switch to 2160 Hz PWM and which one is better in this aspect.

    2. I am not familiar with the oneplus fangroup and how root/custom roms/mods friendly it is compare to Xiaomi

    3. Through the GCAM I manage to get more satisfactory photos and videos to my taste with my custom settings both through GCAM and through Modded MI Cam from my old Xiaomi smartphone, don't know how is with Oneplus

    I find all other specs almost similar
    OnePlus is pretty root/rom friendly (more than Xiaomi these days) and GCam ports for the 12 are available (see this XDA post for more info). I'd say it's personal preference but the OP will definitely get more ROMs if that's what you're after.
    1
    Hey all,
    Looking to replace my OnePlus 7 Pro.
    tl;dr Most importantly (if such a thing exists) i need Call Recordings to be possible without Root
    I'm mainly looking for a clear Android experience (Oxygen OS is a good example), a decent phone, no need for any bells/whistles.

    My work requires all sorts of apps and the CISO is being a pain about using a rooted phone, I'm willing to forge adblocking, but giving up on call recordings (Which saved my ass in court 3 times so far) is a big no no.

    thanks!
    Most Galaxies allow call recording, and new OnePlus phones do too. However, I wouldn't call modern Oxygen or OneUI close to stock, so you could also try CubeACR on a phone that doesn't have the feature (e.g a Pixel)
    1
    What phone and/or OS for mobile has the best likelihood of resisting zero click attacks?
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    1
    Thank you for replying. Yes, in canada.
    Your answer made me realize how much I want expandable storage. And how limited my options really are, especiallly if I don't want whatever "flavor" of android is default on a phone (eg: samsung flavor).

    Edit: I'd like fairphone, if they were available in canada. Duno how well one would work here, if at all. Duno if there are roms for it.
    Yes there are roms for the Fairphone 5 but when I check on Canadian eBay I see no listings for Fairphones at all.

    Maybe see if you can find an Xperia, they are usually ROM friendly and have expandable storage + SD slots
  • 80
    Hi everyone,

    This thread is a continuation of this thread.

    This is here so you can discuss what your next phone/tablet should be, if you're not sure what to pick.

    Also, if you need advice as to which device is better than another, then feel free to ask those questions in here aswell.

    This is an attempt to clear out all the similar threads being created around these forums.

    *NOTE* I will be requesting thread maintenance as and when it is needed, to remove any SPAM comments
    14
    Excellent, I hope this will attract some discussion on new devices so new threads won't be opened.

    I am not looking for a new phone right now, well maybe not depending on the outcome of HTC repairing my Sensation I guess. I sure hope to find out tomorrow. I think if I was going to get a replacement now I would probably get the SGS3 over the OneX. I really don't like the non-removable battery and maybe worse, no SD slot. I know why they did it for economic reasons but I am just not going to go that direction. Batteries do not last forever and their maximum charge level goes down over time. I want to be able to plug the SD into my computer and do a local backup. I also want to be able to get a bigger or faster SD if one comes out.
    I am used to Sense but I am sure I could get used to Touchwiz as well, and I just read in the portal that ROM Cleaner works with the SGS3 now, as long as I can rid of the bloat I am content. I am sure that when my contract is done in a year there will be something newer and better out anyways. ;)
    14
    I hope it does aswell. These forums definitely have too many of those threads being created :rolleyes:

    I think I'd choose the S3 aswell to be honest. Even though the One X is a powerful phone, the S3 can quite easily out perform it, as it can with most phones.

    The only time I'd be looking to upgrade is when mine become redundant, which with having an S2 (which can still keep up with the newest flagship devices) and Xperia S, I won't need to upgrade for a while I don't think.

    Sent from Stephen Hawking's rooted wheelchair
    12
    I would take the Lumina. My girlfriend has one and its pretty good.

    √ HTC Evo 3D GSM
    √ Android JB 4.1.2
    √ Disarmed Toaster
    √ 4EXT Recovery Touch
    √ Anthrax Kernel 3.7.0 @ 1.6ghz
    9
    Never owned a tablet before.. flirting with the idea of a galaxy tab 2 10.1. As of current, I'm all good with my s3 but I'm kinda interested in what this next galaxy note 2 will bring. Guess I'm some sort of galaxy fan.. ever since my vibrant :p

    ---> Brought to you in part by my T999 / T-Mobile Galaxy SIII :)