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geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: noisyturtle on Tue, 04 October 2016, 21:24:54

Title: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: noisyturtle on Tue, 04 October 2016, 21:24:54
In the market for a new phone next month after having my Razer Max HD for the past 4 years. I don't want an iPhone and the Note is too big and stupid looking. I'm also not the type of person to trade in my phone every year. The Note is too big and stupid looking.

I was looking at the upcoming Pixel XL, mostly because my cat's name is Pixel. That's the main reason, but I'd love some other suggestions.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: chancellorr on Tue, 04 October 2016, 23:22:44
I currently have a Nexus 5x and it's a great phone. The new Pixel phones look promising and I also had a cat named Pixel, but she passed away a few months ago.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: noisyturtle on Tue, 04 October 2016, 23:36:22
I currently have a Nexus 5x and it's a great phone. The new Pixel phones look promising and I also had a cat named Pixel, but she passed away a few months ago.

Have heard good things about the Nexus series as well.

Sorry to hear about Pixel, losing a pet can be tough.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WuN0EBi9LgE/T8ZGbJnS_DI/AAAAAAAAAng/WDdhC1-vGJA/s1600/CatsHuggingCropped.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: Shapey Fiend on Wed, 05 October 2016, 12:56:30
I'd a Jaiyu and a Nokia/Windows Phone with before this piece of crap budget HTC Desire I have now and the thing I really miss is good battery life. I remember looking at the MAXX a few years ago thinking it looked promising because of the big ole battery.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: xtrafrood on Wed, 05 October 2016, 13:44:44
Don't be mean to your cat if Pixel XL turns out to be a bust >:D
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: eksuen on Wed, 05 October 2016, 14:24:36
I have the Nextbit Robin and I'm satisfied with it. It's pretty cheap for an unlocked phone, but it's GSM only. Until the 8th, you can get it for $175 shipped. https://9to5toys.com/2016/10/04/nextbit-robin-32gb-newegg-deal/
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: Fictiouz on Wed, 05 October 2016, 14:28:38
Absolutely love the LG G4. Had it for over a year now. Great display, expandable storage, removable battery, and relatively affordable now.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: mike52787 on Wed, 05 October 2016, 16:16:53
I love my iphone 6s, but I could never use a stock version of IOS. Jailbroken IOS is a better experience than android IMHO, but stock IOS is so restrictive and locked down. disgusting.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: Dr_Alphabet on Wed, 05 October 2016, 16:42:53
Honor 8. It's much cheaper than most other phones with similar specs and is fully unlocked with a rapidly growing developer community. The only thing is it's probably going to be a little while before people are installing custom roms as it's a different architecture than most other phones on the market right now and developers are still figuring out how to optimize everything.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 05 October 2016, 16:44:26
A couple of years ago, I got my 2 teenagers Samsung Galaxy S5s and I got a Galaxy Avant at the same time.

They are "power users" and their phones have nearly taken the place of computers, but I am a Luddite and mine is a phone that allows me to get on the internet if I need to. Honestly I text on it more than I surf and the camera is something that I use a couple of times a month when I don't have an actual camera on hand.

That said, the Avant is *great* and at literally half the price it has a marginally smaller and lesser screen and lacks some silly things like fingerprint readers and heart rate monitors.

It is also smaller and sleeker and fits the pocket better.


Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: duynguyenle on Wed, 05 October 2016, 17:32:54
A couple of years ago, I got my 2 teenagers Samsung Galaxy S5s and I got a Galaxy Avant at the same time.

They are "power users" and their phones have nearly taken the place of computers, but I am a Luddite and mine is a phone that allows me to get on the internet if I need to. Honestly I text on it more than I surf and the camera is something that I use a couple of times a month when I don't have an actual camera on hand.

That said, the Avant is *great* and at literally half the price it has a marginally smaller and lesser screen and lacks some silly things like fingerprint readers and heart rate monitors.

It is also smaller and sleeker and fits the pocket better.

What is this 'pocket' thing that you speak of? I keep my phone in my man-purse!  :p
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 05 October 2016, 17:40:08

I keep my phone in my man-purse!


twit
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: duynguyenle on Wed, 05 October 2016, 17:53:37

I keep my phone in my man-purse!


twit

I used to listen to TWIT too, but now I mostly go to NPR and Radiotopia for my podcast needs  :p
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: xtrafrood on Wed, 05 October 2016, 18:21:41

I keep my phone in my man-purse!


twit

I used to listen to TWIT too, but now I mostly go to NPR and Radiotopia for my podcast needs  :p

wow
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: duynguyenle on Wed, 05 October 2016, 18:51:54

I keep my phone in my man-purse!


twit

I used to listen to TWIT too, but now I mostly go to NPR and Radiotopia for my podcast needs  :p

wow

Did I forget the /s?
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: Maave on Wed, 05 October 2016, 19:23:58
Nexus 5X / 6P if you want it right now, Pixel / XL if you want it a little later. Nexus phones get frequent updates, have a clean un-bloated stock ROM, and a good selection of custom ROMs. The Pixel is the successor to the Nexus line, Google is renaming it solely for marketing reasons. They're trying to sell it to consumers more, rather than selling to devs and hobbyists like the Nexus line, but the Pixel will still have Nexus-tier updates and rootability. Sounds like you're patient so I'd go for the Pixel since it'll have beefier specs.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: noisyturtle on Wed, 05 October 2016, 20:43:00
Lot's of people vouching for the Nexus. Suppose that is a good thing.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 06 October 2016, 00:34:24
Here's the plan

Buy galaxy note 7,   somehow make it splode in your pants in public,  quickly take off pants,  Sue samsung for $10,000,000.... 
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: mike52787 on Thu, 06 October 2016, 09:58:28
Here's the plan

Buy galaxy note 7,   somehow make it splode in your pants in public,  quickly take off pants,  Sue samsung for $10,000,000....
Tp4 must have experience with things sploding in his pants in public :p
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: vivalarevolución on Thu, 06 October 2016, 11:21:18
Google Pixel sounds cool, except it costs $650.  No thanks.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: vivalarevolución on Thu, 06 October 2016, 11:26:05
I have the Nextbit Robin and I'm satisfied with it. It's pretty cheap for an unlocked phone, but it's GSM only. Until the 8th, you can get it for $175 shipped. https://9to5toys.com/2016/10/04/nextbit-robin-32gb-newegg-deal/

What's the appeal of this phone compared to something I can get from a more well known manufacturer?  Like not a top end phone, but something that is mid grade and costs about the same?
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: ghostjuggernaut on Thu, 06 October 2016, 11:30:14
If you are looking for a cheap reliable phone, nexus is a good option. Not sure what the future holds update wise, but it could be fine. They are the only Android phones I would personally purchase.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: dgneo on Thu, 06 October 2016, 11:30:31
LG v20
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: Bromono on Thu, 06 October 2016, 11:36:21
If security is an issue. Iphone all the way.

Though this was a pointless post as you don't want an iphone.

hmmm.

Doesn't amazon have a phone?

Feels like every company has a phone now and days.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: vivalarevolución on Thu, 06 October 2016, 13:20:42
If security is an issue. Iphone all the way.

Though this was a pointless post as you don't want an iphone.

hmmm.

Doesn't amazon have a phone?

Feels like every company has a phone now and days.

And they all are probably made in the same few factories.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: eksuen on Thu, 06 October 2016, 13:21:43
I have the Nextbit Robin and I'm satisfied with it. It's pretty cheap for an unlocked phone, but it's GSM only. Until the 8th, you can get it for $175 shipped. https://9to5toys.com/2016/10/04/nextbit-robin-32gb-newegg-deal/

What's the appeal of this phone compared to something I can get from a more well known manufacturer?  Like not a top end phone, but something that is mid grade and costs about the same?

The cloud storage feature is its main selling point (32 GB onboard, 100 GB in the cloud, default sync setting is when the phone is both connected to wifi and charging). That will probably become more and more common. The Google Pixel, for example, offers unlimited storage for photos and videos. Personally, I like the Robin's rectangular, flat design. I'm not a huge fan of rounded backs and protruding camera lenses because I don't like to use a case. Other than that, it's just another Android. You'll have to decide what about it appeals to you compared to other offerings in the same price range.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 06 October 2016, 14:28:45
If security is an issue. Iphone all the way.

Though this was a pointless post as you don't want an iphone.

hmmm.

Doesn't amazon have a phone?

Feels like every company has a phone now and days.

And they all are probably made in the same few factories.

Foxconn..
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 06 October 2016, 14:29:21
Here's the plan

Buy galaxy note 7,   somehow make it splode in your pants in public,  quickly take off pants,  Sue samsung for $10,000,000....
Tp4 must have experience with things sploding in his pants in public :p

Nuh uhnn... Tp4 = Monk...

Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: HPE1000 on Thu, 06 October 2016, 14:29:30
Axon 7  ^-^
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: xtrafrood on Thu, 06 October 2016, 14:47:01
I'm kinda curious about the Pixel. I've had my eyes on the 7 Plus but if the Pixel beats Apple in the camera department I might go with the Pixel. I know both OSs from jailbreak/root on up but I don't really care about that stuff anymore. Security and a good camera are my main objectives overall. inb4 luls Nexus/Pixel won't be securez. It'll be more secure than some phones in a post Note 7 world :-*
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 06 October 2016, 14:48:55
I'm still using a moto x 2013 (ghost) 32Gb developer edition got it off ebay for ~$200 18 months ago.

I mainly bought it for 2 reasons, one because it was verizon compatible (they are the only decent network where I live) and two it is still a smaller sized phone.

Of course being able to unlock the boot loader and customize was a deciding factor as well, currently running OctOS-L but keep thinking of going to marshmallow due to lollipop cell standby draining the battery on occasion and because I just like to try new things.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: Bromono on Thu, 06 October 2016, 15:33:38
If security is an issue. Iphone all the way.

Though this was a pointless post as you don't want an iphone.

hmmm.

Doesn't amazon have a phone?

Feels like every company has a phone now and days.

And they all are probably made in the same few factories.

Foxconn..

Well with android, they all use an ARM processor. So yes, in loose terms, they are all made in the same few factories.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: vivalarevolución on Thu, 06 October 2016, 19:53:19
I have the Nextbit Robin and I'm satisfied with it. It's pretty cheap for an unlocked phone, but it's GSM only. Until the 8th, you can get it for $175 shipped. https://9to5toys.com/2016/10/04/nextbit-robin-32gb-newegg-deal/

What's the appeal of this phone compared to something I can get from a more well known manufacturer?  Like not a top end phone, but something that is mid grade and costs about the same?

The cloud storage feature is its main selling point (32 GB onboard, 100 GB in the cloud, default sync setting is when the phone is both connected to wifi and charging). That will probably become more and more common. The Google Pixel, for example, offers unlimited storage for photos and videos. Personally, I like the Robin's rectangular, flat design. I'm not a huge fan of rounded backs and protruding camera lenses because I don't like to use a case. Other than that, it's just another Android. You'll have to decide what about it appeals to you compared to other offerings in the same price range.

Okay thanks.  I am the opposite of you, I don't care for that design.  Just a tad too boxy and bright.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: noisyturtle on Thu, 06 October 2016, 20:22:10
Does anyone have an S7 Edge? I have literally never seen someone with one in the wild.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: duynguyenle on Fri, 07 October 2016, 18:55:04
Does anyone have an S7 Edge? I have literally never seen someone with one in the wild.

Is that the one that keeps spontaneuously combust?
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: noisyturtle on Fri, 07 October 2016, 20:03:22
Does anyone have an S7 Edge? I have literally never seen someone with one in the wild.

Is that the one that keeps spontaneuously combust?

I think that's the Note
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: Grona on Sat, 08 October 2016, 00:08:24
I have a Nexus 6 currently, absolutely love it. Been thinking about maybe updating to a Pixel XL.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: SRTroN on Sat, 08 October 2016, 05:54:30
Have you considered a One Plus 3?

I heard good things about them. https://oneplus.net/uk/3
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: noisyturtle on Sat, 08 October 2016, 14:53:37
Have you considered a One Plus 3?

I heard good things about them. https://oneplus.net/uk/3

I know next to nothing about the phone and company and am hesitant to get one because of accessibility or support issues.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: xtrafrood on Sat, 08 October 2016, 15:37:04
Better accessibility to forum support when compared to the Ubuntu based smartphone (Meizu w/ Flyme OS) :-X
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: Vagabond on Thu, 13 October 2016, 11:18:26
Galaxy Notes are cheap right now and can help to start damp wood fires on cold nights.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: oledome on Thu, 13 October 2016, 16:05:21
Some lucky sods have been getting their Pixels early:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/5789l8/telstra_australia_has_sent_out_the_pixel/

The camera is looking to be pretty tip top. I have a Nexus 6P right now and it looks like I'll be getting an XL... but I'll wait for the reviews... patience is a virtue. That price tag is pretty damn steep though.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sat, 15 October 2016, 19:23:54
Google also has a Chromebook and a tablet called the Pixel.  You think they could have diversified the naming scheme to reduce confusion.

But maybe keeping it simple (stupid) is the way to go.  I don't know.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: SBJ on Mon, 17 October 2016, 04:35:58
Some lucky sods have been getting their Pixels early:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/5789l8/telstra_australia_has_sent_out_the_pixel/

The camera is looking to be pretty tip top. I have a Nexus 6P right now and it looks like I'll be getting an XL... but I'll wait for the reviews... patience is a virtue. That price tag is pretty damn steep though.
Lucky bastards.
I would love to try out a pixel XL in a store but there isn't even one around here that I can go into.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: menuhin on Mon, 17 October 2016, 12:47:56
Perhaps this the Note 7:


To be frank, I want to recommend a Windows Phone although they have just 1-2% market share. They're at the frontier in terms of hardware and capability in many aspects, e.g. 'Continuum'. However, they never kick start the 3rd party App development for their platform due to their ineffective business strategy and infrastructure for developers, e.g. lacking the SnapChat App for Windows Phone. I really hate that they killed Symbian and the old Nokia though.

I'm looking forward to the release of Surface Phone and Nokia's new Android phone next year.

One specification to note is that there is NO currently offered phone on the market that officially allow you to backup your whole phone and data on it to your own computer -- they always want you to backup to some cloud storage. What if you are somewhere out there during a trip without the Internet and really need to restore your phone?
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 17 October 2016, 20:39:56
We need phones to go back to being pocketable..
 

waiting for iphoSE - 2
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: noisyturtle on Mon, 17 October 2016, 20:46:22
We need phones to go back to being pocketable..
 

On the one hand I totally agree that phones have gotten inconveniently large and look ridiculous, but on the other hand I really want a Pixel XL.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: davkol on Tue, 18 October 2016, 11:00:33
I've bought a faulty Xperia M (yeah, yeah, it's 3 years old already) and the 4" screen is too big for me… /sigh, I don't even have Drumpf-tiny hands. Is a proper refresh of the 3" Xperia Mini really too much to ask?
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: Alline Cliff on Fri, 21 October 2016, 04:32:48
Nexus 5X / 6P if you want it right now, Pixel / XL if you want it a little later. Nexus phones get frequent updates, have a clean un-bloated stock ROM, and a good selection of custom ROMs. The Pixel is the successor to the Nexus line, Google is renaming it solely for marketing reasons. They're trying to sell it to consumers more, rather than selling to devs and hobbyists like the Nexus line, but the Pixel will still have Nexus-tier updates and rootability. Sounds like you're patient so I'd go for the Pixel since it'll have beefier specs.

I agree, get the Nexus 5X
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: xtrafrood on Sat, 22 October 2016, 06:24:27
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: YoshiCaps on Sat, 22 October 2016, 12:08:49
LG v20 hands down.  I was gonna buy the pixel but is build was kind of lame. Either that or zenfone 3 deluxe, because of the 6 gigs of ram. Mabye the new leco phone. idk
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: YoshiCaps on Sat, 22 October 2016, 13:25:45
if you take a lot of selfies oppo r9, oppo r9s or oppo r9s plus. 16 mp selfie cams.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: menuhin on Sat, 22 October 2016, 15:10:56
For Windows Phone, I recommend Microsoft (Nokia) 950 for its battery and camera and many other features.
For Android, I recommend Huawei P9 for its high quality over low value. When you read its specs and play with their demo phone, you know it's built like (or better than) an iPhone 7 Plus.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: xtrafrood on Sat, 22 October 2016, 15:16:28
Next phone is going to be a Pixel XL or iPhone 7 Plus. No more of this pinch to zoom nonsense while reading stuff. Maybe I can read some comics on it too :) I'm leaning towards the Pixel because OLED.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: YoshiCaps on Sat, 22 October 2016, 15:58:52
Definitly the pixel XL. It works on not just verizon, but project fi tmobile and atnt btw. dont belive the verizon propaganda
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: Omnipotent on Sun, 23 October 2016, 01:14:15
The Pixel is very nice. I've been using the HTC One M9 though and it's also very good. Great battery life and functions well.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: menuhin on Wed, 26 October 2016, 05:10:26
Have to check out this bezel-less smartphone by Xiaomi, with better specs than the Google Pixel, and cheaper.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: Binge on Wed, 26 October 2016, 07:37:12
Have to check out this bezel-less smartphone by Xiaomi, with better specs than the Google Pixel, and cheaper.

The guy in this video xD how much sick dope can this guy point out? dope dope sick sick
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: davkol on Wed, 26 October 2016, 14:48:11
Xiaomi? Yet another vendor with backdoors. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/security/xiaomi-firmware-multiple-backdoords-t2847069)
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: xtrafrood on Wed, 26 October 2016, 15:05:43
Haha, seems like Marques Brownlee was trying to appeal to the folks that enjoy rooting. To be fair, it is an amazing looking phone. 
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: menuhin on Wed, 26 October 2016, 15:14:38
Xiaomi? Yet another vendor with backdoors. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/security/xiaomi-firmware-multiple-backdoords-t2847069)

Wow...
Imagine if (or possibly could have been done already) Apple iOS is backdoored funded by the CIA, then through iCloud they can have data of a huge proportion of population in the developed world.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: davkol on Wed, 26 October 2016, 15:20:47
Oh, remember Carrier IQ? [1] [2] What about Samsung [3] or Motorola [4]…?

[1] https://gizmodo.com/5868732/the-complete-list-of-all-the-phones-with-carrier-iq-spyware-installed
[2] https://www.techdirt.com/blog/wireless/articles/20111213/00271717060/fbi-admits-that-it-uses-carrier-iq-law-enforcement-purposes-wont-say-how.shtml
[3] http://redmine.replicant.us/projects/replicant/wiki/SamsungGalaxyBackdoor
[4] http://www.beneaththewaves.net/Projects/Motorola_Is_Listening.html
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 26 October 2016, 16:51:34
Xiaomi? Yet another vendor with backdoors. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/security/xiaomi-firmware-multiple-backdoords-t2847069)

Wow...
Imagine if (or possibly could have been done already) Apple iOS is backdoored funded by the CIA, then through iCloud they can have data of a huge proportion of population in the developed world.

it's not a matter of funded by..


The military industrial complex is the HEART of every Large NATION..

All other industries function at the periphery..

If the military says,  This is what we're doing,  no one else actually has a choice..  Do it, OR ELSE..


The populace at large is given the belief that they are choosing their own destiny.. But that is not the organization of society..



Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: vivalarevolución on Fri, 28 October 2016, 12:24:05
I actually ended up ordering a Oneplus 3, because it's $200 cheaper than anything else.   Hopefully it lasts me 3-4 years, because that's what I want from s phone.  I ride them until they die.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: noisyturtle on Fri, 28 October 2016, 20:20:04
I think most people just want a good phone they can use out of the box. I don't want to have to root and install software and backdoors, worry about transferring any data and change carriers just so I can use some slightly better obscure brand. Maybe that's just me.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sat, 29 October 2016, 10:17:07
I think most people just want a good phone they can use out of the box. I don't want to have to root and install software and backdoors, worry about transferring any data and change carriers just so I can use some slightly better obscure brand. Maybe that's just me.

Most people don't even know about rooting, backdoors, or obscure brands.  They just buy iPhone, Samsung, Google, or some other Android brand.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: vivalarevolución on Thu, 03 November 2016, 19:49:44
One Plus 3 arrived.  All of I have to say is well done, OnePlus, this phone is a no-nonsense phone.  Very very little bloatware and decent features, which is exactly what I'm looking for in a phone.
Title: Re: Recommend me a new smartphone
Post by: Blanched_Almond on Thu, 03 November 2016, 22:47:37
I'm comfortable with my iPhone 6s and next to it is my Asus. Either of the two smartphones are good and can be recommended.