4G Android phone megathread

[zenter]

 
That's not a bad plan.  Have they come down in price lately?  The last time I looked into everything Sprint was by far the best value, especially given the unlimited data.  How does the device payment work?
 
My biggest concern is network access in downtown NYC.  When I'm around my office my connection sucks.  Does anyone have any experience using T-Mobile down here?
 
Edit: wait you pay the full phone price but spread over the contract?  How does that work out awesome? 

 
I'm on TMo here in NYC. No problems whatsoever.
 
Price: Best approach is to do a TCO compare. Over 24 months, it all came out with TMo in the lead. And the longer you keep your phone, the better the deal. When you factor the fact that phones like the Nexus 5 exist and are pushing phone prices downward, TMo was a winner for me. I will say, I compared to AT&T since Sprint notoriously sucks.

 

[glennhoffmania]

 
I'm on TMo here in NYC. No problems whatsoever.
 
Price: Best approach is to do a TCO compare. Over 24 months, it all came out with TMo in the lead. And the longer you keep your phone, the better the deal. When you factor the fact that phones like the Nexus 5 exist and are pushing phone prices downward, TMo was a winner for me. I will say, I compared to AT&T since Sprint notoriously sucks.

 
Thanks for the info.  I'm generally fine with Sprint except for by my office downtown.  For whatever reason the service sucks there.
 
I looked on the Tmo site and as an example I looked at the iPhone.  It would be $50 down and $25 per month.  So basically it would be about equal to what I'm paying Sprint since I got my phone for almost nothing.  If the service is much better then I guess it's worth it.  I just really hate the idea of paying full price for phones, especially as a new customer since I always thought that was the biggest perk to switching.

 

[JakeRae]

 
Thanks for the info.  I'm generally fine with Sprint except for by my office downtown.  For whatever reason the service sucks there.
 
I looked on the Tmo site and as an example I looked at the iPhone.  It would be $50 down and $25 per month.  So basically it would be about equal to what I'm paying Sprint since I got my phone for almost nothing.  If the service is much better then I guess it's worth it.  I just really hate the idea of paying full price for phones, especially as a new customer since I always thought that was the biggest perk to switching.

That's a fantastic deal. They are selling you a $650 device on a 2 year payment plan that adds up to 650 dollars. Every other service provider builds financing charges into your monthly bill. So, you are paying less up front for the phone than another carrier would charge and less over the life of the contract. Don't be deceived by the price being disclosed versus hidden. Businesses don't give you things for free.

 

[Marceline]

 
Thanks for the info.  I'm generally fine with Sprint except for by my office downtown.  For whatever reason the service sucks there.
 
I looked on the Tmo site and as an example I looked at the iPhone.  It would be $50 down and $25 per month.  So basically it would be about equal to what I'm paying Sprint since I got my phone for almost nothing.  If the service is much better then I guess it's worth it.  I just really hate the idea of paying full price for phones, especially as a new customer since I always thought that was the biggest perk to switching.

 
Subsidized phone purchases is one of the biggest ripoffs of all time, because the "perk" is you get to pay an outrageously high monthly charge for your bill after that.
 
In January of this year I paid $600 for a Galaxy Note 2 with Ting. After 1 year of service I have already come out ahead versus what I was paying Sprint previously, even after accounting for the phone purchase.

 

[glennhoffmania]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's a bad deal.  It's basically what I'm paying now just allocated differently between the cost of the phone and the monthly plan.  In the end it doesn't really matter to me.  I just meant that I'm not used to paying hundreds of dollars for a phone and I always liked the idea of being able to switch service providers to get a free one until all of them started this new system.  I'm definitely going to look into T-Mobile.

 

[teddykgb]

I picked up a Moto X through the $150 off coupon after their Cyber Monday screw up.  Interested to see how I like it, there's some interesting stuff there even if some of the specs are low.  I'm on VZW these days since my experience with T-Mo was less than stellar where I live, so the N5 wasn't an option anyway.

 

[Corsi]

I picked up a Moto X through the $150 off coupon after their Cyber Monday screw up.  Interested to see how I like it, there's some interesting stuff there even if some of the specs are low.  I'm on VZW these days since my experience with T-Mo was less than stellar where I live, so the N5 wasn't an option anyway.

 
I have the Moto X and love it.  I was coming from the Droid Razr Maxx, so I'm happy with the smaller footprint.  The curved back and dimple were inspired design choices.  It's a joy to hold this phone.
 
The features like shaking the phone to activate the camera, and being able to just slightly move the phone to reveal if you have a text or some other notification is awesome.  I've also been very pleased with the battery life.  I'm ADD when it comes to Twitter, so I refresh this thing like a fiend when I'm using it, and it never fails to get me through a full day.

 

[zenter]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's a bad deal.  It's basically what I'm paying now just allocated differently between the cost of the phone and the monthly plan.  In the end it doesn't really matter to me.  I just meant that I'm not used to paying hundreds of dollars for a phone and I always liked the idea of being able to switch service providers to get a free one until all of them started this new system.  I'm definitely going to look into T-Mobile.

 
Few things to consider RE TMo.
 
1) Are you upgrading immediately when contract ends, or do you wait? The cost in the 25th month is much lower.
2) If you buy a TMo phone used (Swappa, eBay, CL, here, whatever), you can come out WAY ahead.
3) TMo's wifi calling is NOT available on iPhone. Apple doesn't allow that kind of carrier customization (even ones that clearly improve customer experience).
4) No early termination fees. You want to bring your iPhone to a Tmo/ATT-compatible MVNO (like Straight Talk)? Feel free.
 
Also: if Sprint's customer service and price are the primary concerns, but you're fine with the coverage/technical service, check out Ting.

 

[teddykgb]

 
I have the Moto X and love it.  I was coming from the Droid Razr Maxx, so I'm happy with the smaller footprint.  The curved back and dimple were inspired design choices.  It's a joy to hold this phone.
 
The features like shaking the phone to activate the camera, and being able to just slightly move the phone to reveal if you have a text or some other notification is awesome.  I've also been very pleased with the battery life.  I'm ADD when it comes to Twitter, so I refresh this thing like a fiend when I'm using it, and it never fails to get me through a full day.

 
Yeah, I totally didn't get this phone until I held it, which sounds ridiculous but it is true.  That stupid dimple is just perfect, whoever came up with that deserves a raise, even if the phone didn't sell as well as they'd hoped.  I'm very intrigued by the trusted bluetooth stuff, since I wear a pebble that I absolutely love.  The notifications will be slightly less interesting because of the pebble, but the voice control also interests me, if it works well.
 
Disappointed that the N5 launcher is different than the KitKat launcher, I think the transparency and larger icons really help the look of android a lot.

 

[glennhoffmania]

 
Few things to consider RE TMo.
 
1) Are you upgrading immediately when contract ends, or do you wait? The cost in the 25th month is much lower.
2) If you buy a TMo phone used (Swappa, eBay, CL, here, whatever), you can come out WAY ahead.
3) TMo's wifi calling is NOT available on iPhone. Apple doesn't allow that kind of carrier customization (even ones that clearly improve customer experience).
4) No early termination fees. You want to bring your iPhone to a Tmo/ATT-compatible MVNO (like Straight Talk)? Feel free.
 
Also: if Sprint's customer service and price are the primary concerns, but you're fine with the coverage/technical service, check out Ting.

 
1. In the past I have, but that's only because it was almost free to do so so I figured why not.  With the TMo plan I would wait as long as the phone was still ok.
2. I'd probably spring for new phones but haven't really thought about it.
3. If I have a good mobile signal is wifi calling really an advantage?  It says I still get charged for int'l calls.
4. True, but I'd still have to pay the remaining amount due on the phone, which may be as much as or more than a termination fee- or am I missing something?
 
Sprint's customer service and price aren't the concerns.  I'm actually fine with them.  It's the coverage issues that are driving me nuts.

 

[rembrat]

Masterrace Nexus 5 just got 4.2.2. 

 

[saintnick912]

Or possibly 4.4.2?

 

[rembrat]

That.

 

[zenter]

 
1. In the past I have, but that's only because it was almost free to do so so I figured why not.  With the TMo plan I would wait as long as the phone was still ok.
2. I'd probably spring for new phones but haven't really thought about it.
3. If I have a good mobile signal is wifi calling really an advantage?  It says I still get charged for int'l calls.
4. True, but I'd still have to pay the remaining amount due on the phone, which may be as much as or more than a termination fee- or am I missing something?
 
Sprint's customer service and price aren't the concerns.  I'm actually fine with them.  It's the coverage issues that are driving me nuts.

 
3. It's advantageous if you, like me, are sometimes in the middle of building with rough coverage, but great wifi. No real benefit if you have good coverage in a given location. As for international calls, you're right. That said, international stuff just got way cheaper. Just ask Jeremy's parents.
 
4. It basically depends on when you quit. At 18 months, you're on the hook for something like $120, which is lower than most ETFs. This is why a quick spreadsheet on TCO is useful. I did three scenarios for ATT and TMo - keep phone 18 months, keep phone 24 months, keep phone 30 months. I did NOT factor in resale, since that'd be about the same no matter what.

 

[saintnick912]

That.

 
I'm stuck on 4.2.2 currently, and eyeing the Nexus 5 when my ETF gets a bit lower.

 

[glennhoffmania]

 
3. It's advantageous if you, like me, are sometimes in the middle of building with rough coverage, but great wifi. No real benefit if you have good coverage in a given location. As for international calls, you're right. That said, international stuff just got way cheaper. Just ask Jeremy's parents.
 
4. It basically depends on when you quit. At 18 months, you're on the hook for something like $120, which is lower than most ETFs. This is why a quick spreadsheet on TCO is useful. I did three scenarios for ATT and TMo - keep phone 18 months, keep phone 24 months, keep phone 30 months. I did NOT factor in resale, since that'd be about the same no matter what.

 
I'm really tempted to switch.  The plans are a decent amount cheaper even if I add in the monthly cost of the phone.  I'm trying to convince my wife that she doesn't need unlimited data and that 2.5 gb is plenty.  My only issue is that I've heard from some people that the service is pretty bad and they lose signal a lot.  

 

[jayhoz]

Cover contextual lockscreen.  Very cool.
 
http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/13/cover-available-on-google-play/?ncid=rss_truncated

 

[HillysLastWalk]

 
I'm really tempted to switch.  The plans are a decent amount cheaper even if I add in the monthly cost of the phone.  I'm trying to convince my wife that she doesn't need unlimited data and that 2.5 gb is plenty.  My only issue is that I've heard from some people that the service is pretty bad and they lose signal a lot.  

 
Those T-Mobile plans that were linked to have unlimited talk+text+web.  So it is technically unlimited data.  When you have the option to buy 2.5 GB or Unlimited, that's for "high speed data".  If you buy the 2.5 GB plan through TMobile, you just did the same thing as Wal-Mart Family Mobile: Unlimited everything (incl. data) + 2.5 GB of high speed data.  But through WalMart you are paying $25/month less (before taxes) for two lines.  And I don't think TMobile is subsidizing the phones anymore (an S4 for example is $600 - over two years).  Or, well, you aren't getting them for free, or $100, or whatever - the things you see advertised with Vertizon/AT&T.
 
I'm not sure why you ignored this previously, but give WalMart a chance.  Especially if you are thinking of TMobile. WalMart Family mobile is TMobile basically.  But Wal-Mart is $75 for 2 lines, and T-Mobile is $100 for 2 lines (both with 2.5 GB of high speed data).
 
Lastly, in regards to concerns about reception, I always take that shit with a grain of salt.  Unless you live or work where these people live/work, their experience is going to be entirely different from yours.  I cruise all around CT with my Wal-Mart phone and it's fine.  What matters is where you work and live.  That's where you spend the majority of your time.  Years ago, and I haven't asked in a while, I asked what the policy's were for canceling service without paying a fine - and I think all gave you 30 days or less.  In other words, you could go to say a T-Mobile, sign-up, try it for a week or two, if you find that the service sucks, return it and move on.

 

[glennhoffmania]

I hear you, but there are a couple of reasons why the Wal-Mart plan doesn't really help me.  First because I don't live anywhere near a Wal-Mart (as far as I know).  But more importantly, I'd get a corp discount with T-Mobile that's only available through their web site and it would offset the cost difference anyway.  I could get the 2.5 gb per phone plan for about $80 per month.
 
Also, while they give you 14 days to try it out, if you return it they charge $35 per phone for a bullshit restocking fee.  I guess it's a very complicated and expensive process to deactivate a phone.

 

[HillysLastWalk]

Ahhh, with the corporate discount ... it's a minimal difference.  Good point.  I was just discussing phone plans this morning with my friend over Facebook, and he just sent me an invite to his corporate discount thingy, and one of their offers was 12% off TMobile service.  If with TMobilie I can get any type of discount on the phones, it might be worth it to switch myself.  I also think that you can order all the Wal-Mart Family phones and start-up packages online.  No need to actually go to a Wal-Mart.
 
As for the phone, do you know anyone that has an older TMobile phone?  My first smartphone was a MyTouch 3G and in October I sold two of them and all their accessories for $45 on eBay.  But I also got a $50 coupon (shrieeek! Coupons!) from eBay to list my phones.  So really I got $95 for them.  I digress, but where I'm getting at is that I had held on to those phones years too long.  You may know others that are holding onto a phone.  As this thread can attest, I'm about to replace our phones this Christmas.  If we lived close I'd let you borrow my old phone for a week or two before I try to sell them on eBay.  Ask around, you may know someone in similar situations.
 
One other thing, if you want to abuse a Wal-Mart (or some other store closer to you), when I bought the S3's, I asked about their return policy and I think I had 15 days opened - for a full refund.  Or it may be worth it to try one phone and suck it up and pay the $35 re-stocking fee.  Seems worthwhile for a two week experiment.

 

[glennhoffmania]

Yeah I know a couple of people with TMo and I'm going to have them cone over to check out the service in my building. If it works ok I'll probably switch. Thanks for the input.

 

[AlNipper49]

So as an iPhone user since the day they were released I finally gave in and ordered a moto x. I expected to feel a little guilty but for the most part feel relieved.

 

[Blacken]

Had to give back my phones now that I'm out at my old company. Back on my Galaxy Nexus. Surprised at how responsive it still is...and the battery life is amazing. I was considering a Moto X but I think I'll keep this.

 

[EddieYost]

So as an iPhone user since the day they were released I finally gave in and ordered a moto x. I expected to feel a little guilty but for the most part feel relieved.


What made you switch?

 

[SumnerH]

and the battery life is amazing

I'm loving this about the LG G2--my battery is currently at 72%. I didn't charge it last night.

So it's been through a full work day and all day today up through 5:50pm. I've made a few phone calls, sent and received a bunch of texts, listened to over an hour (and probably over 2) of podcasts, and done miscellaneous light web surfing--not heavy usage, but it's not been on lockdown either.

 

[Blacken]

I hadn't heard the G2 was getting such crazy battery life. I haven't put a 4.4 ROM on this GNex yet, either, I'm curious whether that changes anything.

 

[Boggs26]

I'll second the G2 battery life. With my RAZR I would leave work at the end of the day with between 15 and 30 percent battery left, with the G2 I'm usually between 60 and 70 percent with the same level of usage (possibly a little more actually).

 

[Blacken]

This thing is stupidly snappy with 4.4 on it. I think I'm going to keep this for a while.

 

[BrazilianSoxFan]

This thing is stupidly snappy with 4.4 on it. I think I'm going to keep this for a while.


What rom are you using?

 

[Blacken]

This one.

 

[BrazilianSoxFan]

Thanks

 

[AlNipper49]

What made you switch?


Death by a million cuts. Battery life was the real killer but every time I turn around something is screwed up. My most recent one is that when you plug it in to charge it it doesn't display the little lightning charging indicator. It doesn't sound like that big of a deal but I've charged off of my bed charger that wasn't plugged into the wall twice this week.

Plus I think Android has come a far way. I would have swapped two years ago but was concerned about apps. Now most good things end up on both devices pretty quickly. I have always disliked typing on the iPhone which weighs in heavily.

Geek problem but Apple also goes nuts when you plug it into an Ubuntu machine with all that Trust crap. My every day machines are all now Ubuntu... It's not a huge deal since I have Windows laptops, etc but still a pain (I don't plug in often, basically just to copy off pictures)

 

[AlNipper49]

I want to go with Straight Talk for a carrier but don't see an option for the nano SIM that the Moto X requires. If I go to a WalMart (shudder) do you think that they'll have them or do I need to do some ass like cut them myself?

 

[AlNipper49]

Also because the iphone takes a nano SIM can I just move it over to the Moto if my phone order beats my SIM order?

 

[OCST]

Yeah I know a couple of people with TMo and I'm going to have them cone over to check out the service in my building. If it works ok I'll probably switch. Thanks for the input.

 
GHoff, I have T-Mobile and work in lower Manhattan.  No problems at all, here or anywhere in Manhattan.  When you get out into the sticks T-Mobile is worse than other carriers - in rural central PA, where my wife is from, I get no signal - but Manhattan is fine.

 

[jayhoz]

I want to go with Straight Talk for a carrier but don't see an option for the nano SIM that the Moto X requires. If I go to a WalMart (shudder) do you think that they'll have them or do I need to do some ass like cut them myself?

I believe you can get a punch pretty cheap on Amazon.

 

[Seven Costanza]

Also because the iphone takes a nano SIM can I just move it over to the Moto if my phone order beats my SIM order?

 
I would think so.
 
I went in to Verizon on Thursday night looking to pay full retail for a Moto X.  (I had contemplated jumping ship to T Mobile after their news last week, but just couldn't pull the trigger)  Verizon without the slightest of prompting basically threw a phone at me to sign up for a new 2 year deal (I had 1 year left).  I think they're running scared, which is nice. Saved me a couple hundred bucks.
 
Moto X is fantastic thus far.  Taking some time to get used to the size coming from a Note 2, but I'm loving the fact that there really isn't a skin on the damn thing.  The active notifications and touchless contriol are pretty damn rad.  Really the only thing I miss is a notification LED as the active notification screen doesn't stay on all the time.

 

[sonsoftrotnixon]

 
Moto X is fantastic thus far.  Taking some time to get used to the size coming from a Note 2, but I'm loving the fact that there really isn't a skin on the damn thing.  The active notifications and touchless contriol are pretty damn rad.  Really the only thing I miss is a notification LED as the active notification screen doesn't stay on all the time.

 
I have had a Moto-X since they launched and love it.  The size is perfect, performance is great (coming off an Iphone 4s which I jailbroke).  My only advice is don't drop the sucker!  I've dropped mine three times and all three times the screen shattered completely.  I don't like carrying it with a case but will atleast have to get a skin for it.  Great phone though.  The last update drastically improved the camera as well.

 

[HillysLastWalk]

I want to go with Straight Talk for a carrier but don't see an option for the nano SIM that the Moto X requires. If I go to a WalMart (shudder) do you think that they'll have them or do I need to do some ass like cut them myself?

 
I wonder if that Starter Kit comes with both (SIM and micro-SIM), I know the Wal-Mart Family Mobile Starter Kits do.
 
I've had my WM Family Mobile for 3 years, at least, so mine was a regular SIM.  I just hit the local mall to get it cut.  Unbeknownst to me, it probably would have been better to just get the new kit.  The phone noted an older SIM card and notified me that the T-Mobile Wi-Fi Calling wouldn't work with it.  That's OK, I have unlimited minutes, but I would like to play around with that.

 

[wibi]

Anyone have a recommendation for a good business card scanner app that connects with Google?

 

[AlNipper49]

Evernote Premium now has it, and it rocks

 

[AlNipper49]

I believe you can get a punch pretty cheap on Amazon.


I ordered one just to be safe. For 7 bucks I can't lose.

 

[jayhoz]

Evernote Premium now has it, and it rocks

Doesn't look like this has made it to android yet.

 

[kelpapa]

I downloaded CamCard, but I haven't used it much, so I can't vouch for it.

 

[Zomp]

I'm on Verizon and my phone is officially fucked.  The screen and lens are cracked, the back button won't work and it won't play sounds.
 
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3.  I have the insurance but before I pay $150 to get it replaced I was wondering if anyone had a better deal for a phone that is similar specs wise. 

 

[wibi]

I downloaded CamCard, but I haven't used it much, so I can't vouch for it.

 
Thats the one I'm looking at too.  My boss has it and loves it but he's not the most tech savy guy so I wanted to see if others had better recommendations

 

[Bunt4aTriple]

I'm on Verizon and my phone is officially fucked.  The screen and lens are cracked, the back button won't work and it won't play sounds.
 
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3.  I have the insurance but before I pay $150 to get it replaced I was wondering if anyone had a better deal for a phone that is similar specs wise. 

Why is your deductible $150 instead of $100?  I just replaced my S4 via Verizon/Assurion for $100.

 

[PortlandSoxFan]

I'm on Verizon and my phone is officially fucked.  The screen and lens are cracked, the back button won't work and it won't play sounds.
 
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3.  I have the insurance but before I pay $150 to get it replaced I was wondering if anyone had a better deal for a phone that is similar specs wise. 

 
Check Craigslist?  I got my daughter an HTC One for Christmas for $250 (she had her mother's old Rezound, and over a year left on contract with Verizon) and it's pretty fantastic.

 

[AlNipper49]

So I kind of miss the badge icons from ios. Is there something other than notification center I'm Android-ville?

 

[AlNipper49]

So I kind of miss the badge icons from ios. Is there something other than notification center I'm Android-ville?


If you can't tell by all the typos, swype may also not be for me. It's too autocorrecty