|
vladcjelli
Original Poster
1,279 posts
27 months
|
Upgrade date arrived yesterday and a quick call to Orange today has given me something to think about regarding the phones I think I could live with. Keeping my existing contract terms, which seem to suit me on a usage basis, but lopping off 10% for loyalty, so comes out at about £18 per month. Upgrading from HTC Desire, which has had the Android 2.3 update applied from the HTC website, and has been the best phone I've had to date (excepting short-ish battery life which I am resigned to on almost any smartphone). I fancy one of: HTC One X (£25 upgrade charge)  HTC One S (Free to upgrade)  Samsung Galaxy Note (£30 upgrade charge)  Have I missed any other contenders? Obviously the Apple efforts are worthy, but I didn't think to ask after them as I assumed they would all be a bit more expensive. Recent customer service experience from them regarding my ipod nano replacement could tip me their way, but I do like android. Anyone got one of the above and share any reasons to go for it or not over the others? Or, should I just hit giffgaff for one of their £10 a month sims and keep the desire (possibly buying a new battery)? Any opinions welcomed.
|
|
|
dontfollowme
630 posts
102 months
|
Samsung Galaxy S3 is out soon. Maybe see what sort of reviews it gets.
|
|
|
Lawrence5
1,128 posts
104 months
|
Sony Xperia s getting good reviews apart from the fiddly home buttons.... Well worth a look once ics upgrade is launched
|
|
|
0000
9,302 posts
60 months
|
|
|
vladcjelli
Original Poster
1,279 posts
27 months
|
WTF!
Just called to upgrade to the One X, and turns out I can't do it.
Apparently, the law has changed and phone companies can't offer contracts running longer than 24 months (which by upgrading at the earliest opportunity, mine would be technically 27 months). This came into force today, the first of May.
Why did they not mention this yesterday when I called about upgrading? Would have pushed it through rather than having to wait another couple of months.
Oh well, shiny trinket shopping will have to wait a while longer. Will keep an eye out for newer and shinier devices between now and then I suppose.
Bit peed off at the citrussy telecoms firm for not knowing their arse from their elbow.
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
vladcjelli
Original Poster
1,279 posts
27 months
|
Had a gander round a couple of the networks providers shops yesterday to have a feel of the three phones.
HTCs were good. Galaxy note is definitely not going to be pursued. They had a display of two to try out, and both display models had a great big dead spot in the middle of the screen that would not respond to touches of the stylus.
Is this a known problem? Due to the screen size perhaps?
Anyway, the Three shop recommended (as did someone above) checking out the Samsung s3, now that they've released the specs. Have to say it does look good, so Oranges faux pas may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
|
|
|
TameRacingDriver
8,201 posts
141 months
|
I'm going to suggest something more leftfield. A Galaxy Nexus. I think these are so underrated. I'm even tempted to swap my S2 for one.
On paper, the specs don't look great, but its Android without the bloatware, and without the physical keys, so its exactly as good intended. As such, it runs every bit as well as any of the newer rivals.
I had a play with a One X last night. It is a very nice phone to be fair. I don't think you could go far wrong with that or the Galaxy Nexus. The S3 does look special mind.
|
|
|
durbster
3,032 posts
91 months
|
TameRacingDriver said: I'm going to suggest something more leftfield. A Galaxy Nexus. I think these are so underrated. I'm even tempted to swap my S2 for one. Is that not iPhone money though?
|
|
|
TameRacingDriver
8,201 posts
141 months
|
|
|
robsa
894 posts
53 months
|
vladcjelli said: Galaxy note is definitely not going to be pursued. They had a display of two to try out, and both display models had a great big dead spot in the middle of the screen that would not respond to touches of the stylus.
Is this a known problem? Due to the screen size perhaps? My upgrade date is also coming up soon and I have been wondering about which phone to get, but now I am 99% sure I am going to get a white Galaxy Note. Why? Well, I have had 3 iPhones up to now and I absolutely love them, but that screen is just too small. A friend has a Galaxy Note and I initially thoght 'ridiculous, that screen is far too big'. Having used it for a bit though, I have completely changed my mind about it. It is really light and easily slipped into my pockets and didn't feel at all obtrusive. The screen is amazing too. If you read almost any reviews of the note they all say the same thing - intial thoughts are 'screen too big' followed a week later by 'can't imagine going back now to a smaller screen'!  I also do a LOT of reading on my iPhone (at night I read with it with the light off so the missus doesn't grumble) and the bigger screen of the note is just brilliant for this. As is watching TV programs, films etc. Added to this is the fact that the Note is now getting ICS update rolling out on it (including mods for one-handed use like smaller keyboards etc) with a bunch of new software called the 'premium suite', some of which looks really handy too. The pen is really good and I found it well handy for when I am out and about and I needed to take quick notes or add commetns to photos etc. I am a little worried about leaving iOS behind, but I don't think it will be a problem really. I know they will be announcing the new iPhone in June sometime but I can't see them making the screen much bigger and after using the Note, nothign else seems to come close. The Galaxy S3 is nice, as is the new LG Optimus X4, and I would have either of these too, but for me the note is the complete package now it has Ice Cream Sandwich on it. I appreciate everyone has different requirements for phones and it wont be everybodys cup of tea, but even after using a note for half an hour or so, going back to my iPhone felt horrible! I never thought I would say that! Roll on June 17th! PS never heard of the 'dead spot' on the screen - probably due to abuse I expect. My mates note was perfect.
|
|
|
BenM77
2,106 posts
33 months
|
robsa said: vladcjelli said: Galaxy note is definitely not going to be pursued. They had a display of two to try out, and both display models had a great big dead spot in the middle of the screen that would not respond to touches of the stylus.
Is this a known problem? Due to the screen size perhaps? My upgrade date is also coming up soon and I have been wondering about which phone to get, but now I am 99% sure I am going to get a white Galaxy Note. Why? Well, I have had 3 iPhones up to now and I absolutely love them, but that screen is just too small. A friend has a Galaxy Note and I initially thoght 'ridiculous, that screen is far too big'. Having used it for a bit though, I have completely changed my mind about it. It is really light and easily slipped into my pockets and didn't feel at all obtrusive. The screen is amazing too. If you read almost any reviews of the note they all say the same thing - intial thoughts are 'screen too big' followed a week later by 'can't imagine going back now to a smaller screen'! I also do a LOT of reading on my iPhone (at night I read with it with the light off so the missus doesn't grumble) and the bigger screen of the note is just brilliant for this. As is watching TV programs, films etc. Added to this is the fact that the Note is now getting ICS update rolling out on it (including mods for one-handed use like smaller keyboards etc) with a bunch of new software called the 'premium suite', some of which looks really handy too. The pen is really good and I found it well handy for when I am out and about and I needed to take quick notes or add commetns to photos etc. I am a little worried about leaving iOS behind, but I don't think it will be a problem really. I know they will be announcing the new iPhone in June sometime but I can't see them making the screen much bigger and after using the Note, nothign else seems to come close. The Galaxy S3 is nice, as is the new LG Optimus X4, and I would have either of these too, but for me the note is the complete package now it has Ice Cream Sandwich on it. I appreciate everyone has different requirements for phones and it wont be everybodys cup of tea, but even after using a note for half an hour or so, going back to my iPhone felt horrible! I never thought I would say that! Roll on June 17th! PS never heard of the 'dead spot' on the screen - probably due to abuse I expect. My mates note was perfect. We have just set my Mother-in-Law up with a Note, it is a very nice bit of kit with an excellent screen so I can see why you like it. I am impressed with Samsung for launching the Note as it is like a hybrid of phon/tablet ! I would like a bigger screen as well (iphone4) but I think the Note might be too big for me, just because it is a bit awkward to use one handed which I do need to do. Hopefully the next iPhone will be bigger or I will probably have a look around.
|
|
|
robsa
894 posts
53 months
|
BenM77 said: We have just set my Mother-in-Law up with a Note, it is a very nice bit of kit with an excellent screen so I can see why you like it. I am impressed with Samsung for launching the Note as it is like a hybrid of phon/tablet !
I would like a bigger screen as well (iphone4) but I think the Note might be too big for me, just because it is a bit awkward to use one handed which I do need to do. Hopefully the next iPhone will be bigger or I will probably have a look around. Hey Ben I know what you mean - but have a look on youTube as the Ice Cream Sandwich update which is currently being rolled out includes a smaller keyboard mode for one-handed texting etc. Maybe just what you need? http://androidcommunity.com/galaxy-note-update-rol...
|
|
|
BenM77
2,106 posts
33 months
|
robsa said: BenM77 said: We have just set my Mother-in-Law up with a Note, it is a very nice bit of kit with an excellent screen so I can see why you like it. I am impressed with Samsung for launching the Note as it is like a hybrid of phon/tablet !
I would like a bigger screen as well (iphone4) but I think the Note might be too big for me, just because it is a bit awkward to use one handed which I do need to do. Hopefully the next iPhone will be bigger or I will probably have a look around. Hey Ben I know what you mean - but have a look on youTube as the Ice Cream Sandwich update which is currently being rolled out includes a smaller keyboard mode for one-handed texting etc. Maybe just what you need? http://androidcommunity.com/galaxy-note-update-rol... Thanks for the link mate, the Note really is tempting as I use my iphone4 for browsing all the time. I have to wait until January anyway so I will see the iPhone 5 released before making my mind up. It wouldn't bother me making the swap to Android, my house is an all Apple setup but my phone doesn't need to be. I do think the iPhone 5 will be bigger but only around 4".
|
|
|
Funk
13,072 posts
78 months
|
My mum got caught out with the Orange change as well. They now allow you to upgrade 45 days early, and write them off at the end of the 24 month contract rather than allowing you to upgrade 3 months early and then bolting those on to the end, making it a 27-month contract...
As for phones, I went from Desire to One X and couldn't be more pleased. The Desire was an awesome phone but the One X trumps it in every way. There's very little in it between the X and the S; the size for one, but the screen on the X is the best I've ever seen on any phone. The S is good, but nowhere near the X.
I'm an HTC fan, I like their designs and the One X feels really well-built. I've always found Samsung phones to feel very plasticky and unsubstantial.
The X is the pick of the crop for me, I don't regret it for a second.
|
|
|
vladcjelli
Original Poster
1,279 posts
27 months
|
Funk said: My mum got caught out with the Orange change as well. They now allow you to upgrade 45 days early, and write them off at the end of the 24 month contract rather than allowing you to upgrade 3 months early and then bolting those on to the end, making it a 27-month contract...
As for phones, I went from Desire to One X and couldn't be more pleased. The Desire was an awesome phone but the One X trumps it in every way. There's very little in it between the X and the S; the size for one, but the screen on the X is the best I've ever seen on any phone. The S is good, but nowhere near the X.
I'm an HTC fan, I like their designs and the One X feels really well-built. I've always found Samsung phones to feel very plasticky and unsubstantial.
The X is the pick of the crop for me, I don't regret it for a second. After two years with the Desire, and the wife having a Desire S on the back of my experience, I'm fairly keen to stick with HTC. But what contingency plans do One X owners have in place for duff batteries, seeing as they are non removable units? Worries me a bit, and is causing a Samsung swing.
|
|
|
J a k e
689 posts
104 months
|
robsa said: I know they will be announcing the new iPhone in June June? Is it not going to be to October/Nov now? If it was June I would wait, but as things are it was a toss up between the One X and the Galaxy S3 for me. In the end I went for the S3 due to the better battery performance, the ability to swap out the battery if necessary, and the expandable storage via microSD card. The fact it did better in almost all of the benchmark tests was a factor too. I'm not bothered that the One X has a technically superior screen - if, as reported, the different pixel technology cannot be discerned with the naked eye it's not going to make any odds to me.
|
|
|
Funk
13,072 posts
78 months
|
vladcjelli said: After two years with the Desire, and the wife having a Desire S on the back of my experience, I'm fairly keen to stick with HTC.
But what contingency plans do One X owners have in place for duff batteries, seeing as they are non removable units?
Worries me a bit, and is causing a Samsung swing. I honestly don't think it will be an issue. My Desire's battery easily lasted the two years I had it and I didn't notice a decline in the amount of charge it could hold. I'm sure there will be ways to change the One X's battery if there's a fault. Doesn't seem to worry hundreds of millions of iPhone buyers.
|
|
|
FloppyRaccoon
1,916 posts
35 months
|
Funk said: I honestly don't think it will be an issue. My Desire's battery easily lasted the two years I had it and I didn't notice a decline in the amount of charge it could hold.
I'm sure there will be ways to change the One X's battery if there's a fault. Doesn't seem to worry hundreds of millions of iPhone buyers. Apple seem to give out new phones awfully easily for battery problems. Maybe HTC will do something similar.
|
|
|
Funk
13,072 posts
78 months
|
J a k e said: In the end I went for the S3 due to the better battery performance, the ability to swap out the battery if necessary, and the expandable storage via microSD card. The fact it did better in almost all of the benchmark tests was a factor too. Love the spec, shame it's such a crap colour and looks cheap. J a k e said: I'm not bothered that the One X has a technically superior screen - if, as reported, the different pixel technology cannot be discerned with the naked eye it's not going to make any odds to me. I looked at the One X and One S next to each other in-store and the differences were incredible. The S shares the same Super AMOLED screen tech as the SGS3, the X has Super LCD. If you've not seen the quality of the X's screen in person yet, I'd suggest you do so before committing one way or the other.
|
|
|
J a k e
689 posts
104 months
|
Funk said: J a k e said: In the end I went for the S3 due to the better battery performance, the ability to swap out the battery if necessary, and the expandable storage via microSD card. The fact it did better in almost all of the benchmark tests was a factor too. Love the spec, shame it's such a crap colour and looks cheap. I've not seen either phone in real life but the colour looked acceptable to my tastes and it didn't strike me as cheap looking. Up to a point I'm not all that fussed how it looks - that's pretty far down my list of priorities. Funk said: J a k e said: I'm not bothered that the One X has a technically superior screen - if, as reported, the different pixel technology cannot be discerned with the naked eye it's not going to make any odds to me. I looked at the One X and One S next to each other in-store and the differences were incredible. The S shares the same Super AMOLED screen tech as the SGS3, the X has Super LCD. If you've not seen the quality of the X's screen in person yet, I'd suggest you do so before committing one way or the other. Interesting. Thanks. When my S3 is delivered next Weds I'll compare it to a HOX in the local phone shop and see what I think. Cheers
|
|
