View Full Version : It's getting to be that time again- New phone... need advice
It's getting to be that dreaded time yet again... the time to get a new phone. I use Verizon, and I have, with the exception of my first smartphone, been pretty loyal to Motorola. I had an iPhone to begin with in 2010 when I returned from Afghanistan, but after moving back to Colorado the following year I bought a Motorola Droid Razr. Since then I've only had one other phone- my current Motorola Maxx- which was touted as the best battery life when I bought it in 2014, but now seems like I can't make it from 0600 to 1900 without having to give it some juice on the way home. I'm eligible for an upgrade and can save some coin on a new phone, so I'm in the market. Here's what I want:
-Not a massive phablet (yes, this is a word, sort of, meaning the phone is so large it's often mistaken for a tablet). I don't need a freaking TV in my pocket, I have two at home plus a tablet- I don't intend on watching movies on my phone all the time.
-I need power, Mr. Scott, I'd like the battery to last, especially on those nights where I go straight from work to my evening activities and I'd like to not have to charge it on the drive.
-Tough, due to the nature of my job I'd like the phone to be able to withstand some bumps and bruises and not shatter.
-Storage capacity. I'm considering retiring the old iPod to just being in the truck, and would like to have something to play music on while on my motorcycle, and I'd like enough space for a few playlists.
ANDROID ONLY, none of that iCrap, I don't care how good the newest iPhone is, I don't like the OS and I don't care what public opinion is... I want the freedom to modify, not be stuck having to upgrade my old iTunes that I love to be able to support an iPhone and add stuff to it.
Pretty much it. Those are the real high needs I have, I use it to surf the web and check email from time to time, but really I just need a decent, reliable phone.
BushMasterBoy
10-13-2015, 11:09
My trac phone costs about a $100 a year. It was initially 30 bucks at walmart. I have 4 phones,landline,VOIP, truck phone and cell. I'm a homeowner with no debt...
A lot of carrier are stepping away from selling subsidized phones (2 year contract). It's either buy the phone outright or do their monthly payment, which is basically no interest financing.
sandman76
10-13-2015, 11:16
My wife has an Android. I hate that freakin' thing. I switched to iPhone three years ago and love it. I have a 5c. My guys have the 5s. Sorry not much help here.
hurley842002
10-13-2015, 11:21
My trac phone costs about a $100 a year. It was initially 30 bucks at walmart. I have 4 phones,landline,VOIP, truck phone and cell. I'm a homeowner with no debt...
Don't think the OP is seeking out a new phone plan, but rather a new phone.
I don't have much to offer, as I recently downgraded (technologically speaking) in order to get a smaller phone. Most of the latest and greatest are going to be larger phones. I went from my Galaxy S5 to an iPhone 5s, because I just don't care much about OS anymore (music, tapatalk, and a little browsing are all I do). Size and accessory support are most important to me, and my 5S with a Lifeproof nuud, is the same size or smaller than most of the screens on current production smart phone, and it's tough as nails and waterproof. Like I said, not really relevant to you, as you said iPhone is out. Good luck with your search.
hurley842002
10-13-2015, 11:23
A lot of carrier are stepping away from selling subsidized phones (2 year contract). It's either buy the phone outright or do their monthly payment, which is basically no interest financing.
Yup, I've got one reduced price upgrade left, so I'm choosing wisely. Thinking 6S plus, since I've got my 5S for day to day use.
Moto x pure when it's out to have keyboard again, Otherwise Nexus 6 is coming down in price but still handy, also 6p if you wanted more phablet'y.
Those are what I was looking at though if I could I want a note 4. But the price is still absurd for what is a ... a phone. If I used it for the majority of my online activity might be justifiable.
PS, as long as in good reception areas. Like cricket, if on wifi or not a power user, the $35 month plan saves me a lot. With a little bit more downtime away from home for me, I had to up to the 45/month data plan but still way cheaper than a plan from the big 4.
Scanker19
10-13-2015, 11:56
Have you seen the new iPhone?
Lex_Luthor
10-13-2015, 12:17
I have a Galaxy S5 & like it. It's a great phone.
Toughness can be mitigated through an Otterbox case and Gorilla Glass cover, o matter what type of phone you choose. Most of the phones have SD card slots for expanded storage, too.
I wont go into the lack of security features on Android Apps, since you sound as though your mind is made up. Good luck on your new phone!
Have you seen the new iPhone?
Yea it looks like the original one 10 years go... Zing! And i'm an Apple fanboy.
Have you seen the new iPhone?
Yeah, my brother and dad both have it. I don't dislike them because they're iPhones, I dislike the fact that to upload music or anything really for that matter, I have to use iTunes as the medium. Small gripe, but I have an old version of iTunes that I refuse to upgrade to the latest version, getting an iPhone would change that. Bottom line, I'm used to and comfortable with the Android OS, I like being able to plug it in and drag and drop anything into/off of my phone, and I have apps that can read any PDF or eBook format, create custom ringtones on the go, and even more useful for pinch moments, I can download songs from YouTube onto my phone to expand my music library on the go. I could write an entire PhD dissertation on the differences between iPhones and Android and why I prefer one over the other. [Coffee]
Toughness can be mitigated through an Otterbox case and Gorilla Glass cover, o matter what type of phone you choose. Most of the phones have SD card slots for expanded storage, too.
I wont go into the lack of security features on Android Apps, since you sound as though your mind is made up. Good luck on your new phone!
This is true. I thought about whatever new phone I go with getting an Otterbox for it. I understand the security features and what not, and was wondering the validity of Verizon's protection services (if you're not familiar, it's like a anti-virus for your phone that scans newly downloaded or updated apps for security risks). Like any anti-virus, there are things that slip through. I'm not too worried about all that as I don't use my phone for a whole lot- I have a desktop at home, no need to replicate it's uses with my phone.
Still clanking along with my Galaxy S3 in its second otterbox. Still get about 40 hours of battery life from a full charge, but I take call infrequently, text a little, surf less. I do use about 2 hours of iheartradio each day, streaming through bluetooth into my helmet during the commute.
PugnacAutMortem
10-13-2015, 13:34
I had a Note 4 that I bought in May...hated it so much I switched back to iPhone last week and haven't been happier. It never seemed to work the way that it should have. By that I mean I bought an $750 phone and I felt like my old iPhone 4 worked more consistently than that phone did.
However, since the OP specifically says no Apple...I would get a Nexus device. It's a pure Android experience, they get the new OS updates 1st.
Toughness can be mitigated through an Otterbox case and Gorilla Glass cover, o matter what type of phone you choose. Most of the phones have SD card slots for expanded storage, too.
Some of the cases can take a thin phone and turn it into a brick. Most of the phone manufacturers are getting away from SD cards. Google has deprecated support for them for the past couple of years.
Not sure what you mean by a lack of security features on Android apps. Apple just got owned in their Chinese app store a month ago. Nothing is immune. I've had iPhones and Android. I don't like being locked into Apple's ecosystem.
I'm due for an upgrade in a few months. I'm still using a Galaxy Note 3 and will probably go for the Note 5. My old eyes have a tough time with some of the tiny phones.
hurley842002
10-13-2015, 22:52
I don't like being locked into Apple's ecosystem.
Folks must be doing some wild things with their phones, because I was a long time android user, and recently switched to iPhone and don't feel "locked" into anything. I do the exact same things I did with my android, including all the Google stuff.
Two words. Flip phone.
Just kidding. Although my crappy company flip phone does have an amazing battery life that can be measured in days and even weeks.
I currently have the Galaxy S5 and really like it. Other than it's a bit big for pocket carry.
Check out the new Google nexus (both of them). Granted you will have to wait until November for delivery - but you will get a stock Android phone, with all the goodies, with no bloatware.
I'd look at a nexus since they are motorola. However they are pretty big now. The galaxy s6 is a good phone. Keep in mind most phones now don't have external memory cards.
Sent from my S6 Edge +
We have VZW too & just upgraded to the LG G3. For your needs I highly recommend this phone. The LG G4 is out so it's not cutting edge tech (read: much cheaper) yet the improvements between phones from a year ago and today are significantly less than they were from the previous year and the year before that. IMO the LG G3 and the SGS5 are the sweet spot of value in mobile phones right now. Don't buy under contract. Buy from a seller on eBay (we got the Red LG G3 VZW version for $279 shipped each and with eBay GC deals and such the price comes down even more) and then contact VZW about lowering your bill since you're month to month. We were paying $160/mo for two lines of service. We just finished our 2yr agreement and a buddy told me about their month to month specials and we now pay half of what we paid for the exact same level of service. Nothing else changed. We then sold out SGS4's on CL for about what we paid for LG G3's that were a year newer, slightly larger screen and much better features. The LG G3 also has a user-replaceable battery so buy a kit that has a spare battery charger & two batteries for less than $20 shipped and never worry about battery life again. Throw an Otterbox on it or, my personal favorite, Seidio kickstand case on it and a glass screen protector (got 3 for $9.99 shipped) and call it a day.
Why are phones moving away from memory cards?
hurley842002
10-14-2015, 16:51
Why are phones moving away from memory cards?
Because then you have to pay more for higher internal memory (iPhone) or rely on a "cloud".
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Why are phones moving away from memory cards?
Another factor is speed. The memory on the board is much quicker than the interface to the memory card. Google stopped letting users install applications to SD cards a while ago for this very reason. Not including the interface also reduces the cost of manufacturing the phone.
Why are phones moving away from memory cards?
Planned obsolescence.
For the longest Android was about user expandable memory, user swapable batteries & Apple wasn't. This was because users would have to buy a new phone every year or two. Once Android manufacturers realized that the vast majority of buyers didn't know/care they decided if you can't beat 'em...
Personally, I still don't buy a phone unless it has those two features and I try to preach the importance of both to people whenever it comes up but it usually falls on deaf ears.
Planned obsolescence.
For the longest Android was about user expandable memory, user swapable batteries & Apple wasn't. This was because users would have to buy a new phone every year or two. Once Android manufacturers realized that the vast majority of buyers didn't know/care they decided if you can't beat 'em...
Personally, I still don't buy a phone unless it has those two features and I try to preach the importance of both to people whenever it comes up but it usually falls on deaf ears.
What? Did you say something?
sent from nowhere
I've got a Galaxy Note 3, so that's kind of old. I've got an SD card in it. I hadn't realized they were all getting away from external storage.
The security features I was speaking about primarily rest in the Apps. I know that the latest iPhone has joined Android in letting the devils in; I am hoping that by switching over to an iPhone 5s, I will still be able to take advantage of higher security features and vetting processes than Android. It's got to be better than the Android Flashlight app.
I've got a Galaxy Note 3, so that's kind of old. I've got an SD card in it. I hadn't realized they were all getting away from external storage.
The security features I was speaking about primarily rest in the Apps. I know that the latest iPhone has joined Android in letting the devils in; I am hoping that by switching over to an iPhone 5s, I will still be able to take advantage of higher security features and vetting processes than Android. It's got to be better than the Android Flashlight app.
Choosing an entire system based on one app is a bit silly. You as the individual are allowed the freedom to choose any app that you want. Yes, this can be at your determent if you don't read the permissions of said app as you install. Android is the Liberty of phone systems and we all know that Liberty isn't for everyone. Personally, I'll take the freedom and I'll take an extra second or two when installing an app to make sure that a flashlight app doesn't want permission to access my contacts, browser history, clipboard, GPS location & call log to activate the LED. Seems like that should be common sense, no? I think it's silly that Apple has tried (in vain) to make it seem like Android is just a walking security breach but it's not. Funny how they slander and then when they can no longer slander they join them and claim to have pioneered whatever it is, patent it and then market it. The fanbois just gobble it up every time though.
newracer
10-15-2015, 10:08
I am pretty tough on phones too. My current phone has held up great with just a Magpul case and a glass screen protector. I went away from the Otterbox case due to size.
The Samsung Galaxy 6 Active is supposed to be pretty durable.
hurley842002
10-15-2015, 10:12
Was in Best Buy yesterday utilizing my upgrade, and overheard they have the S6 edge on sale for $49 or something like that, with 2 year agreement.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Was in Best Buy yesterday utilizing my upgrade, and overheard they have the S6 edge on sale for $49 or something like that, with 2 year agreement.
1) the 'edge' version of that phone is dumb. It has distorted image at the edges so how is this better than a regular screen? Ultra gimmicky.
2) Don't do the Edge program. If you do the match you will see that between the added monthly cost and what you could save based on my post about being month-to-month on VZW above that same phone over 2yrs will cost you thousands.. literally.
hurley842002
10-15-2015, 11:25
1) the 'edge' version of that phone is dumb. It has distorted image at the edges so how is this better than a regular screen? Ultra gimmicky.
Don't know, don't care.. Was just passing on info, not promoting the phone. I bought an iPhone....
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hey Android experts, I recently switched my unlock screen from a simple swipe to a pattern unlock. Well I decided to switch back to swipe and the phone won't let me; the option is grayed out. The message says something along the lines of needing to change some administrative access or something. I never changed anything else. I'm sure it's simple and plan to look it up later, but thought I'd ask here in case anyone knows.
Don't know, don't care.. Was just passing on info, not promoting the phone. I bought an iPhone....
I was just letting people know that most that have tested that phone have said the same things I'm saying. They even make a non-Edge version of the same phone if you insist on a Galaxy S6. The S5 is a better deal plus it's waterproof if you insist on getting a Galaxy phone. Otherwise I'd check out the LG line of phones and I'm personally very impressed with my LG G3 for the price and that's from a big Samsung Galaxy fan too. I digress. I just don't want people thinking the S6 Edge is a good deal and rushing to get one w/o researching because in this case there's a reason it's a good deal.
Hey Android experts, I recently switched my unlock screen from a simple swipe to a pattern unlock. Well I decided to switch back to swipe and the phone won't let me; the option is grayed out. The message says something along the lines of needing to change some administrative access or something. I never changed anything else. I'm sure it's simple and plan to look it up later, but thought I'd ask here in case anyone knows.
1.Setting
2.Security
3.Screen lock
4.click
5.Option Coming(none, Pattern, PIN, Password).
6.Choose NONE option.
I think you ave to set it to NONE before you can change it back to something else?
I tried that and None is not an option either. I think I have to adjust what content it displays on the lock screen, then select none, then proceed. I'll figure it out once I get home.
I liked the option of the expanded storage with the SD card up until my little SD card took a s**t and I lost all of my pictures.
Also, I now have several apps that I refuse to update because they want access to all of my photos. Why the hell would an app for sports scores need access to my photos?
I tried that and None is not an option either. I think I have to adjust what content it displays on the lock screen, then select none, then proceed. I'll figure it out once I get home.
Yeah, there's some small setting somewhere preventing you from adjusting this. Check in your display settings as well as your personalized settings. There also may be some sort of related app that's holding onto this setting for some reason. I don't have an issue with this setting in any direction though and haven't heard of it so I think it's something unique to your configuration.
I liked the option of the expanded storage with the SD card up until my little SD card took a s**t and I lost all of my pictures.
Also, I now have several apps that I refuse to update because they want access to all of my photos. Why the hell would an app for sports scores need access to my photos?
There are countless free back-up options so if your SD card shits the bed you won't lose everything. It should be noted that your phone is more likely to become corrupt than your SD card assuming you buy quality versions of both. Like anything concerning data, regular back-ups are your responsibility and these days the options are countless, unobtrusive and mostly free.
As for apps that won't allow to update... it's hard to say. Depends on the app. Sometimes it may want access to certain things to make your experience more seamless. Back in the day you would get TONS of random logo & clipart photos in your gallery from apps. In order to keep that from happening apps need permission to edit your images. There's lots going on behind the scenes and personally I'd rather know what I'm giving permission to on an app to app basis than not know at all.
I tried that and None is not an option either. I think I have to adjust what content it displays on the lock screen, then select none, then proceed. I'll figure it out once I get home.
Might be something in device administrators restricting a change. You might have Google's Android Device manager or another security app installed and I think you have to disable it to set lock screen to NONE. You might also just have to clear the credential storage.
(On GS4) Settings > More > Security > Device Administrators
(On GS4) Settings > More > Security > Clear credentials
I think you can also clear it to NONE by entering the wrong pattern 5-7 times and then taking the forgot password option which will prompt you to login to gmail and should reset it to none. That's assuming you don't have some other security app* that locks the phone on incorrect attempts.
* I used to use Theftie, but Google Play killed it. Quite possibly for that reason - bad tries could cause the device to get wiped or just re-lock depending on your settings.
I wasn't sure what clearing the credentials would do. Is that like clearing cookies at all?
I wasn't sure what clearing the credentials would do. Is that like clearing cookies at all?
Not really. Cookies are used for tracking. Admin credentials are how you can set levels of access. In IT, you can set your administrative rules so that users can't access or do certain things with their devices. The idea is that you can secure them better this way or keep productivity up. On your personal phone.... not sure unless you have two users set up so you can change the user to your kid and hand them the phone and not worry about them installing apps, deleting data or going to areas they're not supposed to. Even though the new version of Android has different users as an option I wasn't aware this came active as the default. I thought it was something you had to enable so maybe you accidentally made yourself a user w/o admin privileges?
Irving, I would start by looking at device admins. If you have a work email app, etc. on there, that's the most likely issue. BTW, you can often disable that admin access and still have work email (airwatch, etc. ). If you installed a VPN on there, it will also require a PIN to work and won't let you change back to swipe. Could be one of many apps or it could just be a leftover credential. I would clear as a last resort. As always, YMMV and you alone are responsible for backing up any data that could be lost by a wipe. :D
ETA: Apologies to the OP for the threadjack.
Can I harm the phone or data by clearing credentials? I did install a VIP app for the two party credentials thing for my work computer, but it never worked. I'll delete that app and mess around with things a bit.
Can I harm the phone or data by clearing credentials? I did install a VIP app for the two party credentials thing for my work computer, but it never worked. I'll delete that app and mess around with things a bit.
Doubtful.
First, look at what apps have admin, really should only be a few things you recognize (my VZW phone is rooted,etc. so does not show KNOX) and you can try to turn each off and check that you can change the security back to swipe/None.
61537
If unchecking one or all of these doesn't solve it, try clearing the credentials. You may also be able to just see/remove the User trusted credentials.
Quick rundown of the things to check here: http://blog.clove.co.uk/2013/10/09/why-cant-i-turn-pin-lock-off-on-android/
Choosing an entire system based on one app is a bit silly. You as the individual are allowed the freedom to choose any app that you want. Yes, this can be at your determent if you don't read the permissions of said app as you install. Android is the Liberty of phone systems and we all know that Liberty isn't for everyone. Personally, I'll take the freedom and I'll take an extra second or two when installing an app to make sure that a flashlight app doesn't want permission to access my contacts, browser history, clipboard, GPS location & call log to activate the LED. Seems like that should be common sense, no? I think it's silly that Apple has tried (in vain) to make it seem like Android is just a walking security breach but it's not. Funny how they slander and then when they can no longer slander they join them and claim to have pioneered whatever it is, patent it and then market it. The fanbois just gobble it up every time though.
Looking back at my hurried reply, I can see as to how one might think that I was saying that I would be changing phones because on one app. I can assure you, I am not. I do not burn dollar bills to light my Cuban cigars. I do not wipe my butt with $100 bills. But after attending a number of seminars dealing in part with phone security, taught by people specializing in privacy and security I am changing over to an iPhone. I am not a fanboi and I have common sense. I gave my opinion on cells and why, and I now see yours.
Irving, are you using andruid pay (nfc payment)?
If so, it recently updated to require certain lock screens.
There are countless free back-up options so if your SD card shits the bed you won't lose everything.
I'd like you more if you had mentioned that to me before the thing crashed.
Actually, I did have some of the photos that were sort of important to me backed up in several locations. Just in case.
I wasn't sure what clearing the credentials would do. Is that like clearing cookies at all?
I could clear some cookies right now. Especially oatmeal raisin or peanut butter.
Irving, are you using andruid pay (nfc payment)?
If so, it recently updated to require certain lock screens.
No sir, but thank you for the info.
I could clear some cookies right now. Especially oatmeal raisin or peanut butter.
Dude, I met your doppelganger today. You have any family from Canada?
Looking back at my hurried reply, I can see as to how one might think that I was saying that I would be changing phones because on one app. I can assure you, I am not. I do not burn dollar bills to light my Cuban cigars. I do not wipe my butt with $100 bills. But after attending a number of seminars dealing in part with phone security, taught by people specializing in privacy and security I am changing over to an iPhone. I am not a fanboi and I have common sense. I gave my opinion on cells and why, and I now see yours.
It should be noted that I wasn't inferring that you were a fanboi in case that wasn't understood that I was referring to the collective 'fanboi' and not directing it towards you personally.
Dude, I met your doppelganger today. You have any family from Canada?
I have lots of doppelgangers. I actually refer to them as my "evil twins". Don't know if I have any of them in Canada though. Lol.
1) the 'edge' version of that phone is dumb. It has distorted image at the edges so how is this better than a regular screen? Ultra gimmicky.
2) Don't do the Edge program. If you do the match you will see that between the added monthly cost and what you could save based on my post about being month-to-month on VZW above that same phone over 2yrs will cost you thousands.. literally.
I'm not sold on it either. I got the edge + it's fine but I don't get the edge part of it really. YouTube videos look good but that's the Samsung screen not edge. I'll probably get a note 5 or something here soon
Sent from my S6 Edge +
I'm not sold on it either. I got the edge + it's fine but I don't get the edge part of it really. YouTube videos look good but that's the Samsung screen not edge. I'll probably get a note 5 or something here soon
Sent from my S6 Edge +
Just picked up a Note 5. Debated over that and the S6 Edge+. Coming from the S5, the Note 5 is pretty impressive IMHO
I'm going to wait to upgrade my phone until they start making them smaller again.
I've always wondered why some people's posts have that annoying signature adding what kind of phone they've posted from. I just figured it was the result of tapatalk or some other app. What is the deal with that?
Yep. Tapatalk.
You can delete it like I did or change it to say about whatever you want.
I've always wondered why some people's posts have that annoying signature adding what kind of phone they've posted from. I just figured it was the result of tapatalk or some other app. What is the deal with that?
Tapatalk thing.
Sent from my S6 Edge +
Tapatalk thing.
Sent from my S6 Edge +
This
v
v
v
Sent from my subconscious mind.
That's like the modern version of the branded t-shirt.
That's like the modern version of the branded t-shirt.
C'mon, all the cool kids are doing it.
Sent from my electronic leash.
I'm going to wait to upgrade my phone until they start making them smaller again.
Don't hold your breath. The big phones are extremely popular in Asia, and they have phone companies with more customers than the US has people.
hurley842002
10-16-2015, 01:02
I'm going to wait to upgrade my phone until they start making them smaller again.
This is why I "downgraded" to the iPhone 5s. I've got a completely waterproof lifeproof nuud case on it, and the thing is still the size of the screen on most smartphones.
Don't hold your breath. The big phones are extremely popular in Asia, and they have phone companies with more customers than the US has people.
Yeah I fear you are right. Once my 5s becomes obsolete, I think I'll be SOL.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
By the time small phones are popular again, we'll all be old enough to be wanting Jitterbugs anyway.
By the time small phones are popular again, we'll all be old enough to be wanting Jitterbugs anyway.
Lol. Speaking of the Jitterbug, I should post a picture of my company phone. It isn't a Jitterbug but might as well be. The buttons on it are huge.
osok-308
10-16-2015, 11:48
I like my Galaxy S6. With the new magpul case on it. It's been pretty durable so far! Great camera as well.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.