It's getting to be that time again- New phone... need advice

[Ronin13]

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]

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...

[hurley842002]

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.

[kwando]

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.

[hurley842002]

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.

[sandman76]

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.

[fitz19d]

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]

Have you seen the new iPhone?

[kwando]

Have you seen the new iPhone?

Yea it looks like the original one 10 years go... Zing! And i'm an Apple fanboy.

[Ronin13]

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.

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.