topic Re: Suggestions for new phone? in Get Support

Suggestions for new phone?

Ab555642 — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 09:02:37 GMT

Hey everyone,

My Blackberry Z30 is about to die (center screen just detached from the phone) and am looking for an Android replacement. What do you folks suggest as the best Android?

In my book, the best Android must have the following 3 things:

1) Amazing battery life

2) Robust (i.e. the center screen won't detach from the phone!)

3) Fast software and easy to use.

Thanks in advance!

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

Pizzaeh — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 19:32:21 GMT

@Ab555642 wrote:
Hey everyone,

My Blackberry Z30 is about to die (center screen just detached from the phone) and am looking for an Android replacement. What do you folks suggest as the best Android?

In my book, the best Android must have the following 3 things:
1) Amazing battery life
2) Robust (i.e. the center screen won't detach from the phone!)
3) Fast software and easy to use.

Thanks in advance!

What is your budget?

Buying phones outright, without signing up for a plan, can be expensive. I think I saw Staples had some Blackberry Android devices for sale; have you tried there? Take a look at their website. There is also newegg, amazon for new phones.

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

MMack — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 20:33:00 GMT

@Ab555642 wrote:
Hey everyone,

My Blackberry Z30 is about to die (center screen just detached from the phone) and am looking for an Android replacement. What do you folks suggest as the best Android?

In my book, the best Android must have the following 3 things:
1) Amazing battery life
2) Robust (i.e. the center screen won't detach from the phone!)
3) Fast software and easy to use.

Thanks in advance!

The great thing about Android is that they have many different models to choose in many different price points. Depending on your budget you should most definately find a suitable phone for your needs.

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a phone.

Will the phone work on Public Mobiles Network. You will need a phone that has support for 3G bands B2-1900Mhz and B5-850Mhz. LTE Band 4 is the main band for Data.
What type of performance do you need. The SoC plays a huge part in the performance of many parts of the phone. You will want a phone that can handle modern apps, as well be future proof. Most modern Android smartphones are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon Chipsets. On the premium end you will find the Snapdragon 845 or 855. These are top-of-the line performers. Cheaper phone will have chips like Snapdragon 636 or 660. These are mid-tier chips and still offer great performance. Try to get the best chip for the money you are buying. To check the performance there are many benchmarks such as Antutu or Gekkbench that lists phone performance.
Screen Display. Premium Smartphones have much better screens in them. If you can afford it, look for a phone with an AMOLED screen. These offer much vibrant colors and deeper blacks. Cheaper phones will have lower resolution and inferior display properties such as ghosting and light bleed.

You can spend anywhere between $100-$1500 on a smartphone, you will usually find the best deals on models that are from last year or earlier. Chinese phones have come up in quality significantly over the years and offer much better value. If you know how to customize the software phone or you can deal with the chinese based software then these are definately the best value.

Best value for premium phones right now is the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2s at 430$CAD. (I ordered one)

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

MMack — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 20:40:12 GMT

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a phone.

- Connectivity Will the phone work on Public Mobiles Network. You will need a phone that has support for 3G bands B2-1900Mhz and B5-850Mhz. LTE Band 4 is the main band for Data.

- Performance What type of performance do you need. The SoC plays a huge part in the performance of many parts of the phone. You will want a phone that can handle modern apps, as well be future proof. Most modern Android smartphones are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon Chipsets. On the premium end you will find the Snapdragon 845 or 855. These are top-of-the line performers. Cheaper phone will have chips like Snapdragon 636 or 660. These are mid-tier chips and still offer great performance. Try to get the best chip for the money you are buying. To check the performance there are many benchmarks such as Antutu or Gekkbench that lists phone performance.

- Screen Display Premium Smartphones have much better screens in them. If you can afford it, look for a phone with an AMOLED screen. These offer much vibrant colors and deeper blacks. Cheaper phones will have lower resolution and inferior display properties such as ghosting and light bleed.

You can spend anywhere between $100-$1500 on a smartphone, you will usually find the best deals on models that are from last year or earlier. Chinese phones have come up in quality significantly over the years and offer much better value. If you know how to customize the software phone or you can deal with the chinese based software then these are definately the best value.

Best value for premium phones right now is the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2s at 430$CAD. (I ordered one)

Or you could find a refurbished Samsung S7 or S8 on Amazon for a good price if chinese phones arn't your thing.

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

hairbag1 — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 20:55:53 GMT

@Ab555642 wrote:
Hey everyone,

My Blackberry Z30 is about to die (center screen just detached from the phone) and am looking for an Android replacement. What do you folks suggest as the best Android?

In my book, the best Android must have the following 3 things:
1) Amazing battery life
2) Robust (i.e. the center screen won't detach from the phone!)
3) Fast software and easy to use.

Thanks in advance!

Unless you've already made up your mind...have a look at refurb'd smartphones available at BestBuy on-line. Looks like starting pricepoint is $130 and goes up from there for an android. I got a refurb'd phone from them and am quite satisfied, but my selection wasn't android. Happy I didn't have to pay several hundred bux, is all. This is merely a suggestion so good luck whatever you do.

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

MMack — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 20:57:32 GMT

Look for refurbished versions of last years models, like LG or Samsung to get the best value.

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

srlawren — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 21:00:01 GMT

@Ab555642 wrote:
In my book, the best Android must have the following 3 things:
1) Amazing battery life
2) Robust (i.e. the center screen won't detach from the phone!)
3) Fast software and easy to use.

@Ab555642 Huawei Mate 20 Pro, P20 Pro, P30 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S10+ all have great battery life but are very expensive. What's your budget?

For robustness--let's be fair: the Z30 was released in September of 2013, meaning it's now about 5-5.5 years old. It's pretty hard to fault a model for developing an issue after that length of time. Build quality on modern devices is generally quite good. Check out the Jerry Rig Everything youtube channel for durability tests, if that's a concern: https://www.youtube.com/user/JerryRigEverything

Software-wise, it's hard to beat either pure stock Android (Pixel device), or near Stock: OnePlus are probably the fastest and most fluid non-Google OS providers on the market today, but even the latest One UI from Samsung has taken leaps forward, Motorola uses a very close to stock OS, and there are others.

You may need to help us narrow this down more with your budget, size preferences, brand preferences (or dislikes), is photography super important to you or you just need an "it's okay" camera for most everyday stuff, etc. More input please!

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

computergeek541 — Sat, 30 Mar 2019 02:00:14 GMT

@Ab555642 wrote:
Hey everyone,

My Blackberry Z30 is about to die (center screen just detached from the phone) and am looking for an Android replacement. What do you folks suggest as the best Android?

In my book, the best Android must have the following 3 things:
1) Amazing battery life
2) Robust (i.e. the center screen won't detach from the phone!)
3) Fast software and easy to use.

Thanks in advance!

I was joking about the size of this device, and I was talking the other Oracles about the Dogee S80. It's very rugged, and fantastic battery life. Unfotunately, I suspect that the processor in it may be a let-down for some. The other problem with the Dogee s80 is the nearly 1 lb weight.

When you say robust, I immediately think of IP ratings and mil specs when it comes to ruggedness and water reistance. Depending on what your expectations are, something like a Samsung Xcover4 might do the trick, although the CPU in it is rather entry level. I believe that device goes for about $200 new these days.

Costco has been offering the Moto G6 Play for around $220. It's no speed demon, but it does have "splash" resistance, although it cannot be submerged in water.

All of the models that I've mentioned should have reasonably good battery life.

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

Pizzaeh — Sat, 30 Mar 2019 02:03:04 GMT

@Ab555642 , did someone say good battery life? How about...this. The great thing about it is, it doubles as a brick, in case you find yourself being mugged. Practice at home, with real bricks, they're cheaper.

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

jimbobs — Sat, 30 Mar 2019 18:42:25 GMT

I use a Samsung A5 which was the last "free" phone from my previous provider. Another family member also uses the same model. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the Samsung S models but it is compact enough for pants/shirt pocket, has very good battery life (up to 2 days with my usage) and is pretty robust. It has fallen a few times but looks almost new. Costco were selling them unlocked a few weeks back.

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

Triguy — Sat, 30 Mar 2019 19:55:39 GMT

OnePlus has near stock Android and gets frequent OS updates after Pixels. A new model is supposed to released in a few months. If you can wait, you might be able to get last year's model on sale. The Pixels are rated highly but they are considered top of the line phones so cost is comparable to iPhones. The Motorola g series phones are considered budget phones but offer great value with near stock Android. The g5 is supposed to have better battery life then the 6.

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

srlawren — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 19:23:44 GMT

@Pizzaeh wrote:
@Ab555642 , did someone say good battery life? How about...this. The great thing about it is, it doubles as a brick, in case you find yourself being mugged. Practice at home, with real bricks, they're cheaper.

@Pizzaeh the ony problem is that durability was also requested, and the Energizer phone has a motorized pop-up selfie-camera, which is likely to result in durability issues longer term (and apparently @Ab555642 tends to use phones for some time, based on usage of a Z30 still in 2019).

@Triguy wrote:
OnePlus has near stock Android and gets frequent OS updates after Pixels. A new model is supposed to released in a few months. If you can wait, you might be able to get last year's model on sale. The Pixels are rated highly but they are considered top of the line phones so cost is comparable to iPhones. The Motorola g series phones are considered budget phones but offer great value with near stock Android. The g5 is supposed to have better battery life then the 6.

@Pizzaeh I thought about suggesting OnePlus as I'm a huge fan (first OP3, now OP5T, soon OP7 I believe); however, compared to the newer Huawei flagships and S10 Plus, the OP6T battery life is only "good" and not "great". And of course there are the niche models like the aforementioned Dogee S80 and Energizer phones. Blu also make a few models with around a 5000mAH battery, I believe. I'm sure there's others from lesser-known brands.

@Ab555642 we're still waiting to hear more about what you're looking for. Right now we're all taking wide guesses and need more info.

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

CellGirl — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 20:56:45 GMT

@Ab555642

If you are OK with spending several hundred, you should buy the Blackberry Key2 🙂

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

srlawren — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 08:11:35 GMT

@CellGirl wrote:
@Ab555642
If you are OK with spending several hundred, you should buy the Blackberry Key2 🙂

@CellGirl took you long enough!

Sure would love to hear more from @Ab555642. Maybe they went on a nice long vacation with their phone purchasing money and are relaxing on a tropical beach as I type this....

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

CellGirl — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 10:59:44 GMT

@srlawren wrote:
@CellGirl wrote:
@Ab555642
If you are OK with spending several hundred, you should buy the Blackberry Key2 🙂
@CellGirl took you long enough!

Sure would love to hear more from @Ab555642. Maybe they went on a nice long vacation with their phone purchasing money and are relaxing on a tropical beach as I type this....

@srlawren haha! I should sell my devices and do the same (^_^)

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

TheOldVR — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:26:11 GMT

Not sure what your budget is but the Huawei P20 and P20 Pro phones are getting a pretty good discount right now and I personally really like them.

Alternatively, the Samsung A8 is surprisingly good for a non-flagship phone. It's quick and the camera is pretty good.

I believe others have mentioned the other common options... but dat P20 Pro man.... <Drueling>

What's the budget?

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

JackQuint — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:57:50 GMT

I love my Pixel 3. Fantastic phone and awesome camera, but battery life is so-so at best and that's a criteria of yours so it's not a suggestion.

I see lots of love for Huawei, but there is a lot of smoke around their business ethics and the degree to which they might be committing state sponsored espionage. While I am not a fear mongerer or conspiracy theorist ... why take a chance and/or why support a company that might be involved in that type of activity? It's not just the US that's identified the concern, but most other G8 countries as well.

For battery life, the current Blackberry line is almost impossible to beat. They are also highly secure phones with excellent software and good secruity update practices. They are not bleeding edge hardware phones, but have a lot going for them.

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

TheOldVR — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 13:14:38 GMT

@JackQuint wrote:
I love my Pixel 3. Fantastic phone and awesome camera, but battery life is so-so at best and that's a criteria of yours so it's not a suggestion.

I see lots of love for Huawei, but there is a lot of smoke around their business ethics and the degree to which they might be committing state sponsored espionage. While I am not a fear mongerer or conspiracy theorist ... why take a chance and/or why support a company that might be involved in that type of activity? It's not just the US that's identified the concern, but most other G8 countries as well.

For battery life, the current Blackberry line is almost impossible to beat. They are also highly secure phones with excellent software and good secruity update practices. They are not bleeding edge hardware phones, but have a lot going for them.

I hear you about the concerns on Huawei... just not sure that the world's second(or third?) largest cell phone seller would risk their entire business by sharing my data with the Chinese government.

Besides - half the other tech in my house has Chinese components which are linked to the Internet somehow. Also, pretty much every app we download collects a ton of data about us.

Either way - peeps need to go with what makes them feel comfortable....

On the other hand - I would actually love to try a new BlackBerry but I'm pretty sure that the new phones will never live up to the love that I had for my BlackBerry Bold.

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

JackQuint — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 15:08:01 GMT

@TheOldVR wrote:
I hear you about the concerns on Huawei... just not sure that the world's second(or third?) largest cell phone seller would risk their entire business by sharing my data with the Chinese government.

Besides - half the other tech in my house has Chinese components which are linked to the Internet somehow. Also, pretty much every app we download collects a ton of data about us.

Either way - peeps need to go with what makes them feel comfortable....

On the other hand - I would actually love to try a new BlackBerry but I'm pretty sure that the new phones will never live up to the love that I had for my BlackBerry Bold.

I am not sure about Huawei, but I do agree that we've all compromised our data privacy a long time ago.

As for BB, I've heard nothing but great things about the user experience on the new phones, especially the Key2 and really positive comments about the keyboard experience. Bold? Maybe not, but compelling product nonetheless. Two things that were dealbreakers for me were: no wireless charging and a so-so camera. But, that was when they were still at flagship prices, and now you can get some pretty good deals on them. Worth it for the OP to look at.

Re: Suggestions for new phone?

Hippuru — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 15:12:26 GMT

I highly recommend OnePlus phones. My partner and I are both still on the OnePlus 3 from years ago and it's running as smooth as ever. The battery life is fantastic too, along with dash charging (full charge in 30 minutes).

Last year I convinced my sister to also get the latest OnePlus and she's been having zero issues with it as well. Just a great, reliable phone all around, though you'll have to pay the upfront cost of it.