Choosing a new mobile phone

[curiousnathan]

So I've encountered a common problem: not knowing which mobile phone to buy and am wondering if anyone would be willing to give me some advice as to which phones are better quality/aren't such good quality etc.

Right now, I'm thinking of purchasing either a Samsung Galasy s4, Samsung Galaxy Note 2, the upcoming Samsung Galaxy s5 or the recently released Sony Xperia. Which of these phones are better in your opinion?

I'm looking for an all-round good quality phone that can take great photos and video footage, and has enough power for me to run apps smoothly. It also needs to be fast and look good, haha. What are your thoughts? Any suggestions other than the ones I've mentioned above?

Note: iphones are completely out of the question (except maybe the iphone 6.) XD

Any help would be very much appreciated!

Cheers. C:

 

[Cordelia]

Get the iPhone and join the iSheep!

Why isn't the Galaxy Note 3 an option? Is it too expensive? Right now, that's the best Samsung phone on the market. You can't go too wrong with any of the Sammy options, but the Sony Xperia could be the darkhorse if it's the one I'm thinking of.

At which Sony phone are you looking?

 

[Legendary Silke]

What phone are you coming from?

 

[Banz]

It depends on how much you're willing to spend. I personally go for the cheaper phones and right now I'm using a Samsung Galaxy Ace.
Since you're interested in high end phones you should check the Note 3, which has better performance and battery life than the S4. If you don't mind carrying such a large phone you should go for it. Or you might wish to wait till the S5 is launched.

 

[curiousnathan]

Get the iPhone and join the iSheep!

At which Sony phone are you looking?

I'm looking at Sony Xperia Z.

What phone are you coming from?

I'm coming from a really old Nokia X6-00.


From your responses I assume the Note 3 would be the best option? Should I wait for the s5; I'm tossing and turning on which one to get. My budget is around $600-700 max.

 

[curiousnathan]

Hey Nath, got your phone yet?

I will never not recommend the Nexus 5.

Will be soon yay; trying to find a good one that I can stick with for a solid couple of years. Hence, this thread. 8)

I'd go with a Nexus 5, or the Xperia Z. Both are great phones, both with pros of their own.

The Xperia is waterproof, which is always beneficial on its own, but the Nexus is a Google-driven device, so you'll always be first in line for any Android updates.

The only problem I have with the Xperia Z is that it's massive. ~6". It sounds like I would have trouble putting it into my pockets and have it not feel uncomfortable. Any personal experience with using the phone?

I'm tossing and turning aaaah, all these great options. I think I might go down to my local store and just check out the feel of each one; you know, physically handle them just to see which ones I particularly like and whatnot.

 

[Legendary Silke]

The only problem I have with the Xperia Z is that it's massive. ~6". It sounds like I would have trouble putting it into my pockets and have it not feel uncomfortable. Any personal experience with using the phone?

You might want to make yourself clearer on what Xperia Z are you getting. There's the Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Compact, and the Xperia Z Ultra. They have different sizes. (Also, the last-generation Xperia Z might still be available.)

I'm tossing and turning aaaah, all these great options. I think I might go down to my local store and just check out the feel of each one; you know, physically handle them just to see which ones I particularly like and whatnot.

I'll throw in one extra option: how about a Nokia Lumia 925? It'd be a great start to the world of Windows Phones. (Don't let the fact that it "only" has a dual-core Snapdragon stop you. Or - if you must - wait for the Lumia Icon.)

 

[curiousnathan]

You might want to make yourself clearer on what Xperia Z are you getting. There's the Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Compact, and the Xperia Z Ultra. They have different sizes. (Also, the last-generation Xperia Z might still be available.)

I'll throw in one extra option: how about a Nokia Lumia 925? It'd be a great start to the world of Windows Phones. (Don't let the fact that it "only" has a dual-core Snapdragon stop you. Or - if you must - wait for the Lumia Icon.)

I'm referring The Sony Xperia Z1 and Ultra, sorry.

I took a look at the Nokia Lumia 925, but it's not really my cup of tea.

I don't have any first-hand experience, but a friend of mine got one for Christmas, and it doesn't look that bad at all. I'd probably still take the Nexus 5 over it (I can't pass up on Android updates), but it'd be my next option, followed by the S4.

Yeah the Nexus 5 looks so appealing. I just popped down to my local shopping centre and checked out all the phone stores; stayed in JB HI FI the most. I really liked the feel of both the Samsung Galaxy Note III and the Nexus 5. The price and quality of the Nexus 5 is what appeals to me, but I also love the beautiful screen of the Samsung Galaxy along with the S pen. (Which might seem a bit insubstantial.)

 

[Legendary Silke]

When it comes to the Sony Android phones, the only thing you really need to ask for yourself when it comes to the Xperia Z1 is "how large you want the display to be". You can't really go wrong with any display size. However, the Z1 Compact does have one of the best displays around for a small smartphone.

You could also play it safe with a Samsung phone. The Nexus phones are OK if you don't mind the software being relatively barebones and the camera performance. (Camera apps and processing are not stock Android's strong suit.)

 

[Wackowar]

Samsung phones are good but cheaply made. Htc one, moto x, nexus 5. These are great phones