Advice on next smartphone

[galstaph]

So I am ready to move on from my trusty ol' BB9900 and have narrowed it down to three candidates, just want advice/opinions on these, I am a mac household (2 iPad minis, MacBook pro (17" for life!), Mac Pro, 3 iPod touches, and my wife has iphone 5), BUT, I kind of want to experience something new. To that end I am trying to decide from these devices:
1. Nokia lumia 930 - I really like the idea behind live tiles and the simplicity and fluidity of the os, plus the price unlocked is compelling. just unsure about the possible issues I've heard of this device (overheating, screen separation) plus it isn't sold in Canada so I need to buy an imported model
2. Note 4 - I really like the feel (physical) of this device, and andriod isn't really that bad on it. I've only had a few minutes to play with one but I like the possibilities the spen can offer and besides if I am going into phablet territory I'd rather have the best one there is, not a big iphone
3. Iphone 6 - the obvious phone to plug into the existing ecosystem I already have - but while is is a nice device I'm still not really blown away with it (same reason I didn't get a 5s last year).

So that said, any opinions from the community here? I know we have lots of varied experience from the other members and some who have all three operating systems so I hope you can give me some compelling constructive discussion on these.
Thanks everyone!

 

[BlueGoldAce]

I owe a MacBook and an iPad Air (just ordered an iPad Air 2), and my wife has an iPhone 6. I had the six, then the six plus for three weeks, and now the nite 4.

No contest....note 4 is a great device. Android isn't just "not bad" on this device... It is spectacular. The 5.0 upgrade will only make it better.

My biggest worry was losing iMessage and photo sync. Google + solves the photo sync issue and might text offers a superior solution to iMessage for me.

Get the note 4, you won't regret it.

 

[ucfgrad93]

I'd go with either the Note 4 or the 6+. You won't be disappointed with either of them.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

If you want the best of something outside of Apple, then the Note 4 is the way to go.

If you're not interested in app selection, then you can't go wrong with any Lumia Windows Phone.

If you want to stay with the Apple ecosystem, then the iPhone 6 or 6 plus is the obvious go to device.

 

[Black Magic]

Having your phone calls and all text messages work on your MAC and iPad via iOS 8 is something beautiful. I wouldn't mix ecosystems this time around. Enjoy the benefits of a complete ecosystem.

 

[galstaph]

Having your phone calls and all text messages work on your MAC and iPad via iOS 8 is something beautiful. I wouldn't mix ecosystems this time around. Enjoy the benefits of a complete ecosystem.

The issue is, that due to the age of my macs, both 2009 models, continuity will not work, so it doesn't really give me much of a benefit from that perspective. This might also be why I am more tempted to mix it up.

 

[spriter]

I've been straddling iOS and Android for a few years now. Usually my 5S is for mainly for calls and work and M7 or OPO for media, reading and games. I also use a rMini for education apps and books and swapped my MBA for a Yoga 2 Pro last year. Wife still has an MBA but loves her M7. We're a real mixed bag.

Whilst the 6 and 6+ were good, they didn't blew me away either, unlike the Note 4, which I went with after a good few hours in stores. I was hoping iOS would make better use of the 6+'s larger screen.

BUT, you're so heavily set up for all the benefits of iOS and Yosemite integration (and I guess you've bought a few App store apps) that it's tough to say leave that behind. Convenience and integration is a great thing.

Get some more hands-on time with the Note. Maybe buy it from a place that'll let you return it within a few weeks. This will at least allow you to really get to know it (and Android) and find out if you like it or not. If you're going to be keeping our for a few years, it's worth the research.

Can't comment on Windows Phone as never been an owner.

EDIT just seen your comment about older Macs and lack of Continuity.

Have you also considered the Nexus 6? Might also be worth a look if your wanting a pure Android experience although obviously you drop the SPen, removable battery, etc.

 

[Lloydbm41]

The issue is, that due to the age of my macs, both 2009 models, continuity will not work, so it doesn't really give me much of a benefit from that perspective. This might also be why I am more tempted to mix it up.

I've been playing around with Galaxy S4's and S5's over the past 2 weeks. The sheer amount of garbage Samsung has running in the background is staggering. All that Samsung link, hub, group and S 'insert app' stuff alone is eating over 1gb of RAM.

And why in the world are some Galaxy devices still on 4.4.2? An S5 should be on 4.4.4. Samsung isn't exactly the fastest OEM to update phones. I know you are looking at the Note 4, this is just a commentary regarding Samsung products I have used.

This is something to consider.

 

[mi7chy]

Nexus 6 or Note 4.

 

[Destroysall]

My advice would be Nexus 6 or HTC One M8. Both are gorgeous devices and great alternatives to Apple's iPhone.

 

[Zwhaler]

Note 4. I use a bunch of Macs, too. I have an iPod Photo 30GB in the car for music. I have music on my Note 4 too but barely use it for that! I don't walk around listening to music much anymore, it's almost always in the car or at home. Note 4 ftw!

 

[mib1800]

If you dont mind a phablet then note4. No contest.

 

[vgamedude]

Between those id go with the note 4, however id also take a look at the nexus 6 if I were you.

 

[Dreday24]

Moto X