How should I plan out my upgrades?

[jrswizzle]

Here's the deal - I just realized that with my new iPad mini (added to my family plan), I have a new line with which to buy a phone at the upgrade pricing. That being said my upgrades will come on September 12, 2013 and July 10, 2014....

I am currently sporting a Nexus 4 and iPhone 5. I'd like to purchase one iPhone and one Android with these two upgrades. The Note 3 was the first thing to come to mind, but I'm turned off by the 6.3" display rumors.....

Given the rumored release dates and my current setup, what should I be looking to get? Seems like if I go Samsung/Apple I'll be buying both right in the middle of the release cycles.....

I'm also really impressed by the HTC One, but buying a phone in September that was released in March wouldn't really do it for me.....

Thoughts, opinions, ideas on phones on the horizon? I think the largest phone I'd buy is the current Note 2 at 5.5"

 

[chris2k5]

Simple use your September 2013 upgrade on the iPhone. The iPhone is releasing plus or minus two months from September. So that should work for you.

I'd use the other upgrade (July 2014) for perhaps the Galaxy S5 or something that comes along. The 2014 upgrade is so far away. You can't really predict what will be reasonable to get around then.

 

[tbayrgs]

Here's the deal - I just realized that with my new iPad mini (added to my family plan), I have a new line with which to buy a phone at the upgrade pricing. That being said my upgrades will come on September 12, 2013 and July 10, 2014....

I am currently sporting a Nexus 4 and iPhone 5. I'd like to purchase one iPhone and one Android with these two upgrades. The Note 3 was the first thing to come to mind, but I'm turned off by the 6.3" display rumors.....

Given the rumored release dates and my current setup, what should I be looking to get? Seems like if I go Samsung/Apple I'll be buying both right in the middle of the release cycles.....

I'm also really impressed by the HTC One, but buying a phone in September that was released in March wouldn't really do it for me.....

Thoughts, opinions, ideas on phones on the horizon? I think the largest phone I'd buy is the current Note 2 at 5.5"

Wait and see what the new iPhone has to offer. Considering Apple's product cycle since the iPhone came out, it will likely be a VERY mild refresh and IMO, not worth an upgrade from the iPhone 5. The Galaxy S4 is going to be announced soon and likely will be released in June/July here in the US. Rumors show it to be a more compelling upgrade (vs. the S3) than the next iPhone will be from the 5. You could then have your second upgrade ready for Fall 2014 iPhone.

Just what I would do in your situation.

 

[jrswizzle]

Wait and see what the new iPhone has to offer. Considering Apple's product cycle since the iPhone came out, it will likely be a VERY mild refresh and IMO, not worth an upgrade from the iPhone 5. The Galaxy S4 is going to be announced soon and likely will be released in June/July here in the US. Rumors show it to be a more compelling upgrade (vs. the S3) than the next iPhone will be from the 5. You could then have your second upgrade ready for Fall 2014 iPhone.

Just what I would do in your situation.

This is what I've been considering - never been an "S" upgrade fan....

 

[mattopotamus]

Unless the s4 adopts the s pen, I don't see the note 3 going to 6.3.

 

[jrswizzle]

Unless the s4 adopts the s pen, I don't see the note 3 going to 6.3.

That's what I'm hoping - I'd like the chance to try it out....

But in all honesty, the thing that draws me to the Galaxy series' most is the flip cover! lol

 

[sentinelsx]

Get the new iPhone and either of the:

1. GS4

2. X-Phone.

Note is a tad too big IMO, and the rest don't "Get" mobile experience as much as samsung does IMO, although they too come short at times.

 

[daveathall]

I would be tempted to see what the next iPhone was like before deciding, IMHO it will be an S version, in that case I would pick the SGS4 if the Note 3 was too large, for me, it would be, my iPad mini has those duties reserved. 2014 IMHO is the year that the iPhone will make everyone think again.

Quick resume, 2013 Samsung, 2014 Apple.

Mind, can't go wrong either way. Great problem to have.

 

[jrswizzle]

I would be tempted to see what the next iPhone was like before deciding, IMHO it will be an S version, in that case I would pick the SGS4 if the Note 3 was too large, for me, it would be, my iPad mini has those duties reserved. 2014 IMHO is the year that the iPhone will make everyone think again.

Quick resume, 2013 Samsung 2014 Apple.

Mind, can't go wrong either way. Great problem to have.

Ya - based on the release timetables, I think Apple in 2013 and Samsung in 2014 makes more sense....but based on the actual upgrades that will be had, I think the 2013 Samsung and 2014 Apple is probably the way I'll go.

I've got plenty of time to think about it and research - and who knows.....I may end up poor by then anyways if our government decides basic budgeting rules don't apply to them

I keep wanting to try the Note, but I KNOW 6.3" would be far too big for me.....I have a hard time using the 5.5" Note 2 in stores as it is....though I figure after getting used to it, it wouldn't be so bad.....

If i did get a Note, I'd like swap the SIM card in my iPad mini between the two devices and simply use the Note 2 on a data plan or on wifi.

 

[mattopotamus]

Ya - based on the release timetables, I think Apple in 2013 and Samsung in 2014 makes more sense....but based on the actual upgrades that will be had, I think the 2013 Samsung and 2014 Apple is probably the way I'll go.

I've got plenty of time to think about it and research - and who knows.....I may end up poor by then anyways if our government decides basic budgeting rules don't apply to them

I keep wanting to try the Note, but I KNOW 6.3" would be far too big for me.....I have a hard time using the 5.5" Note 2 in stores as it is....though I figure after getting used to it, it wouldn't be so bad.....

If i did get a Note, I'd like swap the SIM card in my iPad mini between the two devices and simply use the Note 2 on a data plan or on wifi.

The note felt big at fist, but after a week it's hard to go back to something smaller. I would be mad if the note 3 went 6.3 that would be too large for a phone.

 

[daveathall]

Ya - based on the release timetables, I think Apple in 2013 and Samsung in 2014 makes more sense....but based on the actual upgrades that will be had, I think the 2013 Samsung and 2014 Apple is probably the way I'll go.

I've got plenty of time to think about it and research - and who knows.....I may end up poor by then anyways if our government decides basic budgeting rules don't apply to them

I keep wanting to try the Note, but I KNOW 6.3" would be far too big for me.....I have a hard time using the 5.5" Note 2 in stores as it is....though I figure after getting used to it, it wouldn't be so bad.....

If i did get a Note, I'd like swap the SIM card in my iPad mini between the two devices and simply use the Note 2 on a data plan or on wifi.

I'll tell ya what, I'm really drawn to the Sony Xperia Z, I've just sold my S3 and have the money waiting for the S4 (hopefully) but damn, that Sony does look good.

 

[jrswizzle]

I'll tell ya what, I'm really drawn to the Sony Xperia Z, I've just sold my S3 and have the money waiting for the S4 (hopefully) but damn, that Sony does look good.

I'm a fan of the HTC One....looks like a really nice phone as well....

Like I said - plenty of time to get into stores and play with different models!

 

[mattopotamus]

I'll tell ya what, I'm really drawn to the Sony Xperia Z, I've just sold my S3 and have the money waiting for the S4 (hopefully) but damn, that Sony does look good.

That does look like a damn sexy phone. I wish the US was getting the water proof version.

 

[sentinelsx]

No inclination towards a future BB10 or WP8 phone?

 

[jrswizzle]

No inclination towards a future BB10 or WP8 phone?

I applaud WP8 for it's uniqueness, but its not for me......I'm not a fan of the build quality on any of the flagship WP8 phones either.....

And BB10 looks interesting....there could be a spot for them, perhaps. But iOS and Android would have to seriously underwhelm for me to pull the trigger....

I'd like to try one out in store though. Check our the UI and such.

 

[sentinelsx]

I applaud WP8 for it's uniqueness, but its not for me......I'm not a fan of the build quality on any of the flagship WP8 phones either.....

And BB10 looks interesting....there could be a spot for them, perhaps. But iOS and Android would have to seriously underwhelm for me to pull the trigger....

I'd like to try one out in store though. Check our the UI and such.

Interesting. After running a nexus 4 and iPhone 5 side by side myself, and checking out BB10, i am actually more interested in a newer BB10 handset (with better battery). Something about android just ticks me off. I am still hoping for a viable alternative with decent marketshare and apps that can save me from somewhat restrictive iOS and completely open source android.

I am also excited about Tizen. I have a feeling samsung can pull it off and eventually switch their galaxy series to tizen. They can optimize the hell out of it and control updates and stuff much better once they have both hardware and software coming from them. From their successful emulation of Apple strategies like same flagship across the board, emphasis on customers and marketing, i think Tizen SHOULD be a success. And i hope so.