I need a phablet which one do you recommend?

[b166er]

If you must have Android, I'd say the Note 3. But in my opinion the best phablet is the Lumia 1520. It really depends on what you're doing though, they both have their merits and setbacks.

 

[Lloydbm41]

If you must have Android, I'd say the Note 3. But in my opinion the best phablet is the Lumia 1520. It really depends on what you're doing though, they both have their merits and setbacks.

Love my 1520, but there are a lot of merits to the Note 3 and its stylus.

 

[tbayrgs]

I love all the answers and thank you all for your time. All these devices have the pros and cons I am sure any one would be ok. I can love the note 3 for all it's features I can love the Nokia for all the tiles. The sony I am not sure but it looks like an android with out the notes features. I have been doing the phone swap thing for so many years now. iPhone, bb, droid, windows, back to iPhone because of quality of apps and ease of use and Eco system with apple. Like most of us I get board with devices and need a change every once in a while. But with the phablet I am going to use as a secondary device at best. I am sorry when I see someone talking on a phablet next to there ear I just start laughing my ass off. So as usual the best advice would be to try them out, but because I am not able to buy on contract I won't have the testing luxury. Again thank you all for your time and helping me decide.

Since you're not buying on contract and using it only as a secondary device, why not pickup a Nexus 7? It's not much bigger than some of these phablets, is far cheaper ($229 for 16GB but deals can be found for less), will give you more screen real estate for viewing contracts/docs and is IMO, the most 'pocketable' of the small tablets.

 

[Fantom555]

Since you're not buying on contract and using it only as a secondary device, why not pickup a Nexus 7? It's not much bigger than some of these phablets, is far cheaper ($229 for 16GB but deals can be found for less), will give you more screen real estate for viewing contracts/docs and is IMO, the most 'pocketable' of the small tablets.

thank you i did not think of that i will look at it. but if its the same size as iPad mini and thats what i don't want.

 

[2298754]

Easily the Galaxy Note 3. Best phone by far out right now.

 

[tbayrgs]

thank you i did not think of that i will look at it. but if its the same size as iPad mini and thats what i don't want.

It's significantly smaller than the iPad Mini--actually the reason that I gave it to my wife as I found the display too small/narrow for my liking on a tablet. That narrow profile (uses 16:10 display ratio vs. 4:3 of the iPad Mini) though is what makes it the most pocketable/portable of the smaller tablets.

 

[Fernandez21]

Sorry, when I suggested the Note 3 I had assumed it was going to be your primary phone, but if its going to be your secondary device, then what was suggested above may work. The Nexus 7 is a bit smaller than the iPad mini, it could fit in my back pockets. You should also look at the Xperia Z Ultra, while a bit more expensive, its also a little bit smaller than the nexus. You could also take a look at the Galaxy Mega, it would be far cheaper than the Z Ultra but has the same screen size.

 

[joshwithachance]

Yeah absolutely. One Max is a huge fail IMO. They made the screen too big and the device suffers in turn. Should have kept it at 5.5". Note 3 is the largest I would even consider as a daily driver. Also if you are the guy in your avatar I have no idea how you would use the Max at the gym.

It was legitimately IMPOSSIBLE, which is why I had to can it. And it is me in the avi aha.

 

[ceva321]

No other phone comes close. . Get the Note3

 

[sixrom]

Note 3 - the best. Wacom, multitasking, 4K video etc. are all unparalleled.

I agree.

When I purchased my Note 3 I did so because of display size, thinking I'd never use the stylus. Then I tried it, immediately noticed how intuitive it is, and now I use it daily.

It's an amazing very fast smartphone.

 

[spinedoc77]

Since you're not buying on contract and using it only as a secondary device, why not pickup a Nexus 7? It's not much bigger than some of these phablets, is far cheaper ($229 for 16GB but deals can be found for less), will give you more screen real estate for viewing contracts/docs and is IMO, the most 'pocketable' of the small tablets.

I think the Nexus 7 is huge next to a phablet like the Note 3, even accounting for the difference in screen size the Nexus is just so much bigger than the screen with some ginormous bezels. It's barely pocketable, if you wear cargo pants to the boardroom that is.

 

[sentinelsx]

I would just get a Nexus 7. Why limit yourself to a 5-6 inch only when you are going big? Since you already have the iPhone, grab the N7 IMO.

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I think the Nexus 7 is huge next to a phablet like the Note 3, even accounting for the difference in screen size the Nexus is just so much bigger than the screen with some ginormous bezels. It's barely pocketable, if you wear cargo pants to the boardroom that is.

It fits easily in my non-baggy standard fit jeans....

Next to my GS4, the N7 looks a little bigger only. I am amazed to hear people think its so big compared to note 3.

 

[tbayrgs]

I think the Nexus 7 is huge next to a phablet like the Note 3, even accounting for the difference in screen size the Nexus is just so much bigger than the screen with some ginormous bezels. It's barely pocketable, if you wear cargo pants to the boardroom that is.

Well yes, it's significantly bigger but the OP has already said he only intends to use it as a secondary device to read documents. It's far cheaper than a Note 3 at full price, doesn't require a data plan, and is better for exactly his intended use due to that large screen.

And yes, it's barely pocketable though I second sentinelsx's assertion that you don't need to be wearing cargo pants (as long as it's not in a case, of course) as I've carried one in my very regular jeans on occasion and the 'ginormous' bezels are on the top and bottom. It's really rather narrow for a tablet--actually probably the only tablet that will ever fit in a pocket.

 

[Oohara]

Well yes, it's significantly bigger but the OP has already said he only intends to use it as a secondary device to read documents. It's far cheaper than a Note 3 at full price, doesn't require a data plan, and is better for exactly his intended use due to that large screen.

And yes, it's barely pocketable though I second sentinelsx's assertion that you don't need to be wearing cargo pants (as long as it's not in a case, of course) as I've carried one in my very regular jeans on occasion and the 'ginormous' bezels are on the top and bottom. It's really rather narrow for a tablet--actually probably the only tablet that will ever fit in a pocket.

I'll go ahead and mention the Xperia Z Ultra again (sorry if I'm ranting ) as this is quite significantly smaller than a N7 while the screen size is only 0.6" less. And, it's currently all over the place on used markets for $300-350 in mint condition.

The good thing about it in this case is that it actually is a phone, so the OP could just go ahead and use it as such if that works for him. If not - just use it as a tablet. It has superior specs too.

 

[spinedoc77]

I would just get a Nexus 7. Why limit yourself to a 5-6 inch only when you are going big? Since you already have the iPhone, grab the N7 IMO.

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It fits easily in my non-baggy standard fit jeans....

Next to my GS4, the N7 looks a little bigger only. I am amazed to hear people think its so big compared to note 3.

Well yes, it's significantly bigger but the OP has already said he only intends to use it as a secondary device to read documents. It's far cheaper than a Note 3 at full price, doesn't require a data plan, and is better for exactly his intended use due to that large screen.

And yes, it's barely pocketable though I second sentinelsx's assertion that you don't need to be wearing cargo pants (as long as it's not in a case, of course) as I've carried one in my very regular jeans on occasion and the 'ginormous' bezels are on the top and bottom. It's really rather narrow for a tablet--actually probably the only tablet that will ever fit in a pocket.

How the heck are you guys fitting a N7 in a regular fitting jeans pocket ?!?! I don't wear tight jeans, nor baggy, just regular fitting and even if I could stuff, squeeze or jam a N7 into a back pocket what the heck would I do with it? I can't sit down, barely walk, etc. Hehe, I'm not denigrating your choices at all, but for me it just seems like much more of an inconvenience unless I had cargo pants with the big side pockets.

But in any event my point was really to say if the N7 didn't have such huge bezels they could have either had a larger screen, or a smaller device. But I guess that's one of the trade offs with the cheap price, it's still an awesome device.

I agree about the data price, although you can always just tether. They both do have pluses and minuses, but if I got into a tablet as large as the N7 I'd just carry a 10" in a man bag at that point (which I do, my thinkpad Tablet 2).

 

[AppleRobert]

I throw caution into the wind for the N7. I own it and have barely used it since I got the Note 3. The latter is so much easier to handle and much more portable than the N7. I thought I would use the N7 for games and video sans the larger screen. Hasn't happened. And no way can I fit a N7 in a pocket of any jeans I own.

Yes obviously the N7 is a great cheaper option but I do not have a contract with my Note 3 anyway.

 

[tbayrgs]

How the heck are you guys fitting a N7 in a regular fitting jeans pocket ?!?! I don't wear tight jeans, nor baggy, just regular fitting and even if I could stuff, squeeze or jam a N7 into a back pocket what the heck would I do with it? I can't sit down, barely walk, etc. Hehe, I'm not denigrating your choices at all, but for me it just seems like much more of an inconvenience unless I had cargo pants with the big side pockets.

But in any event my point was really to say if the N7 didn't have such huge bezels they could have either had a larger screen, or a smaller device. But I guess that's one of the trade offs with the cheap price, it's still an awesome device.

I agree about the data price, although you can always just tether. They both do have pluses and minuses, but if I got into a tablet as large as the N7 I'd just carry a 10" in a man bag at that point (which I do, my thinkpad Tablet 2).

Well, it's certainly not a 'comfortable' fit and to be honest, I didn't do it all of the time as I would usually either toss it in a backpack or carry in my hand but, in a pinch when my hand's were full, I could slide it in a pocket. I also don't generally keep any devices (including my much smaller iPhone) in my pockets when I sit--just isn't comfortable and I find it inconvenient to try to pull it from a pocket while sitting if needed.

The primary reason for my suggesting the Nexus though was less about size and more about the OP's intended use and price. If the OP was looking to go solely with a phablet, the Note III or Xperia Z Ultra would be better choices, for certain. As a secondary device though, I wouldn't personally want to spend $650 when I saw the Nexus 7 as a far better fit for his needs (secondary use, larger display better for view docs).

----------

I'll go ahead and mention the Xperia Z Ultra again (sorry if I'm ranting ) as this is quite significantly smaller than a N7 while the screen size is only 0.6" less. And, it's currently all over the place on used markets for $300-350 in mint condition.

The good thing about it in this case is that it actually is a phone, so the OP could just go ahead and use it as such if that works for him. If not - just use it as a tablet. It has superior specs too.

If the Z Ultra can be had at those prices, then yeah, I'd take a hard look at getting one of those as well. Where are you seeing those prices though? Most seem to be going for $450-500+ online (Swappa, eBay) and local markets (craigslist in the US) are sparse--haven't seen one listed in my area yet.

At full retail, it's a pricey choice for the OP's needs.

 

[spinedoc77]

Well, it's certainly not a 'comfortable' fit and to be honest, I didn't do it all of the time as I would usually either toss it in a backpack or carry in my hand but, in a pinch when my hand's were full, I could slide it in a pocket. I also don't generally keep any devices (including my much smaller iPhone) in my pockets when I sit--just isn't comfortable and I find it inconvenient to try to pull it from a pocket while sitting if needed.

The primary reason for my suggesting the Nexus though was less about size and more about the OP's intended use and price. If the OP was looking to go solely with a phablet, the Note III or Xperia Z Ultra would be better choices, for certain. As a secondary device though, I wouldn't personally want to spend $650 when I saw the Nexus 7 as a far better fit for his needs (secondary use, larger display better for view docs).

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If the Z Ultra can be had at those prices, then yeah, I'd take a hard look at getting one of those as well. Where are you seeing those prices though? Most seem to be going for $450-500+ online (Swappa, eBay) and local markets (craigslist in the US) are sparse--haven't seen one listed in my area yet.

At full retail, it's a pricey choice for the OP's needs.

Keep in mind the Note 3 is sub $500 on swappa, in fact I just bought one on there for less than $500. It's still a far cry from N7 price, but then again you get the stylus and ability to use it as a phone in a pinch.

N7 is a good choice though, I didn't mean to talk down about it. Very nice hardware for the price.

 

[hajime]

Don't know how good the screen of Note 3 is compared with the Note 2's. I viewed pdf files on my Note 2 and the Ultra Z in a store. The screen of the Ultra Z is much better. More clarity and brighter. I almost traded in my Note 2 for the Ultra Z. The only thing that stops me from doing is the very poor Ultra Z's camera. Some mentioned that other camera apps could produce better quality images than the stock Sony app. Want to see a comparison.

 

[Septembersrain]

Note 3 is the most powerful. It's quite seamless in terms of speed and performance. I had the Note 2 as well and is still a pretty decent phone too. I'm giving those as my opinion since I've owned them.

 

[tbayrgs]

N7 is a good choice though, I didn't mean to talk down about it. Very nice hardware for the price.

No worries, just offering different perspectives. I have no allegiance to the Nexus 7 anyways--passed mine along to the better half and picked up a LG G Pad GPE as ironically, I actually found the display too small for my tastes.

 

[apolloa]

How the heck are you guys fitting a N7 in a regular fitting jeans pocket ?!?! I don't wear tight jeans, nor baggy, just regular fitting and even if I could stuff, squeeze or jam a N7 into a back pocket what the heck would I do with it? I can't sit down, barely walk, etc. Hehe, I'm not denigrating your choices at all, but for me it just seems like much more of an inconvenience unless I had cargo pants with the big side pockets.

But in any event my point was really to say if the N7 didn't have such huge bezels they could have either had a larger screen, or a smaller device. But I guess that's one of the trade offs with the cheap price, it's still an awesome device.

I agree about the data price, although you can always just tether. They both do have pluses and minuses, but if I got into a tablet as large as the N7 I'd just carry a 10" in a man bag at that point (which I do, my thinkpad Tablet 2).

My 2012 Nexus 7 in it's Noreve leather case fits fine in my jeans pockets? Carry it all the time, granted I can't sit down with it in the pockets but otherwise it's fine.

Oh, and I would give another vote for the Note 3, I believe the Sony phablet is bigger?

 

[spinedoc77]

granted I can't sit down with it in the pockets but otherwise it's fine.

See, that's what I'm talking about. Do you take it out everytime you sit, or do you stand all day?

 

[apolloa]

See, that's what I'm talking about. Do you take it out everytime you sit, or do you stand all day?

haha, nah, if I am driving somewhere other than work then I just take it out, put it in my pocket when I get to my destination. But when I take it to work I just put it in my bag. It does fit in my pockets though.

 

[Fantom555]

i was going to get a BB z30 looked nice then i was looking at the windows 1520 but seems the note 3 is the choice from this thread.

i have another question for the future would you go with windows or android i would love the phone last a few years.

thanks to all.