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vampireszombies

macrumors 6502
Original poster
May 20, 2011
302
15
Texas
Between these Android phones for AT&T:
(All prices with a 2 yr contract from different retailers I've found)

Note II - $200
S4 - $100
HTC ONE - $90
LG Optimus G Pro - $60

My story: so I have an iPhone 5 that I will keep as a second device. I have chosen not to upgrade to the 'S' iteration of the next iPhone. I've also tried out the S4 twice both not working well with the Bluetooth in my car so that was a dealbreaker for me in the end. But now that the price is dropped I've decided to add it into my list of choices since I did like the overall phone. I enjoy the size of the Note 2, and now seeing the Note 3 I actually prefer the Note 2 design and plus its a lot cheaper and available now but I'm still scared of purchasing at this price when it may go down even lower. The HTC One is very nice and snappy but the screen size (only .7 inches bigger than what I have now) and somewhat lack of accessories throws me off, but being claimed as the best Android phone to get and the price I just don't know. Same with the OGPro, lack of accessories and the LG brand (never used LG before) and worry about future updates, but hear nothing but great things about it.

So taking price, likeliness of getting updates, and overall value into consideration which do you think is the best to go with?

Thanks :D
 
Last edited:

mellofello

macrumors 65816
Feb 1, 2011
1,258
556
Note 3 for sure. The only two complaints I have about my note are the 720p screen, and terrible camera. Both are addressed in this iteration plus you have 32 gb of onboard storage. Once I plug in my 64 gb sd card I will have a 96 gb phone:eek:. The most underrated feature of the note is the replaceable battery. I never even plug in my phone. I bought extra batteries, and a charger for $20 from amazon, so I just pop the back off and swap in a fresh 100% battery in to start my day. When I'm traveling I have 3 100% batteries to get me where I'm going.

I think the note 3 might be it for me. I really can't think of anything else I could want in a phone. This one will be a keeper. $100 extra over note 2 is chump change for 1080p, 16gb extra storage, and 13mp camera.
 

user-name-here

macrumors 65816
Aug 31, 2013
1,111
1
Same with the OGPro, lack of accessories and the LG brand (never used LG before) and worry about future updates, but hear nothing but great things about it.

So taking price, likeliness of getting updates, and overall value into consideration which do you think is the best to go with?

I would go with the LG G2 : http://www.att.com/g2
- Bright, colorful 5.2" IPS display
- Able to use one handed comfortably
- Super fast Snapdragon 800 processor
- Good camera
- INSANE battery life

Anandtech, which is the absolute best review site out there, gave it a glowing review just the other day http://www.anandtech.com/show/7251/lg-g2-and-msm8974-snapdragon-800-a-quick-look
Overall LG's G2 is surprisingly good. It's built on a great platform, with great battery life and includes a number of design decisions that show honest to goodness innovative thinking on LG's part. We'll wait to give our final recommendation on the G2 until we get an LTE version with final software, but if you're looking for an Android phone with a ~5" display this fall the G2 looks like it could be high on your list.
 

T5BRICK

macrumors G3
Aug 3, 2006
8,314
2,391
Oregon
I like my HTC One, but it does have a poor camera. A lot of folks are also worried about getting their updates in a timely manner, which I guess is an issue on older HTC phones. I installed a AOSP ROM based on Android 4.3 and I'm perfectly happy with it.
 

Fernandez21

macrumors 601
Jun 16, 2010
4,840
3,183
Between these Android phones for AT&T:
(All prices with a 2 yr contract from different retailers I've found)

Note II - $200
S4 - $100
HTC ONE - $90
LG Optimus G Pro - $60

My story: so I have an iPhone 5 that I will keep as a second device. I have chosen not to upgrade to the 'S' iteration of the next iPhone. I've also tried out the S4 twice both not working well with the Bluetooth in my car so that was a dealbreaker for me in the end. But now that the price is dropped I've decided to add it into my list of choices since I did like the overall phone. I enjoy the size of the Note 2, and now seeing the Note 3 I actually prefer the Note 2 design and plus its a lot cheaper and available now but I'm still scared of purchasing at this price when it may go down even lower. The HTC One is very nice and snappy but the screen size (only .7 inches bigger than what I have now) and somewhat lack of accessories throws me off, but being claimed as the best Android phone to get and the price I just don't know. Same with the OGPro, lack of accessories and the LG brand (never used LG before) and worry about future updates, but hear nothing but great things about it.

So taking price, likeliness of getting updates, and overall value into consideration which do you think is the best to go with?

Thanks :D

Well, of the phones you named, I would say the LG OG Pro would be the best value if your into phones that large. It has a great screen, good battery life, good camera, and very good performance (its just a hair slower than my HTC One). Its hardware is better than the Note 2, I would call it the Note 2.5, but it lacks the multitasking and s-pen capabilities of the Note and works more like a large phone than a phablet. However, don't expect any updates, while it may get them just go in with the mindset you won't get any so your not disappointed.

If that is too large, go for the HTC One. Its build is phenomenal, the screen is the best I've seen on anything, boom sound is great, and the performance is great, very iPhone like. Though the camera and battery life were shortcomings for me. Sense is also the best android skin that I have used, though I would still prefer stock. Updates are also hit or miss at this point, though HTC is promising an update to 4.3, but they also promised 4.2 and never released that on at&t.

The S4 is also good, and if you need a removable battery or SD card slot in a normal sized phone this is the one to get. I'm not a fan of the build or touchwiz, but you may find some of those extra features useful. The 16gb storage is also something you should look at to see if you can deal with that. Samsung has also been good at getting their updates out to all carriers, so this would be your best bet at getting updates on at&t.

The Note 2, while phenomenal when it was released, is a year old and is over priced at $200, especially with the Note 3 coming out in a few weeks. I really liked the s-pen and its multitasking features which take advantage of the large screen, something the LG OG Pro misses on. If you want those extra features and don't mind the lower specs and 16gb storage, get this phone but wait until after the Note 3 is released. This phone should really be at $99 at this point.
 

iPhonemaster5S

macrumors 6502
Oct 10, 2011
356
67
Colorado
I'd get the HTC, but I'm biased because I like that phone a lot. Another one I'd recommend is getting the next nexus if its any good.
 

theman510

macrumors 6502a
May 13, 2009
642
140
New Jersey
Can I ask where you found the S4 for $100? I'm waiting for Apple's announcement tomorrow before I make any decisions on what my next device will be but am considering the S4 as well.
 

vampireszombies

macrumors 6502
Original poster
May 20, 2011
302
15
Texas
Can I ask where you found the S4 for $100? I'm waiting for Apple's announcement tomorrow before I make any decisions on what my next device will be but am considering the S4 as well.

At my local Sams Club, at the time it was 99.88. They run occasional sales.

Thanks everyone for the help!
I've decided to go with the Note 3. I preordered with AT&T. ;)
 

linkgx1

macrumors 68000
Oct 12, 2011
1,772
462
At my local Sams Club, at the time it was 99.88. They run occasional sales.

Thanks everyone for the help!
I've decided to go with the Note 3. I preordered with AT&T. ;)

Former Sams memba here (as of a 3 months ago) and is there any difference buying with Samsclub vs ATT?
 

2298754

Cancelled
Jun 21, 2010
4,890
941
Former Sams memba here (as of a 3 months ago) and is there any difference buying with Samsclub vs ATT?

Nope. Not really. Sometimes you don't even have to pay the activation fee thru Sam's Club. You do with AT&T.
 

vampireszombies

macrumors 6502
Original poster
May 20, 2011
302
15
Texas
Former Sams memba here (as of a 3 months ago) and is there any difference buying with Samsclub vs ATT?

I actually work in the Cell phone area at Sams. The phone prices are a lot lower then the stores, but we dont get the new phones immediately most of the time, although we did get the Moto X on day one for AT&T which was surprising.
Some weekends there will be waived activations. So since your a member, always check with Sams before going to the ATT store.
 

mellofello

macrumors 65816
Feb 1, 2011
1,258
556
My buddy works for att store. He makes no money on upgrades so he always encourages me to order online, or best buy since they hardly ever have sales at att stores. It is kind of ridiculous that they let third parties undercut them but yeah stay away from att retail stores.
 

2298754

Cancelled
Jun 21, 2010
4,890
941
My buddy works for att store. He makes no money on upgrades so he always encourages me to order online, or best buy since they hardly ever have sales at att stores. It is kind of ridiculous that they let third parties undercut them but yeah stay away from att retail stores.

True. But sometimes the AT&T store might price match
 

linkgx1

macrumors 68000
Oct 12, 2011
1,772
462
I actually work in the Cell phone area at Sams. The phone prices are a lot lower then the stores, but we dont get the new phones immediately most of the time, although we did get the Moto X on day one for AT&T which was surprising.
Some weekends there will be waived activations. So since your a member, always check with Sams before going to the ATT store.

So there's no chance of the Note being on sale by November, 'eh?
 

linkgx1

macrumors 68000
Oct 12, 2011
1,772
462
It isn't totally out possibility. I would check periodically, about 2 weeks after release on carriers.
Ok. Thanks. Would really love to save some money so I can get a nice View case. I wouldn't mind paying full price, but I rarely do on gadgets.
 
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