Phones Possible Switch to Android, Phone Suggestions?

[hashholly]

Hello,

I have been an iPhone user since the Original iPhone, and have had every version that's been released. Right now I'm on the iPhone 5, and im considering my options between an upgrade to the iPhone 5S, or a switch over to Android.

When it comes to the iPhone 5S, im a fan of the following:

• Ecosystem (Im a mac guy, and it's nice having everything sync together without an issue)
• Fingerprint Reader (I hate having a passcode lock on my phone because of having to constantly enter it once the phone is locked, I like the idea of just putting my finger on the home button and letting the phone do the rest)
• Camera (my phone is my one and only camera, so the 5S being able to take really good pictures is huge plus, and photostream for automatic cloud backup is a nice touch)
• Warranty Service (I like knowing that if i have an issue with my phone I can simply head to an apple store and get it replaced relatively easily.)

On the Android side of things, im more interested on phone size itself. I played around with several android phones at a T-mobile store, and the 4.7" - 5" size seems about perfect. I have used android devices before so the operating system isn't an issue for me, and I have found the equivalent of every IOS app i use on Android.

My biggest question however is, on the Android side, which manufacture has the most reliable phone? Which camera takes the best pictures? Best warranty service? Right now im considering:

Moto X, HTC One, LG G2, Samsung S4 and Nexus 5.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[ajumbaje]

HTC One is great for me so far. Front facing speakers matter, especially when you have a "check this video out" moment. Don't use it a ton throughout the day, but I can definitely get a day out of the battery. Camera is good. Don't expect to zoom much, but it still takes great shots.

Only issue I have right now is very minor, but google music doesnt have gapless playback. I'm on 4.2.2 with verizon.

 

[dkersten]

If the camera is a big deal to you, the S4 would probably be the best option right now. The other pretty good option as of right now in regards to the camera would be the LG G2. This is from the CNET review.

LG's first mature 13-megapixel debuted with Sprint's G Pro. Though that camera's photo quality didn't blow anyone away, its pictures ended up being largely sharp and colorful. The same can be said with this handset, which also proved itself as a fast, respectable camera. In general, photo quality was good. Pictures taken both indoor and outdoor were sharp, in focus, and had true-to-life colors. In addition, recording in 1080p HD video looked sharp, audio picked up well, and objects remained in focus.

From what I've read, the next Nexus should have the same camera as the LG G2 (and at a much lower price with direct updates from Google) so if you can wait a little bit, this might be a very good option.

As for warranties, I don't think and company can offer the outstanding customer service Apple provides. I'm not totally sure what kind of warranty the carriers provide, but going through Best Buy or Amazon may be the best options. Regarding the Nexus 5 specifically, I know some users here had repeated problems with their Nexus 4 and have sent units back to Google repeatedly for new units (hopefully someone else can chime in on this).

If I were in your position, I think I would buy the 5S and wait for the Nexus 5. Then you could decide if you want the Nexus 5 and possibly sell the 5S.

 

[onthecouchagain]

The HTC One Max will have a fingerprint sensor. But besides that, if you need a fingerprint sensor, you're better off sticking with the 5S.

I don't foresee major Android flagships adding fingerprint scanners until 2014.

Or you could dig up an old Motorola Atrix.

 

[TacticalDesire]

A Nexus would give you the most iPhone like experience. Extremely smooth, simple, pure google ecosystem etc.

 

[Savor]

Wait for the Nexus 5 announcement. If based on the LG G2, it doesnt seem to be that much bigger than the S4 with a 5.2 inch screen.

HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 are like 6 months old now. No need for the 600 as Snapdragon 800 is already coming out. So 2.3 GHz CPU and Adreno 330 should be more common for the next 6-8 months. And it will have more battery efficiency from Qualcomm's latest chip and Android's Project Road Runner.

There are FOUR big announcements each year from the biggest players - Apple, Google, or Samsung. Latest Samsung Galaxy S, iPhone, Galaxy Note, and Nexus in that order. The Nexus line is the least popular as the other three products should sell 10-30M very easily. But Nexus is the cheapest.

Spring gives us a new Galaxy S. Then iPhone in Sept. Then Note after and then a Nexus by Nov.

Since it is Sept, I suggest looking at Note 3 or Nexus as best options.

HTC One, Motorola Moto X, LG G2, or Sony Xperia Z1 as other choices from the smaller players.

 

[lsutigerfan1976]

If the camera is a big deal to you, the S4 would probably be the best option right now. The other pretty good option as of right now in regards to the camera would be the LG G2. This is from the CNET review.



From what I've read, the next Nexus should have the same camera as the LG G2 (and at a much lower price with direct updates from Google) so if you can wait a little bit, this might be a very good option.

As for warranties, I don't think and company can offer the outstanding customer service Apple provides. I'm not totally sure what kind of warranty the carriers provide, but going through Best Buy or Amazon may be the best options. Regarding the Nexus 5 specifically, I know some users here had repeated problems with their Nexus 4 and have sent units back to Google repeatedly for new units (hopefully someone else can chime in on this).

If I were in your position, I think I would buy the 5S and wait for the Nexus 5. Then you could decide if you want the Nexus 5 and possibly sell the 5S.

From the reviews i read. Both the S4 and HTC ONE. For that matter almost any android camera will not match the iphone performance. But As far as comparing the two android cameras. The HTC ONE will do far better than the S4 in low light conditions. While both of them do well, in regular lighting/outdoor conditions. But as long as someone is just doing facebook or instagram stuff. Nothing fancy, either should be fine.

 

[Menneisyys2]

Wait for the Nexus 5 announcement. If based on the LG G2, it doesnt seem to be that much bigger than the S4 with a 5.2 inch screen.

Absolutely agreed - albeit it may not have 5.2" screen, "only" an 5" one, and a smaller battery. However, it'll be 2.5 times cheaper than the G2 (and the 5s) and it'll receive official OS upgrades for years.

In addiiton, if the rumors are true, it'll get the camera module of the G2, which, today, is probably the best in the Android world.

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From the reviews i read. Both the S4 and HTC ONE. For that matter almost any android camera will not match the iphone performance.

Absolutely wrong.

1, the S4 has a considerably better camera than the iPhone 5. Based on the what is known of the 5s, its camera may only be slightly better than that of the S4 - if at all.

2, the LG G2's (and the Nexus 5's, if it indeed gets the real camera of the G2) camera will have a LOT to offer over the 5s: OIS, 1080p60, stereo audio, considerably better manual control etc.

 

[hashholly]

Wait for the Nexus 5 announcement. If based on the LG G2, it doesnt seem to be that much bigger than the S4 with a 5.2 inch screen.

HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 are like 6 months old now. No need for the 600 as Snapdragon 800 is already coming out. So 2.3 GHz CPU and Adreno 330 should be more common for the next 6-8 months. And it will have more battery efficiency from Qualcomm's latest chip and Android's Project Road Runner.

There are FOUR big announcements each year from the biggest players - Apple, Google, or Samsung. Latest Samsung Galaxy S, iPhone, Galaxy Note, and Nexus in that order. The Nexus line is the least popular as the other three products should sell 10-30M very easily. But Nexus is the cheapest.

Spring gives us a new Galaxy S. Then iPhone in Sept. Then Note after and then a Nexus by Nov.

Since it is Sept, I suggest looking at Note 3 or Nexus as best options.

HTC One, Motorola Moto X, LG G2, or Sony Xperia Z1 as other choices from the smaller players.

I think I may end up holding out for the Nexus 5 announcement, if the price is right and it's close in specs to the lg g2 I may go that route.

How reliable are the LG phones?