In the market for a new cell phone...

[screech]

So I'm in the market for a new cell phone, and keep talking myself into, then out of my choices.

I've had an iPhone the last few years, so I'm used to that. I also use a Macbook for my computer.

However, I'm tempted to switch to a Samsung - heard good things about them, plus my car has Android Auto and not Apple CarPlay.

But then theres which model to go for. Going by both the Apple and Samsung stores, I'm seeing that the newest phones are now just giant screens, no buttons. I like buttons. So if I were to get an Apple, I'd probably go for the 8, since it still has one, and for a Samsung, probably the s7. But of course, those ones would be obsolete sooner. And if I switch to Samsung, how would the transition go (especially since my home computer is Mac).

So what are your phone preferences? Anyone else in the market for a new cell phone and going through the same kind of ordeal? Apple or Android? Newest model or stick to buttons?

 

[Debbie S]

I got the Galaxy S8 last week and so far, so good. My previous phone was an S5 but it was on its last legs. I wasn't keen on the 'virtual' home button on the 8 but it's not bad. It's lit/marked most of the time (and if not, press on the bottom center and it works) and you do press on it, so it is just like a button. The home screen layout is a bit different than the S5 (1 row of icons, which you can choose/replace with those you use the most) and another row on the next screen over that you slide to access. Apps are accessed by swiping up on the home screen, not by a separate icon - that was the biggest adjustment at first, I kept putting my finger over an icon that wasn't there, lol. But after a week, I'm used to it.

If you do switch from Apple to an Android, I've heard that you will need to delete your contacts from iCloud (or whatever it's called) once you transfer them in order to send texts due to compatibility issues...you can probably Google this. Also, when you set up an Android phone, you will need to set up a Gmail address if you don't already have one, to access the app store. But you can set up your phone e-mail to work with whatever e-mail you have, doesn't have to be Gmail.

 

[Jay42]

I have the S7 and I love it. It's easily my favourite phone I've ever had. The camera is fantastic and I find it easy to use. That said I've used Samsung for my last 3 phones now so I'm pretty used to them.

If you do switch make sure you have your pictures backed up on something that's not iCloud. If you use a cloud service like Dropbox you can back your pictures up to there and then access them through the app on any other device.

I've used both Apple and Samsung for a long time now for various different things so I'm pretty well accustomed to how both work. I have heard from some people who've switched to Samsung that they found it more complicated and missed having their iPhones. I've also heard people how say they wish they had switched sooner. You definitely won't have the same compatibility with your computer though.

 

[purple skates]

I just bought an iPhone 8 yesterday. It’s the same size as my old iPhone 6, with the same button configurations, and the transfer of info from old to new was very easy. So no discomfort of having too much change.

The main difference seems to be speed and camera/visuals, which are pretty awesome. That, and it’s water resistant, which is nice. Oh, and no headphone jack but they solved that with an adapter to the power plug (although this means you can’t charge and listen at the same time). Not a big deal for me.

The iPhone 8 Plus is a lot bigger screen-wise, as well as more expensive. I prefer the smaller version.

 

[Aceon6]

I like my phone small. DH and I both have iPhone 6 SEs and will probably gat the 8 SE when it comes out unless there's a good Android phone in a similar form factor.

 

[Tesla]

I have the S7 and I love it. It's easily my favourite phone I've ever had. The camera is fantastic and I find it easy to use. That said I've used Samsung for my last 3 phones now so I'm pretty used to them.

This what I want. I currently have an S3. I want a new phone but I don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. What are your thoughts on a certified pre-owned S7 from Verizon? Or should I buy one new? I believe the warranty is the same on both.

 

[screech]

I am somewhat worried about the computer compatibility. It makes it really easy to transfer files with both being Apple. But I'm assuming there's easily ways around that.

I have a friend who just bought the s7 (she's been with Samsung for a while) and she's loving it. She said she didn't buy the 8, because her brother has one, dropped it, and with the newer curved screen technology, it isn't quite as tough in some ways.

I have small hands, so a larger screen can be a bit tough. I'd had the iPhone 5s for a while, and the size was perfect for me. Then my sister upgraded and gave me her old 6, and it took a while (and some hand cramping) for me to get used to the size.

Is there anyone else here who has an android phone, but an apple computer? I'm just wondering about the ease of transferring music files, photos, etc, from computer to phone/phone to computer.

 

[Jay42]

This what I want. I currently have an S3. I want a new phone but I don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. What are your thoughts on a certified pre-owned S7 from Verizon? Or should I buy one new? I believe the warranty is the same on both.

I'm in Canada so I don't know how Verizon works for their pre-owned stuff, sorry. I do know that when my store sold Telus pre-owned we had really good luck with them.

Maybe try googling to see if you can find any people who've actually used the S7 refurb and how it's worked for them. And make sure the company has a satisfaction guarantee that way if you have any issues with the phone in the first couple of weeks you can take it back with less difficulty.

 

[Mozart]

I have a Galaxy a5 2017 which I live especially the extended battery life. Unfortunately I don't think you can get it in the states.

 

[tony]

I had a Galaxy S3 and then tried the S7 and coming immediately from several different iPhones, the lag on little things like opening and sending texts really drove me insane. And it was a brand new phone. So, I returned it after a day and went back to Apple. I just got the X and it's wonderful. I know that iPhones have the tendency to start slowing down after about two years, but the bigger problem for me was that the Galaxy battery starts to get worn down much more quickly.

 

[Prancer]

So what are your phone preferences? Anyone else in the market for a new cell phone and going through the same kind of ordeal? Apple or Android? Newest model or stick to buttons?

If I had a Mac and a history of using Apple phones, I'd go with an iPhone. There are few things more frustrating than working with tech that doesn't work for you. If you aren't used to Android and/or you can't get your phone to work with your computer, it's going to drive you crazy.

I don't have any Apple products and have no desire to have them, so Android is the obvious choice for me. I already have everything integrated and working; switching phones isn't a big deal if you stick with the same general product you've had before.

 

[AxelAnnie]

I am with Prancer. I have never had an i-anything. I have an S8 that I love..but I do miss buttons. I think it is best to choose Apple or Android/Windows and use it across all device's.

 

[oleada]

I like my iPhone 7, but if I could do it all over again, I'd get the 128 GB instead of the 32GB. 32GB seemed enough at the time and 128 seems to be too much but with all the updates and Apple bloat ware, I'm always running out of space and having to delete things. So, just a heads up if you end up picking an iPhone.

 

[tony]

iPhone X only offers 64GB and a whopping 256GB. Since most carriers only allow you to do a monthly payment plan as opposed to just buying it outright, I opted for the larger one since it's only a few dollars difference per month.

I agree with @Prancer though. If you have a Macbook or IMac or have had previous iPhones, then stick with it. I'm fairly certain that you're going to have the same experience that I did when I tried to move back into the Android world. You'll become impatient with certain load times immediately, and you'll have to adjust to the way the apps are set and downloaded. My mom( who is not tech savvy at all) tried to move from the iPhone to the Android and she couldn't understand anything and was always frustrated.

ETA- I know Apple takes a lot of slack for being 'a solid two years behind in technology' and because of their prices, but I have two Macbooks-- one being 8 years old and it runs just fine to this day. I used it for computer science courses when I returned to school, sometimes creating semi-elaborate programs, and still no major problems. Same with my desktop-- it's 5 years old and fine. iPhones may slow down over time, but in my experience, everything is well worth the money.

 

[Prancer]

You'll become impatient with certain load times immediately, and you'll have to adjust to the way the apps are set and downloaded. My mom( who is not tech savvy at all) tried to move from the iPhone to the Android and she couldn't understand anything and was always frustrated.

That's pretty much exactly how I feel when I've tried to use my daughter's iPhone. I want to smash it. I also sometimes have to use someone's Mac and I am always glad I am not armed at the time or else I would end up owing said friend a new Macbook.

It's a huge change to go from one to the other.

 

[PrincessLeppard]

You'll pry my Apple products out of my cold, dead hands.

Everything works seamlessly. Stick with the iPhone.

 

[sk8pics]

Another vote for consistent platforms across devices. I am an Apple person, and currently have a MacBook Pro, an iPhone 7+, an iPad Air (more than 4 year’s old that I am about to sell back to Apple for $135), and my new iPad Pro. Once you understand the basics about how a platform works, it really can be frustrating to switch, and to deal with compatibility issues. I have used Dell and HP laptops for years at work and am pretty tech savvy, but a couple years ago when I took a friend shopping to buy a Samsung, it was all I could do to not throw it across the room. Not too long after, he ditched it for an iPhone, which he likes. He is one of the least tech savvy people I know and he always said his smartphone made him feel stupid until he got his iPhone. For me the other thing is that everything just always works for me on all my App,e products, and I can’t say that for my various PCs.

 

[purple skates]

I’m iPhone all the way, but I hate Apple computers!

 

[screech]

I was very anti-MacBook until I was forced to use one for a job (they were our work computers). My personal computer at the time was a Dell laptop, and for the entire time I was at that job, I almost never touched my own computer. It took some adjustment, but I completely grew to love my MacBook. When I left the job, I pretty promptly bought my own MacBook Air.

I didn't get an iPhone until about 5 years ago. I'd had an HTC beforehand (whose home button had broken so I was in the market), and my sister upgraded her phone and gave me her old 4S. Then when she upgraded again, gave me her 5S. Then her 6.

I guess I should go by both the Samsung and Apple stores, talk to the workers, and play around with the phones, but it's hard to do in the store setting.

I wish there was an option to just leave a deposit and a copy of ID, test out a sample phone for a few days, then make a final decision. It's such an expensive choice to make, that it's hard to commit!

 

[purple skates]

I hear ya. This stupid phone was $600-something. It’s more palatable as a monthly 0% interest payment, but still.

 

[Buzz]

I have an iPad 2 and an iPhone 5S and both still works just fine. I may replace them eventually given the first excuse. LOL

 

[screech]

I still have the 5s, but when I updated the latest iOS, my phone decided it wants to reboot itself every 2 minutes or so (no exaggeration), so it's basically unusable. The 6 mainly works, but being a hand-me-down, it's got wear and tear, and when I got it, the screen was slightly detaching. I have a case that kind of wraps around and keeps it secure, but occasionally it won't respond to touch.

 

[purple skates]

I still have the 5s, but when I updated the latest iOS, my phone decided it wants to reboot itself every 2 minutes or so (no exaggeration), so it's basically unusable

I’ve had two 6’s do this. My first was replaced under warranty (with like a week left), and the replacement I just replaced yesterday. So roughly four years with two phones. I hope the 8 is more reliable.

 

[Meredith]

I have (had) an Android LG G4 and an iMac. I managed to kill the phone, smashed the screen, and it is unrecoverable. iMac works fine, although it needs more memory. No Microsoft products on my computer, and I haven't had the urge to pitch it through the window - yet.
About the phone, I'm currently considering replacing it with an LG G6. The price is right. Also considering iPhone 6; my son-in-law has one and likes it.
I'm reading this thread with interest, and taking notes!

 

[skipaway]

I stayed with Apple mainly because of the apps I've already bought. If I had changed to Android system I would've had to purchase their apps.

 

[screech]

I ended up going with a Samsung Galaxy s8.

Just got it and am having the joys of adjusting to a new operating system - mainly getting my music transferred from iTunes to google play music, while trying keeping song info and album artwork intact.

The customer service at the Samsung store was great, though. I was there for a few hours, and had almost every worker in the store helping me at some point, and they were all really fun and approachable.

 

[Tesla]

I went with a new Galaxy S7. So far, I really like it. It is definitely a step up from my S3. Several steps! I love it! I just have to go back to the store for the tempered glass screen protector. I hope it lasts as long as my S3. I don't want to buy a phone every few years.

 

[screech]

So I'm not 100% on the s8. It's a fantastic phone, but I'm not sure if it's 'me', and I don't love the curved screen. I have until Friday to decide if I'm going to keep it, until my 15 days full return are up.

Advice: If you get a phone with a curved screen, don't get a protector that only seals around the edges (as the official Samsung one does). You will have extremely limited touch sensitivity along the edges, which makes using certain letters (such as 'a') difficult while texting.

 

[Debbie S]

Are you talking about something that covers the screen? I don't have that with the S8 (never had it for any phone ) but I do have a back cover/case (not an Otter Box, just a simple/cheap cover) which leaves just enough space on the edges for the screen. So far, I haven't had any problems with hitting any keys.

 

[screech]

Yeah, the screen protector. I ended up taking it off and getting just a plastic one, and now I have the touch working. My Otter Box hasn't affected it at all.