iPhone vs. Everything Else

[OldSchoolYoungin]

Yep, it's that kinda thread!

Well, I killed my crappy little Nokia the other day by accidentally leaving it in my pants pocket and going through the washing machine. Doesn't work anymore, but she sure is clean! Never was big on smartphones, but now that my other one is dead, I'm thinking about it.

What I want it for:

• Texting and the occasional call.
• Internet's the biggest one, so good processor speed.
• Won't be a huge downloader, so 16gb will be fine.
• Camera isn't a huge factor for me, but I'd like to atleast make out what's in the picture should I decide to take one.
• Nothing fragile; weight isn't a big factor.

That's about it, really. Also, texting is one of the biggest ones, yet I don't want a full keyboard. I have big hands and fingers, so that's a consideration as far as how easy it is to text.

I'm neither for nor against Apple. If the iPhone 4S is what I need, it's what I'll buy. Not so worried about the whole "cult" thing; I can look past that if the product is worth it. Two others I've been looking at are the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the Motorola Atrix 2. Trying not to spend over $200 out the door with a two year contract.

Any and all other suggestions are welcomed

 

[The Kayaker]

the iPhone is great I've had one for over 4 years and ave never looked back.

Al

 

[Walker]

I've only owned iphones but have been around a few of the other smartphones from coworkers and i think the iphone 4 & 4s can't be beat as far as screen clarity. The people that i have been around that have the 4S hardly ever use the "Surrey" and i don't see any other reason to get the iphone 4S so save yourself about a hundred bucks and get the iphone 4. I've never had a complaint about my iphone. I haven't used my personal computer in 3 years other than to print airline tickets. Go with the iphone

 

[Austin]

I have an Atrix. I like it very much but will be changing phone this fall. The Atrix HD (3) will become available at AT&T July 15th for $99. If you buy then, they will include a car dock. I have a car dock and it is sweet.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/atandt-atrix-hd-priced-at-99-coming-july-15/

 

[P Funk]

If you want to totally overpay for something, get the iphone. And be sure to use the 20 cent white cabled headset when you do.
It cracks me up when people spend $400 or more for the latest iphone and then are using the cheapest, piece of junk headset that came with it.
Why not bluetooth? Oh, you probably have to pay for an app to enable that. They just spent several hundred dollars on a phone, can't they spend a few more and grab a real headset? I'm not trying to be a smart guy. I honestly don't understand.
It's similar to people driving around in a $100,000 Benz holding up a phone with one hand. What? Didn't that sweet ride come with built in bluetooth?
Sorry I couldn't resist.

If you want all the functionality you described and more for much cheaper though just as high quality (if not better), get one of the android phones you listed. Those are both high quality products.

Are you due for an upgrade with your provider?
If so you can probably get either for well under $200.

 

[smalltank]

slight update to iphone..
http://www.phonearena.com/news/New-iPhone-photos-leak-showing-off-a-larger-screen_id32202#1-Two-generations-compared

 

[blary54]

I have the iphone 4s. I like it. Lots of aftermarket cases easily found. I have the 16gb and got it for $200.00 which I think is pretty reasonable. After it becomes obsolete and you eventually get another one it could still use it for games and music(I suppose you could use any smart phone but there are so many sound docks and accessories for the ipod).

The Siri was kind of a fun novelty for the first couple days but after that Ive only used it a handful of times. I kinda forget about it and use it mostly when Im driving and trying to find an address or traveling and need to find restaurants in the area quickly.

You said camera Isnt important but its a great camera on the 4S.

I don't think you would be unhappy with the Galaxy S3 or Atrix 2 either but the iphone is a great choice.

 

[Neognosis]

If you want to totally overpay for something, get the iphone.

I had two motorolas and a nokia. All three phones just died after one year apiece. Then I got an iphone.

Three years later, it is still working flawlessly. I think the iphone was the more economical choice.

It cracks me up when people spend $400 or more for the latest iphone and then are using the cheapest, piece of junk headset that came with it.
Why not bluetooth? Oh, you probably have to pay for an app to enable that. They just spent several hundred dollars on a phone, can't they spend a few more and grab a real headset? I'm not trying to be a smart guy. I honestly don't understand.

You don't need to pay extra to use an iphone with bluetooth.

People who buy Iphones don't generally buy them for awesome MP3 clarity.
The iphone is around 200 dollars with a phone service contract. You only need to pay 400 dollars if you don't want to buy a cell service contract with it.

 

[SmoovD]

I just picked up a Samsung Infuse 4G for a penny on Amazon Wireless. My last two phones have been Samsung and I am sold on their phones. It will do everything you need and then some.

 

[beginish]

There are many good smartphone options out there, as you've seen. Ultimately, your preference will come down to which interface you like better. I've used both iOS and Android, and I have a definite preference, to the point that the one I don't like is one beer away from getting bounced off of the wall. You may want to take advantage of the 30 day return policy and get one, use it for a couple of weeks, see if it works for you, and if it doesn't return it and try the other version.

 

[jb4647]

I've had every smart phone know to man since my first palm phone way back in 2001. I got the iPhone 4s in Oct when it came to Sprint and it's the best phone I've ever owned. Does everything you require and does it well. The 8mp camera is better than my point 'n shoot!

If you want something that works right out of the box and is slim and easy the the iPhone 4s is your phone. There is something nice about the simplicity of the fact that they release one model at a time and have one flavor of an os.

 

[BigWill]

I've owned both Android (the original G1 from T-Mobile) and iPhone (4s). IMO the iPhone is so much easier to navigate than the Android phone.

 

[Walker]

Wow dude. Calm down it's just a phone

If you want to totally overpay for something, get the iphone. And be sure to use the 20 cent white cabled headset when you do.
It cracks me up when people spend $400 or more for the latest iphone and then are using the cheapest, piece of junk headset that came with it.
Why not bluetooth? Oh, you probably have to pay for an app to enable that. They just spent several hundred dollars on a phone, can't they spend a few more and grab a real headset? I'm not trying to be a smart guy. I honestly don't understand.
It's similar to people driving around in a $100,000 Benz holding up a phone with one hand. What? Didn't that sweet ride come with built in bluetooth?
Sorry I couldn't resist.

If you want all the functionality you described and more for much cheaper though just as high quality (if not better), get one of the android phones you listed. Those are both high quality products.

Are you due for an upgrade with your provider?
If so you can probably get either for well under $200.

 

[p.m.a.]

Be sure to try before you buy. Personally, I do not like the iPhone keyboard for typing. Also seems like the iPhone is quite fragile with glass on both front and back. Huge bummer about the non-removable battery too.

 

[drocu]

Be sure to try before you buy.

This. It all comes down to personal preference. For the qualities you listed, any smart phone will be fine honestly. Well, except maybe a Blackberry and HP phone. You're honestly only looking at an Android, Windows, or iPhone phone.

For the price, it sounds like the iPhone will be a good bet for you. I personally don't like Apple products at all and hate iOS but that doesn't mean that it's not a good product.

If you like to tinker, you may like the Android OS more because it allows you to customize your phone any way you want. I love having widgets on my phone and all of the Google apps (especially navigation) are phenomenal. But sometimes it just doesn't work as well or as smoothly as iOS.

 

[BigBull]

Let's put it this way, there is Honda, Nissan, Toyota, etc...

Then there's Maybach. Costs more, Yes. However, nothing compares. iPhone.

 

[showard]

I got an iPhone 4 last week for $49. The 3GS iPhone is under a dollar. The 4s has Siri, but I already have a woman who knows everything ......just kidding.
I had a droid for the last 2 years and I'm enjoying the iPhone more right now.

 

[nannahill]

Be sure to try before you buy. Personally, I do not like the iPhone keyboard for typing. Also seems like the iPhone is quite fragile with glass on both front and back. Huge bummer about the non-removable battery too.

The keyboard takes some getting used to - especially if you come from a BB. I don't have a cover or screen protector on mine and it looks pretty damn good. Battery is a non-issue. I got 3+ years from my 3GS. No other phone I've owned came anywhere close to that. A year at best.

Long story short - get an iPhone.

And P Funk - I got the Bose MIE2 mobile headset a while back. It's awesome. Great sound and fit. But Apple is a phone company not an earpiece company. All of my prior phones didn't come with earpieces. They were extra.

 

[jb4647]

Be sure to try before you buy. Personally, I do not like the iPhone keyboard for typing. Also seems like the iPhone is quite fragile with glass on both front and back. Huge bummer about the non-removable battery too.

I had similar concerns but after having the iPhone 4s for six months they arn't issues.

The keyboard is really not a big deal....I got good at it in no time. The glass is Gorrilla glass...pretty darn tough...I've dropped my phone lots of times. Non-removable battery is not a problem....phone lasts all day and recharges pretty quckly.

 

[mayhem]

I went in to the phone store to get one of the new Droid Razrs, and walked out with an iPhone 4s - never had a better phone. Only issue I have at all is that the keyboard seems small, and I doubt it's much different on any of the similar smart phones. I use the voice control and Siri a lot, so I don't need the keyboard much. It goes on the charger every couple of days, and I use it constantly.
Great phone.