Help Choosing a new phablet

[isteelsolz]

So i have decided to get a new phone, specifically a phablet. I am currently using a moto g (1st gen) and am really starting to dislike the small 4.5" screen. After using a friends Galaxy note 3 i absolutely loved the large screen and have hence decided to get something a little bit bigger. I will need to buy my phone unlocked and off contract as I currently h=hav a phone plan (sim only though). My budget is around $400 AUD.

The two phones I have been looking at the HTC One Max ($450) and the sony Xperia Z ultra ($400). I am leaning towards the One because of the front facing speakers and aluminium constriction, and I think the 6.4" Z ultra might be bit to big for me.

 

So can anyone help me choose, or suggest alternative devices?

[Lord Gaben]

Nexus 6

[QueenDemetria]

So can anyone help me choose, or suggest alternative devices?

If you can get the Google play edition of the Z ultra, then i'd get that, but if not then the One. There is nothing wrong with the regular Z, its just that GPE devices get more updates and tend to run better.

[davidvu396]

OnePlus One or Note 4 would be a good choice. 

[Diederik_Gr]

I'd choose the HTC One Max out of those two, i do have to warn you that a device this big will mean that using it one handed will be tough and it probably won't fit too well in your pocket. The Sony beats the HTC with specifications, but don't get me started on how massive that screen is for a 'smart'phone.

 

The Oneplus is a fantastic device, but probably not available to you. And the Nexus 6 would be the best device to suit your needs when it comes out, but it might be out of your price range.

[Aniallation]

If you can get the Google play edition of the Z ultra, then i'd get that, but if not then the One. There is nothing wrong with the regular Z, its just that GPE devices get more updates and tend to run better.

Regular Z Ultra is on KitKat which is not shabby at all, and it's for sure going to get an update to Lollipop. The Sony UI skin is also very light, there's little to no performance loss compared to AOSP.

[Aniallation]

So can anyone help me choose, or suggest alternative devices?

OnePlus One. If you can't get an invite then there's plenty that are for sale.

[PhantomChevron]

To the people recommending op a OPO, I recommend reading what he said about phones that are bigger then a Note 3, which means screen size, not overall footprint