Help me pick my next phone!

[Cacao]

Hey guys, I'm currently in the market for a new phone, I can afford any of the flagship phones, I just really don't know what to get.

 

Here's some info:

 

My current phone is a Samsung Galaxy Note 2, which was an upgrade from my Note 1. I'm a huge fan of the series, but the Note 3 hasn't really impressed me and I kind of want to try something new. Though it's definitely still an option and will probably be what I go with if I really can't make up my mind. I'm sure some will tell me to stick with my Note 2, the reason I want to upgrade is because I'm having some hardware issues that are pretty pretty annoying to deal with, plus I really want something new.

 

Here's what I use my phone for: Internet browsing, watching youtube videos (this is probably my main activity on my phone and I do it for hours everyday), gaming and obviously communicating.

 

I need a big display (5+ ") for my usage and since I'm used to the note series. Also battery life is a big factor, I don't need it to last multiple days, like the Note phones, but it needs to get through a full day of heavy use. 

 

Also I like to customize my phone, so I will definitely be rooting and possibly installing custom ROMs.

 

My main candidates are in the poll, feel free to suggest another phone if you have a better idea.

 

Please let me know what you think!

 

Thanks.

 

EDIT: Also I wanted to add: do you guys think it would be a wise choice to buy something like an S4 or HTC One now? The HTC One in particular is very appealing to me, though I'm afraid that it will get replaced by something better within a few months, since it's already 6 months into it's life cycle.

[Guest]

A new phone is entirely personal preference. Nobody here can tell you what phone will be best to you.

[Cacao]

A new phone is entirely personal preference. Nobody here can tell you what phone will be best to you.

Obviously, but people can still voice their opinions. I have no experience with any of these phones, however some probably do and I would very much value their input.

[Scia]

I got my S4 a few weeks ago with an Orange Young Galaxy Sub [65.-/mt -> Free calls, free sms, 3gb 4g inet 12mt free spotify (not even using it ]. for about 149.- CHF. Really love the phone. Awesome screen, nice battery life [charging it every 2 days - medium use] and very very snappy.

 

I'd go for the S4 if I was you ^^

[Cacao]

I got my S4 a few weeks ago with an Orange Young Galaxy Sub [65.-/mt -> Free calls, free sms, 3gb 4g inet 12mt free spotify (not even using it ]. for about 149.- CHF. Really love the phone. Awesome screen, nice battery life [charging it every 2 days - medium use] and very very snappy.

 

I'd go for the S4 if I was you ^^

I currently have this M plan with swisscom:

 

 

I really need the unlimited internet, I use a LOT of data, though I will probably be looking into a 4g plan with the newer phones. Unfortunately 4g is still kind of crap down here

 

Thanks for your input!

[I'm Batman]

HTC One awsome build quality makes you feel rich  B)

[Scia]

I currently have this M plan with swisscom:

 

 

I really need the unlimited internet, I use a LOT of data, though I will probably be looking into a 4g plan with the newer phones. Unfortunately 4g is still kind of crap down here

 

Thanks for your input!

 

7.2mbit is 3g inet's max speed.

Swisscom is way overpriced. Was switching from Sunrise, and had to chose between Swisscom and Orange. And they actually sell you different speed levels of mobile inet. fuckers ^^ While on Orange they give every subs the same 4G inet. ^^

 

Ya 4G. Only get it if I'm at university. Lucky to get any signal at home. That's why I switched, seems Orange has much better signal where I live. [Provider changes in a few weeks] ^^

[Cacao]

7.2mbit is 3g inet's max speed.

Swisscom is way overpriced. Was switching from Sunrise, and had to chose between Swisscom and Orange. And they actually sell you different speed levels of mobile inet. fuckers ^^ While on Orange they give every subs the same 4G inet. ^^

I know the prices are crazy, but at least I'm getting what I pay for. Whenever I have an HSPA + connection, I will ALWAYS have 7/1mbit. However I will definitely look into my options now that I'll want a 4g plan. Swisscom is my main choice because that's the most wide spread in Ticino and my whole family is on Swisscom plans. 

[Cacao]

Only get it if I'm at university. Lucky to get any signal at home. That's why I switched, seems Orange has much better signal where I live. [Provider changes in a few weeks] ^^

Haha, same for me! I need to go in the garden to make a call at home While I get an awesome signal at school.

[linusforsell]

I would probably wait and see what the Nexus 5 has to offer (while we already know most of its specs, it would be nice to know a bit more about it).

[crocski]

Im waiting on the Nexus 5 or whatever their calling it. while thats in your list of options, might as well wait until it is release. That's what im waiting I dont care about anything else.

[ericnrmrf]

the note 3's ability to record in 4k doesn't impress you? I'd be getting that if i could, the nexus 5 would be my 2nd option.

[KamiKatze]

Note 3 according to your use scenario. Wait for the Nexus 5 though.

 

Choosing an adroid is all about choosing your favourite skin. Do you like TouchWiz? Could you imagine to use HTC Sense? I personally hate all of them, that's why I've got a Nexus 4.

[TheDigitalRealm]

Although I have the HTC One and love it, I'd wait to see what the Nexus 5 has on offer. (Snapdragon 800 or overclocked Tegra 4 please)

 

HTC - Design

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 - Performance

Galaxy S4 - Display (debatable) 

LG Optimus G Pro - just no.

Nexus 5 - Pure android, cheap. 

 

Excluding the nexus 5, I personally love my HTC One. It's design feels so solid and premium. Yes it doesn't have the best specs, but for me it feels lighting fast, and the premium body makes it worth it. HTC Sense 5 also feels nicely understated, compared with Samsungs Touchwiz which feels a little over done and "cartoony".

[TheDigitalRealm]

the note 3's ability to record in 4k doesn't impress you? I'd be getting that if i could, the nexus 5 would be my 2nd option.

 

Yeah...because that's useful to about 0.1% of people at the moment. There's no way to share that content, never mind barely anyone having the means to watch it. For now, it's a gimmick. Two or Three years down the road it may start to matter more, but for now...meh.

[Torg73]

How about the Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3

 

http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/mobile-devices/smartphones/android/GT-I9205ZKABTU

[Stewie]

With regards to your edited comment, OP, are you referring to when HTC released the HTC One X+? It's a good point to consider, but I haven't read anything about an upgraded HTC One. I wouldn't rule it out, though.

 

With HTC, you're getting premium build quality but you'll be sacrificing a microSD card slot and removable battery. Personally, I haven't even come close to using the 32gb on my phone, but if you require a lot of storage, it's certainly a point to consider. Again, as you've been used to Samsung phones, the removable battery may also be important to you.

 

I'd definitely wait until Google announce the Nexus 5 before deciding. It will ship with Android 4.4 and the specs will be right up there with the phones you've listed. I'd also expect it to be a lot cheaper than HTC or Samsung's flagships.

[DeViLzzz]

Free yourself from the smart phone / cell phone.  Don't get one.

[Reconciliasion]

iPhone 5s?

[ericnrmrf]

Yeah...because that's useful to about 0.1% of people at the moment. There's no way to share that content, never mind barely anyone having the means to watch it. For now, it's a gimmick. Two or Three years down the road it may start to matter more, but for now...meh.

cause everybody buys a phone with the intent to replace it in a few years anyway?

 

I'd rather get one I could use 5 years later and have the camera be relevant