Most popular Android phones

[Kiran403]

Not sure if this has already been discussed but I was wondering what the tech-savvy people in this forum think the most popular Android phones are. Obviously, the leader seems to be Galaxy S3 or Galaxy Note II. Are there any Samsungs worth looking at? What about HTC, Sony or LG?
Thanks

[3 Justin 3]

The Galaxy and Note lines are both Samsung.

[MickMcGeough]

The HTC One.

Seriously, wait for it. The S3 is already pretty dated in the Android world.

[Rathji]

If you are looking at new phones now, the only 2 devices that should be on your radar are really the Galaxy S3 or Nexus 4. The S3 is really dated at this point, but you should be able to get it free on a contract without much trouble.

If you want to wait a while, you can add the HTC One or S4 to that list.

[TopChed]

If I were buying an Android phone today, it'd be the Nexus 4. But I would also be tempted to wait for the HTC One and Galaxy S4.

If you like a bigger phone, the Note II seems to be the best bet.

[drPepper1]

S4 coming out soon. I had the s2 for a while but Samsung pretty much pulled an apple with minor/gimmick upgrades to the s3/s4. Ended up buying the blackberry z10 for something different. If I were to ever switch back it would be an android.

[1_Flames_Fan]

I have the Nexus 4, its a pretty sweet unit.

[FurnaceFace]

Seems like a good thread to ask this. For anyone who have a Note 2 is it really pocketable? I've watch some YT videos of people (there is no good way to say this) putting it in their pocket but wanted some real world comments. I use my phone 95% for data so it's of interest to me.

Mick, regarding the HTC One, who is rumoured to carry it and when? Also is the camera actually good? They market it as amazing. Not sure you actually have one yet but you seem to know about it.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

The HTC One.

Seriously, wait for it. The S3 is already pretty dated in the Android world.

x2 on almost anything HTC. I've only owned HTC since I got into the smart phone market so I'm a tad biased but I really do like the fact that they have a bit of a hefty feel to them, feel like a better quality phone. Samsung always felt so flimsy and plastic. HTC sense is a really nice addition too.

Solid devices, totally recommend them.

[Igster]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

The S3 is already pretty dated in the Android world.

LOL...no it isn't. It's still one of the best devices out there. How is it dated?

[Brannigans Law]

I played with a Sony ZL today and was disapointed with no home button.

I'm equally concerned though with HTC One's in Canada not having a 64 GB version. We'll have to see I guess.

[Bobblehead]

Having the Nexus Galaxy, I can't see myself wanting anything other than a Nexus phone (which would be the Nexus 4 right now). With it being updated by Google*, even though my phone is old I don't feel like I'm behind the times at all. OS updates are so current that as long as the phone is capable it will be updated without waiting being beholden to the manufacturer to release the updates. Because we all know, any manufacturer would rather sell a new phone than update an old.


*I discovered after I got my Nexus that Google doesn't automatically update phones outside of the US (Google updated the YAKJU, while Canada was given YAKJUUX). Generally this is to allow time for localization. But since that isn't really an issue, I simply flashed my phone to stock Android (YAKJU) and Google has updated ever since.

[QuadCityImages]

After having the htc Thunderbolt (Verizon exclusive) and dealing with htc's garbage software, slow updates, and bloatware I decided I would never again have a phone with anything but stock Android on it. I bought a Galaxy Nexus and have been thrilled with it ever since. Even on stupid Verizon I'm running the newest 4.2.2 without having to flash ROMs or anything. It's too bad there aren't more Nexus options because the N4 isn't really an option for me. I'm hoping for good announcements at Google IO next month.

[comrade]

I have a Nexus 4 and love it. I also second considering waiting for a HTC One. Does anyone have or had an LG Optimus G or HTC One X+? There's also the Motorola Razr HD and Sony Xperia T in the high end phone category, but all of these phones are 4-6 months old now. The S3 is even older.

I suppose a relevant question to ask is how big do you want it to be?

[MrMastodonFarm]

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by Igster

LOL...no it isn't. It's still one of the best devices out there. How is it dated?

The device was released in May 2012, for an industry where yearly release cycles are the norm rather than the exception. Its replacement, the S4, is due out in April 2013 (pre-orders start today I think) Be definition, I think that makes it dated.

That's not to say it is a bad phone, but of all the options out right now, or due to be out soon, it isn't the best phone to be picking up on a 3 year contract. The only real advantage it has over the any of the other phones is you can likely get it free on contract. I guess the other consideration where is is probably the best phone out right now is the fact that it has 4G, where the Nexus 4 doesn't as the setting that allowed it was recently patched out.

Bottom line is, unless cost or timeline is a major issue, you are better waiting for a S4 or HTC One, than picking up a S3 and there are major arguements to be made that the Nexus 4 is a better purchase right now due to cost and the simple fact it is a Nexus phone.

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by Igster

LOL...no it isn't. It's still one of the best devices out there. How is it dated?

Because it's year-old hardware. HTC, Sony, LG, Asus, Panasonic, Motorola, etc. have all released more powerful Android handsets than the S3.

It's still a good device. "Dated" and "Good Device" aren't mutually exclusive. Like Rathji said - it's just probably a questionable choice to get one on contract today.

[drPepper1]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

Because it's year-old hardware. HTC, Sony, LG, Asus, Panasonic, Motorola, etc. have all released more powerful Android handsets than the S3.

It's still a good device. "Dated" and "Good Device" aren't mutually exclusive. Like Rathji said - it's just probably a questionable choice to get one on contract today.

Device is dated, but software is the same. When I got jellybean on my s2 felt like I had a new phone. I would of hung on to it for longer if I didn't lose it. But I made a temporary switch to z10. Waiting for s5 cause s4 was disappointing.

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by drPepper1

Device is dated, but software is the same. When I got jellybean on my s2 felt like I had a new phone. I would of hung on to it for longer if I didn't lose it. But I made a temporary switch to z10. Waiting for s5 cause s4 was disappointing.

Yeah, project butter felt like a hardware upgrade on my SGN.

[GrrlGoalie33]

The fact that the S3 can be had for less than $300 on kijiji right now made it a very attractive phone for me when looking to replace my abuse-suffering iPhone 4S.

How easy is it to take the phone to stock andriod OS? I really want the latest updates so I can have lock screen notifications, but it doesn't seem to be coming any time soon through Samsung/Telus.