Buying a smart/cell phone

Bionic Rooster

Bionic Rooster

Well-known member
I have an older Motorola that I use only for emergencies on the road. But the wife is wanting something that gives her internet access, road alerts, and wild fire alerts in our area. I have been looking at many models of Iphone/Galaxy but I think I have over loaded my brain with too much info and comparisons. I can't decide which would be the better buy for my bucks.
So I would appreciate any personal experience you guys/girls could share on the difference phone, processors, OS, reliability etc.
Thanks,
 
Go with an iPhone if you want to have a device that will receive OS updates for years to come. The iPhone 6S was released in 2015 and the latest release of IOS still supports this device. Apple will announce the latest iPhone soon (iPhone 13), which should trigger a price decrease on the last generations of iPhone still being sold.
 
Thanks for the interesting read links on Wikipedia. Regarding software updates, is there a charge for this? How can I tell is the IOS has been updated to the latest release?
 
I second iPhone though it’s very subjective and personal preference.

Looking at the iPhone SE might be a good shout. It’s on the cheaper side, it’s new but based on the slightly older iPhone 8 design.

Not a bad phone to start your first foray into smartphones with.
 
If you're an Android person look at the Google Pixel line. The 6 is about to drop you can grab the 5 for a good deal I am sure. The 4a 5G also.
 
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I would also recommend iPhone SE 2 for your needs and as your first smartphone. Updates are free, the system is stable and you won't have to mess around with it too much, just use it. It's a reliable phone, my daughter has had it for more than a year now.
 
Chris D said:
I second iPhone though it’s very subjective and personal preference.
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I agree, I wouldn't rule out either platform.

My personal presence is for an iPhone of which I've now had three. You are paying a premium price but in my view you get a premium product. I've never had one break and it interfaces easily with a multitude of products I own including all my music playing devices, my Fitbit, hearing aids, address books, diaries etc. I even use it live on stage to switch between stomp boxes.

It's likely that you can do all of that an more with an Android device and possibly for a little less outlay but I've always found Apple UIs to be more intuitive than other operating systems so I'm happy to pay more.
 
Android devices integrate great with Windows using the Link to Windows functionality.

It's exclusively Android/Google in our house.

I had a $50 LG Stylo phone for years and it was great.
I only replaced it because we switched providers.
 
0ptima said:
I find it integrates poorly with Windows via iTunes.
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The only issue I've found is that iTunes (Windows) no longer syncs a backup automatically. It needs to be told to sync.

I'm not a huge fan of iTunes, it's OK once you understand how it works but unlike a lot of things Apple, I find it clunky. That said it communicates well with everything Windows I use which includes Office 356 and J River Media Center.

Obviously everyone has different experiences. What is it you have problems with?
 
Android for more freedom. I had iPhone before, and use to like it, until Couple of updates. Marketing, to force people upgrading they push those updates to use more battery. Anyway, using Huawei mate P20 for 2 years and half, more than happy. Battery is more important than anything at the end.
 
zappaDPJ said:
Obviously everyone has different experiences. What is it you have problems with?
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I've had trouble with iTunes recognising my phone and loading up MP3s was never easy. I also recall loading contacts was not easy as well. Ill be ordering the iPhone 13 and will revisit my iTunes setup again.
 
0ptima said:
I've had trouble with iTunes recognising my phone and loading up MP3s was never easy. I also recall loading contacts was not easy as well. Ill be ordering the iPhone 13 and will revisit my iTunes setup again.
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I do recall a problem copying photos which nearly drove me insane until I found the phone had to be user authenticated before the directory would show in Windows. I use ALAC format rather than mp3. I've had no issues with that although I'd prefer to use FLAC. I really should look to see if there's a player that will work well with that format.

I use Office 365 for contacts. I've never had an issue syncing although I can never remember which is dominant, the iPhone or Office in terms of additions and alterations.

If the iPhone 13 lives up to expectations I'll be buying one primarily for its satellite connectivity. That could be a life saver for me.
 
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