Trying to decide on my first proper smart phone.

**Yfael** · 09-21-2011, 01:15 AM

Hello everyone and thanks for reading this far

New to forum.

Over the past few months I've been looking at different phones and providers. Right now I've decided to go with Mobilicity after testing the network with a Nokia 5230 for the past 4 months. Network...check.

As for the phone, i'm still undecided how much I want to spend. 300-350 seems like to much to spend as I work in a trade environment and go through phones 1-2 times a year.

So I've been trying to decide between the Nexus One, Galaxy S and the Samsung Wave. Wave being at the bottom of the list. Btw, Nexus one = Google Nexus? Same phone, different name?

If anyone has a better recommendation I am all eyes.

Oh, as for budget, If I could spend around 225-250 that would be ideal. If I can get something really exceptional though, I could go as high as 325.

Thanks for reading,

-Rafael

**cmstlist** · 09-21-2011, 02:32 AM

There is no Samsung Wave compatible with Mobilicity. Scratch that one.

There are two Nexus phones that exist so far:
Google Nexus One, made by HTC and released January 2010
Google Nexus S, made by Samsung and released October/November 2010

Nexus S is a solid choice - it's sold by Mobi and it will get software updates straight from Google. But you'll have to pay Mobi $350+tax for it.
Nexus One - which I used for about a year and a half - isn't sold new anymore and has a few notable hardware defects. You don't want to buy one without a warranty so scratch that.

**sable** · 09-21-2011, 06:53 AM

Depending on what you want to do with the phone. If you want it make phone calls, texts and surf, games and apps are not important to you, then go get the Nokia C7 from Wind or eBay. With excellent signal reception and battery life, it is a much better phone than those high end "Smart Toy"

**daveEM** · 09-21-2011, 07:00 AM

Nexus S for sure. I paid $500 for it on release day and now Mobi has it for $350?

The best $350 you will ever spend on a brilliant (smart) phone.

**droidacolyte** · 09-21-2011, 07:26 AM

I hesitate to recommended the Nexus S due to the burn-in issues that AMOLED screens have. Mine got burn-in within a month. The HTC Panache radio antennae is apparently garbage though and there is a chip defect with some units apparently. Engadget pointed out that speaker volume is also kinda low on the MyTouch 4G (same device as the Panache basically). If you absolutely must get a Mobi smart toy (I love that sable. lol), I guess go with the Nexus. Since the burn-in issue, while annoying, is livable. I only notice it against certain coloured backgrounds like grey (lots of grey with Android OS so it can be annoying), light green and baby blue.

Other than the burn-in proneness, the Nexus S is a great smart toy. As a phone, the antennae is kinda weak like most smartphones. My Motorola Spice gets more bars. Especially in the basement. No dropped calls yet with the Nexus S though. No iPhone-esque deathgrip. But admittedly I haven't used the Nexus S much as a phone. I mainly just text, use data, apps and play games. Voice quality is fine thus far from what I've seen. My dad talked over me on the phone once but I think that's his poor social skills. lol. It didn't seem like half-duplex.

Sent from my Nexus S using HowardForums

**daveEM** · 09-21-2011, 07:47 AM

There are a few hits on Google about the screen issue. First I heard about it and don't have that problem with mine (bought April 7 release day). I do, for the most part, keep the brightness on (A)uto. Turn it up in bright sunlight only if required.

It would appear that using your phone as a tablet device is causing most of your problems. It does not appear to be wide spread in any case.

**2K2SilverCivicS** · 09-21-2011, 07:56 AM

I assume your phone always gets damage while at work.. if so, i wouldnt waste money on expensive phones when you know its not going to last you a few years... just get a cheap under $100 or less phone.. Nokias are great choice, cheap and very reliable but nothing to fancy...

just my $0.02...

If you are looking at a good smartphone, I wouldnt suggest HTC phones... they arent that well made and known for some issues. Like the HTC Glacier (Panache) is known for the radio problem so it doesnt have the greatest reception...

Look into either LG or Samsung, which IMO are better quality.. or a Berry... buy the full year and you get the Curve for free...

**keyzink** · 09-21-2011, 08:27 AM

If you need a tough and durable smartphone, may I suggest you look at the Motorola Defy? It sells on ebay/kijiji for less than 300, and is water proof, shock proof, etc.

**Mr Mystery** · 09-21-2011, 11:31 AM

Can get a Nexus S for $325 brand new from dealers listed on Kijiji, good budget choice

**droidacolyte** · 09-21-2011, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by daveEM

There are a few hits on Google about the screen issue. First I heard about it and don't have that problem with mine (bought April 7 release day). I do, for the most part, keep the brightness on (A)uto. Turn it up in bright sunlight only if required.

It would appear that using your phone as a tablet device is causing most of your problems. It does not appear to be wide spread in any case.

I don't use it as if it were a tablet. I game on it or browse in it for like 30 mins in one sitting at the most on commutes. I've used my HTC Desire HD more intensively since it was my first Android and the novelty of playing around with it was there and no burn-in there. Because Super LCD isn't prone to it. Are we supposed to not use our smartphones as if they were smart devices? They are designed for multimedia use on the go.

Sent from my Nexus S using HowardForums

**Mr Mystery** · 09-21-2011, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by droidacolyte

I don't use it as if it were a tablet. I game on it or browse in it for like 30 mins in one sitting at the most on commutes. I've used my HTC Desire HD more intensively since it was my first Android and the novelty of playing around with it was there and no burn-in there. Because Super LCD isn't prone to it. Are we supposed to not use our smartphones as if they were smart devices? They are designed for multimedia use on the go.

Sent from my Nexus S using HowardForums

I agree you shouldn't have to hinder or limit your usage. I think with SAMOLED though it is not burn but rather memory effect, if you were to keep a pure white screen (I think white can't remember) for a long period I believe the memory effect fades. Or so I'm told and have read anyway.

**cmstlist** · 09-21-2011, 01:04 PM

If you go for the suggestion of the Motorola Defy, make sure it's the T-Mobile USA version. Not the Telus version or any other version.

**Yfael** · 09-21-2011, 09:00 PM

My work does cause a good amount of wear, for sure. However, as long as the phone is durable it will last me.

I'm always careful to have extra screen protectors and invest in a solid case.

I'm looking into purchasing the Nexus S, however I'm wondering if I should buy it new from Mobilicity, or try to hunt down a deal on ebay?

Also, do you know if the Nexus S is close to a price drop? New model coming out soon, etc.

Thanks for all the informative responses.

**Yfael** · 09-21-2011, 09:06 PM

Looking at buying from this guy :

http://vancouver.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and...AdIdZ316173436

He says 'works with all providers' but the phone is Factory Sealed and Locked? Can someone explain this?

I'm also wondering what the different OS options available and how easy it is to swap between them.

**migo** · 09-21-2011, 09:20 PM

With Android, given that the Samsung Galaxy S II X is coming out with a very large battery, I don't think you'd want to go with something that isn't as good. The LG Optimus T would be an exception to that and is within your price range. Otherwise the Windows Phone Dell Venue Pro is quite good at $300, although ordering it from the states isn't that easy (for that matter, neither is the Optimus T).

Wind's LG Optimus 2x is also worth consideration, although its price is a bit on the high end, and while its battery life is OK for an Android, that still doesn't mean it's good. Nexus S also isn't a bad phone, but particularly since you've got a 5230 that's working at the moment, there's really no reason not to wait a couple months, both for new Windows Phone handsets to get released and for a few more Androids to be released with good battery life.