Hello, everyone!
I've once again crossed the threshold between CrackBerry and Android Central! Hello! I feel like a very happy foreigner.
Just to give you all some background, I am a very passionate smartphone enthusiast. I love looking at new phones, and thinking about future phone choices. That being said, I purchased a BlackBerry Q10 (amazing phone) in May 2013 and will not switch for at least six more months; but, as many of you must understand, that itch to upgrade early and experience a new device is never far behind, no matter how much you love your current device!
The only daunting thing is that I have no idea what I would upgrade to if I switched platforms from BlackBerry to something else. I've only ever had two BlackBerry devices (9780 and Q10) as far as smartphones go. I'm pretty sure I will not buy an iPhone (but nothing against them - if you like them, that's cool! ), but I'd be stuck between choosing an Android or Windows phone. As much as I've always wanted a Nokia Lumia 900/020/923, they are now pretty much dying out now that the 1020 has arrived; and I do not like the enormous camera and do not see myself needing such a device. So I guess I am now looking into Android options for the time being.
If anyone can please help a very scared BlackBerry user who is thinking about her next upgrading choice if she were to go Android, that would be great! I have some quick questions:
- I heard Samsung had security issues; but that that was only for the S2, and those issues are resolved. Also, all you need is an anti-virus (which is free) and you're good to go. Is this true?
- I've also heard that battery life on Android devices can be iffy (but coming from my former BlackBerry whose battery would die at 60% because of old age, this doesn't really concern me as much as it would others). How true is this?
Okay. Now I need help with features (and yes, I will be researching these myself, but it would help if actual Android users could weigh in on these, too!):
- I love a phone that has an LED light. I know the Sony Xperia Z1/L has these features at the bottom of the phone. Does any other Android device have this feature; or is there an app that I can download to make this a feature I won't be missing if I cross over from BlackBerry?
- Is there any device/app that will enable me to select different ringtones for different contacts? BlackBerry did this very well and my Q10 has an excellent app for it, so if this feature wasn't out there, I'd be disappointed.
- What is word prediction like on Android devices - specifically, the Sony Xperia Z1/L and the HTC One? I'm not sure if I'd go the Samsung route, but I'd be interested in knowing how they do that, too.
- How durable are these phones? I'd just grab a hard case for mine regardless, but still, if you drop it from a few feet, does it usually stay damage-free? My friend dropped his HTC and despite there being a case on it, the screen cracked.
- Six-12 months from now, of course there will be new phones out; but since I am on a budget, I will be looking at the phones that are available right now.
Lastly, has anyone here crossed over from BB OS7/BB 10 to an Android device? Please tell me what your experience has been like. I am a very happy BB user, so if I can find an Android device that can give me an easy-ish transition (I know it will be difficult, but you know what I mean), that would be great. I just love phones in general, but being so used to one platform, I really have no clue where to start looking. I'm sorry this thread is so long! If anyone can give me any advice or suggestions on which phone to look at, I'd very much appreciate it!
I've once again crossed the threshold between CrackBerry and Android Central! Hello! I feel like a very happy foreigner.
Just to give you all some background, I am a very passionate smartphone enthusiast. I love looking at new phones, and thinking about future phone choices. That being said, I purchased a BlackBerry Q10 (amazing phone) in May 2013 and will not switch for at least six more months; but, as many of you must understand, that itch to upgrade early and experience a new device is never far behind, no matter how much you love your current device!
The only daunting thing is that I have no idea what I would upgrade to if I switched platforms from BlackBerry to something else. I've only ever had two BlackBerry devices (9780 and Q10) as far as smartphones go. I'm pretty sure I will not buy an iPhone (but nothing against them - if you like them, that's cool! ), but I'd be stuck between choosing an Android or Windows phone. As much as I've always wanted a Nokia Lumia 900/020/923, they are now pretty much dying out now that the 1020 has arrived; and I do not like the enormous camera and do not see myself needing such a device. So I guess I am now looking into Android options for the time being.
If anyone can please help a very scared BlackBerry user who is thinking about her next upgrading choice if she were to go Android, that would be great! I have some quick questions:
- I heard Samsung had security issues; but that that was only for the S2, and those issues are resolved. Also, all you need is an anti-virus (which is free) and you're good to go. Is this true?
- I've also heard that battery life on Android devices can be iffy (but coming from my former BlackBerry whose battery would die at 60% because of old age, this doesn't really concern me as much as it would others). How true is this?
Okay. Now I need help with features (and yes, I will be researching these myself, but it would help if actual Android users could weigh in on these, too!):
- I love a phone that has an LED light. I know the Sony Xperia Z1/L has these features at the bottom of the phone. Does any other Android device have this feature; or is there an app that I can download to make this a feature I won't be missing if I cross over from BlackBerry?
- Is there any device/app that will enable me to select different ringtones for different contacts? BlackBerry did this very well and my Q10 has an excellent app for it, so if this feature wasn't out there, I'd be disappointed.
- What is word prediction like on Android devices - specifically, the Sony Xperia Z1/L and the HTC One? I'm not sure if I'd go the Samsung route, but I'd be interested in knowing how they do that, too.
- How durable are these phones? I'd just grab a hard case for mine regardless, but still, if you drop it from a few feet, does it usually stay damage-free? My friend dropped his HTC and despite there being a case on it, the screen cracked.
- Six-12 months from now, of course there will be new phones out; but since I am on a budget, I will be looking at the phones that are available right now.
Lastly, has anyone here crossed over from BB OS7/BB 10 to an Android device? Please tell me what your experience has been like. I am a very happy BB user, so if I can find an Android device that can give me an easy-ish transition (I know it will be difficult, but you know what I mean), that would be great. I just love phones in general, but being so used to one platform, I really have no clue where to start looking. I'm sorry this thread is so long! If anyone can give me any advice or suggestions on which phone to look at, I'd very much appreciate it!