Are there privacy risks using an older phone?

[jasonvancouver]

Hello, I listened to a program that advised against trading in an old phone for a rebate on a new phone. The program claimed that not all of the data on phones is properly wiped/removed. I use a password keeper program ( Secrets for Android) and I don't want anyone having access to my passwords or other data that may be on the phone.

Is it true that there are privacy risks when turning in an old phone, or is it just hype ?

ps... I am with Verizon and have an old phone...the Droid Razr Max.. I am leaning toward the Samsung Galaxy 5.... I haven't kept up with things for a while... is the Galaxy 5 still "new" technology ?

thanks for any help.

 

[meyerweb#CB]

Re: Is it true that there are privacy risks when turning in an old phone, or is it just hype ?

Is your password app password protected and encrypted? If so, that's probably the last thing to worry about. I think that as long as you remove your SD card (if you use one), and do a factory reset, you don't really need to worry.

 

[jasonvancouver]

Re: Is it true that there are privacy risks when turning in an old phone, or is it just hype ?

Is your password app password protected and encrypted? If so, that's probably the last thing to worry about. I think that as long as you remove your SD card (if you use one), and do a factory reset, you don't really need to worry.

Thanks, meyerweb. Yes, the password app is protected.... it requires it's own master password, etc. I have always thought it was safe and have traded in phones in the past without issues.

Is it true that I can wipe the phone myself ie) and not rely on Verizon to do it properly...and still be able to retrieve my contacts via my gmail account ?

Are the Galaxy phones ie) S5, S4, S3 all fairly similar in regards to software... is the main difference just size ?
( sorry, I haven't been in a phone store for a while).

I currently have the Droid Razr Maxx, running Android Version 4.1.2.
I also have a tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1.....which I like.

 

[meyerweb#CB]

Re: Is it true that there are privacy risks when turning in an old phone, or is it just hype ?

As long as your contacts are synced with Google (which depends on how you set things up), yes, they'll sync with your new phone as long as you set it up with the same gmail account. Even if you factory reset the old one first. I've reset my existing Galaxy several times and my contacts, apps, email, etc. always get restored.

Each new version of the Galaxy S series adds some new software features and new gadgets, and a faster processor. Screen resolution also varies. I think the S3 and s4 both have 720P screens, while the S5 has a full HD (1020P) screen. Each newer phone also has a bigger battery.

The S3 still works perfectly well, but I wouldn't buy a new one today because it's at end of life. It won't get any more updates. The S5 will certainly get the next version of Android ('L'). The S4 may, or may not. Others may have a better idea of that.

MY take, which may be worth exactly what you've paid for it, is that the S4 didn't really offer a lot more than the S3. I think the jump to the S5 is bigger, and more worth it.

These links may be useful to you:

http://www.droid-life.com/2014/02/25/specs-galaxy-s5-vs-galaxy-s4-vs-galaxy-s3-and-galaxy-notes/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnNrgY5KS80

Heck, just type Compare s3 s4 s5 into google search and you'll find a ton of sites: https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=compare s3 s4 s5

 

[jasonvancouver]

Re: Is it true that there are privacy risks when turning in an old phone, or is it just hype ?

meyerweb :

....great information....many thanks !

Jason.

 

[shanghaichica]

Re: Is it true that there are privacy risks when turning in an old phone, or is it just hype ?

As long as your contacts are synced with Google (which depends on how you set things up), yes, they'll sync with your new phone as long as you set it up with the same gmail account. Even if you factory reset the old one first. I've reset my existing Galaxy several times and my contacts, apps, email, etc. always get restored.

Each new version of the Galaxy S series adds some new software features and new gadgets, and a faster processor. Screen resolution also varies. I think the S3 and s4 both have 720P screens, while the S5 has a full HD (1020P) screen. Each newer phone also has a bigger battery.

The S3 still works perfectly well, but I wouldn't buy a new one today because it's at end of life. It won't get any more updates. The S5 will certainly get the next version of Android ('L'). The S4 may, or may not. Others may have a better idea of that.

MY take, which may be worth exactly what you've paid for it, is that the S4 didn't really offer a lot more than the S3. I think the jump to the S5 is bigger, and more worth it.

These links may be useful to you:

http://www.droid-life.com/2014/02/25/specs-galaxy-s5-vs-galaxy-s4-vs-galaxy-s3-and-galaxy-notes/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnNrgY5KS80

Heck, just type Compare s3 s4 s5 into google search and you'll find a ton of sites: https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=compare s3 s4 s5

The S4 also has a 1080p screen.

Posted from my S5