Can I get some help picking an Android device?

[EpicIncognitO]

Looking to switch to Android for the first time.

I am Windows Phone user from 2012 and have used many of its devices which featured the WP8 and then improved to 8.1. I think its time for me to make a switch of OS. I really liked the lollipop reviews but I have no idea how it works in comparison to 4.4.

I am looking forward to get an android device. (No samsung please) And would prefer a device which gets the L. I am quite concerned about the battery as my lumia is beast when it comes to 2 days of use. I am wondering if the latest update has fixed that as earlier I have seen dozens of samsung phones draining in a couple of hours.

Would like you all to pick a device for me under $200-$350 for me, keeping in mind that photos and battery are also important.

 

[Rukbat]

Re: Looking to switch to Android for the first time.

I really liked the lollipop reviews

The reviews are great - Lolliflop is as buggy as a flea circus at this time.

but I have no idea how it works in comparison to 4.4.

4.4 works. Lolliflop? That depends on the phone and whether it comes with the phone or you have to update to it. (4.4.2 still has the SSL bug. 4.4.4 fixed that, if you're doing anything on the phone that might be affected by it. One of my phones is updated, the other one doesn't need to be.)

I am looking forward to get an android device. (No samsung please)

They make a good phone - unless you're on AT&T or Verizon. Then they weld the bootloader shut to keep you out of the phone. The HTC M8 is a great phone (and so is the company policy on rooting [the equivalent of Windows' "Run as administrator"] and flashing different ROMs) - but no replaceable battery and no SD card.

I am quite concerned about the battery

Then get an iPhone. Android phones aren't known for their long time between charges.

as my lumia is beast when it comes to 2 days of use.

Most people with Android phones are okay with not needing a charge until they get home at night - that's charging every day. Two days? With light use, maybe.

I am wondering if the latest update has fixed that as earlier I have seen dozens of samsung phones draining in a couple of hours.

If there's a problem with them, they get a glitched Lolliflop update or the user didn't clear the system cache after the update (which the update really should do in one shot, not peacemeal, which is what's killing the battery). My phone (a Samsung Note 3) will get 4 days of standby to 40% battery [which is the lowest you should let a lithium battery drop], but only a day of constant use.

Would like you all to pick a device for me under $200-$350 for me, keeping in mind that photos and battery are also important.

Nope. If you want Lumia quality photos, stick with a Lumia - or buy a good camera. the camera app that comes with most Android phones is snapshot quality, so you'll have to install a decent app - I use Open Camera - but it's still not 42MP. If I need good pictures, with good control over everything, I use a camera. (It's terrible at making phone calls, though - like a phone is comparatively terrible at taking pictures.)

And a phone is a personal choice. Do you need a large screen? A phone you can stick into a pants pocket? One that's rain-resistant? (Don't believe the "waterproof" claims of any electronic device, unless you've put it into a waterproof housing, like the Nikon waterproof housings.) There are too many choices for someone else to choose a phone for you. Go to your carrier's store, play with the phones they have and then decide, based on whatever criteria are important to you. What's the perfect phone for you may be something I'd never own.

 

[GreenghostUvln]

Re: Looking to switch to Android for the first time.

It's plenty of Android phones with good battery life imo.

Sent from my T-Mobile Nexus 4 LTE using Tapatalk

 

[EpicIncognitO]

Re: Looking to switch to Android for the first time.

I now own a Moto G 2nd Gen and I am pretty happy with stock android. I just wish the battery was a bit more but then it seems okay after installing DU battery saver. I also noticed the battery drains alot faster on 3G than on WIFI.

The reviews are great - Lolliflop is as buggy as a flea circus at this time.

4.4 works. Lolliflop? That depends on the phone and whether it comes with the phone or you have to update to it. (4.4.2 still has the SSL bug. 4.4.4 fixed that, if you're doing anything on the phone that might be affected by it. One of my phones is updated, the other one doesn't need to be.)

They make a good phone - unless you're on AT&T or Verizon. Then they weld the bootloader shut to keep you out of the phone. The HTC M8 is a great phone (and so is the company policy on rooting [the equivalent of Windows' "Run as administrator"] and flashing different ROMs) - but no replaceable battery and no SD card.

Then get an iPhone. Android phones aren't known for their long time between charges.

Most people with Android phones are okay with not needing a charge until they get home at night - that's charging every day. Two days? With light use, maybe.

If there's a problem with them, they get a glitched Lolliflop update or the user didn't clear the system cache after the update (which the update really should do in one shot, not peacemeal, which is what's killing the battery). My phone (a Samsung Note 3) will get 4 days of standby to 40% battery [which is the lowest you should let a lithium battery drop], but only a day of constant use.

Nope. If you want Lumia quality photos, stick with a Lumia - or buy a good camera. the camera app that comes with most Android phones is snapshot quality, so you'll have to install a decent app - I use - but it's still not 42MP. If I need good pictures, with good control over everything, I use a camera. (It's terrible at making phone calls, though - like a phone is comparatively terrible at taking pictures.)

And a phone is a personal choice. Do you need a large screen? A phone you can stick into a pants pocket? One that's rain-resistant? (Don't believe the "waterproof" claims of any electronic device, unless you've put it into a waterproof housing, like the Nikon waterproof housings.) There are too many choices for someone else to choose a phone for you. Go to your carrier's store, play with the phones they have and then decide, based on whatever criteria are important to you. What's the perfect phone for you may be something I'd never own.

 

[Matt34Bears]

Re: Looking to switch to Android for the first time.

Hey OP, have you decided on a phone yet? If not, I'm in the same boat as you (looking at buy a new phone soon). Two of the phones I'm considering heavily are the HTC One M9 (available April 10th) and the Moto X 2014 edition. Although the Moto X is approaching 6 months old, it's a quality phone that is customizable with moto maker and runs nearly stock android.