Best GSM Android phone (now or upcoming) - for Simple Mobile

[x_magus_x]

I haven't looked at Android phones much outside of prepaid, and after having found out about Simple Mobile, I almost screamed out of happiness. So now I'm looking for a good GSM phone to replace my current Optimus V...and wow, so much to choose from - qHD (although changing the screen density could do pretty much the same to a 800x480 phone, right?), Super AMOLED, 3D, dual-core, etc...what phone should I get? My only real requirement is 4G and that it can be rooted/modded/etc.

If anything, can anybody make a list of top-tier phones for me to choose from?

 

[Moscow Desire]

I haven't looked at Android phones much outside of prepaid, and after having found out about Simple Mobile, I almost screamed out of happiness. So now I'm looking for a good GSM phone to replace my current Optimus V...and wow, so much to choose from - qHD (although changing the screen density could do pretty much the same to a 800x480 phone, right?), Super AMOLED, 3D, dual-core, etc...what phone should I get? My only real requirement is 4G and that it can be rooted/modded/etc.

If anything, can anybody make a list of top-tier phones for me to choose from?

This opened a can of worms, and I'm sure you'll get much advice.

First of all, you need to look at your budget. What you can afford. Rule of thumb, pay a little more than you can afford. Buy cheap, you get cheap.

2. You want 4g. That narrows the playing field a little, but don't be fooled by network coverage maps on the providers sites. Unless you'rs smack dab in the middle of their coverage, you'll be switching between 3 and 4g all the time.

3. Processor, bigger is better, but 1ghz is plenty.


4. Screen displays, lately, they're all pretty much equal with most phones in the past couple years. Don't be fooled by the marketing hype, AMOLED, Gorilla glass, etc. Especially GG, if you drop your ph from 2 meters on the pavement, it will undoubtedly crack. And if you carry it unprotected in your pocket, along with your car keys, it will get scratched eventually.

5. Root and ROM. Check the forums and see if your new prospect currently has a root or ROM available. Keep in mind, it usually doesn't take long for the Dev's to find an exploit on new phones.

6. Internal ph memory. More than 512mb is plenty. Give or take a few mb.

7. GSM. If you travel a lot, especially intl, you can switch to a local sim card.

And finally, if they have a local store nearby, do a hands on.

Given the above, I would choose an HTC phone.

 

[x_magus_x]

This opened a can of worms, and I'm sure you'll get much advice.

First of all, you need to look at your budget. What you can afford. Rule of thumb, pay a little more than you can afford. Buy cheap, you get cheap.

2. You want 4g. That narrows the playing field a little, but don't be fooled by network coverage maps on the providers sites. Unless you'rs smack dab in the middle of their coverage, you'll be switching between 3 and 4g all the time.

3. Processor, bigger is better, but 1ghz is plenty.


4. Screen displays, lately, they're all pretty much equal with most phones in the past couple years. Don't be fooled by the marketing hype, AMOLED, Gorilla glass, etc. Especially GG, if you drop your ph from 2 meters on the pavement, it will undoubtedly crack. And if you carry it unprotected in your pocket, along with your car keys, it will get scratched eventually.

5. Root and ROM. Check the forums and see if your new prospect currently has a root or ROM available. Keep in mind, it usually doesn't take long for the Dev's to find an exploit on new phones.

6. Internal ph memory. More than 512mb is plenty. Give or take a few mb.

7. GSM. If you travel a lot, especially intl, you can switch to a local sim card.

And finally, if they have a local store nearby, do a hands on.

Given the above, I would choose an HTC phone.

I live in right in a 4G area, so that's not a problem. Hmm...so if I want a 4G GSM Android phone with a physical keyboard, is the HTC G2 my best choice? Only problem is that it's discontinued...what about if I drop the 4G, anything better than the G2 that still has a keyboard and is GSM?