Help me pick a phone to replace my Note 7

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

You may have known this, but after reports on "safe" Note 7 units catching fire started to make the rounds, along with 3 of the major carriers in the US suspending sales and offering returns, I've decided to throw in the towel and return my Note 7 for something else.

I have settled my eyes on the ZTE Axon 7 as of right now, but I've also thought of the HTC 10 and some other phones. Though the Axon may not end up in my hand if it doesn't live up to my expectations.

I'm opening the question to ya'll. What do you recommend as a replacement for the Note 7? It has to meet the following criteria;

- Android-powered
- Screen size that's 5.2-inches or more (ideally 5.5-inches)
- Expandable storage
- A decent update track record
- Battery over 3000mAh in capacity
- Ideally a 2016 flagship or flagship hardware budget buster
- Not a Samsung or LG device
- Fingerprint sensor
- Not more than $850

 

[SpookDroid]

If you really loved the Note, I'd stick to the S7 Edge. Sure, it's got half the storage and no S-Pen, but it's the best you'll get IMHO and closest experience to the Note. I've been trying to do the same (look for another phone) and with others something is always missing (waterproofing or bigger storage or expandable one or OLED display or a great camera...). My recommendation is with the S7 Edge. Or a Pixel, if you're going sans-carrier.

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

If you really loved the Note, I'd stick to the S7 Edge. Sure, it's got half the storage and no S-Pen, but it's the best you'll get IMHO and closest experience to the Note. I've been trying to do the same (look for another phone) and with others something is always missing (waterproofing or bigger storage or expandable one or OLED display or a great camera...). My recommendation is with the S7 Edge. Or a Pixel, if you're going sans-carrier.

Not too keen on going Sammy after the Note fiasco.

But if there's really no other choice, I'll fall back to it.

 

[Golfdriver97]

What about an Honor 8? https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...ore.hihonor.com%2Fus%2Fhonor-8&token=VsB3XbL9

The blue looks really nice.

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

What about an Honor 8? https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...ore.hihonor.com%2Fus%2Fhonor-8&token=4fInTrHO

The blue looks really nice.

I'm considering one, but EMUI isn't exactly my favorite Android flavor.

 

[Golfdriver97]

I'm considering one, but EMUI isn't exactly my favorite Android flavor.

After posting, I realized the blue must be out of stock....it's not listed as an option.

Considered the Pixel?

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

After posting, I realized the blue must be out of stock....it's not listed as an option.

Considered the Pixel?

Thought about it, but decided that the 128GB XL may be heading into a territory where I feel it's a bit too pricey going on (I got a discount on the Note)

I could go for 32GB, but without expandable storage, that's a bit too small for me.

 

[marysfx]

If you have some time, take a look at Xiaomi Mi Note 2. It should be a fantastic device. I've seen some specs like Qualcomm Snapdragon 835; 6GB of RAM; 128GB of inbuilt storage, and a 21-megapixel dual rear camera.

 

[SpookDroid]

AC Blog to the rescue! (although it's giving pretty much the same suggestions hehe)
Best phone to buy if you're returning a Galaxy Note 7 | Android Central

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

Welp, I may have decided.

Played with a few phones today. An HTC 10, ZTE Axon 7, Sony XPERIA XZ, Huawei Honor 8 and an LG G5, and I think this could be it unless something else comes up that grabs my attention.

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

Small update.

Played with the XZ and HTC 10.

Was tempted by the 64GB of internal storage of the XPERIA, but I think I might still go with the 10.