Is your smartphone more than what you need?

[WeAreAllUnique]

Sub 5 inch means less than 5 inches.

I understand what that means. But it is very close to what you were asking for. Just trying to help you.

 

[French]

Very interesting topic. I have not sat down and written a "need" list, because for ME...what I have learned about myself is I will grow into whatever I end up with. And be glad for it. In other words, I didn't think I NEEDED a lot of things, but now I don't know how I'd function without them.

I'm using the Note 7 right now (and yes I am taking the risk it won't blow up so I can exchange it hopefully in a week)...the one thing it has that I'm still not totally sold on is the S Pen. I like it...it has come in handy...but the kludgy lack of S Note (action notes) implementation is awful. You have to know when you start writing a note if you think you want to link it to an action. If you create it in Samsung Notes you can forgot doing any kind of action with it. Samsung Notes hasn't impressed me. The only thing I've really used it for is writing a quick shopping list on the Always On Display, which I can't even go back and edit there...I have to save it as a note and then I can edit...or just creating handwritten notes on the fly. But again, I find it kludgy and have been frustrated and embarrassed a few times trying to "quickly" jot down a note and failing. However, I do think with time I'll "grow into" how it works and hopefully it will evolve a little, and I have a funny feeling someday I'll wonder how I lived without it.

So there's my spin on it...

ETA: I realized after reading my post again I made it a Note 7 post which wasn't my intent. I'm just trying to say that for myself, I just seem to grow into what I have even though it may be more than what I think I need at the moment, and I really enjoy that part of the experience. It's like a thrill for me or something "Oh, it can do THAT...cool how can I incorporate that into MY work/life flow". Then a month later it becomes a need.

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

Very interesting topic. I have not sat down and written a "need" list, because for ME...what I have learned about myself is I will grow into whatever I end up with. And be glad for it. In other words, I didn't think I NEEDED a lot of things, but now I don't know how I'd function without them.

I'm using the Note 7 right now (and yes I am taking the risk it won't blow up so I can exchange it hopefully in a week)...the one thing it has that I'm still not totally sold on is the S Pen. I like it...it has come in handy...but the kludgy lack of S Note (action notes) implementation is awful. You have to know when you start writing a note if you think you want to link it to an action. If you create it in Samsung Notes you can forgot doing any kind of action with it. Samsung Notes hasn't impressed me. The only thing I've really used it for is writing a quick shopping list on the Always On Display, which I can't even go back and edit there...I have to save it as a note and then I can edit...or just creating handwritten notes on the fly. But again, I find it kludgy and have been frustrated and embarrassed a few times trying to "quickly" jot down a note and failing. However, I do think with time I'll "grow into" how it works and hopefully it will evolve a little, and I have a funny feeling someday I'll wonder how I lived without it.

So there's my spin on it...

ETA: I realized after reading my post again I made it a Note 7 post which wasn't my intent. I'm just trying to say that for myself, I just seem to grow into what I have even though it may be more than what I think I need at the moment, and I really enjoy that part of the experience. It's like a thrill for me or something "Oh, it can do THAT...cool how can I incorporate that into MY work/life flow". Then a month later it becomes a need.

Sometimes we can assume the attitude that we need the best and the most. That's what the Note 7 is for me. And it is interesting that I take that position with my smartphone choice because I don't in any other aspect of my life. I don't have the best car or the newest model of my car even. And I never think about getting a new or better one. I don't have the latest and greatest golf clubs. I've been playing with the same set for years and don't want to change even though there have been major improvements in the technology of golf equipment. Even with my laptop I don't concern myself with the most powerful computer. But with my smartphone, I just have always had the attitude that I need the newest and the best. Which usually translates to the most expensive.

In regards to s-pen, it's an acquired taste. I love using it. But it's not as efficient, accurate, or fast as thumb or gesture typing. It can be cumbersome a lot of the time. And Samsung Notes has potential that it hasn't reached. I used it. And didn't have too many problems with it. But it's not as good as Google Keep.

 

[French]

Sometimes we can assume the attitude that we need the best and the most. That's what the Note 7 is for me. And it is interesting that I take that position with my smartphone choice because I don't in any other aspect of my life. I don't have the best car or the newest model of my car even. And I never think about getting a new or better one. I don't have the latest and greatest golf clubs. I've been playing with the same set for years and don't want to change even though there have been major improvements in the technology of golf equipment. Even with my laptop I don't concern myself with the most powerful computer. But with my smartphone, I just have always had the attitude that I need the newest and the best. Which usually translates to the most expensive.

In regards to s-pen, it's an acquired taste. I love using it. But it's not as efficient, accurate, or fast as thumb or gesture typing. It can be cumbersome a lot of the time. And Samsung Notes has potential that it hasn't reached. I used it. And didn't have too many problems with it. But it's not as good as Google Keep.

Ha I'm rocking a 2010 Macbook Air as my primary (and only) computer...which I think may be why I tend to always "go big" and all in with the Smartphone. And I've noticed that since I've moved back to Android I no longer have the itch/desire to upgrade my iPad Air 2 to the Pro. I use it as a consumption device...mostly games and it's still very good at those (the kind I like to play anyway...hidden objects games in case you were curious).

For the phone, I think it's because I know I'll always have it with me, and as such it can replace my computer in a pinch (and most of the time, truth be told, since these days I spend more time doing web based things than "computer processing" things). So being back on Android I feel like having the latest in that arena enables me to make do with all the other "stuff".

I like Google Keep as well...and S Notes does have the ability to add a task as an action, but I REALLY wish it gave the option of adding a reminder instead. AND I wish a reminder could always be opened in Google Keep even if it wasn't created there.

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

Ha I'm rocking a 2010 Macbook Air as my primary (and only) computer...which I think may be why I tend to always "go big" and all in with the Smartphone. And I've noticed that since I've moved back to Android I no longer have the itch/desire to upgrade my iPad Air 2 to the Pro. I use it as a consumption device...mostly games and it's still very good at those (the kind I like to play anyway...hidden objects games in case you were curious).

For the phone, I think it's because I know I'll always have it with me, and as such it can replace my computer in a pinch (and most of the time, truth be told, since these days I spend more time doing web based things than "computer processing" things). So being back on Android I feel like having the latest in that arena enables me to make do with all the other "stuff".

I like Google Keep as well...and S Notes does have the ability to add a task as an action, but I REALLY wish it gave the option of adding a reminder instead. AND I wish a reminder could always be opened in Google Keep even if it wasn't created there.

If you are making a long term investment with your smartphone then u can completely understand. You want cutting edge specs to last a few years. But, do you still use your flagship smartphone any differently than you would use a budget smartphone? Would it make much of a difference? If you aren't using all of the bells and whistles then why pay a premium for them?

 

[Almeuit]

I love my smartphone. I live off it basically. I do all my bills, mortgage, and pretty much everything else in life with it. Friends use it to contact me. I use it as a media device when need be and a camera.

<3 my smartphone ^_^.

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

I love my smartphone. I live off it basically. I do all my bills, mortgage, and pretty much everything else in life with it. Friends use it to contact me. I use it as a media device when need be and a camera.

<3 my smartphone ^_^.

As do I.

 

[French]

I love my smartphone. I live off it basically. I do all my bills, mortgage, and pretty much everything else in life with it. Friends use it to contact me. I use it as a media device when need be and a camera.

<3 my smartphone ^_^.

As do I.

Me three. That's what I guess I'm saying...didn't start out "needing" so much. Now I've come to rely on it and with each iteration of "higher end" I seem to find myself going down further into the rabbit hole.

 

[anon(50597)]

​

Me three. That's what I guess I'm saying...didn't start out "needing" so much. Now I've come to rely on it and with each iteration of "higher end" I seem to find myself going down further into the rabbit hole.

Ahh....the manufacturers love your type!

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

Ahh....the manufacturers love your type!

Lol. That's exactly right. They convince you that you need a feature until you become dependent on it.

 

[anon(50597)]

Lol. That's exactly right. They convince you that you need a feature until you become dependent on it.

It works that way with everything. Look at cars. The "extras" are where they rip you. Doesn't get you to your destination any better though. We all are susceptible to a certain point though or they wouldn't be so rich.

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

It works that way with everything. Look at cars. The "extras" are where they rip you. Doesn't get you to your destination any better though. We all are susceptible to a certain point though or they wouldn't be so rich.

Very true.

 

[libra89]

Wow, this is a really interesting discussion. All of the responses so far have been interesting.

I have thought about this often enough over the past few months because I have tried so many phones this year. To some people here, the number of phones I have tried might be half (or slightly more) of what they have tried. To a good amount, I'm crazy! Let's just say that the number of phones I have tried is closer to 10 than it is to 5...

Having that experience in general and in between OSes (yes iOS, Android, and Windows Phone/Mobile) has really made me realize what I value the most in a smartphone. I value the battery life and simplicity of iOS devices, the balance between customization and simplicity on Windows Mobile, and the customization options + apps on Android.

I have been seeking those elements in one device since the start of my journey to now. I don't want to make this post too long, so to narrow down what I realized is important to me in a phone is the following:
-color options (just black or white is boring to me)
-very good cameras (doesn't have to be the best, above average at least will do)
-apps that I use (if anyone has used Windows Mobile/Phone here, you know what I mean by this)
-customization
-simplicity
-great battery life (a day and some is preferred needed)
-smaller (5.2" is the max), one hand usage is ideal
and
$400 max since I buy phones outright.

Pretty much all of the phones I have tried have had a "hole" in one of those areas, and it was enough for me to give up on said phones. Basically, I learned this quick. Thankfully, I found a phone that meets all of that, and I'm enjoying it a lot.

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

Thankfully, I found a phone that meets all of that, and I'm enjoying it a lot.

What smartphone do you have?

 

[libra89]

What smartphone do you have?

Honor 8.

 

[Joshua Luther2]

I've been looking at the Honor 8 as well even if I'm not able to switch phones right now. I owe Verizon another 12 months of payments, then I'm seriously considering a mid range unlocked phone like the Honor 8 or something comparable at the time.

I have posted this in another thread, but I feel like the difference between the flagships and the mid range phones are becoming more blurred. I see some of my friends using or buying phones that are 2 years old or more to save money, but I couldn't do it. Mainly because of the camera.

I used the iPhone 6 plus for 6 months before I got bored with ios. I sold it and bought an LG G4. I've been happy with it, but I miss the performance and battery life from the iPhone. I will likely never go back, because of the os and lack of customization. The hardware is awesome though.

I feel like the flagships keep trying to add more "features" to simplify our lives and make our lives better, but really all it's doing is making us more dependent on and addicted to them as well as complicating our lives more.

I appreciate tech as well as a great camera, but they are just tools to help us get stuff done. Your phone may have the best camera, but will having the best camera all of a sudden make you a professional photographer?

The reason I say this, is that this seems to be the biggest feature that companies are focusing on. Great cameras and optics. I agree that some things in a camera are important while others are just trivial. Low light is important, but does everyone need to be able to create professional looking photos and videos?

I absolutely love this topic and thread and am glad I found it. We really all need to take a look at what we need and what we want. It's not always a bad thing to just get what you need. I'd love to get a new car but my 14 year old Ford Explorer gets me to where I need to be. A new car would just weigh me down too much and add more stress financially. The same could be said of smartphones. Is my new phone adding more stress to my life because I need to daily justify my purchase by spending every waking minute learning how to use this thing and keep it protected.

I know that when I had a Mustang before I had kids, I spent way more time thinking about ways to upgrade it and to protect the finish on it. Then one of our friend's kids ran her bike into the front of it and left a deep scratch in the hood. It was then that I began to evaluate what was important in that moment. My relationship with her or my car.

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

I've been looking at the Honor 8 as well even if I'm not able to switch phones right now. I owe Verizon another 12 months of payments, then I'm seriously considering a mid range unlocked phone like the Honor 8 or something comparable at the time.

I have posted this in another thread, but I feel like the difference between the flagships and the mid range phones are becoming more blurred. I see some of my friends using or buying phones that are 2 years old or more to save money, but I couldn't do it. Mainly because of the camera.

I used the iPhone 6 plus for 6 months before I got bored with ios. I sold it and bought an LG G4. I've been happy with it, but I miss the performance and battery life from the iPhone. I will likely never go back, because of the os and lack of customization. The hardware is awesome though.

I feel like the flagships keep trying to add more "features" to simplify our lives and make our lives better, but really all it's doing is making us more dependent on and addicted to them as well as complicating our lives more.

I appreciate tech as well as a great camera, but they are just tools to help us get stuff done. Your phone may have the best camera, but will having the best camera all of a sudden make you a professional photographer?

The reason I say this, is that this seems to be the biggest feature that companies are focusing on. Great cameras and optics. I agree that some things in a camera are important while others are just trivial. Low light is important, but does everyone need to be able to create professional looking photos and videos?

I absolutely love this topic and thread and am glad I found it. We really all need to take a look at what we need and what we want. It's not always a bad thing to just get what you need. I'd love to get a new car but my 14 year old Ford Explorer gets me to where I need to be. A new car would just weigh me down too much and add more stress financially. The same could be said of smartphones. Is my new phone adding more stress to my life because I need to daily justify my purchase by spending every waking minute learning how to use this thing and keep it protected.

I know that when I had a Mustang before I had kids, I spent way more time thinking about ways to upgrade it and to protect the finish on it. Then one of our friend's kids ran her bike into the front of it and left a deep scratch in the hood. It was then that I began to evaluate what was important in that moment. My relationship with her or my car.

You bring up a good point. With some of these flagships we tend to stress about them more. I used to spend so much money just to protect my very expensive new device. Case, screen protector, insurance. I didn't want to get a scratch on it because it cost almost a grand. With a cheaper smartphone sub $400 I don't have the same mindset. Just a case. No screen protector and no insurance. I'm less afraid to drop it. And I get out of it almost three same I would a flagship device.

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

Honor 8.

That seems like a good budget smartphone.

 

[libra89]

I've been looking at the Honor 8 as well even if I'm not able to switch phones right now. I owe Verizon another 12 months of payments, then I'm seriously considering a mid range unlocked phone like the Honor 8 or something comparable at the time.

I have posted this in another thread, but I feel like the difference between the flagships and the mid range phones are becoming more blurred. I see some of my friends using or buying phones that are 2 years old or more to save money, but I couldn't do it. Mainly because of the camera.

I used the iPhone 6 plus for 6 months before I got bored with ios. I sold it and bought an LG G4. I've been happy with it, but I miss the performance and battery life from the iPhone. I will likely never go back, because of the os and lack of customization. The hardware is awesome though.

I feel like the flagships keep trying to add more "features" to simplify our lives and make our lives better, but really all it's doing is making us more dependent on and addicted to them as well as complicating our lives more.

I appreciate tech as well as a great camera, but they are just tools to help us get stuff done. Your phone may have the best camera, but will having the best camera all of a sudden make you a professional photographer?

The reason I say this, is that this seems to be the biggest feature that companies are focusing on. Great cameras and optics. I agree that some things in a camera are important while others are just trivial. Low light is important, but does everyone need to be able to create professional looking photos and videos?

I absolutely love this topic and thread and am glad I found it. We really all need to take a look at what we need and what we want. It's not always a bad thing to just get what you need. I'd love to get a new car but my 14 year old Ford Explorer gets me to where I need to be. A new car would just weigh me down too much and add more stress financially. The same could be said of smartphones. Is my new phone adding more stress to my life because I need to daily justify my purchase by spending every waking minute learning how to use this thing and keep it protected.

I know that when I had a Mustang before I had kids, I spent way more time thinking about ways to upgrade it and to protect the finish on it. Then one of our friend's kids ran her bike into the front of it and left a deep scratch in the hood. It was then that I began to evaluate what was important in that moment. My relationship with her or my car.

You have said many great points here. I agree with you on your statement, midrange is kind of where it's at. The shortcomings are not many. You can pick and choose what you are okay with not having in a phone.
If you do end up trying the Honor 8, I think you'll like it. The battery life is good, even for a heavy user. Andrew's AC review is accurate. My battery life matches my iPhone SE and it does even better than it sometimes.

That seems like a good budget smartphone.

Yeah, it's pretty awesome. Of course, it isn't perfect but there has been no phone to please me this much this year since buying the iPhone SE. Even though it lacks customization, it's also a nice phone that I plan to keep too.

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

There is a part of me that still wants the latest and greatest but then there is a part of me that sees it as being excessive. I sometimes have an issue when I think that for the price if the Note 7 I could buy a Moto G4, Chromebook, and tablet with money to spare. And I think about that not too long ago I had the 2014 Nexus 6 and it more than met my needs. So why am I upgrading every year? It's not just the theory behind knowing what you need, it's the cost of chasing after these flagships that do more than what I plan to do with them.