Alternatives to iPhone?

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: sxr7171

Originally posted by: DLeRium
Nokia N95, N82. Come on guys... learn your phones! =P

Symbian S60 rules the world, and while these phones aren't at the top in the US, they are the top in the world. They make your stupid LG Voyagers and Envies or whatever look like kids phones.

Finally someone who knows what they're talking about. I came upon this thread to see if anyone had a clue here on Anandtech and it was surprising to see this situation. One would expect a group of tech savvy people to know what's up in the world. Get an N95 hack it and understand what a smartphone really is. Not that crippled crap that you all are hung up on. The number of applications available for these phone is unbelievable. Most of you would have a field day just testing apps and messing with these phones. Despite all that, Nokias are always solid phones that get the job done with excellent voice quality, signal etc. No compromises here.

I looked at the N95, and as of today, $550 is the cheapest I can find it, and it's been out for a year! At that price, I can get the 16GB for me, an 8GB for my gf, and still have change left for an accessory.

The only thing the N95 has over the 3G iphone is the camera, & the A2DP bluetooth spec. The screen on the iphone is superior, as is web browsing. As far as software goes, that's a wash IMO, because there are plenty of apps already available for the iphone. With the developers kit Apple released, it's only going to get better for the iphone. Google iphone software under news, for a hint of whats in store.

 

[Mermaidman]

Wow, Samsung Instinct will cost only $129.99!! :thumbsup:
http://sprintconnection.kansascity.com/?q=node/653

 

[Jawo]

The Instinct ($130), Moto Q9v ($100), Mogul (~$200), and Touch are all good choices

 

[pm]

Walt Mossberg reviews the Samsung Instinct:
http://online.wsj.com/article/...867.html?mod=djemptech

He spends a fair bit of the Instinct review talking about the 3G iPhone, and he clearly likes the iPhone alot. In fact the title sums up his review "Samsung's Instinct Doesn't Ring True As an iPhone Clone".

Mr. Mossberg is one of the more respected technology writers in the US, so his opinion carries a fair bit of weight in the industry. But if you are not a fan of Apple products, I would recommend not following the link because it will likely only end up increasing your blood pressure.


As far as the N95 - I've used one and I was really impressed. I mostly balked at the price - I bought my original 4GB iPhone for $260 (friend at Apple got me a discount). If the N95 had been available at around $300-400 at the time that I bought my iPhone, I would definitely have gone with the N95. Now... well, I've had the Apple-lobotomy and think the iPhone is the best thing out there... but back before I drank the kool-aid, I'd have gotten an N95 if I could have found it for around $300-400.

 

[Teetu]

Originally posted by: Mermaidman
Wow, Samsung Instinct will cost only $129.99!! :thumbsup:
http://sprintconnection.kansascity.com/?q=node/653

Really good price. Some of the early reviews were critical of the web browsing, but if they tighten it up for launch I might consider this instead of an iphone

 

[Naeeldar]

Originally posted by: Teetu

Originally posted by: Mermaidman
Wow, Samsung Instinct will cost only $129.99!! :thumbsup:
http://sprintconnection.kansascity.com/?q=node/653

Really good price. Some of the early reviews were critical of the web browsing, but if they tighten it up for launch I might consider this instead of an iphone

Reviews have been pretty good overal. I'm kind of curious what apps will be usable on it down the road and Sprins plans for updates.

That said I refuse to leave Sprint -- the 99 everything plan is simply too good for somebody who uses their phone like I do. As I think I don't want the curve I believe I'll take my early release e-mail and pick one up tomorrow at a Sprint store.

 

[pm]

Sounds like fun, Naeeldar. Please post up your thoughts about it when you have it.

 

[onlyCOpunk]

Aren't there some new blackberries that are coming out as well that are supposed to be pretty good?

 

[Mide]

Yeah the 9000. It's supposed to have wifi, gps, and all the regular trimmings

 

[pm]

There's a comparison of the Samsung Instinct, LG Vu, LG Voyager, and Samsung Glyde at Gizmodo:
http://gizmodo.com/5017957/iph...h-one-is-the-iphoniest

They like the Instinct best - particularly for the price - but they complain about the mobile web browsing on all four phones and find it lacking on all of them. They didn't like the Glyde even a little.

 

[abaez]

The Nokia E71 was just reviewed at engadget mobile.. 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera, a-GPS, HSDPA, Wi-Fi, a full QWERTY keyboard, Exchange support.. etc Looks pretty decent. I like how slim it is.

 

[Naeeldar]

Well I've been playing with the instinct for about 2 hours now and it's a pretty nice phone overal. Haven't found anything I hate (well other then no mac support for my laptop). Web browsing could be better but I'd be curious to see what they do with a few updates so far phone is smooth and what I expected. Voice quality on the few calls I have made is good and I was also able to hook right into my work e-mail through OWA which is awsome as it saves me a trip to the local it guy tomorrow.

 

[Cdubneeddeal]

How's the reception? Did you get the Everything Plan? If so, how's sprint navigation, web browsing, applications, etc? I really am thrilled with my Curve but I'm still within my 30 days to return the phone and get something else.

 

[Naeeldar]

Honestly I'm just now finished setting up phone I like.

Web Browsing is just ok but I knew going into it that the instinct would prob be a bit weaker inthat area but it's still pretty functional on the little I played with. FYI you have to have a everything plan and thats the reason why I even have this phone. If I could go without I would wait for the 3g iphone. That being said I like Sprint plan wise so I'm with them.

Reception seems just fine and I've come through loud and clear on the calls I made. Also the people I'm sepaking with sound a lot clearer then they did on my old Pocket PC.

I think I'm really going to enjoy this phone. But I need some time to play with it a bit.

Oh they sold out on the release early at 3 stores. Only 1 store in area had any left. Apparently while I was there I found out the waiting list for phones when the go live to general public tomorrow is like 300 long. If thats even half true compared to else where should be interesting to see how Sprint does in the coming months.

I'll say this little I have done with the phone have shown me that it is definitely a well put together touch screen phone (better "phone" then my personal experiences with the iphone actually). Now the applications and what not well I'll get into that more over next few days. Navigation from what I have read on sites is one of best done phone navs period or so many reviews pointed out.

 

[Mide]

Good to know Naeeldar, thanks. When you say web browsing is just "ok" how does it actually work? I've never used the web on a celly before so it's all new to me. I've used it on an iphone before and it was pretty neat being able to zoom in and out. Does it display a full website and then you have to zoom or is it like you looking at a 1280x1024 on a 640x480 resolution monitor and you have to scroll from side to side and up and down?

 

[Saint Nick]

Well, the Samsung Instinct comes out soon, its cheap, and I get 20% off of Sprint service.

Do you guys think I'll be safe going to Sprint? That everything plan + Samsung Instinct is way better price-wise compared to the iPhone.

Naeeldar, I'm also interested to hear your results on "apps" for the Instinct and how its web browsing works.

 

[Naeeldar]

Originally posted by: NightDarker
Well, the Samsung Instinct comes out soon, its cheap, and I get 20% off of Sprint service.

Do you guys think I'll be safe going to Sprint? That everything plan + Samsung Instinct is way better price-wise compared to the iPhone.

Naeeldar, I'm also interested to hear your results on "apps" for the Instinct and how its web browsing works.

Sprint's the reason why I have the instinct instead of the iPhone. I really like being able to get service inside buildings.

 

[sxr7171]

Originally posted by: Naeeldar

Originally posted by: NightDarker
Well, the Samsung Instinct comes out soon, its cheap, and I get 20% off of Sprint service.

Do you guys think I'll be safe going to Sprint? That everything plan + Samsung Instinct is way better price-wise compared to the iPhone.

Naeeldar, I'm also interested to hear your results on "apps" for the Instinct and how its web browsing works.

Sprint's the reason why I have the instinct instead of the iPhone. I really like being able to get service inside buildings.

Well one could argue that they like getting any service at all. Not to mention one that doesn't drop calls like that ice cream dropping taco of South Park. Even at rock bottom prices they lose customers left and right. Still nice to know it's working for you. I hate all my friends who use Sprint, I can't have a 2 minute conversation with them before something happens.

 

[sxr7171]

Originally posted by: abaez
The Nokia E71 was just reviewed at engadget mobile.. 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera, a-GPS, HSDPA, Wi-Fi, a full QWERTY keyboard, Exchange support.. etc Looks pretty decent. I like how slim it is.

World's thinnest QWERTY phone!

 

[sxr7171]

Originally posted by: pm
Walt Mossberg reviews the Samsung Instinct:
http://online.wsj.com/article/...867.html?mod=djemptech

He spends a fair bit of the Instinct review talking about the 3G iPhone, and he clearly likes the iPhone alot. In fact the title sums up his review "Samsung's Instinct Doesn't Ring True As an iPhone Clone".

Mr. Mossberg is one of the more respected technology writers in the US, so his opinion carries a fair bit of weight in the industry. But if you are not a fan of Apple products, I would recommend not following the link because it will likely only end up increasing your blood pressure.


As far as the N95 - I've used one and I was really impressed. I mostly balked at the price - I bought my original 4GB iPhone for $260 (friend at Apple got me a discount). If the N95 had been available at around $300-400 at the time that I bought my iPhone, I would definitely have gone with the N95. Now... well, I've had the Apple-lobotomy and think the iPhone is the best thing out there... but back before I drank the kool-aid, I'd have gotten an N95 if I could have found it for around $300-400.

Hack that N95 and it opens up a whole world of possibility! I did and man I am having a field day with this thing! I also took my first trip without my laptop two weekends ago and I the phone did not let me down. I bought a Hotwire hotel room with it and it served every purpose that my laptop would have.

I didn't once wish I had my laptop. It GPS navigated me everywhere I needed to go which the laptop can't do.

The best part of it is this: Airport security. I just emptied my pockets into my bag including my belt. Took my shoes off and put my bag and shoes on the belt. That's it! No more pulling that thing out and putting it in a tray and looking for it on the other side! It was so easy at airport security that I think for trips shorter than a week my X60s will stay home.


I know it's not in the range you want yet, but N95 8Gb is going for $560 on Amazon or Buy this week. That's the best price I've seen. I'm waiting for the N78 to go below $400, it has everything the N95 has only smaller screen, 3.2MP, and video recording at 640x480 at 15fps instead of 30fps. It does lack the accelerometer though so some of those cool accelerometer apps won't work. Also keep in mind if you don't need all those features the 6120 is S60 and the world's smallest smartphone. Can be found for around $250 unlocked, uncrippled and it runs all the same software as the N95.

 

[sxr7171]

Originally posted by: Naeeldar

Originally posted by: Teetu

Originally posted by: Mermaidman
Wow, Samsung Instinct will cost only $129.99!! :thumbsup:
http://sprintconnection.kansascity.com/?q=node/653

Really good price. Some of the early reviews were critical of the web browsing, but if they tighten it up for launch I might consider this instead of an iphone

Reviews have been pretty good overal. I'm kind of curious what apps will be usable on it down the road and Sprins plans for updates.

That said I refuse to leave Sprint -- the 99 everything plan is simply too good for somebody who uses their phone like I do. As I think I don't want the curve I believe I'll take my early release e-mail and pick one up tomorrow at a Sprint store.

The $99 plan is cool no doubt, but you can find plans for about $100 that will have you covered from almost any carrier these days. With AT&T you can get 900 minutes with rollover for $60 + unlimited data and messaging for $35. With mobile to mobile free I have ended up accumulating 6000+ rollover minutes. Everyone is either on AT&T or Verizon so you could probably get all you need for under $100 from Verizon also. The feeling having unlimited minutes must be really nice, but very few people actually need it especially with mobile to mobile on either of the two big carriers.

Although I did have a situation where I had to make a lot of calling card calls and those are landlines so I needed T-mobile to shower me with minutes for cheap. You throw $60 at T-mobile and they'll likely give you 3000 minutes.

 

[Naeeldar]

Originally posted by: sxr7171

Originally posted by: Naeeldar

Originally posted by: Teetu

Originally posted by: Mermaidman
Wow, Samsung Instinct will cost only $129.99!! :thumbsup:
http://sprintconnection.kansascity.com/?q=node/653

Really good price. Some of the early reviews were critical of the web browsing, but if they tighten it up for launch I might consider this instead of an iphone

Reviews have been pretty good overal. I'm kind of curious what apps will be usable on it down the road and Sprins plans for updates.

That said I refuse to leave Sprint -- the 99 everything plan is simply too good for somebody who uses their phone like I do. As I think I don't want the curve I believe I'll take my early release e-mail and pick one up tomorrow at a Sprint store.

The $99 plan is cool no doubt, but you can find plans for about $100 that will have you covered from almost any carrier these days. With AT&T you can get 900 minutes with rollover for $60 + unlimited data and messaging for $35. With mobile to mobile free I have ended up accumulating 6000+ rollover minutes. Everyone is either on AT&T or Verizon so you could probably get all you need for under $100 from Verizon also. The feeling having unlimited minutes must be really nice, but very few people actually need it especially with mobile to mobile on either of the two big carriers.

Although I did have a situation where I had to make a lot of calling card calls and those are landlines so I needed T-mobile to shower me with minutes for cheap. You throw $60 at T-mobile and they'll likely give you 3000 minutes.

I had Cingular for about 6 years. They were decent but I never got service in a house or building. Sprint/Verizon always did. I Sprint in my area that I work and live (Philly and Suburbs) works perfect. Price is cheaper then verizon.

Also I talk about 3000-4000 minutes a month hence the 99 everything plan is unbeatable for me. Since it's cheaper then other carrier's plans.

 

[Teetu]

Originally posted by: pm
There's a comparison of the Samsung Instinct, LG Vu, LG Voyager, and Samsung Glyde at Gizmodo:
http://gizmodo.com/5017957/iph...h-one-is-the-iphoniest

They like the Instinct best - particularly for the price - but they complain about the mobile web browsing on all four phones and find it lacking on all of them. They didn't like the Glyde even a little.

Nice find! That is exactly the type of comparison I was looking for.

I don't get why these guys can't make decent browsers, do people not really use them?

 

[Saint Nick]

Originally posted by: Teetu

Originally posted by: pm
There's a comparison of the Samsung Instinct, LG Vu, LG Voyager, and Samsung Glyde at Gizmodo:
http://gizmodo.com/5017957/iph...h-one-is-the-iphoniest

They like the Instinct best - particularly for the price - but they complain about the mobile web browsing on all four phones and find it lacking on all of them. They didn't like the Glyde even a little.

Nice find! That is exactly the type of comparison I was looking for.

I don't get why these guys can't make decent browsers, do people not really use them?

I'm still up between the iPhone and the Instinct... AHHH!!!!

DECISIONS!

 

[rpanic]

I just ordered two Instincts and the 1500min share plane with my 23% corporate discount it comes out to a little over 100 a month, I hope I can deal with the touch screen if not I might send it back for the curve. Is anyone using there sprint phone as a modem I am wondering what kind of speeds I am going to get with my laptop, I always get a good signal where I live and work in LA?