Help me select a smartphone

[zCypher]

Hi yall,

I've always been a dumbphone user ("phone is a phone" kinda guy). However I do acknowledge the value of smartphones, as being a very well featured pocket device that can do much of the daily tasks normally done with a PC. I'm particularly interested in being able to access my email, get GPS/directions among a few other things.

I have watched a number of video reviews of various smartphones and have seen a few in person through friends (Desire, iphone, BB). I'm definitely one that does more text messaging than phone calls, but call quality is really important to me as it's my primary phone.

At the rate which most Canadian phone companies set their plans, coupled with the prices of smartphones themselves - I've always rationalized keeping a dumbphone (bill always under $50 with unlimited evening/weekend/incoming, text, voicemail/call display etc).

However I recently started working for a major telco/isp here and one of the perks is a free phone and $15/mo for unlimited anytime minutes and 2GB data, call display/VM etc. This makes it hard for me to rationalize keeping a dumbphone.

Though not a Mac guy, or an Apple guy by any means (don't own any of their products) -- I have to admit the iphone4 looks like a really nice overall package, especially the battery life - which is also really important for me. My current samsung dumbphone takes a couple days just to drop by 1 bar. I know I won't match this with a smartphone but I've heard good things about the iphone's battery and read the same online.

So... Enough about me, my situation and preferences. What would the all-knowing anandtech recommend for me? I know I mentioned the iphone, but I'm absolutely open to BB and Android recommendations.


Cliffs:

- Dumbphone guy, being swayed to the darkside
- Big priorities are call quality, battery life
- Strong focus on text messaging, email, GPS

 

[God Mode]

Go with iphone and a cheap refurbed gps.

 

[cronos]

As much as I hate to do this, I'm going to have to tell you to get the iPhone as well. You better get ready to learn to text with a soft keyboard

Edit: On second thought, also look at the Blackberry Torch. Maybe it'll suit you better.

 

[zCypher]

As much as I hate to do this, I'm going to have to tell you to get the iPhone as well. You better get ready to learn to text with a soft keyboard

the gf recently got a samsung focus (wp7) and the screen is super nice on that. I did have a bit of difficulty typing but it wasn't that bad.

any smartphones with physical keyboards worth looking at?

 

[masterxfob]

droid 2? i've got one and am pretty happy with it. it's my first smart phone and i've only had it for a week, so i'm not exactly a guru on the subject.

+ good call quality and reception
+ physical keyboard for typing
+ google navigation
+ battery lasts a full day with heavy usage
- it's a little thick and heavy

 

[Bateluer]

any smartphones with physical keyboards worth looking at?

While I'm not an iPhone fan, I'd seriously learn to type on a virtual keyboard if I were you. It widens up your options, considerably. Of all the high end phones announced at the recent trade shows, almost none had physical keyboards. The Evo Shift is the only one I can think of right now.

Something to keep in mind.

 

[Pliablemoose]

I'm calling shens on the Canadiastan thing, Canadians don't say ya'll in real life...

And go ahead and buy an iPhone.

Which carrier do you work for?

Bell
Fido
Latitude Wireless
NorthernTel
Rogers
Tbaytel
TELUS
Virgin Mobile

 

[s44]

the gf recently got a samsung focus (wp7) and the screen is super nice on that. I did have a bit of difficulty typing but it wasn't that bad.

Yep. Samsung screens (Super AMOLED) > all other screens.

What carrier are you with? The Bell Vibrant and Rogers Captivate are very well-supported, while the Telus Fascinate has zero devs. iPhone has the best battery life, though.

 

[zCypher]

I'm calling shens on the Canadiastan thing, Canadians don't say ya'll in real life...

And go ahead and buy an iPhone.

Which carrier do you work for?

Bell
Fido
Latitude Wireless
NorthernTel
Rogers
Tbaytel
TELUS
Virgin Mobile

LOL .. well I don't usually say y'all cause it makes me sound like a hick, but i like it. I am Canadian and I say "eh", although I've never heard anyone say "Aboot"

back on topic, the carrier is TELUS. I'm not currently with them, using Solo (Bell)
I realize that the physical keyboard also severely limits the choices, but I still want to explore those options too. Not having a physical keyboard isn't necessarily a dealbreaker for me but I sure would like to have one.

 

[QueBert]

Yep. Samsung screens (Super AMOLED) > all other screens.

What carrier are you with? The Bell Vibrant and Rogers Captivate are very well-supported, while the Telus Fascinate has zero devs. iPhone has the best battery life, though.

Personal preference, but I like the screens on both Moto Droids and iPhones better than Samsungs. I'm not sold on Super AMOLED at all.

 

[s44]

back on topic, the carrier is TELUS. I'm not currently with them, using Solo (Bell)
I realize that the physical keyboard also severely limits the choices, but I still want to explore those options too.

If you're dead set on a keyboard, get the most expensive phone they offer and trade it for a Bell Desire Z.

 

[s44]

Telus now has the Nexus S.

 

[rudeguy]

LOL .. well I don't usually say y'all cause it makes me sound like a hick, but i like it. I am Canadian and I say "eh", although I've never heard anyone say "Aboot"

back on topic, the carrier is TELUS. I'm not currently with them, using Solo (Bell)
I realize that the physical keyboard also severely limits the choices, but I still want to explore those options too. Not having a physical keyboard isn't necessarily a dealbreaker for me but I sure would like to have one.

physical keyboard=blackberry (limited apps, quirky OS, solid hardware) unless you can use a Droid Pro. But I have no idea about Canadian cellular companies.

HTC and Moto both make very solid Android phones. They give you plenty of options.

iPhone is great if you want simple.

 

[Crono]

HTC Arrive (if it's available there) would be my recommendation. Good battery life, excellent slide out keyboard, and the Windows Phone OS is perfect for your needs.

I personally have the Dell Venue Pro, which is another great Windows Phone with a physical keyboard.

 

[Alone]

Blackberry Torch. I love the touchscreen but having the physical keyboard is pretty damn convenient.

 

[Capt Caveman]

iPhone and MapQuest(excellent and free) for GPS.

 

[coreyb]

BB Torch. physical keyboard is a must for me.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Personal preference, but I like the screens on both Moto Droids and iPhones better than Samsungs. I'm not sold on Super AMOLED at all.

Maybe Super AMOLED Plus for me, but not Pentile crap for now. I agree the Droid screens are nice.

For Telus, you can get the Nexus S, or just grab the Incredible S which is sold on Bell right now. It's $499 CAD with no contract.

 

[Rottie]

As much as I hate to do this, I'm going to have to tell you to get the iPhone as well. You better get ready to learn to text with a soft keyboard

Edit: On second thought, also look at the Blackberry Torch. Maybe it'll suit you better.

THIS....you should get the Blackberry phone they have a better battery than iPhone and comes with physical keyboard!!

 

[mammador]

Hi yall,

I've always been a dumbphone user ("phone is a phone" kinda guy). However I do acknowledge the value of smartphones, as being a very well featured pocket device that can do much of the daily tasks normally done with a PC. I'm particularly interested in being able to access my email, get GPS/directions among a few other things.

I have watched a number of video reviews of various smartphones and have seen a few in person through friends (Desire, iphone, BB). I'm definitely one that does more text messaging than phone calls, but call quality is really important to me as it's my primary phone.

At the rate which most Canadian phone companies set their plans, coupled with the prices of smartphones themselves - I've always rationalized keeping a dumbphone (bill always under $50 with unlimited evening/weekend/incoming, text, voicemail/call display etc).

However I recently started working for a major telco/isp here and one of the perks is a free phone and $15/mo for unlimited anytime minutes and 2GB data, call display/VM etc. This makes it hard for me to rationalize keeping a dumbphone.

Though not a Mac guy, or an Apple guy by any means (don't own any of their products) -- I have to admit the iphone4 looks like a really nice overall package, especially the battery life - which is also really important for me. My current samsung dumbphone takes a couple days just to drop by 1 bar. I know I won't match this with a smartphone but I've heard good things about the iphone's battery and read the same online.

So... Enough about me, my situation and preferences. What would the all-knowing anandtech recommend for me? I know I mentioned the iphone, but I'm absolutely open to BB and Android recommendations.


Cliffs:

- Dumbphone guy, being swayed to the darkside
- Big priorities are call quality, battery life
- Strong focus on text messaging, email, GPS

Blackberry Torch. Blackberrys are best for SMS.

 

[mammador]

Hi yall,

I've always been a dumbphone user ("phone is a phone" kinda guy). However I do acknowledge the value of smartphones, as being a very well featured pocket device that can do much of the daily tasks normally done with a PC. I'm particularly interested in being able to access my email, get GPS/directions among a few other things.

I have watched a number of video reviews of various smartphones and have seen a few in person through friends (Desire, iphone, BB). I'm definitely one that does more text messaging than phone calls, but call quality is really important to me as it's my primary phone.

At the rate which most Canadian phone companies set their plans, coupled with the prices of smartphones themselves - I've always rationalized keeping a dumbphone (bill always under $50 with unlimited evening/weekend/incoming, text, voicemail/call display etc).

However I recently started working for a major telco/isp here and one of the perks is a free phone and $15/mo for unlimited anytime minutes and 2GB data, call display/VM etc. This makes it hard for me to rationalize keeping a dumbphone.

Though not a Mac guy, or an Apple guy by any means (don't own any of their products) -- I have to admit the iphone4 looks like a really nice overall package, especially the battery life - which is also really important for me. My current samsung dumbphone takes a couple days just to drop by 1 bar. I know I won't match this with a smartphone but I've heard good things about the iphone's battery and read the same online.

So... Enough about me, my situation and preferences. What would the all-knowing anandtech recommend for me? I know I mentioned the iphone, but I'm absolutely open to BB and Android recommendations.


Cliffs:

- Dumbphone guy, being swayed to the darkside
- Big priorities are call quality, battery life
- Strong focus on text messaging, email, GPS

Blackberry Torch, it's the best for SMS.

 

[speed01]

Samsung Epic... The most vibrant display I've seen, full QWERTY slideout keyboard, tons of android apps and 4g if you can get it.