Smartphone decisions...(G2 vs. S4 vs. One)

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Enilder

Limp Gawd
Joined
Aug 2, 2013
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I got my iPhone when VZW offered it for the first time. It is functional but I see my hardware struggling to update information when it needs to. Without getting into details, I am ready for a new smart phone. iPhone is too small for me and it basically comes down to LG G2, Samsung S4, or HTC One.

I've been reading/watching reviews of these phones but having difficulty deciding between 3. I'd like to get opinions from others. If you are in the market, what would you choose?

[edit] I am sticking with VZW and prefer high resolution screen.
I always get wallet cases because I hate carrying around separate wallets. This means that the phone will get twice as bulky. I am not entirely sure how bulky it will get with these bigger phones...
 
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I had the One for a short time, and although I liked the phone, it was one of the many that were plagued with main camera issues, that HTC claims is software/firmware related (which I think is just an excuse for lousy hardware). I am back on my Nexus 4 now, having given my One to the wife (she doesn't use our care about the camera issue). Just Google HTC One Camera Focus, and you will see what I mean.

I would wait to see what the N5 has coming up, and also consider the Moto X, if switching to a GSM, or perhaps the Droid MAXX, if staying on Verizon? Just my .02.
 
txsizzler said:
I had the One for a short time, and although I liked the phone, it was one of the many that were plagued with main camera issues, that HTC claims is software/firmware related (which I think is just an excuse for lousy hardware). I am back on my Nexus 4 now, having given my One to the wife (she doesn't use our care about the camera issue). Just Google HTC One Camera Focus, and you will see what I mean.

I would wait to see what the N5 has coming up, and also consider the Moto X, if switching to a GSM, or perhaps the Droid MAXX, if staying on Verizon? Just my .02.
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I just saw your post about it down below in this forum. I am staying with VZW so N5 is not an option. I prefer high resolution screens so none of those choices work for me. Thanks for the suggestion though. :)
 
Enilder said:
I just saw your post about it down below in this forum. I am staying with VZW so N5 is not an option. I prefer high resolution screens so none of those choices work for me. Thanks for the suggestion though. :)
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Have you handled the moto x yet? I highly doubt that you will be able to tell the difference between that screen and a 1080p screen. My buddy got one a few weeks ago and I think it's got one of the best looking screens
 
Comes down to which SW experience you like the best.

If you prefer AOSP, definitely take a look at the Moto X/Droid Maxx
Blink feed/Sense - HTC
Gimmicks - S4 (note3 at this point - can't ignore the performance boost)
 
between those three, for sure G2. If the iPhone was too small the MotoX in my opinion will be a serious upgrade screen size wise but won't add too much to the over all size of the phone. I'm still surprised at how small it is.

I really wouldn't bother with the S4 at this point and the only thing to consider the One is for the front facing speakers.
 
Trimlock said:
between those three, for sure G2. If the iPhone was too small the MotoX in my opinion will be a serious upgrade screen size wise but won't add too much to the over all size of the phone. I'm still surprised at how small it is.

I really wouldn't bother with the S4 at this point and the only thing to consider the One is for the front facing speakers.
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I concur!!! I got a N4 last year when they released so I'm not really in the market for a new phone but if I was, a G2 or a Moto X (or its variants) would be the top 2 phones I would consider. It really is amazing how they crammed so much screen on that tiny phone.
 
TMCM said:
Have you handled the moto x yet? I highly doubt that you will be able to tell the difference between that screen and a 1080p screen. My buddy got one a few weeks ago and I think it's got one of the best looking screens
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I looked at the phone but I didn't pay much attention to it. Motorola's line-up is confusing to me. Moto X, Droid Ultra, Mini, Maxx. To me, Moto X and Droid Maxx appear to be their top-of-the-line products where Moto X is more of Samsung S3/S4 competitor whereas Droid Maxx is more of Samsung Note 3 competitor. Not entirely sure about their products.

ComputerBox34 said:
Comes down to which SW experience you like the best.

If you prefer AOSP, definitely take a look at the Moto X/Droid Maxx
Blink feed/Sense - HTC
Gimmicks - S4 (note3 at this point - can't ignore the performance boost)
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Am I safe to assume that the reason why you completely exclude G2 is due to lack of information?

Trimlock said:
between those three, for sure G2. If the iPhone was too small the MotoX in my opinion will be a serious upgrade screen size wise but won't add too much to the over all size of the phone. I'm still surprised at how small it is.

I really wouldn't bother with the S4 at this point and the only thing to consider the One is for the front facing speakers.
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I do like the boom speakers for One and also like the aesthetics compared to other 2 phones but that's about it.

Some additional information worth noting. I always get wallet cases because I hate carrying around separate wallets. This means that the phone will get twice as bulky. I am not entirely sure how bulky it will get with these bigger phones...
 
TMCM said:
I concur!!! I got a N4 last year when they released so I'm not really in the market for a new phone but if I was, a G2 or a Moto X (or its variants) would be the top 2 phones I would consider. It really is amazing how they crammed so much screen on that tiny phone.
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I keep hearing about Moto X here...Last time I owned Motorola products were back in early 2000s and honestly, I hated their products. :p Is it me or Motorola products are really popular here in [H]?
 
Motorola, with the Moto X has really made some great strides. Gone are the days of the industrial look that Verizon commanded all these years on the Droid phones. The Moto X is truly a premier device, and it should definitely be on your list.
 
Enilder said:
I keep hearing about Moto X here...Last time I owned Motorola products were back in early 2000s and honestly, I hated their products. :p Is it me or Motorola products are really popular here in [H]?
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Go to the Verizon store and play with one. Its not a spec whore phone but in all honestly it seems to run smoother and quicker than my N4. Mind you, this is my friends completely stock Moto X that I am comparing to my N4 running a different rom and kernal and the Moto X is just more responsive and fluid. It's also a decent amount smaller than my N4.

As far as the camera is concerned, the Moto X camera is fairly decent from the pix my friend has taken with it but reviewers are saying that the G2 camera is pretty damn good.
 
txsizzler said:
Motorola, with the Moto X has really made some great strides. Gone are the days of the industrial look that Verizon commanded all these years on the Droid phones. The Moto X is truly a premier device, and it should definitely be on your list.
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TMCM said:
Go to the Verizon store and play with one. Its not a spec whore phone but in all honestly it seems to run smoother and quicker than my N4. Mind you, this is my friends completely stock Moto X that I am comparing to my N4 running a different rom and kernal and the Moto X is just more responsive and fluid. It's also a decent amount smaller than my N4.

As far as the camera is concerned, the Moto X camera is fairly decent from the pix my friend has taken with it but reviewers are saying that the G2 camera is pretty damn good.
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I heard nothing but good things about G2 except the software. I will have to learn how to use non-iOS anyways so I am not sure how "bad" it is for hardcore droid users.

Is Moto MAXX worth considering? It looks like a bigger version of Moto X for a same price.
 
Enilder said:
I heard nothing but good things about G2 except the software. I will have to learn how to use non-iOS anyways so I am not sure how "bad" it is for hardcore droid users.

Is Moto MAXX worth considering? It looks like a bigger version of Moto X for a same price.
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The maxx and X are identical from an internal hardware perspective. Main differences are in 32 gb of internal storage vs. 16, 5" screen vs. 4.7" and 3500 mah battery versus 2300. From a SW perspective, they added a few extra gimmicks such as DROID ZAP and extra bloatware to differentiate the phones. But all of this can be disabled through Android App Settings.
 
ComputerBox34 said:
The maxx and X are identical from an internal hardware perspective. Main differences are in 32 gb of internal storage vs. 16, 5" screen vs. 4.7" and 3500 mah battery versus 2300. From a SW perspective, they added a few extra gimmicks such as DROID ZAP and extra bloatware to differentiate the phones. But all of this can be disabled through Android App Settings.
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Thanks for the clarification.

One thing that I like about Moto X is its size. It's smaller than other phones listed above but still larger than my iPhone. Decisions decisions...
 
Go for the galaxy S4, its standard, well speced and competes with any phone all around, and to top it off you have tons of options for cases, batteries etc...


I see some people are disregarding your choices and trying to push you to other things like the motox, if that's the case then the galaxy note 3 is the beast to have.
 
Wait on the g2 in case the Nexus 5 is on Verizon there is a version that just went to the FCC but rumors are that it wont be on VZW.
 
rudy said:
Go for the galaxy S4, its standard, well speced and competes with any phone all around, and to top it off you have tons of options for cases, batteries etc...


I see some people are disregarding your choices and trying to push you to other things like the motox, if that's the case then the galaxy note 3 is the beast to have.
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Which makes it even more difficult to choose from. I came here with 3 choices. Now, I have 4...I don't want note 3 because I don't need most of its additional functionality.

tvdang7 said:
I like the g2.
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Me too...except Moto X seems nice as well...

elzeus said:
Wait on the g2 in case the Nexus 5 is on Verizon there is a version that just went to the FCC but rumors are that it wont be on VZW.
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I highly doubt Nexus 5 will be available for VZW considering how it is based on G2, which is already available through VZW. I also hear about the compatibility issue and how people speculate policy differences between VZW and Google. Are there any features that are considerably "better" than G2?
 
I'd avoid the Galaxy S4, personally -- not that it's a terrible phone, but you can do better.

1. TouchWiz: it's not absolutely terrible, but many iPhone fans cite it as the reason why they don't use Android. Where Apple focuses on a few features it thinks will be useful, Samsung is all about features purely as marketing tools: the GS4 has lots of half-functioning or useless features (mainly the hands-free gesture navigation and Smart Stay/Pause). Sense is restrained, and the Moto X is close to stock.

2. Its particular AMOLED display. This is solved with the Note 3, but the GS4 has the same problem the GS3 did: its particular AMOLED screen is too dark outside. When I was trying the GS4 in the spring, there were a few times when I had to shelter the screen with my hands to see anything. You don't have to go LCD, but not the GS4.

3. Poor camera performance. Ever since 2011, Samsung has had the same problem with its cameras: they're good in bright light... and sub-par most everywhere else. Most flagship phones (iPhone 5s, One, G2, Moto X) are considerably better in less than ideal conditions. The One isn't so hot in daylight, and the Moto X camera is so-so overall, but both phones are more balanced.

4. Don't contribute to a Samsung monopoly. Yes, this is a somewhat politicized statement, but bear with me. Right now, Android effectively means "Samsung." Giving one company that much sway over the smartphone market, especially when it isn't very good at developing original designs, isn't healthy. I'm not that diametrically opposed to Samsung, but it's odd to champion Android as a platform of choice by purchasing from a company doing its best to eliminate choices.
 
Moto X. Great phone. Don't fall for the people saying it is low/mid end phone due to its lack of a quad core. This phone is fast, smooth and damn battery efficient. Plus it seems smaller than it is. Great phone, no regrets from me.
 
I would say the g2 is better in almost every way than the moto x. Better cpu/gpu, more storage, better screen, better camera, better battery... I went with the note 3 myself though.
 
txsizzler said:
I had the One for a short time, and although I liked the phone, it was one of the many that were plagued with main camera issues, that HTC claims is software/firmware related (which I think is just an excuse for lousy hardware). I am back on my Nexus 4 now, having given my One to the wife (she doesn't use our care about the camera issue). Just Google HTC One Camera Focus, and you will see what I mean.

I would wait to see what the N5 has coming up, and also consider the Moto X, if switching to a GSM, or perhaps the Droid MAXX, if staying on Verizon? Just my .02.
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What's the camera issue? I've used the htc one for half a year now and the camera seems ok.
 
Of those 3 choices I would go for the S4 because of the removable battery and microSD card support.
 
Just Google it, the info is everywhere and that kept me from buying that phone as I tend to use the camera a lot
 
Thank you for the responses. HTC One is definitely out. Moto X is also out as well. I am obsessed with high res. screens so it will have to be G2 or S4.

Although S4 is slightly outdated and under-performer compared to G2, I am leaning towards S4 at the moment. It seems like in terms of software/UI aspect, S4 seems to be "better...?" I'd love to hear some feedbacks from a person who currently owns S4 but have played with G2.
 
Tough call here, I'm between the G2 and the Moto X right now. Watched a couple YouTube videos on both and I might be getting too carried away with hoping one or the other will get android 4.4

I'd like to run a fairly minimal ROM as I'm not really into all the super cool features. I call, text, email and surf and hoping for something that will be good for a couple years. I'm still on an iPhone4 (not 4s lol) and iOS7 ruined the user experience.

Decisions decisions
 
Corporal79 said:
Tough call here, I'm between the G2 and the Moto X right now. Watched a couple YouTube videos on both and I might be getting too carried away with hoping one or the other will get android 4.4

I'd like to run a fairly minimal ROM as I'm not really into all the super cool features. I call, text, email and surf and hoping for something that will be good for a couple years. I'm still on an iPhone4 (not 4s lol) and iOS7 ruined the user experience.

Decisions decisions
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Moto X based on your requirements. Will definitely get 4.4
 
ComputerBox34 said:
Moto X based on your requirements. Will definitely get 4.4
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After watching a few more vids I went ahead and pulled the trigger, free two day shipping and it will be all mine. I had an idea this would be the winner for me and this thread helped confirm that.

I forgot to mention that I did a chat to ask if they could match AT&T's $99 price with new service against VZW's $199 but they do not price match BUT they did give me a promo code CHAT9513 for $50 off the order. Nice.
 
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Glad to hear that you got your Moto X. I am sure a lot of people are in my situation at the moment. I also have iPhone 4 as well. Although Nexus 5 will likely be not offered through VZW, I will wait another week for a solid confirmation. S4 owners with G2 experiences, share your thoughts!
 
I have the G2, coming from an iphone. I have to say the size is a bit annoying sometimes. I am RARELY without an ipad (LTE) or Surface Pro, so I hardly use my phone as a web browser anymore.

That said, I like the phone. I have never run out of battery once (I charge it once per day overnight). It is very fast, has very little of the "android stutter/lag." The mail app is probably the most annoying thing other than the phone being a little big for my hands, as I said before.
 
I never owned a phone w/ SIM card before. Is this included in the phone or do you have to purchase separately? I am trying to get S4 from Sam's club (special promotion going on right now) and while I was checking with Verizon rep., he told me that it may not be included.

If SIM card is in S4 box, I am not worried but if it's something that I have to get separately, I need to rethink about this...

[edit] Verizon S4...
 
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Enilder said:
I never owned a phone w/ SIM card before. Is this included in the phone or do you have to purchase separately? I am trying to get S4 from Sam's club (special promotion going on right now) and while I was checking with Verizon rep., he told me that it may not be included.

If SIM card is in S4 box, I am not worried but if it's something that I have to get separately, I need to rethink about this...
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Well, if you use verizon as your carrier, then your shit out of luck because this phone is not supported by Verizon.

If Sprint, ATT, or T-Mobile - walk into a store and ask for one.
 
ComputerBox34 said:
Well, if you use verizon as your carrier, then your shit out of luck because this phone is not supported by Verizon.

If Sprint, ATT, or T-Mobile - walk into a store and ask for one.
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Eh what? It is supported by Verizon. Did you mean they don't give you SIM card? :confused:
 
Enilder said:
Eh what? It is supported by Verizon. Did you mean they don't give you SIM card? :confused:
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Sorry - I got this mixed up with the Nexus 5 thread which does not support Verizon

Verizon S4 should come with a SIM card out of the box if you are ordering it off of their website or going to an official Verizon store. If you are buying it used or through an obscure 3rd party, it will not come with a SIM card and you will have to bring the phone into a store to get one or get one online through their "Switch devices" option in MyVerizon

Walking into a Verizon store and picking up a free sim card really should not deter you from buying a phone
 
ComputerBox34 said:
Sorry - I got this mixed up with the Nexus 5 thread which does not support Verizon

Verizon S4 should come with a SIM card out of the box if you are ordering it off of their website or going to an official Verizon store. If you are buying it used or through an obscure 3rd party, it will not come with a SIM card and you will have to bring the phone into a store to get one or get one online through their "Switch devices" option in MyVerizon

Walking into a Verizon store and picking up a free sim card really should not deter you from buying a phone
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Thanks for the reply. I wouldn't call Sam's club as an obscure 3rd party but anyways, I can check with the person. I was mainly curious about the cost of a sim card. I am DEFINITELY not looking to pay $100 for a phone and pay $100 for a sim card. Verizon rep told me BBRY products don't come with a sim card (not sure if that's really true or not).
 
Enilder said:
Thanks for the reply. I wouldn't call Sam's club as an obscure 3rd party but anyways, I can check with the person. I was mainly curious about the cost of a sim card. I am DEFINITELY not looking to pay $100 for a phone and pay $100 for a sim card. Verizon rep told me BBRY products don't come with a sim card (not sure if that's really true or not).
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SIM cards are free if you get them from verizon

They're not exactly expensive to make
 
#1 - Verizon reps are generally morons, and their indirect people are flat out liars 90% of the time.
#2 - Corporate owned stores will NEVER charge you for a SIM. Not sure where the $100 came into play
 
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