On the fence about an upgrade

[ToxicToastKatz]

Ok, so I'm looking for a little bit of opinion and a little bit of inside info (if anybody's got any) with regards to upgrading hardware.

As everyone is aware, the Hero came out in October 2009, meaning that in a few short weeks, anyone who purchased the Hero at launch (at least those with "Premium" standing) is eligible for a hardware upgrade. I have been on the fence about pulling the trigger on upgrading to an Evo (as I'm sure quite a few people are as well).

I've taken a look at some of the pros and cons and I'm still weighing my decision on those. I'm not going to go into the pros and cons because that's not the goal of this post.

I understand fully that technology, especially in the world of smartphones, is a very fluid animal and that "the next big thing" is always around the corner. No matter what you do, anytime you purchase a phone/computer/etc, it's obsolete within 3-4 months, and sometimes sooner. I can accept that. What I would like to avoid, is upgrading my phone and on the 31st day (the day after you can return it) have Sprint announce that the next big thing is around the corner and will be released in November/December.

I've done some research over the past few weeks, and I can't seem to find any information on any new phones coming to Sprint, so I was hoping that the fine people in the forum could provide guidance. I haven't even really heard any rumors with regards to the next Android phone coming to Sprint.

I've seen the rumors for other carriers, but I'm locked into and very happy with Sprint, so I'm specifically looking at their line of hardware.

I know the Hero came out in October and the Evo was announced in Feb/March (?) and then released in June (?), so with that timeline, it would appear that something could be due to be announced/released. The only thing is, wasn't the Evo rumored way before it was announced? I thought it was, which makes me thing it's a little odd that I can't find any rumors regarding a new release.

Anyway, enough babbling, if anyone has any thoughts or information, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks guys.

 

[irishjoeyo]

I haven't heard of any upcoming Android devices for Sprint, either. All I've heard of are some new BlackBerry devices and a Samsung tablet. If I were in your position, I'd get the EVO, but I would not pay full retail price. As tough as it is, I'd wait until I was eligible for a discounted upgrade. Who knows? By then there might be something better than the EVO.

 

[Whiskeypawz]

I'm in a very similar position only I have no desire at all to get the Evo (or the Epic). I've seen rumors about a Hero 2 since the beginning of the year but nothing recent. The (original) Hero was also a topic of discussion long before it was announced & there's been nothing in the way of rumors about Sprint's next big thing. I'm wondering if they think the Epic, with it's physical keyboard, is supposed to be a replacement. If it wasn't for the physical keyboard I would actually look into buying it. But I prefer a virtual keyboard.
I know this doesn't really answer your question but at least you know other people have the same question!

 

[LBPHeretic]

I am eligible for an upgrade in February through the Sprint Premier program. To be honest, I am not interested in getting a 4G handset.

I do not want to pay the additional cost of $10.00 a month when I am perfectly happy with 3G mobile data and Wi-Fi. So, I will be on the same boat unless Sprint decides to release a new 3G based Android handset that has more modern hardware specifications than my current Sprint HTC Hero.

 

[ToxicToastKatz]

I haven't heard of any upcoming Android devices for Sprint, either. All I've heard of are some new BlackBerry devices and a Samsung tablet. If I were in your position, I'd get the EVO, but I would not pay full retail price. As tough as it is, I'd wait until I was eligible for a discounted upgrade. Who knows? By then there might be something better than the EVO.

Just to clarify, I would absolutely NOT purchase it until I'm upgrade eligible, but my eligibility is approaching, so I'm trying to do my due dillegence now and make a decision.

I understand people's different opinions on Hero V. Evo, which is why I avoided listing my personal pros/cons on both devices. I know there are a million threads out there with discussions on why one device is superior to the other in everybody's eyes, and honestly, I don't know that I've made my mind up yet on that aspect. I am hoping to keep this thread limited to the rumors/information that people have or have heard regarding new Android devices (both 3G or 4G).

I tend to agree with the post above regarding the rumors that were flying about the Hero well before it's announcement, which is why I'm thinking that the Epic may have been "the next big thing" for quite some time (at least on the higher end Android side). I'm sure the new WinMo 7 phones will start to be announced soon, but let's be honest, WinMo is not really a viable option (at least for me) any longer with regards to phones. My gut feeling tells me that we have seen the biggest and best from Sprint for at least another 9 months (which I can totally handle). Again, I just want to avoid a situation where I end up using my upgrade and 31 days later, the HerEvo 4G/3D is announced and a release date of the very next day is set.

 

[jen8112]

I have the Hero and am eligible for am upgrade in Nov. Since we haven't heard much about a new device coming I'm planning on sitting on my upgrade. I could get the EVO because there probably won't be anything "big" out until I'm due for my NEXT upgrade but the EVO is just too big for me and not thrilled about paying an extra $10 a month for it. I say if you like the EVO, get it. I bet it will be at least 4-6 months before anything news worthy hits Sprint.

 

[yenw]

I'm in the exact same boat...itching to get away from the Hero--but not necessarily keen on jumping on the EVO given my Hero experience, or the Epic given my Instinct experience. I've been searching myself for information about new/upcoming phones for Sprint, and thus far I haven't really seen or heard of anything that will top either the EVO or Epic. Anxious to see what kind of response(s) this thread gets.

 

[Joehunni]

I'm surprised Sprint has kept this quiet this long regarding their fall/winter lineup. Surely within the next month we'll hear something in the way of what to look forward to.

 

[ToxicToastKatz]

I'm in the exact same boat...itching to get away from the Hero--but not necessarily keen on jumping on the EVO given my Hero experience, or the Epic given my Instinct experience. I've been searching myself for information about new/upcoming phones for Sprint, and thus far I haven't really seen or heard of anything that will top either the EVO or Epic. Anxious to see what kind of response(s) this thread gets.

So you and I appear to be in the exact same thought process. I'm a little skeptical about grabbing the Evo simply because of the Hero experience. While it hasn't been TOO bad, it's left a little bad taste in my mouth. The problem is, I don't like Samsung's phone hardware and there's really nothing else that tickles my fancy in the Android lineup. My ultimate phone would be the iPhone (gasp....i'm a Mac guy) but that ain't happening anytime soon. My next phone will likely be an HTC product.

Anyway, I'm interested to see what everyone else chimes in with.

 

[LBPHeretic]

Yeah, Joehunni, I would think we would have heard something from Sprint by now too, in regards to new Android handsets. I honestly hope they are not going only offer the decent hardware on 4G handsets, thereby limiting my choices to low or mid level handsets if I want to stick with a 3G experience.

I know that Sprint recently released the Sprint Samsung Intercept, which is a 3G handset, but the specifications really are not up to snuff with some of the higher end handsets that are becoming available. Not to mention, I am more interested in getting another HTC product.

 

[Joehunni]

In all honesty, despite the specs, the performance of the intercept seems significantly less than the hero (my hero at least), plus it has vanilla Android. Samsungs Touchwiz Ui isn't that bad but it's no Sense Ui. I have a friend with a Evo also and while it is fast, the screen looks like ass, the colors are all washed out looking and shiny. That plus it's entirely too large... I really hope Sprint will release new non-4g upper-end Android phones soon but honestly, I really don't see it happening...

 

[yenw]

So you and I appear to be in the exact same thought process. I'm a little skeptical about grabbing the Evo simply because of the Hero experience. While it hasn't been TOO bad, it's left a little bad taste in my mouth. The problem is, I don't like Samsung's phone hardware and there's really nothing else that tickles my fancy in the Android lineup. My ultimate phone would be the iPhone (gasp....i'm a Mac guy) but that ain't happening anytime soon. My next phone will likely be an HTC product.

Anyway, I'm interested to see what everyone else chimes in with.

100% in sync. I was VERY annoyed with my Samsung Instinct--they played it out to be the "iPhone Killer" and thy pretty much killed themselves and dropped development for it altogether...now I'm feeling deja vu with the Hero. My son has a Samsung Moment, and it hasn't held up all that well hardware wise--specifically the keyboard. I'm a Mac guy too--so again--we're in the same boat-dreaming of a Sprint iPhone. BUT...nonetheless...I'm telling myself I don't have a lot to lose as with my Premier status, my max upgrade is there for me on 10/1...the question is...can I be patient (not likely) and play the wait and see game to see/hear if anything is upcoming OR...take my chances with the EVO and hope that I can live with it until 10/1/11? Patience is *NOT* one of my virtues.

 

[Whiskeypawz]

I forgot about an article I read last week about LG coming out with two new "middle market" Android phones (Optimus One & Optimus Chic) for now & more to come in the future. I don't think they have said yet which carrier(s) they will be with in the US so there is a possibility Sprint would carry one or both. Chances are, if the phones are halfway decent Sprint will NOT be getting them & the cool kids (Verizon) will get them!

 

[MahaloCat]

My Wife has the Intercept.....if you think you get annoyed with the Hero....STEER CLEAR!!!!!

Home and Menu buttons seems to work when they want to - With No Task Killer it is impossible - added quick systems and it actually made it great....but battery drained in about 4 hours.......

I am sticking with un rooted hero - When I Am Eligible for my upgrade...I will Root.....that way if I brick it....I just go get my new phone.
: )

In all honesty, despite the specs, the performance of the intercept seems significantly less than the hero (my hero at least), plus it has vanilla Android. Samsungs Touchwiz Ui isn't that bad but it's no Sense Ui. I have a friend with a Evo also and while it is fast, the screen looks like ass, the colors are all washed out looking and shiny. That plus it's entirely too large... I really hope Sprint will release new non-4g upper-end Android phones soon but honestly, I really don't see it happening...

 

[Lean23]

I am sticking with un rooted hero - When I Am Eligible for my upgrade...I will Root.....that way if I brick it....I just go get my new phone.
: )

That was my plan with rooting too. I finally couldn't take it anymore and went ahead and rooted. After doing so, I wished that I hadn't waited so long to do it.

My advice would be to go ahead and root it now. It's so easy to do and the chance of bricking your phone is pretty slim.

Sorry for the thread jack...

 

[MahaloCat]

Lean - You aren't a Ckn hawk fan RU ?
Grew up in KC - Moved to Hawaii by way of florida.....

Is rooting REALLY that much better - I am running 2.1....6 and LP - have no issues with lag or battery life - Soooo - what am i missing - internet and App speed?

 

[revtime]

After doing much research I picked up an EVO this last weekend. It really is a Hero on steroids. I love it. Thought the thing was going to be way too big but I am starting to like it. I still have my Hero and will be tweaking it with different ROMs and such but the EVO is a badass. I could be wrong but I think Sprint is not going to have anything coming out till next year and my upgrade would be wasted to sit on it for a year. If your a premier customer it makes no sense to wait. By the time the next "HERO" phone comes out you will be mere months away from your upgrade again.
I could be wrong on this but I just get the feeling nothing earth shattering is coming from Sprint phone wise till middle of next year.

 

[ToxicToastKatz]

After doing much research I picked up an EVO this last weekend. It really is a Hero on steroids. I love it. Thought the thing was going to be way too big but I am starting to like it. I still have my Hero and will be tweaking it with different ROMs and such but the EVO is a badass. I could be wrong but I think Sprint is not going to have anything coming out till next year and my upgrade would be wasted to sit on it for a year. If your a premier customer it makes no sense to wait. By the time the next "HERO" phone comes out you will be mere months away from your upgrade again.
I could be wrong on this but I just get the feeling nothing earth shattering is coming from Sprint phone wise till middle of next year.

Out of curiosity, have you rooted it yet or are you running Stock? To be perfectly honest, one of the biggest draws to Android that I saw was the ability to have a customizable phone that you didn't have to tinker with.

When I had my HTC Touch (WinMo) I had to screw with that thing constantly to get it to look how I wanted. With Android, you can customize just about every aspect. That thrilled me because I thought I wouldn't have to waste time screwing with it. The great thing was, it was customizable out of the box, the bad thing was, the damn thing didn't work AT ALL without rooting/roming. Personally, that's the biggest allure of the iPhone for me. Sure, it's got issues, I know that (and I don't want this to turn into one of 'those' threads) but it pretty much just "works" out of the box. Is that how the Evo is or did you have to screw with it for stuff to work? Don't get me wrong, I would likely root it within the first week of having it, but if I could minimize the tinkering, that'd be great.

 

[MahaloCat]

My Hero Worked out of the box - and a few tweeks have made it PERFECT

 

[revtime]

My EVO is stock. I like to leave the phone stock for the first 30 days in case something goes wrong and I need to return it. I rooted my Hero about a month ago, first time rooting for me and it was fairly easy. It turned my Hero into a great phone but it was just underpowered. The EVO is fast, the processor and 2.2 are a great combination.

Android phones are great out of the box. You have to customize to get it the way you want but it takes 10 15 minutes tops once you have some experience with Android. The only thing that has taken some getting used to with the EVO is the size. Its a big phone for sure and dont think about carrying it in your tight sexy jeans. I am getting used to it now though.

But to answer your question, yes it works right out of the box. I have not had an issue with anything.

 

[Lean23]

Lean - You aren't a Ckn hawk fan RU ?
Grew up in KC - Moved to Hawaii by way of florida.....

Is rooting REALLY that much better - I am running 2.1....6 and LP - have no issues with lag or battery life - Soooo - what am i missing - internet and App speed?

Haha, I am a Jayhawk fan. Don't hold that against me.

If you're not having any lag then I wouldn't worry about rooting. Unless you're a tech type guy that likes to do that stuff.

 

[MahaloCat]

Haha, I am a Jayhawk fan. Don't hold that against me.

If you're not having any lag then I wouldn't worry about rooting. Unless you're a tech type guy that likes to do that stuff.

K - S - U WILDCATS!

Yeah no lag - Will wait and see if the update still alows rooting.
I must be a lucky one. Tons of apps -widgits running...no lag.

 

[pinoy724]

Qualcomm releasing Dual-Core Snapdragon processor's soon.
Qualcomm's Dual-Core Snapdragon 1.2GHz Chips—Seen In A Smartphone Near You Soon

Hopefully Sprint will have a dual-core next year for my premium upgrade.

 

[chawski]

Qualcomm releasing Dual-Core Snapdragon processor's soon.
Qualcomm's Dual-Core Snapdragon 1.2GHz Chips—Seen In A Smartphone Near You Soon

Hopefully Sprint will have a dual-core next year for my premium upgrade.

Hahaa...and people say the battery life is bad now...

 

[ethos]

My EVO comes tomorrow. I thought I had lost my Sprint Hero at the bar. I found it today. Good thing I qualified for the upgrade anyways. I'm excited about the front facing camera; but I don't know anyone else with the same thing so it might be kind of useless. I'm not going to be happy about the size. The Hero has been the absolute perfect size for my pocket. Oh well, I was sorta forced into it. If I gave into the 'next big things around the corner' mentality I wouldn't do anything and I'd rather be happy than be constantly waiting (still waiting for the xbox720, lol).