Help New phone suggestion

[bkenobi69]

My trusty Droid 4 broke a couple weeks ago and I need to replace it. I love having a qwerty keyboard, but have come to the conclusion that no company currently has an offering that will work for me (either too old or the keyboard doesn't improve much). I've considered just getting another D4 for now and waiting for another couple years, but the one I just broke was really showing its age (speed primarily). I have only been looking for new qwerty phones so I know really nothing about the current offerings. I'd like some recommendations with the following requests:

• Compact: I hate the current monster phones. I don't really want anything larger than my current model (5.0") but know that won't happen.
• Android version doesn't really matter. I was running ICS until recently when I went to JB.
• Full keyboard: I get it, not available outside of BB Priv, which the keyboard is vertical so it's cramped and useless. It also doesn't have a full set so is no better than the soft keyboard anyway.
  
• Prefer that it doesn't cost a fortune. Unless it's the right phone for the next few years, I don't want to be spending $800. Even if the Priv were right, it would still be a gulp to jump on that phone.
• Verizon compatible
• Replaceable battery: My D4 had a replaceable battery so after a few years I could swap it out. I don't need one that can be swapped every day, but one that can be swapped when it stops holding charge would be good.

I'm currently considering the HTC 523 and Galaxy S5 due to size, but these are not exactly the most current. I don't need the latest and greatest, I just need something that will work for a few years and I won't hate not having my beloved qwerty.

 

[chanchan05]

So based on your message, I still see why the S5 doesn't fit the bill. Anything less than getting an S7 or S6 will mean something that's at least on par with the S5 in capabilties, or weaker. Plus you lose the removable battery.

 

[bkenobi69]

My wife has the S5 and says it's pretty good. It's a little larger than what I'd really like but apparently the industry doesn't care. The S5 is older and a bit slow compared to the current generation (just going by specs) but I wasn't sure if that's a real world speed problem or not. I'm not doing anything advanced, but web use became a problem on my D4 recently.

 

[chanchan05]

If you go most recent, you have to give up some of your requirements. The S5 is the last good phone with removable battery that doesn't cost a fortune, AFAIK even the Huawei and Oppo flagships have nonremovable batteries. Otherwise you have to go LG G5 with the price of a flagship.

 

[bkenobi69]

Is it fair to assume that all of these would be rootable? I didn't list it as I assumed it was a given for any Android device.

 

[MLSS]

My wife has the S5 and says it's pretty good. It's a little larger than what I'd really like but apparently the industry doesn't care. The S5 is older and a bit slow compared to the current generation (just going by specs) but I wasn't sure if that's a real world speed problem or not. I'm not doing anything advanced, but web use became a problem on my D4 recently.

The S5 is plenty fast.

 

[MLSS]

Have you looked at the Moto G or any other Moto device?

 

[bkenobi69]

I looked at the turbo 2 and thought it was about as big as my truck. I didn't see the Moto G at the store.

 

[Mikestony]

Looking for new or used?
Curious because I ran across this thread about a used LG device on Verizon Looks like a sweet deal!

 

[MLSS]

http://www.verizonwireless.com/wireless-devices/smartphones/moto-g/
It comes in 8 and 16 gigs of storage.

Screenshot are the GSM model from best buy.
Screen is only 4.5 inches I believe.

 

[bkenobi69]

I'm currently leaning towards the S5 but wish it was a little smaller. I like that it can have a Qi cover and it's factory (not required for my needs, but a nice feature). Any other thoughts?

 

[SiempreTuna]

Not sure what's required for Verizon compatability so apologies if this is irrelevant ..

I'm really happy with my Nexus 5X:

- it doesn't feel too big
- it looks OK
- the fingerprint security is super slick (even impresses iPhone users)
- it has a great screen
- it's fast enough
- everything I've tried to do with it has worked
- the battery easily lasts a day (for me, YMMV)
- it charges very quickly
- it has 32GB storage (enough for me)
- the camera is excellent
- it gets monthly security updates direct from Google

And most important: it was pretty cheap when I got it but there are some amazing deals on it now

 

[bkenobi69]

Actually, I just did a little looking at the Nexus 5 and see that the battery can be replaced if it dies. Same for the Moto G. So, for my needs I guess those are 3 good choices I'll have to consider.

 

[kate]

I just did a little looking at the Nexus 5

The original Nexus 5 didn't work on Verizon (but the 5x will). Nexus 5 can be used on Sprint, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Moto G battery is not removable, unless you have the tools to take it apart. I don't think the Nexus 5/5x battery is removable either.

 

[bkenobi69]

I didn't realize the Nexus 5 wasn't Verizon compatible so that's very helpful. The Nexus 5 and Moto G are not replaceable batteries, but I found a few guides for replacing them. My Droid4 was not removable either, but removing a sticker and a couple screws was all it took to replace them once dead. I don't need a swappable battery, I just don't want to have to replace the phone because the thing only holds 50% charge down the road.

 

[bkenobi69]

After a lot of thinking, I've decided on the Galaxy S5. I have 2 choices for purchase: Verizon store or ebay. If I go Verizon, it may be more expensive (not completely sure as I'll have to check their math...they claim it's free). If I go ebay, I can get one for ~$200 currently, but I have a couple questions.

1. Do I need to worry about fakes these days?
2. Do I need an unlocked phone?

I assume that since these aren't current, fakes should be less common. Maybe not. If I get one from Verizon, it will be locked obviously. I don't plan on changing providers and won't likely need a different carrier for foreign travel (though Canada is always a possibility). I see that if you have the code you can unlock but seems like you have to pay someone for the code.

 

[androidlover9]

Fakes do exist for the Galaxy S5 out there, if you don't plan on changing carriers don't bother getting it unlocked.

 

[Fox Mulder]

You can get them on Swappa and they're verified on there so no chance of a fake.