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Go cheap and wait? Or stretch budget?

RumiB

Lurker
Apr 30, 2016
3
0
Hi, new here. I have to replace my beloved 2-year-old Note 3 that was water-damaged, and this is my first upgrade paying full price (ouch). I need to get an unlocked phone that will work on Verizon, and would prefer to stay under $300. I've been completely out of the loop, but it seems like there will be more options in that price range in the nearish future. So I'm debating between these two choices:

1. Go as cheap as possible and look for a new midrange phone in the next 6 months or so. (Looking at a manufacturer-refurbished Galaxy S3.)

2. Stretch budget a little past my preferred limit for a new Note 4 (from eBay, reputable seller).

Considerations: I rely on the phone heavily (in place of a computer, camera and GPS) but don't do anything fancy with it. Reliability is important, good camera, prefer removable battery and definitely expandable memory.

The Note 4 is tempting, but eBay/lack of warranty makes me nervous (no support after 30 days -- scary because Note 3 started randomly shutting off and needed replacing after a year). And I would not be buying a SquareTrade warranty due to high cost+deductible. If I went with #1, I'd be hoping to get the replacement from a store that offers a warranty.
 
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LG G4 sounded great until I heard about the bootloop problem. And I was about to get a Samsung S5 until a friend said hers was unreliable and gave her a lot of trouble.

After reading more about S3s getting old and having problems, I ended up going with the Note 4. Thanks for the responses!
 
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The problem is, you are going to hear things about all devices, so if you keep going buy the issues others have here and there, you will never decide on a device. The devices mentioned here are all good choices, and the preference will have to be yours. Sounds like you have your mind made up, so I would go with your choice and hope you have no issues, with it for the next 6 months, then you will be ready for your upgrade. ;)
 
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LG G4 sounded great until I heard about the bootloop problem. And I was about to get a Samsung S5 until a friend said hers was unreliable and gave her a lot of trouble.

After reading more about S3s getting old and having problems, I ended up going with the Note 4. Thanks for the responses!

Too late I guess since you've made your decision (and nothing wrong with what you decided) but I'll throw my 2 cents in anyway.
As a happy S5 owner going on 1-1/2 years, I'll say it's a great device but as with anything there will be troublesome examples and very often this has to do with problematic firmware from a particular carrier. It's possible your friend had one of those.
Also in the future when you're looking for another device, check out Swappa where you can find previous-generation flagships in good condition for very reasonable prices. Unlike free-for-all sites like CL the sellers are verified as are the devices (ESN's checked) before they can be posted.
 
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