Looking for a good Android phone.

[Inkybro]

Hey guys,

I have wanted a smart phone for a while now. I originally leaned towards an iPhone, but I don't like the fact that you have to have a Mac to develop for it. This lead me to download the Android SDK and begin messing around.

I do want to get an Android phone soon, so I can really test my code on the actual device (and just to have a smart phone =P).

I'm looking for a balance between value and power/functionality/features. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. What are your experiences? What do you use? Would you suggest what you use? If not, what would you suggest?

Farewell!

 

[i VTAK]

What networks have good service in your area? For the price, Sprint's HTC Hero can't be beat IMO. Unless Sprint doesn't have good coverage in your area or you don't care how much your phone bill is.

 

[grainysand]

If you're looking into developing Android apps, you might want to keep the device seeding program in mind. (That is, when your app has received at least 5,000 unique downloads and a rating of 3.5 and over, Google will send you a free Droid or Nexus One. Not sure how long this program lasts, but hey, it's mighty generous of them.)

That aside, I'm using an N1 and having a lovely time with it. The OS is intuitive and flexible, rooting it is extra easy, and even with the still-young app market, there's still something for just about everything I need out of my phone (and a few things I don't). The phone itself feels classy and solid to the touch and, despite the scare-mongering articles about its screens, I've not experienced any real problem with it beyond the occasional calibration glitches, which are software-related in any case and can probably be fixed in a future official update. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

 

[Inkybro]

Thanks, i VTAK and grainysand!

Both the HTC Hero and the N1 look gorgeous. I think, in the end, I'll probably go with the N1. I am feeling a little torn between the two.

 

[daffyduck]

Thanks, i VTAK and grainysand!

Both the HTC Hero and the N1 look gorgeous. I think, in the end, I'll probably go with the N1. I am feeling a little torn between the two.

No, you can't compare the two (had both myself) - Nexus any day!

 

[normanb20]

Yea I would recommend the nexus over a hero, simply that the nexus wont be outdated at least for another couple months. I personally use the Droid because I love the keyboard, but with the voice to text mic button on the virtual keyboard I dont find myself typing much anymore, rather speaking.
My other issue is that yeah the Sense UI on the hero is nice(and pretty) and should be updated to 2.1 soon, but look at this past year sense is still at 1.5 and HTC has been slow to update. It cant even run navigation. For that reason(if you're not rooting) I say go w/ a vanilla android, and you cant go wrong with one straight from google.

 

[i VTAK]

If you can afford it and the plan price of an N1, I would suggest that too. I was just throwing the Hero and Sprint out there because you mentioned value in your original post.

 

[IOWA]

If you can afford it and the plan price of an N1, I would suggest that too. I was just throwing the Hero and Sprint out there because you mentioned value in your original post.

Actually Sprint would be the best in terms of coverage and value, and the Moment is actually faster, AMOLED, and overall better than the Hero. Not to mention full qwerty slider which is IMO the best I've ever used, period. I've owned the Mogul, Touch Pro, Samsung Rant, And some LG PoS. And you'll find alot of "issues" with the moment on the web, but that has been fixed with the CL14 Update, which comes pre-installed on new purchases, So your covered there. Also the AMOLED is amazing, easy on the eyes, and easy to use in bright light. The build quality of the phone is pretty rugged, (dropped mine a few times already, even on concrete) and my phone is still ticking, and ticking strong at that. The downfall of the N1 is it is only available on Tmorbid. Their 3G is worse than ATT's, and don't even get me started on voice quality.

 

[i VTAK]

Actually Sprint would be the best in terms of coverage and value, and the Moment is actually faster, AMOLED, and overall better than the Hero. Not to mention full qwerty slider which is IMO the best I've ever used, period. I've owned the Mogul, Touch Pro, Samsung Rant, And some LG PoS. And you'll find alot of "issues" with the moment on the web, but that has been fixed with the CL14 Update, which comes pre-installed on new purchases, So your covered there. Also the AMOLED is amazing, easy on the eyes, and easy to use in bright light. The build quality of the phone is pretty rugged, (dropped mine a few times already, even on concrete) and my phone is still ticking, and ticking strong at that. The downfall of the N1 is it is only available on Tmorbid. Their 3G is worse than ATT's, and don't even get me started on voice quality.

I used to HATE the Moment. My Hero and the wife's Moment are our first venture into smartphones of any kind. But I have to admit, after CL14 I really am starting to like her phone. I worry that after 2.1 I may have to tell her that her phone is better than mine. Good thing it's still a brick, J/K.

The value of Sprint can't be matched by anyone is true. We shopped around to all carriers before we made the Sprint jump and for the same services, everyone is atleast $50 a month more for what we have. And in our area Sprint has the best coverage, I know that doesn't apply everywhere though.

 

[mrmojoz]

The moment was better than I expected after reading about it on the interwebs. Easy to root/custom kernelize as well now.

 

[IOWA]

The moment was better than I expected after reading about it on the interwebs. Easy to root/custom kernelize as well now.

Oh yeah, and alot of information HERE about rooting.