Looking for Advice - Best Android Phone

[JOFTAA]

I have seen similar topics from last year, but with the phone market changing so quickly, I wanted to ask again, myself.

I have about $350 to spend on an Android phone. I want to get the most bang for my buck.

What phone do you recommend, and why do you recommend it?

Thank you.

 

[Mostly Harmless]

Samsung Galaxy S3, everything about this phone is beautiful. The screen, the feel, the build, the speed. I really do believe it's the best android phone on the market. The only thing that stinks is the Touchwiz overlay, but that could be easily solved with Apex or Nova launcher.

 

[JOFTAA]

Thank you. T-Mobile is selling this phone for $606, which is way over my $350 budget.

I appreciate the advise, but I have to stay within my budget.

 

[ExtremeNerd]

Samsung Galaxy S3, everything about this phone is beautiful. The screen, the feel, the build, the speed. I really do believe it's the best android phone on the market. The only thing that stinks is the Touchwiz overlay, but that could be easily solved with Apex or Nova launcher.

Flawless answer.

Spec wise, nothing can touch the GS3. My only complaint is the home button. It's awkward and out of place in the current Android environment. Once AOKP is up and running with JB, and I can have the navigation bar instead, this phone will be perfect to me.

@JOFTAA, if you're looking to purchase a phone outright with no contract, your best and only option will be the Galaxy Nexus. For that price range, there is nothing better. However, it's a year old and shows compared to today's top tier.

 

[JOFTAA]

I suppose that I will have to compromise with my budget.

What I really wish I could get is a nice Android tablet with a 10" or larger screen, that would allow me to make phone calls. I use a bluetooth earpiece, so it's not like I would care about the large size. I'd spend a few bucks more for the tablet if it were available. The biggest problem I have run into is that the pricing in the U.S. is very expensive compared to what I am used to.

I just returned from a 3 year tour in Germany and the data plans are far less money. Unlimited data can be had for 15€ a month! The carriers here are way out of line with their pricing.

 

[chanchan05]

At your budget, and your preference for a larger screen that can make phone calls, why not a Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 or a Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus? They can make calls, have decent dual core processors and GPU. The 7 Plus is basically a larger version of the Galaxy SII, while the Tab 2 7.0 has the same chipset as a Galaxy Nexus. The advantage of the Plus is better hardware IMO, while the Tab 2 has ICS out of the box (the Plus will get the update, its rolling out in Europe right now).

 

[ExtremeNerd]

I suppose that I will have to compromise with my budget.

What I really wish I could get is a nice Android tablet with a 10" or larger screen, that would allow me to make phone calls. I use a bluetooth earpiece, so it's not like I would care about the large size. I'd spend a few bucks more for the tablet if it were available. The biggest problem I have run into is that the pricing in the U.S. is very expensive compared to what I am used to.

I just returned from a 3 year tour in Germany and the data plans are far less money. Unlimited data can be had for 15

 

[JOFTAA]

At your budget, and your preference for a larger screen that can make phone calls, .......

I have recommended this tablet to about a dozen people, and they all love it. It is NOT a high end tablet anymore, but does extremely well for its price....

Thank you both, very much!

chanchan05 - Is this the one you are recommending? I am not seeing one of these in my price range. It looks like a great tablet, though. Do you know of a place that has it in my price range?

ExtremeNerd - Your link is not working, but I can search it. I think I found the one you are recommending. This one?

I should clarify that I want to be able to make calls using 3G, and not just WiFi. If I am away from home, and not near a WiFi connection, I still want to make calls.

Note: I am not intentionally breaking any rules here. I promise. I am an Amazon affiliate. All of my Amazon links have my code by default, and I don't have any idea how to get my code out without screwing up the link. I just wanted to be honest so people would not think I am trying to spam the site with my own links or something.

 

[elyamdroid]

buy samsyng galaxy nexus with Pure Google = Pure Android ( if u r android fan ) and you will never ask about phones till the next Nexus come out !

 

[Brownoats]

I have a samsung galaxy s3 and its amazing in every way. There may be better phones out there but you definitely won't be disappointed if you get one.

 

[Liamo_210]

Galaxy nexus or else get a galaxy S3 on a contract

 

[JOFTAA]

I guess it's a tossup right now between a Nexus and a Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus. I have no way to get a subsidized phone with my existing contract. I pay way to little per month to get any subsidies. I pay $80.75 for 5 lines. Two are unlimited, and 3 with 500 minutes, each.

Thank you, everyone, for your suggestions.

 

[Metroid Prime]

The S3 definitely sounds like an awesome device!
I would recommend that one.

 

[chanchan05]

Thank you both, very much!

chanchan05 - Is this the one you are recommending? I am not seeing one of these in my price range. It looks like a great tablet, though. Do you know of a place that has it in my price range?

ExtremeNerd - Your link is not working, but I can search it. I think I found the one you are recommending. This one?

I should clarify that I want to be able to make calls using 3G, and not just WiFi. If I am away from home, and not near a WiFi connection, I still want to make calls.

Note: I am not intentionally breaking any rules here. I promise. I am an Amazon affiliate. All of my Amazon links have my code by default, and I don't have any idea how to get my code out without screwing up the link. I just wanted to be honest so people would not think I am trying to spam the site with my own links or something.

Wow, they're selling it for about $70 more expensive there than my country.

 

[JOFTAA]

In which country do you live?

 

[JOFTAA]

I am leaning toward the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus as suggested above. I have been doing some research this morning, and it seems that the more research I do, the more conflicting information I find.

According to Samsung's website, this tablet can be used to make phone calls. Does this mean I can use the SIM that I am using in my existing phone and insert it into the Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus and use the tablet as a phone with my current phone number?

I called T-Mobile and they just gave me the phone equivalent to a dumb stare.

Thank you.

 

[ExtremeNerd]

That's strange, T-Mo customer service is usually pretty good. I guess the layoffs have hit them hard.

I do not have a 3g/4g tablet, so I can't be sure, but I would assume it doesn't come with the cell radios beyond data. Many of the reviews say "this is not a phone," but you CAN use VOIP calling. You can probably get a google voice number and make calls through that, but I don't think you can keep the same phone number on this tablet.

 

[JOFTAA]

Hmmm... That would kind of stink. Although, I could port my number to GV and use that. I have no problem using VoIP. As a matter of fact, that is what we use for our home phone service. I have a Nettalk Duo and it works great.

I am looking at this page.
Samsung GALAXY TAB 7.0 plus

I wonder what they mean by making and receiving calls. It doesn't really say VoIP or cellular, unless I missed that part.

 

[ExtremeNerd]

Hunting around on XDA, looks like the tab can't be used as a "phone" phone. Since you know what you're doing, VOIP is a good option. Seems like you've come to a decision!

 

[JOFTAA]

Hunting around on XDA, looks like the tab can't be used as a "phone" phone. Since you know what you're doing, VOIP is a good option. Seems like you've come to a decision!

According to my friend, the Tab can indeed be used as a phone. Perhaps he is mistaken the SIM slot for what he thinks is a SIM for a telephone, when it is actually for 3G only. I will have to call him back and find out.

 

[ngrygier]

Within the budget the best choice is a Nexus.

 

[JOFTAA]

Within the budget the best choice is a Nexus.

This one? I see a Nexus S and a Nexus 7 tablet. I assume you mean the S?

 

[bob60626]

I'm really digging the S2 and will probably buy a used TMO model soon- affordable and common (if you have to replace it), I've loved every one I've handled, and reviews seem to suggest better battery life then the Nexus.
On the cheaper end, this Galaxy Exhibit I picked up seems to be a solid phone.

 

[chanchan05]

Hmmm... That would kind of stink. Although, I could port my number to GV and use that. I have no problem using VoIP. As a matter of fact, that is what we use for our home phone service. I have a Nettalk Duo and it works great.

I am looking at this page.
Samsung GALAXY TAB 7.0 plus

I wonder what they mean by making and receiving calls. It doesn't really say VoIP or cellular, unless I missed that part.

It makes phone calls via cellular (SIM). I own one, so I should know. I make calls and text using the thing if my phone's battery is out of juice.

 

[JOFTAA]

It makes phone calls via cellular (SIM). I own one, so I should know. I make calls and text using the thing if my phone's battery is out of juice.

Would you happen to know, since you own the Tab, if there is a ROM that can be installed that will allow me to use T-Mobile's WiFi Calling?

Currently, I have the Samsung Vibrant, and I use the
(Build number) Bionix-V FishmanMod
(Mod version) Re-Melted Butter - Final 2

There is an update (if it is called an update) that installs T-Mobile WiFi calling.

I live in an area with very poor T-Mobile coverage, so while at home I have to use the WiFi Calling. I suppose I could always use Google Voice and accomplish the same thing.

Thank you for clarifying the ability to make calls with this Tab.