Rogers: X10 vs N1

[Roze]

Hi

I was really excited when I first heard Sony Ericsson announced the X10 almost 1/2 year ago. I don't think I would say I'm a phone fanatic or even would consider that it's possible to have 'fallen' for a phone, but the X10 for me was love at first sight (after reading the specs that is). Also, because I wanted to know more about X10, I wanted to know what kind of OS Android is. So the X10 got me really interested in Android. I was even more excited when Rogers announced they were going to carry the X10. When I heard the rumoured price, my jaw simply dropped since I knew I couldn't afford it. I still followed the X10's development religiously. Earlier last month, I lost my cell phone I was really bummed out since I had it for a year and I'm on a damn 3 years contract with Rogers. I really wanted an Android phone (after reading so much on it) for my next phone. I was planning on buying an HTC Magic on Craiglist for around $200-$250 but then I thought if I'm shelling out $200+, why not spend a little more and get a phone I really WANT that I'll be happy with for a couple of years. So I've been diligently saving up enough money so that I can get the X10 (need another 2 months of saving, I've been setting aside $200 each month for my phone purchase).

When Google 'announced' that they have a N1 that's compatible with Rogers I was ecstatic. At this point, I kind of got tired being disappointed with the X10 (the release being pushed back and with only Android 1.6). And considering that the N1 is 'cheaper', I decided that I might do some more research on the N1 and get that instead. Usually my research entails me reading up all the faults that exist for a product and decide if i can 'live' with them. Some of the 'big' issues I've read for the N1 include the crack screens (wtf), poor battery life (well Google sells the spare for $25 so whatever), and bad 3G connectivity (though I think this was fixed by Google's OTA update last month) and of course, HTC's 'horrible' customer service/support. Now here's where I'm at a stump/indecision, with shipping+tax+tariff and the price of the N1 ($650) and X10 ($800 or something) would be very similar. Damn you tariff! So the price difference is a 'nil' to me >_>;;;

Anyways...sorry for the whole life story here >_<;; didn't realized my rambling went on and on but my questions are, lol...yes I just wanted to ask some questions but thought I'd explain my 'situation' first

For those of you who are waiting for the X10, what's your reason for waiting and not getting the N1 instead?
And I think I know the people that chose the N1 answer, but if it's not for being out of contract and the OTA updates from google...why did you pick the N1 if you were considering the X10?

After writing my 'life story' I'm too lazy/tired (It took me close to 2 hours to write this since I don't want to sound too silly) to put the full specs of the 2 phones. But I'm going to assume (make an ass of of myself) and say that most people on this forum are knowledgeable on the newest and latest phones, so you don't need me to put the specs here (I hope) but below is my short comparison (not spec wise since we all know the specs differences)

N1 ----------------vs------------ X10
unsubsidized -------------------subsidized
no contract ----------------------contract (can get it out of contract)
Google phone ------------------ 'Rogers' experience phone
Google update ----------------- 'Rogers' update
HTC customer support -------- Roger's support

From what I've read on the Rogers Forum...Rogers SUCK at updating the Android OS! Plus...One reason why I wanted the X10 to have been released much earlier is that I don't want to be an early adopter, lol, I like to know the issues that I'm likely to expect so that nothing comes as a *surprise* to me. The only thing that's making me lean towards the X10 is that I want proper a 'brick and mortar' to bring a defective X10 to for immediate exchange. I believe what makes a good product great is the customer supports behind it. Oh this brings me to another question: for those who have bought the N1, have any of you experienced any difficulty with the HTC's customer support like our friends in the US have?


Thanks for reading my really really long post...I must apologize, I didn't realize how awfully long this has become. I'd love to hear everyone's comments and hope that people aren't overlooking my thread because it's soooo bloody long -_-;

Thanks a lot and signing off,
-Roze-

P.S. for those of you that do what a comparison, below is GSMarena specification comparison between the N1 and X10
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 vs. HTC Google Nexus One - GSMArena.com

 

[Deleted User]

Also to keep in mind that the X10 will not support multi-touch even if it does get updated to Android 2.1. The limitation is in the hardware itself and may *guess* be something that they can introduce in the future on a revision 2 of the X10.

Not having multi-touch is and important enough reason to remove X10 from the selection criteria, but that's just me.

The main reason why I went with N1 is I wanted a pure Google Experience phone which I can hack and has no limitations dictated either by Google or by my carrier of choice. Moreover, looking at the videos of the manufacturing on the N1 tells me that Google really put some thought into the specifications, design and testing of the phone to ensure that it is a best of breed device on which they are putting their name and brand.

Another reason is to not be locked into contracts. If you calculate the amount of money you spend in getting a subsidized phone vs. unlocked phone and the headaches associated with it (my historical experience with Rogers Magic and Bold), the savings you get with a subsidized phone are not worth it. Now that number portability is here and both Telus and Bell also have a 3G network, there is more choice and eventually I can take my number and my device to whomever that is offering a better value.

Given that customer service may suck at all three carriers, but for us technical savvy folks, the customer service is nothing but needed to make corrections and/or billing errors.

So given all those, and despite really liking what I saw when Mike and I held the X10 when we met with Rogers, I really don't like the idea of SonyEricsson and more importantly Rogers not putting pressure to release a device with latest OS (2.1).

For that reason the X10 lost my vote.

 

[saltorio]

I was going to go with the X10 mostly because I could get it subsidized through Rogers (can't afford to buy it outright). I was willing to live with Android 1.6 for the time being, and I did prefer the design of the X10 and the fact it had a better camera.

However, the news of the complete lack of multi-/dual-touch support at a hardware level has soured me on the X10. I'll likely still get one subsidized through Rogers (unless they announce something like the HTC Desire very soon), but I'll be doing to in order to sell it to buy something like the N1.

 

[jonno2k]

I was in the exact same position. I *really* wanted the X10 and have been waiting for a long time for it (just got the pre-sale email last week from Rogers). However, I took the plunge and bought the Nexus One. I don't regret a thing.

Yes, it was costly to pay upfront. However, because I've been with Rogers for a long time and because the same N1 will work on the Telus and Bell 3G networks, I had some room to negotiate and I got a great voice/data plan. If I got a subsidized phone, I'd have to lock in to a 3 year plan at a higher rate. Multiply the savings over 3 years and my $600 phone is a *LOT* cheaper than the subsidized X10.

I can't stand the cell phone branding and the X10 will have Rogers branding all over it. When I bought my SE w810i 3+ years ago, the first thing I did was reflash it with unbranded firmware. It opened up flash menus, allowed me to use any mp3 as ringtone, etc... so many features that Rogers had disabled. I don't know if such generic firmware exists for the X10 but the N1 doesn't have that limitation and you know Google is going to support it. The tight integration with Google apps is pretty sweet.

So while I am somewhat disappointed I never got my X10, the N1 makes me easily forget about it and I have no regrets. True, customer service may be an issue but my w810 never needed service and so far the N1 hasn't needed it.

 

[Alfredjms]

Roze - Like you when I heard about the X10 for Rogers, Iwas extremly excicted. I researched, and researched everything and anything I could find!! Then I heard about the N1, and did the same...I was disappointed that the X10 was coming out with only 1.6(CRAZY!!), but still anticipated the launch. I eventually got tired waiting for the launch delay, and when the opportunity arose for me to get an N1 I just had to do it! Thing is this was a T-mobile device, so I wasn't entirely happy and still held out hopes for the X10 launch, as I would just sell my N1 on craigslist/kijiji....then fortunately for me when the news came out about the new Rogers compatible N1 coming out again before the X10, well to make a long story short, I sold my T-Mobile device, and ordered my Rogers N1!!! I'm happy I decided to g owith the N1....although the X10 is pretty(I like white phones) the OS, and no multi-touch, plus the delays just made me loose interest. The Rogers N1 is a much superior phone in my honest opinion. I've has no issues whatsoever..the device is fantastic!!

Bottom line is that it is a personal decision, as I'm sure the X10 will be an amazing phone as well...choice is really up to you...!!

Good Luck!!

A

 

[Roze]

Not having multi-touch is and important enough reason to remove X10 from the selection criteria, but that's just me.

Yes, lol, I was sorely disappointed when I heard that news. Took me awhile to write the thread, so I forgot to include that. I love playing with the MT on my friends' iphones/ipod touches. Never had MT on my last phone, so to me it wasn't a deal breaker but a big disappointment nonetheless. SE is charging a ludicrous price for a phone that's going to be released handicapped.

Moreover, looking at the videos of the manufacturing on the N1 tells me that Google really put some thought into the specifications, design and testing of the phone to ensure that it is a best of breed device on which they are putting their name and brand.

Yes! LOVE those videos, one reason why I'm quite confuse when I read posts that stated how the screen started to crack with just being in the jeans pocket, or it dropped from 3 feet nightstand. Rambling off, best test videos of gadgets IMHO were the old ThinkPad ones, when IBM still owned the brand.

Another reason is to not be locked into contracts. If you calculate the amount of money you spend in getting a subsidized phone vs. unlocked phone and the headaches associated with it (my historical experience with Rogers Magic and Bold), the savings you get with a subsidized phone are not worth it.

I've never had any issues with Rogers' customer service before. Might be I've never used them for things like warranty. Well I'm stuck on a contract already and I really don't want to extend the contract with a subsidized phone, especially since they force you on a data plan ($25 for 500bm...wtf). I don't need/want a data plan. I have wifi most places I am at.

Given that customer service may suck at all three carriers, but for us technical savvy folks, the customer service is nothing but needed to make corrections and/or billing errors.

I have a neighbour that works for Telus, and he told me that out west (I believe Alberta, not 100% sure), the cell towers are owned by the government, they force carriers to sell plans dirt dirt cheap.

 

[Roze]

saltorio, jonno2k & alfredjms: thanks for all of your comments
It's good to know that I'm not the only one that is falling for the N1 allure

Yes, it was costly to pay upfront. However, because I've been with Rogers for a long time and because the same N1 will work on the Telus and Bell 3G networks, I had some room to negotiate and I got a great voice/data plan.

I can't stand the cell phone branding and the X10 will have Rogers branding all over it.

I've has no issues whatsoever..the device is fantastic!!

That's great to hear Alfred

I think my biggest worry with the N1 vs X10 is the customer support. Just reading the threads on the N1 Forum about how bad the customer supports from Google and HTC makes me cringe.

 

[Deleted User]

Just reading the threads on the N1 Forum about how bad the customer supports from Google and HTC makes me cringe.

I don't know if I share the same experience. I had called Nexus One support and the person I spoke to was extremely helpful. I simply called to ask for the Rogers specific APN settings and for tips and tricks that they may be able to guide me to.

Over all the person on the phone was quite knowledgeable and helpful.

Not sure how the customer support is from HTC for the hardware. My hope is that my N1 doesn't have any hardware issues that sprout up, after having typed this.

 

[Alfredjms]

Roze - Like Pir8 said, I don't really see there being any CS related issues. I personally can't speak from experience as I have no issues with my N1.

In any case...can the support be any worse than Rogers??!!

I wouldn't worry about it. The N1 is a solid device...

A

 

[damnmad]

Also to keep in mind that the X10 will not support multi-touch even if it does get updated to Android 2.1. The limitation is in the hardware itself and may *guess* be something that they can introduce in the future on a revision 2 of the X10.

Not having multi-touch is and important enough reason to remove X10 from the selection criteria, but that's just me.

Hmm... I don't really see a reason why the X10 can't support MultiTouch. It's got a 1GHz SnapDragon chip and a touchscreen?
Can you post your source?

I've never had any issues with Rogers' customer service before. Might be I've never used them for things like warranty. Well I'm stuck on a contract already and I really don't want to extend the contract with a subsidized phone, especially since they force you on a data plan ($25 for 500bm...wtf). I don't need/want a data plan. I have wifi most places I am at.

Well you can always pay the $100 Early Cancellation Fee and cancel your data

EDIT:
WHY DO I ALWAYS FORGET SOMETHING???
In a nutshell, I think the X10 is better in hardware, the N1 better in terms of a full Google experience. I for myself prefer hardware. Hardware can't be changed, software can. Still though not a big difference, so decision stays hard

EDIT2:
Just realized, the X10 has considerably less RAM. This makes the N1 my choice.

 

[Akkuzo]

http://androidandme.com/2010/03/news/confirmed-no-multitouch-for-xperia-x10/

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 will never get multitouch | Android Community

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 will never get multitouch, hardware not capable | Android Central

I don't get it either but it pretty much seems confirmed....

 

[puppet_master]

I really don't understand the issue people have with multi-touch.... and there are sooo many of you!! I also don't understand the issue with the release software (OS) being 1.6... there are FAR more people out there with 1.5/1.6 than there are with 2.* and they're getting along just fine.

I personally find multi-touch to be gimmicky. double tapping (single with the zoom buttons) to zoom is not only quicker, but you get the right zoom level for your screen resolution without constantly having to fine tune it. So this really isn't a big deal.

regarding android versions... so what do you get with 2.1 that you don't with 1.6? A few visual tweeks, multi-touch and that's about all.... OH! and some more colour support (16m instead of 65k) ......BIG DEAL!? I've seen the X10 and N1 side by side and I actually prefer the X10. It's bigger and the visuals are gorgeous.... It would take a real pedant to say "NO... there really isn't enough colours on that screen" :/

The bottom line is that the X10 with get the 2.1 update as soon as google make it compatible with the screen resolution so it WILL come eventually.... multi-touch or no multi-touch... who cares? is what I say

In terms of Hardware, the X10 beats any other android phone hands down. Has anyone tried to use an AMOLED screen in day light? almost impossible... no such problems with the X10. Has anyone used a HTC camera? seriously poor quality and frankly unusable... no such problem on the X10. The X10 also has far superior media implementation than any other android phone... after all... that IS what we use these smart-phone for (other than making calls, lol)

I've said it in other forums... If the X10 was launched with 2.1 and multi-touch, everyone would be calling it BY FAR the best android phone in the market. The former will come in time... but the latter... all things considered... is it really such a big deal to do without pinch to zoom??

-pup-

 

[TriC]

x10 beats the n1 hands down for sure..

 

[Akkuzo]

I really don't understand the issue people have with multi-touch....

I agree with you that pinch zooming isn't the be all and end all of browsing... but my issue with no multitouch is that as apps, particularly games, develop over the next while, more and more of them are going to be using multitouch and the x10 will be left out in the cold. It's the same reason I think launching at 1.6 is crazy. There is more and more apps everyday that require 2.x and the x10 won't be able to use them until maybe sometime this year...maybe...assuming they don't require multitouch...

 

[damnmad]

I really don't understand the issue people have with multi-touch....

...

I've said it in other forums... If the X10 was launched with 2.1 and multi-touch, everyone would be calling it BY FAR the best android phone in the market. The former will come in time... but the latter... all things considered... is it really such a big deal to do without pinch to zoom??

-pup-

Regarding Multi-touch: I don't think it's that important, and it doesn't really affect my decision, but those people here you don't understand, they're the potential buyers. Their opinion is what matters after all. And honestly a phone released at the time when most others contain multi-touch should contain it.

Regarding the OS version: Same thing, phones are now released 2.x. Those who still use 1.5/1.6 bought their device some time ago. Releasing a 1.6 phone now wouldn't make much sense. I know it'll get updated to 2.1, but would you want to wait a few more months when you can have it now?

Then finally I would like to remind you that the X10 has less RAM.

Just my Google-bias-free opinion

 

[saltorio]

I agree with you that pinch zooming isn't the be all and end all of browsing... but my issue with no multitouch is that as apps, particularly games, develop over the next while, more and more of them are going to be using multitouch and the x10 will be left out in the cold. It's the same reason I think launching at 1.6 is crazy. There is more and more apps everyday that require 2.x and the x10 won't be able to use them until maybe sometime this year...maybe...assuming they don't require multitouch...

This is the major concern regarding the lack of MT. Pinch-to-zoom, though the most common and easily recognized use of MT, is in fact one of the least beneficial seeing as there are a number of comparable (if not superior) single-touch alternatives for zooming.

The bottom line is that the X10 with get the 2.1 update as soon as google make it compatible with the screen resolution...

What!? 2.1 is compatible with the X10's screen resolution. It uses the same 854x480 resolution as the Motorola Droid, which has been running fine on 2.0 since November. Do you think that Google made Android 2.0 compatible with that resolution, and then somehow removed the resolution from 2.1? Even if that was the case, SE could've gone with 2.0 if screen res support was the issue.

The reason the X10 has 1.6, is because that's what SE had to develop UX on, and they have yet to port it over to a newer OS revision. The reasoning is understandable (to a degree), but rests squarely on the shoulders of Sony, not Google.

 

[puppet_master]

This is the major concern regarding the lack of MT. Pinch-to-zoom, though the most common and easily recognized use of MT, is in fact one of the least beneficial seeing as there are a number of comparable (if not superior) single-touch alternatives for zooming.



What!? 2.1 is compatible with the X10's screen resolution. It uses the same 854x480 resolution as the Motorola Droid, which has been running fine on 2.0 since November. Do you think that Google made Android 2.0 compatible with that resolution, and then somehow removed the resolution from 2.1? Even if that was the case, SE could've gone with 2.0 if screen res support was the issue.

The reason the X10 has 1.6, is because that's what SE had to develop UX on, and they have yet to port it over to a newer OS revision. The reasoning is understandable (to a degree), but rests squarely on the shoulders of Sony, not Google.

Sorry, I read from a bad source... either way, it's coming at some point

-pup-

 

[Roze]

So after a lot of deliberation, more research and self debating, I've decided to buy the N1. I am sooooooo excited! Just placed my order with Google for my Nexus One!!! I hope I get mine by Friday I'm just waiting for awesomeness when I get it!!! I hope it doesn't dissapoint me, lol, and be afflicted with the woos that people have experienced.

 

[Deleted User]

Excellent choice Roze! I know you will definitely enjoy the phone.

 

[vikingisson]

ditto, excellent choice for both the phone and bitting the bullet and staying off contract phones. I was once again reminded why I'll never again go contract, I SIM'd up my dev phone that runs an old radio v1.6 (immune to the old bugs and better than the R 1.5) and bam, my data gets cut off again. Months after the fiasco I'm still unable to properly test phones if I use the contract'd SIM.

 

[Roze]

Got my N1 today! *woohoo* it's sooo beautiful!! trying to set things up and get a real feel for my first smart phone!