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Phone Recommendation Thread - Printable Version

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Phone Recommendation Thread - King Cin - Jul 10, 2014

Phone Recommendation Thread

Index
  • • Introduction
    • Popular Operating Systems
    • Popular Brands
    • Popular Models
    • Choosing A Phone

Introduction

This thread will be a guide to help you with choosing a smartphone. There are a lot of things you can do with a smartphone nowadays, so much you could consider smartphones minicomputers. There are a lot of brands, models and operating system. Each one of them specializes in different fields, so not every mobile phone could be the right one for you.

Popular Operating Systems

The Android Operating System

[img]http://www.developerphil.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/android_studio_logo-300x300.png[/img]

The Android operating system is based on the Linux kernel. It his highly favored by people who have computing or hacking as their hobby, because of its customizability. The source of the operating system is public, this allows people to alter the system and create their own variation. Companies are happy with the Android operating system. It allows them to use it as their pre-installed operating system, with their own apps already installed onto it. The pre-installed apps and features installed on devices is called bloatware. Because Android is based on the Linux Kernel, it's possible to root Android devices. This gives the user root access to the device. You can alter almost anything, and run a lot of things a normal device cannot run, a couple of those features are executing advanced commands, installing custom ROMs, and accessing several hidden folders.
Below you can see a screenshot taken with a device running on Android 4.4.

[Image: J4kVLke.png]

The Android operating system is easy to recognize. Not all the versions or ROMs look the same, but there are always a lot of similar aspects in each of them. A bad thing about the Android system is that updates are received rather slowly. Some devices must wait months before they receive the last update, that was already released months ago.

Apple's iOS Operating System

[img]http://mms.volunteeralive.org/app_launch_apple.png[/img]

The iOS operating system is used for iDevices exclusively, and is known for its simple use, and neat, minimalistic design. Like the Android system, it is almost fully based on touch interference. Similar to rooting an Android, you can Jailbreak an iPhone. Jailbreaking an iPhone, however, is not close to rooting an Android. Jailbreaking is often done to lift some of the limitations Apple has placed on iOS, to install custom themes, and in some cases, to install a different operating system. The iOS operating system is the 2nd most installed operating system, behind Android. The reason of iOS having less users than Android is because iOS is limited to Apple products only, but Android is used by various brands.
You can see a screenshot of a device running iOS below.

[Image: Kkhb45H.png]

A good thing about the iOS system is that updates are received almost instantly. Whenever Apple releases a new version of iOs, users receive it within a short period of the release. Another thing is that new apps are often released for iOS earlier than for Android devices. Apple also has apps with a good reputation that are only accessible to iOS users.

The BlackBerry Operating System

[img]http://www.legitreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/blackberry-logo.png[/img]

The BlackBerry operating system is an operating system that was made exclusively for BlackBerry devices. Its source is not open to the public, and the operating system was written in C++. BlackBerry OS was a relatively popular operating system, but it's starting to lose users now. The latest version, BlackBerry 10 will receive no further updates and is the final version, but support will still continue. The operating system is known for its smart synchronization with email servers.
You can see a screenshot of the BlackBerry OS home screen below.

[img]http://www.berryreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/screenshot_2.gif[/img]

The BlackBerry OS was not based on touch screen at first, because BlackBerry devices didn't support touchscreen, but later versions of the operating system are fully compatible with BlackBerry devices that have a touchscreen.

Windows Phone OS

[img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/Windows_logo_-_2012_%28red%29.svg/119px-Windows_logo_-_2012_%28red%29.svg.png[/img]

Windows Phone is an operating system developed by Microsoft. It focuses on touchscreen input, and is based on Windows 8. The latest full version of Windows Phone is Windows Phone 8, and its popularity is growing. Windows Phone gained most if its popularity due to the Nokia Lumia models. Like Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 focuses on a simplistic looking, yet sleek design. You can see a screenshot of a device running Windows Phone 8 below.

[img]http://i1.cdnds.net/12/25/300x450/tech_windows_phone_8_screenshot_1.jpg[/img]

It's easily noticeable that Windows Phone 8 looks a lot like Windows 8 itself. Due to Microsoft being the developer, Windows Phone has the function to easily synchronize with other Microsoft accounts such as Outlook accounts, Live accounts and more. Another interesting fact about Windows Phone 8 is that it supports Internet Explorer as a browser.

* - King Cin - Jul 10, 2014

Popular Brands

Huawei

[Image: xmWUOzg.png]

Huawei become popular due to their Ascend models. Huawei phones are relatively affordable and stable. Most of the people who own a Huawei phone, say that the phones are good, but not spectacular. Huawei is a good choice if you are looking for an affordable phone that will suffice for most things. Huawei mostly uses Android as their operating system.

Lenovo

[img]http://www.powrpc.com/images/lenovo_logo.png[/img]

Lenovo is fairly popular, mostly in China. Lenovo only uses Android as their operating system for their smartphones, but have said that if there is enough demand, they will release a phone that will run on the Windows Phone OS. Users of Lenovo phones have said that they are mostly satisfied with their product, aside from the fact that some of Lenovo's phones have a lower screen quality than other phones.

HTC

[Image: f4vwdLU.png]

HTC was mainly producing phones with Windows Phone installed on it as its operating system, but is now also producing phones that run Android. The HTC brand is well known because their phones mostly have high quality cameras, and high quality sound. Users have said that they are statisfied with their HTC phone, mostly.

Nokia
[Image: heETt8d.png]
Nokia was one of the most famous mobile phone brands before the smartphone era. When smartphones came, Nokia died out a bit. But they are now coming back with their new Lumia models that run the Windows Phone operating system. Users have said that they have to get used to Nokia's Lumia models, but that they aren't bad at all.

Samsung

[Image: Wkjde0o.jpg]

Samsung is well known, mostly due to their Samsung Galaxy, and Galaxy Note models. Samsung only produces smartphones that use Android or Windows Phone. Their phones are considered direct competitors to Apple's iPhones. Users of Samsung phones have said that they don't encounter many problems, and that their phones are stable. A good thing about Samsung smartphones is that most of their Android models are easy to root.

Apple

[img]http://www.nswallet.com/img/apple_logo.png[/img]

Apple is the producer of the iPhone. This is one of the most well known smartphones. All iPhones use the iOS operating system. Phones from Apple are known to have a higher price than others. Users of iPhones have said that they like the phone, but that iOS has some limitations that might be annoying if you are a user that wants to have features intended to use for experienced users.

LG

[Image: 53RfLzn.png]

LG became known again, and mainly generated sales due to their Nexus & Flex models. LG produces Android smartphones. Their price varies from very cheap models, to fairly expensive models. Users are mostly satisfied with the more expensive models, but have encountered problems with the cheaper devices.

ZTE

[img]http://www.t-force.com/Content/images/clientlogos/ZTE_logo.png[/img]

ZTE is the 4th biggest mobile phone manufacturer. Their phones run Android, and more Windows Phone models will be created by ZTE in the near future.
A good point about their phones is that most of them aren't really expensive, but still are efficient. Users have said that the cameras on ZTE phones aren't specifically good, but that the phones do their job as a cheap handset.

Alcatel

[img]http://www.cetisgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Alcatel_Lucent_Logo.png[/img]

Alcatel produces Android phones. Alcatel is mostly known due to their One Touch, or OT models. Users have said that they are annoyed by some of the phones not having a full HD screen, and that Alcatel's support isn't the best, but are mostly satisfied with their Alcatel phones.

Sony

[Image: tinuEoA.jpg]

Sony has come to the spotlight of the smartphone world, mostly by releasing their Sony Xperia models. The models are popular and have satisfied users. Phones of Sony are known because some of them are waterproof. High quality audio recording and high quality screens are also a thing Sony phones mostly possess. Users have also reported that some of Sony's phones have a lot of software bugs, that might annoy you.

BlackBerry

[Image: TgvuGKf.png]

BlackBerry releases phones that run on BlackBerry OS. BlackBerry phones were a hype a few years ago, but they are starting to die out. One of the reasons causing this is the lack of apps you can get from BlackBerry's "App World." Users have reported that they encounter a lot of issues with the phones after they install apps.

Part 3 - King Cin - Jul 11, 2014

Popular Models

HTC One M7

[img]http://imacandytech.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/htc-one-m7-front-2v.png[/img]

Information

Operating system:
  • Android
Memory:
  • 32GB/64GB
    2GB RAM
Size:
  • 137.4 x 68.2 x 9.3mm
Weight:
  • 143g
Display:
  • 4.7 inch, Full HD 1080p, 468 PPI
CPU Speed:
  • Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 600, quad-core, 1.7GHz
SIM Type:
  • Micro SIM
Network:
  • 2G
    3G
    4G
Sound Enhancement:
  • HTC BoomSound™
    Dual frontal stereo speakers with built-in amplifiers
    Studio-quality sound with Beats Audio™
    Sense Voice
Camera:
  • HTC UltraPixel Camera
    BSI sensor, Pixel size 2.0 µm, Sensor size 1/3'
    Dedicated HTC ImageChip 2
    F2.0 aperture and 28 mm lens
    Smart Flash: Five levels of flash automatically set by distance to subject
    Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
    Front Camera: 2.1 MP, 880 wide angle lens with HDR capability
    1080p Full HD video recording with HDR Video
    HTC Zoe™ with Sequence Shot, Always Smile and Object Removal
    Gallery with Video Highlights and HTC ShareContinuous shooting and VideoPic
    Slow motion video recording with variable speed playback

Pros
  • High quality audio
    High quality camera
    Great performance

Cons
  • Non-expandable memory
    Mediocre battery life

HTC One M8

[img]http://pdadb.net/img/gallery/big/htc_one_m8_premium_design.png[/img]

Information

Operating system:
  • Android
Memory:
  • 16GB/32GB
    2GB RAM
Size:
  • 146.36 x 70.6 x 9.35 mm
Weight:
  • 160g
Display:
  • 5.0 inch, Full HD 1080p
CPU Speed:
  • Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 801, quad-core CPUs
SIM Type:
  • Nano SIM
Network:
  • 2G
    3G
    4G
Sound Enhancement:
  • HTC BoomSound™
    Dual frontal stereo speakers with built-in amplifiers
    Sense Voice
Camera:
  • Duo camera
    Primary camera: HTC UltraPixel™ camera , BSI sensor, pixel size 2.0 um, sensor size 1/3”, f/2.0, 28mm lens
    HTC ImageChip 2. 1080p Full HD video recording with HDR video

Pros
  • Solid Battery Life
    High Quality Display
    Great Performance

Cons
  • Big
    Weak camera

Samsung Galaxy S4

[img]http://blogs-images.forbes.com/karstenstrauss/files/2013/03/life-companion.png[/img]

Information

Operating system:
  • Android
Memory:
  • 16/32/64 GB
    2 GB RAM
Size:
  • 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm
Weight:
  • 130g
Display:
  • Full HD Super AMOLED 1920 x 1080
CPU Speed:
  • 1,6 GHz Quad + 1,2 GHz Quad CPU Speed
SIM Type:
  • Micro SIM
Network:
  • 2G
    3G
    4G
Camera:
  • 2 Megapixels Camera Resolution (Front)
    13 Megapixels Camera Resolution (Rear)
    Power LED Flash (1EA)
    Auto Focus available

Pros
  • Great Camera
    Powerful Processor

Cons
  • Dimmer screen than most phones
    A lot of bloatware

Apple's iPhone 5

[Image: WBFjNyp.png]

Information

Operating system:
  • iOS
Memory:
  • 16/32/64 GB
    1GB RAM DDR2
Size:
  • 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm
Weight:
  • 112g
Display:
  • LED-backlit IPS LCD, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
CPU Speed:
  • Dual-core 1.3 GHz Swift (ARM v7-based)
SIM Type:
  • Nano SIM
Network:
  • 2G
    3G
    4G
Camera:
  • 8 MP, 3264 x 2448 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
    1/3.2'' sensor size, 1.4 µm pixel size, simultaneous HD video and image recording, touch focus, geo-tagging, face detection, panorama, HDR photo

Pros
  • Thin & light
    Industrial design
    Good display quality

Cons
  • Expensive
    Screen size not utilized well enough

Nexus 5

[img]http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/images/thumb/8/8a/Nexus5.png/200px-Nexus5.png[/img]

Information

Operating system:
  • Android
Memory:
  • 16/32 GB
    2GB RAM
Size:
  • 137.9 x 69.2 x 8.6 mm
Weight:
  • 130g
Display:
  • True HD IPS+ capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
    1080 x 1920 pixels, 4.95 inches (~445 ppi pixel density)
CPU Speed:
  • Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400
SIM Type:
  • Micro SIM
Network:
  • 2G
    3G
    4G
Camera:
  • 8 MP, 3264 x 2448 pixels, autofocus, optical image stabilization, LED flash
    Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, photo sphere, HDR, dual recording

Pros
  • High quality calls
    Good price

Cons
  • Non-expandable memory
    Battery doesn't last long

HTC 8X

[Image: iRmDjom.png]

Information

Operating system:
  • Windows Phone
Memory:
  • 16GB
    1GB RAM
Size:
  • 132.4 x 66.2 x 10.1 mm
Weight:
  • 130g
Display:
  • S-LCD2 capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
    720 x 1280 pixels, 4.3 inches (~342 ppi pixel density)
CPU Speed:
  • Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait
SIM Type:
  • Micro SIM
Network:
  • 2G
    3G
    4G
Camera:
  • 8 MP, 3264 x 2448 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
    Geo-tagging, touch focus

Pros
  • Beautiful design
    Great audio

Cons
  • Mediocre camera
    No microSD card slot

OnePlus One

[img]http://www.qualcomm.com/sites/default/files/device/image/oneplus-one.png[/img]

Information

Operating system:
  • Android
Memory:
  • 16/64GB
    3GB RAM
Size:
  • 152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm
Weight:
  • 162g
Display:
  • LTPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
    1080 x 1920 pixels, 5.5 inches (~401 ppi pixel density)
CPU Speed:
  • Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400
SIM Type:
  • Micro SIM
Network:
  • 2G
    3G
    4G
Camera:
  • 13 MP, 4128 x 3096 pixels, autofocus, dual-LED flash
    Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, panorama, HDR

Pros
  • Beautiful design
    Quad core processor
    3GB RAM


Cons
  • No MicroSD slot

Sony Xperia Z2

[img]http://info.singtel.com/personal/sites/personal/files/Z2-Phones_Purple.png[/img]

Information

Operating system:
  • Android
Memory:
  • 16GB
    3GB RAM
Size:
  • 146.8 x 73.3 x 8.2 mm
Weight:
  • 163g
Display:
  • IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
    1080 x 1920 pixels, 5.2 inches (~424 ppi pixel density)
CPU Speed:
  • Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400
SIM Type:
  • Micro SIM
Network:
  • 2G
    3G
    4G
Camera:
  • 20.7 MP, 5248 х 3936 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
    1/2.3'' sensor size, geo-tagging, touch focus, face

Pros
  • Beautiful screen
    Water resistant design

Cons
  • Doesn't work properly when it's raining

Motorola Moto G

[Image: 1Y8KSlG.png]

Information

Operating system:
  • Android
Memory:
  • 8/16GB
    1GB RAM
Size:
  • 129.9 x 65.9 x 11.6 mm
Weight:
  • 143g
Display:
  • IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
    720 x 1280 pixels, 4.5 inches (~326 ppi pixel density)
CPU Speed:
  • Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7
SIM Type:
  • Micro SIM
Network:
  • 2G
    3G
Camera:
  • 5 MP, 2592 х 1944 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
    Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, HDR, panorama

Pros
  • Cheap
    High quality display

Cons
  • No 4G
    1GB RAM

LG G3

[Image: ucLgHpX.png]

Information

Operating system:
  • Android
Memory:
  • 16/32GB
    2/3GB RAM
Size:
  • 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9 mm
Weight:
  • 149g
Display:
  • True HD-IPS + LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
    1440 x 2560 pixels, 5.5 inches (~534 ppi pixel density)
CPU Speed:
  • Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400
SIM Type:
  • Micro SIM
Network:
  • 2G
    3G
    4G
Camera:
  • 13 MP, 4160 x 3120 pixels, phase detection/laser autofocus, optical image stabilization, dual-LED (dual tone) flash
    1/3'' sensor size, simultaneous video and image recording, geo-tagging, face detection, HDR
Pros
  • High quality camera
    High quality display

Cons
  • Low battery life
    Easily damaged

Choosing A Phone

In the end, choosing a smartphone mostly depends on your priorities.
There are a few things you have to look at when looking a phone, I will list some of them below.

Things to look at:
  • • Processor - If you want to use your phone a lot, and want to run a lot of applications, you'll have to go with a dual-core processor or even a quad-core processor. A single-core processor may be too weak for you to be happy with.

    • Camera - If you love taking photo's, you want to have a camera that shoots high quality pictures. I rarely ever take pictures with my smartphone, so a mediocre camera doesn't bother me, but it's different for most people.

    • Operating System - If you don't want to wait for updates, the waiting time of Android's updates may annoy you. If you want to go to the roots of your phone and discover as much as possible, iOs might bother you.

    • Size - Some people like big phones such as the Note phones from Samsung, while some prefer smaller devices such as the iPhone 5S. If you have big hands, it's better to go with a bigger phone, since you'll have trouble with typing properly on smaller devices.

    • Battery - If you use your phone a lot, you will notice that you charge your device on a daily basis. So, if you're one of those people, it's better to purchase a device that allows you to swap batteries. The reasoning behind that statement is simple, battery life decreases the longer you have your phone.

    • Durability - If you're someone who drops a lot of things, it's better not to purchase a phone that's really fragile. Fragile devices will get damaged really fast if you drop them, while devices with more reinforcement can still hold their ground after a couple of drops.

    • Internet - Some devices don't support the new 4G network. If you want to optimize your browsing speed, 4G is definitely a must. If you'd be bothered by using 2G/3G/WiFi all the time, consider getting a device that allows 4G.

    • Storage - Most devices offer 16, 32 or 64 GB of internal storage, but if you are one of those people that downloads things daily, and transfers a lot of files from device to device, it's the best to purchase a device with a high amount of internal storage, but also allows you to put in a MicroSD card for extra storage.

There may be other things that would bother, or interest you in certain phones, but the things I listed above are the general features and components you'll ask yourself about.

This is the end of my thread. I hope I've helped you out, or informed you.

* - Ulysses S Grant™ - Jul 11, 2014

Is the image from the android one off of a nexus ?

Will remove after you answer me.

* - 1n9i9c7om - Jul 13, 2014

(Jul 10, 2014 01:11 PM)Unknown • Wrote:  Do not post, unless asked to do so. Thanks.

Imagine someone would be rude and post here. 🤫

* - King Cin - Aug 2, 2014

This thread is now completed, had a good time writing it.

* - Mad76e - Aug 2, 2014

Thats a damn nice thread..
Good work man (cant rep u more)

* - Antigen - Aug 2, 2014

This is a nice guide for those who are planning to buy a new smartphone, I hope this gets stickied so members could make use of this. I hope you'll update this as new phones come up.

* - Moseby - Aug 2, 2014

Awesome thread and a excellent guide.

Nice job mate

* - MoneyHoesNClothz - Aug 2, 2014

Great thread, covers all aspects of a phone including specs. Helps for newbies that can't read smartphone specs.

* - King Cin - Aug 3, 2014

(Aug 2, 2014 12:15 PM)MoneyHoesNClothz Wrote:  Great thread, covers all aspects of a phone including specs. Helps for newbies that can't read smartphone specs.

Thanks for your support.

(Aug 2, 2014 10:13 AM)Moseby= Wrote:  Awesome thread and a excellent guide.

Nice job mate

Thanks (:

* - 1n9i9c7om - Aug 4, 2014

I hope you #NeverSettle and keep updating this thread when new phones come out. :)
U see what I did there?

* - King Cin - Aug 5, 2014

(Aug 4, 2014 05:51 AM)1n9i9c7om Wrote:  I hope you #NeverSettle and keep updating this thread when new phones come out. :)
U see what I did there?

You are way too happy with you new phone. 🤣

* - krozz - Aug 6, 2014

Omg this thread is beast! I was going go get the moto g, but 1gb ram is pathetic

* - King Cin - Aug 7, 2014

(Aug 6, 2014 05:02 PM)krozz Wrote:  Omg this thread is beast! I was going go get the moto g, but 1gb ram is pathetic

It's normal for phones to have 2GB RAM, but most of the newer models have 3GB RAM. 1GB is fine if you're not planning on doing a lot with your phone.