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80% => Computer & Technology => Topic started by: horlock07 on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 16:11:45



Title: New Phone Thread
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 16:11:45
I would normally go into the shop and sort this out but obviously that's a non starter at the moment.

I presently have a Samsung Galaxy J3(2017) which is getting on a bit and I am due a 'free' upgrade as my contract is ending. I would be looking for a fairly new model of Samsung (could go elsewhere if necessary) which is broadly the same size any suggestions?


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: 4D on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 16:22:55
I have an A50 and really like it


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Peter Venkman on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 18:26:53
I have a Samsung M31 which has the high capacity battery and its brilliant, with fairly heavy use each charge lasts me 3 to 4 days easily.

https://www.samsung.com/in/smartphones/galaxy-m/galaxy-m31-blue-64gb-sm-m315fzbdins/


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 20:59:49
Huawei VOG-LO9. With HC Battery, 128GB Mem. With very heavy use, I get 48hrs inc a fair amount of YouTube streaming, camera and video usage.

With moderate (or normal) usage for me, I would get similar in the range as PVs M31.

This is also with any extra strain it takes whilst working a bit harder than most as my device hotspots to three others nearly constantly. So you may see even better performance but not sure how much that comes into play. I'm lucky in the sense that I have a 4G+ (Basically O2's better middle ground getting close to 5G) repeater mast, about 100yards away from my property.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 05:22:39
Nokia 7.2

I'll never buy a flagship smartphone brand again.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Chunkyhair on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 10:24:20
Samsung A series (I think they were J series previously) have always been good for me.  I would recommend going sim only though and buying the phone outright (under £200 on Amazon).  Long term much cheaper than phone on contract and massive range of Sim only deals out there


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: horlock07 on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 10:28:23
Thanks all, seem to have narrowed it down to A21s v A12, not idea what the difference is gonna be sticking a pin job I reckon!


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Peter Venkman on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 10:49:45
Thanks all, seem to have narrowed it down to A21s v A12, not idea what the difference is gonna be sticking a pin job I reckon!
If thats your choice its a no brainer A21s has more RAM making it faster opening and running apps, its a 64gb internal storage which is double the other for the sake of losing 5% processor speed which is neither here nor there with octa cores, otherwise the specs are pretty similar.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Wobbly Bob on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 10:53:11
Thanks all, seem to have narrowed it down to A21s v A12, not idea what the difference is gonna be sticking a pin job I reckon!

Recently switched to a A21s.
Very good battery life and a decent enough phone.
Not had cause to try any of the 4 cameras yet but works well as an alarm clock.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: horlock07 on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 11:06:55
If thats your choice its a no brainer A21s has more RAM making it faster opening and running apps, its a 64gb internal storage which is double the other for the sake of losing 5% processor speed which is neither here nor there with octa cores, otherwise the specs are pretty similar.


The offers from Vodafone are...

A21 3gb RAM and 32 internal storage
v
A12 4gb RAM and 64 internal storage, hence I am more inclined to go A12.

FWIW I don't know why I get into all this, I only use the bloody thing for basic work phone and emails and pissing about in the evening!


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Peter Venkman on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 11:10:41
The offers from Vodafone are...

A21 3gb RAM and 32 internal storage
v
A12 4gb RAM and 64 internal storage, hence I am more inclined to go A12.

FWIW I don't know why I get into all this, I only use the bloody thing for basic work phone and emails and pissing about in the evening!
I think you are mistaken mate.

The specs are the other way around.

(https://i.postimg.cc/zDFdY0f7/Untitled.png)


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: horlock07 on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 11:23:22
I think you are mistaken mate.

The specs are the other way around.

(https://i.postimg.cc/zDFdY0f7/Untitled.png)

Not according to the Yodafone website, sorry don't know how to do a screen dump.

Oh I don't bloody know!


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Peter Venkman on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 11:34:02
:) TBH I hate buying new mobiles as specs can change with each year upgrade etc.

If they say its 64gb and 4gb ram then obviously whichever has that on Vodaphone go with it as you would be silly not to.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Chunkyhair on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 12:11:32
FWIW I don't know why I get into all this, I only use the bloody thing for basic work phone and emails and pissing about in the evening!

Just buy the cheapest phone you like :D. I am like you - phone calls, texts, WhatsApp messages and a bit of web browsing.  Who needs a £1000 phone for that?

As for 4 fucking cameras??? WTF


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: pauld on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 12:20:34
Just buy the cheapest phone you like :D. I am like you - phone calls, texts, WhatsApp messages and a bit of web browsing.  Who needs a £1000 phone for that?

As for 4 fucking cameras??? WTF
No you don't need all the bells and whistles but if you go uber cheap (100 quid or less) you may find they quite struggle to run even basic Android if they're underspecced, esp on CPU or memory (as opposed to storage) and that you might struggle to install more than a few apps if they've skimped on the storage. As specs improve, OS and app developers allow their code to bloat accordingly. The other thing I've found with cheapish phones from no-name manufacturers in the 100-200 quid range is that they sometimes don't last that long, the charging port being a particular point of weakness usually goes after 18 months to 2 years. Doesn't mean you need the latest and greatest 12 core behemoth as you say, but cut too many corners in the uber cheap range and it can be frustrating.

FWIW we got my Mum and Dad a couple of the new budget Motorolas at Christmas to replace their aging and creaking old handsets and they are delighted with them. They weren't a lot more than 100 quid.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: horlock07 on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 12:29:02
No you don't need all the bells and whistles but if you go uber cheap (100 quid or less) you may find they quite struggle to run even basic Android if they're underspecced, esp on CPU or memory (as opposed to storage) and that you might struggle to install more than a few apps if they've skimped on the storage.

^^^^ This

The only reason I am upgrading now is the phone I have is full to the Sally Gunnells meaning that if I ever want to install a new app I have to remove another one first (and I have fuck all on there). Had my fingers burnt previously when I bought a phone which turned out to be a model which was already about 2 years old so after about 6 months it was struggling to do anything.

Anyway ordered now so we can close the thread! 


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Chunkyhair on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 12:35:48
Apologies - wasn't advocating the cheapest posssible phone (the old adage you get what you pay for rings true at the cheap end with any tech purchase).  Cheapest decent phone was what I meant (eg A12vA21s) - is the performance difference that great it will have an impact on a "normal user"? Thats the choice I guess. 

For the life of me why someone would spend a grand on the latest Iphone or whatever is a mystery to me


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 17:15:39
 

For the life of me why someone would spend a grand on the latest Iphone or whatever is a mystery to me

It really should depend on what you will be using it for and it is all relative. Even at the top end, comparing performance/specs/memory etc should still be a priority regardless of the usage. As many know, often the latest iPhones aren't a good match with models in the same range but they have such a good marketing strategy/brand loyalty that people will buy/upgrade with them without even thinking if they are getting anything better/VFM.

The same applies when buying cameras RE: Brand loyalty. Sometimes it comes down to familiarity or purely just "what you like". Horlock here is a prime example as he has stayed with Samsung. It's no bad thing of course and whatever works for him (and price) is ultimately the defining factor :)


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Samdy Gray on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, 14:24:29
Bumping this as I'm after a new phone. My OnePlus 6t is past it now and it's time I replaced it. I've had it nearly three years which is extraordinary considering my penchant for new shiny things.

I used to be well up on the latest Android stuff but haven't a clue what's good or not any more.

Any suggestions? Camera is probably the most important thing for me.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, 14:28:01
I've got a Pixel 4a and it's pretty tidy. Bit cheaper than the full version (think they're up to 6? now, but without a budget version) but has an excellent camera.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Samdy Gray on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, 14:28:56
The 6 has just been announced and available for pre-order. Specs look good but it's fucking ugly.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: jayohaitchenn on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 09:23:05
Nokia are good again and very cheap.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Samdy Gray on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 19:52:03
I've ordered a Pixel 6 Pro. Watched a lot of YouTube reviews yesterday and the amazing camera swung it for me.

Plus there's a free pair of Bose 700s.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Friday, October 29, 2021, 23:54:30
Of what is out there, they are all getting very close in terms of specs imo.

Mine is not due for upgrade but was contacted to say I can upgrade early and they'll pay the rest of the contract (6 months worth).

Been having a look as I do enjoy a decent camera on my phone too (I've been pretty impressed and modern phones now handle low light even better than a lot of DSLRs).

If you love OnePlus/Oppo then go for the OnePlus 9 Pro - it'll bring familiarity and an all round upgrade to everything you already know about that UI.

~

The Pixel 6 Pro is probably worth it just for the Android 12 with some cute new additions. Small pointer is if you want/need 256gb internal then you'll have to opt for the Stormy Black option. All the rest are 128gb even if they bring some interesting and stand out colour schemes. For me the Black gives a more pro look rather than any of the pastel ones.
~~~

Xiaomi 11T Pro is another one and launched earlier this month I think. Other than it being on Android 11 still, it offers many similar features to the supposedly better and slightly newer Pixel Pro above. It uses the same AMOLED tech and boast more colours than the Pixel Pro. It matches the Pixel Pro 6 for RAM and internal memory too.

In terms of camera, it's interesting; the 11T Pro boasts a triple 100MP camera down to f/1.8 (great for low light) which betters the Pixel Pro 6 by double in terms of MP but there is likely to be a lot of pixel binning going on so the 100MP is probably really about 12MP. Still good if you need to print huge images or making some massive crops.

Battery is impressive but not because of the 5000mAh (same as Pixel Pro 6), more that it has a whacking 120W Super Super Fast charge. It'll have your battery back to 100% in just over 15mins. Surely one of the fastest on the market. The Pixel Pro 6 (similarly to the Samsung 21 Ultra) only has 30W, meaning a full charge will take around an hour. This again could be vital for those on the go, commuting and work etc.

~~~

Enough about the Xiaomi, next up is the pretty impressive Sony Xperia 1iii. There's plenty in the spec sheet that matches with some of the above. Whilst Sony won't be popular for many because it isn't a Galaxy or an iPhone it might be worth a look. There is also the recently announced Xperia Pro-I but that's not available until December. Personally I may wait as there could be a little more in the tank. The only thing that really lets the X1iii down is 30w charger speed but hey, it's on a par with Samsung in that capacity and you do actually get a charger in the box (unlike Samsung).

The big plus for most is having the additional storage via a microSD/SDXC, as well as already matching several competitors with 512gb internal memory and I think...a 12gb RAM too (happy to be corrected).

~~~

My own overview here Samdy is that if I could get the Sony X1iii/Pro-I with 5000mAH and 60w battery charger, then that'll be me sorted. We can't always have everything we want so the Xiaomi might get a trial. For yourself, similarly to as I started - if you like OnePlus then the 9 Pro is probably your go to new device.

Hope these options give you something to mull over and of course, feel free to opt for the obvious choices in Samsung/Apple or even Huawei but thought I would concentrate on some alternative options that are available in the market. If only you could get a Vivo X70 Pro+ in the UK (on contract) because that is quite possibly an absolute beast for low light photography (from a smartphone) and just you get more in the box as standard too. Worth checking out of buying outright.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Samdy Gray on Saturday, October 30, 2021, 12:21:25
Did you miss the bit where is said I ordered a Pixel 6 Pro? :)

Happy being back on stock Android again and the new Pixel features are good. Call screening should be available in the UK now but not available on my phone yet.

The camera is incredible and the 4x telephoto is one of the reasons I opted for the Pro instead of the regular 6. Some of the stuff Google do with their photo software is brilliant and really lessens the need to carry a DSLR as you say.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Crackity Jones on Monday, November 22, 2021, 17:25:31
Did you miss the bit where is said I ordered a Pixel 6 Pro? :)

Happy being back on stock Android again and the new Pixel features are good. Call screening should be available in the UK now but not available on my phone yet.

The camera is incredible and the 4x telephoto is one of the reasons I opted for the Pro instead of the regular 6. Some of the stuff Google do with their photo software is brilliant and really lessens the need to carry a DSLR as you say.
how are you getting on with the Pixel 6 Pro. I am after a new phone and have narrowed down to this, the One Plus 9 Pro or Samsung S21 Ultra.  I like the sound of the Google but am concerned about the slow charging and battery life.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Samdy Gray on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 05:56:22
Battery life isn't an issue, it'll easily go more than a day on a full charge. The charging speed is not an issue, it'll charge to 50% very quickly which is enough in most cases.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, November 28, 2021, 11:29:41
Anybody get away with using no more than 6gb of data per month daily browsing?


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Nomoreheroes on Monday, November 29, 2021, 15:28:56
Anybody get away with using no more than 6gb of data per month daily browsing?
Yes - I never use my 2gb. I also ration my family - The grown up kids often ask for a 2gb top up during the month.


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Monday, November 29, 2021, 16:05:51
Yes - I never use my 2gb. I also ration my family - The grown up kids often ask for a 2gb top up during the month.

Cheers Norman is that with having your phone on all day and internet browsing


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Nomoreheroes on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, 06:34:29
Cheers Norman is that with having your phone on all day and internet browsing
I use wifi whenever possible and am with Sky so get anything on Sky channels free in addition. I have also built up a load of unused data which I can dip into when needed. My son's, who use their phones for internet away from home more than me occasionally need an extra 1-2GB per month - Not exactly sure what they do to need the extra!


Title: Re: New Phone Thread
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, 14:47:37
Thanks again