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[McBryBry]

Hey guys. I've had my iPhone 4S for over two years now. While I love it, its time to let it go. My problem is, TOO MANY CHOICES. I'd like to switch to Android. I was gonna go HTC One for the front facing speakers, but I've heard the camera isn't the best. Samsung is out as I'm not a fan of their UI. The Moto X sounds great for its near stock Android, but it doesn't have an SD slot. I can't afford to get a non-contract Nexus, otherwise I'd be all over it.

What's everyone's opinion on the current lineup of phones? I'm on Verizon by the way, so whatever they offer.

Edit: Oh, and insert "not another smartphone thread" here.

 

[Ahasverus]

Moto G 2014 would be a great choice. 5'', good IQ, good camera, stock android, SD slot, $179 unlocked. Anything over that is already on the G3/Z3/G5 league. From those 3 none will get the new much improved Android either stock or soon.

 

[HGStormy]

HTC One is great all around with the exception of the camera. It blows.
Moto X has an alright camera (Better than most middle end phones, not on par with any of the flagships) and alright battery life, but I suspect that the battery life will improve with android 5.0, which should be coming to it pretty quickly since there's no customizations to the UI.
Xperia Z3 is also fantastic, and it's coming to Verizon soon, so definitely try and check it out in store to see if you like it.

I'd say go for the Moto X or Z3.

Moto X will get Android 5.0 faster, has basically stock android UI, and seems a lot more comfortable in the hand (Plus the customization!)
Z3 has way better battery life, a fantastic camera, and an SD card slot.

 

[Certinty]

Personally would go for the Sony Xperia Z3.

 

[Walter White Walker]

Moto G 2014 would be a great choice. 5'', good IQ, good camera, stock android, SD slot, $179 unlocked. Anything over that is already on the G3/Z3/G5 league. From those 3 none will get the new much improved Android either stock or soon.

I have the Moto G 4G LTE that just released in June. Outdoor pics are decent, indoor pics however are really, really, really bad. Everything else about the phone is awesome, though.

 

[divusrex]

I'd say go for the Moto X or Z3.

Moto X will get Android 5.0 faster, has basically stock android UI, and seems a lot more comfortable in the hand (Plus the customization!)
Z3 has way better battery life, a fantastic camera, and an SD card slot.

Those are the only viable options, judging your post OP.

I'd say the Z3, pictures and the ability to have more space will make up for not getting Android 5.0 immediately.

 

[Teremap]

Can't afford a non-contract Nexus, but CAN afford to get fucked in the bank account by a contract? Does not compute!

 

[ss_lemonade]

Looks like the Oneplus One company will be opening up sales to the public soon

http://preorder.oneplus.net/#skip_the_queue

I have one and its a pretty good smartphone, especially at the price its at.

 

[crazy monkey]

GO WITH Z3 COMPACT.

 

[Sir Abacus]

GO WITH Z3 COMPACT.

Verizon so no bueno.

 

[DietRob]

All of the phones are basically the same these days. Some have better cameras, while others have better memory options, then some have bigger screens, ect..

You really can't go wrong. Pick something that has the most of what you want and the least of what you don't like and enjoy it.

 

[NotBacon]

Your good phone options are kinda limited on Verizon. No Nexus 5 and the Nexus 6 is pretty spendy, although there's still a chance Verizon will have a contract price for it...... maybe.....

So Moto X 2014 is definitely your best choice (after you disable the Verizon apps on it of course).

 

[sarcastor]

since you're on Verizon, you're limited to the LG G3 and Sony Z3. They're the only phones that have SD support, other than Samsung.

Moto X 2nd gen would be closest to vanilla androi but there's no SD card

 

[AlphaSnake]

LG G3.

Far and away the best Android smartphone right now. We have OT about it here:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=859147

Nearly all of us are hiiiighly satisfied. I love mine. Battery life is amazing.

 

[Ahasverus]

LG G3.

Far and away the best Android smartphone right now. We have OT about it here:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=859147

Nearly all of us are hiiiighly satisfied. I love mine. Battery life is amazing.

G3 is an amazing phone, but there are certain reservations had with its software future, given the lack of continued update support from LG.

Your best choice in my opinion is Moto X 2014 OP. good hardware, good support, good price.

 

[GifGafIsTheBestGaf]

Sony Z line op, check them out in a store

 

[AlphaSnake]

G3 is an amazing phone, but there are certain reservations had with its software future, given the lack of continued update support from LG.

Your best choice in my opinion is Moto X 2014 OP. good hardware, good support, good price.

There is one a step root tool for it, you can update the firmware with ease in the future.

 

[CS_Dan]

OnePlus One seems like the way to go if you can get one.
I gave up on waiting and got an LG G3 a couple of months ago, loving it. The screen is gorgeous and everything is snappy.

 

[chicagocubsfan]

LG G3 is amazing. I have it and it's great.

 

[The Faceless Master]

well, based on your list of requirements, your choices are the LG G3 and the Sony Xperia Z3v and you can't really go wrong with either choice.

G3 is an amazing phone, but there are certain reservations had with its software future, given the lack of continued update support from LG.

Your best choice in my opinion is Moto X 2014 OP. good hardware, good support, good price.

the G2x is still on Gingerbread, but this isn't 2011 anymore, LG has been doing their thing with updates.

 

[DonMigs85]

you can install the stock Android launcher or something better like Apex or Nova to get around Touchwiz on Samsung devices you know.

 

[popeutlal]

Moto x/ Droid Maxx...you'll never get another phone after using Active Notifications.

Turning on the screen to check time now just seems silly.

 

[The Faceless Master]

:lol :lol :lol why do people keep suggesting phones with no SD card support?

 

[cuevas. PhD.]

:lol :lol :lol why do people keep suggesting phones with no SD card support?

True this should definitely be the only thing anyone ever looks for in a phone. How can you plebs live with only 32gb of storage?!

 

[shadow_shogun]

True this should definitely be the only thing anyone ever looks for in a phone. How can you plebs live with only 32gb of storage?!

With Google drive at my finger tips, space on my nexus 5 is a non-issue.

 

[HoldenGatsby]

I've just made the exact transition you're talking about. I got an Xperia M2 and I really like it now. It feels good, it's comfortable and the screen size is just right for me. I travel a lot, so I use it to watch videos and such.
The only trouble I have with it so far is that when watching videos, it seems quite dark if you're not at the maximum brightness. Besides this though, it's great.

 

[HGStormy]

Oh! I almost forgot.. There's a Droid Turbo coming out for Verizon soon which looks fantastic! Very similar specs to the Nexus 6, but with a smaller screen (5.2" but it's the same QHD resolution), an even bigger battery (3900mAh!) and a 20.1MP camera.
I'd pick that over any other phone.

 

[Unknown Soldier]

:lol :lol :lol why do people keep suggesting phones with no SD card support?

I thought it was GAF tradition that half the people posting in threads don't read the OP first.

 

[Ahasverus]

you can install the stock Android launcher or something better like Apex or Nova to get around Touchwiz on Samsung devices you know.

Touchwiz is not about the skin, Touchwiz are a lot of modifications made by Samsung at low level software.

I thought it was GAF tradition that half the people posting in threads don't read the OP first.

The SD phones have a few caveats (Lack of certainty of updates or high price) and as he comes from an iPhone4, a 32GB Moto x 2014 is a good recomendation. He could always choose the Z3compact if he wants to pay the price.

 

[……forgetit]

The HTC one's camera is usually decent in a lot of situations. I'd say go with that one, if not maybe G3 if you really need that SD card support. If you can go without it go for the Moto X 2nd gen.

Plus with the Moto X you'll get more of those things I know you love.

 

[Beerman462]

When I need a new phone I go to Amazon and look at the unlocked phones. I read reviews/specs, but if you insist on sticking with Verizon there isn't much in the way of good cheap phones. I bought a Blu Life One for $230. 5inch screen, SD slot and 13 MP camera. I use it with Straight Talk and it works great.

 

[WillyFive]

Get a stock Android phone, like the Nexuses or the Motos (which since you are on Verizon, Moto X may be the choice since Nexus 5 is not available there).

 

[highrider]

I still think the note series of phones is by far my personal favorite on Android. Touchwiz isn't something that breaks the experience for me.

 

[Pankratous]

Personally, I think Xperia phones offer an experience that wrecks the competition.

+ Sony UI is not edited too much from stock
+ Sony built in apps are great, almost no bloatware (Walkman music player is sexy, Socialife is neat, Album (photos) is much better than 'Gallery' on stock phones etc)
+ Xperia Z3 is 1080p, not battery hogging 2K screen
+ Z2/3 have very good battery life, especially the Z3
+ Fast, powerful
+ Expandable storage
+ Camera is a cut above most. Not the best of all smartphones, but certainly great
+ Waterproof/dustproof

- Non-user replaceable battery
- Slight tendency to overheat during excessive use (at least, for my Xperia Z, this may have improved)
- Because they are made of glass, scratches show up real bad. You'll need protection.

The rest is subjective I guess. You may not like the design, personally I love it.

 

[Undeniably Me]

I haven't used a G3 but based on video reviews I thought it looked like it borrowed heavily from TouchWiz. It seemed bloated and cluttered. Is it actually superior?

 

[NotBacon]

If you want a phone experience as fluid and simple as iOS, get a Nexus or Moto. Simple as that. Amazing phones. Period.

If you're willing to deal with a little confusing UI, annoying software, and/or slow updates, your options open up a little. e.g. HTC M8, LG G3, galaxy S5, etc.

But then you'll have to eventually deal with its quirks, and you'll eventually be told to "just root it dude, and install this and that and this and edit this".

If you want something that just works beautifully, you know what to do.

 

[McBryBry]

Can't afford a non-contract Nexus, but CAN afford to get fucked in the bank account by a contract? Does not compute!

I'm still living with my parents, and the saints that they are, they still help me out with bills. So I'm on their phone plan and can't really help it because I make shit money.

To all those saying the Xperia Z3V, that's one I've looked into. However, I haven't heard any opinions on it. I'd take the answers from those who own a Z3, but aren't they different? Isn't the Z3V like a hybrid of a Z2 and Z3?

The Moto X sounds really tempting, but the lack of SD support is really upsetting...

And on the G3, I've heard its a bit laggy. Is this true?

 

[-COOLIO-]

if youd like a phablet: nexus 6
if youd like to buy off contract: oneplus one (invites arent that hard to find these days)
if youd like something around 5 inches: moto x
if youd like something around 4.7 inches: z3 compact

 

[cajunator]

Try a One+

 

[All Hail C-Webb]

I've been waiting to get a new phone, and done a lot of research (upgrading from a Galaxy S3 on Verizon), and am deciding between the Z3V and Droid Turbo.


If you have a PS4 The Sony Z3V offers remote play which sounds awesome. It's not as good as the regular Z3, but it offers wireless charging.

The Motorola Droid Turbo is going to be officially revealed next week, and looks to be the most powerful on the market. 5.2 inch QHD screen, has a huge battery that allows 2 days of use, wireless charging, and turbo charge (15 minutes will give you 8 hours of use).

Moto X might be another good option for you if stockish android is key.

 

[AlphaSnake]

And on the G3, I've heard its a bit laggy. Is this true?

Not at all. It's razor sharp and snappy.

It only lags if you're one of those people who overloads the display with heavy duty widgets, live wallpapers, and has tons of apps running in the background.

 

[SMattera]

Wait for the Droid Turbo.

It will likely be the correct choice.

 

[The Faceless Master]

I'm still living with my parents, and the saints that they are, they still help me out with bills. So I'm on their phone plan and can't really help it because I make shit money.

To all those saying the Xperia Z3V, that's one I've looked into. However, I haven't heard any opinions on it. I'd take the answers from those who own a Z3, but aren't they different? Isn't the Z3V like a hybrid of a Z2 and Z3?

The Moto X sounds really tempting, but the lack of SD support is really upsetting...

And on the G3, I've heard its a bit laggy. Is this true?

seriously, you should just try out a Note 4 in store. even some people who complained about TouchWiz before love it. it's that good.

 

[Teremap]

I'm still living with my parents, and the saints that they are, they still help me out with bills. So I'm on their phone plan and can't really help it because I make shit money.

Oh, I see. Yeah, that makes sense. You've got some really nice parents (you lucky thing, you).

You should try Google Music. Upload your music library there and you might find that you don't actually miss the extra storage. I will vouch for the Moto X; it's just a really nice phone overall.

 

[Lagamorph]

Another vote for the Xperia Z range here. I've got an Xperia Z2 and it's by far the best phone I've ever owned. Haven't regretted getting it for an instant.

 

[iJudged]

Hey guys. I've had my iPhone 4S for over two years now. While I love it, its time to let it go. My problem is, TOO MANY CHOICES. I'd like to switch to Android. I was gonna go HTC One for the front facing speakers, but I've heard the camera isn't the best. Samsung is out as I'm not a fan of their UI. The Moto X sounds great for its near stock Android, but it doesn't have an SD slot. I can't afford to get a non-contract Nexus, otherwise I'd be all over it.

What's everyone's opinion on the current lineup of phones? I'm on Verizon by the way, so whatever they offer.

Edit: Oh, and insert "not another smartphone thread" here.

I am not sure if Verizon is getting the nexus 6, have you looked at it? My next phone, and I am upgrading from HTC one.

 

[katsubento]

Another vote for the Xperia Z range here. I've got an Xperia Z2 and it's by far the best phone I've ever owned. Haven't regretted getting it for an instant.

Just checked out the Z3V at Verizon today. I've decided I'm picking it up tomorrow.

 

[BumRush]

Samsung is out? You can change the launcher which will change the entire look and feel of the phone. The s5 is the most amazing phone I've ever had (came from apple).

 

[MilkyJoe]

Moto G 2014 would be a great choice. 5'', good IQ, good camera, stock android, SD slot, $179 unlocked. Anything over that is already on the G3/Z3/G5 league. From those 3 none will get the new much improved Android either stock or soon.

I have one, the 4G version, I forgot to put it on charge a coupl eof nights ago. Later the following day I noticed the battery was low, checked the power settings, it had been on battery power for 1 day 7 hours and 42 minute and still had a 35% charge! And that was with a fair bit of use. Great phone, couldn't be happier

 

[Apt101]

I'd suggest the yeoman Nexus 5 for the pure Android experience, but not having wifi calling may hurt ya. So one of those Sony's looks damn nice as an alternative.

Samsung makes mighty fine phones but I can't stand the bloat.