Recommendations for high end NON SAMSUNG Android phone?

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#964113 9-Jan-2014 20:23

I can see an Ebay buy coming with superior after sale support. There have been a lot of nice phones mentioned but what about their support?

Inphinity

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#964138 9-Jan-2014 21:06

The Z1 is a great phone imo, but given you've specifically said support is an issue for you, I would hesitate to recommend it due to having bad experiences in that regard with my Xperia X10 and Xperia S. That said, they may have improved in the 18 months or so since I last dealt with them.

KevinL

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#964170 9-Jan-2014 22:17

freitasm: Also the LG G2 doesn't "support" Telecom 4G (it's there, but disabled). You can turn it on through a service menu, but it disables after a reboot. Because the LG G2 is not a Telecom handset it may or may not have this enabled for Telecom...

Fixed in the latest firmware update, for what it's worth. 32Gb is plenty of storage IMO... there's always USB OTG and tiny microSD readers (e.g. http://www.meenova.com/st/p/m3r.html) if you really really need access to more on the road.

ScuL

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#964204 9-Jan-2014 23:37

I own the Z1 and I love it!

Haere taka mua, taka muri; kaua e wha.

Batman

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#964235 10-Jan-2014 02:17

re OP ... looks like you're stuck with samsung for now :D

i say wait for S5 ... S4 has issues (eg screen very dim outdoors -apart from that i want bigger screen :D)

networkn

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#964260 10-Jan-2014 08:15

Good luck finding better support with the other high end vendors either. Look at the run around Apple gave it's loyal customers and Sony and HTC both have legendarily terrible customer service. Personally I think you should just take a deep breath and carry on.

stevenz

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#964399 10-Jan-2014 11:24

I think it's pretty much a given that all mobile phone companies will have terrible support, particular for us folks in NZ, they really don't care.

I've had limited dealings with Samsung and found them to be pretty useless, either no reply at all or buck-passing which eventually also ends in no reply. A friend managed to get hold of someone at Samsung NZ and sucessfully argued a replacement device out of them though after a day-1 drop.

If it's an OS issue, then AOSP isn't any better as good luck ever getting an answer from anyone at Google.

I'd be quite interested in the HTC One Max myself, but I like big phones. The Nexus 5 is also appealing as I don't really need expandibility, the 32GB model would be plenty for me.

The Moto G (again, not expandable) might even be my next phone depending on what I think of the Fiancee's one when it turns up, ~NZ$275 landed cost for a phone of that spec is pretty amazing.

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NzBeagle

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#964403 10-Jan-2014 11:28

stevenz: I think it's pretty much a given that all mobile phone companies will have terrible support, particular for us folks in NZ, they really don't care.

I've had limited dealings with Samsung and found them to be pretty useless, either no reply at all or buck-passing which eventually also ends in no reply. A friend managed to get hold of someone at Samsung NZ and sucessfully argued a replacement device out of them though after a day-1 drop.

If it's an OS issue, then AOSP isn't any better as good luck ever getting an answer from anyone at Google.

I'd be quite interested in the HTC One Max myself, but I like big phones. The Nexus 5 is also appealing as I don't really need expandibility, the 32GB model would be plenty for me.

The Moto G (again, not expandable) might even be my next phone depending on what I think of the Fiancee's one when it turns up, ~NZ$275 landed cost for a phone of that spec is pretty amazing.

Raises some good points here. Have you considered ordering from a reputable overseas supplier? I had some warranty issues with my HTC Sensation from Clove, and while it was a little bit time consuming, the process was relatively well managed and they were in regular contact with me while trying to replicate the issue and then correcting the product. There might be other suppliers that could be recommended if individuals have had experience, or where you could order your GS5 from.

networkn

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#964404 10-Jan-2014 11:30

Also I would suggest switching local retailer. This issue is really something you should have been able to get a result from your retailer for, it shouldn't have gone to Samsung in the first place. I have had LEGENDARILY good service from JBHIFI, and all my purchases for phones are made via them now, unless they don't carry it.

MikeB4

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#964407 10-Jan-2014 11:31

stevenz: I think it's pretty much a given that all mobile phone companies will have terrible support, particular for us folks in NZ, they really don't care.

I've had limited dealings with Samsung and found them to be pretty useless, either no reply at all or buck-passing which eventually also ends in no reply. A friend managed to get hold of someone at Samsung NZ and sucessfully argued a replacement device out of them though after a day-1 drop.

If it's an OS issue, then AOSP isn't any better as good luck ever getting an answer from anyone at Google.

I'd be quite interested in the HTC One Max myself, but I like big phones. The Nexus 5 is also appealing as I don't really need expandibility, the 32GB model would be plenty for me.

The Moto G (again, not expandable) might even be my next phone depending on what I think of the Fiancee's one when it turns up, ~NZ$275 landed cost for a phone of that spec is pretty amazing.

Yep.

The problems with Samsung NZ start at the top so escalating issues to management is completely useless.

Talkiet

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#964414 10-Jan-2014 11:40

I feel a lot of questions and recommendations don't take into account what I have said, or what has happened - which is odd.

- I want a micro SD card slot.
- I did go to the local retailer first and they were unable to help as they couldn't get / didn't have any batteries. Their only proposed solution was to take the phone and battery and send them away and wait.
- I want a micro SD card slot.
- I'm happy with the S4 as a phone, but have had a terrible experience with the catastrophically hateful customer 'support' so want to change brands
- I am not interested in phones that don't have a micro SD card slot.

There have been some good and useful suggestions though - I am looking at the Sony at the moment.

Cheers - N

ps. Micro SD card slot is a mandatory requirement.

Please note all comments are from my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.

muppet

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#964564 10-Jan-2014 14:31

I know you said you want and SD Slot and don't want it to be Samsung etc.

But, ignoring not being a Samsung, have you thought about the Samsung Note 2? Don't get the LTE Version, they're more expensive.

I have one and I love it. Though it does have a broken SD Card slot. If your SD Card slot breaks though you can always call Samsung support, they're grrrreat!

Talkiet

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#964585 10-Jan-2014 14:54

Right. I've changed my mind, the requirements are now...

Tell me what you have and why it's better for my use than a phone that satisfies my requirements.

** Gives up **

Cheers - N :-)

Please note all comments are from my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.

networkn

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#964589 10-Jan-2014 14:55

Talkiet: Right. I've changed my mind, the requirements are now...

Tell me what you have and why it's better for my use than a phone that satisfies my requirements.

** Gives up **

Cheers - N :-)

We WON! :)

MikeB4

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#964605 10-Jan-2014 14:58

Talkiet: Right. I've changed my mind, the requirements are now...

Tell me what you have and why it's better for my use than a phone that satisfies my requirements.

** Gives up **

Cheers - N :-)

If you are not locked into an ecosystem say Android have you thought outside the square and considered a Nokia? unfortunately the only ones I can think of with MicroSD is the 520, 625, 820 and i think 920.

I am with you on the MicroSD being mandatory I think it should standard feature on all smart phones

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