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timmmay

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#106141 18-Jul-2012 15:19
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I'm considering an Android phone. I've been reluctant as I like my old Nokia with the physical keys, but right now I'm lugging my big android tablet to work to listen to Pandora, which is a pain in the butt. I have an iPod touch, but Pandora isn't on it, plus it's an older one.

I'm used to writing on the big tablet, but it drives me crazy at times, even with swype - sometimes it's spot on, sometimes it's horrible. With txt you tend to abbreviate a lot as well, which won't work well with Skype. So they keyboard is the main reason I haven't gone to Android yet, that and battery life.

So here's what I'm after and what I'll use it for:
 - Android 4.0 with an upgrade path to 4.1 and beyond
 - Great battery life (2-4 days)
 - I don't need the biggest screen, I'd prefer moderate and robust, but the S3 does look quite nice
 - Probably No OEM skins (plain old Android)
 - Not sure if a physical keyboard is a good idea - it'd either make the screen smaller, or the phone fatter
 - I'll mostly use it for calls and text, with some music playing. I may play a casual game a few times a week, but not often.
 - I may use maps or check email while out and about, but not that often.
 - Shopping lists and calendaring (basic stuff)

Can anyone recommend a good device for me, or should I just stick with my Nokia and tablet, or my Nokia and a cheap iPod equilivent Android?

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DoggNZ
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  #657752 18-Jul-2012 15:59
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You haven't specified a price range so......S3

 
 
 
 

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timmmay

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  #657761 18-Jul-2012 16:11
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Price isn't the main issue. I'm more interested in thoughts, experience, and discussion, especially around battery life, keyboard, and functionality.

blair003
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  #657779 18-Jul-2012 16:24
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I'm not aware of any popular smart phones that have 2-4 days of battery. 

I've used an iphone 3GS, HTC Desire and now a sumsung galaxy s2. In my experience if you are using your phone as a smartphone and not just a phone, you will need to charge it daily.

If you want to disable all the features that make it a smartphone and spend some time tweaking you could probably get 2 days out of one (assuming your cellphone reception is always good so the phone is not wasting battery trying to find service), but if you are serious about 2-4 days I think you will need to wait for battery technology to improve.



pgs2050
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  #657780 18-Jul-2012 16:25
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timmmay: 
 - Great battery life (2-4 days)
 - Probably No OEM skins (plain old Android)


OEM skins will limit the contenders to the Google phones, 2-4 days battery life eliminates almost all (if not every) Android phone out at the moment.

You could keep a spare cable at your work station to keep your Android going and this is only suitable if you don't move around much.

One other factor to consider is ability to stay connected on a wi-fi network as well as the drain on battery resource that wi-fi makes.



oxnsox
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  #657782 18-Jul-2012 16:26
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Battery life, as you are aware Tim, depends on how you use it.
There's probably little doubt the Motorola Razr Maxx is the battery life king, but you can also get official upgraded batteries for the likes of an SII, which make it a different beast to a standard one.

You've probably gotta give us more info bloke......

timmmay

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  #657808 18-Jul-2012 16:45
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What other info would you like ox? The device is my primary phone, but I don't call heaps, 1-2 calls per day, and a text text's. I'd listen to music 2-4 hours per day, Pandora over WiFi. I'd rarely play games, use maps, or do anything much else on it. I'd probably have it checking email every hour or so, facebook a few times a day.

Motorola Maxx is the obvious choice, but reviews are only ok. I work at a desk, it would be trivial to have a charging station or cable, just slightly annoying. An extended battery would probably do the job, depending on size.

I guess battery life and losing the keyboard for texting are my main issues. I can text without looking, I like the tactile feedback, and it's fast. Otherwise I'd just get an S3.

CdTDroiD
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  #657906 18-Jul-2012 18:23
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The Motorolla MAXX is the only phone that will give you that sort of battery life, the s3 is pretty good also but not that good




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nickb800
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  #657918 18-Jul-2012 18:42
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timmmay:  ...listen to music 2-4 hours per day, Pandora over WiFi


This will  limit you to 1 day battery life, on any phone

timmmay

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  #657921 18-Jul-2012 18:47
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The Razr Maxx is meant to have 24 hours talk time or something similar, is pandora over wifi really that demanding. Running it on my tablet for 4-5 hours uses about 20% of the battery.

gingeralenz
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  #657957 18-Jul-2012 19:45
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Very satisfied with my S3. Wonderful phone, easy to use. I get 2 days out of the battery but I don't play games.

DrStrangelove
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  #657966 18-Jul-2012 20:02
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Mugen Power Batteries do a range of batteries.

Mugen Power Batteries - Premium Extended Batteries for Mobile Devices

Some of the batteries extended the original capacity by a couple of hundred mAh and can be housed in the phone as is.

They also supply batteries over 3000mAh for a range of phones, however these batteries require a new back plate to house the battery and consequentially, your phone will probably look pig ugly, but it's still an option.

I have a 1800mAh battery on it's way to replace my humble 1500mAh battery.

Given there is a quoted 16% increase using a 1500mAh Mugen Power battery for the Sony XPERIA U to replace the original 1300mAh battery, this gives you some idea.

I think one can also buy USB plug in external battery packs from one vendor or another too.

WiFi and screen displays are mostly the two things that'll eat battery life, but as already stated, it all depends on usage patterns and to some extent, CPU design.



blakamin
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  #658005 18-Jul-2012 21:11
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I charge my s3 every night.. i dunno why people have an issue doing this.
if you want plain old android, the only choice is nexus really.
if not, custom rom..
I'm on my 5th android phone (and second tablet).. the best thing I've ever used is my s3. best battery life (music 8 hours a day, 40 mins calls and heaps of texts and twitter) I get home and my battery is still 40% after a 11 hour day.

timmmay

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  #658013 18-Jul-2012 21:23
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A guy at work has an S3 that lasts a couple of days with moderate use. I guess the battery issue is either put up with it, keep a charger at work, or buy an extended battery. Or buy the Razr Maxx, or the Samsung version when it eventually comes out. I prefer Samsung.

I guess I just have to work out whether I can put up with a virtual keyboard then.

blakamin
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  #658015 18-Jul-2012 21:27
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Most people i know hate Motorola..

Why can't you charge at night?

timmmay

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  #658016 18-Jul-2012 21:28
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I can, I just don't want to have to bother. Laziness, and principle.

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