Which phone to get from Samsung S4 and LG G2? Also Mobicity?

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sewsable

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#133831 4-Nov-2013 14:22

I'm looking at a serious upgrade of my smartphone.   I'm currently running an LG P500 which to be honest has put me off LG a wee bit as one update turned it into a little black brick and it needed its innards replaced.

I'm currently considering the LG G2 after recommendation from Harvey Norman, but wouldn't be buying it from there as they only have the 16G version and I want the 32G one if I go down that path.    I'm hoping someone can confirm if the higher spec LG's are a little more friendly when updating, I don't want another brick experience. I actually went in there this morning to get the Samsung S4, but the salesman was really anti Samsungs.
My other option would be the Samsung S4 which also looks good, but the battery doesn't seem quite as good and after the little anti-Samsung speech I mentioned above, I'm unsure.
I don't know what other options there are aside from Sony (had a Sony once, it was a complete dog, but not a smartphone) or HTC (my husband has an older one and I find it really counterintuitive to operate); would love to know what else is an option, especially if a bit cheaper.

I've looked at MobiCity, but don't know what they're like to deal with, aside from being cheaper than Harvey Norman I need to know if they're reliable and if their support after sale is good.

As to what I'll be using it for, mostly text, calls and photo's.   I want 4G capability to future proof which is why I'm looking at the higher spec phones; I don't want to have to upgrade again for at least a couple of years. Must be Android as I've already invested in several apps and to be honest Apple doesn't excite me that much despite having an I-pad. I'll do most of my web/movie stuff at home where I can use my wi-fi and not risk going over my data allowance. Oh, and I'm on Telecom and not looking to change that.

Thanks

Into Xbox, knitting, spinning yarn, and my family. Love my Android smartphone!

Yabanize

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#927026 4-Nov-2013 14:32

I dont like places like MobiCity.. They're parellel imports which means you get overseas chargers (with an adaptor) and Samsung NZ probably wont want to help you so warrenty could be a pain

Better off to buy one of the NZ ones from Telecom, Vodafone or 2degrees whoever your preferred carrier is (Or one of the resellers)

The S4 is a good phone im sure you'll love it. And its definitely a huge upgrade from the P500. (I used to have one) and now have an S4

Dont let a salespersons opinion turn you away

The LG G2 has the buttons on the back which is a bit weird but ive heard its still a good phone

Htc one is a nice device too

sewsable

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Master Geek
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#927066 4-Nov-2013 15:43

I suspected MobiCity was a parallel importer. Looks like it's on special till tomorrow at Warehouse Stationery so might pop over there. I think the LG is a no-go if I can't get the 32G option locally, 16G just sounds like too little. Admittedly I haven't used that much on my current LG, but that's partly due to not being able to fit any more on the internal memory and all apps seem to use some of the internal even if moved onto the SD card.

Into Xbox, knitting, spinning yarn, and my family. Love my Android smartphone!

Krishant007

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#927079 4-Nov-2013 16:02

Hmm..the G2 is a powerhouse, as is the S4. I kind of agree to check out the local retailers - only because of the customs fees and chargers put the prices for any gadget as high as it is in the stores here.

But in the stores here, you can sometimes get a bargain (20% off etc).

Strongly recommend checking out HTC One - they have made lot of good changes to the system and it is a premium device indeed.

But between G2 and S4 - i lean towards G2. Dont be scared of the button layout - most people get used to their phones button layout within a week (having said that, there are some people who just cannot get used to it ever. so depends on you really). I lean towards G2 because it seems to be a better device than the S4 at this stage.

Hope that helps

Yabanize

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#927091 4-Nov-2013 16:24

sewsable: I suspected MobiCity was a parallel importer. Looks like it's on special till tomorrow at Warehouse Stationery so might pop over there. I think the LG is a no-go if I can't get the 32G option locally, 16G just sounds like too little. Admittedly I haven't used that much on my current LG, but that's partly due to not being able to fit any more on the internal memory and all apps seem to use some of the internal even if moved onto the SD card.

I believe all NZ S4's are 16gb but with the option for MicroSD

Ive nearly filled it up and ill need to buy an SD card. I have heaps on there though

Remember the LG p500 only has 170 MB of internal memory.

You can have all your music, pictures, videos, and some apps on an SD

What network are you with?... Oh right you said telecom. Try to get Telecoms version as its more optimized to work on their network.. At warehouse stationery like you mentioned theres also a purple version :P

sewsable

88 posts

Master Geek
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#927099 4-Nov-2013 16:35

I like the look of the G2 and changing where the buttons are wouldn't be an issue, the issue is I can't find anywhere stocking the 32GB version unless I go parallel import which is not my choice of direction. The HTC doesn't seem to be on special at the moment either which definitely plays a part. Someone recommended the Samsung S4 Mini, but the specs are quite a bit lower for that and the price is pretty much the same

Into Xbox, knitting, spinning yarn, and my family. Love my Android smartphone!

Krishant007

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#927102 4-Nov-2013 16:39

Ahh, i wouldnt go with the Mini of any phone to be honest. especially not of the s4 or anything. Have you had a look at G2, S4 and HTC One in store? Have you had a play with them and experienced all the phones for a few minutes? Might give you a better idea of what you like, first impressions etc.

All the phones are being sold in the parallel imported stores eg expert infotech and digi parallel imports. Even the 32gb LG G2. you could go there to check out the phones?

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maxeon

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#927103 4-Nov-2013 16:39

Warehouse Stationary will do price match minus 5% of lowest price advertised.

Try them for S4 or HTC One.

They have Note 3 but only in 32GB version.

sewsable

88 posts

Master Geek
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#927113 4-Nov-2013 16:57

Yabanize:
sewsable: I suspected MobiCity was a parallel importer. Looks like it's on special till tomorrow at Warehouse Stationery so might pop over there. I think the LG is a no-go if I can't get the 32G option locally, 16G just sounds like too little. Admittedly I haven't used that much on my current LG, but that's partly due to not being able to fit any more on the internal memory and all apps seem to use some of the internal even if moved onto the SD card.

I believe all NZ S4's are 16gb but with the option for MicroSD

Ive nearly filled it up and ill need to buy an SD card. I have heaps on there though

Remember the LG p500 only has 170 MB of internal memory.

You can have all your music, pictures, videos, and some apps on an SD

What network are you with?... Oh right you said telecom. Try to get Telecoms version as its more optimized to work on their network.. At warehouse stationery like you mentioned theres also a purple version :P

I know the LG P500 only has 170mb internal, that's part of the reason I want more this time around as it's driving me nuts and I'm fed up with having to delete apps to get rid of the annoying memory message; at the moment it can't even find the memory to update GooglePlay. I keep anything I can on the SD card.

I'm seriously considering the purple Samsung S4, plus a cover for it as it won't fit in the crocheted one I made for the LG.

Into Xbox, knitting, spinning yarn, and my family. Love my Android smartphone!

Yabanize

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#927433 5-Nov-2013 09:36

sewsable:
Yabanize:
sewsable: I suspected MobiCity was a parallel importer.   Looks like it's on special till tomorrow at Warehouse Stationery so might pop over there.   I think the LG is a no-go if I can't get the 32G option locally, 16G just sounds like too little.   Admittedly I haven't used that much on my current LG, but that's partly due to not being able to fit any more on the internal memory and all apps seem to use some of the internal even if moved onto the SD card.

I believe all NZ S4's are 16gb but with the option for MicroSD

Ive nearly filled it up and ill need to buy an SD card. I have heaps on there though

Remember the LG p500 only has 170 MB of internal memory.

You can have all your music, pictures, videos, and some apps on an SD

What network are you with?... Oh right you said telecom. Try to get Telecoms version as its more optimized to work on their network.. At warehouse stationery like you mentioned theres also a purple version :P

I know the LG P500 only has 170mb internal, that's part of the reason I want more this time around as it's driving me nuts and I'm fed up with having to delete apps to get rid of the annoying memory message; at the moment it can't even find the memory to update GooglePlay.   I keep anything I can on the SD card.

I'm seriously considering the purple Samsung S4, plus a cover for it as it won't fit in the crocheted one I made for the LG.

You shouldnt let 16gb stop you from getting it. 16 + Micro SD is plenty :) its a huge upgrade from the 170mb

Although the system software takes up a few gb's

timmmay

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#927443 5-Nov-2013 09:49

How about the Nexus 5? It's out now, or soon.

My S4 works very well. With light use (txt and phone calls, wifi and 3g off) the battery lasts 3 full days. With heavy use of wifi, streaming music, 3g data, push notifications, it still gets at least a day. It did take a bit of effort to get all the Samsung crapware off it, but it's great now.

I bought from Telecom, after you take into account shipping fees, GST, etc, the price is similar, plus there's the issue of support. I chose Telecom for coverage, 2 degrees coverage even in Wellington city wasn't good where I used to work.

Inphinity

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#927465 5-Nov-2013 10:16

The S4 and G2 are both great phones. Performance is so similar most would never notice a difference. It's probably going to be price and personal preference. I prefer the S4, as it's about the largest & heaviest I'd want my phone to be (the G2 is both slightly larger and slightly heavier), and the microSD slot is a must for my use. The G2 does come with a slightly better battery, but I don't have a problem with battery life anyway, but I don't see that being a deal maker. I'd take the slightly smaller form of the S4, with microSD slot, over a slightly longer battery life. The G2 screen is also a little easier to see in sunlight, too, if that is important to you (I don't find the S4 particularly bad at this, just the G2 better).

Ultimately, I don't think you could be disappointed with either phone. Personally, I still prefer the S4.

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sewsable

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Master Geek
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#927578 5-Nov-2013 12:47

Thanks for the help everyone, this morning I went into Warehouse Stationery and took advantage of their special price and HP offering on the Samsung S4 and am currently charging the battery and waiting on the arrival of my Telecom sim card as my current one is too big for it. I paid $799 and got a case for it and an extended warranty as their are priced pretty well. Harvey Norman's EW was hideously expensive! I've had to use the CGA before and to be honest it's worth the wee bit extra money to avoid the fight if required.

Into Xbox, knitting, spinning yarn, and my family. Love my Android smartphone!

Yabanize

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#927624 5-Nov-2013 13:57

sewsable: Thanks for the help everyone, this morning I went into Warehouse Stationery and took advantage of their special price and HP offering on the Samsung S4 and am currently charging the battery and waiting on the arrival of my Telecom sim card as my current one is too big for it. I paid $799 and got a case for it and an extended warranty as their are priced pretty well. Harvey Norman's EW was hideously expensive! I've had to use the CGA before and to be honest it's worth the wee bit extra money to avoid the fight if required.

Awesome!