Recommendations for high end NON SAMSUNG Android phone?

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Talkiet

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Topic # 138582 9-Jan-2014 17:44

Requirements, high end, big 1080p screen but not phablet, supports Telecom LTE, must have micro SD slot

Bonus points for having an easy and preferably supported Google Edition of Android KitKat.

I want to replace A Samsung S4 and while I like the phone, I don't ever want to have to rely on Samsung support ever again so want to change brands.

Cheers - N

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Reply # 964012 9-Jan-2014 17:46

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Sony Xperia Z1? Brilliant screen, camera and cat4 LTE.

jeffnz

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Reply # 964013 9-Jan-2014 17:47

is this just a go at Samsung given your annoyance or do you genuinely want advice on a phone, just curious :)

edit: oops spelling

Galaxy S7 Edge

Garmin Vivoactive HR

KevinL

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Reply # 964017 9-Jan-2014 17:57

I thought about the Z1, but bought the LG G2.

The Z1 has expandable memory and waterproofness going for it, but the screen is a bit rubbish (non-IPS TFT rather than IPS) and with a factory-installed shatterproof screen protector that is annoyingly not scratchproof. Also substantially heavier, and battery not as good as the G2. Camera is arguably a bit better, but with the G2's optical image stabilisation thrown in it's much of a muchness.

Talkiet

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Reply # 964018 9-Jan-2014 18:00

jeffnz: is this just a go at Samsung given your annoyance or do you genuinely want advice on a phone, just curious :)

edit: oops spelling

Genuine.. I've always been happy with Samsung phones before so progressed through the S3 and S4, and was happily planning on getting an S5 when available - but I really hope there's an alternative from another brand that's just as good because dealing with Samsung "support" again would end me.

Cheers- N

Talkiet

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Reply # 964019 9-Jan-2014 18:01

KevinL: I thought about the Z1, but bought the LG G2.

The Z1 has expandable memory and waterproofness going for it, but the screen is a bit rubbish (non-IPS TFT rather than IPS) and with a factory-installed shatterproof screen protector that is annoyingly not scratchproof. Also substantially heavier, and battery not as good as the G2. Camera is arguably a bit better, but with the G2's optical image stabilisation thrown in it's much of a muchness.

The LG G2 would be a slam dunk choice if it wasn't for the missing micro SD card slot. That's a mandatory requirement for me. I don't really care about camera quality.

Cheers - N

freitasm

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Reply # 964023 9-Jan-2014 18:07

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...

HTC One. No microSD slot but it's beautiful. And Google version available.

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nakedmolerat

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Reply # 964024 9-Jan-2014 18:08

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Sony Xperia Z1

blakamin

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Reply # 964026 9-Jan-2014 18:10

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Xperia Z1, I gave up my S4 for it and haven't looked back! Best phone I've had in ages.

bradstewart

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Reply # 964031 9-Jan-2014 18:32

freitasm: HTC One. No microSD slot but it's beautiful. And Google version available.

This

old3eyes

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Reply # 964048 9-Jan-2014 19:03

How about a Nexus 5??

Regards,

Old3eyes

Talkiet

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Reply # 964049 9-Jan-2014 19:05

Talkiet:[snip] if it wasn't for the missing micro SD card slot. That's a mandatory requirement for me.[snip]

I really want a micro SD slot. I am not interested in alternatives to carrying lots of data on a card, regardless of how well they may suit some, or most people. I want lots of data ON THE PHONE.

Cheers-N

bradstewart

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Reply # 964056 9-Jan-2014 19:25

Talkiet:
Talkiet:[snip] if it wasn't for the missing micro SD card slot. That's a mandatory requirement for me.[snip]

I really want a micro SD slot. I am not interested in alternatives to carrying lots of data on a card, regardless of how well they may suit some, or most people. I want lots of data ON THE PHONE.

Cheers-N

If you're willing to wait a couple of months, word is the HTC One successor will have removable storage.

Talkiet

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Reply # 964070 9-Jan-2014 19:28

Thanks Brad - that's useful info. I certainly don't need to ditch my S4 today... But if there was a great alternative right now I might (and I will go check out the Sony Z1)... But if there's something neat a few months away I can hang on... I will just have to resist the S5 when it comes out :-)

Cheers - N

nakedmolerat

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Reply # 964085 9-Jan-2014 19:37

Xperia Z2 should be around April

NZtechfreak

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Reply # 964089 9-Jan-2014 19:55

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C'mon people, the OP states explicitly he requires a micro SD slot for his use, so stop trying to recommend him phones that he has already told you will not be suitable for him, OK?

To OP: Z1 is a very good phone, probably the only thing that will really you right now, will be more choice coming in a little while, so if you can wait I'd hold off a little. The New ASUS Padfone Infinity might suit also, but can only be purchased via Ebay as far as I'm aware. It can be purchased solo without the tablet dock. I had the Padfone Infinity from earlier in the year and it was one of my favourite flagships over the last year (having had nearly all of them), the refreshed version steps up to a Snapdragon 800 and adds the required micro SD slot.

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