Stuck between Nokia 7.1 Plus $450 and Galaxy S8 $650

Forums › Android › Stuck between Nokia 7.1 Plus $450 and Galaxy S8 $650

TeaLeaf

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Topic # 242406 26-Oct-2018 22:25

and then throw in the LG G6 which displays HDR.

I just dont know how good the rear camera is on the Nokia, I mean it has a good sensor and has zeiss optics, but zeiss was branded on some pretty crappy nokia phones before.

the android one is good and bad. good its stock, bad its not optimised like say samsung does for the 3300mah battery to beat the nokia 7 plus 3800mah.

anything else to consider?

I basically want the best cheap camera phone

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Reply # 2114742 26-Oct-2018 23:49

If Samsung is an option, always go with Samsung

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KrazyKid

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Reply # 2114746 27-Oct-2018 00:05

Funny. Feel like I'm lIving your phone life. Last year I wanted a new phone the same time you were looking that the V20. Ended up buying a V20. Now looking for a good camera phone for the wife.

Brought a Moto G4 last year for her. Had ok camera reviews but really the camera is crap. Have decided to got a good camera need to buy a flagship phone. The V20 camera is good.

Currently thinking about the S8 or apple last year's model. Since not in the Apple Ecosystem leaning towards the S8.

Who's selling an S8 for 650?
I see Harvey Norman has the S9 for 1000 this weekend but that's just way more than I want to pay for a phone....

Hammerer

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Reply # 2114750 27-Oct-2018 00:34

TeaLeaf:

I basically want the best cheap camera phone

If "cheap" is most important then the Nokia. But can you actually get one now?

If "camera" is most important then the Samsung is a known quantity.

TeaLeaf

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Reply # 2114809 27-Oct-2018 10:02

The Mi A2 is another option, it uses one of the new processors, but stramgely, higher the number doesnt mean better, the nokia 7 processor is slightly better. BUT it seems the results are better on the Mi A2, its identical to the nokia 7 basically and is on android one scheme. but its only $389 for 64gb version.

Check this review out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNyjeNgl7sM

And the pricing

https://pricespy.co.nz/product.php?q=mi%20a2&p=4878244

Talk about cat amongst the pigeons. I also looked at the g6 as its like less than $500 now, its uses the old imx processor imx 258 which is smaller, BUT, its software sucks all the juice it can out of it and it must have good lenses because the images are up there with the v20/30 etc.

freitasm

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Reply # 2114818 27-Oct-2018 10:19

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raytaylor:

If Samsung is an option, always go with Samsung

Never go with the Samsung. Too much bloatware.

Hammerer:

If "cheap" is most important then the Nokia. But can you actually get one now?

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TeaLeaf

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Reply # 2114821 27-Oct-2018 10:30

One phone that was a surprise to me is the new asus zenfone 5, but its $629, there is a lite version but not sure if it uses same camera.Its better than the nokia and mi a2 and about equal with a galaxy s8.

https://www.dxomark.com/category/mobile-reviews/

Here are all the phones that use the same sensor as the nok 7 plus, it includes the pixel 2. so imo software must be the difference. if the n7 plus uses zeiss lenses it should be getting better pics than it does. i wonder if you put google + pixel software hdk on the nokia if it would improve it. thats page 2. some surprising cheap phones use it.

https://www.kimovil.com/en/list-smartphones-by-lens-model/sony-imx362-exmor-rs?page=2

All the phones that use the imx 486 main processor as the mi a2, i have to say also the front facing cam on the mi a2 is awesome.

https://www.kimovil.com/en/compare-smartphones/f_clmod+id.112

TeaLeaf

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Reply # 2114824 27-Oct-2018 10:34

freitasm:

Never go with the Samsung. Too much bloatware.

True but they are optimised which is a good thing, they squeeze the juice out of the hardware, like the camera scores high, only because of software, the battery lasts longer than the 3800mah on the Nokia 7 plus, due to optimisation. So there is good and bad with the sammy software. like there is good and bad being stock android one.

The main reason I wouldnt go the s8 is the user experience and industrial design. which idiot designed a phone with both sides curved and made of glass?

I hate using cases, ruins aesthetics, which was the whole point in the first place. the nokia 7 is cnc cut from a single piece of ally, so a nice flat surface you can hold onto and if you do drop it, its much much much less likely to crack. i had a nokia win phone that i use to take with me fishing on the rocks and ive dropped it 10+ times and its glass has hit face down on so many sharp rocks and not even a scratch. i also dropped it in a puddle and it was made a long time before they designed water/dust proof raitings, 30 seconds and it still worked.

the nokia 7 plus is the safe choice, i think the mi a2 is the lowest budget cam phone choise.

the zenfone 5 lite is similar to the a2 and nok7 but not as good due to processor and costs $400, it does have a 120 degree second camera. one of the reasons im still considering the g6.

grant_k

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Reply # 2114879 27-Oct-2018 11:37

I have walked a similar path to you with my choice of smartphones. Started out with a Lumia 720 then an 830 which I had to get rid of as support for WP started to evaporate. The hardware build quality of the Lumia series was awesome in their day.

However things have moved on so in early 2016 I bought a Samsung Galaxy S7 (not the Edge version for similar reasons you've stated). I've been extremely happy with the performance and build quality of my S7 but its battery life is much shorter than it used to be as a result of constant daily use over the past 2.5 years. I've found it such a useful gadget to have in my pocket, not just as a smartphone but also as a torch, compass, builder's level, sound level meter ... the list goes on. I really have used it more than I ever thought possible.

Like you I'm starting to think about what is next. Don't want to have any bigger than 5" display as ease of fitting in my pocket around the farm is crucial. Don't want edge to edge display as it's too easily damaged and I always use my phone in a case.

I guess I could do worse than buy another S7 brand new from somewhere. Or maybe just replace the battery if that's feasible?

Then again, I'm open to considering a new device so long as it ticks all the boxes that I currently have with the S7 and is not a backward step in any significant way. So I'll follow your decision with interest.

dafman

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Reply # 2114892 27-Oct-2018 12:36

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I also have been using a S7 for the last 2.5 years. I haven't upgraded as I also don't like the curved screens from Samsung or the phablet size of most other androids. I'm also reluctant to lose the S7 as the camera is fantastic. But battery life is now pretty bad, and I'm living with a crack in the screen, so probably only good for another six months.

My next phone? I'm hanging on for the S10 as there is a rumoured base version with a non-curved screen. Or possibly the Huawei P30 if Samsung disappoint. And I really like what Nokia is doing - the new 7.1 looks great - is a perfect size, but is probably under-spec'ed with the 636 processor and camera for me. Hoping they may release a higher spec'ed new phone in the near future to line up beside the Samsung and Huawei.

TeaLeaf

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Reply # 2114927 27-Oct-2018 14:04

dafman:

I also have been using a S7 for the last 2.5 years.

Good suggestion guys, the s7 goes for $399. What about android updates though? DIY battery change says difficult, but anybody who can put a PC together should be able to do this. And much cheaper than paying a cellphone tech. Ive found owning cellphone tools to be very handy as ive fixed or replaced parts on many phones for me or the partner and friends for a case of beer. At your own risk of course haha

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Samsung+Galaxy+S7+Battery+Replacement/90299

The S7 edge though has a bigger screen and quite a bit bigger battery. But I think it was just one side that was curved? Ill look on GSM arena.

The plus side is the non edge being a 5.1inch screen is the body is nearly 1cm smaller, which also means higher PPI Screen

Also both phones use Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS which means fast and accurate focus.

TeaLeaf

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Reply # 2114933 27-Oct-2018 14:40

Which is better, Samsung Exynos or Snapdragon cpus?

I know the 820 is better for single core, and the Exynos is better for multi core, and the SD is better for GPU. So what that means to me is the exynos would run faster with multiple apps but lose out on gaming a bit etc?

grant_k

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Reply # 2114988 27-Oct-2018 15:14

TeaLeaf:
dafman:

I also have been using a S7 for the last 2.5 years.

Good suggestion guys, the s7 goes for $399. What about android updates though? DIY battery change says difficult, but anybody who can put a PC together should be able to do this. And much cheaper than paying a cellphone tech. Ive found owning cellphone tools to be very handy as ive fixed or replaced parts on many phones for me or the partner and friends for a case of beer. At your own risk of course haha

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Samsung+Galaxy+S7+Battery+Replacement/90299

The S7 edge though has a bigger screen and quite a bit bigger battery. But I think it was just one side that was curved? Ill look on GSM arena.

The plus side is the non edge being a 5.1inch screen is the body is nearly 1cm smaller, which also means higher PPI Screen

Also both phones use Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS which means fast and accurate focus.

Android updates have been frequent over the years. Currently I'm on Android 8 whereas I'm fairly sure it started out with 6.

I've repaired many PCs over the years but after reading the Battery Replacement Guide, I wouldn't even attempt it. Too easy to wreck something and the phone would probably never be waterproof again.

I'm fairly sure the S7 Edge was curved down both sides, but not top or bottom.

grant_k

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Reply # 2114995 27-Oct-2018 15:18

TeaLeaf:
Which is better, Samsung Exynos or Snapdragon cpus?

I know the 820 is better for single core, and the Exynos is better for multi core, and the SD is better for GPU. So what that means to me is the exynos would run faster with multiple apps but lose out on gaming a bit etc?

My S7 has the Exynos CPU. I've certainly never found it to be lacking in CPU grunt. If the battery was still good I wouldn't have any concerns at all. Interesting that they can now be bought new for $399 - that deserves serious consideration.

TeaLeaf

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Reply # 2115053 27-Oct-2018 16:07

grant_k:
TeaLeaf:

Which is better, Samsung Exynos or Snapdragon cpus?

I know the 820 is better for single core, and the Exynos is better for multi core, and the SD is better for GPU. So what that means to me is the exynos would run faster with multiple apps but lose out on gaming a bit etc?

My S7 has the Exynos CPU. I've certainly never found it to be lacking in CPU grunt. If the battery was still good I wouldn't have any concerns at all. Interesting that they can now be bought new for $399 - that deserves serious consideration.

Yes I agree, keeping in mind thats the non edge, but as someone who prefers pockteability thats not a bad thing really. But Id really love to be able to wait to see how good the Nok 7,1 Plus camera is.

I remember when 5" was considered massive haha.

I just cant find anything that compares for the price on camera. And also it has a super amoled display which is not to be sniffed at, I would prefer HDR, but right now there still isnt a huge amount of HDR content on netflix and amazon, give it 2 years and I reckon HDR will explode and I will be ready for a new phone.

I saw JB have 55" Sony 4k HDR LED Tvs for $1399, thats nearly a 75% drop in 18 months. The Samsung is only $1241. Time to consider replacing my sony 70" LCD, I dont need bigger than 55" in reality.

I was going to just buy an Xbox one, but I might go the One X now. Ive had an elite controller I pad half new price about a year ago, it had 6 months warranty at the time, almost unused, and I never bought an Xbox lol. Time for the new COD and some Madden.

HDR is so much more mind blowing than 4k is, combined with LED, its awesome. I think 1440p is where resolution stops being a major improvement over 1080p

1eStar

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Reply # 2115196 27-Oct-2018 21:11

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Are you actually wanting to buy a phone or just talk about them?

go buy an s7

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theres more than 10 threads youve started in the last two years asking advice about new phones, have you actually ever taken any of the advice and bought anything?

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