iPhone vs. Android vs. Windows Phone 7: Which to buy?

[FiLTHY_SNiPER]

Ok, so I'm upgrading from my crackberry this month to a touch phone.

I want a phone that's very customizable, runs smooth as silk and has great text and email interfaces.
The quality and quantity of apps is also a factor, obviously, but it seems only Win phone 7 has to catch up in that category.

I have limited options due to my provider in Canada:

iPhones:

http://www.telusmobility.com/en/ON/iphones/index.shtml?INTCMP=PhonesILCC4iphone

Android + Win 7:

http://www.telusmobility.com/en/ON/smartphones/index.shtml?INTCMP=PhonesILCC4smartphones


Right now I'm leaning heavily towards the Samsung Fascinate. It seems to be the best of the bunch, considering the features I'm looking for.

For those of you who own either an iPhone, Android phone or Windows Phone 7, what are your thoughts?

Thanks fellas

[Drayu]

own an iPhone 3GS, but contract coming to an end and I think I want to go android. Apple just feel so limited to what apple wants.

[CassiusMelacor]

I have the Samsung Intercept. It is my first cell that actually does stuff other than voice and text messaging. One of the first things that I worked on was rooting it to remove all the useless vendor installed apps (just like any other computer you would buy these days). I used the navigation for a recent trip and was happy with its performance. At this time I don't have many applications installed, but I guess that will change with time.

Since this my first smart phone, I can't really provide much feedback or compare Android to the Windows or Apple OS.

I use Virgin Mobile due to the cheapness of the plan. The down side is that you have to buy the phone, but if you do the math you may find it is significantly cheaper than a contract. I only pay around $27 a month for 300 minutes and unlimited data and text. It works out well as I am not big on talking.

[Shadowryche]

The dozen or so people I know around me with iPhone 3G and 4G think they are the bomb. Except they're always complaining about sending them out for repair or replacement every few months. One of my clients had a new one cross shipped almost monthly. I honestly wish I had gone with an Android instead of my Crackberry. Teathering software with Android is much cheaper if not free.

[FozzyBear]

I had an iPhone3g and just upgraded to the 4.

I didn't have any issues with the 3, or the 4 so far.

I am not an Apple fanboy by any means, but I love the iPhones. You can crack the iPhones, which I haven't but know many who have, and that opens them up to be more like the droids.

Just my 2cents

[Leadfoot]

Are you going the HUP route, or are you buying a new phone straight up? Because if your buying a new phone straight up, phones from all the major Canadian companies should work on Telus... They all use the same frequency. Or you can sell your cheaper HUPed phone to get one from another carrier.

I actually have a similar dilemma to you, although I think for me its mainly between sticking with the BB or switching to an Iphone or WP7. I'm kind of leaning towards WP7 just because I've got messed up thumbs and I prefer the bigger screens of some of the WP7 phones or a physical keyboard from BBs. But then Iphone of course has the massive app base.

[FiLTHY_SNiPER]

Thanks for the input everyone.

Right now I'm still leaning towards an Android based phone.


Are you going the HUP route, or are you buying a new phone straight up? Because if your buying a new phone straight up, phones from all the major Canadian companies should work on Telus... They all use the same frequency. Or you can sell your cheaper HUPed phone to get one from another carrier.

I actually have a similar dilemma to you, although I think for me its mainly between sticking with the BB or switching to an Iphone or WP7. I'm kind of leaning towards WP7 just because I've got messed up thumbs and I prefer the bigger screens of some of the WP7 phones or a physical keyboard from BBs. But then Iphone of course has the massive app base.



Wtf is HUP?

I plan on buying the phone for a much lower price on a 3 year term extension.
You're saying I can buy practically any phone and use it with Telus, though?

Also, are you not considering an Android phone at all, Lead?

[Leadfoot]

Thanks for the input everyone.

Right now I'm still leaning towards an Android based phone.





Wtf is HUP?

I plan on buying the phone for a much lower price on a 3 year term extension.
You're saying I can buy practically any phone and use it with Telus, though?

Also, are you not considering an Android phone at all, Lead?

HUP = Hardware Upgrade Plan. Exactly what you are talking about, resigning to an extension to get the subsidized phone price. Ever since Telus made the switch from CDMA to HSPDA (frequency technologies) Bell, Rogers and Telus have all used the same frequency, so you can basically use any of the phones on any if the 3 networks provided they are unlocked.

I was considering Android, but right now I still think it has some kinks to work out. Battery life I think is an issue on alot of devices, mainly because of the ways Android runs background programs. The other issue is that Android doesn't have as fluid of a operating experience as say the iPhone, and I think (not totally sure) its because of the way it doesn't use its GPU acceleration for its operating system. Of course, for alot of people aesthetics like that aren't too big of an issue, and I know quite a few people that are happy with Android phones.

Also note that even though two companies use the same technology, ie HSDPA, they may use different frequencies. The ones that match up with Telus are Rogers, Bell, and AT&T from the States. An unlocked phone from any of those carriers should work on Telus.

[Drayu]

Doesn't Android 2.3(?) chocolate OS take care of battery life and the way background apps are dealt with?

[JustMeBF2]

Wait .....

When did Canada get cell phone service.




LOL J/K

[FiLTHY_SNiPER]

Hmm, interesting, Lead.

So you're saying if I buy a phone from BestBuy that's supposed to be for Rogers or Bell, I can just unlock it for Telus and there should be no problems?

[Leadfoot]

Hmm, interesting, Lead.

So you're saying if I buy a phone from BestBuy that's supposed to be for Rogers or Bell, I can just unlock it for Telus and there should be no problems?

Yup, they all use the 850/1900 MHZ frequencies.

Also, Drayu may be right, I haven't really kept up with the Android OS updates.

[FiLTHY_SNiPER]

Not sure if the Android phone's I'm thinking about getting support more than 2.2 OS. Unless all phones that say "upgradeable to 2.2" are also upgradeable to 2.3

[Crotch-Rot]

Some Android phones have crap for support from their manufacturer. Some are stuck at Android 1.6 (such as the case of the HTC Hero). Any Android phone worth a damn is at 2.2 right now. 2.2.1 is starting to roll out for Motorola line of Droids. 2.3 is coming soon for most phones.

I haven't kept up with the news on what's all in 2.3 in terms of battery and/or how processes are handled in the background, so I can't comment on that. But for my Droid X, the upgrade from 2.1 to 2.2 gave me a massive battery boost. The phone under 2.1 lasted about 6 hours. Under 2.2, I can go for about 10-12 hours given the same usage pattern.

[FiLTHY_SNiPER]

Alright I'll keep that in mind. Maybe I'll do a little research. Thx

[-LiT- Killer_B]

I had a 3GS and am on the 4 now. I have loved both, and am also not an Apple guy at all. The only downside is the control that Apple has over stuff, but you can take care of that by jailbreaking it. I have friends that have Android based phones that love them as well. For me, their hardware is a bit bulky and the GUI is less appealing than that of iOS. I think you can't really go wrong with either the iPhone or Android based phone. Windows 7 phone scares me, b/c it is the first generation of a completely new OS.

[Nsane]

I got a Droid X yesterday and I love it. The only thing I don't like is that while some menus can be brought up by the touchscreen, sometimes you need to use a separate button (the menu button) to access more settings and options. With time, I'm sure I'll get used to it, but for now, it's a bit annoying. Other than that, I don't really have any complaints.

[Crotch-Rot]

I love my Droid X as well! There's another thread by me somewhere on WiH talking about Android apps and the Droid X.

[Nsane]

I'll be sure to look for it then.

[FiLTHY_SNiPER]

Thanks for the input guys. I still haven't decided. On the fence right now, needing something to push me over one of the sides.

[DemonJester]

Thanks for the input guys. I still haven't decided. On the fence right now, needing something to push me over one of the sides.

:1poke:

Android.. Nuff said..

[Leadfoot]

Obviously the correct answer is winmo 6.5.

[antigen]

Obviously the correct answer is winmo 6.5.

Now I know why your little info-tag says 'clueless' :lol:

[FiLTHY_SNiPER]

Well, my provider (Telus) is offering a deal for the LG Optimus 7 on a 3 yr term for $25, and as a bonus, Microsoft sends you a brand new XBOX 360.

WTF???? That's insane... How can I say no??

Still, I played with the Samsung Fascinate and it's goddam pretty

[Leadfoot]

Well, my provider (Telus) is offering a deal for the LG Optimus 7 on a 3 yr term for $25, and as a bonus, Microsoft sends you a brand new XBOX 360.

WTF???? That's insane... How can I say no??

Still, I played with the Samsung Fascinate and it's goddam pretty

Really depends on how WP7 pans out, but it does seem like a pretty good deal. If for instance, developers don't gain a huge interest in WP7, resulting in a limited app market. you may end up regret getting it despite the X-Box.
I actually have some interest in WP7 so I would probably go for a deal like that.

[JustMeBF2]

3 year term, cancellation fee plus fee for xbox 360, it might be huge.

[FiLTHY_SNiPER]

Well, regardless I will be signing on for a 3 yr term to get a cheap phone, whether it be the Fascinate or the LG Optimus (Win Phone 7).

So... although I reaaally want the fascinate for it's slick interface and open source @ $100 on a 3 yr term, I'm thinking about a free XBOX with the Optimus for $25 is a pretty fucking good deal.

[Hellcat]

Plus, I know how to build apps for the win7 phone if you need them.

[redish16]

Just buy one and complain that you didn't get the other one like everyone else does.

:)

[FiLTHY_SNiPER]

lol Redish

@Hellcat:
The application development process for Win Phone 7 demands stages of approval like building for the iPhone. Random people can't just submit apps.

For Android, however, you can get pretty much any Joe Shmoe's apps.

At least, that's what I've heard.


I think I'm going for Android... even if it means I don't get a free XBOX 360. The WinPhone 7 platform seems a little simply to me, not very customizable, and I'm really not a fan of the tiles homescreen on Win7, it doesn't do much for me.
The Fascinate interface is much more sleek and pleasing to the eye. Not to mention customizable as hell

[Hellcat]

lol Redish

@Hellcat:
The application development process for Win Phone 7 demands stages of approval like building for the iPhone. Random people can't just submit apps.

I know, I know some of the ppl. :)

[FiLTHY_SNiPER]

Oh ;)


So... I might hold off on getting a phone because apparently I need to pay a $120 contract cancellation fee to sever my old contract and start a new one. That or I find the Fascinate for cheap somewhere... I'll wait for boxing day.

Thanks for all the input fellas

[Shadowryche]

Oh ;)


So... I might hold off on getting a phone because apparently I need to pay a $120 contract cancellation fee to sever my old contract and start a new one. That or I find the Fascinate for cheap somewhere... I'll wait for boxing day.

Thanks for all the input fellas

Must be nice, Sprint wants $600 for early termination of my contract.

[FiLTHY_SNiPER]

Bogus

[JustMeBF2]

Tracfone FTW