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Hello all,
My Nexus 4 is getting a bit creaky. But here's the thing...
I think the screen even on my N4 is too big. So, the current Nexus 5, next Nexus 5, and anything similar, are likewise too big.
I want something smaller (maybe actually a 4" screen, or ~4.25"). I still want to be as fast as a current N5 or thereabouts and have 16GB or 32GB storage. 8GB is acceptable if it's expandable.
So, hexperts, any ideas?
Sony Z3 Compact is going for much reduced prices at the moment, anticipating Z5 Compact release in September or so.
Wow, that is quite compelling. My only concern is OS updates, though. I benefit from very quick upgrades on the N4. What's Sony like on that front?
I think the N5, although it had a larger screen, wasn't much bigger footprint (handprint?) wise. But it's kind of immaterial, as there's a new N5 coming. Moto E?
No personal experience, but I doubt anyone would be as quick as Google on Google's OS :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Steve
From what I can tell they're sort of middle ground - the upgrade to lollipop wasn't the quickest, but the patches since are fairly quick. Don't really know for sure though.
I'm in a similar position to the OP; I have a Nexus 4 myself which I've been happy with but battery life has been getting worse and I'm having more frequent problems with call drops and losing a packet data connection.
I'm also not too keen on the idea of another Nexus, getting used as a guinea pig for horribly broken software updates and having to put up with a barely usable device for months on end until they get around to fixing the more serious issues, if they can be bothered, and me getting used to working around the more minor issues which never seem to get fixed. /rant
Basically I don't see slower version upgrades as an inherently bad thing if it means they're properly validated. The Lollipop update on my Nexus 4 seems to have made it worse overall in terms of performance, battery life, reliability and usability. I kept counting down the days until the next patch and crossing my fingers it will fix some of the issues but they're still there now. As far as I can remember, aside from battery life never being excellent, it was substantially fine prior to Lollipop. I've tried reflashing too.
But yeah having looked at some upgrade paths I also arrived at the Z3 compact as a likely choice. I'd prefer if it didn't have a glass back but other than that it seems to tick all the boxes from what I've read including good performance and excellent battery life.
Other phones I've considered are the Galaxy Alpha which I've played with in stores and it seems quite nice but I've not researched it as much as the Z3C however it's a similar price now. The other obvious option is the Moto G, and while the screen, performance and battery life are pretty good (though performance is not flagship-like), I think it does lack features I use like gyroscope and NFC.
Sony can be hit and miss. They will provide updates to-a-point on most handsets but you will be disappointed coming from a Nexus.
If you want updates you're best sticking with Motorola or Nexus. Motorola would get my vote.
I'm on the same boat as OP but still hanging on to my N4. SOme random shutdowns, probs with calls, etc.....
Got a Sony Z2 for the OH on last year's Vodafone Black Friday (LG G2 originally but offered a Sony Z2). Device is quite nice, amazing screen, but big.
I think from now on I will not spend to much on handset replacement, especially with all these Chinese offers...Elephone, etc...Cannot see myself spending more than £150/175 on a phone anymore
The trouble with a lot of the Chinese stuff is a serious lack of support. Sure the on-paper specs look good but how long are you going to get security and bug fix updates for, even if you don't care so much about software upgrades?
And then there's the issue of actual user experience vs bullet points e.g. while a lot of cheaper phones have seemingly large batteries, battery life is often worse due to higher power consumption etc.
Just be sure to check reviews of the device as a whole, and see if you can check on the history of the company and their reputation for releasing updates.
the z3 compact i think is the best phone in the price range and form factor as a replacement for myself. Might be good for u to, Screen is nice , its not a big phone, superb camera (not the front one lol.), decent battery and speakers and it gets upgrades.
Oh and waterproof
Very good point watercooled....I shall reconsider the options when it comes the replacement time. Thanks for pointing this out.Quote:
Originally Posted by watercooled