Currently looking at a few different phones
I have an upgrade discount available through Verizon and am looking to upgrade from my Droid Incredible. It was a nice choice for a first smartphone, but I can tell that it's getting slower and it's about time to replace it.
First of all, I'm a little hesitant about going with another HTC phone. While the Incredible hasn't been bad, some of the preinstalled stuff is just a little too much. I know most of it can be uninstalled and replaced (especially the interface), but I'd rather it just come installed with something I like. Plus, there's been a few other little things about it I didn't like. Overall, it has been a great phone, but I'd like to check something else out.
Obviously, since I'm posting in this forum, the primary contender on my list right now is the Droid 4. I just got an email from Verizon yesterday talking about it, and it caught my interest. I'm going to the local Verizon store today to take a look at some phones, but probably won't buy anything just yet.
Here are the other phones I'm considering as well:
Droid RAZR/RAZR Maxx
Galaxy Nexus
Some thoughts:
- I don't mind a bulky phone. In fact, I'd prefer it that way because I don't want a phone I feel like I can break because it's too thin. Something that feels very solid is preferred, though I'll probably get a case for it regardless.
- While I like my slider keyboard, a physical keyboard wouldn't be bad to have either. Sometimes I would like to type and see the screen at the same time. However, this isn't a must-have.
- Battery life is a concern, I'd like something that has a better chance of making it through a day of regular use (playing music, looking on the web, etc.) without needing constant charging.
- I'd like a nicer screen, but it doesn't have to be the best. A bigger screen may be nicer as well.
- I'd like a good camera (so I'm curious about the Nexus camera, less MP but they've hyped its "instant shutter", and since I do have a hard time holding still when taking pictures, that has my attention).
- An integrated battery doesn't bother me as long as there's a reliable way to reset the phone when it freezes. (Pulling the battery is usually my way of doing this.)
- I also want something reliable, that isn't going to freeze up just from what should be routine tasks. (My Incredible seems to do that lately.)
- I'd like to have ICS on my phone, though it shouldn't be the sole reason I get a phone (as long as the phone gets an upgrade later on).
That's some thoughts. Like I said, I'm going to the store today to look at the phones, but I'm looking for opinions from other people. What do other people think? (Also, would it be better to get the phone from a Verizon store or a store like Best Buy instead?)
- Droid 4
- Droid RAZR
- Droid RAZR MAXX
- Galaxy Nexus
- Wait a little longer because there's something much better coming out in the next month or two
Also, side questions:
- I see that Verizon is still offering the double data pack deals, how long is that going on for? I thought I had missed on it by waiting, but apparently it's still going. If I'm going to lose my unlimited data when I upgrade, I'd like to get in on that deal while I can.
- Can I reinstall all of my programs from the Android Market & Amazon Market on the new phone without having to rebuy the programs?