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Does the phone I describe exist

F

FreeFlyFreak

Newbie
I currently own a 2 year old Moto photon 4G that I am looking to replace. I was waiting for the new Nexus but it doesn't meet my needs after a browse through current phones I couldn't find one that did!

I thought I would turn to the large knowledge base here to see if what I want exists.

MUST HAVES:

User replaceable battery (not disassemble the phone type, just pop the back off and pop another battery in)

4G LTE

Vanilla Android or the ability to install the latest vanilla version.

Expandable removable storage card

PREFER:

Not too big, I like my photon size but am willing to go a little bigger, no phablets though. Must fit in regular jeans pocket.

T mobile or Sprint, though I would switch for the right phone.

Any ideas?
Either current or upcoming phones, on contract or off.
Thanks in advance
 
There is an S4 Google Edition, which is vanilla. You will need to live in the States, and be willing to pay full retail - no carrier subsidies on this, but that does mean no carrier bloatware.
 
Unless you're willing to root, and install a custom AOSP ROM, a Nexus or Google Play Edition device are your only options for stock android. There are some really good AOSP ROMS. It just depends if you're comfortable flashing the phone (and voiding your warranty).

There are launchers that duplicate the stock android feel pretty well. A launcher doesn't change everything, but can make Sense, TouchWiz, etc. livable for users who don't like manufacturer ROMs.

As far as I know, Samsung is the only manufacturer that still has replaceable batteries, or SD card support. I was a bit worried about loosing those features when I bought my HTC One, but I can honestly say I haven't missed them. I recommend considering handsets without SD, or replaceable battery. Otherwise, your options are very limited.
 
I like the ability to upgrade storage amount as needed and the removable battery is a must, I always carry a spare and use it over 50% of the days. I am often not in a position to charge due to the nature of my job.
I could probably live with no SD card but would need 64GB of internal storage.
The battery is a must though.
 
Italo said:
Unless you're willing to root, and install a custom AOSP ROM, a Nexus or Google Play Edition device are your only options for stock android. There are some really good AOSP ROMS. It just depends if you're comfortable flashing the phone (and voiding your warranty).
.
Click to expand...

I have rooted before and would be comfortable flashing so long as there is a "how to" online.
Really I want a phone that is not glitchy that has my must haves.
This moto was great when I first got it but after the last update a long time ago it sucked. I did a factory reset and it improved but now it sucks again.
It takes 5 mins to boot and I can't make a call for 2 mins after that.
The boot loader is locked and I can't do anything with it.
I have a 32GB card that is almost full of music.

I use a launcher (holo ) and like it but want to upgrade and I feel the less layers the better my new phone will run. Hence vanilla.
I can't give up the quick battery swap tho
 
The Xperia Z1 comes with an SD Card slot, but no removable battery.

According to some rumours, it is coming to T-Mobile too.

I know you've mentioned you can't charge, is that because you don't have a mains socket to charge from? Could you use a portable battery pack?
 
El Presidente said:
I know you've mentioned you can't charge, is that because you don't have a mains socket to charge from? Could you use a portable battery pack?
Click to expand...

I could but I would prefer not too.
I carry enough stuff around as it is.
A spare battery is small, those battery packs are much bigger and I am not sure how efficient it is charging a battery with another battery pack. Plus it makes it really unwieldy to use while it is plugged in like that....
On the whole it seems like carrying a fully charged spare battery to switch out is much more user friendly.
Unless there is something I am missing.
 
Not missing anything, I understand a portable pack isn't for everyone.

Your only real options if you're looking for a removable battery are Samsung. If you want to removed Touchwiz, I'm not sure what the deal is with rooting them now as I know Knox is causing some problems (could be solved by now though).
 
The only phone that seems to cover most of your desires has already been listed, the galaxy s4 google edition. It is a great phone, but you'd have to use it on AT&T or T-Mobile since it isn't compatible with Sprint or Verizon.
 
Thanks.

It looks like the S4 google is $650, I know this is a fairly new phone how quick do prices normally drop on these?
I am willing to wait maybe 6 months what price might I be looking at then?

Anything new in the horizon worth waiting for on that time line?

Trying to decide if I should pull the trigger now or wait 6 months
 
FreeFlyFreak said:
Thanks.

It looks like the S4 google is $650, I know this is a fairly new phone how quick do prices normally drop on these?
I am willing to wait maybe 6 months what price might I be looking at then?

Anything new in the horizon worth waiting for on that time line?

Trying to decide if I should pull the trigger now or wait 6 months
Click to expand...

It's tough to call because this is the first wave of Google Edition phones, so we have nothing to base it on. But typically, prices do not drop on Google Play until they're trying to sell off the last of their inventory right before the next generation's model gets added.
 
Good input so far.
I am almost sold on the Samsung S4.

If I said, that my must haves are only a user quick replaceable battery and LTE, would there be more options open?

I would still want to be on either T mobile or Sprint.
 
Well I almost pulled the trigger on an S4 but after reading the reviews on the sprint and t mobile sites I decided not to.
There were many reviews complaining of poor reception compared to previous phones, and many reviews of screens cracking from just being in a pocket.

Instead I went with the 3rd option which was to a hard reset on my photon to get it functioning again and give it a new lease on life again. It is always a pain in the ass to do that because it means reloading all the apps again and setting up the screens again the way I like them, but it made it usable again. Hopefully there will be a phone that comes out over the next year that I really want.
Not holding my breath though.

Thanks to everyone for the input.
 
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