I need a new Android phone, but the choices are slim!

[wooddroid]

I am so torn on what to do! Here is my background story. Since the official FCC docs for the Nexus One dropped in December I have been telling myself my next phone was going to be an Android smart phone....most likely the N1. When January rolled around and it was announced that the N1 was going to be on T-Mo, I just groaned and told myself I was going to wait until N1 came out on AT&T or Big Red and then get one. Then February rolled around and I stumbled upon the HTC Incredible forum and have been following that phone religiously even though there was no timeline on when it would be released. Up until yesterday I was convinced I was going to jump on the Big Red bandwagon with whatever HTC smart phone came out first (Incredible or N1). It seems like both those phones are imminent to arrive.

Well two days ago my wife rolls in and tells me that she is likely getting a new phone for work (T-mo) and that her boss was willing to let me jump on their shared pool plan. This basically means I would just have to pay for full price data ($30) and then the charge for adding a line ($10). Right now I am paying around $100 for 2 lines for my wife and I with 700 minutes of talk and unlimited text. This offer to switch to T-mo is too good to pass up as it is going to save me $60/month. So two days ago I had it all planned out, I was going to buy a N1 off contract for $529 (which would pay for itself in less than a year of savings from AT&T) and go for T-mo despite the piss poor service in my area. Then yesterday my wife mentioned that the T-mo rep said I was eligible for a subsidized phone. The wheels began to turn in my head as I desperately hoped that by some off chance that T-mo might have a viable option for me.

I hadn't thought about T-mo as a viable option in awhile so I perused the current selection of Android phones last night and let's just say I was underwhelmed.

Let's see:

CLIQ - I don't think so
G1 - I don't think so
Behold - I don't think so
MyTouch 3G - I don't think so

All of the above phones are like buying a Ford Pinto when you can buy a Mercedes (N1). Well then this AM I wake up and I hear the siren song of the HTC Incredible again. I go to the Incredible forum and of course there is more leaked info as usual of this phone. I tell myself this phone is perfect.....well without the whole Sense UI, but I can get over that for the hardware. Now I long for the subsidized Incredible, but I don't think I can justify this phone since I will have to mortgage my house to pay for the overpriced service on Verizon.

Rationally I know I should either a) Go for T-mo and get the N1 or b) Wait and hope that T-mo comes out with a viable Android option. I so want a phone with a snappy 1Ghz snapdragon processor and Android 2.1 (not 1.x like every other Android phone on T-mo)

Does anyone have any concrete information on new Android phones on T-mo. I have heard some rumors of the GalaxyS and HTC Desire coming to T-mo. I might be able to wait, but I am not sure how long. Once the Incredible comes out on Big Red, I am likely to go into a depression. Someone give me some hope!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[yatimameiji]

You dont give any reason why you say "I don't think so" for the other phones. And dont go calling the N1 a Mercedes when so many users are still complain of N1's 3g connection issues along with other build quality issues.

And I wouldn't hang hopes on rumours, that just a waste of energy. Either jump for one of the existing phones or dont.

BTW Galaxy S already heading to ATT and checking the Desire specs(HTC - Products - HTC Desire - Specification). It isn't going to work on Tmo's 3g. But again thats all ifs and whatnots, again just wasted energy.

 

[wooddroid]

Yati....if I may call you that? I am not discounting those other phones......they are just not for me. My saying no to all of the above phones is a sum of multiple factors 1.) Processor speed for me is a big factor (Behold II - 528 MHz, CLIQ - 528 MHz,G1 - 528 MHz, MyTouch 3G - 528 MHz, N1 - 1GHz ---- WINNER N1). Yeah, I can go and overclock the processsor on those other phones, but if I would rather not have to monkey around with a brand new phone if I don't have to. 2.) Native OS version (Behold II - 1.5, CLIQ - 1.5,G1 - 1.5, MyTouch 3G - 1.5 , N1 - 2.1 ---- WINNER - N1....maybe depending on how you view it since some of the problems with the N1 may be associated with the OS version). I know that some phones like the CLIQ are supposed to get the 2.1 update sometime in Q2, but it will be interesting to see when it actually happens since Motorola had so many problems kicking out the 2.1 update for the Droid. 3.) Display (Behold II - 2.64" AMOLED, CLIQ - 3.1" LCD ,G1 - 3.2" LCD, MyTouch 3G - 3.2" LCD, N1 - 3.7" AMOLED ---- WINNER N1) 4.) Memory (Behold II - ROM: 512MB/RAM:320 MB, CLIQ - ROM:512 MB/RAM:256 MB,G1 - ROM:256 MB/RAM:192 MB, MyTouch 3G - ROM:512 MB/RAM:288 MB, N1 - ROM:512 MB/RAM:512 MB - WINNER N1).

Yes, the N1 still does have its issues, so maybe it is really a suped up Honda Civic......which in my mind is still better than a Pinto. All the issues including the continuing the 3g problem, less than stellar screen in daylight, WIFI issues, dust under the screen, etc. do scare me a bit and probably why I am still a bit hesitant to pull the trigger. I wouldn't be asking about the possibility of other phones on T-mo if I didn't have some questions in my mind.

To tell you the truth I haven't really been paying attention to other phones since I have been distracted by the sparkle of the Incredible, that's why I came here to see if anyone had any insight. I think like everyone else around AF, we all hope for something bigger and better on our carrier of choice.

You are right about rumors though being a waste of energy. I have been sitting on the fence for a long time based on rumors. More than likely I am just gonna plug my nose and dive into the N1.

 

[yatimameiji]

Heh Yati is fine, you're not the first one

One thing to note is most android phones out there are called Gen 1, with the N1 and the Droid being Gen 2(its the processor). So far it looks like most Gen1 phones will at some point get 2.1, but my guess is they would stop there.

But I think I missed the big question. You sound like you are stuck between what you want and what your needs are. Why do you think you need/want an Android phone? Or why do you think you want/need a smart phone? Like they say, its best not to go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. I'd say wait it out, but if you can't wait, then go for the G1/mytouch as they have the largest mod community and many mods out there that add functionality. I use and love my Behold II, and its mod community is starting to grow(they've gotten 1.6 working - though without vibration). As for the Cliq, I dont know about its mod community and I see that more for the social networking crowds.

And you also said Tmo service isn't its best in your area so that N1 3g issue would probably drive you crazy. Smartphones are either great for work or a luxury item, so you have to think hard about it if saving money is your ultimate goal.

 

[colnago]

...And you also said Tmo service isn't its best in your area so that N1 3g issue would probably drive you crazy....

Even if T-Mo coverage is good, you still have the issue of poor reception due to issues with poor building penetration, in some cases. I'm in the DC/Balt corridor, and pretty much get blanket 3G coverage for all the major carriers, but even when I have full bars of T-Mo's 7Mb/2Mb data (Nokia N900), if I go inside a small building (certain construction types), I'll completely lose signal, with various phones. I did not have this issue with AT&T, and had worse issues with Verizon "w/the Droid", in the same areas.

FWIW, I would live on full bars 3G on AT&T with a Motorola Q, but with an HTC TP2, I would lose half bars of signal, just by picking up the phone off the cradle, while inside the AT&T store.

 

[Mxtc]

I think you are limiting your choices too much. Since you want the phone, you might just have to get the VZW HTC Droid Incredible, and not be on your wife's shared plan.

 

[wooddroid]

And you also said Tmo service isn't its best in your area so that N1 3g issue would probably drive you crazy. Smartphones are either great for work or a luxury item, so you have to think hard about it if saving money is your ultimate goal.

The longer I have a cell phone, the more I get fed up with crappy service (e.g - AT&T and it's less dropped calls.........yeah right!). I kept telling myself that my next phone purchase would be based on service and not the hardware, but it is hard to turn down a dirt cheap service plan with data and no strings attached. I would say my phone upgrade is more of a luxury purchase, but sure would make work all that much easier when I am on the road.

Even if T-Mo coverage is good, you still have the issue of poor reception due to issues with poor building penetration, in some cases. I'm in the DC/Balt corridor, and pretty much get blanket 3G coverage for all the major carriers, but even when I have full bars of T-Mo's 7Mb/2Mb data (Nokia N900), if I go inside a small building (certain construction types), I'll completely lose signal, with various phones. I did not have this issue with AT&T, and had worse issues with Verizon "w/the Droid", in the same areas.

FWIW, I would live on full bars 3G on AT&T with a Motorola Q, but with an HTC TP2, I would lose half bars of signal, just by picking up the phone off the cradle, while inside the AT&T store.

Yeah, I have dealt with all of the carriers over the past five years (Work phone: Verizon, personal cell: AT&T, Sprint, wife work: T-mo). So far I would say that Big Red has been the most consistent, with a Sprint a close second, with AT&T and T-mo coming in dead last. I used to work in a building that I swore was built out of lead, because as soon as you walked into the building reception just died all together no matter what service provider you had.

I am sick of my current smartphone (Blackjack II), which is starting to feel really aged compared to what is out there now. Seems more like a "dumb"phone these days.

I think you are limiting your choices too much. Since you want the phone, you might just have to get the VZW HTC Droid Incredible, and not be on your wife's shared plan.

Yeah, I am definitely limiting myself. If this world was perfect I would probably jump on the HTC Incredible since it appears like it will be a great phone on a a great network.

I guess what I was mainly looking for through this post was to maybe by some act of God find a phone on T-mo that would help to dull the pain on living on a less than perfect network in my experience.

Ugghhh......let the depression set in.

 

[Mxtc]

go for T-mo despite the piss poor service in my area.

I love T-mobile, but I'm starting to like Verizon, and in your case, it seems like VZW is the better choice but the way more expensive one.

I think your two only good options are:

1. Verizon HTC Droid Incredible - This will be out in a few weeks, you'll have better reception, plus be happy with the phone you want. The disadvantage is the price is higher, and no mobile-to-mobile with your wife. Maybe $50 a month more since you were going to have to pay the $30 for data on t-mobile anyway.

2. Nexus One on T-Mobile - Advantages are that you'll always have the latest version of Android, a 3.7" phone with 1ghz and AMOLED screen. You can do mobile to Mobile with your wife, and save like $600 a year in subscriber costs. Disadvantage is based on your coverage area, but if you do have 3G T-mobile coverage in your area, you're blazing.

 

[colnago]

...
Yeah, I have dealt with all of the carriers over the past five years (Work phone: Verizon, personal cell: AT&T, Sprint, wife work: T-mo). So far I would say that Big Red has been the most consistent, with a Sprint a close second, with AT&T and T-mo coming in dead last. I used to work in a building that I swore was built out of lead, because as soon as you walked into the building reception just died all together no matter what service provider you had...

I hear ya...I just wanted to reitterate that it may not always be the network, but the phone itself. That said, I've never had reception issues with AT&T, throughout the Northeast, with my Moto Q. Buildings where Verizon and T-Mo would drop, the Q would be at least half -> full on AT&T...however as soon as I step outside, I'm full bars. Again, I don't think I could say the same of the HTC Touch Pro 2 on AT&T.

FWIW, I had the N900 on the Even more plus (no contract) plan, and the $10/mo data plan w/T-Mo...added Skype Out for $3/mo, and effectively had unlimited voice/data for $43/mo total. Pay more for the phone up front, pay less overall with the cheaper plan. Its all about running the numbers to see what works. That said, I love my 900, but having no signal while in my local supermarket won't cut it. Being on call won't allow for that.

 

[wooddroid]

Mxtc, you are right about Verizon being the better choice, but damn they are so expensive. I guess I am just gonna have to make the tough choice whether or not to go with a great phone on an expensive plan with better service or go with a great phone on a cheap plan with OK service. I have run the numbers over and over again in my head and T-mo seems to just make economic sense, but the little boy in me wants to go run in the Verizon candy store.

To update the saga, my wife asked me last night if I had found a phone for T-mo. I proceeded to tell her I just wasn't completely satisfied. At that point she told me that if I thought Verizon would be a better choice then I should go with that. I have the green light to run, but my common sense is just holding me up at this point.

 

[jfritzs2]

Where do you live? Tmobile is rolling out 3G all over the place now and by 2011 HSPA+ will be in 100 cities. If you really want an Android phone and want a new Android when it comes out, but obviously aren't right now, I'd tell you to jump on eBay and buy someones old G1, or whatever you can find for cheapest, use it until Tmobile comes out with a new one, then go buy that yourself. You said your savings would pay for it, so do that. If you are dying for the Incredible, go for it, but you will be paying a buttload to have a separate private contract when you could be saving a ton of money.

 

[clitrenta]

Not really sure what the big deal is here. I've voiced a few complaints myself on the fact that T-MO doesn't have a high-end Android phone. That said, I am pretty happy with my epxierences so far. I've had both the myTouch (orig) and now the CLIQ XT. Do I wish it had 2.1 on it? Sure but it works pretty good for me and it is going to get 2.1 this QTR. Do you realize that it is virtually impossible to keep up with these phones now, especially for the life of a 2-year contract? These OS's are advancing at a far faster rate than the phones running them. You either make up your mind that whatever phone you get will be outdated before your contract is up, OR you make up your mind that you will be spending money out of pocket to keep up. That's assuming of course that keeping up is important to you. Android especially will be constantly evolving unlike others such as WinMo and Apple which tend to be a little slower. People just don't get it yet. No matter what phone you get, it will be outdated and in danger of being obsolete within a year. That suits me just fine since I'm ready to move on to the next best thing by then any way. I just thank my good fortune that I am in a position to indulge myself that way. Not everyone is.

 

[wooddroid]

Thanks everyone for all the great info/advice. I finally have decided to suck it up and pay some extra bucks and go with Verizon. After talking to the T-mo reps in my area they even said that Verizon had better service in my neck of the woods and if they didn't get their employee discount they wouldn't have T-mo. Data for T-mo is virtually non-existent, where Verizon is running around 750-1000 kbps based on some testing I did the other day. My choice was easier than I thought in the end.

 

[Mxtc]

So are you going to get the Incredible since you are going with VZW.

Too bad that TMo wasn't for you, if you were in a different coverage area that offered the HSPA+, then you'd be straight.

 

[wooddroid]

Mxtc I am definitely getting the Incredible now, especially since who knows when Verizon is gonna get the N1. I am pretty excited!!!

I wish T-mo had better speeds in my area as I would love to save some money on service. The T-mo guys I talked to said that backhauls for coverage in this area probably wouldn't be completed for at least another year or two in order to get any decent speeds. Maybe then I will re-evaluate T-mo as my contract will be up with Verizon.

 

[larryccf]

i'm going to chime in here - this isn't about 3G coverage but about voice coverage. Everybody always seems to discount Tmo's coverage but i got to say my Tmo voice coverage has shamed a couple of buddies and their verizon and AT&T coverage

six months ago, we were in Derby, VT (just south of canadian border) and heading down I91 - it's about a 100 mile stretch of lonely road heading into low lying rocky hills. we were maybe 30 miles south of Derby and both called their offices to check in - both couldn't finish their calls. Both tried my MT3G, and while the bar count was low, they were able to finish their calls, one for 15 minutes.

same thing happened with the buddy w/verizon, again, this time in New Mexico. And over the past 3 years, that has been repeated too many times for me not to have noticed.

My partner went with ATT (in Phoenix cause he became a iPhone fanboy - i can't tell you how many dropped calls we have, dropped at his end, and Phoenix is a major city

My point, Tmo from day one has partnered with every small carrier they could in areas where they didn't have towers, w/no roaming charges. But i have yet to go somewhere where i don't have service and others do.

While browsing the web while on the road is nice, voice coverage is more critical to me