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monteie2016

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Have been an IOS user for som time now and am internested in trying out the Android OS. I currently own a 4S which I get through work. I am thinking of buying a phone out of pocket to try out Android and then maybe upgrading later through work when my contract comes up.
Some phones that I have found are the Samsung Galaxy, Samsung Galaxy S, Galaxy W, Nexus S and Samsung Captivate. What are your impressions of the phone. I would like to run the latest OS which I believe is Jelly bean.
Which phone would allow me the best Android experience?

Thanks
 
Welcome to the forums! If you want to use the latest version of Android the Nexus phones would be your best bet. How much were you looking to spend?
 
Some of the phones you listed are older models. For something more state-of-the-art, you might look at the Samsung Galaxy S3, HTC One X or One S, or wait for the LG Optimus G to come out. All will have or soon get Jelly Bean.

For the best pure Android experience and fastest OS updates I agree with getting a Nexus (newest model). Comes with JB installed. Not the absolute latest hardware, but still very good and a very reasonable price.
 
Well, what iPhone do you have? Because the phones you mentioned won't be an upgrade (if you are using a 4S) since they are single core devices, basically similar to an iPhone4 in terms of hardware capability.

The Captivate is a branded version of the Galaxy S. I don't know what Galaxy is it you mentioned initially? It just says "Galaxy".

The Galaxy W is the newest phone among the bunch and arguably has the best hardware, however Nexus S is the one running the latest Android versions. I would suggest either of the 2, with bias for the W due to expandable storage. If you can get a 32GB Galaxy Nexus, or perhaps a Galaxy R or S Advance, those would be good choices.
 
Because I am just trying the OS out and doing it out of pocket I was looking to keep costs down. Getting the latest, as nice as they are is not an option. This is why I am looking at older models. I figured since it was Linux based you would get good mileage out for hardware. Is this not the case?
I have a line on a Galaxy S II for a decent price. If it doesn't work out I was looking at a Nexus S. Will that have the required horse power?
Also if I do get a Samsung Galaxy or other phone my understanding is that they may all not have the latest operating system available. I would have to root the phone. I am good on the technical end but wanted to know how difficult this process is? Are there software that allow you to do this as a one click operation or is it more involved than that.

Thanks.
 
Galaxy SII is a very popular phone and a good choice for keeping costs down. it is not the latest hardware or software but you can root it and pout the latest software on it. At the moment it runs Ice Cream Sandwich which is one version behind the latest so you may just try that and see how well you like it.
 
Maybe a used Nexus (latest model)? It's only $350 new so you should be able to find one slightly used for around $250-300. Will have Jelly Bean too.

The Nexus S is getting kinda old and underpowered by today's standards.

The procedure for rooting varies on the phone. Some are simple, some are not. For more info look in the 'All things root' section of the subforum of phones you're considering.
 
Think I'm going to go with the galaxy Nexus. I checked a comparison between the S II and the galaxy Nexus and the Nexus seems to have more of the things I'm looking for. Faster processor and better display. The camera is worse and no micro sd but I think I can live without that.
 
monteie2016 said:
Have been an IOS user for som time now and am internested in trying out the Android OS. I currently own a 4S which I get through work. I am thinking of buying a phone out of pocket to try out Android and then maybe upgrading later through work when my contract comes up.
Some phones that I have found are the Samsung Galaxy, Samsung Galaxy S, Galaxy W, Nexus S and Samsung Captivate. What are your impressions of the phone. I would like to run the latest OS which I believe is Jelly bean.
Which phone would allow me the best Android experience?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Have you thought about the Galaxy Nexus HSPA+
 
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