Just thought I would see if you guys had opinions or info that I haven't uncovered.
Had been on Sprint awhile and suffered for 2 years with the completely terrible Samsung Instinct - what a piece. Anyway, when my 2 years ended I upgraded to the recently released HTC Evo 4G. I loved it. When they first came out (were about a week old) during training in California my friend was able to stream Netflix on his laptop while tethered, and hotspotted it so about 8 of us could connect out phones/laptops. Then obviously the WiMax network got clogged, etc etc. But not here for a history lesson. Sprint had great customer service but there wasn't a point in having unlimited data when I couldn't do anything.
Currently running a Samsung Nexus bought of the Google Play store on pre-paid T-Mobile. I really love a completely clean Google phone, Jelly Bean, and no contract. Just started using Google Wallet. But, the HSPA+ isn't the best, I'd be happier on LTE. Looking at AT&T vs. Verizon, I'm leaning Verizon (AT&T with slightly faster speeds but Verizon far more robust as per this report Solving the LTE Puzzle: Comparing LTE Performance — Tech News and Analysis) overall but AT&T seems to win in the Dallas market (where I live) in this one (Dallas, TX - Fastest Mobile Networks 2012 | PCMag.com).
What I've been trying to find is an Android phone that runs ICS (upgradable to JB when it gets pushed) that runs 4G LTE, but is also GSM (for international trips) and has NFC for beam/Google Wallet/ISIS when it comes out. So, I guess I have some questions or clarifications for those of you that know more than me.
My understanding is that the closest I can get right now is the Razr Maxx, which technically has the NFC chip, but it's disabled?
I guess there's a rumor that the LG Optimus might be the next Google phone (Optimus Nexus?)
Also, I've heard that Verizon is worse than most with the "bloatware." My Evo was ridiculous with apps I couldn't do anything about that kept updating and growing. I've heard that ICS allowed you to disable the Verizon Apps - is that true, and does JB allow the same?
How bad is AT&T's "bloatware"? Same thing with ICS?
Size isn't a factor for me, still trying to find out more about the Samsung NOte 2 - looks pretty intense, plus isn't it supposed to have a quad core processor? Wondering if anyone had the Note and loved it.
Anyway, I haven't been able to find that "perfect phone" currently, just wondering if I'm missing something or it's around the corner or I should just pick what feature I need the least and go with a mostly filled bag. Or advice on which carrier to go with. The 60/month prepaid is nice but I want the best service. Thanks in advance.
Had been on Sprint awhile and suffered for 2 years with the completely terrible Samsung Instinct - what a piece. Anyway, when my 2 years ended I upgraded to the recently released HTC Evo 4G. I loved it. When they first came out (were about a week old) during training in California my friend was able to stream Netflix on his laptop while tethered, and hotspotted it so about 8 of us could connect out phones/laptops. Then obviously the WiMax network got clogged, etc etc. But not here for a history lesson. Sprint had great customer service but there wasn't a point in having unlimited data when I couldn't do anything.
Currently running a Samsung Nexus bought of the Google Play store on pre-paid T-Mobile. I really love a completely clean Google phone, Jelly Bean, and no contract. Just started using Google Wallet. But, the HSPA+ isn't the best, I'd be happier on LTE. Looking at AT&T vs. Verizon, I'm leaning Verizon (AT&T with slightly faster speeds but Verizon far more robust as per this report Solving the LTE Puzzle: Comparing LTE Performance — Tech News and Analysis) overall but AT&T seems to win in the Dallas market (where I live) in this one (Dallas, TX - Fastest Mobile Networks 2012 | PCMag.com).
What I've been trying to find is an Android phone that runs ICS (upgradable to JB when it gets pushed) that runs 4G LTE, but is also GSM (for international trips) and has NFC for beam/Google Wallet/ISIS when it comes out. So, I guess I have some questions or clarifications for those of you that know more than me.
My understanding is that the closest I can get right now is the Razr Maxx, which technically has the NFC chip, but it's disabled?
I guess there's a rumor that the LG Optimus might be the next Google phone (Optimus Nexus?)
Also, I've heard that Verizon is worse than most with the "bloatware." My Evo was ridiculous with apps I couldn't do anything about that kept updating and growing. I've heard that ICS allowed you to disable the Verizon Apps - is that true, and does JB allow the same?
How bad is AT&T's "bloatware"? Same thing with ICS?
Size isn't a factor for me, still trying to find out more about the Samsung NOte 2 - looks pretty intense, plus isn't it supposed to have a quad core processor? Wondering if anyone had the Note and loved it.
Anyway, I haven't been able to find that "perfect phone" currently, just wondering if I'm missing something or it's around the corner or I should just pick what feature I need the least and go with a mostly filled bag. Or advice on which carrier to go with. The 60/month prepaid is nice but I want the best service. Thanks in advance.
