Verizon folks, what phones do you use?

[Thai]

Well this is my fun phone. It is for getting the most enjoyment out of it while I am in between doing real work. I don’t keep any identifying info on it for a reason. I have a locked down S5 with KNOX for more secured stuff.

I would never use Android pay or Apple Pay. They will both be hacked sooner or later. Someone will make an app/hardware that they will use to get near you to charge your apple pay or other one without you even know about it. It will use NFC and will look legitimate.

Malware is happening on both Android and Apple systems. Apple is now attempting to remove malware from at least 150 apps, many of them are from approved apps from their store so they are not immune.

Like most Itards you seem to think that they are invincible to any kinds of hacks. That is simply not true.

Seriously, you want to start throwing insults THIS early?! :wtf:

KNOX...you think that you're safe with KNOX? I can play this too. Hint: Encryption on Android is broken, as is KNOX. This is why businesses have stayed far away from Android.

As for hacking Pay (Apple & Android), you do realize that the owner has to AUTHORIZED the transaction (via passcode or fingerprint). Now, as for apps invading security wall of Pay, this may happen in Android because till this day it still lacks granular permissions! But, you're not going to see apps invading other apps on Apple.

Here is one where Android devices' (including your S5) fingerprint is screwed up: Cult of Android - Android flaw lets hackers steal our fingerprint data

This is what happens when you rush something to market without proper R&D.

As for malware recently with Apple, you do realize that it has NOTHING to do with Apple, right? I assume that someone who roots their phone would be more technological smart to see that. Apple "malware" was the result of dumbass developers who decided to use THIRD-PARTY software to make apps.

Stagefright anyone?

Now, you want to play more about security and privacy? I would love to debate more...but i feel that an Android fanboy like yourself may get overwhelmed already.

 

[TK-422]

Thai the Itard name was not meant for you, I’m sorry if it looked that way. You are tech savy and are not who I was referring to.

It was meant for the 95% that have to rush out and buy the latest inewestdevice even though they have no idea what is different than their icurrentdevice. They have no idea of the specifications but just have to have it before Jasmine up the street does. What is more important is the latest bedazzled case that matches their purse.

Once they get home with their inewestdevice they look down on all others claiming their inewestdevice is impossible to ever get a virus or malware. Steve Jobs told them so. It’s the same with their macbook pro. Only Windows computers get viruses. Haven’t you learned anything from watching the Kardasions?

OK (shakes that image out of my head) in reality no system is 100% free from hackers, malware and viruses.

With the open platform and largest worldwide user base Android is more susceptible but Apple is not immune to it either. The malware issues, screen lock workarounds and such. Windows Phone isn’t really worth mentioning since it’s well, you know like 2% of phones.

 

[Thai]

They have no idea of the specifications but just have to have it before Jasmine up the street does.

With the open platform and largest worldwide user base Android is more susceptible but Apple is not immune to it either. The malware issues, screen lock workarounds and such. Windows Phone isn’t really worth mentioning since it’s well, you know like 2% of phones.

OK, i understood that you were not referring to me directly...but i want to offer a counter argument(s).

Specs...why do you need to know them? I know them only because i am anal! But, as long as a device works as advertised, why does an average person need to know it? Does it matter that an iPhone chip runs at 1.85 Ghz when it does it tasks lag free and gaming experience is class leading? Does it matter that its display resolution is only 720p when the customer's eyes cannot see the individual pixels but does see that the display is bright with accurate colors?

Lets take the other side...Android fans LOVE specs...and because they love specs, they crap on "iTards" for being techno backwards, right?

I see Android fanboys jumping for joy for 2k displays on their phones...hell, 4k now with the Sony Z5! YET, they fail to realize that current PROCESSORS cannot adequately power these high resolution displays! So, you have an Android phone that heats up within A FEW MINUTES of gameplay and lags like crazy! Gaming experience on latest Android is horrible! Frame drops galore!

I see Android fanboys quote GHz's when comparing to iPhones like 0-60 times on a car...yet, they have no idea that chip architecture b/w most Androids and iPhones are much different.

I see Android fanboys talking about 8-12 cores chips and how Apple is so behind because they only have 2 cores. Yet, they fail to realize that Apple chip CUSTOM architecture is far superior to Android's best...and that on a smartphone, all tasks (and most if not all games) rarely needs more than 2 cores at any one time. In fact, Samsung 8 cores actually dethrottle quickly due to heat and battery drain concerns...while Apple two cores can run smoothly for much longer without overheating and without need for dethrottling.

So, who's smarter? The one who buys the device that works as advertised...or the one who buys based on specs without really knowing what it means? I can assure you that MOST (if not >90%) of Android fans know NOTHING about what specs mean...but throw it out there to make themselves sound superior.

Lastly, ahhhh, the argument that malware affects Android because it is most popular. Android does have marketshare...very true. But where does Android dominate? Look at the map. Android dominates because the poor can buy it...because Android comes on cheap phones. And these poor folks in poor countries don't buy apps nor buy next version of same phone. So, this is why Android marketshare dominance does NOT mean profits for Android OEMs who make the phone. Android OEMs' profits are all suffering, including the mighty Samsung. Samsung may sell the most phones, but their profit margins are way behind Apple and dropping every quarter as it seems. The ONLY one who comes out ahead is GOOGLE because they control the app store (and advertisements thru Android). This is why Samsung is trying its best to folk Android and go with their own TIZEN software.

But going back to marketshare...Apple has the most profits because its customers are generally richer and willing to spend money on apps and accessories. This is why Apple iOS is much preferred by developers.

So, if you're a hacker, then who do you want to hack? A rich guy or a poor guy?

No, the reason Android is hacked so often (and successfully) is because Android is a poor platform in terms of security and privacy. Google's invasion into privacy also leaves it open to hackers. Android OEMs trying to evade Google's tight fisted policies to push Google services also keep Android fragmented...see Amazon version of Google, see Cyanogen (sp?), see Samsung Tizen.

In addition, because Android OEMs rarely update their phone's software in time (and thus fragmentation), you have a bunch of phones out there NOT running the latest software and security protocols...a hackers' dream!!

Android is becoming broken everyday....

 

[ret42]

Specs...why do you need to know them? I know them only because i am anal! But, as long as a device works as advertised, why does an average person need to know it? Does it matter that an iPhone chip runs at 1.85 Ghz when it does it tasks lag free and gaming experience is class leading? Does it matter that its display resolution is only 720p when the customer's eyes cannot see the individual pixels but does see that the display is bright with accurate colors?

I see Android fanboys jumping for joy for 2k displays on their phones...hell, 4k now with the Sony Z5! YET, they fail to realize that current PROCESSORS cannot adequately power these high resolution displays! So, you have an Android phone that heats up within A FEW MINUTES of gameplay and lags like crazy! Gaming experience on latest Android is horrible! Frame drops galore!

I see Android fanboys quote GHz's when comparing to iPhones like 0-60 times on a car...yet, they have no idea that chip architecture b/w most Androids and iPhones are much different.

I see Android fanboys talking about 8-12 cores chips and how Apple is so behind because they only have 2 cores. Yet, they fail to realize that Apple chip CUSTOM architecture is far superior to Android's best...and that on a smartphone, all tasks (and most if not all games) rarely needs more than 2 cores at any one time. In fact, Samsung 8 cores actually dethrottle quickly due to heat and battery drain concerns...while Apple two cores can run smoothly for much longer without overheating and without need for dethrottling.

So, who's smarter? The one who buys the device that works as advertised...or the one who buys based on specs without really knowing what it means? I can assure you that MOST (if not >90%) of Android fans know NOTHING about what specs mean...but throw it out there to make themselves sound superior.

I've noticed this, and found it both amusing and disappointing, especially in regards to display. I specifically chose the One M8 over I believe the LG G4 and the Sony Xperia because there were reviews that the processor couldn't provide ample power to the displays, so lagging occurred. I thought The iPhones had a 1080P resolution, but either way, on screens this small there's no way to really tell the difference.

But going back to marketshare...Apple has the most profits because its customers are generally richer and willing to spend money on apps and accessories. This is why Apple iOS is much preferred by developers.

This is probably the only thing I disagree with. It may play a relatively large roll, but having gone to school with a few developers, the main reason I've seen for why developers prefer Apple is that it's a one and done. To develop an app for Android, you have a lot more constraints due to hardware. You have to design your app for everything from the smallest screen to the largest screen, the slowest processor to the fastest, the various resolutions if you want to be able to take advantage of the Quad HD out there, so on and so forth.

And therein lies the beauty of Apple, their biggest advantage to themselves as a company and to the consumer as far as I'm concerned. Apple only uses approved hardware for all of their products. This means, as [MENTION=2]Thai[/MENTION] stated above, that instead of devoting hours to insure that their software will accommodate everything on the market like Windows and Android have to, they can spend additional hours in software development vastly improving the experience.

Shit, I'm starting to sound like an Apple fanboy and I haven't even owned an Apple product since the 1st gen iPod Touch. :biggrin1:

 

[Thai]

I thought The iPhones had a 1080P resolution, but either way, on screens this small there's no way to really tell the difference.

This is probably the only thing I disagree with. It may play a relatively large roll, but having gone to school with a few developers, the main reason I've seen for why developers prefer Apple is that it's a one and done.

iPhone 6/6s PLUS has 1080p. iPhone 6/6s has 720p. Retina may be marketing term, but it applies...as long as human eye cannot see pixels, 2k and 4k displays are stupid. Case in point...this is why Apple iPhone displays are regarded among the best despite "ordinary" resolution...in fact, they are in 2nd place, only slightly beaten by Samsung's latest excellent AMOLED display. Samsung's AMOLED is indeed excellent...but current Samsung (and Qualcomm) processors cannot power it adequately without frame drops and lag...due to high resolution of these AMOLED displays.

As for developers, Android is dominated by piracy...and developers are complaining about this!! Developers get more money from iOS users...by far over Android users.

This is just ONE example of many: Hit mobile game Monument Valley and piracy: 'Only 5%' of Android players paid for it | GamesBeat | Games | by Jeff Grubb

I can assure you that almost every app on iOS and Android runs better on iOS. Some of it due to lack of fragmentation in software and hardware like you said. But, a lot of times, Android apps are ports of iOS games.

But, also, in other instances, it is due to Apple's emphasis on gaming with their devices. Apple METAL is an example. Apple devices consistently rank among the best in gaming; often time, the best.

See these real-world testing by GameBench: https://www.gamebench.net/en/blog

For example, Asphalt 8 on iOS devices with A7/8/9 chips have graphics that are NOT seen on any Android because of METAL and because of powerful GPU relative to screen resolution on iOS devices.

 

[Thai]

And therein lies the beauty of Apple, their biggest advantage to themselves as a company and to the consumer as far as I'm concerned. Apple only uses approved hardware for all of their products.

Very true. Give me ONE example of an aftermarket headphone for Android devices that can change volume. Just ONE.

This was a huge problem for me...and one of the issue why I jumped Android ship. I use my earphones to exercise.

Before Android Auto, name me a car audio OEM system that can read playlist via USB from an Android device and play music. I spent hundreds of dollars trying all sorts of music apps...all for nothing!

In other words, despite Android marketshare, NO ONE cares to make accessories that will work with them. Why? Partly fragmentation. Partly Android typical users don't pay for stuff.

 

[ret42]

I can assure you that almost every app on iOS and Android runs better on iOS. Some of it due to lack of fragmentation in software and hardware like you said. But, a lot of times, Android apps are ports of iOS games.

That's a good point I had forgotten about, but you're right on. I wonder if a lot of major apps, things like Dropbox, Paypal, Facebook, Clash of Clans etc. are ported, or if they have dedicated developers for Android. Facebook has been pretty shitty in my experience on Android, but I'm not sure if that's the app or the corporation as a whole.

But, also, in other instances, it is due to Apple's emphasis on gaming with their devices. Apple METAL is an example. Apple devices consistently rank among the best in gaming; often time, the best.

See these real-world testing by GameBench: https://www.gamebench.net/en/blog

For example, Asphalt 8 on iOS devices with A7/8/9 chips have graphics that are NOT seen on any Android because of METAL and because of powerful GPU relative to screen resolution on iOS devices.

That's some interesting perspective, since I'm a PC Gamer. So hearing Apple ranks among the best in gaming is kind of funny. I know you're referring to mobile gaming, and I know PC gaming on Apple has come a long way over the years, but it's just funny to think about

Very true. Give me ONE example of an aftermarket headphone for Android devices that can change volume. Just ONE.

This was a huge problem for me...and one of the issue why I jumped Android ship. I use my earphones to exercise.

Before Android Auto, name me a car audio OEM system that can read playlist via USB from an Android device and play music. I spent hundreds of dollars trying all sorts of music apps...all for nothing!

In other words, despite Android marketshare, NO ONE cares to make accessories that will work with them. Why? Partly fragmentation. Partly Android typical users don't pay for stuff.

I think I mistook your reference to "developers" as specifically app developers, hence my statement about fragmentation. Regarding accessories, you're absolutely right. I had the hardest time trying to get my car audio set up for my Android. It works very well right now, but I know without a doubt that the integration with an iPhone would be much better.

Dammit Thai, quit making me want an iPhone. :yell:

 

[Thai]

That's some interesting perspective, since I'm a PC Gamer. So hearing Apple ranks among the best in gaming is kind of funny. I know you're referring to mobile gaming, and I know PC gaming on Apple has come a long way over the years, but it's just funny to think about

I think I mistook your reference to "developers" as specifically app developers, hence my statement about fragmentation. Regarding accessories, you're absolutely right. I had the hardest time trying to get my car audio set up for my Android. It works very well right now, but I know without a doubt that the integration with an iPhone would be much better.

Dammit Thai, quit making me want an iPhone. :yell:

LOL...sorry for being so down on Android. I started out with Android for a few years...then went iOS...and then even went back to Android (Note 2 and Nexus 7 2012) but had the same frustrations...and been back to iOS for 2 yrs now.

iOS gaming is still a far cry from PC simply because I think that the limit on games is 2GB for iOS. So, obviously, things cannot be extravagant as PC. However, this may change in future...slowly...because the new Apple TV is now becoming more like a portable gaming console than just a TV controller. I think that Nintindo will feel the heat before PS4 and Xbox...but Apple has set its sights on console gaming for sure.

And here's the kicker...Apple has butt loads of $$$$$$$ to spend...something that other competitors don't have, including Sony and Microsoft.

For car audio, I literally spent a few hundreds trying to get it to work via USB. I like USB because it charges the phone at same time. In addition, to my UN-trained ears, USB music sounds a bit better than via BT. I can control what music I want to hear (through song selection on playlists) with OEM headunit vs. looking on my phone while driving to change playlist. My wife would question why she sees me yelling and cussing in the car while trying to setup Android.

In the end though, everyone does best with what fits their life. For me, iOS is better. YMMV.

 

[cashmoney]

I will definitely agree that for car audio nothing integrates better than Apple. I'm actually looking at going back to an iPhone this weekend just for that reason.

 

[Thai]

I will definitely agree that for car audio nothing integrates better than Apple. I'm actually looking at going back to an iPhone this weekend just for that reason.

Not to go back on my words...but you may want to check out aftermarket headunits that are compatible with ANDROID AUTO...maybe cheaper that way than switching platforms????

Or if you going to buy a car in the future, then make sure Android Auto is supported.

 

[cashmoney]

I'm do for an upgrade anyways and my S4 is starting to do weird things. I used to have an iPhone but wanted the larger screen than the 5 so I got the S4. Now that Apple has a larger screen I'll switch back. It's such a simple OS and it just freaking works. I deal with technology all day long that I have to fight with (commercial AV integrator) so if I can eliminate one piece then I will.

 

[HerT4R]

currently on verizon.

have no idea what i want. have had the Droid Razr Maxx HD since february 2013... havent really wanted to upgrade, but its getting a little finnicky in its old age (overheating, battery saps down quickly for no reason at times, text messages intermittently not coming through when they are sent, its just getting about that time for safety contact reasons)

have the S4 Active as a work issued phone... like it a lot, but no active devices on verizon :argue:. this has made me contemplate dropping verizon altogether... but we will see what you guys help me decide on.

debating a used droid turbo or used sony z3v (or the z4v or z5 suite when they come out). to get me by until something strikes my fancy...

requirements: microSD slot, android OS

Reference: i own NOTHING apple besides an old itouch and an even older ~2005ish ipod, ipod lives in a drawer as a glorified paperweight and the itouch lives in the ~2006 offbrand ihome alarm clock, and i havent upgraded itunes in years. my music lives in a folder, not itunes. I once had a really terrible dealing with apple not allowing me to import files from my microsoft windows media player library in like 2005ish when i wanted to take all my music from my creative media player to my brand new xmas present ipod, sparking my apple hate... then dealt with AT&T not grandfathering me into the unlimited data plan due to a F up on their end, that caused me to leave them and i really dont want to go back if i can avoid it. Verizon customer service has been great and never had any issues with the network.

what would you guys get?

 

[Thai]

requirements: microSD slot, android OS

LG G Pro 3 if you want the latest...I think that it is coming out later this year. LG is the last of its kind with removable battery and micro-SD. LG G4 is pretty good too. LG G3 can be had pretty cheap too, esp if you buy refurbished on eBay. OR you can go with Samsung Note 4, which should be exactly what you look for.

My vote: Note 4. Powerful processor (relatively), stylus, Samsung Touchwiz is better than LG skin, and good camera. And yes, removable battery and micro-SD.

OR if you just want a phone for now: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-N90...and-White-Smartphone-/361130730558?rmvSB=true

Note 3 for cheap...refurbished.

 

[HerT4R]

LG G Pro 3 if you want the latest...I think that it is coming out later this year. LG is the last of its kind with removable battery and micro-SD. LG G4 is pretty good too. LG G3 can be had pretty cheap too, esp if you buy refurbished on eBay. OR you can go with Samsung Note 4, which should be exactly what you look for.

My vote: Note 4. Powerful processor (relatively), stylus, Samsung Touchwiz is better than LG skin, and good camera. And yes, removable battery and micro-SD.

OR if you just want a phone for now: Samsung N900 Galaxy Note 3 32GB Verizon Wireless Black and White Smartphone | eBay

Note 3 for cheap...refurbished.

thanks for all the option recommendations. i will check them out.

anything upcoming i should wait for other than the LG G Pro 3? and any experience with Xperia phones? i hear they are hit or miss in the way of waterproof-ness (no matter what the IP68 rating says...)

 

[Thai]

thanks for all the option recommendations. i will check them out.

anything upcoming i should wait for other than the LG G Pro 3? and any experience with Xperia phones? i hear they are hit or miss in the way of waterproof-ness (no matter what the IP68 rating says...)

I think that if you get Note 4, then that should lasts a while.

Xperia phones...good on paper; fail in real life. Specs are awesome, but execution in software sucks. Their camera specs are top notch, but somehow Sony always screw up the picture taking process. In addition, I question how long Sony will support their phones after sales and how soon Sony will abandon the industry altogether. Their smartphone division has been losing butt loads of money for a long time.

In addition, I think that Sony overstate their specs. Their Sony smartwatch 3 is water resistant...yet, it failed miserably in Consumer Reports water testings...repeatedly while others pass. WTF?! And you wonder why they no longer recommend their water resistant phones to touch water despite the rating!!

Note 4...get it if in your budget...you won't regret it.

 

[NoDak]

requirements: microSD slot, android OS

I recently went from an Samsung S5 (horrible camera, never would focus correctly) to a note 4 for the above reasons, SD slot and changeable battery were my biggest priorities in that order.

camera works 10x better than the S5, swapped my memory card (plug and play) and battery has been good for most tasks all day (heavy youtube will drain it down to 20-30% before 5pm).

no wireless charging system built in, but I went and bought the Samsung wireless back and eventually found a case that would fit (very tight, has bulges at camera area and by the charge port on the backside).

since I don't talk very much anymore on my phone the added screen size helps with videos, surfing and texting with my eyes going to crap (very early signs of cataracts i was told on last eye exam.

son has a note 4, but we recently had to replace the battery since it would die around 14% battery and even one time at ~50% it rebooted into a loop.

daughter has a LG4, decent phone but i really don't like the placement of the buttons on the back, seems out of place.

warden has a S6, but it wasn't that much of a change from a iphone 5 for her as far as external SD card and removable battery. swapped due to her new truck that has wireless charging built in since apple doesn't natively have that.

there you go, and good luck in you decision

 

[A/V1]

Thanks for all the input guys. And also for the nice back-n-forth volley a couple of you had going. Makes for fun read haha.

Anyway, I ended up giving Samsung a second chance, and got a Galaxy Note 4. Now to get a mount for my Runner...

 

[Thai]

Thanks for all the input guys. And also for the nice back-n-forth volley a couple of you had going. Makes for fun read haha.

Anyway, I ended up giving Samsung a second chance, and got a Galaxy Note 4. Now to get a mount for my Runner...

Excellent choice. Where did you buy it? Used or new?

 

[cashmoney]

I picked up a new 6s Friday. Very impressive phone. It's nice to be back on an iPhone. So much simpler to use. Also picked up a Mophie battery case for it. Supposedly only meant for the 6 but it fits the 6s like a glove. Local store said they've been selling them with no issues to report.

 

[08t4rsr5]

My personal phone is a Droid Turbo, Work phone is a Galaxy S5, and my wife's phone is a S5. I like them and would buy a Turbo again.