Smartphone or iPhone?

ICIT2LOL · 30 May 2013

Am looking at getting either of the above and my son says iPhone (because the texting is free and they are repairable) and others tell me a smartphone.

Budget is a major point at the moment I am not real keen on the idea of having to have any Apple apps on my machines for say downloading photos but after a very frustrating experience lately overseas with an ordinary phone I have to do something now.

The other main consideration is being able to access my email via the phone.

Main choices seem to be iPhone 3 or 4 / Samsung Galaxy Ace.

Don't know much about these things and would be appreciative of any advice from those with these devices:)

maxie · 30 May 2013

A lot of things have to be taken into consideration when getting a new mobile ... Like are you going to be using it a lot or just now and again .... The reason i am saying this is because it can actually work out cheaper to have a contract mobile than buying a new one .... This can be the case in the UK but not so sure how things work where you live .... Contract mobiles can be cheaper to run if you are quite a heavy user some even come with insurance .... So you have no worries about repairs or being lost.... I know this does not help with your question both the mobiles you mention are good but you did state that budget was a major concern.

Gary · 30 May 2013

I have had good luck with smartphones, you can pay up to $499 US for an Iphone. My Daughter has a Samsung Galaxy with Sprint and texting/net and unlimited calls are all free. It depends on the plan. Her phone was only $99.00.

Dinesh · 30 May 2013

iPhone is also a "smartphone".

Being a loyal Samsung fan, I'd recommend Samsung Android phones. They're quite good and user friendly.
Samsung android phones are available in a wide price range from low end to high end (depending on your usage).

P.S. I didn't like the new Galaxy S4 though.

x BlueRobot · 30 May 2013

I would recommend getting a Android, the iPhone just seems to be a very overpriced.

ThrashZone · 30 May 2013

It's good you did not include the iphone 5 because it has not had good reviews from people I know,
Iphone 4 is not bad though pretty much depends on you isp/ at&t is not a good one. which I'm stuck with for a little while longer/ 3g yuck. wifi works wonderfully though.
So it's more of a connection as to how good or bad a "smart" phone is,
I might try a android next time around with a different cell service.
If you do get a iphone 4 or 3 be sure to get a good cover they are the slipperiest darn thing I've ever touched/ glass a kid would drop it a less than a second :)

jdXp610 · 30 May 2013

I use a Galaxy III but it doesn't make me any smarter

Dinesh · 31 May 2013

jdXp610 said:

I use a Galaxy III but it doesn't make me any smarter

May be its time for the S IV then.

strollin · 31 May 2013

Dinesh said:

iPhone is also a "smartphone". ...

I think he has it right, there's smartphones (Android) and then there's everything else!

My son and I were at the store yesterday and he was drooling over the Galaxy S4. He plans to get one in a couple of months when his current contract ends.

Stephanie · 31 May 2013

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note II (smart phone) and like it very much, iPhone to me are over priced :)

5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED 1280x720 display: Images and video take on a new sheen of amazing Galaxy Note II thanks to the stunning clarity of the HD Super AMOLED 5.5-inch display. Whether you're browsing the web, watching a movie or looking through your picture collection you're guaranteed the ultimate viewing experience.

S-Pen stylus: With the new, improved S-Pen you can turn your 'phablet' into an interactive multimedia experience and put your ideas down directly on the screen. Combined with a dedicated suite of apps you can doodle and draw to your heart's content, and thanks to a thicker, more ergonomic design it's even easier than before.

Android Jelly Bean OS: The latest iteration of the little green robot fronted mobile brings with it a host of great new features and an increase in performance. With Google Now you have a customisable world at your fingertips, whilst the improved interface makes for slick and intuitive navigation.

8 megapixel camera: Photography enthusiasts are well locked after thanks to a powerful 8MP camera and 1.9MP front-facing lens. Capturing, editing and sharing your images has never been easier when combined with S-Pen integration, whilst the secondary camera means you can pull off everything from self portraits to crystal clear video calling.