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General discussion

Ask the editors live event -- Choosing the right smartphone

Oct 16, 2012 5:33AM PDT

Smartphones are everywhere, and choosing the one that's right for
you isn't easy. Not only do you have to pick a phone design, there's
also the OS, the carrier, and the best service plan. Fortunately, CNET
is here to help.

Discussion is locked

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2013 Phones
Nov 20, 2012 1:38AM PST

Should I wait for Samsung GS4 or Galaxy Note 3, or get the current phones?

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2013 Phones
Nov 20, 2012 2:21AM PST

That really depends on how long you can wait! Seriously, I expect a great many phones to be announced at MWC in February 2013. Typically the U.S. carriers then scoop up these international models and rebrand them for sale in the Spring and early summer. CES in January may hold some surprised so stay tuned!

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LG Optimus
Nov 20, 2012 1:38AM PST

Hello, I'm considering upgrading to the LG Optimus Android...what are your thoughts on this?

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The Optimus G?
Nov 20, 2012 2:19AM PST

The Optimus G is a great phone, but it has a larger, stronger camera on Sprint (however, maybe no LTE.) It's a good choice for AT&T as well, though AT&T has a ton of great phones right now and I also like the Galaxy phones.

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Favorite Android App?
Nov 20, 2012 1:38AM PST

Hey guys, what's your favorite android. Just got my first smartphone- Galaxy SIII. What to really take advantage of this new toy.

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You need Jaymar
Nov 20, 2012 2:20AM PST
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text plan vs text apps
Nov 20, 2012 1:38AM PST

Is it necessary to buy a text plan when there are text apps available for free? How does text apps works?

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Not necessary, but...
Nov 20, 2012 2:21AM PST

If you see an app you like, you can skip the text plan and just add it later if you need to.

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Syncing with laptop
Nov 20, 2012 1:39AM PST

I'm thinking of buying a new Windows 8 laptop - would it be optimal to consider an 8 phone to sync or will Droid also sync with windows 8?

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Windows Phone 8 is great for this
Nov 20, 2012 2:21AM PST

Windows Phone is a great OS to consider if you're going for a Windows 8 laptop. I really recommend it.

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International Travel
Nov 20, 2012 1:39AM PST

I travel worldwide. I bought an iPhone for this reason and it works well. It is every other thing about the phone that drives me INSANE. What are my options?

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DNA Battery and Storage Concerns
Nov 20, 2012 1:39AM PST

Are they deal beakers? I am a heavy user and have a Thunderbolt with extended baterry and issues with that, so am I best to get a Galaxy so that I can upgrade battery life if need to?

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DNA Battery and Storage Concerns
Nov 20, 2012 2:25AM PST

Yeah, the Thunderbolt was one of the worst HTC phones ever due to its horrible battery life. As the first 4G LTE handset it had major problems there. From what I can tell though, the DNA offers pretty long run time...no where near the Razr Maxx HD though! For storage, I'd ask yourself if you plan to put lots of movies and music on your phone. If so then you'll need that SD Card slot. If not then don't sweat it Happy

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iPhone Merry Go Round
Nov 20, 2012 1:39AM PST

For the first time in many years (thanks, kids), I actually get to update my own phone. I'm inclined to the iPhone 5, which has just about everything I need... but no NFC. Is there any real reason to wait?

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Not really, no
Nov 20, 2012 2:22AM PST

Congratulations! NFC isn't really taking off yet, and while it's a nice toy, I think you can survive without it by using old-fashioned techniques of emailing photos and paying with your credit card.

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Smart phone for teenager
Nov 20, 2012 1:39AM PST

We want to get smart phones for two teenagers - for talk, text and data. We currently are on T-mobile but are open to switch.

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Tons of options
Nov 20, 2012 2:24AM PST

Brave yourself! : )

You may want to look at Verizon and AT&T's shared data plans if they offer good coverage in your area. It could end up saving you money, or then again, maybe not (http://www.cnet.com/8301-17918_1-57549696-85/t-mobiles-value-plan-beats-classic-any-day/)

T-Mobile has some good phones for teens. I'd start them off on a less-expensive, midrange or starter smartphone like the HTC One S--there are going to be a lot great deals this holiday season, too.

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Galaxy GS3
Nov 20, 2012 1:39AM PST

IS the GS3 running the latest version of the android operating system?

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Nope
Nov 20, 2012 2:25AM PST

But it's fairly close. These are updating to Jelly Bean (Android 4.1.) Android 4.2 is a minor update that's the most recent.

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NFC & T-Mobile
Nov 20, 2012 1:40AM PST

When will carriers offer a standard for using NFC for mobile payments besides using Google Wallet? I am a new owner of the HTC 8X on T-Mobile, and am anxious to know when I can start using NFC to pay for things. Thanks!

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Not the carriers, the OS
Nov 20, 2012 2:27AM PST

NFC has a lot to do with the hardware-maker and the OS, though it sounds like Microsoft is working with carriers to make them more comfortable with NFC (Verizon, since they put the kibosh on Google Wallet.) Right now there doesn't seem to be tremendous consumer demand.

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HTC Droid DNA
Nov 20, 2012 1:40AM PST

What keeps the HTC Droid DNA from receiving the CNET Editor's Choice award?
Also, does the DNA have an equal or better camera than the One X/X+? If so, is this why it does not show up on CNET's Best Camera Phone page?

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HTC Droid DNA
Nov 20, 2012 2:28AM PST

Good point! I need to run more battery tests to determine if the Droid DNA is EC worthy. Right now I'd say it's a definite possibility. Of course the lack of an SD Card slot and removable battery will cause us editors to duke it out verbally here before we do anything!

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Windows Phone 8
Nov 20, 2012 1:40AM PST

What do you think the chances are of Windows Phone 8 getting any traction in this market. Will we see more top tier apps port over?

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Chances are good
Nov 20, 2012 2:28AM PST

I think we'll see marketshare growth, though not a spike. There's tremendous competition and it'll get even hairier when RIM launches BlackBerry 10.

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iOS vs. Android
Nov 20, 2012 1:42AM PST

I am fed up with Apple's closed system. The authentication chip in their lightening cable was the last straw. I want to move to Android, but friends (who are not gadget geeks) like iOS better. Can you give me some insight?

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iOS vs. Android
Nov 20, 2012 2:33AM PST

This is one of life's ultimate questions! Happy

Actually this is the breakdown is;

iOS/iPhone: simple to use, lots more apps, but no freedom!

Android: Lots of freedom and customization plus a growing number of apps to compete with Apple. Problem is it's a bit of a wild west situation with an unregulated app store and software fragmentation.

My vote, since I'm on the cheap side: Android. If you want to play it safe, iOS though can't be beat!

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4G LTE - Does it REALLY Matter
Nov 20, 2012 1:42AM PST

Only Verizon and ATT have 4G LTE in my area. Should that rule out the rest of the providers? In other words, how fast is fast enough?

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Speed you pay for
Nov 20, 2012 2:30AM PST

Yes and no. If you're not bothered with the speeds it takes for stuff to happen, then there's no problem. But also remember that LTE can be more expensive. Pages download faster, so you can use more MB in less time.

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Samsung Galaxy 4
Nov 20, 2012 1:42AM PST

Do you know what or if there's going to be a difference between the Samsung galaxy 3 and the 4