Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

What smartphone should I purchase?

Jul 4, 2017 9:21AM PDT

Hi all,

I plan on going into basic training in the Australian Defence Force in September this year and as an 18th birthday present stroke leaving home present my parents are treating me to a smartphone of my choosing.

Currently, my favourite is the Google Pixel XL followed by the Samsung Galaxy S8+ as a close second.

I prefer the Pixel in almost every way, I love everything to do with Google - but I wonder if it is getting a bit too old now, which is why I like the S8+. My mother a few years back had the S4 which was filled with bloatware and that was a big hate of mine.

Any idea's would be appreciated! I'd wait out the release of the 2nd Pixel but I don't have time on my side since I need it for work related purposes.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
Given the story.
Jul 4, 2017 9:41AM PDT

Be sure to get water proof/resistant models. And maybe something a little above average for ruggedness. Military training camps are not known to be kind to smart phones.

- Collapse -
Absolutely!
Jul 4, 2017 11:26AM PDT

Thanks for the response, whatever phone I end up purchasing will be getting the OtterBox Defender treatment Happy