Time for a new phone

[Easto]

I guess I can't complain, the phone I've been using has given me close to 8 good years.

[Philip]

Android or Apple? 8 years is a lot in phone years, heh.. I change mine every 2-3 years it seems. Newer OS versions usually require better hardware, newer models have better cameras, etc.

[Easto]

Android. I believe something like an S21(?). It's just in a complete auto reboot mode no matter what I try. Even with a total reset it's still giving me problems. I've wasted enough time so I'm heading over to the phone store this morning. I'll get another Samsung and hopefully just swap out the SIM card.

[Philip]

I stopped buying Samsung phones, I have their Galaxy S Tablet thgough.
For phones, I look at OnePlus or Google Pixel, etc. Something with more stock Android and good specs, without paying the Samsung premium.

[Easto]

Probably my biggest gripe is that it appears that most manufacturers are not giving you the opportunity to install MicroSD cards anymore. You have to buy them with the configuration you want.

[Philip]

Yeah, most manufacturers are moving away from the MicroSD slot. OnePlus only has it on their budget phones, like OnePlus Nord CE4 (2024 model).

That said, when I fill up 128Gb/256Gb I just backup videos/pics to the PC and start over anyway.. I do have some mp3s on the phone, but for music I also use online radio/Spotify/Amazon Music at times. I don't really need more than 256Gb on a phone.

[BaLa]

We have been upgrading at least every other year.
Got a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra now.

The lack of micro SD slots seemed like an issue at first.
But my S25 has 512g Storage and my 24 had less...It's unlikely I will run out.

Just looked sitting at 160g/512g

[Mark]

i bought this a few months ago for $325 unlocked, i got a free year of service from spectrum and i put a 512card inside, not the latest phone but is way better than my old one for sure, i only upgrade phones when i have to, like updates are no longer available or certain software doesn't run or is not supported.

i'm very happy with it for sure.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CV4NQYFP?re ... e_0_2&th=1

[Philip]

Good comparison of Android phones processor speeds, whatever that's worth (I prefer the multi-core performance tab) :
https://browser.geekbench.com/android-benchmarks

[Easto]

Like Mark, I only upgrade when I have to. I was going to spend a little more time researching phones and prices but I just don't have the stomach for it. I figure if I get what is pretty much a top of the line phone I'm good for another 5-8 years. My previous upgrade was due to the fact my old phone wouldn't handle 5G. I'm just hoping that the premium I paid for a new top of the line phone will prevent having to buy another every 2 or 3 years.

I will admit one thing... it's a heck of a lot faster than my old phone.

[Philip]

Yeah newer phones are much faster. I upgrade more often because technology changes, and I am cheap, so I don't get the top shelf phones usually

[TonyT]

I used to always et Galaxys. Last one failed after 2 years. Got a Pixel 8 when it first came out and love it. Just the bare bones android system w/out the bloat that comes with other phones. No facebook, no games, no garbage. Good for me because I only use the phone for calls, txt, pictures, email and a couple apps for banking, ip cameras, and the app for my ford truck. Plus I googled the various stock android apps that to me are useless and either uninstalled or disablde them: AI Core, Dreams, Gmail (I use thunderbird, formerly K-9) mail), Support services, Meet, Tips, etc.

[Philip]

Good points TonyT, I also find some of the major brands' UI unnecessarily bloated compared to stock Android.

[Easto]

I'll definitely look into a Pixel next time. I don't use my phone for email, banking or anything like that. The only reason I have a Gmail account on it is so I can transfer/import Google maps info and stuff like that. I don't even think I watch YT videos on it. I like the comfort of doing all those things from the computer at the house. I can always wait until I get home, I'm in no rush.