iPhone vs. other cell phones

caribou runner Oct 18, 2011 24 Comments

I’m a Duluthian looking to buy a new phone. Any feedback on what a non-techie like me would like best? By the way, I will be a brand new grandmother in March if that makes any difference. (It’s already all about the grandchild!)

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24 Comments

Danny G

about 13 years ago 

Go to Best Buy, buy an iphone.  Don't bother with anything else.

Jadiaz

about 13 years ago 

An iPhone 4s to be exact.

EvilResident

about 13 years ago 

Yeah, I love my iPhone and use it constantly.

kerc

about 13 years ago 

Grandma and Grandpa Kerc have an iphone. It's pretty sweet. And nice that they can take pics of the grandkids.

I just got one myself yesterday and frankly it's worth it for the camera alone.

If you're considering a phone that takes pics, the last one I had (semi-smart phone) sucked in all aspects. Honestly this one is so much easier to use and it does more. (Of course it *does* cost 30 bucks more a month).

Spy1

about 13 years ago 

What are you iPhone carriers paying a month, if I can ask?

Barrett Chase

about 13 years ago 

The AT&T unlimited data plan (internet) costs $30 per month. On top of that is the voice package, which depends on how many minutes you need ($40-$100/month). Also in addition to that is any texting plan you might want $5-$20/month).

So depending on what you want, it's $70-$150 per month. $150 per month is for unlimited data, unlimited minutes, and unlimited texting. Be sure to ask about discounts. Sometimes if you work for a large business, for example, you can get a hefty discount simply for working there. Personally, I get a 25% discount.

The great thing about iOS 5.0, which just came out last week, is the iMessage service, which is basically free texting between iPhones. If the people you text also have iPhones, you don't really need a texting package anymore.

[email protected]

about 13 years ago 

Virgin Mobile, $25/mo, no contract, plus an Android phone (LG for us), and you are waaaay ahead of the iPhone already.

Barrett Chase

about 13 years ago 

Does that deal include a data plan? And how many minutes and texts are we talking about?

[email protected]

about 13 years ago 

It's up to $35/month:
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/cell-phone-plans/beyond-talk-plans.jsp

Unlimited data, 300 min, no contract.

Bad Cat!

about 13 years ago 

It depends on what you're going to use it for, and how much you'll use it. If you're going to use it just for occasional phone calls, don't bother with an expensive smartphone. If you want a smart phone, but probably won't be a power-user, try the prepaid Virgin wireless phones. If you are planning on using it often, consider a standard iPhone or Android phone. If you're already a Mac/iPod user, an iPhone might be easier, as you're already familiar with the interface, and it will work with your existing products. If you're a more advanced computer user and will be customizing and downloading apps, an Android is the way to go.

Question

about 13 years ago 

If you are not techie, then the Android OS is going to be a bit cumbersome for you to use.

Apple has built its empire on making their devices as simple and intuitive as humanly possible. This is the main reason why I am suggesting the iPhone as it will be the best for daily use. 

Though, I would advise against going with the newest model of iPhone for you. Sure it is faster, and has Siri... but why pay $200 out of your pocket for the phone when you can get a 3GS or iPhone 4 base model for under $100?

And DO NOT go to Best Buy for a cell phone. Why go to a middle-man when you get get it straight from the source?

caribou runner

about 13 years ago 

love all the advice - thanks!  my debate is over the $$ for monthly fees for iphone vs. it's user friendliness.  Decisions decisions...
I welcome any other comments :)

Danny G

about 13 years ago 

With the newest software update texts between iphones are free.  There's some $$$ advice for you.

Jxndyk

about 13 years ago 

Look into phone plans through sprint.  They now are iphone carriers and offer the most reasonable prices for unlimited plans.  Get an iphone...4S.  You wont regret it and whatever you choose you have to make work for 2 years.  Its a phone, camera, mp3 player and mobile internet.  worth every dollar.

Vicarious

about 13 years ago 

I bought my IPhone 3GS on the ATT site for $20. TWENTY DOLLARS.

Don't buy the latest/greatest...it's not necessary unless you want the better camera. The latest/greatest (i.e IPhone 4) has no real extra value for the retail price.

Vicarious

about 13 years ago 

I repeat: do NOT buy a brand new iPhone. Don't be ripped off. iPhones are truly awesome. But spend $20 instead of $400 and have 95% of the functionality.

Danny G

about 13 years ago 

The latest/greatest is the 4S, not the 4...if we're going to be technical.  And a regular 4 probably isn't going to run you $400 with a contract.  But for the most part, you're right.   A 3GS is probably the right route to go (although I would miss those 5% of functions if I didn't have my 4).

Barrett Chase

about 13 years ago 

When iOS 4 came out, the 3GS slowed down by at least 50%, probably more. I don't know how it works with iOS 5, but I'm willing to bet the new operating system doesn't improve its function.

Sure, the 3GS will do 95% of what its successors will do, but it will do it at dial-up speeds. It's currently free with a contract on the AT&T site, and nothing is going to cost you $400 unless you buy it mid-contract. This is something to think about when you're shelling out for your monthly bill -- do you want to get the most out of what you're paying for each month? 

If you get an Android phone, remember that Android is an operating system, not a phone. The individual phones vary in their functionality. You'll have to research the individual phone to see how good it is.

Finally, it looks like the prices I quoted above are no longer valid. With new contracts, AT&T's data plan is no longer "unlimited." There's a sliding scale of $15-45/month. The highest has a 4GB/month limit, and allows you to tether your laptop to your phone network, so you can use your phone's internet connection for your computer. But if you go over, you'll have to pay more. Kinda sucks.

Adem

about 13 years ago 

If you want a dumbphone, get whatever you want. If you want a regular phone, get an iPhone. (That is to say, Android phones should not be on your radar.)

I think Barrett exaggerates a bit. The 3GS is considerably slower, yes. I'd say it take 1-5 seconds longer to finish doing something. That's a long time when it's something basic as starting up the camera.

Consider also that buying a phone is a one-time purchase. Over the course of a 2-year contract, an extra $100 is not a lot compared to the monthly charges.

I'd strongly recommend getting at least the 4. The screen is much easier to read, and the camera is good. The 4S is even faster, with an even better camera and video, and Siri which is, well, fun.

For data plans I get by with the 200MB for $15. (I have AT&T, which has really good coverage in Duluth.) I have wifi at work and home. You can always switch it around (even mid-month), and they send you a text and email when you are approaching your limit. There's an app that will tell you your usage.

I consider insurance from the phone company a pretty poor deal. You can cancel at any time, but the coverage and a $200 deductible is insane.  If you consider yourself high-risk, consider Squaretrade which is $100 for 2 years, $50 deductible.

Do like @Jxndyk says and check Sprint and ask local Sprint customers about their service.

@Spy1: I am on a family plan with 1 extra phone. We split down the middle and I pay about $65. The plan has gone up by $10, so that's $70 adjusted for inflation.

Danny G

about 13 years ago 

I think we're all making this way to complicated.

Get an iphone...be happy.

c-freak

about 13 years ago 

I love my iPhone. My mom is 78 and has an iPhone. It's a blessing and a curse. Now she texts me all the time. IPhone all the way.

Hot Shot

about 13 years ago 

I haven't hit too many of the comments yet, but come talk to me, or anyone in the Mobile department, at Best Buy.  We have every carrier, all the phones, no mail-in rebates. 

Now that I'm done advertising, the iPhone 4S is amazing. But so are a lot of Android and Windows phones. The iPhone is the most user-friendly, and it does a lot. The others are a bit more intuitive. 

Come talk to us, we can figure out the best option. Plus we don't work on commission, so you will get what's the best for you.

Hot Shot

about 13 years ago 

Also, contrary to what's been said, I would pay the money and get a 4S. It's such a good phone and it's very powerful. The iPhone 4 is just about as good ... but the 3GS is cheap for a reason. Go 4 or 4S.

Lojasmo

about 13 years ago 

The 3GS works fine with IOS5.  I had a dickens of a time when I updated my 3G classic to IOS4, though.

I would get an iPhone 4 at least.

Bottom line, you want a smart phone of some kind, to keep your music, get email, and take lots of pictures of the new baby.

I am a long time iPhone user because it is dead simple to use.

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