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☖ Forums → Discussion Forum → what's the best cell phone out now on Sprint?
what's the best cell phone out now on Sprint?
2010-05-26, 5:16 PM #1
I'm actually thinking about dropping my awesome SERO plan in favor of something else, so I can actually have a modern (i.e. better than TP2) phone. I believe I get a 25% discount off a normal plan, which puts the simply everything 450 plan at $52ish/mo (450 anytime but unlimited to any mobile)...

The TP2 will cost me $200 to upgrade with my existing plan, but I'm hearing really good things about other phones so I dunno wtf to do. .(
woot!
2010-05-26, 5:19 PM #2
HTC EVO in 8 days! It will arguably be the best phone on the market for ANY carrier.
"Honey, you got real ugly."
2010-05-26, 5:25 PM #3
EVO EVO EVO.

However, I will warn you, there is a downside: $10/m premium on whatever plan you get for it. For "4G and extra data usage", supposedly, regardless of if you're in a 4G area or not.

But on the upside, it is the best phone period, spec and OS wise. Beats literally everything in every category:

1. 8MP camera with dual LED flash + 1.3MP front camera for video chat (first of its kind in the USA)
2. 4G. Continually expanding in the USA.
3. 4.3" screen, absolutely beautiful and it is /all/ screen.
4. Android 2.1 OS
5. HDMI 720p output to TV
6. 720p playback (obviously) AND recording
7. ~day of battery life.
8. 1ghz Snapdragon CPU
9. over 512MB RAM
2010-05-26, 6:05 PM #4
What do you think, get the evo or wait for windows 7 series phone?
"Nulla tenaci invia est via"
2010-05-26, 6:44 PM #5
Tracphone REPRESENT
2010-05-26, 6:48 PM #6
I read a review that said the battery life may not be all that great but I don't pretend to know that for certain. It may be something to take in to consideration depending on your lifestyle.
? :)
2010-05-26, 6:56 PM #7
I thought that sprint sucked horribly.
2010-05-26, 7:02 PM #8
Originally posted by Mentat:
I read a review that said the battery life may not be all that great but I don't pretend to know that for certain. It may be something to take in to consideration depending on your lifestyle.


1 day is typically average for a smartphone, and that's what the EVO gets.

Originally posted by zanardi:
What do you think, get the evo or wait for windows 7 series phone?


EVO. I wouldn't hold my breath for Win7 phones at all.

Originally posted by Obi_Kwiet:
I thought that sprint sucked horribly.


You thought wrong.
2010-05-26, 7:57 PM #9
I've used my Sprint phone all over the east coast (Maine to Florida) and in AZ and NV and I have no complaints (other than the Palm Centro sucks).

I guess I'll wait and see what the EVO is available on - looks like I'd be spending a touch over $50 for an unlimited data plan, which isn't too bad compared to the competition.
woot!
2010-05-26, 8:28 PM #10
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/edwardbaig/2010-05-27-baig27_ST_N.htm

I am intrigued. Same phone cost as a TP2...wtf! I just might have to pony up the extra $30/mo...for those of you that have an awesome phone, is it worth the money? I use my Palm more for text and internet/email than I do as a phone, but the web browser sucks so it's not usually fun.
woot!
2010-05-26, 8:36 PM #11
IMO yes, it is worth the money. It's practically like having a computer in your pocket. I use mine for web browsing all the time. I'd actually say it's the most common thing I use it for.
2010-05-26, 8:48 PM #12
Yeah the specs are like 5 times better than the first computer I got
"Nulla tenaci invia est via"
2010-05-26, 8:55 PM #13
Hmm. I think I'd be at $69.99/mo + $10 surcharge (WTF, that's dumb since I will practically never use 4G...until it's nationwide) - 25% = $60/mo + taxes, compared to $30/mo + taxes ($34.xx).

Initial outlay is the same - $200 for EVO vs $200 for TP2...however, the EVO is by far a superior phone (from what I can tell). I wish I could tether it for free...I know there's a program for Palm (PDANet) that does that without triggering the $30 extra from Sprint...anyone know if that's a possibility on Android? I don't need wifi (would be nice though), but cable tethering would be good to have.
woot!
2010-05-26, 10:07 PM #14
Yes, in fact the exact same named program exists, and does bluetooth/USB I believe. I don't think it requires rooting but it may. Of course it's technically against your contract but since you did it on your Centro I guess you don't care :P
2010-05-26, 10:18 PM #15
lol is it really? Oops.
woot!
2010-05-27, 6:47 AM #16
EVO does look impressive. I'm amazed at how quickly HTC came in and grabbed up a lot of the smartphone market. I have the TP2, great phone. Great device overall really.

I'll probably be sticking with HTC for some time, unless something horrible like Apple buys them. Then I'll just switch to tin cans and strings.
Quote Originally Posted by FastGamerr
"hurr hairy guy said my backhair looks dumb hurr hairy guy smash"
2010-05-27, 8:38 AM #17
Originally posted by Obi_Kwiet:
I thought that sprint sucked horribly.

None of the cell carriers are bad for coverage. The problem is that people don't look at the coverage maps before buying their service, then complain when it doesn't work on certain occasions in certain areas just for them. People spread stupid anecdotes about every provider and claim that they suck completely all the time just because of one bad experience they've had.

It's like when people complain about cars.

Person A: OMG all Saturns are terrible!

Person B: I've had three and they've all been fine.

Person A: Yeah but once something on my car failed so that means all Saturns must suck all the time because I'm a dumbass.

Repeat ad nauseum for every product ever made.
Bassoon, n. A brazen instrument into which a fool blows out his brains.
2010-05-27, 10:44 AM #18
My contract just ended with Verizon and I am moving over to Sprint hopefully. The HTC Hero has caught my eye, and I think I want to have sex with it.
Think while it's still legal.
2010-05-27, 10:50 AM #19
Originally posted by Cool Matty:
You thought wrong.


It depends on location, as Emon mentioned.

For instance, in my area, and 200 miles in any direction, Verizon is the best option, followed by T-Mobile. Sprint service sucks around here, as does AT&T.

[However, as far as specific available phones go, I don't really know. I have "dumbphone," and will stay that way as long as I can.]
2010-05-27, 11:29 AM #20
My main complaints about cell companies is, like mentioned, the quality of them varies depending on your area. If you just happen to be in an area only Verizon (for instance) covers, then you have to go with them. From my experience (the last time I changed phones, about 4 months ago.) Sprint had the best priced (text/data) plans, but a severe lack of midrange phones. Which is why I had to go with the smartphone, and the only reason I did that is for free internet on my laptop. If you're looking for quality mid-range phones, you won't get a wide selection over at Sprint.

That's just my experience. Verizon was my next choice, but they overpriced the same service by $10/mo. Even with my discounts.
Quote Originally Posted by FastGamerr
"hurr hairy guy said my backhair looks dumb hurr hairy guy smash"
2010-05-27, 1:06 PM #21
Originally posted by Emon:
None of the cell carriers are bad for coverage. The problem is that people don't look at the coverage maps before buying their service, then complain when it doesn't work on certain occasions in certain areas just for them. People spread stupid anecdotes about every provider and claim that they suck completely all the time just because of one bad experience they've had.


None except AT&T. Well, unless you mean coverage as in "I have bars, but I can't do a damn thing with it". Nothing like having full bars and dropping calls like it is going out of style!

The rest of the though? Yeah, pretty much.
2010-05-27, 1:41 PM #22
Again, that seems to be location specific. I have been on AT&T (iphone) for two years and have had no problems with dropped calls/call quality. I understand that AT&T is indeed pretty terrible most places though, I guess I'm just lucky here in Milwaukee.
"Honey, you got real ugly."
2010-05-28, 2:35 AM #23
I've been really happy with Sprint..I can usually make a call if I have one bar, and I'm pretty sure I've held onto a call for a period of time even after it drops to 0 bars. If I have 2-5, it's fantastic and I don't recall ever having a problem (not on my end anyway). The coverage here seems to be about as good as any other major carrier.

The Evo really has my attention..unfortunately my plan rate will double. I'm going to call Sprint retentions - I'll tell them my contract is almost up and see what incentives they will give me to stay. I've heard of people getting $10/20 off a month and also getting a percentage discount (I think police is 20-25%)..so hopefully it won't be too bad. $69.99 with 20% off is $55.99, add ten for EVO charge and knock off 20 will put me just under 50. :)
woot!
2010-05-28, 6:30 AM #24
Sprint's been really good for me as well. A few months ago I went from Cincinnati to Cleveland (~250 miles), and never lost 3G the whole way. Listened to Pandora and used Sprint Nav the whole way. :D
2010-05-28, 6:33 AM #25
Does Sprint nav work pretty well? If I can get Pandora or Slacker, I might cancel zunepass...and if nav works, I won't have to buy a new GPS (mine is flaking out) -- so the extra expense might pay for itself soon enough. :P
woot!
2010-05-28, 7:23 AM #26
I hate Sprint Nav. I downloaded Google Maps, for me, it works much better.
Quote Originally Posted by FastGamerr
"hurr hairy guy said my backhair looks dumb hurr hairy guy smash"
2010-05-28, 7:41 AM #27
Originally posted by KOP_AoEJedi:
I hate Sprint Nav. I downloaded Google Maps, for me, it works much better.


Uh, why? It's Telenav, it's VERY good. Besides, Google Maps is not GPS navigation, unless you mean Google Maps Navigation (separate program), which has god awful voice.

Anyways, JLee, as said, it runs on Telenav, and it's VERY good. Has voice, points of interest, mapping, traffic, edit route, works in either orientation of the phone, and unlike regular GPSes, the maps never need to be updated.

Note, JLee, that on the EVO, you have the choice of Google Maps Navigation or Sprint Nav anyway. Both are free. So you can make your own decisions :P

As far as ZunePass is concerned though, rumor has it it will have a price drop soon to $10/m (if so, there's really no point in cancelling since it's basically free after the songs you get every month).
2010-05-28, 7:49 AM #28
Sprint Nav gave me a little trouble in Seattle, when I was driving on overpass roads that were parallel to the roads underneath them. I got on ground, restarted the GPS app and it worked. At certain points I was on the above road when it thought I was on the lower road :huh:
Bassoon, n. A brazen instrument into which a fool blows out his brains.
2010-05-28, 7:53 AM #29
I've seen that happen on a lot of GPSes, I think it has to do with the GPS cutting out momentarily and when it reconnects it thinks you somehow changed routes.
2010-05-28, 8:18 AM #30
It obviously can't determine height, so it has to infer which road you're on by where you started. If it cuts on when you're on overlapping roads, it has no way of telling which one you were on. Except maybe that it should be smart enough to realize that it cut out.
Bassoon, n. A brazen instrument into which a fool blows out his brains.
2010-05-28, 8:33 AM #31
Actually GPS info can tell you elevation (rather, altitude), but I don't think any GPS maps take that into account.

Anyway, Emon, it is smart enough to realize it cut out, but it, like all GPSes, has a bunch of math to determine whether it is off-route or not. While it will typically assume that you're still on route when it isn't sure, sometimes indications are given that you're not (such as a small part of the road not overlapping + bad GPS coordinates, etc).
2010-05-28, 8:37 AM #32
I don't like it because it takes upwards of 1-3 minutes just to secure the GPS signals. Google Maps locks the GPS in less than a minute. I tried using the Sprint Nav in Austin, and it couldn't take me where I wanted to go, but a simple google map search told me right where to go.

I don't really need turn by turn, as I'm pretty good at memorizing where to go.

(I realize there could be a difference from device to device on the sprint service... )
Quote Originally Posted by FastGamerr
"hurr hairy guy said my backhair looks dumb hurr hairy guy smash"
2010-05-28, 8:43 AM #33
Originally posted by KOP_AoEJedi:
I don't like it because it takes upwards of 1-3 minutes just to secure the GPS signals. Google Maps locks the GPS in less than a minute.

Probably means your phone sucks.
Bassoon, n. A brazen instrument into which a fool blows out his brains.
2010-05-28, 9:33 AM #34
Originally posted by Emon:
Probably means your phone sucks.


Agreed. Not 100% comparable but Sprint Nav on my Pre takes like... 10 seconds to lock on.
2010-05-28, 10:31 AM #35
What makes me blame Sprint Nav is the fact that it's the only GPS app I have that takes that long to lock GPS. Maybe it's a WinMo issue?
Quote Originally Posted by FastGamerr
"hurr hairy guy said my backhair looks dumb hurr hairy guy smash"
2010-05-28, 10:46 AM #36
Probably, seeing as Google Maps doesn't take even half as long as yours does on my phone, either.
2010-05-28, 7:39 PM #37
I've had issues where it can't get a GPS lock until I reboot the phone but I'm pretty sure that's the Pre being finicky. I think it happens when the GPS is turned off and it doesn't come back on properly, but that's a guess. When it works with a good signal it takes less than 3 seconds.
Bassoon, n. A brazen instrument into which a fool blows out his brains.
2010-05-28, 7:58 PM #38
Definitely the Pre being finicky there. You can test by closing Sprint Nav and opening Google Maps, it'll fail to get GPS there as well (only showing cellular triangulation).
2010-05-28, 9:24 PM #39
Wow, the more stuff I read on here the more I realize that my Palm Centro does truly suck. :P
woot!

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