Iphone or Samsung Galaxy, or ??

[june82000]

Bless her heart, my wife is still using a basic phone. She talks and texts but that's it and she's never had a 'smart' phone. I'm going to get her one and I'm soliciting input based on what the Pelican brain trust thinks. I'm thinking something no larger than a samsung galaxy and I'm not looking for the latest and greatest - in fact I'm looking on craigslist for used phones anyway. We're on Verizon (which sucks, but that's another discussion). So, Iphone 4 or 4s or Galaxy (S1/S2). She doesn't want a QWERTY keyboard or any type of folding design. She does like to take pictures with her phone, but anything should be better than what she currently has. I'm open to other makes as long as they aren't too big and they can be used on Verizon's network. Thanks guys!!

PS - if anyone is selling a Verizon smartphone in decent shape, feel free to PM me.

[sammyg2]

Dunno which is better, but I just moved into this century and got a galaxy 4 to replace my busticated start trek communicator flip-phone. It got busticated as it bounced off the sidewalk after going haywire for the last time.

The company says I need to have a smart phone and they'll pay me $50 a month for it, so I caved. Still not convinced it was worth it.

So far I've figured out how to set the alarm clock, make a phone call, send a text. That took at least 4 hours.
Oh and I learned to charge the battery. Every day.
The star trek phone battery lasted a week between charges.

[Cajundaddy]

Get off Verizon contracts and choose a no-contract provider. Pay up front for your phone choice and save every month forever. I currently use Virgin Mobile for unlimited text/net and 300 talk minutes for $30/mo. 1200 minutes costs $40/mo. Verizon offers a no-contract option for $60/mo.

iphone has the most intuitive software and interface. Quicker learning curve and it just works.

Samsung/Android is the most flexible and customizable for the IT geek in you.

Both are excellent in terms of hardware and available apps.

[june82000]

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

Get off Verizon contracts and choose a no-contract provider. Pay up front for your phone choice and save every month forever.

I actually haven't been under a contract for about 4 years. Unfortunately for me, Verizon has the best coverage in my area. I source phones from craigslist or ebay normally. Month to month utlizing a service that uses verizon towers might be an option but I haven't dug into that too much. I have 4 phones sharing I think 1500 minutes. One of which is my smartphone with 2Gig of data. Of course unlimited texting. So, 1 smart phone and three basics is $155/mo plus tax which comes out to roughly $174 per month. I know I can do better...

[gr8fl4porsche]

I am an iPhone guy but the droids seem to do just fine as well.

If going the i route, skip the 4's and get a 5S.
Much better phone in every way.

[jyl]

Originally Posted by june82000

I actually haven't been under a contract for about 4 years. Unfortunately for me, Verizon has the best coverage in my area. I source phones from craigslist or ebay normally. Month to month utlizing a service that uses verizon towers might be an option but I haven't dug into that too much. I have 4 phones sharing I think 1500 minutes. One of which is my smartphone with 2Gig of data. Of course unlimited texting. So, 1 smart phone and three basics is $155/mo plus tax which comes out to roughly $174 per month. I know I can do better...

That seems expensive. We have 4 iphones w/ unlimited or 2 GB/mo data and unlimited text, and replaced the home phone w/ a 5th mobile line, for $225/mo.

[gacook]

I had a Galaxy (on Verizon); loved it--great phone. Good camera, worked like a beast, even when I accidentally through it on the concrete a few times in its life...

I'm actually in the opposite picture as your wife, now, though. After many years of smartphones, I've recently dropped down to an old school talk/text phone. I'm kinda liking being slightly disconnected...

[Arizona_928]

I have a S4 Active. (waterproof)
Get the most expensive you can afford now, because in 4 months it will be outdated.

The new iPhone is going to have a larger screen. I think it's worth it.

[pitargue]

If you wife is non-technical, iPhone. Android's really shine when you hot rod it.

[scottmandue]

We are a Samsung family... thou I think it is a toss up between the two...

I would find which ever has the best price/deal and go for that.

Sammy, did you know you can talk to your android and it will set things up for you? Look for the assistant app.

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by pitargue

If you wife is non-technical, iPhone. Android's really shine when you hot rod it.

This. The iPhone really is intuitive. You don't want her to get something that has a steep learning curve as she will be more reluctant to use it.

[GG Allin]

Have a look at the HTC 1 M8.

[black_falcon]

The Galaxy S4 is the best phone I've ever had. It's my first Samsung phone and I can't see myself going with another brand anytime soon. The new S5 seems like a huge improvement to an already great product.

Done the iPhone before and thought it was possibly the most over hyped thing ever. I'll disagree it has the easiest learning curve too. Don't forget to buy an expensive case and insurance because it might break if you sneeze on it.

[Josh D]

I've had two iphones and my wife and daughter have both had Samsung Galaxey's. I've never had a problem with battery life, but both of them complain about the Samsung battery life. Just one reference point.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Josh D

I've had two iphones and my wife and daughter have both had Samsung Galaxy's. I've never had a problem with battery life, but both of them complain about the Samsung battery life. Just one reference point.

My wife and daughter complained about battery life on their Galaxies (daughter now has an iPhone)... I have never had a problem with the battery life on mine... but then I don't leave my phone on 24/7 either .

I have no doubt that apple makes a fine product... but I call BS on the whole "more intuitive" stuff. Maybe more intuitive if you have been using apple products your whole life. I work with iPads, mini Macs, PC's, android, even loaded Linux on a machine at home... maybe I have been a tech too long but I just don't see a huge difference in all the different platforms. It all seems to come down to buyer loyalty and subjective expectations.

[JavaBrewer]

All smart phones are horrible in regards to battery life. Constantly checking and maintaining battery is just another stress in my life I wish would just go away. YMMV.

Apple, Android, and now Windoz - for what your wife will be doing there is zero 'intuitive' advantage to any of them. Email/text/pictures/contacts/web - all a single icon press away.

I vote to get whatever you find locally on Craigs list. If you are already an Apple user it would be foolish to not go with an iPhone otherwise let her pick. Lots of women prefer iPhone solely based on all the fancy cases that are sold just about everywhere.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Sammy, did you know you can talk to your android and it will set things up for you? Look for the assistant app.

I don't think mine has that feature. It's sitting on the desk next to me and I've been talking to it for a half hour and it hasn't done anything. People in the office are starting to look at me funny.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

All smart phones are horrible in regards to battery life. Constantly checking and maintaining battery is just another stress in my life I wish would just go away. YMMV.

Apple, Android, and now Windoz - for what your wife will be doing there is zero 'intuitive' advantage to any of them. Email/text/pictures/contacts/web - all a single icon press away.

otherwise let her pick. Lots of women prefer iPhone solely based on all the fancy cases that are sold just about everywhere.

I about thru a fit when my wife allowed daughter to trade in her Galaxy for the iPhone... ("sucky battery life... freezes all the time..." so she said... even though I have the exact same phone and have no problems.)

But then the little devil on my shoulder said "let her get the iPhone... then it won't be your problem."

[TimT]

I'd take a serious look at the Google Nexus 5 32Gb $399 unlocked.

When my contract us up with Verizon this coming July I'm getting the Nexus 5 and having my number ported to a a prepaid plan like Straight Talk..

All smart phones are horrible in regards to battery life.

Perhaps some are (iphone) but my last two Droid Razrs batteries lasted a good long time... The Razr Maxx 3-4 days...

[dennis in se pa]

Take a look at an iPhone 5s on StraightTalk. Good phone. Actually uses AT&T or Verizon service, depending, and cheap.