What phone should I get?

[Toby]

Hi guys,

I currently use an iPhone 6 and I'm eager to leave the world of Apple behind (its been a fair few years!) and enter the world of Android. All of the comments here on the community, as well as from my friends have convinced me that its a better fit. I've stick with Apple because of the music I have purchased through them, but I want to customise my device in many more ways and want to free up my ability to use music in more easily. 

I'm liking the look of the Sony Xperia Z5 or the LG G4, but wanted to hear from you on what you'd recommend and why. You guys know more about this stuff than me!

I need:

- Easy navigation

- Storage freedom (e.g. SD card access if possible)

- Sturdy physical design (I'm a chronic dropper)

However, I'm quite open to suggestions, so if you have a good one, do let me know below

[Cleoriff]

Note 3 at the moment @Toby...but looking forward to the Note 6

http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2446453/galaxy-note-6-release-date-price-rumours-and-specs

[MI5]

---

@Bambino wrote:

Lots of specs that might suit you @Toby Much more pure versions of Android from Motorola (less bloatware)

http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_x_force-7555.php

---

Samsung add very little bloatware these days (in response to customer criticism) and a new Android user would find Samsung skinned versions much easier to use that stock Google.

[gmarkj]

I am in a similar predicament - contract "expires" next month so am looking at potential candidates.

Of the currently available devices, the ones that have my interest are the LG G4 and the Sony Xperia Z5 (available through o2), and the Moto X Force (only available through 3rd party).

They tick the boxes with regard to removable storage, and the G4 even has swappable battery.

The LG and the Moto are also qHD screens (1440x2560 resolution) while the Z5 is "just" HD.

Spec comparison (courtesy of gsmarena.com)

However the G4 runs the 808 Snapdragon while the Moto and the Z5 are on the 810. The reason this is relevant is performance - in theory the Moto will perform better than the G4 but not as well as the Z5.

Performance review (phonearena.com)

Likewise the Z5 "should" perform better on battery life with the screen needing less power, but with a smaller capacity as a starting point.

Battery life comparison (phonearena.com)

However, with both Samsung and LG due to reveal new devices soon (S7 and G5) it seems prudent to wait and see what happens.

If nothing else then the prices for all should drop soon after the new models are announced!

Edited to add - or you could opt for a Sony Xperia Z5 Premium if you really want to stand out!!

[Bambino]

You're never going to know if a phone suits you until you use it, and most places, not even CPW, I don't believe, have working models. You can go in and be tactile with a phone you're interested in. The problem is they're all tethered for security, so you can't get a true feel. That's about it, but I think it's worthwhile doing that if you can.

[MI5]

Toby could always enroll for "Try the Tech"

[Cleoriff]

@MI5 What's a 'samsung skinned version'? Sounds like something stripped right back?

[MI5]

Every manufacturer "skins" vanilla Android (Google's version) with their own style and mods.
Samsung's is TouchWiz which has vastly improved over the last couple of years.

[Bambino]

Just means what Samsung overlays on Android @Cleoriff to make it their own.

[Cleoriff]

Another interesting fact stored. Many thanks

[Curr946]

Nexus P6