If you're sticking with Android, I suggest a not-big brand name. I used to do Samsungs. I had an S5 Active, then an S7. I then got a Google Pixel 2 and it was absolute bliss. My only complaint was the battery started with great life, but started needing a mid-day charge a couple years in.
I took advantage of a great deal on a Galaxy S21 to replace the Pixel 2, and I regret it. Bigly.
Here's the deal. Android = Google. When google sells you a google phone, it's 2 million percent compatible. Gmail on your phone = Gmail on your computer. Google Messages = Google messages. Google updates = Google updates. When you buy a Samsung, they have their own complete suite of Samsung apps as default, and they're often clunky, annoying, and not fully compatible. I added some google apps to get back to familiarity, so I just added bloat to bloat. I get updates from Google for the android part, and Samsung for the bloatware part, and it's a pain.
I just pre-ordered a Pixel 9 Pro. I look forward to getting it. Best Android experience I've ever had.
Mndsm
MegaDork
9/1/24 5:20 p.m.
In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :
it's pretty sweet. I've had one in hand for a bit now. I went to oneplus for the reasons outlined, from samsung, from whatever google was before it was pixel. McLovin' it.
In reply to Mndsm :
I had actually decided on a OnePlus back when I ended up with a Pixel. I couldn't get my hands on a OnePlus because they couldn't manufacture them fast enough to meet their demand. I've heard great things.
It's like when you buy a computer - If you buy an Acer or Asus, they are just a Windows laptop. They don't have a full Suite of Dell or Sony proprietary crap on top of Windows.
The shop called with good news this afternoon. They replaced the battery in the old S8 (no surprise, as I noticed when I dropped it off that the battery cover had started ungluing itself) and everything seems to be happy again. For sixty-five American dollars I'm back in the saddle.
A friend at work offered me a spare Pixel 4A for nothing, so we even have a backup plan. Speaking of backup, I am backing up contacts and texts as I type this note.
The bloatware issue is an interesting point. I know phones purchased through a carrier usually come with all manner of crap, but did not assume a plain unlocked version would also have that problem.
Off to do dad stuff. Thanks for the help, all.
