Windows phone

[lparsons21]

I think you are possibly worrying too much about the battery issue. Early on with phones, having a user replaceable battery was very important as battery life was so short. I used to take a few extras with me on trips to conventions and such because the phones just couldn't get through the day if you actually used them. Hell, some wouldn't get through the day if they were just sitting idle!

These days battery life is much improved and I actually haven't had an issue of not having enough juice to go a full day. Even after 18 holes with my golf GPS app that is pretty hungry, the useage is less than 50% battery used.

Check to see if the Icon's battery is replaceable by a tech, if it is that should allay most of your concerns I would think.

Yep, here's one place that does just that : http://www.cellhelmet.com/products/battery-replacement-for-lumia-icon

 

[Peter2]

I will have to go with the flow. The icon 's battery can be replaced by a Nokia dealer for $90 labor and the cost of the battery. A friend of mine sort of discouraged me when he said his battery on a high end Android phone would not take a charge after 3 months. He had it replaced by the manufacturer but lost all his data. It then did the same thing again. It was determined that it was not due to his fault but that both batteries were defective. The second battery just exceeded one year so it was out of his pocket.
I think the idea will come and go and a lot of people will be burned in the interim.
I did not plan on buying another phone so have to rely on this one for the duration; at my age it is dicey.
A chat at a couple of stores will settle this bit I appreciate all the helpful comments.
On the light side, can you imagine buying the car of your dreams only to find the battery was one of a kind and could not be replaced.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

No doubt they have a ways to go with cell phone batteries, for I was just reading an article on basically it was one of the last frontiers, although they've come a long way as lparsons21 explained. Worse case scenario these days is you make contact and they overnight you another phone, you place yours into a prepaid and preaddressed envelope, and that's that. My son-in-law just did it the other day.

Keep the lady happy and get the Icon. You won't be disappointed.

 

[Peter2]

But your data is all gone - unless you backup which I do with everything.

My lady is going to be happy with the Icon.

Was your son in law's a case of battery failure - I am only curious?

 

[HippsieGypsie]

No. He works construction and he dropped his.

You and she will be happy with the Icon and live happily ever after.

You have it correct. Backup, backup, backup. The first 3 rules of computing.

 

[Peter2]

Thank you, I appreciate your candor and help.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

You're quite welcome.

Please let us know how it goes whatever you decide?

 

[Peter2]

Yes. I always complete a thread I began. Nice of you to take an interest.

 

[dirtyvu]

I love my Icon!

I also played with the HTC for a weekend.

You can't go wrong with either phone. But are great.

Why I pick Icon:

- love the body. it doesn't photograph well but it looks awesome in person. the way the screen tapers at the ends so there's no hard edge like with the iPhone and others. The way the white plastic doesn't look like plastic. It's kind of like a seashell type of white. It feels great.



- wireless Qi charging. The pic is of the charger (not the Icon!). I love wireless charging! I have one of the Nokia ones in white. I prop my phone on it in the dark by reaching out and just plopping it there. You can use it as a stand too if you don't want to hold the phone.

- the camera is quite good! and if you get the ProShot app, it's pretty fast at taking pictures (much faster than Nokia camera and somewhat faster than the default Microsoft camera). The low light performance is a weakness of the Icon. I wish it was as good as some of the other Lumia phones.

The camera on the HTC is borderline bad. All the effects and focusing can be done via Nokia apps as well (like Nokia Refocus) though the process is more streamlined on the HTC. Still, I prefer a good default picture than extra effects. People don't want to tweak every single picture they take. They just want to take a bunch of pictures.

- FM radio

- Nokia apps. Yes, the selfie app is awesome. So is Storyteller. And some of the other ones.

why a person would pick the HTC:

- metal body that's lighter and thinner (but longer due to the speakers)

- microSD support!!!! this is the biggest flaw of the Icon

- slightly faster CPU

- much better external speakers! and they're in the front! I hate the rear speaker on the Icon. My 521's speaker is much better than the Icon's and that's a $50 phone.

- 60 fps 1080p recording! The Icon makes at 1080p30. However, the Icon has 4 microphones so the video sounds better. The HTC has only 2 mics but 60 fps is 60 fps.

 

[Peter2]

Samsung Galaxy S5

I know you cannot have it all. One important factor is the battery replacement issue. I will likely keep the phone I buy + no warranty is going to keep on insuring the phone the 3rd or 4th year and I would like to be able to change batteries if necessary.
If I can determine that I can synch Android docx with my Windows pc I would go for the Samsung as it's batteries can be exchanged.

 

[robinpe]

Personally I think you'd be better buying the Nokia Lumia 1520, it's the king of the Windows phones and you can update it to 8.1 for free. I bought one unlocked for £295.00. The camera is fantastic, 20 MP, and the "burst" feature. It takes absolutely wonderful pictures. You can also install up to a 64 Gb Micro SD card. The resolution is also fantastic. It's a large 6 inch phablet I just love it!

 

[Peter2]

fate

I ordered the Samsung galaxy S5 as it was not bloated like the S4.
The batteries were removable and I think it rivals the Icon but has expandable memory.
I got it online via T - Mobile.
3 days later T - Mobile called to say they lost my order and I would have to go through the same thing again. It gave ne a chance to think over T -Mobile.
It is good with no overages and no contract etc. but I know lags behind Verizon in coverage. However T- Mobile is less expensive.
I think I will go with Verizon although they are not my favorite company to deal with, having overages and fees.
Phone wise I am leaning to the icon although the Samsung Galaxy had it all too. I was influenced by the person who wrote about the phablet as I like a large phone.
I am going to have to take some time to sort this out. Thanks all for your help. By the time I get to it, Win 9 will be out and gone. At my age iAt better hurry up.