[Question] Help Choosing a Phone

[JoshMcMadMac]

I bought a Doogee DG550 Dagger about a year ago, and have been looking into replacing it as it is becoming outdated. I managed to break the screen this morning, so now I am pressed for a replacement. I am leaning towards the Zenfone 2, especially since I can get it in a day from Amazon.com. However, I know there are plenty of other decent phones out there now and would appreciate any suggestions. I would like:

• 4G - I am in the USA using AT&T, and definitely want this.
  
• At least 2gb of RAM
  
• MicroSD slot is a big deal for me, but I could be swayed if a phone is great otherwise.
  
• Dual SIM is nice, although I do not think I have seen a phone with dual 4G support.
  
• I like 5" - 5.5" screens, but am open to other sizes.
  
• A decent rear camera is very nice to have.
  

Other than that, I would just like a phone where everything works well (like the GPS!). It is always a plus to have some community support, although I know that is limited with a lot of these phones. Thanks!

[deanlee121]

Mlais M7 http://www.chinaphonearena.com/forum/Thr...B-16GB-5-5 good phone for the money

[JoshMcMadMac]

Mlais M7 http://www.chinaphonearena.com/forum/Thr...B-16GB-5-5 good phone for the money

Thanks. I am curious if there is much difference between the M7 and the Be Touch 2?

---

I just double-checked, and both the Mlais M7 and Ulefone Be Touch 2 do not support 4G LTE for AT&T. I think that narrows me down to the Alcatel Idol 3 or the Asus Zenfone 2...any other suggestions?

[edcoolio]

One vote here for the Asus Zenfone 2. Be careful about stating other suppliers as I've had a few posts "disappear" on that very subject - frankly, one of the reasons interacting here is not as important as before.

Regardless, I like what they have done at that price range.

I'm with you on one big issue: No USA (ATT or TMob) GSM 4G frequencies makes things difficult. 5wappa being a very huge draw in the US, assuming you don't mind a used device, is just about all we are left with.

Keep us posted and just be 1000% sure you get the USA version!!

[JoshMcMadMac]

edcoolio Wrote:
Be careful about stating other suppliers as I've had a few posts "disappear" on that very subject - frankly, one of the reasons interacting here is not as important as before.

That is disappointing. I had noticed the drop off in activity, but have not been very active myself and had no idea. It is a shame, as there is/was a lot of great contributors to this site.

(Today 04:22 PM)edcoolio Wrote:
I'm with you on one big issue: No USA (ATT or TMob) GSM 4G frequencies makes things difficult. 5wappa being a very huge draw in the US, assuming you don't mind a used device, is just about all we are left with.

Keep us posted and just be 1000% sure you get the USA version!!

I have the Zenfone 2 ordered, since I could get it shipped yesterday for delivery today for $4. Worst case I am out the $4 and return it. I am still considering the Idol 3, as I can have that in a day or two as well. I am not opposed to used, it has just become so difficult to wade through CL/eBay/Swappa/etc. to find something worthwhile.

[NexusTrix]

You can't go wrong with the Zenfone 2. The 1080P Intel version doesn't have the greatest battery life, but not terrible battery life either. According to recent news, should be Qualcomm versions coming soon. Most of the new versions will be 720p. Should address the battery life issues.

[JoshMcMadMac]

You can't go wrong with the Zenfone 2. The 1080P Intel version doesn't have the greatest battery life, but not terrible battery life either. According to recent news, should be Qualcomm versions coming soon. Most of the new versions will be 720p. Should address the battery life issues.

Thanks, I do not think I will regret the Zenfone 2. I was torn between the $200 and $300 price point, as once you hit $300 there is a lot of great options (especially second hand). The Idol 3 is $225 right now, and a lot of phone that competes very well with the lower Zenfone 2. I gave in for once and went with the more expensive option of the Zenfone 2. Faster processor, 4GB RAM, and the quick charger all add up to the extra $100 in value for me. I am always around a charger, and doubt the battery life will be any less than I am accustomed to.

[NexusTrix]

I don't think you'll regret it either. Its a good phone. Asus puts out frequent ROM updates and 5.1 is right around the corner.

[edcoolio]

You can't go wrong with the Zenfone 2. The 1080P Intel version doesn't have the greatest battery life, but not terrible battery life either. According to recent news, should be Qualcomm versions coming soon. Most of the new versions will be 720p. Should address the battery life issues.

Thanks, I do not think I will regret the Zenfone 2. I was torn between the $200 and $300 price point, as once you hit $300 there is a lot of great options (especially second hand). The Idol 3 is $225 right now, and a lot of phone that competes very well with the lower Zenfone 2. I gave in for once and went with the more expensive option of the Zenfone 2. Faster processor, 4GB RAM, and the quick charger all add up to the extra $100 in value for me. I am always around a charger, and doubt the battery life will be any less than I am accustomed to.

Agreed. A great choice to be sure. The extra speed, RAM, and charging system (not to mention the generally above average quality control/build quality!) makes for an excellent option.

If you always have your charger and spread around small, quality external battery chargers, then you should never be without.

I am interested in your thoughts, concerns, and opinion after a while of day-to-day real world use.

Cheers!

[JoshMcMadMac]

Agreed. A great choice to be sure. The extra speed, RAM, and charging system (not to mention the generally above average quality control/build quality!) makes for an excellent option.

If you always have your charger and spread around small, quality external battery chargers, then you should never be without.

I am interested in your thoughts, concerns, and opinion after a while of day-to-day real world use.

Cheers!

I only have a few hours with it so far, but I am definitely smitten. It is very close in size to the Doogee DG550 I had, but the curved case back and corners along with the lighter weight really make a difference. I personally like the button placements, which is a complaint from a lot of reviews. I am used to tweaking my android experience with custom roms, xposed, gravity box, nova launcher, etc...but I think I might be able to leave this one alone for awhile. I am content with the ZenUI and the phone is definitely a powerhouse.