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Posted
9 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

What? Obviously when you upgrade a phone you get better tech like, 5G, faster, NFC, better camera, esim etc

Yes, but you get those things whether you buy a cheap phone, or an expensive phone, and the tech in the cheap phones generally trails the tech in the expensive phones. 

 

Cheap is a great reason to buy something. But buying something cheap because you want do replace it more often does not make a lot of sense to me. I would rather buy something nice and keep it a couple years as opposed to buying something cheap so I can replace it every year. 

 

 

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Posted

My Samsung cost 1000 USD. Back in 2019. A Samsung Note, at the time the best phone on the market. I used to think that I would only buy the best, only buy Samsung.

 

However, then it turned out that these Chinese phones that cost just over half can charge twice as fast. Their pictures look better too.  

 

My next phone will be a Realme. Simply because I like the ultra fast charging times. That it's cheaper is just a bonus. But I can't pay 1000 USD for a Samsung only to find it charges half as fast as the competition.

Posted
17 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Upgrading more frequently is less of a jump than waiting many years and things have changed aka being left behind by tech. Security is stepping up fast every time I change phone

I have an iPhone 13 Pro Max that is over three years old, and it has the same iOS and security as a brand-new iPhone 16. 

 

I'll buy my wife a new iPhone 17 for Christmas this year, and I'll get her 15, which will work pretty much exactly like the 13 I have now. No learning curve. In the 10-15 years I've been using the iPhones, every software upgrade has been seamless and ever replacement has been painless. 

 

Posted
1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

Yes, but you get those things whether you buy a cheap phone, or an expensive phone, and the tech in the cheap phones generally trails the tech in the expensive phones. 

 

Cheap is a great reason to buy something. But buying something cheap because you want do replace it more often does not make a lot of sense to me. I would rather buy something nice and keep it a couple years as opposed to buying something cheap so I can replace it every year. 

 

 

You are making the mistake of thinking having an old iPhone is better than a new android. There was a guy posted the other day, he has an iPhone for work, android for home and hates the iPhone 

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Posted
1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

You are making the mistake of thinking having an old iPhone is better than a new android. There was a guy posted the other day, he has an iPhone for work, android for home and hates the iPhone 

You are making thr mistake of thinking a new cheap phone is a good as a new expensive phone. 

 

Would you rather have a new Swift or a two year old S500? 

Posted
29 minutes ago, mogandave said:

How is it silly? The Swift will do anything the S500 will do, why waste the money?

No idea what that is, but back to phones, going from my Redmi Note 9 to 12 5G I gained faster WiFi speed, NFC, more memory, better finger print tech, etc

Posted
17 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

No idea what that is, but back to phones, going from my Redmi Note 9 to 12 5G I gained faster WiFi speed, NFC, more memory, better finger print tech, etc

I have not used fingerprint tech in years. I like the facial recognition much better than the fingerprint. I did not think I would, but I do. 

Posted
1 hour ago, mogandave said:
1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

No idea what that is, but back to phones, going from my Redmi Note 9 to 12 5G I gained faster WiFi speed, NFC, more memory, better finger print tech, etc

I have not used fingerprint tech in years. I like the facial recognition much better than the fingerprint. I did not think I would, but I do. 

 

I believe the Redmi Note 13 now includes Face ID functionality – a feature that's a silent revolution in smartphone usability. It’s one of those advances you don’t realise you needed until you’ve experienced it. Face recognition streamlines access, adds a layer of security, and simply makes using a phone more fluid and intuitive.

 

Apple popularised face ID with its TrueDepth camera system on the iPhone X and beyond, Android manufacturers such as Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi did have their own implementations which relied on infrared sensors, others used just the front-facing camera (with varying degrees of security).

 

As for the endless Apple vs Android debate – I’ve never really subscribed to it. Both ecosystems have their strengths, and ultimately, it boils down to individual preference and how deeply invested one is in the respective ecosystem.

 

I’m almost entirely Apple-centric: Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, iPhone, AirPods – the full suite. That level of integration is hard to walk away from, even though I’m increasingly frustrated with the ever-inflating price tags on Apple’s flagship phones.

 

Currently, I’m using the iPhone 15 Pro (standard size) for personal use. It’s a bit heavier than I’d prefer, but beyond that, I can’t really fault it.

 

However, I can’t offer a meaningful comparison with Android, as I’m not a regular user. I suspect that’s at the heart of many platform debates – most people are heavily invested in one ecosystem and end up justifying their own choices rather than offering objective comparisons.

 

At work, I previously used the iPhone SE and really appreciated its lighter, more compact form factor – a reminder that not everyone needs a flagship device.

 

One of the big concerns these days is just how much personal data we carry on our phones – banking, crypto wallets, messages, two-factor authentication apps, the lot. Losing a phone isn’t just an inconvenience anymore; it's a serious security and identity risk. Replacing the hardware is one thing, but re-authenticating and setting up all the security protocols again on a new phone can be a nightmare (even with Cloud backup).

 

What I’d really like to see is the option to run dual devices with shared functionality – a sort of ‘primary’ phone that stays secure at home, and a lighter, less critical companion phone for when you're out and about. Ideally, the second phone would carry your number, messaging apps (WhatsApp, LINE, email), and maybe one bank app – but exclude your most sensitive services.

 

Unfortunately, that’s not quite possible at the moment. Messaging apps like WhatsApp and LINE aren’t designed for simultaneous use on two independent devices (unless you're using a paired desktop or web client).

As for banking apps, I'm not sure if the Thai ones support multiple devices with secure authentication.

 

Hopefully, the next meaningful shift in mobile tech will involve smarter, more flexible ways to separate critical services from day-to-day functionality. i.e. a low-cost companion device – secure, synced, and easily replaceable – that doesn't put your digital life at risk if it's lost or stolen.

Posted
1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

I believe the Redmi Note 13 now includes Face ID functionality – a feature that's a silent revolution in smartphone usability. It’s one of those advances you don’t realise you needed until you’ve experienced it. Face recognition streamlines access, adds a layer of security, and simply makes using a phone more fluid and intuitive.

 

Apple popularised face ID with its TrueDepth camera system on the iPhone X and beyond, Android manufacturers such as Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi did have their own implementations which relied on infrared sensors, others used just the front-facing camera (with varying degrees of security).

 

As for the endless Apple vs Android debate – I’ve never really subscribed to it. Both ecosystems have their strengths, and ultimately, it boils down to individual preference and how deeply invested one is in the respective ecosystem.

 

I’m almost entirely Apple-centric: Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, iPhone, AirPods – the full suite. That level of integration is hard to walk away from, even though I’m increasingly frustrated with the ever-inflating price tags on Apple’s flagship phones.

 

Currently, I’m using the iPhone 15 Pro (standard size) for personal use. It’s a bit heavier than I’d prefer, but beyond that, I can’t really fault it.

 

However, I can’t offer a meaningful comparison with Android, as I’m not a regular user. I suspect that’s at the heart of many platform debates – most people are heavily invested in one ecosystem and end up justifying their own choices rather than offering objective comparisons.

 

At work, I previously used the iPhone SE and really appreciated its lighter, more compact form factor – a reminder that not everyone needs a flagship device.

 

One of the big concerns these days is just how much personal data we carry on our phones – banking, crypto wallets, messages, two-factor authentication apps, the lot. Losing a phone isn’t just an inconvenience anymore; it's a serious security and identity risk. Replacing the hardware is one thing, but re-authenticating and setting up all the security protocols again on a new phone can be a nightmare (even with Cloud backup).

 

What I’d really like to see is the option to run dual devices with shared functionality – a sort of ‘primary’ phone that stays secure at home, and a lighter, less critical companion phone for when you're out and about. Ideally, the second phone would carry your number, messaging apps (WhatsApp, LINE, email), and maybe one bank app – but exclude your most sensitive services.

 

Unfortunately, that’s not quite possible at the moment. Messaging apps like WhatsApp and LINE aren’t designed for simultaneous use on two independent devices (unless you're using a paired desktop or web client).

As for banking apps, I'm not sure if the Thai ones support multiple devices with secure authentication.

 

Hopefully, the next meaningful shift in mobile tech will involve smarter, more flexible ways to separate critical services from day-to-day functionality. i.e. a low-cost companion device – secure, synced, and easily replaceable – that doesn't put your digital life at risk if it's lost or stolen.

I was sure I would not like the facial ID, took about five minutes to change my mind. 

Posted
10 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Better tech usually

Not really, unless it's intentionall crippled on older models.  I think Apple likes to do stuff like that, in addition to intentionally slowing down the CPU.

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Posted
9 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

Cheap is a great reason to buy something. But buying something cheap because you want do replace it more often does not make a lot of sense to me. I would rather buy something nice and keep it a couple years as opposed to buying something cheap so I can replace it every year. 

 

The guys that baffle me are the ones that pony up the big bucks for top of the line, never even use the features and still upgrade every time something new and shiny comes out.

 

  • Agree 1
Posted
1 hour ago, shdmn said:

Not really, unless it's intentionall crippled on older models.  I think Apple likes to do stuff like that, in addition to intentionally slowing down the CPU.

 

I've had my suspicions about their computers.  But I think there are enough geeks in the world that would expose it if true and Apple has too much to lose.  

 

I recently (well a year) upgraded from an Intel based Apple laptop to an Apple CPU M2 Pro CPU based laptop.  Combined with SSD storage replacing the old spinning disc hard drive it is incredible.  I have large music and photo libraries.  On the old machine it would take a while to load them.  Now it is almost instant.  Everything is faster.  In short it is AWESOME.  

 

Now on phones I have always suspected they do something to make the battery less efficient in the old models.  Probably not but that's my conspiracy and I'm sticking to it.  

Posted
2 hours ago, jimmybcool said:

 

I've had my suspicions about their computers.  But I think there are enough geeks in the world that would expose it if true and Apple has too much to lose.  

 

I recently (well a year) upgraded from an Intel based Apple laptop to an Apple CPU M2 Pro CPU based laptop.  Combined with SSD storage replacing the old spinning disc hard drive it is incredible.  I have large music and photo libraries.  On the old machine it would take a while to load them.  Now it is almost instant.  Everything is faster.  In short it is AWESOME.  

 

Now on phones I have always suspected they do something to make the battery less efficient in the old models.  Probably not but that's my conspiracy and I'm sticking to it.  

A lot of true 'geeks' do not use Apple.  They don't need that sort of hand holding and want be able to figure things out on their own and have more options for customizing things.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-67911517

Posted
7 hours ago, shdmn said:

Not really, unless it's intentionall crippled on older models.  I think Apple likes to do stuff like that, in addition to intentionally slowing down the CPU.

Tech gets better with new models, its obvious just look at functionality and compare, you guys don't realise things move on and improve 

Posted
9 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

I believe the Redmi Note 13 now includes Face ID functionality – a feature that's a silent revolution in smartphone usability. It’s one of those advances you don’t realise you needed until you’ve experienced it. Face recognition streamlines access, adds a layer of security, and simply makes using a phone more fluid and intuitive.

 

Apple popularised face ID with its TrueDepth camera system on the iPhone X and beyond, Android manufacturers such as Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi did have their own implementations which relied on infrared sensors, others used just the front-facing camera (with varying degrees of security).

 

As for the endless Apple vs Android debate – I’ve never really subscribed to it. Both ecosystems have their strengths, and ultimately, it boils down to individual preference and how deeply invested one is in the respective ecosystem.

 

I’m almost entirely Apple-centric: Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, iPhone, AirPods – the full suite. That level of integration is hard to walk away from, even though I’m increasingly frustrated with the ever-inflating price tags on Apple’s flagship phones.

 

Currently, I’m using the iPhone 15 Pro (standard size) for personal use. It’s a bit heavier than I’d prefer, but beyond that, I can’t really fault it.

 

However, I can’t offer a meaningful comparison with Android, as I’m not a regular user. I suspect that’s at the heart of many platform debates – most people are heavily invested in one ecosystem and end up justifying their own choices rather than offering objective comparisons.

 

At work, I previously used the iPhone SE and really appreciated its lighter, more compact form factor – a reminder that not everyone needs a flagship device.

 

One of the big concerns these days is just how much personal data we carry on our phones – banking, crypto wallets, messages, two-factor authentication apps, the lot. Losing a phone isn’t just an inconvenience anymore; it's a serious security and identity risk. Replacing the hardware is one thing, but re-authenticating and setting up all the security protocols again on a new phone can be a nightmare (even with Cloud backup).

 

What I’d really like to see is the option to run dual devices with shared functionality – a sort of ‘primary’ phone that stays secure at home, and a lighter, less critical companion phone for when you're out and about. Ideally, the second phone would carry your number, messaging apps (WhatsApp, LINE, email), and maybe one bank app – but exclude your most sensitive services.

 

Unfortunately, that’s not quite possible at the moment. Messaging apps like WhatsApp and LINE aren’t designed for simultaneous use on two independent devices (unless you're using a paired desktop or web client).

As for banking apps, I'm not sure if the Thai ones support multiple devices with secure authentication.

 

Hopefully, the next meaningful shift in mobile tech will involve smarter, more flexible ways to separate critical services from day-to-day functionality. i.e. a low-cost companion device – secure, synced, and easily replaceable – that doesn't put your digital life at risk if it's lost or stolen.

Yes my 13 Pro+ has face ID maybe improved hard to tell but my 9 and 12 has face recognition. 

 

I don't see the point of phones memory increasing every release 1TB now. If you lose the phone it's gone, personally I like to back up to a 1TB SSD every month

Posted
5 hours ago, shdmn said:

A lot of true 'geeks' do not use Apple.  They don't need that sort of hand holding and want be able to figure things out on their own and have more options for customizing things.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-67911517

 

Well a lot of true geeks do use Apple.   Certainly enough that measure actual CPU performance etc.  All that stuff is tested by computer geeks who share their findings.

 

Posted
1 hour ago, jimmybcool said:

 

Well a lot of true geeks do use Apple.   Certainly enough that measure actual CPU performance etc.  All that stuff is tested by computer geeks who share their findings.

 

image.gif.9d2f97c10ae9fcc9b3fb739c3b9582db.gif

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Posted

Looking at Xiami 13T pro, anyone got it? 

 

I will read through the thread and see what you have been discussing.

 

For me a decent camera and battery is all Im asking for

 

From years with primary Apple products only I jumped off when I moved to Thailand, and have tried 

 

Oppo, Oneplus Nord, Samsung A 24 which had to worst camera so far but good battery. Still like the Samsung now Im used to it. Use google and Icloud for storage. 

 

Im not willing to spend more than 15k

 

Suggestions? 

 

Xiami 13T pro can get it for 15k in Norway

Samsung S23? 

A55?

A35?

Iphone 12  can get it for 12 500 baht in Norway

Goggle pixel 9a can get it for 18k in Norway

 

 

 

 

Posted
3 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Poor people buy iPhone for show same people get loans for cars they can't afford

And even more people buy cheap phones because they can't afford more expensive phones. 

Posted
26 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

I'm surprised those farang working in Thailand on their relatively low salaries bother 

Bother with what? Pretending they buy cheap phones because that's what they like, and not because they are cheap? It takes all kinds. 

Posted

I bought my first iPhone when I had to go to Angola for a month and knew i would have a lot of hanging around time.
Called in at the Trafford Centre on my way to the airport and bought an iPhone 4 to console myself.

Spent my 50th birthday in the huge hotel as the only guest and the iPhone was my only distraction, unfortunately WiFi was only available in the reception area !

Since then have been a staunch iPhone user, just love the os, shortly after the company gave me a 4s and then upgraded to a 5.

iPhone upgrades sometimes aren’t worth the bother:

Liked the 6 but 7 and 8 weren’t worth changing, X was a nice phone and bought the XS Max also.

Skipped 11 and 12 and currently own a 13 Pro Max, 14 not worthy of an upgrade but 15 a big jump in camera specs, 16 not much better than the 15.

 

Don’t need a new phone and think the 17 will be way more than i want to pay, but the 15 camera upgrade is tempting.

Currently thinking of a 15 Pro Max ( 13PM to the wife, XS Max to the daughter and X to the son ).

Could wait until the 17 appears then the 16 should drop in price and 15 even further but maybe new 15 difficult to find ??

 

Decisions decisions …… or could just stick with this 13 PM ?, its an excellent phone.

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