Advice On Purchasing A Smartphone?

[ChristianPFC]

Advice on purchasing a smartphone?

I am planning to purchase a new phone, as my old one
(Samsung E-720, from around 2005) which I have been using since 2008 does not
support some features I would like.

I don’t need the newest model, it can even be second hand or
“copy from China”, my only preference regarding manufacturer is NOT Apple. I
did not get along well with the Apple computer I once had to use due to lack of
other computers. And I read you cannot exchange the battery in Apple products
and they censor some contents.

I want to access internet with my new phone. My current
SIM-card (1-2-call) is just for making phone calls, I want to keep my number,
how can I extend service to include internet?

I want GPS and a map (googlemaps would be fine) and want to be
able to save points (or even record a whole trip).

I want a touch-screen so I can type on a (kind of) keyboard, in English and in Thai, the
Thai keyboard of my electronic dictionary has a keyboard that is only basic Latin without special characters,
so Thai letters that are not on keys that have basic Latin are re-assigned to
elsewhere, which screws up my touch-type abilities). Just had a look at a
friend’s Blackberry: the key arrangement is different from a computer keyboard
and from my electronic dictionary. With a touchscreen used in landscape
orientation key arrangement like on a computer keyboard should be no problem (I
will check with friend’s mobile phones). However, a look at a Nokia Slider
(keyboard in landscape) showed yet another keyboard layout, different from
computer keyboard!

My current phone cannot display Thai characters, my new
phone has to be able to do so, so I can read and write SMS in Thai.

I want to use apps. At the moment I can only think of
grindr, a gay dating app. I heard from others that Apple blocks pictures they
consider pornographic, hence no Apple for me (or any manufacturer of mobile
phone or mobile network operator that has any kind of censorship).

No slider of flipper, just flat with touchscreen that fills
most of the area of the front, about 10 cm (or 4 inch) diagonal would be fine.

How long can such a mobile phone run on a battery charge? I
remember my first phone (Nokia 6210 in 2001) could run a week (I didn’t make
many calls) and now the battery still lasts 4 or 5 days (after over 10 years!).
My current phone lasts only 3 to 4 days with a charge. Some of my friends with
contemporary phones have problems with empty battery or carry a charger with
them. In this respect, it would be a good idea to get a phone for which I can
get a second battery cheaply.

I want to exchange data with my laptop which doesn’t have
Bluetooth, but wifi. Will this be possible? Even better: write SMS on my laptop’s
keyboard and send via my mobile phone and save all contacts and messages from
my phone on my laptop, is this possible?

Do you have any recommendation on which model to buy and
what to pay attention to (especially for second hand or “copy from China”)? Did
I forget anything important? I am well aware that many of these questions could
be answered by my Thai friends or by customer service or any mobile phone shop,
but I think the answers would be their preferences and not mine. Or they would
try to talk me into the newest model.

I discussed the subject with a friend, he advised on getting
Android 4 as operating system. He said that using any apps requires a Google
account (with possibility that Google is collecting data of me)?

[David48]

I looked at this when buying a 2nd hand smartphone.

[andrewrooney]

You know, the Thai made iMobile/iStyle phones are actually pretty decent. I bought one for my girlfriend awhile back, the iStyle Q6 if I remember correctly. The processor isn't quite as fast as the newest Samsung phones but it runs fine, has the latest version of Android and the camera is really good. They cost very little compared to Apple or Samsung products.

[brommers]

You ask a lot of questions but I will try to summarise.

Your core issue is the operating system. I see you are not an Apple fanboi, me neither. So it comes down to Android vs Windows Phone, and here Android wins hands down. My smartphone, tablet and laptop are all synced so I can access anything anywhere on any device. Easy to set up and simple to coordinate updates across machines. Now I have a tablet I hardly use my laptop. My phone is capable of being a WiFi hotspot from my mobile data plan so can support my other devices when out of WiFi range. Google Maps is a great resource as are Google Translate, Drive, Chrome etc.

This leaves you with a huge choice of manufacturers to choose from. The latest iMobile models seem great value and are offered by T Mobile in the U.S.A so can't be bad. At the other end of the scale you have things in the Samsung Galaxy range. I love my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 because it is big and suits my fat fingers. And then there are brands like HTC - poor after sales support in my experience - Motorola etc. The only way to select one is to find a retailer with a good choice and decent sales staff. Here I cannot help you, I live in Chiang Mai.

As for your mobile plan, I am sure AIS have many post pay data options. I use Dtac and have no problems with service and billing.

It is worth taking a while to explore the options and a long term view on all these issues. Then you will buy something that will suit you for a while. Good luck.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[asupeartea]

1-2-Call occasionally sends me an SMS offering 3G on my current phone if I type in a code (something like *900# or something like that. Just call their customer service number for help.

[ikbenhet]

The website from 12call allows you to change call plans.

With or without Internet. etc.

https://aiseservice.ais.co.th/eServiceWeb/

[recom273]

To answer some of your questions ..

"Some of my friends with contemporary phones have problems with empty battery or carry a charger with them." .. Get over it, bright hi-res LCD screens, push-messaging and wifi drain your battery. You can get a secondary battery pack for an iPhone, im sure there must be similar for other brands.

WIth modern phones, your not limited to the features installed on your phone, if you want to find an app to sync your contacts with the app over wifi or USB lead then just search for an app to do the job, maybe dropbox can help, I use it to sync quite a few things ( password storage / todo management ) or maybe you can do it with your google account. Bluetooth seems to used less and less for data transfer as its quite slow, most devices have wifi these days. So dont worry.

Same thing with the Thai keyboard, search for an app if your not to happy with the regular SMS app.

I can do the SMS trick you talk about from an apple computer over BT link, Its more of an computer app, than a phone feature .. but you dont have a BT computer, i can't think any other way it would work.

I believe on using my gadgets for the longest period possible, im still using my iphone 3GS, its good enough for me .. but if i was to buy something for the missus tomorrow, I would grab a Samsung S3, they are pretty impressive. I believe the processer power will still be good for a few more years.

The price dropped recently to 18,500B after the release of the S4, im waiting a couple more months for the price to drop further.

I wouldnt be tempted by the cheaper S3 mini or the Samsung grand as they appear not to be able to handle the GPRS that you requested.

[HUAHIN62]

Don't throw Samsung out they have many medium (galaxy ace plus B 5900 for example) and low cost (galaxy y B 3200 for example) smartphone options on the market. I can't recommend you to buy a second hand phone too many sharks out there. Go to your nearest IT centre and have a look around and see what you like and then shop for the best price. Can also look on the internet at InvadeIT for good prices.

[sotsira]

Apple phones have fixed batteries because they last for years.

If required though they can be replaced, although i still have an

iPhone 3 that is 5 yrs old with the battery still working fine.

[delanoalvis]

For all the requirments you listed out you can try Samsung Galaxy s3 or 4 or the Galaxy Note 2.

I use all the features listed (except ofcourse the gay site youentioned.)

I have had a Galaxy note 2 and its been super. If you think google collects data you can have a new gmail account without your name to use all the features and log in on a browser to your real email account.

2nd hand should be around 15k to 17k depending on condition for the note2

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[uhuh]

fixed batteries that you cannot change easily:

very, very common - all Sony mobiles, many HTC, the expensive ones from Huawei.

Samsung always has removable batteries

censorship:

all operating systems based in a certain puritan country will censor you, so do all companies who want to sell in said country.

Actually, if you want apps there are only 2 operating systems that have app stores of decent size: Apple and Google (called iOS and Android).

Both will censor your content, and both will watch you. About Apple, you seem to know this. Some example for censorship on Android: Google recently kicked all ad blockers out of the Android market; Youtube lets you only watch what they find ok for your country; it is impossible to write the words "sexy" or "kiss" using swipe on a Samsung keyboard

[bill morris]

Very good, lower priced (c thb 4,500) is Samsung Galaxy Y (y = young, but works well for more mature users) I used one for 1 year, before my son 'borrowed it. Then used i-mobile q6a, good phone, 2 slots for simm cards, uip to 32gb memory capabilty. Generally, very good phone. Now using a Samsung Galaxy Grand duos - mid priced - GREAT phone, all the whistles and bells.

Sent from my M3 Enjoy TV Box using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited May 17, 2013 by bill morris

[ChristianPFC]

I am still searching, and the thread "I-Mobile Iq6 Evaluation After 2 Days Of Use" was useful, thanks to everyone who contributed there.

I think I will purchase a phone from imobile (low prices and large range of models).

What is the difference between i-Style and IQ or 5.1 and 5.3 or IQ6 and IQ6A? A shop assistant told me that IQ is better than i-Style (whatever "better" means).

Do these phones come with a manual in English? Shop assistants did not know and advised me to search in the internet, but I prefer a printed manual in English that comes with the phone.

I am curious about phones that can display television, but for me that would only be for playing, not for serious usage. So I wonder: does this increase the weight of the phone or reduce battery time? Does it require a special antenna?

At least the search for a shop where to buy was easy. IT-Square (Lak Si) is in walking distance to my place, there are many shops but most of them do not have prices displayed and some have prices on large labels that cover the whole phone, so I can't read the technical details. My mental abilities allow me to remember three facts at one time (for comparison with other models): model name, screen size (I am pondering whether to buy a 4 or 5 inch or something in between), and one more technical detail. If I have to ask for the price (and remember it for all models or write it down), this exceeds my capabilities. Anyway, there is only one shop that has prices on display, seems to have the full range of models and at least one staff who speaks good English, this is where I will buy (if/when I can decide which model).

Price is not that important, between 4000 and 8000 is ok.

Edited July 11, 2013 by ChristianPFC

[kkerry]

Hi Christian,

I purchased an IQ 1.1 recently and the manual is in Thai and English.

It does most of what you need I think.

To move files between my computer and the phone I use a USB cable.

To send an SMS from your phone using your computer, there are apps for that, Mighty Text is one but there are others to choose from.

https://play.google.com/store/search?q=mighty+text&c=apps

I used these two sites for product info comparison and pricing when doing my research.

http://www.siamphone.com/price/i-mobile

http://product.i-mobilephone.com/

The info is not always 100% correct so if you decide on something then read the side of the box to confirm you are getting what you think you are getting spec wise.

In my case the specs were better than what the website said. The prices are accurate, you may get a small discount or you may find everyone sells at the same price.

IQ6 and IQ 6A, difference I believe is the network supported i.e. AIS or Dtac set up on different bands

IQ are generally better models than I-Style, larger screens, a little pricier but you need to check the specs for each model to see what is best for you.

I would get something with Jelly Bean rather than any of the older Android versions.

If you use your phone a lot, with GPS and Wi-Fi then most smart phones need recharging daily.

You can purchase battery extenders from as cheap as 250 baht but larger capacity extenders can cost up to 2000 baht depending on brand, quality and design. A thousand baht easily gets you at least a 5000mAh unit, maybe even double that size.

[Shurup]

yeah, I tried batt extender, didn't work well, easier to just swap the battery, that's why many Android phones have user replaceable batteries. And regarding Sofsira comment above about iPhones have sealed batteries that last years, it's not about how long the battery lasts, but how long the phone can run on one battery charge.

[sumrit]

I am still searching, and the thread "I-Mobile Iq6 Evaluation After 2 Days Of Use" was useful, thanks to everyone who contributed there.

I think I will purchase a phone from imobile (low prices and large range of models).

What is the difference between i-Style and IQ or 5.1 and 5.3 or IQ6 and IQ6A? A shop assistant told me that IQ is better than i-Style (whatever "better" means).

Do these phones come with a manual in English? Shop assistants did not know and advised me to search in the internet, but I prefer a printed manual in English that comes with the phone.

I am curious about phones that can display television, but for me that would only be for playing, not for serious usage. So I wonder: does this increase the weight of the phone or reduce battery time? Does it require a special antenna?

Price is not that important, between 4000 and 8000 is ok.

The full range of i-mobile products, with the full spec for each, can be found here. http://product.i-mobilephone.com/

The site is in Thai but if you use google chrome you can translate it into English easily.

The IQ range is of a higher spec than the I-Style.

The models with 'A' at the end are capable of using the 3G 900MHZ and 2100MHZ frequencies while the models without an 'A' are for the 3G 850MHZ and 2100MHZ frequencies.

Some IQ models are capable of 3G on all frequencies (850mhz, 900mhz and 2100mhz).

The manuals come in Thai and English.

For the models that have built in TV, it's an analogue system and comes with it's own extendable built in aerial. It doesn't increase the weight of the phone but, when used, in the same way as watching any video, it will reduce battery time.

Not sure about i-style prices but IQ prices start at around 5000 baht and their current top of the range IQ X(A) model is excellent value at 9450 baht, as is the IQ5.3 at around 6500 baht.

[ChristianPFC]

i-mobile IQ6

I finally (mid July 2013) bought an i-mobile IQ6. An amazing piece of technology! Price was 7690, you can get it from 6990 Baht.

I was looking for 4.5 to 5 inch screen, other options were IQ5.3 (big battery, but lower resolution), IQ1 series, IQ4. But upon recommendation from the shop assistant and reading a review elsewhere, I settled for IQ6.

Quite a change from my previous phone (Samsung SGH-E720 from about 2007). In general, I am satisfied with my IQ6, it will take a while to explore all possibilities (and I will need a SIM for internet).

(The Nokia 6210 is still working, and the original battery now lasts about 3 days – it lasted a week when I bought it 12 years ago.)

Battery lasts about a day (with two SIM cards, one for calls and one for data, WiFi and GPS off unless I use it). When I used it in Europe with one SIM (calls only), it lasted about 3 days.

Amazing screen, I can read documents that are intended for print on A4. Incredible!

WLAN (or WiFi) did not work. I tried to log in in my room, authentication problem. I tried at work, or rather ask IT service and let them play with it for half an hour to no avail. I went back to the shop, they couldn’t get WiFi to work. That was before a two week holiday in Germany and Austria. Upon return, I went to the service center, they couldn’t get it to work and finally gave me a new phone that works without problems (but some data was lost that was stored on the old phone).

GPS works only in connection with an application? At the begin, I didn’t have internet, so no google maps, I could not get anything out of GPS, it is just „on“ or „off“ and nothing more happened. After one connection to internet, googlemaps works with GPS, sometimes a bit slow. Very useful!

The touch screen keyboard in Thai has the same arrangement of letters like a computer keyboard (I can touch type Thai and my digital dictionary has a different arrangement, which is very annoying).

Charging battery takes up to 5 hours (my laptop: 2 hours). When I used the phone until it switched off due to empty battery, and then plugged it in, I only got the „charging“ symbol on the screen, but I could not switch it on. I had to unplug from USB to switch it on.

Switching batteries is not an option, I would have to remove the protective cover first, then the back. With previous phones, it was click (old battery off) – clack (new battery in), not here, rather carry a charger.

The headphones are not loud enough. I tried several music and movies, at maximum volume most of it is ok, but in some cases you still need an quiet environment. I could not understand some movies I watched in a railway station, the surrounding noise was louder than the sound from the headphones. I have a similar problem with my laptop. In Thai discos it’s the contrary, I use earplugs.

After data connection to a computer „File Manager“ sometimes shows an empty Home (SD card + Phone storage). I have to do some other manipulations (I don’t remember which activity brought back the contents, but you can access some data via „Settings“ - „Storage“ – „Pictures, videos“).

SD card and Phone storage are recognized as two drives (F and G), I have to eject both separately from my laptop (although they are both under i-mobile IQ6).

The jacks for headphone and charging have no protection. I keep the phone upside down in my pocket, so no dirt can fall in. My previous phones had covers for jacks.

When I read pdf documents, I turn the phone 90 degree (so it is in landscape position). Then I have to tap twice to “screen width”. How can this be done automatically?

Edited October 15, 2013 by ChristianPFC

[BugJackBaron]

It's funny nobody has mentioned the Blackberry. It allows running of Android apps as well as those from its own OS (Qnx)

And for battery power consumption, it's one frugal beast. Check out the new Z10 model.

[adweb00]

I talk daily with the dev team guys im a big apple modding freak. Just curious in first post stated that apple censors certain content. An very interested what have you seen that they are censoring?

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Edited October 24, 2013 by adweb00

[ChristianPFC]

I wanted touch screen, therefore no blackberry for me.

I don't remember exactly what apple censors (I read about it somewhere on the internet), and now I found out that some pics in gay dating apps are censored on my IQ6 with android as well. But the mere idea that something is censored on a Apple device that is not censored on another device is enough to confirm my rejection of Apple's products.

[GarryP]

I too am looking to buy my first smartphone. I really like the Galaxy Note 3 but cannot justify spending that amount of money. I will mainly use the phone for basic navigation (using some map app or another) so it needs an inbuilt compass, and photography (when out on my bicycle), and messing around on the web but I will not use it much for actually phoning out. I would like a quite large screen as I do not wish to have to put my reading glasses on everytime I receive a message. Obvioiusly, it must be able to operate on the 3g network. What would you suggest for not more than say Baht 15k? Any suggestions would be appreciated as I am really green when it comes to mobile phones.

[thaicbr]

I too am looking to buy my first smartphone. I really like the Galaxy Note 3 but cannot justify spending that amount of money. I will mainly use the phone for basic navigation (using some map app or another) so it needs an inbuilt compass, and photography (when out on my bicycle), and messing around on the web but I will not use it much for actually phoning out. I would like a quite large screen as I do not wish to have to put my reading glasses on everytime I receive a message. Obvioiusly, it must be able to operate on the 3g network. What would you suggest for not more than say Baht 15k? Any suggestions would be appreciated as I am really green when it comes to mobile phones.

Either a NEXUS 5 from the states (11,000b) or up ya money slightly and get a NEXUS 5 here in Thailand for 16900b from DTAC or TRUE

[GarryP]

I too am looking to buy my first smartphone. I really like the Galaxy Note 3 but cannot justify spending that amount of money. I will mainly use the phone for basic navigation (using some map app or another) so it needs an inbuilt compass, and photography (when out on my bicycle), and messing around on the web but I will not use it much for actually phoning out. I would like a quite large screen as I do not wish to have to put my reading glasses on everytime I receive a message. Obvioiusly, it must be able to operate on the 3g network. What would you suggest for not more than say Baht 15k? Any suggestions would be appreciated as I am really green when it comes to mobile phones.

Either a NEXUS 5 from the states (11,000b) or up ya money slightly and get a NEXUS 5 here in Thailand for 16900b from DTAC or TRUE

Thanks. I will check it out.

[petedk]

I wanted touch screen, therefore no blackberry for me.

I don't remember exactly what apple censors (I read about it somewhere on the internet), and now I found out that some pics in gay dating apps are censored on my IQ6 with android as well. But the mere idea that something is censored on a Apple device that is not censored on another device is enough to confirm my rejection of Apple's products.

You obviously didn't check it out.

The Blackberry Z10 IS a touchscreen.

..... but I wouldn't buy a Blackberry right now.

Edited November 19, 2013 by petedk

[GarryP]

I too am looking to buy my first smartphone. I really like the Galaxy Note 3 but cannot justify spending that amount of money. I will mainly use the phone for basic navigation (using some map app or another) so it needs an inbuilt compass, and photography (when out on my bicycle), and messing around on the web but I will not use it much for actually phoning out. I would like a quite large screen as I do not wish to have to put my reading glasses on everytime I receive a message. Obvioiusly, it must be able to operate on the 3g network. What would you suggest for not more than say Baht 15k? Any suggestions would be appreciated as I am really green when it comes to mobile phones.

Either a NEXUS 5 from the states (11,000b) or up ya money slightly and get a NEXUS 5 here in Thailand for 16900b from DTAC or TRUE

Thanks. I will check it out.

I either want to go with AIS or True, but unfortunately, Nexus is only available from DTAC. I want to buy from one of these companies as the devices are often bundled with a considerable discount on monthly fees which represents savings and quite a few thousand Baht. Is the lateset Sony Xperia worth a look? It looks like I may have to bite the bullet and pay more than I want to. However, the more I look at Galaxy Note 3 the more concerned I am about its build quality. It does not appear particularly tough or durable.

[SDM0712]

I used a Blackberry 9900 with dual touch screen and physical keyboard and also a Blackberry Z10 pure touchscreen. Very happy with both and they do everything you have mentioned +

S

[Shurup]

I either want to go with AIS or True, but unfortunately, Nexus is only available from DTAC. I want to buy from one of these companies as the devices are often bundled with a considerable discount on monthly fees which represents savings and quite a few thousand Baht. Is the lateset Sony Xperia worth a look? It looks like I may have to bite the bullet and pay more than I want to. However, the more I look at Galaxy Note 3 the more concerned I am about its build quality. It does not appear particularly tough or durable.

I'm not sure which one is the latest Xperia in Thailand, before I got my Note 3 I looked at the xperia z ultra, the one which is 6.4" screen and it looked too big it was too big. I also read about some issues with the phone becoming unresponsive (dead) which required some fancy manipulations to get it going again... On top of it, xperia was sold with 4.2 Android, while Note was 4.3 (the latest at the time), add to that a larger, user replaceable battery, a familiar interface (to me, as I came from Galaxy S2), better software package utilizing the stylus (which I use quite often but not to the full potential, yet), better many other things (you can find all that in the numerous reviews online) and all that at about the same price for either phone, I went with Note 3 and have no complains about the built quality whatsoever, I actually slapped a screen protector and a case on it right in the store so I don't even see much of the phone...

I think after the xperia z ultra, sony put out another phone, xperia z1 (???) which is quite smaller and less advanced on many fronts comparing to the z ultra model. The only feature of xperia phones that I love and wish my Note had it is being waterproof.

Regarding the Nexus phones, order one from the states or canada if you have a friend or a relative coming here to visit you, or if you're planning a trip there yourself. It will probably be a lot better saving than buying it here bundled with a plan from DTAC which you don't want anyway?

[Shurup]

Here's a good comparison of xperia z1 Note 3 and one of the LG phones.

http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g2_vs_samsung_galaxy_note_3_vs_sony_xperia_z1-review-1000.php

Note that Note 3 in the review is the european / North American model, a little different from the Thai Note 3. Either Note 3 models are available at MBK, not much different in price.

[GarryP]

I either want to go with AIS or True, but unfortunately, Nexus is only available from DTAC. I want to buy from one of these companies as the devices are often bundled with a considerable discount on monthly fees which represents savings and quite a few thousand Baht. Is the lateset Sony Xperia worth a look? It looks like I may have to bite the bullet and pay more than I want to. However, the more I look at Galaxy Note 3 the more concerned I am about its build quality. It does not appear particularly tough or durable.

I'm not sure which one is the latest Xperia in Thailand, before I got my Note 3 I looked at the xperia z ultra, the one which is 6.4" screen and it looked too big it was too big. I also read about some issues with the phone becoming unresponsive (dead) which required some fancy manipulations to get it going again... On top of it, xperia was sold with 4.2 Android, while Note was 4.3 (the latest at the time), add to that a larger, user replaceable battery, a familiar interface (to me, as I came from Galaxy S2), better software package utilizing the stylus (which I use quite often but not to the full potential, yet), better many other things (you can find all that in the numerous reviews online) and all that at about the same price for either phone, I went with Note 3 and have no complains about the built quality whatsoever, I actually slapped a screen protector and a case on it right in the store so I don't even see much of the phone...

I think after the xperia z ultra, sony put out another phone, xperia z1 (???) which is quite smaller and less advanced on many fronts comparing to the z ultra model. The only feature of xperia phones that I love and wish my Note had it is being waterproof.

Regarding the Nexus phones, order one from the states or canada if you have a friend or a relative coming here to visit you, or if you're planning a trip there yourself. It will probably be a lot better saving than buying it here bundled with a plan from DTAC which you don't want anyway?

Thanks for the input. It is much appreciated.

[GarryP]

Here's a good comparison of xperia z1 Note 3 and one of the LG phones.

http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g2_vs_samsung_galaxy_note_3_vs_sony_xperia_z1-review-1000.php

Note that Note 3 in the review is the european / North American model, a little different from the Thai Note 3. Either Note 3 models are available at MBK, not much different in price.

Thanks. I checked out the link and each having strengths and weaknesses. I think it boils down to what you actually need from your phone. In any case, in the space of 24 hours I have decided to forget about buying a phone with an AIS or True package as it opens up a lot of other choices. So the Nexus is still a possibility but the camera leaves a bit to be desired. All three of those phones appear great, but so is the price.

Any suggestions on the best places to purchase in BKK.