Official 2017-19: Which Smartphone Should I Get?
#181
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEL
Posts: 1,057
It lives! Somehow with a lot of patience and even more hairdryer, I was able to get the thing apart and back together without busting it. But the recommendations will also be useful for my brother (and for me in another year, probably), so thanks, all.
The 6T is 157.5 x 74.8 x 8.2 mm, which is pretty close to the original Pixel XL's 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm. I hope "regular" size phones don't disappear the way small phones (think iPhone SE size) have. I can't just wear cargo pants everywhere to carry my phone
The OnePlus 6T is actually not much bigger than the original Pixel. I think 6T is actually thinner, about the same width and just 1cm longer. If the thunder purple didn't ran out of stock, I would have got the 6T. But I ended up getting the Pixel 3 XL because after the Google Fi service credit, the phone is free. It is very hard to beat free $900 phone.
#182
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HaMerkaz/Exit 145
Programs: UA, LY, BA, AA
Posts: 13,167
If going for the P20 Pro, might as well go with the Mate 20 Pro? I was actually choosing between the 6T and Mate 20 X. The Mate 20 X got the better camera and the crazy 7.2 inch OLED screen, but I have to buy it from Asia and it is like $900. The 6T has good value with flagship capabilities. They both got teardrop full screen which I think is much better looking than the notch. But I ended up getting the Pixel 3 XL thru Fi's post BF promo. It is just very hard to beat a free phone with a really good camera for night pictures.
#183
Join Date: Oct 2008
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 887
My current phone is an iPhone 6S. Phone is currently on it’s 3rd battery - 1st change was due to the product recall for early production models, 2nd due to struggling to hold a decent charge.
Recently I’ve had a couple of instances where phone has been kept in jacket pocket on cold day, went to use it with greater than 30% battery life and it just died. Battery health indicator seems normal.
Have been looking at Pixel 3, Mate P20 Pro, Samsung S9 in UK, and was leaning towards the Pixel 3.
Which would you recommend for someone transferring to Android for first time?
Recently I’ve had a couple of instances where phone has been kept in jacket pocket on cold day, went to use it with greater than 30% battery life and it just died. Battery health indicator seems normal.
Have been looking at Pixel 3, Mate P20 Pro, Samsung S9 in UK, and was leaning towards the Pixel 3.
Which would you recommend for someone transferring to Android for first time?
#184
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: K+K
Programs: *G
Posts: 4,871
The Mate and P20 are 2 separate lines of phones by Huawei.
Both lines have pretty much the best battery performance in the industry.
The other notable one is the Samsung Note - by sheer size it packs a high capacity battery.
All are more or less the same. They all have functionality meant to ease the import of data from others phone (even if iPhone).
Samsung and Huawei packs their own software, which means some duplicate apps, which might be a bit "confusing". Its not really a big deal anymore, but the Pixel should offer the cleanest experience.
Both lines have pretty much the best battery performance in the industry.
The other notable one is the Samsung Note - by sheer size it packs a high capacity battery.
All are more or less the same. They all have functionality meant to ease the import of data from others phone (even if iPhone).
Samsung and Huawei packs their own software, which means some duplicate apps, which might be a bit "confusing". Its not really a big deal anymore, but the Pixel should offer the cleanest experience.
#186
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,708
After several weeks convinced I'd get an LG V40, I'm now leaning towards the Galaxy Note 9. One word: Battery.
If I'm going to have to give up a removable battery, then the built-in battery ought to be the largest possible.
If I'm going to have to give up a removable battery, then the built-in battery ought to be the largest possible.
#187
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: K+K
Programs: *G
Posts: 4,871
Its such a revelation to use a phone where you simply use it as you feel, all day, and not spend a second being conscious of charging points on having enough juice.....
#188
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,708
Plus, the V40 and Note 9 are essentially the same size, and both of them are a bit slimmer than the V20 I'm on now.
If Samsung can cram a 4000 mAh battery into that form factor (AND an S pen)...why can't LG?
If Samsung can cram a 4000 mAh battery into that form factor (AND an S pen)...why can't LG?
#190
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,708
(I actually carry an external battery pack, as that's a little less troublesome than hoping for a convenient outlet when I actually need it.)
#191
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
That's what I meant a battery pack.
I also have charger and cables on my carryon personal item bag for long overseas flights.
Regarding your laptop, it is much bigger and heavier due to more battery mass. Typically CPUs on laptops are faster and more power-hungry than on phones. But the fastest processors in phones and iPads are faster than several power-efficient laptop CPUs.
Laptop isn't also running a cellular radio or GPS either, which are other power drains.
I also have charger and cables on my carryon personal item bag for long overseas flights.
Regarding your laptop, it is much bigger and heavier due to more battery mass. Typically CPUs on laptops are faster and more power-hungry than on phones. But the fastest processors in phones and iPads are faster than several power-efficient laptop CPUs.
Laptop isn't also running a cellular radio or GPS either, which are other power drains.
#192
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,288
My Note 9 has awesome battery life. Even after 18 holes of golf GPS and substantial video chat and texting, I've not dropped below 65% in 12 hours of usage. ^
#194
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,708
#195
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,577
My current phone is an iPhone 6S. Phone is currently on it’s 3rd battery - 1st change was due to the product recall for early production models, 2nd due to struggling to hold a decent charge.
Recently I’ve had a couple of instances where phone has been kept in jacket pocket on cold day, went to use it with greater than 30% battery life and it just died. Battery health indicator seems normal.
Have been looking at Pixel 3, Mate P20 Pro, Samsung S9 in UK, and was leaning towards the Pixel 3.
Which would you recommend for someone transferring to Android for first time?
Recently I’ve had a couple of instances where phone has been kept in jacket pocket on cold day, went to use it with greater than 30% battery life and it just died. Battery health indicator seems normal.
Have been looking at Pixel 3, Mate P20 Pro, Samsung S9 in UK, and was leaning towards the Pixel 3.
Which would you recommend for someone transferring to Android for first time?