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Choosing my next smart-phone, what's smart?

By
Real Estate Agent with Resort and Second-Home Specialist REALTOR Broker #21673

What do you think is the best choice other than an Apple phone?

My 5-star-favorite smart-phone – Samsung Galaxy Note 3 – is now over three years old. It still out performs most of the newer offerings in every way that matters to me.

I know someday, maybe someday soon, I will need to replace my aging phone. I’ve considered replacing it before it fails to avoid downtime and the need to make a quick purchase. But after months of watching the reviews nothing looks substantially better to me. Certainly nothing seems worth the $650+ expenditure while my Note 3 continues to perform almost flawlessly. 

Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As 2016 comes to a close I am looking at the new crop of smart phones, knowing when my phone fails I’ll need to act quickly. I much prefer the Android OS over iOS, so my next phone won’t be an Apple product. But I am giving the latest Google phone strong consideration. So far my top two choices are the Samsung Galaxy S7 (or the S7 Edge) and Google Pixel XL. 

What do you think is the best smartphone for our business other than an Apple?

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Please call or email me if you are considering selling or buying a property on Kauai. I work with a sales team that are experts at helping you make the right move!

 

Kathleen Luiten, REALTOR Broker                                                                         

808-346-3081

CENTURY 21 All Islands

 

Email: kathleen.luiten@hawaiimoves.com                                                                       

www.kathleenluiten.hawaiimoves.com  

Don't just dream, call Kathleen!

 

Show All Comments
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I have a Samsung.

Dec 27, 2016 01:44 PM
Kathleen Luiten

I love my Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Which model do you have?

Dec 27, 2016 01:49 PM
Steve Zalla
BEL CASA Realty - Lincoln, NH
Broker/Owner/Realtor

I love my Samsung Galaxy S5. I have had it over 2 years and it works great. I had thought about trading up to the Galaxy S7 as I know many people who are happy with that one too but until this one goes south, I'm keeping it. 

Dec 27, 2016 01:48 PM
Kathleen Luiten

Sounds like you and I are in the same boat, Steve Zalla. Why get a new one when our old phone is still doing a terrific job for us? 

Dec 27, 2016 01:53 PM
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

I have both an iPhone and Samsung. What I'd really like back is my old Blackberry.

Dec 27, 2016 01:49 PM
Kathleen Luiten

Michelle Carr-Crowe-Top 1% Diamond Certified Real Estate Team Sells Cupertino San Jose Homes-Just Call 408-252-8900 I was sorry to see the decline of Blackberry. It wasn't my first choice but I know people love there format.

Dec 27, 2016 01:55 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

I've had the Samsung Galaxy S5 for almost 2 years, Android powered.  I am anxiously looking for the day my new Apple arrives

Dec 27, 2016 04:19 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

A smart phone is only as smart as the user.  That is why ine will never be smart

Dec 27, 2016 05:08 PM
Kathleen Luiten

Ah, you are a humble man William Feela! And that tells us you have more intelligence than most  

Dec 27, 2016 11:09 PM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Hi Kathleen - I don't know since I have an iPhone althought I have heard Samsung is good.

Dec 27, 2016 06:00 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Kathleen

I always hate making a change in phones, too!

I have an iPhone, my second, so not sure I have any useful thoughts. I have heard good things about Samsung.

Jeff

Dec 27, 2016 07:07 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I was a blackberry gal, then a couple of android, but once I got an apple 5 (4 years ago) I haven't looked back.  I know you say you don't want one and I did too for years, but I got my new 7+ yesterday and you'd have to pry it from my cold dead hands (or whatever apple I replace it with in the future since I plan to live more than two more years)

Dec 27, 2016 07:56 PM
Jonathan Denwood
Mail-Right - Reno, NV
Real Estate Services

I really think it depends on what you mostly going to be using the "smart phone" for? Example, if you going to do all the normal stuff do a lot of short videos that you going to place on your website and Facebook page I would go for the iPhone!

Dec 28, 2016 12:41 PM
Kathleen Luiten

I do all that easily - just by clicking share and choosing the media site - from my 3 year old Samsung Galaxy, Jonathan Denwood. And agents with relatively new iPhones envy my photo quality. I've heard the newest iPhone has improved its photo quality but the screen still doesn't look as good to me as my old phone. One reason I am reluctant to go with Apple this round. I appreciate your comments though and I know they are a huge number of very happy iPhone fans in our group here at AR.   

Dec 28, 2016 07:15 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

All my smart phones were Blackberry and then I reluctantly switched to Samsung which brought me to the next level...I would not have any other one....Endre

Dec 29, 2016 06:12 PM
Tom Bailey
Margaret Rudd & Associates Inc. - Oak Island, NC

I have had several  Android phones. I finally got an iphone6, and now have a 128 GB 7 Plus. I will NEVER go back!!!!

Dec 30, 2016 09:54 PM
Jim Smith
The Property Management Company - Round Rock, TX
Broker,CRS,GRI,RMP,CNE,TRLP

It really boils down to how you use your phone.  I have a Samsung S5, which I love.  It has the expanded memory ability (128G card), which allows to me to store a great deal for traveling.  I use this memory as one of my back-ups for speaking notes, active files, etc.  I also monitor the latest and greatest for a sudden failure, and the Samsung S7 is the top of my list.

Iphones are not compatible with much of my software and/or is clunky in attempts to pair it.

Jan 02, 2017 09:07 AM
Kathleen Luiten

Looks like we are on the same page as far as the latest and greatest, Jim Smith. 


i've used iPhones but they disappoint  - at least for my preferences - compared to the Samsung Galaxy. Android is now about 90% of the market so apps aren't the problem they were early in the game. 

Jan 02, 2017 08:38 PM
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I currently have an I-phone 6 and have had a Samsung Galaxy but I still miss my Blackberry.

Jan 04, 2017 11:54 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

I have never tried a Samsung.  So far I have only had iPhones so can't give you much advice.

Jan 15, 2017 05:12 PM
Bruce Hicks
Best Homes Hawaii - Honolulu, HI
Your Best Hawaii Realtor!

In the past, I have purchased several Samsung models successfully off Craigslists either for me or other family members.  Currently we have Galaxy's 6 and 7.  Thinking about upgrading to a NOTE end of 2017.  Saw on CL, Note 5's in the range of $325-375.  Last year went to TMobile site and found some "pre-owned" Galaxys and bought a 6, with a new warranty.  With Galaxy 6 we are able to VID talk to grandma.  Since our children have I Phones, we do FACETIME with IPAD.

Jan 16, 2017 02:32 PM
Kathleen Luiten

Interesting, Bruce Hicks! I never thought of looking on CraigsList for phones. Currently I'm leaning toward the Galaxy 7 or may wait and check out the 8 when it comes out. Love my Note but don't use the stylus much now so not sure I'll pop for the extra cost.

Jan 17, 2017 12:20 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

I've had both and the only big difference to me is the camera. Now there may be more features that I don't know about. I wish they let consumers try them on a trial basis before making the purchase. $600+ for an iphone is steep. 

Jan 31, 2017 10:04 PM
Kathleen Luiten

Patricia Feager having a trial period is a terrific idea! For security the companies would probably need to limit some functions (storing secure info, etc) but trying out the device for at least a few days would certainly make our decision easier.

Feb 01, 2017 11:58 AM
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