Solved! Should my First Phone be New or Used?

[Robert_341]

For the same amount of $$ I can buy a better used phone or a lesser new phone. Assuming seller says it "works good" and there is no visible damage...2 QUESTIONS:
1. simple or basic thing to "check" to see if the phone is working? ie: I know I can't check everything out when sitting in the coffee shop from Craigs List

2. In general: do phone work until people want newer technology or do they fail in some common way?

Thanks.

 

[Math Geek]

this site is a good resource http/www.gsmarena.com/

can sort phone models by specs important to you. then you can figure out what carrier has it and so on. but can sort through resolution and battery size and see what might be of interest to you. so many phones out there to chose from, without something like this, you'll never see em all

 

[Chugalug_]

chug: that cracks me up that the S-8 is "a little dated now." So, I had to google. first out in april 2016 for the USA...and not really available until some time later? And S-9 already being touted..... so "aged' it is. Always interesting to watch "matured" tech and how they market the next big thing. Does anyone want to shoot 4K Video with their PHONE!!!?!?!?! As a long time photographer....I hope not.... but then Tech does march forward.

for my use as driving a 3D experience...I think screen resolution is the key? It would be fun to find an S-8 that "works" in all respects except the phone function...and then I could get that good resolution at a great price? always a great mix of things.

the next generation of phones discussed here. I'd be very happy with current tech. https/samsunggalaxys8edge.org/samsung-galaxy-s9-release-date-specs-price/

Meant the Xperia Z5 Premium edition is a little older now, and the S8 is about to come out.
The 4k screen is an added bonus imo, high res photo and video as well as a great platform for watching movies.

The Galaxy J series is a good choice if you have a low budget as well.

 

[Robert_341]

I have filled out my order form at NewEgg and came back to this site JUST BEFORE purchasing. found Kings post, checked that phone, came back and two more!! You guys are awesome.

Just going with the Xperia XA==the https/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875706005&ignorebbr=1 beats it in all the specs and is $50 less. I'm thinking the resolution on the NewEgg camera (can't click back while on this page) probably is more than I need...so why go to 4K? By the time I upgrade my HDTV to a 4K....should be time for a new phone?

I'm getting ready to buy unless anyone disagrees?

 

[Chugalug_]

I said it was a good option if you had a slightly higher price point... T.T
Nevermind lol.
The phone you found is a great deal, but I've never heard of that brand, and the processsor isn't as good as something more recent like a Snapdragon 808 for example.
Here's an alternative option if you want a first party brand: https/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875136355&cm_re=Snapdragon_808_phone-_-75-136-355-_-Product

 

[Robert_341]

Both phones use snapdragon. My cheaper phone is "Qualcom" which I've heard of before. The world is turning Japanese....and the consumer world Chinese. i can be wrong on any specific product or product category but I've concluded that absent fraudulent ripoffs, the Brand doesn't make much difference. Often made on the same assembly line and just a different label put on it? As to snapdraon 600 compared to 800 or whatever...I'd bet the number represents some other functions rather than a given function being made better? or not. Everything is so specific. BUT I don't think spending more gets you more ..... unless you KNOW it............. and I don't.

..............but, my brain hurts, so I'm not going to buy today. Back to reviewing Android TV Boxes compared to Phone Based==>all to run Kodi and whatever other specific internet playing apps there are. Tech is fun.