SIGforum
Suggestion for a new phone

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/320601935/m/5430081025

April 02, 2026, 10:02 PM
old rugged cross
Suggestion for a new phone
I have verizon. Also a year of free xfinity mobile if I want. My current phone is a Samsung Android but am not really tied to anything. I am not in need of the latest and greatest. Would like something that is secure as possible. Good storage capacity.

Thoughts plz. Thanks all.



"Practice like you want to play in the game"
April 02, 2026, 11:13 PM
KMitch200
I have an iPhone 15, 128gb memory.
I know nothing about Android phones but Apple does make it fairly easy to see what apps have location turned on. You also don’t need the face recognition turned on, you can use your code to open the phone.
Just a thought…


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After the game, the King and the pawn go into the same box.
April 02, 2026, 11:22 PM
jprebb
I was an Android guy from the very beginning up until about 2 years ago. Tried the iPhone 15 Pro and have been pleasantly surprised, so much so I'm about to upgrade to the 17 Pro.

JP
April 03, 2026, 12:28 AM
old rugged cross
Ok guys. Thank you.



"Practice like you want to play in the game"
April 03, 2026, 08:09 AM
mrvmax
I have been using this one, there are always haters but I am pleased with it:

https://unplugged.com/
April 03, 2026, 08:48 AM
220-9er
Aside from the issues mentioned, I'd get a unlocked, paid off phone that can be used by other carriers.
There are a number of independents that use the network of the big carriers like AT&T and Verizon.
You still use their network and the service and for me has been flawless.
The difference in pricing of the service, with no data or service restrictions, would allow me to pay for the latest Iphone or other brand each year if I chose to do so.


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Avoid buying ChiCom/CCP products whenever possible.
April 03, 2026, 09:04 AM
sig2392
In the USA apple has a 65% +/- marker share for a reason.

I have had both Samsung and Apple.

Apple seems more stable and secure.

But it is really a personal choice.

Waiting for the Apple foldable for my next upgrade.

I have a 12 they are up to 17 now.
April 03, 2026, 09:08 AM
HRK
Woot is an Amazon company that moves a lot of phones, refurbished models both Android and IOS.

They have iPhone 16 down to 13's, I'd say don't go past a 15 if you're going to go that route so you have faster processor and more memory.

They have Samsungs if you're wanting to stay Android.

https://www.woot.com/category/...onics?ref=w_ngh_el_4
April 03, 2026, 09:10 AM
911Boss
If you decide to go with an iPhone, Apple refurbs are like new and carry same warranty as new.

They have all options of 15 and 16

Base, “Plus” - larger size/screen, “Pro” - better/more cameras, “Pro Max” - larger size and better cameras


If you are student, Govt employee, or veteran you can get additional discount on top of the refurb price.






What part of "...Shall not be infringed" don't you understand???


April 03, 2026, 11:25 AM
gpbst3
You can't go wrong with Apple or Samsung. If you stay Samsung make sure you stay with the Galaxy line of phones. Anything else may seem cheaper upfront but you will pay for it in quality and features.

I like Apple phone and usually get last year's model when I upgrade.


April 03, 2026, 11:29 AM
Warhorse
IMHO...Apple


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NRA Life Member, MGO Annual Member
April 03, 2026, 11:34 AM
YooperSigs
I just got the baseline IPhone 17. I like it so far. Excellent battery life. Not much bigger than my old 15, which was an issue for me when picking a new phone. No huge phones for me.


End of Earth: 2 Miles
Upper Peninsula: 4 Miles
April 03, 2026, 12:00 PM
FenderBender
How secure are you wanting?

Broadly, both Samsung and Apple are "secure" I'm considering a move to Apple because I use X a lot and the app is better.

so if you're big into apps then that's how I'd go, if not android typically has better battery life. and if you're serious about security then check this out https://grapheneos.org/


_____________________________________________
Proverbs 3:31 "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways."
April 03, 2026, 12:05 PM
PASig
iPhone all the way!

I'd never even bother looking at another Android if I were you.


April 04, 2026, 09:55 AM
architect
If you are already invested in Apple devices, Mac, tablet, streaming box, etc. I'd suggest you don't really have to think about it. Apple's level of integration across their product line is something Google can only envy. Should Google achieve the equivalent, I trust them a lot less than Apple to keep their customer's data private.

Only if you use Linux on your other devices would I favor Android over iOS. Windows offers a uniformly bad experience across both major mobile OS alternatives.

It is true that Android is much more "customizable/hackable" than iOS should a user's tastes run in that direction, but I doubt this dude would be asking which to buy.
April 04, 2026, 03:08 PM
joel9507
If, like me, you're out in the boonies, check into the actual connectivity of the various phones for your carrier, in the specific area you live in and those you often travel through.

In cities and along freeways, there are towers everywhere - but out in the sticks, it's up to your phone (and the chipset in it, the designers of the phone's antenna, etc.) to keep your phone connected to your network and get you decent net speeds. They are not all created equal - far from it - and which brand/model does best is not consistent.

I tend to get my phones from sources where I can return them for any or for no reason, and I save my packaging. If they don't light up 5G at home or drop calls, back they go.
April 04, 2026, 04:10 PM
Cous2492
I purchased a OnePlus 12 a couple of years back. Photography is another hobby of mine and the OnePlus phones have really fantastic cameras. I have used it heavily for two years and it is still just as fast, the battery is just as good as it was when it was new (I can easily get 2 days of heavy use out of it).

Id say it equals or out performs the Samsung Flagship at the time for much less money. I bought mine outright at Bestbuy for about $700.

Cant speak to Apples. I just dont like the operating system.