On the market for a new phone - Which one to choose?

[Sweramic]

Hello everyone!

My Sony Ericsson W880i has become a bit out of date so right now I am looking for a new phone. There are two phones I have in mind now; the new iPhone 3GS or the HTC Hero. I haven't had an iPhone before (though I know how to use it since my dad and friends have it), nor an HTC.

Are there any users of these phones who can tell me what they think? Good and bad things about them?

Thanks in advance!

[walds11]

I've had my iPhone 3GS since launch date (June). I love it to death!!! I don't see myself using another smartphone unless Apple comes out with the 4th generation iPhone. It's built like a tank and quick as sh*t. I was a BlackBerry user for about 3 1/2 years prior. I recently tried the Bold 9700 and went right back to my iPhone. Nothing beats the Safari browser if you browse a lot on a smartphone. The touchscreen keyboard takes getting used to. Landscape mode works great. The iPhone does everything that I would want in a smartphone...phone, email, internet, iPod, apps, etc. The only things that I miss are multi-tasking, LED light and a few other minor things that the BlackBerry has. Come on Apple, how hard can it be to add this stuff?

I highly recommend the iPhone 3GS

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by walds11

I've had my iPhone 3GS since launch date (June). I love it to death!!! I don't see myself using another smartphone unless Apple comes out with the 4th generation iPhone. It's built like a tank and quick as sh*t. I was a BlackBerry user for about 3 1/2 years prior. I recently tried the Bold 9700 and went right back to my iPhone. Nothing beats the Safari browser if you browse a lot on a smartphone. The touchscreen keyboard takes getting used to. Landscape mode works great. The iPhone does everything that I would want in a smartphone...phone, email, internet, iPod, apps, etc. The only things that I miss are multi-tasking, LED light and a few other minor things that the BlackBerry has. Come on Apple, how hard can it be to add this stuff?

I highly recommend the iPhone 3GS

The biggest problem with the iPhone in the U.S. is AT&T. It is consistently rated as one of the worst service providers in terms of coverage. If Verizon offered the iPhone, I would probably switch from my BB Storm 2, although I really like the Storm 2. It does give the iPhone a run for its money.

[BarkMaster]

Lots of accesories for the iPhone. If I was choosing between the two, that would do it for me.

[walds11]

I have been with AT&T (formerly Cingular and AT&T prior) for years and never had any coverage problems. If I was to take another look at a BB, I would check out the Storm 2 if AT&T ever gets it. I like the larger screens on the touchscreen devices.

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

The biggest problem with the iPhone in the U.S. is AT&T. It is consistently rated as one of the worst service providers in terms of coverage. If Verizon offered the iPhone, I would probably switch from my BB Storm 2, although I really like the Storm 2. It does give the iPhone a run for its money.

[Chozn1]

I love my BB tour, but AT&T has horrible service in our area so the iPhone just isn't an option for me. It would be hard to turn it down if it was.

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by walds11

I have been with AT&T (formerly Cingular and AT&T prior) for years and never had any coverage problems. If I was to take another look at a BB, I would check out the Storm 2 if AT&T ever gets it. I like the larger screens on the touchscreen devices.

I'm with you on the screens, Adam. As for coverage issues, I'm only repeating what I've heard from surveys. I have no personal experience with AT&T, since I've been with Verizon for years. All my services: landline, wireless, internet, and FIOS TV are with Verizon. It's nice to only get one bill for all these services.

[Kapture1]

I have ATnT and had the iPhone. The pohone was ok... I switched to blackberry bold... OMG I'm in love! I will always have a blackberry. This phone is still running perfect after 2 years, dropped it many times, and even survived a motorcycle accident. I have also had great luck with ATnT... I don't remember the last time I had no bars, never had a dropped call. Many people talk shit about ATnT, but the 3G coverave is impressive.

[Mosco]

Remember Ameritech? Then they became Cingular, then ATT. I've been with them since 1998, same number and everything. I did have coverage issue at one point - but I was touring the largest underground lake in a cave (Gatlinburg, TN) at the moment. I travel a decent amount, and again, no coverage issues. Sure, there are 'pockets' where the service isn't the greatest, but that's with any provider. The iPhone is now officially irreplaceable - with all its capabilities it is by far the best phone for someone 'on the go'.

[vh_bu98]

Coverage is not the issue for me, it's the drop calls that annoys me! AT&T is suppose to upgrade the network in Dallas to handle the traffic so we will see. The iPhone itself works fine although I wish it was faster, but then again I have the 3G version. I have heard good things about the HTC as well.

[Lion]

I have had an iPhone 3GS since July and really enjoy the phone. I've heard of reception problems with AT&T but have not experienced any as of yet. I did switch over from Verizon, who I really liked, but gave me a hassle. So since they did not offer the iPhone I moved over to AT&T and am a happy camper!!!

[datejust1]

Iphone 3GS!!

[Saxon007]

I have an iPhone 3GS and a Blackberry (8830 for work).

There is no contest for me, I MUCH prefer the iPhone. No coverage issues or dropped calls for me either (knock on wood).

[Sweramic]

Does no-one own a HTC Hero?

I know that the iPhone is a great phone, but I have aslo heard people saying that the Hero is even better in some aspects (Google's "Android" is supposed to be really good).

[AIKO]

The IPhone is great, ATT services really SUCKS. Consumer Reports just did a large survery of mobile users. ATT finished last (behind T-Mobile even) for coverage, customer service... Veriszon was the top service. Once the IPhone gets to Verizon I am going back.

[esm]

I would assume iPhone would be more user-friendly than a HTC.

I would go with the iphone 3GS

[Brunotheboxer]

iPhone. I've also not had any issues with AT&T at all.

[Mike B]

IPhone 3GS hands down ! I've had the 3G since last December, and I've used my friends 3GS on occasion, and I must say, they are without a doubt the best phone out there. If you've never used one before, the experience is even better !!!

[TSW]

Carl you will love the iPhone!!

[mustangbrad]

I would have gone with the iphone if vz carried it. I'm stuck with my often defective BB storm.

[dajark]

Iphone hands down is the best. But I heard that Apple did not renew their exclusive contract with ATT this year - due to many owners complaining of ATT service. If you can hold off a few more weeks and see what is brewing, maybe Iphone will be available on other networks.

[onkyo]

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

I'm with you on the screens, Adam. As for coverage issues, I'm only repeating what I've heard from surveys. I have no personal experience with AT&T, since I've been with Verizon for years. All my services: landline, wireless, internet, and FIOS TV are with Verizon. It's nice to only get one bill for all these services.

Allow me to chime in on the coverage issues with AT&T. I had Verizon wireless service for >10 years then the iPhone came out. I decided to switch to AT&T in August 2008. Their coverage SUCKS outside of big cities. In NYC it is fine but in upstate NY their coverage is not good. I have noticed some improvement over the past year but they still have a long way to go before they can match Verizon. The iPhone is pretty cool though.

[bodybump]

Dont think twice get an I FON!!!!

[AWS]

Interesting thread as my contract is up (Verizon) and I am replacing with one of the newer smartphones. Everyone I know that has the IPhone loves the device but does not like AT&T. I too read about the contract expiring next year btw Apple and AT&T, maybe a possibility for another carrier to pick-up. I am now looking at Verizon choices ie. Blackberry Tour, Droid and Storm 2.

[Mike B]

Yes, the Storm 2 came out a little while ago, and is supposedly a big improvement over the original Storm (much better screen, looks somewhat different, better feel, more powerful, etc.). I have a LOT of friends that do not want to get the IPhone just becasue of the AT&T coverage concerns. So, most of them now have the Blackberry Curve, and want to upgrade to the Droid or Storm 2.