[fhdowntheline]

Originally Posted by PearlJam

While Samsung AMOLED screens are unbeatable, the problem with newer Samsung phones is the mind boggling amount of bloatware and redundant playstores. Many apps can be uninstalled, but a lot many cannot be. A software update sometimes re-installs some of this junk again, in case you removed it.

I would say, go for it only if you're are ok with this, or are comfortable with rooting it and removing all the junk once and for all.

With some careful selection of T&C, a lot of the marketing junk also can be avoided, and apps removed. Yes, its far cry from say, a Motorola/Pixel phone, but can be managed better, unlike some of its Chinese competitors. As I said before, I got myself an S21 Ultra, my mother got an A72 and we are doing fine so far!

[Sheel]

Originally Posted by vb-san

For your requirement, I don’t see another Samsung that will fit in, especially with the size. The Pixel 6 looks like a promising option, but while Google phones are excellent on functionality (I still have my Pixel 2 XL lying around as a backup phone), but lacks on the style quotient.

Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G? Can be flipped and made small?

How I wish Truecaller worked flawlessly on iPhones.
(And showed suggestions when we pressed digits on dialing pad). Though, with a Samsung, will choose to stick with Snapdragon processor, so, I will advise / pick accordingly.

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by Sheel

Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G? Can be flipped and made small?

I checked the flip yesterday – not something I will consider, unless they manage to squeeze it into the thinner form factor in the next generation models. In its current form, just feel as a thick square brick in the pocket.

[The21st]

Originally Posted by GTO

Guys, my 3+ year old Samsung S9 is now showing signs of aging. What is the best Android phone on the market?

Your size requirement is the most difficult one to satisfy. Similar to cars, people have an affection towards huge size(screen). Also, manufacturers could easily fit in lots of hardware and big batteries. Now foldable smartphones are coming to provide an even bigger screen.

A Snapdragon version of Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra would serve you well.

Also wait for the Pixel 6 series. Still, rumour says the higher refresh rate and other premium features will be available only in the XL sized Pixel. This time they would improve the video quality to match iPhones. Still processor is based on the Exynos.

The Vivo X70 series with custom V1 ISP looks promising. You may not like the XL size. U.I is far better than old Funtouch OS.

To summarise,
For compact phones iphone will be the option. You may consider Asus Zenfone 8 too
If you are ready to compromise on size, consider the above mentioned ones.
Also note that, camera quality of Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, Asus flagships are really close to Pixel and Samsung flagships.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by GTO

Guys, my 3+ year old Samsung S9 is now showing signs of aging. What is the best Android phone on the market?

GTO, since you jumped ship to the MacBook universe in laptops, perhaps it’s time to jump ship to the iPhone as well. Since you can wait for a couple of months you could pickup one of the iPhone 13 models.

I have been up and down, started using the iPhone, moved to Android (Samsung flagship models) and now back to iPhone. I feel once the urge to customise things like a launcher etc are over then nothing beats an iPhone for simplicity, fluidity and ease of operation which remains constant over time unlike the Android universe. Using an iPhone 11 bought in November 2019, updated to the current software and runs like it did on day one.

Cheers

[shashank.nk]

Originally Posted by GTO

Guys, my 3+ year old Samsung S9 is now showing signs of aging. What is the best Android phone on the market? Requirements:

I'm also on the looking for a fast compact android phone to replace my Samsung Note 8, preferably another Samsung. The only options I see are:

-Wait for Diwali discounts and pick up the S21 at around 44k from Reliance Digital similar to how they sold S20 at 44k last year.

-Wait until Jan and buy the S22, this is a much better option as the S22 series is expected to get Snapdragon processor across markets unlike the poor Exynos we've been getting so far.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Galaxy....558882.0.html


If both the above aren't feasible you could look at 1+ (not a fan of Color OS) or wait for Asus to launch the Zenfone 8 (looks drab tho) or finally jump ship to iOS and get the iPhone 12 during the Amazon sale for around 50k. Sadly there isn't much of a choice if one wants a compact flagship Android phone.

[ashis89]

Originally Posted by GTO

Guys, my 3+ year old Samsung S9 is now showing signs of aging. What is the best Android phone on the market? Requirements:

- Fast performance
- Good camera
- Good looks
- Would prefer to avoid the XL-sized phones
- If something really kickass is on the horizon, I am fine waiting for its launch
- No budget cap

Thanks

I agree what few other members have suggested. Jump to the iOS bandwagon for a simple, smooth and consistent experience for next years. Since you already have few iOS devices, the transition will be easy.

I use a Pixel 3a (with the cleanest Android possible) for the past 2 years. The previous 3 were iPhones and I plan to return to another iphone soon. Have also used several Android phones in different price range.

I would say if you want the best experience and willing to pay the premium, then iPhone is the best buy. Else something like a Pixel or S21 is the best compromise for lesser money (should come at significant discount than an iPhone).

[Eddy]

Originally Posted by GTO

Guys, my 3+ year old Samsung S9 is now showing signs of aging. What is the best Android phone on the market? Requirements:

- Fast performance
- Good camera
- Good looks
- Would prefer to avoid the XL-sized phones
- If something really kickass is on the horizon, I am fine waiting for its launch
- No budget cap

Thanks

You are the prime candidate for foldable phones. Try them out.

[landcruiser123]

Originally Posted by GTO

What is the best Android phone on the market?

Sorry for not answering this question. Any solid reason why you don't want an iPhone? The 12 mini or upcoming new small iPhone(s) should suit your needs. Knowing that you love your mac, an iPhone would be the perfect companion. I got an iPhone SE last week (for free; blame consumerism) as my Pixel 3a's battery is almost dead. I'm surprised by how iOS and Android are converging in terms of their UI and don't see any reason to pick one over the other.

I've used both platforms. Except for developers and geeks, I haven't heard a single good reason why Android is better than iPhone or vice versa.

[GTO]

Guys, don't want an iPhone because:

1. I need live TrueCaller. Saves me a lot of spam calls over the day. My number is with every automotive PR agency too.

2. I run Windows on my Mac.

3. I prefer Android's interface. My entire family is on iPhones so I have played with it.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by GTO

Guys, don't want an iPhone because

GTO, get the Samsung Z Fold 3, cool reviews on the net. It should be good for work and pleasure due to the form factor. Reminds me of the old Nokia Communicator compass box

Cheers

[PrideRed]

I buy phones and use it for 2-3 years before switching. I have used Flagship samsung, slightly older iphones and bunch of other mid segment Androids.

Here is my take:

1. Samsung flagship phones look good have good camera. However within couple of months Samsung launches cheaper A/M series which look strikingly similar and you lose exclusivity. While the camera is good, not best in Android. Battery life is not upto the mark and OS is not to my liking.

2. Iphone is good and OS is the most stable. However I don't find them as user friendly as Android. Used IOS for months and did not find comfortable at all(Just my personal preference). Camera used to be excellent but now a 50K Android phone can capture competent photos. Flagship Iphone could just sneak into top 10 of best cameras https://www.dxomark.com/rankings/#smartphones-mobile .

3. Among other Android I used, found One plus to be the best. Reasonably priced, good cameras, excellent battery life and current iterations packs in all tech. The OS is next best to pixel. Find the resale value to be quite good too and depreciation is much lesser than Samsung flagship. Getting a latest Pixel is quite a task and Google have skipped few launches in India.

So in a nutshell, I am going with latest iteration of One Plus for my next swap.

[bharanidharang]

Originally Posted by GTO

Guys, my 3+ year old Samsung S9 is now showing signs of aging. What is the best Android phone on the market? Requirements:

- Fast performance
- Good camera
- Good looks
- Would prefer to avoid the XL-sized phones
- If something really kickass is on the horizon, I am fine waiting for its launch
- No budget cap

Thanks

Stick to Samsung which has proven good for you ! S21 Ultra purely because of the optical zoom. Will be useful when you need the extra reach in tight situations and the pretty good macro capability.

[IamNikhil]

Originally Posted by GTO

Guys, don't want an iPhone because:

1. I need live TrueCaller. Saves me a lot of spam calls over the day. My number is with every automotive PR agency too.

2. I run Windows on my Mac.

3. I prefer Android's interface. My entire family is on iPhones so I have played with it.

Wait for Samsung S22, will mostly launch around Jan '22. The Snapdragon 898 will truly give it some gravitas. Would have advised to go for a One Plus flagship, but it's just not what it used to be!

[lxskllr]

Originally Posted by GTO

Guys, don't want an iPhone because:

1. I need live TrueCaller. Saves me a lot of spam calls over the day. My number is with every automotive PR agency too.

2. I run Windows on my Mac.

3. I prefer Android's interface. My entire family is on iPhones so I have played with it.

I'd look at the following phones, pick any:

1. S21 series
2. Get someone to carry Pixel 6 from abroad
3. Get someone to carry Xperia 1 iii from abroad

If you want to purchase one for warranty and peace of mind - S21 series as suggested.