Returning the Note 7? Get One of These 9 Phones Instead
Jessica Dolcourt writes this review for cnet.com.
Samsung has recalled the Galaxy Note 7. Here are our top choices if you're switching.
Got a Samsung Galaxy Note 7? You have a decision to make. You can either wait for the batch of new Note 7 phones that are said to have fixed a scary battery problem, or exchange the Note 7 for a new phone.
For stylus lovers, no other phone out there does exactly what the Note 7 can in terms of writing, drawing, annotating and navigating around with its digital S Pen. But if you gravitate toward the Note 7 because of its beautiful, curved-screen design and spacious screen, there are plenty of other large-screen, high-end handsets that might strike your fancy.
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
This is the most similar to the Note 7, since it's essentially a Note 7 without the stylus. The S7 Edge has a beautiful, 5.5-inch dual-curved screen, extra shortcut software on the Edge display, a water-resistant coating and wireless charging. Plus, the 12-megapixel camera takes great shots.
LG V20
We haven't had a chance to fully review LG's most premium phone for 2016, but the V20 impresses us so far with its dual-camera setup and built-in hardware and software that go the extra mile to boost the audio, video and photo experience. The 5.7-inch display and mostly-metal build so far keep it right in the upper echelons of build quality. It also comes with Google's Android 7.0 Nougat software right out of the box. We have high hopes for this phone, but if you can, hold off for our full, rated review.
Motorola Moto Z
For something totally different, Motorola's Moto Z phone introduces you to modules that magnetically snap on to the phone. While the handset is pretty good in its own right, customizing the look and extending the phone's capabilities (for example adding an extra battery module) put you on the cutting edge.
Sony Xperia XZ
A little smaller than the rest, the Xperia XZ announced earlier this month packs Sony's generally high-quality cameras into a relatively more compact frame with a "smaller" 5.2-inch screen. That makes the Android phone easier to maneuver one-handed. One word of caution: the fingerprint reader (e.g., for security and Android Pay) won't work in the US, so we think it'll be a better choice for everyone else.
iPhone 7 Plus
Apple's latest 5.5-incher challenges Samsung's S7 series in some important ways, including water-resistance and the camera department with the 7 Plus' dual-camera system (but it lacks a headphone jack and wireless charging). It's also an all-around excellent phone that satisfies most phone cravings, so long as you feel good switching from Android to iOS 10.
Google Nexus/Pixel phones
We anticipate that Google's next-generation "Nexus" phones are right around the corner, only they might be called Pixel phones instead. If rumors are true, the larger version could house a 5.5-inch screen and 12-megapixel camera. Phones in this family usually cost less than premium phones like the Note 7, and ship with the latest unadorned Android build out of the box, in this case, Android 7.0 Nougat. They historically see software updates first.
Last year's phones
Strange as it sounds, you can get the 2015 model of these great phones at a discount.
If you need a Note and need it now, last year's Note 5 will do the trick and cost you less.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
Yes, Samsung skipped the Note 6 and the Note 5 really is the last-generation model. It doesn't have all of this year's hardware or software enhancements, but it's still a great phone you can buy today.
Google Nexus 6P
Even though this is up for replacement (rumors point to an October time frame), the 6P is still the best Nexus phone sold to date, with a brilliant, 5.7-inch screen, metal build and accurate fingerprint scanner.
iPhone 6S Plus
If you're ready to dive into iOS and are looking for a deal, Apple has doubled the storage capacity of last year's iPhone 6S Plus while also trimming a little off the price. The phone won't have the iPhone 7 Plus' dual cameras and promising bokeh effect, nor its water-resistant guarantee, but it does have a headset jack.
Formitize - making paperwork paperless.
Image source: http://www.samsung.com/ph/consumer/mobile-devices/smartphones/galaxy-note/galaxy-note7/
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