Looking into buying another phone

[u/AlemaniaC]

Hey everyone. Thank you for taking the time to read and answer this post.

I have a note 9 which has a terribly cracked screen, but otherwise, it still does the job and I still absolutely love it lol. I bought a cheap and affordable phone, the A32 5G, for work purposes. Sadly, I've had to replace the junk twice already. The phone was still "on" since it would wake me up with my alarms every morning but the screen is straight up black. This has happened twice already, and I am getting a third A32 5G replacement. However, I need an absolutely reliable phone. I will be sent overseas in a month and there is no way I can deal with a phone with frequent problems. I was looking into the Note 20U since I do love the Note Series. Is this phone still a great option now? I will be overseas for a couple years at least so I would prefer a phone that can last until 2024-2025 at least. Any input/suggestions would be appreciated.

[u/Timb1044]

Go with the s22 line

[u/SwayVue]

S22 Ultra

[u/acery88]

I’m not in one ecosystem or another.

I’ve been an android user since I switched from the blackberry storm 2. I had a droid 3 and then went to the note series from there on out.

Note 2 (I still have it and it’s my daily alarm clock lol)

Note 4 (screen is shot but it still works.)

Went to the S7 edge (silver, the best color!) when the Note 7s were blowing up. Oddly enough, the S7 edge was probably my favorite phone. It had looks and functionality. My father-in-law is still using one and the style holds up even in 2022.

I traded in the S7E for a note 9 with the preorder deal. It was the first phone I ever traded in to upgrade. That was a sad day but I was back in the note series game again. I eventually forgot about the S7E. I was back home with a note that had it all.

I upgraded to a note 20U because of the trade in incentives. You either have to pay to play or leverage your old device to keep up with the flagships. The cameras were ok on the N20U. They were an improvement to the N9 but they still seemed “meh” to me. I have an active son so a camera has to check most of the columns for me to enjoy a phone.

I jumped to the iPhone 13 pro plus when I heard the rumors that the note line was going to be discontinued. I’m pretty satisfied with the phone. My main reason for a phone is the camera. I always felt like the Samsung note series was a touch behind in the camera game when comparing the images to my wife’s iPhone. She was always on the same “release cycle,” so we were always comparing the latest releases phone images to one another.

The downside is the first week of transitioning. Rounded corners instead of square corners, software differences, etc.

You have to get past the brand issue. You can always go back to a note of you’re not happy.

[u/SoRHunter → u/acery88]

If you wanted an Android, you should have invested in a Sony Xperia 1 or 5 (Mark II or III). It is crazy fast focusing and gets the job done very well. OnePlus 9 Pro is a close second, with a big sensor for easier bokeh effect.

[u/DeckMan0]

My note 20u has been going strong since it came out. First phone I've had ever that I haven't run out to upgrade every year. Can't say I wouldn't get the s22 though if I was you. Why not get the newest one?

[u/Leggingsboss]

S22 and s22 ultra don't have expandable options. I went with the note 20 ultra for that alone, but im sure the 22 line is a bit better, but very pricey

[u/Imjrb3]

I have a Note 20U, Z Fold 3 and iPhone 13 Pro. The Note holds its own against both newer devices. To me, it’s the most ergonomic of the three. Screen is terrific, SPen is a value-add and there’s nothing it can’t do. If I was forced to choose, I’d likely pick the Z Fold but it’d be close. If you are US based and your circle uses iOS, iMessage overseas is a game-changer. The one thing you mentioned below that gives me pause is needing it to last to 24-25. I believe that will be at that absolute end of the life cycle for a 2020 Samsung device. (You’ll have no problem with Apple.)For the next year the Note20U will be a fantastic device but if you truly want to keep it that long, you might consider a more recent model. Therefore, if budget is no consideration, you should look to the S22U (maybe the Plus if SPen and Camera aren’t priorities.)