Need a mobile handset for ~20,000

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Hi everyone..
I am looking for a mobile phone for around 20k. I am confused between windows and android and would like to know that how much is the difference in the price of games and apps for windows and android.
My key requirements:
Screen size: 4"-4.5"
Front facing camera
Future proof.. at least 2-3 years (I know it's quite illogical for searching it under 20k.. but I would really use it for at least 3 years)

Budget can be stretched 2-3k. I did my research and got two options: Lumia 820 and HTC One S. But.. L820 is heavy.. while OneS is taller for a 4.3" screen. I would avoid sammy as it's been crowded in my office. I have to buy one asap.

Add 5k more and get SXSP or Add 3k more and import N4 for 23k w/o warranty or wait for Xperia L (strictly in budget)

P

+1 for SP!!!

@OP: Go to a local store and try both back-to-back to get a clear view on both the OS and choose the one you like the most. AFA Apps and Games are concerned, WP8 has only a few worthy games compared to android. I agree Android has more than 7 lakh apps. But, Are you going to use all those apps? Probably, No. WP8 already has most of the popular apps available in Android and iOS. But, L820's screen resolution is too low for this range. BTW, You can also try iPhone 4. iOS has better games, I believe.

@OP: Go to a local store and try both back-to-back to get a clear view on both the OS and choose the one you like the most. AFA Apps and Games are concerned, WP8 has only a few worthy games compared to android. I agree Android has more than 7 lakh apps. But, Are you going to use all those apps? Probably, No. WP8 already has most of the popular apps available in Android and iOS. But, L820's screen resolution is too low for this range. BTW, You can also try iPhone 4. iOS has better games, I believe.

pricing is lower on playstore moreover there is a huge list of freeware to choose from. Why not wait for Xperia l if you can't extend your budget else sp is the best. Also don't go for the Indian versions of one s it hiuses a previous gen snapdragon s3 soc!
About differences between windows and android it all boils down to your preferences just try both and see which ui suits you most. If gaming is of prime importance better go with android else even scarce wp store which manages to conjure alternatives to almost all popular apps would fit fine.

G

Hi guys.. thanks for prompt responses.

@quagmire: I am not sure about sony.. regarding camera quality, display performance, etc. Somewhere I did get that even Xperia Z is not having gd display with average camera quality. Another concern is that if I extend my budget to 25K, I think several other options can make entry then.

@nikufellow: Can you plz throw some more light on indian version of HTC oneS.. I think I have to put it out of the options because of this.

@Shah: I don't want to get an IPhone... as of OS.. I know that I am not going to use all the android apps and that's the concern. Can I get popular apps free for windows like in android? I think your answer would be 'no'. Then in my budget... in windows, only L820 seems to be an option which suffers from low resolution.

I really had put HTC oneS after lot of research.. but absence of NFC was creating resistance. As of new X sp and X L... I don't believe to buy the newly launch ones... n' that too from sony... plz suggest

Gauravchi said:
Hi guys.. thanks for prompt responses.

@quagmire: I am not sure about sony.. regarding camera quality, display performance, etc. Somewhere I did get that even Xperia Z is not having gd display with average camera quality. Another concern is that if I extend my budget to 25K, I think several other options can make entry then.

@nikufellow: Can you plz throw some more light on indian version of HTC oneS.. I think I have to put it out of the options because of this.

@Shah: I don't want to get an IPhone... as of OS.. I know that I am not going to use all the android apps and that's the concern. Can I get popular apps free for windows like in android? I think your answer would be 'no'. Then in my budget... in windows, only L820 seems to be an option which suffers from low resolution.

I really had put HTC oneS after lot of research.. but absence of NFC was creating resistance. As of new X sp and X L... I don't believe to buy the newly launch ones... n' that too from sony... plz suggest

There is nothing called a "best" phone. You can't expect a phone to have all the features, a long battery life, 300+ ppi, NFC, blah, blah, blah yet compact and light-weight. Every phone has its cons. You will have to compromise a thing or the other. Everyone's requirement is different. Choose the one best suited for your requirements.

Gauravchi said:
Hi guys.. thanks for prompt responses.

@quagmire: I am not sure about sony.. regarding camera quality, display performance, etc. Somewhere I did get that even Xperia Z is not having gd display with average camera quality. Another concern is that if I extend my budget to 25K, I think several other options can make entry then.

@nikufellow: Can you plz throw some more light on indian version of HTC oneS.. I think I have to put it out of the options because of this.

@Shah: I don't want to get an IPhone... as of OS.. I know that I am not going to use all the android apps and that's the concern. Can I get popular apps free for windows like in android? I think your answer would be 'no'. Then in my budget... in windows, only L820 seems to be an option which suffers from low resolution.

I really had put HTC oneS after lot of research.. but absence of NFC was creating resistance. As of new X sp and X L... I don't believe to buy the newly launch ones... n' that too from sony... plz suggest

lol whats wrong with newcomers from 'sony' we're talking about Sony Xperia™ here not mmx/kaarbonn

anyhow if you are waiting for proper reviews they'll be up soon and you can decide . And about the difference between snapdragon s3 and s4 - you can google it'll fetch you all the info you need - am sick of typing !

G

no problem with newcomers.. just the expected price cut after a month or two.. and a proper review.
As of now.. I think m left with xperia L which would be available in May. L820 was really good looking one... and HTC one S was quite slim with good features.

Gauravchi said:
no problem with newcomers.. just the expected price cut after a month or two.. and a proper review.
As of now.. I think m left with xperia L which would be available in May. L820 was really good looking one... and HTC one S was quite slim with good features.

Am not saying to write off one s its a great device but you should import it/buy from eBay of you are to reap the benefits of newer gen soc!
Also about l820 its a great device too i have had a brief hands on time with it and tell ya what its build quality is stunning not to mention it shoots better pics than my hox.

G

but the warranty would be then a major concern if I will not get it on the imported one... I think I will have to settle for windows for L820 or else... will wait for Xperia L. Any other option?

Gauravchi said:
but the warranty would be then a major concern if I will not get it on the imported one... I think I will have to settle for windows for L820 or else... will wait for Xperia L. Any other option?

Nothing i know of

G

ohkk... so should I settle for lumia 820... L720 is lighter but only 512MB RAM.

Gauravchi said:
ohkk... so should I settle for lumia 820... L720 is lighter but only 512MB RAM.

Nope don't go for 720 half a gig more ram can come quite handy

One S has almost vanished from the market wherever it is available they are charging a boom for it.So considering at the price One S is selling it is much better to opt for HTC One X.

Get Xperia SP if u can or wait for price cuts(which would take 2 months)

Presently available option:
Sony Xperia Ion

G

I am waiting for last three months...

T

wht about the Lumia 720? It seems to be a good one if you're OK with WP..

Xperia Ion much better option than Lumia 720.

720 is good for people who use their phones mostly for its traditional purposes.

@Gauravchi : Get Xperia Ion then.... Sony may stop android updates for it after 4.1(coming this may), but there is always an option for custom ROMs. My S2 is running on Android 4.2.2, though Samsung is yet to provide official update

T

anupam_pb said:
720 is good for people who use their phones mostly for its traditional purposes.

ohh.. Just for the calling(like tring tring!)?

Then I need to put it out of my list too, maybe the SP is the.one to look to. But sony phones even with 8MP cameras aren't good at imaging(specially low-light).

the.one said:
ohh.. Just for the calling(like tring tring!)?

Then I need to put it out of my list too, maybe the SP is the.one to look to. But sony phones even with 8MP cameras aren't good at imaging(specially low-light).

s4 will use sony sensor

G

anupam_pb said:
Xperia Ion much better option than Lumia 720.

720 is good for people who use their phones mostly for its traditional purposes.

Are you referring to 512 MB or windows operating system?
Can you plz throw some more light..

Gauravchi said:
Are you referring to 512 MB or windows operating system?
Can you plz throw some more light..

WP8 has minimum requirement of 512MB ram to function properly. If someone want to play games 1GB is a must. Until recently WP8 mobiles with 512MB ram had almost no games. But a few are finally available. In android there is no such restriction so if your OS & processor supports the game, you can download it from play store or download from other sites and install it from memory card. but whether you'll be able to play the game or not depends on specification. Galaxy Y may be allowed to download NOVA2 but it can't play the game because of extremely poor internal.

G

sam said:
WP8 has minimum requirement of 512MB ram to function properly. If someone want to play games 1GB is a must. Until recently WP8 mobiles with 512MB ram had almost no games. But a few are finally available. In android there is no such restriction so if your OS & processor supports the game, you can download it from play store or download from other sites and install it from memory card. but whether you'll be able to play the game or not depends on specification. Galaxy Y may be allowed to download NOVA2 but it can't play the game because of extremely poor internal.

okiess.. means it was for hardware and not for windows OS.. which means 820 is still in the list

but... I am hesitating for windows OS as most of the apps n games are paid (as I heard),, and thus could not bought yet.
As of android, HTC oneS in India seems to have different processor as compared to global version. Xperia SP has not received its price cut... Xperial L is yet to be launched.. HTC OneX do have battery issue....Gosshhhhh.... totally in dark

Gauravchi said:
okiess.. means it was for hardware and not for windows OS.. which means 820 is still in the list
but... I am hesitating for windows OS as most of the apps n games are paid (as I heard),, and thus could not bought yet.
As of android, HTC oneS in India seems to have different processor as compared to global version. Xperia SP has not received its price cut... Xperial L is yet to be launched.. HTC OneX do have battery issue....Gosshhhhh.... totally in dark

if you are paying 24k for a mobile, paying 1% of that amount for a game should be no big deal. during some season sale you may get a bundle for same amount. only downside could be quality of games.

G

It can be a big deal if you want to download significant number of apps and games. Then again.. did you mention quality of games...

Gauravchi said:
okiess.. means it was for hardware and not for windows OS.. which means 820 is still in the list
but... I am hesitating for windows OS as most of the apps n games are paid (as I heard),, and thus could not bought yet.
As of android, HTC oneS in India seems to have different processor as compared to global version. Xperia SP has not received its price cut... Xperial L is yet to be launched.. HTC OneX do have battery issue....Gosshhhhh.... totally in dark

If One X is in ur budget, then why no Xperia SP?

G

yaa... if I would stretch to 25K.. obviously X sp comes to budget. But should I wait for its first price cut ?
And one thing.. as I was more inclined towards HTC... is its sense UI really a good one?

P

Xperia SP is available online for 25k. Is there any chance where you can use coupon codes to get discount?

Gauravchi said:
yaa... if I would stretch to 25K.. obviously X sp comes to budget. But should I wait for its first price cut ?
And one thing.. as I was more inclined towards HTC... is its sense UI really a good one?

I personally prefer HTC over any other brand

G

^n'.. what's the difference..

^^^^
The premium build quality, durability, and the amazing Sense UI.

G

..heard that oneX has battery issue

Gauravchi said:
..heard that oneX has battery issue

It was solved in One X+, IIRC.

^

And One X+ costs 29k

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^so really out of budget

G

so.. no suggestions....??

digit review for Xperia SP says.. 'very disappointing camera'

*www.thinkdigit.com/Mobiles-PDAs/Sony-Xperia-SP-Review_14416.html