HD2 or N97

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Noor

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Hi guys. I have always been on the lower contracts, like mycall100 , casual chat, etc.
Finally I have a budget of about R500 and am looking at the talk 200s form Vodacom.
I am with MTN, but dropping too many calls and think it's time to move to Vodacom or maybe CellC.
anyway the first thing is I need a phone that can do the following:
decent camera with flash (or torch as i travel at night at times)
Ability to view emails with pdf or word attachments
Ability to get free apps, the more free apps the better
GPS/Navigation
I use excel often, so need it to keep an excel databse.
good voice - obviously, but the speakerphone should be good so that when i am driving the conversation can be heard.
Lastly as i need a compass for getting directions to Mecca for praying, something with a compass would be perfect.

So right now i have heard that the HTC HD 2 and nokia N97 can do all of this.

What do you guys think? or are there any other phones i should be looking at?

thanks in advance
 
I like the HD2, and will probably be getting this phone soon. I also considered the N97, but the Symbian OS is looking way too outdated, and the phone is slow. My brother has one, and he is moderately happy with it. I wouldn't take it though. But if you really want the N97, then get the N97 Mini perhaps? It's smaller. The HD2 has a 1 GHZ snapdragon processor which is awesome.

Nokia phones are built pretty well though, in my experience. The Nokia's have the best cameras, camera features, and camera functionality. But the OS is k@k and outdated.

Check this comparison from GSM Arena - http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=2957&idPhone2=2615. Also check the reviews of each phone, then make a decision based on that.
 
Last edited:
@Noor

I can't comment on the Nokia phone, but I LOVE my HD2.

I see you are a Muslim ... I'm not, but in my reading I have seen that there is an English/Arabic ROM available for the HD2 that has the Quran / prayer time reminder / automatic directions, etc built in. One thing you can't do with a Nokia is modify the system at will ... there's a huge support base to do exactly that with an HTC.

On the other hand, my wife has the Nokia E72 and is very happy with that ... I'm not knocking Nokia, they make good phones.
 
If those are your only 2 choices, then I'd go for the HTC HD2. But if you're keen on something else...then perhaps wait a bit for the HTC Bravo/Desire. It's Android based phone and I believe the app development is quite good. Another phone I can recommend is the Nokia N900. It's based on linux, so all the apps I've been downloading are free. But I'm not sure the N900 can do everything you're asking...I know it does not have a compass, so that might be an issue.
 
I don't have much experience with Nokia, apart from about 15 years back, so can't comment on the N97. But I have to admit, I'm biased toward the HD2, for three reasons:
1- I've been a Windows Mobile user for over a decade :whistle:
2- the HD2 is the current Rolls Royce of phones hardware wise :love:
3-.... and I've been using one for past 3 months! :D

Hands down, it's the best smartphone I've ever owned (and trust me, I've had many) but not without it's compromises. But they're mostly to do with the windows mobile OS rather than the phone itself. See, the more apps you load onto a windows device, the more likely the phone is to freeze, hang, or do something unexpected (just like a PC in fact). I have to soft-reset mine once in a while, maybe once every few weeks - hardly enough to be annoying really, but not great either.What I love perhaps the most is the huge 4.3inch sharp, clear & bright screen which makes internet use practical on a phone for the first time, especially with the finger pinch-to-zoom function in the built-in Opera & the auto landscape view - brilliant! But if that still doesn't do it for you, you can also use the built-in Wifi Access Point application to surf wirelessly on your laptop.
The compass comes in handy now & then and the free Pocket Islam Athaan prayer reminders & recitation, hadith, etc runs perfectly on it. Camera is exceedingly good for a phone, as is the mpeg4 video recording quality. The dual-LED flash is an absolute flame-thrower, gives a blinding light and I believe the latest firmware update from HTC will include a torch application (I've been using a third-part free app which works great). Built-in Google maps is ok, but you have to buy & install your own voice-guided, 3D GPS software if you want a more complete navigation solution.
It's great for compatibility with your pc office apps & Adobe is built-in too.
Call quality is good and speaker phone loud, but I wouldnt recommend to use it at max volume because then it distorts somewhat - one step down is okay. I would also recommend a capacitive stylus (altho not sure they available locally, but a normal stylus wont work on HD2 :( ), for when some things are still too small on screen to use your finger which I found happens occasionally.
Other than that the HTC sense user interface is great and makes the HD2 a joy to use, along with many more nice new touches not found on other devices eg. like when you turn the phone over facedown on a flat surface during a call and the speakerphone comes on automatically!

If the N97 can top that, then by all means go for Nokia ;)
 
thanks so much for all your suggestions and knowledge

I think then from what i have seen, it's going to be the HTC HD2.

I see the HTC Bravo mentioned, i have looked at it on GSM.com but I am in my 26th month and can't wait much longer to upgrade. besides if i told you what i am currently using, i don't think any of you would speak to me ;)

I will speak to Nashua mobile and see if the bravo will be here soon, if not I am going with the HD2.

Thank you all so much and God bless you all.
 
Oops. Sorry guys small problem. Ok the HD2 is going to be a littel bit over my budget at about R670 per month. The other option is a pay in of about R2500.

Sorry, but what are my other options, would the HTC hero be good enough for the requirements i mentioned before? or should i look at second prize, the nokia N97?
or is there anything else out there close to the HD2?

Last option, perhaps i should just pay the difference and get the HD2- it will mean i have less outings for a few months though :(

what do you guys think??
 
Noor said:
Oops. Sorry guys small problem. Ok the HD2 is going to be a littel bit over my budget at about R670 per month. The other option is a pay in of about R2500.
Click to expand...

MTN SP have it for R379 per month on an Anytime 200 contract. Check here - http://www.mtnsp.co.za/shop/RetailSpecials/Pages/NokiaDeals3.aspx.

I've recently (over the last year or so) noticed that Vodacom are way more expensive with the phones. For phones that you get free on MTN, there is a big pay in with Vodacom.

Port to MTN, and get the phone from MTN. Or maybe show Nashua Mobile the link above and ask them to match it.

Check here - http://www.mtnsp.co.za/shop/RetailSpecials/Pages/RetailSpecialsOverview.aspx - for more MTN SP specials
 
Wow, that looks like a pretty fair deal to me - last I heard the HD2 was selling for about 8K-9K from VC.
 
Saman said:
Wow, that looks like a pretty fair deal to me - last I heard the HD2 was selling for about 8K-9K from VC.
Click to expand...

Ya I have a feeling that MTN are benefitting from bulk discounts from the suppliers. They probably approach the suppliers as MTN Group (International) and buy for all 22 of their markets in one go.

Funny thing is, Vodacom is now majority owned by Vodafone, which is much bigger then MTN, and should also be benefitting from such bulk discounts. Either they are still purchasing as Vodacom South Africa, or are purchasing as part of Vodafone International but keeping the prices the same, and raking in the moola.
 
ok, now the iPhone comes into the picture

I swear i am not trying to lengthen this post, it's just that the pay in thing came up on th HD2, and then i spoke to them yesterday to try and negotiate for the phone and contract.
Basically if i went the pay in route with the new contract, the salesman mentioned i could get the iPhone at about R400 more.

Ok, bearing in mind everything I said before, (and i know the iphone does not have a camera flash) would anyone say that i should take the iphone or continue and just get the HD2?

PS- apparently accessories like pouch and car charger are not available for the HD2 at Nashua- not sure if this is prob at other stores.
 
Noor said:
I swear i am not trying to lengthen this post
Click to expand...

No one cares. Write as much as you want. As long as you not spamming, or being an ass, of which you're doing neither.

it's just that the pay in thing came up on th HD2, and then i spoke to them yesterday to try and negotiate for the phone and contract.
Basically if i went the pay in route with the new contract, the salesman mentioned i could get the iPhone at about R400 more.
Click to expand...

What is the pay in amount? I assume this is on the Vodacom contract through Nashua? Did you manage to negotiate at all?

Ok, bearing in mind everything I said before, (and i know the iphone does not have a camera flash) would anyone say that i should take the iphone or continue and just get the HD2?
Click to expand...

The iPhone is not so grand IMO. No Multitasking, the camera sucks, and Google for the rest of the disadvantages. I'd take the HD2 any day over the iPhone. Maybe when the iPhone 4G eventually get's released, Apple will get there sh|t together and deliver a phone that is not crippled in so many ways. Also, to access the iTunes/App Store you have to do some amazing acrobatics before you can purchase anything. Yes they make it very hard for you to give them your money.

PS- apparently accessories like pouch and car charger are not available for the HD2 at Nashua- not sure if this is prob at other stores.
Click to expand...

Since the HD2 was JUST released, accessories will be a bit scarce initially. I'm sure things like the charger, car charger etc. will be interchangeable with other similar HTC devices. I believe the phone charges off USB - if so, then charging accessories shouldn't be a problem at all. Alternatively, you can shop for and buy your accessories online, either locally or from overseas.
 
yes. its on Voadcom. payin is R3399. whereas on the HD2 its about R3000.

Another thing, the guy at nashua says they are of stock..and can't even give me a date of when they'll have it. i told him i could wait two weeks if he can guarantee it by then- he said he is waiting for over a week for another client and can't guarantee it in two weeks--- think i will wait till wednesday next week...

again thanks for your advice, didnt realise the hd2 charges off a usb.
 
I own an iPhone, brilliant device. I'm also due for an upgrade and am also considering the HD2...


Have had Nokias, top of the range and HTC Tytn II, Imate's etc etc iPhone wins hands down. Just such a friendly user interface makes it an absolute delight to use. 2 or 3 key presses to do mundane tasks like texting or making calls vs 6 or 7 key presses on WM6 phones...

I was going to get another iPhone but am keen to taste the latest offerings from HTC and WM so HD2 must be considered..

But I can promise you taste an Apple and it will change your perspective forever... Just ask Eve...
 
I wouldn't really go with the N97... I played around with it a bit and apart from the customisable home screen, the rest was just the same old Nokia/Symbian. By their own admission, the phone wasn't grand: http://gizmodo.com/5478434/nokia-admits-that-the-n97-sucked-working-to-improve-their-phones

The iPhone isn't bad I suppose - a lot of the problems (like MMS, copy/paste) have been resolved but I would honestly go with an HD2, or a similar Windows Mobile device.
Excel will be supported out of the box and, having been in the market for so long, there are tons of free apps available. And as pmbellis pointed out, there is a mobile Quraan available as well.

With regards to car a charger, I never got one for my Touch Pro2 but I did purchase one of these (got mine on a R1 Wednesday auction - paid R33 including postage): http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/19714229/3_Ways_USB_Car_Cigarette_Lighter_Charger_Socket.html
Just use any standard USB to mini-USB cable and whalaa, car charger.

My TP2 did come with a pouch but I only used that until I bought an Invisible Shield - haven't needed the pouch since and the phone lives happily in my pocket or bag.
http://www.invisibleprotectors.co.z...sibleshield-full-body-for-htc-touch-hd-2.html

Noor said:
didnt realise the hd2 charges off a usb.
Click to expand...
All HTC devices do. I always keep a USb cable with me, that way, I can always charge my phone and I have access to a modem :)
 
If you can hold out a bit longer, new Windows mobile 7 phones and Symbian^3 phones should be comming out this year.
 
diegoa said:
If you can hold out a bit longer, new Windows mobile 7 phones and Symbian^3 phones should be comming out this year.
Click to expand...

Yeah that's not a bad idea. But I'm sure the good people over at XDA will be able to port Windows 7 to most devices even if MS won't support it themselves.
Perhaps have a look at the N900 as well...

I'm not too sure if it has a flash camera but a mate of mine gave up his beloved iPhone for one and says he'll never go back
 
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