To Wait or Not to Wait? That's the question

MonkeysUncle

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My cellphone contract expired at the end of April and I am currently on a month-to-month “contract” until I decide on a phone. After lots of online research and reading lots of forums I have decided that going the Android route will suit my needs more that any of the other platforms.

But, it looks like all the phones I am interested in will be taking a while to actually be available in SA. I would love to get my hands on a Samsung S2 or HTC Sensation, but both of these look like a long shot for this year.

My next option would probably be an HTC Incredible S and then, last resort, HTC Desire S. You would think that these would be available, seeing as they were announced around April, but No such luck. I have spoken to people at MTN, Vodacom, Nashua Mobile and Autopage, but all of them were clueless when it came to any kind of release date or information.

So, now what? Do I go with one of the older Android phones: Samsung Galaxy S, HTC Incredible, HTC Desire? Or do I wait another 2-3 months? I am not picky when it comes to a specific service provider, except Virgin Mobile.

Any suggestions?
 
Wait till July/August. Hopefully the Galaxy S II will be out. That's what I'm going to do.

Check with Virgin Mobile, Desire S shows as available, while Sensation and Galaxy S II show as coming soon
http://www.virginmobile.co.za/Store...irtuemart&page=shop.browse&vmcchk=1&Itemid=21

I've looked at Virgin's website, but I'm not a big fan of Virgin Mobile. Heard too many people complaining about them. I think I will follow your plan and wait 'till one of the big 3 have the Samsung SII available :). With any luck, it will happen before the end of August.
 
If there is a specific phone you are looking for, wait for it. If not you might as well just get on, or you will continuously be waiting for something newer, faster and better that is just about to be released.... Such is the world of technology.
 
If there is a specific phone you are looking for, wait for it. If not you might as well just get on, or you will continuously be waiting for something newer, faster and better that is just about to be released.... Such is the world of technology.

That's normally true, but not in this case. The new range of dual core phones coming out (galaxy S II) are a massive step ahead ;)
 
That's normally true, but not in this case. The new range of dual core phones coming out (galaxy S II) are a massive step ahead ;)

That's one of the reasons I am prepared to wait. This is a fairly big step for mobile phones and it falls more or less within my upgrade period. Who knows, in 2 years time we'll have 6-core phones, and I will be sitting with a single core phone :D
 
AUGUST... are you mad!
It better arrive before the end of July, LATEST! :D

I've looked at Virgin's website, but I'm not a big fan of Virgin Mobile. Heard too many people complaining about them. I think I will follow your plan and wait 'till one of the big 3 have the Samsung SII available :). With any luck, it will happen before the end of August.
 
I am a pessimist by nature :), especially in South Africa where you wait ages for any new cellphone to be released.
If you're being pessimistic, prepare yourself for September. July is way too optimistic. The big markets are getting it late July, early August.

It seems the manufacturers are really rushing to get these devices out. If you want to save yourself some, frustration, wait till the first phone update is released by November or December :D
 
Dual core phones, 1 gig of RAM, awesome vivd displays etc but what is happening with battery R&D. As is, the DHD struggles on a single core.

Anyways, I would say it doesnt really matter with a phone. You will do just as much with a DHD as you would with the SG2 unless you are a gamer and what to play the latest games. If its just for business then get the Desire S or Desire HD.
 
The latest and greatest high-end phones like the Galaxy S2 and Sensation will not come without substantial pay-ins early-on on the lower and middle level packages. If you want them without pay-ins you're going to have to be patient for quite a bit longer. Whether the dual core processors are going to mean anything in reality soon is debatable. By the time the developers can safely tap into that horsepower (knowing most users are covered) you'll probably be near your next upgrade. No use developing for a Porche now when 90% of users cannot afford to own/drive one - or something with similar performance - soon. It all obviously depends on the Talk package you're looking at. If I was you I'll wait until middle July and make a call there-and-then.
 
Why not save up a tad and order in? You could then either sell the phone you get on the contract or use it as back-up, as with self import you might have to ship across the pond when damaged.

Then you can go for that SGS2 or whatever you want?
 
Personally, I'm due for a VC upgrade middle July and am hoping to get the SE XPeria Pro by that time.
 
In all seriousness and looking at it realistically, I am just waiting for the Desire S or Incredible S, whichever comes out first. I think the dual core phones will be in short supply for a few months, and as everyone suggested, will require a hefty pay-in.
 
In all seriousness and looking at it realistically, I am just waiting for the Desire S or Incredible S, whichever comes out first. I think the dual core phones will be in short supply for a few months, and as everyone suggested, will require a hefty pay-in.

I know I sound like a SE salesman by now - which I'm not - but have you looked at the SE XPeria Arc as an option? Gingerbread, Sony Bravia screen, beautiful design ... Would be my first choice right now.
 
Is it Availible on Vodacom or MTN right now?

It is promoted by VC in their latest magazine and it is on Autopage's deals list that was posted in another similar thread today. Ockie stated early last week that it wasn't on his dealer lists yet. I'm sure it is available or very very close to being available.
 
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