Upgrading from an S9, Seeking Opinions on What to Upgrade to

LPaccers on 12/06/2023 - 12:47
Last edited 12/06/2023 - 12:48

Hi all,

I'm an Android person, typically buy a phone (outright) every ~5 years or so and although it still actually fits my needs, my S9 has a cracked screen and it's starting to play up so I need to consider a new phone.

Looking at my usual Samsung -> Samsung upgrade the S23 seems like a good upgrade but I keep reading reports about camera issues, is anyone able to confirm and expand on that?

I'm not really looking for a Pixel because <puts tin foil hat on> I don't really want Google prying in to everything <takes hat off>

Spec-wise I'm not looking for the low end models of Android like the A57, my main requirements are:

  • Not a phablet so rule out any ultras/+ models as I find them way too big
  • Still a decent screen however, I am partial to a YouTube vortex here and there
  • Plenty of storage - fingers crossed planning for first kid soon so I'm forward planning for mass photo/vid storage
  • Price range.. ~$1000 tops if possible, can stretch if there's really a worthwhile option

I'm not against a move to something like an iPhone 13 mini as well but I find it hard to justify ~$1200 for only the 256GB version

Any assistance and insights greatly appreciated!

Mobile Mobile Phone Samsung Android

Comments

  • Caped Baldy on 12/06/2023 - 13:19
    +2

    I'm not really looking for a Pixel because <puts tin foil hat on> I don't really want Google prying in to everything <takes hat off>

    Ummm, Android is basically Google/Alphabet unless you're signed into samsung default apps.

    I've been happy with my oppo x3 find pro. The oppo flagships often get discounted to half price within a year. The x5 pro (carrier) is $900 from JB or around $810 on ebay. I did see some comments about issues with SoC but it should be fine if you're not doing anything strenuous.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/780544

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/165792477871

    I recommend firefox and ublock origin for an ad free experience.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/165792477872

    • Paccers on 12/06/2023 - 14:03
      +1

      I mean, there was a little tongue-in-cheek to go with the tin foil ;) Appreciate the response, I haven't actually looked i to the Oppo's at all I will take a look.

      I run FF + Ublock at the moment - works well for me for sure!

  • Puglife on 12/06/2023 - 13:36
    +3

    Using a S23, upgraded from an S10. Seems like the same phone honestly, just a little better.

    As far as the camera issue, I have read about it but as I'm no photographer, I honestly haven't noticed it.

    • Paccers on 12/06/2023 - 14:05

      Notice much of a difference using with one hand? Only a .3 inch difference between 10/S23 so can't imagine it's too noticeable?

      • scrimshaw on 12/06/2023 - 15:22
        +1

        I have an S23 Plus which is even bigger. Have previously come from smaller Samsung flagships like S7, S8. Battery life and efficiency is amazing.

        No issue with camera quality but I only use my camera to take pictures once in a while.

        Best way to get discount is with a trade-in offer. The Galaxy S9 however doesn't appear to have value on JB's Squaretrade site, but you might get lucky with a Samsung loyalty discount. Make sure you create a Samsung account on your device and register the device IMEI.

        • Paccers on 13/06/2023 - 14:03

          Ye I've seen those mega trade-in + extra $ off + loyalty discount deals as they've come up and have been tempted to but felt it unnecessary. Now with the screen crack I would love another one to come around!

  • chartparker on 12/06/2023 - 14:50
    -3

    You joke, but one of the reasons I left pixels for iPhone 12 mini was to at least try and reduce my digital footprint a tiny bit. Granted I still use some Google services like YT and music/gmail, but one step at a time.

    What about doing what I did and and finding a secondhand 12 mini? They’re dirt cheap because the battery life is crap, but I just bought a cheap MagSafe battery pack off Amazon to deal. Photos are probably slightly behind Pixel 5 quality, but video is significantly better.

    In terms of storage, I’m actually using my old pixel 5 as a free Google photos uploader so all photos of my kids are available. It’s a bit of a convoluted process, but this way they’re available in all perpetuity (or at least until Google fixes that loophole)

  • USER DC on 12/06/2023 - 15:05

    I upgraded to the A34 5G deal a while ago with free watch - Sold watch and old phone separately, overall cost me only like $100-150 after everything

  • Drakesy on 12/06/2023 - 15:24

    Went from an s9+ to a S22+ and have been happy. The s22+ did have an issue with so-so battery, i believe the s23 with an upgraded chip pretty much solved that.

  • narnian on 14/06/2023 - 17:07

    Totally want Google to know as much about me as they wish. That makes sure my Pixel and Google Assistant can literally me my assistant, the tools like Search and Maps are most useful, and the ads they serve might at least be meaningful to me. In fact Google are well known to their utmost to protect people's privacy. I know authoritatively they have on multiple times spent millions of their own money on lawyers defending individuals against government search and warrants that are just fishing expeditions.

    • Paccers on 14/06/2023 - 17:39

      forgot to drop the /s at the end there!

  • Coops1 on 14/06/2023 - 19:14

    Samsung S7 to S23 Ultra. Magnificent camera and photos, can’t fault them.

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