Getting a new phone - opinions?

[Quitbuggingmeandgoaway]

Hey all, I am getting a new phone next week through Ntelos (I live in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia) and would like your opinions.

My choices are from the following:
Motorola Moto X (it's $80)
Samsung Galaxy S3 (it's free)
Samsung Galaxy S5 (it's $200)
HTC Desire (it's $20)
LG Optimus F7 (it's $20)

Also, can anybody tell me if 4G is better than 3G and by how much? Just wanna know - thanks!

[Javarod]

From experience, i'd vote for either of the Samsung's. Our house currently has a Galaxy Rugby, an S4 Active, and two 7in Galaxy Tabs, one a Galaxy 2, the other a 3. Best phones we've had ever, and i've been around cell phones since the days of the Nokia 6x6 phone.

As to 3G vs 4G, that's more a matter of taste, 3G is noticeably slower to load web pages, but if you're only planning on using it occasionally, it shouldn't be a big deal. The only issue i can see is that ifn you're looking at a 3G only device, then you're looking at an old device, and it might become barely more useful than a brick before your contract is up.

[Jester]

I have a Galaxy S3. It's awesome. I have a friend who has the S5. Apparently it, too, is awesome.

S3 pro: it rocks, and it's free. S3 con: it will be obsolete sooner.
S5 pro: it rocks, and it will be longer before it's obsolete. S5 con: $200.

I will say this....from my experience with the S3, when I am back up to full upgrade potential in October, I will either stick with my S3 for a while, or pay the $200 and go with the S5. For me, there are no other options worth considering.

[LillFilly]

I'm happy as pie with the galaxy 4 I got, though the 3s looked nice also. I was told it was not as good on battery life as a motorola, BUT you can replace the battery (so you could have a charged back-up, or a case that charges it), and if I turn the background programs and wi-fi off, my charge lasts for 3-days. It was pretty idiot friendly for me; I'd never had a smart phone. I really love it!

[Ophbalance]

I'm also happy with my S4. Though, screen on battery life can be a bit low. If I have GPS/BluTooth/Mapping/Data rolling during my hour commute, it'll drop to about 65% charge during the trip. It's leaps and bounds above the Optimus S I had before it and meets all the needs I have from a mobile internet connected device. But, as has been pointed out, you can always pick up spare battery packs to keep on hand.

[purple]

Love my S3. Is a year and a half old and still going great. Want an S5 mostly for the durability ( harder to accidently kill) but happy enough to stay with the S3.

[NorthernZel]

I have a Sony V, but I've been told that the Z1 is pretty nifty and has a relatively long battery life when it comes to smartphones (during an hour commute I'd use approx. 25-30% charge in total if/when all features are turned on).

[Akasa]

I vote S5 for a couple reasons. 1) if you accidentally get it wet it will be ok 2) it will be longer for it to be obsolete. You can own it for about 4-5 years before it's obsolete.

[iradney]

I had the HTC Desire HD for over 2 years. That phone was hardy as hell - I must've dropped it about a million times (onto brick and tile from at least a yard height), and the worst that happened was the casing got a little banged up. I'm not sure if that's the one you're referring to...