Best Android phone at the moment?

samantha_vine · 05-10-2015, 19:35

I am looking to get the 6S....but also looking at other alternatives as the 6S 64gb is expensive on contract.

How good is the Sony Z5?

Stuart_h · 05-10-2015, 19:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by samantha_vine

I am looking to get the 6S....but also looking at other alternatives as the 6S 64gb is expensive on contract.

How good is the Sony Z5?

Might be worth waiting for some hands on reviews of the Nexus 6P - very much cheaper if you pay for the phone up-front.

Aye Up · 05-10-2015, 21:53

The difference between manufacturers is small, usually rests around on the camera and screen. The Z5 is a very good phone, credit to Sony, much like Apple and Nokia of yester year they know who to make high quality and good looking handsets. The only problem I would have with it is the price and screen resolution, Sony has stuck with Full HD screens when the rest of the market as moved to 2k. Sony is bringing out a 4K version of the Z5, though like the 6S 64GB will be out of peoples' price range.

If you can afford to buy outright consider the OnePlus 2 if you can get your hands on an invite, its the same as the Z5 only cheaper by a wide margin. Failing that the Nexus 6P as Stuart_h suggested, maybe the one to watch, apparently the camera is very good.

samantha_vine · 05-10-2015, 23:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aye Up

The difference between manufacturers is small, usually rests around on the camera and screen. The Z5 is a very good phone, credit to Sony, much like Apple and Nokia of yester year they know who to make high quality and good looking handsets. The only problem I would have with it is the price and screen resolution, Sony has stuck with Full HD screens when the rest of the market as moved to 2k. Sony is bringing out a 4K version of the Z5, though like the 6S 64GB will be out of peoples' price range.

If you can afford to buy outright consider the OnePlus 2 if you can get your hands on an invite, its the same as the Z5 only cheaper by a wide margin. Failing that the Nexus 6P as Stuart_h suggested, maybe the one to watch, apparently the camera is very good.

Yeah I would have went for the Sony if it wasnt for the screen. Really poor considering the S6, Iphone 6/6S and Samsung Edge.
I need a phone ASAP but want it on a monthly contract. Thinking of maybe getting the iphone 6S then since its the most reliable handset out it seems

swordman · 05-10-2015, 23:31

You won't get a z5 because of the screen but will get an iPhone

samantha_vine · 05-10-2015, 23:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by swordman

You won't get a z5 because of the screen but will get an iPhone

the iphone screen is much better.... all the reviews for the Z5 have been underwhelming tbh. Clearly a big let down!

swordman · 05-10-2015, 23:56

Is it? I would much prefer a full HD screen than the lower resolution iPhone.

If you don't fancy the phone fair enough, but not sure I'd choose an iPhone based on the screen!

ShaunIOW · 06-10-2015, 00:09

it's funny, the popular opinion is that you need at least a 32" TV to see the benefits of HD and a 55"+ for 4K, yet on a 5"+ screen it's deemed a necessity.

swordman · 06-10-2015, 00:38

A phone is right under your nose not 6 ft away.

Nothing is necessary but nice to have given the choice.

Aye Up · 06-10-2015, 01:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by swordman

Is it? I would much prefer a full HD screen than the lower resolution iPhone.

If you don't fancy the phone fair enough, but not sure I'd choose an iPhone based on the screen!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShaunIOW

it's funny, the popular opinion is that you need at least a 32" TV to see the benefits of HD and a 55"+ for 4K, yet on a 5"+ screen it's deemed a necessity.

I think thats unfair, like for like the Z5 is clearly better, but as we all know Apple designs iOS around its devices.....Android being the Windows of the mobile world.

The camera on the 6S is brilliant, reviews have said the same thing, and using it myself I was very pleased with the result. Apple to its credit has tended to put quality optics in its phones since iPhone 4.

Sony has tended to have fabulous cameras since the launch of the Z range, its just 1080p for the price they are asking, is taking the piss. HTC tried it with the M9 and look how much that has hurt them.

If you are selling a flagship at flagship prices, then you bloody want to be able to at least match them. There is no excuse, consider 1080p handsets can be had for a little as £150 if you look around.

I personally always advise folk to go around the mid range market, which increasingly is littered with 1080p phones, or something that fits their budget.

I should say I am not a spec whore, I always go for the best deal and which offers the best features. I am an S6 Edge user, yet the expensive gimmick compared to S6, however for me they have the best cameras and screens on the market, imho only the 6S comes close for camera quality (which is ironic considering some models of the S6 use a Sony sensor like the 6S). That being said, I don't even use half the features like heart monitor and exercise functions........

konebyvax · 06-10-2015, 03:35

If we are talking cameras (and we are, it seems) I'm surprised no-one has mentioned the LG G4. Incredible camera on that phone...plus the seemingly obligatory 2k screen....

jaffboy151 · 06-10-2015, 06:33

The g4 camera seems to be good but haven't noticed a massive step up from my note 4, unless you like twiddling with the manual settings on a camera.

finbaar · 06-10-2015, 08:56

Another thread about which phone to buy by the OP? How many is it now?

Mark in Essex · 06-10-2015, 09:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShaunIOW

it's funny, the popular opinion is that you need at least a 32" TV to see the benefits of HD and a 55"+ for 4K, yet on a 5"+ screen it's deemed a necessity.

That's with a television that's 10 feet away - how often do you use your mobile when it's 10 feet away?

I've held my phone in front of me from my normal television viewing position and I have to be at least 10 feet away for the perception of the screens to be the same size.

Mark in Essex · 06-10-2015, 09:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by swordman

A phone is right under your nose not 6 ft away.

Nothing is necessary but nice to have given the choice.

Sorry just read your post after.

samantha_vine · 06-10-2015, 10:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aye Up

I think thats unfair, like for like the Z5 is clearly better, but as we all know Apple designs iOS around its devices.....Android being the Windows of the mobile world.

The camera on the 6S is brilliant, reviews have said the same thing, and using it myself I was very pleased with the result. Apple to its credit has tended to put quality optics in its phones since iPhone 4.

Sony has tended to have fabulous cameras since the launch of the Z range, its just 1080p for the price they are asking, is taking the piss. HTC tried it with the M9 and look how much that has hurt them.

If you are selling a flagship at flagship prices, then you bloody want to be able to at least match them. There is no excuse, consider 1080p handsets can be had for a little as £150 if you look around.

I personally always advise folk to go around the mid range market, which increasingly is littered with 1080p phones, or something that fits their budget.

I should say I am not a spec whore, I always go for the best deal and which offers the best features. I am an S6 Edge user, yet the expensive gimmick compared to S6, however for me they have the best cameras and screens on the market, imho only the 6S comes close for camera quality (which is ironic considering some models of the S6 use a Sony sensor like the 6S). That being said, I don't even use half the features like heart monitor and exercise functions........

How are you finding the S6 Edge?

Pencil · 06-10-2015, 11:27

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is the highest rated phone on GSM Arena and one of the last top Android phones to include a microSD slot and removable battery.

jaffboy151 · 06-10-2015, 13:13

Have you worked out what network you want to go with yet Samantha? I remember you saying you had a discount with Vodafone but were unsure.

clonmult · 06-10-2015, 14:13

I'd like to know which reviews of the Z5 you're talking about, as there aren't really any out there. There were previews from the launch, and those were generally excellent.

Closest I've seen to a review is from DXOMark who have given the camera top place in their rankings (although there are some serious question marks over DXOMark, their review process is .... not very good).

The additional resolution going from a HD screen to something else just serves to increase GPU loading, it isn't of any benefit. Thats part of the reason why I'm likely going for a Z5 Compact - similar overall spec to the Z5, but a smaller/lower resolution screen and apparently fairly decent battery life. And performance tends to be better too.

paulbrock · 06-10-2015, 14:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by konebyvax

If we are talking cameras (and we are, it seems) I'm surprised no-one has mentioned the LG G4. Incredible camera on that phone...plus the seemingly obligatory 2k screen....

seconded - not just the camera but the phone as a whole is a great all-rounder. Plus expansion slot and removeable battery.

(LG has a new phone out with a 'ticker' screen, I guess similar functionality to the Edge but not really paid it much attention)

samantha_vine · 06-10-2015, 18:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaffboy151

Have you worked out what network you want to go with yet Samantha? I remember you saying you had a discount with Vodafone but were unsure.

Hahaha I am such a poor decision maker...forgive me.

Nah I haven't decided. Heard Vodafone isnt a great network!

robbra · 06-10-2015, 18:45

Nah I haven't decided. Heard Vodafone isnt a great network![/quote]

Depends where you live, around my way it's only Vodafone that works, even in the deepest wilds I still get a good signal whereas the rest can be 4 or 5 miles away. You should make sure and not go by what you have heard as there may be poor coverage from other providers locally.

samantha_vine · 06-10-2015, 19:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbra

Nah I haven't decided. Heard Vodafone isnt a great network!

Depends where you live, around my way it's only Vodafone that works, even in the deepest wilds I still get a good signal whereas the rest can be 4 or 5 miles away. You should make sure and not go by what you have heard as there may be poor coverage from other providers locally.[/quote]

Yeah thats true

I live in London.

Aye Up · 06-10-2015, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by samantha_vine

How are you finding the S6 Edge?

I find it a great devicem the "Edge" screen is just an expensive gimmick, whilst it has little notifications attached when the screen is off, I don't take any notice so have disabled the feature. That aside, Samsung has really pulled back on the bloat, it runs smoothly and is lag free. A lot of people complain about TouchWiz, now it has a theme engine meaning you can change the look of the phone right down to the icons. I run the Material Design theme, it looks like a nexus and runs like one, so no complaints there.

Have a good look at the standard S6, it has the same features as the Edge save that screen functionality. The cameras are amazing, the screen is the best on the market in my opinion. At least if you went with the entry model of each handset, you start off at 32GB so plenty of space for photos and films to some extent.

The only draw back is the battery life, its a bit limp. Fast charging is great when you're near a plug socket, not so much while out and about. Again as I say go for the S6, its cheaper and imho better looking.

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulbrock

seconded - not just the camera but the phone as a whole is a great all-rounder. Plus expansion slot and removeable battery.

(LG has a new phone out with a 'ticker' screen, I guess similar functionality to the Edge but not really paid it much attention)

My apologies, I completely over looked that device, its laser focus is more accurate that S6/Edge so I have read. Software updates are a lot more forthcoming than the likes of Samsung. If the G3 is anything to go by, G4 should be receiving Marshmellow within a matter of weeks from first dated release. I often overlook LG, that is my fault, when I was shopping for a handset over the summer I had looked at them, they were much cheaper than the Edge I have now. Very few people have grumbled about the device, removable batter, SD card etc...all pros. TBF there are very few negatives to the device, for me its just the physical size, thats why I went for the S6.

Mark in Essex · 06-10-2015, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by samantha_vine

Hahaha I am such a poor decision maker...forgive me.

Nah I haven't decided. Heard Vodafone isnt a great network!

Vodafone is not too bad as long as you keep in the main towns.

Vodafone and O2 are great in towns, but not too good out in the sticks (villages etc).

I would give EE or Three a go (maybe get a pay as you go SIM for them first to make sure you have coverage where you want).

I must admit I'm a Three fan and although they have not get the highest 4G speeds like EE etc in the town centers they have got very usable 3G and 4G wherever I go (even out in the sticks).

05-10-2015, 19:35	#1
samantha_vine Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 1,167	Best Android phone at the moment? I am looking to get the 6S....but also looking at other alternatives as the 6S 64gb is expensive on contract. How good is the Sony Z5?

06-10-2015, 18:45	#22
robbra Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 452	Nah I haven't decided. Heard Vodafone isnt a great network![/quote] Depends where you live, around my way it's only Vodafone that works, even in the deepest wilds I still get a good signal whereas the rest can be 4 or 5 miles away. You should make sure and not go by what you have heard as there may be poor coverage from other providers locally. Last edited by robbra : 06-10-2015 at 18:46. Reason: Typo

05-10-2015, 19:51	#2
Stuart_h Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 3,474	Quote: Originally Posted by samantha_vine I am looking to get the 6S....but also looking at other alternatives as the 6S 64gb is expensive on contract. How good is the Sony Z5? Might be worth waiting for some hands on reviews of the Nexus 6P - very much cheaper if you pay for the phone up-front.

05-10-2015, 21:53	#3
Aye Up Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: North West Posts: 4,885	The difference between manufacturers is small, usually rests around on the camera and screen. The Z5 is a very good phone, credit to Sony, much like Apple and Nokia of yester year they know who to make high quality and good looking handsets. The only problem I would have with it is the price and screen resolution, Sony has stuck with Full HD screens when the rest of the market as moved to 2k. Sony is bringing out a 4K version of the Z5, though like the 6S 64GB will be out of peoples' price range. If you can afford to buy outright consider the OnePlus 2 if you can get your hands on an invite, its the same as the Z5 only cheaper by a wide margin. Failing that the Nexus 6P as Stuart_h suggested, maybe the one to watch, apparently the camera is very good.

05-10-2015, 23:22	#4
samantha_vine Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 1,167	Quote: Originally Posted by Aye Up The difference between manufacturers is small, usually rests around on the camera and screen. The Z5 is a very good phone, credit to Sony, much like Apple and Nokia of yester year they know who to make high quality and good looking handsets. The only problem I would have with it is the price and screen resolution, Sony has stuck with Full HD screens when the rest of the market as moved to 2k. Sony is bringing out a 4K version of the Z5, though like the 6S 64GB will be out of peoples' price range. If you can afford to buy outright consider the OnePlus 2 if you can get your hands on an invite, its the same as the Z5 only cheaper by a wide margin. Failing that the Nexus 6P as Stuart_h suggested, maybe the one to watch, apparently the camera is very good. Yeah I would have went for the Sony if it wasnt for the screen. Really poor considering the S6, Iphone 6/6S and Samsung Edge. I need a phone ASAP but want it on a monthly contract. Thinking of maybe getting the iphone 6S then since its the most reliable handset out it seems

05-10-2015, 23:31	#5
swordman Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 6,342	You won't get a z5 because of the screen but will get an iPhone

05-10-2015, 23:34	#6
samantha_vine Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 1,167	Quote: Originally Posted by swordman You won't get a z5 because of the screen but will get an iPhone the iphone screen is much better.... all the reviews for the Z5 have been underwhelming tbh. Clearly a big let down!

05-10-2015, 23:56	#7
swordman Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 6,342	Is it? I would much prefer a full HD screen than the lower resolution iPhone. If you don't fancy the phone fair enough, but not sure I'd choose an iPhone based on the screen!

06-10-2015, 00:09	#8
ShaunIOW Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Isle of Wight Posts: 7,828	it's funny, the popular opinion is that you need at least a 32" TV to see the benefits of HD and a 55"+ for 4K, yet on a 5"+ screen it's deemed a necessity.

06-10-2015, 00:38	#9
swordman Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 6,342	A phone is right under your nose not 6 ft away. Nothing is necessary but nice to have given the choice.

06-10-2015, 01:24	#10
Aye Up Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: North West Posts: 4,885	Quote: Originally Posted by swordman Is it? I would much prefer a full HD screen than the lower resolution iPhone. If you don't fancy the phone fair enough, but not sure I'd choose an iPhone based on the screen! Quote: Originally Posted by ShaunIOW it's funny, the popular opinion is that you need at least a 32" TV to see the benefits of HD and a 55"+ for 4K, yet on a 5"+ screen it's deemed a necessity. I think thats unfair, like for like the Z5 is clearly better, but as we all know Apple designs iOS around its devices.....Android being the Windows of the mobile world. The camera on the 6S is brilliant, reviews have said the same thing, and using it myself I was very pleased with the result. Apple to its credit has tended to put quality optics in its phones since iPhone 4. Sony has tended to have fabulous cameras since the launch of the Z range, its just 1080p for the price they are asking, is taking the piss. HTC tried it with the M9 and look how much that has hurt them. If you are selling a flagship at flagship prices, then you bloody want to be able to at least match them. There is no excuse, consider 1080p handsets can be had for a little as £150 if you look around. I personally always advise folk to go around the mid range market, which increasingly is littered with 1080p phones, or something that fits their budget. I should say I am not a spec whore, I always go for the best deal and which offers the best features. I am an S6 Edge user, yet the expensive gimmick compared to S6, however for me they have the best cameras and screens on the market, imho only the 6S comes close for camera quality (which is ironic considering some models of the S6 use a Sony sensor like the 6S). That being said, I don't even use half the features like heart monitor and exercise functions........

06-10-2015, 03:35	#11
konebyvax Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Ignoringtrollsville Posts: 7,875	If we are talking cameras (and we are, it seems) I'm surprised no-one has mentioned the LG G4. Incredible camera on that phone...plus the seemingly obligatory 2k screen....

06-10-2015, 06:33	#12
jaffboy151 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Woore, Cheshire/Shropshire Posts: 1,675	The g4 camera seems to be good but haven't noticed a massive step up from my note 4, unless you like twiddling with the manual settings on a camera.

06-10-2015, 08:56	#13
finbaar Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 3,921	Another thread about which phone to buy by the OP? How many is it now?

06-10-2015, 09:12	#14
Mark in Essex Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3,644	Quote: Originally Posted by ShaunIOW it's funny, the popular opinion is that you need at least a 32" TV to see the benefits of HD and a 55"+ for 4K, yet on a 5"+ screen it's deemed a necessity. That's with a television that's 10 feet away - how often do you use your mobile when it's 10 feet away? I've held my phone in front of me from my normal television viewing position and I have to be at least 10 feet away for the perception of the screens to be the same size.

06-10-2015, 09:13	#15
Mark in Essex Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3,644	Quote: Originally Posted by swordman A phone is right under your nose not 6 ft away. Nothing is necessary but nice to have given the choice. Sorry just read your post after.

06-10-2015, 10:05	#16
samantha_vine Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 1,167	Quote: Originally Posted by Aye Up I think thats unfair, like for like the Z5 is clearly better, but as we all know Apple designs iOS around its devices.....Android being the Windows of the mobile world. The camera on the 6S is brilliant, reviews have said the same thing, and using it myself I was very pleased with the result. Apple to its credit has tended to put quality optics in its phones since iPhone 4. Sony has tended to have fabulous cameras since the launch of the Z range, its just 1080p for the price they are asking, is taking the piss. HTC tried it with the M9 and look how much that has hurt them. If you are selling a flagship at flagship prices, then you bloody want to be able to at least match them. There is no excuse, consider 1080p handsets can be had for a little as £150 if you look around. I personally always advise folk to go around the mid range market, which increasingly is littered with 1080p phones, or something that fits their budget. I should say I am not a spec whore, I always go for the best deal and which offers the best features. I am an S6 Edge user, yet the expensive gimmick compared to S6, however for me they have the best cameras and screens on the market, imho only the 6S comes close for camera quality (which is ironic considering some models of the S6 use a Sony sensor like the 6S). That being said, I don't even use half the features like heart monitor and exercise functions........ How are you finding the S6 Edge?

06-10-2015, 11:27	#17
Pencil Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 4,252	The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is the highest rated phone on GSM Arena and one of the last top Android phones to include a microSD slot and removable battery.

06-10-2015, 13:13	#18
jaffboy151 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Woore, Cheshire/Shropshire Posts: 1,675	Have you worked out what network you want to go with yet Samantha? I remember you saying you had a discount with Vodafone but were unsure.

06-10-2015, 14:13	#19
clonmult Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: UK Posts: 3,291	I'd like to know which reviews of the Z5 you're talking about, as there aren't really any out there. There were previews from the launch, and those were generally excellent. Closest I've seen to a review is from DXOMark who have given the camera top place in their rankings (although there are some serious question marks over DXOMark, their review process is .... not very good). The additional resolution going from a HD screen to something else just serves to increase GPU loading, it isn't of any benefit. Thats part of the reason why I'm likely going for a Z5 Compact - similar overall spec to the Z5, but a smaller/lower resolution screen and apparently fairly decent battery life. And performance tends to be better too.

06-10-2015, 14:24	#20
paulbrock Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Wapping, London Posts: 16,222	Quote: Originally Posted by konebyvax If we are talking cameras (and we are, it seems) I'm surprised no-one has mentioned the LG G4. Incredible camera on that phone...plus the seemingly obligatory 2k screen.... seconded - not just the camera but the phone as a whole is a great all-rounder. Plus expansion slot and removeable battery. (LG has a new phone out with a 'ticker' screen, I guess similar functionality to the Edge but not really paid it much attention)

06-10-2015, 18:24	#21
samantha_vine Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 1,167	Quote: Originally Posted by jaffboy151 Have you worked out what network you want to go with yet Samantha? I remember you saying you had a discount with Vodafone but were unsure. Hahaha I am such a poor decision maker...forgive me. Nah I haven't decided. Heard Vodafone isnt a great network!

DS Forums

Best Android phone at the moment?

06-10-2015, 19:13	#23
samantha_vine Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 1,167	Quote: Originally Posted by robbra Nah I haven't decided. Heard Vodafone isnt a great network! Depends where you live, around my way it's only Vodafone that works, even in the deepest wilds I still get a good signal whereas the rest can be 4 or 5 miles away. You should make sure and not go by what you have heard as there may be poor coverage from other providers locally.[/quote] Yeah thats true I live in London.

06-10-2015, 19:38	#24
Aye Up Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: North West Posts: 4,885	Quote: Originally Posted by samantha_vine How are you finding the S6 Edge? I find it a great devicem the "Edge" screen is just an expensive gimmick, whilst it has little notifications attached when the screen is off, I don't take any notice so have disabled the feature. That aside, Samsung has really pulled back on the bloat, it runs smoothly and is lag free. A lot of people complain about TouchWiz, now it has a theme engine meaning you can change the look of the phone right down to the icons. I run the Material Design theme, it looks like a nexus and runs like one, so no complaints there. Have a good look at the standard S6, it has the same features as the Edge save that screen functionality. The cameras are amazing, the screen is the best on the market in my opinion. At least if you went with the entry model of each handset, you start off at 32GB so plenty of space for photos and films to some extent. The only draw back is the battery life, its a bit limp. Fast charging is great when you're near a plug socket, not so much while out and about. Again as I say go for the S6, its cheaper and imho better looking. Quote: Originally Posted by paulbrock seconded - not just the camera but the phone as a whole is a great all-rounder. Plus expansion slot and removeable battery. (LG has a new phone out with a 'ticker' screen, I guess similar functionality to the Edge but not really paid it much attention) My apologies, I completely over looked that device, its laser focus is more accurate that S6/Edge so I have read. Software updates are a lot more forthcoming than the likes of Samsung. If the G3 is anything to go by, G4 should be receiving Marshmellow within a matter of weeks from first dated release. I often overlook LG, that is my fault, when I was shopping for a handset over the summer I had looked at them, they were much cheaper than the Edge I have now. Very few people have grumbled about the device, removable batter, SD card etc...all pros. TBF there are very few negatives to the device, for me its just the physical size, thats why I went for the S6.

06-10-2015, 20:30	#25
Mark in Essex Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3,644	Quote: Originally Posted by samantha_vine Hahaha I am such a poor decision maker...forgive me. Nah I haven't decided. Heard Vodafone isnt a great network! Vodafone is not too bad as long as you keep in the main towns. Vodafone and O2 are great in towns, but not too good out in the sticks (villages etc). I would give EE or Three a go (maybe get a pay as you go SIM for them first to make sure you have coverage where you want). I must admit I'm a Three fan and although they have not get the highest 4G speeds like EE etc in the town centers they have got very usable 3G and 4G wherever I go (even out in the sticks).