[Shaolin Crane]

So what's the haps on this phone? I'm having my Shift replaced, again. I'm rather sick of the reboot problems I've been having, not sure I can blame it on the phone as i'm pretty rough on it but i'm limited to this phone with sprint since it's the only one they offer with a keyboard.

Are there any options that I can use with sprint even if they dont offer it? It has to have a keyboard is the only rule.

[SeanPlunk]

Buy a Galaxy S III and thank me later - you don't need a keyboard anymore.

[SeanPlunk]

Engadget Review.

Unfortunately, we can't say the same about its battery life. With the exception of the RAZR Maxx, Motorola seems to have struggled with power management across its product lineup -- this was a pain point for the original Droid RAZR and the Atrix HD, for instance. The Photon Q's 1,785mAh battery appears to be a modest improvement, but it still isn't close to the Galaxy S III or EVO 4G LTE. Our endurance test, which entails playing a video on endless loop at half brightness and regularly-scheduled email / social media notifications in the background, lasted six hours and 18 minutes. (We also need to clarify that these tests were taken using an EVDO network, which means the battery could theoretically be closer to the RAZR and Atrix, since both devices were tested in an LTE zone.) In terms of real-world usage, a process that involves an occasional call, regular social media updates, taking a few pictures, emailing, texting and roughly 15 minutes of gaming, we made it through almost 11 hours. It will get you through a business day, but it may not be great for nocturnal types who like to go out for a night on the town.

Unlike your typical slate -- a form factor that comes in a plethora of shapes, sizes, colors and specs -- it's much more difficult to find a suitable device that offers a full QWERTY keyboard, if you're hunting for one on the higher end. Sadly, carriers often treat phones with slide-out keyboards as second-class citizens, which means that QWERTY fans will rarely find a truly top-notch product. Indeed, the Photon Q 4G LTE is one of the best phones on the market for its form factor. It performs well and its spec sheet is quasi-respectable, but we can't call it a premier offering for Sprint (not with a straight face, anyway). At $200, this particular handset feels a bit out of place sitting next to heavyweights like the Galaxy S III and the EVO 4G LTE. Chop its price in half, and Motorola will have itself a strong contender in that price range.

[Shaolin Crane]

I do need a keyboard, the nerve endings in my fingers are gone so it makes using a touch screen very difficult, sometimes impossible.

Besides, isnt the S III a samsung phone? I'll never own another samsung product again in my life.

[SeanPlunk]

The Galaxy S III is literally better in every way save for not having a keyboard. I would also heavily consider the EVO 4G LTE over the Photon (although I would have a tough time getting over how ugly it is).

[SeanPlunk]

If you must have a keyboard, the Photon is the way to go. I'd still go try the other phones first though. With the large screens (4.8" for the GSIII and 4.7" for the EVO LTE 4G), the typing might not be that difficult for you.

[Shaolin Crane]

Originally Posted by SeanPlunk

The Galaxy S III is literally better in every way save for not having a keyboard. I would also heavily consider the EVO 4G LTE over the Photon (although I would have a tough time getting over how ugly it is).

I honestly think i'm done with HTC for now, my phone is nearly the same as the LTE Evo just with a keyboard

I dont give a shit about looks, I rocked a i580 for almost 5 years and still miss it, though it was worthless for alot of stuff.

Originally Posted by SeanPlunk

If you must have a keyboard, the Photon is the way to go. I'd still go try the other phones first though. With the large screens (4.8" for the GSIII and 4.7" for the EVO LTE 4G), the typing might not be that difficult for you.

Typing is difficult for me because of the touch, not the size. I borrowed my dad's EVO LTE for a day and it was worthless for me. The callus on my fingers, dead nerves and finger damage makes touch screen typing a huge chore. Couple that when i'm wearing work gloves all day it makes my phone completely useless unless I have a keyboard, try answering or using your phone with you nose, doesnt work very well.

[Shaolin Crane]

Just checked and I found out I can get the PHOTON for $149 with an upgrade

[Vettezuki]

On a separate note, I'm considering waiting of the iPhone 5 over the S3. Mostly because I hear the new Siri is pretty amazing.

[blackax]

Originally Posted by Vettezuki

On a separate note, I'm considering waiting of the iPhone 5 over the S3. Mostly because I hear the new Siri is pretty amazing.

If you are gonna wait on the Iphone 5, wait a month longer and see the next nexus.