What phone do I need?

First, let's get this out of the way. I currently use an Iphone 3 because it was given to me for free when my previous phone leaped from my grasp, bounced off of my kayak and went into the ocean. I use my phone to make calls, get texts from work and look up something on Google maps about 4 times a year. I don't need tons of features- I don't even have my email linked to my phone.

I wanted to use the GoPro application to aim my GoPro at the upcoming rallycross and while fishing in my kayak, and the app won't run on my phone. My first thought was to get an Iphone 3GS since that is pretty much the phone I have and it will run the app.

However, I know nothing about phones since I care so little about them. A friend said that the Galaxy 3 mini might work, but it isn't on the list, so I'm not sure, even though it is supposedly an Android 4.1 device.

Given my ignorance, I thought I'd ask the brain trust here and see if I'm being stupid.

Here are my requirements:

It has to be cheap.

I don't want a big phone. I like the size of my Iphone 3, since it fits in my pocket without being intrusive to anything.

It has to work on AT&T. I don't like AT&T, but I don't like Verizon or any other carrier, either. What I do like about AT&T is that there is that there are HUGE, well documented blind spots to coverage where I go on vacation. Work can not reach me, no matter how much they try. This is a good thing.

It has to run the Gopro application, obviously. So, the list is:

iPhone/iPad/iPod touch:

iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, 5 (iOS 6)

iPod Touch 4 (iOS 6)

iPad 1, 2, 3, & mini (iOS 6)

Android:

HTC Thunderbolt and similar Android 2.3 & 4.x devices

Motorola Droid X2 and similar 4.x devices

Samsung Galaxy Nexus 4G and similar 4.x devices

Samsung Galaxy Tablet and similar 4.x devices

Google Nexus 7 and similar 4.x devices

HTC One X and similar 4.x devices

Windows Phone 81:

Nokia Lumia 920, 920T and similar devices

I have a Lumia 920, and my dad has an LG optimus g pro, they are both good phones, the LG does way more than it sounds like you care about doing though. I actually have a iPhone 3gs that I don't need anymore if you really wanted one, it still worked ok, but I won't say it works as good as it did when it was new.

In reply to Travis_K:

I have been looking at the LG OG Pro. How does your Pop like it?? How's the battery life?

I have a Google Nexus 4. It's an LG handset- and will run the GoPro app, as I have used it to do that. I am biased against Iphones, but given that you seem to not REALLY care what your phone does and are likely more familiar with the IOS- I'd say get the cheapest 3GS/4 you can find, it's going to be less expensive than your other options. Given what I know about the processing capabilities of the GS3 that my wife has, and what I know about the phones in general, I'd be willing to bet the GS3 would work. I suppose I could load the gopro app on her phone and find out- but she's too busy on Facetube.

I have a Lumia 920 which I like a lot, but it's a pretty big phone. With the size requirement you're probably best off with an iPhone 3GS or 4/4S.

I have a love/hate relationship with iOS devices, that said we finally traded in our iPhone 4S's last weekend on the new 5c, since Best Buy was offering them OTD for $50-each. It's certainly a much faster phone, without needing to spend $400 for the top-of-the-line iPhone, and in 2-years when they upgrade the iOS again and it runs like crap I won't be so bitter about all the money I spent on the damn phones in the first place.

The choices are:
iPhone
Android
Windows phone

If you are not up for the idea of relearning how a phone works and you are happy with the iPhone then I would just move to another, more robust iPhone.

JohnRW1621 wrote: The choices are: iPhone Android Windows phone If you are not up for the idea of relearning how a phone works and you are happy with the iPhone then I would just move to another, more robust iPhone.

This. I can't remember how many times I've had to re-learn a phone because the damn things change how they work, and I upgrade constantly. There is a LOT to be said for sticking with what you know, and Apple is really good at allowing you to do that.

Strike_Zero wrote: In reply to Travis_K: I have been looking at the LG OG Pro. How does your Pop like it?? How's the battery life?

Other than having to return the first one because the camera didn't work, he says its great. The battery lasts pretty much all day including a few hours of playing music. Its probably one of the top 3 or 4 best android phones ever made, which is the best just kinda depends on what you are looking for. The HTC one is faster, but less battery life, no removable SD card, etc, so depending on what is important the LG may be better.

In reply to Travis_K:

Sweet!! That's what I needed to know.

I'm getting lots of fandom based ranting on my facebook post about this. I'm glad I also asked here.

So far I am thinking the cheapest Iphone 4 I can find is the way to go.

do they offer a waterproof one? After your kayaking mishap?

I miss simple phones. I capsized a kayak and flooded my old motorola startac, but all it took to make it work again was pulling the battery out and setting it on the dash of the car to bake in the FL sun..

Have you looked at the Nokia 521?

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/any-input-on-starter-smart-phone/71694/page1/

I think this is the phone for me and I found it on amazon for $100

http://www.amazon.com/Nokia-Lumia-521-T-Mobile/dp/B00COYOAYW/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=A265YS5SBP1UA

Paul B

In reply to JoeyM:

Saltwater destroys all phones, even MilSpec ones. I usually keep it in a case, but I had it out to talk to my wife. Live and learn.

mndsm wrote: I have a Google Nexus 4. It's an LG handset- and will run the GoPro app, as I have used it to do that. I am biased against Iphones, but given that you seem to not REALLY care what your phone does and are likely more familiar with the IOS- I'd say get the cheapest 3GS/4 you can find, it's going to be less expensive than your other options. Given what I know about the processing capabilities of the GS3 that my wife has, and what I know about the phones in general, I'd be willing to bet the GS3 would work. I suppose I could load the gopro app on her phone and find out- but she's too busy on Facetube.

GS3 does work. I use mine to control my GoPro via the app.

Brett_Murphy wrote: In reply to JoeyM: Saltwater destroys all phones, even MilSpec ones. I usually keep it in a case, but I had it out to talk to my wife. Live and learn.

Since this thread is still alive, here is a little more.

AT&T phones have SIM cards. These should be easily swapped from handset to handset.
For the iPhone, you will need a micro or nano SIM unlike the standard sized SIM of the past.
There is an adapter. Samples on Amazon

For harsh environs like Kayaking, pull the SIM out of your expensive iPhone and put the SIM into a $15 AT&T GoPhone handset that can be gotten at Wally World or the like.
Don't like those choices, try this retailer for used, simple AT&T equipment, www.mobilekarma.com

All your calls and phone numbers will come over to the other handset when you drop in the SIM. If the handset goes into the drink, a quick stop at an AT&T store for a new SIM and all your contacts will be out there on the Apple Cloud, so no loss there.

Or, try the popular Lifeproof brand case for iPhone and test its claims of being waterproof.