What should I get if I'm returning a Galaxy Note 7?
In light of several reports of new, "safe" replacement Note 7s catching fire, you may be thinking about returning or replacing the phone with something else. Hearing this news, coupled with some particularly violent photos of phones in various stages of burning and melting, means that we can't recommend you buy the Galaxy Note 7 anymore. If you decide to return your Note 7, here's a few suggestions for what your next phone should be!
Galaxy S7 edge
If you like the Galaxy experience, and you are ok with a Note 7-sized phone without the pen, consider the Galaxy S7 edge. This phone offers a lot of the same fantastic features found in the Galaxy Note 7, will cost you slightly less, and is available everywhere the Note 7 was. Not only are there no reports of Galaxy S7s exploding, but it's the next best thing if you're looking for one of the best smartphone experiences available to you today.
See at AT&T See at Sprint See at T-Mobile See at Verizon
LG V20
The heir apparent to the outgoing Note 7, the LG V20 is coming to the U.S. by the end of October, and is primed to be the best oversized Android phone available at the carrier level. Not only will it be widely available (at all four U.S. carriers), but it promises to match the Note 7 in a number of key areas, including performance, camera quality, and unique features.
It may lack the S Pen, but the V20 packs its own differentiation, including a neat Second Screen above the main display, a second wide-angle camera lens on the back, and its own take on Android 7.0 Nougat, the first phone not from Google to ship with the new version of the OS.
Google Pixel XL
The Google Pixel XL is only a millimeter taller and wider than the Note 7, and it's packing all the latest technology straight from Google. Sure, it may lack the Note 7's curves and larger 5.7-inch screen, but the Pixel XL is shaping up to be an amazing phone. From the top-rated 12MP camera to the brand-new Android 7.1 software, many former Note 7 customers may be inclined to move to Google's first smartphone.
HTC 10
For those returning a Galaxy Note 7 with no interest in another Samsung phone, consider the HTC 10. This phone offers an aluminum unibody design with killer speakers and a camera that easily competes with the Note 7 in most situations. As HTC's top phone this year, it offers the same level of performance as the Galaxy Note 7, and comes in several striking colors. There's a lot to like here, especially if you're into a great music and gaming experience on your phone.
See at Amazon See at Sprint See at Verizon
OnePlus 3
Deciding to return a big expensive phone like the Note 7 may have you rethinking how much you're willing to spend on a smartphone in the first place. If that's the case, you might want to take a look at OnePlus. This is a company that has made quite a name for itself in the smartphone world by offering phones that are dangerously close to being considered some of the best experiences available today for half the cost. The OnePlus 3 is a fantastic example of this, and if well worth considering if you're not sure what to grab next.
Your turn
There's always something new and exciting right around the corner, but you've got to have a phone now. Whatever the reason, you may decide the best option is grabbing a cheap phone and waiting for something better to come along. If that's where you are, we've got a great list of cheap phones to tide you over until the next great phone arrives!
