biker222

Hi,

I have been looking at the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 as a possible smartphone option for its functionality for long tours.
It seems to have features of tablet with phone function.

Looking for input for smartphone options. This would be used within US for on road tours.

Thanks

RPK79

All smartphones are basically just small tablets. The Note 3 is different in that it has a stylus with built in storage and an exceptionally large screen. For touring I would be concerned about battery life and network coverage.

LuckySailor

i have an iPhone 5S, with the Cyclemeter app. the app tracks me geographically, and also speed, cadence, heart rate, music, real time and averages, calories etc. Also, have the WaHoo PROTKT case for the phone, which mounts on the handlebar stem. No issues, and the case is pretty well bullet proof. I also have a SON 28 dynamo for charging the phone. Haven't used this yet, but looking forward to it this spring. The wheel is soon to be built with the hub in place.

lhendrick

I have a note2 in an otterbox case recharged with a Schmidt SON28 hub dynamo. Great smartphone. Use GPS, phone, Camera - all excellent. Use it to read books in tent/bed too. Great for keeping manuals and etc as PDF's. All in all a win. I buy local SIM cards wherever I go internationally. Takes a memory card for extra storage for pics, books, music, movies, etc. Acts like a hotspot for my laptop too.

fietsbob

I never needed any.

how much are the roaming charges? international ones ?

I read people buy one where they are.. a pay as you go , and save that.

does your one network not honor any other phones not paying them.

and do the other networks retaliate in kind.?

dougdevine

I never heard of Cyclemeter but the reviews for it make it sound awesome. I've been using mapmyride and I'm disappointed with it as it doesn't come close to getting the elevation profiles correct. eg, there is a 100' hill by my house that mapmyride consistently says is only 18' high.

Regarding phone choice, I would say the phone carrier choice is more important. A phone only works when it has service. And not all carriers have good coverage in the sticks where most of a bike tour is spent.

mrtuttle04

If you are worried about battery life you can buy a battery pack that plugs into this USB port. Using a battery pack, was able to use GPS on my phone to track an 80 mile ride.

stevo9er

To add to this. If you use offline maps you can put your phone into airplane mode and then turn on gps only. Uses hardly any battery and you can easily make it a couple days. I do this with oruxmaps on my note 2.

BigAura

iPhone in LifeProof case - shock resistant & waterproof

HyperJuice external battery - good for 5 extra charges

The total system with charging plugs and cables weighs 1lb

stevage

I've recently bought a Motorola Moto G which I love - cheapish, and the battery life is insane. Currently showing 49% and I last charged it 40 hours ago. That is, I'm on track to get 3 days out of this charge.

All Android devices are essentially equivalent in terms of features, except that tablets (7 inch plus) don't let you make phone calls. The differences are in quality of screen, battery, processor, and whatever crapware they install on them.

BruceHankins

I hate android so iOS all the way for me.

rwpshaw

I use the Note 3 sparingly. The battery runs down quickly while it continues to search while on. I use an Anker external battery for backup.

dannwilliams

There are apps that let you make calls, as long as you have wifi. GrooVe IP Lite is the app I use, it uses my google voice setup. Pretty slick!

lhendrick

????

fietsbob

recalling stories of $400 phone bills from taking your phone overseas, and using it..

Within the lower US 48 , you may be fine .. ask your network peeps ..

blacknbluebikes 

+1 on the "power supply" issue, regardless of phone type. You either got juice or ya don't, other factors become moot. Very happy with my Anker for expressly this purpose. long lightning cable from saddlebag, had extra-to-spare after century ride last Sept.

https://www.ianker.com/product/79AN7909-BA

Walter S

What matters even more is to have maps and be able to plot and follow bicycle routes with no coverage. I go lots of places where No Carrier will have coverage. The iPhone and TomTom app are great for that. Plots and follows routes with an offline database of roads and POIs.