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About my old phone:

So. One day about two weeks ago, as I was walking through the park, I tripped over my own feet and came crashing down to the ground on my left side. And it just so happened that I had my smartphone in my left hand, which I used to help break my fall so that I wouldn't fall on my face. However, I fell on my left shoulder, which thank God has healed. But let me tell you that for the first 3-4 nights, I didn't sleep very well because anytime I rolled over on my left side, I woke myself out of a dead sleep; yelling, "OUCH...YOU SON OF A BITCH!#@!"

Blessedly I survived the fall, however, my poor smartphone did not.

In fact, the second I heard the phone hit the ground (screen facing downward), I knew it was D-Day (Death Day).

And isn't it funny that I wasn't even concerned about my injured body. Nope, my attention was, "OMG...did I crack the screen?!?"

Which of course, I did. 

And so much so, that it looked as though it had been in a head-on collision with a semi-truck on 1-95 going 150 mph.

Therefore, I had to invest in a new phone.

Now to be totally honest, I had been pondering the thought of getting a new smartphone because the battery-life in the phone I had was getting shorter and shorter every day. When I would turn the phone on at 100% charged, within a few hours, it would decrease down to 50%. I had the phone for over three years, so it's only natural that the battery would go. 

So yes, it was time. The cracked screen merely caused me to do it immediately. 

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About my new phone, including a customer service rant, but also a praise: (my dear friend, Bijoux, will love this)

I had no idea what brand of phone I wanted to get this time, so I googled various brands and did some research. I also went into a few different smartphone stores in Philadelphia, so that I could see (and touch) them in person. I know I've shared this on my blog in the past, but overall, the customer service in this city is a big fat O. I'm shocked that the businesses here have any business at all because most of their associates act as if they're doing you a huge favor by acknowledging that you walked in. And to get them to help you with questions you might have is a bigger task because that would mean they would actually have to do something, other than stand there and take up oxygen.

Philadelphia should officially advertise itself as "a self-serve city" because that's what it truly is.  

You know, I wouldn't be surprised if even one day all the Italian funeral home businesses in South Philly make you do your own self-serve embalming after you die. 

Anyway, the customer service I received in the smartphone stores that I visited was beastly. I actually walked out of one while the sales associate was talking to me because I knew she was totally bullshitting me. 

About buying a smartphone:

Buying a smartphone can be as daunting and painful as buying an automobile because it's like walking into a den of hungry vultures with foam on their lips and dollars signs in their pupils. 

Unless they know that you're going to purchase an expensive smartphone (say, $400. and up), they have no interest in helping you because they make commission and bonuses. And someone like me who is on a prepaid plan and won't spend more than $150.00 (including tax) for a phone, they look at me like, "Sorry dude...not interested." Which is sad because I've been a loyal customer for many years and consistently pay my monthly bill on time. 

However...

Every so often you get lucky and encounter an associate who knows how to serve their customers with integrity. Which is what happened to me at one particular AT&T store, not far from where I live. As a matter of fact, I was so impressed with her customer service that I wrote an online review and then called the company to rave about her. Not only was she extremely helpful, but she had a personality that was warm, fun, and natural. She took the time to transfer my SIM card over to my new phone and answered all of my questions. She was a delight!

I walked out of that store completely satisfied with the service I had received, and very happy with the smartphone I purchased.

Which incidentally ended up costing me only $140.39 (tax included). 

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About my smartphone:


One of the most joyful things about getting a new smartphone is setting it up because every phone is a little different. I love the whole "investigation process" of finding out how everything works. 

I'm amazed (and so was the sales associate who helped me) by how quickly this new phone responds. And it came with twice the amount of storage space than my previous phone. The call sound is awesome, and so is the speaker sound. Which is important to me because I use my phone a lot for streaming music. And being a photography enthusiast, it was important to have a good camera. Which it does.

And speaking of photography, I would like to share several photographs I took using my smartphone.

Here, take a look...






Me and my shadow...


The day after I got my phone, I met up with a friend for an early morning coffee date at Federal Donuts. Right next door was a gorgeous new hotel, so we stopped inside to look around. In the lobby was a beautiful Christmas tree, so she and I sat down on one of the couches; sipped our coffee; talked; enjoyed the ambiance; and then went grocery shopping together.


And here it is, my new smartphone.



Isn't the color fab-u-lous?...


For the size of the phone (6.5), it is feather-light in weight...


I ordered two phone cases from Amazon, which I should be receiving any day now...


The screen clarity is amazing. And the glass is made of scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass 5...


So there you have it folks, my new smartphone.

*doing the happy dance*

Have a fantastic weekend!
And Happy Belated Thanksgiving!
💗

29 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear about your injury and the phone’s demise. You will notice that I mentioned you before the phone, but then laughed when I read that you were more concerned about the phone being damaged, which of course it had been.
    Too bad you had to go through such lousy service reps before getting a good one and glad she was helpful. You seem to have got a great new replacement and the price was fantastic. I had no idea that At&T offered cell phones at such a good price and the photos looked great! You may never use your camera now, Ron. We both have Apple cell phones which, of course, cost way more when purchased new, which we did a couple of years ago. No plans to replace them for awhile, hopefully when we decide to change and not have a phone D-day.
    Good choice on the color and a case is always a good decision. Feel better and enjoy your new phone.

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  2. Ron, someone should hired you to write a humor column in a newspaper or magazine because your observations and commentaries are hilarious. I love your sense of humor! Happy to hear that your shoulder is all healed. And it was better to lose your smartphone than to fall on your face. Head injuries can be dangerous.

    You new phone is really sharp looking. The color is beautiful. And I like how it goes from light to dark! I see what you mean about the camera, the pics are so sharp. So is the phone an AT&T brand? The reason I ask is because I use them as my carrier and I may be getting a new phone myself soon. I have a Samsung, which I like, but I'm open to trying something different. And the price tag is really reasonable.

    Thanks again for the laughs, Ron. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving. Can you believe Christmas is only a month away? xo

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  3. Hey there Candice!

    Thank you. Me too! It was very hard to sleep when I first fell, but it seems to be healing. I've also been taking Turmeric supplements, which helps tremendously with any kind of inflammation or pain.

    Isn't the color fabulous? I love how it fades from dark to light. It's so cool!

    Yes, the phone is an AT&T brand, which I had no idea they even did that. I read the reviews online before I purchased it, which were almost 100% in favor of the phone, so that's why I got it. I think I saw maybe one or two negative reviews, but that' s all. I've been with AT&T for over five years and really like their service. However, their retail stores (at least here in Philly) are so poorly operated. I was beyond happy with the service I received in one I went to, which was the exception.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your weekend!
    X

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  4. Hello there D!

    "You will notice that I mentioned you before the phone, but then laughed when I read that you were more concerned about the phone being damaged, which of course it had been."

    HA! I know, isn't it funny that my first concern after falling was for the phone?!?

    We have five AT&T stores here in Philly; all in different neighborhoods. The one I purchased my phone from was a new store that recently opened. I was BEYOND happy with the service I received, which is why I wrote the review and contacted the company. She was such a delight!

    I didn't either. I think AT&T just started making their own phones. The reviews I read online before I purchased it were fantastic, which is why I thought I'd give it a go. I've have the phone for almost two weeks now, and I really like it.

    "We both have Apple cell phones which, of course, cost way more when purchased new, which we did a couple of years ago. "

    Yes, I know so many people who have Apple phones and LOVE them. However, I'm very frugal with my money and can't see myself spending that much for a phone. I've used Apple computers, iPads, and phones in various jobs I've had, so I do know how awesome they are.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaabulous rest of your week!

    X

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  5. Awww, thanks for the shout out! And would you believe I have a customer service post brewing in my mind? Lol! So freaking irritating to get poor service like what you described.

    I love the look of your new phone and those are certainly clear, crisp photos. We will all benefit! I’m so glad you were able to meet up with a friend. It’s so important for us to maintain some social connection during these times.

    I hope your shoulder is fully recovered. That’s scary to fall like that. I slipped on wet leaves during a walk recently and twisted my ankle a little, while preventing a fall. Fortunately, it was ok the next day! Hope you are having a nice weekend! Hugs!

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  6. Ron, I take a Turmeric supplement too! I have bad knees from playing girls soccer and my nutritionist recommended it several years ago. I found it VERY helpful with inflammation and pain in my knees. Glad you found it helpful as well!

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  7. "I wouldn't be surprised if even one day all the Italian funeral home businesses in South Philly make you do your own self-serve embalming after you die." Ron, both my husband and I laughed so hard after reading that because we live in South Philly and there's an Italian funeral home on almost every corner. You are hilarious! I always think of the movie, Moonstruck, when I pass by a funeral home because the character of Loretta Castorini was the bookkeeper in a funeral home, remember that scene?

    Your phone is so handsome! Love the color. And it looks so sleek and slim. The photos you took with it are wonderful! I'm with you, I don't like spending a ton of money on a smartphone because they don't last more than a couple of years and then you have to buy a new one. My daughter has an iPhone, and when she told me how much she spent, I flipped! And you're correct about Philadelphia and customer service. It's the pits.

    Beautiful photo of the Christmas tree! And before we know it, Christmas will be here!

    Enjoy your new phone, Ron. And thank you for always making me laugh. xo

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  8. Isn't Turmeric faaaaaaaaabulous? I had been reading about it for years, and knew someone I used to work with who took the supplement for arthritis and she said it helped so much, so I decided to give it a go. And I have to say, I could feel the difference in just two days.

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  9. Wow, those pics are amazing...you'd never know they were taken with a smartphone. It's amazing how much the technology has improved, huh? My Pixel 3 also takes surprisingly good photos. Congrats on the new purchase, Ron! As you said, the discovery process is always exciting and often eye-opening.

    Can't wait to see your upcoming holiday pics of Philly. Have a great weekend, my friend!

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  10. I swear to God, I IMMEDIATELY thought of you when I went through the hassle of trying to get some to help me with a new phone. One day I got to frustrated that I just walked home and thought about just ordering a phone online because instore help is HELPLESS.

    "I’m so glad you were able to meet up with a friend. It’s so important for us to maintain some social connection during these times."

    I agree! She and I met several years ago because we had apartments directly across the hallway from each other on the same floor. We immediately hit it off because we had a lot in common about certain things. I hadn't seen or heard from her in months, so I was concerned. However, one day she and I met in the lobby of our apartment building, so we decided to meet for coffee the next day to catch up. She's such a cool person!

    Thank you, and yes...it's scary to fall like that. I tripped on the exterior roots of tree I had walked by. I didn't feel the pain at first, but several minutes later my shoulder was throbbing. I immediate took some aspirin and soaked in a warm tub. Glad to hear that your ankle is okay!

    Have a great rest of your week, my friend. And thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  11. Ron, sounds like you made a great deal on that new smartphone! And wow -- it takes really clear pictures, too (just another plus!)


    I'm sorry you fell and went BOOM on the sidewalk (and your old phone). Glad you didn't come away with really serious injuries. You sound like me: I try to eke out as much from a smartphone as possible before trading. They're just so expensive now (like carrying around a tiny computer in your pocket), and I, too, dread the haggling over new models.



    My current smartphone is about three years old, and I know it's going to have to be replaced one day (that draining battery issue really tells the tale, doesn't it?) I hope I can get as good a deal as you did!


    Happy Belated Thanksgiving! xx

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  12. Ron, you and I must be on the same path because my smartphone is getting ready to be replaced as well. I've had it for almost the same length as your old one, and I'm dreading the thought of looking for one to replace it. I have a Samsung and they don't make the model I have anymore. And I hear you on the cost of phones. You could buy a laptop computer for the cost of some phones. I don't need anything fancy, just a reliable phone with a good battery. I don't even care if the camera is great because I used my camera for taking photos. But I have to say, your phone takes great photographs! And you're right about customer service. I think it's everywhere, not just Philly. People don't seem to want to assist when you shop.

    I love the cartoon graphic you used of the Wicked Stepmother. That is so funny!

    Happy to read you didn't hurt yourself bad when you fell. I've done that a few times walking down stairs. I'm so graceful! LOL

    Have a geat weekend, Ron! x

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  13. Oooops, I forgot to wish you a Happy Belated Thanksgiving, Ron! Hope you had a great one. x

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  14. OMG...I KNEW you would understand what I meant by that, Elaine! Yes, there is literally an Italian funeral home on every block; especially on Broad Street! When I first moved back to Philly in 2001, I went to South Philly to meet up with a coworker who lived on Dickinson Street and I was blow away by all the FUNERAL HOMES.

    And yes, Moonstruck, is one of my very favorite films, so I do remember that scene at the beginning of the movie. GREAT scene!

    Thanks. I love this new phone. I just got my phone cases delivered today, which I'm so happy about because I've been scared I was going to drop it. The cases also came with screen covers.

    I agree, a phone is like car. the second you by one, it's outdated already. I love Apple products, however, I would never spend the money on them.

    I know, can you believe it? Christmas is only a month away!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. Have a great rest of your weekend!

    X

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  15. Aw...thanks, Mark! I was very impressed with the quality of the camera, considering it's a budget phone. But all the reviews I read online before I purchased it, raved about the camera!

    And it's funny you mentioned Pixel 3 because I noticed them in the AT&T store when I was shopping for a phone.

    You're right, technology has advanced so much over the past few years that it blows me away by the quality of the photographs you can get from a smartphone!

    I've been having so much fun getting to know this new phone.

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a fabulous rest of your weekend!

    X to you and Tara

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  16. Hey there Debbie!

    I didn't have a ton of time to do as much research as I like to do, but when I read all the positive feedback reviews, I thought, "Why not try it?" And so far, so good. I was so impressed by the camera quality. Like you said, it just another plus!

    Thank you, my friend. I'm grateful that I didn't hurt myself more because if I had falling on my face, it would have been worst.

    " You sound like me: I try to eke out as much from a smartphone as possible before trading. They're just so expensive now (like carrying around a tiny computer in your pocket), and I, too, dread the haggling over new models."

    YES! You're so right, they are so expensive now that it's like carrying around a computer. In fact, I know many people who use their phones for everything, just like a computer. I refuse to pay a fortune for one because they become outdated so fast.

    "(that draining battery issue really tells the tale, doesn't it?)"

    It sure does! That's how I knew it was time for me to look into getting a new phone.

    Take your time and do your research because I know there are phones on the market that are good quality for a budget price.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. I LOVED your (Dallas's) post today. It literally brought tears to my eyes, it was so sweet!

    Have a great rest of your weekend !
    X

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  17. Hola Denise!

    OMG, you're getting ready to purchase a new phone too!?!? How ironic is that! I looked at a Samsung phone and was seriously considering it because I've heard great things about that brand. However, when I spotted the AT&T phone, my intuition told me to get that one. I really liked how the phone felt in my hands. You're right, phones are getting as expensive as a laptop, however, I could never use a phone the way I use a computer.

    "And you're right about customer service. I think it's everywhere, not just Philly. People don't seem to want to assist when you shop."

    Exactly! They don't seem the slightest bit interested in helping you. Half the time I see them either talking to each other or texting on the phones.

    Isn't that cartoon hilarious? I loved it because many years ago when I was still doing theater, I played the role of the Stepmother in a musical version of Cinderella. HA!

    Thanks. Yes, my shoulder is feeling much better.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your weekend. I put up my tiny Christmas tree today and it looks so cute!

    X

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  18. You too, Denise! Hope you had an AWESOME Thanksgiving Day!

    X

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  19. Sharp-looking phone, Ron! I use my phone a lot for streaming music as well, so I understand your feeling about sound. I've had various brands of smartphones and I don't necessarily think more expensive means better quality. I'm budget conscious, so I tend to look for a middle ground price tag. Phones used to last a lot longer, however, companies now construct them so that you constantly have to update them $$

    Really nice photographs!

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  20. Thanks, Daniel! I love the color and how the phone feels in my hands. It's larger than my previous phone, but it's narrower and more lightweight.

    "Phones used to last a lot longer, however, companies now construct them so that you constantly have to update them $$"

    You are SO RIGHT about that! I know someone who used to work for Mac and they said that they deliberating do that to their products so that you HAVE TO update. But I'm sure most brands do the same thing.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great Sunday!

    X

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  21. Hey, Ron, first of all, I am so sorry about your accident. I hope you're feeling better now. We can't afford to lose you!

    It sucks that your phone got cracked, but it gave you a chance to get that snazzy new number. I got a kick at how you described your less-than-stellar shopping experience, and I love the bit about the self-serve funeral parlors.

    I feel the same way about airlines. We have to print our own tickets, weigh our own baggage. Hey, just give me a pilot's cap and point me toward Brooklyn, for crissakes!

    It's great that you met that one sales associate and I commend you for passing on your praise. People are quick to complaint to management, but rarely do they take the time to point out the good stuff.

    The new phone looks great and the photos are really sharp. It sounds like that unfortunate fall had a silver lining. (You got beauty for falling on your ashes--sorry, I couldn't resist.)

    Congratulations on the new phone, buddy, and use it in good health...please!!

    Happy Turkey!

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  22. " It sounds like that unfortunate fall had a silver lining. (You got beauty for falling on your ashes--sorry, I couldn't resist.)"

    HAHAHAHAHA! Rob, that was so funny! I love your witty (play on words) sense of humor, man!

    And you're right, crashing my phone gave me a chance to get this snazzy new number! And I just had my two new smartphone covers delivered this weekend and they fit perfectly. I love the rubberized texture of the cases because it gives the phone a "no-slip grip."

    The young lady who helped me in the smartphone store was stellar, so I wanted to give her a huge shout out. She gave me hope that some people DO understand what good customer service is. And you're so right about the airlines!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have an awesome week!

    X

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  23. Ron, this post cracked me up! LOL at your funeral home self embalming reference!

    NICE looking phone, dude! The color is awesome! My girlfriend is a graphic artist, so all of her tech is Apple. She has every thing connected to each other. I on the other hand am PC (HP) and Droid (Samsung) preferred. I'm like you, I can't see spending a fortune for something that needs frequent updates.

    Your new phone takes gorgeous shots. Congrats!

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  24. Thank you, Matt!

    I am VERY happy with my new smartphone. I just got the cases delivered last weekend and the fit perfectly. VERY impressed with the camera quality and sound (music and calls). Also the battery life is fantastic!

    I've used a lot of Apple products and enjoyed them. However, I can't see myself spending the money for them. I've used them primarily at jobs where the companies used all Apple products.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a most excellent rest of your week!

    Hope you had a super Thanksgiving Day!

    X

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  25. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comThursday, December 03, 2020

    I can relate with salespeople who spout bs! But so glad you finally got a shiny new phone! And the photos are lovely!

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  26. Thank you, Fiona. I am soooooooooo enjoying my new phone!

    Yes, I think most salespeople (particularly those on commission), spout bs!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!

    X

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  27. Ouch! Having tripped over my own feet and ended up on the ground, I empathize with you! I hate dealing with phone stores. Sprint stores are just as bad. We buy unlocked phones online and I take them to the store to migrate the data to the new phone so we don't have to deal with the salespeople. I'm due for a new phone someday soon. Looks like your phone's camera is awesome! Wonderful pics and the colors are stunning! Even though I work on a Mac, I won't pay the price for an iPhone. Enjoy your new phone! Hope that Otterbox case comes soon. 😉 X

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  28. Hey there Lisa!

    "Sprint stores are just as bad. We buy unlocked phones online and I take them to the store to migrate the data to the new phone so we don't have to deal with the salespeople."

    You know, I was actually thinking of doing the same thing before I got this new phone because I was having such a challenging time trying to find a salesperson with integrity to help me. And I probably would have done that had I not be lucky enough to get the lovely young lady who helped me in that one AT&T store. She was awesome!

    "Even though I work on a Mac, I won't pay the price for an iPhone. "


    I used to work with a girl who's husband was an IT guy who said the same thing. He much preferred an Android phone over an iPhone.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X

    P.S. Yup...I got my phone cases delivered and they fit the phone perfectly!

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  29. Nice information, valuable and excellent design, as share good stuff with good ideas and concepts, lots of great information and inspiration, both of which I need, thanks to offer such a helpful information here. best smartphones 2020

    ReplyDelete

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