So as my HTC Velocity screen is smashed and costs $100 to replace, I am just going to get a new phone.
If I remember correctly the THL W8 from DX was supposed to be a bargain…..is it still?
http://aud.dx.com/search/THL%20W8
Not interested in any phone that doesn't allow SD expansion
If you used www.thlmobilestore.com then I reckon they're a scam site. I used them and had a nightmare… Loads of messages about delays in shipping. Tracking said HK mail in some and Singapore in others, I opened a PayPal dispute and then they said they had contacted their postal service and had it sent back to them (yes, really) because I raised the dispute and that they wouldn't re-send until I closed the complaint etc.
Eventually got my money back but it was obvious they had never sent me a phone at all. Had I closed my dispute I'd have been stuffed as you can only open one with PayPal. They were obviously hoping I'd close it and then have no recourse for a refund.
It has no affiliation with THL and there's also a few other identical sites out there for other products.
EDIT: I ended up going with www.ibuygou.com.
mate, also checkout Jiayu mobiles - they are thl's competeitors…got one for wife(model G2S) and resolution and speed of the overall system is amazing ..i prefer it better than my iphone 5 to tell you the truth but its my personal preference…
The Jiayu have a reputation for good build quality, but are limited to only supporting 2100. The THL are also good and also support 850 (Telstra) as well as 2100. The THL W200 appears to be the latest favourite over at Whirlpool. I've had one on order from the Aussie DX site for 10 days and they only just shipped it. So much for their promise of 7 days delivery via Toll couriers.
the jiayu that i mentioned above also supports 850 so it works on telstra as well…
I checked the usual Chinese websites and they all say the Jiayu only supports 2100 on 3G. It supports 850 on 2G. Worthwhile double checking.
I have a w8….. has been great…. I would certainly recommend it
Have W100 - work and personal SIMS - for Telstra good phone - only limitation is only one functional 3G sim.
Runs ok on Optus (was previously using Amaysim before changing over to Boost) if around major centres as 2100 3G only - phone functions well on either 2G network for calls.
Overall phone functions a treat - very happy for the $ vs performance.
Also the free extras like 2 x cover/case, 2 x screen protectors and 2 x battery add to that value.
I had a W100 but it didn't work too well on AmaySIM. I wouldn't recommend it for Optus resellers at all as once you get off 2100 the performance was shocking. I'm pretty close to central Melbourne and it was awful for me.
More worrying was that after making extended calls it made my head hurt. I got scared about it maybe frying my brains so got rid of it. The one downside of Chinese phones is no SARS ratings, never sure how 'safe' they are and I'm a heavy user so didn't want to take the risk. Got an N4 when they went on sale and far more pleased with that. Shame as other than that(!) and the muffled call quality (for the recipient) it was a great little phone.
You'd want 900/2100 if you're on Optus. Nokia Lumias on kogan are the same price or less than DX's THLs, and would be a much better phone (and better warranty, easier service & more accessories). Avoid the 520 if you want Optus. Also, the 2nd digit is the operating system … n0n is WP 7, n1n is WP 7.5 and n2n is WP 8. So aim for a 520, 620, 820, 920, 925 etc. On, and another advantage is that once Nokia release an update you get it without having to wait for Optus/Telstra etc to "test" it with all their crapware!
Nokia would have been an option but I have already invested into a libary of Android apps so got to go Android.
With the way phone specs keep upgrading I think it best to go el-cheapo for the time being espcially when you see the vale of money you get with THL.
I just have to decide then:
W8 ?
W8 Beyond?
W200 ?
I am leaning towards W200 cause apparently GPS works better than the other two
They seem pretty good to me. I've bought one from the thlmobile site but am waiting for it to be delivered… They have taken a very long time…. :(