Best Android phone under $200?

CryssieJade on 17/01/2014 - 18:21

Hi everyone! I'm back again, you might remember me from previous forum topics, such as "Android phone between $300-$350". Sorry, can't cut and paste the forum url, because my current phone doesn't do cut and paste.

Budget for a new phone has decreased, due to my next lens upgrade increasing in cost.

ESSENTIAL FEATURES:

  • I'm a photographer, and need a phone that I can run my business from. Something zippy to send emails and update my Facebook pages.

  • Desperately seeking a phone that can cut and paste text. Apparently not all of them do!

  • Must have a big screen of around 5"

  • I don't use Windows software AT ALL, please do not suggest a Windows phone.

  • Best quality screen possible for the price.

  • Camera quality not terribly important, but would be nice (I have a real camera!!). Would be nice to have a flash though.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

  • Dual sim capabilities

  • Expandable memory

All for under $200.
Any and all advice appreciated!!
Also, looking at new phones only.

Need the best value for money in town :)

Mobile Mobile Phone Android

Comments

  • CryssieJade on 17/01/2014 - 18:28

    Also, does anyone have experience/advice on Aldi phones?

    Not too interested in the Kogan Agora phone. After recent experience with Kogan, I wouldn't be keen to buy their own branded products again!

  • Dimitri on 17/01/2014 - 19:37
    +1

    I have previously bought an Aldi dualsim phone for a client, still running solid so you cant really go wrong for that price point. Short of Aldi's Phone, the Kogan and a Lenovo A830 i cant think of much more with your requirements in that price bracket.

  • extract on 17/01/2014 - 19:47
    +1

    Second hand galaxy S3 ?

    • InfraRed on 03/02/2014 - 01:30

      Haven't seen a 2nd hand galaxy go for below $200

  • Adz81 on 17/01/2014 - 20:51
    +1

    Ummm, you've pretty much summed up a Lenovo A850… dual sim, camera with flash (and not a completely shitful one), runs FB/email/a bunch of aps with ease and dual sim… 5.5 inch screen, sub $200 delivered… Only handy if you're an Optus or Optus reseller user though… Well worth a look…

  • CryssieJade on 17/01/2014 - 21:47

    Thanks guys! Looking at the Lenovo now…why is it only good if I'm with Optus? I am now, because I'm on the Woolworths Prepaid Cap, but that won't exist in about 6 months time…

    • scrimshaw on 17/01/2014 - 22:01
      +1

      The Lenovo phones have 900mhz / 2100mhz 3G, which is what Optus uses for their network.

      If you are considering other phones in the Australian market, many of the lower end phones here do 850mhz 3g rather than 900mhz. I believe the Aldi devices also does 850mhz.

  • CryssieJade on 17/01/2014 - 21:54

    Hmmm…actually, the Lenovo screen is too big. I'm after a 5" screen phone, but definitely not looking to into 'Phablet' territory…

    Looking at the Aldi one now

  • CryssieJade on 17/01/2014 - 22:10

    And now I'm realising that the Aldi phone isn't easy to get covers for…

    Any other suggestions guys? A smaller version of the Lenovo, perhaps? Or am I asking for too much now…

  • CryssieJade on 17/01/2014 - 22:50

    Are there any B+M stores that stock these?

    • scrimshaw on 18/01/2014 - 10:55

      No, all Lenovo phones must be imported, and you should also buy from a store that advertises these phones as having Google Play installed. Reason for this is because Lenovo smartphones don't come out of the factory with Google Play since they're not supposed to be sold outside of China — the vendor that sells these phones usually have to unseal the box to make modifications to the software so that it supports Google Play.

  • CryssieJade on 18/01/2014 - 09:46

    I'm going to change the screen size slightly to make way for screen quality…

    Now seeking a 4.5" screen.

    Lenovo looks good, but I'm not that keen on a phone that I can't play with before buying it.

    • scrimshaw on 18/01/2014 - 11:01

      Screen quality is not correlated with screen size. You can buy 5 inch phablets near the $200 dollar mark with reasonable 720p display and IPS tech. An example would be a THL W8, which has a 5" 1280 x 720 IPS display and is around $220 ~ 240.

      • CryssieJade on 18/01/2014 - 11:47

        I know they're not correlated, but I was hoping that by reducing one it would make way for the other…price wise :)

  • CryssieJade on 18/01/2014 - 09:58

    Anyone got advice on the Huawei phones? Got one for my Mum and they are quite nice

    • scrimshaw on 18/01/2014 - 10:49
      +2

      Which ones in particular?

      The Huawei Ascend G525 will fit your requirements of a fast phone with quad core / 4.5 inch display. It's also dual sim.
      http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_ascend_g525-5632.php

      Seems to be priced just around $200. Local stocks are very limited, so imports may be the only feasible option.

      • CryssieJade on 18/01/2014 - 11:30

        Thanks Scrimshaw, you're a gem :)
        I was looking at the Huawei G526 too, which seems to be available at Dick Smith.

        (it just took 10 mins to type this because of the lag on my current phone!!)

      • philart on 19/01/2014 - 19:22

        But only 900/2100 so only really good for optus again

  • CryssieJade on 18/01/2014 - 12:37
    +2

    The Motorola Moto G has caught my eye, but since its release date was supposed to be a few days ago (nothing yet as far as I can tell), and I don't know its exact cost in $AU, I'm holding out for more info.

    • zfa on 18/01/2014 - 16:51

      Me too. I've had the cheapo Chinese phones (thl etc.) and the not so cheapo phones (Huawei etc.) but have realised it's worth sending a bit more and getting something with decent support and os upgrades. When this nexus dies it's a Moto G for me or whatever Motorola have out then.

      Hopefully the G will shake up other low price manufacturers to focus more on getting a few decent phones there and supporting them instead of just doing handset after handset after handset and ignoring the users once they've been sold.

    • TurnipHead on 19/01/2014 - 17:21
      +1

      and me too. imo the Moto G is easily the standout in the sub-$300 price range, although the camera and lack of micro sd are annoying.

      if you feel like waiting, you can also check out the asus zenphone 5. RRP is just USD$149 (!!) but it should be as fast as the Moto G, has a bigger 5" 720P IPS screen, better camera, micro SD and dual SIM. just have to see if it gets released here…and what the Australia tax will be :)
      http://www.gsmarena.com/ces_2014_asus-review-1032p3.php

      • CryssieJade on 20/01/2014 - 21:01

        Nice! I'll see how long I can hold out (probably not that long though…)

  • WT on 18/01/2014 - 16:15

    Has anyone tried a S4 copy? Seems ok for the price and if you don't mind a little lower res on your screen

  • srhardy on 19/01/2014 - 13:46
    -1

    consider the windows mobiles and kogan have them at great prices usally

    • CryssieJade on 20/01/2014 - 21:01
      -1

      Windows = Blasphemy.

  • bb_hunter on 19/01/2014 - 20:50

    I am in the market for a dual sim Chinese phone too, I am interested in particular these 3,

    1/ Doogee Turbo 2014- MTK6582 quad core, 5" IPS 1280x720 326ppi, 1G RAM, 8G storage, 13M + 5M camera. weight 128g. They came on the market in Jan and non of the sellers have stock. Price around US $150
    http://www.fastcardtech.com/Doogee-TURBO-DG2014-5-5mm-thin

    2/ Huawei Honor 3c- similar spec to above, was around $150 USD when it went on sale on 1st Jan now it is around US $220~ $250. Also Huawei sold 200,000 in less than one minute. No stock anywhere. read more here http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2195988
    spec here http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_honor_3c-5903.php

    Another phone I really like is the THL W8S, MTK6589T, 2G RAM 32G ROM, 5" IPS 1920x1080 441ppi FHD Gorilla LCD. 13m+ 5m cameras. This is phone has the S4 spec but 1/3 of the price. Price between USD $250~320.
    review here http://www.coolsmartphone.com/2013/10/28/thl-w8s-review/

    All above phone cover our 2G frequencies but most only support 3G 850Mhz and 2100 MHz.

    • IJustKnowStuff on 27/03/2014 - 14:10

      What about the Xiaomi Hongmi? That should be another one on your list.

    • bb_hunter on 22/01/2014 - 19:48

      spec looks good also support all Aust 3G frequencies which is very rare, not sure if the info is correct though. I want a phone that work on Telstra Next G (or 2G) for work and Optus 3G for myself, will this phone be ok?

      After more research I don't think this phone support 3G 900Mhz.
      An update version seems even better with FHD 1920x1080. http://www.fastcardtech.com/goods.php?u=49407&id=8927

  • [Deactivated] on 03/02/2014 - 11:33

    Looks like it support all local 3g freq
    Motorola Moto G
    http://mobileshop.amaysim.com.au/motorola-moto-g-xt-1032-8gb…

  • minabasla on 27/03/2014 - 01:07

    what about mini S4 or samsung grand(for dual sim option) ??

    -Mina

  • Cheeper on 28/03/2014 - 23:55

    For under $200 … DSE Huawei G526 and usually free unlock from Vodafone. Fantastic phone all round.

  • CryssieJade on 30/03/2014 - 20:01

    Wow, you revived my thread again, but it's so old!

    I bought a Huawei g300+ for $59, 6 weeks ago.

    Have already accidentally immersed it in cider and got it stuck in a rain storm.

    The battery is dead, but the phone lives on!

    Ordered a new battery from eBay yesterday.

    I love this phone, great specs for price!

    Glad I didn't spend more money, it's going to have to be replaced/upgraded within 2 years anyway, whether I pay $59 or $599 :)

  • Gravediggaz on 06/04/2014 - 16:47

    Nexus 4

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