Smartphone under $500. Suggestions?

Glodys on 14/02/2014 - 20:41

I currently have a Nokia Lumia 720 except the speaker died a couple of days ago and I really started to get annoyed about the restricted app store.

I don't really mind if its ios or android but I'm pretty sure my budget doesn't allow for an iphone.

I'm looking at the nexus 5 at the moment because I like the idea of pure android instead of touchwiz or htc sense, but I have looked at the Samsung galaxy s4 and s4 active (the waterproof feature is interesting) except they are quite a bit more expensive.

I would like the phone to have:

  • >4" screen
  • Good battery life
  • Decent camera

I'm open to suggestions and any would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Mobile

Comments

  • cdeep0 on 14/02/2014 - 21:00

    i would get Nexus 5 as its the best from the lot given nothing come close to your price range.

    • meroveus on 14/02/2014 - 23:28
      -2

      OP wants a smartphone with a decent camera

      • HRipper on 15/02/2014 - 07:03
        -1

        Nexus' 13mp camera is quite good. Besides Nexus 5, Nokia 925 is an excellent option under $500. But since you have used a windows phone, would be better to go for a change in platform.

        • Unorthodox on 15/02/2014 - 10:00

          Nexus has a 8MP camera. And MPs aren't the only thing you should look for.

  • scrimshaw on 14/02/2014 - 21:22

    Samsung (and Sony) warranties does not cover water damage. In the event your Active phone stops working after being exposed to water, it's as good as dead. http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/galaxy-s4-active-xperia-…

  • Glodys on 14/02/2014 - 21:47

    I was having a look around and found the moto g. It seems to very good value. I was just wondering if it would be sufficient for my needs (basic calls and SMS, music playback, light gaming, some pictures). Would love to save the $200 compared to the nexus 5.

    • Kelvin H. on 14/02/2014 - 22:45

      Moto G would be more than sufficient for those tasks. Photo quality might not be the best but if just for just a few quick snaps, you shouldn't have any problems.

  • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2014 - 22:54

    Nexus 5 - Bang for the buck

  • OpayuOnam on 15/02/2014 - 07:39
    +1

    How about Xperia SP?
    Centrecom has it for $300 and it recently got 4.3 plus promised 4.4 update.
    I believe as the better battery life of the bunch.
    It also has this LED light strip which makes it a bit different.
    Have a look.

    • TurnipHead on 25/02/2014 - 21:58
      +1

      yeah i second that. imo, the Xperia SP and Moto G are the best value phones around. now only if it happened to be smaller and lighter i would actually get one :)

  • whodidthat on 15/02/2014 - 11:51

    I'm a tight bugga (think it's the Scottish influence, lol) I just went for http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/agora-50-dual-core-smartphone/ last year when my other mobile packed in. Think it was on offer at $149 back then. $169 at the moment.

  • JediJan on 15/02/2014 - 14:32

    I am still quite happy with my Samsung Galaxy SII that I purchased two years ago from Vodafone. 8 mp camera and video (better than my old camera). Usually only recharge once a day (normal use) but I carry an inexpensive spare (and charged) battery for those days I takr a lot of videos and photos. Purchased a better battery buy it is bulkier so I haven't used it. Carry a AA battery charger in the car as well as a car charger, so I am fairly well covered! No plans to upgrade it as yet. I keep mine in a leather flip case which seems to have kept it safe. I still don't know about all the features but I have a fair few apps. Have made good use of the 2 pre-installed navigation apps.

  • Gdsamp on 15/02/2014 - 15:24

    Nexus 5 is good bang for your buck, but no expandable storage, and camera is merely average.
    Lumia 920 has a class-leading camera but you mentioned you didn't like the lack of available apps.
    There is a new Kogan Agora available, the Agora HD and HD+. The camera is only OK and has small base storage, but it is dual sim and has MicroSD card slot.
    Also, forget about the whole 'life proof' stuff. Warranties are gone once the phone touches water and a good case should be able to withstand a bit of dust.

  • Ether on 16/02/2014 - 08:35

    Wait until March. When the S5 comes out, S4 will reduce in price and you have another option to choose from.

  • JediJan on 20/02/2014 - 12:40
    -1

    Kogan has Samsung Galaxy S4 unlocked (today only … 20th February) for $399. Just a thought.

    http://www.kogan.com/au/shop/phones/android/?product=KHSGS4A…

    Tempted myself, but hey, the SII is still working fine.

    • PissLUR on 20/02/2014 - 19:52

      Its not Galaxy S4, but Galaxy S4 Active.

      • JediJan on 20/02/2014 - 21:27

        Thanks for the update on this. I did not realise there is a difference, between 'Active' or not; just assumed it was a better version update of what I already have. Supposed to be a $200 reduction in normal price so sounded like a good buy to me.

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