Looking for Android phone for $200 -$400 (Considering Samsung Galaxy S3)

Givemethemoney on 01/03/2014 - 20:55
Last edited 08/03/2014 - 09:38

My current phone (HTC Desire S) now only lasts half a day till it's a dead battery, the cable is tattered, it's running hot, it's having software issues, and it's out of contract.

I am considering going prepaid with a Telstra reseller and buying outright.

My goal is to be paying less than $60 per month (depreciating the phone over it's warranty period or two years) and have $550 worth of calls, free sms/mms/premium sms, and at least 2GB of data (by the way whom would be the best provider)?

In terms of the phone I am looking to spend less than $ 400, and I am thinking of going with a Samsung Galaxy S3, but wanted to get an idea of the best place to buy one.

I am wanting a low radiation phone, loud ringtone & alarm settings, MicroSD card would be desirable, and I wish to avoid gray imports if possible.

I have read that the battery on the Nexus 5 is terrible (which is crucial to me as I use the phone for work and to stay in contact with my family), SMS (which apparently the Nexus 5 has replaced with Google hangouts), I also use the phone as an alarm and have it on speaker phone (so need a good speaker, which apparently the Nexus 5 doesn't have).

In terms of apps, I'm fairly basic. I use Internet, SMS, Clock, Alarm, gmail, calendar, "Fires Near Me", facebook, Flashlight, Mirror, Navigator, Stocks, Camcorder, Calculator, Camera, Google Maps, Gallery, FM Radio, News & Weather, PDF Reader, Quick Office, Voice Recorder, Voice Search, Weather, YouTube, Anti-Virus.

In terms of functionality, I would like the ability to have lockscreen widgets (like answering phone calls, seeing clock, timers, alarms, weather without having to unlock the phone), ability to connect to computers and transfer files and photos, ability to transfer content (contacts, SMS, photos, ebooks, etc) from my HTC to the new phone, taking screenshots, having multiple browser windows open at a time.

Has anyone heard of the following sites (and can they be trusted)?

fishpond.com.au
http://www.android-enjoyed.com
http://www.ecrater.com.au
http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com.au/
http://www.uniquemobiles.com.au/
http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au
http://www.valuebasket.com.au
http://www.techrific.com.au
http://www.topendelectronics.com.au
http://www.expansys.com.au/
http://www.mobicity.com.au/
http://warehouse.bqturner.com/
http://www.kogan.com/
http://cameraparadise.com
http://www.becextech.com.au/
http://dstore.com
https://www.noworries.com.au/
http://www.topbuy.com.au/
http://www.techoni.com.au/
http://www.shoppingsquare.com.au/
http://www.t-dimension.com/
http://www.crazysales.com.au/

Mobile

Comments

  • 777 on 01/03/2014 - 21:04

    Most of the above stores are grey importers
    So may have warranty issues in case you need it
    Unique Mobiles and Mobiciti are quiet common here with Mobile deals

    S3's have had issues in the past where their MB will die
    Mines' did exactly after a year

  • JR63 on 01/03/2014 - 21:07
    +2

    I'd personally go the Nexus 5 if you're looking around $400, unless you want the microSD slot.

    With those stores, have a search of what deals from those stores have been posted on OzBargain. There's generally comments that indicate people's experiences with the store.

    • 777 on 01/03/2014 - 22:00

      nexus 5 looks so good on books

    • RI4V4N on 02/03/2014 - 09:22

      I agree, go nexus 5 unless u really need that SD card.

      It's clearly on par or better than even the s4 in most ways (bar the debatableness of the different screens colour viewing etc). Also if you dont root your phone anyway, it comes without all that horrid samsung UI crap slowing it down and making it look worse.

  • altomic on 01/03/2014 - 21:15

    why not get an octacore china phone

    like this for US$220

  • Feepitee on 01/03/2014 - 21:32

    S4 Active is $419 (was previously $399) from Kogan, you get the specs of the S4 (downgraded camera though) and also waterproofing. On the closer to $200 end, the Moto G is good and the Xperia M2 and LG G2 Mini will challenge that soon.

  • PissLUR on 01/03/2014 - 23:07

    go with nexus 5. you will get the best 12 months warranty cover by Google.

    • Givemethemoney on 02/03/2014 - 21:55

      I was ideally looking to spend around $300, is the Nexus 5 really worth the extra $100?

  • Givemethemoney on 08/03/2014 - 07:16

    I have read that the battery on the Nexus 5 is terrible (which is crucial to me as I use the phone for work and to stay in contact with my family), I also use the phone as an alarm and have it on speaker phone (so need a good speaker).

    In terms of apps, I'm fairly basic. I use SMS, Clock, Alarm, gmail, calendar, "Fires Near Me", facebook, Flashlight, Mirror, Navigator, Stocks, Camcorder, Calculator, Camera, Google Maps, Gallery, FM Radio, News & Weather, PDF Reader, Quick Office, Voice Recorder, Voice Search, Weather, YouTube.

  • Givemethemoney on 21/04/2014 - 19:00

    Having taking into consideration the reportedly terrible battery of the Nexus 5, I am considering the following:

    Sony Xperia SP
    Sony Xperia ZR - Prefered due to removable battery,
    Sony Xperia Z1
    Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
    Samsung Galaxy S4 Active - Prefered due to removable battery,

    • Givemethemoney on 25/04/2014 - 15:03

      Ruled out the Z1 for being too big, and the SP for having a lower contrast ratio than my current phone.

      Planning on ruling out the Z1 Compact for it's SAR level.

  • TRD on 23/04/2014 - 22:37

    Consider the OnePlus One. It is way better than the S3 for the price that you are looking at (>$400).

    http://oneplus.net/

    • dbat03 on 13/05/2014 - 12:01

      Hi madn3ss, just wondering have you got oneplus one account. If so would you mind to send an invitation for me. Thanks

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