Android phone FIRST TIME BUYER - Help

LPootie Tang on 21/05/2014 - 12:41

Hi All

So I have been using my awesome nokia n8 for the last 5 years with its radical inbuilt fm transmittor and HDMI out. Its driving me nuts these days, symbian died years ago and I couldnt accept this.

Im going to Brasil for the world cup and want to take a phone that can take good snaps (5mp or so), maybe 4g for future proofing (although im using amaysim) and has a good speaker for playing music if im stumped.

Can anyone suggest anything. I dont get the whole jelly bean this and 4.5 this. I just want a phone so I can use the new apps that nokia cant anymore.

Id spend between $100-$200 or stretch if required. The nokia i ran was like 600mhz or lower so idea of a 1ghz phone is amazing.

Work gave me an iphone 5 for a year but I just dont like the whole apple thing (saying that I do have an ipad).

Ive really only looked at Huawei and have no idea. Basically want to be able to take good snaps, use modern apps (def tinder for the World cup haha), have a good screen if i want to watch nba or highlights and good batter life.

Any help would be great.

Thanks.

Mobile

Comments

  • ESEMCE on 21/05/2014 - 13:16
    +2

    Firstly, you're not going to get the greatest experience with that budget.
    Motorola G is the best budget handset around at the moment. Motorola E will be cheaper but not yet available I think.
    Specs wise, look for 1Gb RAM (note RAM, not memory) as a minimum, RAM is more important than CPU speed and any handset with 1Gb RAM will have a half decent CPU anyway.

    Also consider going with a Windows Phone handset.. which can get you a decent handset with a decent camera within your budget.. although they have the same lock-in issues as Apple.

    Edit, some good suggestions here
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/144030

  • Scaregdearimasu on 21/05/2014 - 13:17

    I'd say the most popular android phones will be the Nexus range as well as the Samsung Galaxy range and the HTC One range. Although none of those would be in your price range. For $200 you should be able to find something pretty good. Also since your with amaysim you'll want something unlocked or you'll need to factor the unlock price in to it.

    Jelly bean is an excellent OS for a phone see if you can get the newest version of Jelly bean (4.1.2?) or Kitkat 4.4 for your phone this will be best for keeping your phone usable for the future.

    5mp for a phone camera is pretty decent but see if you can get more than that. Also Cpu cores aren't everything a lot of it's the programming of the phone and how good the experience. See if you can try a demo phone to see how well it runs and if you like it if you can.

    I can't point you to a phone in particular but that should be some useful info for you.

    • ESEMCE on 21/05/2014 - 13:24

      Don't be too fussed about the OS version, most updates come through Google Play Services anyway nowadays.
      Anything locked to Optus should also work with Amaysim without requiring an unlock code.

  • [Deactivated] on 21/05/2014 - 13:38

    $100 - $200 can get you a decent phone with reasonable speeds, but won't come with a good camera.
    You might wanna have a look at the Asus zenfone 5 or 6, the camera is decent and specs are pretty good for less than $200, only thing is not sure when it's ever gonna come to Aus.
    Some suggested Moto G, specs and price are decent but camera probably will disappoint you a bit.

    You could probably have a look at the previous flagship phones like the HTC One X or the Samsung S3, their camera should be ok for you.

  • Pootie Tang on 21/05/2014 - 13:49

    Thank you all.

    I will prob coff up a bit more $300 or so. Just looking for speed and a good camera so I can remember this trip. Do many of them have the abillity to upload to cloud (photos)?

    • ESEMCE on 21/05/2014 - 14:01
      +2

      If you're mostly just after a good camera, buy an actual camera. Even a $100 Point and Shoot will crap all over the best cameraphone and will have optical zoom!

    • zfa on 23/05/2014 - 10:58

      Uploading of photos to your Google+ account is standard in Android (if you turn it on). They're uploaded privately so don't concern yourself that they're being published or anything. If you install the Dropbox app that will also automatically upload them to your Dropbox too. As does the copy.com app if you use that instead.

  • plmko on 21/05/2014 - 13:50
    +1

    Have a look on Ebay for a used Xperia Z, can be had for around $250.

    • ESEMCE on 21/05/2014 - 13:55

      Yeah, Used phones are a good option.
      Sony's have decent cameras too.

  • mooney on 21/05/2014 - 18:53

    If you could stretch yourself still further you'd have a phone with little in the way of compromise. The Google nexus 5 is a thing of beauty and can be bought directly from them for $399. Plus this gives you guaranteed android updates which will keep you as future proof as a phone can be.

    http://www.google.com.au/nexus/5/

    I'm stuck on a work iPhone and look on this phone with envy.

  • branners on 21/05/2014 - 21:17
    +1

    I second the Huawei G526. Ripper unit; 4G, easily unlockable and rootable, fast processor, takes a microSD and a good standard OS version of 4.1 without too much bloatware. It's a good buy at $199 and a steal when DSE has it at $99.
    If you can stretch your budget and wait a little while, the Oneplus One is going to be on the market soon, it will be over $300 but will be close to the best Android on the market.

    • ESEMCE on 22/05/2014 - 08:11

      OnePlus One is going to be very hard/impossible to get especially early on (especially in Australia) and especially before the OP flies to South America.

  • PlasticSpaceman on 22/05/2014 - 11:10

    Might be able to get a used Nexus 4 in good condition for around the $200 mark. A little more for new if you can find someone with one still in stock. Yes it's not the latest, but I use one and unless I drop it am more than happy to wait until the 6 comes out before thinking about replacing it. Not the best camera though…. but personally I'd suggest getting a dedicated camera with a real zoom - better images, easier to swap out memory cards, leaves room on the 'phone for music and the occasional happy snap….

  • pyramid on 22/05/2014 - 11:13

    For budget of $300, i would suggest following…
    1) Moto X around $250. This runs on latest iteration of Android , Kitkat
    2) LG Optimus G (Bit old phone released in last quarter of 2012 but its rock solid with quad core, 2GB RAM), nice screen…around $300.. It runs bit older version of Android, JellyBean but KitKat updates are rolling out soon…

  • cat06969 on 22/05/2014 - 11:20

    If you can stretch to ~$450, you can buy a Nokia 1020 which includes a separate wireless rechargeable camera grip (usually ~$120 on its own) online from MobiCity. I did, and this thing is a monster, the best phone I've owned by miles. This combo pack was ~$800 6 months ago. It's essentially a mind-blowing camera with a decent phone attached. It has Carl Zeiss lenses, and a 41-megapixel sensor. Seriously great phone, for not too much extra. Delivery's about 2 weeks though (from Hong Kong), but you could ask more of their support staff - I got mine much faster.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/05/2014 - 11:21
    +1

    Another option. You did mention the HDMI-out on your Nokia…

    Personally, I understand the attraction. If (you may never actually use the option) you are accustomed - travelling or otherwise - to use it whenever a TV or spare monitor is around (like me), you will miss it.

    Wireless streaming (Allcast / Miracast) from the brands and models of phones and other gear that allows it still seems to be variable in its results. Nothing quite like a wired connection sometimes.

    MHL output (upper spec Samsungs, HTC, Sony, LG models) gives you an HDMI output (via USB + MHL dongle or enabled dock) , but phones without the new MHL standard see significant battery drain while you display on a big screen. Trust me, I know.

    In addition to a number of MHL compatible devices, I own a Motorola RAZR HD XT925. Last (and almost certainly the last) phone to sport an actual HDMI socket.

    It's a Samsung S3 era flagship phone (so getting on a bit), but it does have 4G, similarly decent 8MP camera + best and loudest speaker and best phone reception of any phone I own.
    If you're not fussed with specific Android OS (as you appear not to be) I can vouch for it running smoothly and functionally on stock ICS out-of-the-box. Upgradeable to 4.1 Jellybean.

    Had a glance on Ebay. If you're at all keen - and really prize that HDMI socket like I did - you'll need to go a bit above your budget for a new one, but here's a listing for new at $236 (+ $7 for expedited from HK), which is a hell of a lot cheaper than I paid for mine.
    www.ebay.com.au/itm/171273138288

  • Pootie Tang on 22/05/2014 - 12:35

    Thanks again for all,

    The nexus 5 looks to be a great phone with most of what im chasing for a decent price point.

    Would love to give the galaxy a crack but would want the new one of course. The Huawai looks awesome but if its $200 when DS ahve them at $99 I cant buy that.

    Looks like the nexus will be the winner for me.

    Or maybe I should buy a the mentioned $200 phones and when i get back. I will def break or lose it in brasil.

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