I'm interested to know what is your personal preference and why?
I'm a Samsung person because my needs are simple a good camera, a large screen, fast processing and multi tasking.
Best Android phone (Price range - $500-$650)
[Deactivated] on 07/10/2014 - 21:10
Last edited 08/10/2014 - 10:26 by 1 other user
Last edited 08/10/2014 - 10:26 by 1 other user
Poll Options
- 25HTC One M8
- 17Samsung Galaxy S5
- 30LG G3
- 93Nexus 6
- 84Sony Xperia Z3
Comments
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What are the negs of the G5?
The G5 hasn't come out yet
haha good call
I would say the cons of getting the S5 are
1. Bloated software (TouchWIZ).
2. Mediocre build quality.
3. Buggy fingerprint scanner (a useless addition, IMO).i double that about the fingerprint scanner and shitty build quality, my s4 has better build quality.. either way im waiting for nexus 6
I had the LG G3, it may be me but my battery life was appalling on less than 50% brightness would only last me half the day from full charge at 7:00AM and by 2:00PM I'd have around 30% battery left.
Gave up and got the HTC M8 perfect daily driver, but have ordered Z3 :)
Not the case for me, I get ~5 hours SOT at 60-70%
99% of the time, people who have bad battery life is a result of user error. Too many battery sucking bloated apps, GPS on, Bluetooth on, Wifi Scanning on, Location Services on all the time.
Lrn2phone!
Not for me, I get 1.5 days on mine and that includes watching an hour of movie in the train.. same at 50% brightness setting… yours is either a lemon or you have some dodgy apps running behind the scenes.
Sorry, but i have to disagree here. The software on the LG G3 is absolutely horrendous. Don't get me wrong, it is a top spec phone, absolutely gorgeous, battery is satisfactory (can last me a day on medium use, on days with heavy use, i always have a portable charger just in case), and a beautiful QHD screen. Not only that, for me, it's the best sized phone out there while still providing an amazing screen real estate of 5.5 inches.
However, the whole experience is bugged by a useless UI that is so laggy that you can forget about multi-tasking on it. Even the camera takes a while to boot up. It took me a full 3 seconds to get the camera working from unlocking my phone, and a total of 5 seconds for it to take the photo and for the photo to be processed. This is not okay for a phone whose camera is heralded to be fast, while containing a laser auto focus (which works well, when it works).
The LG G3 could be a good phone if it came with pure vanilla android, because at the moment, the UI overlay on it causes it to crash and lag. Nearly every review you read will tell you that the G3 has a noticeable lag while just swiping, selecting apps etc. It's absolutely ridiculous.
You want a good phone? Go with the HTC one M8 or the new nexus phone to be released. Trust me, do not bother with the G3
I don't know what you're on.. is it the 2GB or 3GB one? I have the 3GB one, there is no lag at all out of the box. I even used some of the free themes downloaded from LG Smart world.
LG has a lighter ui customization/overlay compared to Sony (my wife is on a Z1) and Sony is already pretty light to begin with.
By default, you can start the camera in the G3 by pressing and holding the "down" volume button even if the phone is locked. It will vibrate and the camera is available. This is available by default - no customization needed! And it doesn't take 3 seconds…
Sounds like you didn't read the instruction manual or you're a fanboy/hater incognito.
M8 is a good phone too, my colleague has it, but it is not "hands down" better than G3, they both have strengths and weaknesses.
Look i was giving my honest opinion about the phone. I've done a lot of research on the phone, and read countless reviews, not to mention participate in XDA forums. I'm not a fanboy of any particular company, if you even bothered to read my comment.
The 3GM RAM version is not available in Australian stores outright OR through plan options, i have the 2GB one (unfortunately). You have to get it off Kogan/becextech/ebay etc. Yes i have read the manual, you can also power up the camera by double tapping on the quick circle case and pressing the camera icon. You can open the quick circle case and press the camera icon. Or you can press the unlock button and press the camera icon. All 4 options (including the one you proposed) should be just as fast, and no it doesn't take 3 seconds once everything has been booted up once. But try do it by clearing all recent apps. You see, if the application isn't already in your RAM, it'll definitely take 3 seconds to turn on.
3GB RAM btw, won't make the phone any faster, unless you actually use more than 2GB of RAM in your everyday usage - many of whom don't.
HTC one m8 is hands down better simply due to UI. Design is subjective, I'm not commenting on that. It's faster, less laggy, and much more responsive. I've done it countless times, i suggest you do too, go in store, put both phones together, and just pick random apps such as internet, or app drawer, or camera, whatever suits your fancy. The HTC one m8, samsung galaxy s5, iphone 5s/6 and sony xperia z3 will always beat the LG.
I reiterate, this is an LG UI problem, not a hardware problem. If you were to get an LG G3 on vanilla android (which you can actually do), then it'd be a blazing fast phone.
But LG G3 is filled with bugs and lag problems, just have a look on XDA. Review sites also all address this issue.
I respect that you're happy with your phone, but perhaps do your own research and properly evaluate phones before criticising my opinions, let alone me as a person.
+1 for Sony Xperia Z3
+2
Ordered mine on Labor day :)
Is the z3 a 2013 device?
2014, released this week in Australia.
Yep Z3 if I were to get a Android phone again. By far the best interface and design out of all other phones.
Samsung is now on the bottom of my list. They have the worst bloatware and slows everything down after a while.
I believe the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is the best mobile phone available on the market, at the moment.
I am just waiting for stock here at the Sony shop in Brisbane to go there and upgrade from my S3.
I have to use a ZeroLemon 7000 battery because I used to have its battery flat by 6pm.The battery life, in my opinion, is the biggest advantage on Z3, and even more on the Compact.
Can't wait to have a phone in my pocket with almost the same size from the old Nokia days.
Agreed.
I have the Samsung S5, Sony Z3, LG G3 and Nexus 5 all sitting in front of me and the Z3 is the best phone out of the box. Great camera, beautiful screen, good performance, good battery and closer to stock android than the Samsung and LG.
Once you mod them it would be pretty close though (except g3) and depend on personal preference.
I dont dislike the Samsung, i love the screen, the build quality is pretty crap given what they charge for it though.
Touchwiz is a personal preference i guess, i just think Sony are taking a better path with theirs.The Z3 compact is also a good option if you want something smaller, im disappointed it only has 2GB of ram though as its a feature that really helps the Z3 performance, no matter what the layman says.
The note series are good phones too if you want something big, really looking forward to the note 4.
I hate to say it as an Apple hater, but the iphone 6+ with IOS8 is actually a pretty good device, nice to see alot of missing android features being added to IOS. Its been my daily driver (on my personal phone) since launch day, though it will be replaced with the Note 4 in a couple of weeks ;)Im not a huge fan of the G3. The theme is ugly, i hate the buttons on the back, locked bootloader but most importantly, the screen has seriously washed out colours. I do like the thin bezels though.
My wife works for the right people to hook me up, im happy to answer any other questions people might have.
I still love my Z1. 2 day battery. Awesome.
+1 for Nexus 6
Depends. Is the M8 waterproof and you swim or get wet often? Do you use other Samsung products? Go with S5.
Can't remember now but isn't the M8 or some of the new LG phones limited with only internal memory, no external microSD card slot? And or battery.
Man I need sleep. Now I'm just confused, maybe it was just the non-removable battery. Oh well I vote S5.
The M8 is technically not waterproof though some people seem to say that it is. Don't swim a lot anyway.
I could be wrong on this but I believe both have MicroSD. S5 has a removable battery, G3 doesn't.
G3 does have a removeable battery and the M8 is not waterproof.
I wouldn't buy the S5 just because it has that silly finger scanner. Which I think it a pathetic gadget to try and attract new customers, in which they could have used that space and money elsehwere.
The finger scanner is pretty good once you scan your fingers in the actual way you use it. Much faster than punching in a code like I used to do.
I didn't mean the finger scanner as in to gain access to your phone, I mean the pulse scanner that takes a log of your pulse.
Yes, in the same way that 2 billion Christians in the world can't be wrong. Same applies to the 1 billion Hindus and 1.5 billion Islams. Can't forget the other billion Buddhists oh and of course the 1 billion atheists too!
But how can the Christians win when ~5 billion people disagree? Surely they can't be wrong!
And the word of the day kiddies?
'Gullibility'
u mean 1.5 billion Muslims… not islams
Ah yes, sorry sorry for my cultural/religious ineptitude =)
That's a lot of Islams
YOU WON THE INTERNET
How about some facts to back that assertion? Do a comparison as to why, and don't just 'fanboi' us.
I think we're at the stage where you can buy any of the flagships and have a pretty good experience.
I'm not sure if you're actually in the market for a new phone, but "I'm a Samsung person" sounds like you've had a galaxy S series in the past and you're probably comfortable with touchwiz, so you may as well stick with that if you're looking to buy.
Thanks for your reply. Following this thread I am now also considering the G3. I used to have an S3. I am not actually too familiar with touch wiz, can you please elaborate?
S3 = galaxy S3? If so, Touchwiz is already everything that you had gotten used to whilst using the S3. It essentially encompasses the GUI of the home screen, notification bar and app drawer, and beyond that the camera UI, Samsung's weird way of listing the phone settings and etc.
The G3's Optimus (LG's version of Touchwiz) would fundamentally be the same but with some features missing, others added and others still just in a different location or position to what you might find on a Samsung phone.
One of my friends has a G3 and it's got this really cool "tap to wake" feature. Instead of pressing the power button and inputting your unlock pattern, you just tap your pattern anywhere on the lower half of the screen while it's off and it still registers! Example here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4lQkPS5D14 And you can customise the pattern so you don't need to have their square one.
One plus one also has that, plus double tap the notification bar while its on to put the phone to sleep.
Basically, its already built into the android OS, it just depends on if the manufacturers decide to enable it when they do their own GUI over the top.
The only thing I fear there is lack of "true" reviews on them all. Well, that & the fact it's sometimes impossible to get a case/cover for them.
That being said- do you personally favour any particular brands from experience?
Ta.
I bought this phone: http://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_27923.html
I've been amazed so far.
Plenty of customer reviews, 62 in fact. 4.9/5 rating.
The version I bought featured 2GB RAM which seems to have been discontinued.
I previously jumped & bought the G526 Huawei- which I liked until it began turning the ringer off (to the point I have become a paranoid checking it…lol). I wanted to return it to DSE, but don't have a replacement & it's my work phone!
So, I've been having a gander over at Focalprice. I'm thinking that I want a strong quad (at least) + 2GB RAM + 16GB w/mSD slot. The things that seem to be the "ouch" issues are reading that they're saddled with some sort of odd software + the "where is a cover" bit.
End of rant.
On that note- would it KILL the makers of these things to toss in a cover which would cost them (passed on to us) about 50 cents??? Yes- I will pay one extra dollar to NOT have to scout ebay or elsewhere for a cover for the thing!
So, here's what I found:
Everything good is "sold out"—> but it doesn't say that until you click the b*stard!
End of 2nd rant…
:)
so not as good as the phones mentioned and also no 4G. so not comparable at all.
@PVA:
There are around 300 smartphone companies in China. Imagine how many models there are in total. Many would have 4G.
Warranty would be an issue wouldn't it?
180 day warranty.
argh… "you're"
Neg away sheep and continute to pay over the top to fund the big brand's advertising budgets.
If you like big phones, Note 4, Huawei Mate 7 or Nexus 6 should be good.
Consider a Note 3… mainly because it isn't listed on the Poll Options.
It meets your apparent Samsung preference and operating features you've listed, it has touchwiz so will be easy for you to get quickly under way, and in theory should be easy to transfer current data and apps over. Others may be able to answer the transfer issue better than me.
A Note 4 would exceed your budget at around $900. However given the two note 4 models have only just been released, a Note 3 should be able to be obtained at a good value "Ozbargain" price point.
The Note 3's larger screen potentially means you don't need a tablet and a phone. I have a personal preference and need for the stylus (being an ex-Palm user) for note taking, sketching and marking up of documents or pics, but that really depends on your own need and likely uses.
But even if you never use the stylus, the screen real estate is worth it. However if the Note 3's size is a problem for you, go with the S5 instead.
Also consider the LTE versions - you can always run 3G/NextG with LTE turned off.
Disclosure: I bought a Note 2 LTE outright 18 months ago and will likely go the Note 4 LTE in about 6 months time. I buy when prices have fallen post release and have pretty much stabilised - in true "Ozbargain" style.
Sony Xperia Z3 Compact!
Consider an "LG G Pro 2".
- Under budget at around $400
- Solid 13MP camera with OIS
- The best multitasking with dual-window and Slide Aside
- One of the biggest screens on that list
- Nippy processor and 3GB RAM
The only downside would be the D838 doesn't support Telstra frequencies very well, presuming you need them.
Good luck.
I am using this phone, its great. one of the best phones out there regards to the value too. but the only problem is there isnt much ROMs out there if you like tweaking your phone.
All very true. I'm very surprised LG locked the bootloader. Mind you, I'm finding less and less need to use custom ROMs with Xposed Framework. The stock LG ROM isn't actually too bad for my personal needs.
Digital Minds is coming along nicely too - http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g-pro-2/development/rom-d…Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't most useful Xposed Framework plugins need root access .. and root access needs an unlocked bootloader … ?
Also, I agree that the LG G Pro 2 is a very good phone for the money .. I have to say though that the screen seems to lack something … to me it looks a bit dull or lacking some type of clarity. My friend has one of these phones.
@noz: Nope, the bootloader is more required for customer recoveries and nandroid backups. The LG G Pro 2 roots easily with TowelRoot, along with Xposed and G2 Tweakbox module, I get 90% of the custom ROM features I need.
Funny how no one has mentioned the Oneplus One yet
Not the best option if the OP is after a local phone for warranty purposes, but otherwise it is close (if not the best) option for a large screen, fast processing and multi tasking (The camera is better on some of the other flagships IMO), while still easily classified as good though. Otherwise its a no brainer, and save a hundred or two over the other flagships.
I got my OPO a couple weeks ago and loving it! I would certainly recommend it at the $390 price (64gb) from the 15% ebay sale although for it's current price I might start to look at the nexus (or wait for the new nexus). The new Sony looks great as well.
The Nexus 6 hasn't even been released yet so I'd say it's too early to speculate on whether it's the best.
Any idea on the release date? I have seen September 2014 on other sites so am confused.
it hasnt even been announced by google yet… those are just leaks of the phone.
Always around October 30
I can vouch for LG here. I own a G2 and an LGL22 from Japan and they both are very strong phones. Knock-on (tap to unlock) is a must have feature. It doesn't seem like much but with such big devices, not having to reach for an awkwardly pressed button is amazing. Double tap the screen anywhere, and it wakes up. I instincly double tap every phone to unlock them now. The gesture is so natural.
Z3 is way over your price range. its $850.
$816 RRP specifically, according to Telstra. I'm surprised that the Z3 Compact is so much cheaper at $600, actually, given its specs. For comparison, the Galaxy S4 Mini was $550 on release and is comparatively awful.
HTC one m8 camera is not all that great apparently and you lose detail. It is a great idea, but it really needs to be an 8 ultrapixel camera as a minimum to be acceptable. There are also issues with underexposure, and overexposure depending on the lighting conditions. In addition, the boom sound speakers take a lot of excess bezel space.
I would be strongly considering the z3 compact and s5. The g3 is quite large at 5.5, and seems more like a phablet to me. Having said that, check them all out in person if you can. Tastes will vary..
Nexus 6 isn't even out yet, why it is the most voted. I don't even.
Specs rumoured are amazing for the typical price tag when released of previous nexus's
I've had a Nexus 4, and now a Nexus 5 … love them both.
The Nexus 6 would be a no brainer for me also .. but if it does end up having a 5.9" screen, that simply is too large for me. My mate has a 5.9" phone (Lg G Pro 2) and it is way too big to be practical for me.
IF this benchmark is correct…
I did the calculations
2560^2 + 1440^2 = 8627200 pixels^2
sqrt 8627200 = 2937.21 pixels
DPI is 560 so crunching the numbers , the screen size should come to ~5.3" Rounded up.
That's worth considering… I had the same train of thought as you, having a 5.9" phablet might be a little too much for me. 5" to 5.5" is more logical.
@ProjectZero:
If your link is correct, and using the correct formula for dpi calculation, it comes to a screen size of 4.98".sqrt(1440^2 +2392^2)/560 = 4.98"
I own a Nexus 5 and I don't think I can ever go back to a samsung/htc phone due to their bloatware.
The phone is made by Google (via a manufacturer such as LG) which means you also get any Android updates straight away.
Skip HTC. They have one of the worst cameras around.
OnePlus One - the best phone for you requirements and comes at only around $430 all up. Only issue is getting an invite to buy one, but they are changing to a preorder system soon.
Been using one for 3 months and its easily the best phone I've ever had and I came from a xperia z2.
when did you even get the z2 to switch to OPO ?
consumerism
save your pennies and get a Z2. not enough in the Z3 to warrant the extra $300 or so. i bought mine on eBay with the 15% off coupon code from a few weeks ago for ~$400.
Buy oneplus one.. Great phone for great price
How did you go about getting an invite code?
you dont need an invite for the chines version
Aaah damn… I had an invite code emailed to me yesterday but couldn't find anyone who wanted it so let it expire. Didn't think of posting it here.
You sign up with them and wait.
Go to the one plus one ausie forum
An overseas LG G3 32GB fits in your budget. Bought it a few weeks ago and the phone is brilliant. The 5.5' screen is the best in the market and the phone's size is almost same as xperia z1/z2.
The only downside I have noticed is the UI stutter but as soon as I removed LG's smart weather and notice widget, the stutter improved significantly.Note 4
wait for the nexus 6 if you're after a good cheap phone
I would go for Huawei Mate 7
Oppo one +1 mate!
Under $500 looks and feels amazing, all the specs you need.
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LG G3, better camera, better screen, better battery, better software. Need I continue?