New Android Mobile Phone Suggestion

[Deactivated] on 17/04/2015 - 10:04

Have been trying to choose a new mobile for months. When I think I've found something suitable, I learn the manufacturer did something ridiculous. Used a non-removable battery… Doesn't work with xyz carrier… Has a screen that breaks with a sneeze. So I admit defeat and need some help.

Here's the things I really NEED the phone to have:

  1. Android-based phone.

  2. Wish to install/download apps like from Amazon, connected via a cable to a computer. Not by downloading MB using a data plan.

  3. Need to display PDFs, barcodes, etc. places like McDonalds, supermarket scanners…

  4. A screen that does not easily break. Preferably 100% flat. So I can easily buy a tempered glass screen protector for even more protection.

  5. I'd like the phone to support major carriers' frequencies. So in order of importance: Virgin, Vodafone, Telstra, Optus. (Sorry, I don't know which ones are on the same network.) The last two would be nice. But if I have to live without them, so be it. However I currently MUST use the Virgin SIM, and would like to use the Vodafone SIM.

  6. Must be able to charge the phone in the car. (My $30 Samsung doesn't.) But I think most phones charge from a USB cable now? And I own a 12VDC adaptor with a USB socket on it. So I don't think this is a problem?

Now things I'd LIKE to have:

  1. Do I need 4G - I don't know yet. I haven't even looked at plans. I do have a Clubtelco SIM, which gives me a few hundred free MB internet every month. So I might want 4G, I might not. But I expect with the specific criteria I've listed above, it's probably already narrowed the choice down to 2 or 3 phones. If it turns out there's a 4G in that list at something like a $50 difference, then why not.

  2. I would like to be able to receive calls on the Vodafone SIM - if possible. But it's not that important I guess. It's just I've been reading about MagicSim cards, which allow you to insert 2 SIM cards into 1 SIM slot. So it is something I'd like to be able to do… have the space inside the phone for a MagicSim.

  3. Would like to be able to read ebooks.

  4. Cost… Don't really know - and tbh, after I'm getting to the point where I don't care. Like everyone I wanted something cheap. But can't seem to find it - in any price range. I had nearly decided to purchase an LG G3 D858. However I then found you lose several frequency bands to get the dual SIM, compared to the single-SIM 855. Will that affect me I thought… who knows!? I can't find that info, so it's why I'm now asking you guys for help.

Thanks for reading.

Mobile Android

Comments

  • cyclops on 17/04/2015 - 10:27
    +1

    I'm going with Samsung Note 4 with Virgin. review looks good.

    I was looking at the LG G3 16gb/2gb ram. but it has some lag to open apps based off a review.

    OR SGS5… I wanted the 5.5~5.7 screens….

    Good Luck.

    If SIM only plans, look at https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/190039 ending soon. Telstra network 3g.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2015 - 19:56

      Wow, that's a large phone. Not sure I'd want to use a stylus. Reviews are good, but saying the large price difference not worth the small quality increase. I'll read some more though, thanks.

      • cyclops on 18/04/2015 - 07:47
        +1

        For me I'm getting old and losing short shight. So need a bigger screen.

      • ozhunter on 19/04/2015 - 03:34
        +1

        Note 3.

      • iridiumstem on 19/04/2015 - 05:16
        +1

        I think Note 3 is alright choice, if you want a Note Phablet from Samsung.
        My dad chose to go with Note 3 since Note 4 is fairly pricey at the moment and he seems to be content with it.

      • supaderp on 19/04/2015 - 18:53

        You sound just like my dad. But once he got a 5 inch he never went back.

        • jayt on 20/04/2015 - 20:30

          I used to think it would be too big as well. Now owning a Note 4, I can't believe how my girlfriend who owns an iphone 5 would still want to use phones that narrow.

  • Hikey on 17/04/2015 - 10:44
    +4

    Huawei Y550 PP $40 after $5 Sign up @ Harvey Norman (this deal: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/188848), unlock it for $2.20 as per instructions by our great Ozbargain member Bagman: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/167230

    Surprisingly great 4G phone that runs Android Kitkat and does pretty much everything that you mentioned above. No need to spend several $100s on a phone.

    • c64 on 17/04/2015 - 10:53
      -1

      i think finding stock is the problem here

      • Hikey on 17/04/2015 - 10:54

        Yes, but some HNs still have stock. Just have a look.

        • c64 on 17/04/2015 - 10:56

          yes, some is the key word here :)

        • iChopstick on 17/04/2015 - 12:01

          @mattgal: by some he means very few.

        • edgar28 on 21/04/2015 - 14:02

          Plenty in WA

    • aim54x on 17/04/2015 - 13:06

      I have one of these that I am using to take advantage of Vodafone's Free data weekends. Works well enough. I paid about $129 to get an unlocked one (out of desperation) in order to get online as I am still stuck without internet at home.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2015 - 20:35

      I looked at this one but wasn't going to consider it as several reviews were all quite negative. But I've now noticed comments after the reviews tell a different story.

      So you guys that own one… Can you read ebooks on it? The reviews are saying the text is too blurry/blocky, but user comments are contradicting this!?

      What about stores viewing PDFs like the two linked here:
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/190453

      • happychappy1 on 19/04/2015 - 11:45

        Reading on it is fine, especially after you tweak the DPI setting to 218.

        However, you may have problems scanning barcodes on it as the glass is not laminated to the LCD and also doesn't have any coatings. It is quite reflective.

  • Dennis3003 on 17/04/2015 - 14:21

    Moto G 2nd Gen 3G? Battery in non-removable, but based on reviews is a good phone.

    OR

    HTC Desire 820.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2015 - 21:04

      Argh, going to have to start a comparison spreadsheet. Looked up this phone, first review said there's supposed to be a 4G version - that maybe didn't even come out - has poor battery life - but someone else said no, it wasn't… Another suggested another brand Redmi 1 or something, which led to another brand, Kogan… Then Xioami or something like that - a chinese phone. This is so frustrating.

  • PurpleHippo on 17/04/2015 - 16:25
    +3

    I have 1 invite left for a one plus one. let me know if you want it.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2015 - 22:09
      +1

      Thanks, this is obviously going to take me a lot longer than I'd wished it to. Going to have to do a spreadsheet, list the pros and cons of each.

      I think I read the Oneplus One - a new model is due out… and something about a yellow band on some screens, and it might also be the model I read sometimes locks up without obvious cause - but I don't know for sure now, I've read so many reviews today.

      • PurpleHippo on 17/04/2015 - 23:29
        +3

        I'll pm you the invite anyways, otherwise its just going to waste. You'll have 20hrs to "claim" it, and I believe another 24hrs from claiming to actually buying the thing.

        For the record, I haven't had any issues with yellow banding (I think its was an issues with the first few batches), a new model is due in Q3, and I haven't had any issues with mine. But with the specs that it has, while its fairly old, I would say that it is still rather comparable to what is out now, especially for the price.

        But that said, OnePlus are no longer partnering with Cyanogen (one of the initial big draws of the phone), and instead OnePlus are rolling out their own OS. I have just received the notification to update, but was going to hold off for a bit and see how others are faring first.

      • cyclops on 18/04/2015 - 07:51

        My colleague has one plusone and it is an excellent phone. Battery not changeable by users easily. No SD card. But good screen and 5.5 inch.

        Overall great phone for him and the tempered glass (I think) saved the phone on day 3…

        Yeah budget then see options and narrow down.

      • badonde on 19/04/2015 - 01:09
        +3

        I had various high end phones over the last year, various issues, broken screens, fragile things
        Now i have a Y550 for $45 and couldn't be happier. Don't need anything else and not worried about anything getting stolen/screen breaking.

        Moto G is a good alternative as it is super durable (had one and it was dropped many many times with a case with barely a scratch)

        • MondaySleeper on 19/04/2015 - 14:31
          +1

          I second this. I had many mid range, like Galaxy S2 but latest Custom ROms, but this Y550 is the best I used. Very smooth and worry free.

        • ozhunter on 19/04/2015 - 14:41

          @sab2000:

          It's great for the price.

  • plmko on 17/04/2015 - 16:29

    So I can easily buy a tempered glass screen protector for even more protection.

    Xperia Z2 has the best design to fit a tempered glass screen protector. Speakers are on the edge so the glass doesn't need holes and the screen lower than the frame by 0.1mm so a 0.3mm glass piece sticks out less.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2015 - 21:06

      Thanks… I think that's the first one I removed from the list. I thought I read a few people saying they broke the screen just by looking at it, LOL. Unless I'm remembering the wrong phone.

      • deanylev on 18/04/2015 - 20:48
        +6

        I have an Xperia Z2 and they're FANTASTIC. I saw one on ozb the other day for like $330+shipping. Glass screen protectors are a breeze to fit, speakers are great, design is gorgeous, ui is wicked fast, camera is great and it's waterproof.

      • Skinnerr on 20/04/2015 - 23:13
        +4

        If your decision for buying a phone solely rests on if it has a bad review, then your never going to buy a phone. Every phone has someone with a horror story and a list of cons, but if they were all braking then you'd think sony would be in the news for selling faulty crap phones.

  • swiggity swag on 17/04/2015 - 16:32
    +3

    Nexus 6

    • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2015 - 21:07

      Yep, spreadsheet time. I so much didn't want to have to do that, but oh well.

      • Pumpkin_rrr on 18/04/2015 - 07:51
        +2

        Would you be so kind to share your spreadsheet? I am in dire street now, phone declared dead by Harvey, got a store credit, but am thinking of plans .

      • Kikkoman56 on 19/04/2015 - 17:59
        +3

        Here's my spreadsheet that I did but its pretty much all chinese phones
        https://www.dropbox.com/s/5dice61t5hzuwow/Mobile%20Phone%20C…
        It has simple slider bars to set what your priority is and gives each phone a score based on their specifications and your weightings.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/04/2015 - 22:02

    This whole, 'non removable battery' thing… Anyone know if they mean, 'never removable'… or 'not replacable by your average user'. In other words - if someone has the right screwdrivers and knowledge, can they still buy a battery and replace a dead one?

    • cyclops on 18/04/2015 - 07:54

      Yeah you will need tools and lots of time to change them or go to a repair shop and get it done in 15-45 mins depending on phone.

      Personally I prefer open back cover pop out battery and put new in… I like a spare and I notice like iPhone battery life is horrible. But their lappys and iPads unbeatable battery life…

      • ozhunter on 19/04/2015 - 03:33
        +1

        But their lappys and iPads unbeatable battery life…

        It doesn't beat the Dell XPS 13.

        • cyclops on 21/04/2015 - 11:26

          Wrong reply sorry!!!

    • [Deactivated] on 21/04/2015 - 10:52

      I wouldn't automatically rule out non-replaceable batteries. They should still last several years, and you can go with a Battery Bank to extend battery life, which is actually better because they have much better capacity and you don't have to power off the phone to use.

      • cyclops on 21/04/2015 - 11:23

        Yes, I agree, it should not stop you from buying the phone.

        But I still prefer to have removable so, I can buy the battery and replace myself rather than go to a store and be at the mercy of the vendor. OR DIY and risk Destroying the phone… or take time to do it.

        Don't get me wrong I have replaced digitizers screens before. IT's Just so Troublesome and Time consuming.

      • iridiumstem on 21/04/2015 - 11:25
        +2

        I think it comes down to preference. Would you sacrifice little bit of battery capacity to be able to change it on the spot?

        I've seen people who go "I cannot live without detachable battery function", but I've never seen anybody saying that for non-detachable ones. So I think there are a group of people who absolutely requires that function, whereas some don't really need that function. I fall under more under the latter. I'd personally prefer detachable one but I can live without it.

        Since battery life does get reduced over time (to what extent depends on how you use the phone) and using those battery packs while on the move can get very annoying, having detachable battery as an option is good in my opinion. Not to mention, you can still use the battery bank on detachable battery as well, the only majoy downside of the detachable battery is how it reduces the battery capacity (3000mah vs 2610mah on G2 for example) and the design.

  • theo96 on 18/04/2015 - 17:51
    +1

    If reading ebooks is important, you should prioritise screen size/quality. Anything at least 4.7" and 720p resolution will be good enough. This is generally a given with mid-tier (and above) phones, like a Moto G.

    As for removable batteries, if you mean you can replace the battery after it dies after a couple of years, they're all pretty much replaceable. If you're talking about having spare batteries to swap in and out, just get a USB battery pack — when the battery gets low you don't have to turn it off to swap out the battery, which is a pain if you're in the middle of a call or some other activity you don't want to interrupt.

    People go on about removable batteries, but they're over-rated, seriously. Even Samsung who was constantly trumping their removable batteries over the iPhones realised this and went with fixed batteries in the S6.

    • Fobsessive on 19/04/2015 - 00:34
      +2

      My removable Galaxy S3 battery is so important to my long days. Just swap out a low battery for a fresh 100%.
      Also you can charge batteries a charging kit so your phone never sits in a charger.

      That said, I'd recommend the LG G2. It's now medium price ($418 for 32GB at Mobileciti), comparable to the LG G3, large enough 5.2" screen for functionality but still able to hold in hand easily, lightning fast. Easy for tempered glass application.

  • psyren89 on 19/04/2015 - 01:57
    +1

    I recently recommended a friend get an Asus Zenfone 5.

  • November14 on 19/04/2015 - 08:43
    +1

    GALAXY S5. I'm using note 4 and it's great except the size, and S5 is everything but the size, generally speaking. Price will be low as S6 just came out, it supports almost all bands, has Barcode displaying thingies which I use a lot on Note 4, replaceable battery, and just all round a very capable phone. And there is a dual sim option going around.

  • Dizef on 19/04/2015 - 08:45

    Samsung Galaxy Alpha.

    • cureforanitch on 21/04/2015 - 09:31

      No no no no no. Wonderful phone, quick, great size, but the reception cuts out every 3-4 hours and stays offline until you restart

  • iridiumstem on 19/04/2015 - 08:52
    +1

    Galaxy S4 i9506 (The one with Snapdragon 800)
    LG G2
    Nexus 5

    Though, I don't think Galaxy S4 would support USB tethering (Connecting to internet via USB cable) unless you root.
    Also, I am not good with network bands so they might not satisfy 4.

    or, just for the sake of bringing something new:
    A 7~8 inch tablet for eBook reading and get a cheap smartphone?

  • bathuu on 19/04/2015 - 10:50
    +2

    budget?

    • gimli on 19/04/2015 - 16:41
      -1

      tegdub?

  • ausmechkeyboards on 19/04/2015 - 10:59

    JiaYu S3. 5.5" 1080p, 3 GB RAM, dual SIM, 4G, removable battery, SD card expandable, NFC, 3100 mAh battery, dual flash, sony rear camera, dual speaker, ~$280

    • machej on 19/04/2015 - 15:51

      No 700mhz 4G which is a great band to have for Optus/Telstra.

  • Ramrunner on 19/04/2015 - 11:31
    +2

    I see a whole heap of phone suggestions but am I missing something here??? His NEEDS are:

    "Wish to install/download apps like from Amazon, connected via a cable to a computer. Not by downloading MB using a data plan."

    Does Android even support that? Installing apps without a data plan? Yes, I know you can side-load but generally grabbing an apk, uploading it to the phone via USB and installing it is a very dodgy way (virus, spyware, malware) to grab apps right? Is there even a web site that supplies guaranteed clean apks?

    I just don't see any phone matching his need this way at all?

    • ozhunter on 19/04/2015 - 12:05

      Yea he is going to need to download over wifi, unless he wants to tether to his computer each time he wants a new app.

    • iridiumstem on 19/04/2015 - 12:41

      It's called "USB Internet" (I thought it was called USB tethering, damn my hazy memory), stock Android has it from 4.4.2 I believe. Many manufacturer, like Samsung (at least on my tablet), can take that function out though.
      http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/73168/how-to-use-…

    • Skinnerr on 20/04/2015 - 23:18
      +1

      Don't forget his need of it fitting the spreadsheet. That is crucial.

      • Astro551 on 20/04/2015 - 23:59

        haha gold

  • [Deactivated] on 19/04/2015 - 14:34
    -4

    why not an iPhone?

    • CrocDundee on 19/04/2015 - 15:13
      +17

      ^^ Haha, this guy! ;)

  • IamEzza on 19/04/2015 - 14:48
    +1

    Moto G
    Nexus 5

    • gimli on 19/04/2015 - 16:41
      -8

      ^^ Haha, this guy! ;)

  • daver on 19/04/2015 - 22:35

    Late April tomorrow, sheesh..cannot believe android 5 yet to show up OTA on this 1+1 (was the 'update' not stable or incomplete somehow?)
    Perhaps go the safe round go Huawei (assuming it $50 or scans $50 at Coles or somewhere) - it truly is exceptional. Have preferred y550's tethering LTE by Wifi hotspot over OnePlus' glitchy kk Wifi & Mobile ntwk dropout..OTA 5.0/5.1 could not come soon enough for this International cyanogen mod version of 'the One+' for my 2 cents ime. Fantastic to operate otherwise.

    Data weekends appears extended to late winter now at Voda Hutchinson. As though T&O were in contention..never were going to constrain their profits to any significant development in mobile uh.

    • Fobsessive on 19/04/2015 - 23:54

      How's the Y550's 4.5" IPS screen with only 480x854 resolution?

      • daver on 20/04/2015 - 00:02
        +3

        Slightly congested for typing. Not on par with flagships, but clear enough, adequate when browsing.

  • auna on 20/04/2015 - 02:32
    -5

    Samsung Galaxy Note 4.

    I will say something noone else has posted about though. You really should have a phone that supports IR Blaster such as the galaxy note 4 or 3. The app Beep N Go for example uses both the screen and the IR Blaster to scan and it works amazing. Also, the Note 4 supports NFC payments extremely well so I can use paypass whenever I want to with it.

    If someone legitly recommends to you a phone with less than full hd resolution or 2GB RAM (Perhaps 1.5GB) please disregard their opinion. Full HD was lauded and 1440p even more so. Saying anything different is simply denial. RAM has been an issue with Android for a long time. Only in the Note 3 and later was the issue finally put to rest (for the apps of then). The latest is 4GB RAM and the improvements it brings is amazing - allowing OEM's to easily dedicate the camera to RAM so that at will it will load quickly. The S6 might do this but that's because it's missing the features of the Note which I'd easily value at $150+.

    • iridiumstem on 20/04/2015 - 04:22
      +3

      Let's not bring, "phones below this spec is a joke" argument. Obviously, the better specced it is, the more likely it is for it to have a better user experience, but is high spec absolutely necessary? There are people who are using S2 and S3 who don't see the reason to change their phone. My phone has a HD screen and I am fine with it. Not everyone have to spend over $400~$500 to get a new phone.

      There are no 4GB RAM phones that are officially available in Australia, at least according to my knowledge. I know that Asus released 4GB RAM phone, but it's not officially available in Australia at the moment.

      Note 4 was 3GB LPDDR3 and Galaxy S6 was 3GB LPDDR4 (I've heard rumours that Samsung was weighing the options of either going 4GB LPDDR3 or this, though). S6 is faster because UFS 2.0 and LPDDR4 both are better than the counterparts from Note 4, not to mention the newer SoC compared to Note 4. (Though technically, S6 Touchwiz definitely is lighter, so I've heard, though that doesn't change the fact that S6 is better specced.)

      • auna on 20/04/2015 - 12:37
        -5

        You are "fine" with it. Case closed. I haven't been merely "fine" with any of my phones from the last few years. If you are merely fine with your phone why bother recommending mediocrity?

        The S6 removes numerous things to gain things. I applaud the 128gb storage finally being available. However for a similar price point comparison and the Note 4 being cheaper it's by far the obvious choice.

        • Fobsessive on 20/04/2015 - 15:09
          +1

          Since when was fine a synonym for mediocre? That's only in your head because you're ignoring what others are saying.

          I have a friend with a Galaxy S2 and they're very happy with it, while I'm still super happy with my S3.
          Phone evolution is mainly in factors of speed, screen and camera. A reasonable person can have a cap to how much of those three they need against price these days.

        • iridiumstem on 20/04/2015 - 16:20
          +3

          Because it does what I want it to do without costing me over $400? I am completely satisfied with what my phone does, though I might change my phone later since the screen is getting a yellow tint and my brother is not using his phone. I said the word "fine" because I know that there are better phones out there, but I am satisfied with mine because it does what I want it to do.

          I use my phone for surfing online, some Korean, some English, some Chinese. I have had no problem with reading any of those, which tend to be one of the main component of why we need a high resolution phone. Chinese characters and Korean letters require more PPI to express with same acuity because of how compact they are in terms of the information that's within 1 letter (i.e. something that can be as complex as this in Chinese). My dad used to use Note 1 and he mainly uses it for going online, he never had problems with those. So what is the reason you absolutely need the high resolution phone for? I don't deny that high resolution would make it look better, but that's it. You have to give up battery life, general perfomance etc to just achieve that.

          If you want to argue about hardware, stay focussed on hardware. The things that you mention about S6 are all software related. Yes, they've removed a lot of software gunk that people tend to not use to make TouchWiz lighter. Yes, I know that some people are upset about the functions that they use being removed. No, even if S6 ran similar thing to Note 4, it would still beat Note 4 since S6 has faster RAM, faster storage and better CPU. If you want to mention worse hardware, bring something like removal of MHL 2.0, relatively worse microphone (so I've heard), and the detachable battery and the lack of micro SD card support etc etc. They've removed things to leap ahead, they didn't need to in order for S6 to be better than note 4 in terms of performance.

          That being said, as you would've been able to deduce from my comments, I like looking at phone specs and comparing phones like that. It's just that I also know that not everyone needs a flagship.

        • Skinnerr on 20/04/2015 - 23:17

          It also removes $1000 from your wallet.

        • ozhunter on 21/04/2015 - 02:31

          @thedude23:

          $630 if you bought it during the ebay sale.

    • ozhunter on 20/04/2015 - 04:49

      I did think the Note 4 is the best phone out, until the S6 was released. While the IR Blaster can be useful, I don't think it is needed for Beep N Go.

      • auna on 20/04/2015 - 12:32
        -1

        "What devices does the Beep'nGo app work with?

        Currently Beep'nGo is only available on the Samsung Galaxy S5, Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note Edge, Galaxy Note 4 and the Galaxy Note 3. We are working hard to expand the number of Mobeam-enabled devices.   

        Devices that are Mobeam-enabled require the proper hardware (the IR sensor) installed to allow Beep'nGo to function properly."

  • msmhw on 20/04/2015 - 11:56
    +1

    I will vote for lg g pro 2 if you don't mind big phones. I have been using this phone for 6 months, it's great phone. Also it's cheap :D

    • bathuu on 20/04/2015 - 22:42

      Same here. It is one of the best spec phone you can buy for your money cheap, yet it also seems the most overlooked one.

  • garage sale on 21/04/2015 - 06:09
    +3

    I bought a Samsung s5. It's a great piece of hardware and was $459 from Kogan, I waited till s6 came out so prices would drop. Yes it has the extra bands in 4G. Has android 5 lollipop so I should be able to use the memory card for apps (not just data like pics music etc) unlike kit Kat android 4.4. yes you can push apps down via use cable if phone is set up in developer mode even manage contacts from from a PC, i have it set up to only downloads apps from wifi not 3G / 4G and you can set up apps to not auto update so update at home with wireless but use data plan when out and about. screen protectors work if you have in your pockets with keys etc, they are really scratch protectors, don't work if you drop and it lands on an edge so a case is the way to go. screen is 1080p so it's ok for a bit of reading on a train or in a shop but not a book, I use a tablet for that.

    • Dennis3003 on 21/04/2015 - 07:33
      +1

      When I looked on Kogan, there was S5 G900i model (Asia-Austrralia model), and couldn't find any model with 700mhz 4G bands.

  • movieman on 21/04/2015 - 08:14
    +1

    Hey Realfamilyman,

    I'd say go with the Moto G.

    Recently bought one for my girl, and planning to purchase myself one, as my Sony Z has had way too many issues for me to reconsider a sony.

    Thanks

  • edgar28 on 21/04/2015 - 14:03

    read the Y550 whirlpool comment, don't buy one, but buy two

  • erasimos on 21/04/2015 - 14:54

    bought an optus pre paid zte fit 4g after I dropped my sony z1.

    Its cheap, has 700mhz 4g, works with virgin, and is perfectly usable.

    Feels less fragile and 4.5inch seems a nicer size for general use.

  • onlyletters on 21/04/2015 - 15:10

    Blueboo X6 MTK6732 64 bit Quad Core Android 5.0 4G LTE Cell Phone 5.5" OGS IPS Fingerprint for $130 USD.

  • carboncider on 21/04/2015 - 15:17
    +2

    Hi realfamilyman,

    If you're looking for budget, I think the Moto G fits most of your criteria above.

    Mid range price, I would say the Nexus 5 is pretty good value. You'd pay more over the Moto G for better overall specs, 4G, and the Nexus branding which gets you the latest software version of android sooner than later.

    If you go flagship, I recommend the Note 4 which is what I'm using now. I don't use the stylus at all and even though I have smaller hands I absolutely love the larger screen - it just adds so much to the user experience. By paying more over the Nexus 5 you are getting one of the nicest looking displays (maybe only the galaxy S6 has a nicer one as of now). Also, even better specs, much beefier battery life, microSD, removable battery, and a very nice camera.

    If you notice, my recommendations are very common phones which have been mentioned before above. In my opinion getting a common smartphone is better because you'd be able to find accessories, tutorials, troubleshooting, software, and even spare parts/repairs much easier - this is one consideration that I try to stress to people when they are looking for phones, especially given the amount of thought you have put in to looking for your new piece of hardware.

    I also have the Y550 - I like it, and it's very capable for the price, but I simply can't recommend it as a daily driver as there is much nicer hardware out there that you could be enjoying! Unless you're on a really strict budget.

    Wish to install/download apps like from Amazon, connected via a cable to a computer. Not by downloading MB using a data plan.

    If you can use your Wi-Fi connection at home, just use that as it is much more convenient and save you the hassle of connecting to a computer all the time. Unless Wi-Fi at home is not an option?

    A screen that does not easily break. Preferably 100% flat. So I can easily buy a tempered glass screen protector for even more protection.

    If you're worried about screen cracking, the best thing to do is to get yourself a good quality case - the screen protector can only help by so much.

    Must be able to charge the phone in the car. (My $30 Samsung doesn't.) But I think most phones charge from a USB cable now? And I own a 12VDC adaptor with a USB socket on it. So I don't think this is a problem?

    Yes Android phones now charge with a standard Micro-USB cable that you can plug into your car adaptor.

    4G

    I would not recommend using 4G on a plan that only gives you a few hundred MBs every month. For some reason turning on 4G makes me way more susceptible to exceeding my data limit even though I am rather conservative (refrain from streaming, downloading etc). I would turn LTE (4G) functionality off on your phone unless you switch to a more generous plan ~1.5GB+, or are able to remember to toggle on/off data whenever you go out.

    Good luck

  • jlogic on 21/04/2015 - 22:53

    I can vouch for the Huawei Y550 4G from Vodafone being a Super Rare phone… tried 5 KMarts and none had any stock. Was looking for one for my Sister in Law as her S2 is getting beat up.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/04/2015 - 00:50

    As a Wildcard entry. Have a look at a Lenovo A850. Its just over Usd$100
    on http://www.aliexpress.com/, a 5.5in screen, and pretty tough. Dropped on road it just scratched the edge.
    Should do everything you mentioned and has all 3 3G frequencies, and the battery mayby lasts 9hrs. Wifi & gps work great.
    Its big screen lets you surf the net fairly easily.
    Also it has lots or Roms/mods to flash.

  • His_Holiness on 22/04/2015 - 17:17
    +1

    No priority for battery life? The Xperia Z3 and Z3 compact can last for days.

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