Replacement for Nexus 4 Less than $500 Outright

sparkanum on 01/10/2015 - 08:56

I'd been hanging out for the Nexus 5x to be announced so that I could upgrade my wife's Nexus 4, but that looks like it'll be too expensive.

Any advice on a suitable Nexus 4 replacement? I've been looking around but it's hard to find a phone that beats it on specs without straying out into the expensive end of the market (damn you, Nexus 4, which has great specs and features even though it was only $400 3 years ago!).

Main criteria:

  • 4g compatible (that's the one feature she wants but doesn't have currently)
  • Less than $500 Outright (we don't do/want plans)
  • Preferably no bigger than a 5" screen (she'd rather a smaller screen)
  • Ideally can beat or at least match features/specs of the nexus 4

Thanks in advance for the help!

Mobile

Comments

  • rambutann on 01/10/2015 - 09:19
    +5

    Sony Xperia Z3 Compact. Would have been under $500 yesterday with the 15% off ebay but not today.
    Might still be able to pick up a second hand one around this price..

    • sparkanum on 02/10/2015 - 06:24

      That is looking like a serious contender. Thanks for the tip!

      • PlasticSpaceman on 02/10/2015 - 07:23

        I'd also vote for that. Just check the deals as should be able to get a new one within your budget (I did when I got one for my wife!). One thing - factor in the cost for a tempered glass screen protector.

  • scotty on 01/10/2015 - 09:21
    +2

    I am also still using my Nexus 4. If I am upgrading, looking at the current fleet of flagship phones, I'll probably go with LG G4. However the eBay deal has finished and I am not sure when it would go down to sub-$500 again. It's also relatively large (5.5").

    • sparkanum on 02/10/2015 - 06:21

      That one looks really nice… Maybe I'll sneak that in as an upgrade for my phone. :-)

  • chartparker on 01/10/2015 - 09:25
    +2

    I've seen a few Nexus 6 deals for around the $500, but yeah… big screen and all that. My other best recommendation would be a Moto X Play once they're out of Vodafone exclusivity period.

    • sparkanum on 02/10/2015 - 06:18

      A little on the big side in both cases, although you did give me the idea to look at my carrier's prepaid section to see if anything there works. Thanks for your help!

  • tin tin on 01/10/2015 - 09:27

    Get a refurbished Nexus 5 for less than $300?

    • windwai on 01/10/2015 - 14:50
      +2

      Nuh, N5 has a few problem, I don't suggest get it without 2 years warranty.

      • sparkanum on 02/10/2015 - 06:03
        +1

        Typing this to you on my two year old N5, I'm curious as to what you mean.

        • victorwilson on 04/10/2015 - 20:43

          Lots of hardware issues thanks to LG, including faulty vibration motors, stuck power buttons etc.
          I had my Nexus 5 replaced under Google Play warranty no fewer than three times since December 2013.

        • windwai on 06/10/2015 - 14:22

          It seems the first shipment of the N5 has better quality, Maybe they have changed something afterward.

  • busterau on 01/10/2015 - 09:40
    +2

    The 3rd Gen Moto G would probably fit the bill. Supposedly to be released soon and cost $369.

    • sparkanum on 02/10/2015 - 06:02

      I had decided the moto g one was the winner when I found it yesterday, but no gyroscope, compass or nfc made it a no go. So close to what I was after!

  • Agret on 01/10/2015 - 10:53
    +1

    The Nexus 5X wouldn't be an option anyway, the screen is 5.2" with a 5.7" body. I got my girlfriend an Xperia Z1 Compact as it has virtually identical specs to the Nexus 5 but in a smaller package and with the sweet Sony build quality (dustproof/waterproof housing too). You can get the Z2 Compact for just over $500 inc postage from http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com.au/sony-xperia-z2-d6503… by using the WB10 code to save $10. It's grey import though so taking your chances with the warranty. Only took about a week for the phone to arrive.

    • skelty on 01/10/2015 - 10:59

      thats just an xperia z2

    • ESEMCE on 01/10/2015 - 12:45
      +1

      don't think there even was a Z2 Compact…
      Pretty sure it went Z1 Compact Z3 Compact and now Z5 Compact (Compacts seem to skip the even numbers)

  • ESEMCE on 01/10/2015 - 12:43
    +1

    The Sony Xperia M4 Aqua looks pretty decent.. Saw that the other day in the eBay sale for $300ish after discount.
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/213423
    Cheapest phone that I'm aware of that covers all Australian bands 3G and 4G.

    Otherwise the Chinadroids are supremely good value.
    I got an email promoting the launch of the UMI eMax Mini today for $220ish..

    Fact is that not too much is going to best the Nexus 4…

  • kywst on 01/10/2015 - 14:21

    I've had one of these for a few weeks now. Great phone that rivals most in terms build quality, features and absolutely kills everything for performance per dollar. Xiaomi are on track to become China's very own Apple with a focus on quality, price and innovation that's getting people's attention. Unlike other chinese tech companies, the specifications listed are true and accurate and the after market support for the devices is fantastic. My phone receives weekly OTA updates and is the most responsive android device I've used to date.

    http://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_229218.html

    About AUD$270.

    5.5" but the phone doesn't feel overly large; the panel size is 5.35" and device overall is 5.5"

    • sparkanum on 02/10/2015 - 06:07

      I've got a few of the xiaomi peripherals and am kind of in love with them, but was worried about lack of warranty being in Aus. How did you get around that?

      Also, I'd read there are a few areas of the OS where you won't get English translation. Are you finding that at all with yours?

      • kywst on 02/10/2015 - 09:31
        +2

        I updated to the MIUI dev rom which is as simple as downloading a file from mi.com and opening it with the phone update app. Now get weekly OTA updates. All in English with Google services. You're right about Aust. Service locations being an issue but for $270 outright … You could buy 2 for what you'll pay for an equivalent piece of kit. Furthermore, I can't remember ever taking a phone in for service. It's always seemed to last until time for an upgrade. Kudos to Xiaomi for finally getting cheap technology right.

        Not in English is the MiStore (Xiaomi App Store) but don't use it.

        Second edit: you still have a Nexus4. When was the last time you took up warranty on a phone? They are harder to kill than most give credit for.

        • sparkanum on 02/10/2015 - 11:02

          I suppose my bigger concern is DOA, but fair point on the price. I'll certainly give them another look now. Thanks a lot for your advice!

  • bonezAU on 01/10/2015 - 15:05
    +1

    Nexus 6

    Good phone, only took me a few days to get used to the size.

    • sparkanum on 02/10/2015 - 06:11
      +1

      She's pretty slight, and already struggles with the nexus 4 size (hands too small, pockets not deep enough). She's tried a galaxy note before and it was like watching someone use a laptop as a phone.

      It'd be a stretch going to 5.5, so unfortunately the n6 is not going to work.

  • jimbobaus on 06/10/2015 - 16:30

    5.5 inch screen.. but this is an awesome device

    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/phones/Outright-Mobile-Handsets/hu…

    Only 8Gb though…

  • bluedufflecoat on 06/10/2015 - 21:31

    I think I got the htc one m8 for under $500 during the eBay sale back in March. Probably cheaper now, or at the next eBay sale. Was from Kogan.

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