Hi everyone.
I am looking for an Android phone to use for testing/experimentation. The brand of the phone is irrelevant to me, rather I am more interesting in something with decent specs that can support the latest operating system.
I have a budget of approximately $300. I realise mainstream brands like Samsung will be out of the price range, so I was hoping for alternative recommendations that are also good.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Oh, I forgot to mention it must have a memory card slot also!
You should be able to get galaxy S3/S4 etc from gumtree/ebay in your price range.
Neither of them will run the latest OS without rooting.
Someone who is testing software will want root anyway..
OnePlus One or Oneplus X would be my choice..
Motorola?
Agreed.
We love our Moto E 2nd Gen 'phones.
Also keep in mind with getting an older second hand or cheaper unit is that you might not get it running Marshmellow (without a 3rd party rom). I'd personally go an LG G3 - specs are right up there, will be able to get cheaply (considering the G4 can be had under $400), and is currently running Marshmellow (or Lollipop if you choose not to update it). The G2 is also pretty good but it won't be getting a Marshmellow update as standard. Both can be had for pittance second hand also.
try and emulator instead if youre just planning on testing an application. do a simple search and a few pop up.
I need to be able to plug in a microSD card and external accessories to it. Also is it possible to measure wireless capabilities using an emulator?
Try running Android x86, you can boot from USB.
Assuming you're testing WiFi, not Mobile capability.
You need a developer droid farm, lots of different cheap brands rather than one powerful phone.
If it runs on a cheapie, then your app will almost definitely run on a better phone.
Remember, to get your app working on low end devices, otherwise be prepared for lots of 1 Star ratings and having to deal with refunds galore. These days it is wise to develop for a dual core with 512 MB of RAM.
Buy a second hand Nexus 4 (if you're comfortable rooting it and installing custom ROMs) or 5 (if you aren't).