Need an Android Phone for Pokémon GO

Lrover on 12/07/2016 - 09:06

Hi

Looking for a phone for the little ones to play Pokémon GO. Doesn't need to be used as a phone as I'll hotspot for internet connectivity, so not fussed if phone is networked locked. The app loads on the recent Woolies half-price Alcatel Pixi, but it hangs and crashes.

What is the cheapest phone that won't lag too badly but still run this application. I've read the specs for the app but meeting the specs and actually running seem to be two separate things.

Gotta catch 'em all, so I'm told.

Thanks

Mobile Free to Play (Video Game) Niantic Pokémon Video Game

Comments

  • mskeggs on 12/07/2016 - 09:39
    +1

    Related question. Does the app need active data? Or will it still work over wi-fi with a SIM that has used all it's data for the month? I.e. it appears to use the cellular network for mapping location, but it is unclear to me if it uses cellular data.
    To answer OP, one kid has the Telstra 4GX buzz and is collecting Pokemon OK. He says it doesn't have an internal compass, so there is an issue with it determining which direction he is facing, but it is apparently usable (though he wants an iPhone!).
    My $150 Meizu M2 note seems to do everything that needs to happen, from the report of the other kid who took off with my phone for a few hours.

    • BobbyJ on 12/07/2016 - 09:48

      Uhh…I'm not entirely sure, but if it helps, it uses my data when I'm playing the game. So I guess it does…

    • rover on 12/07/2016 - 09:51

      Thanks for the suggestions. Having a compass/accelorometer/gyro seems to important for the AR aspects.

      It uses lots of data, but can be cellular of WiFi. While you can use WiFi, but the idea of the app is to get out and about (trespassing and getting in to mortal danger by accounts) so mobile data/tethering to another mobile when out of range of public WiFi will maximise the fun.

    • dasher86 on 12/07/2016 - 09:56

      it requires cellular data like google maps.

    • Caped Baldy on 12/07/2016 - 12:44

      I read somewhere that it uses the same api that gmaps uses. So in theory, if you have offline maps it should use less data. From personal experience it still uses a fair amount.

      • awoff1 on 12/07/2016 - 13:32
        +1

        False according to top comment.

        • [Deactivated] on 12/07/2016 - 16:22

          Yeah, agreed. It's false.

          They might fetch from google's API but that's got nothing to do with caching; the only reason why someone is using less data is because it is in their map cache in the Pokemon Go app.

          On my first day I used 40 mb of data. The second day I barely used 7 mb.

  • BobbyJ on 12/07/2016 - 09:50

    Check the Samsung Galaxy J3 out, I've no experience with it, but it has a long battery life.

  • johnn on 12/07/2016 - 11:48

    If you're willing to wait for them to get shipped from China, the Xiaomi phones are good value for money.

    Any of these should be able to run Pokemon Go fine:

    • Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro/Prime
    • Xiaomi Mi4c
    • Xiaomi Redmi 3 Pro
    • Xiaomi Redmi 3s

    It'll take ages for these to arrive though, and I presume you would want it sooner than that. You can always try to get these phones from local sellers (at a bit of a price premium)

    • kywst on 12/07/2016 - 14:18

      You could also pay the extra $20-$30 for express shipping through a carrier such as DHL. I have ordered tablets/phones from China on a Friday and received on Wednesday.

      • johnn on 12/07/2016 - 15:02

        True there is that also.

        OP what would be your budget? That'd probably help narrow down a phone

    • IJustKnowStuff on 13/07/2016 - 12:03

      I have the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro Prime and it works well with Pokemon Go.

  • ProjectZero on 12/07/2016 - 11:52

    Would an iPod work for pokemon GO? does it have GPS?

    For some reason an S3 with latest CM cant run pokemon GO even tho it is android 4.4.4 and has 2GB of RAM….

  • voiletmay on 12/07/2016 - 12:33

    Just wanted to say good luck. I'd think you need data, and a gps enabled phone. Not going to be able to play it without 4G/3G I think.

    If you are in your house in wifi, you can certainly play the game there, but if you want to play the game properly, you need to be able to go out and about in the real world and not just rely on wifi.

    In my house we all play it on iphones.

    • johnn on 12/07/2016 - 14:58

      I think there were planning on using another phone as a wireless hotspot, which would give them wifi access abroad

  • lainey13 on 13/07/2016 - 11:25

    Good luck with using wifi hotspotting, loses a connection/having to reconnect causes the app to freeze A LOT. If it happens during a battle you'll have to restart even if you catch something, that was the worse bug so far.

  • yesiamcheap on 16/07/2016 - 01:46
    Merged from Best Value Phone for Pokemon Go?

    Hi, just wondering what the OzB view is of the best phone used exclusively for Pokémon Go? Assuming it really comes down to battery life… what's the best value device out there?

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