Looking for a new phone (<$500, Dual Sim 3G/4G, 5" or less, Stock Android)

lyl on 08/12/2016 - 16:33
Last edited 08/12/2016 - 16:51

So with the closure of telstra's 2G/3G network, I'm in the market for a new dual sim phone. I'll mainly be using it for Pokemon Go (people still play that game?), so here is what I'm after:

  • <$500: Can go over by a bit but really prefer not
  • Dual Sim 3G/4G
  • 5" or less screen: I'm often holding my phone with one hand while throwing pokeballs on that hand, so I need display to be small
  • Stock Android: I know pretty much nothing about ROMs, so I prefer a phone which I can just use straight away. Pokemon Go also has Safetynet checks which might cause problems, so i'd just rather something with pure android.
  • Decent Processor, at least 2GB ram I was barely able to survive the last few months with my moto g3's SD410. I want something faster, which shouldn't be a problem with newer phones.

Any phones which meet all the criteria above? I couldn't care less about anything else (camera, display resolution, battery, B28 etc).

I've considered the moto g4 plus, however it apparently lacks a Magnetometer, so I won't be able to have a working compass for pokemon go.

It seems that the Asus Zenfone 3 is the closest I can get to what I want as it matches everything above other than its 5.5" screen.

Thanks in advance for all the help guys :)

Mobile

Comments

  • scotty on 08/12/2016 - 17:16
    +4

    Lenovo ZUK Z2 for USD $169 from Banggood?

    • AUD $227
    • Dual Sim 3G/4G
    • 5" Full HD screen
    • ZUK ROM is close to stock, but from comments of the above deal there are also other ROMs available
    • SD820 + 4GB RAM

    I've also recently bought a Xiaomi Redmi 3S with 5" 720P screen and 3GB/32GB for my daughter. However SD430 won't be much upgrade to MotoG3's SD410. Redmi 4 has 5" FHD, 3GB/32GB with SD625 for ~USD$150, although ZUK Z2 would be significantly better for just a bit more.

    And also

    I'll mainly be using it for Pokemon Go (people still play that game?)

    Yes PoGo is very playable on SD420 on Redmi 3S, much better than her previous Nexus 4 with Snapdragon S4. Just need to wait for the 12/12 for the gen 2 :)

    • lyl on 08/12/2016 - 17:29

      Thanks Scotty :)

      As above, I know pretty much nothing about ROMs, are you sure that the ZUK Z2 will pass safetynet? I faintly remember reading somewhere on reddit a few months ago when the safetynet update came that even some unrooted Xiaomi's weren't able to continue playing PoGo.

      Also, the Xiaomi Redmi 3S is only 2G/4G right? Getting this info from various sources on the web.

      Gen 2 hype!

      • nathan-drake on 08/12/2016 - 18:17
        +1

        i have a redmi 3s, and the second sim only runs 2g. Why the (profanity) did the telcos have to shut down 2g???

        • lyl on 08/12/2016 - 18:25
          +1

          Thanks for confirming. No (profanity) idea, thanks for ruining 90% of Dual-sim phones telcos.

        • nathan-drake on 08/12/2016 - 18:31

          @lyl:
          so now im looking at buying Mi 5 vs moto g4 vs zuk z2

        • lyl on 08/12/2016 - 18:37

          @nathan-drake:

          Seems like the Zuk Z2 is the clear winner for the price/specs

        • mskeggs on 08/12/2016 - 21:19
          +1

          @lyl:

          This suggests it is possible for the Zuk to pass safetynet:
          http://forum.xda-developers.com/zuk-z2-pro/help/safetynet-fl…

          But appears to be a comment relating to rooted ROM.

          This thread is four pages of people with issues with Pokemon Go and Zuk Z2pro, but no new posts since September:
          http://zukfans.eu/community/threads/pokemon-go-issues.94/

          There isn't much else. Sometimes this is a good sign as the problem has gone away, but who knows for sure.

          Based on your original requirements, I think it is very likely if you buy a Zuk you will need to do some ROM related stuff. The software just isn't ready for mainstream, non-technical users. I say this having never held a Zuk, but I have a Meizu M2 note with a Chinese market ROM and regularly hit minor glitches that take a little bit of sorting. After having it for a bit over a year I will be looking for a replacement with a manufacturer supported international ROM next time.

          All that said, the Zuk looks very tempting.

        • pyramid on 08/12/2016 - 21:24

          @nathan-drake: clear winner is mi5 here.. Better camera, better cpu compared to moto and good community support at xda plus NFC if you need it.

        • lyl on 08/12/2016 - 21:45

          @mskeggs:

          Thank you so much for your help, I'll more likely take the safer option and wait for a stock android phone.

        • mskeggs on 08/12/2016 - 22:02
          +1

          @lyl:
          Take a look at nathan-drake/pyramid's suggestion of the Mi5.
          it has a manufacturer supported international version, top class performance, and is starting to see some serious discounting. Another user posted a link to a geekbuying sale for around $300.
          It looks like very good value albeit for a bit larger outlay.

          The manufacturer supported ROM means it will get updates automatically, so you don't need to manage ROMs yourself. The Xiaomi skin on top of Android is well regarded though I have only used it a little bit.

        • lyl on 08/12/2016 - 22:05

          @mskeggs:

          Ok will do, thanks once again

        • pyramid on 08/12/2016 - 22:19

          @lyl: Hi lyl, which stock android option you are looking for the most. But using third party launcher like Nova/Action will make your phone almost look like stock albeit few exceptions.

        • lyl on 08/12/2016 - 22:54

          @pyramid:

          I'm just after something that is just pure android such as Moto G4, because some of the other roms (MIUI, ZUI etc) might fail pokemon go's safetynet security check.

        • pyramid on 08/12/2016 - 22:55

          @lyl: Fair enough. I never played this thing so didn't know safetynet etc…

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