Advice on new Mid-range Android phone

Widget on 17/10/2018 - 01:58

Greetings people of Ozbargain,

I was going to post in the (poll)mid-range phone section, wasn't sure if it was the correct place to post, so I made this new thread.

Currently using a HTC One X phone, but am considering upgrading for a few reasons. I was hoping to get some suggestions/feedback on a possible upgrade, with a preferable budget of $400 +/-

I was considering an LG V30, but seemed a bit higher in price, plus I think the V40 is coming out, so the V30 stocks are lower, from what I've seen. Was hoping for a price drop <$500 for one, but doesn't look the case.

Also considered an LG G6, though read mixed reviews about the camera, the 'P', and Mate series Huawei, and a Galaxy S7, though I think it's a bit dated now?

Now, after reading the mid-range poll post in the sticky, am looking at the NOKIA 7 Plus, though also a little above the $500 mark, I'm sure there would be sales here and there?

Primarily I don't do much with it, but features I am looking for

  • Good Camera (good low light performance would be nice. I did like the camera in my Galaxy S3, can't remember the low light performance for it though).
  • Good GPS. Something that connects, and stays connected.
  • Good for some games, like the Pokemon Go, or that new Walking Dead mobile game. Other games, not a huge player of on mobiles.
  • Not full of bloat
  • 5.5 – 6" +/- screen size (previous phones had around 4.8")
  • Removable SD would be nice (if not, 32GB+ storage internally)
  • Removable battery would be nice, though I think most phones these days aren't removable ??
  • Something that isn't plagued with known issues
  • Good battery (i.e. A day of solid use/GPS, and hopefully still have charge at the end of the day)
  • Headphone Jack
  • NFC would be nice, though I've never used it really (except on my S3 many years ago), so not a deal breaker if it doesn't have it.

With mobiles, are 4k screens worth it? I did consider 4k recording, which from what I've read, the Nokia 7 PLUS doesn't record 4k (or 4k screen), not sure if it's a deal breaker though, considering the only smartphones I've had are the Samsung galaxy S3, and the HTC ONE X.

Thanks in advance,

Mobile Mobile Phone Android

Comments

  • shalala on 17/10/2018 - 02:23
    +1

    I am a strong supporter for stock Android for a speedy experience with no bloatware. Am using Motorola G5 Plus and recently upgraded to Android 8.1. Can't fault with this mid range phone.

    The LG phones has better hardware BUT the software interface and user experience is not as good. Ask to test live models instead of just video reviews before comitting to either phones.

    You can also research Motorola G6 Plus for any negativity. Good luck!

    • [Deactivated] on 17/10/2018 - 08:10
      +1

      When were you upgraded to 8.1? My G5 Plus is still on 7.0. Oz stock.

    • EightImmortals on 17/10/2018 - 08:19

      How did you get Android 8.1?

      • pegaxs on 17/10/2018 - 09:16

        My wife’s Moto G5 Plus was pushed the update only a few days ago. A few of her apps asked her questions and that’s the only reason I know it changed versions, because I went looking for what version it was.

        Might be worth going into your settings and finding the “check firmware update” button and see what it produces.

        If it’s any help, the wife’s phone is on the Aldi SIM card… may be network dependant?

        PS: it’s a great phone and she loves it. She moved over from iPhone to the G5 Plus and says she would never own an iPhone again after this phone.

        • EightImmortals on 17/10/2018 - 09:18

          heh, thanks. Checked it yesterday and nothing….just checked it today and oreo 8.1 is ready to roll. :)

          (On Telstra here)

    • Widget on 17/10/2018 - 16:32

      Thanks Shalala. I originally looked at the Motorola G5, but iirc, I read the camera wasn't that good (could have been something else). Though may be different than the G5 Plus. I'll check out the Moto G5 again in case it was a different phone. Thanks :)

  • crentist on 17/10/2018 - 02:44
    +2

    narrow down your preferences to a few things you really want, and find a phone that hits those points. otherwise every phone you mentioned is fine, your criteria are vague and do little to filter it down. all phones do most things well enough and it sounds like you just want something that wont give you headaches. if you dont care about any particular feature just get something you think looks nice

    • Widget on 17/10/2018 - 15:31

      Thanks Crentist. I guess my main 'wants' would be, (1)Good camera, (2)Good GPS, (3)larger screen, (4) Headphone jack. Looking back over my listed specs, I guess I could live without much of the other stuff.

  • Brucet on 17/10/2018 - 15:02
    +1

    Why not try Samsung Galaxy J5 Pro.(last monday sale $254 - now back to $299. ).

    • Widget on 17/10/2018 - 15:29

      Thanks Brucet. I had a quick look, though 5.2" screen might be a bit small for what I'd like to use it for, though I'll add it to the list to check out just in case. Overall, from what I'v read, seems like an alright phone.

  • Flanders on 17/10/2018 - 23:19

    I love the samsung s7 . It is a nice sweet spot of price and performance and IMO is the model where they got everything right.
    They stuffed up alot with the s6, bad battery life, no removable sd, not waterproof (all things which were not an issue with previous model s5).
    Then they bought out s7, waterproof again, no removable battery but long battery life and wireless and fast charging, and most importantly for me NO EDGE BS .
    The s8 and later have too much of an edge IMO. The edge phones mean that screens break much much easier, and as a newish model very expensive screen replacement cost, also edge phone the hardened screen protectors dont apply properly and come off much easier. Also I have seen many of the edge phones with a line down the edge, (no crack or physical damage can be seen at all but somehow the lcd splits along the edge).
    I bought my s7 about 18 months back for I think about $400.
    Can probably pick one up now for around $300 used, not sure new price, but probably around $400 new of you shop around.
    Can also get a dual sim model of s7, could be useful.
    I did drop my 1st s7 and screen cracked, whereas my s5 I have dropped many many times before it finally cracked. I know anything with the edge on it, is much more prone to breakage though.
    And avoid s6 at all costs, it was a huge fxckup after the s5 people loved so much. Anyone who wants an s5, there is a niche model which they used to sell on ebay for much cheaper than standard s5, it was imported from china, and was touted as the s5-extra or something like that, but never released worldwide. It is called LTE-A model and actually has a higher definition screen (definitely) and maybe has faster processor (not sure) . The s5 shoots 4k video also I believe.
    Buy 2x s5 for your budget and have change :) or 1x s7, and buy a micro sd card (up to 256gb I think they take, and 128gb are fairly cheap) .

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