Need Help Buying a Cheap Smart Phone (Ideally < $250. Max $300)

emjay2000 on 29/01/2020 - 19:43

I am looking for help buying a cheap smart phone. I have started to research this myself but the last time I bought a phone it was an iPhone 4s - technology has definitely moved on and my miniscule budget definitely won't cover a new(er) iPhone. Moving away from Apple, I am finding all the options quite overwhelming. Even retail websites where I could get clear, concise info would be welcome.

My criteria:
- unlocked Android.
- ideally $250 or less. I am willing to pay up to $300.
- min 32G, but ideally 64G min
- acceptable quality camera for general snapshots
- reliable GPS
- updates & support for several years. My iPhone 4s is still going but it's on its last legs and support stopped long ago.

Apart from using the phone as a phone and text messaging, I primarily use some public transport apps, non-Apple audiobook apps and basic social media. My needs are pretty basic when compared to others.

I have ruled out the Samsung Galaxy A20 because of the unreliable GPS mentioned in several threads here on Ozbargain. And yes, I know that some things I won't be able to take with me from Apple onto the new phone.

Thanks in advance.

Mobile Mobile Phone Android

Comments

  • CyberMurning on 29/01/2020 - 20:07
    +2

    xiaomi mi max 3. best battery in the world.

    • emjay2000 on 29/01/2020 - 20:47

      Thanks. I forgot to include battery performance but that's definitely important. :-)

  • aussieprepper on 29/01/2020 - 20:44
    +1

    Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro.

    Class leading performance for the price and big battery. Plus it has a Micro SD slot and headphone jack.

    I can't comment on the GPS.

  • No Username on 29/01/2020 - 20:46
    +2

    Bummer. I was going to recommend the Samsung A20. Recently got this phone since my last one died and everything seems great so far. I haven't noticed anything wrong with the GPS yet. When using Uber the phone is able to accurately locate me on the spot. You should still consider this phone if you don't trust Chinese branded phones like Xiaomi and Huawei for security purposes.

  • netjock on 29/01/2020 - 22:02
    +1

    You won't get support for several years. Your best bet is Android One phone which will have 2 years of OS updates +1 year of security patches from release. One of these is the Xiaomi A3.

  • Razor1710 on 30/01/2020 - 00:23
    +1

    Honestly, consider buying a refurbished iPhone 7 or 8. You may be able to find some great deals on them, especially from places like Kogan. Apple's support is unparalleled and despite being an older phone you will still receive software updates for years. I have one myself and it's still buttery smooth.

  • Cheeper on 30/01/2020 - 03:21
    +2

    Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T from Tobys Deals.

  • rxjb on 30/01/2020 - 08:43
    +2

    moto g series

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