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Huawei X3 $69 at Woolworths

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Huawei X3 is $69 on this week special at Woolworths. This phone is much better than the crap Telstra Samsung Galaxy 5. It is locked to Vodafone but can be unlocked using DC-Unlocker service.

CPU 600Mhz
GPU Adreno 200
RAM 256MB
Display Capacitive touchscreen 16M colour 320x480 3.2"
2GB MicroSD card included

This phone runs Android Gingerbread 2.3

The phone is slim and sleek. You can use Link2SD to install more apps to memory card (have to use Partition Wizard to make 2nd partition for your MicroSD card), without Link2SD you can't install many apps since the built-in "Move to SD" features of Android is useless because it will not move all the files (i.e Lib file…).

If you need to unlock this and you are around Springvale area then I can do it for $10. Woolworths Chadstone still has stocks when I checked yesterday.

Funnily enough I found this deal by checking the specs for this phone at GSMArena and found that someone got it for $69 in Australia and I did google search and came across the post on ozbargain that was deleted and was linked to the groceries special deal.

Related Stores

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closed Comments

  • -5

    … dupe …

    • +7

      This deal was originaly posted days ago. It grabbed my attention. But a few minutes later the post disapeared. So it made it hard to discuss the deal.

      Someone called 'dupe' on the original X3 post because it had been listed within a long list of Woolies specials & the post was pulled as a dupe.

      Days later it was again discussed under a Samsung Galaxy 5 deal in the same catalogue. Confusing to discuss 2 different deals together.

      As it created a bit of interest, calling 'dupe' is sometimes a pain, as people do not read all the specials to find a phone deal. And discussing the deal along with baby wipes is difficult to follow.

      So this is a dupe(X3) of a dupe(X3 discussed in Samsung Galaxy 5) of a dupe(X3 pulled) of a Woolies Catalogue list of specials!

  • New and exciting!

  • Are you promoting the X3 at Woolies or your unlocking service?
    The Vodafone site gave me a code to unlock this for free, though I have yet to try it.

    • +3

      Are you promoting the X3 at Woolies or your unlocking service?

      — Is this the height of scepticism or what ?

      Give the man a break.. He's just trying to post what looks like a reasonable deal..

      • The X3 deal is a dupe, an unlocking service wouldn't be.

    • +1

      DC unlocker = free program.

      I think he was saying if you arnt clever at these things he will do it for you for $10

      • +2

        free program, but dont you need to buy "credits" to get the X3 unlock code?

        • +1. You need credits.

        • What's the minimum amount of credit you have to buy to unlock it for free?

          Edit: a once off unlock uses 10 credits and 10 credits cost 10 euro which is almost $13 AUD

      • You have to buy credit to unlock. So what I mean is if you are not nearby then you can do it yourself by downloading the software and buy the unlock credit or if you are nearby my area then I can do for you because I bought the credit in bulk.

    • Did you have the phone on the network before you got the unlock code?
      i have tried both my X3's on Voda site for free unlock without success :(

      • I'm using a Just Mobile [Vodafone Network] SIM I've had for at least a year which I put in the phone on Thursday [may explain the free unlock]. I got the unlock code last night BTW.

        • I have a vodafone postpaid sim I could try.
          What size sim cards do they take?

        • Standard (not that I've seen a micro sim :)

      • I dug up an alternative SIM [Telstra] and successfully unlocked the phone. (Telstra gave a full 4 bars of reception compared to Vodafone's 2 BTW).

    • try it and let us know how it went. - i'm just curious to know if it actually goes through smoothly.

      i just think it is odd that a telco (via a supermarket) will sell a phone cheaply and not try to squeeze money out of you for $xx credit before allowing you to unlock from their service.

      • try it and let us know how it went. - i'm just curious to know if it actually goes through smoothly.

        There's no guarantee if it works for one person that it will for the next - voda unlocking seems to be a bit like that.

  • Bought one from Woolies Hampton Park yesterday. Got on for the daughter a few months back. Good value.

  • +3

    CHEAPEER TO UNLOCK VIA EBAY

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/UNLOCK-CODE-HUAWEI-IDEOS-X5-U8800…

    I've tried it and it works.

    Once they've send the code you can see it online.

    • +1

      Cheap, but seems need to wait 24 hours?
      "If you can not wait at least 24 business hours for this code to process, do not buy this …"

      Unlocked my X3 via an Australian based ebay seller, submitted after lunch got code at the same night, $1.4 more but much faster

      http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/280853664093?ssPageName=STRK:MESE…

    • +1

      Before you try eBay or DC-Unlock, check the vodafone unlock site first.

      https://unlock.vodafone.com.au/voila/handsetunlock/self-serv…

      That might be the easiest way to unlock. Worked for my mate, he was lucky. His one did not come with the extra sunnies nor the 2GB microSD card.

      • Worked free for me.
        Did he check under the back cover - the 2Gb card is already inserted!

  • Just make sure they don't steal your secrets:

    http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/321670/20120330/pm-gillard-ba…

  • +1

    Red Symonds uses it, so it must be good!!!

  • does it come with any memory card with it
    and can we buy more than 1 or is it limited to 1 per customer

    • +2

      Does too, mine came with a free 2GB PQI micro sd, and a free hair straigtener (came sealed btw) However I did pricematch mine from Target.

      • how much did u pay for that..

      • +1

        Pretty much a "traveller" hair straightener.
        When my daughter saw it , she laughed and said it would be fine for a "barbie" doll……

        • Target refused to price match as they are not identical items, woolies does not come with bonus straightener

    • Bought from Woolies 2 days ago, had 2GB microSD card installed (under back cover). Does not list any limit.

  • Whats the chance of the phone dropping down to low $60's when the SG3 is out?

    • Maybe, these phones are always dropping. No real point waiting. However more high-end phones such as the SGS2 and The Galaxy Nexus will definitely drop when the GS3 comes out.

    • +1

      Nah, these phones already budget as possible.

      • +1

        Agreed, not likely, they'll just discontinue them.

  • +2

    Anyone before trying to buy unlock codes, try at vodafone.com.au/unlock first. Many says it is free to unlock

    • Lucky, mine was going to cost $50

      • Yeah mine says 50 too might use it for a week or so using a existing postpaid sim and see if they drop the unlock fee

        • unlock fee is standard from Vodafone website there is no such thing as special for postpaid user.

        • I was lucky - FREE on Vodafone site.

      • Oops double post

    • +1

      I tried at voda site and got a free unlock code straight up:
      https://unlock.vodafone.com.au/voila/handsetunlock/self-serv…
      Then entered imei
      and then got the success page with a code.
      This only worked after I had inserted a non-voda sim card, and the phone asked for the unlock code.
      Before I had put the sim in the voda site wouldn't give me a code.
      Also none at Northland & Ivanhoe in Vic

      • Unlocked FREE & easy in seconds on Voda's site (gave me the unlock code with Voda SIM inserted) - just follow the instructions. Need to insert non-Voda SIM so asks for unlock code.

  • none available @ Northpark, Arndale and other stores in SA

  • none available @ Carindale, Brissie (pitty, as purchase is over $50 you get an entry in $15k of groceries competition as well, only available at that store)

    • Pricematch at another store, i did at target…

      • Stock at other Woolies - got them to ring for me & bought. Just there are lots of promos at Carindale Westfield this week for opening of extension.

      • I assume the one at target includes a bonus hair straightener/sunnies, does the Woolies one include that?

        • DS include "NORTON Mobile Phone Security 2.01 valued at $49.95". So try a price match there. I already had a similar product.

        • No. I pricematched at Kmart and got the hat and sunnies pack.

        • Just price matched at DS, wont include the Norton security thing as its not exactly the same.

        • Thought as much, but you got the phone & for $30 off their price.

        • Yeh, lucky for those who got the sunnies/hair straightener pack! Any one know if Vodafone will unlock for free if you've (your friend) been their prepaid customer for ages?

        • Just try - FREE unlock for me. I have been a customer for years (got a lot of free credit I still haven't used).

  • none at Woolies Eastgardens, but the manager took my number and said he will order some in…

  • someone please tell me if the phone can have Chinese language?

    Planning to give as a gift!

    thanks

    • +3

      Checked my daughter's X3: there are THREE Chinese languages installed and provision for another three.
      The ones already in the phone are: Chinese Pinyin; Chinese Bihua; and Chinese Zhuyin.

    • +3

      Well, you know, HUAWEI is a chinese company, so……

      • +1

        thanks mate

  • Can u jail break this phone?

  • I bought one today at Carousel (Cannington WA). Cottesoe Central was out so I asked them to call Carousel as I was heading way out that way to use a Cudo Seafood voucher.

    I think Cott Central will be getting some in tomorrow. They said they were getting an order in.

    Yum. Now back to my tuna sashimi and marinating some cod for Nobu's recipe and need to see to my fish stock…..

  • Can anyone confirm if this phone can be used as hot spot for tethering ? Looking to use it with boost pre paid

    • +2

      Yep, tethering & personal hotspot is an option.

  • None available in the newcastle area :(

  • Be Aware ! This phone quality is not good. Touch response is frequently inconsistent. Performance lag is obvious and the worst, battery life is horrible considering its claimed capacity and actual screen size as well as processor frequency.

    • Battery life is short (1 day), as reported with many Android phones.
      Having used an Honeycomb Android Tablet for 4 months, I don't see screen lag - the Tablet has more lag. Have not seen any "Touch response is frequently inconsistent". Keyboard is very small, so slow to enter text - but speed should improve with practice or try a different keyboard app. Am doing much the same things on this $69 phone as on the $500 tablet, but the 3G tablet couldn't make calls (except VOIP). You need to compare like with like - its a very cheap device. For the money, its great (so far).

    • Loaded free JuiceDefender App which claims it has almost doubled battery life - still waiting to see if helps, but seems to.

      A major restriction is the small amount or RAM to store Apps. They can be swapped in/out of the microSD card.

  • Unlocked free for me on Vodafone site! I like luck!!

  • Picked one up from Woolies Newton SA, only one left 10 minutes ago, none left in Marden or Glynde, got unlock code free as well from Vodafone site.

    Bargain!

    Edit: It doesn't come with hat or sunnies or hair crimpy thingie.

  • +1

    Penrith DSE Powerhouse wouldnt' price match saying it's below stock price. Parramatta Westfield Woolies had none in stock. Parramatta Westfield Taregt had none in stock but also was told they don't price match phones anyways. (really?) Parramatta Westfield K-Mart had 2 in stock and both were with the bonus hat/sunnies. Lady there price matched happily so I got one. Some other dude next to me also decided to get one also after seeing my purchase.

    Really happy with the phone. Can't ask for more for $69. Was for my parents in law anyways who don't plan to use it with a SIM and just needed whatsapp, viber, navigation etc over home wifi.

  • +1

    Just got one,
    confirm that unlock is for free from Vod website(turned on with a non vod sim when arrived home and did the process)

    TownHall(syd cbd) has still at least 6

    very good value, and the phone is much better than i expected luckily they run out of the galaxy from telstra so i took this one.

    • seems like there is some batches of these phone comes with free unlock.

  • For full user manual download & USB driver http://www.huaweidevice.com/worldwide/downloadCenter.do?meth…

  • +1

    the screen is bad…gets scratches too easy……better to laminate for a lasting life..my 2 cents worth!!

    • Yes - screen is just just plastic - well it is cheap. A screen protector may also cut the reflection.

  • I price matched with no problems at Kmart Mt Ommaney QLD - in a large Voda box with free straw fedora hat & sunnies!!! Looked like the last one they had.

    Whilst at the shopping centre I asked at Woolworths Mt Ommaney QLD and they also had two X3's still available at the front desk as at late Sunday arvo.

    I have just unlocked with no problem using code generated by Voda website. I registered and inserted the included Voda SIM first - but not sure that I really needed to do this???

    • No need to register the Voda SIM if changing Telco.

  • Can anyone tell me what do i have to do to have FLASH working on it?
    from web looks like it should support flash(10), but if i try to download flash it says 11 is not compatible.

    i know i should check the other forum but maybe someone here can give me a tip quicker.
    cheers.

  • Picked up mine yesterday from Safeway Toorak. Useful considering my iphone went missing/pickpocketed on friday while I wait for insurance to get sorted.

    • +1

      Got mine from Balaclava. They still had some left, Glenhuntly only had one.

  • Took a raincheck this morning. Was told yesterday that you can take a raincheck on the last day of the promotion. So anyone who can"t get their hands on one anywhere, raincheck…..

    • Who told you that?

      • Woolies do the raincheck and offer the item same price for 4 weeks time if the item sold out during promotion.

      • I went there last night. The supervisor there told me. No problems this morning as well.

  • +2

    I still reckon the best phone under $100 is LG Optimus One (P500). It's $89 at Crazy John's I think. Worth the extra $20 over X3 too imo. Well worth checking out before buying anything else in this price range.
    Specs may look similar, but specs don't always tell the full story. My wife has the LG and I am always impressed when I play around with it. It feels solid, has a nice bright screen with good sensitivity. It is pretty fast with no real lag (has 512MB RAM vs 256MB on X3). The camera is OK but no flash. GPS navigation is a real strong point. Loudspeaker is surprisingly loud, web browsing is quick, the whole OS works smoothly for a cheap phone compared to other cheap phones I have played around with. If you read the reviews and forums, they all praise the LG as a very good phone for the price, and I agree.
    http://www.cnet.com.au/lg-optimus-one-p500-339306019.htm

    • Umm…same with this one. The ram hasn't been an issue for me so far but for some users it might be. I'm amazed how good it is for that price though the unlock fee from vodafone is $75 for mine ($9 on ebay).

  • bought 2 at 11pm tonight from local safeway - only just tonight discovered deal after several days of researching cheap mobiles.

    thanks for the opinions.

  • I got a free unlock code from vodafone website after waiting a week. It says not found but you just enter your details and you'll receive SMS saying your unlock code is ready and off you go

    • Did you activate the included SIM - that may be why there was a delay. I inserted an old Voda SIM & unlocked straight away.

      • No, on my packet it says the sim costs $10 to activate, or something along those lines. No intention of using it at all

        Also those that said the battery life is terrible, mine has consistently lasted more than 5+ days, 10 hours is around 5% of the battery. I don't leave WIFI on though and i'm on Telstra, gets 4 bars but the area is a bit patchy in reception.

        I drains like no tomorrow when you turn on hotspot though

  • +2

    These are still on sale at $69 at Woolworths. The in-store placard has the offer good to 30 April 2012. I picked one up at Doncaster Shoppingtown tonight.

  • Went and bought one of these at woolies this morning, so far im pretty happy with it.

    Ive only ever used iphones and have no experience with android, but everything seems pretty snappy.

    The cameras are actually pretty good, but the lack of image stabilization is very noticable.

    I will probably wait until i get used to the phone before i much around with firmware, it came with android 2.3.4.

  • +1

    Grabbed one at Woolies in North Bayswater on Friday. Pretty basic phone, but well worth $69. Cheaper than fixing my $400 HTC.

    • Actually it is a very feature rich and capable phone for the price. Your expectations must be much higher after using a high-end HTC. I bought one today also, after loosing my old smartphone. I don't spend more than $100 on a phone for these very reasons - breakage, theft, loss, etc.

  • Still $69 in latest catalogue! http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/68654

  • did anyone have probs rooting?
    when AUTOroot restart the mobile it freeze at the Huawei logo,
    i have to unplug usb and remove battery to restart it, and it doesnt complete the root

    i tried on winxp, vista and 7 using the usb drivers from the Huawei website
    and Latest Autoroot

    if anyone can help me will be great

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