Best Small/Light Android Phone

maldrat on 19/07/2012 - 16:02

Hi Ozbargainers

Just wondering if someone could recommend a small android phone with good features. It seems that all the flagship phones made now have gigantic screens. I don't need this as I'm going to use my tablet for most media consumption. I currently have an old Desire HD brick and it's very inconvenient to carry it around. All the new small phones I've looked at lack the features I need as they seem to be aimed at the prepaid market.

Price isn't really much of an issue, but size, power, battery life, camera and NFC are important. I'd mostly use it for email, calls, taking snaps, GPS, music and tethering.

Mobile

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 19/07/2012 - 16:29
    +2

    Could try the Samsung Galaxy W for $229. The screen size is 3.7 inches. Doesn't have NFC.

    Specifications: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_w_i8150-4114.php

    Alternative, Sony Xperia Sola, around the same price and features NFC. Slightly better than the Galaxy W.

    Specifications: http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_sola-4408.php

    If you want even smaller, there's the Telstra LG Optimus Spirit via Coles (must have a Flybuys member card) for $49 dollars, which is unlockable via Ozbargain for $2. However, it is a low end phone so it's no where near as good as your Desire HD, and won't be suitable for media consumption. Good value though.

    • maldrat on 20/07/2012 - 08:00

      Thanks. The Xperia Sola looks very appealing.

  • urcpc on 19/07/2012 - 18:26

    How can we unlock that LG Optimus Spirit thru Ozbargain?

  • peteru on 20/07/2012 - 12:18

    I just got a HTC One V and am pretty happy with it after one week. Small enough to fit in my jeans front pocket and sit down without discomfort - and I'm not a skinny lad ;-)

    Unlocked from Kogan as listed here on OzBargain.

    • scrimshaw on 20/07/2012 - 13:04

      The bad thing about it is the limited NAND storage. Only 4GB of flash, and 1GB of which is user accessible. Only 512MB of RAM and no electronic compass.
      The good thing is that it has Beats audio, good for audiophiles.

      The Dual core Xperia Sola with Mali400 GPU is probably better bang for buck.

      • peteru on 20/07/2012 - 14:30

        With 32GB Class 10 microSD cards selling on eBay for ~$17 delivered, the 4GB of flash is not a big show stopper. On the other hand 512MB of RAM or lack of compass could be an issue for some uses. Compass don't bother me at all and so far I haven't run out of RAM either.

        For me, the HTC One V is a phone that also has a shopping/todo list and can take a picture here and there. It does that well.

        Had I been looking for GPS / navigation use or playing games, I probably would have spent more $. Then again, the original poster seems to have a tablet for those uses. If NFC is a must, then this isn't suitable though.

  • Charlotta on 09/08/2012 - 12:10

    Price isn't really much of an issue

    If this is the case then I'm not sure you're asking the right crowd!!

    That said you have an interesting feature set for your search. I can't offer a recommendation but just query whether you had thought of including dual-sim as a search criteria - though I guess only important if you do any international travelling.

    Also in your criteria I'd be prioritising HSPA up and down data connection speeds given tethering/hot spotting are important aspects.

    If you weren't previously aware of GSMarena (links above) then that will be key for your search esp by using its compare facility. It will list the specific HSPA data connection speeds and the 3G frequencies on most models - but double-check the accuracy of these speeds and the frequencies with the specs listed by the manufacturers on their sites wherever possible and with the box/web-retailer when purchasing.

  • robotdad on 02/10/2012 - 00:06

    What did you end up with, maldrat? Did you get a Sony Xperia Sola?

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