Low end Android available @ retail - $100-$250?

Lmskeggs on 01/09/2012 - 09:56

Hi ozbargainers,
My Mum wants to buy my sister a smartphone as a present.
Neither have a clue about mobiles
My sister has a 5yro nokia candy bar, so anything will be a positive.
I think the Woolworths 45day $29 prepaid plan will be what she uses (very little voice use, some SMS and a bit of data). So unlocked, or Optus prepaid?
What is the best low end smartphone available at a retailer in suburban Sydney that she can get in the next day or two? Hurstville area a plus.
I think Android is probably the best bet at this price point? ($100-$250max)
I see the Samsung Y duos and Huawei Sonic and probably Galaxy Ace?
Thanks, wise bargain hunters.

Mobile

Comments

  • zelda707 on 01/09/2012 - 10:25

    Galaxy Ace would be a good choice as is the Samsung Galaxy W ($249- vodafone) If you can stretch, i would recommend the Sony Xperia U for $277 at Dick Smith

  • sane on 01/09/2012 - 11:36

    The best cheap smartphone at the moment is the Huawei G300. However you'd have problems getting it here, since it's a Vodafone exclusive (and thus the wrong frequency) here ($150-$169). If you know anyone in the UK, it can be had for <£100 on the right frequencies, unlock is simple.

    Would tend to avoid the ones you mention as old, slow, etc.

  • MtlOz on 01/09/2012 - 12:03
    +2

    You can buy the Sony Xperia U from Crazy Johns @ $179, 3G is 850/2100 but should be OK if you don't go to far!
    http://www.crazyjohns.com.au/sony-xperia-u/black/prepaid/

    Galaxy W online at vodafone @ $224 with the $0 recharge option, bought one yesterday and was free to unlock, again only 3G is 850/2100.

    • blackrider89 on 01/09/2012 - 18:21

      You have any idea about how to unlock it?

      • MtlOz on 01/09/2012 - 20:56
        +1

        https://unlock.vodafone.com.au/
        If you go in store, before you buy, you may ask them to check if it's free to unlock, it's just a mater of going to the website. I told them I wanted to make sure it was working with a 3 sim card.
        Else, you can pay vodafone or any phone shops (or ebay)…I assumed, the question was for the Galaxy W, because the sony is labeled as unlock

  • Goonos on 01/09/2012 - 14:15

    The HTC One V is also an option $260+shipping. Only a single core but does have Android 4.0 and the screen is very nice. http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/htc-one-v-black/

  • mskeggs on 01/09/2012 - 15:28

    Thanks bargainers. I will toss up between the unlocked Huawei Ascend @ $138 at DSE or the G300 on Voda with a plan to unlock it after a month or so. Galaxy W also looks good.

  • Candour on 02/09/2012 - 08:08

    have been looking at unlocked phones sites only.
    is there a link so I can understand how unlocking a locked fone works? is it legal? am a newbie and need a smartfone which is simple to use.
    don't have the brain to nut this on top of my pc

  • Bystander on 02/09/2012 - 17:20

    For $100 the LG Optimus Spirit is pretty good value. And for an extra $2 you can buy an unlock code.

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