Due to the 3G shutdown, my kid's phone has been blocked, even though I made sure it is capable of VoLTE, but the 000 requirement was not communicated and the telcos are all powerful, so I have no choice.
I'm looking for a new phone as cheap as possible (under $300) with the best possible camera - that 100% has to be proven to work since the 3G shutdown. I'm not expecting the same quality as flagship phones, just the 'least crap' camera (my kid complains constantly about the photo quality).
Does it need to be new?
If not the latest used/refurbished iPhone that meets the VoLTE/000 requirements you can.
Even my old iPhone 6S (podcast only phone) takes reasonable photo's, comparable to my main phone Motorola.
anything oppo
Old second hand pixel would be the best bang for buck if looking for good camera.
What phone did your kid have before?
The motorola G85 isnt the best at taking videos. The CPU doesnt have the grunt so youll see hitching or freezing occasionally.
Still photos look perfect.
G54 had quite allot of reviews about missing notifications which cost some people their relationships. So I was hesitated to take that risk.
The Telstra T-Elite Pro looked good i've seen it on sale for $130. Doesnt have much ram though.
Try writinig a letter to your local representative asking them for a list of Imeis that arent blocked on Australian networks. As some imports supposedly have made the whitelist.
The cheapest fully 4G capable phone with 4GB RAM at the time - Xiaomi 10C.
I should add that both my phone and my wife's aren't available in Australia (I got mine on Ali, hers is through an Aussie grey import site) and never got so much as a warning.
The G85 is one I was looking at, as it has a Sony camera rather than the Samsung ones on most cheaper models, but it's 50% more expensive than the likes of the G54 or similar options. Is the camera that much better? Because I don't feel like the rest is the phone is.
The cheapest Moto G55 that I found from googling is $282.15 with code "MCNOV5" from mobileciti (new release this year).
https://www.mobileciti.com.au/motorola-moto-g55-5g-128gb-gre…
https://www.mobileciti.com.au/motorola-moto-g55-5g-128gb-gre…
It has ultra wide angle lens, definitely better than G54. I have Moto G54 as a second phone. In very dark room such as taking photo of a lamp, the camera is actually great, better than gcam mod (maybe need deeper setting change).
For any android phones, just install Gcam mod (google camera). It can improve photo quality.
Moto G85 is still above $300. The cheapest I found from Google that I can trust is from mobileciti $308.75 with code "MCNOV5" from googling.
G55 looks like a perfect compromise if it can be gotten with 6+gb of ram.
@fromthehatch: Enable "RAM Boost" in its Settings to use virtual RAM with internal storage like adding 4 GB, so total 8 GB (RAM + virtual RAM).
Samsung phones have "RAM Plus"
OnePlus phones have "RAM expansion"
It's just different name for different brands.
I managed to get the Moto G85 for about $290 thanks to this deal: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/875716
There really wasn't anything else at that price point with a better camera that I felt confident would work after the ACMA's last minute blocking fiasco.
Good choice for under $300. I'd choose the same as actually I prefer Snapdragon processor. I only got G54 because of the price after $200 voucher from Amaysim. I have OnePlus Nord CE3 Lite 5G as my main phone (not impacted by 3G shutdown).
Just install gcam mod for second camera app other than the main camera app. Compare the photo quality. Need to change the settings in the app for better photo quality.
Pick a motorola. you can't go wrong