cheapish unlockable smartphone, android

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Noig

215 posts

Master Geek

Topic # 110066 2-Oct-2012 17:42
Hi All My wife would like a cheapish smart-phone. Preferably android. Make is not to important though a smallish machine is preferred. Has anyone of you a hint? She looked at a Hiuawei X1 though I could not find an unlock solution for it? Thanks

johnr

13316 posts

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Vodafone NZ

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Reply # 695029 2-Oct-2012 17:45
Unlock what? Systems Engineer Vodafone NZ http://forum.vodafone.co.nz

Noig

215 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 695034 2-Oct-2012 17:56
So I can choose whatever service, Voda, Telec or other. Isn't that what it is called if you do not like to be tied to one service provider only?

Behodar

2971 posts

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Reply # 695035 2-Oct-2012 17:57
Phones sold in NZ are not locked. Edit: Apart from some Skinny ones.

Noig

215 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 695036 2-Oct-2012 17:59
Si if I buy this one I can change the simcard and go on 2degrees? In the shop they told my wife it is locked to Telecom?

ajobbins

Awesome
3009 posts

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Reply # 695041 2-Oct-2012 18:25
Yes, it will work BUT depending on what 2G/3G frequencies the phone has in it's radio, will dictate when you will get 3G coverage. GSM Arena says: 2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 3G Network HSDPA 900 / 2100 BUT - as this is an XT branded phone, I suspect it could be a variant that is HSDPA 850/2100 which may significantly limit what 3G coverage you can get on a network other than XT. Twitter: ajobbins

nakedmolerat

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Reply # 695053 2-Oct-2012 18:48
Noig: Hi All My wife would like a cheapish smart-phone. Preferably android. Make is not to important though a smallish machine is preferred. Has anyone of you a hint? She looked at a Hiuawei X1 though I could not find an unlock solution for it? Thanks how much is cheapish? you should consider Sony Xperia Go

Noig

215 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 695210 2-Oct-2012 22:43
Guys/Ladies Thank you heaps! So I should really look for a multi-network capable machine. Of course that will cost more than my wife wants to spend? I'll have to work hard to convince her to spend $ 300 and more. Any other than the Sony?

eXDee

2826 posts

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Reply # 695211 2-Oct-2012 22:48
IMO if you are going to buy a smart phone, do it properly and don't get a cheap trashy one, or you'll just get frustrated with the experience to the point of that a non smartphone would be easier in day to day usage. Phones like the X1 are slow and especially to non tech users they can get annoyed with it.

Noig

215 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 695212 2-Oct-2012 22:50
What would you suggest taking my previous comments into consideration?

DrStrangelove

368 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 695276 3-Oct-2012 03:16
Samsung Galaxy S II v4.0.4 for $499.00 from Vodafone (Yes that's true) if the budget can handle it and you don't need NFC (Near Field Communication) Sony XPERIA Sola v4.0.4 at $353.91 with NFC and 3.7" screen. Motorola Defy Plus (IP67 certified) v2.3.3 at $306.77 if you or the wife are into extreme ironing. Sony Ericsson XPERIA Arc S v2.3.4 at $380.79 without NFC, but still a good basic all-rounder with 4" screen. Sony Ericsson XPERIA Ray v2.3.4 at $272.00 with small screen (3.3")

Noig

215 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 695281 3-Oct-2012 06:36
Thanks, I'll have a look through those.

nakedmolerat

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Reply # 696541 5-Oct-2012 05:23
I just saw sony xperia u on offer for $299 http://www.vodafone.co.nz/shop/mobileDetails.jsp?skuId=sku17380014&icmp=c_home_xperia_promo_4

Noig

215 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 696542 5-Oct-2012 06:00
Hi all I have bought the HTC wildfire. Thanks for all your suggestions and time.