Buying a new Phone for Charity

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RAE1

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Master Geek
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#314967 3-Jun-2024 18:12

I am looking at buying a couple of Samsung Galaxy A55 5G for a charity I volunteer with. I noticed that he can get $400 off with his plan with One NZ and the next cheapest deal is from PB Tech at $632.00 which is where I would have to buy from.

He is on the small plan monthly account ($45) whereas I am on the My Flex Prepay ($14). I was on the old freebee data plan until recently - lol.

This is the first time buying Samsung since we have always purchased Vodafone Smart phones. He is on Vodafone Smart V11 and I am still using Vodafone Smart V8 where a lot of apps are no longer compatible.

I like the A55 due to the 4 to 5 year updates but are the phones on One NZ website the same as what PB Tech are selling? I read somewhere that they might be different due to parallel import?

Is there anything else I need to beware off?

My previous purchases have been:
2014 Vodafone Smart 4     ($99)
2016 Vodafone Smart 6   ($199)
2018 Vodafone Smart 8   ($199)
2020 Vodafone Smart 11 ($199)

Smartphone newbie wanting a new phone

Thank you for your wonderful advice.

RAE1

52 posts

Master Geek
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#3244334 4-Jun-2024 12:03

Hi again, I just wondered if anyone knows what the difference is between these two Samsung A55 phones? Thanks.

Part # MPHSAM00355600

Part # MPHSAM2355600

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Smpl Mnmlst
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#3244345 4-Jun-2024 12:26

Don’t know about others here but I found it confusing when you mention a charity that you volunteer for - then say “he can get …” and “he is on …”.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

RAE1

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Master Geek
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#3244348 4-Jun-2024 12:34

Huh? I am trying to work out the best way to save the Charity some money. Thanks.

Bee

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#3244365 4-Jun-2024 13:05

Serious Question: Why have you chosen the A55? Its a big price jump from what you had before.

What are you using the phone for? If just txt and calls then definitely the A55 is overkill..

If you have more than a few apps that you need to run daily and at a reasonable speed, then the A55 is ideal. Its a good reliable mid range phone that for most people is just as good as the S series at a much better price. I used a A5x phone for many years and loved it, it suited me perfectly.

But also have you considered a A35 or A05? These would be cheaper and possibly just fine also - work bought me a A13 a few years ago and that does the job because I only have 2 or 3 apps that I need to run on it.

In my experience, phones dont last more than 2 or 3 years before the battery life is terrible, and having the latest version of Android is not always neccessary.

Hopefully that gives you something to think about - If you decide the A55 is best then go for it! It is a good reliable phone but just consider some other options first

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#3244380 4-Jun-2024 13:16

$196

https://www.jbhifi.co.nz/products/oppo-a17-64gb-lake-blue

RAE1

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Master Geek
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#3244381 4-Jun-2024 13:22

Thanks Bee,

I like the A55 due to the 4 to 5 year updates. In this way we won't need to buy a new phone every couple of years. Also, it's better specs, better camera, more storage and updated wireless tech.

E.T.A. The other reason was the $400 off with One NZ

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wellygary

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#3244387 4-Jun-2024 13:44

RAE1:

Also, it's better specs, better camera, more storage and updated wireless tech.

Which of These features is of benefit to the charity???, What are they expecting the user to do with it??.

As others have mentioned, Given its the Charity's money, why not go for a lower spec'd phone..

Its still going to have a new battery lifespan ( which is basically the limiting factor on phone longevity these days)

mattwnz

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#3244485 4-Jun-2024 18:07

A55 is a pretty high spec phone. My dad purchased the A35 which is quite a bit cheaper when on special and even that seems pretty high spec for his app needs. IMO you should get at least 2 years out of a $200 phone discounted if it can run the apps you want, and then you can buy another $200 discounted newer generation phone which comes with a fresh battery. You may get 3 years out of each . If you can get $400 off, and you aren't paying for that saving in the plan you are on then it may make sense. There are pros and cons