Best option for a cheap (backup) handset to use while existing one is broken

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E3xtc

773 posts

Ultimate Geek

#245496 7-Feb-2019 07:37

Hello,

So while my normal phone is dead, I am in the need of a replacement handset to use.

Price is the main focus here (not keen on going over $100 as its almost throwaway), as long as it can install a few key apps (mobile banking, pagerduty and some mfa ones).

Features are pretty minimal tbh; Bluetooth and wifi are probably about it. Is it a given that 4g network will be supported now days?

I had thought the Nokia 1 looked okay (was on special for around $80), but they all appear locked to Spark (whereas I am on 2D); what are peoples thoughts?

Oh and needing to move on this reasonably fast, so can't be waiting for a month or so for AliExpress to turn around an order.

Cheers

michaelmurfy

meow
13271 posts

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#2174259 7-Feb-2019 08:20

I've got a Vodafone Smart N8 (Unlocked) here that works fine on 2degrees.

Android 7.0, Fingerprint sensor, pretty decent screen.

PM me with an offer, happy to ship too.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
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E3xtc

773 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2174270 7-Feb-2019 09:12

michaelmurfy:

I've got a Vodafone Smart N8 (Unlocked) here that works fine on 2degrees.

Android 7.0, Fingerprint sensor, pretty decent screen.

PM me with an offer, happy to ship too.

Thanks for the offer; this actually raises another question. If buying second hand what sort of "due diligence" should I do to ensure that the phone isn't blocked/locked/etc and I just end up with a brick? For this reason I am thinking new is probably easier/better...unless the price is right :\

jonathan18

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#2174278 7-Feb-2019 09:42

E3xtc:

Thanks for the offer; this actually raises another question. If buying second hand what sort of "due diligence" should I do to ensure that the phone isn't blocked/locked/etc and I just end up with a brick? For this reason I am thinking new is probably easier/better...unless the price is right :\

I think part of the answer to that question is considering where you're arranging the purchase from and working out what/who to trust; I'd have far more faith in that things will go smoothly in organising a purchase via GZ than from some random on TM or FB - and especially no issue with it when the person offering the phone is a GZ moderator! I've had nil issues with any sale or purchase I've arranged via GZ; but part of that would be also doing at least a basic check on the member (how new? how many posts?)...

The other part to potentially consider in this purchase is how appropriate from an environmental perspective is it to buy a new phone when there are so many s/h phones out there unused, one of which would be perfect for your needs?

E3xtc

773 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2174290 7-Feb-2019 10:15

Yeah it wasn't a dig at michaelmurfy at all; it was a general question in respect to the purchase of a second hand phone. Environmental aspects are somewhat further down my purchasing requirements list at the moment, so not a concern at this time.

tbh though I think I am inclined to just get a basic sub 100 newbie from a store and accept the poor performance (due to limited mem/cpu) rather than go through the negotiation of what to pay and then the acquisition of the phone...sometimes a store is just the easy path to the end goal.

So just really need to know whats the best of the worst :\