Vodafone Smart ultra

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#1365153 13-Aug-2015 07:00

xiewe985:
dman: A Samsung Note 4 would be lovely, but totally outside my price range for now.

Even going for the Vodafone Ultra is a good 20%+ more expensive than the Lenovo K3 Note. Plus I believe the Vodafone Ultra doesn't work so well on the 2degrees network? (where I'd be using it) While the Lenovo K3 Note suits both perfectly.

It works fine on 2degrees! Have tested it myself this week.

Im using an ultra on 2D (in AK on 2D network) without any drama

droidxt

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#1365362 13-Aug-2015 10:45

Deciding this or Moto G 16gb 2015 imported from US for $350ish NZD. Will this one from heathcoates work on 2degrees - says its locked to vodafone: https://www.heathcotes.co.nz/products/ph-vf-995n-vodafone-smart-ultra-phone-grey

xiewe985

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#1365390 13-Aug-2015 11:04

The Moto G 16GB 2015 only has a 720p screen. Previously I used the 2014 edition of Moto G (Moto G 2nd Gen) and I waited for the Moto G 3rd Gen to come out but was quite disappointed with the specs.

Ultra 6 vs Moto G 3rd Gen vs Moto G 2nd Gen: http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=7313&idPhone2=7247&idPhone3=6647

The Vodafone Smart Ultra 6 shouldn't be locked to Vodafone NZ. But I've heard the UK version is locked. I've got two friends using the Smart Ultra 6 on 2degrees and it's fine. All you need to add is the APN (and get a NANO SIM): https://www.2degreesmobile.co.nz/help-and-support/personal/mobile/your-phone-or-device/setting-up-your-android-for-the-internet/

droidxt

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#1365396 13-Aug-2015 11:09

Yeah I see the specs are definitely better with the Smart Ultra. Only problem I have it with it is the lack of software updates compared to the Moto G. Though I'm hoping XDA will have some custom roms available.

Wade

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#1365399 13-Aug-2015 11:14

NZ spec Ultra is unlocked, my daughter has a moto g gen2 and it is half the phone the ultra is, by comparison it is extremely laggy

I am a little concerned about how timely VF will update but we will have to wait and see, worst case scenario, it is running a more current OS than a lot of $300 phones and hey if it falls to far behind just sell and buy a newer model :P You would loose more than $300 a year in depreciation by buying a flagship phone so can almost justify buying a new Ultra every year (assuming newer more up to date versions are released)

droidxt

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#1365409 13-Aug-2015 11:21

The heathcoates website reads this: "*This phone is set up to only work with a Vodafone NZ SIM. To use with another networks SIM, a $30 unlock fee will apply. See www.vodafone.co.nz/unlock for more information."

Worse case I'd just have to pay $30 and have it unlocked. OR... try get it price matched at another store to the heathcoates price :P

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macuser

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#1365517 13-Aug-2015 12:33

The Ultra is not locked as per other posters. It will not even be recognised in Vodafone's unlocking tool. You're free to put your 2Degrees Sim in immediately and change the APN

Oubadah

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#1367148 15-Aug-2015 20:37

Has anyone bought the "Vodafone Smart Ultra Jelly Case" that's listed everywhere on pricespy? Not one shop has a picture of it. I'm hoping to get one of those rubber clamshell type cases for this phone. Likewise, all those same shops have a screen protector listed for the phone, and I'd like to know if that's worth buying too.

I want to get one of these phones for my mother, but not before I've found a decent case available for it.

lavinia

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#1367186 15-Aug-2015 21:55

I've ordered a couple of cheap soft jelly-type cases for mine online:

This one from Amazon UK, it's pretty good -- just a basic shell type case, reasonably snug fit but a little bit slippery to hold (but still better than holding phone alone).
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B011O4MTL8/ref=twister_B00YXZPGPM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

And one of these from Aliexpress. This one a little uglier, but has good grippy bits either side and is a touch thicker than Amazon one, also fits quite well.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-Soft-S-Line-Wave-TPU-Gel-Cover-Case-Skin-for-Vodafone-Smart-ultra-6/32415124676.html

Neither case is very substantial, but they're enough for what I wanted: just a bit of protection from superficial damage. Wouldn't pay $20 for one though, as per Pricespy!

[Sorry, it won't let me post proper links; I'm too new apparently!]

Dynamic

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#1367208 15-Aug-2015 22:33

Picked up one for the Mrs on Friday and a wallet cover with magnetic closure from TradeMe. When using the phone the screen randomly locks and turns off half a dozen times a day. Has happened when playing a game, youtubing, and web browsing.

Case is not touching the screen or lock button.

Any guesses? Possibly faulty?

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1eStar

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#1367661 16-Aug-2015 21:51

Probably the magnetic clasp triggering the screen on/off. Quite possibly a magnetic sensor embedded in the bezel somewhere to trigger an official flip cover style case screen on/off. Ditch the case for a day or two and check results.

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Oubadah

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#1367666 16-Aug-2015 22:12

My sample has a screen defect. A faint pixel-wide vertical stripe, almost central, running all the way up the screen. It's not visible on a black screen, nor is it visible on a white one. It's only visible on certain colours/shades (eg. this slide: https://i.imgur.com/ChdfVXY.jpg). On a smooth black-to-white gradient the defect comes in and out of view (ie. appears as a sort of dashed line), very odd.

This phone is for my mother, and if I don't point out the defect she'll never notice it so I think I'll resist the temptation to return it (unless it deteriorates). However, if I'd bought this unit for myself, I'd be returning it. Oh how I loathe purchasing things with displays on them. It's depressing to think that my Moto G is the only thing with an LCD screen that I've purchased in the last 5 years that hasn't had some form of pixel or uniformity defect.

Oubadah

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#1367682 17-Aug-2015 00:51

Also, when I play music off a local NAS on this phone it frequently stops playing momentarily and then resumes. The Moto G and a poverty spec HP tablet play the same files off the same NAS via the same apps without a hitch.

Wade

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#1367698 17-Aug-2015 06:34

Oubadah: Also, when I play music off a local NAS on this phone it frequently stops playing momentarily and then resumes. The Moto G and a poverty spec HP tablet play the same files off the same NAS via the same apps without a hitch.

I stream downloaded google play over bluetooth in the car and have had this happen,

BigMal

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#1367700 17-Aug-2015 07:04

Wade:
Oubadah: Also, when I play music off a local NAS on this phone it frequently stops playing momentarily and then resumes. The Moto G and a poverty spec HP tablet play the same files off the same NAS via the same apps without a hitch.

I stream downloaded google play over bluetooth in the car and have had this happen,

Ditto here. Must be a bluetooth bug on this phone?

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