Best android phone for under $400

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1039 posts

Uber Geek

#1106284 11-Aug-2014 11:32

Without hikacking the thread too much, I'm in a simlar boat. I see the original Xperia Z can be had for about $330 + postage from Kogan. How would that phone compare to those listed above? I read in some reviews the scrren is a little sub-par, but that seems to be compared to higher end models. I like the look of the Z ultra, especially the water resistance, it just seems so BIG!

NikT

1710 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1106294 11-Aug-2014 11:44

CutCutCut: Without hikacking the thread too much, I'm in a simlar boat. I see the original Xperia Z can be had for about $330 + postage from Kogan. How would that phone compare to those listed above? I read in some reviews the scrren is a little sub-par, but that seems to be compared to higher end models. I like the look of the Z ultra, especially the water resistance, it just seems so BIG!

The Xperia Z is absolutely gorgeous. The screen is a bit of a crapshoot, however. I've seen some units with passable screens, others with poor ones that wash out when slightly tilted - Sony has since come a long way in this department with the Zultra, Z1 Compact, and Z2, all of which have excellent displays. The battery life is not spectacular, although software updates have helped in this department. A colleague just picked up a Z the other week, and I updated it for her - it's a much better phone now than it was at launch. There are cheaper options with better displays, to be sure, but you can't beat older flagship models when it comes to build quality on a budget.

Product Manager @ PB Tech

Smartphones @ PB Tech | Headphones @ PB Tech

CutCutCut

1039 posts

Uber Geek

#1106300 11-Aug-2014 12:02

NikT:
CutCutCut: Without hikacking the thread too much, I'm in a simlar boat. I see the original Xperia Z can be had for about $330 + postage from Kogan. How would that phone compare to those listed above? I read in some reviews the scrren is a little sub-par, but that seems to be compared to higher end models. I like the look of the Z ultra, especially the water resistance, it just seems so BIG!

The Xperia Z is absolutely gorgeous. The screen is a bit of a crapshoot, however. I've seen some units with passable screens, others with poor ones that wash out when slightly tilted - Sony has since come a long way in this department with the Zultra, Z1 Compact, and Z2, all of which have excellent displays. The battery life is not spectacular, although software updates have helped in this department. A colleague just picked up a Z the other week, and I updated it for her - it's a much better phone now than it was at launch. There are cheaper options with better displays, to be sure, but you can't beat older flagship models when it comes to build quality on a budget.

Good to know. The water resistance quite appeals to me. I might have to start my own thread to help me narrow down the choices.

NikT

1710 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1106338 11-Aug-2014 12:23

CutCutCut:
Good to know. The water resistance quite appeals to me. I might have to start my own thread to help me narrow down the choices.

The Moto G and X are 'splash resistant'. While not as robust as Sony's waterproofing, it's nice to have.

May be able to get a Z1 for a reasonable price now that the Z2 has superseded it.

Product Manager @ PB Tech

Smartphones @ PB Tech | Headphones @ PB Tech

pjshark

46 posts

Geek

#1106508 11-Aug-2014 14:43

++ Moto G,

Yea it may be a smaller than Nexus 5 but for sub $250 its a steal and its got quality to boot.

540trickzter

160 posts

Master Geek

#1106516 11-Aug-2014 14:47

NikT:
CutCutCut:
Good to know. The water resistance quite appeals to me. I might have to start my own thread to help me narrow down the choices.

The Moto G and X are 'splash resistant'. While not as robust as Sony's waterproofing, it's nice to have.

May be able to get a Z1 for a reasonable price now that the Z2 has superseded it.

It's a bit more than splash resistant according to water tests on youtube. Erica Griffin did a 30min under water test and it still worked fine after. The Moto G got a nano coating on the internals to protect from water.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVaTKG5q4YI

throbb

675 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1106525 11-Aug-2014 15:06

Huawei Honor 3C

http://www.warehousestationery.co.nz/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/WSL-B2C-Site/en_NZ/-/NZD/ViewOfferDetail-Product?ProductRef=216094@WSL-B2C

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