Cheap android phone options?

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19 posts

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#337162 1-Jun-2010 21:26

What network do people run their (cheaper) Android phones on. I have a Telecom number from old network I wouldn't mind keeping, plus I predominantly am just a texter, and will no doubt browse on new i7500 when I get it, so would require data usage. Which (network/plan/prepay) do you think would suit me?

vinnieg

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#337163 1-Jun-2010 21:29

I have a white i5700 and run it mainly on my Slingshot connection(aka Vodafone) but I have a backup 2 degrees sim.

Only problem I see with the I7500 is most of the latest 2.1 hacks have no Camera or Bluetooth, but I think Samsung should possibly release a 2.1 firmware for the i7500....although they have stated they won't, I think the market will pressure them

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

dobrien7

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#337165 1-Jun-2010 21:36

Oh ok how much did you get 5700 for? I'm finding the 7500 ranges from $430-500 through ebay/trademe. How do the two compare in your opinion?

vinnieg

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#337257 2-Jun-2010 09:10

The i5700s are about 390-450 on Trademe and Pricespy, I had to settle for white as there is a 12-15 day lead in time on the black phones at the moment :(

i7500 pros:
- AMOLED screen is beautiful
- Flash on camera makes a difference to photos, the 3.2 without flash sucks a bit :( + it's 5MP not 3.2
- 8GB Storage as standard

i7500 cons:
- 8gb microSD for i5700 can be picked up rather cheaply $30NZD
- 528mhz processor vs 800mhz for the i5700
- Has been said there won't be a 2.1 official rom for it, due to the processor speed, stuck on 1.6

So on those specs, if camera and screen don't matter too much, the i5700 screen is still great imo, then go for the i5700

Otherwise, if you can wait a month, the HTC Wildfire looks promising, and as with HTC has a lot more android support. So there is almost guaranteed to be a 2.2 froyo update or if might ship with Froyo.

My i5700 is just a stand in phone to replace my old Samsung, I'm going to be giving it to the wife, that's why it's white :) and getting hopefully an HTC Incredible in a couple of months. But for 392 the features seriously can't be beat, even if you don't upgrade to the official 2.1 firmware, the 1.6 is fine :)

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

dobrien7

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#337337 2-Jun-2010 12:43

The i5700 sounds pretty good, will see what I can find. Had asamsung s5600v ordered through a vodafone store, but its $400, think I'd rather spend a little bit more online and get a much better phone.

vinnieg

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#337376 2-Jun-2010 14:11

Yeah, you can pickup the i5700 for $392 including shipping :)

I have the S5600V also(up on Trademe) 3 months old, only paid $299 with BT headset from Noel Leemings :)

If you really wanted to fork out, say as much as a Desire, $750NZD aka 399 Euro is the asking price for the new Samsung Galaxy S, said to be the best Android phone yet, it looks STUNNING

http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9000_galaxy_s-3115.php

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

dobrien7

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#337385 2-Jun-2010 14:28

True, got it for $403 from EInfotech. Need to get a micro sd flash card, and of course a sim. Looking forward to it arriving, may ask how you went about setting yours up.

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hairy1

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#337386 2-Jun-2010 14:32

Is no multitouch on the i5700 an issue? For instance is it a hassle to zoom in and out while web browsing etc?

Cheers, Matt.

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kyhwana2

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#337410 2-Jun-2010 15:35

vinnieg: Yeah, you can pickup the i5700 for $392 including shipping :)

I have the S5600V also(up on Trademe) 3 months old, only paid $299 with BT headset from Noel Leemings :)

If you really wanted to fork out, say as much as a Desire, $750NZD aka 399 Euro is the asking price for the new Samsung Galaxy S, said to be the best Android phone yet, it looks STUNNING

http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9000_galaxy_s-3115.php

You can get the Desire from Clove for cheaper..
http://www.clove.co.uk/viewProduct.aspx?product=32C8AD9B-E300-4267-BEC1-DE55F02D0184

330GBP, which is $711NZD atm.

lokhor

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#337515 2-Jun-2010 20:03

Do you have to pay VAT when buying from Clove?

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kyhwana2

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#337519 2-Jun-2010 20:11

lokhor: Do you have to pay VAT when buying from Clove?

Nope!
You may/may not get stung with GST via NZ customs.. some people do, some don't..

vinnieg

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#338384 4-Jun-2010 21:22

Yeah if u need help with flashing and setup just ask :)
The whole process takes a couple of minutes

Sent from my spica

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

lokhor

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#338394 4-Jun-2010 22:05

I'd consider getting a Spica if there was going to be an upgrade to froyo

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Linuxluver

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#338427 5-Jun-2010 01:06

lokhor: I'd consider getting a Spica if there was going to be an upgrade to froyo

Yeah. So far, lack of clarity of upgrade intentions is hurting Samsung. No one wants to buy an orphan and watch all the cool kids who bought otherp hones get the hottest, latest stuff. Samsung needs to get their head around that like HTC, Motorola and Acer have.

For now, until Samsung makes it clear they understand this, I'd be eluctant to buy their phones....unless there was one SO compelling that I had to have it, as is. That may apply to the upcoming Samsung Halo...with the pico projector. Drool.

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dobrien7

19 posts

Geek

#340345 10-Jun-2010 18:23

Got my phone now, really liking it. Am on 2degrees and right out of the box it doesn't want to surf web saying doesn't have data network connection?

How do you go about the flashing, setting up?

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