Best $400 Android smartphone

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P1n3apqlExpr3ss

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#552547 2-Dec-2011 11:16

jeffnz: From what i have read LG are really slow in releasing updates, the fact that most gingerbread hasn't been released yet to some phones would indicate this.. So as to future proofing you would be better off getting a popular phone then you are gurenteed support if not only from developers. ICS is still a ways off so wouldn't hold breathe on that one.

While the slow part is true, they are promising ICS updates for the Optimus 2X. Although it would obviously be quicker to get ICS by rooting and flashing CM9 when it comes out

http://www.androidmobile.co.nz/recent-news-list/item/981-lg-announce-ice-cream-sandwich-upgrade

Linuxluver

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#552751 2-Dec-2011 17:46

al8565: Hi,

Using pricespy to price up some phones at around the $400 mark. Think have narrowed it down to the following:

LG Black (should get Android 4.0)
Huawei X5
Sony Ericsson XPERIA Neo (should get Android 4.0, best processor)

Any others I should consider? I'm leaning towards the LG Black since 4" NOVA screen and should get Android 4.0. Is that the one to get?

Thanks for the help.....

I'd get a 2nd-hand $1000 phone for $400 via TradeMe.

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Batman

Mad Scientist
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#552772 2-Dec-2011 18:34

trademe? i thought they try to sell used $1000 phones for $1100?

Wade

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#552788 2-Dec-2011 19:11

I've got a secondhand X5 now running factory 2.3.5 update you can have for somewhere close to $300 with 8gb SD card

Linuxluver

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#552943 3-Dec-2011 06:54

joker97: trademe? i thought they try to sell used $1000 phones for $1100?

Nope. The guys who like to go hand-over-hand from the latest new-shiny to the even newer new-shiny tend to dump the current phone on TradeMe to help defray the cost of the new phone. If you're happy to buy 6 months behind the curve you can get a high-spec phone that's only a few months old for roughly half the original purchase price....sometimes less if it isn't a mainstream brand. Like the Google Nexus S. You can get one for barely $400 now...and it's a high-spec phone that gets the very latest updates OTA first from Google.

But it is TradeMe, so you do have to make sure the person actually has the item they claim to have. Good ratings / feedback and photos with today's newspaper are useful. I've never buy one from someone with no or low feedback.

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I've been on Geekzone over 16 years..... Time flies....

al8565

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#554041 5-Dec-2011 13:46

Thanks for all the advice. I've gone with a white Huawei X5 which are $299 at the moment, I can live with white at that price. Can always get a black case.

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