cheapish unlockable smartphone, android

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Noig

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#110066 2-Oct-2012 17:42

Hi All
My wife would like a cheapish smart-phone. Preferably android. Make is not to important though a smallish machine is preferred.
Has anyone of you a hint?
She looked at a Hiuawei X1 though I could not find an unlock solution for it?

Thanks

johnr

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#695029 2-Oct-2012 17:45

Unlock what?

Noig

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#695034 2-Oct-2012 17:56

So I can choose whatever service, Voda, Telec or other. Isn't that what it is called if you do not like to be tied to one service provider only?

Behodar

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#695035 2-Oct-2012 17:57

Phones sold in NZ are not locked.

Edit: Apart from some Skinny ones.

Noig

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#695036 2-Oct-2012 17:59

Si if I buy this one I can change the simcard and go on 2degrees?
In the shop they told my wife it is locked to Telecom?

ajobbins

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#695041 2-Oct-2012 18:25

Yes, it will work BUT depending on what 2G/3G frequencies the phone has in it's radio, will dictate when you will get 3G coverage.

GSM Arena says:
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 900 / 2100

BUT - as this is an XT branded phone, I suspect it could be a variant that is HSDPA 850/2100 which may significantly limit what 3G coverage you can get on a network other than XT.

Twitter: ajobbins

nakedmolerat

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#695053 2-Oct-2012 18:48

Noig: Hi All
My wife would like a cheapish smart-phone. Preferably android. Make is not to important though a smallish machine is preferred.
Has anyone of you a hint?
She looked at a Hiuawei X1 though I could not find an unlock solution for it?

Thanks

how much is cheapish?

you should consider Sony Xperia Go

New World

Shop on-line at New World now for your groceries (affiliate link).

Noig

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#695210 2-Oct-2012 22:43

Guys/Ladies
Thank you heaps!
So I should really look for a multi-network capable machine.
Of course that will cost more than my wife wants to spend? I'll have to work hard to convince her to spend $ 300 and more.
Any other than the Sony?

eXDee

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#695211 2-Oct-2012 22:48

IMO if you are going to buy a smart phone, do it properly and don't get a cheap trashy one, or you'll just get frustrated with the experience to the point of that a non smartphone would be easier in day to day usage.

Phones like the X1 are slow and especially to non tech users they can get annoyed with it.

Noig

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#695212 2-Oct-2012 22:50

What would you suggest taking my previous comments into consideration?

DrStrangelove

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#695276 3-Oct-2012 03:16

Samsung Galaxy S II v4.0.4 for $499.00 from Vodafone (Yes that's true) if the budget can handle it and you don't need NFC (Near Field Communication)

Sony XPERIA Sola v4.0.4 at $353.91 with NFC and 3.7" screen.

Motorola Defy Plus (IP67 certified) v2.3.3 at $306.77 if you or the wife are into extreme ironing.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA Arc S v2.3.4 at $380.79 without NFC, but still a good basic all-rounder with 4" screen.

Sony Ericsson XPERIA Ray v2.3.4 at $272.00 with small screen (3.3")