Low cost phone that takes a Spark micro SIM

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Stu

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Topic # 151774 4-Sep-2014 16:53

Hi folks. I'm looking for a phone for under $300 that accepts a micro SIM. Must support Spark frequencies. Preferably Android 4.3 or above and that takes a micro SD card.

The reason for the micro SIM requirement is I plan on inserting my primary Spark SIM and having it forward SMS messages to email when I'm away later in the year. I would also use this phone at times when I'd rather not use my Note (listening to music while mowing the lawn, taking the dog for a walk, at the beach etc).

There don't seem to be many around with the micro SIM in that price range. Perhaps the Motorola Moto G LTE or ASUS Zenfone 5?

Any assistance appreciated! Many thanks.

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Reply # 1122015 4-Sep-2014 17:10

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SIM adaptors are cheap and easy and I've never had an issue using them :-)

lxsw20

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Reply # 1122016 4-Sep-2014 17:13

Yeap before the Trio SIM came out they used to give the adapters to you. Try your local Telco shop, they should have them.

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Reply # 1122017 4-Sep-2014 17:18

I stuck my micro sim in a normal sim socket and used it without a problem for a month or two, just line the pins up correctly. That might only work with certain phones though, depending on how the sim socket is designed.

Or as others said, get a cheap adapter.

Could try an China phone? Most support 850MHz WCDMA, e.g.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-DOOGEE-DAGGER-DG550-5-5-IPS-MTK6592-Octa-Core-Cortex-A7-1-7GHz-Cell-Phone/1927449863.html

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Reply # 1122021 4-Sep-2014 17:25

Early on I recall issues with some adapters. Good to know that's not the case now. Plenty of phones to choose from then!

Cheers all.

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tardtasticx

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Reply # 1122024 4-Sep-2014 17:29

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Would not recommend using those sim adaptors on phones that need the sim to be pushed in. I had one on my Xperia Z (nano sim to Micro sim), the adaptor got caught and ripped the pins inside the phone eventually rendering it useless.

What I do now instead is leave an old Telecom (pre spark) sim in the Xperia, and the Nano sim in my iPhone, and whenever i need to switch, I ring Spark and ask them to move my connection to another sim and give them the SIM number. Ive reused each sim multiple times without an issue and its way easier.

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iPhone 6S + (64GB/Gold/Vodafone NZ) - Xperia Z C6603 (16GB/White/Spark NZ)

Sam, Auckland

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Reply # 1122029 4-Sep-2014 17:34

Agree, I wouldn't have wanted to use an adapter in the Z1 which had a push in, pull out sim slot, a lot like a SDcard slot. Would be fine a top down slide in type SIM slot like on most phones though.

old3eyes

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Reply # 1122089 4-Sep-2014 19:09

BigHammer: Hi folks. I'm looking for a phone for under $300 that accepts a micro SIM. Must support Spark frequencies. Preferably Android 4.3 or above and that takes a micro SD card.

The reason for the micro SIM requirement is I plan on inserting my primary Spark SIM and having it forward SMS messages to email when I'm away later in the year. I would also use this phone at times when I'd rather not use my Note (listening to music while mowing the lawn, taking the dog for a walk, at the beach etc).

There don't seem to be many around with the micro SIM in that price range. Perhaps the Motorola Moto G Ltd or ASUS Zenfone 5?

Any assistance appreciated! Many thanks.

The Moto G I think is the best bang for your buck..

Regards,

Old3eyes

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Reply # 1125823 10-Sep-2014 15:23

So with the Moto G LTE (which at least has a micro SD slot which the Moto G doesn't have) at around $340, should I also consider the Xperia Z at $399? Both local prices.

Spec comparisons seem to lean towards the Xperia Z, even though it's older. Thoughts?

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NZtechfreak

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Reply # 1125920 10-Sep-2014 16:44

In that price range - Z Ultra!

Regards Xperia Z Vs Moto G LTE I would probably take the Moto G myself, regardless of the specs sheets (if it's to be a secondary device, if the camera was important that might push me a little more towards the Sony, although the camera there is nowhere near as good as specs would suggest).

If you could find a second hand Z1 Compact in that kind of price range I'd recommend that without reservations as something compact and offering a different experience to the Note. It's available new locally for as little as $469, so secondhand may be possible to find one ~$400.

Oneplus might merit consideration? Nexus 5 or LG G2?

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Reply # 1125943 10-Sep-2014 17:12

I think the Z Ultra might be a little on the large side for a secondary ;-)

I've seen your test photos with the Z/Note 2/808 and the Z photos are okay. I'm picking quite a bit better than the Moto G.

The second hand Z1 seems to be a little light still, and what I've seen they're still a bit over the $400 mark. Unfortunately. Might have to wait a while.

The Oneplus is a bit pricey but the Nexus might be a go if I can find stock when they're at $400

Might have to keep looking.

Cheers!

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NZtechfreak

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Reply # 1125956 10-Sep-2014 17:29

BigHammer: I think the Z Ultra might be a little on the large side for a secondary ;-)

I've seen your test photos with the Z/Note 2/808 and the Z photos are okay. I'm picking quite a bit better than the Moto G.

The second hand Z1 seems to be a little light still, and what I've seen they're still a bit over the $400 mark. Unfortunately. Might have to wait a while.

The Oneplus is a bit pricey but the Nexus might be a go if I can find stock when they're at $400

Might have to keep looking.

Cheers!

Pricespy had the Nexus at $399 in stock somewhere locally (FWIW).

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Reply # 1125958 10-Sep-2014 17:32

2Degrees model at Stationery Warehouse.

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NZtechfreak

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Reply # 1125966 10-Sep-2014 17:43

BigHammer: 2Degrees model at Stationery Warehouse.

Ah, and sold out too I see!

I wonder whether something like a Xiaomi Mi3 or Meizu might fall within budget?

1020 with defects in two spots on camera, could be had for as little as $285 on Trademe?

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Reply # 1125970 10-Sep-2014 17:46

Not looked at the Chinese brand options yet. Not sure if I'd go down that avenue.

1020 isn't Android though which is really a must have.

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NZtechfreak

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Reply # 1125975 10-Sep-2014 18:04

BigHammer: Not looked at the Chinese brand options yet. Not sure if I'd go down that avenue.

1020 isn't Android though which is really a must have.

Right, wasn't entirely sure, and thought "hey! if he really wants a different experience..."

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