Best budget ~$400 android local phone?

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TeaLeaf

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#189347 25-Dec-2015 12:58

Am a windows phone worker but want another android for the partner. I have an S6 with the curved glass, think its a bit over rated compared to my 640XL for $350 but android has some apps she needs.

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#1457043 25-Dec-2015 13:22

check out the Samsung Galaxy J5

macuser

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#1457045 25-Dec-2015 13:27

Vodafone smart ultra, still!

TeaLeaf

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#1457331 26-Dec-2015 11:11

which GPU does the smart ultra carry (edit: just adreno 405)? Can you unlock it to other carriers?

the 2 that have caught my eye are

HUAWEI p8 - OCta Core, good GPU, 16MP sony image sensor with optical image stabilisation

Samsung S5, bit worried as its not 64 bit it might become obsolete quick with android developing 64bit OS? It also just a bit out of the budget as is the P8, similar phones but the p8 is newer and 64bit.

macuser

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#1457413 26-Dec-2015 14:26

Unless your partner is a mobile gamer, a blazing fast GPU won't help much. The smart ultra is $222 and comes factory unlocked - it also has a Sony Sensor, though not as good as the twice as expensive P8. Provided the frequency bands are compatible with the network you'd like to use, it will work fine. Go play with the Smart ultra in the store, you'll be really impressed (and it looks a lot like an iPhone to most people)

TeaLeaf

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#1457425 26-Dec-2015 15:16

im so over apple products right now with multiple macbooks and accessories breaking down im steering clear of anything apple for a while :-)

if the smart ultra can work on the telecom network it sounds perfect for the money.

yeah there are some great phones out there for the money that nearly challenge phones twice the price.

i reckon for ~$500 the Huawei P8, the Asus Zenfone 2, 2.3GHZ aqua atom and the LG G3 are all very similar and priced. all play games well and are blazing fast. i like the one with the 16MP optical image stabilisation, replaces the need for a decent pocket cam, not quite and rx100 but still good enough.

TeaLeaf

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#1457429 26-Dec-2015 16:04

Wrong thread. Cheapest I can find the Vodafone for is $300 and I think thats locked.

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macuser

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#1457434 26-Dec-2015 16:14

TeaLeaf: Wrong thread. Cheapest I can find the Vodafone for is $300 and I think thats locked.

Use pricespy.co.nz and search Vodafone smart ultra... Harvey Norman $222, or 239 at warehouse stationary Its not locked I'm using it on 2 degrees now without unlocking.

Ah I just read you're on Spark. Best not get the smart ultra then as it will not get great reception as it's missing the 850mhz 3G band...

TeaLeaf

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#1457455 26-Dec-2015 16:57

yep XT user.

thats a shame.

was looking at the LG g4 camera and drooling.

TeaLeaf

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#1457464 26-Dec-2015 17:14

interesting, ive always used staticice as that was the main price tool in Aus, many items dont show up on the nz one that do in pricespy, new tool :-)

woollettg

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#1457556 26-Dec-2015 20:57

Pick up a g3 d855 when discounted from value basket. Just over $500. A beast of a phone. Not that much different to the newer g4.

linw

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#1457571 26-Dec-2015 22:19

l43a2: check out the Samsung Galaxy J5

Bought one of these for my wife. Damn nice phone for $288.

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old3eyes

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#1457646 27-Dec-2015 08:49

linw:
l43a2: check out the Samsung Galaxy J5

Bought one of these for my wife. Damn nice phone for $288.

Not a bad phone for the price but 8Gig of storage is not much these days.. Even with a SD card I've found some apps won't play nice when on the SD card. Good is she takes lots of photos..

Regards,

Old3eyes

TeaLeaf

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#1458092 28-Dec-2015 12:53

J5 is cheap, but 1.2GHz Quad and 1.5GB on Android will be pretty darn slow?

Would be a rocket on windows phone.

TeaLeaf

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#1458387 29-Dec-2015 10:14

geeze the camera on the lg g4 is sublime, the g3 is nice for the price, but that camera makes you want to spend more than you should. not familiar with the hexacore chip vs an octa core in the P8.

linw

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#1458756 29-Dec-2015 21:25

Guys, guys, you said a BUDGET phone and then you go wanting top specs for the budget price. Sheeesh.

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