ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML LTE 32GB

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jmh

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Topic # 190789 12-Jan-2016 12:53

I've been looking for a mobile phone under $500 and came across the ZenFone 2. Potential purchase from here: http://www.valuebasket.co.nz/en_NZ/mainproduct/view/18368-AA-GY?AF=PMNZ

I notice that PB Tech have sold out of these.

I'm a bit confused about the 4G capability on offer. It says:

FDD-LTE:
2100MHz(1)/1900MHz(2)/1800MHz(3)/1700MHz AWS(4)/2600MHz(7)/900MHz(8)/850MHz(19)/800MHz(20)

I'm on Skinny network.

Will I be ok if I buy this phone. I'm in Auckland, but would be using it on Waiheke Island as a hotspot and coverage is a bit ropey over there.

I'm happy to consider other recommendations.

jonathan18

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Reply # 1468412 12-Jan-2016 13:22

Seems to be missing 700MHz? Spark uses this a lot in more 'rural' areas for 4G - going by their map (http://www.spark.co.nz/4g/), this includes much of Waiheke.

What about a previous-gen flagship model such as the S5 or G3? Both can be got for under $500.

My G3 doesn't do 700MHz out of the box, but a quick dig around in the hidden settings gets it going; only issue is it doesn't stick when turned off (but it takes about 20 seconds to get it back after a re-boot). (Note: this is the "international" model D855, which is parallel-imported; doubt this is a problem for the NZ-market model?)

jmh

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Reply # 1468996 13-Jan-2016 11:28

jonathan18: Seems to be missing 700MHz? Spark uses this a lot in more 'rural' areas for 4G - going by their map (http://www.spark.co.nz/4g/), this includes much of Waiheke.

What about a previous-gen flagship model such as the S5 or G3? Both can be got for under $500.

My G3 doesn't do 700MHz out of the box, but a quick dig around in the hidden settings gets it going; only issue is it doesn't stick when turned off (but it takes about 20 seconds to get it back after a re-boot). (Note: this is the "international" model D855, which is parallel-imported; doubt this is a problem for the NZ-market model?)

Thanks. Judging by the map it looks like I do need 700MHz. Looking around, it's surprising how few phones have it - I think I'll have to revise my price up a bit.

wasabi2k

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Reply # 1469002 13-Jan-2016 11:39

I found the same re:Spark - lots of the cheap chinese ones don't do the bands.

Friend at work has the Zenfone - seems good - lots of chinese pre installed stuff however.