New phone

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cjmack

162 posts

Master Geek

#214422 10-May-2017 19:30

Hi,

I'm sure you have all seen the "what phone shall I buy?" posts. Well, I'm having a bit of trouble working it out for myself.

Both the screen and speaker on my Galaxy S5 are dying, so I thought that it's time to upgrade.

Required:

Network access on 2degrees NZ, Australia Optus, Japan (network not chosen yet - on holiday next year)

Android (prefer a recent version)

Similar size to S5, and must match or exceed performance

Dual sim preferable for travelling, though not essential

Expandable storage essential if internal is less than 64gb, but still preferred regardless

Bluetooth/WiFi etc...

4G LTE is preferred

Ideally $600-$800 range, but flexible for the right specs

I'm not too worried about camera specs, fingerprint readers, NFC etc, provided everything else meets what I want. I am happy to look at the new Chinese brands coming in, provided that they are of similar quality. My preferred retailer is PB Tech as I get quite a reasonable discount through work, but will go elsewhere if it suits.

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Linux

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#1779273 10-May-2017 19:34

I could sell you a mint Samsung S7 edge with receipt from VodafoneNZ for a good price (not dual SIM) but supports all the bands you require

I just upgraded to Samsung S8+

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cjmack

162 posts

Master Geek

#1779275 10-May-2017 19:36

Linux:

I could sell you a mint Samsung S7 edge with receipt from VodafoneNZ for a good price (not dual SIM) but supports all the bands you require

I just upgraded to Samsung S8+

Linux

Thanks, but not looking for an edge screen.

Linux

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#1779276 10-May-2017 19:36

No worries if anyone else interested then DM me

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tehgerbil

932 posts

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#1779281 10-May-2017 19:46

My S5 kicked the bucket recently (1 month ago) and insurance paid for a new S7. Could not be happier.

I have seen it for $899, realllllllllly worth the extra cash.

Feels smaller than the S5 despite having the same size (5") screen.

I can take photos with nothing but the half moon for light on a clear night.

It's making taking photos on my mobile enjoyable again, and the OIS means even >1second manual (Pro) photos can be manipulated to remove noise and can take better photos than my 50mm F1.8 Nikon because it's 1 - silent and 2 - a significant amount more convenient to carry.

The speed is roughly the same, but I never bogged down my S5 and reformatted every couple of months to keep it fresh.

Screen is amazing. The old phone just looks so drab by comparison.

After a month I'm getting <4hours SOT over 14hours awake (very frequent Reddit, Facebook usage

Oh - and water/dust proofing means I haven't had to change how I use my phone one iota - I enjoy using my phone with wet hands without a second thought.

The S7 felt like the best natural progression possible.

TL;DR:

Get the S7.

No steep learning curve.

Best in price-range Camera.

One of the best fingerprint scanners.

Feels smaller with same size screen.

Other possible phones may include: LG G6, Huawei P9, Or Nexus 5X.

cjmack

162 posts

Master Geek

#1779289 10-May-2017 19:56

I have looked at the S7, however for the same price as the 32gb I can get a 128gb OnePlus 3T, or a 64gb ASUS Zenfone 3. Anyone know much about these? All 3 are above what I am looking to pay, but the specs on them have me interested. Just trying to work out the international frequencies on them.

tehgerbil

932 posts

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#1779295 10-May-2017 20:11

cjmack:

I have looked at the S7, however for the same price as the 32gb I can get a 128gb OnePlus 3T, or a 64gb ASUS Zenfone 3. Anyone know much about these? All 3 are above what I am looking to pay, but the specs on them have me interested. Just trying to work out the international frequencies on them.

The Asus brand is well known for having appalling software and hardware glitches and negligable software support/OS updates.

Now, the Oneplus 3T is a different kettle of fish, very different OS (very customisable) and solid fanbase.

Nice size, quality. It is rather overpriced here in NZ, the camera quality is maybe 85/100.

Build quality is fantastic, although I've heard some realllllllly awful stories about people trying to get their device repaired, Warranty support is next to nothing.

cjmack

162 posts

Master Geek

#1779354 10-May-2017 21:21

tehgerbil:

The Asus brand is well known for having appalling software and hardware glitches and negligable software support/OS updates.

Now, the Oneplus 3T is a different kettle of fish, very different OS (very customisable) and solid fanbase.

Nice size, quality. It is rather overpriced here in NZ, the camera quality is maybe 85/100.

Build quality is fantastic, although I've heard some realllllllly awful stories about people trying to get their device repaired, Warranty support is next to nothing.

Thanks for that. I can get the Oneplus 3T 128gb for about $750, which isn't too bad, even if it is pricier than overseas markets. I would probably get an extended warranty from PB given what you say about support - that way they can deal with it and not myself.

1eStar

1603 posts

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#1779365 10-May-2017 22:16

Just picked up a s7 recently for $700ish from einfo.co.nz dual SIM is similar $$$
Do it. You won't regret it coming from an s5.

NikT

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#1779575 11-May-2017 12:57

cjmack:

Required:

Network access on 2degrees NZ, Australia Optus, Japan (network not chosen yet - on holiday next year)

Easy, easy, hard.

Japan is one of those markets which uses network tech that isn't used anywhere else in the world, so it's difficult to find a device which works well there and NZ/AU.

Go with Softbank or a Softbank MVNO when you're in Japan, it'll save a lot of hassle. DoCoMo has the best network, but you're stuffed for compatibility unless you buy a Japanese phone or pocket WiFi.

The S7 is the best of the options listed in the thread so far, though it's still not great for Japan. For the best experience in all three countries you'll need either a dual SIM Huawei flagship or an iPhone 6s/Plus (Not 7). This is because they're the same hardware SKUs as sold in Japan. Mate 9 is the only dual SIM Huawei flagship available locally. It's bigger than you'd like, but it is an awesome, awesome phone. Unfortunately the smaller P10 and P10 Plus are single SIM with fewer bands.

OnePlus 3T is okay, but doesn't support 4G band 28 needed for Optus and has limited support for Softbank.

Product Manager @ PB Tech

Smartphones @ PB Tech | Headphones @ PB Tech

ritzlal

449 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1779584 11-May-2017 13:20

tehgerbil:

cjmack:

I have looked at the S7, however for the same price as the 32gb I can get a 128gb OnePlus 3T, or a 64gb ASUS Zenfone 3. Anyone know much about these? All 3 are above what I am looking to pay, but the specs on them have me interested. Just trying to work out the international frequencies on them.

The Asus brand is well known for having appalling software and hardware glitches and negligable software support/OS updates.

Now, the Oneplus 3T is a different kettle of fish, very different OS (very customisable) and solid fanbase.

Nice size, quality. It is rather overpriced here in NZ, the camera quality is maybe 85/100.

Build quality is fantastic, although I've heard some realllllllly awful stories about people trying to get their device repaired, Warranty support is next to nothing.

Not sure about band support but the OnePlus 3T is a very impressive device and in my view, best value for money. I have used a Nexus 6P, Pixel XL and have just moved from a OnePlus 3T to a S8+. Loving the S8+ but I have to say the OnePlus 3T which I got second hand for about $550 (I think) from a Geekzone member is almost as good plus has dual SIM support etc at a much lower price than other flagship devices.

ArcticSilver

714 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1779688 11-May-2017 14:51

cjmack:

Hi,

I'm sure you have all seen the "what phone shall I buy?" posts. Well, I'm having a bit of trouble working it out for myself.

Both the screen and speaker on my Galaxy S5 are dying, so I thought that it's time to upgrade.

Required:

Network access on 2degrees NZ, Australia Optus, Japan (network not chosen yet - on holiday next year)

Android (prefer a recent version)

Similar size to S5, and must match or exceed performance

Dual sim preferable for travelling, though not essential

Expandable storage essential if internal is less than 64gb, but still preferred regardless

Bluetooth/WiFi etc...

4G LTE is preferred

Ideally $600-$800 range, but flexible for the right specs

I'm not too worried about camera specs, fingerprint readers, NFC etc, provided everything else meets what I want. I am happy to look at the new Chinese brands coming in, provided that they are of similar quality. My preferred retailer is PB Tech as I get quite a reasonable discount through work, but will go elsewhere if it suits.

I have a Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 I am now selling (bought it to have a play while I was in Indonesia earlier this year). It's a great phone, meets all of your requirements and has the best version of Android you can get (in my opinion) MIUI. Its only a couple of months old, in perfect condition and comes with a case. I'm looking for just $250.

I used it on 2Degrees in NZ and had absolutely no coverage problems (connected to 4G fine). I believe this will only be an issue with Spark in NZ and their 4G network. It is dual SIM.

Don't be put off by the brand, they are huge overseas, effectively the Apple of Asia. I'd almost guarantee they'll be in NZ in the not too distant future.

If your interested, the phone is (3GB of RAM version): http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_note_4_(mediatek)-8291.php

It is exactly the same as http://www.mi.com/in/note4/ but with the 10 core Mediatek MT6797 Helio X20 CPU as this is the variation they sell in Indonesia (this performs very well you can look it up on reviews). It is the grey colour.

NikT

1696 posts

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#1779703 11-May-2017 15:25

If you're going Xiaomi, get the Redmi Note 3 Special Edition, which has band 28 for Australia and a gruntier processor than its successor.

Product Manager @ PB Tech

Smartphones @ PB Tech | Headphones @ PB Tech

mattrix

193 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#1779708 11-May-2017 15:36

Anything Xiaomi is usually really good.

I currently use a Mi5 with Resurrection Remix and it's awesome.

I also use their Piston 3.0 earphones which are excellent for the price.

Same with Hisense (there 4K Series 7 TVs keep up with major brands 2-3x the price)
I wanted one but they aren't here yet (only in AU)

China has picked up their game big time.

sxz

737 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1779745 11-May-2017 16:37

http://www.becextech.co.nz/lgg6blk-p-13948.html#.WRPqcG995jU

Geektastic

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#1779763 11-May-2017 17:00

I've made this observation before, but (as an entirely non-telecoms tech person) most consumers will be assuming that 3G means 3G anywhere and 4G means 4G anywhere - i.e. that they are set standards agreed by the industry to ensure compatibility.

Clearly that isn't so - but I bet it comes as a rude shock to many travellers when their phone won't work where they assumed it would.

Caveat emptor and all that aside, I don't think it is really that well publicised to the average man on the Clapham Omnibus, so to speak.

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