Good Android alternative to iPhone SE?

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HenryNZ

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Topic # 216697 8-Jul-2017 19:13

I have been using iPhone since it first came out, but each iteration was less durable than the last. My iPhone 6s wifi has just died, and instead of buying another iPhone i would like to explore an android option. My requirement is very modest, it needs to work well as a phone with good reception, can send message, can browse internet, send email and do GPS navigation, with a charge lasting one day. Thats about it. Anything else is a bonus. I don't do anything fancy and I don't have many apps at all. I just want something that is reliable, durable and not slow when I am browsing, which is pretty much the main non-phone function I use. As a basis for comparison, I think the iPhone SE would be more than I ever need, but I am after something cheaper. Not knowing anything about android, I would appreciate any suggestions you might have.

I should add that i would like something with local warranty (i.e. not gray market or parallel imported) given my luck with phones.

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BDFL - Memuneh
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Reply # 1816020 8-Jul-2017 20:21

Have a look at the Huawei P10 series for a mid-range high-quality smartphone, or the Huawei Mate 9 for a higher-end, bigger screen device.

Also if you are with Vodafone, you could consider the new Vodafone Smart series coming out this week or next. I have a couple here and they are quite impressive for the price range - in special the V8.

Mauricio Freitas (Geekzone Admin, Devil's Advocate, my blog, technology disclosure)

Yabanize

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Reply # 1816023 8-Jul-2017 20:28

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iPhone 6s is less than 2 years old, you should be able to have that fixed under warranty. Give Apple a call and see what they say

lookout

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Reply # 1816026 8-Jul-2017 20:33

What is your budget? iPhone SE is $479 at JBHifi.

P10 Lite is $499 but often $399 on special. The UI is quite similar to iOS.

Moto G5 Plus $449 is a good pick too - more of a stock Android experience.

HenryNZ

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Reply # 1816028 8-Jul-2017 20:36

I thought apple warranty is only one year...? I guess doesn't hurt to try. I am frankly quite frustrated by apple products. It used to be that they lasted forever. Now they hardly last couple of years...

HenryNZ

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Reply # 1816029 8-Jul-2017 20:39

In terms of budget, I would use the iPhone SE as a baseline. Since I have only spent hard earned money on the now faulty iPhone 6s less than two years ago, I really don't want to spend much more than that. I have also studied how I used my phone, and see that I really don't need all the bells and whistles as long as it will do the basic right. So I would say that my budget is "below what a iPhone SE would cost", assuming buying new.

freitasm

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Reply # 1816031 8-Jul-2017 20:45

In this case, look at the Vodafone models if you are on that operator.

Mauricio Freitas (Geekzone Admin, Devil's Advocate, my blog, technology disclosure)

kiwigander

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Reply # 1816077 8-Jul-2017 23:05

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If the iPhone is less than 2 years old and you haven't abused it, you likely have a warranty claim.

Apple can argue until they're blue in the face that they guarantee their phone for only one year. The Consumer Guarantees Act trumps any such rubbish unless an adjudicator would accept that less than two years is a reasonable lifespan for a phone that costs as much as the iPhone.

Take it back to your retailer, and if they balk, suggest to them that you'll be pursuing your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act.

HenryNZ

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Reply # 1816087 8-Jul-2017 23:54

Thank you. I have contacted Apple online (which was where I got the phone from). They have given me a case number with which I will contact their repairer. I guess I will wait to hear what the repairer have to say... It so happens that this particular phone belongs to a batch which may qualify for battery replacement due to a faulty battery, so may be I will hang on to that fact and get them to fix the problem and the battery at the same time.

In the mean time I guess it does not hurt for me to research a bit, to prepare for the worst case scenario.

Yabanize

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Reply # 1816088 8-Jul-2017 23:55

kiwigander:

If the iPhone is less than 2 years old and you haven't abused it, you likely have a warranty claim.

Apple can argue until they're blue in the face that they guarantee their phone for only one year. The Consumer Guarantees Act trumps any such rubbish unless an adjudicator would accept that less than two years is a reasonable lifespan for a phone that costs as much as the iPhone.

Take it back to your retailer, and if they balk, suggest to them that you'll be pursuing your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act.

Vodafone, Spark and 2degrees have 2 year warranties on all of their phones for the past few years

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Reply # 1816089 9-Jul-2017 00:11

Correct. Even been the object of a heated discussion a couple of days ago...

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CYaBro

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Reply # 1816116 9-Jul-2017 08:14

All Apple devices bought in NZ basically have a two year warranty.
The first year is the Apple limited warranty and second year is covered by our consumer law.
No need to fight with anyone to get a device covered in the second year as Apple automatically apply the consumer law coverage.

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RunningMan

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Reply # 1816121 9-Jul-2017 08:52

There's plenty of advice that this will be covered under the Consumer Guarantees Act, however sellers can contract out of the CGA if the items are bought for business use. A phone is something that could be used for either business or personal, so what you use it for, and any contract you have with the seller may be relevant.

Batman

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Reply # 1816126 9-Jul-2017 09:00

CYaBro: All Apple devices bought in NZ basically have a two year warranty.
The first year is the Apple limited warranty and second year is covered by our consumer law.
No need to fight with anyone to get a device covered in the second year as Apple automatically apply the consumer law coverage.

You would think so - but every time I contact Apple, they insist their products come with a 1 year warranty, and then you mention CGA and they laugh at you. I have to say though, if you persist, the outcome is usually in your favour. But they don't make it easy if it's "out of warranty". Also I suppose it depends who you get at the end of the telephone. I've also had very easy outcomes without having to ask for anything.

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Reply # 1816127 9-Jul-2017 09:02

HenryNZ:

I thought apple warranty is only one year...? I guess doesn't hurt to try. I am frankly quite frustrated by apple products. It used to be that they lasted forever. Now they hardly last couple of years...

The official line is "1 year" when I call them. But NZ consumer laws mean that you get free "extended warranty" if purchased from Apple NZ. (a bit harder if not purchased from Apple NZ). No they don't last forever if you use them everyday. The ones that I don't use everyday seem to last forever.

Yogi02

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Reply # 1816130 9-Jul-2017 09:11

I have had an SE since they were released and I reckon they are are possibly the best iPhone yet. 6S hardware in a metal case and fits easily into pocket. Battery life is good and never had a problem.

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