New phone for mum

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shermanp

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#223850 20-Oct-2017 09:41

Hi folks.

I'm on the hunt for a new phone for mum this weekend, and I'm hoping for some advice if I may.

I've been given no budget, but I expect she will be willing to pay between $300-$600 for a new phone. I think her number one priority seems to be a good camera. Other than that, she uses her phone for facebook, texts and phonecalls. She doesn't play games, videos or even much web browsing.

Her current phone is a Nexus 5, which is on its last legs.

My current thinking is a Sony Xperia XA1 which seems to tick most of the boxes. A decent camera, fast updates, mostly stock Android (which is what she is used to using), not too big. Currently on sale for $399

Other options may be a Samsung Galaxy something, maybe a Huawei P10 (for $629), Moto G5, Oppo A77, Others?

Any thoughts? There is so much choice available...

Would prefer to stay away from the chinese imports.

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68 posts

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#1886788 20-Oct-2017 10:02

Meizu M6 Note (see separate thread)? About to be brought in by PB Tech apparently. Seems vg camera (twin lens) and good value (if the local stockist doesn't mark up too much!)

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tanivula

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#1886791 20-Oct-2017 10:06

We've got an XA1 here as a trial device (with Spark). Not so sure where you've gotten the idea of 'fast updates' from. Yes, it comes with Nougat, but it's still on the April 2017 security updates.

If it was me, I'd go Xiaomi A1, which is on the android one programme, so updates should be monthly. In light of KRACK (and BlueBorn) security updates have stepped up a few cogs on the ol priority list.

NorthernZone

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#1886796 20-Oct-2017 10:13

Xiaomi A1 very appealing but no local stockist? No NFC FWIW...

butlerboy

456 posts

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#1886797 20-Oct-2017 10:14

+1 for a Meizu... I've got a M3S and my daughter has an M5S, they're fantastic phones for the money. When I upgrade next year I'll probably stay with Meizu.

shermanp

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#1886816 20-Oct-2017 10:50

tanivula:

We've got an XA1 here as a trial device (with Spark). Not so sure where you've gotten the idea of 'fast updates' from. Yes, it comes with Nougat, but it's still on the April 2017 security updates.

If it was me, I'd go Xiaomi A1, which is on the android one programme, so updates should be monthly. In light of KRACK (and BlueBorn) security updates have stepped up a few cogs on the ol priority list.

I was under the impression Sony were a bit more on the ball with updates, and it appears that the more premium phones have October security updates, while the XA1 is on August. XA1 is said to be getting Oreo though. As far as your phone being on April updates, one suspects this is a Spark/NZ carrier issue, as my Spark Samsung S7 also lags in updates compared to non-branded firmwares.

Also, wanted to mention that band 28 support is highly desirable, as the folks lives outside the main cities, and will often be in more rural/small town areas. That's the main point against something like the Meizu phones.

michaelmurfy

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#1886821 20-Oct-2017 11:05

I'd recommend the Huawei P10 Lite - bought one for my mother and she absolutely loves it. She is the type that hates technology also. Just a good size, decent screen / camera and runs quick.

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tanivula

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#1886840 20-Oct-2017 11:37

shermanp:

I was under the impression Sony were a bit more on the ball with updates, and it appears that the more premium phones have October security updates, while the XA1 is on August. XA1 is said to be getting Oreo though. As far as your phone being on April updates, one suspects this is a Spark/NZ carrier issue, as my Spark Samsung S7 also lags in updates compared to non-branded firmwares.

Also, wanted to mention that band 28 support is highly desirable, as the folks lives outside the main cities, and will often be in more rural/small town areas. That's the main point against something like the Meizu phones.

I think it's the curse of mid / low end phones. They will get a couple of updates whereas companies seem to support their high end ones. That's as far as I've seen and experienced. Even with high end phones (looking particularly at the S7 which I've got), the update cycle slows down as soon as a newer model gets released. I guess that's the benefit of being on pure google or having a handset that's compatible with Lineage OS!

I've just had a brain explosion and bought the wife a Mi 1A as she's having a few bothers with her current phone. Will see how that goes when it arrives.

Yep, band 28 is pretty critical being out in the wops for data, but since VoLTE hasn't rolled out, it's not a must have just yet IMO.

Something that might tick all the boxes are some of the new nokia devices? They seem to be well supported so far with updates in line with Google's releases? Also relatively good camera perf too from reviews. Though are really expensive considering the internals. The P10 lite is probably a good bet (aside from EMUI, which can be sidestepped with a new launcher). The bods I know that have them are very happy with it from a performance perspective.

noroad

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#1886843 20-Oct-2017 11:45

Galaxy A5, waterproof and does all the expected things - https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/MPHSAM25201/Samsung-Galaxy-A5-2017-Smartphone-32GB-Gold-2-Year

shermanp

349 posts

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#1886990 20-Oct-2017 14:49

Thanks for the replies so far folks.

So it turns out she's not averse to spending more if it means getting a really good and future proof phone in return. She's decided she wants to be able to ditch using a standalone camera completely.

Thinking maybe something like the LG G6, or OnePlus 5 or similar as options (around the $800 mark).

michaelmurfy

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#1887012 20-Oct-2017 15:12

I wouldn't go with the LG. Go for the OnePlus 5 as they're excellent for the price and have really good cameras.

Edit: I personally have this phone as my daily driver.

nzjez

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#1887035 20-Oct-2017 15:54

Try a vodafone V8, its made in china but im sure it dont phone home like many of them do

DarthKermit

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#1887039 20-Oct-2017 16:02

Probably the vast majority of phones, etc, are made in China now.

nzjez

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#1887042 20-Oct-2017 16:07

The problem with phones that are chinese, is that , as noted in GZ, that suddenly they dont get google apps any more, and could include spyware, prehaps thats what the OP is trying to avoid.

shermanp

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#1887044 20-Oct-2017 16:14

nzjez:

The problem with phones that are chinese, is that , as noted in GZ, that suddenly they dont get google apps any more, and could include spyware, prehaps thats what the OP is trying to avoid.

Yeah, nothing against phones manufactured in china, or even chinese phones which are sold global such as Huawei, Oppo/OnePlus etc. Just want to avoid the phones which are made for the chinese market and never really intended to be sold outside china due to potential firmware issues etc.

michaelmurfy

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#1887054 20-Oct-2017 16:43

The OnePlus has clean, stock-like firmware so you'll never have that issue.

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