Mid level phone vs high level phone

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rayonline

1734 posts

Uber Geek

#243229 2-Dec-2018 08:48

I know there are things that won't be provided on mid level phones like the better camera, build, screen quality etc. If we focus on functionality and how many years the phone could be used for. Now some mid level phones also have 4GB RAM and 64GB storage maybe even 128GB which are plenty for most people. Regarding things like processing speed - would a newer mid level phone have something similar to a former top level phone from previous years? How many years are we talking about and could you guys give me an example.

I have read that some CPU that is in the phone some are called the high end phone chips and some are the mid level phone chips. Like the Huawei Kirin 650 series vs the 900 series.

Edit

The reason I asked is that, I had the LG G3 for 2yrs and broke so I bought a Redmi 3 and for 2yrs now I am needing to reboot the phone every few days b/c the memory runs low I think very sluggish it shows only 500-600MB free, I have the 32GB 3GB version. I guess since the LG also had 32GB I shoulda went one size up but regarding the memory. 3GB the next step is really 4GB and then it's about going to the pro versions, many standard flagship phones only have 4GB as well. I don't run that many apps, I have them installed but I really just use social media, youtube and the web browser that is all. But times it takes 8 seconds before the app starts up or swipe left of the home screen. Hence the reboots. Is going from 3GB to 4GB gonna be that big of a thing or is it the chip or is it something else ...

Cheers.

msreef

88 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#2138089 2-Dec-2018 12:27

Android itself shouldn't need much more than a gig. If all you're doing is running the odd social media app and using your browser 3GB should be fine. Note that running low on free RAM isn't always a good indicator of lack of RAM, as Android will preload into RAM commonly run apps.

I think you should just reset/wipe the phone back to factory settings, that should get it running fast again. It could be an issue with the battery or an Android update that's causing the lag, but wiping the phone is a good start.

gzt

17104 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2138167 2-Dec-2018 15:13

Some apps are badly implemented. They use more processor than really needed and too many interrupts. Every time I have a problem like this, back track and remove some recently installed apps. Problem solved.

Wipe. Start with the basic apps. Run each new app for a day, then add another.

Wade

2225 posts

Uber Geek

#2138209 2-Dec-2018 18:47

If i was in the market for a mid-priced phone I would be looking for something that is either well supported by LineageOS or runs Android One out of the box, history dictates that mid range phone updates get forgotten relatively quickly well before the hardware runs out of steam. That said mid range phones are so affordable you can justify flipping your phone every 18~24 months to stay current

My father recently upgraded his iPhone 5 to a Redmi Note 5 which is an impressive device at its price-point, I will most likely upgrade the wife's iPhone 6 to the same Xiaomi device.

A device i came across on youtube a couple of days ago looks like an interesting phone, UniDigi One Pro http://www.umidigi.com/page-umidigi_one_overview.html , could almost call it a poor mans Google Pixel 3

kyhwana2

2566 posts

Uber Geek

#2138228 2-Dec-2018 19:56

Wade:

A device i came across on youtube a couple of days ago looks like an interesting phone, UniDigi One Pro http://www.umidigi.com/page-umidigi_one_overview.html , could almost call it a poor mans Google Pixel 3

Note that Umi is super bad with OS updates, let alone monthly security updates.

I'd look at Nokia for mid range stuff. The Nokia 8 can be had for $600ish now and it's basically last years "not-fancy" flagship

Wade

2225 posts

Uber Geek

#2138653 3-Dec-2018 17:15

kyhwana2:
Wade:

A device i came across on youtube a couple of days ago looks like an interesting phone, UniDigi One Pro http://www.umidigi.com/page-umidigi_one_overview.html , could almost call it a poor mans Google Pixel 3

Note that Umi is super bad with OS updates, let alone monthly security updates. I'd look at Nokia for mid range stuff. The Nokia 8 can be had for $600ish now and it's basically last years "not-fancy" flagship

This is Android One so should not pose a problem as Google provide updates

kyhwana2

2566 posts

Uber Geek

#2139382 4-Dec-2018 19:20

Wade:
kyhwana2:
Wade:

A device i came across on youtube a couple of days ago looks like an interesting phone, UniDigi One Pro http://www.umidigi.com/page-umidigi_one_overview.html , could almost call it a poor mans Google Pixel 3

Note that Umi is super bad with OS updates, let alone monthly security updates. I'd look at Nokia for mid range stuff. The Nokia 8 can be had for $600ish now and it's basically last years "not-fancy" flagship

This is Android One so should not pose a problem as Google provide updates

The Umi? Where does it say it's Android One? They just say it's "Stock Android 8.1".

Wade

2225 posts

Uber Geek

#2139411 4-Dec-2018 20:52

kyhwana2:

The Umi? Where does it say it's Android One? They just say it's "Stock Android 8.1".

Apologies 😂😂 I had to dig into my browser history and had my wires crossed with the xiaomi mi A2 that I was also looking at

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landcruiserguy

765 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2140064 5-Dec-2018 19:23

One difference is that phones that sell well have more accessories like cases available and are more likely to get os updates although Android one does address the second issue. If i was spending $600 i would get a Galaxy s8 it s8+ as it was a massive step up from the s7 and not much below the s9. It's also got a best in class screen which makes a massive difference.

Batman

Mad Scientist
29760 posts

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#2140157 5-Dec-2018 21:23

i find that on android, whether your phone is amazing or a POC depends on 2 things

1. the operating system - yes it may be android but manufacturer design and implement their own expression. they either work without glitch and very smooth, or they throw you off the cliff or is very slow to do anything. or the battery dies at random (all the above: samsung, i'm looking at you!)

2. the hardware specs. battery lasts 2 hours? touch screen not responsive? if you want a good camera and the one it comes with is worse than a 10 year old iphone ... or if you want a feature and it's not there, well ...

TeaLeaf

6325 posts

Uber Geek

#2142944 11-Dec-2018 08:58

Id go a Mi Max 3, 5500mah battery, 6GB ram, 1.4 micrometer pixel size (much better camera than nokias), it uses the 636 chip which handles everything plenty well and makes this a 2 day at least phone.

The only phones you really need to avoid are the 430 chipset with less than 2GB ram, some moto G6's etc.

However 3 reviews I watched state they are getting jitter/lag on the Nokia 7.1, know Idea why as it has plenty of hardware as an all rounder. It may have been resolved in firmware by now.

TeaLeaf

6325 posts

Uber Geek

#2142949 11-Dec-2018 09:08

landcruiserguy: If i was spending $600 i would get a Galaxy s8 it

where are you getting an s8 for $600 from? Cheapest I can see, which is sent from overseas is mobile station at $650. Which I agree is still a good price.

but for me id go for the Huawei P20 for $625. Similar process power and 4GB ram. What you swap for in screen you get a much better camera than the galaxy with a real high quality bran camera, Leica and very large pixel size at 1.55 micrometer, which means VERY good in low light, better than a pixel 3 imo, more natural. It depends what you want, an over saturated screen (I hate curved screens as well), or a better camera. Also the galaxy would have better battery life. If the galaxy wasnt designed to break with 2 curved edges and both front and back made from glass, ie a soap bar, Id have enjoyed the one I had more. Its a great platform, and overall a better phone than the p20 if multimedia is your thing. Horses for courses.

olivernz

497 posts

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#2143010 11-Dec-2018 10:31

Go for late model OnePlus at PBtech. a Oneplus 5T or 6.

TeaLeaf

6325 posts

Uber Geek

#2143073 11-Dec-2018 11:30

Yep thats a good option.

Although I import and save $100-200

Even the oneplus 3t is a nice phone, amoled display, decent camera with ois, 821 soc with 530 GPU, even though its quad core its basemark X is not far behind an 835 etc. You can get the 6GB model landed for $300, although techcrazy have them for $399. I put somebody onto a galaxy s7 recently at techcrazy and they had a good experience. Generally their gear is surplus from Europe etc and they get it unlocked in NZ. So in this case the $70 saving vs a 1 year bricks and mortar warranty. The 5t is $600, so thats another option.

Another option for bang for buck is importing the Leeco Le Max 2 or 3. The 3 has a bigger battery but the 2 has a better camera slightly imo. Again they run on 820 or 821 socs, so performance is far beyond most needs. The Lemax 2 is 4GB the 3 is 6GB ram. They are 1440p LCD, 600 nits I believe. I got the Mrs a Le 2 which we still have and she loved until her work phone took over. They have a very premium metal feel to them. Its a shame what happened t Leeco as they were pumping out some good phones. The 2 is 2016 so android 6, the 3 2017 it comes running on 7.1. But I would install lineage on it and get the benefits of Oreo and the Pixel camera APK. The 2 is about $180 landed, the 3 is about $230 landed. Very overlooked phones due to Leecos financial issues.