Can somebody recommend a mid-range Android phone (not Samsung) that isn't riddle with manufacturer's apps

Forums › Android › Can somebody recommend a mid-range Android phone (not Samsung) that isn't riddle with manufacturer's apps

lchiu7

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#319297 11-Apr-2025 10:38

Looking for a recommendation for phone for a friend that doesn't want Samsung but doesn't want to spend the earth also

The Motorola range looks good as from my experience they tend not to be overloaded with bloatware and provide a pretty good native Android experience

Maybe something like this?

https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/p/motorola-edge-50-fusion-forest-blue/N230849.html

It must do eSIM which is a key requirement.

Any thoughts? Thanks

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SumnerBoy

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#3362891 11-Apr-2025 10:53

Check out the range of Google Pixel phones. They are generally pretty cost effective, especially if you go for the previous generation, and they come with completely native Android - no bloatware at all.

mrgsm021

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#3362892 11-Apr-2025 11:07

+1 for Google Pixel devices.

Also the OnePlus Nord range could also fit the bill: https://www.pbtech.co.nz/category/phones-gps/smartphones/brand-oneplus

Both Pixel and OnePlus are parallel imports and not officially supported by any NZ carrier if your friend doesn't mind that.

Oblivian

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#3362898 11-Apr-2025 12:22

Fair warning to friends and family too

Oppo, are not just full of oppo apps. But as of about Oct, the latest updates to them bring in in-app and full screen adverts.

As they're system apps and generally given lots of permissions this is causing havoc to all their handsets. Copped out now everyone is being punished.

mudguard

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#3362902 11-Apr-2025 12:32

mrgsm021:

Both Pixel and OnePlus are parallel imports and not officially supported by any NZ carrier if your friend doesn't mind that.

That's a pretty big caveat! There's no point buying an Android phone from outside of what the major retailers sell. And stay away from parallel imports.

Carrier support is critical now.

lchiu7

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#3362978 11-Apr-2025 15:17

mudguard:

mrgsm021:

Both Pixel and OnePlus are parallel imports and not officially supported by any NZ carrier if your friend doesn't mind that.

That's a pretty big caveat! There's no point buying an Android phone from outside of what the major retailers sell. And stay away from parallel imports.

Carrier support is critical now.

Even though I run a Pixel 8 that I purchased from Google US, I would never recommend a parallel import to a non-tech savvy friend. I am leaning towards the Motorola though.

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mrgsm021

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#3362999 11-Apr-2025 16:25

PB Tech stocks both Pixels and OnePlus and offer their own warranty I believe.

lchiu7

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#3363533 13-Apr-2025 10:54

mrgsm021:

PB Tech stocks both Pixels and OnePlus and offer their own warranty I believe.

I could not find Pixel at PBTech but even if they had them, there is still no carrier support. For example it took a long time for my P8 to get VoWiFI support on Kogan (O.NZ)

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lNomNoml

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#3363549 13-Apr-2025 11:54

mrgsm021:

Both Pixel and OnePlus are parallel imports and not officially supported by any NZ carrier if your friend doesn't mind that.

TBH that doesn't really mean much, I have a Pixel 8 Pro from Australia and it's officially supported there, came here and it works fine here and I have an e-SIM with 2degress on 5G and WiFi calling for it as well.

farcus

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#3363555 13-Apr-2025 12:04

mrgsm021:

+1 for Google Pixel devices.

Also the OnePlus Nord range could also fit the bill: https://www.pbtech.co.nz/category/phones-gps/smartphones/brand-oneplus

Both Pixel and OnePlus are parallel imports and not officially supported by any NZ carrier if your friend doesn't mind that.

Pixels are like the iphones of the android world. Although Google doesn't officially sell them in NZ they have been working hard to get them to work everywhere