best android phone for my needs

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crshbndct

44 posts

Geek

#73644 18-Dec-2010 11:00

here is the situation: my sole means of internet access is my phone. I have $500 to spend on a new one. I would like to get a phone which is capable of doing everything that i need to on the internet. I currently use a really beat up old n78 for the net. But even on this i go through 2gb a month. I have great 3g coverage where i live. My requirements are for the biggest capacitive screen possible, and the ability to view flash. Is there anything out there in my price range which will do the job? i am probably willing to stretch the budget a bit if i have to. Also i am not phased by ordering from overseas. I have never had a proper smartphone, so its a bit of a new thing for me.

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675 posts

Ultimate Geek

#418797 18-Dec-2010 12:40

the new LG Optimus One from 2degrees has a 3.2" screen ($399 from Dick Smith), its running Andriod 2.2 as well. nice looking phone. it is missing a couple of features you get with a bigger faster phone like HDMI out, AMOLED screen. but overall I think its the best value for features at this price point.

kyhwana2

2566 posts

Uber Geek

#418800 18-Dec-2010 12:42

Theres the IDEOS U8150 from 2ds, which is $299. (Or $150 off, if you buy a $150 top up at the same time)
Or the LG OPtimus, which is $450 from 2ds as well..

Disrespective

1925 posts

Uber Geek

#418825 18-Dec-2010 13:44

Do you need XT or Voda/2D?

Whilst you've been used to the N78 most smart phones will be faster for internet browsing, but of course faster phones will be faster still.

The LG Optimus is a 600Mhz chip from memory so not quite up to the performance of the newer 1GHz chips but you might not be able to tell considering you're phone internet heritage.

I presume you don't want to consider the discounts available to you if you go on a monthly plan? These will get you a very good phone for a decent price. I'm ashamed to say it but voda's deals on the iPhone's with corresponding plans are nigh-on unbeatable if you want a smart phone of that variety.

kyhwana2

2566 posts

Uber Geek

#418828 18-Dec-2010 13:48

Disrespective:
The LG Optimus is a 600Mhz chip from memory so not quite up to the performance of the newer 1GHz chips but you might not be able to tell considering you're phone internet heritage.

You probably won't get a newer 1ghz CPU in a phone for $500..

Damager

2125 posts

Uber Geek

#418830 18-Dec-2010 13:51

kyhwana2:
Disrespective:
The LG Optimus is a 600Mhz chip from memory so not quite up to the performance of the newer 1GHz chips but you might not be able to tell considering you're phone internet heritage.

You probably won't get a newer 1ghz CPU in a phone for $500..

brand new no, however on trademe, i've seen a few motorola milestones for just under 500.

go into a telecom or vodafone store and have a play with one. we could go on and on on GZ but easy to go into a store and find out for yourself and see if a smartphone is really what you want.

- Telstra HTC Touch Pro2 - Energy ROM WM6.5.5 20 Oct/Cyanogen Mod Froyo 2.2 - R.I.P
- AT&T Galaxy S Captivate 16GB on XT (now with brother)
- Samsung Galaxy S2 on XT- Runs ICS 4.0.3 Resurrection Remix 9.2
- Business Hours - Work In The Electricity Industry, After Hours - DJ/Turntablist - Will Scratch Vinyl For Free'
- What's next??? S3?

timmyh

188 posts

Master Geek

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#418852 18-Dec-2010 15:45

LG Optimus is on special at Dick Smith for $399 and if you get a 2degrees PrePay SIM and top-up $150 then you'll get the phone for $149 - if the sales guy says you can't - you can! This is probably the best priced/spec Android around right now.

It has a good res screen (480 x 320), 3.2" is nice size. It might not support flash, or will struggle, but frankly every mobile does find flash a challenge. And it comes with a free incar Nav cradle and charger so the new Google Maps 5 will work a treat.

PANiCnz

990 posts

Ultimate Geek

#419179 19-Dec-2010 20:16

timmyh: LG Optimus is on special at Dick Smith for $399 and if you get a 2degrees PrePay SIM and top-up $150 then you'll get the phone for $149 - if the sales guy says you can't - you can! This is probably the best priced/spec Android around right now.

I thought you only got the $150 off, thus it would be $249? How do you get it down to $149?

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crshbndct

44 posts

Geek

#419180 19-Dec-2010 20:20

I think motorola mile stone is the go for me. Thanks everyone!

timmyh

188 posts

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#419188 19-Dec-2010 20:54

PANiCnz:
timmyh: LG Optimus is on special at Dick Smith for $399 and if you get a 2degrees PrePay SIM and top-up $150 then you'll get the phone for $149 - if the sales guy says you can't - you can! This is probably the best priced/spec Android around right now.

I thought you only got the $150 off, thus it would be $249? How do you get it down to $149?

Sorry, yes you are correct - would be $249 after the $150 top-up.

kobiak

1615 posts

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#419221 19-Dec-2010 22:21

Motorola Defy is just over $500. I'm awaiting it to arrieve anytime soon from Clove. Great phone.

helping others at evgenyk.nz

nakedmolerat

4629 posts

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#419283 20-Dec-2010 02:05

Agreed^, defy is an excellent phone for £235! I have one with me and it is definitely very smooth and fast phone. Flash lite installed is much better than phone that cannot support flash at all. Also defy will receive 2.2 update next year and should support full flash. I also have milestone 2/droid 2 global and loving the keyboard much better than milestone 1.

old3eyes

9119 posts

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#419303 20-Dec-2010 08:34

I think to play it save get one that works on XT this way it will also work on Voda and 2D. If you get one that only works on 2D or Voda you won't be able to go to XT if you want to at some later stage..

Regards,

Old3eyes

nakedmolerat

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#419306 20-Dec-2010 08:48

old3eyes: I think to play it save get one that works on XT this way it will also work on Voda and 2D. If you get one that only works on 2D or Voda you won't be able to go to XT if you want to at some later stage..

only iphone 4 fit your suggestion - think OP want an android phone (correct me if i am wrong)

eljefe

99 posts

Master Geek

#419307 20-Dec-2010 08:58

I think the Samsung Galaxy 3 is pretty much feature for feature the same as the LG and can be had for $399 as well. Faster CPU but I think at 667 ? It also has multi-touch.
HSDPA: on the LG is better tho.
Jeff

kiwijunglist

2981 posts

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#419368 20-Dec-2010 11:59

The android smart phones that have froyo (2.2 version of android) can do something called wifi hot spot. This turns the phone into a wifi internet server, so if you own a laptop or PC with wifi you can access the internet through the phone. So if you have a PC with wifi you might want to do your home internet activities on the PC via the phone and might not require such a large screen after all.

The original poster doesn't say whether he wants a phone for 2g/vodafone or XT which makes a huge difference as to what phones people should suggest.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

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