Looking for New Phone

[Charanth182]

Hi Everyone,

My current phone hasn't been very good since I bought it (Acer Liquid Z320 or something simular). I'm finally getting frustrated enough to look for a new phone.

I don't need the fanciest or newest. I need something that works, makes calls and recieves texts (current one can't seem to text), and has a resonable amount of space (current one is like 75% full of the OS). But i dont' want to pay near a thousand dollars for the phone.

Any suggestions?

[Gwaiiguy]

I bought 2 xiaomi redmi 4x from an online store here https://jpmobiles.com/search?q=Xiaomi+4x

They seem to work great! And the price ($199.)included tax and delivery but I notice the price is 5 bucks more now, but still an awesome budget phone. Awesome camera and snapdragon processor with 3g ram and 32gb with dual Sims or 1 sim and up to 128gb microsd. Android nougat. 

[srlawren]

I know that Blu may not be the most trusted brand any more, but... they did just launch the Life One X3, the latest iteration of the Life One X model.  It's now up to a 5.5" screen.  The SoC is old and not super fast, and it's only available in 3GB ram / 32GB storage (expandable with up to 64GB micro SD mind you), and the specs are pretty mediocre all around.  That said, it does have a *5,000* mAH battery that should last a very long time, comes with a basic clear TPU case, screen protector (not installed, so it is optional), heaphones (probably awful) and a 10W quick charger--all in the box.  And right now you can pick it up on US Amazon for $176 USD including shipping to Canada and import fees pre-paid, so about $226 Canadian (maybe a bit more after your credit card currency conversion fees).  That's a heck of a deal for someone looking for an inexpensive phone that will last a long time on a charge.   EDIT: link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0784VB4JX?mc_cid=c5222c7e71&mc_eid=f54b747ca4

I'm probably going to order one for my uncle today for Christmas, to replace the Life One X 2016 model we got him Xmas 2015.

[ckl]

Stay away from BLU, while the one that I have is still working fine, I can no longer trust the company behind it.

If you go for a non-Google phone, try and get one with the Android 7 Nougat or higher because there's a good chance that it will get updated once, to maybe Android 8 Oreo, and then that's it. A lot of phones are still shipping with Android 6 Marshmallow and, as you can guess, is 2 versions behind the current.

If you go the used route, be careful and take some reasonable steps to protect yourself from scams. Search the forum for tips.

[Luddite]

@Charanth182 Just noticed that Orchard now sells used Samsung phones. I kmow 3 people who have been happy with iPhones from them. https://www.getorchard.com/search/shop-for-featured-android-phones/ Just the phone; no earbuds, etc.

Their screen saver is really invisible. 

[will13am]

@Charanth182, the axons are reliable.  I know of two colleagues who have the Axon both bought from Canada Computers last year.  A year later, they are still working fine.  You were looking for a micro sd slot.  The Axon does not have the memory slot.  That said, there is 32 gig of internal storage which should be plenty unless storing tons of video, images, audio is important.  You had mentioned about software support.  This is one of the weaknesses of ZTE.  They are not so good with keeping the software current.  Both suggestions are running android 6 which is old but not ancient.  Unless more bucks are spent for newer hardware, getting android 7 or 8 is not so easy. 

Edit:  I just found out about a couple of sources to get the Axon 7 mini at a really low price.  These are prepaid service and so it won't be too hard to just buy the phone. 

https://www.luckymobile.ca/shop/phones/axon-7-mini

http://www.pcmobile.ca/prepaid_phones.jsp?productId=prod2810003

[srlawren]

@Charanth182 probably a long shot, but if you happen to live near the USA and have a US credit card and billing address, Motorola have the G5 Plus on sale right now for $199 USD.  If you don't mind lock screen ads, and have an Amazon Prime membership and somewhere in the USA you can ship to, you could order the Prime version from Amazon for $199 at the 64GB storage level:  https://www.amazon.com/Moto-Plus-5th-Generation-Lockscreen/dp/B01N6NTIRH/ref=sr_1_3?s=wireless&ie=UT... Or, the non-prime 32GB version for $259 USD:  https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Moto-XT1681-Unlocked-Android/dp/B072JKHY98/ref=sr_1_4?s=wireless&ie=... Neither should require a US credit card nor billing address, just shipping address.  EDIT: sorry the last one there is an international version, may not be great.

[Luddite]

@Charanth182 Given all that suggest you stick with Android to save the hassle of learning a new OS. Some additional websites featuring sub $200 US:

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/honor-7x,review-4958.html

https://www.gottabemobile.com/best-android-smartphones-under-200/

https://www.phonearena.com/news/Best-unlocked-smartphones-under-200-2017_id96574

https://www.amazon.ca/Motorola-XT1671-Factory-Unlocked-Lunar/dp/B06XH4396B/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=15...

[Charanth182]

Thank you Everyone,

Valid Questions @Luddite (also good to see you are still on the PM boards) I should have elaborated more.

TLDR:

Need: about $300 phone new or used w/ atleast 16GB storage, Actually recieves texts and calls.
Wants: Android that actually knows how to use the SD expansion (or micro or mini) for more than just pictures (app storage and app related downloads like save files and ebooks)

@Luddite wrote:

a) price range?

Inexpensive as possible I'm trying to secure another job but at the moment we aren't in good shape (it is the texting issue that's actually causing problems with my possible new job). I'm hoping not to spend more than $300.

@Luddite  wrote:

b) Android, Apple, Windows, or Blackberry operating system?

I'm familiar with Android, Apple is out of my price. Windows & Blackberry i know little about.

@Luddite  wrote:

c) only new, or used?

Don't care as long as it works. My current model is less than 2 years old though and it already seems that it isn't supported. (I had an issue with an app called OverDrive and they would only respond with "we are compatable with the latest OS" despite at the time my phone was only 1 version behind.)

@Luddite  wrote:

d) how much memory: 16, 24, 64, 128 GB?

I guess atleast 16GB depends on how much undeletable bloat ware is on the device and if the next one can use my microSD card properly.

@Luddite wrote:

e) how important are good photos?

Not important at all

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---------------Responses to specific posts--------------

@Luddite  wrote:

A place to start: https://www.androidcentral.com/best-cheap-android-phones 

Thats a wonderful starting point thank you.

@Taekgun wrote:

Something in the mid-range I've seen recently is the Samsung A5, $389 at Costco.  Reasonable specs, good camera, has band 66 for the upcoming frequencies to be released beyond just Freedom Mobile, expandable memory with Micro SD card.

Somewhat confusing question: How can i tell before buying a phone that the memory is actually expandable. My current phone has "expandable memory" but is unable to really put anything besides Pictures on the Micro SD Card. Any app larger than 100MB seems to fail while it transfers, even if it suceeds the save data, (which is often larger to save on initial download) stays on the phone's hard drive. My library uses OverDrive and it ignores the existance of an SD card for all the ebooks despite the app being saved on the SD card.

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@will13am wrote:

How about these two options from Canada Computers.

http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=30_415&item_id=107665

http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=30_415&item_id=099686

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Those seem to match well with what i'm looking for. How are Axons in terms of reliability?
 

@srlawren wrote:

@bilal684 I can definitely vouch for the 5T.  That said, at a price point of $660 or $730 Canadian, I'm guessing it's more phone than @Charanth182 is looking for.  .

You would be correct that price point is an entire paycheck for me right now.

@will13am wrote:

There is a 10% edu discount on the one plus.

Unfortuantely I haven't been a student for nearly a decade.

[will13am]

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@srlawren wrote:

@bilal684 I can definitely vouch for the 5T.  That said, at a price point of $660 or $730 Canadian, I'm guessing it's more phone than @Charanth182 is looking for.  @Charanth182 if you can answer some/all of @Luddite's questions that would really help us narrow down suggestions, as there really are a TON of options out there under a grand these days, wtih various pros and cons.  So depending on your needs/preferences and budget.....

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There is a 10% edu discount on the one plus.

[Luddite]

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@will13am wrote:

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@Taekgun wrote:

@Charanth182

It really depends on your wants and needs for your device.

Something in the mid-range I've seen recently is the Samsung A5, $389 at Costco.  Reasonable specs, good camera, has band 66 for the upcoming frequencies to be released beyond just Freedom Mobile, expandable memory with Micro SD card.

Essential phone for $650 is a fantastic buy IMHO.  At the end of the day it just matters what's important to you.

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$650 is hardly a good price for the essential phone.  I have one that I would let go in a heartbeat if someone would give me $650.  I would be tickled pink at $550.  This price range is still outside of what OP is looking for.  If flagship was on the radar, the pixel 2 is a compelling buy on a large tab.  Still this is outside of the parameters.   BTW, friends don't let friends buy Samsung and LG.

https://www.koodomobile.com/phones/google-pixel-2

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Or get it on the tab and cancel right after activation. With the new CRTC rules one is only liable for the tab balance. In this case 24 x 21 = $504 plus SIM card and part of 1 month's plan.

[srlawren]

@bilal684 I can definitely vouch for the 5T.  That said, at a price point of $660 or $730 Canadian, I'm guessing it's more phone than @Charanth182 is looking for.  @Charanth182 if you can answer some/all of @Luddite's questions that would really help us narrow down suggestions, as there really are a TON of options out there under a grand these days, wtih various pros and cons.  So depending on your needs/preferences and budget.....

[bilal684]

I heard the oneplus 5t is a very good phone.

https://oneplus.net/ca_en/5t

I'll actually gift one to my mother on christmas. For the price and specs, it's pretty impressive and worth it.

[will13am]

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@Taekgun wrote:

@Charanth182

It really depends on your wants and needs for your device.

Something in the mid-range I've seen recently is the Samsung A5, $389 at Costco.  Reasonable specs, good camera, has band 66 for the upcoming frequencies to be released beyond just Freedom Mobile, expandable memory with Micro SD card.

Essential phone for $650 is a fantastic buy IMHO.  At the end of the day it just matters what's important to you.

---

$650 is hardly a good price for the essential phone.  I have one that I would let go in a heartbeat if someone would give me $650.  I would be tickled pink at $550.  This price range is still outside of what OP is looking for.  If flagship was on the radar, the pixel 2 is a compelling buy on a large tab.  Still this is outside of the parameters.   BTW, friends don't let friends buy Samsung and LG.

https://www.koodomobile.com/phones/google-pixel-2

[will13am]

How about these two options from Canada Computers.

http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=30_415&item_id=107665

http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=30_415&item_id=099686

[Taekgun]

@Charanth182

It really depends on your wants and needs for your device.

Something in the mid-range I've seen recently is the Samsung A5, $389 at Costco.  Reasonable specs, good camera, has band 66 for the upcoming frequencies to be released beyond just Freedom Mobile, expandable memory with Micro SD card.

Essential phone for $650 is a fantastic buy IMHO.  At the end of the day it just matters what's important to you.

[Luddite]

Little more info on your wishes will be helpful:

a) price range?

b) Android, Apple, Windows, or Blackberry operating system?

c) only new, or used?

d) how much memory: 16, 24, 64, 128 GB?

e) how important are good photos?

f) screen size?

A place to start: https://www.androidcentral.com/best-cheap-android-phones