Phone Reliability

[dmbcanada]

Does anyone have any experience with these phones?  I believe they are Chinese, so not sure about them.  Wife needs a new phone as hers is 6 years old and not getting app upgrades anymore. She doesn't want to break the bank but wants more storage 64GB minimum.

https://www.amazon.ca/Unlocked-Ulefone-14-Smartphone-6-52-inch/dp/B0BHS31JM3/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product...

[BKNS27]

@dmbcanada 

My brother got the Samsung A03 from Sam’s Club in Texas and he seems to be happy with it. You can get one for just over $150.

[maximum_gato]

@dmbcanada 

Take a look at swiftronics....they have good deals on open box phones. Currently Google pixel 3a for $149, pixel 4 $249 and so on...

https://swiftronics.ca/collections/smartphones

[maximum_gato]

@Dunkman 

Lol...more than half of the phones pm sells don't support VoLTE.

[Kristowhy]

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@BKNS27 wrote:

@dmbcanada 

The phone looks OK for the price but you might look at the long term of the phone. For example the security updates and warranty.

Also keep in mind that 3G will be discontinued in 2025 so you will be left with 4G connectivity, you need 2 bands for the phone to work properly.

You might need to upgrade in 2 years so you may end up spending more.

For the $150 range, pre-owned phones are your best option from PM or go up to the $350-$400 range and get a new entry level phone.

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Bingo...this is exactly my point about TCO and long term view.  Even with new/used Moto G Pure around $150 you  are looking at 1-2 years of updates MAX, and now with banking apps requiring up to date phones, you are once again having to upgrade.  The A14 at $329 is a far better phone storage and performance wise and has 4 years of security updates and 2 generations of Android upgrades guaranteed.

Best of luck to the OP

[BKNS27]

@dmbcanada 

The phone looks OK for the price but you might look at the long term of the phone. For example the security updates and warranty.

Also keep in mind that 3G will be discontinued in 2025 so you will be left with 4G connectivity, you need 2 bands for the phone to work properly.

You might need to upgrade in 2 years so you may end up spending more.

For the $150 range, pre-owned phones are your best option from PM or go up to the $350-$400 range and get a new entry level phone.

[Dunkman]

@dmbcanada 

Public mobile also sells pre-owned phones with one year warranty. 

https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/ab/phone-section

Even though these China phones have VoLTE, they may not be supported by the Telus/Public mobile network.  

[dmbcanada]

She does not want to pay $399, $150 is her max as she uses mainly as an actual phone and for some banking / email apps.

[dust2dust]

Good for her 🙂

[dmbcanada]

She currently has a Motorola Moto E4 which is from 2017.   She does not want an iPhone (I tried).  She likes the size of the Moto. 

[dust2dust]

Not sure about the "Pro" designation but their site indicates that the phone should work fine. Even volte. As for reliability....

I would look at a lower level Samsung myself.

Adding - forgot the site

https://www.ulefone.com/note-14.html?PageName=specs

[Kristowhy]

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@dmbcanada wrote:

Does anyone have any experience with these phones?  I believe they are Chinese, so not sure about them.  Wife needs a new phone as hers is 6 years old and not getting app upgrades anymore. She doesn't want to break the bank but wants more storage 64GB minimum.

https://www.amazon.ca/Unlocked-Ulefone-14-Smartphone-6-52-inch/dp/B0BHS31JM3/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product...

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Do yourself and wife a big favour and stay away from these Chinese models.  For best results at support (especially with VoLTE), stick with a Pixel, Samsung or Apple.

My recommendations include Samsung A14, newly released A54 (wait for this to go on sale) or the Pixel 6A which is now back on sale for $399.  Yes, these are not $150 phones but look at it from a long term lens with updates, performance and total cost of ownership.  Moto phones may be a cheaper option but updates are weak and lacking.

[hycm53]

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@dmbcanada wrote:

Does anyone have any experience with these phones?  I believe they are Chinese, so not sure about them.  Wife needs a new phone as hers is 6 years old and not getting app upgrades anymore. She doesn't want to break the bank but wants more storage 64GB minimum.

https://www.amazon.ca/Unlocked-Ulefone-14-Smartphone-6-52-inch/dp/B0BHS31JM3/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product...

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Yes, they are Chinese. According this website it is compatible  with PM:

https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker/CA/ulefone-note-14

[Tsawwassen]

I would consider a used in good condition iPhone -8 and up.--- what phone does she presently have?

[softech]

@dmbcanada   phones like this could be hit or miss.  The page did say it works for Public Mobile and a Q&A said it works on Telus, it should work.  But again, sometimes the description there might not be reliable.  If you can test and worst case Amazon can refund it, then try.  If not, be aware

There is no exact band specification on this phone showing there, but as an FYI, here are the bands you need