expired Motorola DEFY+ - Prepaid Telstra Locked- Price Reduced from $249 to $99 (Cheapest on Web?)

This was posted 8 months ago, and might be an out-dated deal

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Motorola DEFY+ - Prepaid Telstra Locked- Price Reduced from $249 to $99 (Cheapest on Web?)
Go to Deal
dealhunter999 on 19/10/2012 - 08:57 onlineshop.telstra.com.au (9041 clicks)

In official words:

"Dust, water and scratch resistant, the Motorola DEFY+ is life proof. It lets you enjoy all a smartphone has to offer while helping to protect you from some of life's little challenges, like a spilt drink or dropping your phone in the sand"

Was looking for some Prepaid bargains (in time for Christmas) and came across this. Seems like a good rugged smartphone; May have to get it unlocked to use with other networks!

Comes with a Telstra Sim + $10 credit

Comments (Closed)

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  • +6 votes
    _Bruce_ on 19/10/2012 - 09:00

    This is a great deal, I have this phone and like it. Note that this will be UMTS 850/2100, so no good on the optus network even if unlocked.

    •  
      mad__llama on 19/10/2012 - 09:54

      Isn't Optus now licensed to operate on 2100 (single freq) in metro and major rural centers? Or will it just be crap service in these areas? Happy to be corrected if do not fully understand how the 3G network works :)

      Info from Whirlpool: http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/mobile_phone_frequencies

      •  
        _Bruce_ on 19/10/2012 - 11:38

        All the metro towers are gaining 900 over 2100, which works much better when not near the tower. In the suburbs the difference between 2100 only and 2100/900 can be a huge difference.

        •  
          troyww on 19/10/2012 - 12:07

          Both my wife an I have 850/2100 phones on the Optus network (TPG) and are both starting to have quite a few issues with text messages not being sent and no network . Mostly just at home and the issues seem to disappear a few blocks from home . FYI we are in Perth .
          Otherwise I'd be all over this deal .

        •  
          _Bruce_ on 19/10/2012 - 12:29

          Chances are the local tower has activated refarming of 900, so you get better 3G (if you have UMTS 900 on your phone) but worse 2G. This happened to me a few months back, but made things much better as my phone is 900/2100 (imported defy+).

        • +2 votes
          tallmantim on 22/10/2012 - 15:57

          Note that if you root the phone, it is possible to change the baseband that the Defy uses. I have to do this every time I change the ROM on my original Defy.

          Like the phone, so have bought the + - will give the original one to my daughter.

        • -1 vote
          Sturmeh on 30/10/2012 - 18:13

          The 850/2100 limitation is based on hardware.

    •  
      mr_fjackson on 19/10/2012 - 09:57

      I use an 850/2100 Phone on an optus network, 3g works fine (sure maybe if I went out into the sticks I might not have 3g)

    •  
      Greenspoon on 27/10/2012 - 20:07

      Woah this is interesting. I have the LG optimus black (p970) and I get hopeless reception. It always seems to be dropping out at random even in the CBD. Usually if I turn flight mode on and then off again, the connection is restored and it works for a while. Is that a phone/software thing or is it because I'm using a phone that is GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (according to LG australia) on the optus network?

      Thanks heaps :)

  •  
    kearnsy on 19/10/2012 - 09:04

    Looks good to me!

  •  
    Crowmanz on 19/10/2012 - 09:07

    even as a cheap spare phone this is good, might get it as my snow/camping/boating phone

  •  
    rodzy on 19/10/2012 - 09:17

    Great deal, but I'm STILL trying to unlock the Samsung Galaxy 5 (Telstra) from 2 months ago.

    • +5 votes
      robs12 on 19/10/2012 - 13:06

      Rodzy, it's pretty straightforward & free to do DIY.

      Visit http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1335548 for instructions.

      First root the phone using Superoneclick.
      I then used method 1 to extract the bm15 to the sd card, using.
      Then you need a hex editor to find the unlock code (use XVI32 Hex editor as they suggest).
      Take the SIM out, boot the phone & it'll ask for the code. Done

      • +1 vote
        markinaus on 21/10/2012 - 19:31

        XDA, just so good :D

  • +1 vote
    lzwdavid on 19/10/2012 - 09:21

    I have this phone as a spare phone, it's a great phone. If you can write a special edition android, you can record the phone call(dual way) for some special purpose.

    •  
      troyww on 19/10/2012 - 12:09

      Yep "call recorder" app is great but only seems to work with custom roms . I use it with MIUI rom on my desire .

      • +1 vote
        _Bruce_ on 19/10/2012 - 12:30

        Dont think you need a custom rom, but you do need to root. Also, this should be the same for all android phones.

  • +2 votes
    Balls on 19/10/2012 - 09:36

    quick research shows no easy way to unlock, at least not free

  •  
    stumo on 19/10/2012 - 09:36

    Is this online only or can you get it instore?

    •  
      dealhunter999 on 19/10/2012 - 09:39

      Seems to be an online only promotion; but they do offer Free Delivery I guess

      •  
        Telstra on 19/10/2012 - 09:42

        That's right guys, our online warehouse just got the stock in so it's available Online at the moment.

        •  
          unity1 on 19/10/2012 - 09:54

          Is this always going to be $99 or is this just a launch special?

  • +4 votes
    Telstra on 19/10/2012 - 09:39

    Thanks dealhunter999, you beat us to it!

    • +4 votes
      JetLi on 19/10/2012 - 09:43

      So Telstra rep, is there any easy way to unlock this phone for all those interested ozbargainers out there? Thanks

      • +5 votes
        Telstra on 19/10/2012 - 09:54

        Hello JetLi and other interested OzBargain members, while we of course are very proud of our network and coverage we understand you may want this device unlocked.

        We've got a brilliant Crowd Support forum, and while I personally don't know the answer to this question it appears someone has already asked here:

        http://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/Prepaid-Mobiles/Motoro...

        You may want to follow that for answers. Hope that helps!

        • +9 votes
          JetLi on 19/10/2012 - 10:03

          Judging by your response, I have a feeling you are indirectly saying…"No chance in hell" thanks anyway.

        • +10 votes
          montorola on 19/10/2012 - 10:12

          We've got a brilliant Crowd Support forum

          To be bluntly honest with you guys, I think Telstra is a bit delusional

        • +7 votes
          Geewhizz on 19/10/2012 - 10:47

          Judging by your response, I have a feeling you are indirectly saying…"No chance in hell" thanks anyway.

          You're right - there's "no chance in hell" Telstra is going to tell you of a cheaper way to unlock it other than through them.

    •  
      easternculture on 19/10/2012 - 10:04

      Any chance of including a $30 prepaid pack with them

  • +2 votes
    lead_org on 19/10/2012 - 10:03

    Whoa it is also water and dust resistant, which is very handy for a phone of this class.

  • +2 votes
    skayper on 19/10/2012 - 10:04

    Australian Passport or Driver's License required! What if we don't have any of those??

    • +15 votes
      unity1 on 19/10/2012 - 10:06

      Then you must be a terrorist

      • +1 vote
        stumo on 19/10/2012 - 10:13

        You also cannot use a overseas credit card, i must be a terrorist too, even though i use that same card to pay my telstra post paid contract every month lol.

      • +4 votes
        photonaturally on 19/10/2012 - 10:16

        or a shockingly bad driver. or drive like you play GTA

        •  
          skayper on 19/10/2012 - 11:07

          nvm(double post)

      • +7 votes
        skayper on 19/10/2012 - 11:08

        Just to let you know these little secrets:
        1. Not all humans in Australia are Australian, many of us are permanent residents from overseas or international students, hence not all in possession of Australian Passport.
        2. Some of us eg international students are allowed to use our foreign driver's license to drive.
        3. Many of us (including Australians) can't drive or choose not to drive.
        Shh.. don't tell anyone.. not many people know about this ;)

        • +1 vote
          linnaen on 19/10/2012 - 14:32

          Re 2.

          Isn't that only for 3 months though? After 3 months I was fairly sure you have to either transfer your licence, or take a test.

        •  
          skayper on 19/10/2012 - 15:45

          in SA as long as you're a student you can use your foreign license but for permanent residents you must have the state issued license

    •  
      gagans on 19/10/2012 - 10:54

      may be students?

    •  
      Telstra on 24/10/2012 - 13:24

      Hello skayper,

      We are implementing an International Passport ID in our Prepaid shop now - this option should roll out in our website release later this week. Hopefully this helps in your given situation.

      Thanks for your patience!

      •  
        cave on 30/10/2012 - 17:02

        Thanks, but until now, I still don't see that option Rep

        • -1 vote
          Forgot69 on 30/10/2012 - 20:57

          "this option should roll out in our website release later this week"

        • +1 vote
          cave on 31/10/2012 - 06:10

          Telstra on 24/10/2012 - 13:24

          this option should roll out in our website release later this week

          This week is already a different week.. not "this week" anymore. Get it?

      •  
        tirza on 10/11/2012 - 12:00

        The option is still not there. Am I missing something?

  •  
    gunnny on 19/10/2012 - 10:05

    Only deal to telstra users unless unlocked.
    Any unlock guide on this phone?

  •  
    Hansi on 19/10/2012 - 10:07

    What if I buy the phone and the "Defy+ random reboot bug" occurs? Is there a refund possibility for this? It makes the phone unusable.

  • +1 vote
    wildstone on 19/10/2012 - 10:10

    Is it ICS/JB compatible?

    •  
      _Bruce_ on 19/10/2012 - 11:40

      Only after rooting with third party OS.

      • +7 votes
        immumo on 19/10/2012 - 11:49

        I'd root a third party.

      •  
        996839 on 19/10/2012 - 14:25

        sounds delicious :D

  •  
    dy4me on 19/10/2012 - 10:13

    any one know what is the max video resolution this phone can record at?

    • +1 vote
      photonaturally on 19/10/2012 - 10:17

      640x480. I just checked.

      • -1 vote
        dy4me on 19/10/2012 - 10:37

        Oh No. what is this, 1995?

      •  
        superforever on 19/10/2012 - 10:39

        640x480? Even my old Acer Liquid is better.

        It said 854 x 480 here, rep can you confirm?

        http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_defy+-4098.php

        • +1 vote
          raven2000 on 19/10/2012 - 11:27

          You're mixing up the video camera with the resolution.

        •  
          superforever on 19/10/2012 - 12:24

          You mean here is mixing up, right?

          DISPLAY Type TFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
          Size 480 x 854 pixels, 3.7 inches (~265 ppi pixel density)

        • +1 vote
          linnaen on 19/10/2012 - 18:54

          Screen resolution != camera resolution

    • +1 vote
      _Bruce_ on 19/10/2012 - 11:41

      I think I read that the non-stock roms got 720p working. Haven't tried it myself (I don't really care).

  • +11 votes
    Geewhizz on 19/10/2012 - 10:31

    Hubby has this phone, and after 3 or 4 attempts to buy unlock codes elsewhere paid telstra $100 to unlock it . Anyone who is tempted to get it unlocked to use on Optus, consider yourself warned - it was as good as useless when it came to downloading data via Woolies mobile, so he's gone back to using it on Telstra

  •  
    gryphn on 19/10/2012 - 10:41

    just tried to place an order (good spare phone)

    Order failed

    Chatted to a rep - told me the online store has an outage atm with no ETA of fix

    •  
      Geewhizz on 19/10/2012 - 10:59

      just tried to place an order (good spare phone)
      Order failed

      lol I must have just managed to scrape it in after I posted and before you tried- figured at this price we'd get another one for a spare

  • +1 vote
    raven2000 on 19/10/2012 - 10:44

    Seems that you CAN soft unlock this phone by flashing on CM7/CM10 and then doing some more stuff.

  •  
    gearbox on 19/10/2012 - 11:09

    would these phones make good mp3 players for kids ?

    •  
      Geewhizz on 19/10/2012 - 11:36

      would these phones make good mp3 players for kids ?

      It would probably need to have a sim card in it. I don't know if it's still the case, but telstra used to enable the sending of text messages from a prepaid account with zero balance, and kids being kids ….. you're responsible for any charges incurred in this way, so proceed with caution. It's in their T&C's by the way, so there's no pleading ingnorance.

      •  
        JetLi on 19/10/2012 - 11:38

        No, just pay an extra $59 and get an 8gb Ipod Touch from officeworks, your kid will thank you for it.

      •  
        gearbox on 19/10/2012 - 12:08

        thanks for that

  •  
    rodzy on 19/10/2012 - 11:09

    Yeah Raven2000 - does it involve a hammer at some point?

  • +1 vote
    m1nh on 19/10/2012 - 11:32

    Anyone know if I can use this with Lyca Mobile prepaid sims? They use Telstra network. Thanks.

    • +1 vote
      maybeamacy on 19/10/2012 - 12:07

      I'd assume it's like using a Optus phone with TPG, nope.

  • +1 vote
    koolchamp81 on 19/10/2012 - 12:29

    There is some discussion on XDA developers forum about softunlocking…
    this might be useful…
    http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1483297&pag...

    Thanks

    • +1 vote
      _Bruce_ on 19/10/2012 - 12:36

      Had a quick look and the basebase change requirement makes this only for the super keen. It may be possible though through this method to turn it into a 900/2100 phone. YMMV.

  • +1 vote
    koolchamp81 on 19/10/2012 - 12:31

    Here is another one…
    http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1447950

    Thanks…

    •  
      _Bruce_ on 19/10/2012 - 12:39

      Says Defy not Defy+, but might work.

  •  
    deathjr on 19/10/2012 - 12:40

    "Telstra Pre-Paid mobiles are network locked and programmed to operate only on the Telstra network. To unlock your mobile phone from the Telstra network, just call 125 88 80 from a phone other than your mobile. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest Telstra store. There is a fee for this service."

    Any idea on the fee?

    Also, after unlock will this work with overseas networks? I want to give this to my mom who lives overseas half the year.

    •  
      _Bruce_ on 19/10/2012 - 12:55

      It usually depends on the phone, and they don't list this because Telstra hate you. Expect around $100.

      As for overseas use, 2G will work just fine, 3G will be fine in some countries not in other. The US is a basket case, so don't expect anything to work there.

    •  
      Geewhizz on 19/10/2012 - 12:59

      Any idea on the fee?

      It cost us around $100 earlier in the year.

  • +3 votes
    Mely on 19/10/2012 - 12:48

    I got this 90 mins after placed the order "We’re currently out of stock of the item you’re after.  An order has been placed and more stock should arrive at our warehouse shortly."

    • +1 vote
      unity1 on 19/10/2012 - 14:08

      I got the same exact message and I placed my order within half an hour of OP posting this deal

    • +1 vote
      Crowmanz on 19/10/2012 - 14:08

      yeah i got this email too :(

    • +1 vote
      Mely on 19/10/2012 - 14:40

      But it's still for sale now. Pre-order? Not mentioned anywhere.

      • +2 votes
        unity1 on 19/10/2012 - 14:53

        Hmmm, waiting for rep to explain!

        • +3 votes
          Telstra on 19/10/2012 - 15:39

          Hello everyone, sorry about that we've had to do some back-end processing and should be in stock. So we're fulfilling the orders in accordance with our given timings. Thanks for your patience!

        • +1 vote
          unity1 on 19/10/2012 - 15:51

          Thanks for replying rep. So can I just confirm that we should disregard the email we received and that you do have stock as of today to fill orders that have already been placed?

        •  
          Crowmanz on 22/10/2012 - 15:10

          update: got an email lunch time saying my order has been shipped!

  1. unity1 on 19/10/2012 - 10:06
    +15 Then you must be a terrorist
  2. Geewhizz on 19/10/2012 - 10:31
    +11 Hubby has this phone, and
  3. LolwutMikka on 24/10/2012 - 11:25
    +11 Good news everyone, here's
  4. montorola on 19/10/2012 - 10:12
    +10 We've got a brilliant
  5. LolwutMikka on 24/10/2012 - 03:24
    +9 Got this phone on Tuesday
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