Best Android phone under $500?

scotty on 06/06/2014 - 10:12

As per subject — what is the best Android phone under $500 at the moment? If you are looking at getting an outright Android phone and have $500 to spend, which one would you choose and why? I assume $500 might not be able to get flagship models from big brands (Samsung, Sony, LG, HTC, etc). So it's pretty much choosing between last-gen flagship models, or current-gen 2nd best models. Or should I give top-spec Chinese brand a look, i.e. One+ Oppo Xiaomi, etc?

Note: I am actually not in the market looking for a new phone. I think I can probably get at least another 18 months from my trusty Nexus 4. However this post was mainly created to test the latest OzBargain poll feature, where commenters can submit their suggestions to be included in the poll. We'll see how it works so please put in your Suggestion and add your argument in the comments.

Poll Options

Mobile Mobile Phone Android

Comments

  • scotty on 06/06/2014 - 10:17
    Suggested Sony Xperia Z1 16GB

    One example suggestion would be Sony Xperia Z1 16GB, which you can buy (grey-imported) for under $500 delivered. For example TopBuy sell them for $460 + $15 delivery at the moment.

    • Full HD screen
    • Good camera
  • PissLUR on 06/06/2014 - 10:36
    +4
    Suggested LG Nexus 5 32GB

    LG Nexus 5 32GB - $468.95 - Google Play.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2014 - 10:39

      LG G2 dominates the Nexus 5 and at the same price point.

    • scotty on 06/06/2014 - 13:18
      +1

      Weakest point of Nexus 5 would be its camera, although Google's new Camera App is pretty good (still won't compensate the hardware).

  • iChopstick on 06/06/2014 - 10:51
    Suggested LG G2

    As mentioned, G2 is a great device, and has quite a following on OzBargain. Another option is the OnePlus One, once it goes public that is.

  • huit on 06/06/2014 - 11:24
    Suggested Sony Xperia Z1 Compact

    Howsabout the Z1 compact? All the goodness of a Z1 minus the 1080p resolution (720p, still good), and a smaller battery, but you can actually type/swype with one hand especially if you have small hands like me. IMO anything over 130x70mm is too big to use comfortably.

  • RemoteMan213 on 06/06/2014 - 11:25
    Suggested OnePlus One 32GB

    OnePlus one should hopefully be releasing to the US in late June/early July. Even using a shipping forwarder, it should still be good value. So that's what I'm going to be upgrading to from my Motorola Razr V.

    • ESEMCE on 06/06/2014 - 11:54

      The problem will be availability…

  • rvsure on 06/06/2014 - 11:48
    Suggested Samsung Galaxy S4

    I don't know why nobody is talking about Samsung Galaxy S4. You can get it for as low as $430 (Grey imports) and it's without a doubt second best smart phone from Samsung currently in the market (smart phone not phablet). I have been using it for almost a year now and I have no problems so far. The battery still lasts for a full day on 3G.

    • iChopstick on 06/06/2014 - 13:09

      S4 specs are at least half if not one gen behind the other devices mentioned here. Not to mention prejudice against Touchwiz and samsung bloatware (with good reason too)

      • Kelvin H. on 06/06/2014 - 13:35

        I guess it all comes down to what you're looking for.

        While the S4 does have its disadvantages, some being the ones you have already mentioned, it also has its advantages over the other devices such as:

        • Backed by a very large development community (i9500 and i9505 models)
        • Parts are easy to source and can be easily repaired (i.e. screen replacement, charging port, etc)
        • Battery can be easily replaced/changed
        • Amount of accessories available
      • PissLUR on 06/06/2014 - 13:38
        +1

        I like Samsung's Blocking and Driving Mode.

        Ever since I switched to Nexus 5, been missing these features.

        • Kelvin H. on 06/06/2014 - 13:43

          Forgot to mention the amount of features in Touchwiz. Although a lot of them are gimmicky, some of them are quite useful.

      • rvsure on 06/06/2014 - 14:40

        I am not a big fan of Touchwiz. I use Aviate launcher on my S4. It is much simple to use. Some of the bloatware on S4 is actually unique and useful thought. For example the Watchon application that comes with S4 is the best TV guide and remote control app. At around the price of $430 the S4 is great value for money.

  • ozbargainer88 on 06/06/2014 - 13:49

    Nexus 5. Mine has been great, never had a problem and just got the latest update this morning.

  • pao2x on 06/06/2014 - 13:55

    I have a nexus 5. I'll be the first to admit the G2 is better and One+ one is better (ridiculously hard to get though). The nexus 5 is great but it is 6 mos old and sitting at the same price it launched (unnatural for android). I am expecting it to go down in price soon before the announcement of the new phone

    • iChopstick on 06/06/2014 - 14:03

      Nexus line doesn't usually drop in price until it is superceded by a new generation. The N4 price drop only came just before the launch of N5, and was soon discontinued.

  • Bystander on 06/06/2014 - 20:08
    +1

    N5. Fast updates from Google and I really like the Qi charging. Especially when the charger was $15.

  • koplik8 on 07/06/2014 - 08:37

    Kogan has the Samsung S4 for around $450

  • Do I NeedThis on 07/06/2014 - 08:39

    I own a nexus 5 and I love it

  • sirspiff on 07/06/2014 - 13:06
    +2

    I've been looking and considering the xiaomi mi3. In terms of specs and performance, it's on par and beats some of the latest flagship models from the 'branded' stables. The difficulty with xiaomi is being able to get hold of a phone. Their marketing model is to hype the brand by releasing limited units each time, so they can claim they've sold out within x number of minutes.

    Miui (their version of android's os) is considered by to highly efficient and as good as any os, because of the years of experience and iterations through their feedback loop. Doubters shouldn't knock it simply because it's made in china. It's one of the quality and value for money products as far as flagship phones and specs are concerned.

  • daver on 07/06/2014 - 23:44

    I haven't seen too much to top the (OPO) OnePlus One around lately
    From what I read versus.com agrees.

    http://versus.com/en/oneplus-one-vs-lg-nexus-5

    • iChopstick on 08/06/2014 - 10:29

      OPO is a great phone, but just a bit hard to come by right now without an invitation. Not to mention Australia is not on the list of countries with immediate availability. For all we know, by the time OPO becomes easily accessible to the general public, N6 could be right around the corner.

  • Food on 09/06/2014 - 09:04

    I think the Lumia 1320. A huge phablet, with A very small price tag. Got mine for ~$300

    • scotty on 09/06/2014 - 09:06
      +1

      The post specifically asked for Android phones.

      • Food on 09/06/2014 - 10:19

        Wow stuff me for skim reading :'(

  • 2real4u on 09/06/2014 - 10:26

    http://www.myer.com.au/shop/mystore/electrical/tablets
    lol galaxy note 3 is the first listing under the tablet section :)

    • scotty on 09/06/2014 - 14:19
      +1

      Also that looks significantly bigger than the Galaxy Note 10.1 next to it :)

      • 2real4u on 09/06/2014 - 15:44

        hahaha i know right :)

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