Android Phone around $200

Peccavi on 16/07/2014 - 10:44

I'm looking to get a new phone and hoping to get some recommendations from the OzBargain brain trust.

  • Doesn't need a lot of storage or SD card slot, but a reasonable amount of RAM would be good.
  • The faster the CPU the better (of course), but don't know what to expect at this price range.
  • Decent camera (not just resolution but also quality).
  • Size and weight not that important. Average is fine.
  • Runs on ICS or later.
  • Doesn't have to be current model. It can be an older model as long as I can still find it in stock somewhere.

I'm open to grey imports and non-major brands (e.g. Xiaomi Red Rice), but I don't know much about them.

  • What is WCDMA/CDMA/GSM/etc? What do I need to look for to make sure it works in Australia?
  • Aside from warranty issues, is it worth buying it from overseas and getting it shipped over?
  • What else should I be aware of?

I'm not in a hurry to get the phone, so it's fine if you think it's better to wait for xyz.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Mobile

Comments

  • mrmarkau67 on 16/07/2014 - 11:09
    +3

    I love my Moto G. Meets your requirements very nicely. The camera is "OK" but not great.

    • pjetson on 16/07/2014 - 11:31

      +1 for Moto G.

    • wharlie on 16/07/2014 - 20:46

      $199 plus delivery from Kogan for 16gb.
      http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/motorola-moto-g-dual-sim-xt1033-…
      Bought one just recently for my daughter to replace Nexus 4 (which she broke).
      Took about 2 weeks to deliver.
      My son bought the 8gb model from JB about 6 mths ago and has had no issues.

    • Stopback on 17/07/2014 - 10:06

      Decent camera (not just resolution but also quality).

      • That rules out the moto g, colours are muted, focus is bad, slow to take, its an below average camera

      Also the ram is only 1 gig.

      its a solid phone, but it does have flaws.

      • Peccavi on 17/07/2014 - 10:32

        Can you suggest anything else? A decent camera is important to me.

  • beaver2233 on 16/07/2014 - 11:37

    as mentioned, a Moto G can be bought relatively cheap (non-lte model). The best bang for your buck phone with great performance. Also recommend a second hand Samsung Galaxy S3 (can be bought for around $200 on eBay) if you want a phone with a slightly better camera.

    • Peccavi on 17/07/2014 - 10:33

      I'm looking to get something new. It's actually a gift for someone.

  • MadMaxBargainRoad on 16/07/2014 - 11:57

    Moto G is an obvious choice here if you prefer local stock. If you don't mind buying from oversea then I guess the Asus Zen phone 5/6 are better in terms of spec. I would not recommend Chinese branded phones from oversea (eg. Xiaomi etc. Local stock like Huawei, ZTE are ok) due to non existent QC/Support/Warranty.

    • Peccavi on 16/07/2014 - 23:30

      Thanks all for the advice. Moto G is clearly a top contender.

      The Asus Zenfone looks good too with faster CPU, a better camera and 2Gb RAM option. It's available at:

      Anyone shopped with any of these retailers before?

      There's mixed reviews on Whirlpool on all of them (except the eBay store). I'm worried that if I get it from them the phone might not work well on an Australian network.

      Is there somewhere else I can get this phone from?

      • MadMaxBargainRoad on 17/07/2014 - 10:30

        Expansys is your 1st choice followed by Android Enjoyed. The other 2 I dunno but the eBay seller has excellent review so I guess it's worth a try.

        PS: There are 2 Cpu versions for the Zen 5.

        • phluffed on 19/07/2014 - 15:09

          Originally it was the 1.6GHz Z2560 in the 8GB phone and the 2.0GHz Z2580 Chip in the 16GB phone. Now it's the 1,6GHz in both models, unless you can find someone with stock of the 2.0Ghz.

          Those listed above are 8GB versions. DWI sells the ZenFone 5 16GB for $199 delivered.

          The phone should be fine on AU networks, it covers 850/900/2100, albeit only on 1 sim card, the other is strictly GSM.

  • edgar28 on 16/07/2014 - 13:05

    http://www2.woolworthsonline.com.au/shop/seasonal/Woolworths…

    Huawei Y600 5" for 159$

    • MadMaxBargainRoad on 16/07/2014 - 15:14

      That's a slow ass phone for the price. Not even remotely closed to the value of Moto G

  • FabMan on 16/07/2014 - 13:37

    My HTC One X second hand if you like :)

  • deaj on 17/07/2014 - 15:44

    Moto G without a doubt - best value, best performing device at this price point.

  • altomic on 17/07/2014 - 20:50

    Lot's of China droid phones. Search ozbargain for pandawill or octacore.

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