Help an indecisive man choose a new phone :)

Our much loved , but very psycho cat, Darth Mal, has stolen the mrs phone from her handbag and flung it at Ewok, the dog.. Long story short: phone misses dog, lands in his water bowl; phone in pieces , cat smirking, dog drenched, wife not happy and I'm looking for a new phone.

She doesn't need anything flashy but want to future-proof.Actually she's quite happy with my s4 (hers was an s3). so the new phone might end up being mine.It needs to last at least a day with moderate use (txting, watching youtube videos,checking mail, checking ozbargain compulsively.. I'm kind of hoping not to have to pay more than $600 as I've already blown my budget for the year :(
The list is of phones that I want but might not be in my budget brand new.Grey import or refurb is fine.Any other suggestions welcomed.
Cheers,
JJB

Edit: Quite surprised by how many people have stopped by to share their experiences and feedbacks. Thank you :) I'm kind of leaning towards the OPO. Is it ever going to go below $400 again?

Edit 2: I've decided to revise my budget to $300 for 2 reasons :
(i) the OzBargain 2014 Christmas Charity Donations. It is so hard to decide who to vote for when there are so many good causes.So the mrs and I have come up with the idea of spending half of what we originally planned on a gift and donate the other half to the recipient's favorite cause. Everyone's really excited about this,especially our kids :)
and (ii) I'm hoping that if I'm less selfish, I might get back on santa's good list ;)
I've also noticed that a few people have subscribed to this post, so please keep your suggestions coming.Ta

Poll Options

  • 9
    HTC One M8
  • 10
    Samsung Galaxy S5
  • 2
    Samsung Galaxy Note 3
  • 18
    Samsung Galaxy Note 4
  • 47
    One Plus One
  • 86
    other android

Comments

  • -3

    I'm in the same boat as well…get the Samsung Galaxy S5 or wait for the Galaxy S6 that comes out sometime next year, or get the Galaxy Note 4.

    • +13

      Or wait for the S7 or even the S8 shortly after that… but by that stage you might as well wait for the S9.

      • +6

        What, and miss out on the S10? That's crazy talk!

        • +4

          McFly, didn't Doc give you an S50 yet?

        • +1

          Probably going to call it the SX or smth.

    • Nokia 3210

      It's futureproof because there's never any updates to slow down the phone.

      Battery last longer than a day and will outlive a cockroach in case of a nuclear explosion.

      • +2

        I'd go the 3310 instead. It's like the 3210 but you get snake 2 instead of just snake.

  • +5

    If you don't mind getting a slightly larger device id have to recommend the oneplus one

    • +1

      I was there was a way to physically look at the OnePlus One handset before buying it…I've asked around and none of my friends have it sadly -_-

      • When you say physically do you mean the size or the feel? Or both? The size is very similar to the iPhone 6+ though slightly smaller in width (probably can view a few comparisons online). The phone feels awesome without a case (black sandstone anyway), though may be rather prone to scratches/marks.

        • Yes, see the size and also play around with the software it runs. I couldn't find any physical retail stores that sell this phone sadly! Looks really good though online

        • @beaver , do you have an OPO? How would you rate it?

        • +2

          @Jar Jar Binks: Yeah I do. I'd probably give it a 9.6/10. Only real complaints is the size; I have become used to it, though probably would prefer something slightly smaller. Upgraded from the nexus 5 and the battery life is so much better. For the price and value, the OPO really is hard to beat. I paid around $360 for the 64GB version during one of the ebay sales do for that price its easily a 10/10.

        • @beaver2233: can you hold it in one hand? How about keeping it in your back pocket?
          I really want that phone but the thought of having to carry it in a "man bag" is a big turnoff.

        • +1

          @Jar Jar Binks: yeah you can easily hold it in one hand. Reaching the top cm (slightly less) of the screen will be difficult though. Fits easily in all my pant/short pockets. Guess the best thing to do is go find someone with a note or iPhone 6+ to test that out. Will give you some idea of the size. But as I said, initially the phone feels massive but you do get used to it.

        • @beaver2233: thanks :)

        • @beaver2233: And when you get used to it - its difficult to go back to smaller size.

  • +1

    If you want like LONG futureproof phone, wait for the Samsung S6 or the LG G4 which will run Snapdragon 810 which is 64bit.

    If you want not so futureproof phone, but will last you for a good few years, get the Oneplus One which has a lot of dev support and thus, has Lollipop 5.0 (need to root and flash). Battery is amazing, camera isn't as great as the other two… Also, spending $400 less compared to the Samsung S6 or LG G4 which can help you upgrade when the time comes.. or even use the spare $400 for the Oneplus Two (release in Q2/Q3) and spend only a bit more than compared to purchasing the S6 or G4.

    • I'm really liking the HTC one and the OPO. However both have non-removable batteries which is a bit of a concern.I'm the kind of person who leaves my phone to charge all night, every night…and invariably having to get a new battery for my phone every other year.

      • Invest in a portable charger I suggest the Xiaomi one from bang good for $27.

      • +1

        Highly recommend OPO.
        I've had this phone for months now and battery lasts a full 24 hours, games, hours of calls, notifications etc.

        I wouldn't worry about non-removal battery (was a concern for me too), the handset is so cheap it pretty much negated this point for me.
        Leaving phone to charge overnight daily shouldn't be an issue. Battery tech these days shouldn't be prone to that battery memory thing.

        • Yeah it will shutoff automatically at 100% and prevent overcharging. I leave my phone on the AC charger all night and the battery hasn't degraded in 1.5 yrs of ownership.

  • +2

    have a look at sony experia m2 aqua just released and around $250

    Xperia™ M2 Aqua
    World’s highest level of waterproofing available in a smartphone
    World’s highest smartphone battery capacity in its category
    4.8-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen
    Quad-core 1.2GHz app processor
    Android OS v4.4 (KitKat)
    8MP Sony Exmor RS image sensor

    http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com.au/sony-xperia-m2-aqua-…
    http://www.topbuy.com.au/catalog/product/view/id/316576?utm_…

    • -3

      Thanks but I've had a play with one today. The flaps are annoying as hell… and a couple of rain drops made the touchscreen go haywire.So I'm assuming that you can take it underwater but can't really use it there… and it would have to be fresh water, wouldn't it?

      • +2

        Actually a bit of water does affect touch-screens control until they dry off, but the effect is pretty marginal. when fully submerged it's fine until you move about (i.e. swimming) and then the water pressure causes a bit of a headache if you're trying to use it — it's good for occasional photos, but don't expect to do any web browsing or texting underwater!
        The IP rating is only to a limited depth, and extended periods will cause water to penetrate parts of the phone — I had one in my board shorts in a pool for 30-40 mins and water clouded up the lens, but eventually it dried out again, though I wouldn't recommend do that. It's quite okay for using in the shower\bath and washing off the phone if it needs a clean up — phones and cases are a magnet for bacteria.
        The flaps are not great — but newer Xperia models don't have one on the headphone jack and you can charge in a dock without removing them — you only need take them off to change a SIM or data cable, which is a rare occasion for most people.

        • +1

          Actually a bit of water does affect touch-screens control until they dry off, but the effect is pretty marginal.

          My Z3 goes cray cray when in the shower, touchscreen doesn't respond, and when it does it goes too far lol. Still, just because it is waterproof doesn't mean you should use it in water =)

  • +3

    Get the Xperia!
    So under rated :(

  • +11

    Yeah get the Xperia Z3 imo. Just bought one myself and it craps all over my galaxies.

    • +1

      The OP did say he didn't want to pay over $600…

    • I'm a klutz…that glossy glass back looks like a disaster waiting to happen :) plus, like beaver said, out of my budget:)

  • +4

    Hi,

    Had the nexus N5, great bargain now. Still decent specs and always up to date clean android.
    My current phone LG G3, very good phone great screen and good price.

    Cheers

    • Yep, I was undecided for awhile and got a LG G2. Battery life is amazing, great camera and screen. G3 is supposed to be even better. Battery life is crucial in modern smart phones.

    • I've been using an iphone 6plus for a couple of days , while the wife has my S4. Despite my pre-conceptions, I have to admit that it is pretty impressive and looks classy. But its slippery as hell and that protruding camera looks so ugly.If I had to choose between the 6plus and the Note 4, I would go Note 4. It may not be as aesthetically pleasing as the 6 plus but its better bang for your buck.

    • Thanks but not really an option.

  • +1

    Its a phone not a status symbol.
    Buy what works at a price point that wont hurt if its dropped or stolen.

    • +2

      Its a phone not a status symbol.

      Of course its not about status.But it is the first thing I see in morning and the second last thing I see at night. It rests for long periods of time, snuggled intimately, against my right buttock…is it so wrong then that I want it to be pretty? :p

      • What's the last item!

  • -1

    $40 Nokia 530 @ woolworths and use a TESTRA sim. If you go T$ prepaid, postpaid, telechoice, aldi mobile (off the top of my head). Oh add a microSD card, say 16gb before setting up. has a 4" screen and specs are pretty good, T$ coverage and you can get some good deals (check forums and on whirlpool)

  • +8

    I don't get the notion of a future proof phone. By their very nature, phones aren't future proof, technology changes! Future proofing is simply a term which marketing gurus have dreamed up to trick people into buying more. They con people who don't think twice about it and get carried away paying many, many times more for a product that is supposed to be "future proof".

    The truth is, more expensive phones depreciate more, thus, future proofing would be to buy the cheapest phone that does what you need it to do. If you have $600, you go to a store and the typical sales guy will try to sell you the $800 phone which is supposedly future proof. This is all a scam. Instead, look at the cheaper $400 phone instead that will do all you want. Chuck the $400 left in a savings account and in a few years when it's time to replace your $400 phone, you'll be able to get yourself a brand spanking new $450 phone with the cash you stowed away!

    Guess what? That $450 phone in 2 years time will smash that $800 phone the guy tried to sell you today. What's even better, you keep recycling this way, buying a new phone and putting $400 in your savings and you're actually futureproof, because you'll be able to buy a new $450 phone every couple of years whilst the guy who keeps getting duped with the $800 phone today can only upgrade his phone every two times you upgrade yours.

    • The only $400-ish phone on my list is the Oneplus one.I like it the best out of all the phones suggested. However I cannot bring myself to pay $480ish for the 64gb version when it was recently as low as $391 :(

      • probably not for a long time, now the A$ is heading south

      • +1

        OPO is the best value for money phone

        It has similiar specs to the S5, but only cost about $470..

        It was much cheaper during ebay sale as well for about $380…

        Why buy an $800 phone?
        The money save on this phone, can be used to buy another $400 range phone..like oneplus two etc..
        or oneplus 3 etc.. in 2 or 4 years..

        The battery life is also on of the best features..

  • +3

    A Nokia Lumia, with Windows Phone 8. You can get ~$200 ones from Kogan, usually. They're fast, reliable, and a joy to use.

    Source: Used a cheap Lumia for years.

    • I prefer androids because they are so easily customizable.

      • -1

        yeah the live tiles is crap..

        and windows phone OS is crap..

  • +2

    Nexus 5 is still a great phone, love mine although must admit I do really want the Nexus 6!
    Moto X looks like a great choice, just need to find a good deal to get it within budget..

    • How much is the nexus 5? I was under the impression than it costs more than the OPO.
      Here's a comparison of the two: linky

      • +2

        AU$400 straight from Google. Likely even cheaper elsewhere.

        Don't have any experience with the OPO but I know I certainly have enjoyed mine with the Nexus 5 (coming from an iPhone 5S).

      • nexus 5 specs is not as good as OPO

        • Nexus5 is good, only downside i have felt is battery! Otherwise nice performance. People were demanding to have another version of Nexus 5 along with Nexus6 with improved battery performance.

  • $396 delivered HTC One M8, works out to be 212.20 eur with Shipping to Australia. I can't find this websites ABN though, can anyone who has expertise check?

    • +3

      It is an E8, not M8.

    • You want an ABN for a European site??

      • an aussie runs the site though?

        • +1

          Amazing thing, this Internet…

  • Lumia 635/636. Don't get the 5 series. They are trash and way too heavily cut back.

  • +7

    If you're after battery life get the Xperia Z3 or Z3 Compact.

  • -3
    • why being negged cowards? 4 comments down also say the same thing!

  • What about the Moto X, cheap and good.

  • +7

    Xperia Z3 compact

  • +3

    I'm on a Z3 Compact. It took a little while to get used to the UI, and the screen isn't as good as the flagships.

    But the size is great, and battery life is awesome. Took a little while but now Im a fan of the UI and don't mind that the screen is just average.

    I recommend the phone for the price. Opt for one of the larger flagship models if you value screen quality over battery life.

  • Easy. Go with the choice of Legends.. Nokia 3310 :)

    Oneplus is good - https://oneplus.net/one

  • +5

    I have, on my desk in front of me, OnePlus One, Xperia Z3, HTC One M8 and Nexus 5

    Out of all of them for a new phone I'd probably pick the Nexus 5 or Xperia Z3. I would explain them all but it's easier if you just ask the questions you want to know the answers too :)

    Edit: Forgot to mention the Z3 Compact, but it's not mine :P
    Oh and I have owned Samsungs before (last one being S4) but I wouldn't recommend the S5, their Note 4 is currently their best offering and worth taking a look at though.

    • What is it that you don't like about the OPO?

      • I've owned both Nexus 5 and OPO, and OPO is superior in almost everyway besides some slight delay when turning on.

      • +1

        The inconsistencies in build quality, the minor but extremely annoying bugs and the lack of stock Android / Lollipop

        The OPO may be one of the first to receive the 5.0 update but it definitely has not yet. My girlfriend is using my OPO as her daily at the moment and I am using the Z3 but everytime either one of us picks up the Nexus 5 (or Nexus 7) we are almost surprised at how much faster it is than both our phones.

        I have considered switching back to the N5 as my daily but I'm worried I'd like it too much and my Z3 would become a waste of money, also the camera is lot slower to launch and I love to take quick shots of whatever hence why I take the Z3.

        • you can install unofficial cm12 on OPO now

        • +2

          I honestly couldn't recommend the nexus 5 due to the battery life. I owned one for about 8-10months then upgraded to the OPO, had no idea what I was missing.

          In terms of size and software, sure the nexus 5 is great, but otherwise the OPO wins in everything else (imo).

        • @tyler.durden: You sure can, but it's not official and I don't assume anyone, ever, has flashing/adb/android development knowledge.

          (back in the day I was a CM maintainer, so I know my way around, but not anymore and I'm actually running OEM ROMs on all 4 phones sitting here, stock 4.4.4 got boring)

        • @DarkRyoushii:

          Actually I am running cm12 unofficial on my OPO now..

          Most of it seem pretty stable..

          Also it was not as hard as I thought to flash it…

          Just get/google

          CM12 bacon, googles apps, and SU file..

          And flash it via recovery…

        • @beaver2233:

          is nexus 5 bigger than OPO?

          I thought OPO was better than nexus 5

        • @tyler.durden: the OPO is a 5.5" phone, nexus 4.95" ….. (Happily own both phones)

        • +1

          @tyler.durden: Oh yeah I'm not saying it's difficult, but when recommending phones I try to avoid "mostly stable" and "flash it via recovery" as two steps necessary for getting a good handset.

          Also it sort of makes me have to support the custom devices in case there are any OTA updates that break core functionality cough Nexus 4 losing Cellular signal for 3 nightly zips in a row cough cough

        • @tyler.durden: OPO is bigger, 5.5" vs 5" but I think the Nexus 5 is overall a better phone for a bunch of reasons. (Better screen and touchscreen, better software, faster updates, more stable, fits in most hands nicer, etc)

        • @DarkRyoushii:

          Actually it is already good..

          The point was getting CM12 on it, which is not available yet

    • +1

      Why do you have so many phones!?

      • +1

        It's a hobby, I was re-selling 'old' 6 month old phones to buy newer ones, but at the moment my phones came from:

        OnePlus One: Offered an invite and impulsively bought it before the 24 hour expiry.
        Xperia Z3: First Sony phone I have been seriously interested in after the terrible Z, Z1 and Z2 so I bought that outright, also was looking for a waterproof phone that's a bit more rugged for Summer. Rugged it is not (not waterproof in chlorine or salt water like the advertising leads you to believe) but the camera is excellent so I'm keeping it, and I won a PS4 with my order!
        HTC One M8: Contract renewal phone with Vodafone, was my daily driver before I got the Z3 purely for the battery life, but then the Z3 killed that with 2 full day of use before it dies.
        Nexus 5: Had this since launch, have grabbed every Nexus except the Nexus 6 so far.

        • +1

          You must have a lot of money..

        • @tyler.durden: Having that much expensive tech and the daily cumulative depreciation would burden me.

  • +3

    in my experience, being indecisive and asking an internet forum for help often leads to more indecisiveness.

    • How did you decide that?

  • +1

    Your cat really lives up to his name, perhaps a waterproof phone for your next one? Not sure about the other but the s5 was definitely water proof. Also there's nothing wrong with another S3. you can find them for really cheap or for free with a cheap phone contract.

  • +1

    Right now, one of the best consumer Android phones is probably the Xperia Z3, if it's in your budget.

    The OPO is probably a good second choice, but I have recently read that the earlier batches have already been reported to have a few touch screen issues such as lagging touches.

  • +1

    I was in a similar position, only rather than cats and dogs damaging the 'phone it was kids…. very similar otherwise. A few things made me hesitate on the OPO but after a bit of soul searching I decided:
    1.) Didn't want to always have to lug around a phablet
    2.) A bit of water resistance would be good (my current phone is dying due to a child & water glass related incident)
    3.) Memory expansion is a good thing - so can put music etc on a microsd card
    4.) Battery life. Want long battery life. Hate getting to end of the day with a dead 'phone because I haven't had the opportunity to plug it into something
    5.) 3Gb ram. I reckon that my old 'phone is struggling a little with 2Gb and I suspect there is a reason why Google gave the Nexus6 3Gb
    6.) A decent camera. Doesn't need to replace my DSLR, but should not be a toy

    All up, it basically currently means the Sony Z3 - or, being a cheap arse, a Z2. I bought a Z2 for $459 (with free shipping via the android app). My theory is that the $200 or so I save by not getting a Z3 I can put towards the Z4 or 5 in a years time….

  • +1

    LG G3

  • I've been contemplating a new phone too (currently running nexus4), after thinking about it for a while I decided to wait for the new snapdragons chips as they're supposed to be running new architecture in the chips making them 30% more efficient. However if she doesnt need/want a flagship phone the nexus5 still extremely good for the price.
    I was looking at a LG G3 myself… goes for around $500 grey import.

  • I would go with either Sony Xperia Z2 ($619 AU stock from MSY) or Sony Xperia Z3 compact (many stores selling AU stock for 600/Telstra shops as well)

    Configuration wise they are not much different. Because mrs likes larger screen got got Z2 last week, very happy with the purchase. First charge was on 30th Nov (SUN) with about 2 hours average daily use of 3 Sony updates(initially)/FB/Internet browser/phone calls per day next time we charged it last night. I am amazed with its battery power/consumption.

    When you look at the photos taken they are amazing :)

    You may have to fork out another 40$ later on when you can afford for official docking station charger, that way no need to open the side strips for charging.

    Her Z2 giving complex to my Galaxy 4 :(

  • +1

    This may or may not help. Smartphone Awards: 2014!: http://youtu.be/f6pPIG3EvAs

  • Get a refurbished Nexus 4 from Kogan https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/169393

    It runs the latest Android 5 Lollipop and is a great phone.

  • Moto G. Hard to break or drown, but cheap enough that its ok if you do.

  • The Sony Xperia E Dual Sim isn't anything flashy. Within lowest budget of $89.96 (XMAS10 coupon) delivered. Seen it cheaper once before, but worth a consideration.

  • Nexus - love the clear design and uncluttered Android.

    Actually like the OPO too except camera quality isn't too great. Source: seen firsthand, friend has one.

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