Generic smartphone reliability [POLL]

scrimshaw on 11/02/2015 - 16:23
Last edited 11/02/2015 - 16:23

So my uncle's THL W8 has died (not charging), this makes it about the 2nd or 3rd time I've had a china-droid fail on me.
The first THL W8 had a nonfunctional camera after about 3 days of use but luckily it was bought from Deal Extreme and they were able to replace the phone (shipped it to their local Sydney depot).

He now wants a 5.5 inch or bigger device as he hates wearing reading glasses.

I'm now considering on replacing his phone with a much more reputable brand this time (e.g Zenfone 6, Samsung Mega), but given the crappy exchange rate and tight budget he has ($240 AUD max) along with his requirements for a big screen device only generic options are available to me. However, I don't want to end up with a faulty device and being unable to return it for replacement — as you all know the issues with AusPost and lithium batteries.

Seeing as a large number of Ozbargainers own generics, what are your experiences with them and how many faulty/dead chinadroids have you had so far?

Poll Options

  • 9
    No issues at all!
  • 1
    Experienced an issue with software, but was able to self-rectify
  • 2
    Experienced small issues with hardware/software, but I can still use it
  • 2
    Experienced a major issue, but otherwise phone is still usable.
  • 2
    I've had phones die on me after a long period of use (more than 1 year)
  • 6
    I've had phones die on me after a short period of use (less than 1 year)
  • 2
    I've had DOA (Dead on Arrival devices)
Mobile

Comments

  • akd on 11/02/2015 - 16:33

    I had one Indian branded Chinese phone. The phone lost its touch sensitivity along keypad within 6 months (after update to Android 4.4). Now it is back with company for repairs.

    • scrimshaw on 11/02/2015 - 16:38

      Was it a Micromax?

      • akd on 11/02/2015 - 16:41

        Yes. Although I had experience (bad) with Lava and Xolo also, that lasted 6 days each. I returned Lava to get Xolo and then returned Xolo to get Micromax.

      • UncommonName on 11/02/2015 - 23:03
        +1

        You can buy him Huawei Y550, got it on boxing day sale for 69$ + 4$ for unlocking through Bagman. Now 89$ at DSE but still excellent value for money (2 year Aus warranty).

        • PVA on 11/02/2015 - 23:23
          +1

          it's not a 5.5inch screen though.

        • UncommonName on 11/02/2015 - 23:27
          +1

          @PVA: Oh my mistake, but I think he is better off getting a tablet if for reading purposes mainly.

        • PVA on 11/02/2015 - 23:28

          @bargainaus:
          yep. and can always set the text for Large on the phone.

  • ProjectZero on 11/02/2015 - 17:06

    No experience on China droid… but from what I can see… wouldn't it be wiser to spend $500 on an 1+1 to last a year or two then spend $250 on a phone that may only last 6 months?

    • [Deactivated] on 11/02/2015 - 21:29

      I love my 1+1. I bought it during the last ebay group sale. Its a great phone and no issue so far.

      • ProjectZero on 12/02/2015 - 09:04

        Yeah, that's pretty much what I've heard too. Not many complaints about the 1+1, was eyeing one for myself until I went for the Z3 for the battery life and the aesthetics.

  • MrHyde on 11/02/2015 - 22:39

    I've had a THL T6S for a while now with absolutely no issues. Before that I had a 4 Huawei's, each of which are still running - the oldest about 3 years now. I like upgrading every other year or so and the China droids work brilliantly. The T6S that I bought was bout $65 delivered from Deals Extreme… at that price, I don't care if I need to get another one next year.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/02/2015 - 23:31

    You know there is only one answer if you want reliable smart phone. The name that shall not be mentioned is the king of 'just working', and when it doesn't, you just take it in and get it swapped over instantly for free with a replacement.

  • treeman on 12/02/2015 - 08:09

    I had a tablet android device from merimobiles and it was pretty much DOA.

  • SlickMick on 12/02/2015 - 16:32

    My Note died not long after warranty. Not impressed - these things are way too expensive for such a short life.
    Someone should to do a price/ life analysis to see where the value point is.

    • Kevan2 on 27/03/2015 - 00:53

      Looks like you should be able to have it repaired under the warranty still even though warrenty has run out, it seems a 'little close'l. Consumer Affairs then is the next follow up.

      As you said SlickMick price point real cost to you is a pain. A couple or few phone calls may be worthwhile. If you have a phone plan with credit or office phone ring the appropriate place. Ring to have repaired. As a though if I share cost of repairs may be good. 70/30 the 30% your side.!.

      • krisspy on 27/03/2015 - 04:21

        Funny. I once had a Note 1 bought from DWI. Died from an emmc error caused by official firmware, DWI wouldn't honor warranty.

  • Adz81 on 24/02/2015 - 06:48

    I've churned through two Lenovo's before I decided not to go down that path again.

    One's screen just flat out stopped working (could still see a "charge" to it though).

    The other had charging issues (which were not terminal) and the screen also began playing up (ghosting, lagging etc, especially when cold).

    • Kevan2 on 27/03/2015 - 00:54

      Parts of me do that in the cold?

  • Dasaci on 27/03/2015 - 15:47

    Xiaomi's redmi note would seem like a good idea, have a look at it.

  • 0zbargained on 31/03/2015 - 08:00

    Is your uncle OK if phone is 2nd hand?

    A cheap Galaxy Tab p1000 (yup the original one, it's 7" and has good storage) should be dirt cheap on ebay or gumtree (under $100).

    Get a new battery (around $25, and you'll need to open the tab to replace the existing old one — but it's relatively easy) and a case or cover, and it should all be under $200.

    You'll also need to flash the latest Cyanogen Mod rom to get the beat resolution out of it.

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