Help Choosing a Outright Smartphone

1271190 on 16/02/2015 - 14:33

Needing to purchase a new phone for my little sister budget is $250
As her going into the city to finish her VCE she will need a phone at all times (Under 18 so she can't sign up for any plans)

She would like something that will last at least 8 months without having the problems of slowing down and lagging.
iPhone is not a option at this point so looking at Windows Phone or Android.
The camera is important to her and will be using quite bit of internet (social networking)

At the moment the main contender in the Nokia Lumia 735 4G from Allophones at $249.
Need to purchase within the next couple of days so buying online really is not a option.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Mobile

Comments

  • iridiumstem on 16/02/2015 - 14:36

    Does she use Snapchat? Windows Phone doesn't have Snapchat atm. :(

    • 1271190 on 16/02/2015 - 14:41

      Oh wow that sucks, she does use it maybe that will remove the Windows Phone out of the choices.
      Will have to let her make that choice :/

      • iridiumstem on 16/02/2015 - 14:46

        I accidentally F5-ed and lost my reply to yours, but in short, I think Moto G 2nd Gen is around that price as well at DSE. It might've been from a deal so it might not be available, but I've heard good things about Moto G from people, perhaps look into that?

        Other than apps, Windows Phone is a decent choice. I personally use it for basic browsing, facebook, other phone functions and it's great for that purpose. The camera is decent for its price, the user experience is decent for its spec etc etc. It's just that apps are still lacking. Snapchat has been gone for awhile, we had a 3rd party app but Snapchat blocked it. That being said, it might come back.

        • 1271190 on 16/02/2015 - 14:48

          She has just told me Snapchat is not important so looking like the NL 735 is the front runner at the moment.
          Thanks for your detailed reply :)

        • iridiumstem on 16/02/2015 - 14:50

          @1271190: I think it would be fair to say that Windows Phone is great in terms of what you receive when you first buy it, i.e. OS (I think it definitely is better with WP 8.1, 8 was a nightmare), performance, camera etc, but other than that, it's still catching up to other mature OSs like Android and iOS.

        • 1271190 on 16/02/2015 - 14:54

          @AznMitch:
          She had the old NL 520 and it was a complete nightmare not only with OS but the buttons were faulty. Just a lot of hassle.
          After reading your responses and the thread from the NL 735 bargain post I'm confident this will more then suffice.
          Fingers crossed.

        • iridiumstem on 16/02/2015 - 15:05

          @1271190: Technically speaking I am slightly biased as my phone is high end one from last year. I cannot remember whether 520 had better cpu than 735, but I think it definitely has more RAM and better everything else. (if you don't care about the physical button for camera.)

        • Food on 16/02/2015 - 17:22

          @1271190: Use 6snap. Way better IMO. lets you upload pics.

        • iridiumstem on 16/02/2015 - 20:10

          @Food: 6snap apparently doesn't work, my gf was saying that she cannot open messages any more.

        • Food on 16/02/2015 - 20:57

          @AznMitch: Hmm yeah I remember they ordered it to be taken down. My account was locked for using a third party service (get f'ked you dont provide an official app) but i can still see stories.

  • Chall5 on 16/02/2015 - 14:41

    was thinking of the 735 before I saw it was already front runner

  • scrimshaw on 16/02/2015 - 16:13

    nbm

  • ferguscan on 16/02/2015 - 16:51

    FWIW, I purchased my Nexus 4 late last year. Couldn't be happier.

    The very latest Android, no lag, wireless charging.

    Easily fits inside your budget.

  • Charity on 16/02/2015 - 17:40
    -1

    second-hand iPhone. (that means not new)

  • Bystander on 16/02/2015 - 19:27

    I've got a Nexus 5 refurb in a sealed box. But I'm in Sydney and you're in Vic so I guess that makes it mail order.

  • Islund on 16/02/2015 - 20:08

    Motorola G = brilliant for the price. Around 237 at Costco and around 30 more everywhere else.

    8mp on the 3G version and 5mp on the 4G quad band version. Gorilla glass as well so could be thrown a bit I guess :/

  • droodle on 17/02/2015 - 12:48

    Hi where do you go for the refurbs pls ?

    • Bystander on 17/02/2015 - 13:31

      Mines a warranty replacement.

  • Brendoo on 17/02/2015 - 15:12

    Motorola Moto G 2nd Generation.
    Great phone, very fast (no lag) and hi-res screen. Can get it for $250 most places such as JB HiFi if you price match. I got one recently and they had no issue coming down to $249.

    One thing to be aware of, ir's 3G onky. Doesnt do 4G/LTE, if that matters to you. 3G is fast enough for most people. Also, doesnt do full HD video, does 720p, but generally not an issue. Canera is really good for photos and video though. Screen is really good.

    I think its one of the best out there for the price in the Android market.

  • SlartiBartFozz on 19/02/2015 - 00:09

    I would buy a Moto G, or a Sony Xperia C3\T3\E3 ($270-300) and M2 (~$230-260) — you can find them at most department stores \ Officeworks \ JBHifi \ etc.

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