New Phone Suggestions for Uni Student. Good Phone at Low Cost

LNerdis on 07/04/2015 - 15:12
Last edited 07/04/2015 - 15:49 by 1 other user

Hi Everyone, I've been on Ozbargain for a while now and finally decided to make an account because I need advice.

I have had the HTC Incredible S for 3 years now and it has gone to shit.

I had my heart set on the Google Nexus 5 but Lo and Behold, Google doesn't sell it anymore. And I know that I can still buy it from 3rd party vendors but I just can't bring myself to pay more than AU$399 for it.

Then I heard about the One Plus One. It seemed magical and I can get the Invite if I want it but there are limitations to accessing it. Plus, the US$349 price tag converts to around AU$450 + mail forwarding, etc. which is out of my league.

If any of you could suggest a good phone at low cost that I could buy in Australia, I would be grateful.
If any of you could tell me about a deal on the Nexus 5 even, I would be grateful.

Thanks in advance! :)

Mobile

Comments

  • frutter on 07/04/2015 - 15:37

    the new zenfone 2? but not sure if you can get that in aus

    • ozhunter on 07/04/2015 - 16:27

      Grey import is $429 with stock being available mid-April. Not sure if the network bands are compatible.

      • frutter on 07/04/2015 - 16:32

        thought that was got the 4gb ram version, theres a $300 one i believe

  • pernunz on 07/04/2015 - 16:09
    +3

    Moto G?

  • ozhunter on 07/04/2015 - 16:28
    +1

    LG G2 is a good choice for around $400 from DWI.

  • extract on 07/04/2015 - 16:43

    Forget the Nexus 5 and get the LG G2, beats it in just about every way possible.

  • lgacb08 on 07/04/2015 - 17:08
    +1

    just get a Y550 in the mean time

    • Nerdis on 07/04/2015 - 17:30

      I considered this however I've only been able to find this phone being sold as a certain network only phone. Could you link me to an unlocked one perhaps? :)

      • lgacb08 on 07/04/2015 - 18:21

        just buy from HN or DSE and get unlock code from bagman or from here. I got it from mobunlockmaster before his post so it was $2.99 but still cheap. Only took a few hours, now phone is running with Telstra 4G with breeze.

      • scrimshaw on 07/04/2015 - 19:07

        Huawei phones are very easy to unlock. So no issues. You do need to look up the GSM arena website from time to time to see if the network bands are compatible with your current choice of telco, that being said, the Vodafone branded Y550 supports all telcos.

        • Nerdis on 07/04/2015 - 19:54

          I saw a Vodafone branded Y550 for $50 and im considering it. I do need to do a little more digging as my plan is with TPG which adds more complexity to my situation.

        • scrimshaw on 07/04/2015 - 21:36
          +1

          Not really, TPG is optus, and TPG still does not have 4G (they are considering this though).

          So basically look for a mobile phone that does 3G 900mhz / 2100mhz. Many phones will do this band.

    • MondaySleeper on 07/04/2015 - 21:52

      I completely agree. I have been using an Samsung Galaxy S2 and just bought a Y550. Unlocked and rooted it. Its a nice phone and supports all 3G bands in Australia. If you compare the price->feature, none can beat it. I was thinking that i don't need a case for it as its just the price of the case for premium phone, but decided to spend $5 more.

      • Nerdis on 08/04/2015 - 00:22

        does the Y550 have a tethering/wi-fi hotspot option?

        • lgacb08 on 08/04/2015 - 05:20
          +1

          any android would have that function

    • Nerdis on 11/04/2015 - 13:23

      I got my Huawei Y550! For such a steal as well, $40 from harvey norman. Thanks for the advice! :D

  • nathan-drake on 07/04/2015 - 17:17

    Moto G 2nd gen is amazing, im using it right now. it is very Iphone like!

    • Nerdis on 07/04/2015 - 19:54
      +1

      So this phone is pretty decent! One question though, do you get Android 5.1?

      • nathan-drake on 07/04/2015 - 22:21

        yes they are starting to roll out the latest version, i should hopefully get it within one month!
        more info on the phone here:
        http://www.motorola.com/us/smartphones/moto-g-2nd-gen/moto-g…

        Xiaomi phones are great but you wont have any warranty. If you buy a Moto G from say Dick Smith, you will have local warranty! I got mine for $192 a few days ago in the 20% off DSE ebay sale!! Amazing phone for the price!

        • Nerdis on 08/04/2015 - 00:22
          +1

          Does the Moto G 2nd gen have a wifi hotspot/tethering option?

        • nathan-drake on 08/04/2015 - 18:46

          @Nerdis:
          yeah it does, although I've never used it.

          Trust me this is the phone to get…It's basically as good as a Nexus phone but much cheaper! Battery gives me at least 5 hrs of screen time per day!! With casual use you can last 2 days! Very happy with it, feels like a $300-$350 phone to me!

          Just wait for a sale IMO, im sure it will be under $200 within the next 2 months such as it was here: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/188225

          PS if u want an alternative i recommend a cheap LG G2. Dont go Xiaomi as there are many hoops to jump through. And do go Samsung because their software is not good (although their hardware is amazing its still overpriced)

    • Dennis3003 on 09/04/2015 - 23:12

      Out of 8GB of storage, how much is available for usage? I'm guessing since its stock Android with no bloatware, around 6GB can be used…? Also, what is the default messaging app, hangouts or stock Android messenging app. I'm thinking of getting as I realised I don't need to spend big bucks for a good phone.

      • nathan-drake on 10/04/2015 - 17:50

        i believe only 5GB is available. Luckily for me i only play games on my tablet and not on my Moto G!

        But yes this phone does everything that most people need for a ridiculously cheap price. And the build quality is super sexy, love the curved matte back!

        The default is the stock smiley face icon 'messaging' app. However you can download the much prettier "Messenger" app by Google and make it your default!

        PS. the camera is surprisingly decent!

  • Dasaci on 07/04/2015 - 18:17

    Look up the Xiaomi Redmi range of phones. Decent specs for phones in its price range and its perfect for a uni student, I myself have a xiaomi and I am also a uni student, so I understand the need to keep the prices low :)

    • TheAccountant on 08/04/2015 - 01:04
      +1

      Can you install google play on it?
      I'm looking for a phone for my uncle and he's never had a smartphone before. The redmi seems nice enough. Great specs for the price but is it compatible with Telstra bands here?

  • Inshinshishimop on 08/04/2015 - 00:04

    If you don't mind older models then an s4 maybe. It's still a good phone for $359. Might be worth waiting for the s6 to come out for a better price.
    Been using Galaxies and they've never let me down.
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SAMSUNG-GALAXY-S4-I9500-100-UNLOC…

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