On the look out for a good 4.5"-4.8" screen size (under 5") Android phone

rhabdoviridae on 15/10/2016 - 13:03
Last edited 15/10/2016 - 13:49

Currently have 1st Gen Moto G with a Ballistic tough case and a good screen protector.
Very happy with both the phone and case. The case has really been a god send. I work outside and deal with unpredictable conditions so my phone has been dropped from various heights and thrown at things at times and not one scratch on it when taken out of the case.
With phones now shifting to 5" screen sizes and higher i am struggling to find a phone with better specs in a similar price to the 1st Gen Moto G that is under 5".

I was wondering what people on the forum would suggest currently (and looking at models soon to be released ie. in 2017 and beyond) for phones that would fit that bill? I would be willing to spend $300 on a phone, maybe $350 at most.

Basic upgraded specs i am looking for are more RAM (currently have 1GB) and more space (only have 8GB).

I don't play any games on my phone. E-mail and web surfing and main functions and i have about 20-25 apps that i use. Looking for something that could run a bit smoother than what i currently have. Camera isn't a big thing for me, something similar to what the Moto G has is fine by me.

Ideally any phone suggested i would want a tough case like the Ballistic (or Otterbox or something similar of the like) to pair it with.

Not in a rush for the phone, just chasing after ideas/suggestions at present.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks.

Mobile

Comments

nicholasfrawley on 15/10/2016 - 13:40

A Xiomi or a Moto G4
foxmulder on 15/10/2016 - 13:45

Galaxy S5
rhabdoviridae on 15/10/2016 - 13:48

Moto G4 is not less than 5", same for Galaxy S5.
For further clarity, screen size should be under 5".
- nathan-drake on 15/10/2016 - 16:10
  
  +2
  
  "xiaomi redmi 3s" is very small to hold even though the screen is 5 inches, it has decently small bezels. it is only slightly bigger than a nexus 4 which was 4.7 inches.
  
  available from ibuygou for roughly 200 bucks AU. Have one right here, best smartphone battery life on the planet (literally!). Great performance as screen is 720p. Screen does not look much worse than iphone 6s, in fact the screen is GREAT. Fast fingerprint reader. Decent camera that is only slightly worse than moto g4. MIUI 8 software is very nice to use. I reckon go for it!
  
  3GB ram/32GB storage https://www.ibuygou.com/p-xiaomi-redmi-3s-snapdragon-430-oct…
  Change to AUD at top of site
  
  Many solid cases and tempered screen protectors are sold on aliexpress (not otterbox though).
  
  OTHERWISE iphone SE for 530 bucks was on here recently, thats a good phone
  - rhabdoviridae on 16/10/2016 - 09:12
    
    Thanks for this suggestion!
    I have never considered the Xiaomi brand. I would not consider myself a 'seasoned' android user. Would this be a problem in terms of using a ROM for this phone? I use basic functionality of a smart phone and keep a limited amount of apps on it as well and am used to getting the apps from the Google Play Store. Would this be difficult to do with this phone?
    All the previous deals on Ozbargain have been from overseas so i'm assuming there is no direct sale with Australian warranty for this brand/phone?
    - nathan-drake on 16/10/2016 - 09:16
      
      if you buy from topone or ibuygou, you wont have to play around with ROMs. ibuygou has a 1 year warranty, they pay for shipping etc. TopOne you can ask them to open the box and thoroughly check the phone before shipping it to you, but not sure whether they provide good after sales warranty….
      
      if these are a concern, grab an iphone SE, or go to AusPOst and grab a cheap 200 buck phone, they are usually decent. But redmi 3s is a FANTASTIC phone if u are willing to buy it
    - rhabdoviridae on 16/10/2016 - 09:19
      
      @nathan-drake: Thanks! What about bands with this phone? I note that on another thread they mention that the 700mhz band 28 (Optus+Telstra) is not present with this phone. Is this a big setback? I live in the country not a city.
    - rhabdoviridae on 16/10/2016 - 09:30
      
      @nathan-drake: Also, does the phone have Dual sim? Can i put 2 micro sim's into the phone like the Moto G? Thanks!
    - nathan-drake on 16/10/2016 - 13:55
      
      @bullettime:
      yes its dual sim (1 micro and 1 nano sim), yeah xiaomi phones dont have 4g band 28, dont know if that is super important… so maybe you should try and go for an iphone SE or one of the cheap phones from Australia Post stores….or Moto G 3rd gen might still be available somewhere
    - windwai on 16/10/2016 - 14:52
      
      @bullettime:
      
      If you live in the city area, you dont have to worry about B28. Check the band on your near tower or just ask your service provider for the info.
      
      If you are looking at Xiaomi 3s, check on Xiaomi Mi 4c as well. It is same size and better specs.
      
      On second though, Xiaomi 3s may be better for you due to super battery life.
      
      Sony Z3 compact is a good option with b28, but it wont be getting Android N.
      http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SONY-XPERIA-Z3-COMPACT-D5833-4G-L…
enzioFirenze on 15/10/2016 - 15:49

+2

Nexus 5X, I know it's not under 5" being 5.2" but it's seriously kick ass for the price
- soaringphoenix on 15/10/2016 - 17:48
  
  ^^^ This. Anything without vanilla android isn't worth paying more than the loose change in your pocket for.
  
  A lot of manufacturers have reduced the amount of bloatware on their models in recent years, but even the latest Samsungs are packed with purity-sapping rubbish.
  - [Deactivated] on 16/10/2016 - 13:56
    
    -1
    
    Yet the s7 edge is as smooth as butter
    Moot point
- nathan-drake on 16/10/2016 - 09:17
  
  that phone is huge almost as big as my 5.5 inch redmi note 3
whoisthatguy on 15/10/2016 - 16:02

Samsung galaxy A3 (2016) 4.7" phone

https://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com.au/samsung-galaxy-a3-a…
- nathan-drake on 15/10/2016 - 16:13
  
  not great RAM nor storage, plus samsung software is not great
outlander on 15/10/2016 - 17:37

Same here. Hate this trend of 5.5" screens
[Deactivated] on 16/10/2016 - 16:39

What about the HTC One M7?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Original-HTC-ONE-M7-32GB-4G-LTE-1…

A bit old but a significant upgrade from a Mote G 1, and it does 4G as well… more importantly, only half of your budget.
HeWhoKnows on 16/10/2016 - 18:58

You can buy a new Samsung Galaxy S5 around your budget with better specs than you require. Best Galaxy ever made. Look in Gumtree or eBay for the best price.
Savas on 16/10/2016 - 21:14

-2

Lumias!

On the look out for a good 4.5"-4.8" screen size (under 5") Android phone

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