What is The Best Value for Money Smartphone?

LG-Unit on 15/12/2016 - 10:58
Last edited 15/12/2016 - 10:59

Hi all,

My Nexus 4 seems to have finally caved in with the touchscreen virtually unusable and unresponsive. With only 8gb internal storage, and a battery that was draining way too fast, it was only a matter of time anyway.

I'm on the hunt for a new smartphone. I mostly use my phone for browsing the net, so a nice large touchscreen would be preferable. I'm after an Android but I'm all about value - not about brand. I'm seeing a lot of talk about Xaiomi on the site but I'm confused about ROM, bands, and all this other speak that I'm not familiar with.

I'm currently on a Vaya post-paid SIM plan if that makes any difference. I suppose I would need the phone to be unlocked.

What are the best value for money phones on the market right now?

Thanks!

Mobile

Comments

  • eneloopy on 15/12/2016 - 11:05
    +2

    Xiaomi Mi5 32GB imo. I have this phone and it's perfect. I'm a big fan of kimovil.com for smartphone research.

    • G-Unit on 15/12/2016 - 11:10

      Thanks, will I have any issue on the Vaya network with this phone. Do I have full access to the Android library of apps? Would you recommend the current deal on OzB which has this phone selling for about 300AUD?

      • eneloopy on 15/12/2016 - 11:44
        +1

        The phone doesn't have Band 28 but for most people this isn't an issue unless you live somewhere remote with very bad coverage. Search "Band 28" on here. But in a general sense 95% you won't have any issues with Vaya network at all no.

        https://www.kimovil.com/en/where-to-buy-xiaomi-mi5-32gb
        I just use the deals on the right to buy. You want to make sure you're getting an "OFFICIAL GLOBAL ROM" version where the seller installs the english language version of the software with google play and no chinese bloat apps. Yes there's full google play with full apps library available.

        Looks like there's a global shortage of the 32GB in black at the moment, that colour is imo the best by far, I'd personally hold out for that.

        • G-Unit on 15/12/2016 - 12:13

          Thanks, I'm used to only having 3G as that's all I get on my Nexus anyway. And I live in a metro area so should be fine. Hopefully the black comes back in stock quick as my phone is barely usable.

    • ESEMCE on 15/12/2016 - 12:31

      Lenovo ZUK z2 if you don't want the big screen of the Mi5

  • dd101 on 15/12/2016 - 11:25

    Nexus 6p is fairly good value for money.

    Otherwise Xiaomi is a good phone for a cheap price, so you can afford to replace your phone a bit more often.

    • G-Unit on 15/12/2016 - 11:40

      I think the Nexus might be a bit much. $300 would be about my limit. What's the best value for money Xiaomi phone?

      • scrimshaw on 15/12/2016 - 13:54
        +1

        Mi5 as per the first comment
        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/282300

        If you want an even cheaper mid-end device, try the

        'Official Global Version Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 special Edition'
        which you can get directly from the official Xiaomi Aliexpress store. Make sure you pick the DHL delivery option for a faster 2 week shipping.

        this phone has Band 28 which is good if you want even better signal connectivity plus MicroSD card slot.

        • pupdog on 15/12/2016 - 15:44

          I also recommend the Redmi Note Pro 3 Kate. I just acquired one a couple of weeks ago and I don't think you can get a bigger bang for your buck. This phone has the longest battery life I've experienced. No topups required. Perhaps its only weakness is the camera but given the cost you can't complain. The only question I have is to its durability but only time will tell.

  • Joney on 15/12/2016 - 17:30

    OPPO F1s on sale now at JB for $318. 3gb ram and 32gb rom. Octa core processor, 5.5" screen. Pretty good value.

  • G-Unit on 16/12/2016 - 10:39

    Thanks all. I ended up buying the Xiaomi Mi5 32GB with the global ROM on Ali. Figured I'd take advantage of the 11% cashback from CashRewards.

    Excited!

    • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2016 - 14:39
      +2

      Don't forget to reflash global stable when you receive it. Stores often have their own corrupted version of ROMs with adwares and other ickies

      • G-Unit on 19/12/2016 - 15:22

        Thanks. Excuse my ignorance but how do I do that?

  • G-Unit on 22/12/2016 - 09:39

    Phone arrived.

    SPOILER: It's awesome and no bloatware to speak of.

    Only thing is, how come I can't select Australia as the phone's "locale"?

    Also, I keep accidently hitting the power button as it's on the side of the phone where my hand usually sits. Odd positioning.

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