Cheap Android for Clumsy Sister?

Blue Cat on 10/09/2017 - 10:41

So my sister broke 4th phone in 2 years and I had enough of this, decided I will buy her the cheapest Android phone possible that fullfils her needs.

Basically, what she uses it for is:
* Messenger
* CommBank App
* Email
* Calling
* SMS

Would like to spend less than $100 and (if possible) around $50. I don't care if the camera is absolute shit or the screen's colors look strange, since she is going to smash it in a few months anyway. As long as it has Android and can install whatever apps she might need (even if it will lag), it is all good.

Any suggestions? I need it quite urgently, so I can't buy a cheapo from Aliexpress and then wait 2 months for delivery.

Mobile

Comments

  • Kangal on 10/09/2017 - 10:54
    +7

    It would be cheaper if you got a new sister.

    • brokenglish on 10/09/2017 - 14:32
      +3

      There's an even cheaper solution than ^
      How did she break/smash her phone? Have you tried an OtterBox?
      There are other cases but I can't remember.
      You buying her a phone every time she smashes it doesn't fix the problem.
      And why are you buying her phone, tell her to pay for it.

      • Aniseed Steed on 10/09/2017 - 15:59
        -1

        You buying her a phone every time she smashes it doesn't fix the problem.
        And why are you buying her phone, tell her to pay for it.

        Wrong answer. The question was NOT: "Should I buy another phone for my sister who has broken 4 phones in 2 years?"

        OP has clearly stated his/her intention to buy another phone but wants to spend less than $100 for it, and wants suggestions for phones that fit his/her criteria (Android that can be used for Messenger, CommBank App, Email, calling and SMS).

  • scrimshaw on 10/09/2017 - 11:01
    +2

    I saw a Meizu 5c for $98 USD last night
    https://www.geekbuying.com/item/MEIZU-M5c-5-0-Inch-2GB-16GB-…

    but it would be better if you stuck with Xiaomi Redmi 4A instead with Snapdragon CPU which sells for the same price
    https://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_682468.html?wid=4&cu…

    If thats not cheap enough I recommend looking at your local supermarket catalogue for the latest prepaid specials.

    This week at coles, there are two offers….

    4G Optus X Smart $99.00
    Alcatel Pixi 3.5" $29.50

    I also recommend getting her a ridiculously large silicone phone case (eg) to protect the phone.

    • Blue Cat on 10/09/2017 - 13:24

      Alcatel Pixi 3.5" $29.50

      This looks perfect for her, gonna grab one! I just hope my local Coles has them in stock…

      Thanks

      • PVA on 10/09/2017 - 18:31

        Ah, so it Optus you use.

        And check what version of android it uses and whether Comm Banks app works with that version.

        Why not let her wait just a week or two without a phone, then she might appreciate it when she pays for it herself.

      • MasterScythe on 13/09/2017 - 16:43

        3.5" is painful for most apps.
        You want to aim for a 5" phone, really.

        But at least hit the 4" target, as some apps actually have a minimum screen\resolution requirement.

        I just bought my mother one of these:
        http://www.optus.com.au/shop/prepaidmobile/alcatel/pop-5

        They're AMAZING, and popular enough that you CAN BUY A FLIP CASE FOR THEM.
        So she won't break them :)

        Normally they go for $99 at kmart, BigW or Target, the "deal" seems to rotate between the stores.

        Ah, $89 now!
        http://www.kmart.com.au/product/alcatel-pop-4g-prepaid-optus…

        All my local stores have stock!

        I bought this case for my mother:
        http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Wallet-Leather-Case-Cover-For…

        unless she dropped it face down, and on uneven ground, that case would protect it.
        There's a pleather "buffer" around the whole thing, and its a silicone skin that holds it in, so would even give 1mm or so screen protection if it fell, while open.

  • AlienC on 10/09/2017 - 12:39

    Maybe try snatch a second hand Samsung galaxy s2? They can do most of what you said and more actually and I am sure gumtree has a bargain.

  • holdenmg on 10/09/2017 - 14:04

    I don't think Android phones have Airbags (or Parachutes). lol

  • bobbified on 10/09/2017 - 14:30
    +1

    How old is your sister? Perhaps she'll be a little more careful with it if you made her contribute an amount that's significant to her (could be a small amount if she's quite young).

    • Blue Cat on 10/09/2017 - 15:04

      The 4 phones she broke were always handed down to her from relatives or friends, because they don't use them anymore. They were scratched and cases broken but she didn't care.

      This time she will have to repay me back once she gets her first paycheck in the next couple of weeks.

      • scrimshaw on 10/09/2017 - 21:02

        The 4 phones she broke were always handed down to her from relatives or friends,

        My reaction was: That's why she breaks them, since they were freebies!

        Perhaps you should buy the phone using her credit card and she should take care of her belongings better..

  • AlienC on 10/09/2017 - 17:18
    -1

    This might sound dumb but if your sister keeps on breaking stuff she could be going through a hard time. I know how it sounds but just speaking from experience and what in see around me. Maybe a heart to heart talk with her?

  • Andym on 10/09/2017 - 18:03

    Maybe have a look for one of those Trade person type phones

    e.g. https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/?_nkw=v8+android+4.2+rugged+mobi…

  • PVA on 10/09/2017 - 18:10

    How come a brother is buying the phones?

    • HandsomeMonkey on 11/09/2017 - 11:51

      He's a good brother.

      • PVA on 11/09/2017 - 12:46

        Sounds a cranky brother 😀

  • PVA on 10/09/2017 - 18:11

    Just get what ever cheap one you can get on prepaid . What carrier do you have Telstra, Voda , Optus?

  • tank17 on 11/09/2017 - 14:08

    I would say Samsubg J1 or J2 if you want some "brand phone". otherwise I would go for a china phone. I have great experiences with DOOGEE, Y100 plus is a great phone for the price.

  • dins on 11/09/2017 - 14:48

    Give her one of these Nokias. Won't be breaking that in a hurry.

    https://i.pinimg.com/236x/f3/28/99/f32899772d261fa4904ff1354…

  • Word on 11/09/2017 - 23:01

    Done

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