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Telstra ZTE Lite F327S Pre-Paid Phone for $9 @ Harvey Norman

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Telstra ZTE LITE-F327S is selling at $9(Harvey Norman) and you can get it unlocked through ebay for just $2.10

The link to ebay unlocking is here

Related Stores

Harvey Norman
Harvey Norman

closed Comments

  • +1

    good price.

  • +4

    $39 at Target

    • +47

      Using maths it's $30 cheaper at Harvey Norman.

      • +17

        You're supposed to be WatchNerd, not MathNerd..!

        • +25

          HAHA!

        • +3

          @MathNerd: Noice. How long have you been waiting for this moment?

        • +4

          @malouphix: Haven't got the smile off my face all day. This is the moment I've been waiting for my whole life.

        • +4

          @MathNerd: and you have a watch as your display photo! The world is getting so chaotic these days…

        • @definitive: Up is down. Black is white. Cats and dogs living together. Mass hysteria!

      • +14

        Quick mafs

        • so..if I buy two, plus another two…but lose one…..will I have three?
          Is my maths quick enough?

        • @adamp:
          If you go to a green grocer and buy 4 pears, then decide you want to make a pair of pear shaped pear pies, and decide your want another 5 pairs, then put two pears back, how many pairs do you have?

        • @Azzy: x

      • +2

        can i say … your powers of "deduction" astound me… :P

      • +1

        Lucky there is a calculator on this phone

      • +1

        MathNerd needs to lift his game.

        • +2

          Sadly, I do.

      • +2

        I dont agree. At that price, I wont buy one which saves me $39 rather than $30.

        • +3

          I want one for my 11 year old for when he is naughty …. sim goes from smart phone into this bad boy phone for 2 weeks ….

          or is that child abuse and I will be in a current affair as "the bad dad" or on # mydadisanogre.

        • @garage sale: You really want to go on ACA? Then lock him up in a doghouse for 2 weeks as well.

    • +2

      Yes.

  • +10

    Take selfies and photos using the F327S pre-paid phone's built-in 0.08MP rear camera with 5x digital zoom.

    Impressive.

    • +6

      Taking selfies with a 5x digital zoom rear camera is indeed impressive!

      • +5

        imagine the clarity on those 5x digital zoom pictures

        • +5

          Not sure why people bother with digital zoom. Better off with higher res imaging, zooming and cropping the image to suit.

    • +1

      imagine how many pics in an 8gb SD card.

      • +2

        At 320x240, a lot.

        • +1

          I might need new spectacles

    • +8

      What does the description say?

      • +11

        We don't bother reading descriptions here. We like asking questions and don't like figuring things out for ourselves in OzBargainland.

        • -1

          Wrong county… That's one more over - in lala land. ;-p

        • +1

          Isn't that Facebook?

      • +1

        Description is incorrect that's why I asked

        • +1

          If you knew it was incorrect then how come you didn't say "can't be unlocked" then?

          It seems you're only aware it can't be unlocked because you tried and it didn't work (sorry).

          In this case, I'd want to know why OP thinks it can be unlocked.

        • +2

          This phone can be unlocked easily, with a $2.10 code supplied by the Ebay 'seller' alluded to above, as follows:

          1. Get an unlock code via the Ebay link the OP has included in the post. Make sure that at the time you make the $2.10 payment for the code, you insert a message to the 'seller' containing the phone's 'IMEI' number (which can be found on the box the phone comes in). Without that, they cannot supply you with a code.

          2. After you have that unlock code, ignore the code-supplier's instructions about inserting a non-supported SIM etc., and actually activate the Telstra SIM the device comes with (this is free, and in fact yields $10 credit). If you don't do this, it is likely you will be 'stuck' on the 'Emergency calls only' screen.

          3. As though you are making a call, 'dial' (star)983(star)865625# (note that the word 'star' means you should type the star symbol; which I can't actually use here in this post due to a quirk of the OzB posting system).

          4. Enter your 16-digit unlock code.

          Your phone will now be unlocked.

        • @GnarlyKnuckles:
          Use backslashes to escape the star character.

          actually activate the Telstra SIM the device comes with

          No, not necessary to activate. Just insert any telstra sim, activated or not.

        • @manic:
          Ah OK, that's good to know. You do get the $10 credit if you activate the Telstra SIM though.

        • @GnarlyKnuckles: I am stuck with emergency calls only screen . Is there any solution Thanks in advance

        • +1

          @Dpkmax:
          Yes. Activate the TELSTRA SIM that the phone actually came with. Doing this is free, and also yields $10 credit. Then you will no longer be stuck on the 'emergency calls only' screen.

          One of the posts in this thread suggests that you do not even need to activate the Telstra SIM, you just need to have it inserted, to unlock the phone. Another post above suggests that you DO actually need to activate it though. I think you may as well go ahead and activate it, because doing so yields $10 credit that lasts for (I think) 2 months … (not bad, given that the phone only cost $9; 'PROFIT!' LOL), and then proceed with whatever you'd like to do with the phone.

          Numerous posts below suggest (accurately I think, though it's not an issue for me so I have not looked into it) that it only supports a single band - 850MHz, so that will limit (quite severely) the potential uses of the phone even after it is unlocked. It will work with an 'Aldi' prepaid service though, after it has been unlocked.

        • @GnarlyKnuckles:

          Last paragraph is correct, previous ones not.

        • @GnarlyKnuckles: Thanks so much for a detailed explanation

    • +4

      Can it be used as a phone?

      • +9

        Phone is fine

    • +6

      Give him a break, it was a typo. He meant "Can it be overclocked?"

    • He can't read. Is there a OzB deal on literature course which you can point him to?

    • In a plot twist today, it appears roland's question was quite valid!
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/354202#comment-5502517

  • +5

    These phones going on sale always takes me back to the time of Optus 3months Netflix deals.

    • +4

      You need to get out more.

  • +1

    which seller for the unlock? there's a lot of seller out there

      • Apologies for being off-topic but why the need to pay for an unlock? What does this seller offer that a normal user can't do themselves? Any phone I've unlocked previously could be done after some appropriate web searching. I'm only guessing that ZTE must have something different that can't be done by regular end-users.

        • +6

          Because some people earn more than $2.10 per hour and/or value their time. Yeah, I know - get off ozbargain, LOL.

        • what's two dollars? was sent an unlock code, worked like a charm. there are alternatives on the web, but i couldn't be bothered spending time. as they say time is money!

  • Looking to get this for an elderly relative. Could Whatsapp be installed on this?

    • +1

      Look out for Nokia 208 which looks very similar but does have WhatsApp on it and generally better specs.

      I picked one up at Woolworths last week for $12 but it is locked to Telstra.

      https://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_208-5560.php

      • Is it dual sim and can both SIMs be on 3G standby?
        Ever hopeful….

        Nevermind: http://www.wpxbox.com/review-nokia-208-dual-sim/

        • +1

          It is locked to Telstra, so maybe if both SIMs are Telstra ones it might work. I only put in a single SIM. It also takes an micro SD card.

          I'm not sure how to unlock it. I think Telstra will do it after 6 months…

      • According to one of the comments on your link provided.

        "Please sell your phone as soos as possible, Whatsapp will no longer support nokia S40, symbian S60, blackberry classic , blackberry 10, windows phone 7, IOS 6, android 2.3. You can read this in whatsapp.com"

        Posted on the internetz… must be true

        • It is true, as at Feb 2016.

          2 years ago, the writing was on the wall, and there are still thieves still selling the product as 'new'.

          https://blog.whatsapp.com/10000617/WhatsApp-support-for-mobi…

          Not New old stock
          Not even refurbished
          New!

          Is it even supported?
          How long till there are no updates for this internet enabled device?

          Changes to the data collection routines whatsapp uses require a lot of work to support these old phones, or rely on new features that cannot be added. No point offering a service to people you can't relieve of all their valuable data ;-) or supporting platforms where others are taking the same data (significantly devaluing it)

          The new owner of Nokia has these functions deep inside the silicon, sending all your content and metadata back to the leaders of the glorious republic.

      • Thank you

      • -1

        Thanks for your comment - helped me :)

  • +1

    Officeworks also sell it if you want to ask for a price match, I searched a few different postcodes and most stores say "Limited".

  • +2

    hey dude , good work I got one .. $9 is a winner ..

  • This is an awesome phone. Bought a few last time for my dad who only uses it to make and receive calls. He's dropped it dozens of times and still working with no issues.

    • +9

      He's dropped it dozens of times and still working

      That was normal, until a certain fruit-themed company introduced a glass screen, and others copied.

      • they did it and others copied because consumers couldn't/can't buy enough of them.

      • Plastic screens were and are garbage. Tempered glass screen protector -> I've had no issues. Glass backs on the other hand…

      • +2

        Blackberry?

  • +4

    Note that unlocking is only for telstra resellers (aldi etc), as this phone has only the 850MHz band, not even 1900.

    • p.s. I meant "not even 2100", the common 3G band, of course not 1900 the old 2G band.

    • I wish I had read your comment before I ordered, collected and unlocked it :-(. I now realise that it only has one frequency band which only Telstra uses, so unlocking does not really make a difference.

      • It makes a lot of difference because you can now use an ALDI sim, or any Telstra reseller.
        They are much cheaper for low use.

  • Which network bands does this work for - not much detail on the actual website about it! Would grab one for a relative using Amaysim (Optus) but not sure it will play with that network.

    EDIT: Looking at post above mine, looks like it won't!

  • Wonder if this will work with a Telstra MVNO like Telechoice or Aldi without unlocking.

    P.S: Had problems with those <$5 eBay unlock codes in the past, so I'd like to avoid them if possible.

    • +1

      No, the phone has to be unlocked before it will work with AldiMobile & other Telstra wholesale MVNOs.

      I bought one of these recently from Coles. It cannot be unlocked by the usual Internet unlock code providers, because it does NOT prompt for the entry of an unlock code when you insert a non-Telstra SIM.

      The eBay unlock site the OP mentions above contains a specific disclaimer that applies to this phone:
      "Make sure your phone requests Sim Network Unlock Pin Unlock Pin when you insert non supported sim card so we know it can be unlocked with a code. Device App Models not supported as there is no way to enter the code."

      Some eBay sellers can supply an already unlocked phone for ~$35, if you don't want to pay Telstra's unlocking fees.

      OTOH, it is a great little phone for anyone who does not want a smartphone and who is using Telstra anyway.

      • Thanks, in that case, I'll give it a pass.

      • You can unlock it.

        it does NOT prompt for the entry of an unlock code when you insert a non-Telstra SIM.

        This is true. All you need to do is go through the phone menu, with a Telstra SIM inserted.

      • I recently had one unlocked from Telstra and when a non-Telstra sim was inserted there was no prompt for entry to unlock. I rang Telstra and finally someone gave me a code I had to put in to get the unlock prompt to come up.

      • +2

        I've inserted this info above, but I note that the entire thread it is contained in has been 'collapsed', so I'll insert it here again.

        This phone can be unlocked easily, with a $2.10 code supplied by the Ebay 'seller' alluded to above, as follows:

        Get an unlock code via the Ebay link the OP has included in the post. Make sure that at the time you make the $2.10 payment for the code, you insert a message to the 'seller' containing the phone's 'IMEI' number (which can be found on the box the phone comes in). Without that, they cannot supply you with a code.

        After you have that unlock code, ignore the code-supplier's instructions about inserting a non-supported SIM etc., and actually activate the Telstra SIM the device comes with (this is free, and in fact yields $10 credit). If you don't do this, it is likely you will be 'stuck' on the 'Emergency calls only' screen.

        As though you are making a call, 'dial' (star)983(star)865625# (note that the word 'star' means you should type the star symbol; which I can't actually use here in this post due to a quirk of the OzB posting system).

        Enter your 16-digit unlock code.

        Your phone will now be unlocked.

        • @GnarlyNuckles,

          Thanks very much for the "magic numbers" to enter the unlock code. It worked a treat!

          I didn't even need to activate the $10 Telstra SIM. I just put it in the phone, entered the dial string and the phone prompted for the unlock code.

          Works well with my Aldi SIM now.

          My apologies to everyone for the incorrect info about unlocking in my post above.

        • I tried the exact same stepa. My phone is unlocked and the telstra sim was also activated. Before activating sim, i could see the 'Emergency calls only' message. But after activating, the message was gone. I put in a lebara (@vodafone) sim inside but still cannot dial. (Get a popup for emergency calls only). When i go for network search, i can only see telsrta listed but crossed out. Could i be doing something wrong.

        • @sixsense: looks like the phone has only 850 mhz 3g for telstra or telstra mvno. Cannot work on Optus or Vodafone

    • It won't work with Telstr MVNO before unlocking, it work with Telstra MVNO only after unlocking.

      It won't work with any other network even after unlocking.

      We can unlock this phone physically at Mobile Menia, Toongabbie as we can't get 16 digit code to unlock by IMEI.

    • Why wouldn't it, are there instances where MVNO SIMS don't work in the main carrier network? Is it because of some clever software detection system or simply because they are not compatible, for example a putting an ALDI 4G SIM in a 3G phone?

  • Is this easy to use for a granny?

    I need something where you just press one button when you receive a call. And to make a call, it's not difficult to navigate.

  • Can you use it as 3G modem?

    • Yes you can, via USB.

  • can it be used for hotpsot? is it run on 4g? thanks

    • +1

      3G only. It only supports a single band - 850MHz.
      It can use HSDPA data (up to 7.2Mbps down, 384Kbps up), but not run as a hotspot as it has no WiFi capability. It is very definitely NOT a smartphone.

  • +1

    Take selfies and photos using the F327S pre-paid phone's built-in 0.08MP rear camera with 5x digital zoom.

  • Will it work with an overseas sim? I was planning on taking a non expensive phone overseas so I dont risk loosing a 1000 dollar smart phone.

    • Sounds like you need a pack a screw driver too buddy. With the amount of travelling you do, surely Q could hook you up with something a better.

    • No, you need more bands.

    • PILs are out from the UK, and their 2G Nokia 2610 connected to Vodafone, but wouldn't work.
      Went out and bought a Konka U3 - 850/900/2,100MHz 3G.
      Unlocked, the flip means it's a good size closed. The equivalent to the ZTE is the Konka U9 / Aspera F26 - perfect dumbphone for overseas travel.

  • +1

    Can it display low res bobs?

  • How would this go as a mp3 player when running and backup phone (probably on a different network)? Any alternatives which are small like this (preferably android).

    • +1

      How would this go as a mp3 player when running

      Great as long as you keep your runs short. 43MB free and no SD slot.

  • +3

    Can confirm Officeworks price match less 5% works also $17.10 for 2 phones!

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