Cheap New Android Phone under $300.

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  scrimshaw on 19/01/2011 - 23:10

  +1

  I'd pick the LG Optimus One.
  If you can still find the Garmin Asus A50, that is also a good buy for $199 (Optus Prepaid, but is actually unlocked)

  The Xperia X10 mini isn't bad hardware wise, but no Froyo update = wasted potential.

  HTC Wildfire is poor value, for a $300+ phone you would expect something better than a 320x240 display.

  • 

    EnALup on 19/01/2011 - 23:20

    Thanks for the suggestions Scrimshaw. Garmin one is not available, I suppose now. I remember your views on getting a samsung one from eBay. But that was on imported phone, I suppose. Are they also any good?

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    ESEMCE on 20/01/2011 - 09:07

    +2

    First big question is What Network?
    Assuiming you're not looking at Telstra, the best phone on that list is the Optimus One
    note that there's a MASSIVE difference between LG Optimus = SHIT PHONE Vs LG Optimus One = GOOD PHONE
    As scrimshaw says, the A50 should also be a consideration, but you'll be lucky to find one now.

    Of the rest of your list, you may as well go for the Ideos (Huawei 8150). It has the same basic features as the rest for a cheaper price
    .
    .
    If you're on Telstra though.. I think the Wildfire or the Samsung Galaxy 5 (that's "five" not "ess") are your best/only cheap options for Next G support.

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  johnn on 20/01/2011 - 00:58

  Out of those options I'd definitely go with the LG Optimus One. Froyo from the box with a guaranteed Gingerbread update:
  http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_optimus_one_will_get_updated_to_g…

  Also you can get it for $279 outright from Crazy Johns, and I can confirm that the phone definitely comes unlocked

  • 

    EnALup on 20/01/2011 - 03:51

    $279 is a good price. Are all crazy john phones unlocked. How to check that.

    • 

      johnn on 20/01/2011 - 10:41

      No just the Optimus One. Was reading the whirlpool forums and can't remember if they mentioned why it was unlocked, but I went to the store and they confirmed that it's only bundled with the Crazy Johns sim but not locked to their network

      • 

        EnALup on 20/01/2011 - 21:48

        Is it fine to buy it online from their site?

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  johnn on 20/01/2011 - 22:46

  Is it fine to buy it online from their site?

  I'm not sure on this but I think they would use the same stock as their in-store stock which is certainly unlocked. Don't take my word on this though =/

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  adriang on 21/01/2011 - 10:25

  +1

  Optimus One.. I had the A50, and it had problems. Took it back to Dick Smith and got a refund. Think I had a lemon, as I've read good reviews about them, but I've also read the Garmin-Asus partnership is ending, so who knows what future support will be like. Got the Optimus One from Crazy Johns, and for the additional $79, it's such a better phone. It is unlocked, and does not have any Optus or Crazy Johns crap installed. I did upgrade the Android version which was simple enough, and it's very stable and does all I want. If you get one, look at the LG Android store, some applications are free there, which you have to pay for in the 'generic' Android store.

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  Richardlwf89 on 21/01/2011 - 16:36

  +1

  I just bought the LG Optimus One today at Crazy Johns in store. Confirmed it is Unlocked on the whole range of Optimus One's. Great phone!

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  EnALup on 26/01/2011 - 02:21

  Thanks everyone for the suggestions. LG Optimus is the final one now :)

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  sheenzy on 26/01/2011 - 12:53

  Rickas just wondering which store you went to as I have tried few stores in NSW and they are selling it for 279 but its not unlocked..

  If any one has any information/deal please let me know - where I can get LG Optimus one cheap

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    EnALup on 28/01/2011 - 09:21

    Try calling the crazy johns stores near you and they can confirm. BTW, they all are unlocked, confirmed by their staff.