Handset (Mobile) for Voice Calling and SMS (Does Not Need Data Capability) What Should I Pay Attention to?

tempura on 16/08/2018 - 15:15
Last edited 17/08/2018 - 12:11 by 1 other user

As per the subject, preferably just buy brand new but don't need any data capability.

As long as it can make & receive phone call and make & receive text messages (don't even need MMS), that will do.

Any thoughts?

Oh and need to be unlocked to any Aussie networks.

Merged Forum thread Discussions continue below.

Mobile

Comments

  • poohduck on 16/08/2018 - 16:49

    I pay $10 a month for unlimited calls and text and 1 or 2gb data, which I never use. No trouble, it just works. Optus network, which is now better than telstra in much of Tasmania. Amaysim

  • Dean29 on 16/08/2018 - 16:50

    Do you mean a monthly plan or a handset?

    • tempura on 16/08/2018 - 17:51

      Handset

  • altomic on 16/08/2018 - 17:15
    +1

    Aldi have a 12 month $99 deal starting next week

  • cezasu on 16/08/2018 - 17:34

    I think he is after a new mobile phone..i thought theres some $9 phone posted here a while ago , that might be suitable..

    • tempura on 16/08/2018 - 17:51

      Aaah $9? Can you please let me know? I will look for it too.

  • tempura on 17/08/2018 - 11:20
    Merged from Handset (Mobile) for Voice Calling and SMS (Does Not Need Data Capability) What Should I Pay Attention to?

    I'm looking for a cheap handset for my nephew.

    Just need to be able to:
    * Make and receive phone call.
    * Send and receive SMS (text messages); don't even need MMS.
    * Should be network-unlocked; can use any Australian network carrier (Telstra, Vodafone, Optus).

    What should I focus on? Which band do I need? 2G or 3G? I don't think I need 4G.
    Which frequency should I make sure it supports? 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 ?

    If it matters, budget <= $30.

    Any input is much appreciated. Thank you!

    • dasher86 on 17/08/2018 - 11:23

      2g is dead.

    • dcep on 17/08/2018 - 11:39

      3g has stronger reception & more coverage than 4g

      • tempura on 17/08/2018 - 11:41

        Thanks; should I make sure which frequency the phone supports? Most likely I be choosing either Optus, Voda or Telstra (or perhaps Virgin if there is any such thing as Virgin network carrier).

        • dcep on 17/08/2018 - 11:49

          make sure it has 2100 band as optus/voda use that on 3g

          • tempura on 17/08/2018 - 11:51

            @dcep: cool .. may not go ahead because the unlocking fee is $50 within 6 months of purchase or $25 after 6 months.
            Beat the purpose.

          • tempura on 17/08/2018 - 11:51

            @dcep: Ok 2100 band .. will keep that in mind.

          • dcep on 17/08/2018 - 11:54

            @dcep: @tempura:

            kogan / lebara / TPG

            they are all on vodafone mvno

            no need unlock

          • tempura on 17/08/2018 - 12:01

            @dcep: @phunkydude: OK good! thanks!

    • scrimshaw on 17/08/2018 - 11:44

      I have a Wiki article that I kept updated that talks about mobile networks (bands).
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/buying_a_phone_that_works_…

      However not really relevant if you are buying a phone in Australia. Just go to your local supermarket and get the Nokia special.

      ZTE and Huawei phones are pretty easy to unlock. Go to ebay and enter "Huawei whateveryourmodelis unlock code" and look for sellers with good feedback. Unlock codes are pretty cheap for these two brands, just under $4 AUD.

      I think Vodafone charges $25 from memory (unverified).

      • tempura on 17/08/2018 - 11:45

        This is actually what I am about to do shortly. As advised by phunkydude, Coles seems to be the one.
        Just need to understand how much the unlocking fee be for Vodafone to unlock.
        This gives me flexibility in choosing plan from different providers.

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