Please Help Me Find a Cheap Mobile Phone for a Pensioner

DamonT on 26/08/2018 - 15:05

Hi all, looking for advice even though, yes, I've checked the poll at https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/360953
just still unsure as to what suits here, as some of those may be overkill.

Looking for something ~$150 but can go up or down in price if it's worth it/sufficient.
Previous phone was a Huawei Y550 (dropped and getting quite sluggish)
Prefer 5.5" and a decent battery life, doesn't need to be fantastic resolution.
Lives in metro melb, currently with ALDI, not sure if band 28 is important. It's likely that only google maps would be used if/when in rural areas.
Minimal data usage, mostly via wifi and just some youtube, messaging at that
3.5 headphone jack preferred
NFC not required
Xiaomi/other China droids OK as long as it has google play (not so keen on flashing a new ROM), and can add Nova launcher or similar
Not sure how much RAM/ROM will be sufficient, but doubt it needs to be 4/64

Also - who to go thru? geekbuying/shopmonk/banggood etc? who to avoid?

Note - they have a Sharp Z2 already in the house (bought in an OZB deal for ~$140), and that does the job, but it'd be nice to get a different phone if the option is there.

Thanks for your help!

Mobile Mobile Phone

Comments

  • mickeyjuiceman on 26/08/2018 - 15:14
    +6

    Avoid Shopmonk like the plague unless you hate yourself.

  • 87percent on 26/08/2018 - 15:25
    -1

    iPhone SE? I've seen them go for $200ish second hand

    • DamonT on 26/08/2018 - 16:13
      +1

      Probably should've mentioned I'd like to stick to Android, and looking for a new phone not second hand.

      • ozzpete on 27/08/2018 - 16:11

        Keep an eye out for the coles/woolworths half price phone sales (and sometimes more than 50% off) .
        Be sure to check if network locked and if so, still might be free or cheap to unlock. I have bought several new optus locked phones, then unlocked free, by calling and telling them I have had phone for 6 months(after 6 months and over $80 recharges, they used to unlock for free) . Most network unlocks can be checked online these days.
        Telstra used to be the most strict/expensive with unlock costs.

  • mysterytal on 26/08/2018 - 16:02
    -6

    Why spend such a low amount for a pensioner? It's more likely they would use it just as much if not more than a teenager.

    The Y550 might just need a factory reset to fix the sluggish issues.

    Whatever you decide I would buy locally from an Australian retailer.

    How about a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge? Nice screen size, big battery, reasonable memory and storage.

    • DamonT on 26/08/2018 - 16:17
      +1

      This phone will be used quite sparingly, much less so than the owner of the sharp. Absolutely no point in paying more.
      Also the Y550 has a cracked screen, so time to upgrade.

      • ozzpete on 27/08/2018 - 17:04
        +1

        Be sure to invest couple of $$ for a tempered glass screen protector, and also a case that at very least protects corners of screen (where most impact would be if dropped) . About $3 for each of these items . Saves you expense of screen replacement

  • hawkeye on 26/08/2018 - 16:13
    +2

    9 times out of 10 I'll buy phones and 2 tablets from geekbuying and only once from BG.
    Only because of price.

    After having a xiaomi there is no way I would buy anything with a mediatek in it.

    • DamonT on 26/08/2018 - 16:20

      Thanks, there are just so many…LITB,dresslily,zapals,rosegal. I've bought small things from each but phones are obviously a little different.

    • DamonT on 26/08/2018 - 16:21

      Pretty sure the sharp has a mediatek and that seems to run really well for the minimal use it gets.

    • macrocephalic on 27/08/2018 - 17:33

      What was your problem with the mediatek? My phone has an X10 in it, and the only problem I can think of is that there are much fewer root exploits for it.

      • hawkeye on 27/08/2018 - 21:00

        Dunno everyone i've had is dead + any pdf viewing which I need every day is useless in building plans takes forever to zoom then move over and wait again.
        Last MTK was Oukitel K6000 front camera fail first was a Jayu s3 probabley 2 or 3 between all aren't working but for k6000.
        5 year old Samsung mega I9205 Nubia N2 LeTv 852 and Xioami redmi note 2 still working fine.

        • DonWilson on 27/08/2018 - 21:20
          +2

          I'd say it's more of a brand problem than a SoC problem.

  • hawkeye on 26/08/2018 - 16:41
    +1

    LeTv come with a short USBc to 3.5mm jack adaptor but no SD memory.
    If thats not an issue + android 6 you'd probably get best bang for buck with that brand.

    • DamonT on 26/08/2018 - 19:34

      Cool didn't know that. Will definitely look into it, thanks.

    • DamonT on 27/08/2018 - 07:22

      Had a look, and the specs are decent for the price as you'd said. But can't seem to find any "global version", unless that's not required for letv?

  • PJC on 26/08/2018 - 16:50

    Alcatel A3 currently $79 at Woolworths.

    • DamonT on 26/08/2018 - 19:39

      That looks like 5" and only 1.5 ram. i would assume 2 is minimum, so willing to pay for better specs. Thanks though (I didn't neg btw)

      • PJC on 26/08/2018 - 19:44

        We bought 2 last week at Coles and Settings>Memory confirms Total memory is 1.9Gb.

        • abuch47 on 27/08/2018 - 17:25

          which would be 2GB, 1.9 useable?

        • PJC on 27/08/2018 - 19:15

          @abuch47: I suppose so. We're perfectly happy with them so far.

  • Strahany on 26/08/2018 - 17:21
    -1

    $150 is arguably in the worst budget range for a smart phone. At this price, you're going to get something with poor build quality, which is sluggish to begin with and will only get worse. Someone who has good knowledge of how to use the phone will be able to stay on top of hard resets to prevent significant slow down, as well as understanding when the phone is faulty vs simply performing poorly (as expected). It comes back to the adage that 'poor people can't afford to buy cheap things'; this isn't to say that you're poor, rather that spending around $150 on a new phone will likely lead to repeat purchases that will ultimately exceed the cost of buying a higher quality product initially.

    That all being said, buying a 'dumb phone' would be the better option and there are plenty of local options at your general department stores like BIG W. Otherwise the Nokia 3310 is a great cheap option, whilst the rest of the budget could purchase a GPS (if you want to cover the option of using maps which isn't possible on a 'dumb phone') or a cheap tablet (again, replaces the lost features by not going with a smart phone).

    • DamonT on 26/08/2018 - 19:42

      See below

    • rogerm22 on 27/08/2018 - 10:52
      +3

      My Meizu M2 cost me less than $200, three years ago. The build quality is excellent and it is quite fast. Just because a phone is cheap, does not mean it will be terrible. Xiaomi and Meizu make plenty of excellent quality, cheap phones.

      I would like to get a new phone, as I've had it for three years. But, it is hard to justify spending money on a new phone, when the Meizu works so well.

      • DamonT on 27/08/2018 - 14:11

        Yeah I wondered whether I could take a chance on a brand like Meizu - at least I've seen it pop up here on the OZB deals. What kind of usage does it get, and how is the battery after 3 years?

        • rogerm22 on 27/08/2018 - 15:00
          +2

          After three years usage, I've seen a noticeable drop in battery life lately. I've had issues due to only 16GB of storage space and Meizu removed the option to move apps to a Micro SD card. But, it wouldn't be an issue on a phone with 32GB+ of internal storage.

          The M6 Note, is on sale in two days at Aliexpress.
          https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Meizu-M6-Note-3GB-16GB-Globa…

          It would be an excellent phone for anyone that doesn't need much internal storage. According to reviews, it has one of the best cameras in a budget phone, Also, it has Snapdragon processor and large battery.

        • DamonT on 28/08/2018 - 16:50
          +1

          @rogerm22:
          Thanks heaps, that's pretty much perfect the more I think about it.

  • cockneylondoner on 26/08/2018 - 19:29
    +2

    Suggestion - buy a cheap phone from the likes of Woolworths/Coles which is locked to Telstra, but check that it can be unlocked cheaply before purchasing, unlock it and you have job done.
    I did this earlier this year and have a perfectly good Telstra 4GX 4g ZTE phone using the Aldimobile 'network' and it cost me $51 all in and took less than 24 hours to arrange mainly because I was asleep whilst the unlocking code was being sent to me from the UK.

    If you want a proper case for the phone you're purchasing, buy it from China. I bought two of the ZTE phones and the cases cost around $7 for the two, delivered, and they arrived in around 10 days. The best I could find in Australia was a 'universal' case and these were $25 EACH.

    • NGPriest on 26/08/2018 - 19:51

      Isn't aldi on telstra?

      • cockneylondoner on 26/08/2018 - 19:58

        Yes and No - Aldimobile is only an MVNO on Telstra

      • BobD on 27/08/2018 - 07:48

        and you can use locked to Telstra phones on Aldi without unlocking. Same as you can use locked to Optus phones on Amaysim. No unlocking required.

        • cockneylondoner on 27/08/2018 - 18:28

          I didn't say that you couldn't. Obviously. I had checked to see if the Aldimobile SIM would work before going down the road of unlocking it. There are limitations with MVNO's if you didn't but know.

    • DamonT on 27/08/2018 - 07:26

      Thanks I'll look into that

    • DamonT on 27/08/2018 - 10:30

      I looked into the Telstra ZTEs and they seem to be all low on RAM. I feel like 2Gb would be the minimum here. But that's a decent phone for the price once unlocked. Thanks

      • cockneylondoner on 27/08/2018 - 19:30
        +2

        It's 'horses for courses'. I think that you might be confusing yourself between what you think is suitable and the expectations of the person who will actually be using it.
        Possibly, in reality, the phone will only be used for the odd phone call (probably restricted to 3g), receiving and sending an email, maybe sending the odd photo or SMS and a bit of internet via wi-fi.
        As we get older our expectations, and speeds, do not seem as important as they were and so a RAM with 'lightning speed' may not be necessary if it's not really required. As you know, processor speed is only as good as the service it's connected to.

        As has been suggested below, go and have a look around Woolies and see what's on offer.

        • DamonT on 27/08/2018 - 22:06

          fair call - perhaps I've been biased from the start, expecting to pay $150-200 for a phone similar to what I know or have heard of (Sharp Z2, Xiaomi…) when I could just buy something very basic and they'd be happy. In that case I should probably just target battery life.

        • cockneylondoner on 28/08/2018 - 04:43

          @DamonT:

          Firstly, I'm pleased that you didn't correct me on my mistake about the connection I'd made between RAM and 'lightning speed' which I did try and make a correction too but the site wouldn't give me an edit facility, but no doubt you got the gist of what I was trying to convey. So, many thanks for that.

          As I'm sure you know, the quoted battery life on any phone is really only a guessimation for use under ideal conditions and the number of running apps will quickly make a mockery of any figure.

          Anyway, good luck with your search.

        • DamonT on 28/08/2018 - 15:35

          @cockneylondoner:
          Ha, I'm not that petty.
          As for a battery life search, it would simply be an estimate, looking at battery capacity vs resolution and other specs - but still mostly a guesstimate.

  • DamonT on 26/08/2018 - 19:31

    1 price is not necessarily 150 but certainly not more than 250.
    2 buying a more expensive phone is just not worth it for this person
    3 this person "wants" a smart phone despite not really needing one

    • DamonT on 26/08/2018 - 19:33

      Oops meant to reply to strahany but oh well

      • Kangal on 27/08/2018 - 21:32

        Just a question(s):

        • Does it have to be Brand New, or could it be used? (generally I don't mind a non-scratched used phone)
        • Does it need IP68 waterproofing? (its a must have for me, personally)
        • Can you stretch your budget upto AU$400? (this is usually the price point for "Best Value")
        • Does it need to have good software support (eg iPhone or Pixel) or custom software community (eg ROMs)?

        For example:
        If it doesn't need to be Brand New, but it requires waterproofing and good software support = Used 64GB iPhone 7 Plus (pricey)
        If it doesn't need to be Brand New, requires waterproofing and custom software support = Used Samsung S7+ Exynos ($250 ?)
        If it doesn't need to be Brand New, doesn't require waterproofing, doesn't require good software = heaps of options.

        The more information you provide, the better answers I can find.

        • DamonT on 27/08/2018 - 22:13

          Yeah I don't think they'd appreciate anything other than brand new in a box.
          Phone doesn't need to be waterproof.
          Absolute budget ceiling would be $250, but all the comments seem to point to anything over $150 being total overkill.
          No custom support needed, I don't want to touch the phone besides setting it up for them.
          It seems that Band 28 shouldn't be a requirement in this instance (cockneylondoner made some good points about how it will be used)

        • Kangal on 27/08/2018 - 23:24

          @DamonT:

          Ok, that helps a lot. I've narrowed the search function in to get a list of options:
          https://www.banggood.com/Wholesale-Attribute-Smartphones-c-1…

          https://www.aliexpress.com/af/category/5090301.html?site=glo…

          From a pure specifications perspective, at the minimum you should look for:
          Android 8.0
          Qualcomm Snapdragon 636
          4GB RAM
          32GB eMMC + microSD expansion
          3,000mAh battery
          LCD IPS screen
          5.2inch 16:9 = 5.7inch 18:9
          1920 x 1080p = 2160 x 1080p

          Here's two runner up devices:
          https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Qiku-360-N7-Mobile-Phone-5-9…

          https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Coolpad-Letv-Cool-Charger-S1…

          So far the best phone for your budget (after looking through around ~200 models) I found is this one:
          https://www.banggood.com/Meizu-Pro-6-Plus-Global-Version-5_7…

          It's basically a Chinese version of the Samsung S7, but its brand new. I've used Meizu/FlymeOS and its one of the best OS out there from a User Interface perspective but it doesn't get good software support or community roms. Although this is a pretty good deal, I recommend the Xiaomi Mi A2 (QSD 660/64GB), but its roughly $50 or more, so a little out of your budget at a price of AU$320-$360.

  • mysterytal on 26/08/2018 - 19:41

    How about the Telstra 4GX Premium? It's $149. 5.5 inch. 8 Megapixel camera. 8GB internal storage.

    Sold by Telstra so you'll get local support/warranty etc.

    It'll do the job just fine.

    It includes Band 28 support on Telstra.

    • cockneylondoner on 26/08/2018 - 19:53

      Just because it's a Telstra phone doesn't mean that it'll run an Aldimobile SIM so the phone may have to be unlocked.
      If you've owned the phone for less than 6 months they charge $50, over 6 months it's $25 and I think after 24 months it could be free but as, on average, we are told that most people change their phones after 2.4 years there isn't much point in worrying about that.

    • DamonT on 27/08/2018 - 10:27

      That seemed like a decent local candidate until I saw it only has 1Gb RAM. Maybe an import is best bang for buck - do they really need band 28??

      • mysterytal on 27/08/2018 - 10:52
        +3

        No they don't.

        If wi-fi is used most of the time then voice calls will be made over 3G anyway even if the phone has band 28. Some phones do have Voice over Wi-Fi and will use 4G band 28 to make voice calls but they are much more expensive.

        Band 28 is really just used for higher speed data in more locations. If data is not important then don't worry about it.

        • DamonT on 27/08/2018 - 14:13
          +1

          That's great to know that I'm not limited to Band 28 phones then, thanks!

    • cockneylondoner on 26/08/2018 - 19:56

      The OP has stated that the 'pensioner' is currently with Aldimobile so what's the point in what you're suggesting?

      • Steptoe on 29/08/2018 - 07:41

        $1.05 to unlock, so $20 all in

    • DamonT on 27/08/2018 - 10:22

      Thanks but that's a 5" screen with only 1/8Gb RAM/ROM

  • [Deactivated] on 27/08/2018 - 00:25

    Why not buy any cheao android phone and download the nova app or similar and customise to your or their needs.

    • DamonT on 27/08/2018 - 07:20

      I had been keeping an eye on the Redmi note 4 prices but they don't seem cheap anywhere. Not like the specials ozb had advertised long ago that's for sure.

      • macrocephalic on 27/08/2018 - 17:35

        The note 4 is getting a bit old now. I think the note5 is a decent price now.

        • DamonT on 27/08/2018 - 19:15

          I guess I just wondered whether the note 4 would cut it, but I guess it's an older version of Android that won't get updated.

        • freddofrog42 on 28/08/2018 - 09:58
          +1

          @DamonT:

          We have the Redmi 4 and the Note 4X - whilst they still run Android v7.x both receive regular updates, e.g. my Note 4X has the July 2018 Google security update.

          Neither of us have any issues with the MIUI interface and given that, have never been bothered about installing other ROMs etc. What's there is good enough now. I've been down that track several times with previous phones but increasingly find it's not worth bothering and certainly some apps are really hard to make work with rooted phones now, e.g. Foxtel.

          Frankly, given our experience I find it hard to move past the Xiaomi range, especially for your intended end-user who doesn't care about NFC etc. I'd certainly buy an Xiaomi again and would choose the best specs/price combination available at the time.

          Carriers - I use Lebara (Vodefone) and my partner Amaysim (Optus). Both work fine with Aldi SIMs.

  • HeWhoKnows on 27/08/2018 - 09:13

    Go to supermarkets
    Its nore important to get the right plan then buy the right mobile phone

    • DamonT on 27/08/2018 - 10:12
      +1

      I think the last ALDI $15 recharge lasted 3 months, so def sticking to prepaid!

  • biozet on 27/08/2018 - 14:18

    you should just wait for a while before you rush into anything. how much longer has the old timer got?

    • DamonT on 27/08/2018 - 19:13
      +1

      Haha, nah plenty of life left, but I keep lecturing to cut back on the sugar and salt.

  • Hithere on 27/08/2018 - 15:08
    +1

    Stick with Aldimobile. You may get cheaper with other carriers but you may not get the coverage, especially with Vodafail.

    Your local Post Office often has cheap unlocked phones for sale.

    If it is locked, which doesn't happen very often, use one of the unlocking services on eBay. Usually only costs a couple of dollars.

  • idonotknowwhy on 27/08/2018 - 15:45

    See if you can get an Xperia X1A for $99 and unlock it for $25.
    Once you get it, disable all the bloatware apps, and it's not too sluggish.
    I bought a bunch of them last year for $99. Build quality is great for the price, no crashes, etc on any of them.

  • myusername on 27/08/2018 - 16:01

    go to coles or Woolworths up to the front counter and see what you can get for under $60

  • DonWilson on 27/08/2018 - 16:05
    +1

    Useful site: www.kimovil.com

    I'd be going for a Xiaomi with Global firmware. Either the Redmi S2 or the Mi A1 would be good. The Mi A1 is part of the Android One project ie it uses stock Android like the official Google phones.

    • HeWhoKnows on 27/08/2018 - 21:30

      For an old timer - I dont think so

      • DonWilson on 27/08/2018 - 22:13

        Why not?

        Seems like a natural progression from the Huawei Y550 he is used to and at the low end of OP's budget (up to $250).

        • mickeyjuiceman on 28/08/2018 - 12:39

          Apparently, "old" = "stupid."

          Android One is a fine OS for anyone.

    • DamonT on 27/08/2018 - 22:28

      Thanks that's a great site!

  • kolorijo on 27/08/2018 - 16:40

    Xiaomi Mi A1 (stock android)

  • Mitch889 on 27/08/2018 - 20:06

    May be a little more than you want to spend, but I bought both my mum and future mother-in-law an LG Q6 each, and they’ve been excellent.

    Compact size with a big 18:9 display, good camera and solid battery life. $249 at JB HiFi these days, can probably get it cheaper if you ask or buy something else at the same time.

    The LG skin is ok, I loaded them with Nova (as you mentioned) anyway and they’re working great.

    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/phones/Outright-Mobile-Handsets/lg…

    • brisdaz on 07/12/2018 - 16:55

      It supports LTE cat 7 according to gsm arena which is 100mbs upload. Can anyone with the phone confirm using speedtest.net ?

  • sgtdanny69148 on 27/08/2018 - 20:32

    Konka

  • [Deactivated] on 27/08/2018 - 20:39

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/398867

    Bought two, worth the money, will do the job

  • dimitryp on 28/08/2018 - 09:11
    +1

    i got my grandad (93) a non-smart flip-phone so there's fewest things to break or be confused about :)

    • DamonT on 28/08/2018 - 17:06

      yeah I've previously had to source a phone for a 101yr old! simple is best.

  • pformag on 28/08/2018 - 13:53

    Honor 9 Lite - $212.75 AUD incl shipping and gst

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Global-Rom-Huawei-Honor-9-Li…

  • pformag on 28/08/2018 - 13:55
    +1

    Here is a whole list of Android Phones on sale at Aliexpress atm.

    https://sale.aliexpress.com/__pc/2018BrandsShoppingWeek_Phon…

  • [Deactivated] on 28/08/2018 - 14:59
    +1

    Not sure why you're focussed on a 5.5" - there's only so many of them and there's plenty of 5" phones around.

    I bought the Alcatel A3 but the capacitive screen was stuffed - wouldn't respond properly and seems to be a common fault.

    Also bought the Alcatel U5 - 5" with low specs (1G RAM) but works pretty well for me, seems to have all the bands (including 4G) and is easily unlocked and costs next to nothing. Nice solid feel to it and easy to navigate. Yes the RAM is low but if it's for basic use it's fine.

    • DamonT on 28/08/2018 - 17:05

      What can I say - 5.5" is just that much bigger for older failing eyes, plus next to the Sharp, I'd get grief about it not being big enough, trust me.
      I still maintain that for this usage (most usage), 1Gb RAM is just not enough.

      • [Deactivated] on 28/08/2018 - 17:22

        OK - sounds like they'll need a higher resolution screen anyway…

  • DamonT on 28/08/2018 - 17:02

    Thanks heaps for everyone's help, I think I've settled on the following:
    Meizu M6 Note 3GB 16GB Global Version Mobile Phone 4G LTE Snapdragon 625 Octa Core 5.5" 1920X1080P Dual Rear Camera 4000mAh EU
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Meizu-M6-Note-3GB-16GB-Globa…

    Could've spent much more or much less, and though this is likely still overkill, it seems great value and ticks all boxes.

    • murkywater on 28/08/2018 - 19:15

      Hmm why not the Redmi Note 5 Pro?

      • DamonT on 29/08/2018 - 21:35

        Nah,5.5" is big enough, plus that's most certainly overkill and the extra $ not worth it.

  • Mr W on 29/08/2018 - 10:12

    Umidigi one about $230 less 5% with penny5 code on Ebay. Looks just like the iphone x with a 5.9 inch display. P23 helio processor which beats the mid range Qualcomms and it has band 28. The one pro has twice the storage and NFC if needed for auto payment

    • DamonT on 29/08/2018 - 21:36

      See above, same comment!

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