Sub- $300 Smartphone Recommendations?

OzBarAnon on 29/05/2019 - 21:04

I've been using a Galaxy S5 for the past year and a half, but a hardware issue has recently rendered it nigh unusable. So, I'm looking for a replacement (doesn't have to be current gen) preferably under $300 (I can go a few dollars higher, but not much).

Was pretty happy with the S5, but the camera was a bit disappointing (general picture quality and lack of audio sensitivity adjustment when filming). Other than that, my only requirements are Android OS, a 3.5mm jack, removable battery (for older gen phone as they decay over time), and an SD card slot.

Was eyeing getting an S7 Active, but not sure how prevalent the pink-line problem is. Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

Mobile Mobile Phone

Comments

  • mooney on 29/05/2019 - 21:52

    There is an offer on Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 on OzBargain at moment for $297 AUD- if you do a search for it its the one listed for $314 but the price has dropped.

    Xiaomi make excellent phones.

    • OzBarAnon on 29/05/2019 - 22:00

      Following the whole Huawei security thing, are any of the other Chinese brands in any danger of losing Android updates? I don't follow this stuff closely enough

      • mooney on 30/05/2019 - 13:55

        Only ZTE ever seemed to be discussed… everything else i think you are bullet proof

  • oscargamer on 29/05/2019 - 22:10

    Moto g5 plus

  • Cluster on 29/05/2019 - 23:50

    I had a Samsung S5 until it began to run slowly and the battery life was appalling. Changing the battery didn't help, so I purchased a new old-stock S7 off eBay for less than $300. 18 months later it's still going great.

  • Kangal on 30/05/2019 - 01:17

    Sounds like you require a phone with good durability AND useful features.

    I got this impression by your choice of devices…. the Samsung S6 Active, S7 Active, and S8 Active, are great phones… but limited to 1 country (USA), to 1 carrier (AT&T), to a limited time. They're not quite worth the trouble of importing it here in Australia.

    If you're looking for a durable phone, you won't find it in 2016 and beyond.
    You will need to buy a fragile phone (glass sandwich) and use a bulky case to get up to that level of durability. And with these new and pointless Aspect Ratio's, now we're talking about physically larger phones, despite having smaller screens. However, now you're getting IP68 water resistance protection, compared to the likes of the primitive IP65/IP54 protection of the past, and very little protection in devices like the LG V20 and the Samsung Note4-Exynos.

    On top of this, phone's have been losing headphone jacks, microSD slots, and even OIS as well, since 2016. This makes your task of finding your phone harder.

    This effectively kills all midrange devices off your list. Your only option is going to be an ex-flagship. And for that reason, I would suggest to get something that has some Custom Roms, so that the device may be kept upto date. The best option for you, in this budget, is probably a Used Samsung S8 Plus-Exynos with a Rugged Case and Plastic screen Protector, and then flash a (ResurrectionRemix) Custom Rom on it. Now, it should be faster than all the midrange devices (QSD 636 <-> QSD 730), but it should also have a better screen, better camera, better quality, better accessories, and better features too.

    • OzBarAnon on 30/05/2019 - 10:26

      Only said Active as I saw them online for cheaper than a regular S7 (not sure about the pains of making them work properly here). A regular S7 would be fine with a case seeing as their glass body is notoriously easy to break.

      Just had a quick look on eBay, but haven't been able to find a used (but undamaged) S8 plus for under $300 other than auctions (so they might end up higher anyway). I'll keep an eye on it though

  • dcep on 30/05/2019 - 15:13

    removable battery

    no more

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