With the 11/11 sale coming up on Aliexpress I'm trying to decide what to hunt for.
"Must Have" Requirements:
max AUD 400 delivered
Dual SIM
min 6GB RAM, 128GB storage
multi-user support enabled
max 6 months since release date
from a manufacturer who gives at least 3 years security updates
Other Requirements:
as close to pure Android as possible
NFC
Weight <200g
Size no larger than 163mmx75mm
Suggestions?
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/nokia-7-2-ds-with-android…
this one seems to be fit most of your requirements, not sure about multi-user support though, didn't even know it was a thing for phones…….
Thanks. Yes, Android One usually has multi-user enabled. My current Mi-A2 certainly does.
Only problem with the 7.2 is that it is September 2019 release. So only 1 more OS upgrade, to Android 11, and only 22 months of security updates left.
I wish the rumoured 7.3 eventuates some time soon.
"max 6 months since release date"
This makes no sense. Why would that even matter.
I would wipe off DualSIM support as well. This isn't supported on most phones, and the few models that do have them aren't usually anything special. And the 3 year security updates should also be scrubbed off your list. For better updates, either go for an iPhone or learn the Custom Rom scene (yeah, be weary of even Pixel). Also reduce the compulsory RAM requirement down to 4GB. That's enough for flagship devices, having more is nothing but a luxury if you want to do some heavy multitasking (but that's very inefficient on phones).
….Now when modified, that is a workable list.
I would suggest you look at some Redmi, Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, and Oppo phones. See if any of them meets your wants/needs. As you noted, these would do well on the upcoming sale period.
Personally, I would recommend my strategy as extensively outlined here.
6 months max makes sense if you want to use a phone with regular security updates, without bothering with custom ROMs. That gives me 2 1/2 years of worry-free use from a phone.
Dual SIM saves me heaps of time and money. Will never go without again.
What plan are you on? I can run my primary number on a discounted Vodafone SIM on the 365 plan for $10 a year. Second SIM is for all the data I need at minimal cost using throw away SIMs from all the Kogan/Amaysim/Optus deals that keep popping up. If I need Telstra reception for a trip to the bush, $10 and I've got a month of data on a throw-away SIM.
And once international travel is possible again, perfect to have a local SIM in there together with the Aussie one.
@team teri: When travelling, I've always kept my Aussie SIM with my passport and used a local SIM instead. Unless, I happened to have free/unlimited SMS whilst roaming and had heaps of free Wifi spots, in which case I used my Aussie SIM. But never found myself needing both at the same time.
I had DualSIM before, but the hassle became not worth it. Now I just use the $240 Telstra plan, which lasts for 365 days, unlimited calls/sms, best reception, with 240GB of Data on their +4G Network. I found myself never able to finish all the data.
Enthusiast Community (xda) is the best way forwards with software support in the Android ecosystem. It's a hassle, but you only need to do it once as Custom Roms nowadays actually have their own OTA and security updates pushed to you regularly by the team of developers. Otherwise, you can simply root the device, and fix many issues yourself on the Stock Firmware.
…if that hassle is too much, then stick with a Google Pixel (overpriced) or a OnePlus (expensive). If budget is a concern, you can instead get a 1-year old OnePlus (eg OnePlus 7t), or if available a midrange device instead (OnePlus Nord, or Google Pixel 4a). I should note that Samsung has recently committed to a 3-year OS upgrade on their S10/S20/etc etc lineup so that could be an option. A lot of people have been let down by "AndroidOne OS" devices, because the software updates now come from the OEM and NOT directly from Google. So sometimes they can miss updates, be slow with updates, or worse, stop supporting it.
So, yeah, 6-month still doesn't make sense… unless you get a flagship Google/Sony/Samsung/OnePlus devices. Even reputable OEMs routinely drop the ball when supporting the software of their midrange and low-end phones. And if you're going the route of flagships, it may be wise to take my "phone buyers strategy" and look at ex-flagship devices. Don't fall for the fake updates Redmi and Xiaomi rolls out to their cheap phones, their support is actually very questionable. From the Chinese brands, I found Oppo to be the best at after-sales software support, but that's really not saying too much since this is the Android ecosystem we're talking about.
You're better off going for a 2nd hand model
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/576976
Poco X3 NFC will be on sale for ~$300 AUD. Less if you redeem some of the numerous AliExpress discount codes available. AliExpress have also recently allowed paying via PayPal.
Weight and size are beyond your specifications, but it is considered one of the best value phones of 2020 (spiritual successor to the Pocophone F1 from 2018).