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HTC Sensation XE $0 on Vodafone $29 Cap

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HTC Sensation XE $0 on Vodafone $29 CapAffiliate
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Lsyswong on 23/12/2011 - 14:13 shop.vodafone.com.au (2109 clicks)
Last edited 23/12/2011 - 14:14
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Just saw this in store and checked that it also online. Same as last promotion but $0 phone. This makes it the cheapest deal to have this phone. The next cheapest option across 24 months is buy it outright and put a TPG light usage card in it. It works out to be $763.76. This Voda deal will cost $696 across 24 months.

I know there is the argue of Vodaphone crap on services and Signal, and I agree with that too. As for me, I already have a Telstra sim on Friend and Family cap. Just chuck the Voda sim to an old phone and use it to call people on 3 and VODA for free. Just pretend you buy the phone on interest free credit.

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  • nubzy on 23/12/2011 - 14:15

    nice! Have been eyeing this phone and the galaxy s2 for a while now. was going to wait for galaxy s3 to come out but this is tempting.

  • dzhay on 23/12/2011 - 14:29
    +1

    What better way to come out than to buy an HTC phone?

    • bizi on 23/12/2011 - 18:14

      dar, dar.

    • bubblicious on 24/12/2011 - 08:07

      Lol

  • xuqi on 23/12/2011 - 14:29

    Good deal. Very decent phone.

  • scrimshaw on 23/12/2011 - 14:31
    +1

    This looks much better spec wise compared to the SGS2, especially the 540 x 960 pixel resolution.

    Only downside is the very limited user accessible storage — 1GB only.

  • scotty on 23/12/2011 - 14:36

    Hmm. So Samsung Galaxy S II vs. HTC Sensation XE — which one is better? I guess 1GB user accessible storage is pretty much limiting how many apps you can install (especially those that can't be moved to SD). AMOLED vs. S-LCD? What about Mali-400 vs. Adreno 220 — which GPU would be better?

    • scrimshaw on 23/12/2011 - 14:47
      +2

      The Mali 400 is better than the Adreno 220, according to this benchmark

      As for SLCD and AMOLED — both are fairly equal in terms of image quality.
      the former offers a sharper picture plus a more realistic color reproduction, whereas the latter shows off brighter, more vibrant colors. You can read the comparison here but AMOLED seems to be the choice for most because of it's power efficiency and crisper colors.

    • udyz on 23/12/2011 - 15:48

      HTC Sensation XE is not "vodafone's 850MHz" compatible and telstra NextG (acording to GSMarena) on the other hand HTC Sensation XE specs on vodafone says "Network Band
      2G(GSM): 850/900/1800/1900 (EDGE)
      3G(HSDPA): 850/1900/2100"

      • bizi on 23/12/2011 - 18:17

        GSMarena's info is outdated, based on just the -e model rather than the -a model (in this case z715a). Similar oversight happened for the Sensation on gsmarena.
        Vodafone's website and the info cards instore say 'Network Support 3G: 850/1900/2100'.

        This may be a factor for someone wanting to use Optus yesG, otherwise it's fine for both Voda networks, Telstra NextG, three 3G (while it lasts) etc.

    • Third_Gear on 23/12/2011 - 17:09

      I had the S2 for a whopping 5 days and got rid of it. It didn't feel like the awesome phone that everyone was talking about and I was really quite disappointed by it. Possibly for me it was the lack of a notification light which I have grown so used to having. Went back to my HTC Desire.

    • illusionarybreeze on 23/12/2011 - 17:44

      Thank you for asking, scotty. Had the same question on my mind, but was afraid of encouraging any dormant fanbois and having the thread locked

    • ozjaki on 23/12/2011 - 22:28

      SGS2 is a better phone IMO. SGS2's SAMOLED+ vs SLCD is a matter of preference. But once you get used to the AMOLED's blacks (especially at night etc), it's hard to go back to using less contrasty looking SLCD or similar screens.

      Also, have a read of this review. It has a pretty noticeable death grip antenna loss issue it seems. Reception weakens in both WiFi and GSM signal just by placing it on your palm apparently. I didn't read up more about it so not sure if this has been rectified but it does look more like a hardware issue than software. http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_sensation_xe-review-672.php

  • EarthMan on 23/12/2011 - 14:45
    +2

    Don't know about the rest of you, but I hate 24 months plans. I remember how telstra used to have 36 months plans. do they expect phones to last that long..

    • Third_Gear on 23/12/2011 - 17:12

      I used Virgin for a while and they let you out of a contract after 6 months with 0 penalty. Just pay the balance of the phone and away you go. I was always quite happy with their customer service. Not sure if this is the case with them anymore.

    • illusionarybreeze on 23/12/2011 - 17:41

      As much as I hate 24-month plans, my last phone lasted 3 years, and my current phone is bordering on three as well…How often do you change your phone?

      • nubzy on 23/12/2011 - 17:45

        I hate them as well, but I have had my iphone 3g for over 3 years now on the same plan. will upgade soon, just waiting for the right phone.

    • Trance N Dance on 23/12/2011 - 21:41

      Well the ACCC sure do think that phones should last at least 24 months, especially if it's sold with a 24 month contract.
      And if your phone isn't lasting you at least 2 years with normal usage, you may want to reconsider how you handle your phone. My last one lasted 5 years and that's being bashed at the bottom of a school bag being thrown around all day. (Although it was a kinda crappish SE Z550i)

  • ryban3z on 23/12/2011 - 14:47

    damn I just bought the Galaxy S2 because I was comparing it just to the Sensation on vodafone
    Sensation XE wins my vote for the higher clocked processor
    but mostly wins because of the Beats audio headphones for me

    • bizi on 23/12/2011 - 18:20

      Didn't you see that there are many ROMs for the Sensation and most ROMs include the Sensation XE overclock to 1.5GHz dualcore processor speed.

      From the discussions online about the leaked HTC Sense 3.5 / Ice Cream Sandwich test ROM, battery life under ICS will be much better, which is one of the phone's (and maybe the SGS2) weak spots. :)

      • ryban3z on 23/12/2011 - 22:26

        yeah ive never really given flashing a new ROM much thought, are you talking about cyanogen?

        does flashing a new ROM get rid of TouchWiz? i.e. give the phone a pure android experience? sorry i dont know much about it.

        • themrdrewbear on 25/12/2011 - 21:11

          It will, depending on what ROM you flash :)

        • bizi on 08/01/2012 - 10:32

          CM9 (the ICS version) is not yet supported publicly, so you will have to wait until the person developing the Sensation version makes it public.

          There's a lone developer TripNRaVer who hsa made his own ICS ROM. Threads are here:
          http://android.modaco.com/forum/510-htc-sensation-sensation-…

          Regarding Scotty's question earlier, it's a;so worth noting that the Sensation/Senstion XE has a higer-DPI / higher resolution screen.

          I've also read reviews that HTC tweaked the web browser to be very fast.
          Just google Sensation XE vs Samsung Galaxy S2 and compare screen, browser, battery life and the bottom line of the reviews.

          Ultimately it's better for you to 'test drive' both in store and see if you have a preference.

    • illusionarybreeze on 24/12/2011 - 00:04

      From what I've seen on Youtube, the headphones aren't that useful because the mic is fairly low on the cable, as opposed to up near where your mouth is.

  • nubzy on 23/12/2011 - 14:50

    yeah the HTC is a bit more tempting than the GS2 for me. The beats headphones are a great bonus and it has a great camera and fast processor.

  • peter05 on 23/12/2011 - 14:54

    does the vodafone one get 850? it appears the galaxy is quad band 3g but XE only has dual/tri band?

    Also SGs2 has USB on the go, a very big + in my opinion, can just plug in usb sticks (if you have cable) and download files from your friends stick without having to go to computer etc. Also in the past i've found that HTC handsets have a pretty poor battery life, used the desire, desire HD and trophy 7, SG s2 seemed to have fantastic battery life out of the box without flashing roms and doing customisations etc

  • temptingdeals on 23/12/2011 - 15:13

    is this ice-cream-sandwich-upgradable?

    • xuqi on 23/12/2011 - 15:19

      Yes, HTC have already confirmed it.
      http://androidcommunity.com/htc-confirms-ice-cream-sandwich-…

      • Prav on 23/12/2011 - 15:51

        what about the s2?

        • scrimshaw on 23/12/2011 - 15:56

          Q1 2012 confirmed

        • udyz on 23/12/2011 - 23:34

          "Q1 2012 confirmed"

          I wouldn't count on it if ya get the phone from Vodafone and stick to stock ROM (Vodafone).

          Just got(early December)gingerbread 2.3.5 upgrade from Vodafone.

          Seperate topic::
          And I suspect this update messed up the Bluetooth! (phone restarts and heats up till i some how manage to turn off before it restarts again).

  • EnALup on 23/12/2011 - 16:28
    -1

    I hope, Buying SG2 from vodafone was a good decision….
    RAM and AMOLED are the only areas where SG2 wins.

  • syswong on 23/12/2011 - 17:17
    -3

    On one of the GS2 deal, my comment got neg a few times but I still stand by it. SG2 interface sucks big time and so as stock Android. Hands up I am a Sense addict so I would not buy any Androis phone that does not has Sense on it.

    I use to be a tech chaser like many ozbargainers. Fastest CPU, best screen…….you name it. Lately hardware just evolve to a point that hardware does not need any attention anymore. And when I have my Desire 18 months ago. It just shocks me how easy that phone is to use. And like I say in the GS2 thread, I had actually spend half an hour in a T shop road test GS2 and Galaxy Nexus. The interfact is simply years behind HTC and these days that is what I decided which phone to buy. I refuse to spend half an hour learning how to use a phone.

    What some people complain about HTC is true. For example battary not last very long, memory hungary…etc. Thay are all true and these are the trade offs for have an interface with so many comestics and functions.

    One question do you guys think cash back site will work with this offer??

    • EnALup on 23/12/2011 - 17:54
      +2

      I am not sure, but as there is no extra thing going on with this plan like NRMA discount or 100 dollar credit coupon, so I think there is no reason to get cashback.

      But I think it is upto vodafone, if they respect the cashback request. $29 plan for SG2 or XE does not seem to be profitable to them.

      Secondly, I was using Legend earlier. Loved the HTC Sense and few small feature which I loved with HTC. Galaxy looks great. It is quite fast. better screen and Its a bit of interface change as compared to HTC. But I think after some time I will learn features better with SG2.
      For me, both the phones are great. Beats headphones do give a edge to XE over SG2.
      At the end of the day, get whatever u like :)

    • scrimshaw on 23/12/2011 - 18:20
      +1

      The Touchwiz interface is pretty bare in terms of features. In fact even the $128 Acer Liquid had more.

      Although if you don't like it you could always install a 3rd party homescreen replacement from the market.

    • chansthename on 23/12/2011 - 20:16
      +1

      You can always change it. I personally like the touchwiz interface and extra features it brings. All my previous phones have been HTCs (with sense UI as well) I will go back to vanilla for ICS but I am happy to use touchwiz, sense and launcher pro.

    • syswong on 24/12/2011 - 19:46
      +2

      Same thing happen again. Obviously there are so much GS2 lover (or HTC hater) out there who can't take a different opinion. Funny it would be more respectful if these people at lease write something than just a simple neg.

      • blackrider89 on 25/12/2011 - 09:18

        I have been using the Galaxy S1, Galaxy Tab and Galaxy S2. They were/are great but I still think that HTC they make good quality and value products. Tried HTC Evo 3D and it was just excellent. A bit overpriced though.

  • nadan on 23/12/2011 - 17:28

    From the GSMArena link the batter life is just half the GSII. Which is appalling.

  • bizi on 23/12/2011 - 18:26

    For anyone really into music and considering one of these 4.3", ICS-ready smartphones, you might want to try out the XE with the Beats headphones/equaliser - back to back to the standard SGS2.

    The inclusion of the Beats headphones and Beats profiles/equaliser are probably a huge boost compared to standard earbuds. Not as good as $100-500 buds, but an improvement for commuting and exercise music enjoyment.

    I'd love to see someoen review the XE for this kind of music use. Very tempting deal if it's going to be sweetened up to 'Hot for ' 3 customers who might consider switching to VF.

  • Postulative on 23/12/2011 - 18:47

    So you're saying buy the phone with Vodafail for a total of $696, and don't use their service? Why not just buy the phone, for $520+ depending on where you go?

  • masa on 23/12/2011 - 18:51

    +ve for the price-wise. I'm using a Desire HD which used to be a high end model and have been really disappointed with the build quality.. Never gonna buy HTCs…

    • kirynflare on 23/12/2011 - 23:27

      Which part of the build quality are you disappointed with?

      I, too, have a Desire HD which I bought end of last year, and am very very happy with it!

      It's my first expensive smartphone, and I haven't had to use any screen protectors/cases, and there hasn't been a nick or scratch on it yet! (touchwood)

      I've also dropped it a few times on some hard shopping centre carpet, but that hasn't caused anything to fail yet either.

      Software wise, I really like the Sense, and plan on rooting soon to get the latest Sense interface.

      One thing I hate is the battery life! And I do wish there was a front facing camera for taking photos of yourself (with friends of course!) :P

      Back on topic, I'm not a fan of the Beats audio, but if that floats your boat and you need a new phone, IMO, this is a great deal!

      Do note the battery life can be a bit on the bad side, if it is similar to the other HTC phones with 4.3" screen.

  • Geewhizz on 23/12/2011 - 20:02

    It might be worth mentioning that purchasing a $4 data pack is necessary to get this deal and I think that gets 700mb of data.

    • EnALup on 23/12/2011 - 20:03

      no. Same happened for sg2 in stores. but online you can buy without it.

      • Geewhizz on 23/12/2011 - 20:57

        I had a feeling I hadn't seen that condition on the website, but the TV ads are stating it. The ad means nothing, I guess if it's not on the page when you sign up, I guess. :)

    • xuqi on 23/12/2011 - 20:57

      No need for the $4 pack to get the HTC for $29/m

      I did have to ask the seller to check their website.

      • Geewhizz on 24/12/2011 - 08:22

        Interestingly, the TV ad says $29 a month when you buy a $4 data pack. The website now says, "we recommend that you buy ……." - deceptive advertising in the TV ad, by the look of it.

  • xuqi on 23/12/2011 - 20:56

    The SG2 for $33 / month including the extra $700MB($4) data is a better buy, no?

    • kirynflare on 23/12/2011 - 22:05

      It's the same deal for this one? The $4 700 MB pack is available to everyone on Vodafone?

  • pao2x on 23/12/2011 - 23:11

    Now this just confuses me more. Galaxy S2 or Sensation XE. I know all the specs and all, read reviews and comparisons but I'm still on the fence.

    • kirynflare on 23/12/2011 - 23:30

      Samsung vs HTC
      Touchwiz vs Sense
      AMOLED vs S-LCD
      No headphones vs uBeats Headphones
      Okay battery life vs worse battery life

      Really depends on personal preference and needs

    • shawn_low on 23/12/2011 - 23:45

      Go into a store and have a play with both.

      While I like HTCs Sense UI (more polished than Touchwiz), I think the SGS2 is just slimmer and has a better profile. The Super AMOLED is nicer to my eyes too. The Best earbuds are a nice inclusion for the XE but I already have good earbuds.

  • lambsie on 24/12/2011 - 00:12

    Now to cancel my HTC Sensation order from earlier in the week…

  • mi goreng on 24/12/2011 - 00:42

    Borrowed a friends sgs2 after he went iphone and i didnt like it the way i did my htc. been using the original desire for some time and loved it but needed an upgrade, and debated between the gs2 and xe for a while.in the end i pulled the trigger and ordered a sensation xe. arrived after 2 days and i love it.

    gs2 is an awesome phone, but it felt really plasticy and seeing as how badly i thrash my phones, i didnt think it would last a beating.

    from most reviews the seem pretty on par with each other, minus the battery life and differences in screen. either is a great phone… personally i like the xe better.

    Got 2 months free and 20% off each month. Ill put up with voda for now.

    • Xytech on 24/12/2011 - 02:07

      Hey mate, how did you go about getting the two months free and 20% off each month? Would love to know - going to lock one of these in tomorrow! Cheers

      • EnALup on 24/12/2011 - 06:39

        I think, 20% if you add another phone to your existing vodafone no.

        • mi goreng on 24/12/2011 - 06:53

          Try the code save20. Thats what they emailed me. It said that you need to put it on your existing account but it didnt ask for any of those details. The 2 months just popped up at checkout. booyah.

      • Geewhizz on 24/12/2011 - 07:07

        Hey mate, how did you go about getting the two months free and 20% off each month?

        It was an offer that ended a couple of weeks ago - the deal was posted on here, but I can no longer find it

        • Geewhizz on 24/12/2011 - 08:27

          That should have read,

          Hey mate, how did you go about getting the two months free and 20% off each month?

          It was an offer that ended a couple of weeks ago - the deal was posted on here, but I can no longer find it.
          I obviously forgot to insert an extra enter.

          I think, 20% if you add another phone to your existing vodafone no.

          The site states that XE and XL are specifically excluded from this offer.

  • BuyNow Think Later on 30/12/2011 - 10:53

    Is it locked to Voda? How to unlock it to use other networks?

  • iamgeeps on 30/12/2011 - 20:59

    Just got mine today, ordered it Wednesday night. I only just bought an Incredible S about a month ago, but I couldn't resist this for $30/m. This is an awesome phone and a really good deal too. The beats headphones and audio profile are AMAZING!!

  • syswong on 30/12/2011 - 22:25
    +1

    For those who don't mind locking in to a contract, this is a good deal. I actually did further calculation and find that it only cost 31.83 over 24 months if you buy the phone outright + a TPG 9.99 sim. The advantage is you are not lock in to a contract and u can change plans according to your usage. I think the benefit is worth extra 2.83 a month.

  • Player2000 on 20/01/2012 - 17:52

    watch the battery life. I got one and the battery dies in less than 6 hours !

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