Cheaper dual-core Android phone alternatives?

LCheapCoffee on 21/09/2012 - 18:37

I'm sure similar question have been asked number of times but anyway :P

I currently have Sony Ericsson X10i with me at the moment, and I'm looking to buy a new phone soon but don't want to spend too much. (Poor university student…)

So I was thinking of buying a second-hand/imported Android phone with dual-core CPU + 512mb(or above)RAM + External memory. The most obvious choice would be Samsung Galaxy S2, HTC Sensation, LG Optimus 2X, but I was wondering what alternatives there are in the market.

I don't really care about screen size so please feel free to help me out with better phones for value/deals :) or even feel free to suggest me that upgrade isn't worth the money :P (I'll be moving from Virgin $29 plan to cheaper plan in next few months hence the money for upgrade)

Thanks in advance.
Have a wonderful day

Mobile

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 21/09/2012 - 23:07
    +1

    Here's a Sony Xperia Sola for $250
    http://www.mobicity.com.au/sony-xperia-sola.html
    http://www.portagadgets.com/australia/product.php?productid=…

    From what I can tell from the specs, it has

    1ghz dual core
    Mali-400 graphics (same as a Samsung Galaxy S2)
    512mb RAM (half of SGS2)
    3.7 inch screen
    NFC capabilities
    480x854 resolution (higher than SGS2)

    Not bad actually.

  • jasonlah on 22/09/2012 - 00:47

    or if you dont mind only 4GB memory theres the Sony Xperia U for $179 unlocked

    http://www.crazyjohns.com.au/sony-xperia-u/black/

    • nanoronline on 22/09/2012 - 13:11

      I just checked the website, $179 is for prepaid. To unlock the phone within the first 6 months you'll have to pay $100 extra. No mention of the price after 6 months though. And Crazy John's uses Vodafone's network so OP will have to unlock since he uses Virgin.

      • 3v3rqu357 on 23/09/2012 - 07:20

        I've read reports on the relevant whirlpool thread that this is actually unlocked even though the CJ site says this.

  • shakoo on 22/09/2012 - 06:06

    that's not bad for the sola! A little bit more expensive than the current deal for the htc one v at kogan but overall better specs wise

    • scrimshaw on 22/09/2012 - 13:09
      +1

      Don't get the One V — it has a fairly slow CPU.

      • shakoo on 22/09/2012 - 13:44

        Thanks for the heads up! :-)

      • nowlan on 26/09/2012 - 17:59

        What is wrong with the One V, beside single core?

        I am tossing up getting One V or Sola after reading this.
        I am with TPG currently. I read there was an issue with simcard on OneV.
        Fixed by replacement sim.

        Someone mentioned that the xperia U is same spec as Sola. $179 from crazy john.
        But is the Telstra network 850/2100. 2100 is being/has dropped now?
        Means only works with 850 3G. Older 2G still works however??

        My TPG sim card says Soul, which is on Optus network. So uses 900/2100 spectrum.
        Im not sure how this will affect me. There is another model that has 900/2100, but not crazy john.

        I was using an original Iphone 3, which I killed replacing battery.
        I only use phone to make calls, recv sms, and recently check emails.

        HTC has ICS 4, Solar GB 2.3 (updated yet?)

        HTC One V
        Kogan = 219 + 19 delivery.
        Thinkofus = $245 +
        MobiCiti = $249 +

        Sony Sola
        Thinkofus = $270
        MobiCiti = $249 +
        PortaGadget= $245 +

        Is the Xperia U from CJ no good for me? Tpg on Soul/optus networks.
        http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1893284

        ST25i Xperia U:
        UMTS HSPA 900 (Band VIII), 2100 (Band I)
        GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

        ST25a: <— crazyjohn model
        UMTS HSPA 850 (Band V), 1900 (Band II), 2100 (Band I) <- Telstra.
        GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900

        • scrimshaw on 26/09/2012 - 18:32

          The One V is a decent phone but it's biggest drawback is the weak and slightly underperforming processor. Not a big deal if you aren't gaming or don't expect the best fluidity / responsiveness out of the UI. One other drawback is the lack of an e-Compass (it cannot tell which way you're facing if the device is not moving)

          In short if you want an overall better phone get the Sola. The Xperia U has no MicroSD expandability so you will only have 4 gigabytes of storage. That's not a lot.

          As for 3G network compatibility you're going to want a 900mhz Yes G compatible so buy from the correct retailer.

        • nowlan on 26/09/2012 - 18:37

          Appreciate your input.

          I was originally thinking one v.

          This thread got me looking at the 2 sony.
          The cheaper xperia U might make more sense to me.

          I already have a Galaxy Tab which I never use.
          I have no need/understanding of Androids.

  • nanoronline on 22/09/2012 - 07:15

    If you don't mind paying just under $100 more than the Sola, what about getting a Galaxy Nexus from Kogan?

    It's on Android 4.1.1 now and will at least still be upgraded to the next major Android version mid next year (like what happened to Nexus S this year) so there's at least 2 more years of support until if Google decides that the next major version after that will not be supported by the Galaxy Nexus.

    On top of the software, the hardware includes 1GB RAM, 16GB storage, fast decent 5 mega pixel camera, 1.2 GHz TI dual core processor, and a 720p (1280x720) screen that makes watching HD YouTube videos very enjoyable. Though the GPU is not as strong in benchmarks as the Mali in S2, it still runs a lot of games without any problems.

    • nanoronline on 22/09/2012 - 07:22

      Oh and the screen is 4.65". Not very big in real life actually because a small part of the screen is for the on screen buttons and it's just a tiny bit longer than a S2, not wider so it fits in the hand nicely and one handed operation can be done with ease.

  • sane on 22/09/2012 - 08:15

    Wait a short while and the Huawei G330 will be out, the dual core update of the G300 - which has been being sold in the shops for $150-169.

    http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_ascend_g330-4966.php

  • zelda707 on 22/09/2012 - 11:43

    I would recommend the Sony Xperia U or Xperia P if you have a tight budget

  • shakoo on 22/09/2012 - 13:59

    http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=4408&idPhone2=…

    Comparing the sola vs xperia u, aside from the U being 0.2 inches shorter and not having a memory card slot they're pretty much the same specs…

  • CheapCoffee on 22/09/2012 - 19:54
    +1

    Thanks for your suggestions :)

    Expandable memory is kinda important so I might wait for Huawei G330 and sola looks like a great candidate too.

  • batrarobin on 24/09/2012 - 18:45

    Which website is likely to have the new upcoming mobile Huawei G330 when it is released ?

  • robotdad on 30/09/2012 - 19:56

    Anyone end up getting the Sony Experia SOLA? How do you like it? The reviews are mixed with respect to call quality/earpiece volume, camera, screen colour banding/brightness and typing.

    • shakoo on 30/09/2012 - 20:28

      I ended up buying one yesterday from Topbuy as it was cheaper and I had points to use from previous purchases. It's replacing the missus' htc legend so her feedback may be a bit skewed…

  • avgbowlofpho on 10/06/2016 - 20:24
    +1

    Beats me.

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