In official words:
"Dust, water and scratch resistant, the Motorola DEFY+ is life proof. It lets you enjoy all a smartphone has to offer while helping to protect you from some of life's little challenges, like a spilt drink or dropping your phone in the sand"
Was looking for some Prepaid bargains (in time for Christmas) and came across this. Seems like a good rugged smartphone; May have to get it unlocked to use with other networks!
Comes with a Telstra Sim + $10 credit
Isn't Optus now licensed to operate on 2100 (single freq) in metro and major rural centers? Or will it just be crap service in these areas? Happy to be corrected if do not fully understand how the 3G network works :)
Info from Whirlpool: http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/mobile_phone_frequencies
All the metro towers are gaining 900 over 2100, which works much better when not near the tower. In the suburbs the difference between 2100 only and 2100/900 can be a huge difference.
Both my wife an I have 850/2100 phones on the Optus network (TPG) and are both starting to have quite a few issues with text messages not being sent and no network . Mostly just at home and the issues seem to disappear a few blocks from home . FYI we are in Perth .
Otherwise I'd be all over this deal .
Chances are the local tower has activated refarming of 900, so you get better 3G (if you have UMTS 900 on your phone) but worse 2G. This happened to me a few months back, but made things much better as my phone is 900/2100 (imported defy+).
Note that if you root the phone, it is possible to change the baseband that the Defy uses. I have to do this every time I change the ROM on my original Defy.
Like the phone, so have bought the + - will give the original one to my daughter.
The 850/2100 limitation is based on hardware.
I use an 850/2100 Phone on an optus network, 3g works fine (sure maybe if I went out into the sticks I might not have 3g)
Woah this is interesting. I have the LG optimus black (p970) and I get hopeless reception. It always seems to be dropping out at random even in the CBD. Usually if I turn flight mode on and then off again, the connection is restored and it works for a while. Is that a phone/software thing or is it because I'm using a phone that is GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (according to LG australia) on the optus network?
Thanks heaps :)
Is it unlocked?
Deal says locked. Also, it is telstra, so what would you expect?
Use it with the $30 telstra prepaid kits when they are on special for $10 at coles/wollies/etc
They seem to have the special frequently
A new number every month? Yeah that sounds like a great idea.
Looks good to me!
even as a cheap spare phone this is good, might get it as my snow/camping/boating phone
Great deal, but I'm STILL trying to unlock the Samsung Galaxy 5 (Telstra) from 2 months ago.
Rodzy, it's pretty straightforward & free to do DIY.
Visit http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1335548 for instructions.
First root the phone using Superoneclick.
I then used method 1 to extract the bm15 to the sd card, using.
Then you need a hex editor to find the unlock code (use XVI32 Hex editor as they suggest).
Take the SIM out, boot the phone & it'll ask for the code. Done
XDA, just so good :D
I have this phone as a spare phone, it's a great phone. If you can write a special edition android, you can record the phone call(dual way) for some special purpose.
Yep "call recorder" app is great but only seems to work with custom roms . I use it with MIUI rom on my desire .
Dont think you need a custom rom, but you do need to root. Also, this should be the same for all android phones.
quick research shows no easy way to unlock, at least not free
Is this online only or can you get it instore?
Seems to be an online only promotion; but they do offer Free Delivery I guess
That's right guys, our online warehouse just got the stock in so it's available Online at the moment.
Is this always going to be $99 or is this just a launch special?
Thanks dealhunter999, you beat us to it!
So Telstra rep, is there any easy way to unlock this phone for all those interested ozbargainers out there? Thanks
Hello JetLi and other interested OzBargain members, while we of course are very proud of our network and coverage we understand you may want this device unlocked.
We've got a brilliant Crowd Support forum, and while I personally don't know the answer to this question it appears someone has already asked here:
http://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/Prepaid-Mobiles/Motoro…
You may want to follow that for answers. Hope that helps!
Judging by your response, I have a feeling you are indirectly saying…"No chance in hell" thanks anyway.
We've got a brilliant Crowd Support forum
To be bluntly honest with you guys, I think Telstra is a bit delusional
Judging by your response, I have a feeling you are indirectly saying…"No chance in hell" thanks anyway.
You're right - there's "no chance in hell" Telstra is going to tell you of a cheaper way to unlock it other than through them.
Any chance of including a $30 prepaid pack with them
because network towers are free to build, and organisations don't do business to make a profit - your username suits
Which plan are you referring to? Is it an excess charge or a "pay as you go" plan? If it is indeed an excess data fee, I'd be inclined to join you in whipping up a fuss over it.
Comparing 3G and 4G wireless network usage to a basic ADSL plan just made your point null and void.
Most new phones (Android 4.0 anyway) have the ability to set a data limit, just go into Settings > Data Usage > Mobile > Set mobile data limit. Too bad I only discovered this after a massive excess data usage fee from my ex mobile provider!
not all phones have the ability to do this. i shouldn't have to limit my choice of hardware just because i want to avoid getting ripped off in data usage. yes, home data is not comparable to mobile data, yes i agree they have the right to charge more, but not 100x more. it's beyond ridiculous. all those negging obviously haven't a clue.
i find that if you stop replying you wont incur the wrath of the OB neg army further, people have one tracked mind here and if you simply disagree with the hive mind you get negged to hell and back.
I'm on Telstra PrePaid and I pay $25 per Mb (not a mistype) for data on a very old plan.
why not switch to other pans?
Because it's a hang over from the days when you could get two weeks extension on your credit expiry date by Creditme2U transfers of $1 so I had expiry extended to 5 years or so with about $150 credit. I never call anyone and rarely sms. Just want it for receiving. I also get 5 cents per mintue when people call me so I actually make money on the plan - as long as I don't use data.
Hello insular,
Thanks for the opportunity, as we've developed some great apps for users to track their data usage and in some cases it's cheaper for customers to upgrade their plans to avoid bill shock!
Check out our apps here:
https://telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/apps/
Have a great weekend!
Whoa it is also water and dust resistant, which is very handy for a phone of this class.
Australian Passport or Driver's License required! What if we don't have any of those??
Then you must be a terrorist
You also cannot use a overseas credit card, i must be a terrorist too, even though i use that same card to pay my telstra post paid contract every month lol.
or a shockingly bad driver. or drive like you play GTA
nvm(double post)
Just to let you know these little secrets:
1. Not all humans in Australia are Australian, many of us are permanent residents from overseas or international students, hence not all in possession of Australian Passport.
2. Some of us eg international students are allowed to use our foreign driver's license to drive.
3. Many of us (including Australians) can't drive or choose not to drive.
Shh.. don't tell anyone.. not many people know about this ;)
Re 2.
Isn't that only for 3 months though? After 3 months I was fairly sure you have to either transfer your licence, or take a test.
in SA as long as you're a student you can use your foreign license but for permanent residents you must have the state issued license
may be students?
Hello skayper,
We are implementing an International Passport ID in our Prepaid shop now - this option should roll out in our website release later this week. Hopefully this helps in your given situation.
Thanks for your patience!
Thanks, but until now, I still don't see that option Rep
"this option should roll out in our website release later this week"
Telstra on 24/10/2012 - 13:24
this option should roll out in our website release later this week
This week is already a different week.. not "this week" anymore. Get it?
The option is still not there. Am I missing something?
Only deal to telstra users unless unlocked.
Any unlock guide on this phone?
What if I buy the phone and the "Defy+ random reboot bug" occurs? Is there a refund possibility for this? It makes the phone unusable.
Is it ICS/JB compatible?
Only after rooting with third party OS.
I'd root a third party.
sounds delicious :D
any one know what is the max video resolution this phone can record at?
640x480. I just checked.
Oh No. what is this, 1995?
640x480? Even my old Acer Liquid is better.
It said 854 x 480 here, rep can you confirm?
You're mixing up the video camera with the resolution.
You mean here is mixing up, right?
DISPLAY Type TFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size 480 x 854 pixels, 3.7 inches (~265 ppi pixel density)
Screen resolution != camera resolution
I think I read that the non-stock roms got 720p working. Haven't tried it myself (I don't really care).
Hubby has this phone, and after 3 or 4 attempts to buy unlock codes elsewhere paid telstra $100 to unlock it . Anyone who is tempted to get it unlocked to use on Optus, consider yourself warned - it was as good as useless when it came to downloading data via Woolies mobile, so he's gone back to using it on Telstra
just tried to place an order (good spare phone)
Order failed
Chatted to a rep - told me the online store has an outage atm with no ETA of fix
just tried to place an order (good spare phone)
Order failed
lol I must have just managed to scrape it in after I posted and before you tried- figured at this price we'd get another one for a spare
Seems that you CAN soft unlock this phone by flashing on CM7/CM10 and then doing some more stuff.
would these phones make good mp3 players for kids ?
would these phones make good mp3 players for kids ?
It would probably need to have a sim card in it. I don't know if it's still the case, but telstra used to enable the sending of text messages from a prepaid account with zero balance, and kids being kids ….. you're responsible for any charges incurred in this way, so proceed with caution. It's in their T&C's by the way, so there's no pleading ingnorance.
No, just pay an extra $59 and get an 8gb Ipod Touch from officeworks, your kid will thank you for it.
thanks for that
Yeah Raven2000 - does it involve a hammer at some point?
Anyone know if I can use this with Lyca Mobile prepaid sims? They use Telstra network. Thanks.
I'd assume it's like using a Optus phone with TPG, nope.
There is some discussion on XDA developers forum about softunlocking…
this might be useful…
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1483297&pag…
Thanks
Had a quick look and the basebase change requirement makes this only for the super keen. It may be possible though through this method to turn it into a 900/2100 phone. YMMV.
Says Defy not Defy+, but might work.
"Telstra Pre-Paid mobiles are network locked and programmed to operate only on the Telstra network. To unlock your mobile phone from the Telstra network, just call 125 88 80 from a phone other than your mobile. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest Telstra store. There is a fee for this service."
Any idea on the fee?
Also, after unlock will this work with overseas networks? I want to give this to my mom who lives overseas half the year.
It usually depends on the phone, and they don't list this because Telstra hate you. Expect around $100.
As for overseas use, 2G will work just fine, 3G will be fine in some countries not in other. The US is a basket case, so don't expect anything to work there.
Any idea on the fee?
It cost us around $100 earlier in the year.
I got this 90 mins after placed the order "We’re currently out of stock of the item you’re after. An order has been placed and more stock should arrive at our warehouse shortly."
I got the same exact message and I placed my order within half an hour of OP posting this deal
yeah i got this email too :(
But it's still for sale now. Pre-order? Not mentioned anywhere.
Hmmm, waiting for rep to explain!
Hello everyone, sorry about that we've had to do some back-end processing and should be in stock. So we're fulfilling the orders in accordance with our given timings. Thanks for your patience!
Thanks for replying rep. So can I just confirm that we should disregard the email we received and that you do have stock as of today to fill orders that have already been placed?
update: got an email lunch time saying my order has been shipped!
This is a great deal, I have this phone and like it. Note that this will be UMTS 850/2100, so no good on the optus network even if unlocked.