Phone Recommendation - Moving from Xiaomi Redmi

Celeriestix on 19/06/2025 - 14:38
Last edited 19/06/2025 - 14:39

Hey there, I've been using a redmi note 10 Pro since Jun 2021. Love the phone, but ever since the Telstra block, I've been forced to use Optus sims and the reception has been shocking since and only getting worse.

I'm looking for a different phone; but from what I can gather Xiaomi phones are a bit random with what works with Telstra and what doesn't. Am I better off just leaving the Xiaomi ecosystem entirely if I want to stay with Telstra sims? If so, are there any recommendations within the sub $400 budget?

I've tried to do some research on my end but it's hard because Australia is a unique case with it's 3g shutdown.

Thanks.

Mobile Mobile Phone

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 19/06/2025 - 14:51
    +3

    Google Pixel 8 was available for $399 but that's probably not going to return again. It was also available at TGG

    Motorolas are a popular budget choice. There's a 50 Neo for $349 and you get a $50 gift card as a bonus. It is a bit smaller than a Redmi Note series though.

  • tsunamisurfer on 19/06/2025 - 14:51

    I loved the Redmi phones, had two of them @ around the sub $300 mark each time.

    I will 'try' to get mid range phones each time and always thought I would go for the Motorola G87 (Ozbargain favourite), but by the time my phone battery packed it in, they were too obsolete for good sales.

    There is a great one currently for Motorola.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/911361

    This is assuming you want to stay Android.

  • BudgetAce on 19/06/2025 - 15:59

    Have been using the Oppo Reno series for many years now on the telstra reseller network aldi mobile. no issues.
    If you want to go more budget, you can look at the Motorola series as many other OzBargainers here have.
    If only Xiaomi would pay some attention to the small market here in Australia. Would be nice to have all their various products and even their EV here.

  • jv on 19/06/2025 - 17:05
    -1

    Phone Recommendation - Moving from Xiaomi Redmi

    T1

  • ATTS on 21/06/2025 - 19:51

    Op just curious what reception isssues you had with optus sim?

    • Celeriestix on 22/06/2025 - 01:49

      I use a Catch connect SIM in Perth. My phone will literally not have signal. At restaurants, on my way to work, you name it. Not a bar. Restart my phone, sometimes it comes back right away, sometimes it doesn't.

      • ATTS on 22/06/2025 - 06:58

        Thanks op

        When you said no bars, did you mean you couldn't make calls or was it no mobile data connection?

        Also was catch the full optus network or was it an mvno?

        • Celeriestix on 22/06/2025 - 14:02

          No signal. No calls, no internet no data nothing. Dead phone. No idea on the network question. I just want to go back to telstra

          • ATTS on 22/06/2025 - 15:09

            @Celeriestix: Damn i just lined up an optus in a few months hope that doesnt happen to me with optus

            Telstra was perfect in the past

            Vodafone had issues, ill see how i go but i might need to go back telstra

            Btw did you just put up with it ? Or got a concurrent plan also?

            • Celeriestix on 22/06/2025 - 15:18

              @ATTS: I only go on 365 day plans. I'm just going to get a new phone and a new telstra 365 one.

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