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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Trirod on November 08, 2014, 11:09:09 AM

Title: What used Android phone to buy?
Post by: Trirod on November 08, 2014, 11:09:09 AM
I am finally going to replace my old phone that I have had with Virgin Mobile for 4 years since it uses an older operating system which is no longer compatible with a number of apps I use.  I am thinking of going to Cricket, but haven't totally decided about that.  I do like Apple products but it seems like the iPhones are kind of overpriced so I figured I would do better with an Android.

Here's what I'm looking for

  - around $100 or less
  - decent camera
  - 4G capability (preferably)
  - mainly used for email, maps, light web browsing

There are so many Android phones out there, I am looking for some recommendations  to narrow down the choices a bit.

One other question - I would like to be able to insert a local SIM card when I visit my family in the UK.  Do I need to buy an unlocked phone, or is it easy to unlock a locked phone?
Title: Re: What used Android phone to buy?
Post by: Gimesalot on November 08, 2014, 05:48:13 PM
Since you need it to work in the UK, you first need to make sure that you know what bands they use there. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM_frequency_bands

Then you can narrow down your phone choices.  You will need to buy an unlocked phone to be able to switch the sim card and use it.  I have found that it makes more sense to have two cell phones since nice daily use, unlocked phones are expensive, $150+.

I bought a sprint Samsung Galaxy S3 to use on Ting and I really like it.  Mine was $50 on ebay with a cracked screen.  I paid $10 for a new piece of glass changed it myself, and I could sell it for $100 right now.
Title: Re: What used Android phone to buy?
Post by: Less on November 09, 2014, 01:56:21 PM
I also have a repaired S3. I went through lots of potential options, and this was the right balance for me. If you are at all technical, buying a damaged but working one and replacing parts is a good way to go. Most people just can't be bothered.
Title: Re: What used Android phone to buy?
Post by: daverobev on November 09, 2014, 04:16:42 PM
Any GSM phone will work in the UK.

The only thing is the camera, right? Pretty much any current phone will work, that aside.

Target have a ZTE Zinger on for $10 at the moment. Best Buy have an LG something or other for $40 which is really good.

Alternatively, have you looked into Windows Phone? There is a Blu Jr which has two SIM slots.. $90 I think they are.

Here's *cheap* phones: http://www.reddit.com/r/perktv/comments/2lqnf6/cheapest_devices_of_the_week_11092014/ but I know NOTHING about using them abroad.
Title: Re: What used Android phone to buy?
Post by: StangStache on November 09, 2014, 07:24:18 PM
I would highly recommend one of the Galaxy phones second hand.  With the S5 out now, you can get an S3 or even an S4 for a great price, and we all know what these phones are capable of.   They will satisfy your UK needs too.

I recently switched to Cricket and couldn't be happier.  I'm fairly familiar with them and am happy to answer any questions you might have.  If you choose to go this route and want a referral for their $25 credit, shoot me a PM and I'll be happy to send it to you.
Title: Re: What used Android phone to buy?
Post by: alsoknownasDean on November 10, 2014, 02:32:08 AM
Either an older-high end phone (Samsung S3, HTC One X, even an iPhone 4S), or a newer budget unit.

Perhaps an older Nexus 4? Not sure on their cameras, and they're 3G only.
Title: Re: What used Android phone to buy?
Post by: Cromacster on November 10, 2014, 05:34:12 AM
Either an older-high end phone (Samsung S3, HTC One X, even an iPhone 4S), or a newer budget unit.

Perhaps an older Nexus 4? Not sure on their cameras, and they're 3G only.

The N4 has a decent enough camera.  It's 3G only, but honestly I haven't noticed a difference when I switched from a 4G phone.  The only way I might be hesitant is if the phone was my only source of internet.

The advantage of the N4 is that it is still being supported by google/LG.  It is set to be among the first devices to receive the latest version of Android.  Not that this is a huge issue, but it's still nice to receive bug fixes etc. 
Title: Re: What used Android phone to buy?
Post by: thd7t on November 10, 2014, 06:51:23 AM
Motorola Moto G.  If you need CMDA, get the previous generation.  If you need GSM, either generation.  It's a good phone and a great deal.