Any recommendation for a sub €200 phone?

Zascar

Girlfriend lost her HTC One M7 - loved it and wants something similar. I can get get another used one for €200 - but wondering what else I can get new online that might be as good or better. Are there any well known decent mid range android phones with good cameras for this money? Chinese ones etc?

Mantis Toboggan

Zascar wrote: »

Girlfriend lost her HTC One M7 - loved it and wants something similar. I can get get another used one for €200 - but wondering what else I can get new online that might be as good or better. Are there any well known decent mid range android phones with good cameras for this money? Chinese ones etc?

Right I'm going to say it before someone else says it. Then you can close the thread.

Vodafone smart prime ultra 6.

170 euros 5 euro to unlock it.

You're welcome.

Zascar

Thanks I did not know about that, looks great. The only thing is it might be too big for her, she thinks my OnePlus is to big.
Is there any alternative thats not quite as big?

Mantis Toboggan

Zascar wrote: »

Thanks I did not know about that, looks great. The only thing is it might be too big for her, she thinks my OnePlus is to big.
Is there any alternative thats not quite as big?

Zascar, just convince her that bigger is better! Sure the new iPhone is even bigger. Can't help you with anything smaller worth getting!

Zascar

Good point!

One question, when you say €5 to unlock - how is this done?

CantGetNoSleep

My gf thought my OnePlus looked ridiculous when I got it first, then used it for two days and bought one.

The 5.5" screen takes some getting used to in terms of typing and two hand use etc, and it doesn't fit in some of my pockets, but I think I would never use a smaller phone again. It is my favourite phone to type on since my BlackBerry Bold.

DopeTech

You get used to the screen size after about a day. Same as above, I don't think I'll buy a smaller phone again.

DopeTech

Zascar wrote: »

Good point!

One question, when you say €5 to unlock - how is this done?

By code, you can get them from eBay. Check the ba thread post #1 for the link.

RossieMan

Have a look at some of the Chinese options. 5.5 inch is very big for some people, doesn't suit everyone, as with the smart prime which I personally wouldn't have. Some great sub 200 phones if you don't mind a Chinese brand.

Mantis Toboggan

Zascar wrote: »

Good point!

One question, when you say €5 to unlock - how is this done?

Ebay! It's handy dandy

Zascar

RossieMan wrote: »

Have a look at some of the Chinese options. 5.5 inch is very big for some people, doesn't suit everyone, as with the smart prime which I personally wouldn't have. Some great sub 200 phones if you don't mind a Chinese brand.

Any name recommendations? I've no idea whats good...

mickmackmcgoo

Try Huawei Y625. 5 inch screen 8 mp camera and expandable memory ,reduced to 80 euro in Tesco from 130 . Great value

Mantis Toboggan

I'd avoid China tbh, you can be be hit with customs, it can take weeks to arrive, maybe counterfeit, and if it doesn't work when it arrives... Well good luck with that.

DopeTech

Dennis Reynolds wrote: »

I'd avoid China tbh, you can be be hit with customs, it can take weeks to arrive, maybe counterfeit, and if it doesn't work when it arrives... Well good luck with that.

Yeah why bother with all that hassle when you can get something like the su6 that won't break the bank.

Dennis Reynolds

Dennis Reynolds wrote:

I'd avoid China tbh, you can be be hit with customs, it can take weeks to arrive, maybe counterfeit, and if it doesn't work when it arrives... Well good luck with that.

FrostyJim wrote: »

Yeah why bother with all that hassle when you can get something like the su6 that won't break the bank.

Because you can get better spec'd phones for the same price shipped from their EU warehouses with no customs in the same time.

Not saying the Ultra 6 is the wrong choice. There are reasons to choose it over some Chinese alternatives (updates, returns policy etc.) but those mentioned aren't the ones in my book.

RossieMan

......small minded people. Not everyone wants a 5.5 inch phone. Show me a decent 5 inch phone available in Ireland for under 200?

Timmaay

New Moto G or Alcatel Idol 4.7 if you really want a smaller phone. I've ordered the Idol 4.7, had a bigger phone, big screen nice but just that little too big, I'd rather have a small phone and a separate tablet . Both the above sub200 also.

listermint

The new moto G is the most ideal phoned recommend OP. There is a hard on in the forum for the ultra. But most girls I know do not like large phones that's just something of fact.

I've had 2 moto gs I bought the last gen for herself and she loves it.

It's a lot of phone for your buck and moto have tweaked the OS to work extremely kindly with the processor that it runs like butter. I'd steer clear of the more off the wall Chinese options when dealing with girlfriends you want something that you can give her and leave with zero issues. Moto is that from my experience

Mantis Toboggan

Isn't the new Moto G close to 300 bucks?

dodzy

Zascar wrote: »

Girlfriend lost her HTC One M7 - loved it and wants something similar. I can get get another used one for €200 - but wondering what else I can get new online that might be as good or better. Are there any well known decent mid range android phones with good cameras for this money? Chinese ones etc?

If you don't want the 5.5" screen, then here's your lad. Plus you'll have 5c change. Bullet proof.

Yea, I wouldn't get a Chinese phone personally. If you read the thread that was doing the rounds recently, you'll see that a few people were caught by customs. Sure, it works out cheaper, but it's essentially a game of Russian roulette with customs.

Plus I believe there can be issues with 4G networks, because there's are set up differently to ours. At least I have a vague memory of that the last time I was checking.

GBX

Deleted User wrote: »

Yea, I wouldn't get a Chinese phone personally. If you read the thread that was doing the rounds recently, you'll see that a few people were caught by customs. Sure, it works out cheaper, but it's essentially a game of Russian roulette with customs.

Plus I believe there can be issues with 4G networks, because there's are set up differently to ours. At least I have a vague memory of that the last time I was checking.

It can be hit and miss regarding customs. But even factoring this in, you can still get better quality phones - unlocked - for half the price of buying a top end phone here with bill pay. Yes I know the Smart VF has been mentioned and is great value, but still plenty of options from Chinese sites that more of are now shipping from European warehouses.

As for 4g, you can check http://www.willmyphonework.net/ to see if the phone you want will work here. So its not all blind buying in the hope you get lucky anymore.

JonDoe

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4G-LTE-5-5-Lenovo-K3-Note-Android-Smartphone-Dual-SIM-Octa-Core-2GB-16GB-3G-UK-/131532489038?hash=item1e9ff2814e

4G LTE 5.5" Lenovo K3 Note Android Smartphone Dual SIM Octa Core 2GB 16GB 3G UK

Great phone, for the price you can't get better specs. Had mine for 2 months now and no glitches. It's been produced for the chinese market so one or 2 apps included still have some chinese writing in places no biggie in my book.

Xenoronin

In pretty much the same situation as OP, including the OPO :L
Currently looking at the Mi4i. 16gb storage, 2gb ram, MIUI ROM running on lollypop. 13mp back cam, 5mp front. 5" screen. Gotta say it ticks all the boxes right now. MIUI is a bit RAM hungry but can probably live with that or look around for a new ROM if necessary. €230 approx to Ireland. Guy on adverts selling them. Seem to be available from resellers with european warehouses now too.

droidman123

https://europe.oppostyle.com/r5s-grey

offer only valid until tomorrow

bert911

Zascar wrote: »

Girlfriend lost her HTC One M7 - loved it and wants something similar. I can get get another used one for €200 - but wondering what else I can get new online that might be as good or better. Are there any well known decent mid range android phones with good cameras for this money? Chinese ones etc?

New UK based Wileyfox selling under 200 phone with good customer support & warranty , look very like oneplus one design http://wileyfox.com/

listermint

Dennis Reynolds wrote: »

Isn't the new Moto G close to 300 bucks?

Current Gen

https://www.motorola.co.uk/products/moto-g

Last Gen

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Moto-SIM-Free-Smartphone-Discontinued-manufacturer/dp/B00KB0YDBG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1440592128&sr=8-4&keywords=moto+g

Both great phones Memory is upgrageable too.

dieseldog

I'm surprised that Samsung hasn't been suggested. Or maybe I missed it. They do have a price tag but are popular for a reason.

I have had a s4 mini (dual sim) for the last 2 years. It's the first phone in 10 years which I didn't change after 12 months.

I would suggest however being wary with ebay. I bought mine through ebay from a seller in Scotland but the phone came from Dubai. It turned out that it's the asian model so if something goes wrong with it then Samsung won't entertain me in Ireland.

The s5 has a 5.1 inch screen and looks pretty cool.

RossieMan

Samsung is completely overpriced for what you get. That's why they haven't been mentioned.

listermint

Wrong class of phone, plus anyone i know with the S5 it over heats in your hand.

Mantis Toboggan

dieseldog wrote: »

I'm surprised that Samsung hasn't been suggested. Or maybe I missed it. They do have a price tag but are popular for a reason.

I have had a s4 mini (dual sim) for the last 2 years. It's the first phone in 10 years which I didn't change after 12 months.

I would suggest however being wary with ebay. I bought mine through ebay from a seller in Scotland but the phone came from Dubai. It turned out that it's the asian model so if something goes wrong with it then Samsung won't entertain me in Ireland.

The s5 has a 5.1 inch screen and looks pretty cool.

Well this thread is for phone recommendations under 200 euro. The galaxy s5 is 400 euro and wouldn't be a whole lot better than the smart ultra prime.

droidman123

bert911 wrote: »

New UK based Wileyfox selling under 200 phone with good customer support & warranty , look very like oneplus one design http://wileyfox.com/

The op,s budget is €200,that phone works out at about €270.nice phone for the price though.

unreg999

dodzy wrote:

If you don't want the 5.5" screen, then

dodzy wrote:

your lad. Plus you'll have 5c change. Bullet proof.

I bought the new moto 4g 5' & really hated it... I found it slow and sluggish, unresponsive & very laggy especially when typing!!
I also hated the fact that you can't multitask so apps had to be reopened & started from scratch each time..
Every time I was on a call I would do something in the call with my ear or cheek and that did my head in...
Also It was quite heavy & thick with a short battery life!
There was more I didn't like about it but can't remember now!

I bought it for 199 & sold it for 150... Bought myself the ultra 6 which I genuinely love... It's a FAB fone for the price and the only issue I have is the one of changing settings etc during a call...

HOWEVER The size is starting to get to me a bit and I find that I leave it in the car etc if I'm going out as it's just too big if you don't have pockets or a big bag with you... Which kinda defeats the purpose... I don't really know what I'm going to do now, probably sell it & look for something a bit smaller & hopefully as good...

I would probably go for the smart prime but I heard it can't be unlocked from Vodafone...

bert911

droidman123 wrote: »

The op,s budget is €200,that phone works out at about €270.nice phone for the price though.

The 5" model is under 200E , its like a moto g

droidman123

bert911 wrote: »

The 5" model is under 200E , its like a moto g

Oh sorry didn't see the swift,yeah nice phone for the price

CantGetNoSleep

What did you go for in the end?

Zascar

Haven't bought anything yet, but we had a look in the Vodafone shop today - the Smart Ultra is lovely but she thinks its too big. There is the smaller version for about half the price, but I'm worries it would be a bit slow etc - camera is not as good. Can anyone advise?

CantGetNoSleep

Zascar wrote: »

Haven't bought anything yet, but we had a look in the Vodafone shop today - the Smart Ultra is lovely but she thinks its too big. There is the smaller version for about half the price, but I'm worries it would be a bit slow etc - camera is not as good. Can anyone advise?

That (Smart Prime 6) is good for the money but not a premium phone. The other problem is that it is very difficult to unlock from Vodafone