NFT: New Android Value Phones

you can probably get a Nexus 6P for under $300

Just spent a bit of time on the site. I understand they do some (remote) vetting, but my gut response is being wary of buying used anonymously.

Do you have any experience with this site?

And a Nexus would top your list for value?

for a budget phone?

$400 USD

I don't necessarily see it as a "budget" phone in so far as I'm thinking earlier models that were once closer top of the line would be available. Perhaps the phone market doesn't work like that?

but my son destroyed his old phone about a year ago and I bought him a BLU phone. It's been pretty good to him over the past year and he uses it for everything. I think their best model goes for around $200.

Pick up a Nexus 6P or One Plus 3T. Both will be available in that range. I have a 6P...and it runs the latest software from Google.

The 6P is the best phone I have ever owned...Not a sexy phone, but has a solid build with good specs. The One Plus 3T will give you great specifications in a nice package. I owned a One Plus 1 and my son now has it. It has been a good phone.

great phone, my son just bought one. I checked it out this weekend - it's pretty close to top of the line but doesn't match up with the newest coming out now, so runs about half the price.

Nexus 6P by Huawei

If you're on a budget consider the link above. Not only is the phone a great deal (32GB for $399 or 128 GB for $449 brand new) but the plans are very, very good as well. Depending on your data use, you can have plans as low as $20/month now. I'm on a grandfathered plan with my wife and two daughters that runs me about $50/mo for all four phones, and I can buy additional data for when we need it which they will refund me if I don't use.

I saw the OnePlus lauded on the Net. Nice to hear from a BBIer who has some experience. Where did you purchase it?

Also this confused me from a review. Anything to be wary of:

"OnePlus is in charge of its OxygenOS, and while it provides a near-similar experience as Google's Android, it's packed with extra features that you'd typically have to download a third-party app to implement."

I gather you prefer the 6P -- what are the reasons?

In comment 13432230 AnnapolisMike said:

Quote:

Pick up a Nexus 6P or One Plus 3T. Both will be available in that range. I have a 6P...and it runs the latest software from Google. The 6P is the best phone I have ever owned...Not a sexy phone, but has a solid build with good specs. The One Plus 3T will give you great specifications in a nice package. I owned a One Plus 1 and my son now has it. It has been a good phone.

Pretty much my exact case as well. I now have a 6p I love, and I owned a one+ 1 as well. Both great phones. My wife is not a fan of the Nexus 5X though. Doesn't like the camera and says the phone gets glitchy. The OnePlus 3T is what I first thought of as a budget phone, I checked and it is $440. I believe it only works on AT&T and T-Mobile though.

I use Google Fi as My phone service now. Just checking there and it says I can get the 6P for $399 and a 5X for $250

I need to get an unlocked phone. Also I want to keep my current plan -- if I upgrade with my provider they will take away my plan.

So I need to get an unlocked phone and will need to make sure it can operate on my network.

240 bucks unlocked on Amazon.

I swear by the Moto G series, I've used every incarnation and I've yet to find a better mid-range phones for the price.

but being in Canada, I have tyo get a phone independently of a provider.

But there seems to be at least a two person consensus :)

In comment 13432251 cjd2404 said:

Quote:

In comment 13432230 AnnapolisMike said: Quote: Pick up a Nexus 6P or One Plus 3T. Both will be available in that range. I have a 6P...and it runs the latest software from Google. The 6P is the best phone I have ever owned...Not a sexy phone, but has a solid build with good specs. The One Plus 3T will give you great specifications in a nice package. I owned a One Plus 1 and my son now has it. It has been a good phone. Pretty much my exact case as well. I now have a 6p I love, and I owned a one+ 1 as well. Both great phones. My wife is not a fan of the Nexus 5X though. Doesn't like the camera and says the phone gets glitchy. The OnePlus 3T is what I first thought of as a budget phone, I checked and it is $440. I believe it only works on AT&T and T-Mobile though. I use Google Fi as My phone service now. Just checking there and it says I can get the 6P for $399 and a 5X for $250

The One Plus's and Nexus phones work on a GSM network such as ATT and T-Mobile. They are unlocked and not carrier specific. The Motorola and other manufacturers produce GSM phones as well. I will guess your carrier in Canada is GSM as well....which is the standard in most of the world.

One Plus phones are sold thru the manufacturer. I believe I purchased my 6p on either Newegg or B and H photo. Do a shopping search on Google for the Nexus. If you go with a Nexus 6P....get a 64 or 128GB phone. I have 64GB and it is plenty.

The Motorola phones are good too. They tend to run a fairly stock version of Android. Stay away from manufacturers that run heavily modified versions of Android.

In comment 13432268 Jay in Toronto said:

Quote:

but being in Canada, I have tyo get a phone independently of a provider. But there seems to be at least a two person consensus :)

Looks like the OnePlus One works with all the major Canadian Carriers, according to the link below...I'd still double check though. Sorry I assumed US carriers earlier.
Will My Phone Work -- Check Phones - ( New Window )

Got a G4 Plus for my sister in law and I was shocked how good the performance was with a near stock android feel to boot. Nice camera too.

more legit then ebay when it comes to buying used cell phones

I just went through this and found the best bang for my buck was going older generation flagship phone.

Excellent condition unlocked Samsung Galaxy S5 goes for around $160-$175 USD on ebay from trusted reputable sellers. I understand you'll be 3 generations behind the new S8 that's coming soon, but it hit all the checkmarks for me:

-Replacable battery
-SD card expansion
-Quickcharge technology (2.0)
-IR blaster
-Water-proof & dust-proof
-Ridiculous amount of discounted aftermarket accessories/support including the ability to do wireless charging with the addition of a circuit chip that sticks onto your battery
-Fingerprint reader for lock screen

My phone came with marshmallow already on it and can handle every app that I've installed.

It supports mirrorcast, zero touch gestures(like the ability to answer the phone even when your hands are messy from food prep or something), and it even has a heartbeat monitor.

Not sure what features you need/want but it's definitely an oldie that deserves some consideration.

PS - I believe the later generation s6 did away with the dust/water proofing and the removable battery.
Not sure about the SD card though.

the phone I linked from Republic Wireless is unlocked - no contract on the phone so you could take it with you to your plan in Canada.

Having said that, I think they require a 1 month payment when you purchase, and you might find a new 6P for a better price when you add in the $26 or so for the first month's payment.

Re 3T -- no concern that it runs its own version of Android?

Anyone have a ZTE Axon 7 which also gets good reviews?

Re Samsung -- I had the original Galaxy, the 2s and now Note 3 -- they have all been laggy, hate their backup software and support left a lot to be desired.

Having said that, I had the original Nexus 7 (mini-tablet) and could say similar issues.

I would not be concerned about that.

In comment 13432377 AnnapolisMike said:

Quote:

I would not be concerned about that.

Thanks Mike!

One M9

I have mine unlocked and with Fido.


The battery is not the best one I have ever had but really not an issue. The phone is a tank.

I am a big HTC fan. Looking to find a 10 or may wait until the new one comes out.

HTC One M9 - ( New Window )

Scott!