Mid-range smartphone recommendations? (and contract help?)

[kalniel]

So the not-so-smart phone is just about on it's way out and my geek-cred is taking a serious nose-dive without a smart phone*, so I need some help as I'm completely new to the market.

I'd like something not too large, reasonable display, reasonable camera, GPS, as good a battery life as possible (I'm currently more a charge-once-a-month kinda guy.. expect that'll change...)

And less than £300 (sim-free). I'll probably get a giff-gaff sim. Think that's the cheapest way of doing it? I can't seem to find any contract deals remotely close to the same kind of price.

Current possibilities include the Nexus 4 vapourware and HTC one S.. anything else?

Thanks.

*not really. I just fancy a smart phone - mobile data slurping/sat-nav most likely usage.

[pp05]

Just a question of how big screen you're looking for? That will narrow it down somewhat.

Xperia are good at midrange level.

[kalniel]

Don't really have much of an idea about screen size, I'm happy with my ipod touch (3gs) screen size wise, though I'd prefer something with better text display if possible.

Xperia could be good.. but I'm baffled at the range of models/letters.

[nibbler]

o2 are selling the lumia 800 for £130 iirc, giffgaff sims work fine in o2 phones, it's a great deal for the handset and nokia maps/traffic is top notch, it has a nice 3d gps mode. For my money, that plus £13 a month on giffgaff for unlimited internet is the best value package out there
WP7.8 should be pretty decent (all the useful apps will work fine, I assume, since the dual core kernel will only come into play for apps like games)

http://shop.o2.co.uk/mobile_phone/Nokia/Lumia%20800

edit: looks like it's out of stock but can be had for a little more (£10-£20) elsewhere

[mikemikemi]

I think the One S is a decent phone and not too pricey at the moment: ~£250 sim free
http://www.amazon.co.uk/HTC-One-Sim-...7686239&sr=1-1

Specs wise the Nexus 4 is probably the best thing you can get sub £300 sim free, problem is no stock.

[DannyM]

The Nexus 4 is by far your best bet for all singing all dancing for a good price and best of all, stock Android! However, poor battery life and as I am sure you are aware it's a short coming with most smart phones these days.

There are other alternatives, you can pick up, I believe this device is decent with battery it runs Windows: http://www.amazon.co.uk/HTC-8S-Windo...7688806&sr=1-1

The latest Android OS (jelly bean) is something to keep an eye on as it is the best iteration of Android yet and runs smoothly.

If it was me personally I really would got for the Nexus 4.

[pp05]

Try gumtree in your local area. I see Xperia S regularly at around 200 mark. Xperia P is less than that which is their midrange device.


If you are happy with 3gs then consider an older device like the Arc S. It is not dual core but big bright screen and less than 150.

[austincarven]

Hello,

If you are looking for a mid-range I could recommend the Samsung Galaxy S Advance mobile. I have it and it is a good phone. I am even trying to develop an own VoIP app for it (sg. similar to the followings: voip-sip-sdk.com/p_456). You could also check the Samsung Galaxy S II, it is only a little bit more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy S Advance. Hope I could help.

[Smudger]

Nexus 4 is back in stock at Google Play...

Both variants still available.

[kalniel]

Nexus 4 is back in stock at Google Play...

Both variants still available.

Hmmmmm.. I have reluctantly managed to fix my dumb phone. It will now be getting evil glares.