[Q] Looking for an unlocked Phone - General Questions and Answers

Hi All,
I am planning to buy a smartphone in couple of weeks and requires your help in making the decision. Below are my requirements
1) Should be under 400$ (US dollars)
2) Screen size should be > 4 inches
3) Mobile OS should be Android or Mango (Windows phone). More inclined towards Android
4) Looking for dual core processor as Android runs best on Dual core in my opinion
5) Phone should be unlocked
I liked Galaxy nexus but do you guys think its really worth 440$ (including taxes and shipping)?
**********************************************
Updated the poll section with my short listed phones
**********************************************

Ever considered unlocking a phone yourself? Not that hard to do. Guarantee may fly away though.

alexander.rangelov said:
Ever considered unlocking a phone yourself? Not that hard to do. Guarantee may fly away though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply, I dont mind loosing warranty but i dont see much price difference between network unlocked phones and network locked phones. If you do , could you please post a link or guide me . Thanks

Please suggest

Unlocked Phone might seem expensive at the front but you are not tie to 2 yrs contract with network assuming that you are in USA. You can find alternative data and phone plan much cheaper. Good luck

BUMP ...Please help . I need to decide in couple of days.

HTC One S - should be able to get international version unlocked for around that price. 4'3 inch screen, good battery life, really thin phone and fast read a review on it. This phone is newer and built on better technology than nexus, it has sense UI if that's your style. I used it and it felt really nice to hold aluminum casing. built solid.

HTC one S is 100$ more than Nexus which is 500$ .I already stretched my budget from 250$ to 400$ .

Related

Is $300 a good price for an iPhone 4?

Black iPhone 16Gb. The seller says that the phone is in good condition with no scratches or cracks. However, it has been used. I does not come with any accessories besides the wall charger.
Don't get an iPhone.
Sent from my EVO 4G using XDA App
I wouldnt spend that on it. Maybe try swappa.com?
Van Stellato said:
Black iPhone 16Gb. The seller says that the phone is in good condition with no scratches or cracks. However, it has been used. I does not come with any accessories besides the wall charger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like others have already suggested, I would suggest considering android for three reasons:
1. I love Android
2. Right now isn't the best time to buy an iPhone 4 because it will soon be outdated by the iPhone 5 (but still a great phone for a couple of years).
3. If you're able to sign up for a new contract, there are some pretty amazing phones out now: (I assume you're in the US because you said $300) like EVO 3D, Sensation, GS2 (soon), etc.
Definitely going iPhone 4? It depends on the condition the phone is in... is the battery totally fried? Is the glass free of major scratches, especially on the display? Are there any dead pixels? Is the phone glued together because it was chainsawed in half? If you can't confidently answer "no" to any of those questions, you're taking a risk. Maybe a small risk, but still a risk. If it's ebay make sure the seller allows refunds.
Assuming there are no such glaring errors and it's just an average iPhone that has been used, $300 is a steal. I would buy it if someone randomly walked up and offered it to me just so I could resell it on ebay and turn a quick profit!
Buy hd2, ip suck
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
Please dont get an iphone. they're good but not android good. its like going from a free country like the usa to a communist country like china. So big but no freedom
FearedSkills said:
Don't get an iPhone.
Sent from my EVO 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it is just $300,how i can reject it ?
evilstewie23 said:
Please dont get an iphone. they're good but not android good. its like going from a free country like the usa to a communist country like china. So big but no freedom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi guy,don't say like this,if a chinese see your post,he(she) will sad
Komodo Rogue said:
Like others have already suggested, I would suggest considering android for three reasons:
1. I love Android
2. Right now isn't the best time to buy an iPhone 4 because it will soon be outdated by the iPhone 5 (but still a great phone for a couple of years).
3. If you're able to sign up for a new contract, there are some pretty amazing phones out now: (I assume you're in the US because you said $300) like EVO 3D, Sensation, GS2 (soon), etc.
Definitely going iPhone 4? It depends on the condition the phone is in... is the battery totally fried? Is the glass free of major scratches, especially on the display? Are there any dead pixels? Is the phone glued together because it was chainsawed in half? If you can't confidently answer "no" to any of those questions, you're taking a risk. Maybe a small risk, but still a risk. If it's ebay make sure the seller allows refunds.
Assuming there are no such glaring errors and it's just an average iPhone that has been used, $300 is a steal. I would buy it if someone randomly walked up and offered it to me just so I could resell it on ebay and turn a quick profit!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your advice,you say right .
(if this is the answer you are looking for)
1. US$300 is a good price for an used/second-handed iPhone.
2. iPhone 4 is still a good phone even for the next 1-2 years.
Considerations tho' :
1. iPhone 4 will be outdated very soon due to iPhone 5
2. Android armada is in general better than any of iOS armada at the moment, especially Android in combination with the new flagships like Sensation, Galaxy SII or EVO 3D. I prefer the EVO 3D since it has a relatively bigger battery capacity.
Not a bad price if you really want the ip4.
-=JK=-

What Phone - £100-120, UK, second hand, no contract, good dev community?

Hi,
I'm in the UK, I currently have a ZTE Blade (Orange San Francisco) and am looking for a new phone. i was hoping you guys might be able to let me know what is best for my budget. I'd also be grateful if you could tell me whether you think there will be any big drops in the price of phones, so it is worth waiting a few months before buying.
I am not on a monthly contract
I would like to buy the phone second hand from eBay
Budget is £100-120
I'll need it on o2 network, but would prefer if it could be unlocked.
The camera should be decent
The GPS should work well
The screen should be good (my ZTE Blade has an OLED screen)
It should be fast and stable
It must be well made and solid
It should hold Wifi well
It should be good at getting reception
It should have a scratch resistant screen
It must be well supported by Devs so new ROM's are made keeping it up to date with Android OS's
I'm not looking for the best and latest phone just a faster and more reliable phone.
Thanks all
Cheers
Ross
HTC Sensation or HTC HD2.

[Q] Dev help!! Kyocera Hydro Life Metro PCS

Sorry poll should read samsung galaxy light not simple. Can't edit the poll.
I have a Kyocera Hydro Life off of Metro PCS network. I have found rooting guides but nothing on ROM or kernel development. I know this is not a high end phone but for the cost it is pretty nice. Since this phone ships with a jelly bean build and likely no updates the developer community could fill in a serious gap left by the manufacturer and Metro PCS. I know the locked boot loader is a problem but surely it can be overcome. Development on this phone could really make an inexpensive model like this shine. Sure it is easy to make a top of the line phone run great but to make a truly affordable phone with good hardware is not. Please help those like myself that simply can't afford anything else but still desire decent hardware and software. Any help on developing a custom recovery, kernel and ROM on the Kyocera Hydro Life on Metro PCS network would be highly appreciated. Thanks Rob!
Specs are snapdragon 200 1.2 GHz processor quad core. Adreno 305 graphics. 1.5 GB ram. 8 GB ROM. Micro SD expansion, qHD 4.5 inch screen. High capacity removable LI ion battery, mil spec and water resistant spec as well. Cost varies depending on if you buy a locked model and sales. I paid $29.99 plus tax and no other fees other than first month service. I think about $32 for the phone and I bought a case for $5 so for $37 I have a fairly responsive yet completely crippled phone. My hope in this thread is to raise interest in these budget smart phones because they really offer tremendous value for anyone even as a back up phone. Developer support would truly unlock the potential in these budget phones which is good for everyone!!
Kyocera Hydro Life Android Devolopment????
I am hoping that someone can either help point me in the right direction or maybe just keep posting until I get a response? Not really sure how to help facilitate the start of Android Development on the Kyocera Hydro Life. I would as a sub note also like to see maybe a forum dedicated to budget smartphones. I think with the cost of components going down we are finally getting to a point where a mid to budget smartphone does not have to be a terrible experience. With the realization that these phones work well and the low cost I believe they will become more popular. Before models like this the rom space was too limited, the ram was too limited and the mostly dual core processors were too weak. Now with this model costing $29-$49 through a carrier and $125 outright you get specs decent enough to have a good experience and do not need to finance a phone!! I think this is just the start so XDA might as well have a forum dedicated to budget smartphones but for now would be really happy with this Kyocera Hydro Life. Any help on how to get this started??
Thanks Rob
Think someone figured out how to get it to lollipop
Because I'm a new user on this forum I cant post so if someone can pm me I'll give you the link an let you Post it
It's for the hydro life. So ya someone pm me.

Should I still buy the OPO?

Hi!
Well, I got a Samsung Galaxy S4 as a gift and as much as I appreciate it, I'm not a fan of the Samsung brand because of their build quality (it improved in those 2014-end devices but I'm talking about the GS4). The GS4 is being sold by the main stores at 399€ so I'm planning to sell it for 320€/350€, buy the OnePlus One and even buy a case/skin for it.
Well, trading the GS4 for the OPO is a no brainer but I am thinking in selling the GS4, get the money and save it to spend it later on a better 2015 phone.
What should I do? Should I buy the OPO, should I buy another device or should I wait? I would buy the OPO without a doubt if it was some months before but after hearing all the confusion between OnePlus and Cyanogen, CM12s being promised to around this date and still being unreleased... Should I wait for a possible "OnePlus Two"? Should I buy a Nexus device? (I currently own a Galaxy Nexus)
I need some advice
You won't get $350 for your s4, check swappa.com for me easy place to sell and to get a realistic idea of what you'll get for yours. I've had a lot of phones and the 1+1 is far and away my favorite. Dev community is excellent, hardware is top notch, great speakers, beautiful screen, awesome battery life, it's really does everything perfectly. How long do you typically keep your devices, though? If you want to keep your next phone for more than a year, I'd say to wait and see what 2015 flagships bring.
Without a doubt if your interested, buy the phone! I've recently bought a Nexus 6 and the OPO is still one of my favorite phones of all time even compared to the Nexus 6!
xxBrun0xx said:
You won't get $350 for your s4, check swappa.com for me easy place to sell and to get a realistic idea of what you'll get for yours. I've had a lot of phones and the 1+1 is far and away my favorite. Dev community is excellent, hardware is top notch, great speakers, beautiful screen, awesome battery life, it's really does everything perfectly. How long do you typically keep your devices, though? If you want to keep your next phone for more than a year, I'd say to wait and see what 2015 flagships bring.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah man, I can sell it for 350/320€ without a problem. Here in Portugal mobile contracts are rare, 95% of the population buys the phones carrier locked (which means we can only use that carrier's SIM cards in our phones) and the devices are expensive. GS4 is being sold at 399€ new in the big carriers so I can sure sell it for less 50 or 80 euros.
I have my Galaxy Nexus for almost 3 years and I don't change my devices often, maybe 3 to 4 years. I also can't spend over 500€ on a device so I don't have wallet for a HTC or a LG or a high end Samsung (even though they aren't the best price/quality choices, I'm just stating xd).
I would be sad if I bought the OnePlus One today and June or July comes and "OnePlus Two" comes at the same price, with better specs and the CM12s. But I don't also want to wait until OnePlus decides do reveal or not a new device. That's why I'm asking here, to know the thoughts of the ones who bought the OPO since they sure are better informed than me.
Definitely get it. I had motorola, samsung, nexus etc I even had the LG G3 before coming to the 1+. I love it, hands down the best phone I have owned and I wouldn't get rid of it till it is properly dead.
Rayaxe said:
I would be sad if I bought the OnePlus One today and June or July comes and "OnePlus Two" comes at the same price, with better specs and the CM12s. But I don't also want to wait until OnePlus decides do reveal or not a new device. That's why I'm asking here, to know the thoughts of the ones who bought the OPO since they sure are better informed than me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well then you will be sad:
http://www.knowyourmobile.com/mobile-phones/oneplus-two/22384/oneplus-two-release-date-specs-rumours
EniGmA1987 said:
Well then you will be sad:
http://www.knowyourmobile.com/mobile-phones/oneplus-two/22384/oneplus-two-release-date-specs-rumours
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't be sad, theres always going to be the 'next' follow up phone, even if you buy the 'newest' it doesnt take long for a successor to come along or at least the rumours. With the Oneplus One you are still getting great value for money, stable CM11S, CM12S due shortly (definitely), along with OxygenOS and lot of other custom ROMs to pick from. Not to mention the obvious like nexus-easy bootloader unlock and root.
You can also now get a OPO relatively easy, plenty of invites knocking about or just purchase directly every Tuesday. I imagine its going to be pretty hard to get hold of an invite for the Oneplus Two when its released, as I'm guessing it will be invite only for the first while, so factor that into your thoughts around waiting time/availabilty.
I've had the Galaxy S4, HTC One M8 and Nexus 5 all within the last 5 months and overall the OPO is better than them all. Theres no added bloat, no difficulty/warranty issues unlocking the bootloader, solid stock CM and as many custom ROMs as you like and the battery life is fantastic. In terms of the nexus 5, its basically a nexus 6 for those who were underwhelmed by the nexus 6, in terms of large (without being too large) screen, great battery life (non 2k screen), decent camera and very reasonable price.

No Smartphones bigger than 5.7 inches in the U.S?

Seems like this cell phone will not be released in the U.S.
Why is there no smartphones that is bigger than 5.7 inches available in the United States Of America?
cryingthug said:
Seems like this cell phone will not be released in the U.S.
Why is there no smartphones that is bigger than 5.7 inches available in the United States Of America?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad I'm not the only one that noticed this. It seems to be a coordinated effort - almost a conspiracy that phones bigger than 5.7 inches don't make it to the USA and/or receive little to zero promotion and/or support.
It's nice to know I'm not the only one whose been clamoring for a 7" phone since the first Samsung Tab was released! PUT A CELLULAR RADIO IN IT, I said.
I'll be bringing the Zenfone 3 Ultra into the states in a couple of months. Might even have a go at opening up the US LTE bands with the post at the top of this forum.
But Why?
mikkej2k said:
I'm glad I'm not the only one that noticed this. It seems to be a coordinated effort - almost a conspiracy that phones bigger than 5.7 inches don't make it to the USA and/or receive little to zero promotion and/or support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nathanotis and mikkej2k,
And if the reviewers do review the phablet many say that the phone is way too big. I am convinced that the people that say that have abnormally small hands. LOL.
My question now is, why do you think that there is nothing over 5.7 available in the U.S?
cryingthug said:
nathanotis and mikkej2k,
My question now is, why do you think that there is nothing over 5.7 available in the U.S?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No risk takers in the American market?
Or,
Simple supply and demand. There's not enough demand. Just stick with what's most profitable.
As more people mature ( grow older ) carriers will be forced to sell/allow larger smartphones on their networks. I believe that Sprint , T-Mobile , Verizon , and AT&T are the biggest stumbling blocks to larger phones. After the carriers I think the manufacturers don't want to go big - if they can charge more for less , why not?
*Older people would want larger screens because they are easier to read.*
Better For The Eyes
mikkej2k said:
*Older people would want larger screens because they are easier to read.*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not old and my eyes are excellent but I agree with the larger screens are easier to read 100%. I very much dislike trying to look at a web page on a sub 6 inch screen. What a horrible experience. If the web page is not designed for mobile you are just scrolling all the time. People are paying all this money to have data on their phones and then having to look at all that tiny font. No thank you. Plus videos and movies look so awesome on the larger size screens.
cryingthug said:
Seems like this cell phone will not be released in the U.S.
Why is there no smartphones that is bigger than 5.7 inches available in the United States Of America?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is, one that i know for sure is huawei mate 8, a 6 incher, it supports ATT and T-Mo LTE bands in USA.
only gripe - the Kirin 950 SoC, not the performance side of it, but the no source code side of it, meaning no 3rd party roms, OS upgrade and security patches are at mercy of huawei, they are not known to be diligent when it comes to that ..
http://www.anandtech.com/show/9878/the-huawei-mate-8-review
nathanotis said:
It's nice to know I'm not the only one whose been clamoring for a 7" phone since the first Samsung Tab was released! PUT A CELLULAR RADIO IN IT, I said.
I'll be bringing the Zenfone 3 Ultra into the states in a couple of months. Might even have a go at opening up the US LTE bands with the post at the top of this forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Samsung Tab S 8.4 certainly had a cellular radio in it, that was my last cell phone...
I like big phone and I can not lie....
omniphil said:
The Samsung Tab S 8.4 certainly had a cellular radio in it, that was my last cell phone...
I like big phone and I can not lie....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did it work as a phone? Was the size ever a hindrance?
(Just realized you also posted to the other thread I'm watching)
nathanotis said:
How did it work as a phone? Was the size ever a hindrance?
(Just realized you also posted to the other thread I'm watching)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doesn't easily fit in your pocket, but that's really the only size hindrance. I actually still have it and use it in my car as a navigation device. It still preforms quite well..
It was cheap too under $500 when new, which is quite a bit cheaper than any flagship phone at the time.
It seems that the Zenfone 3 Ultra (International version & no warranty) is being sold on a large Internet website but it costs several hundred more than they said it would be. It is priced out of reach at almost $700 it is not worth the money. I am not buying.
cryingthug said:
It seems that the Zenfone 3 Ultra (International version & no warranty) is being sold on a large Internet website but it costs several hundred more than they said it would be. It is priced out of reach at almost $700 it is not worth the money. I am not buying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's priced high because it just came out, if you wait a month it should come down to normal pricing....
cryingthug said:
It seems that the Zenfone 3 Ultra (International version & no warranty) is being sold on a large Internet website but it costs several hundred more than they said it would be. It is priced out of reach at almost $700 it is not worth the money. I am not buying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 4GB/64GB model runs for $630 or so for first hand retail (IE: direct from the original seller). The $700 you mentioned is from a reseller (IE: they paid $630 and are reselling it for a small profit).
The 3GB/32GB model runs for about $460, and is probably more in line with the pricing you had heard announced.
The real trick is finding either model in stock at a first hand retailer, as the resellers are buying them up as quickly as they can.
There is a market for the plus 5.7 phones. Everytime one these phones are announced , people that like smaller phones complain as if they'll be forced to switch. Most of those that prefer smaller phones act as though they don't want the larger phones released.
Why does this bother people that like smaller phones? When the original Galaxy Note came out it was groundbreaking for a mainstream company to release a phone that big. Now it's commonplace ( I'm looking at you Apple - iPhone Plus )
shdwphnx said:
The 4GB/64GB model runs for $630 or so for first hand retail (IE: direct from the original seller). The $700 you mentioned is from a reseller (IE: they paid $630 and are reselling it for a small profit).
The 3GB/32GB model runs for about $460, and is probably more in line with the pricing you had heard announced.
The real trick is finding either model in stock at a first hand retailer, as the resellers are buying them up as quickly as they can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a little I formation for ones that might be looking to purchase the Asus Zenfone ultra (ZU680KL), with 4gb of ram and 64gb internal memory.
I purchased mine new, from EBay with a one year warranty. Purchase price was 593.00, factory unlocked, with free shipping and handling (still higher than originally advertised). Device came from Never-Msrp, out of Houston, Texas.
Slbtrb79 said:
Just a little I formation for ones that might be looking to purchase the Asus Zenfone ultra (ZU680KL), with 4gb of ram and 64gb internal memory.
I purchased mine new, from EBay with a one year warranty. Purchase price was 593.00, factory unlocked, with free shipping and handling (still higher than originally advertised). Device came from Never-Msrp, out of Houston, Texas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What carrier are you using your phone on? What type of bands will the phone let you access? What type of factory support do you get? ( if any? )
mikkej2k said:
What carrier are you using your phone on? What type of bands will the phone let you access? What type of factory support do you get? ( if any? )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cricket, which is owned by AT&T, also speeds are capped by them at 4Mbps on 4G and 8Mbps on LTE. I get Hsdpa bands and Gsm bands. The phone has LTE bands, but can't be accessed here. I'm hoping to root soon, not sure if the LTE bands can be accessed then. This however is not real important to me or I would have not purchased the phone anyway. I'm getting 3Mbps on download speeds. Was getting 4-5Mbps on my HTC 10, thru Cricket. Have had no problems to ask for any factory support yet. Asus sent paperwork with phone for a one year warranty against defects and workmanship (standard for most phones). I have something thru eBay, not sure for how long. The warranty really does you no good if you root the phone though. I had a one year warranty on my HTC One M8 and have a one year on my HTC 10, but they are rooted, so their warranties we're voided anyway. Never had to ask for factory support on them either. Asus has a website devoted to their phones, with various types of information, even including how to's on bootloader unlocking on many models (including the zenfone 3 deluxe), source codes, etc.
I guess it's a matter of what you want out of a phone. If you want a faster processor and LTE in the US, this is not the phone for you. It's not the phone my HTC 10 was (gave to my wife), because of the processor, and LTE. But I was essentially looking for a 7 inch tablet with 4gb of ram, great camera, video player with a very good sounding dual speakers, external SD card, and has phone ability. Very hard to find many 7 inch tablets with all the above specs together. I get all of the above with this 6.8 screen Ultra phablet. Also the build quality of this phone has really improved over the previous Asus phones. Realy like the metal workmanship. Not quite as good as HTC 10, but getting there. So far very happy with it and hoping they will unlock the bootloader like they did for the Deluxe.
Thanks for the questions. Never knew how to answer in short sentences. I answer this way in person also. Hope it wasn't to long winded for you.
---------- Post added at 05:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:46 AM ----------
Slbtrb79 said:
Cricket, which is owned by AT&T, also speeds are capped by them at 4Mbps on 4G and 8Mbps on LTE. I get Hsdpa bands and Gsm bands. The phone has LTE bands, but can't be accessed here. I'm hoping to root soon, not sure if the LTE bands can be accessed then. This however is not real important to me or I would have not purchased the phone anyway. I'm getting 3Mbps on download speeds. Was getting 4-5Mbps on my HTC 10, thru Cricket. Have had no problems to ask for any factory support yet. Asus sent paperwork with phone for a one year warranty against defects and workmanship (standard for most phones). I have something thru eBay, not sure for how long. The warranty really does you no good if you root the phone though. I had a one year warranty on my HTC One M8 and have a one year on my HTC 10, but they are rooted, so their warranties we're voided anyway. Never had to ask for factory support on them either. Asus has a website devoted to their phones, with various types of information, even including how to's on bootloader unlocking on many models (including the zenfone 3 deluxe), source codes, etc.
I guess it's a matter of what you want out of a phone. If you want a faster processor and LTE in the US, this is not the phone for you. It's not the phone my HTC 10 was (gave to my wife), because of the processor, and LTE. But I was essentially looking for a 7 inch tablet with 4gb of ram, great camera, video player with a very good sounding dual speakers, external SD card, and has phone ability. Very hard to find many 7 inch tablets with all the above specs together. I get all of the above with this 6.8 screen Ultra phablet. Also the build quality of this phone has really improved over the previous Asus phones. Realy like the metal workmanship. Not quite as good as HTC 10, but getting there. So far very happy with it and hoping they will unlock the bootloader like they did for the Deluxe.
Thanks for the questions. Never knew how to answer in short sentences. I answer this way in person also. Hope it wasn't to long winded for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, as a side note. There is a factory rom and source code for the Ultra ZU680KL on Asus site for download, in case you would have a problem.
Motorola nexus 6 is 5.96 inches FYI.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
If you want to know why manufacturers are not shipping as much to the US lately, look at the patent system in the US. Once you ship any products to the US, you are counting down the time until you get sued by someone in east Texas...
Not worth the money to sell things in the US market until this situation gets under control.

Categories

Resources