Smart Phone Advice Please

M

Marvo

Active Member
Joined
Mar 22, 2015
Messages
55
Reaction score
1
Location
Cape Town
I am at an unfortunate crossroads in my life where I need to purchase 2x smart phones for 2x teenagers. I've fallen into the trap before where I've taken out contracts to get them phones and the phones get lost/stolen/broken/bricked in the first couple of months.

I've quizzed them on what they need from a phone and this is what they came up with;
  • Android OS (NOT WINDOZE)
  • Whatsapp
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Decent camera
  • Must not be buggy or unstable
  • Must be fast and responsive.

I was hoping to pick up something at least half decent for 1-1.5K per phone, cash buy to be used with pay as you go type calltime and data. Am I being realistic with this price? What would be my best options and what phones should I definitely be avoiding?
 
Have you had good experience of an Innjoo phone Neoprod? The price and specs certainly look promising but I'd prefer to have personal recommendations befor taking the plunge with a brand I don't know.
 
Thanks, I'm certainly considering the Innjoo. How is it for getting accessories for these Chinese phones such as bodyglove type covers, spare chargers etc. Can you get screens replaced and other minor repairs done or are they basically disposable if something breaks?
 
I'd recommend the Motorola Moto G (3rd generation). Fantastic phone for the price, as is evident from user feedback. But I see it costs R3900, which is more than double your budget.

Another option is to buy second hand phones. Like the Galaxy S4. It's better than any budget phone you'll find, and you should be able to pick them up for less than R2000 a phone. Just buy new batteries.
 
Marvo said:
Thanks, I'm certainly considering the Innjoo. How is it for getting accessories for these Chinese phones such as bodyglove type covers, spare chargers etc. Can you get screens replaced and other minor repairs done or are they basically disposable if something breaks?
Click to expand...

Accessories are pretty tricky to find for Chinese phones...I got a TPU cover for my Meizu using importitall. I haven't investigated repairs beyond checking for repair kits (available online overseas) - I'd be doing the labour myself if the phone wasn't completely toasted.

If you're not comfortable with that kind of thing, Viva's suggestion to buy a mainstream, second-hand phone is a good idea.
 
Xiaomi redmi 2 is good for R2k and has local guarantee has more ram than moto g 3rd gen version they selling on orange store. Otherwise go with innjoo for r1400.
 
I'm trying to find info on warranties and support for the innjoo, I'd personally rather have a brand new phone than a second hand one even if it is a Samsung. I'm a bit squeamish about second hand devices that people get so up close and personal with, used phones to me are like wearing someone elses heavily used underwear although I'm not sure the kids are so bothered that way. I'm capable of repairs to a point but never had a smartphone on my bench and dismantled it. I owned one for a couple of weeks but didn't get along with it so I got rid and went back to my Nokia1280 which works for me.
 
Adoxographist said:
Xiaomi redmi 2 is good for R2k and has local guarantee has more ram than moto g 3rd gen version they selling on orange store. Otherwise go with innjoo for r1400.
Click to expand...

I second that. Xiaomi redmi 2 pro. IIRC MIA is the same company that distributes iPhone is SA (myistore). You can even buy the phones at Makro and Incredible connection: xiaomi redmi 2 16gb.

Xiaomi are a chinese brand that sold just as many phones as LG did last year. Some top Google employees even jumped ship to Xiaomi.
 
The Meizu at R2k looks good. Otherwise Motorolas are excellent. I'd probably buy a used Samsung S3/S4 Mini
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X