mobile phones

[kwheattt]

So my phone recently went for a bit of a swim when my water bottle leaked all over it.. none the less, I need a new one asap.

The sim card survived and since I am on a contract with three for another 9 months, there's no point in paying it out and I'm happy with my plan anyway. So my question is what is a cheapish, decent phone that I can buy outright? by cheapish I mean 200 or less, or best value for money.

I would like a 'smartphone' so i can download apps, decent battery life, and something not too bulky, any recommendations? or something to steer well away from?

Thanks guys!

[Gloamglozer]

I don't have any specific recommendations for a an actual phone, but if it's a smart phone you're after...

Android FTW!!!

[jasoN-]

Make sure the prepaid phone you buy is from the same network, or it is unlockable (preferably free of charge) so your sim works with it

here are some prepaid phones
https://www.optus.com.au/shop/prepaidmobile (optus)
http://www.virginmobile.com.au/shop/ProductChooser/Handset/Prepaid/ (optus)
http://www.crazyjohns.com.au/prepaid-phones/ (vodafone)
http://shop.vodafone.com.au/offers/all-prepaid-mobiles (vodafone)
https://www.telstra.com.au/prepaidshop/index.cfm?ti=TR:TR:Nov11:prepaidmobpopup:tcomprepaidmobiles#deviceselect (telstra)

I guess the more relavent ones for you would be vodafone and crazyjohns, and three but not sure if they sell prepaid phones.

I personally have the LG optimus one (got it on a plan like a year ago), prepaid is about 90 bucks, it's a pretty solid phone for its price.
Android of course , upgradeable to gingerbread (2.3) which is okay i guess, unless you're going for the functionality of ICS

From what I can see, most stores took down their high end prepaid phones (e.g. Samsung Nexus S for ~$300) not sure why but i'm guessing it's way cheaper on a plan anyway.

Anyway yeah if you buy a prepaid phone, i recommend you ask them to put your sim in and check that it works / unlock it for you so you're not liable if it screws up

[kwheattt]

Thanks! Those phones look good

[paulsterio]

Instead of buying outright, which is expensive, get a pre-paid phone on the same network as you are on (because prepaid = locked)

If you were able to tell us what network you're on, I'd be able to recommend a phone, also, what's your budget?

[ShortBlackChick]

If you are on a plan, sometimes they might give you a phone for free anyway.

I lost my phone last year, a lady gave it back to me, but somehow it had died and I couldnt resuscitate it and I was on a plan that had about 3 months left it in. I went to Allphones, and they gave me a new one for free on a new plan. I was on a $19 plan, but when I got my new phone I had to change to Vodaphone because they dont give 3 plans anymore, but on a new contract, but still the $19. And the phone I got was a Samsung Galaxy Fit, which is pretty good, and I didnt have to pay anything for it either. You should try doing that. Go to your nearest Vodaphone or Allphones store and see what they say. They might have a specific time frame in which you can do that considering I was towards the end of my plan, but they might do it for you aswell.

[kwheattt]

Yeah I hate the whole three/vodafone dilemma, but vodafone have crap coverage in my network (surprise surprise) and so i'm not keen on swapping.

decent battery life - at least a day, i'm cool with charging every night.

I'm thinking of going to three tomorrow and trying to claim something, but how can I make water damage not seem life my fault.. hmm..

[yearningforsimplicity]

If you are on a plan, sometimes they might give you a phone for free anyway.

I lost my phone last year, a lady gave it back to me, but somehow it had died and I couldnt resuscitate it and I was on a plan that had about 3 months left it in. I went to Allphones, and they gave me a new one for free on a new plan. I was on a $19 plan, but when I got my new phone I had to change to Vodaphone because they dont give 3 plans anymore, but on a new contract, but still the $19. And the phone I got was a Samsung Galaxy Fit, which is pretty good, and I didnt have to pay anything for it either. You should try doing that. Go to your nearest Vodaphone or Allphones store and see what they say. They might have a specific time frame in which you can do that considering I was towards the end of my plan, but they might do it for you aswell.

I totally agree - If you get on a plan, most carriers will give you the phone for free. I'm on the $19 plan from Vodafone and got the HTC desire Z for free like 2 months ago on my plan and am loving it! There's also many other phones you might like on plans so definitely check them out!

[ShortBlackChick]

I'm thinking of going to three tomorrow and trying to claim something, but how can I make water damage not seem life my fault.. hmm..

LOL just tell them it stopped working like mine did. I'm pretty sure I had killed the charger on my old phone, which is why my phone didnt recharge again, but I didnt tell them that

[Mao]

Technicians can tell easily. It's always obvious if it is water-damaged, even if you can't see it.

If you want a 'smartphone', at <$200, you might as well give up. You're only going to get a cheap Chinese knock-off Android, which will be very slow and painful. Assuming you'll be using this for another 9 months until your plan runs out (which is a good portion of your contract length), you might as well get a decent phone.

Call your telco and ask for a new handset, you'll be put on a payment plan for the replacement fee, which will probably be over a 24 months period. At the scheduled contract termination date, you can ask for a new free handset (while you are paying off the replacement handset). You can then sell the replacement handset and not end up paying too much. My clumsy friends usually do this when they accidentally phones in toilets. Also remember to buy insurance. (Insurance excess is $150 to replace accidental damages.)

EDIT: I should clarify. Phone makers these days put water indicators inside the phone, instead of relying on corrosion within the circuitry.
Also, fraud is fucking lowlife.

[taiga]

I personally think the Nokia E63 is a brilliant budget smartphone.

Wifi, expandable memory, GPS sorta thing, can put whatsapp etc on it, fast for typing/txting, and very sturdy.

[kwheattt]

Thanks guys, i'm going to three today hopefully and suss out what they can do.

And yeah watar damage is obvious because the thing on the battery changes from white to pink

[paulsterio]

Most phones now have a litmus indicator to tell if it's been water damaged
And I don't think warranty covers water damage.

Anyways, you could be looking at the LG Optimus Black or maybe the Samsung Nexus S which are both good phones that are quite cheap.

[ATAR]

Should of put the phone in rice for a few days and then see if its working. One of my mates phone dropped in the sink, so he put it in rice for a few days and it worked!!

[JellyDonut]

I put mine in the oven and it worked. Just make sure to pre-heat it to 200 first