Need a new phone, don't where to start!

Dave,

I'm in almost the same position (shopping 'round for a new phone). After doing some research, I've decided on a Nexus 4 phone, which gets released next week (13 Nov). Runs the latest version of Google Android and is a direct competitor to galaxy S3 at about half the price. As a bonus, because it's sold directly by Google, all the software updates are provided directly from Google to you, rather than from Google to manufacturer, manufacturer to network provider, and then to you, which can take months.

It's a "buy it outright" phone for $349 / $399 for 8Gb/16Gb versions. Not sure if it will be available on plans, but I don't want it on a plan anyway

https://play.google.com/store/device...red#'t=W10.

Comes with super fast 1.5GHz quad core processor, GPS, 8Mp camera and a range of other things I'll probably never use. The downside with all smart phones is battery time (around 2 days realistically) but I think it's an evil I'll have to live with.

I'll go on a month-to-month contract post paid plan with companies like LiveConnected or Vaya (both of which are Optus resellers) and for between $12 and $18 per month, you get $500-$700 worth of calls and 1.5Gb-2Gb of data - effectively comaprable with $40 to $60 plans from the big three where you get a phone on the plan (locked in for 24 months).

Vaya | Mobile

Mobile Plans - Live Connected

Vaya seems a bit cheaper and has 30 second billing Vs the 1 minute of LC, but has not been around as long (seems like they're still finding their feet). In either case, you're not tied to a fixed contract, so you can port out anytime.

If your phone usage varies a lot from month to month, you may be better served with an Amaysim plan, which doesn't give you as much "credit", but bills only 9c per minute, no flagfall, so if you go over the inclusions, you'll only pay a small penalty.

amaysim SIM card - Mobile Phone Plans

HTH

Bojan

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Originally Posted by Offender90

I've decided on a Nexus 4 phone

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Looks like a great phone, but no expandable memory (microSD) is a deal breaker for many.

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Originally Posted by Ranga

Looks like a great phone, but no expandable memory (microSD) is a deal breaker for many.

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I understand this may be a concern for some. I've rationalised - I currently have a Nokia N95 with 32Gb (expanded to 40Gb), but only use about 10Gb after ~3 years of use. And that's with a whole bunch of photos / videos taken for work that are still on the phone.

With a Google+ account, you have the option of unlimited online storage of all your photo / video capture with Instant Upload, although I don't envisage using the service myself.

I have a Windows phone if you use a Windows PC its great. Syncs outlook contacts calendar and email.
Works a treat and very simple to use
Cheers

There are so many options. It's interesting that you guys know more about phones than many of the people who sell them.

I think that because it would be easy to make a poor decision, going with a plan which packages phone and data would be a mistake. It would be expensive to change your mind, plus most plans seem to put you at a huge disadvantage as a consumer.

I'm thinking that I'll buy a phone outright, make sure I can get a bomb proof case for it and probably get some sort of plane from Telstra, as they seem to have the best coverage.

I still don't know what phone to get. If I get an iPhone a lot of my friends will be able to tell me how to use it. Sounds stupid, but we have an iTouch and can barely get the thing to play music. Then again, I like the idea of getting something a bit different with more flexibility. Isn't that why we all have Land Rovers?

being on a plan isnt always a disadvantage

has always worked for me.

my whole business day is centered around my phone(s).

calendar, tasks, contacts, planning and remote access to clients computers for maintenance and troubleshooting when needed.

on business plans i get free unlimited calls between any of the phones on my account. that alone saves me hundreds of dollars each billing cycle.

sometimes you need to look at the whole picture not just the upfront costs if you have an abn. ;)

Well, many thanks for this interesting and useful thread. After going all around the mulberry bush, I have just about decided it is all too hard and now looking at just replacing my very basic 4 year old Telstra Samsung bat phone with something similar (retaining blue tick for improved marginal reception coverage) and maybe upgrading to android next time around. The bat phone has been dropped any number of times but just keeps on working.

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Originally Posted by incisor

my S3 lasts three days between charges.. and it is always in use, bluetooth, wireless networks etc etc etc

if you need to sync with outlook contacts and calendar, go iphone as it is more reliable

if you use google for calendar and contacts go an android like the S3 or the top of the range HTC

just been thru it in the last few weeks

the iphone is a slick package compared to the android options but they are getting closer and are certainly useable.

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Dave I've only read the first and last pages of this thread, however if you have one of the newer Land Rovers with bluetooth within the electronics package, make sure you get a phone that is listed in the compatibity chart on the Land Rover website.

I am currently having an intermittant bluetooth problem and because I am using a Telstra 4G SII which falls between listed models they are attempting to escape on the warranty issues referring it back to a phone problem.

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Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Dave I've only read the first and last pages of this thread, however if you have one of the newer Land Rovers with bluetooth within the electronics package, make sure you get a phone that is listed in the compatibity chart on the Land Rover website.

I am currently having an intermittant bluetooth problem and because I am using a Telstra 4G SII which falls between listed models they are attempting to escape on the warranty issues referring it back to a phone problem.

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It's a nice thought, but the only way my County is going to get a blue tooth is if I run over a smurf. Having said that, I believe you can link them to some stereo units, but again I have no clue what that's about.

Inc., I know that the situation for business users is more complicated and a whole range of other issues must be considered. But for me it's personal use mainly. I will have to use the phone for work, but I will be expected to fund that myself.

Nokia Lumia 920 (I just ordered one)