best cheap high-specs smartphone

[agent007bond]

Hey guys Seeking your recommendations...

I'm thinking of getting a new smartphone in a few months, as my current S3 is starting to fall apart. Would prefer something well maintained by the company (in terms of updates), stable and reasonably popular.

I hope to find a new one without hurting my bottom-line. Hope to keep it under $400. LTE 4G data is a must. Battery life is important. Android 5 Lollipop will be a huge bonus.

I'm open to a large phone (4.7" to 5") or a small phablet (5" to 5.5"). I carry my phone in my pocket so it can't be too big.

Speculated or announced (coming soon) phones welcome too! I'm willing to wait a bit longer.

Do mention what's great about the phone you recommend! And what are the cons.

 

[mingfreakrsx]

Asus Zenfone 2? Has three variants though and one of it has a monstrous 4GB RAM, but it still depends what variant Asus Singapore decided to bring in.



Sent from my Mi device using GAGT

 

[Pokémon]

I'd recommend the Asus Zenfone 2 too. Hopefully it will be available in SG by Mar/Apr.

Check out some other hands-on videos on Youtube.

 

[agent007bond]

Wow, looks damn good... hope there is choice between different models (why limit to one model per region?)... expected release next month I think should be around S$350 which is unbelievable for a phone with specs that good.

Any other brands/models?

 

[anthonygreenisreal]

Oneplus One.

 

[RiceGrain]

I am waiting for zenfone2 too...

meanwhile can consider zte, oneplusone, xiaomi..

 

[8-lane]

TS.. u dun mind whether it has local manufacturer warranty or not?

 

[8-lane]

I am waiting for zenfone2 too...

meanwhile can consider zte, oneplusone, xiaomi..

What phone r u using now?

 

[joesph]

s4, got nfc

Sent from Samsung GT-I9506 using GAGT

 

[agent007bond]

s4, got nfc

Err it's not cheap. And I didn't ask for NFC.

@8-lane Don't mind not having warranty.

 

[caterham7]

asus flash sale
ASUS PadFone Flash Sale Ongoing NOW! Up to 70% Discount | TechieLobang

padfone infinity [their previous flagship] only $199

 

[trenzterra]

Padfone is probably the best for its specs. Think hwz did a review on it you may want to check out.

The only con is that the battery is small so battery life isn't that good.

 

[agent007bond]

Xiaomi bringing Redmi 2 (two variants) to Singapore on March 10... what do you think about that? Good choice?

The specs seem so similar to my current S3:

Samsung I9305 Galaxy S III vs. Xiaomi Redmi 2 - GSMArena.com

 

[caterham7]

Xiaomi bringing Redmi 2 (two variants) to Singapore on March 10... what do you think about that? Good choice?

The specs seem so similar to my current S3:

Samsung I9305 Galaxy S III vs. Xiaomi Redmi 2 - GSMArena.com

if you are considering redmi 2, suggest to wait for 2gb/16gb version

note: no backlight for home, menu, back keys; same problem for zenfone 2

 

[mokseng]

Oneplusone is cheap for the specs if u dun care too much abt rom support. If redmi 2 specs is gd enough for u, go for it when the 2gb ram version comes out lor. No backlight for capacitive keys is totally fine for me, I disable mine anyway.

Sent from my awesome phone using GAGT

 

[agent007bond]

if you are considering redmi 2, suggest to wait for 2gb/16gb version

note: no backlight for home, menu, back keys; same problem for zenfone 2

Thought it has the signature red backlight for the keys... anyway I had turned off the key backlight in my S3 the whole time so I'm used to it. As long as the keys work, no issue

 

[caterham7]

padfone s back at $299 pricing
PadFone S LTE

Snapdragon 801, water & drop-resistant

 

[mokseng]

padfone s back at $299 pricing
PadFone S LTE

Snapdragon 801, water & drop-resistant

I hiam the battery only 2300mah, bezel also a bit big. If can look pass that, it's a gd price.

Sent from my awesome phone using GAGT

 

[agent007bond]

Why does Xiaomi have so few products offered in Singapore? They have many products in China (their home base) but it's not available in mi.com/sg. I like their Mi Note or Mi Note Pro but the SG site only has Redmi Note 4G.

Can I order from China site? Will they ship here? Will it work with Singapore 4G networks?

 

[caterham7]

Why does Xiaomi have so few products offered in Singapore? They have many products in China (their home base) but it's not available in mi.com/sg. I like their Mi Note or Mi Note Pro but the SG site only has Redmi Note 4G.

Can I order from China site? Will they ship here? Will it work with Singapore 4G networks?

think they trying hard to fulfill demand in china market first

mi note is scheduled for q2 in singapore; i.e. april to june timing; mi note pro not yet confirmed

ordering from china; you need to be aware of the following

1. no warranty
2. network; doublecheck to ensure the correct version is purchased
3. xiaomi tmall can accept singapore payment method, but may have to ship via "sensitive air" or "ship", due to battery
4. xiaomi china website; need to use the "buyforme" service offered by some forwarders
5. many fake xiaomi phones; safer to buy from official xiaomi china website or xiaomi tmall