Suggestions for a good budget smartphone to test/compare Android

[JayZJay]

Hi.

I have experience using Windows Phone & iOS smartphones, including the current iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.  However, I have never used an Android device other than briefling owning the originial Nexus 7 tablet for about a week and deciding to sell it.

I am looking to get a nice flagship smartphone, but I'm not really sure Windows Phone would work for me due to the "app gap".  An iPhone would probably work well for me, but I would really like to consider an Android device.

I am looking to buy a budget Android smartphone to test the current state of Android, apps, etc. and get an idea if I think Android would work for me.  I am in the United States.  My plan is to test and use the phone as a Wi-Fi device and not even turn on or use any cellular service, but, yes, it would be nice if I could get a device that supported the common GSM bands used in the United States.

Perhaps the best option would be a Motorola Moto G 2nd generation or possibly a Moto G LTE 3rd gen if I could get a hold of one.  For just a little more money, the JiaYu S3 (https://www.neowin.net/news/review-of-the-jiayu-s3-hands-down-the-best-smartphone-you-can-get-for-under-200) or the upcoming Oukitel U9 (https://www.neowin.net/news/the-oukitel-u9-packs-a-1080p-25d-screen-3-gb-of-ram-and-worldwide-lte-support) might be good choices.  Since this device is primarily for testing and kicking the tires of Android and the ecosystem, I don't really want to spend more than $200 or so.

Is there another really good alternative that I am not aware of?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

-JayZJay

[tsupersonic]

Are you willing to get a used phone? If so, check out swappa. You could get a used Samsung Galaxy S4, or LG G2, or HTC One M7, or Nexus 5, all for < $200. If you want new, I'd go with the Moto G or E. What carrier do you have? 

 

What do you look for in a phone OS? Android is good if you utilize Google services, and is pretty much the only mobile OS that lets you customize it to your heart's desire.

[JayZJay]

I would prefer to purchase a new phone, not used.  I do not currently have any carrier or contract obligations.  Again, I'm only buying this "budget" device for testing purposes and to see what I think about the current state of Android, the apps, ecosystem, etc.  Then, I plan on making a decision as to a flagship device and going probably with iOS or Android over Windows Mobile.  I just don't see Windows Mobile as being a viable option for me at this point based on my experience with Windows Phone and the apps I desire to use in some cases. 

 

I use both Gmail and Outlook/Live email accounts, but I use more Microsoft services than Google, including Office 365 and OneDrive.  As far as my PC preferences, I'm a heavy Windows user.  So, I don't have any Apple/Mac incentives to go with an iPhone even though I like iPhones well enough.

[tsupersonic]

Windows 10 is right around the corner, and will bring big improvements over the current (pathetic) state of WP. It should solve some of the app gap situation, as well as make a better experience for integration with other Windows devices. It'd be nice to hopefully see new flagships once WP10 releases, as there hasn't been a good WP flagship/mid-level phones recently. The nice thing about Microsoft is their services work great on iOS and Android, and we even get the newest app releases first  

Out of the three big voice assistants, Google Now blows the other two out of the water, imo. You can try out Google Now if you have Chrome installed. 

 

To answer your phone question, I'd stick with either the Moto G/E, or the new Asus ZenFone 2.

[Mouettus]

Moto G

Nexus 5

OnePlus One

 

~200-300$ is a lot for testing a phone tho. I would really recommend the used market.

[+Random Stranger Subscriber¹]

i would say Moto G is your best bet.   Though I really don't see the point of going with the new phone, for your testing purposes.  but whatever, if you are set on getting a new phone only, moto g is likely your best bet.

 

i cannot comment on that chinese phones though, since i am not sure about compatibility with usa networks,   but since you are mostly planning to do wifi,  it seems a decent idea.

 

 

moto g you can just go and buy in bestbuy.

[+Warwagon MVC]

If you can spend just a little more you can probaby snag a LG G3 32GB on eBay and install CM12.1 (Android 5.1.1)

[PGHammer]

Windows 10 is right around the corner, and will bring big improvements over the current (pathetic) state of WP. It should solve some of the app gap situation, as well as make a better experience for integration with other Windows devices. It'd be nice to hopefully see new flagships once WP10 releases, as there hasn't been a good WP flagship/mid-level phones recently. The nice thing about Microsoft is their services work great on iOS and Android, and we even get the newest app releases first

Out of the three big voice assistants, Google Now blows the other two out of the water, imo. You can try out Google Now if you have Chrome installed. 

 

To answer your phone question, I'd stick with either the Moto G/E, or the new Asus ZenFone 2.

But what if you are in a situation where voice is a nonstarter?

 

THAT is where Cortana, to put it bluntly, stands both apart AND alone.

 

Cortana - unlike either Google Now OR Siri - supports typed entry via virtual keyboards on smartphones and tablets, and real keyboards where supported - such as PCs, laptops, and notebooks.

 

If Google Now and Siri are mere voice assistants, Cortana is a real Virtual Assistant.  Which would YOU rather have?

 

By the by, Cortana IS available for Android and iOS.

[tsupersonic]

But what if you are in a situation where voice is a nonstarter?

 

THAT is where Cortana, to put it bluntly, stands both apart AND alone.

 

Cortana - unlike either Google Now OR Siri - supports typed entry via virtual keyboards on smartphones and tablets, and real keyboards where supported - such as PCs, laptops, and notebooks.

 

If Google Now and Siri are mere voice assistants, Cortana is a real Virtual Assistant.  Which would YOU rather have?

 

By the by, Cortana IS available for Android and iOS.

Well Google Now integrates with the Google (search) app on Android, where you definitely can type something (with Bluetooth keyboard or phone keyboard). Cortana integrates into Windows 10, while Google Now requires Chrome on a Windows PC. I would still rather have Google Now. BTW, Cortana isn't available for Android or iOS just yet, it's coming...

[JayZJay]

If I was to go ahead and look at a very good/like new condition used phone, what would be the phones that stand out that I should perhaps look for and/or consider?

[deni88]

WP is pathethic, hopefully, there will be lots of improvement in windows 10

[JayZJay]

Let me ask this again.  If I was to go ahead and look at a very good/like new condition used phone, what would be the phones that stand out that I should perhaps look for and/or consider?  Even used, is a Moto G (2nd gen) or a Nexus 5 the best choices?

[i_was_here]

Besides low price keep in mind that a Moto E/G or a Nexus 5 phone will provide you with (near) stock Android. I think that makes them ideal for testing the Android ecosystem.

[The Evil Overlord]

Let me ask this again.  If I was to go ahead and look at a very good/like new condition used phone, what would be the phones that stand out that I should perhaps look for and/or consider?  Even used, is a Moto G (2nd gen) or a Nexus 5 the best choices?

If luck is on your side, HTC, Samsung, Sony, all turn up their high end devices from time to time, Z2's and sometimes the occasional z3, I've seen a HTC one device, but I have no idea which model, not to mention the usual Sammy suspects GS3, GS4, etc...

 

BUT

If you like your music loud, I'll vote for a moto g (as I have done in many countless threads, in my experience, it is the only phone that rivals an iPhone for sheer volume, unmodified) 

My money? I'm waiting for the Elephone P8000 (admittedly a little out of your budget, 10 US dollars plus taxes) If I hate it, I'll pass it off onto my wife or son, and keep my moto g 4g)

[Anibal P]

HTC M7 (last model) LG G3, if used 

New, Moto G/E or the Asus, Nexus 5, IF you can find one 

[deni88]

windows phones are the best budget phones on town now. Their basic features are close to those high priced ios and samsung phones in the market. The casing is build in a fashionable way too. 

[somyasharma]

To test a good Android Device, then I would suggest you some best mobile phone that get more attention of people 2015, these are: Galaxy S6, Moto G, Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Edge. All Android mobile phone has great features and specifications that you love most.