Best unlocked android phone under $300?
Jun 8, 2012, 10:31 pm
#16
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Jun 9, 2012, 4:17 am
#17
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Yes, the Samsung Captivate is a 850/1900/2100 MHZ 3G variant, made for AT&T, of the original Samsung Galaxy (which is 900/1900/2100 MHz 3G) in a slightly different physical format.
Not sure what you mean by "speed"? The UI is ultra-responsive, perhaps too fast, but I have been running custom ROMs since day 1. The development community for this model remains surprisingly active. It is running Android 4.0.4 and TouchWiz 4, albeit via a custom ROM.
It looks like the two model comparison shows the same PPI, but the Cappy does have a Super AMOLED screen which most find superior?
Battery life is acceptable for my usage patterns - typically charge at night and it last through the next day until bed-time.
Not sure what you mean by "speed"? The UI is ultra-responsive, perhaps too fast, but I have been running custom ROMs since day 1. The development community for this model remains surprisingly active. It is running Android 4.0.4 and TouchWiz 4, albeit via a custom ROM.
It looks like the two model comparison shows the same PPI, but the Cappy does have a Super AMOLED screen which most find superior?
Battery life is acceptable for my usage patterns - typically charge at night and it last through the next day until bed-time.
Which ROM? I suppose I should spend some time at xda-developers.
According to the gsmarena review, the SE screen is as good as the Cappy when viewed straight on, but not when viewed at an angle.
Where are you seeing it at $199?
Jun 9, 2012, 4:22 am
#18
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A very nice phone, but $400 is more than I want to spend given expected usage (largely for travel). Perhaps I'll see if it comes down much in the next couple of months.
Jun 9, 2012, 7:23 am
#19
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For the I9250, from Google add shipping and any applicable sales tax. From Expansys, $409.99, no sales tax (except for Illinois ship to), free shipping. There have been some "Buy-it-Now" sales on eBay for $399 all in (free shipping, no sales tax).
Now that T-Mo is re-farming AT&T's 1900 MHz the penta-band thing, specifically 1700 AWS, becomes less of a requirement?
There are some SGS2's (I9100) on eBay for $420 all in, The SGS2 is arguably a superior phone.
Agree that either would take you two years forward, through Jellybean, comfortably.
Now that T-Mo is re-farming AT&T's 1900 MHz the penta-band thing, specifically 1700 AWS, becomes less of a requirement?
There are some SGS2's (I9100) on eBay for $420 all in, The SGS2 is arguably a superior phone.
Agree that either would take you two years forward, through Jellybean, comfortably.
Jun 9, 2012, 8:43 am
#20
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A definite +1. They go for about £320 in the UK and relatively speaking, that's still a bargain for what you get.
Jun 9, 2012, 3:25 pm
#21
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Personally, I'd just get the best phone you can. The unlocking is just another $10-15. The Google Nexus has a stock ROM so that's pretty fast. However, since you know about xda, then you're probably not shy about rooting and putting on custom ROMs.
The Samsung Galaxy 2 has a ton of ROMs, as does the HTC Sensation/Amaze. The Sensation has great specs but is priced lower than the SG2.
Or, if you want to spend a bit more, I'd get the international version of the HTC One X - with the Tegra 3 chip.
The Samsung Galaxy 2 has a ton of ROMs, as does the HTC Sensation/Amaze. The Sensation has great specs but is priced lower than the SG2.
Or, if you want to spend a bit more, I'd get the international version of the HTC One X - with the Tegra 3 chip.
Jun 12, 2012, 9:27 am
#23
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custom stickers
Jun 16, 2012, 5:46 pm
#24
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What's the argument for the SGS2 being the superior phone? That the Nexus lacks an SD slot and that the SGS2 has somewhat better battery life? Also, the Nexus doesn't have gorilla glass and seems more prone to scratches or cracks?
Last edited by richarddd; Jun 17, 2012 at 4:47 am
Jun 18, 2012, 9:43 am
#25
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If the OP is still looking at the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S, it is on sale until 6/19 at 11:59pm PT at NewEgg for $269.99 when you use Promo Code EMCYTZT1774 - white only (black, silver, and blue are still regular price 299.99).
Jun 18, 2012, 10:01 am
#26
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Thank you. That is a rather nice price (I see it my daily newegg spam). I'm now leaning towards the Galaxy Nexus, which seems a much nicer phone, especially the screen size, resolution, ability to view other than straight on.