this post was submitted on 20 Jun 2023
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Hi guys!

So I'm trying to get a super low cost phone to do literally the bare minimum. This is, to be able to use Whatsapp. Maybe FB messenger, but this would be an afterthought. What would you recommend? Living in Asia, so Asian brands might be cheaper/easier to get.

Thanks!

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[–] subzero12479 10 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Xiaomi's Redmi series is great as a low-budget phone. It has long-lasting batteries and charges quickly.

[–] iturnedintoanewt 1 points 1 year ago

Thanks! Not sure I'll be able to go as low with a Redmi, but I'll check.

[–] twistedtxb 8 points 1 year ago

FB Messenger is an unoptimized ressource hog, I doubt you'll be able to get a brand new $150 phone that will handle it.

I'd say look on the second hand market for an old S10

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Go used. Your experience used or refurbished will be much better than a new phone at that price point.

2 ago I got a OnePlus 8 Refurb from Amazon with all of it's protections for $300. It just got it's last Android update, but has a very active ROM scene, so I potentially have another 2 years out of this.

Even buying this exact phone, and I'm sure you can do better, you'll have a better experience than a new sub $200 phone. I've seen people buy new Samsung J series phones and barely be able to use them.

Just don't get a branded phone. Usually can't ROM them and they only work on the one carrier

[–] iturnedintoanewt 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Thanks! I should add that this is for a very inexperienced older user. I'm being told 2nd hand is out of the question, so...yeah. Needs to be 1st hand as well. Thanks!

[–] owenfromcanada 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

If you're helping set it up, check out Mere Launcher. I made it partly for my wife's grandmother who has trouble with fancier UIs. If they're looking for simple, it might help.

[–] iturnedintoanewt 1 points 1 year ago

Thanks a lot! This actually might be useful for my mom. As for me, I'm kinda trying to replace Nova's functionality.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago (2 children)

What's your used market like? You're probably better off getting something from a couple years ago

[–] MetalAirship 3 points 1 year ago

Exactly this. I got a Moto Stylus 5G recently for $180 refurbished and it has been fantastic so far. Sure it's nothing crazy or special, but its new enough that it's still feels faster than my old phone (pixel 3a xl) and has a high refresh rate display so it "feels" smoother

[–] iturnedintoanewt 2 points 1 year ago

Thanks. They're trying to avoid second hand, so it's a bit of a tricky issue, but definitely second hand market is livelier.

[–] ech0 3 points 1 year ago

You can get a Renewed Pixel 6 for $190 off Amazon.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

If you were in the US I'd recommend a pixel 5 from swappa. Maybe used oppo/oneplus might be available for you? https://swappa.com/listings/google-pixel-5/unlocked

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I would say a Pixel, not sure what prices are like on a used Pixel 6a where you are but those are solid.

Either way I always recommend buying a higher end 'premium' phone used, instead of buying a new budget phone, since even a 2 year old premium phone is way better.

[–] iturnedintoanewt 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yeah...I kinda agree with you. It's the "new" part that kills me. I'll try to negotiate around this.

[–] owenfromcanada 1 points 1 year ago

If you're in the US (or another area where it's used) check swappa.com - I got a brand new older phone for a really good price. And I just sold my old Pixel 4a on there (there are lots more for under $100).

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