What phone should I get?

[Lord Letto]

Got my tax return ($154 Canadian) last week & have been thinking about what to spend it on, currently i'm thinking it'll most likely be a phone to replace my LG G3 that I got new for $0 on a 2 year term through my carrier (Virgin Mobile) back in late May 2016 but has been problematic & unusable at times for the past few months (screen flickering & fading/glitching, random restarts & problems connecting to WiFi), it's just a matter of choosing a phone to upgrade to, looking on my local classifieds there's a few options I'd like opinions on:

1.75 year old Samsung Galaxy S7 for $150 OBO, only problem apparently is the screen protector that came with the phone is peeling on the top: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1420611813

S7 for $130 in "amazing" condition: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1420519086

2x S7, each got a Otterbox Commuter case & 1 includes a 32GB SD card, $160 each: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1423315504
Sony Xperia X Performance for $120 or best offer: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-water...rformance-cellphone/1422442920
Motorola Z Play for $150: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/moto-z-play/1422513267

Motorola Z2 Play for $180: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/unlocked-lenovo-moto-g-z2-play/1423146157
Whatever phone I get would be mainly be used for watching videos, browsing the web (on WiFi), Listening to music, playing games, taking pictures & making calls when needed. I'm currently leaning towards the Samsung Galaxy S7.

[LienusLateTips]

It looks like you're in Waterloo, one of the only places where Freedom Mobile is decent. Search on their site, they usually have amazing 2 year financing options.

 

https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/samsung-galaxy-a8

https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/huawei-p30-lite

[Lord Letto]

1 hour ago, LienusLateTips said:

It looks like you're in Waterloo, one of the only places where Freedom Mobile is decent. Search on their site, they usually have amazing 2 year financing options.

 

https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/samsung-galaxy-a8

https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/huawei-p30-lite

Yep, Kitchener. I was thinking of either staying with Virgin or switching to Freedom (Formerly Wind), given the cost of plans I'm thinking Freedom. Currently paying $40/month (+tax) for the old gold talk 40 plan (unlimited Canada to international texts, 100 local anytime minutes, pay per use flex data ($7.50 for up to 50MB, $15 if past that up to 250MB, past that it's $5/250MB)) that if i use a little bit of data for whatever reason my bill is $53.68, otherwise if no data is used it comes to $45.20. Looking at Virgin the cheapest BYOP plan is $28(+tax) for 1GB Data & pay per use Canada wide minutes or $35 (+tax) for pay per use data & 500 Canada wide minutes, while Freedom got home plans that start at $20/month (-$5 with digital discount to make it $15/month) for 250MB Data, 100 Canada wide minutes & unlimited texts to Canada & US.

[LienusLateTips]

33 minutes ago, Lord Letto said:

Yep, Kitchener. I was thinking of either staying with Virgin or switching to Freedom (Formerly Wind), given the cost of plans I'm thinking Freedom. Currently paying $40/month (+tax) for the old gold talk 40 plan (unlimited Canada to international texts, 100 local anytime minutes, pay per use flex data ($7.50 for up to 50MB, $15 if past that up to 250MB, past that it's $5/250MB)) that if i use a little bit of data for whatever reason my bill is $53.68, otherwise if no data is used it comes to $45.20. Looking at Virgin the cheapest BYOP plan is $28(+tax) for 1GB Data & pay per use Canada wide minutes or $35 (+tax) for pay per use data & 500 Canada wide minutes, while Freedom got home plans that start at $20/month (-$5 with digital discount to make it $15/month) for 250MB Data, 100 Canada wide minutes & unlimited texts to Canada & US.

Freedom has pretty good speeds in Waterloo-Kitchener from what I've heard. I live in Vancouver though, so I can't say based off of personal experience.

 

If you go for a similar price to your current plan, you can get huge phone discounts from them.

[Lord Letto]

Looking at up to $40/month options with $0 upfront there's 4 to choose from:

Sony Xperia XA2: https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/sony-xperia-xa2

ZTE Z557: https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/zte-z557

Alcatel GoFLIP: https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/alcatel-goflip

Motorola Moto G6 Play: https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/motorola-moto-g6-play

If I put up to $150ish down upfront to get up to $40/month, there's:

$40 upfront for a Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra: https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/sony-xperia-xa2-ultra

$49 iPhone 7: https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/apple-iphone-7-(32gb)

$50 Motorola Moto E5 Play: https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/motorola-moto-e5-play

$90 Samsung Galaxy J3: https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/samsung-j3

$90 LG Q Stylo +: https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/lg-q-stylo

$109 iPhone SE: https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/apple-iphone-se-(32gb)

$129 Samsung Galaxy A8: https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/samsung-galaxy-a8

$140 LG X Power 3: https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/lg-x-power-3

& there's 1 pre-order that's a big ?:

Huawei P30 Lite, if I select the $90 upfront option for $35/month in the dropdown it shows $719 upfront when the outright price in the dropdown is $450 but when that's selected it shows outright price of $1199, I'm guessing the dropdown is correct & what shows up when selected is wrong but not sure: https://www.freedommobile.ca/plans-and-devices/mobile-devices/device-details/huawei-p30-lite

 

How would those compare in performance & reliability compared to my old LG G3 or the local used options I linked in the OP?

[Lord Letto]

Here are some Features/Specs I'm looking for in a upgrade:

Better CPU/GPU for gaming performance (more power efficiency & runs cooler would be a bonus)

1080P (though 1440p (same as my G3) or 4K would be preferred)

USB Micro (Type B) would be nice considering I already have 2 chargers with the connection (my G3 Charger along with the charger cable for my Steelseries Arctis 7 headset)

Minimum 32GB storage (Same as my G3) though 64GB or more would be preferred

Minimum 3GB RAM (same as my G3), though 4GB or more preferred

Bluetooth (no need for it currently, but maybe in the future)

Something other than LG, Apple or "insert Chinese brand here" (my sister had bad experiences with LG phones & with my problems with the G3, my long term experience hasn't been very good either, I'm used to Android (6.0 "Marshmallow" as that's the newest version available on the G3) so not interested in iOS+My Brother & his Wife & Kids (my nieces) got iPhones already+"Apple Tax", the whole Huawei drama + Chinese government spying on us conspiracy or whatever)

Something with good reliability & durability

Good battery life

Headphone jack

Good WiFi speeds, we currently have the Rogers Ignite 150u internet (up to 150Mbps down, up to 15 Mbps up) , just ran a Speedtest on my G3 and it got 33.1 Mbps down & 16.3 Mbps up with 11ms Ping & 8ms Jitter with 0% Loss to a server in Toronto, upload is higher than what it should be though download speed could use some improvement.

Budget is around $150 Canadian, can maybe stretch up to $250ish Canadian at most assuming I can sell my extra/spare MSI Armor OC RX 470 4GB for $100-120 Canadian.

[Darkseth]

21 hours ago, Lord Letto said:

1.75 year old Samsung Galaxy S7 for $150 OBO, only problem apparently is the screen protector that came with the phone is peeling on the top: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1420611813

Galaxy S7 lineup did NOT come with a screen protector preinstalled. I had the S7 Edge.

 

This is either a screen protector the User applied (peel that off, and be done with it. It has gorilla Glas 6, you don't need a screen Protector), or much worse: The Display glas itself is peeling off. And i consider this a defective device.

 

That 130 dollar S7 in "great condition", if it really has a great condition (a some very tiny minor micro scratches are okay), get that.

 

My GF uses my old S7 Edge now, she's very happy (she came from an older midrange device).

Specs are great, features are great.

The LG G5 was it's competitor, and a worse overall phone back then in 2016. Build quality, camera and battery life was better on the Samsung.

 

 

Display: 1080p is perfectly fine, even with Oled (Pen-Tile matrix with 2 subpixels instead of 3).

1440p is the "high end sweet spot", where you will not be able to notice any Pixels anymore, even with Pen-Tile Oled. On a S7 for example you won't notice any pixels.

 

4k is useless on a phone, except for VR. then you really want at least 4k. VR with my S7 Edge was a nice experience, but the resolution was even worse than todays 720p screens from entry phones like Moto G7 Power.

But well, there's only sony's "premium" lineup with a 4k screen, and sony smartphones are... not that great.

[Lord Letto]

1 hour ago, Darkseth said:

But well, there's only sony's "premium" lineup with a 4k screen

Just looked it up & you're right:

https://themrphone.com/mobiles/all-4k-display-phones

Looking on Kijiji across Ontario, Cheapest I found is the Z5 Premium for $200-$220

$200 in Windsor, Unlocked, Headphone jack don't work, comes with 2 expensive cool cases, firm on price: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/windsor-area-on/sony-xperia-z5-premium/1416568029

$220 in Oakville, comes with case: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/oakville-halton-region/sony-xperia-z5-premium/1417772104

Next cheapest model is a XZ Premium for $300 in Toronto, Unlocked in perfect condition: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/city-of-toronto/sony-xperia-xz-premium-64gb-unlocked-dual-sim/1418949248

1 hour ago, Darkseth said:

and sony smartphones are... not that great.

What's wrong with them? A Sony would be my 2nd choice after Samsung (Motorola would likely be my 3rd choice), my brother got a PS4 & I have a profile on it linked to my PSN account with a game I bought on it so if I get a model with PS4 remote play it would be nice.

[Darkseth]

Well at first their "outdated blocky" design. At least untill a Year or so

Second, their Camera is subpar with the competition (sony's pro camera department didn't worked together with theri smartphone department. They want to change it with the next one).

Battery Life is not that great on their last few flaggships.

 

They just don't excel in anything, not even the Price.

 

Oh yea, and pretty bad fingerprint sensor placing >.<

[Lord Letto]

Just sent some messages, just need to wait for replys.

Just wondering but once I make a decision & go to meet the seller to look at it, what should I look for? I'm thinking of meeting at a local freedom mobile location (as that's who I'll likely go with) to get them to check if the phone is unlocked/able to be used & see if it's blacklisted (if they can do either of those things) before handing over the money.

[Lord Letto]

If I buy a cheap one that needs repairs, would it be worth it? Just came across this listing that caught my attention:

3 Samsungs that need repairs, $40 each or $100 for all 3: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/samsung-phones-need-fixing/1423773293

S7 with a firmware issue where the phone wont stop restarting, he's told it could be fixed

S7 Edge, needs a new screen and digitizer as it has a burnt pixel rendering the screen useless

S7 Note(?), no pen & locked out of it, not sure if it could be fixed, also needs a new screen as it's cracked but still works

[Gunji_Otaku]

Personally I've been waiting for Oneplus 7 to come out so I can finally upgrade my Oneplus 3. I never got the 5/t because of the dumb placing of the finger print reader on the back.. eww, and the 6/t has the silly notches.
Sadly I've seen so many "leaks" and "previews" that seem fairly legit and they have put me off. They all show the pop up camera. =(
If the silly pop-up selfie cam is legit, then I'm gonna have to find another phone. 

I want high specs, fast CPU, at least 6gb ram (maybe 8 max), headphone jack, fast charging, upgradable storage options and a full notch-less screen...
I don't want selfie cameras (at all), or overly designed and pointless phone rears (it goes in a case so who cares what the back looks like?).
Hell I don't even care a huge deal about water resistance, if its there even in small part then sweet, but the hardcore drop it under 150m of water resistance?? why?!

The Vivo Dual really caught my eye getting rid of the selfie cam to use the much better normal rear camera. Something I've said we should do for years! Sadly the rest of the specs could be better, and they don't have the oxygen (hydrogen?) OS that Oneplus has that makes me like the phone so much.

I saw the Pocofone F1 and LTT's root vid, and it intrigued me enough to consider it, but I've yet to find a "long term" review where someone reviews it months later, not just a week later. I want to make sure that it holds up, both durability wise, and speed wise.

I hope LTT can at least confirm some more about the Oneplus 7, and I really hope Linus gets a super early preview so he can test it out for a month before it hits the shelves.

NDA's be damned, just tell me if I should keep waiting or be disapointed for a silly pop up camera and buy something else...

 

[Commodus]

1 hour ago, Gunji_Otaku said:

Personally I've been waiting for Oneplus 7 to come out so I can finally upgrade my Oneplus 3. I never got the 5/t because of the dumb placing of the finger print reader on the back.. eww, and the 6/t has the silly notches.
Sadly I've seen so many "leaks" and "previews" that seem fairly legit and they have put me off. They all show the pop up camera. =(
If the silly pop-up selfie cam is legit, then I'm gonna have to find another phone. 

I want high specs, fast CPU, at least 6gb ram (maybe 8 max), headphone jack, fast charging, upgradable storage options and a full notch-less screen...
I don't want selfie cameras (at all), or overly designed and pointless phone rears (it goes in a case so who cares what the back looks like?).
Hell I don't even care a huge deal about water resistance, if its there even in small part then sweet, but the hardcore drop it under 150m of water resistance?? why?!

The Vivo Dual really caught my eye getting rid of the selfie cam to use the much better normal rear camera. Something I've said we should do for years! Sadly the rest of the specs could be better, and they don't have the oxygen (hydrogen?) OS that Oneplus has that makes me like the phone so much.

I saw the Pocofone F1 and LTT's root vid, and it intrigued me enough to consider it, but I've yet to find a "long term" review where someone reviews it months later, not just a week later. I want to make sure that it holds up, both durability wise, and speed wise.

I hope LTT can at least confirm some more about the Oneplus 7, and I really hope Linus gets a super early preview so he can test it out for a month before it hits the shelves.

NDA's be damned, just tell me if I should keep waiting or be disapointed for a silly pop up camera and buy something else...

 

Historically, OnePlus shapes its basic designs around one of the hotter Oppo phones of that year... and in this case, the leaks suggest it'll be based around an Oppo phone with a pop-up camera.

 

Not counting on an early LTT look myself -- you might see some hands-on time the day of the event, but I wouldn't expect anything official before that.

[Lord Letto]

Bump:

No luck yet to get a S7, replied to some on Friday/Saturday but no reply, just checked & ad is gone now for most of them, Cheapest currently listed with no issues/good condition is $200:

the 1.75 year old one with pealing screen protector is still listed for $150 OBO: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1420611813

Here's some others with issues:

S7 Edge with broken screen, other than that it's fine for $100: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/samsung-galaxy-s7-edge/1417407224

S7 with small crack in corner for $150, phone only no charger or original items included: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/samsung-galaxy-s7-32gb-small-crack-in-corner/1421246806

S7 Edge with a crack, does not interfere with use, everything works great, reset & ready to go for :$175 OBO: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/cambridge/samsung-s7-edge/1424284157

S7, cracked, works great except back camera is giving some problems but can be repaired for cheap, can throw in premium cases & fast charger, $180: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/cambridge/galaxy-s7-cracked-works-fine/1413541713

 

for $200 in good condtion:

S7: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/samsung-galaxy-s7/1424931348

S7, unlocked in great condition, includes charger, asking $200: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/32-gb-samsung-s7-unlocked/1423386835

S7, trying to to sell for $200, recently bought a iPhone, works perfectly no problems: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/samsung-galaxy-s7/1418166867

S7, mechanically perfect, had tempered glass on since day 1 and been in otterbox, all buttons, home button & touch on home button work, just a little chip on glass part near home button, does not affect screen view or any problems with home button or touch, comes with USB cable & charger & box for $200, factory unlocked & comes with extra case really nice: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/cambridge/samsung-s7-32gb-with-otter-box-factory-unlocked/1418954857

 

Posted a wanted ad looking for a S7 or similar/better for up to $150 or trade a RX 470 4GB + cash if required, only reply was for a S7 with otterbox for $250, she'll sell it for $200: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1424319310

 

[Lord Letto]

On 4/3/2019 at 11:26 PM, Lord Letto said:

S7, trying to to sell for $200, recently bought a iPhone, works perfectly no problems: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/samsung-galaxy-s7/1418166867

Replied with "Hi, Are you open to offers? Any scratches/wear/issues or is it like new? Is it only the phone or does it include other stuff such as the box, charger, case? Any pictures?" got a reply back saying "yes reasonable its in great shape, still have the box and charger, I can send you more pictures if your interested. Only reason selling it because I have a new phone. Let me know." Replyed with "Would $130 be OK? If not, what's the lowest you would take?" got a reply of "too low its in great shape 190 would be the lowest"

 

On 4/3/2019 at 11:26 PM, Lord Letto said:

S7, mechanically perfect, had tempered glass on since day 1 and been in otterbox, all buttons, home button & touch on home button work, just a little chip on glass part near home button, does not affect screen view or any problems with home button or touch, comes with USB cable & charger & box for $200, factory unlocked & comes with extra case really nice: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/cambridge/samsung-s7-32gb-with-otter-box-factory-unlocked/1418954857

Asked if open to offers, was told yes but not too low, offered $130 if not what's the lowest, was told $165 lowest.

[Nena Trinity]

The Samsung S7 is not that great, would consider a Moto Z since it has moto mods! :3

[Lord Letto]

Here's what shows up for Moto Z on local classifieds:

Defective Moto Z2 Play, works great for calling & texting but has a few ghosting issues, needs a screen to fix ghosting issues & needs a sim tray, $30: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/moto-z2-play-defective/1425189339

Lenovo Moto G Z2 Play, excellent condition, $120: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/unlocked-lenovo-moto-g-z2-play/1423380040

Moto Z2 Play with projector, "works perfectly fine with no issue, no dents, no scratches nothing", no pictures or price listed: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/motorola-moto-z2-play-with-projecter-mode/1420588432

Moto Z Play, 100% condition, $210: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/cambridge/motorola-moto-z-play/1420081994

Moto Z Play, "Excellent condition very lightly used by senior. Comes with accessories, screen protector and beautiful genuine leather case.", $275: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/motorola-moto-z-play-32gb-black-unlocked/1419462275

[Lord Letto]

15 minutes ago, Lord Letto said:

Defective Moto Z2 Play, works great for calling & texting but has a few ghosting issues, needs a screen to fix ghosting issues & needs a sim tray, $30: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/moto-z2-play-defective/1425189339

Replied & asked if he got a quote to fix it? he replied with "Honestly it's not even worth getting it fixed unless you're doing it yourself. It would cost well over $300 to fix all the issues with this phone.""Mostly just selling for parts"

 

16 minutes ago, Lord Letto said:

Moto Z2 Play with projector, "works perfectly fine with no issue, no dents, no scratches nothing", no pictures or price listed: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/motorola-moto-z2-play-with-projecter-mode/1420588432

Replied to ask what he's asking for it & any pictures", he replied back with "Yes""Here is a picture: https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTU4OVgxMjQy/z/NN0AAOSwyMRcp69I/$_1.JPG?set_id=8800005007"

[Lord Letto]

Got another reply to my wanted ad, Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017 from what I can tell, SM-A520W) for $150 firm, includes a $50 case (Otterbox) & quick charger for free: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1424921188

How would the A5 (2017) compare to my old LG G3, or some of the other recommendations (Galaxy S7 (if in the end I can't get a S7 in budget, maybe a S6?), Moto Z)?

From seller after I replied back "Looking at your ad, it's a A5 correct?" (Didn't know what it was at first, he just sent a bunch of messages with image links like above with the Moto Z2 Play with projector so I thought that is what it was as 1st, in between the image links he asked if I was still looking for a Samsung, I ended up replying back and asked how much (Thinking it was the Moto Z above that I don't have a price for yet", he said "I had it down for 200 but i went 150 firm.. Its 470.00 in walmart right now and it dont come with a case from there lol.. Ill include free phone case worth 49$ .."): " Yes mint shape aswell only had it 4weeks then found deal on iPhone 7+ I spent bit to much so need cash quick thats why i put it so cheep.. Its still 470$at walmart or 250$ used.. I will give you otter box case with it.. No charge it alone is worth 49$ lol price around my price wont be beat.. And you will be very happy with it 100%.."

just sent me another message"Sorry i did not know i already sent pics and info lol my add price must be working cause msg wont stop lol And not one person can make it here to get phone cause no one has car or drives .."

if that's the case & he expects it to be picked up in Hamilton then it's out of the question for me also because I don't have a car or drive, I'd need to take a Greyhound or something)

[Lord Letto]

So I asked on the PUBG:M reddit today for what to look for with specs & for recommendations for $150 Canadian with a stretch budget of $200-250 but preferably within the $150 budget, not interested in iOS, rather Android or Windows that i'm considering the Samsung Galaxy S7, maybe the S6 if I can't find a S7 in budget, the Motorola/Lenovo Z Play/Z2 Play is also a possibility along with a newer Mid-High end Sony ( such as the Xperia X Performance), here's the posts I've  received so far in the thread:

"Well all around good device is xiaomi mi a2 i been using it now and it has snapdragon 660 processor which deals with pubg just fine on medium settings", replied back with "It's a Chinese phone, I'd rather stay away from those due to drama/conspiracies." someone else replied back with "Motorola is a company owned by chinese so get over it, in a budget you look for the better for what you're willing to pay." I replied back with "It's owned by Lenovo, but it's still a US based company, it's not a Chinese based company such as Huawei, Xiaomi, Redmi & so on."

 

next is "You should be able to get a Motorola Z2 Force around your desired price range on ebay. It has a Snapdragon 835 which is considerably faster than the 626 in the Z2 Play. I use one and would recommend it if you can find a good deal

Here is a AT&T model for $154 there are Verizon and unlocked GSM versions available as well": https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Motorola-Moto-Z2-Force-XT1789-64GB-Super-Black-AT-T-Smartphone/312228671571?hash=item48b2477053:g:hd0AAOSwklhahcmC

 

"If you don’t mind a smaller screen, you can go with iPhone SE the gameplay is smooth and the battery life is great. It’s a low budget phone with tremendous abilities." I replyed with "it's iOS, I'd rather stick with Android as that's what I'm used to, or windows as I'm used to Windows PC."

 

"Check out the Redmi Note 7 Pro. I don't think any other phone can beat it currently at that price, given its offering.", I replied with "It's a Chinese phone, I'd rather stay away from those due to drama/conspiracies."

 

"If you want to spend a “little” more money, I’d suggest a Razer Phone 1 or 2."

 

"Xperia XZ1"

[Lord Letto]

Anyone order a refurbished phone off amazon? If so, how did it go? Just thought to look there today & there are some certified refurbished S7 & S7 Active for $250, the S6 that would be my budget choice was $170 for a S6 Active.

S6 Active, Camo Blue, Camo White or Grey, $170: https://www.amazon.ca/Samsung-Galaxy-Unlocked-Octa-Core-Smartphone/dp/B01H46NWD4/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=samsung+galaxy+s6&qid=1554747608&rnid=677211011&s=electronics&sr=1-7

https://www.amazon.ca/Samsung-Galaxy-Unlocked-Octa-Core-Smartphone/dp/B01CPY0DQY/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=samsung+galaxy+s6&qid=1554747608&rnid=677211011&s=electronics&sr=1-9

https://www.amazon.ca/Samsung-Galaxy-Unlocked-Octa-Core-Smartphone/dp/B01CPY07VK/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=

 

S7, Black or Gold, $250: https://www.amazon.ca/Samsung-Galaxy-T-Mobile-Unlocked-Smartphone/dp/B06XZRZ12Q/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1OKM3Q2X5G83R&keywords=samsung+galaxy+s7&qid=1554745724&rnid=5264023011&s=electronics&sprefix=Samsung+galaxy+S7%2Caps%2C322&sr=1-6

https://www.amazon.ca/Samsung-Galaxy-T-Mobile-Unlocked-Smartphone/dp/B01MT57AVU/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1OKM3Q2X5G83R&keywords=samsung+galaxy+s7&qid=1554745724&rnid=5264023011&s=electronics&sprefix=Samsung+galaxy+S7%2Caps%2C322&sr=1-5

 

S7 Active, Camo Green, Sandy Gold or Titanium Grey, $250: https://www.amazon.ca/Samsung-G891A-Shatter-Resistant-Extremely-Smartphone/dp/B01MYFL8ZY/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1OKM3Q2X5G83R&keywords=samsung+galaxy+s7&qid=1554745724&rnid=5264023011&s=electronics&sprefix=Samsung+galaxy+S7%2Caps%2C322&sr=1-8

https://www.amazon.ca/Samsung-G891A-Shatter-Resistant-Extremely-Smartphone/dp/B01N9YOVME/ref=sr_1_9?crid=1OKM3Q2X5G83R&keywords=samsung+galaxy+s7&qid=1554745724&rnid=5264023011&s=electronics&sprefix=Samsung+galaxy+S7%2Caps%2C322&sr=1-9

https://www.amazon.ca/Samsung-G891A-Shatter-Resistant-Extremely-Smartphone/dp/B01N7ZLLBI/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1OKM3Q2X5G83R&keywords=samsung+galaxy+s7&qid=1554745724&rnid=5264023011&s=electronics&sprefix=Samsung+galaxy+S7%2Caps%2C322&sr=1-7

[Lord Letto]

Alright, so the S6 Active is #1 on my consideration list right now, Got the one I linked from amazon in my cart just need to click the order button if I decide to go for it (Total of $192 after taxes, I have amazon prime so free 1 day shipping). 

Out of curiosity, I checked eBay to see if I could find any for less & I did:

“This item is fully tested and inspected. 100% working order. Will come with charger and cable. Unlocked for any GSM carrier worldwide.Has been tested and the cosmetic condition is 8 out of 10. This item comes with 3 months unlimited talk, text and 8GB data a month by Mint Mobile. The sim card has to be activated within 45 days after receipt.”, US $84.99 (Approximately C $113.24)+US $11.95 (approx. C $15.92) shipping+US $15.69 (amount confirmed at checkout) for import charges: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Samsung-Galaxy-S6-Active-GSM-Unlocked-Phone-FRB-Free-3-Months-Service-Plan/192840250304?hash=item2ce62cb3c0:m:mKvDFR9v9tgj8rtGcCo7UBg

 

Here's 1 that was refurbished from a open box special, "May have some slight marks overall looks like a 9+/10", US $89.95(Approximately C $119.85)+US $12.03 (approx. C $16.03) for shipping+US $16.37 (amount confirmed at checkout) for import charges: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Samsung-Galaxy-S6-Active-SM-G890A-r-Unlocked-Smartphone-Cell-Phone-AT-T-T-Mobile/163372657540?hash=item2609c4eb84:m:mgOVUD9C7yaswbXiaXjvERg

 

“This device was professionally restored, tested, and is fully functional. Please see condition details below. The device comes with a compatible charger and 90 day warranty.", 2 options for condition, Grade A or Grade B "A-Grade devices are in great condition overall. They are tested and certified to function like a new device. May show minor signs of previous use, but will be hardly visible at first glance.""B-Grade devices will have scratches or scrapes on the body or screen from previous use however, overall they remain in good cosmetic condition." Grade A is US $150.99 (Approximately C $201.19), Grade B is US $98.99 (Approximately C $131.90)+US $12.16 (approx. C $16.20) shipping + US $17.63 (amount confirmed at checkout) for import charges: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Samsung-Galaxy-S6-Active-G890A-GSM-Unlocked-32GB-Rugged-Smartphone/223224171860?hash=item33f9328d54:m:mF65Zh4glH7HrsEJ_DESDfA

 

Considering I'm interested in the ruggedness of the active series (IP68 dust/water proof (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) & MIL-STD-810G compliant), I also looked on eBay for a refurbished S7 Active, I only found 1 for slightly less than the S6 Active on amazon though and it got some burn in if i'm understanding correctly:

“This phone is in great shape. It is fully tested and fully functional and unlocked to be used with any GSM carrier. The screen has some shadow (background pictures) which has no effect on the functionality of the phone. Has some cosmetic imperfections such as nicks and scratches. Can be rated as 8 out of 10 condition.”, US $109.99 (Approximately C $146.56)+US $12.33 (approx. C $16.43) shipping+US $19.17 (amount confirmed at checkout) for import charges: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/SAMSUNG-GALAXY-S7-ACTIVE-SM-G891A-32GB-4G-LTE-AT-T-UNLOCKED-Phone-SHDW-FR/382143651984?hash=item58f9896090:m:m7DBvyWrvwEOsgg8izjJ0Ng

 

Yes/No for any of the ones I posted to replace my LG G3?

[win10user10]

here's a guide 

 

[Lord Letto]

So I asked on Reddit about amazon vs eBay for the refurbished S6 Active or any other recommendations for the price:

r/phones, 1 reply:

"You'll get a way better deal on ebay 99% of the time, as it seems you've shown in the pricing. They have the money back guarantee so you don't have to worry about scams or misrepresentation."

 

r/cellphones, 2 replies:

"Shop around. That price seems a little high for an older device. For a comparatively current price guide you can check prices against swappa.com."

"Why do you want an S6 active? I bought my wife a used, slightly cracked in the upper left corner, S7edge in like new condition 9.5/10 for $55 off the local craigslist. Even if you wanted to have a glass only repair done to it that would be another $47 bringing the total to $102 USD. I'm certain you could find similar where you are located."

 

With that example of $55 (USD) for a cracked S7 edge in mind I checked Kijiji again for cheapest S7/Edge, $100 (CAD, $74.72 USD according to google) with broken screen other than that it's fine, not sure what it would cost to repair/replace the screen though & listing only got a stock photo instead of a photo of the actual phone to see how bad it is: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/samsung-galaxy-s7-edge/1417407224

Another possible option is a S6 Edge+ for $60 (CAD, $44.84 USD according to google), was dropped & ran over by car, wont turn on, not sure if phone or just needs to be booted another way: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cell-phone/kitchener-waterloo/samsung-s6-edge-plus/1399577370

 

Checking Swappa, cheapest S6 Active is $85 US & prices go up from there + I assume those are locked to AT&T instead of being unlocked?, here's the cheapest: https://swappa.com/listing/view/LRPM23846

looks about par perhaps for the ones I found on eBay, I'm guessing there may have just been a disregard for the Exchange rate that makes things more expensive here than down in the US What I could get in the US for $150 I likely won't be able to get it here for $150 because the price in inflated because of the exchange rate.

 

Just checked Swappa for the S7 out of curiosity, Unlocked S7 starts at $99 USD: https://swappa.com/listing/view/LRRV78263

S7 Active with AT&T starts at $105 USD: https://swappa.com/listing/view/LRRG23436

Unlocked S7 Edge starts at $169 USD: https://swappa.com/listing/view/LRRV52541

[Lord Letto]

So I just sent off some emails to local businesses that repair & sell phones to get a ballpark quote to repair my G3 & to get recommendations for a replacement phone for $150, $200 max, got 2 replies back so far:

https://www.cellphonerepair.com/ 

"If your WiFi is grayed out or never connects it could be related to the WiFi chip. If that is the case we would not be able to fix your phone. Also the screen would be $149 + HST at least to fix. Most phones that run high end games will run around $500-700 for the phone. I don't know of any gaming phones that run $200."

 

https://www.i-wave.ca/

"I’d have to have a look at what’s causing the issue, because Lg G3 is such an old phone might better off replacing it. 

For gaming I’m not to sure but budget wise I can list off phones that are around that price range with good CPU & are fairly up to date on specs.

Lg G4 - $230

Samsung S5 - $250

Samsung S6 - $275

Samsung S7 - $310

iPhones are also a good option for gaming. As they do run faster than most android phones. 

I know your budget is 200$ max however you won’t find a good device with latest software that won’t crash a lot for under 200$ 

Our devices are all 9/10 - 10/10 condition and all come with accessories."