Phone Under $300 - Old Flagship or New Mid-range?

[THE ABSURD BIRD]

Hello, I am looking to buy an unlocked phone under the $300 price segment (If you find a really good phone better then the ones I mention slightly above my price point, I will take them into consideration).

I care mostly about performance, software (as long as it has android 8, its fine) and design (also screen), I use the camera only occasionally so it isn't of much concern (nice to have). The two options I have narrowed down for best value are the LG G6 and Nokia 6.1 (2018). Has anyone used either of these phones or can anyone help me make a decision between them?

Thank you.

[Ja50n]

I like the old flagship approach, I just upgraded from my Galaxy S5 to a new S7 for $260, it’s pretty great. Either of those phones should serve you well, I tend to shop for the phone with the least annoyances. For me that meant no more used OLEDs, Optical Image Stabilization and a fast camera with good low light was a must, fast or at least accurate fingerprint sensor, and performance good enough not to lag in Maps or web browsing, which seem to test the phone the most.

Personally I’d go with the LG for its faster performance and better screen. An older phone usually has a more established accessory market too.

[THE ABSURD BIRD]

Ja50n Thank you for your feedback, I will consider the s7 as an option (although it is unlikely it will get an android 9 update, unlike the Lg G6). 

[kevp453]

I don't know what else you're looking for, but maybe check out the new Moto G6 for $250. I have the G5s Plus and have really liked it. Excellent bang for your buck imo.

[THE ABSURD BIRD]

Hmm, The moto g6 does not seem to have any advantages over either phone. It has inferior performance, a worse camera, and worse design (IMO) than the g6, though it does have a slight edge battery life and software updates. It also has slower updates compared to the nokia, slightly inferior performance, but a better camera. The moto g6 is a great phone, but in the context of the Lg G6 and Nokia 6, I do not see a compelling reason to choose it over them. Thank you for your feedback.

[THE ABSURD BIRD]

@huilun02 Thank you for your feedback, I will take it into account. At the moment I think I will get the g6 unless somebody suggests a more compelling option.

[Max_Settings]

Also could go with an iPhone 6S if you like the iOS route.

https://www.amazon.com/Apple-iPhone-6S-64GB-Refurbished/dp/B01CR1AA90/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1528508945&sr=8-2&keywords=iphone+6s+refurbish&dpID=51Jq5vuWKFL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

[THE ABSURD BIRD]

I do not like IOS, but thank you for your suggestion. The iPhone 6s has a small screen, old design, sub par battery life, and unexceptional screen.

[THE ABSURD BIRD]

@huilun02 Ikr, no offense to Max who suggested that but I feel apple rips off their customers. Also I watched that video by Louis Rossmann (Tailosive made an apology video to him, he isn't a bad guy).

[Max_Settings]

18 minutes ago, huilun02 said:

Its great if you want a 3 year old 4.7" 750p screen phone complete with bendgate feature.

 

 

6S doesn’t bend. The 750p doesn’t matter if the density is high enough. I was just a suggestion is the OP wanted iOS, but clearly he doesn’t.

[Zodiark1593]

13 hours ago, Max_Settings said:

6S doesn’t bend. The 750p doesn’t matter if the density is high enough. I was just a suggestion is the OP wanted iOS, but clearly he doesn’t.

One does not need to bend a device so much that permanent deformities are evident to cause internal damage.

 

On topic, older flagships tend to have better performance than today's mid/low end, though the battery life and heat output can be a major tradeoff. Those Snapdragon 820 chips, while plenty competent today, tend to run quite hot under load.

[Nena Trinity]

Nokia 6.1 or equally priced Honor! :3

[THE ABSURD BIRD]

Nena360 why? You just told me a phone without reasoning of why I should get it.

[THE ABSURD BIRD]

Hello everyone who took the time to reply to my post, thank you for your feedback and helping me choose a phone. I have chosen the old flagship path and have purchased an lg g6 for $215 USD. I will update this post with a review of the phone if I have time later.