Best cheap mobile phone?

herecomesaregular · Feb 19, 2014

This thread may die a quick death.... but.... i've loved my blackberry 8520 because when in an otterbox case it has been indestructable, it's been easy to type on the physical keyboard and i can quickly check emails with just an odd bit of web browsing.....but i've had months of problems with virgin with failed sms/texts (even when changed number/sim). Bit locked in with them due to home phone contract also.

Also, I really don't want to spend a lot on a phone I may leave somewhere accidentally (and don't want to pay for extra insurance).

Any recommendations for a decent but cheap mobile (not an iphone for a start)? Must be durable. I don't care about apps/games/music - mostly use it for texting then calls then emails.

cheers

CheeseRolls · Feb 19, 2014

herecomesaregular said:
This thread may die a quick death.... but.... i've loved my blackberry 8520 because when in an otterbox case it has been indestructable, it's been easy to type on the physical keyboard and i can quickly check emails with just an odd bit of web browsing.....but i've had months of problems with virgin with failed sms/texts (even when changed number/sim). Bit locked in with them due to home phone contract also.

Also, I really don't want to spend a lot on a phone I may leave somewhere accidentally (and don't want to pay for extra insurance).

Any recommendations for a decent but cheap mobile (not an iphone for a start)? Must be durable. I don't care about apps/games/music - mostly use it for texting then calls then emails.

cheers

Virgin still have several Blackberries on their monthly tariffs. Otherwise I would suggest you take a look at the Nokia Windows phones. Feedback I have had from people using them, is very positive. The one big turn off, is the limited choice of apps, which doesn't sound like it will be an issue for you. I have four phones with Virgin ranging from £5 a month sim only through to just over a tenner a month with a handset. I am gradually changing over to SIM only deals, as I reckon they are better value for money, but you do get insurance with Virgin, go haggle.

Randsta · Feb 19, 2014

Motorola Moto g is the best value smart phone by a mile £130 for 8 gb version

herecomesaregular · Feb 19, 2014

i do love a bit of nsc advice - both of your posts have been really helpful. i have been on sim only for a couple of months after my virgin contract ended (when the bb seemed like it would last forever, so i thought i didn't need a new phone) so i'm wanting to avoid another long contract again and stick on sim only. reviews of nokia and the moto g seem really good so i think it'll be one of them. many thanks again

algie · Feb 19, 2014

herecomesaregular said:
i do love a bit of nsc advice - both of your posts have been really helpful. i have been on sim only for a couple of months after my virgin contract ended (when the bb seemed like it would last forever, so i thought i didn't need a new phone) so i'm wanting to avoid another long contract again and stick on sim only. reviews of nokia and the moto g seem really good so i think it'll be one of them. many thanks again

You can get the Moto G from Tesco's for £110. Then a couple of quid to get a unlock code off Ebay

Norman Potting · Feb 19, 2014

What are people's views on Blackberry - they seem very cheap at the moment and for someone who isn't going to be using the internet capabilities much are they worth getting - or does the Motorola G still get the vote?

Superseagull · Feb 19, 2014

Motorola moto G. No contest in the budget phone market!

herecomesaregular · Feb 19, 2014

i loved my bb 8520 before the "network out of order" issue (see google). i dont want a high value phone that i'll leave on the train. but i'm very tempted by the motorola moto g tbh!

Philzo-93 · Feb 20, 2014

CheeseRolls said:
Virgin still have several Blackberries on their monthly tariffs. Otherwise I would suggest you take a look at the Nokia Windows phones. Feedback I have had from people using them, is very positive. The one big turn off, is the limited choice of apps, which doesn't sound like it will be an issue for you. I have four phones with Virgin ranging from £5 a month sim only through to just over a tenner a month with a handset. I am gradually changing over to SIM only deals, as I reckon they are better value for money, but you do get insurance with Virgin, go haggle.

Never trust someone with more than one phone!

Dick Head · Feb 20, 2014

This is the best phone I ever had evar.

Zukey Seagull · Feb 20, 2014

I have got the nokia lumia 520 (windows phone).
I love it and its a real bargain at around12pound a month on contract or a one of cost of 80pound for the sim free version

daveinprague · Feb 20, 2014

Norman Potting said:
What are people's views on Blackberry - they seem very cheap at the moment and for someone who isn't going to be using the internet capabilities much are they worth getting - or does the Motorola G still get the vote?

Think there is a worry about how long they will remain in business.

CheeseRolls · Feb 20, 2014

Philzo-93 said:
Never trust someone with more than one phone!

Haha - Bank of Dad actually. One phone is more than enough for a miserable git like me.

father_and_son · Feb 20, 2014

Superseagull said:
Motorola moto G. No contest in the budget phone market!

Agree, best smart phone around at the moment, but seems like OP wouldn't need half of the functionality.

Galaxy Young - supposed to be a kid's first smart phone, but actually quite good for anyone if you don't want latest/best/fastest/etc.

About £50.

father_and_son · Feb 20, 2014

Norman Potting said:
What are people's views on Blackberry - they seem very cheap at the moment and for someone who isn't going to be using the internet capabilities much are they worth getting - or does the Motorola G still get the vote?

Always has been cr*p. Have one from work and have had various models over the years and hated each and every one. Every company who still hands them out should have their IT departments executed in the street (including my employers!).

SwedishSonna · Feb 20, 2014

Depends whether you want to stick to a RIM device or try out Android/Windows Phone. I would agree with @ZukeySeagull and say that the 520 would be a good buy.

desprateseagull · Feb 20, 2014

tesco had a v basic payg nokia (model 100?), phone and text, for £7-9.. no camera / web.

DarrenFreemansPerm · Feb 20, 2014

Dick Head said:
This is the best phone I ever had evar.

I found one of these the other day in a suit jacket I hadn't worn since a wedding in 2008, still had 2 bars of battery.

StonehamPark · Feb 20, 2014

I've had a Moto G from launch with a giffgaff sim. Can't beat that combination for price and user ability.

basque seagull · Feb 20, 2014

Another vote for the Motorola G.

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