Decent used Android phone for £50?

itm · 01-10-2015, 17:16

I have a FreedomPop SIM which I want to use in a backup phone, but it is not compatible with my old HTC Desire (which is still running Android v2.3). Can anyone recommend a decent used smartphone which will run Android 4+ and can be bought for around £50? I'm not at all fussy about the condition of the phone - I just want something cheap, with at least a 4.7" display, that will run a fairly recent version of Android.

paddymcn · 01-10-2015, 18:21

Have you thought about flashing a rom to the Desire, plenty over on XDA or a new chinese phone...

The Doogee X5 from focalprice looks good at £38

itm · 01-10-2015, 18:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by paddymcn

Have you thought about flashing a rom to the Desire, plenty over on XDA or a new chinese phone...

The Doogee X5 from focalprice looks good at £38

Yes the HTC is currently running MildWild 14 ROM but the choice of newer ROMs is pretty limited as it's such an old model.

The Doogee X5 looks very interesting. Not sure how likely it is to be compatible with the FreedomPop app though (they haven't published a HW compatibility list) and it could be difficult to offload the Doogee is it doesn't support the app. That's why I was leaning towards a used known brand.

swb1964 · 01-10-2015, 19:36

Hmm, you might have to compromise on that display size. I've just brought a Moto E for 40 after my S4 failed to bounce recently.

Carphone Warehouse have the Lumia 535 £50 new plus a £10 top up, but obviously that doesn't run android

d123 · 02-10-2015, 00:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by itm

Yes the HTC is currently running MildWild 14 ROM but the choice of newer ROMs is pretty limited as it's such an old model.

The Doogee X5 looks very interesting. Not sure how likely it is to be compatible with the FreedomPop app though (they haven't published a HW compatibility list) and it could be difficult to offload the Doogee is it doesn't support the app. That's why I was leaning towards a used known brand.

The Doogee runs almost vanilla android, FreedomPop will be compatible.

jaffboy151 · 02-10-2015, 06:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by itm

I have a FreedomPop SIM which I want to use in a backup phone, but it is not compatible with my old HTC Desire (which is still running Android v2.3). Can anyone recommend a decent used smartphone which will run Android 4+ and can be bought for around £50? I'm not at all fussy about the condition of the phone - I just want something cheap, with at least a 4.7" display, that will run a fairly recent version of Android.

I use this as my backup phone...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-lis...mv_size_name=0

konebyvax · 02-10-2015, 09:59

The Doogee X5 Pro (much better spec than the basix X5, 2GB RAM,. 16GB ROM) can be had for around £50 delivered on the slow boat from China. Of course virtually no warranty to speak of but neither would a second hand UK phone...

http://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/...MwxBoCnkfw_wcB

Quote:

5.0 inch DOOGEE X5 Pro Android 5.1 4G Smartphone MTK6735 64bit Quad Core 2GB RAM 16GB ROM OTG OTA Bluetooth 4.0
Main Features:
Display: 5.0 inch IPS HD Screen
CPU: MTK6735 Quad Core
System: Android 5.1
RAM + ROM: 2GB RAM + 16GB ROM
Available Memory: 12GB
Talk Time: 680minutes
Standby Time: 72Hour
Camera: Back camera 5.0MP (SW8.0MP) + front camera 2.0MP (SW5.0MP)
Bluetooth: 4.0
GPS: GPS/AGPS
OTG: Yes
OTA: Yes
SIM Card: Dual SIM dual standby,dual Micro SIM
Network:
2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
3G: WCDMA 850/1900/2100MHz
4G: FDD-LTE 800/900/1800/2100/2600MHz

itm · 02-10-2015, 11:04

Thanks for the suggestions. The used Sony would be almost perfect, but the 4Gb RAM would rule it out. I've struggled to cope with the HTC Desire which had 8Gb.

The Doogee seems like amazing value but if it turns up and for some reason doesn't work with the Freedompop SIM I'll be stuck with £38/£50 worth of scrap metal.

FreedomPop have supplied the following list of devices which are known to be compatible, but haven't specifically provided any O/S pre-requisites:

Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, S5
HTC One M7
Motorola Moto G
LG Nexus 4, 5
Sony Xperia S, Z, Z2
Huawei Ascend 925, Y550

konebyvax · 02-10-2015, 12:28

I have no idea why the Freedompop SIM would work on a Moto G and not a Doogee X5/Pro?

d123 · 02-10-2015, 14:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by itm

The Doogee seems like amazing value but if it turns up and for some reason doesn't work with the Freedompop SIM I'll be stuck with £38/£50 worth of scrap metal.

FreedomPop have supplied the following list of devices which are known to be compatible, but haven't specifically provided any O/S pre-requisites:

Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, S5
HTC One M7
Motorola Moto G
LG Nexus 4, 5
Sony Xperia S, Z, Z2
Huawei Ascend 925, Y550

The Doogee runs normal Android, it will work.

Their list isn't exhaustive, it's probably just what they have tested, I currently have a FreedomPop sim in an Asus Zenfone 2 and it works perfectly.

If the phone runs recent Android and has access to the App Store it will work.

corf · 02-10-2015, 14:53

As the S3 is stuck on 4.something - It seems it doesnt have to even be that recent a version of Android.

d123 · 02-10-2015, 15:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by corf

As the S3 is stuck on 4.something - It seems it doesnt have to even be that recent a version of Android.

Well, by recent is was thinking of 4.1 onwards, there are still a lot of Android handsets stuck on 2.3.6 and and the like

.

finbaar · 02-10-2015, 19:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by itm

I have a FreedomPop SIM which I want to use in a backup phone, but it is not compatible with my old HTC Desire (which is still running Android v2.3). Can anyone recommend a decent used smartphone which will run Android 4+ and can be bought for around £50? I'm not at all fussy about the condition of the phone - I just want something cheap, with at least a 4.7" display, that will run a fairly recent version of Android.

Get a first gen Moto G. The Dogee sounds great but the G won't let you down.

swb1964 · 02-10-2015, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by finbaar

Get a first gen Moto G. The Dogee sounds great but the G won't let you down.

Good advice. You might have to stretch your budget, but you might get lucky on ebay with a 50 pound bid.

swb1964 · 04-10-2015, 12:54

Not sure if the op has already made the pu rchase but I was wondering how unlockable things like the EE rook and the Vodafone Smart are?

They might be good budget options?

finbaar · 04-10-2015, 19:32

Not sure about the Rook (have a look on Ebay) but the VF smarts can be done very easily for a couple of quid (again eBay).

itm · 04-10-2015, 22:39

Still haven't found what I'm looking for. No luck getting a Moto G for anything like £50, and it's hard to justify stretching the budget as this would be a 2nd handset, purchased specifically to take advantage of free/cheap calls.

Rook and Smart both have tiny 4" displays :0(

Stuart_h · 04-10-2015, 23:03

Moto E any good for you ?
http://www.rakuten.co.uk/ have it for under £60 new ....

swb1964 · 05-10-2015, 21:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart_h

Moto E any good for you ?
http://www.rakuten.co.uk/ have it for under £60 new ....

Locked to EE though.

What network do Freedompop use?

itm · 05-10-2015, 21:42

Bingo. I finally managed to bag myself a used Moto G for £51 on eBay. 1st generation, but it'll be great as a 2nd handset. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Freedompop use the Three network, which is a minor problem as many parts of my house get no Three signal at all. I'll just need to be perched in the right place when I make my calls.

01-10-2015, 17:16	#1
itm Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 123	Decent used Android phone for £50? I have a FreedomPop SIM which I want to use in a backup phone, but it is not compatible with my old HTC Desire (which is still running Android v2.3). Can anyone recommend a decent used smartphone which will run Android 4+ and can be bought for around £50? I'm not at all fussy about the condition of the phone - I just want something cheap, with at least a 4.7" display, that will run a fairly recent version of Android.

01-10-2015, 18:21	#2
paddymcn Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Belfast Posts: 171	Have you thought about flashing a rom to the Desire, plenty over on XDA or a new chinese phone... The Doogee X5 from focalprice looks good at £38

01-10-2015, 18:28	#3
itm Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 123	Quote: Originally Posted by paddymcn Have you thought about flashing a rom to the Desire, plenty over on XDA or a new chinese phone... The Doogee X5 from focalprice looks good at £38 Yes the HTC is currently running MildWild 14 ROM but the choice of newer ROMs is pretty limited as it's such an old model. The Doogee X5 looks very interesting. Not sure how likely it is to be compatible with the FreedomPop app though (they haven't published a HW compatibility list) and it could be difficult to offload the Doogee is it doesn't support the app. That's why I was leaning towards a used known brand.

01-10-2015, 19:36	#4
swb1964 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 2,455	Hmm, you might have to compromise on that display size. I've just brought a Moto E for 40 after my S4 failed to bounce recently. Carphone Warehouse have the Lumia 535 £50 new plus a £10 top up, but obviously that doesn't run android

02-10-2015, 00:38	#5
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by itm Yes the HTC is currently running MildWild 14 ROM but the choice of newer ROMs is pretty limited as it's such an old model. The Doogee X5 looks very interesting. Not sure how likely it is to be compatible with the FreedomPop app though (they haven't published a HW compatibility list) and it could be difficult to offload the Doogee is it doesn't support the app. That's why I was leaning towards a used known brand. The Doogee runs almost vanilla android, FreedomPop will be compatible.

02-10-2015, 06:55	#6
jaffboy151 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Woore, Cheshire/Shropshire Posts: 1,675	Quote: Originally Posted by itm I have a FreedomPop SIM which I want to use in a backup phone, but it is not compatible with my old HTC Desire (which is still running Android v2.3). Can anyone recommend a decent used smartphone which will run Android 4+ and can be bought for around £50? I'm not at all fussy about the condition of the phone - I just want something cheap, with at least a 4.7" display, that will run a fairly recent version of Android. I use this as my backup phone... http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-lis...mv_size_name=0

02-10-2015, 09:59	#7
konebyvax Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Ignoringtrollsville Posts: 7,875	The Doogee X5 Pro (much better spec than the basix X5, 2GB RAM,. 16GB ROM) can be had for around £50 delivered on the slow boat from China. Of course virtually no warranty to speak of but neither would a second hand UK phone... http://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/...MwxBoCnkfw_wcB Quote: 5.0 inch DOOGEE X5 Pro Android 5.1 4G Smartphone MTK6735 64bit Quad Core 2GB RAM 16GB ROM OTG OTA Bluetooth 4.0 Main Features: Display: 5.0 inch IPS HD Screen CPU: MTK6735 Quad Core System: Android 5.1 RAM + ROM: 2GB RAM + 16GB ROM Available Memory: 12GB Talk Time: 680minutes Standby Time: 72Hour Camera: Back camera 5.0MP (SW8.0MP) + front camera 2.0MP (SW5.0MP) Bluetooth: 4.0 GPS: GPS/AGPS OTG: Yes OTA: Yes SIM Card: Dual SIM dual standby,dual Micro SIM Network: 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz 3G: WCDMA 850/1900/2100MHz 4G: FDD-LTE 800/900/1800/2100/2600MHz

02-10-2015, 11:04	#8
itm Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 123	Thanks for the suggestions. The used Sony would be almost perfect, but the 4Gb RAM would rule it out. I've struggled to cope with the HTC Desire which had 8Gb. The Doogee seems like amazing value but if it turns up and for some reason doesn't work with the Freedompop SIM I'll be stuck with £38/£50 worth of scrap metal. FreedomPop have supplied the following list of devices which are known to be compatible, but haven't specifically provided any O/S pre-requisites: Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, S5 HTC One M7 Motorola Moto G LG Nexus 4, 5 Sony Xperia S, Z, Z2 Huawei Ascend 925, Y550

02-10-2015, 12:28	#9
konebyvax Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Ignoringtrollsville Posts: 7,875	I have no idea why the Freedompop SIM would work on a Moto G and not a Doogee X5/Pro?

02-10-2015, 14:47	#10
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by itm The Doogee seems like amazing value but if it turns up and for some reason doesn't work with the Freedompop SIM I'll be stuck with £38/£50 worth of scrap metal. FreedomPop have supplied the following list of devices which are known to be compatible, but haven't specifically provided any O/S pre-requisites: Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, S5 HTC One M7 Motorola Moto G LG Nexus 4, 5 Sony Xperia S, Z, Z2 Huawei Ascend 925, Y550 The Doogee runs normal Android, it will work. Their list isn't exhaustive, it's probably just what they have tested, I currently have a FreedomPop sim in an Asus Zenfone 2 and it works perfectly. If the phone runs recent Android and has access to the App Store it will work.

02-10-2015, 14:53	#11
corf Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,458	As the S3 is stuck on 4.something - It seems it doesnt have to even be that recent a version of Android.

02-10-2015, 15:17	#12
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by corf As the S3 is stuck on 4.something - It seems it doesnt have to even be that recent a version of Android. Well, by recent is was thinking of 4.1 onwards, there are still a lot of Android handsets stuck on 2.3.6 and and the like .

02-10-2015, 19:05	#13
finbaar Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 3,921	Quote: Originally Posted by itm I have a FreedomPop SIM which I want to use in a backup phone, but it is not compatible with my old HTC Desire (which is still running Android v2.3). Can anyone recommend a decent used smartphone which will run Android 4+ and can be bought for around £50? I'm not at all fussy about the condition of the phone - I just want something cheap, with at least a 4.7" display, that will run a fairly recent version of Android. Get a first gen Moto G. The Dogee sounds great but the G won't let you down.

02-10-2015, 19:38	#14
swb1964 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 2,455	Quote: Originally Posted by finbaar Get a first gen Moto G. The Dogee sounds great but the G won't let you down. Good advice. You might have to stretch your budget, but you might get lucky on ebay with a 50 pound bid.

04-10-2015, 12:54	#15
swb1964 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 2,455	Not sure if the op has already made the pu rchase but I was wondering how unlockable things like the EE rook and the Vodafone Smart are? They might be good budget options?

04-10-2015, 19:32	#16
finbaar Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 3,921	Not sure about the Rook (have a look on Ebay) but the VF smarts can be done very easily for a couple of quid (again eBay).

04-10-2015, 22:39	#17
itm Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 123	Still haven't found what I'm looking for. No luck getting a Moto G for anything like £50, and it's hard to justify stretching the budget as this would be a 2nd handset, purchased specifically to take advantage of free/cheap calls. Rook and Smart both have tiny 4" displays :0(

04-10-2015, 23:03	#18
Stuart_h Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 3,474	Moto E any good for you ? http://www.rakuten.co.uk/ have it for under £60 new ....

05-10-2015, 21:18	#19
swb1964 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 2,455	Quote: Originally Posted by Stuart_h Moto E any good for you ? http://www.rakuten.co.uk/ have it for under £60 new .... Locked to EE though. What network do Freedompop use?

05-10-2015, 21:42	#20
itm Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 123	Bingo. I finally managed to bag myself a used Moto G for £51 on eBay. 1st generation, but it'll be great as a 2nd handset. Thanks for all the suggestions. Freedompop use the Three network, which is a minor problem as many parts of my house get no Three signal at all. I'll just need to be perched in the right place when I make my calls.

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Decent used Android phone for £50?