Best Android Handset at around £100

T_T_2

Im_just_careful wrote: »

I mentioned that mine broke.

In answer to the comment asking for information, it was the original OLED version. I had it for almost exactly 6 months, always kept it in a slip case and usually in a zipped jacket pocket, hadn't dropped it and one day the screen went and as far as I could tell the phone wouldn't boot up.

There was no sign of mechanical damage on the screen just a funny splodge from one edge.

The risk of this kind of thing happening was why I wanted a relatively cheap phone and had Orange not replaced it I would probably have bought another one anyway.

About 5 years ago I had a very simple phone and the screen went on that after being dropped about 3 feet so with a big screen on a touch screen phone this has to be a possibility.

I've not found a flip cover case for the Orange San Francisco. My son has one of those for his iPod Touch and that seems very protective.

Temperature changes or condensation can cause the screen to 'crack' where it looks like ink has leaked everywhere. Perfectly plausible for this to happen to even the most careful owner.

I should point out to the other member who raised concerns of poor build quality that the same thing happened to my rather well built £250 Nokia within a few months of purchase.

mrke

Sorry not replied to these questions earlier:

The original OSF took a trip down the loo a couple of months ago, our 2 yr old thought it was fun, so for the phone to of worked at all after that was a miracle! Therefore I cannot fault the build quality or reliability.

Replaced with another OSF £59+20topup NHS discount

unlocked, rooted, running andriod 2.2 swedish spring

And best of all got £56 for the broken phone on ebay!!

T_T_2

mrke wrote: »

Sorry not replied to these questions earlier:

The original OSF took a trip down the loo a couple of months ago, our 2 yr old thought it was fun, so for the phone to of worked at all after that was a miracle! Therefore I cannot fault the build quality or reliability.

Replaced with another OSF £59+20topup NHS discount

unlocked, rooted, running andriod 2.2 swedish spring

And best of all got £56 for the broken phone on ebay!!

Now that's what I call making the most of a bad situation. That's an MSE medal for sure. You broke your phone (entirely your own fault) yet it only cost you £3 to get a new one!

Li0nhead

Just bought the Orange San Francisco for £99.99 (+£10 top up) at Argos based on this thread.

Been looking for a while to replace my Sony Ericsson W205 Brick (just checked and cannot believe their still retailing for £30ish).

Was looking for a smartphone and was not looking to spend much more than £100.
Hope your recommendations are right.

Thanks guys.
Perfect thread for me.

silentkiller

I've got the HTC Wildfire - love it.

bubblesmoney

mrke wrote: »

Sorry not replied to these questions earlier:

The original OSF took a trip down the loo a couple of months ago, our 2 yr old thought it was fun, so for the phone to of worked at all after that was a miracle! Therefore I cannot fault the build quality or reliability.

Replaced with another OSF £59+20topup NHS discount

unlocked, rooted, running andriod 2.2 swedish spring

And best of all got £56 for the broken phone on ebay!!

how did you manage to get that price!!!

I wonder how much each of my year old htc desires would get. Thinking of selling them to buy the samsung galaxy s2. Have never sold a mobile before, so just seeking some pointers and wondering what a year - 1.5y old desire will get now or in a few months time when my contract ends.

Also are you considering higher spec 2nd hand phones (any of those released during the year) as a replacement handset instead of the OSF.

T_T_2

bubblesmoney wrote: »

how did you manage to get that price!!!

I wonder how much each of my year old htc desires would get. Thinking of selling them to buy the samsung galaxy s2. Have never sold a mobile before, so just seeking some pointers and wondering what a year - 1.5y old desire will get now or in a few months time when my contract ends.

Bubbles, you have a couple of routes to consider.

1. Take a look at MSE's own Mobile Phone Valuer http://mobilevaluer.com/ to see how much your phone is worth for scrap. (They pay more for working phones but they also pay for broken ones) Just had a look and if you have the original model desire then they can be recycled for up to £130.00 working and up to £60 if broken.

2. Like MRKE you can selll it on eBay. If you log-in to eBay search for your phone then on the left hand side under the 'show only' tab if you tick 'Completed Listings' it will show you auctions that have ended so you can see what they are selling at.

bubblesmoney

Thanks T_T, will check out your suggestions. Maybe i can sell the pile of old mobiles at home collected over the years!

T_T_2

bubblesmoney wrote: »

Thanks T_T, will check out your suggestions. Maybe i can sell the pile of old mobiles at home collected over the years!

Definately worth spending 45 mins going through all your oldies and checking them. Some of your old bricks might only be worth 3 or 4 quid but if you have a big bag of them like I did then it soon adds up.

If you ever do sell them all be sure to come back and let everyone know your total sales value.

lolly5648

If I wanted to get my OSF unlocked, rooted and with Android 2.2 where could I get it done. I am not confident enough to do it myself.