Cheap(er) Android phone for travel

mosco

Senior member
Sep 24, 2002
940
1
76
I am going to be in the Philippines for about a month, and would prefer not to bring my iPhone 6s. I was thinking of picking up a cheaper Android phone, that I can resell when I get back or just leave there with my hosts when I leave. Looking at something under 250, and I guess I would need:

Good security - I want the device to run encrypted in case its stolen or I lose it.
Good Camera - Going to bring a real camera, but for some quick shots
Decent battery life - Charging shouldn't be a huge issue, but at least a day battery life, doesn't need replaceable battery.
Latest Android a plus
finger print sensor a plus

My immediate thought would be a Nexus 5, but I am sure there must be something better. Maybe something like a used Moto X 2nd Gen? OnePlus One?
 

mosco

Senior member
Sep 24, 2002
940
1
76
Oneplus X

I did look at that, but given the invite situation, I wasn't sure how much lead time I would need to have once I register for an invite. I actually don't leave until mid January, so its definitely an option.
 

Commodus

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 2004
9,215
6,820
136
I am going to be in the Philippines for about a month, and would prefer not to bring my iPhone 6s. I was thinking of picking up a cheaper Android phone, that I can resell when I get back or just leave there with my hosts when I leave. Looking at something under 250, and I guess I would need:

Good security - I want the device to run encrypted in case its stolen or I lose it.
Good Camera - Going to bring a real camera, but for some quick shots
Decent battery life - Charging shouldn't be a huge issue, but at least a day battery life, doesn't need replaceable battery.
Latest Android a plus
finger print sensor a plus

My immediate thought would be a Nexus 5, but I am sure there must be something better. Maybe something like a used Moto X 2nd Gen? OnePlus One?

How about the latest Moto G? Pretty capable (particularly the camera) for $179.
 

tsupersonic

Senior member
Nov 11, 2013
867
21
91
Moto G 3rd gen? It doesn't have fingerprint or Marshmallow, but at $179/219 it's cheap.
 

poofyhairguy

Lifer
Nov 20, 2005
14,612
318
126
I did look at that, but given the invite situation, I wasn't sure how much lead time I would need to have once I register for an invite. I actually don't leave until mid January, so its definitely an option.

They say that they will have open purchasing once a month on their website. People have been praising the camera a lot, saying it's maybe better than Oneplus Two.
 

Mopetar

Diamond Member
Jan 31, 2011
8,431
7,626
136
Getting a cheap Lumia might not be a bad choice either. They don't have the same level of app support as Android, but if you just need a cheap travel phone they're great for that. Windows Phone also runs rather well on low-end hardware so it still feels snappy.
 

Geforce man

Golden Member
Oct 12, 2004
1,737
11
81
You can pick up used nexus 5 (the original) for 150$ ish usually. They are still a great phone, mine is my daily driver. Marshmallow really opened them up for usability, the battery life nearly doubled. (for my usage anyways)