Need help/advice for a new phone

[AkiN64]

Hello.

I have been using a Sony Xperia U for 2 years now (do NOT buy this phone, it is rubbish) and after months of frustration, I have decided to buy a new phone completely. However after looking for a few days, I am undecided and need some help from people who have used or know people who have used those phones.

What I want from my phone:

- Good screen, HD or very clear is required for my eyes

- Fast, no hiccups, freezing or lag

- I use it only for reading mails, facebook, texts and calls and the occasional youtube video

- Listening to music (not many songs)

- I'm not interested in games or intensive apps

- Decent battery (at least a day of charge) from day-to-day use

- Durability: I want the phone to be as fast and usable in 4 years

- I don't care about looks

I have no preference for either android or iOS, I have used both (I own an ipad and android phone) and I am pleased with both. I am NOT interested in special features such as heartrate monitors, big screens (needs to be <4.5 inches) or any other special things. I just want a fast phone that does not crash every 5 minutes that can browse the web, last a long time and be a normal phone.

From my searching, I have been looking at used (but good condition) iphone 5/5c, as I know these phones are durable and also very good quality. However I do not know if they will stand the test of time (~4 years for my next cycle). I have seen some at £200 so I think it's a very good price:

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item46149883b8

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item4632dcb2ee

These phones are used but the reseller looks legit. I also have my eyes on the samsung S5 and S4 mini:

http://www.amazon.co...eywords=s5 mini

http://www.amazon.co...eywords=s4 mini

These are more expensive but my budget is £250. £200 like the iphones would be my best budget for a phone.

I'd like to know what you people think I should get. Any other phone suggestions are welcome,

Thanks!

 

[Commodus]

I'd probably steer clear of phones from 2013 or earlier. The iPhone 5/5c will probably stay reasonably fast, but they're on the tail end of their software update cycle. There's a similar deal going on with the Galaxy S4 mini, and Samsung (like most Android vendors) tends to abandon software support for many devices after less than two years.

You may have to admit it and temper your expectations for how long the phone will last -- 2-3 years is more realistic. In that case, I'd almost rather get a modest new phone (Moto G 2nd-gen, HTC Desire 610, Samsung Galaxy A3) and see where my finances stand when I'm ready to upgrade.

 

[bearxor]

I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a phone to last 3-4 years if that's all you're doing with it.

The problem with what you're looking at is that the iPhone 5/5C is already two years old. So now you're expecting it to last 5-6 years total.

Your current phone is only two years old but a LOT has changed in the Android world in the two years. Everyone has massively stepped their game up.

If you want an iPhone, then buy as new as you possibly can. I'd suggest a 6. 5S should be as low as you go if you want it to last several years.

If you have a cost issue and Android is more appealing because of that then the Nexus 5 and OnePlus One are fantastic high-end devices. And any flagship device from 2013 or 2014 will be great. LG G2 can be found pretty cheap. Galaxy S5, motoX 2014 anything like that. You were looking at the S5 already but ignore the mini variants. They are underpowered at release.

 

[happy medium]

I'd try a Samsung Note 3. It will fit your needs and last quite a while.

 

[AkiN64]

Thank you for your replies, my main issue is that I'd like a phone <4.5 inches, I want it to be a phone, not a phablet.

I've looked at the moto G 2 but for the price I'm still reluctant, I don't want to repeat the same mistake I did two years ago to buy a cheap phone.