Recommend me a Smartphone

Schnozz

I previously had a OnePlus 3T that I liked for the smaller size, weight and battery life, but the 'selfie' camera didn't work.

I now have a Samsung A52 that I like for the camera, which is excellent, but it's big, heavy and I'm forever charging the thing.

What do people recommend as bang for buck?

I essentially use the thing for calls, texts, photos and maps. I don't need to know my heart rate, watch TV, play games and all the other unnecessary guff.

Sporky

Whichever one I've got.

(summary of every post to follow) 

strumjoughlamps

I have an iPhone 15 but won’t be recommending it.

Motorola G84 will suit your needs I reckon and you’ll be more than happy with every aspect when compared to the a52. 

VimFuego

whenever I need a new phone I hang around a local school and see what all the kids are using. Then I wait till I can get one isolated from the herd and nick theirs. 

dazzajl

If I didn’t benefit from being in the Apple system I’m pretty sure I’d get a Samsung. Everything they make is top draw and fairly priced. 

notanon

VimFuego said:

whenever I need a new phone I hang around a local school and see what all the kids are using. Then I wait till I can get one isolated from the herd and nick theirs. 

Erm, I guess this is a joke right?

notanon

I've been happy with a Pixel 7, one behind the latest version to save some dosh as I don't need.a big tarrif. I've had version 3, 4 and 6. They age well, I pass mine down to the other half who doesn't care about tech. 

They have 10 years sorry now apparently (doubt they'll last that long tbh).

Stock android so no bloat and fast updates.

Chuffola

notanon said:

VimFuego said:

whenever I need a new phone I hang around a local school and see what all the kids are using. Then I wait till I can get one isolated from the herd and nick theirs. 

Erm, I guess this is a joke right?

No. Vim is completely serious and feels comfortable around us all after so many years that he's happy to post it on the internet.

Chuffola

Pixel 7 here. Great value, fantastic camera, solidly built and everything works. 

Sporky

I also have a Pixel 7. No bloat, good camera. Before that I had Moto Gs - again, no bloat, but the cameras weren't great.

Lady BMcH has had a series of Samsung Galaxys, usually one or two generations behind the latest, and is happy with them.

VimFuego

Chuffola said:

notanon said:

VimFuego said:

whenever I need a new phone I hang around a local school and see what all the kids are using. Then I wait till I can get one isolated from the herd and nick theirs. 

Erm, I guess this is a joke right?

No. Vim is completely serious and feels comfortable around us all after so many years that he's happy to post it on the internet.

amazingly I still pass enhanced DBS checks and they let me work, unsupervised, with children, vulnerable adults etc. 

Benm39

recently got a Samsung s23 ultra from Backmarket (, reconditioned and in as new condition  saving a lot of dosh and a little bit of planet.  They have a good selection so well worth a look.

Penn

notanon said:

VimFuego said:

whenever I need a new phone I hang around a local school and see what all the kids are using. Then I wait till I can get one isolated from the herd and nick theirs. 

Erm, I guess this is a joke right?

Must be. They don’t have phones anymore. They have chips in their brains now.

snowblind

Seconding the Motorolas. Cheap, generally reliable and they don't go overboard on the bloatware.

markblack

I'm a big fan of oneplus. Great value. My last one i got second hand and had it 4 years before the battery got a bit iffy.

Just got a one plus nord for £400 and it's great. No bloat ware etc.

Are there better camera, yes I'm sure there are but they are more cash. 

OnePlus Nord 3 5G (UK) 16GB RAM 256GB Storage SIM-Free Smartphone with 50 MP Triple Camera + OIS - 2 Year Manufacturer Warranty - Tempest Grey https://amzn.eu/d/embicuy

Dav275

My usage is similar to the OP, and I don't like the trend to ever bigger screens and more bells and whistles than needed. I also want it to fit reasonably in a pocket.

I've gone for http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BM9R92BW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0BM9R92BW&s=electronics&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw

Cheap, rugged and good battery life.  Very satisfied with it.

(edit for link)

Emp_Fab

Vim in action recently....

froglord

Benm39 said:

recently got a Samsung s23 ultra from Backmarket (, reconditioned and in as new condition  saving a lot of dosh and a little bit of planet.  They have a good selection so well worth a look.

Seconded. I got a refurbed S21 from Backmarket earlier this year. Compact, perfect screen, excellent cameras, fast ... and £192.

Backmarket guarantee at least 85% battery capacity, and if you choose 'good' or 'excellent' quality, they also guarantee no scratches on the screen.

While there are refurbs of this quality, this cheapskate is never going to buy new again.

TTony

..

duotone

Schnozz said:

I previously had a OnePlus 3T that I liked for the smaller size, weight and battery life, but the 'selfie' camera didn't work.

I now have a Samsung A52 that I like for the camera, which is excellent, but it's big, heavy and I'm forever charging the thing.

What do people recommend as bang for buck?

I essentially use the thing for calls, texts, photos and maps. I don't need to know my heart rate, watch TV, play games and all the other unnecessary guff.

Seems like we have pretty much the same taste in mobile phones!

I had a OnePlus 3: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_3-7995.php and a Samsung Galaxy A52s: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_a52s_5g-11039.php which I’m still currently using and am happy with.

ThePrettyDamned

I have a pixel 7 and like it. Ladyprettydamned has the pixel 8a and also likes it.

Pixel 7 camera doesn't like to focus very close, but it's fine otherwise. Not sure on pixel 8a. 

A friend has a folding phone and it's super cool. I think she gets excellent better life because only a small bit of the screen is used a lot.