SMARTPHONES ON A BUDGET

DON’T BREAK THE BANK.

With the world becoming more and more digital by the second, it can seem daunting when you don’t have a smartphone. Whether it’s because you’ve never had one before or just need a new one, here are 5 smartphones that can get the job done without having to splurge on a brand new iPhone!

$149: Sony Xperia XA 5″ Unlocked Smartphone

Price: $149.00
From: Officeworks
Important specs to know: 5″ display, Android Operating System, 16GB internal storage which can be upgraded with a MicroSD card, front and rear cameras.
What we think of it: For $149, the Sony Xperia XA can be considered a good starter phone or a phone you want around the house. It won’t have all the bells and whistles of the latest smartphones, but it’ll get the job done. Be wary that the battery life isn’t too great so you’ll find yourself having to charge often.

$249: LG Q6 32GB Handset

Price: $249.00
From: JB HI-FI
Important specs to know: 5.5″ display, Android Operating System, 32GB internal storage which can be upgraded with a MicroSD card, front and rear cameras.
What we think of it: A step up from the Xperia XA, the LG Q6 makes the extra $100 worth it. With a more reliable processor and better battery, it’ll freeze less often and can make it through a full day on one charge easily. Great for an everyday phone without having to worry about skimping on quality. One thing to worry about is the back of the phone is prone to scratching, so if you really care about your phone looking pristine then the LG Q6 may not be for you!

$350: Samsung Galaxy J5 Pro

Price: $349.00
From: JB HI-FI
Important specs to know: 5.2″ display, Android Operating System, 32GB internal storage which can be upgraded with a MicroSD card, front and rear cameras.
What we think of it: The Samsung Galaxy J5 Pro is the perfect midpoint between quaity and price. Our Administration Assistant Cody uses this phone everyday in his day to day and life and he can’t think of anything negative to say about it! With a long lasting battery that can easily last a full day of heavy use and a durable case that can withstand more than a few drops (whoops!), this phone is a great choice.

$397: iPhone 6 32GB Unlocked

Price: $397.00
From: Officeworks
Important specs to know: 4.7″ display, Apple Operation System, 32GB internal storage which CAN’T be upgraded with a MicroSD card, front and rear cameras.
What we think of it: An Apple phone at last! With Apple’s outstanding track record of having fantastic smartphones and the simplicity of it’s interface you can’t go wrong. Beware though that with only 32GB of internal storage that you can’t upgrade, you should make sure you know how to use the cloud and make backups so that you never run out of space!

$499: Samsung Galaxy A5 32GB

Price: $499.00
From: JB HI-FI
Important specs to know: 5.2″ display, Android Operation System, 32GB internal storage which can be upgraded with a MicroSD card, front and rear cameras. Water resistant up to 30 minutes for a maximum depth of 1.5 meters.
What we think of it: For an average user, the A5 have just about everything going for it. With an exceptional battery life, bright vivid display and even water resistance this phone is a great choice for when you want to spend a bit more but don’t want to overspend. Be warned though that water resistant is not waterproof! You shouldn’t go swimming with this phone but if you accidentally splash it you don’t have to worry.