Australian Android Buyers Guide - November 2009

Wednesday, 11 November 2009

So you live in Australia and want to buy a killer Android phone, but you`re not sure which one is right for you? We can help with that. Read on as we tackle the three main decisions you need to make when buying a new Android handset.

Firstly, we`re going to start with the obvious one - find the phone that you want. Next you need to decide if you`re going to buy the phone outright or subsidise it on a contract. Don`t worry, we`ll point out some important things to think about before you sign a contract. Finally, find out where to buy your phone or choose the carrier that offers a plan that suits you. There, you`re done.

Step 1 - Choose your phone:
If you buy today then you have three options - the HTC Dream, HTC Magic and Samsung Galaxy ICON. If you buy next week, you will have five options - the HTC Hero and HTC Tattoo are tipped to release on contract with Optus, Three and Vodafone. We`re going to do a brief `for and against` to make it a little easier for you. Because we`re helpful like that.

HTC Dream: This is the first Android handset released, which makes it a classic. It also makes it the oldest.
For: Slideout physical QWERTY keyboard, classic look
Against: Only 192MB RAM, probably won`t support Android 2.0, no 3.5mm headphone jack

HTC Magic: The Magic hit shelves five months after the Dream and pioneered a new form-factor for Android phones.
For: Slimmer and lighter than the Dream, 256MB RAM
Against: No 3.5mm headphone jack, slow camera application

Samsung Galaxy ICON: In our (subjective) opinion, this is probably the best looking Android phone in the country.
For: Sleek design, solid build, large AMOLED screen
Against: No trackball, touchscreen can be unresponsive at times

HTC Tattoo: HTC have released a great value option for teens or anyone on a budget.
For: Interchangeable face plates, 3.5mm headphone jack, HTC Sense UI
Against: Smaller 2.8-inch resistive screen, no trackball

HTC Hero: The Hero is currently HTC`s flagship model. It improves on previous HTC handsets and introduces HTC Sense user interface.
For: HTC Sense UI, solid build, compact design
Against: slow camera application

Step 2 - Choose your spend:
While it may seem strange, choosing to buy a phone outright can be cheaper in the long run. Before you lock yourself in for 24 months, take a moment to consider if any of these pitfalls might apply to you. Again, we`ve put together a dandy list to stack the odds in your favour.

Buy it outright if you:
Travel overseas regularly - you`ll be charged at international roaming rates and a foreign prepaid SIM won`t work if your phone is locked to your home network.
Plan to change carriers - you`ll cop early termination fees for each month remaining on the contract.
Have bad Credit - you might not pass the credit check. Red faces all round.
Want the latest and greatest phones - handsets are generally available for purchase long before you will see them on contract.

If none of the above applies to you then you should consider getting the phone on contract. Of course, keep in mind that 24 months can be a long time and a contract is a legally binding agreement. Bottom line: Don`t sign if you don`t think you can honour it.

Step 3 - Choose your credit card:
OK, you decided to buy it outright? Simply follow your nose and you`ll be packing android before you can blink. Think how jealous your friends will be.

HTC Dream: Standard or Telstra NextG version
HTC Magic: Standard or Telstra NextG version
Samsung Galaxy ICON: Standard
HTC Tattoo: Standard
HTC Hero: Standard

You want it on contract? Easy, choose your phone and carrier and you`re ready to go!

Purchase the HTC Magic on Three
Purchase the HTC Magic on Vodafone
Purchase the Samsung Galaxy ICON on Virgin Mobile

Note: This article will be refreshed once the HTC Hero and HTC Tattoo devices become available on contract. The HTC Dream is no longer available on a contract with Optus. Contract prices are subject to change. Please get in contact with us if you have any questions or tips - customerservice@you-ranker.com.au.

tags: android    buyers-guide    dream    galaxy    hero    magic    tattoo