$200-$300 phones: Zenfone 2 vs Idol 3 vs OPO

[senseamp]

Which one would you get? I currently have a GNex, which is not doing it for me anymore, and it doesn't look like a new 5" one will be out soon.

 

[lsd]

None right now at their current prices, If they drop to $200 I may bite.
Each one has their pluses and minuses, you need to find what works for you.
Right now there are refurb note 4's on ebay going for $399 with Samsung warranty. The only catch is the bootloader is locked. To me the refurb note 4 is worth the $100-150 premium over those 3.

 

[Homerboy]

I LOVE my OPO.
Rock solid.

 

[Uppsala9496]

Bought the Zen2 on release day and have been very happy with it so far. No battery issues for me at all. Have never been less than 40% by end of day. Oh and the bloatware in the reviews...haven't had an issue. Deleted what I could and disable what I couldn't. Double tap to wake is nice and makes up for the power button being on the top of the phone.
Don't regret the purchase at all (had an N4 before).

 

[s44]

G2

 

[SAWYER]

Bought the Zen2 on release day and have been very happy with it so far. No battery issues for me at all. Have never been less than 40% by end of day. Oh and the bloatware in the reviews...haven't had an issue. Deleted what I could and disable what I couldn't. Double tap to wake is nice and makes up for the power button being on the top of the phone.
Don't regret the purchase at all (had an N4 before).

How much screen time can you get if you push it down to 10-15%?

 

[kaerflog]

G2

YUP !!! You can get a branded G2 for under $300 easily. Branded as in Tmobile, ATT, etc....instead of an international. I only say this because if you're on Tmobile you get WIFI calling on a branded Tmobile phone.
Everytime I see a nice midrange phone for a decent price like the Zen2, Idol3, Hauwei P8 lite, etc.....I asked myself is it better than a G2 ?? And the answer in NO every time.
These midrange phones comes with a SD615 soc vs the G2 SD800 so is the SD615 better ??? NO. The G2 comes with all day battery, 5.2" in a compact body, loves the double tap, IR remote. There is still not a single bad thing about the G2 after 2 yrs. I'd still go with the G2 hands down.

 

[mmntech]

Of those phones, the OPO is probably the best.

Both the ZF2 and Idol 3 have dual sims and a memory card slot, which the OPO doesn't. So you may want to consider them if that's a big deal to you.

 

[poofyhairguy]

To me the community that is built around a device matters a lot to me, because often it is the community that provides updates or tech support.

With that in consideration, I would pick the OPO. I have ranted before about how it is NOT a replacement for a Nexus, but enough "Nexus People" bought in that the OPO will have a strong XDA following for years.

Given its battery and its camera on top it would be my pick.

 

[Piano Man]

The OnePlus One has been great for me, plus it has a really strong community of experienced modders and enthusiasts. A lot of people picked one up when the Nexus 6 came out at such a high price, including me. Its 50 bucks off for the next couple of days, so you can get the 64GB version for $300.

 

[isekii]

I've used the OPO 64gb and I really liked it. It had its quirks but nothing that a reboot wouldn't fix.

Alcatel i'm in the process of still testing out. The biggest plus is the microsd slot and the front facing speakers.

Zenfone - no experience on this so i can't comment.

 

[Red Storm]

My brother needed a replacement for his Nexus 5 so I showed him these three options and he went with the OPO. I would have probably done the same.

 

[ThisIsChrisKim]

Given the choices probably the OPO.

I'm not a fan of the OPO though. I've had enough problems with the software and touch screen that I won't be purchasing another OP phone (most likely). I'm one of those who had purchased only Nexus phones and went to OP. I'll likely be going back to Nexus when the next 5 and 6 are released.

 

[s44]

YUP !!! You can get a branded G2 for under $300 easily.

They're actually $230 now from big retailers.

 

[senseamp]

Isn't G2 like the Nexus 5? I'd rather get the Nexus 5 if choosing between the two.

 

[wowempire]

I will most likely buy a OPO but just because i can't order Zenfone 2 from my country.

 

[vi edit]

Isn't G2 like the Nexus 5? I'd rather get the Nexus 5 if choosing between the two.

G2 battery life is about double the N5.

 

[kaerflog]

Isn't G2 like the Nexus 5? I'd rather get the Nexus 5 if choosing between the two.

Not even close.
Just the battery life is enough to pick the G2 over the N5.
5.2" screen vs 5", better camera, IR remote and I love the Qslide function of the G2. I like bringing up my calculator on top of what I'm doing instead of switching functions.

 

[soccerballtux]

They're actually $230 now from big retailers.

$215 unlocked NIB on ebay. on slickdeals regularly drop to $190, but it's been a while

 

[Shlong]

OPO, I've had a few issues (freezes and touch screen not working) but after the updates to Lollipop it has been rock solid.

 

[Artdeco]

OPO, not just because it's a solid phone, but a protest purchase about the profit margins on flagship phones...

 

[soccerballtux]

OPO, not just because it's a solid phone, but a protest purchase about the profit margins on flagship phones...

what do you have against keeping people employed?

 

[Inspector Jihad]

i just ordered the huawei p8 lite. it was on sale for $200 with some freebies. I'll let you guys know how it is.

 

[poofyhairguy]

i just ordered the huawei p8 lite. it was on sale for $200 with some freebies. I'll let you guys know how it is.

Please do, that phone is interesting.

 

[WelshBloke]

OPO, not just because it's a solid phone, but a protest purchase about the profit margins on flagship phones...

Didn't you buy an iWatch?