New phone under $400.... Nexus 5?

[Evilviking]

I'm about to switch to cricket wireless (gsm) in about 10 days and I'm looking for a phone to replace my galaxy s3 (non lte). Budget is $400 preferably less. After researching for several days I have came up with a long list, including but not limited to a used note 2, Oneplus One, Moto g lte, LG g2, Nexus 5. Is the Nexus 5 basically the best bang for buck? Maybe a used lg g2 for $300. I'm lost!

Am I missing any other phones that may be better?

Any help is appreciated


Important to me:
Must be android. Must be fast. (My s3 feels slow)
Excellent service
Battery life

 

[Ravynmagi]

I love my Nexus 5. I did have a brief fling with a Note 3, because I thought I wanted a larger screen. But have just come back to the Nexus 5 again. I really like the 5 inch size a bit more than the 5.7 size.

I think the Nexus 5 is still an excellent choice. Snapdragon 800 is still one of the fastest SoCs you can get in a phone, only a hair slower than the 801. And the 1080p screen is still considered very nice on a phone. The Nexus 5 has aged very well and still has plenty of life in it.

My second consideration would be the One Plus One. You can get a 64GB model for $350. It seems like a very nice phone for it's price. Though it's not available to the general public (maybe next month) and I was put off by the silly invite system, that I really haven't paid much attention to the reviews.

 

[s44]

Swappa Note 3 or Swappa G2. The Nexus has a great form factor, but as with all Nexus devices the battery is lacking.

Have you flashed an AOSP ROM to your S3? OctOS is pretty clean and has a universal Qualcomm S3 (d2lte) build.

edit - wow, I can't read, you have the i9300. Not sure how good AOSP options are on that thing.

 

[jacktesterson]

Note 2 is pretty much the same as what you have now.

I'd pick the LG G2 from that list.

 

[vi edit]

Lots of choices. I picked up a basically brand new MotoX off of Swappa earlier this week for $200. If you have access to a .edu email you can get a new MotoX for $340.

 

[luv2liv]

Swappa Note 3 or Swappa G2. The Nexus has a great form factor, but as with all Nexus devices the battery is lacking.

whats the difference between swappa and ebay???
swappa is more trusted because....?
nevermind, i looked at the FAQ. will try it next time

 

[vi edit]

Yeah, you can still get punked on swappa. But there's at least a few extra steps taken to ensure the device is legitimate. It's also nice on selling side since the fees are reasonable ($10 I think).

I'll be using it to sell my current phone.

 

[Evilviking]

Swappa Note 3 or Swappa G2. The Nexus has a great form factor, but as with all Nexus devices the battery is lacking.

Have you flashed an AOSP ROM to your S3? OctOS is pretty clean and has a universal Qualcomm S3 (d2lte) build.

edit - wow, I can't read, you have the i9300. Not sure how good AOSP options are on that thing.

Never heard of swappa. Very interesting. I'm starting to lean towards a LG g2 used for $300.

Thanks for the help guys. Still torn

 

[Inspector Jihad]

the g2 is an amazing phone

 

[jmai87]

Moto G LTE
OnePlus One
Nexus 5
Sony Z1 Compact (You can get it for 450 on amazon unlocked, new)

 

[jacktesterson]

the g2 is an amazing phone

It is. Battery life to go with it.

Ill mention it since I recently bought one. I absolutely love my Z Ultra other than the camera which could be better indoors. Outside its decent.

But its one big phone. Screen is amazing. They are $450 new.

 

[Evilviking]

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to go with a used lg g2. Although the sony z1 is pretty nice..... decisions decisions

 

[cmdrdredd]

People mention the OneplusOne a lot without the big caveat that you can't buy one unless you are selected in a lottery or someone gives you the ability to purchase one by owning one themselves through the lottery. It's delayed yet again too.

 

[richierich1212]

G2

 

[blairharrington]

I sold my Nexus 5 for a Moto X and I'm much happier. Better screen, speaker, and ergonomics. Only obvious step back is the camera. Active Display is perfection.

 

[bearxor]

Yeah, if you can go used, I'd probably go G2. If you have to have new, I'd go motoX or Nexus 5. And I'd PROBABLY lean toward the motoX, but it's getting a bit old, hardware-wise...