yes.. it's another what smarthpone thread!

[ColinJ]

The Galaxy Ace 2 is much better than the original model and was on my shortlist. I wanted to buy a used phone and sort out the best PAYG deal for myself but the Ace 2 seems to hold its price too well on eBay. In fact, a lot of dumbos are paying more for used phones than the new price!

I decided to look at other more sensibly-priced phones and have just ended up buying a used Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray for a mere £70. It is tiny, so ideal for carrying on the bike or when out walking. It isn't much bigger than the front of a 10-pack of king size cigarettes, and is about 1/3 the depth! The screen is fantastically clear, which half makes up for its small size. I do need to wear my glasses to see it properly though, and I'm using a small stylus on the touchscreen - it plugs into the headphone for storage when I'm not using it. The camera seems pretty good - certainly good enough for casual snaps of rides and walks. The screen is bright enough to be used outdoors, unlike many smartphones.

Many websites detect that a mobile is being used and switch to a mobile-friendly layout automatically. CycleChat really doesn't work on such a small screen though, so I'm going to put Tapatalk on the phone tomorrow.

All I need to do now is get it working as a phone rather than an ultra-compact computer!

 

[Philip Osler]

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned but hot UK deals is a great place to find good phone deals, check it out

 

[martint235]

My advice would be to look at so called re-conditioned phones. You'll be able to get a fairly high end phone for free and on a cheap contract.

Most of these phones aren't re-conditioned at all but if they've been sent out to a customer and opened, they can no longer be sold as new. I got a HTC One X for free on a £15.50 a month deal.

 

[Nebulous]

I've posted this in this forum already, but mobiles.co.uk (owned by carphone warehouse) and quidco is the way to go.
If you're careful and can be bothered sending in all the bills by email you can get a phone + contract for very little - occasionally for nothing!
My daughter has the Experia Tipo - a pocket sized phone for taking to school and she really likes it. Her eyesight is better than mine though.