"best" Mid tier phone

[AC Question]

Now that Google has retired the Nexus as the king of the $300 (ish) phones what would be considered the best buy in that price range? I was looking at the oneplus 3, the Honor 8 and the ZTE Axon 7 as my best bets now that the Pixel is out of my price range.

I see that Amazon has a BIG price cut on the new Honor 8 ($281 for white 32 gig, and $285 for the black 32 gig phone).... any downsides to that one? Has it gotten good reviews so far in terms of hardware? (I'd probably rom and flash the sucker to Cyanagonmod or something since I've heard the EMUI gui is pretty "meh" (not a big deal).

 

[gendo667]

Re: "best" Mid tier phone

I've had the Honor 8 for over a week now. The speaker is a little lackluster, but it gets the job done, I never miss a notification. Otherwise it's great.

I recommend a case. The hardware is impeccable, but super slippery. Cheers.

 

[gendo667]

Also, Nova's Pixel setup is fantastic.

 

[Morty2264]

I had the Nexus 5 and loved it, so I definitely agree with it being the king of the midrange world when it was available. I actually just bought the Honor 8 about two weeks ago, and really love it! I think the only downside to this phone - at least, for me - is that it doesn't have a removable battery. But it's fast, the display and camera are awesome, and I love the fingerprint scanner. Also, at 5.2", it's the perfect holding size (again, for me, anyway!). I bought mine at Newegg, at $100 off. If you can get one for the deal you mentioned, that's a steal!

Other good phones to look at as far as midrange is concerned is the Axon 7, like you mentioned, and also the Asus Zenfone 3. I had it between Honor and Asus when I was trying to decide. The Zenfone 3 is 5.5" if you're looking for something a little bigger.

Let us know what you decide!

 

[gendo667]

Re: "best" Mid tier phone

I had the Nexus 5 and loved it

Still my favorite device ever. Loved my Nexus 5.

 

[Golfdriver97]

I'd say a Nexus 5X if you can find one. Otherwise, one of the Mods made a list of devices he has used: http://forums.androidcentral.com/am...st-budget-phones-160-250-a-2.html#post5189826

 

[gendo667]

Re: "best" Mid tier phone

The Nexus 5X has recently been plauged with the dreaded boot loop issue. I can't really recommend this phone. I had a boot looped G4. Infuriating.

 

[Morty2264]

Re: "best" Mid tier phone

Still my favorite device ever. Loved my Nexus 5.

Yes! I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to Android.

 

[Golfdriver97]

Re: "best" Mid tier phone

The Nexus 5X has recently been plauged with the dreaded boot loop issue. I can't really recommend this phone. I had a boot looped G4. Infuriating.

What build number is that affecting?

 

[gendo667]

Re: "best" Mid tier phone

What build number is that affecting?

https://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-5x/help/5x-bootloop-cause-fix-t3476794

http://wccftech.com/nougat-kills-nexus-5x-bootloop/

http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/nexus-5x-lg-refunds/

 

[gendo667]

Re: "best" Mid tier phone

What build number is that affecting?

There's apparently a fix involving the Nexus Root Toolkit.

https://productforums.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/nexus/UnAAS8UB2LY

 

[Aquila]

OnePlus 3T would be my vote for best midrange, then Moto Z Play, Axon 7 and Nexus 6P if you can find one new in box.

 

[Aquila]

More importantly, the HTC 10 is frequently going on huge discount into the midrange price area and would be a steal.

 

[Morty2264]

More importantly, the HTC 10 is frequently going on huge discount into the midrange price area and would be a steal.

OMGOSH the HTC 10 would definitely be a great bargain!

 

[Golfdriver97]

Re: "best" Mid tier phone

There's apparently a fix involving the Nexus Root Toolkit.

https://productforums.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/nexus/UnAAS8UB2LY

I think I inadvertently avoided it for mine. I updated while rooted, got stuck during the boot, not necessarily a bootloop, and flashed an older firmware and downloaded the 7.1.1 update. Haven't had any issues at all.

 

[Jay Sacks]

Another vote for the moto Z play. If you did not know the specs I suspect you would have a flagship phone with a killer battery... Except the camera.