Mobile phone suggestions

[185143]

Slightly surprised a thread like this doesn't exist, so I'm starting one as I'm after some advice.

For the second time in 2 months I'm needing a new phone after some truly shocking luck. The phone I've managed to destroy this evening is a Motorola Moto G54, which I was largely happy with although the camera isn't fantastic. I'm after some recommendations of what to replace it with. I've already had the LCD replaced on my Motorola, but it would now need another new one as well as a new screen which I'm expecting will cost more than the phone cost to buy.

I'm happy enough with the phone to replace it, but I'd like some suggestions before I just replace it like for like. I do prefer the Samsung interface admittedly, though I've now got used to the Moto G54. That phone cost £159.99, I'm not really looking at spending significantly more than that. I'd imagine my "needs" are similar to a lot of forum members so thought I'd try and gather some suggestions!

 

[davews]

Just bought a G54.... wonder how on earth you managed to damage the screen twice, looks like extraordinary bad luck.

 

[Snow1964]

Sounds to me like whatever phone you get, you need one of those big rubberised covers that some builders use so doesn't get damaged easily if dropped or accidentally hit.

Alternatively there is a range of rugged phones which can take knocks, found an article which might help

Best rugged phones of 2024

Explore the best rugged smartphones for durability in harsh environments

www.techradar.com

 

[185143]

Just bought a G54.... wonder how on earth you managed to damage the screen twice, looks like extraordinary bad luck.

Tell me about it. Never had a scratch on my old phone which I'd had for approaching 4 years. Left it in an Uber in Dublin and then suddenly both the phone and Uber "Support" have done a strange disappearing act.

 

[dangie]

I bought an OPPO Find X2 Lite a couple of years ago. Not expensive but has a good camera. Now been superseded but maybe worth a look. OPPO phones generally get good reviews.

 

[ABB125]

I've had Motorola phones since I first got one. G2 for 4 years, then G7 for around 3 years (the headphone jack started being dodgy, then also the USB socket, which when you need to plug in audio kit on a fairly regular basis is not ideal!), G32 as stopgap for around a year (because there was nothing in the range at the time which particularly appealed to me), and now i have an Edge 40 Neo, which I've had for a bit under a year. The only downside of upgrading from G series to Edge series is the lack of headphone jack (as mentioned above!), but otherwise it works fine.

 

[Howardh]

I've had Motorola phones since I first got one. G2 for 4 years, then G7 for around 3 years (the headphone jack started being dodgy, then also the USB socket, which when you need to plug in audio kit on a fairly regular basis is not ideal!), G32 as stopgap for around a year (because there was nothing in the range at the time which particularly appealed to me), and now i have an Edge 40 Neo, which I've had for a bit under a year. The only downside of upgrading from G series to Edge series is the lack of headphone jack (as mentioned above!), but otherwise it works fine.

Yes, can be infuriating to find the phone you love, and then find it's no 3.5mm jack! Never easy to find on the box either, yet many of us can't handle bluetooth earbuds, I've tried two and they weren't cheap, and neither fitted my ears (kept falling out and were uncomfortable).

Also would be nice to have screw threads on the bottom and side so a phone can be attached to a tripod directly instead of fiddling with an adaptor!

 

[dangie]

Also would be nice to have screw threads on the bottom and side so a phone can be attached to a tripod directly instead of fiddling with an adaptor!

A good idea but with the socket surround it would probably make the phone too thick.

 

[Howardh]

A good idea but with the socket surround it would probably make the phone too thick.

Sure? it doesn't make a camera any thicker, after all it's an input like a 3.5mm jack?

 

[ABB125]

Yes, can be infuriating to find the phone you love, and then find it's no 3.5mm jack! Never easy to find on the box either, yet many of us can't handle bluetooth earbuds, I've tried two and they weren't cheap, and neither fitted my ears (kept falling out and were uncomfortable).

The main issue for me is that I fairly regularly need to quickly test PA systems. If I don't have a USB-jack adapter to hand (which is usually the case as I'm used to having a jack socket), I either can't test, or need to get one from my secret stash (which is at least a 5 minute round trip). It's not problematic per se, rather very irritating!

Also would be nice to have screw threads on the bottom and side so a phone can be attached to a tripod directly instead of fiddling with an adaptor!

I suspect that's a fairly niche desire! Although I'd definitely be interested in one...
I wonder if there's a market for frames like this (which is for a semi-professional video camera)? All the screw holes you'd ever need

EDIT: you could probably combine this with some sort of rubber protective case

 

[Howardh]

The main issue for me is that I fairly regularly need to quickly test PA systems. If I don't have a USB-jack adapter to hand (which is usually the case as I'm used to having a jack socket), I either can't test, or need to get one from my secret stash (which is at least a 5 minute round trip). It's not problematic per se, rather very irritating!

I suspect that's a fairly niche desire! Although I'd definitely be interested in one...
I wonder if there's a market for frames like this (which is for a semi-professional video camera)? All the screw holes you'd ever need

EDIT: you could probably combine this with some sort of rubber protective case

My old tripod has fallen apart so I've just bought one of e-bay for under a tenner, which (it says) comes with a mobile adapter. Chances are I won't use that adapter much, if I'm out with my tripod then I'm going to be out with my Panny Lumix and doubt I'd use my phone for those special pics! But if the adapter works with a much smaller tripod, those little ones you stand on a table/wall, then it will be used.

 

[jon81uk]

Yes, can be infuriating to find the phone you love, and then find it's no 3.5mm jack! Never easy to find on the box either, yet many of us can't handle bluetooth earbuds, I've tried two and they weren't cheap, and neither fitted my ears (kept falling out and were uncomfortable).

But you've found wired earbuds that work for you? Doesn't sound like its the Bluetooth thats the issue, you need to find the right headphones.

 

[Howardh]

But you've found wired earbuds that work for you? Doesn't sound like its the Bluetooth thats the issue, you need to find the right headphones.

Oh yes, plenty of well-fitting wired ones. But before buying bluetooth I'd have to try them on first and I don't think that's possible.

 

[dangie]

Sure? it doesn't make a camera any thicker, after all it's an input like a 3.5mm jack?

Tripod bushes are 1/4" BSW (or the metric equivalent) so quite a bit bigger than a 3.5mm headphone jack.

 

[185143]

Thanks very much for all your suggestions and comments.

I did half expect this would spark a bit of a discussion which is partly why I posted it. I've actually managed to get my existing phone repaired at a very acceptable price. £60 in a phone shop by Morden tube station.

 

[najaB]

I bought an OPPO Find X2 Lite a couple of years ago. Not expensive but has a good camera. Now been superseded but maybe worth a look. OPPO phones generally get good reviews.

I second Oppo as a brand worth looking into. I bought a Oppo A54S going on a couple of years ago and it's served very well. The macro camera could be a little better, but generally I haven't had any problems with it.

 

[jon81uk]

Oh yes, plenty of well-fitting wired ones. But before buying bluetooth I'd have to try them on first and I don't think that's possible.

I don't think being Bluetooth or wired makes any difference, stores have display models of some headphones (that go over ears) to try on, but not normally of earphones (that go into the ear) for hygiene reasons.

For example with Apple devices they may have the large over-ear Beats headphones to try on but they won't have Earpods available.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

I use an Apple iPhone with a strong plastic cover and a face-covering. Never had a problem. I will try and post photos later to illustrate.