2023 Mobile Phone Buying Guide

 

BACKGROUND

Normally, it is a good time to buy a mobile phone on 11 Nov when phone prices are at their rock bottom.  However, this year was exceptional when the next generation CPU, the Snapdragon 8 Gen3, was recently launched on 24 Oct 2023.  The early launch disrupted the sales of the old flagship products and therefore, there will not be any urgent urge for manufacturers to clear their old stocks.

Since the price of the new 8Gen3 phones is rigid with zero discount, the price will remain at bay in the next 2 months.  Looking at iPhone 15, it has had a series of price cuts since launch due to its poor sales and lack of innovations.

If you spend S$600 to buy a 8Gen2 phone, you are likely to get a 8Gen3 phone in the next 3 months when 8Gen3 moves into a cash cow state.  So a S$500 8Gen1 phone will likely get you a 8Gen2 phone in Feb 2024.  You definitely do not wish to suffer a sudden 25% depreciation of your new phone in the next 3 months despite the additional 1% GST increase in 2024.

For example on 9 Nov 2023, Redmi SG official store is selling Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G (8+256) at S$499 but China is selling the identical at RMB1,899 (or S$354), a significant price difference of S$145.

So the question is not to buy WHICH phone but WHEN to buy the next phone.

If you are in no hurry, wait till Feb/Mar 2024.  If you are having issues like the battery cannot last long, the phone screen is cracked and cannot swipe or the phone is unbearable to use, you should buy a phone immediately.  Else you should just wait till the next wave of price cut in early 2024.

So it is not worthwhile to buy phones which are on the premium (>S$400) and also phones which are too cheap (<$200).  So the basic features must be defined.

DEFAULT FEATURES

Below are the features you should consider when getting a new phone:

1. CPU: Avoid SD888, SD888+ and SD 8Gen1 with overheating issues and those old and slow models;

2. RAM: >=8GB. 4GB has limited opened apps.

3. Storage: >=256GB. 128GB is just <S$10 difference.

4. Battery: >=4700mAh. 5000mAh will be ideal.

5. Charging speed: Preferably >60W.

6. Android OS: 12 or above. Preferably 13.

7. Global or SG version: DO NOT buy China version.

8. Compatibility: For those who are using SIMBA, you must ensure the phone supports certain 4G frequencies and VOLTE is available.  Simba offers the compatibility list as reference.

OPTIONAL FEATURES

1. Display: IPS is eye friendly while OLED is viewable under sunlight.  OLED commands a premium over IPS.

2. NFC: It is good to have NFC. India ROM has no NFC by default.

3. Bluetooth: Minimum is 5.0

4. Network: 4G only is cheaper than those with 5G support

5. Camera: Sony IMX is always better than the rest.

6. IP rating: Good to have

LOW END PHONES (<S$200)

Avoid these phones as they have no value.

BUDGET PHONES (S$200 to S$250)

This segment is very competitive and there are many low price traps:

• RAM is 4GB; or 

• CPU is outdated; or 

• Android OS is 9 (outdated); or

• 4G only (no 5G); or

• Charging speed is only 20W.

Still, there is a compromise of certain features to enjoy the low price range of S$200 to S$250.

There is only one recommendation:

• Redmi Note 12 4G (8+256) ~S$220: Value for money but charging only at 33W.

VALUED PHONES (S$250 to S$400)

There are varied discounts on various platforms.

• iQoo Z7 (12+256): SD782G CPU and 120W charging but IPS display;

• Redmi Note 11T Pro (12+256): 5080mAh battery but IPS display and OS 12;

• Redmi Note 12T Pro (12+256): 5080mAh battery but IPS display;

• Redmi Note 12 Turbo (12+256): Only 181g;

• Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G (8+256): SD732G CPU with 66W charging;

• Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (12+256): IP68 rating;

• Oppo K11 (12+256): Good IMX890 camera; and

• Realme 11 Pro+ (12+256): 100W charging.

NOTE: 

1. If you can wait, WAIT till Feb/Mar 2024 to buy a new phone; and

2. You may consider 8+256 for a lower price but if the gap is less than S$30, it is advisable to buy the 12+256 version.

3. Redmi Note 12 series has the following models (from weak to strong CPU power):

1. 12 S (Helio G96)

2. 12 4G (SD685)

3. 12 Pro 4G (SD732G)

4. 12 5G (4Gen1 with AMOLED)

5. 12 Global (4Gen1 with Super AMOLED)

6. 12 R Pro (4Gen1 with 12GB RAM and OLED)

7. 12 R (4Gen2)

8. 12 Pro 5G (Dimensity 1080 with 5000mAh battery/67W charging)

9. 12 Pro+ (Dimensity 1080 with 5000mAh battery/120W charging)

10. 12 Explorer (Dimensity 1080 with 4300mAh battery/210W charging)

11. 12 Pro Extreme Edition (SD778G)

12. 12 T Pro (Dimensity 8200)

13. 12 Turbo (7+Gen2)

4. Redmi Note 12 and Redmi 12 are 2 different categories.

FAKED OR REFURBISHED OR UNBRANDED PHONES

Beware of fake phones with no brand or refurbished phones.  The S$120 Note 12 4G may not be from Redmi so buying from a trustworthy store is critical. Read the fine prints for details in the description page and read the after sales reviews before buying.

ONLINE PURCHASE

1. Aliexpress

2. Lazada

3. Amazon

4. Shopee

5. Respective brand online SG website

6. Telco websites

7. Carousell (Used or Refurbished)