Has anyone brought or used a Kogan mobile phone. Its a Android Agora HD+ Smartphone.
I'm thinking of getting one as I don't need a phone with all the bells & whistles and the specs look pretty good on this one with a decent size screen.
Thoughts anyone.
jetj said
07:12 PM Dec 12, 2013
I bought one ages ago, and it seemed ok. I had to return it because it didn't cover the 3g frequency needed for their own service on the Telstra Network which is no longer available.
I don't think that is a problem with the current ones, but do your homework make sure it covers the frequencies that your provider uses. I find whirlpool forums very helpful.
I tend to look for blue tick phones these days for the telstra network and they aren't very expensive.
Jayco Gypsy said
07:33 PM Dec 12, 2013
Thanks for the link Janette. I'll check it out.The phone does have 3g and says it covers the frequency our service uses. Maybe I should just bite the bullet and get one. Did you have any trouble returning yours.
oldbobsbus said
08:16 PM Dec 12, 2013
If you want your phone to use while traveling then you need to get a phone that can pick up the Smelstra 3g network in the country areas.. as they have the best coverage AU wide..
There are basically only 2 types of phones available in AU
Those that are usable on the Smelstra network use the 3G network on HSDPA 850/2100mhz
Those that use the Optus network on 3G have HSDPA 900/2100mhz installed.
Some sellers will tell you that their phone will work on any network...
But they forget to add ONLY IN THE CITIES....
Smelstra use the 850mhz frequency in the country and Optus use the 900mhz in the country..
The next thing you need to know is that if you buy you plan (Pre or Post Paid) from Smelstra you will pay through the nose..
BUT
If you buy from Boost (A subsidiary of Smelstra) you can get free Unlimited calls to Mobiles and landlines and free SMS and MMS plus 3 gig of Data for $40pm...
bill12 said
08:16 PM Dec 12, 2013
I am contemplating getting one, also. There have been good and bad reports about the Agora smart phones.Keep in touch and tell us what you think. Bill
-- Edited by bill12 on Thursday 12th of December 2013 08:16:51 PM
oldbobsbus said
08:20 PM Dec 12, 2013
Ohhh the last time I researched the Agora it only had HSDPA 900/2100mhz installed which will work fine on any network IN THE CITIES ONLY and only on Optus in country areas...
Jayco Gypsy said
08:32 PM Dec 12, 2013
Its not available until the 20/12/2013. Here is the link. Nothing works for me to be able to make it click-able.
Well....must have done something right...it appears this time it worked.
jetj said
08:35 PM Dec 12, 2013
Cathy,
I had no trouble returning mine, I must admit and the phone seemed to work quite ok except no 850mhz for telstra 3g.
Jayco Gypsy said
08:42 PM Dec 12, 2013
Good to hear Janette. That's the bit I was concerned about. Returning it if it wasn't suitable.
jetj said
08:42 PM Dec 12, 2013
The specs look pretty good. I found with the 5 inch screen was fantastic to use and browse but hard to carry in that you need a large handbag.
Jayco Gypsy said
08:46 PM Dec 12, 2013
No problem there usually have a bag of some description with me. I'm hoping the larger screen will enable me to use it without always having to grab glasses.
oldbobsbus said
08:46 PM Dec 12, 2013
The one you put in the link is definitely usable on the Smelstra network both in the city and in the country..
The only problem as a bloke is carrying it around in my pocket it is HUGE...
Jayco Gypsy said
08:50 PM Dec 12, 2013
lol no handbag then
I did find a a slip in case with the clip on the back on ebay. I'll see if I can find the link.
Ron and Shirley said
09:27 PM Dec 12, 2013
One thing to be wary of with Kogan, and this certainly applies to Nokia SmartPhones, is that they are grey imports as you are dealing with Kogan Hong Kong. As such they only have a 12mth warranty, compared 24mths if purchased through an Australia supplier eg Telstra, Harvey Norman, JB HiFi, etc.
Jayco Gypsy said
09:47 PM Dec 12, 2013
They are offering extended warranty 3yrs $23.88 & 5yrs $29.85 otherwise just the standard 12 months. Hard to know how good it is and if it's worth the extra money. Another thing to consider and research.
bill12 said
08:02 AM Dec 13, 2013
Speaking of nokia or kogan,do you reckon that there is any difference in the efficiency of the windows phone(nokia) against the android(agora kogan). I have win 8 oon my laptop, and perhaps a windows phone would be more compatable, and easy to use. I look forward to your views. Bill
_wombat_ said
09:06 AM Dec 13, 2013
try a zopo, has all the bells and whistles for only $156, I got a zopo 12 months ago, not the same as this one below but still a 5 inch, great phone.
Speaking of nokia or kogan,do you reckon that there is any difference in the efficiency of the windows phone(nokia) against the android(agora kogan). I have win 8 oon my laptop, and perhaps a windows phone would be more compatable, and easy to use. I look forward to your views. Bill
Hi bill. I have a 6mth old Nokia Windows phone and now wish I did not as the apps available not as extensive as Android. Cannot get Wikis Camps or Fires Near You etc. If my phone not so new I'd replace it with an Android compatable.
Peter
jetj said
12:43 PM Dec 13, 2013
The Zopo is a dual core with 500mhz ram where the Kogan is a quad core with 1 gig so better specs for not a lot extra. Also the Android 4.0 on the Zopo is as little behind the Kogan I think from memory.
You need the availability of apps, I wouldn't go past Android or Iphone phones.
Jayco Gypsy said
10:36 PM Jan 26, 2014
I have my new Kogan and very happy with it. Being my first smart phone it was a bit of trial and error over a couple of days getting the hang of it. First time trying to answer it was funny, I was swiping the unlock icon the green phone icon would show but couldn't get to it before it disappeared. Turns out it swipes sideways not up like the others half's phone. Takes good pictures, even has this rapid shot thing. Really easy to drag and drop files from the computer. Now just have to work out the alarm part. I love new toys
jetj said
10:59 PM Jan 26, 2014
I'm glad you're happy with it. They seem good value. Smart phones can take some getting used to, but worth the effort for what they can do.
Hi All.
Has anyone brought or used a Kogan mobile phone. Its a Android Agora HD+ Smartphone.
I'm thinking of getting one as I don't need a phone with all the bells & whistles and the specs look pretty good on this one with a decent size screen.
Thoughts anyone.
I bought one ages ago, and it seemed ok. I had to return it because it didn't cover the 3g frequency needed for their own service on the Telstra Network which is no longer available.
I don't think that is a problem with the current ones, but do your homework make sure it covers the frequencies that your provider uses. I find whirlpool forums very helpful.
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/
I tend to look for blue tick phones these days for the telstra network and they aren't very expensive.
There are basically only 2 types of phones available in AU
Those that are usable on the Smelstra network use the 3G network on HSDPA 850/2100mhz
Those that use the Optus network on 3G have HSDPA 900/2100mhz installed.
Some sellers will tell you that their phone will work on any network...
But they forget to add ONLY IN THE CITIES....
Smelstra use the 850mhz frequency in the country and Optus use the 900mhz in the country..
The next thing you need to know is that if you buy you plan (Pre or Post Paid) from Smelstra you will pay through the nose..
BUT
If you buy from Boost (A subsidiary of Smelstra) you can get free Unlimited calls to Mobiles and landlines and free SMS and MMS plus 3 gig of Data for $40pm...
I am contemplating getting one, also. There have been good and bad reports about the Agora smart phones.Keep in touch and tell us what you think. Bill
-- Edited by bill12 on Thursday 12th of December 2013 08:16:51 PM
www.kogan.com/au/buy/agora-50-hd-pro-quad-core-smartphone/
Cathy,
I had no trouble returning mine, I must admit and the phone seemed to work quite ok except no 850mhz for telstra 3g.
The specs look pretty good. I found with the 5 inch screen was fantastic to use and browse but hard to carry in that you need a large handbag.
No problem there
usually have a bag of some description with me. I'm hoping the larger screen will enable me to use it without always having to grab glasses.
The only problem as a bloke is carrying it around in my pocket it is HUGE...
lol no handbag then
I did find a a slip in case with the clip on the back on ebay. I'll see if I can find the link.
One thing to be wary of with Kogan, and this certainly applies to Nokia SmartPhones, is that they are grey imports as you are dealing with Kogan Hong Kong. As such they only have a 12mth warranty, compared 24mths if purchased through an Australia supplier eg Telstra, Harvey Norman, JB HiFi, etc.
try a zopo, has all the bells and whistles for only $156, I got a zopo 12 months ago, not the same as this one below but still a 5 inch, great phone.
http://dx.com/p/zopo-zp500-android-4-0-wcdma-bar-phone-w-4-0-capacitive-screen-wi-fi-gps-and-dual-sim-black-157469?tc=AUD&gclid=CIeRgIDYq7sCFccTpAodBxUAcA
Hi bill. I have a 6mth old Nokia Windows phone and now wish I did not as the apps available not as extensive as Android. Cannot get Wikis Camps or Fires Near You etc. If my phone not so new I'd replace it with an Android compatable.
Peter
The Zopo is a dual core with 500mhz ram where the Kogan is a quad core with 1 gig so better specs for not a lot extra. Also the Android 4.0 on the Zopo is as little behind the Kogan I think from memory.
You need the availability of apps, I wouldn't go past Android or Iphone phones.
I have my new Kogan and very happy with it. Being my first smart phone it was a bit of trial and error over a couple of days getting the hang of it. First time trying to answer it was funny, I was swiping the unlock icon the green phone icon would show but couldn't get to it before it disappeared. Turns out it swipes sideways not up like the others half's phone. Takes good pictures, even has this rapid shot thing. Really easy to drag and drop files from the computer. Now just have to work out the alarm part. I love new toys
I'm glad you're happy with it. They seem good value. Smart phones can take some getting used to, but worth the effort for what they can do.