Need new phone for mom - any suggestions?

[indianarchie]

My mom has decided that she wants a smartphone. She was using a basic Nokia till now. Which phones can you recommend for under 8-9k with the following features:

[*]Screen size: 4 inch or below. Ideally 3.5-4 inch
[*]Battery life: atleast 1 full day, replaceable battery required
[*]Android version: 2.3 and above, pref ICS.
[*]RAM: 512 Mb would be good, needs a smooth experience even with apps installed
[*]Call quality: the best possible!
[*]After sales: hopefully, good enough to not get screwed if there are issues.
[/list]I saw some basic micromax models like a54/57 but they felt like toy phones for kids. Others like the Xolo a700/Karbonn a21 were nice but the screen size would be too big for mom.
So, any suggestions?

 

[dextermorgan]

Since its for your mom ..why not iPhone 3GS?

 

[indianarchie]

How much would the iPhone 3GS cost now? The thing is, the phone will be used for atleast 2 years and with new 3GS phones unavailable, there is no way a refurbished/used model's battery will last that long. Also, the battery isint replaceable and I am loathe to buy a new phone for the sake of a battery. I am already facing battery drain with my ipod touch 3rd gen (similar specs to 3GS).

 

[dextermorgan]

Iam getting a new iPhone 3GS at 10k from Jagdish market at hyderabad( its a place famous for sale of mobiles). My dad felt more at home on iOS than on android so I was thinking of getting him one.
For your needs, ignoring all brands like micromax and lava, Sone ericsson tipo fits your bill(though battery backup isn't good)
https://www.flipkart.com/sony-xperia-tipo/p/itmdcwudzyjfhph5?pid=MOBDDB8HUANCQRXB&ref=98761168-b530-4347-91ce-dea3134409e9&srno=t_3&otracker=from-search&query=tipo

 

[killbill]

Innstead of Apple i suggest you android because android is friendly compared to mac.. One more thing if your mom want to use the features then only buy smart phone or else its no use..

 

[moindear]

iPhone 3GS should be the best, easier to use and no issues
If you want to go for Android, check out Xperia E

 

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[chaibiskutbhai]

Yes, I too suggest Xperia E or E dual.

 

[LordSpymaster]

Lol I was about to start a similar thread. My mother has the same requirements, only she's willing to spend upto 15k. What should I get her? I was thinking about he Lumia 620...I would suggest you the 3GS as per your requirements, only that it's Apple, instead of android.

 

[experience]

Get a used iPhone 4 or 3gs. I got an used iPhone 4 for 12k, 1.5 year old on olx.

 

[chaibiskutbhai]

If needs are similar, E would. Still be a good bet. Why spend more if you don't need to?

 

[indianarchie]

Update: The iPhone 3gs and xperia E werent available. I finally bought the Xolo A500 from croma yesterday for 7k. Is anyone interested in any benchmarks or tests? If yes, you'll have to guide me on what apps to install etc as I am using Android for the first time.