So, you don't want a Samsung?
Fair enough. Samsung is the big name in Android, and it makes some brilliant phones (we've written a whole guide to refurbished Samsung phones if you change your mind). But it isn't the only choice, and sometimes another brand fits you better.
Maybe you want the cleanest, simplest Android and a great camera. Maybe you want the most phone for the least money. Maybe you're bored of every phone looking like the same black rectangle. There's an Android phone for each of those, and we stock a good few of them.
This guide covers 16 phones from four brands: Google Pixel, Xiaomi (including Redmi and POCO), Nothing and Oppo. For each one, we'll tell you who it suits and who should probably skip it.
The short version
All 16 phones at a glance
| Phone | Brand | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oppo A5x | Oppo | €129.99 | A cheap phone with a big battery |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Xiaomi | €129.99 | A low-priced 5G phone |
| Redmi A7 Pro | Xiaomi | €159.99 | A simple, low-priced phone |
| Redmi 15C | Xiaomi | €159.99 | A simple, low-priced phone |
| Google Pixel 7a | €199.99 | A cheap Pixel with a good camera | |
| Redmi 17 (4GB/128GB) | Xiaomi | €229.99 | A step up from the A-series |
| Xiaomi 13T | Xiaomi | €269.99 | A premium-feeling Xiaomi |
| Google Pixel 8a | €299.99 | Camera and clean Android | |
| Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G | Xiaomi | €349.99 | A well-rounded 5G phone |
| Nothing Phone 2 | Nothing | €359.99 | Standing out from the crowd |
| Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G | Xiaomi | €369.99 | The best phone for the money |
| Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G | Xiaomi | €399.99 | A high-spec 5G phone at a big discount |
| POCO X8 Pro 5G | Xiaomi (POCO) | €439.99 | Performance on a budget |
| Redmi Note 17 Pro Max 5G | Xiaomi | €495.00 | The top of the Redmi range |
| Xiaomi 15T | Xiaomi | €529.99 | A premium-feeling Xiaomi |
| Google Pixel 10 Pro | €699.00 | A top-end Pixel |
Browse the full ranges on the Google Pixel, Xiaomi, Nothing and Oppo pages.
Google Pixel: the clean one with the great camera
If you've ever used a Pixel, you'll know the feeling. It's Android the way Google intended it, without a pile of extra apps or menus you'll never touch. People buy them mostly for the camera and because Google has promised long software support.
Want more? Read our guides to buying a refurbished Pixel and trading in to a Pixel.
Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO: the best phones for your money
Xiaomi's whole thing is value. You usually get a bigger battery, a faster screen, or a better chip than you'd expect at the price. Redmi is the everyday range, and POCO leans towards performance.
If you're on a tight budget:
- Redmi A7 Pro and Redmi 15C, both €159.99, are simple phones for calls, messages, maps, and social media.
- Redmi 17 at €229.99 (4GB RAM, 128GB storage) is a bit more comfortable for everyday use.
If you want the sweet spot:
- Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G at €369.99 is the one we'd look at first. It's a 5G phone priced well below what a big-brand equivalent costs.
- Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G is €399.99, which is €100 off its previous price of €499.99.
- Redmi Note 17 Pro Max 5G at €495.00 is the top of the Redmi range.
Skip it if: you want the longest possible software support. Xiaomi's update promises vary by model, so check before you buy. Its software also looks quite different from Samsung's or Google's, so try one in a shop first.
Still deciding between Redmi models? Our Redmi comparison goes through them in detail.
Nothing Phone 2: the one that looks different
Most phones disappear into a case. The Nothing Phone 2 doesn't. It has a see-through back and a set of LED strips called the Glyph Interface that light up for calls, notifications, and charging. Some people love it. Some find it a bit much. You'll know which one you are.
Beyond the looks, it's a proper phone. It has a 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED screen, a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, two 50MP cameras, a 4,700mAh battery, 45W wired and 15W wireless charging, and IP54 splash and dust resistance. The one we had was a 256GB white Premium-grade phone at €359.99, down from €499.99.
Skip it if: you want a phone nobody will notice, or you'd rather have a bigger-name brand with more accessories. It was sold out when we checked, so you may want to leave your email on the product page.
Oppo A5x: the cheap one that goes the distance
The Oppo A5x isn't trying to impress anyone. It's a €129.99 phone with a big 5,100 mAh battery, 33W fast charging, IP54 splash and dust resistance, a 6.67-inch 90 Hz screen, and a microSD slot for extra storage. For a phone this cheap, that's a decent list.
Skip it if: you want 5G or a top-end camera. It was sold out when we checked. Read our Oppo A5x guide for more.
Which one should you pick?
Pixel 8a.
Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G or Note 15 Pro+ 5G.
Oppo A5x, Redmi A7 Pro or Redmi 15C.
Nothing Phone 2.
Pixel 10 Pro.
Pixel 8a or Pixel 10 Pro, because of the long update promise. Check Google's own policy for the exact dates.
A few things to check before you buy any of them
The Oppo A5x is 4G only. The Redmi Note phones above are 5G.
Brands promise different numbers of years, counted from the day the phone launched, not the day you buy it. Check the brand's own website.
The Oppo A5x does. The Nothing Phone 2 doesn't, so choose the storage you'll need.
"Premium," "Excellent," and "Good" describe how the phone looks, not how it works. Read the phone grades page.
Less common models can be harder to find accessories for.
What you get with every phone
- Unlocked, so it works on any Irish network.
- Fully tested, with battery health of 85% or more checked before sale.
- 18-month warranty on the phones we've shown here. If something goes wrong that isn't accidental or liquid damage, we repair or replace it. Check each product page for the length.
- Free 15-day returns if the phone is unopened and in its original sealed packaging. Your warranty and your rights if it's faulty aren't affected.
- Free delivery over €100 (otherwise €4.99, 2 to 3 working days), or free click and collect from Bray, Ballina, or Sligo.
- Klarna and Humm at checkout to spread the cost. Both are run by separate companies, so check their terms. Our guide to buying a phone in installments explains how they compare with the Christmas Club.
- Trade in your old phone on our sell page to bring the cost down.
Come and have a look
Holding a phone is the best way to know whether you like it, so pop into any of our three shops:
We're open Monday to Saturday 9:30am to 6.30pm and Sunday 12pm to 6pm. If you'd like us to check if a phone is in stock before you travel, message us on WhatsApp.
Still torn? Our guides to which refurbished iPhone to buy and the best refurbished Samsung phones will help you compare.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Pixel better than a Samsung?
It depends on what you value. Pixels are known for their cameras and clean software, and Google promises long updates on the newer models. Samsung phones usually have more choice, more accessories, and a wider range of prices.
What is the best non-Samsung Android phone under €400?
For most people, the Google Pixel 8a is at €299.99, or the Redmi Note 17 Pro 5G is at €369.99. Check stock and prices on the website.
Are Xiaomi phones reliable?
Our Xiaomi and Redmi phones are fully tested, unlocked, and come with a warranty. The main thing to check is how long a particular model will get software updates.
What is the cheapest Android phone you sell that isn't a Samsung?
The Oppo A5x and Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, both €129.99, though both were sold out when we checked. The cheapest in stock were the Redmi A7 Pro and Redmi 15C at €159.99.
Is the Nothing Phone 2 worth it?
If you like the design, yes. It has flagship-level hardware, including a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, and it was €140 below its previous price when we checked. It was sold out, so check stock first.
Does the Oppo A5x have 5G?
No, it's a 4G phone.
How do I know if a phone is in stock?
The product page shows an Add to cart button or a Sold out label. You can also message us on WhatsApp or visit a shop.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. Klarna and Humm are available at checkout, and the Christmas Club lets you reserve a phone in store from a €20 deposit and collect it by Tuesday 23 December.
Ready to pick one?
Have a look at the Pixel, Xiaomi, Nothing and Oppo ranges. Stock changes all the time, so check the website for what's available today, or call into your nearest shop in Bray, Ballina or Sligo.
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