OT - Need smartphone advice

[dekindy]

I am seriously considering making the switch from a flip phone to a smart phone. Consumer Cellular seems to be a good carrier choice. However the phone offering from them is limited and LTE option, other than iPhone, is only one and it has a lousy camera.

I don't make that many calls but there are times when a smart phone would be nice. I plan to talk a little, text a little, access some forums and Facebook, and explore the wonderful world of apps. No gaming or other heavy usage. It appears that other than the cost of the phone, Consumer Cellular will not be much, if any more expensive than current Sprint voice.

Do I really need 4 LTE? What is the best unlocked phone GSM smartphone for me? Would like to keep it at $250 or less, preferably much less, but willing to make an investment if it is prudent. Just can't stand the thought of a $600 phone. On the other hand, I can see accessing the Internet via home WiFi and using the smartphone instead of a laptop computer.

[cmbicycles]

Tracfone has "smart" phones for $100, then add a low minute card every few months depending on how much you use it.
I have one of their Samsung phones and add a $20 card every 90 days so the minutes dont expire. They triple minutes for smart phones so it ends up being 180min, 180 texts, & 180mb data... each, not split between. Ive never run out.
Its not a super high performance phone. Camera is meh, processor is ok for browsing, smallish screen. But its cheap and uses Verizon 3g networks so fairly good coverage. I hook up to wifi @ home and its more convenient than a laptop for checking emails, but sometimes its just quicker to do other stuff on the computer. Mobile sites leave much to be desired in a lot of cases.

Sent from my SCH-S738C using Tapatalk

[eddief]

both will be sold only via Motorola website and both are unlocked. Both are getting really great reviews. I have a Tmobile prepaid service at $30 month. Not quite the coverage of the biggest boys, but moving ahead quickly. And the CEO cusses a lot!

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2488823,00.asp

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/s/2015-moto-x-looks-phone-could-love-android-184121596.html

[93legendti]

https://buy.gazelle.com

Gazelle on eBay has great prices on Galaxy s4's and Google Nexus 5's...all under $200. A Motorola Moto X for $119... Heck even a Galaxy Note 3 can be had for $199. All 30 day try, no risk, seller pays shipping back for return...

Yes, new Moto G, 3rd gen and Moto x play are great options

[kramnnim]

http://www.clarkhoward.com/technology/phones-mobile-devices/choosing-a-cell-phone

[ceolwulf]

I think the OnePlus One is the go-to phone for a budget unlocked unit. Competes with much more expensive phones.

https://oneplus.net/ca_en/one

[fogrider]

if you have a budget of $250, take a look at the LG G2 with 32gigs. go with the T-Mobile version, the AT&T version was not so good. good size battery, decent camera, not as good as spending 400 bucks, but everything works good.

[witcombusa]

get rid of your phone (and TV) and never look back :hello:

[oldpotatoe]

get rid of your phone (and TV) and never look back :hello:

Better include your computer..ya know they can track you thru that. :D

[in_version]

I recommend straight talk. You can use any carriers phone. I would choose a phone from the service that works best in your area (for me it's att) and if you are comfortable buy a nice used model on ebay. I'm personally an iPhone user as I have been a mac user for 15+ years, so I can't really suggest a phone, besides a 5 which would be more than adequate for your needs and is still an incredible piece of technology which can be had used for around $200.

for around $46.00 a month I have unlimited talk text and data (high speed curbed after 5gb). Works great for me and there is no contract or credit check.

[bobswire]

I am seriously considering making the switch from a flip phone to a smart phone. Consumer Cellular seems to be a good carrier choice. However the phone offering from them is limited and LTE option, other than iPhone, is only one and it has a lousy camera.

I don't make that many calls but there are times when a smart phone would be nice. I plan to talk a little, text a little, access some forums and Facebook, and explore the wonderful world of apps. No gaming or other heavy usage. It appears that other than the cost of the phone, Consumer Cellular will not be much, if any more expensive than current Sprint voice.

Do I really need 4 LTE? What is the best unlocked phone GSM smartphone for me? Would like to keep it at $250 or less, preferably much less, but willing to make an investment if it is prudent. Just can't stand the thought of a $600 phone. On the other hand, I can see accessing the Internet via home WiFi and using the smartphone instead of a laptop computer.

Depending how service is in your area, Virgin Mobile (Sprint Network) $35 month http://www.virginmobileusa.com/cell-phone-plans/data-messaging-plans/overview/ , then get a
LG Tribute ($59),decent phone with apps and takes good photos for riding.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251870132847?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[SlackMan]

Republic Wireless recently changed their pricing structure so that you get unlimited talk and text for $10/month. You buy data in fractional GB chunks and are refunded for data that you don't use. Thus, if in a given month, you happen to use no data, your bill would be only $10 (+~$2 tax). It's not a good deal for heavy data users, but it is a screaming deal for light users. You have to use a phone modified to work with Republic Wireless, but they offer the Moto G which is a solid phone.

[jmoore]

https://buy.gazelle.com

Gazelle on eBay has great prices on Galaxy s4's and Google Nexus 5's...all under $200. A Motorola Moto X for $119... Heck even a Galaxy Note 3 can be had for $199. All 30 day try, no risk, seller pays shipping back for return...

Yes, new Moto G, 3rd gen and Moto x play are great options

All I see are Galaxy's and iPhones at that link

[dekindy]

Been away with no access and just now seeing a lot of the replies. Thanks. Will include in my research!

[tiretrax]

You are not buying a phone - it's a pocket computer with a phone app. LTE makes a huge difference in the quality of data transmission. Get the best device in your budget. Also, get a good case - lifeproof, otterbox, etc.

[93legendti]

All I see are Galaxy's and iPhones at that link
That's gazelle's pre owned certified site.

Try gazelle on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Cell-Phones-Smartphones-/9355/m.html?item=370991424683&pt=Cell_Phones&hash=item5660cfe4ab&_ssn=gazelle-store&Carrier=Unlocked%7CT%252DMobile&_dcat=9355&_geositeid=0&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEFSRCHX%3ASRCH&_sop=16

[redir]

The first personal tracking device I ever bought was near top of the line when it came out but it didn't have a very good camera. They said so when I bought the thing but I didn't care. In short time I did care very much since it's so darn convenient to have a camera on your device that you bring with you everywhere. I didn't always have my Cannon Elf with me when out mountain biking or what ever but I always carry the tracking device.

So the one I bought last year has one of the best camera's around. In fact that was top priority on my list. So I'm just sharing my experience as this is something you may want to consider. If you like taking snap shots then get one with a good camera, and the mega pixel arms race that is going on in the smart phone business right now does not a good camera make alone.