Cheap cell and plan

[CU]

My Razr, the old basic phone version, finally died. Actually just the screen. But anyway I need to replace it. I have two basic phones on a Verizon $70 shared plan that is just voice. Use about 2500 minutes a month. Most of it Verizon mobile to mobile or family share so it doesn't count against the plans minutes. Thought about getting a smart phone, but the share plans are $130. That is a big jump. Looked at Walmart (T-Mobile), at only $80 that sounds much more reasonable. I would only use data for email and light web. So it looks like Walmart smart phone or Verizon basic phone without breaking the bank. How are the Walmart smart phones like the Concord given that I don't plan to use much data? If I stay Verizon does anyone now which basic phone is good. I know everyone hear uses smart phones, but maybe someone has some opinions on them. Open to other companies and plans if you know something that would fit my usage.

 

[jpeyton]

First, go to Straight Talk's website and purchase a SIM. Most people go with an "AT&T Compatible Phone" micro-SIM (you can also get a full-size SIM, but many phones use micro-SIMs and you can always buy a $1 full-size SIM adapter if needed).

http://www.straighttalk.com/shopsims

Second, find yourself an AT&T branded or unlocked smartphone. You can choose popular options like the iPhone or any Android phone (even the newest ones like the Galaxy S3). Check the local classifieds or Craigslist for used phones, or try eBay. You can also order an unlocked Galaxy Nexus from Google for $350. If you're going to use a Windows Phone, stick with Nokia because they allow you to edit APN settings (which you can easily do on an iPhone or Android phone).

Third, order the $45/month unlimited everything service from Straight Talk (you can also purchase this at any Walmart):

http://www.straighttalk.com/

I'm a long time Straight Talk user with an AT&T Galaxy S3, paying $45/month for the same thing that AT&T charges $115/month for.

 

[CU]

Don't really understand there coverage map. If you use an Android phone it looks like it has very little coverage. Is that correct?
http://www.straighttalk.com/Coverage

Also is there unlimited data really unlimited or does it drop to a lower speed after x MB's?

 

[jpeyton]

Don't really understand there coverage map. If you use an Android phone it looks like it has very little coverage. Is that correct?
http://www.straighttalk.com/Coverage

Also is there unlimited data really unlimited or does it drop to a lower speed after x MB's?

That's an incorrect coverage map, here is the correct one: http://www.straighttalksim.com/coverage.php

It's not really unlimited, but there isn't a hard limit (this is similar to AT&T's grandfathered unlimited plans). If you're an average smartphone user, you'll be just fine. If you're planning on streaming Netflix and Pandora 24/7 on the cell network, you may get booted. The good news is you can try it out, and even if you get booted, you're only out $45+$15 (for the plan plus the SIM).

You can download a free app that keeps track of your data network usage. I use about 20MB, or about 600MB per month, which is in line with the majority of smartphone users.

 

[CU]

Well that does sound better than the walmart plan, for 2 phones only $10 more gets you unlimited at full speed.

Now as for phones. There are alot of phones on ebay. What are some good phones to look for and ones to avoid. Trying to stay close to $100. Also on used phones wouldn't the battery life be a problem? Or do smartphone batteries hold there capacity for several years? Just don't want to get a used phone and the talk time is down to 1-2 hours or something.

 

[ImDonly1]

For ATT? Something like a Motorola Atrix if you want android or some Windows Phone 7's like the Samsung Focus S, etc. They should be around $100.

iPhone 4 can maybe be bought for $200 if you are lucky or patient. Lumia 800 for $200.

 

[CU]

Would like to go Android.

 

[jpeyton]

Well that does sound better than the walmart plan, for 2 phones only $10 more gets you unlimited at full speed.

Now as for phones. There are alot of phones on ebay. What are some good phones to look for and ones to avoid. Trying to stay close to $100. Also on used phones wouldn't the battery life be a problem? Or do smartphone batteries hold there capacity for several years? Just don't want to get a used phone and the talk time is down to 1-2 hours or something.

Batteries aren't a problem with most Android phones. They are user replaceable and cheap. $5 shipped for a new battery on an older phone is typical.

For ~$100, you can get a Galaxy S Captivate (SGS1). It's a good basic smartphone. Runs Gingerbread stock. The Atrix 2 or Captivate Glide run ICS, but will cost more. I've had better luck on Craigslist than eBay, and the prices are usually lower as well.

 

[CU]

What is the advantage of going with an AT&T phone through StraightTalk? Verizon has better coverage where I live. Can I not get the same plan and go with a Verizon phone through StraightTalk, and use Verizon's cell towers?

 

[Pardus]

Boost Mobile has unlimited Android text, talk, web, email for $55/month, drops to $40/month after 18-months. HTC EVO Design 4G is $239.99 and uses Sprint Nextel's network.

Virgin Mobile has 1200 mins talk and unlimited Android text, web, email for $45/month with the HTC EVO V 4G for $229.99/amazon or price match to bb.

 

[nace186]

StrightTalk supports t-mobile and at&t network. If you want verizon, go with page plus.

 

[CU]

Straight talks plans and phones look like a better deal than Page Plus. As for phones does any AT&T phone work or does it have to be unlocked? Are any of the phones on straight talk worth buying or should I buy the phone from somewhere else?

 

[jpeyton]

What is the advantage of going with an AT&T phone through StraightTalk? Verizon has better coverage where I live. Can I not get the same plan and go with a Verizon phone through StraightTalk, and use Verizon's cell towers?

Straight Talk's best plan/network combo is on AT&T's network. It's $45/month unlimited everything, and it has the same coverage and speed as AT&T's post-paid plans.

Straight Talk also operates on T-Mobile's network, but the coverage map is a lot smaller than T-Mobile's post-paid plans. Straight Talk sells a phone/plan combo on Verizon's network, but again the coverage map is a lot smaller than Verizon's post-paid plans. Also for Straight Talk on Verizon, you MUST buy the phone through Straight Talk; you can't activate any Verizon phone you want (Page Plus allows you to activate most Verizon phones).

Straight talks plans and phones look like a better deal than Page Plus. As for phones does any AT&T phone work or does it have to be unlocked? Are any of the phones on straight talk worth buying or should I buy the phone from somewhere else?

Any AT&T phone will work if you order the AT&T SIM from StraightTalkSim.com.

None of the phones from Straight Talk are worth buying. As I mentioned earlier, for around $100 you can buy a Samsung Galaxy Captivate, which is as good as any phone Straight Talk offers for a lot less money.

 

[Thump553]

What is the advantage of going with an AT&T phone through StraightTalk? Verizon has better coverage where I live. Can I not get the same plan and go with a Verizon phone through StraightTalk, and use Verizon's cell towers?

I just went with Page Plus-uses Verizon's network, but only 3G. Take a look through the threads here-cardiac was a wealth of info for me. For what it's worth I went through the Kitty dealer and they were great at the porting, addiing a plan, etc.

I anticipate limited data usage and went for the TNT 1200 plan-1200 minutes, 3000 texts, 100MB data per month for $29.95.

 

[CU]

A used Samsung Galaxy Captivate for $100 and $45 unlimited everything on AT&T seems the way to go. I will order 2 tonight unless something better pops up. One last question, I know on my verizon bill there are about $10 of added FCC charges etc. Does the $45 already include that or is $45 + taxes & fees.

 

[arod]

If you don't use much mins/txt/data.... ting is a good alternative. I moved my at&t smartphone there and my plan went from $75 to $20. With there referral program you get $25 off the cost of your device.

https://ting.com/

 

[jpeyton]

A used Samsung Galaxy Captivate for $100 and $45 unlimited everything on AT&T seems the way to go. I will order 2 tonight unless something better pops up. One last question, I know on my verizon bill there are about $10 of added FCC charges etc. Does the $45 already include that or is $45 + taxes & fees.

It depends on where you buy it. My state doesn't have any sales tax, so if I go to Walmart for the refill it's $45 flat.

When I refill online, it's $45.77, with the extra 77 cents being taxes/fees.

 

[CU]

Nice, no FCC fees will make it cheaper than I thought. Now to find some Samsung Galaxy Captivate's for $100. I though I found them at cowboom, but they have a quality rating of 4 with scratches on the screens.

 

[jpeyton]

Nice, no FCC fees will make it cheaper than I thought. Now to find some Samsung Galaxy Captivate's for $100. I though I found them at cowboom, but they have a quality rating of 4 with scratches on the screens.

Did you strike out on Craigslist in your area?

I found a Captivate with box for $75 locally. Another for $125 with a bunch of accessories.

 

[s44]

The Captivate flies on ICS/Jelly Bean. It's like a whole new phone compared to the stock stuff.

Translation: if you're at all technically inclined, I'd flash either CM9 (stable version of ICS) or one of the experimental Jelly Bean ROMs (LANIGHT nodatata seems to be in good shape atm) as soon as you get it.

 

[CU]

Did you strike out on Craigslist in your area?

I found a Captivate with box for $75 locally. Another for $125 with a bunch of accessories.

Found one for $90 on Craigslist, but I am a little leery about buying used from some random person since it could be stolen.

 

[CU]

The Captivate flies on ICS/Jelly Bean. It's like a whole new phone compared to the stock stuff.

Translation: if you're at all technically inclined, I'd flash either CM9 (stable version of ICS) or one of the experimental Jelly Bean ROMs (LANIGHT nodatata seems to be in good shape atm) as soon as you get it.

Nice to hear I wasn't sure if the 512meg of ram would be enough for a newer version of Android.

 

[jpeyton]

Found one for $90 on Craigslist, but I am a little leery about buying used from some random person since it could be stolen.

You can usually get a good feel for the person by chatting with them on the phone first. Lots of normal people sell their old phones on Craigslist.

I have my old Galaxy Infuse for sale on Craigslist as we speak, since I just purchased a SGS3 (also off Craigslist).

 

[wirednuts]

Found one for $90 on Craigslist, but I am a little leery about buying used from some random person since it could be stolen.

if the esn is clear, its not a phone thats been reported stolen.

cl is a great place to buy used cell phones. thats one of the items on there that does really well...

 

[jpeyton]

if the esn is clear, its not a phone thats been reported stolen.

cl is a great place to buy used cell phones. thats one of the items on there that does really well...

AT&T phones don't have an ESN, they have an IMEI.

Unlike Verizon/Sprint where you need a clear ESN to activate, IMEI numbers were not actively catalogued/checked by AT&T/T-Mobile to see if a lost/stolen phone was operating on their network.

That is changing currently, with more reports of blacklisted IMEI numbers on phones.