Which cell phone to buy outright in a Post-Paid world?

My 2.5 year old Droid Razr died and I've been using my 5 year old Droid (yeah, that one) for now, but there's no point in paying for a data plan if I can't use it. There's a bazillion phones I can buy on Amazon, and I have no idea where to start. We're off contract and want to stay that way (not that we plan on switching from Verizon, but it's a hefty discount).

I'd like to keep my current home/car chargers (Motorola micro-USB) and keep the cost to around $100. I don't need the latest thing, and I don't like might-as-well-be-a-tablet size phones. I have really liked my two Droid's.

I'd appreciate any suggestions!

Samsung Galaxy S3 is about 2 years old now and mine has been rock solid for everything from OBD scanner to metronome for guitar lessons to HD video camera to runner's training / mapping apps to all of my work communication, webex meetings and as my car stereo too. I'm posting this from it.

I imagine they are reasonably priced these days as a NEW MOAR BETTAH one came out a few months ago as they always do.

You can get a Galaxy Nexus used on Swappa for around $100. The hardware isn't too terribly out of date and it gets fast software updates since it's a Nexus phone. Uses the same chargers you have and there's a Verizon version.

1) Your off contract and plan to stay that way.
2) You do not plan to leave VZ.
3) You get a hefty discount.

Lets focus on these points above.
If you plan to stay and you like the price I then wonder what reduction in handset price will VZ offer you if you do commit (contract)?
Typically they give $200 - $300 worth of equipment discount if you commit.

I typically recommend everyone away from contract but you have to weigh the reward (discount equip) vs the servitude (but you seem to like the service and like the price.)

Another option is VZ prepaid offering. The simple version here is the Moto G with monthly service running $50-ish per month.
Be aware, this Moto G only pulls 3G service, hence the reduced price over standard 4G service.
I personally carry a Moto G only using 3G. You will not notice too much of a difference over the OMG-GOT TO HAVE IT over-hype of all the other offerings unless you are an OMG-GOT TO HAVE IT type of buyer/user.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/consumer/shop/prepaid.html

Before you ask, no you can not buy the cheap VZ prepaid handset and use it on the contract service.

Nexus 5. Unlocked, un-subsidized from the Google Play store.

I'll second the Moto G. For $200 it is a killer deal, plus zero carrier-based bloatware. We are using it on MetroPCS with full data capability and tethering enabled.

I like my Moto G. Let it sit in water for 30 minutes. Works fine.

My glass is all busted up though. I suggest some sort of screen protector or rubberized bezel. Been working fine despite my front glass looking like a kaleidoscope.

dollar for dollar it's very difficult to beat the motoG, my mo-in-law needed a new phone and was on the $50ish prepaid plan already with her several year old free att POS android (was crap before she bought it) pointed her to the motoG on VZ and she's been very happy and I've honestly been quite impressed with it... you can get it for $80 over here (link below) just note that it is limited to 8gb so if you use it for mp3s look elsewhere http://www.frys.com/product/7988610?source=google&gclid=Cj0KEQjwopOeBRC1ndXgnuvx8JYBEiQAq4RPt1MH79Aw110VNHGDoHcVL8Sr5EkjZDNzR5zKmkLZmTIaAmcM8P8HAQ

if you want to move over to a GSM based carrier then I would watch CL... although $100 does put you on some fairly old devices these days :-/

John: I am in a similar situation to Javelin, where I am now off contract with Verizon, and have a pretty new Samsung S3 that I am happy with. Would you still recommend prepaid service with Verizon (3G vs. 4G doesn't make much difference to me)? You mentioned other carriers like Straight Talk in your previous threads. I appreciate your expert advice. Many thanks.

I broke my galaxy S3 a LOT. Many screens, such fragile, owe.

I know plenty of people who've had them but been fine. I know I'm hard on my stuff. Just a heads up in case you're similar. I've had good luck with Motorola offerings, specifically the old school droid x and now the new moto x. The nexus options sound like a good path as well.

VZ offers a good network but boy, they are not afraid to charge for it or make it difficult to spend less.
As such, they only offer their 4G service to their customers who pay the most; the contract customers. The way it stands currently, you can not bring your 4G handset (Sam S3) over to their 3G only, Prepaid service, but...there is change in the wind.
VZ is just about to begin offering Sam S3 on Prepaid, seen at the bottom of this page as Out of Stock.

VZ seems to keep its prepaid customer back at least one technological advance as a way of justifying the high dollar from its contract customers. The change is that VZ is now toting what it has labeled as XLTE. Over the following months and Christmas you will be told by VZ commercials that you better have XLTE or you will not be cool! This should open the door for the more plain 4G service to be offered to prepaid customers.

Specific to Jdub,
My advise to you may be to just currently hold for a couple months till when you can bring your Sam S3 to prepaid. If like Jav, you are in more need of an immediate change, The Moto G on Prepaid is my recommendation.

Straight talk (ST) is an option but be sure to know what you are looking at. ST offers different handsets that work on different carriers. Buy the wrong handset and you may find it works mostly on T-Mo (which would not meet my needs.) ST does offer a couple handsets that work on VZ towers but like written above, the VZ handsets they offer currently are all 3G only type handsets for ST's prepaid service.

since John is our go to for phones … my "needs/wants" are to stay as inexpensive as I can … currently I use Net10 with what I consider a semi-smart phone ( LG900GHL V10)…. I can make and receive calls just fine (switched to this phone because the last one … a Motorola flip phone of some sort … I couldn't hear much of what was being said.

I can make and receive texts … which on the Moto was a PITA … but when I try to use the internet portion of this phone, I usually get the notice … not enough internal memory …

the only 2 sites I really would like to be able to use are Weather.Com and SCCA live timing and scoring (at events where it's offered)

Net10 offers "smart" phones, but I have to go on a $50/mo plan to us them … currently I pay $100 every 6mo.

any suggestions ?

thanks dude

Samsung (with the Galaxy Series) and HTC (with the One Series) have proven themselves to be a pretty durable setup. I've been using my One for the last two years with minimal problems. I'll be going to a new One when I feel like it. I think finding an older version of one of these phones may be a good option and well within your price range.

JohnRW1621 wrote: 1) Your off contract and plan to stay that way. 2) You do not plan to leave VZ. 3) You get a hefty discount. Lets focus on these points above. If you plan to stay and you like the price I then wonder what reduction in handset price will VZ offer you if you do commit (contract)? Typically they give $200 - $300 worth of equipment discount if you commit. I typically recommend everyone away from contract but you have to weigh the reward (discount equip) vs the servitude (but you seem to like the service and like the price.) Another option is VZ prepaid offering. The simple version here is the Moto G with monthly service running $50-ish per month. Be aware, this Moto G only pulls 3G service, hence the reduced price over standard 4G service. I personally carry a Moto G only using 3G. You will not notice too much of a difference over the OMG-GOT TO HAVE IT over-hype of all the other offerings unless you are an OMG-GOT TO HAVE IT type of buyer/user. http://www.verizonwireless.com/wcms/consumer/shop/prepaid.html Before you ask, no you can not buy the cheap VZ prepaid handset and use it on the contract service.

Good points, all. We have been with VZW for over 5 years and our grandfathered in on a plan. If I make any changes (including a new contract), I would have to switch to a new plan for a significantly higher dollar amount. I did look into it anyway, but the handset savings didn't offset the 2 years of monthly increase, in my case. The prepaid is a decent option, but from what they tell me, it's actually a different network. a 4G Moto G on my post paid might be a solid choice, though.

Jav, The 4G version of Moto G is known as the Moto X and has some more memory.

If a used handset is something you might want, I have had good luck buying from www.mobilekarma.com Keep your choices to "Great" condition or better.

WBJones, Some answers coming for you but more than I can write from my phone right now.

Hey Jav, my understanding about the off contract was that they wouldn't rope you into a "new" contract but rather extend your old one. This is what they did for me anyway. This only applies if you haven't changed the coverage you were paying for under the contract. Also, the store/kiosk is not going to help you save money so your best bet is to call in and talk to someone since they don't get commission they are a bit more willing to give you the lay of the land.

chandlerGTi wrote: ... the store/kiosk is not going to help you save money so your best bet is to call in and talk to someone since they don't get commission they are a bit more willing to give you the lay of the land.

So true. If it is a Corp store the reps have specific commission targets of how many "upgrades" (re-contract) they perform per month.
If an independent store, they get hundreds of dollars for the "upgrade". Some of the oldest dealers are also tied to a percentage of revenue share on your monthly spend.
No one is incented to see you save.

JohnRW1621 wrote: Jav, The 4G version of Moto G is known as the Moto X and has some more memory. If a used handset is something you might want, I have had good luck buying from www.mobilekarma.com Keep your choices to "Great" condition or better. WBJones, Some answers coming for you but more than I can write from my phone right now.

Thank you Sir, your advice has been invaluable! A tip of the helmet to you.

Javelin wrote: Good points, all. We have been with VZW for over 5 years and our grandfathered in on a plan. If I make any changes (including a new contract), I would have to switch to a new plan for a significantly higher dollar amount. I did look into it anyway, but the handset savings didn't offset the 2 years of monthly increase, in my case. The prepaid is a decent option, but from what they tell me, it's actually a different network. a 4G Moto G on my post paid might be a solid choice, though.

Just to let you know you can negotiate with the peeps on the phone.. I've been with vzw for about 14 years, and I had an unlimited contract that was cheaper than anything offered. Currently (about 110 after taxes with my wife's phone and mine).

I looked at a bunch of the pay as you go set ups and such, but in liked vzw's reliability, service and ease of getting setup and working in other countries.

When I called up, I was able to get a deal for 85 a month. That was only about 10 more than the prepaid guys.

Above I mentioned that change was in the wind and VZ would soon open 4G LTE to the prepaid customers.

Here is the press release:
Verizon Opens LTE Network to Prepaid Customers

JRW, would that apply to folks on PP?

Also, as happy as I have been with my Moto G, I'm a bit annoyed by the fact that I need a custom flash in order for it to work with PagePlus. I kinda wish I could just buy a Moto G from PP fully functional, ready to go.

Vz will keep it for themselves for a short while but expect to PP soon. My guess three months putting it just before Christmas.
By that time Vz will have really driven the message of "XLTE or you're not cool"

JohnRW1621 wrote: Jav, The 4G version of Moto G is known as the Moto X...

Actually the 4G LTE version of the Moto G is called "Moto G 4G".

http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_g_4g-6355.php

It adds 4G/LTE as well as an SD slot for expanding the onboard memory. If the camera wasn't so weak I'd be pretty tempted to get one.

pres589 wrote:

JohnRW1621 wrote: Jav, The 4G version of Moto G is known as the Moto X...

Actually the 4G LTE version of the Moto G is called "Moto G 4G". http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_g_4g-6355.php It adds 4G/LTE as well as an SD slot for expanding the onboard memory. If the camera wasn't so weak I'd be pretty tempted to get one.

Correct you are, but...
We were in a discussion where Jav felt that VZ had to be the carrier. VZ does't offer the Moto G in 4G but they do offer the Moto X in 4G, so my simplified answer was intended to be, "if you think you might like the Moto G but want 4G then the choice available to your from VZ is the Moto X."
or
Jav, The 4G version of Moto G (at VZ) is known as the Moto X..

The Moto G 4G version is mostly offered by GSM carriers in the US such as ATT, T-Mo, and their various brands.

What is the Moto E?