Help picking smart phone and plan

[WinniWoman]

So, a lot of changes going on at my job with a new company acquiring our company. Evidently they have not gotten the ok for me to have a cell phone out in the field, so I have to turn my IPHONE 6S Plus in this Wednesday to the old company.

Providing they are not going to let me go, I will need a cell phone in my car for personal use- if not just for the safety factor of having a way to communicate as I travel. I have had a company cell phone for many years and have actually come to rely on it for work and personal. Also use it when on on vacation, taking pictures and so on.

So- I want something that works well- but not willing to pay outrageous prices for a phone and plan.

Verizon seems to be the best network where I live and travel. I was thinking of doing the Straight Talk unlimited plan ($45 per month- still a lot- but I guess that is standard these days) with possibly a Samsung Galaxy 6S ($299- still seems like a lot for a phone).

I don't know- the more I research the more my head is spinning. I love the new technology but I do not like the expense of it. I am also not sure that this phone will use Verizon, but I admit I don't know a whole lot about it. I just don't want to end up with a phone and plan that I will not be happy with for years to come.

If I wasn't working, I might not even have a need for a smart phone, but then I think about the few times we travel and how helpful it is to have one, plus the camera capability.

Plus, I have gotten used to having my Alexa app on the phone for my shopping list, for example. And it is easier to reach my son and my brother via text as they seem to respond to those more quickly as opposed to calls. In addition, my Alexa connect will not work to make calls unless it can connect to a mobile number and contact list. Geez- one thing leads to another.

As it is, I will have to obtain a new phone number now since this phone will be personal use only.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

PS Speaking of vacations. Remember my post about that boss I had that did not want me to take 2 weeks in a row vacations? Well- he is gone- fired. Not having to do with the new company coming in either. Some hanky panky going on in the office and neglect of oversight I hear.....

 

[Luanne]

We have Verizon as it has, or had, the best coverage where we live. Prior to that we had AT&T, but I got it almost dirt cheap because I worked for the company. When I retired that particular perk went away, so I was free to change. We have a family plan, currently with two phones. First phone is $45, additional lines are $25.00. Both dh and I have Samsung phones, I have the Galaxy 6, dh just got the Galaxy 7. I've been very happy with the 6 and chose not to upgrade at this time even though dh did.

 

[mla]

I'd pop into a Verizon store and see what they can do for you. We have two iphone 6's on Verizon and are paying $80/month (that includes all taxes and fees they tack on).
I know we have limited data though (I think it's 2gb a month or something).

If you want to stick with Apple, I'm guessing the 6s isn't going to be much since the 8 is already out. Might get a good deal on it with a plan.

 

[Passepartout]

It's been 'new phone week' here. DW dropped her Windows phone and that was that. My cheap android phone is running out of memory. We are AT&T customers so some of this may not be applicable. We went to Amazon and put 'unlocked cell phones' (you'd add Verizon) in the search window. DW picked a Moto G4 and I chose a different one- a Nokia because I'd had good service from them. Hers arrived and we had the AT&T store put in a SIM (free) and she was up and running, though frustrated changing from Windows. Next day, she found she wasn't able to tether her computer to it's 'Mobile Hotspot'. She sent it back. Not sure it couldn't be made to work, but by then it was gone and she went back to the AT&T store and bought a Samsung off the shelf. Meanwhile, I LOVE my new Nokia 6! It's a tank!. Feels like a solid billet of copper. And the newest version of Android (called Oreo) is far better than my old Android 6. So after about a week, I notice that it never showed '4G/LTE' on the screen. Only 3G. So after a couple of hours at the AT&T store and on the phone with their technicians- they tell me that it just isn't compatible with 4G-LTE, and it won't tether either. So I boxed it up and sent it away yesterday. I had posted on Amazon in the questions section of the product reviews, and it turns out that the phone has 2 SIM slots, and one is just 3G. Who knew? Apparently not AT&T's techies. So anyway, I've ordered something else. A BLU R2 with a whole lot more memory and more bells and whistles than my current (old BLU R1)

Anyway, bottom line. You can save some money on Amazon over the Verizon store, but it might turn out to be a do-it-yourself project on some level.

The #1 kid (Microsoft manager) and his family have all migrated to Smart Talk and it works well for them.

 

[geekette]

Take the time to go to the store as they are best suited to fit your needs and budget. I personally hate the things, but mostly because I was on-call for much of my career and forced to carry whatever.

I'm no help on specific gadgets, I stick to cheap flip phones since calls in and out is my only need and out of call rotation for years now. But at the store you may find a lot of info on reliability, price vs value to you, etc.

Good luck!

 

[taterhed]

T-mobile has great deals for over 55 folks (works best with 2 lines).

I'm loving T-Mo after dropping Sprint after 25 years plus!

Keep in mind: you need a NEW, Current edition T-mobile phone if you choose to go with them...they have added so many new bands, that older phones will have less coverage available.

Costco has great deals on phones usually; bit dry right now. Expect new promotions in the may-june time frame due to phone releases. Apple is expected to discontinue the IphoneX in 2nd quarter 2018. So, should be some good deals coming.

 

[Brett]

T-mobile has great deals for over 55 folks (works best with 2 lines).

I'm loving T-Mo after dropping Sprint after 25 years plus!

Keep in mind: you need a NEW, Current edition T-mobile phone if you choose to go with them...they have added so many new bands, that older phones will have less coverage available.

Costco has great deals on phones usually; bit dry right now. Expect new promotions in the may-june time frame due to phone releases. Apple is expected to discontinue the IphoneX in 2nd quarter 2018. So, should be some good deals coming.

yes, T mobile has the best rates but if you live in a rural area they may not have the best coverage

 

[WinniWoman]

What I did this morning is I ordered a cheap $10 smart phone from Tracfone - an LG Rebel LTE 4G- just to have for emergencies in my car. I also bought just a 1 month, $15 minutes/data card just for now until I see how it works. If it seems to be ok, I can get more a more minutes plan - a whole year is $118. They have 3 month plans also. They even ship it overnight for free.

I will also have to see how the battery life is on it. If it lasts on one charge for a full work day, that will be fine. I can always recharge it when I get home. If not, I might have to get a car charger for it, though I do have a portable charger that maybe it will connect to.

The main thing is that I can reach my husband or whoever in an emergency and he and my son can reach me when I am in my car.

I figured I have nothing to lose until I see whether or not I even have a job or what is even happening with my husbands' job this year. I also can use my Kindle Fire (bigger screen then this small phone) in WIFI spots to check emails and Facebook Messenger and the web and so on without using up minutes/data on the cell phone. It also has a camera- though a crappy one. (This LG smart phone has a camera also)

Then I can take my time- see how I adjust to this big downgrade- and if I decide later to get a really good smart phone and unlimited plan, I have that option and can wait for more deals.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

What I did this morning is I ordered a cheap $10 smart phone from Tracfone - an LG Rebel LTE 4G- just to have for emergencies in my car. I also bought just a 1 month, $15 minutes/data card just for now until I see how it works. If it seems to be ok, I can get more a more minutes plan - a whole year is $118. They have 3 month plans also. They even ship it overnight for free.

I will also have to see how the battery life is on it. If it lasts on one charge for a full work day, that will be fine. I can always recharge it when I get home. If not, I might have to get a car charger for it, though I do have a portable charger that maybe it will connect to.

The main thing is that I can reach my husband or whoever in an emergency and he and my son can reach me when I am in my car.

I figured I have nothing to lose until I see whether or not I even have a job or what is even happening with my husbands' job this year. I also can use my Kindle Fire in WIFI spots and it also has a camera- though a crappy one.

Then I can take my time- see how I adjust to this big downgrade- and if I decide later to get a real phone and unlimited plan I have that option and can wait for more deals.

I just wanted to say I hope all goes well with your job this week. In my city Ascension Health bought a bunch of hospitals in my area and within 6 months started laying massive amounts of people off. It's so very sad...

 

[WinniWoman]

I just wanted to say I hope all goes well with your job this week. In my city Ascension Health bought a bunch of hospitals in my area and within 6 months started laying massive amounts of people off. It's so very sad...

Thanks. It is sad what goes on.

I cannot even tell you how many people I know- friends- who have been laid off or given a buy- out package the past couple of years. I was just talking to my friend last night and she, too, is taking a buy out at her company (financial services). She will leave with a nice package and help with COBRA and a small pension. She is my age- 61.

Me- I will get squat. They do not even pay you your PTO days and try to deny you unemployment. That's the way they roll.

I feel like I have just been stripped of the last few little benefits I had. My cell phone and my Sams' Club membership. Over the 12 years I have been there, they took away my incentive bonus plan (after the first 3 years there); no raises; they decreased the number of PTO days and capped the yearly allotment. They decreased our lunch time from an hour to a half hour. I choose not to take health insurance with them, of which it goes without saying, the plan is less than optimal, like at most companies today. And- as for our 401Ks- no one knows if this company is going to give us a match like we were getting from the other.

There is not much else left that can be done to us except decreasing our pay (which they already did with one employee) or layoffs.

One positive thing about not having a company cell phone- they won't be able to get a hold of me most of the day while I am out.

 

[theo]

So, a lot of changes going on at my job with a new company acquiring our company. Evidently they have not gotten the ok for me to have a cell phone out in the field, so I have to turn my IPHONE 6S Plus in this Wednesday to the old company.

Providing they are not going to let me go, I will need a cell phone in my car for personal use- if not just for the safety factor of having a way to communicate as I travel. I have had a company cell phone for many years and have actually come to rely on it for work and personal. Also use it when on on vacation, taking pictures and so on.

So- I want something that works well- but not willing to pay outrageous prices for a phone and plan.

Verizon seems to be the best network where I live and travel. I was thinking of doing the Straight Talk unlimited plan ($45 per month- still a lot- but I guess that is standard these days) with possibly a Samsung Galaxy 6S ($299- still seems like a lot for a phone).

I don't know- the more I research the more my head is spinning. I love the new technology but I do not like the expense of it. I am also not sure that this phone will use Verizon, but I admit I don't know a whole lot about it. I just don't want to end up with a phone and plan that I will not be happy with for years to come.

If I wasn't working, I might not even have a need for a smart phone, but then I think about the few times we travel and how helpful it is to have one, plus the camera capability.

Plus, I have gotten used to having my Alexa app on the phone for my shopping list, for example. And it is easier to reach my son and my brother via text as they seem to respond to those more quickly as opposed to calls. In addition, my Alexa connect will not work to make calls unless it can connect to a mobile number and contact list. Geez- one thing leads to another.

As it is, I will have to obtain a new phone number now since this phone will be personal use only.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

First, let me say that I genuinely hope that all goes well for you throughout these unwelcome employer changes.

I am hardly qualified to address anything pertaining to technology, but will offer the random thoughts of a Yankee techno-idiot who was a late (and reluctant) entrant to smartphones just a few years ago now.

1. I really like the intuitive, user-friendly nature of the iPhone. You have and use an iPhone now; I would stick with it.

2. Your current phone service (mine too) is with Verizon and it apparently works well in your (somewhat remote?) geographic area (and mine); I'd stick with that too. If you evaluate other service providers, make certain that their coverage is every bit as good as Verizon where you live and work and routinely travel. No service / bad service is not an option.

3. Some people want bigger, better, newest when it comes to smartphones. I only want functional. I use (and like) the small iPhone 5s (which would be no more money than the Samsung phone you mention). There is admittedly a "guy factor" in my preference; I do not want anything that cannot be carried externally and comfortably on a belt "clip / holster". I want no part of carrying a "man purse" --- and I don't want a phone in any of my pockets. The iPhone 5s (or SE) meets my maximum size criteria, but it is admittedly a small screen (I'm fine with that). Since you currently have a 6S plus, you may want a bigger screen (you presumably carry your phone in a purse). Cost may be factor; I dunno newer model costs.

Just sharing my own few (alleged) thoughts and personal observations and experience, fwiw. I again sincerely wish you good luck throughout the employer changes currently being wrought upon you; I know it's no fun at all and stressful.

 

[Talent312]

AARP members get discounts at Consumer Cellular (it uses the ATT network).
2-lines, unlimited voice, unlimited texts & 2 gigs data (variable) for ~$54/month.
No contract (pay as you go). Buy a phone and pay up front or in installments.

 

[taterhed]

What I did this morning is I ordered a cheap $10 smart phone from Tracfone - an LG Rebel LTE 4G- just to have for emergencies in my car. I also bought just a 1 month, $15 minutes/data card just for now until I see how it works. If it seems to be ok, I can get more a more minutes plan - a whole year is $118. They have 3 month plans also. They even ship it overnight for free.

Then I can take my time- see how I adjust to this big downgrade- and if I decide later to get a really good smart phone and unlimited plan, I have that option and can wait for more deals.

Sorry....I didn't read into the post long enough to provide better advice.

Change is what happens...how we deal with it is what's important. Good luck with your changes, I hope there is smooth sailing ahead.

Tracfone is actually an MVNO for Verizon and others (Virtual Network Operator). You may find that this type of service works well for you. If you need assistance in the future...don't hesitate to ask.

cheers.

 

[taterhed]

yes, T mobile has the best rates but if you live in a rural area they may not have the best coverage

T-mobile has had 2 major improvements in network coverage over the last few years and is currently rolling out a new band. These bands target the rural areas (like mine) previously not covered.

There are excellent coverage maps on their website. The T-mobile you think you know has grown up. I'm a believer now.

 

[bogey21]

Some like me have made a decision to avoid all Smart Phones. I have a Kyocera ClamShell with ATT service. I have text messaging and voice mail blocked and don't miss either. Every now and then I check my call log to see if I missed any important calls. Truth is that over half of my missed calls are numbers I don't recognize which I don't return. My cost is about $30 month for 300 minutes but have about 1,200 rollover minutes accumulated from the minutes I have not used in the past. One feature I like with my phone is one digit speed dialing for numbers I use a lot.

George

 

[Passepartout]

One feature I like with my phone is one digit speed dialing for numbers I use a lot.

If you like that, imagine seeing the person's face that's calling, being able to simply block those nuisance calls, and having a high quality camera with you wherever you are. There really is life beyond clam shell phone. For instance having quick, easy access to all your photo memories. I was out with friends Saturday night and the subject of travel to favorite destinations came up. I whipped out my smartphone and with just a few swipes, showed travel photos back as far as 2002.

 

["Roger"]

Different people have different needs, so I won't guarantee this will work for you, but take a look at Google Project Fi.

You have to buy the phone (as opposed to getting a cheap phone but then pay high monthly rates). The Motorola phone (currently $249) is plenty beefy. Charges are $20 per month, plus an initial charge of $10 for a GB of data. If you don't use the GB or just part of it, what you paid carries over to the next month with no additional charge. If you use a lot of data (mostly downloading data), you could be charged up to $60 on top of the $20 per month. (My wife has almost never used any of the first GB that she paid for. So it has been $20 a month for us.)

You use the phone via WiFi when available. For us, that was a necessity in that we get no cell phone service where we live. Being able to use it over the WiFi enables us to have phone service at home. (One bit of pain is that you really need to turn it off looking for WiFi service when you leave the house and use it as a normal cell phone.)

In summary, this is not necessarily the best phone for you given your individual needs, but you at least ought to check it out to see if it might work.

 

[isisdave]

I'm a T-mobile fan, particularly if you plan travel out of the US. The new 55+ plan is a great price for two lines (It's $60 for two lines, but $50 for one ... that's not so good) . But only the subscriber has to be 55+ so you could put anyone else on the second line. In any case, I think they have a 2-week "return if not satisfied" policy so you could try it out to make sure the coverage is OK.

As for a phone, DW replaced her clunker with a Moto G5 plus, which was on sale at Costco back in November for $165 or something. Now they're at my Costco and on costco.com for $180 and Amazon for $185, and you're familiar with the great return policies of both of those. It seems to me it has everything you need in a smartphone for half the price of a Samsung and a quarter the price of the latest Apple offerings.

 

[PamMo]

Mpumilia, we're looking for a new plan, too, so thanks for your post! The responses have been very helpful, and we might finally jump ship from our old Verizon plan, which keeps going up in price. DH is thinking it's time to ditch his old Kyocera flip phone and enter the smart phone revolution, "Why would I need a smart phone when you have one, dear?" He hates how people are tied to their phones, but our kids gave us new Moto G phones and he thinks he's ready to give it a go. He's only 60, but was born with an old soul.

I think the Sprint Family Plan with one of my sisters might be our best option, but I can't figure out their international plan. I'd like phone, text, and data in Canada and Mexico, but that seems to be more a T-Mobile thing. We travel a lot, so don't have WiFi at home, so I tether my phone to my computer. Sprint offers a HotSpot, but I'm not sure how that compares to tethering?

 

[Luanne]

Mpumilia, we're looking for a new plan, too, so thanks for your post! The responses have been very helpful, and we might finally jump ship from our old Verizon plan, which keeps going up in price. DH is thinking it's time to ditch his old Kyocera flip phone and enter the smart phone revolution, "Why would I need a smart phone when you have one, dear?" He hates how people are tied to their phones, but our kids gave us new Moto G phones and he thinks he's ready to give it a go. He's only 60, but was born with an old soul.

I think the Sprint Family Plan with one of my sisters might be our best option, but I can't figure out their international plan. I'd like phone, text, and data in Canada and Mexico, but that seems to be more a T-Mobile thing. We travel a lot, so don't have WiFi at home, so I tether my phone to my computer. Sprint offers a HotSpot, but I'm not sure how that compares to tethering?

With Verizon I can get phone and text (I use wifi hot spots for data) at something like $2/day when I use it, in Canada.

 

[Passepartout]

Sprint offers a HotSpot, but I'm not sure how that compares to tethering?

They are the same thing.

 

[WinniWoman]

Mpumilia, we're looking for a new plan, too, so thanks for your post! The responses have been very helpful, and we might finally jump ship from our old Verizon plan, which keeps going up in price. DH is thinking it's time to ditch his old Kyocera flip phone and enter the smart phone revolution, "Why would I need a smart phone when you have one, dear?" He hates how people are tied to their phones, but our kids gave us new Moto G phones and he thinks he's ready to give it a go. He's only 60, but was born with an old soul.

I think the Sprint Family Plan with one of my sisters might be our best option, but I can't figure out their international plan. I'd like phone, text, and data in Canada and Mexico, but that seems to be more a T-Mobile thing. We travel a lot, so don't have WiFi at home, so I tether my phone to my computer. Sprint offers a HotSpot, but I'm not sure how that compares to tethering?

My husband has a $10 per month flip phone just for emergencies. That is already $100 per year. This cheapy thing I just got will also be $100 per year. So that is $200 right off the bat. (My husband loves gadgets, however, and would like to have one I am sure. But he manages with his Kindle Fire tablet at work using the WIFI and really doesn't have a need for a smart phone. He only goes to work and back every day, as do I.)

I am going to be going through withdrawal not having a good smart phone. I was actually a serial user. But I just can't justify paying hundreds of dollars for one phone (never mind 2) and then almost $600 per year for the service (never mind what it would be for 2 phones!). Not when we are unsure about our job security. I can't even imagine paying that once we are retired and living on fixed incomes. But then again we live in a high property/school tax state which sucks up a lot of our income. Don't even get me started with other expenses like our high gas bill ( while we are working right now) and car usage/maintenance and of course, our home maintenance. Plus, once we are retired we would have even less a need for smart phones-except they are great for when we are traveling. Maybe I will be surprised and not miss it- but I doubt it. But I am going to try. Tomorrow is D-DAY! LOL!

I find it funny that people/kids without a pot to "you know what in" are paying all this money for smart phones- paying over $1000 for a phone in some cases when on a payment plan- and then the same for service each year-and yet live paycheck to paycheck. But I guess many of them do not have separate services at home (like DSL or cable and landline).

This said, I suspect maybe I will quickly tire of not having a good phone and end up getting one eventually as we near summer- IF we both are still working. Even then, I will not get a contract. It will have to be prepaid and we will only have one smart phone for our household. Just too expensive to have 2 and not necessary.

I don't usually travel out of the country, but I got a MOBAL phone years ago that only works outside the country and you only pay for calls you make over $10.00 - no monthly fees. And the phone was a cheapy. But it is a flip phone. Worked well when we were in Scotland.

 

[Sugarcubesea]

AARP members get discounts at Consumer Cellular (it uses the ATT network).
2-lines, unlimited voice, unlimited texts & 2 gigs data (variable) for ~$54/month.
No contract (pay as you go). Buy a phone and pay up front or in installments.

My AARP membership expired and I’m wondering if I should renew to get the discounts?

 

[Sugarcubesea]

I'm a T-mobile fan, particularly if you plan travel out of the US. The new 55+ plan is a great price for two lines (It's $60 for two lines, but $50 for one ... that's not so good) . But only the subscriber has to be 55+ so you could put anyone else on the second line. In any case, I think they have a 2-week "return if not satisfied" policy so you could try it out to make sure the coverage is OK.

As for a phone, DW replaced her clunker with a Moto G5 plus, which was on sale at Costco back in November for $165 or something. Now they're at my Costco and on costco.com for $180 and Amazon for $185, and you're familiar with the great return policies of both of those. It seems to me it has everything you need in a smartphone for half the price of a Samsung and a quarter the price of the latest Apple offerings.

Can you buy the phone at Costco and use any service. Dang, all these years as a Costco member and never knew that they sold phones

 

[ace2000]

We switched our five lines to Cricket from Verizon, and now save over a $150 a month compared to what we had previously.

Our monthly bill on 5 lines, 5G per line, is $100 a month total - no taxes or extra fees.