Wow...great info. I have got to say I am overwhelmed by options I didn't even know about...and also can anyone translate some of this into english? I didn't think I was such a luddite until now...
What're you needing translated, exactly? The majority of the technical sticky parts are the detailed bits on network technology and frequency bands - if you don't understand, read past and pay attention to how it impacts your choices instead. Doesn't really matter unless you're really gonna try to do T-Mobile in Montana, anyway. I'd recommend you stay with Verizon, which means that the two carriers you first mentioned (Google Fi, Republic) are off the table as they're T-Mobile based.
All the same, I'll clarify a couple points to help with smartphone shopping.
I have an LG Flip phone. Right now I literally just text(T9 word) and call with it. Actually I do prefer this. I am in no rush to be tethered to a phone. It's no judgment on people that have one...honestly that's the thing I think I lack the willpower to not be constantly checking an Iphone--so I just prefer not to have one. Plus it was the cheapest way to hold verizon.
Get me a model number. I'll tell you what you need to know.
ALL THIS BEING SAID, my work basically requires me to be out 'n about, mapping locations, and sometimes I need to be spontaneous and redirect myself. This has worked okay in locations I am familiar with but more and more I am finding it to be less efficient. I estimate that if I had an I phone with locating ability and such...I could save around 30 minutes a day sometimes just in the preparation.
Why is my work not paying for this most crucial function? I have no clue....it boggles my mind and it's why I have held out for so long. But at this point it's just not going to happen and it's only slowing me down.
So any thoughts on what would be best for me in this area?
If you want to do a smartphone for GPS maps and you're staying on Verizon...
If you really want to ruin your patience and sleep with a smartphone, however, and you want to stay with Verizon? Look into a Moto G4 Play (XT1609), E4 (XT1767), or E4 Plus (XT1774) used/refurbished/etc. Good prices, user replaceable battery, mostly stock Android, (mostly) mainstream third party ROM upgrade paths if so desired, etc. Just be sure to get the thing with a clean ESN and certified to activate on a Verizon MVNO, as new Verizon Prepaid models won't be eligible for activation on Verizon MVNOs until they meet the minimum service requirements on Verizon Prepaid first.
Now, here's a few things to help you hopefully best decipher...
XT1609, XT1767, XT1774 = these are
specific model numbers of the phones that are made for Verizon network support.
ESN = the phone's serial number in CDMA network terms, also known as an IMEI in GSM network terms.
CDMA = the pre-4G-LTE mobile network technology that Verizon and Sprint used and a competing technology to GSM. Phones were registered to the network via the ESN.
GSM = the standard global mobile network technology that AT&T and T-Mobile uses, includes 2G (GSM), 3G (UMTS/HSPA), and 4G (LTE) broadcast standards. Sprint and Verizon hybridized CDMA with GSM technology when they rolled out 4G LTE network coverage. Phones are registered to the network via a removable SIM card.
Clean ESN = the phone's serial number is clean in mobile operator databases so it can be activated, and hasn't been reported lost or stolen or listed as not fulfilling its service contract.
MVNO = mobile virtual network operator, they lease wholesale airtime from network owners like Verizon and AT&T. This is what outfits like US Mobile and Selectel are.
certified to activate on a Verizon MVNO = the phone's ESN/IMEI is listed as fulfilling its contract requirements with Verizon Postpaid or Prepaid in Verizon's registration database, so it can be activated and used on a Verizon MVNO.
third party ROM = an aftermarket Android OS update that can be installed, such as LineageOS or Resurrection Remix. Usually requires a young nephew of drinking age and a pack of beer to do this switch. Useful if the phone stops getting official updates, and you want to keep the phone patched and current. Does come with some risks, however.