What phone do you own?

[zolotiyeruki]

GF is using an iPhone SE right now, and I'm convinced that's essentially the perfect phone.  Snappy and powerful, not gigantic, runs current OS, and solid battery life.  It's a shame Apple discontinued it and doesn't have a replacement planned (and the smallest current-generation iPhone is somehow even larger than my iPhone 7).

Yeah, unfortunately there's only one company (Sony) still making good-and-compact phones nowadays.

It (sorta) surprises me that Apple discontinued (and didn't replace) the SE, given its popularity

My guess is that they didn't want to spend the dough to develop a new device they know they would have to sell for $399.

Probably, but it sure looks like the Innovator's Dilemma to me.  They've abandoned a popular product in the hopes (?) that it'll push enough of those users into the twice-as-expensive product to make up for the lost profit margins.  It'd be interesting to know how many people who *would* have bought an iPhone SE instead opted for an Android phone.  I mean, if you're on a budget, and your needs are more modest, and you can't have a small phone any more, you might as well go for the $250 Moto G(whatever) than a $900 iPhone.

[blackomen]

LG G6..  about $350 or something on Amazon Prime Day almost exactly 2 years ago.

[seattlecyclone]

Unihertz Jelly Pro for me. I got it because I was kind of fed up with the trend for phones to get bigger and bigger. Also I found I was using my phone too much and thought that a slightly less convenient form factor might help. I think this has helped a bit in that regard. This phone maybe went a little bit too far in the opposite extreme size-wise, but it does everything I need it to do and it's a fun conversation piece ("thats...a phone?").

Pros:
* Fits in your hand and pocket, no problem.
* Inexpensive (sells for $125 new right now).
* Dual SIM slots (I use T-Mobile pre-paid for reliable light-usage voice service, in concert with a $50/year FreedomPop SIM for data).
* Micro SD slot.
* User-replaceable battery.
* Headphone jack, FM radio.
* Runs a pretty recent, clean-ish version of Android.

Cons:
* Sub-par battery life. Maybe two hours with the screen on. If I'm out all day planning to use the phone much, I'll carry an external battery pack, which combined with the small phone is still smaller than most phones.
* Camera is rather grainy.
* Small screen is not ideal if you have poor eyesight or type a lot. I suffer from neither of these problems.
* Screen resolution is smaller than some app developers tend to test for. Apps occasionally have visual glitches as a result.

[MonkeyJenga]

Probably, but it sure looks like the Innovator's Dilemma to me.  They've abandoned a popular product in the hopes (?) that it'll push enough of those users into the twice-as-expensive product to make up for the lost profit margins.  It'd be interesting to know how many people who *would* have bought an iPhone SE instead opted for an Android phone.  I mean, if you're on a budget, and your needs are more modest, and you can't have a small phone any more, you might as well go for the $250 Moto G(whatever) than a $900 iPhone.

Hah! This is exactly me. I have tiny hands and wanted a small phone, but the SE is so old I didn't want to buy a used one. There just weren't any options for the small hands club. I bought a $70 Moto G6 instead.

[PDXTabs]

Me too, I went back to Android because Apple dropped the SE line.

I have found HMD's reboot of the Nokia line to make fine Android devices. Good looking, good pricing, timely updates, no manufacturer "enhancements". When my iPhone 6S dies I will probably get one for myself too.

I tried to like them, but my Nokia 6.1 was actually really disappointing. Bad photo quality (especially low light) and sometimes the timer wouldn't go off!

I'm really enjoying my Pixel 3a, I paid $300 for it unlocked.

[Paul der Krake]

I have found HMD's reboot of the Nokia line to make fine Android devices. Good looking, good pricing, timely updates, no manufacturer "enhancements". When my iPhone 6S dies I will probably get one for myself too.

I tried to like them, but my Nokia 6.1 was actually really disappointing. Bad photo quality (especially low light) and sometimes the timer wouldn't go off!

I'm really enjoying my Pixel 3a, I paid $300 for it unlocked.

My 6S died over the weekend so I went ahead and got a Nokia 4.2 for $185. Agreed, the picture quality leaves a little to be desired, but I knew this going in and don't take pictures with my phone really. No other complaints so far.

[ketchup]

GF is using an iPhone SE right now, and I'm convinced that's essentially the perfect phone.  Snappy and powerful, not gigantic, runs current OS, and solid battery life.  It's a shame Apple discontinued it and doesn't have a replacement planned (and the smallest current-generation iPhone is somehow even larger than my iPhone 7).

Yeah, unfortunately there's only one company (Sony) still making good-and-compact phones nowadays.

It (sorta) surprises me that Apple discontinued (and didn't replace) the SE, given its popularity

My guess is that they didn't want to spend the dough to develop a new device they know they would have to sell for $399.

Probably, but it sure looks like the Innovator's Dilemma to me.  They've abandoned a popular product in the hopes (?) that it'll push enough of those users into the twice-as-expensive product to make up for the lost profit margins.  It'd be interesting to know how many people who *would* have bought an iPhone SE instead opted for an Android phone.  I mean, if you're on a budget, and your needs are more modest, and you can't have a small phone any more, you might as well go for the $250 Moto G(whatever) than a $900 iPhone.

I think they thought people wanted a cheaper iPhone, not a smaller one.  They'll sell you a 7 right now brand new for $449.  I guess, why develop a new smaller phone when you can just mark down a previous generation one instead?

[Gyosho]

LG K7. Bought in April 2016 for $40 (after my flip phone died). Still works great!

[LilyFleur]

Galaxy Note 8+
Almost $1,000, bought in 2018.
It is beautiful. Nice big infinity display but not as wide as the big iphones so it fits better in my small-to-medium-sized hand. I can navigate easily on the big screen; we used it exclusively in several European locations the last two summers.
I am hoping to use it forever, hahaha.
I am very thrifty but not in this instance.
My boyfriend has an ancient flip phone so hopefully that gives me a few moustachian phone points.

[Car Jack]

Last year, I was forced to get a new phone because I use it for work and they changed their email system, making my iPhone 4s obsolete.  I did my research and found the oldest possible iPhone that would work.  So I found a used iPhone 5s at Best Buy with a case and new sim card for under $200.  My work re-emberses me for up to $200, so it was free.  I am NOT a tech geek, although I am a long time 3 degree engineer.  I'll keep using this phone until I can't anymore.  I assume by then, I'll be retired.  Then I'll bring my 4s out of storage and use it again.

[JLee]

OnePlus 6T through T-Mobile/OnePlus's launch promo. I traded in an old Nexus 6 that would no longer read SIM cards in exchange for $300 off of the phone, so net $279.  It's great.

[achvfi]

We have two pixel 3 phones, bought them for $185 each after a trade-in and service credits for FI network. It cut down our phone service bill in half and we have new phones that will last for few years at least. Cheap phones and cheap network going forward, it was win-win.  If you buy them outright, they are way too expensive, $600 each. But decent phone.

[BussoV6]

I use a Samsung galaxy S9. Comes with my mobile plan which I renew every 2 years. I travel a lot for work and it works everywhere. Also works well as a mobile hotspot, but data charges can be fierce in some countries. Luckily I claim the bill back from my employer.

[DeniseNJ]

Moto G First Generation  I bout it 7, yes 7, years ago for 60 bucks.  It is just now starting to slow down on me and started getting hot occassionally the past few days.  It has worked perfecetly for actually over 7 years, the screen doesn't have a scrathc on it, all the little holes work, it charges fine, etc.  Looks brand new.

My son broke his iphone again.  He breaks everything.  We've had the screen replaced on this same phone for over 100 bucks.  This time he got water on it.  I lost my mind.  No way I would spend 700 or whatever on a new iphone.  I got him a MotoG 3rd gen for 100 bucks, even though they only sell the 6 and 7 gen now.  he's lucky--it's still better than mine and I have a job!

[Omy]

I have an antique Motorola Droid X (circa 2010). I can still make calls, text, send email, take pics, use the calendar, calculator, and alarm. Internet is not terribly usable and most apps and games are wonky since they aren't campatible with my ancient operating system.

PTF. I would happily keep it for another 10 years since all it needs is a $10 battery every year. But I'm being phone shamed by friends and family and will probably succumb to getting a new one in the near future.

[Peach]

Another Moto owner here.  Two years ago I bought my first smartphone, a Moto G4 Play.  Walmart had a special sale on them for $74.  I bought it because: (1) it does everything I need and more, (2) you can replace the battery, (3) battery life is long, (4) it was unlocked so I could go with a cheap provider, and (5) it was small enough to easily carry in a purse.  I'm not a heavy phone user but it's nice to have the capability to do everything especially when away from home.  I've been very happy with it.

[G-String]

I own an iPhone 6S and I like it.  But will probably upgrade to an iPhone X in a few months once I can get it for free by signing up for a new 2 year plan. 

[DeniseNJ]

I own an iPhone 6S and I like it.  But will probably upgrade to an iPhone X in a few months once I can get it for free by signing up for a new 2 year plan.

Um, that's not free.  The cost is factored into the plan.

[G-String]

I own an iPhone 6S and I like it.  But will probably upgrade to an iPhone X in a few months once I can get it for free by signing up for a new 2 year plan.

Um, that's not free.  The cost is factored into the plan.

Actually it is free because I pay the same monthly fee for the cell plan with or without the hardware upgrade. Only thing I'm giving the cell company is a 2 year commitment.

[the_gastropod]

Actually it is free because I pay the same monthly fee for the cell plan with or without the hardware upgrade. Only thing I'm giving the cell company is a 2 year commitment.

Check out some MVNO cell networks. Here are a couple that are very popular 'round these parts:

1. Google FI (https://fi.google.com/about): $20 unlimited call/text + $10/GB per month.
2. Ting (https://ting.com): Bucketed pricing that'll probably cost ~$30/month depending on your data usage.

There aren't many good reasons to use one of the big 4 cell providers in the U.S. these days.

[Paul der Krake]

I own an iPhone 6S and I like it.  But will probably upgrade to an iPhone X in a few months once I can get it for free by signing up for a new 2 year plan.

Um, that's not free.  The cost is factored into the plan.

Actually it is free because I pay the same monthly fee for the cell plan with or without the hardware upgrade. Only thing I'm giving the cell company is a 2 year commitment.

Wow, this guy has figured out a way to get a $1,000 phone from a company with tens of millions of customers, for free!

Teach me your ways.

[markbike528CBX]

iPhone 3. Bought for 99 cents when the 4 came out in 2010
It's like a badge of honor with me now to keep this phone in use - as my phone - until it does not work anymore.

Do I like it?  I sure do.

I'm impressed.  We have an old iphone 3g that my kid uses like an ipod to play music on long car rides.
What apps do you use, if any?

I approve of your badge of honor.  I would have gotten a iPhone3, but had thought that they didn't run 3G phone network.

CCCA, you can download early software/apps if you've previously gotten them for the hardware version you're currently running.
My advice to iPhone/iPod users is to download every app you might need.  When you have to reset or get a newer (but still obsolete) iPhone/iPod, then you can reload the apps to match the one you have.

I think my next iPhone is a 5, as it will run LTE service after 3G phone service is sunset (2022)

Update, The 3gs bricked itself. So now have a 5s.  Good for LTE, AND runs iOS 12 ( the latest, till September , when 13 rolls out). $45 eBay, camera lens dirty, but it works.

[robartsd]

I just got a Moto E4 a few weeks ago for less than $60. It is my first smartphone, though I've had Android tablets (2015 7" Fire, 10" LG G Pad) and two iterations of the iPod Touch for mobile touchscreen goodness. I'm pretty happy with the Moto so far. It is a two year old model stuck on Nougat version of Android (but that's newer than anything I've used and app compatibility isn't a problem). I did much prefer the alarm clock app that LG uses instead of the stock Android alarm clock (primarily for per alarm volume and snooze settings). My Moto doesn't seem to be able to screen mirror to my Sony Bravia TV (can cast to the YouTube app). The camera is nothing special, but I'm OK with that. Battery life is more than sufficient for my needs. I haven't used mobile data at all yet.

I chose the Moto E4 for compatibility - the US retail unlocked version (XT1768) works on all four major US carriers (only missing bands are LTE band 30 on AT&T and LTE band 71 on T-Mobile) - and removable battery. I've been using PagePlus since leaving Verizon with the 2006 flip phone I got when I signed my first (and only) 2 year contract. I did eventually upgrade to my brother's old 2009 Samsung Intensity when the 10+ year old battery in my flip phone was no longer good enough to reliably connect me for the occasional short phone call I make on cellular networks. With band compatibility I'm free to try other MVNOs. Currently considering Tello - I can probably spend less than $1/month on service with their pay as you go rates if I don't decided that texting and mobile data are cheap enough to actually use on their service.

[G-String]

Actually it is free because I pay the same monthly fee for the cell plan with or without the hardware upgrade. Only thing I'm giving the cell company is a 2 year commitment.

Check out some MVNO cell networks. Here are a couple that are very popular 'round these parts:

1. Google FI (https://fi.google.com/about): $20 unlimited call/text + $10/GB per month.
2. Ting (https://ting.com): Bucketed pricing that'll probably cost ~$30/month depending on your data usage.

There aren't many good reasons to use one of the big 4 cell providers in the U.S. these days.

Thanks for the info but just to clarify, I'm in Canada.

[Alchemisst]

My phone has died and I'm looking for a new or used phone, any recommendations on what's good value now?

[ixtap]

My phone has died and I'm looking for a new or used phone, any recommendations on what's good value now?

Still Moto G. My husband loves his new one which replaced an LG Stylo. And he usually doesn't transition well to new things. As in, I tell people I robbed the cradle to get an old fussy duddy.

[billy]

I have a Pixel 3a, I think it's the best value for Android right now because you get the most system updates, unlocked, no bloat, the other manufactures there either too expensive, keep changing there minds if they want to do a system update, or just stop supporting.

[alsoknownasDean]

I replaced my HTC 10 in November with a Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro.

The battery in the HTC was on the way out, and I decided that a new midrange phone was a smarter option than a used flagship due to the battery (and the battery in this is 50% larger). I tried replacing the battery in the HTC, and ended up damaging the motherboard... oops.

The Xiaomi is a very good phone with excellent battery life, but there's some software quirks with MIUI, most of which I've resolved or just become used to. 128GB of built in storage means that I haven't even bothered with the SD card. In hindsight part of me wishes I'd bought a phone with an AMOLED display, but there's nothing wrong with this 1080p LCD.

To Alchemisst, depends on what you want from a phone. I've recommended the Samsung A20 to family members before, and they seem happy with it, but it's running lower end hardware. I'm assuming you're in North America, so I guess it depends on what's available there (I'm guessing brands like Oppo aren't). Even the new iPhone SE seems like reasonable value for an iPhone.

[billy]

I tried replacing the battery in the HTC, and ended up damaging the motherboard... oops.

 Even the new iPhone SE seems like reasonable value for an iPhone.

I broke a different phone trying to replace the battery as well.....man it's like surgery.

If you want an iphone, then the iphone SE 2020 is the cheapest/least expensive.....it's just 4.7" screen is a tad small, and the bezels are big. Too bad Apple does not do black friday deals on unlocked phones, or better yet COVID-19 deals :)

[eostache]

I have a Samsung Galaxy S7, just bought it a few months ago. I use Tracfone and I got this as a Tracfone branded refurbished phone for $75 from the Tracfone website. It looks and works like new. It's hard to find decent 5 inch phones these days, I like the smaller phones. I know this is a phone from 2016, and it was nearly $700 when it first came out.

[PJC74]

iPhone X. Work pays for phone and service. I haven’t had a cell phone bill in 20 years.

[ketchup]

I tried replacing the battery in the HTC, and ended up damaging the motherboard... oops.

 Even the new iPhone SE seems like reasonable value for an iPhone.

I broke a different phone trying to replace the battery as well.....man it's like surgery.

If you want an iphone, then the iphone SE 2020 is the cheapest/least expensive.....it's just 4.7" screen is a tad small, and the bezels are big. Too bad Apple does not do black friday deals on unlocked phones, or better yet COVID-19 deals :)

Costco has it for $359 instead of $399, FYI.

Funny that you think the new SE is a tad small.  I'd love one the size of the old SE (4"), and was disappointed when it wasn't that form factor. :)

[GizmoTX]

I just bought the iPhone SE 2, to replace my iPhone 6 purchased in 2014. The new SE is exactly the same size; I'm glad Apple didn't use the old SE form factor, which is a bit too small for me to see. I love that it has the same buttons as my 6. I don't miss the jack, as I've been using wireless headphones for a while; the earbuds that come with the new phone use the lightning port.

[BikeFanatic]

I have a Samsung S7 I am looking to sell, works with Ting and I suppose Sprint, I paid 300 a year ago selling for 175.

[dang1]

Don't get a new phone. Plenty of pristine used ones on Ebay. Depends on what you use it for. For only calls and text, any unlocked feature phone will do. I got a used Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus originally with Verizon, but since all Verizon phones from the last few years are unlocked, I can use it on any network. I would absolutely recommend the S9 Plus. I've averaged 70 GB data usage last few months and this phone handles no problem, especially with Call of Duty Mobile, lol.

[Alchemisst]

Don't get a new phone. Plenty of pristine used ones on Ebay. Depends on what you use it for. For only calls and text, any unlocked feature phone will do. I got a used Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus originally with Verizon, but since all Verizon phones from the last few years are unlocked, I can use it on any network. I would absolutely recommend the S9 Plus. I've averaged 70 GB data usage last few months and this phone handles no problem, especially with Call of Duty Mobile, lol.

Yeah looking at used ones, just not sure how far to go back, e.g is a phone from 2017 going to be fine? Is there really that much difference in a 2017 phone and a 2020 phone? I know they have much better processes etc but isn't it overkill for what most people use phones for? I can understand more processing power for pc's/ laptops which may use intensive software etc but what's the most intensive thing people do on their phone? Do you really need a $1000+ phone to browse facebook?

[chemistk]

I have the Motorola One Action, wife has the Pixel 3a.

I was able to score both of them as mint/new condition on Swappa. Mine was used for a day or two as a review phone and then sold for a nice discount. I think it was $210 in essentially new condition.

Wife's phone was a hair over $300 but was new/unopened. Both of them are guaranteed to get security updates through 2022 which is one of the biggest factors I consider when buying a phone.

Both of these are a bit flashy and we could have made do with our Moto X4's (well, my wife couldn't - the battery died and like hell I was going to replace that); both of use do nearly everything on our phones and having devices that receive the latest security updates and perform adequately is really important.

Plus, goodness gracious the Pixel takes some stunning photos. I didn't believe the reviewers all raving about a phone's camera but after seeing it firsthand it's certainly living up to the hype.

In any case, I would strongly recommend that everyone use Swappa to buy devices. You can get some seriously good discounts through the site.

[Cranky]

I am pretty thrilled that there's a new SE.

I dropped my phone at the end of December, but it still works well enough to get by, but if we ever get out of the current mess I'm hopping into the phone store for a new SE!

[alsoknownasDean]

Don't get a new phone. Plenty of pristine used ones on Ebay. Depends on what you use it for. For only calls and text, any unlocked feature phone will do. I got a used Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus originally with Verizon, but since all Verizon phones from the last few years are unlocked, I can use it on any network. I would absolutely recommend the S9 Plus. I've averaged 70 GB data usage last few months and this phone handles no problem, especially with Call of Duty Mobile, lol.

Yeah looking at used ones, just not sure how far to go back, e.g is a phone from 2017 going to be fine? Is there really that much difference in a 2017 phone and a 2020 phone? I know they have much better processes etc but isn't it overkill for what most people use phones for? I can understand more processing power for pc's/ laptops which may use intensive software etc but what's the most intensive thing people do on their phone? Do you really need a $1000+ phone to browse facebook?

Performance wise, sure a 2017 flagship phone will be fine. There's budget phones aplenty sold new with processors that have lower performance than that of a 2017 flagship, and have no issues with performance for 95% of tasks.

I honestly wouldn't buy a used flagship Android phone that's more than two years old (maybe three tops) unless it's really cheap, in part because of the batteries requiring replacement at some stage, and in part because they'll often run outdated operating systems that won't get security patches any more. The battery is less of an issue if you're comfortable to DIY, but not if you need to pay someone to do it (I paid $150 to get a battery replaced on a 2 year old phone, lasted a further 18 months).

iPhone I'd be prepared to go a little older (probably no older than a 7, definitely no older than a 6S) due to longer iOS support/updates, but the battery issue still applies.

The midrange and budget handsets these days are pretty good. They'll miss out on a few features compared to the flagships (cameras in particular aren't quite as good, and the displays aren't as high-res), and their gaming performance might not be as good, but they're fine for most people's usage patterns.

[24andfrugal]

I have a Pixel 3a I bought for $250 - it was new, Best Buy had an after Christmas sale.

I still have the Pixel 1 I had bought refurbished before that...it works great still, I just got spendy and wanted the new one. Been wanting to sell the 1, but haven't gotten around to posting it.

[billy]

Ya I got my Pixel 3a for the same price at best buy as well during x-mas shopping, such a great deal, hat tip to AndroidPoilce.com. I'm going to try to only buy tech during x-mas shopping in the future.

[frugalnacho]

Moto G5 plus (64GB model) with a 128 GB micro SD card.  I got sick of running out of space so I went total over kill.  I've not had to delete a single thing off my phone since I bought it in June '17, and based on how much space I have left I don't think I ever will (I'm using 34/64GB internal, and 15/128 GB on SD).  All in all with the screen protector, case, micro SD card, and shipping charges It was a little under $400.  Much more than I originally wanted to spend, but I've been pretty happy with it.  I do seem to be running the battery down.  Not sure if it's a shitty battery, or I'm just running some super battery intensive games and apps on it all the time.  I generally keep it plugged in at least part of the day while at work to keep the battery topped off so I don't end up running out.  If i'm not playing games on it, or streaming music or watching videos, and just use it as a normal phone, I can usually go until bedtime without having to charge it.  It's rare that I go a whole day without using it though, so I generally do the mid day top off.  Yes I would recommend it, and will probably consider a newer moto phone when I need to replace this one, hopefully not for at least a couple more years.

Still rocking the same phone, but it's getting worse.  The battery life is low and I constantly have to charge it.  Needs to be topped off at least twice a day.  I charge it at work, and I usually need to throw it on the charger in the evening or else it will die before bedtime.  Also getting very slow and unresponsive which is frustrating.  Sometimes I'll try to bring my camera up to catch something cute my son is doing and it will take 1-2 minutes before I can get the camera up and functioning. 

[Dicey]

Moto g6. When my old phone died, I just asked my kid for one of his old ones. No idea what it cost, but I'm  sure he got a deal on it. We have Metro PCS, so no phones are "included" in our super cheap plan.

Still have the same phone. Not looking to replace it any time soon.

[Dave1442397]

I have a 6S that had a battery replacement late last year (only $30 installed), so I'm keeping it at least until it no longer gets ios updates.

The new SE looks good, even though I still think $400 is ridiculous for a phone. I see Verizon offering (up to) $80 on a 6S trade-in.

[Cadman]

I'm still very satisfied with my 5S. Perfect size, easily repairable and speedy enough for the latest apps. About the only thing I find wanting is the camera. It's "good enough", but the tech has come along way in the last few years. I'll probably go for a new SE if/when this one bites the dust.

BTW, there have been some great Apple deals the last 12 months, especially around Thanksgiving. I agree, $400 is too rich for my blood.

[PDXTabs]

I think that unlocked $400 phones are the sweet spot. I've had good things to say about my Nexus 4, Nexus 5, iPhone SE, and Pixel 3a.

[ketchup]

I'm still very satisfied with my 5S. Perfect size, easily repairable and speedy enough for the latest apps. About the only thing I find wanting is the camera. It's "good enough", but the tech has come along way in the last few years. I'll probably go for a new SE if/when this one bites the dust.

BTW, there have been some great Apple deals the last 12 months, especially around Thanksgiving. I agree, $400 is too rich for my blood.

Yeah there have been.  We're on T-mobile and last Black Friday we did the trade-in deal with three eBay iPhone 7s for two iPhone 11s and an iPhone 11 Pro Max.  Sold the 11s on eBay, GF kept the 11 Pro Max, total out-the-door cost after the whole dance was around $200.

[the_gastropod]

I just got my new iPhone SE. I had the previous generation, which I got 4 years ago. ~$100/year for a fully-supported (secure) phone seems like a pretty decent deal. I fully expect this model to last another 4 years too!

[billy]

Well they gave you a big discount on the phone because there overcharging you for service.

[ketchup]

Well they gave you a big discount on the phone because there overcharging you for service.

If he paid $400 for a four-year phone and is calling that $100/yr, he didn't get a discount.  That's sticker price.