New phone/plan question

[newloginuser]

Hey everyone,

I am looking into getting a new phone, but am looking for some recommendations. The last time I got a phone was an iPhone 4, but I'm thinking due to price I'm not going to be getting an iPhone this time around.

I'm also thinking with the new phone I will change my plan. My first thought is to go with Xfinity since we use them for internet, but not sure what others would do looking for a new plan.

Any recommendations?

[nkt0]

Xfinity is a pretty good deal if you have internet with them already. There's also Ting if you're a low-usage person (it's what i currently use). I'm sure various other recommendations will come up.

Not to start on the Apple vs. Android thing, but one option if you're already on an iPhone is to get a used iPhone. Even with a fresh battery replacement, you can save $100s over a new one and still keep most of the snazzy iPhone features (plus privacy if you're someone who cares about and believes Apple's claims…I am). I would suggest looking at a used iPhone 8 model to get the longest use out of it.

And of course there's always the old-fashioned dumb phones…

[aes421]

Pixel 4 just came out so stores are selling their Pixel 3 inventory for 50% off ($400).  You can definitely find a cheaper phone, but if you're looking for a high end phone that's a steal.
We use Mint Mobile for service.  It runs off T-Mobile for towers and if you buy an annual plan it's 3GB data for only $15/month.

[BECABECA]

Definitely buy used, whatever phone you decide to get. Swappa is a good site for buying used phones, less risky than trying to buy from Craigslist or eBay.
As for phone plan, I’m happy with Ting since I don’t use my phone much, so it’s cheaper than most other plans for me. But if you need unlimited talk+text+data, there are other companies that offer that for around $25-30 per month.

[dang1]

I got a pristine used Verizon Galaxy S7 which is unlocked, in April off of ebay for $70; working great. For a plan, check out Airvoice $20/month unlimited voice and text, 2 GB.

[OtherJen]

Pixel 4 just came out so stores are selling their Pixel 3 inventory for 50% off ($400).  You can definitely find a cheaper phone, but if you're looking for a high end phone that's a steal.
We use Mint Mobile for service.  It runs off T-Mobile for towers and if you buy an annual plan it's 3GB data for only $15/month.

Seconding Pixel. I have a Pixel 3a and am happy with it. I have Google Fi service ($20 per month base rate plus $10 per GB data) but might look into Mint because that’s a really good deal!

[foghorn]

I will stay out of the debate on which phone to get.  Others here will do a better job on that topic.  I am an iPhone user (for what it is worth).

Regarding Xfinity Mobile.  I have been with them for two years and have zero complaints.  I assume you know that they use the Verizon network, so assuming you live someplace with good Verizon coverage - you will have no coverage issues.

The real winner for me has been the price.  Many months I am able to stay under the 100megs of free data.  When that happens, my bill is less than $3.00.  In fact, my billing cycle just ended and my next bill will be $2.13.  Even when I go over that free data, my bill has never been over $15.00.  WAY LESS than the $58.00 per month I used to pay Verizon.  To make all this work - I need be very careful about staying on wifi as much as possible.

As I have Xfinity internet anyway (no other real choice here) - this has worked out well for me. 

[dang1]

"Before August 2019, Xfinity Mobile offered 100MB of free data every month. That’s no longer the case. For new customers, the lowest amount that you can pay is $12/month before taxes and fees.
Xfinity Mobile says there will be no changes to your plan if you signed up prior to August 2019."

https://www.google.com/amp/s/clark.com/technology/xfinity-mobile-lowered-cell-phone-bill-comcast/amp/

[foghorn]

"Before August 2019, Xfinity Mobile offered 100MB of free data every month. That’s no longer the case. For new customers, the lowest amount that you can pay is $12/month before taxes and fees.
Xfinity Mobile says there will be no changes to your plan if you signed up prior to August 2019."

https://www.google.com/amp/s/clark.com/technology/xfinity-mobile-lowered-cell-phone-bill-comcast/amp/

Thanks for this information - I did not know that, I guess because I was "grandfathered in" - having been a customers since October 2017.

[Chris @ Saturday Financial]

We use Red Pocket for mobile. Our plans include 1GB of data per line, and they are $15/mo per line. We like Red Pocket because they are one of the few MVNOs that allow you to use Verizon towers, and Verizon has the best service in our area.

[geekette]

If you don't use the phone much, you can get a one year Red Pocket plan for $60.  100 voice, 100 text, 500mb a month.  $5/month for Verizon towers is a pretty good deal.

[newloginuser]

Thank you everyone for the recommendations. I tend to use my phone either at home or at work (I connect to the Wifi), so data isn't a huge deal, but unlimited talk and text would be a nice bonus.

I figure I will get any phone used, since I think this iPhone cost me around $200 and I thought that was a lot...

Any other phone recommendations? Definitely going to check out Swappa for a used phone.