Smartphone dilema

[rugorak]

So I currently have an HTC Incredible (the original) but it is slowly dieing. This is the only phone I have and I do use the smart phone features extensively. I am thinking I am going to have to replace it sometime soon. It is having hardware issues. I have rooted it and flashed Cyanogen Mod on it. And I work in IT and know enough about troubleshooting to at least know it is hardware and not software. I just finished my contract with Verizon and would ideally like to change to an MVNO. For the time being I am just sticking with my current plan. I get a discount from work making it not horrid but I would still save with an MVNO. I also worry about changing to something like pageplus as I have had so many issues with Verizon losing my ESN from their database (3 times and the techs say that every time).

So in short any suggestions on a phone? My preferences are Android for OS, GSM for network type (I've had issues with Verizon losing my ESN from their database and I plan on some international travel in the next few years). I also would prefer a phone with expandable storage as by going with an MVNO and keeping my data usage lower I would prefer to have plenty of music choices. It seems most phone manufacturers are assuming you will use the cloud for storage even though all the carriers are moving towards restricting data usage.

The Nexus 4 looks almost perfect except for the lack of expandable storage. I have 8gb on my over 2 year old phone and a 16gb microSD card in it as well. Seems silly to go backwards with space even as the OS and apps, etc. are taking up more space. I am also trying to be as mustacian as possible while having a smart phone. But for me that means I'd rather spend a little more now and keep the phone for 2-3 years.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[MrSaturday]

I can't tell you what phone to buy, but I can say I'm really happy with Page Plus and have been a happy former Verizon customer for about 8 months.  The switch was free (they actually give you a couple bucks in airtime) and took about an hour.

[Matt K]

Any of the awesome Android phones from the last generation?

I'm using a (now) 18 month old Xperia Arc which I love. It still uses Android 2.3, and only a single core processor, but it does everything I want, and it does them all pretty darned well (admittedly, I use it more as a camera than a computer). There were a bunch of similar phones all released at the same time: Original Galaxy, LG Optimus 2, etc. I see lots of them show up on kijiji used for under $200.

You give up some up-to-the-minute features, and save a whack of cash. Personally I'd look for one cheap, in good condition, unlock it and put Cyanogen mod on it, then use whatever carrier you wanted.

Edit to clarify: I've had my Xperia since new, but I would happily buy any of the top-shelf phones from that era if they were in really good condition. When I replace my phone several years from now, I will look to replace it with a one or two year old used example in pristine condition.

[DaftShadow]

Why not a Galaxy SIII ?  Expandable memory, dual-core processor (possibly quad-core... depends on the version).  Also, it's been selling like hotcakes for the past couple months so I bet you can find 'em used on ebay/craigslist if you look.  ;-)

That being said, anything 1+ generation back should be fairly cheap on the used market.  I love the Nexus S since Google sold them so cheap after a while, but it's not expandable memory so could be a problem on your reqs... 

~ DaftShadow

[capital]

I'd still go for the Nexus 4 in the 16GB version; it is the best deal on the cellphone market by far. I have the 16GB Galaxy Nexus and the space issue hasn't been too much trouble for me. I'd bet there's more room left over on a Nexus phone than a carrier phone because there's less carrier crapware preinstalled.

If you really want to carry a lot of music, you could always recompress your music down to 128kbps. If you're using cheap earbuds, you probably won't hear any difference.

[KingCoin]

I just picked up this guy from Ting:

https://ting.com/devices/LG-Marquee-Refurbished

It's replacing a HTC Evo 4G and it hasn't skipped a beat. It's light and thin which I like, but it doesn't have 4G (not a problem if you're primarily using for light data activities like occasional web browsing, email, and maps). It takes a 16GB microSD. At $87, no tears need be shed if you leave it in the back of a cab or drop in the toilet. If for some reason you decide you don't like it, you can just flip it on Ebay and only lose a few bucks.

[Ozstache]

I got a Samsung galaxy s2 a few months ago for a steal because the s3 had just come out and it was suddenly obsolete (yay marketing!). It is a magnificent phone that i highly recommend.

[Rangifer]

Another vote for Ting. They've got what is probably the widest smartphone selection of any mvno out there. I've been with them for several months, and can share a few juicy details via private message if you'd like.

[rugorak]

Ting won't work for me. I'm too rural. I pretty much need an AT&T reseller if I go with GSM in order to get any data.

The specific issue with my phone is that if it begins to get warm at all it will reboot itself. From what I have read it is a common issue with the incredible. Basically it is trying to protect itself from getting too hot and it is both too sensitive and reboots before it really needs to and also gets too hot. It may not be as bad now that the temps are dropping but I'm not hopeful for the long term. Also I have tentative international travel plans so getting a GSM phone before then would make it much easier. I would just get a different prepaid SIM and not have to mess with anything else.

Most of the prices I am finding for the Samsung phones are much much higher than the Nexus (S2 and S3 always over $500 if unlocked). So I may end up going with the Nexus 4. I started looking at it. I could get a fair amount of music onto 16gb. Plenty for most cases and I would just have to change it out if I get bored of something.

The only other downside is the lack of LTE on the Nexus. But I am not sure that many (or any) of the resellers even offer it. Anyone know?

Thanks for all the replies and anyone else feel free to add. I'll have to keep doing some research.

[Daley]

If you're going GSM, pick up an LG P500 Optimus One. Under $110 refurbished and carrier unlocked, supports CyanogenMod, and a reasonable workhorse for a GSM smartphone. No insane bank breaking, either.

[KristinD]

Any of the awesome Android phones from the last generation?

I'm using a (now) 18 month old Xperia Arc which I love. It still uses Android 2.3, and only a single core processor, but it does everything I want, and it does them all pretty darned well (admittedly, I use it more as a camera than a computer). There were a bunch of similar phones all released at the same time: Original Galaxy, LG Optimus 2, etc. I see lots of them show up on kijiji used for under $200.

You give up some up-to-the-minute features, and save a whack of cash. Personally I'd look for one cheap, in good condition, unlock it and put Cyanogen mod on it, then use whatever carrier you wanted.

Edit to clarify: I've had my Xperia since new, but I would happily buy any of the top-shelf phones from that era if they were in really good condition. When I replace my phone several years from now, I will look to replace it with a one or two year old used example in pristine condition.

Agreed. I would look into buying a (newer) old phone. I have the Droid X2 which I purchased on craigslist like new for $75, and it has served me well.