First, you don't need $500 phones!! Seriously. No one ever did, but at least five years ago you could mumble some argument about cameras not being horrible on high-end phones or something. Now, a $150 phone will do everything last year's flagship did, which is more than what you need.
Second, I tried Republic and I didn't like it. I had to sell the phone I just purchased for a loss. I do not recommend it. There are great alternatives.