Help me chose a smartphone

twolilgirlies

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 12:20 am

I'm looking for a phone under $300.
I'll mainly be using it for talk and text but would love a decent camera too.

I'm thinking to just put on a few basic apps (my bank, google maps, target) and that's it. won't be using it o browse the web much etc.

do NOT want refurbished.

besides for the price of a phone how much memory is too little or good enough?

TIA!!

PeanutMama

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 12:52 am

I have an iPhone.
The camera is better than android cameras to be honest.
I know from experience.
You can have iCloud memory up till 2T for a small monthly price (I pay 3$ for 200GB which is a plus because I take lots of photos)
2T iCloud storage is 10.00$ a month...

Usually iPhones have 128 GB memory at the most and they’re the most expensive.

Last edited by PeanutMama on Sun, Jun 07 2020, 12:58 am; edited 1 time in total

MommyM

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 12:54 am

Should be at least 16 GB memory otherwise even with very few apps, you will constantly have an issue with space. I don't have advice for specific models as I haven't bought a phone recently.

amother

Green

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 12:56 am

twolilgirlies wrote:

New iPhone by Apple se

doctorima

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 1:14 am

If you want Android, look into the Pixel 3a, which has one of the top cameras currently available, and just yesterday was available on Amazon for $279. You can also find a brand new S8 (maybe even S9?) - on Ebay for under $300, and they have amazing cameras as well.

twolilgirlies

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 1:17 am

apple se looks like costs $350. didn't really want to spend much, unless
I'm being unrealistic.

are iphones better than android?

and are 16gb really little and worth to pay more for more space?

amother

Green

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 1:20 am

twolilgirlies wrote:

apple se looks like costs $350. didn't really want to spend much, unless
I'm being unrealistic.

are iphones better than android?

and are 16gb really little and worth to pay more for more space?

Do you currently have a cell phone plan via a carrier?
If yes go to ie tmobiles websites and see what their offers are. I know the iPhone se was $200 at one of the carriers

twolilgirlies

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 1:21 am

doctorima wrote:

Thanks! pixel 3a for that lower price are all renewed.
is it risky to buy a phone on ebay? never purchased real valuable items from ebay so just nervous...?

twolilgirlies

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 1:24 am

amother [ Green ] wrote:

Do you currently have a cell phone plan via a carrier?
If yes go to ie tmobiles websites and see what their offers are. I know the iPhone se was $200 at one of the carriers

I have sprint but switching to a new carrier now...T-mobile won't be good for me. not good service where I live from them. thanks!

amother

Wine

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 1:24 am

amother [ Wheat ] wrote:

I hear it is way more difficult to filter an iPhone then an android.

Just the opposite. TAG told me iPhones are much better for filtering.

twolilgirlies

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 1:25 am

amother [ Wheat ] wrote:

I hear it is way more difficult to filter an iPhone then an android.

good to know! right now I don't think I want to actually filter it. but in case I decide otherwise, I'll keep that in mind.

amother

Red

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 1:58 am

I'm a recent first time smart phone user and I'm happy with the moto e6 - it is pretty cheap, but easy to use everything and sufficient for my needs.

Hashem_Yaazor

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 9:59 am

You don't seem to need a lot. I think you can get for under 2.
I have a ZTE Blade which is fine for me though it's harder to accessorize.

doctorima

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 10:18 am

twolilgirlies wrote:

Thanks! pixel 3a for that lower price are all renewed.
is it risky to buy a phone on ebay? never purchased real valuable items from ebay so just nervous...?

You can get Pixel 3a brand new for under $300 if you wait for a sale. As I said Amazon had it brand new for $279 just a few days ago, though it's currently gone back up. Even on Ebay, I see it available right now brand new in a sealed box at $290 for Spring or $309 for unlocked for any network. DH got it for me for Chanuka for under $300 new and I love it.

If you buy a phone on Ebay labeled Brand New in sealed box from a reputable established seller, you'll be fine. If there's any issues with a fraudulent listing, Ebay and your credit card will protect you. You can also check the seller's history and see if they have positive reviews for selling other new phones that buyers were happy with, if that will reassure you.

amother

Mistyrose

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 10:20 am

amother [ Wine ] wrote:

Just the opposite. TAG told me iPhones are much better for filtering.

This. TAG might be helpful with suggestions on models.

doctorima

Sun, Jun 07 2020, 1:30 pm

MommyM wrote:

Google Pixel 3a is now $279 from B & H: https://www.dansdeals.com/shop.....9-bh/

Just came here to post this - you beat me to it! B&H is tax-free to most states (not NY), and if it's more convenient, Amazon matched the price and is once again $279 for brand new. It's back-ordered by a couple weeks, but you can order now to lock in the price, and it will ship as soon as they get it back in stock.