For the past 16 years I've been using a government issued flip phone. It does pretty much everything I need it to, which is make calls and texts which is around 3 or 4 a week. I'm not a phone guy (as you can probably tell) and really have no use for Internet on my phone. At age 65 I guess I'm way behind the times.

Well, I'm going to have to turn in my old reliable flip phone pretty soon and step into the 21st century. I went to the local Wal-Mart and browsed the phones. I understand there are "locked" and "unlocked" styles available - apparently the "locked" variety have a plan included while the "unlocked" type doesn't. My office has now gone to a "two-factor authentication" thingy which means I'll probably have to be Internet connected.

Any thoughts as to the pros and cons of locked versus unlocked phones? Guess I'll have to figure out a carrier also.

Locked means your paying more but in payments, not all up front.
You're also stuck with whichever company and that limits your options to get better rates.
Depending on where you live, I'd go to one of the other companies, like Cricket for example, and buy an unlocked phone.
They use the AT&T network but for a much lower cost per month.
There are similar options if you prefer Verizon, same service as the name brand but much lower cost.

If you're looking for inexpensive service and don't need alot of Data per month, US Mobile has a prepaid plan that includes 2GB & unlimited talk/txt per month for $96 a year. Once you get an unlocked phone, then just get this service activated on it.

https://www.usmobile.com/get-s...es?typeOfPlan=ANNUAL

I got it for my parents and they haven't had any issues.

Since you said you'll need internet then a smart phone is the better choice, easier to load and run apps.

Any of the discount services will work with an Android or Apple phone, you just need to figure out which you prefer.

Generally Apple is easier to get used to, it's more structured than an Android operating phone.

You don't need the latest generation either and there are plenty of options to buy refurbished phones of an older Generation.

If you go new, buy it from Apple, get the insurance, and sign up with whichever company gets you good service at a good price.

If you are Costco or Sams member, you can get a deal there on either type of new phone and a service plan.

Thanks for that link, lkdr. My plan with another company is due to renew soon and the US Mobile service will be a nice savings.

There is also PureTalk, who you might have heard Mike Rowe/Dirty Jobs guy pitching. Out of Covington GA, 20% military/veteran/first responder discount, U.S.-based reps, etc. I haven't used them.

https://www.puretalk.com/

quote:

Originally posted by lkdr1989:
If you're looking for inexpensive service and don't need alot of Data per month, US Mobile has a prepaid plan that includes 2GB & unlimited talk/txt per month for $96 a year. Once you get an unlocked phone, then just get this service activated on it.

https://www.usmobile.com/get-s...es?typeOfPlan=ANNUAL

I got it for my parents and they haven't had any issues.

I left AT&T for US Mobile and am pleased with them. I’m still on AT&T network, just through US Mobile.

Pure talk would likely be fine. The current baseline is $30, or less a month, unlimited everything. Make sure the carrier has a good signal at your house.

I have T-Mobile, usually easier with international travel, also includes ‘free’ Netflix. I have an older Cricket plan with the kids still on it.

T-mobile offers a home internet plan, through cell towers, may or may not be ok in your area, should you want to ‘bundle’.

The main thing is, $30 or less a month, unlimited everything.

We're n Mint Mobile, another discount provider. We're satisfied. Idk how their pricing compares to the others mentioned on this thread, but it is a ton cheaper than the premium carriers.

The discount carriers may have lower priority when the network is crowded, such as in an airport, but it rarely is an issue for us as retirees. Someone who needs solid service for work video calls might have occasional issues.

I had a flip-phone through Tracfone(Verizon) for years until last year when I parted ways w/ the landline, so upgrading to a locked smart phone through them was not a big deal for me.

I ended up going w/ an Android phone and then watching a "Tips and Tricks" type video on youtube specific for my model which was a big help on setting things up for my uses.

I buy used phones from Amazon Renew, wife got me an unlocked S22 for Christmas. I swapped my SIM card and viola.

Total wireless, $55 a month unlimited everything, service in Mexico and Canada


They have much cheaper plans if you just want service and some data


They have a flip phone for $29

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:

If you go new, buy it from Apple, get the insurance, and sign up with whichever company gets you good service at a good price.

Not only new. Apple re-furbs are excellent, with an additional discount for active military or veterans.

Avoid buying used from individuals. It may be stolen, it may be locked, it may not function properly, the battery may be worn out.

I recommend Apple products, though with the acknowledgment that they are expensive and have a lot of functionality which may not be needed if it is only being used for phone calls and basic internet. But the operating system and the user experience is much easier to manage (as in there's nothing to tweak, which other systems require).

Dawes, if you've never used a smart phone, the first thing you'll be asking is "how do I just make a phone call or answer a phone call".

quote:

I buy used phones from Amazon Renew, wife got me an unlocked S22 for Christmas. I swapped my SIM card and viola.

I need a new phone, too (currently a Galaxy S7 ). Is it really that easy - just swap the SIM card and micro USB card and you're GTG?

All the contacts, calendar data, memos, messages, etc., all appear on the new phone?

I assume I will have to reinstall the apps that are on my current phone.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 229DAK,

For me the cell phone decision was easy. Don't have one, don't want one. I may be the last holdout.
Rod

iPhone hands down. Even if you’re a casual user. They just work and have top tier security.

Pay cash up front

Apple refurb (10-20% off)

Apple gives another 10% for vets

Patriot mobile works perfectly for me ($30/mo after taxes)

Been using tracfone since 2010. Buy through QVC or HSN whichever is cheaper, Per year. 70 dollars a year total. Use mainly only talk and text. Android

C’mon now. Join the 21st century and just get a basic iPhone

After about 2 weeks I guarantee you’ll wonder why you stuck with an archaic flip phone for so long.

^^^^^^^
Bought my first smartphone, an iPhone 3g in 2008, and through the years, eventually switched to the Samsung/Android system. In early 2020, I jumped off the smartphone merry go round and went back to a flip/dumb phone, just voice calls and simple texting, no apps, no internet, etc. And I'm much happier, don't miss it for a second.

quote:

Originally posted by 229DAK:

quote:

I buy used phones from Amazon Renew, wife got me an unlocked S22 for Christmas. I swapped my SIM card and viola.

I need a new phone, too (currently a Galaxy S7 ). Is it really that easy - just swap the SIM card and micro USB card and you're GTG?

All the contacts, calendar data, memos, messages, etc., all appear on the new phone?

I assume I will have to reinstall the apps that are on my current phone.

Yes, except the S22 doesn't have the Micro SD card slot, all internal memory. The S22 prompted me to download an app called Smart Switch that transferred everything, I mean everything to my new phone.

Heck if you want I can wipe my S20 and send it to you, it does have the micro sd slot. It is an unlocked phone