Looking for an inexpensive, unlocked off contract smartphone

[squarecut1]

Need to send one to someone in Canada. Nothing fancy required. Just take / send / receive pictures, web surfing, maybe a few small apps.

Have searched the web. Looks like Moto G is a good one? What do you guys think? Any suggestions? How about Nokia 521?

Also, I believe it needs to be GSM. Is there a difference between US GSM and Canadian GSM. Reason I ask is because on the Moto G website here

http://www.motorola.com/us/consumers/moto-g/Moto-G/moto-g-pdp.html

It lists a Global GSM model and also a US GSM model.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Yuriman]

At $150, it's hard to beat the value you get from a Moto G. I couldn't say if it will work on Canadian networks though.

 

[squarecut1]

It is $180 actually, for the Global GSM model. The US GSM model is $200. I need to find out which one would work in Canada.

 

[MDE]

I'm using a Lumia 521 on T-Mobile in the US and it's been surprisingly good so far.

 

[pantsaregood]

Look at the Lumia 520 instead of the 521, it's the same phone and supports different bands.

That said, Moto G and Lumia 520 don't really fall into the same price tier. The Moto G is honestly a better device, but it is considerably more expensive than the Lumia 520, which can often be found for $60.

 

[squarecut1]

Yes I am looking at Lumia 520 / 521 as well. Looks good. I take it you guys are satisfied with the performance?

It does say ATT or T Mobile on it. Not sure whether it will work in Canada....need to find out

 

[s44]

Also, I believe it needs to be GSM. Is there a difference between US GSM and Canadian GSM. Reason I ask is because on the Moto G website here

http://www.motorola.com/us/consumers/moto-g/Moto-G/moto-g-pdp.html

It lists a Global GSM model and also a US GSM model.

You want US GSM. The various Canadian carriers use the various US bands.

And yes, Moto G is your answer.

 

[squarecut1]

Thank you for all the responses.

 

[crashtestdummy]

Yes I am looking at Lumia 520 / 521 as well. Looks good. I take it you guys are satisfied with the performance?

It does say ATT or T Mobile on it. Not sure whether it will work in Canada....need to find out

It works surprisingly well. The biggest limitation is the 512MB RAM. This leads to a little bit of lag when switching between programs, but once the program is open, it runs quite smoothly.

The only note is that if you buy them in the US, the 520 is locked to AT&T, and the 521 to T-Mobile. They can be unlocked after 6 months of service, of course, but you should probably be warned. The Moto G, on the other hand, is completely unlocked if you buy it direct.