Need Advice:Low cost carrier Ting? T-Mobile? Virgin?

[Matt L]

I've been with Virgin for several years, no real issues, $25/mo plan. My phone is getting old, Moto Triumph flashed with Paranoidandroid ROM, I'm looking to upgrade. Budget for new/use phone ~$150. If I upgrade on VM my cost goes to $35/mo.

Had pretty much decided on a used S3 and ting, I'm a low minutes user moderate data user so my monthly cost would be about the same, $25. Then began seriously looking at the LG optimus G, at the moment that is my phone of choice, but found Sprint around here is only 3G.

So considered using a used S3 that would work on the T-mobile $30/mo plan. Doing some reading it looks like roaming might be an issue. I pretty much stay in my area but do travel from time to time. With Virgin it has not been an issue, I live in Mid-MI and travel to Chicago with zero coverage issues. Same with Florida

Not sure what to do. The three phones I'm interested in are the LG optimus G, S3, and the HTC 4G LTE. Of these only the S3 can be had in a version that would work with T-M. Low monthly cost is primary issue, $35 is my limit. Thoughts? Suggestions?

 

[dagamer34]

$30 T-mo plan has voice roaming, no data roaming.

 

[ghost recon88]

Look at PagePlus, they are a Verizon MVNO and their coverage has been excellent. I was on Sprint before, so I can just imagine how bad their MVNOs would be. You can have your Sprint S3 flashed over too.

 

[cronos]

If T-Mobile coverage is good in your area, look up the LG Optimus L9. It's a T-Mobile prepaid phone (sold in prepaid boxes in Walmart/Target/etc). Retail price is $200 but you may be able to find it discounted with some offers or coupon. You can use this phone on T-Mobile $30/month plan or you can always go to any of its MVNOs (PlatinumTel, Lycamobile, etc. browse the respective websites for rates).

This is a pretty excellent phone considering its price point. It does not have the greatest developer support, but it does have some followers, so rooting/bootloader unlocking methods are established with one or two custom ROMs available. The phone comes with ICS, but LG released JB 4.1.2 for it last month (which they 'unreleased' about a week ago), so stock JB 4.1.2 ROMs are out there if you wanted to flash them.

 

[s44]

Check coverage maps on Sensorly. Non-LTE areas on Sprint/Virgin are slow, as I'm sure you already know. T-Mo is fast whereever you can get 3G.

 

[ImDonly1]

You said you want to pay $150 for a new or used phone. But then look at the Optimus G? I don't think it is $150...

If you get the coverage you need with t-mobile prepaid, I would prefer the t-mobile network over Sprint's/VM because of data speed.

Nexus 4 or S3 + T-mobile would be my choice.
Ting doesn't really sound good unless you use minimal everything?

 

[Matt L]

I have no problem with a used phone as long as it has a clean esid...

With Ting, 100 minutes of talk time is fine, $3, I rarely text, so the low end is fine $3, data - I'm not sure. I'd try the 500 M plan and see where I end up, might not be enough, may be OK.

 

[pcsavvy]

If you're interested in a midrange phone, have you considered the Nokia Lumia 521. It is for sale at Walmart for $139 (full price), no contract phone. It is a Windows 8 phone.
Of course, the app store does not have the same number of apps as Apple and Android.
Here is a review by pcmag: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2419165,00.asp

Edit: The Lumia 521 and Lumia 925 are on T-Mobile. The 925 is the flagship Lumia for T-Mobile. Lumia is releasing the Amber upgrade with Windows 8 GDR2 update sometime this summer to all Lumias. The Nokia upgrade includes improvements to the camera, and other improvements while the Windows update will include double tap screen, FM radio and stuff. If you do an online search you can find you more info on these upgrades.

 

[Matt L]

Got too good of a deal on an EVO 4 LTE tonight, $52, so it looks like for the moment I'll be using Ting. I'll keep looking for a deal on the S3 GSM or the LG optimus G CDMA, which ever one come up at my price point I'll move on it.

I might be curious to try the windows phone, kind of intriguing. Not a bad price point.

 

[hans007]

i'd just go t-mobile . lot better phone selection. the reception will probably even be better in a lot of urban areas (i dont know i had virgin mobile for about a month in bay area and it was terrible. data would just randomly die all the time)

 

[Ksyder]

LG Optimus L9.

I have to say this phone looks like a fantastic deal. I just picked up one brand new on ebay for $170 shipped. I might sell the 8gb Nexus 4 if the LG can do the job. I think the Nexus 4 is great and the performance is stellar but I want a cheaper phone that I don't have to worry about shattering the glass back and if it breaks or whatever it should be replaceable for alot less than a Nexus 4. Also the stock Android 4.2 is pretty bland and I don't really care for google now.

I'm planning on putting a 32gb micro sd for a sort of poor mans iphone. We'll see how it goes. It should be a great money saver with my combination of google voice and platinumtel pay as you go. I'm not really that demanding with my phones, mostly listening to music, youtube and occasional web browsing. I think the Nexus 4 excels in web browsing so hopefully the LG can keep up.

The one thing I'm confused about is the t-mobile specs say 4.5" screen but the generic reviews say 4.7". Can't tell if there are 2 slightly different models.

 

[cronos]

The one thing I'm confused about is the t-mobile specs say 4.5" screen but the generic reviews say 4.7". Can't tell if there are 2 slightly different models.

Yes, there are several different versions of Optimus L9. The T-Mobile version (named P769) has a little lower spec than the others, including a smaller screen.

I got lucky I found a clearanced 'repackage' box (that someone returned but wasn't even opened) on Target for $140 about a month ago.

 

[Ksyder]

Yes, there are several different versions of Optimus L9. The T-Mobile version (named P769) has a little lower spec than the others, including a smaller screen.

I got lucky I found a clearanced 'repackage' box (that someone returned but wasn't even opened) on Target for $140 about a month ago.

Wow, good deal. Thanks for the tip about the model number. That clears it up.