Recommend a cheap Sprint smartphone?

[etherealfocus]

I have an HTC 8XT and actually like it a lot - WP8.1 matches my workflow quite well. I'm adding my gf to my Sprint Framily plan and need to get another phone, but Sprint's WP8 selection consists of exactly two outdated, overpriced phones so I'm gonna bite the bullet and switch to Android - gf can have my 8XT since she likes WP8 too.

We're both light users, ~400-800MB/mo and don't care about games so don't need high end specs. Phones will be used for calling, texting, media playback, GPS, and not much else. I'd like stability and compatibility (I use it for business too), big screen (>5"), good battery life, minimal OS clutter (so Cyanogenmod compatibility for non-Nexus/Moto phones would be good), and low price ($200 or less would be great). SD card would be nice too.

My top choice right now is a refurb Galaxy Mega 2 ($200 on Amazon). Also looking at Moto X/G even though they lack SD card slots and screens are a bit small - probably can't get everything I want in my price range, oh well.

Thoughts/recommendations?

Sorry for the noob questions, I'm not a big phone guy.

 

[Crono]

You can find a good or mint condition HTC One on Swappa, or an LG G2 in your price range. Moto X would be my third choice, or Moto G/E for new and off contract. I don't find 4.7" screens to be small at all, they are the sweet spot. Anything up to 5.5" is acceptable for me, but from personal experience with the Lumia 1520, 6.0" phones are tough to use for a while, they start to strain your fingers (or at least they do for me) when using one-handed. If you are coming from an 8XT I would try a 4.7" phone to see how it feels. 5"+ phones generally command a premium (except from Chinese manufacturers like OnePlus, but even then it's still $350).

KitKat is surprisingly quick on lower end hardware, so I wouldn't be afraid to save some money and get the G or E. Gamers and heavier users might want more than that.

 

[s44]

Definitely not the (2013) One or the Moto X. At this point only Spark phones should be considered.

The Mega would be nice for your GF to purse carry, but I think the G2 is the better option for you.

 

[gmaster456]

I'd just go with the Mega

 

[etherealfocus]

I'd be fine with Moto G/E. The E's small screen is a bummer but I could live with it. Really I'm just looking for a big screen at a low price with good update schedule and battery life and minimal UI shenanigans.

Spark is cool but a) I don't make heavy use of data and b) I mostly live and work in Denton, which probably isn't going to have Spark anytime soon... and even if it did, I'm usually on wifi when doing anything remotely intense. HD Voice would be nice since my parents are on my plan and have dodgy hearing, but they live in rural Minnesota and aren't on the update short list either. lol

 

[etherealfocus]

Did some reading and looks like Mega, G2, Moto G/E, and maybe the 2013 HTC One. Why don't you like the One, s44? Just lack of Spark?

 

[s44]

Why don't you like the One, s44? Just lack of Spark?

Yup, mostly. But also because it's just before the great leap in battery that came with the G2 and subsequent phones, without being substantially cheaper.

 

[etherealfocus]

Went with the LG G2. Found for $220 shipped on eBay in mint condition... even comes with an Otterbox. Thanks guys!