cell phone recomendations

[Sponsa-Christi]

Not sure if this is truly "lame," but anyway...

I need to get a cell phone, but I'm not sure where to start looking for a decent deal. (For the past two years, I've just been using a cheap pay-as-you-go trac phone, but I need a more "normal" cell phone now.)

Some considerations:

- I'm in the United States.

- I need something with good coverage and reliable service, as I'll probably be using this as my main phone line for a while.

- I'd like something as budget-friendly as possible, although I don't have to just pick the cheapest thing out there.

- I do NOT need this phone to do anything other than make and receive calls. 

- I'm not a big fan of touch screens, but I could put up with one in a phone that otherwise meets my needs. 

Anyone have any thoughts? 

And yes, right after posting I realized I spelled "recommendation" wrong! So embarrassing.

[Spem in alium]

I have a Samsung Galaxy 5. It wasn't the cheapest phone ever (though I did get it on sale), but I got it because it seems durable and will likely last a while if I take care of it. It is a touch screen but is fairly easy to manage.

[Amppax]

You may want to consider looking at Charity Mobile, it's a Catholic Cell phone company. The phone service they provide is somehow through Verizon, so you get Verizon's network (for the most part the most reliable) and a decent selection of phones. They also donate 5% of your monthly bill to a pro-life charity. Something to consider, my Mom uses it and has been happy with the service. http://www.charity-mobile.com/index.php

[OnlySunshine]

7 hours ago, Sponsa-Christi said:

Not sure if this is truly "lame," but anyway...

I need to get a cell phone, but I'm not sure where to start looking for a decent deal. (For the past two years, I've just been using a cheap pay-as-you-go trac phone, but I need a more "normal" cell phone now.)

Some considerations:

- I'm in the United States.

- I need something with good coverage and reliable service, as I'll probably be using this as my main phone line for a while.

- I'd like something as budget-friendly as possible, although I don't have to just pick the cheapest thing out there.

- I do NOT need this phone to do anything other than make and receive calls. 

- I'm not a big fan of touch screens, but I could put up with one in a phone that otherwise meets my needs. 

Anyone have any thoughts? 

And yes, right after posting I realized I spelled "recommendation" wrong! So embarrassing.

I've been with Virgin Mobile for over 2 years (before that, I had T-Mobile and AT&T) and they are owned by Sprint.  I get really good service in most areas here and their phones have affordable options.  I originally had the Samsung Galaxy S3 but just recently upgraded to the Samsung Galaxy J7 which is not as flashy as the S-series, but I think it's MUCH quicker and better than the S3, which was slowing down quite a bit.  My friend owned one before me and I really liked hers.  I couldn't afford something like the S6 or S7, but this is perfect.  She has Boost Mobile (also owned by Sprint) and likes her service, as well.  Best Buy has them on sale this month, if you're interested.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/virgin-mobile-samsung-galaxy-j7-2016-4g-lte-with-16gb-memory-prepaid-cell-phone-white/4816300.p?id=bb4816300&skuId=4816300

Edited September 24, 2016 by OnlySunshine

[Nihil Obstat]

Based on what you are saying here, a smartphone will be a waste of money for you. You do not seem to need the additional features. At this point pretty much all flip phones are the same. I happened to like LG before I got a smartphone. These phones are all inexpensive these days. No more than $100 will get the job done.

Seems that you are concerned more about reliable and broad coverage. That being the case, I would say just pick the biggest and most widely distributed cell company. Even pay a bit of a premium to go with the big name brand. In particular I would recommend staying away from the discount carriers like Virgin. I can give you Canadian examples, but I am not sure how applicable it would be for you. I guess AT&T and Verizon are some of the biggest carriers...? You will, by and large, get the best coverage and best customer service from them.

[Papist]

LG Exalt II