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>Yes, you'd buy this one. The "F" model.

Ahhh alright. I was looking at this one but saw it was a European model, and didn't know how well that would do in the states, but I guess since it's GSM that would do well. I was also wanting to stick with Snapdragon, but I'm warming up to Exynos.

Speaking of GSM, I came across some information suggesting that the GSM networks are scheduled to be shut down in 2017. I haven't had a chance to read too far into this yet, but it has me mildly concerned with thoughts that the phone and/or sim will become unusable, and I plan to use my next phone for at least 2 years. I know logically it doesn't make sense that those phones would stop working, but do you happen to have any suggested reading or keywords I can search to learn more about this and to make sure whatever phone I purchase makes it through the GSM shutdown?

>The google voice parking is just another way to say, port your number to google voice. This way, you order a sim from cricket(or buy one at gamestop), activate and they'll give you a number. Forward that number to your google voice number and if you get on a family plan that goes sour you only lose the forwarding number, not the number that you actually give out to people.

That makes a lot of sense. I'll have to look into the specifics of how to port into Google Voice, but I appreciate the heads up on keeping your number protected with strangers. I realized you would be out the money, but I didn't really think about them keeping your number from you.

>So if that did happen, you would be out the $20 you paid for the month and $10 more for a new sim card. Hence why I said you'd be out $30.

Honestly, while I'm mildly uncomfortable about the idea of sharing a plan with strangers, I'm really not too concerned with losing money here. Even if it takes a couple of failed attempts I'm going to save a ton of money when I do find a good, consistent group.

> If you change your plan to the 5 gb plan, you'll make a payment right then, usually for around $5 or less, depending on the number of days left in the month. You'll recieve all 5 gb. Making it 7.5 gb for the month.

Oh wow, so despite however much data you actually use, if you buy more mid-month it's prorated depending on when you add it? It's really too good of a deal lol.

>You're not really sticking it to AT$T...you're using a lesser form of their network, the excess that would have not been used anyways, and receiving far less speeds than their postpaid customers. However, for myself, the 9 mbps is plenty for mobile.

Oh yeah, not really sticking it to them directly, I just meant that we are 'beating' them by not getting stuck with their much more expensive service. When I started doing my research I didn't think there was really any way to avoid a minimum of a $50/month service. At $20/month it really feels like we're beating the system. I don't even know what I would do with more than 9 Mbps on my phone, so that is perfectly alright with me.

edit: One other thing I meant to ask;

>The "F" model.

Is this closer to a vanilla version of Android than say, the T-Mobile or AT&T phone? I imagine it will still have TouchWiz but aside from that is there less bloat than the phones made for specific networks?

> Is there a such thing as an independent phone, as in not one from a cell company but just an unlocked version?

Yes, you'd buy this one. The "F" model.

> I know from my research that Cricket runs on the AT&T network, but what makes the AT&T phone better than the T-Mobile if they're both using GSM? I thought the GSM was all that mattered (though I'm open to all feedback, as I just learned about the difference between CDMA and GSM today), but based on your comment, it appears there are further complications. I've just gone where I order most things, Amazon, and I've looked up what the different model codes mean and found both the AT&T version, as well as the T-Mobile.

Generally, if you're not going to bother unlocking the bootloader/rooting it's best to buy the phone that was designed specifically for the network you are going to be using it on. That is the only reason I said that.

The google voice parking is just another way to say, port your number to google voice. This way, you order a sim from cricket(or buy one at gamestop), activate and they'll give you a number. Forward that number to your google voice number and if you get on a family plan that goes sour you only lose the forwarding number, not the number that you actually give out to people. So if that did happen, you would be out the $20 you paid for the month and $10 more for a new sim card. Hence why I said you'd be out $30. If you call them to activate your account you'll skip the $25 in store activation fee.

> Effectively you can get 7.5 GB a month for about 24 dollars.
> This part I'm not quite following. Care to elaborate?

Your plan is usually $20/month for 2.5 gb of data. Once you use those 2.5 gb, you can either just ride out till the end of the month at throttled speeds or you can call/go on the website and change your plan. If you change your plan to the 5 gb plan, you'll make a payment right then, usually for around $5 or less, depending on the number of days left in the month. You'll recieve all 5 gb. Making it 7.5 gb for the month. The night before you pay your bill, call again/log back in on the computer and change your plan back to the 2.5 gb one. Usually they'll refund you close to a dollar back. You can do this every single month if you feel like it. Note you can only make two plan changes a month per line, so make sure you go up high enough to cover the rest of the month. I've only had to do this 4 or 5 times but it's really nice that it is available.

You're not really sticking it to AT$T...you're using a lesser form of their network, the excess that would have not been used anyways, and receiving far less speeds than their postpaid customers. However, for myself, the 9 mbps is plenty for mobile. I can stream HD video from my plex server all day every day on it. It more than meets my needs.

At $200 you're not going to get a particularly good camera - that said, it'll still probably be better than your 5 year old phone haha.

My first recommendation is the ZTE Blade V8 Pro:

• $140
  
• 5.5" screen
  
• Dual-lens camera that takes decent pictures
  
• Negative: Still on Android 6.0, two versions behind; ZTE has also been really slow about security updates, falling 2-3 months behind
  
  Another option is the Moto G5 Plus:
  
  
• $185 at Amazon for the Prime Exclusive version
  
• 5.2" screen
  
• Decent camera
  
• Great build quality, likely to last a long time
  
• Fairly timely updates
  
  If you're willing to spend the full $200, though, I recommend the Honor 7X:
  
  
• Gigantic 5.9" screen, great for watching videos
  
• Reviews calling it best phone under $200
  
• Good build
  
• Better camera than almost anything else at this price point (dual lens as well)
  
  There you go!

Don't download a ton of apps that are supposed to "optimize" your device. That's like eating a ton of snacks that are supposed to help you lose weight: you're gonna get fatter. Keep Greenify, forget the rest.

THIS is the best optimization: download apps you ARE going to use and delete everything else.

About CM... Do you know anything about rooting? Custom recovery? Bootloaders? Custom ROMs? I see you quite interested about the benefits of using CyanogenMod, but keep in mind that if you mess up during the process, you can brick your phone, lose it forever (I think you'd have to be pretty clumsy for this to happen, though).

Games: Duet, Mountain Valley, The Room (1 and 2), Leo's Fortune, Two Dots, Rayman Jungle / Fiesta Run, MyBoy! (Game Boy Advanced emulator; you can download the roms from the internet).

You have to remember this, though: games will drain your battery, no matter how good your phone is.

For a person that seems so enthused about the whole smartphone thing, I think you should really think about saving some money and buy a good phone. Some off-contract options:

• Moto G (1st Gen): $179
  
  
• HTC Desire 816: $179
  
  
• OnePlus One: $300 (if you can get an invite)
  
  And if you ever go to China, Meizu MX4 or Xiaomi Mi4.
  
  Personally, I think if you live in the US the HTC is the best option.

I'm still happily using this MPow one well over a year on, most of which time I've been moving it back and forth from one car to another. Sadly, it's no longer available.

When I decided to get a second one to eliminate the swapping, I got this Nulaxy one which has also been great so far,... but I've only had it for a month or so.

The MPow one is built solidly - I can't imagine it breaking, so I'd expect their newer model to be solid as well. Interestingly, though, it seems that a number of different brand names of these devices are literally the same hardware, with brand-specific firmware as the only distinguishing difference. So generalizing about hardware/manufacturing may be invalid. E.g., here's another that looks to be the same hardware as the discontinued MPow, but still available. Scrolling through the available models, I see at least 4 other brands that look identical to the MPow and numerous ones that look identical to the Nulaxy.

Exactly how have the ones you've had failed?

[Edit - caveat: I've been perfectly happy with both devices for playing music (flac player on Samsung Note 3 > Bluetooth to fm), but never have gotten the MPow to perform as a speakerphone worth a crap. Its mic just doesn't pick up my loud voice in a moving car competing against road noise, though it's possible I just haven't been able to adjust its input volume properly. I haven't had a chance to try the Nulaxy one yet as a speakerphone. ]

For me, with a budget of $120, I would have to choose between an S7 Edge, an LG G5 or LG G6, or a Google Pixel XL.

With your budget of $250 US (just rounding up a bit here) you can get a Good condition non-US unlocked S8+ at Swappa:https://swappa.com/mobile/buy/samsung-galaxy-s8-plus/unlocked-non-us

You can get a renewed one at Amazon.co.uk for closer to $300:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-SIM-Free-Smartphone-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B071D3XTZS/

I don't think things like Android version and updates are relevant here. You have to determine your budget, and you have to know what you want to do with the phone. If you want to play games, you will want to look for a phone with more RAM, 6gig minimum. You will also want a fairly current graphics processor, but you should be OK if it is no older than 3-4 years.

If you want to take pictures you will need more room, the ability to insert an add-on card, and a budget for the card if you do not currently have one. Be sure to get the right kind of card! I would say, as Android is about 16 gigs by itself, you need 64 gigabytes of room built in at a minimum.

I hope this helps!

The note4 is expensive, but very feature packed and worth it for many people (like me).

The screen is rather awesome, so if you take a bluetooth keyboard with you (folding), you should be able to type away.

Using the stylus is like writing with a pen, but it is short/lightweight, so if you end up doing more than a new quick notes, you'll want something a bit larger like what Bamboo makes.

IMO yes swap it out for a Stylo 3 Plus if you're committed to buying from MetroPCS only. If you're open to buying Unlocked phones there are other options that are under $250 that are also viable. All these are 32 GB storage models, but some have slower processors than others and smaller RAM amounts.

BLU R2 PLUS – 4G LTE 5.5” Full HD Unlocked Smartphone – 32GB + 3GB RAM -Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077NXNK2L/
$129

ZTE 5.5" Blade V8 Pro. 5.5" 1080, Snapdragon 625 2.0 GHz Octa, 32 GB/3 GB, Dual 13 MP, 3140 mAh. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7IW7JX/
$129

BLU Vivo XL3 Plus - 6.0” HD+ 18:9 Display, 32GB 3GB RAM, Snapdragon 425 1.4GHz Quad Core, 13MP Main | 16MP Super Selfie Camera with flash, 3,000mAh, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C9Z51DH/
$139

Moto G5 4G LTE International Version (Lunar Grey) 5.0" 1080, Snapdragon 430 1.4 GHz Octa, 32 GB/3 GB, 13 MP, 2800 mAh. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XH4396B/
$159

BLU VIVO 8L - 5.3" 4G LTE Smartphone -32GB + 3GB RAM –Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075X48TKB/
$169

Moto G5 PLUS - 64 GB - Unlocked - Lunar Gray - Prime Exclusive 5.2" https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0785NN142//
$189

BLU VIVO 8 - 5.5" 1080, 4G LTE Smartphone -64GB + 4GB RAM, 13MP Main | 16MP Front, 4,010 mAh
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0731TSTBT/
$199

NUU Mobile G3 - 5.7 inch 720+, Rear Camera 13 MP/ 5 MP, Front Camera 13 MP. 64 GB, 4 GB RAM. With NFC, and USB Type C. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079MBRDNN/
$199

Honor 7X. 5.93" 1080+, Kirin 659 2.36 GHz Quad & 1.7 GHz Quad, 32GB/3 GB, Dual 16MP, 3340 mAh. https://store.hihonor.com/us/honor-7x-luckybag
$199

Huawei Mate SE Factory Unlocked 5.93” - 4GB/64GB Octa-core Processor| 16MP + 2MP Dual Camera| Grey (US Warranty)
$229
https://www.amazon.com/Huawei-Mate-Factory-Unlocked-5-93/dp/B0791VS3N9/

Personally I love my Stylo 3 Plus and I can't part with it.

Regarding USB-C cable(s), I bought 2 of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0777HJC91/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and I love them. They work very well, charge fast, and are very durable and long.

​

Edit: Regarding the wall charger, I finally found it on their website, but I highly recommend Nimble. https://www.gonimble.com/products/usb-wall-charger . Their usb-c charging cables also charge fast and are fantastic.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RRVMX2Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iZfEDbJCJ1FNK

Won't even know it's on. It's a cheaper, better Whitestone dome that has customer support. Easy to install, by far the best.

Assuming I looked up your phone properly, it uses USB-C.

You could try something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Qidoou-Multiport-Converter-Compatible-Chromebook/dp/B07KMC3DTL/ref=sr_1_8?crid=YIDJK3YGBTTS&keywords=usb+c+to+hdmi&qid=1574569178&sprefix=usb+c+t%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-8

USB-C to HDMI + USB A so you can hook up a mouse. Best Buy sells these things for 2-3 times as much. If it doesn't work, you can always return it. Best Buy might be more convenient for that.

The USB-OTG spec technically supports this, but most devices do not. You will typically need a custom kernel in order to enable this. I also don't know of any "reputable" manufacturers that a make a cable for this. I found this Y cable which has mixed reviews.

The Galaxy S8 with USB-C is better off though. You can use a hub like this to charge and use USB devices at the same time (and even output to HDMI if you want). Note that the S8 will only charge at the standard 5V/1.6A with a hub like this. Fast charging will not work.

one of these and one of these

The Spigen has a slight bulk to it, but is a solid case. The Google case is more of a novelty with the extra button, but is slimmer and protects pretty well.

I have a Samsung Fascinate and am very happy with it. Its free with most contracts or upgrades. The rooting community for it is amazing. It is also "unbrickable" that is to say the worst thing that could happen if you root it is you have to buy this $10 plug to reset it (from an unwritable chunk of memory). http://www.amazon.com/SainSonic-Dongle-Samsung-Captivate-Vibrant/dp/B0053H73JQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330881727&sr=8-1
I would definately buy a phone from the list within that site (unbrickable samsungs) after my experience with my fassy. It would be a Galaxy S II or another fassy.

That would be best, yes. He could even hold on to it for the next two years if he buys a battery case. The phone is great, and now it's dirt cheap.

OP can also get a OnePlus 2, or really a Galaxy S5. I'd go with the OnePlus 2, though, it's a crazy powerful phone for only 270$

I have no experience with any of the phones mentioned above so this is all based on reviews but the P8 doesn't really seem like much of an option. Due to the limitations of the P8's GPU, the performance seems to be in the level of the snapdragon 801 which is a 2 year old chipset. This is not surprising since the p8 was released in April of 2015. I'm not saying it's a bad phone but it is already quite outdated..

From what I understand, you are trying to keep it under $300. I seems to me that you will have to choose between the following:

Honor 8

OnePlus 2

If you are willing to pay a little extra you should have a look at the ZTE axon 7, the oneplus 3(if you can find it) and the xiaomi mi5.

Best of luck

OP here. Thank you for your feedback. I came across the IPDA030 and and it has everything I was looking for. Was planning to scan QR codes with the camera in the app we are making but a dedicated barcode scanner might even work better.

https://www.amazon.com/MUNBYN-Bluetooth-Honeywell-Warehouse-Management/dp/B07BJ3PQL7

Do you know of anything similar to this phone just so I have more to choose from before I make my purchase?

Yeah, transcoding is pretty slow. If the system doesn't have Bluetooth, you can try one of these for an easier solution. http://www.amazon.com/HomeSpot-NFC-Enabled-Bluetooth-Receiver-System/dp/B009OBCAW2

OTG support is device specific. If your device supports OTG but can't supply the keyboard with enough power, then they make cables like this one that allows you to inject power, or you can make your own. However if your device doesn't support OTG then you're out of luck.

Oh come on. This post is just perfect timing. I have the same phone and just got an HTC Bluetooth adapter for my car so I don't have to use the headphone jack. I just finished pairing it up and had to uninstall 3rd party bluetooth apps to get the audio link to work.
Tomorrow will be a full test as I drive to and from work. Guess I'll find out if this is going to be an issue for me. I'll be using Pandora and Amazon Music.

This is what I have and enjoy it. It's also super portable.

HTC Bluetooth Music Streaming Stereo Clip Adapter - Retail Packaging - Black by HTC http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CAYAIL0/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_DJheub1MMYYR2

I'm afraid USB Debugging was not enabled. However, someone has mentioned to use a USB OTG Cable to hook up a mouse, but i'm not sure how i would be able to see what i was clicking on. I was able to find this Slimport Adapter which provides an HDMI port along with USB port and several others which i would think would allow me to connect to a TV/Monitor and a mouse. I'll report back and see if it was successful.

Yeah, in that case, you'd need a USB-C to 3.5mm jack adapter. There are other options, you can see if your car supports bluetooth natively and if it doesn't, you can buy a bluetooth transmitter off Amazon for about 20 bucks (like this one) and have it to where your phone connects to the transmitter via bluetooth and the transmitter sends out whatever music you set to play on your phone via radio waves and you just tune your car's radio to that specific channel.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009NLTW60

I have had this over a year. Sounds quality is better than many built in Bluetooth systems. It connects without fail as soon as I start the car. Highly recommend.

Spigen Rugged Armor: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B016CBFBVI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Oh, and a Nilkin Tempered Glass screen protector. I find Nilkin's fit and finish is better than many of the ones out there... worth the extra price.

Check this puppy out. I use it every day and it's amazing. You can get any radio you want. Just needs a front facing aux port, but a back would would work if you wire it in ahead of time. The power for it comes from the car port and still has a USB port for your phone.

It plays music just fine and has controls on the little puck to control the music. It also has a speaker so you can use speaker phone through your car speakers. It's really handy for it's price.

You can get the display via HDMI and use a USB mouse with OTG. This phone has webtop capabilities so that means it will have OTG, but it requires a charger be connected as well to power the OTG. So you'll need an OTG cable like this that accepts a charger:

http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Cable-Power-Samsung-AtomicMarket/dp/B009YPYORM

This is the one I use with my Droid 3 but you can find similar ones on eBay, etc.

Have you tried one of these? I don't have a Captivate anymore, but I soft-bricked it once and this little thing was a lifesaver.

Get a Jig. It will put you directly in to Download mode. But make sure you get a good one. As long as there is something on your screen, you'll be fine. Samsung's are nearly impossible to hard brick. This is the jig I use. Works every time.

Going off your own suggestion you listed, the same company has a Micro USB option, and if you pair that with say the Micro USB to USB C adapters from Anker, that might work as a good enough solution for now until a USB Type-C variant becomes available.

http://www.amazon.com/HomeSpot-NFC-Enabled-Bluetooth-Receiver-System/dp/B009OBCAW2#

This has been working excellently for both myself and my hubby

You could try and source a OPPO VOOP Rapid Charge Bank. Model is V201+.

As One Plus uses OPPO's VOOP tech under the name Dash Charge it will not only charge your phone as rapidly as your factory wall charger, it will also be charged just as rapidly from said wall charger! 6000mAh / 22.8 Wh, fairly compact.

I love mine but it was a pain to source! You'll also need a Mini USB to USB Cable adapter, I used Anker ones with the resistor built in and it works great: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01AHKYIRS/

One that I've seen recommended a lot is the Logitech K480. It's a bit bigger than your tablet but you'll be doing your fingers a favor by going with a bigger keyboard.

Micro USB is limited to USB 2.0 (at least, the "single plug" micro USB that these adapters use), so transferring speeds will be limited with an adapter. Otherwise, no downsides as far as I'm aware.

Do make sure you get a proper one, tested with a positive review by Benson Leung on Amazon if possible. I personally use the Xiaomi adapter for my Nexus 5x, never had issues so far.
Alternatively, these Anker ones are cheaper and have prime shipping.

Both of the items I linked have been reviewed by Benson Leung as working correctly.

Like this ?

https://www.amazon.ca/Anker-Adapter-Converts-Resistor-MacBook/dp/B01AHKYIRS

For around the same price you could get a OnePlus 2 Specs. They are just as good if not better, I believe this as they are very customisable and high quality.

They're so cheap you can't buy just one!

Also check the link posted by /u/404_UserNotFound.

Here's what I bought: http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Cable-Power-Samsung-AtomicMarket/dp/B009YPYORM/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I don't remember what I used to root my phone. All I remember is that I had safestrap.

Get a moto g

http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Moto-Global-Unlocked-Black/dp/B00GWR373M

nokia 3.1 is $139.99 at bestbuy right now & open box $122.99-$125.99 non-removable battery though
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/nokia-3-1-with-16gb-memory-cell-phone-unlocked-black/6252310.p?skuId=6252310&ref=199&loc=TM20TXf59aU&


nokia 6: $149
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072C2F3X1

zte v8 pro: $149


https://www.amazon.com/ZTE-Display-Cameras-Unlocked-Warranty/dp/B01N7IW7JX/

Alcatel 3v: $149


https://www.bestbuy.com/site/alcatel-3v-with-16gb-memory-cell-phone-unlocked-spectrum-black/6260635.p?skuId=6260635

or check with your carrier, they usually have the Samsung j7 & below with deals

HTC Bluetooth Music Streaming Stereo Clip Adapter - Retail Packaging - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CAYAIL0/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_V1q.wbBAZE0NK

I have an iPhone 7+ and I use something very similar to this.

Also if you’re even remotely mechanically inclined there’s probably a kit that will replace your CD changer or Sat radio with Bluetooth capability.

Maybe if you got the USB OTG cable with power and used a power source other than your phone:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CXAC1ZW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1425290426&sr=8-1&keywords=usb+otg+with+power&dpPl=1&dpID=41ossTm7P2L&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

Pattiobear
Apologies, I have a question. Does the droid RAZR need to be rooted in order for this to work? I am trying to power a wireless Xbox 360 receiver which needs, as per the tag 5v and 500mA. I have tried different chargers some high some low. However, only the phone reacts as it begins to charge, nothing else powers.

Here is what I purchased http://amzn.com/B00CXAC1ZW