Need a cheap cell phone

November 8, 2012 9:31 PM

Shopping for a cell phone - new unlocked GSM or t-mobile android smart phone, good camera (at least 5 MP), respectable battery life and under $200 without a plan (ebay ok). Any recommendations?
posted by roaring beast to Shopping (5 answers total)

You're not going to find any good new off contract phones for under $200. You may be able to find a decent used one for around there. I would go with a used Galaxy S2.

But if you can shell out the extra $100, get the Nexus 4.
posted by wongcorgi at 9:58 PM on November 8, 2012 [3 favorites]

Yep, the Nexus 4 is going to be so much better than any used phone you get off eBay, stretch and pony up the extra $100 for it.
posted by kindall at 10:11 PM on November 8, 2012 [1 favorite]

I think that "new" is going to be your downfall here. If you'll accept "mint" or "excellent" condition used phones, though, you have some options. Wongcorgi's suggestion of the Galaxy S2 is a good one, and I just bought a (used) HTC Sensation that I'm very pleased with. The HTC Amaze is a step down from the Sensation, but still in that price range, and still a good phone. All three of those can be had used from $175-$250, depending on condition, etc.
posted by MeghanC at 10:13 PM on November 8, 2012 [2 favorites]

I just bought an unlocked HTC Sensation 4G for T-Mobile off eBay for $150, certified working by a reputable cell dealer with a 30-day return policy, and it's flawless even though they listed its condition as fair.
posted by hypersloth at 11:00 AM on November 9, 2012

Sensation 4g for the win. The HTC Amaze is a small step *up*. I'm using the Amaze now and previously had a Sensation 4g. Both are great phones.
posted by elmonobonobo at 2:29 PM on November 9, 2012