How do I replace a smartphone?
March 31, 2017 9:45 AM   Subscribe

I have an older Android phone that I want to replace with something newer (or perhaps another type of smartphone) on my current phone plan. I want to keep my existing plan with this provider. Can I buy a phone from someone else and get it linked to my existing Verizon account? Where should I look for a good phone without spending a lot of money? What are some smartphones I should be looking at for comparison? Thank you!
posted by GernBlandston to Technology (7 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
Just be sure it's a phone (CDMA) that works on the verizon network, everyone (almost) else is GSM. I search for "phone model verizon". In some instance you'll need to go into a verizon store for a SIM card, a free process. I like samsun galaxy, I have an old 3 but a 5 should be findable. Craigslist is good if you're ok with "vetting" the seller and good with saying no at the last minute.
posted by sammyo at 10:16 AM on March 31, 2017


Unless you know for sure that it's completely unlocked in their system, and wasn't formerly pre-paid, they will not be able to put the new phone on your account. They purposefully make it extremely difficult to switch without just buying a new one from them, on a permanent payment plan. I think iPhones are a lot easier to move. I bought a Galaxy S6 (CDMA) and tried to get Sprint to add it, and they could not do it.
posted by andrewzipp at 11:35 AM on March 31, 2017


Moto G4 is unlocked for most carriers. Available online or major stores like Best Buy. Around $200. I am happy with mine.
posted by typecloud at 12:12 PM on March 31, 2017


If you want to buy a used phone, there are marketplaces like Swappa that verify that the phone isn't attached to anyone's account. I have only sold, not bought, a phone on Swappa.

If you want to buy a phone through Verizon but are balking at the price, they'll split up the cost into monthly payments on your account (no interest). That's what I did when I got a new iPhone.

If you buy a phone outside your carrier, it's super easy to activate. My dad just bought an iPhone at the Apple Store (paid in full) and I called AT&T and activated it in about 10 minutes.
posted by radioamy at 1:17 PM on March 31, 2017


Relatively few manufacturers/brands have unlocked phones that have Verizon radios. But all you have to do with an unlocked phone is move your SIM card over, make sure Verizon registers the device (I did this online in my account) and sign into the Google account and set up your phone.

I don't like having Verizon bloatware, but I do like the signal coverage, so I now buy unlocked phones. The Moto G5 plus is a new release, way better specs than the G4 models. And they probably don't have the bluetooth problem of the G4. Not all Moto G4 phones were Verizon compatible. The new unocked Moto Z is not Verizon compatible

The highest spec'ed G5 plus is $300 new (or ~$250 if you have Amazon Prime and are willing to put up with Amazon's ads on the lock screen). I just bought one to replace a 2013 Moto X that is aging, though I haven't switched over yet. Reviews strongly suggest that the version with 4 gigs of RAM performs or will perform signifigantly better than the less expensive versions with only 2 gigs.

I also have a 2015 Moto X (last of the X models), bought to replace a 2013 Moto X that died. I like it well enough but it is kind of dated and wouldn't recommend it as it probably won't get any more updates.

You could also just order a carrier phone from Verizon or buy one in a store. If you pay outright, and move your SIM card over yourself, it should have no effect on your plan. Just know that if you do it in person, salespeople can mess things up. Also, IIRC, you can't use a Verizon pre-paid phone with a traditional Verizon plan.
posted by monopas at 3:16 PM on March 31, 2017


I've bought a couple phones from Ebay and a couple from Swappa. Prefer Swappa. Had a Galaxy S4 and upgraded a bit to a Note 4. Make sure the phone has had a factory restore,or you can do it. Switch out the Sim card and then follow the instructions. I was grandfathered into unlimited data through Verizon so I've spent quality time buying used phones so I wouldn't have to sign a new contract. However, my daughter got an IPhone from a friend and we had to get the Verizon folk to activate it for her since IPhones don't have sim cards. No problem doing that either.
posted by PJMoore at 9:49 PM on March 31, 2017


I had no problem activating a new iPhone SE on Verizion. My phone was bought through the Apple Store and does have a sim card. It also worked on T-Mobile. If you buy used, note the iPhone 5 no longer gets OS updates. I would assume that anything older than that won't get them either. I can't speak for 5S although you could probably Google it.
posted by kathrynm at 7:58 AM on April 1, 2017


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