Looking Used Android Phones

[dakkottadavviss]

So I am looking for a few used android phones to use on T-Mobile. A few things I am looking for is 4G capable, Android Jelly Bean or ICS, and around $150 used. A few phones I have found are LG Optimus L9 & Samsung Exhibit 4G. Any other suggestions?

 

[RumoredNow]

By 4G do you mean true 4G or LTE??? Hard to find at $150 or below, even used.

Or could it mean "Faux G" as H+ is sometimes called? The 3G to H+ split starts at about 14 mbps and true H+ tops out at 42 mbps download.

With T-Mo you have to be aware that they use 1700 MHz as their H+ carrier frequency in much of the US. A lot of GSM (SIM based) phones in the US don't have that frequency as T-Mo is really the only one using it. It gets put on the T-Mo branded variations and some factory unlocked phones. However, T-Mobile is switching H+ off of 1700 and over to the more commonly included 1900 MHz band. That way they make room to run their LTE on 1700... Here's a map of the conversion. Sightings of T-Mobile 3G/4G/HSPA+ coverage on 1900MHz (PCS/UMTS band II)

If you are in one of the converted areas, you will get H+ (pretty fast on T-Mo) speeds even if your phone lacks the 1700 MHz band on the radio. If you don't have 1700 on board and you are outside those converted areas, all you will get is EDGE or 2G data speeds and it stinks like a crawling snail. Even in the converted areas there are pockets where the H+ on 1900 doesn't reach.

IMHO, the biggest factor for you is making sure whatever phone you get has 1700 MHz on the comm board. If it isn't T-Mo branded check the specs to be sure and ask the seller if it is carrier unlocked...

 

[tube517]

HTC Amaze is a great phone for that price range. Good camera, too. I get blazing fast HSPA+42 speeds on it.

 

[Hiberny]

I second the Amaze 4G. The battery life is the only downside. I bought an extended battery on eBay for $10. The original battery was pathetic and the extended is acceptable, but still not great.