Need advice on a good used phone for our son...

[cloudcover]

Hi there -

We're looking to buy a phone for our son (he's 12) and although I've done quite a lot of research, I could use some advice. Our carrier is T-Mobile and we're totally fine with buying a used phone. Otherwise our main criteria are (1) he doesn't want one that's too big -- maybe 5.1" max or so -- and would prefer something more like 4.7" if possible and (2) I want to make sure we get something that'll run all of the apps he wants pretty smoothly both now and for the near future (I realize tech changes rapidly). Oh, and in terms of budget, it'd be great to stay around $130-$150, but we could go up to maybe $180-190 if it made a big difference (the money is coming from his account so he's trying to be mindful of the expense). So bang-for-the buck would be a useful way for us to think about it.

He previously was using a hand-me-down Galaxy S3 and I was feeling like it was pretty slow and certain apps didn't work very well.

Some of the phones I was thinking about are the Galaxy S5 and Moto G (3rd Gen). But I'm sure there are others that aren't on my radar screen that might be as good if not better. Would love to get some advice.

Thanks!

 

[SactoKingsFan]

2015 Moto G is one of the better phones in that price range. I'd try to get a new phone if possible since the phone will have a warranty and be in new condition.

There's also the 4.7" Alcatel idol 3 ($150) which includes good JBL earbuds and has a very bright screen, decent camera, FM radio, microSD card slot, reversible UI and excellent front facing speakers. I have the 5.5" version and liked it so much that I used it as my daily driver over the LG G4 for about 6 months.

The Sony Xperia M4 Aqua is another good option. It's water resistant and has microSD slot, FM radio and 2 GB RAM. I've seen it on Amazon for under $200.

 

[SigKill]

You have looked BQ devices?
I think is a good option in relation price/quality

 

[zocster]

I'd have to say LG g3 used upwards or any of the Chinese android...

 

[Rumblee1]

Why does he need a phone at 12?

Posted via Android Central App

 

[cloudcover]

I considered the G3 (and it's actually the phone I use) but it's just too big for his taste. I'm not familiar with BQ...what is that? The 4.7" Idol 3 looks interesting but the Android Central review seems to suggest that the 2GB Moto G would be a better option -- and the prices aren't that different.

Oh, and he wants a phone because all the kids these days have them and we actually want him to have one so that we can text/IM about school pickup, etc.

 

[libra89]

I don't recommend the Sony M4 Aqua, there are too many reports of it overheating and the camera app shutting down because it overheats. Unless that has improved with an update, it's not worth the "hot plate" experience.

 

[anon(6038817)]

I second the Moto G 2015. Fantastic phone for the price and Motorola support is pretty good.

 

[cloudcover]

Thanks everyone. I ended up buying an unlocked Moto X (2013). It's the right size for him at 4.7" and seems to have good specs. The Moto G (2015) would probably have been my second choice. Thanks again for the helpful advice.