Pls Recommend an NOS Device...

[stringrazor]

I need to get a new smartphone for my wife. Her previous basic phone died after the warranty expired but she's still locked into a Verizon contract until 3/2014. I have a Galaxy Nexus provided by my employer (also Vzw but on their corp plan). When my wife's phone died, I activated an old BB Storm II and now they're charging me for 2GB data but I can't use it. The phone was a setup for BIS and it's probably not even worth it to reconfigure, we just need to get something else. I won't pay the huge ticket for a new device retail so I'm looking at older NOS (new old stock) phones.

There's a dizzying array of decent-looking new or lightly used phones available on ebay for $75+. I'll pay up to $150 for something good. Problem is, I have no idea what devices are decent. Also, most are only Android 2.x. My Galaxy Nexus is 4.2.2 and Galaxy Tab 2 7" is 4.1.1.

So my questions are: 1) what's the minimum level of Android I should consider. My wife is no techie (OTOH, I'm an IT pro for 30+ years) so I'm just concerned about her ability to use a few apps that she might want to try (nav, garage sale maps, facebook, ebay, etc). 2) what older devices are decent and which ones should I avoid?

Her birthday is next week so I'l like to get something asap.

Thanks. If this is in the wrong thread to post this question, I apologize.

---- Gary ----

 

[TheLibertarian]

Minimum? Jelly Bean, hands down.

I would imagine last years flagships would still be around, the GS3 or HTC One X+?

 

[stringrazor]

I'm looking to spend $150 or so. GS3's look to be over $200 and I don't see the HTC One X+ for Verizon on ebay. Something a bit lower on the "ladder" perhaps.


Also, I've never bought a phone this way before. Will I have to buy a new SIM card? I see some sellers say the phones have no SIM.

 

[TheLibertarian]

Ahh I see, you're a device buying straight up, not using an upgrade?

I'd check Swappa first and foremost (http://swappa.com/devices/verizon?ref=mobilenations&data1=UUacUvbUpU2989651).

Heck, I'll bet you can find a Galaxy Nexus for about that price range.

 

[stringrazor]

hmmm, swappa looks interesting, thanks for that link. I just had another conversation with Verizon at at least we got the BB Storm II data side working (still need to get rid of it asap tho'...). The rep said they could sell a pre-owned LG Lucid w/ICS & 1 yr warranty for $170. that's $70+ more than the going prices on swappa but it may be worth it for the warranty and speed. If I go the swappa route, should I expect the device to come with a SIM card or will I have to get a new one?

 

[gone down south]

Verizon doesn't use Sim cards, you call and they activate the phone for you. Its VERY important that you check the IMEI # with Verizon before you buy a phone, if its been blacklisted for any reason (usually reported as lost or stolen, but also people walking away from a contract), its a brick.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[stringrazor]

Ok, thanks. The vzw rep said the same thing about checking MEID before buying a 3rd party phone. If the cost diff was small, I'd buy pre-owned through Vzw but they want almost double the going price.

So, which one of these for under $200 would you choose? Buy and sell Verizon > Swappa

 

[TheLibertarian]

Ok, thanks. The vzw rep said the same thing about checking MEID before buying a 3rd party phone. If the cost diff was small, I'd buy pre-owned through Vzw but they want almost double the going price.

So, which one of these for under $200 would you choose? Buy and sell Verizon > Swappa

This seems right up your alley:

http://swappa.com/listing/GXG002/view?ref=mobilenations&data1=UUacUvbUpU2989893

Always check the ESN before purchasing. Worth asking if the software has been modified (rooted, custom ROM, etc).

 

[stringrazor]

Really? That seems a bit steep and the battery life on mine is awful.