New Phones for under $500. gimme deets

[IUTSM]

Alright. So google is cutting service updates for the former flagship Pixel 3 that I paid $600 for in 2019. Pixel 3 was a good phone. Never freezes, touchscreen always works, and the camera is quite excellent. But I'm not buying another expensive phone that's going to be cut off in 3 years... Prior to this I had an iPhone 5 that also got cut off from updates and another budget Samsung android that did the trick until I broke it. Otherwise, I've been a brick phone dude.

So, what's y'alls phone opinions and experiences? A buddy who has been a phone salesperson for the better part of a decade says the midrange Motorola phones, like Moto G6 is excellent for the money.

What are y'all's experiences with phones?

[logjammin]

I'm a picky phone nerd just like board set-ups. Best phone ever made was the 2016 iPhone SE, perfect size (I like small "compact" phones). I have one but on the latest iOS 15.3 it's so bad, battery drains 30% in an hour even with a brand new battery.

The Moto G *2020 version* is pretty solid with a huge battery but the camera specs kinda suck and it's clunky and too big for my liking. I miss the Moto actions though, chop chop for the flashlight and wrist twist for camera. I settled on the Google Pixel 4a last year and it's actually fuckin amazing. Something they do with the software optimizes the battery and it lasts me a whole day of heavy use, and it comes with a fast charger so it goes from nearly 0%-80% in like 30min. It's smooth and takes better photos than my gf's iphone 13.

I'd say those two are the best you'll get in the "midrange" price point for phones that will still get security updates for years to come and check all the right boxes in terms of battery and performance. Otherwise, the rest of the market is just oversaturated with Androids that are laggy and phablet sized bricks with bloatware and manufacturer "skins" over the otherwise pleasant stock Android experience.

[Mean salto]

I'm not the best guy for advice on any tech stuff but I always just get my phone's from the checkout at the supermarket.  I don't go cheapest but normally about $60-90 Aus. Usually last me about 2.5 years. I can call, text, look at slap, watch YouTube. I think the cameras ok but I'm the worst. It still never registers to me that I have a camera on my pocket and that I should take photos of things. Anyway point is cheap shit works too

[IUTSM]

I'm a picky phone nerd just like board set-ups. Best phone ever made was the 2016 iPhone SE, perfect size (I like small "compact" phones). I have one but on the latest iOS 15.3 it's so bad, battery drains 30% in an hour even with a brand new battery.

The Moto G *2020 version* is pretty solid with a huge battery but the camera specs kinda suck and it's clunky and too big for my liking. I miss the Moto actions though, chop chop for the flashlight and wrist twist for camera. I settled on the Google Pixel 4a last year and it's actually fuckin amazing. Something they do with the software optimizes the battery and it lasts me a whole day of heavy use, and it comes with a fast charger so it goes from nearly 0%-80% in like 30min. It's smooth and takes better photos than my gf's iphone 13.

I'd say those two are the best you'll get in the "midrange" price point for phones that will still get security updates for years to come and check all the right boxes in terms of battery and performance. Otherwise, the rest of the market is just oversaturated with Androids that are laggy and phablet sized bricks with bloatware and manufacturer "skins" over the otherwise pleasant stock Android experience.

my GF has a newer model iPhone SE and likes it. It's about the same size as my Pixel 3. iPhone is very easy to use.

Good to know about the size of the Moto G. I hate big phones.

Regarding Pixel 4a... I really liked most everything about the pixel 3. I had degoogled it, using GrapheneOS, rather than Google OS- which, while there was some clunky stuff going on, was pretty easy to deal with. Not sure that I wanna go the google route again though as they will most certainly cut updates in the too soon future.

I'm not the best guy for advice on any tech stuff but I always just get my phone's from the checkout at the supermarket.  I don't go cheapest but normally about $60-90 Aus. Usually last me about 2.5 years. I can call, text, look at slap, watch YouTube. I think the cameras ok but I'm the worst. It still never registers to me that I have a camera on my pocket and that I should take photos of things. Anyway point is cheap shit works too

Ive had 3 internet phones and the first was a cheapy. Longest lasting one I had

[beatifk]

New IPhone SE is supposed to come out in the next few months. I’m waiting on that. Hopefully it will be less than €500.

I’m still on my original SE but the battery drains so fast. I just use it less, which is perfectly fine with me but when I need to use it as a GPS it can be a little dicey if I’m going on a 3+ hour drive.

[ungzilla]

pixel 6 are not that expensive compared to iphone, but apple is more likely to support their shit for longer. i like pixels but share your bummitude regarding no more updates -- i gave my wife my old pixel 3 and shes still rocking it and it works fine. i'm on a pixel 5. the pixels are kinda sick -- android without a bunch of horseshit bloatware is great.

[JB]

How long ago did you get the pixel 3? I was going to suggest either the 5 or the 5a.

I've had the 4 almost two years and bought it for $500. It's a solid phone, I feel like it's held up fairly well. Still fast, doesn't freeze up or really have problems, and the camera is great. The only thing is my charging port is dirty and older charging cables are really touchy with it. Once in a while it will not be fully connected when I go to sleep and I'll wake up with almost no battery left.

[logjammin]

Expand Quote

I'm a picky phone nerd just like board set-ups. Best phone ever made was the 2016 iPhone SE, perfect size (I like small "compact" phones). I have one but on the latest iOS 15.3 it's so bad, battery drains 30% in an hour even with a brand new battery.

The Moto G *2020 version* is pretty solid with a huge battery but the camera specs kinda suck and it's clunky and too big for my liking. I miss the Moto actions though, chop chop for the flashlight and wrist twist for camera. I settled on the Google Pixel 4a last year and it's actually fuckin amazing. Something they do with the software optimizes the battery and it lasts me a whole day of heavy use, and it comes with a fast charger so it goes from nearly 0%-80% in like 30min. It's smooth and takes better photos than my gf's iphone 13.

I'd say those two are the best you'll get in the "midrange" price point for phones that will still get security updates for years to come and check all the right boxes in terms of battery and performance. Otherwise, the rest of the market is just oversaturated with Androids that are laggy and phablet sized bricks with bloatware and manufacturer "skins" over the otherwise pleasant stock Android experience.

[close]

my GF has a newer model iPhone SE and likes it. It's about the same size as my Pixel 3. iPhone is very easy to use.

Good to know about the size of the Moto G. I hate big phones.

Regarding Pixel 4a... I really liked most everything about the pixel 3. I had degoogled it, using GrapheneOS, rather than Google OS- which, while there was some clunky stuff going on, was pretty easy to deal with. Not sure that I wanna go the google route again though as they will most certainly cut updates in the too soon future.

Expand Quote

I'm not the best guy for advice on any tech stuff but I always just get my phone's from the checkout at the supermarket.  I don't go cheapest but normally about $60-90 Aus. Usually last me about 2.5 years. I can call, text, look at slap, watch YouTube. I think the cameras ok but I'm the worst. It still never registers to me that I have a camera on my pocket and that I should take photos of things. Anyway point is cheap shit works too

[close]

Ive had 3 internet phones and the first was a cheapy. Longest lasting one I had

I had the 2020 SE and thought it sucked, too big to fall under the "SE" name and a phone with a body made of glass is stupid, imo. Stick with the Pixel line then if it's working for you. The 5 is a hair bigger than the 4a, barely noticeable and will perform a little better, but you really can't go wrong with the 4a.

[Jean-Ralphio Zaperstein]

How long ago did you get the pixel 3? I was going to suggest either the 5 or the 5a.

I've had the 4 almost two years and bought it for $500. It's a solid phone, I feel like it's held up fairly well. Still fast, doesn't freeze up or really have problems, and the camera is great. The only thing is my charging port is dirty and older charging cables are really touchy with it. Once in a while it will not be fully connected when I go to sleep and I'll wake up with almost no battery left.

carefully scrub your charging port with a nice sharp exacto/craft knife blade, you should be able to get out a lot of dirt and solve your issue, I do it regularly on my samsung

[IUTSM]

How long ago did you get the pixel 3? I was going to suggest either the 5 or the 5a.

I've had the 4 almost two years and bought it for $500. It's a solid phone, I feel like it's held up fairly well. Still fast, doesn't freeze up or really have problems, and the camera is great. The only thing is my charging port is dirty and older charging cables are really touchy with it. Once in a while it will not be fully connected when I go to sleep and I'll wake up with almost no battery left.

pixel 3 in earl 2019. probably right around now actually. It's been a great phone, google is however, no longer updating this model at this point in time

[igrindtwinkies]

I had a Moto G7 and loved it.  The camera sucks, but other than that it was perfectly fine for a phone I paid like 80 bucks for. I can't stand the smartphone racket.  Until I can expect to get 4+ years out of a phone, I will never spend more than $200 on a phone again.

[GauchoAmigo]

iPhone SE 2nd generation is $400 USD, screen size 4.7" compared to Pixel 3's 5.5"
I'm with you, I hate big phone screens.

[Quique]

I had a Moto G7 and loved it.  The camera sucks, but other than that it was perfectly fine for a phone I paid like 80 bucks for. I can't stand the smartphone racket.  Until I can expect to get 4+ years out of a phone, I will never spend more than $200 on a phone again.

I'm actually on a Moto G7 power right now, had it for almost 3 years. Mine is kinda banged up, still getting a day+ with a full charge, not as fast as new but ok for everyday use. Would recommend if you don't want to spend significant money

[iKobrakai]

Yeah, cell phones are stupid. Got One Plus for 120 bucks this summer. Don't have to stress over it, if it scrathes, whatever.

No idea how people pay 500+ for something this fragile.

[Síota]

I've got a moto e7i power, was 100 euro. It does everything I need and didn't bother with a case, dropped it heaps, fell on it heaps and still works like new. Battery lasts forever also. Only shitty thing I can't film in low light with out it being choppy as shit, could just be a setting but not fussed.

[Frank]

i have a oppo a53s. super cheap, should be around 150-200 dollars. best smartphone i ever had. zero problems. would recommend.

[Paul_Glider Skateboards]

Like everyone mentioned, the SE is great. Had the SE for a while (until i put it next to a humidifier and the screen got ruined) and it's honestly the best bang for your buck. SIL gave me her 11 and yes, its better, but not by 2x or whatever the price is

[tkp]

i use a lot of android and ios devices.

buying from a reputable seller on https://swappa.com/ should score you something for under $500 on the android or ios side.

i'd say just upgrade to a newer pixel if you like the pixel 3

if you're into switching away from android, apple does provide security updates a lot longer than 3 years:
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/supported-models-iphe3fa5df43/ios

[Sativa Lung]

I would get a pixel 5a if I were upgrading right now. That or one of the midrange oneplus sets. I've been using a oneplus 6t for over a year now and it's still like the day I got it which is really saying something. I typically go through multiple phones a year.

I will say whatever you settle on there's no way I'd buy a brand new one again. There's an army of housewives and teenagers out there who upgrade every 3 months and trade their "old" phones in so you can find a basically brand new example of whatever model with a warranty through amazon or eBay or any of the refurb and reseller sites for about 60-70% of the new price. If it shows up busted you just send it back and they send you a new one. Ive never had that happen though and overall I've had fewer issues with the used or refurb ones I've bought than the new ones.

[rocklobster]

Motorola gang pull up!!

I'm on the Motorola G100, traded in my Samsung S20 because the battery was dying way too fast on me. And the curved screen and glass back were bound to get wrecked by me, I'm always rough with my phones. My wife gave me grief for trading down to a mid-tier phone but I'm happy with my purchase.

Camera is secondary to me, a good battery life and clean user experience are the 2 big things for me. Motorola has done a good job at both, sometimes going with a lower end chip that saves battery life without compromising (noticeable) performance, and their take on Android is minimalistic.

OnePlus is another good option but availability in USA is sketchy, their Nord line is mid tier without too much compromises.

Alternatively, pick up last years flagship phone, either almost new or brand new. Retailers will try and offload old inventory for the new S22, so you can expect some savings there.

Just note that new phones:
1) tend to use more glass (curved front, back), which are prone to shattering if you use your phone roughly
2) don't come with expandable storage, you're 128gb is going to fill up quickly, so make sure you can stick a SD card in there
3) have in-screen fingerprint readers which are never as fast as a physical one, and if you're always skating or gripping decks your fingerprint wont get recognized
4) fast charging has become the norm but a charging brick is usually sold separately, get 1 and hop aboard the USB-C lifestyle

[beatifk]

I spoke too soon probably jinxed myself... I dropped my iphone SE last night and the screen is completely destroyed so I guess I will NOT be waiting until the new SE comes out.

I'm buying a Samsung a03s tonight unless someone has some good reason not too. It's €140. It's the newest/cheapest phone available at the store close to me.

[Sativa Lung]

I spoke too soon probably jinxed myself... I dropped my iphone SE last night and the screen is completely destroyed so I guess I will NOT be waiting until the new SE comes out.

I'm buying a Samsung a03s tonight unless someone has some good reason not too. It's €140. It's the newest/cheapest phone available at the store close to me.

Honestly if budget is even remotely a concern I'd stay with android. You can get much more bang for your buck. I'm not familiar with that exact model but Samsung's entry-mid range sets tend to be solid performance wise but sometimes skimp on materials, so you'll want to invest in a solid screen protector and case. I've owned more Samsungs than anything else but haven't bought a flagship since the s3 and they've been pretty good for the most part. I've never felt ripped off but I've never felt like I got an absolute steal either.

[ok boomer]

I am phone stupid (by choice - I'm not really into technology). I have a Samsung Galaxy A71 that I got for joining T-Mobile. $300. I don't really do suit on phones besides YouTube and ignoring texts and calls. But for $300 versus my wife's $1000 iPhone that seems to never be charged, I feel like it's good

[Krishna3k]

this fucking thread is comedy !!!!!

[IUTSM]

I am phone stupid (by choice - I'm not really into technology). I have a Samsung Galaxy A71 that I got for joining T-Mobile. $300. I don't really do suit on phones besides YouTube and ignoring texts and calls. But for $300 versus my wife's $1000 iPhone that seems to never be charged, I feel like it's good

yeah brother. I stayed off the smart phone until 2016/17. kinda wish I stayed that way

[Frank]

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I am phone stupid (by choice - I'm not really into technology). I have a Samsung Galaxy A71 that I got for joining T-Mobile. $300. I don't really do suit on phones besides YouTube and ignoring texts and calls. But for $300 versus my wife's $1000 iPhone that seems to never be charged, I feel like it's good

[close]

yeah brother. I stayed off the smart phone until 2016/17. kinda wish I stayed that way

same. it sucks that it's required for so many things. i'm so bad at keeping up with all these chats and messages. and you probably know that i literally ignore whats app and everything until i can brace myself to check it. sometimes i need days off, and that always comes with problems. i like having apps, those can be fun to fuck around with or help you. but the being always accessible thing messes me up big time.

[IUTSM]

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I am phone stupid (by choice - I'm not really into technology). I have a Samsung Galaxy A71 that I got for joining T-Mobile. $300. I don't really do suit on phones besides YouTube and ignoring texts and calls. But for $300 versus my wife's $1000 iPhone that seems to never be charged, I feel like it's good

[close]

yeah brother. I stayed off the smart phone until 2016/17. kinda wish I stayed that way

[close]

same. it sucks that it's required for so many things. i'm so bad at keeping up with all these chats and messages. and you probably know that i literally ignore whats app and everything until i can brace myself to check it. sometimes i need days off, and that always comes with problems. i like having apps, those can be fun to fuck around with or help you. but the being always accessible thing messes me up big time.

for sure. I've got my messaging apps set up to silent/no notification except for a few people who I am always willing or need to be in contact with. I also don't run an social media apps.

When I decided to get an internet phone, I was traveling a lot and always needing to get bus tickets, plane tickets, check email for ride share, etc and hanging in the library all day wasn't really an option. so I got a smart phone hahahah

I will say that I did a year of successful online dating (still with the last girl I dated 7 years later) without a smart phone. it was def possible lololol

[rawr1922]

Alright. So google is cutting service updates for the former flagship Pixel 3

A few weeks ago, retired my Pixel 3 (great phone) then finally switched to Apple after decades of using androids. Best decision ever. Should have hopped off my droid high horse years ago. Majority of friends & family use iPhones. Always had a problem with group chats, sharing media, & when the media did go through horrible quality. Having an android major disadvantage while working through pre reqs at  community college. Everyone had Apple & they couldn’t share media with me. Main reason I switched , don’t want that problem again when I start school up soon. Also for the first time, can now play music in my car through my phone. Not sure why, cars stereo never recognized droids when I plugged in.

[rocklobster]

I'm an Android snob but Apple's policy and data privacy, letting you toggle which apps capture and send your data, has me reevaluating them.

I'm always rough with my phones and cracked my Samsung S20 screen within a year of use, $150 to replace the screen sucked. I like that Android has mid tier / mid tier plus phones for around $300-400, takes the sting off cracking my screen.

[igrindtwinkies]

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I am phone stupid (by choice - I'm not really into technology). I have a Samsung Galaxy A71 that I got for joining T-Mobile. $300. I don't really do suit on phones besides YouTube and ignoring texts and calls. But for $300 versus my wife's $1000 iPhone that seems to never be charged, I feel like it's good

[close]

yeah brother. I stayed off the smart phone until 2016/17. kinda wish I stayed that way

I turned in my dumbphone in mid-2018 and have been pretty underwhelmed by the smart phone world.  I didn't realize how many problems these things have.  Having to baby the battery to have it still kinda work after a year and a half.  It's purposely built so you can't just swap one out with a new one.  Phones losing support after 3 ish years.  My pixel 3 doesn't have a headphone jack and dongle's quit working on it.  Seems like alot of apps are all or nothing on notifications.  You can kinda customize notifications, but they'll conveniently not let you disable the annoying ones so you have to open the app twice a day.  They do about anything to make your phone "obsolete" and keep you buying a new phone every few years.  Certain apps need your location to work, turning that ability on adds another whole slew of annoyances.


The big thing that made me switch was alot of texts from iphone to dumbphone would show up as gibberish.  Emojis and shit would fuck the message up too.