# Tell me about buying a phone from someplace other than my service provider **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 11, 2013, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979 "2013-02-11T15:47:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2014, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979/21 "2014-11-18T23:40:50Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > I need a replacement, but the Nexus 6 is $650 (!) and out of stock anyway. Suggestions? The newest (2014 edition) Moto G. It runs near-enough stock Android, Google owned Motorola when it was developed, and it’s about a third of the price of a Nexus 6, and more in the large phone format. The Nexus 6 is huge. The Moto G already has Android 5.0 rolling out, and should be great for further upgrades. ---
**Author:** ![RickG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rickg/32/5174_2.png) [@RickG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickG)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2014, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979/22 "2014-11-18T23:58:54Z")
After a few years of buying old electronics [Gazelle](http://buy.gazelle.com/) is now selling the used stuff they bought. I’ve sold a couple of things to them, and they are very, very easy to deal with. Last year’s iPhone 5S (my college-student daughter has one and loves it) starts around $350; Galaxy S4 starts about $260. BTW, I know the thread is old, but I wanted to put in 2 cents. We recently switched to the unsubsidized phone plan on AT&T. I like this model much better, because, in reality, the phone was _never_ subsidized. You paid the full cost of the phone in higher service fees within 18 months. The extra six months of your contract was gravy for the carrier. On top of that, they never dropped the price if you just kept using the phone after the 2-year contract was up, which was even more money for them. My family tends to keep phones for 3 years or more (I just replaced my iPhone 4S with a 6 Plus, so 3 years exactly), so our new plan will save us at least $450 per phone over the life of each phone. On the other hand, paying full price is a bit shocking to the cash flow. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![urban1a](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e47c2d/32.png) [@urban1a](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/urban1a)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2014, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979/23 "2014-11-19T03:27:24Z")
I believe that Google is still selling the Nexus 5 and it is about 400.00, but I recently bought one on eBay for 245.00 and took it to t-mobile and it works find. It might not be important to you, but all unlocked Nexus devices receive the latest Android updates immediately (or so). Unlocked phones are those off contract from any carrier (although you may need to ask the carrier to unlock it, but they are required to do so). Bob ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2014, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979/24 "2014-11-19T16:02:32Z")
> [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](#): > > Get a [OnePlus One.](https://oneplus.net/one) That phone looks amazing, but I dunno where to get an invite. Plus, it looks like they only accept PayPal? > [@Baron\_Greenback](#): > > The newest (2014 edition) Moto G. It runs near-enough stock Android, Google owned Motorola when it was developed, and it’s about a third of the price of a Nexus 6, and more in the large phone format. The Nexus 6 is huge. The Moto G already has Android 5.0 rolling out, and should be great for further upgrades. It’s a fantastic price, but the Moto G is actually _less_ capable than my current phone. > [@RickG](#): > > After a few years of buying old electronics [Gazelle](http://buy.gazelle.com/) is now selling the used stuff they bought. I’ve sold a couple of things to them, and they are very, very easy to deal with. Last year’s iPhone 5S (my college-student daughter has one and loves it) starts around $350; Galaxy S4 starts about $260. I had a look but they basically only have iPhones and old Galaxies. > [@urban1a](#): > > I believe that Google is still selling the Nexus 5 and it is about 400.00, but I recently bought one on eBay for 245.00 and took it to t-mobile and it works find. I’m trying to avoid buying used, at least from sellers that don’t offer a warranty. Otherwise a used N5 would be at the top of my list. ---
**Author:** ![It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/it_s_not_rocket_surgery/32/312_2.png) [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979/25 "2014-11-28T18:29:08Z")
In case you (or anyone reading) didn’t yet get a phone (and don’t mind using PayPal), the [OnePlus One is available today](https://oneplus.net/) (Black Friday) without an invite. ---
**Author:** ![susanlinda823](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@susanlinda823](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susanlinda823)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979/26 "2014-11-28T19:40:42Z")
I would go check out a best buy, futrueshop…I always got mine from there for under $100 ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979/27 "2014-11-28T19:51:41Z")
You can get a Nokia Windows smartphone for the T mobile network from $49 without a contract. I personally use the cheapest Lumia 521. It is a great phone for the price. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979/28 "2014-11-28T21:29:44Z")
> [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](#): > > In case you (or anyone reading) didn’t yet get a phone (and don’t mind using PayPal), the [OnePlus One is available today](https://oneplus.net/) (Black Friday) without an invite. Argh. I want one and it’s a great price but I’m never using PayPal again. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979/29 "2014-11-28T21:57:01Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > That phone looks amazing, but I dunno where to get an invite. Plus, it looks like they only accept PayPal? > > It’s a fantastic price, but the Moto G is actually _less_ capable than my current phone. > > I had a look but they basically only have iPhones and old Galaxies. > > I’m trying to avoid buying used, at least from sellers that don’t offer a warranty. Otherwise a used N5 would be at the top of my list. It’s tough when you haven’t really specified a price range or any needs/wants, really. If the Moto G is too “budget” for you, have you looked at the [Moto X](http://www.wired.com/2013/08/inside-story-of-moto-x/)? (article that will probably make you want one) Whatever you get, I’d highly recommend making sure that it supports 4G \*\*LTE. \*\*But if you provide more details, maybe we can narrow it down. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979/30 "2014-11-28T22:24:38Z")
Fair enough. Basically I just want something a bit more capable than my Nexus 4. I want a fast processor, a big screen, and an (micro) SD card slot. And a low off-contract price. That’s it, really. The Moto X is great, but too expensive off-contract. ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979/31 "2014-11-28T23:18:02Z")
Look at this [URL=“[http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en\_US/pdp/T-Mobile---Nokia-Lumia-635-White---No-Contract/productID.304223100](http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/T-Mobile---Nokia-Lumia-635-White---No-Contract/productID.304223100)”] ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979/32 "2014-11-28T23:19:31Z")
How much is an LG G3 in your neck of the woods? ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2014, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979/33 "2014-11-28T23:54:42Z")
adding the missing link: [http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en\_US/pdp/T-Mobile---Nokia-Lumia-635-White---No-Contract/productID.304223100](http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/T-Mobile---Nokia-Lumia-635-White---No-Contract/productID.304223100) ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2014, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979/34 "2014-12-22T00:45:20Z")
Ended up biting the bullet and getting a Nexus 6. T-Mobile allows installment payments on “same as cash” terms, so it’s basically just a $20 hike in my monthly bill. ---
**Author:** ![brendon\_small](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brendon_small/32/17101_2.png) [@brendon\_small](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brendon_small)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2014, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979/35 "2014-12-22T05:39:44Z")
Not a bad way to go - spreading it out over the contract makes it a little less of a big hit so it seems good. We’re actually on year 4 or so of only buying used/ebay other than my wife’s newest phone. She happened upon a galaxy s5 that a girl couldn’t use when she switched from her boyfriend’s plan back to her parent’s - met her after work and got it for a pretty decent price… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-buying-a-phone-from-someplace-other-than-my-service-provider/649979.md?page=1)