What's the cheapest Android phone?

[stripey]

I want an Android phone but don't wanna shell out big bucks. I keep seeing commercials for the Boost Android phone, but is it the same thing as like, a Samsung Galaxy S? Should I even bother getting this phone? Will the data plan be expensive? Can I get apps?

[Guest Jacques Cubbie]

I think it's important to pay attention which version of android it runs before buying. There's 1.6, 2.4 3.0 etc. Huge difference!

[Jack]

The one you saw on Tv was probably the Samsung Prevail. It has Android 2.2 Froyo which is decent. Not sure if you can upgrade it or not. It's like $180 w/out a contract.

I think with AT&T prepaid phones, you HAVE to buy a data plan if you have a smartphone. I'm not 100% sure on that. It does say on the AT&T website that for GoPhones you can get the following pricing:

$.01 for 5KB (not available for smartphone plans)$5 for 10 MB$15 for 100 MB$25 for 500 MB

I think boost mobile has $50 unlimited data/voice for the Samsung Galaxy Prevail. You'll pay $180 for the phone upfront.

You can also get prepaid android phones on Amazon. Check this one out--it has Android 2.2 Froyo as well:

LG Thrive Prepaid Android GoPhone (AT&T)List Price: $199.99Price: $149.99 Free ShippingYou Save: $50.00 (25%)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W83SWI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=uncbwibl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B004W83SWI

[fragglerawk]

The one you saw on Tv was probably the Samsung Prevail. It has Android 2.2 Froyo which is decent. Not sure if you can upgrade it or not. It's like $180 w/out a contract.

I think with AT&T prepaid phones, you HAVE to buy a data plan if you have a smartphone. I'm not 100% sure on that. It does say on the AT&T website that for GoPhones you can get the following pricing:

$.01 for 5KB (not available for smartphone plans)$5 for 10 MB$15 for 100 MB$25 for 500 MB

I think boost mobile has $50 unlimited data/voice for the Samsung Galaxy Prevail. You'll pay $180 for the phone upfront.

You can also get prepaid android phones on Amazon. Check this one out--it has Android 2.2 Froyo as well:

LG Thrive Prepaid Android GoPhone (AT&T)List Price: $199.99Price: $149.99 Free ShippingYou Save: $50.00 (25%)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W83SWI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=uncbwibl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B004W83SWI

 

More info about that phone:

3.2 MP camera with 4x zoomMemory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GBAndroid 2.2 operating systemMobile Email with Gmail, POP3/IMAP, and MS Exchange supportSize (LWH): 4.29 inches, 2.32 inches, 0.47 inchesWeight: 3.2 ouncesNetwork Compatibility: GSMPhone Book Capacity: 100 EntriesMinimum Rated Talk Time: 450 minutesMinimum Rated Standby Time: 480 hoursBattery Type: Lithium Ion

[fragglerawk]

The one you saw on Tv was probably the Samsung Prevail. It has Android 2.2 Froyo which is decent. Not sure if you can upgrade it or not. It's like $180 w/out a contract.

I think with AT&T prepaid phones, you HAVE to buy a data plan if you have a smartphone. I'm not 100% sure on that. It does say on the AT&T website that for GoPhones you can get the following pricing:

$.01 for 5KB (not available for smartphone plans)$5 for 10 MB$15 for 100 MB$25 for 500 MB

I think boost mobile has $50 unlimited data/voice for the Samsung Galaxy Prevail. You'll pay $180 for the phone upfront.

You can also get prepaid android phones on Amazon. Check this one out--it has Android 2.2 Froyo as well:

LG Thrive Prepaid Android GoPhone (AT&T)List Price: $199.99Price: $149.99 Free ShippingYou Save: $50.00 (25%)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W83SWI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=uncbwibl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B004W83SWI

 

aLSO i THINK you can use an AT&T sim card in this phone like i fyou had an i phone you could just take out your sim card and put it in this android phone and use it like normal

[shockersh]

You should also ask yourself why you are looking for the "cheapest" phone on the market.... Do you want a "cheap" phone or an "inexpensive" phone. there is a difference....

[fragglerawk]

You can get the Samsung Captivate for one cent (i.e. a FREE Android phone) from Amazon.com but you have to get an AT&T contract

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TLMQG8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=uncbwibl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B003TLMQG8

Samsung Captivate Android Phone (AT&T)Samsung Captivate Android Phone (AT&T)

[Jack]

You should also ask yourself why you are looking for the "cheapest" phone on the market.... Do you want a "cheap" phone or an "inexpensive" phone. there is a difference....

 

That's really good advice--dont' focus on what you're paying, focus on HOW GOOD A phone you're getting. I bet you might be able to get a good deal from your carrier or you can wait for a promotion. Also, don't be afriad to look at older phones that stand the test of time. grooveDex has an Epic 4g from 9/2010 I think, and it's still a very good phone and now on sale for like $29.99 in some places.

http://www.groovypost.com/howto/geek-stuff/the-beginning-of-a-love-story-samsung-epic/

[stripey]

The one you saw on Tv was probably the Samsung Prevail. It has Android 2.2 Froyo which is decent. Not sure if you can upgrade it or not. It's like $180 w/out a contract.

I think with AT&T prepaid phones, you HAVE to buy a data plan if you have a smartphone. I'm not 100% sure on that. It does say on the AT&T website that for GoPhones you can get the following pricing:

$.01 for 5KB (not available for smartphone plans)$5 for 10 MB$15 for 100 MB$25 for 500 MB

I think boost mobile has $50 unlimited data/voice for the Samsung Galaxy Prevail. You'll pay $180 for the phone upfront.

You can also get prepaid android phones on Amazon. Check this one out--it has Android 2.2 Froyo as well:

LG Thrive Prepaid Android GoPhone (AT&T)List Price: $199.99Price: $149.99 Free ShippingYou Save: $50.00 (25%)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W83SWI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=uncbwibl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B004W83SWI

 

Ugh that ends up being almost as much as just getting a regular smartphone contract. I guess you guys are right. It's probably not a good idea to be a cheapskate