smart phones

[peterr]

Hello Fore note; My firmware is the oldest on the planet earth.
This is my situation. I have 2 Galaxy S 5's with one activated via Verizon, the other on a shelf and both are Samsung. I have an extra battery and charger.
I use very little data and have 2 GB's
My wife has a little T-Mobile Prism prepaid, no data and the $10. is due 6-2-16.
I have lollipop not marshmallow and it is only rumored that Verizon will upgrade it in June.
I ideally would like the LG V 10, 32 GB's , 4 GB ram, and at least a GB data with expansion. I would like it unlocked. I was told GSM is better than CDMA but Verizon is CDMA. I have removable batteries as does the LG V 10. That's important.
I have options that are so confusing. Sprint and Verizon give two for one but not sure if it is the one I described.
I could also add Verizon to my account for my wife. it would mean altering the plan and paying to activate that 2nd Galaxy. Fine if the marshmallow occurs.
Sprint seems to give a lot more for the dollar than Verizon but I have heard it is not as good as far as connectivity is concerned.
I think Sprint had all for about $85 versus Verizon $108.
I have a contract with Verizon which they are willing to let me upgrade and the other carriers are willing to buy them out. I think my Galaxies are unlocked.
T-Mobile is generous also but their coverage, drop off reputation is dubious.
We are elderly and retired but I am fairly techy as it is my hobby. Our budget could tolerate about $100 a month, + or -.
Then there are Windows phones with Windows 10 which would be compatible with my computers' operating systems. Although, I have heard Android cannot be beaten for security etc.
I am not an Apple fan nor Blackberry.
I think I have given enough information to help someone who is knowledgeable to help me decide if they are so inclined. I am a bit handicapped so getting around is a bit of an issue.There is nothing like face to face for a fair deal.
So, could you please offer an opinion that might help me sort through this confusion?
TY
Peter

 

[Bill M.]

Peter, I am not a phone deal expert. VZ just recently upgraded my phone to Marshmallow, I don't see any real difference. The couple of changes I do see are cosmetic only. I have a good friend who is very tech savvy recently dumped VZ for no-contract T-mo and seems happy with the cost and the coverage. There is no best answer IMO.
I keep VZ not for the cost but in rural areas like mine it's the only real game in town.

 

[peterr]

I think the upgrade would help with the old firmware issue. I am not expert either but i was told that. It never seems to get here.
Yes, I agree contracts are out.
I wonder about T-Mobile's ability to connect?? I don't have that many to ask.
T- Mobile is most generous but I wounder about the old, "Get what you pay for". They are catching up but now , I wonder.
Sprint seems to be a happy medium and is also fairly generous.
Altho humorous, I felt uneasy that my phone has the lowest firmware on the planet.
Thank you for replying and i will keep digging.

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

Walmart has an excellent plan that is actually through T-Mobile.
You may want to check that out. It's also a no contract plan that you pay for monthly.

 

[peterr]

T-Mobile's coverage reports to be iffy.
I will look in to it and thank you.
First I am going to Sprint as they are one of the big 4 I actually got the most information out of and they are 5 minutes away.
You know, i just thought I might poll friends in my address book.

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

Let us know how you fare, Peterr.

 

[peterr]

 

[Nebulous]

t-mobile works excellent in my area. Sometimes when I leave town it might let me down. But I suppose that could be said about any network.

 

[peterr]

I actually chose Verizon b/c it was the easiest at this time because my phone is under contract until 1-17. This influenced my thinking. My wife has my 2nd Galaxy which was stolen and returned. So we each have the same phone. We share 1 GB data and free T+T for $100.
We can get 2 more GB for $15 if necessary but I use only about 150 MB a month.
I will definitely reevaluate in 17.
For now all seems ok.

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

That's quite a bit higher than T-Mobile but if you are under contract I can see why you would stay with Verizon.
I have two lines with T-Mobile with unlimited text and talk and 4 GB's of data. ($97.00 monthly)
After the 4 GB's are used up, T- Mobile doesn't charge extra but they do throttle your data upload/download.

 

[peterr]

Yes because I was under contract I had little wiggle room.
By the way, because I will not be under contract in January my monthly fee will be $30 less, $70 would be reasonable for reliable service.

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

Yes, I agree. That is a much better price.

 

[AWS]

I'm also T-Mobile customer. I would recommend them to anyone. Price is lowest with best service I've ever had.

 

[peterr]

I am glad to hear that so I can reevaluate when the contract expires.

 

[Nebulous]

MetroPCS (which is owned by T-mobile) is a great option too. You get the same network and less of a monthly charge.

Cricket is owned by ATT and they are good too.

 

[peterr]

I had no idea about these ownerships. It is interesting to know this and also likely profitable for customers.

 

[IceMan37]

I switched from Verizon about 6 years ago and went with T-Mobile and never looked back. Very good service.

 

[peterr]

I am contracted until 1-6-17 so will reevaluate then. My wife does no have a contract.The more solid competition the better.

 

[Nebulous]

I had no idea about these ownerships. It is interesting to know this and also likely profitable for customers.

The customers don't profit but the might save a little money on their wireless bill.

 

[peterr]