Help Looking for a good budget phone around $200

[tendoboy1984]

My Blu Life One X's screen shattered and I need a replacement device. I can't decide between the Zenfone 2 Laser or the Honor 5X. Both are $200 on Amazon. The Laser has 3GB RAM/32GB storage, the Honor 5X has 2GB RAM/16GB storage. Both support 128GB SD cards.

Which is the better buy? I don't care about the whole "plastic vs metal" debate, I just want a good budget phone that works well. Both Honor and Asus have been good with software updates and bug fixes.

 

[KOLIO]

Which phone is most compatible w/your service provider?
http://willmyphonework.net/
I've had the OG ASUS ZenFone2 & it was a nice phone,but,it lacks Band 12 support,as does the ZenFone Laser,for T-Mobile.
If you're on AT&T or,one of the MVNO's that use their network,I'd say either one is a fine choice,with a slight nod to the ASUS model..................

 

[tendoboy1984]

Which phone is most compatible w/your service provider?
http://willmyphonework.net/
I've had the OG ASUS ZenFone2 & it was a nice phone,but,it lacks Band 12 support,as does the ZenFone Laser,for T-Mobile.
If you're on AT&T or,one of the MVNO's that use their network,I'd say either one is a fine choice,with a slight nod to the ASUS model..................

I use T-Mobile. I don't care what band it uses as long as it works on T-Mobile.

 

[KOLIO]

I use T-Mobile. I don't care what band it uses as long as it works on T-Mobile.

I'm no expert,but,I'd choose the phone with both Band 12 & Band 4.

Here's a good explanation as to why:
https://www.reddit.com/r/tmobile/comments/3zgcvy/band_12_lte_vs_band_4_hspa_building_penetration/

Your situation may not require very much data coverage,just to fill in the gaps when WI-FI isn't available,IDK.

For myself,I wish I had Band 12:
I could give Time Warner's internet service the one-finger salute,as I'm on a grandfathered unlimited plan with 14GB of free tethering per month,which would be more than enough for me.
But,as it is now,I'm on Band4 only & utilizing a signal booster at the house,which is dependent on home WI-FI/internet service................