thinking of switching to android

[nukeq7]

hello all,
i am new to the forum so please excuse me if i posted in the wrong area.
i have been using blackberry for years and i am at a point where i want to switch to something new. my provider is tmobile usa. i am undecided to which OS to switch to. android, ios or windows phone. i would like to try out an android phone before i go ahead and lock into a 2 year contract. could someone suggest a place where i can get a decent contract free android phone. my budget is up to 200$. thanks in advance for any help.

 

[LNMoton]

Check out Virgin Mobile. They have 4 androids that are under $200 for no contract. I currently use Optimus V. It is a great phone. Also you can check out Boost Mobile. They have 2 androids from under $200.

http://virginmobileusa.com/

 

[Crashdamage]

Since your provider is T-Mobile go to them so you get a phone compatible with their 3G-4G data service. They have a pretty good choice of phones. Play with some in the store.

If you want a longer trial without committing to a new contract or paying full price for a new phone get a T-Mobile compatible unit used from EBAY or something. Just resell it if it doesn't work for you or you decide to get a newer, better phone. Or keep it for a spare.

 

[nukeq7]

Check out Virgin Mobile. They have 4 androids that are under $200 for no contract. I currently use Optimus V. It is a great phone. Also you can check out Boost Mobile. They have 2 androids from under $200.

http://virginmobileusa.com/

thanks for your reply,
i was looking to get a phone to use on my existing tmobile account. i will look into virgin and boost.

 

[nukeq7]

Since your provider is T-Mobile go to them so you get a phone compatible with their 3G-4G data service. They have a pretty good choice of phones. Play with some in the store.

If you want a longer trial without committing to a new contract or paying full price for a new phone get a T-Mobile compatible unit used from EBAY or something. Resell it if it doesn't work for you.

thank you for your reply, i will look into ebay, is there a certain decent phone you recommend?
exactly right, i want a little longer trial before i commit,
i am currently testing out an ios device and i like it even though its on edge
but i also want to try out android and windows.
thanks for all the help

 

[jerofld]

T-Mo has some pre-paid options that are lower than $200.

Prepaid Cell Phones | Prepaid Blackberry & Android Phones | T-mobile

Don't expect top of the line performance out of them, but you'll get the jist of the OS.

 

[AndroidAdvntge]

I recommend the Galaxy S 2, if you are looking into a long term phone after you decide to stick with Android.

For a cheap tester, you can even check out craigslist for some cracked screen working ones if you just want to get a feel for what it is like.

 

[lilotimz]

And remember, these androids are typically the mid range and lower end of the spectrum compared to other androids. It might taint your taste of android in general if you're dissatisfied with the lack or performance these android options that come with pre paid plans...

If you could upgrade, grab yourself a T-mobile Galaxy S2 or HTC Amaze 4g and you'll really experience android to it's fullest and determine if it's right for you. Should be a tad cheaper than the new $200 contract price since you're upgrading your account...

 

[nukeq7]

T-Mo has some pre-paid options that are lower than $200.

Prepaid Cell Phones | Prepaid Blackberry & Android Phones | T-mobile

Don't expect top of the line performance out of them, but you'll get the jist of the OS.

thank you for the link,
i will look into these pre-paid phones

 

[nukeq7]

I recommend the Galaxy S 2, if you are looking into a long term phone after you decide to stick with Android.

For a cheap tester, you can even check out craigslist for some cracked screen working ones if you just want to get a feel for what it is like.

thank you for your reply,
i will also check on craigslist

 

[nukeq7]

And remember, these androids are typically the mid range and lower end of the spectrum compared to other androids. It might taint your taste of android in general if you're dissatisfied with the lack or performance these android options that come with pre paid plans...

If you could upgrade, grab yourself a T-mobile Galaxy S2 or HTC Amaze 4g and you'll really experience android to it's fullest and determine if it's right for you. Should be a tad cheaper than the new $200 contract price since you're upgrading your account...

thank you for your reply,
i have been doing a lot of reading on android phones and came to a conclusion that samsung galaxy S2 is the way to go
i will check with tmobile to see what their return policy is on new phones. i wonder if i can return it if i'm not happy with it.
thank you all on your great suggestions

 

[AndroidAdvntge]

You are welcome.