Probably best to stick with a phone that is affordable to pay with cash.
I'd like to have an S-3, S-4, or even a Mega but a $400+ phone is beyond my budget or at least it's not a good bang for my buck phone.
Those devices are more like a luxury item. Do I really need one?
I got my LG Spirit from Wirefly for $229 delivered, then cashed in on the $70 MIR
I have a grandfathered $30 per month promo plan (Same as the current $40 per month plan)
Some people want the biggest and the best, the latest and the greatest, and that's how they get in over their head financially.
I just use Credit Cards for emergencies nowadays.
If I can't afford to pay cash for something, I don't buy it, or I save money until I can.