Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Questions on how we spend our money and our time - consumer goods and services, home and vehicle, leisure and recreational activities
nalor511
Posts: 5058
Joined: Mon Jul 27, 2015 1:00 am

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by nalor511 »

Vanguard User wrote: Sat Dec 18, 2021 3:16 pm
nalor511 wrote: Sat Dec 18, 2021 2:01 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Sat Dec 18, 2021 1:52 pm In everyone’s opinion here. Is VZ better than T-Mobile/ATT?
It depends on reception in your specific area. The only solution is to try both. Mint is the cheapest (TMO reception).
I checked Houston. It says T-Mobile over VZ on overall ratings.
Ratings mean squat. Test both. Super cheap via mvno. Buy a one day or one month prepaid plan from each and test them back to back, and you'll know. Or don't.
inbox788
Posts: 8372
Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2012 5:24 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by inbox788 »

nalor511 wrote: Sat Dec 18, 2021 3:38 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Sat Dec 18, 2021 3:16 pm
nalor511 wrote: Sat Dec 18, 2021 2:01 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Sat Dec 18, 2021 1:52 pm In everyone’s opinion here. Is VZ better than T-Mobile/ATT?
It depends on reception in your specific area. The only solution is to try both. Mint is the cheapest (TMO reception).
I checked Houston. It says T-Mobile over VZ on overall ratings.
Ratings mean squat. Test both. Super cheap via mvno. Buy a one day or one month prepaid plan from each and test them back to back, and you'll know. Or don't.
It? What is it?

YMMV

Here's a useless comparison.
Geographic Area Covered in Houston, Texas per mi2
Network Percentage Geographic Area Covered
AT&T 100.00% 850.31
Verizon 100.00% 850.31
T-Mobile 100.00% 850.31
Sprint 99.96% 850.31
Coverage data generated August 2019 from carrier maps
https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/G ... in-Houston

This may be closer to reality.
https://www.reviews.org/mobile/t-mobile ... one-plans/

Lost of unhappy reviews here.
http://www.cellreception.com/coverage/t ... page1.html
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

inbox788 wrote: Sun Dec 19, 2021 1:36 pm
nalor511 wrote: Sat Dec 18, 2021 3:38 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Sat Dec 18, 2021 3:16 pm
nalor511 wrote: Sat Dec 18, 2021 2:01 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Sat Dec 18, 2021 1:52 pm In everyone’s opinion here. Is VZ better than T-Mobile/ATT?
It depends on reception in your specific area. The only solution is to try both. Mint is the cheapest (TMO reception).
I checked Houston. It says T-Mobile over VZ on overall ratings.
Ratings mean squat. Test both. Super cheap via mvno. Buy a one day or one month prepaid plan from each and test them back to back, and you'll know. Or don't.
It? What is it?

YMMV

Here's a useless comparison.
Geographic Area Covered in Houston, Texas per mi2
Network Percentage Geographic Area Covered
AT&T 100.00% 850.31
Verizon 100.00% 850.31
T-Mobile 100.00% 850.31
Sprint 99.96% 850.31
Coverage data generated August 2019 from carrier maps
https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/G ... in-Houston

This may be closer to reality.
https://www.reviews.org/mobile/t-mobile ... one-plans/

Lost of unhappy reviews here.
http://www.cellreception.com/coverage/t ... page1.html
For Houston?
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

Visible is $40 a month. Unlimited data.
Mint Mobile at 10 GB is $20. This is all the data I need.

Also, I’ve had my iPhone 8 for 4 years now with no repair/maintenance cost but battery life shows 75% and drains fast, screen partially cracked. I don’t get big phones so for 5G my options are iPhone 13 and 12 mini. If I can get a good deal with cash back and trade in value. Maybe it’s a a good bargain to upgrade my phone?
inbox788
Posts: 8372
Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2012 5:24 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by inbox788 »

Vanguard User wrote: Sun Dec 19, 2021 1:47 pmFor Houston?
I couldn't figure out what source you're referring to when you were quoted as saying "It says T-Mobile over VZ on overall ratings."

Sorry, but I thought the best coverage and best reception comparison was Houston, but it turns out to be nationwide. The other two link are Houston, but they're not really helpful in answering your personal situation. Personal experiences of people near your home or work are probably the most helpful.
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

Mint Mobile has iPhone 13 mini OOO. Anyone know how often they them back?

Also, compared to iPhone 12 mini. Is it worth buying iPhone 12 mini compared to iPhone 13 mini?
Turbo29
Posts: 1047
Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:12 am

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Turbo29 »

Beensabu wrote: Wed Dec 15, 2021 7:06 pm Mint is the cheapest. But don't do it if you need reliable phone service (i.e. actually getting all your calls and being able to always make them).
My service from Mint works fine. However I think iPhone 8 may be missing the 600mhz band, which could be a problem outside of metro areas.
It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them. --M. Twain
tashnewbie
Posts: 4284
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2020 12:44 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by tashnewbie »

Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 2:41 pm Mint Mobile has iPhone 13 mini OOO. Anyone know how often they them back?

Also, compared to iPhone 12 mini. Is it worth buying iPhone 12 mini compared to iPhone 13 mini?
If you're going to get a new phone, I'd upgrade to the 13 series (mini, regular, etc.). UNLESS you get a really great deal on a 12 series.

Might be worth checking Visible for current deals. They seem to be giving gift card plus headphones with eligible phone purchases.
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

Turbo29 wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:13 pm
Beensabu wrote: Wed Dec 15, 2021 7:06 pm Mint is the cheapest. But don't do it if you need reliable phone service (i.e. actually getting all your calls and being able to always make them).
My service from Mint works fine. However I think iPhone 8 may be missing the 600mhz band, which could be a problem outside of metro areas.
Where? T-Mobile towers? iPhone 8 is 4G band.
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

tashnewbie wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:17 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 2:41 pm Mint Mobile has iPhone 13 mini OOO. Anyone know how often they them back?

Also, compared to iPhone 12 mini. Is it worth buying iPhone 12 mini compared to iPhone 13 mini?
If you're going to get a new phone, I'd upgrade to the 13 series (mini, regular, etc.). UNLESS you get a really great deal on a 12 series.

Might be worth checking Visible for current deals. They seem to be giving gift card plus headphones with eligible phone purchases.
Price difference is about $100 at MM. iPhone 13 mini does have more battery life.

Visable is $40 per month on service but MM is $20 per month.
inbox788
Posts: 8372
Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2012 5:24 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by inbox788 »

Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 2:41 pm Mint Mobile has iPhone 13 mini OOO. Anyone know how often they them back?

Also, compared to iPhone 12 mini. Is it worth buying iPhone 12 mini compared to iPhone 13 mini?
Get the 13 mini 128GB, choose different color. Improvements are minor, but worth $50. If you choose the 12 mini, you can save an addition $50 giving up the differences and 64GB, if you're sure you're not going to need the memory and won't regret it a few years later.

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/ip ... e-12-mini/
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

inbox788 wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:30 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 2:41 pm Mint Mobile has iPhone 13 mini OOO. Anyone know how often they them back?

Also, compared to iPhone 12 mini. Is it worth buying iPhone 12 mini compared to iPhone 13 mini?
Get the 13 mini 128GB, choose different color. Improvements are minor, but worth $50. If you choose the 12 mini, you can save an addition $50 giving up the differences and 64GB, if you're sure you're not going to need the memory and won't regret it a few years later.

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/ip ... e-12-mini/
I have the 64 GB now on iPhone 8 and haven’t used 30 GB so the minimum 128 GB is more than enough.
Turbo29
Posts: 1047
Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:12 am

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Turbo29 »

Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:26 pm
Turbo29 wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:13 pm
Beensabu wrote: Wed Dec 15, 2021 7:06 pm Mint is the cheapest. But don't do it if you need reliable phone service (i.e. actually getting all your calls and being able to always make them).
My service from Mint works fine. However I think iPhone 8 may be missing the 600mhz band, which could be a problem outside of metro areas.
Where? T-Mobile towers? iPhone 8 is 4G band.
Band 71 (600mhz) is used by T-Mobile for both 5G and 4G. It has a longer range than the higher frequency bands so it can be important when out of the city. Band 71 also penetrates buildings better so it can help even inside the city.
It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them. --M. Twain
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

Turbo29 wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 5:23 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:26 pm
Turbo29 wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:13 pm
Beensabu wrote: Wed Dec 15, 2021 7:06 pm Mint is the cheapest. But don't do it if you need reliable phone service (i.e. actually getting all your calls and being able to always make them).
My service from Mint works fine. However I think iPhone 8 may be missing the 600mhz band, which could be a problem outside of metro areas.
Where? T-Mobile towers? iPhone 8 is 4G band.
Band 71 (600mhz) is used by T-Mobile for both 5G and 4G. It has a longer range than the higher frequency bands so it can be important when out of the city. Band 71 also penetrates buildings better so it can help even inside the city.
Right.

So is T-Mobile just as good as VZ overall?
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

What do you all think of Red Pocket and Tello?
Turbo29
Posts: 1047
Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:12 am

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Turbo29 »

Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 5:25 pm
Turbo29 wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 5:23 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:26 pm
Turbo29 wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:13 pm
Beensabu wrote: Wed Dec 15, 2021 7:06 pm Mint is the cheapest. But don't do it if you need reliable phone service (i.e. actually getting all your calls and being able to always make them).
My service from Mint works fine. However I think iPhone 8 may be missing the 600mhz band, which could be a problem outside of metro areas.
Where? T-Mobile towers? iPhone 8 is 4G band.
Band 71 (600mhz) is used by T-Mobile for both 5G and 4G. It has a longer range than the higher frequency bands so it can be important when out of the city. Band 71 also penetrates buildings better so it can help even inside the city.
Right.

So is T-Mobile just as good as VZ overall?
T-Mobile is much better than it was 10yr ago. As good as VZ? I think VZ may still have an advantage in some small rural areas. Also, when using Mint or any other MVNO, you won't generally have roaming partners available. Mint doesn't have T-Mobile roaming partners available just as Visible doesn't have Verizon roaming partners. You have to decide if the cheaper price for any MVNO is worth what you lose.
It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them. --M. Twain
ncbill
Posts: 2053
Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2008 4:03 pm
Location: Western NC

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by ncbill »

Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:28 pm
tashnewbie wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:17 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 2:41 pm Mint Mobile has iPhone 13 mini OOO. Anyone know how often they them back?

Also, compared to iPhone 12 mini. Is it worth buying iPhone 12 mini compared to iPhone 13 mini?
If you're going to get a new phone, I'd upgrade to the 13 series (mini, regular, etc.). UNLESS you get a really great deal on a 12 series.

Might be worth checking Visible for current deals. They seem to be giving gift card plus headphones with eligible phone purchases.
Price difference is about $100 at MM. iPhone 13 mini does have more battery life.

Visable is $40 per month on service but MM is $20 per month.
Visible is $25/month on "party pay" which used to be limited to 4 members per party, which was the required number for the $25/month rate.

But since now any given "party" can have unlimited members anyone on Visible has no excuse for not joining a party...unless they do want to pay $40/month instead of $25/month.
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

ncbill wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 10:08 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:28 pm
tashnewbie wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:17 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 2:41 pm Mint Mobile has iPhone 13 mini OOO. Anyone know how often they them back?

Also, compared to iPhone 12 mini. Is it worth buying iPhone 12 mini compared to iPhone 13 mini?
If you're going to get a new phone, I'd upgrade to the 13 series (mini, regular, etc.). UNLESS you get a really great deal on a 12 series.

Might be worth checking Visible for current deals. They seem to be giving gift card plus headphones with eligible phone purchases.
Price difference is about $100 at MM. iPhone 13 mini does have more battery life.

Visable is $40 per month on service but MM is $20 per month.
Visible is $25/month on "party pay" which used to be limited to 4 members per party, which was the required number for the $25/month rate.

But since now any given "party" can have unlimited members anyone on Visible has no excuse for not joining a party...unless they do want to pay $40/month instead of $25/month.
I don’t know anyone that wants to join me.
ncbill
Posts: 2053
Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2008 4:03 pm
Location: Western NC

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by ncbill »

Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 10:17 pm
ncbill wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 10:08 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:28 pm
tashnewbie wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:17 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 2:41 pm Mint Mobile has iPhone 13 mini OOO. Anyone know how often they them back?

Also, compared to iPhone 12 mini. Is it worth buying iPhone 12 mini compared to iPhone 13 mini?
If you're going to get a new phone, I'd upgrade to the 13 series (mini, regular, etc.). UNLESS you get a really great deal on a 12 series.

Might be worth checking Visible for current deals. They seem to be giving gift card plus headphones with eligible phone purchases.
Price difference is about $100 at MM. iPhone 13 mini does have more battery life.

Visable is $40 per month on service but MM is $20 per month.
Visible is $25/month on "party pay" which used to be limited to 4 members per party, which was the required number for the $25/month rate.

But since now any given "party" can have unlimited members anyone on Visible has no excuse for not joining a party...unless they do want to pay $40/month instead of $25/month.
I don’t know anyone that wants to join me.
You can join them!

https://www.reddit.com/r/VisiblePartyPay/
twh
Posts: 1773
Joined: Sat Feb 08, 2020 2:15 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by twh »

StraightTalk

Choose the network you want to be on and bring your own smartphone. Cheap plans and the price is darn near what you will pay. The taxes and fees on the last one I was doing were less than $1.
Monsterflockster
Posts: 980
Joined: Wed Nov 20, 2019 11:03 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Monsterflockster »

02nz wrote: Wed Dec 15, 2021 6:55 pm
MathWizard wrote: Wed Dec 15, 2021 6:51 pm My wife has unlimited talk and text + 12 GB for a year for 199/ yr
through TracFone using this on her unlocked iPhone 11.

8 GB extra for $40 includes 30 days service. A bit cheaper to if you auto refill.

Unused data just keep accumulating.

If you don't use a lot of data, this amounts to 16.67 per month on average. There are no extra fees.

We found TracFone service to be excellent. In the Rockies, and in valleys in Utah we lost service, but not really anywhere else we have gone.

I like Google Fi, but it averages about twice as much, and I use less than 12 GB in a year.
Mint's current promo comes to $7.5/mo for the first six months, and you get 4GB each month. T-Mobile's coverage has improved dramatically, in denser areas it's often superior to AT&T and Verizon, esp. with newer phones that support bands particular to T-Mobile.
Since you don’t travel go with mint. We took a road trip and Mint mobile was absolutely terrible, even on major interstates like I80 & I15. Works fine in the cities.
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

Monsterflockster wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 1:05 am
02nz wrote: Wed Dec 15, 2021 6:55 pm
MathWizard wrote: Wed Dec 15, 2021 6:51 pm My wife has unlimited talk and text + 12 GB for a year for 199/ yr
through TracFone using this on her unlocked iPhone 11.

8 GB extra for $40 includes 30 days service. A bit cheaper to if you auto refill.

Unused data just keep accumulating.

If you don't use a lot of data, this amounts to 16.67 per month on average. There are no extra fees.

We found TracFone service to be excellent. In the Rockies, and in valleys in Utah we lost service, but not really anywhere else we have gone.

I like Google Fi, but it averages about twice as much, and I use less than 12 GB in a year.
Mint's current promo comes to $7.5/mo for the first six months, and you get 4GB each month. T-Mobile's coverage has improved dramatically, in denser areas it's often superior to AT&T and Verizon, esp. with newer phones that support bands particular to T-Mobile.
Since you don’t travel go with mint. We took a road trip and Mint mobile was absolutely terrible, even on major interstates like I80 & I15. Works fine in the cities.
I do drive for errands nearby. Sometimes I drive on highways in Houston.
User avatar
SagaciousTraveler
Posts: 366
Joined: Thu May 03, 2018 6:05 am

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by SagaciousTraveler »

Ive jumped all over:

T-Mobile: It was ok. Traveling I felt like reception was spotty at times. Each year we make our way up to the Traverse City area and the reception was not good at all.

Mint Mobile: Easy to set set up but we had many issues with Text Messages being severely delayed as well as reception issues.

Verizon: We are currently pre-paid and while they deny it, I do feel at times we are throttled back in favor of post-paid traffic. Doesn't happen a ton but I've noticed it a few times.

At this point, I don't mind paying a premium for reliability but I'm so always open to try something.
tashnewbie
Posts: 4284
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2020 12:44 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by tashnewbie »

As another user above said, if you want to use Visible, join a party pay to get service for $25/month. At this point, I think Visible has a link on its website where you can opt to join a party (you'd have to confirm). If so, no need to search for a party pay on reddit.

As someone else mentioned, be aware that coverage with any MVNO may not be as good as on a postpaid plan. However, you've been on a MVNO (Xfinity Mobile) for a while, so you may not notice much difference with another MVNO. Xfinity is a Verizon MVNO so you may have better luck in your geographical area with other Verizon MVNOs (US Mobile, Page Plus, Red Pocket, etc.). If you want to try a T-Mobile MVNO, then you could do Mint. I think Mint has a 7-day free trial which hopefully would be enough time for you to figure out if it works for you; if not, I think the shortest plan they have is 3 months. You could cancel service early, but I don't think they'd give you a prorated refund; not a huge deal but something to be aware of.

The good thing about using MVNOs or otherwise not being on any sort of contract is that you can jump ship between carriers at anytime and it's relatively easy. If coverage doesn't work out with any given carrier, just change it.

Since it sounds like you want a new phone now, I would look for the best deal on an iPhone 12 or 13 series phone that doesn't require you to stay with a carrier for more than a couple months. You may have missed the best "holiday" deals (example: I got an iPhone 13 mini on Black Friday for like $370 + tax by trading in with T-Mobile and activating with them. T-Mobile unlocked my phone when I requested a couple weeks ago, and I will be taking it to a MVNO at the end of my first month of service). You could monitor deal sites like slickdeals[.]net for deals. Off the top of my head, I know Visible has deals and I think T-Mobile still has trade-in deals but they aren't as good as they were right after Thanksgiving. I can't say if these deals are great, but if you already want to get a new phone, the Visible deals are better than paying full retail price.
02nz
Posts: 10508
Joined: Wed Feb 21, 2018 2:17 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by 02nz »

tashnewbie wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 8:16 am As another user above said, if you want to use Visible, join a party pay to get service for $25/month. At this point, I think Visible has a link on its website where you can opt to join a party (you'd have to confirm). If so, no need to search for a party pay on reddit.
It's now just a few clicks on the app. Also, Visible is running a promo where the first two months are $15 each.
02nz
Posts: 10508
Joined: Wed Feb 21, 2018 2:17 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by 02nz »

Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 10:17 pm
ncbill wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 10:08 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:28 pm
tashnewbie wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:17 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Mon Dec 20, 2021 2:41 pm Mint Mobile has iPhone 13 mini OOO. Anyone know how often they them back?

Also, compared to iPhone 12 mini. Is it worth buying iPhone 12 mini compared to iPhone 13 mini?
If you're going to get a new phone, I'd upgrade to the 13 series (mini, regular, etc.). UNLESS you get a really great deal on a 12 series.

Might be worth checking Visible for current deals. They seem to be giving gift card plus headphones with eligible phone purchases.
Price difference is about $100 at MM. iPhone 13 mini does have more battery life.

Visable is $40 per month on service but MM is $20 per month.
Visible is $25/month on "party pay" which used to be limited to 4 members per party, which was the required number for the $25/month rate.

But since now any given "party" can have unlimited members anyone on Visible has no excuse for not joining a party...unless they do want to pay $40/month instead of $25/month.
I don’t know anyone that wants to join me.
You don't need to know anyone, just join one of the large parties on the app.
former_academic80
Posts: 37
Joined: Wed Dec 08, 2021 2:16 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by former_academic80 »

If your phone is compatible with the Sprint network, I would look into switching to Tello.

We have had it a while and it is cheap and as reliable as the Sprint network.
Turbo29
Posts: 1047
Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:12 am

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Turbo29 »

former_academic80 wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 10:27 am If your phone is compatible with the Sprint network, I would look into switching to Tello.

We have had it a while and it is cheap and as reliable as the Sprint network.
The "Sprint network" will soon be no more. It is being rapidly absorbed into the T-Mobile network. A quick look of Tello's coverage map on their site shows it to be identical to Mint and other T-Mobile MVNOs.
https://maps.t-mobile.com/pcc.html?map=mvno-roamd-34l

T-Mobile announced that it will finish shutting down Sprint's 3G CDMA network by March 31, 2022 and Sprint's 4G LTE network by June 30, 2022. They also announced it will shut down T-Mobile's 3G UMTS network by July 1, 2022, but has not yet announced a shutdown date for its 2G network
https://wflanews.iheart.com/featured/fl ... t-in-2022/
It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them. --M. Twain
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

tashnewbie wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 8:16 am As another user above said, if you want to use Visible, join a party pay to get service for $25/month. At this point, I think Visible has a link on its website where you can opt to join a party (you'd have to confirm). If so, no need to search for a party pay on reddit.

As someone else mentioned, be aware that coverage with any MVNO may not be as good as on a postpaid plan. However, you've been on a MVNO (Xfinity Mobile) for a while, so you may not notice much difference with another MVNO. Xfinity is a Verizon MVNO so you may have better luck in your geographical area with other Verizon MVNOs (US Mobile, Page Plus, Red Pocket, etc.). If you want to try a T-Mobile MVNO, then you could do Mint. I think Mint has a 7-day free trial which hopefully would be enough time for you to figure out if it works for you; if not, I think the shortest plan they have is 3 months. You could cancel service early, but I don't think they'd give you a prorated refund; not a huge deal but something to be aware of.

The good thing about using MVNOs or otherwise not being on any sort of contract is that you can jump ship between carriers at anytime and it's relatively easy. If coverage doesn't work out with any given carrier, just change it.

Since it sounds like you want a new phone now, I would look for the best deal on an iPhone 12 or 13 series phone that doesn't require you to stay with a carrier for more than a couple months. You may have missed the best "holiday" deals (example: I got an iPhone 13 mini on Black Friday for like $370 + tax by trading in with T-Mobile and activating with them. T-Mobile unlocked my phone when I requested a couple weeks ago, and I will be taking it to a MVNO at the end of my first month of service). You could monitor deal sites like slickdeals[.]net for deals. Off the top of my head, I know Visible has deals and I think T-Mobile still has trade-in deals but they aren't as good as they were right after Thanksgiving. I can't say if these deals are great, but if you already want to get a new phone, the Visible deals are better than paying full retail price.
What is your service plan on T-Mobile with that iPhone 13 mini?
tashnewbie
Posts: 4284
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2020 12:44 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by tashnewbie »

Vanguard User wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 1:35 pm
tashnewbie wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 8:16 am As another user above said, if you want to use Visible, join a party pay to get service for $25/month. At this point, I think Visible has a link on its website where you can opt to join a party (you'd have to confirm). If so, no need to search for a party pay on reddit.

As someone else mentioned, be aware that coverage with any MVNO may not be as good as on a postpaid plan. However, you've been on a MVNO (Xfinity Mobile) for a while, so you may not notice much difference with another MVNO. Xfinity is a Verizon MVNO so you may have better luck in your geographical area with other Verizon MVNOs (US Mobile, Page Plus, Red Pocket, etc.). If you want to try a T-Mobile MVNO, then you could do Mint. I think Mint has a 7-day free trial which hopefully would be enough time for you to figure out if it works for you; if not, I think the shortest plan they have is 3 months. You could cancel service early, but I don't think they'd give you a prorated refund; not a huge deal but something to be aware of.

The good thing about using MVNOs or otherwise not being on any sort of contract is that you can jump ship between carriers at anytime and it's relatively easy. If coverage doesn't work out with any given carrier, just change it.

Since it sounds like you want a new phone now, I would look for the best deal on an iPhone 12 or 13 series phone that doesn't require you to stay with a carrier for more than a couple months. You may have missed the best "holiday" deals (example: I got an iPhone 13 mini on Black Friday for like $370 + tax by trading in with T-Mobile and activating with them. T-Mobile unlocked my phone when I requested a couple weeks ago, and I will be taking it to a MVNO at the end of my first month of service). You could monitor deal sites like slickdeals[.]net for deals. Off the top of my head, I know Visible has deals and I think T-Mobile still has trade-in deals but they aren't as good as they were right after Thanksgiving. I can't say if these deals are great, but if you already want to get a new phone, the Visible deals are better than paying full retail price.
What is your service plan on T-Mobile with that iPhone 13 mini?
I'm on a family plan with 2 other people and we have a military discount, so we're paying $30/line for unlimited everything. I'll be switching to a Verizon MVNO (US Mobile) for a 12 GB plan for $20 (for the next month while I travel; after that, I'll reduce to a 5GB plan for $15).
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

tashnewbie wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 2:03 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 1:35 pm
tashnewbie wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 8:16 am As another user above said, if you want to use Visible, join a party pay to get service for $25/month. At this point, I think Visible has a link on its website where you can opt to join a party (you'd have to confirm). If so, no need to search for a party pay on reddit.

As someone else mentioned, be aware that coverage with any MVNO may not be as good as on a postpaid plan. However, you've been on a MVNO (Xfinity Mobile) for a while, so you may not notice much difference with another MVNO. Xfinity is a Verizon MVNO so you may have better luck in your geographical area with other Verizon MVNOs (US Mobile, Page Plus, Red Pocket, etc.). If you want to try a T-Mobile MVNO, then you could do Mint. I think Mint has a 7-day free trial which hopefully would be enough time for you to figure out if it works for you; if not, I think the shortest plan they have is 3 months. You could cancel service early, but I don't think they'd give you a prorated refund; not a huge deal but something to be aware of.

The good thing about using MVNOs or otherwise not being on any sort of contract is that you can jump ship between carriers at anytime and it's relatively easy. If coverage doesn't work out with any given carrier, just change it.

Since it sounds like you want a new phone now, I would look for the best deal on an iPhone 12 or 13 series phone that doesn't require you to stay with a carrier for more than a couple months. You may have missed the best "holiday" deals (example: I got an iPhone 13 mini on Black Friday for like $370 + tax by trading in with T-Mobile and activating with them. T-Mobile unlocked my phone when I requested a couple weeks ago, and I will be taking it to a MVNO at the end of my first month of service). You could monitor deal sites like slickdeals[.]net for deals. Off the top of my head, I know Visible has deals and I think T-Mobile still has trade-in deals but they aren't as good as they were right after Thanksgiving. I can't say if these deals are great, but if you already want to get a new phone, the Visible deals are better than paying full retail price.
What is your service plan on T-Mobile with that iPhone 13 mini?
I'm on a family plan with 2 other people and we have a military discount, so we're paying $30/line for unlimited everything. I'll be switching to a Verizon MVNO (US Mobile) for a 12 GB plan for $20 (for the next month while I travel; after that, I'll reduce to a 5GB plan for $15).
What matters is total cost of ownership right?

You did get a great deal on the iPhone 13 mini but T-Mobile would be expensive for me so it defeats the purpose of great deal on that iPhone 13 mini.

Mint is going to cost me $20/mo and 3 free months to begin with but more expensive iPhone 13 mini.
tashnewbie
Posts: 4284
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2020 12:44 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by tashnewbie »

Vanguard User wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 2:32 pm What matters is total cost of ownership right?

You did get a great deal on the iPhone 13 mini but T-Mobile would be expensive for me so it defeats the purpose of great deal on that iPhone 13 mini.

Mint is going to cost me $20/mo and 3 free months to begin with but more expensive iPhone 13 mini.
I did get a great deal on the 13 mini, and I don't think the deal is still available, so you couldn't get it. I think T-Mobile still has trade-in deals, but I don't think they're as good as the one I got. If you did a trade-in deal with them, you don't have to stay with T-Mobile indefinitely. I think their general unlock policy is that they'll unlock after 40 days (it's not effective until the end of the billing cycle so you'd have to stay for 2 months of service), but you may be able to get them to unlock sooner (they did it within 2-3 weeks for me and my brother).

You don't have to buy a new phone now. Your initial post suggested you were happy with your iPhone 8. It wouldn't be unreasonable to keep it until you can find a good deal on a newer phone (perhaps until next year's Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals). If I had a good condition iPhone 8, I'd just switch to a cheaper plan with someone like US Mobile or Mint and would wait until I found a good deal on a newer phone; wouldn't be in any rush to get a new phone.

I did a search and it looks like T-Mobile through Best Buy is offering $230 trade-in value for an iPhone 8, so you could get a 128GB iPhone 13 mini for $470 + tax and activation fee ($10, I think): link.

Visible deals:
--13 Pro for $984, $200 gift card, and AirPod Pro -- phone is $634 if you value AirPod Pro at $150
--12 for $768, $200 gift card, and Beats Studio Pro (I don't know what the value for those is)
See link

All depends on whether you want a new phone now.
User avatar
dm200
Posts: 23214
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 1:21 pm
Location: Washington DC area

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by dm200 »

Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 15, 2021 6:28 pm I am mostly in the Sugar Land, TX area. A suburb of Houston, TX. I don’t travel.

Currently, paying $45 + tax for unlimited talk, text and 4G data usage with Xfinity Mobile I have looked at other plans that are cheaper but my concern is how good of a service can I get when it comes to talk, text and especially data usage. I don’t want to buy a new phone. I have an iPhone 8.

Looking at my past 6 months history. My highest data usage was 6.40GB.

Is anyone here in Sugar Land/Houston, TX?

My wife and I share a plan with our son and daughter-in-law. We pay about $65 per month for our two phones. There are four phones on the plan. The account is in our son’s name and we reimburse him for our share every month. Works well for all of us.
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

Looks like it’s going to between MM and Visable.
Afty
Posts: 2390
Joined: Sun Sep 07, 2014 5:31 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Afty »

I just switched from AT&T Postpaid to Visible, literally yesterday. It's hard to beat $25/mo for unlimited everything + hotspot + 5G on the Verizon network. Other posters have mentioned the current Visible deals if you want a new iPhone, but there are other promotions applicable to Bring Your Own Phone:

1) $50 gift card if you port a number in and keep the service for 3 months: https://www.visible.com/deals/choose-your-own-gift-card
2) First two months at $15/mo using code HOLIDAY

Re: Party Pay -- just join a public group, there's no reason not to. Here's one: https://www.reddit.com/r/VisiblePartyPa ... ompreddit/
User avatar
CWRadio
Posts: 649
Joined: Sat Feb 02, 2008 9:04 am
Location: SE Michigan Ionosphere

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by CWRadio »

Little off subject.
Any experience with Xfinity mobile By the Gig plan? For $15 a month my wife and I get unlimited voice and text and 1G ( we use very little cell data) of data for $15 a month.
At the end of November Xfinity was offering iPhone SE for free if you stay with the By the Gig plan for two years. I could get two iPhone SE for $15 a month. Total $15 x 24 month = $360. Thanks Paul
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

Afty wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 11:47 am I just switched from AT&T Postpaid to Visible, literally yesterday. It's hard to beat $25/mo for unlimited everything + hotspot + 5G on the Verizon network. Other posters have mentioned the current Visible deals if you want a new iPhone, but there are other promotions applicable to Bring Your Own Phone:

1) $50 gift card if you port a number in and keep the service for 3 months: https://www.visible.com/deals/choose-your-own-gift-card
2) First two months at $15/mo using code HOLIDAY

Re: Party Pay -- just join a public group, there's no reason not to. Here's one: https://www.reddit.com/r/VisiblePartyPa ... ompreddit/
Party Pay is not a guarantee right? I still have to join someone that would be interested? I am looking to get iPhone 13 mini. Generally, companies give no incentives for existing customers.
02nz
Posts: 10508
Joined: Wed Feb 21, 2018 2:17 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by 02nz »

Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:39 pm
Afty wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 11:47 am I just switched from AT&T Postpaid to Visible, literally yesterday. It's hard to beat $25/mo for unlimited everything + hotspot + 5G on the Verizon network. Other posters have mentioned the current Visible deals if you want a new iPhone, but there are other promotions applicable to Bring Your Own Phone:

1) $50 gift card if you port a number in and keep the service for 3 months: https://www.visible.com/deals/choose-your-own-gift-card
2) First two months at $15/mo using code HOLIDAY

Re: Party Pay -- just join a public group, there's no reason not to. Here's one: https://www.reddit.com/r/VisiblePartyPa ... ompreddit/
Party Pay is not a guarantee right? I still have to join someone that would be interested? I am looking to get iPhone 13 mini. Generally, companies give no incentives for existing customers.
As I already noted upthread, it's just a couple of clicks. You don't have to know anybody, you just join a large "party" within the app. They don't need to "approve" you either. Ignore the information about Reddit - you no longer need to go through Reddit for party pay, it's much easier now in the app.
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

02nz wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:44 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:39 pm
Afty wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 11:47 am I just switched from AT&T Postpaid to Visible, literally yesterday. It's hard to beat $25/mo for unlimited everything + hotspot + 5G on the Verizon network. Other posters have mentioned the current Visible deals if you want a new iPhone, but there are other promotions applicable to Bring Your Own Phone:

1) $50 gift card if you port a number in and keep the service for 3 months: https://www.visible.com/deals/choose-your-own-gift-card
2) First two months at $15/mo using code HOLIDAY

Re: Party Pay -- just join a public group, there's no reason not to. Here's one: https://www.reddit.com/r/VisiblePartyPa ... ompreddit/
Party Pay is not a guarantee right? I still have to join someone that would be interested? I am looking to get iPhone 13 mini. Generally, companies give no incentives for existing customers.
As I already noted upthread, it's just a couple of clicks. You don't have to know anybody, you just join a large "party" within the app. They don't need to "approve" you either. Ignore the information about Reddit - you no longer need to go through Reddit for party pay, it's much easier now in the app.
Oh ok. Looks like I will need 4 people to get to $25. What if the PP people leave my party?

iPhone 13 mini is $720 - $100 gift card and earbuds (not that I need it).
$25 first month for new members.

It makes sense to finance the phone for 2 years at 0% instead of paying cash right?
Last edited by Vanguard User on Wed Dec 22, 2021 1:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Afty
Posts: 2390
Joined: Sun Sep 07, 2014 5:31 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Afty »

Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:55 pm
02nz wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:44 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:39 pm
Afty wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 11:47 am I just switched from AT&T Postpaid to Visible, literally yesterday. It's hard to beat $25/mo for unlimited everything + hotspot + 5G on the Verizon network. Other posters have mentioned the current Visible deals if you want a new iPhone, but there are other promotions applicable to Bring Your Own Phone:

1) $50 gift card if you port a number in and keep the service for 3 months: https://www.visible.com/deals/choose-your-own-gift-card
2) First two months at $15/mo using code HOLIDAY

Re: Party Pay -- just join a public group, there's no reason not to. Here's one: https://www.reddit.com/r/VisiblePartyPa ... ompreddit/
Party Pay is not a guarantee right? I still have to join someone that would be interested? I am looking to get iPhone 13 mini. Generally, companies give no incentives for existing customers.
As I already noted upthread, it's just a couple of clicks. You don't have to know anybody, you just join a large "party" within the app. They don't need to "approve" you either. Ignore the information about Reddit - you no longer need to go through Reddit for party pay, it's much easier now in the app.
Oh ok. Looks like I will need 4 people to get to $25. What if the PP people leave my party?
Again, there's no need to make your own party or even know any of the people in the party. You can just join a random one on the internet, like the Reddit one I posted. There's no max size anymore on the party and so just join a large one. There's no connection whatsoever to any of the people in the party.
tashnewbie
Posts: 4284
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2020 12:44 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by tashnewbie »

Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:55 pm iPhone 13 mini is $720 - $100 gift card and earbuds (not that I need it).
I wouldn't spend $620 for the 13 mini (minus value of earbuds if you want them or sell them).

I would get a trade-in deal with T-Mobile. As I mentioned before:

I did a search and it looks like T-Mobile through Best Buy is offering $230 trade-in value for an iPhone 8, so you could get a 128GB iPhone 13 mini for $470 + tax and activation fee ($10, I think): link.

So you would be out of pocket for $470+tax, activation fee, and maybe 2 months of service with T-Mobile ($55 I think for single line). The service is no more expensive than you're paying now. You can leave T-Mobile after 2 months of service, possibly sooner (T-Mobile will unlock no later than 40 days after you activate). I would ask them to unlock after 2-3 weeks and then leave at the end of the first billing cycle.
Last edited by tashnewbie on Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
02nz
Posts: 10508
Joined: Wed Feb 21, 2018 2:17 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by 02nz »

tashnewbie wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:23 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:55 pm iPhone 13 mini is $720 - $100 gift card and earbuds (not that I need it).
I wouldn't spend $620 for the 13 mini (minus value of earbuds if you want them or sell them).

I would get a trade-in deal with T-Mobile. As I mentioned before:

I did a search and it looks like T-Mobile through Best Buy is offering $230 trade-in value for an iPhone 8, so you could get a 128GB iPhone 13 mini for $470 + tax and activation fee ($10, I think): link.

So you would be out of pocket for $470+tax, activation fee, and maybe 2 months of service with T-Mobile ($55 I think for single line). The service is no more expensive than you're paying now, and $55 more than Visible (if you use Visible promo for $15 for first 2 months), so after 2 months of service (T-Mobile will unlock no later than 40 days after you activate, possibly sooner), you're looking at $540 total for the phone at most by going with T-Mobile (includes activation fee and extra monthly service fee, but without taxes). Less if you unlock before end of first month.
As I recall OP's iPhone 8 is cracked - I believe you wouldn't get the full trade-in value. And to be fair you'd need to compare with selling the iPhone 8 separately if going with Visible, and deducting that from the net cost.
tashnewbie
Posts: 4284
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2020 12:44 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by tashnewbie »

02nz wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:27 pm
tashnewbie wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:23 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:55 pm iPhone 13 mini is $720 - $100 gift card and earbuds (not that I need it).
I wouldn't spend $620 for the 13 mini (minus value of earbuds if you want them or sell them).

I would get a trade-in deal with T-Mobile. As I mentioned before:

I did a search and it looks like T-Mobile through Best Buy is offering $230 trade-in value for an iPhone 8, so you could get a 128GB iPhone 13 mini for $470 + tax and activation fee ($10, I think): link.

So you would be out of pocket for $470+tax, activation fee, and maybe 2 months of service with T-Mobile ($55 I think for single line). The service is no more expensive than you're paying now, and $55 more than Visible (if you use Visible promo for $15 for first 2 months), so after 2 months of service (T-Mobile will unlock no later than 40 days after you activate, possibly sooner), you're looking at $540 total for the phone at most by going with T-Mobile (includes activation fee and extra monthly service fee, but without taxes). Less if you unlock before end of first month.
As I recall OP's iPhone 8 is cracked - I believe you wouldn't get the full trade-in value. And to be fair you'd need to compare with selling the iPhone 8 separately if going with Visible, and deducting that from the net cost.
Very true. I didn't catch that. If the iPhone 8 is cracked, probably wouldn't get any trade-in value with T-Mobile. Better to go with Visible deal. The 8 probably wouldn't have much private party resale value either with a cracked screen though.
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

tashnewbie wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:23 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:55 pm iPhone 13 mini is $720 - $100 gift card and earbuds (not that I need it).
I wouldn't spend $620 for the 13 mini (minus value of earbuds if you want them or sell them).

I would get a trade-in deal with T-Mobile. As I mentioned before:

I did a search and it looks like T-Mobile through Best Buy is offering $230 trade-in value for an iPhone 8, so you could get a 128GB iPhone 13 mini for $470 + tax and activation fee ($10, I think): link.

So you would be out of pocket for $470+tax, activation fee, and maybe 2 months of service with T-Mobile ($55 I think for single line). The service is no more expensive than you're paying now. You can leave T-Mobile after 2 months of service, possibly sooner (T-Mobile will unlock no later than 40 days after you activate). I would ask them to unlock after 2-3 weeks and then leave at the end of the first billing cycle.
It’s $570 for 13 mini at BB after trade on discount of -$230.

TM for $55 a month on service? Visable is $25 a month.
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

02nz wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:27 pm
tashnewbie wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:23 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:55 pm iPhone 13 mini is $720 - $100 gift card and earbuds (not that I need it).
I wouldn't spend $620 for the 13 mini (minus value of earbuds if you want them or sell them).

I would get a trade-in deal with T-Mobile. As I mentioned before:

I did a search and it looks like T-Mobile through Best Buy is offering $230 trade-in value for an iPhone 8, so you could get a 128GB iPhone 13 mini for $470 + tax and activation fee ($10, I think): link.

So you would be out of pocket for $470+tax, activation fee, and maybe 2 months of service with T-Mobile ($55 I think for single line). The service is no more expensive than you're paying now, and $55 more than Visible (if you use Visible promo for $15 for first 2 months), so after 2 months of service (T-Mobile will unlock no later than 40 days after you activate, possibly sooner), you're looking at $540 total for the phone at most by going with T-Mobile (includes activation fee and extra monthly service fee, but without taxes). Less if you unlock before end of first month.
As I recall OP's iPhone 8 is cracked - I believe you wouldn't get the full trade-in value. And to be fair you'd need to compare with selling the iPhone 8 separately if going with Visible, and deducting that from the net cost.
Partially cracked top and bottom but almost not noticeable after you turn phone on. Who is going to buy my iPhone 8? eBay?
02nz
Posts: 10508
Joined: Wed Feb 21, 2018 2:17 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by 02nz »

Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 4:59 pm
02nz wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:27 pm
tashnewbie wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:23 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:55 pm iPhone 13 mini is $720 - $100 gift card and earbuds (not that I need it).
I wouldn't spend $620 for the 13 mini (minus value of earbuds if you want them or sell them).

I would get a trade-in deal with T-Mobile. As I mentioned before:

I did a search and it looks like T-Mobile through Best Buy is offering $230 trade-in value for an iPhone 8, so you could get a 128GB iPhone 13 mini for $470 + tax and activation fee ($10, I think): link.

So you would be out of pocket for $470+tax, activation fee, and maybe 2 months of service with T-Mobile ($55 I think for single line). The service is no more expensive than you're paying now, and $55 more than Visible (if you use Visible promo for $15 for first 2 months), so after 2 months of service (T-Mobile will unlock no later than 40 days after you activate, possibly sooner), you're looking at $540 total for the phone at most by going with T-Mobile (includes activation fee and extra monthly service fee, but without taxes). Less if you unlock before end of first month.
As I recall OP's iPhone 8 is cracked - I believe you wouldn't get the full trade-in value. And to be fair you'd need to compare with selling the iPhone 8 separately if going with Visible, and deducting that from the net cost.
Partially cracked top and bottom but almost not noticeable after you turn phone on. Who is going to buy my iPhone 8? eBay?
eBay, Craigslist, Swappa, Facebook Marketplace, the list is almost endless.
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

02nz wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 5:26 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 4:59 pm
02nz wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:27 pm
tashnewbie wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:23 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:55 pm iPhone 13 mini is $720 - $100 gift card and earbuds (not that I need it).
I wouldn't spend $620 for the 13 mini (minus value of earbuds if you want them or sell them).

I would get a trade-in deal with T-Mobile. As I mentioned before:

I did a search and it looks like T-Mobile through Best Buy is offering $230 trade-in value for an iPhone 8, so you could get a 128GB iPhone 13 mini for $470 + tax and activation fee ($10, I think): link.

So you would be out of pocket for $470+tax, activation fee, and maybe 2 months of service with T-Mobile ($55 I think for single line). The service is no more expensive than you're paying now, and $55 more than Visible (if you use Visible promo for $15 for first 2 months), so after 2 months of service (T-Mobile will unlock no later than 40 days after you activate, possibly sooner), you're looking at $540 total for the phone at most by going with T-Mobile (includes activation fee and extra monthly service fee, but without taxes). Less if you unlock before end of first month.
As I recall OP's iPhone 8 is cracked - I believe you wouldn't get the full trade-in value. And to be fair you'd need to compare with selling the iPhone 8 separately if going with Visible, and deducting that from the net cost.
Partially cracked top and bottom but almost not noticeable after you turn phone on. Who is going to buy my iPhone 8? eBay?
eBay, Craigslist, Swappa, Facebook Marketplace, the list is almost endless.
There is no discount to buy upfront in cash. So it makes sense to finance it for 2 years at 0%?
02nz
Posts: 10508
Joined: Wed Feb 21, 2018 2:17 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by 02nz »

Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 5:57 pm
02nz wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 5:26 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 4:59 pm
02nz wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:27 pm
tashnewbie wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:23 pm

I wouldn't spend $620 for the 13 mini (minus value of earbuds if you want them or sell them).

I would get a trade-in deal with T-Mobile. As I mentioned before:

I did a search and it looks like T-Mobile through Best Buy is offering $230 trade-in value for an iPhone 8, so you could get a 128GB iPhone 13 mini for $470 + tax and activation fee ($10, I think): link.

So you would be out of pocket for $470+tax, activation fee, and maybe 2 months of service with T-Mobile ($55 I think for single line). The service is no more expensive than you're paying now, and $55 more than Visible (if you use Visible promo for $15 for first 2 months), so after 2 months of service (T-Mobile will unlock no later than 40 days after you activate, possibly sooner), you're looking at $540 total for the phone at most by going with T-Mobile (includes activation fee and extra monthly service fee, but without taxes). Less if you unlock before end of first month.
As I recall OP's iPhone 8 is cracked - I believe you wouldn't get the full trade-in value. And to be fair you'd need to compare with selling the iPhone 8 separately if going with Visible, and deducting that from the net cost.
Partially cracked top and bottom but almost not noticeable after you turn phone on. Who is going to buy my iPhone 8? eBay?
eBay, Craigslist, Swappa, Facebook Marketplace, the list is almost endless.
There is no discount to buy upfront in cash. So it makes sense to finance it for 2 years at 0%?
Do you mean with Visible? Read the fine print. If it ties you to Visible for 2 years (quite possible), then I wouldn't do it.
Topic Author
Vanguard User
Posts: 2191
Joined: Wed May 26, 2021 5:46 pm
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by Vanguard User »

02nz wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 6:02 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 5:57 pm
02nz wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 5:26 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 4:59 pm
02nz wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:27 pm

As I recall OP's iPhone 8 is cracked - I believe you wouldn't get the full trade-in value. And to be fair you'd need to compare with selling the iPhone 8 separately if going with Visible, and deducting that from the net cost.
Partially cracked top and bottom but almost not noticeable after you turn phone on. Who is going to buy my iPhone 8? eBay?
eBay, Craigslist, Swappa, Facebook Marketplace, the list is almost endless.
There is no discount to buy upfront in cash. So it makes sense to finance it for 2 years at 0%?
Do you mean with Visible? Read the fine print. If it ties you to Visible for 2 years (quite possible), then I wouldn't do it.
Visible uses Affirm. Is there a reason to leave Visable in less than 2 years when I am getting $25 a month?
02nz
Posts: 10508
Joined: Wed Feb 21, 2018 2:17 pm

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Post by 02nz »

Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 6:09 pm
02nz wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 6:02 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 5:57 pm
02nz wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 5:26 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 4:59 pm

Partially cracked top and bottom but almost not noticeable after you turn phone on. Who is going to buy my iPhone 8? eBay?
eBay, Craigslist, Swappa, Facebook Marketplace, the list is almost endless.
There is no discount to buy upfront in cash. So it makes sense to finance it for 2 years at 0%?
Do you mean with Visible? Read the fine print. If it ties you to Visible for 2 years (quite possible), then I wouldn't do it.
Visible uses Affirm. Is there a reason to leave Visable in less than 2 years when I am getting $25 a month?
If you decide that their throttling is too much (I find it unacceptable long-term), or that you're ok with Mint's cheaper plans.
Post Reply