Cheap phones
Kent German
Senior editor February 22, 2010 (updated on: July 13, 2011)
Though no one loves cell phone contracts, signing one can knock a lot of money off the price of your phone. And sometimes these service rebates can even be enough to make a handset free. In the below list, CNET has picked a few handsets that, as of this writing, either cost you one penny or nothing at all. Some require additional online-only discounts, and some offers are available only through third-party retailers. Also, keep in mind that free models tend to be on the basic side. But even with those caveats, there are plenty of satisfying phones that won't put a big dent in your wallet.
The Samsung Trender is a messaging phone for Sprint. It doesn't have the best camera, but it fits the bill as a user-friendly and functional handset centered on communication. It costs just 1 cent from Amazon.com, and because it's not a smartphone, you won't need a data plan. The Samsung Replenish packages Android 2.2 Froyo in an eco-friendly design. Call quality wasn't exceptional, though we liked the camera and the physical controls. Sprint now offers it for free.
AT&T has the Pantech Crossover. It's a well-built entry-level handset with a physical keyboard. Amazon lists it for just a penny with a contract. If you don't need quite as many features, T-Mobile has the Samsung SGH-T259. Its flip phone design is easy to use, you can get e-mail, and call quality is great. Sure, it's pretty simple, but Amazon lists it for just 1 cent with service.
| Product name | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.00 to $0.01 | $0.00 | $0.00 to $0.01 | $0.00 to $184.98 |
| CNET editors' rating | ||||
| Average user rating |  | |||
| Release date | June 06, 2011 | May 08, 2011 | ||
| The Bottom Line | If you're trying to avoid a data plan, the Samsung Trender is an affordable messaging option, though one of Sprint's budget Android phones could prove a better value. | With a price tag of just $50, the Samsung Replenish offers good value as a basic, easy-to-use Android phone, and one that's environmentally conscious to boot. | The Pantech Crossover is a well-built entry-level Android smartphone for AT&T customers who want a physical keyboard. | The Samsung T259's intuitive design, excellent call quality, and affordable price make it a good choice for someone in search of a simple handset. |
| Similar Products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products |
| Features | ||||
| Specific absorption rate (SAR) | 1.02 W/Kg | 0.3 W/Kg | Info unavailable | 0.36 W/Kg |
| Cellular technology | CDMA2000 1X | CDMA2000 1X | WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM | CDMA2000 1X |
| Weight | 4 oz | 4.1 oz | 5.15 oz | 3.25 oz |
| Talk time | Up to 300 min | Up to 324 min | Up to 300 min | Up to 270 min |
| Wireless Interface | Bluetooth | IEEE 802.11 Bluetooth 2.1 EDR | IEEE 802.11 Bluetooth 2.1 EDR | Bluetooth 2.1 EDR |
| Service Provider | Sprint Nextel | Sprint Nextel | AT&T | T-Mobile |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices | | | | |
It sucks.
Don't waste your money on it.
I contemplated going to a "post-paid" carrier (Sprint, T-moblie, ATT) but comparing a $75+ monthly price tag with those carriers to $25 is no contest. Only time it makes any sense is when you are out of metropolitan areas not covered by Virgin. Then you have to pay the piper.
For people who aren't thoughtful about the financial implications of their decisions, this article will help them make poor decisions. I like CNET a lot and read it regularly, but this article is actually potentially harmful (in a financial sense) to CNET's readers.
Snuss