Android Central: Best cheap phone to buy while you wait for a Note 7 replacement

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Best cheap phone to buy while you wait for a Note 7 replacement

What is the best cheap phone to hold me over until the Note 7 replacements come in?

You're looking at your Galaxy Note 7 wondering how long it will take for Samsung and your carrier to get new stock in after the recall takes place. In the meantime, you may be without a phone — or at least a phone you want to use — for a while. In that case, why not buy a cheap(ish) Android phone to tide you over? One that, when you get your beloved Note 7 back you'd be happy to give to a family member or friend.

Moto G4 w/ Amazon Lockscreen offers

OK, don't dismiss this outright. Amazon and Motorola have teamed up to provide a discounted Moto G4 — my favorite low-cost Android phone right now — by inserting some ads on its lock screen, just like its Special Offers Kindles.

Once you unlock the phone, though, this is the same Moto G4 you will know and love, including the unblemished Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow software, speedy internals, great camera, and superb Moto Display implementation. If you're looking to tide yourself over until your Note 7 replacement arrives, this unlocked phone, which will work on AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint, is a great choice.

See at Amazon

Nexus 5X

We know, the new NotNexus phones are coming pretty soon, but the Nexus 5X running Android 7.0 Nougat is one of the best Android phones you can buy. Our own Jerry Hildenbrand told me on episode 302 of the AC Podcast that the Nexus 5X with the latest software runs better than the more-expensive Nexus 6P, and while I wouldn't go that far, it's still a huge endorsement. And you can find the Nexus 5X on eBay and many other places for under $200!

See at Amazon

More: Best phones to buy if you're returning your Galaxy Note 7

Samsung Galaxy S5

I know, I know, the Galaxy S5 is over two years-old. But here's the thing: the phone is still really great, with an awesome screen, a removable battery, a microSD slot, water resistance, and Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. And it's pretty easy to find for under $200 on Amazon, which means that once your Note 7 gets delivered into your greedy hands after this whole debacle is over, you can gift it to your son, daughter, husband, wife, friend, or enemy, and they'll be really happy with it. My brother, who I call Clumsy Ricky, still uses a Galaxy S5, and he's thrown this thing around for two straight years and it's still going strong.

See at Amazon