Phone shopping

[petrea_mitchell]

For various reasons, I think it is time I fully join the smartphone world. I'd been hoping to wait until the Samsung foldables became more affordable, but now's the time and even older refurbished ones are currently going for around $500. (I've seen positive reviews of a couple of much cheaper options, but neither is being sold in the US.)

So, anyone want to recommend me a phone that runs Android, isn't too huge, is eSim-capable, still works as an actual voice phone, and... well, whatever other features you think are important?

Comments

Phones

[lsanderson]

I'd recommend Samsung or Pixel -- they both have foldables, but affordable is a whole other issue. Sony makes one that is essentially a camera with phone capabilities, but I think it's fairly large. I do not know which use eSim. (I uncharitably think the foldables are for users who trade up every year before they wear out, but I do not have one, and they are better than they ustta be.)

Re: Phones

[petrea_mitchell]

The foldables look awfully nice to someone who is constrained by the clothing industry's belief that women's pants don't need full-size pockets.

Re: Phones

[lsanderson]

Samsung has a sale coming up, today through the 21 of May, which for sure means you can get $5 off the pone of your choice...

They do make two foldable phones, but I've not heard much about the smaller Galaxy Z Flip4, and even that does not look like it will fit in a small pocket.

I've had Samsung phones for quite some time now, and while I like and recommend them, I do have a catalog of horrors, all of which were taken care of either through warranty or insurance by replacing the phone.

Re: Phones

[lsanderson]

I don't know if the size works at all, but there's a sale on last year's/model Pixel phones: https://www.cnet.com/deals/unlocked-google-pixel-6-and-pixel-6-pro-see-prices-slashed-as-low-as-350/

[delosharriman]

I'm continuing to hold out. If someone really wants me to have a mobile telephone (my VoIP service is nicely portable, so I can have it at my desk wherever that happens to be), they can buy me one of these things. So far nobody has!