Smartphones that cost a dollar
-With new smartphones coming out every month, it's easy to believe that you need the latest greatest model just to keep up, but in reality, there haven't been many big practical advances in smartphones for a while.
So, buying an older phone isn't really a bad idea especially if you get a great deal.
I'm Donald Bell.
And on this top 5, I'm counting down the best smartphones that can be had right now for just $1 on contract
selected by CNET associated editor Lynn La.
These are all these bagoodies and the most practical way.
These are just as good as any of the top-shelf phones of 2013.
Starting things off at #5, the Samsung Galaxy S2 on T-Mobile.
Now, everyone freaks out about the Galaxy S3, but it didn't just drop out of nowhere.
It was the S2 that set the stage with a 4.5 Super AMOLED screen, dual-core processor, NFC, and an 8-megapixel camera.
This phone was way ahead of its time for 2011.
And one of the only complaints we had about it was that it was too pricey at $230.
They fixed that problem.
We also wondered why any one would need a phone that's big and now it looks freaking adorable.
So cute.
At #4, the Nokia Lumia 822.
Now, here's the phone on Verizon that just came out a few months ago.
It's a Windows phone with good specs.
A 4.3-inch screen, 8-megapixel camera, and enough memory support
to let you put in 64 gigabytes of additional storage.
Best of all, you get Verizon's 4G LTE network support.
Now, when this phone came out, we thought it was a little boring for $99, but now that we are seeing it for about a penny, boring is fine.
Just treat yourself to a fancy case.
An AT&T phone comes in at #3.
It's the Pantech.
Now, this is the smallest phone of the bunch with an iPhone-like 4-inch screen, but it's using a beautiful Super AMOLED display
backed by a dual-core processor and a classic design that doesn't feel as slick and plasticky as some of these other phones.
The call quality wasn't so hot, but that AT&T 4G LTE makes up for it especially when you consider that this phone is being offered for just a penny.
Personally though, I don't care how much it costs.
Anything named Burst is going nowhere near my pocket region.
And only slightly less explosive sounding option comes in at #2.
It's the LG Nitro HD.
This one's also on AT&T.
You get a bigger 4.5-inch screen with HD resolution, 1080p video capture, 4G LTE, and a dual-core processor.
When it came out in the end of 2011, it was a 4-star top-shelf smartphone that was 250 bucks on contract.
Now, it can be had for a penny and it connects to the same internet and gets the same e-mail as any other phone in the room.
But just in case you're wondering what spending a little more will get you,
here's CNET's top 5 list of the best smartphones overall for February 2013.
Now, a lot of these are gonna fall off the list in the next few months, but the satisfaction of paying a dollar or less for your new phone is a feeling that never goes away.
Alright.
And now, our #1 smartphone pick for cheapskates like me, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus on Sprint.
For Android phones, having that Google-sanctioned Nexus endorsement is a big deal.
And more importantly, it means that you get the most up-to-date version of android on here,
Jelly Bean.
4.6-inch AMOLED HD display, 4G data from Sprint's now operational LTE network, and even has support for Google Wallet so you can freak out cashiers when you pay for stuff with your phone and tell them all about how you've been sent from the future to prevent a robot uprising.
All of that for just $1.
Amazing.
So there you go.
5 great smartphones that cost less than a sandwich.
For all of our latest phone reviews, you can check out phones.cnet.com.
For more top 5s like this, head over to top5.cnet.com.
I'm Donald Bell.
Thanks for watching.
Up Next
iPhone 14 is Missing These 5 Features
Up Next
iPhone 14 is Missing These 5 Features
Top 5 new Samsung Galaxy S22 rumors
Top 5 new Samsung Galaxy S22 rumors
Top 5 iPhone 14 Rumors
Top 5 iPhone 14 Rumors
Top 5 most exciting Galaxy S22 Ultra rumors
Top 5 most exciting Galaxy S22 Ultra rumors
Windows 11: Will Microsoft learn from past mistakes?
Windows 11: Will Microsoft learn from past mistakes?
Top 5 most exciting iPhone 13 rumors
Top 5 most exciting iPhone 13 rumors
5 cheaper alternatives to the AirPods Pro
5 cheaper alternatives to the AirPods Pro
2021 iPad Pro: The best new features
2021 iPad Pro: The best new features
5 ways to get more out of Netflix
5 ways to get more out of Netflix
2021 MacBook Pro: What to expect
2021 MacBook Pro: What to expect
Tech Shows
Latest News All latest news
PlayStation 5 Pro Leaked: Everything We Know
PlayStation 5 Pro Leaked: Everything We Know
Everything Just Revealed at Nvidia's GTC AI Conference
Everything Just Revealed at Nvidia's GTC AI Conference
Nvidia Reveals Omniverse Cloud Streams to the Vision Pro
Nvidia Reveals Omniverse Cloud Streams to the Vision Pro
Nvidia Shows Project GROOT and Disney Bots at GTC Conference
Nvidia Shows Project GROOT and Disney Bots at GTC Conference
Expert vs. AI: Is Now the Time to Buy an EV?
Expert vs. AI: Is Now the Time to Buy an EV?
The PlayStation Portal Built-In Volume Is too Loud: Here's How to Keep It Low
The PlayStation Portal Built-In Volume Is too Loud: Here's How to Keep It Low
Most Popular All most popular
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Latest Products All latest products
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
Best of MWC 2024: Bendable Screens, AI Wearables and More
This Concept Laptop from Lenovo Has a Transparent Display
This Concept Laptop from Lenovo Has a Transparent Display
Motorola's Rollable Concept Phone Wraps on Your Wrist
Motorola's Rollable Concept Phone Wraps on Your Wrist
See Adobe Lightroom on the Apple Vision Pro
See Adobe Lightroom on the Apple Vision Pro
This $400 Cane Has a Built-In Phone
This $400 Cane Has a Built-In Phone
Latest How To All how to videos
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
TikTok Is Now on the Apple Vision Pro
TikTok Is Now on the Apple Vision Pro
Get Your TV Ready for the Big Game: Super Bowl Setup Tips
Get Your TV Ready for the Big Game: Super Bowl Setup Tips
How to Use a Quest 3 Like the Vision Pro