2nd Device

[Cnasty]

So I have a Note 3 as my daily driver right now but there are times and trips where I just want a smaller device.

I am in the market for a very cheap, off contract device where I can slide my sim out of the Note 3 and into the other device and not miss a beat. I will be getting a new device in the fall and eliminating this problem hopefully then.

1. Can I even do that? I have never owned 2 devices.
2. I am ok with any operating system WP,Apple, Droid
3. What are my options from phones that fit this perspective?

Looking for a smaller device for weekend trips, outdoor activities, smaller form factor versus my Note 3 which I use primarily for work during the week.

Dont want to pay more than $200 if I dont have to.

Anyone else use 2 phones in this type of way?

 

[IFRIT]

Android - Moto G - Very decent phone for the money
Android - Moto E - If you don't mind compromise in certain areas

Windows Phone - Lumia 520

Since your main phone is Android I would opt for another Android phone as Google services for Windows Phone are none existent.

 

[Cnasty]

Will the WP 520 get the 8.1 update and does it take the same sim card size as the Note 3?

That looks like a heck of a deal at $59 no contract for ATT for the 520.

 

[Dontazemebro]

Best combo for me is the Note3/iPhone5s.

Normally I carry them both, but sometimes the Note 3 is just too big to fit in my front pockets (refuse to put in back pocket) and the iPhone 5s is the perfect size for those moments. I just forward my number on those rare occasions.

 

[Cnasty]

That would be ideal but a little pricey for what I am going for here.

 

[TacticalDesire]

I would go with the Moto G if you actually plan on using apps and such. The Moto E is good for phone calls, texting and emails as there is no room for more apps thanks to the 2gb of user accessible storage and the fact that it couldn't run many apps anyway.

 

[The Game 161]

Going on holiday in July and that's where I would like a 2nd device for music at beach for example. Don't want to take my note 3 there

 

[rhinosrcool]

Even though I love my note 3 and it's size with the s pen, I, too, sometimes would like a smaller phone, at times. If you want to swap sims, the moto g is a good option; both take a micro sim. Also, the g is a stark contrast to the note 3.

 

[Vegastouch]

Will the WP 520 get the 8.1 update and does it take the same sim card size as the Note 3?

That looks like a heck of a deal at $59 no contract for ATT for the 520.

I dont know if the 520 will but you can get a 925 for less than $200($160 to 199) and it is getting or already has 8.1. Much nicer device for cheap though it isnt $59. For Tmo it is $99 outright as a pay as you go phone and just use your sim card.

It takes a micro sim, yes.

 

[tbayrgs]

Going on holiday in July and that's where I would like a 2nd device for music at beach for example. Don't want to take my note 3 there

Exactly why I picked up a Sony Xperia Z1 Compact--no compromises in hardware specs or software, waterproof, very good camera all in a small form factor. It'll likely see a lot of use this summer anywhere my phone might get exposed to the elements. Certainly not as cheap as a Moto G or E but really wanted a good camera and for it to be waterproof so the price premium was worth it.

 

[Dontazemebro]

2nd Device

Best buy is also having a sale on the Moto G for Verizon. $50 off contract. I might just pick one up myself for that price.

 

[fr4c]

Best buy is also having a sale on the Moto G for Verizon. $50 off contract. I might just pick one up myself for that price.

Pre-paid only, will not work on post-paid (contract) plans.

 

[Dontazemebro]

Pre-paid only, will not work on post-paid (contract) plans.

There are ways you can bypass that.

Sniped...

“I bought my Verizon Moto G 4/26/14 and was able to activate it on contract. You just have to bypass the activation screen (hit next, slide down notification bar, bring up task manager and swipe away the activation app) then dial *228 to activate the phone since it is 3G only. Do not try to activate through the My Verizon website, it will not work. I went from a Galaxy S3 to the Moto G.”

 

[jrswizzle]

I dont know if the 520 will but you can get a 925 for less than $200($160 to 199) and it is getting or already has 8.1. Much nicer device for cheap though it isnt $59. For Tmo it is $99 outright as a pay as you go phone and just use your sim card.

It takes a micro sim, yes.

The 520 has 8.1 I believe. I have a 520 and updated not too long ago - did it through the Windows dev program (which was free and easy).

Ask Lloydbm41 if he hasn't already commented here.

 

[rhinosrcool]

There are ways you can bypass that.

Sniped...

“I bought my Verizon Moto G 4/26/14 and was able to activate it on contract. You just have to bypass the activation screen (hit next, slide down notification bar, bring up task manager and swipe away the activation app) then dial *228 to activate the phone since it is 3G only. Do not try to activate through the My Verizon website, it will not work. I went from a Galaxy S3 to the Moto G.”

Since I'm on ATT, this is a no go. However, the universal gsm edition has 4g lte. For me, this is a must.

 

[fr4c]

There are ways you can bypass that.

Sniped...

“I bought my Verizon Moto G 4/26/14 and was able to activate it on contract. You just have to bypass the activation screen (hit next, slide down notification bar, bring up task manager and swipe away the activation app) then dial *228 to activate the phone since it is 3G only. Do not try to activate through the My Verizon website, it will not work. I went from a Galaxy S3 to the Moto G.”

Doesn't work anymore. VZW got smart and blocked the Moto G from activating using *228 and by-passing the activation screen. You might be able to activate it on a post-paid after 6 months though, YMMV.

 

[Cnasty]

Good suggestions here as I have looked at the next step from the bottom.

The 520 and the Moto E.

The next steps up would be Moto G and the 925 on the WP.

Do I just take my sim card out of my Note 3 and slide it into these phones and all good to go?

 

[Dontazemebro]

Doesn't work anymore. VZW got smart and blocked the Moto G from activating using *228 and by-passing the activation screen. You might be able to activate it on a post-paid after 6 months though, YMMV.

Ah well that sucks. I know I didn't "need" the phone, but at that price I'd be a fool not to.

 

[TacticalDesire]

Good suggestions here as I have looked at the next step from the bottom.

The 520 and the Moto E.

The next steps up would be Moto G and the 925 on the WP.

Do I just take my sim card out of my Note 3 and slide it into these phones and all good to go?

I forget which sim the Note 3 uses but yes, assuming the slots are of the same size, you just slide it into the new phone, add your APN settings and you are good to go.

 

[Twixt]

Moto G 4G

 

[rhinosrcool]

Good suggestions here as I have looked at the next step from the bottom.

The 520 and the Moto E.

The next steps up would be Moto G and the 925 on the WP.

Do I just take my sim card out of my Note 3 and slide it into these phones and all good to go?

Yes. If the phones take a micro sim (both the note 3 and moto g take a micro sim).

 

[Savor]

For US since the choices are more limited with different brands, I say Moto G.

But for Philippines, we have a local brand called MyPhone that released the Agua Rio for $113 equivalent. Quad core with dual sim and 720p screen. Been heavily considering it and in red. Usually I don't trust local brands. But MyPhone is one of the best ones. Avoid Cherry Mobile or most local brands as most are disposable. I had a QTV38 Duo which had analog TV and FM radio without the use of a headphones inserted. It had an even louder speaker than the One M7! It served me well with maybe a few hangups for nearly a year. Was more stable than my BlackBerry Bold 9000 and Palm Pixi Plus! The batt died out though after giving it to my stepdaughter.

This MyPhone Rio is dual sim with Antutu benchmark scores better than a Nexus 4 or comparable to a Galaxy S3. For only $113, it is an even better deal than the Moto E or Lumia 520 which lacks quad core and HD screens.

 

[Cnasty]

I am leaning towards a Windows Phone as I think I need a little break from Android after the debacle I am having with my Note 3.

 

[sentinelsx]

Lumia 520. Probably can find one cheaper than $99.

 

[Cnasty]

Saw it for $59 this week which is pretty solid