Suggestions for new VoLTE compatible phone

[RobEll49]

Need help sorting out new phone VoLTE options. I posted not too long ago as a “senior looking for help” because we needed to upgrade my husband’s phone. Well now apparently I need to upgrade my phone and once again my eyes are crossing as I look at all the options and deal with all the technology. I am moderately OK dealing with the technology, but it gets overwhelming.

I currently have a Nokia 6.1 running on the AT&T Network. (Verizon would also work for my purposes.) We have a landline. My phone is not my primary source of info. I use my tablet and laptop more. I do text, take pictures, check weather and google maps when traveling. I don’t use it much for videos. I do have a number of apps for things like music, podcasts, audio programs, etc. I am currently using about 30GB of storage, so would want that much or the ability to expand. We forward our landline to this phone when staying at our second home.

Now to my question which basically, like last time, has to do with what would be a good phone choice – quality, etc. ? My challenge in figuring this out for myself basically has to do with the need for VoLTE. PF has listed the following on their “offer” page (which does include the discounts by the way that others have seen or not seen). Can I assume that these are all LoLTE eligible? and based on others’ experience, which would be good choices?: (Money is a factor – I really don’t want to spend more than I need to.)

Moto e6 XT2005DL
LG Solo LTE (L423DL)
Samsung Galaxy A21 S215DL
LG Stylo 4 LTE LML713DL
Moto g STYLUS XT2115DL
Moto g Stylus 5G XT2131DL
Samsung Galaxy A12 S127DL
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G S326DL
Samsung Galaxy A01

Then – I went to look at BestBuy to consider going outside of TF. I went to their page of Unlocked Cell Phones, but the filtering options say nothing about VoLTE. Just 5G, 4G LTE, 4G etc. I really don’t have the mental energy to wade through all of the phones to figure out what works. So my request to you all is for suggestions of favorite phones that might fit my needs.

Thanks for your help!

[Mosaic55]

From your list, of the models I know something about, personally, I’d rule out the E6, the Stylo 4 and the A01 as being too low on memory and storage.

I bought a A32 5g a couple of months ago, and it’s a good phone, but I just went back to using the Moto G Power 2020 that I bought last year instead. That’s for the phone I use on wi-fi as a mini tablet.
When I go out, I prefer the iPhone SE as a communications device and music player. Laughably low battery life compared to the G Power, but I like it.

The G Power just came back on Tracfone’s EBay store with a 1 year service plan. I think there might be an eBay coupon available as well.

[taxmantoo]

There is a Nokia Tracfone, I don't know how good it is.
64GB storage and 4GB memory sounds like it's somewhat powerful.
And if 64GB isn't enough, you can always put a microSD card in it for more storage.
https://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=6565

$150 from Tracfone, but sold out for now.

HSN has it with 12 months of paygo service included, do you use a paygo plan or an unlimited plan?
https://www.hsn.com/products/nokia-g...textd/20371114

[hpham]

TF has listed the following on their “offer” page (which does include the discounts by the way that others have seen or not seen). Can I assume that these are all VoLTE eligible? and based on others’ experience, which would be good choices?: (Money is a factor – I really don’t want to spend more than I need to.)

* All of those phones on TF web site are VoLTE-capable ON TF/VERIZON SERVICE. Most of them are not on AT&T VoLTE-compatible list.

* Below are my opinions of those models:
- Moto e6 XT2005DL: Too basic - Only 16GB of internal memory.
- LG Solo LTE (L423DL): Also has only 16GB of internal memory.
- Samsung Galaxy A21 S215DL: Specs look fine, but it's reconditioned, and requires a time card purchase.
- LG Stylo 4 LTE LML713DL: Has hi-res screen, but only 16GB of memory, and old Android 8.1 version.
- Moto g STYLUS XT2115DL: Has hi-res screen, 128GB of internal memory and 4GB RAM, fairly fast, Android 11. It's a good phone if you're OK with its price.
- Moto g Stylus 5G XT2131DL: Newer and 5G version of the one above. Unless you want/need 5G, not worth the extra cost.
- Samsung Galaxy A12 S127DL: Overpriced for its specs.
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G S326DL: Overpriced for its specs.
- Samsung Galaxy A01: Too basic, only 16GB of internal memory.

TF has a Samsung A51 that used to sell for $270 around Sept, then dropped to $220, then $200, then all the way down to $99. It comes and goes on TF web site and on Ebay (sold by TF) within the last few weeks. On Ebay, there is (or was) a code to knock 20% off. It has hi-res screen, 128GB of internal memory, great camera, Android 11. It's a VERY GOOD BUY at $100 or less. Wait for it to come back.

[ChristInMe]

I will also recommend the Samsung Galaxy A51. For only $80 with a 20% off code, it's a no-brainer. It's the best option price and specs-wise compared to your list.
Keep checking eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/284324489336 for a deal.

[taxmantoo]

TF has a Samsung A51 that used to sell for $270 around Sept, then dropped to $220, then $200, then all the way down to $99. It comes and goes on TF web site and on Ebay (sold by TF) within the last few weeks. On Ebay, there is (or was) a code to knock 20% off. It has hi-res screen, 128GB of internal memory, great camera, Android 11. It's a VERY GOOD BUY at $100 or less. Wait for it to come back.

I was thinking that, but it looks like it was removed in the last couple of days.
https://www.tracfone.com/phone/samsu...epaid-tracfone
I can't find it at TW anymore either.

Aha!
Here it is at Straight Talk for $99.99. And I can decline airtime and warranty plans, so it's just 99.99 plus tax.
Not as powerful as an iPhone SE, but better display and camera.
https://www.straighttalk.com/all-pho...xy-a51-prepaid

[RobEll49]

I really appreciate all of you taking the time to respond to my questions. I knew that if I sought help here I would get some clarity in the midst of all the issues and options. As I look at the suggestions made, it does seem like if I can get the Samsung Galaxy A51 for $99 that would be a great phone at a great price. Other phones mentioned look good, but would be more expensive (at least from what I have found so far.) But --- a few more questions that reflect my limits in dealing with the technology. The A51 is available at Walmart now for $99 as a Straight Talk phone. Does that mean it is locked? Can I use it on Tracfone? Transfer my number, data, etc? Second question is more general. When I look at some of the other options they indicate that they are 5G compatible. Does that mean they would work on 4G VoLTE? This gets at part of why I posted this to begin with. I will see lists like: 5G, 4G LTE etc that say nothing about VoLTE. (According to the Verizon coverage map we are still in a 4G LTE area. (Again - it says nothing about VoLTE. But I still need to upgrade my phone???)

[hpham]

@RobEll49

* The StraightTalk A51 sold at Walmart is locked to StraightTalk/Tracfone. But since StraightTalk is a sister-company of TF, that phone CAN be used with TF service. When you activate it, contact TF and tell the rep that it's a ST phone but you want to activate it with TF and WITH A TRANSFER from your existing TF number. Your phone number, buckets/days will be transferred to the A51.

* Again, ALL phones sold by TF and their subsidiaries since 2021 (or earlier) are VoLTE-capable ON TF/Verizon service. If you buy one of them and activate with TF/Verizon, you don't have to worry about whether or not it has VoLTE. You had to upgrade your husband's phone because it's not VoLTE ON TF/AT&T (AT&T is being a pain about which phones will have VoLTE on its network).

* 5G is faster for Data, but it's still in its early phase, not widely available yet, and there are several incompatible 5G technologies. Don't worry about whether or not a phone is 5G-compatible. But if a phone says it's 5G then it will work with 4G.

[bobdevnul]

Need help sorting out new phone VoLTE options. I posted not too long ago as a “senior looking for help” because we needed to upgrade my husband’s phone. Well now apparently I need to upgrade my phone and once again my eyes are crossing as I look at all the options and deal with all the technology. I am moderately OK dealing with the technology, but it gets overwhelming.

I currently have a Nokia 6.1 running on the AT&T Network. (Verizon would also work for my purposes.) We have a landline. My phone is not my primary source of info. I use my tablet and laptop more. I do text, take pictures, check weather and google maps when traveling. I don’t use it much for videos. I do have a number of apps for things like music, podcasts, audio programs, etc. I am currently using about 30GB of storage, so would want that much or the ability to expand. We forward our landline to this phone when staying at our second home.

Now to my question which basically, like last time, has to do with what would be a good phone choice – quality, etc. ? My challenge in figuring this out for myself basically has to do with the need for VoLTE. PF has listed the following on their “offer” page (which does include the discounts by the way that others have seen or not seen). Can I assume that these are all LoLTE eligible? and based on others’ experience, which would be good choices?: (Money is a factor – I really don’t want to spend more than I need to.)

Moto e6 XT2005DL
LG Solo LTE (L423DL)
Samsung Galaxy A21 S215DL
LG Stylo 4 LTE LML713DL
Moto g STYLUS XT2115DL
Moto g Stylus 5G XT2131DL
Samsung Galaxy A12 S127DL
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G S326DL
Samsung Galaxy A01

Then – I went to look at BestBuy to consider going outside of TF. I went to their page of Unlocked Cell Phones, but the filtering options say nothing about VoLTE. Just 5G, 4G LTE, 4G etc. I really don’t have the mental energy to wade through all of the phones to figure out what works. So my request to you all is for suggestions of favorite phones that might fit my needs.

Thanks for your help!

[Edit] I did not look at the list of phones carefully enough. I don't have knowledge or experience with most of them.
All of those are weak, obsolete, or nearly so, phones. I have a Moto E6. It was perfectly functional while I used it for the past year, but I would not buy it for future use. Functional is about all I can say for it. It only cost me $30 so whatever.

Storage on Android phones is not a big problem unless you have a lot of apps. I'm still doing fine with moderate apps and 16 GB storage phones, but wouldn't buy a new one. Android phones can add storage for pictures, and other files with a microSD card. A 128 GB microSD is about $15 if you buy it online from someplace like Newegg.

All Tracfone phones sold in the past few years are VoLTE compatible for Verizon. No much to worry about there. It's AT&T you have to be careful about with their very restricted list of acceptable phones.

[bobdevnul]

I really appreciate all of you taking the time to respond to my questions. I knew that if I sought help here I would get some clarity in the midst of all the issues and options. As I look at the suggestions made, it does seem like if I can get the Samsung Galaxy A51 for $99 that would be a great phone at a great price. Other phones mentioned look good, but would be more expensive (at least from what I have found so far.) But --- a few more questions that reflect my limits in dealing with the technology. The A51 is available at Walmart now for $99 as a Straight Talk phone. Does that mean it is locked? Can I use it on Tracfone? Transfer my number, data, etc? Second question is more general. When I look at some of the other options they indicate that they are 5G compatible. Does that mean they would work on 4G VoLTE? This gets at part of why I posted this to begin with. I will see lists like: 5G, 4G LTE etc that say nothing about VoLTE. (According to the Verizon coverage map we are still in a 4G LTE area. (Again - it says nothing about VoLTE. But I still need to upgrade my phone???)

5G phones sill work with 4G LTE. All popular brand phones sold in the past few years that are compatible with Verizon are Verizon VoLTE compatible. Any phone being newly activated on a Verizon service must be VoLTE compatible. It has been that way for several years.

Verizon hasn't added any new 3G to their cells in years. They have been running the vast majority of voice and text on 4G LTE VoLTE for years.

I don't see any point is paying extra for a 5G phone at this point. It will be years before not having a 5G phone will be even a slight disadvantage.

[Tracfancier]

You will pay a lot extra for 5G and maybe never have a real need for it.

[Tracfancier]

This week prepaid and unlocked phone deals... https://prepaidcompare.net/deals/
updated weekly?

[hpham]

All of those are weak, obsolete, or nearly so, phones.

Among the phones that the OP listed, there are the Moto G Stylus (2021), Moto G Stylus 5G, Samsung A32 5G. I wouldn't call them "weak, obsolete, or nearly so".

[bobdevnul]

Among the phones that the OP listed, there are the Moto G Stylus (2021), Moto G Stylus 5G, Samsung A32 5G. I wouldn't call them "weak, obsolete, or nearly so".

Ok, I did not look at the list real closely.

[NanaC]

Ok, I did not look at the list real closely.

I have the TF Moto G Stylus 2021 and a AT&T branded Samsung Galaxy A32 5G and I actually like the Stylus better. They both run about the same, but I like the larger screen on the Stylus. Neither are slouchy, the A32 has a slightly better camera, but I cured that by downloading GCam on the Stylus and its just as good or better now.

I hadn't used a TF branded phone in years. Was using unlocked higher end LG phones and I was pleasantly surprised how well the Stylus performed.