Would appreciate advice on smart phones.

[csziggy]

24. I've used Tracfone since 2002

I started with a basic Nokia phone, which was replaced for free twice when the cell towers upgraded. Last year I "upgraded" to a semi smart phone - a ZTE Citrine.

I don't do much as far as smartphone technology goes. For one thing I get no cell signal to speak of at home and really don't need or want to be tied to it while away from home.
My husband had the same model smart phone and as he wanted/needed more of the smart capabilities he finally upgraded to a Verizon account with a Samsung S8. But he's on his phone constantly with Facebook and texting his family and uses a lot of apps so he does a lot with that phone.

I've been happy with the Tracfone system. Every couple of years I pay for one year's service with the minimum number of call minutes - then for a small amount more I get another year of service. Basically the last six to eight years I have paid $150 every two years and get more additional minutes than I will ever use. One time I tried one of their monthly deals but they screwed it up and I lost service and my minutes. With the prepay like I do on their website I have never lost minutes or service time.

Tracfone customer service is not good - but neither are any of the cell phone companies' customer service. I just hope I never have to rely on it again!