Suggestions for new (used) cheap VoLTE phone

**whacker** · 09-20-2020, 11:36 AM

Looking for something under $100 dollars to meet the need by the end of the year.

Have been thinking about the LG Aristo 2 Plus (or I think there's a "3" or "4" model by now). Plus I would need to probably get a new SIM for it since the current one is a micro size and I'm sure any new phones are nano. Wondering if a T-Mo store will program a new SIM if I get it from another source, or what the best way to accomplish that is.

My other phones on other networks are cheap LGs and I'm fine with that. I'm also aware of the available Motos. I just need to have LTE/VoLTE capable tech that includes bands 12 & 71, and the Aristo 2 Plus (and its newer iterations) does that. Forget 5G.

If I have to go used from eBay to get the right price that's fine too. I've done that before.

**whacker** · 01-23-2022, 10:32 AM

Rather than start a new thread to ask the same (not-responded-to-here) question, I thought I'd dig this one out to flag it to your attentions for comment again.

Looking for recommendations for a non-flagship phone to use on T-Mobile. I just have a Legacy Gold Rewards plan; nothing fancy, of course. Could be a T-Mobile branded phone from even a few years ago (like the LG Aristo 2 Plus I'm leaning toward) or a factory unlocked model that will do VoLTE on T-Mobile.

It's got to have Band 71. But 5G is not a concern.

Something in the $50-$70 range, ideally. I'm just not familiar with what branded phones T-Mobile has offered over the past five years or so to select from that would be acceptable going into the 3G sunset happening this coming July.

Thanks for any suggestions.

**AnciusD** · 01-23-2022, 12:42 PM

My backup Aristo 2 went into LG bootloop heaven last year. Currently still using the Aristo 4. I noticed that the free phone with refill purchase promo is no longer in place. Last I checked, the Revvelry 5G and Nokia N100 were offered.
Been pondering what my replacement would be if the Aristo 4 goes belly up.

**sillyette** · 01-24-2022, 04:23 PM

I don't know if you're looking for ONLY TMo-branded phones.

If you're open to other phones, this is the one I found - I've been checking phones on the Mint byod checker - my Tracfone-branded Moto E5 passed the Mint checker with flying colors.

Mint's checker says that it has VoLTE as well as rural band 71.

My Moto E5 was unlocked after a year of bundled service on Tracfone (I had purchased that bundle for just 30 bucks!). I don't know if Tracfone's Moto E5 phones or bundles are still available, but now, after Verizon bought Tracfone, Tracfone phones can be unlocked just 60 days after activation.

**whacker** · 01-25-2022, 10:58 AM

@AnciusD: Aren't the Aristo models newer than the 2+ coming mostly from Metro, and need to be unlocked to work on T-Mobile?

@ sillyette: No, not looking exclusively for T-Mo branded. I figure most of the Motos that are SIM unlocked will work, band-wise.

I do have a particular interest in a device that ideally won't update to any newer Android version beyond, let's say, 8 (Oreo), as there's an app I want to use that had its support dropped for versions newer than that. Strange case, but that's what I'm shooting for.

**AnciusD** · 01-25-2022, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by whacker

@AnciusD: Aren't the Aristo models newer than the 2+ coming mostly from Metro, and need to be unlocked to work on T-Mobile?

@ sillyette: No, not looking exclusively for T-Mo branded. I figure most of the Motos that are SIM unlocked will work, band-wise.

I do have a particular interest in a device that ideally won't update to any newer Android version beyond, let's say, 8 (Oreo), as there's an app I want to use that had its support dropped for versions newer than that. Strange case, but that's what I'm shooting for.

My Aristo 4 came directly from the TMo store. It was from one of their free phone with $100 refill purchase promos. I did unlock it but just for future flexibility.
I got the Aristo and Aristo 2 the same way. Unlocked both as soon as I got them. The OG Aristo has an RP GSMT in it right now.

**sillyette** · 01-25-2022, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by whacker

@ sillyette: No, not looking exclusively for T-Mo branded. I figure most of the Motos that are SIM unlocked will work, band-wise.

The Mint checker said that my Visible Moto E6 didn't have rural band 71. It did say that the E6 was still compatible.

Originally Posted by whacker

I do have a particular interest in a device that ideally won't update to any newer Android version beyond, let's say, 8 (Oreo), as there's an app I want to use that had its support dropped for versions newer than that. Strange case, but that's what I'm shooting for.

My Tracfone-unlocked Moto E5 is Android 8.1.0. I don't think it will get updated beyond that.

**AnciusD** · 01-26-2022, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by sillyette

The Mint checker said that my Visible Moto E6 didn't have rural band 71. It did say that the E6 was still compatible.

My Tracfone-unlocked Moto E5 is Android 8.1.0. I don't think it will get updated beyond that.

My E5's anniversary is on 2/2; so far haven't been able to unlock via the portal yet. Fingers crossed.

**bobdevnul** · 01-26-2022, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by AnciusD

My E5's anniversary is on 2/2; so far haven't been able to unlock via the portal yet. Fingers crossed.

Unlock should work at 360 days since activation assuming the other requirements have been met.

**AnciusD** · 01-26-2022, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by bobdevnul

Unlock should work at 360 days since activation assuming the other requirements have been met.

Understand. But I've read anecdotal reports of early unlocks (5 days?) so I've been checking ahead time. Recall some saying bundled phones didn't qualify, too.

**bobdevnul** · 01-26-2022, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by AnciusD

Understand. But I've read anecdotal reports of early unlocks (5 days?) so I've been checking ahead time. Recall some saying bundled phones didn't qualify, too.

Unlocks can be done at 360 days rather than a full year of 365.

I have unlocked two HSN bundle phones with no problem.

**AnciusD** · 01-28-2022, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by bobdevnul

Unlocks can be done at 360 days rather than a full year of 365.

I have unlocked two HSN bundle phones with no problem.

Unlock successful!

**bobdevnul** · 01-28-2022, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by AnciusD

Unlock successful!

Good. That is very encouraging. It is always heartwarming when TF actually works the way it is supposed to without having to get Executive Resolutions, BBB, and FCC complaints involved.

**Beejer** · 01-28-2022, 08:37 PM

Hello whacker, Long time no talk. If you'd consider a large phone check out the T-Mobile LG Stylo 4 Q710TS. It seems to meet your criteria. The Stylo 4 was sold by a lot of different carriers but I believe only the T-Mobile version will have both bands 12 and 71. It was never upgraded beyond Android 8.1 per the T-Mobile website. The bad news is that it's the first Stylo that doesn't have a replaceable battery. That said my almost 6 year old Stylo 1 is still on it's original battery and I only have to charge it every other day if that.

https://www.t-mobile.com/support/pho...oid/lg-stylo-4

https://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=5773

As far as the SIM goes I bought an unactivated three in one SIM card off eBay and called 611 to make the transfer without issue.

**whacker** · 01-29-2022, 09:36 AM

Well hey, look who turned up out of the dusty passages of the past! Nice to see you've still got your ear and eye monitoring the heartbeat of America here at HoFo! (... cough, cough...)

Thanks for he suggestion. The Stylos are nice phones; kind of in the same LG family as the Aristo, but larger and with the stylus, more deluxe.

Exterior size and the fact that this is a backup and a number holder for my Legacy T-Mobile service are strong factors. If I ran across a Stylo at the right price it could be the one.

Thanks for chiming in and including the links too!

Now where's my Nokia Nuron hiding around here...?