Cheap phones

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Cheap phones

Kent German Kent German
Senior editor February 22, 2010 (updated on: July 13, 2011)

Though no one loves cell phone contracts, signing one can knock a lot of money off the price of your phone. And sometimes these service rebates can even be enough to make a handset free. In the below list, CNET has picked a few handsets that, as of this writing, either cost you one penny or nothing at all. Some require additional online-only discounts, and some offers are available only through third-party retailers. Also, keep in mind that free models tend to be on the basic side. But even with those caveats, there are plenty of satisfying phones that won't put a big dent in your wallet.

The Samsung Trender is a messaging phone for Sprint. It doesn't have the best camera, but it fits the bill as a user-friendly and functional handset centered on communication. It costs just 1 cent from Amazon.com, and because it's not a smartphone, you won't need a data plan. The Samsung Replenish packages Android 2.2 Froyo in an eco-friendly design. Call quality wasn't exceptional, though we liked the camera and the physical controls. Sprint now offers it for free.

AT&T has the Pantech Crossover. It's a well-built entry-level handset with a physical keyboard. Amazon lists it for just a penny with a contract. If you don't need quite as many features, T-Mobile has the Samsung SGH-T259. Its flip phone design is easy to use, you can get e-mail, and call quality is great. Sure, it's pretty simple, but Amazon lists it for just 1 cent with service.

Product name
Samsung Trender SPH-M380 - sapphire (Sprint)
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Samsung Trender SPH-M380 - sapphire (Sprint)

Samsung Replenish - onyx black (Sprint)
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Samsung Replenish - onyx black (Sprint)

Pantech Crossover (AT&T)
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Pantech Crossover (AT&T)

Samsung SGH-T259 - blue (T-Mobile)
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Samsung SGH-T259 - blue (T-Mobile)
Price $0.00 to $259.99 $0.00 to $339.99 $0.00 to $0.01 $0.00 to $184.98
CNET editors' rating

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3.5 stars

Average user rating 0 stars

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2.5 stars

Release date June 06, 2011 May 08, 2011
The Bottom Line If you're trying to avoid a data plan, the Samsung Trender is an affordable messaging option, though one of Sprint's budget Android phones could prove a better value. With a price tag of just $50, the Samsung Replenish offers good value as a basic, easy-to-use Android phone, and one that's environmentally conscious to boot. The Pantech Crossover is a well-built entry-level Android smartphone for AT&T customers who want a physical keyboard. The Samsung T259's intuitive design, excellent call quality, and affordable price make it a good choice for someone in search of a simple handset.
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Features
Specific absorption rate (SAR) 1.02 W/Kg
0.3 W/Kg
Info unavailable 0.36 W/Kg
Cellular technology CDMA2000 1X
CDMA2000 1X
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM
CDMA2000 1X
Weight 4 oz
4.1 oz
5.15 oz
3.25 oz
Talk time Up to 300 min
Up to 324 min
Up to 300 min
Up to 270 min
Wireless Interface Bluetooth
IEEE 802.11
Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
IEEE 802.11
Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
Service Provider Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel
AT&T
T-Mobile
Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications
Buying choices

Sprint
$0.00
In stock: Yes

A1 Wireless
$244.98
In stock: Yes

LetsTalk.com
$0.00
In stock: Yes

Prices from 4 CNET Certified stores


Sprint
$0.00
In stock: Yes

Wirefly Mobile
$0.01
In stock: Yes

LetsTalk.com
$0.00
In stock: Yes

Prices from 4 CNET Certified stores


AT&T Wireless
$0.00
In stock: Yes

Price from 1 CNET Certified store


Best Buy
$0.00
In stock: See Site

T-Mobile USA
$29.99
In stock: Yes

Wirefly Mobile
$0.01
In stock: Yes

Prices from 4 CNET Certified stores