Prepaid phones are widely known for having a cheap, small range of phones with limited functionality.
However, recently prepaid companies like Tracfone have been making that stereo type something of the past.
During the last few years Smartphones have been trickling out into the stores but haven't made a huge impact that the contact companies would find hard compete with.
Now in late 2011 the game has changed a lot.
The latest Android phone to hit the prepaid scene is the Samsung Galaxy Precedent; this is a fantastic phone that has all the modern conveniences that you would expect from a contract Android phone.
This particular phone is on the Straight Talk brand which is a joint effort between Tracfone and Walmart stores.
These phones can only be purchased at Straight Talk's website or at a Walmart store.
The Samsung Galaxy Precedent sells for $150 ex-tax, which is a great value for any Android phone outright.
As far the monthly cost goes, you have to use the Straight Talk's $45 unlimited plan.
This plan lasts for 30 days on all the Straight Talk products.
This plan is as it states 'Unlimited' so you can make an unlimited number of calls, text messages and the Internet browsing (data) for one low cost.
OK, so why doesn't everyone just go to a plan like this? Well, there are some small things that might be enough for someone avoid going to such a service.
Firstly, Straight Talk has customer service centers located in the Philippines, which may not pose a problem for some people, but for others when it comes to understanding someone that uses English as a second language, it can prove difficult at times.
When someone is on the other side of the world providing customer service, obviously there is going to be some issues.
These issues are especially evident when there is fault finding going on, and another party from the US has to get involved as well, for example.
The virtual network that is used by the phone in question has issues.
This is where my next point comes into this article, which is the network that the Samsung Galaxy Precedent is run on which is the Sprint network.
There is nothing wrong with the Sprint company, but if you live in the middle of the sticks somewhere, and you went to you local Walmart, there may be issues with the phone working.
Sprint is probably better known for coverage in major cities.
In summary, the prepaid phone market is changing, this could be reflecting the changes in the consumer's way of thinking, instead of spending money we don't have...
we are paying as we go.
However, recently prepaid companies like Tracfone have been making that stereo type something of the past.
During the last few years Smartphones have been trickling out into the stores but haven't made a huge impact that the contact companies would find hard compete with.
Now in late 2011 the game has changed a lot.
The latest Android phone to hit the prepaid scene is the Samsung Galaxy Precedent; this is a fantastic phone that has all the modern conveniences that you would expect from a contract Android phone.
This particular phone is on the Straight Talk brand which is a joint effort between Tracfone and Walmart stores.
These phones can only be purchased at Straight Talk's website or at a Walmart store.
The Samsung Galaxy Precedent sells for $150 ex-tax, which is a great value for any Android phone outright.
As far the monthly cost goes, you have to use the Straight Talk's $45 unlimited plan.
This plan lasts for 30 days on all the Straight Talk products.
This plan is as it states 'Unlimited' so you can make an unlimited number of calls, text messages and the Internet browsing (data) for one low cost.
OK, so why doesn't everyone just go to a plan like this? Well, there are some small things that might be enough for someone avoid going to such a service.
Firstly, Straight Talk has customer service centers located in the Philippines, which may not pose a problem for some people, but for others when it comes to understanding someone that uses English as a second language, it can prove difficult at times.
When someone is on the other side of the world providing customer service, obviously there is going to be some issues.
These issues are especially evident when there is fault finding going on, and another party from the US has to get involved as well, for example.
The virtual network that is used by the phone in question has issues.
This is where my next point comes into this article, which is the network that the Samsung Galaxy Precedent is run on which is the Sprint network.
There is nothing wrong with the Sprint company, but if you live in the middle of the sticks somewhere, and you went to you local Walmart, there may be issues with the phone working.
Sprint is probably better known for coverage in major cities.
In summary, the prepaid phone market is changing, this could be reflecting the changes in the consumer's way of thinking, instead of spending money we don't have...
we are paying as we go.
Source...