Time for a new phone!
Best under $400?

$390.00!

The newest new old stock Galaxy you can find

Being serious, I was really happy with my Galaxy Note 9 before I traded it for my Note 10+. Both are available on eBay quite reasonable, just be sure to pick an unlocked one to avoid all the uninstallable carrier garbage software.

Beware of the screens on the brand new ones, I had to send my S22 back because the screen made me sea sick / dizzy / nauseous. Apparently they flash very quick and your eye cant see it but your brain can, so now I have to find something good and older as well.

I've got an older Samsung Galaxy J3 that I bought new for $99.00 from Consumer Cellular about 4 years ago, plus a plan that costs me $34.xx a month. The phone is great - but not the greatest camera, but good enough. Consumer Cellular is EXCELLENT & NO problems at all. All the years I used Verizon I was throwing money away. I get less dropped calls with CC, & the phone is light years better than the Apple iPhone I was used to. The iPhone updates were ridiculous.

That is a GREAT place to buy a new phone. They usually offer it at a discount, give 24 months no interest, it's unlocked and doesn't come with carrier specific garbage software.

We recently bought a Galaxy S20 Plus refurbished off Amazon. $350 with warranty. Very happy with it.

www.amazon.com/Galaxy-S20-5G-Unlocked-Smartphone

I phone 8 if you can find one. I think I phones are easier to use.

I have the iphone SE, not sure of price, but it's the cheapest one out there. Apple also offer 10% veteran discount online. Look into it.

Looks like I'm going to have to buy one too. US Cellular is stopping the service for my flip phone at the end of Oct and I have to upgrade. Since mine still functions, they tell me they have one I can exchange mine for, and still keep the same plan.

The reason I got the flip phone was because they jacked the land line up over $100 a month for basic service. That was at least 6 or 7 years ago, still have the same flip phone. I'm not looking forward to another forced change.

What carrier? I'm looking to upgrade my S9(fantastic phone but the batt is finally taking a dump) I looked at the 22 but it certainly doesn't have great reviews. I'd consider the 20 if I can do what you just did on Verizon's network.

Whatever you plan to purchase, make sure it isn't a 4g phone without the latest gen of compatibility. VoLTE

I have a S7 and it is having issues with some new platform being used or isn't compatible. Works fine on wifi in the house.

I suggest you buy a new "last years model" unlocked version.
In 2020 I bought a 2019 Motorola G7 Power (unlocked) for $120 off of Amazon. It works perfect with my carrier (Verizon).
So once you figure out which make/model you want, check out the internet for a deal on a NEW last year's model.

I just went thru figuring out what model to get, here's what I did. I've had a galaxy 7 for years and it's worked well, but became high maintenance and not 5G capable. I wanted to stay with the Galaxy line, 5G and brand new. I bought a Galaxy A53 5G unlocked from amazon for $350. Works great. I'm with Verizon, but looking to change as there seem to be a lot of lower cost providers.

Total Wireless which is part of Verizon. The phone will actually go with either network and is good to go on the new networks that are currently on the horizon.

Really depends how U use the phone...
If just talking with the wife and mother-in-law any ole flip phone will work.
If U want to use for text, emails, maps and other internet stuff get an apple iPhone..

Just my $0.02...

It's the GM,Chrysler, Ford debate. You make it sound like only an Apple can do those simple tasks....not true! My ancient Galaxy android easily handles 3 email accounts, texts, takes fantastic pictures, syncs with Windows and Linux and runs about any internet stuff I throw at it.On top of that it's a fantastic phone with great reception.....there's really not much it doesn't do.

On the flip side...I teach at a tech college and we use multiple online learning management systems....the biggest issues we have is students access using Apple products.

Yup...
One can debate this over & over...
But being in the CE biz selling both the Android(Samsung & LG) and Apple phones, give an inexperienced phone user either 1 and watch which one comes up the fastest for understanding how to use its features...

Just my $0.02...

Get a smart phone. You'll be glad you did. Even if you're a boomer who mostly uses his phone as a phone, like me. Texting, camera, access to internet, email, banking, weather, alarm clock, is all handy.

Look at the iPhone SE2020 or SE2022. Small enough to carry in a pocket. Works great for what I do. Cheap, relatively speaking.