First time buying a smartphone. Could really use some help/advice.

[JT45242]

4. For a first phone...

Select the cheapest carrier that has good coverage everywhere you are likely to use your phone.

Look at coverage maps online. We have a regional carrier that would be cheaper than one of the big guys but has poor coverage at the in-laws, so we had to go elsewhere.

As a new customer, they will likely have an offer for a free phone with contract, usually two years. Getting your first phone through the carrier is pretty easy. (Later you may want to buy unlocked phones from Costco or Amazon) .

The setup process follows a phone driven step by step for Android type phones. My mom was able to do it herself when he upgraded her from a slider to smart phone.

Never used an iPhone because they are a lot more expensive than the competition.but, the process is still phone driven if you get it from a carrier.