Went for the LG V40 ThinQ. I got it through my carrier (so probably won't be able to root it
) for $15/month. Running the numbers, and factoring in the final lump sum, I'll have paid around $450 for this phone when I pay it off.
Moving from Apple to Android is always a good decision.
Much more options for various customizations, cheaper and the ability to block or minimize silent spying and tracking (more privacy). Welcome to the club.
I bought Meizu 16th, 6GB / 64 GB model for a total of 335€ (~380 $) with included shipping and handling costs. Global ROM, unopened, unused, unlocked, straight from the factory.
It's still somewhere in the transit, but I expect to receive it soon. Originally I wasn't planning to buy a phone with Snapdragon, but Kirin 980. However, after seeing physical dimensions of Huawei "phones", I cooled down rapidly. Every single one is close to 160 mm long and 75 mm wide and that's a big NO for me.
Meanwhile I saw Samsung Galaxy S10e, excellent hardware, OK design and excellent dimensions in the era of huge phablets, but its price tag of over 700€ also cooled me down. First my pocket said "Nope!" and then my common sense said "HELL NO!!". I also checked ZTE Nubia Z18, excellent hardware, beautiful design, but bad color selection except the most expensive "Starry night" version. If you like black phones, forget the statement about bad color selection.
I examined this phone prior to purchase and figured out that it doesn't have a 3.5mm jack. That was a big NO!
So, the only other candidate with powerful hardware, "acceptable" dimensions, 3.5mm jack and good design was Meizu 16th. Pretty good phone with SD 845, dual-sim slot, Sony IMX 380 sensor, Samsung AMOLED display etc. The problem is that white version with global ROM is only available with 6GB / 64 GB, while black and blue-green are also available with 8 GB / 128 GB and some 50€ premium. You will hardly anywhere find such a powerful smartphone for under 350 € with included shipping costs.
