T-Mobile Buying advice - no contract

[spidey9006]

Hello everyone,

I am on a T-Mobile month-to month plan with 4g, and I am looking to get an upgrade to my Samsung Exhibit II 4g. I don't want to pay more than $400 for a device, and I can't get one on-contract. I've been looking at the Nexus 4 and HTC One S. Are there any other good options? I've heard that the Nexus 4 doesn't have good battery life, and it's sold out everywhere. I'd be fine buying one used except for that I don't want to buy a stolen device that will be bricked by T-Mobile.
The phone that I want must have the following:
Not laggy
Decent battery life
Good Camera
16+ GB of storage (or less if it has a micro SD card slot)
Android 4.0 or higher

Any Suggestions?

Thanks,
Josh

 

[Digital Controller]

I have moved this thread into the Device Comparison forums since you are going to be comparing some devices that fall within your price range and list of specifications.

I know the Nexus 4 is a really nice device, my friend has one and has said nothing but good things about it.

Even though the battery is nonremovable i have heard it is pretty good.

 

[spidey9006]

Thanks for your input. Maybe someone will make a battery extender case for it eventually.

 

[bob60626]

It'd probably be considered a lesser device than the Nexus 4, but I really like my S2. Walmart is still selling them for 300 new, not much more than the low side of what they list for used.

T-Mobile Pre-Paid Samsung Galaxy S II w/ $30 Airtime Card: Cell Phones : Walmart.com

I went from a VM Optimus to an Exhibit ll to the S2. I still like the others but the S2 is so much more enjoyable.

 

[spidey9006]

I'm hesitant about buying another Samsung device because of touchwiz. What are the biggest improvements of the S2 over the Exhibit 2?