best one for the buck?
not a iphone.

Got my S3 free at Wal-Mart with a 2 year renewal

Maybe this linnk will help: http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/24/engadget-smartphone-buyers-guide-spring-2013/

Personally, I use a Google Nexus 7 tablet for all the fun stuff like youtube/web browsing/games and a cheap $20 flip-phone for phone calls. Drawback is I cant browse the internet just anywhere, I have to be around some wireless internet, (this can be found free in many places in the city here). But this also means i don't have to pay for an expensive monthly data plan that you do with smartphones. My cell phone costs me about $15 a month to use.

edit: I would highly recommend any of Google's products. You get good quality for low price. The screen quality on my Nexus 7 is extremely good.

This post was edited by NatureNames on May 28 2013 02:38pm

what carrier?

a cheaper windows phone will probably be the way to go.

galaxy s4 when it drops.

It's a good phone.