Before you buy another phone, check it for 4 G LTE ability.
"But I don't care, it is just for talking", you say.
Wrong. In some placers you might not get reception if you phone is not up to the new standard of 4 G LTE.
Here is an article by Verizon. Other carriers are going the same route. They favor the new 4 G LTE over the older service types.
What is 4G LTE and Why it Matters.Being the fastest network available means download speeds four to five times faster than 3G networks, which rivals some home broadband connections. The real hook, though, is the fact that consumers don’t have to be at home to appreciate these speeds. Consumers can access the internet wherever there is coverage with any 4G-enabled device, including smartphones, tablets and mobile hotspots
That means the newer technology works better even if you only need to make a phone call. Read the article.
I was taking to my carrier today about a temporary n outage in my area and he told me the old phone I was using might have been a factor.
And he kindly told me my phone will not work in this area next month. 
