Andy M.
Certified Pretend Chef
...models that are a year or two old cost a whole lot less and you can have your carrier activate them...
This is a good point. You don't have to get the newest model. The differences are often minor or don't impact how you would use your phone. The new phones we just got are several models old and will suit our needs.
As a side issue, I find it bewildering that there isn't one standard phone format for the industry. A phone that works on the Verizon network won't work on the ATT network and vice versa.