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Best Text Messaging Phones

Heavy texters need a phone with a roomy keyboard: full QWERTY keyboards are the best. The best text messaging phones have keys that are responsive and easy to press without sticking. A large, high-resolution screen -- at least 2 inches -- is ideal for text messaging.
Sanyo Taho
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Sanyo Taho

Reviewed November 2011

Taho is a rugged phone with basic features

Pros: Durable, good navigation array, large, raised keys, good battery life

Cons: No music or video player, abundance of bloatware, no push-to-talk, mixed call quality, no social networking features, slow web browser

 Sprint
*Est. $50 with contract
 
  
Samsung Craft
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Samsung Craft

Reviewed October 2011

First 4G MetroPCS phone is a mixed bag

Pros: Bright and crisp AMOLED screen, hD video playback capability, good photo quality, standard size headphone jack, roomy keyboard, wi-Fi connectivity

Cons: Sluggish processor, slow 4G connection, limited 4G and 3G coverage, glossy body attracts fingerprints, poor battery life

 MetroPCS
$300, no contract
 
  
Samsung Profile
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Samsung Profile

Reviewed October 2011

Entry-level messaging phone with large screen and roomy keyboard

Pros: Roomy QWERTY keyboard, affordable, good call quality, large screen

Cons: MicroSD card slot located behind the battery, navigation array a bit cramped, pixelated video playback

 U.S. Cellular
*Est. $20 with contract
 
  
Pantech Laser
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Pantech Laser

Reviewed August 2011

Slim Pantech phone ideal for messaging, otherwise falters

Pros: Bright AMOLED display, slim design, roomy QWERTY keyboard

Cons: Unresponsive touch screen, no 3.5 mm headphone jack, weak reception and average call quality, full of bloatware

 AT&T
Free with contract
 
  
Motorola Rambler
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Motorola Rambler

Reviewed July 2011

Motorola Rambler provides great call quality on a budget

Pros: Great call quality, affordable, full QWERTY keyboard

Cons: No music player, no Wi-Fi, slow data speeds, poor photo quality and no easy way to transfer pictures, low screen resolution

 Boost Mobile
*Est. $50
 
  
Samsung Messager III
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Samsung Messager III

Reviewed July 2011

Cheap messaging phone is solid, but has performance issues

Pros: Wide QWERTY keyboard, solid build, sharp display

Cons: Low-res camera, sluggish browser, slow processor

 MetroPCS
from $68.88 with new contract
 
  
LG Neon II
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LG Neon II

Reviewed July 2011

Budget AT&T phone lacks compelling features

Pros: Bright screen, affordable, 3G data speeds

Cons: Touch-screen function only works for phone dialing, bloatware, poor photo quality, mandatory unlimited messaging plan

 AT&T
Free with contract
 
  
Samsung Intensity II
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Samsung Intensity II

Reviewed April 2011

Messaging phone for teens with an eco-friendly angle

Pros: Built with recycled components, does not require Verizon's monthly data plan, affordable

Cons: No 3.5 mm jack, slow downloads, poor call quality

 Verizon Wireless
Free with contract
 
  
Samsung Epic 4G
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Samsung Epic 4G

Reviewed February 2011

Speedy Sprint Android phone boasts excellent physical keyboard

Pros: Gorgeous touch screen, fast 4G network speeds, spacious physical keyboard

Cons: Mediocre camera quality, expensive monthly data plan

 Sprint
Price too low to display
 
  
Cricket MSGM8 II
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Cricket MSGM8 II

Reviewed February 2011

Affordable, no-contract candybar phone with basic features

Pros: Price, generous features, great GPS functionality

Cons: Cramped keyboard, poor photo quality, no media player or microSD card slot

 Cricket Wireless
*Est. $30, no contract
 
  
Pantech Link
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Pantech Link

Reviewed December 2010

Affordable messaging phone with a sleek design

Pros: Thin, smartphone-like design, domed keys, affordable

Cons: Call quality is mixed, browser is slow, poor camera quality, requires a data plan

 AT&T
*Est. $0.01 with contract
 
  
Pantech Ease
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Pantech Ease

Reviewed December 2010

Easy-to-use phone saddled by pricey monthly messaging plan

Pros: Sturdy design, clear call quality, large, brightly lit touch screen, roomy slide-out QWERTY keyboard

Cons: Expensive monthly messaging plan required

 AT&T
*Est. $50 with contract
 
  
LG Bliss
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LG Bliss

Reviewed December 2009

A solid touch-screen phone for U.S. Cellular customers

Pros: Sleek, lightweight design, unique touch screen offers handwriting recognition, high-end features, including HMTL browser, excellent call quality

Cons: Plastic casing, slow-responding touch screen

 U.S. Cellular
*Est. $130 with contract
 
  
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