Looking for smartphone suggestions

I have had a Nokia flip phone for ages and have the no contract Share plan for $40 per month plan with AT&T. It gives me some data to use the internet and unlimited text & talk. The phone is too small to use the internet. I want to buy a smart phone so I can use the internet sometimes and check my Google email when I'm not at home. I'm 56 and most of my computer usage is done at home on a desktop. I don't text at all. I don't want to get a free phone from AT&T and get locked into a 2 year contract. I can get the Nokia Lumina 520 for $56 and reviews on it are ok. AT&T says they can hook it up to my account. I keep seeing these Samsung Galaxy commercials and the capabilities look pretty cool. However, with buying any phone without a contract, I know the pricetag will be high. I don't trust buying a cell phone on ebay. Any suggestions on models that would be a little more expensive and have more capability? Also, where would I go or look to buy them? Thanks.

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Generally the new Nokia Widnows stuff is cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Android stuff. However, I'm sure you could get a slightly used Galaxy SIII for a decent price and be pretty happy. You could try sites like Mobile Karma | Used Cell Phones and Refurbished Electronics or http://swappa.com

Keep in mind that you'll probably have to pay for a data plan through AT&T as soon as you switch to a smart phone regardless of renewing a contract or not. You can try

A highly rated guy on swappa.com has a black mint condition AT&T Apple iPhone 4 phone 16GB for $159
Functions flawlessly
Perfect screen condition
No signs of use
what do you think?