RE: From Dumbphone to Smartphone
I have a OP5 and I love it, it runs light and fast and takes okay photos. If you don't like the idea of their android, a or want faster updates with security, it is a Dev friendly phone, so you can easily flash LinageOS. It also has a headphone jack if that is important to you!
The Razer phone is supposed to be super nice, but the camera is underwhelming. Also, it is their first time so maybe it might be up in the air if they stay in the game or not.
I know it wasn't on your list, but the Google pixel and pixel XL are supposed to be absolutely nuts if you can afford it (but if you listed the iPhone X, then probably it isn't a problem.).
PS: If you can wait a bit, any android Phone that shops with Oreo must support Project Treble. This means easier updates (security). There are some nice that promise to support (pixels from memory). Keep in mind that must SHIP with Oreo.
Money is not a problem but I do hate spending it on overpriced goods. I would go as high as 500$ for a smartphone, everything above that seems a bit crazy. Can't have a phone that is more expensive than your avg PC.
Google pixel is also interesting, OP5 too, like I said there are so many good choices out there, it is hard to make a correct call. But there are no huge differences among all those models, so in the end pick one and you win it seems :)
For 500 dollars, depending on where you live, I think only the OP5 falls in that range. I'm in euros, so I don't really know the prices elsewhere. IPhone x, and pixel will set you back around 1000. I'm assuming you will buy the phone outright?
There are several options with the providers, all those options and phones from their stores are more expensive than for example ordering those same phones from amazon. I'd rather buy one outright.
Yes, good idea. It is much cheaper in the long run. Just make sure the bands that your carrier has are supported by your phone (keep in mind some phones have different variants).
At the moment, pretty much every flagship phone is pretty decent. You only have to be more careful at the mid and low end. Samsung is supposed to be good, but with heavy skinning. It just isn't for me.
btw, iPhone and all the Apple products are overpriced, I can tell you that (typing from my MacBook Air). No, but really, you pay for a brand and half of the options they have, I rarely or never use. Be smarter :D