Need cell phone advice

[commonsense]

My 4 yr old LG is dying...........

I need to replace it, but hate to give up my low monthly fee. Same number and carrier since my first phone March 1997. Corporate growth has changed the name a few times......currently Verizon, although my phone still plays the Alltel music when opened

I would like smart phone type features but at an affordable price.

Has anyone used the no contract phones?
Do you like it?

I see so many ads but by nature I'm a skeptic and believe nothing.