Moto G

Well this is interesting. The new Moto G would work really well with what I've been doing. If it had been available a year ago, I probably would have chosen that over the Nexus 4. Now I have my eye on a Nexus 5, but for a person who is really trying to keep things at a bare minimum, the Moto G would be perfect. Here's their page for it:
http://www.motorola.com/us/consumers/moto-g/Moto-G/moto-g-pdp.html

Here is a nice comparison of the technical specs:
http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/125090-motorola-moto-g-vs-nexus-4-what-s-the-difference
Now when you compare the specs to the Nexus 4, you might still be better off with a used N4, but look at all the pretty colors on the Moto G! Plus you would have to shop eBay for the N4.

So ultimately this is a nice alternative to the Nexus 5, for someone who doesn't need the horsepower and just wants a cheap phone, that's also modern and nice. Combine this with a T-Mobile prepaid plan and you are going to have some okay service for a super cheap price.