Nifty old tech flipper
I think this is the best "cheap" phone you'll find that can work with Tello (check the ESN number on Tello's web site to be sure), and is free of the great Google God. It's pretty fancy for a flipper, and quite snappy and easy to navigate. It lacks a QWERTY keypad, and WiFi, so if you need those features you'd better look elsewhere. You can get pretty good at typing on a numeric keypad with practice.
I also should note, if you have a 64 bit computer, you won't be able to trade files (wallpaper, pics, contacts, etc.) with it, even if you get the special USB adapter from Gomadic. The driver for it is Windows XP 32-bit, and you also need an open source program called Bitpim. I was able to boot my computer into mini-XPx32 with Horem's boot disk, then use the 32 bit driver, the special adapter, and Bitpim to trade files. Quite a hassle, unless you like tinkering with that sort of thing. Otherwise, you can just use the the MM-8300 as a fancy flip phone (plus flashlight!). It's CUT OFF from the rest of the world!
The only alternative to the MM-8300 is the Alcatel Go Flip phone. It has a very similar feature set (but no flashlight ;-( ), much easier file syncing with a standard USB cord, and it even has WiFi. I don't THINK Google can spy on you yet, with the Go Flip. Sadly, there are many complaints about the sluggish performance and quirky memory handling of KaiOS 1.0, which CAN NOT be updated on that phone. So there you have it.
If you want a cool looking, "smart" flip phone, with a snappy, efficient feel, works with Tello, and no Google spies lurking round every corner, look no further than a used MM-8300 from one of these ol' time old-tech sellers.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned