Samsung SGH-A437 / A436

Just got Verizon a870: tin can sound, battery only lasts 1 day, voice level comes and goes, static, gets warm; is this normal? Verizon neglected to inform me of the $60+ taxes and surcharges on each monthly bill. This really adds up! Thinking of changing to AT&Ts a437. Better phone? Less tax’s? Feedback, please.