What is the difference between prepaid phones and regular ones? (Phones, not service plans.)

[SynthpopAddict]

Apologies in advance if this is stupid, but in the Shop section of Verizon's website, there are a few phones marked as "prepaid", but the majority of phones are just "regular" Verizon phones.  Are the "prepaid" phones the only Verizon phones a prepaid customer can use if they want a Verizon phone?  Or is that designation simply for Verizon phones which can be purchased upfront but must be paid in full at time of purchase?  (Which would mean any Verizon customer could use said phone and is a means to avoid a device contract for 24-36 months.)

Just curious, as there aren't many "prepaid" phones available at the website and when it's time for this prepaid customer to get a new phone, will I have to buy an unlocked phone from elsewhere to replace current old carrier unlocked phone if I don't like whatever prepaid phones are at Verizon?

[vzw_customer_support]

Hi, there! I love knowing my purchase options, and would love for you to get the best equipment to meet your needs. I'm going to send you a Private Note.

*Becky

[SynthpopAddict]

I just got the PM, but the link in it does not work at all in my browser...just goes to a blank page with nothing happening.  While I understand that phone promotions such as trade ins, get a free phone, or upgrade your phone are for postpaid lines, that still doesn't answer my original question.  Can I buy any phone from Verizon and use it on a prepaid line, or not?  I am guessing that no matter what I will have to pay the entire cost of the phone upfront since I cannot get any promotions on prepaid service.

[SynthpopAddict · Accepted solution]

CS replied to my PM and said that any Verizon phone will work with a prepaid line.  But I'm correct about not getting any device promotions.