Hello!
I get an email letting me know someone posted here. Mike, thanks for responding. Decided not to look for a smartphone and instead I just bought an Insignia Flex 8" NS P16AT09. It has an expandable micro sd slot, wifi and bluetooth and Android 5.0 (Lollipop).
I just downloaded the app remote and will let you know how it works. My cost from Wallmart was about $85 out the door. So that's half the cost of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.5" screen at Costco for $180 out the door. Stay tuned.
CK