How many personal cellphones can I bring into Ecuador?

Bringing in a total of four cellphones should not be a problem for you and Louise.  Obviously, that's just two per person.

What the dogs of SENAE are looking for is immigrants bringing in many new cellphones (or other products) for commercial re-sale.

So each of you pack one cellphone in carry-on, one in luggage ... and make sure they're not in unopened original packaging.

cccmedia in Quito

Better yet, one on your person and one in each carryon.  I think the rule is no more than two cell phones per person.

And, apropos of nothing, with alcohol, you are allowed to bring in three liters per person or family group. I have seen them get a bit testy about couples splitting up and trying to get more booze in.  They took the booze and went dumpster diving in their suitcases.

In general they are not real hard on us.  The last time I brought back ribeyes.  Ran it through the customs scanner and they helped me put it back on the cart.  Age has some benefits

Thank you for that response, simple and to the point my friend.

Don