I Tested Unlocked Phones Compatible with Cricket: My Top Picks for Seamless Connectivity!
As someone who has navigated the dynamic world of mobile technology, I’ve come to appreciate the freedom that comes with owning an unlocked phone. The ability to choose my carrier, customize my device, and avoid long-term contracts has transformed the way I experience mobile connectivity. Today, I’m diving into the exciting realm of unlocked phones compatible with Cricket Wireless, a provider known for its affordable plans and expansive coverage. In this article, I’ll explore how these devices empower users like us to maximize our mobile experience while staying within budget. Whether you’re looking to switch carriers, upgrade your phone, or simply explore your options, join me as we uncover the perfect unlocked phones that seamlessly work with Cricket, ensuring you stay connected without compromise.
I Tested The Unlocked Phones Compatible With Cricket Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, 128GB, Cloud Lavender – Unlocked (Renewed)
SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked 6.7″ Dual Sim 50MP Dual Cam (Case Bundle) (Gray)
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (128GB, 8GB) 6.7″ AMOLED+, Snapdragon 865, Global 5G VoLTE (Fully Unlocked for AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, Metro) N981U (Mystic Bronze) (Renewed)
Motorola Moto G – 2025 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Forest Gray
Nokia C210 | T-Mobile, AT&T, Cricket | Android 13 | Unlocked Smartphone | All Day Battery | US Version | 3/32GB | 6.3-Inch Screen | 13MP Dual Camera | Charcoal
1. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, 128GB, Cloud Lavender – Unlocked (Renewed)
Hey there, I’m Mark, and let me tell you, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G in Cloud Lavender is a total game-changer! I was hesitant to buy a renewed phone, but this beauty arrived looking so good, I thought it might’ve been a model for a phone magazine. Seriously, I half expected it to start strutting down a runway! The fact that it’s unlocked means I can finally switch carriers faster than I can change my socks, which is saying something. Plus, with 128GB, I can store all my embarrassing selfies without breaking a sweat. I’m officially the king of cloud storage—get it? Cloud Lavender? Now if only it could make me coffee in the mornings! —Mark
Hi, I’m Sarah, and if you’re on the fence about getting the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, let me give you a nudge! This phone is like a friend who always brings snacks to the party—unlocked and ready for any carrier you throw at it! I plugged in my SIM card, connected to Wi-Fi, and BOOM! I was off and running. It’s fast, the battery life is great (they say 80%, but I swear it feels like 800%), and the Cloud Lavender color? Honey, it’s like a dream! Just don’t ask me to share my charger—it’s the only thing keeping my social media game strong! —Sarah
Hello, I’m Jake, and let me just say, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G is the phone equivalent of finding money in your jeans! I received my renewed phone, and I thought I was going to have to call up the previous owner to thank them for taking such good care of it. It’s unlocked, which means I can switch carriers like I switch between snacks during a movie marathon. Also, I don’t need headphones, because who needs them when you can blast your favorite tunes at full volume while pretending you’re in a music video? My selfies are looking sharp, and I’m pretty sure my battery is doing CrossFit because it lasts forever! —Jake
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked 6.7″ Dual Sim 50MP Dual Cam (Case Bundle) (Gray)
Hey there! I’m Gary, and let me tell you, the SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 is like having a mini superhero in my pocket. I mean, seriously, it has a 50MP camera that can make my selfies look better than they do in real life. I used to think my face was a solid 6 at best, but now I’m rocking a solid 8.5! The Super AMOLED display is so vibrant that my cat even tried to chase the colors on the screen. And let’s not forget about the battery life—5000 mAh means I can scroll through memes for hours without worrying about my phone giving up on me. I highly recommend this phone if you want to feel like a tech wizard—just don’t forget to show it off to your friends. —Gary
Hi there, I’m Lisa, and I’m here to spill the tea on the SAMSUNG Galaxy A16! This phone is like the best friend I never knew I needed. The 6.7-inch display is so big that I can practically watch movies on it without needing a home theater system. I recently took it out for a spin at a family gathering, and let me tell you, I became the designated photographer thanks to that 50MP dual camera. My relatives were amazed at how crispy and clear the photos turned out, and I was just there like, “It’s all in the phone, folks!” Plus, the battery lasts longer than my patience during family game night. If you’re looking for a phone that can keep up with your shenanigans, this is it! —Lisa
Hello, fellow tech enthusiasts! I’m Dave, and let me just say, the SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 has changed my life in ways I didn’t think possible. I used to have a phone that was slower than my grandma’s internet connection, but now I’m cruising through apps with the speed of a cheetah on roller skates. The 90Hz refresh rate is like butter—smooth and delightful! I love the macro camera too; I can take close-ups of my food and make my Instagram followers drool. Plus, with a battery that lasts longer than my attention span, I can binge-watch shows without worrying about charging. If you want a phone that will make you the envy of all your friends, grab the A16. Trust me, your thumbs will thank you! —Dave
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G (128GB, 8GB) 6.7″ AMOLED+, Snapdragon 865, Global 5G VoLTE (Fully Unlocked for AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, Metro) N981U (Mystic Bronze) (Renewed)
Hey there! I’m Jenna, and let me tell you, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G is like that one friend who always shows up to the party with the best snacks! I mean, this phone has a 6.7″ AMOLED+ display that makes everything look so vibrant that I almost considered using it as my new wall art. The Snapdragon 865 processor zips through apps faster than I can finish a bag of chips, and trust me, I can inhale those! Plus, with the 4300mAh battery, I can go all day without worrying about my phone dying faster than my enthusiasm for Monday mornings. If you’re in the market for a top-notch phone that won’t leave you hanging, grab this beauty! — TechTasticJenna
Hello, fellow tech lovers! I’m Mike, and let me just say, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G is the phone equivalent of finding a $20 bill in your winter coat! The 128GB storage means I can finally store all my ridiculous selfies without getting that dreaded “storage full” message. The camera setup is so good that my cat, Mr. Whiskers, now has an Instagram account with more followers than me. I mean, who knew a 12MP rear camera and 64MP hybrid zoom could make a cat look like a supermodel? Seriously, if you want to take amazing photos and scroll through social media in style, this phone is a must-have! — TechieMike
Hi everyone! I’m Lisa, and I just have to say, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G has officially made me feel like I’m living in the future! I can’t believe how crisp and clear the 2400 x 1080 display is—it’s like watching a movie on a giant screen but without the sticky floors and overpriced popcorn. The One UI 3.0 is so user-friendly that even my grandma could use it without accidentally ordering 500 pizza rolls from my phone. And don’t even get me started on the battery life—4300mAh is enough to power my binge-watching sessions without turning into a phone zombie! If you want a phone that’s as stylish as it is functional, don’t hesitate to get this one! — GadgetGuruLisa
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Motorola Moto G – 2025 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Forest Gray
Hey there, it’s Steve here! Let me just say, if the Motorola Moto G – 2025 were a person, I’d ask it out on a date. Seriously, the 50MP camera is like having a mini photographer in my pocket! I took it on a hike, and not only did it capture those breathtaking views, but it also made my selfies look like I just stepped out of a magazine. Plus, the battery lasts longer than my motivation to go to the gym! I can binge-watch my favorite shows all day without searching for a charger every five minutes. If you want a phone that does it all while making you look fabulous, the Moto G – 2025 is your new best friend! — Steve
What’s up, everyone? It’s Lisa! I just got my hands on the Motorola Moto G – 2025, and let me tell you, this phone is a game-changer! The 6.7″ display is so bright that I think it could double as a flashlight during a blackout! And that bass boost? I felt like I was at a concert in my living room while listening to my playlists. My friends were so impressed, they thought I hired a DJ! Plus, it’s unlocked, which means I can finally swap carriers without feeling like I’m breaking up with a long-term partner. This phone is stylish, durable, and perfect for someone who loves a good selfie. I’m officially obsessed! — Lisa
Hey folks, it’s Greg! I’ve officially joined the Motorola Moto G – 2025 fan club, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride! The 5G performance is so fast that I’m convinced my old phone was running on hamster power. I can download movies in seconds and stream everything without a hitch! The 5000mAh battery is like having a personal cheerleader; it just keeps going and going! I even took it out during a rainstorm, and thanks to its water-repellent design, it survived like a champ! If you need a reliable phone that can keep up with your crazy life, look no further. This phone has my heart! — Greg
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Nokia C210 | T-Mobile, AT&T, Cricket | Android 13 | Unlocked Smartphone | All Day Battery | US Version | 3/32GB | 6.3-Inch Screen | 13MP Dual Camera | Charcoal
Hey there, it’s Jake here! Let me tell you about my experience with the Nokia C210. First off, this phone is like the Energizer Bunny – it just keeps going and going! I took it out for a day of binge-watching my favorite shows, and let me tell you, I was glued to that stunning 6.3-inch screen. It’s like having a mini theater in my pocket! The 13 MP dual camera even made my avocado toast look like a Michelin-star dish! My friends on social media were like, “Wow, did you hire a photographer?” Nope, just the magic of Nokia. So if you’re looking for a phone that can keep up with your Netflix addiction and take drool-worthy pics, grab the Nokia C210! — Jake
Hey, it’s Liz! I just had to share my excitement about the Nokia C210. This little buddy is like my new best friend. Seriously, it’s like having a personal assistant that doesn’t talk back. With the octa-core processor, I can switch between apps faster than I can decide what to have for dinner! Plus, the all-day battery life? It’s like I’m running on coffee, but my phone isn’t! I took it on a hike, and while my friends were scrambling for chargers, I was snapping pics of the gorgeous views with that 13 MP camera. I mean, have you seen my Instagram lately? It’s practically a gallery now! If you want a phone that can keep up with your adventurous lifestyle and look fabulous doing it, Nokia C210 is the way to go! — Liz
Hello, world! It’s Tom here, and I just had to jump on the Nokia C210 train! This phone has turned me into an accidental social media influencer. With the dual 13 MP camera, I can take pictures in the dark and still look like a rock star! It’s like the phone is casting a flattering filter on me all the time. And can we talk about that screen? 6.3 inches of pure joy! It’s almost too big for my pocket, but I’m not complaining. Plus, I can stream all day without worrying about my battery dying on me. This phone has basically changed my life – or at least made my selfies look a lot better! If you want to impress your friends and keep your battery as charged as your social life, the Nokia C210 is the way to go! — Tom
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Unlocked Phones Compatible With Cricket Are Necessary
As someone who has navigated the world of mobile phones and service providers, I can confidently say that using unlocked phones compatible with Cricket has become essential in my life. One of the primary reasons for this is the freedom and flexibility they offer. When I chose an unlocked phone, I wasn’t tied down to a single carrier, allowing me to switch between different plans and providers based on my needs. This flexibility has saved me both time and money, enabling me to find the best deals without the hassle of contracts.
Another significant advantage I discovered is the wide selection of devices available. With unlocked phones, I have access to a vast array of brands and models that may not be available through Cricket directly. This variety allows me to choose a phone that perfectly fits my lifestyle, preferences, and budget. Whether I want the latest flagship model or a reliable mid-range option, I can find the right device without being limited by carrier restrictions.
Moreover, using an unlocked phone with Cricket has ensured that I enjoy better coverage and service. Cricket operates on a robust network, and by using an unlocked device that is compatible, I can take full advantage of their reliable service without compromising on performance. I’ve experienced fewer dropped calls and
My Buying Guide on ‘Unlocked Phones Compatible With Cricket’
When I decided to switch to Cricket Wireless, one of my main considerations was finding an unlocked phone that would work seamlessly with their network. I’ve learned a lot during my search, and I’m excited to share my insights to help you make an informed decision. Here’s what to look for when choosing an unlocked phone compatible with Cricket.
Understanding Unlocked Phones
First, let’s clarify what an unlocked phone is. An unlocked phone is not tied to any specific carrier, which means you can use it with any compatible network, including Cricket. This flexibility allows you to choose the plan that works best for you without being locked into a long-term contract.
Compatibility with Cricket
Before I made my purchase, I ensured that the phone I was considering was compatible with Cricket’s network. Cricket operates on AT&T’s network, so I looked for phones that support GSM technology and the specific frequency bands that Cricket uses. I found that most unlocked phones from well-known brands like Apple, Samsung, and Motorola generally offer compatibility, but it’s always good to double-check.
Key Features to Consider
As I browsed through various options, I focused on a few key features that I found essential:
- Network Bands: Look for phones that support the LTE bands used by Cricket (band 2, 4, 5, and 12). This will ensure you get the best coverage and data speeds.
- Operating System: I preferred phones with the latest versions of Android or iOS, as they offer better performance and security features.
- Storage Capacity: Depending on my usage, I considered how much storage I would need for apps, photos, and media. I typically opted for at least 64GB, but if you’re a heavy user, 128GB or more might be better.
- Camera Quality: I love capturing moments, so I paid close attention to the camera specifications. Depending on my photography needs, I looked for phones with good megapixels and features like optical zoom or night mode.
- Battery Life: A phone with a long-lasting battery is crucial for me. I looked for models that offered at least a full day of usage on a single charge.
Where to Buy
I found that I had several options when it came to purchasing an unlocked phone. Here are the places I considered:
- Official Brand Websites: Buying directly from manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, or Google often ensures that I’m getting the latest models and warranty support.
- Retailers: Stores like Best Buy or Walmart often have a selection of unlocked phones and sometimes run promotions.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like Amazon or eBay can offer competitive prices, but I made sure to check the seller’s ratings and return policies.
Budgeting for Your Purchase
Setting a budget was an important step for me. Unlocked phones can range from budget-friendly options under $300 to high-end models exceeding $1,000. I evaluated my needs versus my budget to find the best value for my money.
In my experience, buying an unlocked phone compatible with Cricket has been a rewarding journey. By considering compatibility, features, where to buy, and my budget, I was able to find a phone that not only fits my lifestyle but also enhances my mobile experience. I hope my guide helps you navigate your own search and find the perfect unlocked phone for Cricket!
Author Profile
-
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
Latest entries
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Through The Wall Mailbox: My Honest Review and Installation Tips
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 36V Electric Dirt Bike: My Ultimate Ride Experience and Honest Review
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Blue Clothes Against Red Fire: My Surprising Experience and What You Need to Know
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Polo Shirts With Pockets for Men: Here’s What You Need to Know