Tired of phone plans that cost too much? Do you wish you could have a great phone without breaking the bank? Many people feel the same way. Choosing the perfect Cricket Wireless phone can feel like a maze. You see so many different models, each with its own features. It’s easy to get confused about which one fits your life and budget best.
Picking the wrong phone means you might miss out on features you need, or worse, pay for things you don’t use. That is frustrating! We understand that struggle. This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down the best Cricket Wireless phones available right now. You will learn exactly what makes each one a good fit for different needs.
Keep reading to discover the top devices, from budget-friendly picks to phones with amazing cameras. By the end, you will feel confident knowing which Cricket phone is your perfect match. Let’s dive in and find your next awesome smartphone!
Top Cricket Wireless Phone Recommendations
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
- Unlocked: Compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and other major carriers.
- Super-bright 6.7" display + Bass Boost: Take your entertainment to the next level with a fast-refreshing 120Hz display* and stereo sound with more powerful bass****.
- 50MP** Quad Pixel camera system: Capture sharper photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity—and share beautiful selfies with a 16MP front camera.
- Superfast 5G performance*****: Unleash your entertainment at 5G speed with the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and up to 12GB of RAM with RAM Boost.******
- Long-lasting battery + TurboPower charging***: Work and play all day with a 5000mAh battery, then get hours of power in just minutes.
- 6.4" Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support
- IP67 Water & Dust Resistant | Gorilla Glass 5 Front & Back
- 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
- 5000mAh with 25W wired charging
- Exynos 1380 (5nm) Octa-core
- NEW built-in stylus. Jot notes, edit photos, sketch artwork, and navigate effortlessly with an improved stylus and updated software.
- 6.7" pOLED display and Dolby Atmos. Experience cinema-quality entertainment with over a billion shades of color and multidimensional sound*.
- 50MP Ultra Pixel camera + OIS. Capture sharper low-light photos and smoother videos with an unshakable camera system featuring Optical Image Stabilization.
- 30W TurboPower charging + over a day battery. Get hours of power in just minutes of charging, then work and play with unbelievable battery life**.
- Standout design. Make a statement with its stunning look, modern color, and soft, vegan leather finish.
- This device is locked to Cricket only and not compatible with any other carrier.
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Ceramic Shield front, Glass back and aluminum design
- Rated IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529
- Dual-camera system
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Cricket Wireless Phones
Cricket Wireless offers great value phones that run on AT&T’s reliable network. Choosing the right phone can save you money and keep you connected. This guide helps you pick the best Cricket phone for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a Cricket phone, several features really matter. These determine how well the phone works for you every day.
- Battery Life: Look for a battery size, usually measured in mAh (milliampere-hours). Bigger numbers mean longer life. If you use your phone a lot, aim for at least 4,000 mAh.
- Camera Quality: Check the megapixels (MP) for the main camera. Higher MP usually means clearer photos, especially in good light. Don’t forget the front-facing (selfie) camera quality.
- Screen Size and Type: Bigger screens (around 6 inches) are good for watching videos. Look for “OLED” or “AMOLED” screens if you want bright, clear colors. “LCD” screens are common on budget models.
- Storage Space: Phones come with built-in storage (e.g., 64GB or 128GB). This is where your apps and photos live. If you take many pictures, ensure the phone has a slot for a microSD card to add more space later.
- 5G Capability: Most new Cricket phones support 5G. This lets you access faster internet speeds where the network is available.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your phone lasts and how it feels.
Most budget and mid-range Cricket phones use durable plastic backs and frames. Plastic is lightweight and resists shattering better than glass if dropped. Higher-end models might use aluminum or glass for a more premium feel.
Screen protection is also key. Many newer phones include tough glass like Gorilla Glass. This glass helps prevent scratches from keys or coins in your pocket. Always read reviews to see if the phone feels sturdy or flimsy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The phone’s internal parts greatly affect performance.
Processor (CPU): This is the phone’s brain. A faster processor (like a Snapdragon 6-series or better) makes apps open quickly and games run smoothly. Cheaper phones often use slower processors, which can cause noticeable lag when switching between tasks.
RAM (Random Access Memory): Think of RAM as short-term memory. 4GB of RAM is the minimum standard today. If you multitask often (using email while listening to music), look for 6GB or 8GB of RAM to keep things running smoothly. Low RAM reduces overall quality.
Software Updates: Good quality phones receive regular security updates from the manufacturer. These updates keep your data safe. Check online reviews to see if the model you want still gets support from the maker.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your daily activities should guide your purchase.
- For Basic Users (Calling/Texting): If you only need a phone for calls, texts, and light web browsing, a budget phone with a long battery life (like a Motorola Moto G series) is perfect. You do not need top-tier processing power.
- For Students/Social Media: These users need a good camera and reliable speed for apps like TikTok and Instagram. Prioritize a decent screen and at least 6GB of RAM.
- For Media Consumption: If you stream a lot of Netflix or YouTube, focus on a large, high-resolution screen and a large battery. Storage space becomes very important here if you download movies.
Cricket Wireless Phone Buying FAQs
Q: Do all Cricket phones use the same network?
A: Yes. All phones sold by Cricket Wireless use the AT&T network. This means coverage should be consistent across all devices they sell.
Q: Can I use a phone I bought elsewhere on Cricket?
A: Yes, often you can. Cricket supports most unlocked phones. However, you must ensure the phone supports the specific network bands Cricket uses for the best service, especially for 5G.
Q: What is the difference between a “budget” and a “premium” Cricket phone?
A: Budget phones have plastic bodies, slower processors, and basic cameras. Premium phones offer faster speeds, better screens (OLED), and superior build materials like metal or glass.
Q: How much storage do I really need?
A: If you use cloud storage (like Google Photos), 64GB might be enough. If you download many games or keep all your music locally, aim for 128GB or choose a model that accepts a microSD card.
Q: Are Cricket phones locked?
A: Phones purchased directly from Cricket are usually network-locked until you meet their specific service requirements (often 6 months of active service). Unlocked phones purchased elsewhere are not locked.
Q: What does “5G ready” mean?
A: It means the phone has the necessary internal hardware to connect to Cricket’s 5G towers, giving you faster download and upload speeds where 5G service exists.
Q: Is a big battery always better?
A: A big battery (high mAh) is great for staying powered longer. However, very large batteries can make the phone heavier and thicker.
Q: Should I worry about the phone’s operating system (OS)?
A: Most Cricket phones run on Android. Newer OS versions offer better security and new features. Always try to buy a phone that is running a recent version of Android.
Q: How do I know if a phone has good sound quality?
A: Look for reviews that specifically mention speaker quality. Some budget phones only have a single bottom-firing speaker, while better models might have dual stereo speakers for immersive sound.
Q: How important is the screen refresh rate?
A: Refresh rate (measured in Hz) affects how smooth scrolling looks. Standard screens are 60Hz. If you play fast-paced games, look for 90Hz or 120Hz for a much smoother visual experience.