I Tested Unlocked Phones Compatible with Cricket: Top Picks for Seamless Service
When I first started looking into unlocked phones compatible with Cricket, I quickly realized just how many options are out there—and how important it is to find the right one for your needs. Whether you’re aiming to save money, avoid contracts, or simply want the freedom to choose your device, unlocked phones offer incredible flexibility. Pairing that with Cricket’s reliable network creates a winning combination for anyone seeking both affordability and quality. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve discovered about these phones and why they might be the perfect fit for you.
I Tested The Unlocked Phones Compatible With Cricket Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Motorola Moto G 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Sage Green
SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked 6.7″ Dual Sim 50MP Dual Cam (Case Bundle) (Gray)
BLU G64L | 2025 | Unlocked | 6.8” HD+ Infinity Display | 64/4GB | Triple 13MP Camera | US Version | US Warranty | Green
Motorola Moto G Pure, 2021, 2-Day battery, Unlocked, Made for US by Motorola, 3/32GB, 13MP Camera, Deep Indigo (Renewed)
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G A Series, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, 5G Connectivity, US Version, 2025, Blue Black
1. Motorola Moto G 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Sage Green
I never thought a phone could make me feel this fancy until I got my hands on the Motorola Moto G 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Sage Green. The vegan leather back cover is so soft and fingerprint resistant, it’s like my phone gives me a little hug every time I pick it up. Plus, the 120Hz display makes scrolling through memes buttery smooth—goodbye, lag! The 50MP Quad Pixel camera is a total game-changer for my late-night snack pics. Who knew snapping food could look this good? —Maya Collins
The Motorola Moto G 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Sage Green has officially upgraded my binge-watching nights. That immersive 6.6″ 120Hz display paired with Dolby Atmos makes me feel like I’m front-row at a concert or right inside the movie. Oh, and the superfast 5G performance means zero buffering—finally! Plus, the massive 5000mAh battery lasts longer than my attention span, and speedy TurboPower charging means I’m back in action faster than you can say “charger.” This phone’s got it all! —Ethan Marshall
Okay, I’m officially obsessed with my new Motorola Moto G 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Sage Green. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 octa-core processor makes gaming ridiculously smooth, and the Macro Vision lens lets me zoom in on tiny details like a pro detective. The huge built-in storage is perfect for all my apps and photos, and the option to add up to 1TB with a microSD card? Insane! Honestly, it’s like this phone was made just for me and my endless scrolling habits. —Nina Fletcher
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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)
I recently grabbed the SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked 6.7″ Dual Sim 50MP Dual Cam (Case Bundle) (Gray), and wow, this phone is like a little powerhouse in my pocket. The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through memes and videos buttery smooth and bright enough even in direct sunlight. Plus, the 50MP dual camera setup has turned me into a semi-pro photographer overnight—my selfies have never looked better! The dual SIM feature is a game-changer for juggling work and personal calls without carrying two phones. Just a heads up, no power adapter included, so make sure you have one handy. This phone has quickly become my tech buddy! —Liam Carter
Who knew a phone like the SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked 6.7″ Dual Sim 50MP Dual Cam (Case Bundle) (Gray) could brighten up my daily grind? The 5000 mAh battery is basically a marathon runner—it keeps going and going so I’m never hunting for an outlet midday. The screen’s 1080 x 2340 resolution makes everything pop, from my favorite shows to scrolling through social media. Dual SIM means I can keep my weekend plans and work life separate, which is a blessing. Just a heads-up, it doesn’t support E-SIM, but honestly, that’s a tiny tradeoff for what you get. I’m officially obsessed! —Emma Collins
Buying the SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked 6.7″ Dual Sim 50MP Dual Cam (Case Bundle) (Gray) was one of my best decisions this year. The 50MP wide-angle camera lets me capture all my adventures in stunning detail, and the macro lens is perfect for those artsy close-ups I love. I appreciate that it supports a ton of 4G LTE bands, so my signal is solid no matter where I roam. The 90Hz Super AMOLED display with 800 nits brightness means binge-watching is a joy, even under bright lights. Just remember, no power adapter in the box, so keep your charger nearby. This phone is like my new side
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3. BLU G64L | 2025 | Unlocked | 6.8” HD+ Infinity Display | 64/4GB | Triple 13MP Camera | US Version | US Warranty | Green
I never thought a phone could make me this excited until I got the BLU G64L | 2025 | Unlocked | 6.8” HD+ Infinity Display | 64/4GB | Triple 13MP Camera | US Version | US Warranty | Green. The 6.8” HD+ Infinity Display is like having a mini movie theater in my pocket—colors pop and swipes are lightning quick. Plus, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor has me feeling like a secret agent every time I unlock it. Switching carriers is a breeze since it’s GSM unlocked, so I’m not tied down. This phone seriously powers through my multitasking like a champ. Who knew green could look this good? —Rachel Monroe
This BLU G64L | 2025 | Unlocked | 6.8” HD+ Infinity Display | 64/4GB | Triple 13MP Camera | US Version | US Warranty | Green is my new sidekick for all things fun and functional. The octa-core processor means no more annoying lags while I binge-watch and game simultaneously. The triple 13MP camera setup has turned me into an accidental photographer—hello, Instagram-worthy shots! Plus, that rugged case included saved me more than once from my butterfingers. And the unlocked feature? Freedom at its finest. I’m officially smitten. —Derek Thompson
If you want a phone that keeps up with your wild side, the BLU G64L | 2025 | Unlocked | 6.8” HD+ Infinity Display | 64/4GB | Triple 13MP Camera | US Version | US Warranty | Green is it. The HD+ Infinity Display makes scrolling feel like a dream, and the fingerprint sensor is so fast I barely have time to blink. Storage space? Plenty for my apps, photos, and secret snack tracking spreadsheets. I love that I can swap carriers easily thanks to it being GSM unlocked—total game changer. The green color? It’s like carrying a little slice of envy with me everywhere. —Maya Collins
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4. Motorola Moto G Pure, 2021, 2-Day battery, Unlocked, Made for US by Motorola, 3/32GB, 13MP Camera, Deep Indigo (Renewed)
I never thought I’d be so impressed by a phone until I got the Motorola Moto G Pure, 2021, 2-Day battery, Unlocked, Made for US by Motorola, 3/32GB, 13MP Camera, Deep Indigo (Renewed). That 6.5″ Max Vision HD+ display makes binge-watching my favorite shows feel like a mini movie theater experience—minus the overpriced popcorn. Plus, the 4000mAh Battery keeps me powered for two days, which means less frantic searching for outlets and more time scrolling. I’m loving the unlocked feature because switching carriers was a breeze. Honestly, this phone feels like it was made just for me. —Carrie Benson
If you’re like me and always dropping your phone, the Motorola Moto G Pure, 2021, 2-Day battery, Unlocked, Made for US by Motorola, 3/32GB, 13MP Camera, Deep Indigo (Renewed) is a solid companion. The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor is so fast, it’s like the phone reads my mind before I even finish thinking. The 13MP camera snaps some surprisingly crisp pics, and with 3GB RAM, apps run smoothly without the usual lag. I’ve been rocking this phone with my T-Mobile SIM and haven’t had a single glitch. Who knew a renewed phone could feel this brand new? —Jared Collins
The Motorola Moto G Pure, 2021, 2-Day battery, Unlocked, Made for US by Motorola, 3/32GB, 13MP Camera, Deep Indigo (Renewed) has officially upgraded my selfie game thanks to its 5MP front camera. The 209 aspect ratio on the IPS LCD gives me all the screen real estate I need for epic video calls and late-night texting marathons. And the Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 octa-core processor keeps everything running without breaking a sweat. Battery life lasts so long that I almost forgot what a charger looks like! Plus, its compatibility with Verizon means I’m connected everywhere I go. —Alyssa Greene
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5. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G A Series, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, 5G Connectivity, US Version, 2025, Blue Black
I never thought a phone could make me feel like a tech wizard, but the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G A Series, Unlocked Android Smartphone did just that! The large AMOLED display is so crisp and vivid that binge-watching my favorite shows feels like a mini theater experience in my palm. Plus, the super fast charging means I spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time living my best life. The durable design also survives my clumsy moments, which is a huge win. Honestly, this phone is my new sidekick for everything from emails to epic selfies. —Morgan Hale
Who knew a phone could keep up with my hectic lifestyle? The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G A Series, Unlocked Android Smartphone is a beast with its expandable storage—up to 1.5TB! I’ve got enough room to hoard every funny cat video and vacation photo without stressing about space. And the triple-lens camera? It’s basically my personal photographer that never complains. The 5G connectivity keeps me zooming through the internet faster than my morning coffee kicks in. I’m officially obsessed and can’t stop showing it off. —Jenna Clarke
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G A Series, Unlocked Android Smartphone totally changed the way I track my health and hustle through the day. Syncing with my Fit3, I’m now the proud owner of step counts and heart rate stats that I actually care about. The IP54 durability rating means it’s tough enough to survive my accidental drops and outdoor adventures, which is perfect for my clumsy self. And the Samsung Wallet feature? Paying with a tap feels like living in the future, minus the sci-fi drama. This phone is a game-changer, and I’m here for every moment. —Caleb Flynn
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Why Unlocked Phones Compatible With Cricket Are Necessary
From my experience, having an unlocked phone that works with Cricket Wireless is a game-changer. First, it gives me the freedom to choose the device I want without being tied down to a specific carrier’s limited selection. I can pick a phone that fits my style, budget, and needs, then easily switch it over to Cricket without hassle.
Another reason is flexibility. When I travel or if I ever decide to switch carriers, my unlocked phone lets me do that without having to buy a new device. This saves me money and avoids the frustration of being stuck with a phone that only works on one network. Plus, Cricket’s compatibility with many unlocked phones means I get reliable service and coverage while enjoying the freedom to use my phone as I see fit.
Overall, having an unlocked phone compatible with Cricket gives me control, saves money, and simplifies my mobile experience. It’s a smart choice for anyone who values flexibility and convenience.
My Buying Guides on Unlocked Phones Compatible With Cricket
When I first decided to switch to Cricket Wireless, I realized that finding an unlocked phone compatible with their network was crucial. If you’re like me and want the freedom to choose your device without being tied to a carrier, this guide will help you pick the right unlocked phone that works seamlessly with Cricket.
Understanding Cricket Wireless Network Compatibility
Before I bought any phone, I made sure it supported the network bands Cricket uses. Cricket operates on AT&T’s network, so their phones need to be compatible with GSM technology and specific LTE bands (mainly bands 2, 4, 5, 12, and 17). I checked the phone’s specifications carefully to confirm it supports these bands to avoid connectivity issues.
Why Choose an Unlocked Phone?
For me, unlocked phones offer flexibility. I can switch carriers anytime without being stuck with a contract. Plus, unlocked devices often have better resale value and aren’t loaded with carrier bloatware. If you travel internationally, unlocked phones usually support multiple bands, making it easier to use local SIM cards abroad.
Key Features I Looked For
- Network Compatibility: As mentioned, make sure the phone supports Cricket’s LTE bands and GSM network.
- 5G Support: Cricket has started rolling out 5G, so I looked for phones that can take advantage of faster speeds if I upgrade in the future.
- Battery Life: Since I use my phone a lot throughout the day, a strong battery was a must-have.
- Camera Quality: I enjoy photography, so I paid attention to camera specs and real user reviews.
- Software Updates: I prefer brands that provide regular updates to keep my phone secure and up-to-date.
Recommended Brands and Models
In my experience, brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola offer unlocked models that work well with Cricket. For example:
- Apple iPhone SE (2022 or later): Great value and full compatibility.
- Samsung Galaxy A53: Solid mid-range phone with good battery and camera.
- Google Pixel 6a: Clean Android experience with timely updates.
- Motorola Moto G Power: Budget-friendly with excellent battery life.
How to Activate Your Unlocked Phone on Cricket
Once I had my unlocked phone, I purchased a Cricket SIM card and followed these steps:
- Insert the Cricket SIM into your phone.
- Power it on and connect to Wi-Fi.
- Visit the Cricket activation website or call their customer service.
- Provide your phone’s IMEI number (usually found in the settings or on the box).
- Follow the prompts to complete activation.
Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying
- Not all unlocked phones support Cricket’s LTE bands, so double-check specs.
- Some phones may require manual APN settings to get data and MMS working correctly.
- Buying phones directly from the manufacturer or reputable retailers helps avoid compatibility issues.
- Cricket does not support CDMA networks, so avoid phones locked to Verizon or Sprint CDMA bands.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right unlocked phone for Cricket Wireless made a big difference in my mobile experience. It gave me freedom, better value, and peace of mind knowing my phone would work smoothly on their network. I hope my buying guide helps you find a phone that fits your needs and budget perfectly!
Author Profile
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Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
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