We’ve tested dozens to find the best cheap smartphones that aren't annoyingly slow. Discover our top pick.
If you buy an unlocked phone on this list and try to take it to one of your wireless carrier's retail stores, they may tell you it isn't compatible with the network. It likely is. Just use a paper clip or SIM ejection tool to pop the SIM card out of your current phone, then slide that SIM into your new phone. If it doesn't work at first, reboot the phone or wait a couple of hours.
If you need a new SIM, try ordering one online from your carrier or try to get them to give you a SIM when you activate a line in the store . Tell them you have a phone. Many times, reps will want to sell you a phone; that's one potential reason they might hassle you into buying a different device in the store.
Having said that, please make sure whatever phone you buy will work on your wireless network. Listings on retailers like Amazon should state clearly which networks a device will be compatible with. Also, make sure the listing says that the phone is being sold "unlocked."There's a higher chance an unlocked phone will not work on your network. Make sure it is labeled to work on Verizon, or that it says the phone is CDMA-capable.
If you're nervous, look up the specifications of the exact model you're considering. Make sure it has the LTE or 5G bands it needs to run on your carrier. Speaking of networks, you don't need to rush out and buy a 5G phone. Most of our picks support the new network, but 5G is still sparse in the US and not much faster than LTE.If a phone isn't listed here, or if it's refurbished, be careful. It's easy to waste money or time when you're shopping for affordable phones.
For example, we no longer recommend buying the iPhone XR at its current retail price. It's still a good phone (
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