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10 Best Cricket Wireless Phones in 2026
We've rounded up the 10 best Cricket Wireless phones in 2026, from flagship to budget. Find the one that fits your needs and network perfectly.
You've decided to join Cricket Wireless, or maybe you're already on the network and your current phone is showing its age. Either way, the question is the same: which phone actually delivers a good experience on Cricket without locking you into a contract or an overpriced installment plan? The lineup of Cricket-compatible phones covers everything from the latest Samsung and Apple flagships to no-frills Motorola handsets. Some are locked specifically to Cricket, others are unlocked and will work fine with a Cricket SIM. The hard part is figuring out which one is right for your daily use.
We sorted through the options to find the 10 best Cricket Wireless phones you can buy right now. The picks range from the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, a true flagship contender, to the Moto G Play, a bare-bones device that handles the essentials. There are iPhones for people who prefer iOS, plenty of Motorola options with great battery life and stylus support, and a few budget-friendly Samsung models that punch above their weight. You will find something here whether you are a power user, a parent buying for a teen, or someone who just needs a phone that makes calls and runs apps without frustration.
TL;DR: The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is our top pick for its superb display, fast performance, and excellent cameras. The Apple iPhone 14 is the best option for iPhone loyalists who want a solid, modern device on Cricket. The Moto G 2025 offers the best battery life and a huge screen for under $200. The Moto G Stylus 5G is the one to get if you need a built-in stylus and lots of storage.
| # | Product | Key Specs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, 128GB | 6.7" 120Hz AMOLED, 128GB/8GB, 50MP+12MP+8MP cameras, Exynos 2400, 4900mAh battery, Cricket locked | The best overall performance and display on Cricket |
| 2 | Apple iPhone 14, 128GB | 6.1" Super Retina XDR, 128GB, A15 Bionic, dual 12MP cameras, IP68, Cricket locked (renewed) | The best iPhone for a modern experience on Cricket without paying for a Pro model |
| 3 | Apple iPhone 13, 128GB | 6.1" Super Retina XDR, 128GB, A15 Bionic, dual 12MP cameras, Cricket locked (renewed) | A nearly identical iPhone 14 experience for a lower upfront cost |
| 4 | Apple iPhone 12, 64GB | 6.1" Super Retina XDR, 64GB, A14 Bionic, dual 12MP cameras, Cricket locked (renewed) | An affordable entry into the iPhone ecosystem on Cricket |
| 5 | [Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | 2024 | Unlocked](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1ZFS9GH?tag=marketresearchtelecast-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)** |
| 6 | [Moto G 2025 | Unlocked](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNRK51QQ?tag=marketresearchtelecast-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)** | 6.7" 120Hz display, 128GB/4GB, 50MP camera, 5000mAh battery, MediaTek Dimensity 6300, unlocked |
| 7 | Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024) Cricket Locked | 6.7" 120Hz display, 128GB/8GB, 50MP dual camera, 5000mAh battery, Cricket locked | A great combination of battery and RAM for multitaskers on Cricket |
| 8 | Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, 64GB | 6.5" Super AMOLED 90Hz, 64GB/4GB, 50MP+5MP+2MP cameras, 5000mAh battery, Cricket locked (renewed) | The best budget Samsung with a great display and 5G |
| 9 | Motorola Moto G 5G 2024 Cricket Locked | 6.6" display, 128GB/4GB, 50MP camera, 5000mAh battery, Cricket locked (renewed) | A solid, straightforward 5G phone for Cricket at a very low cost |
| 10 | Motorola Moto G Play 2024 Cricket Locked | 6.5" HD+ display, 64GB/4GB, 16MP camera, 5000mAh battery, Cricket locked (renewed) | The most affordable Cricket phone for basic calls, texts, and light apps |
How we picked
- Network compatibility above all else. Every phone on this list works on Cricket Wireless out of the box. Some are carrier-locked to Cricket and can't be used elsewhere; others are unlocked and will also work on other US carriers. We verified that both types deliver a reliable connection on Cricket's network without missing bands.
- Performance that matches your usage. We looked at processor, RAM, and storage. A flagship like the S25 FE handles gaming and multitasking effortlessly. A phone like the Moto G Play is slower but fine for calls, messages, and light social media. We matched each phone to the audience it suits best.
- Display quality matters at every level. A good screen makes everything better. We prioritized phones with AMOLED panels, high refresh rates, and bright enough sunlight visibility. The Samsung Galaxy A15, for example, punches well above its class with a Super AMOLED 90Hz screen.
- Camera capability for real-world shots. We considered sensor resolution, optical image stabilization (OIS), and additional lenses like ultrawide or telephoto. The Moto G Stylus 2024 has OIS on its 50MP main camera, which helps more in low light than a higher megapixel count without stabilization.
- Battery life that lasts a full day minimum. Every phone here has at least a 5,000mAh battery except for iPhones, which are more efficient. The Moto G 2025 and Moto G Power 2024 are particularly strong in this area, often stretching into a second day for light users.
- Expandable storage where it matters. We favored phones with microSD support when internal storage is low. The Samsung Galaxy A15 and several Motorola models allow you to add up to 1TB, which makes a 64GB phone far more usable.
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, 128GB: Best Overall Cricket Phone
Pros
- Stunning 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz and 1900 nits peak brightness
- Fast Exynos 2400 processor with 8GB RAM handles everything you throw at it
- Versatile triple camera system with 3x optical zoom
- 4900mAh battery easily lasts a full day of heavy use
- Premium build quality and design
Cons
- Locked to Cricket, no switching carriers later
- No expandable storage (128GB is all you get)
- The telephoto lens could be sharper in low light
Best for: Anyone who wants the best performance, display, and camera system available on Cricket without moving to a flagship-priced device.
Check current price on Amazon →
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is the phone you buy when you don't want to compromise. The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is gorgeous — it hits 120Hz for buttery smooth scrolling and gets bright enough to see clearly outdoors in direct sun. The 1900 nits peak brightness means HDR content looks punchy, and the adaptive refresh rate saves battery when you are just reading.
Under the hood, the Exynos 2400 and 8GB RAM make this phone feel snappy. Apps open instantly, multitasking is lag-free, and even demanding games run at high settings. The camera system is a highlight: a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide that captures a much wider scene, and an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. You can actually zoom into a subject without losing detail, a feature missing from nearly every other phone on this list. The 12MP front camera is good enough for clear selfies and video calls.
The only real tradeoff is the lack of expandable storage. 128GB fills up fast if you shoot a lot of video or download many large games. And being locked to Cricket means you are committed to the network for the life of the phone. But if you are already on Cricket or planning to switch, the S25 FE delivers a flagship experience at a fraction of what Samsung's Ultra models cost. This is our top pick for a reason.
2. Apple iPhone 14, 128GB: Best iPhone for Cricket
Pros
- Excellent A15 Bionic chip still feels fast and efficient
- Ceramic Shield front and IP68 water resistance
- Dual-camera system with great color science and video quality
- Long software update support for years to come
Cons
- Only 60Hz display in a world where 120Hz is common
- Lightning port (no USB-C on this model)
- Renewed condition means cosmetic blemishes are possible
Best for: iPhone users who want the most modern, well-rounded iPhone that works on Cricket without paying for a Pro.
Check current price on Amazon →
The iPhone 14 remains a fantastic phone in 2026 even though Apple has moved on to newer models. The A15 Bionic chip is no slouch: it handles iOS with fluid grace, runs demanding apps without breaking a sweat, and plays graphics-intensive games smoothly. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display is bright and sharp, though it tops out at 60Hz. If you are coming from a 120Hz Android phone, you will notice the difference in scrolling smoothness.
The dual 12MP camera system may not sound impressive on paper, but Apple's image processing is still among the best. Photos look natural with accurate colors, and video recording remains class-leading, especially in stabilization and HDR. The Ceramic Shield front makes the screen more resistant to drops than most competitors, and the IP68 rating means the iPhone 14 can survive a dip in the pool.
This is a renewed device, so it might show minor wear. But the battery is tested to at least 80% capacity, and you get a generic charger and cable in the box. If you are an iPhone user on Cricket and don't need the absolute latest, the iPhone 14 is the sweet spot. It gets years of iOS updates ahead of it, and the performance gap to the iPhone 15 or 16 is small in daily use.
3. Apple iPhone 13, 128GB: Nearly the iPhone 14, for Less
Pros
- Same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 14
- 128GB base storage, enough for most users
- Same camera quality as the iPhone 14 in good light
- Lightweight and comfortable to hold
Cons
- Identical design to the iPhone 14 but with a notch instead of the Dynamic Island
- No optical zoom, just standard wide and ultrawide
- 60Hz display, and no always-on display
Best for: People who want an iPhone on Cricket and prefer to save compared to the iPhone 14, accepting the slightly older design and the notch.
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The iPhone 13 is essentially the iPhone 14's twin in performance. Both phones use the A15 Bionic chip, both have the same camera sensors, and both deliver the same core iOS experience. The biggest differences are the iPhone 14's slightly better low-light camera processing, Crash Detection, and the removal of the SIM tray in some markets. For most people, those additions are not worth the extra cost.
The 128GB storage is a welcome upgrade over the 64GB iPhone 12. You can actually install a decent number of apps and games, take photos and videos, and still have room left over. The battery life on the iPhone 13 is solid: it comfortably gets through a full day with moderate use, and the A15's efficiency means it sips power when idling.
What you give up versus the iPhone 14 is marginal. The notch is there instead of the Dynamic Island, but it does not affect usability. The camera in low light is a tiny bit noisier, but in daylight shots you would be hard-pressed to tell them apart. If you are looking for the best value iPhone on Cricket, the iPhone 13 is it. It is a nearly identical experience to the 14 for a lower upfront cost.
4. Apple iPhone 12, 64GB: The Budget iPhone Entry Point
Pros
- Still fast enough for most apps and iOS updates
- Lightweight, compact design that fits well in smaller hands
- MagSafe support for accessories
- IP68 water resistance
Cons
- 64GB storage is very tight for modern apps and media
- A14 chip showing its age with demanding games
- 60Hz display with thick bezels compared to newer phones
- Battery capacity may be lower due to renewed condition
Best for: Someone on a tight budget who wants an iPhone on Cricket and only needs it for calls, messages, light social media, and streaming.
Check current price on Amazon →
The iPhone 12 is the oldest model on this list, but it still holds up for basic use. The A14 chip is no slouch for everyday tasks: scrolling through social media, running messaging apps, streaming video, and taking the occasional photo all feel responsive. iOS optimization means the 12 gets the same core experience as newer iPhones, just with slightly slower app loading times.
The biggest problem is the 64GB storage. After the system takes its share, you have around 50GB left. That is enough for a few dozen apps and some photos, but you will need to manage storage actively. Gamers and people who shoot lots of video should look at the iPhone 13 or 14 instead. The battery on renewed units is tested to at least 80%, but performance will vary. A fresh battery replacement might be needed within a year if you are a heavy user.
The iPhone 12 still looks and feels like a premium phone. The glass and aluminum construction is solid, the 6.1-inch OLED display is sharp, and MagSafe works with all current accessories. It is the cheapest way to get into the iPhone ecosystem on Cricket, but you accept compromises in storage and future-proofing. If your needs are truly modest, it will serve you well.
5. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | 2024 | Unlocked: Best for Note-Taking and Productivity
Pros
- Built-in stylus with good software integration for notes and sketches
- 256GB storage with 8GB RAM, plenty of space and memory
- 50MP camera with Optical Image Stabilization for sharper low-light photos
- Gorgeous 6.7-inch pOLED display with Dolby Atmos
- Unlocked, works on Cricket and any other carrier
Cons
- 2024 model, so performance is not as snappy as the S25 FE or iPhone 14
- Charging is limited to 30W (still decent, not the fastest)
- The stylus has a plastic feel, and there is no dedicated slot to store it (it sits in the phone body well enough)
- No water resistance rating
Best for: People who take handwritten notes, mark up documents, or sketch digitally and want a large, bright screen plus lots of storage.
Check current price on Amazon →
The Moto G Stylus 5G stands out in a sea of identical-looking phones because it includes something no other phone in this roundup has: a built-in stylus. You pull it out of the bottom of the phone and start writing on the screen right away. Motorola's software includes a notes app, screen-off notes (jot down something without unlocking), and the ability to mark up screenshots and PDFs. It is not as polished as the Samsung Galaxy S Ultra S Pen, but it is far more affordable and works well for occasional use.
The 6.7-inch pOLED display is a treat. It shows deep blacks and vivid colors, making movies and games look great. Dolby Atmos tuning adds a sense of spaciousness to the stereo speakers, though they are not the loudest around. The 50MP main camera with OIS takes cleaner night shots than the standard Moto G models. The 256GB storage is generous, and with the 8GB of RAM, the phone handles multitasking without slowdowns.
This is an unlocked phone, so you can buy it and pop in a Cricket SIM without any carrier restrictions. The downside is that the processor is mid-range and will show its limits with heavy gaming or intense multitasking. But for productivity, media consumption, and creative work, the Moto G Stylus 5G is a standout choice.
6. Moto G 2025 | Unlocked: Best Battery Life and a Smooth 120Hz Screen
Pros
- 5000mAh battery lasts two days for moderate users
- 120Hz display makes scrolling and animations feel fluid
- 50MP camera with quad pixel technology for better low light
- Vegan leather back looks and feels premium
- Unlocked, works with Cricket and other carriers
- Expandable storage up to 1TB
Cons
- 4GB RAM is sometimes stretched with multiple apps open
- No ultrawide or telephoto lens
- MediaTek Dimensity 6300 is fine for daily tasks but not a gaming powerhouse
- Charging is limited to 30W (charger sold separately)
Best for: Users who value battery life and a smooth display above all else, and want a phone that just works without fuss.
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The Moto G 2025 is the phone that keeps going. The 5000mAh battery is a beast: you can easily get through a full day with heavy use, and if you are a light user, it stretches into the second day. The 120Hz display is a pleasant surprise at this level. Most phones in this bracket stick to 60Hz or 90Hz, but Motorola gave the Moto G a 120Hz panel that makes every swipe and scroll feel smooth.
The vegan leather back gives it a tactile, grippy feel that stands out from glass or plastic. The 50MP main camera uses pixel binning to create 12.5MP photos that have decent detail in good light, though low-light performance is average. The 16MP front camera is fine for selfies and video calls. 4GB of RAM is the main limitation: with several apps open, you might see a reload when switching back to a previous app. The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 is capable for everyday tasks but not for heavy gaming.
As an unlocked phone, the Moto G 2025 is easy to use on Cricket. Just insert your SIM and go. The storage is 128GB, which is generous, and you can add up to 1TB via microSD. If you want a phone that stays alive and feels smooth for daily use, the Moto G 2025 is one of the best options on this list.
7. Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024) Cricket Locked: The Multitasker's Choice
Pros
- 8GB RAM keeps multiple apps and tabs active without reloading
- 128GB storage for your apps and media
- 120Hz display for smooth visuals
- 5G connectivity
- Locked to Cricket, so it is optimized for the network
Cons
- Used condition (not new)
- No expandable storage mentioned
- Camera system is basic with only a 50MP main and a depth sensor
- Battery capacity is not specified but likely 5000mAh
Best for: People who need the extra RAM for multitasking and want a large, smooth display on Cricket.
Check current price on Amazon →
The Moto G Power 5G (2024) is all about the RAM. With 8GB of memory, you can keep a dozen browser tabs open, switch between apps, and still have quick response times. The 6.7-inch 120Hz display matches the experience of pricier phones, and the 128GB storage gives you plenty of breathing room. The 50MP main camera takes acceptable photos in good light, but there is no ultrawide or telephoto option.
This is a used device, so expect some signs of wear. But the battery has been managed for efficiency, and the phone runs a near-stock version of Android that is clean and fast. The phone is locked to Cricket, so it will not work on other carriers. That is fine if you are staying with Cricket. The combination of 8GB RAM, 120Hz screen, and 5G makes this a strong option for anyone who does not want to spend up for Samsung or Apple but still wants solid performance.
8. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, 64GB: Best Budget Android with a Super AMOLED Display
Pros
- Super AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate looks far better than any LCD in this class
- 50MP main camera takes sharp daytime shots
- 5000mAh battery lasts and lasts
- Expandable storage for photos and media
- 5G support for future-proofing
Cons
- 64GB internal storage is tight; you will need a microSD card
- 4GB RAM can cause slowdowns with heavy multitasking
- No ultrawide camera (just macro and depth sensors)
- Locked to Cricket and only 4GB RAM
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a great display and reliable Samsung software on Cricket.
Check current price on Amazon →
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is the phone that surprises you every time you turn on the screen. The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel with 90Hz refresh rate is a massive step up from the IPS LCD screens found on other budget phones. Blacks are deep, colors are vibrant, and the 90Hz refresh rate adds a welcome smoothness to navigation.
The 50MP main camera is actually capable. In good light, photos have good detail and exposure. Samsung's processing tends to oversaturate colors a bit, but many people like that look. The 5MP ultrawide and 2MP macro lenses are not worth using much; stick to the main camera. The 5000mAh battery is a workhorse, easily lasting a full day and often a second day for lighter use.
The main weakness is storage. 64GB fills up fast, especially with apps and photos. But the microSD card slot means you can add up to 1TB for a few dollars. The 4GB RAM is also a bottleneck: switching between apps can lead to reloading if you have too many open. If you can live with those limits, the A15 offers the best display and Samsung software experience at the low end of the Cricket lineup.
9. Motorola Moto G 5G 2024 Cricket Locked: Simple, Reliable 5G on a Budget
Pros
- 5G connectivity on Cricket's network
- 128GB storage with 4GB RAM
- Large display for media consumption
- Clean, near-stock Android experience
Cons
- Only 4GB RAM may struggle with multitasking
- Mediocre camera performance in low light
- No expandable storage mentioned
- Renewed condition may show cosmetic wear
Best for: Someone who needs a cheap 5G phone for Cricket and does not demand much from the camera or multitasking.
Check current price on Amazon →
The Moto G 5G 2024 is the stripped-down version of the Motorola lineup. It gets the basics right: 5G connectivity, a large display, and enough storage for the essentials. The 128GB internal storage is a nice step up from the 64GB found on cheaper phones. The 4GB RAM is just enough for casual use, but you will notice lag if you try to run many apps at once.
The camera is serviceable in good light but struggles at night. Motorola's software is clean and close to stock Android, with minimal bloatware. That means it runs reasonably well even on modest hardware. The battery is 5000mAh, so endurance is strong.
This is a renewed phone locked to Cricket. It is the kind of device you buy for a teenager, a senior, or as a backup phone. It is not exciting, but it does what it needs to do: make calls, run common apps, and use 5G data. If your requirements are simple, the Moto G 5G 2024 is a safe, affordable choice.
10. Motorola Moto G Play 2024 Cricket Locked: The No-Frills Ultimate Budget Pick
Pros
- Lowest entry point for a Cricket-compatible phone
- 5000mAh battery provides great endurance
- 64GB storage with microSD expansion (likely)
- Simple, easy-to-use Android software
Cons
- Very basic 16MP camera takes mediocre photos
- HD+ display is low resolution and not very bright
- Slow processor for anything beyond basic apps
- Only 4GB RAM, and performance can be sluggish
- No 5G support
Best for: A first phone for a child, a backup device, or someone who only needs calls, texts, and very light app usage.
Check current price on Amazon →
The Moto G Play 2024 is the most affordable option on this list, and it makes every compromise necessary to hit that low starting point. The 6.5-inch HD+ display is adequate for reading text and watching videos, but it lacks the sharpness and brightness of the other phones here. The MediaTek processor and 4GB RAM are fine for checking email, scrolling social media, and using messaging apps. Anything more demanding will test your patience.
The 16MP camera takes acceptable photos in bright daylight but struggles in anything less. The 5000mAh battery is the saving grace: you can go days between charges with light use. The phone is locked to Cricket and comes renewed, so expect some signs of use.
This is not a phone for enthusiasts. It is for someone who needs a phone to do the absolute basics and nothing else. For that purpose, it works well enough. If you have a little more to spend, the Samsung Galaxy A15 is a massive upgrade in every way. But if your budget is truly rock bottom, the Moto G Play gets you on Cricket with a working phone.
Buyer's guide: how to choose Cricket Wireless phones
Choosing the right phone for Cricket requires paying attention to a few key factors that go beyond just the brand and design. The network itself runs on AT&T's towers, so coverage is generally good across the US, but the phone you buy determines what features you get and how smoothly it runs.
Carrier compatibility: locked vs. unlocked
The most important decision is whether to buy a phone locked specifically to Cricket or an unlocked phone that you can use on Cricket. Locked phones are usually cheaper upfront because Cricket subsidizes them in partnership with sellers. They come pre-configured for the network and often support Cricket's specific features like Wi-Fi Calling and HD Voice out of the box. The tradeoff is that you cannot take the phone to another carrier later unless you get it unlocked after a certain period.
Unlocked phones offer flexibility. You can buy a phone like the Moto G Stylus 5G or Moto G 2025, insert a Cricket SIM, and it will work on the network. Unlocked phones generally support more bands and are easier to resell or switch carriers with. Just confirm that the phone supports all the LTE and 5G bands that Cricket uses. Most recent unlocked phones from major brands (Samsung, Motorola, Apple) work perfectly fine.
5G support and network performance
Cricket offers 5G on most of its plans, but not all phones here support it. The Moto G Play 2024 and some older models lack 5G. If you use data heavily or want faster downloads in areas with 5G coverage, look for phones with 5G in the name. The Galaxy S25 FE, all iPhones, and most Motorola G phones (except the Play) support 5G. Keep in mind that 5G uses more battery, so phones with larger batteries are better suited for it.
Storage and expandability
Storage is one of the most overlooked specs. A 64GB phone like the iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy A15 fills up quickly with apps, photos, and media. If the phone has a microSD card slot (most Motorola and Samsung models do), you can add extra storage cheaply. iPhones do not have expandable storage, so choose your internal storage size wisely. For most people, 128GB is a comfortable minimum.
Camera system quality
The camera is often a deciding factor. Look beyond the megapixel count: the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE has a 50MP main sensor plus a dedicated telephoto lens, which gives you optical zoom. The Moto G Stylus 5G includes optical image stabilization, which helps with blurry shots in low light. The iPhones have dual cameras that produce consistent, natural-looking photos. Lower-end phones like the Moto G Play have a single basic camera that works in good light but falls apart in dim conditions.
Battery life and charging
All of the Android phones on this list have at least a 5000mAh battery. That is enough to comfortably get through a full day, and for lighter users, it can last two days. iPhones have smaller batteries but are more power-efficient, so the iPhone 14 and 13 also deliver a full day of typical use. Charging speed varies: Motorola's 30W TurboPower is decent, while Samsung's S25 FE supports 25W. Only the iPhones are stuck with the slower 20W Lightning charging, but they still charge acceptably.
Processor and RAM
The processor determines how fast the phone feels. The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE's Exynos 2400 and the iPhones' A15 Bionic are the fastest chips here, handling games and heavy apps with ease. The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 in the Moto G 2025 is good for everyday tasks but not for high-end gaming. RAM matters for multitasking: 8GB (S25 FE, Moto G Stylus, Moto G Power) lets you keep many apps open without reloading. 4GB (A15, Moto G Play) is fine for light use but will show its limits under pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an unlocked phone on Cricket Wireless?
Yes. Unlocked phones that are compatible with AT&T's network will work on Cricket, since Cricket uses AT&T's towers. The Moto G Stylus 5G and Moto G 2025 on this list are unlocked and will work with a Cricket SIM. You may need to adjust the APN settings for data and MMS to work properly.
Do Cricket locked phones work with other carriers?
No. A Cricket locked phone is programmed to only accept a Cricket SIM card. It will not work on AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or any other carrier unless Cricket unlocks it after you have been a customer for a certain period (usually six months to a year).
Is a renewed phone from a third-party seller safe to buy?
It depends on the seller. Companies like WirelessSource and Techrific Deals, which supply many of these renewed phones, have a reasonable track record. They test the phones, provide a generic charger, and guarantee a minimum battery capacity of 80%. However, you are buying a used device, so cosmetic wear is possible, and the included charger may not be the original. Buy from sellers with good return policies.
What is the difference between Moto G and Moto G Power?
The Moto G (recent models like the 2025) and the Moto G Power are very similar, but the Power typically has a larger battery (often 5000mAh vs 5000mAh as well) and sometimes more RAM. The naming can be confusing. In general, any phone with "Power" in the name emphasizes battery life, while the standard Moto G focuses on the best all-around features for the price.
Do I need 5G on Cricket Wireless?
Not necessarily. 5G offers faster download speeds, but 4G LTE is still more than adequate for streaming video, browsing, and video calls. If you are on a limited data plan or live in an area where 5G coverage is spotty, you will not miss much. The Moto G Play 2024 lacks 5G and is perfectly usable for light use.
How much storage do I need?
For most people, 128GB is a comfortable minimum. With 64GB, you will need to manage storage actively, especially if you take photos or install many apps. If the phone supports microSD expansion (like the Samsung Galaxy A15 and most Motorola models), 64GB is fine because you can add a card. iPhones and the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE do not have expandable storage, so choose accordingly.
What should I check before buying a Cricket locked phone?
Make sure you are currently a Cricket customer or plan to sign up. The phone will only work with a Cricket SIM. Also verify that the phone supports Cricket's LTE and 5G bands. Most Cricket locked phones are configured correctly, but it is worth checking the specifications. Finally, understand that you cannot resell the phone easily to someone on a different carrier.
Final verdict
If you want the absolute best experience on Cricket Wireless, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is our top pick. It has the best display, the fastest processor, the most versatile camera system with optical zoom, and a premium feel that rivals phones costing much more. It is locked to Cricket, but that is fine if you plan to stay.
For iPhone users, the Apple iPhone 14 is the sweet spot. It offers excellent performance, great cameras, and years of software updates. The iPhone 13 is a solid alternative if you want to save a bit and do not mind the notch. Both are renewed, but they deliver a polished iOS experience that is hard to beat.
The Moto G 2025 is our pick for best value. It has a smooth 120Hz display, fantastic battery life, and a vegan leather design that feels premium. It is unlocked, so you can use it on Cricket or switch later. The Moto G Stylus 5G is the best choice for anyone who needs to take notes or draw on their phone, and its 256GB storage is generous.
For budget buyers, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G offers the best display in its class and reliable Samsung software. The Moto G Play 2024 is the cheapest option, but the sacrifices are real. Spend a little extra on the A15 if you can.
No matter which one you pick, you are getting a phone that works on Cricket and should serve you for the next couple of years. Think about what you actually do with your phone every day and match that to the strengths we have outlined. You will know which one is right for you.
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