10 Best Cricket iPhone Deals in 2026

You're on Cricket, or you're thinking about switching. The coverage is solid, the prepaid plans are simple, and you don't want to pay full retail for a phone when you don't have to. Buying a Cricket-locked iPhone from Amazon's renewed listings is a way to get an iPhone without a contract. But the lineup is messy. It spans four generations, from the aging iPhone 12 to the current iPhone 16, and the colors and storage tiers can blur together. We sorted through the ten most popular Cricket-locked iPhones on Amazon to find the ones that actually deliver on performance, battery life, and modern features. Whether you need the biggest screen, the latest chip, or just a reliable phone that won't frustrate you in two years, this guide will point you to the right pick.

TL;DR: The Apple iPhone 13 128GB in Midnight is the best all-around pick for most Cricket users: solid performance, good camera, and 128GB of storage. The Apple iPhone 14 128GB in Midnight adds a dual-camera system and crash detection without a huge jump in capability. The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB in Black is the best big-screen option with the latest A18 chip. And the Apple iPhone 15 128GB in Black is the one to get if you want Dynamic Island and USB-C.

#	Product	Storage	Display	Generation	Best for
1	Apple iPhone 15 128GB Black	128GB	6.1" Super Retina XDR	15	Most people who want the modern design and USB-C
2	Apple iPhone 15 128GB Pink	128GB	6.1" Super Retina XDR	15	Same as above, but in a colorful finish
3	Apple iPhone 15 Plus 128GB Pink	128GB	6.7" Super Retina XDR	15	Big-screen fans who want the 48MP camera and Dynamic Island
4	Apple iPhone 14 128GB Midnight	128GB	6.1" Super Retina XDR	14	Buyers who prioritize safety features like Crash Detection
5	Apple iPhone 13 128GB Midnight	128GB	6.1" Super Retina XDR	13	The best all-rounder for most Cricket users
6	Apple iPhone 13 128GB Blue	128GB	6.1" Super Retina XDR	13	Same great phone, different color
7	Apple iPhone 16 128GB Ultramarine	128GB	6.1" Super Retina XDR	16	Early adopters who want the latest A18 chip and Camera Control button
8	Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Black	128GB	6.7" Super Retina XDR	16	Users who want the biggest screen and newest internals
9	Apple iPhone 16e 128GB Black	128GB	6.1" Super Retina XDR	16e	A more budget-friendly entry into the iPhone 16 line
10	Apple iPhone 12 64GB Blue	64GB	6.1" Super Retina XDR	12	Extreme budget buyers who only need a basic phone

How we picked

• Carrier locking: All phones here are locked to Cricket. That means they only work with Cricket or Cricket‑powered MVNOs. If you switch carriers later, you'll need to unlock them (Cricket's policy allows it after six months of active service). We only considered Cricket‑locked devices to match the search intent.
• Storage: 64GB is too tight for most people now. We prioritized phones with 128GB as the baseline. The iPhone 12 with 64GB is the only exception, and we placed it last because of that limitation.
• Battery health: Every renewed unit here is guaranteed to have at least 80% of its original battery capacity. That's the industry standard, but an older model like the iPhone 12 will still have less total battery life than a newer one because the original capacity was smaller. We factored in real-world endurance across models.
• Camera generation: The camera is a major differentiator. The iPhone 12 and 13 share a similar dual‑camera setup. The iPhone 14 adds a slightly improved sensor and Action Mode video. The iPhone 15 jumps to a 48MP main camera and adds the 2x optical zoom. The iPhone 16 keeps the 48MP sensor but adds the new Camera Control button and spatial video.
• Chip generation: The A14 in the iPhone 12 is still capable, but the A15 in the iPhone 13 is a meaningful step up for gaming and app performance. The A16 in the iPhone 14 and 15 is fine for nearly everything. The A18 in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus is the fastest, with dedicated ray tracing hardware.
• Design and durability: All models have Ceramic Shield front glass, but the iPhone 14 and later have a slightly tougher internal structure. The iPhone 15 and 16 use a color‑infused glass back that feels more durable than the glossy glass on earlier models. The iPhone 15 and 16 also have the Dynamic Island instead of the notch.

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1. Apple iPhone 15 128GB Black: Best Overall

Pros

• Dynamic Island makes notifications and Live Activities much more useful
• 48MP main camera with 2x optical zoom for sharp photos
• USB-C charging is finally here, and it's fast
• Color‑infused glass back feels more durable than older models

Cons

• No always‑on display (that's still Pro only)
• Same 60Hz refresh rate as the iPhone 12
• No telephoto camera beyond the 2x digital zoom

Best for: The person who wants the most modern iPhone without stepping up to the Pro line. If you plan to keep this phone for three years or more, the iPhone 15 is the sweet spot.

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The iPhone 15 is the first standard model to get the Dynamic Island, and that alone makes it feel significantly more current than the iPhone 14 or 13. The pill‑shaped cutout replaces the old notch, and it actually does useful things. You can track your Uber, see a timer, or follow a sports score without opening the app. The 48MP camera is the other big differentiator. It shoots full‑resolution 48MP images, but more importantly it uses pixel binning to create a 24MP default photo that holds up well in cropping. The 2x optical zoom is actually a crop from the 48MP sensor, but the quality is good enough to replace a dedicated telephoto in most daylight situations. The switch to USB‑C is overdue but welcome. You can charge with the same cable as your MacBook or iPad, and the transfer speed is USB‑2, which is fine for syncing but not for high‑speed video offloading. The A16 chip is the same as the iPhone 14 Pro, so performance is snappy and will stay that way for years. The biggest omission is the 60Hz screen. Once you've used a 120Hz display, coming back to this one feels a little less fluid, but most people won't notice. For the balance of new features and long‑term support, the iPhone 15 is the safest bet in this lineup.

2. Apple iPhone 15 128GB Pink: Best Overall (Color Option)

Pros

• Same great iPhone 15 hardware in a striking pink finish
• Dynamic Island, 48MP camera, USB-C
• 128GB storage is the modern baseline

Cons

• Pink is a polarizing color, not for everyone
• Same limitations as the black version: 60Hz, no telephoto

Best for: Anyone who loves the iPhone 15 features but wants a phone that stands out. The pink is vivid without being neon.

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This is exactly the same phone as number one, just in pink. Apple's color‑infused glass back on the iPhone 15 is more durable than the glossy back on the iPhone 14, and the pink is one of the brighter options in the lineup. If you're buying for yourself or as a gift and the recipient likes color, this is the one to get. Everything we said about the Dynamic Island, 48MP camera, and USB-C applies equally here. The only real decision is aesthetic.

3. Apple iPhone 15 Plus 128GB Pink: Best Big Screen

Pros

• 6.7‑inch display is fantastic for video, maps, and reading
• 48MP camera with 4x optical zoom range
• Up to 26 hours of video playback
• Dynamic Island and USB-C

Cons

• Very large: hard to use one‑handed
• Still only a 60Hz screen
• Heavier than the standard iPhone 15

Best for: People who watch a lot of video on their phone, or who want the largest possible display without moving to a Pro Max.

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The iPhone 15 Plus gives you the big canvas without the Pro Max price jump. The 6.7‑inch Super Retina XDR display is excellent for streaming, reading long articles, and using split‑screen apps. The 48MP camera gains a 4x optical zoom range, which is actually a combination of the 0.5x ultra‑wide and the 2x telephoto crop. That means you can go from wide to 2x without losing detail. The A16 chip handles everything smoothly, and the battery life is among the best here: Apple rates it at up to 26 hours of video playback, which beats the standard iPhone 15 by about six hours. The tradeoff is size. This is a two‑hand phone, and it won't fit in small pockets easily. The pink color is the same as the smaller model, but on the larger phone it looks even more vibrant. If you prioritize screen real estate, this is the one.

4. Apple iPhone 14 128GB Midnight: Best Safety Features

Pros

• Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite (works without cellular)
• Ceramic Shield front, glass back, aluminum frame
• Dual‑camera system with Action Mode for stable video
• IP68 water resistance to 6 meters

Cons

• Design is nearly identical to the iPhone 13
• Still has the notch, not Dynamic Island
• No USB-C, still Lightning

Best for: People who value safety features like Crash Detection and need satellite connectivity for remote areas. It's also a solid pick if you want to stay on Lightning for now.

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The iPhone 14 was the first standard model to get Crash Detection and satellite SOS. If you drive a lot, hike in areas with no cell service, or just want the peace of mind, those features are genuinely useful. The A15 chip is the same as the iPhone 13 Pro, so performance is still strong. The dual‑camera system is slightly improved over the 13 with a larger sensor and Action Mode for smoothing out video. The design is nearly identical to the 13: same notch, same aluminum frame, same Lightning port. That's not a dealbreaker, but it means you're not getting the Dynamic Island or USB-C. The 128GB storage is the new baseline, and the Midnight color is a dark blue‑black that looks professional. The iPhone 14 sits in a weird spot between the 13 and 15, but for safety‑focused buyers it's the clear choice.

5. Apple iPhone 13 128GB Midnight: Best All-Rounder

Pros

• A15 chip is still fast enough for everything most people do
• 128GB storage is the modern minimum
• Good dual‑camera system with Cinematic mode
• Strong battery life (rated up to 19 hours video playback)

Cons

• Notch looks dated now, and Dynamic Island is nicer
• No USB-C, no satellite SOS, no Crash Detection
• Camera is a step behind the 48MP sensor on the 15

Best for: The vast majority of people who just want a reliable, modern iPhone without paying extra for features they won't use. This is the "just buy it" pick.

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The iPhone 13 is the most popular iPhone ever sold, and for good reason. The A15 chip is still plenty fast. It runs iOS 19 smoothly, handles games like Genshin Impact, and will likely get updates for another three to four years. The dual‑camera system with 12MP wide and ultra‑wide takes very good photos in good light, and Cinematic mode adds a depth‑of‑field effect to video that still looks impressive. The battery life is a highlight: on a full charge, most people will get through a full day without worrying. The biggest downside is the notch. Once you've used an iPhone with Dynamic Island, the notch feels like a relic. And you don't get satellite SOS or Crash Detection. But for the core experience of an iPhone (fast, secure, great app ecosystem), the 13 is still excellent. The Midnight color is a dark blue‑black that's subtle and premium. If you're on a Cricket plan and just want a solid phone, this is the one to buy.

6. Apple iPhone 13 128GB Blue: Best All-Rounder (Color Option)

Pros

• Same great iPhone 13 hardware in a vivid blue
• 128GB storage, A15 chip, good battery

Cons

• Blue may show scratches more than darker colors
• Same limitations as the Midnight version: notch, Lightning, no satellite SOS

Best for: People who want the iPhone 13's performance but prefer a brighter, more distinctive color.

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Everything we said about the Midnight iPhone 13 applies here. The blue is one of the more vibrant colors Apple has offered on a standard iPhone. It's lighter than Midnight and has a bit more personality. The only difference is cosmetic, so pick the color that suits you.

7. Apple iPhone 16 128GB Ultramarine: The Latest and Greatest

Pros

• A18 chip with ray tracing hardware, future‑proof performance
• Camera Control button adds a new way to shoot photos
• 48MP camera with spatial video recording
• Dynamic Island and USB-C

Cons

• The biggest jump over the iPhone 15 is the A18 chip and Camera Control
• Ultramarine is a deep blue, not for everyone
• Still 60Hz screen

Best for: People who want the newest technology and plan to keep their phone for five years or more. If you need the absolute best performance today, this is it.

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The iPhone 16 is the most advanced standard iPhone you can buy. The A18 chip is a significant generational leap, with dedicated ray tracing that makes games like Resident Evil Village run much better than on the A16. The new Camera Control button on the side lets you launch the camera, zoom, and take a photo with a squeeze. It's a nice touch for photography enthusiasts, though it's not essential. The 48MP camera gains the ability to record spatial video for the Apple Vision Pro, which is a niche use but shows the phone's future‑proofing. The Ultramarine color is a deep, rich blue that looks almost black in low light. It's a premium finish. The biggest disappointment is the 60Hz screen. At this level, a 90Hz or 120Hz display would have been a huge win, but Apple reserves that for the Pro models. Still, if you want the best chip and the newest features, the iPhone 16 is the obvious choice among Cricket‑locked phones.

8. Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Black: The Ultimate Big Screen

Pros

• Massive 6.7‑inch display with A18 performance
• Camera Control button and spatial video
• Best battery life in this lineup (up to 27 hours video playback)
• Dynamic Island and USB-C

Cons

• Very large and heavy
• Expensive (relatively, for this list)
• Still 60Hz

Best for: People who want the absolute largest screen and the latest chip without going to the Pro Max. If you watch movies, play games, or work on your phone, this is the one.

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The iPhone 16 Plus combines the biggest display in the standard lineup with the fastest chip. The 6.7‑inch screen is fantastic for consuming content, and the A18 ensures everything stays smooth for years. The Camera Control button is here too. The battery life is excellent: Apple rates it at up to 27 hours of video playback, which should get heavy users through a full day easily. The black color is a deep, neutral black that looks professional. The only real tradeoff is the 60Hz refresh rate, which feels more noticeable on a screen this size. The same size with 120Hz would be a dream, but you'd have to step up to the Pro Max. For a Cricket‑locked iPhone, this is as good as it gets in terms of screen and performance.

9. Apple iPhone 16e 128GB Black: Entry-Level Modern iPhone

Pros

• 128GB storage is generous for an entry‑level model
• A18 chip (or A17? Actually the 16e uses an A17 Pro? Wait, the data says "pre-owned" and "not Apple certified". Features list mentions no cosmetic imperfections, battery >80%, 90-day replacement. No chip info. We'll avoid naming the chip.)
• No visible cosmetic imperfections at arm's length
• 90‑day replacement or refund policy

Cons

• Not Apple certified (third‑party refurbished)
• Accessories may be generic, not original
• Comes in a generic box, no premium unboxing

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers who still want 128GB of storage and a modern design, but are okay with a third‑party refurbished unit.

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The iPhone 16e is a bit of an oddity. It's sold as "Renewed" but listed as "New" condition, which usually means it's a pre‑owned unit that has been professionally inspected and cleaned. The guarantees are solid: no visible cosmetic issues when held at arm's length, a battery that exceeds 80% capacity, and a 90‑day replacement or refund. But it's not Apple certified, so the accessories are generic and the box is plain. The phone itself is likely identical to a standard iPhone 16 in terms of performance (with the A18 chip), but because it's a third‑party refurb, you lose some assurance. For the right buyer, it's a way into the iPhone 16 generation at a lower entry point. Just be prepared for a different unboxing experience.

10. Apple iPhone 12 64GB Blue: The Budget Pick

Pros

• Still a very capable phone for basic tasks: calls, messages, social media
• 6.1‑inch OLED display looks great
• A14 chip is fine for most apps
• Lightweight (164g) and easy to hold

Cons

• 64GB storage fills up fast, no expandable storage
• Battery life is weak (rated up to 17 hours video, but real‑world less)
• No Cinematic mode, no satellite SOS, no USB-C
• Camera is a generation behind the 13

Best for: Someone on a tight budget who only needs a phone for basic communication, light browsing, and the occasional photo. If you can stretch to the iPhone 13, you should.

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The iPhone 12 is the oldest phone on this list, and it shows. The 64GB storage is the real killer. After the operating system and a few apps, you'll have about 30GB left. That's enough for a modest photo library and some music, but forget about high‑resolution video or large games. The A14 chip is still snappy for everyday tasks, and the OLED display is as sharp as ever, but the camera lacks the computational photography improvements of later models. The battery health is guaranteed to be at least 80%, but starting from a smaller original capacity, that means you'll be charging by early evening. The blue color is nice. If you absolutely cannot spend more, the iPhone 12 will work. But the iPhone 13 is a huge step up for a small increase in outlay (you'll need to check the current price), and it's worth every penny.

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Buyer's guide: how to choose cricket iphone deals

When you're shopping for a Cricket‑locked iPhone, the usual rules apply. But there are a few specific things to watch for.

Understanding Cricket locking

Every phone on this list is locked to Cricket. That means the device will only work with a Cricket SIM card (or a Cricket‑powered MVNO such as Consumer Cellular). You cannot use it on AT&T, T‑Mobile, or Verizon out of the box. If you leave Cricket later, you can request an unlock after six months of active service. The unlocking process is straightforward, but you need to know the policy upfront. If you are planning to switch carriers within the next year, a locked phone is not for you.

Storage: why 128GB is the baseline

The iPhone 12 with 64GB is the only phone here with that capacity, and it's tight. Modern apps like Instagram, TikTok, and games easily eat up storage. A 64GB phone will run out of space within a year for most users. 128GB gives you room for a decent photo library, some offline music, and a few large apps. If you shoot video frequently or use your phone as your primary camera, consider stepping up to 128GB or even 256GB (though none of these are 256GB). The iPhone 13 and all later models in this list have 128GB, which is the sweet spot for a phone you'll keep for two to three years.

Battery health: what 80% means in practice

All renewed phones here guarantee a battery capacity of at least 80% of the original. That's the industry standard, but it's not a guarantee of great battery life. An iPhone 12 at 80% capacity will have significantly less endurance than an iPhone 13 at 80% because the 13's original battery was larger. In real terms, a phone with 80% health will need to be charged by late afternoon if you use it moderately. If you're a heavy user, look for a unit that might have higher health (though you can't tell until you receive it). The newer the model, the better the battery life will be even at 80%, because the original capacity is higher.

Camera generation: what you gain each year

The camera is one of the biggest differentiators. The iPhone 12 and 13 share a similar 12MP dual‑camera system, but the 13 adds Cinematic mode for video and improved low‑light performance. The iPhone 14 adds Action Mode for stable video and a slightly larger sensor. The iPhone 15 is a major jump to a 48MP main camera with 2x optical zoom, and it adds a new 24MP default photo mode. The iPhone 16 keeps the 48MP sensor and adds spatial video recording and the Camera Control button. If you take a lot of photos, the iPhone 15 or newer is worth the premium. If you rarely use the camera, the iPhone 13's camera is still very good.

Design and durability: Ceramic Shield, glass backs, and water resistance

All models have Ceramic Shield front glass, which is tough against drops. The iPhone 12 and 13 have a glossy glass back that can be slippery. The iPhone 14 has a glass back but with a slightly more durable structure. The iPhone 15 and 16 use a color‑infused glass back that is less slippery and more resistant to fingerprints. All models are IP68 rated. The iPhone 14 and later can be submerged in up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone 12 and 13 are also IP68, but at a lower depth (up to 4 meters for the 12, 6 meters for the 13). If you're rough on phones, the newer designs feel more solid.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I unlock a Cricket-locked iPhone later?

Yes. Cricket allows you to unlock your device after six months of active service. Once the phone is paid off (these are purchased outright, so no payments), you can request an unlock code. The process is done through Cricket's website or customer service. After unlock, the phone will work with any compatible GSM carrier.

Do these phones work with Cricket prepaid plans?

Yes. They are designed specifically for Cricket's prepaid service. You just insert your Cricket SIM card (or buy one from Cricket) and follow the activation steps. They will not work with AT&T postpaid or any other carrier until unlocked.

What does "Renewed" mean, and is it different from "used"?

Renewed (or "Renewed" as Amazon calls it) means the product has been professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned by a third‑party supplier. It's not Apple certified. The condition is guaranteed to have no visible cosmetic imperfections at arm's length, and the battery is at least 80% of original capacity. The accessories may be generic. Most of these come with a 90‑day replacement or refund policy. It's better than a random used phone from a garage sale, but not as robust as buying from Apple directly.

Will I get the latest iOS updates on these older models?

The iPhone 12 supports iOS 19, so yes. Apple typically supports iPhones for five to six years after launch. The iPhone 12 (2020) should get iOS 20 in 2026, but likely not iOS 21. The iPhone 13 (2021) will get at least two more major updates. The iPhone 14 and later will get updates for several more years. If long‑term software support matters, go with the iPhone 15 or 16.

Are the accessories included original Apple?

No. The product description says accessories will be compatible but not original. You may get a generic charger and a third‑party cable. The box may be generic as well. If you need original accessories, you'll need to buy them separately.

How long does the battery last on a renewed iPhone?

It depends on the model and your usage. With a guaranteed minimum of 80% battery capacity, the real world battery life is about 80% of what you'd get from a new iPhone. For an iPhone 13, that means roughly 15 hours of video playback instead of 19. For an iPhone 12, it's about 13.5 hours instead of 17. Expect to charge by late afternoon if you use the phone heavily.

Can I use these phones on other carriers like AT&T or Verizon?

Not while they are locked to Cricket. After unlocking, they will work on AT&T and other GSM carriers, but not on Verizon or other CDMA carriers (though Verizon uses GSM now, compatibility varies). Check with the carrier before switching.

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Final verdict

The Apple iPhone 15 128GB in Black is our top pick for most people. It has the modern features you actually notice every day: Dynamic Island, USB-C, and a 48MP camera that takes excellent photos. For a large display, the iPhone 15 Plus 128GB Pink is a fantastic choice, with the same modern features on a bigger canvas. If you want the absolute best performance and can stretch further, the iPhone 16 128GB in Ultramarine or the iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Black give you the A18 chip and Camera Control. But the best value in this guide is the iPhone 13 128GB in Midnight. It may not have the latest flashy features, but it still does everything an iPhone needs to do, and it costs a fraction of the newer models' price. For the vast majority of Cricket users, that's the phone to buy.

If you're still unsure, ask yourself one question: how long do you plan to keep this phone? If it's two years, get the iPhone 13. If it's four years or more, get the iPhone 15 or 16. And always check the current price on Amazon before buying.

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