Smartphones are incredibly expensive nowadays, with some flagships running upwards of $700 new and off-contract. However, if you’re looking for a good smartphone that can do the basics and get you through the day, then you do still have some options.
Today, I’ve put together of five of the best phones that AT&T’s prepaid brand Cricket has to offer for less than $100. They aren’t in any particular order, but are all pretty solid choices, depending on what you prefer in a smartphone.
Here are your choices:
Nokia Lumia 635 –
While normally I wouldn’t recommend a Windows phone, this is one of the better Lumia devices and would be a fantastic jumping-off point if you’re interested in trying out something different. The 635 comes with Windows 8.1 and should get the upgrade to 10 when it comes out. The device itself is midrage, as you’d expect, but had secents pecs including 8 GB memory and a 5 MP camera. Normally priced at $100, at the time of writing, it’s on sale for $30 which really can’t be beat.
Motorola Moto E (2015) –
One of last year’s best prepaid phones, the Moto E is still a pretty slick little device for the price and the features aren’t actually all that outdated despite the fact that the new moto line has been announced. This phone is one of those things that Motorola got right and has a great feel and a pretty good user experience. This phone ships with Android Lollipop 5.0 and has a front and rear camera with a slim profile to fit in one hand. At the time of writing, it’s been discounted to $79, and I doubt that it will rise from there with the newer devices about to come on the market. You can pick one up here.
ZTE Altair 2 –
Did you even know they still made QWERTY phones anymore? They do, and this one would be great for anyone who isn’t interested in a smartphone but wants something a little more functionality than a flip phone. With the full keyboard, texting is simple and the phone itself can access the internet, although if you really want internet, a smartphone might be a better fit. Regardless, at the time of writing this one has been discounted and you really can’t beat $30 for a phone. You can pick one up here.]]>
Nokia Lumia 635 – $99.99 (on sale for $30)
While normally I wouldn’t recommend a Windows phone, this is one of the better Lumia devices and would be a fantastic jumping-off point if you’re interested in trying out something different. The 635 comes with Windows 8.1 and should get the upgrade to 10 when it comes out. The device itself is midrage, as you’d expect, but had secents pecs including 8 GB memory and a 5 MP camera. Normally priced at $100, at the time of writing, it’s on sale for $30 which really can’t be beat.
LG Risio – $99.99
This little-known phone has all of the signature LG features including the weird back buttons (which I personally love), an extremely boxy design and the knock code. The phone has a smaller screen a 4.5 inches so it will easily fit in one hand. The phone ships with Lollipop 5.1 and has both a 5 MP back camera and a VGA front camera. The device itself is solidly entry level, but is still a good choice. You can pick it up for $100.
ZTE Overture 2 – $49.99
This solid entry-level device is, honestly, a little boring. The phone itself is pretty standard and doesn’t have any weird features like the LG Risio or an odd operating system or even any super fancy predecessors or successors. This phone, for the price, is aimed solidly at light smartphone users who just need something basic that works. The phone itself has Android 5.0 and a microSD slot so it should last for a decent amount of time. It runs around $50.
Motorola Moto E (2015) – $129.99 (on sale for $79.99)
One of last year’s best prepaid phones, the Moto E is still a pretty slick little device for the price and the features aren’t actually all that outdated despite the fact that the new moto line has been announced. This phone is one of those things that Motorola got right and has a great feel and a pretty good user experience. This phone ships with Android Lollipop 5.0 and has a front and rear camera with a slim profile to fit in one hand. At the time of writing, it’s been discounted to $79, and I doubt that it will rise from there with the newer devices about to come on the market. You can pick one up here.
ZTE Altair 2 – $59.99 (on sale for $29.99)
Did you even know they still made QWERTY phones anymore? They do, and this one would be great for anyone who isn’t interested in a smartphone but wants something a little more functionality than a flip phone. With the full keyboard, texting is simple and the phone itself can access the internet, although if you really want internet, a smartphone might be a better fit. Regardless, at the time of writing this one has been discounted and you really can’t beat $30 for a phone. You can pick one up here.]]>
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