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The 8 best Simple Mobile smartphones
Simple Mobile is a US prepaid carrier that has operated on T-Mobile’s network since its founding in 2009. It doesn’t have as large a customer base as T-Mobile, but it has managed to activate a few million subscribers in the last decade. You can always bring your own phone, but it’s worth looking at what Simple Mobile has to offer. We’ve rounded up the best Simple Mobile phones you can buy to save you some time.
Now, we’re going to be honest, there are many cheap Simple Mobile phones out there, but most of them aren’t worth the asking price. That’s why we’ve chosen to focus mostly on their more premium offerings. If you want a cheap phone, you’re probably better off looking at unlocked options.
The best Simple Mobile phones:
Editor’s note: We’ll regularly update this list of the best Simple Mobile phones as new devices launch.
1. Samsung Galaxy S21 series
Simple Mobile has finally expanded its Galaxy offerings to include the entire 2021 lineup. Whether you want the smaller, more affordable Galaxy S21 or the all-out Galaxy S21 Ultra, you can finally take your pick.
See also: Samsung Galaxy S21 buyer’s guide
No matter which way you go, you’ll get quite a few of the same features. All three phones rely on the same Snapdragon 888 SoC to get you through your day, and you’ll find Samsung’s One UI 3.1 skin on top of Android 11. Each Galaxy S21 device also comes with an Infinity-O display, though the premium Galaxy S21 Ultra jumps from 10MP up to 40MP.
The IP68 water and dust resistance rating comes standard, so it’s just up to you how much screen you need. Samsung’s Galaxy S21 measures 6.2-inches, while the Galaxy S21 Plus and Ultra are 6.7-inches and 6.8-inches, respectively. The two smaller devices pack identical triple-camera arrays, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra finally lives up to its lofty moniker with a four-lens setup.
Samsung Galaxy S21 specs:
- Display: 6.2-inch, Full HD+
- SoC: Snapdragon 888
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128/256GB
- Cameras: 64, 12, and 12MP
- Front camera: 10MP
- Battery: 4,000mAh
- Software: Android 11
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus specs:
- Display: 6.7-inch, QHD+
- SoC: Snapdragon 888
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128/256GB
- Cameras: 64, 12, and 12MP
- Front camera: 10MP
- Battery: 4,800mAh
- Software: Android 11
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra specs:
- Display: 6.8-inch, Full HD+
- SoC: Snapdragon 888
- RAM: 12/16GB
- Storage: 128/256/512GB
- Cameras: 108, 10, 10, and 12MP
- Front camera: 40MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Software: Android 11
2. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series
The Galaxy S series has always been the most popular, but those who require more power know the true flagships are the Notes. The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series includes the Note 20 and the Note 20 Ultra.
These handsets come with much larger screens, class-leading specs, and an included stylus pen that will take productivity to whole new levels. They also come with great cameras and large batteries that can handle all your adventures. Not to mention they’re gorgeously designed smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 specs:
- Display: 6.7-inch, Full HD+
- SoC: SD 865 Plus/Exynos 990
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Cameras: 64, 12, and 12MP
- Front camera: 10MP
- Battery: 4,300mAh
- Software: Android 10
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra specs:
- Display: 6.9-inch, Quad HD+
- SoC: SD 865 Plus/Exynos 990
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 128/256/512GB
- Cameras: 108, 12, and 12MP
- Front camera: 10MP
- Battery: 4,500mAh
- Software: Android 10
3. LG Reflect
Our first dip out of the flagship category takes us to the LG Reflect. Even though LG has already left the smartphone market, you can still pick up quite a few of its offerings on affordable carriers nationwide. The Reflect is simply a rebadged version of the LG K51, right down to the last detail. You won’t find 5G onboard, but the battery should treat you well with more than a day of usage.
Under the hood, you’ll find 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage which you can expand. The 6.5-inch HD+ is large and bright enough for most media, even if it’s not the sharpest. All you really have to look out for is the Reflect’s bloatware, but you can uninstall most of it once you complete the setup process.
LG Reflect specs:
- Display: 6.5-inch, HD+
- SoC: MediaTek Helio P22
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Cameras: 13, 5, and 2MP
- Front camera: 13MP
- Battery: 4,000mAh
- Software: Android 10
4. Apple iPhone 13 series
You may be on an Android site, but there’s no denying that the iPhone 13 series are a great bunch. These phones find a sweet spot that nicely balances performance and usability, but all of them come with stunning cameras, incredible performance, and an amazing ecosystem of apps and accessories.
iOS isn’t to everyone’s taste and does require a few compromises when it comes to file management and customization. But there is no denying the quality of many of the apps available. Editing video on your mobile device is fiddly but doable, thanks to the insanely performant processors, and games fair extremely well.
There’s an iPhone 13 for everyone with the flagship line staying at four, and Simple gives you the pick of the litter. From the pocket-friendly iPhone 13 Mini to the monstrous iPhone 13 Pro Max, it’s all up to you. No matter what, you’re getting Apple’s A15 Bionic chip and a top-notch camera setup. You’ll just have to decide how much RAM and battery life you’re looking for.
Apple iPhone 13 Mini specs:
- Display: 5.4-inch, 2,340 x 1,080
- SoC: Apple A15 Bionic
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 128/256/512GB
- Cameras: 12 and 12MP
- Front camera: 12MP
- Battery: 2,438mAh
- Software: iOS 15.1
Apple iPhone 13 specs:
- Display: 6.1-inch, 2,532 x 1,170
- SoC: Apple A15 Bionic
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 128/256/512GB
- Cameras: 12 and 12MP
- Front camera: 12MP
- Battery: 3,240mAh
- Software: iOS 15.1
Apple iPhone 13 Pro specs:
- Display: 6.1-inch, 2,532 x 1,170
- SoC: Apple A15 Bionic
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128/256/512GB/1TB
- Cameras: 12, 12, and 12MP + ToF
- Front camera: 12MP
- Battery: 3,095mAh
- Software: iOS 15.1
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max specs:
- Display: 6.7-inch, 2,778 x 1,284
- SoC: Apple A15 Bionic
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128/256/512GB/1TB
- Cameras: 12, 12, and 12MP + ToF
- Front camera: 12MP
- Battery: 4,352mAh
- Software: iOS 15.1
5. Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Do you want a high-end processor from Apple inside your next iPhone but don’t want to spend tons of money? Then check out the 2022 edition of the Apple iPhone SE. You are getting the same A15 Bionic processor found in the iPhone 13 models in this phone, but you will only have to pay $379.99 to get it from Simple Mobile.
The catch is that you will be getting a much smaller 4.7-inch phone without a 1080p display. You will also get a single 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front-facing camera, along with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. There’s also a tiny 2,014mAh battery, but on the plus side, it does support wireless charging. It’s still one of the best Simple Mobile phones you can get for a much lower price than the more expensive flagships.
Apple iPhone SE 2022 specs:
- Display: 4.7-inch, 1,334 x 750
- SoC: A15 Bionic
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Camera: 12MP
- Front camera: 7MP
- Battery: 2,014mAh
- Software: iOS 15
6. Samsung Galaxy A32
If you’re in the market for a mid-range Android smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy A32 should be at the top of your list. It not only costs less than $300, but it packs 5G connectivity on the Simple Mobile network. Samsung tapped the MediaTek Dimensity 720 chipset to keep the lights on, and you can pair that with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
The big feature of this handset is its cameras. You’re getting a quartet of rear sensors: a main 48MP camera, an ultra-wide 8MP camera, a 5MP macro lens, and a 2MP sensor for collecting depth info. The front-facing camera also comes in at 13MP for taking some great selfie pictures. This is definitely one of the best Simple Mobile phones in its price range.
Samsung Galaxy A32 specs:
- Display: 6.5-inch, HD+
- SoC: MediaTek Dimensity 720
- RAM: 4/6/8GB
- Storage: 64/128GB
- Cameras: 48, 8, 5, and 2MP
- Front camera: 13MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Software: Android 11
7. Samsung Galaxy A12
Samsung has plenty of great affordable options with great-looking designs and enough powers to keep casual users happy. Needless to say, these phones will also cost much less than the company’s higher-end handsets, and the Samsung Galaxy A12 will surely keep your wallet healthy.
Modest specs accompany the thin and stylish design. These include a MediaTek Helio P35 processor and up to 6GB of RAM. The screen is pretty large at 6.5 inches, and while the definition isn’t amazing at 720p, it’s enough to consume media comfortably, especially considering the price.
It has a 5,000mAh battery, which should perform amazingly given the device’s specs aren’t very resource-intensive. Throw in a quad-camera setup, and you have yourself a pretty sweet deal when it comes to Simple Mobile phones.
Samsung Galaxy A12 specs:
- Display: 6.5-inch, HD+
- SoC: Helio P35
- RAM: 2/3/4/6GB
- Storage: 32/64/128GB
- Cameras: 48, 5, 2, and 2MP
- Front camera: 8MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Software: Android 11
8. Bring your own phone
You don’t have to stick to the phones sold by Simple Mobile. The MVNO carrier also accepts unlocked GSM and T-Mobile phones. They sell a SIM kit you can use to activate your phone, and it costs only $0.99.
Additionally, if you find a great deal on a smartphone that saves you some cash over buying it directly from Simple Mobile, you can just bring that device with you.