In the world of wireless communication, choices are abundant. From top-tier brands like Apple and Samsung to budget-friendly options like Cricket Wireless, the options are endless. Cricket phones, in particular, have gained popularity in recent years, thanks to their affordable plans and phones. But, are Cricket phones good? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Cricket Wireless, exploring their phones, plans, and features to help you make an informed decision.
What is Cricket Wireless?
Before we dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly of Cricket phones, let’s start with the basics. Cricket Wireless is a prepaid wireless service provider that operates on the AT&T network. Founded in 1999, Cricket Wireless has grown to become one of the largest prepaid carriers in the United States, offering a range of phones and plans to suit different needs and budgets.
Cricket Phones: A Range of Options
One of the standout features of Cricket Wireless is its diverse range of phones. From budget-friendly options like the Nokia 2.3 to high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy series, Cricket has something for everyone. Here are some of the top Cricket phones available in the market:
Budget-Friendly Options
- Nokia 2.3: A budget-friendly option with a dual-camera setup, 2GB RAM, and a 6.2-inch HD+ display.
- LG Fortune 2: Another affordable option with a 5.3-inch HD display, 2GB RAM, and a 13MP rear camera.
Mid-Range Options
- Samsung Galaxy A12: A mid-range device with a 6.5-inch HD+ display, 3GB RAM, and a quad-camera setup.
- Motorola Moto G Power (2021): A budget-friendly option with a 6.5-inch HD+ display, 3GB RAM, and a triple-camera setup.
High-End Options
- Samsung Galaxy S21: A flagship device with a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, 12GB RAM, and a quad-camera setup.
- Apple iPhone 13: A high-end option with a 6.1-inch Super Retina HD display, 6GB RAM, and a dual-camera setup.
Cricket Plans: Affordable and Flexible
In addition to its diverse range of phones, Cricket Wireless offers a variety of plans to suit different needs and budgets. Here are some of the top Cricket plans available:
Individual Plans
- Cricket Core: A budget-friendly plan with 2GB of data, unlimited talk and text, and unlimited access to social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more) for just $30 per month.
- Cricket More: A mid-range plan with 10GB of data, unlimited talk and text, and unlimited access to social media for $40 per month.
Family Plans
- Cricket Core Family Plan: A budget-friendly plan with 2GB of data per line, unlimited talk and text, and unlimited access to social media for $60 per month (2 lines), $90 per month (3 lines), and $120 per month (4 lines).
- Cricket More Family Plan: A mid-range plan with 10GB of data per line, unlimited talk and text, and unlimited access to social media for $80 per month (2 lines), $120 per month (3 lines), and $160 per month (4 lines).
Cricket Features: What You Need to Know
In addition to its phones and plans, Cricket Wireless offers a range of features that set it apart from other carriers. Here are some of the top Cricket features:
Data Speeds
Cricket Wireless operates on the AT&T network, which means you’ll get access to 4G LTE speeds in most areas. While data speeds may not be as fast as some of the top-tier carriers, Cricket’s speeds are still relatively fast, with average download speeds of around 30Mbps.
International Coverage
Cricket Wireless offers international coverage in over 35 countries, including Canada, Mexico, and the UK. You’ll get unlimited text and data in these countries, with rates starting at just $10 per day.
Stream More
Cricket’s Stream More feature allows you to stream video content at standard definition (480p) quality, which can help reduce data usage. This feature is especially useful for those who stream a lot of video content on their phones.
Deezer Music Streaming
Cricket Wireless has partnered with Deezer to offer exclusive music streaming benefits to its customers. With Cricket, you’ll get access to Deezer’s music library, with the option to stream music at no extra cost.
The Good and the Bad: Pros and Cons of Cricket Phones
Like any carrier, Cricket Wireless has its fair share of pros and cons. Here’s a summary of the good and the bad:
The Good:
- Affordable plans: Cricket Wireless offers some of the most affordable plans in the market, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
- Wide range of phones: Cricket has a diverse range of phones, from budget-friendly options to high-end devices.
- Good network coverage: Cricket operates on the AT&T network, which means you’ll get good network coverage in most areas.
The Bad:
- Data speeds may be slow: While Cricket’s data speeds are relatively fast, they may not be as fast as some of the top-tier carriers.
- Limited international coverage: While Cricket offers international coverage in over 35 countries, it’s still limited compared to some other carriers.
- No premium features: Cricket doesn’t offer premium features like Priority Customer Service or dedicated customer support.
Conclusion: Are Cricket Phones Good?
So, are Cricket phones good? The answer is a resounding yes. With its affordable plans, wide range of phones, and good network coverage, Cricket Wireless is an attractive option for those on a budget or those who want a hassle-free wireless experience. While it may not offer premium features or the fastest data speeds, Cricket’s pros far outweigh its cons. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable carrier, Cricket Wireless is definitely worth considering.
In conclusion, Cricket phones are good, and they’re an excellent option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly wireless experience. With its diverse range of phones and affordable plans, Cricket Wireless is a carrier that’s hard to ignore. So, the next time you’re in the market for a new phone or a new carrier, consider giving Cricket a try. You might just be surprised at how good it is.
What is Cricket Wireless and how does it work?
Cricket Wireless is a budget-friendly carrier that offers affordable wireless service plans to its customers. It uses AT&T’s network infrastructure, which means you’ll get the same coverage as AT&T customers, but at a lower cost. Cricket Wireless operates on a GSM network, which is the same type of network used by AT&T and T-Mobile.
One of the best things about Cricket Wireless is that it’s a prepaid carrier, which means you pay for your service upfront and don’t have to worry about surprise bills or credit checks. Additionally, Cricket Wireless offers a range of plans to choose from, including individual and family plans, as well as add-ons for things like international coverage and data.
How is the coverage and network quality of Cricket Wireless?
The coverage and network quality of Cricket Wireless is excellent, thanks to its use of AT&T’s network infrastructure. You’ll get access to the same 4G LTE network as AT&T customers, which covers over 99% of the US population. Cricket Wireless also offers international coverage in over 190 countries, making it a great option for those who travel frequently.
In terms of network quality, Cricket Wireless has received high marks from customers and reviewers alike. Data speeds are fast and reliable, and call quality is clear and consistent. One thing to keep in mind is that Cricket Wireless may deprioritize its traffic during times of heavy network congestion, which means your speeds may be slower than those of AT&T customers. However, this is unlikely to be a problem for most users.
What phones are compatible with Cricket Wireless?
Cricket Wireless is compatible with a wide range of phones, including both Android and iOS devices. You can bring your own phone to Cricket Wireless as long as it’s unlocked and compatible with the AT&T network. Cricket Wireless also sells a variety of phones, including budget-friendly options from brands like LG and Motorola, as well as higher-end options from brands like Apple and Samsung.
If you’re looking to bring your own phone to Cricket Wireless, make sure it’s compatible with the AT&T network by checking the phone’s specifications. You can also check with Cricket Wireless directly to see if your phone is compatible. Additionally, Cricket Wireless offers a variety of phone financing options and discounts to help make your new phone more affordable.
How much do Cricket Wireless plans cost?
Cricket Wireless plans are very affordable, with options starting at just $30 per month. The cheapest plan, called the “Talk and Text” plan, offers unlimited talk and text, but no data. The next step up is the “2GB plan”, which offers 2GB of data, unlimited talk and text, and costs $40 per month. From there, you can upgrade to the “5GB plan” for $55 per month, the “10GB plan” for $60 per month, or the “Unlimited plan” for $70 per month.
All of Cricket Wireless’ plans include taxes and fees, so the price you see is the price you’ll pay. Additionally, Cricket Wireless offers discounts for customers who sign up for automatic payments and for customers who add multiple lines to their account. You can also customize your plan by adding additional data or international coverage for a small fee.
Does Cricket Wireless offer international coverage?
Yes, Cricket Wireless offers international coverage in over 190 countries around the world. With Cricket Wireless, you can roam internationally at no additional charge, and data speeds are typically 2G or 3G. You can also add international coverage to your plan for a small fee, which gives you faster data speeds and the ability to make calls and send texts while abroad.
If you’re a frequent international traveler, Cricket Wireless offers a range of add-ons to help you stay connected. These include a $10 per month international add-on, which gives you 1GB of high-speed data in Mexico and Canada, as well as a $15 per month international add-on, which gives you 1GB of high-speed data in over 190 countries.
How is the customer service of Cricket Wireless?
The customer service of Cricket Wireless is generally good, with customers praising the carrier’s friendly and helpful representatives. Cricket Wireless offers a range of customer support options, including phone support, online chat, and in-store support at Cricket Wireless retail locations.
One thing to keep in mind is that Cricket Wireless is a prepaid carrier, which means it doesn’t offer the same level of customer support as some of the major carriers. However, Cricket Wireless makes up for this with its affordable prices and flexible plans. Additionally, Cricket Wireless has a comprehensive website and mobile app that make it easy to manage your account and get help when you need it.
Is Cricket Wireless a good option for families?
Yes, Cricket Wireless is a great option for families, thanks to its affordable prices and flexible plans. Cricket Wireless offers a range of family plans that make it easy to manage multiple lines and save money. The most popular family plan is the “Group Save” plan, which offers discounts of up to $100 per month for families with four or more lines.
Cricket Wireless also offers a range of parental controls and features that make it easy for families to manage data usage and stay connected. For example, you can use Cricket Wireless’ online portal to set data limits and restrictions for each line, as well as monitor data usage and make changes to your plan on the fly.