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Are you an existing Simple Mobile user? And would you like to replace or upgrade your outdated cell phone? If the answer is yes, this article is all about what phones are compatible with Simple Mobile cellular service. It will also be covering some key information on compatibility with the cellular provider. So, you willfind it helfpful if you’re thinking of switching to them.
Before we come to that, however, Simple Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator, or simply MVNO. In simple language, this means the provider is one of the many who don’t have cell towers of their own. So, it brings you service while using network infrastructure from the main carrier, T-Mobile to be exact.
But I Thought Simple Mobile is on TracFone Network?
Well, Simple Mobile is not that old, but this year, 2021, will be its 12th anniversary since its initial debut. In 2012, the América Móvil, a Mexican telecommunications corporation, acquired the prepaid MVNO.
But since América Móvil is foreign (headquartered outside the US), it incorporated Simple Mobile as a subsidiary of TracFone Wireless Inc., which is also under their wings. And, surprisingly, that’s not the only brand it operates through TracFone. There’s also Straight Talk, Total Wireless, NET10 Wireless, and Page Plus Cellular.
While showing you how to transfer Safelink’s phone number to another carrier, I did mention TracFone is the parent as well. So, we could say it’s a large cellular operator, even though it doesn’t have its own network infrastructure.
That’s right. TracFone Wireless is also an MVNO, but one of the largest in terms of customer subscriptions. It has partnered with all the Big Three carriers, namely T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. So, you can choose to operate on a GSM or CDMA network depending on the state and city you’re in.
Simple Mobile Keep Your Own Phone Policy
Simple Mobile keep your own phone (KYOP) is a special program that allows you to join the network with the device you love. However, the phone you bring will need to be compatible, which means it should have the right firmware and access bands.
Naturally, the Simple Mobile branded phones will be compatible. The MVNO is also on the T-Mobile network, which means it can also accept devices from the carrier. In case you’re wondering TracFone-GSM phones should also be compatible with Simple Mobile. However, many in the market are usually CDMA (running on Verizon). So, you can’t just insert your Simple SIM and expect it to work.
If the TracFone phone locked to CDMA does support the GSM network, you can have it unlocked and use it with your other line. The same goes for most unlocked cell phones from other carriers and MVNOs. But again, don’t forget network compatibility is also crucial. Hence, the purpose is to run your phone IMEI on the Device ID Checker.
A Summary of the Various Simple Mobile Compatible Phones
| Cell Phone Brand | Type | Cellular Technology | Key Features |
| Motorola Moto E6 | Smartphone | 4G LTE | 5.5” capacitive display, Snapdragon 435, up to 256GB MicroSD |
| Samsung Galaxy A21 | Smartphone | 4G LTE | 6.5” capacitive display, fingerprint reader, 32GB internal memory |
| T-Mobile Oneplus 6T-A6013 | Smartphone | 4G LTE | 6.4” capacitive display, Snapdragon 845, 128GB built-in storage |
| T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 9 | Smartphone | 4G LTE | 6.4” capacitive display, Snapdragon 845, 128GB built-in Memory |
| LG Journey (Simple Mobile) | Smartphone | 4G LTE | 5.5” touch screen, Android 9.0 (Pie), up to 32GB MicroSD |
| Apple iPhone 11 (Unlocked) 64GB | Smartphone | 4G LTE | 6.1” capacitive display, A13 Bionic chip, 64GB built-in storage |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Smartphone | 5G | 6.5” capacitive display, Snapdragon 865, 128GB internal memory |
| Alcatel MyFlip (Simple Mobile) | Basic Phone | 4G LTE | 2.8” touch screen, 1.1 GHz Quad-Core, up to 32GB internal memory |
Motorola Moto E6 (Simple Mobile) LTE Smartphone
The Motorola Moto E6 is an entry-level smartphone, with a price tag of under fifty at the moment. However, is the device worth it?
If you’re not interested in the latest extra bells and whistles, this phone could be perfect for you. It has an average processor, enough display, a decent camera with 1080p video recording, and 4G LTE support. Nonetheless, the built-in memory is relatively less, but you could expand with up to 256GB MicroSD card.
Samsung Galaxy A21
The smartphone is one of Samsung’s 2020 catalogs, and a nice one if you would like some latest tech at less. It has a superwide HD+ display for vibrant video streaming and gaming. Then, a superior quad camera system, 4G LTE for fast uploads and downloads, and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick access. Also, the handset does have an NFC tag to enable contactless payments.
T-Mobile Oneplus 6T-A6013 Black Android
As was mentioned, T-Mobile branded phones can work with Simple Mobile lines. So, this OnePlus 6T is a great way to enjoy a luxury smartphone experience at less since it happens to be cheaper than its unlocked counterparts
In any case, the smartphone has a superfast Snapdragon 845 processor, with 8GB RAM and 128GB internal memory. It has a powerful dual camera system that can record 4K videos at 60fps or 1080p@240fps if you’d like to playback in super slow motion.
Furthermore, the Oneplus 6T has a built-in NFC chip, which is the trick to contactless payments.
T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Ocean Blue phone
The Samsung phone is also locked to T-Mobile but it should also work on Simple Mobile service with no issues. True, the model has been in the market for three years now, but it still has technologies many upcoming phones don’t have.
For example, the handset also runs on Snapdragon 845 processor, which you should know is real great for processing high graphic functions. It has 6GB RAM, which is pretty enough for smooth operations, then the storage sits at 128GB built-in and up to 512GB external.
Even better, the Galaxy Note 9 has a powerful dual camera system that can record super slow-motion videos @960fps or vivid 4K@60fps.
LG Journey (Simple Mobile) Black 4G Prepaid Phone
The LG Journey is a low-end model but that doesn’t mean you’re only limited to calls and texting. It has a 5.5-inch HD+ display, which is enough for handheld streaming or gaming. Then, you get to enjoy a full messaging suite and also the various social media platforms.
The phone’s 4G capable and also does have WiFi connectivity if you don’t want to drain your limited data allotment. Its camera is also pretty decent, though not the best when you compare it with what the latest brands offer.
Apple iPhone 11 (Unlocked) 64GB Black
That’s right. Simple Mobile is also compatible with Apple devices and the iPhone 11 is a good example. The device comes unlocked and compatible with both GSM and CDMA bands, which means you can use it with even TracFone if you want.
As for its inner beauty, the Apple handset comes with Apple A13 Bionic, with 64GB storage and 4GB operating memory. The rear-mounted dual camera system is also pretty powerful as you can record videos in 4K@30/60fps or 1080p@60/120/240fps.
In addition to that, the iPhone supports contactless payments (NFC tag), Qi wireless charging, and also quick access by Face ID unlock.
Factory Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G is a great choice if you’d like to migrate to the 5G service of Simple Mobile. It also has an extra-wide display to bring you a cinematic streaming experience and a pro-grade camera system for even more vivid images and videos. In fact, it does have 3X optical zoom to ensure your distance photographs are still crisp and beautiful.
Moreover, the Galaxy has 128GB of built-in storage and even a slot to expand with a MicroSD card.
If you need a simple basic phone that can receive the fast 4G signals, the Alcatel MyFlip is a good start. Yes, it’s a flip phone and no you’re not just limited to calls or messaging. It does have internet access you can browse and an MP3 player to listen to your favorite tunes. The handset comes with 4GB internal memory, but you could expand with up to 32GB MicroSD card.
Common Related Questions:
Can I use a simple mobile SIM card in a straight talk phone
Straight Talk is a virtual network operator under TracFone, and operates on the Big Three (T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T) network. So, a Straight Talk-GSM phone can accept a Simple Mobile SIM card, considering it’s unlocked and network compatible.
How do I know if my phone is compatible with simple mobile?
Simple Mobile does allow you to keep your phone when you want to join. You can check if the phone is compatible with the Simple network by running the IMEI number on the online Device ID checker.
Can I use any phone with simple mobile?
Despite the BYOP support, you can’t use any phone with Simple mobile. The device you bring has to have the right frequencies and bands that can operate on T-Mobile network. Then, it has to be carrier-unlocked if it’s not from T-Mobile or Simple Mobile.
Is Simple Mobile and TracFone the same?
As was mentioned earlier, Simple Mobile is a subsidiary of TracFone Wireless. However, the former uses only T-Mobile infrastructure to operate, whereas TracFone uses all the Big Three. Even so, you can use GSM-capable TracFone phones with Simple mobile, though you might need to call the customer service number for activation.
In Conclusion:
Simple Mobile is quite similar to other mobile virtual network operators. You can use it with its own branded phones, those of its carrier (T-Mobile), or other GSM-capable with the unlocked carrier. In the article, I’ve highlighted eight examples from the three different categories. Hopefully, it was helpful and did answer your question on compatibility.
Needless to say, it’s worth noting that T-Mobile is planning to retire its 2G and some of the 3G bands. So, as you look for a phone compatible with Simple Mobile, consider a brand with at least 4G support.