Quick verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is the best all-around Cricket Wireless phone in 2026 for the widest range of users, offering flagship-like features at a fraction of the cost. Pair it with one of Cricket's unlimited plans and you have a competitive smartphone setup without the carrier contract. For Apple loyalists or those who want the best possible experience, the unlocked iPhone 14 on Cricket is a premium but worthwhile
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G - Best Overall Cricket Phone
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G hits every metric that matters for a daily driver: a bright 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, a 5,000 mAh battery that easily lasts two days on a single charge, a 50 MP main camera, and 5G speeds on Cricket's AT&T network. Samsung's One UI runs smoothly on the mid-tier Exynos processor, and four years of OS updates means the phone will stay secure and relevant well past 2026. For the majority of Cricket customers, the Galaxy A25 5G is the clear first recommendation. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Samsung+Galaxy+A25+5G&tag=thetestedhub-20" rel="nofollow sponsored" target="_blank">Check price on Amazon</a>
Check price on Amazon →Searching for the best Cricket phone to buy in 2026? We rank the top Cricket Wireless smartphones for performance, value, and battery life.
Cricket Wireless offers one of the best value propositions in the US prepaid market – reliable AT&T-backed coverage, no annual contract, and a competitive lineup of smartphones at multiple price points. Whether you want a budget Android for basic daily use or a premium device with flagship features, there is a Cricket-compatible phone for you in 2026. This guide cuts through the marketing noise and ranks the five best Cricket Wireless phones based on real-world performance, battery life, software experience, and long-term value.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
| — | — | — |
| Samsung Galaxy A25 5G | Best all-rounder for most users | ★★★★★ |
| Apple iPhone 14 (Unlocked) | Best premium experience | ★★★★★ |
| Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Best productivity phone | ★★★★☆ |
| TCL 40 XE 5G | Best value | ★★★☆☆ |
| Nokia G310 5G | Best for reliability & updates | ★★★☆☆ |
How we evaluated these
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
The shortlist
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A25 5G - Best Overall Cricket Phone | Check price | ||
| Apple iPhone 14 (Unlocked) - Best Premium Pick for Cricket | Check price | ||
| Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G - Best for Productivity | Check price | ||
| TCL 40 XE 5G - Best Budget Buy on Cricket | Check price | ||
| Nokia G310 5G - Best for Long-Term Software Support | Check price |
Each pick, examined
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G - Best Overall Cricket Phone
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G hits every metric that matters for a daily driver: a bright 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, a 5,000 mAh battery that easily lasts two days on a single charge, a 50 MP main camera, and 5G speeds on Cricket's AT&T network. Samsung's One UI runs smoothly on the mid-tier Exynos processor, and four years of OS updates means the phone will stay secure and relevant well past 2026. For the majority of Cricket customers, the Galaxy A25 5G is the clear first recommendation. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Samsung+Galaxy+A25+5G&tag=thetestedhub-20" rel="nofollow sponsored" target="_blank">Check price on Amazon</a>
Apple iPhone 14 (Unlocked) - Best Premium Pick for Cricket
An unlocked iPhone 14 works flawlessly on Cricket's AT&T-based network and brings the full Apple ecosystem - iMessage, FaceTime, AirDrop, and seamless iCloud integration - to a prepaid plan. The A15 Bionic chip remains one of the fastest processors in any phone at any price in 2026, and iOS updates keep coming years after purchase. The Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite features add real-world safety value. If budget is not the primary concern, the iPhone 14 on Cricket is an excellent combination. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Apple+iPhone+14+Unlocked&tag=thetestedhub-20" rel="nofollow sponsored" target="_blank">Check price on Amazon</a>
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G - Best for Productivity
Motorola's Moto G Stylus 5G is the productivity specialist of this list, combining a large 6.8-inch display with a built-in stylus for note-taking, diagramming, and photo annotation. The near-stock Android interface keeps things fast and uncluttered, and Motorola's two-year update promise is solid for a mid-range device. The 5,000 mAh battery handles a full workday with screen-on time to spare, and the 50 MP camera covers everyday photography needs. A great choice for students, professionals, and small-business owners on Cricket. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Motorola+Moto+G+Stylus+5G&tag=thetestedhub-20" rel="nofollow sponsored" target="_blank">Check price on Amazon</a>
TCL 40 XE 5G - Best Budget Buy on Cricket
TCL's 40 XE 5G proves that you do not need to spend to get a capable daily phone in 2026. The 6.56-inch display is bright enough for outdoor use, the 50 MP camera handles social-media photography well in good lighting, and the 5G radio future-proofs the purchase. Performance on social apps, messaging, and streaming is smooth for the price, though heavy gaming will reveal the processor's limits. If your budget tops out the TCL 40 XE is the most complete phone at that price on Cricket. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=TCL+40+XE+5G&tag=thetestedhub-20" rel="nofollow sponsored" target="_blank">Check price on Amazon</a>
Nokia G310 5G - Best for Long-Term Software Support
Nokia's G310 5G runs a clean, near-stock version of Android with Google's security and feature patches applied promptly - a rarity at this price tier. The no-bloatware experience makes the phone feel faster than its specs suggest, and the build quality is reassuringly solid for. Call quality on Cricket's network is excellent, making the Nokia G310 a strong option for users who prioritize reliable calls and software security over the latest camera features. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Nokia+G310+5G&tag=thetestedhub-20" rel="nofollow sponsored" target="_blank">Check price on Amazon</a>
Buying considerations
Network compatibility
- Verify the phone supports AT&T's LTE and 5G bands (Bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 17, and n77/n14 for 5G) to get the best performance on Cricket's network. - **Battery capacity** - Aim for at least 4,500 mAh for all-day use without a mid-day charge; 5,000 mAh is the sweet spot in 2026. - **Software update policy** - More OS updates means longer security coverage; Samsung and Apple lead here, with Nokia close behind for budget options. - **Storage and RAM** - At minimum, choose 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage; 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage is the comfortable standard for smooth multitasking in 2026.
Final word
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is the best all-around Cricket Wireless phone in 2026 for the widest range of users, offering flagship-like features at a fraction of the cost. Pair it with one of Cricket's unlimited plans and you have a competitive smartphone setup without the carrier contract. For Apple loyalists or those who want the best possible experience, the unlocked iPhone 14 on Cricket is a premium but worthwhile
Questions answered
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G offers the best overall balance of performance, camera quality, battery life, and price for most Cricket Wireless customers in 2026. It runs smoothly on everyday apps, supports 5G speeds, and Samsung's four-year software update promise adds long-term value. For users who want the absolute best experience and are willing to spend more, an unlocked iPhone 14 is the premium choice.
Yes, Cricket Wireless supports 5G on AT&T's nationwide 5G network. All phones on this list include 5G radios that are compatible with Cricket's network bands. Coverage varies by location - rural areas may still rely on LTE - but major cities and suburbs generally have strong 5G signal. Check the Cricket Wireless coverage map with your zip code before purchasing to confirm 5G availability in your area.
Yes, Cricket Wireless has a Bring Your Own Phone program that supports most unlocked GSM phones compatible with AT&T's network. Visit Cricket's website and enter your phone's IMEI number to check compatibility. Fully unlocked iPhones from iPhone 6s onward and most modern unlocked Android phones work well on Cricket. CDMA-only phones from Verizon or Sprint legacy networks are not compatible.
Tom Reeves has reviewed consumer electronics for over a decade, with a focus on televisions, monitors, laptops, and smart home devices. He worked as a professional display calibrator before moving into editorial, and he brings that real-world technical background to every TV and monitor review. At TheTestedHub, Tom covers display calibration, computer monitors, laptops and 2-in-1s, smart home platforms, home theater setups, and HDR performance.
