Quick verdict
Cricket Wireless works best when paired with a phone that was designed for reliability and longevity rather than maximum specs. The Samsung Galaxy A16 is the best all-rounder for most users, while the Moto G Power wins for anyone who prioritizes battery life above everything else. All five picks here will run smoothly on Cricket's LTE and 5G network with no carrier-specific limitations.
Samsung Galaxy A16 - Best Overall Value on Cricket
The Samsung Galaxy A16 hits the sweet spot of performance, display quality, and longevity for Cricket Wireless users. It offers a smooth 90Hz display, a capable multi-lens camera, and Samsung's promise of multiple years of OS updates - rare at this price tier. It handles everything from social media and streaming to navigation without breaking a sweat.
Check price on Amazon →Cricket Wireless phones have come a long way. From budget Android workhorses to capable mid-rangers, these are the best smartphones available on Cricket's prepaid network in 2026.
Cricket Wireless runs on AT&T’s network, which means you get solid nationwide coverage without the postpaid bill. The phone selection has improved significantly – you’re no longer limited to entry-level devices. Whether you want a no-fuss daily driver or a capable mid-ranger with a great camera, Cricket’s lineup covers it. These are the five best smartphones to use on Cricket Wireless in 2026.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
| — | — | — |
| Samsung Galaxy A16 | Best overall value | ★★★★★ |
| Motorola Moto G Power | Best battery life | ★★★★★ |
| Samsung Galaxy A35 | Best camera | ★★★★☆ |
| Motorola Moto G Play | Best entry-level pick | ★★★★☆ |
| Samsung Galaxy A55 | Best mid-range overall | ★★★★☆ |
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 A16 - Best Overall Value on Cricket | Check price | ||
| Motorola Moto G Power - Best Battery Life | Check price | ||
| Samsung Galaxy A35 - Best Camera | Check price | ||
| Motorola Moto G Play - Best Entry-Level Choice | Check price | ||
| Samsung Galaxy A55 - Best Mid-Range for Power Users | Check price |
Each pick, examined
Samsung Galaxy A16 - Best Overall Value on Cricket
The Samsung Galaxy A16 hits the sweet spot of performance, display quality, and longevity for Cricket Wireless users. It offers a smooth 90Hz display, a capable multi-lens camera, and Samsung's promise of multiple years of OS updates - rare at this price tier. It handles everything from social media and streaming to navigation without breaking a sweat.
Motorola Moto G Power - Best Battery Life
The Moto G Power earns its name. With a massive 5000mAh battery, this phone routinely lasts two full days between charges under normal use. It's a practical workhorse for people who are hard on their devices - outdoor workers, travelers, or anyone who forgets to charge overnight. The near-stock Android experience keeps things clean and fast.
Samsung Galaxy A35 - Best Camera
If photography matters but a flagship budget doesn't, the Galaxy A35 is where Samsung's camera engineering trickles down to an accessible price. The triple-camera setup handles daylight photos well and the optical image stabilization makes a genuine difference in video. For Cricket users who want more than a snapshot camera but aren't ready to spend flagship prices, this is the pick.
Motorola Moto G Play - Best Entry-Level Choice
The Moto G Play is the right answer when the budget is tight and reliability matters more than specs. It handles calls, texts, messaging apps, and basic browsing cleanly, and the battery holds up through a full day of moderate use. Motorola's near-stock Android keeps it running smoothly for longer than most devices at this price point.
Samsung Galaxy A55 - Best Mid-Range for Power Users
The Galaxy A55 steps into near-flagship territory with its AMOLED display, fast processor, and advanced camera array. For Cricket Wireless users who want the best possible experience on a prepaid plan, this is the top of the range. The build quality feels premium, and it ships with Samsung's full suite of productivity and security features.
Buying considerations
AT&T band support
Cricket uses AT&T infrastructure, so confirm the phone supports LTE Band 2, 4, 12, and 17 for consistent coverage. - **Unlock status:** Buy unlocked from Amazon or major retailers if you want immediate flexibility to switch carriers later. - **Battery capacity:** For prepaid users who may not always have charger access, a 4500mAh+ battery is worth prioritizing over raw processor speed. - **OS update policy:** Samsung and Motorola both offer multi-year update commitments on their mid-range lines - check the specific model before buying.
Final word
Cricket Wireless works best when paired with a phone that was designed for reliability and longevity rather than maximum specs. The Samsung Galaxy A16 is the best all-rounder for most users, while the Moto G Power wins for anyone who prioritizes battery life above everything else. All five picks here will run smoothly on Cricket's LTE and 5G network with no carrier-specific limitations.
Questions answered
Yes. Any unlocked GSM phone that supports AT&T's LTE bands can be used on Cricket Wireless. You'll need a compatible Cricket SIM card and an active Cricket plan. Before switching, use Cricket's online BYOD checker to confirm your specific device model is supported on their network.
The Motorola Moto G series consistently delivers the best value on Cricket's network. Models like the Moto G Power and Moto G Play offer large batteries, reliable performance for everyday tasks, and are available at Cricket stores or via Amazon for well. They're ideal for users who don't need flagship specs.
Cricket phones purchased directly from Cricket may be carrier-locked initially. After 6 months of active service, Cricket will unlock the device upon request at no charge. Once unlocked, the phone will work with any compatible GSM carrier. Phones purchased unlocked from Amazon or other retailers have no lock period.
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.
