We’ve already taken a look at the best phones you can buy on Verizon and AT&T, and now it’s Sprint’s turn. Sprint has a wide selection of top-tier, mid-range, and low-budget phone options, so we’ll help you decide which one is best suited for your lifestyle.
The categories for the best phones are solely based on price range, split up into three tiers: above $200, under $200, and under $50. Remember, we’re talking about on-contract pricing here, so don’t get too excited! We’ve also listed the off-contract prices for your convenience. Many of the prices listed here are directly through Sprint, though we tried to also include the best deals on Amazon.
Editor’s note – we will be updating this list as more devices hit the market.
Best phones above $200
#1 – Samsung Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge
Samsung’s attempts to turn things around with the Galaxy S6 proved successful. The company’s latest flagship device implements a new design language worthy of awards and able to compete against the best in the market. It’s certainly the most attractive smartphone the company has created to-date, edged with a metal frame and covered with Gorilla Glass 4, in a body that measures only 6.8 mm in thickness.
The phone may come with its defects, including a lackluster non-removable battery and featuring no expandable storage, but it touts a spec list that will not disappoint even the fiercest of critics. We also can’t forget about that 16 MP camera, which is likely the best in the market.
Those interested can get the Galaxy S6 for $199.99 on a 2-year contract, or you can opt for the curved display on the Galaxy S6 Edge, which will set you back $299.99.
Specs
- 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with 1440 x 2560 resolution
- Octa-core 4×2.1GHz + 4×1.5GHz 64-bit 14nm Samsung Exynos 7420 CPU
- 3GB of RAM
- 32/64/128GB of on-board storage, no MicroSD expansion
- 16MP rear-facing cam, 5MP front-facing cam
- Non-removable 2550mAh battery (2600 mAh for the Galaxy S6 Edge)
- 143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm, 138g
- White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum
- Android 5.1 Lollipop
Read more
- Samsung Galaxy S6 review: the change we’ve been waiting for
- Samsung Galaxy S6 hands-on and first impressions
- Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Apple iPhone 6
- Best Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge cases
#2 – LG G4
In an industry where every manufacturer is trying to sacrifice battery life and customization for thinness, LG manages to stand out from the crowd by sticking to its own philosophy. They are proving it’s not necessary to follow standards in order to make a great phone. Its superior set of specs is worthy of placement in the high-end category, but the true value rests in the ability to remove that large 3000 mAh battery, allowing you to swap batteries as needed. In addition, the LG G4 is one of the very few smartphones to continue supporting microSD cards.
That is all great and dandy, but we all know many of you still care about aesthetics. Can the LG G4 accomplish a good look and build quality without metal and glass? It certainly can! In fact, the LG G4 feels great and looks stunning. One can even opt for leather backing, which will give the mobile device an elegance that can be matched by very few other devices.
Because the LG G4 is worthy of standing next to the best phones in the market, it’s also priced as such. The phone will run for $199.99 on a 2-year contract, or you can opt not to sign any papers and get the phone for $649.99 off-contract.
Specs
- 5.5-inch LCD Quantum Dot display with 1440 x 2560 resolution
- Hexa-core 2xCortex A57+ 4xCortex A53 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 CPU
- 3GB of RAM
- 32GB of on-board storage, MicroSD expansion up to 128GB
- 16MP rear-facing cam with f/1.8 aperture, 8 MP front-facing cam
- Removable 3000 mAh battery
- 149.8 x 76.2 x 6.3-9.8 mm, 155g
- Gray, gold or white plastic. Black, brown, red, sky blue, beige or yellow leather.
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
Read more
#3 – Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Despite being one of the older new-generation devices, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 continues to impress with an amazing performance, incomparable note-taking features and ample screen real estate. Some would go as far as saying this is Samsung’s true flagship smartphone, as the Galaxy Note series is usually a tad better over the Galaxy S line-up.
Thinking of picking one up? It’s not cheap at $199.99 on a 2-year contract or $760 off-contract, but it is still a worthy phone if you like your large screens.
Specs
- 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 1440 x 2560 resolution
- 2.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 CPU
- 3GB of RAM
- 32GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB
- 16MP rear cam, 3.7MP front cam
- Removable 3220 mAh battery
- 153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5 mm, 176g
- Frosted White, Charcoal Black, Bronze Gold, or Blossom Pink
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
Read more
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Review
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4 officially announced
- Best cases for your Galaxy Note 4
#4 – Google Nexus 6
The Nexus 6 is a staple on any list of top Android handsets of the moment regardless of the carrier, looming large both literally and through what it represents – Google’s vision of what Android software should be like and what hardware that software needs in order to truly shine. That’s always been the case with Nexus devices, but the Motorola-made Nexus 6 is nothing like the understated Nexus 5, which almost vanished in the background to let Android shine through. The Nexus 6 is big and powerful; it makes a statement about its user and it turns heads.
The biggest drawback of the Nexus 6 is the one that makes it stand out – with its six inches display, the Nexus 6 will never be a good choice for everyone. However, if you’re fine with the size, there’s a lot to like about this phone – the screen is amazing, the processing package is top-notch, the camera is powerful, and build quality is as good as any. Plus, even if Motorola and other phone makers are upping their updates game, Nexus is still the way to go if you like your phones up to date.
Specs
- 5.96-inch Super AMOLED display with 1440 x 2560 resolution
- 2.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 CPU
- 3GB of RAM
- 32/64GB of on-board storage, non-expandable
- 13MP rear cam, 2MP front cam
- Non-removable 3220 mAh battery
- 159.3 x 83 x 10.1 mm, 184g
- Midnight Blue, Cloud White
- Android 5.1 Lollipop
Read more
- Nexus 6 review
- Best Nexus 6 cases
- Nexus 6 camera shootout
- Nexus 6 vs the competition
- Nexus 6 vs Nexus 5: early look
Best phones under $150
#1 – HTC One M9
No One can deny the HTC One M9 is worthy of battling the best of phones. Its simple metal design and superior build quality are second to none. It looks gorgeous, it feels great and it performs as any high-end smartphone should. It’s also now priced lower than its direct competitors.
You can get yourself an HTC One M9 for as low as $99.99 if you get it straight from Sprint on a 2-year contract!
Specs
- 5.0-inch Super LCD 3 display with 1080x1920p resolution
- 2.0GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 CPU
- 3GB of RAM
- 32GB of internal storage
- 20MP rear cam, 4MP front cam
- 2840mAh battery
- 144.6 x 69.7 x 9.61 mm, 157g
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
Read more
#2 – Samsung Galaxy S5
Samsung really ramped up its design efforts with this year’s GS6, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. The S6 and S6 Edge might look sleek and refined, but that comes with a big cost – fragility. That’s the entire reason why the Galaxy S5 is on this list.
It’s still a fast, somewhat rugged device that’s running the latest version of Android, and oh yeah, it has a removable battery and expandable memory. For Samsung fans looking for a quality option that won’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong with the S5.
Want in? You ca get your hands on a Sprint Samsung Galaxy S5 for only $49.99 on a 2-year contract. Otherwise, the full price is $552.
Specs
- 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with 1080 x 1920 resolution
- 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 CPU
- 2GB of RAM
- 16/32GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB
- 16MP rear cam, 2MP front cam
- Removable 2800mAh battery
- 142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm, 145g
- Charcoal Black, Shimmery White, Copper Gold
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
Read more
- Samsung Galaxy S5 review
- Samsung Galaxy S5 officially announced
- Best cases for the Samsung Galaxy S5
#3 – Samsung Galaxy S5 Sport
Samsung was one of the first manufacturers to create rugged smartphones actually worth using. The Samsung Galaxy S5 Sport comes with a very fair set of specs, which were top-of-the-line when it was released. In addition, it features a gorgeous display and a build quality that should give room for a drop or two. It may be a bit old, but we are sure the resistant device will make plenty of you happy, especially if you have an appreciation for sports and activity applications.
The Galaxy S5 Sport is a Sprint exclusive and goes for $99.99, so it also won’t break the bank.
Specs
- 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with 1080 x 1920 resolution
- 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 CPU
- 2GB of RAM
- 16GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB
- 16MP rear cam, 2MP front cam
- 2800mAh battery
- 144 x 74 x 8.9 mm, 158g
- Cherry Red, Electric Blue
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
Read more
Best phones under $50
#1 – LG G3
At the time of it’s release, the G3 had some of the best specs on a smartphone any. It made headlines as the first phone to boast a Quad HD display, and along with it came a big 3000 mAh battery. The massive (at the time) screen, powerful 2.5GHz processor, and sleek build quality became a force to be reckoned with amongst other flagships.
The best part? You can pick up the LG G3 for only $0.01 from Amazon!
Specs
- 5.5-inch LCD display with 1440 x 2560 resolution
- 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 CPU
- 2/3GB of RAM (depending on storage option)
- 16/32GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB
- 13MP rear cam, 2.1MP front cam
- Removable 3000mAh battery
- 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9 mm, 149g
- Metallic Black, Silk White, Shine Gold, Moon Violet, Burgundy Red, Blue Steel
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
Read more
#2 – LG G Stylo
Remember those days when having a larger screen meant spending a fortune on your new smartphone? Those times are now gone, with devices like the LG G Stylo catering to those who love sizable displays, but don’t need all the high-end specs of a flagship smartphone. Its 720p screen loos good enough to provide a pleasant experience, and the Snapdragon 410 processor is more than enough power to run your casual tasks (and even the occasional game).
It’s clear this is no high-end phone, but that $49.99 price point will have you wondering if you really need all that power.
Specs
- 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with 720x1280p resolution
- 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 CPU
- 1GB of RAM
- 16GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB
- 8MP rear cam, 5MP front cam
- 3000 mAh battery
- 154.2 x 79.2 x 9.7 mm, 164g
- White Frost, Black Mist
- Android 5.0 Lollipop
Read more
- LG G Stylo now available on Sprint
- LG G Stylo arrives to Boost
- LG Leon LTE and LG G Stylo coming to T-Mobile
#3 – Samsung Galaxy S4
The Samsung Galaxy S4 was once the king of the hill. Successors have far surpassed it, but that doesn’t mean the Galaxy S4 is a bad device. In fact, it’s a very capable phone and can still hold its own. Remember, old doesn’t always mean bad, and the Samsung Galaxy S4 is pure testament of this belief. It can still perform like a champ!
Those on a budget can take advantage of the fact that the Samsung Galaxy S4 is a couple generations old and is now free with a 2-year contract. Of course, there’s also options for paying the device on installments, or you could get it for $499.99 off-contract (though at this point we wouldn’t recommend that).
Specs
- 5-inch Super AMOLED display with 1080 x 1920 resolution
- 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU
- 2GB of RAM
- 16/32GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 64GB
- 13MP rear cam, 2MP front cam
- Removable 2600 mAh battery
- 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm, 130g
- White Frost, Black Mist
- Android 4.4.2 KitKat (Lollipop update coming down the pipeline)
Read more
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Review
- Samsung Galaxy S4 gets official in New York City
- Best Samsung Galaxy S4 cases
How do like our list? Is there any device you’d add or remove when it comes to pricing categories? Let us know your opinions in the comments!