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If you’re exploring prepaid carrier options in the United States, odds are you’ve gotten a bit overwhelmed. While it’s not solely a prepaid carrier, T-Mobile offers great network coverage and low price points for anyone who would like an off-contract smartphone. Even though the options offered directly by T-Mobile for prepaid use are a bit limited, the good news is that there are quite a few unlocked devices that will work with T-Mobile’s prepaid plans, which will discuss at the end of this post.
Without any further ado, here are the best prepaid T-Mobile Android phones.
Editors’ note – we will be updating this list as more devices hit the market.
See also: The best prepaid and no contract plans in the US (Updated November 2015)152
#1 – Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime
Although this may not be the most spec’d-out device on the market, we’d say Samsung’s Galaxy Grand Prime is one heck of a device for the money. It features a nicely-sized 5.0-inch display on the front, a capable Snapdragon 410 processor, 1GB of RAM and microSD expansion for up to 64 extra gigabytes of storage. The display might not be of the highest resolution, but if you can get past that, this is a good option.
If you’re on a budget, this phone is for you. You can purchase the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime through T-Mobile prepaid for just $189.99.
Specs
- 5.0-inch TFT LCD display with 540 x 960 resolution
- Quad-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor
- 1GB of RAM
- 8GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 64GB
- 8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera
- Removable 2600mAh battery
- 144.8 x 72.1 x 8.6mm, 156g
- Android 5.1 Lollipop
Read more
- Best Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime cases
Buy now from T-Mobile
#2 – HTC Desire 626s
Looking for another solid prepaid option that won’t break the bank? HTC’s Desire 626s might be just what you’re looking for. With its 5.0-inch 720p display, quad-core processor and 1.5GB of RAM, you’ll have no problem playing games, watching videos and consuming all other forms of media out there. It also has a pretty solid 8MP rear camera and microSD expansion up to a massive 2 terabytes, making this one heck of a device for the photography folks out there. It might not have the most powerful processor or the biggest battery, but it’s still a great value for what you’re paying.
The HTC Desire 626s is available on T-Mobile’s prepaid network for just $209.99.
Specs
- 5.0-inch LCD display with 720 x 1280 resolution
- Quad-core 1.1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor
- 1.5GB of RAM
- 8GB of on-board storage, microSD card expansion up to 2TB
- 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera
- Non-removable 2000mAh battery
- 146.9 x 70.9 x 8.19mm, 140g
- Android 5.1 Lollipop
Read more
- HTC announces super affordable Desire 626, 626s, 526 and 520
- Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime, Core Prime, HTC Desire 626s and more now available from T-Mobile
- LG Stylo and HTC Desire 626s now available through Cricket
Buy now from T-Mobile
#3 – Kyocera Hydro WAVE
Looking to get your hands on a similarly-rugged phone to the Samsung Galaxy S6 Active but aren’t keen on spending $700? You should check out the Kyocera Hydro WAVE. This device features a 5.0-inch LCD display, a powerful Snapdragon 410 processor and microSD expansion up to an additional 32GB. It also runs Android 5.1 Lollipop and ushers in Kyocera’s new “Core Home” software experience, which is an optional, simplified UI for those who prefer the interface of a feature phone.
The big story here is the device’s IPX5 and IPX7 certifications, which allow the device to withstand submersion in water up to 30 minutes at a time in up to 3.28 feet (1 meter). It also has Military Standard 810G certification for shock and drops, an IP5X dustproof rating, and can be operated when wet.
The Kyocera Hydro WAVE is available on T-Mobile’s prepaid network for only $189.99.
Specs
- 5.0-inch IPS LCD display with 540 x 960 resolution
- Quad-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor
- 1GB of RAM
- 8GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 32GB
- 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera
- Non-removable 2300mAh battery
- 143.8 x 72.4 x 10.7mm, 145g
- Android 5.1 Lollipop
Read more
- Kyocera Hydro WAVE makes its way to T-Mobile and MetroPCS
Buy now from T-Mobile
#4 – LG Leon LTE
The LG Leon LTE is the most inexpensive device on this list. It comes with a 4.5-inch LCD display, a powerful 1.2GHz Snapdragon 410 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of on-board storage and microSD expansion up to 32GB. It also comes with a solid 5MP rear camera, a removable 1900mAh battery and Android 5.0 Lollipop on-board. It features a really nice brushed metallic design back plate similar to the one found on the LG G3, which makes the device feel quite premium in the hand.
The LTE variant of the LG Leon is available on T-Mobile’s prepaid network for only $69.99.
Specs
- 4.5-inch IPS LCD display with 480 x 854 resolution
- Quad-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor
- 1GB of RAM
- 8GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 32GB
- 5MP rear camera, VGA front camera
- Removable 1900mAh battery
- 129.9 x 64.9 x 10.9mm, 140g
- Android 5.0.1 Lollipop
Read more
- Hands on with LG’s new mid-range smartphones
- Best LG Leon/Tribute 2 cases
Buy now from T-Mobile
Other notable options
Yes, we only listed four phones. The reason for this is that most of T-Mobile’s prepaid options are either really low-end, or they are non-Android. Still, T-Mobile offers some extremely impressive plan rates, and so the Un-carrier remains one of the best options out there for those looking for an off-contract, no-credit-check option.
If you aren’t impressed by any of the phones listed above, the good news is that a number of unlocked GSM-compatible phones will work on T-Mobile’s network. You’ll just want to make sure the phone supports T-Mobile’s bands, which include 1700MHz and 2100MHZ bands for 3G and HSPA+ services. For more details on bringing an existing phone to T-Mobile, you’ll want to check out their network coverage support page.
Looking for a good unlocked phone to bring over to T-Mobile? Some of the best budget-friendly choices include the following:
Motorola Moto G (2015)
Motorola’s Moto G line has been widely known as the “king of the budget smartphones” for some time, and that’s entirely true when it comes to the third-generation Moto G. Just released a few months ago, this new Moto G comes with a solid 720p display, a quick Snapdragon 410 processor, a decent camera, solid battery life and an IPx7 water resistance rating. Oh, and if you don’t like the standard Black/White color schemes, you can even customize the phone through Moto Maker.
If you could purchase this phone directly through T-Mobile, it would be at the top of our list. For more info, check out our full review linked below.
See also: Motorola Moto G 2015 review42
Buy now from Amazon
Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3
With an attractive, slim design, big 1080p display, a solid camera and an extremely low price point, the Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 is one of the best budget-friendly phones of the year. In our full review we found that just about every aspect of this device over-achieves in some way. The front-facing speakers are loud, the software is lean and fast, and you can even use the phone upside down if you really need to (yes, really)!
Don’t miss our full review to learn more about this powerhouse of a phone.
See also: Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 Review: one of the best budget phones of the year24
Buy now from Amazon
ASUS ZenFone 2
The ASUS ZenFone 2 made headlines when it first launched due to its massive 4GB of RAM (previously unheard of on a budget phone), and we can honestly say that it’s lived up to all of its expectations. The ZenFone 2 sports a solid, attractive build quality, a vivid 1080p display, fantastic performance and a low price. ASUS decided to throw in a few really nice enhancements – quick charging technology and a customizable user interface – that make this device stand out from the crowd.
We’re still pretty baffled at how ASUS is able to charge just just over $200 for this phone. If you’re interested, don’t miss our full review, attached below.
See also: Asus Zenfone 2 review139
Buy now from Amazon
How did you like our list? Do you have any other suggestions? If so, feel free to voice your opinion in the comments below!
See also: Best cheap Android phones (October 2015)294