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The other day, we looked at the various phone carriers compatible with Simple Mobile prepaid service. In the article, we the mobile virtual network operator, or rather MVNO can use T-Mobile phones since it runs on its infrastructure. Nonetheless, is TracFone compatible with Simple Mobile considering it’s its subsidiary?
Well, a quick answer is a Yes and No. True, the other post did mention Simple Mobile can use TracFone phones, but there are exemptions we didn’t highlight. Hence, the reason we’ve decided to do this second part of the topic, to ensure you make the right decision when the time comes.
TracFone vs Simple Mobile: A quick Summary on the Phone Carriers
| Feature | TracFone Wireless | Simple Mobile |
| Founded | 1996 | 2009 |
| Cellular Technology | GSMCDMA | GSM |
| Carrier Network | AT&T VerizonT-Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Basic Smart plans | $15 | $25 |
| Unlimited Minutes | YES | YES |
| Unlimited data | NO | YES |
| Carry-Over | YES | NO |
| Family Plans | NO | YES |
| Mobile Hotspot | NO | YES |
| Video Streaming | YES[at 480p] | YES[at 480p] |
TracFone Wireless
TracFone Wireless is one of the best choices if you’re looking for the least expensive cell phone plans for seniors, or even yourself. It has various phone plan structures to choose from, including the “Pay As You Go” for only $9.99. Then, they all include unlimited rollover for your unused minutes, texts, and data (if included).
As was mentioned, TracFone Wireless is an MVNO, or rather mobile virtual network operator. In simple words, this means the prepaid provider doesn’t have a network infrastructure of its own. It has partnered with the Big Three, T-Mobile and Verizon and AT&T, in which case you can get service from any location.
Furthermore, TracFone has several prepaid and free Government cellphones providers under its wings, including our Simple Mobile.
Simple Mobile
Simple Mobile is also a prepaid MVNO, and a good one if you don’t want to pay the high rates of the main carriers. Yes, it’s not as low as its parent company, TracFone, but does save you few dollars that you’d have spent on T-Mobile.
Speaking of T-Mobile, Simple Mobile uses the carrier’s network to get service to its subscribers. So, it also inherits the GSM technology, which, no doubt, is a big bonus as you can easily interchange your SIM card with most unlocked cell phones.
More on that, Simple Mobile does have T-Mobile’s unlimited everything plans, including high-speed data with no caps.
Is TracFone Compatible with Simple Mobile in 2024?
First of all, the reason for checking carrier compatibility is if you want to migrate or leave with your phone. This is so as carrier-locked phones are usually limited to that particular carrier service, though there are exemptions for the Big Three.
If a phone is locked to either of the Big Three carriers, it can work with that particular carrier, as well as most MVNOs under it. So, it shouldn’t be an issue to use your Simple SIM card with T-Mobile phones.
When it now comes to virtual network providers, many of them are usually under the main carriers. In this case, the locked phone particular only works on that carrier until you unlock it for other carriers.
Nonetheless, TracFone happens to be an MVNO and also the “parent” of Simple Mobile. So, do that mean handsets locked to its network are open to Simple Mobile or not?
Well, first of all, TracFone leases its networks from all the Big three (now that Sprint has merged with T-Mobile). As such, its devices can either be GSM (T-Mobile and AT&T) or CDMA (Verizon) compatible.
TracFone With GSM or CDMA
Of course, some of the latest devices now have dual-band technologies that you can use with either GSM or CDMA service. But then, CDMA features the user data like phonebook and scheduler information on the operator’s database. So, you’ll always have to go through the carrier if you wanted to switch to a new phone.
Meanwhile, the GSM technology features SIM (subscriber identity module) cards that store the information on the user. So, you can switch to a new handset with no hassle, or without involving the operator.
Anyway, back to Simple Mobile, select GSM TracFone phones are compatible. So, you can simply insert your SIM card and continue to make calls. In case the phone is on TracFone-CDMA but does support GSM bands, you can also use it with your Simple SIM. However, you’ll need to call or text the customer service number “611611” to activate it.
While you might be able to use a TracFone phone with Simple Mobile service, the function can’t work the other way round. The same goes with other carriers, which, in other words, means you can’t also use Simple phone with T-Mobile. If you have the Simple phone carrier-unlocked, though, it should work with T-Mobile and TracFone-GSM
The 5 Best TracFone Phones Compatible with Simple Mobile
Here are some of the best TracFone smartphones under $200 that you can use with Simple Mobile service.
TracFone Motorola Moto E6 Prepaid 32GB Smartphone
Key Features:
- Android 9.0
- 5 5″ Max Vision HD+
- 32GB memory, 2GB RAM
- 13MP camera, 1080p@30fps
- 4G LTE cellular Technology
If you need a simple smartphone without many extra bells, Motorola happens to be a great place to start. The Moto E6 is a perfect example, first, because you can own at less than fifty dollars. Then, it includes almost everything you would need in a basic smartphone.
For instance, the phone supports up to 4G LTE bands, which not only brings you extra fast downloads and smooth streaming. But also you won’t need to worry about losing service when T-Mobile shuts down 2G and 3G.
More on that, the Motorola handset has 32GB built-in memory, which you can expand with up to 256GB MicroSD card. It also has a pretty decent rear camera that you can even record crisp HD videos at up to 30fps.
TracFone Samsung Galaxy A10e 32GB 4G LTE Smartphone
Key Features:
- Android 9.0 (upgradable)
- 5.8-inch capacitive display
- 32GB ROM, 2GB RAM
- 8MP camera, 1080p@30fps
- Up to 4G cellular frequency bands
The Samsung Galaxy also falls in the low-end category if you need something simple for basic functions. Just like the Moto E6, it comes locked to TracFone service, but you could activate it with your Simple Mobile SIM card. However, is the phone really worth it?
Well, first, the phone does features a compact size that’s easy to hold and carry in the pocket. It’s also compatible with up to 4G bands and WiFi connectivity (if you have it at home).
Furthermore, the A10e has 32GB internal memory and supports up to 512GB MicroSD card. It also has a 2GB operating memory and the Exynos 7884 processor, which, of course, isn’t the best but will bring you more than average performance.
TracFone Rebel 4 16GB Basic Smartphone
Key Features:
- Android 8.1
- 16GB built-in memory
- Supports 4G LTE bands
- 8MP rear camera
- 5-inch HD capacitive display
If you’re no heavy gamer, this phone is also simple and affordable. However, this doesn’t mean it’s limited to only making calls and texting. No. You can also stream videos from YouTube, and seamlessly with a fast 4G LTE network. It also does have WiFi capabilities in case you’d want to stream your favorite shows in your hands. Then, you can also access Facebook and other social network platforms if you’d like to meet new friends.
Furthermore, the LG device has a simple-yet-decent camera system that you can use to capture some of your favorite moments. But again, it has 16GB built-in memory and 32GB MicroSD support, which is pretty less.
TracFone Samsung Galaxy A21 32GB Prepaid Smartphone
Key Features:
- Android 10
- 4G LTE cellular technology
- 13MP quad camera system
- 6.5” HD+ capacitive display
- Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor
- 32GB internal, 512GB MicroSD
At a tag of around one-seventy, this phone is all worth it when you look at all the features and functions available. First, it has an extra-wide, edge-to-edge display that brings you a cinematic crystal streaming and gaming experience. It’s WiFi capable and also supports up to 4G LTE for fast downloads.
Even better, the Galaxy device has a powerful quad-camera system that you can capture crisp and detailed images. Alternatively, you can record up to 1080p quality videos at a frame rate of 30fps. And considering the 32GB internal and up to 512GB MicroSD card support, you can record as many long footages as you want.
Motorola Moto G Fast Unlocked (2020 Edition) Smartphone
Key Features:
- Android 10
- 32GB ROM, 3GB RAM
- Snapdragon 665 processor
- 16MP camera, 4K@30fps
- 6.4” Max Vision HD display
If you have always desired a high-end mobile experience, the Moto G Fast offers it at a fraction of the price. Like right now, the phone is going for $170, but from the look of it, it has far more superior specs than the Galaxy A21 above.
For instance, the Motorola G Fast runs on Snapdragon 665 processor, which is equivalent to that of the Sony Xperia 10 II (cost $360). The good thing with this kind of chip is that you can enjoy a superb performance without greatly sacrificing your device’s battery life.
Another thing, the smartphone has a 16MP Triple camera system that you can use to record vibrant videos in 4K@30fps. You can also opt for the 1080@60fps recording if you’ll be capturing activity in motion.
Other amazing features in this Moto G Fast include carrier-unlocked, 3GB RAM, up to 512GB MicroSD support, rear-mounted Fingerprint reader, and others.
In conclusion
If you need a TracFone phone compatible with Simple Mobile, you might want to consider one that operates on GSM technology. You can also use the TracFone devices locked to the CDMA network but will need to call or text the Simple customer service number to activate it.
Even so, TracFone Wireless has far more affordable cell phone plans than most carriers, including its subsidiary, Simple Mobile. It also has access to the Big Three, namely T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, phone towers. So, you’ll always get a signal regardless of the state you’re in.
But again, TracFone lacks unlimited data allotments and the Mobile Hotspot feature at this time. So, Simple Mobile might be the best option if the internet is very crucial and wants to keep your phone bill as low as possible.
If you’re a heavy data user, however, you might want to consider T-Mobile or any of the other two main carriers. Why? The main carriers usually lease their network infrastructure to the MVNOs with some restrictions.
For instance, like Simple Mobile, you’ll get unlimited data with no caps, but you might experience slower speeds when the network is too busy. Meanwhile, a T-Mobile user can continue to enjoy streaming, gaming, or downloads in high-speed data.