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Pure Talk is one of the many mobile virtual network operators that brings you cellular services at subsidized prices. However, is the provider really worth it? How fast are the download and upload speeds on normal days? And also, what phones are compatible with Pure Talk being an AT&T MVNO?
Well, first things first, AT&T usually runs with GSM technology at the core, and so will be Pure Talk. So, most of the unlocked cell phones will be compatible for as long they have the correct configuration.
In this article, we’ll be sharing the various types of phones with 5G support that you can bring or choose for Pure Talk. There are about three kinds of them, not four as we saw on the smartphones compatible with Spectrum Mobile.
What To Know Before You Switch To Pure Talk
As was mentioned, Pure Talk is one of the choices if you’re looking for a way to cut down your monthly phone bill. The network cell phone plans start from $20 to as high as$55/ mo. for single lines. So, you can save between $10 to $30 per month when compared to its carrier network, AT&T, which ranges between $30 to $85/ mo. per line.
Another thing, Pure Talk has 5G access on all its cell phone plans, something unavailable to AT&T prepaid plans. All the plans also have unlimited data allowance, but with capped high speeds of between 4-35Mbps. After the high-speed data is depleted, the provider doesn’t cut your connection but throttle your speed to 128Kbps for the rest of the month.
If you can remember our previous review on Pure Talk vs Verizon, we said this MVNO usually offers devices that are already fully unlocked. And to make it even better, they have buy now pay later financing program. So, it’s much easier to upgrade or replace your damaged device as you necessarily don’t need to have the whole budget.
Types of Phones Compatible with Pure Talk
Typically, Pure Talk is very friendly when it comes to device compatibility. As we’ve just mentioned, the carrier usually sells unlocked phones, which, to be honest, is overly generous, considering other carriers usually lock them.
Better yet, the carrier support brings your own device (BYOD) program, whereby you can join with your current phone brand. You just need to make sure the device supports GSM technology and that it’s compatible with the AT&T network.
Regardless, we can safely say that the three main types of phones that are compatible with Pure Talk are:
- Factory Unlocked cell phones: these are the devices that come directly from the manufacturers when fully unlocked.
- AT&T branded cell phones: Just like a Spectrum Mobile SIM can work on Verizon locked phone, you can use an AT&T-locked device with Pure Talk.
- Carrier-unlocked GSM phones: these are branded phones from other GSM carriers, including T-Mobile, Cricket Wireless, Boost Mobile, Consumer Cellular, or Mint Mobile. You just have to make sure the respective carrier phone is fully unlocked and has the correct (AT&T) frequency bands.
Comparing The Features Of The Various Phones Compatible Pure Talk Mobile
| Cell Phone Brand | Cellular Technology | Video Recording | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlocked Motorola Moto G | 4G LTE & 5G | 4K@30fps | 6.7” FHD+ Max Vision display, Snapdragon 750G, & 128GB built-in memory |
| Unlocked Motorola Moto G Stylus | 4G LTE & 5G | 1080@60fps | 6.8” capacitive display, Snapdragon 480 5G, 256GB built-in memory |
| Factory Unlocked Samsung Galaxy | 4G LTE & 5G | 4K@60fps | 6.5” HDR10+ display, Snapdragon 865 5G, & 128GB internal memory |
| Factory unlocked Samsung Galaxy A52 | 4G LTE & 5G | 4K@30fps | 6.5” capacitive display, Snapdragon 750G, & 128GB built-in storage |
| Fully Unlocked Apple | 4G LTE & 5G | 4K@60fps | 5.4” capacitive display, A14 Bionic chip, & 128GB built-in memory |
| AT&T-Locked Apple | 4G LTE & 5G | 4K@60fps | 6.1” capacitive display, A14 Bionic chip, & 64GB built-in memory |
| Unlocked Google Pixel | 4G LTE & 5G | 4K@60fps | 6.2” FHD+ OLED display, Snapdragon 765G chipset, & 128GB built-in Memory |
| Unlocked Google Pixel | 4G LTE & 5G | 4K@60fps | 6.0” HDR10+ display, Snapdragon 765G, & 128GB built-in Memory |
| GSM Unlocked LG V60 | 4G LTE & 5G | 8K@30fps | 6.8” HDR10+ display, Snapdragon 865 5G, & 128GB built-in Memory |
| AT&T GSM LG Velvet | 4G LTE & 5G | 4K@30fps | 6.0” HDR10 display, Snapdragon 765G, & 128GB Internal Memory |
| Unlocked OnePlus 8 Pro | 4G LTE & 5G | 4K@60fps | 6.78” HDR10 display, Snapdragon 865, & 256GB Internal Memory |
1. Unlocked Motorola Moto G (2020) Android Phone
At two hundred forty bucks, the Motorola Moto G is certainly the best budget smartphone with 5G capabilities. It also uses an advanced Qualcomm 5G processor, which is a little faster in performance than the previous models.
Furthermore, the device has 128GB of built-in memory, which is plenty of storage for your photos, videos, music, and other digital files. If you have more content to store, there’s even a slot that you can insert up to 1TB of MicroSD card.
Still, Motorola delivers the phone fully unlocked, which means you can just insert your Pure Talk SIM card and start making calls. However, it’s worth mentioning that the Moto G 2020 edition doesn’t support VoLTE, in which case it relies on the older wireless voice network.
2. Factory Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Phone
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G is one of the best releases that happened in 2020. In fact, it’s one of the bestsellers in the category of high-end cell phones, thanks to its perfect pricing, performance, and overall experience.
If it’s the processor, the S20 variant uses the latest Snapdragon 865, which has hyperfast processing speeds. Thus, enabling you to multitask, play high-graphic games, and handle other heavy tasks without slowing down.
Even better, the smartphone has an enormous display that has both the advanced HDR10+ and 120H refresh rate. Thus, leaving your pictures, either photos or movies, looking realistic and more smooth.
Speaking of the pictures, Samsung equipped the S20 FE with a powerful triple-camera system, which also has 3X optical zoom. Thus, enabling you to capture the scenes further away still in rich, Ultra-HD quality.
3. Factory Unlocked Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Smartphone
The Samsung Galaxy A52 is also compatible with Pure Talk and the company usually sells it when fully unlocked. So, you can use it with other carriers, which can come in handy when you want to switch in the future.
As for the performance, we can start by saying that the Galaxy A52 has nothing you don’t want in a 2021/2022 smartphone. If it’s the processor, the device uses Snapdragon 750G Octa-core, alongside 6GB of RAM. Thus, making it possible to perform tons of functions with less to no lag issues.
Furthermore, the phone has 128GB internal memory and up to 1TB MicroSD support, both of which are plenty of storage. Also, the main camera can record videos in 4K UHD@30fps or 1080p@60fps. Then, the display has everything for a bright, super smooth, and comfortable cinematic experience.
4. AT&T-Locked Apple iPhone 12 Dual-Camera Phone
Just as the title, the iPhone 12 model here is a perfect example of an AT&T-branded phone that you can use with Pure Talk. It’s also a great choice if you would like to upgrade your old iOS system for the A14 Bionic chip, which is one of the fastest processors in the market.
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch OLED display, with HDR and True Tone technologies to bring you cinematic magic without hurting the eyes. The camera is also pretty decent in that you even get 2X optical zoom. So, you can capture your scenes further away in true ultra-HD quality, just as the closet objects.
Even better, the Apple phone support slow-mo video recording in 1080p FHD at 120fps or 240fps. Then, it can shoot polished time-lapse videos without even having a tripod.
5. Fully Unlocked Apple iPhone 12 Mini iOS Cell Phone
The iPhone 12 Mini is a variant of the original 2020 model series. So, many of the features are pretty similar. That includes the dual-camera system, 4K video recording, slow-mo video support, and true Tone setting to keep the videos natural and comfortable to the eyes.
Furthermore, the Apple Mini is IP68 water/ dust resistant, plus has Face recognition for quick access and NFC for contactless payments. It also shares the feature for FaceTime audio/ video calling and Siri for quick, hands-free control.
Regardless, the iPhone 12 Mini is slightly cheaper than the other variants. The main difference here comes in its screen, whereby it’s relatively smaller (5.4 inches) in size and resolution (2340 by 1080).
6. Unlocked Google Pixel 4a w/ 5G Android Smartphone
The Google Pixel 4a here is also compatible with the Pure Talk network. So, you could bring it to the service in case you have one or pick it if you would like to upgrade from 4G to 5G. But again, will the model be worth it now Pixel 5 and 6 are out.
Well, sure, the Pixel 4a is worth it as a midrange phone. For better compatibility with the 5G network, it uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G processor, with 6GB of operating memory. The storage is also a bit plenty at 128GB built-in, even though there’s no slot you can add a MicroSD card.
7. GSM Unlocked LG V60 ThinQ 5G Android Smartphone
Last on our list is the LG’s masterpiece that they released last year to prove they’re still on the game for luxury handsets. Of course, the device didn’t receive the warm welcome we’d have hoped, but it does have everything to smile about, both at home and on the go.
If we start with the engine performance, the V60 ThinQ is using the Snapdragon 865 that we’ve also seen in the Galaxy S20 FE. It also has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of built-in storage. So, it will not only handle millions of operations in each second but also multitask without slowing down.
The best feature of all, this LG device has a superior 64MP triple camera that can record videos in super-clear 8K quality at 30fps. Alternatively, you can record in 4K@30/ 60fps or 1080p in the normal or slow-mo setting.
To Conclude
Pure Talk is an excellent wireless phone service if you’re within an area with AT&T reception. At only twenty, you can get a simple rate plan with 2GB of high-speed data, unlimited 128kbps speeds, and Full HD video streaming.
Best of all, Pure Talk is compatible with literally all unlocked phones that have GSM technology at the core. The provider even doesn’t lock their devices like other carriers happen to do. So, you could even take advantage of their subsidized pricing and device financing to upgrade your device from another GSM carrier.
Even so, the best phone deals are available to the customers on the $45 or $55 plan. In the deals, Pure Talk has been offering a $250 discount on all high-end devices, including the latest iPhone and Samsung Galaxy brands.