Which Phone Carriers Are Compatible With Simple Mobile?

Simple Mobile is one of the many mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) using T-Mobile infrastructure to offer services. In this article, we’re going to look at what carriers are compatible with Simple Mobile in case you need to switch.

Of course, the switch can be to or from Simple Mobile. So, the post will not only cover other compatible phone providers but also the reasons you might want to migrate or leave. But before we come to that…

Is Simple Mobile the Same as TracFone?

As was mentioned, Simple Mobile is an MVNO, which means it doesn’t have cell phone towers of its own. So, it serves its customers through a main carrier, T-Mobile’s network to be exact. The good thing is that MVNOs usually have the least expensive cell phone plans compared to the major providers, and Simple Mobile is no different.

When it now comes to history, Simple Mobile doesn’t have a long one. The provider started in 2009 as a prepaid cell phone operator but was later acquired (in 2012) by TracFone Wireless.

When looking at how to switch phone carriers and keep your phone, we mentioned TracFone as the hosting network of Safelink Wireless. However, TracFone is also an MVNO, though it started as an independent provider until it became a subsidiary of the América Móvil in 2000.

Unlike Simple Mobile, though, TracFone uses all the three major carriers, T-Mobile and Verizon and AT&T, infrastructure to run. So, you’ll always have service, regardless of which US state you’re in.

On its end, Simple Mobile started on the T-Mobile’s network and even continued on the same after acquisition. While T-Mobile is occupying 99% of the American today, there are still cities with limited carrier service towers. Thus, you might experience a weaker Simple Mobile signal in such areas.

What Carriers are compatible with Simple Mobile?

Technically, a phone carrier is compatible with other carriers depending on the network it’s using. Of course, there are some limitations when it comes to the free government cell phone programs, but the prepaid are pretty friendly.

For instance, Simple Mobile should be compatible with phones locked to TracFone service, its “parent” company, but not the other way. Your SIM card will also work with T-Mobile branded phones, though not the other way round.

Furthermore, your Simple Mobile should be compatible with devices from the MVNOs on the T-Mobile network since they’re using the same infrastructure. Even so, your phone will need to be carrier-unlocked and also have at least one main band compatible with Simple Mobile. Why?

Overall, each of the three main phone carriers has the specific 3G frequencies and 4G bands that they use to provide services. For instance, T-Mobile has four main bands, namely 2, 4, 12, and 71, though there are other six. This means the device you have has to support either or multiple of these four frequencies if it’s to work with Simple Mobile.

Another thing, Simple Mobile and most of the MVNOs in the market operate on GSM (global system for mobile communication) technology. So, you can use your SIM card with about all unlocked phones that are not tied to any carrier.

In any case, the eight carriers compatible with Simple Mobile include:

1. TracFone branded phones
2. T-Mobile branded phones
3. Walmart Family Mobile
4. MetroPCS-compatible phones
5. Straight Talk-compatible phones
6. Telcel-compatible phones
7. (Most) AT&T phones are compatible
8. Unlocked Cricket Wireless phones

**Verizon uses CDMA technology, which means it or its MVNOs (including TracFone-CDMA) are incompatible with Simple Mobile. CDMA is an acronym for Code Division Multiple Access.**

Reasons You Might Want to Switch to Simple Mobile

As was mentioned earlier, Simple Mobile is a great choice if you need a low-cost carrier to use in your household. But again, is the cell phone provider worth it?

Well, first, that depends on what you want with your cell phone. If your concern is pricing, the mobile network operator has up to five cell phone plan structures to choose from. The cheapest plan of all starts at $25 per month and includes unlimited minutes + texts + data

The most expensive plan of all costs $60/ month and includes unlimited everything, with up to 480p video streaming.

Here’s a summary of the various cellphone plans and their perks.

	$$25	$30	$40	$50	$60
Voice Minutes	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Text Messaging	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Browsing Data	3GB(high speed)	5GB(high speed)	15GB(high speed)	Unlimited(high speed)	Unlimited(high speed)
International calls	YES(unlimited)	YES(unlimited)	YES(unlimited)	YES(unlimited)	YES(unlimited)
International Roaming	YES16 countries	YES16 countries	YES16 countries	YES16 countries	YES16 countries
$10 international calling Credit	100+ destinations	100+ destinations	100+ destinations	100+ destinations	100+ destinations
Extra Perks	N/A	N/A	N/A	Hotspot data; video streams	Hotspot data; video streams; Cloud Storage

Note, all the Simple cell phone plans do include unlimited minutes, data, and browsing data. However, the $25, $30, plus $40 plans are limited to 3GB, 5GB, and 15GB high-speed data respectively, then 2G thereafter.

If you choose the Truly Unlimited plans ($50 and $60), you’ll get high speeds of browsing data with no cap. However, you might notice reduced speeds when the T-Mobile network is too congested.

Another thing, the Simple Mobile Truly Unlimited plans do have Mobile Hotspot when you want to share data with your other devices. But again, the $60 plan has 15GB of Mobile Hotspot and 50GB cloud storage while the $50 package has only the 5GB Hotspot.

As for the international roaming, Simple Mobile has limited the feature to sixteen Latin-American countries. The Unlimited international calling is also limited to sixty-nine destinations, with up to twenty unique numbers. But again, the provider does provide the $10 credit if you have more unique numbers or destinations to call.

Reasons you might want to Leave Simple Mobile

As was said earlier, the reason you might want to know what carriers are compatible with Simple Mobile can be if you want to join or leave. The MVNO does sell phones on its online store, plus through Major retailers like Walmart and Amazon.

In the Simple Mobile shop, you could even lease a cell phone through Smartpay over 24 months. So, you could get a great deal on one of the latest phone brands and decide to switch to another carrier with it.

But, anyway, some of the reasons you might want to switch from Simple Mobile include:

1. Weak or no signal in your region
2. In case you needed a postpaid service
3. If you’re a heavy data user or want more hotspot benefits
4. You need an even cheaper service (like Mint, Boom! Mobile, and Red Pocket Mobile)

Also, it’s worth noting that the major carriers always prioritize their customers before their partners’ on their best deals. If it’s internet speeds, your Simple Mobile line might be slow while that of T-Mobile is still super-fast. So, you might want to consider a carrier like T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon if you rely a lot on the internet. Only be ready to pay more bucks if you have fewer lines on your account.

The 7 Best Carrier Phones Compatible with Simple Mobile

Here are the seven best touchscreen and basic phones that you can activate and operate with your Simple Mobile SIM card.

T-Mobile OnePlus 6T A6013 GSM Smartphone

Key Features:

• Android 9.0 (pie)
• 2G, 3G, & 4G LTE bands
• 128GB ROM, 6GB RAM
• NFC tag, Bluetooth v5.0
• In-Display fingerprint sensor
• 4K resolution @60fps and 1080p @240fps

The T-Mobile OnePlus 6T is our first recommendation carrier smartphone that you can use with Simple Mobile service. True, the phone mobile has been in the market for over two years, but it has everything you may need in a smartphone.

If it’s coverage, the OnePlus device supports all the major 4G LTE bands we mentioned earlier (2, 4, 12, and 71). Thus, should connect with T-Mobile and Simple Mobile networks with no issues.

The smartphone has a powerful 16MP rear-mounted dual camera that can record up to 2160p (4K Ultra-HD) at 30/ 60fps. If you’re planning to play back your videos in slow motion, the camera can record a super-slow 1080p@240fps and also 720p@480fps.

More on that, the T-Mobile OnePlus 6T comes with a built-in 128GB storage and 6GB RAM. However, it doesn’t have a dedicated slot for a MicroSD card.

TracFone Samsung Galaxy A103 32GB Prepaid Smartphone

Key Features:

• Android 9.0 (Pie)
• 32GB ROM, 2GB RAM
• 5.8-inch capacitive screen
• Up to 512GB MicroSD card
• 8MP camera, 1080p @30ofps
• 2G, 3G, and 4G Frequency Bands

TracFone is another carrier compatible with Simple Mobile, and the Samsung Galaxy A10e is a good phone example. The smartphone is a low-end model, but it can handle quite many tasks when given the chance. For instance, it has the support of up to 4G frequency Bands, which means you won’t need to worry even after T-Mobile shutdowns its 2G and 3G services.

Another thing, the Galaxy model has a pocket-friendly design, with a 5.8-inch screen that you can even stream videos if you wanted. It also comes with a 32GB internal memory and you can expand with up to 512GB MicroSD Card.

TracFone Motorola Moto E6 32GB 4G LTE Smartphone

Key Features:

• Android 9.0
• 5.5-inch capacitive display
• 32GB ROM, 2GB RAM
• 13MP camera, 1080p@30fps
• Up to 256GB MicroSD card
• 2G, 3G, & 4G Frequency bands

Although the memory is not the best, the phone can also work with a Simple Mobile SIM card. Motorola released it in the third quarter of 2019, which means it does house a few decent technologies, including a 13MP main camera that can record 1080p resolution @30fps.

Furthermore, the smartphone does have Max Vision HD+ for crystal-clear gaming or watching videos on YouTube and other streaming sites. Then, you can enjoy super-fast downloads while using Simple Mobile 4G LTE.

As for the story of the memory, you can expand with up to 256GB MicroSD card if the built-in 32GB isn’t enough. The phone also doesn’t have the NFC tag, which means you can’t use it for contactless payments.

Apple iPhone XR (Refurbished) Unlocked Smartphone

Key Features:

• iOS 13.0 (upgradable)
• Quick Face ID unlock
• Qi Wireless Charging
• Up to 4G LTE coverage
• 64GB ROM, 3GB RAM
• NFC chip, 5.0V Bluetooth

If you have always wished to own an Apple device, the iPhone XR has been one of the most successful series from the luxury brand. Yes, you’ll be about three years late, but the good thing is that it’s currently cheaper and has all the features that make a good smartphone.

For instance, the phone support up to the latest iOS 14.6, though it still has the A12 Bionic chipset that came with iOS 12. It also has a rather wide display that you can use to play your favorite games extensively.

Furthermore, the iPhone XR comes with a 12MP single camera system that can capture 4K@60fps or 108p@240fps. So, it’s another excellent pick if you wish to record fast activities that you might want to replay in slow motion.

T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 9 w/128GB Smartphone

Key Features:

• Android 8.1 (upgradable)
• 128GB ROM, 6GBRAM
• 4K@60fps, 720@960fps
• IP68 dust/ water resistant
• Snapdragon 845 processor
• Iris Scanner and fingerprint sensor

This T-Mobile isn’t only compatible with Simple Mobile service. But also brings you the office experience you’ve always desired when on the go. As shown above, it has the latest Snapdragon 845 processor, which is faster and more efficient when it comes to performance.

Furthermore, the Samsung device comes with a 6GB operating memory, which is enough to cut lag issues. At 128GB and up to 512GB MicroSD support, we could also say the storage is more than you might need for your tasks.

Simple Mobile Alcatel MyFlip Black Flip Phone

Key Features:

• Simple, flip design
• 4GB built-in memory
• Speech-to-text feature
• MP3 music player
• 2.8-inch colored display
• Internet connectivity, Email
• Up to 4G cellular technology

If you do have a special place for the old-school tech, this Alcatel could be a perfect choice for you. It’s a basic model for calls and texting, though you could also use it for extra functions like browsing and emailing.

The flip phone is 4G-ready, which means you can still use it after the end of 2G and 3G next year. Its memory, however, is relatively low but you could expand with a 32GB MicroSD card. Even better, the phone has rather large buttons and bold letters that should be easy for seniors or anyone with visual impairment to read.

Factory Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Android

Key Features:

• Android 10 (upgradable)
• 128GB memory, 6GB RAM
• 120Hz refresh rate display
• Snapdragon 865 5G processor
• Up to 5G cellular technology
• 32MP Camera, 4K video quality

Although the last, this phone is the most recent model, and also Samsung’s bestseller in 2020. And that’s not just from its sleek design, but high performance and productivity as well. It has the advanced Snapdragon 865 5G process that lets you perform millions of operations per second. Then, the internal memory comes with 128GB built-in and 6GB RAM.

Furthermore, the Galaxy S20 FE has a pro-grade 12MP Triple camera system, with 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. So, you’ll always capture crisp images and vibrant videos for even the scenes at a distance.

Remember, this Samsung Galaxy supports up to 5G frequency bands. Thus, can be a perfect upgrade choice if you want to migrate to the ultra-speed service.

Common Related Questions:

Is Verizon compatible with Simple Mobile?

Verizon and its subsidiaries use CDMA channel access technology to provide service. On the other hand, Simple Mobile uses GSM technology, which you should know uses an interchangeable SIM card. Therefore, Verizon isn’t compatible with Simple Mobile.

Can I use a Simple Mobile phone at AT&T?

Although they use different infrastructures, both Simple Mobile and AT&T are GSM technologies. They both also have the 4G frequency band “12” as the main on their network. So, you could use most Simple Mobile phones on AT&T, though you’ll need to have them carrier-unlocked.

Can I use a straight talk phone with Simple Mobile?

Straight talk is another no-contact cell phone operator under the TracFone Wireless. It uses the cellular towers of the AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon network, just as its parent company. So, you’ll hardly have signal issues no matter which state you’re vacationing. More on that, you can use a Straight Talk Phone with a Simple Mobile SIM card, though the device has to be unlocked.

How do I know what Carrier my phone is compatible with?

That’s easy. You can know the carrier/s your phone is compatible with if it’s unlocked and the type of bands it support. If the phone is locked to either of the big three carriers (AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile), you can use that phone with that particular carrier and most of its MVNOs. Meanwhile, your phone has to have at least one of the main carrier’s bands if it’s to work. Hence, the reason AT&T is urging its customers on 3G devices to upgrade before they lose service in the planned 2022 shutdown.

Final Thoughts:

On a scale of ten, we’d give Simple Mobile seven points. It’s relatively (not most) affordable, has unlimited everything in all phone plans, and also you can use it with any carrier unlocked phone.

As we’ve seen in the article, some carriers are also compatible with Simple Mobile if you decided to switch. Of course, the devices from other MVONOs might need to be unlocked, but T-Mobile isn’t a must. Also, select TracFone phones could work with Simple Mobile, but not all of them since it does have CDMA service with Verizon.

In any case, we hope we’ve answered all the questions you might have concerning Simple Mobile compatibility requirements. All the best, and happy service.