AT&T is one of the most recognizable telecommunications providers in the US. For years, it has been ramping up to provide the best mobile plans within the country. May it be for mobile internet or text and call plans, AT&T is someone you can rely on. But getting a mobile plan from AT&T can be painful if you are using a phone that is incompatible or network-locked with another provider. Thankfully, AT&T now offers prepaid phones so you can avail of their mobile plans with less hassle.
But just how competitive are they? In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the best AT&T prepaid phones and what you should know before striking the deal with the mobile carrier.
Best AT&T Prepaid Phones
AT&T phone plans are some of the most affordable plans in the market today. By being flexible enough to accommodate any type of budget, they are easily the best choice when you’re looking for a plan. Their prepaid phones are also easily the best choice if you’re looking for a phone along with your plan.
Without further ado, here are the best AT&T prepaid phones that you can get today.
| Display | 6.56 inches (720 x 1600 pixels) |
| OS version | Android 10 |
| Memory | Up to 32GB |
| Storage | Up to 1TB |
| Rear camera | Main camera 13 MP (F2.2 80˚) Macro camera 2 MP (F2.4) Depth camera 2 MP (F2.4) |
| Front camera | 5 MP F2.2 |
| Battery capacity | 5,000mAh (non-removable) |
This phone is one of the most affordable phones that AT&T has to offer. Additionally, it is one of the affordable units Samsung has to offer without compromising quality. While it doesn’t have competitive specs, it’s a modest phone that’s ideal for those looking for something simple and affordable.
The unit sports a 6.5-inch HD+ Infinity-V display which is made better with the 720 x 1600 pixels on-screen. It’s also a unit that people who store many files in their smartphones will find quite useful, thanks to the expandable storage of up to 1TB. It’s battery life is comparatively better than its previous generation unit; the Samsung Galaxy A02s can produce 40 hours of talk time and can keep power for up to 18 days on standby.
AT&T has this priced at around $69.99 but you can still lower the price by purchasing it along with a prepaid plan.
| Display | 6.5-inch HD+ (TFT) Infinity-V display (720 x 1600 pixels) |
| OS version | Android 10 |
| Memory | Up to 32GB |
| Storage | Up to 1TB |
| Rear camera | 16 MP + Wide 5 MP + Depth 2 MP + Macro 2 MP |
| Front camera | 8 MP |
| Battery capacity | 5,000mAh (non-removable) |
The Samsung Galaxy A12 is a unit that Samsung promises won’t hold a user back. This is primarily credited to the unit’s octa-core processor that enables its other features to function with complete precision.
Additionally, it is also one of the Samsung Galaxy units that won’t fail a user in terms of battery power. The non-removable 5,000mAh battery promises 34 hours of talk time and can keep the phone powered for up to 15 days in one single charging. Storage is also not an issue with its external storage disk upgradeable by up to 1TB. On top of these, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is a unit equipped with a multi-lens camera feature that can capture in Panorama, Pro, Live Focus, Photo, Video, Macro, and Food shooting options.
We recommend this unit as the best choice in the Samsung Galaxy AT&T prepaid phones fleet.
| Display | 6.5-inch HD+ Infinity-V display (720 x 1600 pixels) |
| OS version | Android 11 |
| Memory | Up to 64GB |
| Storage | Up to 1TB |
| Rear camera | 48 MP (F1.8, 20˚) 8 MP (F2.2, 123˚) 5 MP (F2.4, 78˚) 2 MP (F2.4, 82˚) |
| Front camera | 13 MP (F2.2, 80˚) |
| Battery capacity | 5,000mAh (non-removable) |
The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is one of the best hybrid units in the AT&T prepaid phone offering. For one, it has one of the best camera technologies seen in a smartphone made possible by the octa-core processor under its hood. You can expect an impressive display from this unit, thanks to the HD+ Infinity-V display technology that enables UHD 4K video capturing and video playback. On top of these strengths come the most impressive yet. The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is 5G-ready, making connectivity a non-issue.
Additionally, the other strength this phone has is found in the rear: the quad-camera system. These cameras are capable of shooting AR Zone, Food, Hyperlapse, Live Focus, Macro, Night, Panorama, Photo, Pro, Slow Motion, and Video options. That is more capabilities than any other previous generation of a Samsung Galaxy phone.
| Display | 5.45in HD+ |
| OS version | Android 9 |
| Memory | 2 GB |
| Storage | up to 32 GB |
| Rear camera | 8 MP |
| Front camera | 5 MP |
| Battery capacity | 2,990 mAh with up to two days of use |
While it’s probably the least impressive phone on the list because of its specs, the Nokia 3.1 A still makes it to the list of the best AT&T prepaid phones for its affordability. It’s one of the most affordable phones you can get at AT&T that will have a decent set of specs.
It sports a 2,990 mAh battery that promises up to two days of usage and it runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 429. The phone runs on Android 9 but you can upgrade it to the latest OS versions. It’s safe to say that you really can’t expect much from this phone unless you intend to use it for basic functions such as texting, calling, etc.
The Nokia 3.1 A is priced at $49.99 and can be bundled with an unlimited plan to get it at a much lower price.
| Display | 6.5-in HD |
| OS version | Android 10 |
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB + up to 128 GB expandable |
| Rear camera | 13 MP/5 MP/2 MP |
| Front camera | 2 MP |
| Battery capacity | 4,000 mAh (non-removable) with up to two days of use |
The AT&T Radiant Max is a budget-friendly Android phone made by AT&T. The device is pretty straightforward with a vibrant 6.5-in HD+ display that won’t disappoint. It features three rear cameras that allow you to take wide and macro photos, among others. The device also promises rich DTS audio that’s perfect if you’re going to use the phone to stream videos.
Additionally, the phone runs on an octa-core processor and Android 10. The phone claims to last up to two days of use but ultimately, it will depend on how much you use the phone and what you use it for. Further, the phone comes with a two-year warranty from AT&T that will protect your phone post-purchase.
The phone is on sale for $79.99 from its original price of $129.99. Like other phones, you can save more on the phone price if you avail of an unlimited plan.
Payment Methods and Discounts
AT&T provides some of the best and most affordable mobile plans — this is also reflected in their phone pricing. Despite being on the pricier side of the spectrum, AT&T gives back to its users by providing them with a lot of discounts and payment methods that will not only make their lives easier but also help them save some cash.
As far as payment methods go, there are several ways to make your payments for AT&T. If you’re purchasing a phone online, you can either check out with your checking or savings account, debit card, or credit card. You can also choose to pick up your phone and pay at your nearest AT&T store.
For discounts, AT&T offers a lot for its users. Such discounts include their bundle discounts for when you’re purchasing AT&T prepaid phones with a corresponding plan. You can get your phone cheaper this way.
AT&T also offers discounts for teachers, first responders, nurses, physicians, military personnel, and veterans. To know more, you can head to AT&T’s website to get complete details.
Why Should You Get AT&T Prepaid Phones?
Purchasing a prepaid phone from any mobile carrier can be a hard decision and a commitment. That said, there are a lot of factors that may affect your decision in purchasing AT&T prepaid phones. Here are a couple of reasons why you should get prepaid phones from AT&T:
Discounts
As stated, AT&T offers a lot of discounts for its users. You can get your AT&T prepaid phones for a much cheaper price when you purchase them from the carrier because they usually bundle their phones with their unlimited plans. Not only will you get a cheaper phone but you can also get great mobile plan choices that will increase your phone’s functionality tenfold. With AT&T, you can guarantee that you’re getting your money’s worth for the products that they sell.
Better Network Coverage
It’s no secret that AT&T is a carrier with one of the best coverages available. They cover at least 99% percent of the United States which guarantees that you’ll be able to stay connected wherever you go. It’s safe to say that you’ll have great coverage at your fingertips if you get an AT&T prepaid phone along with a mobile plan.
No Contracts
AT&T offers no-contract plans that will not tie you down to the carrier once your service plan is over. While most carriers will require you to use their services for years, AT&T won’t tie you down with their services. If you get a plan from them, you’re only required to use them for the number of months that are indicated in the service plan.
If your plan ends in 12 months, you won’t be required or asked to extend; you can opt to end your plan there and keep the phone.
Things to Consider Before You Buy AT&T Prepaid Phones
Before you sign up with AT&T or any mobile carriers, there are a couple of things that you should consider before you avail of their services or buy a prepaid phone from them. Note that you will be stuck with the carrier for a couple of months, so you should sign with one that best suits your lifestyle.
With that, here’s what you should consider before purchasing AT&T Prepaid Phones.
Mobile Carrier
A crucial thing to consider is your mobile carrier. There are many mobile carriers in the market and each of them is strikingly different from the others. Consider what you’re looking for in a mobile carrier before you choose where to get your prepaid phone from.
Some carriers are affordable, some have great connectivity, and some are great for traveling. You must choose the one that best fits your purpose for getting a prepaid phone. AT&T is one of the best carriers in the market but that doesn’t mean that it’s the perfect one for you. Consider looking at your other options before deciding which one to choose.
Service Plans
After choosing your preferred carrier, you’ll need to choose which service plan to get. Most mobile carriers will require you to purchase your prepaid phones with a corresponding service plan. You don’t have to get the most expensive plan if you don’t need it. You can still get your preferred prepaid phone regardless of the plan that you choose.
However, it’s also important to consider the service plan that will go with your phone. Some mobile carriers might just ask you to upgrade or downgrade your phone of choice depending on the plan and vice versa. So, it helps to do a bit of research before you choose your service plan.
Device Selection
AT&T doesn’t exactly have the biggest device selection. However, this makes it easier to sort out which devices are the best and which ones are not. Having a small selection of devices makes it easier to choose and compare phones with each other.
On the contrary, a carrier with a bigger phone selection will give you more choices. But it will also be hard to compare phones which have almost the same features and specs.
Reading some reviews about the phones that you want in advance will help you shorten the list of what you need to look for when you go out to buy the phone.
Your Needs
Lastly, it’s important to consider your needs before purchasing AT&T prepaid phones. Figure out what you intend to use the phone for and what features and specs it should have. No one wants a phone that won’t match their lifestyle. That said, always remember to put your needs and lifestyle in mind when you’re out to buy your phone.
Reasons Not to Get AT&T Prepaid Phones
While there is a lot to love about AT&T, there are also factors where they aren’t exactly the best place to get your phones from. That said, here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t get prepaid phones from AT&T:
Limited Selection
Despite being one of the biggest mobile carriers in the United States, AT&T has the least number of phones on its roster. As of December 2021, they only have at least eight prepaid phones available for purchase. If you’re looking for a carrier with more phone options, AT&T might not be the courier for you.
On the bright side, you can be sure that you’re getting only the best models in the market. AT&T carries phone models from brands such as Apple, LG, Samsung, and Nokia among others, which guarantees that you’ll be getting the best phones from the best brands.
Pricing
Pricing is another reason why you shouldn’t get a prepaid phone from AT&T. Despite having a selection of low-cost phones, AT&T is known among users for having a rather high price mark that makes it expensive for those looking for cheap phones.
You can get the phones at a discounted price if you apply for an unlimited plan. However, if you’re not planning or looking to get that, you might want to consider looking elsewhere for cheaper prepaid phones.
Bring Your Own Phone
Having a Bring Your Own Phone or BYOP Program is another reason why you don’t need a prepaid phone from AT&T. If you have a compatible phone or an unlocked phone, you can enroll them at AT&T without having to shell out too much.
With the BYOP Program, all you will have to do is to purchase an AT&T SIM card and choose your mobile plan. It’s comparatively cheaper and more practical if you already have a phone and you don’t intend on getting a new one along with your plan.
Takeaway
Ultimately, the best AT&T prepaid phones will still depend on how you intend to use the phone. Finding the best is subject to the needs of the user and what they need from the phone.
There are a lot of factors that can affect this, but hopefully, this article will help you decide on choosing your AT&T prepaid phones. Remember that you will have to purchase this with an AT&T prepaid plan to use it to its full potential. Lastly, if you’re planning to purchase an iPhone — it’s worth noting that AT&T claims to be the best network for iPhones so keep that in mind the next time that you get a phone!
