Best Buy Cell Phones Without Contract
The vast majority of phone owners still buy phones from a carrier, but there's a lot more freedom and interest in no-contract and unlocked phones. This is good news for all of us because we now have more options than what you can get only in your carrier store. Some of which are quite affordable.
best buy cell phones without contract
They can be, but there's a distinction. A no-contract phone is one that doesn't require you to sign a carrier agreement in order to buy and use it, so when the phone's paid off, it's yours. Most carriers now sell a no-contract option, either with our without a payment plan. When it's paid off, you can also ask the carrier to unlock it for you, so you can (potentially) use it with another phone network.
While most unlocked phones are also no-contract, it's common enough that one carrier will sell the phone exclusively (not other carrier store stocks it), but you're often able to buy the phone from the manufacturer as well.
Over the past five years, Best Buy has acquired three health-care companies: GreatCall, which makes easy-to-use cell phones and connected health devices and provides emergency response services for aging adults; Critical Signal Technologies, another senior-focused company; and Current Health, a tech concern based in the United Kingdom that helps with remote patient monitoring and telehealth. Best Buy also sells health and wellness devices, including hearing aids and fitness trackers.
It wasn't too long ago that 5G was a feature that could only be had in the best and brightest flagships from the leading smartphone manufacturers. Now, things have reached the point where the latest generation of connectivity is coming to devices that are almost as cheap as phones were back in the halcyon days of carrier-subsidized $200 flagships. These aren't from no-name makers, or from Chinese smartphone brands that may or may not lose access to Google Play at any moment from rising political tensions, either.
The Galaxy A13 is Samsung's best crack yet at retaining 5G functionality while reaching down into the bargain-basement pricing tier. It's part of the same line as the also-excellent, though quite a bit pricier, A51 on this list. Of course, that price difference shows itself in their respective spec lists, with the worst of the concessions found in the A13 likely being its mediocre CPU, display resolution, and last-gen front-facing camera. Still, if getting into the 5G game is your main goal, and your budget is tight, the A13 provides a shockingly low entry point from one of the most popular smartphone makers in the world.
Right now, the best cheap 5G phone is the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G based on our analysis of display, performance, battery life, and price. The device offers one of the best display experiences you can get from sub-$450 phones and offers 5G support with most major carriers.
However, we also realize not all needs are the same. For some, you might need a more affordable phone that wields a large display and decent camera. The table below shows how the best cheap 5G phones compare on price, camera capabilities, and battery capacity.
The process to make our smartphone selections includes testing the phones for weeks, reading reviews from other websites and publications, researching reviewer guides and manufacturer websites, talking with colleagues and other users who have hands-on experience with the smartphones, and then selecting the best from all of the available choices.
While 5G integration has been through years of making, the adaptation of the latest cellular network is still in development, with many areas in the world lacking antennas to support it. That said, there is no downside to not buying a phone that is 5G compatible right now, especially if you plan on using it for the next three or more years. The availability of 5G compatible phones is more extensive than ever (as this list proves) and the chances of your next phone supporting the network are high.
You'll find all of this week's best cell phone deals neatly rounded up and compared right here on this page. We've included everything from the latest Apple flagships to humble entry-level Android devices - and, plenty of choices in the middle so all the bases are covered. Looking for a new plan? Want a discounted unlocked device? You'll also find cell phone deals that cover all carrier types here so you can easily compare and find the right promotion for your specific needs.
Note, all of the devices featured on our list have been personally reviewed by the staff here at TechRadar. They're all fantastic picks in their own right and you won't find any sub-par choices included. If you'd like to find out which is best for you we'd recommend checking our updated guide to the best phones for 2023.
iPhone 14 Series: up to $1,000 off with trade, plus free iPad and Apple Watch at Verizon (opens in new tab)One of the best cell phone deals we've ever seen is back again this week at Verizon, with the chance to bundle in a free Apple Watch SE and 9th gen iPad with most iPhones. This stacks on top of the usual trade-in rebates of up to $1,000 that you'll find on the latest iPhone 14 series for some exceptional value. While you'll still need a pricey unlimited data plan here to be eligible for this promotion, the freebies alone are worth over $500 so it's well worth considering this one. See this same deal on the iPhone 14 Pro (opens in new tab) and iPhone 14 Pro Max (opens in new tab).
Apple iPhone 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max: up to $800 off w/ trade-in and unlimited plan at AT&T (opens in new tab)AT&T's cell phone deals on the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max have been paired down slightly this week to feature a trade-in rebate of up to $800 - down from the record of $1,000 off. Even though this isn't the best deal we've ever seen from this carrier this promotion is still worth considering if you're interested since it'll take a significant chunk off the overall cost. See this same deal on the iPhone 14 Pro Max (opens in new tab).
Apple iPhone 12: $699.99 $599, plus up to $650 off with an eligible trade-in at Apple (opens in new tab)Price drop - It's not all about cell phone deals on the newer devices this week. If you're on more of a budget you may want to consider the older (but still great) iPhone 12, which is now a full $200 cheaper upfront versus launch. Surprisingly, Apple hasn't phased out this device yet, which still holds up really well for 2023. It's not quite as powerful as the latest iterations but still features the same basic design, a similar screen, and a camera that can still snap pics with the best of them.
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G: $449.99 $399.99 at Amazon (opens in new tab)The top pick over at our best cheap phones guide, we heartily recommend the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G if you're on a budget but want a powerful device. Not only is it fully 5G compatible (which you'd expect at this price), but it's got a great display and decent camera. Basically, everything you need from a cheap phone is there on this device and it's a really solid pick, even if it's not the lowest-costed device on the market currently.
Cell phone plansLooking to simply save on that bill? Perhaps it's time to switch or upgrade that old plan you've been on for years. Our roundup of the best cell phone plans in the US is one of the best resources on the web for finding the right plan for you. No matter whether you're looking for a cheap plan, unlimited or a plan for your family, our guide will help you out.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 deals / Galaxy Z Flip 4 dealsWant to try something new? Samsung's latest series of foldable phones have just been released with two excellent devices to choose from. While pricey, both the Flip 4 and Fold 4 are on the very bleeding edge of what's possible with smartphones. They're quite simply special devices with incredibly powerful components, stunning designs, and of course those beautiful foldable screens.
OnePlus 9 dealsCheck out this week's best cell phone deals on the latest devices from the well-known Chinese brand OnePlus - the 9 and the 9 Pro. With co-designed Hasselblad camera systems, powerful Snapdragon 888 processors, and gorgeous 120Hz displays, these are a great alternative to the likes of Google, Apple, and Samsung.
Most importantly, cell phones provide access to the outside world. Older adults with higher social engagement tend to experience better health overall, and a mobile phone can help facilitate this. Whether you are looking for a device for yourself or a loved one, this cell phone guide will help you navigate phone options, features, costs, and cellular providers.
Flip or block phones often feature larger buttons and simple interfaces. Smartphones generally have oversized screens and large buttons. Nearly all cell phones offer font size adjustment options to ease eye strain.
Flexible plans feature a monthly base rate to keep the device in service with a limited allotment of data, minutes, and texts per the contract terms. Once the subscriber reaches the monthly limit, the provider will charge per megabyte of data, number of talk minutes, or texts. This can be pricey if the user racks up a lot of extra phone time. These plans are perfect for those who use their cell phone fairly often but not all the time.
While T-Mobile is a great option for most, I recommend a few other services in case you do not fall within their coverage area. Consumer Cellular has a dozen personalized plans to choose from that combine minutes, texts, and data or a combination of what services you may need. These plans range from $15 to $60 per month. Their low prices, excellent customer service, and flexible contracts make them a good option for older adults with specific cellular needs. 041b061a72