Our countdown of the best Cricket phones has much to do with the carrier’s efficient service in the U.S. With perks like nationwide coverage and free overnight shipping minus the hassles of contracts and activation fees, Cricket devices don’t sound like bad deals at all. So we scurried through the company’s lineup to put together a list that will help you make a better choice and stay connected. Here’s what we think are some of the best phones to pick, if you’re contemplating over buying a handset from Cricket.
1. Samsung Chrono:
Don’t assume we have the Samsung Chrono R261 on our Cricket phones run-through only because there’s an alluring $19.99 price tag attached to it. There’s definitely more this handset has to offer. With features that make it simple to use, the device blends in form with functionality. In a chic-flip form factor, the Chrono is tailored to suit the needs of everyday mobile use. Along with speedy web browsing, you also get an efficient way to manage calendar appointments. The handset’s Bluetooth abilities further enhance your hands-free experience, even as you slip the device effortlessly in your pocket. Besides these, it packs in attributes like a VGA camera, voice-activated dialing, predictive text input while messaging, location-based services and the Cricket Navigator. With a 2-inch TFT display, it offers about 240 minutes of talktime.
2. ZTE Score:
Next in our list of of great phones from Cricket is the ZTE Score X500. It appears to be a great pick for those who haven’t taken the smartphone plunge as yet, thanks to their pricey act. Amongst its many offerings, the Android 2.3 handset features a 3.5-inch HVGA capacitive touch display in a bar form factor. Incorporating a virtual QWERTY keypad, there’s a 3.2MP camera which can also be used as a camcorder on this Wi-Fi enabled phone.
3G web browsing needs are taken care of too, even as the phone promises to keep music lovers grinning from ear-to-ear. Audiophiles can brace themselves for the Muve Music experience along with access to more than 200,000 apps via the Android market. Backed by a 600MHz processor, we’re giving a thumbs-up to this affordable handset, complete with a storage capacity of up to 32GB. With 75% off through Cricket, the ZTE Score is approximately $30.
3. ZTE Chorus:
Why are we recommending the ZTE Chorus D930 in our run-through of Cricket phones? Well, it has more to do with the handset being a great pick for ardent music lovers. Yes with a name like Chorus, you should pretty much be able to guess what’s in store if you’re an audiophile planning to take the jump on Cricket. The handset packs in an impressive feature set including audio that should make the most use out of the SRS WOW HD technology. We’re giving it a thumbs-up for the enhanced audio playback quality and distinct 3D entertainment experience offered.
With a generous helping hand from Muve Music, the phone shows off a 3.2-inch WQVGA resistive touchscreen, complete with an accelerometer. Integrated with a music and video player, Bluetooth support makes connectivity a breeze. The Chorus further bundles in the XT9 technology for a faster and simpler text input, while the virtual keypad ensures you stay on top of all things messaging. Through Cricket, the handset is preloaded with attributes that scream productivity all the way. These include Mobile Web, Cricket Storefront, MyBackup and MyAccount along with a trio of idlescreens that can be customized.
4. Samsung Vitality:
Among the first Muve Music phones to be released by Cricket, the Samsung Vitality R720 runs on the Gingerbread operating system. It shows off a 3.5-inch HVGA touchscreen, coughing up a decent resolution of approximately 480 x 320. Incorporating Muve Music, the handset comes packed with features like a 3.2MP camera cum camcorder and Wi-Fi capabilities besides offering 3G web browsing. An added perk is access to the Android market and Google apps like Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube and more.
Along with the Cricket location-based services, the phone features a committed music player as well. An onscreen keyboard, 3.5mm headset jack and extensive Wi-Fi support, all make this touchbar device a great pick. Cricket is currently offering this handset at a 50% discounted rate of $99.99.
5. Huawei Ascend II:
Next up on the Cricket phones roster is the pocket-friendly Huawei Ascend IIM865 running on the Android 2.3 OS. The handset rocks the mobile scene with a 3.5-inch HVGA touchscreen, rounded off by a smart virtual keyboard. On the multimedia front, there’s a 5MP camera with video capture capabilities, Wi-Fi support and a real-time 3G web browsing experience. Your Android journey should be pretty much complete with access to the Android market among other things.
The 600MHz chipset runs the show on this smartphone, with Cricket tethering to up the ante. Cricket 411 and MyBackup are some other features to watch out for. Ringtones, wallpaper downloads, voice activated dialing and predictive text input additionally make this handset a great buy at merely $69.99.
Not every smartphone is difficult to use and expensive to buy. And with our comprehensive list of the best Cricket phones, we’re hoping you should be able to choose the right handset through the carrier, without fretting too much. Is there any other Cricket device you swear by? Do let us know about it.