The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To lower your U.S. wireless bill, match an MVNO or prepaid brand to the network that works where you live and travel, then compare its recurring price, data rules, hotspot allowance, and support. A low advertised rate is not automatically the best deal: it may require advance payment or autopay, and “unlimited” plans can differ in speed, priority, and hotspot terms.
Which low-cost providers use each major network?
MVNOs and carrier-owned prepaid brands sell service on major networks, but the brand name does not tell you how reliable coverage will be at your home, workplace, or usual destinations. Check the provider’s coverage information and, if possible, test service before moving your number.
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| Network | Providers in the comparison | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Visible; US Mobile offers Verizon access among its selectable networks. | Verify local coverage and plan-specific data and hotspot terms. |
| T-Mobile | Mint Mobile; Metro by T-Mobile; US Mobile offers T-Mobile access. | Check coverage where you use your phone and whether the plan requires advance payment. |
| AT&T | Cricket Wireless; US Mobile offers AT&T access. | Compare the recurring total, data conditions, and support options. |
Google Fi, Tello, Red Pocket, Consumer Cellular, Boost Mobile, and cable-company mobile services are other candidates to investigate. Their network access, bundle eligibility, and current offers vary; confirm details with each provider rather than assuming every plan is interchangeable.
Metro’s official plan page identifies it as a T-Mobile brand and links to coverage and bring-your-own-phone information. Check the live page for current plan details.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
What do the example plans cost?
The prices below were listed in US Mobile’s August 2026 comparison. They are dated examples, not guaranteed current checkout prices. Verify the offer, payment term, renewal price, taxes, and fees with the provider before switching.
| Provider | Example plans and listed monthly prices | Network context in the comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile | 6GB: $15/month; Unlimited: $30/month | T-Mobile |
| Visible | Visible: $25/month; Visible+ Pro: $45/month | Verizon |
| US Mobile | Light 2GB: $8/month; Unlimited Premium: $44/month | Selectable access to Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T |
| Cricket Wireless | Smart Unlimited: $50/month; Supreme Unlimited: $60/month | AT&T |
| Metro by T-Mobile | Starter Plus: $40/month; Flex Unlimited: $50/month; Flex Unlimited Plus: $65/month | T-Mobile |
The comparison notes that major-carrier headline prices typically require autopay, while prepaid providers commonly include taxes and fees. That does not establish the all-in price for every plan: check the provider’s checkout total and renewal terms. Some low rates may also depend on multi-month or annual prepayment, promotions, or line count.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
How to compare plans beyond the headline price
Use your current bill and actual phone habits as the baseline. A lower plan price may not save money if you need costly add-ons or give up a discount or benefit you use.
- Recurring cost and commitment: Find the standard renewal rate, any introductory offer, required prepayment period, autopay condition, and whether taxes and fees are included. Compare the total you will pay over the same period.
- Data and congestion: Look for the high-speed data threshold, any hard speed cap, and what happens after you reach a limit. Ask how the plan handles priority during congestion; congestion can affect performance by place and time, and it is not the same as lack of coverage.
- Hotspot: Check whether tethering is included, how much high-speed hotspot data you get, and whether hotspot speeds are capped.
- Roaming and international use: Review the plan’s terms for travel and international calling or data if you rely on them.
- Support and extras: Consider whether you need phone or in-person support, device financing, or bundled perks. Prepaid plans may offer fewer bundled benefits and less access to live support.
- Multiple lines and discounts: Compare the price for your full household, including eligibility requirements, rather than multiplying a one-line advertised price.
“Unlimited” is a label, not a guarantee of identical service. Plans can differ in high-speed data, congestion priority, video or roaming terms, hotspot limits, and speed caps. The FCC’s FCC 24-136 provides historical 2024 comparisons of carrier pricing and provider-reported data-deprioritization terms; it is useful context, not a current 2026 price list.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
How much could switching save?
There is no reliable single savings figure for every customer. Your result depends on your current bill, line count, device payments, add-ons, discounts, taxes, selected plan, and any perks you would lose. Compare the recurring all-in total for the same household and usage, and include any upfront payment required by a prepaid offer.
J.D. Power’s 2026 U.S. Wireless Carrier Satisfaction search-result excerpt lists scores of 715 for Mint Mobile, 702 for Visible by Verizon, 647 for Cricket, and 632 for Metro by T-Mobile. These are satisfaction scores, not prices or objective network-performance measurements. The underlying report details were not accessible for confirming the segment, scale, or sample, so the scores should not be used to predict coverage or compare service performance.
Rank #4
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Can you keep your current phone and number?
Often, yes. Many customers can bring a compatible phone rather than buy a new one. Before ordering a SIM or starting a transfer, check that the device is unlocked, supported on the provider’s network, and compatible with the provider’s physical SIM or eSIM option. Confirm your phone’s eligibility directly with the provider.
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Keep your existing service active until the new line works and the number transfer is complete. Porting steps and required account information vary by carrier, so follow the instructions from both providers and do not cancel the old line prematurely.
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
A practical checklist before switching
- Test the network: Check coverage at home, work, and regular travel destinations. If available, try a trial or temporary line before porting your number.
- Check the device: Confirm the phone is unlocked and supported, and verify physical SIM or eSIM compatibility.
- Calculate the real cost: Check the recurring renewal rate, prepayment requirement, autopay conditions, taxes, fees, and any promotional end date.
- Match the plan to your use: Review high-speed data, congestion priority, hotspot, roaming, support, and multi-line terms.
- Transfer carefully: Keep the old service active while the new line is activated and the number transfer finishes; follow the providers’ current porting directions.
For a broader overview of prepaid considerations, including network, support, and phone compatibility, see NerdWallet’s prepaid phone plan guide.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
