Question Arthritis and Poor Eyesight

[bearcat22]

Looking for either:

1. A SIM card / cellular carrier that will absolutely work in the tablet I already own (link at bottom);

2. A different tablet with assured compatibility with some cellular services.

Current tablet would not recognize or work with Mint Mobile, and the Mint site does not warn prospective customers what a Mint tech support person told me: "We don't recommend using a tablet as a cell phone with our service" Would not explain why.

The major issue is eyesight and coordination.
I am on a fixed income, and need a cell phone that will
allow me to enlarge the keyboard and/or web pages without a hassle,
with cheap service. To me, that would mean unlimited calling for $30 a month. A tall order, I know. Area is zip code 20015

I have a TCL brand, model 5102L cell phone.
I've had it since at least 2019 and unfortunately I don't remember
where I bought it. I can't remember what carriers I've had, and everything this days is locked/linked to a phone number to look up....and I don't remember what phone numbers I've had.

That's a major problem as every company now uses a phone number to look up your account.

When the phone boots, it first shows the TCL logo, then displays the UScellular logo. USC says without a number they can't tell me if the phone is locked to them.

Tello service was constantly saying "call ended" immediately after a number was dialed, and their tech support was a pain to deal with so I dumped them.

Mint kept saying "no network service" and Mint tech support tried / failed various troubleshooting. Ideally I'd get this Mint SIM card working, since I'm already out of pocket $50

The manufacturer of this tablet does not respond to emailed questions. Amazon sold it.

Tablet 10.1 inch Android Tablets, 2025 Cellular Tablets with SIM Card Slot, 4G LTE Tablet & Phone(Makes Calls), 64GB Storage (Expand to 1TB), Dual Cameras 8H Battery 5G WiFi with Case(Silver)
Visit the LECTRUS Store

Amazon.com : LECTRUS Tablet 10.1 inch Android Tablets, 2025 Cellular Tablets with SIM Card Slot, 4G LTE Tablet & Phone(Makes Calls), 64GB Storage (Expand to 1TB), Dual Cameras 8H Battery 5G WiFi with Case(Silver) : Electronics

Amazon.com : LECTRUS Tablet 10.1 inch Android Tablets, 2025 Cellular Tablets with SIM Card Slot, 4G LTE Tablet & Phone(Makes Calls), 64GB Storage (Expand to 1TB), Dual Cameras 8H Battery 5G WiFi with Case(Silver) : Electronics

www.amazon.com

 

[winmod21]

Looking for either:

1. A SIM card / cellular carrier that will absolutely work in the tablet I already own (link at bottom);

2. A different tablet with assured compatibility with some cellular services.

Current tablet would not recognize or work with Mint Mobile, and the Mint site does not warn prospective customers what a Mint tech support person told me: "We don't recommend using a tablet as a cell phone with our service" Would not explain why.

The major issue is eyesight and coordination.
I am on a fixed income, and need a cell phone that will
allow me to enlarge the keyboard and/or web pages without a hassle,
with cheap service. To me, that would mean unlimited calling for $30 a month. A tall order, I know. Area is zip code 20015

I have a TCL brand, model 5102L cell phone.
I've had it since at least 2019 and unfortunately I don't remember
where I bought it. I can't remember what carriers I've had, and everything this days is locked/linked to a phone number to look up....and I don't remember what phone numbers I've had.

That's a major problem as every company now uses a phone number to look up your account.

When the phone boots, it first shows the TCL logo, then displays the UScellular logo. USC says without a number they can't tell me if the phone is locked to them.

Tello service was constantly saying "call ended" immediately after a number was dialed, and their tech support was a pain to deal with so I dumped them.

Mint kept saying "no network service" and Mint tech support tried / failed various troubleshooting. Ideally I'd get this Mint SIM card working, since I'm already out of pocket $50

The manufacturer of this tablet does not respond to emailed questions. Amazon sold it.

Tablet 10.1 inch Android Tablets, 2025 Cellular Tablets with SIM Card Slot, 4G LTE Tablet & Phone(Makes Calls), 64GB Storage (Expand to 1TB), Dual Cameras 8H Battery 5G WiFi with Case(Silver)
Visit the LECTRUS Store

Amazon.com : LECTRUS Tablet 10.1 inch Android Tablets, 2025 Cellular Tablets with SIM Card Slot, 4G LTE Tablet & Phone(Makes Calls), 64GB Storage (Expand to 1TB), Dual Cameras 8H Battery 5G WiFi with Case(Silver) : Electronics

Amazon.com : LECTRUS Tablet 10.1 inch Android Tablets, 2025 Cellular Tablets with SIM Card Slot, 4G LTE Tablet & Phone(Makes Calls), 64GB Storage (Expand to 1TB), Dual Cameras 8H Battery 5G WiFi with Case(Silver) : Electronics

www.amazon.com

That tablet looks like it's being sold by just another one of amazon's thousands of flim-flam/con-job/scammer 3rd-Party sellers. Especially since you say that, "The manufacturer of this tablet does not respond to emailed questions."

And although the amazon 3rd-Party seller, Lectrus, claims: "RELIABLE AFTER-SALES SERVICE: This tablet with case is ~ a convenient tablet for seniors to use." . . . their high percentage of amazon customer [ 1 Star ] reviews sing a different tune:

"Wasted my time. It says it’s unlocked and can be used on cellular data (activated with your carrier like AT&T or Verizon) when I called to activate it and gave the AT&T rep the IMEI they said it does NOT work on their network. As expected for the price, the tablet was very slow and laggy. You’re much better off spending a bit more money on something nicer."

"If I could give it 0 stars I would! This was my son’s Christmas gift. The first one just quit working, so I returned it and got another one that one came on February 6 here we are on second week of March, and the Tablet is no longer working again. However, the poor little boy is just left with a tablet, which was his Christmas gift because the window has closed for returns or replacements. This product is horrible."

"I bought this device and received it Friday. Today is Sunday morning and it's unresponsive. I haven't connect it to any internet so nothing with a virus. It hasn't moved from my dresser so not damaged. It was cold last night and snowed I like a cold room now this thing won't respond. I get the cold might interfere with connectivity but come on. I have beening trying for a while. Not worth the money and now I have photos on the device now that I can't just give this device back without removing my photos. So I am stuck. If it doesn't work later I will take the lost."

"I wanted this to be a halfway decent tablet, but the screen randomly stopped working. It's never been dropped, is always in its case, and is used by an adult only. Pretty disappointing."

"Worked great for about 2 months or so one day the screen went black and it never turned back on by the time I got around to doing anything about it the return date had passed."

"Like the product except the fact that it has a locked imei number that I have to get ahold of someone from lectures to get it unlocked so I can connect it to my Verizon account."

"The Sims card slot don't work. Won't take any Sims I put in it. Really slow sme apps are just blank when I open them. I got this tablet on the reviews and they were great not this one. Tried the costumer service and they said they weren't in working hours. And when I got the service the email was all in Chinese."

. . I've some amaz 3rd-Party sellers with 45%~55% [ 1 Star ] nightmarish reviews ! Therefore I'd be very leary of ever ordering anything of very much value from one of amazon's 3rd-Party sellers! It's always been the best policy to order—anything of considerable value—only from "Sold by: Amazon"

. . Notwithstanding, if that seller's tablets are typically easy for you to use, and you can afford it, perhaps upgrading to their newer 128GB tablet — with their alleged "RELIABLE AFTER-SALES SERVICE- Your LECTRUS Android 15 tablet comes with a 12-month warranty, lifetime service support, and 24/7 online assistance for any issues. ~ " . .

. . But again, 'Buyer Beware' ... if considering or ordering from any 3rd-Party so-called 'Marketplace' seller! That goes for everywhere, especially including places like amazon, Walmart & Target &c!

Hope you're able to find a good solution. We have a 97 yr old parent with the same issues, and we spent some time looking for one, we eventually gave up trying to find tablet/phone for her, though I don't recall exactly why, now. Perhaps my memories' aren't hangin' with me as long as they used to.

Have you searched @ the Best Buy stores? . . I see that they have an Apple 'Geek Squad Certified' (refurbished) 10.2" iPad w/ Wifi & LTE Cellular, 128GB, Unlocked, - on sale for $400 (typ $560).
But of course that's probably pricier than you're looking for.

And have you checked out piggyback carrier's, like e.g. Xfinity - that run on the Verizon networks?

 

[bearcat22]

That tablet looks like it's being sold by just another one of amazon's thousands of flim-flam/con-job/scammer 3rd-Party sellers. Especially since you say that, "The manufacturer of this tablet does not respond to emailed questions."

And although the amazon 3rd-Party seller, Lectrus, claims: "RELIABLE AFTER-SALES SERVICE: This tablet with case is ~ a convenient tablet for seniors to use." . . . their high percentage of amazon customer [ 1 Star ] reviews sing a different tune:

"Wasted my time. It says it’s unlocked and can be used on cellular data (activated with your carrier like AT&T or Verizon) when I called to activate it and gave the AT&T rep the IMEI they said it does NOT work on their network. As expected for the price, the tablet was very slow and laggy. You’re much better off spending a bit more money on something nicer."

"If I could give it 0 stars I would! This was my son’s Christmas gift. The first one just quit working, so I returned it and got another one that one came on February 6 here we are on second week of March, and the Tablet is no longer working again. However, the poor little boy is just left with a tablet, which was his Christmas gift because the window has closed for returns or replacements. This product is horrible."

"I bought this device and received it Friday. Today is Sunday morning and it's unresponsive. I haven't connect it to any internet so nothing with a virus. It hasn't moved from my dresser so not damaged. It was cold last night and snowed I like a cold room now this thing won't respond. I get the cold might interfere with connectivity but come on. I have beening trying for a while. Not worth the money and now I have photos on the device now that I can't just give this device back without removing my photos. So I am stuck. If it doesn't work later I will take the lost."

"I wanted this to be a halfway decent tablet, but the screen randomly stopped working. It's never been dropped, is always in its case, and is used by an adult only. Pretty disappointing."

"Worked great for about 2 months or so one day the screen went black and it never turned back on by the time I got around to doing anything about it the return date had passed."

"Like the product except the fact that it has a locked imei number that I have to get ahold of someone from lectures to get it unlocked so I can connect it to my Verizon account."

"The Sims card slot don't work. Won't take any Sims I put in it. Really slow sme apps are just blank when I open them. I got this tablet on the reviews and they were great not this one. Tried the costumer service and they said they weren't in working hours. And when I got the service the email was all in Chinese."

. . I've some amaz 3rd-Party sellers with 45%~55% [ 1 Star ] nightmarish reviews ! Therefore I'd be very leary of ever ordering anything of very much value from one of amazon's 3rd-Party sellers! It's always been the best policy to order—anything of considerable value—only from "Sold by: Amazon"

. . Notwithstanding, if that seller's tablets are typically easy for you to use, and you can afford it, perhaps upgrading to their newer 128GB tablet — with their alleged "RELIABLE AFTER-SALES SERVICE- Your LECTRUS Android 15 tablet comes with a 12-month warranty, lifetime service support, and 24/7 online assistance for any issues. ~ " . .

. . But again, 'Buyer Beware' ... if considering or ordering from any 3rd-Party so-called 'Marketplace' seller! That goes for everywhere, especially including places like amazon, Walmart & Target &c!

Thanks. I already contacted Amazon, and they refunded all my money because the SIM slot won't work. AND they told me I did not have to mail it back.
That still leaves me with no answer to my more pressing questions: where can you go shopping and find the exact IMEI of a device so that you can then go to a cellular carrier and find out if they support that device?
How do people make cell calls on a tablet?


Have you searched @ the Best Buy stores?

I have not been in one of those for years. Always had terrible customer service, dark inside, bad return policies, aggressive security guards, not such great prices. The one near me closed forever. You gotta realize, I live in a city, where employees often have "attitude". Brick and mortar usually is a bad experience.

And have you checked out piggyback carrier's, like e.g. Xfinity - that run on the Verizon networks?

I don't know what a piggyback carrier is. I have Xfinity internet at home, but that won't work on a tablet I take outside my home, as far as I'm aware.

I've never liked Verizons pushy sales ads, high prices and lousy customer support over the phone.

That said, good customer service and support are dead forever, as far as I can tell.

Name brand doesn't matter when it comes to tablets, just as many One Star reviews.

 

[winmod21]

Thanks. I already contacted Amazon, and they refunded all my money because the SIM slot won't work. AND they told me I did not have to mail it back.
That still leaves me with no answer to my more pressing questions: where can you go shopping and find the exact IMEI of a device so that you can then go to a cellular carrier and find out if they support that device?
How do people make cell calls on a tablet?

That's good news for you then!
See the rest of my post above, as I edited/added to it after you quickly quoted it.
I think you just need to carefully check the IMEI & compatibity — with the carrier that you either have or are considering going with.
Like most typically reputable brands caution buyers to do; for example, on the BestBuy website, for the Apple iPad w/ LTE cellular support - 'Features' notes -cautions buyers that:

"² Data plan required. Gigabit-class LTE, LTE Advanced, LTE, and Wi-Fi calling are available in select markets and through select carriers. Speeds are based on theoretical throughput and vary based on site conditions and carrier.

• For details on LTE support, contact your carrier and see apple.com/ipad/LTE ."

. . It may also be best for you to purchase a cellular tablet in-store, like at a 'Best Buy' store or similar, so they can help you set it up, and if any issues, you can bring it back in for help, or returns &c.

 

[Deleted member 1123572]

This thread just reminded me to take my ADD meds, thanks guys.

 

[winmod21]

Here's a 2024 review of the:

' 11 Best Tablets With 5G, 4G LTE & SIM Card Slot in 2024 '​

11 Best Tablets With 5G, 4G LTE & SIM Card Slot in 2024

Which are the best tablets with 5G, 4G LTE and SIM card slot? I'm reviewing almost every tablet and here are the best with cellular options.

mynexttablet.com

. . and the:
' 10 Best Tablets With Cellular Service in 2025 '

10 Best Tablets With Cellular Service in 2025 – The Droid Guy

thedroidguy.com

. . and:
' 5 tablets with phone functionality '

5 tablets with phone functionality

There aren't as many options as there were a few years back, but if you're searching for the best recent tablets that can make phone calls – we have them listed right here for you.

www.phonearena.com

. . plus:
' Best tablets with 4G LTE '

Best tablets with 4G LTE

No Wi-Fi? No problem. These 4G-enabled tablets can access the web wherever you are.

www.cnet.com

 

[winmod21]

. . Another btw, most carriers should have an IMEI 'check compatibility' webpage, similar to this one for Xfinity Mobile, to check if your devices' IMEI is compatible with their network.

https://www.xfinity.com/mobile/byod/compatibility/imei

 

[bearcat22]

That's good news for you then!
See the rest of my post above, as I edited/added to it after you quickly quoted it.
I think you just need to carefully check the IMEI & compatibity — with the carrier that you either have or are considering going with.
Like most typically reputable brands caution buyers to do; for example, on the BestBuy website, for the Apple iPad w/ LTE cellular support - 'Features' notes -cautions buyers that:

"² Data plan required. Gigabit-class LTE, LTE Advanced, LTE, and Wi-Fi calling are available in select markets and through select carriers. Speeds are based on theoretical throughput and vary based on site conditions and carrier.

• For details on LTE support, contact your carrier and see apple.com/ipad/LTE ."

. . It may also be best for you to purchase a cellular tablet in-store, like at a 'Best Buy' store or similar, so they can help you set it up, and if any issues, you can bring it back in for help, or returns &c.

Here's a 2024 review of the:

' 11 Best Tablets With 5G, 4G LTE & SIM Card Slot in 2024 '​

11 Best Tablets With 5G, 4G LTE & SIM Card Slot in 2024

Which are the best tablets with 5G, 4G LTE and SIM card slot? I'm reviewing almost every tablet and here are the best with cellular options.

mynexttablet.com

. . and the:
' 10 Best Tablets With Cellular Service in 2025 '

10 Best Tablets With Cellular Service in 2025 – The Droid Guy

thedroidguy.com

. . and:
' 5 tablets with phone functionality '

5 tablets with phone functionality

There aren't as many options as there were a few years back, but if you're searching for the best recent tablets that can make phone calls – we have them listed right here for you.

www.phonearena.com

. . plus:
' Best tablets with 4G LTE '

Best tablets with 4G LTE

No Wi-Fi? No problem. These 4G-enabled tablets can access the web wherever you are.

www.cnet.com

Yeah, I live on a fixed income. I don't want or need "the best". I need to meet my needs at a price I can afford.
As for help getting things set up......where do you live? In the Washington DC area, people who work in retail stores are sullen, rude and stupid.

 

[bearcat22]

. . Another btw, most carriers should have an IMEI 'check compatibility' webpage, similar to this one for Xfinity Mobile, to check if your devices' IMEI is compatible with their network.

https://www.xfinity.com/mobile/byod/compatibility/imei

Thank you. At this stage, with money invested in the Mint SIM, I'm just buying an entirely new phone, and praying that the "talk to text" thing will work when I need to enter in a number or compose a text message. Found one for what I consider too much money 150 dollars, but explicitly states it works with Mint and is unlocked.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! The key thing to remember here is that there are very few (if any) modern tablets that have true telephony (i.e., the ability to make phone calls on its own using a SIM card). When you see a tablet that supports 4G LTE, that's usually just for data, not native calls or SMS. Many times, when an advertiser claims a tablet can make calls or texts, they're referring to VoIP call or linked messaging with a phone (like how you can get Google Messages on a tablet or PC).

 

[winmod21]

Welcome to Android Central! The key thing to remember here is that there are very few (if any) modern tablets that have true telephony (i.e., the ability to make phone calls on its own using a SIM card). When you see a tablet that supports 4G LTE, that's usually just for data, not native calls or SMS. Many times, when an advertiser claims a tablet can make calls or texts, they're referring to VoIP call or linked messaging with a phone (like how you can get Google Messages on a tablet or PC).

I was wondering if that was still the case. As I didn't read thru those 'Best' reviews (abv).

Gosh, that's really a shame, as tablets with 'true telephony' would be so very helpful and I think popular with many seniors!

My Shining Bride says that if she were to win the lotto .... she'd start manufacturing them!

I tell ya!...(in my best Rodney Dangerfield voice )....Seniors are getting the shaft from every direction these days! Social Security; Medicaid, Medicare &c, and even sideways shafts like no 'true telephony' tablets!
It'd sure be nice for seniors if one of the manuf's would step up and make a 'true telephony' tablet for seniors.

 

[bearcat22]

I was wondering if that was still the case. As I didn't read thru those 'Best' reviews (abv).

Gosh, that's really a shame, as tablets with 'true telephony' would be so very helpful and I think popular with many seniors!

My Shining Bride says that if she were to win the lotto .... she'd start manufacturing them!

I tell ya!...(in my best Rodney Dangerfield voice )....Seniors are getting the shaft from every direction these days! Social Security; Medicaid, Medicare &c, and even sideways shafts like no 'true telephony' tablets!
It'd sure be nice for seniors if one of the manuf's would step up and make a 'true telephony' tablet for seniors.
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