Looking for Inexpensive Android phone for Sprint / Patriot mobile

[cootcraig]

I'm currently using a Sanyo 3G flip phone on Patriot Mobile, a Sprint MVNO. They say that support for this phone will be ending this year. Sprint has the best coverage at my home, and I refuse to use Verizon (AT&T and T-Mobile are not usable). I'm not sure how to identify a compatible 4G flip phone at this point. On this forum I would like advice on inexpensive Android phones to consider. I don't actually want to access network data. I would like to use the phone on my home WiFi, backup up contacts, and play mp3 files.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! I'd consider an unlocked Moto G6, or even a G5, since your needs are pretty basic. The unlocked versions of those phones should be compatible with Sprint.

 

[cootcraig]

Welcome to Android Central! I'd consider an unlocked Moto G6, or even a G5, since your needs are pretty basic. The unlocked versions of those phones should be compatible with Sprint.

The Moto G5 plus is one I will consider. How will I know it is compatible with Sprint before I buy it?

 

[B. Diddy]

I think you have to make sure it's the XT1687 variant: https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_g5_plus-8453.php. It looks like the XT1684 variant doesn't support CDMA (which is what Sprint uses). See this comparison: https://www.phonemore.com/compare/p...-vs-motorola-moto-g5-plus-xt1684-32gb/5153667

If you see a G5 Plus listed somewhere like Amazon, just read the description carefully and make sure it says that it's compatible with all 4 major US carriers.

 

[worldspy99]

The Moto G5 plus is one I will consider. How will I know it is compatible with Sprint before I buy it?

Why don't you purchase it directly from Motorola.com?
Also Amazon and Walmart.com have it as well for less.
Make sure you get the correct XT1684 variant.

 

[B. Diddy]

Why don't you purchase it directly from Motorola.com?
Also Amazon and Walmart.com have it as well for less.
Make sure you get the correct XT1684 variant.

I think the XT1684 variant only has a GSM radio. The XT1687 is the one that''s compatible with CDMA (and I believe is the unlocked one that Moto sells on its site).

 

[cootcraig]

Why don't you purchase it directly from Motorola.com?
Also Amazon and Walmart.com have it as well for less.
Make sure you get the correct XT1684 variant.

I expect I would buy it from Motorola.com.
Moto G5 plus at motorola.com

networks
4G LTE (Cat 6)
CDMA/EVDO Rev A
UMTS/HSPA+
GSM/EDGE

bands (by model)
Moto G Plus - XT1687
CDMA (850, 850+,1900 MHz)
GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
UMTS/HSPA+ (850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100 MHz)
4G LTE (B1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 38, 41, 66)

I'm interpreting this as motorola.com is selling the XT1687 version and this is the version I would want. I'm assuming the XT1687 will work on all 4 cellular networks.

 

[worldspy99]

I expect I would buy it from Motorola.com.
Moto G5 plus at motorola.com

networks
4G LTE (Cat 6)
CDMA/EVDO Rev A
UMTS/HSPA+
GSM/EDGE

bands (by model)
Moto G Plus - XT1687
CDMA (850, 850+,1900 MHz)
GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
UMTS/HSPA+ (850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100 MHz)
4G LTE (B1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 38, 41, 66)

I'm interpreting this as motorola.com is selling the XT1687 version and this is the version I would want. I'm assuming the XT1687 will work on all 4 cellular networks.

Yes you are correct, XT1687 is the correct model that will work with Sprint.
I made an error in my earlier post.