What Do We Mean By Sprint Basic Phone Or Flip Phone
Sprint basic phones are all phones that are not smartphones. These include all old phones before smartphones were created and all new basic phones that focus on simplicity. Basic phones have a classic keypad on the bottom half and a NON-TOUCH SCREEN display on the top half of the device. As the name suggests, they offer basic features and are, as such, meanly focused on enabling calling and texting, however, some basic phones do offer quite many advanced features, including internet browsing, emailing, and more. Basic phones are also known as ‘dumbphones’.
Flip phones are just a specific (most popular) kind of basic phones. They are made out of two halves joined together with a hinge so that the halves can be closed together when the phone is not in use. This design provides them with additional compactness and makes their size pocket-friendly when closed and large enough when opened.
These days smartphones rule the market, however, the popularity of basic phones, flip phones in particular, among those who prefer simplicity is still high, thus there are still new flip phones being produced, however, in a much smaller number than smartphones.
Who Are Sprint Basic Phones For
Sprint flip phones are suitable for everyone who is looking for simplicity and want to operate their phone via a standard keypad. The most common Sprint flip phones users are senior, first responders, people who travel a lot (normally as a second phone), military personnel, the older generations that are not interested in all the complicated features that smartphones have to offer, construction workers and other exposed to a harsh environment, etc. Many of these users focus on heavy-duty flip phones that are extra durable and able to survive water, dust, and drops.
List of Sprint Basic Phones and Flip Phones
Sprint is one of the most popular wireless carriers in the USA and is mostly known for its low-priced plans. As such, it is no surprise that many users are looking to use flip phones with their service since that allows them to save even more.
As mentioned above, there are still some new flip phones and basic phones being produced, however, these numbers are normally limited to a couple of models, thus it makes sense to look at the older flip phones that may be used with the Sprints services. We will refer to those as Sprint Network Compatible flip phones. Read more sprint network compatible phone
7 Sprint Basic Phones or Flip Phone
Below is a list of seven flip phone options that we feel are the best alternatives. Three devices from the list are available on Sprints online store, while others must be purchased elsewhere and brought to Sprint service through their Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) program.
Sprint Basic Phones – Coolpad Snap (available at Sprint)
The Coolpad Snap delivers a simple, easy-to-use communication experience. It lets its users enjoy voice and text messaging and 4G LTE coverage, so you can stay in touch with friends and family with ease. It offers a very bright screen and a large keypad, which makes it a great choice for seniors. Since it is a new flip phone, it comes with some advanced features for those who want to perform some advanced tasks.
Specs:
- Talk time: 6 hrs
- Battery information : 1390 mAh rechargeable battery
- Dimensions : 4.29″ x 2.17″ x 0.74″
- Weight: 4.16 oz
- Display: 2.8″ QVGA
- Processor: QCOM 8909 / Snapdragon 210 1.1 GHz Quad Core
- Memory : 4GB ROM/512MB RAM
- 2MP camera
Sprint Basic Phones – Sonim XP3 (available at Sprint)
Sonim XP3 is a great choice for those who require simple, fast and reliable communication in the world’s most extreme environments, it doesn’t get any better than Sonim XP3. This heavy-duty industrial strength and military tested flip phone sets a new standard for rugged performance. It comes with a 3-year comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty, for additional peace of mind. The phone may also be suitable for seniors, who don’t want to worry about dropping or seating on their phone, though its main focus is first responders, military, construction workers and others in need of practicality in combination with simplicity. It comes with a large tactile button for Push-To-Talk capabilities, and volume up and down controls, 100db+ dual speaker and noise cancellation, removable 1500 mAh, powered by built-in charging pins or standard USB C connector, 5.0MP Rear camera for image and video capture while on-the-go
Specs:
- Talk time: Up to 8 hours
- Battery information: 1500mAh removable battery
- Dimensions: 4.4″ x 2.3″ x 1.1″
- Weight: 6.9 oz
- Display: 2.6″ TFT
- Processor: QCOM MSM8909 Quad Core 1.1GHz
- Memory: 8GB ROM/1G RAM; Compatible with Micro-SD cards, up to 64GB
- 5MP camera
- Rugged MIL-810G Class I Div 2; water and dust resistant (IP68)
NOTE: Sonim XP3 also comes in a model without the camera, however, the price stays the same. This option only makes sense for those who are certain they do not want to have a camera on their phone.
Sprint Basic Phones – Sonim XP5s (available at Sprint)
The rugged Sonim XP5s Push-to-Talk (PTT) phone is built to power through any environment. It is created to survive spills, drops and any type of weather. It also comes with an impressive battery that supports up to 19 hours of talk. The XP5s is intended for people looking for a simple basic phone that they do not have to worry about at all, as it survives drops, water (up to 30 min in up to 2m deep water), dust and all other environmental factors. It is not a flip phone, which means it has a slightly smaller keypad. This makes it slightly less suitable for seniors.
Specs:
- Talk time: Up to 19 hours
- Battery information: 3180 mAh Li-Ion battery (removable)
- Dimensions: 5.5″ x 2.5″ x .9″
- Weight: 8.5 oz.
- Display: 2.64″ QVGA (432×320)
- Memory: 16GB ROM / 2GB RAM
- IP68 – waterproof/dustproof 6.5ft/2m deep for up to 30 minutes
- MIL-STD 810G rugged
- 5MP camera
Sprint Basic Phones – Alcatel GO FLIP 3 (must be purchased elsewhere and unlocked)
Alcatel Go Flip 3 is an amazing flip phone. It fits every pocket and suits great for those looking for simplicity but also pack features for those who want more out of their flip phone. It offers a relatively large display of 2.8” and large keys. With large tactile keys, Real-Time-Text (RTT), Text Telephone (TTY), and hearing aid compatibility, the GO FLIP 3 enables any user to easily stay connected. Its advances features allow for use of Google apps, calendar, and other advanced options.
Specs:
- Talk time: Up to 7.9 hours
- Battery information: 1350mAh Li-Ion, User replaceable
- Dimensions: 4.13” x 2.09” x 0.75”
- Weight: 4.16 oz
- Display: 2.8 inches 320 x 240 pixels, 143 PPI
- Memory: 4GB internal storage/0.5GB RAM
- 2MP camera
Sprint Basic Phones – Alcatel MYFLIP (must be purchased elsewhere and unlocked)
The Alcatel MYFLIP is one of the best, most modern flip phones you can buy. It has a large 2.8-inch display, a quad-core processor, and a built-in GPS. Its outer display lets you get a glimpse at your incoming calls and messages. Additionally, the battery gets an impressive 16 days of standby time. The MyFlip is a great choice for seniors and others looking for simplicity and compactness. The phone packs a simple 2MP camera, which is capable of capturing video in HD.
Specs:
- Talk time: Up to 8 hours
- Battery information: 1350 mAh LiIon, Removable
- Dimensions: 4.13” x 2.08” x 0.74”
- Weight: 4.1 oz
- Display: 2.8” diagonal, 4:3; QVGA 240 x 320 pixels
- Memory: 4 GB raw hardware (1 GB available to user); expandable via memory card/0.5GB RAM
- 2MP camera
Sprint Basic Phones – Nokia 2720 (must be purchased elsewhere and unlocked)
Nokia 2720 flip phone features a slimmer design, a larger display, and it runs a new operating system. It is one of the few flip phones available that lets you use apps like Facebook, Google Maps, WhatsApp, and YouTube, which can be great for those looking for more out of their flip phone. It also is integrated with the Google Assistant, which enables dictating text messages. The device features dual-SIM supports faster LTE speeds, and it can be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Specs:
- Talk time: Up to 6.6 hours
- Battery information: Removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery
- Dimensions: 7.59” x 2.15” x 0.46”
- Weight: 4.16 oz
- Display: 2.8 inches, 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio
- Memory: 4GB/512MB RAM
- 2MP camera
Sprint Basic Phones – Alcatel SMARTFLIP (must be purchased elsewhere and unlocked)
The SMARTFLIP is a modern-day flip phone that packs key Google apps including YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Search. It offers maximum simplicity and at the same time the ability to explore modern-day apps. It also is equipped with the Google Assistant, meaning you can make calls, send texts, or open apps using your voice, which can be extremely practical. The flip phone packs a 2MPcamera, a solid battery, and 4 GB of storage space, which can be expanded with a microSD card.
Specs:
- Talk time: Up to 6.8 hours
- Battery information: 1350 mAh Li-Ion, User replaceable
- Dimensions: 4.13” x 2.09” x 0.75”
- Weight: 4.16 oz
- Display: 2.8 inches, 320 x 240 pixels, 143 PPI
- Memory: 2GB of usable storage (expandable to 32GB)/0.5GB RAM
- 2MP camera
NOTE: Sprint is putting their 3G network out of service in the upcoming year, as such, we advise you to limit your selection to 4G LTE basic or flip phones. These are also universally compatible with GSM and CDMA (if unlocked). All 7 flip phones presented above are operating on the 4G LTE network.
Sprint Basic Samsung Phones
Samsung has been delivering an enormous number of phones over the past decade. Even though smartphones may be their main focus, they have some solid flip phones. If you decide to go with Samsung’s flip phones, make sure to focus on 4G LTE operable ones.
Sprint Basic Motorola Phones
Motorola is another brand with many basic and flip phones. However, most of these phones are rather old and normally don’t support 4G, which means, you will soon not be able to use them on Sprint’s network. Besides, only existing clients are allowed to use 3G devices.
Sprint Basic ZTE Phones
ZTE offers a great selection of basic phones (only F233 is a flip phone). Those phones if unlocked work with the Sprint network. However, pay attention to the fact that most ZTE basic phones are old models that don’t support 4G LTE, and are, as such, not the best option to use in 2020, when Sprint is planning to put 3G out of operations soon.
Sprint Basic LG Phones
LG is another brand with quite many basic and regular phones under their belt. Again pay attention not to choose older models that don’t support 4G LTE.
Sprint Basic Alcatel Phones
Alcatel offers a wide range of flip phones that are unlocked and can be used with Sprint services. The most popular options are Alcatel SMARTFLIP, Alcatel GO FLIP 3, Alcatel GO FLIP V, and Alcatel MYFLIP.
NOTE: If you are bringing a phone to the Sprint network, it will have to be compatible with their services. To check compatibility, visit Sprint’s official website, hover over the “Devices” item in the top menu and click on the “Bring your own device” in the “More” column. Once on the next page, scroll down until you see “Check Eligibility” option. Click the “Get Started” button and follow the instruction. You will need your phones IMEI or MEID number to complete the process.
Sprint Basic Phones Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Simplicity
- More compact size
- Fits every pocket
- Keep display protect
- Answering calls by simply opening the two halves of the phone
- Regular keypad makes typing simple (do dealing with touchscreens)
- With focusing on calls and text alone, batteries last longer
- Lower prices
Disadvantages:
- Since Sprint operates on CDMA you are limited with 3G phones that are CDMA operable
- Limited connectivity option
- Smaller displays (compared to smartphones)
- Sprint offers only 3 basic phones (for more options you must explore their BYOP option)
- New customers are allowed to bring only 4G LTE phones
Sprint Basic Phones vs. Smartphones
As you are most likely aware of, the smartphones are way more popular these days. However, there are still many users who prefer flip phones over smartphones. To make things clearer, let’s do a short comparison of the two.
NOTE: Since flip phones are the most popular types of regular phones, we will focus on them (t.i.: for this section basic phone = flip phone).
Smartphones are without a doubt way more versatile and offer better performance, more connectivity options, the ability to perform tasks that were used to only possible with a PCs or laptops, stream HD videos, take amazing pro-like photos and videos, play latest 3D games, multitask, and so on.
So, in short, smartphones are definitely better in that perspective.
However, if we focus on compactness, durability, and simplicity of use, flip phones come on top. Since they can fold, they make way more pocket-suitable size. The simplicity to answer and end calls by simply opening and closing the two halves of the phone also makes things as simple as it gets. Not to mention the fact that all flip phones can be operated single-handedly, which is not possible with most latest smartphones.
So, for seniors or other users who plan to use their phone mainly for calls and texts, flip phones are without a doubt a better option.
What should you look before buying a Sprint basic phone?
This section is here to serve you as a simple Sprint basic phone buyer’s guide.
NOTE: If you are buying your basic phone elsewhere (not at Sprint), make sure to get unlocked 4G LTE phone. Also, check the compatibility.
Make sure the seller takes returns or offers replacements
If you are buying a new phone this should always be included, however, if you go for used or refurbished phones, this option soon becomes questionable. Always make sure that the device has a return policy or that a replacement option is available.
Make sure you get a warranty
Warranties may vary greatly, aim to get a 1-year warranty on your phone. For used or refurbished devices this may not be possible, however, a 90-day warranty is something you can aim for.
Buy only from reputable vendors
There are so many vendors and sellers online and offline selling phones. To stay on the safe side limit yourself to reputable vendors. Those have their reputation to look after and will always respect their policies.
Price
Price is always an important factor. The usual guidelines apply for Sprint basic phones; the more you pay, the more you get, however, maybe you don’t want more. So make sure to always consider your needs and your budget. Spending more than you can afford on a phone is ridiculous. Especially because there are options that can get you a free flip phone these days.
Battery Charging Time and Long-lasting Battery
Since basic phones are typically used for basic stuff, their batteries tend to last long. However, most people don’t mind charging their phones every night. So as long as your phone can carry you through a full day you normally won’t complain. But most basic phones can last 3 days (if you are not making many long calls). An average time to fully charge a flip phone is about 2.5 hours.
Large & Bright Display
This is super important, especially for seniors. You need to make sure that you will be able to see the display properly.
Storage
Since most flip phones have lower-quality cameras, you don’t need a lot of storage. Moreover, most do offer you a chance to expend it with the use of external SD cards.
Camera
Most flip phones come with basic 2MP cameras that are not suitable for high-quality photos. However, they can snap some memorable moments. Some latest flip phones do offer cameras with 5MP that are much better but still unable to compare with those in the latest smartphones.
FAQ
Can I browse the internet with Sprint basic phones?
Yes. All flip phones that are accepted to Sprint network operate either on 3G or 4G, which will both enable you to browse the web.
Do Sprint basic phones support the 4G network?
Yes, the 3 basic phones CURRENTLY offered by Sprint are all 4G LTE phones. However, there are many older Sprint basic phones that are limited to the 3G network. As a new client, you want to limit your selection to 4G phones, as 3G is being put out of service.
