Some people like to buy new cell phones very often. Perhaps, they find it cool and necessary to have a device with the latest and most advanced features, perhaps, they tend to break or lose their mobile devices often, or they simply enjoy the rush of buying something new. The majority, on the other hand, tends to hold on to their old phones for as long as they serve them. And as cell phones are supposed to last at least a couple of years, the user may want to switch their wireless service in the meantime.
But is it possible to switch, for example, to Consumer Cellular if you have bought your cell phone at Walmart? Yes, it is! You can switch to Consumer Cellular wireless service by simply inserting one of their SIM cards that will allow the device to connect to their wireless network. However, to do so, you must have an ‘unlocked GSM phone’, as Consumer Cellular uses GSM network technology. Walmart sells lots of unlocked GSM cell phones and any of those phones are compatible with Consumer Cellular.
Walmart Consumer Cellular Compatible Unlock Phones Vs Other Sites Consumer Cellular Compatible Unlock Phones
All major retailers that sell electronic devices in the US sell unlocked GSM phones, which can use Consumer Cellular wireless service, including Walmart, Target, BestBuy, Amazon, eBay, and, of course, the Consumer Cellular stores themselves. Let’s look at the compatible mobile devices these retailers offer.
1. Walmart
Walmart is a variety retail store that offers a huge number of unlocked GSM phones that are compatible with Consumer Cellular’s network and services. They provide the latest and most advanced smartphones by all the major cell phone brands, including Samsung, Apple, LG, and Motorola, as well as basic flip phones. In fact, they offer over 500 different unlocked GSM cell phone models. The prices depend on the brand and the model. The most expensive unlocked GSM phone currently sold at Walmart is the super-advanced Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (sold for $1300.99) and the cheapest model is the basic SpareOne Plus GSM Emergency mobile phone, which is suitable for seniors or disabled people, who are not planning to use their device for anything else than talking and texting and are in need of a phone with a dedicated emergency button (sold for $9.95). All of their phones can be purchased with some kind of add-on service, such as the Walmart protection plan or the Expert help option. They offer lots of delivery and pickup options and most models come with a limited manufacturer’s warranty.
2. Amazon
Amazon is a huge online shop and as such it offers around two thousand unlocked GSM phones that would be compatible with Consumer Cellular’s wireless service. In comparison to Walmart, they don’t have their unlocked phone search divided by GSM and CDMA phones, so you will have to check for each model, whether or not it is a GSM device. The prices of their unlocked GSM phones range from $13 to over $3000, depending on the brand and model.
3. BestBuy
BestBuy currently offers 69 unlocked GSM phones. Even though their supply is considerably smaller than Walmart’s or Amazon’s, you can still find great phone options from all the major cell phone brands for reasonable prices. Prices range from around $70 to around $1100.
4. Target
Target is currently selling around 170 unlocked GSM phones from different brands, including Apple, Samsung, LG, and Motorola. They offer both regular flip phones for $20 and super-advanced smartphones for over $1300.
5. Consumer Cellular
Other than the retailers listed above, you can also buy an unlocked GSM phone at Consumer Cellular. They do not offer a large variety of cell phones (only around 20 models), but the ones they do are surely compatible with their services. In addition, they offer some of the most popular and advanced phones for unbelievably low prices. For example, at Consumer Cellular, you can buy the in-demand iPhone SE for $250 and the popular Samsung Galaxy A01 for $100.
What Type Of Consumer Cellular Compatible Unlocked Phones Are Being Sold At Walmart?
Walmart currently offers over 500 unlocked GSM phones. All of these phones are Consumer Cellular compatible and SIM supported. They provide the latest smartphone models with many advanced features as well as basic flip phones, suitable for those who only wish to use their phones for calling and texting. The phone brands sold at Walmart include Samsung, Apple, Motorola, LG, Sony, Google, Nokia, BLU, Alcatel, Xiaomi, BlackBerry, ASUS, TCL, and many more. They sell brand new devices, as well as refurbished ones. In addition to unlocked phones, they also provide contract phones.
As there are so many different unlocked GSM phones being sold at Walmart, we can’t possibly cover the whole list, but we can mention the models that are currently most popular.
- Samsung Galaxy A10S A107M, 32 GB is currently one of the best-selling unlocked GSM phones at Walmart. It comes with 32 GB of memory capacity, 2 GB of RAM, a great 13 MP back camera and an 8 MP front camera, a 6,2’’ vivid screen, a sleek design, and many advanced features. The device costs somewhere between $129.99 and $141.00, depending on the color.
- The second best-seller is the popular Apple iPhone SE (2020) 64 GB. This model is refurbished and comes with 64 GB of memory, 3 GB of RAM, a 12 MP rear-facing camera, a 7 MP front camera, a 4.7’’ screen that provides true colors and immersive entertainment, a nice design, and a great number of high-end options and features. The price is between $289.99 and $292.96, depending on the color.
Other popular models include:
- Apple iPhone XR
- Samsung Galaxy A01 Core A013M 16 GB
- Samsung Galaxy A20 32 GB
- Apple iPhone SE (2020) 128 GB and 256 GB
- Samsung Galaxy A31 A315G 64 GB
- Samsung Galaxy A20, 32 GB
- Samsung Galaxy NOTE 10+ N975F, 256 GB
- Alcatel 3X 2020 128 GB
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 128 GB
- ROKiT iP Light – 3G LTE Android 8 GB
- ROKiT iO 3D – 4G LTE Android 16 GB
- Samsung A51 Black 128 GB
- BLU G70 G0250WW 32 GB
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Xiaomi Redmi 9 32 GB
- OnePlus 8 Pro iN2020 128 GB
- Motorola Moto E – Smartphone 3F
- Moto G7 Play 32 GB
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro 64 GB
- TCL 10L smartphone 64 GB
- Indigi 7-inch unlocked 4G 2-in-1 smartphone and tablet
For the full list of unlocked GSM phones sold at Walmart check out their official website.
In case you also need information Best Safelink Phones at Walmart
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Buying A Consumer Cellular Compatible Unlocked Phone At Walmart
Buying a Consumer Cellular compatible unlocked GSM phone at Walmart instead of at any other retail store has its advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages of buying a Consumer Cellular unlocked phone at Walmart:
- Walmart is around every corner, therefore it would be simple to return it or bring it in for repair in case you experience any kind of issues.
- Walmart’s official website is very simple and intuitive. They offer a simple search with many convenient filters, including by brand, condition, screen size, price, carrier compatibility, operating system, cellular network technology, and more.
- If you compare the prices with other retailers, you will find that refurbished iPhones tend to be among the cheapest at Walmart.
- Phones that are purchased directly at Walmart are eligible for free pickup in-store.
- Many devices have free shipping.
- Walmart offers international unlocked phones.
- Walmart offers replacement phones.
- Walmart offers add-on services, such as a Walmart protection plan and Expert help.
- Walmart offers Affirm financing on eligible items with monthly payments.
The disadvantages of buying a Consumer Cellular unlocked phone at Walmart:
- Walmart doesn’t offer used unlocked phones.
- The selection is big but not as big as in some online stores.
- Walmart offers less affordable deals than some online stores, such as eBay.
- There are some disadvantages of buying an unlocked phone in general (regardless of where you do it). For example, unlocked phones get no support from carriers, carrier warranties are usually better, unlocked devices must generally be paid in full, and by buying an unlocked phone you miss out on carriers’ occasional great deals and more exclusive phones.
What To Look At Before Buying A Consumer Cellular Compatible Unlocked Phone At Walmart
Walmart phone return policies
Generally, Walmart offers a 14 days after the item is delivered return policy. Some items cannot be returned to the store, others can. Most items can be returned for free, either to a store or by mail (depending on the model). Open and used unlocked phones are eligible to exchange only.
Price
As you can buy the very same phone model at several different stores, the decision where to buy it comes down to the price. Therefore, we have included a short comparison table between Walmart prices and prices of other stores.
SAMSUNG Galaxy A10S A107M, 32GB | Apple iPhone SE (2020), 64GB | SAMSUNG Galaxy A01 | Apple iPhone 11 | |
Walmart | $129.99 – $141.00 | $289.99 – $292.96 | $94.00 – $96.98 | $559.99 – $613.99 (refurbished) |
Amazon | $140.90 | $270 | $96.98 | $573.00 (renewed) |
BestBuy | Not available | $399.99 | $99.99 | Not available |
Target | $184.99 (pre-owned) | $399.99 | Unlocked not available | Not available |
Consumer Cellular | Not available | $250 | $100 | $600 |
As you can see, the price depends fully on the model, therefore you should decide on the model you wish to buy based on specifications and then check the prices of unlocked GSM phones at different retailers.
Phone quality
Walmart offers both brand new and refurbished unlocked GSM phones. The quality of new devices depends fully on the phone’s manufacturer and it is the same regardless of where you buy the device. Refurbished phones, on the other hand, are refurbished by Walmart, therefore the quality of the device partially depends on them. Walmart only sells certified refurbished electronics, which means that all the devices undergo thorough tests and inspections so they appear like new. Their refurbishment process includes cleaning, repair, testing for grade-A rating, and the devices come with original accessories.
Read one of our past articles Assurance Wireless Phones at Walmart
FAQ
Does Consumer Cellular Have any special discount for Plans and Phones at Walmart?
No. In fact, currently, there are no Consumer Cellular plans or phones being sold at Walmart.
How Do You Buy Consumer Cellular Unlocked Phones At Walmart?
Currently, you can’t buy Consumer Cellular phones at Walmart, but you can buy any of the over 500 different unlocked GSM phones that are currently being sold at Walmart and that are all Consumer Cellular compatible. After purchasing an unlocked GSM phone, you can simply insert a Consumer Cellular SIM card and start using their services.
Does Consumer Cellular Offer AARP Discounts?
Yes. AARP members receive a 5% discount on monthly service at Consumer Cellular, an extended, 45-day risk-free guarantee, and new members can even sign up for AARP membership during checkout after they have selected the service and device they wish to purchase.