Boost Mobile is an MVNO that runs on Sprint’s network and is a subsidiary of the brand. They carry a range of cell phones, including all of the flagship iPhones and some Samsung Galaxy flagships like the Galaxy S10e. They also carry phones from brands, such as LG, Motorola, ZTE, Coolpad among others. If you are a new customer, there’s only one way to buy a phone through Boost Mobile—to buy it outright. Current customers of at least 12 months who have made all of their payments on time are eligible for their BoostUP! financing program.
Boost Mobile is different from major carriers in that they don’t offer financing plans for their phones—at least not for new customers. While carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile allow you to pay off your phone via monthly installments, Boost Mobile only allows you to purchase your phone outright—unless you’ve been a loyal Boost customer for at least one year. Then and only then do you qualify to register for the BoostUP! phone financing program.
Thankfully, Boost often has deals and discounts to help offset some of the more expensive phones. Plus, they sell a variety of pre-owned phones, which can help save you a couple hundred bucks.
Boost Mobile operates on Sprint’s network, which covers the least amount of territory among the four major networks. As such, you’ll want to use our address lookup tool to ensure that you receive good coverage in the places you spend time. There’s no point in buying a new phone if you can’t text your group chat and brag about it.
Boost Mobile offers the following payment options for smartphones:
- RRP (pay the full price up front).
- BoostUP! financing plan (only a customer who has made 12 consecutive on-time payments and is not enrolled in the Premier Grace Period program is eligible).
Boost Mobile has several budget-friendly options, like certified pre-owned phones and pre-owned phones.
iPhones from Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile is a decent option if you’re looking to buy an iPhone, as they carry all the newest devices, such as the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, as well as older Apple models. Some of the older models are available both new and pre-owned. You can grab a pre-owned iPhone 6 for as low as $99.99.
Top 10 iPhones available right now (full list of Boost Mobile iPhones here)
Compare Boost Mobile’s Full Phone Range
Android Phones Available from Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile has a limited Android selection. They don’t sell the Samsung Galaxy S10 or Samsung Galaxy S10+, nor do they have the newest LG models like the LG G7 ThinQ or the LG V40 ThinQ. They do carry the Samsung Galaxy S10e, the most affordable of Samsung’s flagship phones. Android devices start as low as $29.99 for the Coolpad Illumina.
Top 10 Android Phones available right now (full list of Boost Mobile Android phones here)
Compare Boost Mobile’s Full Phone Range
Prepaid Phones from Boost Mobile
The only way for new Boost customers to purchase one of the carrier’s devices is to buy it outright. This is also known as a prepaid phone, since you’re required to pay the full price of your device upfront. Although newer phones like the Samsung Galaxy S10e can run you $750, some older models cost anywhere from $30 and $300. Boost sells several pre-owned and certified pre-owned devices as well.
Compare Boost Mobile’s Full Phone Range
How to Buy a New Phone on Boost Mobile
New Boost customers (or those who have been with the carrier for less than a year) are required to purchase Boost Mobile phones outright. This can be rather expensive when it comes to flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S10e and the iPhone XS. That’s why many carriers offer monthly installment plans—to alleviate the burden of having to pay one large lump sum.
Since Boost Mobile doesn’t offer financing options for everyone, they typically have a variety of deals and discounts on many of the phones they carry. For instance, a new iPhone 7 is currently $200 off via their website. For someone who doesn’t want to add another monthly payment to their bills, a pre-owned or certified pre-owned phone at a discounted price is a good option. Boost Mobile makes a clear distinction between these two categories.
BoostUP! phone financing program is available for customers who have made at least 12 consecutive on-time payments.
What is the Difference Between Certified Pre-Owned and Pre-Owned?
There are specific features and standards that differentiate certified pre-owned devices from pre-owned phones. Certified pre-owned phones are more expensive, because they are more likely to resemble a new phone than a pre-owned phone, which may have normal wear and tear.
Certified pre-owned devices are inspected, tested, and if necessary, remanufactured in order to meet manufacturer standards. The phone is restored to factory settings and the newest software is installed. As of now, Boost Mobile only carries certified iPhones, which come with a one-year Apple Limited Warranty and brand-new battery. The Apple warranty policy protects against manufacturing defects for one year after activation. It doesn’t cover damage caused by accidents.
Conversely, pre-owned phones are gently-used devices that may have scratches or other signs of wear and tear. They have undergone functional testing to make sure that they are in good working condition. One major difference is that they come with their original battery. There’s no way of knowing how long the phone was used prior to the customer returning it, so you may be taking a risk with battery life. Boost Mobile carries both pre-owned iPhones and Samsung models.
These phones are covered by a 90 Day Limited Replacement Warranty. In the event that your phone experiences an electrical or mechanical failure within 90 days from the date of activation, Boost Mobile will replace your device with another pre-owned phone of similar quality.
Certified Pre-Owned and Pre-Owned Compared
| Certified Pre-Owned | Pre-Owned | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Condition | Tested & remanufactured | Tested for functionality |
| Cosmetic Condition | New outer shell | Gently cleansed |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android & iOS |
| Warranty | One-Year Limited Apple Warranty | 90-Day Limited Warranty |
| Battery | Brand-new battery | Original battery |
| Accessories | Charger & earpods | Charger, but no headphones |
BoostUP! Financing for Loyal Customers
BoostUP! is a phone financing program available to loyal Boost customers. There are certain requirements you must meet before you can purchase a new phone using their 18-month installment plan, including:
- You must have a monthly service plan with Boost Mobile.
- You must have made at least 12 consecutive on-time payments.
- You must not be enrolled in the Premier Grace Period program.
- You must not currently have an unpaid debt with Sprint.
Sign into your Boost Mobile account to check your eligibility. If you are eligible, it will say, “You are eligible for BoostUP! Installment Billing” in the My Device section.
Once you confirm that you’re qualified, then you click on the Start Shopping link and pick a phone eligible for BoostUP!
Complete your purchase by agreeing to the terms and paying the down payment and taxes. Then you’re good to go! Your next bill will reflect your installment pricing. You’ll wind up paying off your new phone in 18 monthly payments.
