Mint Mobile is an MVNO or Mint Mobile carries many different cell phone brands, including LG, Motorola, Samsung, Apple, Google. Whether you’re looking for the newest devices, like the iPhone XS Max and Samsung Galaxy S10+, or older models, such as the iPhone 7 and LG V30 Plus, you may want to consider buying a phone through Mint Mobile.
Mint Mobile offers the following payment options for their phones:
- RRP (pay the full price up front)
- 6-month payment plan
- 12-month payment plan
- 24-month payment plan
It’s important to note that the payment plans are through Affirm, a company that charges varying interest rates. Because of the interest, you’ll wind up paying more than the RRP for your device, but if buying the phone outright isn’t an option then an installment plan is the way to go.
If you choose a monthly installment plan, you’ll wind up paying more than the RRP for your smartphone
iPhones from Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile carries a variety of iPhones, from the iPhone XS Max to the iPhone 6S. The iPhone 6S and iPhone 7 are the cheapest but still require a decent upfront payment. The one thing Mint Mobile doesn’t have is preowned or refurbished options for the budget-minded.
Top iPhones available right now (full list of Mint Mobile iPhones here)
Compare Mint Mobile’s Full Phone Range
Android Phones from Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile sells a variety of Android phones, both new and old. Notably, they carry the Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL—many other carriers do not. They also sell Android devices by Samsung, Nokia, Motorola, LG, CoolPad, and more. The cheapest smartphone is the ZTE Maven 3, which costs much less than the newest Samsung Galaxy phones.
Top Android phones available right now (full list of Mint Mobile Android phones here)
Compare Mint Mobile’s Full Phone Range
Mint Mobile Phones: Prepaid
You are required to buy Mint Mobile prepaid phones upfront, as opposed to purchasing them on a monthly payment plan. While some older models, such as the Alcatel CAMEOX and CoolPad Defiant, are under $100, newer devices can cost over $1,000 which can be much less appealing. However, the good thing about buying a prepaid phone outright (and unlocked) is that it gives you the freedom to take it to whichever carrier you prefer, whenever you want.
Top Prepaid phones available right now (full list of Mint Mobile prepaid phones here)
Compare Mint Mobile’s Full Phone Range
How to Buy a New Mint Mobile Phone
There are two ways to purchase a new Mint Mobile phone:
- Paying for it upfront
- Making monthly payments through Affirm, a third-party company
Paying Upfront
Buying your phone outright means that you pay the full RRP at the time of checkout. This is an attractive option for people who want to avoid a monthly payment, especially one that comes with an interest rate. For phones that cost from $50 to $300, paying outright may be the best choice so you don’t end up paying more than the RRP for your device.
Since some new smartphones cost more than $1,000, paying outright may not be feasible. The phone and payment option you choose ultimately depends on your own priorities and needs.
Monthly Installments
Mint Mobile allows you to pay off your phone in smaller, more manageable installments over a predetermined period of time—you have the choice of a 6-month, 12-month, or 24-month plan. Mint Mobile partners with a third-party company called Affirm for the monthly installment options. Unfortunately, Affirm charges anywhere from 0% to 30% interest rates on their plans—your interest rate will depend on your credit score. It’s free and easy to check if you qualify for an installment plan through Affirm. Within a few minutes, you’ll receive an email that provides you with an estimated interest rate.
Let’s Talk Tip: Only a few carriers do not charge interest on their installment plans. If you love Mint Mobile’s service plans and want to switch, you may want to consider bringing your own phone or purchasing your phone outright to avoid paying more in the long run.
Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP)
It’s easy to switch carriers and bring your own phone to Mint Mobile. Since Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s network, you can bring any GSM-compatible phone and keep your number. To get started, simply switch out your old SIM card for your free Mint Mobile SIM. Don’t know if your phone is compatible? You can check on Mint Mobile’s website.
In order to activate your Mint Mobile SIM, visit Mint Mobile’s website and enter the 11-digit activation code on the back of the SIM. Next, simply follow the next steps to complete your activation. There are some helpful videos at the bottom of the page if you have any trouble.
