Straight Talk is one of the few mobile virtual network operators (or MVNOs) to consider for cheap cellular service. It even has a free cell phone service through the ACP. But does the small carrier now supports eSIM? And if Yes, what phones are compatible with Straight Talk 5G or 4G LTE and have eSIM support?
Well, eSIM has changed the scene of cellular technology as we know it. You can now activate your service instantly without having to wait for the physical SIM card or have multiple services on even the supposedly single-SIM phones.
Nonetheless, I still don’t think reliance on physical SIM cards will end anytime soon. eSIM is just another evolution of SIM technology, which means it will take time to fully replace the standard SIM, Micro-SIM, and Nano-SIM we know.
So, in my guide here, we’ll not just look at the phones compatible with Straight Talk on eSIM. I’ve also covered the phones that support physical SIM cards.
7 Crucial Things to Know When Looking for Phones Compatible with Straight Talk
Below are some of the key points that will help make sure you choose the right phone that works with Straight Talk service.
- Straight Talk is an MVNO, which means it doesn’t have its own cell towers. Instead, the operator has partnered with all three Major Carriers, i.e. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T to resell their network. (Tip: a phone that supports all three networks will be handier to have).
- Straight Talk is currently the best on the Verizon network. As you may know, Verizon acquired TracFone Wireless Inc, the parent company of Straight Talk, in 2021. And one of the changes the new owners have implemented is dropping the network deals on other carriers, AT&T and T-Mobile, by November 2024. (Tip: make sure your phone supports the best network bands of Verizon).
- Straight Talk now supports eSIM for instant activation, as you just need to download the digital profile of your preferred carrier. The feature makes it easy to switch to the operator and use the dual-SIM features, amongst other perks. (Tip: You must have a phone with built-in eSIM to access the feature).
- Straight Talk has free domestic roaming, making sure you have a usable phone while outside the native coverage zones. However, the MVNO still doesn’t have international roaming, thereby you’ll have to use other options to communicate when traveling abroad.
- Straight Talk offers WiFi calling for FREE. The feature can be handy when in areas that don’t have native coverage or domestic roaming. (Tip: make sure you have a phone that supports WiFi calling and maybe the best WiFi technology).
- Straight Talk gets deprioritized data, where the data speeds drop (sometimes significantly) during network congestion. (Tip: If possible, get a phone with 5G support, as the data speeds will be decent after deprioritization happens).
- Straight Talk supports mobile hotspots, with the Gold Unlimited having the best allowance of 15GB for tethering. (Tip: a phone with the latest cellular connectivity (5G) and WiFi protocol provides the best hotspot speeds).
Note:
As I’ve mentioned, Verizon will be transitioning Straight Talk subscribers running off AT&T and T-Mobile to its network. They have been sending messages by email and SMS for people to switch to the Straight Talk Verizon-supported SIM. But the actual hard switchover will be near the end of 2024.
However, not just any phone will be compatible with the Straight Talk service on Verizon infrastructure. The device will need to have frequency bands 2, 4, 5*, 13*, and 66 to work on 4G LTE. Then bands N2, N5, and N6 to access 5G low-band or N77 (C-Band), N260, and N261 for 5G Ultrawideband.
* marks the primary LTE band of Verizon that offers extended-range coverage, where the signal travels far and penetrates through walls. You will need a phone with at least one primary LTE frequency, in particular Band 13, for the best service experience.
What Phones are Compatible with Straight Talk Service
When looking for phones compatible with Straight Talk, the first thing to check is usually the network compatibility. And as mentioned, the device must have a primary LTE frequency to have coverage in most parts of the country, including inside buildings.
On the other hand, the network band 66 (and 4 or 2) is a high-capacity frequency that usually has the fastest LTE speeds. The drawback is that the signal here travels at a short range and doesn’t penetrate through walls as good as primary frequencies.
Now, besides network compatibility, you must also ensure your phone has the right carrier compatibility. And at the moment, Straight Talk is compatible with five types of phones, including:
- Straight Talk branded phones: the phones that come locked to Straight Talk CDMA (on Verizon) are naturally compatible. They are available on the Straight Talk online store and authorized dealers.
- Factory unlocked phones: these are phones that come from the manufacturer fully unlocked and never had any network restrictions. They should also work with Straight Talk without any issues.
- Carrier-unlocked phones: here are phones from carriers compatible with Straight Talk but are now unlocked. While the devices will work, sometimes the original carrier may fail to unlock all functions. Thus, you may find not everything is working on your Straight Talk service.
- TracFone branded phones: indeed, phones locked to TracFone will work with Straight Talk service. In some cases, though, you may have to reach customer service to complete activation.
Note: Straight Talk used to be a service of Walmart Stores Inc and TracFone Wireless. It’s the reason Walmart Stores (in-store and online) stock more Straight Talk products than Amazon and other authorized dealers.
Another thing, you may notice above I said we have five types of phones compatible with Straight Talk. And the fifth option is for the phones from Verizon.
What happens is that mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) can naturally work on phones of their carrier networks. Since Verizon is the carrier network of Straight Talk, the MVNO should work on its devices without any issues.
Phone Compatibility Check Straight Talk
You still need to perform a phone compatibility check on Straight Talk website to ensure it will work on the service. The purpose of the check is to help determine if the model of the device is among the whitelisted or not. It also helps determine if it’s compatible with the network, including the specific frequency bands available.
To perform a compatibility check, you will need to enter the IMEI of your phone on the Straight Talk Bring Your Own Phone page, then tap “Continue”. I did a test on my backup factory-unlocked Android (international model), and it didn’t take. A check on the Verizon site also failed, whereas T-Mobile showed I’ll have limited access.
One crucial point to note here is that you can only perform a phone compatibility check on Straight Talk if you have IMEI. Thus, it works best when you already have the device you’d like to use.
The Best Phones Compatible with Straight Talk service
| Cellular Network | eSIM Support | ROM vs RAM | |
| Fully-Unlocked Apple iPhone 13 5G/ LTE A15 iOS | 5G & 4G LTE | Yes | 128GB, 4GB |
| Fully-Unlocked Samsung Galaxy A10e 5.8-inch FHD | 4G LTE | No | 128GB, 8GB |
| Unlocked Samsung Galaxy A71 5G Full HD+ Android | 5G & 4G LTE | No | 128GB, 6GB |
| TracFone-Branded Alcatel Myflip Flip Phone for Seniors | 4G LTE | No | 4GB, 0.5GB |
| Straight Talk Apple iPhone SE (2020) A13 IOS | 4G LTE | Yes | 64GB, 3GB |
| Fully-Unlocked Google Pixel 4a 5G/ LTE Android | 5G & 4G LTE | Yes | 128GB, 6GB |
| Fully Unlocked Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Android | 5G & 4G LTE | No | 128GB, 6GB |
| Unlocked Motorola Moto G Play (2021) 6.5-inch Android | 4G LTE | No | 32GB, 3GB |
| Fully-Unlocked Apple iPhone 11 A13 Bionic iOS | 4G LTE | Yes | 64GB, 4GB |
| Factory Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G QHD | 5G & 4G LTE | Yes | 256GB, 12GB |
| Straight Talk Apple iPhone XR A12 Bionic iOS | 4G LTE | Yes | 128GB, 3GB |
| TracFone Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Prepaid Android | 5G & 4G LTE | No | 64GB, 4GB |
| TracFone Motorola Moto G Pure (2021 Release) Android | 4G LTE | No | 32GB, 3GB |
| Unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G Snapdragon | 4G LTE | No | 256GB, 12GB |
| Fully-Unlocked LG Reflect 4G LTE Android | 4G LTE | No | 32GB, 3GB |
| Fully Unlocked Google Pixel 6 w/ 5G Smartphone | 5G & 4G LTE | Yes | 128GB, 8GB |
| Factory Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S21 with 5G/ LTE | 5G & 4G LTE | Yes | 256GB, 8GB |
| Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus 4G LTE Android | 4G LTE | No | 128GB, 6GB |
Fully-Unlocked Apple iPhone 13 5G/ LTE A15 iOS
Key Features:
- It runs on the fastest Apple A15 Bionic processor
- Has both a built-in eSIM & physical SIM
- Compatible with up to 5G Ultra-Wideband
- Supports WiFi 6 (802,11ax) WLAN protocol
- Has a built-in NFC for contactless payments
- It has a rugged build, with IP68 dust/ water protection
Unlocked Samsung Galaxy A71 5G Snapdragon Android
Key Features:
- It has an extra-wide 6.7-inch, FHD+ display
- Compatible with up to 5G mmWave (C-Band)
- Utilizes WiFi 5 (802.11ac) WLAN protocol
- Has a built-in NFC for contactless payments
- Includes a built-in MicroSD slot to expand storage
- You can record videos in 4K & Super-Slow-Motion
Straight Talk Apple iPhone SE (2020 Release) A13 IOS
Key Features:
- It has a rugged, IP67-rated build
- Runs on a fast A13 Bionic processor
- Has extended-range & high-capacity LTE
- Supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax) WLAN protocol
- includes both a built-in eSIM & physical SIM
- It has a built-in NFC for contactless payments
Fully-Unlocked Google Pixel 4a 5G/ LTE Android
Key Features:
- It has a wide 6.2-inch, full HD+ display
- Has both a built-in eSIM & physical SIM
- Runs on a fast Snapdragon 765G processor
- Compatible with 5G mmWave on C-Band
- Supports WiFi 5 (802.11ac) WLAN protocol
- It has a built-in NFC for contactless payments
Fully Unlocked Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Android
Key Features:
- It has an extra-wide 6.8-inch, Full HD+ display
- Utilizes a decent Snapdragon 480 (8nm) processor
- Compatible with up to 5G mmWave on C-Band
- Supports WiFi 5 (802.11ac) WLAN protocol
- Includes a fingerprint scan for quick unlocking
- It has a built-in MicroSD slot to expand storage
Fully-Unlocked Apple iPhone 11 A13 Bionic iOS
Key Features:
- It has a rugged, IP68-rated aluminum build
- Utilizes a fast Apple A13 Bionic processor
- Has a built-in digital eSIM & physical SIM
- Supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax) WLAN protocol
- Includes extended-range & high-capacity LTE
- You can record videos in 4K & Slo-Mo mode
Factory Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Key Features:
- It has an extra-wide 6.8-inch, QHD+ display
- Utilizes an extra-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip
- Has both a built-in digital eSIM & physical SIM
- Supports up to WiFi 6 (802.11ax) WLAN protocol
- Compatible with up to 5G Ultra-Wideband network
- It has a rugged design, with IP68 dust/ water protection
Straight Talk Apple iPhone XR A12 Bionic iOS
Key Features:
- It utilizes a fast Apple A12 Bionic chip
- Has extended-range & high-capacity LTE
- Supports WiFi 5 (802.11ac) WLAN protocol
- Has a built-in digital eSIM & physical SIM
- Includes NFC chip for contactless payments
- You can record videos in 4K & Slo-Mo mode
TracFone Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Prepaid Android
Key Features:
- It has a clear 6.5-inch, 90Hz display
- Supports up to 5G mmWave on C-Band
- Utilizes WiFi 5 (802.11ac) WLAN protocol
- Has a built-in NFC for contactless payments
- Includes a fingerprint reader for fast unlocking
- You can expand storage with a MicroSD card
Unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G Snapdragon
Key Features:
- It has an extra-wide 6.8-inch, QHD+ display
- Run on an extra-fast Snapdragon 855 processor
- Supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax) WLAN protocol
- Compatible with up to 5G Ultra-Wideband network
- Includes both wired & wireless Samsung DeX support
- It has a Stylus pen to sketch & control apps wirelessly
Fully Unlocked Google Pixel 6 w/ 5G Ultra-HD Android
Key Features:
- It has a wide 6.4-ich, 90Hz display
- Runs on a fast Google Tensor processor
- Has both a built-in digital eSIM & physical SIM
- Supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax) WLAN technology
- Compatible with up to 5G Ultra-wideband network
- You can record videos in 4K & Slow-Motion mode
Factory Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S21 with 5G/ LTE
Key Features:
- It has a clear 6.2-inch, 120Hz display
- Runs on a superfast Snapdragon 888 chip
- Has a built-in digital eSIM & physical SIM
- Compatible with up to 5G Ultra-Wideband
- Supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax) WLAN protocol
- It has a rugged, IP68-rated aluminum construction
Frequently Asked Questions:
What network does Straight Talk use?
Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have been the networks Straight Talk uses to offer its prepaid phone service. After acquiring TracFone, though, Verizon has scheduled to drop the deal with AT&T and T-Mobile. Thus, leaving it as the only carrier network of Straight Talk.
Can I use a Verizon phone on Straight Talk?
Verizon is now an owner and carrier network of TracFone and its brands. So, you can use a Verizon phone on Straight Talk service without an issue. The device could work even before unlocking.
Can you use an unlocked phone with Straight Talk?
Technically, you can use an unlocked phone with Straight Talk if it has the necessary cellular network bands. The factory-unlocked phones should work flawlessly on all the functions. But in carrier-unlocked phones, you may miss some features if the previous owner didn’t unlock properly.
Can I put my Straight Talk SIM card in another phone?
Of course, you can put a Straight Talk SIM card in another phone compatible and with the right network technology. But unlike with a carrier like Mint, Straight Talk will need you to configure the phone with your SIM.
How do I know if my phone is compatible with Straight Talk?
The easiest way to know if your phone is compatible with Straight Talk is to go to the BYOP page and enter the IMEI in the ID checker. If the question is whether the phone you’re buying is compatible, make sure it’s unlocked/ Straight Talk-locked/ Tracfone-locked, and has the necessary network bands.
Consider “Made for U.S.” over International Variants
Whether the idea is to join, upgrade, or replace, this is everything that matters you should know on phones compatible with Straight Talk. The network technology (built-in frequency bands) and cellular compatibility (locked vs unlocked phones) are the most crucial of the seven points I’ve mentioned earlier.
However, you should know U.S. carriers have been blacklisting phones intended for the international market in recent years. If shopping for an unlocked phone from third-party dealers, this means you should focus on the devices made for the U.S. market.
In particular, Verizon (and AT&T) is very strict on this rule, which also impact compatibility with MVNOs like Straight Talk. But even with T-Mobile, which has slightly relaxed compatibility rules, these international phones don’t always work on all functions.
