4 Phones that should work with Straight Talk and the Bring your Own Plan .

Straight Talk SIM Card Activation Kit

My Options for the Straight Talk : BYOP

RCA A1 4.7” 3G Unlocked Dual SIM, Android 4.1 US Warranty  (Amazon Affiliate Link)

List Price : 299$ (Click image to find the actual price)

• This unlocked cell phone is compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Net10, Simple Mobile, Consumer Cellular, Walmart Family Mobile, and Pure Talk USA. No contracts and data plans required;
• HSPA 3G Smartphone running Android 4.1.1 (Jelly Bean), with 4.7-inch multi-touch LCD display; 2G Network GSM 850/900/1800/1900, 3G Network HSPA 850/1900;
• Wi-Fi networking with Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot and tethering capabilities, GPS for navigation and location services; Dual SIM card slot, 4GB storage, Micro SD expansion to 32GB;
• GPRS, HTML Web Browser, Built-in Apps: Google Play, YouTube, Google+, Google Search, Google Maps, Google Navigation, Voice Memo, Notes;
• Dual camera, back-5-MP, front 2-MP; HD 720p recording; Bluetooth 3.0 stereo music; FM Radio, MP3 Player, MP4 Player;Up to 6 hours of talk time, up to 360 hours of standby time, High Speed USB 2.0, 3.5mm Audio Jack

As you can see this might work for the price that I am needing.   Currently it is under 200$ and thus it is within my price range.   On a side note, it resembles the Samsung Galaxy S3 from my understanding of it.   It is a cheaper version of it but has the screen size and everything else associated with it.   I’ve heard people say they had problems with getting it to work with Straight Talk, but I am confident that if I get this phone.   I can figure out what the APNS are for the

Google Nexus 5, Black 32GB (Unlocked) (Amazon Affiliate Link)

List Price : $649 (Click to find the actual price!)

Speed and power to spare on a stunning 5” display. Powered by Android 4.4, KitKat®. It’s a 5” phone, and so much more. Built with precision, Nexus 5 delivers an intelligently simple design and showcases a stunning full HD display. Plus it comes in black and white. All-new photo and video features help you capture moments in fresh new ways. And thanks to the latest from Android, Nexus 5 is fast, powerful and truly yours.

I asked this question on Twitter and I got this respons:

@Laforge129 Nexus5. It rocks on #straighttalk

— ♦ ♦ Mark ♦ ♦ (@flag_mtn_hkrs) March 27, 2014

Although this is more expensive for those who might be able to buy this phone, it isn’t in my price range but  I still had to suggest it for those who might want the best possible experience with straight talk.   

Motorola Moto G - Global GSM - Unlocked - 16GB (Amazon Affiliate Link)

List Price: $199 (actual price Varies)

• US Compatibility: All GSM Networks including AT&T and (2G) T-Mobile
• Optimized to work with 3G (UMTS/HSPA+) networks when roaming outside the US. Only supports 2G coverage on T-Mobile.
• 4.5 inch 720p HD TFT display
• Quad-core 1.2GHz processor with 450MHz graphics processor
• 5MP rear camera, plus front facing camera

It looks to be promising to say the least.   I have heard some much great reports of this phone being used on every possible network and have heard of very little bad reports.  I would also like to point out that it is a smaller display for those who are looking for the largest BYOP phone.   It however comes with many features and it is an actual Google Phone from Google.   It used to be sold by Google directly but seems the Nexus 5 is the new one they are promoting, so this one is behind in times but still has so much functionality that it might be a good Straight Talk phone.

HTC A9192 Inspire 4G Unlocked Phone with 8 MP Camera, Wi-Fi, and GPS—(Black)  (Amazon Affiliate Link)

List Price :$799 (click on image to see actual price)

• This unlocked cell phone is compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile. Not all carrier features may be supported.
• Ultra-fast, 4G-enabled smartphone running Android 2.2 with 4.3-inch multi-touch Super LCD display.
• Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (with optional Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot and tethering capabilities)
• 8-MP camera, HD 720p camcorder, Bluetooth stereo music, microSD memory expansion, HTML web browser, corporate and personal e-mail
• Up to 6 hours of talk time, up to 372 hours (15.5 days) of standby time, released in January, 2011
• 8-MP camera; HD 720p camcorder; Bluetooth stereo music; microSD memory expansion; HTML web browser; corporate and personal e-mail
• GPS for navigation and location services
• It will not work with CDMA carriers like Verizon Wireless, Alltel and Sprint.
• Up to 6 hours of talk time, up to 372 hours (15.5 days) of standby time; released in January, 2011
• Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (with optional Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot and tethering capabilities); GPS for navigation and location services

Early on when I first started this with Straight Talk, I used this phone which was locked to AT&T and then I unlocked it and went to Straight Talk.  Then I broke the screen and did not want to fix it.   So I put it away and went to Virgin Mobile, but I have had much success with this phone with wifi teethering and other good games on android but I am wanting to watch movies and shows on my phone more and more so this is a good option for the price which right now it is cheaper than it used to be.   I am guessing because it is an older phone that is not getting as much updates as the newer ones.   This is good for those who want to know which phone that will work with Straight Talk.   I made it happen with not much effort and was really pleased with it.

I have given you at least four phones to consider when you decide to go to the Straight Talk BYOP option but for me, I might either get the Motorola or the RCA myself and do a tutorial on how to set it up on Straight talk successfully!  

Having Signal Problems with your current Cellular provider?

So You have a Cell Phone?

Many People Now a days are cutting the cords to their land lines and going strickly wireless phones.   I’ve seen people who have Verizon, Cingular, AT&T, Sprint or some other MVNO Like Straight Talk or Virgin Mobile!  Each One of those carriers has good or bad in them.   I’ve seen some that get GREAT signal and I’ve seen some that just get no signal.  I even bet you researched it and thought that you were in the right area for your service provider.   I hate to say it but not all phones and not all cell towers are the same either.  I have tried so many different MVNO’s lately I can tell you that most of them give higher priority to their contract customers.

Why am I not getting any Bars on my Cell Phone?

I answered this a few months ago to a point about Straight Talk but it wasn’t really complete.  I am sure You have your own reason why but I will break it down to you in a way that you might be able to understand it a little more clearly than before.

Each phone has an antenna and each cell tower is broadcasting to a certain distance, and some are broadcasting in a certain direction also.   Most however are just broadcasting omni directional and thus you get a random signal in random locations.   Your also competing with other cell signals from other cell phones for the right to use that tower so your also getting some interference in areas.  

House can be an Interference too!

Even your house which is a dwelling with bricks and wood and some metal pieces can cause you to drop signals in all parts of your house.   I’ve seen in my own situation that I can have 3 bars in one location of my house and no bars in another part of my house so It can be inconcievable that you have the same situation going on where you life also.  So I am here to help you out a little an maybe make you life just a little bit more enjoyable.

• Wireless Extenders zBoost YX545 SOHO Dual-Band Cell Phone Signal Booster Satisfy all your cellular phone needs with the Wireless Extenders YX545 zBoost zP Wireless Booster, which works with both cellular frequencies (800 and 1900 MHz) and can extend cellular coverage up to 3000 square feet. This unit can handle signals from all the major cellular carriers.*  [NOTE: This is the one is being used at my workplace so I know it works really well!]
• Wilson Electronics - Sleek 4G - Cell Phone Signal Booster for Single User  — If you are looking for a top-of-the-line and affordable cell phone signal booster to boost your voice and data signal on any carrier*, including 4G, the Wilson Electronics Sleek 4G is the solution.
• Wilson Electronics - MobilePro - Portable Cell Phone Signal Booster - Includes 4-Inch Magnet Mount Antenna —If you experience dropped calls and poor cell phone signal quality in your car, home or office then the Wilson MobilePro Cell Phone Signal Booster kit is the solution. Increasing your cell phone’s power by as much as 10 times. 

Those are just a few that will help you get a better signal and it isn’t as hard as it looks to install these little extenders and boosters.   I will say these are just the tip of the iceburg as to what you can buy to make you cellular experience just that much better.   If I a problem these would be the first I would buy to get that signal strength up.

Paul Sylvester

Unlocking Your Mobile Phone to work with Straight Talk! [Affiliate Link]

First Things First!

If you want to use your Blackberry, Nokia, Motorola, and Samsung phones with Straight Talk, you will need to have phones that have GSM capabilities.   You will also need them to be able to use a SIM Card.   If it doesn't have a SIM card to begin with then you might as well look somewhere else.   Straight Talk doesn't do phones that can't have a SIM card in it.  I already talked about the the Difference between GSM and CDMA, So you just have to figure out if it will work with your phone.

A Great Service!

I found a Great Service that you should try.  Unlock any Nokia, Blackberry, HTC, Motorola or Samsung Phone! Remove carrier restrictions and unlock your phone within minutes![Affiliate Link]  If your like me, and you want to use a used phone with Straight Talk, this would be the best possible option for you.   You can unlock your phone within minutes and be able to use your phone on any carrier such as a MVNO like Straight Talk. They've offer to unlock your phone for a really small fee but it is worth it than going to go buy a new phone.

The one reason you'd want to unlock your phone is to use it with any Carrier Like T-mobile, AT&T and a Few others.  It is  worth the money because I like the way I can pay 45$ for an unlimited phone usage and other such things.  I'm not saying that the price is worth more than the phone but it does allow you to keep you favorite phone and contacts and take it with you to your next carrier.

Using Straight Talk!

If your like me, you want to use Straight Talk.   I'd suggest getting the AT&T SIM card, and using my instructions from my website to set up the APN for your new unlocked phone! You can use the APN setup for your phone if you plan to use Straight Talks SIM card.   Some of you have been asking to use other phones with Straight Talk.  

I've also been asked how to unlock my phone without rooting it?  

This is one way you can unlock your phone and not worry about breaking your phone.  If your uncomfortable with rooting your phone, this is the next best option for you.   They got some excellent customer support and an Guarantee if you find a lower price only they refund the difference!  I'd be willing to bet that you will be happy with your phone being unlocked.  Give it a try and see the difference! 

See if Your Phone is on their LIST! [Affiliate Link]

Paul Sylvester

Reviewing the Captr II from Cricket Wireless!

Click on Image for More information

I recently bought the Captr 2 and I must say from everything I have done with this phone,  I am really impressed.   So before I begin with my observations, I will at least tell you the specifics of the phone itself:

• Bluetooth Capable


• Camera phone


• Mobile Web


• Tri-band

The Retail Price of this phone is $59.99, even that can be a good thing.    I simply love this phone because of the durability of it and how reliable it has been for me.  I have been using a Plantronics Explorer series Bluetooth headset with this phone for quite some time and have great success with many of the features that come with this.

“What Have I tried?”  you may ask.

I will put it to you this way.   On other phones that I have used a head set on I have had very little success with voice dialing.    After you have trained you phone with your own voice could you dial a number without having to even touch the phone.   I like the fact that I could have it call any number I said and it rarely got it wrong.

The Pro’s of the Phone:

• Obviously the Voice Commands —  They have fixed common problems with voice commands and it works even better.


• Size —  I am one of those who like to have a small phone, don’t need any bulky phone to show off.


• Battery life — Having used it for over 3 weeks.   The Battery life is really good, Only having to charge it every couple days.


• Cost — It being a low cost phone, almost anyone can afford it.


• Great for College or Highschool Students —  It being limited on web browsing this is good for cost and still keeping it touch with your kids.

The Con’s:

• Screen size — If you are used to a big screen then this is something that you will have to get used it.


• Memory size — The phone memories isn’t as big as an Iphone, so you can’t have unlimited contacts or messages on the phone.

All in all, This phone is great for anyone who is on a tight budget.    I have been really pleased with it.   I definitely will recommend this phone to anyone who might need a low cost phone and still be on a budget.   I have not had it dropped calls from this phone and the signal strength has been over 2 bars anywhere I have went.   Go check out the Captr II for yourself and you will be happy with it like I am!!

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