Most consumers are familiar with the big-name wireless carriers like Verizon and AT&T, but not nearly as many are as well-versed when it comes Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Consumer Cellular or FreedomPop.
These MNVO brand operators license the towers and coverage from the tier-one providers and offer their own phones, rate plans, and customer service.
Let’s take a closer look at CREDO Mobile
About
CREDO Mobile is a mobile network operator that utilizes Verizon’s 4G LTE network for coverage and is known for donating some of its revenue to nonprofits chosen by customers. It also likes to mobilize its user base to help progressive causes.
What are CREDO Mobile rate plans like?
CREDO Mobile subscribers pay for their data package, plus a $20 access fee for each phone connected to a plan. Up to five lines are able to share a pool of data. Here’s what it looks like for single line plans.
Single Line
- $50/month for unlimited talk, text, and 3GB high speed data
- $55/month for unlimited talk, text, and 9GB high speed data
- $70/month for unlimited talk, text, and 15GB high speed data
- $70/month for unlimited talk, text, and unlimited high speed data
Small print stuff
Video quality is streamed at DVD quality (480p resolution) which helps to keep data usage in line. Users can also call to Canada and Mexico without paying additional fees.
Family Plans
Consumers can add lines to the plans; it gets cheaper per line to do so. As of today, a four-line family plan sharing unlimited data will cost $140, or about $35 per line.
How’s the CREDO Mobile phone selection?
CREDO Mobile has a small selection of phones to choose from, many of which are from the last 1-2 years. Weirdly, it’s mainly a mix of high-end devices like the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S9+. There are just a few pre-owned models, too.
As a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that piggybacks off of Verizon’s towers, CREDO Mobile is a carrier that offers customers a number of lesser-priced monthly options. Moreover, it earmarks some of its revenue to help fund various causes and nonprofit organizations.
If you’re on the hunt for a new wireless service provider and have a Verizon phone, you may want to check them out. The same goes for some unlocked handsets, too.
In the off-chance you’re looking to make a carrier switch and want to pick up a new phone, CREDO has a few options. The selection isn’t very big, but there are a few worth checking out. What’s more, about half of them are refurbished and can save you money.
Here are three of the best new Android phone options at CREDO Mobile as of today.
Samsung S21 Ultra
The cream of the crop when it comes to Samsung’s 2021 phone lineup, very few handsets can rival its performance. Not only that, but it’s prettier than ever with the new color options, too.
Come for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and the 12GB RAM, stay for the 5,000mAh battery and quad-core camera. Of course there’s plenty in between as well and it’s all in service of high-end prowess.
Everything runs smoothly but it looks even smoother when you’ve got a 6.8-inch Quad HD+ display that delivers to the tune of 120Hz refresh rate.
Shop Samsung S21 Ultra at CREDO Mobile
Samsung Galaxy S21+
Take the flagship Samsung phone for 2021 and dial it up a few degrees and you’ve got the Galaxy S21 Plus. That is to say that it’s equal parts powerful and stunning.
Internally, the phone is as about as powerful as they come, and should be more than sufficient for your needs for the next few years. Between the cutting-edge processor, 8GB RAM, and at least 128GB storage, it’s nearly the most robust 5G phone around.
Key features we love include the 6.7-inch AMOLED display with improved in-display fingerprint reader, an all-day 4,800mAh battery, and a well-rounded multi-camera setup.
Shop Samsung S21+ at CREDO Mobile
Google Pixel 4a
Best of the Bunch
This is an excellent option for pretty much any user. It’s powerful enough for a large majority of the population but priced about half of what other brands charge.
Powered by the latest in Android, you’ll have a tough time finding a better camera experience. Small in stature, there’s a decent screen, generous battery, and solid array of hardware hiding inside.
Shop Google Pixel 4a at CREDO Mobile
Google Pixel 3
Great Everyman Option
Don’t fooled be into thinking this older handset is outdated. Google still supports it with software updates and monthly security patches. It’s Android as it’s intended and we love it.
Notable features include a 5.7-inch display, 64GB storage, and resistance to water and dust. High marks for an terrific camera experience, too.
Shop Google Pixel 3 at CREDO Mobile
Samsung Galaxy S10+
Familiar Flagship
The series of phones that we’ve come to adore over the last decade, you can never go wrong with a Galaxy S handset.
For your money you get a giant 6.4-inch display, 128GB internal storage, and a processor and memory combo that beats all others here.
Standout details include a triple camera array on the back and a capacious battery. Charge it up wirelessly or use the phone to charge your earbuds. Yep, it does that, too.
Shop Samsung Galaxy S10+ at CREDO Mobile
Can I bring my own device?
Yes, Credo now allows for existing phones. To be clear it’s a fairly concise list of compatible brands and devices but it does seem to envelope most of the key models over the past few years.
What else should I know about CREDO Mobile?
CREDO Mobile currently offers up to $650 cash back if you bring your number from another wireless provider and trade in your handset. Also, it has free two-day shipping on all devices, all the time.
For every friend you refer to CREDO Mobile, the carrier will give you up to $100. Just make sure they enter your phone number under “Refer a Friend”.
CREDO donates to three nonprofits on a monthly basis, having donated over $87 million over the years to groups such as Planned Parenthood, 350.org, and National LGBTQ Task Force.
