Choosing a new mobile phone can feel like a big decision.
With so many brands, plans, and features, it's easy to get confused. Walmart is one of the most popular places to buy a phone because it offers a huge variety of options all in one place, making it convenient for almost everyone. Whether you're looking for the newest top-of-the-line model or a simple, budget-friendly device, you can likely find it there.
The phones at Walmart are sold in a few different ways. Understanding the difference is the most important step to finding what's right for you.
Phones with a Monthly Payment Plan (From Major Carriers) These are the newest and most expensive phones, like the latest models from Apple and Samsung. You can get them through major phone companies like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile right inside the Walmart store.
How it works: Instead of paying the full price of the phone upfront (which can be very high), the cost is broken down into smaller monthly payments. These payments are added to your regular monthly phone bill over a couple of years. You usually need to pass a credit check to get one of these plans.
Best for: Someone who wants the latest technology and is comfortable signing up for a monthly plan with a major carrier.
Pay-As-You-Go Phones (No Contract) This is an extremely popular option at Walmart. With a pay-as-you-go phone, you are in complete control of your spending.
How it works: You buy the phone for its full price at the register, just like you would buy anything else in the store. Then, you buy your phone service one month at a time. There are no contracts to sign and no credit checks. Walmart has its own popular brands, like Straight Talk and Walmart Family Mobile, that use the networks of the major carriers.
Best for: Anyone who wants flexibility, a predictable monthly bill, or doesn't want to be locked into a long-term contract. The selection includes everything from basic smartphones to very capable mid-range models.
Unlocked Phones (Use with Any Company) An unlocked phone gives you the most freedom of all.
How it works: You buy the phone at its full price, and it isn't tied to any specific phone company. You can take it to almost any carrier you choose, and if you ever want to switch companies, you can do so easily just by getting a new SIM card.
Best for: People who like to shop around for the best monthly plan or who travel to other countries and want to use a local SIM card.
Used and Refurbished Phones Available mostly on Walmart's website, these phones are a great way to save money on a high-quality device.
How it works: These are phones that were returned or previously owned. They have been professionally tested, cleaned, and fixed to make sure they work perfectly. They often come with a warranty.
Best for: Someone who wants a premium phone from a top brand (like an iPhone from a year or two ago) but at a much lower price than a brand-new one.
Walmart is known for its budget-friendly prices, but there are still ways to get an even better deal on a phone.
Deals from the Big Phone Companies: For the brand-new phones on a monthly payment plan, the best discounts often come from the phone carriers themselves. These deals might include a big credit if you trade in your old phone. You can get these offers right at the Walmart electronics counter.
Look for Big Sale Events: The best time of year to find a great deal on a phone is during major sales events. Black Friday is famous for having some of the deepest discounts, but you can also find good prices during the back-to-school season and around the winter holidays.
Keep an Eye on "Rollbacks" and "Clearance":
A "Rollback" is a temporary sale, like a special promotion that lowers the price for a while.
A "Clearance" tag means the store is selling off the last of an older model to make room for new ones. This is a fantastic way to get a brand-new phone in a sealed box for a very low price.
Your relationship with the store doesn't end when you walk out the door. Here is what to expect for after-sales support.
The Return Policy: Walmart has a return policy that allows you to bring a phone back for a refund or exchange within a certain number of days. It is very important that you keep your receipt and the original box with everything that came in it.
The Manufacturer's Warranty: Every new phone comes with a warranty from the company that made it (like Apple or Samsung). This usually lasts for one year and covers any problems with the phone that are not your fault, like if it suddenly stops working.
Extra Protection Plans: For accidents like dropping your phone and cracking the screen, you can buy a protection plan. This is like insurance for your phone and covers things that the regular warranty doesn't. It costs extra, but it can be worth it for peace of mind.
Help in the Store: One of the biggest benefits of buying a phone in person is the help you can get from the store associates. They can help you activate your new phone, choose a plan, and often help you transfer your contacts and photos from your old phone to your new one.
Walmart offers a complete "one-stop shop" experience for mobile phones. In the same aisle where you buy your phone, you can find everything else you might need:
Accessories: A huge selection of cases, screen protectors, chargers for your car and home, and headphones.
Prepaid Service Cards: If you have a pay-as-you-go phone, you can conveniently buy your next month of service right at the checkout while you're doing your other shopping.
