Most consumers are familiar with the big-name wireless carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Not nearly as many, though, are as well-versed when it comes to the topic of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO), the smaller companies to license coverage from the tier-one providers.
These lesser-known brands offer their own phones, rate plans, and customer service. Let’s take a look at one in particular, Total Wireless — a TracFone subsidiary.
How is Total Wireless coverage?
Total Wireless sets itself apart from the competition by emphasizing multi-line plans while leveraging Verizon’s highly regarded network coverage. In the beginning, it only offered 3G service and was exclusive to Walmart, but today it is full (4G LTE) speed ahead and more accessible.
What are Total Wireless rate plans?
Total Wireless includes unlimited talk and text with all plans. Enrollment into auto-refill saves subscribers 5% on monthly plan. Also worth noting, two of the options now include mobile hotspot capabilities.
Single Line
- $25.00 per month – 1GB high speed data (unlimited talk/text)
- $35.00 per month – 5GB high speed data
- $50.00 per month – Unlimited high speed data, slowed at 25GB
Extended Plan
Customers interested in purchasing plans in quarterly increments can do so under what’s called an Extended Plan. For $90, subscribers can get unlimited talk and text with 5GB of data every 30 days. It’s like buying the aforementioned $35 plan three months at once and receiving $15 discount.
Multi-Device Plans
Subscribers with multiple users can share data across 2-4 lines with unlimited talk and text included. As for the data allotments and price, it breaks down as follows.
- $60 – 30GB shared on up to two lines
- $85 – 60GB shared on up to three lines
- $100 – Unlimited high-speed data, slowed at 100GB, up to four lines
As is the case with standalone lines, customers can save money by enrolling in automatic bill payment. The prices shown in the image above reflect the discount.
What deals does Total Wireless offer?
You can check for deals at the Total Wireless website where a few models are currently shown with price drops.
Tell me about Total Wireless phone selection
Phones from manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, LG, Alcatel, and ZTE are available for purchase online, along with retail options like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target.
Customers can also bring devices they currently own, however it must be CDMA. If unsure, check compatibility to see if you can add a SIM card.
There are plenty of wireless service providers to choose from, at least here in the United States. In fact, it may seem as if there are too many options to consider. But when it comes down to it, many of them rely on the networks offered by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
Total Wireless, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), is one such carrier. Indeed, it has its own rate plans and features, but it licenses coverage from Verizon.
When it comes to buying a phone for use on Total Wireless there are a few options to consider. For starters, you can bring your current Verizon device to the carrier. Additionally, you can buy an unlocked CDMA phone for use on Total.
Customers can also purchase a phone directly from Total Wireless. While there’s a fairly decent and well-rounded handset selection, a few key models rise to the top.
What follows are some of the best Android phones available at Total Wireless today. These aren’t the most powerful, but rather the best for particular needs.
Samsung Galaxy 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 the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra at Total Wireless
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
The Best Available
If you’re looking for the biggest and most powerful all-around device from Total Wireless, this is it. With a screen size (6.9-inches) that rivals early tablets, it packs an upgraded S Pen stylus and cutting-edge hardware. Oh, and then there’s a first-of-its-kind 108-megapixel camera, too.
Powered by Android 10 with Samsung’s custom UI, the handset has generous battery, tons of (expandable) storage, and support for Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G network. Choose from Cosmic Black and Cosmic Gray color options, both of which are stunning.
Shop the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra at Total Wireless
Motorola Moto G7 Optimo Maxx
Well-rounded and Affordable
This is a great phone for first-time buyers and those who don’t need all that much from their handset. It’s a solid mix of entry-level hardware with a clean and user-friendly version of Android.
The Motorola phone offers up a 6.2-inch HD+ display, 12-megapixel rear camera, and a 5,000mAh battery. For those who don’t know what that means, it’s enough juice to get many users through two days of usage.
Shop the Motorola Moto G7 Optimo Maxx at Total Wireless
Samsung Galaxy A50
An Affordable Galactic Star
One of the best things about today’s breed of smartphones is that you can often purchase a generation or two later and still end up with more than you need. Or, you can go with the Galaxy A series which is a way to get many of the better features found in more prominent models.
For about one third of today’s flagship phone you can get something that will last a couple of years. We’re talking plenty of hardware, a beauty of a screen, and one of the better cameras around. Here you’ll get a sizable (6.4-inch) screen, plenty of memory and storage, and a triple-camera setup on the back.
Shop the Samsung Galaxy A50 at Total Wireless
LG Stylo 5
Multi-task on a Budget
Big, practical, and the only one with a stylus, the LG Stylo 5 provides users with a large screen and an extra bit of functionality. The 6.2-inch display offers up plenty of high-definition space for scribbling notes, marking up documents, and more.
Running Android 9, the phone is powered by an octa-core processor with 3GB RAM. Storage comes in at 32GB with a 3500mAh battery that should give users more than a day’s worth of usage. Wrapping things up, the LG handset has a dual camera configuration on the rear.
Shop the LG Stylo 5 at Total Wireless
What else?
Total Wireless offers a $10 global calling card that can be added to any plan. Users can place international calls from the U.S. or Puerto Rico. Rates vary.
