Republic Wireless Review
Here I wrote a comprehensive review of Republic Wireless for a client that provides thorough product and service reviews.
Republic Wireless Review highlight
Republic Wireless offers a customizable plan for as low as $15 per month.
$15 per month for unlimited talk and text and an additional $5 per GB of data per
month.
Option to place calls over Wi-Fi when you’re connected to a network.
Republic Wireless has been providing customers with easy, affordable, and straightforward phone plans since 2011. It partners with two networks, T-Mobile and Sprint, which allows for a wide coverage surface - if in doubt, check the right coverage based on your location on the Republic Wireless interface.
Packages and Pricing
Straightforward and simple
Republic Wireless likes to keep things incredibly simple. There is only one option available: the My Choice plan. The huge advantage this offers is straightforwardness, in an industry that often overwhelms potential clients with gushing flows of sometimes unnecessary information. You won’t have to waste time trying to figure out what the best option is for you.
The My Choice plan includes unlimited talk and text - the part you can customize is the amount of data you wish to have access to per month. For an extra 1GB of data per month, $5 is added. Therefore, 3GB of data will cost you $30, without taxes. Remember to add on taxes, because Republic’s advertised prices don’t include them.
Cost-effective service
Republic Wireless is one of the most cost-effective options around for very light data users who rely mostly on Wi-Fi. The pricing becomes less competitive once you hit 5GB per month though, as it amounts up to $40 plus taxes and fees.
Flexible options
Republic Wireless allows you to start with 1GB per month and add data whenever you need it, directly from the app, for $5 per GB. You can make any changes towards your plan any day on the app - here is a guide to changing your plan from the Republic Wireless website. This makes for a completely flexible and adaptable option, especially for those with changing needs that don’t feel like they’re able to commit to a plan with limited options for a long period. If you’re not happy with the service, any Republic Wireless plan comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Republic Wireless Mobile Equipment
Which phones are available?
Unfortunately for the Apple addicts, Republic Wireless doesn’t carry iPhones. However, they have an option for everyone, at many different price points. Here is the full list:
The Moto G Play (2021) at $149.00
The Moto G Power (2021) at $249.00
The Moto G Stylus (2021) at $299.00
The Samsung Galaxy A02s at $129.00
The Samsung Galaxy A12 at $179.00
The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G at $279.00
The Samsung Galaxy A42 5G at $399.00
The Samsung Galaxy S21 at $799.00
The Motorola One 5G Ace at $349.00
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE at $699.00
What’s the best Republic Wireless phone?
Republic Wireless carries quite a few solid options when it comes to phones. Some of the best Android phones are available - some aren’t the most powerful but can be perfect for particular needs. Let’s look at some of the best options available.
Samsung Galaxy S21
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is the most powerful option here. Key features for the phone include a 6.2-inch AMOLED display, at least 128GB storage, and an all-day 4,000mAh battery. You’ve also got a great camera setup, 8GB RAM, a huge processor, and an improved in-display fingerprint reader. Opt for this phone if you spend a lot of time on social media and want a fast, sleek experience.
Motorola Moto G Stylus
If you’re looking for a phone with a digital stylus but still want a budget-friendly approach to one, the Motorola Moto G Stylus is exactly what you need. Powered by Android 10, it offers up a 6.4-inch screen, a lot of storage (128GB), and a strong battery. The headphone jack, USB Type-C charging port, and dual speakers make it another great affordable option from Republic Wireless.
Tip: If a family member or friend needs a phone, you can purchase one from the Republic Wireless shop - all of their phones come unclocked. This means it’s possible for you to take these phones to a different provider if you’d like, as long as the phone meets the new provider’s BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) requirements.
Bringing your own phone
Though there is an extensive choice of phones on the Republic Wireless website to choose from, you can also bring your own phone to the service if you don’t wish to acquire a new one. Here is how to use your own phone with a Republic Wireless plan:
Check compatibility with the Republic Wireless app. Install it on Google Play (not available on Apple Store because Republic Wireless doesn’t carry nor cater to Iphones) and open it to go through the compatibility test to see if the phone you own works with the service. If you don’t want to install the app, there’s also an option to use a phone checker instead.
Once you know if your phone is compatible, order a SIM kit.
Insert your new SIM card by choosing the appropriate SIM card from the 3-in-1 kit.
Get your phone activated and choose your plan to get your phone making calls and
sending texts in no time.
The list of phones currently supported by the My Choice Republic Wireless plan currently includes:
● Alcatel A30 (A576RW)
● Alcatel A30 (5046G)
● Google Pixel (G-2PW4100)
● Google Pixel XL (G-2PW2100)
● Google Pixel 2 (G011A)
● Google Pixel 2 XL (G011C)
● Google Pixel 3 (G013A)
● Google Pixel 3 XL (G013C)
● Google Pixel 3a (G020G)
● Google Pixel 3a XL (G020C)
● Google Pixel 4 (G020I)
● Google Pixel 4 XL (G020J)
● Google Pixel 4a (G025J)
● Google Pixel 4a 5G (G025E)
● Google Pixel 5 (GD1YQ)
● Huawei Ascend 5W (H1623)
● LG K30 (LMX410ULMG) (2018 version)
● LG Stylo 5 (LM-Q720QMCCABK)
● moto e (XT2052-1)1
● Moto E4 (XT1768)1
● Moto E4 Plus (XT1775)1
● Moto E5 Play (XT1921-2)1
● Moto E6 (XT2005-5)1
● Moto Edge (XT2063-2)
● moto g fast (XT2045-3)1
● moto g power (XT2041-4)1
● moto g stylus (XT2043-4)1
● Moto G4 (XT1625)1
● Moto G4 PLAY (XT1607)1
● Moto G4 PLUS (XT1644)1
● Moto G5 Plus (XT1687)1
● Moto G5S Plus (XT1806)1
● Moto G6 (XT1925-6)1
● Moto G6 Play (XT1922-9)1
● Moto G7 (XT1962-1)1
● Moto G7 Play (XT1952-4)1
● Moto G7 Power (XT1955-5)1
● Moto X Pure Edition (XT1575)1
● Moto X4 (XT1900-1)1
● Moto Z (XT1650-03)1
● Moto Z Play (XT1635-02)1
● Moto Z2 Play (XT1710-01)1
● Moto Z3 Play (XT1929-4)1
● Moto Z4 (XT1980-3)1
● Nexus 5X by LG (LGH790)
● Nexus 6 by Motorola (XT1103)
● Nexus 6P by Huawei (H1511)
● OnePlus 6T (A6013)
● OnePlus 7T (HD1905)
● OnePlus 8 (IN2015)
● Samsung Galaxy A6 (SM-A600U)
● Samsung Galaxy A10e (SM-A102U1)
● Samsung Galaxy A11 (SM-A115U1)
● Samsung Galaxy A20 (SM-A205U1)
● Samsung Galaxy A21 (SM-A215U1)
● Samsung Galaxy A50 (SM-A505U1)
● Samsung Galaxy A51 (SM-A515U1)
● Samsung Galaxy A52 (SM-A526U1)
● Samsung Galaxy J3 (SM-J320A)2 (2016 version)
● Samsung Galaxy J3 (SM-J327U) (2017 version)
● Samsung Galaxy J3 (SM-J337U) (2018 version)
● Samsung Galaxy J7 (SM-J727U) (2017 version)
● Samsung Galaxy J7 (SM-J737U) (2018 version)
● Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950U1)
● Samsung Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960U1)
● Samsung Galaxy Note 10 (SM-N970U1)
● Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ (SM-N975U1)
● Samsung Galaxy Note 20 (SM-N981U1)
● Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N986U1)
● Samsung Galaxy S6 (SM-G920T)2
● Samsung Galaxy S7 (SM-G930U)
● Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (SM-G935U)
● Samsung Galaxy S8 (SM-G950U1)
● Samsung Galaxy S8+ (SM-G955U1)
● Samsung Galaxy S9 (SM-G960U1)
● Samsung Galaxy S9+ (SM-G965U1)
● Samsung Galaxy S10 (SM-G973U1)
● Samsung Galaxy S10e (SM-G970U1)
● Samsung Galaxy S10+ (SM-G975U1)
● Samsung Galaxy S20 (SM-G981U1)
● Samsung Galaxy S20+ (SM-G986U1)
● Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (SM-G988U1)
● Samsung Galaxy S21+ (SM-G996U1)
● Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (SM-G998U1)
Coverage
Republic Wireless is powered by the nationwide network T-Mobile, allowing access to the same coverage for a fraction of the price. You'll have access to the same nationwide 4G LTE coverage as the T-Mobile network. At first, Republic Wireless used Sprint's network until 2016 - this is a strong advantage because, in quite a few places, T-Mobile’s coverage is far superior to Sprint’s. Remember to check your coverage needs on the Republic Wireless coverage map before subscribing.
Features and Benefits
Annual plan
In addition to the prepaid plan on a monthly basis, Republic Wireless also offers an annual plan that can allow for even a significant amount of savings. You can get two months for free whenever you sign up for an annual plan. Subscribing to the annual plan will therefore amount up to 16.67% less than paying monthly - an even further reduced cost.
However, you should only go for this annual plan if you have a clear idea of what you’ll be needing throughout the year in terms of data. While you’ll always be able to add data to your plan, through the app, you won’t be able to downgrade the plan you initially subscribed to, so think carefully before choosing the amount of data you think you’ll need. You also don’t get credited for unused data, so it is best to act cautiously in assessing your own data needs.
Innovative Wi-Fi calling
The Republic Wireless team was able to develop a tailored software (called firmware) to integrate Wi-Fi calling into regular cell phone networks. When your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi internet connection, your Republic Wireless phone will automatically send texts and make calls via the internet. This means you’ll be charged significantly less, because of how cheap Wi-Fi calling is.
By using Wi-Fi instead of a cell network, you’ll save massive amounts, especially if you’re in places that supply free wifi, like airports, cafes, restaurants, workplaces... Perfect for the modern metropolitan! You won’t need to use data for all online activities when you’re connected to Wi-Fi. As soon as you get out of range, your phone will automatically switch to a network (T-Mobile) so you can continue using your phone. Only then will you be using your data allowance.
If the Wi-Fi calling option isn’t working smoothly for you at any time, though it usually tends to work effectively, you can turn on a setting that will allow you to manually switch a call from Wi-Fi to cell service and vice-versa. This is called handover and clients rarely have to use it, because of Republic Wireless’s ability to pick a stable network for all your phone calls. It is, however, a good option to have if ever needed. Not only is innovative and cost-effective technology available to subscribers, but these features aren’t restrictive in case of dysfunction.
Our Recommendation – Republic Wireless
If you’re looking for a phone plan to cater to a tight budget, or the main use of your phone is calling friends and family and not spending hours online, Republic Wireless is the perfect option for you. If you’re going for the monthly plan, you won’t have to sign a contract, which can be a handy solution if you need a quick fix for a phone plan.
Republic Wireless’s service is amongst the cheapest on the market, without compromising on a straightforward, swift, and easy process that will ease you into using your phone. Their innovative Wi-Fi calling helps you save even further by automatically pausing data roaming for calls and internet use. Plus, you’ll be able to benefit from the huge T-Mobile network without spending any extra money on costly plans. No wonder hundreds of leading brands’ customers are switching to Republic Wireless.
