Overview Of Straight Talk: Straight talk is a division of TracFone and is available exclusively at Walmart. They are just starting out with some prepaid Android phones and they don't have high end smartphones just yet. You might be interested in iPhone on Straight talk? We have resources here.
Straight Talk Coverage Map: Don't be confused about which network the Straight Talk smartphones use. Their Android smartphones use the Sprint network. You will of course want to double check the coverage in your area. You can do that using the interactive Boost Mobile coverage map (yes they have the same coverage areas) here.
Straight Talk Prepaid Data Plans: If you're wanting to stream video or music, Straight Talk isn't for you. They give you unlimited web, and they mean unlimited web browsing. You will need those wifi hotspots if you want to do streaming or downloading. Currently you can see that the 1 month plan has unlimited mobile web access. The $30 isn't really a great option as it only allows 30MB mobile web access. Remember it's a smartphone and being online is part of what you will be doing. Really it comes down to where you live and if you will often have access to wifi. In most cities free wifi is pretty common and if you have that burning urge to stream or download, do it there instead of with your Straight Talk plan (not that you could anyways). Note: the "All You Need" plan is NOT available for Android Smartphones.
We don't want to burden you with details of the Straight Talk policy regarding data and mobile web, but you need to know this. Know this before you make a decision. Here is a direct quote from their most current policy:
6. STRAIGHT TALK UNLIMITED TALK, TEXT AND MOBILE WEB ACCESS PLAN INTENDED USE: Straight Talk Unlimited Talk, Text and Mobile Web Access Plans may ONLY be used with a Straight Talk handset for the following purposes: (i) Person to Person Voice Calls (ii) Text and Picture Messaging (iii) Internet browsing through the Straight Talk Mobile Web Service and (iv) Authorized Content Downloads from the Straight Talk Mobile Web Store. The Straight Talk Unlimited Plans MAY NOT be used for any other purpose. Examples of prohibited uses include, without limitation, the following: (i) continuous mobile to mobile or mobile to landline voice calls; (ii) automated text or picture messaging to another mobile device or e-mail address; (iii) uploading, downloading or streaming of audio or video programming or games; (iv) server devices or host computer applications, including, but not limited to, Web camera posts or broadcasts, automatic data feeds, automated machine-to-machine connections or peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing; or (v) as a substitute or backup for private lines or dedicated data connections. This means, by way of example only, that checking email, surfing the Internet, downloading legally acquired songs, and/or visiting corporate intranets is permitted, but downloading movies using P2P file sharing services and/or redirecting television signals for viewing on laptops is prohibited. A person engaged in prohibited uses may have his/her service terminated without notice or a refund.
Current Pay As You Go Smartphones From Straight Talk:
We hope to see the list of Android phones increasing in 2012. It would appear that Straight Talk is moving cautiously forward with the prepaid smartphone option as their limited data plans indicate. We will keep you updated on the latest rumors and news regarding new smartphones in the Walmart Straight Talk phone line-up.
LG Optimus Q
LG Optimus Black
Samsung Precedent
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