Dollar General Cell Phones and Prices: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re looking into dollar general cell phones and prices, you’re in the right place. This article covers what kinds of cell phones and prepaid devices you’ll find at Dollar General, how much they cost, what to watch out for, and whether they’re a good deal.

Table of Contents

What you’ll find at Dollar General for cell phones

The key phrase “dollar general cell phones and prices” means we’re exploring both the devices sold at Dollar General and the cost you’ll pay.

At Dollar General, you’ll mostly find prepaid phones meaning no long-term contract required. Their electronics section includes a “Prepaid Phones” category.
This means:

Feature phones (basic talking/texting devices)
Entry-level smartphones (locked or prepaid)
Prepaid plans, SIM cards and no-contract options.

So, when you look at “cell phones” there, think budget devices, often locked to the service provider, and typically digital lifestyle entry-level.

Typical price ranges you’ll encounter

Here are some concrete examples of devices and their prices at Dollar General, giving you an idea of “cell phones and prices”.

The AT&T Motorola Go (prepaid smartphone) is listed for $49.00.
The BLU View 4 (32 GB) locked to the Total by Verizon network is offered (price not shown in the listing excerpt here) but typical for budget locked phones.
The Tracfone Moto e6, 16 GB, is available as a prepaid smartphone with plans starting around $20/month service. Price of device is listed but not emphasized in excerpt.
The BLU View 5 (64 GB, locked, pre-loaded with 1-year service) is a device plus service bundle.

From these examples:

Entry-level smartphones around $40-$60 for the device alone.
Bundles with service may cost more or include the plan cost.
Plans (not device only) can start at $20/month for no-contract prepaid.

Thus, if you’re searching “dollar general cell phones and prices”, expect low-cost devices (under $100) for budget use.

What “cell phones” at Dollar General typically include

Let’s break down the types of phones you’ll see and what that means for you.

Feature phones / basic phones

These are simple devices: calls, texts, maybe a small screen, maybe not many apps. Good for someone who doesn’t need the full smartphone experience. Dollar General’s site mentions “basic phone for calls and texts” in their prepaid phone section.

Entry-level smartphones

These are full smartphones (camera, apps, internet) but budget specs: smaller storage, fewer features, may be locked to one carrier. Example: the AT&T Motorola Go above.

Locked / prepaid devices

Many of the devices at Dollar General are locked to a particular carrier or prepaid network (e.g., Total by Verizon, Tracfone) which means you cannot freely switch carriers unless unlocking. Example: BLU View 4 listing says “Locked for use with Total by Verizon”.

Prepaid service bundles

Some phones come pre-loaded with service plans (minutes, texts, data) so you get a bundle. Example: BLU View 5 “pre-loaded with 1-Year service” in the listing.

Evaluating “prices” — value, pros & cons

When you see the “price” tag at Dollar General, it’s not just the number: you want to check what you’re getting and what the trade-offs are.

Pros / Value

Low upfront cost: Devices around ~$40-$60 can be affordable.
No long contract required: Prepaid means you pay as you go.
One-stop shopping: Device + activation in one location (store or online).
Good for budget or backup phone uses.

Cons / Things to watch

Locked devices: You may be locked to one carrier or network. That restricts flexibility.
Lower performance: Budget phones mean less powerful chips, smaller storage, weaker cameras.
Hidden service cost: A low device cost may come with higher monthly service, or required plan to activate discount.
Might not be the latest specs: For instance, older chipsets, fewer updates.
Availability varies by store & region.

Example of community caution: On Reddit someone said:

“Two phones with two years of service for $31 … Given the price, what do you think the phones are even worth.”
This shows sometimes the bargain is good, but you might get limited value / locked phone.

Thus the “cell phones and prices” you see at Dollar General may look cheap, but you should evaluate what you sacrifice (flexibility, performance, carrier choice).

How to shop smart at Dollar General for cell phones

If you’re in the market for a budget phone at Dollar General, here’s a checklist to use.

Step 1: Define your needs

Ask yourself:

Do I just need talk/text or full smartphone apps?
Do I care about camera quality / storage / updates?
Do I want freedom to choose any carrier?
What’s my budget upfront and monthly?

Step 2: Compare device specs

When you look at the “cell phones and prices” list at Dollar General:

Look at storage (16 GB, 32 GB etc) — example: BLU View 4 is 32 GB.
See if it’s locked to a carrier.
See if it comes with service bundle or you pay separately monthly.
Read camera / battery / display specs to ensure it matches your usage.

Step 3: Check total cost of ownership

Device price + activation fee + required plan = real cost.
Prepaid plans: for instance, Tracfone’s unlimited talk/text/unlimited carryover data plan starts at ~$20/month.
If a device is locked to a carrier with higher monthly cost, it might not be the best long-term value.

Step 4: Consider carrier network and unlocking

If locked, you’re tied to one network — check coverage in your area (for you in Nigeria, if you were buying abroad or importing, check that network bands work).
After a locked phone, unlocking may be possible but often takes time or cost.

Step 5: Check store vs online & stock

Device availability may vary by Dollar General store location or online. Example: “Quantities and selection may vary by location.” (for Motorola Go listing)
Online listings may show “Not sold at store. Add to cart.” So you may need to order online.

Specific Models and Price Highlights

Here are some specific models available and their price/feature details to give you real-world insight into the “cell phones and prices” at Dollar General.

Model: AT&T Motorola Go

Price: $49.00.
Features: 6.5″ HD+ display, 13MP+2MP rear camera, 5MP selfie camera, fingerprint reader, long-lasting 4000 mAh battery.
Notes: Prepaid smartphone locked to AT&T (likely). Good budget smartphone.

Model: BLU View 4 (Total by Verizon)

Features: 32 GB internal storage, 3 GB RAM, Helio A22 processor, 13MP + 8MP cameras, 4000mAh battery, locked to Total/Verizon.
Price: (Exact price not in summary) but likely in the budget range given context.

Model: Tracfone Moto e6 (16 GB)

Features: 5.5″ HD+ display, 13MP main camera, 5MP front camera, 16 GB memory.
Service: A no-contract plan from Tracfone starting at ~$20/month.

Model: Tracfone BLU View 5 (64 GB)

Features: 6.56″ HD+ curved display, 13MP dual HD main camera + 8MP selfie, 64 GB storage, 4000mAh battery.
Special: Pre-loaded with 1-year service (1500 minutes + 1500 texts + 1.5 GB high-speed data) bundled.
Price: Not specified in snippet but you get device + service value.

These highlight the range of “cell phones and prices” — from ~$49 device only to bundle deals with service.

What to consider if you are outside the US (e.g., Nigeria)

Since you are in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, if you’re considering purchasing or importing from the US (or comparing similar setups locally), a few extra considerations apply.

Compatibility and network support

US-carrier locked phones may not support network bands used in Nigeria (2G/3G/4G/5G).
Unlocking and network compatibility can be issues.
Service plans from US carriers may not work outside the US.

Cost conversion & import taxes

Even if device price is low in US dollars, importation to Nigeria may add shipping, customs duties, value-added tax, etc.
Local equivalent devices might offer better value when you factor in all costs.

Warranty/service

If device is bought in the US, warranty may not apply in Nigeria. Repairs and service parts may be harder to locate.
Local serviceability matters.

Local alternatives

Consider local Nigerian retailers or online marketplaces for unlocked smartphones meant for your region. They may offer better compatibility and service.
Use the Dollar General benchmarks (e.g., $49 device) as a reference for what low-cost could mean, and compare with Nigerian pricing.

Final thoughts: Are these deals worth it?

When focusing on “dollar general cell phones and prices”, the bottom line is: yes, they can be a good deal if you understand the trade-offs and your usage needs.

Good reasons to buy

If you need an affordable device for basics (calls/texts + some smartphone use) and you’re on a budget.
No long contract: flexibility for those who don’t want monthly obligations.
Entry device for someone who’s just starting with a smartphone or needs a backup/secondary phone.

Reasons to be cautious

If you require high performance (gaming, high-res camera, latest features) you’ll pay more or be disappointed by specs.
If you want to switch carriers freely locked phones may limit you.
If you’re in a region where the network compatibility is uncertain (such as outside the US).
If you don’t want to deal with potential costs of activating service or higher monthly plans.

In short, for basic needs and budget-minded buyers, Dollar General’s cell phones and low prices are a viable option. For Power users or international buyers, you may want to compare with unlocked phones or local options.

What’s new

There are more recent models listed at Dollar General than before for example, the Moto G 5G 2025 (64 GB) appears in their device line-up now.
Some of the prepaid phone listings emphasize newer plan details: e.g., the BLU View 5 from Tracfone now comes pre-loaded with one year of service (1500 minutes, 1500 texts, 1.5 GB data) when purchased at Dollar General.
The “Plans & SIM Cards” section has been updated recently, reinforcing that they carry multiple prepaid carriers (Tracfone, Verizon, etc) with no long-term contract.

What remains mostly the same

The device selection still skews budget / entry level, and locked to specific carriers. For example: the BLU View 4 is “Locked for use with Total by Verizon” in its listing.
Device prices (for the examples I found) remain in the budget range; for instance, the Motorola Go prepaid smartphone is listed at $49 at Dollar General.
The “no contract / prepaid” model remains central they emphasise affordability by offering phones + prepaid service rather than premium unlocked devices.

Considerations

Inventory and availability: Even though listings update, specific models may vary by store or region (“Quantities and selection may vary by location”). Example: the Motorola Go listing includes that note.
“New” is relative: The updates seem more incremental (new model listings, services bundled) rather than a major overhaul of the business model or arrival of high-end devices at dramatically lower prices.
Pricing transparency: While device prices are listed, you’ll still want to check the full cost including service/plan obligations, carrier lock status, and whether the device supports your region’s network (especially important if you’re outside the U.S.).
Locked devices & carriers: As before, many phones are locked and the “cheap upfront price” may imply you’re tied in with a specific carrier or plan.
International buyers caution: Since you are in Nigeria, if you were thinking of importing or buying from the U.S., you’ll still face the same questions: network compatibility, unlocking, warranty, shipping/customs.

Conclusion

When it comes to dollar general cell phones and prices, you’ll find affordable prepaid smartphones and feature phones, typically ranging around US$40-$60 for the device in US listings, sometimes bundled with service. These devices often carry trade-offs: locked carriers, modest specs, limited flexibility. For those needing a budget phone, they serve; for those needing more, you may need to look elsewhere or invest more. Always check specs, carrier compatibility, total cost (device + plan), and location specifics (especially if buying from outside the US).

Also Read: Retail Cell Phone Prices: What You Need to Know in 2025

FAQs

Q1: Are the phones at Dollar General unlocked so I can use any carrier?
A1: Usually no — many of the phones are locked to a specific carrier or prepaid network (e.g., Total by Verizon, Tracfone). For example, the BLU View 4 listing states “Locked for use with Total by Verizon”. If you need an unlocked phone, you’ll need to check the listing carefully or buy an explicitly unlocked device.

Q2: How much does the monthly service cost for the prepaid plans at Dollar General?
A2: The cost varies by plan and carrier. For example, the Moto e6 (16 GB) is offered with a no-contract plan from Tracfone starting at $20/month. Always check the ongoing service cost separate from the device price.

Q3: Is it a good idea to import a phone from Dollar General into Nigeria or outside the US?
A3: It can work, but there are extra risk factors: the device may be locked to a US carrier, network bands may not be compatible with Nigerian networks, warranty/service may not work locally, and import duties/shipping may add cost. For many buyers in Nigeria, it may be better to compare local unlocked phone options alongside the US device-price benchmark.