I am looking for suggestions for a cheap phone that can do Wi-Fi calling.
I don’t really care about any other features as this will be for a specific project I am working on, so the only relevant feature is Wi-Fi calling.
I checked a list online and it only mentioned higher end smartphones. I was hoping there might be something more affordable as I will need a few of these.
Agree, any low end phones can install WhatsApp, Skype, zoom, discord, facebook or any other apps at accepts calls over the internet.
But are you specifically talking about wifi calling over the network? From memory you need a slightly better phone that accepts wifi calling over the phone carriers network but why do that when you can get an app.
Yes preferably a phone the uses wifi calling over a network. I will need to call toll free Australian phone numbers from overseas so can’t use some of the apps mentioned.
I'm not sure you understand what WiFi calling is based on what your requirements are.
When you have really bad reception but still want to make a call, you can use WiFi calling instead of using 3g data, when it uses 4g it is called VoLTE (voice over LTE).
WiFi calling requires a suitable phone and network plan. You need to already be able to make the call with your phone plan, it is not free just because it is over WiFi.
My Samsung s7 can do WiFi calling, and can be acquired for very cheap.
Edit: if you're overseas and calling toll free Australia number, you also might need to VPN to an Australian IP address for the call to work too.
There's rumors that some providers do not treat VoWIFI calls as roaming, but AFAIR it's only Telstra and Belong that have VoWIFI working overseas and I'm not sure how those calls are charged.
You can use Crazytel for calls to Australian 1800 numbers, account is free and calls to these numbers are free as well.
refurbed iphone
Samsung S8
If you're only calling out from the phone, then a VoIP subscription like Crazytel with the matching app on your phone, should work. That'll let you call Aussie phone numbers.
You can also buy a DID phone number so you can receive calls to the app as well, but only if you need this functionality.
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So $8/month and download the app should let me do what I want if I am reading their website correctly?
You don't even need a monthly fee, if you're only calling out occasionally then the PAYG plan might be enough. The monthly $7.95 virtual mobile number is only if you need people to call you.
No, if you want incoming calls you can setup DID, which is landline number in your state, (0.35-1 AUD/m) and have calls diverted to VoIP app, which is free for you.
For outgoing calls you just pay for what you use, if you only need call 1800 numbers, then they're free.
Not only high end phones, but most of the phones currently available on sale support WiFi calling as well. But, my experience is, the functions are also carrier and network dependent. For example, my Huawei P30 pro works good with Vodafone and Kogan WiFi calling, no problem send/receive SMS with WiFi-calling mode, but have problems receiving call while out calls all ok. If I used Boost SIM on the same phone, send/receive SMS is a disaster because they don't work at all. However, if I put Boost SIM on IPHONE for WiFi-calling, all the problems gone.
Any phone that can load WhatsApp?