Latest news with #GoogleFi
Android Authority
4 days ago
- Business
- Android Authority
Google Fi is offering the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 for just $199.99!
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Are you looking to get a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7? The best deals out there come from carriers, and here's one of the hottest ones I have seen. You can get the device for as little as $199.99! There are a few factors to keep in mind, though. We'll go over them below. Get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 for as low as $199.99 from Google Fi ($900 off) This offer is available directly from Google Fi Wireless. The discount comes in two steps. You get a $300 discount at purchase. Then, you can get another $600 discount in the form of 24 monthly credits. Max savings only apply if you sign up for a new Unlimited Premium or Flexible plan. If you're on another plan, the monthly credits are reduced to a total of $400. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 (Google Fi) Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 (Google Fi) Melds Galaxy AI with the new edge-to-edge FlexWindow With a 6.9-inch main display and a 4.1-inch FlexWindow outer display, the Samsung Galaxy Flip 7 focuses on putting AI smarts in your pocket. Measuring just 13.74mm thick when folded, it's the slimmest Z Flip phone yet. Packed with a 50MP camera and a suite of AI tools, Samsung calls the Z Flip 7 a "pocket-sized selfie studio." See price at Google Fi Save $900.00 If you're looking to get a new flip phone, there's no denying the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is all but guaranteed to be among the best this year. It offers a great overall experience, and while expensive, there are ways to score massive savings. In this case, you're essentially getting one of the top foldable phones for a mere $199.99! You're in for a treat here, as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a really nice design. It features an aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back, and even an IP48 rating. C. Scott Brown / Android Authority The Exynos 2500 processor and 12GB of RAM will offer plenty of performance. And like all other pre-order deals available for this phone right now, Google Fi is also offering a free upgrade to 512GB of storage, so you'll have plenty of room for all your apps, photos, and more. The main display measures 6.9 inches and has a 2,520 x 1,080 resolution. It also has a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. If you don't feel like unfolding the phone, the 4.1 external display will do the job for quick tasks, widgets, and other simpler actions. The battery size is pretty standard for foldable flip phones, at 4,300mAh. If you want in on this deal, you might want to act quickly. Google Fi Wireless mentions this promotion will run until July 24th, 2025, at 8:59 PM Pacific. That's in just a few days!
Phone Arena
14-07-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
Google Fi's latest upgrade doesn't involve signal bars, but it might save your phone
Google Fi is Google's own mobile service that runs on T-Mobile's network and it comes with some pretty cool perks. For one, Google Fi doesn't throttle your data during busy times, so your speeds stay steady. Plus, it switches between multiple networks to keep you connected whether you are traveling around the US or abroad. Now, Google is leveling up device protection, too. Following what we saw earlier this year with Pixel Preferred Care, Fi's own protection plan just switched providers – from Assurant to Asurion. Yep, if your device is shipped on or after July 14, 2025, Asurion is your device protection provider. That is the same Asurion that already works with Verizon, AT&T and Samsung, so Google is clearly going with an experienced partner. The plan itself is getting a small but very welcome improvement, too. You now get up to two claims for loss, theft or physical damage in a rolling 12-month period (except in New York). Previously, that was just one. And of course, the plan still covers up to two cases of accidental damage – like screen cracks or spills – plus unlimited coverage for mechanical breakdowns. That applies to phones and smartwatches bought through the Google Fi for pricing, it varies depending on your device. For example, the latest Pixel Watch 3 or the brand new Galaxy Watch 8 will run you $4 per month, while phones are pricier – think $12/month for the Pixel 9 Pro and $14/month for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. There's also a deductible. For example, cracking the screen on your Galaxy Ultra and getting it repaired in-store would cost you about $29. Samsung's Ultra model is typically among the priciest to insure. | Image credit – PhoneArena Other carriers offer similar protection plans, too. T-Mobile , for instance, works with Assurant – Google's former partner – and has its own plan called Protection 360. It covers loss and theft up to five claims a year (which is a lot), unlimited accidental damage, and even includes $0 screen repairs. But it'll cost you more: anywhere from $7 to $25 per month, depending on your device. If you've got something like the Galaxy S25 Ultra , you are looking at the top tier – around $18 to $25 a yeah, Google Fi's updated protection plan actually stacks up pretty well. You are getting solid coverage, a trusted provider in Asurion and pricing that feels fair. Sure, you get fewer loss or theft claims compared to T-Mobile , but two per year is still reasonable – unless you are constantly misplacing your phone, in which case… maybe a strap's not a bad idea. Jokes aside, if you are someone who tends to drop, crack or lose your phone often, having extra coverage – no matter the provider – is just smart. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Android Authority
11-07-2025
- Business
- Android Authority
Is Google Fi a better value than Visible in 2025?
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority For years, I've considered Visible the best value in the US wireless market, thanks to its low pricing and generous data allotments. Even better, its Plus and Plus Pro plans come fairly close to matching Verizon's postpaid speeds. Of course, one of its biggest advantages can also be a downside: it's owned by Verizon. While this is comforting for former Verizon subscribers turned off by constant price increases, not everyone wants to use a brand directly owned by a major network. If you're looking for an independent alternative to Visible and don't mind venturing beyond Verizon's network, I highly recommend considering Google Fi. With the introduction of Visible's Plus Pro plan and Google Fi's new offerings, I've spent the last few months using both carriers (via a dual-SIM configuration) to compare them in 2025. Both have strong pros and cons, but which provides the best value? Let's dive in. Google Fi vs Visible at a glance Price Data priority Smartwatch support Other extras Video quality Visible Basic Price $25 per month Data priority - Unlimited deprioritized data - Unlimited hotspot capped at 5Mbps Smartwatch support Apple Watch and Pixel Watch support for $10 a month Other extras - Unlimited talk/text to - Mexico and Canada - Global Pass for $5/day Video quality 480p (SD) Visible Plus Price $35 per month Data priority - Unlimited premium data - Unlimited hotspot capped at 10Mbps Smartwatch support Apple Watch and Pixel Watch support for $10 a month Other extras - Unlimited talk/text to - Mexico and Canada - 2GB of data per day in Mexico/Canada - Calling to 30+ countries - 12 Global pass days annually Video quality 720p (HD) Visible Plus Pro Price $45 per month Data priority - Unlimited premium data - Unlimited hotspot - (15GB speed cap) Smartwatch support Apple Watch and Pixel Watch support included Other extras - Unlimited talk/text to Mexico and Canada - 2GB of data per day in Mexico/Canada - Calling to 85+ countries (500 minutes a month) - Texting to 200+ countries - 24 Global pass days annually Video quality 4k UHD Fi Unlimited Essentials Price - $35/m for one line - $30/m per line for 2 - $27/m per line for 3 - $23/m per line for 4+ Data priority - 30GB of high priority T-Mobile data - No hotspot access Smartwatch support Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch support included Other extras - VPN by Google Video quality 480p (SD) Fi Unlimited Standard Price - $50/m for one line - $40/m per line for 2 - $30/m per line for 3 - $25/m per line for 4+ Data priority - 50GB of high priority T-Mobile data - 25GB of hotspot access Smartwatch support Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch support included Other extras - Affordable calling rates from US to over 200 destinations - Unlimited data in Canada and Mexico - VPN by Google Video quality 480p (SD) Fi Unlimited Premium Price - $65/m for one line - $55/m per line for 2 - $45/m per line for 3 - $40/m per line for 4+ Data priority - 100GB of high priority T-Mobile data - 50GB of hotspot access Smartwatch support - Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch support included - Limited tablet and laptop support as well! Other extras - Free calling in the US to 50 destinations - Free texting in the US to 200+ countries - 50GB of high-speed data to over 200 countries - Unlimited data in Canada and Mexico - VPN by Google Video quality 480p (SD) Plans and pricing Visible is more affordable for users needing only a few lines. Google Fi offers more benefits, typically costing the same or less for those with four or more lines. Both Google Fi and Visible offer three unlimited plans. Google Fi also has a limited data option, which I only recommend for frequent travelers needing a secondary line. Therefore, we'll focus exclusively on unlimited offerings here. Visible's service ranges from $25 to $45 per month per line, regardless of line count. New customers can currently save an additional $5 per month for one year on any Visible plan using code SAVE5. Google Fi charges between $35 and $65 per line initially, but becomes increasingly cost-effective as you add more lines. With four or more lines, you'll pay $23-$40 per month per line, similar to Visible's pricing. Prioritization, speeds, and network reliability Visible is ideal if you need truly unlimited data, as you can easily exceed 100GB per month without throttling. Google Fi offers higher network priority at a lower price point. Visible Plus and Plus Pro provide unlimited data with mid-range or higher Verizon postpaid priority, whereas Visible Basic experiences noticeable throttling during network congestion. In contrast, Google Fi offers the same priority as mid-range or higher T-Mobile postpaid service, meaning its entry-level plan typically performs better than Visible Basic. The big difference here is that Google Fi isn't truly unlimited. Depending on the plan, you receive 30-100GB of high-speed data, after which speeds reduce significantly to 256kbps, barely sufficient even for email. Of course, Visible and Google Fi Wireless run on two different networks, and so your exact speeds and network performance can vary significantly depending on whether you live in an area with stronger Verizon or T-Mobile coverage. If all things are equal, Google Fi Wireless will likely provide the best experience for entry-level users, but those who use a lot of data will want to consider Visible Plus or Plus Pro instead. In my experience, both performed similarly overall, with slightly higher raw speeds on Visible due to stronger Verizon coverage in my area. On a recent trip to St. Louis, Missouri, both carriers consistently achieved 100Mbps or higher, even during peak hours. Phone selection, payment plans, and insurance Ryan Haines / Android Authority Visible offers a wider range of devices, including iPhones, and discounted pricing on select models. Google Fi doesn't carry iPhones but typically provides better discounts and promotions, including occasional free phones. Visible stocks over 40 phones, spanning flagship to entry-level models from Apple, Google, Samsung, and other brands. Google Fi offers just 16 devices, mainly Google or Samsung products, without any Apple devices, although you can bring your own. Visible offers insurance for all its devices, while Google Fi typically limits insurance options to Pixel phones. Third-party providers like Assurant or Progressive remain viable alternatives for both carriers. Financing terms for devices are comparable. Visible promotions are somewhat limited, though occasionally substantial, such as the Razr 2025 for $149. Google Fi, however, currently offers the Pixel 9a for free and substantial instant savings ($200-$300) on select devices. Customer service experience C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Google Fi provides both online and phone support, although many subscribers feel service quality has declined. Visible offers only online support, which may not be ideal for everyone. You won't find in-store customer service with either option on this list, but if you prefer phone-based communication, you'll want to consider Google Fi, as Visible only offers online contact options. In fact, everything must be done online, from ordering your device to changing plans, and more. Google Fi is also largely online-based, as there are no official retailers that sell Google Fi devices or plans, but you can at least perform certain account functions by talking directly to a customer service rep over the phone. Truth be told, Google Fi used to have excellent customer service in its early years, but anyone who has used it for years will notice that service times are longer and customer interactions are typically a little less smooth than they were a few years ago. Aside from the lack of phone-based support, Visible shouldn't be too different when it comes to customer support. Either provider typically is going to require a bit more DIY research than postpaid or even prepaid carriers like Metro by T-Mobile and Cricket, which offer in-store support. Special features Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Google Fi excels in international and smart device connectivity features. Visible offers impressive streaming quality and solid international benefits, albeit fewer than Google Fi. Visible has always been up-front about its status as a no-frills carrier, though despite this, it actually has a surprising amount of extra benefits. Here's a quick rundown: High-quality streaming (up to 4K UHD). Unlimited talk/text to Mexico and Canada, with additional international options depending on the plan. One or two monthly Global Passes (up to 12 accumulated) for additional travel destinations. Free smartwatch support on top-tier plans ($10 add-on for others). As good as all of this might sound, Google Fi surpasses Visible in most areas. The only major exception is streaming resolution, which Google Fi typically caps at around 480p (though 720p is sometimes possible depending on the service's data speed requirements). Not only does Google Fi offer a few international features for its Unlimited Standard plan, but you'll find that the Unlimited Premium tier gives you 50GB of high-speed data per month for use in almost any country your heart desires visiting. There's also a built-in VPN, free smartwatch support on all plans, and even limited tablet and laptop connectivity offered on its Premium plan. Which carrier is the better value for you? Joe Maring / Android Authority Despite having similar pricing, especially for families, the two carriers offer fairly different experiences, and so determining the better value depends on what you are looking for. Both offer a decent range of international options and connectivity options, but there are major differences when it comes to data allotment, the network used, customer service, and more. Ultimately, I would pick Visible over Google Fi Wireless if any of the following best describes you: Verizon works better in your area than T-Mobile. You are a heavy data user who doesn't want to worry about losing high-speed access if you hit a cap. You are looking to finance an iPhone or use an Apple Watch, as you won't get either of these options with Fi Wireless. If you don't need a family plan, you'll find that Google Fi is significantly more expensive. Visible - Plans starting at $25 a month for a limited time! Visible - Plans starting at $25 a month for a limited time! Aiming to simplify and reduce the costs of mobile connectivity, Visible by Verizon is a simplified carrier that offers limited plans, no hidden fees, and connectivity to the Verizon network. See price at Visible Save $5.00 On the flipside, I recommend Google Fi over Visible for any of the following: You don't need truly unlimited data and are content with a 30-100GB plan. Those who frequently travel internationally will find Google Fi's international features are more flexible, even allowing you to keep service while on multi-month international trips in some cases. If you have a Galaxy Watch, you'll find Google Fi supports it and the Pixel Watch, while Visible only supports the latter. You are interested in free phone promotions and other deals that aren't as common with Visible. If you are looking for tablet or laptop connectivity, Fi Unlimited Premium stands out. Ultimately, Google Fi and Visible are easily two of the best values in the wireless market, but the true victor is such an individualized thing. For my money, I still prefer Visible, but it's a very close race. Looking for even more options? I also recommend checking out Cricket Wireless if you want brick-and-mortar support or US Mobile if you like the idea of a carrier that supports all three major networks and can even let you use two of them at once. Google Fi - Unlimited plans starting at $50 a month Google Fi - Unlimited plans starting at $50 a month Google Fi Wireless offers flexible plans, superior coverage, and seamless device integration for a unique mobile experience. See price at Google Fi
Digital Trends
05-07-2025
- Business
- Digital Trends
Act Fast! Google Pixel 9 phones are going to cost hundreds more soon
The Google Pixel 9 series is just shy of a year old and we still prefer the base Pixel 9 phone over a ton of iPhones and Samsung favorites. It's a new, hot, and trendy phone in its peak era, but tech moves rapidly and we're already learning about the Google Pixel 10 series. That means that initial offers on Pixel 9 series phones are going to disappear soon. Google's Pixel deals now have a countdown, reading '5 days left' as I write this (tap the button below to check for yourself, but it should be around 3 days left when most readers get the article). With these deals you can save $100s on your new phone if you sign up with a Google phone plan. If you know you want to buy a Pixel 9 series phone, but have been procrastinating, this is the time to do so. As a quick reminder, three Pixel 9 phones appear in our best Android phones roundup, but if you need more info to jog your memory about why you wanted a Pixel 9 phone, read on — we'll help you find our reviews, give a quick summary of the phone, explain the offers, and help you find them. Last chance Pixel 9 phone deals If you buy a Pixel 9 via the Google Store and get it with Google Fi (one of the best mobile plans for travel) you can save big if you act now. Here are the offers: Google Pixel 9: $799 Free when you join Google Fi, $449 with select Google Fi plans; Our Google Pixel 9 review points out that the phone is superb in ways that go beyond AI hype. Google Pixel 9a: $499 Free if you join Google Fi, $249 when you upgrade on Google Fi; The Google Pixel 9a shows you can demand more out of a budget phone. When we compared the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e, the Pixel won. Google Pixel 9 Pro : $999 $199 when you join Google Fi, $549 with select Google Fi plans; Our Google Pixel 9 Pro review called it 'the iPhone of Android' and highly praised its hardware and cameras, giving it a 9.5/10. : when you join Google Fi, with select Google Fi plans; Our Google Pixel 9 Pro review called it 'the iPhone of Android' and highly praised its hardware and cameras, giving it a 9.5/10. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: $1,099 $299 when you join Google Fi, $649 with select Google Fi plans; Google's big 6.8-inch phone, our Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review called the display 'outstanding.' Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: $1,799 $999 when you join Google Fi, $1,349 with select Google Fi plans; This is our absolute favorite folding phone, with our Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review referring to it as an 'entertainment powerhouse.' Shop all of these deals or search more Google mobile deals via the button below.
Phone Arena
25-06-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
Survey for T-Mobile alternatives shows MVNOs are the future
Lots of customers aren't happy with some of the decisions that T-Mobile has made in recent months. A survey conducted by Android Authority asked people which alternatives to T-Mobile were at the top of their lists, and it turns out that MVNOs ( Mobile Virtual Network Operator ) are favored by most. Google Fi uses T-Mobile's network. | Image credit — T-Mobile The most voted for alternative choice was Google Fi, an MVNO that primarily uses T-Mobile 's network for its operations. Google's name carries a lot of weight, especially for people who remember when Google Fiber first rolled out. It also helps that Google Fi can be cheaper than T-Mobile , which is a no-brainer when both are using the same network. Visible, another MVNO, came second. It uses Verizon's network, making it a good choice for customers who live in areas with poor T-Mobile coverage. Ookla just crowned T-Mobile as the best network in the U.S., but there are, naturally, areas across the country where Verizon 's network performs Google Fi and Visible, the next choices — in descending order of votes — were the following: Mint Mobile US Mobile Metro Funnily enough, Mint Mobile also uses the T-Mobile network. US Mobile uses that, as well as the networks of AT&T and Verizon . Meanwhile, Metro is literally an MVNO owned by T-Mobile , also running on its network. So, even when you're choosing an alternative to T-Mobile , you're almost guaranteed to be using its network regardless. At least the plans are cheaper, though. While the survey didn't outright provide options for AT&T or Verizon , voters did have the option to choose 'Other' and specify their choice in the comments. However, even the comments were filled with MVNOs like Helium Mobile, Tello, and others. Boost Mobile, which is part standalone carrier and part MVNO, was also a popular choice in the discussions. Mentions of recent Google Fi account suspensions were also made, something to consider if you're looking at giving the network a go. While T-Mobile is still a very popular carrier across the U.S., recent changes to its business model threaten that fame. T-Mobile removed tax-inclusive plans a while back, and then delisted Go5G plans as well, leading to a lot of outcry. This, after customers were walking out of T-Mobile stores due to the T-Life app being forced on them, was a badly-timed move to make. Not to mention the price hikes on price-locked plans some time back, now that was a bad week for T-Mobile 's PR. I understand that businesses change, but this many sudden changes has led to some very angry comments that I dare not summarize here. T-Mobile 's usually-excellent service — hence the aforementioned Ookla award — as well as other perks and niceties like T-Mobile Tuesdays will keep many customers around for now. But I think that the company really needs to tone down on all of the business decisions that it's been making of late. Switch to Total 5G+ Unlimited 3-Month plan or Total 5G Unlimited and get a free iPhone. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
