Google Fi vs T-Mobile. Which one should you choose? Well, we have all you need to know! Google Fi formerly known as Project Fi is an online-only carrier and an MVNO which means that it does not own any network tower or spectrum. It uses other networks to provide the services.
T-mobile is your generic mobile carrier with physical stores and charges flat fee for unlimited data.
If you are looking for a new mobile carrier keep on reading.
Google Fi vs T-Mobile:Voice and Text Services
Like all popular mobile carriers, Google and T-Mobile offers unlimited voice and text within the United States. This facility is integrated with all T-Mobile plans and in the base pack of fi.
While T-Mobile offers unlimited free voice and text to Canda and Mexico fi only offers free texts and charge 20 cents per minute for calls made to Canada and Mexico.
Google Fi vs T-Mobile: Data Plans
With increasing connectivity heavy social media use regular updates of apps our data usage is increasing day by so the amount of data being offered is of utmost importance.
Google charges $10 for every 1GB of data and divides that charge with $1 increment. For heavy data user charges are limited at 6 Gb so if you exceed the limit you will we charge only $60 which is for 6 gigabytes.
Keep in mind that if data usage goes above 15GB either your speed would be throttled or you have to $10 per GB and consumer also have to pay for base pack and taxes.
So if a consumer is using 6 gigs he/she would end up paying $ 80 without taxes and fees.
On the other hand, T-Mobile basic plan(T-Mobile One) costs $75 and offers users unlimited data. There are more costly and expansive plans like T-Mobile One Plus.
In essence, if are heavy data user T-mobile is the best bet and if you consume less than 2 gigs a month Google Fi is the best value for money offer.
Service and Network Coverage
As mentioned earlier since Fi, MVNO it’s is using the primary network that T-mobile is using which leads to similar network coverage.
But Google also uses the wireless spectrum of Sprint so if the network coverage is dodgy it will automatically switch to sprint to provide better cell reception without additional cost but this only happens on Fi certified devices.
Fi also automatically latches on free public wifi leading in lesser mobile data consumption which can be quite helpful.
International Services
Google provides free international texting and international data speed changes depending upon on location and network.
T-Mobile basic plan provides free texting but it limits the data speed at 128 KBps and one T-Mobile One Plus plan speed is doubled to 256KBps which is quite slow.
Both Google Fi and T-Mobile charges for international calling costing 0.$20 on average.
DEVICES
To use Google Fi to its full potential one must have a Fi certified device the list of which is quite short
- All Pixel devices
- Moto G6
- Moto X4
- LG g7 ThinQ
- LG v35 ThinQ
- Nexus 6,6p and 5x
If your device is not Fi certified you are essentially using T-Mobile through Google.
Since T- mobile is a GSM network you can use any phone from anywhere other than international devices.
Google Fi vs T-Mobile: Billing
T-Mobile provides many ways to pay your bill. Users can set up auto pay(if you use autopay wireless bill is reduced by $50), use online portal and stores.
On the other hand, Google Fi provides only one option and that is autopay.
Google Fi vs T-Mobile: Verdict
T-Mobile would be a better option for those who consume a lot of data or opt for family plans.
Users who have limited mobile data consumption and no other device on the family plan should opt for Google. It is also a good choice for those who travel a lot due to high data speed.
