Google Fi started off in 2015 under the name ‘Project Fi’. It is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) which allows the users access to data, voice and text messaging services. It operates over the networks of US Mobile, Sprint and T-Mobile.
One of the most unique features of Google Fi is that it credits you back for the data that you have not used. For instance, if you purchase a 5GB data plan and have used only 3GB, the remaining 2GB will be credited back to you. Furthermore, Fi also offers RCS support – which means that you can send image and video files over text message. This also gives you access to features such as read receipts and typing indicators on text messaging!
In the past, Fi was limited to the Nexus and the Pixel smartphones. However, over time, the support has rolled out for a much larger number of devices. Here, we take a closer look at Google Fi: the price and availability details, as well as the phones that support it.
How to Get Google Fi?
The simplest way to get access to Fi is to sign up on the official website. Another easy option for this is to walk into your nearest Best Buy store from where you can purchase a SIM card.
The only difference between the two ways to buy is that Google’s website offers you a free SIM while Best Buy will charge $10 for the same. Moreover, you can also port your number from your existing SIM to your Google Fi SIM.
Devices That Support Google Fi
Google Fi is supported by a large number of Android phones, as well as some iOS devices. Here are some phones which are ‘Designed for Fi’. These devices offer the best experience on the Fi network because they come equipped with all the appropriate technologies required for switching between the networks.
- LG V35 ThinQ
- LG G7 ThinQ
- Moto G7
- Motorola Moto G6
- Nexus 5X
- Pixel 3
- Pixel 3 XL
- Motorola Moto X4 (Android One)
- Pixel 2
- Pixel 2 XL
- Nexus 6P
- Nexus 6
- Pixel
- Pixel XL
A number of other smartphones and tablets also support Google Fi. However, they do not have built-in network switching technology. This means that the users would be stuck with a single network (T-Mobile).
In addition to smartphones, certain tablets also support Google Fi. Here’s a list of compatible tablets:
- Any Android tablet running version 7.0 or higher with LTE bands 2 and 4
- Any iPad running iOS 10 or higher with LTE bands 2 and 4
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 or newer
- Nexus 9 LTE
- Sony Xperia Z4
Google Fi Price Plans
Let us now take a look at the pricing plans that Google Fi has to offer:
The service offers unlimited calling and texting at $20. 1GB of data on Fi costs $10, but the unused data is credited back. Furthermore, unlike other major networks, Google Fi does not charge you additionally for creating a mobile hotspot.
There are a number of price plans available depending on how many people, how much data and the number of lines that are being purchased. A full list of the plans can be seen above.
