The 7 Best Google Fi Phones
Google Fi has been floating about for several years, seemingly overshadowed by the more well-known networks like Verizon and AT&T. However, when you take a look at Google Fi’s available plans, it’s actually quite a bargain.
Thankfully, transitioning from your old carrier to Google Fi is straightforward given that the carrier is no longer limited to the Pixel and Nexus line. Naturally, a new phone goes perfectly with a new carrier.
Here are the best Google Fi phones available now.
1. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
When you want top-of-the-line, Google Fi-compatible phones, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is among the most premium options available. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip brings so much speed and performance you’ll definitely want to take advantage of it for multitasking and even gaming.
The same can be said of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra’s set of cameras. Each one is more than capable of capturing vibrant colors and sharp images, especially the 108MP sensor that’s well-adapted to capturing detail from low-light settings. What’s particularly great is that the built-in S Pen makes it a cinch to make quick edits to your pictures and videos.
To top it off, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra also features a really good 5000mAh battery, netting you up to 15 hours of battery life. Best of all, its fast-charging feature is very handy when you’re in a pinch considering the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra only needs 15 minutes to charge a third of the battery.
2. Google Pixel 7 Pro
While it’s true that Google Fi compatible phones have expanded, when you just want a high-performance smartphone without the fuss, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is here to flex its chipset, battery, and excellent cameras.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro features the Tensor G2 CPU, a monster of a chipset that keeps the 120Hz OLED screen and OS running smoothly and quite snappy. In fact, it’s also a solid option if you like to casually game as the hardware underneath does a respectable job on modern mobile games.
If there’s anything the Google Pixel 7 Pro does best, it’s the battery life. Despite having a 5000mAh battery, the power consumption is incredibly efficient. Fully charged and ready to go, the Google Pixel 7 Pro can keep on keeping on for an entire day, which is a great feature to have if you commute every day or leave for prolonged periods of time without access to a charger.
3. Moto G Power (2022)
Let’s say you want a well-rounded Google Fi phone, something that’s powerful enough to handle day-to-day activities, but your main concern is battery life. In that case, the Moto G Power will leave you satisfied and not wanting an upgrade for a few years to come.
Underneath the hood of the Moto G Power is the respectable MediaTek Helio G37 chipset fitted with 4GB of RAM. While that’s not the most powerful chipset around, given that the display runs at 720p and a very clean version of Android 11, you’ll gain access to most of your system resources. You’ll have no problem multitasking or enjoying some R&R with a mobile game.
Do you know what else a lower resolution and clean OS helps with? Battery efficiency, and since the Moto G Power is equipped with a sizable 5000mAh battery, it’s possible to get three days of battery life out of it.
4. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Who said folding phones are out of style? Not only is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 just a technical marvel, but it’s also the perfect companion for multitasking fiends while still being equally portable as its non-folding smartphone brethren.
Running the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and a whopping 12GB of RAM, making it a fantastic device for running intensive software, whether it’s gaming or productivity programs. This is especially true given the fact that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 opens up into a tablet.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 doesn’t slouch on the cameras, either; in fact, the 50MP sensor allows for some superb color saturation and contrast. It’s particularly good at preventing images from having that washed-out look.
5. OnePlus 10 Pro
What if you’re looking for a high-performance Google Fi phone with a great camera and excellent media capabilities, whether it’s gaming or the latest TV show? In that case, the One Plus 10 Pro’s excellent chipset, display, and audio profile make it the ideal companion for functionality and entertainment.
When you’ve had a long day and want to game, the OnePlus 10 Pro delivers with its fast and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, along with your choice of 8 or 12GB of RAM. They look particularly great on the OnePlus 10 Pro’s AMOLED display and 120Hz refresh rate.
What goes better with a fantastic resolution and great contrast ratio? Sound quality and the OnePlus 10 Pro is surprisingly balanced. It even keeps its high-quality audio sounding clear and crisp at higher volumes, but what’s especially nice are the two speakers.
6. Google Pixel 6
Upgrading your smartphone to the latest tech every year or two can be a bit much. Not to mention expensive, and for those very reasons, you skipped out on a few generations and are due for an upgrade. Rather than drop hard-earned cash on the top-of-the-line hardware, the Google Pixel 6 is the next best option.
Despite the Google Pixel 6 not being “the best” anymore—that’s the Pixel 7 series—it never stopped being a premium, high-performing machine. Google’s Tensor chipset and 8GB of RAM are perfect for not only running the system’s rather clean OS but modern mobile gaming, too. The display is sizable, in full HD+, and rich with vibrant colors, so it isn’t pushing the hardware to the extreme.
More importantly, the Google Pixel 6 has an outstanding camera, which is to be expected considering it’s only a generation behind. It’s particularly good at capturing natural coloring, along with respectable contrast.
7. Samsung Galaxy A03s
If reading specs causes your eyes to glaze over, and you just want a functional Google Fi phone, the Samsung Galaxy A03s is the path of least resistance. It’s a reliable smartphone with solid storage and the ideal option on a budget.
Running the Samsung Galaxy A03s is the Mediatek Helio P35 chipset and 3GB of RAM. Without some major tweaking, don’t expect to run the latest mobile games. However, if you love streaming, the 6.4-inch FHD+ LCD display has some solid color saturation to at least make the viewing experience comfortable.
What the Samsung Galaxy A03s does better than anything is battery life. Given that this Google Fi phone isn’t pushing the limits of its hardware, the Samsung Galaxy A03s is given plenty of legroom. With a full battery, you can easily run the A03s for a day or two before it needs to be charged.
Q: Can’t I Just Use My Own Phone With Google Fi?
You might be able to!
One of the best aspects of Google Fi is that you no longer have to choose Pixel or Nexus anymore; Google Fi accepts other brands as well, including Apple iPhones. However, there is a catch: your current phone needs to be unlocked.
If you purchased your smartphone through a carrier, then it’s almost certainly locked, meaning you can only use that phone with that specific carrier. You can have your carrier unlock them, but you’ll need to speak with a representative to check if you qualify.
Q: Which Networks Does Google Fi Use?
Unlike other carriers like T-Mobile or US Cellular, Google Fi does not have its own cell towers; in fact, Google Fi phones use T-Mobile and US Cellular’s networks when making calls and whatnot.
In other words: you’ll have nationwide coverage and great global roaming, and all plans include 5G, so you’re also gaining access to the latest network technology.
Q: How Many Plans Does Google Fi Offer?
Google Fi has three available plans, allowing up to six people on a single plan: Simply Unlimited, Unlimited Plus, and Flexible.
As to what the best plan is for you, that depends entirely on your needs. Are you on a tight budget? Do you use data sparingly? Then the Flexible plan is a great choice. Simply Unlimited is essentially the standard plan, which is actually quite good the more people share the plan. However, if you want the most features and travel often, consider the Unlimited plan.
