What Phones Work with Google Fi?

You’ve heard all the rave reviews of the newest international data plan and are wondering what phones work with Google Fi? As recently as 2018, Google Fi phones were limited and required all kinds of hacks to use the network. However, as of 2019, Google Fi works for almost all phones including Google (Pixel), Apple, Samsung, Huwei, Motorola, LG and several others. For some phones, Google Fi is still in beta, however, most users claim it works just fine.

Google Pixel Phones

For the most seamless experience, you’ll want to use a Google Pixel android phone. The most recent model is a 4 or 4 XL (larger). Pixels are known for having some of the best cell phone cameras in the industry and a seamless android experience. A draw back of the pixel is the battery life, which is not up to industry standard for the price. Transferring your data, apps and info from any Android or iPhone is surprisingly easy and takes about 5 minutes with the cables they send in the box.

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Update November 2018

Google Fi Now Supports iPhone!!!!! According to Google Fi, you’ll have calls, texts, and data on T-Mobile’s network as well as international roaming, however, you won’t be able to make calls or text over WiFi, use visual voicemail, or use data hotspot outside the US. Texting will work with some additional setup, but iMessage works right away. What’s holding you back now? Sign up for the #1 rated international phone carrier that all digital nomads rave about! (Note: If you join Google Fi through this link: Google Fi, we each receive $20 Fi credit.)

Arguably the most unique thing about Google Fi is rather than being a cell service unto itself, it uses Google’s partnership with three larger cell networks – Sprint, U.S. Cellular, and T-Mobile – as well as Wi-Fi hotspots, to provide the user with the most comprehensive experience possible. When you try to make a call using Google Fi, your phone will connect to one of the three aforementioned carriers, settling on whichever carrier’s signal is the strongest in your location at that time.

This is a pretty nifty feature and one not offered by any other cell service, so Google Fi is definitely worthy of your consideration if you don’t want to tie yourself down to any individual carrier for the length of a contract.

If you would like to try Google Fi and want to make sure you get a phone with the ability to support it, we suggest choosing one of the following models. Below are some of the most reliable cell phones for Google Fi users. Note: If you join Google Fi through this link: Google Fi, we each receive $20 Fi credit.

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What Phones Work with Google Fi?

Apple models compatible with Fi

All phones must run iOS 11.0 or higher.

• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8 & 8 Plus
• iPhone 7 & 7 Plus
• iPhone 6S & 6S Plus
• iPhone 6 & 6 Plus
• iPhone 5S
• iPhone SE

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Google Pixel (all models)

The Pixel is Google’s flagship cell phone line and is considered by many to be the only way to truly experience the brand’s Google Fi. Unlike other cell phones capable of running Google Fi, the Pixel comes fitted with an embedded eSIM, so you won’t have to drop extra cash on an external Google Fi SIM. As well as running Google Fi, the Google Pixel can download and run the vast majority of modern apps, which is one of many distinct advantages it holds over its Nexus predecessors. Before I started traveling, I switched from an iPhone to the Pixel to sign up for Google Fi. It took all of 15 minutes, the transition was near seamless and I’ve never looked back. I love the Pixel and Google Fi! Note: If you join Google Fi through this link: Google Fi, we each receive $20 Fi credit.

Pros

• Although it is not totally waterproof, the Google Pixel 2 features a water-resistance rating of IP67
• This phone is generally considered to have one of the finest cameras of any smartphone on the market and is often chosen by photographers over the iPhone
• At the time of this writing, the announcement of the Google Pixel 3 has resulted in a serious price drop in the Pixel 2

Cons

• Following in the footsteps of Apple, Google has decided to eradicate the headphone jack from the majority of its smartphones and so the Pixel 2 requires wireless headphones
• While it demands wireless headphones, the Pixel 2 does not allow for wireless charging
• With the impending release of the Google Pixel 3, the brand is almost certainly going to be paying less attention to the Pixel 2, which will soon render the phone obsolete

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Nexus 6P

Nexus phones are often viewed as obsolete, but it would be remiss of us not to mention the range in this article given the fact the Nexus was the very first phone to run Google Fi. The Nexus 6P was the final phone to be released under the Nexus umbrella and first hit shelves in October of 2015, only to be discontinued the following year. Despite this, the Nexus 6P and similar Nexus phones can still be purchased from secondary sellers online and should be capable of running Google Fi without issue.

Pros

• The Nexus line has the distinction of being the first line of phones to run Google Fi
• Given most Nexus 6P phones available today come pre-owned, you will be able to obtain one relatively cheap
• The last Nexus 6P was released in December 2017, so the phone remains in line with contemporary presentation and operation standards

Cons

• Having been discontinued towards the end of 2016, the Nexus 6P lacks certain features that have become commonplace since its release
• When you purchase a cell phone on the secondary market, the chances of receiving a damaged or faulty product significantly increase
• The Nexus 6P features no memory card slot, so storage on the device is limited

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Moto G6

If saving money is your primary concern in your search for a phone which can comfortably run Google Fi, the Moto G6 is the way to go. While older Google Fi phones can be purchased pre-owned for a couple of hundred dollars, the Moto G6 can be purchased brand new for only a little over $200 (sometimes even slightly less). Google Fi on the Moto G6 is the result of Google’s decision to expand the service and boasts dual rear cameras, a 3000mAh Li-Ion battery, and even splash resistance. Don’t get us wrong, the Moto G6 is very much a budget phone, but it allows for Google Fi to be experienced just as Google intended. The Moto G6 is changing the perception of what a budget phone can be and is eradicating the myth that purchasing one is settling for second best.

Pros

• The obvious allure of the Moto G6 is its low price, which allows the user to fully experience Google Fi for just a little over $200
• Unlike the Nexus 6P, the Moto G6 features a microSD slot for extra storage
• Unlike the Pixel 2, this phone comes equipped with the increasingly rare 3.5mm headphone jack

Cons

• The camera of the Moto G6 is far from impressive, so photographers curious about Google Fi should take their search elsewhere
• One of the most commonly reported issues of the Moto G6 is its battery life, which falls well below average
• Furthering the problems with the camera of the Moto G6 is its complete lack of 4K video recording

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