Some of the top carriers in the US are Google Fi and Mint Mobile. To supply their services, these carriers must, however, rely on the network towers of other service providers. They function as Mobile Virtual Network Operators as a result. These carriers differ from one another, nonetheless, in several ways. First off, Project Fi was the previous name for Google Fi. Being an MVNO, it depends on T-Mobile and US Cellular towers to provide its services.
However, Mint Mobile is an MVNO that uses T-Mobile network towers and provides prepaid wireless services. This carrier, in contrast to others, includes WiFi messaging and calling, international calling and roaming, and other services. This post will give you all the information you need to understand the primary distinctions between Google Fi and Mint Mobile.
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Google Fi Vs Mint Mobile: What is the main Difference
As previously said, the carriers listed above are among the top service providers in the US. Nonetheless, they differ in several ways. To help you better understand these elements, we will examine them in more detail in the sections that follow:
Coverage Comparison
As previously said, the carriers listed above are among the top service providers in the US. Nonetheless, they differ in several ways. To help you better understand these elements, we will examine them in more detail in the sections that follow:
However, because Google Fi also depends on US cellular network towers, it tends to have an advantage. The US Cellular Network is less widely distributed in the US than T-Mobile.
Fortunately, in eastern and midwestern areas, it is strong. Thus, you will likely experience either the T-Mobile network or the US Cellular network at some point if you purchase a model from Google Fi. If you live in an area with a subpar T-Mobile network, you will probably be able to use the US Cellular network and still stay in touch with your loved ones. Because of this factor, Google Fi is superior to Mint Mobile.
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Cell Phone Plans Comparison
Mint Mobile is a good option if you’re searching for a reasonably priced cell phone service. This is because its Unlimited plan costs just $30 a month for three months. Among other excellent benefits, you will be able to take advantage of 5GB of mobile data, 35GB of high-speed data, and unlimited messages and calls if you select this plan.
However, to use Google Fi’s Simply Unlimited plan, you must pay $50 a month. Among other benefits, this plan gives you access to 5GB and 35GB of mobile data, as well as unlimited talk and calls. Therefore, Mint Mobile is the most excellent option for you if you’re searching for a reasonably priced cell phone carrier.
Availability of High-Speed Data Comparison
It’s no news that unlimited data plans are available with both Google Fi and Mint Mobile. Nevertheless, none of these providers offer limitless premium data as part of their plans. In this instance, you can be sure that your internet speeds will drop significantly if you go over the data cap specified in your plan.
Google Fi is the best option for limitless high-speed data because, with its limitless Plus plan, you may get 50GB of mobile data every month. However, with its Unlimited Plan, its rival allows you to use 35GB per month.
Consider selecting Mint Mobile if you have another option for taking advantage of a strong internet connection. This is because you won’t have to utilise more data than the allotted 35GB. But if your activities require a lot of data, you should get Google Fi.
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Perks Comparison
You can be sure that you will get the most out of your chosen cell phone plan by selecting a provider with more benefits. Thankfully, both Google Fi and Mint Mobile offer fantastic features that will captivate you. But compared to Google Fi, Mint Mobile typically offers fewer benefits. To put this into perspective, you may take advantage of the following benefits with the majority of Mint Mobile cell phone plans:
- Calling via WiFi
- Unlimited texting and talking to Canada and Mexico
- Basic Hotspot Permission
However, Google Fi gives you access to the following benefits:
- Unlimited hotspot services for texting and talking
- WiFi phone calls and a premium YouTube subscription
- Over 200 international destinations for data
- 100GB of cloud storage with Fi VPN
For people who travel frequently, the benefits provided by Google Fi cell phone plans are superior to those offered by Mint Mobile. You must, however, have a Google Fi Unlimited Plus subscription. Unfortunately, this plan needs you to dig deeper into your pocket.
International Calling Comparison Between Google Fi and Mint Mobile
You may make international calls to Canada, Mexico, and over 160 other countries with Mint Mobile. Thankfully, it enables you to make these calls at a cost-effective rate. Google Fi, on the other hand, enables international calls to over 200 countries worldwide. However, because these calls can be costly, you should budget for them.
International Roaming Comparison Between Google Fi and Mint Mobile
You may purchase international roaming and call credits with Mint Mobile, so you can be sure you’ll enjoy the international roaming feature if you’re visiting places like Mexico or Canada. You may travel with confidence knowing that you will stay in touch with your loved one thanks to UpRoam. This is because it includes texting, calling, and mobile data when you are travelling outside of the United States.
However, when it comes to international roaming services, Google Fi has more features. Calls, data, and messages that are usable in the United States as well as other nations like Mexico and Canada are included in all of these plans. In addition, the carrier provides the Unlimited Plus and Flexible plans, which let you use foreign data in over 200 locations across the globe. Because you are not in the United States, you will not continue to exchange SIM cards if you are a Google Fi client.
Availability of family plans: Comparison between Google Fi and Mint Mobile.
You can select from a variety of family plan alternatives offered by these two providers. In addition, the family plans let you take advantage of some savings once you buy multiple lines. First of all, Mint Mobile gives you access to the Modern Family Plan, which enables you to personalise your plan and take advantage of multi-line discounts.
Therefore, regardless of the length of your plan, you will be able to take advantage of significant discounts if you decide to buy two to five lines. Furthermore, you can mix and match the kinds of lines you desire in your plan. For example, you are free to combine those lines and take advantage of significant savings if you want unlimited data, but your children need capped plans.
You may also take advantage of family plans and the much-needed line reductions with Google Fi. Unfortunately, there is no way to customise this carrier’s family plan. Fortunately, people with prominent families can take advantage of further savings.
You can take advantage of these perks with this carrier’s family plans, but you won’t be able to mix and match lines. As a result, every line on the plan must be identical. You can only take advantage of additional savings when you add more lines.
Hotspot Comparison Between Google Fi and Mint Mobile
You can now share your mobile data with others and keep everyone around online with a mobile hotspot. You may easily take advantage of mobile hotspot services with both Google Fi and Mint Mobile. Nonetheless, these two services differ slightly from one another.
For example, you can be certain that you will have access to a mobile hotspot if you select Mint Mobile’s limited options. At that point, though, it will be connected to your data plan. As a result, you are unlikely to have high internet connections if you have multiple devices connected to your mobile hotspot.
Actually, you may only use a dedicated hotspot with a 5GB restriction for a month if you have the Unlimited subscription. For anyone who requires an internet connection in an emergency, this hotspot is perfect. Look for a different provider, though, if all you need is a mobile hotspot so that other devices can always have a good internet connection.
However, if you sign up for Google Fi’s Simply Unlimited plan, you can use 5GB of hotspot data. On the other hand, you will benefit from a mobile data plan of up to 50GB if you select this carrier’s Unlimited Plus plan.
In a technical sense, the Unlimited Plus plan’s mobile data is linked to this hotspot. Google Fi, in contrast to Mint Mobile, offers flexible plans, making it an ideal choice for individuals who occasionally use mobile hotspots. In light of this, you can buy the data you require because, for $10, you can get 1GB of mobile data, which can also be used as mobile hotspot data.
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Customer Service Comparison Between Google Fi and Mint Mobile
When it comes to customer care, make sure that both carriers let you contact their respective customer support departments with your problem. You can only use chatbots, customer support phone numbers, or official websites to resolve any phone-related or service-related issues because these carriers exclusively provide their services online. Even better, if you want to solve your problem from the comfort of your home, you can download the Mint Mobile app and the Google Fi app.
However, individuals who spoke with the Mint Mobile customer support team were able to resolve their issues more successfully. However, opinions about the services provided were divided among individuals who had spoken with Google Fi’s customer support representatives about their problems. Fortunately, Google Fi offers a comprehensive frequently asked questions area that provides answers to almost every question you might have regarding this carrier’s offerings.
Phone Compatibility Comparison Between Google Fi and Mint Mobile
You are permitted to use your own phone to connect to each carrier’s network. Your device must, however, be compatible with each airline and unlocked. For example, you must make sure your phone is compatible and unlocked before you bring it to Mint Mobile. Google Fi is no different. Despite allowing you to get both Android and iPhone smartphones, Mint Mobile has problems with iPhone devices.
Make sure that Google Fi’s iPhone compatibility is still in the beta stage. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, you must take a few extra setup procedures. Only Android customers can conveniently bring their devices to this carrier and begin using them in this situation. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Google Pixel 5a with 5G, Google Pixel 6, Samsung A53 5G, and Samsung Galaxy A13 5G are a few of the models that you may bring to Google Fi.
Google Fi vs Mint Mobile: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Google Fi | Mint Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Network Coverage | Uses T-Mobile, plus U.S. Cellular in some areas for better rural coverage | Runs mainly on T-Mobile’s nationwide network |
| Plan Flexibility | Flexible plans (pay only for the data you use) and unlimited options | Prepaid plans in 3, 6, or 12-month bundles with set data |
| International Use | Excellent for travelers – works in 200+ countries with free texting and data at local rates | Limited – works internationally but charges higher roaming fees |
| Hotspot Use | Hotspot included at no extra cost | Hotspot included, but only within your data allowance |
| Family Plans | Yes, with discounts per line | Yes, but you must prepay for each line |
| Pricing | Starts around $20 base + $10 per GB (Flexible), Unlimited plans from $50+ | Very budget-friendly – plans start at $15/month (if you prepay for a year) |
| Extra Perks | Works seamlessly with Google services, built-in VPN for security | Free trial available, Ryan Reynolds’ fun branding, great for budget users |
| Best For | Frequent travelers, people who need reliable international service, tech-savvy users | Budget-conscious users, those who don’t mind prepaying, light to moderate data users |
FAQs: Google Fi vs Mint Mobile
Q1. What is the main difference between Google Fi and Mint Mobile?
Google Fi offers flexible plans with international roaming, automatic network switching, and strong coverage, while Mint Mobile provides budget-friendly prepaid plans with bulk discounts when you buy service for 3, 6, or 12 months upfront.
Q2. Which is cheaper, Google Fi or Mint Mobile?
Mint Mobile is usually more affordable, with plans starting at just $15/month. Google Fi tends to be pricier, starting at $20/month plus $10 per GB of data, but it includes unique features like global coverage.
Q3. Does Google Fi have better coverage than Mint Mobile?
Google Fi uses T-Mobile, US Cellular, and sometimes AT&T towers for better coverage in certain areas, along with automatic network switching. Mint Mobile relies solely on T-Mobile’s network, which may be slightly limited in rural regions compared to Fi’s multi-network support.
Q4. Which carrier is better for international travel?
Google Fi is the better choice for travelers because it offers international roaming in over 200 countries at no extra cost for data. Mint Mobile, on the other hand, charges extra for international roaming.
Q5. Can I bring my own phone to Google Fi or Mint Mobile?
Yes. Both carriers allow you to bring your own unlocked phone. However, Google Fi works best with Pixel and select Android/iOS devices that support network switching, while Mint Mobile works smoothly with most unlocked GSM phones.
Q6. Do Google Fi and Mint Mobile offer family plans?
Yes. Google Fi offers group plans with discounted rates per line. Mint Mobile also allows you to set up a “Mint Family” plan, where each line can have its own data amount at discounted rates.
Q7. Which is better for heavy data users, Google Fi or Mint Mobile?
Mint Mobile may be better for heavy data users since it offers unlimited plans at lower prices. Google Fi’s flexible plans can get expensive if you use a lot of data, but its unlimited plan with international perks may still appeal to frequent travelers.
Bottom Line
Google Fi is a good option if you’re searching for a provider that offers high-speed data plans along with other benefits. Additionally, T-Mobile and US Cellular have improved the carrier’s network with their towers. But each of these advantages has a price that must be paid. However, Mint Mobile is a good option if you’re looking for a low-cost carrier that provides nearly identical capabilities to Google Fi. You will have greater convenience if you choose any of these carriers, depending on your needs and financial situation.
