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The 10 best Google Fi phones to get

Find the perfect device for your plan.
By

Published onMarch 7, 2023

Google Fi package and SIM edited
Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

Formerly known as Project Fi, Google Fi has been around for around seven years. Before opening up to other Android handsets, it was initially limited to Nexus and Pixel phones. Now there are more devices to choose from. Even Apple’s iPhones support Google Fi, although you usually have to play around with the settings to get things working correctly. Let’s check out our favorite Google Fi and supported phones!

Before we jump into our list of the best Google Fi phones, please note that we’ve divided this post into two sections. The first one lists the handsets you can buy directly from Google Fi, while the second includes unlocked phones compatible with Google Fi. This is to give you the best feel for your options since Google Fi still only sells a limited selection of devices.

More: These are the best Google Fi plans

Editor’s note: We’ll regularly update this list of the best Google Fi phone as new devices make it to the carrier.

The best Google Fi phones

Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro

Google Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

The Google Pixel 6 series came in busting doors with great performance, a renewed premium design, and impressive cameras. The Pixel 7 series follows the same format, offering nearly identical looks, an improved Google Tensor G2 chipset, an overall better experience, and competitive prices.

Of course, Google Fi offers Google’s own high-end smartphones, and they are among the best Google Fi phones you can find. Google Fi sells both the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro. You can usually get them even cheaper if you’re OK with porting your number to Google Fi.

The main complaints in our Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro reviews were that the processor often runs hot, and the charging is a bit slow. Otherwise, both are great phones. They have great build quality, outstanding cameras, gorgeous displays, and the Pixel promise, which consists of timely updates and a clean UI.

Pixel 7 specs:

  • Display: 6.3-inch, Full HD+
  • SoC: Google Tensor G2
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128/256GB
  • Camera: 50 and 12MP
  • Front camera: 10.8MP
  • Battery: 4,355mAh
  • Software: Android 13

Pixel 7 Pro specs:

  • Display: 6.7-inch, QHD+
  • SoC: Google Tensor G2
  • RAM: 8/12GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512GB
  • Camera: 50, 48, and 12MP
  • Front camera: 10.8MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 13

Google Pixel 6a

google pixel 6a back in hand
Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Google’s Pixel A series has long been a staple in the premium budget smartphone market, and the Google Pixel 6a is no exception. Its $449 MSRP offers an enticing package with specs and features that get pretty close to a high-end experience.

The Pixel 6a features a powerful Google Tensor processor, which is actually the same one you’ll find in the high-end Pixel 6 series. This, along with the 6GB of RAM, will ensure an impressive performance considering the price tag. It also comes with a 6.1-inch OLED screen. The battery is pretty good at 4,410mAh.

If you care about the camera system, this one comes with two sensors: 12.2MP and 12MP. This is a bit of a downgrade when compared to the other Pixel 6 devices, but you still get Google’s AI photo improvements, which should result in great images.

Pixel 6a specs:

  • Display: 6.1-inch, Full HD+
  • SoC: Google Tensor
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Camera: 12.2 and 12MP
  • Front camera: 8MP
  • Battery: 4,410mAh
  • Software: Android 12

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 standing
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Galaxy Z Fold 4 (L) vs Galaxy Z Flip 4 (R)

Samsung’s duo of foldable phones is among the best you can currently buy straight from Google Fi. Of course, we’re talking about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4.

Both of these devices offer high-end performance, awesome cameras, gorgeous designs, and unique form factors. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is a regular-sized phone that can fold out and turn into a tablet. This makes the device more functional for multi-taskers and productivity junkies. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a smartphone that folds into a smaller shape, making it more portable and pocketable.

You can’t go wrong with either of these. And while they’re both pretty expensive, Google Fi offers some significant discounts to its users.

Galaxy Z Fold 4 specs:

  • Display: 7.6-inch QXGA+ and 6.2-inch HD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 256/512/1,024GB
  • Cameras: 50, 12 and 10MP
  • Front camera: 10MP, 4MP UDC
  • Battery: 4,400mAh
  • Software: Android 12

Galaxy Z Flip 4 specs:

  • Display: 6.7-inch and 1.9-inch
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512GB
  • Cameras: 12 and 12MP
  • Front camera: 10MP
  • Battery: 3,700mAh
  • Software: Android 12

Samsung Galaxy A53

samsung galaxy a53 standing
Ryan Haines / Android Authority

The Samsung Galaxy A53 offers a great balance between affordability and performance. The device may not come with the best of specs, but it packs enough power to keep most casual users happy.

The Exynos 1280 can handle its own, and you can get up to 8GB of RAM. The screen is surprisingly good for a mid-tier handset, offering a 6.5-inch Full HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. And because the phone isn’t as resource-intensive, the 5,000mAh battery will take you a long way.

Galaxy A53 specs:

  • Display: 6.5-inch, Full HD+
  • SoC: Exynos 1280
  • RAM: 4/6/8GB
  • Storage: 128/256GB
  • Cameras: 64, 12, 5, and 5MP
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 12

Samsung Galaxy S23 series

samsung galaxy s23 series cameras
Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Google Fi offers the Samsung Galaxy S23 series, which are some of the most popular smartphones in 2023. The lineup includes the Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, and Galaxy S23 Ultra. These are all formidable devices with great designs, an IP68 rating, gorgeous displays, remarkable performance, and really good battery life. They’re high-end smartphones through and through, and it will be hard to beat the experience they offer.

All three handsets come with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is actually an improved version made specifically for Galaxy phones. RAM offerings start at 8GB and can go as high as 12GB. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays are capable of 120Hz refresh rates and support HDR10+.

Your camera experience will also be optimal. Samsung is known for making some of the best camera phones every year. This time around, you get a triple-camera setup with the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus. The Galaxy S23 Ultra takes things up a notch with a fourth camera for added versatility. And the main one happens to have a 200MP sensor. In our experience, the cameras are all great; especially the Ultra’s.

Galaxy S23 specs:

  • Display: 6.1-inch, FHD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512GB
  • Cameras: 50, 12, and 10MP
  • Front camera: 12MP
  • Battery: 3,900mAh
  • Software: Android 13

Galaxy S23 Plus specs:

  • Display: 6.6-inch, FHD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 256/512GB
  • Cameras: 50, 12, and 10MP
  • Front camera: 12MP
  • Battery: 4,700mAh
  • Software: Android 13

Galaxy S23 Ultra specs:

  • Display: 6.8-inch, QHD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: 8/12GB
  • Storage: 256/512/1,024GB
  • Cameras: 200, 12, 10, and 10MP
  • Front camera: 12MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 13

The Best Google Fi-compatible phones:

If these Google Fi phones aren’t up your alley, bringing an unlocked device to the carrier is the way to go. Almost every unlocked Android phone should work with the network, provided it runs at least Android 7.0 Nougat, has LTE bands 2 and 4, and supports VoLTE. If you want to bring an iPhone, it needs to have iOS 13 or newer. However, the list below only includes phones that the carrier officially added to its list of compatible phones. Google Fi isn’t always the best about updating its phone list, so you may want to check in with the support team if you don’t see your phone on the list.

You’ll also want to ensure that your phone works with T-Mobile’s 5G network if you’re hoping to tap into the fastest speeds.

Moto Razr 5G

Motorola Razr 5G

The iconic Moto Razr lineup is still alive, and it’s no feature phone anymore. While the Moto Razr 5G looks much like the classic flip phone, this device comes with great modern technology. It’s one of the very few flip phones with a foldable display, automatically making it a modern wonder and the perfect conversation starter.

Specs are not much to write home about, but you get mid-end functionality, which is plenty good in the modern age of smartphones. This device can handle all everyday tasks without a problem, and most users likely won’t see a difference between it and higher-end smartphones.

Razr 5G specs:

  • Display: 6.2-inch and 2.7-inch
  • SoC: Snapdragon 765G
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Camera: 48MP
  • Front camera: 20MP
  • Battery: 2,800mAh
  • Software: Android 10

Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro

Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro lying on autumn leaves
Robert Triggs / Android Authority

You may be wondering what these official Google phones are doing down in the bottom section of this feature. Well, Google Fi isn’t currently selling the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. You can still get them elsewhere and bring them to Google Fi, though. And they’re still among the best phones the industry has to offer.

Both devices come with a clean Google UI, timely updates, a gorgeous design, and an overall great experience. This is because both come with Google’s Tensor chipset, 8-12GB of RAM, gorgeous screens with high refresh rates, and stunning camera systems.

You really can’t go wrong with the Pixel 6 series, but there is a reason why these are getting harder to find. The Pixel 7 devices are here, after all.

Pixel 6 specs:

  • Display: 6.4-inch, Full HD+
  • SoC: Tensor
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128/256GB
  • Cameras: 50 and 12MP
  • Front camera: 8MP
  • Battery: 4,614mAh
  • Software: Android 12

Pixel 6 Pro specs:

  • Display: 6.71-inch, WQHD+
  • SoC: Tensor
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512GB
  • Camera: 50, 48, and 12MP
  • Front camera: 11.1MP
  • Battery: 5,003mAh
  • Software: Android 12

OnePlus 10 Pro

OnePlus 10 Pro rotated left with bell
Eric Zeman / Android Authority

The OnePlus 10 Pro came blasting doors with a very enticing offering. The high-end device comes with a unique, gorgeous design. It’s also built very well and offers stunning performance. We can find almost no shortcomings here.

For starters, the OnePlus 10 Pro offers nothing but high-end internals. It features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and up to 12GB of RAM. Its LTPO2 Fluid AMOLED display is gorgeous, offering a 120Hz refresh rate and a nice QHD+ resolution.

The battery is pretty large at 5,000mAh battery, and you can charge it at up to 80W (65W for the US version). The triple-camera setup is also very impressive, offering three 50MP, 48MP, and 8MP cameras.

The OnePlus 11 is out now, but that phone still isn’t added to Google Fi’s official list of supported phones.

OnePlus 10 Pro specs:

  • Display: 6.7-inch, QHD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • RAM: 8/12GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512GB
  • Cameras: 48, 50, and 2MP
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 12

Apple iPhone 14 series

Apple iPhone 14 vs iPhone 14 Pro Max standing
Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Apple has gone all out with its iPhone lineup once again, releasing four iterations of the iPhone 14 series. There’s something here for everyone; these are great Google Fi iPhone options.

The Mini is gone. The lineup now consists of the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. All are fantastic devices, with great designs, solid build quality, powerful performance, and outstanding cameras. There are some main differences between them, though, especially this time around.

For starters, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus now come with an older processor, the Apple A15 Bionic. The Pro versions get upgraded to the Apple A16 Bionic. This is the first time Apple offers different processors within a single lineup, so it’s definitely something to consider. That said, most people likely won’t notice a difference in performance, unless they are really pushing their devices to the limit.

The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max also get an extra camera, as well as an overall better camera experience. All come with 6GB of RAM, and the Pro versions can get as much as 1TB of internal storage. The regular iPhone 14 handsets top off at 512GB.

iPhone 14 specs:

  • Display: 6.1-inch, 2,532 x 1,170
  • SoC: Apple A15 Bionic
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512GB
  • Cameras: 12 and 12MP
  • Front camera: 12MP
  • Battery: 3,279mAh
  • Software: iOS 16

iPhone 14 Plus specs:

  • Display: 6.7-inch, 2,778 x 1,284
  • SoC: Apple A15 Bionic
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512GB
  • Cameras: 12 and 12MP
  • Front camera: 12MP
  • Battery: 4,323mAh
  • Software: iOS 16

iPhone 14 Pro specs:

  • Display: 6.1-inch, 2,532 x 1,170
  • SoC: Apple A16 Bionic
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512/1,024GB
  • Cameras: 48, 12, and 12MP + ToF
  • Front camera: 12MP + SL 3D
  • Battery: 3,200mAh
  • Software: iOS 16

iPhone 14 Pro Max specs:

  • Display: 6.7-inch, 2,796 x 1,290
  • SoC: Apple A16 Bionic
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512/1,024GB
  • Cameras: 48, 12, and 12MP + ToF
  • Front camera: 12MP + SL 3D
  • Battery: 4,323mAh
  • Software: iOS 16

Apple iPhone SE

iPhone SE review header - Google Fi phones
David Imel / Android Authority

We have to give it up to Apple. The folks at Cupertino released a $399.99 phone with a potent processor. The iPhone SE (2020) may look like an old iPhone 8, but it runs the same A13 Bionic chip found on their expensive iPhone 11 series. It also runs on iOS 14 and will likely be updated for several years.

The phone itself is well made, with IP67 water and dust resistance. However, it still has the body of an older iPhone, with big bezels, the Touch ID fingerprint sensor on the bottom, and the older 12MP rear camera sensor. However, the processing power inside still allows for some good pictures, including support for portrait mode. All in all, this mid-range phone has just enough flagship features to make it a great Google Fi iPhone option.

You might also want to keep an eye on the iPhone SE (2022). We haven’t replaced the 2020 version because the phone is still not listed on Google Fi’s page as a supported device, but we’re almost sure it will work.

iPhone SE (2020) specs:

  • Display: 4.7-inch, 1,334 x 750
  • SoC: A13 Bionic
  • RAM: 3GB
  • Storage: 64/128/256GB
  • Camera: 12MP
  • Front camera: 7MP
  • Battery: 1,821mAh
  • Software: iOS 14.1

Are you not convinced about Google Fi yet? Google’s MVNO offers exceptional value, but it’s hardly the only option around. There are plenty of plans and companies to choose from. Let’s help you out with a list of the best prepaid plans, as well as a guide to the best general cell phone plans available.

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