Cheap Google Fi Phone

I want to get a cheap Goole Fi phone for my kids to use a data only SIM in so they can let me know when they need to be picked up ect… They won’t be able to text or make phone calls but think apps like Skype should let us work around it.

Anyway, would the original Pixel work for this? I know they will not get security updates going foward but hope that will not be a big issue for the way we will use it. They can be found new out of box or refurbished for $69-$100. I think a Moto G6 would work to but worried if all G6 would work fully with Google Fi

Conversation 5 comments

  • jchampeau

    Premium Member
    02 February, 2020 - 6:09 pm

    <p>Why not go the other direction and get them a cheap feature phone that only allows texts and calls? To me, that would better serve your purpose. Plus they could call 911 in an emergency which you can't do via Skype or other apps. Any Android-based phone that allows you to run the Skype app will also have a browser which I suspect you may be looking to avoid.</p>

    • Sprtfan

      03 February, 2020 - 12:33 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#517669">In reply to jchampeau:</a></em></blockquote><p>A cheap Tracfone would probably work as well. There are a few apps that it would be nice for them to have also though</p>

  • falaksher1990

    03 February, 2020 - 8:03 am

    <p>The Pixel series' greatest strengths — camera performance and software — are where the 4 XL shines. Along with the primary 12-megapixel lens, there's also a 16-megapixel telephoto one. Images taken with the Pixel 4 XL are wonderful, whether you're shooting during the day, evening, or outside in pitch black for jaw-dropping astrophotography images. The software on offer is fast, clean, and is guaranteed to receive major updates and security patches through October 2022.</p><p><br></p><p>If there's one downside to the Pixel 4 XL, it's battery life. While most folks can likely make it through a full day of use, you won't go any further beyond that. While not as anxiety-inducing as the regular Pixel 4, the 4 XL's battery certainly has room to improve. Rounding out our complaints, we do wish Google offered more storage than the current 128GB max with no way to expand it via a microSD card.</p><p><br></p><p>Tying all of this together is the fact that the Pixel 4 XL works with all of Fi's features. This means automatic network switching, Fi's built-in VPN, and more all work with the phone without a hitch.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="www.nearid.com" target="_blank">Nearid</a></p><p><br></p>

  • Patrick3D

    03 February, 2020 - 9:50 am

    <p>Here is a link to a list of phones compatible with Fi: <a href="https://support.google.com/fi/answer/6224695?hl=en&quot; target="_blank">https://support.google.com/fi/answer/6224695?hl=en</a></p><p><br></p><p>In the list of "Other models…" is Nokia 7.1 which is currently $209 on Amazon.</p>

    • Sprtfan

      03 February, 2020 - 12:36 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#517753">In reply to Patrick3D:</a></em></blockquote><p>I saw the list before but was not sure if all Designed for Fi models would work seamlessly with Fi. I know the ones sold by Google would, but I was looking at buying on the used market. Would a Moto G6 purchased elsewhere fully work with Fi?</p>

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