Project Fi is still a relatively new MVNO, though lately it’s made some notable improvements that benefit not only families, but business customers too.
Even with all these new changes, there are still a few things that turn users away from the service. For starters, data prices can get a little high if you use over a few gigabytes a month, and there are still no affordable phone options to choose from. As of right now, the Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6 are the only five phones compatible with the Fi network, but those are too expensive for many folks out there. Also, the Nexus 5X, which is the most affordable option, is feeling pretty long in the tooth. Wouldn’t it be great if someone launched a new Fi-compatible phone that was a little more affordable?
It looks like that’s happening soon.
According to the official Project Fi Twitter account, a smartphone “at a mid-tier” price will be coming to Project Fi via one of Google’s partners later this year:
We hear you loud and clear. Keep an eye out for a new Fi-compatible device at a mid-tier price from one of our partners later this year. https://t.co/74U3bq16pa
— Project Fi (@projectfi) June 29, 2017
As for who that partner could be, we have no idea
Does this mean we’re getting a mid-tier Pixel device later this year? Probably not, although nothing’s for sure as of right now. It wouldn’t surprise us if this carrier “partner” simply released its own Android phone that was optimized to work with Project Fi. Still, that would see the Fi network branch out to non-Google-branded phones, which is great news.
As for who that partner could be, we have no idea. Google’s worked with LG, HTC, Motorola, Samsung, and Huawei for its Nexus and Pixel devices over the past few years, so it could certainly be any one of them.
In terms of pricing, we’d imagine this new “mid-tier” phone would probably come in at the $300-$450 mark. “Mid-tier” suggests that this won’t be a bottom-of-the-barrel device, yet will still remain a more affordable option than the Pixel, which is currently going for $649.
I’ve wanted to recommend Project Fi to friends multiple times in the past, but seeing as how the only affordable option right now is the Nexus 5X, I usually don’t. Are you happy to see an affordable phone come to Project Fi? If the price is right, do you think you’d end up switching? Let us know.