I've Used Mint Mobile For Years -- Here's Why
It has been a while since I've checked in on my experience with Mint Mobile, and since I just paid for another year of service, it’s the perfect time to talk about why I’ve stuck with them for roughly five years and how it works for someone who uses a lot of imported hardware.
The Pricing Breakdown
The most immediate draw of Mint Mobile is the cost. They operate on a model where you pay in bulk for three, six, or twelve months at a time. The longer the term you commit to, the lower your monthly rate becomes. For an unlimited data plan, you can get the price down to $30 a month if you pay for the full year upfront. While a $360 payment (plus taxes and fees) might feel like a big hit at once, when you break it down, it is often half of what major carriers charge for similar service.
Currently, Mint even has introductory rates as low as $15 a month for the first year of unlimited data, which totals just $180 for 12 months of cell service. Even when the introductory period ends, the standard rates remain highly competitive compared to the "Big Three" carriers.
Mint Mobile is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), meaning they don't own their own towers; they rent space on T-Mobile’s network. Because they are now actually owned by T-Mobile, the integration is even tighter. The main trade-off is "deprioritization." If you are in a heavily congested area, a direct T-Mobile customer will get priority data over a Mint user.
However, in my own daily routine, I have noticed virtually no difference in speed or reliability since switching from T-Mobile. If you’re worried about coverage in your area, I highly recommend picking up a "test drive" kit from Target for $2. It gives you a week of service to see if the network holds up to your normal routine before you make a long-term commitment.
Easing the SIM Swap Process
Since I move my SIM card between phones every few weeks, I’ve refined the process to be as fast as possible. Here are my two main tricks for a seamless transition:
SMS Backup and Restore: This app is a lifesaver for keeping your conversations in sync across devices. I back up my messages to Google Drive and then restore them on the new device.
RCS Reactivation: In the past, Google’s RCS (Rich Communication Services) would often hang when moving to a new phone. Now, it usually reactivates within a couple of minutes of inserting the SIM and opening the Google Messages app.
I personally prefer a physical SIM because I can swap it between phones faster than anyone can provision an eSIM, though Mint does support eSIM if that's your preference.
One of the most overlooked features of Mint Mobile is their phone protection powered by Allstate. For $80 a year, you get coverage for cracked screens and liquid damage. This service actually saved me when my first-generation Pixel Fold cracked down the middle. After a frustrating back-and-forth with Google, Allstate stepped in, I paid a small deductible, and they sent me a brand-new device. Having that kind of peace of mind for such a low annual fee is a massive win for anyone using expensive folding phones.
Using Imported Phones
A common question I get is how Mint handles imported phones from brands like Honor or Oppo. Generally, it works flawlessly. The secret is checking the "bands" or frequencies. T-Mobile (and by extension, Mint) relies heavily on certain bands. Most global variants of international phones work fine, though some may lack Band 71, which is used for long-range coverage in rural areas. If you live in a city or a well-populated suburb, you likely won't even notice.
After five years, I have no desire to switch. Mint Mobile provides the coverage I need, the flexibility my hardware habits require, and a price point that makes sense. If you’re looking to cut your bill in half without sacrificing your favorite tech, it is definitely worth a look.
Join Mint Mobile to SAVE MONEY on your cell bill: https://shanecraig.tech/mintmobile (Affiliate Link)