Tello's plan stands up better compared to Mint since he switched to T-Mobile's network for coverage. If you know what you need, Tello will let you build a custom plan. If you are willing to stay for six months or more, Mint Mobile comes with more for less. You can bring your renewal down to three months with more than one line for maximum savings. Tello and Mint both use unlocked phones that work on the T-Mobile network.

Mint Mobile keeps things simple with unlimited talk and text on all of its plans, and data comes in four sizes that should work for most people. You don't need to pay for what you use because Tello lets you tailor a plan to fit your needs. If you only need basic service, Tello is a great low-cost option. Tello is one of the few carriers that offer a talk and text only plan.

Mint MobileTello
NetworkT-MobileT-Mobile
Minimum term3 months1 month
Maximum term12 months1 month
HotspotIncludedIncluded
Minimum data4GBNone
Maximum dataUnlimited (35GB)Unlimited (25GB)

Mint Mobile vs. Tello: Get enough coverage

Tello has moved to the larger and more compatible T-Mobile network, but was only based on the network of Sprint. This provides better support for unlocked phones. Tello has less phone compatibility than Mint due to its reliance on VoLTE. Many modern phones such as the S22 series should work even if they are completely unlocked.

Mint Mobile uses the T-Mobile network, which has been growing in the past few years, and has coverage that is competitive with the other major networks. You should check your coverage on Mint Mobile to be sure, but there is likely coverage where you live. With over 300 million people covered, Mint Mobile is a great way to try out 5G.

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Mint Mobile has a flat rate for international coverage. In Mexico and Canada, the cost of service is $.06 per megabyte. The rates in other countries are as follows: Texts are $.05 per text, 25 cents per minute, and 20 cents per megabyte.

Tello doesn't offer international roaming support, but the app can be used to make calls.

Mint Mobile vs. Tello: Mint Mobile's plans

Mint Mobile has a smaller number of plans than most other carriers, and has focused its plans on the users with the most storage. There is also an unlimited plan for heavier users, with 35 gigabytes of high-speed data and 5 gigabytes of hotspot data. Mint Mobile has a question about how much service you are willing to buy at a time. You can start with three months at the lowest rate, but you have to pay the same price for renewal.

Mint Mobile review

Source: Android Central / Samuel Contreras (Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

Every plan of Mint Mobile has free calling to Mexico and Canada. You can call over 160 other countries at different rates.

If you check your phone usage, you will most likely fall into one of Mint Mobile's plans. If you want to save money, you can reduce your usage by taking advantage of the internet more and using less. You could upgrade to the next plan at any time if you didn't get enough data on Mint Mobile.

The Mint Family plan is offered by Mint Mobile. One person can pay for all of the Mint Mobile plans from one place if you join up to five lines. The lowest 12-month rate is given to all plans, however, they are renewed at three months. Paying for a year's worth of service for five lines is a pretty big check and this is nice.

4GB10GB15GBUnlimited
3 months (introductory price)$15/mo. ($45)$20/mo. ($60)$25/mo. ($75)$30/mo. ($90)
3 months (renewal)$25/mo. ($75)$35/mo. ($105)$45/mo. ($135)$40/mo. ($120)
6 months (renewal)$20/mo. ($120)$25/mo. ($150)$35/mo. ($210)$35/mo. ($210)
12 months (renewal)$15/mo. ($180)$20/mo. ($240)$25/mo. ($300)$30/mo. ($360)

If you run out of high-speed data, you can add more at a cost of $10 or $20 per gigabyte. Even if you don't, your data isn't cut off completely. It slows down.

Mint Mobile vs. Tello: Tello's choices

You can build your plan with Tello for just $5 per month. You can stick to 500MB for $5, up to 25 for 8GB, or both. If you go over, the data speeds are reduced to 2G. You can go up to the unlimited plan for $39 and reduce the speed to 2G to 25GB.

Tello plans

Source: Tello (Image credit: Tello)

Tello plans

Source: Tello (Image credit: Tello)

You can set up a family plan that will allow you to manage up to four lines with one account. If your family members run out, you will be able to share your data with them. You can get your first six months for 25% off if you switch to Tello.

You get hotspot on every data plan, but it uses your data allowance, so you need to keep an eye on it. You can make free calls to Mexico, Canada, and China, which is great for people who want to keep in touch. Rates will vary by country, so you can call other countries.

Mint Mobile vs. Tello: Which phones will work?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 lying in some plants

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Tello used to use the only network it could find, but it recently switched to the T-Mobile network. Tello requires that these phones support VoLTE, and you should still check to make sure Tello supports it in the Bring Your Own Phone Compatibility Tool on its website. The unlocked AT&T version V60 was compatible with both the unlocked GALAXY S20+ and the unlocked ZOE 8.

If you are ready for a new phone, you can buy one from Tello. New and used devices are what Tello sticks to. Tello has a flip phone if you or someone in your family want that level of simplicity.

Most of the best phones that you can bring to the network are unlocked by Mint Mobile. The S20+, Zenfone 8, and V60 all show compatibility with Mint. Mint sells a wide range of phones, from cheap to high-end. If you're looking to buy a flip phone, Mint Mobile's great phone support isn't the best fit.

One thing to keep in mind about unlocked phones is that they may not be able to access all of T-Mobile's 5G bands. It should work well on the network if you have band n 71 and n41 support.

Mint Mobile vs. Tello: Which carrier is the best fit for you?

Mint Mobile logo on a Zenfone 8

Source: Samuel Contreras / Android Central (Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

Tello is a solid competitor in coverage and its wide range of plans lets you find a good fit for just about anyone. Tello has good options for basic phones. Tello is a good and cheap option if you need up to 25 gigabytes of data.

Mint Mobile has the right plans for most users, with great support for any unlocked device. Mint Mobile makes it easy to switch to another phone, and you can even use the phone you already own. It is easier for families with up to five lines to save with Mint's best rates if Mint Family tips the scale even further.