Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThere is no nationwide winner for everyone. The right choice between T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T depends on signal at your home, workplace, commute, and travel destinations; the features your household actually uses; and the cost of leaving your current carrier. Check address-level coverage first, compare plans using the same number of lines and usage assumptions, then total device balances, lost credits, unlocking, activation fees, and any replacement phone before you move.
The short answer
Choose the carrier that performs reliably at the places you use your phone and offers the needed data, hotspot, travel, and perk features at a verified all-in price. A marketing map or a low advertised line price is not enough to identify the best deal.
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) says its mobile map represents expected service outdoors or in a moving vehicle, not indoor availability. Providers submit modeled coverage, and actual experience can differ. Verizon describes its own map as approximate outdoor coverage and says it is not a guarantee of service. Treat every map as a screening tool, not a promise that a phone will work inside a particular building.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Plan prices and promotions change frequently. The comparison described by Verizon was carrier-authored and used stated assumptions, so it is not a neutral, account-specific quote for all three networks. Before ordering, compare each carrier’s current plan page, Broadband Facts label, taxes, fees, and checkout total with identical assumptions.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Coverage: compare the places that matter
Start with the FCC National Broadband Map
Use the FCC’s National Broadband Map to compare reported mobile availability by provider and technology layer. The FCC’s guide, updated May 15, 2025, explains how to select a provider, inspect a location, and compare reported service. The map is useful for a consistent reference because all three carriers can be viewed through the same interface, but it still depicts expected outdoor or in-vehicle connectivity rather than indoor service.
Check every carrier’s address tool
After the FCC comparison, enter the exact addresses for your home, workplace, school, regular parking locations, and relatives’ homes into each carrier’s coverage map. Zoom in far enough to see whether the address sits near a reported boundary, and check the technology layer that matches the phone you intend to use. Save screenshots or notes with the date because maps and network deployments change.
Test the difficult locations
Coverage that looks strong on a street may fail inside a concrete office, basement apartment, rural house, or large public venue. Ask people who use each network at those exact locations, not merely in the same city. If possible, use a current trial option after checking eligibility and terms. Test calls, text messages, data loading, hotspot performance, and handoffs while moving along your normal commute.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Use the FCC challenge process when reported coverage is wrong
The FCC’s Mobile Speed Test app can document a mismatch between provider-reported coverage and your outdoor or in-vehicle experience. The FCC’s April 8, 2025 instructions require challenge tests outdoors or in a vehicle; indoor tests cannot be submitted as a challenge. This process creates evidence for a reported-coverage dispute, but it does not guarantee improved service or replace testing inside your own building.
Rank #2
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
How to compare plans without being misled
Write down the same household profile for every quote: number of phone lines, expected monthly data, hotspot use, travel destinations, desired subscriptions, and whether you need new devices. Then compare the complete recurring bill rather than the headline rate.
| Comparison point | What to record for T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T | Why it changes the decision |
|---|---|---|
| Number of lines | Use the exact number of phone lines and any tablet, watch, or connected-device lines. | Per-line pricing and discounts can change with account size. |
| Recurring total | Plan charge, autopay condition, taxes, regulatory or recovery fees, and required add-ons. | A displayed rate may not equal the amount withdrawn each month. |
| High-speed data | Premium-data allowance, deprioritization language, and any stated reduction after a threshold. | Two plans advertised as unlimited can behave differently in busy areas. |
| Hotspot | Included high-speed hotspot amount, reduced-speed access after the allowance, and add-on price. | Hotspot users can exhaust a phone plan’s priority data quickly. |
| International use | Included roaming countries, data and text limits, calling rates, and pass prices. | A plan that is cheap at home may be expensive for frequent travel. |
| Perks | Included subscriptions or services, their normal value to your household, and renewal terms. | A perk has no practical value if nobody uses it or it becomes a paid add-on. |
| Promotion rules | Required port-in, new line, trade-in, autopay, financing term, credit duration, and eligibility limits. | The lowest price may apply only for a limited period or to a narrow customer group. |
| One-time charges | Activation or device-connection fees, taxes due at purchase, deposits, and shipping. | These charges affect the first bill and may differ by offer or account. |
Do not treat an advertised price as a neutral market ranking
Verizon’s published comparison describes different plan structures across Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, but it is a Verizon source and reflects its own assumptions. It does not establish a neutral, current all-in price for every household. Obtain a quote using the same line count and feature requirements, and read the Broadband Facts label before deciding.
Separate included service from optional add-ons
Record whether international passes, security tools, cloud storage, entertainment subscriptions, or extra hotspot data are included in the base plan. If a carrier requires an add-on to obtain a feature you need, include that charge in the recurring total. Value a bundled service only when you would otherwise pay for it and can use it throughout the period covered by the offer.
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What switching can cost
Remaining device payments
Ask your current carrier for the exact payoff amount on every financed phone, tablet, and watch. Verizon’s published comparison specifically says a remaining Verizon device-payment balance becomes due when a customer cancels. That is a Verizon statement, not a rule that should be applied automatically to every carrier or plan.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Lost promotional bill credits
Installment promotions often reduce a device bill over time. Request a list of credits that have posted, the credits still scheduled, and the event that ends them. Leaving early can make the unpaid balance immediately visible even when the original promotion was advertised as a free or discounted phone.
Unlock eligibility
Confirm that each financed device is eligible to be unlocked under your current carrier’s policy. A phone can be fully paid but still locked, or unlocked yet incompatible with the destination network. Save the unlock confirmation and any account or IMEI record before starting the port.
Network compatibility
The FCC says an unlocked phone may be usable with another provider, subject to compatibility. T-Mobile’s bring-your-own-device guidance directs customers to check the IMEI, compatibility, and unlocking status. Run the destination carrier’s compatibility check for the exact model and confirm that required bands, eSIM, VoLTE, and 5G capabilities are supported. Do not assume that a phone marketed as “5G” works identically on every network.
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Check the new carrier’s checkout disclosures for activation or device-connection fees, sales tax, deposits, shipping, and any required first-month payment. Carrier-published fee claims can change with the offer and account, so use the amount shown for your order rather than an old article or forum post.
Rank #4
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Number-porting risk
The FCC states: “If you switch service providers and remain in the same geographic area, you can keep your existing phone number.” Request the port through the new carrier and keep the old account active until the transfer is confirmed. Have the old account number, transfer PIN or port-out code, billing ZIP code, and account-holder information ready. A mismatch can delay the transfer or leave a line active and billable.
A step-by-step switching procedure
- Inventory the account. List every line, phone model, IMEI, installment balance, remaining bill credits, insurance plan, watch or tablet connection, and any service that will be cancelled with the account.
- Record the real usage profile. Note average monthly cellular data, peak hotspot use, international destinations, number of lines, and subscriptions the household genuinely uses.
- Check coverage at fixed locations. Compare the FCC map, each carrier’s address map, and firsthand or trial results for home, work, commute, and frequent travel sites.
- Build like-for-like quotes. Use the same line count and device assumptions on all three carrier sites. Include autopay requirements, taxes, fees, add-ons, and the full promotion conditions.
- Calculate the exit amount. Add device payoffs, lost credits, current-account final charges, new activation and tax charges, and the cost of a replacement phone only if an existing device cannot be unlocked or used.
- Verify device readiness. Obtain unlock confirmation, run the destination IMEI check, and decide whether each device will use a physical SIM or eSIM.
- Order the destination service. Select the plan and promotion only after reading its eligibility rules. Keep copies of the Broadband Facts label, checkout total, promotion terms, and expected credit schedule.
- Submit the number port. Give the new provider accurate account information and the transfer PIN. Do not cancel the old line first; cancellation can interrupt the port or make number recovery difficult.
- Test before closing the old account. Make an inbound and outbound call, send and receive texts, test data indoors and outdoors, verify voicemail, and check hotspot and international features if relevant.
- Close and reconcile. Once every number works, cancel remaining old lines, request a final bill, and verify that device credits, insurance, and add-ons were handled as expected.
How to decide among the three carriers
Choose T-Mobile when its local evidence and features fit
T-Mobile should be considered when its address-level results and real-world tests meet your needs and its quoted plan provides the right hotspot, data-priority, travel, and perk combination. Its BYOD guidance is useful for checking an existing phone’s IMEI and unlock status, but that check does not establish coverage at your locations.
Choose Verizon when its local reliability justifies the total cost
Verizon may fit a household whose tested locations perform reliably on that network and whose required features justify the quoted recurring price. Use Verizon’s own map as an estimate only; Verizon states that its map shows approximate outdoor coverage and is not a guarantee of service. Also account for any Verizon device balance that its comparison says becomes due when cancelling.
Choose AT&T when its verified quote and coverage win your use case
AT&T can be the sensible choice when its address checks, travel destinations, plan terms, and device compatibility produce the strongest overall result for your household. Do not infer a national ranking from a single map, advertising claim, or a price designed for a different number of lines.
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
A practical cost worksheet
Use one row per line and one column per cost category. Your first-year switching cost is:
remaining device balances + lost promotional credits + current-account final charges + new activation, tax, deposit, and shipping charges + replacement-device cost (if needed) − verified new-customer credits.
Compare that one-time amount with the difference between the old and new recurring bills over the period in which every promotion remains active. Recalculate when a credit expires, an autopay discount changes, a line is added, or an installment ends. A plan with a lower monthly headline rate can cost more during the first year if it requires paying off several devices or forfeiting substantial credits.
Common mistakes and fixes
- Relying on a national “best coverage” claim: replace it with address checks and tests at the locations you actually use.
- Assuming a map proves indoor service: test inside the building; FCC mobile coverage is not an indoor guarantee.
- Comparing different line counts: request all quotes with the same number of lines and connected devices.
- Ignoring hotspot and premium-data rules: match the allowance to your peak use and read what happens after it is consumed.
- Counting every perk as savings: include only services your household would otherwise purchase or use.
- Leaving before checking credits: obtain the payoff and credit schedule in writing before submitting a port.
- Assuming unlocked means compatible: run the destination IMEI check and verify eSIM or SIM support.
- Cancelling before porting: keep the old line active until calls and texts work on the new service.
- Using an indoor test for an FCC coverage challenge: the FCC challenge procedure requires outdoor or in-vehicle tests.
Decision checklist
- Have you checked all three maps at home, work, commute, and frequent travel addresses?
- Have you distinguished reported outdoor coverage from indoor performance?
- Are quotes based on the same number of lines, devices, data use, hotspot need, and travel destinations?
- Did you include taxes, regulatory or recovery fees, autopay conditions, add-ons, and one-time charges?
- Did you record every remaining device balance and promotional credit before cancelling?
- Are all phones unlocked or scheduled to be unlocked, and compatible with the destination network?
- Do you have the account number and transfer PIN needed to port each number?
- Will you test calls, texts, data, voicemail, and hotspot before closing the old account?
Because local performance and carrier offers change, make the final decision from dated address checks and a checkout quote for your own account—not from a permanent nationwide ranking.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
