Google Fi introduces a new subscription program that is focused on the budget buyer

I’ve used Google Fi since it launched and I’m pretty happy with it for the most part. That being said, I normally just pay outright for my phones because I hate being locked into an extra contract for the hardware. It looks like Google Fi has started offering a subscription service for those who want a more affordable and flexible approach. With the launch of this new $15 plan, you’ll get a shiny new Pixel 4a, a device protection plan to guard against drops, cracks and spills, and the ability to upgrade to a new phone after two years.

You also have the option to get the phone and a protection plan without the 2-year upgrade cycle for an additional five bucks and yet another option to get the phone by itself for just under fifteen bucks. It’s clear that since the highlighted all-in-one plan is only a few cents more than the phone only one, Google wants you to pick the “better value”. Google says that going with their new offer will save you $133 over the course of the two years. If you upgrade after that, you’ll just hop over to leasing a new device and keep the old one. If you don’t like the phone, you can just send it back within 15 days. If you wait any later than that, you’ll be paying off the remaining cost of the device at its regular price. Their new Fi landing page for the offer takes after many other Google page redesigns of late in an effort to appeal to the average consumer.

You should be aware that this new “subscription program” doesn’t include any phone service, so you’ll need to pair it with the Fi Flexible or Unlimited plans to start calling your loved ones. I’m still trying to figure out if this is a good deal or not… most people would probably prefer to just pay for the phone in one chunk and then only have their monthly service bill. One and done with no extra contracts. From the perspective of someone who is very much a part of the tech industry, it feels like there are as many ways to hand Google your money now as there are ways to use their services for free – something that’s never been the case. Since they’re only offering the Pixel 4a and the plan only costs $15 per month, I know that they’re trying to provide solutions for budget-friendly buyers, but I’m just saying that each day, our wallets are becoming more Google than when we had Google Wallet.

Check out the Fi Subscription Program