It’s that time when new phone models start appearing — just the last few weeks have brought the Apple iPhone 17E, Samsung Galaxy S26 and Google Pixel 10A, for example — so it’s natural to also think about whether your current phone carrier is working for you.. The T-Mobile Essentials Saver plan offers unlimited data usage and includes 50GB of “Premium” data, which is the fastest-capable 5G rate available in your area. After 50GB, speeds are reduced to 3G levels for the remainder of the month. However, that Premium may not always be so premium: T-Mobile notes in the fine print that “Essentials customers may notice speeds lower than other customers and further reduction if using >50GB/month, due to data prioritization.”. Jump to details. Pros. T-Mobile’s 5G network is generally robust. Plan includes 50GB of high-speed data in the US. Phone can be used as a hotspot. Unlimited calls, texts and data in Canada and Mexico. Cons. Data in Canada and Mexico limited to very slow 2G speeds. Hotspot is limited to 3G speeds. No five-year price guarantee. Everyone must be on the same plan. Taxes and fees aren’t included in monthly cost. With the three major carriers in the US, you’re using their infrastructure, and if there aren’t any high-speed towers in your area, you’re out of luck. By contrast, US Mobile calls itself a Super Carrier because, without a network of its own, it rides those three networks. They’re given special names — no doubt to avoid advertising for the competition — and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon and Light Speed is T-Mobile.. Jump to details. Pros. Runs on Verizon’s network for “Warp” service, AT&T’s for its “Dark Star” or T-Mobile’s for “Light Speed”. 10GB high-speed data, then unlimited at slower speed. Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price. 5GB of hotspot data. Cons. Limited times you can switch networks for free. The Multi-Network add-on is available only in the Unlimited Premium plan. Phone data slows to 1Mbps after high-speed data is used up. Cheapest rate requires annual purchase. If you compare the specifics of T-Mobile’s Essentials and Essentials Saver plans, you might think the company forgot to update one or the other — they’re Essential-ly the same. With both, you get 50GB of fast Premium 5G data (depending on the network capabilities in your area), which drops to 3G speeds of still-unlimited data after that allotment is used up. You can use your phone as a mobile hotspot with unlimited data, but only at 3G speeds and restricted to paltry 2G speeds when you’re in Canada or Mexico. In those two countries, calls, text and data are unlimited, while calls made from around 215 other countries are charged at 25 cents a minute.. Jump to details. Pros. T-Mobile’s 5G network is generally robust. Plan includes 50GB of high-speed data in the US. Phone can be used as a hotspot. Unlimited calls, texts and data in Canada and Mexico. Can have up to six lines on an account. Third line fr
