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Visible is one of the few MVNOs that offer unlimited high-speed data on both 4G LTE & 5G networks. It also has a 15-day free trial for new customers who would like to join. But to qualify for the test drive, you must have one of the phones compatible with Visible service.
Sure, many of the phones in the market now are LTE and 5G brands without the old CDMA / GSM restrictions. But different manufacturers usually equip their devices with specific (not all) network technology.
So, what you have can work fully, partially, or not at all with the intended cellular provider- in this case, Visible.
6 Crucial Things to Know Before you Bring a Phone to Visible
Visible, like many other paid phone carriers, have the BYOP (bring your own phone) program. And for that, it’s easy to join, replace, or upgrade with your favorite device brand.
But before you can bring your phone to Visible, here are a few facts you should know beforehand:
- Visible as an MVNO
Visible is a brand and mobile virtual network operator (or MVNO) of Verizon. So, the phone you bring must support at least one of the primary LTE & 5G bands of the major carrier.
On the list of the phones compatible with Xfinity Mobile, we concluded that Band 13 is the primary LTE frequency of Verizon. Then again, the Band 66 will be the best option if you’d like to enjoy faster 4G data speeds.
As for the 5G network, Visible has capped the data speed at 200Mbps. So, a phone with either the ultra-wideband bands (N261, N260, & N77) or low-band spectrum (N2, N5, & N66) should be okay.
- Support eSIM on Limited Brands
Visible has been supporting eSIM activation on Apple devices for a while. And until now, it’s the only brand you can use to get free cellphone service without paying anything.
As for those wondering what Android phones are compatible with Visible eSIM, the carrier has just expanded the support. But only to Google Pixel 4a or later, plus Samsung Galaxy S21-Series, S22-Series, Note20-Series, and ZFold3 5G.
- Supports Apple Wearables
YES, indeed, Visible has the Apple watch service as an add-on at $5/ month. It’s a nice feature as you get to make calls, texts, and more even when you don’t have your phone with you.
But, Sadly, you must have an Active iPhone on Visible before you can activate your Apple smartwatch.
- Supports WiFi Calling
Visible also supports WiFi calling when outside the coverage map, either domestically or abroad. So, you might want to bring a phone that supports the feature to serve as a backup.
- Gets Deprioritized Data
Technically, Visible service is more or less like how Verizon prepaid works. The users usually get deprioritized data, whereby the browsing speeds are lower than other traffic when the towers are too busy.
So, you might want to bring a 5G phone to ensure you’ve got a usable service all the time.
- Have Unlimited Data & Hotspot
As was mentioned earlier, Visible usually hands out unlimited data with no cap to all the subscribers. And in the Red Pocket vs Visible data performance, we saw the mobile hotspot is also unlimited.
So, bring a decent device (5G-capable if possible) for a smooth online activity- browsing, gaming, streaming, or social media.
What Types of Phones are Compatible with Visible?
Similar to Xfinity Mobile, Visible is compatible with four types of phones, including:
- Visible-branded phones: purchased directly from Visible or authorized partners
- Factory-unlocked Phones: Purchased from the Big Box stores like Amazon, Walmart, BestBuy, or directly from the manufacturer.
- Carrier-Unlocked Phones: these are the phones that were purchased and previously locked to another carrier compatible with Visible.
- Verizon-branded Phones: Indeed, you can use your Visible line on that Verizon iPhone even before you unlock it. But, of course, this is an improvisation hack and might not work in all scenarios.
Summary Features of the Various Phones Compatible with Visible Service
Despite compatibility with the four types of phones, Visible is pretty picky when it comes to Android phones. Chances for an IMEI of a Chinese brand passing the Online compatibility checker have always been slim.
So, the phones I’d recommend for Visible are models from the brands the company stocks on its online store. Some of them include:
| Phones Compatible with Visible Wireless | Type of Phone | Supported Networks | ROM vs RAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 64GB | Fully Unlocked | 5G & 4G LTE | 64GB, 4GB |
| Samsung Galaxy A13 5G | Factory Unlocked | 5G & 4G LTE | 64GB, 4GB |
| Apple iPhone SE (2020 Release) | Unlocked | 4G LTE | 64GB, 3GB |
| Visible Midnight Android | Visible-Branded | 4G LTE | 32GB, 3GB |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Visible-Branded | 5G & 4G LTE | 128GB, 6GB |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G-Enabled | Factory-Unlocked | 5G & 4G LTE | 128GB, 6GB |
| Apple iPhone 13 Mini A15 Bionic | Verizon-Branded | 5G & 4G LTE | 128GB, 4GB |
| Samsung Galaxy S10e 128GB Android | Unlocked | 4G LTE | 128GB, 6GB |
| Apple iPhone SE (2022 Edition) | Visible-Branded | 5G & 4G LTE | 64GB, 4GB |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Snapdragon | Fully Unlocked | 4G LTE | 256GB, 8GB |
| Motorola Moto G Stylus (2021) 5G-Enable | Unlocked | 5G & 4G LTE | 256GB, 6GB |
| Google Pixel 4a with 5G-Enabled | Unlocked | 5G & 4G LTE | 128GB, 6GB |
| Apple iPhone XS A12 Bionic | Fully Unlocked | 4G LTE | 64GB, 4GB |
1. Fully Unlocked Apple iPhone 12 64GB
Visible has always had a good relationship with Apple. And the iPhone 12 is my overall recommendation if you’d be interested in eSIM or adding a Wearable (Apple Watch Series 4 through Series 7).
Other amazing features of the Apple 12-Series phone include:
- A favorable pricing
- Apple A14 Bionic processor
- Sturdy, IP68 water-resistant build
- Up to 5G Ultra-Wideband network
- Video recording in up to 4K@60fps
- Built-in NFC for contactless payments
2. Factory Unlocked Samsung Galaxy A13 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A13 here’s a nice pick if you’re looking for a quick replacement phone compatible with Visible. It doesn’t have sophisticated technology, for sure. But at its price, I’d say it’s a fair deal since there are still decent features like:
- A 6.5-inch, 90Hz display
- Built-in NFC chip for payments
- Works on both LTE & 5G network
- Has a side-mounted Fingerprint reader
- Supports both a 3.5mm jack & Bluetooth
3. Unlocked Apple iPhone SE (2020 Release)
Are you tired of carrying around a tablet-sized smartphone? The Apple iPhone SE has a compact 5.5 by 2.6-inch design, with a solid aluminum body for durability. And as a recreation of the Original iPhone SE, you can now enjoy some latest features such as:
- A fast A13 Bionic processor
- IP67 dust/ water protection
- Fast & Qi Wireless charging
- Quick-access fingerprint scanner
- 64GB to 256GB of built-in storage
- Slow-Mo video recording in 1080p@240fps
4. Visible-Branded Visible Midnight Android
The Visible Midnight is an Android phone that Visible by Verizon released in late 2021. And while it’s not the most famous, you can get it for free when you switch to the MVNO with your phone number. But then, would the Swap be worth it? Let’s see some of the best features:
- 6.5-inch HD+ display
- 4G LTE with HD voice
- Nimble Wireless charging
- M4/ T3 hearing aid compatible
- Fingerprint & Face unlock option
5. Visible-Branded Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is currently the best upgrade phone you can grab for Visible or any other carrier, for that matter. Yes, you’ll have to put down big monies. But in return, you get to enjoy the fastest processor (A15 Bionic) and features like:
- 6.7-inch QHD display
- Superior 5G UW modem
- Built-in NFC & Face ID sensors
- MagSafe & Qi wireless charging
- 128GB to 1TB of built-in storage
- Video recording in Dolby HDR@60fps
6. Factory-Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G-Enabled
The Galaxy S21 FE is no doubt the bestselling smartphone in the 2022 Samsung catalog. And one of the top features is the 12MP Pro-Grade camera with 3x optical zoom to capture even distant objects in rich details.
Other remarkable features on the Galaxy phone include:
- An eSIM support (on stand-by)
- IP68 dust/ water protection
- 4G LTE & 5G connectivity
- Snapdragon 888 5G processor
- Fast & Reverse wireless charging
- Slo-Mo video recording in 720p@960fps
7. Fully Unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Snapdragon
Even though it’s a little old, the Galaxy Note 10 is still one of the most sought-after Samsung phones today. The built-in Stylus is the bestselling feature as you can sketch, scribble notes, and remotely activate various apps. But I’m sure you’ll also like the:
- 6.3-inch FHD+ display
- NFC chip for payments
- 258GB of internal storage
- IP68 dust/ water protection
- Video recording in 4K@60fps
- Super-fast Snapdragon 855 processor
8. Unlocked Google Pixel 4a with 5G-Enabled
The Google Pixel series is also one of the phones compatible with Visible without any stress. And the Pixel 4 is a nice pick if you’re looking for a good deal on a fully-unlocked Android device with eSIM.
Other lovely features of the phone worth mentioning include:
- A 6.2-inch FHD+ display
- 4G LTE & 5G connectivity
- Fast Snapdragon 765G processor
- Built-in NFC & fingerprint sensor
- Slo-Mo video recording in 1080p@240fps
9. Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S10e 128GB Android
Are you looking for a decent replacement or upgrade Visible-compatible phone for under $200? The Samsung Galaxy S10e is more than that if you’re okay to operate on the LTE network and Nano-SIM (no eSIM support).
Some of the best features of the Galaxy phone include:
- A 5.8-inch HDR10+ display
- Super-fast Android 855 processor
- A sturdy, IP68 water-resistant build
- Video recording in up to 4K@60fps
- Integrated NFC & fingerprint sensor
- 128GB built-in memory & MicroSD support
10. Visible-Branded Apple iPhone SE (2022 Edition)
The iPhone SE (2022 Edition) is a great alternative if you need a small-sized smartphone with 5G support. It’s the second recreation of the Original iPhone SE, which makes it faster than even the 2020 model. After all, the device is using the A15 Bionic processor, which we also have on the Apple 13-series.
A few other features you might like on the new iPhone SE include:
- The Qi Wireless charging
- Nano-SIM & eSIM support
- Sturdy, IP67-rated construction
- Built-in NFC & fingerprint sensor
- Video recording in Slo-Mo & 4K quality
Commonly Asked Questions
Will any unlocked phone work with Visible?
No, not just any unlocked phone will work with Visible service due to the network restrictions. Verizon is the carrier network of the MVNO, thereby your device must have at least bands 13, 66, 2, 4, or 5.
Which phone works best on Visible?
An iPhone is the overall best phone compatible with visible. Not only does it have stable eSIM support, but you can also qualify for the add-on wearable program.
Some of the Apple iPhones you can get the two services are:
- Apple iPhone 12 64GB
- Apple iPhone SE (2020 Release)
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone 13 Mini A15 Bionic
- Apple iPhone SE (2022 Edition)
- Apple iPhone XS A12 Bionic
What 5G phones are compatible with Visible?
Technically, there is a wide range of 5G phones compatible with the Visible network. But as was mentioned, the carrier can be a bit picky on the IMEI ID check. So, you’ll want to bring a device from either of the six brands the carrier acknowledges. And they include:
- Apple iPhone 12 64GB
- Samsung Galaxy A13 5G
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G-Enabled
- Apple iPhone 13 Mini A15 Bionic
- Apple iPhone SE (2022 Edition)
- Motorola Moto G Stylus (2021) 5G-Enable
- Google Pixel 4a with 5G-Enabled
Can I use a Verizon phone on Visible?
Yes, indeed, you can use a Verizon phone on Visible service since they all share the same network frequency bands. You might even not need to unlock the Verizon phone, thanks to the Parent/ Daughter and Major Carrier/ MVNO bond.
Can I put my Visible SIM card in another phone?
Again, it’s possible to put a Visible SIM card in another phone and it works. But that phone must be compatible in terms of the network (bands) and technology (no network lock).
Don’t Switch Your Physical SIM just Yet
Well, that’s everything you should know for those phones compatible with Visible service. So, I’d believe you’ll no longer have issues finding the right device when upgrading or replacing the old one.
However, I’m still convinced the Apple/ Visible tech-romance is real. And for that, I’m still recommending an iPhone if you’d want to make the most on your service, specifically on eSIM, 5G, and smartwatch add-on.
As for the newly-released eSIM support on Android devices, I’m not sure you should switch your physical SIM yet. Yes, yes a few users have confirmed the service is working. But like any other beta program, we should give it a few more weeks to be stable enough.