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Xfinity is one of the few telecom companies with both cable internet and cellular service. If you subscribe to both services, it’s actually possible to save up to $30/ month on the fixed broadband service. But, of course, you’ll now need one of the phones compatible with Xfinity Mobile to benefit from the cell service.
In the new dawn of LTE and 5G networks, device compatibility shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, for sure. Then again, different manufacturers and carriers usually use different network technologies.
So, even without the racial GSM vs CDMA laws, you won’t get service on Xfinity Mobile with just any LTE/ 5G phone.
The #4 Things to Know Before You Bring a Phone to Xfinity Mobile
When looking at Xfinity vs T-Mobile differences a few days ago, we saw both companies do give free phones when you switch. But the Comcast brand does it as a limited-time thing when there’s a new device they want to promote.
Nonetheless, Xfinity Mobile does allow you to bring your own phone to its network. But before you can do that, there are a few things you should know:
- Xfinity Mobile is an MVNO
Indeed, Xfinity Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (or MVNO) that pings to the Verizon towers. So, the phone you want to bring to its service must have at least one of the main bands of the Verizon network.
In LTE, Verizon uses frequency bands 2, 4, 5, 13, and 66. Band 13 is the primary frequency (or coverage band) as it’s able to travel further. Then, the Band 66 has a wider capacity, in that you get to enjoy faster speeds but within a shorter coverage.
In 5G, Verizon operates on bands N2, N5, N77, N66, N261, and N260. But the major carrier markets bands N261, N260, and N77 as the 5G Ultra-Wideband.
So, you’ll have the best experience on Xfinity Mobile with a phone that supports bands N261, N260, N77, 66, and 13.
Ps. Online activity done on 5G Ultra-Wideband with Xfinity Mobile doesn’t count towards your monthly allotment.
- Still No eSIM Support
Unfortunately, Xfinity Mobile is yet to have eSIM support. So, the phone you bring must have a SIM slot.
- WiFi Calling Available
Xfinity Mobile does support WiFi calling. And for that, you’ll want to have a phone with the feature to support your connections when outside coverage areas.
- Priority & Deprioritized Data
Different from MVNOs like Visible or Total Wireless, Xfinity Mobile has a deal with Verizon to give By-the-Gig subscribers priority data.
But the Xfinity Mobile Unlimited primarily gets deprioritized data, where browsing speeds are lower than other traffic during congestion. So, in this case, you might need a 5G-capable phone to ensure there’s a usable service even during heavy congestion.
Types of Phones Compatible with Xfinity Mobile
Overall, Xfinity Mobile is compatible with about four types of phones. They include:
Xfinity-branded phones: these are the phones purchased through Xfinity Mobile and are locked to the network. So, they are naturally compatible with the service.
Factory-unlocked phones: these are the phones purchased from major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or the manufacturer. They usually come fully unlocked and ready to use with any service, provided the network bands are supported
Carrier-unlocked Phones: now these are the phones you’ve bought from another carrier. But as the name suggests, they should be unlocked and have the right network bands
Verizon-branded phones: naturally, an MVNO can work with a branded device from its host network even before unlocking. So, you’ll find most of the Verizon-locked phones are compatible with Xfinity Mobile.
Features & Specs of the Various Phones Compatible with Xfinity Mobile
In this section, I’ve highlighted some of the best phones you can bring and use on Xfinity Mobile with no issues.
| Phones Compatible with Xfinity Mobile | Type of Phone | Supported Networks | ROM vs RAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S9+ LTE Android Smartphone | Fully Unlocked | 4G LTE | 64GB, 4GB |
| Google Pixel 2 XL 4G LTE Android Smartphone | Factory Unlocked | 4G LTE | 128GB, 4GB |
| Apple iPhone 13 A15 5G-Capable Cell Phone | Xfinity Mobile-Locked | 5G & 4G LTE | 128GB, 4GB |
| Motorola Moto G 5G-Capable Android Phone | Xfinity Mobile-Locked | 5G & 4G LTE | 64GB, 4GB |
| Apple iPhone SE (2020 Version) LTE Phone | Fully Unlocked | 4G LTE | 64GB, 3GB |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Stylus LTE Smartphone | Verizon-Locked | 4G LTE | 128GB, 6GB |
| Motorola Moto G Power (2021 Release) Phone | Fully Unlocked | 4G LTE | 64GB, 4GB |
| LG (G7) ThinQ-Series QHD+ FullVision Cellphone | Verizon-Locked | 4G LTE | 64GB, 4GB |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G-Capable 120Hz Android | Factory Unlocked | 5G & 4G LTE | 128GB, 6GB |
| Apple iPhone 12 Mini-Series LTE/ 5G Smartphone | Fully Unlocked | 5G & 4G LTE | 64GB, 4GB |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max-Series 5G-Enabled Phone | Fully Unlocked | 5G & 4G LTE | 128GB, 6GB |
| Google Pixel 4a with 5G Snapdragon Smartphone | Fully Unlocked | 5G & 4G LTE | 128GB, 6GB |
1. Fully-Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S9+ LTE
The Samsung Galaxy S9+ is still one of the bestselling smartphones in the market. It’s actually my overall favorite in this case as it currently has a perfect balance of pricing, performance, and convenience.
Some of the best features are:
- It comes fully unlocked
- Supports 4G LTE w/ HD Voice
- Runs on Snapdragon 845 processor
- Has a solid, IP68-rated construction
- Includes a built-in NFC sensor
- Also has Iris & fingerprint scanner
- It can record Slo-Mo videos in 720p@960fps
2. Factory-Unlocked Google Pixel 2 XL LTE 128GB
At a hundred and eighty bucks, the Google Pixel 2 is certainly the best budget phone compatible with Xfinity on this list. Yes, some are cheaper, but the technology here’s better as it has features such as:
- Supports 4G LTE with HD voice
- Hast built-in eSIM & Nano-SIM
- Runs on Snapdragon 835 processor
- Has IP67 dust/ water protection
- You can capture videos in 4K@30fps
3. Xfinity Mobile-Locked Apple iPhone 13 5G-Capable
The iPhone 13 is currently one of the best upgrade phones that you can efficiently use with Xfinity Mobile. It not only has the fastest processor at the moment, but also supports both the low-band and Ultra-wideband 5G.
Other amazing features of the Apple model include:
- It support eSIM & Nano-SIM
- Supports wireless charging
- Has up to 128GB of storage
- Can record video in 4K@60fps
- Includes NFC chip for payments
- It has IP68 dust/ water protection
4. Xfinity Mobile-Locked Motorola Moto G 5G-Enabled
Are you joining Xfinity Mobile for the first time? The Motorola Moto G-series here is currently free, saving you up to $320. True, it’s a mid-range model, but you can still enjoy decent features like:
- A 6.5-inch HD+ 90Hz display
- Up to 1TB MicroSD support
- A 50MP triple-camera system
- LTE & low-band 5G connectivity
- Quick face unlock & fingerprint reader
- M3/T3 HAC rating & Real-Time Text
5. Fully-Unlocked Apple iPhone SE (2020 Version) LTE
The iPhone SE here’s the second-generation model that came out in 2020. And for that, you’ll have a more improved mobile experience compared to the original release.
Some of the best features on the Apple device include:
- The built-in digital eSIM
- Apple A13 Bionic processor
- Built-in NFC for easy payments
- Slo-Mo videos in 1080p@240fps
- A fingerprint reader for quick access
- A sturdy build w/ IP67 dust/ water rating
6. Verizon-Locked Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Stylus LTE
If you have always wanted to do more with your phone, the Galaxy Note 9 still is a phone to admire. The built-in stylus is one of the favorite features, whereby you can use it to sketch, write down notes, and control various applications remotely.
But besides the powerful stylus, the Samsung device also has:
- A 6.4-inch QHD+ display
- IP68 dust/ water protection
- A Snapdragon 845 processor
- Built-in NFC & Iris scanner
- Video recording in 4K@60fps
- Up to 600GB of MicroSD support
7. Fully-Unlocked Motorola Moto G Power (2021 Release)
The Motorola Moto G Power is one of the entry-level phones you can grab when on a tight budget. It doesn’t exactly have any sophisticated design or technology. But you can still enjoy some decent features, such as:
- A 6.6-inch HD+ display
- Dual-band WiFi connectivity
- A fast Snapdragon 662 processor
- Up to 512GB of MicroSD support
- Video recording in 1080p@60fps
- A side-mounted fingerprint reader
8. Google Pixel 4a with 5G Snapdragon Smartphone
Although a bit pricey, the Google Pixel 4a with 5G is a nice smartphone to have. it’s an improvement of the original Pixel 4a as features like display refresh rate and memory status are equal.
Other exceptional features include:
- A Built-in digital eSIM
- 6.2-inch FHD+ display
- Faster Snapdragon 765G chip
- Video recording in 4K@60fps
- A built-in NFC for payments
- Ultra-Wideband 5G connectivity
- A rear-mounted fingerprint reader
9. Fully-Unlocked Apple iPhone 12 Mini-Series LTE/ 5G
The iPhone 12 Mini is a budget option if you’d want to experience the fast performance of the Apple 12-series. Of course, it’s the baby model, with a few features you’re going to miss. But it still has many, such as:
- A built-in digital eSIM
- NFC sensor & Face ID unlock
- MagSafe & Qi wireless charging
- The Apple A14 Bionic processor
- Ultra-Wideband 5G connectivity
- A sturdy, IP68-rated construction
- Video recording in up to 4K@60fps
10. Fully-Unlocked Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max-Series 5G
Oh, well, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the way to go if you’d want to enjoy the full capability of the Apple 12-series. Features like the A14 processor, NFC, Face ID, and IP68 dust/water protection are synonymous with the baby model above.
But it has a few only limited to it, such as:
- A wider 6.7-inch QHD display
- Up to 512GB storage & 6GB RAM memory
- Quad camera system with 2.5x optical zoom
- Video recording in Dolby Vision HDR@60fps
11. Factory-Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G-Capable
Although the last on the list, the Galaxy S21 Fe is currently the bestselling Samsung phone in 2024. In the five months it has been in the market, there are over 10,000 positive recommendations on Amazon (alone). And some of the features many like about it are:
- The AMOLED 2x, 120Hz display
- Super-fast Snapdragon 888 5G chip
- Exceptional camera with 3x optical zoom
- Slo-Mo video recording in 1080p@240fps
- Fast & reverse wireless charging option
- Sleek design, with IP68 dust/ water protection
Commonly Asked Questions:
Which iPhones are compatible with Xfinity mobile
About all iPhones are compatible with Xfinity Mobile if they have no network restriction: not carrier-locked. But some of my favorite 5G options include:
Apple iPhone 13
Apple iPhone 12 Mini
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Why are some phones not compatible with Xfinity?
First, Xfinity Mobile prefers phones from Samsung, Apple, Google, and Motorola as it’s also what they stock. So, they’re likely to turn down IMEI from other phone brands, especially the upcoming Chinese models.
But even if the IMEI passes the check, your phone won’t be compatible with Xfinity Mobile when still locked to another carrier. Then, it also must have the correct network bands (like N261, N260, N77, 66, and 13).
Is Xfinity GSM or CDMA?
We can say Xfinity is a CDMA network since it runs on Verizon towers. But the CDMA terminology is mostly used with the old 3G networks, which are already retiring. The LTE and 5G services now require a SIM card to store the user data, unlike the old CDMA where they’d save on the device.
Does Xfinity support cell phones?
YES, indeed, Xfinity Mobile support cell phones from other carriers. But you’ll have to make sure the device is carrier-unlocked and has the right LTE/ 5G NR frequency bands.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re thinking of making the switch or upgrading your old device, these are some of the best phones compatible with Xfinity Mobile.
Even though not listed, I’ve made efforts to check the network bands to make sure they have at least the LTE 66 and 13. Then for the 5G, many of the capable options support up to the Ultra-Wideband capacity, which usually peaks up to 4,000Mbps on data speeds.
The Motorola Moto G 5G-series is the only phone you might be limited to the low-band 5G spectrum between 300-940Mbps upstream speed. But considering Xfinity Mobile has it at $0.00, it’s a nice deal to grab.
However, do remember Xfinity usually locks its devices on purchase. So, you can’t just grab the free phone deal and take it to another operator right away.
