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Early this week, we’ve been looking at how Verizon’s protégé, Visible, stands out from the rest of prepaid carriers. It’s safe to say the carrier has got almost everything any average American would want from his phone provider. Hence, the reason I’ve opted to create a short sequel that compares the carrier with its competitors. And in our third sequel, we’ll be having Visible vs Mint Mobile on the board.
Well, I’m pretty sure it’s not the first time you’re heard about Mint Mobile, especially if you’ve been shopping around for an affordable service. The carrier has some of the most favorable rate plans, with all featuring unlimited data, text messages, and talk minutes. But what I like most is their comical marketing approach, which seemingly targets the Millenials.
In any case, let us jump to our main topic of the day and see if Visible will yet win this another battle with Mint.
Visible vs Mint: A Quick Peek on the Prepaid Cell Phone Providers
| Feature | Visible | Mint Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2018 | 2015 |
| Parent Company | Verizon Communications | Ultra Mobile |
| Carrier Network | Verizon | T-Mobile |
| Technologies | CDMA | GSM |
| Free 5G | YES | YES |
| Lowest Phone Plan | $40 | $15 |
| Unlimited Minutes | YES | YES |
| Unlimited data | YES | YES (with caps) |
| Carry-Over | NO | NO |
| Family Plans | YES (Sorta) | NO |
| Free Mexico/ Canada Call | YES | YES |
| Mobile Hotspot | YES (5Mbps data speed) | YES (Varies) |
| Video Streaming | YES [standard 480p] | YES [standard 480p] |
| Extra Perks | N/A | N/A |
| Type of Service | Online Only | Online Only |
About Mint Mobile
As was just mentioned, Mint Mobile is one of the best choices if you’re looking for a way to cut your monthly phone bills. The carrier usually relies on T-Mobile’s towers to deliver its services. So, it can also be a perfect choice if you would like to test T-Mobile’s coverage before you move to their network.
Better yet, all the four phone plans of Mint Mobile support even the latest 5G connectivity. They also bring you unlimited everything service, whereby you can call, text, and browse for as long you want.
As a GSM, Mint Mobile allows you to use their service with most of the unlocked cellphones. However, the phone has to be compatible with their network and 5G-capable if you will be interested to work with the fifth-generation network.
If your device is incompatible, you can still join with one of the latest devices from Mint. The provider, actually, does have a buy now pay later financing option on their midrange to high-end phone catalogs. So, it shouldn’t be hard to enjoy the network you love, with the device of your desire.
About Visible
Meanwhile, Visible is still a subsidiary of Verizon and as it seems, the management is still in denial of being an MVNO. It also runs on the carrier’s CDMA network, which means you can use it to try the service to expect on Verizon.
When comparing Visible vs Total Wireless, though, we mentioned the Verizon’s brand has capped the high-speed data up to 200Mbps. Not the 4+Gpbs that the main Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband network offers.
Regardless, 200Mbps is still enough to game and stream your favorites shows with no buffering issues. The unlimited plan from the carrier also includes unlimited mobile hotspot data, which you can share with your laptop or another phone.
Speaking of that, Visible does support shop now and pay anytime mobile phones financing through Affirm. Thus, enabling you to join or upgrade to a decent iPhone or Samsung smartphone for as low as $25.
Visible vs Mint: Comparing the Features and Perks of the Cellular Providers
Naturally, it’s easier to think that Visible and Mint Mobile will be different considering their different owners and carrier networks. However, this is not the case, as we shall see shortly.
CDMA or GSM
In terms of cellular technology, Visible relies on Verizon’s network, which uses a CDMA channel. Verizon is kind of the only major carrier operating on this technology now that T-Mobile and Sprint have merged into one. So, you might walk for a mile before you can find a 4G device that will be compatible with the network.
On the other hand, T-Mobile usually operates on GSM technology. So, it should be easy to find a device compatible with Mint since AT&T runs on a GSM channel as well. However, it’s not all devices will work as every network has its unique bands and frequencies.
Note, the latest 4G LTE (different from 4G) and 5G devices usually have dual-band technology. You’ll find most of them can work with CDMA and GSM networks, though they need to be carrier-unlocked.
Fast and Free 5G Service
Here we’ll split the point between the two brands since they do offer both 5G and 4G LTE services. Even better, the phone providers don’t charge you extra for the service, though you’ll need to get a 5G capable phone.
Note, your iPhone 8 isn’t 5G-capable even though it’s showing you the 5G symbol. Your phone needs a 5G modem so it can receive the 5G signals, and all the iPhones before October 2020 didn’t have one. That includes even the iPhone SE (2020 edition) that came out in April 2020.
Meanwhile, the 5G E symbol you see in your old phone is the advanced LTE network from AT&T. So, it still connects to the LTE spectrum and not the 5G as you had hoped.
Affordable Cell Phone Plans
When we now compare Mint vs Visible on the pricing, the former ought to take the points, for sure. It has relatively cheaper rate plans, whereby the basic 4GB option starts from as low as $15/ month. And just as the name, the plan will give you unlimited talk and text, plus 4GB of high-speed data, and unlimited data at 128kbs.
Other Mint Mobile phone plans include 10GB, 15GB, and the Unlimited plan that the carrier launched last year, 2020. But as shown in the chart below, you can only prepay your plan of choice either quarterly (3 months), semi-annually (6 months), or yearly (12 months).
| Features | 4GB Plan | 10GB Plan | 15GB Plan | Unlimited Plan |
| 3-Month Subscription | $45 ($15/ mo.) | $60 ($20/ mo.) | $75 ($25/ mo.) | $75 ($30/ mo.) |
| 6-Month Subscription | $120 ($20/ mo.) | $150 ($25/ mo.) | $210 ($35/ mo.) | $210 ($35/ mo.) |
| 12-Month Subscription | $180 ($15/ mo.) | $240 ($20/ mo.) | $300 ($25/ mo.) | $360 ($30/ mo.) |
| 4G LTE & 5G | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Call Minutes | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Text Messages | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| High-Speed Data | 4GB | 10GB | 15GB | 35GB |
| 128kbps Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Free Mobile Hotspot Data | None | None | None | 5GB |
Note, the supposedly “unlimited plan” from Mint Mobile still has its high-speed data capped at 35GB. According to Mint, your data speed will also drop to 128kbps when you finish the 35GB before the 30 days.
In case you’d like to continue on the 4G LTE/ 5G speeds for the remaining days, Mint does offer add-on data. You can purchase the extra allotment at $10 for 1GB or $20 for 3GB. But do remember the carrier doesn’t have the carry-over feature.
Visible Can Do Better
While it’s more affordable, Mint Mobile might not be the best choice for you if you’re a heavy data user. Of course, the unlimited 128kbs data after you deplete the high-speed allowances may come in handy for web browsing, maps, and emails.
But then, Visible tend to bring you “truly” unlimited high-speed, in which case you can browse, stream, and game as much as you want. The single unlimited rate plan from the provider has a standard fee of $40 per month.
However, you can add more lines to your Visible account under the Party Pay program, which is more like a family plan. Thus, cutting your monthly cost up to $25/ month for each line.
Mobile Hotspot Data isn’t the Best
That’s very true if you’re going to use Mint Mobile. Yes, the wireless provider does support the feature, but it uses your monthly data allowance for the 4GB, 10GB, and 15GB plans.
If you’re using the Unlimited (35GB) rate plan, the allotments include a 5GB of mobile hotspot. So that’s what you’ll first use when you tether your laptop, and the regular data allowance thereafter.
Now, once you finish the hotspot allowance and the regular data, you won’t be able to share data with your laptop. The unlimited 128kbs data that Mint gives to cover the remaining days of the month can only work with your phone.
As for Verizon’s protégé, Visible, the monthly plan does not only include unlimited high-speed data. But also unlimited mobile hotspot data, which means you get to share with your wireless devices as much as you want.
Even so, Visible has capped the free hotspot at 5Mbps, then you can only share the data with one device at a time.
Video Streaming is Subpar
Technically, it’s not everyone who has got fiber WiFi at home, and even those of have can’t travel with it. For that, video streaming is yet another crucial feature you should consider when choosing your phone service. And not just for YouTube but also for your other favorite entertainment platforms, not limited to Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu.
In our case here, both Visible and Mint have 480p (DVD-quality) as the standard video streaming resolution. Indeed, the data speeds of both are enough to let you stream in HD quality (720p or 1080p), but it’s against the companies’ policy. So, they’ll immediately throttle your data when they detect it.
Free Phone Deals When You Switch
Unfortunately, neither Mint nor Visible give free phones when you switch to their networks. However, the latter does have its own special deals, including a virtual gift card that you can use almost anywhere.
The Visible virtual gift card is available in the amount worth up to $200 when you purchase any of the eligible smartphones. In addition that, you can also get other amazing gifts, including an Apple Homepod Mini worth up to $99.
As for Mint Mobile, there’s no free phone nor a virtual gift card. However, the carrier does have its own way to welcome you to their network when you switch with an eligible number.
In this Mint deal, you need to purchase one of the phones on offer and 6 months of service from either of the four plans. Once you do that, the carrier promises to give another six months of free service. Hence, saving you between $90-$180.
You may also like: Give Free Phones When You Switch
Key Takeaway: Extra Perks
Unfortunately, neither Visible nor Mint has great perks to smile about. But they both have the allowance to call Mexico and Canada at no extra cost. So, you can connect with your family or friends in either of the countries as many times as you want.
FAQ
Is Mint or Visible better?
In truth, both Mint and Visible have their strengths, which may or may not fit what you’re looking. However, Visible is better than Mint when it comes to the overall experience. It has uncapped high-speed data, unlimited mobile hotspot data, and also amazing discounts when you add multiple lines.
Is Visible owned by Verizon?
In short, Visible is a brand of Verizon Communications Inc. It usually targets the low-end consumers with affordable prepaid phone service from as low as $25 with multiple lines. But the user still gets unlimited talk minutes, text messages, and high-speed data with no caps.
Are Visible hotspots unlimited?
The mobile hotspot is one of the best features on the single unlimited phone plan from Visible. The hotspots data is truly unlimited in that you can share with your wireless devices as much as you want. However, Visible has capped the hotspot speed at 5Mbps and also allows a connection of only a single device at a time.
To Conclude:
At this point, there’s no denying Mint Mobile is more affordable than Visible if you need only a single line. As a GSM service, it’s also easy to find a replacement phone as unlocked AT&T and T-Mobile devices will be compatible.
Regardless, Visible is a much better option, in my opinion. Yes, $40 might be expensive, but that can be for only the first month. Once you join, you can add other lines to your account and save up to $15/ mo.
Even better, Visible allows you to invite friends and get a discount of up to $35 in the next month’s plan fee. That means you get to pay only $5 for 30 days, yet you’ll still get unlimited talk minutes, text, high-speed data, and mobile hotspot allowance. And if you have twelve of those friends, your annual plan cost will drop from $480 to only $60.
That said, Visible is still (sort of) MVNO and will experience deprioritization when the mother carrier, Verizon, is busy. So, you may want to switch to Verizon prepaid plans (more affordable) for a smoother and reliable phone experience.