Finally... an accurate cellular plan review #PhoneGeek

I've spent more time than I care to admit analyzing cellular services. Today I finally read a "Best Low, Medium & High Cellular Plans" article that I actually agree with.  Normally such articles focus only on the "big four" US carries and so overlook too many alternative carriers and plans.  For instance, my wife's phone service is from Republic Wireless while mine is from Google Fi.  I'll forgive you if these options don't sound familiar -- you can read more about them in my previous posts here and here. My son's *free* plan (yes -- it's really free) is on FreedomPop which you can read about here.

Yes, you read that previous paragraph right: our family uses three different cellular plans from three different carriers.  The end result is we spend a total of about $50 a month for cellular service.  Refer back to, "I've spent more time than I care to admit analyzing cellular services..."

Getting back to the point, though:  the article I read did a fine job boiling down current cellular plan offerings to the best "low-medium-high" options.  Read on to see the results...

Republic Wireless now less of a value #PhoneGeek

Republic Wireless:
Now with more phones, less savings

Over the past year I geeked out a bit over alternative cellular services.  Since the late 1990's I've had cellular service with some of the largest US providers including Sprint, Verizon and AT&T.  This past year I moved my family from a shared AT&T plan to three alternative cellular services:  Google Fi, FreedomPop and Republic Wireless.  Each service has its pros and cons but, in the past few months, Republic Wireless has enacted some radical changes that redefines my own value assessment for that service.  If you were considering a switch to Republic Wireless, this post is for you...

Google Fi vs. Republic Wireless #PhoneGeek

Google Fi versus Republic Wireless

I've blogged before on Republic Wireless and also on Google Fi.  In the interest of saving money -- a LOT of money -- I'd examined both with the intent to move our family to one of these two services.  In the past few months we finally made the jump to.... both! (And also to FreedomPop, but I'll save that for another post.)

We now have one phone on Republic Wireless and another on Google Fi.   I love a head-to-head comparison -- what better way to do that than to actually be a customer of both services at the same time?

As for the money savings? I have our initial months' phone bills in and can say with certainty that we have reduced our overall cell phone bill by more than 70%... but which new service cut it more?  Read on....

Nexus 5X Teardown Notes #AndroidGeek

The new Nexus 5X began shipping earlier this month! My new Nexus arrived a few days ago so it's time to make some teardown notes.

If you already have or are thinking of buying this device then you'll likely be interested in my answers to a few questions like:

• Can I replace the (fixed) battery myself?
• What battery does the phone use and how much does it cost?
• Can I add wireless charging capability?
• Where is the IMEI located? (the physical tag)
• Can I add an internal metal plate for magnetic car mounts?

For those who still buy phone accessories at retailers such as Best Buy or even Amazon, I'll throw in a few money-saving tips:

• Get a full-size Nexus 5X screen protector for under $1 shipped
• Pick up a decent hybrid or hard-shell case for under $4 shipped
• USB-C cable solution on the cheap

Read on...