Patrick Farmer
Patrick (he/him) is the eCommerce Editor of Android Central. After working in independent bookstores for the better part of a decade and using freelance writing as a side hustle, Patrick switched to writing full time in 2020. Patrick’s writing has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, The Hill, BestReviews, OddityMall, and many other publications across the web. He joined Android Central as the Deals and Commerce Writer in 2022 and now runs the site’s eCommerce efforts and coverage of major sale events. Although he’s written about everything from exercise equipment to turntables, Patrick’s work nowadays is primarily concerned with saving people money on tech. He’s particularly passionate about eliminating buyer’s remorse and taking subjects that can be confusing for shoppers — such as switching wireless carriers or buying a new smart TV — and breaking them down into simple, easy-to-understand terms. Whether you’re a veteran tech-head or a novice, Patrick offers honest, no-nonsense shopping advice with years of hands-on experience to back it up. When he isn’t hunting down the best discounts or digging through the fine print of a carrier deal, Patrick enjoys trekking around the Rocky Mountains, camping out at a brewery, or spending time with his beloved polydactyl cat.
Latest articles by Patrick Farmer
![Mint Mobile app start screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tHdHwZKZzD6xeu5mEmcBgc-320-80.jpg)
Is Mint Mobile still owned by Ryan Reynolds?
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Carriers From late 2019 to March 2023, actor Ryan Reynolds had an ownership stake in Mint Mobile — but those days have (mostly) come to an end.
![Screen shot from Mint Mobile - T-Mobile ad](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zfhg7rDQHSKwW4QDVjGHcZ-320-80.jpg)
Who owns Mint Mobile?
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Is Ryan still around? Although Mint Mobile has used T-Mobile's network for years, it was only recently bought by the massive carrier.
![Mint Mobile home page on Pixel 6](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QYaWj3isE7uepq9ox8duKC-320-80.jpg)
What network does Mint Mobile run on?
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Get with Mint! Mint Mobile is a great prepaid carrier that handles billing in batches of multiple months at a time, but what network does it use?
![Google Pixel 8 Pro porcelain colorway](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PBaoM2hNikGdnt67RVc9zf-320-80.jpg)
Best unlocked phones 2024
By Patrick Farmer last updated
No restrictions! If you need a new phone but don't want the hassle of credit checks and payment plans, start here with the best unlocked Android phones.
![The back of the green Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FJG3MaRJrsaACG44oMm7Vg-320-80.jpg)
Best cheap data plans of 2024
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Affordable data! Here are some of the best cheap data plans you can get, from both prepaid and mainstream carriers. Apart from data, these plans include many other benefits.
![Mint Mobile homepage on Google Pixel 6 screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/U8qsragHjW4KFtr68XEFnJ-320-80.jpg)
Best MVNO carrier 2024
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Save big with great plans! If you're looking for the best MVNO carrier, there are a number of feature-laden options like Mint Mobile, Visible, or US Mobile worth checking out.
![The Google Pixel 8a in the Bay blue colorway](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Gcs7FVTjvc2HZyLR3qWMnH-320-80.jpg)
Amazon kicks off Memorial Day sale early — here are the 5 deals I'd recommend now
By Patrick Farmer published
Party time Amazon just dropped a massive sitewide sale with particular attention towards tech. Here are our Top 5 discounts available today.
![The vibrant display of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AHC56nt5DfQGA4x7UEYZ2Y-320-80.jpg)
Best wireless carrier in the U.S. 2024
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Choose wisely! Choosing the best wireless carrier for yourself and your family can be quite challenging. Here are some of the finest prepaid and postpaid options.
![Hands-on with the Moto G 5G](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hBNHA39FDWwZq2UVTMcDLY-320-80.jpg)
Heads up! Budget carrier Tello Mobile is now slashing prices on select Galaxy and Motorola phones
By Patrick Farmer published
Say hello to Tello From now through the end of the month, Tello will give you $50 off the already-affordable Moto G 5G (2023) or Samsung Galaxy A14 when you sign up for one of the carrier's pre-built plans.
![The colorful home screen of the Google Pixel 8a under some flowers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MgDnr2paYR3zigdkma9DLB-320-80.jpg)
Mint Mobile is slashing $100 off the Google Pixel 8a AND throwing in six months of free wireless — because why not?
By Patrick Farmer published
Woah! Google's latest midrange masterpiece has landed, and Mint Mobile is marking the occasion with this seriously compelling bundle deal.
![Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar watch face showing mileage, daily steps, and recovery time.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MQ9KtdWxxd8iVv9bDL8add-320-80.jpeg)
The best Garmin deals of July 2024: save hundreds on our favorite fitness watches
By Patrick Farmer published
The deals await Garmin is one of our favorite brands for fitness-based wearables, so we decided it would only be right to create a list of all the best Garmin discounts on the web.
![Training effect scores on the Garmin Forerunner 955](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aUpxgioU5XCiv6EA4Ft94e-320-80.jpeg)
The Garmin watch that we once called "the best runner's watch, period" has scored a MAJOR discount at Best Buy
By Patrick Farmer published
Run, don't walk Level up your fitness game for less cash with the discounted Garmin Forerunner 955, a rugged smartwatch with a ton of personalized guidance for new runners and experienced athletes alike.
![Person using S22 Ultra phone with stylus](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rsw5XTCyXUh5WHcrLqL7GU-320-80.jpg)
Best unlimited data plans 2024: Verizon, Mint Mobile, and beyond
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Go Unlimited! Here are the best unlimited data plans available out there. Whether you want to go with a mainstream carrier or an MVNO, there are lots of options.
![OnePlus 12 camera island with Hasselblad logo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XfPqPpn49uJuEm37hjAqQF-320-80.jpg)
The OnePlus 12 FINALLY gets a real discount at Best Buy — score up to $200 off with this early Memorial Day deal
By Patrick Farmer published
Sign me up. Best Buy is dropping a historic discount on the OnePlus 12, one of our favorite phones released so far this year.
![Mint Mobile app](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SwXgQAbJMbt2hTY8GjXpv-320-80.jpg)
Mint Mobile: How to know if there is coverage in your area
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Getting coverage The quickly growing T-Mobile network covers more people than ever before, and Mint Mobile is a cost-effective way to enjoy its great service. But do you have coverage in your area?
![A Google Pixel 7a with Mint Mobile's home page on the screen placed among some house plants](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mrx7azXQDRtj7SPZuix24B-320-80.jpg)
Another new Mint Mobile deal just dropped — get some FREE streaming with your dirt-cheap wireless
By Patrick Farmer published
Just keeps getting better. Join Mint Mobile with ANY of their data plans and only pay $15 per month for three months. They'll also give you six months of Paramount Plus streaming, just for kicks.
![Circle to Search on the Pixel 8a](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4RG6RhDNYmhufLzCX5rRjS-320-80.jpg)
Best Buy deal GIVES YOU $100 for simply preordering the Google Pixel 8a — plus $499 when you trade in
By Patrick Farmer published
Preorder time Best Buy's preorder deal on the Pixel 8a includes a free $100 gift card and enough trade-in credit to make the smartphone completely free!
![TextNow's service in use on a phone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HiLeemNHbe5fJWFFzwK3HA-320-80.jpg)
TextNow launches new free wireless plan that's *actually* free — here's the deal
By Patrick Farmer published
Free 4 real The ultra-affordable MVNO TextNow has just announced a new plan that gives you unlimited talk, text, and access to a few essential apps at no cost whatsoever.
![A montage of all the Google Pixel 8a colorways](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DwGUL6HR9yAXoAVt3xJnf-320-80.jpg)
The Google Pixel 8a isn't even out yet and Verizon is already giving them away for free
By Patrick Farmer published
Whoa! Sign up for an eligible data plan and Verizon will give you enough promo credits over 36 months to make the new Google Pixel 8a completely free.
![YouTube TV home page with TV screen in background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/i6QjyoxxpBNsRJAwNjHMyU-320-80.jpg)
YouTube TV: Everything you need to know
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Cut that cable YouTube TV offers the ultimate streaming experience, with over 100 live channels and no hidden fees or contracts whatsoever.
![Caseborne clear case for Google Pixel 7a](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BK3D58UFB4SHpEZwXf7sdP-320-80.jpg)
Forget the 8a, this is the historic Google Pixel 7a deal that you've been waiting for — up to 50% off!
By Patrick Farmer published
Pixel savings For a limited time, Best Buy is slashing up to 50% off the Google Pixel 7a when you activate the phone on their site.
![Mint Mobile home page on Pixel 6](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QYaWj3isE7uepq9ox8duKC-320-80.jpg)
T-Mobile bought Mint Mobile — can you still get the BOGO wireless deal?
By Patrick Farmer published
We ♥ Mint T-Mobile has officially acquired Mint Mobile, but what does that mean for all of Mint's great wireless deals?
![Google Pixel 8 review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vmDaGiyzX9DSBVHwN5M3JN-320-80.jpg)
A Visible deal is slashing $240 OFF the Google Pixel 8 for a limited time — but you'll need this promo code
By Patrick Farmer published
Sweet! Visible is slashing prices on nearly all Pixel devices when you use the code GOOGLE during checkout. This is what you need to know.
![The back of the Charcoal Google Pixel 7a](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ztkCZrJtfvfJ5xTxkDCJjL-320-80.jpg)
The best Google Pixel 7a deals of July 2024 — make this cheap phone even cheaper
By Patrick Farmer last updated
Deals The Pixel 7a has been out for awhile, and deals on the midrange masterpiece are more common than ever before.
![3 Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pros](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NjwVRbEazSjdnAbecJVg7n-320-80.jpg)
Best Buy launches HUGE smartwatch and Fitbit sale, just in time for Mother's Day — check out my top 5 deals
By Patrick Farmer published
Mega savings Best Buy is kicking off the month of May with a massive sale on Galaxy smartwatches and Fitbits, including a few of our all-time favorites. Here are five of my top picks.