Samuel Contreras
When Samuel is not writing about networking or 5G at Android Central, he spends most of his time researching computer components and obsessing over what CPU goes into the ultimate Windows 98 computer. It's the Pentium 3.
Latest articles by Samuel Contreras
![Mint Mobile SIM status](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SXUphxJKXcHzG9S7pnyBu6-320-80.jpg)
Mint Mobile vs. Republic Wireless: Which carrier is best for you?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Republic Wireless really only makes sense for DISH customers, while everyone else should check out Mint Mobile.
![Visible Speed Test LTE Galaxy S20+](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pPgwkXTG99BmzRjURB6nK-320-80.jpg)
When do carriers start throttling you and what can you do about it?
By Jerry Hildenbrand, Samuel Contreras last updated
Worried you'll get throttled for using too much data? We'll tell you what you need to know.
![Mint Mobile logo on a Zenfone 8](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fZC2vyuWcGERLUZMt2uMUX-320-80.jpg)
Mint Mobile vs. Google Fi: Which is better for you?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Google Fi for the win.
![Ultra Mobile on an S20+](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RXHt6j8tea9FzAVxzCsFyi-320-80.jpg)
Ultra Mobile review: Plenty of prepaid data and free international calling
By Samuel Contreras last updated
With Ultra Mobile, you get to choose from a wide range of plans with up to 40GB of data in the unlimited plan, alongside international texting and free calls to more than 80 countries worldwide.
![Fossil Gen 6 charging rings](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MQuxcWGAzbfysRUTik5cvU-320-80.jpeg)
Best Fossil Gen 6 bands 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Fossil Gen 6 comes in three sizes depending on which model you get so finding a new band is as simple as getting the right size. These bands are a good fit for Fossil’s Gen 6 smartwatches.
![Ultra Mobile SIM and phone showing YouTube app](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2jtHAqvrDqhKdvdjd5pG4i-320-80.jpg)
Which network does Ultra Mobile use?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Ultra Mobile is an MVNO with great coverage on an even greater network. It offers several affordable data plans and gives you the opportunity to save more by paying for multiple months upfront.
![Mint Mobile review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bfyqXkh6kjzKLmGaACKd5V-320-80.jpg)
Mint Mobile vs. Tello: Which should you get?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Both Tello and Mint Mobile use the outstanding T-Mobile network with 5G, but which carrier will work best for you?
![Gryphon AX review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jeDohn75caBbqCopPTpuEj-320-80.jpg)
Best Plume Alternatives in 2024
By Samuel Contreras published
If you want mesh Wi-Fi with software extras, you've got plenty of options.
![Ting Mobile website on a OnePlus Nord N200](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/v4xYhecjFTTTxBsjsxqVkm-320-80.jpg)
Mint Mobile vs. Ting Mobile: Which should you subscribe to?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Mint or Ting? Ting Mobile can be a cheap phone service with low usage, but if you want to make the most of your smartphone, Mint Mobile will give you the data you need.
![Samsung Galaxy S22 review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EXov4ubHtiukaR8uB7zZwL-320-80.jpg)
Best clear cases for Samsung Galaxy S22 in 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
The Galaxy S22 comes in eight different colors. You can show off the one that fits you with a clear case that looks good and protects your new phone's lovely metallic curves.
![The Galaxy Tab S8 Plus with keyboard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZqqaYHNSvb6cz4y3edqAqG-320-80.jpeg)
Best Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Plus screen protectors 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
No more worrying about damaging that stunning 12.4-inch touch panel.
![TP-Link Archer AXE300 Wi-Fi 6E router review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4yt76gmEjcbgDHWb7gmRBB-320-80.jpg)
TP-Link Archer AXE300 review: The content creator’s companion
By Samuel Contreras published
If you need the fastest speeds a home router can deliver, the Archer AXE300 is one of only a few with full quad-band speeds.
![Galaxy S22 Plus with rugged Caseborne case](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pquYnPJQiqXzaZgbPipeFE-320-80.jpeg)
Best heavy-duty cases for Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus in 2024
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Nothing's worse than breaking your new phone. If you like to hike or have a tough job, protecting your phone with a strong case can help it last longer, work better, and hold its value for resale.
![Holding the hazel Google Pixel 7 Pro](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jdiK7Q7ghKH8DTyU9CzbRL-320-80.jpg)
Best phones for Google Fi 2024
By Andrew Martonik, Jeramy Johnson, Samuel Contreras last updated
Almost any unlocked phone will work on Google Fi, which opens up possibilities for what you can bring to the carrier. Here are the ones we think work best on the service.
![APN settings menu shown on a Galaxy S20+ 5G](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CzYwdT84QKqgz68tvUjmW-320-80.jpg)
What is an APN, and how do I change it?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
The right APN settings are essential for your phone to connect to your carrier's network.
![TP-Link Archer AXE75 Wi-Fi 6E router review](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KohCTvUe3p4taf9KhTALtN-320-80.jpg)
TP-Link Archer AXE75 router review: A sensible Wi-Fi 6E router
By Samuel Contreras published
The Archer AXE75 makes getting into Wi-FI 6E more affordable thanks to sensible hardware specifications and plenty of software control.
![ExpressVPN Aircove Wi-Fi 6 router AX1800](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fz5Jy6nEABRB2AQSN9G6sR-320-80.jpg)
ExpressVPN Aircove Wi-Fi 6 router: The easiest a VPN has ever been
By Samuel Contreras published
The Aircove makes it easy to pick and choose your VPN without installing any extensions or apps.
![eero Pro 6E and the eero app showing an eero Internet Backup connection](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mQxdi5fXGWDpwJs2hdhqo8-320-80.jpg)
How to set up eero Internet Backup
By Samuel Contreras published
Keep your network online when your internet goes out with eero Plus and eero Internet
![Visible Speed Test LTE Galaxy S20+](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pPgwkXTG99BmzRjURB6nK-320-80.jpg)
Visible vs. Boost Mobile: Which carrier should you get?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Visible stands apart with its cheap unlimited data and can even be upgraded with premium data speeds.
![Netgear Orbi RBR860S standalone mesh router with 10GbE](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/y3u6xiETkDxLf57xYQLKBh-320-80.jpg)
Netgear Orbi RBR860S router review: A bizarre balance of feature
By Samuel Contreras published
Start with a fast Orbi router with coverage that’s easy to expand if you need it.
![A Galaxy S20 with Visible service after a speed test](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zgpyjSpcGzXC6BtDagQNei-320-80.jpg)
Does Visible support 5G?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
If your phone supports Verizon's 5G network, you can get connected with Visible service.
![Xfinity Mobile Logo On Phone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nqCH7GrbQ4n9dRLYXeWy5e-320-80.jpg)
Xfinity Mobile's two new plans give customers new premium unlimited options
By Samuel Contreras published
Xfinity Mobile is moving to become a more premium carrier with two new unlimited plans. Exclusive to Xfinity customers, Xfinity Mobile now offers HD streaming and up to 50GB of high-speed data.
![Tethering options on an S20](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r6hHuDuQGy9RUr3pGNvsDc-320-80.jpg)
Which MVNOs allow tethering?
By Samuel Contreras last updated
Share your mobile data without contracts or credit checks.