US and Canada phone question

[FLBiker]

I would like some help in helping my wife pick out a smartphone.  I'm fairly tech savvy, and thus this kind of falls into my domain in terms of the division of labor in our relationship, but I have very little smartphone expertise (I bought a cheap one like 5 years ago).

She wants a phone that is Dual SIM, and will work with both US (T-Mobile) and Canadian (Public Wireless) providers.  She wants a decent camera, but I think most would meet her needs as she's never had a fancy phone (just low- to mid-range Motorolas).  I looked at GSM Arena and came up with this: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CF2PV74C/

Based on my (admittedly limited) understanding of phone stuff, it sounds like "No CDMA" isn't really relevant anymore, and I *think* we're OK with the "International Version".  I looked at the coverage maps for Telus (who own Public Mobile) and Bell (T-Mobile will use either one of them) and we live (and she works) within the 5G range, but we often drive through LTE areas.  Thus, I think this phone (which is 5G) would be appropriate.  I checked the providers, but their phone compatibility tools require the IMEI, which I don't have.

What do you think?  Would this phone work in both the US and Canada on the providers that she uses?  And if you need any additional info, please ask.  Thanks!

[reeshau]

The main knock I see in this is that, despite being only 8 months old, the G54 will only get 1 system update to Android 14, and will be EOL for security updates in Sept. 2026.  A Pixel 7a is $100 more, but its support will last almost 2 years longer.  (May 2028)

[FLBiker]

The main knock I see in this is that, despite being only 8 months old, the G54 will only get 1 system update to Android 14, and will be EOL for security updates in Sept. 2026.  A Pixel 7a is $100 more, but its support will last almost 2 years longer.  (May 2028)

OK, thanks!  It looks like the Pixel 7a has one physical SIM and one eSIM, which should be OK as Public Mobile does eSIM.  That's more than I was hoping to spend, but it's effectively replacing two old phones for her.

[Daley]

These are the three best models I can find at that price point, and I'm inclined to throw behind the Pixel 7a myself only because it'll likely get LineageOS updates past Google's official EOL date and no real loss of significant bands. Note the shortcomings of each model, none of which I'd consider dealbreakers for reception, except maybe rural Canadian coverage with the Nokia.

Nokia XR21
EOL 24 May 2027
On T-Mo, no unlicensed 5.2GHz LTE, no mm5G support.
On Telus, no unlicensed 5.2GHz LTE, no band 29 rural LTE, or n78 C-Band 5G support.

Google Pixel 7a model GWKK3
EOL May 2028, will likely have LineageOS support past EOL.
On T-Mo, no unlicensed 5.2GHz LTE, no mm5G support.
On Telus, no unlicensed 5.2GHz LTE.

Google Pixel 7a model G0DZQ
EOL May 2028, will likely have LineageOS support past EOL.
On T-Mo, no unlicensed 5.2GHz LTE, no 47GHz mm5G support.
On Telus, no unlicensed 5.2GHz LTE.

[FLBiker]

Excellent, thanks!  My wife just ordered herself a Pixel 7a.  I really appreciate the help!

[elaine amj]

Excellent, thanks!  My wife just ordered herself a Pixel 7a.  I really appreciate the help!

I’ve heard great things about the Pixel 7a and I am a big fan of esim for travel. Soooo much easier than physical sims. AND I can have several esims at a time if bouncing to different countries lol.

I pop over to the US a couple of times a month for quick trips and bought an Eskimo.travel esim that is good worldwide for 2 years at a reasonable price.


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