[Q] Best carrier/plan to pick with a new S5? - Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I currently have a Galaxy S4 from Sprint and have been extremely happy with the device -- except I recently dropped it and cracked the screen. Fortunately my contract with Sprint is nearly up. I had been planning to skip the S5 and go directly to the S6, but after the S6 came out with no replaceable battery, no microSD, and not waterproof like the S5, I am very happy now about making the S5 my next phone.
While I have no complaints about the S4, I have not been impressed with Sprint's cell coverage -- both 4G and basic reception in the Sacramento metro area.. My girlfriend has a S4 with Verizon and she gets 4G far more than I do with Sprint, including many rural areas in the eastern foothills and mountains where I get no reception at all and she gets 4G, 3G, or at least voice and sms.
So, I am open to switching to any carrier that uses the Galaxy S5, and I wanted to get the community's thoughts on what carrier has the best combination of coverage (metro 4G and rural voice/sms) and value.
I currently have the Sprint unlimited plan, but looking at my data usage for the past 3 months, I'm always using between 350 to 400 mb per month -- partly because I don't watch a lot of video with a cracked screen, but mostly because it connects to wifi at home and many other places I go (I've made a hobby of collecting wifi passwords to restaurants, bars, etc.). So I am thinking I should look at plans besides unlimited, but that makes comparing plans more complicated. Anyways, I'm looking for input from people who know the real-world advantages and disadvantages of the carriers and their plans.

Nerva said:
I currently have a Galaxy S4 from Sprint and have been extremely happy with the device -- except I recently dropped it and cracked the screen. Fortunately my contract with Sprint is nearly up. I had been planning to skip the S5 and go directly to the S6, but after the S6 came out with no replaceable battery, no microSD, and not waterproof like the S5, I am very happy now about making the S5 my next phone.
While I have no complaints about the S4, I have not been impressed with Sprint's cell coverage -- both 4G and basic reception in the Sacramento metro area.. My girlfriend has a S4 with Verizon and she gets 4G far more than I do with Sprint, including many rural areas in the eastern foothills and mountains where I get no reception at all and she gets 4G, 3G, or at least voice and sms.
So, I am open to switching to any carrier that uses the Galaxy S5, and I wanted to get the community's thoughts on what carrier has the best combination of coverage (metro 4G and rural voice/sms) and value.
I currently have the Sprint unlimited plan, but looking at my data usage for the past 3 months, I'm always using between 350 to 400 mb per month -- partly because I don't watch a lot of video with a cracked screen, but mostly because it connects to wifi at home and many other places I go (I've made a hobby of collecting wifi passwords to restaurants, bars, etc.). So I am thinking I should look at plans besides unlimited, but that makes comparing plans more complicated. Anyways, I'm looking for input from people who know the real-world advantages and disadvantages of the carriers and their plans.
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Iirc tmobile has an unlocked bootloader. Also there's the one from cricket.

Good point... I've always run custom ROM's on my S4 -- are you saying that isn't possible with Verizon, Sprint, AT&T?

Nerva said:
Good point... I've always run custom ROM's on my S4 -- are you saying that isn't possible with Verizon, Sprint, AT&T?
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I know AT&T can only run TouchWiz roms because of it's locked bootloader. I don't know about Spring or Verizon.

Related

T-Mobile US service. Is it worth it coming from 9 years of Verizon?

I have the TP2 on Verizon, and I would like the HD2. My biggest concern is dropping and poor cell reception. I'm in Orange County, CA, but I do travel around the U.S. occassionally. Please be honest and let me know how people who are on T-Mobile U.S. service what you think. Do you drop calls a lot? Poor connections? Dead zones?
I've had Verizon for 9 years, so I've been spoiled with great cell service. I RARELY get dropped calls and dead zone (I'm being honest). So I'm wondering what people think about T-Mobile.
you won't be disappointed
I haven't dropped a call in chicago though i wish data was like philly lol
whiteblazer01 said:
I have the TP2 on Verizon, and I would like the HD2. My biggest concern is dropping and poor cell reception. I'm in Orange County, CA, but I do travel around the U.S. occassionally. Please be honest and let me know how people who are on T-Mobile U.S. service what you think. Do you drop calls a lot? Poor connections? Dead zones?
I've had Verizon for 9 years, so I've been spoiled with great cell service. I RARELY get dropped calls and dead zone (I'm being honest). So I'm wondering what people think about T-Mobile.
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I've never had a dropped call... but the 3g signal sucks. It doesn't get 3g signals in buildings or houses. I really regret leaving at&t, which had great 3g signals. Also, looking at the t-mobile signal map, it looks like there's a lot of places in the US that don't get t-mobile.
I would suggest, if you can afford it, get the Telstra 9193 HD2 imported from australia and use At&t. You'll get much better service, at least 3g service.
3g & signal are great for me better than my friend with an iphone at&t i had tmobile since it was voicestream & the service has always been good but i say it all depends on your area givie it a try if you are not satisfy you could always go back as soon as you dont pass the 30days
Not for the HD2. Reception on this phone blows chunks. It makes a low signal a no signal. It switches over to EDGE at the drop of a hat. Anyone that switched to T-Mobile for the HD2 can't make a good evaluation based on that device, it truly blows. T-Mobile has an good soon-to-be HSPA+ Network in Orange County but I would avoid the HD2 at all costs.
Service
I live in Idaho. I have Att, it is ok, but don't get 3g. But I'm ok with edge. I have tried Tmobile,It was great in the town 14 miles from my home. But lost signal all the time. I would say from what other people say, is it's ok in big cities, but not rural. I would pay the extra, & get telstra, on Att. Actually, I did similar thing, just put my sim in from 10.00 data plan. I don't use much data so I'm not going to pay higher plan,, My bud in Pa has telstra,on att, loves it, no tmobile probs.
Former AT&T user for about 10 years - really depends on the area. I just got a T-Mobile HD2 and while the phone is phenominal compared to the current AT&T offerings (build quality, screen, etc.) the network in St Louis is VERY spotty. As others have said the 3g is very weak - as soon as you move say into a parking garage (3g worked with AT&T) it will immediately switch to Edge. Also there seems to be a ton of dead spots even in urban areas. The 3G speeds here at most get in to the 800 range where AT&T was well over 1200 BUT the latentcy and browsing speeds on AT&T seem slower. iPhones in this area suck up tons of bandwidth.
Traveling from say St Louis across to Atlanta on major interstates - AT&T is pretty much on Edge EXCEPT in really major cities like Nashville but other than that its Edge all the way to Atlanta. Used a AT&T Tilt and 8525 for this run. DON'T believe the coverage maps - as soon as I left St Louis it was Edge through Kentucky unless I passed a very populated city and the speeds were mediocre at best.
Until a radio ROM update is released that hopefully fixes the reception problem the phone will have issues. Call quality is just "ok" with some popping, hissing etc.
I think you'll be ok if you use it in MAJOR urban areas but if you go off route or go to some of the smaller cities/towns coverage will be pretty poor.
I only paid about 75 dollars for the phone with a two year commitment so I can't really complain - the only really bad decision on Tmobile part was to spec the phone differently than the European HD2 - finding cases, screen protectors that fit the phone at the moment is pretty difficult.
Nope you are better off with the htc incredible and stay on verzion
stim141 said:
Former AT&T user for about 10 years - really depends on the area. I just got a T-Mobile HD2 and while the phone is phenominal compared to the current AT&T offerings (build quality, screen, etc.) the network in St Louis is VERY spotty. As others have said the 3g is very weak - as soon as you move say into a parking garage (3g worked with AT&T) it will immediately switch to Edge. Also there seems to be a ton of dead spots even in urban areas. The 3G speeds here at most get in to the 800 range where AT&T was well over 1200 BUT the latentcy and browsing speeds on AT&T seem slower. iPhones in this area suck up tons of bandwidth.
Traveling from say St Louis across to Atlanta on major interstates - AT&T is pretty much on Edge EXCEPT in really major cities like Nashville but other than that its Edge all the way to Atlanta. Used a AT&T Tilt and 8525 for this run. DON'T believe the coverage maps - as soon as I left St Louis it was Edge through Kentucky unless I passed a very populated city and the speeds were mediocre at best.
Until a radio ROM update is released that hopefully fixes the reception problem the phone will have issues. Call quality is just "ok" with some popping, hissing etc.
I think you'll be ok if you use it in MAJOR urban areas but if you go off route or go to some of the smaller cities/towns coverage will be pretty poor.
I only paid about 75 dollars for the phone with a two year commitment so I can't really complain - the only really bad decision on Tmobile part was to spec the phone differently than the European HD2 - finding cases, screen protectors that fit the phone at the moment is pretty difficult.
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I don't see exactly what you're getting at. It's the HD2, not the network.. the signal might be weak but the HD2 totally drops the signal. Swap out your HD2 for a Motorola CLIQ or CLIQ XT and you'll see what I'm talking about. I'm not saying it won't ever switch over to EDGE again because the network still has some EDGE-only towers sprinkled in (said to be rectified in 2010+Fiber to the sites) but it will greatly reduce the occurrence.
8 years with verizon, 5 lines in south florida
Switched one line specificly for HD2 to tmobile. SUx 3g signal
Most of the tiem ti shows 3g or H but the connection is weak, i get mostly 300-500 range, once ina while it may spike to 800.
Cant even compare to Verizon, i had Droid.
Thinking to go wimax for Sprint. Same phone but better data output.
I've been with them all - Verizon, Tmobile, AT&T - even dating back to 'Cellular One'. I also used to travel far more in the US than I do now and I've never been disappointed with what is now AT&T's network or service area. Tmobile had been spotty for me.
If you're looking into an HD2, I'd recommend buying a T9193 and going with AT&T. It'll cost you more for the hardware but you won't be forced into a $30+/month data plan for two years because you can go with their 'MEdia Net' unlimited plan for $20/month instead, saving $10 per month over the data plan that iPhone users are forced into. IOW, the $240 it'll save you over two years will help reduce your private purchase of the phone to about $500 or less, if you shop hard and wait for a deal.
it would really depend on your own location i've had verizon< noproblems though many years ago. then moved over to nextel< its nextel:x then moved over to at&t (found this site) at&t I would always have drop spots, not random alsways a consistant few locations other than that it was fine. I recently switched to t-mo for the hd2 on no contract as i plan on moving over to sprint once the evo comes out. so far the best service has come from verizon though at the time I only had a flip phone. I would go back but haven't liked any of the phones and that was the only reason i left. I would stick with verizon and try out the incredible. I haven't encountered any issues being in the OC myself with t-mo service but its only been about a month and I haven't traveled out of OC.
picassoianctions said:
8 years with verizon, 5 lines in south florida
Switched one line specificly for HD2 to tmobile. SUx 3g signal
Most of the tiem ti shows 3g or H but the connection is weak, i get mostly 300-500 range, once ina while it may spike to 800.
Cant even compare to Verizon, i had Droid.
Thinking to go wimax for Sprint. Same phone but better data output.
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LOL.. I really hope you do pick up a WiMAX phone. If you think you're disappointed now just wait. Also the connection has nothing to do with it, if you're getting slow speeds that's because the backend of the network is still on one T1. When HSPA+ is enabled it will blow WiMAX out of the water.
BillTheCat said:
I've been with them all - Verizon, Tmobile, AT&T - even dating back to 'Cellular One'. I also used to travel far more in the US than I do now and I've never been disappointed with what is now AT&T's network or service area. Tmobile had been spotty for me.
If you're looking into an HD2, I'd recommend buying a T9193 and going with AT&T. It'll cost you more for the hardware but you won't be forced into a $30+/month data plan for two years because you can go with their 'MEdia Net' unlimited plan for $20/month instead, saving $10 per month over the data plan that iPhone users are forced into. IOW, the $240 it'll save you over two years will help reduce your private purchase of the phone to about $500 or less, if you shop hard and wait for a deal.
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When did you have T-Mobile?
whiteblazer01 said:
I have the TP2 on Verizon, and I would like the HD2. My biggest concern is dropping and poor cell reception. I'm in Orange County, CA, but I do travel around the U.S. occassionally. Please be honest and let me know how people who are on T-Mobile U.S. service what you think. Do you drop calls a lot? Poor connections? Dead zones?
I've had Verizon for 9 years, so I've been spoiled with great cell service. I RARELY get dropped calls and dead zone (I'm being honest). So I'm wondering what people think about T-Mobile.
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I have T-Mobile as my personal phone (Proud owner of The HD2) and have AT&T phone as my business phone (company gave it to me to use it)... So, here is the comparison:
Where I live the reception is very strong for both T-Mobile and AT&T - when you check their maps... T-Mobile has not failed me in last 5 years. I recall only one outage I have experienced and that was due to bad weather where I simply was not able to make phone calls to certain people. So my rating for T-Mobile is and stays 5 stars hands down...
Now AT&T - it appears to have faster 3G - like it is a big deal since I do not use it at all - but anyway, having faster 3G that's where everything stops. Call Reception is terrible, dropped calls all over the place, you get into the building you loose reception easily, etc. Therefore, can easily rate AT&T with lousy 2 stars - which they get only based on faster 3G.
Bottom line T-Mobile is definitely better in service where I live which is Chicagoland Northern burbs - but comparing it to Verizon? Well, I never had Verizon as I am not fan of CDMA networks - more like GSM person (habbit I brought from Europe I guess lol)... I heard Verizon is good with coverage; not that great in Basements - but having HD2 in mind - I do not think you will regret it...
PS test it out and see how it works - you can get that done and see for your area if it's working or not... good luck!

AT&T questions

Why is it everywhere I read, so many people choose Sprint and T-Mobile if they are in happy with Verizon?
Why do so many people make comments like "Oh no, not AT&T " or "I hope that new phone doesn't go to AT&T " ?
What is so wrong about them that so many people don't like them? Is just just a handful of people that had a bad experience? Is it a valid dislike over the companies service? Is it because they want to be the only all powerful mega phone provider?
If some of you wouldn't mind sharing your thoughts.
Thanks.
Sent from my Super Streak Monster Hybrid
Why is it everywhere I read, so many people choose Sprint and T-Mobile if they are in happy with Verizon?
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In this case, I'd say lower cost might be a factor. In most areas, Verizon has very good or at least reasonable service.
Why do so many people make comments like "Oh no, not AT&T " or "I hope that new phone doesn't go to AT&T " ?
What is so wrong about them that so many people don't like them? Is just just a handful of people that had a bad experience? Is it a valid dislike over the companies service? Is it because they want to be the only all powerful mega phone provider?
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AT&T has had and still has problems with dropped calls in major metro areas. I've used them personally and haven't had a very good experience with their network in NYC.
Their raw coverage isn't too bad, but I wasn't able to rely on them to have calls connect all the time and for consistently fast data. T-Mobile has less raw coverage in the US but where it does work it is very consistent (for the record, in 99% of the places where I've needed signal, T-Mobile does work fine. YMMV).
Having said all that, if AT&T works well for you in your area, then that is great. Stick with them if you are happy. With cell phone carriers what works well is always going to vary from region to region.
See I understand all of your reasons but beyond that it just seems that more and more people are against AT&T for more extreme reasons.
I have been a customer of Sprint, Nextel (when it was just Nextel) , T-Mobile and now AT&T and I genuinely have no service complaints about any of them. I must be one of those people that understands that it is a cell phone and dropped calls and inconsistent service in different areas is going to happen with any carrier you choose. I just felt that more people were angry with more specific reasons but maybe I'm just looking for an answer that really isn't there.
Maybe people just like to moan about anything and currently AT&T is the choice of the month.
Sent from my Super Streak Monster Hybrid
Cthater said:
See I understand all of your reasons but beyond that it just seems that more and more people are against AT&T for more extreme reasons.
I have been a customer of Sprint, Nextel (when it was just Nextel) , T-Mobile and now AT&T and I genuinely have no service complaints about any of them. I must be one of those people that understands that it is a cell phone and dropped calls and inconsistent service in different areas is going to happen with any carrier you choose. I just felt that more people were angry with more specific reasons but maybe I'm just looking for an answer that really isn't there.
Maybe people just like to moan about anything and currently AT&T is the choice of the month.
Sent from my Super Streak Monster Hybrid
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I'm in the same boat. I've been with AT&T for some time and have had few problems with them from a technical standpoint. My biggest issue is more of how they segment their service offerings (i.e. charge extra to tether your phone even though you pay for a limited data plan) and how slow they are to approve/release upgrades to their handsets; Froyo was out for 6+ months before the official AT&T release on the captivate.
Some people might be more accepting of dropped calls but on T-Mobile dropped calls are an absolute rarity for me, whereas they were a regular expectation on AT&T.
I can understand the hatred toward AT&T. You have to realize that service for some period was just VERY bad in major metro areas. At one point in time it really just wasn't possible to make calls reliably or use data with any decent speed in NYC. Why? influx of iPhone users. Lately it has improved a bit but isn't great still.
if AT&T had put more money into their network to prepare for the usage things could have been better. You don't hear about carriers like Verizon or Sprint having too many issues with dropped calls due to an overloaded network. That's because they actually have invested in enough capacity to handle it. You could say AT&T experienced a lot higher growth than these, which is true to an extent, but Verizon's network pushes a LOT of calls and data every day and generally doesn't miss a beat in my experience. T-Mobile is about on par too here in NYC (though I understand they're not as strong in other areas).
See I understand that, but wouldn't you think that something like this merger would be a good thing?
Yes I understand that T-Mobile is currently cheaper than AT&T and yes I understand that if the merger goes thru that all current T-Mobile may be subject to pay a higher rate than they are used to but in that you will be getting all the benefits of the current T-Mobile service greatness you have now and you will be adding all the extra areas of service that you currently do not have that AT&T does. Isn't that worth a little more every month?
I thought so when I left and went to AT&T. I sacrificed cheaper rates for better coverage at a price and it is a price that I am glad to pay for.
Another thing that used to bug me when I was on T-Mobile was every high end device I would purchase would only work on Edge on T-Mobile and 3G on AT&T. Very unfair for someone who is willing to pay $400-$500 for a smartphone only to get Edge service because of who my carrier was. I will admit I was very happy with the innovations that T-Mobile was coming up with but unsatisfied with the end results.
Sorry for the rant. LOL
Sent from my Super Streak Monster Hybrid
As long as TMO has 3G (which may even be HSPA+ "4G") coverage in your area, then data service is generally pretty solid in my experience. Yes, sometimes it drops to 2G/EDGE, especially when indoors, but this is not common in Manhattan generally speaking.
I don't see the AT&T/TMO merger as a good thing because quite honestly the reason AT&T has poor service in a number of metro areas (and like I said, it used to be extremely bad) really comes down to poor business practices/management. They were the only carrier offering an iPhone and this was a highly sought after device. Even if their service quality was just OK at best in some areas many people were still flocking to them for the iPhone. It's clear that they knew this and took advantage of it. Now don't get me wrong they have put a lot of money into their network, but they could have handled this a hell of a lot better.
I also would prefer to keep my TMO service with crystal clear calls and fast data as it is. I don't need to use AT&T towers as I rarely if ever go to places where TMO doesn't have service and I especially don't want AT&T users creating congestion problems on the TMO towers.
I have to agree. I do think tho that AT&T's data problems stems alot from being the only network having 3G capable of surfing and talking at the same time. That in itself could be the cause for HUGE data consumption by its users, especially those with iPhones. I still font see how adding more towers wouldn't help in coverage tho.
Sent from my Super Streak Monster Hybrid
AT&T's data problems stems alot from being the only network having 3G capable of surfing and talking at the same time
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T-Mobile's 3G network has always had this capability.
Basically, I just don't want my current T-Mobile service which is solid to be mixed with AT&T's service which isn't solid. In the simplest sense, when you mix something that's very good with something that's mediocre, you're going to get something in between. And that's what I don't want. I guess AT&T users stand to gain more than T-Mobile users, except for T-Mobile users that aren't in good coverage zones.
gsvnet said:
I guess AT&T users stand to gain more than T-Mobile users, except for T-Mobile users that aren't in good coverage zones.
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That is 100% true and I guess with me now being an AT&T customer, I reap all the benefits.
Wouldn't it be kinda nice to have just one network with great prices and all the towers and goodies? LOL
Sent from my Super Streak Monster Hybrid
I've have at&t for many years and still do now. I had T-Mobile for about the last 5 months. Seriously in my area AT&T can't be beat and only paying $50 with unlimited internet and unlimited txt msg and just 450min (way more then I need). One of the major problems is that in some states coverage for at&T is horrible and really I notice it also comes down to the phones/radio too. Like all compaies just depends on your area.
Cthater said:
See I understand all of your reasons but beyond that it just seems that more and more people are against AT&T for more extreme reasons.
I have been a customer of Sprint, Nextel (when it was just Nextel) , T-Mobile and now AT&T and I genuinely have no service complaints about any of them. I must be one of those people that understands that it is a cell phone and dropped calls and inconsistent service in different areas is going to happen with any carrier you choose. I just felt that more people were angry with more specific reasons but maybe I'm just looking for an answer that really isn't there.
Maybe people just like to moan about anything and currently AT&T is the choice of the month.
Sent from my Super Streak Monster Hybrid
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One or two dropped calls per month or even a week? Maybe. But AT&T has (in NYC metro area including, Jersey City, NJ where I live) three, four, five even six dropped calls A DAY. That in my book is utterly unacceptable especially when you are paying the "premium"prices AT&T charges for sub-par below bargain basement cell and customer service. If you have had good experiences with AT&T, I'm genuinely happy for you. Just know that you are in a very small minority of people that feel that way. As for Verizon (in my experience) their service isn't any better or more consistent than the service I currently receive from T-Mobile while paying significantly less. (I should know I also pay my fathers/stepmothers Verizon bill each month and for roughly equivalent service their bill is much higher). I have Sprint for mobile broadband and their 4G service has decent speed and it's unlimited for 60$ a month. Their 3G is nothing to write home about imo. (t-mobile is almost 3x (comparing Sprints 4g to T-Mobiles "3.5g". I have both the N1 and NS neither of which are capable of the 14.4+ HSPA+ speeds T-Mobile has)faster though at least in, my area) this has been my experience.....
Sent from my NS (no it's NOT SNS or GNS)
Technically, WiMAX is not classified as a 4G technology only LTE and HSDPA+ are. Anything available on the 700 LTE Band at the moment is also not true 4G but rather pre-4G or 4G Advanced (this is why Verizon keeps saying it has the most Advanced 4G network). HSDPA+ currently WAS running 14.4mbps it's NOW running and upgrading in most markets to 42.2mbps. The current LTE offering is @ 22.2mbps. Solid, however, I'd agree I really have a strong dislike for At&t having used to work for them, people don't look beyond the merger. Hope people understand that when it goes through their will only be ONE GSM carrier which will dictate which GSM handsets come here. At&t is notorious for locking down Android handsets as well. At&t is also notorious for getting what it wants regardless of laws and regulations. One article that seems to have slipped through the cracks http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/56660.html
How much does it cost to force a merger through? about 10k to each congressman/woman
http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/recips.php?id=D000000076&chamber=&party=&cycle=2010&state=&sort=A
Trv06kviper said:
Technically, WiMAX is not classified as a 4G technology only LTE and HSDPA+ are. Anything available on the 700 LTE Band at the moment is also not true 4G but rather pre-4G or 4G Advanced (this is why Verizon keeps saying it has the most Advanced 4G network). HSDPA+ currently WAS running 14.4mbps it's NOW running and upgrading in most markets to 42.2mbps. The current LTE offering is @ 22.2mbps. Solid, however, I'd agree I really have a strong dislike for At&t having used to work for them, people don't look beyond the merger. Hope people understand that when it goes through their will only be ONE GSM carrier which will dictate which GSM handsets come here. At&t is notorious for locking down Android handsets as well. At&t is also notorious for getting what it wants regardless of laws and regulations. One article that seems to have slipped through the cracks http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/56660.html
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Right. But the N1 and the NS (my phones) are capped at 7.(something, too early) I didn't feel like repeating t mobiles recent (and current hspa + upgrade path).... Most people here should have read about this stuff) and technically, NONE of technologies used in the US are "true" 4G according to the ORIGINAL DEFINITION (they revised it after the carriers cried and whined)
(they revised it after the carriers cried and whined)
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They do a LOT of that lol
I honestly don't understand all the hate towards AT&T, BUT I live in NJ, which is a popular and congested area.. so AT&T probably has lots of data towers and such here
With my iPhone 4, I didn't really get that many dropped calls to be honest. The prices also are pretty good in my opinion.
Only problem is that sometimes the data speeds are uneven. I am also impressed with the LTE network Verizon has set up; freaking fast as hell.
I still prefer AT&T because of their prices though
As someone who worked for AT&T, got crapped on by AT&T, and was subsequently fired by AT&T for no reason, I'll be damned if I give their sub-par service one dime from my pocket.
JayXL14,
Try hanging out in NYC. Dropped calls galore on AT&T. has been for a few years now.
Never a problem with TMO.
I can't stand either AT&T and Verizon and firmly believe those two are involved in backroom price collusion. Disagree with me all you want, I believe it and you can't change my mind. That being said, I also believe Sprint and T-mobile are no angels either..... They all suck donkey @#$&s.
Sent from my NS (no it's NOT SNS or GNS)

Verizon or AT&T ???

I have Verizon which I get a corporate discount. I love that I never drop a call But i've noticed that inside buildings data drops a lot even at work I rarely get stable 4g or 3g unlike some that have at&t. coworkers get perfect 3g with at&t... I don't know what to do cause I love Verizon but this is driving me crazy....and I don't have wifi at work
305rob305 said:
I have Verizon which I get a corporate discount. I love that I never drop a call But i've noticed that inside buildings data drops a lot even at work I rarely get stable 4g or 3g unlike some that have at&t. coworkers get perfect 3g with at&t... I don't know what to do cause I love Verizon but this is driving me crazy....and I don't have wifi at work
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Are you grandfathered into unlimited data with Verizon? AT&T is not without its woes. Customer service, overtaxed network, dropped calls and dead spots, updates to phones are pretty slow... If you are rooted you may be able to connect to the internet through USB.
Depends on the area you are in mostly. All networks have their own issues. I'm on Sprint, but Verizon would be my next choice... if only I could have unlimited data...
You could ask 50 people and get 50% one way and the other 50% the other way. I've had great luck with AT&T. I've had very few dropped calls in the five years I've been with them. I've had great luck with customer service. I'm grandfathered into unlimited so I can't imagine leaving to a company that doesn't have unlimited data now. I think Sprint and Tmobile are the only ones left and both those companys seem to have a lot of problem wtih reception, dead areas, and dropped calls here.
My only complaint is that software updates don't seem to come as quickly to AT&T as other companys.
Moved to proper section
neither, is better use t-mobile
Like others have said, a lot of it is variable on where you live. Here in Central PA, I had tons of issues with AT&T (dropped calls, circuits full, etc), and have had none of the same issues with Verizon. When driving from AZ to CA last summer, I had full bars of 3G most of the time, while my friend's iPhone (AT&T) didn't have 3G most of the time. So, I prefer Verizon, based on my experiences.
I seems like you have made your mind. But like, kiltedthrower, not having unlimited data would be a killer. Thats' another reason why I don't change to Verizon. Verizon is a great company. Everyone that has Verizon in SoCal that I know have great reception. So it's up to you...

Initial impression with Moto X

So I got my VZW Dev Moto X Wednesday and wanted to give a little review so far. Like most of us I replaced an aging VZW Galaxy Nexus w/ extended OEM battery.
Initial impressions
- this thing is FAST!!!!!
- its physically smaller then the GNex and taking a little bit to get used to (typing is a little off while getting used to the new phone)
- signal is much better then the Gnex (duh!)
- battery is worlds better (ran from 8-5 yesterday on LTE at work with 7 hours of Google Music streaming, then home and on wifi. Ended up with 4hr 43min of screen on before it died)
- its official, I'm addicted to Active Notifications.
- I find myself wishing for the stock android browser for a few sites, seemed a little snappier then Chrome (could side load I'm sure)
Overall I am a happy camper. Now to see what the dev community comes up with!
Wow it sounds amazing, I hope it will come to europe!
VolcyDX said:
So I got my VZW Dev Moto X Wednesday and wanted to give a little review so far. Like most of us I replaced an aging VZW Galaxy Nexus w/ extended OEM battery.
Initial impressions
- this thing is FAST!!!!!
- its physically smaller then the GNex and taking a little bit to get used to (typing is a little off while getting used to the new phone)
- signal is much better then the Gnex (duh!)
- battery is worlds better (ran from 8-5 yesterday on LTE at work with 7 hours of Google Music streaming, then home and on wifi. Ended up with 4hr 43min of screen on before it died)
- its official, I'm addicted to Active Notifications.
- I find myself wishing for the stock android browser for a few sites, seemed a little snappier then Chrome (could side load I'm sure)
Overall I am a happy camper. Now to see what the dev community comes up with!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the themes/apps section. There is a thread for the AOSP browser.
good phone:good:
I'm in almost the same boat as you coming from the Verizon Gnex.
I loved being able to play with different ROM's.
So I bought the Verizon Moto X DE.
This phone is lightyears ahead of the Gnex.
I'm not a heavy user but I've been getting great battery live.
6AM to 9PM with 1 1/2 or more of screen time with 70% battery left!
Much better reception, I'm even getting 4G in the building at work where the Gnex had trouble gettting 3G.
Have anyone compare this device or the regular Moto X to the Droid Maxx?
Switched from Verizon Galaxy Nexus to T-Mobile Moto X. Moto X is definitely light years ahead.
aysiu said:
Switched from Verizon Galaxy Nexus to T-Mobile Moto X. Moto X is definitely light years ahead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm thinking about switching from Verizon to T-Mobile and I'm wondering how you like it. I live in San Diego and T-Mobile LTE is supposedly pretty good out here. Earlier in the year I experimented with the Nexus 4 and T-Mobile before they had LTE in my area. I had a couple of dead spots here and there, but it was OK. I'm thinking of trying them again since they have LTE now.
If you don't mind answering:
1) Do you happen to live in Southern California?
2) How's your coverage so far compared to Verizon? Does your area have LTE?
skinien said:
I'm thinking about switching from Verizon to T-Mobile and I'm wondering how you like it. I live in San Diego and T-Mobile LTE is supposedly pretty good out here. Earlier in the year I experimented with the Nexus 4 and T-Mobile before they had LTE in my area. I had a couple of dead spots here and there, but it was OK. I'm thinking of trying them again since they have LTE now.
If you don't mind answering:
1) Do you happen to live in Southern California?
2) How's your coverage so far compared to Verizon? Does your area have LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in LA and just switched from a RAZR m and previous to that a gnex on Verizon. I'm running a Puerto Rico model moto x without aws hspa and I think it still has better reception than Verizon. Verizon actually had some areas with no reception. Verizon does almost always give you 3g when t mobile for me might hit edge but I haven't seen a dead spot on t mobile yet. Have had it about two weeks...
In the bay area where I used to live Verizon was much better than t mobile but in LA at least its not really worth the money
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk 4
skinien said:
I'm thinking about switching from Verizon to T-Mobile and I'm wondering how you like it. I live in San Diego and T-Mobile LTE is supposedly pretty good out here. Earlier in the year I experimented with the Nexus 4 and T-Mobile before they had LTE in my area. I had a couple of dead spots here and there, but it was OK. I'm thinking of trying them again since they have LTE now.
If you don't mind answering:
1) Do you happen to live in Southern California?
2) How's your coverage so far compared to Verizon? Does your area have LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to live in Northern California, and now I'm in New England (have used T-Mobile and Verizon in both locations). Basically the theoretical coverage of Verizon is better, but I find the T-Mobile experience leaves me with a less frustrating experience.
T-Mobile, when it has coverage has good coverage. The coverage is solid. But when T-Mobile doesn't have coverage, it's got nothing--zero. This usually happens in rural areas or remote suburban areas.
The problem I had with Verizon on the Galaxy Nexus was the horrrible handoffs between CDMA and LTE. There were a lot of times (in urban areas, even) when my Galaxy Nexus would be on the cusp of 3G with two bars and 4G with one bar, and the phone couldn't make up its mind, so I ended up with essentially no usable data. If I switched to CDMA-only, things would work better for a while, but eventually my entire workable signal would just disappear. This was with the stock Android, rooted Android, old radios, new radios. I tried everything and could not get a good consistent signal. There were also weird situations in which I would appear to have a full signal and couldn't connect to anything. Other times, I would appear to have no signal, and web pages would still load.
TLDR version: Verizon was a headache.
I'm much happier with T-Mobile. When I have good coverage, it's good, and the signal bars never lie. Transitions between 3G and 4G are smooth. In fact, I rarely have 3G at all. Seems to just be 4G HSPA+, 4G LTE... or nothing.
skinien said:
I'm thinking about switching from Verizon to T-Mobile and I'm wondering how you like it. I live in San Diego and T-Mobile LTE is supposedly pretty good out here. Earlier in the year I experimented with the Nexus 4 and T-Mobile before they had LTE in my area. I had a couple of dead spots here and there, but it was OK. I'm thinking of trying them again since they have LTE now.
If you don't mind answering:
1) Do you happen to live in Southern California?
2) How's your coverage so far compared to Verizon? Does your area have LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in San Diego and TMO's 4G LTE is great from South to North County. My wife has Verizon and it has better coverage when we go out of town up the Sierras (Yosemite), but in every metropolitan area I have been to TMO has been blazing fast with 4G LTE data speeds actually faster than Verizon's. Here in Poway, I can consistently get 23MB down with 15MB up. Even in standard 4G non LTE, I see 15MB down and 3MB up. :good:
Scott-
SGBE said:
I am in San Diego and TMO's 4G LTE is great from South to North County. My wife has Verizon and it has better coverage when we go out of town up the Sierras (Yosemite), but in every metropolitan area I have been to TMO has been blazing fast with 4G LTE data speeds actually faster than Verizon's. Here in Poway, I can consistently get 23MB down with 15MB up. Even in standard 4G non LTE, I see 15MB down and 3MB up. :good:
Scott-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's awesome. I work in Poway and live in Mission Valley. Verizon has really been pissing me off with forcing people off of unlimited, increasing the upgrade to 24 months, and delaying updates. I love what T-Mobile is doing. I think I may have to see what the Nexus 5 has to offer and make a switch if it's good enough.
Hey, if you do not talk much, TMO offers a $30/month prepaid plan that offers unlimited data (first 5GB up to 4G LTE), unlimited text, and 100 voice minutes. Even if you go over the 100 minutes, the per minute price is pennies and would not equal a traditional voice plan for approx. 250+ additional minutes. I use this plan and Google voice and Skype since TMO allows WiFi calling too and it's all good, but most of the time I use less than 80 voice minutes per month regardless.
Scott-
SGBE said:
Hey, if you do not talk much, TMO offers a $30/month prepaid plan that offers unlimited data (first 5GB up to 4G LTE), unlimited text, and 100 voice minutes. Even if you go over the 100 minutes, the per minute price is pennies and would not equal a traditional voice plan for approx. 250+ additional minutes. I use this plan and Google voice and Skype since TMO allows WiFi calling too and it's all good, but most of the time I use less than 80 voice minutes per month regardless.
Scott-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. Thanks for the heads up...
Sent from my Moto X

Planning to switch Carriers, Verizon or AT&T.

I am planing to switch carriers from Sprint to At&T or Verizon. I have three lines, big data user (~14-17Gb). I currently have unlimited data with sprint, but their data coverage is limited for me. I preordered the N6SP and wanted a know the communities opinion between the two. I know that my data will be limited and will be mindful.
goofydragon1 said:
I am planing to switch carriers from Sprint to At&T or Verizon. I have three lines, big data user (~14-17Gb). I currently have unlimited data with sprint, but their data coverage is limited for me. I preordered the N6SP and wanted a know the communities opinion between the two. I know that my data will be limited and will be mindful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go with cricket
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A
I guess it depends on the coverage each one provides in your area. If they're both reliable, AT&T plans seem a bit more $ friendly for multiple device users. Your call.
T-Mobile. Keep the unlimited data and get a better signal. I think they are still offering 14 day test drives so you and your family can check out out and see how it works in your area and areas you frequent. I moved from Verizon years ago and never looked back.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
SymbioticGenius said:
T-Mobile. Keep the unlimited data and get a better signal. I think they are still offering 14 day test drives so you and your family can check out out and see how it works in your area and areas you frequent. I moved from Verizon years ago and never looked back.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hard to believe that tmobile gets better signal...
Verizon has the best coverage, but is the most expensive. Also look into Google's Project Fi. It uses T-Mobile and Sprint networks as well as Wi-Fi calling and you only pay for the data you use ($10/GB).
Sent from my LG-V410 using Tapatalk
In my experience I'll rank them as follows:
Verizon (best building penetration)
T-Mobile (best combination of coverage and speed)
ATT (slightly better coverage, speed sucks)
..... Anything else prepaid/whatever
Sprint (nothing good to say) *silence*
Most recently in the top floor of my house a visitor had no signal with sprint at all whereas I was fine on T-Mobile.
In my father's office in Manhattan he has no signal from T-Mobile on the first 4 floors but fine anywhere above, but Verizon works in the basement.
In my mother's office (in the middle of a brick college building) she had no signal on T-Mobile only in her office, but as soon as she stepped out of her office anywhere else in the building she's fine. Verizon works fine in her office.
However in a recent hospital visit neither of my parents phones worked on Verizon but I was fine on T-Mobile.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
I've had all of them except for Sprint. Verizon will find a way to screw you over and charge you more for nothing. AT&T is just expensive for marginal amounts of data. T-Mobile isn't the best but I have 2 lines with unlimited everything and pay $100 a month so for me that's the best compromise between everything. I get up to 80mb/s DL where I live which is better than At&t or VZW surprisingly. On the other hand their coverage in the middle of nowhere is nonexistent whereas the other two usually have something. It just depends on what your need and how the coverage is where you live.
Pilz said:
I've had all of them except for Sprint. Verizon will find a way to screw you over and charge you more for nothing. AT&T is just expensive for marginal amounts of data. T-Mobile isn't the best but I have 2 lines with unlimited everything and pay $100 a month so for me that's the best compromise between everything. I get up to 80mb/s DL where I live which is better than At&t or VZW surprisingly. On the other hand their coverage in the middle of nowhere is nonexistent whereas the other two usually have something. It just depends on what your need and how the coverage is where you live.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree.
T-Mobile is the best compromise.
Not saying they have the fastest network or signal everywhere, but their prices are pretty good and if you're in a pretty popular area - signal is actually pretty good too.
Check your coverage map?
A few years ago, I would NEVER have recommended At&t and I was about to switch to Verizon (as soon as my contract was up).....Then, in my area, At&t installed several new LTE towers and I have better reception than any of my Verizon friends. Even when camping in the middle of nowhere, I can get signal every now and again where they don't.
I also like the fact you can be on a call and use data at the same time...... Don't do it much, but sometimes it comes in handy. For example, my wife calls and asks "what time is the show tonight"? I can pull the phone away from my ear, pull up the website and find out and let her know. Verizon may have changed this in the past few years, but you couldn't do this with them last I knew? You would have had to say "I'll check and call/text you back".
But it basically comes down to checking your coverage map.... I manage a friends Verizon account that is very similar to my At&t account, and the prices are all about the same. At&t did recently have a "double your data for $0 extra" promotion that I got in on and I've seen Verizon run these from time to time as well.
So.....As I've said a few times, it just comes down to coverage.
I have Verizon now and had att at one point , they were both about the same price for me. att had better coverage at certain spots and same was true for Verizon. My verizon LTE service has been great in central NJ and i cant speak for att but a friend of mine has att and says the LTE is good. Now i can say i would stay away from sprint i have a few friends who have it and when we are all together they are always not able to use there phones cause there service is at one bar to nothing.
I think you cant go wrong with either ATT or Verizon they both have one of the best networks in the us in my experience. main thing to note is ATT isnt as locked down as verizon is. Verizon is not as easy to bring a unlocked phone into there network IE moto x pure, and nexus 6 (before they sold it) and the new 6P. they have gotten better but still a lot harder then it needs to be
just my 2 cents
I moved off AT&T to try Project Fi. Was perfectly happy with AT&T, but Fi was cheaper and seemed very interesting. Had a huge problem with their Hangouts calling feature - it kept my N6 from being able to make/receive calls. If I uninstalled Hangouts from all my devices/computers, including the N6, the phone would work fine. After 2 weeks of no Hangouts, I was about ready to put a nail into my head. So, I switched to Verizon.
Now, I have used Verizon on my work phone for years. The coverage they have helps ensure I can use the phone while on business travel. That's great for businesses, but honestly doesn't mean much for me when I'm at home and all the carriers give adequate service. Now that I think about the extra $ the Verizon plan costs me, the fact that I have to subscribe to visual voicemail for an extra $3 a month where I didn't have to before, and that it took an act of congress for them to issue me a SIM card for a "NON-VZW Device"... I'm kind of wondering why I just didn't go back to AT&T. Or even T-mobile. ... well, anyone but Sprint.
Yeah it was an act of congress to get my nano sim activated too , now they do offer a free version of the visual VM that im using now. I looked into project Fi but the cost wouldn't be much cheaper i use way too much data lol
If someone actually looked at the prices of the new plans you would see that ATT and Verizon are about the same and in some cases V$ is even cheaper...not by a lot....This is for a single phone..but I dont think its much different with multiples. Go with whoever has the best coverage..but even then its probably a wash at this point too.

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