New Guy here. First post.
OK, so here's my issue. I've been a Nextel customer(moved over to Sprint awhile back) for about 10 years. My contract is about up and I'm going to get a Smartphone finally after all these years of using my Axim and cell phone separate.
I've kinda nearly decided on the Touch Pro 2 and they are both available from Sprint and Verizon. Sprint only offers the TP2 with the older OS and can't give me any idea of when they will update it if ever. Also, they want $350 for it. Verizon has it with the newest OS for $200.
Is there any reason I should stay with Sprint or should I be looking at Verizon? Other than if you have a bias for or against a particular carrier, is there a benefit of one over the other?
Thanks
JTMcD.
The new verizon OS has been a real pain for me so far.
I may be looking to switch to a cooked rom if I can't get e few things working.
I do NOT use the TF3D (or Sensui) interface, I use the normal today screen. If you use the TF3D interface, the new rom looks like it may be better for you.
If that doesn't matter, then it has more to do with the cost and coverage. Where I need my phone to work, VZW has better coverage.
I would consider these things (in no particular order):
1. Which carrier has the best coverage in my area?
2. What plans are available, and which plan suits my needs best?
3. Which carrier has the best customer service?
4. How much will equipment and accessories cost?
5. Which carrier has the most up to date software (for PDA's)?
I had AT&T for 5 years, and just recently switched to Verizon. I was considering Sprint, but when I considered the things listed above, Verizon was a better choice for me. I'm not telling you to switch to Verizon by any means. I'm just giving you some things to think about. Switching carriers can be a hassle up front, so don't expect the transition to be smooth if you do switch.
I've been reading a lot about the Touch Pro2, and it sounds to me like the Sprint and Verizon versions are pretty similar. Personally, I'm sticking with Sprint, but one advantage to the Verizon version is that, although it comes locked, apparently if you can get Vz to unlock the GSM portion of the phone, it will work with US carrier SIM cards. Not so with the Sprint version, which is unlocked by default for overseas carriers but will not work on GSM bands in the US at all (unless you hack the thing).
In terms of phone cost, I think it would be helpful to just compare your overall two year cost of ownership (e.g., including monthly plan payments) rather than just the out-the-door phone price. Also, I think it's basically a certainty that Sprint will be upgrading their Touch Pro2 to WM6.5, by the way.
That's where I'm at right now. I can say that I've had great coverage and utility from Nextel/Sprint over the past years. Talking to others though I am the minority and not the majority. My wife says it was the first carrier she had that allowed her to get a signal in class at the local college.
At the same time, People here who have Verizon swear by them.
I am leaning more toward Verizon at this point since. I figure, we have 30 days in order to switch back if we find we don't get as good of coverage.
I just wonder if Sprint is actually faster than Verizon as far as 3G/4G goes. I find it odd though that Sprint seems to be on again, off again when advertising a 4G network.
eh.... i wouldn't base your decision on what the stock rom is.... there are several good cooked roms, i have sprint and i managed to use the stock rom for about a week before i started flashing roms over... and i haven't looked back since
and sprint has some good things going for their service plans... any mobile any time. and i dont have any roaming charges, so i really dont care if sprint has good service as i get service anywhere anyone else does now....
I'm not comfortable enough to use a cooked ROM on a device I rely on. After I make the switch over to a smartphone I'll start playing with those on my Axim x51v and then maybe eventually start hacking my phone. Right now, I don't want to run the risk of bricking my new phone. I need the PDA for work as I am a trauma Nurse and use alot of different programs and if I loose my PDA, it could very well cost a life. Not just an inconvenience, it kinda is a necessity on my part.
If it wasn't for that, I'd hack it in a heartbeat.
then i would go with the one with the most stable os. personally i am sprint and have been for years but with the great rates and coverage i haven't really had a need to look elsewhere. from the above post it sounds like there are some issues to sort out with the vzw 6.5 rom and i can tell you first hand that the sprint 6.1 is very solid, fast, and stable. thus far it's been the best stock rom that i have come across. personally i just don't like 6.1 anymore or i would probably be running stock. it is a little higher in price (ok a lot higher), but it bsaically pays for itself with the cheaper plans compared to vzw.
I have had both Sprint and Verizon. I went with Verizon because everybody I know has VZW and I could basically call/text anybody I know without using any minutes or texts so it allowed me to put a super low minutes/text plan on my phone. As far as service Sprint and VZW have been pretty much equal in my book. They both kick the crap out of ATT that's for sure.
One thing NOT to worry about is the up-front cost of the phone. Considering the difference in cost for the plan over a 2 year contract, the phone's price is minor.
I just switched from Sprint to Verizon. I had two branded TP2's with Sprint and I have two branded TP2's with Verizon. I was with Sprint for 8 years prior to the switch and have had the Mogul, TP, and TP2. I've been flashing ROM's on all my Sprint phones since the Mogul.
For me personally, Verizon has the best coverage for the area where I work and live. The Verizon TP2 just "feels" better and more solid in my hand than Sprints.
As far as coverage, I was on 1x or Roaming with Sprint inside my workplace. With Verizon I have 3G. The Sprint battery would last about 12 hours at best, since my phone was constantly looking for a tower. With Verizon I get 20.5 hours of average use. Plus Verizon has Rhodium500 which is newer.
I've found the Verizon phone is faster out of the box. I just finished upgrading the phone to the newest official 6.5 build and I'm mildly impressed. But I will be on a custom rom by the end of the week.
The newest build has some touchflo GUI enhancements which is pretty slick, plus visual voicemail.
htcfan78 is right, check on coverage. I live in Florida. Verizon built backup generators at all their towers. So if another hurricane comes thru and knocks out power, I'll still have cell coverage. Can't say the same for Sprint.
Having been with Sprint for 8 years, I'm really impressed with Verizon, both the phone and customer service. But in the end its all relative to your own individual experience.
sprint would be cheaper monthly just upfront is where verizon wins.
Verizon or Sprint
Here are a few things to consider
A while back Sprint and Verizon got into bed together
Verizon wanted a fast dependable data network without paying to develop it so they actually pay sprint to use there data network, part of the agreement was that Sprint would get to use all of verizon's voice service for sprint roaming at no cost to there customers. So as far as usage they are the same network.
Verizon charges there customers for every little thing they do., and until the other day did not have a affordable everything plan. also sprint and HTC have an accord that (even though most carriers have released the final version of the phone) all the other cariers would be beta testers for the touch pro 2 .
other than that the phones are virtually identical.
oh btw sprint customer care sucks.
thanks for all the input. Keep it coming.
I'm beginning to lean a little toward the Sprint again now. I discovered that a friend of mine via a totally different website is a Sprint Tech who works on the infrastructure and tech side of things. He's provided me a little more insight on the overall costs and benefits compared to Verizon and even AT&T.
I went through the Hurricanes a few years back and remember our EMS services here in Polk swithing over to Verizon, from Sprint, after and most have more issues now than before. One of the Captians says he can be sitting in his office with a tower within visual sight and still not have a signal. I know, doesn't mean it's a Verizon tower but still....
Everyone I know on the civilian side that has Verizon has nothing but good to say about it. I think my wife and I are about the only people who have Nextel/Sprint that doesn't have a problem with cell service. From what I've read and what I've been told by some in the know, there will be a update on the Sprint Phone, just not until it is stable and as bug free as possible. This weekend, the wife and I will be out shopping and going to some of the service centers to see what kind of deals we can get. I onlt just learned about the Premiere customer service from Sprint adn apparently I more than qualify for it. Also, I think I may even get a small discount for working at the Hospital. I know Verizon has a 18 or 19% discount. Why not 20%, I don't know. ALso, I'll call and speak to Customer care at Sprint to see what they are willing to offer to keep me a a customer. Then it ultimately comes down to what Sprints plan and price is compared to Verizons plan and price and how much it costs with any addons. I read a coupld of sites over the last couple days that show where Sprint is $20 cheaper at minimum for the same services. That alone would make up the difference in phone cost. Especially over the lifetime of the phone as I don't upgrade often.
Heck, I'm still using the same Axim x51v that I bought back in 2005 and the same ic902 that I got back in 2006-7 and have been hapy with both ever since. I'm just tired of carrying both around all the time.
Thanks for all the input. Please keep it coming.
I'll chime in for Sprint. It depends on how much you talk and who you talk to, but Sprint's plans are pretty cheap. My wife and I pay ~$120 a month for unlimited messaging and data for both of us, meaning even extra premium services like GPS, TV, radio, etc. We admittedly don't have the most minutes, but Sprint lets you call any cell phone, regardless of carrier, without using minutes. We mostly just call people on their cells and call parents and the like on weekends, so the small number of minutes we get is never even closed to being exhausted. They also don't roll-over, but if we never come close to going over, who cares? I've found Sprint's coverage to be excellent where I live in Utah, and quite comparable to Verizon in the high Rockies in Colorado when we visit my parents.
There will always be good and bad stories of customer service, but I like the reps at our local Sprint store and they actually know quite a bit about the hardware they're selling (I will never forget when I was exchanging a bad Tilt (Kaiser, not the Rhodium) and I asked the AT&T rep if he had any suggestions for ROM's or software. He told me he didn't really know about any of that, but he had watched a movie on his once and thought that was cool, haha).
I have sprint.. I have the everything data plan which comes with ANY CELL ANY TIME so I can call my friends on any cell service.. I also get UNLIMITED DATA and UNLIMITED TEXT/MMS.. also 1500 minutes...
the stock rom is not good at all.. I use mighty rom and its made my phone 10000000 times better
Well, I stayed with Sprint. Took the TP2 and the wife opted for a Blackberry 8350 or something like that. She got it becasue it was Purple.....
To make things even better, Since I'm an RN and with teh Trauma team for my local hospital(probably employee discount they all get), I got an additional 23% discount on my plan so my $129 plan is closer to $100. Verizon was only giving 18% off their price so it was even a greater savings for me. So I'll more than make up the difference in price of the phone over the next year.
Thanks for all the input. As you can probably already see, I'm playing with the new phone and already have questioins.
Related
I'm still chugging along with my T-Mobile MDA but with my bandwidth addiction I need to go 3G. Naturally the Touch Pro is what I'm looking at but I have a few questions I haven't been able to answer with searches...
Is the Sprint version thicker? If so, any idea how much thicker?
I've seen at least one smartphone offer GSM as well as CDMA (someone had a Sprint phone with a SIM card slot, can't remember the model now.) Any chance The Touch Pro will do this? I doubt it will but I can dream right?
Since ATT decided to change the keyboard is there a way to remap it to have a CTRL key instead of what looks like an OK key on the bottom left?
I would love to get a much slimmer phone, but the keyboard is so handy. And of course I want a nice screen for internet browsing so I either go with the Diamond and make do with the on-screen (and possibly buy a tiny bluetooth keyboard) or deal with the extra thickness of the Pro. But one of the things I will be doing with it is SSH (not with the Diamond obviously) so the CTRL key would be nice to have. Then of course there are things like RAM, applications, etc to think about and not to mention the differences in the networks. Who would you guys rather go with for network speed/reliability?
I've never had such a hard time picking out a new phone before...
I doubt the CDMA version of the Touch Pro would be any thicker than the GSM model.
Sprint's network does not support SIM cards, but they own Nextel which does use SIM cards. What you saw was a dual network (Sprint/Nextel) phone that uses CDMA for voice and data, and GSM for Push-to-Talk.
The CDMA Touch Pro is no thicker. It has rounded edges which may or may not make it look thicker but it is still 0.7". Honestly the rounded edges actually give it a nicer feel in the hand as well.
As far as the CDMA with a SIM card, you are thinking of the Blackberry 8830 World Edition. This has a SIM slot but only for international use...not US use. The Touch Pro will NOT have this.
As far as the remapping. There are articles in here that you can search for that will explain how to do this. I personally would much rather have OK and the Windows key than have CTRL and a second Shift key.
Lastly, it is all personal preference. 3G is much faster in my experiences than EVDO Rev. A but when looking at webpages it really doesn't make too much of a difference to me...it's more about the hardware and software you have that determines speed. The biggest selling point that made me go to Sprint was the fact that unlimited plans are extremely cheap. $52/month after my employee discounts for unlimited text, data (GPS and all those other fun Sprint features) and 450 minutes.
same here
I had a sprint phone with a sim card slot it was the samsung IP 830 it was bad and big but it had the best universal remote control I have seen also for international use. so my contract is up with at&t on december and Im trying to decide if I want to go back to sprint or stay with att sprint data service is way faster and cheaper than AT&T here in iowa cuz we don't have 3G and I doubt we will ever get it so I don't know I like the omnia better than the touch pro so maybe if that device comes to AT&T I will stay.
Well, even thou the 3g IS faster, with the iPhone hoggin up the GSM band and sometimes slowing the 3g to a crawl, I would say the EVDO REV-A is gonna be faster as CDMA does NOT have any slow downs like GSM when its crowded. The only thing that GSM has over CDMA in the states is coverage. I would give this thanks to the iPhone 3g!
NotATreoFan said:
I doubt the CDMA version of the Touch Pro would be any thicker than the GSM model.
Sprint's network does not support SIM cards, but they own Nextel which does use SIM cards. What you saw was a dual network (Sprint/Nextel) phone that uses CDMA for voice and data, and GSM for Push-to-Talk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought Nextel was IDEN, not GSM
According to the pictures on this Engadget Mobile post, the Sprint version will in fact have a ctrl key as well as numbers on the top row of keys instead of symbols. That's a big plus as far as I'm concerned.
I'm actually trying to make the same choice between the Sprint and ATT versions of this phone. I'm on ATT now (with a Tilt) and have been for several years with few issues. I've always been a big GSM supporter, but I'm not a world traveller and haven't really used any of the benefits of SIM cards either, so I'm starting to wonder why I'm sticking with GSM. It seems that in the US, it's just an inferior technology. All I've read says that Sprint's Rev A is faster than ATT's HSPA - at least in real world scenarios - and Sprint's coverage (both Rev A and not) is supposedly stronger (reaches inside buildings better) and more widespread (reaches more rural areas).
On top of that, Sprint's prices are far better! I'm paying nearly as much on ATT for 600 minutes + unlimited SMS, MMS, and data as I would on Sprint for unlimited everything (and this is throwing in stuff like Sprint TV and their GPS service as well). If I went for a plan more in line with my usage, I could get their 450 minute plan for $60 if I'm remembering correctly - which saves me about $40 a month.
I've also heard that their customer service is very lenient with discounts and credits, which is something I've never really had with ATT (except when they make a mistake on my bill).
So that's where I stand. Aside from leaving GSM and the price of breaking my contract with ATT, I'm seeing very little reason not to switch over to Sprint. Is there something I'm missing here? Any advice?
I jumped ship from Verizon to get the Mogul from Sprint. Never been happier. As a matter of fact, I'm as happy as a retard
TheBundo said:
I thought Nextel was IDEN, not GSM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite possible. I gave up following Nextel 8 years ago after my i95 pissed me off 300-too-many-times. I knew next to nothing about phones back then.
I agree with most of what you said. Except for:
salimai said:
I've also heard that their customer service is very lenient with discounts and credits...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been with AT&T since it 2001, but I signed up for a Sprint data card last summer because I was traveling to Florida, and one of the areas I was going to did not offer 3G coverage on AT&T.
I ended up canceling the service 2 days before coming home because even though I was in the heart of EVDO Rev-A, according to coverage maps and customer service reps, that damn card would refuse to connect about dialup speeds unless I left it sit connected and idle for the first 20 minutes after turning it on... and it was still barely faster then AT&T's Edge network (verified by tethering my Wizard to my laptop and using ICS).
When I canceled the account, I was told that I would receive a full refund of my activation fee and all usage charges because it had only been 10 days, and the service did not work as expected. Fast forward to 45 days later, and I get a letter from Sprint that they're sending my account to collections over $18.58 in unpaid usage fees. I fought that for another 4 weeks, and got absolutely nowhere (apparently Sprint reps can be fired for transferring your call to a supervisor ).
Long enough story shortened... I paid the money because it just wasn't worth the frustration... but I will never be a Sprint customer again.
I was with Sprint for many years before I switched to T-Mobile. The only reason I switched a few years ago is because Sprint's phones sucked. They just didn't have a very good selection (it was mostely flip phones that were all pretty much the same.) I also got my MDA for free on Amazon ($150 before $150 in rebates) so it was a pretty good deal. When I was with Sprint I never really had any problems with customer service but I only called them when I wanted to change my plan or something wasn't working right. I did get a little upset when I was calling them about the federal government employee discount though. I swear I called like 4 times and I would either get put on hold indefinately or the rep would act like she couldn't hear me and hang up after I mentioned the discount. I later found a different number to call about it and it was a much better experience.
I like the idea of being able to switch networks with a phone and take it overseas if I need to. But I have realized that by the time I want to switch networks the phone would be very outdated and I can get a new one with the discounts. As far as going overseas...I could get orders overseas (Air Force) but there's no guarantee that I would even be in a GSM area (is Japan GSM? Korea isn't right?) and if I was they'd probably have better phones anyway.
I think I might just go with Sprint. The pricing is just below what I pay T-Mobile (I only need 450 minutes) and it has the keyboard I want. Now I just have to talk myself into waiting for the TP and not going for the Diamond...of course I could get the Diamond first then give it to my wife if I still want the TP (I'm sure she'd love to watch Youtube whenever she wants.)
Does anyone know the spec differences between the sprint touch pro and the fuze or a link to a comparison? I did a search on here but didn't notice it. Thanks
NotATreoFan said:
I agree with most of what you said. Except for:
I have been with AT&T since it 2001, but I signed up for a Sprint data card last summer because I was traveling to Florida, and one of the areas I was going to did not offer 3G coverage on AT&T.
I ended up canceling the service 2 days before coming home because even though I was in the heart of EVDO Rev-A, according to coverage maps and customer service reps, that damn card would refuse to connect about dialup speeds unless I left it sit connected and idle for the first 20 minutes after turning it on... and it was still barely faster then AT&T's Edge network (verified by tethering my Wizard to my laptop and using ICS).
When I canceled the account, I was told that I would receive a full refund of my activation fee and all usage charges because it had only been 10 days, and the service did not work as expected. Fast forward to 45 days later, and I get a letter from Sprint that they're sending my account to collections over $18.58 in unpaid usage fees. I fought that for another 4 weeks, and got absolutely nowhere (apparently Sprint reps can be fired for transferring your call to a supervisor ).
Long enough story shortened... I paid the money because it just wasn't worth the frustration... but I will never be a Sprint customer again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds like a nightmare. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for sharing your experience.
kextyn said:
I like the idea of being able to switch networks with a phone and take it overseas if I need to. But I have realized that by the time I want to switch networks the phone would be very outdated and I can get a new one with the discounts. As far as going overseas...I could get orders overseas (Air Force) but there's no guarantee that I would even be in a GSM area (is Japan GSM? Korea isn't right?) and if I was they'd probably have better phones anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the possibility of world travel is one of the things that's kept me with GSM. I'm a musician and my last band toured nationally and almost internationally (the tour fell through unfortunately), and I wanted the flexibility. But considering the plethora of different technologies and frequencies, whatever USA phone I get is most likely going to be at least crippled no matter where I go anyway.
Japan uses mostly W-CDMA from what I understand. Unfortunately, it's compatible with neither Sprint or Verizon's CDMA nor ATT or T-Mobile USA's W-CDMA.
jkmiec3rd said:
Does anyone know the spec differences between the sprint touch pro and the fuze or a link to a comparison? I did a search on here but didn't notice it. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From everything I've read, it seems that they are identical spec-wise. The two phones have different cases (the Sprint version is a bit more rounded) and the top row of keys is different (Sprint has numbers, ATT has symbols), but other than that I believe they are the same.
salimai said:
From everything I've read, it seems that they are identical spec-wise. The two phones have different cases (the Sprint version is a bit more rounded) and the top row of keys is different (Sprint has numbers, ATT has symbols), but other than that I believe they are the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone actually posted a pic of the BACKSIDE of the ATT touch pro? I don't think I've seen any yet.
Note the sprint version is going to have a silver/grey back with a chrome bezel type thing going around the side:
http://www.engadgetmobile.com/photos/hands-on-with-sprints-touch-pro/
Keep in mind best buy has the us 3g unlocked version of the touch diamond gsm version so pretty soon they will get the us 3g version of the touch pro so you can get the 5 row keyboard the way HTC initially set it up without ATT butcher job...Just a little FYI. Best buy should have the unlocked 3g version of the touch pro sometime in November after ATT and sprint lauches their versions.
gramsey1911 said:
Keep in mind best buy has the us 3g unlocked version of the touch diamond gsm version so pretty soon they will get the us 3g version of the touch pro so you can get the 5 row keyboard the way HTC initially set it up without ATT butcher job...Just a little FYI. Best buy should have the unlocked 3g version of the touch pro sometime in November after ATT and sprint lauches their versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
has it been confirmed that bb will get TP? cuz for all we know the last leak from bb was that they'd be selling SPRINT TP, there was no indication whether they'd be selling unlocked 3G version. Also, can we say for sure they'll carry TP just cuz they carry diamond? I mean, they started selling diamond way before any of the carriers...what stopped them from selling TP ahead of time? also, since 3 carriers will have TP in their fleet, does it make sense for bb to sell a handset that more than half of the US carriers have? where's the profit in that? just some random questions I kept asking myself. If anyone would enlighten me it'd be much appreciated.
gramsey1911 said:
Keep in mind best buy has the us 3g unlocked version of the touch diamond gsm version so pretty soon they will get the us 3g version of the touch pro so you can get the 5 row keyboard the way HTC initially set it up without ATT butcher job...Just a little FYI. Best buy should have the unlocked 3g version of the touch pro sometime in November after ATT and sprint lauches their versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also would like to know if this has been confirmed. It's definitely an interesting option if it is indeed true. Unfortunately, with the Diamond having a $700 price tag, I'm not sure that this will be a reasonable option no matter how tempting. I know some people are willing to drop close to $1000 on a phone (it might not be that high, but I would expect it to be close since the Diamond is so spendy), but not me.
As far as the carrier choice goes, the posts negative toward Sprint have only been related to customer service issues (which may or may not be widespread) rather than coverage, signal quality, data speed, CDMA vs GSM, etc. I have to say I'm a bit surprised. At this point I'm taking that to mean that switching to Sprint might be the right choice. Would anyone else like to chime in?
Well for me i will have to stay with ATT. I live about 20 miles outside of Austin, TX and ATT gets much better signal than Sprint which my old roommate had. I have pretty much noticed that in Texas at least if you are gonna do much outside the main cities then ATT is pretty much the best option.
Question for other ATT customers, I get a company have my company discount of 20% discount on new hardware associated with my account but I have been told by the reps on the phone that the discount cannot be applied with the contract renewal price. This makes an odd choice since i will not use the rebate form since i don't want to switch from my Media Max 200 plan to the Pda Plan.
Options:
1. No contract renewal and suggesting a retail of $549 - 20% brings a cost of $439
2. Get with contract renewal making price probably about $399 without rebate.
3. The rep was full of it and I can use the contract renewal and the 20%.
TaurenSnake said:
Well for me i will have to stay with ATT. I live about 20 miles outside of Austin, TX and ATT gets much better signal than Sprint which my old roommate had. I have pretty much noticed that in Texas at least if you are gonna do much outside the main cities then ATT is pretty much the best option.
Question for other ATT customers, I get a company have my company discount of 20% discount on new hardware associated with my account but I have been told by the reps on the phone that the discount cannot be applied with the contract renewal price. This makes an odd choice since i will not use the rebate form since i don't want to switch from my Media Max 200 plan to the Pda Plan.
Options:
1. No contract renewal and suggesting a retail of $549 - 20% brings a cost of $439
2. Get with contract renewal making price probably about $399 without rebate.
3. The rep was full of it and I can use the contract renewal and the 20%.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had no problem buying the Tilt using AT&T Premier and renewing my existing contract.
http://wmpoweruser.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/attfuze.jpg
Wow, ATT's keyboard of the htc IS really ugly!
Also I'm almost positive that ATT will get the "watered down" camera. 3.1 MP.
Hey community,
I am currently not under contract with any provider…at the very least I want to give each provider a solid look before signing a new contract. Since I value the input of this community so much I am interested to see your thoughts. I don’t need help choosing a phone…also I am in the USA so for the purpose of this thread I am not interested in how the services would be rated worldwide.
Please add a vote to the poll…please don’t just pick the provider you are currently with but rather who you would choose if you had the chance…if anyone has relevant info please post it. My needs are simple…data and voice…coverage and customer service are very important. Let’s not turn this into a forum to bash providers…that is not my interest…if you have a chip on your shoulder please express it elsewhere…
I have added the top national carriers to the poll.
Thanks!
Well this thread was a BUST
You went with T-Mobile i'm guessing? Lol, I think you were right.
Oh hey, you posted that on December 11th, 1:43 and you reposted today on June 8th 7:43...
T-Mobile is extremely good if you live in a metro area...best call quality, good coverage, no dropped calls, fast data speeds (4-5mbps+ in some places)
At&T as it´s the only carrier that have HTC devices which work with 3G in México!
Tmobile has the best phones imho
Verizon tends to have the best signal
and AT&T is just a general all rounder
I currently have AT&T and aside from their pitiful phone selection and ludicrous data plan, i usually have good service
PurpleLlamaLover said:
You went with T-Mobile i'm guessing? Lol, I think you were right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny...I actually have not updated my phone yet...kinda want HD2 but kinda want an Android phone too...I am draging my feet.
metro now owned by T-mobile
I went out today during my day off and seen what was out there to offer. Shopping for a family plan with at least 3 lines, I have a buddy and his wife where I stay maybe 1 week a month who haven't had phones and need them (have kids etc). I couldn't find even close to a better deal than what Metro T-mobile offered me in the store. First I'd like to say that going into a cell store is most generally pointless, because you will get a better deal 90% of the time going online to shop phone plans. However this was certainly an exception.
I was coming from Boost, and wanting to port my number over. Porting over from another company will usually get you a slightly better deal. They have a current (4 for 100) promotion at the metro/t-mobile dealer. That seemed to be a decent price for a family plan. We all have fairly new, decent phones already that can be carrier unlocked fairly easily. So I asked if I would need to purchase SIM cards which seems to be the norm, I was figuring 100 for the plan, then probably 25 a piece for activation/sim cards etc... Then i was kinda shocked.
She then said since I'm porting over from another carrier that I'll get a new phone (up to 240.00usd) for myself, AND each additional line. There will be a 15 dollar activation fee for each line.
So I'll be at around 180.00 out the door. That includes: unlimited talk, text, and unlimited data with no throttling. And the phones I have to choose from don't suck. I'm still deciding between.
LG Stylo 4 (we already have 3 in the house, they are decent midrange phones)
LG Stylo 5 (another gig of ram, slightly better glass, and android 9)
Samsung a10e
Samsung a20
Moto g7 power
Granted, all of metro's phones seem to have a ton of bloatware on em... but i can't pass this deal up because the best part is: NO CONTRACT
I'm probably going to be selling 3 stylo 4's on swappa
I have a MyTouch 4G on T-Mobile. In a year or less the AT&T buyout of T-Mobile may happen and.... I have to decide what's next for me.
1. I'm happy with the MyTouch and my T-Mo plan but I have no contract and therefore no protection at all against whatever changes may result from the buyout.
2. Physical or on-screen keyboard is fine, no preference.
3. I need VERY little voice time, less than 100 minutes a month for the last 10 years so the 200 minute senior plans from AT&T or VZW are fine for me.
4. I need LOTS of data so price is a consideration.
5. I MUST have UMA or WiFi calling to cover all the places I need my phone but I think that's impossible, I doubt AT&T will add that and I know VZW won't.
6. The choice is between VZW and AT&T, don't want to go into reasons for that. I have a lot of very bad experiences with AT&T and a lot of good experience with VZW, offsetting that is that my current phone(s) are GSM.
So.... should I try to live with AT&T or get a new phone and go with VZW? Price will be exactly the same either way but I'll need to sell some phones and get a new one (eBay or Craig's List, no contract!)
And, if the recommendation is VZW what CDMA phone is close to the MyTouch 4G in performance and features?
Any suggestions much appreciated, thanks!
Anybody?
10 Characters
I'm not really sure what verizon phone is the closest to what you have right now, but they do have a few good smartphone options. I will say that if you're planning on switching, you should do so before the 7th because there will be no more unlimited data on new plans after that.
I've been on sprint for awhile now mainly because the pricing. The evo 4g is comparable to the mytouch 4g. The evo 3d just came out for sprint recently which is a beast of a phone but I'm not upgrading just yet. Explore all your options and visit androidcentral, they have many reviews of android phones from all carriers. I'd suggest looking over there to get some more input
Sent from Erik Estrada
the merger has not happened yet and it will be at least 8 months till it goes down and then prob at least half a year till everything gets switched. People are worried but it takes time to get thing swiched over. You might even get a cheap trade off phone when that happens. There is nothing cheaper than TMO and you seem to be happy with it. Why not just stick with it till the merger happens.
Pick up a Sensation or a G2X and stay on Tmo as long as you can.
But if you really want to switch then I would pick verizon (unfortunetely there are not phones on vzn that I really care for right now but you cant go wrong with the network availability and speed but super high prices).
As mentioned you should consider sprint, closest to tmobile in prices and decent network with 1 nice phone which is the evo 3D.
gluck.
Thanks for the answers!
First, I have no contract nor will I, I'll stick with T-Mo as long as possible but it's never too soon to start searching Craig's List or Ebay for a phone if I do go to VZW. Question is, if I port my number now, will I still have unlimited data next month or the month after on a month to month deal?
Pricing, Sprint is the most expensive option by far, both VZW and AT&T offer senior plans which I had when I was with VZW before, Sprint has nothing similar. BTW, T-Mo only saves me $5/mo over VZW. I get more minutes I can't use/don't want with T-Mo but who cares?
Coverage: I switched to T-Mo because they had coverage where I need it, VZW doesn't (I know, that's the reverse of most people's experience!) but w/o UMA/WiFi calling I'll be back to no coverage in most places where I need it regardless of who I chose.
(T-Mo used to offer an unlimited data only plan with per minute voice, that was the best for me but it's no longer available.)
technology moves pretty fast these days.. i would ride out your t mobile plan until the merger gets closer then look into plans and phones. As one person stated verizon is dumping unlimited plans after the 7th so maybe thats a deciding factor for you.
Thanks
TheIceCreamMan said:
technology moves pretty fast these days..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree but I'm usually happy with a phone that's a little behind the curve.
i would ride out your t mobile plan until the merger gets closer then look into plans and phones. As one person stated verizon is dumping unlimited plans after the 7th so maybe thats a deciding factor for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked at plans and phones today, VZW still has the Old Fart's plan for $30/mo so that's fine, the data is a worry. I can get the unlimited plan today but w/o a contract will I get to keep it next month?
With the 65 Plus plan for $30 and the data plan for $30 I'd be paying only $5/mo more than T-Mobile but with no UMA/WiFi calling which is a major problem and the reason I'm staying with T-Mo as long as possible!
The change from unlimited data is a good reason to switch today but with no guarantee that I can keep the unlimited plan I'm scared to change!
I don't know how unlimited data works without a contract, you'd have to ask Verizon. As for wifi calling, why not just use Google voice?
On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate UMA as a 10, WiFi Calling as about a 6, Google Voice as a 0. It's just not an acceptable alternative but it is an alternative I suppose...
I would suggest not to try AT&T - pretty poor network .. Also, they dont seem to have an unlimited data plan.
I agree with that but I suspect that AT&T will remain T-Mobile for some time after the buyout, as in honoring my current plan and maybe continuing to offer UMA/WiFi calling. I expect everything will continue unchanged for some weeks, maybe months? I'll switch when I have to unless something unexpected happens.
I'm able to switch any time, I have an old VZW BB, an 8330, so I can port my number over right now if I need to....
4G network T-Mobile
At this rate, when people test 6G we started erecting 4G network is OK
I have a month to month deal with Verizon. Coverage is good here in Western PA, much better than AT&T. Very happy to still have unlimited data!
I have had sprint for a short time, but it has been really good.
arunprakashl said:
I would suggest not to try AT&T - pretty poor network .. Also, they dont seem to have an unlimited data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlimited data seems to be as extinct as dinosaurs, those who have it will be allowed to keep it (for who knows how long?) but new customers can't get it.
I have an unlimited plan with T-Mo but I'm sure that'll be going away, the question is how long will it last after the buyout? I'm guessing I'm OK for at least a month but then????
For most customers, the lowest limit offered by most companies is more than adequate.
With AT&T for awhile now. Not too impressed with coverage or service. I wouldn't recommend them at this point. Would have stayed T-mobile but their coverage was worse where I need to go. If T-mobile works for you, why change. When AT&T merged with Cingular, it didn't affect customer of either company until they signed up for new contracts, which sounds like it won't be you.
I don't know if it is a precursor to what's coming but a new T-mobile device from Huawei is being tested by the FCC with T-mobile and AT&T HSPA+ bands. Max speed @ 42mbps. Engadget has a small article on it.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using the power of the dark side.
Hi All,
I'm debating tossing the towel in with Sprint, and am looking for what you guys are suggesting. First and foremost, I need Windows Phone, so right away AT&T is very attractive. But here's my delemia.
Currently, I have Sprint with the following plan.
1500 Anytime + Unlimited Data + Unlimited Messaging + Unlimited M2M + 3G/4G on 4 lines
Total $215 a month (and rising, this was originally $160 with my work discount a year ago)
Well, thier service has been horrid, data speeds are pathetic and I'm just wanting to give up with them.
So that pretty much leaves me with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
Verizon = out of question, for my plan it's like 360 bucks.
AT&T = most likely, as I can align my package to what I use, plus get roll over and keep that M2M or (anymobile if you will) for relativly 180 bucks, BUT, the kicker.
With TMobile still having an unlimited data plan (ala capped), would you guys think it's worth the risk to sign up with tmobile and hope the plan carries through?
Also, I read alot about congestion on AT&T, and honestly, I can't imagine it's worse than Sprint. Sprint just friggen sucks really bad lately, data speeds are 10x slower than Dial Up.
Anyone else switch from Sprint to another carrier recently want to chime in? This is gonna cost me nearly $1200 so I want to make sure it's worth it.
Thanks!
I recommend us cellular. I have been with them for over 12 years and service has always been great. phone selection isn't always good because they are a small carrier but they have a lot of android phones and at least one windows phone.
Sent from my MIUI SCH-i500
why do you need a windows phone?
Why do people need iPhones?
Really though I have apps to support in marketplace.
so as someone that's been with t-mo for over 10 years now...yes is a good one and worth the risk...
there's still a good chance that att will buy them, but there's a lot of opposition and legal challenges coming up
I think you can clearly get a better deal...and since they don't have larger user bases, the network doesn't tend to be as saturated and they tend to try harder to keep their customers...once you learn the tricks during the every two year renegotiation....
I would suggest, you take as much time as you can to try out their service int eh first 15 days they give you, to see what their network coverage is like in your area, but where I am, it's more than adequet. and the nice thing about them, that I'm experienceing, is while I don't have a 4g phone, my speeds keep getting better as they improve the hspa network speeds, unlike LTE, which if you don't get an lte phone now, you won't get any better performance until you upgrade...
I've been with spring a long time ago, left att to go to t-mobile, and had a verizon work phone a year ago that I gave back...I'm still very happy with t-mo and will stick with them unless att buys them.
My question: should I switch from VZW to AT&T? I have the unlimited data plan with VZW, I barely get close to 1.5gbs of use even with LTE. My wife has AT&T with the unlimited data plan as well. We could save about 40 dollars a month if I make the switch, plus I really want this phone. I had the razr maxx and the battery life is amazing but I gave that up and went back to a iPhone 4s. I love the camera, what can I say. Anyway, what are y'alls opinions on making the switch, I am located in Tampa so there is LTE here. Thanks in advance
Honestly I LOVE my AT&T One X. BUT I don't know that I would leave Unlimited Data in an LTE area... I think the best thing you could do is wait for Verizon to release their version of the Galaxy S III and go for that on Verizon.
I'm not trolling the GSIII I just think leaving Unlimited Data if you are happy with your current coverage with Verizon would be a big hit. Plus with how fast LTE is and how much data you could consume... If you weren't on Unlimited and AT&T gave you good coverage in your area, I would say go for the One X, it's an amazing phone.
Just my Opinion.
..Gromet
I may be biased. I work for att, but not for mobility. Here is my experience though. I am in Dallas so LTE for both verizon and ATT.
ATT:
LTE speeds are amazing. 30 mbps down 18 mbps up. (no network congestion)
4G speeds are good. 8 mbps down 2 mbps up.
LTE coverage is limited but 4g speeds make up for it. If you live in a coverage area, then this phone is great.
Customer service has always been helpful to me. Never considered any of them retards but some are uneducated. To them it is a job, for us it is a passion so there will always be that difference there.
Verizon:
LTE speeds are decent. 15 mbps down 8 mbps up.
3G/ CDMA speeds are horrible!!! 1 mbps down 200kbps up
Wide LTE network but with very weak signal. (cant penetrate office building or apartment or carport.)
If you dont get LTE, your data acts like a slug stuck in maple syrup.
Customer service is atrocious.
Little side story:
Switched to verizon on jan 1st for the galaxy nexus. I had ATT port my number over to verizon and they set up my account with auto-billing. I loved the phone, and out doors the speeds were pretty good. ATT disconnected my account and I paid the ETF of like 200 bucks. Over the next 5 days i was plagued with issues. No data indoors. No voice indoors. Kept dropping LTE while i was in the dark red LTE coverage map. I ended up returning the phone on the 5th of January.
Called ATT and they ported my number back and closed out my Verizon account. I returned the phone and the box under their "No worry guarantee" that states no ETF or charges in the first 14 days if you arent happy with service. ATT took me back with open arms and acted like it never happened. Instant refund of ETF, kept my grandfathered unlimited data.
March 8th Verizon charged 472.58 for the ETF and one month of service... I have called every 5 days to get my money back... still havent received my check. Worst customer service ever.
This actually got me fired back up. Just filed a BBB complaint.
On a side note:
The one X is a great phone. I would take it hands down to an iPhone. I am not a fanboy of any phone. Ive had them all. Its for the sure, the best android phone i have owned. iPhone is still more user friendly but this phone has the power. The camera on this beast is purely amazing. My gf has the iphone 4s and she likes my camera more.
Interesting - I face(d) a similar dilemma...
I'm in Columbus, OH so I've gotten used to verizon lte for over a year now. I've been more than pleased with verizon's service in general I'm not sure how at&t's service is here but we'll see..... I have a feeling their HSPA+ here sucks, I know their latency/ping times historically have been bad here. I'm confident LTE will be here by the end of the year though.
Basically at this point at&t has some phones I really wish vzw had - lumia, gnote, and of course the one x.
That said, I just took the plunge last night for the $130 gray one x on amazon it just seems awesome and my droid charge isn't cutting it (since my razr went through the washing machine )
I'm going to have to pay a $200 ETF on verizon, but that plus the price of the one x is the same or less than I'd be paying even if I bought a used galaxy nexus off craigslist. If at&t's service ends up sucking, I'll get out of the contract within 30 days, port my number back over to verizon where I'd technically be considered a new customer and I could get a brand new subsidized phone much cheaper than if I stayed and went craigslist route off contract.
oh by the way - I really miss simply swapping sim cards between GSM phones. Verizon makes a B to switch phones, even with the 4g LTE phones which use the SIM, you can't reuse your old sim ever, you always have to get a new one, its ridiculous.
Pick your carrier based coverage, not a single device. Every one of the "big 4" carriers are picking up a phone in the One series, so its a good bet that Verizon will follow suit and release a version of the One, or something very similar.
If your wife gets good reception in your area, and losing the unlimited data plan is not an issue (which it doesn't sound like it is), then by all means switch. Saving $40 a month is significant. But just anecdotal experience, AT&T coverage is awful in many places where Verizon gets full bars. You'll find spots where one carrier is better than another, and vice versa. But overall, its my experience that Verizon gets signal in more places than AT&T, particularly in less settled rural areas. I was on a trip in Alabama with friends last year. The Verizon folks in my group had full bars and fast 3G. I had no data, and could barely even make a voice call (with sound breaking up and dropped calls) on AT&T.
redpoint73 said:
Pick your carrier based coverage, not a single device. Every one of the "big 4" carriers are picking up a phone in the One series, so its a good bet that Verizon will follow suit and release a version of the One, or something very similar.
If your wife gets good reception in your area, and losing the unlimited data plan is not an issue (which it doesn't sound like it is), then by all means switch. Saving $40 a month is significant. But just anecdotal experience, AT&T coverage is awful in many places where Verizon gets full bars. You'll find spots where one carrier is better than another, and vice versa. But overall, its my experience that Verizon gets signal in more places than AT&T, particularly in less settled rural areas. I was on a trip in Alabama with friends last year. The Verizon folks in my group had full bars and fast 3G. I had no data, and could barely even make a voice call (with sound breaking up and dropped calls) on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually HTC confirmed that Verizon won't be carrying any of the one series. But to the OP, I think you should stay with Verizon cause you have a sweet deal. Unlimited data with LTE and good coverage? Don't give that up that would be a mistake in my opinion. Like someone else said I think you should wait for the Verizon LTE version of the Samung Galaxy S III
Good points made by all - I'm personally tired of verizon skipping out on quality phones. They won't carry the one x because they want to feature the droid incredible lte - what a joke, I don't want a 4" phone. Verizon doesn't like WP7 and won't have the lumia for the foreseeable future. THey didn't carry the galaxy note, they didn't carry the SGII because of the galaxy nexus, etc... I'm tired of all the "droid" line of phones too, that terminology is old and annoying.
All that said the actual carrier IS very important - if at&t sucks, I'll switch back. I don't use LTE or mobile data enough for my unlimited data to matter to me.
I feel the same way about the droid line.... Let me know how it goes with AT&T dude. I'll wait for know
Think long term. If you give up your unlimited plan, chances are you will not be able to get it back. Regardless of if you use sub-2gb/mo now, you will definitely use more in years to come. Mobile data usage will only increase as carriers try to push cloud services, streaming services increasingly stream at higher bitrates, and so on. You don't want to get caught with your pants down tomorrow because you decided to save $40/mo today.
Likewise, consider what you would be trading it for - a phone that will become mediocre within a year, and completely replaceable by the time your contract expires. Will it really be worth it?
If you have unlimited, keep it.
I have been testing the theory that I can upload all of my media to the cloud and use google music or similar. So what I did was upload my media (appx 14gb), took out my external sd card (Captivate I-897) and started using the streaming service on 5/9/12.
Proir to the test I was at max hitting 1gb per month on my unlimited data plan.
In less than one week streaming my media..... 1.5gb! I will easily go over 5gb in a month and expect to be throttled.
I really like the One-X, but it is becoming clear that it won't work for me with only 10gb of usable storage.
I don't keep anything on my phone. Maybe like 20 songs max. I use it for email, web and talking. I will have to see I guess.
eakrish said:
I don't keep anything on my phone. Maybe like 20 songs max. I use it for email, web and talking. I will have to see I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, maybe your current usage needs don't exceed the base and thus make unlimited seem unnecessary. But typical data usage has increased over time, not decreased, so if tiers stay the same there will be many people crossing the base data plan threshold into overage territory.
I just think unlimited is worthwhile to keep in this climate of increased cloud usage.
barondebxl said:
Actually HTC confirmed that Verizon won't be carrying any of the one series.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some websites are calling the Incredible 4G LTE just a repackaged One S. Although agreed, its a budget phone, and not on the same level as the One X.
Really odd to see people complaining about the Android lineup on Verizon, and talking about jumping to AT&T. AT&T has always been a joke as far as Android support. They just happen to have one good phone right now.
redpoint73 said:
Really odd to see people complaining about the Android lineup on Verizon, and talking about jumping to AT&T. AT&T has always been a joke as far as Android support. They just happen to have one good phone right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really, just one good Android phone? They've always had better phones than VZW. VZW carries like 1 HTC, 14 Motorola's, and if you're lucky 1 or 2 sub-par Samsung devices a year. Not to mention the CDMA Galaxy Nexus on VZW is a joke. Was the rumor of Google no longer supporting the Galaxy Nexus true?
dale_cooper said:
Interesting - I face(d) a similar dilemma...
I'm in Columbus, OH so I've gotten used to verizon lte for over a year now. I've been more than pleased with verizon's service in general I'm not sure how at&t's service is here but we'll see..... I have a feeling their HSPA+ here sucks, I know their latency/ping times historically have been bad here. I'm confident LTE will be here by the end of the year though.
Basically at this point at&t has some phones I really wish vzw had - lumia, gnote, and of course the one x.
That said, I just took the plunge last night for the $130 gray one x on amazon it just seems awesome and my droid charge isn't cutting it (since my razr went through the washing machine )
I'm going to have to pay a $200 ETF on verizon, but that plus the price of the one x is the same or less than I'd be paying even if I bought a used galaxy nexus off craigslist. If at&t's service ends up sucking, I'll get out of the contract within 30 days, port my number back over to verizon where I'd technically be considered a new customer and I could get a brand new subsidized phone much cheaper than if I stayed and went craigslist route off contract.
oh by the way - I really miss simply swapping sim cards between GSM phones. Verizon makes a B to switch phones, even with the 4g LTE phones which use the SIM, you can't reuse your old sim ever, you always have to get a new one, its ridiculous.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just an FYI, with the 4G LTE devices on Verizon, you can swap SIM cards no problem. I have switched between probably 5 or 6 different phones without issue.
Y2J
I dumped att and decided to try Verizon and razr maxx, ended up returning maxx and going back to att for the hox. I agree about there not being great devices on Verizon( at this time at least). Even though I live in a Verizon lte area my data speeds seem similar on att....why I have no idea. Anyhow I use wifi a lot, so really unless it was really lagging I don't care.
I do want to add just like a previous poster on this thread Verizon tried to hit me with a bill for $466 for 8 days of service. They were trying to say I did not return phone. Well luckily I still had return receipt, but it took a lot of phone calls.
I called up Verizon and they offered me a free upgrade to whatever LTE device I wanted plus 100 dollars off, what should I get?
Wait for the g3?
I have until the 31st of May....
Unfortunately they really don't have any lte devices worth a crap besides the GN.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2