Hello XDA members,
Let me first start by introducing myself. I am poor college student currently on T-Mobile USA using the iPhone 3GS with a $10 unlimited data plan.
I am looking to switch to a T-Mobile phone so I can finally get 3G+ speeds... This iPhone gets horrid speeds due to the difference between AT&T & T-Mo's celluar bands.
I am torn between which phones to get, Google Nexus One, G2, MyTouch4G or the Samsung Vibrant. I want to root my phone and have "super access" and I would like to try and take advantage of the $10 plan if possible.
If not, I am aware of the $20 Preferred Android Plan, but as previous stated, it's hard for a poor college student to cough up the monthly plans when I have WiFi access.
I would appreciate any advice, comparisons or tips. Please be gentle.
First:
1) If you get a phone subsidized (meaning you pay upgrade price and add it to contract) you will absolutely have to get either the $10/250mb plan or the $30/Unlimited plan. There's no avoiding this.
2) If you buy the phone unlocked, you can keep your $10 unlimited plan, but they will auto-switch you to the Android $30 plan. You have to CALL CLD (Customer Loyalty Department), tell them to give you your $10 feature back and to block you from the premium so it won't auto switch you. Success here is hit or miss.
Now, for further questions:
Every Android device has its pluses and its minuses.
Do you want QWERTY physical keyboard? If so, go with the G2.
Do you want the most raw processing power with an HTC branded device? Go with the MyTouch 4G.
Do you want over-the-air updates to the latest Android and a powerful GPU? Go with the Nexus S.
Do you want TERRIBLE quality control, terrible reliability, terrible device, terrible everything? Go with the Vibrant.
The cons of the G2 are the keyboard hangs loose if it's upside down, the processor isn't as fast as the Nexus S/MyTouch 4G and it has less ram.
The cons of the MyTouch 4G are that it has a really bloated stock operating system and having permanent root isn't "guaranteed". You also have to make sure it has the good screen.
The cons of the Nexus S are that it's made by Samsung so GPS issues are highly possible and it has no MicroSD slot so you're stuck with 16GB.
Check out the HD2 and HD7 as well.
Essenar said:
First:
1) If you get a phone subsidized (meaning you pay upgrade price and add it to contract) you will absolutely have to get either the $10/250mb plan or the $30/Unlimited plan. There's no avoiding this.
2) If you buy the phone unlocked, you can keep your $10 unlimited plan, but they will auto-switch you to the Android $30 plan. You have to CALL CLD (Customer Loyalty Department), tell them to give you your $10 feature back and to block you from the premium so it won't auto switch you. Success here is hit or miss.
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Click to collapse
First off, thank you for your reply!
I will be buying the phone unlocked, probably on eBay or Craigslist, but I fear fake phones. I haven't heard of them auto switching people to the $30 plan, what premium would I need to request to be blocked?
HD2 / HD7 was a huge turn off due to the Windows OS, but if dual boot is an easy, viable option without emulation (thus running at 100% speed), then I may have to consider these phones as well... They do look quite pricey...
The Vibrant seems to be a love it/hate it phone. Clearly Samsung has bailed on the phone, but with such a great community, 2.2 seems to run great with a little tweaking.
The HD2, when modified, runs Android at full 100% hardware. It doesn't "emulate". The HD7 is a bad choice if you want to install your own operating systems so stay away from it.
The Vibrant is love it for people who are stuck with it and found ways around the problems. But most of those people, if given a "do over" would go HTC in a heartbeat.
G2's can be had for cheap coin here on our own marketplace. Just make sure you buy from a reputable seller. And your 3GS would sell easily for the price of what you can get a G2 for. (Roughly $275-350).
There's no premium to avoid the $30 plan, just have to tell them you had a $10 data plan on your account and you don't want it changed. If they tell you Android phones need it, tell them "No they don't. I didn't get my device from you so the contract doesn't apply to me. Give me my $10 feature back."
from personal experience i would say buy nexus one from amazon
Essenar said:
There's no premium to avoid the $30 plan, just have to tell them you had a $10 data plan on your account and you don't want it changed. If they tell you Android phones need it, tell them "No they don't. I didn't get my device from you so the contract doesn't apply to me. Give me my $10 feature back."
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Click to collapse
Thanks for your input, I will hope to keep the $10 plan. Do you have experience with using the $10 plan on Smartphones?
To be honest, I've never had experience with it on 3G.
I had an unlocked iPhone 2G for probably two months on T-Mobile with the $10 data and then it fell out of my pocket, fell 8 inches to the ground and shattered the screen.
After that, no more iPhone, no more $10 data. After all the data plan price changes, I regret my decision tremendously because almost everyone grandfather's the old T-Zone and $10 data plan. Data is data. As long as you're using the same APN, you'll connect to the towers and use 3G. Assuming you have a 3G antenna of course.
That's why Sprint charges an extra $10 for 4G whether you like it or not, because they can't control whether or not your 4G phone will pick up 4G service. If you have the hardware, the towers are there and the APN allows your device, you get the data.
Bump, I'd like more input on the phones...
Related
I'm not sure where to ask this, but xda-developers was my first thought. I currently have a Sprint Mogul that is aging a bit too much lately and wanted to upgrade by buying an Evo 4G on ebay, however I just talked to a sprint store employee that said that the 4G phones REQUIRE an extra $10 fee. I already have $5/mo unlimited data, and no current 4G available anywhere near here. Is this a requirement that I can avoid or should I look for a good 3G android phone?
As far as I know it's a requirement for ALL smartphones now, not just 4g, so you might as well get an Evo. I'm spending roughly $80 a month after everything which is what I was paying at Verizon for a non-data, nothing unlimited plan. I'm on a plan with my boyfriend, but it's only $10 cheaper, so with the lowest required plan for the Evo, by yourself you'll be paying ~$90-$100. I think it's worth it, but you might not.
Well, the thing is, by any definition the mogul is a smartphone. What I want to do is change phones and not tell sprint what phone it is, it would allow me to maintain my plan at its current rate, but 4G is a different service, though without the towers I don't see how they would know it had the ability. I only wonder because the sprint employee seemed to think I could do this with any non-4G phone and not increase my rates, which is what I want.
Tb0n3 said:
Well, the thing is, by any definition the mogul is a smartphone. What I want to do is change phones and not tell sprint what phone it is, it would allow me to maintain my plan at its current rate, but 4G is a different service, though without the towers I don't see how they would know it had the ability. I only wonder because the sprint employee seemed to think I could do this with any non-4G phone and not increase my rates, which is what I want.
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I asked this exact same question a few months ago when i got an evo. The answer is yes you can, but it might be illegal since you have to clone your mogul phone onto your evo. I forget which number it is, but there's a unique ID number for every cell phone - if you can copy the one from the mogul onto the evo, you should be able to just use it without sprint knowing any better.
But i believe it's illegal to do that and was told I shouldn't ask how to do that on here since it would probably just get deleted/i'd get banned.
I finally gave in and paid the stupid $10 a month even though i never use the 4g.
btw, i also had a mogul from sprint. If it's just going to cost you $10 more a month then what you are paying now, i'd say it's worth it, even if the extra $10 month is complete BS.
I guess that answers my question, though $10 is ten dollars a month, no matter how you look at it, it's not like I'm getting any extra service from them. From my experience, however, they aren't above negotiation over the phone, which is how I got my $5/mo unlimited data.
merkk said:
I asked this exact same question a few months ago when i got an evo. The answer is yes you can, but it might be illegal since you have to clone your mogul phone onto your evo. I forget which number it is, but there's a unique ID number for every cell phone - if you can copy the one from the mogul onto the evo, you should be able to just use it without sprint knowing any better.
But i believe it's illegal to do that and was told I shouldn't ask how to do that on here since it would probably just get deleted/i'd get banned.
I finally gave in and paid the stupid $10 a month even though i never use the 4g.
btw, i also had a mogul from sprint. If it's just going to cost you $10 more a month then what you are paying now, i'd say it's worth it, even if the extra $10 month is complete BS.
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That $10/month extra, does that include the $5/month that I pay already for unlimited data or will that stack onto it?
Tb0n3 said:
That $10/month extra, does that include the $5/month that I pay already for unlimited data or will that stack onto it?
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not sure - all i know is if you go to the sprint site and act like you are ordering a new phone with new service - if you pick one of the older smart phones you'll pay $10 less then what you'll pay if you pick one of the newer/4g phones. You wont get anything extra for the $10 - you get the same exact plan.
wow - what a rip off - i just checked the sprint site and now they are charging the $10/mo extra even for the older non-4g phones, like the touch pro 2.
If you are on an older plan, my guess is you'll have to upgrade to one of their current plans. so lets say $70 for the 450 minute plan and you'll have to pay an extra $10 on top of that if you buy any smartphone.
That's sort of what happened to me. I was on the old SERO plan - fortunately they started offering an upgrade path for sero users. So i wound up paying a little more then what i was paying before, but still cheaper then what regular new users get stuck with. Since they made me upgrade to a current plan, i'm guessing they'll make you do the same. So the $10 charge should replace the $5 charge you pay now.
I upgraded from a Sprint Mogul to an Samsung Epic and I to had to pay the 10 dollars, But the good think I noticed about the Epic. You can turn 4G feature on and off. When you are in an area that offers 4G and turn it on the Data bandwidth is a whole lot better verses a 3G area. If you have a phone that can do both next time you are in a 4G area do a speedtest and you will see the difference in bandwidth.
You are required to have the $10 dollars a month. It doesn't stack with the $5, I just replaces it.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Hi, i am a student from Vietnam, but studying at United States right now. This is my first year at United States, so i haven't signed a contract yet because i know i will be back Vietnam for a little bit (for about ~4 months). I will be back here on September, 2011 and i think i am going to sign a 2-year contract and get a Windows Phone 7 Device because my currect monthly-contract with T-Mobile is kinda expensive i think...
i am current having the HTC HD7 T-Mobile T9292, bought on ebay. Work perfectly,i am loving it. And September seem to be far away, and HD7 is not a "failed" device, somebody would wonder why i create this thread.
But today, when i went back from the school, i suddenly dropped my HD7 to the ground quite hard and it had no cover at all ( i forgot to put the black-silicon cover for it because i was leaving in hurry in the morning). The phone was damaged physically outside, top right corner ( but still working, no problem while operating the phone) and it looks ugly. I am kinda a person who have a "eye-infinity", want to own something look sexy (that why i bought the HD7). So, when the phone is damaged and cannot be fixed, i get mad (not really, lol ) and there is one thing run across my head, "I am going to have a new phone" .
basically, i know nothing about signing a contract with a wiress-provider. If someone can give me some info that would be great. I am a Microsoft-Fan, and Windows Phone 7 is great to use. But now it get me really confuse. I don't know which phone i am going to get.
HTC HD7 is fine, since i have some special respect to HTC because they always make cool phones, but it has some issue, like "Pink-Camera", TFT-LCD only... Now, we even have a HD7S from AT&T. And again, i don't know which carrier to choose. People said AT&T is expensive, but has a better coverage than T-Mobile...blah...blah...blah. Even Android is not that bad. I am really confuse.
If someone can help me out, that would be great!
PS: I will be at St.Peterburg, FL next year, if someone are going to answer my question about coverage! Thanks!
Why not just order a replacement housing for it instead of signing up for a contract?
http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-Original-HT...ltDomain_0&hash=item3cb77dea52#ht_2185wt_1208
drkfngthdragnlrd said:
Why not just order a replacement housing for it instead of signing up for a contract?
http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-Original-HT...ltDomain_0&hash=item3cb77dea52#ht_2185wt_1208
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+1
or put a cover on it ?
or buy anything off craigslist... a two year contract with the devil, for a phone you can pick up for $200 locally ?
drkfngthdragnlrd said:
Why not just order a replacement housing for it instead of signing up for a contract?
http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-Original-HT...ltDomain_0&hash=item3cb77dea52#ht_2185wt_1208
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Thanks for the link. But i have another question. If i sign a new contract (to T-Mobile for example), can i use my old phone? Or i must have another one?
I want to sign a contract because i cannot handle $50 /month plan for the whole year (Unlimited Talk and text, 100mb data). I choose that plan only beacause i want the "Data", i use the EGRPS/3G more than talk and texting. My friend who have a iPhone 4 AT&T, pay $25/month, and has 2GB Data, 2year contract.
ohgood said:
+1
or put a cover on it ?
or buy anything off craigslist... a two year contract with the devil, for a phone you can pick up for $200 locally ?
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I have the silicon cover for it. It cover the damaged part pretty well. But the idea of signing a contract here is having the Data Usage ( i am a heavily 3G/EGPRS user). I don't need Unlimited talk and text but i need EGPRS so that why i need to choose the plan $50/month...
Plus, remember, most likely AT&T will be merging with T-Mobile within 12 months or so. So, being with one or the other in the long run won't matter & signing a contract with T-Mobile, you may be able to cancel your contact free of charge in a yr. In the USA, you're allowed to cancel a contract free of charge when there's a merger of this type. Also, T-Mobile is cheaper than AT&T & in my experience has better service. I've seen many AT&T users not have signer where I do with T-Mobile, granted non of this matter once the merger is complete.
First thing to mention using an existing device, AT&T & T-Mobile have different 3G frequencies so a T-Mobile device won't get 3G on AT&T. Now they both are GSM & so have SIM Cards so you can reuse your device, just get a cheap free phone with your new contract.
I look at the Windows Phone Chart today, and i don't think any current device is better than HD7, since i have already gotten used to the 4.3 inch screen, it is hard to switch to something smaller than 4 inch.
Dell Venue now is a good choice, but i actually don't like the design that much, and Dell is not really famous in Smartphone category.
ASUS also has a plan for a Windows Phone 7 Device, same as HTC ( a new ad about Windows Phone 7 HTC Device with 16mp Camera and Front Camera for video call) ... and i think they are quite sexy to compare to the HD7.
I was just checking both AT&T & T-Mobile's plans & the cheapest Talk/Text/Web I see is $60 for T-Mobile (500 Mins) & $75 for AT&T (450 Mins w/ Roll Over, $39.99 Talk/$20.00 Text/$15.00 Web). Both have Unlimited Text & 200 MB Data.
So, you have signed the contract to T-Mobile? What is your current plan? (How much per month?) and What is the cheapeast plan that T-Mobile provide?
I have Unlimited Talk/Unlimited Text on 5 lines & Unlimited Web on 1 line. Our bill is $314.05 (With Taxes/Fees/Etc.). T-Mobile does have an Unlimited Talk/Text/Web deal for $80 for a single line.
drkfngthdragnlrd said:
I have Unlimited Talk/Unlimited Text on 5 lines & Unlimited Web on 1 line. Our bill is $314.05 (With Taxes/Fees/Etc.). T-Mobile does have an Unlimited Talk/Text/Web deal for $80 for a single line.
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Do you have any suggestion? 200MB Web is not that bad if i use EGPRS only... but 3G maybe a little bit different, since i am not always home or any cafe' to have Wifi... I may get crazy one day and use all my data in watching video on YouTube!
But i can't believe that my friend can get $25/month, and 2GB Web Data on AT&T for iPhone 4!
I highly doubt he's only paying $25 a month. I believe that to be just for Data, not including talk/text. I pay $30 a month for my Unlimited Data, the 200 MB Data is only $15. AT&T does not have an Unlimited Data plan. They have the 200 MB & 2 GB plans.
drkfngthdragnlrd said:
I highly doubt he's only paying $25 a month. I believe that to be just for Data, not including talk/text. I pay $30 a month for my Unlimited Data, the 200 MB Data is only $15. AT&T does not have an Unlimited Data plan. They have the 200 MB & 2 GB plans.
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So, if you sign a contract, you can pay separately between call/texting and Web Data? That sould really cool to me...
Are you having unlimited data for your HD7?
Correct, my plan is a shared family plan of Unlimited Talk/Text for all 5 lines. My line has it's own Unlimited Data. I prefer to be safe for the extra $15 & not have to worry about data usage.
Thank you very much about the T-Mobile's Plan sir!
Look like i am going to have a contract with T-Mobile... The problem now, is waiting for some Cool Windows Phone 7 Device come out... and hopefully... t-mobile will have it
Hey I am a smartphone user and going off to college next year.. Currently on AT&T and in a family plan with my mom and dad. Our contract "expires" this July as its been two years. Unfortunately I have like one more year b/c my phone got stolen and I had to upgrade. My parents didn't.
Currently our family plan is around $110. ($30 unlimited data, no texting for anyone, cheapest voice plan)
Anyway, they use "dumbphones" and I was wondering, since they can leave AT&T in July.. Is there a way for them to use like MetroPCS and me to stay on AT&T and save some money? I know they have some unlimited voice plans (which is ALL they need)
$10 is not that worth it but if I can use AT&T and my parents use voice-only on another carrier for $20 that would definitely be worth it.
All my parents need is voice unlimited and decent coverage in the North new Jersey / new york area.. A sim-card service would also be ideal (idk if metropcs is, just an example!)
(I know this is a long post, but I have honestly done the research but just cannot find the answer.. I know some of you guys can though!)
--
Alright, if you guys can allow me to get data only and both my parents with unlimited voice for around $90, AWESOME!
However, if it still rounds out to like $100 or $110 (current plan), I might as well stay with AT&T..
If this is the case, what is the "best" dumbphone for AT&T? They don't need a keyboard, no data obviously, need at least 2 days of battery life, and a screen with some decent-sized type so they can see all the letters/numbers. Also would like to pay no more than $50 on eBay or other site.. Don't wanna waste an upgrade for a free phone if I can pay $50
optional: touchscreen. also optional but kinda important is some sort of expandable memory cuz they might listen to some music.
-- Sorry for LONG post but I think the questions are fairly simple if you guys know.. So thanks a lot in advance!!
Anyone have any info? PRetty easy questions if you know
Thankss
Anyone..?
please
Wouldn't their phones be locked to AT&T or are you planning on unlocking them for them?
Ok, I've looked at all the carriers and the resellers to include post and pre. I've been on a family plan for ever and I'm about to drop off and start my own family plan with my daughter.
I've just gotten a settlement and want to pay up front for at least the first year or more but want to stick to under 2K. What I'm having trouble with is deciding which is best. Everything I read is this is better but another says different.
When I drop off the Verizon and start my own I'll lose the unlimited data so I need to consider data, 4g, unlimited and whatever on 2 androids and what is the best latest and greatest.
Sprint looks like cheapest but no 4g unless I'm seeing it from for Arkansas and Indiana. Verizon has best coverage but data is limited and raises price when you go over which I would. ATT is expensive and has 2Gb cap which is about same for T-Mobile.
I'd love to buy two unlocked kick ass quad cores and do Simple which would be 4G but hear it's unreliable.
Anyone have any recent experience like mine that can share some input? I'm needing 2 Androids (best phones) with unlimited data (or a ton of it) and unlimited text and pic, plus around 1000 or more minutes.
My brain is fried, only reason I'm asking... Prolly over thinking but it's a lot of money.
go with sprint or tmo?
since data is obviously a big must for you, i would suggest considering sprint above all. it will give u the unlimited data and relatively affordable prices. theyre launching the samsung galaxy nexus with 4g lte support very soon, and that of course, is a great developer phone.
if not the galaxy nexus, you will want to consider the samsung galaxy s ii epic 4g touch. it is sprint's version of the galaxy s 2 and definitely a phone that can hold its own. both phones are about 199 up front, and are quality samsung smartphones that should last you two years.
tmobile is a good carrier to consider because even though data is capped at 2gb, its 4g hspa+ network is pretty fast, and if oyu go over, they will only throttle your speeds, not charge you an overage fee. the throttling will be annoyingly slow (i speak from experience), but at least you wont pay overages. for tmobile phones, i would consider the htc one s or the samsung galaxy s ii. both phones are solid, dual-core phones and the one s launches with android 4.0 on board.
ynksrule93 said:
since data is obviously a big must for you, i would suggest considering sprint above all. it will give u the unlimited data and relatively affordable prices. theyre launching the samsung galaxy nexus with 4g lte support very soon, and that of course, is a great developer phone.
if not the galaxy nexus, you will want to consider the samsung galaxy s ii epic 4g touch. it is sprint's version of the galaxy s 2 and definitely a phone that can hold its own. both phones are about 199 up front, and are quality samsung smartphones that should last you two years.
tmobile is a good carrier to consider because even though data is capped at 2gb, its 4g hspa+ network is pretty fast, and if oyu go over, they will only throttle your speeds, not charge you an overage fee. the throttling will be annoyingly slow (i speak from experience), but at least you wont pay overages. for tmobile phones, i would consider the htc one s or the samsung galaxy s ii. both phones are solid, dual-core phones and the one s launches with android 4.0 on board.
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I've been thinking it's going to be sprint but not having the 4G is bugging me big time. It's almost as if they painted the whole map with 3G though so it will help. Daughter will be staying put in college but I'll be bouncing all over the place helping family take care of different things until I start getting low on funds again.
I cant do the throttled data as it will most likely be my only internet in the Toy Hauler that I'll be sleeping in and I like my Netflix to much. Maybe someone will know some magic combo that is better than anything I've seen so far. Have two weeks till she can port her number.
which sprint phone?
that makes sense, if cellular data is going to be your primary source of internet, then sprint's unlimited plan is probably the way to go. (but i would like to hear if anyone has any better ideas).
what smartphone are you leaning towards for you and your daughter?
If you're looking for an available quad-core then no questions asked it's the HTC One X.
And you want 4G? Don't make it a priority in your checklist, 4G won't have the same coverage as 3G in the next 2-3 years and by then you'll probably be getting a new phone. IMO get into a carrier with the best 3G coverage if data is a must for you. You won't need anything faster on a mobile device anyway.
ynksrule93 said:
that makes sense, if cellular data is going to be your primary source of internet, then sprint's unlimited plan is probably the way to go. (but i would like to hear if anyone has any better ideas).
what smartphone are you leaning towards for you and your daughter?
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I had been looking to buy a digitizer for a G2X my niece had laying around and hitting Simple Mobile then my daughter told me she's paying 94 per month to ATT and has the smallest minute package and only 2GB of data. I'm used to being unlimited and paying less than that so I think that's insane.
I was looking at 2 that was on sprints site both being 1.2 dual, Nexus and G11 S Epic. Daughter already has an Iphone and I will if I have to (she asks) buy her another but I'd hate giving money for a mac phone. Would rather pay double for an Android than the iphone.
cepcamba said:
If you're looking for an available quad-core then no questions asked it's the HTC One X.
And you want 4G? Don't make it a priority in your checklist, 4G won't have the same coverage as 3G in the next 2-3 years and by then you'll probably be getting a new phone. IMO get into a carrier with the best 3G coverage if data is a must for you. You won't need anything faster on a mobile device anyway.
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That One X comes out in June to sprint. I can stay in my family plan I'm in now if hers being att doesn't try and lock her into another two year.
I am on the Sprint Network and will stay with them for a variety of reasons. I have always had a contract with them and upgraded whenever that opportunity presented itself. I am no longer on a contract and I'm considering a few options. The Note 3 (probably won't go that way due to problems on voice calls), The LG G2 or the Nexus 5. Advantage of the Nexus 5 is that it is off contract but if I am staying with Sprint anyway what advantage is there to being off contract? Sprint won't discount my monthly bill as far as I know so the off contract advantage has me a bit puzzled from the purely dollars and cents point of view. I'd be happy to hear views from others as to why this seems like a good idea. I'm leaning toward the LG G2 which will likely have a better camera and battery than the Nexus 5 and it's only $99 at Sprint with the 2 year contract. I'd go for the Nexus 5 at 399 for the 32GB model if it meant something off my monthly bill but I don't see Sprint giving me a discount just because I bought the Nexus 5 off contract. What am I missing?
I am in the exact same situation as you, except I bought a Note 3 and just returned it. If the Sprint Nexus 5 is available through google play, you buy that, use your upgrade towards an iphone 5s and sell it sealed. If the Nexus 5 winds up being only available through Sprint, then I'm not so sure what I'm going to do.
You can change your mind and leave whenever you want. And with the nexus you will be able to go to any carrier you want (except Verizon).
All in all, it gives you more options on what service provider you want. I would recommend seeing what offers the best service (data and calls) and pick that carrier or see if you can go prepaid. I know straight talk offers at&t and T-Mobile Sim cards and its like $51 a month after taxes for unlimited everything with 2.5 GB uncapped data.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
ricecake2000 said:
You can change your mind and leave whenever you want. And with the nexus you will be able to go to any carrier you want (except Verizon).
All in all, it gives you more options on what service provider you want. I would recommend seeing what offers the best service (data and calls) and pick that carrier or see if you can go prepaid. I know straight talk offers at&t and T-Mobile Sim cards and its like $51 a month after taxes for unlimited everything with 2.5 GB uncapped data.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
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Yes, I totally agree that there are A LOT of options. I've even thought about picking up Tmo @ $30/month, but I'm on Sero, only pay $50/month for unlimited everything, and my Sprint service has been fantastic since relocating to Orlando, FL. Oh decisions decisions
Jocelyn said:
I am in the exact same situation as you, except I bought a Note 3 and just returned it. If the Sprint Nexus 5 is available through google play, you buy that, use your upgrade towards an iphone 5s and sell it sealed. If the Nexus 5 winds up being only available through Sprint, then I'm not so sure what I'm going to do.
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Boom Baby. Haha
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Trying to weigh my options as well.
My 2 year contract expired many months ago. I can buy the 16g Nexus 5 for $150 if I sign a new 2 year agreement, I can change to the Sprint One Up plan so I can be eligible for a new phone once a year (not sure pricing details), or I can buy through the Google Playstore for $350/$400. I have so many family members tied to the plan I am on I probably wouldn't switch carriers.
So if I bought through Google and in a year's time I wanted to switch phones I guess I could sell the Nexus 5 then use my upgrade to buy whatever phone I wanted. If I buy through Sprint, the upfront cost is cheaper, but I will have to wait a couple years if I want to switch phones.
Decisions, what do ya'll think?
For someone off-contract but that wants to stick with their post-paid account, the only advantage is flexibility. If coverage or financial conditions changed, you have the choice to be able to switch providers with no termination fees.
The only real exception to that would be the newer T-Mobile post-paid accounts where they do offer plans with lower base costs per month because they split off the phone subsidy, so if you bring your own phone you pay less since you aren't using a subsidy.
If you have a high degree of confidence you will be staying with your current contract provider and that other things like your financial situation will remain stable, I would say it makes more sense to just re-up with them and choose whatever phone you want from them. As far as which one, read some reviews and then try them out in-person at your local provider's store. Everyone has slightly different things they want out of phones, so without specific criteria it would be hard to say whether a Nexus 5 would still be the best phone for you.
I agree with you, flexibility is the main advantage of staying off contract. I've had an S3 for the last couple of years and am getting the itch to switch. If the HTC One came out today I would probably get that because I love the looks and build of it and I liked my original Evo, but it's so "old" now I want something newer - LG G2, Nexus 5 or some other upcoming phone.
electricpope said:
For someone off-contract but that wants to stick with their post-paid account, the only advantage is flexibility. If coverage or financial conditions changed, you have the choice to be able to switch providers with no termination fees.
The only real exception to that would be the newer T-Mobile post-paid accounts where they do offer plans with lower base costs per month because they split off the phone subsidy, so if you bring your own phone you pay less since you aren't using a subsidy.
If you have a high degree of confidence you will be staying with your current contract provider and that other things like your financial situation will remain stable, I would say it makes more sense to just re-up with them and choose whatever phone you want from them. As far as which one, read some reviews and then try them out in-person at your local provider's store. Everyone has slightly different things they want out of phones, so without specific criteria it would be hard to say whether a Nexus 5 would still be the best phone for you.
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It always amazes me how people would rather be in a contract that will require them to pay between $1-2,000 more over two years, instead of buying a phone outright and upfront, and save the money. Unless someone is too broke to afford a phone upfront... Of course if you can't afford a phone upfront, you likely can't afford a $100 monthly cell phone bill either.
wvcadle said:
It always amazes me how people would rather be in a contract that will require them to pay between $1-2,000 more over two years, instead of buying a phone outright and upfront, and save the money. Unless someone is too broke to afford a phone upfront... Of course if you can't afford a phone upfront, you likely can't afford a $100 monthly cell phone bill either.
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Sure, but for people who only pay $50/month for essentially unlimited everything ( 1000 landline minutes, unlimited mobile minutes, texts, and data), subsidizing phones works in our favor.
We've been w/Sprint forever and have numerous phones on the account. I'm one of the ones who pays $50 for unlimited. I'm assuming I would continue to pay $50/month whether I bought a phone outright or through contract. I doubt if I bought a phone off contract my bill would be lower than $50/month.
Jocelyn said:
Sure, but for people who only pay $50/month for essentially unlimited everything ( 1000 landline minutes, unlimited mobile minutes, texts, and data), subsidizing phones works in our favor.
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If your on contract, why not buy the phone through google play and just use that on Sprint til you leave for ATT/Tmo?
I'm off contract, like a year now.
SageWilliams said:
If your on contract, why not buy the phone through google play and just use that on Sprint til you leave for ATT/Tmo?
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