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Switch from Captivate --> Which carrier & phone?

hey guys, first post around here and I have a question for the masses. Currently I'm on AT&T with the Captivate but we are going to have to switch off Ma Bell due to coverage issues at our house (we are going cell-only). My decision to get the Captivate earlier was easy: I had to stay with AT&T and it easily the best phone they had. And I actually like the phone now that I've gotten a Froyo build and the GPS works. But now that we are out of contract I'm unsure where to go and what phone to get (or to wait).
I know that T-Mobile and Verizon get the best coverage at our house and those are the two carriers I'm considering. As far as Android phones are concerned, if I'm coming from the Captivate, which phone do you think I would be most satisfied with? Droid 2? G2? MyTouch 4G?
Or should I wait for this Nexus S to come out? Having quick updates is huge and as a former iPhone owner, its nice to not have the carriers put their grubby mitts on them.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

nexus one, droid 2 or vibrant if you like the galaxy s series, but thats my opinion

T-Mobile has WiFi calling as well and that's a great asset to have. If you're 100% positive that T-Mobile has the coverage you need you should go with them and get a G2 or myTouch 4G.. the DEFY is nice but it's more mid-range. I would wait for FroYo before getting the Vibrant. Then you have Windows Phone 7 if you're looking at one of those.

See if T-Mobile is offering "4G" speeds in your area. If they are, you might want to grab the myTouch 4G or the G2. The G2 looks awesome IMO.
BTW, I used the GPS on a G2 and it was flawless

G2
motorola droidx
HTC EVO

Agraceffa said:
hey guys, first post around here and I have a question for the masses. Currently I'm on AT&T with the Captivate but we are going to have to switch off Ma Bell due to coverage issues at our house (we are going cell-only). My decision to get the Captivate earlier was easy: I had to stay with AT&T and it easily the best phone they had. And I actually like the phone now that I've gotten a Froyo build and the GPS works. But now that we are out of contract I'm unsure where to go and what phone to get (or to wait).
I know that T-Mobile and Verizon get the best coverage at our house and those are the two carriers I'm considering. As far as Android phones are concerned, if I'm coming from the Captivate, which phone do you think I would be most satisfied with? Droid 2? G2? MyTouch 4G?
Or should I wait for this Nexus S to come out? Having quick updates is huge and as a former iPhone owner, its nice to not have the carriers put their grubby mitts on them.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
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Click to collapse
I vote for waiting on the Nexus S and at least see what it's about. If you get a phone and discover the Nexus S is a much better phone, you'll be kicking yourself for the next two years.
T-Mobile -G2
Verizon - Droid 2/ Droid X (depending upon the keyboard want/need. I'd go D2)
Sprint - Evo
I personally love Android, and at this point in time, can't imagine using another smartphone OS.

Get a Microcell
If it is just a coverage issue, get an AT&T Microcell. No contract required, just uses your existing minutes and internet connection. I have one at work due to zero signal...works like a champ!

second the microcell.
call ATT and politely tell them that you plan on leaving because the coverage inside your house is not up to par. when they send you to retention services, tell them that you'd stay if the coverage was better IN YOUR HOUSE and most likely they'll offer you a microcell for free

Sprint ---> EVO
Verizon ---> Droid X or 2 depending on your stance on QWERTY
T-Mobile ---> G2 or HD7 depending on your stance on WP7
AT&T ---> Cry

I like this option to start, I never thought of complaining to AT&T as a first step. Since I have other options, whats the worst that could happen, right? That broadband pipe is going to get some serious traffic . . .
For the other phone, I was thinking Droid X or G2. I love the design of the Cappy and in my opinion, the myTouch 4G and the Vibrant/Fascinate seem to be a step down. Most likely it will be the Droid X or waiting until the Nexus S "issue" is resolved. I'm a little skeptical of the G2 hinge after seeing it in store.

If you go with t mobile you can use your captivate until you figure out what phone you want. (if you unlock it)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

sblees said:
If you go with t mobile you can use your captivate until you figure out what phone you want. (if you unlock it)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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true but no 3g service, right?

Agraceffa said:
true but no 3g service, right?
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Well that I'm not sure about.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

T-Mobile exclusively uses the AWS 1700/2100 MHz frequency-band. Not compatible with other 3g services in the U.S.

mikegy2002 said:
T-Mobile exclusively uses the AWS 1700/2100 MHz frequency-band. Not compatible with other 3g services in the U.S.
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that's what I thought. Same as using an iPhone on T-mobile. It'll work but you'll just be stuck on Edge like speeds.

[Q] Will Inspire 4G Be Able To Be Unlocked

I am currently with T-mobile, due to having bad credit I can't switch over to ATT which sucks. So I was wondering if anyone knew if this phone was going to be able to be unlocked because I really want to get it as soon as it comes out and use it on T-mobile. T-mobile phones suck and I've fallen in love with the Inspire 4g.

It will only work on edge on tmobile but I'm sure there will be a way to unlock it soon after release.

Torref7 said:
I am currently with T-mobile, due to having bad credit I can't switch over to ATT which sucks. So I was wondering if anyone knew if this phone was going to be able to be unlocked because I really want to get it as soon as it comes out and use it on T-mobile. T-mobile phones suck and I've fallen in love with the Inspire 4g.
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Really? T-mobile has the G2. That thing is sweet. They also have the MT4G, which is a mean CM7 machine.
I think both of those are as good as the Inspire, if not better for my purposes. But hey, the Inspire/DHD/Ace/Spade is a solid device that will surely be a winner.
Yes, I think it will be very easy to unlock the Inspire for use on other networks if that's what you want to do. As mentioned, it would yield edge-only data on T-Mobile.

attn1 said:
Really? T-mobile has the G2. That thing is sweet. They also have the MT4G, which is a mean CM7 machine.
I think both of those are as good as the Inspire, if not better for my purposes. But hey, the Inspire/DHD/Ace/Spade is a solid device that will surely be a winner.
Yes, I think it will be very easy to unlock the Inspire for use on other networks if that's what you want to do. As mentioned, it would yield edge-only data on T-Mobile.
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The G2 is ok but all my friends have it so I want something different. Plus I like the 4.3 inch screen, I'm tired of this little screen on the MT3G, time for me to finally upgrade.

Moving from ATT to new carrier need help with carrier and best android OS phone?

I am currently on a T-mobile G2 unlocked for AT&T... I am going to be switching over to sprint, T-Mobile or MetroPCS and would like your help knowing which carrier is best in your own opinion? and which android phone i should get on this carrier.
for the carrier
Unlimited data with no overage
( I am use to edge network so even throttled 3G would be nice and there is no 4G here yet anyway but there might be in Future)
Good service
(I live in the New England area, USA and AT&T sucks here. I cant even send out text messages half the time.)
I am leaning towards sprint but I got a friend at T-mobile who will help me out and plus i can keep my old phone and MetroPCS is so cheap... so... i don't know who to choose?
Things i am looking for are (but not necessary) are
Ease of root (with lots of ROMs <3 CM 7)
Physical Keyboard
fast Dual Core CPU
Big screen (pretty Necessary specially if no physical keyboard)
3D capability
I love my G2 so much that I limit my self to edge speeds...
If there is a better time to get a phone i can wait or if something is coming out that looks better then whats on the current market.
I would love your IMO on a Android OS phone .
Thanks for reading this ahead of time and i Appreciate anyone opinions.

does metroPCS use GSM and Sim cards?... if so would they work with T-Mobiles 3G?

enp82003 said:
does metroPCS use GSM and Sim cards?... if so would they work with T-Mobiles 3G?
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Only AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM.
Note: There is also Simple Mobile but they use T-Mobile as their backend.
Check Wikipedia for a list of GSM providers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_mobile_virtual_network_operators

Sprint is the best hands down. Compared to t-mobile, my bill is half of what it used to be for my family and has twice the coverage. I own a kyocera echo and it
Is the best phone I have ever had!
Sent from my M9300 using XDA App

Falen said:
Only AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM.
Note: There is also Simple Mobile but they use T-Mobile as their backend.
Check Wikipedia for a list of GSM providers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_mobile_virtual_network_operators
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wow yeah i should of checked wiki! sorry about that but thanks for the response!
ognimnella said:
Sprint is the best hands down. Compared to t-mobile, my bill is half of what it used to be for my family and has twice the coverage. I own a kyocera echo and it
Is the best phone I have ever had!
Sent from my M9300 using XDA App
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I was actually at the mall the other day looking at this phone. It seemed pretty cool and kind of unique! I never owned a Kyocra before but Seems like a really cool phone! I got your pvt message about it. Only real downside i can see is the signal core CPU really looking for dual core or waiting for quadcore to come out.
I use alot of process heavy applications. but I will play with it more the next time I go!... Sprint is really looking like the winner now!

Only thing that scares me about the Evo 3D is i remember they had some type of weird tracking software built in to the framework?... I could be wrong but i really don't like that...
My favorite story about Sprint was my friend called them saying he had horrible service and they sent him a small Cell phone tower that connected to their board band connection! absolutely free!
and using it will not interfere with their minutes!... that's just awesome to me!

I didn't see how Metropcs's wireless network is on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...work_operators. I did add it to the wiki though hopefully someone will fill it in.

http://www.xda-developers.com/android/careful-what-you-do-on-your-evo-3d-you-are-being-watched/
Here is the article i found on Evo 3D.

Sprint is the only one of the big four to offer unlimited data, so sounds like that decides it for you, at least amongst them. I know nothing about regional carriers.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App

Sprint to Tmobile

Ok, can someone help me. I want to switch to Tmobile because in my area Data is 10x faster with them. I have to bring my daughters as well. I'm an Android junky, they are not. My question is, will sprint I phone 4s work on tmobile? Tmo says I have to have sprint unlock them, then I can put Tmo sim in and we're good. Is that true? Will it work on Tmo 4g? And will Sprint unlock easily? Thanks. I'm just gonna wait on the ONE to switch mine, but my kids don't know the joy of Android
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda premium

Don't think so
Sprint is on a PCS network and Tmobile uses GSM. They are totally different. You could bring an ATT IPhone to Tmoblie.
You should try to get your daughters away from those IPhones...
Good Luck

Yes, the 4S has a GSM SIM card that can be unlocked, but they're not still not going to want to let you use it on a domestic carrier - they will generally unlock for a customer in good standing for international use. Looking at some threads about people trying to get the Sprint 4S to work on T-Mobile it looks like way too much hassle requiring special equipment (at least at one point in time) and with poor results when it comes to function on T-Mobile's network. The phones also need to be jailbroken because Apple is cooperating with Sprint to not allow you to take the Sprint phone to another domestic carrier's network - this brings a whole new set of potential problems.
If you really want to try it, Google it and see what it would take on your part. Personally, I wouldn't want to do something like that with a kid's phone unless they were going to understand the process and be responsible and able to troubleshoot if things went wrong (same reason I wouldn't root a kid's phone for them without them understanding what's going on and the problems they might face and how to fix them).
Unless they're deeply invested in Apple's market, I'd sell the 4S's and get them N4's or S2's or something. This doesn't have to do with any personal dislike for iPhones - but for the fact that if you're going to go with T-Mobile their ability to get a signal and what kind of signal will depend on the local network and what work T-Mobile has done, even if you traded the Sprint models for factory unlocked ones. They may end up only ever getting 2g, they might have poor coverage due to lack of 1700MHz and more. And since they're your daughters I'd guess you want to make sure they can get a signal no matter where they are in case there's an emergency. I would explain things to them like adults - explain the reason you want to switch services and the impact on them if they choose to stay with an iPhone, show them how Android is really not all that different - teach them about making informed choices and to understand why they are making a certain choice.

Big THANKS that was the BEST Answer I could hope for
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda premium

Please delete post
big70tom said:
Ok, can someone help me. I want to switch to Tmobile because in my area Data is 10x faster with them. I have to bring my daughters as well. I'm an Android junky, they are not. My question is, will sprint I phone 4s work on tmobile? Tmo says I have to have sprint unlock them, then I can put Tmo sim in and we're good. Is that true? Will it work on Tmo 4g? And will Sprint unlock easily? Thanks. I'm just gonna wait on the ONE to switch mine, but my kids don't know the joy of Android
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda premium
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Nevermind...completely misread the type of phone.
Mod, please delete. Sorry!

[Q] Speed? Coverage? Straight Talk or T-Mobile? Wait for better phone?

So I've got a bunch of questions. I am a Samsung Galaxy S Epic 4G guy coming from Verizon's network. I'm wondering about the Galaxy S Relay 4G as my next phone.
-I've heard coverage is bad on T-Mobile. Is it hard to switch to straight talk? Would I use an AT&T sim card, or T-Mobile sim card for straight talk? Does coverage vary?
-How fast is this phone on 4.4.2? The Epic is kind of sluggish on 4.4.2 - which is understandable given the single core, 1ghz proc. This is why I want to upgrade.
-Any opinions coming from CDMA? I've never used a GSM phone before. I know plenty about CDMA phones, but nothing about GSM.
-Are there any slider phones on the horizon? I was thinking about waiting for the Droid 5, but it doesn't seem like it's ever going to be more than a pipe dream.
Thanks in advance!

TPMJB said:
So I've got a bunch of questions. I am a Samsung Galaxy S Epic 4G guy coming from Verizon's network. I'm wondering about the Galaxy S Relay 4G as my next phone.
-I've heard coverage is bad on T-Mobile. Is it hard to switch to straight talk? Would I use an AT&T sim card, or T-Mobile sim card for straight talk? Does coverage vary?
-How fast is this phone on 4.4.2? The Epic is kind of sluggish on 4.4.2 - which is understandable given the single core, 1ghz proc. This is why I want to upgrade.
-Any opinions coming from CDMA? I've never used a GSM phone before. I know plenty about CDMA phones, but nothing about GSM.
-Are there any slider phones on the horizon? I was thinking about waiting for the Droid 5, but it doesn't seem like it's ever going to be more than a pipe dream.
Thanks in advance!
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if you unlock the relay you can use the att based sim card but i cant confirm youll get 4g...i used straight talks tmobile based sim (normal sized) and it works perfectly...exact same as tmobile as it runs on tmobile towers....for me (in California) data was not slow for me on their tmobiles 4g (h+) networks...a new slider phone has come out this year but was pretty crappy compared to relay 4g...was an lg slider..the relay is the best choice you have if you want a slider phone if you ask me... the prior phone i had before the relay was the htc rezound (verizon network) and to me relay even out performs it by a long shot in terms of both speed and stability....to be honest 4.4.2 roms on the relay are quite fast....of course not quad core fast like a nexus 5 or s5 lol but many miles faster than the epic 4g (speaking from experience)....having a custom rom on it like lets say my liquid build is also much faster than stock plus much better battery life...

REV3NT3CH said:
if you unlock the relay you can use the att based sim card but i cant confirm youll get 4g...i used straight talks tmobile based sim (normal sized) and it works perfectly...exact same as tmobile as it runs on tmobile towers....for me (in California) data was not slow for me on their tmobiles 4g (h+) networks...a new slider phone has come out this year but was pretty crappy compared to relay 4g...was an lg slider..the relay is the best choice you have if you want a slider phone if you ask me... the prior phone i had before the relay was the htc rezound (verizon network) and to me relay even out performs it by a long shot in terms of both speed and stability....to be honest 4.4.2 roms on the relay are quite fast....of course not quad core fast like a nexus 5 or s5 lol but many miles faster than the epic 4g (speaking from experience)....having a custom rom on it like lets say my liquid build is also much faster than stock plus much better battery life...
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Welp, that pretty much settles it! So to sum it up:
-If TMob doesn't work, I should get an AT&T sim card, but I have to find out if 4G works on straight talk this way.
-No advantage to straight talk over t mobile except unlimited everything?
-The relay is a good purchase
-I should sell this POS galaxy S4 quickly so I can buy a relay, haha.
Even if a droid 5 comes out...I dunno. I HATE the keyboard of the droid 4. I don't know why the keys have to be right next to each other!
If anyone else has comments, let me know! I live in Central New York and they seem to have coverage.

TPMJB said:
Welp, that pretty much settles it! So to sum it up:
-If TMob doesn't work, I should get an AT&T sim card, but I have to find out if 4G works on straight talk this way.
-No advantage to straight talk over t mobile except unlimited everything?
-The relay is a good purchase
-I should sell this POS galaxy S4 quickly so I can buy a relay, haha.
Even if a droid 5 comes out...I dunno. I HATE the keyboard of the droid 4. I don't know why the keys have to be right next to each other!
If anyone else has comments, let me know! I live in Central New York and they seem to have coverage.
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Wait...do you have an epic 4g or galaxy s4? Also straight talk has a cap of 3gb usage a day. which isn't bad as its daily and not monthly on that data cap and the fact that its 5 bucks cheaper than T-Mobile prepaid monthly with similar bandwidth cap. The relay is a tmobile phone so straight talks T-Mobile based sim is what is guaranteed for 4g which beats 3g by a long shot as well which is what you may get on their att based card if you decide to do the free unlock that's guided in the threads here. I again use the T-Mobile based aim in the relay and get 4g no problem... Also a good purchase in my opinion but depends on how much you are paying for the relay...you can get one for near mint for under 100 bucks if you look on eBay.
Sent from my SGH-T699 using XDA Free mobile app

REV3NT3CH said:
Wait...do you have an epic 4g or galaxy s4? Also straight talk has a cap of 3gb usage a day. which isn't bad as its daily and not monthly on that data cap and the fact that its 5 bucks cheaper than T-Mobile prepaid monthly with similar bandwidth cap. The relay is a tmobile phone so straight talks T-Mobile based sim is what is guaranteed for 4g which beats 3g by a long shot as well which is what you may get on their att based card if you decide to do the free unlock that's guided in the threads here. I again use the T-Mobile based aim in the relay and get 4g no problem... Also a good purchase in my opinion but depends on how much you are paying for the relay...you can get one for near mint for under 100 bucks if you look on eBay.
Sent from my SGH-T699 using XDA Free mobile app
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I currently use an Epic 4G. I picked up a galaxy S4 off of eBay for cheap thinking that those bluetooth keyboards would be my saving grace.
No dice. They suck. Every single one of them is a variation of one on the market with a different brand name. They are all identical. Price ranges from $20 to $100.
T-mobile currently has a deal where you supply your own phone and it's $30/month for 100 minutes talk, unlimited text, and 5gb of 4G data.
And yes, I was looking on eBay

TPMJB said:
I currently use an Epic 4G. I picked up a galaxy S4 off of eBay for cheap thinking that those bluetooth keyboards would be my saving grace.
No dice. They suck. Every single one of them is a variation of one on the market with a different brand name. They are all identical. Price ranges from $20 to $100.
T-mobile currently has a deal where you supply your own phone and it's $30/month for 100 minutes talk, unlimited text, and 5gb of 4G data.
And yes, I was looking on eBay
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Ouch...100 mins of talk sucks...on straight talk though it is required to have the 45 dollar plan while using a smartphone....trust me they'll know if your running a smartphone just by data usage alone...but then again data is also unlimited as well as talk and text for 15 bucks more. I will say relay isn't as fast as s4 obviously because its a quad core phone and more ram. But comfortably fast in how it runs...its a great phone if you ask me...pretty comparable to an s3 on stock rom just slightly less snappy
Sent from my SGH-T699 using XDA Free mobile app

REV3NT3CH said:
Ouch...100 mins of talk sucks...on straight talk though it is required to have the 45 dollar plan while using a smartphone....trust me they'll know if your running a smartphone just by data usage alone...but then again data is also unlimited as well as talk and text for 15 bucks more. I will say relay isn't as fast as s4 obviously because its a quad core phone and more ram. But comfortably fast in how it runs...its a great phone if you ask me...pretty comparable to an s3 on stock rom just slightly less snappy
Sent from my SGH-T699 using XDA Free mobile app
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I use less than 30 minutes a month on my current plan, so it's a non-issue. I text like a fiend, though. T-mobile's plan doesn't say there's a limit to data, just that you only get the first 5gb at 4G speeds a month. Perfect for my cheap ass :laugh: