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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.
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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
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.
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...
Hello. Does anyone have any suggestions for a cheap (sub $200) Android phone with no contract for AT&T? My wife is wanting to get her first smart phone, but she is not due for an upgrade until January 2012. We are on AT&T through a business plan. I'm looking for something cheap and something that can run custom ROMs (has an active development base). I'm running a Samsung Captivate with Serendipity 7 now. I'd like to get an android phone for my wife and I don't have a problem setting her up for a data plan, but I'm trying to keep it under 200.
You might want to try one of the prepaid networks some like virgin/boost etc. many have decently cheap phones android phones off contract. If you do not mind being on a CDMA network instead of GSM you could always try the LG Optimus V it retails for 149.99 and the plans are cheap as well. Just food for thought.
Buy X10, its cheap **** when you buy it used, and until you dont have custom ROM/Kernel it really sucks, so you can play with this things Had it before really pain, even Had LG Optimus V/One yes that one have official dev in cyanogen. But i suggest something like Xperia Mini, i dont know price bcuz its still not out.
Ok I am a little noobish when it comes to the differences between networks. Can I unlock a boost or virgin phone and use it on att's network? I have thought about changing carriers too, but I would hate to do that and then never have a signal anywhere (i work IT in a rural town). The price difference between like att and tmobile is crazy though. I currently am on a business plan through my work and pay around 75 a month for 550 minutes and another 35 per month for unlimited data on one line.
G.Hook said:
Ok I am a little noobish when it comes to the differences between networks. Can I unlock a boost or virgin phone and use it on att's network? I have thought about changing carriers too, but I would hate to do that and then never have a signal anywhere (i work IT in a rural town). The price difference between like att and tmobile is crazy though. I currently am on a business plan through my work and pay around 75 a month for 550 minutes and another 35 per month for unlimited data on one line.
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No you can not use a CDMA phone (boost/sprint/metropcs/alltell-verizon/virgin) on a GSM network, (AT&T/T-Mobile). I'd go on to each of the carriers I mentioned websites and use their coverage maps to determine if you have service where you are.
What Android phone with Straight Talk, options?
Contract is up with Verizon with 3 phones on group plan (2 BB Storm 2's & 1 basic LG), have yet to look in detail on Virgin & other similar pre pay/pay as you go plans, but I think Straight Talk is by far the most affordable, ($45/30-Day Unlimited Service Plan) even though reviews on ST customer service suck, I may have no choice due to budget
I will likely buy 2 of the same model smart phones from Straight Talk/Walmart and 1 basic talk only 'other phone' My goal is to reduce yearly cost even if I have to spend more up front to get started, I'm new to Android OS, I think its the way I want to go from BB, I need the basics for business: web, email, gps, etc.
-Should I go with used devices? ...Going with used devices is new to me, not super tech minded so modding them is not comfortable for me unless its a tried and true fix
-Can anyone confirm that my current BlackBerry Storms are not compatible with Straight Talk?
I'm happy enough for now with the Storms, its just the V plan is killing us
-Recommendations for Android device to go with?
The only Android Walmart/ST choices I found are: Samsung Galaxy Precedent and & LG Optimus Q, both use Sprint (so far my search shows I should get good signal in Phoenix S. E. area but I have no experience with Sprint)
I find mixed product reviews for both, mostly lock ups, battery heat and poor battery life
Try virgin mobile, more phones then straight talk, they have 5 great Android phones more to come, all plans are unlimited text , data email check the site and phones out
Sent from my HTC_A510c using XDA App
I'm reviewing Virgin now, only thing is I did more research on Sprint coverage in the Phoenix area and it is not looking so good, both Straight Talk Androids and from what I understand, all of Virgin use same towers as Sprint
coverage is priority so I need to feel better about Sprint or limit myself to whats available on Verizon (there coverage is best I ever had)
..on separate note: I just found site on how to unlock Verizon phones
http://techtips.salon.com/convert-verizon-wireless-phones-straight-talk-20453.html
don't know if it will work. Perfect if I could: unlock my BB storms, transfer to monthly pay plan like ST with phone, text, data functional "BUT that is a lot to hope for"
over's tab said:
I'm reviewing Virgin now, only thing is I did more research on Sprint coverage in the Phoenix area and it is not looking so good, both Straight Talk Androids and from what I understand, all of Virgin use same towers as Sprint
coverage is priority so I need to feel better about Sprint or limit myself to whats available on Verizon (there coverage is best I ever had)
..on separate note: I just found site on how to unlock Verizon phones
techtips.salon.com/convert-verizon-wireless-phones-straight-talk-20453.html
don't know if it will work. Perfect if I could: unlock my BB storms, transfer to monthly pay plan like ST with phone, text, data functional "BUT that is a lot to hope for"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uhh, that guide is completely wrong... ??
1) Verizon is CDMA, and their phones don't use SIM Cards like Tmobile/AT&T?
2) Call Straight Talk and tell them you want to use an unlocked phone with their service? Good luck with that, they'd say no way, and to buy one of their phones. That's like calling Verizon and saying you want to use an unlocked Sprint phone on their network... don't think so.
3) "Step 8 Turn on your phone. It should recognize the SIM card and display the Straight Talk network." -- yeah, even if you used an AT&T phone and did a SIM swap, it isn't as easy as just using the Straight Talk sim card.. there are additional settings you have to change to get data/mms working
If you want a Verizon phone working on Straight Talk theres a lotta crap you gotta do, not anywhere as easy as that.. plus if you get caught by ST might get your account canceled.
Yes, I thought it was not likely (name like "salon")
still looking for alternative to ST or Virgin, been researching this:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19736_7-57347763-251/republic-wireless-now-unlimited-for-real/
very interesting and innovative idea but in beta now and not taking any new customers er ...members
also its SPRINT! I may have to just try Sprint w/ ST or Virgin etc. and test real world signal/service and decide in warranty period
Ya there review is there opinion, some may agree or disagree so you try it, if you don't like virgin mobile just take back the phone and get your money back
Sent from my HTC_A510c using XDA App