Getting A New Phone - General Questions and Answers

Hi Guy's And Girl's
I have been a regular forum ghost for about 4 years now, I own 3 HTC HD2's all with custom rom's ranging from WP7 to Android. Im currently looking at buying a new phone to play with and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what to get next. Ideally im looking at HTC but i have been looking at the samsung galaxy.
Also I probably wont get n e thing till about april. Are there n e top spec smartphones being released in or around april that might b worth getting?

Galaxy Note or Galaxy S II (any modification, the highest-speced is Skyrocket HD, but release date is unknown).
Also you can wait for MWC (it's on 27feb-1mar). There'll be HTC quad-core phone(s) announced, e.g. HTC Edge.
Oh, and I forgot about Galaxy Nexus. It has ICS on the board which is good.

If you are willing to spend, and willing to import, the Samsung Galaxy SIII will be available sometime around there.

have you considered buying a Sensation? it is just as strong as the Galaxy II but after the release of the XL and XE versions it is dirtcheap.

Hey all, Thank you for your speedy reply's.
I was looking at the new htc sensation but the galaxy s2 has always come out on top on side by side reviews with the sensation. Plus I really like the display on the galaxy s2 nice and clear even in direct sunlight. god theres so many choices and not enough money lol. Im gonna take a look at the other phones suggested. i might even hold of 4 a bit till sumthing extra special is released.
Edit :- The spec for the new galaxy s3 and htc edge sound amazing. i do like ics on my hd2 so its gotta be even better on new devices. iv got the wants now lol

I too was considering getting the Samsung GS2, but I'm currently at an unpleasant decision point about giving up my "smartphone exclusion" and "data opt-out" features tied to my WM6.1 LG Incite. The on-screen buttons are really small and resistive screen is so insensitive that it's barely usable. I'm ready to move on, but getting stuck for a worthless 200MB data plan or a grossly overcharged 2GB plan doesn't do it for me.
I was considering getting an international i9100 version and flashing its IMEI to my current IMEI, but there's some potential contractual problems there. Does anyone have a more legitimate way to maintain my current pricing plan or if it must increase to get something of value (e.g. data and texts for the same price)?
Thank you for your patience with
<--this n00b.

Well if ur UK based most networks offer free addons to pay monthly customers, for example, T-Mobile offer smartphone users a free unlimited data plan with the exception of a fair use policy. And iv never had a slapped wrist from them and my data's never been turned off. O2 have a similar plan but I'm not too sure about vodafone or orange. Hope this helps.
Sent from my NexusHD2 using xda premium

I'm on AT&T in the US and they're pretty finicky when it comes to their smartphones. They claim all of these hard rules, but I had an agent the other night looking for justification so she could put the exclusion and opt-out back on the line as the previous two agents suggested that I could do after getting the GS2. They *can* do it, but it seems like they're either not supposed to or only under special circumstances. I asked if I could pick out an unlocked phone and maintain my contract that way and they said that doing so was unnecessary and that I could just get a subsidized phone and maintain my contract through premier customer care. After getting the 2nd rep's email address and then emailing her...a week later she still hasn't called me. I'm beginning to think that she might have been full of hot air. I'm concerned that I'm going to have to keep on having this crappy phone with it's poor reception because I'm a student, my parents are on a fixed income, and we can't afford to make the monthly bill go up $25/mo.

samurai-holt said:
Well if ur UK based most networks offer free addons to pay monthly customers, for example, T-Mobile offer smartphone users a free unlimited data plan with the exception of a fair use policy. And iv never had a slapped wrist from them and my data's never been turned off. O2 have a similar plan but I'm not too sure about vodafone or orange. Hope this helps.
Sent from my NexusHD2 using xda premium
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O2 data is not available free its a £6 add on and you only get 500 megabytes. Never known anyone get free bolt on off them and been with them years so not all carriers give bolt ons away. But giffgaff offer true unlimited data though I'm on contract with o2 so can't use them.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk

Related

I need help deciding which carrier/phone/plan

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.

Galaxy nexus vs. galaxy S 3

My original galaxy s is getting long in the tooth. I'm due for an upgrade. I was thinking of going with the new S 3 when it comes out, but if its 300$, I think they'd a but much for a phone, and was thinking of getting the nexus.
Do you think that the nexus will still be a decent phone 2 years from now when I can upgrade, our should I get the S3 to keep me until june 2014?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
I'm getting a GNex soon. So it will be even older! Yes, I think the hardware will last
Sent from my HTC Desire S using xda premium
olyloh6696 said:
I'm getting a GNex soon. So it will be even older! Yes, I think the hardware will last
Sent from my HTC Desire S using xda premium
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i think the nexus is better, am waiting for the the next one, dont like capacitve buttons on ics
eppo12- said:
Do you think that the nexus will still be a decent phone 2 years from now when I can upgrade, our should I get the S3 to keep me until june 2014?
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Is 2 years a hard or soft limit? (i.e. contract or no contract?) I'm planning on keeping my Nexus for two years, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it.
The good news is that the nexus is cheap (off google play or expansys) hence good for buying unlocked. I would not buy it from Verizon, for instance; the updating status on the CDMA variants is questionable.
(Also, yeah, S3 hardware buttons sux.)
naaa you guys have gone soft get the s3 or wait to see the nexus 4
i have the gnex won it from a giveaway and personally i think its dog**** if you have the chance get the s3 not the nexus crap or as i said wait for the next nexus romurs are that it will have a s4 quadcore ship clocked at 1.5ghz sounds sexy also its based on a15
I have verizon, and unless the rules have changed, you can upgrade after 18 months, and get $50 off at a 24 months. Why pay so much for a phone, when your not sure for an upgrade? So I would have to wait 18 months minimum.
Have there been any releases of what the going price would be for the S3 in the US? I ready font want to spend $300 for a phone.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
id prefer the s3, because of its outstanding benchmark, and some new features in smartphones but the design nexus is better,
eppo12- said:
I have verizon, and unless the rules have changed, you can upgrade after 18 months, and get $50 off at a 24 months. Why pay so much for a phone, when your not sure for an upgrade? So I would have to wait 18 months minimum.
Have there been any releases of what the going price would be for the S3 in the US? I ready font want to spend $300 for a phone.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
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I would recommend against the verizon version of the nexus, for the reasons above. Though of course, my opinion is not the end-all.
Buying a phone outright gets you more flexibility and, if you go with prepaid, lower costs overall. As you said, you have to wait > 18 months to get a new one under your plan [and you'd have lost out, with your increased rates, if you don't]. I can get my next phone anytime [and am subject to low rates all the time]. My nexus, for example, is definitely good for this year, but I don't want to count on my prophetical powers for anything longer. If it gets broken, or just plain outclassed, I want to be able to grab the newest thing on the market right away.
(Note: Prepaid vs contract is a much more complicated issue than I might have made it sound above; you'd have to shop and probably have to use something besides Verizon, for one thing.)
Another recent thing to note: Verizon is removing unlimited upgrades (you'd be forced onto a tiered plan), though you can keep your old plan if you get your new phone on your own.
I'm not sure what the exact pricing is, but for arguments sake, lets say that the nexus is 200 with contact, and 400 without, pushy the going rate 400? How would you get out any cheaper? And I'm sure no where near $200.
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eppo12- said:
I'm not sure what the exact pricing is, but for arguments sake, lets say that the nexus is 200 with contact, and 400 without, pushy the going rate 400? How would you get out any cheaper? And I'm sure no where near $200.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
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The price differential over 24 months adds up.
For example, T-mobile has a $30 100 minute 5 gig prepaid, and Straight Talk has a $45 unlimited prepaid; there are others to shop around for, but those are the most commonly cited. Assuming you even get the cheapest Verizon plan, $40 (450 minutes talk) + $10 (1000 smses) + $30 (2 gb data) = $80 (per month)
Verizon's $80/month is already $35/month more than ST. That means you save $840 over 24 months by going even the more expensive prepaid. (Compared to this, the puny $200 subsidy is nothing.)
For the t-mobile plan, the differential is a whopping $50, and you save, holy hell, $1200 over 24 months.
In other words, the subsidy is just a psychological scam make you think you've got a discount, when really, the higher prices per month make all the difference.
thebobp said it quite well.
But I'm hoping to sign a new contract and keep my grandfathered unlimited plan. I'd liked to upgrade to the S3 with unlimited grandfathered LTE, but that's hoping that the S3 is available before Verizon starts pushing the shared data plans (at which point I can't upgrade to LTE and keep unlimited data).
If the S3 isn't coming out before then, then I'm thinking I should just get a Gnex so I can start enjoying unlimited LTE data.
Wow, I've never thought about it that way. I always thought those other providers offered a lower level of service? I know t mobile has crap service around here, so you can't be using all of verizons network.
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eppo12- said:
I always thought those other providers offered a lower level of service?
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"Lower level of service" is just company propaganda. The only relevant question is which one offers good enough service for you, for the cheapest price. And unfortunately, there's no easy way to answer that except to try them out, preferably cheapest to most expensive. Even reviews aren't all that relevant, simply because service can vary so wildly depending on location. Thankfully, prepaid is a natural platform for "just trying a service out", but it does require a compatible phone.
I don't know what you mean by "tmobile using all of verizon's network"; they're completely distinct. Straight talk (and many others) are carried over AT&T and t-mobile's networks, though.
Thanks a lot for all your replies.
As far as the network goes, I thought tmobile used verizons network, because when 4g came out, they were the only other ones saying they used 4g lte. So I just assumed they used verizons network.
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I'm in a similar situation, right now I'm waiting to see what the S3 looks like in the US. If its not to my liking I'll probably get the Nexus, and a + for the Nexus is it will be getting Android 5.0 aka Jellybean. I would also buy it from the Google Play Store so it doesnt have any bloatware, however that is $299.
If you've made it this long with the Galaxy S, I say wait for the next Nexus. Especially with the rumors of several different manufacturers being able to build their own Nexus device.
I would take the samsung nexus. The S3 doesn't offer enough power difference in my opinion to spend the extra money on. Most of its software features aren't that good imho. And if they are you can find a similar app on the market for it.
blackthundaar said:
I would take the samsung nexus. The S3 doesn't offer enough power difference in my opinion to spend the extra money on. Most of its software features aren't that good imho. And if they are you can find a similar app on the market for it.
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Have you heard anything about the S3 US version being dual core? because i would think that the Nexus being Dual Core, vs the S3 being quad core would be a big difference.
I'm going to have to look around to see when the next nexus is getting released.
my S1 annoys me a bit, but maybe i'm just getting the itch to get a new phone. every once and a while it stops responding to touch, if you hit the power button, and then unlock the phone again, its been coming back. also, playback skips when i first start playing something in dog catcher, and some games... yeah, I know.. i guess its more of an itch than anything else, but at least this way, i can make an informed decision if/when my phone completely dies.
i am running gingerbread rom, i recently reinstalled it from scratch, and then reinstalled my apps, but its still the same.
I guess i'll try and hold onto this phone as long as i can. I do like the service with verizon, and get a hefty discount from my job, so i'm a bit weary to switch carriers.
eppo12- said:
Have you heard anything about the S3 US version being dual core? because i would think that the Nexus being Dual Core, vs the S3 being quad core would be a big difference.
I'm going to have to look around to see when the next nexus is getting released.
my S1 annoys me a bit, but maybe i'm just getting the itch to get a new phone. every once and a while it stops responding to touch, if you hit the power button, and then unlock the phone again, its been coming back. also, playback skips when i first start playing something in dog catcher, and some games... yeah, I know.. i guess its more of an itch than anything else, but at least this way, i can make an informed decision if/when my phone completely dies.
i am running gingerbread rom, i recently reinstalled it from scratch, and then reinstalled my apps, but its still the same.
I guess i'll try and hold onto this phone as long as i can. I do like the service with verizon, and get a hefty discount from my job, so i'm a bit weary to switch carriers.
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Have you seen the difference between the Quad core One X and the dual core version? No? Neither has anyone else.
eppo12- said:
Have you heard anything about the S3 US version being dual core? because i would think that the Nexus being Dual Core, vs the S3 being quad core would be a big difference.
I'm going to have to look around to see when the next nexus is getting released.
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S3 LTE will most definitely be a dual core, because no quad core supports LTE.
Rumors about Nexus launch date say thanksgiving.
eppo12- said:
As far as the network goes, I thought tmobile used verizons network, because when 4g came out, they were the only other ones saying they used 4g lte. So I just assumed they used verizons network.
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There is no 4g; it hasn't come out yet. The 4g standard requires 1Gbps data, while LTE is capable of max 300Mbps data and, in practice, can get as low as a single-digit Mbps. See this article for more information. Basically, the marketing departments here in the US realized they could get away with calling crap 4G, and that's what we have now.
The much more relevant question is how fast a particular service is in your area (because it can vary so wildly), and that can't be answered by anything except trial and error.

Tmobile selling Galaxy S 4G again

Either that, or my computer is having some weird kind of flashback:
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/default.aspx?capcode=AGE
Any ideas as to why Tmo has trotted out the SGS4G again - AND at a higher price than the HTC One X and the Galaxy S Blaze?
It could be a mistake and they meant to add the S3.
Or you guys still have some OS update hope.
you could always buy the GS4G, I don't think it was ever taken off their list. It's been one of the phones they advertise in their pre-paid plan line-ups for some time now.
The One S is cheaper because it has more incentives and discounts right now. the actual retail price is higher than the GS4G if you buy it outright.
That deal on the One S is pretty sweet though. I just don't want to start another 2 year contract
i'm buying the next sprint LTE android flagship phone. Jelly Bean.
airfluip1 said:
i'm buying the next sprint LTE android flagship phone. Jelly Bean.
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Don't. Buy an at&t phone or other 1900/850 capable phone (our phone is believe it or not. Get a straight talk at&t sim and pay 45$ a month for GREAT service. I'm not advertising just vouching
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T-Mobile never stopped selling the 4G. They actually raised it's price with the new financing thing they got going on.
Is there a place offering the quad core One X at a reduced price for contract? I'm looking to get a top of the line phone soon. I would love the S3, but I'm pretty sure it wont be discounted for a little while.
Sorry, but it was gone from their main list of phones with contract for quite some time - it was followed off the list by the G2x and the HTC Sensation. And now it has reappeared, costing more money than dual-core phones like the Blaze and the One X and still without any official hope of getting ICS. I just find that very strange.
Manumission said:
Sorry, but it was gone from their main list of phones with contract for quite some time - it was followed off the list by the G2x and the HTC Sensation. And now it has reappeared, costing more money than dual-core phones like the Blaze and the One X and still without any official hope of getting ICS. I just find that very strange.
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They probably had a bock log of phones that need to be sold. Again its a phone pushed towards the prepaid service. You will qualify for discounts by purchasing the newer phones. However if you are upgrading or replacing out of contract the sgs4g is cheaper.
Yes T-mobile is still selling our phones and yes Samsung is still making our phones. Does that really surprise you, they still make flip phones and simian phones for non data plans. They rarely discontinue a phone unless it no longer will function on their upgraded networks, like what happened to the original sidekick phones. They could no longer support the data system so one day all the sidekick owners received a text that said upgrade or lose service. If the phone can still fill a market need and be profitable then it will continue to be sold.
bot42 said:
Yes T-mobile is still selling our phones and yes Samsung is still making our phones. Does that really surprise you, they still make flip phones and simian phones for non data plans.
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The fact that they are selling the phone doesn't surprise me - what does surprise me is that it is so much more expensive than the Blaze and the One S, on a 2-year contract. Don't get me wrong, I like our phone, but for new customers signing a 2-year contract, offering the SGS4G at a higher price point than those two dual-core phones is a head-scratcher.
Manumission said:
The fact that they are selling the phone doesn't surprise me - what does surprise me is that it is so much more expensive than the Blaze and the One S, on a 2-year contract. Don't get me wrong, I like our phone, but for new customers signing a 2-year contract, offering the SGS4G at a higher price point than those two dual-core phones is a head-scratcher.
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They want you to buy the new phones. Its not really a head scratcher. Again they would rather push the sgs4g towards the prepaid side. You also qualify for discounts for the newer phones that the sgs4g does not qualify for.

Verizon is out to get us.

Obviously the new data plans following suit of the other carriers in killing unlimited, reducing data costs to Big Red is nothing new. The fact our Thunderbolts have been having all kinds of data drop issues (regardless of ROM) is just evident they're even further making efforts to eff us in our rears. I've been eligible for an upgrade for some time but am obviously holding out to maintain my unlimited.. but now I find myself trying to find a Verizon phone elsewhere (craigs list, ebay, etc) just so I don't have to upgrade via Verizon.
Is it true even if we purchase another phone on our own, in activating it, they'll force the change?
Anyone have any recent ROM/radio recommendations that are stable? I swear, it doesn't matter what I flash, my TB is slowly dying and I the conspiracy theorist in me tells me Verizon has placed some moles in the dev community to eff up our stuff (unlikely but possible).
You will only lose your contract if you use your upgrade with them. You can activate any compatible phone on your current contract without losing any of the features (unlimited data) the only exception being for anyone currently on a 3g device cannot activate a 4g phone.
I am using SkyRaider and average around 5gb a month of data usage and haven't noticed any more data lag or drops than normal.
Wait so if I buy a Verizon phone from CL or Ebay I can use my current plan on my TB?
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium
Watoy said:
Wait so if I buy a Verizon phone from CL or Ebay I can use my current plan on my TB?
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda premium
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Yes. I just switched from the thunderbolt to a eBay inc 4g yesterday.
My plan is expired too on month to month. Unlimited forever and no contract.
Actually, their just out to make money, like businesses are supposed to do. Things change. This is actually going to lower my bill because after i get my replacement, im dropping the insurance. Wont need it, buy phones on ebay, keep unlimited. I dont need latest and greatest. Dont like the new galaxy, feels cheap. In another few months, ill pick up a rezound
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donnyp1 said:
Actually, their just out to make money, like businesses are supposed to do. Things change. This is actually going to lower my bill because after i get my replacement, im dropping the insurance. Wont need it, buy phones on ebay, keep unlimited. I dont need latest and greatest. Dont like the new galaxy, feels cheap. In another few months, ill pick up a rezound
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda app-developers app
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Saying they're out to get us doesn't mean I don't understand their position or their motives, haha. Heck, I'd do the same thing. Glad to hear though that I can still get my own devices and activate under the same plan, that alone can keep me on Big Red so it's much appreciated. I'll also check out SkyRaider, last I tried, I had issues but don't remember what they were. Thanks all.
They aren't 'out to get us'. They just want to give you as little as possible while charging as much as possible. The fact that there isn't competition in the cellular market means no one is fighting for customers. Just wait 2 or 3 years and Verizon will be broken up like AT&T before... If we're lucky that is.
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They are definitely and obviously in the this game for PROFIT, MONEY, DINERO, MOOLAH, etc,......!!!
Look at the hard facts.
Quite eye-opening really, in case you didn't have a real picture as to HOW much they are really making on us while giving us less.
I just don't think I'll ever appreciate them removing Unlimited data. It may help some people.
But It doesn't make things cheaper or better in my situation, but so long as I can buy retail and not ever be forced over, I'll stay.
The day they force me into a new contract after my current one is up, I'm out.
Just thought I'd post that link for their earnings report from this Quarter, as they just released it and it pretty well sums up this thread.
Just talked to Vzn cust serv, they said (for whatever it's worth) that if you upgrade using the disc phone price, you'll be switched over OFF unlimited. To keep unlimited you csn purchase Vzn offered phone at full retail w/out contract, or privately purchase any Vzn compatible phone and activate w/out contract. I asked what stops Vzn in three months from saying "you have no contract with Vzn, buy our new plan or we'll drop you"... She said, nothing stops them from sayinv that, Vzn isn't bound by a contract. Either way, my TB runs so well, I have no problem keeping it another year, maybe two!
Running Thundershed v1.6_CM7.2, imo lean kernel 6.2.1 (#1 normal -undervolted, 184-1408) with the .9 radios... Got 6hrs of uninterrupted use, a few days ago. (Internet, tons of YouTube videos, online games, text/calls, FB, phone gaming, etc. jumping from one to the other) just to see how long it would go. 6hrs 11min with 18% batt life remaining. 15 hrs heavy-moderate use with 29% batt life remaining. This is w/out 4G (not avail here yet) and using Rezound standard batt... Even without the better battery life, the TB works very well in this config, and operates incredibly smooth, and very reliably.
Is it worth running with my smooth TB another year to keep $300 in my pocket and not lose unlimited pkg (upgrade)? Or is it worth keeping $500-600 in my pocket (not paying full retail just to have a newer, slightly better phone)? ABSOFREAKINLUTELY worth it! Well played Quietly Rooted TB, well played.
Sent from my brilliantly tweaked Tbolt via Tapatalk 2
How about this thought. I'm on a shared 10GB plan with 3 other phones. I noticed that Verizon made sure that there was NO way to disable that stupid backup service that I can find. So it sounds to me like they're TRYING to make people go over their limited data plan if they can.
correction
Shadow Death said:
How about this thought. I'm on a shared 10GB plan with 3 other phones. I noticed that Verizon made sure that there was NO way to disable that stupid backup service that I can find. So it sounds to me like they're TRYING to make people go over their limited data plan if they can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you are a member of the account online then backup assistant is free every month, and they say it is airtime free.. its only your contacts and its done over cellular ( not data plan ) - i have a dumb phone on my account and they have their backup ( no data )
santod040 said:
They are definitely and obviously in the this game for PROFIT, MONEY, DINERO, MOOLAH, etc,......!!!
Look at the hard facts.
Quite eye-opening really, in case you didn't have a real picture as to HOW much they are really making on us while giving us less.
I just don't think I'll ever appreciate them removing Unlimited data. It may help some people.
But It doesn't make things cheaper or better in my situation, but so long as I can buy retail and not ever be forced over, I'll stay.
The day they force me into a new contract after my current one is up, I'm out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a recent experience which may shed some light on the situation. I have a TB with unlimited data, but until recently, that was part of a family plan through my parents (for convenience.) Well, without realizing what they were doing, they got manipulated by a VZW salesperson to change their family plan to the bundled data plan - in exchange for two free smart phones and a free hotspot device. Of course, my unlimited plan went byebye as a result. I calmly called customer service the second I heard they had gotten smart phones and explained that there had been a mistake, and that the plan change was supposed to exclude my phone.
Well, the CS person was very helpful, and offered to remove my line from their account, and restore the unlimited data on a new account under my name, at the 2008 (when I had gotten a smartphone originally) single-subscriber price. It barely took any coaxing, and she was quick to offer me that compromise, after I suggested my parents had been purposefully misled (which I am sure they were - I figure the salesperson gets a bonus for every unlimited line he scraps.)
My point? If they still have the ability to create an entirely new account with unlimited data based on prices from 4 years ago, I am sure that they can still renew the unlimited contracts if given a good enough reason. I suppose the trick is coming up with a good reason...
You can keep unlimited data as long as you don't get a new subsidized phone. Pay full price for new phone and you can keep unlimited data.
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda app-developers app
c5satellite2 said:
You can keep unlimited data as long as you don't get a new subsidized phone. Pay full price for new phone and you can keep unlimited data.
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's pretty common knowledge by now I think.
My concern is when will that option end?
Once my current contract is up, there's nothing carved in stone that says they won't change things.
They could very well decide to try and force anyone with a smartphone on their network into a new data plan or simply only offer you voice.
I guess I just wonder how long will they allow grandfathered Unlimited data users to keep that, beyond their contract end date.
Nobody really knows.
I guess ill see first .. I'm on month to month right now with unlimited.
Yep, that's the caveat of unlimited data ; no contract. Technically, 5 minutes after you end your contract by buying a full retail phone, or keeping your existing phone (as I plan to do), Vzn can disconnect you and bill you for 5 minutes Obviously they wouldn't do this, but no contract means no promises.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
razr maxx is old now yet full retail hasnt changed. does anyone sell brand new smartphones at lower prices as they age? best buy certainly doesnt. I prefer not to deal with private sales through ebay or swappa but would deal with amazon or new egg or a well know dealer online. a brick and mortar store would be my preference but it appears they only put phones on sale with a plan, never put brand new no contract phones on sale.
recDNA said:
razr maxx is old now yet full retail hasnt changed. does anyone sell brand new smartphones at lower prices as they age? best buy certainly doesnt. I prefer not to deal with private sales through ebay or swappa but would deal with amazon or new egg or a well know dealer online. a brick and mortar store would be my preference but it appears they only put phones on sale with a plan, never put brand new no contract phones on sale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah Verizon's phone prices are high. The Droid Incredible, till the day it was discontinued, costed $549.99 or whatever full retail, even though new Droid Incredibles were going on eBay for half that. And damn, the Droid Charge is $99 with 2 year contract RIGHT NOW. So is the Galaxy Nexus.
If I can talk a rep into giving me unlimited data or rather letting me keep unlimited when upgrading, well I would not be totally against organized bribing, sort of like tips for waiters and waitresses, of course we know that's not happening.
Too bad Verizon doesn't have an S in its name, I, along with everyone else on here would replace that S with a $ so fast...
Hahaha. Yeah. Verizon wirele$$
*Thunderbolt 4G*
http://m.engadget.com/2012/07/31/ve...-10th/?utm_source=engadget&utm_medium=twitter check this out. This is what i have
Sent from my ADR6400L using xda app-developers app

Switching from iPhone to Android

Hey,
Im currently an iPhone user (4S 64GB factory unlocked) and want to switch to android.
Im in a contract with telus that ends in september and am thinking of renewing it. The phones they carry that interest me are the One X and the S2 X, unfortunately they dont have the galaxy nxs anymore. Otherwise i could switch to a provider that carries the nexus.
I want a phone with a good development which still has newer components. I'm not a fan of the s3. And I like good build quality!
Opinions?
I would just get a GSM Nexus. They are so damn cheap anyway.
Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk 2
Nexus
I would take the Nexus. There you have the latest Android updates and a big screen
the One X is a great phone, I highly recommend it
Welcome to the light.. I also left the Iphone and its the best decision I've made. I would also recommend the GSM Nexus! We have 2 in the family and they love it.
Android really rules!
Sent from 9.7 inch RK2918 Tablet
Sell your 4S for a nice chunk of change. Then buy a Galaxy Nexus which is $350, and pocket the rest of the money.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
definitely nexus bro! my friend use it and the ROM update is a lot faster than S3.
I've written extensively on why you shouldn't sign a contract in general, or choose your phone based on your provider.
thebobp said:
The price differential over 24 months adds up.
For example, T-mobile has a $30 100 minute 5 gig prepaid, and Straight Talk has a $45 unlimited prepaid; there are others to shop around for, but those are the most commonly cited. Assuming you even get the cheapest Verizon plan, $40 (450 minutes talk) + $10 (1000 smses) + $30 (2 gb data) = $80 (per month)
Verizon's $80/month is already $35/month more than ST. That means you save $840 over 24 months by going even the more expensive prepaid. (Compared to this, the puny $200 subsidy is nothing.)
For the t-mobile plan, the differential is a whopping $50, and you save, holy hell, $1200 over 24 months.
In other words, the subsidy is just a psychological scam make you think you've got a discount, when really, the higher prices per month make all the difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thebobp said:
Buying a phone outright gets you more flexibility and, if you go with prepaid, lower costs overall. As you said, you have to wait > 18 months to get a new one under your plan [and you'd have lost out, with your increased rates, if you don't]. I can get my next phone anytime [and am subject to low rates all the time]. My nexus, for example, is definitely good for this year, but I don't want to count on my prophetical powers for anything longer. If it gets broken, or just plain outclassed, I want to be able to grab the newest thing on the market right away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
However, you will probably have to do the prepaid research yourself, since all the current research seems to be for the US. (In particular, you should calculate that my conclusions above are still valid for your options.) The lack of a $350 Nexus in Canada also sucks; I think you can get it for around $400.
You can pick up the galaxy nexus at best buy or future shop with telus no problem
JT-on said:
You can pick up the galaxy nexus at best buy or future shop with telus no problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also pick up a nexus at mobilicity for $300 outright. Pretty sweet price
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Get the nexus or one X. But I recommend the nexus since it is Googles phone. Always guaranteed he latest firmware.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Good call on switching from the dark side!
I would either go with the Nexus or the One X. I've used both phones briefly, and they are both quick and solid. If I had to choose one of them, I'd go with the Nexus... it IS Google's baby after all.
HTC One X
Superb Phone really enjoying it!
I'd reconsider the S3. Exchangeable battery (you'd be surprised how important this could be, especially if you are switching from Apple) plus microSD (ditto). If you are all over the phone shell material, go for the One Z.
Good Choice
Knorkator said:
Hey,
Im currently an iPhone user (4S 64GB factory unlocked) and want to switch to android.
Im in a contract with telus that ends in september and am thinking of renewing it. The phones they carry that interest me are the One X and the S2 X, unfortunately they dont have the galaxy nxs anymore. Otherwise i could switch to a provider that carries the nexus.
I want a phone with a good development which still has newer components. I'm not a fan of the s3. And I like good build quality!
Opinions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android is better in almost all categories except screen res and camera quality
I own both the iPhone and some Android devices, mostly Samsungs and I wouldn't say that any of the them is better than the other. They are just different, both have good and bad sides. I am definitely having more fun modifying and hacking Androids while I prefer iPhone for everyday calling. What I really dislike is bias in any direction. It doesn't matter though since you've already made a decision. Then in your place I would get a Nexus. It's solid, looks good and gets the most frequent updates.

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