4.0+ screen, ICS, cheap, GSM. - General Questions and Answers

I'm looking to get my mom a new phone and am highly considering the Samsung Infuse.
But I'd really like for a device with a little more stable ICS support; official or not.
She's coming from a flip phone, will be her first smartphone. Doesn't need to be overly fast. Just a decent sized screen for bad eyes, GSM, and I'd like to get her running on ICS.
Any suggestions?

xHighAlert said:
I'm looking to get my mom a new phone and am highly considering the Samsung Infuse.
But I'd really like for a device with a little more stable ICS support; official or not.
She's coming from a flip phone, will be her first smartphone. Doesn't need to be overly fast. Just a decent sized screen for bad eyes, GSM, and I'd like to get her running on ICS.
Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pantech Burst is getting the ICS update late summer and its fairly cheep on ATT. its 4g LTE so when LTE service is available in her service area she will get the added speed boost. it will still run on the 4g non LTE network for fast data until LTE is available as well.

Related

Coin Toss: Phone Selection

I recently picked up 2 MT3GS' and an HD2.
The Slide was great, my first Android phone and it knocked my socks off, but I wanted something closer to the 1GHz spectrum with a few more bells and whistles.
The HD2, although it had some great guts, it was pretty sluggish. SPB Shell and some custom ROMS helped a bit, but it wasn't what I had hoped for; didn't meet my expectations especially when stacked against the Slide.
Then, because my wife and I agreed on a few things, we decided to return the phones in hopes of getting something better. Now in hindsight, that may have been unwise as I did this the morning of, or the day before the 'major HD2 breakthrough', and word of SLIDEMEROOT5.
Enter: Facepalm!
No sense looking back and wallowing in a bit of regret. So, I'm moving on and am looking for advice on replacement devices
I've done some research, scouring the web for pros/cons, and while there is no ultimate phone, some do come close. If you haven't already picked up on this, I'm a TMO customer so I'm only interested in phones that support T-Mobile's HSPA+ (1700/2100 MHz, AWS Band) network.
The Nexus One seems to be getting loads of attention with new apps & hacks, roms and other nifty bells and whistles nearly every day. Needless to say I was a bit jealous and felt slighted when I had the Slide. The Nexus One in my eyes is like the tried & true Android phone that's hard to go wrong with.
The Galaxy S is looking mighty nice and the touchscreen appears to handle multitouch very well, but I'm concerned about how well it will perform. Is 1GHz really 1Ghz? How does their Hummingbird stack up against the Snapdragon? Is one processor better than the other?
Verizon's Droid X is looking great ... but its Verizon. I'm enjoying TMO's 3G quite a bit so if they make a GSM version that supports HSPA+, then maybe we have a winner. (Does anyone know if this is happening?)
Storage space isn't that big of a deal for me - sd cards are there.
Photo and video quality is fairly important so I'm looking for 720p
Not sure if it matters whether or not it has a physical keyboard; I'm ok with touch screens.
I've had bad experiences with phones so I'm looking to make up for it. I want something responsive, that supports Froyo (if it doesn't already come with it) and will hopefully take full advantage of Gingerbread.
I know this is all based on opinion but I'd like to hear from those who have 'high-end' Android phones and what their experience is so far.
What phone do you have?
What's its greatest strength?
What's it lacking?
What phone are you craving?
And if you don't have a high-end phone, what are you holding out for?
Ok so first off if your in the US you want a non Tmo branded phone and only want Edge network. Is this correct? In the US Tmo 3G runs on 850mhz and 1700mhz. If you want to use Tmo 3G you must have a Tmo branded phone. That being considered now we can look for phones. Are you sold on Android? Or are you willing to use WM 6.5 with the ability to run android by port? In either case I recommend 2 phones. 1 the Touch Pro 2. This is about the nicest phone I've every used with a slide out KB. It doesn't zing like the HD2 but it competant and the KB is freaking awesome and really the only difference you will see will be about a 30% speed increase. Now for the HD2. I love this phone. It was hard leaving a real KB but once I learned swype and practiced a bit I prefer a touch KB. I really don't know what to recommend other then those 2. Everything else on the market just seems to be a spin off of either of these, so I would get one of these second hand for cheap. I paid $150 for a mint TP2 and $250 for a mint HD2. Then I would just wait it out till holiday season phones come around. I don't think were gonna see anything really new or more powerful till Xmas. My buddy just got a droid incredible and that think kills batteries. Poor kid hasn't made it through an 8 hour shift without the battery dieing. Now sure if its a Android thing or HTC thing but my HD2 gets way way way better battery life then his incredible. ALso with in one week of owning it and running nothing but stock apps on it he's had to pull the battery pack twice. I expect that from my cooked roms and custom apps but not from something stock.
maxpower097 - Thanks for the feedback!
Didn't know that about the Droid Incredible. My best friend has one and he hasn't mentioned any issues with we briefly discussed it. But still, good to know.
As for your comment about me only wanting only EDGE/2G (or 2.5G or 2.75G depending on how you want to slice it), if I understood you correctly, you were saying I wanted to 'cap out' at EDGE. If that's what you were saying, that is not true at all - I want HSDPA/3G (or 'Enhanced 3G or 3.5G, depending on how one slices it). I don't believe I have to buy a T-Mobile branded phone to do this - I believe getting a phone that supports HSDPA will be sufficient.
I'm not 100% sold on Android, meaning I would consider another OS like Symbian^3, Maemo or Windows Phone 7 (whatever they're calling it today).
I considered the Touch Pro 2, especially since there was an Android port but I felt it was like antiquated hardware (Landed early 2009 with a ~528MHz proc).
HD2 was great - loved the physical dimensions, feel/build quality and size of the screen but WinMo 6.5 wasn't doing it for me, even on the snappy Snapdragon. Now that Android is creeping closer by leaps now, I have a feeling that before the end of the summer we'll have a successful, usable Android port for the HD2; this may end up being the winner but I have to land a sweet deal like you because I'm not paying $450
Swype is great; when I had the Slide, I only used the physical keyboard maybe 10% of the time. Keyboard vs no keyboard is not a deal breaker, but I do like options
Again, I appreciate you taking the time to share your wealth of knowledge with me.
Depends on location really. Here in the US you will need a branded phone for 3G since TMo uses a specific band not supported by any other carrier. Some European phones will sometimes pick up intermitent 3G here on Tmo but thats because of one of the bands they use. I've tried ATT Tilt2's, and Tilt1's and could never even see 3G here on HSPA. Yet with a tmo TP2 or HD2 I don't even get 3G just H. I'm not 100% sure your phone just needs to be HSPA, I think the bands will need to match too, which will put you in a tmo phone. I think the best option to do is find an HSPA phone in the forums and post in there asking if anyone can pick up tmo 3G on it. I though the same as you and argued with thetmo support lady for an hour before finally accepting her answer that they just use a different band then everyone else and I would need a tmo phone to use tmo 3g. PS thats why you can't use 3G on a tmo iphone.
My phones are on my sig.
I am looking forward for a WM phone with hardware keyboard, 3.8" screen and 1ghz processor and will wait for that perhaps till 2qt 2011.
I am not interested in Android @all and will stick to WM what ever version 6.5.3 or WP7
The Nexus fly's with Android 2.2 FroYo 85B. So impressive, I forgot all about the future WM7...
Once again many thanks to you all for providing input.
So far, I'm leaning towards the Nexus One, unless Motorola has plans to make a GSM HSPA+ compatible Droid X version (like the Milestone X?)
@maxpower097: I'm going to delve a bit deeper into the 3G/HSPA issue but thanks again for the warning! I'd hate to spend loads of a '3G' phone only to find out it won't work with Tmo, even though the device itself is advertised as supporting 1700/2100 (AWS).
Droid X will not come to a GSM carrier. Verizon paid big bucks to have that as their exclusive flagship phone. Thats gonna be a verizon deal only for at least a year. That would be like hoping for a Evo 4 on ATT.

My Galaxy S II Skyrocket Review

I painfully wrote a very long review with videos and pictures of the Galaxy S II Skyrocket. Just thought I'd share it with you guys.
http://briefmobile.com/review-samsung-galaxy-s-ii-skyrocket-att
Overall, I think it's a very solid phone. I'm sure there are plenty of users out there wondering: "Should I buy the Skyrocket?" I'm not sure I answer that unanswerable question in my review, but hopefully it clears things up for anyone who hasn't made up their mind.
One of the main points, that I stress in the conclusion is that AT&T forecasted 170 million covered with LTE by the end of 2012. And, Advanced coming in 2013. If you're committing to two years with a device, don't necessarily go with the SGS2 I777 because LTE doesn't cover your area. I think that's a really valid point. Although the Exynos model is more powerful, LTE is arguably more important to most people.
Thoughts? Everyone happy with the device? Unhappy? Anything you want me to check on?
The website is down! But the Google Cache version is up.
There have been constant reports of network issues. This is on AT&T's side of things, not the device itself. It seems that the towers are not properly recognizing the device (be it on LTE, HSPA+, etc.) and dropping signal. There is a temporary APN fix in the development fourm. Multiple users have called into AT&T to tell them about it--- I would advise others to do the same so that they know this is a widespread issue.
Other than that, this is a great phone.
crispy1805 said:
The website is down! But the Google Cache version is up.
There have been constant reports of network issues. This is on AT&T's side of things, not the device itself. It seems that the towers are not properly recognizing the device (be it on LTE, HSPA+, etc.) and dropping signal. There is a temporary APN fix in the development fourm. Multiple users have called into AT&T to tell them about it--- I would advise others to do the same so that they know this is a widespread issue.
Other than that, this is a great phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. I haven't experienced any network issues. Then again, I've been cold swapping SIMs and changing APNs on a daily basis between my review unit SIM and personal SIM.
I wonder why the website was down for you. Looks up now. Hopefully no more downtime.
Haven't had any issues. Have root working and just installed the first (of many) deoxed stock rom...... Needs a touch of Alien though, LOL. Glad to see ya. Thinking about a new phone-task? Hope they don't drop a samsung phone in 29 days that is better but so far this phone seems solid. I think it has a lot of potential. Granted the exynos isn'tin it but the snapdragon3 oc'd a little to 1.7ish....I think this phone will be awesome even moreso when there are more LTE areas.
Not to mention NFC support and ICS confirmed.
kennethpenn said:
Interesting. I haven't experienced any network issues. Then again, I've been cold swapping SIMs and changing APNs on a daily basis between my review unit SIM and personal SIM.
I wonder why the website was down for you. Looks up now. Hopefully no more downtime.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yay, its back up!
Here is the thread with users reporting the issue:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1339122
Great revue, congratulation. I think it's the best revue in I read on this phone, well written, well documented and technically savy enough.
Thank you very much for your hard work
I was going to get a skyrocket until I researched the differences between it and i777. The LTE is only so much of a positive, especially since you should use wifi whenever you can. Some guy on another thread used 6gb over LTE in a week, which is enough to get you throttled. Someone commented that you can use 2gb over LTE in 20 minutes. For the most part, LTE just means things occur a little faster. I compared Pandora's loading time and some other things between the two and there was only a minor (and sometimes non-existent) difference. The LTE is a plus, but a relatively small one (especially if you don't want to get throttled).
On the plus side, the i777 comes out far ahead. The processor difference is more than just a higher-quality processor. The difference is so great that the skyrocket's processor has to be set to 1.5 ghz just to match the speed and performance of the i777's 1.2 ghz. That means you won't be able to overclock the skyrocket as much because you are starting higher. In addition, the GPU on the skyrocket is quite inferior. The result is a choppy experience. I compared the two and saw this time and time again. In addition, the resolution is worse on the skyrocket (same pixels but bigger screen). This is stuff people will notice and use on a daily basis, much more often than LTE. Also, there is not going to be nearly as much dev work on the skyrocket.
Really, there is one small advantage of the skyrocket (LTE) and a lot of big ones for the i777.
QuarkGluonSoup said:
On the plus side, the i777 comes out far ahead. The processor difference is more than just a higher-quality processor. The difference is so great that the skyrocket's processor has to be set to 1.5 ghz just to match the speed and performance of the i777's 1.2 ghz. That means you won't be able to overclock the skyrocket as much because you are starting higher. In addition, the GPU on the skyrocket is quite inferior. The result is a choppy experience. I compared the two and saw this time and time again. In addition, the resolution is worse on the skyrocket (same pixels but bigger screen). This is stuff people will notice and use on a daily basis, much more often than LTE. Also, there is not going to be nearly as much dev work on the skyrocket.
Really, there is one small advantage of the skyrocket (LTE) and a lot of big ones for the i777.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you used (owned) the phone for a day or more? I haven't experienced any lag in day to day use at all. Gaming has not been a problem, although I cannot compare it to the SGS2 since I did not own it. The HSPA+ network is actually a lot better on this phone than my previous Infuse and other phones were. So even if you are not in an LTE area, it could be worth it, especially if you plan on keeping it for two years as LTE becomes more widely available.
If you used the phone in-store that could explain things. After I got rid of the bloatware and cleaned up some routine things (like I do on every phone / computer once purchased) the in-store "lagness" disappeared completely. As far as the "exynos vs snapdragon" debate --- it is still a dual core phone. Most phones can't claim that. While Exynos may be better on sheet, it isn't compatible (yet) with LTE. Given that the day to day experiences are the same (roughly benchmark the same as well), I will put this as a positive for the snapdragon.
Coming from the SGS2 it might not be worth the upgrade (since it just released a month ago). But if anyone is coming from other phones I would recommend this over the SGS2 for the reasons I stated.
Dumb question -- If I go get this from AT&T, am I going to see additional monthly charges due to my "upgrading" to LTE or is my contract the same? If so, say I sell my SGSII and buy the Skyrocket off the secondary market -- Would I get LTE in the areas available with my normal contract?
schwalbach said:
Dumb question -- If I go get this from AT&T, am I going to see additional monthly charges due to my "upgrading" to LTE or is my contract the same? If so, say I sell my SGSII and buy the Skyrocket off the secondary market -- Would I get LTE in the areas available with my normal contract?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you won't see any additional charges. You do have to upgrade (exchange for 4G) your sim card though.
QuarkGluonSoup said:
I was going to get a skyrocket until I researched the differences between it and i777. The LTE is only so much of a positive, especially since you should use wifi whenever you can. Some guy on another thread used 6gb over LTE in a week, which is enough to get you throttled. Someone commented that you can use 2gb over LTE in 20 minutes. For the most part, LTE just means things occur a little faster. I compared Pandora's loading time and some other things between the two and there was only a minor (and sometimes non-existent) difference. The LTE is a plus, but a relatively small one (especially if you don't want to get throttled).
On the plus side, the i777 comes out far ahead. The processor difference is more than just a higher-quality processor. The difference is so great that the skyrocket's processor has to be set to 1.5 ghz just to match the speed and performance of the i777's 1.2 ghz. That means you won't be able to overclock the skyrocket as much because you are starting higher. In addition, the GPU on the skyrocket is quite inferior. The result is a choppy experience. I compared the two and saw this time and time again. In addition, the resolution is worse on the skyrocket (same pixels but bigger screen). This is stuff people will notice and use on a daily basis, much more often than LTE. Also, there is not going to be nearly as much dev work on the skyrocket.
Really, there is one small advantage of the skyrocket (LTE) and a lot of big ones for the i777.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely disagree. Man I just don't understand the need to make up lies and no valid point as to why osgs2 is better. You like everyone else are just defending your purchase. For all potential owners do your own research. From my personal experience with both phone your not missing anything but gaining LTE, 4.5 screen, higher HSPA+ speed better battery. If you like lots of custom roms and your a gamer go with the osgs2.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
SIM Change
crispy1805 said:
No you won't see any additional charges. You do have to upgrade (exchange for 4G) your sim card though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So changing out your 3G for 4G SIM card does that constitute a contract change and then give ATT free reign to change your plan and take away the unlimited grandfathered plans and features that I have had for several years and I am absolutely not willing to change?
hkeyman said:
So changing out your 3G for 4G SIM card does that constitute a contract change and then give ATT free reign to change your plan and take away the unlimited grandfathered plans and features that I have had for several years and I am absolutely not willing to change?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possibly? You would have to ask a store rep. I still have unlimited and my features from my previous plans. I am not sure if a sim card upgrade constitutes as a plan/contract upgrade.
crispy1805 said:
Possibly? You would have to ask a store rep. I still have unlimited and my features from my previous plans. I am not sure if a sim card upgrade constitutes as a plan/contract upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just was checking and getting feedback...I always ask the rep to NOT change any instance of my plan or adjust anything that will effect the status of it. Thanks for the input and thoughts.
good review Ken. yeah the only problem i have with this thing so far is the resolution (especially when you go from looking at a vivid/raider screen to it). and changing the density is good but then touchwiz and the dialer need to be resized.
hkeyman said:
So changing out your 3G for 4G SIM card does that constitute a contract change and then give ATT free reign to change your plan and take away the unlimited grandfathered plans and features that I have had for several years and I am absolutely not willing to change?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No we can change your sim card without touching your data plan. No worries.
y2whisper said:
good review Ken. yeah the only problem i have with this thing so far is the resolution (especially when you go from looking at a vivid/raider screen to it). and changing the density is good but then touchwiz and the dialer need to be resized.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree. That's by far the worst aspect of the device.
Great review Mr. Penn
If you had a previous "4g" device such as infuse,attic,inspire,or the gs2 you dont need to switch your sim just pop the old out and into your New phone
(Going back and forth between the og and skyrocket)
There is always going to be pros and cons on any phone that comes out. Whether its hardware or looks there will always be people who like it or dislike it. Just from what I have read the lte is only major advantage the skyrocket has. Other then that there pretty close as far as day to day use. I don't live in a lte area and I have no idea when it will actually be available here. I hear people say get the skyrocket now cause in a year or two it lte should be available in most major cities. That's my issue though cause in a year or two there will be a lot more phones that are lte capable out there. They will be faster and probably HD screen (seems to be the way the screens are going now) have the latest software etc etc etc. So I will wait. Even though I have a upgrade next month ill wait. Quad core phones are starting to step into the picture. By next year we should have some amazing phones with outrageous specs. I am jealous at those that live in a lte area. The lte speeds you guys are getting are crazy.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App

Alternative to Motorola Triumph - Samsung Exhibit II 4G

A lot of troubles with Triumph? Motorola not fixing software? There is an alternative now.
People have choice to switch to Samsung Exhibit II 4G on T-Mobile. It is 194.98 in Walmart and has monthly no contract Monthly4G plan - 100 min talk + unlimited text + unlimited web - USD 30/Month
Walmart.com: T-Mobile Samsung T679 Exhibit II 4G Prepaid Android Smartphone: Cell Phones
Monthly4G Plan details:
Walmart.com: (Email Delivery) New T-Mobile Monthly4G $30 Unlimited Web & Text with 100 min of talk: Cell Phones
Specs and review:
Android 2.3
3.7 Inch AMOLED screen
1 GHz Processor
512 MB RAM
4 GB ROM
Front Camera VGA
3 MP Rear Camera
wi-fi calling
DLNA
VPN
GSM Quadband - Can be used all over the world if unlocked
HSDPA, 14.4 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps
More detail specs at:
Features and Specifications - Samsung Exhibit
Review at:
Samsung Exhibit II 4G Review - Watch CNET's Video Review
I compared features of Triumph and Exhibit II 4G and found that HDMI port is missing in Exhibit II 4G. However, it has FM Radio hardware, 3.0 Bluetooth, and wi-fi Hotspot (T-Mobile official).
Compare Mobile Phones, Cell phone Comparisons - Compare Specifications, Prices, Pictures, Videos
EducateAndInnovate said:
I compared features of Triumph and Exhibit II 4G and found that HDMI port is missing in Exhibit II 4G. However, it has FM Radio hardware, 3.0 Bluetooth, and wi-fi Hotspot (T-Mobile official).
Compare Mobile Phones, Cell phone Comparisons - Compare Specifications, Prices, Pictures, Videos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to play pessimistic jerk (not hard for me) because I loved my Triumph. So here's my "Triumph over Exhibit" list:
The Triumph pretends to be a Motorola, but the Exhibit pretends to be a Galaxy SII. Why either company is trying for the honor of "worst phone with our high-end label on it" I will not know, but this SII isn't.
The screen is smaller. Than a Galaxy S.
The camera has fewer pixels. Two million. That's pixel genocide.
I strongly doubt T-Mobile included a hotspot feature unless they really got sloppy. A lot of websites list specs that aren't there, or list arbitrary specs. I won't believe they did that one until I see evidence.
I honestly would go buy one if I could somehow get my triumph sold, but it seems like once a phone is activated on VM you're pretty much screwed. You can call them up and transfer it to another VM number... but nobody in the market for a phone will want to deal with all that.
The 100 minutes is a killer, but if you're a voip user its not really an issue. The only thing that REALLY makes me want to switch is the 4g. I guess ill just hold out and hope that VM eventually upgrades their mobile network.
Sent from my Triumph using XDA App
eShrooms said:
I honestly would go buy one if I could somehow get my triumph sold, but it seems like once a phone is activated on VM you're pretty much screwed. You can call them up and transfer it to another VM number... but nobody in the market for a phone will want to deal with all that.
The 100 minutes is a killer, but if you're a voip user its not really an issue. The only thing that REALLY makes me want to switch is the 4g. I guess ill just hold out and hope that VM eventually upgrades their mobile network.
Sent from my Triumph using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh bah. After destroying my last Triumph I would be happy to buy a used one as long as it worked. Maybe you should hook me up once I get $200 to spend on it.
Sent from my LG-VM701 using Tapatalk
primetechv2 said:
Oh bah. After destroying my last Triumph I would be happy to buy a used one as long as it worked. Maybe you should hook me up once I get $200 to spend on it.
Sent from my LG-VM701 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of curiosity, how did you "destroy" your last Triumph? What happened to it?
primetechv2 said:
Oh bah. After destroying my last Triumph I would be happy to buy a used one as long as it worked. Maybe you should hook me up once I get $200 to spend on it.
Sent from my LG-VM701 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously, call Virgin Mobile, tell them the truth, they'll probably replace it.
After using the 4.1" screen of the Triumph, I wouldn't be able to go down to 3.7".
After using the 4.1" screen of the Triumph, I wouldn't be able to go down to 3.7".[/QUOTE]
That's my killer. After having a large screen I don't think I could go smaller. Besides now running MIUI it's a really nice phone.
All I can say is the op must be a salesman, he/she has this same exact thread posted on just about every android forum I read.
IMHO it (samsung exhibit II) is a downgrade to the triumph, however, the one thing it has that I wish the triumph (virgin mobile/sprint) had was GSM.
I think the triumph kicks @ss with CM7, hopefully CM9 works just as well
tannerzion said:
Seriously, call Virgin Mobile, tell them the truth, they'll probably replace it.
After using the 4.1" screen of the Triumph, I wouldn't be able to go down to 3.7".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Mister Rep, my friend was using the phone and got extremely angry at it. And seems to have smashed the screen. And poked it. And attempted to snap it in half, crosswise. Am I still eligible for phone insurance?
No, Mister Rep, he's not my friend anymore.
FM Radio
Hello OP,
You wrote -
I compared features of Triumph and Exhibit II 4G and found that HDMI port is missing in Exhibit II 4G. However, it has FM Radio hardware, 3.0 Bluetooth, and wi-fi Hotspot (T-Mobile official).
What will it take to activate the FM Radio in Exhibit II?
Thanks.
Exhibit II 4G discussion areas
Exhibit II 4G discussion areas
Since we don't have a forum we've centralized at the links below:
Exhibit II 4g discussion HERE
Exhibit II 4g dev thread HERE
Exhibit II 4g Wiki HERE
All thought the exhibit out-specs the triumph in some departments the triumph has ALOT more custom ROMS.We have MIUI based on android 2.3 and cm7 and th devs are working on MIUI v4 and cm9 in the works,not to mention alot other smaller ROMS
MotoTriu said:
All thought the exhibit out-specs the triumph in some departments the triumph has ALOT more custom ROMS.We have MIUI based on android 2.3 and cm7 and th devs are working on MIUI v4 and cm9 in the works,not to mention alot other smaller ROMS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually it under specs the MT in most departments. The only thing that it has over the MT is 4g and maybe less hardware bugs. If you want an alternate get any post paid T-mobile phone and get a prepaid activation kit activate it online and choose the $30 plan. There are plenty of dual core 4g phone's that you can get for fairly cheap used or new on ebay, amazon, or craigslist.
good deal as a backup plan, but I'm still at grandfathered prices so still happy and comfy with my triumph and service
I would rather get a Galaxy S 4G in good condition for that much $$...
Triumph is probably the best bang for buck as far as the spec/features you get. Only thing is they skimped on the hardware quality, so it's a crap shoot whether it'll be a lemon or not.
I may be the only one, but I'm going to stick with Virgin because of their awesome customer service. Yes, you may have to speak to several thickly accented indians before you are speaking to the right person, but once you are, they are really helpful usually. My old triumph broke (think it was overheating, but not sure; bought it used), and after telling them it wouldn't turn on, they agreed to send me a refurb. After waiting 5 days to get the refurb (they told me they would overnight it), I got a month of service for free. Not sure how good T-Mobile is.
Also, the plan is much MUCH better on Virgin. I can go over 300 minutes a month without being forced to permanently change plans. The $30/month gives you 100 minutes and unless you change plans to a much more expensive plan, you cannot get more. And if you change to the more expensive plan, you are not allowed to revert to the $30/month plan unless you buy a new SIM card. Pretty ridiculous.
I'm kinda confuse too. I have my triumph since September, paying $25 a month and can't really complain. But Most of the time when I'm home, people keep saying that they can't call me even my phone is on.
I also having a TM samsung vibrant right now that is not in use. I am thinking about going for that $30 plan and have better services. ( If it announced before I bought my triumph I may not be here lol )
gary93 said:
I'm kinda confuse too. I have my triumph since September, paying $25 a month and can't really complain. But Most of the time when I'm home, people keep saying that they can't call me even my phone is on.
I also having a TM samsung vibrant right now that is not in use. I am thinking about going for that $30 plan and have better services. ( If it announced before I bought my triumph I may not be here lol )
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Just so you're aware, being on Tmobile will not give you better service (necessarily). Your signal depends on where you live. For example, where I currently am, Tmobile has no signal, but Sprint/VM has an awesome signal. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe Sprint has a larger network than Tmobile. Can anyone else verify?
xxBrun0xx said:
Just so you're aware, being on Tmobile will not give you better service (necessarily). Your signal depends on where you live. For example, where I currently am, Tmobile has no signal, but Sprint/VM has an awesome signal. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe Sprint has a larger network than Tmobile. Can anyone else verify?
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well T-MO is the smallest of the 4 networks so I would assume that would mean they have a smaller network. Although where I am I get a almost perfect signal with T-MO and got hardly any signal with VM. The best thing that you could do would be to check coverage maps... (although the VM map for my area says I'm in a good signal area...)
Just a thought but does anyone else really feel that in this day and age with TuneIn and numerous other internet radio apps that having an fm tuner in your phone is a major plus selling point. With modern technology almost seems to be a solution to a non-existent problem, Oh well just my thought for the day, Clint

[Q] Should I stay with my 1777 or update to the skyrocket

I just got my s2 i777 and I love my phone but now I see you can get it online only. The only ones they sale or the skyrocket. Should I stick with this or upgrade while I still have the option. I don't live in a LTE area. Please give me your opinion's. Thanks.
PS AT&T just put two new towers in my area so I have HSPA+ about 90% of the time.
I'm looking for people that had the i777 and then got the skyrocket.
Skyrocket. Do it. No balls.
Sent from my SGH-727 using xda premium
Why buy a lte phone if you dont have access to lte speeds?
SevenSe7enSeven said:
Why buy a lte phone if you dont have access to lte speeds?
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Cause there ain't nuttin better lol, but i dont have lte, if you buy a non lte phone youll have the same speeds anyway. Go for the rocket
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
SevenSe7enSeven said:
Why buy a lte phone if you dont have access to lte speeds?
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Because your stuck in a 2 year contract and maybe in those two years LTE will be in your area, so if you buy a non lte phone your screwed either way. Plus, never know, you may move to a LTE area...
tmxrr said:
Because your stuck in a 2 year contract and maybe in those two years LTE will be in your area, so if you buy a non lte phone your screwed either way. Plus, never know, you may move to a LTE area...
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I understand the point about being stuck in a contract. I would avoid the contract myself but on the other hand if he knows hes gonna stick with 1 carrier then why not.
Its kinda hard for me to judge this seeing how i have been on LTE for almost a year and it doesnt seem like a big deal to me.
One thing the topic creator should know is the i777 and skyrocket are pretty much different phones so if hes into flashing roms that may make a difference in his decision.
Don't, just stick with what you got. Wait till something comes out don't jump on a phone now. In 6 months time you will find something else better and won't be able to get it. Just my opinion.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk
BaconStep said:
Skyrocket. Do it. No balls.
Sent from my SGH-727 using xda premium
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Bahahaha made my day
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk
I would wait also there will so many more choices in a few months the s2 you have is probably a better phone if you don't have lte. And there is so much more rom wise to flash for your s2 than the skyrocket
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
If you're within the return period and you think there's a high likelihood of LTE coming to your city in the next two years, then I would switch (this is what I did).
Otherwise, the i777 is just as good as or better than the Skyrocket (unless you really gotta have that extra 0.2' screen real estate). Other than LTE, the only thing that I liked better about the Skyrocket is that the screen wakes up faster when you press the power button. Otherwise, they're pretty much the same. You should wait until until the Skyrocket HD, Sony Ion, or any other new phone coming out this year.
Just do it!
I've had both and they're pretty much the same phone. Some people say exynos processor and all that other junk....real usage they are the same.
If you think you'll get LTE in the next two years get an LTE phone.
Also..buy it off the market place or Craigslist, screw signing a contract.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
I started with the 777 and swapped to the 727 25 days into the contract when I heard that LTE was coming to KC.
Both are great handsets, but glad to have LTE-- which is rolling out quickly, so if you are in a metro area there is a good chance you will have it in the next year or so.
If you can switch for not much cost I would say do it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA App
What phone to go with is going to depend a LOT on where you are. My wife as the 777 and I have the skyrocket. Outside of network they feel like the same phone just mine is a little bigger . In Chicago outside of LTE att's data network is beyond slow it takes about a minute to load a webpage on utms or hspa during rush hour. On lte it's just as fast as when I'm on wifi.
Keep your S2 if you don't have LTE, trust me it's a better phone, imo I prefer the 4'3 size, the square body,it's lighter too, the processor is definately better I used to have a S2 and switched to skyrocket only cause LTE and I notice the difference a lot but I guess I was willing to trade performance over internet speeds.
Simple if no LTE S2 better, if LTE Skyrocket only if you like speeds, if you ok with H+ speeds (3-6mbps) the the S2 still a better choice.
And at the end of the year it won't matter anyways Iphone5 or S3 will be out.
I made the switch from i777 to i727. I would say it is an even trade.
LTE is amazing. If you can get it, it is as good as everyone says. Pings in the 60ms on the average. I've seen up to around 50mbps down. Even when you have weak LTE, you are still getting more than 10mbps. Because of the low pings, it truly feels like wifi. bigger screen is just a tiny bit nicer. But processor is slow. Xvid playback is choppy. 3D games don't run as smooth. Just buttery smoothness you won't get that you got with i777.
I say the i777 is one of the best phones ever made. But lacking LTE. Even though the screen is tiny bit smaller, the i777 is a bit sleeker, more elegant.
Elegant
Lucidmike said:
I made the switch from i777 to i727. I would say it is an even trade.
LTE is amazing. If you can get it, it is as good as everyone says. Pings in the 60ms on the average. I've seen up to around 50mbps down. Even when you have weak LTE, you are still getting more than 10mbps. Because of the low pings, it truly feels like wifi. bigger screen is just a tiny bit nicer. But processor is slow. Xvid playback is choppy. 3D games don't run as smooth. Just buttery smoothness you won't get that you got with i777.
I say the i777 is one of the best phones ever made. But lacking LTE. Even though the screen is tiny bit smaller, the i777 is a bit sleeker, more elegant.
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Lucidmike, more elegant?....not if you have a white skyrocket!...I is just beautiful...
I have the GS2, the Skyrocket, and the Vivid and I don't live in a LTE market and I highly doubt I will get it any time soon. I find that the LTE phones get better service in my area Compared to the HSPA+ phones.
Stay with i777, much better device. No screen or speed issues. That phones gets many more things.
Huh?? u guys r all crazy lol. I'm watching 1080p h264 on my phone with no lag or anything, the rendered your app was using must have sucked. Yes exynos is a superior chipset when compared to snapdragon s3, but that's only at the same frequency. In benchmarks its been proven that the higher clock speed of 1.5 more than makes up for the lack of architecture. Don't just spout off nonsense from other reviewers without doing your own homework

[Q] Coming from Epic 4g touch worth it?

With Sprint, and I've had it with E4GT battery issues since ICS, but hooked on Jelly Bean from AOSP ROMs
3g is very spotty in Cincinnati, but 4G works pretty well. No LTE in my area for probably a year, so I need something with 4G to buy time, no sense in paying up for a GNEX that will only have 3G speeds. I don't do any gaming or streaming, just need JB smoothness with as little LOS as possible, and stable data connection. Are these issues with the Sprint Nexus S, and would the S be a big step backwards due to single core given my needs?
How is it in general with JB for those that have gotten the update?
tia
btrcp2000 said:
With Sprint, and I've had it with E4GT battery issues since ICS, but hooked on Jelly Bean from AOSP ROMs
3g is very spotty in Cincinnati, but 4G works pretty well. No LTE in my area for probably a year, so I need something with 4G to buy time, no sense in paying up for a GNEX that will only have 3G speeds. I don't do any gaming or streaming, just need JB smoothness with as little LOS as possible, and stable data connection. Are these issues with the Sprint Nexus S, and would the S be a big step backwards due to single core given my needs?
How is it in general with JB for those that have gotten the update?
tia
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Hell no. I just got rid of my ET4G and got a Nexus S 4g. Its a great phone. I hated touchwiz sense I bought the ET4G. Sprint offered me this phone. Screw the specs. The nexus s 4g is much smoother then the et4g.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
Bump
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
Creepy, i was just reading your other thread and came back to this one to reply, and you are already here...
So did you get your NS4G from sprint through TEP? I stopped at a couple stores and called the SERO people this morning, everybody felt that ebay or craigslist would be the only way to track one down. Don't mind doing that, but would love to have an official channel for less BS.
I'm due for an upgrade, but anything new has LTE, which won't come to my area for at least a year, but 4g is pretty solid. No sense in paying top $$$ for a phone that is only 3g due to geogrpahy. NS4g looks ideal to buy me some time.
btrcp2000 said:
Creepy, i was just reading your other thread and came back to this one to reply, and you are already here...
So did you get your NS4G from sprint through TEP? I stopped at a couple stores and called the SERO people this morning, everybody felt that ebay or craigslist would be the only way to track one down. Don't mind doing that, but would love to have an official channel for less BS.
I'm due for an upgrade, but anything new has LTE, which won't come to my area for at least a year, but 4g is pretty solid. No sense in paying top $$$ for a phone that is only 3g due to geogrpahy. NS4g looks ideal to buy me some time.
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I just told sprint that ever sense the ICS update on the et4g my battery life went from 20+ hrs down to 3-4 hours and sense it was software related and not hardware they offered me a Motorola photon. Samsung captivate. Or the Nexus S 4G. I took the nexus and never looked back. I freaking love this little phone.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
in a store or over the phone? did you trade in your e4gt?
btrcp2000 said:
in a store or over the phone? did you trade in your e4gt?
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No they took my f**ked up ET4G. They include a pre paid shipping label to send the ET4g back. You keep the Nexus S 4G. All this was done over the phone. When you get customer support. Ask for Tier 2 tech support. Make sure you tell them you have done multiple factory resets and battery life is horrible compared to gingerbread. Also tell them you OTA'd to FF18 then a week ago you got another OTA update to FH13. If you don't tell them this they will make you go to a sprint store.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
Bump
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
I had an Epic 4G (the original, single core keyboard) and switched to a Nexus S 4G because I didn't use the keyboard and didn't like the size. I am now dumping the Nexus S 4G for a Photon or E4GT or Evo 3D or ANYTHING with dual core 4"+ screen. I have a Tegra 2 based tablet and that thing flies, with way more installed on it, compared to my Nexus S 4G. I know you said you didn't do gaming, but if you do a lot of multitasking (for example, jumping between a reading app, to a web browser, to a text message, back to a reading app) - the speed difference between a Nexus S 4G and something with a dual core CPU is pretty substantial.
Pulled the trigger, will update later this week. At first glance, I'm pretty happy. I don't mind the smaller screen, actually kind of like it. Tiny stock keyboard stinks, but Swype works fine. Both 3g and 4g speeds are back where they belong, haven't seen that since June/July pre-ICS.
First thing it wanted to do was update to JB, even before I had confirmed it was activated (it was connected to wifi). This was my problem, having seen JB, I couldn't go back to GB on the ET4G, which is apparently necessary for mine to survive a day. Too soon to say anything about battery life, aside from when I went to bed around 11 it was at 60%, woke up it was at 25%. It had wifi connection, and it had just been hard reset (stock rom for now) and activated, so surely there was a lot of settling going on. That would have killed my e4gt in an hour or so.
I do notice a bit of lag jumping from one app to another, but not enough that it bothers me. Apps and homescreen themselves are very smooth. Chrome seems a bit slow to get up and running, but works fine. All google apps want to update themselves now, maybe that will help.
Need to figure out how to wifi tether, but haven't started that yet
So far so good, will report again

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