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Inspire or Sensation?

Per my other post regarding service plans, I was hoping for some feedback from you guys.
A couple weeks ago I renewed my contract and got an Inspire. I'm still within the return window, and heard about the Sensation. Obviously the Sensation is the more powerful phone and would be preferable over the Inspire. And of course, Tmobile's $80 unlimited plan is very attractive when compared to $110 for the same plan features from AT&T.
However there's some rumor going around that the Sensation's bootloader is locked down tight and that it might not be able to be cracked so that we can flash custom ROMs. That's obviously a deal-breaker to me since I need root, and just hate the bloatware carriers put on a phone. I'd want it unbranded.
So, what would you guys do? Return the Inspire, go with Tmobile and get the Sensation when it comes available in the hope that it can be unlocked by then? Or stick with the Inspire and let it be?

That is a tempting phone but I think I would hold off and stick with the Inspire. There are a couple of reasons.
1. This phone is already hacked wide open and fully customizable. There is no guarantee the same thing will happen with the Sensation. (I am sure it will, but we never really know)
2. What happens if the AT&T T-Mobile merger goes through and they make you switch phones back to something with the AT&T banding within a year. The only good news is that you would come over at a better grandfathered price, but I am sure they will rip that away when LTE comes in.
3. T-Mobile Coverage leaves something to be desired. It rocks where it is present, but it isn't present in a lot of places. If you travel at all take a good look at that coverage map.
4. I believe the Sensation is only going to be capable of 21mb down (only... ha) not the 42mb down T-Mobile is deploying to cities like Vegas. This makes me wonder what their future plans are and if there is something... dare I say it... even better coming in 3 months.

bmolloy said:
The only good news is that you would come over at a better grandfathered price, but I am sure they will rip that away when LTE comes in.
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Click to collapse
You make good points.
I presume that LTE is the AT&T 4G network, which the Inspire is designed for? Y'see I posed the above question on the assumption that the Sensation would operate on AT&T's 4G network as the merger goes forward, and/or that AT&T would offer an equal or better phone as the Tmobile customers were migrated over, but that might not be correct. Can you comment?
The problem I face is that I need to make a final decision by the end of today and either return the Inspire and revert to my no-contrast status, or stick with it. But if I stick with the Inspire, I'm locked into it for 2 years.

BillTheCat said:
Per my other post regarding service plans, I was hoping for some feedback from you guys.
A couple weeks ago I renewed my contract and got an Inspire. I'm still within the return window, and heard about the Sensation. Obviously the Sensation is the more powerful phone and would be preferable over the Inspire. And of course, Tmobile's $80 unlimited plan is very attractive when compared to $110 for the same plan features from AT&T.
However there's some rumor going around that the Sensation's bootloader is locked down tight and that it might not be able to be cracked so that we can flash custom ROMs. That's obviously a deal-breaker to me since I need root, and just hate the bloatware carriers put on a phone. I'd want it unbranded.
So, what would you guys do? Return the Inspire, go with Tmobile and get the Sensation when it comes available in the hope that it can be unlocked by then? Or stick with the Inspire and let it be?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to mention the Sensation will be tied to T-Mobile and if the merger with AT&T goes through, eventually the data will no longer work. T-Mobile has been rumored to be contracting for phones that have quad band HSDPA+ radios. But the latest info is that the G2x doesn't have it. And the G2x was clearly stated it would have the quad band HSDPA+ radio. If the G2x doesn't have, I would not trust the Sensation would have it.
Stick with the Inspire. It's the safer bet.

BillTheCat said:
You make good points.
I presume that LTE is the AT&T 4G network, which the Inspire is designed for? Y'see I posed the above question on the assumption that the Sensation would operate on AT&T's 4G network as the merger goes forward, and/or that AT&T would offer an equal or better phone as the Tmobile customers were migrated over, but that might not be correct. Can you comment?
The problem I face is that I need to make a final decision by the end of today and either return the Inspire and revert to my no-contrast status, or stick with it. But if I stick with the Inspire, I'm locked into it for 2 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding about the merger is that T-Mobile runs their "4G" HSPA+ on different bands than AT&T does so the phones will not be compatible. AT&T wants that company so they can have all that bandwidth, all of those users and all of the towers in the densely populated areas like SF, NY and LV that are notorious for dropping calls when the towers get crowded.
AT&T has plans on rolling out LTE (which the inspire is NOT capable of using) within the next year, T-Mobile does not have any announced LTE plans because their HSPA+ is so good and I am sure they are waiting to see if they do get sucked up.
One other note, the T-Mobile "Unlimited Plan" is now saying they will throttle your data speeds when you reach 2GB. That means that blazing fast 21mb/s download speeds you get will be slowed way down until your billing cycle is up. For the time being AT&T's unlimited is unlimited.
I got the Inspire because I am locked to AT&T with the 4 phones with data plans I have on my contract. I look at this as an awesome phone that will definitely hold me over until they release a phone with LTE, which by that time being that I pay an obscene amount of money to them every month I will be elegible for my 15 month or so upgrade. In reality the only time I feel like my phone is inferior is when I am doing speedtest.net tests with friends of mine that have Thunderbolts which where I live get 20mb down and up. In reality though this phone is absolutely sick and it's only downside is that AT&T doesn't seem to be rolling out a very fast HSPA+ network like they advertised.

Great feedback, guys. I appreciate the help. Still on the fence, but getting closer to a decision.
MartyLK said:
T-Mobile has been rumored to be contracting for phones that have quad band HSDPA+ radios.
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Click to collapse
This spec says that the phone is quad-band, or am I confusing data with voice radios?
http://www.cellhut.com/HTC-Sensation-Pyramid-30632.html?INO=518754
bmolloy said:
AT&T has plans on rolling out LTE (which the inspire is NOT capable of using) within the next year...
One other note, the T-Mobile "Unlimited Plan" is now saying they will throttle your data speeds when you reach 2GB...
In reality though this phone is absolutely sick and it's only downside is that AT&T doesn't seem to be rolling out a very fast HSPA+ network like they advertised...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All good points. Here are my thoughts:
* If the Inspire isn't capable of LTE, then it's not really a 4G phone, is it? So maybe I should return the sucker now and wait to see what happens?
* I can't see myself ever going over 2G of data per month, and I have WiFi at home and office, so Tmo's throttle isn't much of an issue for me.
* If AT&T's data network isn't as robust as Tmobile's, then maybe I should really be looking to leave then, no? And if the voice network will eventually merge, wouldn't that be another reason to jump ship and go with Tmo?

BillTheCat said:
This spec says that the phone is quad-band, or am I confusing data with voice radios?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that would be the cell radio, which is compatible with AT&T, as well as Edge data network (2G).
According to this Engadget article, the G2x may not have the quad band HSDPA+ radio.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/24/t-mobile-g2x-getting-gingerbread-sooner-than-youd-expect-may/

Looking at those specs the Sensation says that it's 3G bands are 2100/900 MHz. AT&T uses 850/1900 MHz bands for 3G. The 2G radio is quadband so it looks like it will work on EDGE. I have an Nexus One that is unlocked but I had to wait for the AT&T banded one because the T-Mobile unlocked one would not work on AT&T 3G bands.
As for the AT&T not having 4G, that battle has been being fought for a long time here. Really what they did is call their HSPA+ network 4G, just like all of the other cell companies that have the same infrastructure starting doing about a year ago. They aren't exactly lying but they are not exactly telling the truth either. They do actually explain what they are doing on their website, but you have to look for it. I am not a fanboy here, I just think people are flaming AT&T even though they aren't exactly hiding what they are doing. They are just taking advantage of the lack of a universal definition for 4G.
http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-...locale=&_dyncharset=UTF-8&solutionId=KB115944
That Sensation is a great phone, honestly if it is unlocked and works on AT&T 3G bands and developers can root it and get some good ROMS I might just have to sell a kidney and buy one off contract to run on AT&T's network.

That is weird because if you go to the ATT site under inspire it says
4G* - HSPA+/LTE HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul
I just assumed it was capable of LTE
Humm

swatcop1 said:
That is weird because if you go to the ATT site under inspire it says
4G* - HSPA+/LTE HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul
I just assumed it was capable of LTE
Humm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is their definition of what comprises 4G, not what this particular phone is capable of.

swatcop1 said:
That is weird because if you go to the ATT site under inspire it says
4G* - HSPA+/LTE HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul
I just assumed it was capable of LTE
Humm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet! If AT&T says it's so, I would more believe them than HTC. But in all actuality, the AT&T LTE will likely be their 4G network. This means, probably, that the Inspire is compatible in the fact that it uses 4G. This would also make the Atrix compatible.
But I'm not all that familiar with LTE to begin with.

swatcop1 said:
That is weird because if you go to the ATT site under inspire it says
4G* - HSPA+/LTE HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul
I just assumed it was capable of LTE
Humm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of the current phones they are pushing out with "4G" labels have LTE radios. Part of that "What is 4G?" battle. I really think we are at least 1 year away from an LTE phone on AT&T. Just a guess, but I have had them for a long time and watched how slowly they move on stuff like this. An example would be launching the iPhone on only the 2G network when they had a fully deployed 3G network, and rolling out this HSPA+ way after T-Mobile and many international carriers. Not exactly committed to bleeding edge technology here with the big blue ball.

bmolloy said:
They are just taking advantage of the lack of a universal definition for 4G.
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Click to collapse
To my way of thinking, 4G is about a speed standard, not a protocol standard. I don't care if the phone speaks Greek or German, as long as it does so at 4G speed. That said, I do agree with you that AT&T (or other large companies) tend to get into the crosshairs because it's easy to pick on the 800 pound gorilla.
bmolloy said:
That Sensation is a great phone, honestly if it is unlocked and works on AT&T 3G bands and developers can root it and get some good ROMS...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm smellin' a lot of 'if' comin' off this plan. Lots of variables - timing, hardware, rooting, unlocking, ROM availability... there's a lot of uncertainty. Might just stick where I am. Besides, there's no saying that even IF everything went well with Tmo and the Sensation that when they're absorbed by AT&T that users won't be forced into an Inspire or other phone anyway.

Understood thanks

MartyLK said:
Sweet! If AT&T says it's so, I would more believe them than HTC. But in all actuality, the AT&T LTE will likely be their 4G network. This means, probably, that the Inspire is compatible in the fact that it uses 4G. This would also make the Atrix compatible.
But I'm not all that familiar with LTE to begin with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually AT&T's plan is to be the only carrier that has LTE and HSPA+ so those in areas that don't have LTE can fall back on HSPA+ and still have somewhat of the 4G experience.
Like it has been said, none of their current phones have LTE radios. The Inspire will see 4G HSPA+ type speeds once the backhaul has been completed in your area but will never see LTE speeds when they roll out.

Any last thoughts on this? I have only until tomorrow to make my decision.

Verizon's LTE is fast now, but wait till it gets saturated like ATT. It'll go downhill just like Sprint's WiMax did.
I personally, would stick w/ ATT because of the Tmob merger. When that's done, the ATT network will get better for us the consumers.
If you have an Unlimited data plan, that's enough reason to stay IMHO. All the carriers are going the way of tiered data plans as an attempt to make the "experience" the best for all of us. I don't like it but don't have a choice either.
I think that if you'll fight the urge to have the best now, you'll be better off in the long run when all the wrinkles get ironed out w/ the ATT-Tmob merge.
My $.02
Tx

I say sensation because its newwer.LOL

I'm not ENTIRELY certain... but I believe the incredible S's bootloader is signed, and has yet to be cracked (or whatever needs to be done for custom Kernels/Roms) I'm not sure if HTC will continue the trend of signing bootloaders, etc, but seeing as how it's a newer phone, it would most likely follow that pattern.
If you're into hacking/modding/tweaking to the extent of a fully unlocked phone (read:custom kernels, more rom choice) then get the Inspire 4G.
If you find yourself pleased with Sense 3.0/ HTC's offerings in general, get the Sensation.
As a side note, I'm sure root will eventually be found for it, but no telling when with HTC changing their phone security game up.

Have Unlocked T-Mobile Sensation - using AT&T

Went into T-Mobile yesterday and purchased a Sensation off contract. Got home and went online to get it unlocked.
Currently the phone is on AT&T and I can report that 3G / 4G service does NOT work. I know there was some talk about the phone maybe picking up the 1900 3G band - but I can confirm that is does not. It only works on the 2G / Edge network.
MMS / SMS work fine.
One MAJOR draw back to having this phone on AT&T is you cannot be talking on the phone and use data at the same time. This caught me by surprise when I was using the Google Navigation app and got a phone call. The map stopped updating until I got off the phone. I double checked trying to open a website while on the phone and it gives you an error message saying it needs a connection.
If anyone does plan to do this - know that you also have to manually put in the AT&T APN settings for internet and messaging to work. Just typing in the unlock code will allow you to place calls, but no other services work.
Another annoying part is there is a T-Mobile app that updates all your contacts with their servers. This is constantly trying to update throughout the day. The program isn't able to be un-installed at this point either.
I called AT&T to give them the IMEI number. They (obviously) don't recognize the phone and register it as a non-smart phone. At first when she said that, and also told me my unlimited data package would go from $30 to $15 I was happy. As soon as I got off the phone with her and reset the phone, the internet wouldn't come back up. Had to go in to an AT&T store to get it all fixed. They had to put the IMEI of my old Inspire 4G back on the account to get everything working again. So - don't call AT&T with the IMEI =)
So - would I do all this again and spend $600 bucks. No way - its not worth it. The phone itself is nice, but I feel like I just got tossed back in time about 15 years with this incredibly slow internet and not being able to "talk & surf" at the same time. I've put the phone for sale online
Take it for what its worth

Having only Edge connection speeds just kills the entire experience on any phone regardless of how hardware/software advanced it is. Don't you guys have the Inspire? With all due respect, why would you think the Sensation would even work to it's full potential on an entirely different 3G network? Just wondering why you would set yourself up for such an expensive let down? Again no disrespect, just wondering.

It's still within 14 days . Just return it and get your loot back dude. Thanks for experimenting and posting your results for the community. You've done your part please go return it!
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

There was talk that even though the phone didn't have the 850 band - it may still work on the 1900 band. No one knew for certain (at least in the posts I have read). I read online about other makes of phones that were able to get 3G on just the 1900 band - but the Sensation doesn't seem to.
It's not a huge let down - and the money isn't wasted. I have 14 days to return it, granted with a $50 fee. So it was worth (to me) a $50 experiment to perhaps get a better phone than the Inspire - not to mention its quite a bit smaller which is a huge bonus for me!

Wy did you ever do this? The sensation with at&t 3g will be released on July 5th thru Bell in Canada and already many major import sites are taking pre-orders. It's also confirmed that the bell version will be bloat free and have pure HTC ROM on it.

It's just money man! With a return policy and able to pick it up 2 blocks from my house it was worth the gamble! If it worked on the 1900 band, I was golden. If it didn't, I'd return it or sell it on craigslist.
I imagine the Bell version is going to sell for ~$150-200 higher online because it has the 850 band - supply and demand on that phone will be quite high as compared to the T-Mobile version. I'll most def. keep my eye out. Do you have the name of the website that is doing pre-orders on the Bell Canada version? Not finding anything online.

alejate76 said:
It's just money man! With a return policy and able to pick it up 2 blocks from my house it was worth the gamble! If it worked on the 1900 band, I was golden. If it didn't, I'd return it or sell it on craigslist.
I imagine the Bell version is going to sell for ~$150-200 higher online because it has the 850 band - supply and demand on that phone will be quite high as compared to the T-Mobile version. I'll most def. keep my eye out. Do you have the name of the website that is doing pre-orders on the Bell Canada version? Not finding anything online.
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Click to collapse
I hear ya... Worth it to try if you can get a full refund. This is the site I pre-ordered from. The price is high but will be worth it. AT&T service is WAY better in my area. I only get edge on T-Mobile @ my house or I would consider jumping ship.
http://www.onthegosolutions.com/product.asp?itemMDL=HTC_SENSATION_NAM

You could have gotten an SGS2 for about $150 more and had 4G speeds (21MB) on AT&T and used the same dumb-phone data plan. There's a guy with an SGS2 on T-Mobile U.S. in the SGS2 forum getting EDGE too. What's the point of a high-end phone that's dependent on data on a low-end network?

WOW!! $899.99 for the phone. That is A LOT man!! I could keep the Sensation I have and use it on 2G only - and have 450 bucks in my pocket. I have an Inspire sitting here next to the Sensation. Inspire is on "4G" and the Sensation on "2G". In real life tests - it takes about 1.5 seconds longer to open a website such as CNN.
The more I use the Sensation - the more I like it. Its quick - the screen is fantastic - and I'm learning to enjoy having 2G because my battery is lasting quite a bit longer than the power hogging 4G service.
This may not be a bad thing after all....

Raspster said:
I hear ya... Worth it to try if you can get a full refund. This is the site I pre-ordered from. The price is high but will be worth it. AT&T service is WAY better in my area. I only get edge on T-Mobile @ my house or I would consider jumping ship.
http://www.onthegosolutions.com/product.asp?itemMDL=HTC_SENSATION_NAM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct me if I am wrong - but isn't the GSM bands the exact same on both phones? The only difference is the UMTS spectrum which is for 3G / 4G data. I was under the impression that the voice services of the phone (ie: making phone calls) is always done via GSM.
Edge at your house via T-mobile - don't you have a wireless router the phone would connect to anyway?
(I'm starting to feel like a sales person for the T-Mobile version now - this is scary)

You do realize that it may still work on the 1900 band, but your area is in 850 towers right?

Sdobron said:
You do realize that it may still work on the 1900 band, but your area is in 850 towers right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I was thinking. ATT uses 850 for 3G in my area.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

I'll def. be on the lookout for the 1900 band to see about 3g connectivity. I live in Phoenix, AZ.

Ended up getting rid of the phone and waiting for the Canadian version with 850/1900
Too much money to spend on the phone with such limited capabilities. Could never get it to connect to 1900 MHz 3G from anywhere in Phoenix all the way to Tucson.

Wow is it really worth it to cough up 900 for a sensation? That is alot. I always looked to import a NAM version of smartphone to utilize my media net plan. I will have to just wait it out for a Nexus 3 maybe. I love tech but paying 900 for a phone is little out there for me.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

good very good

Can anyone tell me the apn settings for att mms? I updated with what I found in Google, but mms still doesn't woek.

I, for one, really appreciate taking one for the team. I was also curious as if it would work on AT&T's 1900 MHz band. We already know the 850 MHz wasn't listed.
Just an FYI, the only phone that works on 1900 MHz (as well as AWS) is the Vibrant (I have it now). If you're wondering if your area has 1900MHz coverage by AT&T, you can always use the Vibrant as your benchmark. I keep a Vibrant around just for this reason. I love having a phone that works with both AT&T and T-mobile 3G.
For those criticizing why not wait for an AT&T version: because some of us are interested in phones that can work on both GSM carriers here in the US.
Vibrant is confirmed, not sure about Galaxy S 4G (or really a Vibrant 4G). Of course there's the Nokia N8, but it's not an Android phone.
Some of us were excited to see if the T-Mobile HTC Sensation 4G will join the ranks.

Just so you know, the restocking fee does not apply to cancellations, only phone swaps, unless its defective, then its fee also.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

So can anyone help with mms setup on att?

[Q] NO HSPA+/Only EDGE on Simple Mobile

So I bought a Samsung Infuse off Craigslist. I love it, it's awesome. I use the Simple Mobile $60/m plan. I previously had a Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant before the Infuse. I used to run CM7 but used Bionix 1.31 as my ROM on my Vibrant. So I'm familiar with the ends and outs of this technology.
The Situation: Samsung Infuse running latest "unofficial build" CM7, flawless performance. After doing much research as to APN settings on Google and XDA I found that the internet is wrong with the APN settings for HSPA+ on a HSPA+ capable phones. I called Simple Mobile yesterday and we did an OTA (she spoke I listened) configuration of the APN and it's full of IP addresses nao. She said that will allow me to access the "4G" network. The thing is, it says "E" for EDGE at the top for my signal....consistently.
The Problem: The EDGE never changes, also according to various speedtest's I can't EVER break .50kbs DL speed off of WiFi.
So I tried switching out various modems that we're available to me for the Infuse via the CWM flashable's. I've seen NO IMPROVEMENT on data speeds after each modem.
So what exactly is the issue: Am I doing something wrong via XDA material? Or am I just ****ed on HSPA+/4G speeds?

Simple mobile use tmobile towers, so u'll never get anything other than EDGE because att&fee phones dont use the same bands
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk

bobthq said:
Simple mobile use tmobile towers, so u'll never get anything other than EDGE because att&fee phones dont use the same bands
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right and WRONG all at the same time...fascinating isn't it!
Simple Mobile does in FACT use T-Mobile Towers, however; before I rocked the Infuse I've seen other speeds that read 3G/H. The Simple Mobile Network offers 4G/HSPA+ with the $60/m plan that I am currently on.
So with that information, how would you explain that a phone that is HSPA+ capable and programmed correctly that sits on the EDGE network and still doesn't break .50kbs DL speed??
I spoke with customer service at Simple Mobile and several other Simple Mobile retailers that told me up one wall and down the other that the Samsung Infuse programmed correctly should FLY without WiFi, this phone should act like the rocket it claims to be with data on the network.
Instead it is slow, sux and is worthless without WiFi.
So how come you tell me one thing, and several people that work for the Network and people that are affiliated with it tell me another?

Simple because there trying to sell you. Remember its a business?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium

Evilspawn said:
Simple because there trying to sell you. Remember its a business?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I own a business; I know about selling. But according to my research, your a little or alot off; I just can't exactly prove it.
I know that AT&T offers 4Gish speeds (true LTE in like 2 cities in TX), and that T-Mobile offers 3.5+G-4Gish speeds.
I also understand the concept of up-selling, however that scenario does not apply with my current plan and situation.
Has it, or has it NOT been documented ANYWHERE that an HSPA+ capable phone on the $60/m Simple Mobile plan achieved true or realistic data DL speeds off WiFi?

I am no tech or anywhere educated in this topic. But why are you comparing network speeds with your wifi? Or am I missing something here?
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA App

jayson94538 said:
I am no tech or anywhere educated in this topic. But why are you comparing network speeds with your wifi? Or am I missing something here?
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA App
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I'm not using WiFi as a comparison, just as another option for higher DL speeds. Off WiFi I've seen snails crawl faster than my data can move.
I just want to know why I can't get anything better than **** with this great phone and supposedly "reasonably-good" network.

Vizone- said:
You are right and WRONG all at the same time...fascinating isn't it!
Simple Mobile does in FACT use T-Mobile Towers, however; before I rocked the Infuse I've seen other speeds that read 3G/H. The Simple Mobile Network offers 4G/HSPA+ with the $60/m plan that I am currently on.
So with that information, how would you explain that a phone that is HSPA+ capable and programmed correctly that sits on the EDGE network and still doesn't break .50kbs DL speed??
I spoke with customer service at Simple Mobile and several other Simple Mobile retailers that told me up one wall and down the other that the Samsung Infuse programmed correctly should FLY without WiFi, this phone should act like the rocket it claims to be with data on the network.
Instead it is slow, sux and is worthless without WiFi.
So how come you tell me one thing, and several people that work for the Network and people that are affiliated with it tell me another?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They simply dont know wat they r talking about, they r trained within their own company and dont know that other bands exist and not all 4G r on the same band, same for 3G. So i suggest u sell ur phone and get a tmobile phone or switch to ATT. Next time when u buy a phone, insert ur Sim card in and test the network before u pay
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk

bobthq said:
They simply dont know wat they r talking about, they r trained within their own company and dont know that other bands exist and not all 4G r on the same band, same for 3G. So i suggest u sell ur phone and get a tmobile phone or switch to ATT. Next time when u buy a phone, insert ur Sim card in and test the network before u pay
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone was NETWORK LOCKED when I bought it, so I guess I suppose I'm glad you we'rent with my when I bought it lol.
I'll take into mild consideration that a multitude of people may not be aware of alternate existing networks.
The T-Mobile phone I had before licked ****ing sac, my buddy has a Captivate that OVER-SHINED my Vibrant any day of the week - So No, I won't buy a phone from a company that's supposedly being bought out BY AT&T.
From previous quotes: It seems that we are implying that ONLY a T-MOBILE BRAND PHONE can access the 4Gish HSPA+ speeds that Simple Mobile network (that uses T-Mobile towers) and not an AT&T branded phone.
Yes, it's true....the above DOES in fact sound stupid when I put it on paper. AT&T and T-Mobile use the same towers and Simple Mobile/Metro PCS (some other un-explained networks) use the SAME towers.
So how is it, according to posters: That replacing AT&T phone with T-Mobile garbage will allow me to acquire the DL speeds that reference HSPA+/4G speeds. AND NOT, under any circumstances is it possible for an AT&T phone that uses the same towers to get the same outcome?
OK, the last part really does sound stupid, I feel like I'm arguing with a mockingbird. Anyone else have any further to offer?

bobthq said:
Simple mobile use tmobile towers, so u'll never get anything other than EDGE because att&fee phones dont use the same bands
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I re-read this statement. AT&T don't use the same bands, something about T-Mobile uses 850 and AT&T uses 1700.
Would changing the band selection make a difference? How to if possible?

I think u can only change the APN, not the band, the band is hardware, not software. I had the same problem trying to use my Desire HD on tmobile and couldnt get anything more than edge. I did also ask questions here and all i got is the answer i told u. So sell ur phone asap, dont wait until its price drops more
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bobthq said:
I think u can only change the APN, not the band, the band is hardware, not software. I had the same problem trying to use my Desire HD on tmobile and couldnt get anything more than edge. I did also ask questions here and all i got is the answer i told u. So sell ur phone asap, dont wait until its price drops more
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
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Word, posted on Craigslist and I suppose I'll get an HTC Sensation. Thank-you for your recent clarification.

Yo! You need straight talk to get it working simple mobile uses T-Mobile bands straight talk uses AT&T's network.
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Optimus-Prime said:
Yo! You need straight talk to get it working simple mobile uses T-Mobile bands straight talk uses AT&T's network.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium
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Will straight talk sim work on not "straight talk phones"?
Which cheapest phone of straight talk I have to buy to get their SIM-card?
I know they selling GSM and CDMA phones and don't want to buy wrong one.

Flat Out answer only the 2G or EDGE bands in the phone are compatible with ATT networks the other bands are different so if you want bettter speeds get att or use wi-fi because edge is all you will ever get no matter what you do to the APN

like on the previous post mentioned, i think most of the att phones doesn't have the radio that is capable of receiving the 3g/4g frequencies tmobile use. i could be wrong, but i think is a hardware problem rather than a setting you can change.

Simple mobile is Tmobile, 3g may never work.
Strait talk is a variety of carriers, depends on,the specific phone. The only known phones that work from the att network and have a Sim that works in other phones are the expensive Nokia smart phones. But those also have a Tmobile variant, I don't know how to tell the difference without looking at the Sim.
There is also consumer cellular, apparently that,is att but I don't know if it's full talk text and Web or how it's billed.

Dani897 said:
Simple mobile is Tmobile, 3g may never work.
Strait talk is a variety of carriers, depends on,the specific phone. The only known phones that work from the att network and have a Sim that works in other phones are the expensive Nokia smart phones. But those also have a Tmobile variant, I don't know how to tell the difference without looking at the Sim.
There is also consumer cellular, apparently that,is att but I don't know if it's full talk text and Web or how it's billed.
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Consumer Cellular is VERY "no-frills" - it's only for VERY light users.
There is no AT&T phone that I know of that supports the 1700 MHz band required for T-Mobile 3G.
The only phone I know of that has pentaband HSPA+ (works on both AT&T and T-Mobile) is the Galaxy Nexus.

When I programmed my HTC Evo 3D i saw various optinos for cdma/eg/4g in CDMA Workshop & QPST Service Programming, what I saw was diferent types of bands and freqz, you might wana check out a phone's specs of tmobile and then check if those specs (frqz & bands) match with the one set on your device...
For example
The Vocoder settings
band prefferences :
band class 0/1/2/3/4/5/ sys a/b/
GSM DSC 1800
GSM extended 900
Etc etc.... check with the device's password on it's profiles and realms (settings I can view on my evo using ##data# )

I can confirm that the issue is with the phones. I just ran a test using my simple mobile card on an AT&T Infuse vs Tmobile Vibrant 4G.
AT&T Infuse
Edge connection with 50kps max
Tmobile Vibrant 4G
3G connection with 240kps max
I will be going to staright talk at the end on this billing cycle.

Straight talk

Hey guys I have a question about straight talk service.my question is what is the best option between simple mobile vs straight talk.the thing is where I live T-Mobile service is only edge service so I called straight talk customer service and they told me that they run on T-Mobile and at&t so can I use at&t service on my Samsung galaxy s 4g.(at&t is the best service here now does any one here have straight talk on there phone here that can give me some advice..side note my phone is unlocked
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk 2

I currently am not on either one of those services. However if I understand correctly about the two services I believes Simple Mobile is the better service when it comes to data usage, however though according to research the two are very similar when it comes to coverage(they both use basically the same towers) the main differences would be data caps. Look into the data caps of both plans, but if what you are saying is true about T-Mobile having only Edge then that shouldn't really matter, go with the one that has the better speed, because if you only get Edge you'll never even get close to the data cap anyways.
I've even read things that say Straight Talk now owns Simple Mobile. How true that is I don't really know, do some research for yourself and make the best decision from your budget and your area, even if I had one of those plans my experience would most likely be very different than any experiences you will have because of the areas we live in. Try talking to people in your area that have one of the two, they would know a lot more about the service, speed, and coverage than anyone that doesn't live near you.
That's just my advice...

Check you: T-mobile Unlimited Nationwide 4G

just one thing you need to know. when if you go to att, the thing is you might not even get 3/4g but only edge because of the difference on frequency/broadband att and tmobile uses. i don't know about straight talk because never use it nor research what frequency/broadband it uses

The biggest issue is Straight Talk has a invisible DAILY data cap. And they dont just shut off the data they turn off the service completely. Ive been told to order the T-Mo sim from them not the att so you dont hit the daily cap.

eollie said:
The biggest issue is Straight Talk has a invisible DAILY data cap. And they dont just shut off the data they turn off the service completely. Ive been told to order the T-Mo sim from them not the att so you dont hit the daily cap.
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the problem for me is that the T-Mobile service sucks here I only get edge and at&t service is the best here..
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk 2

tlopez1973 said:
the problem for me is that the T-Mobile service sucks here I only get edge and at&t service is the best here..
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk 2
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I would use a data monitor for a couple weeks get a idea of how much data you use per day. Then decide if it is worth having to ***** at ST to get your account turned back on if you go over.

n1vlek said:
just one thing you need to know. when if you go to att, the thing is you might not even get 3/4g but only edge because of the difference on frequency/broadband att and tmobile uses. i don't know about straight talk because never use it nor research what frequency/broadband it uses
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The SGS4G has a 1900 MHz UMTS modem, so you should be able to get at least 3G from the AT&T network (unless you live in one of their 850 MHz areas).

sutexibunsu said:
The SGS4G has a 1900 MHz UMTS modem, so you should be able to get at least 3G from the AT&T network (unless you live in one of their 850 MHz areas).
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Sorry to tell you this can be your reference.
http://m.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s_4g-3719.php
Clearly state that our device only get 3/4g from 1700/2100MHz and others are Edge/2g

I just switched from T-mobile to Straight talk due to the same reason as stated in the OP. The T-mobile coverage was bad in my office building and AT&T penetration in buildings is always claimed to be better. I unlocked my Galaxy S 4g using the helpful posts from here and ordered the Straight talk AT&T card. I can confirm that I do see 3G showing on my phone and the speed was great when it was 3G. But, its not always 3G, I do get in the Edge areas too often too. I am very happy because my voice coverage has improved leaps and bounds after switching.
I have read about the scary part where Straight talk cancels service if we go over some hidden limits. So to be safe, I ported my number over to Google voice and use that to make a call. This way, I can switch between phone providers easily without any porting issues. But, not sure if Google voice will remain free after the end of the year.

pmattie said:
I just switched from T-mobile to Straight talk due to the same reason as stated in the OP. The T-mobile coverage was bad in my office building and AT&T penetration in buildings is always claimed to be better. I unlocked my Galaxy S 4g using the helpful posts from here and ordered the Straight talk AT&T card. I can confirm that I do see 3G showing on my phone and the speed was great when it was 3G. But, its not always 3G, I do get in the Edge areas too often too. I am very happy because my voice coverage has improved leaps and bounds after switching.
I have read about the scary part where Straight talk cancels service if we go over some hidden limits. So to be safe, I ported my number over to Google voice and use that to make a call. This way, I can switch between phone providers easily without any porting issues. But, not sure if Google voice will remain free after the end of the year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you guys all here for your responds I will try straight talk next month when my service is about to end with simple mobile.I don't have nothing to lose but the 12 dollar for:thumb ST sim card and 5 dollars extra ST service vs my 40 dollar simple mobile service :thumbup:
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n1vlek said:
Sorry to tell you this can be your reference.
http://m.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s_4g-3719.php
Clearly state that our device only get 3/4g from 1700/2100MHz and others are Edge/2g
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Click to collapse
Samsung doesn't advertise the 1900 MHz UMTS band for the phone, but it's there. I often swap out the SIM on my phone with my work iPhone, and the 3G works just fine.
View attachment 1327145View attachment 1327146

[Q] Nexus 5 Simultaneous Voice/Data

Thought this may be of interest... I see other threads out there related to some older phones, but nothing related to the GNex5, so I thought I'd start one here.
I'm on Sprint, and apparently I can't do simultaneous voice and data with LTE or 3g during voice calls. Wifi seems to work just fine. Anyone else experiencing this with Sprint? What's the experience for those using T-Mobile/ATT? Stock or unlocked? I've also noticed that I'm unable to update my PRL or Profile (Network Error). I am unlocked and rooted at the moment. Did not notice this as I didn't tinker with it prior to unlocking.
Coming from Samsung GS3 and GN2 with Sprint where the LTE/3G radio is separated, I did not realize this was still a technological challenge... I went with this phone simply because it was inexpensive for the hardware and I don't have to renew my contract to avoid paying an arm and a leg. Have I just hit a "You get what you pay for" scenario, putting me (or anyone using CDMA) back 3 years in radio tech??

The phone has to support SVDO in order to do voice+data on Sprint. Very, very few phones do (the EVO 4G LTE did, the HTC One didn't, for example). It requires a special antenna configuration as well IIRC.

cadbomb said:
Thought this may be of interest... I see other threads out there related to some older phones, but nothing related to the GNex5, so I thought I'd start one here.
I'm on Sprint, and apparently I can't do simultaneous voice and data with LTE or 3g during voice calls. Wifi seems to work just fine. Anyone else experiencing this with Sprint? What's the experience for those using T-Mobile/ATT? Stock or unlocked? I've also noticed that I'm unable to update my PRL or Profile (Network Error). I am unlocked and rooted at the moment. Did not notice this as I didn't tinker with it prior to unlocking.
Coming from Samsung GS3 and GN2 with Sprint where the LTE/3G radio is separated, I did not realize this was still a technological challenge... I went with this phone simply because it was inexpensive for the hardware and I don't have to renew my contract to avoid paying an arm and a leg. Have I just hit a "You get what you pay for" scenario, putting me (or anyone using CDMA) back 3 years in radio tech??
Click to expand...
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Unfortunately no, the nexus 5 does not support SVDO or SVLTE. This means it also will only connect to one airlink at a time - when you receive a call, it will switch to 1x, pausing your LTE, similar to older handsets.

justis s said:
Unfortunately no, the nexus 5 does not support SVDO or SVLTE. This means it also will only connect to one airlink at a time - when you receive a call, it will switch to 1x, pausing your LTE, similar to older handsets.
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Too bad... Found more on s4gru regarding this:
"That is what we have been told. Sprint tri band LTE devices will not support SVLTE. Whether that is due to band 26 LTE 800, band 41 TD-LTE 2600, or the combination of the two, we do not know. And the sample size is very small right now to project unconditionally into the future. But the standard expectation going forward should be no SVLTE on Sprint multi band LTE devices. Simultaneous voice and data will have to be accomplished by other means, such as third party VoIP apps and eventually VoLTE."
I are a sad sprint customer lol. Also why I went with a multi carrier phone off contract June 2014 can't come soon enough, cause I loves this phone!

This was my biggest complaints with this phone on sprint. I couldn't do it so I activated it using straight talk for att and couldn't be happier. It's unfortunate that spark phones on sprint won't do simultaneous voice and data, at least for now. But I'm not willing to compromise.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

laestrella said:
This was my biggest complaints with this phone on sprint. I couldn't do it so I activated it using straight talk for att and couldn't be happier. It's unfortunate that spark phones on sprint won't do simultaneous voice and data, at least for now. But I'm not willing to compromise.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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I hear that. My biggest issue with switching providers is that I average 5-6gb of data usage/mo on my line and about 12gb combined with the other two phones on my family plan (Ting told me not to switch lol). It's hard to beat the bargain offered for services rendered from Sprint. Nickles and dimes I suppose. Oh well, maybe 2015 will be the year of the phone... (Oh wait, we'll probably have 5g by then and tri-band will evolve to octa-band with the same problems )

cadbomb said:
I hear that. My biggest issue with switching providers is that I average 5-6gb of data usage/mo on my line and about 12gb combined with the other two phones on my family plan (Ting told me not to switch lol). It's hard to beat the bargain offered for services rendered from Sprint. Nickles and dimes I suppose. Oh well, maybe 2015 will be the year of the phone... (Oh wait, we'll probably have 5g by then and tri-band will evolve to octa-band with the same problems )
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I still have a family plan on sprint so if my data amount becomes an issue I'll go back but for now I'll sacrifice more data for fast and always available data, and at a rate of $45 I'll take it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

laestrella said:
This was my biggest complaints with this phone on sprint. I couldn't do it so I activated it using straight talk for att and couldn't be happier. It's unfortunate that spark phones on sprint won't do simultaneous voice and data, at least for now. But I'm not willing to compromise.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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I have ST AT&T service. When I am on a call though, I lose LTE. It switches me to H (HPSA I think). Speed is not terrible, but would be nicer to have LTE while on a call. Do you have the same experience? If not, do you know how I can have LTE while on a call? Thanks.

p0k3y said:
I have ST AT&T service. When I am on a call though, I lose LTE. It switches me to H (HPSA I think). Speed is not terrible, but would be nicer to have LTE while on a call. Do you have the same experience? If not, do you know how I can have LTE while on a call? Thanks.
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Nope, that's by design. It has to do with available radios. If LTE isn't on a separate radio it can't be used simultaneously. On the upside, having less radios means better battery life overall.