BestBuy / Sprint N5 comes with a locked SIM slot? - Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I am solving this as we speak, so I will update, but went to BB, bought the N5 (I have my reasons why I bought there, not from Play store)
The box states, software lock is in place to prevent the use with non-Sprint sim cards. Also Sprint brochure in box, and no pin-tray key in the box. In other words, the phone is packaged for Sprint specifically.
I bought it, I will call up Sprint and T-Mobile (which is who I want to use) and see what's up.
Anyone else has info?

dozyaustin said:
I am solving this as we speak, so I will update, but went to BB, bought the N5 (I have my reasons why I bought there, not from Play store)
The box states, software lock is in place to prevent the use with non-Spring sim cards.
I bought it, I will call up Sprint and T-Mobile and see what's up.
Anyone else has info?
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Click to collapse
Wow - can't imagine how they are doing that. Worst case scenario, I'd expect that you should be able to download the stock image from Google and flash it to remove any such lock

jj14 said:
Wow - can't imagine how they are doing that. Worst case scenario, I'd expect that you should be able to download the stock image from Google and flash it to remove any such lock
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Click to collapse
it is ridiculous .. called sprint .. first response (formulaic) was a no (need to be on their line for 90 days blah blah blah ..) I have not gotten hold of anyone who knows what Nexus 5 is. Will keep trying

jj14 said:
Wow - can't imagine how they are doing that. Worst case scenario, I'd expect that you should be able to download the stock image from Google and flash it to remove any such lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please help me how to do that? This is my first Nexus. Thanks.

I really hope that being simlocked to Sprint doesn't affect Android updates down the line. It shouldn't, because it's technically not a "Sprint variant" of the phone, but you never know.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

dozyaustin said:
it is ridiculous .. called sprint .. first response (formulaic) was a no (need to be on their line for 90 days blah blah blah ..) I have not gotten hold of anyone who knows what Nexus 5 is. Will keep trying
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Click to collapse
dozyaustin said:
Can you please help me how to do that? This is my first Nexus. Thanks.
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Click to collapse
Wait till you get the phone. For all you know, it may be SIM unlocked like the version from the play store. For other phones like the S4, Sprint does have the 90 day requirement before unlocking it for use with International SIMs.
On the Nexus 5, hopefully, they haven't locked down the US bands (like they do with the S4 and other phones). The play store version is not locked.
The http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2513701 thread shows you how to flash the stock images - but again, no guarantees that it will do the trick till you actually try it out.
I didn't want to risk this, so I just bought from the play store. I asked the play store person if the phone was guaranteed to get timely updates direct from google, and he gave a "Phones purchased from the play store will get timely updates from google" response. I'm guessing it was a canned response, but I do hope that Sprint doesn't cripple the version sold by Sprint/Bestbuy etc.

That's pretty crappy. I'd return it.
No, Flashing the stock image will not remove the SIM lock. The SIM lock is stored in a different place.

jj14 said:
Wait till you get the phone. For all you know, it may be SIM unlocked like the version from the play store. For other phones like the S4, Sprint does have the 90 day requirement before unlocking it for use with International SIMs.
On the Nexus 5, hopefully, they haven't locked down the US bands (like they do with the S4 and other phones). The play store version is not locked.
The http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2513701 thread shows you how to flash the stock images - but again, no guarantees that it will do the trick till you actually try it out.
I didn't want to risk this, so I just bought from the play store. I asked the play store person if the phone was guaranteed to get timely updates direct from google, and he gave a "Phones purchased from the play store will get timely updates from google" response. I'm guessing it was a canned response, but I do hope that Sprint doesn't cripple the version sold by Sprint/Bestbuy etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As he stated in the OP, he bought the phone from Best Buy and got the info right from the box.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Update
Sprint Tech Support confirmed the phone is locked. The problem is that they COULD unlock it, but the phone needs to be activated first. To activate the phone, I have to add it to a plan (a 2 year contract). Without that, they cannot do anything with a "cold" phone. Thus far I got nowhere .. the plan is definitely to return it if they do not budge.

I purchased mine from the Google play store as well.
Why would sprint sell it at a subsidized price of $150 or $50 for new customers without locking it to their network during your 2 year contract.
Also, I bet sprint will only unlock it for international use during the 2 year contract. Just like the iPhone and s4.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

freshlysqueezed said:
I purchased mine from the Google play store as well.
Why would sprint sell it at a subsidized price of $150 or $50 for new customers without locking it to their network during your 2 year contract.
Also, I bet sprint will only unlock it for international use during the 2 year contract. Just like the iPhone and s4.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well sure, I understand that with the subsidized phones, but I paid it up front - I paid the full $450 for a Nexus. I wanted an unlocked phone ... it's a bum deal.
I am trying to find out whether a friend of mine could activate it on his account, I get it unlocked, and then we re-activate his iPhone back ... not sure Sprint will go for it.
Ugh .. I just want a Nexus 5 you know? ... and this seemed like a fine way of getting it (My old Captivate died finally for good on Tuesday. and I do not really have $350 just siting around, so the $100 markup was my financing "cost" to get 18 month of payments (I have no interest financing through best buy; my other card has high interest .. it was not a bad financing plan). Ugh .. if only Sprint let me unlock it.

Returned it. will get the tmo version next week. i really wish the wait on play store was shorter. my phone is dead ... waiting is too painful.

dozyaustin said:
Returned it. will get the tmo version next week. i really wish the wait on play store was shorter. my phone is dead ... waiting is too painful.
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Click to collapse
Did you actually test it out on another carrier? There are reports that the version is the same as the Play Store (unlocked) on Reddit.

STXInnovation said:
Did you actually test it out on another carrier? There are reports that the version is the same as the Play Store (unlocked) on Reddit.
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Click to collapse
I don't think Sprint has any clue what they are talking about. I had a 200 dollar BB giftcard so I went in tonight and purchased a "Sprint" N5 and I don't even have Sprint service Ran by the AT&T store and picked up a micro sim, popped it in and everything is working perfectly. The device is definitely not locked to Sprint. Full LTE data with AT&T without having to configure anything.

capathy21 said:
I don't think Sprint has any clue what they are talking about. I had a 200 dollar BB giftcard so I went in tonight and purchased a "Sprint" N5 and I don't even have Sprint service Ran by the AT&T store and picked up a micro sim, popped it in and everything is working perfectly. The device is definitely not locked to Sprint. Full LTE data with AT&T without having to configure anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great to hear. Makes me feel comfortable of using my Amazon credits to purchase one!

STXInnovation said:
That's great to hear. Makes me feel comfortable of using my Amazon credits to purchase one!
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Click to collapse
Yea I know I could have used the BB giftcard for something else but it meant I got a N5 for 250 plus tax out of pocket and I got it without having to wait! Love it so far and like I said everything works perfect. Android Central got the official word from Sprint and Google that their version is the exact same as the Play Store version. I trust them much more than some Sprint tech lol.

capathy21 said:
Yea I know I could have used the BB giftcard for something else but it meant I got a N5 for 250 plus tax out of pocket and I got it without having to wait! Love it so far and like I said everything works perfect. Android Central got the official word from Sprint and Google that their version is the exact same as the Play Store version. I trust them much more than some Sprint tech lol.
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Click to collapse
Could you provide a link to Android Central? I just want to be completely sure before I order.
Thanks :laugh:

STXInnovation said:
Could you provide a link to Android Central? I just want to be completely sure before I order.
Thanks :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems like there was another link but this one also breaks it down.
http://www.androidcentral.com/nexus-5-models-whats-different-between-two
I am using one right now with my AT&T sim and everything is working. The device even has an imei number which Sprint phones usually do not have(or at least didn't used to when I had Sprint). They only made one version of the device for North America and it is compatible with Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T.

That is very strange. The T-Mobile did not work. Makes me sad.
Sent from my LG-P659 using xda app-developers app

Weird, I just got 2 sprint N5's and they are both unlocked. Though I did get them from the Sprint store.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Related

Nexus 5 on Sprint MVNO's?

Now that we know the Nexus 5 can be activated for use on Sprint, I was curious as to whether we might be able to activate the phone to work on Sprint MVNOs (e.g. Ting, Voyager Mobile). Can anyone tell whether that would be the case?
I plan to get a nexus 5 and use it on ringplus (a sprint mvno) and some people have ordered it to try to activate it. I'm going to wait on the news from them just to be safe.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
klin1344 said:
I plan to get a nexus 5 and use it on ringplus (a sprint mvno) and some people have ordered it to try to activate it. I'm going to wait on the news from them just to be safe.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I thought mvnos had to wait 1 year to activate sprint devices? No idea really just thought I read that somewhere.
lafester said:
I thought mvnos had to wait 1 year to activate sprint devices? No idea really just thought I read that somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure, but the Nexus 5 is unlocked and can be directly purchased from the Play Store instead of Sprint.
Who knows...we'll hear from the guinea-pigs soon enough.
klin1344 said:
I'm not sure, but the Nexus 5 is unlocked and can be directly purchased from the Play Store instead of Sprint.
Who knows...we'll hear from the guinea-pigs soon enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll gunea-pig it for you. I bought the phone, and it will be here on Monday. The foreseeable problem that I see will be obtaining an LTE micro sim for sprint, going to go and try to sweet talk a sprint rep into giving me one.
laptopfreek0 said:
I'll gunea-pig it for you. I bought the phone, and it will be here on Monday. The foreseeable problem that I see will be obtaining an LTE micro sim for sprint, going to go and try to sweet talk a sprint rep into giving me one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll have better luck at a reseller (RadioShack, Walmart, Best Buy, etc) because they're minimum wage and don't care as much
Source: Worked for RadioShack, gave out all the SIMs
nerdfacenyan said:
You'll have better luck at a reseller (RadioShack, Walmart, Best Buy, etc) because they're minimum wage and don't care as much
Source: Worked for RadioShack, gave out all the SIMs
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up. I will give them a shot first. Texted one of my buddies that work at Best Buy.
Well first up doesn't work directly with their IMEI checker for ring+. Created a support ticket and will let you know what happens.
Ting has already come out and explicitly said that Sprint won't allow it on their network, I presume it will be the same for all Sprint MVNOs.
Vincent Law said:
Ting has already come out and explicitly said that Sprint won't allow it on their network, I presume it will be the same for all Sprint MVNOs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That declaration was made early on by a Ting employee but they are hedging on it now. NOW, they are saying that they have not got the final word from Sprint yet and don't expect to know anything until after Sprint rolls out the N5 on Nov 8.
Not looking good
From a ring+ rep
"We just contacted Sprint, and unfortunately we confirmed with them that we're not permitted to activate the Nexus 5 or any other Google phone - apparently Google has requested that Sprint not allow us to activate/distribute any Google phones. We apologize for the inconvenience."
*Edit after further research this does not appear to be the case.
laptopfreek0 said:
From a ring+ rep
"We just contacted Sprint, and unfortunately we confirmed with them that we're not permitted to activate the Nexus 5 or any other Google phone - apparently Google has requested that Sprint not allow us to activate/distribute any Google phones. We apologize for the inconvenience."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bummer...I really hope this is not the case...I was hoping to activate a nexus 5 on ringplus....
However, it seems that this person managed to get it working: http://discourse.ringplus.net/t/will-a-cdma-nexus-5-work-with-r/180
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
klin1344 said:
Bummer...I really hope this is not the case...I was hoping to activate a nexus 5 on ringplus....
However, it seems that this person managed to get it working: http://discourse.ringplus.net/t/will-a-cdma-nexus-5-work-with-r/180
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This does not actually appear to be the case. I have found several people that managed to get it activated so it looks like the r+ rep was wrong.
laptopfreek0 said:
This does not actually appear to be the case. I have found several people that managed to get it activated so it looks like the r+ rep was wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah from the thread I linked people have successfully gotten it working. Now I just need to find out a way to get sprint to give me a UICC card...
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
klin1344 said:
Yeah from the thread I linked people have successfully gotten it working. Now I just need to find out a way to get sprint to give me a UICC card...
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spoke to a dude in a Sprint store in my town and he said that would be no problem to pick up a sim for the Nexus 5 (for free) but they just hadn't received the shipment yet. Hopefully, I can get this working with Voyager Mobile. Unfortunately, everything has to be done over the phone and the two people I've ever spoken to from support never seemed too knowledgeable/friendly I guess I can always switch over to RingPlus, though...
Works on Sprint out of the box but I got a random reboot issue with sprint and had ot go back to AT&T sim. Also you must set the radio to GLOBAL for it to work.

[Q] Buying direct vs from t-mobile?

Hello, pretty rudimentary question, but: I am interested in getting a Nexus 5 because I hear the Nexus line gives you the least trouble among Android phones for installing custom ROMs and doing rooting and such. I am trying to decide whether to buy from Google vs from T-Mobile (my current carrier). Google has the phones available but says they take three weeks to ship. T-mobile sent me an email saying they now have them available; when I called them they said they had already sold out and so could not give me a price, but when in stock again they *might* be able to offer me a discount compared to Google's wholesale price.
Here's my question: T-mobile did say that if I ordered from them, the phone would be carrier-locked. They said they had the ability to unlock the phone "free of charge" (wondering if there's a catch there…). I honestly do not care if the phone is carrier-locked or not, but like I said I specifically am getting this phone in order to minimize nonsense when installing custom ROMs or OSes other than Android. Will buying a "locked" phone, or in general buying a phone from T-mobile rather than direct from Google, create any obstacles to mucking about with the phone's software? Is there some "correct" way to order the Nexus 5 (I know with HTC you have to order a special "developer version" from a separate page) other than just the Play link on the google.com/nexus5 page?
Thanks
I've been a long standing T-Mobile customer for years now. I had NO problems when I purchased my Nexus 5 from Google Play (was one of the first lucky ones). All you do is put your SIM card in the phone before you power it up. Its the new small (micro) SIM cards. I never needed to have my phone unlocked.
Don't you let anyone fool you on thinking its a different phone if you purchase it through T-Mobile instead of the Play Store. It's the same phone.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Difference is it will be about 100 more if you get it from tmo
sent from my beantastic almost retired Bionic
It didn't take weeks to ship maybe two weeks for the black version. I ordered my nexus 5 November 13 and had it in my hands the 15th. Order the white 32gig if you want it fast. Otherwise pay 100$ for the same exact phone though T-Mobile.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
ldubs said:
Difference is it will be about 100 more if you get it from tmo
sent from my beantastic almost retired Bionic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hah!
When I talked to T-mobile on the phone, one of the reps said they could probably get me a discount if I ordered through them, and the other one said it might cost more…
Maybe I'll just go ahead and order rather than wait around just to get a price that might well be higher anyway. Thanks y'all
mcc111 said:
Hah!
When I talked to T-mobile on the phone, one of the reps said they could probably get me a discount if I ordered through them, and the other one said it might cost more…
Maybe I'll just go ahead and order rather than wait around just to get a price that might well be higher anyway. Thanks y'all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no might lol. It will cost more than play store.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Sprint nexus works on att???

I see that bestbuy only carries the nexus 5 for sprint will it work on att??
SuperMiguel said:
I see that bestbuy only carries the nexus 5 for sprint will it work on att??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
Exact same phone, the one at Best Buy just comes with an $100 SIM card.
This is one of the most appealing features of this phone that has so far gone pretty much unrecognized. You can take this single model and jump to most major and prepaid carriers.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Directed to the two posters above who say it will work on AT&T - how do you know? Do you have confirmation from someone who bought the phone at Best Buy? The listings on Bestbuy.com both say (Sprint) after the name of the phone.
I have the nexus from Sprint and can personally verify it works with a prepaid att straight talk Sim card. FYI the sprint sold phone does not include the Sim tray key.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Can i just walk into bestbuy and buy one? or i actually need a sprint account?
ronwi2 said:
Directed to the two posters above who say it will work on AT&T - how do you know? Do you have confirmation from someone who bought the phone at Best Buy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
SuperMiguel said:
Can i just walk into bestbuy and buy one? or i actually need a sprint account?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you are paying full price, you should be able to get it without a Sprint account. It will of course depend on whether the sales person you deal with decides to be a jerk or not.
uh60james said:
Exact same phone, the one at Best Buy just comes with an $100 SIM card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If we don't want the SIM card can we get $100 off?
haha jk, I bought mine at best buy and was able to get them to match the play store.
ktt4510 said:
I have the nexus from Sprint and can personally verify it works with a prepaid att straight talk Sim card. FYI the sprint sold phone does not include the Sim tray key.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you just stick an AT&T SIM card in there and it'll automatically switch to it? Was your phone already activated on the Sprint network? I'm curious since Sprint would tie in with the ESN activation for CDMA. If it's just as simple as putting in an AT&T or Tmobile SIM, then I'm sure getting it!
scoliosis said:
So you just stick an AT&T SIM card in there and it'll automatically switch to it? Was your phone already activated on the Sprint network? I'm curious since Sprint would tie in with the ESN activation for CDMA. If it's just as simple as putting in an AT&T or Tmobile SIM, then I'm sure getting it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it really was that simple. Just put the Sim card in reboot the phone and your good. I had to change a couple settings in the connections menu to go back to sprint but it was relatively painless
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
scoliosis said:
So you just stick an AT&T SIM card in there and it'll automatically switch to it? Was your phone already activated on the Sprint network? I'm curious since Sprint would tie in with the ESN activation for CDMA. If it's just as simple as putting in an AT&T or Tmobile SIM, then I'm sure getting it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought a Nexus 5 from Best Buy and I'm an AT&T customer. Yes, the phone will automatically connect to AT&T's network. It took a few minutes to convince the BB employee that the phone would work on AT&T. They also insisted it was store policy that they activate every phone they sell, so I had to pay the $30 activation fee.
ktt4510 said:
Yeah it really was that simple. Just put the Sim card in reboot the phone and your good. I had to change a couple settings in the connections menu to go back to sprint but it was relatively painless
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! If you can detail out the settings you had to change to go back, that would be much appreciated!
I can't remember specifics but I had to change the settings here back to LTE a couple of times. For some reason it wouldn't stick after the first reboot. I can't retest it because my straight talk Sim is not active right now. I can assure you it works relatively easily though.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
ronwi2 said:
Directed to the two posters above who say it will work on AT&T - how do you know? Do you have confirmation from someone who bought the phone at Best Buy? The listings on Bestbuy.com both say (Sprint) after the name of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because all N5's sold in North America are the same model, with the same frequencies (D820), the only thing that may have to be changed is the APN.
this is not like other Sprint specific devices like the G2 (LS980) vs the AT&T G2 (D800)
AT&T - D800
GSM 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS 850/1900/2100
LTE 1900(2)/1700(4)/850(5)/700(17)
Sprint - LS980
GSM 850/1900
CDMA 800/850/1900
UMTS 850/1900
LTE 1900(25)/800(26)/2500(41)
brooksyx said:
If we don't want the SIM card can we get $100 off?
haha jk, I bought mine at best buy and was able to get them to match the play store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would have been awesome, I don't understand why everybody charges $100 more unless Google really is taking a hit on each one they sell.
Glad you got them to price match, they wouldn't budge for me. Brought them a few receipts where other people did it, brought them the price printed. They just kept telling me it's not the same phone, got to the point where I was just tired of wasting my time with them and didn't want to wait on the Play Store so I just got it at full price.
uh60james said:
That would have been awesome, I don't understand why everybody charges $100 more unless Google really is taking a hit on each one they sell.
Glad you got them to price match, they wouldn't budge for me. Brought them a few receipts where other people did it, brought them the price printed. They just kept telling me it's not the same phone, got to the point where I was just tired of wasting my time with them and didn't want to wait on the Play Store so I just got it at full price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think Google is necessarily taking a hit but I do think they are selling them just slightly above cost. You have to remember that Google isnt a electronic sales company like Apple, they make all of their profits from there data mining and advertising business. Android is just another medium to collect data and deliver ads. So they could give these away for free and still benefit. However companies like best buy and sprint make their money off of retail sales and cell phone plans. So they are trying to maximize profits that way.
Anyways bummer that they didn't match for you. I guess I just got luck. I walked in not feeling to confident with my play store ad. They were cool but hesitant. After the guy asked his manager he said that they normally wouldn't match the play store but were will to make an exception.
I am in the same boat but for T Mobile. Anyone know if this phone will work for T Mobile as well? I would believe so but I want to make especially if BB is going to charge me an activation fee.

[Q] Google's N5 or T-Mo's N5?

Hey, is there ANY difference between the Nexus 5 on the Play Store and the Nexus 5 that T-Mo sells in their stores?
I ask because my gf and I are switching to T-Mobile later this month and she is going to get the Nexus. She wants to be sure that if she doesn't like T-Mo then she can take the phone to another carrier, like AT&T. We want to use the ETF money to get a reduced price on the Nexus, but if we can't bring the phone to another carrier then we might have to buy it from the Play Store instead.
Thanks!
they are exactly the same. play store sells 16 or 32gb, tmo sells 16gb.
Thanks a lot I'll probably end up asking the guy at T-Mo just in case, but I trust the word of XDA techies more.
BTW If they are exactly the same, that means the T-Mo version doesn't come with any bloatware?
T-Mobile reps usually know next to nothing. They are the exact same phone
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
aBabyPenguin said:
Thanks a lot I'll probably end up asking the guy at T-Mo just in case, but I trust the word of XDA techies more.
BTW If they are exactly the same, that means the T-Mo version doesn't come with any bloatware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, no bloatware. its the pure nexus experience as its meant to be.
Even tho they are the same the one on the playstore is $100 cheaper
chris6278 said:
Even tho they are the same the one on the playstore is $100 cheaper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but Google subsidizes the price because they can afford it. My gf and I are going to see how much money we can get from Verizon's ETF, we might end up saving money thanks to T-Mo.
The only difference between the Nexus at the Google Play store and the T-Mobile store is the one at the T-Mobile store is sold at a substantial markup, while Google Play sells it basically at cost.
BirchBarlow said:
The only difference between the Nexus at the Google Play store and the T-Mobile store is the one at the T-Mobile store is sold at a substantial markup, while Google Play sells it basically at cost.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't call $46 a substantial markup. For some, $46 is worth it for nothing down and a two year payment plan.
aBabyPenguin said:
Hey, is there ANY difference between the Nexus 5 on the Play Store and the Nexus 5 that T-Mo sells in their stores?
I ask because my gf and I are switching to T-Mobile later this month and she is going to get the Nexus. She wants to be sure that if she doesn't like T-Mo then she can take the phone to another carrier, like AT&T. We want to use the ETF money to get a reduced price on the Nexus, but if we can't bring the phone to another carrier then we might have to buy it from the Play Store instead.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, if you're going to switch to TMO using their new plans to reimburse ETFs, you have to turn in your old phone and buy a new phone from them directly. I don't think you can BYOD with a Play Store phone? So, assuming the N5s from TMO/Play are using the same bands, you should be able to take directly to AT&T with only a SIM switch. And IF you're ok with only 16GBs of storage. As a few others have said, TMO only sells the 16GB model. Seems stupid to me, but whatever.
aBabyPenguin said:
Yeah, but Google subsidizes the price because they can afford it. My gf and I are going to see how much money we can get from Verizon's ETF, we might end up saving money thanks to T-Mo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have grandfathered Verizon unlimited data, selling it on Ebay through an "Assumption of Liability" is the way to go. I just made $350 on my wife and my lines instead of paying $250+ in ETF. It was really easy to do. There's a thread on rootzwiki on how to do it. Search on "Sell Verizon Contract and Keep your Number"
Bateluer said:
AFAIK, if you're going to switch to TMO using their new plans to reimburse ETFs, you have to turn in your old phone and buy a new phone from them directly. I don't think you can BYOD with a Play Store phone? So, assuming the N5s from TMO/Play are using the same bands, you should be able to take directly to AT&T with only a SIM switch. And IF you're ok with only 16GBs of storage. As a few others have said, TMO only sells the 16GB model. Seems stupid to me, but whatever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My gf has an old crappy Android that she definitely won't miss over the N5, We aren't worried about trading in a device, we aren't losing anything. And yes, she doesn't care about storage. 16GB will be more than enough for her.
thionylx said:
If you have grandfathered Verizon unlimited data, selling it on Ebay through an "Assumption of Liability" is the way to go. I just made $350 on my wife and my lines instead of paying $250+ in ETF. It was really easy to do. There's a thread on rootzwiki on how to do it. Search on "Sell Verizon Contract and Keep your Number"
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Oh yeah! I totally forgot about that. My gf has tiered data but I still have unlimited. I'll definitely look into that, thanks for the heads-up.
aBabyPenguin said:
Thanks a lot I'll probably end up asking the guy at T-Mo just in case, but I trust the word of XDA techies more.
BTW If they are exactly the same, that means the T-Mo version doesn't come with any bloatware?
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Yeah most don't know **** that's why I sell more than most reps
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Leave it to Verizon to Neuter the S7

Been looking over the user manuals on the Samsung site.Looks like once again Verizon has removed the stock Samsung browser which also prevents using your finger print to log into internet sites as well as no smart manager and no find my mobile.Maybe more things that I have not noticed yet.Wished I lived in an area that had decent T-Mobile,Sprint or AT&T service.
Yeah, I switched to tmobs. Havent looked back. So much better, unlocked bootloader and all!!
U should also mention the unlimited data and better coverage! (Locations may vary, but CA it's a guaranteed)
Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk
Sigh. That and the tramp stamp.
As soon as I get back from my next contract in Afghanistan, I'll be switching to T-Mobile for good.
Have to buy out my Verizon "Edge" and Contract........ stupid choices....
bassahaulic said:
As soon as I get back from my next contract in Afghanistan, I'll be switching to T-Mobile for good.
Have to buy out my Verizon "Edge" and Contract........ stupid choices....
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Let tmobile buy it out *thumbsup*
Shoulon said:
Let tmobile buy it out *thumbsup*
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That's what I did. Best move ever. The best part is when vzw tried to get me to stay
Why are you leaving sir?
Because I'm going to be paying half as much for twice the data
Well sir, it looks like you only use 5 gigs a month, you don't need that extra data..
So your argument to get me to stay is that I don't use enough? I used 5 gigs because that's what I have and I'm responsible. Plus the overages are insane.
Well sir, at least give us a chance to try to match it.
...
Their best offer was actually $20 more than what I was already paying when I decided to leave lol. Verizon is delusional. Anybody that stays with them is throwing money away.
I travel all over the US for work, and tmobile is **** compared to Verizon in MANY areas I go to. I have both a tmobile and Verizon phone with me on these trips, and while it is getting less common, there are still many times my tmobile phone doesn't work and my Verizon one does.
So it isn't as black and white as people with Verizon are "throwing away money"...
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
Why did VZW remove the Samsung browser, etc etc ?
What I really don't understand is why Samsung doesn't offer their internet browser in their store?
shadow82x said:
What I really don't understand is why Samsung doesn't offer their internet browser in their store?
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Probably some kind of agreement with Verizon or Google.
My guess would be because of the add-blocking extensions
Samsung browser is in the play store.
IMMORTALKING69 said:
Samsung browser is in the play store.
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I think this was supposed to help cut down on bloat too. But I read a lot of the Sammy apps are in the play store or the galaxy app store.
Verizon users can't access it in the play store either.
Couldn't you just get a S7 from another carrier or the unlocked international variant and then activate it on Verizon?
don't know if it works that easily. I would have, but i didn't bother chancing it since I went full price.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Luckily side loading doesn't require root. I don't see any reason why this couldn't be side loaded if Verizon really does block this from the Play Store. Didn't Verizon get sued some years back for blocking apps on the Play Store?
Verizon doesn't block it from the store on the s6 and ad blocker was put back in the store by Google last I heard
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
So has anyone tried installing it from the play store or sideloaded with any success?

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