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I'm a T-Mobile Prepaid customer using a simple $19 phone but am planning to purchase a no-contract smart phone, say Samsung Galaxy S 2 or HTC Amaze 4G.
If I buy one of these for T-Mobile Prepaid, am I locked in there, or the phone is useful even if I might move onto another carrier such as Verizon or ATT, or to another Plan within T-Mobile later?
xdabyk said:
I'm a T-Mobile Prepaid customer using a simple $19 phone but am planning to purchase a no-contract smart phone, say Samsung Galaxy S 2 or HTC Amaze 4G.
If I buy one of these for T-Mobile Prepaid, am I locked in there, or the phone is useful even if I might move onto another carrier such as Verizon or ATT, or to another Plan within T-Mobile later?
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No you are not locked in if you buy a phone off contract. You will not be able to move to verizon or sprint with the phone though, because they use CDMA and not GSM like the rest of the world.
you can outright buy the phone, but check to see if they have a pre-paid plan/data plan for that phone, it will not be unlocked so you cannot move. You can request t-mobile to unlock it though, but you will not get the same 4g speeds
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
lowandbehold said:
No you are not locked in if you buy a phone off contract. You will not be able to move to verizon or sprint with the phone though, because they use CDMA and not GSM like the rest of the world.
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Thank you. Does that mean I can use the Samsung Galaxy S2 No-Contract Model I buy from/for T-Mobil Prepaid now for other carriers of GSM? May I understand from your reply message(s) that T-Mobile is a GSM format carrier(and so is AT&T?) as opposed to Verizon and Sprint being a CDMA guys? If so, I can use the phone as long as my next carrier is a GSM guy? Does this make sense?
djjuice said:
you can outright buy the phone, but check to see if they have a pre-paid plan/data plan for that phone, it will not be unlocked so you cannot move. You can request t-mobile to unlock it though, but you will not get the same 4g speeds
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To: djjuice -
Thank you. I will do some homework in order to understand what "locked", "unlock" and " . . . will not get the same 4g speeds" mean.
Even unlocked the phone may not support the 3G or "4"G data speed between TMobile and AT&T. The AT&T Galaxy S II will not run on TMobile 3G data, only Edge (2G) data, because they run on different frequencies, same thing with the TMobile Galaxy S II does not support AT&T frequencies. If you buy the phone off contract from TMobile, they should unlock it for you, but there is no guarantee it will work (fully) anywhere else.
If you buy a phone off of craigslist even though you are buying it off contract you cannot guarantee it can be unlocked freely. For example if you buy an AT&T phone used from someone, AT&T will not unlock it for you for free until it's a certain number of months old (based on when the first person bought it from AT&T). You would have to pay a third party for an unlock code (if there is no help here on xda to unlock it).
It's best to just buy a phone for the carrier you plan on using. That ensures its going to work, and that it will work at full speed. If you really think you are going to switch to AT&T buy one of their branded phones, or Verizon etc. Verizon and Sprint both use CDMA, but they are very resistant to allowing another carriers phone on their network. Plus their 4G networks are different types (Verizon uses LTE, Sprint WiMax) so they wouldn't work fully regardless.
Thank you, quarlow.
My budget is around $600 max. So I'm inclined to purchase an HTC Amaze 4Z or Samsung Galaxy S2 for use for T-Mobile Prepaid at Target or at T-Mobile. T-Mobile Net Shop is selling Galaxy S2 Re-Furbished at a discount price. Hear Galaxy S2 have high rate of initial failures and therefore maybe better to buy a re-furbished one that has failed once and was repaired by qualified repairman. Below is how I come to think of buying a smart phone now. I've been happy with a simple prepaid phone buying 100 minutes at a time, which lasts more than a year for me. I also use a Sony Clie, a PDA running Palm Desk Top, which has gone obsolete long time ago. With a smart phone such as Galaxy or Amaze 4Z, I can leave not only the PDA but also a digital camera home. I do not need to access my PDA data over internet. I will import necessary data from my PC to my new smart phone either via cable or via WIFI before going out. That's why I want to remain "Prepaid Customer" not a customer with monthly fees. (Besides, I am not so much interested in leaving my data at ISP's servers.)
Thank you.
I haven't heard of high failure on the Galaxy S II's for TMo. But I have seen several studies showing refurbished devices have lower failure rates because they can have problem components replaced, and have to pass full qa testing twice.
If you are going to put all your data on your phone via USB on the computer, or wifi, then data compatibility won't matter. That changes the whole issue of taking it to another carrier. Any att or TMo phone that is unlocked will make and receive phone calls, text messages and mms messages just fine on the other network. You will only notice the difference when web browsing, or downloading files. If you aren't going to do that, then it wont make a difference.
Knowing that and your budget I would say get a international version of the phone. Get the Galaxy S II (i9100), or the Galaxy Note, or the Galaxy Nexus. All of those phones are top tier, and international versions will receive updates quicker. The Nexus being the Google device will be the first ICS device to get the next version of android, so its the most future proof. The GSM version of any of those phones will likely come unlocked.
The i9100 has a 4.3" screen, and 1.2Ghz dual core Exynos chip. The TMo version has a 4.5" screen (same resolution) with 1.5Ghz dual core qualcomm chip. The bigger screens did have issues with splotches and vertical lines far more than the 4.3" screen. With them being the same resolution the smaller screen is crisper. The Exynos chip is made by Samsung and widely regarded as the better chip, even at a slower speed. It also comes with a more powerful gpu than the qualcomm chip. So, the graphics are better, and games run better. The att version (i777) is almost exactly the same as the i9100, except it has the U.S. norm of 4 buttons, vs the international 3 buttons. The dev support on xda for the i9100 is unmatched by any other phone, its an amazing device with a huge support and user base.
The Galaxy Note is a 5.3" half phone half tablet with a stylus, and 1.4Ghz dual core Exynos chip. Its screen is a whopping 1280x800 resolution. But, for some that's too big.
The Galaxy Nexus has a 4.65" screen with 720p resolution (this screen is pentile which means it doesn't have as many sub pixels as it could. Its hard to explain, Google pentile vs rgb and there should be plenty of explinations. But, most reviews say at that resolution you need a microscope to tell). But the real strength with that device is that its the pure Google device. Its running Android the way its meant to be ran, unbloated and unrestricted. That is the Rolls Royce of Android phones for the next year. The Nexus S is last years Google device, and will be the first gingerbread device with an official ICS upgrade, if it isn't already upgraded. Its like a Mercedes at this point, its got the pure android experience, but its running last years tech: 4" screen, 1Ghz single core hummingbird chip.
I'm sure that is way more information than you ever wanted to know, but I hope it helps.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
quarlow said:
Even unlocked the phone may not support the 3G or "4"G data speed between TMobile and AT&T. The AT&T Galaxy S II will not run on TMobile 3G data, only Edge (2G) data, because they run on different frequencies, same thing with the TMobile Galaxy S II does not support AT&T frequencies. If you buy the phone off contract from TMobile, they should unlock it for you, but there is no guarantee it will work (fully) anywhere else.
If you buy a phone off of craigslist even though you are buying it off contract you cannot guarantee it can be unlocked freely. For example if you buy an AT&T phone used from someone, AT&T will not unlock it for you for free until it's a certain number of months old (based on when the first person bought it from AT&T). You would have to pay a third party for an unlock code (if there is no help here on xda to unlock it).
It's best to just buy a phone for the carrier you plan on using. That ensures its going to work, and that it will work at full speed. If you really think you are going to switch to AT&T buy one of their branded phones, or Verizon etc. Verizon and Sprint both use CDMA, but they are very resistant to allowing another carriers phone on their network. Plus their 4G networks are different types (Verizon uses LTE, Sprint WiMax) so they wouldn't work fully regardless.
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Actually the T-mobile SGSII supports AT&T 3g.
lowandbehold said:
Actually the T-mobile SGSII supports AT&T 3g.
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Att 3G runs on 850 and 1900, with preference on 1900 generally. The TMo looks to have 850, but not 1900. So like the vibrant the support will be spotty at best. It may work in some places, but not everywhere.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
To quarlow and lowandbehold -
Very informative! Thank you very much.
I will stay with the plan to go for a Galaxy S2(i1900) or an HTC Amaze 4Z for TMO Prepaid. If there be good prepaid phone service(s) available from other carrier(s), I'd definitely want to learn about.
Hi everyone. As the heading states, I am planning to buy the GTab 7 Plus in India for my dad. Now, here is my concern:
In India, the same tab is marketed as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 620. It still has the 1.2 GHz Exynos Processor, 1024X600 resolution screen & includes Voice calling features. I have searched all over the net & couldn't find if there are any differences compared to the GTab 7 Plus which is available internationally. So, in this case, is it only the change in name for marketing purposes or is there some other variation also? Basically, I want to understand if I can use all the ROMs available here on XDA with the tab available in India?
If anyone has any info on this I would really appreciate it. Thanks in Advance!
Raghav1980 said:
Hi everyone. As the heading states, I am planning to buy the GTab 7 Plus in India for my dad. Now, here is my concern:
In India, the same tab is marketed as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 620. It still has the 1.2 GHz Exynos Processor, 1024X600 resolution screen & includes Voice calling features. I have searched all over the net & couldn't find if there are any differences compared to the GTab 7 Plus which is available internationally. So, in this case, is it only the change in name for marketing purposes or is there some other variation also? Basically, I want to understand if I can use all the ROMs available here on XDA with the tab available in India?
If anyone has any info on this I would really appreciate it. Thanks in Advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I thought the tab was for your dad? Kidding...
Take a look in the development subforum just to be sure but as far as I know there are no custom ROMs for the Plus yet.
Hi im from Philippines. My advice is do not buy Galaxy Tab 7 plus... why? Because Gtab 7 plus is not super amoled. You just wait for Gtab 7.7 that is a amoled LCD...
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I already bought GTab 7 plus for my mom. I pissed off when i read about the specs and it is not amoled LCD.
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Yes, I am fully aware that it is not super amoled. The point is that my dad is getting a limited time offer from his workplace for a 60% discount on any phone purchase. But since he already has a phone which he is content with, he wanted a tablet to use as an ereader. This is the only well speced tab which has phone calling capabilites & is available for purchase here at the moment.
Anyways, I have gone ahead with the purchase & dad is happy with the device. Thanks for all your inputs.
Guys, I don't know about price for Tab 7.7 in your country, but in Russia I got my Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus for $468 and price for 7.7 starting at $780. So I don't want pay twice more for super amoled screen and 0.2ghz difference
I am also looking to buy a galaxy tab 7 plus and am undecided which version to buy. I live in the united states and I could just get the p6210 wifi only version, but I am not sure if I will need 3g. I don't want to buy the wifi only then find myself often wanting to use the wireless features when I have no wifi. From my understanding i can use the GPS no matter which version I have so that's at least a plus no matter which way I go.
If I end up buying a 3g version which would people recommend the international unlocked one, the t-mobile un-subsidised, or the t-mobile contracted one.
For people who live in the US and actually got the international one, which cell phone company are you using with it and are you able to get a cellphone plan and use it as a huge cellphone.
People with the t-mobile version have you been able to unlock the subsidised version and/or use the unlocked version as a cellphone? Either with a t-mobile prepaid plan or another company that uses the same frequency.
From what I have read it seems like the international one would have to be used with at&t and t-mobile version is only usable with t-mobile in the US atleast.
In Thailand has 2 version
P6200 (for 3G 900MHz)
P6200L (for 3G 850MHz)
colutr said:
I am also looking to buy a galaxy tab 7 plus and am undecided which version to buy. I live in the united states and I could just get the p6210 wifi only version, but I am not sure if I will need 3g. I don't want to buy the wifi only then find myself often wanting to use the wireless features when I have no wifi. From my understanding i can use the GPS no matter which version I have so that's at least a plus no matter which way I go.
If I end up buying a 3g version which would people recommend the international unlocked one, the t-mobile un-subsidised, or the t-mobile contracted one.
For people who live in the US and actually got the international one, which cell phone company are you using with it and are you able to get a cellphone plan and use it as a huge cellphone.
People with the t-mobile version have you been able to unlock the subsidised version and/or use the unlocked version as a cellphone? Either with a t-mobile prepaid plan or another company that uses the same frequency.
From what I have read it seems like the international one would have to be used with at&t and t-mobile version is only usable with t-mobile in the US atleast.
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Click to collapse
I have the 6210, I'm fine with wifi only because 1) I'm not paying for yet another data plan, and 2) tethering your phone to the tab works great, assuming you have a smartphone.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 7 Plus
You should buy GT-7 plus, Super amoled is not very importand for your Dad.
haphuong108 said:
You should buy GT-7 plus, Super amoled is not very importand for your Dad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second that. In addition, the extra screen resolution and slight bump in processor speed are not worth the extra money IMO. Good Luck with your purchase!
I think you should go on and get it. Sure, it lacks Super amoled screen, but I find that people that randomly see my tablet have no problem with my screen.
In fact they say the screen is pretty awesome. In fact, the only real people who seem to notice the screen are fellow tech people.
I'm looking to buy an S6, probably used or refurb, but that doesn't really matter.
I'm in the US on T-Mobile.
I need to decide between the G920T (T-Mobile model) and the G920I/F (international model)
Some things about me:
I need Band 12 support for good building reception and all 3 models support that, correct?
I will be rooting which removes Samsung Pay as a selling point for the T-Mobile version.
My residence does not get great reception so I am interested in WiFi Calling. As I understand it the T-Mobile version has it, but I also remember reading Google was going to add it to Android natively??
I am potentially also interested in custom roms, but it seems not much progress for any version of the S6, correct?
Thanks for your help
Dont buy s6 its disaster go with nexus 6p i have s6 its sucks ! dont buy s7 too its more suck than s6 do you research before doing any mistake...my advice dont buy s6 or s7 Nexus 6p is the best
Peace
don't get the I version! We are still waiting for MM when most models had it WEEKS ago, plus it also gets fewer updates than the rest!
I have the U.S. T-Mobile version on an international ROM but I am trying to find a MM ROM for it. Not sure if it's out specifically for T-mo. Going to go stock and upgrade to MM because my ROM doesn't let me answer calls sometimes and I a couples other issues. Plus, I want to try out Samsung Pay. (Google pay doesn't work on rooted phones either).
Get a Nexus 6P dude. It already has Project Fi. Custom ROMs for S6 have undefined future (due to Exynos and Sam not releasing source) and with the speculations that the S7 might NEVER get custom ROMs it's probably a good idea to stay away from the flagship series.
me_is_rushin said:
I'm looking to buy an S6, probably used or refurb, but that doesn't really matter.
I'm in the US on T-Mobile.
I need to decide between the G920T (T-Mobile model) and the G920I/F (international model)
Some things about me:
I need Band 12 support for good building reception and all 3 models support that, correct?
I will be rooting which removes Samsung Pay as a selling point for the T-Mobile version.
My residence does not get great reception so I am interested in WiFi Calling. As I understand it the T-Mobile version has it, but I also remember reading Google was going to add it to Android natively??
I am potentially also interested in custom roms, but it seems not much progress for any version of the S6, correct?
Thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you need network specific features get the one from the network and resist rooting. This device is great even without root even better now with MM. I have resisted rooting for 10 months in the hopes of samsung pay (and significantly thinning my wallet) and it still isn't even available
Get a G920F. Ignore all the haters telling you to get a Nexus 6P. Huawei are awful and the support and product quality are awful.
Camera is iffy, stock Android has memory management issues, and it bends.
In all seriousness though, if you like rooting and custom roms, get a 6P. If you like good phones out of the box stock, get the G920F.
Hello All,
I just purchased a Galaxy S6 today. Previously I have used (and loved!) the OnePlus One. I was actually hoping to upgrade to the OP3 here soon. However, a new job, a new town, and apparently a new phone. The only service that works where I live is Verizon. OP phones are not compatible with Verizon. :crying::crying::crying: So I must retire my poor baby and move onto a inferior product (based on how 'easy' it has been to install a custom ROM).
When I was doing the OP1, it was easy. I could do it in my sleep. The GS6 on the other hand, I can't even find a method of installing TWRP which actually works. I know that Total Wireless uses Verizon towers so I imagine that I basically have a Verizon phone. Is this possible with this phone?
I really can't stand the version of Android that is installed on this thing. Plus the bloat ware is making me sick already. HELP!!!!
Blenderite said:
Hello All,
I just purchased a Galaxy S6 today. Previously I have used (and loved!) the OnePlus One. I was actually hoping to upgrade to the OP3 here soon. However, a new job, a new town, and apparently a new phone. The only service that works where I live is Verizon. OP phones are not compatible with Verizon. :crying::crying::crying: So I must retire my poor baby and move onto a inferior product (based on how 'easy' it has been to install a custom ROM).
When I was doing the OP1, it was easy. I could do it in my sleep. The GS6 on the other hand, I can't even find a method of installing TWRP which actually works. I know that Total Wireless uses Verizon towers so I imagine that I basically have a Verizon phone. Is this possible with this phone?
I really can't stand the version of Android that is installed on this thing. Plus the bloat ware is making me sick already. HELP!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, no way to root a Verizon S6.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Can you recommend a good phone like the OP phones that are Verizon compatible?
Nexus 6p will work.
so we currently are on verizon. our signal is weak at home and heard at&t services our area well.. so im realy cinsidering the switch.. it sucks going outside to make phone calls..
what at&t devices have development going on?? root, backup.. you know..
we switched to verizon a year ago from tmobile. i got a htc dsire 626 that had no dev whatsoever.. going from a rom junkie to no means at all was crazy.. i hate phones with buttons but in this case it seems if i have to do it, i have to do it..
I know the feeling. I thought the Galaxy S4 would be a "nice cheap upgrade" from the Captivate (Galaxy S, AT&T branded ofc) which spoiled me to no end. I'd love to find something as open as that.
Right now, I'm looking at just outright outta-contract buying an unlocked phone and just doing the legwork to make sure it works with AT&T antenna wise.
Of course everyone's needs and wants are different but amongst my group the winners seem to be OnePlus Three, LG G4/5, for those who are flash-happy.
MZeora said:
I know the feeling. I thought the Galaxy S4 would be a "nice cheap upgrade" from the Captivate (Galaxy S, AT&T branded ofc) which spoiled me to no end. I'd love to find something as open as that.
Right now, I'm looking at just outright outta-contract buying an unlocked phone and just doing the legwork to make sure it works with AT&T antenna wise.
Of course everyone's needs and wants are different but amongst my group the winners seem to be OnePlus Three, LG G4/5, for those who are flash-happy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cool i'll have to take a look into those.. yeah the desire 626 had literally no dev for the verizon side.. metropcs got a little but it was dead for the most part.. i just delt with it, gave up, but never lost interest.. now that we are thinking of switching again, ima do more research before get anything..
HTC 10 - T-Mobile Note 4 or 5 - Nexus 6p - one+ any version - Nexus 5x - Honor 5x or 8
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