I have an i9100 right now and run data on the non-smartphone unlimited plan. I've only had the i9100 since October, but I'm thinking of eBay'ing it and getting the S3.
My question is, would I be better served to wait for the AT&T version so I could get LTE or just get the i9300, live with slower non-wifi speeds and enjoy a new, unlocked, unfettered phone?
AT&T prevented the One X from unlocking their bootloader; to me, that already says enough.
mfratella said:
I have an i9100 right now and run data on the non-smartphone unlimited plan. I've only had the i9100 since October, but I'm thinking of eBay'ing it and getting the S3.
My question is, would I be better served to wait for the AT&T version so I could get LTE or just get the i9300, live with slower non-wifi speeds and enjoy a new, unlocked, unfettered phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE is awesome, i have the skyrocket and Galaxy Note LTE versions. and they are super fast on the network, but i am bypassing the LTE and going the international SGS3 because i know that At&t is going to butcher this device stateside. not that it wont be fast.....but i want something un tainted by them......at least till the NOTE2 comes out, then i will all over that LTE phone....lol
mfratella said:
I have an i9100 right now and run data on the non-smartphone unlimited plan. I've only had the i9100 since October, but I'm thinking of eBay'ing it and getting the S3.
My question is, would I be better served to wait for the AT&T version so I could get LTE or just get the i9300, live with slower non-wifi speeds and enjoy a new, unlocked, unfettered phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE is great! But you need to weigh it against the cost of having it.
In no short order, to obtain LTE on AT&T, you must:
Give up the incredible Exynos quad.
Deal with ATT bloat.
Deal with ATT hard-branding.
Deal with ATT redesign (likely losing the physical home button).
Deal with ATT kernels/firmware and potentially locked down components.
Have less dev support (international versions always attract more devs-- myself included).
Be locked into using only ATT (or paying for a SIM unlock code).
Deal with (usually much) slower official OS updates and patches.
Know that you're "in the system" at ATT because they have your IMEI.
Deal with having no idea when the device is actually going to be released.
I'm sure I missed some.
So, how badly do you really want a faster cell connection?
Hopefully that helps you.
thebobp said:
AT&T prevented the One X from unlocking their bootloader; to me, that already says enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't agree more.
Plexicle said:
LTE is great! But you need to weigh it against the cost of having it.
In no short order, to obtain LTE on AT&T, you must:
Give up the incredible Exynos quad.
Deal with ATT bloat.
Deal with ATT hard-branding.
Deal with ATT redesign (likely losing the physical home button).
Deal with ATT kernels/firmware and potentially locked down components.
Have less dev support (international versions always attract more devs-- myself included).
Be locked into using only ATT (or paying for a SIM unlock code).
Deal with (usually much) slower official OS updates and patches.
Know that you're "in the system" at ATT because they have your IMEI.
Deal with having no idea when the device is actually going to be released.
I'm sure I missed some.
So, how badly do you really want a faster cell connection?
Hopefully that helps you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great points, makes me feel even better about importing the S3 esp since this will be my first time doing so.
Also, a few have mentioned you can downgrade your data plan to medianet and save $ since the Int. S3's IMEI won't be in the ATT database & it's not considered a "smart" phone.
I will be happy to have the "home" button back since using my ATT Note that lacks it.
MoJoePin said:
Great points, makes me feel even better about importing the S3 esp since this will be my first time doing so.
Also, a few have mentioned you can downgrade your data plan to medianet and save $ since the Int. S3's IMEI won't be in the ATT database & it's not considered a "smart" phone.
I will be happy to have the "home" button back since using my ATT Note that lacks it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you go with that media net plan do you still get 3G speed - Hspa speed ? Or what ?
Sent from my GALAXY.
manny05 said:
If you go with that media net plan do you still get 3G speed - Hspa speed ? Or what ?
Sent from my GALAXY.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and yes HSPA+ which is being called 4G but is not LTE. Have LTE on my Note and while it's fast it sucks the life out of a battery. Will not give up quad core just to be on a LTE Bloated devices.
I usually get 1 or 2 down and right around 1 up which is more than fast enought to stream videos, internet works great, etc. Not that it matters to me anyways because my LTE connection speed is zero, there is no LTE in my area and it appears it is still several years away. Makes it a no brainer really... lol
Once you go LTE its kinda hard to go back to HSPA+
if you have wifi constantly its a no brainer.
Able to surf the web and stream HD videos on the road is very satisfying.
that's why Im so torn if i should get the unlock or wait for the LTE version.
shinshoryuken said:
Once you go LTE its kinda hard to go back to HSPA+
if you have wifi constantly its a no brainer.
Able to surf the web and stream HD videos on the road is very satisfying.
that's why Im so torn if i should get the unlock or wait for the LTE version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can Stream HD video on my HSPA+
bbgt2 said:
Yes, and yes HSPA+ which is being called 4G but is not LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, if you want to go there, LTE is not true 4G either.
shinshoryuken said:
Once you go LTE its kinda hard to go back to HSPA+
if you have wifi constantly its a no brainer.
Able to surf the web and stream HD videos on the road is very satisfying.
that's why Im so torn if i should get the unlock or wait for the LTE version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree, personally. I had my Note LTE for a few months that I just sold last week and have since been using the HSPA+ Atrix until the S3 is released. The LTE was great, mind you, and sometimes I had speeds up to ~50 down. Honestly though, the HSPA+ speeds I'm getting now are noticeably slower, but only when I'm actually downloading something. Really, that's usually only podcasts and app updates anymore, and the speed difference in the end usually nets to an extra ~10-15 seconds of waiting. I have zero issues streaming HD video and music to my phone with HSPA+, so the LTE would literally do nothing for me in that case (except for perhaps consuming more battery).
With data caps, it's even less of an issue. You wouldn't want to be downloading any large files over the cell network in either case, so you'll end up on WiFi for that stuff whether you're LTE-equipped or not.
Furthermore, the LTE radios right now are so power-hungry that I wasn't very comfortable using it on my Note. You actually use a lot less power with your WiFi radio ON.
Put that all together and weigh it against the benefits of importing the international variant. For me personally, that's the "no-brainer."
To me its not for a couple reason, 1.) We dont have LTE where I live 2.) Only time I use data is to send picture/video messages otherwise I'm always wireless. Also agree with everyone else on the ATT front, they really do ugly the thing up. I'd also rather have a quad-core than LTE. I'm a hardware over network guy.
thebobp said:
Also, if you want to go there, LTE is not true 4G either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK
Hspa+ is 3.5G
LTE is 3.99g
All good now?
bbgt2 said:
OK
Hspa+ is 3.5G
LTE is 3.99g
All good now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Err, it's hardly 3.99G when 4G mandates 1Gbps and LTE can still fall into the "single digit Mbps".
Well were I live LTE is about 8mbs up/down on AT&T and H+ is 3-5mbs down and 1 up so no big deal for me. That non RGB 720p screen is, but I am still thinking about it.
I was on ATT before with 3G before, but not LTE and I haven't looked at their plan for a while. Can someone explain to me:
When you sign up for their LTE plan, do you get 3G also or no?
If no, can you also buy 3G and how much more is it?
If you can't have 3G free with LTE I think its not so good, especially if you are not living in a well coverage area, which 3G still has a wider coverage.
eksasol said:
I was on ATT before with 3G before, but not LTE and I haven't looked at their plan for a while. Can someone explain to me:
When you sign up for their LTE plan, do you get 3G also or no?
If no, can you also buy 3G?
If you can't have 3G free with LTE I think its not so good, especially if you are not living in a well coverage area, which 3G still has a wider coverage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your phone will toggle between 4gLTE -4G-3g-and Edge. but 85 percent of the time my Note is on LTE.
if your area has LTE why would WANT to buy 3g as well......lol
the2rrell said:
your phone will toggle between 4gLTE -4G-3g-and Edge. but 85 percent of the time my Note is on LTE.
if your area has LTE why would WANT to buy 3g as well......lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats my point, what if you have an LTE phone and your area don't have LTE, or you go out of town to an area without LTE, and you have no 3G plan. You'll be stuck with 2G.
Related
Title says it all . Just thought I would set a poll to see where everyone is headed now that the specs have leaked and there are hands on videos surfacing the web.
omg, another post about this?? (although I did vote 'no')
How can I vote using XDA app?
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy SII - please forgive if any typos
Menu > Browser
That will take you to the thread you are looking at, but in the browser.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
I hate to admit it as I was very much against switching, but I will be trying the new phone. 4 of my friends are also getting it and we geek out a good bit with our phones so I'm gonna test the waters. Luckily I know that if it's not exactly as I want it to be, I'll now have another 30 days to go back and get my beloved GSII.
No LTE in my city so why change?
No. Really don't see a reason to.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
That phone is too dang big for my dainty hands!
tboooe said:
That phone is too dang big for my dainty hands!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is funny reading it on a note!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Just a heads up to everyone. AT&T Direct Corp stores will have the Skyrocket on sale for $149.99 starting Sunday. This price is good only at their stores, dealers will be the standard $249.99 pricing on a 2yr contract. Verified by 3 sources (2 prev managers I worked with) and 1 random local store.
Kadin said:
Just a heads up to everyone. AT&T Direct Corp stores will have the Skyrocket on sale for $149.99 starting Sunday. This price is good only at their stores, dealers will be the standard $249.99 pricing on a 2yr contract. Verified by 3 sources (2 prev managers I worked with) and 1 random local store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this, though it seems odd that they would have a sale on a new release like that.
Dranakin said:
Thanks for this, though it seems odd that they would have a sale on a new release like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. They used the verbiage, 'initial launch window' which leads me to believe they're doing this to lure people directly into their stores initially. Not sure how long but it definitely won't be the permanent price. If I can get any more solid info or source material, I'll update - but no promises.
Is that in all markets, or just LTE markets?
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
quarlow said:
Is that in all markets, or just LTE markets?
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last rep I talked with said nationwide. The info I got from my local stores and contacts are all close by and not in a current or soon-to-be LTE market.
I am suprised that after the official specs came out that everyone is still going to switch......I wasn't going to anyway, but now I feel even better about my decision.....well bon voyage fellas....and good luck with your new phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
tboooe said:
That phone is too dang big for my dainty hands!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's my issues with it.
1. I just got the sga2 and the size of it is perfect. When I hold it in my right hand I can very easily swipe down the notifications or if I am typing with it is my ritgh hand and using my thumb I can do it easily and fairly accurately. With a bigger screen I don't know it will fit as nicely, in fact I am pretty sure it wont. I have the bionic and it drives me crazy because it so big and the thunderbolt is the same way.
2. Rom development learning curve. When the lye came out for Verizon there was a tremendous amount of issues ans bugs with data switching from 4g to 3g and half the time you were left without any data. It will not be as easy for the devs to make Roms or even port them because for some it will be a new concept. Right now we have a few great roms to choose from. When the sga2 is out it will be a while until there is a any Roms. If anything I will wait until the last couple of days of my return period which is about 22 days from now, to see the progress of development, before I think of switching. Like I said the screen size is an issue for me. If it doesn't fit as nice as this phone then I definitely wont switch.
3. Battery life- even though the skyrkt has a bigger battery the battery life will be significantly less than what we got. All lte devices have shirty battery life, bionic, thunderbolt etc. I know this because I own them and as you can see which phone I favor because I am writing this post frlm it. The sga2 is by far the best phone out there, tried them all. Any deviation from this phone could possibly make it no longer "the perfect phone". I have not tried the phone yet so at this point I am just assuming, or speculating.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
jgrimberg1979 said:
That's my issues with it.
1. I just got the sga2 and the size of it is perfect. When I hold it in my right hand I can very easily swipe down the notifications or if I am typing with it is my ritgh hand and using my thumb I can do it easily and fairly accurately. With a bigger screen I don't know it will fit as nicely, in fact I am pretty sure it wont. I have the bionic and it drives me crazy because it so big and the thunderbolt is the same way.
2. Rom development learning curve. When the lye came out for Verizon there was a tremendous amount of issues ans bugs with data switching from 4g to 3g and half the time you were left without any data. It will not be as easy for the devs to make Roms or even port them because for some it will be a new concept. Right now we have a few great roms to choose from. When the sga2 is out it will be a while until there is a any Roms. If anything I will wait until the last couple of days of my return period which is about 22 days from now, to see the progress of development, before I think of switching. Like I said the screen size is an issue for me. If it doesn't fit as nice as this phone then I definitely wont switch.
3. Battery life- even though the skyrkt has a bigger battery the battery life will be significantly less than what we got. All lte devices have shirty battery life, bionic, thunderbolt etc. I know this because I own them and as you can see which phone I favor because I am writing this post frlm it. The sga2 is by far the best phone out there, tried them all. Any deviation from this phone could possibly make it no longer "the perfect phone". I have not tried the phone yet so at this point I am just assuming, or speculating.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Comparing Verizon's LTE phones to att lte phones is that both are different in terms the phones. To my understanding that Verizon's phones has 2 radios one for their cdma aka 3G network and the other for lte where Att will only have one except their lte is going to be more then likely a different band but since lte is gsm, should not need another radio. So trying to compare verizon's lte to 3g switch off is not going to be the same as att lte which from what I have been reading about will be running on 700 and 1700 mhz bands which is probably why att will not have as many problems as verizon since att currently uses for their Hspa *3G* and Hspa+ *4G as marketed* runs off 850 and 1900 mhz bands, so building an lte radio to run quad band should not be an issue and then running a quad band for 2G should not be an issue in the same radio where Verizon's 3G network as they call it is cdma and their lte network should be running off of 700 mhz and 1700 mhz as well as falls back to cdma. The issue I can see happening with att is the 3G/4G/LTE back to Edge aka 2G will cause dropped calls and slow data or no data, like it does from hspa/hspa+ back to Edge. My sgs2 has been proven otherwise but it still can happen because the handoff is not perfect.
I am not sure if battery life is going to take a serious hit as I do not have lte in my area at the moment with att but what would have been nice to test the skyrocket compared to the og sgs2 if both were running the same cpu, that would be the true test. A good test would be the T-mobile sgs2 versus the skyrocket, that would be a way to see if the battery life takes a hit since both phones are similar in specs.
HTH,
Charlie
I had a snapdragon in my Sony Xperia. It was a good starter phone. I am very happy with my Galaxy S II. No need yo upgrade to something less.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
dmnall said:
Comparing Verizon's LTE phones to att lte phones is that both are different in terms the phones. To my understanding that Verizon's phones has 2 radios one for their cdma aka 3G network and the other for lte where Att will only have one except their lte is going to be more then likely a different band but since lte is gsm, should not need another radio. So trying to compare verizon's lte to 3g switch off is not going to be the same as att lte which from what I have been reading about will be running on 700 and 1700 mhz bands which is probably why att will not have as many problems as verizon since att currently uses for their Hspa *3G* and Hspa+ *4G as marketed* runs off 850 and 1900 mhz bands, so building an lte radio to run quad band should not be an issue and then running a quad band for 2G should not be an issue in the same radio where Verizon's 3G network as they call it is cdma and their lte network should be running off of 700 mhz and 1700 mhz as well as falls back to cdma. The issue I can see happening with att is the 3G/4G/LTE back to Edge aka 2G will cause dropped calls and slow data or no data, like it does from hspa/hspa+ back to Edge. My sgs2 has been proven otherwise but it still can happen because the handoff is not perfect.
I am not sure if battery life is going to take a serious hit as I do not have lte in my area at the moment with att but what would have been nice to test the skyrocket compared to the og sgs2 if both were running the same cpu, that would be the true test. A good test would be the T-mobile sgs2 versus the skyrocket, that would be a way to see if the battery life takes a hit since both phones are similar in specs.
HTH,
Charlie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not know that about the radios. Good to know
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
I think skyrocket is running a Qualcomm SoC, not good choice compared to Exynos.
My contract with Verizon ends this week. Really thinking hard about switching from Verizon to AT&T to get this phone. I went and played with one at the store yesterday. Screen was amazing! I have unlimited data with Verizon right now and thats the only thing holding me back right now. Anyone make the switch and care to comment.
Had the iphone and other android phone with verizon madebthe switch day one the Gnote came out And love it i also had unlimited data l and gave it up just got 5 gbs and i dont thin it will.make a big difference As im on wifi at home most of the time butbi rarely hit 5 gbs while on verizon but the GNote is totally worth the switch to AT&T specially if yu got LTE in your city
Sent from my SAMSUNG-Gnote using XDA
I did the same thing! The note is the craziest phone ever! I'm in the same boat I usually use wi fi at home so it wasn't a huge deal to go down to 3 gigs a month. Plus the deal killer with verizon was the spotty 4G lte coverage. If I switched from lte to 3g I was losing data for about 5 minutes at a time, or I would lose it altogether! I complained so much they let me out of my contract almost 2 years early. Best thing I ever did!
Sent from the awesomesauce of phones...the Note!
Well major bummer! Was excited to switch to AT&T this week for the Note. Thought my contract was up on the 15th. Seems I'm eligible for a discount on the 15th and my contract goes through July. I'll be keeping an eye on this forum and if the Note/Journal or whatever they might call it doesn't make it Verizon by then...see ya Verizon!
I'm making the switch and can't wait. I'm also giving up unlimited data but have never used that much data anyway. That may change when I get this phone because I may have better HSPZ+ and LTE coverage .
Verizon
My contract with Verizon is up in June.
If no news on the Journal by then: it's AT&T and The Note.
Been with Verizon for eleven years. First and only carrier.
Swedishmafia;23519403 Plus the deal killer with verizon was the spotty 4G lte coverage.[/QUOTE said:
You find ATT's LTE coverage less spotty than Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I LOVE my note, but if I wasn't locked into AT&T I would have looked hard at the galaxy nexus. I'd miss the bigger screen of the note, but the nexus screen is pretty big as well, and it's always nice to have a google phone. It's still LTE, already running ICS, and probably will have better/more sustained devleopment over its lifetime. Plus, I think overall verizon coverage is a little better and more reliable, although in my area, AT&T is fine.
A potential upside to AT&T is that if you are in an area where Verizon doesn't have LTE, I think (but I'm not sure) that Verizon falls back to CDMA, which is slower than even 3G on AT&T. But if you don't have LTE on AT&T, there's a good chance that HSPA+ 4G is available instead, which is noticeably faster than 3G on AT&T, which, again, is itself faster than Verizon's CDMA. This is to say, that if I'm not mistaken, if you're with Verizon and you don't have LTE, you're looking at pretty slow data on CDMA. But if you have AT&T there's a good chance you're on HSPA+ instead and still looking at some pretty stout speeds.
Coming from my iphone 4 on AT&T 3G, I find that their 4G HSPA+ is noticeably faster (in real usage, not just tests) than 3G was. And the HSPA+ coverage is nice... in fact, I'm not sure I've been on a 3G network yet anywhere I've been, it's all been at least HSPA+ or LTE, even out in the country. My understanding is that Verizon's LTE rollout is quite a bit more widespread than AT&Ts at this point, but I haven't been on it to say for sure just how far past the cities it really is. If their LTE coverage gets to the areas you frequent, you're good to go already, but if it's not much further out than around big cities, depending on where you spend your time, you could see faster speeds with AT&T by utilizing their 4G HSPA+ in areas where Verizon does not yet have LTE. So that's my long winded version of what I *think* I know, but I'm sure someone will correct me.
Anyway, after having the big ass screen, I don't think I could ever go smaller. Bigger, sure, maybe another half an inch or more, but I would struggle adjusting to something smaller.
Another Verizon to AT&T GNote user here. Had unlimited 4G on a Thunderbolt. Was worth it to switch back to AT&T (which I had before Verizon) since we now have LTE in New York.
I even broke contract with ETF to do it. Still worth it to me.
I just switched from a iPhone 4S on Verizon with unlimited Data to the Note on AT&T
I'm not even looking back NOTE=WIN
I had the Verizon galaxy nexus.....I switxhed to tmobile to get the galaxy s2...withing 14 days I broke contract to at&t....lol....the galaxy nexus is nothing to brag about...tmobile s2 is faster to me..but crappy customer service and signal....so far the coverage on At&t where I live is awesome..and the note rooted...with v6..scripts makes this phone a blazing beast by far the best phone I've owned
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
I was just wondering how much faster HSPA+ on the International ver. will be vs my iPhone 4 on 3G? Are we talking twice as fast or more?
MoJoePin said:
I was just wondering how much faster HSPA+ on the International ver. will be vs my iPhone 4 on 3G? Are we talking twice as fast or more?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SGS3 can technically do up to ~21Mbps down and 5,8Mbps up, the iPhone 4 is apparently only 7Mbps down and 5,8Mbps up according to my google search.
FISKER_Q said:
The SGS3 can technically do up to ~21Mbps down and 5,8Mbps up, the iPhone 4 is apparently only 7Mbps down and 5,8Mbps up according to my google search.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. Hopefully others will chime in with their feelings on HSPA+ I'm thinking it should feel a lot faster for me coming from 3G. I do have LTE in my area though so the US LTE S3 is kinda in the running still for me. Ive read rumors it may come to AT&T as early as 6/20 with the lesser processor but 2GB of RAM possibly.
MoJoePin said:
Thanks for the info. Hopefully others will chime in with their feelings on HSPA+ I'm thinking it should feel a lot faster for me coming from 3G. I do have LTE in my area though so the US LTE S3 is kinda in the running still for me. Ive read rumors it may come to AT&T as early as 6/20 with the lesser processor but 2GB of RAM possibly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Between iphone and sgs3 you will not see much difference. Yes the sgs3 will be faster and in real world scenario you may be get around 4-5mbps down regularly depending on where you you are. Personally this is more than enough for browsing and streaming video compared to lte. Yes lte would work awesome but not a deal breaker for me. Currently I have an international one x and iphone 4s on att, and I get similar speeds on both of them.
I would still go for international sgs3 instead of the us version since the carrier versions will be really cluttered with their branding and crapware
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
i agree
kirdroid said:
Between iphone and sgs3 you will not see much difference. Yes the sgs3 will be faster and in real world scenario you may be get around 4-5mbps down regularly depending on where you you are. Personally this is more than enough for browsing and streaming video compared to lte. Yes lte would work awesome but not a deal breaker for me. Currently I have an international one x and iphone 4s on att, and I get similar speeds on both of them.
I would still go for international sgs3 instead of the us version since the carrier versions will be really cluttered with their branding and crapware
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ATT has been noted for its crapware, and i heard that they specifically reserve 1 core for their own processing or atleast thats what they did on the dual core phones as per an employee at Qualcomm
does HSPA+ count as LTE use on ATT in USA? i have a iphone 4 with unlimited data and im about to return my HTC one X...that i know of LTE lets you use up to 5GB of data before getting slow down on unlimited data grandfather..on 3G use on my iphone 4 i get slowdown when i hit 3GB of data a month which i got slap once ..i use close to 5GB of data a month sometimes over a bit or under 5GB of data..
im looking to get a unlocked GS3 to avoid crap ware and faster updates...or just suffer a bit with my iphone 4 and wait for a pure google phone "nexus"
anyone know if HSPA+ lets you use up to 5GB of data on unlimited ATT or its 3GB of data..
markysd said:
does HSPA+ count as LTE use on ATT in USA? i have a iphone 4 with unlimited data and im about to return my HTC one X...that i know of LTE lets you use up to 5GB of data before getting slow down on unlimited data grandfather..on 3G use on my iphone 4 i get slowdown when i hit 3GB of data a month which i got slap once ..i use close to 5GB of data a month sometimes over a bit or under 5GB of data..
im looking to get a unlocked GS3 to avoid crap ware and faster updates...or just suffer a bit with my iphone 4 and wait for a pure google phone "nexus"
anyone know if HSPA+ lets you use up to 5GB of data on unlimited ATT or its 3GB of data..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't get your question.. Whatever is your current plan you get to keep the same. Just pop your iphone or your current sim into gs3 and you are all set. Maybe you need to manually enter the apn settings but other than that whatever limit you currently have on your account will remain the same. You don't even need to talk to any att rep to do anything because most times what they say is bull****
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
kirdroid said:
I don't get your question.. Whatever is your current plan you get to keep the same. Just pop your iphone or your current sim into gs3 and you are all set. Maybe you need to manually enter the apn settings but other than that whatever limit you currently have on your account will remain the same. You don't even need to talk to any att rep to do anything because most times what they say is bull****
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree most the stuff they say is BS...
as for my question... on unlimited data grandfather on ATT lets unlimited customers use up to 3GB of data before they get throttled down which sucks. but when you upgrade to a LTE phone they slow you down when you hit over 5GB of data on LTE.. i was wondering if HSPA+ gets throttle at 3GB or 5GB of data usage..
markysd said:
i agree most the stuff they say is BS...
as for my question... on unlimited data grandfather on ATT lets unlimited customers use up to 3GB of data before they get throttled down which sucks. but when you upgrade to a LTE phone they slow you down when you hit over 5GB of data on LTE.. i was wondering if HSPA+ gets throttle at 3GB or 5GB of data usage..
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From what I have gathered from users on xda is that if you import the S3 you can call up and tell AT&T that your phone isn't a smartphone and you can get the MediaNet plan which is cheaper/unlimited and you should get HSPA to HSPA+ speeds. The IMEI of the Int. S3 will come up as a non-smartphone if they do ask for it.
MoJoePin said:
From what I have gathered from users on xda is that if you import the S3 you can call up and tell AT&T that your phone isn't a smartphone and you can get the MediaNet plan which is cheaper/unlimited and you should get HSPA to HSPA+ speeds. The IMEI of the Int. S3 will come up as a non-smartphone if they do ask for it.
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Yeah agree... this will be the best option.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
I need some help deciding which carrier to choose from. So I am asking this great community to give their opinions.
Verizon LTE available
At&t LTE not available! But hpsa+ is
Verizon Bootloader locked (no true custom ROMS / kernels/ radios)
AT&T bootloader unlocked
Verizon unlimited data
AT&T 3 or 5 gb plans
What should I do?!
Biggest thing in my opinion is to look at coverage in your area and who has the best. Then look at pricing and who will give you the best bang for your buck essentially.
Those two things are what matter most if you ask me... not rooting and ROMing (although that is SO much fun)
SpartanG087 said:
I need some help deciding which carrier to choose from. So I am asking this great community to give their opinions.
Verizon LTE available
At&t LTE not available! But hpsa+ is
Verizon Bootloader locked (no true custom ROMS / kernels/ radios)
AT&T bootloader unlocked
Verizon unlimited data
AT&T 3 or 5 gb plans
What should I do?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also recommend checking pricing options. I think AT&T is the only carrier with rollover minutes so if you call a lot that could save you a lot of money. Otherwise just compare / contrast. Beware however Verizon did lock down the bootloader on their S 3 so it maybe hard if not impossible to install a custom ROM. However I think I read some where today that there is a work around for it already so you may be ok.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Coverage is about the same, AT&T doesn't have as much coverage up north where i live, but i am rarely up there anyway. Pricing is in favor of Verizon, but only since i would still have unlimited data. I don't think having root access on a locked bootloader with Verizon is going to be much fun or exciting. All the custom ROMS will be based of stock anyway. I think I am going with AT&T. Thanks for the help guys.
Tmobile!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
I had the same dilemma in my area, except I was coming from Sprint.
So I didn't get the option of keeping the unlimited data of verizon like you do.
I went with AT&T, cheaper plans, faster LTE network, and it gave more data allowance (3gb vs 2gb)
dirrtyswan said:
I had the same dilemma in my area, except I was coming from Sprint.
So I didn't get the option of keeping the unlimited data of verizon like you do.
I went with AT&T, cheaper plans, faster LTE network, and it gave more data allowance (3gb vs 2gb)
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Click to collapse
So you have the S3 with AT&T? Bootloader is unlocked? I am talking with an AT&T rep who is telling me it's locked. I hope he just doesn't know what he is talking about.
SpartanG087 said:
So you have the S3 with AT&T? Bootloader is unlocked? I am talking with an AT&T rep who is telling me it's locked. I hope he just doesn't know what he is talking about.
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Click to collapse
Yeah the reps for AT&T are generally retarded when it comes to details like that. They're just there to sell the phones and plans. All the S3's have unlocked bootloaders except for Verizons.
SpartanG087 said:
Coverage is about the same, AT&T doesn't have as much coverage up north where i live, but i am rarely up there anyway. Pricing is in favor of Verizon, but only since i would still have unlimited data. I don't think having root access on a locked bootloader with Verizon is going to be much fun or exciting. All the custom ROMS will be based of stock anyway. I think I am going with AT&T. Thanks for the help guys.
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Click to collapse
I left Tmobile to enjoy the blazzing speeds of Verizon .. but within hours of hearing about that locked bootloader .. I immediately got my money back and went with AT&T.
If we were in that 99% who are just as happy owning a SGS III just the way it is, without question I'd say that Unlimited plan is something to fight for and keep..
But since we are in that 1% who love flashing and having the latest the moment it comes out .. than that's just as important as deciding to drop $600 for this phone and being able to get as much as you can out of it. And for Verizon to tell you NO .. whether there is a *work around* or not .. that's betting on a dead horse.
From what I've read, Verizon customers are use to these tactics and are okay with settling..but for those of us on Sprint, AT&T, TMO, and International are looking at Verizon folks cross-eyed because developing and flashing isn't suppose to be so difficult. You just boot into recovery, flash once and go .. not boot into recovery and go through how many steps just before the thing loads .. No disrespect to the devs, one can appreciate the effort, but they shouldn't have to even be is a position to go through all of that...
Also, with the ROMs I already see in the AT&T/TMO dev section .. already being able to use each others ROMS .. man..that's just too much fun and the party hasn't even started. This is a huge reason I choose to get this phone and mine is coming tomorrow! .. See ya around
I switched to at&t from verizon because on my business plan I saved about 50 dollars a month even when replacing a regular phone with a smartphone with a data plan.
I am in HSPA+ area and when I have full bars I get about 6 mbps download speeds and 1.5 mbps upload speeds.
What kind of speeds are you guys getting? How does LTE speeds compare to this?
extreme11191986 said:
I switched to at&t from verizon because on my business plan I saved about 50 dollars a month even when replacing a regular phone with a smartphone with a data plan.
I am in HSPA+ area and when I have full bars I get about 6 mbps download speeds and 1.5 mbps upload speeds.
What kind of speeds are you guys getting? How does LTE speeds compare to this?
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Click to collapse
I have LTE in the Baltimore, MD area and the fastest I got on LTE is was 47mbps down and 11mbps up. As far as I know, this beats Verizon's LTE in my area by about 3.5x
Sent from my GS3
miztaken1312 said:
I have LTE in the Baltimore, MD area and the fastest I got on LTE is was 47mbps down and 11mbps up. As far as I know, this beats Verizon's LTE in my area by about 3.5x
Sent from my GS3
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Wow blows my 6 mbps out of the water lol.
I with t mobile and I get. They say I be bragging but I can't help it if I live in GREAT coverage area
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
SO I don't need LTE at all. Plus I come out cheaper. Win Win for me
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Just did this one. For whatever reason the stupid app refuses to show me any testing locations that are actually near me, instead putting me in Indiana instead of Maryland or D.C. so keep that in mind. It should be about 10mb down and 1.5mb up faster then this.
Sent from my GS3
SpartanG087 said:
I need some help deciding which carrier to choose from. So I am asking this great community to give their opinions.
Verizon LTE available
At&t LTE not available! But hpsa+ is
Verizon Bootloader locked (no true custom ROMS / kernels/ radios)
AT&T bootloader unlocked
Verizon unlimited data
AT&T 3 or 5 gb plans
What should I do?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do we assume you already have been with Verizon, you already had an unlimited data plan, and you already preordered the phone and accepted terms of a new two year contract before June 28th?
because if all of the above doesn't apply you won't be allowed to keep your unlimited data on Verizon, sorry
I have T-mobile and im close to buying this phone. My worry is how well will data work in my area? The specs are great for the price
I know i wont get LTE speeds.
Would I be able to get data inside buildings?
Anyone have experience with this phone on t-mobile? Or any other xiaomi/chinese phone
tlxxxsracer said:
I have T-mobile and im close to buying this phone. My worry is how well will data work in my area? The specs are great for the price
I know i wont get LTE speeds. Would I be able to get data inside buildings? Anyone have experience with this phone on t-mobile? Or any other xiaomi/chinese phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are three links (sort of cheat sheets) with some information that will help:
http://androidforums.com/threads/how-to-tell-if-a-phone-will-work-on-t-mobile.706991/
http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2014/09/what-phone-works-with-which-operator.html
http://www.droid-life.com/2015/02/05/us-wireless-carrier-bands-gsm-cdma-wcdma-lte-verizon-att-sprint-tmobile/
You should also check out http://www.willmyphonework.net/, and if you end up with the FDD + TDD LTE version, that helps reconfirm things will work because of the 1900 MHz coverage.
You asked specifically about getting data inside buildings. My understanding is that lower frequencies work better for indoor coverage because they can more easily pass through walls, but they do not have the best range. In turn, if you want better outdoor distance and range, then higher frequencies work better because they are less attenuated by the atmosphere. Somebody else more knowledgeable can comment on this. But in the long run, it will probably be about your local coverage, too. I.e. if you are generally close to cell towers, the indoor/outdoor factor might not make much of a difference. And if you can somehow manage wifi calling with T-Mobile, that might also minimize any potential issue.
I think wifi calling must be baked into the phone to use it, but I may be wrong about this.
Any US T-Mobile users that can confirm this either way?
I am waiting on a Prime model myself, and plan to use it with an AT&T mvno in the US. AT&T supposedly has 3G on both 850 and 1900 MHz so 3G should work no problem.
thanks for the response. Accoring to the willmyphonework site it will work on Tmobile with 3g.. So im guessing no HSPA or HSPA+ right? these bands/network/freq confuse me.
tlxxxsracer said:
thanks for the response. Accoring to the willmyphonework site it will work on Tmobile with 3g.. So im guessing no HSPA or HSPA+ right? these bands/network/freq confuse me.
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Click to collapse
This phone should work with T-Mobile 3G, and also what T-Mobile calls 4G, but which is actually HSPA+, and thus, by the book is on 3G. Take a look at the AndroidForums link I sent above. Supposing that information is true, it says the following:
3G
The technology for 3G is called UMTS. T-Mobile uses two frequencies for their UMTS network: 1900MHz and 1700/2100MHz. So if you check your phone's specifications and see that it has either 1900MHz or 1700/2100MHz listed as one of the UMTS frequencies, then it will support T-Mobile's 3G network.
4G - HSPA+
T-Mobile did a bit of marketing on this one. What T-Mobile calls 4G can more accurately be called HSPA+. This is not really a new technology, rather, it's an upgrade of the 3G technology UMTS. Therefore, if your phone supports the UMTS frequencies 1900MHz or 1700/2100MHz, then we just need to check to see if the phone supports HSPA (slower) or HSPA+ (faster). If it does, then it will be compatible with T-Mobile's 4G network.
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Click to collapse
The RN2 supports UMTS at 1900 MHz and HSPA+ so yes, you should be able to get HSPA+ service. HSPA+ is pretty speedy, and for my own use case, it is perfectly fine. Some people will want/need/demand LTE speeds (even though HSPA+ gets very close, and sometimes passes it...). But at least for my own use case, I don't plan to be downloading huge files, or streaming HD video when I am away from wifi coverage. So for me, data up to 3G/HSPA+ is fine. But you'll have to figure out if it is good enough for you.
verbage said:
This phone should work with T-Mobile 3G, and also what T-Mobile calls 4G, but which is actually HSPA+, and thus, by the book is on 3G. Take a look at the AndroidForums link I sent above. Supposing that information is true, it says the following:
The RN2 supports UMTS at 1900 MHz and HSPA+ so yes, you should be able to get HSPA+ service. HSPA+ is pretty speedy, and for my own use case, it is perfectly fine. Some people will want/need/demand LTE speeds (even though HSPA+ gets very close, and sometimes passes it...). But at least for my own use case, I don't plan to be downloading huge files, or streaming HD video when I am away from wifi coverage. So for me, data up to 3G/HSPA+ is fine. But you'll have to figure out if it is good enough for you.
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Click to collapse
This is good news thank you! I mostly stream music while driving or browse the web anyways..
Now to just sell my Samsung s6 to buy a RN2
tlxxxsracer said:
This is good news thank you! I mostly stream music while driving or browse the web anyways.. Now to just sell my Samsung s6 to buy a RN2
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Click to collapse
tlxxxsracer, I'm always nervous to suggest something I cannot back up with my own firsthand experience. According to the information I pointed out, it seems like the RN2 should be able to use T-Mobile 3G/HSPA+ service. But it would sure be nice to have an actual RN2 T-Mobile user out there confirm this. Are there any of you around?
Check out the Huawei ascend mate 7. It's a little more than the RN2, but is compatible with tmobile lte bands. I'm gonna purchase it here soon. Idk where u live, but I used tmobiles hspa, and got crappy service. Only like 5 down and .5 up. But switching to lte I'm getting like 45d and 8u. Huge difference lol.
HSPDA works on Tmobile
tlxxxsracer said:
I have T-mobile and im close to buying this phone. My worry is how well will data work in my area? The specs are great for the price
I know i wont get LTE speeds.
Would I be able to get data inside buildings?
Anyone have experience with this phone on t-mobile? Or any other xiaomi/chinese phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was waiting for my phone to reply on this topic. I had lots of doubts about this issue, and finally bought Redmi Note 2. In the NY/NJ area, i am able to get HSPDA+ similar to my Nexus 4 (previous phone).
jpkml said:
I was waiting for my phone to reply on this topic. I had lots of doubts about this issue, and finally bought Redmi Note 2. In the NY/NJ area, i am able to get HSPDA+ similar to my Nexus 4 (previous phone).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks i also spoke with Tmobile store rep, and they said it will work and that i should get 4g (hspa+) and showed a map of exact coverage the the frequencies in my area.
Where did you buy yours from?
jpkml said:
I was waiting for my phone to reply on this topic. I had lots of doubts about this issue, and finally bought Redmi Note 2. In the NY/NJ area, i am able to get HSPDA+ similar to my Nexus 4 (previous phone).
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Click to collapse
Great, thanks for confirming this, jpkml!
tlxxxsracer said:
Thanks i also spoke with Tmobile store rep, and they said it will work and that i should get 4g (hspa+) and showed a map of exact coverage the the frequencies in my area.
Where did you buy yours from?
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Click to collapse
I got the Prime (32GB) version from merimobiles.com . The buying experience was good. If you plan on buying from them, signup for their emails, you get a $20 discount points. Create a new account and order via that account to get the status via their website. I forgot to do both these steps, and had to ping them everyday (5-6am EST ) to followup on my order. It will take a good 2-3 weeks to get the phone in your hands. I used Singapore post as my shipping option(extra $$), but they decided to send it via China Post epacket, which was pretty fast once EMS gets their hands on the package. It reached US within 3 days, but USPS/customs had it for a good 3 days after reaching our shore .
jpkml said:
I got the Prime (32GB) version from merimobiles.com . The buying experience was good. If you plan on buying from them, signup for their emails, you get a $20 discount points. Create a new account and order via that account to get the status via their website. I forgot to do both these steps, and had to ping them everyday (5-6am EST ) to followup on my order. It will take a good 2-3 weeks to get the phone in your hands. I used Singapore post as my shipping option(extra $$), but they decided to send it via China Post epacket, which was pretty fast once EMS gets their hands on the package. It reached US within 3 days, but USPS/customs had it for a good 3 days after reaching our shore .
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Click to collapse
Good info, thanks and just found out it has 1yr warranty as well with option for $10 to buy 24month warranty.
Was there any import taxwith the singapore post option you selected?
I'll probably add shipping insurance too, just to be safe.
Did you check out with paypal? is there any protection from them in regards to shipping?
No import tax. ePackets is a sort of China Post & USPS offering. You can actually track the package using both their tracking system. I didn't get any insurance. The phone itself came nicely packaged in a bubble wrap. I did use paypal, but didn't check their shipping protection.
I also have T-Mobile and recently received my Redmi Note 2 16GB version from gearbest.com. Tried out a few different ROMs, both MIUI and AOSP. On MIUI, the network symbol shows an "H+" whenever I'm using data. On AOSP, only "3G" shows up top even though I have "4G Preferred" selected in network settings. Hope that helps!
Friend bought me the Redmi Note 2 straight from China. I have AT&T. Took my SIM out of the IPhone 5S and stuck it in slot 2 SIM. You can't slide it in all the way in as the SIM is a little bit shorter than the slot, it only works if you don't slide it in all the way. I get the H+ for data too which I assume is 3G and my signal is fine. If anyone has an easy way to use the LTE please update!
haywires said:
Friend bought me the Redmi Note 2 straight from China. I have AT&T. Took my SIM out of the IPhone 5S and stuck it in slot 2 SIM. You can't slide it in all the way in as the SIM is a little bit shorter than the slot, it only works if you don't slide it in all the way. I get the H+ for data too which I assume is 3G and my signal is fine. If anyone has an easy way to use the LTE please update!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the moment, this will not work on LTE using AT&T or T-Mobile as the RN2 does not have the correct band/frequency coverage. If somebody figures out how to hack the baseband and add the right coverage, and there is not an actual physical/hardware limitation, that could possibly open up LTE coverage in the future.
HSPA+ is quite fast, in fact, T-Mobile refers to it as "4G" (but not LTE). Some folks will want/demand LTE coverage, but depending on your use case, HSPA+ may be perfectly fine.
tlxxxsracer said:
Thanks i also spoke with Tmobile store rep, and they said it will work and that i should get 4g (hspa+) and showed a map of exact coverage the the frequencies in my area.
Where did you buy yours from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haywires said:
Friend bought me the Redmi Note 2 straight from China. I have AT&T. Took my SIM out of the IPhone 5S and stuck it in slot 2 SIM. You can't slide it in all the way in as the SIM is a little bit shorter than the slot, it only works if you don't slide it in all the way. I get the H+ for data too which I assume is 3G and my signal is fine. If anyone has an easy way to use the LTE please update!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HSPA+ (H+) is similar to 3G, but is as fast as band B20 of LTE (the slowest LTE band)
~ Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 Prime ~
Satenru said:
I also have T-Mobile and recently received my Redmi Note 2 16GB version from gearbest.com. Tried out a few different ROMs, both MIUI and AOSP. On MIUI, the network symbol shows an "H+" whenever I'm using data. On AOSP, only "3G" shows up top even though I have "4G Preferred" selected in network settings. Hope that helps!
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Click to collapse
correct me if I'm wrong, but I think GearBest is one of those dealers who'd install custom ROM that gives a bunch of pop-ups on Xiaomi Redmi Note 2
felix168 said:
correct me if I'm wrong, but I think GearBest is one of those dealers who'd install custom ROM that gives a bunch of pop-ups on Xiaomi Redmi Note 2
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Click to collapse
I don't know if it was a custom ROM but it did came with a bunch of bloat ware because I barely had any free space left so I just flashed TWRP and installed a fresh ROM over it.
I can confirm that the phone works on T-mobile HSPA+. I used it while visiting the US recently with a T-mobile MVNO (GoSmart).
I can also confirm that Gearbest ships the phone in an almost unusable state due to constant popups. Flashing new ROM is necessary.