Question Possible to buy a SIM-unlocked bootloader-unlockable G9S9B Pixel 6? - Google Pixel 6

I have a dual-SIM setup, with a personal T-mobile eSIM for personal use, and a Verizon physical SIM (provided by my employer) for work. I would like to get a Pixel 6 that I can use with both, including especially the mmWave bands. It looks like model G9S9B is what I want, while the default unlocked phone on the google store is GB7N6, which doesn't support n257/258/260/261. My questions:
1) If I buy a "Verizon" Pixel 6 on the Google store (presumably G9S9B, since it's $100 more expensive), will it be SIM-locked to Verizon, or can I use it with other carriers? Also, I've heard sometimes Verizon phones don't let you unlock the bootloader, which would be catastrophic for me, so I also want to make sure a Verizon phone purchased through the google store let's me unlock the bootloader. Given that the AT&T pixel 6 is more expensive, I'm thinking the Verizon one is probably SIM-locked, otherwise who would waste $40 buying a phone through AT&T.
2) Is it even possible to buy a Verizon pixel if you don't have access to a Verizon account? As I mentioned, my Verizon SIM is from work, so I don't have an account number or password or anything. The google store won't let me add the Verizon pixel 6 to my account without logging into Verizon or creating a new account. I definitely don't want to sign up for new Verizon service. Also, I noticed that for the Pixel pro, the Verizon phones are actually available with good options like more storage, so presumably if there weren't some catch people would be buying Verizon phones while the unlocked and Fi models are sold-out, so there's probably something wrong with them (even though unlike the non-pro, the pro seems to be G8VOU whether Verizon or not, at least according to this web page which has only one 6 pro model in the US market https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/10082009).
Thanks for any advice.

I would think you could buy one from best buy for Verizon with the activate later option. They have the buds promo as well just fyi

Yes, but unfortunately that one will almost certainly be boot-locked, and possibly carrier-locked as well. If I can't download my T-mobile eSIM to my phone, that would be a problem. I unfortunately think I may need to get the bigger phone to get mmwave on a completely unlocked device, even though the hardware for what I want exists.

I thought Best Buy's unlocked version was the G9S9B. That's why it cost a bit more than the $599 price.

Nope, Best Buy has $599 for 128GB and $699 for 256GB, same price as GB7N6 on the google store. Only Verizon and AT&T seem to offer G9S9B, plus the google store if you select Verizon. But of course you can't know for sure until you actually buy the phone.

15xda said:
Nope, Best Buy has $599 for 128GB and $699 for 256GB, same price as GB7N6 on the google store. Only Verizon and AT&T seem to offer G9S9B, plus the google store if you select Verizon. But of course you can't know for sure until you actually buy the phone.
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They changed their inventory then. They had it for the same price as AT&T earlier this week.

mmWave isn't a big deal. It's an extremely short range 5g service that is currently being installed in large facilities that have high people densities - places like sports arenas and airports. However due to the limited range of the service and the fact that most objects (like glass and walls) effectively block the signal, it is never going to be available "city wide" during the life expectancy of today's new phones. Only the largest cities have any mmWave coverage currently and even then it is limited to only 1-2 of these large facilities. When Verizon advertises that Charlotte has mmWave coverage, they mean inside the airport and football stadium and that's it.
So unless you spend a huge % of your time in airports or large sports arenas in large cities, personally I wouldn't pay extra money for a mmWave antenna. For the average person, mmWave is simply not going to be used very much - if at all.

sic0048 said:
So unless you spend a huge % of your time in airports or large sports arenas in large cities, personally I wouldn't pay extra money for a mmWave antenna. For the average person, mmWave is simply not going to be used very much - if at all.
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Yeah, I hear you. However, I live in a big city and spend a lot of time in airports, and am constantly frustrated by how poor my connectivity is even with both Verizon and T-mobile SIMs in my phone. That said, I have a Pixel 4a without 5g ("sunfish"). So it's possible that sub-6 and in particular T-mobile band N41 would already improve my life significantly. It's just frustrating that the exact hardware I want is being made, just not sold unlocked.

Only the 6 PRO works with VZW mWave unlocked. The unlocked regular 6 does not have the mWave...

Related

Int'l or North American LTE?

I took possession of the Int'l version and it works flawlessly on at&t.
I have to admit I was wrong about the US carriers removing the home button and just messing with the overall look. That is why I did the pre-order in the first place.
I personally would rather have the LTE option vs hspa+ as I really don't need the ph unlocked. But it is nice to have no carrier bloatware....though att allows most to be deleted (expect the One X)
Are those on North American GSM carriers still pre-ordering the Int'l version or canceling your orders?
Looks like one can save around $150 buy purchasing from att maybe a little less in Canada. $549 vs. $694 (expansys)....and have LTE/2 gig ram. Plus the warranty..uh
If you have LTE in your area, it's a no-brainer. Plus you don't have to screw around with third parties for warranty issues, replacements, etc.
yokken said:
If you have LTE in your area, it's a no-brainer. Plus you don't have to screw around with third parties for warranty issues, replacements, etc.
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Agree. We do have LTE in my area...funny thing is att hasn't even announced it but it is all over the place (i have a att lte ipad).
I will most likely put my device up for sale and pick up att's.
I think the best piece of mind going with the US variant is the replacement/exchange/warranty. Being early adopters of the phone who knows what issues will spring up, it's nice to know we have a good 30 days to just swap it out if anything comes up. Plus past that, I can imagine warranty issues with the Int. variant will be a pita for importers in the US.
yokken said:
If you have LTE in your area, it's a no-brainer. Plus you don't have to screw around with third parties for warranty issues, replacements, etc.
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I disagree with that. I have LTE and though it would be nice, I would like to travel to Europe next year and it means i need to either buy an HSPA or international phone. If I buy an international phone and use it here in Canada I'm stuck on the old edge network.

[Q] Contract or Pay as you go?

Hi everyone, first thread and first post on this forum, i was really thinking about getting the new lumia .. but what i thought is... Contract or pay as you go??
We've seen so far that new phones with new hardware and new features are getting released pretty much every 6months, (iphone 5s? upcoming nexus?)..
so my question is, do you guys feel confident about being "stuck" 24 months with nokia lumia 920, or you will not risk and go for a pay as you go deal? :good:
Hi, end of 2008, I bought the HTC Touch HD because I thought it was quiet well competing with the iPhone 2, even though the iPhone 3 was already coming (but I hate so much the iTunes environment!).
Today, 4 years later, I'm still using my old Touch HD everyday, and I'm very happy of it even though it is getting quiet old now and I'm thinking of moving to the Lumia 920.
Anyway, just to say that the Lumia 920 will most probably no longer be the best one in 6 months of course, and probably no longer the Nokia's best one in one year when an upgrade of the Lumia series comes out with thinner, lighter, faster, stronger phones...
But what is sure is that you will be able to have a lot of fun with it even maybe in 2 or 4 years when it is no longer the newest phone on the market.
Better example, the HTC Touch HD2 which is really know as a killer phone even though it is no longer that great compared to the new devices.
So the real question is if you are used to change your phone often or not.
Keep in mind you can always sell your Lumia 920 next year, probably at half of its current price... especially if Windows Phone 8 rocks .
Personnally, as my company is paying for my SIM card, I will for sure just buy the Lumia 920 as is, without any carrier contract or so.
hey finally a reply, well im not really changing phone so often, since i have no money ahah but yeah, just wanted to see what other people think about getting it in contract..i think i will anyway thanks for your reply
any other thoughts people?
bellasahbella said:
hey finally a reply, well im not really changing phone so often, since i have no money ahah but yeah, just wanted to see what other people think about getting it in contract..i think i will anyway thanks for your reply
any other thoughts people?
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With a data heavy device like a smartphone, it would be wiser (and cheaper) to go with contract. AT&T's prepaid options are rather expensive when it comes to using data on a smartphone. Windows Phone being such a connected device would not be very fun to use on a very limited data plan or on no data plan at all (or any phone really).
At the end of the day, you have to pay for service anyway. You may as well spend a little extra money for a little more convenience, a smaller upfront cost (phone wise), and better overall data options.
I could never go prepaid, no matter how cheap it is. There is little value in it, in my opinion.
prjkthack, you are right for the US market, but for instance, here, in Belgium, you can have much data with a prepaid offer with Mobile Vikings (€15 per month, so around $20 per month, for 2GB of non-restricted data + 1H phone calls + 1000 SMS + 1H phone calls per day to other Mobile Vikings phone numbers).
And as far as I'm concerned, I cannot go for a contract as my company is paying for my contract, so if I want another phone, I can just buy a new one...
That being said, I think it really depends on each person, case and country .
michoob said:
prjkthack, you are right for the US market, but for instance, here, in Belgium, you can have much data with a prepaid offer with Mobile Vikings (€15 per month, so around $20 per month, for 2GB of non-restricted data + 1H phone calls + 1000 SMS + 1H phone calls per day to other Mobile Vikings phone numbers).
And as far as I'm concerned, I cannot go for a contract as my company is paying for my contract, so if I want another phone, I can just buy a new one...
That being said, I think it really depends on each person, case and country .
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Oh yeah, I'm totally speaking from the perspective of purchasing a phone/plan in the US. I know little about other areas of the world, except that its far more common to purchase phones for full price and without a contract than it is here in the US. I wish the US were that way as well, as it certainly has more benefits than downsides (I try to purchase un-subsidized whenever I can), but sadly the market here and the overall mentality of how to purchase phones has been muddled with contracts and subsidization.
prjkthack said:
With a data heavy device like a smartphone, it would be wiser (and cheaper) to go with contract. AT&T's prepaid options are rather expensive when it comes to using data on a smartphone. Windows Phone being such a connected device would not be very fun to use on a very limited data plan or on no data plan at all (or any phone really).
At the end of the day, you have to pay for service anyway. You may as well spend a little extra money for a little more convenience, a smaller upfront cost (phone wise), and better overall data options.
I could never go prepaid, no matter how cheap it is. There is little value in it, in my opinion.
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You need to do the math. Buying on contract is a HUGE waste of money.
AnyMal said:
You need to do the math. Buying on contract is a HUGE waste of money.
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I never said it wasn't a waste of money.
Its definitely more expensive, but there is a tradeoff between using a prepaid service versus a contract.
There is value in both, and I'm looking for the best phones with the best coverage, services, and convenience. Contract is the only option that gives that.
Prepaid gives you low prices (on certain things) and flexibility.
More expensive? Yes, but you get more for your money on contract, versus the bare minimum on prepaid. There is a reason why you pay less on prepaid, and its simply because you get less. You don't need math to know that. For some people, that's enough, but I don't want enough, I want my money's worth, and I'm willing to spend a little more to get all the extras. Prepaid data is also commonly more expensive on prepaid services, and with all the data these smartphones use, the cost of it can easily meet or exceed the cost of contract-based smartphone/data plans. Prepaid is totally the way to go if all you want is a basic phone, but for quality smartphone hardware and service, only contract can provide that (with few exceptions).
prjkthack said:
I never said it wasn't a waste of money.
Its definitely more expensive, but there is a tradeoff between using a prepaid service versus a contract.
There is value in both, and I'm looking for the best phones with the best coverage, services, and convenience. Contract is the only option that gives that.
Prepaid gives you low prices (on certain things) and flexibility.
More expensive? Yes, but you get more for your money on contract, versus the bare minimum on prepaid. There is a reason why you pay less on prepaid, and its simply because you get less. You don't need math to know that. For some people, that's enough, but I don't want enough, I want my money's worth, and I'm willing to spend a little more to get all the extras. Prepaid data is also commonly more expensive on prepaid services, and with all the data these smartphones use, the cost of it can easily meet or exceed the cost of contract-based smartphone/data plans. Prepaid is totally the way to go if all you want is a basic phone, but for quality smartphone hardware and service, only contract can provide that (with few exceptions).
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Huh? With Straight Talk I am getting exactly same service I was getting with AT&T, all for a measly $45 per month. What am I missing?
AnyMal said:
Huh? With Straight Talk I am getting exactly same service I was getting with AT&T, all for a measly $45 per month. What am I missing?
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StraightTalk (TracFone) is nice, and is probably one of the better prepaid services out there, but there are still some downsides:
4G LTE - Currently, no access to AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint's 4G LTE network.
Customer Service - there is none. robots upon robots on the phone, then if you can get to someone, they are foreign people who are difficult to understand, and who ultimately have a toolset that does not allow many changes or much flexibility for them unless they speak to someone higher up. If you don't want to deal with someone on the phone, then you can go to Walmart, where you can... oh wait, there's no customer service there either. -_-'
Coverage and roaming - Exactly the same as TracFone (since it is TracFone). Depending on your phone, you get AT&T and/or T-Mobile, or Verizon and/or Sprint. You don't get access to these carrier's extended roaming agreements, which means that roaming is limited to non-existent. Not to mention
Online support - Abysmal. Nowhere near the amount of tools and options for managing your account as any contract carrier can provide you.
Devices - StraightTalk's selection of phones is typical of a prepaid carrier. Poor choices for basic phones and older/slower hardware for whatever small amount of smartphones they offer. To get a real phone, you need to BYOD and that costs a pretty penny (that most people are unwilling to pay).
Additional features - StraightTalk is, like most other prepaid carriers, barebones. Individual line service (no family plans), less international/roaming options, less extra features (stuff like FamilyMap, roadside assitance, AT&T Navigator, A-List, Insurance, etc.), little to not infrastructure to sort out issues coverage wise or technical issues with your cellular service, advanced billing/tracking/history functionality, no official support for wireless hotspot/tethering, and a long list of common data activities that are not supported by StraightTalk (violation of the terms can lead to the end of your service with StraightTalk), etc.
And really this goes for all prepaid carriers. None of them offer the depth and comprehensiveness as a contract carrier can. There is a reason why the prepaid carriers piggyback off of the big carriers, they simply don't have the infrastructure or support (or money) to really provide you a fleshed out mobile service. MVNOs also come and go very frequently, so while you can be pretty sure that AT&T and Verizon (and maybe Sprint and T-Mobile) will be around for a while, you can't say the same for prepaid carriers. So many pop-up every year and die off shortly (RIP Helio). Its a tough business.
prjkthack said:
StraightTalk (TracFone) is nice, and is probably one of the better prepaid services out there, but there are still some downsides:
4G LTE - Currently, no access to AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint's 4G LTE network.
Customer Service - there is none. robots upon robots on the phone, then if you can get to someone, they are foreign people who are difficult to understand, and who ultimately have a toolset that does not allow many changes or much flexibility for them unless they speak to someone higher up. If you don't want to deal with someone on the phone, then you can go to Walmart, where you can... oh wait, there's no customer service there either. -_-'
Coverage and roaming - Exactly the same as TracFone (since it is TracFone). Depending on your phone, you get AT&T and/or T-Mobile, or Verizon and/or Sprint. You don't get access to these carrier's extended roaming agreements, which means that roaming is limited to non-existent. Not to mention
Online support - Abysmal. Nowhere near the amount of tools and options for managing your account as any contract carrier can provide you.
Devices - StraightTalk's selection of phones is typical of a prepaid carrier. Poor choices for basic phones and older/slower hardware for whatever small amount of smartphones they offer. To get a real phone, you need to BYOD and that costs a pretty penny (that most people are unwilling to pay).
Additional features - StraightTalk is, like most other prepaid carriers, barebones. Individual line service (no family plans), less international/roaming options, less extra features (stuff like FamilyMap, roadside assitance, AT&T Navigator, A-List, Insurance, etc.), little to not infrastructure to sort out issues coverage wise or technical issues with your cellular service, advanced billing/tracking/history functionality, no official support for wireless hotspot/tethering, and a long list of common data activities that are not supported by StraightTalk (violation of the terms can lead to the end of your service with StraightTalk), etc.
And really this goes for all prepaid carriers. None of them offer the depth and comprehensiveness as a contract carrier can. There is a reason why the prepaid carriers piggyback off of the big carriers, they simply don't have the infrastructure or support (or money) to really provide you a fleshed out mobile service. MVNOs also come and go very frequently, so while you can be pretty sure that AT&T and Verizon (and maybe Sprint and T-Mobile) will be around for a while, you can't say the same for prepaid carriers. So many pop-up every year and die off shortly (RIP Helio). Its a tough business.
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None of your points are compelling or even valid to begin with.
4G LTE - even for AT&T customers it's only available in handful of locations. Heck, even if it was widely available, HSPA is plenty fast for all data applications.
Customer service - only used once. Filled out an online form and was contacted back in few hours. I also hear that you can get a hold of them even quicker through Facebook.
Coverage and Roaming - not an issue. I am covered no matter where I am as long as I am on AT&T. I travel extensively and my service is identical to what it was when I was paying to AT&T, but at the fraction of the cost.
Online support - covered above.
Devices - not an issue. Tons of smartphones are available on the secondary market for any budget.
Additional Features - Two all-you-can-eat lines with ST cost me exactly the same as a single line with AT&T. Nobody in their right mind should pay AT&T (or any other carriers) for "ripsurance". It's a rip off, plain and simple. All other services you mention should not be obtained from AT&T either; they can be obtained for free or for a lot less elsewhere. I do not know what "data activities" you're referring to, but I stream audio and video all the time, and use the hotspot frequently, but I am yet to run into any issues. Sure, you can get throttled or even cut off if you abuse your data plan, but the same goes for AT&T as well.
Bottom line, OP asked about the most economical way, and there is absolutely no denying that PAYGo IS the way to go, even if you have to pay full price of the device up front. There is no way of fooling the simple math.
AnyMal said:
None of your points are compelling or even valid to begin with.
4G LTE - even for AT&T customers it's only available in handful of locations. Heck, even if it was widely available, HSPA is plenty fast for all data applications.
Customer service - only used once. Filled out an online form and was contacted back in few hours. I also hear that you can get a hold of them even quicker through Facebook.
Coverage and Roaming - not an issue. I am covered no matter where I am as long as I am on AT&T. I travel extensively and my service is identical to what it was when I was paying to AT&T, but at the fraction of the cost.
Online support - covered above.
Devices - not an issue. Tons of smartphones are available on the secondary market for any budget.
Additional Features - Two all-you-can-eat lines with ST cost me exactly the same as a single line with AT&T. Nobody in their right mind should pay AT&T (or any other carriers) for "ripsurance". It's a rip off, plain and simple. All other services you mention should not be obtained from AT&T either; they can be obtained for free or for a lot less elsewhere. I do not know what "data activities" you're referring to, but I stream audio and video all the time, and use the hotspot frequently, but I am yet to run into any issues. Sure, you can get throttled or even cut off if you abuse your data plan, but the same goes for AT&T as well.
Bottom line, OP asked about the most economical way, and there is absolutely no denying that PAYGo IS the way to go, even if you have to pay full price of the device up front. There is no way of fooling the simple math.
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Read your Terms of Service. StraightTalk specifically prohibits many common data activities. Have you even used LTE before? A world of a difference. I do agree that AT&T's HSPA+ network can't be beat, but dropping from LTE to HSPA (or even worse) is just not fun. And when it comes to devices, I'm not talking about the hundreds of below-average smartphones that you can of course get for bargain basement prices. These are computers after all, you don't want to be caught with a below-average device. I'm talking about getting the best of the best (such as the Lumia 920, which is what the OP is talking about). Speaking about the average consumer, dropping $700 to $900 for a top of the line device is just not an option. A contract gives you the option to get great service and awesome devices. So while dropping a wad of cash for a phone may not be an issue for you, it is for most of the country. Facebook does not equal online support. It compliments it, but does not replace it. You can get your issue resolved in a few hours, I can take care of it in a few minutes. Be glad that you only had to use customer service once, because when you have any real issues, it won't be fun. And insurance can be a rip-off for some, and a life-saver for others. Really all depends on what's going on.
Bottom line, OP didn't ask for a math lesson. OP wanted our opinions of postpaid vs prepaid, and while we can all agree to disagree, there is no doubt that both sides have their advantages and disadvantages regardless of whether you pay a little more or a little less. Value is subjective. Its up to the OP to decide what is more valuable to him/herself.
I am with Rogers Canada with 2 years left on my contract. I do not want to renew my contract for another 3 years yet so that I can get the 920 for the subsidized price.
Given that Rogers will offer the 920 off-contract for $600+ and having to wait for them to release the updates, it seems my best option will be to buy the 920 factory unlocked from eBay or so and use it on the Rogers network.
When it gets old or when I want to change phones, I can easily sell it. That is a much better option than locking yourself up with your provider for longer if you don't have a hardware upgrade to use.
Hi Bella welcome to the forums,
As for your question there are both pluses and minuses to contract/prepaid. Personally I find it better for me to go the prepaid route. I will be purchasing this phone internationally unlocked (screw you AT&T and your branding also hoping international phone is pentaband like fcc papers state) for about ~$600 USD +/-.
I really like T-Mobo's monthly 4G thingy they have (100 mins/ultd text/ultd data (throttled after 5GB) for only 30.00/month. Lucky me T-mobile has refarmed my area so I'll be getting 3G speeds instead of 2G speeds b/c of lack of AWS band on L920. I'll be saving a bunch compared to contract in the long haul but initially will cost quite the penny b/c of phone purchase (but hey that's why I've been saving :laugh
I'm really not a big fan of Carriers and their plans Hope you make the right choice for you and enjoy your upcoming Lumia 920
prjkthack said:
Read your Terms of Service. StraightTalk specifically prohibits many common data activities. Have you even used LTE before? A world of a difference. I do agree that AT&T's HSPA+ network can't be beat, but dropping from LTE to HSPA (or even worse) is just not fun. And when it comes to devices, I'm not talking about the hundreds of below-average smartphones that you can of course get for bargain basement prices. These are computers after all, you don't want to be caught with a below-average device. I'm talking about getting the best of the best (such as the Lumia 920, which is what the OP is talking about). Speaking about the average consumer, dropping $700 to $900 for a top of the line device is just not an option. A contract gives you the option to get great service and awesome devices. So while dropping a wad of cash for a phone may not be an issue for you, it is for most of the country. Facebook does not equal online support. It compliments it, but does not replace it. You can get your issue resolved in a few hours, I can take care of it in a few minutes. Be glad that you only had to use customer service once, because when you have any real issues, it won't be fun. And insurance can be a rip-off for some, and a life-saver for others. Really all depends on what's going on.
Bottom line, OP didn't ask for a math lesson. OP wanted our opinions of postpaid vs prepaid, and while we can all agree to disagree, there is no doubt that both sides have their advantages and disadvantages regardless of whether you pay a little more or a little less. Value is subjective. Its up to the OP to decide what is more valuable to him/herself.
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Just my two cents, I get 4g LTE on straight talk using an ATT device... I pay $45 a month and bought an HTC One X brand new for 300 online. Over the course of two years that's $1380 as opposed to $2355 through ATT. With taxes and other applicable fees that difference increases even moreso making prepaid a pretty obvious choice.
Poecifer said:
Just my two cents, I get 4g LTE on straight talk using an ATT device... I pay $45 a month and bought an HTC One X brand new for 300 online. Over the course of two years that's $1380 as opposed to $2355 through ATT. With taxes and other applicable fees that difference increases even moreso making prepaid a pretty obvious choice.
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How did you get LTE on your device? You need a special SIM in order to do that, and right now, per AT&T's company policy, only AT&T has those special LTE SIM cards. StraightTalk only officially distributes regular AT&T 3G SIM cards rebranded for StraightTalk. I imagine sometime in the future they'll allow MVNOs to use the LTE network, but right now, they are not.
Not that I don't believe you, but are you sure you are getting 4G LTE? The One X (and any 4G LTE device really) specifically has a 4G LTE icon in the top tray when you are on it (at least on an official ROM, if you are on a custom ROM, then who knows what you are really on, lol). An icon that says 4G is not the same as 4G LTE, just so you know.
If you are getting 4G LTE, I'm sure sharing how is good because a lot of people would love to know how, as that is one of the big downsides of any MVNO at the moment.
I'm currently on a Prepaid deal, whereby I get $1000 talk and text + 2gb (or so) data, for $60 per month with Telstra in Australia.
Compare that to the $60 plan, which currently, in nokia terms, gets you a Lumia 800 $0 upfront and $0 extra per month, with $600 worth of bonuses and 1.5gb of data. There isn't that much between them.
In the end, $60 per month is still $60 per month, and it'd be nice to get a phone out of it too.
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
Prepay is a better alternative.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
Well, look at this from the overall standpoint. $60 contract is $1440 over 24 months, phone included. Spending $60 per month prepaid plus a, for argument's sake, $500 outright phone is $1940 per 24 months.
I barely touch the $1000 talk&text, as most of my expenditure is mobile data, and what's 500MB less a month anyway?
In short, for me, with my usage, the Contract probably wouldn't be such a bad move.
In full, that's just me. Your choice of carrier, phone, plan/prepaid, etc. needs to be decided based on HOW you will use your phone, not what people say in a forum.
Sent from my LT26i using xda app-developers app
prjkthack said:
How did you get LTE on your device? You need a special SIM in order to do that, and right now, per AT&T's company policy, only AT&T has those special LTE SIM cards. StraightTalk only officially distributes regular AT&T 3G SIM cards rebranded for StraightTalk. I imagine sometime in the future they'll allow MVNOs to use the LTE network, but right now, they are not.
Not that I don't believe you, but are you sure you are getting 4G LTE? The One X (and any 4G LTE device really) specifically has a 4G LTE icon in the top tray when you are on it (at least on an official ROM, if you are on a custom ROM, then who knows what you are really on, lol). An icon that says 4G is not the same as 4G LTE, just so you know.
If you are getting 4G LTE, I'm sure sharing how is good because a lot of people would love to know how, as that is one of the big downsides of any MVNO at the moment.
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Not sure really, I used a sim card provided by StraightTalk allocated for ATT's phones. I specifically ordered the micro rather than cutting it like myself as I've done in the past and now I get the 4g LTE symbol and I regularly get about 38-43 mbps download speeds. This is much better than 4-9 I was getting prior.

US phone plans with phones purchased in Germany

I'm looking for general advice concerning phone plans (if possible prepaid/pay as you go) in the US.
We are a family of 3 and we have Motorola Nexus 6, Razr HD and Moto G. As I heard today at best buy, not all phones support all standards (GSM/CDMA). So it would be nice if member with experience could give some advice.
We're looking for inexpensive phone plans. It would be ok if 2 phones only work here in the US and we would need one that can also be used for long distance calling to Germany. We don't need many minutes or a lot of data. I think about 100 - 300 minutes would suffice per month. If there's no data included, we could still rely on wifi at home (I did this before and it worked pretty well).
I'm quite confused by the different carrier offers, but so far, something like tracfone looks the most promising. With rates of as low as $29 for 90 days it doesn't sound bad.
Another thing I wondered: I wanted to check cricket wireless, and to see plans I had to enter IMEI. After entering this number, the system reported my nexus 6 as stolen. Well, I purchased it unlocked in Germany. I just wonder if I need to jump through loops to get it activated with a sim card. But I would hate to have to purchase 3 new phones.
Any advice is appreciated. I couldn't even find the fine print for tracfone or net10 where all details of the "contracts" without contract are provided.

T-Mobile USA Thread

I know the 6P won't be sold through the carriers, at least not right away. I'm a Tmo subscriber and I was a little disappointed at first but buying the phone and paying for it in full is always the best route.
With that being said are you with Tmo? What area of the country are you in? Having issues or are new services going live? Questions about service with past or the new nexus device? Let's keep each other updated with what's going on with our carrier.
I've had just about every nexus phone while on Tmo. I had spotty service for awhile but over the years service has gotten much better for me in the Orlando area. This past year I've seen almost all the 3g towers turn into LTE. I got to use HD voice for the first time on my nexus 6. VOLTE got turned on. Band 12 going live (although not in my area, I've used it in other FL markets) Going forward to the 6P are we going lose some of these? I've already seen a report that band 12 will not be unlocked at launch for our device. Will volte be available? HD voice? None of these are deal breakers but it would suck to have such a cutting edge device yet it can't access some basic phone functions. What are your thoughts/insight?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
when they see that sales are going down they will be dropping the price and eipin the phone just take a couple months
But i dont want to wait that long.. Ive saved my Jump and wanted the newest nexus again... Damn you
1SiK1500 said:
But i dont want to wait that long.. Ive saved my Jump and wanted the newest nexus again... Damn you
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why even bother with the jump program? buy phone outright and sell old phone. no restrictions, change phones whenever you want and probably cheaper.
unknown1205 said:
why even bother with the jump program? buy phone outright and sell old phone. no restrictions, change phones whenever you want and probably cheaper.
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I'm not a fan of jump either however not everyone can afford the full price, some people are fortunate to be able to.
I guess it's kinda like leasing your car but of course a way lower price.
I love buying unlocked phones and now that tmobiles prices are so low it really works out
Even with the jump program you are paying full price for the phone. It just gives you the option to trade in without worrying about negative equity, like a car. But I guarantee you the first time you buy a new car cash you'll set yourself up for life to never have a car payment again, this is so much easier to do with a phone... So much easier.
Sent from my Nexus 6
SymbioticGenius said:
Even with the jump program you are paying full price for the phone. It just gives you the option to trade in without worrying about negative equity, like a car. But I guarantee you the first time you buy a new car cash you'll set yourself up for life to never have a car payment again, this is so much easier to do with a phone... So much easier.
Sent from my Nexus 6
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I think most people who get the jump program get it because they can't afford to pay the full price up front, even if they are paying the same in the end or maybe sometimes you pay more for a device when you could've gotten an unlocked device (same or better) for cheaper
I actually began my Nexus 6 purchase through finance. I figured hey, it's 0% who cares. I started to think of bills and life from a more DTI based perspective vs my older, borrow at low or no interest and invest to get more mindset.
Once you start paying off everything with a payment (no matter how low the interest) you start to have so much excess cash monthly that you realize WTF you've been doing wrong your whole life. It also makes it a lot easier to save and invest.
Anyway back on topic, I don't think carriers will be getting the 6P. But if anyone did, it would probably be T-Mobile
Sent from my Nexus 6
if anyone did, it would probably be T-Mobile
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Since the thing will not be supporting band 12 on t-mobile, at least not right away, I'd think not.
Edit: Hah! Soon!
https://www.reddit.com/r/tmobile/comments/3mzygu/google_nexus_team_ama_working_to_get_band_12/
Why pay full price for the phone? I have the original Jump program. So i pay $27/Month. In one year I paid $324 and traded the phone in for the next Nexus. I didnt have to shell out the full $650. I dont know but it works fine for me. Only phone i care about are the nexus devices. Its a Big deal when i can simply walk into the store hand them my old phone keep all my Chargers and accessories and walk out with a new phone paying only taxes..
I just pre-ordered one and I feel that Jump may not offer a good deal. I've been hearing a lot about Google Fi so that does seem like a better option overall. Also, you would lose out on the $50 play credit and three months of free Google Play Music unless you get it before Oct 25. I'll be using mine for T-Mobile and I'd only hold on ordering to look over reviews, but it's a Nexus device so it should be pretty solid. I agree with many in here that not everyone can pay full price, but with Jump you are still paying quite a bit of money. It's just better to buy it up front then sell the old phone after.
One of the things mentioned in the Reddit AMA today was they're attempting to work with TMobile on getting the Band 12 turned on prior to the device getting to everyone. So at least they're acknowledging the issue.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using Tapatalk
They're not selling the Nexus 6P in U.S. carrier stores... So we don't have the option to use Jump! or Jump! On Demand. I have a Galaxy S6 on Jump! On Demand that I'm a few months into... I purchased a 6P outright and will use 1 of my 3 upgrades w/ T-Moible to go w/ something else, and not pay a dime at the store. I switch phones a TON so for me Jump! On Demand is awesome. I will say though, once I am done with this current EIP, I will try to stay with unlocked phones and just pay outright for them. My monthly bill will be a lot cheaper.
As far as the band 12 support; if they get it fixed by ship date, great. If not, oh well... I don't have access to band 12 where I am (Columbus, Ohio), so I'm not missing anything if they don't have it fixed. I'm sure when/if it gets activated here this will be fixed.
In the Reddit AMA;
They ignored every question about why they are not selling through US Carriers. This was the most commonly asked question.
I'm like thinking, that's one of the most important questions, why will this not be sold in U.S. Carrier stores ? Especially T-Mobile stores, as they have carried and stocked every single Nexus phone the past six years. I could see Verizon or ATT not selling it, but T-Mobile has been a big supporter of the Nexus phones, as far as carriers go.
So the Nexus 6P will be nowhere to be seen or played with in stores, you just have to hope you think you'll like it and order it online only ? That's crazy. I always want to hold it in hand, mess around it with it for 30 minutes in the store, really get a feel for the phone, before deciding.
Zorachus said:
In the Reddit AMA;
They ignored every question about why they are not selling through US Carriers. This was the most commonly asked question.
I'm like thinking, that's one of the most important questions, why will this not be sold in U.S. Carrier stores ? Especially T-Mobile stores, as they have carried and stocked every single Nexus phone the past six years. I could see Verizon or ATT not selling it, but T-Mobile has been a big supporter of the Nexus phones, as far as carriers go.
So the Nexus 6P will be nowhere to be seen or played with in stores, you just have to hope you think you'll like it and order it online only ? That's crazy. I always want to hold it in hand, mess around it with it for 30 minutes in the store, really get a feel for the phone, before deciding.
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I'm sure that They will be available at some point. Google has given exclusivity for the first couple months before, this time it's to themselves. Maybe they want to get the preorders out without a disaster like previous releases. On the bright side we get great pricing compared to the rest of the world
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Yeah, Rumor is they could offer them in stores later this month to avoid the instant rush of phone orders. They sell direct first then allow carries to carry a few models if wanted.
That Reddit AMA was filled with tons of questions asking about U.S. Carrier availability, and they didn't respond once.
Wonder if that got them thinking, hey maybe we should put this out to T-Mobile and other carriers maybe ? I could see that happening after the rush of Play Store orders, and be in stores come December. I bet T-Mobile at least carries it by Christmas, just my guess.
Zorachus said:
That Reddit AMA was filled with tons of questions asking about U.S. Carrier availability, and they didn't respond once.
Wonder if that got them thinking, hey maybe we should put this out to T-Mobile and other carriers maybe ? I could see that happening after the rush of Play Store orders, and be in stores come December. I bet T-Mobile at least carries it by Christmas, just my guess.
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I'm wondering if part of the reason is so they can say see how many devices we sold without you, you're not getting customized builds this time.
If they announce carrier availability it would just eat into their own direct sales.
I'd be shocked if this doesn't ultimately get on carriers in a quarter or so.
I'm still upset no Nexus 6P at U.S. Carrier stores, especially T-Mobile.
And I call BS on Google's excuse, that they want full control and no carrier slow downs no carrier involvement mucking things up.
Apple
Carriers don't get in the way of Apple and iOS updates. A Verizon or ATT iPhone 6S get's updated straight from Apple, you don't see Verizon users waiting longer for the iOS update, than an international iPhone user, or Apple having to give the update to ATT first and then let them, hand out the update later to it's customers.
Nope, if you have a Sprint, or T-Mobile, or Verizon iPhone, you just go to iTunes or Apple for the update, and they have the update available at the exact the same time, no matter which carrier phone you own.
My point is, carriers aren't in the way whatsoever, and Apple sells a **** ton of iPhone's through these carriers. How many sales of iPhone's are done directly through the Apple store and site only, like Google wants people to buy the Nexus 6P through the Play Store only ?
Google should sell the Nexus 6P at U.S. Carrier stores, and not give the BS excuse it's because of updates or some crap.

PSA Samsung selling VZN & T-Mo Note 8 (Unlocked) for $549 or less

Hey, with the Note 9 release, looks like we don't need to wait long for the price drop on the Note 8.
Samsung's own site is selling the T-Mobile (Orchid Color Only) 64GB Unlocked Note 8's for $549, while the Verizon variant is $599 (but requires activation). Trade-ins accepted as well. An old iPhone 5s will knock the price to under $500 for me.
I have a quick question to add to the news. If I had the option to get T-Mo or Verizons variant sold from Samsung, and would use it between both carriers (6 months with Verizon, 6 months with T-Mo)... which one should I get? Does the T-Mo not offering CDMA the ultimate reason to go with Verizons? Or enough bloatware and lack of compatible features (Video Calling, T-Mo's unlimited hotspot, etc.) from Verizons variant enough to get the other? And they would remain stock firmware the whole time...
I actually took advantage of this as well as the employee discount...ended up at $452 after trade in. I went with the T-Mobile model and immediately set it up with Teltik plan. So far no issues however if you try to use the device unlock with the app on the phone it does say it cant be unlocked. I figured since Teltik is tmobile no rush to get a hold of them and try to unlock it via the phone.

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