Develop Bugs

[Q] Which insurance do you use?

I've been with T-Mobile insurance, Asurion since the G1. I'm planning on getting the Nexus 4 (THIS IS NOT A NEXUS 4 THREAD DO NOT TURN IT INTO ONE!!!!) should I drop the T-Mobile insurance and go with a different company... Options I have looked up are SquareTrade & Ensquared. If you know of another company I'm all ears. Thanks.

Ive heard that you can even insure it through some companies like state farm or whatever. Dont quote me on it, someone told me that a while back but I never looked into it. If they do id imagine its an addon type thing....
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Squaretrade, ensured, T-Mobile, geek squad. Visa, etc.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

Will T-Mobile/Asurion still ensure my phone if its a nexus device that I do not purchase through T-Mobile?

mt3g said:
Will T-Mobile/Asurion still ensure my phone if its a nexus device that I do not purchase through T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont rely only on me, but I am pretty sure they will, so long as you are on a monthly plan, not prepaid. Verify that though!
I have heard a few times that using Asurion is a bit more expensive than other options, just fyi. It is convenient though.

Ya I'm going to ask a dude I know that works for them tomorrow. It is cheaper with the other companies with a cheaper deductible it seems, well I'll see what he says and go from there.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

mt3g said:
Will T-Mobile/Asurion still ensure my phone if its a nexus device that I do not purchase through T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but I do believe it has to be a Tmobile device. I called a while ago because I had insurance but the S3 wasn't purchased on my account. They assured me as long as it's a tmobile device you'll be covered.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

mt3g said:
I've been with T-Mobile insurance, Asurion since the G1. I'm planning on getting the Nexus 4 (THIS IS NOT A NEXUS 4 THREAD DO NOT TURN IT INTO ONE!!!!) should I drop the T-Mobile insurance and go with a different company... Options I have looked up are SquareTrade & Ensquared. If you know of another company I'm all ears. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use "I take extreme care for my devices and know how to fix them should something happen to them insurance" for all insurance companies rip you off. I'll tell you my story with my HTC touch pro 2 that I had gotten replaced via insurance.....
(Short version)
Phone flew down steps landed on concrete floor. Turned into confetti.
Called asurion. 100 bucks for deductible. After paying over 200 in monthly bills.(could have bought a brand new one from eBay for 150 at the time, didn't realize this till after I replaced it)
Got replacement, didn't work. Got second replacement. Still didn't work. Got third replacement(was extremely pissed by now) and ripped apart both 2nd replacement and 3rd and combined all the good parts to make a good phone.
And ever since then, I will never waste my money on insurance for my phone. It's nothing but a waste of money.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Ya I understand all that lol. But I go out and camp, fish, go boating, drink, and house parties and what not (immature 23 year old) so I've used my insurance a few times; once with my G1 (stolen) twice with my MyTouch 3G (stolen, and then dropped which caused a weird ear piece sound while on call). So I like insurance and haven't been screwed over. Never had any issues with my G2X or the S3 so I've grown up a little and love my phones more now, haha.

I was going to ask the same thing but given that you asked it already, I'd like to see other responses. So far I've only had SquareTrade Warranty on multiple devices. I still haven't had to file a claim but the thing that I like is if I sell one of my devices, I can cancel my plan and get a prorated refund. I'm not sure if other companies do that.
I recently got my Samsung Galaxy S3 and haven't made a decision on what company to choose. Ensquared is cheaper and they claim to cover theft and accidental, all for $59 for 1 year. If anybody has dealt with them, can you please give us some insight?

TMo doesnt warranty the back cover?

My back cover since day one hasn't clipped on properly, always having a small gap top left corner. I called tmobile about it and was told they dont warranty parts of the phone, just the phone itself. They gave me Samsung number and told me to call them. they said I might be charged and it might not be under warranty. What's up with that??

stevessvt said:
My back cover since day one hasn't clipped on properly, always having a small gap top left corner. I called tmobile about it and was told they dont warranty parts of the phone, just the phone itself. They gave me Samsung number and told me to call them. they said I might be charged and it might not be under warranty. What's up with that??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What # did they give you? Hopefully Samsung will send out a new back cover at no cost..

888 987-4357 is the number. They said to call tomorrow and ask them. I just can't fathom TMobile doesn't carry replacement parts for every part of the phone.

stevessvt said:
888 987-4357 is the number. They said to call tomorrow and ask them. I just can't fathom TMobile doesn't carry replacement parts for every part of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let us know how it goes tomorrow, worse case scenario: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=samsung+note+2+back+cover

stevessvt said:
888 987-4357 is the number. They said to call tomorrow and ask them. I just can't fathom TMobile doesn't carry replacement parts for every part of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They probably dont. They resale the phone from Samsung. That would be like saying Walmart carries Furby replacement parts. Did they offer to replace the phone under warranty?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

SMARTPHONEPC said:
Let us know how it goes tomorrow, worse case scenario: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=samsung+note+2+back+cover
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link, I did look at those, and the are good looking. Definately a possibility, but you lose NFC function. Although not that big a deal.
_Dennis_ said:
They probably dont. They resale the phone from Samsung. That would be like saying Walmart carries Furby replacement parts. Did they offer to replace the phone under warranty?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a crushed tab on the battery cover itself, so since its not the phone they never offered to replace it.

Sucks. Sometimes they replace the whole divice if they dont have spare parts is all. Like hove some times they repkace the phone for a malfunctioning s-pen
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

Ive had that problem. Its maybe because improper install. I took mine off and put back on starting from the place where you take it off and slide your fingers down applying pressure and do that all the way. Maybe that will work.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

Let me know if Samsung will replace that back cover for free! Same problem here
Sent from my SGH-T889 using XDA Premium App

I had a problem with my tmobile white gs3 battery cover turning blue/discolored. Samsung was no help whatsoever. Offered to charge me for a replacement.
Today I called Samsung about an s pen replacement because mine is finicky and I have to bang it against a hard surface for it to work again (have to repeat this process every few hours). They told me to send them the pen and wait a week or two so they can diagnose the pen. Not kidding.
Good luck to you sir.
Also T-mobile was no help either.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

Might try a back cover from Sprint and see if it fits. Its not branded which is my preference.

mscion said:
Might try a back cover from Sprint and see if it fits. Its not branded which is my preference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All tge back covers are the same. Thats why all the flip covers are branded omly by Samsung.
Sent from my handheld Android 'PC', NOTE II

Just an update, I haven't had the time to contact Samsung yet, going to try tomorrow and will update.

So I called Samsung and was told since it came from TMo that way, I have to get them to replace it, or buy a new one.

Called TMo back again and they spoke to Samsung, basically Samsung doesnt even have any to sell yet, but in the meantime TMo is crediting my account for the $11 it will cost Samsung to send me one once it comes in stock. They did reiterate that you have 14 days to make sure there are no physical abnormalities with the phone, and once past that the phone itself has a one year warranty, nothing else that came in the box does, and they are giving me this one time courtesy.

My back cover doesn't fit well either. Hope to find a cheap replacement with NFC online, maybe even aluminum.

one80oneday said:
My back cover doesn't fit well either. Hope to find a cheap replacement with NFC online, maybe even aluminum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its metal it wont have NFC in it because it wont work through the metal.

stevessvt said:
If its metal it wont have NFC in it because it wont work through the metal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tested this by placing an aluminum clipboard over an nfc tag an the phone read it just fine.
*Signature blocks shouldn't default to free advertising.*
Sent from my T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 2 via Solavei.

Hmm,...my galaxy nexus had problems with it. Either way, from what Ive found, I dont think any of the metal backs have the built in NFC antenna like the factory one does.

Question about Insurance Claim through T-Mobile

I just made an insurance claim through T-Mobile because my wife dropped her GS3 and cracked the screen. The phone still works but I don't want her walking around with a ghetto ass cracked screen. I had to make the claim directly through T-Mobile instead of Asheron because when we purchased our GS3's the REP removed the insurance and they had to re-add it a couple weeks later. No problem making the claim but they told me that I had to ship the broken phone back to them. My question is....Do I really need to ship the broken phone back? What if she had lost the phone and didn't have a phone to ship back. What if we don't ship the phone back? What are they going to do?

jrwingate6 said:
I just made an insurance claim through T-Mobile because my wife dropped her GS3 and cracked the screen. The phone still works but I don't want her walking around with a ghetto ass cracked screen. I had to make the claim directly through T-Mobile instead of Asheron because when we purchased our GS3's the REP removed the insurance and they had to re-add it a couple weeks later. No problem making the claim but they told me that I had to ship the broken phone back to them. My question is....Do I really need to ship the broken phone back? What if she had lost the phone and didn't have a phone to ship back. What if we don't ship the phone back? What are they going to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They should send you the new phone first. And then your supposed to ship the old one back to them.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

If the phone gets lost or stolen you have to pay a deductible. Don't quote me on that though. That's just how I remember it being a few years ago. And if you send the one with the broken screen back then they might charge you as well because you're the one that broke it. Like I said, that's how I remember it used to be. I don't know if it still works the same.

They send you a new or refurbished phone. Around a year ago I had a problem with my Galaxy S2, and they shipped me a new phone in less than 24 hours. I went through T-Mobile, not the insurance place. You get the phone in the mail and there are instructions on how you send the defective phone back. If you don't send the defective phone back, you will be charged full price for the Galaxy S3. Also, it has to be shipped back within 24 hours. In my opinion, it's a great deal. When I sent my GS2 back, I was told I could keep the battery, which was kick ass. Why wouldn't you want to send the phone back after the new one arrives?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

You have to send the phone back or they'll charge you for it..
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 08:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:57 PM ----------
dave2metz said:
They send you a new or refurbished phone. Around a year ago I had a problem with my Galaxy S2, and they shipped me a new phone in less than 24 hours. I went through T-Mobile, not the insurance place. You get the phone in the mail and there are instructions on how you send the defective phone back. If you don't send the defective phone back, you will be charged full price for the Galaxy S3. Also, it has to be shipped back within 24 hours. In my opinion, it's a great deal. When I sent my GS2 back, I was told I could keep the battery, which was kick ass. Why wouldn't you want to send the phone back after the new one arrives?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds like a warranty exchange and not an insurance claim.. when they do warranty swaps you keep the battery and back cover.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

I had to pay a deductible of $130. What happens if she lost the phone? Would they charge you a higher deductible due to not being able to return a phone? The reason I ask is because I think it's silly that they want the broken phone back after I paid a deductible. They are going to ship the phone back to Samsung and then Samsung is going to replace the glass which I'm sure cost less than $130 so in the end, T-Mobile actually makes money off my deductible. I my wife were to lose the phone in the beginning then I would have no phone to return and I'm pretty sure T-Mobile would have charged me the same deductible. Maybe my wife just may have to lose the phone tomorrow within the next couple days or so. :laugh:

I think they charge it to your cell phone bill if you don't send it back
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

I did a claim once, I said i dropped it in a lake. kept my old phone. Didn't cost me any extra.

jrwingate6 said:
I had to pay a deductible of $130. What happens if she lost the phone? Would they charge you a higher deductible due to not being able to return a phone? The reason I ask is because I think it's silly that they want the broken phone back after I paid a deductible. They are going to ship the phone back to Samsung and then Samsung is going to replace the glass which I'm sure cost less than $130 so in the end, T-Mobile actually makes money off my deductible. I my wife were to lose the phone in the beginning then I would have no phone to return and I'm pretty sure T-Mobile would have charged me the same deductible. Maybe my wife just may have to lose the phone tomorrow within the next couple days or so. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go ahead and tell them it's lost, but your imei will be blocked. And being you are changing your story, more than likely you will be investigated for insurance fraud.
Is it really worth it?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

Hence the reason deductubles are increasing
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

Thanks for committing fraud you guys. You rock!

Lol wanting to keep 2 phones how awesome!! You might get charge but more importantly your cracked phone will be a mp3 player. As other dude stated your IMEI will be block from your old phone. At the end of the day is not the company's fault that the phone drop but the person who did it, paying for insurance is not expensive.
believe I'm not defending them because they are money grabbing idiots either way, but your asking for wayyy too much.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Towle said:
Go ahead and tell them it's lost, but your imei will be blocked. And being you are changing your story, more than likely you will be investigated for insurance fraud.
Is it really worth it?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theres ways around the IMEI block
daxecutioner24 said:
Lol wanting to keep 2 phones how awesome!! You might get charge but more importantly your cracked phone will be a mp3 player. As other dude stated your IMEI will be block from your old phone. At the end of the day is not the company's fault that the phone drop but the person who did it, paying for insurance is not expensive.
believe I'm not defending them because they are money grabbing idiots either way, but your asking for wayyy too much.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

SPH-D710 Battery/Samsung Replacement question

Where are some good places that sell batteries for this phone?
I tried calling Samsung for a replacement, but they want me to send in my battery first, along with a receipt of the purchase before getting a replacement. Like I still have the receipt. Has this happened to anyone before while trying to get a replacement?

Amazon, ebay, Google...
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

Anker batteries on Amazon.

graydiggy said:
Amazon, ebay, Google...
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was just wondering if there was any other places that people know of good selling sites other then Amazon, eBay, NewEgg and such.
prmax said:
Anker batteries on Amazon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They last pretty well?
Saw this and thought it was a good deal http://www.amazon.com/Anker-Batteri...purpose/dp/tech-data/B005HBH1R2/ref=de_a_smtd

I bought this one from Amazon.com earlier this month
It's about $20
I've been using it ever since then, and it lasts all day, sometimes more. It all depends on usage, of course. I'm running 3/25 Wild For the Night, and I get about 2 Bars Service, Wifi On. Last time I checked I ran the battery to 4 Percent after about 22 hours, I think.

SeanK_ said:
Was just wondering if there was any other places that people know of good selling sites other then Amazon, eBay, NewEgg and such.
They last pretty well?
Saw this and thought it was a good deal http://www.amazon.com/Anker-Batteri...purpose/dp/tech-data/B005HBH1R2/ref=de_a_smtd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I previously purchased a single Anker with charger and it's been great. I just received the pkg you linked to with 2 batteries and charger (arrived yesterday). I need the extra batteries because my office gets such a poor signal that I burn through batteries quickly. Also, I'm taking a long trip this summer and didn't want to be caught w/o power. Anker is great. They have good customer service. For less than $25 for 2 good batteries and a very versatile charger, you can't go wrong.
The charger does take a bit to get used to, and I've read reviews of people breaking them. I've never had an issue. It's great because you can plug the charger into the wall and charger a battery. While that's charging, you can add a USB cable and attach it to your phone. I've also plugged a USB cable into it from my car charger to charge a spare battery.

I bought a $3.48 no name 2100 mAh battery off of eBay like 8 months ago. Still going strong, and slim like the original. Ask me, buying a battery is a gamble no matter where you get it. Good luck on your hunt.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

SeanK_ said:
Where are some good places that sell batteries for this phone?
I tried calling Samsung for a replacement, but they want me to send in my battery first, along with a receipt of the purchase before getting a replacement. Like I still have the receipt. Has this happened to anyone before while trying to get a replacement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not need a receipt. Sprint customer service are idiots and have no training, they learn all on the job and reading from a script. The turn over rate is atrocious. That's why no one seems to ever know what they are doing. All they have to do is look up the date of when the phone was activated and if it was less then a year u are still under warranty. Call And tell them u want a replacement. They send one out to u with a envelope to send your old one back. If they don't get your old one back in so many days they will charge u for the new battery. Its super simple. I have done it that way a couple times.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

I personally went to a Sprint corporate store and they gave me a replace E4GT battery for free. Pretty sure I was outside warranty (had since release date) but I have the TEP if that matters.
Gave me one no problem.

flight01 said:
You do not need a receipt. Sprint customer service are idiots and have no training, they learn all on the job and reading from a script. The turn over rate is atrocious. That's why no one seems to ever know what they are doing. All they have to do is look up the date of when the phone was activated and if it was less then a year u are still under warranty. Call And tell them u want a replacement. They send one out to u with a envelope to send your old one back. If they don't get your old one back in so many days they will charge u for the new battery. Its super simple. I have done it that way a couple times.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is Samsung. I haven't talked with Sprint yet, they keep telling me to go to Samsung when I had to get my phone replaced. I was told that I should go to Samsung for warranty issues, but I guess I'll call Sprint and have them send my sister and I a new battery.
puch0021 said:
I personally went to a Sprint corporate store and they gave me a replace E4GT battery for free. Pretty sure I was outside warranty (had since release date) but I have the TEP if that matters.
Gave me one no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have TEP and haven't had it for about three years now, never really needed it.

Sprint does warranty repair and replacements for Samsung. The sprint repair stores don't like to because they do not get reimbursed for work right a way. They have to submit a invoice to get paid by the manufacturer basically. I'm skipping over a lot of steps but that's the gist. So yes sprint stores can and will do warranty stuff. I have found it easier to actually call and talk to sprint tech support.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

flight01 said:
Sprint does warranty repair and replacements for Samsung. The sprint repair stores don't like to because they do not get reimbursed for work right a way. They have to submit a invoice to get paid by the manufacturer basically. I'm skipping over a lot of steps but that's the gist. So yes sprint stores can and will do warranty stuff. I have found it easier to actually call and talk to sprint tech support.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are those steps?
I also bought those batteries I posted in one of my posts as a backup, but still want the battery replaced. Samsung and Sprint are really getting annoying, cant wait to ditch these two companies and go to HTC.

SeanK_ said:
What are those steps?
I also bought those batteries I posted in one of my posts as a backup, but still want the battery replaced. Samsung and Sprint are really getting annoying, cant wait to ditch these two companies and go to HTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call sprint and tell them of your issue. They will tell you that they will replace the battery and put in a ticket. When you take it to a sprint store, they have to do it since you were already told that it would be replaced.
Now to really sell it to the sprint tech on the phone, tell them that you used a battery from a friends E4GT for a few days while they waited for a replacement device and had no issues with that battery.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

graydiggy said:
Call sprint and tell them of your issue. They will tell you that they will replace the battery and put in a ticket. When you take it to a sprint store, they have to do it since you were already told that it would be replaced.
Now to really sell it to the sprint tech on the phone, tell them that you used a battery from a friends E4GT for a few days while they waited for a replacement device and had no issues with that battery.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've told this same story to five different people (including manager) who said since you don't have TEP we aren't able to do anything. I told them sure you can, I've gotten a replacement phone free of charge without TEP. I did go through Samsung though with their warranty and will see what comes back, but I need to redo this for my sister who has a bad battery too.
I always hate going to Sprint Stores because they are useless. Last time I needed something done was when the touch pad was defective and both Sprint and Samsung confirmed it and would fix it for free, none of the stores knew about it, had to call Customer Service again and they called the store and explained everything, after that they didn't even test the phone and just fixed the screen.

SeanK_ said:
I've told this same story to five different people (including manager) who said since you don't have TEP we aren't able to do anything. I told them sure you can, I've gotten a replacement phone free of charge without TEP. I did go through Samsung though with their warranty and will see what comes back, but I need to redo this for my sister who has a bad battery too.
I always hate going to Sprint Stores because they are useless. Last time I needed something done was when the touch pad was defective and both Sprint and Samsung confirmed it and would fix it for free, none of the stores knew about it, had to call Customer Service again and they called the store and explained everything, after that they didn't even test the phone and just fixed the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your phone/battery is less then a year old they have to do it for you no matter if u have tep or not. Just call first like poster above said and they will put a ticket in for your local repair store. If it's more then a year, you are out side of warranty and will have to pay full price for a battery. Which can very a little from store but does come with a year warranty.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

[DISCUSSION] How I swapped my S3 for LTE

Individual results may vary. I am not responsible for the device you gain/lose
Believe it or not, you may actually be able to swap your current S3 for the LTE Variant Right Now.
Let me give you some backstory:​
I called my salesrep and asked about coming in to swap my HSPA variant S3 for the LTE variant. I simply explained that when I originally switched to TMO from Sprint, I started with the S2 due to money issues, but later swapped to the S3. Upon swapping, I SPECIFICALLY asked about this device getting LTE once the towers launch. He told me yes, whether it's a firmware push or already there, he wasn't quite sure, but assured me I'd get it. The salesrep told me he understands my concern and talked to his manager, I was on hold for about 5 minutes being asked random questions about my device; How long I've been a customer, phone color, etc. When he finally returned, he told me that because I'm out of my 30 day trial period, he cannot swap my device. Even with a restocking fee, he sadly could not bypass the system to do it, otherwise he would right there on the spot.
He told me to try and call TMO customer support and get through to Loyalty. So after thanking him and discussing LTE things, I went on my way.
I got a hold of this woman whom I did not remember to take down her name, but I started off by saying how amazing TMO is compared to Sprint. Customer service, support, coverage, and speed; when she told me she actually came from Sprint herself as a Rep. We joked for a bit about how slow Sprint was at rolling out towers compared to TMO and how pitiful the speeds were, and she tried to discourage me about swapping since there are new phones out there, LTE may not be available in my area, speeds may be minimal, etc. But she did say she'd transfer me anyway if I desired. I said sure, I may not qualify, but couldn't hurt to try. Here's where it gets interesting.
I got pushed through to Loyalty, and spoke to a gentleman named AJ, but the system has him down as Andrew. I again expressed my concerns and issues, and he said he completely understood. He proceeded to tell me that at the time, the salesrep I originally asked about LTE was technically right, at the time. (You all know how reps know little to nothing until a week or two until it's released.... and he confirmed this.) But it turned out it wasn't the case as a separate device was released.
He continued to tell me that He would be glad to send me another device, ALTHOUGH NOT GUARANTEEING it would be the LTE variant, but most likely being the case. He said that there was a 6 day back order at the moment and said once it's available, he'd overnight ship for no extra charge; although there is a chance it might be a Refurb. There was a 5$ fee of swapping or something, but said he'd waive it, and if by chance the device I got wasn't the LTE variant, I might be able to get it waived again and send it back and start over. I had 7 days upon receiving the device to mail either one back or be charged around 500$, I'm assuming the rest of the money I owe on my current device. If I sent either back with water or other damage, be charge about 130$, which I assume is a slightly higher deductible for the protection plan. I was told that upon receiving the device, it would have instructions how to setup and activate, as well as how to ship either device back.
Bottom line, you may be able to have the same happen to you. as I said at the top, results may vary, and I cannot be held responsible for which device you get and/or not backing up data before switching. Give it a try, I got lucky on the first try, maybe it's because I'm a new customer, try what I did and let the rest of us know. Once I get my new device I will of course report back and tell my results.

So basically a warranty exchange. You go to T-Mobile and tell them your "story" and for $5 they send you a refurbished (rarely new) phone and back cover, you send the back your phone and back cover.
So you haven't received the phone yet?
If you do get the LTE version, don't brick it, currently no way to unbrick it.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

I rather keep my T-999 version.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Da Kine said:
So basically a warranty exchange. You go to T-Mobile and tell them your "story" and for $5 they send you a refurbished (rarely new) phone and back cover, you send the back your phone and back cover.
So you haven't received the phone yet?
If you do get the LTE version, don't brick it, currently no way to unbrick it.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is a warranty exchange? I have no issue with my current device and I'm not paying any deductible. And a T999L Is basically new, refurb'd or not. It's been out what, a little over a month?

Naturesretard said:
How is a warranty exchange? I have no issue with my current device and I'm not paying any deductible. And a T999L Is basically new, refurb'd or not. It's been out what, a little over a month?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but this process is called a warranty exchange through Tmobile. Proof. I used to work for their call centers and processed a billion of these. Yes normally its 5$ if you have the insurance and anyone with the insurance gets the overnight shipping waived. . The chances of you getting a brand new t999l are lessthan 90% . proof: they'll send it to you in a white box where it will cone with instructions to return your "defective device" without battery and back cover. They told you that right. The "new device" will not come with a battery and back cover that's why they have you keep that stuff. Not to be rude but this is nothing special. There is a good chance you may get a t999l or just a regular t999 depending in their stock. Rarely do they send brand new units. You may get lucky though and they send you a new one but its rare. Good luck. Basically even if the t999l is new they use devices that people return or can be rwfurb to give back to those using warranty exchange.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

Naturesretard said:
How is a warranty exchange? I have no issue with my current device and I'm not paying any deductible. And a T999L Is basically new, refurb'd or not. It's been out what, a little over a month?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My sister has done it through T-Mobile with her mytouch 4g slide the same way. They sent her the same thing T-Mobile said they would send you, Except she really had problems with her phone and wasnt trying to get a new or better phone out of T-Mobile.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 06:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:07 PM ----------
monkeypaws said:
Sorry but this process is called a warranty exchange through Tmobile. Proof. I used to work for their call centers and processed a billion of these. Yes normally its 5$ if you have the insurance and anyone with the insurance gets the overnight shipping waived. . The chances of you getting a brand new t999l are lessthan 90% . proof: they'll send it to you in a white box where it will cone with instructions to return your "defective device" without battery and back cover. They told you that right. The "new device" will not come with a battery and back cover that's why they have you keep that stuff. Not to be rude but this is nothing special. There is a good chance you may get a t999l or just a regular t999 depending in their stock. Rarely do they send brand new units. You may get lucky though and they send you a new one but its rare. Good luck. Basically even if the t999l is new they use devices that people return or can be rwfurb to give back to those using warranty exchange.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Monkeypaws is correct.
Also, the device you receive will most likely give you more problems than you had with your original S3, T-Mobile will only do so much to a device to mark it as "refurbished". Who knows how many exchanges you'll go through until you are happy with an S3 that is issue free or a t999l with few problems.
Personally, I wouldn't waste the time or money on trying to get the the t999l, when my phone works and looks as it should. But who knows, you might end up being one of those lucky SOBs who get a t999l that is issue free.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

Come on guys, just because you get a refurb doesn't mean its gonna give you problems, I have a refurb t999 and I have never had any problems, the only reason I got the refurb was because I messed something up on my previous s3.. OP is just trying to help those that were fooled by tmo employees that guaranteed them their s3 would get lte once it was rolled out.. I don't wanna make a big deal about this, but if lte is up and running in your area I think its definitely worth a try.. If you don't think its worth it then just don't worry about it and carry on
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

serio22 said:
Come on guys, just because you get a refurb doesn't mean its gonna give you problems, I have a refurb t999 and I have never had any problems, the only reason I got the refurb was because I messed something up on my previous s3.. OP is just trying to help those that were fooled by tmo employees that guaranteed them their s3 would get lte once it was rolled out.. I don't wanna make a big deal about this, but if lte is up and running in your area I think its definitely worth a try.. If you don't think its worth it then just don't worry about it and carry on
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you. I went through 2 warranty exchanges with my sgs3. All awesome. Also the op was making it seem like this was a trick to get an LTE version when any rep can process this same exchange without going all the way to loyalty. I've also been lucky where loyalty actually sent me a new phone in sealed box but that was a special case where thru screwed up . I've also had it where they were out of stock on a certain color and sent me a new white sgs3 for my black.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

I was unaware this is a common thing. But figures I'd offer my story anyway. Refurb or not, t999L is new, chances of having a serious issue on one is slim right?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

Naturesretard said:
I was unaware this is a common thing. But figures I'd offer my story anyway. Refurb or not, t999L is new, chances of having a serious issue on one is slim right?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If say slim. They do go through testing and making sure its working before they ship out. That is not to say there may be hardware issues that may happen but that is the same chance when buying a new device also. Samsung builds quality devices so I'd say not to worry. Check everything out as soon as you get it since you have seven days to return your older device out. My wife on the other hand went through more than 7 returns of a mytouch4g. Even loyalty couldn't help me there.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

Not for nothing but im in nj and i have s3 without lte and my wife have s4 and about a month ago she begin getting lte and i dont see any diff with the speed actually i did a speedtest full bars on both n mine marked 25+mbps and hers 10mbps with her lte... Im happy with my s3 w/o lte , i can get the s4 anytime but s3 is working fine n my speed is great anywhere i go
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

If that's the average she sees when on lte, then something is very wrong. Lte should get an average of 30-40mbps as I'm aware. I've even seen people report over 50.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

DocHoliday77 said:
If that's the average she sees when on lte, then something is very wrong. Lte should get an average of 30-40mbps as I'm aware. I've even seen people report over 50.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most I've ever seen from hspa + I've seen is 15mbs on a good day. But that was only once. LTE offers faster upload... That's mainly the big difference besides penetration
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

Lte is supposed to be blazing fast! The only place there may not be much difference is when you're comparing to HSPA+42. Its fast but still not as fast as lte.
On hspa I can generally get around 20mbps. But have seen peaks quite a bit higher.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

I mostly get 23 down and 24 up with good signal strength on my Note 2. That is in the Seattle-Bellevue market.
I used to get 24 down and 3.5 up on HSPA+ (installing the LTE modem chopped my HSPA download performance down to 15 down typically). Where lte shines in my opinion is latency. Super low compared to HSPA+. My wife's S3 is still smoking fast on hspa, latency just sucks.
Hastily spouted for your befuddlement

I dont really care for the T999L. Im happy with what I have. Here in Dallas, My friend have a AT&T S3 with LTE and he wasnt near as fast as mine.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Just an FYI, T-Mobile is out of S3 refurbs and so is Asurion. If you go through T-Mobile warranty exchange you will get a refurb T999. If you pay your deductible and go through Asurion, because of Asurions contract with you to provide you with a "comparable" device the fact they currently have no refurbs to send out means you will get a new in box S3 LTE - why? Because unlike T-Mobile, Asurion is required to have a low turn around for customers because you are paying the deductible and you've been billed monthly for the privilege.
Here's a tip though - break the phone, call Asurion from a landline or someone else's phone, make the claim, and use an older phone only AFTER you have reported it broken - if you do it beforehand, as soon as the IMEI changes in the system, that phone becomes the covered phone and its a ***** to deal with them in that situation.
Finally, none of this is worth it. The T999L is the same old technology on the at&t version and if you're going to pay the deductible, you might as well upgrade.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I like that Remnant guy. He's always a glass half empty but usually fully correct.
:beer:
Sent while sleeping in chair.

tower_gilead said:
I like that Remnant guy. He's always a glass half empty but usually fully correct.
:beer:
Sent while sleeping in chair.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That just made my day lol!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I'd like LTE cuz it sound so cool but I get 1.3-2 megaBYTES regularly so I really don't see the need for more speed...
Plus after the things my phone has seen... I really wouldn't want to use a refurbished one that someone else used.. I'll be getting the S5 :silly: