[Q] Unlocked GNEX - Straight Talk or T-Mobile Prepaid? - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

I have Virgin Mobile and their 3G speed sucks, but I get a good signal. I am paying $25/ month but when I want to upgrade it will switch to $35/ month. I am thinking about getting a galaxy nexus (Unlocked from Google play) but I need to know which carrier? T-Mobile is $30/ month but only had edge speeds in my area, so how fast would that be? Straight talk + AT&T SIM has 4G HSPA+ speeds but costs $45/ month. Which would be best for me? Thanks.

It sounds like AT&T is the logical choice here, as their network is more widespread. Edge speeds are going to be about 200 kbps or less.

CYoung234 said:
It sounds like AT&T is the logical choice here, as their network is more widespread. Edge speeds are going to be about 200 kbps or less.
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Yeah, I was figuring that Edge sucks!

CYoung234 said:
It sounds like AT&T is the logical choice here, as their network is more widespread. Edge speeds are going to be about 200 kbps or less.
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I get 500kbps on Edge in Chitown.. barely enough to sometimes be bearable.

Straight Talk AT&T. Don't buy T-Mobile if you know you'll be on EDGE.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1455014

joshnichols189 said:
I get 500kbps on Edge in Chitown.. barely enough to sometimes be bearable.
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I am only getting 120kbps in southern New Jersey with virgin, that would be a step up.

Stay away from T-Mo EDGE if you know that's all they have in your area. If they have 3G though, go with them.

Related

Moving from T-mo to ATT, ATT Gnexus users pls offer suggestions?

Hi fellow nexus users, I have a UK handset that I got from handtec I've been using on tmobile for the past couple weeks and I really enjoy it.
However my family wants to move our plan to ATT asap for various reasons.
Is there anything I should know? We all have unlocked phones (and nobody but me cares about 3g/4g) so I want to go month to month, I don't want to get into a contract.
Any plans that you guys think are good, and will work well with the galaxy nexus?
We're lookin for about a 1000 minutes shared between the 4 of us, data plans on all phones, no texting (We all use google talk or bbm).
I just did the same thing. Switched from Tmo to ATT
Im on the 450min plan with unlimited messaging. Unlimited messaging gives you unlimited mobile to mobile minutes for any cell phone on any network. I rarely if ever call landlines so this plan works for me - all my calling is free and i barely dent the 450 min allotted for other calls.
Im also on the 2GB dataplan. ATT does not reject the IMEI in the GN: they just add a generic smartphone data plan to your phone. If you want a "4G" plan you need to have the ATT rep input the IMEI of a 4G phone such as the Atrix. With the non 4G plan in Miami Im getting around 3down and 1up pretty consistently whereas on TMo i was getting 3-4up and .8-1 down (only outside, never indoors).
If you bring your device in to the store you can sign up for service and not be on a contract. They only bind you if you get a subsidized phone. I am currently contract free. As an added benefit, I no longer drop coverage walking into buildings and ATT doesnt have the MMS bug that TMo does.
Wondering why would you ever switch from T-Mobile to AT&T if you're in a metro area. T-Mobile has much cheaper plans, better data speeds, and full duplex voice.
I'm not sure if you guys did the right thing, but good luck.
milan03 said:
Wondering why would you ever switch from T-Mobile to AT&T if you're in a metro area. T-Mobile has much cheaper plans, better data speeds, and full duplex voice.
I'm not sure if you guys did the right thing, but good luck.
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T-Mobile does have cheaper plans but does not always have better data speeds (location dependant). It's really hit or miss speed wise in Chicago. Both networks get bogged down by congestion. Recently I haven't seen large deviations in speed in Chicago, Charlotte, Newark, Atlanta or Denver, but YMMV.
I see almost identical data speeds usually between the two carriers with AT&T being a bit more consistent and T-Mobile peaking a little higher but overall being less consistent.
There are instances where T-Mobile's backhaul / lesser congestion has helped. Atlantic City saw around 7mbps with T-Mobile and only 3 mbps on AT&T at the airport but T-Mobile also had some nasty dead spots and tower issues there that caused AT&T to be a more effective option outside of the airport. I was stuck on a 3G connection that was slower than Edge (I literally forced the phone into Edge so that the data connection was usable).
The *much* bigger advantage that AT&T can offer is using the 850 Mhz spectrum over T-Mobile's 1700/2100 combo for 3G/4G. 850 penetrates building much better. With T-Mobile I'd often drop to edge inside of buildings whereas I'll stay on 3G/4G (HSPA) with AT&T. AT&T does not utilize 850 everywhere, but where they do the signal penetration is much appreciated.
krohnjw said:
T-Mobile does have cheaper plans but does not always have better data speeds (location dependant). It's really hit or miss speed wise in Chicago. Both networks get bogged down by congestion. Recently I haven't seen large deviations in speed in Chicago, Charlotte, Newark, Atlanta or Denver, but YMMV.
I see almost identical data speeds usually between the two carriers with AT&T being a bit more consistent and T-Mobile peaking a little higher but overall being less consistent.
There are instances where T-Mobile's backhaul / lesser congestion has helped. Atlantic City saw around 7mbps with T-Mobile and only 3 mbps on AT&T at the airport but T-Mobile also had some nasty dead spots and tower issues there that caused AT&T to be a more effective option outside of the airport. I was stuck on a 3G connection that was slower than Edge (I literally forced the phone into Edge so that the data connection was usable).
The *much* bigger advantage that AT&T can offer is using the 850 Mhz spectrum over T-Mobile's 1700/2100 combo for 3G/4G. 850 penetrates building much better. With T-Mobile I'd often drop to edge inside of buildings whereas I'll stay on 3G/4G (HSPA) with AT&T. AT&T does not utilize 850 everywhere, but where they do the signal penetration is much appreciated.
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I agree 100%. I could get faster speed tests with TMo standing outside - Inside buildings I can barely break 2mbps down. I get much more consistant results with ATT everywhere. The cost didn't seem worth the lesser service.
I drop from full bars coverage to 1 bar EDGE / no service the minute i walk into my one story office building at work. At my desk I often miss messages (i get them later than I need to) and cant make calls. With full 3G signal I type in a website and it takes a while to start loading, in comparison ATT is almost instant
Maybe theoretically TMo is a good deal but in South Florida I get much much better service with ATT. I've switched between them a few times (whenever I see a phone I like) and Im sure I made the right decision.
Does anyone know of any official plans by att to offer the GN subsidized? I know that if anyone actually knew anything, it would be reposted everywhere, but even a glimmer of hope will be welcome.
In NYC metro area T-Mobile is running circles around AT&T's network in terms of data speeds, latency and especially voice quality. I've seen speeds approaching 30mbps on T-Mobile's 42mbps DC-HSPA handsets and 18mpbs on my GN using $30 PrePaid plan.
AT&T crawls down to EDGE speeds and sometimes time outs during the peak hours when the data becomes unusable. Dropped calls are day to day reality, and I've grown accustomed to that and never ever make important calls using AT&T's network. Plus the plans are almost twice as high. Not recommended.
What is the $30 prepaid plan you use? How many minutes do you get with that?
kinggheedora said:
What is the $30 prepaid plan you use? How many minutes do you get with that?
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100 minutes, unlimited data (5GB of 4G speeds then lowered to EDGE), unlimited texting, pre paid no commitment. It's honestly my dream plan.
milan03 said:
100 minutes, unlimited data (5GB of 4G speeds then lowered to EDGE), unlimited texting, pre paid no commitment. It's honestly my dream plan.
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Could you link me to this plan?
What do you mean by "Full Duplex Voice" on T-Mo vs ATT
milan03 said:
100 minutes, unlimited data (5GB of 4G speeds then lowered to EDGE), unlimited texting, pre paid no commitment. It's honestly my dream plan.
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Yeah it's the ONLY reason I was willing to buy an unlocked Nexus and go T-mobile, was going to wait for VZ.
I came from Virgin Mobile's 300min version, I would call the t-mobile plan perfect if it was 200 minute, but it's still an insane deal.
As is, I'm using groove IP to make calls out when I'm in wifi in order to save minutes in case I'm out and I need to use my voice minutes.
But $30 for 5GB of H+ is just awesome sauce!
http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans
I'm on $30 plan myself. At home I use GrooveIP on wifi for VOIP and no minutes used (technically only needing minutes outside of my place).
Saving HUNDREDS of dollars a year is worth it over the slightly slower speeds I get on Tmo over ATT. Also helps pay for the price of the GN easily.
Plus I'm using a company that is much more customer-friendly. Lower plan prices when off contract are something to be supported.
I just wish T-Mobile had International Data plans. I travel to Europe once a month, and $15/mb for international data roaming insane when you can buy 125mb international data plan from AT&T for $50/mo.
ksujace said:
What do you mean by "Full Duplex Voice" on T-Mo vs ATT
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It has to do with how the receive (RX) and transmission (TX) audio are handled. You can either have both RX and TX on 100% of the time or they can be multiplexed into one channel to save bandwidth. It's a misnomer because half-duplex usually means something like this:
Caller1: Hello. Over.
Caller2: Hello. Over.
Caller1: What are...(interrupted)
Caller2: Are you... oh, sorry... Go ahead.
Caller1: What?
Caller2: Huh? Oh. Go ahead! Over.
Caller1: I hate this AT&T half-duplex CB radio crap! When will they get full-duplex??? Over.
Caller2: Can you repeat that? Over.
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ksujace said:
I just wish T-Mobile had International Data plans. I travel to Europe once a month, and $15/mb for international data roaming insane when you can buy 125mb international data plan from AT&T for $50/mo.
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If you're there that often, I'd suggest a prepaid SIM. It's not as if AT&T international data plans are economical. I racked up close to $400 of roaming last month for a two week trip to London. All expensed, so no biggie. But it's still pants down, no lube.
ianwood said:
If you're there that often, I'd suggest a prepaid SIM. It's not as if AT&T international data plans are economical. I racked up close to $400 of roaming last month for a two week trip to London. All expensed, so no biggie. But it's still pants down, no lube.
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I'm in the same boat , all expensed , so don't really care. I don't like having multiple phone #'s when over there. (travel to Switzerland 1 week every month)
tmobile is awesome if i stay outside or never travel. But then, so is cricket.
milan03 said:
100 minutes, unlimited data (5GB of 4G speeds then lowered to EDGE), unlimited texting, pre paid no commitment. It's honestly my dream plan.
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Do you have any idea on how bad AT&T throttles speeds on their unlimited data plan?

LTE vs HSPA+ Pros and Cons ?

Can anyone explain this to me ? All I hear is LTE kills battery, so whats the point of LTE when T-mobile HSPA+ 42Mbps has pretty much the same speed as LTE without causing any battery drain. And why would you need 30Mbps anyway on a limited data plan ? My current Tmobile 3G (not 4G or HSPA+) pulls anywhere from 2.5-5.0 Mbps right now....on older HD2 and Nexus One
GSM version of Galaxy Nexus on T-Mobile does not go up to 41Mbps speeds. It can only go up to 21Mb (this is the reasoning why Galaxy S2 on T-Mobile went with Qualcomm's CPU instead of Samsung's Exynos to hit 41Mbps speeds), this is all speaking theoretically as well. Realistically, I haven't gotten to those speeds.
And people "need 30Mbps" on their phones simply because.... they can.
HSPA+ in its current implementation is definitely not as fast as Verizon's LTE, but as you said it surely is fast and it is more than enough for most people. You can definitely expect upwards of 10mbps down, which is great.
Its really a personal call. Some people are on Verizon because its the only carrier available consistently in their area, or they've been a long-time customer, or they're part of a family plan with others on Verizon.
If you're on T-mobile and happy with your service, you're definitely saving money staying with them. If you can buy it unlocked it is definitely a good choice. You're not missing out on anything by staying with T-Mo and the HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus.
Cause we like to stream stuff?
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk
zephiK said:
GSM version of Galaxy Nexus on T-Mobile does not go up to 41Mbps speeds. It can only go up to 21Mb (this is the reasoning why Galaxy S2 on T-Mobile went with Qualcomm's CPU instead of Samsung's Exynos to hit 41Mbps speeds), this is all speaking theoretically as well. Realistically, I haven't gotten to those speeds.
And people "need 30Mbps" on their phones simply because.... they can.
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Whats your speed in NYC ?
martonikaj said:
HSPA+ in its current implementation is definitely not as fast as Verizon's LTE, but as you said it surely is fast and it is more than enough for most people. You can definitely expect upwards of 10mbps down, which is great.
Its really a personal call. Some people are on Verizon because its the only carrier available consistently in their area, or they've been a long-time customer, or they're part of a family plan with others on Verizon.
If you're on T-mobile and happy with your service, you're definitely saving money staying with them. If you can buy it unlocked it is definitely a good choice. You're not missing out on anything by staying with T-Mo and the HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus.
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My buddy has been testing his Nexus and Droid X on Verizon....Nexus got up to 27mbps and DroidX on 3G pulled only 500kbps. I mean I would rather get constant 2-3mbps then switchs between LTE 27m and CDMA 500k. I want to switch to Verizon because it will be the same price as Tmobile, but I am affraid that LTE will kill battery and CDMA is dirt slow. I am in Boston area by the way.
also some reviews say that LTE kills battery while car charging....this just scares me.....i can stream music + use Google navigation at the same time and have brightness at auto and i still dont charge my phone in car....my 1250 battery in HD2 lasts 12-14 hours on that heavy use.
kolyan said:
but I am affraid that LTE will kill battery and CDMA is dirt slow.
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Both of these things are very true.
I have the LTE nexus, and yes, LTE does do a number on the battery, and yes, it is ever so slightly thicker. however, I'm pulling 10 mb/s down in a very poor coverage area, and a reliable 40+ mb/s down when I get closer to the city. (I live on an away facing side of a hill a few miles outside of a town). Also, without 4g, atleast in my area, I can pull 1-2 mb/s down, but thats not as reliable. I like that speed, and I am willing to charge my phone twice in a day.
In all reality, you wont notice too much of a difference between 10-20 mb/s (HSPA+) and 30-50 mb/s (LTE in my area) on a phone. What you will notice is the difference between coverage and no coverage. Which again favors the Verizon model.
These are THEORETICAL max speeds you are talking about.
In reality the speeds you get will be no where close to the theoretical max speeds the technology can handle. Those speeds might be attainable if you are the only one on the network and are standing under a cell tower.
T-Mobile HSPA+ speeds in NYC are 5.4mbps down, and 1.6mbps up (tested on my friend's International Galaxy Nexus)
LTE max theoretical speed is 299.6 mbps. In reality the speeds I tested in NYC on my Verizon Galaxy Nexus are 26.79mbps down and 7.20mbps up.
http://www.speedtest.net/android/114425608.png
Results will vary but I pull 1-1.5Mbps on 3g so I can live with that. Verizon is the only carrier at my house. T-Mobile doest have coverage in the rural area where I live. If I went with them I'd only have service at work and while running errands downtown.
I get 3g at home and LTE just a few miles away. Part of me wishes that I could use T-Mobile but its not practical where I live and do business.
One last thing, LTE reception is great in the basement of my workplace!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I'm curious to see Verizon LTE speeds once people start buying LTE phones.
It is almost important to note that LTE is not only faster, but also capable of keeping the signal while you are moving rather fast. Like in cars and trains
Sent from Galaxy Nexus hspa+ 16gb
I get 40-50 mb/s down and 10-20 up, thats why
kolyan said:
Can anyone explain this to me ? All I hear is LTE kills battery, so whats the point of LTE when T-mobile HSPA+ 42Mbps has pretty much the same speed as LTE without causing any battery drain. And why would you need 30Mbps anyway on a limited data plan ? My current Tmobile 3G (not 4G or HSPA+) pulls anywhere from 2.5-5.0 Mbps right now....on older HD2 and Nexus One
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I think you are answering your own question. TMo and AT&T will be slower but use less battery. In the end I'd just decide if you want to be on Verizon or want a GSM phone. Your call.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
kolyan said:
Can anyone explain this to me ? All I hear is LTE kills battery, so whats the point of LTE when T-mobile HSPA+ 42Mbps has pretty much the same speed as LTE without causing any battery drain. And why would you need 30Mbps anyway on a limited data plan ? My current Tmobile 3G (not 4G or HSPA+) pulls anywhere from 2.5-5.0 Mbps right now....on older HD2 and Nexus One
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LTE does kill the battery, but there is an extended battery (Still, I'm not sure how well the battery life improves with the extended battery)
The speed is all about how you feel and what you need. I'd say if you get great LTE coverage in your area and where you're going to be and you'd be fine with the smaller battery life and such, go for the LTE model. HSPA+ speeds are proven to be slower than the LTE speeds (i've seen some users get up to 15-16 down and 12-13 UP while HSPA+ get's us 8-10 DOWN 5-9 UP) But what are you going to do with the 15 mb/s speed?
Since you are T-Mobile, I don't know if you're going to have to switch data plans to access the HSPA+ speeds as some people who are on AT&T (including me) had to do this as well.
rexdog1888 said:
I get 40-50 mb/s down and 10-20 up, thats why
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And what can you do with that, that you can't do with 10 mb/s down on HSPA+?
[hfm] said:
I think you are answering your own question. TMo and AT&T will be slower but use less battery. In the end I'd just decide if you want to be on Verizon or want a GSM phone. Your call.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
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lol...not that easy. I am on Tmo with contract (200 to break now and 100 in a month) I very much prefer GSM over Verizon, but my wife doesn't get any service at work. I am somewhat happy with Tmo, I get service everywhere but when I go places like skiing there is usually just 2g with GPRS or EDGE at best.....I have no idea about Verizon. My battery is just amazing.... I never use any chargers other then at night. Price for service will be the same at both, but I will have to make new 2 year contract at Verizon, I will also get Nexus for myself at $150 and Incredible for wife for free....so new phones is nice to get... my wife not really happy with current Nexus One and I would love to have GN. If I stay with Tmo.... paying 650+ for NS is pricy....
kolyan said:
lol...not that easy. I am on Tmo with contract (200 to break now and 100 in a month) I very much prefer GSM over Verizon, but my wife doesn't get any service at work. I am somewhat happy with Tmo, I get service everywhere but when I go places like skiing there is usually just 2g with GPRS or EDGE at best.....I have no idea about Verizon. My battery is just amazing.... I never use any chargers other then at night. Price for service will be the same at both, but I will have to make new 2 year contract at Verizon, I will also get Nexus for myself at $150 and Incredible for wife for free....so new phones is nice to get... my wife not really happy with current Nexus One and I would love to have GN. If I stay with Tmo.... paying 650+ for NS is pricy....
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Well, lets weigh out the pros and cons.
VERIZON
Pros:
1) You only spend about 400 going with Verizon.
2) Your wife may get signal at work.
Cons:
1) Battery life using LTE (But you can always turn off LTE)
2) Your wife may not get signal at work. (You never know..)
TMO
Pros:
1) You stay with a company that you've known and have been with for a while.
2) You get to have the flexibility of staying on a GSM provider. Meaning you get the freedom of switching world phones whenever you need to and not having to get it activated and what not.
Cons:
1) You spend more money. (About 250 more just for the GN, and maybe more for your wife's new phone.
2) Your wife will still not get any signal at work.
I guess its really what makes your wife happy. ;D Kidding. I'd bet on Verizon, but only if having a weak battery and not having places to charge your phone aren't complete deal breakers.
Speed won't really be a BIG BIG factor because while LTE and HSPA realtime speeds do differ, the coverage area for both aren't super complete. In both cases, you'll be constrained to 3G/HSPA. But then again this has to do with your coverage area that we know nothing about.
going to Verizon with 2 new phones, Google Voice porting, and paying Tmobile cancelation fee should all be pretty much covered by selling my tmo phones. My wife doesnt really care if she gets service at work she is not picky. In reallity i guess its all about me wanting Nexus and better coverage, but cdma and lte is a big compromise for me.
i'll figure this out soon.....
Think of it this way,
You can get 2 Ferraris:
One with the original Ferrari engine.
And one with 4 cylinder engine in it.
You will do 30 mpg on your 4 cylinder engine Ferrari and will get to the same place as the other Ferrari goes, but just a "little bit" slower.
I made the switch to Verizon and not planing on swapping to a 4 cylinder engine any time soon.
martonikaj said:
And what can you do with that, that you can't do with 10 mb/s down on HSPA+?
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Anything you can do on a home internet service.

Anyone using simple mobile in their unlocked galaxy nexus?

Does anyone have any experience with simple mobile? Looks to be the same thing as straight talk. Just buy a sim and service plan. I'm assuming they are using AT&T and T-Mobile towers just like straight talk.
Sent from my MB870 using XDA
I haven't, but according to The Thread That Never Dies, they only use T-Mobile's network. The APN listings in their website seem to corroborate that. So, if their signal is too weak for you, as it is for me, then you'll need to go with an AT&T option, like ST. If signal is good, you may as well use T-mobile's $30/mo plan.
jcbwaters3 said:
Does anyone have any experience with simple mobile? Looks to be the same thing as straight talk. Just buy a sim and service plan. I'm assuming they are using AT&T and T-Mobile towers just like straight talk.
Sent from my MB870 using XDA
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Yes, I am using Simple Mobile right now, but I am on the $40 / month 3G plan. My upload / download rates are around 120kbps, so it is pretty slow (Chicago area). Their 4G plan is $60 / month, so I will likely switch over to ST at the end of the month and go with their $45 plan on AT&T. Simple Mobile is T-Mobile, which gives me a good signal where I live and pretty much in every area I have been in so far, but AT&T's coverage is far better. If Simple had a competitive plan to ST I would consider sticking with them, but their 3G plan is just too slow. I am not a heavy data user either, although I will be starting to send my texts via Google Voice so I can send International Texts after I switch to ST.
I do. IT'S HORRIBLE. Data speed wise. Like the guy above me said, I get like 0.02 Mbps down and 0.01 up. I never got higher than 0.04 up or down. It's pathetic really.
chancy319 said:
I do. IT'S HORRIBLE. Data speed wise. Like the guy above me said, I get like 0.02 Mbps down and 0.01 up. I never got higher than 0.04 up or down. It's pathetic really.
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Ok first of all the 4g data plan is much faster and just as the t-mobile speeds. I was on SIMPLE for a year and a half and now switched to T-Mobile
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA

Lets talk GSM Gnex data speeds

So I have a play store Gnex running Xenon HD I cant seem to get decent speeds. Coverage is spotty around here in Myrtle Beach, but sitting in the same place in my house with the same number of bars showing yields very different results. Sometimes its up to 5mbps down sometimes its 200k down. What has your experience been with GSM version Gnex and data speed? List off your carrier and location. Ive attached my best speed with T-Mobile
poopymt3g said:
So I have a play store Gnex running Xenon HD I cant seem to get decent speeds. Coverage is spotty around here in Myrtle Beach, but sitting in the same place in my house with the same number of bars showing yields very different results. Sometimes its up to 5mbps down sometimes its 200k down. What has your experience been with GSM version Gnex and data speed? List off your carrier and location. Ive attached my best speed with T-Mobile
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Very lucky
I'm in the UK and use Virgin Mobile, i don't get anything above 1.8mbit anywhere
Just north of you, here in Wilmington, NC, I average around ~6Mbps down and ~1Mbps up on T-Mobile's HSPA+ network. There is always variance, although I'd say the connection is pretty stable. I'm totally happy with the GNex's network performance; although my vision might be a bit clouded as I just jumped ship from Sprint. I was getting a choppy/sporadic 100kbps down and 200kbps up on the best of days with Sprint 3G! My data speeds/reliability on the GNex puts that to shame....even when I'm forced to use T-Mobile's Edge network.
--DC
DamienChaos said:
Just north of you, here in Wilmington, NC, I average around ~6Mbps down and ~1Mbps up on T-Mobile's HSPA+ network. There is always variance, although I'd say the connection is pretty stable. I'm totally happy with the GNex's network performance; although my vision might be a bit clouded as I just jumped ship from Sprint. I was getting a choppy/sporadic 100kbps down and 200kbps up on the best of days with Sprint 3G! My data speeds/reliability on the GNex puts that to shame....even when I'm forced to use T-Mobile's Edge network.
--DC
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+1000
I've really been trying to give sprint a chance, but, this week, I bought a GNex and decided to give the TMo Monthly 4G a try. I haven't canceled my Sprint plan yet, although it's only $90 at this point (contract is almost up!!!). I've been blown away by the data speeds. I just pulled 8.2Mbps down and 2.09Mbps up. This is probably 20x faster than I'm getting with sprint. Safe to say this is a good deal. I'm probably going to cancel Sprint this week and pony up the $90, but I'm also going to have change from the $30 plan on TMo to the $60. I need more than 100 minutes, and the VOIP methods aren't too reliable yet, from what I gather.
Im in NYC. This phone gets the same exact speeds as my sgs2 which is a 42mbps device. Average 10-13 down, and 1 up.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
This is the fastest i got with Vodafone UK, at home in Leyton, East London. i would usually get around a constant 6,7,8MB/s
Anyone running on AT&T HSPA +?
looneylu said:
+1000
I've really been trying to give sprint a chance, but, this week, I bought a GNex and decided to give the TMo Monthly 4G a try. I haven't canceled my Sprint plan yet, although it's only $90 at this point (contract is almost up!!!). I've been blown away by the data speeds. I just pulled 8.2Mbps down and 2.09Mbps up. This is probably 20x faster than I'm getting with sprint. Safe to say this is a good deal. I'm probably going to cancel Sprint this week and pony up the $90, but I'm also going to have change from the $30 plan on TMo to the $60. I need more than 100 minutes, and the VOIP methods aren't too reliable yet, from what I gather.
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Same situation here. Thankfully, I can get by with the 100mins/mo since additional minutes are only $0.10ea. I've never used 400min/mo, so the $30 plan works for me.
Glad to know T-Mobile works so well in MYR...I go that way pretty regularly, but haven't had a chance to yet since switching over to the GNex. Definitely good to hear! Anything has to be better than Sprint. Their voice coverage and pricing is decent; but I simply cannot handle dial-up speeds!
Having a "GSM data speed" thread is kinda pointless. There are so many different carriers, and even extreme variations within carriers, that just make it useless.
poopymt3g said:
Anyone running on AT&T HSPA +?
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I am on Straihg Talk AT&T HSPA+. The Att tower is right down the street. I usually get higher than this. But like said above there are a lot of factors at play when it comes to speedtests, so I am not sure how it will relate to your area or carrier.
looneylu said:
+1000
I've really been trying to give sprint a chance, but, this week, I bought a GNex and decided to give the TMo Monthly 4G a try. I haven't canceled my Sprint plan yet, although it's only $90 at this point (contract is almost up!!!). I've been blown away by the data speeds. I just pulled 8.2Mbps down and 2.09Mbps up. This is probably 20x faster than I'm getting with sprint. Safe to say this is a good deal. I'm probably going to cancel Sprint this week and pony up the $90, but I'm also going to have change from the $30 plan on TMo to the $60. I need more than 100 minutes, and the VOIP methods aren't too reliable yet, from what I gather.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you are only going for the 2GB Tmobile plan for $60, have you considered the Straight Talk $45 BYOD plan with a tmobile sim? should get you the same service for less...
www.straighttalksim.com
poopymt3g said:
Anyone running on AT&T HSPA +?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is my random AT&T HSPA+ speeds gotta love the range.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
pdxtechdoctor said:
if you are only going for the 2GB Tmobile plan for $60, have you considered the Straight Talk $45 BYOD plan with a tmobile sim? should get you the same service for less...
www.straighttalksim.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm definitely considering Straight Talk... I just have to gauge how much data I actually use. Coming from Sprint's unlimited, I never worried about it, although at their speeds I couldn't actually do much. i'm in my trial period right now... Straight Talk has made me nervous with their soft data caps. Seems like everyone is confused as to what it is, but I'm definitely going to give it a try once this month is up. I'm going to give them a whirl with both the TMo sim and AT&T sim
looneylu said:
I'm definitely considering Straight Talk... I just have to gauge how much data I actually use. Coming from Sprint's unlimited, I never worried about it, although at their speeds I couldn't actually do much. i'm in my trial period right now... Straight Talk has made me nervous with their soft data caps. Seems like everyone is confused as to what it is, but I'm definitely going to give it a try once this month is up. I'm going to give them a whirl with both the TMo sim and AT&T sim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Data usage on Straight Talk really depends on your area and how many other ST users there are in that area. I'd say try it out and see how it goes. Worst case scenario is you find out you'll use too much for your area and you gotta go back to T-Mobile. The only "issue" is that ST charges $15 for the SIM (which is also an activation kit effectively), whereas T-Mobile's Monthly 4G SIM + activation kits are like ~$0.99. Gets a little spendy to try out ST AT&T and ST T-Mobile. Worth it if you find out what's best for you though, of course. Just really wish ST would cut you a break on the SIM if you pre-purchase a month of service with it.
Bloomington-Normal Illinois, T-Mobile monthly 4G. I get around 1.7 average down and 1.5 up.
Was just in St. Louis last week. Got around 3 down and 3 up, downtown and around the arch.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
What radio are you using? I get about half the download speed I did with my sg2.
On your sprint online account if you look in your detailed bill there's an option to view your statistics which show you how much data you use in nice graphs. Also txts and minutes used. Check it out.
looneylu said:
I'm definitely considering Straight Talk... I just have to gauge how much data I actually use. Coming from Sprint's unlimited, I never worried about it, although at their speeds I couldn't actually do much. i'm in my trial period right now... Straight Talk has made me nervous with their soft data caps. Seems like everyone is confused as to what it is, but I'm definitely going to give it a try once this month is up. I'm going to give them a whirl with both the TMo sim and AT&T sim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA Premium App
DamienChaos said:
Just north of you, here in Wilmington, NC, I average around ~6Mbps down and ~1Mbps up on T-Mobile's HSPA+ network. There is always variance, although I'd say the connection is pretty stable. I'm totally happy with the GNex's network performance; although my vision might be a bit clouded as I just jumped ship from Sprint. I was getting a choppy/sporadic 100kbps down and 200kbps up on the best of days with Sprint 3G! My data speeds/reliability on the GNex puts that to shame....even when I'm forced to use T-Mobile's Edge network.
--DC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol woop woop. Decided not to pay for my tmobile this month as I get free sprint through work, loving my download on sprint... Sarcasm...
On gnexus, I got about 5mbps average all times a day here in Colorado.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Speed test
I'm getting decent speeds on tmobile
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

T-Mobile Note II or AT&T Note II?

So is the T-Mobile Note II better than the AT&T one? I know it has a better 3G radio with quad band 3G that does 42mbps rather than the AT&T one that only does 21mbps and is only tri-band. How feasible do you guys think it would be to buy a launch day Note II on contract, immediately sell it on eBay and buy a T-Mobile Note II for the same price?
Plausible if you expect to get $650+tax for the AT&T note.
Is T-Mobile's coverage that bad in your area? If T-Mobile has good coverage in your area then why not just go for T-Mobile? It would make sense to go for Verizon LTE services for the large coverage and high speeds even with the Verizon premium price. But for me it makes no sense in going to AT&T if you have good coverage with T-Mobile. Both the price and speed differences between T-Mobile vs AT&T itself would turn me to T-Mobile and away from AT&T. The only thing that AT&T beats T-mobile is having a larger coverage area. But otherwise there is no reason to go for AT&T.
I just think you are trying to go the long way around. Which is not making sense.
KosanRio said:
So is the T-Mobile Note II better than the AT&T one? I know it has a better 3G radio with quad band 3G that does 42mbps rather than the AT&T one that only does 21mbps and is only tri-band. How feasible do you guys think it would be to buy a launch day Note II on contract, immediately sell it on eBay and buy a T-Mobile Note II for the same price?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answer to question number 1: Yes
Answer to question number 2: Very feasible.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
JaguarXT said:
Is T-Mobile's coverage that bad in your area? If T-Mobile has good coverage in your area then why not just go for T-Mobile? It would make sense to go for Verizon LTE services for the large coverage and high speeds even with the Verizon premium price. But for me it makes no sense in going to AT&T if you have good coverage with T-Mobile. Both the price and speed differences between T-Mobile vs AT&T itself would turn me to T-Mobile and away from AT&T. The only thing that AT&T beats T-mobile is having a larger coverage area. But otherwise there is no reason to go for AT&T.
I just think you are trying to go the long way around. Which is not making sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on contract with AT&T for another year so I'd have pay cancellation fees and what not.
And the T-Mobile service isn't very good in my area at all.. atleast it wasn't a year and a half ago.
Not to hog the thread, but, would a T-mobile Note 2 (once unlocked obviously), work on atleast HSPA speeds on AT&T - im not really too bothered about LTE, though obviously don't want the tmobile phone restricted to EDGE on at&t like iphones 4s are on tmobile _ this situation is the reverse of that scenario.
?
I have an option to buy a T-Mobile one for relatively cheap off a colleague, but want to use it on AT&T as thats the contract I have and T-mob don't have great reception in my house!!.
I know the 4G LTE in the T-Mobile Note II is currently disabled but... once enabled would it work on AT&Ts 4G LTE?
RizSher said:
Not to hog the thread, but, would a T-mobile Note 2 (once unlocked obviously), work on atleast HSPA speeds on AT&T - im not really too bothered about LTE, though obviously don't want the tmobile phone restricted to EDGE on at&t like iphones 4s are on tmobile _ this situation is the reverse of that scenario.
?
I have an option to buy a T-Mobile one for relatively cheap off a colleague, but want to use it on AT&T as thats the contract I have and T-mob don't have great reception in my house!!.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I'm getting around 6-8 down on att's hspa. Waiting on unlocking LTE.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
RizSher said:
Not to hog the thread, but, would a T-mobile Note 2 (once unlocked obviously), work on atleast HSPA speeds on AT&T - im not really too bothered about LTE, though obviously don't want the tmobile phone restricted to EDGE on at&t like iphones 4s are on tmobile _ this situation is the reverse of that scenario.
?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't care about LTE, then get the T-Mobile one as that has 42mbps HSPA as opposed to 21mbps of all other Note II versions and it's also pentaband too so it'll work pretty much anywhere around the world
KosanRio said:
I know the 4G LTE in the T-Mobile Note II is currently disabled but... once enabled would it work on AT&Ts 4G LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the T-Mobile phone has AT&T's LTE bands too, although when it will get enabled is still a question
tmobile note 2 will get LTE when its available
it has hardware built in
I'm curious does the T-Mobile Note II use a normal sized SIM card or a Micro SIM?
KosanRio said:
I'm curious does the T-Mobile Note II use a normal sized SIM card or a Micro SIM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Micro SIM card
From what I reading here, i am better off getting tmo version. I am going to give it a try
Sent from my MZ609 using Tapatalk 2
I'm considering the Note2 on all carriers even the international model if Multi-View doesn't come soon but last weekend tested the Note2 in a T-Mobile store & was impressed by the SpeedTest of 20 ( +/- 2) Mbps down & ~ 2 Mbps up (store is in a well covered area) & Friday night I was with someone where I'd more frequently use the Note2 & tested the network down on her original Galaxy S still pulling down ~10 Mbps down (+/- 5 with avg ~ 8 Mbps down-streaming quality video was great which I can't currently do with my Sprint EVO except off their network here on Wi-Fi) & still ~ 2 Mbps up.
So far I like T-Mobile speeds & plans (reasonably priced unlimited option should I need it though I usually but not always have access to fast Wi-Fi) yet I'm concerned they don't have the same coverage as AT&T (I'll also speedtest AT&T locally this week) so was considering getting the Note2 on AT&T & if not satisfied ($300 + $325 ETF) go get service on T-Mobile with option to go back to AT&T should I move. What limitations besides the 21 Mbps HSPA+ would I have if I get the AT&T model which would also offer me LTE ~ 20 miles away?
Appreciate your thoughts,
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/Phones...ll-phone=Samsung-Galaxy-Note-II-Titanium-Gray
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/samsung/galaxy-note-ii-titanium-gray.html
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_ii_n7100-4854.php
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1960249
SMARTPHONEPC said:
I'm considering the Note2 on all carriers even the international model if Multi-View doesn't come soon but last weekend tested the Note2 in a T-Mobile store & was impressed by the SpeedTest of 20 ( +/- 2) Mbps down & ~ 2 Mbps up (store is in a well covered area) & Friday night I was with someone where I'd more frequently use the Note2 & tested the network down on her original Galaxy S still pulling down ~10 Mbps down (+/- 5 with avg ~ 8 Mbps down-streaming quality video was great which I can't currently do with my Sprint EVO except off their network here on Wi-Fi) & still ~ 2 Mbps up.
So far I like T-Mobile speeds & plans (reasonably priced unlimited option should I need it though I usually but not always have access to fast Wi-Fi) yet I'm concerned they don't have the same coverage as AT&T (I'll also speedtest AT&T locally this week) so was considering getting the Note2 on AT&T & if not satisfied ($300 + $325 ETF) go get service on T-Mobile with option to go back to AT&T should I move. What limitations besides the 21 Mbps HSPA+ would I have if I get the AT&T model which would also offer me LTE ~ 20 miles away?
Appreciate your thoughts,
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/Phones...ll-phone=Samsung-Galaxy-Note-II-Titanium-Gray
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/samsung/galaxy-note-ii-titanium-gray.html
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_ii_n7100-4854.php
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1960249
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's my experience with T-Mo on a car trip from the NW to Midwest. The data was non-existent except on cities & towns, I'd say over 10,000. Where a data signal was available it was typically very good. I didn't speed test my note 2, but likely =/- 10Mbps. In the NW (Seattle area) I find some rural areas with poor data signal. My daughters house is on the edge of a town with pop of about 5,000. I have to go outside to get a descent data signal while she gets good signal inside with AT&T.
Personally I'm very happy with my T-MO service. I've been with then for 10 years, but only about 2 that I've been concerned with data, whereas previously I used primarily wifi and now using predominately data.
Hope with gives you at least one useful perspective.
audscott said:
Here's my experience with T-Mo on a car trip from the NW to Midwest. The data was non-existent except on cities & towns, I'd say over 10,000. Where a data signal was available it was typically very good. I didn't speed test my note 2, but likely =/- 10Mbps. In the NW (Seattle area) I find some rural areas with poor data signal. My daughters house is on the edge of a town with pop of about 5,000. I have to go outside to get a descent data signal while she gets good signal inside with AT&T.
Personally I'm very happy with my T-MO service. I've been with then for 10 years, but only about 2 that I've been concerned with data, whereas previously I used primarily wifi and now using predominately data.
Hope with gives you at least one useful perspective.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks:good:..confirms my interest in getting the AT&T model but use on T-Mobile if possible for its more flexible plans but less flexible coverage where I could switch to AT&T service should I expect to be outside solild T-Mobile coverage?
If you are asking about service go T-Mobile hands down. I have had both and ATT was horrible. Service was shakey, customer service was ridiculous. T-Mobile is all around better in my book
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
ptmr3 said:
If you are asking about service go T-Mobile hands down. I have had both and ATT was horrible. Service was shakey, customer service was ridiculous. T-Mobile is all around better in my book
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will test to confirm but I think T-Mobile service will be faster on HSPA+ (LTE is 20 miles away & don't expect to get it here soon except for Verizon) & less expensive but I'm starting to suspect the potential for range anxiety (that people with electric cars often feel) when traveling out of metro areas hence consideration of AT&T model (which offers superior coverage as well as LTE in some markets now) to use on T-Mobile if possible?
SMARTPHONEPC said:
I will test to confirm but I think T-Mobile service will be faster on HSPA+ (LTE is 20 miles away & don't expect to get it here soon except for Verizon) & less expensive but I'm starting to suspect the potential for range anxiety (that people with electric cars often feel) when traveling out of metro areas hence consideration of AT&T model (which offers superior coverage as well as LTE in some markets now) to use on T-Mobile if possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My parents live in farm country about 40 miles out of the city and can't get service on Their ATT service, but my Tmobile is strong as if I were in Denver
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
ptmr3 said:
My parents live in farm country about 40 miles out of the city and can't get service on Their ATT service, but my Tmobile is strong as if I were in Denver
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to look into this further (the T-Mobile pamphlet they gave me last weekend still listed "America's Largest 4G Network) but I'm going to try to check it out again in a T-Mobile store now:
http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/t-mobile-drops-americas-largest-4g-network-claim/2012-07-18
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2405596,00.asp
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2405643,00.asp
"T-Mobile's HSPA+ 42 is the 4G dark horse. It's really fast, covers a lot of the country, and is inexpensive. We found it to be faster than Verizon LTE for downloads in 11 cities (T-Mobile didn't win, though, because Verizon had much faster upload speeds.) Outside cities, where T-Mobile has coverage, it blew away other 3G networks. But that's the key: T-Mobile's truly rural coverage is slimmer than AT&T's or Verizon's."

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