Develop Bugs

T-Mobile SGS2 vs. Intl SGS2 comparison

Hello,
I have both phones, and I find it very hard to choose one. If I pick the i9100, I'll be forced to switch to AT&T and pay more per month. However, the international version feels way smoother. I guess the Exynos really does make a difference.
Here is a comparison between the two phones, based on what I have experienced so far:
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Pros: T-Mobile version:
* NFC
* 3.5G data on T-Mobile's network
Cons: T-Mobile version:
* heavier, thicker
* Snapdragon SoC
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Debatable issues:
* Screen size - Personally, I think the resolution looks better on the 4.3" screen, but some would prefer a larger screen regardless of resolution.
* Design - The square edges and central button look better than any of the U.S. variants (in my opinion). Also, that big ass T-Mobile stamp on the phone's face is kind of annoying.
* Build quality - To me, the i9100 feels more "premium" when you hold it in your hand.
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Pros: i9100 international version:
* Exynos SoC - definitely feels faster
* thinner, lighter
Cons: i9100 international version:
* will either have to switch to AT&T or stay on 2G
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The one thing that most people dislike about the T989 is the lack of development. However, I don't think this is a valid complaint and have excluded it from my comparison. Honestly, "official" ICS from Samsung is a buggy piece of ****. MIUI v4 is based on this horrible build from Samsung as well (instead of . CM9 is the only real advantage that the i9100 has in terms of development. Yet even that has many problems. Overall, they don't have it that much better than us if you are only talking about software. But really, I think that anyone who has purchased a carrier branded device should have understood the implications. To me, the real comparison is with hardware/design.
Also, if anyone wants me to run any certain tests to compare the devices, I could do it since I currently have both.
I really like the i9100, but I'm worried about switching to AT&T. I wonder if I would be able to have a T-Mobile talk/text plan and an AT&T data plan on the same phone? Does anyone know the details of T-Mobile's future plans for the 1900 band? From what I have read, it still seems that it is unconfirmed whether non-AWS phones will work on T-Mobile data in the future.
Anyone have some advice for this scenario? Also feel free to discuss any of the issues in my comparison.

Why not wait for the sgs3?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium

cashyftw said:
Why not wait for the sgs3?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it's not that I'm choosing which phone to buy; I have both already. The issue still applies if the SGS3 was to come out, though. If T-Mobile doesn't support non-AWS data by the time the GS3 was released; I'd still be in the same situation. It's really unlikely that the phone will support the 1700MHz band.
I've heard rumours about 1900MHz being enabled for HSPA on T-Mobile, but I haven't seen any proof about this yet.

No you caint have data with one carrier and voice on another. The only way this could even be a possibility is with a dual sim phone and even then dont know if you could as I have no experience with a phone like that. Suppose you could use two different sims that you swapped in and out with a shutdown and flash your radio depending on what sim you had in? Dont think that is what you had in mind though.
I really love my T989, Its fast looks great and I get great data speeds when I am in town (7-16 megs down 1.5 up) all for a lot less each month than at&t. I do wish there was more AOSP for my phone but the roms that are available are really nice and it seems a bit refined at this point.
Yet to see any practical use of NFC for me.

I simply don't find 2g speeds tolerable in any sense of the word.

Why not use the $45 unlimited ST plan using AT&T towers? 3g speeds, no contract, etc.. i9100 FTW!
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA

We had this thread before what people don't understand the original galaxy S2 has had software improvements over the year since it's been released to icecream sandwich. Samsung has been exclusively working on improving the device since release. They just recently got started with Qualcomm processor.
I did this experiment with with a friend that had the sprint galaxy S2. Both were rooted with custom roms. Both had custom kernels.
We switch phones for a week. There both good phones. Playing games got the sprint version extremely hot. No idea why. Battery Life was better on the tmobile device. Probably susceptible to networks.. Both had stock browser checker boarding.
Exynos gave better benchmarks. Apps started slightly faster? It was really negligible though. Sometimes The Qualcomm processor will start up faster than Exynos. Most of the time Exynos would win. But it was to a point by milliseconds.
I wouldn't be disappointed what ever device you bought. According to reddit r/android the original Samsung galaxy S2 removed a lot of gingerbread enhancements for ics. So I expect to not see a difference in devices when running ics. So honestly don't worry be happy about what device you got. Next month new devices are launching so you can always sell this phone for it.

what is the maximum speed you can get with the i9100 on tmobils network?
5-6mpbs?
Sent from my SGH-T989

Killbynature said:
...
I wouldn't be disappointed what ever device you bought. According to reddit r/android the original Samsung galaxy S2 removed a lot of gingerbread enhancements for ics. So I expect to not see a difference in devices when running ics. So honestly don't worry be happy about what device you got. Next month new devices are launching so you can always sell this phone for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not that I'm considering which device to buy.. I have both already.
jordanishere said:
what is the maximum speed you can get with the i9100 on tmobils network?
5-6mpbs?
Sent from my SGH-T989
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More like 0.01mbps. But I am on wifi 80% of time.

jordanishere said:
what is the maximum speed you can get with the i9100 on tmobils network?
5-6mpbs?
Sent from my SGH-T989
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edge since it doesn't support the bands.

Yeah but the edge speed is not even the decent edge speed you get on other phones like the iphone.. It is horrible slow edge speed
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

I had the international version, and I sold it for this one just because of the data speeds. Att was horrible for me at work where I play the most on it. But on the international version I think there were around 20 roms that I could get my crack head flash fix with. I miss having all the options to play with. Like a day after I bought this the sky rocket came out and Kansas city is a test market for there lte so I could have had it. But all in all the data was more important so I am happy with this.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

yeah hopefully the sgs3 will support multiple bands and work on basically every carrier. i9100s speeds are too low on tmobil.
if you usw tmobil, our phone is your best option
Sent from my SGH-T989

jordanishere said:
yeah hopefully the sgs3 will support multiple bands and work on basically every carrier. i9100s speeds are too low on tmobil.
if you usw tmobil, our phone is your best option
Sent from my SGH-T989
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the problem. The AWS (1700MHz) band used by T-Mobile is only shared by a few small Canadian carriers. There is no reason that an international phone would enable this band. Maybe if we get really lucky, they will enable it. But the chances are slim.

saltmine said:
That's the problem. The AWS (1700MHz) band used by T-Mobile is only shared by a few small Canadian carriers. There is no reason that an international phone would enable this band. Maybe if we get really lucky, they will enable it. But the chances are slim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Galaxy Nexus enables it. So Samsung already has the tech there to do it. I, too, hope that all their future phones will be pentaband UMTS.

As the other guy said, why not go to ST $45 unlimited plan leave the int version?

manekineko said:
Galaxy Nexus enables it. So Samsung already has the tech there to do it. I, too, hope that all their future phones will be pentaband UMTS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it depends on the chip. the reason we have an s3 is because exynos wont do our hspa+ bands
Sent from my SGH-T989

I prefer the look of the T989 over the international variants, as well as the bigger screen. I use my phone all day long.
BUT...it's the damn carrier branding that I hate.
I would love to find a Telus T989D with no carrier branding

I pretty much spam this everywhere but with the darkside 2.5.1 ROM and kernel, 989 is perfect to me and almost the same as 9100.
In my area tm is the only 4g, no lte so I get 16mb where att 3g is only 2.
Att sucks.
Sent from the Darkside

Diekrupt said:
I pretty much spam this everywhere but with the darkside 2.5.1 ROM and kernel, 989 is perfect to me and almost the same as 9100.
In my area tm is the only 4g, no lte so I get 16mb where att 3g is only 2.
Att sucks.
Sent from the Darkside
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see thats the thing. if ur on tmobil... and ur going to drop $500 on a phone, ours is the best pick. obviously if ur on verison or att there are better choices for those networksm
Sent from my Galaxy S II

How likely do you think an ATT Nexus is?

which carrier do you think is better......

At&t is the least "Android friendly" carrier so I would kind of be surprised. I know in the 3+ years I had them I hated every minute of it. I am soo happy with VZW and will never go back. I also know that this is only my experience and reception differs through out the country, but in Northern AL VZW is the only carrier worth having if you actually want a working device - I have full coverage and LTE almost everywhere I go. With At&t I had a bar and edge. Doesnt At&t have LTE in like 12 major cities only? What is the point?
EDIT: Yes VZW is more expensive but its worth it to me to actually be able to use my phone.

I didn't think att was so anti android. They had the atrix. A killer device and came out eons before (10 months?) the bionic, the all but brother to the atrix, and they have their own S2 and S2 lte. Even a nexus s. I'm not butting heads intentionally. But I also know in north jersey (15 miles from Verizon HQ) my hspa+ smokes Verizon 3g usually 3megs to .75. And call wise no body in my area has att problems. BUT I do hear about them from other locations. But I digress. I don't see why att is android unfriendly and why we should give up on lte from them just because its new. They have 1/6th the coverage Verizon has which is good for such a small time its been out. Also the lte switching on att kills lte when not in use and vice versa. Tremendous better savings vs big red. Just my thoughts
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Mrglass86 said:
I didn't think att was so anti android. They had the atrix. A killer device and came out eons before (10 months?) the bionic, the all but brother to the atrix, and they have their own S2 and S2 lte. Even a nexus s. I'm not butting heads intentionally. But I also know in north jersey (15 miles from Verizon HQ) my hspa+ smokes Verizon 3g usually 3megs to .75. And call wise no body in my area has att problems. BUT I do hear about them from other locations. But I digress. I don't see why att is android unfriendly and why we should give up on lte from them just because its new. They have 1/6th the coverage Verizon has which is good for such a small time its been out. Also the lte switching on att kills lte when not in use and vice versa. Tremendous better savings vs big red. Just my thoughts
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
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Click to collapse
For the longest time, they locked down sideloading of apps. Thats pretty damn Android unfriendly.

I was under the impression that Verizon did too. Am I wrong?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Nah, Verizon never did that. They like to bloat things up, but they do not lockdown sideloading or anything like that. Nor do they use CIQ like Sprint does on some of their devices.

adrynalyne said:
For the longest time, they locked down sideloading of apps. Thats pretty damn Android unfriendly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^THIS^^
AND THEN.. You have AT&T disabling HSPA on their Android phones but leaving it enabled on the iDevices, all the time marketing their Androids as HSPA CAPABLE. They are unethical liars.
Mrglass86 said:
I was under the impression that Verizon did too. Am I wrong?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VZW never prevented sideloading.

well i appreciate the clarity, i guess as having a decent selection of androids to me made me feel that way,
ANYWAYS do we have any input on the topic? i feel like some people dont care, but we are talking about an awesome phone being offered to people at a lower cost, sim card use in america with a faster radio and possibly more storage, and a 1 year warranty in america, im not sure if att would even have the ability to hamper the nexus experience with this so does anyone care or do we just want to hate ATT?

T-Mobile.. cheaper, allows tethering/hotspots, no android restrictions... dont know why people put up with att and verizon

norazi said:
T-Mobile.. cheaper, allows tethering/hotspots, no android restrictions... dont know why people put up with att and verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I pay the premium to actually have reception, Tmo & Att have none in my area.. VZW has reception everywhere, and LTE everywhere too (in my area). VZW doesnt have "Android restrictions", and Ive never paid for tethering on any carrier nor will I - I get that for free.

norazi said:
T-Mobile.. cheaper, allows tethering/hotspots, no android restrictions... dont know why people put up with att and verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because T-mobile's service is garbage in a lot of places? Because they have unlimited data on Verizon? Because Verizon actually carries the Galaxy Nexus and there is no trouble getting warranty support?
There is actually a no service area for T-mobile within city limits here.

Intl galaxy note 2 or att galaxy note 2

Hey guys,
Looking for some opinions. I'm planning on jumping ship top the galaxy note 2. I live in the USA and I'm in an area with great LTE coverage. I'm either going to purchase the international or local variant.
I'm thinking of getting the international version because I assume development will be much greater and more accessories available.
If I wait and get the Att version I'll have access to the LTE network, but I fear there will be less development and accessories.
Any thoughts, what would you guys do?
Thanks,
Rob
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda premium

Great LTE speeds or great development. AT&T version will have the same specs as the international version. The rest is up to you to make a decision

im getting unlocked version i have a GS3 on ATT and HSAP+ is pretty good on ATT.. plus no crap ware from ATT unless you root which is the only to roll :highfive: more support on unlock.. plus HSAP+ will be more battery friendly :victory:

markysd said:
im getting unlocked version i have a GS3 on ATT and HSAP+ is pretty good on ATT.. plus no crap ware from ATT unless you root which is the only to roll :highfive: more support on unlock.. plus HSAP+ will be more battery friendly :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My thoughts exacty. Received my N7100 on Monday. LTE is not available in my area anyway.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

Pinkthesink said:
Hey guys,
Looking for some opinions. I'm planning on jumping ship top the galaxy note 2. I live in the USA and I'm in an area with great LTE coverage. I'm either going to purchase the international or local variant.
I'm thinking of getting the international version because I assume development will be much greater and more accessories available.
If I wait and get the Att version I'll have access to the LTE network, but I fear there will be less development and accessories.
Any thoughts, what would you guys do?
Thanks,
Rob
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am in the same boat, picked up the NOTE 2 7100 and honestly after using the htc one x lte for 5 months on mobile network i really havent felt deprived unless im viewing a picture heavy site. my theory is i can sell my 7100 get the att one or buy the att one stuff my 7100 in the box (after switching stickers of course) and return it.

americasteam said:
My thoughts exacty. Received my N7100 on Monday. LTE is not available in my area anyway.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
must be loving it:victory: im close to pulling the trigger..the more i go on this site and watch youtube videos about the Note 2 the closer ill buy it..im really wanting a 32GB due to i dont know why we cant run apps from SD cards or burst shots saved ect and what else that only runs on internal memory..16GB now days gets eaten up quick specially when backed up roms .. the SD card reader on the NOTE supports them crazy fast reading from sandisk cards...
high end phones now days should be 32GB at the lowest phones are getting smarter/faster/higher camera MP ect and require more GB but i guess i can live with 16GB for apps only and like 3 roms backed up ect..i feel more safe with 32GB plus the note is design for content consumption i dont really talk on the phone:silly:
i miss my note 1 in a way but was just a test drive to see if i like it and i did. i dont really like 1st gen devices.

I'm agreeing with you guys about LTE, its fast but the hspa+ in this area is real good as well. Plus there's no telling what Att will do to the device, bootloader and all. I think I'll go the intl route for now. Any ideas on foreign suppliers right now, I've used clove on the UK for the original note and gs2 with great success.
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda premium

I prefer international version too but I'm having such a bad luck with data speed. I can barely go over 1mbps, if I'm lucky 2mbps at the most. I know my location has LTE coverage but doesn't seem hspa+ friendly. It's so frustrating, for that reason I might try att LTE version since specs are most identical.
As for accessories, I don't think there will be too much difference. Int & US S3 has just about same amount of accessories availability. I assume it will be same for Note 2.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

One thing I don't see a lot of people mentioning is the tethering capabilities of the international version.
That is the main reason why I went with the international version of the US version HTC One X, Galaxy S3 and now the Note 2 was for the built in tethering.
With the US version, as soon as I tried tethering a device to it, it requires me to add an appropriate more expensive data plan before I can connect.
With the international versions, I tether all day to them with my laptop, my other wifi devices ect. without incurring any extra charges or making any changes to my current data plan.
That my friend, is way worth it for me to go with the international version.

Once you got LTE, you never go back...thats me though. Same exact specs plus LTE? Also it should be out in a week or two? Id wait.

So people who have Note 2 in the US how are your data speeds are seeing a big difference in not having the LTE version? I live in a non LTE area does affect me?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium

jawain said:
So people who have Note 2 in the US how are your data speeds are seeing a big difference in not having the LTE version? I live in a non LTE area does affect me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Comparing my international note2 to my wife's galaxy S3 with AT&T's LTE service, she gets faster data speeds - at least 2x what I can get (and sometimes even 4-5x times what I can get.) (I get about 4 to 7 down while I've seen hers go as high as 25 down.) However, it's really not noticable for web browsing, email, etc. The only time I noticed any difference (outside of the speedtest benchmark app) was when downloading something from the google play store. Even that isn't an issue for me, as I usually don't download from the play store when I'm not home (and on wifi.)
Having the LTE device will result in heavier battery usage (even in a non-LTE area.) Until the devices start showing up, however, it's impossible to say what the difference will be. It might be an extremely power efficient LTE chip, or it might not be. The extra drain will be most noticable when the device is connected to the LTE network and data is transfering. Even when NOT using data or not connected to LTE, it will still drain extra power (as the extra LTE chip will be powered and will occassionally search for an LTE connection.)
Take care
Gary

garyd9 said:
Comparing my international note2 to my wife's galaxy S3 with AT&T's LTE service, she gets faster data speeds - at least 2x what I can get (and sometimes even 4-5x times what I can get.) (I get about 4 to 7 down while I've seen hers go as high as 25 down.) However, it's really not noticable for web browsing, email, etc. The only time I noticed any difference (outside of the speedtest benchmark app) was when downloading something from the google play store. Even that isn't an issue for me, as I usually don't download from the play store when I'm not home (and on wifi.)
Having the LTE device will result in heavier battery usage (even in a non-LTE area.) Until the devices start showing up, however, it's impossible to say what the difference will be. It might be an extremely power efficient LTE chip, or it might not be. The extra drain will be most noticable when the device is connected to the LTE network and data is transfering. Even when NOT using data or not connected to LTE, it will still drain extra power (as the extra LTE chip will be powered and will occassionally search for an LTE connection.)
Take care
Gary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for that information so despite the the data speeds are you satisfied with the Int Note 2 or do you think you will switching to the US version?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium

I have never owned an LTE phone and seem to do just fine on HSPA+. My Note 2 will here Monday (from Newegg) and I'll just use it as I do every other HSPA+ phone. If it meets my needs (streaming netflix/radio/tethering) I'll just keep it. If the AT&T version is super power efficient and screams on LTE without sucking (bloatware, locked down, etc) I'll just sell my mint international Note 2 and move on with my life and get the AT&T version.
Win-win.

jawain said:
Thank you for that information so despite the the data speeds are you satisfied with the Int Note 2 or do you think you will switching to the US version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely, I'll keep the international version. I expect AT&T to sell their LTE version for 750 off contract (75 more than I paid for the international), it'll be bloated (as every AT&T device is), locked to AT&T frequencies and SIMs, and I don't think it'll be as well supported by the open community as the n7100.
Finally, I think it'll be at least one more generation of chips before LTE is power efficient enough for me. I simply don't do anything with my phone that really takes advantage of the LTE speeds - so the extra battery drain from the LTE support isn't worth it for me.
If I used my phone for tethering, on the other hand, I probably wouldn't even consider the non-LTE handsets anymore (and would keep a spare battery or two.)
Take care
Gary

Any idea what size sim card will be used for the AT&T version? Should be regular size right? That is my only concern because I don't want to have to cut my regular sized sim card if I were to get the international version. Unless AT&T will use micro sim too... if that's the case then I could just buy the international version now since I'll be cutting my sim card either way.. and I don't really need LTE and AT&T's bloatware.

maykatok said:
Any idea what size sim card will be used for the AT&T version? Should be regular size right? That is my only concern because I don't want to have to cut my regular sized sim card if I were to get the international version. Unless AT&T will use micro sim too... if that's the case then I could just buy the international version now since I'll be cutting my sim card either way.. and I don't really need LTE and AT&T's bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
microSIM. Pretty much all new phones these days are micro. It's the new standard.

What carriers are you guys using to tether?
Just curious because i was considering straight talk but its against their ToS to tether.

just something i found on youtube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz6frJcsAh0
LTE version of note 2 bench marked lower then the N7100

turilo said:
just something i found on youtube!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz6frJcsAh0
LTE version of note 2 bench marked lower then the N7100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol totally disregard my last post lte note 2 is the same in benchmark tests
Sent from my SGH-I317M using Tapatalk 2

Will this phone work with T-Mobile HSPA+/4g?

I have an s3 but I may be getting this phone but I'm on T-Mobile network..I know with the gti9100 I had 4g wasn't possible.. but is it the same deal with this phone or did they make the phone compatible with every network? Thanks in advance.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

pezlomd said:
I have an s3 but I may be getting this phone but I'm on T-Mobile network..I know with the gti9100 I had 4g wasn't possible.. but is it the same deal with this phone or did they make the phone compatible with every network? Thanks in advance.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made the mistake of buying this phone assuming the same thing... Right now the international Note 2 will only get EDGE in the vast majority of places, because T-Mobile runs most of its 3G on the 1700 frequency which the N7100 doesn't support. T-Mobile is in the process of changing to 1900 (mostly for iPhone users), but who knows how long that'll take. I'm mostly fine with EDGE since I'm on WIFI a lot, but I definitely wish I had known before buying.

Riio said:
I made the mistake of buying this phone assuming the same thing... Right now the international Note 2 will only get EDGE in the vast majority of places, because T-Mobile runs most of its 3G on the 1700 frequency which the N7100 doesn't support. T-Mobile is in the process of changing to 1900 (mostly for iPhone users), but who knows how long that'll take. I'm mostly fine with EDGE since I'm on WIFI a lot, but I definitely wish I had known before buying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I had the exact same question and you answered it perfectly. I was going to buy the GT-N7100 to use on T-Mobile, but if it only gets edge, I won't. Maybe it would work on another carrier, though, like AT&T straight-talk?

Just FYI, I do get HSPA+ while driving to work here in Northern VA although some sites suggest T-Mobile is work to upgrade their 850 to 1900. I do get pretty good speed (5Mbps down/2Mbps up). Check this site if you want to confirm your area but for sure it will work currently only on EDGE: http://www.airportal.de/
I just ordered a Straight Talk SIM card because I know lots of people have constant 3G/4G connection on it since it runs on AT&T. The only draw back with AT&T/Straight Talk is the prohibit unlimited international SMS which I use A LOT.

"E"??
Hi, I just got my N7100 yesterday and upon booting it up with a T-Mobile sim all I get is the "E" for edge network. Like you guys mentioned I guess this is normal for right now correct? Also do any of you get the "R" icon next to your signal strength bar? I opens up the "Roaming" page buddy and thinks I'm roaming. How do you get rid of this "R" icon or can you? Please help newbie here.
Thanks,
John

glad i live in an area where we have the 1900mhz band. its faster than my ATT speed. with my gf tmobile sim i was getting 7mbps and with my att its like 3mbp
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Note2.. yep

i dont get it.. if your going to spend $600+ why not just get the T-Mo version?

YoungAceAtlanta said:
i dont get it.. if your going to spend $600+ why not just get the T-Mo version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
people are impatient. .
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Note2.. yep

Carrier branded versions of phones are often sim-locked and significantly slower to receive software updates. They're also more expensive in the long-run once you factor in the cost of a contract, even with the discounts. And carrier bloatware is usually a negative, too.
Is the T-Mobile Note II free of any of these disadvantages?

2 thumbs up!
strumcat said:
Carrier branded versions of phones are often sim-locked and significantly slower to receive software updates. They're also more expensive in the long-run once you factor in the cost of a contract, even with the discounts. And carrier bloatware is usually a negative, too.
Is the T-Mobile Note II free of any of these disadvantages?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good::good: Couldn't have explained my reason better! Thanks!

strumcat said:
Carrier branded versions of phones are often sim-locked and significantly slower to receive software updates. They're also more expensive in the long-run once you factor in the cost of a contract, even with the discounts. And carrier bloatware is usually a negative, too.
Is the T-Mobile Note II free of any of these disadvantages?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.) SIM Unlocking is dirt cheap (even free sometimes).
2.) ROM upgrade availability is just as quick if not quicker if you use custom ROMS (and if you're on this site you likely know how to flash them).
3.) Carrier branded devices can be bought off contract.
4.) Carrier bloatware can be frozen and/or removed quite easily.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

T-Mobile scam exposed "galaxy s3 not compatible with LTE"

T-mobile is pretty evil in my opinion. The galaxy s3 should get the liability to be able to connect to LTE on their network. It isn't fair that they removed LTE capability via a software update. Proof; appleandroidguide on YouTube, watch the first video and you will see

I buy my phones based on what they can do the day I buy them, not what may happen in the future. It would be nice to have the LTE option but I never really expected it despite the promises made by sales staff and customer service. I will go buy a full blown LTE phone if I feel the need.

Sorry but your wrong, the only phone T-Mobile has for sale that has the LTE capabilities is the Note II because its exactly the same as the AT&T version. If you open it up you will find out that the phone may have an LTE radio but no antenna, like the Nexus 4. And really you should but your phone on what you can do now, not down the road.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

Another one of these threads? Really?
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Thetenthdr said:
Another one of these threads? Really?
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Yup. Loan him your Tardis so he can go back in time to unbuy the T-mobile Galaxy S3.

Omg my porn loads instantly on hspa, how much faster can lte really be? By the time lte gets to the smaller markets most of us will have moved on anyway
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My Netflix and games and downloads and everything run just fine on HSDPA+ and along with the lte upgrade, HSDPA+ will also receive an upgrade. I'd rather keep my H+ phone which will hey better battery life than LTE....
You gotta ask yourself... Do you really need it?
And if you do ( for reasons such as deeper penetration into buildings so you actually get 4g where you live or work or whatever..not just for faster 4g) then sell your s3 and buy an lte s3 or s4.
Your s3 was launched a year ago..that's a long time in technology. Get over it.
Its like buying a new car then complaining a year later that the newer model has more horsepower and better mpg.
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bfranklin1986 said:
Omg my porn loads instantly on hspa, how much faster can lte really be? By the time lte gets to the smaller markets most of us will have moved on anyway
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Its more about coverage. Eff ya porn
??Really??
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Yudichh said:
T-mobile is pretty evil in my opinion. The galaxy s3 should get the liability to be able to connect to LTE on their network. It isn't fair that they removed LTE capability via a software update. Proof; appleandroidguide on YouTube, watch the first video and you will see
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Okay how is it a scam? If you bought the phone when it came out(1yr ago) Tmobile wasn't even hinting at lte. You bought the phone with an understanding of what it was capable of. Most people aren't xda people. They don't go on forums and check out detailed specs sheets and breakdowns inquiring about possibilities of a phones hardware. Sometimes I think its a curse to have such knowledge as we know more than the Tmobile reps or any carrier reps do. The xda community is a minority. They aren't going to change anything for us. They know if people want stuff bad enough they will either leave, pay , or stay where they are at. Tmobile will not bend for you or anyone. You know how hard it was for me to get credit from them for something they did (680++$$) ??? Over a week on the phone.
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Just Ranting but here !!
Come on guys Really ? Technogoloy changes so fast these days no and keep up unless you have deep pockets filled with money and still while your standing there while to pay for it a something newer faster nicer sweeter will come a few days after you buy it. This is the name of technology sales my friends. I get HSDPA+ . Sprint pushes out Samsung S3 to people telling them “ Oh it 4G and LTE soon” in the NYC area but out side of the 2-5 miles you may get 3G that’s is it sometimes and another times crap. These carriers for there not for you but for your $$$$. So that’s why I buy my T-mobile phone based on what they can do and for how long. The very fact that you can pull out the sim card and just drop it in a other T-mobile just is a plus. Is this not why we are here because after we Root our phone and we come here for what they don’t give us?

You may enjoy the speed now but think about internetwork operability and the plans to launch voice over LTE via VoIP-based technology and its a no brainer that its something you want.
Keep in mind, it may take entirely new radio technology to take advantage of VoLTE so buying an LTE phone may already be outdated by this year which, besides economic factors, is why I'm waiting to see what happens in 3Q and 4Q
http://www.extremetech.com/tag/volte

If I remember correctly, the T999 gs3 doesn't even have an LTE chip in the phone. That's what tmobile is releasing the T999L that INCLUDES the LTE radio. The OP is an idiot, and if idiots dont wanna take the time to research and learn about stuff, then they deserve every bad thing that happens.

It does have the lte chip but it isn't activated and won't be because they went a different way with lte bands.
http://m.computerworld.com/s/articl...phones_won_t_work_with_T_Mobile_s_LTE_network
Sent from my wickedly awesome Galaxy S3 using my fingers. Duh!!!

I'm with Videotron carrier in Canada, I have the T999v (v only for videotron, stupid ahah) and I have a fully working LTE network. Our device have the same hardware so T999 IS compatible LTE only T-Mobile popping bad excuse to dont offert it.

I guess I don't understand what the fuss is. When this phone came out for Tmo LTE was not even confirmed. Knowing this, and the fact that absolutely nothing has changed in terms of what has been said about this phone from either Tmo or Samsung about this phone having lte capabilities, there is no scam. We can wish that it was built with the compatible hardware, but the bottom line is that things could be worse, we could be stuck on sprint...
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Steve5400 said:
I guess I don't understand what the fuss is. When this phone came out for Tmo LTE was not even confirmed. Knowing this, and the fact that absolutely nothing has changed in terms of what has been said about this phone from either Tmo or Samsung about this phone having lte capabilities, there is no scam. We can wish that it was built with the compatible hardware, but the bottom line is that things could be worse, we could be stuck on sprint...
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where I would disagree is in your statement about nothing has changed. I too was told multiple times before buying the phone towards the end of the year that it was lte ready and would get it once it came out.

The phone has an LTE amplifier for 700mhz and 1700mhz bands but no modem is mentioned. I would be curious to see a teardown of the V model... Its supposed to be identical to T-Mobile from what I understand...

So it has the lte radio but not the correct one? I been reading different threads on this figuring out if i was gonna get one but don't know if i want to. What lte bands does TMobile use

EtherealRemnant said:
The phone has an LTE amplifier for 700mhz and 1700mhz bands but no modem is mentioned. I would be curious to see a teardown of the V model... Its supposed to be identical to T-Mobile from what I understand...
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Yes, at least they say me that but i can confirm that i've already had and 27 mbts bench on Speed test on my S3