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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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:
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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
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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?
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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
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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?
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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
I aquired the ATT version and sold it because
1. We don't; have LTE and won't for another upgrade
2. I like the lower battery and data consumption of the FM Radio
3.We share 1GB data on legitimate Family share plan with one International "(dumbphone SGS II i9100) and my International Note I declared as a smart phone to get the family share plan. (cannot get that UL messaging Talk shared data plan with two "Feature phones" I am using the APN that came with the ATT version I upgraded for and sold on my Note.
4. The development community is huge already and FW udates are realesed there first. I am already running XXLA on my Note 1.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
tbong777 said:
I aquired the ATT version and sold it because
1. We don't; have LTE and won't for another upgrade
2. I like the lower battery and data consumption of the FM Radio
3.We share 1GB data on legitimate Family share plan with one International "(dumbphone SGS II i9100) and my International Note I declared as a smart phone to get the family share plan. (cannot get that UL messaging Talk shared data plan with two "Feature phones" I am using the APN that came with the ATT version I upgraded for and sold on my Note.
4. The development community is huge already and FW udates are realesed there first. I am already running XXLA on my Note 1.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
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1. I live 30 min from ATT headquarters. LTE blows hspa+ outta the water.
2. I get 6+ hours screen time and 2 days off charger on my lte note.
3. Upgrade your data plan.
4. Development? Its not hard to learn and teach yourself. You will notice nothing between 4.1.1 and 4.1.2, except some settings moved around.
5. 7100 ROMs work on the att note.
antiochasylum said:
1. I live 30 min from ATT headquarters. LTE blows hspa+ outta the water.
2. I get 6+ hours screen time and 2 days off charger on my lte note.
3. Upgrade your data plan.
4. Development? Its not hard to learn and teach yourself. You will notice nothing between 4.1.1 and 4.1.2, except some settings moved around.
5. 7100 ROMs work on the att note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I "get it" You love the ATT version and you develop your own ROMs however I am asking people on ATT using an International device in an International forum who do not develop ROMs if they would have preferred the ATT version now and why. Not who already has the ATT version and loves it. That said it seems seems no one on ATT is unhappy with their N7100.
I Don't need to use much data with the FM Radio. Why pay for something I am getting free or worse I won't use? $115 a month for two smart phones is a bargain. .Another $300+ a year for 4GB of unused data not so much....
Regarding LTE speeds, we all know the frustration of downloading a 700mb ROM on 'high speed" cable at 100kb a second despite our measured 15mps download benchmark speeds on Speednet. LOL
3G+ is plenty fast enough for most web browsing which is ultimately dependent on the web site. LTE looks great on speed tests, on paper, and may save a few minutes here and there downloading and may be very nice for someone who does not have another form of Internet source most of the time. But a few extra seconds of page loading won;t make a whole lot of difference on a mobile device as long as video and music streams seamlessly.
I don't have the time and especially the inclination to learn how to develop code for these devices, I'd rather have a choice of using another's passionate work with the shared results of their hobby.
Those of us without LTE for another year or so don't need the ATT badged phone. I had it. I tried it. I flashed a Rom on it. I sold it cheap .I am holding out for a great deal on a 7100 because I have the ROM already and can wait another $100 or so for the rest of the Note 2 goodies.
I am very happy with my international N2 on AT&T. My 3g speeds average 6-7. There is not LTE where I live, nor will there be for a good while. I have no real concerns about having LTE on my phone with limited data...
I'm fine with the International version. No regrets.
No regrets here. LTE is a long way off where I live. HSPA+ is plenty fast enough.
Thanks guys. I did the right thing. Now I wait for a better price while I rock XXLSA on the N7000
What APNs are you using? Cingular wap or ATT Phone?. I l am on using the Shared data plan I upgraded for with the option of switching back to the MediaNet UL data plan.
I'm using AT&T PTA. I get 6-8 down on average. With wap cingular I only get 3-5 down.
americasteam said:
I'm using AT&T PTA. I get 6-8 down on average. With wap cingular I only get 3-5 down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Good news I am glad I got the new SIM then and provisioned for a smart phone.
I have no regrets. I have the peace of mind knowing that AT&T hasn't tampered with my device in any way in order to monitor activities and/or limit features that are present to me out-of-the box. As for LTE, it's pointless to me the way things are right now. I mean, what need have I for a connection rivaling my home internet speeds, when I'm faced with overages or throttling? HSPA+ is plenty for me.
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
I have no regrets. I have the peace of mind knowing that AT&T hasn't tampered with my device in any way in order to monitor activities and/or limit features that are present to me out-of-the box. As for LTE, it's pointless to me the way things are right now. I mean, what need have I for a connection rivaling my home internet speeds, when I'm faced with overages or throttling? HSPA+ is plenty for me.
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Click to collapse
I just ordered on on Newegg for $599 shipped.... I agree with LTE. I have high speed internet here at home and downloading 700MB ROM files at 100KB/sec reminds me LTE is not all that. Websites determine speeds more than the carrier. The only clear advantage to LTE is when downloading or uploading large files otherwise web pages load in seconds on 3G rather than instantly. Not bad.
I put my phone up next to a Verizon SIII and compared my MediaNet 3g with their LTE. Thier's was faster by a few seconds in some cases and not even by one second in others.
can't you just disable the LTE radio (to save battery or if your area doesn't have LTE), or does that disable data/service entirely?
slapshot136 said:
can't you just disable the LTE radio (to save battery or if your area doesn't have LTE), or does that disable data/service entirely?
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Click to collapse
I bought the International version of the Note 2 and coming from the Note 1 AT&T LTE the battery life is not even close. The note 2 gives me well over 10hrs of heavy screen-on set to auto+high, net surfing over HSPA+. I could not get 1/2 that on my LTE Note 1.
As far as disabling LTE... For my wife, coming from the Skyrocket there was an APN that would disable LTE, however the radio was still there so the battery life was not helped as much as turning it off would have been. Trully turning it "off" on the Skyrocket was not an option. For her I opted to get her the T-Mobile Note2 and unlock it and she is running on AT&T HSPA+ as well with great results.
Bottomline: Getting between 8-9000kpbs is plenty fine with me, especially if it gives me even a fraction of extra battery
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CrozB said:
I bought the International version of the Note 2 and coming from the Note 1 AT&T LTE the battery life is not even close. The note 2 gives me well over 10hrs of heavy screen-on set to auto+high, net surfing over HSPA+. I could not get 1/2 that on my LTE Note 1.
As far as disabling LTE... For my wife, coming from the Skyrocket there was an APN that would disable LTE, however the radio was still there so the battery life was not helped as much as turning it off would have been. Trully turning it "off" on the Skyrocket was not an option. For her I opted to get her the T-Mobile Note2 and unlock it and she is running on AT&T HSPA+ as well with great results.
Bootomline: Getting between 8-9000kpbs is plenty fine with me, especially if it gives me even a fraction of extra battery
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I thought that might be the case. Mine is on the way from NewEgg. I tried the ATT version but I am too used to a vanilla Samsung device. I actually like Samsung without the ATT stuff (although I don;t use TW. ) I tried the CM and AKOP stuff but too much flashing going on and samsung does not release drivers so FM didn't work without a $10 app and the S Pen stuff was wonky. .
The stock custom roms always were my choice. I would find one development team and stick with them. DesignGears on the Cappy, CheckRom on the i9100, Eybee, N7000 and looks like Omega will be my choice with the Note II
Hey forum I have a few questions. I searched the question already but couldnt find any relating threads. I was reading through Flipboard earlier today and saw that T-Mobile will be turning on 4g LTE in about a week or two. I also read that they will be releasing a 4G LTE supported GS3. its really unfair but, that brings me on to my question, Since our Galaxy SIII arent capable of 4G LTE as is will someone work on flashing them so we can have LTE instead of having to buy a new device? Or are we stuck with having to buy either the new SIII, iPhone 5 or Note 2? thanks
Have to buy the new enhanced galaxy s3 with 4G LTE compatibility and in which the LTE enable comes in a new software update
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Its really pointless to get a LTE phone right now. It doesnt matter what carrier you have...LTE is only live in a few markets...look how long it took to get 4G....and even now 4G is still not available is some areas. By the time your 2 year contract is up...if your currently on the GS3...then look at purchasing a LTE phone.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Unfortunately, we've been screwed. I'm willing to bet on it that our current handsets won't work and in a place in NYC where LTE is everywhere it's really a shame for someone like me.
They should at least have some type of upgrade program like if you're on contract with an original S3 you can turn it in and pay like $50 or $100 or something like that and get one with LTE.
Not a big deal since im already getting 22 megs down in parts of Denver which is fast enough for me
I just got a sIII a little more than a month ago and I'm good with my non lte version. I'm totally happy with a device on a fairly mature and built out hspa+ network. The lte version will probably cost more and the tmo lte network is in its infancy with little to no footprint. I'll wait on lte til my next upgrade cycle.
Sent from my SGH-T999
If you are getting speeds over 8-10mbs and over 1 up then don't see what the issue is and why people feel the need for LTE right now.
Its a battery hog and hardly around.
I am in a spotty 4g section at work and get 3 down and under 1 up and still content...I can download movies from Netflix just fine. Pages load fast....and that is in a bad area.
At home or most other areas I am in the 20s down and 2 up.
For me, I have no need for it, unless they fix the battery hog issues.
It will be sometime before it hits smaller cities anyway.
Sent from a galaxy far away!
Don't see a point in changing phones right now just because LTE... for me, 15mbps download is more than enough for current applications and usage. I rather have an unlimited/uncapped plan that allows me to use 15mbps all the time.
Do not get the Iphone 5 or note 2.
Wait About 4 months and get the new s4 which I'm sure will be equipped with lte, and by that time tmo lte will be more stable then in about 2 weeks.
My average down speed is around 13-16 and upload is around 1.7-2, so I am in no rush to have lte.
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I loved being able to do a speed test against the LTE Verizon S3 and beat the pants off it in a Verizon building. Something to be said for a more mature tech.
I will be coming from a Note 3 which was perfect until the Kitkat update. I now have horrible signal and am sick of it. I live in a rural area and want to make sure the Note 4 does not have the same issues before I spend another $700 on a phone (I have unlimited data). Thanks!
murmur70 said:
I will be coming from a Note 3 which was perfect until the Kitkat update. I now have horrible signal and am sick of it. I live in a rural area and want to make sure the Note 4 does not have the same issues before I spend another $700 on a phone (I have unlimited data). Thanks!
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every phone is different since most of them have different CPU and antenna. it's too soon to tell though as most folks haven't even received their pre orders yet.
I have this question as well. I'll be coming from an S3, and it has terrible signal strength. It's the one thing that I've always hated about the S3. I'll be interested to see everyone's results.
My N3 had terrible reception, I moved to LG G3 which was much better. I switched to new N4 yesterday and this phone outperforms both on signal strength. I don't drop data or voice anywhere I used to with the previous 2 phones.
usmaak said:
I have this question as well. I'll be coming from an S3, and it has terrible signal strength. It's the one thing that I've always hated about the S3. I'll be interested to see everyone's results.
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I'm in the exact same position. I'm really hoping the N4 outperforms the S3.
armeN0317 said:
every phone is different since most of them have different CPU and antenna. it's too soon to tell though as most folks haven't even received their pre orders yet.
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Yes, I realize all of that. I just wanted to get the question out there.
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It is still early but initial impressions seem to be positive. I am fond of Motorola for their excellent radios. Coming from a moto x, I don't see any difference in signal. And comparing from my previous note 3, it seems to have improved in my area.
Worse case is that if it doesn't work well in your area, you should be able to return the phone and get something else without incurring a restocking fee. I was hesitant since I wanted to wait for the droid turbo but since playing with the note 4, I'm keeping it. Good luck.
Im having a few signal issues i only get 1 bar some places but it doesnt seem to affect call quality
murmur70 said:
I will be coming from a Note 3 which was perfect until the Kitkat update. I now have horrible signal and am sick of it. I live in a rural area and want to make sure the Note 4 does not have the same issues before I spend another $700 on a phone (I have unlimited data). Thanks!
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I had a note 3 that held a LTE signal at 2 bars very well at my house until the 4.4.4 update, after that update it would be one 3g most of the time.
I got my note 4 yesterday and had it all day and it never once dropped to 3g, It held the LTE signal very well.
The note 4 is definitely better than the note 3 as far as signal quality.
I can verify this because I just bought a note 4 coming from a note 3. I was unable to get service in my house where I lived as well as many other places I should have. I bought the note 4 yesterday and all my service issues have been fixed. So yes the signal is much better.
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using note 4 today and best service i have had to date. phone has great dbm and first speedtest pulled 47 mbps download!!!
My Verizon N4 so far has slightly better signal than my LG G3, which had good service to begin with. No complaints so far with signal strength / net speed. So far my only complaint is the message + lag when taking a photo indoors. Reminds me of the annoying image stabilization option on the S5 that slowed the camera way down
murmur70 said:
I will be coming from a Note 3 which was perfect until the Kitkat update. I now have horrible signal and am sick of it. I live in a rural area and want to make sure the Note 4 does not have the same issues before I spend another $700 on a phone (I have unlimited data). Thanks!
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This shouldn't be a concern on a different device, as Android isn't like Windows (in that a specific version is compatible on all PCs). The firmware (OS) on your device is tailor made for that device, and because of this, the concern you have about signal quality on the Note 4 vs the Note 3 isn't valid (not that it's not a valid concern, but that it doesn't apply). This is why you can't flash firmware from one model to a different model, and the only way for you to garnish an answer is by either speaking to someone in your area that has a Note 4 on VZW or buy a Note 4. I'm not sure if the Note 3 had the ability, but from the Note 4 settings it appears that you make Google Voice your default phone service... not just for dialing, but for receiving as well. I can't verify this, as I haven't tried it out yet, however it would help in your situation. As far as signal goes, I've had no issues with my Note 4 since buying it.
Something to consider... the Nexus 6 comes out next month and one of the unique features it has, over that of the bootloader being unlocked, is that is is the first smartphone with a hot swappable SIM... meaning you can buy it on Verizon and switch at random with other U.S. CDMA and GSM carriers by simply swapping SIMs. The only two differences between the Note 4 and the NX6 is the NX6 has a 13MP camera vs that of the 16MP on the Note 4 and it doesn't come with a S Pen (it also doesn't have the novelty features like a heartbeat monitor or UV exposure reader)... hardware is all the same, quad core 2.7Ghz processor, 3GB of RAM, rapid charge, etc. I'm assuming you have Verizon here, but you know you don't have to pay full retail upfront right? Because manufacturer's and carriers can't test for every variable, occasionally a firmware update will cause an issue with signal viability... have you informed Verizon of the issue, as well as made Samsung aware?
Something else to keep in mind... Android 5.0 [Lollipop] will be released to the Note 4 within a few months, and if you prefer a rooted device, then I would caution against buying anything other than the NX6, as it is highly improbable rooting will be possible on bootloader locked devices running Android 5... is it impossible, no; highly improbable, yes. Checkout ChainFire's Google+ post from 10/18 or 10/19 for an indepth explanation as to why.
This phone gets FANTASTIC reception! Better then iPhone 5 which dropped 4g all the time and better then even my Galaxy S5. MUCH better then the Note 3 which has about the same Signal issues as the iphone 6......
I have a iPhone 6plus and note 4 and my note isn't getting more then two bars when my iPhone is getting 4...could my phone be faulty?
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Thanks guys for the feedback. I understand that signal problems with one phone are unrelated to signal issues with another phone. I was just giving my background that I don't want to go down the road I have with the N3.
Asking about signal issues with the National is a valid question.
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