How is your LTE reception? - Sprint Samsung Galaxy S III

In June I "upgraded" my phone to the HTC EVO LTE, with the understanding that Sprint would be turning on the service in the L.A. area sometime in September.
If you live in this area, you know it was delayed a few times, but you can now pick it up is certain areas.
However, it has recently been discovered that the EVO LTE has problems both connecting to, and staying connected to, LTE. It's ironic, considering it has LTE in its name.
I'm not here looking for advice on getting LTE working on this phone. The EVO LTE forum has plenty of threads devoted to that. But several people have started to lose patience and have been considering switching to the III. Both the III and the new iPhone have been reported to connect to LTE on Sprint network in areas that the EVO cannot.
So I thought I'd ask people who actually own and use the S III, and who are in areas where Sprint has LTE working, what you're experience is?
It will cost plenty to switch, and I'd like to avoid jumping from the frying pan into the fire if possible!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

leebo said:
In June I "upgraded" my phone to the HTC EVO LTE, with the understanding that Sprint would be turning on the service in the L.A. area sometime in September.
If you live in this area, you know it was delayed a few times, but you can now pick it up is certain areas.
However, it has recently been discovered that the EVO LTE has problems both connecting to, and staying connected to, LTE. It's ironic, considering it has LTE in its name.
I'm not here looking for advice on getting LTE working on this phone. The EVO LTE forum has plenty of threads devoted to that. But several people have started to lose patience and have been considering switching to the III. Both the III and the new iPhone have been reported to connect to LTE on Sprint network in areas that the EVO cannot.
So I thought I'd ask people who actually own and use the S III, and who are in areas where Sprint has LTE working, what you're experience is?
It will cost plenty to switch, and I'd like to avoid jumping from the frying pan into the fire if possible!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have LTE but do have the S3 and it is an amazing device from what I have read it has no problems connecting and staying on 4g I believe you will be way happier with the S3
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

I made the switch from evo lte to the gs3. I have had it just over a week now and I can say that gs3 connects to lte much faster and stays connected. It picks up lte in areas where the evo does not. I even have the evo lte active on another line and I have been comparing the lte connection side by side for the past week.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

I've never had an EVO, but I really enjoy my SGSIII. I live in a LTE area and my phone is constantly connecting to LTE. I have no complaints whatsoever. On the other hand, my cousin has the EVO LTE and is not happy with it at all. I don't know how often the phone connects to LTE, but he has mentioned more than once that he is not happy with it. We are in the same area.

The one time I used lte it connected fine and stayed connected.

My sister has an Evo 4G LTE, and more often than not, she's on 3G when my S3 is on LTE 2 feet away. She's dying to switch to the S3.

I am in Houston with sg3 and lte is very good around town, especially inside my house. So good that rarely use my 12mbps wifi anymore.

Thanks everyone.
So I feel like I got ripped off by Sprint now. Selling me a phone called "LTE" that can't really connect to LTE, but just enough to keep them out of court.
I will try to be patient (as if waiting since June isn't patient) and wait till after New Years and go to EBay. Hopefully, the SIII will go down a bit since the Christmas shoppers will be gone.

leebo said:
Thanks everyone.
So I feel like I got ripped off by Sprint now. Selling me a phone called "LTE" that can't really connect to LTE, but just enough to keep them out of court.
I will try to be patient (as if waiting since June isn't patient) and wait till after New Years and go to EBay. Hopefully, the SIII will go down a bit since the Christmas shoppers will be gone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint didn't make the phone, HTC did. Your complaint is with the mamanufacturer not the carrier.
Sent from my SPH-L710

-EViL-KoNCEPTz- said:
Sprint didn't make the phone, HTC did. Your complaint is with the mamanufacturer not the carrier.
Sent from my SPH-L710
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, Sprint sold the phone. Sprint named the phone. Sprint said, "Here is our newest phone". "It's made to run on our new LTE 4G network".
Hell, Sprint even directed HTC to make changes to the phone to differentiate it from the One X.
Sprint is the one holding my $350 hostage if I'm not happy and decide to leave. Sprint is the one who won't let me switch phones without paying a hefty price.
Now, you can split hairs and say "well, technically the phone can connect to LTE", but connecting once or twice a day for 30 seconds isn't usable.
If they're not willing to let EVO LTE owners exchange phones for at least a refurbished S III, that tells me they don't stand behind their service.
Any way you paint it, I'm unlikely to renew with them next time. So, if my point of view is correct, Sprint loses. If it's wrong, Sprint loses.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

You don't quite get it. Sprint didn't make the hardware that is causing the issue HTC chose the lte radio to use, the radio is what's failing. Therefore your complaint lies with HTC due to manufacturer defects. If u buy a defective Xbox from Walmart its not walmarts fault Microsoft shipped them a defective product and you have to go thru the manufacturer warranty to collect on defects. You legally have no leg to stand on if u went to court against sprint, your case wouldn't even be heard and you'd be told to file against the manufacturer not the retailer/carrier. This is common knowledge and listed on every warranty and return policy in the country.
Sent from my SPH-L710

If I bought a defective Xbox at Walmart, it's highly likely Walmart would refund my money, whether they were legally obligated to or not. I could then buy a PS3 from them.
Also, they would not charge me $350 if I decided to leave and buy a PS3 at Sears.
Sprint will not be getting my return business. Period. I think they are the one's who don't get it, and that's reflected in their bottom line.

Please take all LTE discussions to the sticky thread.
Thanks
FNM

Related

Buyer's remorse?

so i bought the verizon galaxy nexus, and i'm having slight buyer's remorse =/. the LTE network is definitely fast, and ICS is good software but i feel like the GN just had shoddy radios. even with the 4.0.4 update and hybrid radios found on XDA i can't seem to get consistent signal with it.
at most i get 2 bars of 3G or 4G, the hand off between them is **** too. when LTE drops it takes at least a good 10-15 seconds before i either find 3G again or get some network connectivity back. the unfortunate reality is that when LTE terminates the entire network operation can go down temporarily(on the device). i'm in a pretty good metropolitan area for verizon, but sadly I've had better reception on many of T-Mobiles phones on their 3G and HSPA+.
the buyer's remorse is strong with this one =/. i tried the HTC Rezound but the current ICS builds are not that great. and i don't want to be stuck /w an outdated device for too long.
what do you guys think?
The only remorse I had was not pre-ordering mine so it'd arrive sooner.
I haven't had any problems with my radio at all. Best reception I've had in a while.
Could be your area or Verizon's network. It has been on the fritz since it rolled out.
Sent from my Nexus in Texas.
bongd said:
The only remorse I had was not pre-ordering mine so it'd arrive sooner.
I haven't had any problems with my radio at all. Best reception I've had in a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming you have the GSM version though if you're actually on Rogers. Most complaints about signal are coming from VZW people.
My only remorse was waiting until the conference ended to pre order, would have liked it on the 17th not 19th
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Not having an LTE phone doesn't really qualify me to give advice, but I can only assume other LTE phones you have had have worked just fine?
well i haven't really had verizon ever, the "4G" hspa+ phones from tmobile work better than the VZW nexus i have here now...like i said, I ordered the Rezound and tried it, the LTE and overall reception is just plain out far better but at this point it is kind of a sore subject for me. i'm kind of locked to ICS and 720p, but the ICS leaks for the rezound are subpar and just sluggish.. the only reason i went /w VZW was because of the nexus, but i think it would just be more economic and honestly less of a hassle to just go back to t-mobile because of unlocked GSM phones. the CDMA out where i live just proves to be subpar at every corner. i don't really get how VZW and Sprint can stay in business out here(i'm from southeast houston).
Dajinn said:
well i haven't really had verizon ever, the "4G" hspa+ phones from tmobile work better than the VZW nexus i have here now...like i said, I ordered the Rezound and tried it, the LTE and overall reception is just plain out far better but at this point it is kind of a sore subject for me. i'm kind of locked to ICS and 720p, but the ICS leaks for the rezound are subpar and just sluggish.. the only reason i went /w VZW was because of the nexus, but i think it would just be more economic and honestly less of a hassle to just go back to t-mobile because of unlocked GSM phones. the CDMA out where i live just proves to be subpar at every corner. i don't really get how VZW and Sprint can stay in business out here(i'm from southeast houston).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Return it and get away from VZW then. Go back to T-Mo and get a HSPA+ Nexus. You'll be better off for it.
No remorse
Bought the Nexus and am very happy since I purchased the extended battery from Samsung. My Galaxy Nexus last around 12 hours, just about 1 day with normal to heavy useage of email and net surfing.
Very happy user!
martonikaj said:
Return it and get away from VZW then. Go back to T-Mo and get a HSPA+ Nexus. You'll be better off for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is EXACTLY what I am doing right now. I sold my VZW Nexus tonight, and am looking to buy a GSM Nexus sometime tomorrow or Monday in order to use ATT or (less likely) TMO. I had a few radio issues like you mention, but they weren't enough to bother me too much. The simple truth is I'm freaking sick of VZW and their friggin' methods of doing things, mostly revolving around the way they try to turn their customers into ATMs for their own coffers. I used to use them because they had the best network/tech, but in the past year or so it has become more and more evident they are having some serious problems with their network. I could care less WHY it is happening and more THAT it is happening.
It's pushed me over the edge to wave goodbye and leave the "service" provider. At least ATT and TMO don't make a habit of treating their customers like $#it and they don't make a practice of nickle and diming them to death. It is unlikely that I will ever return to VZW, even if they regain the status of "best network" and "best hardware". If necessary I would settle for slightly less powerful hardware and slightly less network coverage/performance in order to vote with my $ and my conscience against the corporation itself. Screw Verizon.
eakeller said:
This is EXACTLY what I am doing right now. I sold my VZW Nexus tonight, and am looking to buy a GSM Nexus sometime tomorrow or Monday in order to use ATT or (less likely) TMO. I had a few radio issues like you mention, but they weren't enough to bother me too much. The simple truth is I'm freaking sick of VZW and their friggin' methods of doing things, mostly revolving around the way they try to turn their customers into ATMs for their own coffers. I used to use them because they had the best network/tech, but in the past year or so it has become more and more evident they are having some serious problems with their network. I could care less WHY it is happening and more THAT it is happening.
It's pushed me over the edge to wave goodbye and leave the "service" provider. At least ATT and TMO don't make a habit of treating their customers like $#it and they don't make a practice of nickle and diming them to death. It is unlikely that I will ever return to VZW, even if they regain the status of "best network" and "best hardware". If necessary I would settle for slightly less powerful hardware and slightly less network coverage/performance in order to vote with my $ and my conscience against the corporation itself. Screw Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right on. Not to sound like a broken record, but you look like another candidate for the Prepaid Thread. Take a look in there before you sign up for service. Take control and own your service.
How do you have 2-3 bars of 3g/4g? I didn't think it showed data connectivity only phone service and wifi strength?
Am I missing something?
Sent from my francoPhone
I'm in the exact same boat as the OP. Got my VZW Galaxy Nexus four days ago. Switched from TMO after 11 years specifically for this phone since they didn't announce availability on TMO at MWC. Had a Nexus One off contract, and was waiting very patiently for the Galaxy Nexus, but with VZW's double-data promotion, and a nice 20% corporate discount, I decided to make the switch.
Despite VZW's JD Power awards for network quality, I'm getting horrible reception on this phone compared to what I would get with TMO. 3G data speeds are a 10-20% of what I'd get through TMO as well, and the Nexus One wasn't even a '4G' phone! LTE can be decent... get about 5-8mbps where I live, but I work in downtown Phoenix and get about 1-2mbps, on LTE! That's insane. I'd pull 2-4mbps on my Nexus One anywhere around the Phoenix Metro area. The day after I activated the phone the connection dropped completely, at random, for more than 30 minutes each time. Thankfully I've yet to see that again. I'll be watching real close for the next week to decide whether to keep it or not... Kind of sad I missed out on Daily Steals $530 deal for the GSM version.
Edit: Forgot to add that, aside from the network issues, the phone itself is absolutely amazing...
eakeller said:
This is EXACTLY what I am doing right now. I sold my VZW Nexus tonight, and am looking to buy a GSM Nexus sometime tomorrow or Monday in order to use ATT or (less likely) TMO. I had a few radio issues like you mention, but they weren't enough to bother me too much. The simple truth is I'm freaking sick of VZW and their friggin' methods of doing things, mostly revolving around the way they try to turn their customers into ATMs for their own coffers. I used to use them because they had the best network/tech, but in the past year or so it has become more and more evident they are having some serious problems with their network. I could care less WHY it is happening and more THAT it is happening.
It's pushed me over the edge to wave goodbye and leave the "service" provider. At least ATT and TMO don't make a habit of treating their customers like $#it and they don't make a practice of nickle and diming them to death. It is unlikely that I will ever return to VZW, even if they regain the status of "best network" and "best hardware". If necessary I would settle for slightly less powerful hardware and slightly less network coverage/performance in order to vote with my $ and my conscience against the corporation itself. Screw Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate to call someone out around here. I love these forums and the people who participate. I was with this poster up until the " At least ATT and TMO don't make a habit of treating their customers like $#it and they don't make a practice of nickle and diming them to death." Really man? Att? Have you been paying attention? I just think its funny. Your confused bud and looks like you need to do some real research before making your decision..
IFLATLINEI said:
I hate to call someone out around here. I love these forums and the people who participate. I was with this poster up until the " At least ATT and TMO don't make a habit of treating their customers like $#it and they don't make a practice of nickle and diming them to death." Really man? Att? Have you been paying attention? I just think its funny. Your confused bud and looks like you need to do some real research before making your decision..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all of them nickle and dime tmo chargers 5 bucks for exchanging defect phones i had verizon for 2 years and glad when contract was up their customer service was horrid and lte kept crashing verizon sucks worst of all in my opinion
Sent from the bridge of the
U.S.S. Enterprise using L.T.Com Worf
Had my N since launch day in Dec by VZN. Had many dropped calls, poor 3G speeds, random reboots, battery pull req'd, sluggish behaviour & poor photo quality. Terribly aggravated with VZN handling of the launch & subsequent o/s updates....lack thereof.
Last week rooted & applied 4.0.4 with radio updates. & am so far happier. Here in Maine we don't have LTE & probably won't this year.
Regardless, would not even consider switch back to lying cheating good for little ATT. Remember, none of the carriers give a damn about us except for our paying our bills on time & betting good little sheep.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I'm not discounting anyone's experience but I left tmo after 6+ years to VZW just for the nexus. I guess people expect some miracle coverage but its just as spotty as T-Mobile network. My only complaint really with VZW is there pricing however I totally knew what I was getting into before buying the nexus. T-Mobile hardly treats there customers like royalty anymore their customer service went from top notch to WTF and was my main reason for leaving. VZW customer service is how I remember T-Mobile back in the day. I thought I would regret leaving but I must say the gnex was worth it. The few gripes I had with the phone disappeared once I updated to 4.0.4. I definitely don't suggest
Staying with services your not happy with VZW LTE isn't for everyone.
I live in Chicago and coming from a bionic I totally know what you mean. I had great 4g coverage on my bionic and I'm super disappointed to see this phone have such terrible coverage. But when I went to north river side mall which is right outside the city I had full bars of 4G.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
Dajinn said:
so i bought the verizon galaxy nexus, and i'm having slight buyer's remorse =/. the LTE network is definitely fast, and ICS is good software but i feel like the GN just had shoddy radios. even with the 4.0.4 update and hybrid radios found on XDA i can't seem to get consistent signal with it.
at most i get 2 bars of 3G or 4G, the hand off between them is **** too. when LTE drops it takes at least a good 10-15 seconds before i either find 3G again or get some network connectivity back. the unfortunate reality is that when LTE terminates the entire network operation can go down temporarily(on the device). i'm in a pretty good metropolitan area for verizon, but sadly I've had better reception on many of T-Mobiles phones on their 3G and HSPA+.
the buyer's remorse is strong with this one =/. i tried the HTC Rezound but the current ICS builds are not that great. and i don't want to be stuck /w an outdated device for too long.
what do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Return it and get the rezound. The radio is incredible.. and ics is just as good on it as the gnex.
On my gnex I coulndt get signal at my house. With the rezound it get 3 to 4 bars.
Compared to the gnex.. it feels much higher quality. It's fast , sexy screen, and ice goodness.. best choice I ever made
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA App
I dunno man, I live in a suburb of Atlanta, and with T-Mobile I was getting anywhere from 400 kbps to 1.2 mbps tops, dropping calls, phone wouldn't even ring sometimes and I wouldn't get the voicemail indication until 8 hours after the fact.
Now I'm getting about 25-30 Mbps over LTE with no voice issues whatsoever.

Sprint galaxy nexus users

The sprint Galaxy Nexus will be launched soon, and I was wondering who will be looking to buy this phone. Since the 1st launch specs have mysteriously been pulled it seems there is no official knowledge of whether there will be a 1.5 cpu, or the same specs as the Verizon version. Sprint's newer ad's only show a picture of the phone with vague basic information.
We know that LTE is not rolling out for a while, bu we still bought the EVO 4G. We also know that the LTE band probably will change in the future, but my Photon is still getting Wimax 4G when I am in NYC. I am looking for my 1st Google experience, with a great display, and NFC. I also hope that the antenna, and GPS issues are fixed!
Man can't believe there gonna real ease this phone on sprint I feel bad for anyone that gets it in the phoenix area
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
I think its pretty safe to assume it will be 1.2ghz.
Google isn't going to want to fragment their baby in that manner.
If I was still on Sprint I would get it. Well I did get it but jumped to Verizon for it. Now I have a great phone on a great network...
Don't know what GPS issues you are talking about either...GPS is totally fine on the device.
As far as radios, seems like there might have been some bad hardware. If your device isn't defective then the radio's are just fine...
I think Sprint's version will have other issues it might face as a first device on a brand new LTE network.
I don't think there will be any LTE issues for it on Sprint. After all, it will be available almost nowhere to be able to have it drop or be unstable. /potshot
adrynalyne said:
I don't think there will be any LTE issues for it on Sprint. After all, it will be available almost nowhere to be able to have it drop or be unstable. /potshot
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Click to collapse
Haha...good point
i'm confident that this will be the same exact version as the Verizon CDMA variant. no gpu updates/no 1.5 clock/no LTE. these are always pipe dreamed whenever a carrier releases it after another has had it. Sammy aint puttin in any more into a phone that wont be a top seller anyway. because only 10-15% of the droid population even know what the nexus is. Apple/HTC/MOTO will get those newbie sales.
pretty much buying this phone cuz i love my nexus S 4g, and just looking for a more capable hardware to run ICS
the 3g will suck like it does now/the LTE rollout will be shaky at best/and no wimax to bail out the crappy 3g speeds
My expectations are right where they need to be. I bought the evo 4g on launch day and after that i learned "it is what it is."
but my major buying point of this over the coveted SGSIII is the fact that i KNOW the GN will run the next iteration of android (Jelly Bean?) before any phone that released this generation will. Ive been around long enough to realize that only newer/vanilla phones get the upgrades. (2.2/2.3/4.0) say what you want about the nexus s, but it was first to run ICS officially/unofficially. meanwhile people with the best hardware spec'd phone SGSII/Epic Touch are running BETAs of it at best...
so the GN will still be relevant a year from now. just the nexus s is still relevant to any1 not on verizion or whoever copped the EU version.
Just sad how late its coming out. And even still, LTE will be a joke for the next year at least on Sprint.
I made the mistake of buying the Evo 4G on launch day expecting WiMax to be good. Wouldn't make that mistake again.
martonikaj said:
Just sad how late its coming out. And even still, LTE will be a joke for the next year at least on Sprint.
I made the mistake of buying the Evo 4G on launch day expecting WiMax to be good. Wouldn't make that mistake again.
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Click to collapse
I made the mistake of signing a new contract with them last year for the EVO 3D. Good thing a new material change last month allowed me to jump ship to T-mobile. What a joke of a carrier...
I cannot wait to get this phone.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
This means more devs which means more ROMs
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

(Q) Sprint - When will 4g/LTE finally be available

So i've been paying an additional $10 a month per line on my phones with 4G capabilities. Initally I had the OG EVO, 3D, and now Epic Touch. Its been well over a year probably close to two and I still dont have 4G not that this is something I need but it is something ive been paying for.
I dont live in some rural area (San Diego) so I dont see why they are lagging. Maybe this whole transition from 4G to LTE but that change was fairly recent.
Of couse when you call sprint they are not going to give you any time frame.
So I guess im stuck still paying the additional $10 on each line for a service I cannot access where I live and havent since day one.
Oh well, hopefully once LTE gets going SD will be one of the first to run it.
Anyone with some inside info care to provide some good news?
Sprint now defines that $10 as a smartphone surcharge and applies it to anything that runs iOS, Android, Bby, or WinMo 4g or not, although I don't think sprint has any current smartphones that aren't 4g.
You would've been better off to fight the 4g battle when the evo came out IMO.
TerryMathews said:
Sprint now defines that $10 as a smartphone surcharge and applies it to anything that runs iOS, Android, Bby, or WinMo 4g or not, although I don't think sprint has any current smartphones that aren't 4g.
You would've been better off to fight the 4g battle when the evo came out IMO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True..
At the time when the EVO came out I believe was the only 4G phone they carried so I guess was under the impression the charge was for 4G but I do see it has changed to a general charge for smart phones.
So I guess at this point its just a waiting game.
Techincally the evo was out first, but idunno where you lived, but the Epic was available first here due to false demand scams by HTC... either that or they made them one at a time. Seriously didnt you get enough of this topic in the evo forums?? I know we got sick of it in the Epic forums...
http://s4gru.com/ I found this site online, not sure how accurate their information is, but good to read through.
Al major markets se supposed to have LTE by the end of 2014 but we've all been hearing these ETAs for years with 4G so I wouldn't count on either. I'm in Milwaukee WI and have head we will have 4G by 2011.. never happened lol
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Sprint confirms LTE phones will feature unlimited data.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/sprint-lte-unlimited-data-everything-plan/
Also, see the link in my signature.
tylerjames09 said:
Al major markets se supposed to have LTE by the end of 2014 but we've all been hearing these ETAs for years with 4G so I wouldn't count on either. I'm in Milwaukee WI and have head we will have 4G by 2011.. never happened lol
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live by eau claire wi..... I have no hope for lte....
Got AOKP?
I'm in SD too and we're supposedly in the second list for the rollout which should start sometime soon...
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Bear gri11z said:
I live by eau claire wi..... I have no hope for lte....
Got AOKP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im near Milwaukee and I have less hope than you. I know Clear has been putting 4G towers in milwaukee and madison, but I have yet to pick up a 4G signal.
4G LTE...not happening.
Keep in mind, Sprint's 4G LTE is their own, with their own network, own buildout, and own spectrum.
I have read in several places Q3 for L.A. and Orange County and Q4 for San Diego so its safe to say before Christmas you will be rocking LTE
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Best answer to sprint lte is 3 years before most places fully see it. Hell I have been in a wimax test arear for over 2 years and at a sprint store I heard a salesman tell a customer there was no 4g at all but when it gets here it will be awesome. When sprints own staff has no idea 4g is even in their own service area how can I even trust them to put towers up.
Good for you people in great big luscious data driven cities, sucks every where else
I have had several sprint employees tell me that here in Virginia it should be within 2 years.
I have a question of my own. I have had a few people tell me that when LTE comes around we will have to have new phones because the hardware like in the Epic Touch will not work on LTE. Any truth to this?
dohchp said:
I have had several sprint employees tell me that here in Virginia it should be within 2 years.
I have a question of my own. I have had a few people tell me that when LTE comes around we will have to have new phones because the hardware like in the Epic Touch will not work on LTE. Any truth to this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes if you want lte you will have to get a lte capable phone..... Ie sgs3 HTC evo4g lte , etc .... The hardware in this phone will not work on lte . But until you get lte if you have 4g now there is no reason to change unless you're a phone junkie like me
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5
This summer I am guessing since that is when they are releasing the Evo Lte, Galaxy Nexus etc. Boston market looks like lte will cover almost the entire state, and if it's anything like how when the original htc evo launch, lte will most likely be already on in boston market.

So what phone do I upgrade to??

Okay so after months of complaining about service and one FCC complaint Sprint is letting me out of my contract. My service is beyond poor, and from all the research I have done it seems to affect everyone in my area, (Detroit) You would think Sprint would do a little better in a major city. I have until September 15th to find a new carrier.
Now, I love my S2, it is my first high end Android and I will only buy high end phones from now on... I am hooked.
Now being in Detroit my options are (4g is a must)
Verizon (LTE)
ATT (HSPA +)
T Mobile (HSPA+)
And to further complicate matters
MetroPCS (LTE)
Now,... not certain but I suspect that part of my reception issues with Sprint are caused by the less than stellar radio in the 4g touch. My first reaction was to buy a Verizon S3 but then I started having second thoughts because Motorola and HTC are known for better radios... damn.
I am currently running the hacked Verizon PRL allowing me to get Verizon 3G, it still pretty much sucks for me but still 10x faster than Sprint. I get from 100 to 500 Kbps. (But also get better voice and no dropped calls)
Now.. my whole point of wanting a fast internet connection is so I can browse the web and stream video at work.. and I work in a large industrial building made in 1940 with REAL bricks and stuff. None of that plastic modern crap,
From what I understand LTE signals have a hard time penetrating buildings... so it should have twice as much work to penetrate mine.
I have been playing with EVERYONE'S phone I know at work so I can test there internet speed... I think people at work think I lost my mind.
Unfortunately I work with cheapskates so the only 4G I was able to play with was MetroPCS which has a hit and miss 4G signal at work depending on the location in the building. I did get to play with one T Mobile HSPA+ phone and it got 2 MBPS down.. (I THINK that's enough to stream Netflix?)
Does HSPA+ penetrate buildings better than 4G LTE??
Now.. MetroPCS phones are generally pretty crappy and as of yet I don't think there is a way to flash over to them with working 4G, however...
there is a strong and somewhat substantiated rumor that the S3 is coming to MetroPCS before the end of the year. Okay.. this sounds almost perfect as I live and work in a very strong MetroPCS LTE area. Now I am back to my original concern that the S3 wont pull in the signal as well as other phones and is the only phone this carrier almost has that I would consider.
Now as far as the other carriers go I have the standard selection of phones... I just want a smoking hot phone with a large screen with a equally smoking hot radio. (is that so wrong?)
I know you guys cant give me a definitive answer about this because its all about my location and the location of the towers but I have researched phones and services until my eyes started bleeding and appreciated any educated guesses and advice. The only carrier I have any experience with is Sprint and MetroPCS and I have never had working 4G before. I want it so bad that I am willing to pay Verizon's prices if need be. On the other hand I have heard some people say that the Radio on the S3 is slightly improved... so if I could get an S3 on MetroPCS with unlimited 4G that would be awesome.
Buying a phone can be harder than buying a damn house.
I wouldn't get the gs3 on vzw its locked up tight so no rooting/modifications. I personally wouldn't go to vzw period, if i had to switch of go with TMo or AT&T in that order for TMo I'm not current on all the devices but I'd go with the gs3 or one s idk how HTC is with the bootloader tho, I know the one x and evolte are a pain in the ass to root. On att I'd go with the gs3 or gNote, although your other option would be to buy an unlocked device like the.gNex and use it on TMo or ATT prepaid which is what I would do personally. I'd get an unlocked gNex directly from Google and use it on TMos unlimited prepaid plan
We are legion, for we are many.
Sent from the DarkSide of the GalaXy with a MEK device
Gnex for me
I'm in metro Detroit too, and feel your pain. Data speeds have dropped to a slow drip over the last couple years (not that they were ever fast here). I'm leaning toward tmobile when I get bounced. Probably an S3.
It's not the radio's really you have to worry about when it comes to building penetrations. It's the frequency the network runs on. Verizon has great building penetration with 3g and LTE because Verizon owns most of the good low frequency. If you want good 4g and good building penetration Verizon is the way to go. But, you will pay good money for it. I don't know how much Metro has improved but, I have a friend who has Metro in the heart of a city that Metro is supposed to be good in. He always call me from his home phone because his service is weak.
As far as phones are concerned Verizon has the Gnex but I would try to get the unlocked Galaxy S3. I'm not sure if they are available to anyone but I read on Engadget a few weeks back that they were going to sell them for Verizon.
Just my 2cents. Good luck though.
i too probably will not be on sprint much longer due to signal, or rather lack there of... its my intention when I'm free to skip major carriers all together and use a month to month prepay provider that uses att's network... att and Verizon offer the best coverage in my area but I find their prices to be outlandish... by going with a prepay provider on att's network I'm getting the same good coverage for $45/mo, I can buy awesome phones for a very reasonable price directly from Google play, and as att is GSM I don't need to worry about my nexus experance being ruined like those on cdma networks do... lastly should I want something other than a nexus device I'll be able to buy used phones off of eBay/Craigslist without having to worry about asinine ESN's anymore, more than once sprint customer service has told me an ESN is clear, so I bought the phone, only later to find out that it was not when trying to activate it... not cool... actually I also just realized I could simply put aside the 60-70 I'll be saving a month on the bill and just buy the newest cutting edge device at full retail every 9 months with my savings... upgrade every two years?hah...
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I only get average of 300Kb/s, where do you find the Verizon PRL and tutorial?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
I would just stick with sprint for may be 2-3 more months. I am sure Detroit will get the network upgrades sooner than later. You can also check scheduled upgrades on network.sprint.com website. But then again I understand how much it would suck for you with bad connection 24x7.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Rich3077, I am in the same situation as you and will be switching to Verizon as soon as the next round of phones are released (iPhone 5, next Nexus, etc.). The current lineup of phones only has the S3 that's new, pretty much everything else is a little old and lacking (GNex's camera, no SD card, and no GSM). With my experience with the S2 and Samsung's/Sprint's radio quality, and generally delayed OS upgrades I am really hoping that I don't have to buy another Samsung-branded phone again, and that the next Nexus is better than the current and previous Samsung versions.
Plus, it's starting to sound like we might actually start to see quad core phones with LTE. If you can, I would suggest waiting two to three months before you pull the trigger.
hrffd said:
I only get average of 300Kb/s, where do you find the Verizon PRL and tutorial?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1267893
This is the thread I got the Verizon PRL's from, as well as instructions. You may have to try a few of them before you find one that works for you.
Thanks everyone for your reply's.. choices suck right now because as soon as I find a phone that has acceptable hardware I find out that it has a non replaceable battery or no SD card slot. What the hell are the manufactures thinking?? Its gonna cost me a bundle because I have 3 phones on my plan but even if I gotta pay full retail for phones I will if I can just get good service as well as a hot phone.
Rich3077 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1267893
This is the thread I got the Verizon PRL's from, as well as instructions. You may have to try a few of them before you find one that works for you.
Thanks everyone for your reply's.. choices suck right now because as soon as I find a phone that has acceptable hardware I find out that it has a non replaceable battery or no SD card slot. What the hell are the manufactures thinking?? Its gonna cost me a bundle because I have 3 phones on my plan but even if I gotta pay full retail for phones I will if I can just get good service as well as a hot phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look for a good unlocked GSM phone and use something like TMos prepaid plan, their unlimited is throttled after 5gb but u still get around 2-3mbps down on 4g
We are legion, for we are many.
Sent from the DarkSide of the GalaXy with a MEK device
Rich3077 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1267893
This is the thread I got the Verizon PRL's from, as well as instructions. You may have to try a few of them before you find one that works for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been trying to a couple different.. I tried 00001, 00002 and 01337 and none of them gave me more than 300kb/s burst and 60kb/s normal. But I guess ill try them all.
hrffd said:
I've been trying to a couple different.. I tried 00001, 00002 and 01337 and none of them gave me more than 300kb/s burst and 60kb/s normal. But I guess ill try them all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try 11115
We are legion, for we are many.
Sent from the DarkSide of the GalaXy with a MEK device
If I were not on contract, the $30 T-Mobile/Walmart plan with a $350 Galaxy Nexus from Google Play would be awfully tempting. Only catch is you only get 100 minutes. Given the fact that I average about 50 minutes a month anyway, I don't consider this a problem.
You would have to give up your LTE dreams. HSPA+ ain't so bad, is it?
-EViL-KoNCEPTz- said:
Try 11115
We are legion, for we are many.
Sent from the DarkSide of the GalaXy with a MEK device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, 11119 is getting 1mb-2mb/s. Not sure if I want to try the others or not now lol
Auto: Domestic and Int'l is selected for Roaming.
hrffd said:
Damn, 11119 is getting 1mb-2mb/s. Not sure if I want to try the others or not now lol
Auto: Domestic and Int'l is selected for Roaming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 1111x series are the best I always had good results with 11115 on my evo but now I don't need to do the prl hack cuz my sprint 3g is 1+mbps on peak and 2+mbps off peak
We are legion, for we are many.
Sent from the DarkSide of the GalaXy with a MEK device
I agree with evils first suggestion. Get the unlocked galaxy nexus and use it on att or tmobile.
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bparkerson04 said:
I agree with evils first suggestion. Get the unlocked galaxy nexus and use it on att or tmobile.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah if I had to switch from sprint I'd eat the cost of an unlocked device up front to go prepaid cuz all the other carriers are so damn expensive on contract, hell you can use straight talk prepaid or any GSM prepaid plan with an unlocked device and getting the unlocked gnex from Google guarantees you speedy updates that work right
We are legion, for we are many.
Sent from the DarkSide of the GalaXy with a MEK device
FYI, it doesn't look like you are looking at Verizon S3, but in case if that thought crossed your mind, be aware that the S3 on Verizon has a locked bootloader. Given that you are on xda I am assuming that you probably care about this.
http://www.androidauthority.com/ver...3-locked-bootloader-developer-edition-100550/

Sprint May Buy T-Mobile

http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox...e_allowed_should_it_be.html?wpisrc=burger_bar
No!!!!!!!!
I escaped from that hell hold of a company. I don't want to go back to them.
I don't even care anymore. Money runs the world, nobody knows what sprint will do with them even if it goes through. I'm still waiting on aosp on my note 3
Sent from my DragonMOD-N9005 using xda app-developers app
I certainly hope this does Not happen, I had sprint for many years, and I just could not stomach having to deal with them again.
Re-carrier: Activate. Form 2-year contracts overage fees super ****ty customer service!
No! T-Mo is the only carrier that's doing it right! Sprint and VZW need to die a painful death for using the abomination that is CDMA so that we can get rid of CDMA for good and have universal GSM that works on all carriers. At least it's Sprint and not VZW though, Sprint's Note 3 is still bootloader unlocked and Sprint has truly unlimited data. I would say that puts them in 2nd place because AT&T and VZW are both monsters when it comes to contracts and bootloader locking. Ideally T-Mo will refuse, but honestly if worse comes to worst I'd rather see Sprint buy out T-Mo and build a GSM grid than see AT&T buy it and become the one and only GSM provider in the US and sell only crappy restricted locked versions of phones.
This could be a good thing, for everybody.
Lets ignore the fact sprint sucks, now lets realize softbank japan owns them & are doing everything they can to have better rollouts and structure. If Sprint does acquire tmo, its not like the tmobile towers are suddenly going to vanish, they need the tmobile structure as its better then their own.
So?
If this lets softbank focus on Sprint Spark majority rollout for Tri-band devices & LTE-A with the new influx of money and a better 4G network courtesy of magenta and not have to worry about their hideous towers currently servicing 3G/4G in overlap zones they should be able to vastly improve their networks across the board & focus on next gen tower rollouts before red or blue.
This could be a good thing, also considering I wouldn't mind going to a plan that guaranteed unlimited for life.
However, I dont think itll happen
1* ATT/TMO merger, sprint whined, whined, and whined...now THEY suddenly want to acquire them? If I was deciding I would tell sprints execs to get a life.
FCC decided against the AT&T and T-Mobile merger back in 2011, why would they approve this? granted, T-Mobile has wanted to get out of the US market for some time but such deal would not be in the best interest of the consumer.
just stirring up the pot again.... this would just lead to higher prices to cover such merger
knite75 said:
http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox...e_allowed_should_it_be.html?wpisrc=burger_bar
No!!!!!!!!
I escaped from that hell hold of a company. I don't want to go back to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just paid my last Sprint bill the other day. And I had to fight them for 2 months to get rid of the charges they said I would not have on my final bill. Sprint was ok, not great. When I lived in LA, service was actually top notch and the wi-max was somewhat decent. When wi-max turned out to be a piece, and I moved, they said 4g would be in my new area (Central California), like 3 years ago and we are still waiting. But quite honestly, it makes sense. Maybe this is how they are going to get 4g in my area...LOL, since I have just switched to t-mobile and service is great! I think with their new purchase of frequencies and t-mobiles already implemented 4G service, they actually stand a chance of turning into a decent wireless provider. And quite honestly, I have had terrible customer service from every carrier (except t-mobile, but it is still early). If Sprint soaks up t-mobiles network, expands the frequency bands onto it, and gets rid of CDMA, they would have an awesome network. Keep the t-mobile policies of phone purchases, unlocked bootloaders, wi-fi calling, and no-contracts with unlimited data (4G) for life from sprint and I will be the first one in the door.
T-MO wanted out of the U.S. market when when they weren't doing so well. This last year they definitely turn around and I for one don't see any reason why they can't continue that tend. The other 3 carriers have tried to follow some of the things that T-Mobile had done but are too afraid of screwing with their bottom line. But hey T-Mobile played the game with AT&T which was denied and t-mobile ended up with a 4 billion dollar pay day maybe they can do the same again.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Oh god no, left sprint with all that we are upgrading blah blah blah talk. Wife still has them and the service has gotten worse, no thank you.
I highly doubt that will happen . They ate stronger now. Especially with the purchase of metro pcs. And they have the best deals and plans . Plus don't think it will be approved anyway nor are they even willing to sell. No one even compares the two sprint need to go sit somewhere and wise up. What if you can't beat Em buy Em ah no sorry .
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I don't think so ...
Never going to happen. The FCC will never approve.....
noobtoob said:
I just paid my last Sprint bill the other day. And I had to fight them for 2 months to get rid of the charges they said I would not have on my final bill. Sprint was ok, not great. When I lived in LA, service was actually top notch and the wi-max was somewhat decent. When wi-max turned out to be a piece, and I moved, they said 4g would be in my new area (Central California), like 3 years ago and we are still waiting. But quite honestly, it makes sense. Maybe this is how they are going to get 4g in my area...LOL, since I have just switched to t-mobile and service is great! I think with their new purchase of frequencies and t-mobiles already implemented 4G service, they actually stand a chance of turning into a decent wireless provider. And quite honestly, I have had terrible customer service from every carrier (except t-mobile, but it is still early). If Sprint soaks up t-mobiles network, expands the frequency bands onto it, and gets rid of CDMA, they would have an awesome network. Keep the t-mobile policies of phone purchases, unlocked bootloaders, wi-fi calling, and no-contracts with unlimited data (4G) for life from sprint and I will be the first one in the door.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I was with Sprint, my calls would constantly get dropped driving between Los Angeles and Orange County on the 405 freeway.
When contract ended, my wife and I actually went out and celebrated at a nice steakhouse, as if it was our anniversary LOL
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
I Hope Not ..I Left To Get Away From Sprint ..Not Go Back ..
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
knite75 said:
When I was with Sprint, my calls would constantly get dropped driving between Los Angeles and Orange County on the 405 freeway.
When contract ended, my wife and I actually went out and celebrated at a nice steakhouse, as if it was our anniversary LOL
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is funny. I was in the north west area of LA. Didn't have many large buildings around me, but my experience was the exact same as yours when I moved to Fresno. I work literally 5 minute drive from my house, and I could not get home without my call dropping at least 3 times. And, of course my wife always had to talk to me the entire 5 minute drive home, so frustrating. They actually tore down the tower that was in between my house and my place of work, and moved it further west from where I lived. I got a free air rave and a discount, so I stuck it out until no etf. I am happy with t-mobile now, but if they did merge, they have the potential to do the right thing, and build a good network.
tweaking my note 3-alpha style
I had sprint prior to having T-mobile, their service stinks. Lol the only company who has 4G phones without a full 4G network. Last yr i remember asking a rep when 4G was coming to my area and they said it was a few yrs away smfh.
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
All good points about sprint failing at this, ill also add there only offering half of what att was which was 39 billion. I agree with others T-mobile is doing much better than it was in 2010 i guarantee there laughing about sprints pathetic offer(even if its not the sprint we all know they still suck!!)
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda premium
Awww I hope not. I was with sprint for 10 years and finally jumped ship 3 weeks ago and now this!!!!! I hope not.
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
asesfeemain
I too would prefer to not be a Sprint customer again. Having to purchase a full price phone is a big nut to crack but I'd rather save monthly. I wouldn't be opposed to an increased quality of T-Mo's network but I don't think Sprint is the way to make that happen. A friend of mine is getting like 5x more speed than me and he is on AT&T. The increased speed would be nice for sure

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