Related
My contract with Verizon ends this week. Really thinking hard about switching from Verizon to AT&T to get this phone. I went and played with one at the store yesterday. Screen was amazing! I have unlimited data with Verizon right now and thats the only thing holding me back right now. Anyone make the switch and care to comment.
Had the iphone and other android phone with verizon madebthe switch day one the Gnote came out And love it i also had unlimited data l and gave it up just got 5 gbs and i dont thin it will.make a big difference As im on wifi at home most of the time butbi rarely hit 5 gbs while on verizon but the GNote is totally worth the switch to AT&T specially if yu got LTE in your city
Sent from my SAMSUNG-Gnote using XDA
I did the same thing! The note is the craziest phone ever! I'm in the same boat I usually use wi fi at home so it wasn't a huge deal to go down to 3 gigs a month. Plus the deal killer with verizon was the spotty 4G lte coverage. If I switched from lte to 3g I was losing data for about 5 minutes at a time, or I would lose it altogether! I complained so much they let me out of my contract almost 2 years early. Best thing I ever did!
Sent from the awesomesauce of phones...the Note!
Well major bummer! Was excited to switch to AT&T this week for the Note. Thought my contract was up on the 15th. Seems I'm eligible for a discount on the 15th and my contract goes through July. I'll be keeping an eye on this forum and if the Note/Journal or whatever they might call it doesn't make it Verizon by then...see ya Verizon!
I'm making the switch and can't wait. I'm also giving up unlimited data but have never used that much data anyway. That may change when I get this phone because I may have better HSPZ+ and LTE coverage .
Verizon
My contract with Verizon is up in June.
If no news on the Journal by then: it's AT&T and The Note.
Been with Verizon for eleven years. First and only carrier.
Swedishmafia;23519403 Plus the deal killer with verizon was the spotty 4G lte coverage.[/QUOTE said:
You find ATT's LTE coverage less spotty than Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I LOVE my note, but if I wasn't locked into AT&T I would have looked hard at the galaxy nexus. I'd miss the bigger screen of the note, but the nexus screen is pretty big as well, and it's always nice to have a google phone. It's still LTE, already running ICS, and probably will have better/more sustained devleopment over its lifetime. Plus, I think overall verizon coverage is a little better and more reliable, although in my area, AT&T is fine.
A potential upside to AT&T is that if you are in an area where Verizon doesn't have LTE, I think (but I'm not sure) that Verizon falls back to CDMA, which is slower than even 3G on AT&T. But if you don't have LTE on AT&T, there's a good chance that HSPA+ 4G is available instead, which is noticeably faster than 3G on AT&T, which, again, is itself faster than Verizon's CDMA. This is to say, that if I'm not mistaken, if you're with Verizon and you don't have LTE, you're looking at pretty slow data on CDMA. But if you have AT&T there's a good chance you're on HSPA+ instead and still looking at some pretty stout speeds.
Coming from my iphone 4 on AT&T 3G, I find that their 4G HSPA+ is noticeably faster (in real usage, not just tests) than 3G was. And the HSPA+ coverage is nice... in fact, I'm not sure I've been on a 3G network yet anywhere I've been, it's all been at least HSPA+ or LTE, even out in the country. My understanding is that Verizon's LTE rollout is quite a bit more widespread than AT&Ts at this point, but I haven't been on it to say for sure just how far past the cities it really is. If their LTE coverage gets to the areas you frequent, you're good to go already, but if it's not much further out than around big cities, depending on where you spend your time, you could see faster speeds with AT&T by utilizing their 4G HSPA+ in areas where Verizon does not yet have LTE. So that's my long winded version of what I *think* I know, but I'm sure someone will correct me.
Anyway, after having the big ass screen, I don't think I could ever go smaller. Bigger, sure, maybe another half an inch or more, but I would struggle adjusting to something smaller.
Another Verizon to AT&T GNote user here. Had unlimited 4G on a Thunderbolt. Was worth it to switch back to AT&T (which I had before Verizon) since we now have LTE in New York.
I even broke contract with ETF to do it. Still worth it to me.
I just switched from a iPhone 4S on Verizon with unlimited Data to the Note on AT&T
I'm not even looking back NOTE=WIN
I had the Verizon galaxy nexus.....I switxhed to tmobile to get the galaxy s2...withing 14 days I broke contract to at&t....lol....the galaxy nexus is nothing to brag about...tmobile s2 is faster to me..but crappy customer service and signal....so far the coverage on At&t where I live is awesome..and the note rooted...with v6..scripts makes this phone a blazing beast by far the best phone I've owned
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
Really want the giant screen of this phone, even though I really like my Epic Touch 4G; Obviously Sprint data speeds suck right now, but, not sure ATT would be that much better here in the SW 'burbs of Chicago..
Anyone out there that switched from the ET4G for this bad boy?
Are you glad you did, or not so glad?
Thanks so much for your input!
I came from a long line of devices on Sprint, my last being the E4GT. I'm extremely happy with the Note, no regrets in leaving Sprint at all.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
i'm hoping someone from the Chicago land area will chime in and tell me how ATT service is here now' a few years ago I tried ATT, and I couldn't even make or receive phone calls in my house in Willowbrook..
wase4711 said:
i'm hoping someone from the Chicago land area will chime in and tell me how ATT service is here now' a few years ago I tried ATT, and I couldn't even make or receive phone calls in my house in Willowbrook..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In not far from u (la grange) and att has improved ALOT in last few years. Still get dropped calls here and there but not like in the past. LTE is just wow and that's even with us in Chi town land not getting nowhere near the speeds other markets are. (10 mbs here and Dallas is at 40mbs) .
I've had VZW LTE on my galaxy tab and left them, was never on sprint but remember Nextel
As for the Note I don't think u will put it down much, battery is mehhh but given how much I use it I'm not complaining and there's always a charger near me. My mother lives in wiilowbrook and I have not had any issues in that area, Indian head park is weak in my experience.
Hope this helps.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
bbgt2 said:
In not far from u (la grange) and att has improved ALOT in last few years. Still get dropped calls here and there but not like in the past. LTE is just wow and that's even with us in Chi town land not getting nowhere near the speeds other markets are. (10 mbs here and Dallas is at 40mbs) .
I've had VZW LTE on my galaxy tab and left them, was never on sprint but remember Nextel
As for the Note I don't think u will put it down much, battery is mehhh but given how much I use it I'm not complaining and there's always a charger near me. My mother lives in wiilowbrook and I have not had any issues in that area, Indian head park is weak in my experience.
Hope this helps.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does the 4glte work inside your house?
Even though I am really close to Sprint wimax towers, i really get no 4g signal inside my house...
Do you drop calls inside your house, or out on the road?
I work from a home office, and using the phone part of the "package" is very important to me...
Thanks again!
I live in Burr Ridge. Last month I sold my Epic Touch 4g on Sprint for the Note.
Back in the day I'd had the iPhone 3g on AT&T and the service sucked, and I'd swore I'd never come back to AT&T, but I really wanted the Note. I've had no problems on the Note on AT&T...no dropped calls yet, and love the 4g speeds. The 3g speeds I get on AT&T are faster than any of the 4g Wimax speeds I used to get on Sprint.
Fyi here is a speediest from my house and I'm not on lte (it always says 4g in the statusbar, when you're in LTE you'll see a little "lte" in there as well)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Came from sprint, California. It's more expensive but the service is awesome. Unlimited data was a cruel joke unless I was in 4g area, staying still with a door or window open
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
stevieraveon said:
I live in Burr Ridge. Last month I sold my Epic Touch 4g on Sprint for the Note.
Back in the day I'd had the iPhone 3g on AT&T and the service sucked, and I'd swore I'd never come back to AT&T, but I really wanted the Note. I've had no problems on the Note on AT&T...no dropped calls yet, and love the 4g speeds. The 3g speeds I get on AT&T are faster than any of the 4g Wimax speeds I used to get on Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats great to hear!
when I used to have ATT a few years ago, I dropped calls ALWAYS in certain areas; rt 83 and 63rd street, 55 and 355 overpass, it was pretty pathetic to tell people on a call that you had to hang up, because you were going to lose the call..Plus, when I lived in Darien, I had to go out side to make or receive calls, and that was just stupid, especially in the winter!!
Glad to hear they have upgraded the network in the SW burbs...being an older guy, I actually use the phone for phone calls first and foremost..
and, as far as pricing, it appears that with 3 lines and the family plan, I will be paying about 30 dollars a month LESS with ATt than with sprint..hard to believe, but I confirmed the pricing yesterday...Sprints 10 dollar "premium" to own a smartphone now is just bull****..
stevieraveon said:
I live in Burr Ridge. Last month I sold my Epic Touch 4g on Sprint for the Note.
Back in the day I'd had the iPhone 3g on AT&T and the service sucked, and I'd swore I'd never come back to AT&T, but I really wanted the Note. I've had no problems on the Note on AT&T...no dropped calls yet, and love the 4g speeds. The 3g speeds I get on AT&T are faster than any of the 4g Wimax speeds I used to get on Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume its just as easy to root this guy as it was the ET4g?
I checked the Dev section, and it doesn't seem there are as many custom Roms for this guy yet; it is a lot newer, but I wonder if things like CM9 will ever make their way to this phone...
wase4711 said:
Really want the giant screen of this phone, even though I really like my Epic Touch 4G; Obviously Sprint data speeds suck right now, but, not sure ATT would be that much better here in the SW 'burbs of Chicago..
Anyone out there that switched from the ET4G for this bad boy?
Are you glad you did, or not so glad?
Thanks so much for your input!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you like your epic touch 4G...then you'll Love the Note. No doubt.
-Once you go NOTE, you'd say 4 inches a Joke
SKyRocKeting727 said:
-Once you go NOTE, you'd say 4 inches a Joke
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
/Thats what she said...
wase4711 said:
I assume its just as easy to root this guy as it was the ET4g?
I checked the Dev section, and it doesn't seem there are as many custom Roms for this guy yet; it is a lot newer, but I wonder if things like CM9 will ever make their way to this phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, rooting was just as easy. Also, there aren't may custom Roms, but Quality > Quantity.
DAGr8's Saurom rom is the only ROM I've flashed so far (gingerbread ROM) and I've had no complaints. There also has already been an ICS leak and various ROM's that I haven't tried yet and we know a real release will be coming.
Also, Cm9 is supposedly coming:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1568698
I have a split level house so I'm more in the lower level and I do have spots where I get weak call signal but still able to make receive calls. I too work out of my house (transfer office to cell when I leave) so I rely on my cell for work mainly. LTE reception is very good for me at home but I do use my wifi mainly when home. I have been with att since it was Ameritech and have had every iPhone since the first one but can safely say iPhones cell reception is crap compared to the note. My wife and daughter have iPhones and they still drop calls way way more then me. I never had the phone ur coming from so I can't attest to compare as I have been a sammy guy since the galaxy s and cannot see myself going to another brand.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
For anyone wondering. .yea this device is 3 times the speed of sprint ..I came from sprint after 3 years of bottom of the barrel 3g so called..3g I signed up with atat and Right of the bat atat was twice as fast good signal and YES CAN FINALLY STREAM MEDIA WITHOUT LAG.It may not be lte but hspa is suitable
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
wase4711 said:
/Thats what she said...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After she met me....
-Once you go NOTE, you'd say 4 inches a Joke
lojak29 said:
For anyone wondering. .yea this device is 3 times the speed of sprint ..I came from sprint after 3 years of bottom of the barrel 3g so called..3g I signed up with atat and Right of the bat atat was twice as fast good signal and YES CAN FINALLY STREAM MEDIA WITHOUT LAG.It may not be lte but hspa is suitable
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just hoping the service in my area of Chicago land has improved over what it was 3 years ago, when ATT was the absolute worst in my area..
I never drop calls with sprint when I am out of my house, and inside of it, I have been using an Air Rave device that they provided, so that isn't an issue at home.
Their 3G data is horrible, and, they claim its because they are currently upgrading their network; I gotta tell ya, it was just as bad when they weren't upgrading their network. Typical 3g speeds are 100-400kb, so the thought of getting 5-10 megs from ATT is very exciting...
wase4711 said:
I'm just hoping the service in my area of Chicago land has improved over what it was 3 years ago, when ATT was the absolute worst in my area..
I never drop calls with sprint when I am out of my house, and inside of it, I have been using an Air Rave device that they provided, so that isn't an issue at home.
Their 3G data is horrible, and, they claim its because they are currently upgrading their network; I gotta tell ya, it was just as bad when they weren't upgrading their network. Typical 3g speeds are 100-400kb, so the thought of getting 5-10 megs from ATT is very exciting...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were you, I would test the Note in and around your house for a few days to make sure the reception works well overall.
At times, the data jumps back-and-forth between HSPA and LTE depending on your whereabouts. But...I don't believe it really drains that much battery.
And I agree how Sprint's 3G is an absolute joke....I thought VZW 3G was horrid...but when I saw it on Sprint, it was unbelievably slow.
They continue to advertise that they're the only 1 of the big 4 providers who still offer "truly unlimited data"....but what's the point of having that if you're basically already throttled with dial-up speeds.
Only thing i hate about note is qualcom processor, thats only aspect I miss of s2
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Aerials said:
If I were you, I would test the Note in and around your house for a few days to make sure the reception works well overall.
At times, the data jumps back-and-forth between HSPA and LTE depending on your whereabouts. But...I don't believe it really drains that much battery.
And I agree how Sprint's 3G is an absolute joke....I thought VZW 3G was horrid...but when I saw it on Sprint, it was unbelievably slow.
They continue to advertise that they're the only 1 of the big 4 providers who still offer "truly unlimited data"....but what's the point of having that if you're basically already throttled with dial-up speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, I plan on testing it immediately, but, the problem is of course, that once I port the number over, of their service sucks, its a pain to cancel with them and go back to Sprint; I love the Sammy E4GT, but, I am really switching carriers to get the Note, not Att...I just hope all the improvements in my area that I have heard/read about our true.
I mean, this is the Chicago land market, and I am certain ATT wants to come off as a good provider here..
But I really wanted this phone first and foremost..
Good Morning!
I'm in the midst of trying to decide the best course to follow - I use T-Mobile prepaid for the data / messaging plans since I rarely talk on the phone; with the official T-Mobile branded handset coming out next week I'm stuck deciding whether to buy an unlocked ATT Galaxy Note or wait it out for the T-Mobile one to be available. I don't plan to sign any contracts so I'll have to pay outright (street price or store depending)
I know the major difference between the ATT Note and TMO version is the fact the ATT one has the 21 mbps hspa+ antennas versus the TMO one having the full fledged 45mbps antennas
while 5mb d/l is nothing to scoff at (ample for my use) I suppose more is better - but is it worth owning a 'more flexible' hanset that can run tmo/att/lte versus a tmo only handset?
thanks for your help in deciding!
Sorry Mods, as you can see I read more than I post - this can move to the Q&A forum if you see fit
wait for the tmobile one
you wont need to flash no modem to get 3G/4G service.
You also won't have to worry about charging the ATT version every 3 hours and worry about the phone heating up. I had the ATT one and I hated it for those two reasons.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
tr82691 said:
You also won't have to worry about charging the ATT version every 3 hours and worry about the phone heating up. I had the ATT one and I hated it for those two reasons.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What this guy said
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Many members have had troubles with flashing the t-mobile modem on the att note.
I had t-mobile data plans for many years and liked the speed and no contract.
I would wait one week for sure.
tr82691 said:
You also won't have to worry about charging the ATT version every 3 hours and worry about the phone heating up. I had the ATT one and I hated it for those two reasons.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the TMO version won't be any different, if you had to charge the ATT ver. every 3 hrs, which is absurd, mine last me most of the day on one charge, you will also have to do the same thing with the TMO ver. since the specs are the same and so is the battery.
http://www.androidcentral.com/t-mobile-galaxy-note-specs
tr82691 said:
You also won't have to worry about charging the ATT version every 3 hours and worry about the phone heating up. I had the ATT one and I hated it for those two reasons.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't mind me, but after 4 months and avery ROM available, this hasn't happened to me. At worst I get 8 hours, but that's not stop phone, text, ebook, facebook, nand-backup ROM flashing and restore.
OK, the question: As I said I've been on the Note with tmobile for 4 months. data is poor....not horrible, but poor - but I'm at home on wifi most o the time, so it shouldn't bother me. Shouldn't is the operative word - thinks like this drive me to distraction.
So.....if I find the note 2 is being released, I'm going to hope t-mobile will offer it. Don't get too excited, it was something like 8 months between S, S2 & S3, so sometime in Q2 '13 seems about right.
Of course I'd have to take it on a leap of faith on after the announcement of the note 2 that T-Mo might get it and 8 months is a long time, assuming I'm anywhere near right.
Oh, my druthers: If everything were equal, I'd want the T-Mo version (cost wise).
audscott said:
Don't mind me, but after 4 months and avery ROM available, this hasn't happened to me. At worst I get 8 hours, but that's not stop phone, text, ebook, facebook, nand-backup ROM flashing and restore.
OK, the question: As I said I've been on the Note with tmobile for 4 months. data is poor....not horrible, but poor - but I'm at home on wifi most o the time, so it shouldn't bother me. Shouldn't is the operative word - thinks like this drive me to distraction.
So.....if I find the note 2 is being released, I'm going to hope t-mobile will offer it. Don't get too excited, it was something like 8 months between S, S2 & S3, so sometime in Q2 '13 seems about right.
Of course I'd have to take it on a leap of faith on after the announcement of the note 2 that T-Mo might get it and 8 months is a long time, assuming I'm anywhere near right.
Oh, my druthers: If everything were equal, I'd want the T-Mo version (cost wise).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not only that, they run on different radio frequencies.
Elpidio said:
Not only that, they run on different radio frequencies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Note is pentaband, so techincally both the ATT and Tmo models are capable of running on each others' networks (provided you flash the correct modem).
The main reason some folks will probably stick with the ATT Note (myself included) is because of grandfathered data plans. For example, I still have the T-Zones data plan which I've had since the voicestream days...and basically get full unlimited internet (3G speeds) at under $10 a month. Granted, the speeds are probably not as fast as the normal $20-$30 plans, it suits my purposes just fine.
If you have one of the more recent standard Tmo plans, then I suggest going for the Tmo note, as it'll basically work right out of the box for you. I'm sticking with my ATT Note and hopefully when the Tmo radio gets leaked here it'll fix the terrible upload speeds and bad voice connection I experience now. *fingers crossed*
I've been spared from the terrible voice problems so many have experienced, just typical data slow downs.
Of course one could buy from cl or eBay, which would void the warranty, then again I'all be doing that on my own.
thanks all for the advice and tips - i did lots of reading as well into handling tmo radios etc to get the ATT version to run TMO properly
I did buy a ATT Note yesterday (the price was right) and I figured why not try it out right?
the Note is already running the S3 Rom with a few tweaks iirc, the seller had a local service mod it a few weeks back
without flashing the modem, just inputting the network unlock code (cellunlocker had it in 2hrs) a speedtest on 4G showed only ~150k d/l speed and after flashing the icsblaze.zip modem I had ~400k d/l speeds, so that's a little imrovement...
If i can get a solid 2mb d/l I'll be fine since I'm around wifi pretty often, but for the times I'm not...well...
I'm in the process of dl'ing Flapjaxx's ICS build and have an assortment of ICS radios (better check if they are in fact the ICS flavors or not) to try out
Thanks again XDA! what an awesome community
I've been using ATT note on Tmo for the same reason (grandfather in tzone). I am just waiting for a solid radio coming from Tmo Note.
I'll most likely be using an unlocked one. My brother got one for free (I think it was a friends) and we unlocked it. When the T-Mo version come out he'll upgrade and I will too from my G2. I use Wi-Fi when I'm at home or anywhere that has it for that matter so I don't think the slow(er) data speeds will bother me that much. As long as calls are okay then I'm good.
T-Mobile Note also will work on AT&T HSPA+ Network.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
I would wait for the tmobile version. My unlocked Note with the tmobile radio had spotty connection. One minute, I'm getting 2MB, the next serveral hours, i'm getting 112kb or it does not work at all.
Also when 4GB is running, the backside of the phone (below the camera) heats up a lot. Almost to a point I had to put the note down and let it cool off by turning off the network data. So it's working really hard to maintain 4GB and eating up the battery. It doesn't happen on wifi.
the only reason why I would want the At&t version is because of the white note and lower price.
I'm fine using my at&t version. If it's the same hardware I don't see a big reason to switch.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Only reason I would get the tmo note would be for the wifi calling feature.. Then again it might be possible to flash tmo note stock ROM on unlocked att now and have the wifi calling feature, guess we will find out the 8th or soon after
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
initial_k said:
I would wait for the tmobile version. My unlocked Note with the tmobile radio had spotty connection. One minute, I'm getting 2MB, the next serveral hours, i'm getting 112kb or it does not work at all.
Also when 4GB is running, the backside of the phone (below the camera) heats up a lot. Almost to a point I had to put the note down and let it cool off by turning off the network data. So it's working really hard to maintain 4GB and eating up the battery. It doesn't happen on wifi.
the only reason why I would want the At&t version is because of the white note and lower price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XDA is no longer worth my time.
Its more about Verizon. I'm am att customer atm and was thinking about switching over to Verizon to get the galaxy note 2. Has anyone had experience with both providers? Amy thoughts on either?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
kevinallen4325 said:
Its more about Verizon. I'm am att customer atm and was thinking about switching over to Verizon to get the galaxy note 2. Has anyone had experience with both providers? Amy thoughts on either?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon does many things right, but also many things wrong.
They offer great coverage and speeds. Their plans are a bit pricey, but considering what you get it isn't to be unexpected. Many of us on VZW have unlimited data plans too, which you can no longer get, so it is irrelevant, but most don't want to leave to other carriers for these 3 reasons.
Here is downside about VZW, many people have had a bad experiences in terms of customer service. I've dealt with VZW many times, such as they convinced my sister to get off her unlimited data plan and wouldn't add on some features that my dad took off 5 minutes later by accident.
They get phones late relative to other carriers and they do things that most other carriers do not do (e.g. home button branding).
kimdoocheol said:
Verizon does many things right, but also many things wrong.
They offer great coverage and speeds. Their plans are a bit pricey, but considering what you get it isn't to be unexpected. Many of us on VZW have unlimited data plans too, which you can no longer get, so it is irrelevant, but most don't want to leave to other carriers for these 3 reasons.
Here is downside about VZW, many people have had a bad experiences in terms of customer service. I've dealt with VZW many times, such as they convinced my sister to get off her unlimited data plan and wouldn't add on some features that my dad took off 5 minutes later by accident.
They get phones late relative to other carriers and they do things that most other carriers do not do (e.g. home button branding).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This really sums it up pretty well.
I've had (and still use for work) AT&T. My personal phone is Verizon.
From my experience and where I live, Verizon has much better reception and call clarity. I hate how AT&T claim they have a more robust LTE connection because they really do not.
But yes, Verizon CS sucks.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Verizon has a decent sized LTE network. It's getting to the point where if you're in any well populated area, you'll have 4G service. They are still expanding, and have a lot of work to do before their 4G coverage has the same reach as their 2G/3G network, but they're the only carrier that is even close to having a full next generation network. The price is high, but you get great service in return. Their software updates may be slow, but they also tend to have fewer issues with software updates than other carriers. T-Mobile and Sprint are the only two fast carriers when it comes to updates, and both AT&T and VZW are on the slow end for product updates and also they tend to have more preinstalled junk than other carriers as well. Customer service is hit or miss. It really depends on what you're having a problem with. Their software/hardware troubleshooting leaves a lot to be desired, but it is still better than the rest on average from what I've heard. They tend to be much better with account issues from my experiences, but I don't have any recent comparisons to another carrier for that to say if it's better or worse.
AT&T will have better battery life on their phones as they are full GSM, not a CDMA/GSM (LTE) hybrid network. The nice thing is you can unlock a phone and use it on their network, something you can't do with VZW, and this opens up a lot of possibilities for phones. They tend to be a little less controlling when it comes to devices they sell as well (branding, locking, etc.). Cost is on par with VZW, and you shouldn't have a problem with coverage as long as you aren't travelling through an unpopulated area. However, coverage isn't the same as what VZW offers, and the network can be over saturated in some areas. They have more "4G" than VZW, but most of this is HSPA+, note LTE. Speeds are comparable, but LTE has the potential for much faster speeds in the future, where HSPA+ is pretty much being maxed out.
Overall, I wouldn't say that one is significantly better than the other. Neither is a good option if you are looking to cut costs, and customer service is probably about the same for most things. A lot of customer service issues are going to really depend on who you talk to, as there are always times you get the person that doesn't know anything and doesn't care, they're just there for the paycheck, and other times you get someone that cares or knows what they're doing, and it solves your problem fast. One thing good about VZW is that all of their call centers are in the US, not sure about AT&T. I think the choice should really be, do you want to pay for the network and go through the hassle of switching carriers just for a phone.
Verizon LTE coverage is great and speed used to be great when first rolled out but it's just good now with widespread usage. The one major red flag is frequent LTE disconnects across multiple different LTE handsets such as HTC Thunderbolt, Motorola Rzr series, etc. Sometimes it goes for a few days without a hiccup then usually around midnight it starts going into a frequent LTE disconnect/reconnect, sometimes as often as several times per minute, so data is useless. This problem occurs with 4G LTE and 3G eHRPD which have the same authentication method in common. Disabling 4G LTE and forcing 3G EVDOrevA works fine but I believe it uses a different authentication method. This leads me to believe that it's a network, possibly Diameter authentication, issue. Having to live with this issue for a few months now I'm about fed up. If I hear the Galaxy Note II has the same issue I'm seriously jumping ship to Tmobile.
mi7chy said:
Verizon LTE coverage is great and speed used to be great when first rolled out but it's just good now with widespread usage. The one major red flag is frequent LTE disconnects across multiple different LTE handsets such as HTC Thunderbolt, Motorola Rzr series, etc. Sometimes it goes for a few days without a hiccup then usually around midnight it starts going into a frequent LTE disconnect/reconnect, sometimes as often as several times per minute, so data is useless. This problem occurs with 4G LTE and 3G eHRPD which have the same authentication method in common. Disabling 4G LTE and forcing 3G EVDOrevA works fine but I believe it uses a different authentication method. This leads me to believe that it's a network, possibly Diameter authentication, issue. Having to live with this issue for a few months now I'm about fed up. If I hear the Galaxy Note II has the same issue I'm seriously jumping ship to Tmobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use my phone at all hours of the day and never have issues with data just randomly disappearing unless VZW is in the middle of a nationwide problem, which hasn't happened for a little while now. I think that they finally got most of the issues they were having to cause the outages sorted, after almost 2 years.
I like Verizon, the coverage is great but sometimes I wonder if the grass is greener. I like to try all the different phones out there and T-Mobile and AT&T have the most open networks for switching out phones. I think T-Mobile is not going to work because the coverage is just not there. I used to be an At&T customer and only left really for Android (Original Droid). Now that Android is spread to al the carriers I wonder if I might like AT&T better just because I can switch out phones so much easier. Anyone have any input, maybe someone that has switched from Verizon to AT&T?
Character Zero said:
I like Verizon, the coverage is great but sometimes I wonder if the grass is greener. I like to try all the different phones out there and T-Mobile and AT&T have the most open networks for switching out phones. I think T-Mobile is not going to work because the coverage is just not there. I used to be an At&T customer and only left really for Android (Original Droid). Now that Android is spread to al the carriers I wonder if I might like AT&T better just because I can switch out phones so much easier. Anyone have any input, maybe someone that has switched from Verizon to AT&T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd love to provide some input as a user who has been a Verizon customer for a few years and is switching to AT&T. I previously used the Galaxy Nexus on Verizon and then switched to the iPhone 5 last year. I am still on an unlimited data plan. However, I have grown increasingly frustrated at Verizon because of their lack of phone variety, slow updates, locked bootloaders, Verizon customizations (persistent WIFI notifications, for example), etc.
So I bought an HTC One on AT&T the other day and am currently evaluating it. Right now I still have my Verizon iPhone 5 with unlimited data. But I also have the HTC One with the 5GB data plan (I have a 25% business discount).
SO is the grass greener? Yes and No. Here are some of my thoughts:
- Verizon has better overall coverage, but AT&T is faster. In my area, LTE on AT&T just went live, and while speeds are comparable, AT&T has better penetration already into the buildings I've been in. In my workplace, for example, I can get 4G LTE on AT&T but only 3G on Verizon unless I am close to the windows. It's nice having HSPA+ as a drop down from LTE as opposed to Verizon's very slow 3G network IMO. Can't deny Verizon's coverage is second to none, but AT&T is good in my area so this is probably the primary consideration (how is AT&T in your main area you'll be in???)
- It would be very hard to give up my Unlimited Data plan on Verizon. It's nice not having to worry about data caps. However, in actual use, I rarely go over 3-4GB per month and only occasionally reach 5GB. I don't think 3GB would be enough as I'd be constantly worrying about going over, plus I'd have to workaround tethering. For now, I'm keeping my Verizon line until I am absolutely sure.
- Phones! GMS > CDMA if only for the flexibility the former has for phones. The floodgates are open on AT&T and T-Mobile, but Verizon takes longer to get phones, has less variety, and has complete control over them. I hate everything about what Verizon is doing, and it's clear they don't have geeks in mind that like to tinker and switch phones often. I change phones every 9-12 months usually, and AT&T is going to provide a better environment than Verizon for that. Not perfect, mind you. They still lock bootloaders, and have some draconian policies and practices, but by the nature of their GMS network, there is more flexibility.
- HTC One. I bought the One on AT&T before it was officially confirmed that Verizon would be getting it. So there is a part of me that thinks I should just return the AT&T version and wait for the Verizon version. However, I am not at all confident that Verizon won't screw it up or prevent HTC from allowing us to unlock the bootloader. And like I said, I'm just really tired of Verizon and their meddling. I may just end up keep both plans for a while, but right now I'm leaning towards keeping the AT&T version despite my unlimited data plan on Verizon.
Hope that helps.
Yes that was a great help. I am really torn because Verizon's coverage is so great. I know that ATT LTE went live here a little bit ago and I think the coverage is pretty good. Ironically I left ATT for the Droid on Verizon because of the lack of variety on ATT at the time. Thanks for your input.
honestly i would move to verizon right now if i could, in my area better coverage + better speeds
Character Zero said:
Yes that was a great help. I am really torn because Verizon's coverage is so great. I know that ATT LTE went live here a little bit ago and I think the coverage is pretty good. Ironically I left ATT for the Droid on Verizon because of the lack of variety on ATT at the time. Thanks for your input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I know what you mean, I had AT&T a long time ago too and moved to Verizon when they changed their unlimited data policy. So it's ironic that I am now switching back. AT&T has done a good job of courting Android phone makers, and Verizon seems to be in the honeymoon phase of having the iPhone now. It's weird how things have flip-flopped! AT&T also has a few more consumer-friendly policies such as not forcing customers into a Share Everything data plan if you aren't already grandfathered in. They have rollover minutes (which I know isn't a big deal these day with people using voice less). And they have Mobile to ANY Mobile rather than just Mobile to Mobile, which is a small advantage I know.
But yeah, the primary consideration is how each carrier performs in your area. If both are good (like in my area), you have more options.
xnknown said:
honestly i would move to verizon right now if i could, in my area better coverage + better speeds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if one carrier has better coverage and speeds in your area, then it makes sense to use that carrier. In my area, Verizon's LTE has been around for almost two years now and I rarely get more than 10 Mbps downloads. Usually it hovers around 5-9 Mbps, which is not even much better than AT&T's HSPA+, let alone LTE. And when my phones on Verizon drop down to 3G, it feels like dialup speeds. So far, AT&T is noticeable better for speeds between my HTC One and iPhone 5.
But again, YMMV and this is just a subjective observation on my part. To the OP, you could always give AT&T a shot for 14 days and compare the networks. If it doesn't work out, you can cancel and just pay the restocking fee. Just use the new phone with a new number, so you don't have to port and cancel your old line yet.
It all depends on your location really. I live near philly and the service has actually been a bit better on att then verizon from when i had them a few years ago. The speeds are also better on att thanks to it not being cdma but rather hspa. Overall I would never go back to verizon due to their prices and slower speeds unless I moved somewhere where they had clearly better service than all other companies.
So what about dropped calls. I barely have any on Verizon, but I remember having them on AT&T. Does being on LTE fix that or is it still a problem?
I went from Verizon (been a customer for 10 years) to At&t recently because my wife's office only gets At&t reception and we wanted to be on a Mobile Share plan instead of having two separate accounts (saves us around 40 a month). I've had an At&t line over the years for work, so I know the coverage isn't NEARLY as good as Verizon, especially LTE coverage in my area (At&t just went live on a few towers in my neck of the woods), but the savings is worth the sacrifice at this time.
Plus, as you said, being able to use most GSM phones on the network is a HUGE plus. Being able to run the Google Edition on my HTC One will be fantastic and I don't think Verizon is going to make it easy to run that software. Plus, as another guy mentioned above, that persistent Wifi thing Verizon does is sooooooo annoying. Almost as bad as At&t putting their name in the notification bar of the GS3/GS4. At least it goes away after a few seconds on the HTC One.
I haven't had many dropped calls on At&t, but calls are not what I do the most of, so I'm a bad barometer for that. I know the wife drops a bunch but I just attributed it to being the Nexus 4 and not a tried and true, tested, At&t phone. She has a GS4 now, so we'll see if that improves.
Anyway, in short, I did it for strictly monetary reasons, but the plus sides of At&t are numerous so it's not as bad as thought it would be.
dbdynsty25 said:
I went from Verizon (been a customer for 10 years) to At&t recently because my wife's office only gets At&t reception and we wanted to be on a Mobile Share plan instead of having two separate accounts (saves us around 40 a month). I've had an At&t line over the years for work, so I know the coverage isn't NEARLY as good as Verizon, especially LTE coverage in my area (At&t just went live on a few towers in my neck of the woods), but the savings is worth the sacrifice at this time.
Plus, as you said, being able to use most GSM phones on the network is a HUGE plus. Being able to run the Google Edition on my HTC One will be fantastic and I don't think Verizon is going to make it easy to run that software. Plus, as another guy mentioned above, that persistent Wifi thing Verizon does is sooooooo annoying. Almost as bad as At&t putting their name in the notification bar of the GS3/GS4. At least it goes away after a few seconds on the HTC One.
I haven't had many dropped calls on At&t, but calls are not what I do the most of, so I'm a bad barometer for that. I know the wife drops a bunch but I just attributed it to being the Nexus 4 and not a tried and true, tested, At&t phone. She has a GS4 now, so we'll see if that improves.
Anyway, in short, I did it for strictly monetary reasons, but the plus sides of At&t are numerous so it's not as bad as thought it would be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I am afraid of. My wife values the voice and I value the data. So dropped calls don't bother me as much, but it would really bother my wife. Especially coming from Verizon with very few dropped calls.
I dropped Verizon last year for AT&T and, despite the few rough patches everyone else has mentioned, it was worth it. No one can beat Verizon's LTE network coverage at this point, but I was so fed up with their other BS on updates and pretty scanty selection of phones that I did what you did and suspended my service for a month to see what happened. At first they weren't perfect, but I was fine with them and loved that I could go from a US SGS3 to an international One X without a hitch. Also, AT&T's coverage (both 3G and LTE) has expanded greatly in quality and quantity over the last 6 months where I'm at for work and everyday life. So now I've finally convinced my wife to drop them also and thus ending our 12 year run with Verizon and their devolution into Apple-like "It's our way or you don't need it" business model.
Will I ever go back? Not until I can buy a new phone from anywhere I want and activate it on their network. And I believe it'll be a cold day in heck before that is ever allowed to happen!