Related
The reason is I ask is because when the 900 comes to the US im debating on getting an unlocked version on Tmobile or switching to AT&T for the Lumia 900. The reason for the switch to AT&T is because of the iphone 4S users at my job can pull 3G in areas where I dont get reception at all. What gives? A guy that I work with gave up his Titan that he loved for a 4S just because he can pull 3G in areas his Titan cant where I work. I feel thats fair enough. So im wondering why the iphone can pull 3G in areas the Titan cant on the same service and wondering will the Lumia 900 give me the same reception service as the iphone S? Not sure if anybody is in the position to test this out.
I found the reception to be great my wife has a Mozart on same network as my lumia and I still have a couple of bars of 3g when she has lost all signal, is in underground shops.
Sent from my Lumia 800 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
that sounds good. hopefully when i get the lumia it works everywhere my co workers 4s works. I wonder why it varies between devices on the same network? KI hear that the 4s has a dual antenna and it depends on what material the phone is made out of. Is this true?
937dytboi said:
that sounds good. hopefully when i get the lumia it works everywhere my co workers 4s works. I wonder why it varies between devices on the same network? KI hear that the 4s has a dual antenna and it depends on what material the phone is made out of. Is this true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it's not true.
The fact is, Lumia 800 in theory supports 3g quad band (850,900,1900,2100 mhz) BUT only 900/1900/2100 are supported in current firmware releases.
You are getting signal from 1900 towers, an iphone 4s is getting signal also from 850 towers.
Titan, depending on version, may be in the same situation.
Lumia 900 will be, as HD7S, in an opposite situation: 850/900/1900, so it will work well in North and latin america and will not get good 3g signal in europe\asia\africa
You can get a good picture of the situation here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks
and here
http://www.cellularmaps.com/att_850_1900.shtml
Does the frequency determine if u can get reception in hard to get places such as all concrete/block building or in heavily insulated basements. At my job its hard for anybody to get a good reception but it's rare for anyone to get 3g besides these guys that have high end smartphones
Sent from my Venue Pro using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
937dytboi said:
Does the frequency determine if u can get reception in hard to get places such as all concrete/block building or in heavily insulated basements. At my job its hard for anybody to get a good reception but it's rare for anyone to get 3g besides these guys that have high end smartphones
Sent from my Venue Pro using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quality of reception is determined by several factors:
1) Build quality of phone antenna and radio software
2) Distance from signaling tower. Different frequencies usually have different towers. Different hardware\software on the phone support different frequencies.
Of course good phones have good antennas (and lumia for example has a very good one), but if you read my links you will discover that in US you have a real mess in 3g umts phone frequencies comparing to the rest of the world and even between companies.
For example:
- T-mobile: 1700+2100
- At&t: 850+1900
- Verizon: totally different technology until they migrate to lte, however 1700 (that's the reason of manufacturers releasing few phones on this network and usually long after initial availability).
Mexico: 850 only
Latin america: like at&t, 850+1900
Australia: 850+2100
Rest of the world (europe, asia, oceania, africa, brazil): mainly 2100
So, antenna is important, frequency (and distance from tower) is even more important.
fshqbizfs said:
Quality of reception is determined by several factors:
1) Build quality of phone antenna and radio software
2) Distance from signaling tower. Different frequencies usually have different towers. Different hardware\software on the phone support different frequencies.
Of course good phones have good antennas (and lumia for example has a very good one), but if you read my links you will discover that in US you have a real mess in 3g umts phone frequencies comparing to the rest of the world and even between companies.
For example:
- T-mobile: 1700+2100
- At&t: 850+1900
- Verizon: totally different technology until they migrate to lte, however 1700 (that's the reason of manufacturers releasing few phones on this network and usually long after initial availability).
Mexico: 850 only
Latin america: like at&t, 850+1900
Australia: 850+2100
Rest of the world (europe, asia, oceania, africa, brazil): mainly 2100
So, antenna is important, frequency (and distance from tower) is even more important.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool thanks for the help, you really broke it down for me. As long as I hyave a good antenna in my phone, something better than this DVP on Tmobile in the Us, im good. Tmobile sucks in my area and im regretting getting their service. When I had ATT a few years back I didnt have much of a problem.
I just want something that can give me reception quality as close to the 4S in my area.
Hi there, IDK if this is just me or not. I live in Rochester NY which is covered by HSPA+. I purchased lumia800 unlocked on amazon and it works fine for both data and MSG without setting APN. The problem is whenever there is a bad reception and the data dropped to Edge, it won't reconnect back HSPA+ automatically when reception comes back. I have to go to cellular settings and switch to edge then switch back manually.....So, any suggestion?
It's quite likely that the better HSPA reception is on the 850 band, which our Lumia's do not have. So... your HSPA 1900 signal drops and your phone connects to GSM. It takes a while for it to reconnect to HSPA, or you have to manually force it. I have this problem inside my apartment. So, I use an app called Toggle, which allows me to quickly switch off 3g and not have to worry about anything dropping.
Were you to acquire the US variant due out very soon, you likely would not experience this issue.
anseio said:
It's quite likely that the better HSPA reception is on the 850 band, which our Lumia's do not have. So... your HSPA 1900 signal drops and your phone connects to GSM. It takes a while for it to reconnect to HSPA, or you have to manually force it. I have this problem inside my apartment. So, I use an app called Toggle, which allows me to quickly switch off 3g and not have to worry about anything dropping.
Were you to acquire the US variant due out very soon, you likely would not experience this issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. So what you mean is that it will eventually connect back up to hspa+ but just takes a while?
Plus, is the US variant firmware going to enable more bands like 850?
biocean said:
Thanks. So what you mean is that it will eventually connect back up to hspa+ but just takes a while?
Plus, is the US variant firmware going to enable more bands like 850?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that is what I mean.
No, flashing US variant firmware RM-819 does not enable the 850 band. We tried that yesterday. Look in the development thread and see our disapointment.
thanks. Your post explained well. but since at&t's 3g operate at both 850 and 1900, if I were to have a phone that supports both, which one would it pick up? (that is probably the situation when US variant enters our market)
biocean said:
thanks. Your post explained well. but since at&t's 3g operate at both 850 and 1900, if I were to have a phone that supports both, which one would it pick up? (that is probably the situation when US variant enters our market)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone would switch (seamlessly?) between 850 and 1900. It's problematic when it has to switch technologies (HSPA to GSM).
We're getting screwed on the US variant. Rumor has it that it's force-bundled with some other nice, but unnecessary, pieces of hardware... bringing the cost up to $900. Sorry, but I just don't need the speakers, the over the head headphones and the bluetooth headset to justify an additional $400.
I don't think they're even TRYING to sell the 800 in the US. And it's probably the right decision, considering the rumored March launch of the 900.
Itaintrite said:
I don't think they're even TRYING to sell the 800 in the US. And it's probably the right decision, considering the rumored March launch of the 900.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From some standpoints it seems simply wasteful to produce and package a product that's not intended to sell. I think they're just really trying to push accessories that would better fit the N9 in that WP7 cannot make use of the NFC benefits.
No rumors about either. The 800 is coming up in a week, the 900 not too long after that, since it's preselling already.
Is anyone here using an international (RM-821) or Roger's version of the Lumia 920 on with ATT with an unlimited non-smartphone data plan?
I know LTE won't work nor am I concerned about it, I'd rather keep my grandfathered non-smartphone data plan.
You won't be able to. AT&T scan the IEMI numbers of phones that are connected to their network. That number tells them the brand, model, and type of phone it is. As soon as they see you have put a smart on their network they will force you to buy a data plan fort that phone. AT&T require all smart phone customers to have a data plan. If you don't they will slap one on you.
livingitup said:
Is anyone here using an international (RM-821) or Roger's version of the Lumia 920 on with ATT with an unlimited non-smartphone data plan?
I know LTE won't work nor am I concerned about it, I'd rather keep my grandfathered non-smartphone data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They apparently started detecting ALL Lumia 920s a few weeks back according to some postings from users of non-AT&T 920s.
Currently the T-Mobile HTC 8X does not get detected as a smartphone. It's not as nice as the 920 but it's almost as good. Fully supports AT&T 3G with all functions working including tethering on the non-smartphone plan. You can find this for $250-$300 on eBay. Unlocking costs $7.
The Verizon model of the 8X does get detected. It has Qi Wireless charging but MMS doesn't work because of some BS Verizon did to the OS.
Also I have tested the Canadian Samsung ATIV S T899M on AT&T and that also does not get detected and fully supports AT&T 3G also with all functions working including tethering. It has LTE Band 4 but AT&T needs LTE Band 17 for most of its network (a very small amount runs on band 4). LTE doesn't matter if you're using the non-smartphone data plan though because you do not have access to it with that plan. I do not know if the international ATIV S I8750 gets detected or if it is fully compatible. The T899M is around $450.
You won't be able to get a 920 but those two are about as good, and arguably I think the ATIV S is better than the 920. I really like my LTE though so I put it on one of my lines on the non-smartphone plan.
petard said:
They apparently started detecting ALL Lumia 920s a few weeks back according to some postings from users of non-AT&T 920s.
Currently the T-Mobile HTC 8X does not get detected as a smartphone. It's not as nice as the 920 but it's almost as good. Fully supports AT&T 3G with all functions working including tethering on the non-smartphone plan. You can find this for $250-$300 on eBay. Unlocking costs $7.
The Verizon model of the 8X does get detected. It has Qi Wireless charging but MMS doesn't work because of some BS Verizon did to the OS.
Also I have tested the Canadian Samsung ATIV S T899M on AT&T and that also does not get detected and fully supports AT&T 3G also with all functions working including tethering. It has LTE Band 4 but AT&T needs LTE Band 17 for most of its network (a very small amount runs on band 4). LTE doesn't matter if you're using the non-smartphone data plan though because you do not have access to it with that plan. I do not know if the international ATIV S I8750 gets detected or if it is fully compatible. The T899M is around $450.
You won't be able to get a 920 but those two are about as good, and arguably I think the ATIV S is better than the 920. I really like my LTE though so I put it on one of my lines on the non-smartphone plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would seem as if most of T-Mobile's WP's are safe on ATT. I have been using the Lumia 810 for the last 4 months on my data plan without issues although I'd prefer the 920. I guess for the time being I'll stay with the 810, or if I can find a Roger's version of the 920 for a good price I'll take a chance and buy it. Worst case is ATT flags it and I switch to T-Mobile
Has anyone confirmed if the ATT version of the Lumia 920 supports 1700 AWS? Thanks again for the responses.
livingitup said:
It would seem as if most of T-Mobile's WP's are safe on ATT. I have been using the Lumia 810 for the last 4 months on my data plan without issues although I'd prefer the 920. I guess for the time being I'll stay with the 810, or if I can find a Roger's version of the 920 for a good price I'll take a chance and buy it. Worst case is ATT flags it and I switch to T-Mobile
Has anyone confirmed if the ATT version of the Lumia 920 supports 1700 AWS? Thanks again for the responses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They WILL catch the Rogers 920.
The AT&T version can be forced to support 1700 AWS 3G by flashing a different ROM. Someone has outlined the steps to do it somewhere in the 920 forum. I think in the development section.
Any reason you really don't want the 8X or the ATIV S? The 8X has limited storage but the ATIV S has microSD, large screen, light body, and removable and larger battery.
petard said:
They WILL catch the Rogers 920.
The AT&T version can be forced to support 1700 AWS 3G by flashing a different ROM. Someone has outlined the steps to do it somewhere in the 920 forum. I think in the development section.
Any reason you really don't want the 8X or the ATIV S? The 8X has limited storage but the ATIV S has microSD, large screen, light body, and removable and larger battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know the ATT version can support 1700AWS, something to keep in mind especially since the exclusivity period is almost over.
About the other models you mentioned, I'm not a big fan of HTC phones although the ATIV S is an option. I didn't really know much about it since I am fairly new to WP with the Lumia 810 being my first device. I just happened to chance upon WP when I needed to replace my Nokia N8and got a good deal on the 810 from one of my coworkers who couldn't get the hang of WP.
In all honesty, the Lumia 810 isn't all that bad despite the fact it was EOL'd by T-Mobile after a mere 5 months.
Disappointed that it has lost the Xenon flash that they have put on the 928 but not on the 925, rather a missed opportunity in my view. No idea why they reduced the internal memory on it over the 920 as well. Was hoping for more an international version of the 928 than what we actually got.
http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_lumia_925_announced-news-6030.php
Seems their main goal with this device was to get the size down for those that thought the 920 was too chunky. It sucks that this and the 928 are coming out 6-7 months after the 920, and I hope whatever they got from their at&t exclusivity contract was worth it.
It appears to be all about the cosmetic changes & very little else. I cannot imagine many owners of the 920 would swap it for the 925.
For any normal smartphone manufacturer, this would be relegated to midrange status. Yes it is slimmed down, but that's nothing special that would add to the cost. It has the exact specs as the Lumia 920 that's 7 months old now and even has only half the storage, the same path a budget minded refresh of an old flagship phone would usually take. Except in Nokia's case, it's considered a freakin' flagship phone and cost just as much. Nokia is still living in its own little world. Maybe it's because they are the only player in the Windows Phone arena and don't have competition forcing some sense into them.
On the bright side, they were able to downsize the phone with optical stabilization down to 8.5mm. But that also brings up another important question. Why the hell wasn't the 920 this skinny, and instead so bleeping fat? Did Nokia have to learn how to make mainstream sized phones over the course of 2012 and somehow the 920 was an experiment, a learning project? There are no name Chinese manufacturers with 6mm phones, with better specs and bigger batteries, and for all intents and purposes, the same durability. It may not feel as "premium" but that's the only knock you can give. I always thought the optical stabilization was the cause for the 920's 11mm chubbiness. Apparently no. It was Nokia's own incompetence in phonemaking. It's also ironic t hat Nokia can be so innovative in things like camera stabilization and high DB mics, but pair said stabilization and mics with a subpar 8MP sensor that even with a million updates and software trickery and extra lenses, still looks like blurry crap.
katamari201 said:
Why the hell wasn't the 920 this skinny, and instead so bleeping fat? Did Nokia have to learn how to make mainstream sized phones over the course of 2012 and somehow the 920 was an experiment, a learning project?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 925 lacks the inductive charging capability unless you attach the (ugly) charging cover. Once you do that you've got a thick phone again.
^^ Yep its the lack of wireless charging ^^
I think it looks like a nice phone, The lesser storage is a real pain but have so far managed with just 16GB for this long, The lack of wireless charging is not a deal breaker however but would have been nice to see a few more colour options although I know they are aiming for a different market,
I do agree that this isn't really worthy of flagship status and not an upgrade from the 920 and not even much of an upgrade from the 900 I still use, Think I will wait for the Fall to see what delights await then lol.
AndyFZ1S said:
^^ Yep its the lack of wireless charging ^^
I think it looks like a nice phone, The lesser storage is a real pain but have so far managed with just 16GB for this long, The lack of wireless charging is not a deal breaker however but would have been nice to see a few more colour options although I know they are aiming for a different market,
I do agree that this isn't really worthy of flagship status and not an upgrade from the 920 and not even much of an upgrade from the 900 I still use, Think I will wait for the Fall to see what delights await then lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. Its not really going to be the flagship, but with new marketing and a renewed push, it will be able to keep Nokia in the news, right up until the next real flagship is unveiled. We all know how badly we are waiting for the 41mp EOS. Combine a full HD screen and maybe some other innovations, it would be just downright amazing.
I don't know if they thought by including only 16Gb of internal memory it was going to make people suddenly use cloud storage instead.
I think 928 will work for AT&T and T-mobile
http://blog.gsmarena.com/verizons-nokia-lumia-928-works-on-att-and-t-mobiles-networks-too/
randy_c said:
I think 928 will work for AT&T and T-mobile
http://blog.gsmarena.com/verizons-nokia-lumia-928-works-on-att-and-t-mobiles-networks-too/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like it would be OK in the UK on the 900 bands that Vodafone & O2 use?
I actually prefer the look of the 928 over the 925, Now if this would work on O2 uk then maybe worth considering
I'm extremely surprised no-one's mentioned the sixth lens element they're including on the lumia 925. (Which they haven't given to the 928)
As far as I'm concerned that's way better than having a xenon flash. In fact, as far as I'm concerned any camera phone photo taken with a flash looks awful and washed out. The 925 will give you ISO up to 3200. ON A PHONE. I was impressed anyway.
Yes, they're improving the software algorithms for the 920 too with a firmware update, but this extra lens on the 925 is the icing for me.
The 920 has epic low light capability but was let down by soft daylight photos. Hopefully this 6th lens they've brought in to address this will put it a little ahead of what at the moment is still the no.1 camera on a phone - iphone 5 (no haters please, it's the truth).
Very excited.
AndyFZ1S said:
^^ Yep its the lack of wireless charging ^^
I think it looks like a nice phone, The lesser storage is a real pain but have so far managed with just 16GB for this long, The lack of wireless charging is not a deal breaker however but would have been nice to see a few more colour options although I know they are aiming for a different market,
I do agree that this isn't really worthy of flagship status and not an upgrade from the 920 and not even much of an upgrade from the 900 I still use, Think I will wait for the Fall to see what delights await then lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can tell you that Lumia 920 is indeed a big upgrade from the 900.
I got the 900 when it was fresh on the market, and likewise with the 920.
What you first will notice, is the smoothness in the 920 menus compared to the older phone.
There is also an increase in performance, most noticeable in 3d games, here drive and when surfing the web, pages rendering much quicker, and so on.
I will also point out the camera as a big upgrade on the 920.
While taking still photos, it produces much clearer pictures compared to the 900.
But it is when you are making videos the 920 really start to show off.
I like to go to black metal concerts and get drunk. And after I got the 920, I have started filming a bit.
So I get crystal clear, steady videos. Even when I am to drunk to even remember anything.
The sound is also excellent.
Try this for yourself.
I would recommend switching to the 920. No doubt about it, as it will be a major upgrade for you.
ottoen said:
I can tell you that Lumia 920 is indeed a big upgrade from the 900.
I got the 900 when it was fresh on the market, and likewise with the 920.
What you first will notice, is the smoothness in the 920 menus compared to the older phone.
There is also an increase in performance, most noticeable in 3d games, here drive and when surfing the web, pages rendering much quicker, and so on.
I will also point out the camera as a big upgrade on the 920.
While taking still photos, it produces much clearer pictures compared to the 900.
But it is when you are making videos the 920 really start to show off.
I like to go to black metal concerts and get drunk. And after I got the 920, I have started filming a bit.
So I get crystal clear, steady videos. Even when I am to drunk to even remember anything.
The sound is also excellent.
Try this for yourself.
I would recommend switching to the 920. No doubt about it, as it will be a major upgrade for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thought we were talking about the 925 I have both the 920 and 900 and believe me the difference is marginal in battery life and performance, I don't play 3d games on my phone so cant comment on that, The camera is obviously a big difference due to the tech involved, but as a daily driver they differ only slightly
And on a different note, Vodafone UK offering a 32GB Lumia 925 for preorder in Black compared to O2 UK 16GB White effort.
AndyFZ1S said:
Thought we were talking about the 925 I have both the 920 and 900 and believe me the difference is marginal in battery life and performance, I don't play 3d games on my phone so cant comment on that, The camera is obviously a big difference due to the tech involved, but as a daily driver they differ only slightly
And on a different note, Vodafone UK offering a 32GB Lumia 925 for preorder in Black compared to O2 UK 16GB White effort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will be the first one to admit I do not know all these LTE bands and what they mean; however, I live in the deep, deep woods and know for a fact that there will never be any AT&T 4G LTE or Verizon Wireless 4G LTE and likely no T-Mobile whatsoever. What I need to know is whether the 925 and 928 variants will run on the AT&T compatible networks at HSPA+ and assuming of course the devices are subsidy (carrier) unlocked; thanks!
Lumia 928:
GSM network: 1800 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1900 MHz
WCDMA network: 900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 1900 MHz, 850 MHz
Lumia 925:
GSM network: 1800 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1900 MHz
WCDMA network: 900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 1900 MHz, 850 MHz
Hope that helps.
devious avatar said:
True. Its not really going to be the flagship, but with new marketing and a renewed push, it will be able to keep Nokia in the news, right up until the next real flagship is unveiled. We all know how badly we are waiting for the 41mp EOS. Combine a full HD screen and maybe some other innovations, it would be just downright amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this phone's operating system, Windows Phone 8 or something altogether different like what Symbian use to be? What the 925 has is what quite a few of us want...T-Mobile's Wi-Fi calling app and what's left of us that are still hanging on to WP7.8 is Skype to work like it does over on Android. Frankly, if Skype works, I don't need T-Mobile, but I do need the capacity to make a Wi-Fi call and for those of you who are fans of Google, Viber, MetroTalk, and WhatsApp...none of them work flawless and usually require the person on the other end to have the same software which too is unrealistic. Asking my wife to use the same unrealiable software is too much of a stretch!
---------- Post added at 02:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:45 PM ----------
AndyFZ1S said:
Lumia 928:
GSM network: 1800 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1900 MHz
WCDMA network: 900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 1900 MHz, 850 MHz
Lumia 925:
GSM network: 1800 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1900 MHz
WCDMA network: 900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 1900 MHz, 850 MHz
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does, thank you; but what is missing is T-Mobile's 1700 band which is used to download cellular data which means unless you specifically buy a pentaband, you're SOL; yes?
I've just got the Lumia 925 Grey and phone is very slim and very premium looking. :good:
The camera in my 920 was taking very crappy pictures at bright daylight (the image while pointing was sharper, and after shooting it was ALWAYS blurrier), and I was told, that it's actually a hardware issue, not something that could be fixed by a firmware update. Also, it was intermittently completely losing network and taking 30 s to a minute to reconnect. So I brought it back to a Microsoft store and bought 925 instead (they were very nice to price-match T-Mobiles outright price of $579 as opposed to Microsoft's $699). Currently struggling with TMo to unlock my phone (had to escalate it all the way to executive customer relations department in the corporate office due to constant misinformation and misrepresentation of their unlocking policy by their regular customer service), but looks like I might be getting an unlock code from them soon.
The phone is much slicker and lighter than 920, I don't miss wireless charging (which I never used anyway), and I don't even regret paying $79 extra while getting memory chopped to 16 Gb. What's really-really nice about this specific one - is the fact that it's going to work on ALL carriers in Canada (namely, the big-3 Rogers, Bell, Telus, as well as Wind and Mobilicity) with native 3G/LTE support once unlocked (and de-branded for Internet Sharing enabling).
berrywr said:
It does, thank you; but what is missing is T-Mobile's 1700 band which is used to download cellular data which means unless you specifically buy a pentaband, you're SOL; yes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are actually a few items that are wrong here. Here is a list based on device:
Nokia 928: Most likely, you will only find a Nokia Lumia 928 from Verizon out on the market. In order to even use the GSM chipset, you must first flash the device. Worst part of it is that reports say it isn't a 100% fix. If you do plan on using a Verizon 928 (I haven't found global versions as of yet), then you must have the patience to flash it. The issue is also that is won't work on any other LTE network, besides Verizon. Without AWS, it can't run on T-Mobile's HSPA+ network in some areas, so check if they refarmed it. When you are successful, you may use it on AT&T's HSPA+ "faux G" network.
Nokia 925: If you plan on using T-Mobile's network, you must buy the T-Mobile version from the United States. Otherwise, no other variant contains the AWS radios for unfarmed 3G/4G. If you plan on using LTE on either T-Mobile or AT&T, you also must buy the T-Mobile version. The international variants do not have the appropriate LTE radios found in the Americas. The biggest upside to the Nokia 925 is that any version or variant may be used on AT&T's HSPA+ network.
In total, I would simply get a Nokia Lumia 920 from Canada (Rogers Wireless). This is the most versatile Windows Phone 8 in the Americas that is unbranded (except for some Rogers bloatware, which can be flashed out). I really hope this all helps!
-Arekusandaa
I read how the alpha works with att but it doesn't support LTE.. Is that the same for TMobile?
just an update in case anyone is wondering. Yes it did work with tmobile but just like the other guy who got it for ATT, I won't get LTE. I get H+ or whatever it's called but not LTE. Also, Tmobile isn't all that great in my area so I'll be switching back to Verizon, hopefully this phone gets released for Verizon someday.
MO3iusONE said:
just an update in case anyone is wondering. Yes it did work with tmobile but just like the other guy who got it for ATT, I won't get LTE. I get H+ or whatever it's called but not LTE. Also, Tmobile isn't all that great in my area so I'll be switching back to Verizon, hopefully this phone gets released for Verizon someday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same goes for me. I just received a European version(SM-G850F) and it's data speeds are unusable on T-Mobile's network in Southern California.
I saw a post about a Canadian version (SM-G850W8) that has the 1700/2100 bands for T-Mobile on the CanadaGSM website. This model isn't listed anywhere else. Is this an error in listing or is it worth ordering?
stevebui85 said:
Same goes for me. I just received a European version(SM-G850F) and it's data speeds are unusable on T-Mobile's network in Southern California.
I saw a post about a Canadian version (SM-G850W8) that has the 1700/2100 bands for T-Mobile on the CanadaGSM website. This model isn't listed anywhere else. Is this an error in listing or is it worth ordering?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You want an honest opinion? I returned this phone and picked up the Sony xperia z3 compact. The deal breaker on the alpha wasn't the lack of a SD slot. It was the battery life. On normal use it beraly make it through an 8 hour shift. I was at about 5 percent battery life and I know I can swap out batteries but the battery life overall is just poor.
I used my xperia compact all day yesterday, and then some after work, I ran some errands, used Google maps for a bit, made a few calls, paired it to my car so I can play some music, I was out and about for almost 14 hours and I was at about 20 percent. Yeah the lack of no removable battery sucks but it had great battery life.
It's not all pretty though. I don't like the back glass. It scratches easily, the dual stereo speakers sound muffled, call quality is fine. Picture speed seems a bit slow and the front facing camera is pretty poor. Still I think the z3 compact is cheaper than the alpha. I miss the build quality on the alpha but I'm happy with my xperia Oh and it's wager proof which is great but the glass makes the phone slippery which makes you wonder why they even made the back glass in the first place
Oh and the screen seems a bit too sensitive.
Anyway just thought I'd throw that out there. The alpha is great, just wish it had a better battery life.
MO3iusONE said:
You want an honest opinion? I returned this phone and picked up the Sony xperia z3 compact. The deal breaker on the alpha wasn't the lack of a SD slot. It was the battery life. On normal use it beraly make it through an 8 hour shift. I was at about 5 percent battery life and I know I can swap out batteries but the battery life overall is just poor.
I used my xperia compact all day yesterday, and then some after work, I ran some errands, used Google maps for a bit, made a few calls, paired it to my car so I can play some music, I was out and about for almost 14 hours and I was at about 20 percent. Yeah the lack of no removable battery sucks but it had great battery life.
It's not all pretty though. I don't like the back glass. It scratches easily, the dual stereo speakers sound muffled, call quality is fine. Picture speed seems a bit slow and the front facing camera is pretty poor. Still I think the z3 compact is cheaper than the alpha. I miss the build quality on the alpha but I'm happy with my xperia Oh and it's wager proof which is great but the glass makes the phone slippery which makes you wonder why they even made the back glass in the first place
Oh and the screen seems a bit too sensitive.
Anyway just thought I'd throw that out there. The alpha is great, just wish it had a better battery life.
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The z3 compact would be my 2nd choice but I REALLY love the build quality. The battery life on the alpha is a big concern but it's a fair trade-off for me. I might just take the risk and order it from CanadaGSM.ca and see how that works out with T-Mobile's network.
***UPDATE***: DO NOT buy from CanadaGSM.ca website. They are fraudulent. I received a blank confirmation page upon order completion and the chat line said I needed to give them my CC's 3 digit security code even after they've charged my bank account. They also said my product will not be shipped. The number listed on their website is fake as well. Google... beware CanadaGSM.
stevebui85 said:
The z3 compact would be my 2nd choice but I REALLY love the build quality. The battery life on the alpha is a big concern but it's a fair trade-off for me. I might just take the risk and order it from CanadaGSM.ca and see how that works out with T-Mobile's network.
***UPDATE***: DO NOT buy from CanadaGSM.ca website. They are fraudulent. I received a blank confirmation page upon order completion and the chat line said I needed to give them my CC's 3 digit security code even after they've charged my bank account. They also said my product will not be shipped. The number listed on their website is fake as well. Google... beware CanadaGSM.
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Click to collapse
I get around 24 hours from mine with 4 hours on screen time, I have tweaked it a bit but no harder to do than it was with the nexus 4
The Galaxy Alpha in Canada used by Bell Canada and
related Companies called the 850 W8 has the exact
Bands for METRO PCS/ TMOBILE USA including
3 G , 4 G, LTE ETC.
I've posted elsewhere but you can log on to their Site and look at their Devices.
They use 1700, 1900, 2100 on both 3G
AND 4 G LTE ( AWS Band ).
Update on this thread if any one will be looking
I have both G850F and G850M.
I have only cracked open the G850M to play with.
My display says 4G in most areas besides my work area inside a metal box.
Germanese said:
Update on this thread if any one will be looking
I have both G850F and G850M.
I have only cracked open the G850M to play with.
My display says 4G in most areas besides my work area inside a metal box.
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Click to collapse
How does the G850F work on T-Mobile? Does it get 4G LTE?
I have the 850m on tmobile in Austin, Texas and I get LTE coverage.
No not an error if you want LTE on TMO this will do it and the 850M will definitely do it because I have the 850M which has the LTE Bands for Tmo BUT you probably won't get VoLTE like a branded Tmo phone.
My 850M says LTE but drops to 3g on calls sometimes it goes to H+ on calls and I have voice and fast internet but sometimes NO Internet on calls....
Great fast little phone Exynos has better audio than qualcomm .
Canada Bell phones have the 3G and 4G bands for Tmo 1700, 1900,2100 LTE and
1700, 1900, 2100 3G
EDIT : After using a different combination of APN settings on the Metro/Tmobile Network I am getting much improved LTE and H and H+ speeds and stability.
Data very rarely stops during calls.
As confirmed by User Corvissimo I have also seem CDMA band 1700 on 3G in addition to 1900 band on 3G.
The 850M also has all the LTE Bands for Tmo
and locks onto very low level signals for calls and data sometimes in elevators.
When you do not have LTE or on a voice call this unlocked factory Alpha drops to 3 G or H H + AND you have 1900 band there for Reframed areas AND the rarely listed 1700 band on 3G confirmed by Corvussimo and now myself via simple diagnostic.
Now I am getting better handoffs switching from 3G H+ and back to LTE when call is over.
I am not a Dev. but above is correct especially the diagnostic I have a screen shot lol.
robertkoa said:
No not an error if you want LTE on TMO this will do it and the 850M will definitely do it because I have the 850M which has the LTE Bands for Tmo BUT you probably won't get VoLTE like a branded Tmo phone.
My 850M says LTE but drops to 3g on calls sometimes it goes to H+ on calls and I have voice and fast internet but sometimes NO Internet on calls....
Great fast little phone Exynos has better audio than qualcomm .
Canada Bell phones have the 3G and 4G bands for Tmo 1700, 1900,2100 LTE and
1700, 1900, 2100 3G
EDIT : After using a different combination of APN settings on the Metro/Tmobile Network I am getting much improved LTE and H and H+ speeds and stability.
Data very rarely stops during calls.
As confirmed by User Corvissimo I have also seem CDMA band 1700 on 3G in addition to 1900 band on 3G.
The 850M also has all the LTE Bands for Tmo
and locks onto very low level signals for calls and data sometimes in elevators.
When you do not have LTE or on a voice call this unlocked factory Alpha drops to 3 G or H H + AND you have 1900 band there for Reframed areas AND the rarely listed 1700 band on 3G confirmed by Corvussimo and now myself via simple diagnostic.
Now I am getting better handoffs switching from 3G H+ and back to LTE when call is over.
I am not a Dev. but above is correct especially the diagnostic I have a screen shot lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent info, Thank You! Do you mind posting a Screen Shot (or a written list) of the new APN Settings that you are using for Tmo? I have a G850M on the way to me now and that would be very helpful. And my father is using an Unlocked SM-G850A.
I'm also interested in anyone's experience regarding LTE/HSPA+ connectivety & service using the SM-G850M specifically on AT&T in the Metro Los Angeles area.
Well my settings are tweaked for Metro PCS which uses the exact same Towers as Tmo AND the sims and most settings are interchangeable - BUT getting optimized settings on Metro is a little different.
For example you will use
Fast.t-mobile.com - I can use either that OR the fast.metropcs.com.
There are esoteric Metro settings GID which help but don't pertain to Tmo.
Yes 850m gets lte for att. Get it on Amazon. Their customer service is great. This phone is awesome. With the KitKat rom I was getting 20hours with 30-40% screen on time. Sometimes 50% . Best phone ever