Vibrant or new "project emerald"? - Vibrant General

I looked at the supposed two devices for project emerald slated to be released next month the specs are not anything that amazing... the vibrant more than holds it own. However the fact that the devices will be hspda+ or whatever it is called makes me want to return my vibrant amd wait. What do you all think?

The 'G2' (the replacement for the G1) is supposed to be a 'Google Experience' (run stock Android). That's supposedly launching September 9th. So, that's pretty neat. It's said to basically be a Nexus One with a sliding keyboard (the often rumored 'Nexus Two'). The Snapdragon core is rumored to be underclocked to 800MHz (in test hardware), but that would be silly to take to market at this point. The device is also supposed to have a front-facing camera.
I'm interested in such a device, as it will soon be the only stock Android device being sold in the US market (Droid is end-of-life and Nexus One isn't sold to consumers anymore). It will be nice to see frequent updates, and stock 3.0 when it comes out.
One would like to see some beefier specs on such a phone, but what can you do? HTC seems to be building every phone with the same Snapdragon core.
The second phone is basically an HTC Desire HD (4.3") with T-Mo's custom Sense rom ('Genius' button and so forth). I'm not too interested in that heavy customization of Android.
If I had to choose, I'd take the Vibrant with a fixed GPS and Compass. If the issues were never addressed, the G2 would probably be my next phone.

Samsungs hardware trumps anything htc is putting out anytime soon... and im a htc fanboy....
But if i had hspa around here getting 15-20 down, yeah kinda hard to say no to that...
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App

What exactly is HSDPA +? My phone shows it as the network type already so why is everyone so excited about the two newest phones having it if my vibrant and I'm assuming other peoples does as well?
Sent from my awesome Vibrant using XDA App

HSPA+ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolved_HSPA
Knowing these phones were coming made keeping my Vibrant a tough decision. I figure if I really want one of these phones I'll just sell the Vibrant and buy one at full price. I'd prefer an HTC phone, but the 4.3 in. screen makes me wonder about the battery life. I think the 4 in. on the Vibrant is a pretty good compromise and I've been really happy with how long this thing holds a charge.

bdveteran18 said:
What exactly is HSDPA +? My phone shows it as the network type already so why is everyone so excited about the two newest phones having it if my vibrant and I'm assuming other peoples does as well?
Sent from my awesome Vibrant using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Your says hsdpa . High speed download package access. Wich is part of hspa . I'm wrong on these numbers but say hspa does 10mbps download a second.. hspa+ will give ya 21mbps...
So hspa+ is faster than our hspa... but I never Max out on hspa to even want +....

believe your's shows, same as mine, HSDPA which is theoretically good for up to 7.2 Mbps download speed - that's theoretical, actual download speed will be less
HSDPA+, iirc, is supposed to be good for theoretically 21 Mbps
i'm in a "moderate" coverage area (per Tmo's map legend) and i've seen as high as 5.6 Mbps, but am usually running 1.1 to 2.6 Mbps when i test at speedtest.net

The new technology is being tested by Canadian Bell and Rogers to double HSDPA+, the race is on, remember the days when the processor speed mattered so much you wanted to have a new one every month...

Hsdpa is theoretically able to go up to 21... but we just dont have a handset that can receive that much info... our phones get up to 7.2 same as any other 3g device...
It the same technology so we can use it just cant process that much data... my phone is already faster than comcast around here... and im just getting 3g flowover from 45 minutes away north and south...
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App

It will be many months before most of us will be maxing out our 7.2mbps phones.
The screen on this phone makes me think I won't be upgrading for a while.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

I say get the Vibrant. I was waiting for Emerald for a long time and I decided this phone is awesome enough.
I also figure that I could get Project Emerald by selling this phone and buy it off Ebay. Chances are you would not lose any money on that deal.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Related

Whoa... No HSPA+?

Is that even possible?
Hummingbird Chipset
My guess would be that the Samsung Hummingbird chipset only supports 7.2 Mbps. Same as with the GSM Galaxy S series handsets.
many reasons why it may not be there. but you still get up to 7.2Mbps down which is very good.
Whoa your totally the 1st person to notice this and post about it......
To me, it doesn't matter. I live in a HSPA+ area and have never even come close to getting 7.2Mbps on a G2. Let alone HSPA+ speeds.
How many networks actually support those speeds anyways ?? I mean in reality not on paper. Besides, 7Mbps is enough for all mobile needs, a youtube 720p HD video averages around 2Mbps which is the highest bandwidth consuming task I can think of. Unless you are planning to tether it to a laptop and download huge files, which IMO is not a requirement for many users, since mobile data is pretty expensive.
th0r615 said:
Whoa your totally the 1st person to notice this and post about it......
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lol Anyways whats the big deal. 99% person of the world is not on 4G yet
I know we wanted everything from this phone but its not to be
I don't care since in my country we don't even have 4G so that would be completely useless.
But I understand entirely you're complaining about it, they're expected to make progress not regression(but that's technology, constructers choose what we will get...).
It's true "4G" isn't prominent right now. I'm guessing the disappointment comes when you try to see Nexus S as a phone into 2011, and beyond. Dropping $529 dollars for a phone that won't be taking advantage of "4G" speeds which all carriers are moving toward and pushing for, and which handsets are already featuring, doesn't seem future-proof, and maybe even a step back. It doesn't live up to the Nexus branding.
Agreed. I've decided to stay with my Samsung Epic (which has a bad ESN that I bought for $300 and I am using as an Android touch), and wait it out. When phones that come out that are compare to the Galaxy S as how the Nexus One overshadowed the Hero, I'll probably upgrade. Not then ... it's not worth selling my current phone.

I'm seriously thinking about returning this now

I just read that the LG Optimus 2x with dual core is coming out in March, and apparently for Tmobile. It will most likely be 4G also.
This makes my new Nexus S seem outdated already. Man I really like the phone but the fact that it doesnt support 4G was already a big hit for me, but I still got it. I didnt realize how much it really affected me until the other day I was talking with a friend who has an Evo and hes "let's see if this face time app works". I said sure, and connected to the my wifi signal, so we're trying to connect and he's like "man, connect to the 4g signal maybe its faster".
At that moment I couldn't open my mouth to say that my new phone which i dropped over $500 for, couldn't connect to 4g. I just played it off and changed topics.
Anyways that was my small rant, I'm sure others feel the same.
LG OPTIMUS currently has:
TEGRA 2
HDMI Mirroring
4 INCH WVGA Display
8gb Internal
MicroSD Slot
8MP camera
front facing camera
DLNA out of the box
With CES right around the corner, I'm glad I have 30 days to return the Nexus S.
.
I feel the same way as you. Im not going to say its a bad phone but we all had such high expectations. Who knows maybe LG might make the next NEXUS. I switched from my N1 because that was already starting go get me mad. I use to hate my brothers Vibrant because the screen was so amazing. So my Pros overpower the Cons so ill stick to it. Maybe when the new LG comes out ill jump on it, but i HATE branded phones. loaded with a bunch of crap i don't need.
Already threads open about this. Android is also not optimized yet for dual core, so have fun with utilizing only one core.
thepoetvd776 said:
I just read that the LG Optimus 2x with dual core is coming out in March, and apparently for Tmobile. It will most likely be 4G also.
This makes my new Nexus S seem outdated already. Man I really like the phone but the fact that it doesnt support 4G was already a big hit for me, but I still got it. I didnt realize how much it really affected me until the other day I was talking with a friend who has an Evo and hes "let's see if this face time app works". I said sure, and connected to the my wifi signal, so we're trying to connect and he's like "man, connect to the 4g signal maybe its faster".
At that moment I couldn't open my mouth to say that my new phone which i dropped over $500 for, couldn't connect to 4g. I just played it off and changed topics.
Anyways that was my small rant, I'm sure others feel the same.
LG OPTIMUS currently has:
TEGRA 2
HDMI Mirroring
4 INCH WVGA Display
8gb Internal
MicroSD Slot
8MP camera
front facing camera
DLNA out of the box
With CES right around the corner, I'm glad I have 30 days to return the Nexus S.
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Click to collapse
i agree with most but now the negatives.
- no community support " really, who buys an LG phone here? "
- its 2.2, they promised 2.3 which will probably be ****ty just like 2.2 on Galaxy S
- for sure no Android 3.0
- its an LG phone. how many times i have to say it ?
in paper, the Lg 2X is amazing. will i buy one ? probably i will. i think think the nexus S is a disspointment in terms of power
its not a bad phone. its just a galaxy S with better software " no rfs bull**** " and support by google. so android 3.0 is coming
plus. its a 3 months away. you could always buy the nexus S and sell it later if that phone is better. BUT if you already have nexus 1 or newer, then yeah dont spend money on nexus S
tekkitan said:
Already threads open about this. Android is also not optimized yet for dual core, so have fun with utilizing only one core.
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please dont post bull****. thank you and good bye
I suspect the shipped units will have kernels that're set up just fine.
Also just because LG doesn't have a big dev following yet, doesn't mean it wont when this comes out. This could be the thing that starts it off for them.
I seriously thought about waiting for the LG phone, primarily because of the Tegra2 and the 8MP camera. There was one major reason I didn't wait:
Straight Google Experience.
I am sick and tired of waiting for months on end for manufacturers and carriers to update the OS. And I'm tired of wondering if a manufacturer will update an OS for a phone at all.
Sure, the developers here on XDA are amazing, but they still need hardware drivers from the manufacturers to work their magic.
I just wanted to know that I was going to have a phone that Google supported.
Dudes-
It's not like you didn't know the specs before buying the thing. LOL.
Seriously, some of the design decisions on the phone are mind-boggling (no AT&T support like the Vibrant has, no "4G" support, no external sdcard, etc), but we knew these decisions before purchasing.
Personally, I love Galaxy S phones, and this is the best looking, best fitting in my hand of the lot, but I'd been using an i9000 on AT&T and in the areas of Los AngelesI frequent, the AT&T service is better overall than T-Mo. If the phone were 4G, I'd put up with the poorer coverage of T-Mo, but as is, the T-Mo service has me 50/50 on keeping the phone or not.
I have to disagree with the above comment that if you have a Nexus One this upgrade doesn't make sense. The much superior 4" SAMOLED vs. the 3.7" AMOLED screen is reason enough to dump the N1 for the NS, especially if you spend any time in the sunlight. The vastly superior multi-touch touch screen of the NS is also reason enough to switch, IMHO.
To each his own, though.
I wouldn't worry about it cause we all know that t-mobile doesn't have 4g, It's just hspa+. And even though the nexus s doesn't support it, you still can see slightly increased speeds simply because the network backhaul is increased so that the full 7.2Mbps is achieved on the nexus s. Nexus s owners are already reporting actual download speeds near 6Mbps. Don't you think that is fast enough for video calls fast enough to future proof this phone for at least the next year?
4G technology doesn't exist yet period. Not on T-mobile, not on Sprint, not on Verzion.
Is "4G" (HSPA+) even available in your area?
Better specs don't necessarily equate to a better phone, you might feel like it's outdated only a few months later. I say stick with your Nexus S for at least a year and see what's out then
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
RogerPodacter said:
I wouldn't worry about it cause we all know that t-mobile doesn't have 4g, It's just hspa+. And even though the nexus s doesn't support it, you still can see slightly increased speeds simply because the network backhaul is increased so that the full 7.2Mbps is achieved on the nexus s. Nexus s owners are already reporting actual download speeds near 6Mbps. Don't you think that is fast enough for video calls fast enough to future proof this phone for at least the next year?
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Click to collapse
HSPA+, 4G, whatever you want to call it...4G is just a marketing term and geeks can debate what it is and isn't, but that doesn't change the fact that there are two different networks in T-Mo's arsenal now (HSPA and HSPA+) and that one of them is capable of significantly higher speeds than the other. The 4G/not-4G talk is pointless.
I haven't done a lot of testing with the NS and data speeds yet; haven't had a chance with work so busy right now. I think I got around 3000Kb/s the other day, which is respectable.
I'm in Los Angeles, and we have the HSPA+ upgrade in my local area.
Near the Van Nuys airport, where I spend most of my away-from-wifi time, my Nexus One was getting a consistent 4000Kb/s, but I've never seen more than 4400 or so. Pretty impressive, but nowhere near the 6-7.2Mb/s. Also not nearly so impressive when I consider that my iPhone 4 and Galaxy S i9000 both get consistent 3000Kb/s speeds on AT&T.
3000-4000Kb/s really is fast enough for most uses, but when the network's newest phones are offering speeds 50-100% faster and then release a "flagship device" as people are calling the NS, it's a bit disappointing to not be part of the fastest crowd.
As I mentioned above, the lack of HSPA+ isn't a deal breaker for me, but the T-Mo service in general makes this a much less attractive phone for me as my primary device. My N1 had been relegated to wifi-hotspot/tethering-the-laptop duties since last July.
distortedloop said:
HSPA+, 4G, whatever you want to call it...4G is just a marketing term and geeks can debate what it is and isn't, but that doesn't change the fact that there are two different networks in T-Mo's arsenal now (HSPA and HSPA+) and that one of them is capable of significantly higher speeds than the other. The 4G/not-4G talk is pointless.
I haven't done a lot of testing with the NS and data speeds yet; haven't had a chance with work so busy right now. I think I got around 3000Kb/s the other day, which is respectable.
I'm in Los Angeles, and we have the HSPA+ upgrade in my local area.
Near the Van Nuys airport, where I spend most of my away-from-wifi time, my Nexus One was getting a consistent 4000Kb/s, but I've never seen more than 4400 or so. Pretty impressive, but nowhere near the 6-7.2Mb/s. Also not nearly so impressive when I consider that my iPhone 4 and Galaxy S i9000 both get consistent 3000Kb/s speeds on AT&T.
3000-4000Kb/s really is fast enough for most uses, but when the network's newest phones are offering speeds 50-100% faster and then release a "flagship device" as people are calling the NS, it's a bit disappointing to not be part of the fastest crowd.
As I mentioned above, the lack of HSPA+ isn't a deal breaker for me, but the T-Mo service in general makes this a much less attractive phone for me as my primary device. My N1 had been relegated to wifi-hotspot/tethering-the-laptop duties since last July.
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I second that. And pple keep talking about this tegra 2 crap what really are you gonna use dual core for? I mean lets be senseful here? With Gingerbread this phone is already fast and and pretty much polished. Tegra 2 is probably gonna be a battery hog. And this phone is gonna be full of LG/TMO bloatware, and no support at all its gonna be atuck at 2.3 for ever. That's 'IF' it even releases on 2.3. Anf Honestly who wants an LG phone c'mon now. Return your phone and you shall regret. Trust me the Nexus S is sold out pretty much everywhere when u return it and try to change ur mind to get it again its gonna be gone.. And I know thats gonna happen
rashad1 said:
4G technology doesn't exist yet period. Not on T-mobile, not on Sprint, not on Verzion.
Is "4G" (HSPA+) even available in your area?
Better specs don't necessarily equate to a better phone, you might feel like it's outdated only a few months later. I say stick with your Nexus S for at least a year and see what's out then
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
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Click to collapse
I live 10 mins away from NYC so 4G is in my area. I understand completely what everyone else here is saying but I'm just thinking that with all these potential dual core devices coming out, that makes the Nexus S not future proof regardless of Google's support or not. This will also make the resale value drop gradually compared to the original Nexus which was a BEAST of a phone when it came out, and still hangs with the best now.
thepoetvd776 said:
I live 10 mins away from NYC so 4G is in my area. I understand completely what everyone else here is saying but I'm just thinking that with all these potential dual core devices coming out, that makes the Nexus S not future proof regardless of Google's support or not. This will also make the resale value drop gradually compared to the original Nexus which was a BEAST of a phone when it came out, and still hangs with the best now.
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Click to collapse
So let me ask you something. Are dual core phones gonna drop the iPhone 4 value as well? I mean its gonna be single core for a while chances are the next one will STILL be single core.
thepoetvd776 said:
.. Man I really like the phone but the fact that it doesnt support 4G was already a big hit for me, but I still got it. I didnt realize how much it really affected me until the other day I was talking with a friend who has an Evo and hes "let's see if this face time app works". I said sure, and connected to the my wifi signal, so we're trying to connect and he's like "man, connect to the 4g signal maybe its faster"...
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Oooo the great "4G" lol
Haven't people watch the dogfight of Nexus S vs MyTouch 4G where they compare speed test side by side in a HSPA+ coverage area? And guess what, the greatest "4G" came slower than the out of date "slower" 3G, not only once but all three consecutive tests.
10:45 http://www.phonedog.com/videos/google-nexus-s-vs-mytouch-4g-dogfight-pt-2/
So whats the big deal everyone is dying for 4G? This reminds me of the Iphone4 vs HTC Evo video lol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL7yD-0pqZg
I hardly even get 2 megabits where I live.If you're area had HSPA+ its capped at what 6.5 isnt that enough for video chat?Also he had sprint maybe better coverage where you were and had nothing to do with 4g
sstang2006 said:
Oooo the great "4G" lol
Haven't people watch the dogfight of Nexus S vs MyTouch 4G where they compare speed test side by side in a HSPA+ coverage area? And guess what, the greatest "4G" came slower than the out of date "slower" 3G, not only once but all three consecutive tests.
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Click to collapse
One guy's results, in one location, really don't make the NS the clear winner. On top of that, they're hardly conclusive...less than 100Kb/s difference on 2/3, only 2Kb/s on one of them. LOL
All cellular/wireless experiences are just like real estate...location, location, location is all that matters. The guy even says he's not getting full HSPA+ service for some reason in his location for the last few days.
Take both phones to a confirmed working HSPA+ location and test again, multiple times at different times of the day and against different servers if you really want to prove/disprove the theory here.
The problem is this; there will be a newer and more powerful handset released every X number of months.
The Nexus S is a great phone that has pros and cons just like all the other leading Android phones.
If you fall into upgrading/swapping for every newer piece of hardware that drops you will be spending a great deal of cash and will never truly be content.
It's always give and take. I will give up "4G" and a dual core CPU for quicker updates and a pure Android experience. The hardware is still top notch.
csmall said:
The problem is this; there will be a newer and more powerful handset released every X number of months.
The Nexus S is a great phone that has pros and cons just like all the other leading Android phones.
If you fall into upgrading/swapping for every newer piece of hardware that drops you will be spending a great deal of cash and will never truly be content.
It's always give and take. I will give up "4G" and a dual core CPU for quicker updates and a pure Android experience. The hardware is still top notch.
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Click to collapse
EXACTLY.....& T-MOBILE 3G coverage is not even everywhere yet so what makes them think 4G will be everywhere in the next few months??
Might as well never get a phone then, since new phones come out every month or two, you'll end up waiting forever.
distortedloop said:
One guy's results, in one location, really don't make the NS the clear winner. On top of that, they're hardly conclusive...less than 100Kb/s difference on 2/3, only 2Kb/s on one of them. LOL
All cellular/wireless experiences are just like real estate...location, location, location is all that matters. The guy even says he's not getting full HSPA+ service for some reason in his location for the last few days.
Take both phones to a confirmed working HSPA+ location and test again, multiple times at different times of the day and against different servers if you really want to prove/disprove the theory here.
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Click to collapse
- I can tell you for sure 80% of cities with HSPA+ you will get the same speed on a non HSPA+ device. If the OP is not even getting a good 3G how can he get a good HSPA+.
- That will be 2 guys test. The second one is me. I had the G2 ("4G") and I tested its speed in Miami, FL (definitely HSPA+ area) and there was no difference at ALL, different times, different locations.
- I'm sure there are places where HSPA+ is a lot faster but thats the minority. If HSPA+ in my were was much faster, sure I will mind, but it is not.

Should I sell my nexus S for a G2??

Convince me. The stainless Steele body is appealing to me. I don't really see a difference in the processor speeds, and the full keyboard is appealing. Battery life on my nexus s is unimpressive however and I've heard that the nexus s packs a bigger battery. Can anyone persuad me????
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
HTC > Samsung
End of discussion.
/thread
Lol could you slightly eloborate
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Not gonna lie with the recent 1.3ghz kernel for the Nexus S and the insane benchmark results at that level, I was tempted to sell my G2 and pick up one. In the end though, I love my G2 too much to give it up.
Japan chip.
Expandable SD chip
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Hspa chip *
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Well I'd be using at&t... so I'd be isolated to edge. I have a 4g wimax hotspot iI take with me tho so it's not an issue. How is the screen compared to the nexus s?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I'll trade you my g2 fo the nexus s ;].
In terms of screens most would probably like the nexus s screens more since its more vibrant <--- LOL.. colorful and all that smack. However the g2's screen would likely to be sharper than the nexus s. All depends on what you are using it for. Nexus s's screen would be better than g2 if you were doing multimedia, but g2 is probably better for reading text and etc.
EDIT: I would like to note that once you feel the g2's build you most likely won't want to let go of it. Just feels so solid. I took my cases off the g2 because I missed the feeling of the actual phone
The G2? Why not wait for a dualcore phone? hehe.
jthornton71707 said:
Well I'd be using at&t... so I'd be isolated to edge. I have a 4g wimax hotspot iI take with me tho so it's not an issue. How is the screen compared to the nexus s?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
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Click to collapse
You can get the Desire Z, the Bell Canada brand uses the same band width AT&T 3g 850mhz and 1900mhz so you can have the HTC Vision for AT&T and still get 3g speeds, heres a link to specs on the Bell Desire Z:
http://www.bell.ca/shopping/en_CA_ON.HTC-Desire-Z/70785.details?tab=1&wlcs_catalog_item_sku=70785
Heres a snip from the spec page:
Connectivity
Compatible with the HSPA network
14.4 Mbps
Global access
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot (connect up to 8 Wi-Fi devices)
DLNA
GPS
Bluetooth® 2.1
Micro USB connection
UMTS/HSPA 850/1900
GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
joemm said:
You can get the Desire Z, the Bell Canada brand uses the same band width AT&T 3g 850mhz and 1900mhz so you can have the HTC Vision for AT&T and still get 3g speeds, heres a link to specs on the Bell Desire Z:
http://www.bell.ca/shopping/en_CA_ON.HTC-Desire-Z/70785.details?tab=1&wlcs_catalog_item_sku=70785
Heres a snip from the spec page:
Connectivity
Compatible with the HSPA network
14.4 Mbps
Global access
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot (connect up to 8 Wi-Fi devices)
DLNA
GPS
Bluetooth® 2.1
Micro USB connection
UMTS/HSPA 850/1900
GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
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Click to collapse
Wow so if I buy this phone it'll work with at&t 3g??? Where can I buy? I've just been browsing craigslist
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
jthornton71707 said:
Wow so if I buy this phone it'll work with at&t 3g??? Where can I buy? I've just been browsing craigslist
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
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I found this thread on a diffrent web site from someone who bought one for AT&T, heres what it said:
Senior Warrior
My Device: HTC Desire Z
Posts: 1,040
Registered: 10-01-2007
0 ..Got my new phone: HTC Desire Z (unlocked, Bell Canada branded)[ Edited ] .Options
Mark as NewBookmarkSubscribeSubscribe to RSS FeedHighlightPrintEmail to a FriendReport Inappropriate Content....12-14-2010 07:37:54 AM - last edited on 12-14-2010 07:39:28 AM
Finally gave up on ATT getting any decent Android devices. Well, the Fascinate seems OK, but lots of complaints on these forums (and elsewhere) about various things. Plus, the outlook for new devices in the first part of next year does not look very promising either. And I've always been a big HTC fan. I found out that Bell Canada released the HTC Desire Z about a month ago, with 3G bands compatible with ATT's network. I decided to take the plunge. Not an easy pill to swallow, as an unlocked, unsubsidized device like this goes for a premium (and obviously not for everyone). But what the heck, its a been a good year, and I decided to get myself a Christmas gift.
For those that may not know, and are interested in the Desire Z, the Bell-branded NAM version, model number A7275 is currently the only one that will work with ATT's 3G network. The European and T-Mobile (the G2) versions will only work on EDGE. So take care when shopping around.
Let me tell you guys, this device is amazing. The build quality is excellent, with most of the body being a gorgeous brushed aluminum, accented with some slightly grippy plastic (also nice looking, and does not cheapen the appearance). The keyboard is very good. The layout is slightly different from my trusty old Tilt2, with the keys slightly smaller (and one less row of keys). But after one week with the device, I'm already adjusting quite well.
I've played around with Project Android on my trusty old Tilt2, so Android is not completely new to me. I'm still getting accustomed to where some things are located, but that is true with switching to any new phone OS. Knocks on Android for not being as "smooth" as the iPhone seem largely unfounded to me. The Desire Z is super smooth, and of course has tons of customization and functionality that the iPhone will never have. And the HTC Sense modifications are all very nice.
TO get the phone up and running, I just had to slip my SIM into the device, and manually enter in the ATT data network APN settings (only had WiFi before I did this), and was good to go with 3G speed. I already keep my contacts, email, calendar on Google. So the Google implementation is awesome for me. I just entered my Google login and password, and it synched all that stuff in a couple minutes.
The vendor stated on their website that SIM unlocking voids the manufacturers warranty. So I decided to go ahead and root, the day after I received the phone (and now overclocked, as well). Also used a couple different tools (Titanium Backup and Absolute System Root Tool) to successfully remove the Bell bloatware. The Bell ROM is missing the HTC Locations app (I use Google Maps all the time anyway), and the Android car panel (which I don't really like), but otherwise, the Bell ROM is pretty close to stock. So I'll stick with the stock ROM for now.
Moral of the story, no regrets buying an unlocked Desire Z. Absolutely loving it!
....
I highlighted in red above the exact model you need to buy for it to work on AT&T 3g network and I remember reading somewhere else that it has to be this exact model number, I think it was in a thread here on xda developers and they gave a link on where to but it from, Ill try and find it for you, but in the mean time heres the link for the site I got the above thread from.
http://forums.wireless.att.com/t5/A...e-Z-unlocked-Bell-Canada-branded/td-p/2631459
I find HTC's build quality to be much better that Samsung's. The heft and the feeling of the desire z, is what originally won me over when I was debating between it and the samsung vibrant.
jthornton71707 said:
Wow so if I buy this phone it'll work with at&t 3g??? Where can I buy? I've just been browsing craigslist
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I purchased mine from Ebay. I believe Negri Electronics also sells it online. It'll run you in the neighborhood of $500-600.
I'm selling my Nexus for a G2. I'm going to make at least $250, and the G2 seems at least equal to or better than the Nexus in every category except the screen. I can sacrifice the SAMOLED for a SLCD for $250 (plus the added benefits like a non-plastic body, 4G, a keyboard, and a notification LED).
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
TheBiles said:
I'm selling my Nexus for a G2. I'm going to make at least $250, and the G2 seems at least equal to or better than the Nexus in every category except the screen. I can sacrifice the SAMOLED for a SLCD for $250 (plus the added benefits like a non-plastic body, 4G, a keyboard, and a notification LED).
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Wow, that was quick, didnt you just get your G2?
Guess that speaks volumes for the G2 vs Nexus S.
joemm said:
Wow, that was quick, didnt you just get your G2?
Guess that speaks volumes for the G2 vs Nexus S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man. I was considering selling my G2 and picking up a Nexus S, but this thread has pretty much gotten rid of that idea. What do you guys think about the MT4G, though? I am still considering picking up that one and dumping the G2. (Still haven't gotten accustomed to the keyboard.)
I'm baffled why anyone would want a myTouch over a G2.
Just saying that dumbass name pisses me off. myTouch. ugggggh
However, I wouldn't mind having a Nexus S to play with. I don't think I'd ever give up my G2 though. <3
Hot_Hands said:
I'm baffled why anyone would want a myTouch over a G2.
Just saying that dumbass name pisses me off. myTouch. ugggggh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. Not to mention its a pretty ugly device.
boost3d23 said:
This. Not to mention its a pretty ugly device.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, when I first decided to buy a new phone a couple of weeks ago, I just figured the myTouch was a ****ty phone based on its name and was going with the G2 for sure, but then I learned that it certainly competes hardware-wise...and coming from an iPhone 3G, I would very possibly be more comfortable with its form factor.
Lighter and smaller, too. I suppose if this "mirror" tool ends up working well so I can video chat with the G2, that will solve my last big problem. Anyone think that will pan out?

EVo

What will the new evo 4g lte have spec wise? Also will 4g service be an extra charge? I just recently used a friends razor on verizon 4g network and its extremely fast, I was getting almost 2mb per second...I wonder how much coverage sprints 4glite will have and if it will be on par with verizon...since we really never had 4g on the first evo...
Pivo187 said:
What will the new evo 4g lte have spec wise? Also will 4g service be an extra charge? I just recently used a friends razor on verizon 4g network and its extremely fast, I was getting almost 2mb per second...I wonder how much coverage sprints 4glite will have and if it will be on par with verizon...since we really never had 4g on the first evo...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
specs: http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=3742
4g: the 4g will be the same $10 charge we pay for the current wimax 4g
Speed: no one knows how good the lte will be yet but it will almost definitely be above 2mbps since you can get about 5mbps on the current 4g and lte is much better.
Coverage: they just started rolling out lte so it will be a while before it covers anything near what verizon has. but if the rumors are true then we should have lte just about anywhere we have 3g at some point in the future
hope this answers your questions
Pivo187 said:
What will the new evo 4g lte have spec wise? Also will 4g service be an extra charge? I just recently used a friends razor on verizon 4g network and its extremely fast, I was getting almost 2mb per second...I wonder how much coverage sprints 4glite will have and if it will be on par with verizon...since we really never had 4g on the first evo...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For specs http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_evo_4g_lte-4665.php visit here. In short, the screen on this phone has been voted by some, as the best on a smart phone yet; as well as the camera.
Id recommend on also do a comparison on 4g vs lte to see the true differences, but lte should bring a much faster network to us. In reality 2mb down is very slow for lte speeds, and in many areas it's common to get 15mb down or more.
Also, chances are that if you are not receiving 4g services currently, you will more than likely be one of the last ones to receive the lte service. LTE or not, this phone is definitely worth the upgrade on 3g alone.
Hope this helps you a bit.
Why is it def worth the upgrade for 3g alone? BTW I just started modding my evo 4g LoL maybe I should visit sprint & see how well the 4glite network is in my area...maybe wait til it goes full swing to 5mb like you said...also I just ordered exdended batteries 3 weeks ago!! lol
If you are still enjoying the EVO Og, and it is doing everything you need it to, there's nothing wrong with stick with it until more details emerge on the LTE network. For a lot of us, we've been flashing and modding since the phone first came out and it's time to move on.
A few big reasons to consider still switching over though are:
- Mod support - a large chunk of the top devs from OG Evo are making the switch, meaning, most of them will likely stop development on this phone.
- The battery life upgrade is going to make a huge difference, or at least we hope. Considering the fact that no one has one in hand yet, we don't have an accurate depiction of the actually battery life - but consider it safe to say that it will easily outlast the OG.
- Screen wise side-by-side it is night and day. Although OG screen isn't bad, a decent comparison is when you first made the switch from watching standard cable to hd (assuming you have).
- Processor is much, much, faster. This will allow for better game play, smooth transitions, and a better overall user experience.
I could literally write at least another 10 - 20 reasons on why to make the switch, but really no need. As I said, if you're still happy with the OG and don't feel the need to switch just yet, you likely will not miss out on much anyways.
Right I understand..Did they finally move the SD card location to the outside and not behind the damn battery...I hated that about the evo...When is the phone due to be out?
id_twin said:
If you are still enjoying the EVO Og, and it is doing everything you need it to, there's nothing wrong with stick with it until more details emerge on the LTE network. For a lot of us, we've been flashing and modding since the phone first came out and it's time to move on.
A few big reasons to consider still switching over though are:
- Mod support - a large chunk of the top devs from OG Evo are making the switch, meaning, most of them will likely stop development on this phone.
- The battery life upgrade is going to make a huge difference, or at least we hope. Considering the fact that no one has one in hand yet, we don't have an accurate depiction of the actually battery life - but consider it safe to say that it will easily outlast the OG.
- Screen wise side-by-side it is night and day. Although OG screen isn't bad, a decent comparison is when you first made the switch from watching standard cable to hd (assuming you have).
- Processor is much, much, faster. This will allow for better game play, smooth transitions, and a better overall user experience.
I could literally write at least another 10 - 20 reasons on why to make the switch, but really no need. As I said, if you're still happy with the OG and don't feel the need to switch just yet, you likely will not miss out on much anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wondering how long I can keep it going. If it could rum ics like sense 1.0 it would hold it own. The devs are working hard. Hats off for the efforts. So funny I will run a rom with broken features when it is perfectly capable but yet we press forward for something better. Nothing wrong with that.
Come on little evo...
Come on devs...
And thank you for your hard work.
Next flash? OK...
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA
The speculation is that the phone will release on May 18th with pre-orders receiving them (possibly) early. And yes, the phone's micro-sd slot is no longer behind the battery, in fact, you will likely never see the battery ever unless you decide to take your's apart.
Yes. No need to worry. Get it. Now. It's in all our best interest. Do it.
sent from 2yr old Evo on ICS
So we will not be able to upgrade the battery!? That sounds like a ****ty iphoney move...THat is one reason I hated the iphone among many others...But Im a power user & I have 3 spare batteries...I work offshore & my phone can only pull 1X so its constantly drawing massive amounts of power...I usually go thru 1 sprint 2600mah battery & about 50% of an anker 1700mah battery...2000mah is not going to cut it....
Also, will sprints lte network actually work & be widespread...I have fears of the lte network never even being available somewhat like the evo 4g...I never once got to use 4g on it...BTW verizon 4g is amazingly fast & very widespread, tested it out on a friends razor max
Pivo187 said:
So we will not be able to upgrade the battery!? That sounds like a ****ty iphoney move...THat is one reason I hated the iphone among many others...But Im a power user & I have 3 spare batteries...I work offshore & my phone can only pull 1X so its constantly drawing massive amounts of power...I usually go thru 1 sprint 2600mah battery & about 50% of an anker 1700mah battery...2000mah is not going to cut it....
Also, will sprints lte network actually work & be widespread...I have fears of the lte network never even being available somewhat like the evo 4g...I never once got to use 4g on it...BTW verizon 4g is amazingly fast & very widespread, tested it out on a friends razor max
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With Sense 4.0 and ICS in general, battery life should be amazing compared to our OG Evo. If I were you, wait a couple of months to see results of how battery life is from real world experience. People with the One X with the Quad core are reporting great battery life and their phones have a smaller battery (1800 mAh). The new Evo has a SoC, 28nm chip which will help wasting precious battery life and generate less heat, as well as its larger battery. Overall it seems to be a great phone with enough new quirks to help many upgrade from the OG for a better experience.
One thing that no one talks about is that at some point were expected to be able to ROAM on someones LTE network. (Most likely Verizon) We don't have that now because nobody is running WiMAX except Sprint. Good article about it on goodandevo.net
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA
Roam to verizons network?? How is that possible if EVO does not use SIM card...I thought to get on another carriers network you need their sim card...I almost jumped the gun due to the low price offered at wirefly..But after the promises of 4g on the first EVO never coming to light for me I Have decided to wait & see...My current evo does everything I need. Only gripe is the 4g that sprint promised which makes me think the same will happen with 4glite....Ive tried a razor max on verizons 4glte & it leaves sprint in the dust....Also, if the lte network is not up & working when the EVO lte is released & the evo lte has no working wimax then what network are you supposed to connect too? Sounds eerily similar to the EVO 4g launch
Verizon and Sprint phones, to the best of my knowledge stopped using SIM cards awhile ago. Sprint allows us to roam on Verizon when there's no Sprint coverage because Sprint signed a roaming agreement to use Verizon.
How were going to roam, I'm not 100% sure but I'm sure we will find out soon.
goodandevo.net/2012/03/here-is-sprints-future-lte-coverage-cap.html
Edit: this would be for the new EVO LTE, not the previous WiMAX versions. Just wanted to clarify.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA
You won't be able to roam as sprints lte is at 1900mhz and Verizon is something totally different.
Should be a beast of a phone though. Lte is already live in a few cities and the LG viper lte is already out along with a Samsung lte phone.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA
That's true but one can hope lol. But don't forget that Sprint is shutting down Nextels iDen network which will give us the 800 MHz frequency for better building penetration. At least we have that to look forward to in the future. I think Verizon is somewhere in the 700 MHz.
Maybe Sprint classifies some builder of LTE towers (sort of like ClearWire) are the future "roaming" areas that are the grey on the map from goodandevo.net?
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA

Nexus 4: Wireless charging > LTE?

http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/10/29/nexus-4-official-available-november-13th-starting-at-299/
Key specifications
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon™ S4 Pro processor with 1.5GHz Quad-Core Krait CPUs
Operating System: Android 4.2, Jelly Bean
Network: 3G (WCDMA), HSPA+
Display: 4.7-inch WXGA True HD IPS Plus (1280 x 768 pixels)
Memory: 8GB / 16GB
RAM: 2GB
Camera: 8.0MP rear / 1.3MP HD front
Battery: 2,100mAh Li-Polymer (embedded) / Talk time: 15.3 hours / Standby: 390 hours
Other: Wireless charging, NFC
Price: UNLOCKED - $299:8gb / $349:16gb ($199:16gb w/ 2yr T-Mobile contract)
Or, we can wait another 6 months or so for the SGS4
Only on GSM networks. As much as I admire Google's desire for open access (thus no carriers involved), I still think they should have released a CDMA version with LTE...I'm stuck on Sprint on a family plan for at least another year, and i have no idea what phone I can get now -__-
mooshubob said:
Only on GSM networks. As much as I admire Google's desire for open access (thus no carriers involved), I still think they should have released a CDMA version with LTE...I'm stuck on Sprint on a family plan for at least another year, and i have no idea what phone I can get now -__-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read that the samsung galaxy nexus 2 is on its way, and as I mentioned in the OP, the sgs4...
SwimDrewid said:
I read that the samsung galaxy nexus 2 is on its way, and as I mentioned in the OP, the sgs4...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd heard that Galaxy Nexus 2 rumor/leak was fake (it included a microSD card, and very little modification from the current GNex)...and I'm not really willing to wait 6+ months with my OGEpic
mooshubob said:
I'd heard that Galaxy Nexus 2 rumor/leak was fake (it included a microSD card, and very little modification from the current GNex)...and I'm not really willing to wait 6+ months with my OGEpic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not? Is their something your epic can't do that these new phones can? Or are you one of the ones who needs the latest and greatest? Not that that is a bad thing, just curious as to why you're so anxious to get rid of a device that still functions perfectly even with the latest android version...
It's the unicorns man, sabotaging our technologies.
And as much as I would have liked them to make a CDMA/LTE model, Sprint and Verizon kind of were deserving of getting shafted due to how they handle things with manufacturers on their carrier. Removing their power in a not so literal way.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
AproSamurai said:
It's the unicorns man, sabotaging our technologies.
And as much as I would have liked them to make a CDMA/LTE model, Sprint and Verizon kind of were deserving of getting shafted due to how they handle things with manufacturers on their carrier. Removing their power in a not so literal way.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love that it's unlocked, though. So we could put it on our carrier of choice, just no lte
J.ust A. R.eally V.ery I.ntelligent S.ystem
flastnoles11 said:
Why not? Is their something your epic can't do that these new phones can? Or are you one of the ones who needs the latest and greatest? Not that that is a bad thing, just curious as to why you're so anxious to get rid of a device that still functions perfectly even with the latest android version...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, my epic is slowly falling apart (screen cracks, needs a new battery, among other things), and I don't have any need for a physical keyboard, meaning I don't need a phone this big.
And it's not really latest and greatest 2+ years after I got the device. Technology has moved further, and it'd be nice to have all the "comforts" of the phones of late 2012 - great, fast cameras, fast processor speeds, NFC, etc.
Again, I'm not anxious, I've had my upgrade available since July of this year, just wanting a good device worthy of an upgrade from the Epic, available on Sprint, which doesn't seem to be coming out any time soon.
I'm considering the N4. Sprint's service has been so "meh!" in my area for the last 6 years, that switching to Tmobile or a MVNO seems to be a nice idea. Here is an article that gives some insight as to why no LTE radio.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/1...s-explanation-and-why-it-sort-of-makes-sense/
While I know that everyone has a different experience with their network, a side by side of LTE and HSPA+ shows that for the majority of users, HSPA+ will be perfectly fine (although most people considering a Nexus phone are probably power users), but the T-Mobile HSPA+ here in Denver beats the crap out of my WiMax network. My nephew has the Galaxy S 4G (not the S II) and it consistently gets speeds 25-30% faster than my average WiMax speeds. With the Nexus 4 it bears mentioning the added processing speed of the faster processor and additional RAM. I think overall Google may have made the right choice excluding LTE as it keeps the cost of an unlocked phone down. Has anyone seen what the iPhone 5 goes for? Or the SGS III? That they are producing this for 50% or less of other premium phones cost is amazing. Also, the Nexus 4 is SEXY
Just a point of reference, it's not perfect, but it shows some of the HSPA+ potential.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia5iBxqsjW8
So a follow up on this, my friend on T-Mo with his SGS III just ran 6 speed tests for me of the HSPA+ network and his average DL in Denver was 21.73 Mbps and average UL was 2.36
Not as strong an upload as LTE, but the DL is about 5 times my average with WiMax and UL is pretty comparable.
LTE is a must feature, IMO. I like the fact that Google is sticking it to CDMA carriers, but it is a Pyrric victory. Nexus 4 sales will likely be sluggish, its specs notwithstanding. As for me, I no longer have any patience with Sprint (and its NetworkVision promises), and Epic, for all the wonderful dev effort, just isn't meant to run JB very well and now feels very dated when it comes to processing power and RAM. Going to get a VZW S3 in a few weeks.
There is now Sprint LTE in my area so I am rather anxious to upgrade. It is really too bad that the Nexus 4 is not going to be on Sprint and the Optimus G has less than stellar battery life and no removable battery/sd card, I guess even if the Nexus 4 was on Sprint it'd have the same downfalls.
If the SIII had the internals of the Note 2 (including the non-pentile screen), it'd be perfect.
N4 16GB ($350) + T-Mobile plan ($30 no contract) = FTW
Cannot resist that deal even with my Epic + SERO plan ($60)
Done with all this 4G/WiMax/LTE hype when in reality I hardly even use those speeds given the current coverage limitations.

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