Hey all,
I debating on getting a Nexus 4 (when they are available again), but I want to use the device without signing up for cellular service, you know no data plan and voice plan. I know this is probably ridiculous because most people buy a phone to use it as a phone, but I don't want a phone and don't want to place my money into restrictive apple products (e.g., ipod touch). So can I buy the phone without signing up for prepaid or contract services? I don't need to activate the phone if I'm not using it as a phone, right, thus turning the phone into a ipod touch (but better than the ipod). Has anyone successfully done this?
Cheers,
Dillweed
yes
jakejm79 said:
yes
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Yes to your yes
I am almost in the same boat as you are. I am trying to get the Nexus 4 as a complete android device for the possible feartures/uses of such a device. I will be using it for a phone but I will be using it as a wifi phone with Groove IP. The Nexus 4 is the only small device to have such a good screen and the android experience with such a fantastic price. I have been doing a lot of research and I am totally convinced that I will be able to use the Nexus 4 without a sim card so no carrier at all. Glad to see someone else thinking the same way.
Have you considered buying Nexus 7 instead? It's pocket able. You will be saving 100 dollars.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
donec said:
I am almost in the same boat as you are. I am trying to get the Nexus 4 as a complete android device for the possible feartures/uses of such a device. I will be using it for a phone but I will be using it as a wifi phone with Groove IP. The Nexus 4 is the only small device to have such a good screen and the android experience with such a fantastic price. I have been doing a lot of research and I am totally convinced that I will be able to use the Nexus 4 without a sim card so no carrier at all. Glad to see someone else thinking the same way.
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I can confirm it will work just fine without a cellular plan too. I used mine for about a day that way then decided to go with a Straight Talk plan.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I used a smartphone for a year with a simple minutes/text only plan. Pretty cheap.
I would look for a nexus 7 though tbh
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Get the nexus 7
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Yeah Nexus 7 seems like a lot better choice.
7" is pretty small
And as stated above, much cheaper. Also in stock
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium
Thanks for the information everyone!
I've thought about getting a Nexus 7, but I want something that I can easily fit into my pocket. Like I said before, I'm currently using an ipod touch, but I don't like the restrictive nature of iOS. The Nexus 4 seems like the best phone out there right now that is unlocked and can be purchased without a contract.
dillweed said:
Thanks for the information everyone!
I've thought about getting a Nexus 7, but I want something that I can easily fit into my pocket. Like I said before, I'm currently using an ipod touch, but I don't like the restrictive nature of iOS. The Nexus 4 seems like the best phone out there right now that is unlocked and can be purchased without a contract.
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It is. The phone can definitely be used as an iPod Touchesque device, but with a bigger screen, Android, etc.
The thing is, do you want to sacrifice the ability to put in your pocket (not portability) for much larger screen, cheaper pricetag, and larger storage?
Technically, you would be using the Nexus 4 as a tablet, so why not get a Nexus 7 instead?
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium
In addition to that.. Why not just jailbreak your iPod and save some money?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I'm hesitant to get the Nexus 7 because it's just easier to carry a smaller device.
And yea, my ipod is jailbroken. I've had for a couple of years now and it's time to upgrade and give the ipod to the kids. I'm not in the market for more apple products, yes they are well built and reliable. I could get a new ipod for the same amount of money and 32gb of space. But then I'm dependent on the devs getting out a jailbreak. It seems that as time goes on the jailbreaks are getting longer to be released after a new iOS is put out. So I wonder how much longer jailbreaking can go on. Yea, everything is hackable, it just takes time. I really like the development of Android and one of the big reasons I would like to get a Nexus 4.
In the end, I really just wanted to know if use of the phone is possible without a contract from a service provider. So, thanks all for the information.
tldr on a lot of this. I wanted to throw a suggestion out there thought. The Samsung Galaxy Player. It's kinda like a smartphone, without the phone.
Related
I recently just bought the nexus 7 and I totally regret laughing at those silly people on the train holding their 7 inch because I am now one of them. This thing is godsend. But I recently sold my phone and I am now looking for a phone just to tether to my nexus 7. Do you guys tether on the go or pine for a free WiFi?
At first I wanted phone that can tether my 3g network comfortably without freezing up when I receive a message on my phone.
But after I tried a lte enabled s3 in one of the hand phone shops I'm now sold. . I'm looking to purchase the iPhone 5 just to tether and message because it is idiot proof.
So what do you guys use to tether? And what do you think of getting a iPhone 5 just for tethering? Because android has really bad tethering apart from HTC and its WiFi hotspot app which rocks.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
lqrt said:
I recently just bought the nexus 7 and I totally regret laughing at those silly people on the train holding their 7 inch because I am now one of them. This thing is godsend. But I recently sold my phone and I am now looking for a phone just to tether to my nexus 7. Do you guys tether on the go or pine for a free WiFi?
At first I wanted phone that can tether my 3g network comfortably without freezing up when I receive a message on my phone.
But after I tried a lte enabled s3 in one of the hand phone shops I'm now sold. . I'm looking to purchase the iPhone 5 just to tether and message because it is idiot proof.
So what do you guys use to tether? And what do you think of getting a iPhone 5 just for tethering? Because android has really bad tethering apart from HTC and its WiFi hotspot app which rocks.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
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Listen, I wouldn't get a iPhone, (My opinion). They are way over priced in the first place, let alone just for tethering and messaging. 2nd, Apple totally locks you down, so you will regret getting an iPhone if your a tech enthusiast.
As you said, HTC tethering is amazing, and I have never had a single issue tethering my HTC One X to my N7, and to be honest, it feels broadband speed. I'm not saying you should get a HTC One X (YES YOU SHOULD!!!) but as you said , HTC are great for tethering, so I would have a look at your HTC options my friend, + the N7 and HTC are like husband and wife.
I sold the one x I didn't really like it maybe because it was just so good. There wasn't anything I could do to tweak it haha. Viper x was awesome though.
I wannptntontether easily and message easily and I need quick compose which none of the android apps have.. jail breaking bite SMS and tether is all I need. One more thing I am sick of changing Roms cause of my itchy hands and iphones can stay on one released for ages once it stabilises
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Android are actually WAY better for tethering, at least the ones I have used have been (Xperia Arc S, Xperia S, HTC Desire).
The best bit? Tethering on Android is invisible to the network provider, but on iphone, they can tell and charge you for tethering.
I wouldn't get an Iphone5 anyway, it's last-years Android specs for double the money.
phhhh... galaxy nexus end of story!
built-in tether works fantastic, no third party or hacking required
https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=galaxy_nexus_hspa
My telco doesn't care whether I tether over in Singapore.
Geekbench score wins the best android phones out there now though.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
CrazyPeter said:
Android are actually WAY better for tethering, at least the ones I have used have been (Xperia Arc S, Xperia S, HTC Desire).
The best bit? Tethering on Android is invisible to the network provider, but on iphone, they can tell and charge you for tethering.
I wouldn't get an Iphone5 anyway, it's last-years Android specs for double the money.
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Agree with everything.
skyrocket727 said:
phhhh... galaxy nexus end of story!
built-in tether works fantastic, no third party or hacking required
https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=galaxy_nexus_hspa
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Click to collapse
$700 in Singapore lol
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
I'm totally confused here.. You don't want Android because it's too good, do you want a ****ty phone?
Anywho, just get an Android phone with 4.x, use bluetooth tethering. It uses very little power and you don't even have to fiddle with it, once you pair and enable BT Tether you don't have to do anything else, don't have to turn it on and off when you want to use it, etc, and when it's idle it uses almost zero power.
And BTW, it's okay to hold your 7 inch on the train? Creepy.
I tried to Bluetooth tether using the one x but it didn't work. Its paired but the connection couldn't be shared even though it says it is available mow
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
use gmate to tether message and phone..it cam support dual sim as well..just search in google for gmate skyroam..
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
lqrt said:
I tried to Bluetooth tether using the one x but it didn't work. Its paired but the connection couldn't be shared even though it says it is available mow
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I assume you enabled Bluetooth Tethering? It's not on by default, and it turns off on every reboot, although there is an app in the market to enable it boot.
On JB, ICS is similar... Settings->More->Tethering->Bluetooth Tethering
kickmobile said:
use gmate to tether message and phone..it cam support dual sim as well..just search in google for gmate skyroam..
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Not necessary on 4.x
lqrt said:
$700 in Singapore lol
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
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$300 on swappa.com for mint condition galaxy nexus. Bought mine on there and could not be happier.
Nexus 7 G3 and Nexus 4 still not available, but I'm considering to buy one of those devices. Why I may need your help?
Currently I'm using HTC Desire (Three (3) UK Network), and this phone works properly - but my needs are quite basic, because I'm downloading some files (large) via 3G, using phone for tethering. I would like to replace HTC Desire with maybe new phone, like Nexus 4 - because, it has HSPA+ and it could give me opportunity to spend less time, downloading files.
Bigger 7" screen, could be more usefull, but I'm not sure if I will be able to use Nexus 7 3G as a phone, or only as a tablet?
Could anyone give me some more information?
Another of my concern is the price. For phone and tablet I will pay same price - £239.
nasedo73 said:
Nexus 7 G3 and Nexus 4 still not available, but I'm considering to buy one of those devices. Why I may need your help?
Currently I'm using HTC Desire (Three (3) UK Network), and this phone works properly - but my needs are quite basic, because I'm downloading some files (large) via 3G, using phone for tethering. I would like to replace HTC Desire with maybe new phone, like Nexus 4 - because, it has HSPA+ and it could give me opportunity to spend less time, downloading files.
Bigger 7" screen, could be more usefull, but I'm not sure if I will be able to use Nexus 7 3G as a phone, or only as a tablet?
Could anyone give me some more information?
Another of my concern is the price. For phone and tablet I will pay same price - £239.
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Click to collapse
Nexus 7 is a tablet, I couldn't imagine lugging that around to make phone calls!
Nexus 4 is a powerful phone, similar to my One X, where I do everything you've said, downloading large files, tethering etc.
I often have wifi hotspot active on my phone, running my Nexus 7 and laptop from its internet, works a treat (and I am on Three (3) UK Network)
So if I were you, I would go with the Nexus 4.
lukems said:
Nexus 7 is a tablet, I couldn't imagine lugging that around to make phone calls!
Nexus 4 is a powerful phone, similar to my One X, where I do everything you've said, downloading large files, tethering etc.
I often have wifi hotspot active on my phone, running my Nexus 7 and laptop from its internet, works a treat (and I am on Three (3) UK Network)
So if I were you, I would go with the Nexus 4.
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Click to collapse
I know, how big is Nexus 7 and I fully realize Nexus 7 3G will have the same size, as Nexus 7. I don't have a problem talking to tablet - I'm most concern if it will be possible or not.
Nexus 4 is really interesting offer - that's true. But if I want to use most of the data mode in tablet and really rarely make some call phones, and send a lot of text messages, it could be easier to do all of this activities on bigger screen instead of small one.
Of course, I could consider to buy Nexus 4, and still use one of my old tablets...
Any other advices?
nasedo73 said:
I know, how big is Nexus 7 and I fully realize Nexus 7 3G will have the same size, as Nexus 7. I don't have a problem talking to tablet - I'm most concern if it will be possible or not.
Nexus 4 is really interesting offer - that's true. But if I want to use most of the data mode in tablet and really rarely make some call phones, and send a lot of text messages, it could be easier to do all of this activities on bigger screen instead of small one.
Of course, I could consider to buy Nexus 4, and still use one of my old tablets...
Any other advices?
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Click to collapse
U may wanna look at Samsung 7.7 GT-P6800. That one can make voice calls, has better battery time then the nexus 7...BUT, ofcourse is not a Nexus However, i am looking for the same thing as u are as i see no problem using a tablet as a phone with a bluetooth headset.
This Samsung is more expensive. I'm considering something between £150 - £250. This is the reason on my concern. I don't need an iPad, as I have one, I don't need a Playbook as I have one as well.
Current Iphone 4 user. This phone is shot, home button barely works and no WIFI or GPS anymore. I am eligible for an upgrade via AT&T and plan to stick with them due to a 20% discount. I have a nexus 7 tab and I love the thing, jelly bean rules IMO. I don't want another iphone due to the "same old" feeling and paying $40 for a damn cable is stupid IMO. Should i wait out and buy this thing? Money isn't an issue due to working tons of OT from hurricane sandy. I was even wondering if I can buy this, and keep my AT&T upgrade for a phone in spring 2013. LTE 4g is heavy in my area.
My main uses for a phone
txting
pictures> Avid fisherman and quality shots really mean a lot to me as my iphone 4 still takes a damn good photo
music Storage is limited on this phone however I have the same on my iphone 4 and survive fine. Google music is plenty as is OTG cable
talking
random apps (droid suites all my needs except for a few)
Battery life isn't the end all however nice. I have 1amp chargers in home/work/truck/boat.
Thanks guys, a new phone is all i'm really looking forward to right now as Long Island is a really depressing area right now.
Should fit you well, go for it!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
If you already like jellybean and are ready to buy a phone now, do it. Do it and be happy.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda app-developers app
estallings15 said:
If you already like jellybean and are ready to buy a phone now, do it. Do it and be happy.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda app-developers app
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I might, I really need to play with it first, i'm not going to buy anything without having it in my hands for a good 10-15 mins or more.
The camera and LTE are making me nervous. My ISP provides over 50,000 access points to its customers (i'm an employee in tech support) so WIFI is covered more than LTE.
The camera better be pretty damn good, photosphere sounds cool and I have a few idea's, however the regular "snapshot" is what I need.
Considering buying this to play with during the winter, and using my upgrade for the Samsung galaxy s4 when it comes out in february, if I can do that.
So, I would have gotten the N4, I have been waiting months now and now am kind of going to give up.
I can get a S2x for $280 Canadian all in, new and paid for..
I would love to wait for the n4 to be instock, I would get it after my big trip to asia that I will require a good mobile internet device. I also find i like to have a couple of spare batteries when I go boating for gps or hiking and other things like this where it is nice to have a backup full battery for emergency use.
I am also very hard on phones as I use them for work, i have to whip it out constantly rain or shine, and they get dropped often, so I will be upgrading from a very tough device, 9700 blackberry that has falled on cement at least 50 times or more, also been ran over by a car, dropped in water twice, and used in wet weather constantly.
I just want a fast and cheap device, either phone will cover that, but I wonder what one will be the toughest ?
Yeah I don't know why Google is encouraging the closed system phone (You can't open the battery or anything), that's what I hate about the iPhone.
The Nexus 4 is still a good phone, but if you go hiking or on trips frequently, I wouldn't suggest it as your battery may die when you need it the most.
How ever, it's not hard to carry an old phone with you (A Brickphone), to use when your Nexus 4 dies.
You can find those old crappy phones for like $15 on Craigslist
If you often drop your phone then I'd avoid the Nexus 4 if I were you!
Battery life isn't great either. And the camera sucks imho. And storage is tight. I'm starting to have some regrets about mine now if I'm perfectly honest.
Camera doesn't suck
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Get this phone man.. Unless you expect EVERY feature and function to be absolutely perfect, there isn't a phone in existence without a small flaw or two.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Girn said:
Camera doesn't suck
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
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Did some tests yesterday comparing against friends HTC One X, Samsung Galaxy S3 and my old Xperia arc S. My Nexus 4 camera was by far the worst of the bunch, especially indoor shots. Outside in bright conditions it's not bad. I've taken a lot of pictures with mine now and am generally unhappy with the quality. Focus seems to be a real problem (hopefully this can be rectified with a s/w fix) but detail is lacking and images look washed out in comparison with other devices.
The 2011 Xperia arc S camera blows the Nexus 4 one away. I guess I was spoilt with that device.
I waited from nov 13 to 29 for mine and love it.
Sent from my Nexus 4
blendobass said:
I can get a S2x for $280 Canadian all in, new and paid for..
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You can get those for like $180 with coupons, head over to redflagdeals.
So, this morning I got email saying nexus 4 in stock, i made my order and it says will ship in 1-2 weeks ! Sweet, not I have to return this S2 when it comes in the mail or sell the nexus 4 when I decide what one is better. YES
PS it says Canada only - STOKED - cause I am will speak out 711 (rogers) and so I will be getting LTE out of this on unlimited browsing for $10 a month too ! LOL KOODO and all the other rip off mobile providers and sellers in Canada, including the iphone, I don't even need to jailbreak, unlock or have your logo on my phone
I'm starting to like the Nexus 4's camera.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
FatalityBoyZahy said:
I'm starting to like the Nexus 4's camera.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
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Also in Canada here, currently stuck on Mobilicity and my i717 cant even see the network for the life of me.
Wanted the N4 but waiting for it to ship out hurts. I think I might go back to my S2X.
Whats this about it being on sale for $280? i saw it at koodo for $250.
You tested speakout for LTE speeds, confirmed?
rec71 said:
If you often drop your phone then I'd avoid the Nexus 4 if I were you!
Battery life isn't great either. And the camera sucks imho. And storage is tight. I'm starting to have some regrets about mine now if I'm perfectly honest.
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Android 4.2 for some reason isnt as battery friendly as 4.1. Battery life gets better with a few cycles and some of the kernels offer great battery life ( matrix kernel).
Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk
sooo i am stuck right now and can use some help.
i currently have an iphone 5 (dont know what i was thinking) and a nexus 4 with a broken lcd/digitizer.
i am also on tmo usa with jump. i came up on some money and am thinking about fixing my nexus 4 cause i am really bored with my iphone already. i said i have jump so i will be eligible for a phone upgrade in february which i am also thinking about just waiting it out and upgrading to the nexus 5. please help me, what should i do?
pinkgabe said:
sooo i am stuck right now and can use some help.
i currently have an iphone 5 (dont know what i was thinking) and a nexus 4 with a broken lcd/digitizer.
i am also on tmo usa with jump. i came up on some money and am thinking about fixing my nexus 4 cause i am really bored with my iphone already. i said i have jump so i will be eligible for a phone upgrade in february which i am also thinking about just waiting it out and upgrading to the nexus 5. please help me, what should i do?
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If your concerns are not about the battery life, n5 is the best choiche imho!
billand said:
If your concerns are not about the battery life, n5 is the best choiche imho!
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I'm used to charging my phone any chance lol
But thanks i guess I'll just wait it out until February.
get the nexus5.you'll love it
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
just ask yourself:
what looks better in terms of cosmetic to you?
is the performance upgrade really needed for you?
is 16gb enough?
for me: i choosed n4 because n5 is ugly(for me),the 800 soc is not needed as i dont play too much games(actualy i dont play any high intensive game) and 16gb is enough.and i saved 350 bucks.
if your certain the digitizer is broken and nothing else and you can get the screen really cheap, 1/3rd of a new n4 then do it, otherwise buy the n5 if your in doubt, you dont want to be spending money on a old phone as you wont get that money back, personally i would sell the n4 and get the n5 since the nexus range is ment to be affordable, if you can handle ios for 2 months, plus kitkat should be improved by then
republicano said:
if your certain the digitizer is broken and nothing else and you can get the screen really cheap, 1/3rd of a new n4 then do it, otherwise buy the n5 if your in doubt, you dont want to be spending money on a old phone as you wont get that money back, personally i would sell the n4 and get the n5 since the nexus range is ment to be affordable, if you can handle ios for 2 months, plus kitkat should be improved by then
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yeah its just my digitizer thats broken. i haven't really priced them but i was looking at a unit that costed $170 for a new battery, lcd, and digitizer. i figure if i make the switch to the nexus 5 from the iphone. ill make a $41 down payment + $17 (102+41=143) a month for as long as i keep it, which i dont plan on doing for more than 6 months cause android phones get outdated in the blink of an eye. ill also get the benefit of getting the sd800, but i don't really game that much... i know lte was spotty with my n4 eariler in the year and i dont think i can go back to hspa+ speeds after being on lte with iphone. so i think i am just going to wait it out. :good:
Go for nexus 5
Sent from my w500 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
They are both good choices. If I was going to get one coming from an iphone, I'd probably go with the N5. I have a N4, and it doesn't seem like a step up enough to drop the money for the upgrade.
pinkgabe said:
sooo i am stuck right now and can use some help.
i currently have an iphone 5 (dont know what i was thinking) and a nexus 4 with a broken lcd/digitizer.
i am also on tmo usa with jump. i came up on some money and am thinking about fixing my nexus 4 cause i am really bored with my iphone already. i said i have jump so i will be eligible for a phone upgrade in february which i am also thinking about just waiting it out and upgrading to the nexus 5. please help me, what should i do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for the latest phone which is nexus 5
Sent from my w500 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
N4 has a lot more compromises then the n5. Still a decent phone but I would pick up a moto g instead which sips power and a nicer screen for cheap or n5.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk