Sprint Service Plans and Coverage Review

Coverage: Sprint, which is now part of T-Mobile, was a major wireless service provider in the United States. While the Sprint brand has been phased out, customers are now under the T-Mobile network and plans. Here is a review of T-Mobile's service plans and coverage, which now encompass former Sprint customers:

Plans: T-Mobile offers a range of postpaid and prepaid plans to suit different needs. These plans typically include unlimited talk, text, and data, with varying data speeds and data allowances. Customers can choose from different plan options based on their usage requirements and budget.

Coverage: T-Mobile's network coverage has expanded significantly after the merger with Sprint. They provide nationwide coverage across the United States, with improved coverage in rural areas and expanded 5G coverage in select cities. T-Mobile utilizes a combination of low-band, mid-band, and high-band spectrum to offer wide coverage and fast data speeds.

Unlimited Plans: T-Mobile offers several unlimited plans that provide unlimited talk, text, and data usage. These plans may have different data deprioritization thresholds, meaning that after a certain threshold of data usage, speeds may be temporarily reduced during times of network congestion.

Family Plans: T-Mobile provides family plans that allow multiple lines to share a data pool. This can be a cost-effective option for families or groups with multiple lines.

5G Network: T-Mobile has invested in the deployment of 5G technology and offers 5G coverage in various areas. Their 5G network encompasses both sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequencies, providing improved speed and capacity in supported locations.

Device Selection: T-Mobile offers a wide selection of smartphones and other devices for purchase. Customers can choose from flagship devices, mid-range options, and budget-friendly devices. They also support Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs, allowing customers to use their own compatible devices on the network.

Customer Service: T-Mobile has customer service channels available, including phone support, online chat, and in-store assistance at T-Mobile retail locations.

It's important to note that the information provided reflects the combined offerings of T-Mobile and Sprint following their merger. It's recommended to visit T-Mobile's official website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information on their current plans, pricing, and coverage in your specific area.

Finding the best cell phone coverage just got easier by comparing cell phone coverage reports from other customers. Which wireless carrier has the worst cell phone coverage?

Other Reviews: 

• T-Mobile Service Plans and Coverage Review
• Verizon Wireless Service Plans and Coverage Review
• AT&T Wireless Service Plans and Coverage Review

Feedback is always welcome. Please submit your comments below.

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Why Did Google Give Verizon an Exclusive For The Pixel Phone?

We think because Google will also sell its brand-new Pixel and Pixel XL via the company's Project Fi mobile network. The Pixels fully support Fi's network switching between T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular.  Not exactly an exclusive is it?

Verizon and Google have a long, tense history of working together with respect to Google's hardware. Five years ago, the Galaxy Nexus had a strange and slow rollout on the network. Verizon was also stingy with software updates once the phone was out. It didn't stop there — the Nexus 4 wound up being incompatible with the network, the Nexus 5 was skipped entirely, and the Nexus 6 was another product that Verizon customers had to wait for. The two sides even butted heads over Google's Nexus tablets, too. That said, leaks of the Pixel and Pixel XL showed a glimmer of hope: no Verizon branding can be found on the phones.

Google on Tuesday named Verizon as the exclusive U.S. wireless carrier for its new Pixel smartphone. The new Pixel smartphone comes in 5.5-inch and 5-inch versions and features an aluminum unibody, AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chip, a quad core processor, 4 GB of RAM, a fingerprint sensor, 32 GB and 128 GB memory options, an 8 mp front camera and a 12.3 mp rear camera. The device also comes with either a 2,770 mAh or 3,450 mAh battery that can achieve 7 hours of life on 15 minutes of charge time, Google said. It comes in three colors: black, blue and silver. Google’s new artificial intelligence Assistant and compatibility with the company’s Daydream View virtual reality headset will come built in to the device.

The Pixel will run on Google’s latest Android Nougat operating system, the company said. While the device will also be offered unlocked for $649 through the Google store, Verizon will be the sole U.S. wireless provider carrying the device, Google said.

Verizon said the 32 GB 5-inch Pixel device will run customers $27.08 per month on a 24-month equipment installment plan or $649.99 full retail, while the 128GB Pixel will cost $31.24 per month for 24 months or $749.99 retail. The 5.5-inch Pixel XL will cost $32.08 per month for the 32GB model on a two-year installment plan or $769.99 retail, and the 128GB Pixel XL will cost $36.24 per month on an installment plan or $869.99 retail.

Read more

Which Hardware Manufacturers Have the Most Reception Problems?

Mobile Hardware Manufacturer Visitors to Deadcellzones.com

It's hard to conclude that just because Samsung and Apple have the most users that they have the most coverage problems.  So we broke down our data in two charts.  The first is a pie chart explaining the number of users and the last chart explains which users are most engaged.  

Apple and Samsung had by far the most sessions on Deadcellzones.com but not the most engaged users according to our data analysis below.   What can we conclude from this?  I will leave that conclusion up to you.  

We ranked the number of sessions on our site as well as the engagement below.  

If you like this information you might enjoy reading top ISPs & companies will poor cell phone reception and  where are our visitors from.

Brand	Sessions	Time on Site	Pages	Bounce Rate
Apple	530529	48.39	1.93	68%
Samsung	326741	74.25	2.29	37%
LG	68374	77.50	2.27	35%
Motorola	60405	71.07	2.22	42%
HTC	50217	105.05	2.17	42%
Amazon	28087	79.02	3.09	37%
Google	19086	73.32	2.34	44%
Nokia	10544	66.68	2.41	52%
ZTE	10526	130.10	2.29	31%
Huawei	5498	93.45	1.90	39%
Alcatel	5462	115.34	2.34	28%
Blackberry	5358	102.38	2.07	49%
Kyocera	4621	67.02	2.64	31%
Mozilla	3776	142.63	1.90	32%
Microsoft	3636	55.70	2.37	33%
Sony	3248	47.18	2.39	41%
Asus	3132	87.01	2.35	33%
Barnes and Noble	3033	223.44	2.30	30%
Acer	2087	188.62	2.48	30%
Casio	1467	71.35	2.53	44%
Toshiba	1345	199.08	1.54	31%
Pantech	1164	84.43	2.09	38%
Ellipsis	1045	54.80	2.74	47%
Lenovo	1041	50.11	2.20	24%
RCA	883	33.91	1.55	40%
Nextbook	723	105.33	2.15	36%
Quanta	663	94.06	1.96	15%
Blu	640	7.30	2.23	40%
Fujitsu	462	86.67	1.82	78%
HP	402	14.25	1.87	58%
Dell	361	35.32	1.53	43%
Hisense	321	59.20	2.15	7%
Sharp	321	30.11	1.82	71%
DoCoMo	180	139.52	3.49	18%
Vizio	100	18.48	2.21	20%

The Most Engaged Users On Deadcellzones.com

Which hardware manufactures users were the most engaged with Deadcellzones.com.  We ranked them below...

Manufacturer Brand	Sessions	Time on Site	Pages	Bounce Rate
Barnes and Noble	3033	223.44	2.30	30%
Toshiba	1345	199.08	1.54	31%
Acer	2087	188.62	2.48	30%
Mozilla	3776	142.63	1.90	32%
DoCoMo	180	139.52	3.49	18%
ZTE	10526	130.10	2.29	31%
Alcatel	5462	115.34	2.34	28%
Nextbook	723	105.33	2.15	36%
HTC	50217	105.05	2.17	42%
Blackberry	5358	102.38	2.07	49%
Quanta	663	94.06	1.96	15%
Huawei	5498	93.45	1.90	39%
Asus	3132	87.01	2.35	33%
Fujitsu	462	86.67	1.82	78%
Pantech	1164	84.43	2.09	38%
Amazon	28087	79.02	3.09	37%
LG	68374	77.50	2.27	35%
Samsung	326741	74.25	2.29	37%
Google	19086	73.32	2.34	44%
Casio	1467	71.35	2.53	44%
Motorola	60405	71.07	2.22	42%
Kyocera	4621	67.02	2.64	31%
Nokia	10544	66.68	2.41	52%
Hisense	321	59.20	2.15	7%
Microsoft	3636	55.70	2.37	33%
Ellipsis	1045	54.80	2.74	47%
Lenovo	1041	50.11	2.20	24%
Apple	530529	48.39	1.93	68%
Sony	3248	47.18	2.39	41%
Dell	361	35.32	1.53	43%
RCA	883	33.91	1.55	40%
Sharp	321	30.11	1.82	71%
Vizio	100	18.48	2.21	20%
HP	402	14.25	1.87	58%
Blu	640	7.30	2.23	40%

Why Did AT&T Acquire Carrier IQ?

Back in 2011, data collection developer Carrier IQ caused a firestorm of criticism after a security researcher discovered its kernel-level software could be used to track smartphone users without their consent or control. Four years later, the company has been swallowed up by one of the telecoms that used it. TechCrunch reports that AT&T has acquired the assets and some staff from the startup, effectively shutting Carrier IQ down.  It's been over four years since the company's data-logging mobile phone software was revealed, resulting in accusations of privacy violations, lax security, lawsuits both from and against the software maker and its partners, and eventually the removal of Carrier IQ code from phones via security patches. The months-long scandal basically killed Carrier IQ as a company... but now its corporate assets are owned by a carrier AT&T.

The fallout from the Carrier IQ discovery was swift and widespread, foreshadowing the privacy debate that Edward Snowden's NSA leaks would later engender. The tracking software was revealed to be on 150 million smartphones at the time, leading to numerous telcos and handset manufacturers like Apple, HTC, T-Mobile, and Blackberry either admitting to their installing CIQ or categorically denying that they did. Sprint went on to remove the software outright. After the imbroglio, the Mobile Device Privacy Act was introduced in Congress to prevent this exact kind of data collection. However, the legislation never passed.

It sounds like AT&T will continue to use Carrier IQ’s software to troubleshoot wireless signal issues and improve its network. And since Carrier IQ talent is jumping on-board, we can all assume will continue using the technology on AT&T phones.  See articles  Article 2

Can Cell Phones Cause Cancer?

The expert panel that evaluates cancer risks today said that cell phones might possibly cause brain cancer.  Full Story from WebMD

The announcement comes from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Like the World Health Organization, the American Cancer Society relies on IARC for evaluation of cancer risks.

"After reviewing all the evidence available, the IARC working group classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans," panel chairman Jonathan Samet, MD, chair of preventive medicine at the USC Keck School of Medicine, said at a news teleconference. "We reached this conclusion based on a review of human evidence showing an increased risk of glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, in association with wireless phone use."

In finding cell phones to be "possibly carcinogenic," the IARC means that heavy cell phone use might -- or might not -- cause a specific form of brain cancer called a glioma. The finding means that research is urgently needed to find out whether cell phones actually cause cancer, and how they might do it.

The IARC estimates that some 5 billion people worldwide have mobile phones. Lifetime exposure to the magnetic fields created by the phones -- particularly when they are held tightly against the head -- rapidly is increasing.

Children are at particular risk, not only because their skulls are thinner but also because their lifetime exposure to cell phones likely will be greater than the exposure of current adults.

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Carrier IQ Sued in Delaware Federal Court

Apple, HTC, Samsung, Motorola, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Carrier IQ Sued in Delaware Federal Court in Cell Phone Tracking Software Scandal.

WILMINGTON, Del., Dec. 2, 2011- The law firms of Sianni & Straite LLP of Wilmington, DE, Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow & McElroy LLP of Edison, NJ, and Keefe Bartels L.L.C. of Red Bank, NJ, have today filed a class action complaint in Federal Court in Wilmington, Delaware related to the unprecedented breach of the digital privacy rights of 150 million cell phone users. The complaint asserts that three cell phone providers (T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T) and four manufacturers of cell phones (HTC, Motorola, Apple and Samsung) violated the Federal Wiretap Act, the Stored Electronic Communications Act, and the Federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

The carriers and manufacturers were caught last month willfully violating customers' privacy rights in direct violation of federal law. A technology blogger in Connecticut discovered that software designed and sold by California-based Carrier IQ, Inc. was secretly tracking personal and sensitive information of the cell phone users without the consent or knowledge of the users. On Nov. 30, 2011, the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary said in a letter to Carrier IQ that "these actions may violate federal privacy laws." It added, "this is potentially a very serious matter."

David Straite, one of the attorneys leading the action, noted "this latest revelation of corporate America's brazen disregard for the digital privacy rights of its customers is yet another example of the escalating erosion of liberty in this country. We are hopeful that the courts will allow ordinary customers the opportunity to remedy this outrageous breach." Steve Grygiel, co-counsel for the proposed class, agreed: "anyone who cares at all about their personal privacy, or the broader constitutional right to privacy, ought to care and care a great deal about this case." Barry Eichen added, "today's comment from Larry Lenhart, CEO of Carrier IQ, that his software is somehow good for consumers starkly demonstrates what is at stake."

A copy of the Class Action Complaint in Pacilli v. Carrier IQ, Inc. can be viewed on the Firms' websites at www.siannistraite.com, www.keefebartels.com, and www.njadvocates.com.

Plaintiffs are represented by Sianni & Straite LLP, a Delaware-based litigation firm with a branch office in New York, Keefe Bartels LLC, a New Jersey-based plaintiffs' rights trial law firm, and Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow & McElroy LLP, a leading plaintiffs firm with three offices in New Jersey.

Smartphones with the Longest Battery Life

Top 5 Smartphones with Long Battery Life

With over 25% of US cell phone users now using smartphones, cell phone companies have released new smartphones with features like bigger screens and more apps while leaving one of the most important features as an afterthought… battery life.

Because battery life is one of the more overlooked features in smartphones today, we have compiled a list of the top 5 smartphones that have long batter lives. In order to determine the top 5 phones, we researched phones with the highest overall expert rankings from sources like CNET, PC magazine, Wired, and PC world and that also had at least ten hours of talk time battery life.

1. HTC myTouch 4G: The top smartphone on our list was the HTC myTouch 4G because of its overall excellence with an expert rating at 4.37 out of 5, as well as its 10 hour talk time and 432 hour standby battery life.

2. Apple iPhone 3GS: Apple’s iPhone 3GS exceptional talk time of 12 hours can be attributed to its smaller screen that is measured at 3.5 inches, and even though this is the highest on our list, the standby life of the 3GS is a moderate 300 hours. With these features taken into account, the 3GS received an average expert rating of 4.25 out of 5.

3. Samsung Droid Charge: The Samsung Droid Charge was the only Verizon phone to make our top list for performance and battery life. Expert rankings came in at 4.23 out of 5 for the Charge, while its talk
time was measured at 11 hours, but its standby battery life was the lowest on the list at 280 hours.

4. Google Nexus One: The Google Nexus One is the most widely available phone on our top list, as it is available on Vodafone and Singtel in places like Singapore, Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK. The average expert score on the Nexus One was 4.1 out of 5, with a talk time of 10 hours and a
moderate standby time of 290 hours.

5. Samsung Captivate: The Samsung Captivate from AT&T comes in at number five on our list receiving an average expert rating of 3.78 out of 5. The talk time on the Captivate is 10 hours with an amazing maximum standby time of 710 hours, which almost twice as much as any other phone on our list.

When put in a side-by-side comparison, these smartphones all prove to have great battery life as well as several differences in price and features that will allow shoppers to find the best smartphone that won’t die when their needed most.

T-Mobile 4G Phones: G2 & MyTouch Compared

The MyTouch 4G and Tmobile G2 are both supporting HSPA+ or 4G T-mobile's network. Both the MyTouch 4G and G2 both run on Android 2.2 and the new WiFi calling feature that allows customers who don't have coverage in the home to make and receive calls on WiFi. The G2 is slightly heavier than the MyTouch but feels more solid.  I prefer the new G2 slide-out keyboard that has a hinge versus the MyTouch slide.  The MyTouch is selling for $50 cheaper but I think it's worth it to pay up for the G2.  Having a phone that is developed and integrated with Google applications will likely pay off in the long-run.  The only reason you would likely prefer the MyTouch is likely the front-facing camera. However, if you look at the G2 phone there is a place on the front of the phone that looks a lot like a front-facing camera. A front-facing camera may not currently be available in the G2 software but I have a sneaky suspicion that it will have it as well soon.  If you like this review see our review of the Samsung Vibrant vs HTC G2. 

Related Posts:

Why All Android Phones Are Not The Same

Microsoft Windows 7 Phone User Interface Review

Microsoft might finally have a phone that will appeal to consumers as well as enterprise IT departments.  The phone actually feels less "geeky" than previous Windows Mobile operating system versions. Windows 7 is using a new user interface that uses a "glance and goes" technique for navigating on the phone.  The home screen uses a system called "live tiles" which essentially are mini windows within the same home screen.  So without having to navigate into individual apps it shows the data or the action within one screen to save steps.  This could be useful if you are using lots of apps like email, phone, IM, Facebook & Twitter.  Apparently, the smooth scrolling and navigation are the best features of the new phone.

I think conceptually it makes a lot of sense.  However, I am not thrilled with the text formats and the edges of the apps.  I personally prefer rounded edges and think the devil is in the details with this issue.  I suppose if you are still a heavy Microsoft Windows user within an enterprise you will not likely notice the difference.  One thing that confuses me is who is their target market?  Blackberry users I presume who is tied to the enterprise.  I really don't see any Android or iPhone users converting to the new Microsoft Windows 7 platform.  Android phone notifications are still by far the best and feel better.

Below is a lengthy 20-minute review provide by Slashgear for your viewing pleasure.

As always please submit your comments and reviews on the product below. We are particularly interested in the cell phone reception and the network quality switching between

T-Mobile G2 SD Card Mounted Read Only Problems

The G2 Android phone is having some major problems with its SanDisk Micro SD 8GB card.  Whenever I try and use an app like the camera or the video it says the SD card is "mounted read-only".  Please insert the SD card.   I have tried 2 different SD cards and now moving on to my second phone.  I even spoke directly with a T-Mobile dealer at the store who was experiencing similar problems.  Is it a hardware issue or a software issue that is causing the problem?  We have tried several SD cards and it doesn't appear to be the SD card causing the problem.  When will Android or T-Mobile have a fix for the problem?  Please post your experiences or solutions below.

Steve Jobs: Android Fragmentation = Choice

I feel like the only person who is angry by the comments that Steve Jobs made about Android as a fragmented operating system that will only confuse consumers and operators.  The iPhone is a controlled environment and resembles the old "enterprise software" days of the late nineties where big companies were making bundles of money.  Android resembles open-source and new entrepreneurs where everything is public and the best products ultimately win.  If the iPhone continues to control applications and cater to the corporate big media publishers and carriers this will ultimately be their demise.  Yes, the iPhone form factor is beautiful but HTC and other handset makers are making good looking phones as well.   The iPhone has a closed device is going to hurt them in the long run and this will likely come in the form of their lack of scale and advertising infrastructure to sell location-based advertising.

Clearly, Steve Jobs feels threatened by the whole Google Android movement and there is a clash of cultures.  Google is clearly disrupting an industry that is dominated by the carriers who rape consumers and handset makers who want controlled obsolescence.  AT&T and Verizon should feel threatened as well even though they are proliferating the spread of Android and have no idea what is about to hit them.  It's like feeding your enemy who is ultimately going to disrupt and destroy your monopoly business.  Go Google.

T-Mobile Wifi Phone Calls on Android Phones

T-Mobile has announced Wi-Fi Calling technology with the upcoming availability of built-in Wi-Fi Calling solutions planned for a wide selection of Android powered smartphones, including the recently announced new T-Mobile myTouch and Motorola DEFY with MOTOBLUR. All have the Android 2.2 operating system named Froyo. Hopefully, this Smart Wifi app will become available on future G2 updates.

Kineto offers the wireless industry's only combined Wi-Fi-based Smart Offload solution. Kineto’s Wi-Fi-based Smart Offload application enables mobile phone users to turn any standard Wi-Fi access point into a seamless extension of the T-Mobile network, allowing subscribers to receive all their mobile services when connected via Wi-Fi. This application helps solve the Capacity Crunch. Resolves the 3G Indoor Coverage Challenge. Addresses the perceived mobile VoIP threat Helps improve battery performance by enabling handsets to transmit at lower power when attached to a Wi-Fi access point, and thereby increase handsets' talk and standby times.

Wi-Fi Calling for Android is built upon the same technology as UMA, but is a different implementation from T-Mobile's past offerings. T-Mobile’s current Wi-Fi Calling solution which operates on BlackBerry smartphones, for instance, seamlessly hands off calls from T-Mobile’s network to Wi-Fi networks, Wi-Fi Calling for Android does not. T-Mobile Wi-Fi Calling for Android increases coverage and but unfortunately still uses voice minutes on your plan.

T-Mobile Customers Can Unlock Their Phones

To my surprise, if you are a loyal T-Mobile you can unlock your phone for free with the carrier and it will not void the warranty.  As a loyal customer, this will NOT void the warranty on the phone and entitle you to the same service and return policies.  I experienced this excellent customer service today as I was preparing for my trip to Europe.  I asked them if I could unlock my phone so I could purchase an international SIM card to make calls while traveling in Europe and Ireland.  The answer they gave me was we can help you unlock your phone just give us your IME number and we will send you an email instruction you how to do it.  I would like to give T-Mobile an award for this tremendous customer service and they should be recognized for this leadership.  If any AT&T or Verizon customer has had the same experience I would like to know about it.  I won't hold my breath waiting.

Why would I want to purchase a SIM card versus roaming on T-Mobile?  The cost in Europe for US customers is $15 per megabyte to download data and $1.25 cents per minute to make phone calls.  I can't blame them for charging this but its a bit outrageous and may surprise many customers who don't turn off data roaming while traveling outside the US.

Another alternative is to take out your SIM card and make calls on Wi-FI with Truphone, Nimbuzz Skype on some phones or another VoIP mobile app.  The sound quality is pretty good and the rates vary from .02 cents per minute up to .20 cents per minute depending on if the call is to a landline or a mobile phone.  You can also purchase a SIM card from a company like Truphone Local Anywhere for $30 so you can take advantage of the local data plans and calling rates.  This will avoid the costly international roaming charges.

My plan while traveling to Europe is to take two phones.  My old G1 Android phone without a SIM card for making WiFI VoIP phone calls and my Samsung Vibrant for data roaming with a new SIM card that I will purchase when I land.  If anyone has any suggestions of data SIM cards to buy while traveling in Ireland and the UK please let me know?

Why All Android Phones Are Not The Same

Android is a unique mobile phone operating system that any handset maker can use and modify. It has allowed manufacturers like HTC, Motorola, Sony, LG & Samsung to create a whole range of smartphones that run on its platform. However, consumers can also get very confused when shopping for these new phones and cannot assume that all phones that have Android are created equal. Unfortunately, I have learned firsthand that a phone with the Android OS doesn't automatically have all features I love. As an example here are 10 reasons why I may be returning my Samsung Vibrant for a G2 phone and both have the Android operating system.

Despite the Samsung Vibrant having a large beautiful screen and very fast processor, the phone has some software and ergonomic issues that I could not get fully comfortable with. The Vibrant is tremendously light, great media features and feels much better than the iPhone 4 but ultimately I think I am such a heavy Google user that I need the tightest integration with Google apps and therefore G2 is probably the best phone for me.

1. The GPS and interaction with Google Maps is not good. Not sure if it is a hardware or software issue and had a difficult time finding my location and using navigation. The G1 did not have this problem.

2. I don't like the hassle of a 2 step process of hitting the power button and swiping the screen up to use the phone when its dormant. Don't know how to remove or modify this process that seems necessary.

3. The lack of tight integration with Google Calendar and Maps creates some extra steps when using the phone. The lack of IM, Call and Email integration doesn't not make communicating with people as easy as the G1 and assume G2.

4. The Samsung Vibrant HD video and camera features were very nice and probably the think I liked the most about the phone. However, some of the navigation features within the media Gallery and integration with Picasa where not straight forward and kind of clunky. Each time my phone starts up it has to search for media files.

5. Holding the phone with one hand is not as easy as the G1 or G2 and requires an extra hand sometimes for touching areas on the screen. A long thumb is necessary for users to get comfortable with one hand.

6. Battery life was not very good and seems to only last about 6 hours without needed a long charge especially on WiFi. The G1 seemed to charge quickly and last a lot longer and and hope the G2 does the same.

7. Playing Avatar or videos from my phone on the TV through the Samsung Allshare App on my home FiOS network was kind of a scam. Pictures worked great but playing videos did not work and got bogged down by the file size. Plus Avatar was not available in 3D.  I hope the G2 has a networking feature like this or an app available soon.

8. I loved the amount of space available on the device but I felt like a lot of the apps that were preloaded seem to interfere with the apps I downloaded. TeleNav, MediaHub, GoGo, MobiTV, ThinkFree office, Visual Voicemail, Amazon MP3. Its not clear how to keep these apps dormant on the device so they don't load on startup.

9. I never felt like I was running out of memory but Advanced Task Killer kept killing 10 to 15 apps every hour. This lack of app loading control is not something I like.  The G1 did not have this problem.

10. I kind of miss using the trackball and keyboard to navigate around the screen to links and type. It's useful when trying to click on links and edit text. However, I think the Swipe feature for one-handed typing is awesome!

Hopefully, these 30-day return policies stay valid for carriers who sell Android phones.  These features have not been differentiated very well by the carriers and the salespeople are not very knowledgeable about the differences I mentioned above.

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iPhone 4 Bars But No AT&T Service

Red Devil Lounge
1695 Polk St at Clay, San Francisco
"We Are the iPhone of Nightclubs . . .  4 Full Bars but Crappy Service"

Android Phones: Samsung Vibrant vs HTC G2

Are you a keyboard person or can't live without it or can you train yourself to use the new Swype digital keyboard?  Do you want the faster HSPA+ download speeds or do you primarily use your phone on Wi-Fi and can live with 3G?  Do you need the fastest processor?   Do you use your phone to read, look at photos and take video?  We try and answer these questions below . . .

I have been a long time T-Mobile G1 Android Phone user for the last two years.  I have been waiting patiently for the release of the new Android G2 which has a faster processor and refined hardware features.  However, when I walked into the T-Mobile store the other day to get a repair for my G1 something hit me.  The Samsung Vibrant Android Phone screen was beautiful and look strikingly similar to the iPhone.  However, when I picked it up it seems to be about half of the weight of an iPhone 4 which seems heavy.

The Samsung Vibrant comes a 1GHz processor that runs very fast. The G2 will be running on an 800 MHz processor. In day-to-day activities such as web browsing or checking email, the difference in power between the two devices won’t be significantly noticeable but may make a difference for power users.

The T-Mobile G2 offers connectivity to T-Mobile’s next-generation HSPA+ network, allowing the device to reach faster download speeds approaching or exceeding 4G speeds (3 – 6 Mbps average). The Samsung Vibrant is limited to standard 3G connectivity. You need to ask yourself if you are mostly going to be connecting via Wi-Fi or 3G. 4G or 3G HSPA+ is just not available in that many areas currently.

The G2 has a slide-out keyboard and the Vibrant does not.  However, it features the Swype keyboard or the Android digital keyboard options.  The screen on the Vibrant is so large that the fat finger problem does not seem to be an issue.

After a few weeks of using the G2, we have noticed some issues with the G2 SD card mounting read-only.  So far there doesn't appear to be any solutions to fix the problem and we will keep you posted.  We have tried 2 different micro SD cards from SanDisk and the problem keeps occurring when trying to use the camera.  It appears to be an Android issue and we are being sent our 2nd phone.

One feature the Samsung Vibrant is lacking is the tight integration with Google Maps and comes preloaded with TeleNav.  One feature I liked on the G1 was the ability to click on the location of a calendar item and Google Maps would automatically open up.  I suspect that this feature will be fixed in future updates.

Samsung has a great networking feature Allshare if you have a Samsung TV or other DLNA devices. DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) technology enables the Vibrant to wirelessly act as a media server and sends video content from your phone to other devices, such as TVs, monitors, and laptops.

The Samsung Vibrant is running Android 2.1 with an upgrade to Android 2.2 approaching while the T-Mobile G2 will be shipping with Android 2.2.  I have downloaded many of the Google applications that I used on the G1 like Google Voice, Google Places, Google Maps Navigation, Google Voice Navigation, Google Fast Flip, Google News, Google Reader, and Google Finance.

The Samsung Vibrant has a beautiful 4″ display which is one of the best displays I have ever seen. The G2 has a 3.7″ display which is similar to the Google Nexus One. Both displays will reduce their power consumption and reflection when in direct sunlight.

Avatar pre-installed on the Vibrant and it can be watched on any Samsung TV using their AllShare application sharing on a home network.

Both phones have a 5MP photo and HD video camera. However, the G2 will be equipped with an LED flash. The Samsung records video in 720p HD and has various camera settings which include night mode and panoramic capturing. The Vibrant also has an amazing panoramic mode which takes incredible pictures. The G2 will also come with 720p HD video recording as well.

One nice feature on the Vibrant is the 16GB internal storage which comes with a pre-installed 2GB microSD card. The T-Mobile G2 has 4GB internal storage and similar storage on the SD card.

Samsung is launching a Media Hub for renting or buying TV shows and Movies.  This feature currently does not work as says "coming soon" when you try and open it.

Samsung Vibrant also uses a proprietary charging device that looks a lot like a USB but it's not.  You can charge it with their own USB cord but it's a smaller dongle that fits into the fun.  Unfortunately, you cannot use your old USB or phone chargers.

The Samsung Vibrant comes preloaded with a number of unique applications like Avatar, TeleNav, AllShare, Facebook, GoGo, Kindle, MiniDiary, Mobi TV, The Sims 3, MobiTV & ThinkFree Office.

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