Why is the EVO3D limited to Sprint (in the USA)?

[Sketchr]

3G comparisions are not very meaningful unless they are done in a controlled manner. While there are reliable stats showing that AT&T 3G is faster overall nationwide, that does not mean that AT&T's 3G service where you live will outperform the other networks.

Sprint's coverage map is extremely accurate based on my experience. Down to street level. Half of my neighborhood gets average reception, and right at my house, the reception goes to shit. The coverage map shows that. So... use the map and see if the locations you frequent are in areas of good coverage.

Yep. And I have to say all the carriers maps are pretty accurate down to street level. Fortunately for me Sprint 3, 4G work very well in my home. As does att (SO has att). However I have a network extender for Verizon 3G as reception sucks w/o it...map reflects this on street level. Yet two blocks away Verizon 3g works great. Verizon 4G however is the bomb in my home/ office/everywhere in the metro area.

 

[viber]

That's not accurate. Sprint 3G speeds are slower than Verizon from the testing results I saw. AT&T is number one in 3G speeds.

Depends on where you live. Locally Sprint is faster in some areas and slower in others. Generally you are right, but not absolutely right.

 

[EarlyMon]

Sprint's VP of Product Development speaks up on how phones are/have_been chosen:

BGR Interview: Sprint's VP of Product Development, Fared Adib

 

[yourfriendmat]

3G comparisions are not very meaningful unless they are done in a controlled manner. While there are reliable stats showing that AT&T 3G is faster overall nationwide, that does not mean that AT&T's 3G service where you live will outperform the other networks.

Sprint's coverage map is extremely accurate based on my experience. Down to street level. Half of my neighborhood gets average reception, and right at my house, the reception goes to shit. The coverage map shows that. So... use the map and see if the locations you frequent are in areas of good coverage.

That's an interesting point. I wonder what the spread is like on their networks. Like perhaps AT&T has a higher average due to really high highs, and really low lows. So their spread would be terrible. I wonder if they have a standard deviation of speeds listed I would like to see it for Sprint as well. Maybe they are slower, but maybe they are more consistent as well.

 

[deltatko]

That's an interesting point. I wonder what the spread is like on their networks. Like perhaps AT&T has a higher average due to really high highs, and really low lows. So their spread would be terrible. I wonder if they have a standard deviation of speeds listed I would like to see it for Sprint as well. Maybe they are slower, but maybe they are more consistent as well.

There is a firm that posts that data from time to time. I don't remember who it is and don't have time to look for it right now though, I'm sorry.

 

[ebolamonkey3]

Because if Carriers didn't have exclusive phones they would have to compete based on coverage, rates, and customer service alone.

With exclusives, carriers can draw customers who really really want that one phone regardless of other factors. The best example being the iPhone until earlier this year.

 

[lafester]

verizon customers need to realize that LTE is new, expensive and currently somewhat difficult to integrate into phones. LTE phones have been delayed and delayed and delayed. It is going to be next year before you start seeing multiple 4g phone releases.

the network itself is too new to handle a ton of new traffic anyway.

 

[Halfbaked]

verizon customers need to realize that LTE is new, expensive and currently somewhat difficult to integrate into phones. LTE phones have been delayed and delayed and delayed. It is going to be next year before you start seeing multiple 4g phone releases.

the network itself is too new to handle a ton of new traffic anyway.

Earlymon, do you agree with this assertion? Especially about LTE not being able to handle a lot of customers. I know the Verizon network ate it a month or two ago.

 

[EarlyMon]

Earlymon, do you agree with this assertion? Especially about LTE not being able to handle a lot of customers. I know the Verizon network ate it a month or two ago.

I think tech advances quickly and I would no more predict LTE tower tech in 2012 than I would phones. Probably like all emerging tech, LTE is going to make some happy, frustrate others and either get enriched to do the job or replaced if a better alternative comes along. Substitute WiMAX or any other tech of any kind for LTE in that last sentence, and that's how I feel about those things.

I'm not too prepared to throw rocks at Verizon's LTE handset plans - we've had two 4G phones release on Sprint since the beginning of the year, for a total of 4 at the one-year mark for our 4G. Nothing about the way they (Sprint or Verizon) go about it terribly impresses me where launches are concerned.

That said - those assertions are very common to Verizon customers, so there is that.

(I'm not referring here to the LTE scaling technology and what happens with speed as customers are added, etc etc - just the question: will it handle a lot of customers?)

 

[TxFig]

I'm going to throw my own $.02 into this thread. I have been a Sprint customer for the past 3 years (on the SERO plan), but I can't upgrade my phone and stay on that plan. At the same time, my wife has been w/ ATT w/ an iPhone. She isn't terribly happy with it.

I live in a small town, but it's a college town - which means we have Verizon 4G coverage all over ... now.


Which means, I am wanting to switch to Verizon (with my wife). I really like the EVO/Thunderbolt. But seeing the EVO2 has me pausing.

... note 1: I like the EVO2 for the better CPU - NOT the dual camera (3d).
... note 2: I MUCH prefer HTC phones because of the satelite GPS (instead of lame aGPS only).


So... I am trying to figure out how long it will be before Vz gets a newer (faster CPU) version of the Thunderbolt? Or is there another HTC phone that Vz carries that is already dual-core?

 

[ebolamonkey3]

I'm going to throw my own $.02 into this thread. I have been a Sprint customer for the past 3 years (on the SERO plan), but I can't upgrade my phone and stay on that plan. At the same time, my wife has been w/ ATT w/ an iPhone. She isn't terribly happy with it.

I live in a small town, but it's a college town - which means we have Verizon 4G coverage all over ... now.


Which means, I am wanting to switch to Verizon (with my wife). I really like the EVO/Thunderbolt. But seeing the EVO2 has me pausing.

... note 1: I like the EVO2 for the better CPU - NOT the dual camera (3d).
... note 2: I MUCH prefer HTC phones because of the satelite GPS (instead of lame aGPS only).


So... I am trying to figure out how long it will be before Vz gets a newer (faster CPU) version of the Thunderbolt? Or is there another HTC phone that Vz carries that is already dual-core?

Nothing for now. Vzw only has 3 4G phones right now AFAIK: the Thunderbolt, the Droid Charge, and the Droid Revolution. All single core phones.

The only thing I'm hearing will be dual core and 4G is the Droid Bionic/Targa that's supposed to come out later this year. If you want a dual core 4G phone by HTC on Vzw, you might be waiting for a while.

 

[gimme5]

I'm going to throw my own $.02 into this thread. I have been a Sprint customer for the past 3 years (on the SERO plan), but I can't upgrade my phone and stay on that plan.

You can upgrade by switching to the Sero-Premium plan, which is still cheaper than any of the Verizon plans.

 

[ebolamonkey3]

You can upgrade by switching to the Sero-Premium plan, which is still cheaper than any of the Verizon plans.

I'm new to Sprint, what is this Sero plan? Don't you have to already be on the Sero plan to continue to get the Sero plan?

 

[TxFig]

You can upgrade by switching to the Sero-Premium plan, which is still cheaper than any of the Verizon plans.

Not when you've got multiple phones (ie. a family plan).

Or at least, that is what it appears. For some reason, the Vz plans were fairly easy & straightforward. Sprint's plans were written in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.


Since I might be wrong: compare plans for Sprint vs Vz

2 Evos/Thunderbolts (not cost of phone - just type)
minimum 1000 shared minutes (only going over that as needed)
unlimited data (both)
unlimited text (both)
include any 4g extras

I'm new to Sprint, what is this Sero plan? Don't you have to already be on the Sero plan to continue to get the Sero plan?

SERO stands for "Sprint Employee Referral Offer". It is basically a plan that you get only if a Sprint employee gives you their email address.


Under the old SERO plan, I had a smart phone w/ 500 minutes (more than enough), unlimited data, & unlimited texting for $50/month. It was truly an outstanding deal. The new SERO - while still a decent deal - is no where close to as spectacular.

 

[negao]

I'm a complete newb, so please excuse me in advance. I'm sure the second question's naivete in particular will sound annoying, but google couldn't help me.

1 -
Suppose, and this is just an exercise in imagination, that I somehow got hold of an evo-3d in a foreign country. Without Sprint's coverage, would I be able to use it with a random local sim card? I've never had an android phone before. With iphones you just need the famous unlocking for that, but I'm not sure if that's the same as what people mean by "locked bootloader" and such. I have the feeling it's not.

2 - Suposing it is indeed feasible, would I have internet access in a country (say, China) where they only have 3g coverage?

Thank you in advance!

 

[PyroSporker]

I'm a complete newb, so please excuse me in advance. I'm sure the second question's naivete in particular will sound annoying, but google couldn't help me.

1 -
Suppose, and this is just an exercise in imagination, that I somehow got hold of an evo-3d in a foreign country. Without Sprint's coverage, would I be able to use it with a random local sim card? I've never had an android phone before. With iphones you just need the famous unlocking for that, but I'm not sure if that's the same as what people mean by "locked bootloader" and such. I have the feeling it's not.

2 - Suposing it is indeed feasible, would I have internet access in a country (say, China) where they only have 3g coverage?

Thank you in advance!

Welcome to the Forums! No apologies necessary
The Evo 3D for Sprint is a CDMA only phone with no SIM card compatibility. The AT&T Iphone for example is a GSM phone with a SIM card slot.

If I was in your shoes I would probably wait a few months until HTC releases the HTC Evo3D "World"/GSM version of the Evo 3D. (bolded for emphasis and excitement) Last rumor I heard is they are planning to release it in Europe in July sometime. You can install a SIM card to have the phone work on other GSM networks (even in China I'd imagine). HTC Worldwide Site; Evo 3D

Also there is a different Sprint phone due to come out around July as well that might strike your fancy, its the Motorola Photon 4G. It is Dual Band/"World" compatible. This means it will work on the Sprint network (CDMA) within the U.S. but if you are abroad you can install a SIM card and have it work on GSM networks.

There is one more "world" phone being rumored about for Sprint's network but there are no real details about it yet.

An unlocked bootloader is in relation to the boot sector of the phone's software. The bootloader is what allows your phone to boot up and start running the Android Operating System. Companies typically have been releasing phones with a ("locked")bootloader designed specifically for retail handsets to only let the phone run and operate in pre-determined file systems. However there are also ways to re-sign/un-encrypt/unlock/replace/edit that bootloader and let the phone boot up and run in other ways that allow the user access to other areas of the phone's file system. It is often referred to in general terms as "rooting". You can gain access to the root level of the file system where you can change/edit/replace things and begin to customize the software of the phone.

You can't root a CDMA phone to work on a GSM network as they are separate hardware systems and operate on different radio frequencies.

Hopefully that makes sense to you, and hopefully I did a good job explaining it as I am not fully versed in Linux/Android technology myself. Any questions feel free to ask. I'm sure others will be along to correct my mistakes in description or paint a more accurate picture. Read Novox's thread that defines Bootloaders more accurately if you want some more clarification http://androidforums.com/evo-3d-all-things-root/342046-encrypted-bootloader-properly-defined.html Also if you are interested search around the forums for more information about the specifics of "rooting".


Maybe its time to open a separate or sub forum for the Evo 3D "World" model?

 

[dan330]

I'm a complete newb, so please excuse me in advance. I'm sure the second question's naivete in particular will sound annoying, but google couldn't help me.

1 -
Suppose, and this is just an exercise in imagination, that I somehow got hold of an evo-3d in a foreign country. Without Sprint's coverage, would I be able to use it with a random local sim card? I've never had an android phone before. With iphones you just need the famous unlocking for that, but I'm not sure if that's the same as what people mean by "locked bootloader" and such. I have the feeling it's not.

2 - Suposing it is indeed feasible, would I have internet access in a country (say, China) where they only have 3g coverage?

Thank you in advance!

1. no SIM card slot in CDMA phones. Verizon and Sprint phones dont have SIM cards because they are CDMA band phones. but there are "world" phones as explained by the above post. but there are CDMA carriers around the world.. some countries have and some dont. example: my mother went overseas to asia and took her sprint cdma phone. we did not think it would work but her friends that did not know she was out of the country, called her. she got the calls. and the freaking crazy bill too!!

2. if they have 3G servcie that you phone can pick up.. sure.. and of course a high bill too. wifi anywhere is always accessible.

 

[EarlyMon]

Maybe its time to open a separate or sub forum for the Evo 3D "World" model?

We're getting close, yep.

Meanwhile, side topic - the Evo 4G was sold in Japan, no changes to hardware, just language localization changes.

Could be more that one distribution for the Evo 3D (3vo) as time progresses.

 

[sox08]

hey does anyone know if the evo 3d can be purchased unlocked and be activated on verizon?? thanks everyone

 

[lafester]

cdma phones are not locked to any carrier.
if verizon wants to add the esn to their system they are free to do so.

 

[axisofoil]

Just because they are free to, does not mean they will. In all actuality, there is likely NO way that they will ever activate a non-verizon phone on verizon.

 

[apinkel]

hey does anyone know if the evo 3d can be purchased unlocked and be activated on verizon?? thanks everyone

No. You may be able to get one working with one of the prepaid CDMA providers like Cricket or MetroPCS but you cannot get it on Verizon's network because they won't add an ESN of a non-verizon phone to their system.

 

[ceabbott2]

I can't remember but it was either Endgaget or Phandroid it was reported that Tmobile was getting the Evo3D or it may have been another device... something about dropping specs to the FCC or something. I'll try to find it. Nothing for AT&T though.

Charles

OK, I still have the original Moto Droid, and itching to get a new phone, as I am now eligible to get a new one

I thought I wanted the Thunderbolt

Wait

The Bionic looks good

Then I see the EVO 3D, and it looks awesome. But I can't go to Sprint, it sucks big time by my house, and I get a corporate discount with Verizon

Why can't we have it on Verizon? It's CDMA after all.

Just venting, as I am going to make a decision on which new Verizon phone to get

Maybe wait for the Targa

 

[JustChexin]

AT&T user here -- wish I could get the HTC EVO 3D so, so much!! (Not interested in the LG Thrill, or whatever LG's answer to the EVO 3D on AT&T is supposed to be later this summer). Wah! :-/

 

[AndroidSPCS]

...).
... note 2: I MUCH prefer HTC phones because of the satelite GPS (instead of lame aGPS only).
...

Can anyone shed more light on this sentence?

I am not familiar with S-GPS (it seems to be simultaneous GPS) but appears to be compatible with aGPS.

Most phones reviews I read don't really distinguish between aGPS or S-GPS, and I can't really find much to read on this topic.

Is this really a superior feature of HTC, and when / which phones is the technology used on? Do any other manufacturers use this technology? It seems to be a differentiator, if what is stated is true...