T-Mobile vs Google Play Nexus 4

[Deleted User]

I am assuming the Nexus 4 bought from a T-Mobile store and the Nexus 4 bought from Google Play is the same phone? And both receive updates at the same time? For example, I know 4.2.2 is rolling out. Is that rolling out to users no matter where they bought the phone?

 

[Crashdamage]

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes

Linux user #266351. Android since v1.0

 

[Deleted User]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

 

[SiempreTuna]

Sure. Really?! Really ..?

Normally the networks mess around with stuff - you're sure that T-Mob is allowing the vanilla experience with no branding and no delay to updates?!

If that's true, that's pretty impressive. Cannot see that happening in the UK - particularly not with T-Mob (when it was T-Mob): they were notorious for adding masses of uninstallable crud to phones and being really, really poor at pushing through updates. I think the only network with as bad a rep was Orange, who have now taken them over. Sorry! Gone into partnership with them.

 

[Remeniz]

The whole point of Nexus devices is the vanilla experience and no intervention from the carriers.

 

[charliecc]

The whole point of Nexus devices is the vanilla experience and no intervention from the carriers.

Didn't work with the Galaxy Nexus and Verizon.

 

[Treknologist]

Didn't work with the Galaxy Nexus and Verizon.

Which is why there isn't a Verizon Nexus 4. If the carrier has control over the phone, it really isn't a Nexus experience. Let's hope Google can get enough clout to keep that from happening in the future.

 

[zuben el genub]

Big difference in price!

 

[MartinS]

Sure. Really?! Really ..?

Normally the networks mess around with stuff - you're sure that T-Mob is allowing the vanilla experience with no branding and no delay to updates?!

If that's true, that's pretty impressive. Cannot see that happening in the UK - particularly not with T-Mob (when it was T-Mob): they were notorious for adding masses of uninstallable crud to phones and being really, really poor at pushing through updates. I think the only network with as bad a rep was Orange, who have now taken them over. Sorry! Gone into partnership with them.

I can confirm that the O2 UK Nexus 4 is a untainted Nexus device.

 

[lunatic59]

The carriers that are offering a subsidized Nexus 4 are not messing with it. It is the EXACT same phone whether you get it on contract or buy it direct from Google.

 

[kwalla]

$100 more to buy it from TMobile? I guess it's nice to walk out of store with the phone, but a 30% premium seems a little much. I asked a gal at my local TMobile about it today and she just gave this odd, nervous laugh and shrugged.

I'm guessing the difference is mostly her commission for selling it?

 

[Deleted User]

At the time I was considering buying it at a t-mobile store since it was out of stock on Google Play. Now that you can buy on Google Play (and I hope the shipping times) are not that long, I will go that route. Just hate to pay a $180 ETF to Sprint...

 

[lightsleeper23]

I just picked one up today from a local T-Mobile store. I know it's $100 more, but I really couldn't afford the $350 right now. I will be able to afford it in a month or two, and I guess I could have waited but I'm going to be picking another one up for my girlfriend at that time and I can't afford 2 at once.

Its definitely the same unlocked Google version from the play store without a hint of T-Mobile bloat, and it updated to 4.2.2 as soon as I had it on. Its NOT one of the new ones with the nubs on the back however. I assume they have some product to get through before they will have those.

 

[kwalla]

I understand the need to pay over time. The gal I talked to said it's "interest free" and I'm not so sure I agree. It is, after all, $100 more. I'm thinking that buying from Google Play on a credit card and paying it off over time would be a lot less expensive. Most cards are what.. 10 to 15% interest per year?

I guess I'm also off to find out what happens if you by a Nexus from TMobile, but only stay with them for a few months -- do you have to pay off the phone in total if you don't renew or can you continue to make the 24 payments to them...

If you have to pay off the phone, then it's really still a contract, isn't it? The phone balance would be (if it is due) your early termination fee...

 

[mb41186]

I remember seeing this at T-mobile for just $100 with the sign up for a contract, although that was already more than a month ago, why would t-mobile charge more for this phone then what its actually worth?

 

[new optimus]

I remember seeing this at T-mobile for just $100 with the sign up for a contract, although that was already more than a month ago, why would t-mobile charge more for this phone then what its actually worth?

its actually "worth" what ever you can get someone to pay for it.

They want to pay in payments its worth the extra $100, if you have to shell out right now its not.
However you also have to look at it this way, if the store has it in stock and I can go buy it right now is it worth it to me, or wait a week for google play to ship it?
so many ways to decide if its worth it.

 

[lightsleeper23]

Considering even at $450 it's still the cheapest high end smartphone on the market, it's kind of worth it. I'd still choose the nexus even if it was the same price as an S3 or Note 2, I'm just lucky it's not.

 

[timmyh318]

$100 more to buy it from TMobile? I guess it's nice to walk out of store with the phone, but a 30% premium seems a little much. I asked a gal at my local TMobile about it today and she just gave this odd, nervous laugh and shrugged.

I'm guessing the difference is mostly her commission for selling it?

Yes . ....because im sure she set the price herself to get a commission....if you dont like the price tmobile sells it for dont buy it from t mobile.

 

[geeksuperstar]

The phone that is sold at tmobile is a 16 gig version which is $350 on google play.. so the difference is only $50 , not 100. Also, i dont know if it comes with headphones, but those are an extra 20 on google play.