Does it matter where I buy the N5 from?

[strider70]

I'm trying to catch up on the details of the N5.
I will be leaving Sprint for T-Mobile and I plan on buying the black N5 16 GB model.
This will be my first non-CDMA phone and I know very little of SIM card technology.
I would like to be able to use this phone when I travel to other countries as well.

Other than the price difference of the N5 from T-Mobile ($396) and Google Play Store ($349), are there any differences like hardware and software?
Are there pros and cons from buying the N5 from T-Mobile VS Google Play store?

Would buying the N5 from T-Mobile lock me in to their service only and I wouldn't be able to take the N5 to Sprint in the future?

Google Nexus 5 | New Nexus 5 Smartphone w/ Android 4.4 | T-Mobile
https://play.google.com/store/devices/details/Nexus_5_16GB_Black?id=nexus_5_black_16gb&hl=en

The specs shown from T-Mobile's link above is a bit misleading compared to the Google Play Store.

TIA

 

[nx1977]

If you buy from Google, you won't be tied to a network and could opt for a sim only plan.

Not sure about the US, but in the UK these plans are typically cheaper and better minutes/text/data packages and range from rolling 30 day to 12 and 18 month contracts.

 

[Hook]

I'm trying to catch up on the details of the N5.
I will be leaving Sprint for T-Mobile and I plan on buying the black N5 16 GB model.
This will be my first non-CDMA phone and I know very little of SIM card technology.
I would like to be able to use this phone when I travel to other countries as well.

Other than the price difference of the N5 from T-Mobile ($396) and Google Play Store ($349), are there any differences like hardware and software?
Are there pros and cons from buying the N5 from T-Mobile VS Google Play store?

Would buying the N5 from T-Mobile lock me in to their service only and I wouldn't be able to take the N5 to Sprint in the future?

Google Nexus 5 | New Nexus 5 Smartphone w/ Android 4.4 | T-Mobile
https://play.google.com/store/devices/details/Nexus_5_16GB_Black?id=nexus_5_black_16gb&hl=en

The specs shown from T-Mobile's link above is a bit misleading compared to the Google Play Store.

TIA

There is no difference between buying from Google and T-Mobile except the T-Mobile one will already have their SIM card in it. And yes, as the phone is multi-band, I believe you could take the same phone to Sprint as it has CDMA as well as GSM.

It is unlocked for any service and has no T-Mobile modifications have been made to the one they sell. It should work in other countries, but check the list of frequencies in the specs on Google Play against what is available in any country of interest.

 

[jhawkkw]

It would only lock you to T-Mobile service if you chose to use their financing option rather than paying for it all up front. The only other difference is that for roughly the price T-Mobile sells the 16GB version for, you can buy a 32GB version on Google Play. Though buying from T-Mobile would allow you to get it that day rather than waiting for Google which could potentially take a while depending on availability.

 

[JBentleyR]

If you buy from Google, you won't be tied to a network and could opt for a sim only plan.

Not sure about the US, but in the UK these plans are typically cheaper and better minutes/text/data packages and range from rolling 30 day to 12 and 18 month contracts.

I agree about buying sim-free direct from Google. If you are a UK user I'd recommend looking at Three's 3-2-1 PAYG deal. Certainly, if you are a 'low user' it works out cheaper than any contract that I know about.

 

[NYCHitman1]

Buy from Google direct or don't bother buying at all, imo. I know the financing option is enticing, but it's not worth it.

 

[strider70]

It would only lock you to T-Mobile service if you chose to use their financing option rather than paying for it all up front. The only other difference is that for roughly the price T-Mobile sells the 16GB version for, you can buy a 32GB version on Google Play. Though buying from T-Mobile would allow you to get it that day rather than waiting for Google which could potentially take a while depending on availability.

I would rather buy the N5 from Google directly. But I am in a family plan with Sprint and T-Mobile is going to pay the ETF. My contract is already up with Sprint (I can leave) but in order to switch as a family-plan, each person must buy their phone directly with T-Mobile.


I'm trading off between

buying a cheaper N5 from Google and then joining T-Mobile on an individual plan (up to 500 mb of 4G , unlimited talk/text/data) for $50 monthly
VS
buying the more costly N5 from T-Mobile and staying with the family-plan for unlimited everything (even 4G) for $50-60 monthly.

There is no contract for either option.
At least I have choices ...

If there were hardware differences between these options, it would definitely sway my choices.

[update]
N5 is now $372 from T-Mobile instead of $396.

 

[jhawkkw]

I would rather buy the N5 from Google directly. But I am in a family plan with Sprint and T-Mobile is going to pay the ETF. My contract is already up with Sprint (I can leave) but in order to switch as a family-plan, each person must buy their phone directly with T-Mobile.


I'm trading off between

buying a cheaper N5 from Google and then joining T-Mobile on an individual plan (up to 500 mb of 4G , unlimited talk/text/data) for $50 monthly
VS
buying the more costly N5 from T-Mobile and staying with the family-plan for unlimited everything (even 4G) for $50-60 monthly.

There is no contract for either option.
At least I have choices ...

If there were hardware differences between these options, it would definitely sway my choices.

T-Mobile doesn't sell the 32GB version while Google sells both the 16Gb & 32Gb, but that would be the only difference. If minutes aren't an issue for you, you should check out the $30 prepaid plan. It's what I use and it's awesome.

 

[strider70]

I do not see any pre-paid section with T-Mobile.
Do you get "4G" as well?

 

[jhawkkw]

I do not see any pre-paid section with T-Mobile.
Do you get "4G" as well?

Yep, I get full LTE in areas where it is rolled out. Check out my FAQ about this plan and it should answer a lot of questions. http://androidforums.com/showthread.php?t=820196

 

[strider70]

Yep, I get full LTE in areas where it is rolled out. Check out my FAQ about this plan and it should answer a lot of questions. $30 Prepaid Plan FAQ - Android Forums

Would I get to bring my current phone number with me?

 

[jhawkkw]

Would I get to bring my current phone number with me?

Yes, you will have the option to port your number.

 

[jj14x]

There is no difference between buying from Google and T-Mobile except the T-Mobile one will already have their SIM card in it. And yes, as the phone is multi-band, I believe you could take the same phone to Sprint as it has CDMA as well as GSM.

It is unlocked for any service and has no T-Mobile modifications have been made to the one they sell. It should work in other countries, but check the list of frequencies in the specs on Google Play against what is available in any country of interest.

In theory, yes, it should. The phone (hardware and software) is definitely compatible with Sprint's network. However, users over on s4gru are reporting that Sprint doesn't have the MEID's (for devices sold by T-mo) in their databases, and that is preventing these devices from being activated on Sprint's network.

 

[Rxpert83]

In theory, yes, it should. The phone (hardware and software) is definitely compatible with Sprint's network. However, users over on s4gru are reporting that Sprint doesn't have the MEID's (for devices sold by T-mo) in their databases, and that is preventing these devices from being activated on Sprint's network.

The errors with MEIDs should have been taken care of months ago, like Within weeks of the nexus 5 being released. Are they still reporting it?

 

[jj14x]

The errors with MEIDs should have been taken care of months ago, like Within weeks of the nexus 5 being released. Are they still reporting it?

I believe those initial errors were for the devices bought from Google Play - those MEIDs were added into Sprint databases within the first week. But I don't know if they have done the same for devices purchased from T-mo (based on what I'm reading over on s4gru, it looks like it hasn't been done yet)

 

[exninja]

I would rather buy the N5 from Google directly. But I am in a family plan with Sprint and T-Mobile is going to pay the ETF. My contract is already up with Sprint (I can leave) but in order to switch as a family-plan, each person must buy their phone directly with T-Mobile.


I'm trading off between

buying a cheaper N5 from Google and then joining T-Mobile on an individual plan (up to 500 mb of 4G , unlimited talk/text/data) for $50 monthly
VS
buying the more costly N5 from T-Mobile and staying with the family-plan for unlimited everything (even 4G) for $50-60 monthly.

There is no contract for either option.
At least I have choices ...

If there were hardware differences between these options, it would definitely sway my choices.

[update]
N5 is now $372 from T-Mobile instead of $396.

Is this your own requirement, or did someone form Tmo tell you this? If it was someone in a Tmo store, there are probably misinformed. The people that run the stores are third-party and in general they have almost no clue about the new Tmo structure. We had to guide a store manager through a free tablet sim card activation for my mother-in-law because my 30 minutes of web research made me more informed than him. My wife and I bought N5's thru Google and set up a family plan with Tmo with the intention of adding more people at $10/line as their situations allow. If you can get 5 lines on the family plan that is by far the best deal out there.

 

[Rxpert83]

Is this your own requirement, or did someone form Tmo tell you this? If it was someone in a Tmo store, there are probably misinformed. The people that run the stores are third-party and in general they have almost no clue about the new Tmo structure. We had to guide a store manager through a free tablet sim card activation for my mother-in-law because my 30 minutes of web research made me more informed than him. My wife and I bought N5's thru Google and set up a family plan with Tmo with the intention of adding more people at $10/line as their situations allow. If you can get 5 lines on the family plan that is by far the best deal out there.

I think its a requirement for them to pay the ETF?

Not entirely sure, as I'm still on Sprint

 

[zipred]

I would _only_ buy a Nexus 5 from the Google Play Store.

By doing so you're entitled to warranty and customer service access that has become extremely good. You're asked when you call in, if not purchased through Google you must deal with T-Mobile, or wherever you bought it. As a happy T-Mobile customer I bought one from them, had a problem, it was a nightmare because T-Mobile is not trained on N5's.

I dumped that one, started over with Google and could not be happier. They have a fast response team in place now, calls are answered promptly by skilled friendly people that take ownership the issue and provide world class service. One of mine had a battery failure, it was replaced with a new phone, not refurbished like Apple does. Also you receive the replacement first, then send yours back so you're not without a phone.

I have six Nexus 5 models I've purchased from them for myself and family members. That's how impressive the experience is with both the phone and Google. They've really stepped up their game, and it's a very great experience.

 

[JBentleyR]

That's very reassuring. I hope that Google UK is as helpful.

 

[exninja]

I think its a requirement for them to pay the ETF?

Not entirely sure, as I'm still on Sprint

Good call. That's it.

 

[rezeew]

If you would like insurance for your phone, buy it from the carrier. I bought it from Google and moved to TMo, and they told me I am not eligible to insure the device through them.

 

[JBentleyR]

If you would like insurance for your phone, buy it from the carrier. I bought it from Google and moved to TMo, and they told me I am not eligible to insure the device through them.

I don't know how things are in America, but I have mine covered on our home and contents insurance for theft and accidental damage both in the home and outside.

 

[Rxpert83]

If you would like insurance for your phone, buy it from the carrier. I bought it from Google and moved to TMo, and they told me I am not eligible to insure the device through them.

Theres quite a few 3rd party insurers.

I know mine is still protected under Sprint's insurance (Asurion). ATT should be the same way since they use them as well

 

[Hook]

If you would like insurance for your phone, buy it from the carrier. I bought it from Google and moved to TMo, and they told me I am not eligible to insure the device through them.

There are various third part insurance products that people here have recommended. Here are two examples.

Worth Ave Group | The most trusted electronic device insurance provider

Extended Warranty Insurance - Extended Warranties - Protection Plans – Electronic Insurance

 

[sl00w]

I bought mine from Sprint and it didn't include the SIM card removal tool. I think the Google Play version does.