yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] spencer88:
I'm inclined to believe that CDMA phones use more battery power in low signal environments than GSM phones in low signal environments.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] BrianDigital:
All I can tell you guys my work gets horrible reception inside and a lot if complete dead spots. I same dead spots I get with tmobile and sprint and this phone handles the time without service in regards to battery drain better than my nexus s 4G with official mugen 3900 mah battery

As regards to distance does it really make a difference when the db reading is about the same
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Actually it would matter. If the nearest CDMA tower is farther away from the nearest GSM tower, your "test" results would be skewed. You get into a whole host of problems comparing 2 different phones on 2 different networks with lots of unknown essential variables. Just bad science.

But anyways, this has pretty much nothing to do with this thread considering we're only talking about GSM phones and service. That's your option. Back on the rails, folks!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Zepius:
i wish i could swap to prepaid... too much to get out of my contract right now. i would have to sell my phone before i can switch and i dont have any takers :/
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
One of these sites may be of use to you...

http://www.cellswapper.com/

http://celltradeusa.com/

http://www.trademycellular.com/
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] jazzruby:
Anyone interested in detailed tower info, check here:

http://www.antennasearch.com/

1. Enter your address (street, city, state and zip) and select 'Go'

2. On the resulting page, check your address is correct and select 'Process'

3. On the resulting page, select 'View Tower Results'

4. On the resulting page, you can scroll down to 'Tower Search Results!'

Selecting a 'Tower (Registered)' in the map, or a hyperlink in the 'Tower Search Results!' list, will show detailed info (Ownership, Tower Characteristics and History (construction, mods, updates,etc...))

AntennaSearch FAQ

-JR-
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Zepius:
yeah they dont help. i have a family plan and the other members want to stay with verizon
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] untruestory:
Wishing I would've ordered the Verizon Nexus instead and put it on PagePlus @$55/mo. Better 3g coverage in my area than ST. Wonder if LTE would work being that the Evo4g got 4g service when flashed to Boost even though they don't offer 4g...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
That's some cool geek **** right there! Thanks for sharing :)

Bummer :(
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Zepius:
yeah.. the only reason ive stuck with verizon is because i used to work for them. i saw what their prepaid was, and man it was (probably still is) awful. you had the coverage of nothing.

i figured all the other were like that to, but it seems i was very wrong.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] CYoung234:
So, I received my phone Tuesday from Google Play, and I cannot say enough good things about it! I am on Simple Mobile, which I know many of you do not like, but I am not a very heavy data user (I am actually on their $40 3G plan right now), so that will give you an idea of how little I use the web while at work especially. I have wifi access at work and home anyhow, and I normally use an iPad for that anyhow. At any rate, Google Voice works perfectly, and Simple Mobiles International texting is perfect for me. We will see how coverage is, but so far, I get better coverage in the Chicago area than I ever got on Sprint. So far, I have rooted and unlocked the phone thanks to the great tutorial in the general area, but I want to wait a while so I can learn more about Android before I flash any ROMs or radios. The only problem Inam actually having is that the voice dialer app stinks with bluetooth. My wino phones voice dialer ran rings around this one. So, I will be trying to figure out how to resolve that. I am currently using a Jawbone BT headset (the original one), so it is not supported by the Jawbone app in the play store. I may need to look into switching to an Era....:p
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Cabal_:
This isn't GNex specific, but since media visibility for pre-paid is almost always good news:

Cricket to sell pre-paid, no-contract iPhone with unlimited voice, text, and data for $55/mo (2.3 GB throttle)

http://www.computerworld.com/s/arti..._pre_paid_no_contract_iPhone_starting_June_22
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] plmiller0905:
Yup...I saw that too. But I'm not that interested. I actually thought Apple would make a move like this considering Google is Selling the Google Nexus Unlocked for 399.99. Apple had to make a move for prepay as well.

Its amazing though that Apple still isn't showing T-Mobile no love.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] martonikaj:
Uhh no. I'd rather have the GSM model. The Verizon one has way too many problems. Last I saw you still can't flash it reliably to any carrier (PagePlus included). And no, you wouldn't get LTE.

Ew, Cricket :p

I think its more like T-Mobile can't afford to have the iPhone made specifically for them (and Apple is stubborn). If they ran on 850/1900mhz the exact same as AT&T this would basically be a non-issue. We saw how expensive it was for Sprint to get the iPhone. They had to commit way more financially then they can ever possibly afford. And their network got absolutely destroyed because of it.

I want the iPhone on T-Mobile because it will probably keep T-Mobile alive, but I'm afraid to see what it will do to the network. It just can't handle an influx of 10million subscribers that will surely move if the iPhone is available. I think a good middle ground for T-Mobile right now is moving HSPA+ service to the 850/1900mhz spectrum, and allowing full speed service to unlocked iPhones. Apple always sells iPhones directly off contract unlocked, and T-Mobile can continue to push it's "bring your own device" plans. It would be a good "transitional" period for T-Mobile to ease into carrying the iPhone, especially as the number of full-cost handset / non-contract customers start to increase.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Ricolando:
Well I just made the switch! Received my ST SIM and GNex within minutes of one another and my number was ported from Sprint within an hour and a half. Now I'm getting HSPA+ in my house versus roaming every few minutes. Thanks to everyone on this thread. For those who are curious I only average around 500 MB of data a month, though that is usually because of an abundance of wifi at my job sites and unusable Sprint 3G in SoFla.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Emerld_Drgnfly:
Hi all this is my first post, would like to thank the OP and all others for all the help and this great thread. I have had my GN for 2 weeks and am very happy so far. I was already off contract on AT&T but I switched to the 30 dollar T- Mobile 1500 min plan cutting my phone bill in half. My next plan is to jump into Googlevoice fully port my number and switch to the 30 dollar 5GB plan and use wifi calling as much as possible. I am coming from a Moto V3 so this is a new world for me so much to learn.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Loki047:
I just ported my number from sprinted and in case anyone else has this issue here are the steps to port the number

A) Disable GV integration

B) Add your sprint number to be ported as a forward number [This has to be done or the number will not verify]

C) Create a new google voice number (just pick a random number)

D) Port Sprint Number

E) Pay off balance on sprint account

F) Delete forwarded sprint number

G) Wait for number to port - took me 22 hrs (3 hrs after paying off balance - it wasnt due for another 2 weeks)

Enjoy!

---------- Post added at 09:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:08 PM ----------

Just cause I hate bad science the distance of the tower has nothing to do with the power of the signal that penetrates the building - different technologies and different frequencies. The correct way to do it - find the phone with the lower signal, mimic the signal on the other phone (through some type of RF enclosure), and test battery usage (again almost impossible becasue of hardware configurations and software).

Thats why tower distance doesnt matter.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] luftrofl:
Unless I'm mistaken, only T-Mobile branded phones can do wifi calling. :(
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
T-Mobile's wifi calling counts against your minutes anyway. You can always use one of the many voip options available to make and receive calls over Wi-Fi.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] xdp:
Got my Nexus and Straight Talk SIM yesterday within hours of each other, set it up last night. I love it! It's very fast and smooth and I like the size, weight, etc. Got 4.7 Mbps down on Straight Talk with 92 ms ping, in the same area Sprint would give me < 300 Kbps, for twice the price! Right now I'm on a new number and I'm going to port my Sprint number to Google Voice in a few days. Thanks to everyone here for the help!

2 questions-

1) Can you convince me to unlock the bootloader and root? I don't plan to touch any ROMs or kernels, and thus I'm not sure if I see much of a need to use Titanium or make a backup image. I don't know if any of my apps need root either - I use Tasker but only for simple things and it looks like the LED apps don't need root to work. I would be perfectly happy with using this phone 100% stock if it suits my needs in that form.

2) Can the docks be purchased anywhere more cheaply? I'd like the pogo pin desk dock and the car dock but over $130 for both is expensive.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] scoobdude:
The led app will require it for Calender events.

For the docks, they used to be over 90 for the pogo desk version. And getting one was like finding bacteria in a clean room
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] BrianDigital:
If you got straight from Google you probably won't need to root, and docks are available on the play store
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Loki047:
I unlocked and rooted just to get a better unlock option - ie unlock to phone, calendar etc.

As for a dock - if you just want charging

Do the touchstone mod

or for both

http://www.amazon.com/RND-Power-Sol...5K9C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1338563236&sr=8-3
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] thebobp:
Might not be what you wanted to hear, but there's every reason to flash custom ROMs/kernels. They're faster, drain less, and offer many more features than stock. (Haptic feedback becomes 99x better with vibrator control, for example. Force fast USB charge is every convenient for charging with your computer. Those are available in most of the kernels. With the right ROM, you can customize, for example, the power widget in your notification drop-down, and your navigation bar.

)

Also, there is a color issue: Nexus white is actually yellow (though your eyes probably got used to it by now). Color control (available in several kernels) would allow you to fix that.

Glados Control has a one-click bootloader unlock (no sdcard wipe), and all of the features above if you flash a compatible kernel, so I highly recommend it.

[Note: none of these programs (or advices) come with any warranty, so there's always a risk in going this route. You can ask his rootzwiki thread if there's anything you want clarified.]

Some wifi tethering programs require root (maybe not all).
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Meflakcannon:
I have always had a contract, and I am not 100% sure on some of this prepaid stuff..

If I purchase a Galaxy Nexus from Amazon it comes unlocked (GSM model). I can then buy a Sim card from Tmobile and and get that 30/m plan?

The Google Voice integration is where I get a bit more confused. I already have a Google voice # when I signed up ages ago. Can I port my phone number in and override that standard GV #? Do I have to add calling credit to GV to make calls or will it automatically deduct minutes out of my plan with Tmobile? Do I need to be on a 4g/3g connection for the calls to go through?

The prospect of Buying the phone outright and then doing 30 a month versus 70 is extremely attractive to me. That # I get through the sim card. Will that still receive calls or can it be squelched/ignored? How do texts work via Google voice? Can I use a messaging app like Go SMS pro?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] codesplice:
Yup, buy the SIM card and activation kit from T-Mobile online at http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-phone/T-Mobile-Prepaid-SIM-Activation-Kit.

Yes, usually. Read up about that here: http://support.google.com/voice/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1065667

You never need to add credit to GV to make or receive domestic calls. You only need funds on the account for international calls.

No, no data connection is needed for incoming Google Voice calls. You will need a data connection to make outgoing calls using Google Voice - the phone actually reaches out to a Google server to establish the connection, then it connects the call from there. You don't need data service for the duration of the call, either. Just to initially dial out.

The number associated with the SIM card will still be able to receive calls - in fact, you want it to since that is required for Google Voice. GV just forwards the incoming calls to your SIM card's number. You could do like I do and use a VoIP solution for making/receiving calls while on wifi; I also automatically disable the cellular radio when I am connected to wifi so the only calls I receive will be those made to my Google Voice number.

You have three options for texting via Google Voice:

You can use the Google Voice app, in place of any other texting app.

You can set Google Voice to forward texts to your cellular number. This can be a bit confusing as they will show up from a randomly-selected-by-Google forwarding number instead of your contact's number. It will helpfully include the contact's name in the message though.

You could use this app to integrate Google Voice messaging into the message application of your choosing.

Anything else?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] scoobdude:
Just wanted add that I was reading last night if you port your number to gv your other number will remain for 3 months. At which time they will send you an email with who is still calling you on that number. You then will have the option to keep that number as well for a 20 dollar fee. But caller ID gets wonky.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] harveydent:
Google Voice is not really necessary for prepaid. Most people here use it though so that they have 1 number to give out to people even if they switch carriers and sim cards every month, or for some VOIP solutions if they want to do calls over WiFi or data
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] xdp:
Thanks everyone for the info regarding root. I installed Light Flow so I'll see how that works.

Thanks, you definitely make some good points. I've been down this road before (though not custom kernels) with my EVO. While I do see some possible benefits, I also feel like some things end up being placebo effect. Also, the ROM/kernel choice might feel cut and dry at first, but inevitably it becomes a rabbit hole of always scouring the forums looking for the next one to try. One of the reasons I got the Nexus was so I could spend less time on forums and working out things to tweak with the device, something that becomes a must when dealing with Sense, TouchWiz, etc., as well as maintain my warranty. So while I'm not opposed to trying a ROM, root app, etc. if it's going to offer me something great, I do want to consider if it's really necessary. Some of the customizations admittedly look pretty cool, so it's always this balance of identifying what's worth doing without getting trapped into needlessly tweaking forever.

Looking at your list of things, I would not expect a ROM to be much faster then 4.0.4 out of the box. It might drain less due to underclocking and things. I actually thought the haptic feedback on this device was really nice already, subtle and not bothersome. I previously used the notification power widget on my EVO and actually like the clean look without it here. I also don't see a need to modify the navigation buttons, the default three are perfect.

I have noticed the slightly yellow tint to white screens, but I can probably just adjust as you said. WiFi tethering is definitely nice in a pinch, although I rarely used it in the past.

Thanks for pointing out all these things, however, as that's exactly what I was looking for. I want to see what's all out there and if anything is worth doing. But I'm reevaluating each need from scratch, and seeing if the default configuration can work for me.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] thebobp:
I didn't say that. Unfortunately, short of flashing a custom kernel, I don't know any way of adjusting the colors :(

Vibrator control is one of those things you don't think you need until you try. Even though the haptic feedback seems subtle now, it could still get subtler (and actually, I now wish the setting went even lower).

Edit:

In case this helps, I personally have sort of equilibrated in terms of ROMS. I'm using CM9 with rob43's mod (that's what allows the customizations you currently see). The only other alternative I would consider is aokp.

[Note: Stricken because I just realized rob43's mod hasn't been updated in some time, and it seems to be incompatible with latest cm versions. I'm using fitsnugly.20120511 but can't even find it online atm.]

Kernels, on the other hand, I do "run around the forums looking for the next one to try" :p: I've been using glados, trinity, and cmplus. And even though I measured stuff like battery drain carefully at first, I suspect a lot of placebo effect in choosing between them now.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Nxxx:
Anyone had any experience with this?

I've really been wanting to jump from my LTE Nexus to a GSM one. However, giving up VZW LTE speeds is a big deal to me. My idea is similar to the one in this thread, but it involves a contract.

1. Buy unlocked GSM Nexus

2. Get VZW MiFi Jetpack w/ 2year contract (contains a 3,000mAh battery)

This is $50 per month for 5GB of data. You can switch phones whenever you want.

I have not yet tried this so I still have some questions:

Is this smart?

How fast will the MiFi's battery last if I'm on a data connection for 5 hours per day?

Would I be able to text, call, and receive calls and texts using G Voice?

Have I miscalculated anything?

Any comments?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] BrianDigital:
Are you downloading a lot of blue ray rips off if verizons lte?

I only ask cause I'm getting a steady 5mbps with TMobile, and for mobile needs that great, Netflix streams great and YouTube in the HD set on doesn't even buffer. that's even acceptable for tethering one other device. Unless you're running your home network if your phone.

Honestly it's also twenty more than my TMobile plan that gives me five gb if high speed then throttled after that. I would try the TMobile service before getting that Verizon mifi. Also buying a unlocked gsm phone just to sign a two year contact for a mifi seems like your complicating things
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Nxxx:
The only reason I want to keep VZW is because my work has everyone on a VZW plan. And no, I don't stream a lot of video or anything like that.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] rosemachinegun:
Hey guys,

I'm currently on a T-mobile family plan with my girlfriend's family, but my girlfriend and I are interested in ditching the plan for the $30 monthly 4G.

As I understand it, we need to:

1) Buy new T-mobile SIM cards from T-mobile.com

2) Cancel our lines and numbers at the T-mobile store, paying the $400 ETF

3) Activate our new cards/phones on T-Mobile.com and be careful to select the $30 w/ 5GB unlimited plans.

Is that all there is to it? I understand that this is supposed to only be for "new activations" so I just want to make sure it won't be complicated by our having just cancelled contracts with them.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] BrianDigital:
I'm confused at my place of work if I'm required to have a smartphone for emails and the boss needing to be in constant communication with me. Its on him to get me the phone and pay the bill since they are the ones mandating I need the phone.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] tmst:
Feedback from a guy with GN + Verizon LTE Hotspot

I am using GN + Tmo Wal-Mart plan + VZW LTE Hotspot (SCH-LC11 - work-issued).

Only you can tell.

Well, I am using different hotspot model so ymmv.

My hotspot lasts somewhere between 2-5 hours on a single charge.

I am not constantly using the net though. It's more on the stand-by side.

Texts = Yes

Calls = It depends.

Google Voice is not a VOIP service. It means that you still need a traditional phone number to connect to your GV number.

You can get an app that allows GV to be your VOIP service. It's not free and I have never tried it.

Here's what I do :

- Inbound GV calls forwarded to my T-Mo number.

- Outbound GV calls is done through my T-Mo number when I do not have net access.

When I do have net access, I use GV Callback service to call my el-cheapo SIP account or I just use Skype for international calls.

Your plan probably works if you sit in one place most of the time - or just don't use your phone much. VOIP with mobile connection doesn't mix well, especially when you're moving, even with VZW's awesome network.

SIP & Skype quality over mobile connection is hit-or-miss. Call quality could drop or it could be cut off even if you're not moving.

Even if you're going with the VZW hotspot route, I would still recommend having a prepaid voice-only sim (t-mo PAYG comes to mind) just in case you *have* to make a phone call and VOIP/internet service is bad.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Nxxx:
At the office we have some deal with VZW and we have to stay with then unless we want to pay for our own bill.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] tmst:
My T-Mo "Wal-Mart" review

Ok, I have just finished my 3rd month on T-Mo "Wal-Mart" plan and moving over to Straight Talk (AT&T). Not that T-Mo is that bad, but I just wanted to try something different.

Here's my powerpoint-ish reiview :

Averages 2-6mbps in Chicagoland area. Downtown converage is on a slower side and disconnects often.

In-door coverage in Chicagoland area is hit-or-miss. Sometime I get excellent reception, sometime it's swinging between 3G/Edge, sometime I get nothing.

Outside of 3G coverage area, EDGE connection can be pretty weak to the point that you cannot do anything. (I am fortunate to have VZW LTE/EVDO hotspot for that though.)

I have been with T-Mo for almost 10 years. Its voice quality is inferior to AT&T & VZW

Your http connection by default goes through T-Mo's nanny proxy server. It filters 18+ websites, including 9gags. You have to go to T-Mo.com to verify your age. I know it's normal, but kind of scary for T-Mo to be able to verify your name/address/DoB against some public database.

T-Mo allows SIP connection. But the quality is bad.

Viber & Skype works with acceptable quality. (Don't use them while moving though. Quality drops significantly)

GroupMe works.

Shoutcast streams well over 3G connection. (My streams are 128kbps max)

OpenVPN works great. I always tether my laptop to my GN and use it to bypass T-Mo's nanny server.

After your month is over and you do not refill your account, your sim will be deactivated. But your number will keep for 60 days. After that, you have to get a new sim-card. (I left mine unactivated for about 50 days and was able to reuse my sim & number)

The best deal to get refill code is callingmart.com. They usually have 5% coupons floating on the net and 10% coupons on special holidays.

T-Mo pre-paid customer service is OK but not as good as post-paid.

Beyond 5GB limit, the speed is capped to about 60-80kbps. Usable, but very very very slow.

I got lots of calls from bill collectors after I got the number. Looks like the previous owner didn't pay his bill. Call blocker apps come handy for this situation.

Thanks the OP & everyone for this excellent thread!

I will come back and post my ST(ATT) review after using it for a couple of months.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] jbeez:
Ty for pointing that out brian, I think I checked the play store for a dock last week and didn't see one . As soon as I read your post I went and ordered it in my mobile browser. Been trying to get a car dock since December when I got my nexus. Now I'll have it next week.