Least Expensive Phone Options for LTE

[essinger]

I live in one of the cities that T-Mobile has given their new LTE service. I'm wondering what are the least expensive options for a phone that actually can use the service. I'm platform agnostic. Also when shopping for a phone what band coverage am I looking for, i.e. 1700(AWS)?? Thanks.

 

[IAmSixNine]

Your only real options right this moment is the Note 2.
The GS3 current is the HSPA plus unit, being replaced soon with an LTE version but its not available.
The BB Z10 is not in stores yet. The HTC One and GS4 are not in stores yet.
I wont guess to which devices could be unlocked as i dont know which markets have 1700 or 1900 or 2100 LTE, HSPA or both.
Keep in mind for the "best" service always go with a branded device, as they are made to work on that carriers frequencies and protocols.

 

[PWC Realtor]

If you're willing to "tinker" with your phone than the Nexus 4 unofficially supports LTE (and for everyone that says it can't connect see the screen shots here and on XDA)

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Android Central Forums

 

[Mellimel22]

Yeah the n4 is your cheapest option if u want lte at the moment.

Sent from my Sprint Galaxy Nexus rockin 4.2.2 using Tapatalk 2

 

[zorak950]

Yeah the n4 is your cheapest option if u want lte at the moment.

To be absolutely clear, though, this will probably require unlocking the bootloader and sideloading firmware. If that sounds scary to you, you may want to avoid it.