I just traded my T-Mobile LG G2 to someone for a Nexus 5 two days ago and it turns out that the Nexus 5 I got is actually the LG-D821 model, which is the International version and does not seem to be capable of picking up T-Mobile's LTE signal; and, possibly, is not capable of detecting the LTE signal of any of the U.S. carriers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon).
Honestly, before trading for this phone two days ago and then looking at the model number on the back cover of this phone to check it out online, I had not even been aware that there was an International version and a North American version of the Nexus 5`. After doing some Google searching and reading some posts and information in various forums, it looks like the D821 is just not capable of receiving LTE on any of the U.S. carriers - but (as some post I read had alluded to possibly being the case), I do not know if this is because the D521 device physically lacks the hardware to be able to receive these bands, or if they are just disabled and can possibly be enabled, ala the Nexus 4 LTE-access workaround.
So, I'm turning here to try to get some answers about this. The phone I now have is a white 32GB Nexus 5 (LG-D821) and seems to be in good working and physical condition, with the only issue being that it will not pick up an LTE signal with my T-Mobile SIM card in it, so it's not like I have a worthless device. The phone seems to switch quite frequently between '3G' and 'H' signal reception, which would seem to be unusual (I don't recall my LG G2 or previous Nexus 5 switching so frequently), but the data speeds are still pretty good without LTE. I did a speed test with the Seedtest.net app and it got around 14Mbps Down and 1.5Mbps Up, which isn't bad; but I currently live in Scottsdale, Arizona, which is just outside of Phoenix, and T-Mobile's LTE coverage and service here are excellent - and I have the Unlimited LTE Data plan on my personal line - so I would really like to be able to access and take advantage of the excellent LTE coverage in the area.
So, basically, I'm curious if anyone knows if it might be possible to somehow get this LG-D821 to receive T-Mobile's LTE signal here in Arizona? Or, as I suspect, does this device just physically lack the necessary components to be able to detect/receive the LTE frequencies here in the United States?
And if this phone is not capable of utilizing LTE service with my T-Mobile SIM, should I try to trade it for a North American version of the Nexus 5? Or list it on Swappa or eBay and try to sell it and then use the money to get a different phone? And if I were to try to sell it, does anyone know the value of this LG-D821 International version? Is it worth more/less/the same as a North American version Nexus 5?
As always, sorry for the long post. Some helpful replies would be greatly appreciated!
Honestly, before trading for this phone two days ago and then looking at the model number on the back cover of this phone to check it out online, I had not even been aware that there was an International version and a North American version of the Nexus 5`. After doing some Google searching and reading some posts and information in various forums, it looks like the D821 is just not capable of receiving LTE on any of the U.S. carriers - but (as some post I read had alluded to possibly being the case), I do not know if this is because the D521 device physically lacks the hardware to be able to receive these bands, or if they are just disabled and can possibly be enabled, ala the Nexus 4 LTE-access workaround.
So, I'm turning here to try to get some answers about this. The phone I now have is a white 32GB Nexus 5 (LG-D821) and seems to be in good working and physical condition, with the only issue being that it will not pick up an LTE signal with my T-Mobile SIM card in it, so it's not like I have a worthless device. The phone seems to switch quite frequently between '3G' and 'H' signal reception, which would seem to be unusual (I don't recall my LG G2 or previous Nexus 5 switching so frequently), but the data speeds are still pretty good without LTE. I did a speed test with the Seedtest.net app and it got around 14Mbps Down and 1.5Mbps Up, which isn't bad; but I currently live in Scottsdale, Arizona, which is just outside of Phoenix, and T-Mobile's LTE coverage and service here are excellent - and I have the Unlimited LTE Data plan on my personal line - so I would really like to be able to access and take advantage of the excellent LTE coverage in the area.
So, basically, I'm curious if anyone knows if it might be possible to somehow get this LG-D821 to receive T-Mobile's LTE signal here in Arizona? Or, as I suspect, does this device just physically lack the necessary components to be able to detect/receive the LTE frequencies here in the United States?
And if this phone is not capable of utilizing LTE service with my T-Mobile SIM, should I try to trade it for a North American version of the Nexus 5? Or list it on Swappa or eBay and try to sell it and then use the money to get a different phone? And if I were to try to sell it, does anyone know the value of this LG-D821 International version? Is it worth more/less/the same as a North American version Nexus 5?
As always, sorry for the long post. Some helpful replies would be greatly appreciated!
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