TMobile variant vs Unlock

[Sammuel1973]

I am thinking of giving the N8 another try after using the TMobile variant for 2 weeks. My unlock variant will finally arrive in 2 days. I have been a loyal TMobile customer for 10+ years, and curious if there are any advantages/disadvantages with the N8 unlock variant, other than the less bloatware, timely updates, and better resale value. I don't care for wifi calling. Will I get all the same call quality and coverage in terms of bands, etc on the unlock variant? I live in a major US city. Thanks!

 

[anon(5719825)]

WiFi calling will work with the unlocked model and so will every feature that T-Mobile offers.

Other than none of the carrier apps, there really is no difference other then you being able to use the unlocked model on any carrier.

I have noticed that I tend to get better battery life on the unlocked models over the carrier versions. My unlocked S7 Edge was better on battery life then my T-Mobile model. As for my Note 8, mine is the T-Mobile model this time around because I didn't want to wait for BestBuy to have them in stock in stores although they have them now.

I paid for my T-Mobile outright and T-Mobile is still making me wait 45 days before they will unlock it.

 

[chazglenn3]

That sucks. I bought my Sprint version directly from Samsung outright and as soon as I activated it, it was SIM unlocked.

 

[Sammuel1973]

WiFi calling will work with the unlocked model and so will every feature that T-Mobile offers.

Other than none of the carrier apps, there really is no difference other then you being able to use the unlocked model on any carrier.

I have noticed that I tend to get better battery life on the unlocked models over the carrier versions. My unlocked S7 Edge was better on battery life then my T-Mobile model. As for my Note 8, mine is the T-Mobile model this time around because I didn't want to wait for BestBuy to have them in stock in stores although they have them now.

I paid for my T-Mobile outright and T-Mobile is still making me wait 45 days before they will unlock it.

Your posts have always been so helpful, NexusGirlX. I too bought my 2 N8s outright, so it seems the unlock variant has more advantages. Thanks!

 

[blaine07]

WiFi calling will work with the unlocked model and so will every feature that T-Mobile offers.

About 99% TMobile Digits through Multi Line/Native Digits will not work on unlocked. Yes, the Digits app can be used but not native Digits functionality.

If you don't use Digits it's a mute point but...

 

[anon(5719825)]

About 99% TMobile Digits through Multi Line/Native Digits will not work on unlocked. Yes, the Digits app can be used but not native Digits functionality.

If you don't use Digits it's a mute point but...

I don't use digits and I've even forgotten it exists.

 

[blaine07]

I don't use digits and I've even forgotten it exists.

It happens. Note 8 is a delicious phone though, locked or unlocked.

 

[Blues Fan]

I would stick with the Tmobile version. Tmobile does faster updates than Samsung.

 

[anon(5719825)]

I would stick with the Tmobile version. Tmobile does faster updates than Samsung.

The last few updates, Samsung has been quicker to deliver. My unlocked S7 Edge had the August 1 patch several weeks before T-Mobile. My unlocked S8+ had the August 1 update several weeks before the T-Mobile version did.

 

[srgonu]

Video calling from dialer screen is not possible on unlocked. I never used it though.

 

[djepperson1]

I am using a note 8 on tmobile it's been fantastic. No issue and everything works