Unlocked confusion

bmbriefs

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I strangely want this phone despite it's midrange specs and comparatively high price. I like its size combined with its premium finish and reasonable price- also the quick charge 3.0 is nice.

I've read on android central that there will be two different unlocked versions- one that is compatible with AT&T/TMobile/Verizon (after update) and another that is compatible with Sprint. I'm using a Sprint MVNO so I've got some interest in the sprint version but can't find the unlocked version anywhere for Sprint. I wish they would just have followed the Nexus/Moto X Pure model and made one unlocked phone that could work on any carrier.

Anyone see information about getting an unlocked Sprint version somewhere?
 

IAmSixNine

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The Sprint version will have a CDMA chipset in it as well as LTE.
The unlocked one for AT&T, TMO, Verizon is a GSM / LTE only version.
I went to the HTC site and i see options for Unlocked, AT&T, TMO and Sprint.
The Unlocked has an * by it stating its compatible with AT&T and TMO.
Maybe they meant 2 different versions, Sprint and Unlocked perhaps?

I strangely like this phone to. It reminds me of the One S. That was my first phone when i joined T-Mobile and i really really liked it. I think it being thinner / sleeker with an AMOLED screen is whats making me want it.
I do hope they come out with an AMOLED display version with front facing speakers.
 

SharkyNY

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As of right now the unlocked A9 is only compatible with Att and Tmobile. Compatibility with Verizon is rumored to come from a software update that will enable its compatability despite lacking CDMA bands. It will work on Verizon's LTE network for both voice and data.
 

anon(470989)

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It really is confusing. I made a post in another thread about this as well. I am on T Mobile, and since I am on T Mobile, it seems I have two choices, unlocked or the T Mobile one. But according to the fine print, the unlocked works on T Mobile anyhow. From what a user said to me, the unlocked is the way to go since updates would be delivered sooner. What would be the point to choosing the T Mobile version?
 

IAmSixNine

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many times its a software difference.
So the unlocked may have less software or carrier bloat. If they make one for TMO they may have the wifi calling and other software enhancements. Just my guess.
 

benny3

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It really is confusing. I made a post in another thread about this as well. I am on T Mobile, and since I am on T Mobile, it seems I have two choices, unlocked or the T Mobile one. But according to the fine print, the unlocked works on T Mobile anyhow. From what a user said to me, the unlocked is the way to go since updates would be delivered sooner. What would be the point to choosing the T Mobile version?

You would be better off going with the unlocked version as it's not locked to any one carrier. So if you wanted to switch carriers you wouldn't need to rely on the carrier to unlock it for you and you can put any GSM sim card in it. The TMobile phone will be carrier branded and come with their bloat.
 

Jon_Doh

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You would be better off going with the unlocked version as it's not locked to any one carrier. So if you wanted to switch carriers you wouldn't need to rely on the carrier to unlock it for you and you can put any GSM sim card in it. The TMobile phone will be carrier branded and come with their bloat.

Plus the unlocked versions get the fast Android updates. Carrier versions don't.
 

benny3

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Plus the unlocked versions get the fast Android updates. Carrier versions don't.

Yeah the international versions do, I'm on sprint and we get them pretty quick. Verion is always last and lag way behind..lol But then again i belong to HTC preview program and i get early releases to test sometimes software sometimes a device which ever needs testing at the time.
 

sumner929

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Got mine in the mail, and tried to activate it on verizon by popping my sim into it, but didn't work. Should I return it or just keep it and wait until December when VZW says it'll work.
 

Jon_Doh

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Got mine in the mail, and tried to activate it on verizon by popping my sim into it, but didn't work. Should I return it or just keep it and wait until December when VZW says it'll work.

If you look at news this past week the December deadline has been pushed back indefinitely. If you want to remain on Verizon then you're taking a big risk holding onto the phone because you only have a 30 day trial. My advice: either switch to a compatible carrier (AT&T or T-Mobile) or return the phone. It's a big gamble waiting for Verizon compatibility.
 

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