Verizon Questions for the GNex, coming from ATT.

[4ekbrandon]

4 - Like most here going 2yr contract, my options appear to be VZW & BB stores. Is there any benefit or advantage to either for me, coming from ATT (out of contract)?

Thanks very much... I searched first!

Last I checked:
BBY/VZW

30 day exchange, 14 day cancellation/14 day exchange, 14 day cancellation
No mail-in rebate/$100 MiR

$10 monthly service plan, does not cover lost and stolen, does cover cracks, breaks etc, no deductible, NEW phone in 14 days, refurb phone quicker/$5 or $7 monthly insurance, covers lost and stolen, no water damage, deductible up to $150, refurb phone only

Even if you buy the phone at bestbuy, you can add VZWs insurance, not the otherway around.
Bestbuy also has buyback based upon off-contract prices... so if you're going to upgrade very frequently, that might be something to consider.


Haven't checked in a while though.

 

[bbruin66]

1 - I have heard that you don't need to purchase a text bundle from VZW but can use free text allocation from Google or other sources. What do you do, and what are your pros & cons to report? VZW may charge about $5/mo for 250 texts.

2 - VZW Visual Voicemail is listed as an add-on per month at BB's site (just checking out details for general Sammy phones... no the GNex is not live on the site as i write this). Is this anything to consider, or something to pass on (I have a feeling I know the answer, but I'm totally new to Android, so gotta ask)?

3 - GVoice/Youmail... i had both on my iphone for a day each, but integration is poor at best, so i dropped both. Are these a full replacement for Visual Voicemail or whatever? I'm obviously confused on options as I try to plan my needs. I prefer good integration and ease of use... no major bells/whistles needed, although I'd consider anything if the price is right.

4 - Like most here going 2yr contract, my options appear to be VZW & BB stores. Is there any benefit or advantage to either for me, coming from ATT (out of contract)?

1. I'm not sure if the 250 Text bundle includes MMS. Last I know it didn't. I assume you are porting your number, otherwise you can text for free with Google Voice. (If you have to give out a new number, give out your GV number) You can have your GV number ring directly to your phones number, and call from it, but I think you have to use data/wifi for outgoing calls.

2. Use Google Voice for this for sure.

3. Again, highly recommend GV. You can at least use GV to take Voice Mails on your phone. This is the only part I use. It gives you a visual VM on the device so you can read it or listen to it on the GV app. You can have notifications sent to you by text message, email (or regular android notifications) and can even have GV track missed calls and send you notifications for those. (Miss a call it sends you an email)

4. I would say VZW because of the extended return policy for the Holidays (I usually buy online anyways so I can't give a great opinion here). I just tend to feel more competent that 90% of BB employees.

 

[bulvine420]

If you have grandfathered unlimited data dont move get a galaxy s2 or wait for a galaxy s 3.Otherwise switch while there is a 4gb data plan then pay the 35 dollar restock for the Nexus.

 

[bulvine420]

Last I checked:
BBY/VZW

30 day exchange, 14 day cancellation/14 day exchange, 14 day cancellation
No mail-in rebate/$100 MiR

$10 monthly service plan, does not cover lost and stolen, does cover cracks, breaks etc, no deductible, NEW phone in 14 days, refurb phone quicker/$5 or $7 monthly insurance, covers lost and stolen, no water damage, deductible up to $150, refurb phone only

Even if you buy the phone at bestbuy, you can add VZWs insurance, not the otherway around.
Bestbuy also has buyback based upon off-contract prices... so if you're going to upgrade very frequently, that might be something to consider.


Haven't checked in a while though.

i would go to costco if you have one in your area get the 50 dollar membership when you get the phone it will still be worth it.90 day return policy and no restocking fee.

 

[Wicell]

fair enough.
if AT&T had this phone, or another similar spec phone with untainted Android (ICS preferably, or a promise for a new year update to ICS), then i would stay with AT&T. the Nitro HD has made no such promises, although it may be clean and may get ICS. but an FCC application or approval for the GNex means nothing to me at this point. and some believe that FCC application may be for the Canadian market. also, some believe this VZW GNex will be one of very few phones this year with a pure untainted Android experience, and updates coming from Google.

i don't have problems with AT&T, but what's keeping me there? nothing. so, for my next phone, i'm most concerned with stuff not getting messed up by the carrier, whichever it is in the end. AT&T is behind the 8 ball to me, because i have not been tempted yet by press releases or leaks promising anything at all. until that happens and i see worth in AT&T's lineup, i'm going for the GNex even if i have to switch carriers to get it.

i'm now off contract with AT&T, so i can switch as easily as giving Verizon or Best Buy my acct # and saying GO. watcha think?

LG has stated which phones they will update to ICS, and I'm sure with the Nitro HD being it's best phone yet, I guarantee this will get ICS. Also the Samsung Skyrocket will get ICS, as will the Vivid(Taken with a grain of salt do to the sense factor). And as you know LG and Samsung phones are the easiest to root and put an AOSP ROM on.

I'd stick to AT&T and get one of them, you get a better camera to start with the Skyrocket (which will only get better with ICS or CM9) You have built in 16GB and you can get a 32GB MicroSDHC (SanDisk Class 4[preferred by XDA]) for about $38 on Amazon.com. That gives you the about 45 Usable GB's of on board storage, and there is always cloud services. Then you also have TouchWiz 4.0 which is basically a downgraded version of ICS. Did I mention the likelihood of LTE coming to your neighborhood?

The LG Nitro, not sure on specs cause it didn't really interest me. I know you have an HD screen, and now until March 2012, you can get 50GB of cloud storage for free with Box.net.

 

[zero.]

Wow I cant believe nobody mentioned the double the data promotion which is going on right now. You get 4GB for the price you would normally get 2 for.. Best time to switch which is why im considering it. You may use more data with LTE...

yes i'm aware of that, too, and it's just one more reason to hope the timing works out.

 

[Joe the Insider]

1. VZW will require that you get a data pack which is below, smart phones start at $30.00 for 2GB:

Data (For Basic Phones and Smartphones)

Includes web, email and any other Internet use.

Data Allowance Monthly Access Overage
Pay Per Use (For Basic Phones Only) $1.99/MB – Personal Email $5
75MB (For Basic Phones Only) $10 $10/75MB
2GB $30 $10/1GB -
5GB $50 $10/1GB
10GB $80 $10/1GB
4GB (Includes Mobile Hotspot) $50 $10/1GB
7GB (Includes Mobile Hotspot) $70 $10/1GB
12GB (Includes Mobile Hotspot) $100 $10/1GB

Now I thought messaging was included with the smartphone as I have unlimited and don't have a separate messaging plan, but don't see that on the website. Maybe someone else can confirm what it's like for new customers.

2. Yes, it's extra but Google Voice is free.

3. Google Voice is most likely better integrated on Android than it was on Iphone. I've never used an Iphone so I can't say for sure.

4. There are some people around here that have experience with both, I do not so I won't comment.

This is incorrect, since it's a 4g phone you get the double your data deal, so it's

4GB for $30
10GB for $50
20GB for $80

Also, Verizon offers a $20/300MB plan as well if you upgrade or start a new account.

The talk plans don't include texting and that is where you would add a small package...$10 for 1000 or $20 for 5000 or you could go to a talk and text which includes unlimited texting.

 

[soXratys]

Just a few quick responses on some of your concerns (My apologies in advance to all if some or all have already been addressed):

1. Verizon currently offering "Twice the Data, Same Low Price" on Data Paks for all 4G Smartphones (for a limited time only).
2. VVM is a $2.99 monthly feature; free for iPhone 4S activations (don't ask me whyyyyyy!!!?).
3. Text/Pic/MMS MSG $5.00 (250 msgs); $10.00 (500 msgs); other plans available.
4. Google Voice integration is smooth and natural on Android. However, do not link your GV # with your VZW #; Verizon's switch will recognize the voice call and you will be charged.
5. Returns or Excbanges for all smartphones (and maybe accessories, too) purchased during the Holiday Season are automatically extended and will be accepted through January 15.
6. Buy directly from Verizon Corporate Stores or Verizon Customer Service to avoid 3rd Party Reseller fees in case you change your mind. I once was with a friend who bought a phone at BBM; he changed his mind after signing the contract while still at the counter/register (bear in mind, we asked the BBM employee if there were any hidden fees, cancellation or otherwise, and were told that there were none) and when they processed the return they tried to charge a $35 cancellation fee. Besides, Verizon has the best Customer Service.

Hope it helps!! (And, no I don't work for VZW; subscriber since 2002!!)

 

[total_telecom]

If you want one for ATT STOP CRYING AND PONY UP. THE unlocked GSM verizon is available for about $600-$700..... But to be honest, verizon is a much better carrier than ATT AND THEIR NETWORK IS far SUPERIOR!

 

[Akasch]

I'm in the same situation. I've had the past three iPhones and was so disappointed with the 4S I'm switching to the Nexus. I'm a huge apple fanboy so this is a big switch! I'm planning on going with the 2gb plan and hoping for a root fix for tethering!

Ps I'm not sure if any one can answer this but I'm grandfathered to AT&T unlimited plan, if I buy an unlocked nexus will I keep my unlimited plan?? Thanks everyone! :-!

 

[Andrew Ruffolo]

I'm in the same situation. I've had the past three iPhones and was so disappointed with the 4S I'm switching to the Nexus. I'm a huge apple fanboy so this is a big switch! I'm planning on going with the 2gb plan and hoping for a root fix for tethering!

Ps I'm not sure if any one can answer this but I'm grandfathered to AT&T unlimited plan, if I buy an unlocked nexus will I keep my unlimited plan?? Thanks everyone! :-!

Yes, just swap out sim... the GSM model is a full size sim, so you could either buy an adapter for the microSIM to SIM or ask ATT if they can provide you with a full size sim.

 

[kra2y]

I only know about Best Buy from what I've read on these forums. My consensus is:

1) you usually get a longer window to exchange your phone with Best Buy, although Verizon has extended theirs from 15 days until 01/15 because of the Holidays.
2) Best Buy has been known to sell the phone at a higher price and not price match
3) Best Buy offers better Warranty Services

I think it's a preference and I don't know if all of that is fact, just stuff I remember reading throughout here as a lot of people have been bringing up Best Buy vs. Verizon direct.

2) not true. its best buy policy to price match when you buy the phone if there is a local place selling it for cheaper and even after you buy the item they match pricing for 30 days after the sale as well. so if it is cheaper 29 days later they will give you a refund for the differance.