Which Moto X?

Unobtanium

Well-known member
Mar 20, 2011
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I am considering buying a GSM Moto X (off contract) to test drive GSM carriers. I am currently on Verizon with the Droid Maxx and am very happy with the phone and the coverage. I am still on Unlimited data because I renewed my contract over the late September "glitch weekend."

I travel for work, mostly by car, in the SE U.S. I need reliable coverage in both urban and rural areas, but want options. I also figure if I stay with VZW, I can sell the X, or make it my kid's first phone on an MVNO.

The question is which "X"? Should I go for the GSM Developer Edition?

Posted from my XT1080M
 
DE if you plan to unlock the bootloader and want to keep your warranty. Otherwise go with the motomaker T-mobile version.
 
DE if you plan to unlock the bootloader and want to keep your warranty. Otherwise go with the motomaker T-mobile version.

Is the T-Mobile version also compatible with AT&T systems for LTE?

Posted from my XT1080M
 
Is the T-Mobile version also compatible with AT&T systems for LTE?

Posted from my XT1080M

On most bands, yes. You'd probably be better off just getting the AT&T version.

Sent from my Galaxy S4 running Slim Bean 4.3
 
The T-Mobile version is the same hardware as the DE, as well as sim unlocked. The big difference is you can customize it and that if you unlock the bootloader you forfeit your warranty. The AT&T version is sim locked and you cannot unlock the bootloader.

According to John Renaldi (Moto Employee) it has all the AT&T LTE bands. The only ones that are different are 05 and 07, anyone know if AT&T actually uses these?

https://plus.google.com/114874428605785658638/posts/fkFtiVpXyHi

While the TMO version does in fact have all the AT&T LTE bands (your AT&T SIM will work), the hardware itself does not contain all the same bands as the AT&T version. Our TMO version supports: LTE Band 02; LTE Band 04; LTE Band 17 and the AT&T version supports LTE Band 02; LTE Band 04; LTE Band 05; LTE Band 07; LTE Band 17

Eric, get the TMO Moto Maker version as it will work on AT&T bands. It is SIM unlocked so it will work with any nano SIM you put in it. However, the AT&T version is SIM locked so you will be limited bringing it to an MVNO.


EDIT: According to wikipedia AT&T does not use those bands, they are mostly used outside of North America.
 
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If you need to use Verizon, you should go with the Verizon version. All new Verizon phones are GSM unlocked by default, which mean if you put in T-Mobile or AT&T sim cards, they will work. However, the Verizon version only support LTE band for its own network. It do not have the LTE bands support for other carriers, so you will only get 3G max for AT&T, and for T-Mobile to get 3G you have to be in one of the location that have the new 1900mhz coverage.
 
If you need to use Verizon, you should go with the Verizon version. All new Verizon phones are GSM unlocked by default, which mean if you put in T-Mobile or AT&T sim cards, they will work. However, the Verizon version only support LTE band for its own network. It do not have the LTE bands support for other carriers, so you will only get 3G max for AT&T, and for T-Mobile to get 3G you have to be in one of the location that have the new 1900mhz coverage.

I think the point of trying out the phones was to see if he would change carriers. Seeing how well the LTE covers his area would be important for that...

Sent from my Galaxy S4 running Slim Bean 4.3
 
The other benefit of the T-Mobile version is quicker updates and it has HSPA+ support for T-Mobile areas that have not been refarmed.
 
I think the point of trying out the phones was to see if he would change carriers. Seeing how well the LTE covers his area would be important for that...

Sent from my Galaxy S4 running Slim Bean 4.3

Yes, exactly. Since I have a Droid Maxx, I could run a T-Mo or AT&T SIM in it. I want to compare apples systems to apples systems. (Shouldn't compare apples here <g>)
 
Get unlocked T-Mobile version. I'm using it with at&t Gophone prepaid service with LTE and hspa+ where there is no LTE. You will have so many choices between at&t, T-Mobile, and all the mvno services. There are always discounts available for refills on most prepaid services and you can avoid sales tax by buying online. Seacrest wireless is just one choice and eBay of course. Good luck!!

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