By When Google announced the Nexus 4 and the mobile data-enabled 32GB Nexus 7 we assumed GSM carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T would only be supported through the Google Play Store, but it looks like the former will actually carry this as if it were a normal device. T-Mobile is going to be offering the Nexus 4 starting November 14th for $200 after signing a new two-year contract.
The carrier doesn’t mention which storage configuration this pricing is for, but we’ve pinged them to find out. For now, it’s best to set your expectations for the 8GB version to avoid disappointment until we can find out more info. T-Mobile is also offering the device on its value plans, which means you’ll pay a $200 month down payment on the full price of the phone with $20 installments each month for 20 months after that.
Doing a bit of math that comes out to about $600 for the device overall, a far cry from the $300-350 Google is asking for. We’re not sure what compelled T-Mobile to price this thing significantly higher than the Google Play version.
The upfront cost is cheaper, sure, but at the end of the day you’re paying a lot more than you should. This means either T-Mobile drove the MSRP up or Google simply is willing to sell the device at a loss, something we’ve seen the company do with the Nexus 7 and recent price drops to the Galaxy Nexus. We’d venture to guess T-Mobile’s pricing is closest to MSRP, though, and if they had to buy these at full resale then it’s no wonder they are going to ask for that much.
Oh, and just in case you were wondering — T-Mobile’s press shot didn’t have any carrier branding on the front, but we’ll have to wait for back shots to see if it’s sporting any unwanted tattoos.
In related news, T-Mobile will offer plans for the new data-enabled 32GB Nexus 7. Our press release states it will be offered via the Google Play Store with T-Mobile service, so it sounds like you might be able to buy the device at the price point Google wants to offer it for without signing a contract. Data will likely be charged on a month-to-month basis at that point, but until the plans go live in the Play Store it’s tough to say for sure.
We’ll be seeking more details from magenta, but let us know how you feel about the pricing of the Nexus 4 compared to what Google’s offering in the Play Store. Just hit the comments section below! PS: you can sign up to be notified about its T-Mobile arrival at this link.
[Update]: we’ve confirmed that it’s the 16GB version of the Nexus 4. You might also want to know that T-Mobile’s version supports HSPA+ 42mbps, while the Google Play Store offering goes up to 21mbps.
Smartphone Powerhouses, Exclusive Gaming Experiences and Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data – All for T-Mobile Customers This Holiday
T-Mobile brings amazing 4G experiences to consumers this holiday with Windows Phone 8, Android smartphones and exclusive gaming services
BELLEVUE, Wash. — Oct. 29, 2012 — Continuing to deliver on choice, value and amazing 4G experiences this holiday, T-Mobile USA, Inc. today unveiled its full lineup of smartphones, tablets and innovative services for the upcoming season. Featuring the latest cutting-edge products and services, T-Mobile’s portfolio offers the newest Windows Phone 8 devices, including the Nokia Lumia 810 and the Windows Phone 8X by HTC; the Google Nexus 4 with T-Mobile as a premier launch partner; and the Samsung Galaxy Note II featuring premium gaming experiences from world-class partners such as EA and MOGA™. Combined with T-Mobile’s Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan, T-Mobile’s portfolio is providing its customers with the devices, innovative services and 4G experiences they desire this holiday.
“At T-Mobile, we recognize that consumers want to choose the device that best fits their lifestyle. Whether they are new to the smartphone market, love entertainment and movies, or enjoy playing games on their device, T-Mobile’s product lineup provides the latest, cutting-edge products to choose from,” said Brad Duea, senior vice president, product management, T-Mobile USA. “When you combine these products with our innovative applications, exclusive gaming partnerships and a truly Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan, our customers have the best choice and value in the industry for their wireless service.”
Windows Phone 8
T-Mobile will have two Windows Phone 8 devices – the Nokia Lumia 810 and the Windows Phone 8X by HTC.
The Nokia Lumia 810 is an exclusive to T-Mobile and offers access to T-Mobile’s fastest 4G network (HSPA+42), an enhanced camera with Carl Zeiss optics for crisp photographs, impactful design, integrated wireless charging via swappable back covers, navigation features and high-performance – all in a simple silhouette.
With the Lumia 810, users can capture, share and relive life’s moments with new camera features such as Cinemagraph, a lens that creates animated GIFs, as well as panorama settings and Group Shoot, which allows the customer to choose the best faces and smiles from a burst of photos and stitch them together to produce the perfect group shot.
The Windows Phone 8X by HTC is a premium Windows Phone 8 device that packs a punch with a beautiful 4.3-inch HD-resolution super LCD 2 screen, a powerful dual-core processor and fast speeds running on T-Mobile’s HSPA+42 network. Customers will enjoy the feel of the pure unibody design in California Blue, access to Windows Phone’s Live Tiles, immersive studio-quality sound with Beats Audio™ and incredible camera capabilities of the Windows Phone 8X by HTC.
Both devices are powered by the new Windows Phone 8 operating system, making it easy for users to personalize their device and experiences and always stay connected to friends and family. Taking advantage of the only truly Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan, on a nationwide 4G network, T-Mobile customers will see a superior value with T-Mobile’s lineup of Windows Phone 8 devices.
Latest Android™ Devices
T-Mobile will continue its history of providing customers with the best Android devices available, including two of the newest options: the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7.
The Nexus 4 is the latest device in the Google Nexus lineup, and T-Mobile will be the premier U.S. launch partner.With cutting-edge hardware designed collaboratively by LG and Google, favorite Google Apps, and the latest version of Android, Nexus 4 puts the best of Google in the palm of a customer’s hand. And, with access to T-Mobile’s fastest 4G (HSPA+42) network, T-Mobile is again giving its customers the best choice of devices. Nexus 4 comes with a high-performance 8MP camera and takes stunning Photo Sphere images to capture every detail of the world. The all-new camera lets customers quickly view and edit photos with powerful new tools, and share favorite shots in a snap. When combined with T-Mobile’s Value plans or T-Mobile’s Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan, the Nexus 4 gives consumers a top-notch Android experience.
With a stunning 7-inch display, powerful quad-core processor and all-day battery life, Nexus 7 was built to bring the best of Google in a slim, portable device. With a vibrant, 1280×800 high-resolution display, Nexus 7 brings apps, games, books and movies to life in stunning clarity. Over 1 million pixels in your hand means text is sharper, HD movies are more vivid and gameplay is smooth and dynamic. All of this is protected under scratch-resistant Corning™ Gorilla Glass and designed for the whole family to pass around and enjoy. Nexus 7 was built by ASUS and comes with a NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core processor so everything is faster: Pages load quickly, gameplay is smooth and responsive, and running multiple apps is a breeze.
T-Mobile also recently announced the Samsung Galaxy Note II, giving customers a powerful all-in-one device with a 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED® screen and a speedy 1.6 GHz quad-core, Samsung Exynos processor that are perfect for gaming, productivity, entertainment and more.
For the value-conscious shopper, T-Mobile will offer the LG Optimus L9. Featuring a gorgeous 4.5-inch qHD Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2 display and equipped with a long-lasting 2150 mAh battery, users can listen to music, explore the Internet or chat with friends and family for hours with just one charge.
Further, T-Mobile will continue to offer the Samsung Galaxy S® III and Samsung Galaxy S® Relay™ 4G, rounding out a complete portfolio of powerful Android smartphones.
Innovative Gaming Experiences
Only T-Mobile provides its customers with access to the most innovative and compelling gaming experiences made possible with the exclusive content, devices and accessories gamers want paired with T-Mobile’s Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan. T-Mobile customers now can realize truly unlimited 4G gaming experiences — without having to worry about surprise bills or overage fees.
T-Mobile will be the first U.S. carrier to preload EA’s Need For Speed™ Most Wanted game on the Galaxy Note II, including four free events. In addition, this T-Mobile exclusive version of the Need for Speed™ Most Wantedgame on the Galaxy Note II will be optimized to interact with a MOGA™ mobile gaming system, bringing an immersive, console-quality gaming experience to the palms of T-Mobile customers’ hands.
Further, T-Mobile will offer a new social gaming destination which will directly connect customers to Zynga games right from their device’s homescreen. The Zynga games destination will feature With Friends games, is preloaded on the Samsung Galaxy Note II and LG Optimus L9, and will be accessible via the Bonus Apps widget on several other Android devices this month.
The Best Entertainment Value
T-Mobile is bringing innovative entertainment applications and services to its holiday devices. The Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II enable T-Mobile customers to bring their entertainment to the big screen by wirelessly sharing content, such as games, movies and TV shows on their smartphone, to any HDMI-capable TV via the AllShare Cast feature and AllShare Cast Wireless Hub accessory.
Additionally, only at T-Mobile, new and existing owners of the Samsung Galaxy S III will receive “Marvel’s The Avengers” – the number 1 movie of the year and 3rd biggest release of all time – as a virtual preload, available for download in the Samsung Media Hub. Taking advantage of T-Mobile’s Unlimited Nationwide 4G Data plan, customers can download unlimited video content, such as “Marvel’s The Avengers,” on our nationwide 4G network without having to worry about data caps, speed limits or overages.
T-Mobile is also excited to partner with Samsung to deliver the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, a high-powered, premium entertainment device. Running Android 4.0 and powered by a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor with access to T-Mobile’s fast 4G (HSPA+ 42) network, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is the ideal device for customers who want to stay connected and entertained wherever and whenever.
Pricing and Availability
Information about devices and services can be found at the embedded links below or www.T-Mobile.com. Full pricing and availability information is expected as follows:
- · Windows Phone 8
§ Expected to be available on 11/14
§ Value Plan: $99.99 down payment after a $50 mail-in rebate card and 20 equal payments of $20 per month with a two year service agreement on qualifying voice and data plans.
§ Classic Plan: $149.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card and with a two-year service agreement on qualifying voice and data plans
§ Expected to be available on 11/14
§ Value Plan: $149.99 down payment after a $50 mail-in rebate card and 20 equal payments of $20 per month with a two year service agreement on qualifying voice and data plans
§ Classic Plan: $199.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card and with a two-year service agreement on qualifying voice and data plans
- · Android
§ Available via Google Play on 10/29 and in select T-Mobile retail stores and online starting 11/14
§ Value Plan: $199.99 out of pocket down payment and 20 equal payments of $20 per month with a two year service agreement on qualifying voice and data plans
§ Classic Plan: $199.99 with a two-year service agreement on qualifying voice and data plans
o Google Nexus 7:
§ Available with T-Mobile service via Google Play starting 11/5
§ Currently available online and in retail stores
§ Value Plan: $249.99 out of pocket down payment and 20 equal payments of $20 per month with a two year service agreement on qualifying voice and data plans
§ Classic Plan: $369.99 with a two-year service agreement on qualifying voice and data plans
§ Expected to be available online and in retail stores starting 10/31
§ Value Plan: $49.99 out of pocket down payment and 20 equal payments of $15 per month with a two year service agreement on qualifying voice and data plans
§ Classic Plan: $79.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card with a two-year service agreement on qualifying voice and data plans
§ Expected to be available starting 11/14 online and in retail stores
§ Value Mobile Broadband Plan: $199.99 out of pocket down payment and 20 equal payments of $15 per month with a two year service agreement on qualifying voice and data plans
§ Classic Plan: $349.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate card with a two year service agreement on qualifying mobile broadband data plans
§ Currently available online and in retail stores. For more information, visit: http://galaxy-s.t-mobile.com/
samsung-galaxy-s3
- · Accessories
o The AllShare Cast Wireless Hub accessory is currently available in T-Mobile retail stores and at www.T-Mobile.com for $99.99.
o The MOGA™ Mobile Gaming System will be available at www.T-Mobile.com on 10/31 for $49.99 and will be in select T-Mobile retail stores on 11/14.
where does it say the price it could be $200 and $5/ month and equal out to the Google price for the gs3 i put $200 and $15/ month i don’t see them charging more than the gs3
In T-Mobile’s press release. They specifically mention $20 installments for 20 months after a $200 down payment
you should clarify that better in the article, the $20 installments are for people not on contract..
Incorrect. Value plans do have an initial 2 year contract. So correct statement is “the $20 installments are for people on a value plan” :)
You are partially correct, Value Plans only have a contract if you use EIP otherwise you are free.
I thought I did that by stating “T-Mobile is also offering the device on its value plans, which means you’ll pay a $200 month down payment on the full price of the phone with $20 installments each month for 20 months after that.” I figured T-Mobile customers knew what a value plan was and that there is still a two-year agreement to adhere to, different from the two-year contract that goes based on ETFs and not monthly installments.
Why are value plan customers being charged $600 for a 350 phone o_O?
Who does TMo think they are? Fingerhut? Lol
oversight i’m sure
From Google’s Blog:”The 16GB version will also be available through T-Mobile for $199″ $150 isn’t much of a subsidy, but for people who are going to be on a contract anyway, it’s better than nothing.
Well for those getting it on-contract (and anticipating staying with T-mobile service for the life of the contract) you could say it’s not bad. But those on value plans are not getting a good deal at all, sadly.
I agree with you 100%. I do believe if it is the 16gb version it is kinda a rip of. now if it is the 32gb option and with the upgraded antenna (and maybe wifi calling) it will be worth the 400 Edit: and better customer service.
I just used carrier upgrades for Galaxy Note 2’s. I’ll flip them and get two Nexus 4’s for no out of pocket. That’s the plan anyway….
So I’m guessing no lte version of the Nexus 4. That really sucks I was hoping for an lte version AT&T.
thats that bullshit hustle they try….
Sigh, please drop a LTE version on sprint, follow the trend u set with the nexus S 4G and Galaxy Nexus LTE…
That’ll be up to Verizon and Sprint to decide. Google has already had to wrestle with them over everything(Verizon being the worst offender), I doubt they’re real eager to put up with the headaches again.
It might be just me… but i will pay 600 if t-mobile gives me a 32GB version of Nexus 4….Verizon did the g nex 32gb… i just hope t-mobile does it…
i’d agree partially except i’d pay no more than $500 considering that’s already a $150 premium over the 16GB version.
The only reason I would choose the T-Mobile version is for the HSPA+42. The Nexus 4 from the Play store is HSPA+21.
and wifi calling :) good for free calling from oversees
I’m pretty sure you will be able to yank the wifi calling out of the TMo version and fit it into the International version. It’s just some kineto drivers and the apk.
Do you know how to do that? or where there is a guide to extract these two? I have been looking on xda and other sites. No luck.
Wifi-Calling quality is horrid. The transference from wifi to 4g when you are leaving the area drops your call
With my Galaxy S3 it is really good. and i don’t drop calls or even realize a transition when i switch between wifi and cell. On older Models i do know the quality was not the best. But for a free product that allows you to make calls anywhere there is wifi (canada, china, bahamas are my examples) i won’t complain as long as it works enough :)
Good point.
what about dormant lte?!?!
Not confirmed to be in the T-Mobile Nexus 4, and judging by the most recent statements from Rubin I’m guessing it does not have dormant LTE radios
I doubt it but we can only wish
Give me a consistent 10-15mbps down and I’m happy.
The only disappointment here is I have to wait until the 13th to get this phone.
Same here, only reason I will be waiting for T-Mobile to release it. I hope they don’t do it too far past November 13th though =S
I suspect both phones will be identical meaning both phones will support HSPA+42. Usually the Nexus GSM phone is the same phone across the board.
Nope, not true anymore. The play store version is confirmed to be HSPA+ 42. Check on TmoNews.
yes indeed….. it’s on the official press release from big G
According to Google’s press release, the Play Store Nexus 4 does in fact have HSPA+ 42Mbps connectivity as well, it’s the Play Store specs that are incorrect.
the Nexus phone is only one phone……. its the same on the playStore as well as Tmo
and I think after the GNex on verizon and sprint branding fiasco… the TMo one will be the same as the playstore….. i’ll put my money on this
I’ll probably be getting this for $300 unlocked and put in my $50 / mo simple mobile SIM. I’m so done with crappy contracts.
It should be noted that unless you are already in a HSPA+42 city, I would just get the internal version. I’ve heard from several sources that TMo has shifted from upgrading HSPA+ to 42mbps at sites, to focusing on their LTE and AWS refarming efforts.
The real questions are “Who is handling the updates- Google or T-Mobile?” “What will be on the back of the phone? ‘T-Mobile’ or ‘NEXUS?’ ” AND “Will T-Mobile disable the wifi-hotspot on the Nexus since they now truly have unlimited data?”
This!!
Google, T-mo isn’t going to get in the way they are Pro Android and offered Android from when it was conceived in El Googs womb. T-mo isn’t going to do nothing to hinder this devices ability maybe just throw some my accounts apps and so on which isn’t much. It will Say Nexus as any other. They can’t really disable wifi-hotspot and won’t but if you don’t have a compatible plan they may sniff you out like a blood hound and tell you to SHTAP!(stop).
Hope it will be google in charge of getting the updates. Howevet still bummed that there isn’t LTE on board. Unless they are looking at battery conservation and that LTE is just another form of 4G connection and nothing special. Maybe o shouldn’t care about the fastest data conection and buy one. Or not.
T-mobile has never stood in the way of a Pure google experience to my knowledge. They even are the carriers with the LEAST bloatware on Nexus devices.
This is good I have an upgrade with T-Mo and where I live the service is pretty good so I’ll probably get the Nexus 4 instead of the Note 2
Note 2 will likely be better.
Hrm….Im guessing there isnt a way to get the Tmobile version on a prepaid plan? really want that HSPA+42 but id live with HSPA+21
Buy out of contract
Seen somewhere else that the 21 was a typo by google. It is the 42.
Soo unlocked version from Google has he same bands as the one from t-mo and its cheaper?
Not the exact same bands. T-Mobile supports HSPA+ 42mbps, while the Play Store version only has up to 21mbps.
Well its still compatible w/ t-mo is what I mean. but that aside, its the same?
Usually the Nexus GSM phone is the same across the board. I doubt LG makes one phone to support +21 and one to support +42.
How do you know if you’re on the value or classic plan?
Value plans pay full price for the device and usually are a bit cheaper for the monthly charge. I don’t normally check my acct online but I bet its in there as well.
I’m so stoked! It’s my birthday on the 13th! Woohoo! Best birthday everrrrrrrrrrrrr!
I really don’t see how this should affect anyone on T-Mobile. Why wouldn’t you just buy the device off-contract and use T-Mobile’s $30 or $50 Monthly 4g plan? That seems like the cheapest route by far.
I really can’t believe they would make a non DC-HSPA+ version just to kiss t-mo’s ass. I’m super disappointed in Google.
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what does this mean? “You might also want to know that T-Mobile’s version supports HSPA+ 42mbps, while the Google Play Store offering goes up to 21mbps” that makes no sense. how can 2 phones that are the same have different speeds?