T-Mobile drives the price up on Nexus 4; offering Nexus 7 plans
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.