Lumia 650 with T-Mobile and Reception

[svgtom]

I currently have the Lumia 635 running 8.1 with T-Mobile here in the U.S. and I'm thinking of buying an unlocked 650 from MS. One of my big issues with the 635 is that I get lousy to non-existent reception in the building where I work. I know though that the unlocked 650 doesn't use Band 12 and for that reason, I'm hesitant to get it. Would anyone know if the antenna placement on the 650 provides somewhat better reception than the 635? I'm debating if I should just go for the 650 or hold out to see what (if any) new Windows phones eventually turn up. Also, does anyone think that T-Mobile will carry the 650 at some point or is it going to remain exclusive to Cricket?

 

[libra89]

T-Mobile has no plans to carry the 650, it will probably remain exclusive to Cricket. I can't speak on how the reception might be, but be wary of the fact that the unlocked 650 at MS only supports one band of LTE from T-Mobile. Your best bet is to see if you can find an AT&T branded 640, and request an unlock code. You can check out the 640 forums on how to do that.

The Cricket branded 650 probably has better connectivity but finding an unlocked one is kind of like searching for a needle in a haystack.

 

[jcatx03]

Think the 650 in the Microsoft store (US) is dual sim and carries Band 2 & 4, just missing 12 for T-Mobile. Also, second the recommendation to get a AT&T 640 (and flash to T-Mobile) works great and gets B12. If you update to Win10, you will lose wifi calling though.

 

[svgtom]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, T-Mobile does use bands 2 and 4. Other than having band 12 and price, are there any other advantages to getting the 640 over the 650?

 

[patcherd]

The 650 came with windows 10 so it should get updates for quite awhile.

I have the 650 and am on T-MOBILE and the phones reception is fine.

The advantage the 640 has over the 650 is double tap to wake and compass apps . The 650 has a slimmer design with a quality metal band. Very lightweight.

 

[Bob Hanson]

Having Band 12 is a very big advantage for 640 over 650 if you are using T-Mobile and your area supports Band 12 coverage.