- Oct 1, 2014
- 13
- 0
- 0
What's happening guys?
I'm a huge tech nerd (work as a SysAdmin by trade) and huge Windows Phone advocate. I know my Windows Phone options very well but I'm stumped on making a shopping decision this Christmas. Right now, I've got the whole family on T-Mobile/MetroPCS on 3 Lumia 521s and I'm thinking it's time to upgrade them to new phones for Christmas. I'm a Lumia 925 user, so I think I'm going to stand pat for the next high-end Lumia phone. Unfortunately, the Windows Phone landscape is kind of a mess at the moment.
Here's my preferences:
1) Preferably cheaper handsets since I'm buying 3 handsets at full price (since the 535, 735, and 830 aren't options for T-Mo USA, all that's left is cheap options, anyway)
2) I have a T-Mobile Cellspot, so Wi-Fi calling devices would be preferred because the new area of Phoenix I just moved to doesn't have 5 bar coverage everywhere like NJ did (coverage was flawless in NJ, it's a little more moderate here outside of Phoenix. Still get LTE and 4G in most areas though.
3) Speaking of coverage, T-Mo LTE compatible devices are preferred because they're future-proof, obviously, and that may help make the signal better here in the Phoenix area.
I expect these to be midrange handsets. They're for middle aged relatives of mine who aren't really "App crazy" like the younger generations. They've loved their Lumia 521s and I trust Nokia, so I've been eyeing the Lumia 635. Only downside is the lack of RAM and no FFC make it almost seem like a lateral move from the 521. Essentially, it's a 521 with ClearBlack and LTE, which are welcomed editions but maybe not substantial enough to fork out $200 for existing, working phones.
The deal at the Microsoft Store has me thinking about taking a chance on the Blu Win HD 5 (There's two MS Stores in my area). But with that, I'd be giving up Wi-Fi Calling and it has no LTE on T-Mobile. I'm also unsure of Blu's antennae/reception quality (I know Nokia is rock solid in that category), Blu's Support (in case of Warranty stuff or potential Win10 upgrade hopes). Also, is the Snapdragon 200 an improvement over the Lumia 521's Snapdragon S4? The Lumia is perfectly fine but a performance upgrade wouldn't hurt.
I know this is a loaded question with no exact answer but any insight from other T-Mobile WP phone customers or people with the Lumia 635 or Blu Win HD phones could be a huge help in making a decision. Maybe the only way I'll find out is buying them and seeing if the lack of LTE and Wi-Fi Calling are really as substantial as I think they are.
Thanks in advance!
I'm a huge tech nerd (work as a SysAdmin by trade) and huge Windows Phone advocate. I know my Windows Phone options very well but I'm stumped on making a shopping decision this Christmas. Right now, I've got the whole family on T-Mobile/MetroPCS on 3 Lumia 521s and I'm thinking it's time to upgrade them to new phones for Christmas. I'm a Lumia 925 user, so I think I'm going to stand pat for the next high-end Lumia phone. Unfortunately, the Windows Phone landscape is kind of a mess at the moment.
Here's my preferences:
1) Preferably cheaper handsets since I'm buying 3 handsets at full price (since the 535, 735, and 830 aren't options for T-Mo USA, all that's left is cheap options, anyway)
2) I have a T-Mobile Cellspot, so Wi-Fi calling devices would be preferred because the new area of Phoenix I just moved to doesn't have 5 bar coverage everywhere like NJ did (coverage was flawless in NJ, it's a little more moderate here outside of Phoenix. Still get LTE and 4G in most areas though.
3) Speaking of coverage, T-Mo LTE compatible devices are preferred because they're future-proof, obviously, and that may help make the signal better here in the Phoenix area.
I expect these to be midrange handsets. They're for middle aged relatives of mine who aren't really "App crazy" like the younger generations. They've loved their Lumia 521s and I trust Nokia, so I've been eyeing the Lumia 635. Only downside is the lack of RAM and no FFC make it almost seem like a lateral move from the 521. Essentially, it's a 521 with ClearBlack and LTE, which are welcomed editions but maybe not substantial enough to fork out $200 for existing, working phones.
The deal at the Microsoft Store has me thinking about taking a chance on the Blu Win HD 5 (There's two MS Stores in my area). But with that, I'd be giving up Wi-Fi Calling and it has no LTE on T-Mobile. I'm also unsure of Blu's antennae/reception quality (I know Nokia is rock solid in that category), Blu's Support (in case of Warranty stuff or potential Win10 upgrade hopes). Also, is the Snapdragon 200 an improvement over the Lumia 521's Snapdragon S4? The Lumia is perfectly fine but a performance upgrade wouldn't hurt.
I know this is a loaded question with no exact answer but any insight from other T-Mobile WP phone customers or people with the Lumia 635 or Blu Win HD phones could be a huge help in making a decision. Maybe the only way I'll find out is buying them and seeing if the lack of LTE and Wi-Fi Calling are really as substantial as I think they are.
Thanks in advance!
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