[DLong4]

Ha! I almost called the store to complain about the 'missing' err, HIDDEN charger!

[RumoredNow]

WooHoo! Picked up mine yesterday at their store. Haven't figured out the VR interface yet but it wasn't that big of a draw for me anyway. The phone is nice and crisp. I made the mistake of entering the Fast ring to 15031.0 (no Bluetooth in that build), and had to wipe the device back to 14393.693.

I ordered the Qmadix Liquid Glass as was reviewed by RumoredNow:

http://forums.windowscentral.com/win...get-naked.html

Welcome to Idol 4S.

I had some issues getting the VR setup complete. It took eventually. Now it is great just popping the phone into the headset and going to launcher. FWIW, if you go Insider, maybe just use Release Ring if it is your daily driver...

About that Liquid Glass... I'm still thrilled and still not seeing fingerprints. I hope you love it as much as I do.

[beto molina]

Lucky lucky. I spend a good bit of time today with T-Mob both on the phone and in text chat on their web site all to no avail. No discount for me. That makes me want to switch carriers.

[anon(50597)]

Lucky lucky. I spend a good bit of time today with T-Mob both on the phone and in text chat on their web site all to no avail. No discount for me. That makes me want to switch carriers.

Call back and talk to someone different. Sometimes that makes all the difference.

Sent from my Alcatel Idol 4S

[HoosierDaddy]

I don't want to be a chicken little but I'm seeing hints that the $288 price is misleading. There are signs you may be required to start or change to an unlimited plan to buy the phone. If you try to buy one on-line, it automatically adds the ONE plan to the cart. People buying over the phone report similar results. As an existing customer, I was able to buy one over the phone to replace a phone on one of our lines but others have been told they can't do that (without changing plans).

If true, that's pretty shady IMO.

[nate0]

I don't want to be a chicken little but I'm seeing hints that the $288 price is misleading. There are signs you may be required to start or change to an unlimited plan to buy the phone. If you try to buy one on-line, it automatically adds the ONE plan to the cart. People buying over the phone report similar results. As an existing customer, I was able to buy one over the phone to replace a phone on one of our lines but others have been told they can't do that.

If true, that's pretty shady IMO.

T-MO going for a dbl whammy there...

[DLong4]

I don't want to be a chicken little but I'm seeing hints that the $288 price is misleading. There are signs you may be required to start or change to an unlimited plan to buy the phone. If you try to buy one on-line, it automatically adds the ONE plan to the cart. People buying over the phone report similar results. As an existing customer, I was able to buy one over the phone to replace a phone on one of our lines but others have been told they can't do that.

If true, that's pretty shady IMO.

My experience inside the brick and mortar store was straightforward. The plan had not been changed in my case.

[TunedM52]

So I impulsely purchased an Idol 4S today. Gf needed to get her iPhone exchanged at the T-Mobile store. While waiting I saw the Idol 4S. I didn't need a replacement phone, perfectly happy with my 950. But it just called to me, I needed to have it as it might be one of the last windows phone ever, and it's on sale for so cheap.

In the end, we walked out the store with two phones. Used her account to buy the phone without having to buy a plan!

I'm loving the 4S so far. It's BLAZING fast compared to my 950, and even my 950XL. The fit and finish are top notch, what the 950s should have been. The metal and glass feels like a truly premium product.

Unfortunately for me, I can't use it for ~40 days. T-Mobile's policy on unlocks and I'm on AT&T. Gonna have to wait till then until I can use this gem of a device!

I really wish it had wireless charging and NFC. I've been so spoiled with wireless charging, plugging in my 950 once in a blue moon, usually for data transfer and USB OTG for flash drives. Really disappointed I can't use Wallet either. Been using NFC payment everywhere, i'd estimate 75% of all the places i shop have NFC readers. These two points really disappoint me however I'll learn to live past it. Also, the camera is TERRIBLE. Guess I was spoiled with the Lumia camera's, even my old iPhone 6 takes better photos. At least there is a dedicated camera button!

Also, I was afraid of the lower res compared to the 950, 1080p vs 1440p. But I'm happy to report that 1080p at this screen size is perfect, 1440p is unnecessary in most cases and wastes processing power. UNLESS, its for VR, which this phone desperately needs. The VR experience is great, but the screen is too low-res. Weirdly, this is where the 950/950XL shine. Watching the same YouTube video with my 950 and google cardboard and the 4S with its dedicated VR unit, the image on the 950 was SO much more crisp.

So far, I'm very happy with this impulse purchase. Glad to own a phone that feels premium again, and on my favorite OS nonetheless. I was most likely going to get a Galaxy S8 when it releases, but then 4S solves most of the problems I had with my 950, mainly the speed, the 820 chip is a screamer compared to the 808/810. Glad to know I'll be dedicated to this platform for at least another year. As long as updates are being pushed out, I'm a happy camper on WP, especially now with the 4S.

[HoosierDaddy]

My experience inside the brick and mortar store was straightforward. The plan had not been changed in my case.

Thanks, can you post when that was? And was it a corporate or franchised store (if you know)? Also, you weren't already on a ONE plan, right?

[MrockNroll]

Iam an existing T-Mobile simple choice plan 10 year customer, and had no problem buying mine at the T-Mobile store. they didn't try to change my plan however they did charge me the 20$ fee to set up & change my sim card. but I get the sales tax refunded online in a gift card, so a win there.

[RumoredNow]

Also, the camera is TERRIBLE.

Ran all the updates for OS and Apps? The camera has seen a lot of improvement vs device release.

[fatclue_98]

Thanks, can you post when that was? And was it a corporate or franchised store (if you know)? Also, you weren't already on a ONE plan, right?

I'm on the older Simple Choice plan and I picked one up with no questions asked. I think there's some confusion with an offer to reduce by $32 but that's a plan offer and it's on every phone you click on.

Sent from Alcatel Idol 4S with Windows via mTalk

[Eric J F]

Slightly off topic:

I just changed my T-Mobile (US) plan to the new One plan with unlimited data for two lines for $100. My Simple Choice plan was only $6 less but capped at 2Gb. It's also got a better WiFi Hotspot limit. The website says limited time offer, though I'd be surprised if that's true.

[nate0]

Slightly off topic:

I just changed my T-Mobile (US) plan to the new One plan with unlimited data for two lines for $100. My Simple Choice plan was only $6 less but capped at 2Gb. It's also got a better WiFi Hotspot limit. The website says limited time offer, though I'd be surprised if that's true.

I've contemplated moving to t-mobile several times over the years but the coverage in AZ has been spotty, except maybe until recently. Yet now ATT can interoperate with LTE band 12, so technically I have the best of both worlds. While on AT&T on an unlocked phone that can use those sets of bands should broaden the coverage. I still need to understand more on how that works and functions for me as a consumer and the device I use.

[editguy]

I've contemplated moving to t-mobile several times over the years but the coverage in AZ has been spotty, except maybe until recently. Yet now ATT can interoperate with LTE band 12, so technically I have the best of both worlds. While on AT&T on an unlocked phone that can use those sets of bands should broaden the coverage. I still need to understand more on how that works and functions for me as a consumer and the device I use.

Ce3ll coverage is funny. II go to a park that's about half a mile north of me I have excellent coverage. Before I got the Idol I thought about moving a travel trailer onto park property just to get good coverage. It's improved enough now with the Idol that I have sufficient coverage throughout the house.

[nate0]

I agree. I have 5 bars at my house on this phone all the time. Never had that even on the x3. My iPhones don't get that either. But it's hard to judge between a non-windows phone. The real test was just knowing compared to another w10m phone. Wonder what's different?

[Joe920]

Amazing deal, it even includes the VR headset ("while supplies last").

[Sedp23]

So I impulsely purchased an Idol 4S today. Gf needed to get her iPhone exchanged at the T-Mobile store. While waiting I saw the Idol 4S. I didn't need a replacement phone, perfectly happy with my 950. But it just called to me, I needed to have it as it might be one of the last windows phone ever, and it's on sale for so cheap.

In the end, we walked out the store with two phones. Used her account to buy the phone without having to buy a plan!

I'm loving the 4S so far. It's BLAZING fast compared to my 950, and even my 950XL. The fit and finish are top notch, what the 950s should have been. The metal and glass feels like a truly premium product.

Unfortunately for me, I can't use it for ~40 days. T-Mobile's policy on unlocks and I'm on AT&T. Gonna have to wait till then until I can use this gem of a device!

I really wish it had wireless charging and NFC. I've been so spoiled with wireless charging, plugging in my 950 once in a blue moon, usually for data transfer and USB OTG for flash drives. Really disappointed I can't use Wallet either. Been using NFC payment everywhere, i'd estimate 75% of all the places i shop have NFC readers. These two points really disappoint me however I'll learn to live past it. Also, the camera is TERRIBLE. Guess I was spoiled with the Lumia camera's, even my old iPhone 6 takes better photos. At least there is a dedicated camera button!

Also, I was afraid of the lower res compared to the 950, 1080p vs 1440p. But I'm happy to report that 1080p at this screen size is perfect, 1440p is unnecessary in most cases and wastes processing power. UNLESS, its for VR, which this phone desperately needs. The VR experience is great, but the screen is too low-res. Weirdly, this is where the 950/950XL shine. Watching the same YouTube video with my 950 and google cardboard and the 4S with its dedicated VR unit, the image on the 950 was SO much more crisp.

So far, I'm very happy with this impulse purchase. Glad to own a phone that feels premium again, and on my favorite OS nonetheless. I was most likely going to get a Galaxy S8 when it releases, but then 4S solves most of the problems I had with my 950, mainly the speed, the 820 chip is a screamer compared to the 808/810. Glad to know I'll be dedicated to this platform for at least another year. As long as updates are being pushed out, I'm a happy camper on WP, especially now with the 4S.

How's the battery vs your iPhone and 950?

Sent from Idol 4s

[Eric J F]

I've contemplated moving to t-mobile several times over the years but the coverage in AZ has been spotty, except maybe until recently. Yet now ATT can interoperate with LTE band 12, so technically I have the best of both worlds. While on AT&T on an unlocked phone that can use those sets of bands should broaden the coverage. I still need to understand more on how that works and functions for me as a consumer and the device I use.

Make sure you have good coverage in the places you need it before switching; best if you can 'borrow' someone's T-Mobile phone. We live in semi-rural Texas and though coverage is very good in and around our small town (and expanding rapidly), my friends who travel a lot outside the area still do better with AT&T. But then it's about twice the cost.

Also, my AT&T friends complain about the service and support, but I've never had a problem with T-Mobile and their reps are exceptionally helpful and professional.

Also note that T-Mobile loans you a free signal booster if your house or office needs it. We have a brick veneer house with a metal roof and though we're less than a mile from the nearest tower, the booster makes all the difference.

[fatclue_98]

How's the battery vs your iPhone and 950?

Sent from Idol 4s

I'll chime in with the Idol and iPhone. Honestly, the Idol is better. I have lower screen on time simply because of the tiles and opening attachments requires fewer steps for editing. I think Windows has better power optimization and the dark theme really helps with AMOLED displays.

[HoosierDaddy]

Unfortunately for me, I can't use it for ~40 days. T-Mobile's policy on unlocks

I read somewhere that the 40 days needs to be activated on T-Mobile. I don't know if that's true or even how they would know that. But if true, maybe you could put your wife's SIM in it to start the clock and put it back in at 40 days to make the request?

[DLong4]

Thanks, can you post when that was? And was it a corporate or franchised store (if you know)? Also, you weren't already on a ONE plan, right?

Yes, HooDad, the store was not a corporate store I was told, as they were eager for me leave a review. I was not on the One Plan when I purchased the phone on Tuesday, and am still not.

[editguy]

Make sure you have good coverage in the places you need it before switching; best if you can 'borrow' someone's T-Mobile phone. We live in semi-rural Texas and though coverage is very good in and around our small town (and expanding rapidly), my friends who travel a lot outside the area still do better with AT&T.

It's funny, but I've never had trouble when traveling. It's just switched me over to other providers that Tmo has deals with. The only places I have had trouble is in the middle of nowhere places that no one gets coverage.

[Sedp23]

It's funny, but I've never had trouble when traveling. It's just switched me over to other providers that Tmo has deals with. The only places I have had trouble is in the middle of nowhere places that no one gets coverage.

The coverage has gotten alot better I've had tmobile for 3 years driving from Chicago to Springfield I would lose signal passing through small towns i drove it this weekend again didn't lose any signal this weekend. Big improvement for me

Sent from Idol 4s

[RumoredNow]

The coverage has gotten alot better I've had tmobile for 3 years driving from Chicago to Springfield I would lose signal passing through small towns i drove it this weekend again didn't lose any signal this weekend. Big improvement for me

Yeah... It was that driving down major American highways and not having signal that killed T-Mo for me. That, and having to supply my own WiFi so I could make or receive calls in my house...