Tag: smartphones
T-Mobile Debuts Cheap Android Phones and Cheaper Data Plans
by Ranju Chaudhary on Nov.02, 2010, under Gadgets
If you’re on a budget but still want to give a loved one the gift of Android this holiday season, T-Mobile has you covered.
The wireless provider is offering a variety of AndroidAndroid
-powered smartphones priced at less than $100, plus some new data and tethering plans that promise not to break the bank.
The phones aren’t going to be as advanced as the T-Mobile G2 or the Samsung Galaxy S Vibrant, but the devices look perfect for a pre-teen, teen or someone who wants a smartphone but doesn’t need tons of power.
Starting November 3, T-Mobile will be offering the following devices for less than $100 with a qualifying rate plan and a two-year agreement:
- T-Mobile Comet – Compact phone with 528 MHz processor, 2.8-inch touch screen and 3.2-megapixel camera. This is also available for pre-paid customers for less than $200 and is T-Mobile’s least expensive 3G Android phone.
- LG Optimus T – 3.2-inch touch screen, 600 MHz processor and 3.2-megapixel camera.
- Motorola DEFY – Scratch and water resistant, 3.7-inch touch screen, 5-megapixel camera with video.
- Motorola CHARM – Features a QWERTY keyboard, 2.8-inch touch screen and a 3-megapixel camera.
New Data Plans
The phones are your run-of-the-mill pseudo smartphones, but the new data plan options are a bit more interesting.
T-Mobile will be offering low-cost data service plans for individuals and families. Here are the details:
- Web 200MB Plan – For $10 per month with a new two-year service agreement or contract extension, subscribers can add 200MB of web and data to their devices. For $15 per month, users can add 200MB to their plan without having to extend their contract.
- Web Unlimited – For $30 per month, users can add unlimited web and data to their accounts.
- Tethering and Wi-Fi Sharing Plan — T-Mobile will also be offering a new tethering and Wi-Fi sharing plan. This will let compatible smartphones act as mobile hot spots. This is $14.99 per month, in addition to the Web Unlimited $30 per month plan.
All data plans require a new or existing voice and text message plan.
While a $30 monthly rate for unlimited data is pretty standard, the $15 tethering add-on is pretty sweet.
This also underscores T-Mobile’s greater strategy shift, which focuses on value, especially for families. Earlier this fall T-Mobile partnered with Walmart to provide the backend for Walmart’s new Family Mobile offerings.
With AT&T and Verizon vying for high-end device supremacy (and customers), going after the value market isn’t a bad idea.
AT&T Raises Early Upgrade Fees
by Ranju Chaudhary on Oct.09, 2010, under Gadgets
If you’re an AT&T customer looking to upgrade your smartphone mid-contract, beware, your upgrade pricing options just got a lot more expensive.
As first noted by Boy Genius Report, AT&T has raised its smartphone early upgrade fee to $200 on top of the new two-year contract price. Before October 3, when the new policy went into effect, it was $75 to upgrade your smartphone before the 18-month mark in a two-year contract.
An internal AT&T store document said that the new policy, which does not affect the iPhone () or feature phones, is necessary because of the rising prices of smartphone devices.
Frankly, I’m impressed the early upgrade fee was ever as low as $75 for smartphones. As it stands, the $200 early upgrade fee will still end up costing you less than buying a phone without extending your contract, at least in most circumstances. AT&T used the BlackBerry Torch as an example; the phone, which is $199.99 with a two-year contract, is now $399.99 for customers who agree to early upgrades. The no-commitment price is $499.99, so a customer saves $100 so long as they don’t mind adding more time onto their contract.
Realistically, most consumers are probably fine keeping a phone — especially a smartphone — for 18 months, especially if that means they can upgrade to a new phone for less money. The policy really affects customers who lose a phone or for phones that break after the one-year manufacturer warranty period but before the 18-month mark.
AT&T is sure to be criticized for the new policy, but at least in the U.S., the company isn’t alone with its early upgrade practices. Early upgrade pricing has increased across the board with major carriers. Beyond that, early termination fees are on the rise too. AT&T raised its early-termination fee from $175 to $325 earlier this year. Verizon still “wins” (or loses, depending on how you look at it) that contest; the nation’s largest carrier charges $350 to terminate a contract for an “advanced device.”
While it’s easy to point to European tariff models that combine phone service and device fees into the monthly bill or that sell phones at unsubsidized pricing as a better model, the failure of the Nexus One shows that prospect isn’t necessarily compelling for U.S. consumers. Frankly, we’re not really sure of anyone in the world who is happy with the cost associated with buying or upgrading his or her cellphone. It’s an expensive process that has only become more expensive now that smart phones are essentially pocket computers.
Mashable (
) readers, how often do you upgrade your smartphone? Would a $200 early upgrade fee prevent you from getting a new device, or is it worth it to have the latest and greatest thing?
