Just how big a revolution is the contract-free iPhone 5 through T-Mobile?
It's too early to know, especially since the phone doesn't go on sale until April. But several tech websites have broken down the T-Mobile version of the iPhone and what that means for consumers. Here's a roundup on some thoughts about the latest in the cell phone wars.
From ValueWalk.com: The T-Mobile iPhone has a backup network on HSPA+ 42. So if a person using the T-Mobile iPhone 5 leaves the range of the 4G LTE network, they'll get moved over to that one. It also supports HD voice, which ValueWalk said "enhances the quality of phone calls and reduces background noise." But the website pointed out a downside, which is the T-Mobile phone won't have the option of making phone calls over Wi-Fi, a function that helps users on how many cell phone minutes they use. However, the feature could return in the future.
From Enstars.com: T-Mobile CEO John Legere talked a lot in announcing the move away from contracts as a good thing for consumers. He was quoted as saying the cell phone industry is "filled with ridiculously confusing contracts, limits on how much data you can use or when you can upgrade, and monthly bills that make little sense." He also said other companies needed to "stop the bullshit."
From CNet.com: FaceTime addicts might want to consider the switch to T-Mobile. The pre-paid and no-contract setup means people with unlimited data plans on T-Mobile can use lots of FaceTime.
For those of you not paying attention, this has been a busy week for T-Mobile and the iPhone5. First, new broke that T-Mobile was getting rid of cell phone contracts. The next day, T-Mobile announced it was getting the iPhone 5, meaning all the major cell phone carriers in the United States now offer the Apple phone. The combination of the two announcements also means that iPhone fans now can get a recent version of the iPhone without committing to a two-year contract, which is still required at the other three major cell phone service providers in the United States: Verizon Wireless, At&T and Sprint.
