using something other than a nexus on fi

monkey333

Senior member
Apr 20, 2007
785
5
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was thinking about buying a non sanctioned device to use on fi. It's appeal has grown now that it includes the us cell network.

i'm most interested in using sprint and us cell towers, not so concerned about tmobile. I thought the 2 were compatible so the switching should work, I'm guessing.

Hoping to get some insight, was thinking maybe an s7. I'm most interested in the cam quality.
 

Artdeco

Platinum Member
Mar 14, 2015
2,682
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I did a little searching, I'd strongly recommend just getting a nexus device, they have the radios, bands and software to make it as painless as possible.
 

paperwastage

Golden Member
May 25, 2010
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you need to activate the projectFi sim on an approved (nexus 5X/6P) device

from what I've seen, people only get t-mobile signal on non-sanctioned devices (so it sounds like tmobile is default, and the software/sim switches to US-Cellular/Sprint. unfortunately, doesnt' look like the networking-switching stuff works on non-nexus devices)

I doubt you can force it to use US-cellular/Sprint network, even if you put it in a US-cellular/sprint device. someone put their FI sim in a sprint iPhone 6 (which isn't supported on FI), can't lock onto Sprint (works on tmobile as expected)



nexus 6P camera is pretty good (maybe not the best, but among the top. disclosure: I own a 6P)
don't own 5X, but i heard it's similar/slightly inferior to 6P
 
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Red Storm

Lifer
Oct 2, 2005
14,233
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In a few months we'll have new Nexus phones. If you can wait that long, it will be worth it.
 

monkey333

Senior member
Apr 20, 2007
785
5
81
In a few months we'll have new Nexus phones. If you can wait that long, it will be worth it.

Yeah, I was thinking that too. From what I understand though, haven't the nexus phones been about middle of the pack as far as cams go?
 

Red Storm

Lifer
Oct 2, 2005
14,233
234
106
Yeah, I was thinking that too. From what I understand though, haven't the nexus phones been about middle of the pack as far as cams go?

The Nexus 6P has a great camera, it just doesn't have OIS. I would expect them to improve it with the new Nexus.
 

monkey333

Senior member
Apr 20, 2007
785
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I hope that holds true with the future smaller model. I have a nexus 6 and am growing tired of the phablet model, note 2&4 previously.
I have an extra phone on a free freedompop account and I live that it's smaller, moto e.