vB Easy Archive - Sony Ericsson T616 Signal Strength / Clarity with Sprint PCS?

Pages: 1

Sony Ericsson T616 Signal Strength / Clarity with Sprint PCS?
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: Supratik

Hi guys,

I was about to upgrade my Samsung 460 to a Sanyo 8100, when one of my friends suggested an unlocked T616. I don't know much about unlocked phones (other than they don't come with Sprint's warranty ), but I was just wondering how the voice quality and signal strength is with the T616s on the Sprint network (if any of you have done this, that is). The Sanyo 8100 is currently rated the best flip phone w/ best signal/voice clarity etc. for the Sprint PCS network, so do you guys think I should just go with the 8100, or...

Thanks much!

- Supratik

Posted by: sheureka

Sorry, but Sprint won't let you activate any phone on their network that doesn't have an ESN that's in their system. In other words, if it doesn't say "Sprint" it won't work.

There are several phones that are newer than the 8100 that you might want to take a look at - the new Toshiba or one of the newer Sanyo's. - sheureka

Posted by: Supratik

Er... I actually meant the T608s, sorry.

Apparently Sprint sold 10,000 of these and promptly sold out. There are a bunch on eBay that work with Sprint, apparently.

I'm mainly concerned about clarity/reception.

Regarding the newer Sanyos, such as the VM4500 - I've heard reports from this forum that the earpiece sometimes has unclarity when the person on the otherside of the call are using certain models of cellphones. It's unfortunate because the reviews otherwise of the VM4500 are so good that people keep it despite this "flaw."

I have heard also on this forum that the 8100 has the best clarity/reception out of the Sanyo flipphones.

Thanks!

Posted by: sheureka

I would check in the Sprint forum here, and on sprintusers.com. There seem to be a LOT of quality control problems, as well as some question as to whether there will be any aftermarket support, given that this will be the last SE phone for Sprint. The only people I've heard of who are happy with the phone are users who feel that bluetooth is a real necessity for them. - sheureka (who loves her VM4500)

Posted by: jimmyjames

Quote:

Originally posted by sheureka
Sorry, but Sprint won't let you activate any phone on their network that doesn't have an ESN that's in their system. In other words, if it doesn't say "Sprint" it won't work.

Not true. It's difficult, but it can definetely be done. Adding an ESN to the database is all that it takes.

Posted by: Supratik

jimmy - I note that you had an ericsson in the past - how was the reception/clarity?

Posted by: jimmyjames

The T608 has some major issues and shortcomings, but reception isn't one of them. It has great reception and clarity.

Posted by: Supratik

Oooo, could you elaborate on the issues and shortcomings?

It seems like most people seem pretty reluctant to recommend the T608.

Posted by: jimmyjames

First, if you search around you'll find what you're looking for.

Quickly, the T608 is pretty buggy, has a terrible screen, terribly slow processor, mediocre battery life, no camera option that's compatible with Vision, no SMS, random reboots, etc. You can minimize some of the problems by deleting almost everything that comes with the phone to maximize free memory, but most of the problems remain.

Check out sprintpcsinfo.com There's a section devoted to the T608. If you need BT, it's the only one to get and you've just got to work around the problems.

Posted by: Supratik

Oh dear - I certainly can't have that. =/

Looks like I'm going with the Sanyo 8100. :P

Posted by: Phi

Just wanted to let you know there is a rumor that the 8100 will be discontinued in a few months.

Phi

Posted by: jimmyjames

Yup. The 8200 will be released fairly shortly.

Posted by: Supratik

Oh great! Is the 8200 planned for March?

I'm also considering the RL2500. True, it doesn't have a camera, but perhaps it can receive pictures from the web to use as icons? Actually, I highly doubt that.

Posted by: jimmyjames

The only phone that lets you use images as icons is the 4050. The PDA phones might have that feature as well, but none of the other Sprint phones do.

Posted by: Supratik

Untrue! I just checked out the flash "tour" of the RL2500, and it says you can "link" photos to those who are calling... let me see if I can find a direct quote...

Ah yes...

On this webpage:

http://www1.sprintpcs.com/explore/P...D=1075927411007

It says:

"Customizable Photo Caller ID - Know who's calling you by linking downloaded images or photos to the contacts in your internal phone book."

Of course, I'd probably have to pay extra for this feature, knowing Sprint.

Regardless, I like what little I'm hearing about the SCP-5400 (RL2500). There doesn't seem to be that many reviews for it, but I've heard the reception/sound clarity is great.

Thanks!

Posted by: Supratik

Oh wait! I noticed you said "sort by icons" - I just want it to display the picture of whoever is calling.

Posted by: jimmyjames

Quote:

Originally posted by Supratik
Untrue! I just checked out the flash "tour" of the RL2500, and it says you can "link" photos to those who are calling... let me see if I can find a direct quote...

Ah yes...

On this webpage:

http://www1.sprintpcs.com/explore/P...D=1075927411007

It says:

"Customizable Photo Caller ID - Know who's calling you by linking downloaded images or photos to the contacts in your internal phone book."

Of course, I'd probably have to pay extra for this feature, knowing Sprint.

Regardless, I like what little I'm hearing about the SCP-5400 (RL2500). There doesn't seem to be that many reviews for it, but I've heard the reception/sound clarity is great.

Thanks!

You might want to edit this post. Again, no other phone can put images on icons like the Toshiba can. You weren't talking about photo caller ID.

Posted by: jimmyjames

Quote:

Originally posted by Supratik
True, it doesn't have a camera, but perhaps it can receive pictures from the web to use as icons? Actually, I highly doubt that.

Again, only on the Toshiba.

Posted by: ggg_guru

I have had the T608 for a couple weeks now and i am completely satisfied. I am a former emplyee and i can offer assistance for anyone who may need it. I still have many friends at sprint.