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Hey all,
I'm looking at purchasing a Moto X (possibly two, if my wife replaces her iPhone...). I'm currently not tied to any particular carrier, but I'd like to keep my options as open as possible. I'm going to buy the phone/s at full price, and then bring them to whatever carrier/service/MVNO I end up with.
From what I understand so far, there are two basic models of the Moto X -- one for Verizon (CDMA), and one for GSM-based networks.
Here's my basic question: What's the difference between these phones??
The Verizon website lists the Moto X as a 'global' phone, which implies that it has a GSM radio in it, right?
If so, does that imply that the 'Tmobile' (or otherwise GSM-based) Moto X has a CDMA radio?
Then, as if I'm not confused enough, I find the 'Developer' edition of the Moto X... in two versions -- one for Verizon, and the other for 'GSM'. The developer edition provides an unlockable bootloader... cool, I'm a fan of that! But!! Isn't the Moto X part of the Motorola Bootloader Unlock program? It is (hxxps://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/87215)... so what's the difference between the 'Developer' edition, and the regular edition?
I'm sorry if these are silly questions -- but I've spent at least an hour Googling today, and didn't find any answers that I found conclusive. Thanks for any help you can give!!
Spirotot said:
Hey all,
I'm looking at purchasing a Moto X (possibly two, if my wife replaces her iPhone...). I'm currently not tied to any particular carrier, but I'd like to keep my options as open as possible. I'm going to buy the phone/s at full price, and then bring them to whatever carrier/service/MVNO I end up with.
From what I understand so far, there are two basic models of the Moto X -- one for Verizon (CDMA), and one for GSM-based networks.
Here's my basic question: What's the difference between these phones??
The Verizon website lists the Moto X as a 'global' phone, which implies that it has a GSM radio in it, right?
If so, does that imply that the 'Tmobile' (or otherwise GSM-based) Moto X has a CDMA radio?
Then, as if I'm not confused enough, I find the 'Developer' edition of the Moto X... in two versions -- one for Verizon, and the other for 'GSM'. The developer edition provides an unlockable bootloader... cool, I'm a fan of that! But!! Isn't the Moto X part of the Motorola Bootloader Unlock program? It is (hxxps://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/87215)... so what's the difference between the 'Developer' edition, and the regular edition?
I'm sorry if these are silly questions -- but I've spent at least an hour Googling today, and didn't find any answers that I found conclusive. Thanks for any help you can give!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you absolutely have to have VZW for the service - do not buy the VZW model. I am on VZW and have the Dev Edition from them. VZW is always the last to get updates.
So there is just a lot going on with this phone...
There are two different Developer Editions. GSM (for AT&T and T-mobile?). I know it is for ATT and believe it is also for T-mobile. But the T-mobile Consumer Edition also has an unlockable bootloader without buying the developer edition?
Even though the MotoX is listed on Motorola's Bootloader unlock program - it is only certain models. Sprint, T-mobile, US Cellular. Verizon's is only the Developer Edition. ATT would only be the GSM Developer Edition.
My recommendation is T-mobile if you get good service from them. They are going to get updates first.
Also as far as CDMA Vs. GSM; Verizon and Sprint use CDMA technology and ATT and Tmobile and most others use GSM technology.
I know that sounded like a big mess - sorry. I am tired and its all I got for now.
The CDMA version has gsm capabilities, but the gsm version will not work on CDMA.
If I were in your position, I'd get the gsm developer edition or the T-Mobile version. Either of those should be compatible with most carriers unless you absolutely need a Verizon phone. If so get the VZW developer edition.
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk 4
thepolishguy said:
My recommendation is T-mobile if you get good service from them. They are going to get updates first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be my choice, as well. However, I'm not 100% sure I want to commit to T-Mobile, yet... their coverage seems to be the most lacking of non-Verizon carriers. I was actually thinking of activating the phone on Ting (a Spring MVNO) to begin with.
thepolishguy said:
I know that sounded like a big mess - sorry. I am tired and its all I got for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries, I appreciate it, man.
housry23 said:
The CDMA version has gsm capabilities, but the gsm version will not work on CDMA.
If I were in your position, I'd get the gsm developer edition or the T-Mobile version. Either of those should be compatible with most carriers unless you absolutely need a Verizon phone. If so get the VZW developer edition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what you're saying is that the VZW Dev edition would theoretically work on other CDMA carriers (i.e. Sprint/Sprint-based networks), and also GSM-based networks (i.e. T-Mobile), right? But that the T-Mobile version with only work on GSM carriers (i.e. not Verizon, and not Sprint)?
As much as I'd love to just commit to T-Mobile's GSM network... their coverage maps have me hesitant, heh.
Spirotot said:
...As much as I'd love to just commit to T-Mobile's GSM network... their coverage maps have me hesitant, heh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With T-Mobile you don't commit, other than the cost of the phone which can be resold. They don't do contracts so you can easily switch to another carrier if needed. I've been on Verizon since their inception and I now have à T-Mobile "test" line which is working pretty well. As mentioned above, it's probably best to get the GSM dev edition since it can be used on AT&T too.
I'm nearly certain the T-Mobile version works 100% on AT&T HSPA & LTE.
I ordered one last night, so I will clear that up when it arrives next week, but I'm pretty certain I've already seen others reporting that T-Mobile works fully on AT&T and is unlocked out of the box.
scottjb said:
With T-Mobile you don't commit, other than the cost of the phone which can be resold. They don't do contracts so you can easily switch to another carrier if needed. I've been on Verizon since their inception and I now have à T-Mobile "test" line which is working pretty well. As mentioned above, it's probably best to get the GSM dev edition since it can be used on AT&T too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha. Ideally, though, I'd like a phone that would work on CDMA AND/OR GSM networks... would the VZW and/or VZW Dev Edition be capable of that? That is, could I activate on a Sprint-based CDMA network like Ting, and then switch to a GSM-based network like T-Mobile later, if I wanted?
phositadc said:
I'm nearly certain the T-Mobile version works 100% on AT&T HSPA & LTE.
I ordered one last night, so I will clear that up when it arrives next week, but I'm pretty certain I've already seen others reporting that T-Mobile works fully on AT&T and is unlocked out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Looking foward to what you find out.
I think you need a Sprint version to be able to use Ting. Last I heard, they don't flash Verizon phones to their network. I'm not sure if the Sprint version can be unlocked to be used on T-Mobile if you change your mind later. I'd highly advise just picking your carrier first before picking your phone.
Sent from my XT1058 using xda app-developers app
freak4dell said:
I'd highly advise just picking your carrier first before picking your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was starting to think that myself, heh. Just kind of a bummer, because I know I want the phone -- but I don't know which carrier will end up fitting me best.
I'm torn between an unlocked X and a cheap, barely used AT&T version. I use both T-Mobile and AT&T and need seamless 4G/LTE on either service.
Are the AT&T bands Pentaband like the Developer Edition if unlocked?
Furthermore, is the T-Mobile version pentaband? At the same price (549) for motomaker, it may make more sense to buy this one as I can customize it and unlock it, using on AT&T/T-Mo at will with no worry about network issues.
TL;DR: What Moto X models are true pentaband?
Looks like the Dev Edition is the one to get:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moto_X
I want to buy a moto x from motomaker to be able to customize it. I will be sim-unlocking it to use outside of the US as I live in france. I know that the bootloader of the at&t version is locked and there is no way to unlock it yet, thus the bounty. However since there is now t-mobile and sprint available on motomaker, if I buy a custom moto x from either of those carriers, will I be able to unlock the bootloader even though its not a developer's edition?
I read up a little more and correct me if im wrong but I can unlock the bootloader on those other carriers. What I dont understand now is what is the point of a developers edition? If you want an unlocked bootloader you only need to get it off contract from sprint or tmobile and sim unlock them to use on the carrier of your choice and the unlock bootloader with motorolas unlock program. Doesnt that defeat the purpose of a developers edition? The only pro I see is that you retain the warranty. The big con is that there is no customization
I also think the storage space is different? Dev edition only comes in 32GB? Whereas you have the option of a 16GB..
Other than the warranty I also don't see the big difference between getting a T-Mobile version and the Dev Edition.
Well the gsm dev edition is kind of pointless with the t mobile one available. The CDMA Dev for verizon users in us makes sense tho
---------- Post added at 12:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:57 AM ----------
Also the sprint edition won't be unlocked gsm . so best to buy the t mobile one if you want a custom one
Kind of my thought as well. I have a Galaxy Nexus on Verizon & will be dumping them for Tmo (for cost reasons) & I have been deciding on the Nexus 5 vs the Motorola X.
Since the price is going to drop I am thinking of going with it. However like all of you, aside from the 32GB, white color with dev edition engraved & unlocked bootloader, I am trying to understand WHY I would buy that one over the off contract one from Tmo? Not only that, I can customize it as well.
While i'm a flashaholic on my Nexus for Roms & Kernels, many people are stating they are just using Xposed (I use it now as well) & are completely satisfied with the few tweaks they wanted.
So $399 for the 32GB non Dev model or the 32GB non dev with customization for $399 as well.
Sounds like the customization is the way to go honestly.
Subj: moto x one day sale May 1:what's Dev Ed and do i need it/should i buy it?
[hoping u can reply w enough lead time b4 5/1]
I wouldn't classify myself as a power user far from it. Meaning never/wouldn't
know how to root and/or installing CyanogenMod and the likes. Given my
background, would there still be advantageous for me to buy the Dev Ed edition
SINCE it will BE THE SAME PRICE as the NON Dev Ed version (like maybe in resell
and other aspects u can think of but I haven't)?
Also isn't there/i think remember reading somewhere there is/might be security
issues with unlocked bootloader yes no??? What does unlocked bootloader do for Dev
people...and what could it do for the avg Joes?
what ur final recommendation: which version should i buy?
Dev has higher resale value than a 32gb version.
Rooting is nice for a few simple changes, you might like it.
Unless you absolutely must have a certain color combination I would go with the dev ed even if you never unlock or root it.
You don't even have to root your device its great as is.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
what about the unlocked bootload devices...is it true? what color(s) Dev Ed comes in?
what about the unlocked bootload devices exposed and less secure...is it true? what color(s) Dev Ed comes in?
can anyone tell me the pro's and con's of Dev & T-mobile versions.
Will the developer version work with T-Mobile's LTE network? The specifications page says it supports 700/AWS/1900MHz (B17/B4/B2) for LTE while T-Mobile's support page says their LTE works on 1700 MHz and 2100 MHz.
http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-4988
sweepsnregs said:
what about the unlocked bootload devices exposed and less secure...is it true? what color(s) Dev Ed comes in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The developer edition comes with woven white back, black front and silver accents. I've unlocked bootloaders on all my phones and if you know what you're doing, then you have no reason to worry.
ArunOnline said:
Will the developer version work with T-Mobile's LTE network? The specifications page says it supports 700/AWS/1900MHz (B17/B4/B2) for LTE while T-Mobile's support page says their LTE works on 1700 MHz and 2100 MHz.
http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-4988
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will work, AWS means 1700/2100 MHz, I just ordered the dev version also can't wait for it to come in!
Unless you REALLY want a certain color combo, I'd go with the Dev Edition. Just makes things so much easier without having to worry about rooting/unlocking/etc.
just ordered Unlocked GSM T-Mobile 32GB version, Can I flash it to dev edition ROM so that I can get a customized dev edition?
Dev Edition is the same as the unlocked GSM just with retaining warranty if you unlock bootloader
Sent from my XT1034 using XDA Free mobile app
sweepsnregs said:
Subj: moto x one day sale May 1:what's Dev Ed and do i need it/should i buy it?
[hoping u can reply w enough lead time b4 5/1]
I wouldn't classify myself as a power user far from it. Meaning never/wouldn't
know how to root and/or installing CyanogenMod and the likes. Given my
background, would there still be advantageous for me to buy the Dev Ed edition
SINCE it will BE THE SAME PRICE as the NON Dev Ed version (like maybe in resell
and other aspects u can think of but I haven't)?
Also isn't there/i think remember reading somewhere there is/might be security
issues with unlocked bootloader yes no??? What does unlocked bootloader do for Dev
people...and what could it do for the avg Joes?
what ur final recommendation: which version should i buy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im going to repeat what has been said by me and others in the countless threads asking this same question....
The two developer edition moto X's come in black face, woven white back, with silver accents (buttons and ring around camera), and say Developer Edition on back. They only come as 32 gig. When it comes to unlocking the bootloader, you can get the code from moto for free, and it does not void your warranty. Once the bootloader is unlocked you can install 3rd party recovery, root, or install 3rd party roms (by 3rd party, I mean non-moto)
The retail x comes as black face, woven black back, and silver accents, or white face, woven white back, and silver accents. Moto Maker can be customized. These come as 32 or 16 gig.
I'm not going to go into the reasons why, but Moto does NOT give out the bootloader unlock code for the Retail and MotoMaker X for Verizon, ATT and a few other carriers.
When it comes to hardware, the GSM Developer Edition (XT1053) is the same as the T-Mobile or Carrier Unlocked/Unbranded (XT1053) and uses the same ROMs. The big difference is getting the unlock code from Moto for the non-dev edition voids the warranty. When it comes to the (CDMA) Developer Edition X for Verizon, they too are identical hardware, but as said, you can't get the unlock code from Moto unless you have the Dev Ed. (Note: for a brief period, there was a Chinses site selling the codes, but it was shut down and is not presently available. No one knows for sure if it ever will be again)
If they are the exact same price, get the dev edition so you can unlock the bootloader without voiding the warranty.
If you have ATT, know that their X is the XT1058, you can not get its bootloader unlock code from Moto. More importantly, by specs support supports 2 additional LTE bands (originally said to only be used outside the USA, but lately there has been talk that ATT is using one of them now), but does not support HSPA on AWS ( used by t-mobile for non-LTE 4g, but t-mobile has been reframing their 1900 from 2g to HSPA in some areas). So if you have AT&T but got the gsm dev, you'd be at risk starts fully using one or both of those LTE bands in the USA. In the future.
As for why unlock the bootloader, what would the average Joe gain by it? See -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-Locked.html
Replying/note to self but don't mind sharing:
~4min mark starts getting into/talking about Dev Ed/unlocking bootloader/rooting/root https~~m.youtube.com/watch?v=4aS3Pk5gHFk&fulldescription=1 [Moto X Developer Edition Advantages ... Why would anyone want a Moto X DE phone if they aren't developing for android? Watch and find out if a
DE phone is right for you]
What the different with the Moto X dev ed and the moto X you like get from att?If i got the Moto X dev ed will it come with a hotspot software or would i need to make my own for android?
I bait new when it come with things like unlocked phone.i hope someone can help me
perlsyntax said:
What the different with the Moto X dev ed and the moto X you like get from att?If i got the Moto X dev ed will it come with a hotspot software or would i need to make my own for android?
I bait new when it come with things like unlocked phone.i hope someone can help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DEV Editions have unlockable bootloaders without voiding the warranty. An unlockable bootloader allows you to flash a recovery not signed by Motorola (like TWRP or CWM) which will allow you to flash root and other .zips.
Non-dev editions on AT&T do not have the ability to unlock the bootloader.
tcrews said:
DEV Editions have unlockable bootloaders without voiding the warranty. An unlockable bootloader allows you to flash a recovery not signed by Motorola (like TWRP or CWM) which will allow you to flash root and other .zips.
Non-dev editions on AT&T do not have the ability to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So take it i have to make my own hotspot software for the moto X dev and it will not come with a recovery back to?
No, you'll be able to unlock the bootloader, root and install any of the methods that give the hotspot feature.
perlsyntax said:
What the different with the Moto X dev ed and the moto X you like get from att?If i got the Moto X dev ed will it come with a hotspot software or would i need to make my own for android?
I bait new when it come with things like unlocked phone.i hope someone can help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to copy/paste what I typed here ->http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52359376&postcount=13 as it definitely answers your question.
KidJoe said:
im going to repeat what has been said by me and others in the countless threads asking this same question....
The two developer edition moto X's come in black face, woven white back, with silver accents (buttons and ring around camera), and say Developer Edition on back. They only come as 32 gig. When it comes to unlocking the bootloader, you can get the code from moto for free, and it does not void your warranty. Once the bootloader is unlocked you can install 3rd party recovery, root, or install 3rd party roms (by 3rd party, I mean non-moto)
The retail x comes as black face, woven black back, and silver accents, or white face, woven white back, and silver accents. Moto Maker can be customized. These come as 32 or 16 gig.
I'm not going to go into the reasons why, but Moto does NOT give out the bootloader unlock code for the Retail and MotoMaker X for Verizon, ATT and a few other carriers.
When it comes to hardware, the GSM Developer Edition (XT1053) is the same as the T-Mobile or Carrier Unlocked/Unbranded (XT1053) and uses the same ROMs. The big difference is getting the unlock code from Moto for the non-dev edition voids the warranty. When it comes to the (CDMA) Developer Edition X for Verizon, they too are identical hardware, but as said, you can't get the unlock code from Moto unless you have the Dev Ed. (Note: for a brief period, there was a Chinses site selling the codes, but it was shut down and is not presently available. No one knows for sure if it ever will be again)
If they are the exact same price, get the dev edition so you can unlock the bootloader without voiding the warranty.
If you have ATT, know that their X is the XT1058, you can not get its bootloader unlock code from Moto. More importantly, by specs it supports 2 additional LTE bands (originally said to only be used outside the USA, but lately there has been talk that ATT is using one of them in the USA now), but does not support HSPA on AWS (used by t-mobile for non-LTE 4g, but t-mobile has been reframing their 1900 from 2g to HSPA in some areas). So if you have AT&T but got the gsm dev, you'd be at risk if ATT starts fully using one or both of those "other" LTE bands in the USA in the future.
As for why unlock the bootloader, what would the average Joe gain by it? See -> http://mark.cdmaforums.com/MotoX-Locked.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for "hot spot"... There is hotspot software in the X ROM. Since the gsm Dev uses the T-Mobile rom, it might work as is on ATT without modifications. You'll have to look that up. But there are other options to remove any "entitlement" checks (there are threads about it) or you can use WiFi tether when the Dev Edition is rooted.
I like developer. I think developer option has better opportunity than others.
KidJoe said:
I'm going to copy/paste what I typed here ->http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52359376&postcount=13 as it definitely answers your question.
As for "hot spot"... There is hotspot software in the X ROM. Since the gsm Dev uses the T-Mobile rom, it might work as is on ATT without modifications. You'll have to look that up. But there are other options to remove any "entitlement" checks (there are threads about it) or you can use WiFi tether when the Dev Edition is rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank for the information