Despite CTIA Claims and Product Specs, T-Mobile’s G2X Can’t do HSPA+ on AT&T Frequencies
Well, color us disappointed. Looks like AT&T isn’t the only one making claims they shouldn’t have about HSPA+ service. The highly regarded T-Mobile G2X smartphone has failed to deliver one of its touted capabilities: it actually cannot do HSPA+ on all four GSM bands.
T-Mo Fans Dismayed by Awesomeness Failure
Engadget asked T-Mobile for comment after a number of G2X users noticed they could not use unlocked versions of the phone on AT&T’s 3G bands (850 and 1900 MHz, if you were wondering). T-Mobile’s own 1700 MHz band for 4G, also known as AWS, works just fine, as should Europe’s 2100 MHz band (since every other T-Mobile device can run 3G on 2100 MHz).
T-Mobile responded that the G2X is not a quadband-capable 3G device after all.
The T-Mobile G2x fact sheet, attached [PDF link], contains accurate information. The T-Mobile website is incorrect and we’re working to correct it. The G2x supports 850/900/1800/1900 MHz for 2G/GPRS only, and supports 3G/4G UMTS/HSPA+ bands I and IV. The G2x does not support AT&T’s 3G bands. This banding is hardware based.
Yes, T-Mobile Did Change Their Spec Sheet on the G2X
Here’s the relevant part from that PDF (emphasis in red ours):
Additional Features
- 1500mAh lithium ion battery
- 8GB of internal memory and microSD card slot with support for expandable memory up to 32GB
- Wi-Fi for voice and data 802.11 b/g/n
- Dual-band 4G UMTS/HSPA+ (Bands I and IV)
- Quad-band GSM world phone: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Here is what the spec sheet on T-Mobile’s site said back in March:
And here’s what it looks like right now:
So, the G2X is indeed a quadband device, but only for 2G. It supports the usual 850/900/1800/1900 MHz frequencies that almost every “quadband” GSM phone can communicate with. But the G2X did appear to be one of the first quadband 3G/4G smartphones, and now we have to inform you that it isn’t.And that’s a real shame, what with T-Mobile being acquired by AT&T. Oh well, you can go back to waiting for that Real Soon Now delivery of your Gingerbread update.