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Can the sim free CDMA iPhone actually use the GSM network, or does it simply use CDMA on the AT&T network without the benefits of GSM?
 
Can the sim free CDMA iPhone actually use the GSM network, or does it simply use CDMA on the AT&T network without the benefits of GSM?
Wait? What? Lol
AT&T does not support CDMA and does not have it, has never had and never will!
 
I know the Qualcomm modem is faster than the Intel one. Is there any data to suggest that the Qualcomm modems also get better reception on iPhone? Am considering switching to the Qualcomm model.

Yes there is a difference in speed vs signal level but the gap narrows as signal level falls - pcmag

and a quick FYI: All LTE networks in the US are using GSM technology, as CDMA Technology is too old to handle LTE speeds. Due to this, newer Verizon and Sprint phones all use a SIM card and will, therefore, work on GSM networks.
 
So if you plan to use AT&T as a carrier, do you think you are better off sticking with the GSM version? Sounds like CDMA will work, but if GSM is the better network, I can't understand why people would forgoe a better network just for a chipset.
Attempting to clarify this a bit:

- When people talk about GSM today, they really mean 3GPP standards; GSM was the 2G 3GPP standard, today only 3G and LTE/4G are relevant (AT&T has in fact decomissioned GSM a while ago)

- AT&T has used 3GPP standards from the beginnning, from GSM over 3G to LTE/4G. Verizon originally used a different standard (often called CDMA, although that is really a more general term), but they are now migrating their networks to 3GPP standards as well (LTE/4G and in a few years 5G). They are in the process of decomissioning their CDMA network.

- The modem chips used in the current Verizon iPhones support a superset of the functionality of the ones in AT&T phones. Verizon phones support both 3GPP and CDMA networks, while AT&T phones only support 3GPP. So, you can use the Verizon version everywhere were you can use the AT&T version, plus on CDMA networks. In that regard it is a superior phone. But soon that advantage will be irrelevant since CDMA is becoming less and less important (at least in the US).
 
It seems like it to a long time for the Sim free version to be available, but then again, the iPhone X has only been released for a month now.
Yea same for the 6S too, it was 4 weeks after initial launch but it seems like it took a long time. This year for some reason felt a bit longer but I knew it would be in December that Sim-free model would be available. Now I would have waited for it but when the X first came out, I really wanted to try. Now that it's out, I contacted Apple and requested a return label for my Verizon model and in couple of days I'll be getting the sim-free model. But I prefer sim-free model over carrier model.
 
My T-Mobile X just arrived today, but I haven't opened it. I wonder if I should return and order SIM Free since it's the same price?
If you want the Qualcomm modem and the flexibility to move to Verizon or a Sprint, then yes.
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Can the sim free CDMA iPhone actually use the GSM network, or does it simply use CDMA on the AT&T network without the benefits of GSM?
It uses GSM. AT&T doesn’t have a CDMA Network.

In reality all networks are using mostly LTE today. GSM and CDMA are fallback networks now.
 
Yea same for the 6S too, it was 4 weeks after initial launch but it seems like it took a long time. This year for some reason felt a bit longer but I knew it would be in December that Sim-free model would be available. Now I would have waited for it but when the X first came out, I really wanted to try. Now that it's out, I contacted Apple and requested a return label for my Verizon model and in couple of days I'll be getting the sim-free model. But I prefer sim-free model over carrier model.
It’s the exact same phone. I’d just keep the Verizon model.
 
Yea same for the 6S too, it was 4 weeks after initial launch but it seems like it took a long time. This year for some reason felt a bit longer but I knew it would be in December that Sim-free model would be available. Now I would have waited for it but when the X first came out, I really wanted to try. Now that it's out, I contacted Apple and requested a return label for my Verizon model and in couple of days I'll be getting the sim-free model. But I prefer sim-free model over carrier model.
Is there a need to do this? My daughter already bought a Verizon branded iPhone X for me when I return to U.S. (for my AT&T account but I want the overseas flexibility). Does the Verizon phone have any Verizon "branding"? Should I look to return as well... and go for the SIM-free version?
 
I bought the iPhone 8 Sim Free because of the Qualcomm modem - I wanted to see if it makes a difference - AND it does. The problem now is - if I like the iPhone X and it doesn't give me Migraines - what will I do with my iPhone 8 that really is a great phone. Well - I guess I'll see when it comes - which is scheduled for 12/12.
 
Maybe to prevent so many scalpers? That’s normally the version they buy so it doesn’t go towards an upgrade on their account.

Towards an upgrade? I don't know of a single US carrier that actually offers a discount for upgrading. I see only the following three options

  1. Pay full price, which doesn't count "towards an upgrade" since you can do this every day if you please
  2. Pay full price - $xxx dollars for turning in a phone usually worth close to that anyways. Again this is not an upgrade option as most carriers allow this unlimited times because they profit from the trade-ins.
  3. Switch and save, in which it doesn't go towards an upgrade but still usually requires handing in a phone. This usually results in a large bill to pay the phone off

Verizon, ATT, Sprint, TMobile all don't offer subsidized pricing anymore, I have checked ad nauseam. The closest you can get is option #2 or #3.

On a separate note unrelated to the quote above, once paid in full from Sprint or Verizon they will unlock the device. Some people say it is difficult, but I have never encountered any issues having it done. Additionally the FCC applies heavy pressure to service providers to unlock fully paid devices.
 
I don't get it. If you go on a contract, you get a much better deal, right? Or do you not?
Not anymore (at least not with AT&T). Used to be the case that you would get a much better deal. Now you are paying for the phone in installments.
e.g. with AT&T the price of an iPhone X is $33.34/month for 30 months- with a contract. $33.34 x 30 = $1000.2. Of course, call-text-data charges are extra.
[doublepost=1512445099][/doublepost]How do we know that sim-free iPhone X will have Qualcomm chip? any source of saying so?
 
It has to have the qualcommchip because you have to be able to use it with Verizon or Sprint if you want.
 
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