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Carrier What carrier should Boost Mobile users order on?

DJosche

DJosche

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jul 10, 2017
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I am going to buy 2 iPhone X's (reselling 1 of them to offset the cost of the other) and I was wondering what carrier would be the best to order it for. While Verizon's devices are all unlocked, Sprint owns Boost Mobile. I don't know which would be easier/better to order from to get my phone. Also, will Apple require a signin/verification that it's my carrier before I buy them? They don't have any for specifically boost mobile, but perhaps Sprint login details would work?

Thanks in advance!
 
Sprint can be pretty funny about activating phones. If it is a Sprint phone it is in their database and no problem. If it is one of the unlocked phones they will activate (but won't be available at launch). Historically they have had issues with refusing to activate verizion phones because they are not in the sprint database. No good reason they just like being an ass about it.
 
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protoxx said:
Sprint can be pretty funny about activating phones. If it is a Sprint phone it is in their database and no problem. If it is one of the unlocked phones they will activate (but won't be available at launch). Historically they have had issues with refusing to activate verizion phones because they are not in the sprint database. No good reason they just like being an ass about it.
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I'm with Boost, so since Boost is owned by Sprint, it is ultimately Sprint's database? Am I understanding you correctly?
 
I don't think that's right. Boost and T-Mobile share certain aspects of their systems, but a device can be in Sprint's system and Boost can refuse to activate it. Boost only allows certain devices on their network, so in this way they are stricter than Sprint.

With Sprint you can get an internal Clickit Ticket filed to add your IMEI to the database, but not exactly sure how it works with Boost.

OP you're probably better off going with a Sprint device, but there is still no guarantee Boost will activate it.
 
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How do you propose I buy it though? Shall I choose a Sprint phone and enter my Boost number as credentials so it lets me checkout?
[doublepost=1505753475][/doublepost]
eyoungren said:
I don't think that's right. Boost and T-Mobile share certain aspects of their systems, but a device can be in Sprint's system and Boost can refuse to activate it. Boost only allows certain devices on their network, so in this way they are stricter than Sprint.

With Sprint you can get an internal Clickit Ticket filed to add your IMEI to the database, but not exactly sure how it works with Boost.

OP you're probably better off going with a Sprint device, but there is still no guarantee Boost will activate it.
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I am a 'loyal' boost member (take them not out of quality but price mainly) and everything I have read has said Boost bends the rules for long time customers. I guess I can gamble that happening.
 
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Your safer to be patient for the unlocked phone to come available.

Your boost number/account won't validate against sprint. For the initial run you have to have or create a new #/account for Sprint/ATT/Verizion/T-Mobile to get a phone. Post paid accounts only. Even if you pay in full you still need one of those accounts even if you close it shortly after you receive the phone.

Sprint is known for their draconian unlocking procedures and rules. Including restricting what phones they will release from their database to be validated on other carriers if they came locked to sprint.

I left sprint because of their Machiavellian lock/unlock procedures.
[doublepost=1505756620][/doublepost]Currently these are the only Sprint iphones that Boost will activate. No 8, 8+ or X yet. But none are in wild yet. You may want to watch the list to see if the 8/8+ show up after they get in consumer hands. Or if Boost aka Sprint, doesn't allow it for some number of months. There is no assurance if you get a Sprint X iphone that they will allow activation anytime soon.

Which Sprint phones can I use on Boost?
  • Apple iPhone 5c
  • Apple iPhone 5s
  • Apple iPhone 6
  • Apple iPhone 6 Plus
  • Apple iPhone 6S
  • Apple iPhone 6S Plus
  • Apple iPhone 7
  • Apple iPhone 7 Plus
  • Apple iPhone SE
https://www.boostmobile.com/?INTNAV...t/faq/phones-devices/activate-a-sprint-phone/
 
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protoxx said:
Your safer to be patient for the unlocked phone to come available.

Your boost number/account won't validate against sprint. For the initial run you have to have or create a new #/account for Sprint/ATT/Verizion/T-Mobile to get a phone. Post paid accounts only. Even if you pay in full you still need one of those accounts even if you close it shortly after you receive the phone.

Sprint is known for their draconian unlocking procedures and rules. Including restricting what phones they will release from their database to be validated on other carriers if they came locked to sprint.

I left sprint because of their Machiavellian lock/unlock procedures.
[doublepost=1505756620][/doublepost]Currently these are the only Sprint iphones that Boost will activate. No 8, 8+ or X yet. But none are in wild yet. You may want to watch the list to see if the 8/8+ show up after they get in consumer hands. Or if Boost aka Sprint, doesn't allow it for some number of months. There is no assurance if you get a Sprint X iphone that they will allow activation anytime soon.

Which Sprint phones can I use on Boost?
  • Apple iPhone 5c
  • Apple iPhone 5s
  • Apple iPhone 6
  • Apple iPhone 6 Plus
  • Apple iPhone 6S
  • Apple iPhone 6S Plus
  • Apple iPhone 7
  • Apple iPhone 7 Plus
  • Apple iPhone SE
https://www.boostmobile.com/?INTNAV...t/faq/phones-devices/activate-a-sprint-phone/
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What if I buy the 2 phones and don't use them, rather flip both of them then wait until Boost allows it and another phone ships.
 
Make your life easier and dump that terrible carrier.
Why gamble if they allow you to pay them for service on a device you own.
Them and Sprint make it very hard to be their customer with devices not bought for their specific network.
Verizon is also being the same non-flexible with unlocked iphones when it comes to activating features and VOLTE and wifi calling.


DJosche said:
I am a 'loyal' boost member (take them not out of quality but price mainly) and everything I have read has said Boost bends the rules for long time customers. I guess I can gamble that happening.
Click to expand...
 
Applejuiced said:
Make your life easier and dump that terrible carrier.
Why gamble if they allow you to pay them for service on a device you own.
Them and Sprint make it very hard to be their customer with devices not bought for their specific network.
Verizon is also being the same non-flexible with unlocked iphones when it comes to activating features and VOLTE and wifi calling.
Click to expand...
I'd rather not pay $60/mo for unlimited date when my family gets it for $35/line
 
There's lots of better carriers and options out there that's what I was saying.
There's better plans than having to pay $60 a month.
I wont support a carrier that doesnt support me with whatever choice device I would like to use.
That's why I like the freedom of GSM, stick your sim inside on any unlocked device and you're good to go without having to beg and remind them that you're a "valued" or "loyal" longtime customer.
Im paying you, that should be enough to let me use whatever device I want right?

DJosche said:
I'd rather not pay $60/mo for unlimited date when my family gets it for $35/line
Click to expand...
 
Applejuiced said:
There's lots of better carriers and options out there that's what I was saying.
There's better plans than having to pay $60 a month.
Click to expand...
For unlimited data you can get something cheaper than $35/line?
 
DJosche said:
I have school (I know, I 'could' skip, but I'd rather not.)
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Yea I get you, but that would be the most 'no frills' option if you would like to keep everything as is regarding your plan. Otherwise you have to make some moves quickly regarding carriers just so you're all set up for the 27th. I typically try not to complicate things while getting the new iPhone just so it goes as smooth as possible. I worry about carrier movement after.
 
Dirtydutch said:
Yea I get you, but that would be the most 'no frills' option if you would like to keep everything as is regarding your plan. Otherwise you have to make some moves quickly regarding carriers just so you're all set up for the 27th. I typically try not to complicate things while getting the new iPhone just so it goes as smooth as possible. I worry about carrier movement after.
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But if buying T-Mobile doesn't require carrier info, I wouldn't have to switch anything around yeah?
 
DJosche said:
But if buying T-Mobile doesn't require carrier info, I wouldn't have to switch anything around yeah?
Click to expand...
But if you're on boost and that uses Sprint, you wouldn't be able to bc Sprint uses the CDMA/GSM model which only Verizon/Sprint users can purchase with account info at Apple. So unfortunately you wouldn't be able to use T-Mobile's model on Boost. The unlocked T-Mobile variant is only compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile while the Sprint/Verizon model will work with all 4.
 
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Dirtydutch said:
But if you're on boost and that uses Sprint, you wouldn't be able to bc Sprint uses the CDMA/GSM model which only Verizon/Sprint users can purchase with account info at Apple. So unfortunately you wouldn't be able to use T-Mobile's model on Boost. The unlocked T-Mobile variant is only compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile while the Sprint/Verizon model will work with all 4.
Click to expand...
I get that, difference is, I'm willing to wait until next year to get my iPhone X (meaning I order it when my carrier gets it) but if I can buy and sell to cover (if not make money on top) to buy one, I'll do it.
 
DJosche said:
I get that, difference is, I'm willing to wait until next year to get my iPhone X (meaning I order it when my carrier gets it) but if I can buy and sell to cover (if not make money on top) to buy one, I'll do it.
Click to expand...
Well yea you’ll have no problem picking up the t-mobile unlocked from Apple during preorders and plan on selling it prior to picking up the one you actually need.
 
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