Not only did T-Mobile consumers get the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 first, they also have some more good news on the way. T-Mobile is planning on launching its LTE network next year, and the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 looks like it will be able to take advantage of it.
A T-Mobile representative told TheVerge (via TMONews):
"The Galaxy Note II features a Qualcomm 9215M chipset which provides the hardware capability to support both HSPA+42 and LTE. T-Mobile plans to reach more than 200 million Americans with LTE by the end of 2013. The Galaxy Note II will not automatically access T-Mobile's LTE network. We will share more information on how and when the Galaxy Note II will support T-Mobile's upcoming LTE network when the network is available."
The question was prompted when the folks over at AnandTech, via TMONews, dissected the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 and found its hardware to be basically the same as AT&T's.
The inclusion of LTE support in one of T-Mobile's biggest launches this year is part of a larger, more aggressive strategy to win back consumers.
"We want to be known for delivering the best value in wireless because of the advanced technology we deliver at an affordable price," said Philipp Humm CEO and President of T-Mobile USA in a press release. "Over the next two years, we're prioritizing and investing in initiatives designed to get T-Mobile back to growth in the years ahead - beginning with the transformation of our network."
T-Mobile does charge $369.99 (after a $50 mail-in rebate, meaning you'll pay more upfront) for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 - a full $70 more than AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular. At least now purchasers can rest easy that their new handset will be able to take advantage of the faster network speeds in 2013.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 comes with a 5.55-inch HD Super AMOLED display, a 1.6GHz quad-core processor, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and the S Pen stylus.