T-Mobile G2 with Google Android Phone (T-Mobile)

by T-Mobile

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches ; 6.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0042RUOFI
• Item model number: G2 with Google
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #116,699 in Cell Phones & Accessories (See Top 100 in Cell Phones & Accessories)

Product Description

Amazon.com

An ultra-powerful smartphone designed by HTC and the highly anticipated successor to the T-Mobile G1, the Android-powered T-Mobile G2 with Google provides a blazing fast Web browsing experience and tight integration with Google services. Enabled for T-Mobile's high-speed 3G network, the G2 is also the first smartphone specifically designed for T-Mobile's new HSPA+ network, which delivering downloads at 4G speeds. T-Mobile's upgraded HSPA+ network currently covers 100 million Americans in more than 55 major metropolitan areas across the country and is expected to reach up to 200 million people by the end of the year (read more about HSPA+ below).

The first smartphone specifically designed for T-Mobile’s new HSPA+ network (see larger image).

The G2 pairs a large 3.7-inch screen with a unique hinge design that opens to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, great for quick updates to your status on multiple social networks and replies to e-mails and messaging. It also includes a virtual onscreen keyboard with Swype technology, which allows you to input text faster and in a more intuitive way with one continuous finger motion across the screen keyboard.

Built on Android 2.2, the G2 offers seven customizable home screen panels, including a dedicated panel with one-click access to your favorite Google applications such as Android Market, which currently offers more than 80,000 applications.

With integrated Google technology, the G2 brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, Gtalk, YouTube, Picasa, and contacts/calendar synchronization. The G2 also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail.

The G2 has a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, and it can capture HD video (720p) for saving to PCs or uploaded to sharing sites--including Photobucket. Offering quick response and good multitasking, the G2 is powered by the Snapdragon MSM7230 mobile processor with an 800 MHz CPU and optimized power-saving capabilities.

Other features include Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, 4 GB internal memory, memory expansion via optional microSD cards (up to 32 GB in size; an 8 GB card is included), integrated GPS with navigation capabilities, Visual Voicemail functionality, and up to 6.5 hours of talk time.

Google Services

The T-Mobile G2 delivers a powerful mobile data experience that is tightly integrated with Google Voice, as well as packed with Google applications such as Voice Actions from Google, Google Goggles, and more. It is one of the first smartphones in the industry to offer the new Voice Actions feature of Google Search, which allows you to control your phone with your voice for calling contacts and businesses, sending messages, browsing the Web, listening to music, and completing common tasks.

It's also the first smartphone to offer integrated access to Google Voice, allowing you to create a new account using your current mobile number right from the home screen. Google Voice then automatically transcribes voicemails to text so you can read them like an e-mail or text message from your phone or online. Additional pre-loaded Google services include Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps with Places and Navigation, YouTube, Google Talk, and Google Earth among others.

The G2 pairs a large 3.7-inch screen with a unique hinge design that opens to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard (see larger image).

Key Features

• Blazing fast 4G speeds on T-Mobile's HSPA+ network for up to 3 times faster than standard 3G networks, while allowing simultaneous voice and data capabilities for the ultimate wireless voice and data experience (1700/2100 MHz bands; see more about T-Mobile's 3G service below).
• Fast 3G connectivity accelerated data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities in areas not yet served by T-Mobile's HSPA+ network.
• Quad-band GSM connectivity for good global voice roaming.
• Powered by the Android 2.2 operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
• Visual Voicemail allows you to listen to your voice-mail messages in any order, respond in one click and easily manage your inbox without ever dialing in to the network.
• Built-in GPS for real-time location on maps, driving directions, and more (additional charges may apply)
• Google Maps Navigation (Beta) provides free, pre-loaded turn-by-turn voice guidance. Powered by Google and requiring an Internet connection, it enables you to simply say "Navigate to [your destination]" to get on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device. And with Places, you can easily find nearby points of interest, from gas stations to coffee shops and more.
• High-resolution 3.7-inch capacitive touch display (480 x 800 pixels) with multi-touch capabilities, auto-rotation, light sensor, and proximity sensor.
• Pinch and zoom functionality for Web browsing and photo gallery
• Full QWERTY keyboard connected to phone's body via unique hinge design.
• Highly responsive navigation trackpad
• 5-megapixel camera with LED flash gives you a brighter light source for taking photos in less-than-ideal lighting situations.
• HD video capture capabilities (720p)
• Media player compatible with MP3, WMA, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+ music formats and MPEG4 video
• FM radio
• Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
• Tethering capabilities
• 8 GB microSD card with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.
• Text (SMS) and picture/video (MMS) messaging
• Access to popular instant messaging services
• Access to personal and work e-mail (supports Microsoft Exchange corporate e-mail)
• HTML Web browser
• Adobe FlashPlayer enabled Web browsing experience
• Organizer tools including calendar, voice memo, calculator, and alarm
• Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
• MicroUSB connector with mass storage and charging capabilities
• 3.5mm headset/headphone jack
• Hearing Aid Compatibility = M3

Vital Statistics

The T-Mobile G2 with Google weighs 6.5 ounces and measures 4.7 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches. Its 1300 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6.5 hours of talk time, and up to 420 hours (17.5 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies, as well as T-Mobile's 3G network (1700/2100 MHz; UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+).

What's in the Box

T-Mobile G2 handset, rechargeable battery, charger, 8 GB microSD memory card, stereo headset, USB cable, quick start guide, user manual

T-Mobile Network Features

High-Speed Data Connectivity via T-Mobile's 3G/4G Network

This phone is compatible with T-Mobile's UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+ 3G/4G network, which operates on the 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum, and it can achieve theoretical download speeds of up to 21 Mbps. It's designed to automatically connect to the best available network (4G, 3G, or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide faster data speeds when accessing the Web.

In areas where the 3G/4G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the via T-Mobile's EDGE network (which stands for "Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution"). This high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and e-mail on the go.

T-Mobile's Expanding, Super-Fast 4G Mobile Broadband Network

As of February, 2011, T-Mobile has upgraded its traditional 3G network to HSPA+ 4G in 200 major metropolitan areas across the U.S.--cover 200 million people across the country--with plans to continue rolling out this network upgrade throughout 2011. With typical download speeds that are on par with or faster than competing 4G technologies, T-Mobile's HSPA+ network provides fast data speeds--up to 3 times faster than AT&T and Verizon's standard 3G networks--while allowing simultaneous voice and data capabilities for the ultimate wireless voice and data experience. You'll enjoy faster Web browsing, uninterrupted video streaming, and quicker app downloads.

T-Mobile's 4G mobile broadband network (powered by HSPA+) provides a theoretical capability of up to 21 Mbps peak download speeds, with average download speeds typically in the 5 to 8 Mbps range.

 

T-Mobile Services

High-speed data connectivity via T-Mobile's 3G/4G network:

In addition to its quad-band GSM connectivity, this phone is also compatible with T-Mobile's UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+ 3G/4G network, which operates on the 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum. This phone is designed to automatically connect to the best available network (4G, 3G, or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide faster data speeds when accessing the Web.

In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the via T-Mobile's EDGE network (which stands for "Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution"). This high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and e-mail on the go.

While this phone is optimized for use with T-Mobile's high-speed 3G network, many of its functions will also work well on the moderate-speed EDGE network. If you plan to access the Internet extensively on your phone, 3G network coverage may serve you best.

Swype Keyboard

An alternative to the Android virtual keyboard, the Swype virtual keyboard (seen at the right) allows you to input text by swiping the finger with one continuous finger or stylus motion across the screen keyboard. Based on testing, speed and accuracy are equal to or better than the traditional keyboard-tapping method. You can activate the Swype keyboard by pressing and holding in a text field, wait for popup to appear, click Input Method, and then select Swype.

In the image to the left, the word "quick" was generated from tracing the path shown above in a fraction of a second, by roughly aiming to pass through the letters of the word. A key advantage to Swype is that there is no need to be very accurate, enabling very rapid text entry.

Also Available for This Android Device

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Product Description

This successor to the G1 is thinner, while adding more memory and a 3.5mm audio jack. It also upgrades to a 5-megapixel camera and hi-res display like the Nexus One, and is among the first phones with faster HSPA+ 14.4 3G data. Other features include multi-touch screen, slide-out keyboard, Android platform, Wi-Fi, Snapdragon processor, GPS, and a memory card slot.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

172 of 173 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Feeling the Android/HTC Love (aka: iPhone who?) October 12, 2010

By KBSTN

This is my first smartphone. I'm not typically a laggard, but I've been waiting for the PERFECT phone. Is this it? No. I give it 4 stars out of 5, but the reasons for the demerit are minor and are not unique to this phone. It's the most perfect phone (for me) out there. I've played with iPhones (3g, 3gS, 4), and other Google phones (G1, Nexus One, Galaxy S, Droid X), and this phone is what I've been waiting for.

I've had it for almost a week now and no regrets.

Pros:
- Android is just #$%&@! incredible. It's so intuitive. I had facebook and gmail up and running within seconds of turning the phone on for the first time.
- The build quality is great. The phone has a really solid feel (especially compared to Galaxy S and VZ Droid X).
- Fast, fast, fast. Web, messaging, apps, downloads, uploads... Just fast. I was worried about the 800 mhz processor, especially with 1 Ghz and dual core's coming out over the next few months, but I can't imagine seeing a noticeable benefit. Also, the HSPA+ (up to 15 mbps) is huge.
- Keyboard is top notch.
- Swype is even better. How did we ever live without this app?
- Navigation makes my Navigon 2090 unnecessary.
- Camera photo quality is better than my Olympus 850SW, not as good as my Nikon D40.
- The touch screen is highly responsive and very sharp and crisp. I like it better than the iPhone 4.
- T-mobile just released an update to allow wi-fi calling, tethering and mobile hotspots from the G2.
- Unlimited data at no extra cost (also unlike iPhone, unless your grandfathered in)

Neutral:
- Battery life. I can't tell if it's because I can't stop using the phone, or if the battery life isn't as good as I would expect. I charge it over night, and I'm down to 10-15% by bed time.
- Screen hinge. If you hold the phone screen-side down, it will slide open. I was pretty worried about this before buying the phone, but who walks around holding their phone upside-down anyway? This is not an issue that impedes usage, but more of a PR problem. Still, it shouldn't happen.

Cons:
- The speaker phone isn't loud enough.
- The ringer isn't loud enough either.
- Why does wi-fi calling still use up my minutes? I know the answer is $$$, but come on T-mobile!
- Only 2 GB internal storage. It comes with an 8 GB micro SD, but I'll still eventually get the biggest possible. 10 isn't enough.

Conclusion:
If you can live with the neutrals and cons, then get this phone. Stick it to Apple and AT&T. Android, tethering and HSPA+ should be reasons enough.

*****
Update (11/20/10):
It's been about 1.5 months since I got it, and I have to up my rating from 4 stars to 5. I love this phone. Google voice actions are just...wow. See for yourself:
[...]

I've learned to stretch my battery by managing apps. I stop running apps after I'm done using them instead of letting them stay running in the background. It's the price we pay for multi-tasking capability, but it's very easy to do and becomes a good habit. Now by bed time, I usually have about 30-40% remaining.

The ring-tone and alerts are louder than I first thought. It must be the default ring-tone that sounds a bit muffled, so just experiment with them.

What's the coolest thing about the G2? Probably the interesting shade of red that comes over the faces of my friends and co-workers who have iPhone 4's when I show them what this baby can do.

70 of 74 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars As good as it possibly gets October 11, 2010

By Derek Chen

I've spent hours testing and playing with various smartphones, and my conclusion was that the T-mobile G2 was simply the best. My previous phone was a pretty basic Motorola, and after trying the G2, iPhone4, Evo 4G, Samsung Vibrant and the Droid 2, I decided that the G2 is the best choice out of them all if I were to move up to a smartphone and there's only one phrase to describe why:

User Friendliness.

The Android OS on this phone is as basic as it gets, meaning there's no other software that clutters your interface and slows down your phone. This latest version of Android known as Froyo (or version 2.2) allows the OS to be compatible with almost all of the latest apps on the market meaning there's little worry about compatibility. The buttons and touchscreen are all very responsive, and there is virtually no delay in opening programs/app or browsing the phone. The charger plug is mini-usb, which means it's compatible with many chargers by other manufacturers and that saved me money because I didn't need to buy a new in-car charger. Battery life is also superb, and that's a big deal for me because I hate to worry about my phones running out of juice if I'm in an emergency. I usually last the entire day without needing a charge even with heavy usage.

The best part is that the phone's OS syncs with your gmail/google and Facebook accounts and this makes SET UP A BREEZE. I personally hate to change phones because I always spend hours setting up the device, adding photos of my friends and their emails into my contact list. On startup I had the phone sync with my gmail account and Facebook account, and once I copied my contacts from the SIM card, the phone started to add photos of my contacts from Facebook, and it also added their emails from my email account and consolidated all that into my contact list. It was so easy that I was blown away.

There are many other aspects of the phone that I think make it great, such as the solid build quality and the convenience of a very well designed qwerty keyboard (it has great spacing so it still felt comfortable for my large hand and fingers). A quality qwerty keyboard like this is exactly what I've been looking for in a smartphone that also has a touchscreen. The aluminum pieces and the soft touch plastics certainly give it a premium feel. T-mobile's service is also fantastic, as I basically entered the store, and exited with my new phone in less than 20 minutes. By the time I got home I was also able to use T-mobile's internet network known as HSPA, which was VERY FAST in the LA area. I'm not sure if it's as fast as 4G like T-mobile claimed, but it was definitely faster than any 3G phone I've tried. There were barely any delays when watching Youtube videos and browsing the the web was a snap. The only downside is that the HSPA service is still developing, and it just doesn't reach some suburban areas like my house. It's not a big deal because I have WiFi in the house so I don't really need HSPA at home.

In my opinion a phone should be all about convenience and user friendliness, and this phone definitely delivers in these two categories. This is the most versatile I've ever used and I have good feeling I will be using this phone for quite a long time.

51 of 56 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars First foray into Android October 9, 2010

By Analysis Paralysis

Had this phone for a week now, got it at T-Mobile with new service. Stepping up from a Nokia N-Series there certainly is a learning curve but I wouldn't go back now. I'll start by going over some device specific stuff as that's what review readers are probably most interested in, then I'll comment on Android 2.2 and a quick bit about my experience with T-Mobile.

The ability of this device as an app machine is phenomenal, strictly as a phone its not so good as the Nokia or any other phone I've had. The speaker is terrible, speaker phone functionality is a joke, its underpowered and crackly at its higher volume. The screen is a good size, not the portable theater size of some others but I'm happy with it. There is a quality feeling to it and it is certainly quite heavy, but I think thats a good thing. There is an aluminum plate on the back which gives it an industrial feel. This is my first qwerty phone so I have no frame of reference but I will say I'm getting faster at it all the time and like it better than the screen based keyboards as it frees up screen space for content. The hinge opening style of the keyboard is cool, time will tell if it is more or less durable than a slider. I find the real estate taken by the little trackpad on the bottom of the face could have been better spent on a larger screen. As for the 4g capability I don't live in an area with such coverage but looking forward to checking it out and I like having the capability. I don't like the camera/flash as much as my old N-82 but it's descent and certainly processes the pictures much faster. Battery life is good considering the processing power of this thing. With normal use, some browser use, some tinkering and game play, it will last two days. If I glue myself to the thing all day it needs a charge after one day but thats not bad. My wife got the Vibrant and it lasts half as long given the same use, to be fair her screen is better but I like this phone much better over all.

As for Android 2.2, bit of a learning curve but it gets more intuitive with time. It's quite fast. One downer for me is that it seems like because of the availability of aftermarket apps, some of the core features of the system are not very feature rich. For instance the messaging app ensures you'll look elsewhere, its as basic as they come. The browser is fast but very bare bones. Those are minor gripes as of course there are a bazillion apps to replace what you don't like. I've also found that in order to change certain settings I have to look into forums to figure things out because Google doesn't have enough in house resources to help you understand all the settings. The navigation feature rocks, very intuitive with voice input and voice prompts, I was grinning ear to ear the first time I used it, better than my Garmin in many ways. I'm just scratching the surface with Android and I'm having fun so far.

As for T-Mobile, all is okay so far. I've been with Verizon, then AT&T over the years. The store and call center folks have been very friendly and helpful. The availability of a non-contract plan which is significantly cheaper is great. Service is certainly cheaper and allowed me to get more phone and more service for my money as we both have unlimited internet now. The big downer here is the cell coverage. I work in the field service sector and I lack coverage in several buildings around town that I always had service in before with AT&T. As for data connectivity its even worse, the phone loses its connection within ten feet inside most buildings. Honestly I can live with it, just a bit disappointed.

I'm not sure who to blame but I do get frustrated when I can't delete preloaded apps that I don't want just because "the man" wants them there for good. Hoping the good hacker folks out there will find a way to permanently root this thing or some such solution to ease my control freak issues here.

I checked out a lot of phones before I picked this one and I would still pick this one in retrospect, I give it four stars really for the significant fail of the speaker, it really is awful. Otherwise great phone with great capabilities.