Saturday, October 13, 2012

Android Authority

Android Authority


Galaxy Note 2 vs Galaxy S3: Display comparison

Posted: 13 Oct 2012 02:45 AM PDT

galaxy-note-2-n7100

The display is, for most users, the most important component of mobile devices. It's no wonder that people love to pick favorites and then proceed to endlessly argue about which technology is better.

For the proponents of AMOLED, the display technology championed by Samsung and used in superstar devices like the Galaxy S series, one issue is especially controversial: RGB vs PenTile.

Both terms refer to the arrangement of the subpixels that make up each pixel on an AMOLED screen. The displays of Samsung's two flagship devices, the Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy Note 2, use the PenTile pattern and the RGB pattern, respectively. Today, we bring you a comparison of the two displays. But first, let's lay down a few theoretical notions.

A bit of theory

The RGB pattern (standing for red-green-blue) has one subpixel for each of the three primary colors, with each subpixel usually accounting for a third of the pixel size. Meanwhile, PenTile has a slightly more complicated pattern, with alternating red and blue subpixels sandwiched between green ones. For more info on AMOLED and sub-pixel patterns, check out our How It Works post here.

rgb-vs-pentile-amoled

Right: RGB
Left: PenTile – notice the alternating red and blue subpixels

The PenTile pattern uses just two subpixels per one pixel, a green one and a red or blue one. The problem is you need all three primary colors (red, green, and blue) to display most colors. For instance, to show white, a pixel fires up all three subpixels at equal intensity. But with PenTile, you only have two subpixels, so to show white, the display "borrows" the third subpixel from a neighbor. In some cases (especially with text and graphics), those extra pixels cause a colored haze to appear.

Many users consider that RGB is superior to PenTile, although it has to be said that not all users are bothered by the fuzziness of PenTile screens. And the PenTile pattern has its advantages – displays that use it are cheaper to manufacture, are brighter, and according to Samsung, more durable in time.

Now that we've covered the theory, the fun part begins.

Samsung Galaxy S3 display

The Samsung Galaxy S3 features a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display, with a 1280 x 720 pixels resolution. The pixel density of the display is 306 PPI, and the sub-pixel arrangement used is red-green-blue-green (RGBG). The Galaxy S3 display is capable of rendering 16 million colors, and its contrast ratio is 3,419 to 1.

The display of the S3 has been criticized by the display specialists at DisplayMate for the distorted color gamut, that casts a greenish hue to many images. Also, the experts say that many images appear "over saturated and gaudy" on the Galaxy S3, due to the prominence of the green subpixel and a lack of calibration. More about that here.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 display

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 features a larger, 5.5-inch display with the same HD resolution of 1280 x 720. Due to the larger dimensions of the screen, the pixel density on the Note 2 display is significantly lower than the Galaxy S3's, at 267 ppi. Like the S3, the Note 2 boasts an HD Super AMOLED display, but one that uses an RGB pattern instead of Pentile.

The Note 2 features a unique RGB pattern; instead of having three equal subpixels, this pattern is comprised of a large blue subpixel, and smaller green and red subpixels. The blue subpixel is darker than the other two, to compensate for the larger size. The reason for which Samsung used this unusual arrangement is because the blue subpixel has a shorter lifespan than the other two. By making it larger, the Korean engineers prolonged its durability.

galaxynote 2 amoled

GSMArena Notice the larger blue subpixels.

Interestingly, Samsung has stated a few months back that one of the reasons they chose a Pentile arrangement for the GS3 is its longer lifespan compared with the RGB stripe pattern. The unique pattern used on the Note 2 indicates that Samsung has found a way to increase the lifespan of RGB panels.

galaxy-note-2-n7100-gray-14

Photo comparison

To show you the differences between the RGB display of the Galaxy Note 2 and the PenTile display of the Galaxy S3, we put them side by side and shot them at increasing magnification levels.

First, here are the two displays side by side. Click for larger versions.

galaxy note 2 vs galaxy s3 display

You can see that, at this level, there's virtually no difference between the two phones. In spite of the different pixel densities, the two displays appear identical to the naked eye.

At roughly 1.5X magnification, we begin to see the rows of pixels. The Galaxy Note 2 seems just a tad sharper and the difference is especially visible in the green areas of the image. Remember that the PenTile matrix arrangement has two green subpixels that are shared between different logical pixels.

galaxy note 2 vs galaxy s3 display 2

The difference between the display of the Galaxy S3 and the Note 2 really becomes obvious at a ~2.5X magnification. You can notice the pixel rows on the two displays. On the Galaxy S3, the large green pixels pop out, which makes the image appear a bit more grainy that the Note 2.

galaxy note 2 vs galaxy s3 display 3

Finally, we zoomed in at ~5.5X, a level at which you can identify individual pixels in both images. Note that the image of the Galaxy S3 display is slightly more magnified (about 6X) to highlight the pixel arrangement. You can clearly see the difference between the two sub-pixel arrangements, with the PenTile being less crisp.

galaxy note 2 vs galaxy s3 display 4

Text and graphics comparison

The PenTile arrangement shows its weaknesses when displaying text, icons, and other fine graphics. For this type of imagery, you can sometimes notice a colored "haze" around the graphic elements.

Here's a magnified sample of text:

Galaxy Note 2

Galaxy S3

You can notice that the Galaxy S3 has a more pronounced haze around the text; that fuzziness is not a design element, and on the Note 2, you can clearly see it's less pronounced.

In the next image, which is even more magnified, you can clearly see the red and blue pixels that cause the fuzziness.

Galaxy Note 2

Galaxy S3

Here's an image that shows that greenish cast that whites have on the Galaxy S3 when viewed under certain angles.

Galaxy Note 2

Galaxy S3

The fuziness of the Galaxy S3 is also visible in this magnified shot of the Play Store icon.

Galaxy Note 2

Galaxy S3

And again, in the next shot:

Galaxy Note 2

Galaxy S3

Wrap up

To bring this post full circle, picking a display over another is largely a debatable affair.

In the case of today’s Galaxy Note 2 vs Galaxy S3 comparison, the differences in crispness are only noticeable when you magnify the image. The greenish or bluish cast that occurs in some situations can be bothersome, especially if you call yourself a display purist. If that’s the case, pick up the Galaxy Note 2, which features the “better” display. But the truth is most users would never notice the difference, unless someone would specifically point it out.

I handled both the Galaxy S3 and the Note 2, and I can’t say that one display was better than the other. At 1280 x 720, the shortcomings of PenTile are hard to notice. I did notice a bluish hue on the GS3, but perhaps that was subjective. Bottom line, don’t let others tell you which one is better. Spend a few minutes with both phones and make sure to read some text or do some browsing (the use cases where the issues of PenTile are most visible) before making a decision.

What about you? What do you think about the two displays?

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This article, Galaxy Note 2 vs Galaxy S3: Display comparison , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Alcatel One Touch Evo7 is a modular tablet with add-on 3G

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 08:49 PM PDT

Tablet computers have been a hit-or-miss industry for most Android device manufacturers. While the likes of the Google Nexus 7 and the Amazon Kindle Fire line have met with success, not everyone is basking in the limelight. Manufacturers would usually have to offer something unique and interesting for buyers. Here’s one from Alcatel that we have mixed feelings about.

The Alcatel One Touch Evo7 is a 7-inch tablet that comes with a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, front-facing camera and microSD card support. Processor specs and screen resolution are yet to be announced, but the device also supports WiFi connectivity, and ships with Ice Cream Sandwich. But what’s perhaps different from other WiFi-only devices is that the One Touch Evo supports 3G connectivity with an add-on.

This 3G module comes in the form of a removable frame, which also contains the 3G modem and antenna. Alcatel says the device will also come with a set of accessories, including leather and hard pouches and different-colored frames.

Now I wonder why Alcatal did not just offer data connectivity built-in. Will this be a future trend among Android tablet manufacturers in the future? It would certainly be interesting if the likes of Google or Asus were to market an add-on module that gives existing Nexus 7 devices data connectivity.

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This article, Alcatel One Touch Evo7 is a modular tablet with add-on 3G , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Softbank to borrow $23B to finance Sprint acquisition bid

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 07:32 PM PDT

Mobile carriers are in acquisition mode. German company Deustsche Telekom, which operates T-Mobile in the U.S., is making a bid to acquire super-regional carrier MetroPCS. Meanwhile, Sprint was also rumored to have plans to acquire MetroPCS, but had to hold off. We have also confirmation that Japan’s Softbank is planning to acquire Sprint Nextel.

Softbank has been eyeing the U.S. market for some time now, reports Reuters, and sources say the telecoms company is in talks with three banks in Japan to finance its acquisition bid. Sources close to the matter say Softbank plans to borrow 1.8 trillion yen (US$ 23 billion) in order to fund its acquisition.

Softbank may also look into acquiring other strategic assets in the U.S., including Clearwire. Such a move would help bolster Sprint Nextel’s network capacity, although analysts say Softbank might risk having too much debt exposure, given that Sprint has a net debt of US$ 15 billion, while Softank has a net debt of about US$ 10 billion, plus US$ 2 billion debt of smaller rival eAccess, which Softbank has recently agreed to acquire.

There are also reports that Softbank might likewise acquire MetroPCS in a two-step deal (first Sprint, then MetroPCS). At a combined 2 trillion yen (US$ 25.6 billion), this will be the biggest overseas acquisition by a Japanese company, and will also result in Softbank being one of the world’s major wireless carriers.

Will Softbank be the next big thing in the U.S. mobile telecommunications industry?

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This article, Softbank to borrow $23B to finance Sprint acquisition bid , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Android Authority On Air – Episode 33 – LG Nexus 4

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 05:24 PM PDT

Continuing from last week, the LG Nexus 4 / LG Optimus Nexus / LG Nexus G / we don’t know what the final name is, posed for a whole bunch of high resolution photographs putting last weeks blurry pics to shame. We saw leaked specs and even a little mini review of the prototype Nexus all thanks to the Belarusian website, Onliner. It seems the Nexus 7 32GB edition might just be real after all. Loves us some leaks.

This week was one of those dream weeks in the Android world. Not only did we see a lot of rumors, we saw a completely new version of Android drop on the world. Android 4.1.2 was released this week for a few Nexus devices. The Nexus 7, GSM Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus S all started to receiving Google’s latest OTA update within two days of the announcement. That’s impressive. Sadly, the bastards of the group, the Sprint Nexus S 4G, Sprint Galaxy Nexus and the Verizon Galaxy Nexus were left to cry in the corner.

But wait, have no fear, ROOTin’ and ROMin’ is here! Google pushed the Android 4.1.2 source code and the latest round of binaries for all Nexus devices. CM10, Bugless Beast, Paranoid Android and a handful of others merged their sources, said let their be new ROMs and just like that, ROMs with Android 4.1.2 began pouring out.

A few popular apps got updated this past week. Google+, DropBox, Google Play Store and FoxFi magically started working on the Verizon Galaxy Nexus again. Google also dropped ZAGAT on the Play Store. As always, last but not least, we closed with patent wars. It seems others in the US legal system think that Judge Koh might not know what shes doing after all as an appeals court reversed the injunction on Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus here in the US.

All this and more on this week on Android Authority On Air.

Miss the show? Tune in or watch below:

YouTube
SoundCloud
Stitcher
iTunes
RSS

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This article, Android Authority On Air – Episode 33 – LG Nexus 4 , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Rogers customers can now reserve the LG Optimus G

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 03:20 PM PDT

If you’re a Rogers customer who has been waiting for the LG Optimus G, you can now reserve one through the Rogers website to make sure you get it as soon as it becomes available.

According the the Rogers website, paying the reservation fee of $40 dollars will ensure that you get the LG Optimus G delivered to you after the official launch in “mid-November.” Existing customers can also reserve the phone and have it delivered to a Rogers store near them, assuming they are eligible for an upgrade.

While the site doesn’t get any more specific on the launch date, it does mention that the Optimus G will cost $599.99 without a contract, and $129.99 on “select three-year plans.” Seeing that even earlier today we were unsure on pricing specifics, this is an interesting detail.

We’ve had plenty of recent coverage of the LG Optimus G, but a few of its more interesting specs include its quad-core processor, 13-megapixel camera, 4.7-inch True HD IPS display, and Dual Display and SmartScreen features, which can display the phone’s content on a larger screen.

Are you a Rogers customer looking forward to the LG Optimus G? If so, are you going to reserve one?

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This article, Rogers customers can now reserve the LG Optimus G , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


New and fresh Android apps of the week (October 12 issue)

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 02:00 PM PDT

It’s a hectic week down here at Android Authority, and we bet we’re not the only ones bustling about making the world a bit better, byte by byte.  In fact, Android app developers are working 24/7 around the world to provide us with new and fresh Android apps.

In this second week of October, we handpicked some from this week’s batch of new and fresh Android apps on the Google Play Store.  We found these apps useful, interesting, or entertaining, and we hope you feel the same way.  In this post, get to know about an app for

  • polishing your English grammar;
  • making you laugh and smile through memes and funny photos;
  • viewing 3D photos of microscopic objects;
  • working out your phrasal verb muscle;
  • baking and getting nearly everything you need to know about baking;
  • taking photos of your notes and organizing them;
  • managing a to-do list;
  • staying up to date with recent custom ROM releases from the Android Open Kang Project (AOKP);
  • keeping track of your luggage and suitcases when you travel;
  • keeping track of rain and storms in the Philippines and avoid flood-prone areas;
  • organizing your tasks in every school subject;
  • automatically turning on Speaker mode when receiving calls;
  • remembering and never forgetting;
  • capturing videos secretly; and
  • reading your SMS messages out loud.

End your week by checking out these apps, and then let us know what you think of them.

Grammar App by Tap To Learn

If you want to teach your kids proper English grammar without boring them, try Grammar App by Tap To Learn. Developed by TapToLearn, this app will help your kids learn the different parts of speech, proper use of punctuations, basic grammar, and writing rules. The app also has a Video tab that allows you to watch video grammar tutorial. This tab will need an Internet connection because you will be directed to the app’s YouTube app. Aside from teaching grammar, the app also allows you to take tests and measure your grammar skills.

Get Grammar App by Tap to Learn for free and ad-free from the Google Play Store.


i-Entertain

Laughter is the best medicine. The developers at i-Entertain believes so, too. That is why they created the app i-Entertain to make your heart laugh. This app compiles various pictures of memes and epic fail pictures in one app. You will be able to see cute animals, people doing funny stuff, and a lot more pictures with memes. Aside from funny pictures, the app will also add to your knowledge by providing cool and interesting “do-you-know” facts. An Internet connection is needed to use the app, which you can get for free and without ads from the Google Play Store.


Science – Microcosm 3D

There are substances or creatures that cannot be seen through the naked eyes. We use the microscope to see them. Thanks to the Online Science Classroom, you can now see these tiny objects without the need of a microscope. Science – Microcosm 3D allows you to see 3D images of cells, viruses, and other organisms that cannot be seen by the naked eye. All you need to do is to swipe to the desired measurement and the 3D model of that same dimension will appear on the screen. You can also tap the More button to get more information about that image. The free but limited version of the app is available on the Google Play Store.


PhrasalVerbWorkout

Having a hard time with verbs? Use eggdeng’s PhrasalVerbWorkout to sharpen your knowledge of English verbs. The app has a large database of verbs, which you can use to study and learn the proper use of verbs. Once you get familiar with the verbs, you can test your skills by performing workout sets requiring you to supply the right verbs to the given sentences. Start your phrasal verb training (and undisturbed by ads) by buying PhrasalVerbWorkout for about US$4.00 from the Google Play Store.


The Baker App

If you and your oven are inseparable, you’re probably a bake-a-holic. The devs at Beeconomics also love to bake, and they’ve released The Baker App for everyone who loves to bake. This simple app allows you to save your recipes and ingredients right on your Android device. No need for you to keep your recipes on cards stored in a box. You can also monitor and keep track of your ingredients within the app. The app also allows you to buy recipes from famous bakers. Enjoy the ad-free and free The Baker App from the Google Play Store.


Related Posts

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This article, New and fresh Android apps of the week (October 12 issue) , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


German prosecutors likely dropping Google Street View criminal probe

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 01:15 PM PDT

google street view car

German prosecutors are likely to drop a criminal probe into whether cars sent out to take photos for Google Street View illegally gathered more data than they were supposed to. Though no official statement has been made, Bloomberg reports that two people “familiar with the issue” said that it would be dropped.

The issue at hand arose in 2010 when Google vehicles deployed around Europe gathered data from unsecured Wi-Fi networks. While Google has said that this was an accident, it caused people to complain, and this was what started the criminal probe. The investigation has now finished and the prosecutors are preparing to announce their decision.

The two informants, who did not want to be identified because the issue is yet to be officially resolved, said that the prosecutors involved didn’t find any evidence of criminal activity. This doesn’t mean that Google is in the clear, however. Johannes Caspar, data commissioner for the city of Hamburg, where the prosecutors are based, has said that if the criminal probe is dropped, his office will begin its own administrative investigation into the incident.

Do you think that Google knowingly snooped on Wi-Fi networks? Or was this an accident, as Google says?

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This article, German prosecutors likely dropping Google Street View criminal probe , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


LG Nexus 4 review released ahead of phone’s launch

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 01:13 PM PDT

With each day that passes by, the LG Nexus 4 becomes more and more 'boring.' And by that I don't mean uninteresting, I simply mean that there are too many leaks detailing the handset well in advanced of its launch.

We know it's based on the Optimus G, we've seen the photos and 360 degree spin, the specs and features and we heard it will be unveiled in late October. What else do we need? A full-blown review of the handset, to tell us even more things about this fourth-generation Nexus handset, but the first ever for LG.

Belorussian blog Onliner, which has access to a prototype LG Nexus 4 unit, has posted a review that’s even more fun to read if you're well acquainted with the Russian language. Otherwise the task becomes a bit more daunting but still possible with the right translation tools.

The tech site compared the LG Nexus 4 with its predecessor, the Galaxy Nexus, in this extensive preliminary-review and found out quite a few interesting things.

The prototype unit comes with a buggy Android 4.1.2 OS version on board although it's expected to launch running Android 4.2. Here are some issues with the phone's OS in its current state:

The following are the most serious and common problems of the prototype. Model like from time to time to reboot, sometimes it does not respond to the power button, and then have to resort to a “soft reset.” Smartphone hardly charged when connected to a computer (goes into an endless loop on / off), reset network Wi-Fi, it also can not connect to the computer for lack of a driver.

Because we're looking at a prototype device, don't be surprised to find out that the LG Nexus 4 is yet to outperform competitors when it comes to benchmarking tests. That will probably change once the device gets its final, stable Android 4.2 build.

Another downside is its limited 8GB of internal memory 'bundled' with a complete lack of microSD support. While we expect the final version not to feature any memory expansion capabilities, we'd be really surprised to see the LG Nexus 4 out in stores sporting just 8GB of storage. Speaking about that number 8, we’re looking at an 8-megapixel main camera on the LG Nexus 4, not the 13-megapixel that’s found on its twin brother, the Optimus G.

When it comes to design, the LG Nexus 4 is similar to the Galaxy Nexus on first look, but it has various identifying characteristics. For one, the screen is not curved anymore, but flat, while the headset jack has been moved to the top side and the front-facing camera is now closer to the right corner. Moreover, the back side of the new Nexus has a strange pattern that's unlike what we usually see in smartphones. But the good news is that it can't be scratched, no matter how hard you'd try. Or at least they failed to do it.

Another interesting tidbit of information offered by the review is the fact that LG decided to use a 4-inch IPS display instead of HD Super AMOLED, a change some users will appreciate more than others:

Contrast, sharpness, brightness – all of these new options left behind Galaxy Nexus and very close to the iPhone 5 . In the latter, except that the brightness of the above, but, subjectively, the contrast is worse, the rest of the display, both are very similar and are among the best on the market.

And just in case you plan to replace that battery yourself when it runs out – in tests, the prototype lasted for three hours on YouTube video playback on Wi-Fi – you'll have a hard time doing it, because that’s not exactly an option.

Naturally, we'll have our own LG Nexus 4 review out in due time, but let's wait for Google to officially announce it first, shall we?

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This article, LG Nexus 4 review released ahead of phone's launch , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Droid Incredible 4G LTE update brings global roaming and mobile payments

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 12:44 PM PDT

Droid Incredible 4G LTE update

Verizon has officially announced the 5-month-old HTC Droid Incredible 4G LTE is now receiving a new software update. Is it important enough that you should care? For many users, yes it is. The 154MB update file is listed as build 2.17.605.2 and includes several new features and improvements that could make it worthwhile for many Verizon users.

Probably the most exciting change arriving in this update is the addition of global roaming. More than 220 countries will be compatible with this feature. While global roaming might not matter to everyone, this is a major feature that could be quite useful for those that regularly travel abroad.

The other major change is the addition of the Isis Mobile Wallet payment system. This finally means we will have a Verizon-approved mobile payment system for the Incredible 4G LTE that will work with any Isis Ready merchant. Other changes in the Droid Incredible 4G LTE update include improved LTE and Wi-Fi connection performance, a minor change to Visual Voice Mail, better support for Tango and enhanced customer support thanks to Verizon’s Remote Diagnostics tool.

At the moment, the update has yet to hit the airwaves, though odds are it could arrive any time between now and the next few days.

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This article, Droid Incredible 4G LTE update brings global roaming and mobile payments , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.


Sprint 4G LTE expanding to 22 new markets in “coming months”

Posted: 12 Oct 2012 12:41 PM PDT

Sprint 4G LTE

Today Sprint reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its 4G LTE network by announcing a major push to 22 new markets. Alongside the announcement of the 22 new cities getting the high-speed services, Sprint also reiterated its promise to add LTE to more than a hundred new cities in the near future.

While this sounds like a good plan, there is one thing missing. Sprint gave us no specific target for when the service would get switched on in these new areas. In typical fashion for most carriers, all the company said for sure was that it would be here in the "coming months." It is worth noting that in September the carrier mentioned 100 new locations would get service in a few months time. Now the plan is 22 new locations in a few months time and the rest “in the near future.” They need to make up their minds and stick with the plan before they further aggravate their customers.

Currently Sprint’s coverage severely lags behind rivals like Verizon. Big Red currently has more than 400 different markets covered. This is huge when compared to the 24 existing Sprint 4G LTE markets. The good news is that this most recent effort could nearly double what we’ve seen from Sprint so far, if there are no further delays.

Some of the markets getting the new service include the San Francisco, California area, the Vellejo, California area, Sebring, Florida area and many more. A full list of covered cities getting the new 4G LTE service can be found in the press release below.

Show full PR text

Sprint Adding 4G LTE to More Than 20 Additional Cities in Coming Months

Millions of power data users in several major cities will soon enjoy a 4G LTE experience with the only truly unlimited 4G LTE plans from a national carrier

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), October 12, 2012 – Continuing its aggressive push to deliver an enhanced top-tier network experience for customers, Sprint (NYSE:S) announced today that its 4G LTE network build is progressing in more than 20 additional cities within its nationwide 3G footprint.

The 4G LTE Network build is under way in the following additional areas:

San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA
Cape Coral-Ft Myers, FL
Dyersburg-Union City-Martin, TN
Emporia, KS
Fort Wayne, IN
Greenwood, MS
Joplin, MO
Kokomo, IN
Lafayette/West Lafayette, IN
Lexington Park, MD
Marion, IN
Napa, CA
Naples-Marco Island, FL
Ottawa-Streator, IL
Punta Gorda, FL
Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA
Sarasota-Bradenton, FL
Sebring, FL
South Bend-Mishawaka, IN
Terre Haute, IN
Vallejo-Fairfield, CA
Warsaw, IN

"We're committed to providing improved 3G and 4G LTE as quickly as possible, and keeping our customers informed as to when and where they can experience the new network's superior performance and speed," said Bob Azzi, senior vice president-Network, Sprint. "Our customers depend on their mobile devices as their primary source of communication, business connectivity and entertainment. We're delivering all of that functionality at a very competitive price."

During the pre-launch phase, Sprint customers with capable devices may begin to see 4G LTE coverage in these areas and are welcome to use the network even before it officially launches. Sprint plans to announce commercial availability of 4G LTE in these cities in the coming months, followed by continued enhancements in coverage, performance and reliability. Ultimately, Sprint's 4G LTE coverage is expected to largely match the existing nationwide 3G footprint.

Last month, Sprint announced more than 100 cities where Sprint 4G LTE is on its way, including Boston; Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago; Indianapolis; Los Angeles; Memphis, Tenn.; Miami; Nashville, Tenn.; New Orleans; New York; Philadelphia; and Washington, D.C. The network build out has begun in these cities in addition to those announced In September. The LTE build out is part of Network Vision, an investment program that will also deliver an improved 3G experience to Sprint customers.

Today, Sprint offers the new 4G LTE service in 24 metropolitan areas: Atlanta, Ga.; Athens, Ga.; Baltimore; Barnstable-Hyannis/Mid-Cape, Mass.; Calhoun, Ga.; Carrollton, Ga.; Gainesville, Ga.; Dallas; Fort Worth, Texas; Granbury-Hood County, Texas; Houston; Huntsville, Texas; Lawrence, Kan.; Kansas City, Mo.-Kan.; Manhattan/Junction City, Kan.; Newnan, Ga.; Rome, Ga.; San Antonio, Texas; Sedalia, Mo.; St. Joseph, Mo.; Topeka, Kan.; Waco, Texas; Waukegan-Lake County, Ill.; and Wichita, Kan.

As part of its overall network strategy, Sprint is also doing a complete overhaul of its 3G infrastructure so that customers can enjoy better wireless signal strength, in-building coverage, and fewer dropped/blocked calls. These enhancements are now available to customers in several markets across the country, with significant deployment in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and Washington, D.C., and will continue to improve in the weeks and months ahead.

Unlimited + Sprint 4G LTE = Game-changing wireless offer for customers

In today's competitive wireless market, the value of unlimited has never been more apparent and Sprint is clearly a leading choice in wireless. Customers with capable devices can combine Sprint's all-new 3G and 4G LTE networks and enjoy unlimited data while on the Sprint network. Data usage continues to increase and consumers value Truly Unlimited data because it's simple and straightforward – no metering, no throttling, and no need to share data, which increases the likelihood of a surprise monthly bill because of overage charges.

Coupled with unbeatable plans and fast devices, Sprint has been working hard to deliver the best customer experience in the past few years. The 2012 American Customer Satisfaction Index ranked Sprint No. 1 among all national carriers in customer satisfaction and most improved, across all 47 industries measured, over the last four years. And Sprint has been ranked Highest in Satisfaction with the Purchase Experience among Full-service Wireless Providers three times in a row by J.D. Power and Associates.

For the most up-to-date details on Sprint's 4G LTE portfolio and rollout, please visit www.sprint.com/4GLTE.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 56 million customers at the end of the second quarter of 2012 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Sprint No. 1 among all national carriers in customer satisfaction and most improved, across all 47 industries, during the last four years. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in its 2011 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation's greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

Contact(s):

Sprint
Kelly Schlageter, 703-592-8809
kelly.a.schlageter@sprint.com

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This article, Sprint 4G LTE expanding to 22 new markets in “coming months” , was originally published at AndroidAuthority.com - Your Android News Source.