Nexus One – AT&T Versus T-Mobile

With the announcement of an AT&T 3G compatible Nexus One, it has many users wondering which should I get.  A couple factors will play into answering that question, with the main ones being price and network.  For starters, you cannot currently purchase the Nexus One for AT&T, here be referred to as N1A, subsidized with AT&T, which means you have to pay the full $529 up front fee for the phone.  Whereas, the N1T (T-Mobile version), can be purchased either full price for $529 or a subsidized price for $179.  Let’s start with full price comparisons. 

The up front free will be the same for either network, $529.  After that, things get confusing and wild quickly.  Starting with an individual account, AT&T offers a 450 minute plan with data and messages for $90/month, 40 for the voice, 30 for unlimited data and 20 for unlimited messages.  Want unlimited voice?  Add $30 more, making it $120/month.  Ok, how about T-Mobile.  Well, if you’ve purchased your Nexus One outright, you qualify for the Even More Plus, which runs you $60/month for 500 minutes, unlimited web and unlimited messages and $80/month for unlimited voice, web and messages.

Family Plans:

• AT&T: 550 shared minutes, unlimited data and text = $150/month for two lines.
• T-Mobile: 750 shared minutes, unlimited data and text = $110/month for two lines.

Since you don’t have the option for purchasing the N1A subsidized I won’t go into that rats nest of options, choices and whatnot.  Let’s just say it’s not pretty considering the subsidized N1T has limitations on the monthly plan and lack of family plans for 120 days etc….  Yeah, you see where that’s going.

Finally, consider the networks.  AT&T on paper is larger, with more users and more coverage than T-Mobile.  Recently, AT&T network proved to be more reliable and faster during a nationwide 3rd party test.  Also consider customer support and generally how you feel about the carriers.  Who are your friends using?  Family?  Maybe stick with something they recommend.

All things considered, it’s a hard sell to me at least to justify paying full price for the N1A and the extra $$$ per month, between 36% and 50% more per month depending on individual and family plans.  Your choice.