Why I Switched from Sprint to T-Mobile

Introduction

When I first heard that T-Mobile was introducing unlimited data, I got curious about their offerings. I was with Sprint strictly because they offered unlimited data. I did have my issues with Sprint, but that got all smoothed out. But checking out the data plans that T-Mobile offered, I was surprised at how much cheaper they were. And thus began my look into T-Mobile. The biggest catch was that I was going to have to buy a new phone, and the LG Nexus 4 was perfect.

I'm writing this up to help explain why I went about going the route I did. Not only did I discover that T-Mobile was cheaper, but their data was at least 5 times faster than Sprint's! Why pay more for lower speeds?

Data Speeds

So, this will vary from person to person, but from what I've seen thanks to Root Metrics you'll get about 5 times faster with T-Mobile in the Boston area (source).
I tested both my HTC Evo 3D using 4G WiMax against my new LG Nexus 4 using HSPA+. Note that I didn't always get WiMax signal or HSPA+ signal. This is just the average across all techs on the phones.

From Work

T-Mobile From Work

Sprint From Work

Around Town

T-Mobile Around Town

Sprint Around Town

Winner: T-Mobile

Individual Plan Comparison

Sprint's Everything Data 450 gives you 450 minutes of talk unlimited data for 79.99. Keep in mind that Sprint also charges you an additional $10 for having a smart phone.
T-Mobile's Unlimited Value gives you unlimited talk, text, and data for $69.99.

Winner: T-Mobile

Family Plan Comparison

Sprint's Everything Data Family 1500 gives you 1500 minutes of talk and unlimited data for 2 lines is $149.99 plus $10 per smartphone for a total of $169.99. Additional lines are $29.99 (for smartphones) each up to 5 total.
T-Mobile's 1000 Minute Value gives you 1000 minutes of talk and unlimited text and data for 2 lines is $99.98. Additional lines are $25 each up to 5.
T-Mobile's Unlimited Value gives you unlimited talk, text, and data for 2 lines is $119.98. Additional lines are $45 each up to 5 total.

2 Line T-Mobile ($99.98/119.98) vs Sprint ($169.99): Winner T-Mobile

3 Line T-Mobile ($124.98/164.98) vs Sprint ($199.98): Winner T-Mobile

4 Line T-Mobile ($149.98/209.98) vs Sprint ($229.97): Winner T-Mobile

5 Line T-Mobile ($174.98/254.98) vs Sprint ($259.96): Winner T-Mobile

The key difference is that Sprint charges $10 per month per smartphone. If they ever get rid of this, then they'll have a fighting chance.

Conclusion

Overall, it's hard to deny that T-Mobile is the better deal. And the way the company is headed, I think we're going to see a lot of good things for the future. T-Mobile did hit a rough patch thanks to AT&T trying to buy them out. During the whole review process, T-Mobile pretty much sat stagnant. But now with that sale cancelled, T-Mobile is full speed ahead. They're bringing markets into HSPA+ quickly and planning to deploy LTE in 2013. And they're getting rid of their subsidized plans! Good news indeed.

One last thing I did want to mention is that I'm still playing and tinkering around with T-Mobile. I'm looking into where I don't get any service and all that fun jazz. Stay tuned for an update on how it's been going. And check for yourself at RootMetrics.