T-Mobile USA VoLTE and WiFi calling

hnt20

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Wanted to start a thread to discuss any success or stories about using your XZ1 on T-Mobile USA with VoLTE or WiFi calling? Anyone got a chance to buy the phone and try it out on T-Mobile USA? lets keep the chatter to minimum of facts and real feedback of users experience and not (it should work, or in theory it should work, or even Sony said it will work). I am looking for real user experiences on their personal phones running VoLTE on T-Mobile USA.
 

spielnicht

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hnt20

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so far, no confirmation from any real user experience that XZ1 actually works with T-Mobile USA VoLTE. I have reviewed the reddit discussion, again, no confirmation there as well.
 

RockStar2005

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I just spoke to T-Mobile's Tech Dept and they really have no clue if it's VoLTE-certified or not. Since the majority of online publications say it isn't and only the XZ1 Compact is, I'm going to assume it's not. Guess I'm sticking with my HTC 10 a little longer then! lol
 
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RockStar2005

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Agree, seems Sony did it again by limiting their unlocked phones to work only on handful of networks.
Yeah. They're slowly getting back on track again, considering that XZ1 has excellent battery life (82 endurance hours on GSM Arena, "Excellent" rating on Phone Arena), HDR screen, improved audio from what I'm understanding (though I'm still THOROUGHLY researching that lol), metal unibody is awesome (enough with glass backs! lol), and at least certifying VoLTE for the unlocked XZ1 Compact (it's a start, I guess lol)...........it seems they are getting their sh*t together. So hopefully in 2018 we'll see them quit playin' around like dummies and do EVERYTHING right, not just a few things.
 
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1230m

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Yeah. They're slowly getting back on track again, considering that XZ1 has excellent battery life (82 endurance hours on GSM Arena, "Excellent" rating on Phone Arena), HDR screen, improved audio from what I'm understanding (though I'm still THOROUGHLY researching that lol), metal unibody is awesome (enough with glass backs! lol), and at least certifying VoLTE for the unlocked XZ1 Compact (it's a start, I guess lol)...........it seems they are getting their sh*t together. So hopefully in 2018 we'll see them quit playin' around like dummies and do EVERYTHING right, not just a few things.
(enough with glass backs! lol)
Aww, man! You sure? You don't want the iPhone X? Haha, I think it's funny apple is switching back after the monster failure of the 4s's glass back.


at least certifying VoLTE for the unlocked XZ1 Compact (it's a start, I guess lol)
This is very much up for debate, as you said your representative wasn't sure, but said maybe the Compact only? I am talking to a rep now (have been for near a half hour or longer), the initial person didn't know (they kept saying "the SIM card will work in an unlocked Sony phone", which is not the full answer to my/our question here). After much discussion, the initial rep basically said they don't know, but in theory (I know we don't want theories here, so this isn't too helpful, but my experience...) it should work, although, it hadn't been tested by t-mobile themselves or something, so they couldn't guarantee it. I found this site "spectrumgateway" ( then navigate to the "Devices compatible with Extended Range LTE") [sorry, I can't post actual links yet]. This webpage lists the XZ1 and XZ1 Compact under the "may work" category. If you notice, the page also says to try to contact t-mobile/the t-mobile community if you happen to test one of the "maybe" phones, as they're "maybe" because t-mobile doesn't know and hasn't tried (but in theory should be compatible). So, I really think those third party articles have no idea what they're talking about and t-mobile seems to have no idea if the new sony phones will actually work, in reality.

After more talking to the initial rep, he goes and grabs someone else (I don't know who? maybe a supervisor?). This person does not seem to know either. They've both claimed wifi calling should work fine on the unlocked/VZW iphone 5s i currently have, which is completely not the case. So, who knows?


So hopefully in 2018 we'll see them quit playin' around like dummies and do EVERYTHING right, not just a few things
I think I thought that to myself 6 months ago with the XZs came out, then a year ago when the XZ came out, and even a year before that too. Not sure I am going to hold my breath anymore.

Edit 1: Okay, after rounding out my conversation with the supervisor... they basically determined that they cannot guarantee the XZ1/XZ1 Compact will even work (although, per the third parties info/specs (Sony), it *should*) and no one has tested it for sure (and it doesn't sound like they plan on it, themselves, so it's up to consumers, I guess). That all said, I still wouldn't be surprised if wifi calling, hd voice, volte, etc. didn't work. The supervisor directed me to t-mobile's support page, where I searched an article called "Wi-Fi Calling" from t-mobile (it was the third result for me, dunno for others) [again, sorry, I can't link]. It's more or less a page on their wi-fi calling policies and how to use it and such, but may be useful.
 
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RockStar2005

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Aww, man! You sure? You don't want the iPhone X? Haha, I think it's funny apple is switching back after the monster failure of the 4s's glass back.




This is very much up for debate, as you said your representative wasn't sure, but said maybe the Compact only? I am talking to a rep now (have been for near a half hour or longer), the initial person didn't know (they kept saying "the SIM card will work in an unlocked Sony phone", which is not the full answer to my/our question here). After much discussion, the initial rep basically said they don't know, but in theory (I know we don't want theories here, so this isn't too helpful, but my experience...) it should work, although, it hadn't been tested by t-mobile themselves or something, so they couldn't guarantee it. I found this site "spectrumgateway" ( then navigate to the "Devices compatible with Extended Range LTE") [sorry, I can't post actual links yet]. This webpage lists the XZ1 and XZ1 Compact under the "may work" category. If you notice, the page also says to try to contact t-mobile/the t-mobile community if you happen to test one of the "maybe" phones, as they're "maybe" because t-mobile doesn't know and hasn't tried (but in theory should be compatible). So, I really think those third party articles have no idea what they're talking about and t-mobile seems to have no idea if the new sony phones will actually work, in reality.

After more talking to the initial rep, he goes and grabs someone else (I don't know who? maybe a supervisor?). This person does not seem to know either. They've both claimed wifi calling should work fine on the unlocked/VZW iphone 5s i currently have, which is completely not the case. So, who knows?




I think I thought that to myself 6 months ago with the XZs came out, then a year ago when the XZ came out, and even a year before that too. Not sure I am going to hold my breath anymore.
I respect Apple iPhones, but I prefer the freedom of Android. lol

No it's NOT a maybe for the XZ1 Compact being T-Mobile VoLTE-certified. ALL online publications indicate the XZ1 Compact will have it. Only like ONE (Android Headlines) said it was both, but I think they jumped the gun by assuming something that should've been the case anyway but wasn't. A rep with who, Sony? Or T-Mobile? Cuz if it's T-Mo I already went that route with both customer service and their tech dept.

Yeah Spectrum Gateway wasn't sure and it turns out it's only the XZ1 Compact. I wanted to contact them but they didn't put a "Contact Us" page on their site. Dumb. lol I have their page bookmarked, so actually 2 sites say both have it, but if you click on their "source link" for that info, it takes you to...........Android Headlines. lol

At this point I believe the XZ1 Compact got certified, and the XZ1 didn't. Until someone can prove that wrong, I'm not going to dispute it. So that's that.

Sony has made like its best phone yet in the XZ1 IMO, but this is unacceptable. I have faith though that they will come around with their head FULLY out of their a$$ by 2018 though. The XZ1 Compact is a great buy though. If it only had a bigger screen, then it would basically BE the XZ1 since they both have the 835. Not sure on body of XZ1 Compact though, but it p's me off b/c I've been waiting for an all metal-unibody Xperia phone. And now we got one, but it turns out to be a dud in one major way (no VoLTE). I get Band 12 in my area now, so VoLTE is a MUST for me. When I didn't have it before I didn't care, but it just got put up and activated in my area (Chicago) about 2-3 months ago. And you need VoLTE to use it on T-Mo's network since they require certification, so yeah. It's a pass for me, unfortunately. And unfortunately for Sony too.
 
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1230m

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I respect Apple iPhones, but I prefer the freedom of Android. lol

No it's NOT a maybe for the XZ1 Compact being T-Mobile VoLTE-certified. ALL online publications indicate the XZ1 Compact will have it. Only like ONE (Android Headlines) said it was both, but I think they jumped the gun by assuming something that should've been the case anyway but wasn't. A rep with who, Sony? Or T-Mobile? Cuz if it's T-Mo I already went that route with both customer service and their tech dept.

Yeah Spectrum Gateway wasn't sure and it turns out it's only the XZ1 Compact. I wanted to contact them but they didn't put a "Contact Us" page on their site. Dumb. lol I have their page bookmarked, so actually 2 sites say both have it, but if you click on their "source link" for that info, it takes you to...........Android Headlines. lol

At this point I believe the XZ1 Compact got certified, and the XZ1 didn't. Until someone can prove that wrong, I'm not going to dispute it. So that's that.

Sony has made like its best phone yet in the XZ1 IMO, but this is unacceptable. I have faith though that they will come around with their head FULLY out of their a$$ by 2018 though. The XZ1 Compact is a great buy though. If it only had a bigger screen, then it would basically BE the XZ1 since they both have the 835. Not sure on body of XZ1 Compact though, but it p's me off b/c I've been waiting for an all metal-unibody Xperia phone. And now we got one, but it turns out to be a dud in one major way (no VoLTE). I get Band 12 in my area now, so VoLTE is a MUST for me. When I didn't have it before I didn't care, but it just got put up and activated in my area (Chicago) about 2-3 months ago. And you need VoLTE to use it on T-Mo's network since they require certification, so yeah. It's a pass for me, unfortunately. And unfortunately for Sony too.
I respect Apple iPhones, but I prefer the freedom of Android. lol
I feel ya, apple iphones are generally fairly quality. Sorry, I shouldn't have ragged on them. I have just had mine for a while and am ready to switch (back -- its been *years*, so not sure you could even say 'back' anymore lol) to android.

No it's NOT a maybe for the XZ1 Compact being T-Mobile VoLTE-certified. ALL online publications indicate the XZ1 Compact will have it. Only like ONE (Android Headlines) said it was both, but I think they jumped the gun by assuming something that should've been the case anyway but wasn't.
I know, but these are all third party articles. I presented many to both the t-mobile rep and the t-mobile rep's supervisor, to which they both said those articles could be wrong and t-mobile isn't endorsing any of them or anything. That's why I said it should work (but I think people want real tests here?), but t-mobile said they would not guarantee either phone working despite all the articles (to which I said, they needa get out a statement then or something to correct any misinformation before tmo ends up with a lotta upset sony users on their hands, but thats another topic).

A rep with who, Sony? Or T-Mobile? Cuz if it's T-Mo I already went that route with both customer service and their tech dept.
T-mobile. They told me the opposite of what you got told, by the end, at least (before the end of our conversation they had opinions and "answers" all over the board, many of which I think were misleading/incorrect, so maybe what they told me about the XZ1/XZ1 compact was incorrect too). I'm not trying to argue or anything, just reporting my experience.

Yeah Spectrum Gateway wasn't sure and it turns out it's only the XZ1 Compact. I wanted to contact them but they didn't put a "Contact Us" page on their site. Dumb.
I think it says just post on r/android? Lol

lol I have their page bookmarked, so actually 2 sites say both have it, but if you click on their "source link" for that info, it takes you to...........Android Headlines. lol
Yeah, I had come across the spectrum page before, but somehow missed the XZ1 stuff (and links) further down, so I was like "OH!? Did it get it added? ...Oh? It's a "maybe"? Well, let's click this link.... Aww! man! full circle!" -- Lol, maybe, it's like a information source loop? The entire internet thinks Sony phones work on tmobile usa because two websites basically quoted each other? xD Just kidding.

At this point I believe the XZ1 Compact got certified, and the XZ1 didn't. Until someone can prove that wrong, I'm not going to dispute it. So that's that.
Yeah, I think I am siding with you at this point. T-Mobile wouldn't confirm either for me, but I think you're coming to the right conclusion based on what I've seen (if I had to guess).

I have faith though that they will come around with their head FULLY out of their a$$ by 2018 though
Maybe. Although, each year, my theory that they consider the U.S. an "already lost to competitors" cell-phone market and just don't care creeps more and more into my mind.

The XZ1 Compact is a great buy though.
I've been waiting for an all metal-unibody
I like "smaller" phones, so I was kind of actually eyeing the compact. Although, I do agree, a metal body would be cool (but, I don't think the compact is as "plasticy" this time around? Idk, Sony says the material is some material hybrid or something (as many manufactures say. I think a lotta times they just make up cool sounding names for their epoxy recipes, lol, maybe next time... = "Mithril! Unibody"! "OOOOhhhh!!!! Ahhhh!!!!!" ? I also like that, despite the XZ1 being larger overall, it is thinner, making it easier and more comfortable to slip into a pant pocket or whatever.
 
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RockStar2005

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I feel ya, apple iphones are generally fairly quality. Sorry, I shouldn't have ragged on them. I have just had mine for a while and am ready to switch (back -- its been *years*, so not sure you could even say 'back' anymore lol) to android.



I know, but these are all third party articles. I presented many to both the t-mobile rep and the t-mobile rep's supervisor, to which they both said those articles could be wrong and t-mobile isn't endorsing any of them or anything. That's why I said it should work (but I think people want real tests here?), but t-mobile said they would not guarantee either phone working despite all the articles (to which I said, they needa get out a statement then or something to correct any misinformation before tmo ends up with a lotta upset sony users on their hands, but thats another topic).



T-mobile. They told me the opposite of what you got told, by the end, at least (before the end of our conversation they had opinions and "answers" all over the board, many of which I think were misleading/incorrect, so maybe what they told me about the XZ1/XZ1 compact was incorrect too). I'm not trying to argue or anything, just reporting my experience.



I think it says just post on r/android? Lol



Yeah, I had come across the spectrum page before, but somehow missed the XZ1 stuff (and links) further down, so I was like "OH!? Did it get it added? ...Oh? It's a "maybe"? Well, let's click this link.... Aww! man! full circle!" -- Lol, maybe, it's like a information source loop? The entire internet thinks Sony phones work on tmobile usa because two websites basically quoted each other? xD Just kidding.



Yeah, I think I am siding with you at this point. T-Mobile wouldn't confirm either for me, but I think you're coming to the right conclusion based on what I've seen (if I had to guess).



Maybe. Although, each year, my theory that they consider the U.S. an "already lost to competitors" cell-phone market and just don't care creeps more and more into my mind.





I like "smaller" phones, so I was kind of actually eyeing the compact. Although, I do agree, a metal body would be cool (but, I don't think the compact is as "plasticy" this time around? Idk, Sony says the material is some material hybrid or something (as many manufactures say. I think a lotta times they just make up cool sounding names for their epoxy recipes, lol, maybe next time... = "Mithril! Unibody"! "OOOOhhhh!!!! Ahhhh!!!!!" ? I also like that, despite the XZ1 being larger overall, it is thinner, making it easier and more comfortable to slip into a pant pocket or whatever.
Well I didn't take any offense to the Apple thing, just sayin' for the MOST part they are pretty reliable, even if they do seem to usually get features Androids had for years kinda late. lol

Yeah but in my experience, the T-Mo reps don't usually keep up with current info, unless OF COURSE it's Samsung or Apple-related. lol

They won't put out a statement cuz it's not Apple or Samsung. Or LG or Motorola. lol

Well it sounds like they told u the same thing they told me: they weren't sure. lol So until I see some real credible proof, I'm not gonna assume the XZ1 will have VoLTE on T-Mo. The XZ1 though I feel very confident will. It's one thing for 1 credible site to get it wrong. It's another thing for 4-5 sites to though. lol Even Android Headlines said BOTH, so it still was saying the XZ1 Compact was getting it as well.

Yeah..........well Spectrum was quoting Android Headlines, not really the other way around. If you can reach Spectrum and tell them to remove it from their site, that would be good.

Yes, they did make a comment last year about "pulling back" from certain countries, including the U.S. However, the fact that they certified VoLTE with T-Mo for the XZ1 and are making some of their best phones yet might mean MORE positive change is coming? Or maybe it's just wishful thinking for me?

I only like Sony and HTC phones for the most part. Samsung to me is OVERRATED AS F and I'm actually basing that off my experience with TWO of their phones (S5 & S7), both of which I did not enjoy owning, aside from Samsung Pay. lol Motorola..........I think they only work on Verizon right? LG seems to have really outdone itself on the vastly superior (in like EVERY category, including audio especially) V30, but it's still a phablet, and I am NOT a phablet guy. The XZ Premium though I saw in my local Best Buy a couple weeks ago. I don't care too much about screens, but MY GOD that phone was MAGNIFICENT! lol I mean my jaw dropped when I saw that screen. And the back side is the classiest and nicest looking ever on an Xperia phone that I've ever seen. I really prefer metal unibodies over glass-backed phones these days, but that phone was just stunning. And that was upscaled 4K HDR that I saw. Didn't even pull up any 4K HDR content, but I will if I go back. But that phone doesn't have VoLTE for T-Mo customers, so no way I'd buy it just on that. If it did though I'd maybe bite the bullet. But yeah, I want them to stick around, but also BE BETTER too. Since Google just bought HTC, we have no idea for sure how HTC's future phones are gonna be, and if they'll ever go back to non-phablet flagships like my 10. Sony at least seems to be offering not only the headphone jack still, but they also are still offering non-phablet flagships like the XZ1 as well fortunately. So I just want them to keep getting better and not stupider. lol

Well if you wanted the Compact, then you might as well get it, since it will have VoLTE too. Yeah the body is a plastic/metal (one site said "glass-infused" too? lol) one, the front camera is slightly less good, and the screen is smaller & 720p, but all the other specs are the same, EVEN (and oddly) the battery size too! lol
 

tlxxxsracer

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I ordered my XZ1 G8342 on ebay. Should be here Monday at latest or saturday (crossing fingers). I'll be sure to upload some videos and keep everyone posted. I had the x compact and experience using flashtool as well.
Tmobile told me that if the phone doesnt have VoLTE, you may not be able to use LTE while on a call and may take a minute to get LTE active after a call.

We shall see
 
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RockStar2005

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I ordered my XZ1 G8342 on ebay. Should be here Monday at latest or saturday (crossing fingers). I'll be sure to upload some videos and keep everyone posted. I had the x compact and experience using flashtool as well.
Tmobile told me that if the phone doesnt have VoLTE, you may not be able to use LTE while on a call and may take a minute to get LTE active after a call.

We shall see
The big issue with not having VoLTE on T-Mo (who I also have) is that you can't use Band 12 (aka 700 MHz), which is becoming more and more prominent. It reaches out much farther than their other bands (2 & 4), and is 4 times better at penetrating buildings as well.

Yeah keep us posted man! With pics too. Thanks.
 

tlxxxsracer

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The big issue with not having VoLTE on T-Mo (who I also have) is that you can't use Band 12 (aka 700 MHz), which is becoming more and more prominent. It reaches out much farther than their other bands (2 & 4), and is 4 times better at penetrating buildings as well.

Yeah keep us posted man! With pics too. Thanks.
Trust me, I sure will. Will see if band 12 is being used.
Ordered the blue :good: $609 shipped