Verizon SMT5800 on it's way to me!

geolama · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 18

I have just ordered this: the first Rev. A phone from Verizon. When I get it later this week I'll post first impressions and a little later a more detailed review complete with tethered upload/download speeds.

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1069

geolama · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 18

The phone uses the Qualcomm MSM7500 chip that provides Rev. A. Only the VX6800 and SMT5800 phone of the current Verizon lineup use this chip. I would hope that it would be a matter enabling the Rev A data capability with a firmware update. For the other BroadbandAccess phones the chips are still Rev. 0.

Having had both a PocketPC phone and several versions of Smartphones, I prefer the form factor of the smartphone.

deparson · EVDO Junkie Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Posts: 249

Keep in mind that unless the carrier has already released the Rev A firmware or promised in writing to do so in a specific time frame there should be little expectation that they will upgrade it in the near future.

Many a device that is 'upgradeable' from a hardware perspective never see those upgrades released.

I hope the release it just don't hold your breath unless they have already committed to do it.

geolama · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 18

Unlike the other BroadbandAccess phones, the VX6800 and the SMT5800 are the only phones that have the potential to use Rev. A because they use the Rev. A chip: Qualcomm MSM7500. It would be a simple matter to update the firmware to enable the Rev. A data speeds if it arrives at my house with only Rev. 0 capability.

All the other phones use Rev. 0 (or lower) chips - be they Qualcomm, Samsung or other mfg. No firmware upgrade can ever enable something that simply isn't there to start with.

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1069

That's very true. It's just that Rev A firmware upgrades is something that's been promised for the 6800 and the Touch for quite some time now for Verizon, Sprint, and Alltel. Hopefully your new phone will be the leader and you won't get caught up in the waiting game.

It sure sounds like a cool device. Looking forward to hearing your reports!

geolama · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 18

From the numbers below it is obvious that the SMT5800 does not have Rev. A enabled as yet. Below are some numbers from my office in northern, inland San Diego, CA county:

With two bars for signal strength:

http://www.dslreports.com

with three bars:
http://www.dslreports.com