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My old phone broke and I had to run out and get a new one on short notice. I went with the Galaxy S4 from a T-Mobile store (SGH-M919).
I am happy with the phone overall, but I place great importance on getting the best value (I don't want to pay the same money for an inferior product). After doing some research, I've found the "8-core" GT-I9500 available on Amazon for roughly the same price. It seems that the Exynos version is more powerful and will have better battery life (compared in this video). The drawback, of course, is that it doesn't have LTE support (although it should work on HSPA).
In addition, now there's the "nexus" version with an unlocked bootloader coming down the pike. My previous phone also had stock Android (HTC Desire-Z / T-mobile G2), and I was extremely happy with it, especially the speed of updates and the fact that I was always getting new features OTA.
So, should I keep the version I have, or get another one and return this phone?
I want to make sure I'm getting the best experience, would giving up LTE support slow down my internet noticeably? Or is T-Mobile HSPA fast enough?
Any difference between the versions if I'm traveling internationally (I can unlock the T-mobile version after 60 days, so that's not an issue, I'm talking about band support, particularly in China)
Should I even consider the stock android / Google version? If I keep the one I have, I plan to root it and will probably use a custom ROM, and it seems there are plenty around for this version, so is the Google unlocked bootloader even an advantage? (only indication it is was is some of the posts in this thread, indicating that the Google version will get updates faster but that the S4's advanced sensors won't work on it). Then again it's also speculated they have the same hardware, so if that's true I could just flash my phone to the Google version and there would be no difference.
Note: I'm not looking to change to another model of phone besides the Galaxy S4. The HTC One is less powerful, has no SD support, and a non-replacable battery, otherwise I would have chosen it.
Rumor has it, that the "nexus" version, is based off the SGH-M919. Just the software is different. So in theory, once the nexus version drops, the modders would be able to reverse engineer the software and make it so that we can flash it onto the T-Mobile version. I'm not sure about having the 8-core GT-I9500. People are saying it isn't truly an octacore phone, nor will we ever need all the cores active at the same time.
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The octa core is two quad core chips put together. I highly doubt it's THAT much better than ours. I personally have no issues with mine. Honestly, I think you're getting more with the T-Mobile variant. You can unlock it and use it on any GSM carrier. I would keep what you have. This phone rocks!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
hot can i unlock my sgh-m919 tmobile phone
elesbb said:
The octa core is two quad core chips put together. I highly doubt it's THAT much better than ours. I personally have no issues with mine. Honestly, I think you're getting more with the T-Mobile variant. You can unlock it and use it on any GSM carrier. I would keep what you have. This phone rocks!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi elsbb,
How can i understand that my M919 is locked?
I put my diffrent carrier SIM (AVEA) its not asking unlock code.
Thanks for your help...
1) No your browsing wont be slowed down significantly, but not a feature I would personally give up
2) Not that Im aware of, however the T-Mobile variant I think has better band support overall, cannot remember 100% over the top of my head
3) Not really, its rumored to be hardware wise the same as the T-Mo variant.....Also the T-Mo variant which you have is bootloader unlocked already, not sure why you put that as strong point for the Stock Android variant?
Overall I would say stick with what you have, support wise your better off than the international variant (if your into custom roms, development should be stronger overall for the US variants, And the Google version offers nothing over what you can get with 10 min of your time with the phone you have currently.
-W.Feather
Just Another User said:
I want to make sure I'm getting the best experience, would giving up LTE support slow down my internet noticeably? Or is T-Mobile HSPA fast enough?
Any difference between the versions if I'm traveling internationally (I can unlock the T-mobile version after 60 days, so that's not an issue, I'm talking about band support, particularly in China)
Should I even consider the stock android / Google version? If I keep the one I have, I plan to root it and will probably use a custom ROM, and it seems there are plenty around for this version, so is the Google unlocked bootloader even an advantage? (only indication it is was is some of the posts in this thread, indicating that the Google version will get updates faster but that the S4's advanced sensors won't work on it). Then again it's also speculated they have the same hardware, so if that's true I could just flash my phone to the Google version and there would be no difference.
Note: I'm not looking to change to another model of phone besides the Galaxy S4. The HTC One is less powerful, has no SD support, and a non-replacable battery, otherwise I would have chosen it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks everyone who responded for the useful info. I now feel confident about keeping the M919. It's not worth giving up LTE for the tiny improvement in performance (and less custom ROM support) of the quad core, and since the M919 has an unlocked bootloader already, I don't think there's any reason to get the Google version.
skyblue34 said:
Hi elsbb,
How can i understand that my M919 is locked?
I put my diffrent carrier SIM (AVEA) its not asking unlock code.
Thanks for your help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't personally confirm it, but this thread may have the info you're looking for.
If you have inserted another carriers sim (that is not your own), and it still functions with data, voice, and text, it is sim unlocked.
skyblue34 said:
Hi elsbb,
How can i understand that my M919 is locked?
I put my diffrent carrier SIM (AVEA) its not asking unlock code.
Thanks for your help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The performance gains would be little if any in real world usage, battery life would be better by a small amount IIRC, however I am personally able to go two days or more with low usage, or a day without issues with heavy streaming and ~3hr screen on time, YMMV
-W.Feather
Just Another User said:
Thanks everyone who responded for the useful info. I now feel confident about keeping the M919. It's not worth giving up LTE for the tiny improvement in performance (and less custom ROM support) of the quad core, and since the M919 has an unlocked bootloader already, I don't think there's any reason to get the Google version.
I can't personally confirm it, but this thread may have the info you're looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am posting this in a few threads, sorry if anyone is pissed at it. Please everyone follow this link http://www.htcdev.com/contact and ask HTC to stop blocking our MID. Tell them their CEO literally said HTC will no longer be locking bootloaders according to their facebook. If enough people do it we may actually get a real response.
123421342 said:
I am posting this in a few threads, sorry if anyone is pissed at it. Please everyone follow this link http://www.htcdev.com/contact and ask HTC to stop blocking our MID. Tell them their CEO literally said HTC will no longer be locking bootloaders according to their facebook. If enough people do it we may actually get a real response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC is just doing what VZW is making them do. They don't have any choice if they want VZW to order their phones.
If you are angry, go after VZW, if they will even listen.
Sent from my 4G LTE HTC One
123421342 said:
I am posting this in a few threads, sorry if anyone is pissed at it. Please everyone follow this link http://www.htcdev.com/contact and ask HTC to stop blocking our MID. Tell them their CEO literally said HTC will no longer be locking bootloaders according to their facebook. If enough people do it we may actually get a real response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude.... You think that's all it is? I tried, I know Vicious tried and tweeted about it. It's not HTC at all... Like in fact it has nothing to do with HTC period... HTC allows for unlock on the HTC One on all variants but "ours". You see where I'm going with this? The "MID not allowed" is Verizon saying F you to it's customers. I called HTC and Verizon, and Verizon told me to call HTC and see if they will directly hook me up with an Unlock_code.bin for me and when I did call them they dug real deep for me over the phone and actually contacted HTCDev which technically is completely separate from the HTC that we know and love. HTCDev got with me over the phone and basically told even though Vzw tech support told me to call them that it's not them and that someone in Verizons corporate office made the call to have HTCDev blocked for the Verizon variant completely.
Verizon is no longer supporting bootloader unlocks for any device. Not just HTC but all Android devices that can be obtained through Verizon will have a locked bootloader and if there is any site available through the manufacturer that supports the development community Verizon will not support work with or have anything to do with it. Kind of the same way that Motorola has there site where you can unlock devices it will not work either....
I think it's complete crap I really do. It's not fair that we dump so much money in to these companies to be able to have what we want and enjoy our toys the way we want and Verizon shuts us down and locks us out... They may as well just partner up with Apple and drop all Android devices and stick to iPhones because they are just as bad (nazis) as Apple is with there OS and iDevices.........
I hate Verizon now and for the rest of my life!
./end rant
Even so, we should be able to unlock it. I don't care who is at fault. HTC should be fighting for it.
HTC won't fight for it. Verizon has millions of customers, of those, very few actually care about an unlocked bootloader. It's the rest of the people you need to sway in order to start any kind of productive movement.
I learned long ago to say the hell with Verizon and their locked down phones. Every time a new device it's Verizon and it's locked up, people are still shocked.
Sent from my at&t gsm unlocked, s-off'd, super-cid'd, gpe converted HTC one
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4
Political persuasions aside, this is something to be encouraged by. Hopefully it's passed and this crap comes to an end.
http://mobile.theverge.com/2013/9/1...-calls-on-fcc-to-enforce-free-phone-unlocking
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk 4
jaydubbs said:
Political persuasions aside, this is something to be encouraged by. Hopefully it's passed and this crap comes to an end.
http://mobile.theverge.com/2013/9/1...-calls-on-fcc-to-enforce-free-phone-unlocking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't have anything to do with bootloaders does it? That's unlocking. Being able to use a phone on any carrier. Verizon could "unlock" our phones but we'd still be screwed since they are the only ones using their particular type of network, right? It's not like GSM phones where you could potentially use the same phone on multiple networks, right?
I'm not trying to be argumentative.. and I may have that network thing all wrong.. but I don't take any hope from that article at all, unless the point is just "Obama is interested in what mobile companies are doing to their customers" in that case, I could see where you might find some hope.
As for the "HTC should fight for this." .. Have you seen HTC's bottom line? They are in the crapper fighting to stay alive. I think the ONE is a fantastic effort to stay relevant. It's a beautiful, powerful device. Homerun, in my opinion. But Verizon is also the largest wireless company in the country. HTC needs Verizon way more than Verizon needs HTC.. and that means HTC has essentially zero leverage.
one4thewings said:
That doesn't have anything to do with bootloaders does it? That's unlocking. Being able to use a phone on any carrier. Verizon could "unlock" our phones but we'd still be screwed since they are the only ones using their particular type of network, right? It's not like GSM phones where you could potentially use the same phone on multiple networks, right?
I'm not trying to be argumentative.. and I may have that network thing all wrong.. but I don't take any hope from that article at all, unless the point is just "Obama is interested in what mobile companies are doing to their customers" in that case, I could see where you might find some hope.
As for the "HTC should fight for this." .. Have you seen HTC's bottom line? They are in the crapper fighting to stay alive. I think the ONE is a fantastic effort to stay relevant. It's a beautiful, powerful device. Homerun, in my opinion. But Verizon is also the largest wireless company in the country. HTC needs Verizon way more than Verizon needs HTC.. and that means HTC has essentially zero leverage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't really see anywhere in any of the articles that I've read that say yea or nay to what "unlock" really means here, so I don't know. It's a step in the right direction either way, I guess.
As for HTC fighting to keep their devices unlocked on Verizon? What phone manufacturer has told Verizon to suck it and walked away with their phones? None. Verizon makes the rules and manufacturers gladly abide by them because they're the biggest fish in the pond. Period. It's all about the numbers.
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk 4
jaydubbs said:
As for HTC fighting to keep their devices unlocked on Verizon? What phone manufacturer has told Verizon to suck it and walked away with their phones? None. Verizon makes the rules and manufacturers gladly abide by them because they're the biggest fish in the pond. Period. It's all about the numbers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the only people who've been able to play hardball with Verizon is Apple. In essence they walked away from Verizon when Verizon refused to let them have full control of their device. Updates. Everything. Apple went to AT&T, grew that company larger than it deserved almost solely with the iPhone, and then Verizon had to give in.
No Android manufacturer will ever be able to do that due to the nature of Android. Samsung says they'll walk, Verizon shrugs and talks turkey with HTC and Motorola to increase sales. Samsung is likely the only Android manufacturer that would have any real clout.
In short, I think we'll be playing this game with Verizon for a good long time. Or until another mobile provider can produce a network with a comparable, competitive option. I mean let's face it. I doubt any one of us is very happy with Verizon, especially us modders here at XDA. But yet here we are.
Verizon is the only provider that can give me not only 4g where I live, but a full 5 bars of it. Every other carrier has their version of 3g in sporadic splotches on their maps for where I am. Plus my wife gets a 22% discount from her job so that makes them a good deal more tolerable.
Apple is as big as Verizon so they can do that, but like you said, no Android manufacturer has the power or clout to do what Apple did. At the end of the day, Verizon's corporate accounts are just too lucrative to pass up over something that matters to such a small minority (us). In the big scheme of things, we're just ants biting on a robots toe.
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk 4
At the end of the day I look up at Verizon; glare, tell them I hate them and then hold out my fistful of money for them to take. I am without option too.
Verizon is only protecting its network by locking bootloaders. Could you imagine how many people call cause of a bricked device. They got tired of spending money on fixing idiots who don't know what they are doing. We have to suffer. Verizon is smart financial wise but then why choose a network or a phone that has a locked bootloader .
Sent from my HTC One VZW using Tapatalk 4
jaydubbs said:
Political persuasions aside, this is something to be encouraged by. Hopefully it's passed and this crap comes to an end.
http://mobile.theverge.com/2013/9/1...-calls-on-fcc-to-enforce-free-phone-unlocking
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am 99% certain that has to do with carrier unlock, not bootloader unlock.
I hope it's bootloader, but hope doesn't equal reality.
Sent from my HTC One.
This is not HTC's fault. HTC supports unlocked bootloaders.
Go bug Verizon and please stop posting this.
which carriers are better about unlocking?
one4thewings said:
That doesn't have anything to do with bootloaders does it? That's unlocking. Being able to use a phone on any carrier. Verizon could "unlock" our phones but we'd still be screwed since they are the only ones using their particular type of network, right? It's not like GSM phones where you could potentially use the same phone on multiple networks, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was about to buy an HTC One from Verizon tomorrow and then I (thankfully!) saw this thread. I realize this forum is VZW, but can anyone spell out the unlock policies of the other major US carriers? (Or point me to a place where that's discussed already - because of the way XDA is laid out I couldn't find a place where people are comparing carriers, but that might just be my ineptitude)
thanks from a soon-to-be-ex-iPhone/AT&T-user...
lhuge said:
I was about to buy an HTC One from Verizon tomorrow and then I (thankfully!) saw this thread. I realize this forum is VZW, but can anyone spell out the unlock policies of the other major US carriers? (Or point me to a place where that's discussed already - because of the way XDA is laid out I couldn't find a place where people are comparing carriers, but that might just be my ineptitude)
thanks from a soon-to-be-ex-iPhone/AT&T-user...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard T-Mo is great for unlockable boot loaders, but their coverage is lacking compared to VZW
Sent from my HTC One.
josh995 said:
I am 99% certain that has to do with carrier unlock, not bootloader unlock.
I hope it's bootloader, but hope doesn't equal reality.
Sent from my HTC One.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are 2 parts
"Open applications: Consumers should be able to download and utilize any software applications, content, or services they desire;
Open devices: Consumers should be able to utilize a handheld communications device with whatever wireless network they prefer;"
the first, (Open applications) is what is being violated by VZW I'd imagine bootloader unlocking falls under "applications, content, or services they desire"
Really what it comes down to is if VZW is saying that an we can't use an unlocked bootloader because it may harm the network, than they shouldn't allow the developer edition device (Moto X) or the new google tablet on the network either.
sabindaman said:
There are 2 parts
"Open applications: Consumers should be able to download and utilize any software applications, content, or services they desire;
Open devices: Consumers should be able to utilize a handheld communications device with whatever wireless network they prefer;"
the first, (Open applications) is what is being violated by VZW I'd imagine bootloader unlocking falls under "applications, content, or services they desire"
Really what it comes down to is if VZW is saying that an we can't use an unlocked bootloader because it may harm the network, than they shouldn't allow the developer edition device (Moto X) or the new google tablet on the network either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't mean to be rude, but you imaging doesn't make it so.
Open applications, services, and content refers to apps in the play store. Verizon is not doing anything wrong by locking our bootloaders. People have already written to the FCC on the issue and the response has been on Verizon's side.
The boot loader being locked is completely legal as of right now and unless a large majority of their customer base demands unlocked boot loaders, we will be dealing with them indefinitely.
If Verizon were, in fact, illegally locking boot loaders, the FCC would have intervened by now.
Sent from my HTC One.
Vzw just knows that the modders are less than one percent of their customers so they don't care what we think.
Sent from my 4G LTE HTC One
If we can't go to HTC about this issue (I do think they are partially to blame), and we know doesn't give a sh*t about it's customers, so we can't go to them. Who can we bring this issue to and possibly make some headway? I mean if we blow someones inbox up enough, or tweet, or whatever method, we are going to be heard. Chances are it wont get us anywhere, but I think we should try. I wish I knew who to take this to. If we find the correct company/person I think we should have a standard message we can just cut and paste into an email, tweet, etc.
If nothing else, we are sharing our headache with someone else. I really wish we could intimidate Verizon as I see that being the one thing that would get us anywhere.
Someone posted something about Verizon losing money through bricked phones because of unlock or s-off. That is a bull**** excuse. They could track unlocks if they wanted to and then just tell the ass who bricked his phone that he is SOL because he unlocked.
Data is the only thing keeping me with Verizon. I am going to start using wifi as much as possible (where it is convenient) and see how low I can get my average data. Before I got my One I went into ATT and said "here is the deal I have now with Verizon, throw together a comparable plan to convince me, so I can convince my wife it is worth switching to you guys." He looked at my plan and said ATT couldn't come close to offering a better deal based on my data usage. Chucked up the deuces and walked out.
I was just wondering where the best place to go for the US Cellular version would end up being. I kind of assume just stick to the overall "non-branded" forums, but since I do believe the Sprint version is the LS991 and the US Cellular is US991 if they will essential run the same way (granted I would not flash a Sprint ROM onto my US Cellular device but just for various postings or apps or whatever the case may be).
What I am afraid of is just that since I am with a much smaller carrier that I might just be SOL when it comes to the typical DEV support (I had Sprint and AT&T in the past which as we know are two of the heavy hitters when it comes to devices and Developer support)
......I guess worse case scenario I just have to cook my own ROMS, but any 411 on this matter would be appreciated. Thanks!
Whats up guys guys? So im definitely buying this phone, but problem is im on ATT. what really is the difference between Unlocked vs dev edition from HTC.com? i like to use RUUs to update software and occasionally wipe my phone clean after so many ROM installs. on my M9, the unlocked international version, there was only updated available through "update phone" section in settings. the DEV edition allowed me to go on HTC.com and download the RUU and update that way.
So what is truely the difference between unlocked/international and dev?
When you say dev edition.. I'm not sure what you're talking about. As the only thing currently available is an unlocked phone which works on att and tmobile. It's basically a dev edition.
Quadrider10 said:
Whats up guys guys? So im definitely buying this phone, but problem is im on ATT. what really is the difference between Unlocked vs dev edition from HTC.com? i like to use RUUs to update software and occasionally wipe my phone clean after so many ROM installs. on my M9, the unlocked international version, there was only updated available through "update phone" section in settings. the DEV edition allowed me to go on HTC.com and download the RUU and update that way.
So what is truely the difference between unlocked/international and dev?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no "Developer Edition" for the 10, only an "Unlocked" version. "Unlocked" in this case does not mean bootloader unlocked, it means carrier unlocked. There was a "Developer Edition" AND "Unlocked" version for the M9 and older devices, the difference being that "Developer Edition" came with an unlocked bootloader AND carrier unlocked. The "Unlocked" version comes only carrier unlocked but NOT bootloader unlocked. However, the bootloader on "Unlocked" devices CAN be unlocked through HTC Dev bootloader unlocking program.
Behold_this said:
There is no "Developer Edition" for the 10, only an "Unlocked" version. "Unlocked" in this case does not mean bootloader unlocked, it means carrier unlocked. There was a "Developer Edition" AND "Unlocked" version for the M9 and older devices, the difference being that "Developer Edition" came with an unlocked bootloader AND carrier unlocked. The "Unlocked" version comes only carrier unlocked but NOT bootloader unlocked. However, the bootloader on "Unlocked" devices CAN be unlocked through HTC Dev bootloader unlocking program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i was talking about my M9 between those devices. on the M9, both the international and dev edition used different firmware. for this international HTC 10 device, where would i be able to get RUU's to update it? for the M9 international, they were not offered directly through HTC.
Quadrider10 said:
yea i was talking about my M9 between those devices. on the M9, both the international and dev edition used different firmware. for this international HTC 10 device, where would i be able to get RUU's to update it? for the M9 international, they were not offered directly through HTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlocked US version (2PS650000) is different than the international version (2PS620000). They are actually different models. For past devices, HTCUSA has posted the RUUs for unlocked US devices on their rom update web page:
http://www.htc.com/us/support/rom-downloads.html
HTC International/EMEA typically does not post RUUs for their devices. That being said there are websites where leaked RUUs are always posted, however, they usually require a subscription.
Behold_this said:
The unlocked US version (2PS650000) is different than the international version (2PS620000). They are actually different models. For past devices, HTCUSA has posted the RUUs for unlocked US devices on their rom update web page:
http://www.htc.com/us/support/rom-downloads.html
HTC International/EMEA typically does not post RUUs for their devices. That being said there are websites where leaked RUUs are always posted, however, they usually require a subscription.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok so now my question is, is it better to get the international version or the USA unlocked version? i plan on traveling to countries outside the US, but want to try and stay on ATT as much as possible,
Quadrider10 said:
ok so now my question is, is it better to get the international version or the USA unlocked version? i plan on traveling to countries outside the US, but want to try and stay on ATT as much as possible,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I would go for the US unlocked version if for no other reason than warranty issues. To get a warranty repair on the international device you would have to send it overseas. Plus the international version is not sold in the United States so you would have to import it and pay taxes on that. Finally, that is the one that you know will have all the necessary radio bands for AT&T to work properly, as HTCUSA has tested the device on AT&T network.
Behold_this said:
Personally, I would go for the US unlocked version if for no other reason than warranty issues. To get a warranty repair on the international device you would have to send it overseas. Plus the international version is not sold in the United States so you would have to import it and pay taxes on that. Finally, that is the one that you know will have all the necessary radio bands for AT&T to work properly, as HTCUSA has tested the device on AT&T network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, but i am going to be spending some significant time out of country, idk where 100% yet, but i would like my phone to work on their radios if possible. countries like Japan....
Quadrider10 said:
ok, but i am going to be spending some significant time out of country, idk where 100% yet, but i would like my phone to work on their radios if possible. countries like Japan....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an unlocked device it should work on most GSM Networks as long as you have a SIM card for that Network otherwise you would be using AT&T international roaming. Data speed may well fluctuate depending on what frequencies individual carriers predominantly use but you should be able to make phone calls and whatnot without issue.
Behold_this said:
It's an unlocked device it should work on most GSM Networks as long as you have a SIM card for that Network otherwise you would be using AT&T international roaming. Data speed may well fluctuate depending on what frequencies individual carriers predominantly use but you should be able to make phone calls and whatnot without issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea thats all i would care about is phone and text... ok sounds good. ima go for the USA unlocked. Thank you very much!
If you unlock the bootloaders for the unlocked version it is still covered by warranty. So there's not much difference other than if you want updates right away go Nexus. If you don't mind waiting for developers or HTC to bring the next version then get an HTC 10.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Nowadays tmo with their overseas roaming is the hot ticket for extended traveling. Just turn your phone on wherever you land and it works without having to get localized sims, distribute your regularly changing number, etc. Oddly the coverage overseas is better than in the US. They say you will be restricted to unlimited 2G data but normally you will get 3G. Seriously, I'm old and travel a lot. You're ahead of the game to port over and back compared to sim swapping because low cost sims are not always available and you save a lot of hassle. Next best option is sim swapping, Worst possible option is to use at&t as their overseas stuff is stupidly overpriced.
No matter which way you go most recent flagship phones travel pretty well as long as you don't require LTE, if you do you will want to research the carriers in the areas you will be traveling and get a prepaid on a network that your phone supports. Trip adviser forum is a pretty good resource for getting advise on the local coverage.
krabman said:
Nowadays tmo with their overseas roaming is the hot ticket for extended traveling. Just turn your phone on wherever you land and it works without having to get localized sims, distribute your regularly changing number, etc. Oddly the coverage overseas is better than in the US. They say you will be restricted to unlimited 2G data but normally you will get 3G. Seriously, I'm old and travel a lot. You're ahead of the game to port over and back compared to sim swapping because low cost sims are not always available and you save a lot of hassle. Next best option is sim swapping, Worst possible option is to use at&t as their overseas stuff is stupidly overpriced.
No matter which way you go most recent flagship phones travel pretty well as long as you don't require LTE, if you do you will want to research the carriers in the areas you will be traveling and get a prepaid on a network that your phone supports. Trip adviser forum is a pretty good resource for getting advise on the local coverage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all i really care about overseas is the use of call and text. data, as long as my phone can operate, idc what it is. ill have wifi everywhere i go for the most part.
Yeah, I don't care about LTE myself, is nice but not in any way a requirement. Having some data however is huge. You can translate, get information, and maps has become very good with walking and mass transit directions. I also use Here and download the maps for the entire area I'm going to be in before I leave. It's the easiest way to have mapping capability in remote areas.
The information I posted is essentially the conventional wisdom you will get if you search the travel forums, they're the go to for specific local information.
Behold_this said:
The unlocked US version (2PS650000) is different than the international version (2PS620000). They are actually different models. For past devices, HTCUSA has posted the RUUs for unlocked US devices on their rom update web page:
http://www.htc.com/us/support/rom-downloads.html
HTC International/EMEA typically does not post RUUs for their devices. That being said there are websites where leaked RUUs are always posted, however, they usually require a subscription.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would please post the links for HTC International/EMEA RUUs websites which require a subscription, I really need to check them. thanks
HTC Europe Tech support and Bootloader unlock
This is a reply I got from HTC Europe tech support re HTC 10 and bootloader unlock
Thank you for your email. My name is ***** and I am a Technical Support Agent for the HTC Written Team. You will have the option in the menu to unlock the bootloader, as this is a function in the Marshmallow.
Note this applies only phones purchased from HTC , I have one on pre order so will keep you posted
Behold_this said:
The unlocked US version (2PS650000) is different than the international version (2PS620000). They are actually different models. For past devices, HTCUSA has posted the RUUs for unlocked US devices on their rom update web page:
http://www.htc.com/us/support/rom-downloads.html
HTC International/EMEA typically does not post RUUs for their devices. That being said there are websites where leaked RUUs are always posted, however, they usually require a subscription.
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Do you know what the difference is in between the two models? The thing is that I will be in US until mid May and then will move to Europe. I am planning on pre ordering it but not sure if the US unlocked version would work flawlessly in Europe. I would opt buying it in US if there are no differences as I can use the discount coupon and it is much cheaper here than UK or Germany.
I could read out some changes in terms of bands, but not sure what does it translate to!?
I would appreciate any help!
fidanhGPE said:
Do you know what the difference is in between the two models? The thing is that I will be in US until mid May and then will move to Europe. I am planning on pre ordering it but not sure if the US unlocked version would work flawlessly in Europe. I would opt buying it in US if there are no differences as I can use the discount coupon and it is much cheaper here than UK or Germany.
I could read out some changes in terms of bands, but not sure what does it translate to!?
I would appreciate any help!
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The supported network frequencies are the big difference. Check to confirm that the international model supports the network frequencies you will need while still in the states and vice versa.
Behold_this said:
The supported network frequencies are the big difference. Check to confirm that the international model supports the network frequencies you will need while still in the states and vice versa.
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I have checked both the unlocked US and EMEA model, the only difference is on the LTE bands. I checked the LTE bands in Europe through wiki and most seem to use band 1,3,7,20, which are covered by the US model as well. Other than that gsm, 2G and 3G are the same.
Would someone confirm that the US model would work properly in EU?
Hi there,
Sorry if this is an obvious question - I'm a big mobile enthusiast, but probably not as technically minded as some of you folks
I'm in the UK right now but am moving to the US permanently in a few weeks. I'm getting the Note 7 and am torn between what to do - buy it here or there.
Here's my thinking: If I buy here, it will be free of all that yucky bloatware you get over there since I gather that even if I purchase from BestBuy, there's nothing quite like a sim-free unlocked phone of the type we would get here. And that carrier bloatware scares me. I don't want to have to be rooting my phone and messing about with it to make it run at an acceptable speed when it inevitably starts to slow down, down the line. Plus, I just hate the thought of having all of that rubbish on my phone. If I'm spending $900 or so, I want it to be pure as the driven snow!
I'm not sure which network I'm going to be going for in the US (as an 'Alien' new to the US with no credit history, it's not easy to get a contract) but what I'm looking at is either T-Mobile or AT&T (possibly Cricket, if not main AT&T.) Although I hear T-Mobile signal can be patchy. I'll be in Los Angeles, so I imagine signal should be good.
So what I'm wondering is - will it all work OK there? I'm assuming the GSM version we get in the UK will be compatible with those two networks, though not Verizon. Although I doubt I'll go with Verizon because their packages don't really look good for what I need and also I hear their bloatware in particular is immense!
I know we have a different processor in the Exynos edition (or is that the one you guys have and we have Snapdragon? Anyway, you know what I mean..) But would that processor make any actual difference in day to day use? Does the processor just run the software or does it have an influence on how the phone actually works with the network as a phone and data device? Am I likely to run into problems?
Also, you probably can't answer this - but worth a try.. I assume that Samsung's warranties are not international? Right now, I am on an iPhone and I know that if it breaks in the US, I can just take it to an Apple store in the US. My gut tells me if I buy in the UK and it starts playing up, I'll be on my own, unless you know different? But hey - it's a trade off. Bloatware vs warranty.
Anyway, any thoughts or advice would be gratefully received.
Thanks all.
Phil :good:
Definitely buy the Exynos International version of the phone. I live near Los Angeles and plan to purchase the international version as well because it has no bloatware. It will be my first purchase of an international unlocked phone. I'm on AT&T but my understanding is that T-mobile rocks in Los Angeles. You can't go wrong with AT&T or T-Mobile, but I would lean toward T-Mobile if I were you, they are really kicking butt right now.
The exynos version of the phone will have better battery life by just a bit and it will be only slightly faster. They both have trade-offs, but in the end, it doesn't make a big difference, just get the international version, which is what all of us Americans want. I don't know about the warranty, you might have to ship the phone off for that.
if you buy one in the UK, make sure you make a few phone calls before you move.
European Samsung phones usually refuse to accept US SIM cards unless you make a phone call for a few minutes using a European SIM.
thedicemaster said:
if you buy one in the UK, make sure you make a few phone calls before you move.
European Samsung phones usually refuse to accept US SIM cards unless you make a phone call for a few minutes using a European SIM.
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That's a very good point! I remember reading about this with my old Galaxy when it said that it locked it to the country where the first phone call was made.
But would this possibly present problems? If I made a few calls with my Vodafone sim, would that then mean that it locks it to UK networks and makes a T-Mobile USA or AT&T sim incompatible?
And bands-wise, they're all good to go, right? There's no reason a local US sim wouldn't work 100% in that model? And the processor doesn't make a difference? Just wondering why they bother to put two different processor types in the phone otherwise?
DuffmasterFresh said:
Definitely buy the Exynos International version of the phone. I live near Los Angeles and plan to purchase the international version as well because it has no bloatware. It will be my first purchase of an international unlocked phone. I'm on AT&T but my understanding is that T-mobile rocks in Los Angeles. You can't go wrong with AT&T or T-Mobile, but I would lean toward T-Mobile if I were you, they are really kicking butt right now.
The exynos version of the phone will have better battery life by just a bit and it will be only slightly faster. They both have trade-offs, but in the end, it doesn't make a big difference, just get the international version, which is what all of us Americans want. I don't know about the warranty, you might have to ship the phone off for that.
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Thanks - this is really helpful. Good to know TM are good there as had heard a few stories about bad coverage.
it's the opposite.
unless they changed it just for the note 7, you have to use the phone in the UK before you can use it in the US.
here's a quote from an article regarding the region lock in the S7 and S7 edge:
its box will be sealed with a sticker reading "European SIM card only."
The tab below this sticker explains how and why, albeit in tiny and rather verbose script. Essentially, in order for your unlocked European GS7 to be fully unlocked, you first need to make a total of five minutes worth of phone calls using a European SIM. If you don't do this, and try to use it with a SIM from outside of Europe, it won't connect to the network.
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this is to prevent shops from selling European phones in the US.
the unlocking method is so that people moving outside Europe after buying a phone can continue to use it.
thedicemaster said:
it's the opposite.
unless they changed it just for the note 7, you have to use the phone in the UK before you can use it in the US.
here's a quote from an article regarding the region lock in the S7 and S7 edge:
this is to prevent shops from selling European phones in the US.
the unlocking method is so that people moving outside Europe after buying a phone can continue to use it.
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Got it - just been reading up on it. Thanks for this.
Well, that all looks simple enough. Shouldn't be an issue.
In fact, my only fear is warranty now. If I smash or crack it (which I will try not to obvs, but heaven forbid, it happens), I may be spannered.
I doubt my insurance will cover it if it is an international model and Samsung look like they don't do international warranties.
That's the only thing stopping me sitting here pressing 'order' when I'm on the verge of it.
Also, I wonder if Samsung Pay will be affected, If maybe, somehow, that's region specific.
It's a big risk.. Eeek!
Screw it, I've ordered.
So just to clarify - the bands on the international (UK) unlocked version will be compatible with ATT/Cricket and T-Mobile?