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For those people on US GSM carriers (AT&T and T-Mobile) who can't or don't want to switch to Verizon and are waiting for or interested in a Galaxy Nexus cheaper, better than an imported GN, read on.
This purpose of this thread is to compile some data for turning a Verizon Galaxy Nexus into a working phone for GSM carriers. This thread will be updated often. The Verizon GN might turn out to be cheaper and better than importing a $700 phone if we turn a Verizon GN (dual CDMA/LTE) into a phone for GSM with some hacking and tinkering.
Think about it. So far, the main differences between the international and Verizon GN are:
International Galaxy Nexus
GSM/HSPA+
16GB storage
1750 mHz battery
slightly thinner than Verizon GN
$700 (imported, unlocked)
Verizon Galaxy Nexus
CDMA/LTE
32GB storage
1850 mHz battery
slightly bulkier than GSM GN
$199 (2-year contract, data, rumored)
Overall, the Verizon GN appeals more because of the bigger storage (which is better because of the lack of SD card or USB mass storage support), 1850 mHz battery (more juice), and LTE (which you can always turn off by rooting if you don't like the battery drain).
Ultimately, if we can early terminate the Verizon contract and fully unlock the Verizon GN with some hacking and tinkering, we may be able to get a cheaper, better, fully functional 32GB, LTE supporting Galaxy Nexus for the people on GSM carriers.
All we need to confirm is if the Verizon Galaxy Nexus has the hardware that can support the GSM bands. Google and Samsung have said that all Galaxy Nexus variants are penta-band (which might mean support for GSM in the Verizon GN).
Questions that are already answered:
1. Does the Verizon Galaxy Nexus have a SIM-card slot?
Yes, it does. See here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPzoSgTYxc4
The regular SIM can be resized and works in a micro SIM slot. See here:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/09/how-to-resize-your-sim-and-drink-the-sweet-nectar-of-mobile-fre/
Questions that need answering:
1. Can you use a GSM sim card in a Verizon GN (dual CDMA/LTE)?
dnlsmy said:
I don't think so, but the Radio on my GSM Galaxy Nexus is defaulted to GSM/CDMA Auto, so it may be possible. I think it might just be calls and no data though, or maybe edge speeds. Actually, I don't think it will be at all possible IMHO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Raibyn said:
The Verizon Galaxy Nexus will definitely have a SIM card slot. All LTE phones have to have a SIM. Even some non-LTE Verizon phones have a spot for a SIM card and have a GSM radio for use as a world phone. However, I thought I read somewhere that the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will not be a world phone, which would indicate no support for GSM networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JCopernicus said:
Verizon model is SCH i515. (No GSM)
International Model (GSM out already) is i9250 (pentaband)
2nd GSM Models is i9250T (850/1900 - ATT compatible only)
3rd GSM i9250M (pentaband)
So, by stealing a phone from Verizion you will have a phone that you'd have to imei fake in order to use on another compatible LTE carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks to these guys above for enlightening the issue, so my conclusion is that
you can't do ***t with a Verizon Galaxy Nexus on GSM carriers. TOO BAD FOR THE PEOPLE ON AT&T and T-MOBILE. JUST BUY THE $700 PHONE with 16 GB, 1750 mHz, and BLAH BLAH.
neok44 said:
the verizon version that passed the FCC has NO GSM bands in it. so this is never happening.
an AT&T ONLY version of the GNex just passed the FCC, so if your on AT&T you can wait and get your own.
if your on t-mobile, go buy the international one or wait god knows how long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solution for people on AT&T:
Wait for release of AT&T version (possibly in Dec., but then again, AT&T just got on the train, so most likely before end of Jan.)
It just cleared FCC
http://www.phonesreview.co.uk/2011/12/02/galaxy-nexus-for-att-only-passes-fcc/
Solution for people on T-Mobile:
Buy the international, pentaband GN
I am not responsible for your device and not promoting any hacking
The Verizon version probably won't even have a GSM radio. Or sim card slot.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
I'm not sure that the Verizon variant of the Galaxy Nexus even has a sim-card slot. It's my understanding that CDMA phones usually do not. It wouldn't make any sense for Verizon to put one in their phones.
Sim card slot is present. See here:
youtube watch?v=iPzoSgTYxc4
As for the GSM radio, it's still needs confirmation and it's just rumors at this point. It needs confirmation, people
The Verizon Galaxy Nexus will definitely have a SIM card slot. All LTE phones have to have a SIM. Even some non-LTE Verizon phones have a spot for a SIM card and have a GSM radio for use as a world phone. However, I thought I read somewhere that the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will not be a world phone, which would indicate no support for GSM networks.
psero said:
For those people on US GSM carriers (AT&T and T-Mobile) who can't or don't want to switch to Verizon and are waiting for or interested in a Galaxy Nexus cheaper, better than an imported GN, read on.
This purpose of this thread is to compile some data for turning a Verizon Galaxy Nexus into a working phone for GSM carriers. This thread will be updated often. The Verizon GN might turn out to be cheaper and better than importing a $700 phone if we turn a Verizon GN (dual CDMA/LTE) into a phone for GSM with some hacking and tinkering.
Think about it. So far, the main differences between the international and Verizon GN are:
International Galaxy Nexus
GSM/HSPA+
16GB storage
1750 mHz battery
slightly thinner than Verizon GN
$700 (imported, unlocked)
Verizon Galaxy Nexus
CDMA/LTE
32GB storage
1850 mHz battery
slightly bulkier than GSM GN
$199 (2-year contract, data, rumored)
Overall, the Verizon GN appeals more because of the bigger storage (which is better because of the lack of SD card or USB mass storage support), 1850 mHz battery (more juice), and LTE (which you can always turn off by rooting if you don't like the battery drain).
Ultimately, if we can early terminate the Verizon contract and fully unlock the Verizon GN with some hacking and tinkering, we may be able to get a cheaper, better, fully functional 32GB, LTE supporting Galaxy Nexus for the people on GSM carriers.
All we need to confirm is if the Verizon Galaxy Nexus has the hardware that can support the GSM bands. Google and Samsung have said that all Galaxy Nexus variants are penta-band (which might mean support for GSM in the Verizon GN).
Questions that need answering:
1. Can you use a GSM sim card in a Verizon GN (dual CDMA/LTE)?
My thoughts on this is that both the GSM GN and CDMA GN are dual GSM/CDMA. Only difference is the HSPA+ for the GSM GN and LTE for the CDMA GN. But ultimately, this is just rumor and we need confirmation that Verizon GN (dual CDMA/LTE) can support GSM bands.
2. Can you terminate the $199 verizon GN as soon as you get it? What is Verizon's early termination policy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has a SIM card for the LTE radio. It has NO GSM radio, it has a CDMA radio (it's not a "worldphone" containing a GSM AND a CDMA radio). It won't operate on a GSM network without a GSM radio.
At best you'll be able to get AT&T's LTE service in the 5 cities that it's live in. I don't know off hand if AT&T does voice over LTE. If they don't you won't get any voice service even in LTE areas.
Dude spent all that time writing this post and the Verizon Nexus doesn't even have GSM radios.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Damn.. That would suck for Verizon customers traveling internationally.
Arcadia310 said:
Dude spent all that time writing this post and the Verizon Nexus doesn't even have GSM radios.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, thanks for your input
mstyle88 said:
Damn.. That would suck for Verizon customers traveling internationally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well this is nothing new for Verizon users. Most people don't travel internationally often, so no big deal. Just pick up a cheap $30 prepaid cell if you go.
Why can't phones made to just work on all carriers? CDMA + GSM Penta-Band. I know some phones have CDMA and GSM (for international on Verizon)... why not just do it right and make it available globally at the same time. Then carriers can subsidy it or not... but it would reduce people from buying on a carrier's subsidy, paying an ETF, and leaving.
psero said:
Haha, thanks for your input
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hah, it was a good thought if it were a world phone. All signs so far though have said it's not a world phone though.
Verizon model is SCH i515. (No GSM)
International Model (GSM out already) is i9250 (pentaband)
2nd GSM Models is i9250T (850/1900 - ATT compatible only)
3rd GSM i9250M (pentaband)
So, by stealing a phone from Verizion you will have a phone that you'd have to imei fake in order to use on another compatible LTE carrier.
the verizon version that passed the FCC has NO GSM bands in it. so this is never happening.
an AT&T ONLY version of the GNex just passed the FCC, so if your on AT&T you can wait and get your own.
if your on t-mobile, go buy the international one or wait god knows how long.
neok44 said:
the verizon version that passed the FCC has NO GSM bands in it. so this is never happening.
an AT&T ONLY version of the GNex just passed the FCC, so if your on AT&T you can wait and get your own.
if your on t-mobile, go buy the international one or wait god knows how long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd they would have make an ATT version in addition to the penta band international version. On second thought, I bet ATT version will have LTE as well. That makes the most sense
JCopernicus said:
Verizon model is SCH i515. (No GSM)
International Model (GSM out already) is i9250 (pentaband)
2nd GSM Models is i9250T (850/1900 - ATT compatible only)
3rd GSM i9250M (pentaband)
So, by stealing a phone from Verizion you will have a phone that you'd have to imei fake in order to use on another compatible LTE carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We don't know that it's AT&T only. FCC doesn't seem to test GSM900 and 1800, so it could have those. It's definitely missing AWS though.
Chirality said:
We don't know that it's AT&T only. FCC doesn't seem to test GSM900 and 1800, so it could have those. It's definitely missing AWS though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T = Australia/Mexico
M = Canada
Looks like the US still won't be getting a GSM version officially for a little bit longer.
Update: It seems the Verizon GN is a global phone:
http://www.phonebuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/galaxy-nexus-verizon-32gb.jpg
Isn't IMEI faking discussion illegal here? Reported.
psero said:
Update: It seems the Verizon GN is a global phone:
[/QUOTE]
Don't see where it says it works on anything but Verizon on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
psero said:
Update: It seems the Verizon GN is a global phone:
http://www.phonebuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/galaxy-nexus-verizon-32gb.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is only going to work on a CDMA network and what the chart means that it is global on any international network that supports CDMA (which there are many that I cannot think of off the top of my head).
I was just wandering that since Australian market hasn't been hit with 32gb models, I could possibly order one of the verizon devices from the US.
The particular one I am looking at is on the ebay here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-GALAXY-NEXUS-4G-VERIZON-LTE-GOOGLE-ANDROID-SAMSUNG-32GB-/300654421553
Are there any potential issues that I should be aware of, when using this device in Australia?
sadikhov77 said:
I was just wandering that since Australian market hasn't been hit with 32gb models, I could possibly order one of the verizon devices from the US.
The particular one I am looking at is on the ebay here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-GALAXY-NEXUS-4G-VERIZON-LTE-GOOGLE-ANDROID-SAMSUNG-32GB-/300654421553
Are there any potential issues that I should be aware of, when using this device in Australia?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Australia have lte networks?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Herman76 said:
Does Australia have lte networks?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE? Is it 4g? Only one provider has 4g network so far. The one I am on now, doesn't support it yet from what i know.
for that price ill sell ya mine..lol...ill wait for another better phone this year from Verizon..lol
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
LTE is what they call 4G now, but it really isn't. A LTE phone will only work on a LTE network (correct me if I'm wrong, since I only have GSM version).
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
The device is locked to Verizon so don't buy it. You want a GSM handset
what confuses me is that they send it worldwide and it says to support GSM
Also, if it is locked, wouldn't it be possible to unlock it just by loading one of a custom rom from this forum?
wish777 said:
for that price ill sell ya mine..lol...ill wait for another better phone this year from Verizon..lol
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Australian residents only get priority over others in the world when it comes to getting ripped off. See what it costs in local stores:
http://www.mobicity.com.au/samsung-google-galaxy-nexus-32gb.html#.TyqMXfnmdpg
It won't work at all in here. All the Australian carriers have GSM networks while the one you linked to is a CDMA phone.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
The specs shown in the OP link looks like it's Galaxy Nexus in general (not just the LTE version). The LTE network is not operational in Norway (do correct me if im wrong), and since it wasn't operational at launch time of the Nexus they decided not to import the LTE version to Norway.
I can't understand they would do that unless the LTE version won't work on regular GSM networks.
This link says that it is NOT a GSM device, and will not work worldwide.
sadikhov77 said:
what confuses me is that they send it worldwide and it says to support GSM
Also, if it is locked, wouldn't it be possible to unlock it just by loading one of a custom rom from this forum?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It also uses MicroSIM (ala-iPhone) - it's just not worth the hassle. Get a GSM Nexus if you want one
Herman76 said:
The specs shown in the OP link looks like it's Galaxy Nexus in general (not just the LTE version). The LTE network is not operational in Norway (do correct me if im wrong), and since it wasn't operational at launch time of the Nexus they decided not to import the LTE version to Norway.
I can't understand they would do that unless the LTE version won't work on regular GSM networks.
This link says that it is NOT a GSM device, and will not work worldwide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah... the title says 4G LTE Verizon, but all the specs are for the i9250. I'd get 100% confirmation from the seller first because OP needs the GSM i9250 version, not i515.
Herman76 said:
I can't understand they would do that unless the LTE version won't work on regular GSM networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could use the LTE Nexus as LTE-only on a carrier with GSM and LTE. However, the Nexus only supports LTE Band 13, which means your carrier would also have to be using Band 13. So far, Verizon is the only carrier on earth that uses Band 13.
Making it more complicated, your carrier would have to have implemented Voice over LTE and IMS SMS otherwise your phone would be data only and unable to receive calls/text messages.
sadikhov77 said:
I was just wandering that since Australian market hasn't been hit with 32gb models, I could possibly order one of the verizon devices from the US.
The particular one I am looking at is on the ebay here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-GALAXY-NEXUS-4G-VERIZON-LTE-GOOGLE-ANDROID-SAMSUNG-32GB-/300654421553
Are there any potential issues that I should be aware of, when using this device in Australia?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get it from hand tech
http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.ph...gb-i9250--sim-free-unlocked--titanium-silver-
This is the one you are looking for. Price would be excluding VAT since you're shipping it internationally.
elevation_2 said:
Get it from hand tech
This is the one you are looking for. Price would be excluding VAT since you're shipping it internationally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but this is 16gb version, I can get that in AU for a bit cheaper price. 32Gb GSM is way more expensive here than in the US.
Do not get the verizon 32gb version as it will NOT work anywhere in australia. It is a cdma and lte phone, not gsm.
If you want the 32GB GSM version then you first have to wait for it to be released
March 1st apparently
sadikhov77 said:
Thanks, but this is 16gb version, I can get that in AU for a bit cheaper price. 32Gb GSM is way more expensive here than in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 32gb GSM version isn't for sale yet.
The 32gb version in the US is the Verizon one.
So i purchased the GNEX I9250 (international version) im just wondering whats the difference in hardware from the US HSPA version
I believe they are identical.
They're both HSPA. That means the network they run on.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus running Apex
The international one is hspa+ too.
They are the exact same phone, they are both the I9250.
The only different ones are the Verizon and sprint ones. (Cdma/lte)
great thanks for the input, i was doubting my self if i purchased the correct one, im running mine on T-mobile
rsegura77 said:
great thanks for the input, i was doubting my self since if i purchased the correct one, im running mine on T-mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry it'll work fine. I was using mine on T-Mobile while I was in America for the last month and had no problems. While I had T-Mobile signal anyway but that's another story and not a problem with my phone more of a problem with American carriers.
I also have small question. I just got my Galaxy Nexus direct from google. When loking at the ROM threads and whatnot, should i be using the GSM roms? Are they for the international version only, or are they safe to use on my straight google nexus.
Just didn't know if their was anything different about this than the GSM one that has been around for a while.
splitfinity said:
I also have small question. I just got my Galaxy Nexus direct from google. When loking at the ROM threads and whatnot, should i be using the GSM roms? Are they for the international version only, or are they safe to use on my straight google nexus.
Just didn't know if their was anything different about this than the GSM one that has been around for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The international one is GSM, yours is GSM, yours is international. Gravy!
same thing all GSMs are pentaband.
Hey all. I am looking to get myself this phone. From what i've read there are 2 gsm versions of this phone correct? And the penta-band version is the only one that will fully utilize t-mobiles network? I just want to be sure before i buy a phone that its the right one for t-mobile.
Thanks for your time.
I bought the phone from the Play Store and I'm currently using a T Mobile SIM.
I don't recall having to choose between versions when I bought it from the Play Store website.
There is the LTE version and the gsm version. You want the gsm version.
The LTE version can only be bought through sprint or Verizon.
Swype'ed on my CM10 Galaxy Nexus
OK so there are only one cdma/lte version and only one GSM version. Are all U.S GSM versions unlocked?
The one from the Play Store is.
So only play store GSM Nexus are unlocked. Then i will have to start my search. Do the play store nexus have a different model number or a way to tell that they are unlocked?
Most gnex are actually unlock, save for some and the Japanese gnex.
OK then, that confuses things a bit. So pretty much i just have o ask if its unlocked and hope they're not lying to me....
YoMaMa7467 said:
OK so there are only one cdma/lte version and only one GSM version. Are all U.S GSM versions unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are five different versions, two of which are CDMA/LTE. The variant that you want is the i9250. Here in the U.S., it's doubtful you'll find either of the other two GSM models, as they are limited to Korea and Australia.
najaboy said:
There are five different versions, two of which are CDMA/LTE. The variant that you want is the i9250. Here in the U.S., it's doubtful you'll find either of the other two GSM models, as they are limited to Korea and Australia.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was the exact information I was looking for! Thank you!
And thanks to everyone else who helped you guys are AweShum
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
If you're in the US, you should just buy it from the Play Store. Good price, unlocked, full warranty.
I would, but then theres tax and shpping and warranty's dont really bother.
If i would purchase new it would cost me $386.55 USD compared to 300 used with goodies.
Well yeah if you're gonna go used to save money then that's fine. I was speaking that if you're going to buy it new, then go to the Play Store.
najaboy said:
There are five different versions, two of which are CDMA/LTE. The variant that you want is the i9250. Here in the U.S., it's doubtful you'll find either of the other two GSM models, as they are limited to Korea and Australia.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hardware-wise there are only 3 different versions:
1) maguro, which is GSM pentaband HSPA
2) toro, which is CDMA/LTE for Verizon
3) toroplus, which is CDMA/LTE for Sprint
While there are a few (5 I think) different model numbers for the GSM version, hardware-wise they are identical.
Most GSM devices are sold unlocked. That said, there are instructions on XDA describing how to unlock, if you ended up buying a SIM-locked device.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Thanks, I got myself a play store nexus from a fellow xda er in the marketplace. Thank you guys for all your help, I will be joining you soon!
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
Sorry if this has been asked before, however, I just came across the US Samsung GNex page and discover a LTE version of my trusted Sammy GNex i9250.
What I am wondering is.. Is it a totally different phone or do our GNex's have LTE hidden away that no one knew about and will just need it activating when 4G LTE is available on the right frequency?
Remember I am talking about UK GSM versions and LTE/4G in the UK.
Thanks
The gnex is not like the n4 in that SoC of the gnex doesn't have any lte integrated into the chip. So no, the gsm gnex doesn't have anything lte related.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
sferg.410 said:
Sorry if this has been asked before, however, I just came across the US Samsung GNex page and discover a LTE version of my trusted Sammy GNex i9250.
What I am wondering is.. Is it a totally different phone or do our GNex's have LTE hidden away that no one knew about and will just need it activating when 4G LTE is available on the right frequency?
Remember I am talking about UK GSM versions and LTE/4G in the UK.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately it doesn't