Unlocking - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Hey Xda
I was wondering if its possible to flash the Verizon galaxy nexus to Sprint since they both use LTE. Would it be as easy as flashing the stock firmware for the sprint version or would more (complex) work be needed on the software side including the bootloader etc to get it running on sprint.
Also in theory if there were no carrier restrictions on this device would a T-Mobile micro sim work on the Device even if its at 2G speeds?
Reason being is I've figured out that Verizon is not the right carrier to support my habbit of switching phones every other month. I'm thinking about getting the T-Mobile sim only plan which is cheaper even though I get an employment discount for Verizon since I worked for Staples.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA

vendetta718 said:
I was wondering if its possible to flash the Verizon galaxy nexus to Sprint since they both use LTE.
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No, it will not work. Even if Sprint accepted devices with ESN's they don't personally sell (they don't), there's no way to flash the VZW model to work on Sprint. Not to mention that Sprint doesn't exactly make their LTE SIMs regularly available, as they're embedded in their devices.
Would it be as easy as flashing the stock firmware for the sprint version or would more (complex) work be needed on the software side including the bootloader etc to get it running on sprint.
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Click to collapse
No, you will negatively affect your device by intentionally trying to flash the wrong firmware. Possibly bricking it (though not likely, its not worth trying).
Also in theory if there were no carrier restrictions on this device would a T-Mobile micro sim work on the Device even if its at 2G speeds?
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Click to collapse
The Verizon (or Sprint) Galaxy Nexus does not have a GSM radio. Just because it has a SIM doesn't mean its compatible with the other network.
Reason being is I've figured out that Verizon is not the right carrier to support my habbit of switching phones every other month. I'm thinking about getting the T-Mobile sim only plan which is cheaper even though I get an employment discount for Verizon since I worked for Staples.
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Well, sorry you made a bad choice for your habits, but this was all easily available information before you chose to sign up with them. Sell your phone and pick up the GSM model ($399 brand new, less used) and you can easily use it on T-Mobile.

well good thing you like to change phones every month just wait till this month is over and then get a phone that can be used for sprint/t-mobile...simple

Yea. Ive decided to terminate my verizon contract and sell my verizon Gnex
im considering the hspa+ Gnex or Tmobile s3 as my two choices for the t mobile monthly 4G plan.
Thanks anyway.

Related

[Q] 4G, Prepaid?

So I had a Droid 3 on Verizon on a prepaid line ($95 for 450 talk, unlimited text, and unlimited data) but that was 3G.
With the gNexi coming out, I was wondering if I would even be able to use it's 4g capabilities on my prepaid line? I'm obviously going to buy it at full-retail price but will the 4G even work or will I be stuck on 3G all the time?
I can't do contracts...
Should I wait for T-Mobile to get it and use their 4G prepaid instead?
I'm unsure if VZW has a LTE prepay service. That's something you have to look into separately. My guess is they don't. Unless they explicitly say that your prepay covers LTE I would expect to only get 3G.
As far as switching to a different carrier no one can tell you which is better. Its all about where you will use the phone and its your call.
I just did an online chat with a VZW rep, here it is:
Please hold for a Verizon Wireless sales representative to assist you with your order. Thank you for your patience.
You are now chatting with 'Kiara'
Kiara: Hello. Thank you for visiting our chat service. May I help you with your order today?
You: I was wondering if 4G phones like the Droid Bionic are eligible for the Prepaid Smartphone plans???
Kiara: I do apologize for the inconvenience, although the Bionic is not able to be pre paid
You: Are their any 4G phones available for the Prepaid plans?
You: And/or can you tell me if there are any plans to offer any???
Kiara: I do apologize although at this time there are not
You: Ok, thank you for your help
So, looks like you can't, at this time, use a 4G phone on their prepaid plans.
I currently have a Nexus S on T-mobile's $30 month prepaid plan (100 mins, unl. text, unl. data*throttled after 5GB), and I love it but I don't use my phone much for calls... I plan on getting the Galaxy Nexus and using it on this plan once it's available.
Yeah it looks like I'll have to wait for the galaxy nexus to drop on TMobile
WoW this sucksss.... It probably won't even come out until late December...
Maybe I should just import? No idea how it works but I want my nexus asap
Sent from the parietal lobe of your cerebral cortex.
Dmw017 said:
Yeah it looks like I'll have to wait for the galaxy nexus to drop on TMobile
WoW this sucksss.... It probably won't even come out until late December...
Maybe I should just import? No idea how it works but I want my nexus asap
Sent from the parietal lobe of your cerebral cortex.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look on the bright side... t-mo plans are cheaper than Verizon. So you'll save money if you switch. But then again tmo reception around your area would play a big role too.
ruthlesset said:
Look on the bright side... t-mo plans are cheaper than Verizon. So you'll save money if you switch. But then again tmo reception around your area would play a big role too.
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Click to collapse
Yeah I looked into it and Tmobile is way better than Verizon. I live in NYC so reception shouldnt be a problem at all. Now I'm just trying to figure out if I should import the 16GB model or wait for the 32GB US model :/ bleh ... I wonder when Tmobile will be getting it
Dmw017 said:
Yeah it looks like I'll have to wait for the galaxy nexus to drop on TMobile
WoW this sucksss.... It probably won't even come out until late December...
Maybe I should just import? No idea how it works but I want my nexus asap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have T-mo service in the area then its sooo much better. Just wait, don't import. You'll probably have to buy it unlocked (probably best buy, just like Nexus S) but you'll be better off for it. You don't want to sign a 2year for a Nexus on VZW and get blocked tethering and crap on it.
---------- Post added at 07:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:12 PM ----------
Dmw017 said:
Yeah I looked into it and Tmobile is way better than Verizon. I live in NYC so reception shouldnt be a problem at all. Now I'm just trying to figure out if I should import the 16GB model or wait for the 32GB US model :/ bleh ... I wonder when Tmobile will be getting it
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Click to collapse
its all up in the air. As I said above ^, they might not "get it" officially at all. Might have to buy unlocked from Google/Best Buy.
But the winner is that the T-mo plans can be as low as 1/2 the price of VZW.
martonikaj said:
its all up in the air. As I said above ^, they might not "get it" officially at all. Might have to buy unlocked from Google/Best Buy.
But the winner is that the T-mo plans can be as low as 1/2 the price of VZW.
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Actually they have a $30 Prepaid plan with 100talk/unlimited text/ and unlimited data (5gb of 4G) -- available only on new line activation.
Btw can you clarify the "unlocked from google/best buy" part? Would I still have to use a sim card if Tmobile wont officially sell it
Dmw017 said:
Actually they have a $30 Prepaid plan with 100talk/unlimited text/ and unlimited data (5gb of 4G) -- available only on new line activation.
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yea their prepay options are pretty epic. 100min is a bit low for most though. I was just referring to their postpay options that are pretty cheap too. I've looked into moving from my EM+ no-contract plan to a prepay lately actually.
Btw can you clarify the "unlocked from google/best buy" part? Would I still have to use a sim card if Tmobile wont officially sell it
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Well if you want my opinion I think they'll end up just selling it exactly like they did with the Nexus S. They sold it online, and they offered it via Best Buy unlocked. You'd buy the phone, then buy your service and get a SIM card from AT&T or T-mobile (or Simple Mobile, or whatever) separately and plug it in. The GN is pentaband HSPA+ and will work with pretty much any SIM in the world.
Dmw017 said:
Yeah I looked into it and Tmobile is way better than Verizon. I live in NYC so reception shouldnt be a problem at all. Now I'm just trying to figure out if I should import the 16GB model or wait for the 32GB US model :/ bleh ... I wonder when Tmobile will be getting it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speaking from personal experience, the problem with T-Mobile in NYC is that as soon as you are a few feet below ground level, you lose signal. When you can get 5 bars, it's great, T-Mobile probably has the least congested network of anyone, and you enjoy superb 3/4G speeds. But you will be frustrated by how spotty the coverage is. Go 20 miles North to Westchester or 20 miles east to LI and you'll often find yourself exiting buildings to get a signal.
Chirality said:
Speaking from personal experience, the problem with T-Mobile in NYC is that as soon as you are a few feet below ground level, you lose signal. When you can get 5 bars, it's great, T-Mobile probably has the least congested network of anyone, and you enjoy superb 3/4G speeds. But you will be frustrated by how spotty the coverage is. Go 20 miles North to Westchester or 20 miles east to LI and you'll often find yourself exiting buildings to get a signal.
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Lol that's alright I don't leave the city anyways. What I am wondering is what happens when you deplete your limited use of the 4g data (I'll get 5gb). Someone told me that you get bumped down to EDGE(2G) speeds, but I thought you only go down to 3G.
Sent from the parietal lobe of your cerebral cortex.
Dmw017 said:
Lol that's alright I don't leave the city anyways. What I am wondering is what happens when you deplete your limited use of the 4g data (I'll get 5gb). Someone told me that you get bumped down to EDGE(2G) speeds, but I thought you only go down to 3G.
Sent from the parietal lobe of your cerebral cortex.
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Click to collapse
As I (and many others) explained in the other thread about T-mobile:
- You get 5GB of data, that's 4g/3g/2g.
- Once you use all 5GB in a month, you get throttled.
- Throttled speeds are in the range of what EDGE is, even though your phone still says "3G" up in the status bar.
- Once your billing period ends, you get a new 5GB batch of data.
There's no discerning between 4G and 3G by T-mobile. HSPA+ is just a fast version of T-mobile's 3G network. Its not separate.
Just curious has any one looked into metroPCS they say they allow any cdma phone on their network and they have lte. There speeds may not be the greatest and not the best coverage but the price is spot on and unlimited!
robertlawson225 said:
Just curious has any one looked into metroPCS they say they allow any cdma phone on their network and they have lte. There speeds may not be the greatest and not the best coverage but the price is spot on and unlimited!
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Don't think it'll work. You'd have to unlock it somehow, and even then I think theres going to be inconsistencies with the LTE frequencies they use, etc.
martonikaj said:
Don't think it'll work. You'd have to unlock it somehow, and even then I think theres going to be inconsistencies with the LTE frequencies they use, etc.
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I thought that all nexus devices where unlocked developer phones. also i just talked to metroPCS and they did say hardware wise any cdma ohone will work and so will the LTE but, there might be a problem with software incompatibilities. but if that is true i would think our fellow xda members would figure out how to fix any software problems
robertlawson225 said:
I thought that all nexus devices where unlocked developer phones. also i just talked to metroPCS and they did say hardware wise any cdma ohone will work and so will the LTE but, there might be a problem with software incompatibilities. but if that is true i would think our fellow xda members would figure out how to fix any software problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't be unlocked from the factory because 1) its CDMA/LTE with VZW specific bands, and 2) its being made to order for Verizon to subsidize it (which means they will SURELY dictate that its locked).
The Nexus devices have historically been sold full price without a carrier subsidy (and therefore are unlocked) because google wants them to be used anywhere in the world with any SIM card. This is different because there are carriers involved from the start (and the device is CDMA).
Also, I'm pretty sure the LTE won't be interoperable between the two carriers. Verizon will have their own proprietary network stack for use with their LTE service, and it uses slightly different frequencies from other carriers for LTE, specifically so that their devices won't be interoperable with other networks. They want you to buy a VZW phone and stay on VZW (dirty play, but that's how they roll).
Hope that clarifies things a little bit. Now no one knows for sure how much of the issues can be fixed with new firmware flashes, so I guess we'll see when it comes out. For example I know a lot of people use Sprint and Verizon phones with different custom firmware to run on networks like Virgin, Boost, and Cricket in order to cut down the monthly bill.
martonikaj said:
It won't be unlocked from the factory because 1) its CDMA/LTE with VZW specific bands, and 2) its being made to order for Verizon to subsidize it (which means they will SURELY dictate that its locked).
The Nexus devices have historically been sold full price without a carrier subsidy (and therefore are unlocked) because google wants them to be used anywhere in the world with any SIM card. This is different because there are carriers involved from the start (and the device is CDMA).
Also, I'm pretty sure the LTE won't be interoperable between the two carriers. Verizon will have their own proprietary network stack for use with their LTE service, and it uses slightly different frequencies from other carriers for LTE, specifically so that their devices won't be interoperable with other networks. They want you to buy a VZW phone and stay on VZW (dirty play, but that's how they roll).
Hope that clarifies things a little bit. Now no one knows for sure how much of the issues can be fixed with new firmware flashes, so I guess we'll see when it comes out. For example I know a lot of people use Sprint and Verizon phones with different custom firmware to run on networks like Virgin, Boost, and Cricket in order to cut down the monthly bill.
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Click to collapse
well lets just hope some one out there can figure out how to make a phone like this run on a reasonabale priced carrier well other than t-mobile

unlocked nexus

Can someone tell me what the disadvantages would be if I bought an unlocked Nexus and used it on tmo? I think it just means u could only use the 3g data speed, but my calls would still be the same. I do 85% of data wirelessly so if that's the only issue I'm good.
Huh? There is no downside at all. You get full HSPA+ speeds if your area has them deployed.
big70tom said:
Can someone tell me what the disadvantages would be if I bought an unlocked Nexus and used it on tmo? I think it just means u could only use the 3g data speed, but my calls would still be the same. I do 85% of data wirelessly so if that's the only issue I'm good.
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Click to collapse
Not sure anyone will say using an unlocked GN is a disadvantage as many here are doing so...
Maybe the $700 upfront? Not really a disadvantage, though.
16GB only?
Warranty will be a hassle.
T-Mobile coverage in your area?
Again - not going to find too many complaints...
Downsides: Price (would be cheaper if T-Mobile sold it )
Warranty: You're getting this thing on the grey market.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
The only other downside I can think of is that it won't support T-Mobile's Wi-Fi calling - but if you don't care about that, and you have the money, go for it! It'll work great on T-Mobile, will work great on AT&T if you ever switch, and you can take it to almost any country in the world and use it with a local SIM on almost any network.
as far as the wifi calling goes, it's possible that it may eventually support it. but it'll be a very long wait.
and you'd get T-Mobiles "4g" up to 21Mbps down.
All nexus devices come unlocked ... even if you bought it on contract on T-Mo when it comes
Dark lord me said:
All nexus devices come unlocked ... even if you bought it on contract on T-Mo when it comes
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Not true. It's been confirmed (in these forums) that at least one UK carrier is selling the Galaxy Nexus SIM-locked. I've heard (but can't confirm) that some carriers locked the Nexus S as well.
Nexus phones are usually unlocked. Hopefully/probably most will continue to be unlocked, but since at least one carrier is currently locking it the only way to know for sure is for someone to get one from the carrier in question and see.
big70tom said:
Can someone tell me what the disadvantages would be if I bought an unlocked Nexus and used it on tmo? I think it just means u could only use the 3g data speed, but my calls would still be the same. I do 85% of data wirelessly so if that's the only issue I'm good.
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Click to collapse
The downside is that you have to put the phone down and sleep at some point.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
phazerorg said:
Not true. It's been confirmed (in these forums) that at least one UK carrier is selling the Galaxy Nexus SIM-locked. I've heard (but can't confirm) that some carriers locked the Nexus S as well.
Nexus phones are usually unlocked. Hopefully/probably most will continue to be unlocked, but since at least one carrier is currently locking it the only way to know for sure is for someone to get one from the carrier in question and see.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I have it from O2 UK and it's locked. Another thing is that they unlock it for free when you ask them. They will unlock every phone for free if you are on contract so I don't know what's the point locking them in a first place. But this is how they work.
Doesn't T-Mobile have some 42Mbps HSPA+ phones? I guess the downside is that you can only get up to half that with the GN.

Will a Sprint SGS3 work on Verizon?

I've seen a lot of threads about different devices on other networks, but I haven't been able to find an answer on this question. I've seen pictures of the back of Sprint SGS3s compared to VZW, AT&T, T-mobile, etc and I know it doesn't have a SIM card slot - but I've only seen this in reference to global capability. I also know the Verizon is locked, but obviously that is only important from going Verizon to a different carrier. How does this apply when going from a different carrier to VZW?
I have a company phone on Sprint, and a personal cell phone on Verizon. I just got a new phone on Verizon, but it isn't working (the screen doesn't turn on 95% of the time) and didn't get insurance on it. I do, however, have an upgrade available through my company Sprint phone. Sprint's service is awful in Phoenix, though - so I'm hoping to be able to get an SIII through Sprint but use it on my Verizon plan. Is this possible?
Thanks!
kasmira said:
I've seen a lot of threads about different devices on other networks, but I haven't been able to find an answer on this question. I've seen pictures of the back of Sprint SGS3s compared to VZW, AT&T, T-mobile, etc and I know it doesn't have a SIM card slot - but I've only seen this in reference to global capability. I also know the Verizon is locked, but obviously that is only important from going Verizon to a different carrier. How does this apply when going from a different carrier to VZW?
I have a company phone on Sprint, and a personal cell phone on Verizon. I just got a new phone on Verizon, but it isn't working (the screen doesn't turn on 95% of the time) and didn't get insurance on it. I do, however, have an upgrade available through my company Sprint phone. Sprint's service is awful in Phoenix, though - so I'm hoping to be able to get an SIII through Sprint but use it on my Verizon plan. Is this possible?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly don't know but I know Sprint phone went with with Verizon's lte
Sent from my SPH-L710...if some one helps you press the thanks button

[Q] Sprint to Verizon?

I've seen some threads that are close, but I wanted to know if I can flash my GS3 from Sprint for use on the Verizon network? I'm not trying anything shady, it's just that Sprint's network has me about at my end, and I was given a demo S3, and man, it's not even close.
So, I have an S3, with no outstanding contract from Sprint, can I use it with a new account on Verizon? Just trying to avoid ending up with a Sprint GS3...
Thanks
No, you can't. I'm pretty sure the Verizon version uses frequencies that the Sprint version can't. For instance, Sprint's version uses 1900MHz for LTE, but Verizon's uses 700MHz.
Even if the radios matched, it wouldn't work because the Verizon one requires a removable SIM for LTE, and that's not an option on the Sprint one.
On the bright side, there's a chance you could do an even trade with someone who has the Verizon S3, so no one has to spend extra money.
Verizon and Sprint use a different frequency between networks, the actual hardware in the phone (radio) cant pick up anything else than its been made to see. Best bet is selling sprint phone and buying a verizon model
Really? My Sprint GS3 was flashed to Verizon with no issues. LTE of course does not work but I knew that prior to flashing. My 3g speeds are pretty good anyway, much faster than Sprints.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
ret4425 said:
I've seen some threads that are close, but I wanted to know if I can flash my GS3 from Sprint for use on the Verizon network? I'm not trying anything shady, it's just that Sprint's network has me about at my end, and I was given a demo S3, and man, it's not even close.
So, I have an S3, with no outstanding contract from Sprint, can I use it with a new account on Verizon? Just trying to avoid ending up with a Sprint GS3...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I have my sprint gs3 flashed to page plus which is Verizon prepaid. Everything is working fine as well!
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Is there any way to use the Tmobile S4 on Verizon?

Is there any way to use an unlocked tmobile s4 on verizon???? Can you flash a certain modem to make it work?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
No. GSM phones are incompatible with CDMA networks.
verizon
I have a stock sgh-m919 and I gave my imei to Verizon over the phone, they stated they could not use my phone on a prepaid plan, but I did not inquire about a contract plan. Visit a store and ask questions.
I realize Verizon is CDMA, but I have seen those radio ROMs somewhere to change the frequency of the radio. I think it would require more than that, perhaps even an imei change, I don't really know, I'm just going out on a limb here.
From what I understand Verizon does use the 700Mhz band like AT&T but they use a different portion of the band, the upper is what I read. Google 700Mhz LTE, I think that it will come up.
good luck, let me know how that turns out.
Also, my mother has a Iphone 4S on Verizon and although I don't really like apple products, I do know that it has a sim card slot, so that taken into consideration, perhaps there is hope.
inspectergadget said:
I have a stock sgh-m919 and I gave my imei to Verizon over the phone, they stated they could not use my phone on a prepaid plan, but I did not inquire about a contract plan. Visit a store and ask questions.
I realize Verizon is CDMA, but I have seen those radio ROMs somewhere to change the frequency of the radio. I think it would require more than that, perhaps even an imei change, I don't really know, I'm just going out on a limb here.
From what I understand Verizon does use the 700Mhz band like AT&T but they use a different portion of the band, the upper is what I read. Google 700Mhz LTE, I think that it will come up.
good luck, let me know how that turns out.
Also, my mother has a Iphone 4S on Verizon and although I don't really like apple products, I do know that it has a sim card slot, so that taken into consideration, perhaps there is hope.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A Verizon model will work on T-Mobile, just not the other way around :/
chubbrock said:
Is there any way to use an unlocked tmobile s4 on verizon???? Can you flash a certain modem to make it work?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I've been traveling for a while now with T-Mobile service with my T-Mobile s4 *cough* *unlocked* *cough*, and it does pick up Verizon service and I am able to call and text due to the agreements the carriers have. So I don't see why not. And as to activating any phone on Verizon prepaid, you can't .only have the options they have.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

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