Develop Bugs

[Info] Cheaper, better Galaxy Nexus for AT&T and T-Mobile

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).

i9250m vs regular i9250?

Does anybody know what the m designation actually means? Someone on craigslist reported this as the model number and I can't find any info other than it might be a canadian model (and why would that be any different than the regular pentaband gsm anyway)?

Honestly, I wouldn't put any thought into that at all. I'd say there is a 99.99998% chance that the craigslist seller just got the exact model number wrong.

sn0warmy said:
Honestly, I wouldn't put any thought into that at all. I'd say there is a 99.99998% chance that the craigslist seller just got the exact model number wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is incorrect. I am in Canada and our version of the GNEX is I9250M.
As far as I know the "M" is just a letter that is used to distinguish it from the International version but the phone is the same as the I9250.

The M is Canadian, but identical to 9250.
Got mine a week ago, changed it to standard yakju 4.0.2 without any issues.

There are 3 models that I know so far:
GT-I9250
GT-I9250M (Canada/Bell)
GT-I9250T (Australia/Telstra)
All can be flashed to AOSP Bootloaders, Images, and Radios provided by Google. I have not tested this as I don't have any of the region specific Nexus's.
There are no hardware differences, just tweaked software (specifically Radios)

"M" could mean multilingual. As in French and English.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

dnlsmy said:
There are 3 models that I know so far:
GT-I9250
GT-I9250M (Canada)
GT-I9250T (Telus)
All can be flashed to AOSP Bootloaders, Images, and Radios provided by Google. I have not tested this as I don't have any of the region specific Nexus's.
There are no hardware differences, just tweaked software (specifically Radios)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. I got my Canadian model and flashed to yakju just fine.

dnlsmy said:
There are 3 models that I know so far:
GT-I9250
GT-I9250M (Canada)
GT-I9250T (Telus)
All can be flashed to AOSP Bootloaders, Images, and Radios provided by Google. I have not tested this as I don't have any of the region specific Nexus's.
There are no hardware differences, just tweaked software (specifically Radios)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
9250T is for telstra, Aussie carrier. Not telus mobility.

wpghtc said:
9250T is for telstra, Aussie carrier. Not telus mobility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm this, the nexus I purchased from Telstra directly is an i9250T model.

My old SGS2 is Samsung I9100M (from Bell Canada)

Well I just learned something new.
But it sounds like you should be just fine if you buy that phone OP.

wpghtc said:
9250T is for telstra, Aussie carrier. Not telus mobility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I knew it was an Australian Carrier with a "T", got mixed up between Telus and Telstra though.

dnlsmy said:
Thanks, I knew it was an Australian Carrier with a "T", got mixed up between Telus and Telstra though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya... Telus is a Canadian carrier and so their model would / should be I9250M as well...

Fido vs Bell Galaxy Nexus models
I just had the guys at Wireless Wave compare model numbers for Fido and Bell versions. Fido is 9250m and Bell is 9250t. Checking the specs on Fido's and Bell's websites it appears that 9250m is only hspa tri-band (850/1900/2100) while 9250t is penta-band (850/900/1700/1900/2100).

no way.... all nexus are pentaband
Sent from my Google Nexus S using xda premium

JGBlake said:
I just had the guys at Wireless Wave compare model numbers for Fido and Bell versions. Fido is 9250m and Bell is 9250t. Checking the specs on Fido's and Bell's websites it appears that 9250m is only hspa tri-band (850/1900/2100) while 9250t is penta-band (850/900/1700/1900/2100).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tri-band?! link?

JGBlake said:
I just had the guys at Wireless Wave compare model numbers for Fido and Bell versions. Fido is 9250m and Bell is 9250t. Checking the specs on Fido's and Bell's websites it appears that 9250m is only hspa tri-band (850/1900/2100) while 9250t is penta-band (850/900/1700/1900/2100).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The guys at Wireless Wave are very wrong.
Bell Mobility sells nothing but the i9250M model. And I believe all GSM carriers in North America have the same designation, although I'm not sure about that latter.
As far as I know:
i9250 - International Version
i9250M - North America
i9250T - Telstra/Australia.
-> All of the Above Are Pentaband GSM Nexus's, and all are identical in every way other than software radio tweaks <-
SCH-i515 - is still a Nexus, but the CDMA/LTE version of the phone, sold by Verizon in the states I believe. Looks are almost identical, other than being thicker than the GSM version, but under the hood I'd say they were different due to the obvious.

Same story with the GT-I9100M; identical hardware, with Bell's garbage firmware, still stuck at 2.3.3
I have Bell I9100M and I9250 (presumably M). The I9100M ran the Bell firmware for a month... I9250 ran 4.0.1 for 20 minutes.

Galaxy Nexus Models Revisited
JGBlake said:
I just had the guys at Wireless Wave compare model numbers for Fido and Bell versions. Fido is 9250m and Bell is 9250t. Checking the specs on Fido's and Bell's websites it appears that 9250m is only hspa tri-band (850/1900/2100) while 9250t is penta-band (850/900/1700/1900/2100).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK now I don't know what to think. I just went back to Fido and bought a Galaxy Nexus. The model I received is i9250T! When the same store showed me one yesterday it was a i9250M. Is there any way to tell which frequencies are supported by the phone that I received?

JGBlake said:
OK now I don't know what to think. I just went back to Fido and bought a Galaxy Nexus. The model I received is i9250T! When the same store showed me one yesterday it was a i9250M. Is there any way to tell which frequencies are supported by the phone that I received?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing to worry about... all 9250's regardless of the letter distinction are Pentabands. Works on any GSM network worldwide.

Galaxy Nexus for $459.50 on Negri (NTT Docomo version)

I was browsing Negri today, when I noticed they had the Galaxy Nexus for $459.50, the NTT Docomo version. Not sure if it's connected, but it looks like the same price as the Daily Steals sale from yesterday. The specs says it's the same as the other versions, except it has a small logo on the back. I suppose this is good news for anybody who missed the sale yesterday. I'm not sure how long Negri will have this, but hopefully permanent.

It says unlocked but will it work the same as the i9250 unbranded version for T-Mobile USA?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA

huyha707 said:
It says unlocked but will it work the same as the i9250 unbranded version for T-Mobile USA?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should work just fine. The radio specs are the same, and if they're unlocking it before they send it to you then there's no issue. The problem before was breaking the SIM lock on the DoCoMo version.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus i9250

And I just spent near $600 on ordering the Canadian version lol.

supposedly the docomo version only supports 800/2100 bands so it is not the same as the pentaband unlocked version

norazi said:
supposedly the docomo version only supports 800/2100 bands so it is not the same as the pentaband unlocked version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bands are listed as the same on Negri
Edit: What is NTT Docomo anyways?

Yeah it seems the same. Anyone with the device can confirm or not? Also are these builds the same as the other yakju? Will I be able to root, flash roms etc the same as if I got the i9250 version of the phone?

Ngo93 said:
The bands are listed as the same on Negri
Edit: What is NTT Docomo anyways?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Japanese carrier.

vibrant808 said:
Yeah it seems the same. Anyone with the device can confirm or not? Also are these builds the same as the other yakju? Will I be able to root, flash roms etc the same as if I got the i9250 version of the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're explicitly saying in the product details and on Twitter its yakju. If it isn't you can always flash it to yakju.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus i9250

norazi said:
supposedly the docomo version only supports 800/2100 bands so it is not the same as the pentaband unlocked version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you see that?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus i9250

I wanted to buy the white version yesterday, but by the time I got to work and had time to look again... it was sold out.
So this morning when I could get the BLACK version, I jumped on it. I loaded CWM's ICS on my Atrix, but don't feel it's quite right, and so I'm gonna put 2.3.4 back on the Atrix and continue to use it with the laptop dock.

I'm thinking on buying this Galaxy Nexus Docomo version, but I have some doubts.
I've read everywere that this phone is exactly the same as the i9250 version, same 2g and 3g networks (pentaband), GSM extended battery fits, and so on. Chatting with a negri electronics rep, he also confirmed me it is the same phone and it even cames with the yakju build, meaning it is updated by google and not Docomo.
What still bugs me a bit is why would they name it different? (SC-04D)..
Will I be able to flash any ROM, baseband, kernel as if I was using the international i9250 version?
Yeah, i'm a bit paranoid, but any information/clarification would be grately appreciated.
Thanks

etche said:
I'm thinking on buying this Galaxy Nexus Docomo version, but I have some doubts.
I've read everywere that this phone is exactly the same as the i9250 version, same 2g and 3g networks (pentaband), GSM extended battery fits, and so on. Chatting with a negri electronics rep, he also confirmed me it is the same phone and it even cames with the yakju build, meaning it is updated by google and not Docomo.
What still bugs me a bit is why would they name it different? (SC-04D)..
Will I be able to flash any ROM, baseband, kernel as if I was using the international i9250 version?
Yeah, i'm a bit paranoid, but any information/clarification would be grately appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It could be that the SC-04D designation was chosen to be separate in order to register it separately in Japan with their equivalent of the CRTC/FCC.
I can tell you that SC-04D radio files work fine on the i9250. So I would think the reverse is true as well.

I have read and saw a Youtube vid, The DOCOMO Gnex has a Docomo ROM installed, Negri says the only difference is the logo on the back. Can anyone confirm. The price of $459 seems to good to be true.

Both the SC-04D and the gsm i9250 share the same hardware, I think, except the SC-04D does not have the 900mhz band. The price is quite good but you have to be sure your carrier does not use the 900mhz band before you decide to purchase the SC-04D, otherwise you may receive a weak to no signal when you need to make a phone call.

Have you verified this?
Or is it possible the Japanese radio software is what locks out that band?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

My carrier is using the bands of 900/1800/2100. I got my SC-04D yesterday. Just ran a little test with my DOCOMO SC-04D and the GALAXY S2, both of them locked at 900mhz from service mode. It seems that the SC-04D is giving me weaker signal, say 0-40% whereas the S2 is giving me full signal. I believe it is due to the missing 900mhz band from the SC-04D. I will run a few tests tomorrow at different places and see how well it will go.
---------- Post added at 03:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:51 AM ----------
cmstlist said:
Have you verified this?
Or is it possible the Japanese radio software is what locks out that band?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, when I flashed to other custom roms and radio/basebands, I got the options the choose which bands to use under service mode (*#*#4636#*#*). I could choose the GSM 900 band, but I am not sure if it really worked as I am only receiving a very weak signal compare with my S2 in full bar signal. I am able to use both phone to surf the net and make phone calls. But the unlocked DOCOMO SC-04D is not very stable. I guess I will give it a few days to observe.

Are you saying the SC-04 firmware has a mode to select individual frequency bands? The i9250 doesn't.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

Negri told me that it was pentaband, so it should have the 900mhz band. I don't think they would confirm me such a thing without knowing for sure.
@Zatire. There a lot of threads saying that galaxy nexus has crappy radios, so maybe that's the cause you are having bad signal. If it didn't have the 900mhz band, it's shouldn't even get 1 bar, don't you think? (saying you locked your phone to only use that band...)
It doesn't matter if it comes with Docomo's ROM, because you can flash original Google ROM from AOSP.

i ordered both the dailysteals gnex ($465 for european unlocked version) AND the negri gnex ($460 docomo version)... i should have both in my hands next week. any tests you guys me to run to compare the two? i am on tmobile tzones
if the docomo verison has issues i will sell that and keep the dailysteals version... if both are identical then i will sell whichever i think looks better in person (white vs silver)

Are there multiple versions of the Nexus?

Hello all, I've been doing some research, and I am looking into purchasing an unlocked Galaxy Nexus here in Canada.
I am with the carrier Videotron, that uses the same network as T mobile. I currently have a G2x.
My question is, what are the different "models" of the nexus? I know there is the GT-I9250, but are there others? (for sprint, t-mobile, etc?)
Thanks in advance !

Not for tmobile but yes there is a sprint model which is the sph-L700, then there's the Verizon, dunno the model number and then there is the gsm version which is the GT model you named.
If you plan on rooting and modding and so on and so forth get familiar with the model nicknames.
GSM - Maguro
Sprint - Toroplus
Verizon - Toro.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Worth mentioning that Sprint and Verizon is LTE phones, and the international version is GSM.

The GT-i9250 (Maguro) would work with my carrier correct, as it works with T-Mobile's networks? (AWS)

Blazing angel said:
The GT-i9250 (Maguro) would work with my carrier correct, as it works with T-Mobile's networks? (AWS)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.

Blazing angel said:
The GT-i9250 (Maguro) would work with my carrier correct, as it works with T-Mobile's networks? (AWS)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, keep in mind though your 2x is faster in d/l speeds 42 vs 21 hspa. Not that its noticeable in actual usage.

[Q] GSM Versions

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.
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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!
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