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If we buy the Verizon version, unlocked, will it work on AT&T? Is this going to be an option, or just importing it from uk etc?
Could of swore i read somewhere that att's lte will work on a slightly different mhz that it won't be compatible with verizon's lte, someone correct me if im wrong.
ekerbuddyeker said:
If we buy the Verizon version, unlocked, will it work on AT&T? Is this going to be an option, or just importing it from uk etc?
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peachpuff said:
Could of swore i read somewhere that att's lte will work on a slightly different mhz that it won't be compatible with verizon's lte, someone correct me if im wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "AT&T" one, which at the moment is the same as the "world" version will NOT work on VZW.
As of now there are 2 models of the Galaxy Nexus: 1) CDMA/LTE (for Verizon in the USA) and 2) GSM/HSPA+ (for the rest of the world, yes including AT&T and T-mo in the USA).
As of now, there are no GSM/LTE versions (I'm assuming this is what you're looking for on AT&T). If you use the GN on AT&T, it will have HSPA+, but not LTE. And no, the VZW version will not be able to be unlocked and used with an AT&T LTE SIM card, because AT&T is only operating data on LTE, and you'd get no voice/text (assuming you somehow got the device unlocked to accept the SIM in the first place).
Unless Samsung/Google have some kinda curveball lined up to announce a 3rd model with GSM/LTE for AT&T, that will come in the future. As of now we're not aware of this model.
martonikaj said:
And no, the VZW version will not be able to be unlocked and used with an AT&T LTE SIM card, because AT&T is only operating data on LTE, and you'd get no voice/text (assuming you somehow got the device unlocked to accept the SIM in the first place).
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Click to collapse
You are correct in saying the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will not work with an AT&T SIM. However, the reason you provided is incorrect. Currently, both AT&T and Verizon operate data only LTE networks. Neither provide LTE voice (Voice Over LTE aka VoLTE) but both plan to (Verizon in 2012 and AT&T in 2013). Whether or not the Galaxy Nexus can take advantage of VoLTE is another open question but it will be able to use CDMA voice either way.
The real reason your Galaxy Nexus will not work on the AT&T network is the LTE frequency bands are different as well as the obvious 2G and 3G CDMA/GSM incompatibilities. A Verizon Galaxy Nexus with the an AT&T SIM (assuming you can unlock the device) will never be able to find the AT&T network. Hopefully, future devices will offer software programmable radios that can be unlocked to interoperate on multiple bands. There are plans for some 43 LTE bands worldwide!!!
So I'm guessing that by the same token in Canada, if your with bell, getting the LTE version is pointless?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
ianwood said:
You are correct in saying the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will not work with an AT&T SIM. However, the reason you provided is incorrect. Currently, both AT&T and Verizon operate data only LTE networks. Neither provide LTE voice (Voice Over LTE aka VoLTE) but both plan to (Verizon in 2012 and AT&T in 2013). Whether or not the Galaxy Nexus can take advantage of VoLTE is another open question but it will be able to use CDMA voice either way.
The real reason your Galaxy Nexus will not work on the AT&T network is the LTE frequency bands are different as well as the obvious 2G and 3G CDMA/GSM incompatibilities. A Verizon Galaxy Nexus with the an AT&T SIM (assuming you can unlock the device) will never be able to find the AT&T network.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for a little more information, but I said just as much. Even if you somehow got it unlocked to accept a different LTE SIM card (don't think it'd ever happen), there are several reasons why the phone wouldn't work. Even if they did have the same LTE frequencies exactly (or you hacked it on), he wouldn't get any GSM functionality out of the VZW device.
Basically what I was trying to express is that the other things could theoretically be overcome with software/firmware hacks (VZW and ATT will operate in the same spectrum, just slightly different frequencies), whereas you can't ever overcome the fact that the CDMA does you no good on the AT&T network.
Overall I think the point has been made regardless...
dont forget sprint and other cdma carriers in US
I am going to switch to T-Mobile in 2 months so was wondering if it will work with T-Mobile's HSPA + Network.
AFAIK It won't, but the frequenceies are listed on both carrier's sites so you can have a look at that.
No.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/0...nt-4g-hspa-phone-will-not-be-covered-by-both/
Couldn't we just flash the t-mobile radio like with the t-mobile sgs2 and the skyrocket from at&t?
It should be possible. Check out the specs of the two: http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=4804&idPhone2=4803
This is EXACTLY the same as Tmobile S2 and ATT S2 LTE: http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=4129&idPhone2=4303
Some awesome dev needs to do some radio hacking to make the two phones interchangeable as they did for the S2/S2 LTE.
pvc_ said:
No.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/0...nt-4g-hspa-phone-will-not-be-covered-by-both/
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Click to collapse
that article is over a year old. there are many devices that work on both carriers via 4g. looking at the frequencies on att version it should work with a radio flash.
There's hope then
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57460125-94/t-mobiles-pricier-samsung-galaxy-s3-will-not-get-lte/
same hardware in all US S3's so theoretically even a sprint or verizon one can be flashed if its just going to be software limitations
tspx23 said:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57460125-94/t-mobiles-pricier-samsung-galaxy-s3-will-not-get-lte/
same hardware in all US S3's so theoretically even a sprint or verizon one can be flashed if its just going to be software limitations
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Click to collapse
The CDMA and TDMA versions are different and not compatible. A sprint or Verizon model will not work on GSM networks due to the different protocols used. AFAIK no phone is universally portable amongst US carriers.
Verizon/Sprint/US Cellular phones are 100% different in terms of radio hardware and software.
It is possible the T-Mobile/AT&T ones will likely work together, but why? Also something to consider is the AT&T Note on T-Mobile gets HORRIBLE battery life.
malaeum said:
The CDMA and TDMA versions are different and not compatible. A sprint or Verizon model will not work on GSM networks due to the different protocols used. AFAIK no phone is universally portable amongst US carriers.
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Click to collapse
You sure about this? Verizon model will have a sim card and has GSM support. Verizon will probably block T-Mobile and ATT with all of their GSM/devices.
tspx23 said:
You sure about this? Verizon model will have a sim card and has GSM support. Verizon will probably block T-Mobile and ATT with all of their GSM/devices.
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Click to collapse
The SIM card is for LTE. The only way to get 3G on a CDMA device would be through CDMA.
joshnichols189 said:
The SIM card is for LTE. The only way to get 3G on a CDMA device would be through CDMA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly true... After a "hack" to my VZW Moto Bionic and dropping in an ATT sim from a demo Galaxy Note, we got working H+ on the Bionic.
Even after hack, the Bionic doesn't appear to support T-Mobile's 1700mhz so I get EDGE only when I use the T-Mo SIM out of my Galaxy S2.
But I wont have a Verizon Galaxy S3 to play with to see how that works.
KidJoe said:
Not exactly true... After a "hack" to my VZW Moto Bionic and dropping in an ATT sim from a demo Galaxy Note, we got working H+ on the Bionic.
Even after hack, the Bionic doesn't appear to support T-Mobile's 1700mhz so I get EDGE only when I use the T-Mo SIM out of my Galaxy S2.
But I wont have a Verizon Galaxy S3 to play with to see how that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, have not heard of that one but I will take your word for it. Either way, most phones do not have AWS bands for T-Mobile unless they are T-Mobile phones.
Assuming the Verizon version has GSM 3G radios in it (what they call a "Global" phone) I don't see why even it could be flashed if someone could get the radio hacked.
For example, my current phone, the Droid 2 Global, normally runs on Verizon's CMDA bands. Being a global phone, it has GSM radios in it which can be activated if you get an unlock code from Verizon (not difficult).
Here's the catch- the baseband locks the phone so that it does not work on AT&T and T-Mobile's frequency bands! However, some clever hackers at TeamBlackHat were able to hack the baseband to allow it to work on US carriers as well.
tl;dr if the CDMA versions have GSM radios it should be feasible to make them work on AT&T and T-Mobile.
ExodusC said:
Assuming the Verizon version has GSM 3G radios in it (what they call a "Global" phone) I don't see why even it could be flashed if someone could get the radio hacked.
For example, my current phone, the Droid 2 Global, normally runs on Verizon's CMDA bands. Being a global phone, it has GSM radios in it which can be activated if you get an unlock code from Verizon (not difficult).
Here's the catch- the baseband locks the phone so that it does not work on AT&T and T-Mobile's frequency bands! However, some clever hackers at TeamBlackHat were able to hack the baseband to allow it to work on US carriers as well.
tl;dr if the CDMA versions have GSM radios it should be feasible to make them work on AT&T and T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically, all world phones can literally be made into world phones? Nice!
SaHiLzZ said:
It should be possible. Check out the specs of the two: gsmarena /compare.php3?idPhone1=4804&idPhone2=4803
This is EXACTLY the same as Tmobile S2 and ATT S2 LTE: gsmarena /compare.php3?idPhone1=4129&idPhone2=4303
Some awesome dev needs to do some radio hacking to make the two phones interchangeable as they did for the S2/S2 LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You raise a really good point.
joshnichols189 said:
Verizon/Sprint/US Cellular phones are 100% different in terms of radio hardware and software.
It is possible the T-Mobile/AT&T ones will likely work together, but why? Also something to consider is the AT&T Note on T-Mobile gets HORRIBLE battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the S2 and S2 LTE (skyrocket) succumb to bad battery life like the note does when their networks are interchanged?
Which Note 2 supports more networks and frequencies; and therefore, which would be more suitable for international travel. Is the Verizon Note 2 even pentaband?
T mobile version because it's gsm which is going to work overseas. Verizon is a CDMA and I haven't read that it has gsm support.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Rhiannon224 said:
T mobile version because it's gsm which is going to work overseas. Verizon is a CDMA and I haven't read that it has gsm support.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, the T-Mobile version will work in more places overseas -- Especially Europe. Just in case, you might want to ask this in the Verizon area also just to make sure. :good:
I'm confused because on Samsungs website, http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/SCH-I605TSAVZW-specs
the Verizon Model has the GSM frequencies,
is it GSM if unlocked; i believe the Note 2 is already unlocked by verizon, will it work on GSM frequencies internationally?
correct me if I'm wrong, thanks
the verizon Galaxy Note II apparently has the GSM radios,
also has LTE; doesn't AT&T LTE work along same frequencies as verizon LTE
or is the verizon LTE exlusively to CDMA?
All Galaxy Note 2 devices seem to have all WCDMA, GSM, and LTE bands.
But what I understand is that Verizon version is considered as a "world" phone. I know that they tell me that I can use their Galaxy Note 2 on the European Networks.
I have played around with the bands on my T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 and can get the WCDMA and LTE working. So I don't know if the Modem firmware in all Galaxy Note 2 are the same and just need to be activated by the carrier's sim card or not. Someone please educate us on the this. I know that their is talk of needing OTA update to activate the LTE within T-Mobile GN2. But if the Modem is all the same then can just updating or exchanging the sim card could do the same? Or does the nv file also needs to be updated to activate the band/s as well?
The question is not if Galaxy Note 2 (all verisons) have the bands. But how to (the actual process) activate the band, in question, and get the Galaxy Note 2 in working order with the carrier of choice? What is the method? How to do the process of this method?
Please correct me if I am getting this wrong.
^ good point, and also just to ask about the verizon note 2 again, i thought it carries carries an an additional radio for CDMA, does this mean that the verizon note 2 model has better capabilities worldwide' since it is virtually compatible with all networks in the world (simply tweaks to the frequencies to the radio can get the verizon variant working virtually anywhere) please correct me if I'm wrong here. thanks
N/m ...
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
Problem I have seen in the past with Verizon world phones is that the game frequencies only work overseas. And lte is gsm band. Which is one of the few reasons Verizon phones have a sim slot to begin with
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
All recent Verizon LTE phones have GSM radios built in as well as their own CDMA/LTE radio. The LTE radio is only compatible with their network.
Some of these phones are even shipped out of the box unlocked and can be used immediately on GSM networks in the U.S.
If you do get the Verizon Note II and want to use it on T-Mobile, it will not have support for their HSPA+ 42mbps network, I believe it maxes out at 21mbps, as with all other Note II's around the world except for T-Mobiles.
But doesn't Verizon use LTE on the 700 band just like AT&T and future TMobile LTE?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks
Please correct me if I'm wrong, thank you.
nerdydesi said:
All recent Verizon LTE phones have GSM radios built in as well as their own CDMA/LTE radio. The LTE radio is only compatible with their network.
Some of these phones are even shipped out of the box unlocked and can be used immediately on GSM networks in the U.S.
If you do get the Verizon Note II and want to use it on T-Mobile, it will not have support for their HSPA+ 42mbps network, I believe it maxes out at 21mbps, as with all other Note II's around the world except for T-Mobiles.
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Click to collapse
So the Verizon Note2 is like the AT&T Note2 & Sprint Note2 (supporting 21Mbps HSPA+ but not 42Mbps like T-Mobile) but all only with their own respective LTE?..wouldn't it be more cost effective for Samsung just to make 1 phone with all the hardware to support all (isn't the iPhone5 like that now?) or is it cost prohibitive or do carriers not want to make it easier to unlock?
Are we still confident that the T-Mobile Note2 is the best if we want the flexibility to use on all carriers? How often is >21Mbps HSPA+ seen in real world use & why is the disabled LTE not listed at http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1877 ?
So, which is better then, Verizon or T-Mobile? Verizon's Note 2 also includes a CDMA radio whereas the T-Mobile version does not. If you are using the Note 2 in the US, wouldn't you have more flexible options in terms of which carrier to use?
nerdydesi said:
All recent Verizon LTE phones have GSM radios built in as well as their own CDMA/LTE radio. The LTE radio is only compatible with their network.
Some of these phones are even shipped out of the box unlocked and can be used immediately on GSM networks in the U.S.
If you do get the Verizon Note II and want to use it on T-Mobile, it will not have support for their HSPA+ 42mbps network, I believe it maxes out at 21mbps, as with all other Note II's around the world except for T-Mobiles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do we consider the Verizon Note2 even more carrier flexible than T-Mobile's Note2 (as I was about ready to buy the T-Mobile Note2 to try their $30/mo plan but now having some doubts..if I want this tomorrow I need to order soon) ?
-Thnx
Well LTE On the Verizon Note 2 is only compatible with Verizon's Network. Even if unlocked; the phone's firmware only recognizes LTE if only the Verizon 750 band is detected. Verizon has its own exclusive LTE bands compared to AT&T and Future T-Mobile LTE (sharing the same LTE bands)
SMARTPHONEPC said:
So do we consider the Verizon Note2 even more carrier flexible than T-Mobile's Note2 (as I was about ready to buy the T-Mobile Note2 to try their $30/mo plan but now having some doubts..if I want this tomorrow I need to order soon) ?
-Thnx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot speak to the CDMA radio issue, but I am positive that Verizon LTE will not work with any GSM LTE phone. The frequencies are similar, but Verizon is using a different LTE protocol. I asked that question a long time ago, thinking that LTE would finally allow roaming between Verizon and AT&T, but they are too clever to allow such a democratic system to function. They will remain fundamentally incompatible, not because they need to be, but because they want it that way to keep you locked to your carrier by your choice of device. Nice, eh?
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
The Verizon NoteII will (in theory) connect to any gsm carrier. How to do so, I don't know.
Sent from my very "non-stock" TP.
^^^ Well, the Verizon Note 2 will not be able to work with another carrier's LTE than itself.
my experience
Hey folks,
I've got the Verizon Note 2 and I love it. If you're willing to unlock the bootloader and then install a hack onto your device, you'll easily be able to swap the SIM card out and use it just about anywhere. Yes, the phone is carrier unlocked (not the same as bootloader unlocked). The issue is that in the settings, they won't let you add the specific APNs for the carriers you need. I"m not sure how else to get around that without installing some of the hacks. I managed to do it and it works beautifully on Canada's Bell Mobility, HSPA+ is screamingly fast and the LTE on VErizon in the States is just insanely fast. My recommendation: get the Verizon version because they've built out their LTE much more than their rivals at this point.
On anantech the reviewer stated that the tmobile version would be the most compatible. If you get vzw note2 and switch you wont get lte on tmob or att. Quite frankly vzw is too expensive and the coverage from tmobile is getting better by the month. Not to mention their business pricing is better than any of the other carriers.
Hi,
I am thinking about moving my Galaxy S4 and moto RAZR from Verizon wireless to iwireless (a t-mobile affiliate). I understand that I need to unlock my phone but I am unable to find out if I move it to iwireless if I will still have 4G data. The iwireless sales rep said that I will still have voice and 2.5G service but couldn't tell me if I would still have 4G.
I was looking at this table I found on a site explaining how to unlock the phone but I don't know enough about the subject to make an informed decision.
Samsung Galaxy S4
Can someone confirm whether or not my Verizon S4 or RAZR can be unlocked to work with the iwireless/t-mobile 4G network?
sgibbers17 said:
Hi,
I am thinking about moving my Galaxy S4 and moto RAZR from Verizon wireless to iwireless (a t-mobile affiliate). I understand that I need to unlock my phone but I am unable to find out if I move it to iwireless if I will still have 4G data. The iwireless sales rep said that I will still have voice and 2.5G service but couldn't tell me if I would still have 4G.
I was looking at this table I found on a site explaining how to unlock the phone but I don't know enough about the subject to make an informed decision.
Samsung Galaxy S4
Can someone confirm whether or not my Verizon S4 or RAZR can be unlocked to work with the iwireless/t-mobile 4G network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems as though your grasp of the subject is strong enough to know that it might work as you'd like - and it might not. You need to call back and ask to speak to a CSR that actually knows what bands their service works on so they can give you accurate information. That's kind of their job...
Also -
Verizon LTE operates on Band 13 while T-Mob operates on Band 17, both of which carry completely different spectrums; this means no LTE on either of your unlocked phones.There's a slim possibility that you will get intermittent 3G but the most likely scenario is that you will get talk, text and 2G / 2.5G only.
Band 17? My Verizon branded S4 is getting T-Mobile LTE. I'm fairly sure its on band 4.
T-mobile is band 4 which is 1700/2100 mhz. The Verizon s4 is not capable of 1700mhz. But if you are getting 4G it may be because your area is using 2100 mhz. I am specifically moving to iwireless and I was told they use the 1700 mhz band.
Bsliv, how did you unlock you phone?
sgibbers17 said:
Bsliv, how did you unlock you phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many Verizon phones are sim unlocked, so it's most likely unlocked as well
serio22 said:
Many Verizon phones are sim unlocked, so it's most likely unlocked as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I think all Verizon LTE capable phones are unlocked.
The I545 (Verizon S4) can receive LTE on band 4. T-Mobile serves LTE on band 4. The coincidence works well.
bsliv said:
Yes, I think all Verizon LTE capable phones are unlocked.
The I545 (Verizon S4) supports LTE on band 4. T-Mobile serves LTE on band 4. The coincidence works well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My RAZR MAXX HD definitely wasn't SIM unlocked... For the life of me I couldn't get it to work when I moved to ATT from Verizon... Not even GSM would work.
I just need to get some clarification from you guys. Are your VZW phones bought in the US and being in the US on t-mobile's or iwireless's 4g network. Because after I made the first post I went to the phone unlocking place in my local mall and talked to there techs, they said that the VZW S4 will not get 4g. I have also been doing extensive searches online and keep finding half saying it will work and half saying it won't. I have a feeling that the ones that work are working outside of the US as I found posts saying as such.
I read some where that the razr you had to flash the radio FW to get GSM to work properly.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I got my vzw S4 off craigslist but 99% sure it was purchased in the USA. I'm on T-Mobile's $50/mo plan.
Verizon's LTE phones are sim unlocked due to an agreement with the FCC when vzw purchased some bandwidth.
I think there was an update around 03/2014 that enabled band 4 on the I545. Then had to make some apn changes and tell the modem to use gsm/lte on band 4.
The one quirk I have is it will say "no service" after a reboot and until I make or receive a voice call. Then I get the "T-Mobile" instead of "no service" and things work as they should.
bsliv said:
I got my vzw S4 off craigslist but 99% sure it was purchased in the USA. I'm on T-Mobile's $50/mo plan.
Verizon's LTE phones are sim unlocked due to an agreement with the FCC when vzw purchased some bandwidth.
I think there was an update around 03/2014 that enabled band 4 on the I545. Then had to make some apn changes and tell the modem to use gsm/lte on band 4.
The one quirk I have is it will say "no service" after a reboot and until I make or receive a voice call. Then I get the "T-Mobile" instead of "no service" and things work as they should.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have to go to iwireless and have one of the tech put a SIM card in my s4 and razr to give it a try.
The only options I have for the network mode on my s4 is
Global, LTE/CDMA, and GSM/UMTS. Can you post you settings?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I was just at iwireless today and tested my phone with their network and was unable to get it to work. iwireless is a t-mobile affiliate but they do not use 4G LTE in my area. Their system runs on a 3.8G 1700MHz which the VZW S4 does not have. I am told that they will be starting to switch all the 2G radios in the area to 4G LTE later this year, which should work with my VZW S4. So I am just going to have to wait till the end of the year and go back and test it again.
Frankenscript said:
My RAZR MAXX HD definitely wasn't SIM unlocked... For the life of me I couldn't get it to work when I moved to ATT from Verizon... Not even GSM would work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That phone was before VZW bought the band 4 spectrum and cut the deal with the FCC. All VZW LTE phones are SIM unlocked. Any AWS capable VZW phone is SIM unlocked and can use LTE on band 4. The S4 got it with an update last year.
I am probably going to do the $30 plan soon and plan to use my VZW S4. I am not going to port my number right away in case the service in my area sucks (doubtful, live in DFW in dense surburbia).
I went out off town this weekend and went to a t-mobile store and was able to get 4g service after adding the correct APN. But it is too bad that iwireless that is in my area does not use that band yet, they are staring to upgrade to that band later this year. Until then my s4 will only get edge service.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I was able to get H+ on my s4 from Verizon to tmobile by changing the network mode to global and the App to fast.T-mobile.com
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
With the announcement of the T Mobile $100 2 line unlimited everything, I'm also interested in bringing my Verizon S4 MDK boot loader phone to T Mobile, but want to do my research first-- is it as simple as signing up for T Mobile and getting one of their SIMs and then-- would I be able to flash any of the ROMs in the S4 T Mobile Dev forum or is the T Mobile S4 a completely different device? Any caveats? Would I have to LokiDoki after the flash? Would I need to flash a T Mobile specific radio too (currently on i545vrufnk1)? Or is that all just overcomplicating things? Would i be able to just adjust the APNs on my current ROM after inserting a T Mobile SIM?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Quick reply to my post and for anyone else interested-- there's a post here that talks about using a 4.4.2 T-Mobile ROM by Fenny on the a Verizon S4: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=57453019 I've tried it and LTE works great, MMS works properly, phone calls work as well. I'm on the Verizon i545vruamdk bootloader and Verizon i545vrufnk1 radio. The ROM is a T-Mobile m919uvufnb4 by Fenny.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Guys, I need help understanding whether or not the phones branded and sold by AT&T and T-Mobile are really the same hardware or not.
I'm in the U.S. I have a carrier-unlocked M9 originally sold by AT&T that is running the Developer's Edition ROM which I flashed via the DE RUU. I decided to get a plan on T-mobile temporarily so I could compare them to AT&T as far as performance and coverage is concerned. The phone recognized the new SIM and prompted me to select my carrier, which I did (T-mo) and I had good voice service, LTE coverage, etc. All sounds good so far, right?
Well, I was at work the other day and my friend has the S6 on T-mobile which he got from T-mobile. So we each did an LTE speedtest while we were both standing in the same spot and his speeds were consistently faster than mine. There was enough of a difference that it was obvious, meaning, like, if I was getting 20MBps down, he was getting 30. Or if I was getting 30MBps down he was getting 40. Something like that.
So, what is your opinion? Is the S6 just built with a faster set of hardware? Or, could my M9 not be 100% compatible with all of T-Mo's LTE bands? I am not that familiar with the subtle differences between these two carriers but clearly the M9 was able to recognize each carrier at least well enough to prompt me to select the right Carrier when the SIM is changed. I am currently under the impression that HTC makes phones for North America and not necessarily any carrier-specific variants (unless like, in order to support carriers using CDMA vs GSM.) Does anyone have more specific details?
If it matters, we're in the Denver, CO market.
If anyone knows of an app that can report on the current LTE status and give you the specific band you're leveraging, please LMK as that'd also be very useful.
cheers.
mrbillishere said:
Guys, I need help understanding whether or not the phones branded and sold by AT&T and T-Mobile are really the same hardware or not.
I'm in the U.S. I have a carrier-unlocked M9 originally sold by AT&T that is running the Developer's Edition ROM which I flashed via the DE RUU. I decided to get a plan on T-mobile temporarily so I could compare them to AT&T as far as performance and coverage is concerned. The phone recognized the new SIM and prompted me to select my carrier, which I did (T-mo) and I had good voice service, LTE coverage, etc. All sounds good so far, right?
Well, I was at work the other day and my friend has the S6 on T-mobile which he got from T-mobile. So we each did an LTE speedtest while we were both standing in the same spot and his speeds were consistently faster than mine. There was enough of a difference that it was obvious, meaning, like, if I was getting 20MBps down, he was getting 30. Or if I was getting 30MBps down he was getting 40. Something like that.
So, what is your opinion? Is the S6 just built with a faster set of hardware? Or, could my M9 not be 100% compatible with all of T-Mo's LTE bands? I am not that familiar with the subtle differences between these two carriers but clearly the M9 was able to recognize each carrier at least well enough to prompt me to select the right Carrier when the SIM is changed. I am currently under the impression that HTC makes phones for North America and not necessarily any carrier-specific variants (unless like, in order to support carriers using CDMA vs GSM.) Does anyone have more specific details?
If it matters, we're in the Denver, CO market.
If anyone knows of an app that can report on the current LTE status and give you the specific band you're leveraging, please LMK as that'd also be very useful.
cheers.
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in a nutshell T-mobile branded phones use an AWS band that is not present on the AT&T and Developer edition phones
This AWS band is a 3G+ or 4G band that is faster than some LTE signals in certain markets.
The big factor in doing Speedtest.net is are you both connecting to the same server for the test
go to settings and change server to say Atlanta (comcast) and see if you both get different speeds