Develop Bugs

[Q] Which Note II to buy

Initially I thought there were two variants of Samsung Galaxy Note 2, N7100 and N7105(LTE) but it looks like there are more.
I checked the NOTE 2 at my local T-Mobile store and it was SGH-T889.
I am planning to buy a (no contract/unlocked) Note 2 with LTE support. I can buy the unlocked N7105 online but it costs $825.
I was thinking of buying the retail t-mobile SGH-T889 for $650 plus taxes but I am concerned:
1) T-mobile support told me that I will not be able to use any other SIM.
2) Even if I get it unlocked from (cellunlocker.net), will I get any carrier LTE coverage ?
I frequently travel (international) so would like to have a Note 2 which supports LTE for multiple carriers ?
As per this Anandtech, T-mobile note 2 was unlocked and it picked up ATT LTE.
Phandroid also confirmed that t-mobile supports LTE.
I had a chat with Negrielectronics support and they informed that n7105 does not support ATT LTE.
Experts, please suggest/confirm if the t-mobile note 2 will support LTE overall ?
Thanks

LTE are carrier specific in the US. US Lte are incompatible with international Lte. That's why there are different models gsm of iPhone 5.
Buy the Lte model for the place where you spend your most time.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

ciphercodes said:
Initially I thought there were two variants of Samsung Galaxy Note 2, N7100 and N7105(LTE) but it looks like there are more.
I checked the NOTE 2 at my local T-Mobile store and it was SGH-T889.
I am planning to buy a (no contract/unlocked) Note 2 with LTE support. I can buy the unlocked N7105 online but it costs $825.
I was thinking of buying the retail t-mobile SGH-T889 for $650 plus taxes but I am concerned:
1) T-mobile support told me that I will not be able to use any other SIM.
2) Even if I get it unlocked from (cellunlocker.net), will I get any carrier LTE coverage ?
I frequently travel (international) so would like to have a Note 2 which supports LTE for multiple carriers ?
As per this Anandtech, T-mobile note 2 was unlocked and it picked up ATT LTE.
Phandroid also confirmed that t-mobile supports LTE.
I had a chat with Negrielectronics support and they informed that n7105 does not support ATT LTE.
Experts, please suggest/confirm if the t-mobile note 2 will support LTE overall ?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1956264
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

Verizon Note 2 Vs. T-Mobile Note 2

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.
Click to expand...
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.

Doesn't Verizon use LTE on the 700 band just like AT&T and future TMobile LTE?

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.

Yes, they do, but there are different sub-bands on each frequency. I'm not sure you'll be able to use our phones on VZW, which seems to be where you're heading.
Even if you could for data, until vice over LTE comes, you couldn't do voice (cdma) on Verizon.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

but can't you do voice with verizons note 2 if the phone is used with an AT&T or Tmobile microsim card?
verizon's note is capable of gsm as well and supports the frequencies of AT&T and Tmobile if unlocked, is that so?
aren't the phones from verizon sold unlocked?

winlinmac001 said:
but can't you do voice with verizons note 2 if the phone is used with an AT&T or Tmobile microsim card?
verizon's note is capable of gsm as well and supports the frequencies of AT&T and Tmobile if unlocked, is that so?
aren't the phones from verizon sold unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but their boot loader is encrypted so you will have a hard time changing kernels. Also I do not know for sure their note 2 is SIM unlocked. Most phones are but some are not (think iPhone which they wont unlock for use in US only overseas)
Sent from my handheld Android 'PC', NOTE II

winlinmac001 said:
but can't you do voice with verizons note 2 if the phone is used with an AT&T or Tmobile microsim card?
verizon's note is capable of gsm as well and supports the frequencies of AT&T and Tmobile if unlocked, is that so?
aren't the phones from verizon sold unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My T-Mobile Note 2 is sim unlocked. I can pop my own AT&T sim in it and get voice and 3G data no problem.
I tried the sim from my Verizon S3 in the Note and while it displayed signal bars for voice only, and any attempt to make a call resulted in a message about not being registered on the network.
Verizon is word about letting non stop Verizon phones on their network, and even if the phone is compatible on the GSM, that doesn't mean they'll just let you bring any device to the party.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

T-Mobile Note 2 > AT&T Note 2 > Verizon Note 2
The above is an order in terms of which Note 2 is more flexible in switching between carriers,
Overall, T-Mobile has the best Note 2, right?
Agree or Disagree?

Winlinmac001: you have to sort out your priorities, get a phone, enjoy it and move on...
Pick your carrier first.
If its Verizon, then get their model, not much else to it really. Until they get VoLTE operational and ditch CDMA completely (many years to go) your phone has to be activated in their system. Expect no, or limited support for US GSM carriers.
If it's T-Mobile, one of their MVNOs (or even a non-LTE AT&T MVNO), or you want to be able to switch to those with a minimum of fuss: T889. The clincher here is the HSPA AWS support that you'll need to get any meaningful speeds in non-refarmed areas. From what I understand only T-Mobile has DC-HSPA (42 Mbps) whereas AT&T only has 21 Mbps.
If it's AT&T: are you in an LTE market? do you care for LTE? If yes: I317. You're certain to get LTE right now with this one, with no concerns about cross-flashing modems or waiting for some firmware update that could take a while to come on the T889.

T-Mobile
It's settled then; T-Mobile Galaxy Note II it is; especially since it is compatible with most networks compared to AT&T's variant; and that it is a true global phone. Thank you.

Buy a new Note 2 or unlock my current one?

I'm currently on att with a note 2 and i've switched to t-mobile and will be recieving a new phone in the mail soon. Should i return it and just flash a t-mobile rom onto my current phone? or should i just sell my att one on craigslist and keep the new t-mobile phone? Any possible loss of features or functionality by sticking with the phone i have?

Keep the tmo one.
It dosent have lte yet, so hang on to att one too I suggest but tmo has added aws band.
Sent from my SGH-T889

prepaidguy9081 said:
Keep the tmo one.
It dosent have lte yet, so hang on to att one too I suggest but tmo has added aws band.
Sent from my SGH-T889
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand your answer to the OP.
I'm in the exact same situation as the OP. I'm with AT&T but they just took my unlimited data plan away so I'm probably going to switch to T-Mobile.
Are there any bands that the T-Mobile Note 2 has that can't be unlocked on the AT&T model? According to Wikipedia both AT&T and T-Mobile version of the Note 2 have AWS. I heard that you can enable the high speed bands on AT&T's model to work with T-Mobile. Is taht not true?

rogerbacon50 said:
I don't understand your answer to the OP.
I'm in the exact same situation as the OP. I'm with AT&T but they just took my unlimited data plan away so I'm probably going to switch to T-Mobile.
Are there any bands that the T-Mobile Note 2 has that can't be unlocked on the AT&T model? According to Wikipedia both AT&T and T-Mobile version of the Note 2 have AWS. I heard that you can enable the high speed bands on AT&T's model to work with T-Mobile. Is taht not true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmo hasnt released the update to let tmo gnotes2 work on their lte network, because its not up and running most places... Possibly only update customers who are in Kansas City.
Not too clear if att gnotes2 with att specific firmware would work on tmo's network. Theoretically it should work, but their might be some radio issues that give u shoddy service. Unlocking phones is illegal now, so idk if u could sim unlock ur phone through att to work for tmo anyways. Might have to go through ebay or something to do so.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using XDA Premium HD app

[Q] Using AT&T Galaxy Note 2 in India (3G/UMTS)

Hi,
I searched whole Galaxy Note 2 Forums for my question but did not get direct answer. My question is
Can I use AT&T Galaxy Note 2 (SGH-i317) in India and get 3g data as is without making any modification to Bands?
or
Should I enable AWS (TMobile 3g/4g) bands in this phone to use 3G in India.
If anybody is using this phone in India, let me know how / which carrier in India are you using.

thershope said:
Hi,
I searched whole Galaxy Note 2 Forums for my question but did not get direct answer. My question is
Can I use AT&T Galaxy Note 2 (SGH-i317) in India and get 3g data as is without making any modification to Bands?
or
Should I enable AWS (TMobile 3g/4g) bands in this phone to use 3G in India.
If anybody is using this phone in India, let me know how / which carrier in India are you using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends what bands your carrier uses. The phone (without the AWS hack) supports 850/900/1900/2100 MHz for 3G.

Product F(RED) said:
Depends what bands your carrier uses. The phone (without the AWS hack) supports 850/900/1900/2100 MHz for 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought it supports only triband for 3g (900MHz being unavailable). Can you please confirm that SGH-i317 supports 900MHz for 3G.

thershope said:
I thought it supports only triband for 3g (900MHz being unavailable). Can you please confirm that SGH-i317 supports 900MHz for 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't confirm that it actually works, other than this screenshot from my i317 (I did the AWS hack, which is why 1700 MHz comes up). GSM carriers in the US use 850/1900 (AT&T) and 1700/1900/2100 (T-Mobile) for 3G. So I can't see if 900 MHz works:
http://db.tt/WTFsWwwa
However, I don't think the phone will show bands that it doesn't support, so it should work. I have a hard time believing the phone is only Tri-Band, when my Galaxy S3 i9300 is quad-band (850/900/1900/2100 MHz) UMTS.
I know that the Verizon version works with 900 MHz because on Samsung's websites, it's quad-band UMTS. Yes, the Verizon version can also do GSM. It comes unlocked as well. You just have to use root and an APN application to add your carrier's APN, or just install a custom ROM that enables the APN menu.

I actually had the exact opposite question. I am planning on buying the Galaxy Note II (N7100) in India and I wanted to know if the 3G facility would work for any GSM provider in the United States?? I wanted to know if all the N7100 models (including the ones in India) are Quad band 3G. If so I guess the AT&T 3G should work as quad band would be compatible with the 850/1900 frequencies used by AT&T. Any help in this regard would be appreciated. I hope to be in the US from September for studies and thus wanted to be sure Id be able to use this phone for 3G there.

garam_masala said:
I actually had the exact opposite question. I am planning on buying the Galaxy Note II (N7100) in India and I wanted to know if the 3G facility would work for any GSM provider in the United States?? I wanted to know if all the N7100 models (including the ones in India) are Quad band 3G. If so I guess the AT&T 3G should work as quad band would be compatible with the 850/1900 frequencies used by AT&T. Any help in this regard would be appreciated. I hope to be in the US from September for studies and thus wanted to be sure Id be able to use this phone for 3G there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works on AT&T 3G. Correct.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2

Im using the att note 2 i317 in india on airtel network. Currently on cleanrom MA4 . Speed is decent. I get anywhere between 4 to 8 mbps during good signal
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2

Thanks for confirming. I was worried that I will miss out on 3g because of this 900MHz.
moinsheriff said:
Im using the att note 2 i317 in india on airtel network. Currently on cleanrom MA4 . Speed is decent. I get anywhere between 4 to 8 mbps during good signal
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

thershope said:
Hi,
I searched whole Galaxy Note 2 Forums for my question but did not get direct answer. My question is
Can I use AT&T Galaxy Note 2 (SGH-i317) in India and get 3g data as is without making any modification to Bands?
or
Should I enable AWS (TMobile 3g/4g) bands in this phone to use 3G in India.
If anybody is using this phone in India, let me know how / which carrier in India are you using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I travel India frequently and have US (AT&T) and India (Vodaphone) SIM, I just swap the sim and everything works great. I am on cleanrom 4.8. No issues and great Internet speed in Mumbai. Even I was able to do RDC without any issues.

Thanks.
nughtynick said:
I travel India frequently and have US (AT&T) and India (Vodaphone) SIM, I just swap the sim and everything works great. I am on cleanrom 4.8. No issues and great Internet speed in Mumbai. Even I was able to do RDC without any issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

ATT Note 2 in India
Guys i am using ATT Note 2 in India and i am not able to pick up 3G frequencies here.. My phone is unlocked from ATT but i still only get to use 2G,. I would appreciate if anyone can help me here. How do i get to 3G here.? i am using a vodafone sim.