Develop Bugs

[Q] Wait for AT&T Note 2, or buy Int'l N7100?

Now, normally I'm not a big advocate of buying carrier branded devices, mainly because of the carrier's ability to track the device (for billing purposes), their penchant for excluding features and pre-loading bloatware, slow updates, and custom firmware/hardware which inhibits community development. However, in the case of the AT&T Note 2, it's looking like a lot of those concerns may not apply to this device. In other words, for once, this is going to be a GSM/LTE device that's actually going to be using 99.9% of the same hardware found in the International LTE Note 2 (N7105), with only a different LTE radio in order to be compatible with AT&T LTE.
So this begs the question: Should I wait until the AT&T Note 2 is available, and then simply flash the international firmware onto it (but retain the AT&T modem.bin driver), effectively having a quasi-international LTE Note 2, or should I just forgo the whole LTE thing, and stick to getting the non-LTE N7100?
What do you guys think?

Jade Eyed Wolf said:
Now, normally I'm not a big advocate of buying carrier branded devices, mainly because of the carrier's ability to track the device (for billing purposes), their penchant for excluding features and pre-loading bloatware, slow updates, and custom firmware/hardware which inhibits community development. However, in the case of the AT&T Note 2, it's looking like a lot of those concerns may not apply to this device. In other words, for once, this is going to be a GSM/LTE device that's actually going to be using 99.9% of the same hardware found in the International LTE Note 2 (N7105), with only a different LTE radio in order to be compatible with AT&T LTE.
So this begs the question: Should I wait until the AT&T Note 2 is available, and then simply flash the international firmware onto it (but retain the AT&T modem.bin driver), effectively having a quasi-international LTE Note 2, or should I just forgo the whole LTE thing, and stick to getting the non-LTE N7100?
What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I`m not sure but I dont think you would want to flash the international firmware on it.... As for issues like N7100 is NOT gonna be the same model number as AT&T`s version

Check out this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1931317

Jade Eyed Wolf said:
Now, normally I'm not a big advocate of buying carrier branded devices, mainly because of the carrier's ability to track the device (for billing purposes), their penchant for excluding features and pre-loading bloatware, slow updates, and custom firmware/hardware which inhibits community development. However, in the case of the AT&T Note 2, it's looking like a lot of those concerns may not apply to this device. In other words, for once, this is going to be a GSM/LTE device that's actually going to be using 99.9% of the same hardware found in the International LTE Note 2 (N7105), with only a different LTE radio in order to be compatible with AT&T LTE.
So this begs the question: Should I wait until the AT&T Note 2 is available, and then simply flash the international firmware onto it (but retain the AT&T modem.bin driver), effectively having a quasi-international LTE Note 2, or should I just forgo the whole LTE thing, and stick to getting the non-LTE N7100?
What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would at least wait to see all the features of the ATT model to make sure it will be acceptable and not changed too drastically before deciding. For me, LTE is too big of a feature not to have. The fact that I will be getting the quad core exynos is just icing on the cake! Can't wait!

americasteam said:
Check out this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1931317
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't see that one! LOL! Mods can close this one then I guess. My bad.
As for flashing the international firmware, I suppose I should be more specific: Flash the international N7105 (LTE Unlocked Note 2) firmware onto the AT&T version, but keep the AT&T modem drivers (assuming that's the only major hardware difference).

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.

[Q] T-Mobile Galaxy S4 best S4 in the US?

After considering a number of things I've been led on deciding I'd probably want to get an S4 over the other currently available smartphones. I've held off because I had wanted a more premium feeling phone other than plastic, but I realize now I can easily buy an aluminum backing+bumper replacement to give it that look and feel.
Anyways now to the question part of it... I was preferring an unlocked device, but the Internationally sold i9505 and i9500 do not have faster than 3G in the US, or so I've read.
I'm not looking to get a specific phone service right away, for now I want a solid device I'll be happy with for some years to come. Mainly as a portable device with storage and apps, and a little down the road to use it as my mobile phone.
I need some confirmation, but from what I understand the T-Mobile version would probably be the best? Due to once unlocked you can use it on both T-Mobile, or AT&T with 4G/LTE speeds. Also I am led to believe the AT&T S4 does not have the right frequencies for T-Mobile 4G/LTE.
Aside the above wireless speed question, I'd like to know:
1. What would be the point in flashing the i9505/i9500 ROM on the T-Mobile version? To remove T-Mobile association more from the phone... boot screen/software?
2. Does T-Mobile actually sell their version of the S4 at full price, not linked to any plan? Will they provide an unlock code same day, assuming I don't use the free method posted publically. I'm dreading the possibility of having to jump through hoops.
Below I have summerized what I understand about a few non-carrier specific phones....
i9505: International LTE "not working in USA", quad core CPU.
i9500: International 8 core CPU, better GPU.
S4 Google Edition: 4G/LTE capabile, Quad Core CPU, No touchwiz, comes in white color only.
Anyways looking for S4 owner's knowledge, experience and opinions here!

if youre going to pay full price you might want to consider the LTE-A version aka snapdragon 800 version
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Gal...1271471972?pt=Cell_Phones&hash=item3384ceb764
32gb+snapdragon 800

According to that auction, it says it wont have 4G/LTE in the US? "I'm a frequency noob" One of my concerns was having something I could use on either TMobile or AT&T so I have options... if I was just looking at a 3g phone and cpu power I could just do this, or the i9500 "8 cores".

Dreamgun said:
According to that auction, it says it wont have 4G/LTE in the US? "I'm a frequency noob" One of my concerns was having something I could use on either TMobile or AT&T so I have options... if I was just looking at a 3g phone and cpu power I could just do this, or the i9500 "8 cores".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it gets hspa+ on tmobile and att it might be able to use LTE-A when tmobile and att add it to their networks
and the 8core isnt really 8 core its 4+4 = 4 low power 4 high power cores, only 1 pair of cores work at a time so its only quad core

Several threads say the 9505 can work on TMobile if you flash a compatible kernel but the 9500 is not compatible. With regard to AT&T vs. TMO compatibility, search for AWS mod. A T-Mobile salesman told me he got his girlfriend's AT&T phone to work on TMO network using that patch.
Sent from my SGH-M919

@OP
My experience is that yes, I could buy the S4 from TMO without plan, just pre-paid with a small credit. I do not live in the US,and had no problem with documentation or payment. Of course it is full price.
What the sales person told me is they will give you an unlock code only after 3 months if you are using it, reloading credit I guess. This doesn't work at all for me, but unlocking is actually real easy with the Samsun embedded app. I bought the phone and tried, it worked immediately (if it doesn't you can hand it back and have it refunded, for the restocking fee of 50USD).
Recently I used the ROM code here from Jamal (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2348272), to turn the M919 TMO into a i9505 Nexus. For me it is a massive improvement as I just cannot stand bloatware. It also free up much memory, and battery lasts longer.

The 9505 and 9500 will not get you LTE nor H+ on T-Mobile.
They will ONLY *possibly* get you 4G on AT&T.
The AT&T S4 is locked, yes. Your best bet is the T-Mobile S4.
You can flash 9505 ROMs on the T-Mobile version as well as some other ones.

Additionally, the development for the T-Mobile s4 is outstanding.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

How do the Verizon and Sprint Galaxy S4 compare to the T-Mobile S4?

Nate2 said:
How do the Verizon and Sprint Galaxy S4 compare to the T-Mobile S4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cant use them on tmobile - cdma phones

haldi15 said:
cant use them on tmobile - cdma phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear the Verizon S4 has a SIM card. Aren't SIM cards for GSM phones?

Hi,
I m also freq noob and as much as I have searched the forum I cannot find the answer...I have SGH-M919 TMO and I am using it in Serbia but have network problems: receiving missed call TXT msg from operator, dropping out of network and difficulty in reconnecting to home network (need restarting).
Since TMO version supports all bands what can be the problem that phone is acting like that?
It works fine when i m on the network...we dont have LTE here nor will we for some time...
Please some help/direction to the thread dealing with this kind of problem...
Thanks

I had a stock unlocked att s4 on T-Mobile getting LTE without any mods.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 4

Best Galaxy Note 2 version to use on AT&T LTE Network?

Hey folks,
I was originally considering purchasing the Note 3, as currently T-Mobile's Note 3 is the best to use on AT&T's LTE network since it doesn't come with a locked bootloader. However, I figured I'd purchase the less expensive Note 2 since I can't justify the $700+ price yet.
Which Samsung Note 2 version is not only the best to use on AT&T's LTE network but comes with the least bloatware? Is is the AT&T version, International version, or one of the Canadian versions? Will Android updates through the AT&T version come out as soon as it's available, or will it be anything like the Galaxy S2 Skyrocket where updates were released 3254320512 years later?
I'd also like to be able to use international sim cards when traveling abroad.
Much appreciated, thanks.

keennay said:
Hey folks,
I was originally considering purchasing the Note 3, as currently T-Mobile's Note 3 is the best to use on AT&T's LTE network since it doesn't come with a locked bootloader. However, I figured I'd purchase the less expensive Note 2 since I can't justify the $700+ price yet.
Which Samsung Note 2 version is not only the best to use on AT&T's LTE network but comes with the least bloatware? Is is the AT&T version, International version, or one of the Canadian versions? Will Android updates through the AT&T version come out as soon as it's available, or will it be anything like the Galaxy S2 Skyrocket where updates were released 3254320512 years later?
I'd also like to be able to use international sim cards when traveling abroad.
Much appreciated, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cant talk too much on the first question, although I would guess that the ATT version will be the best, but if any of the others can operate on the same LTE bands they should work as well, although I would be careful with modem versions/etc,
As for the updates, ATT is usually slow, but then again most carriers are. Only way to get the fastest updates is to get an unbranded international Note 2

I got an AT&T Note II and had little difficulty rooting it and installing CleanROM, which got rid of a lot of the bloatware. More recently I went to CyanogenMod-based ROM, and now there's no Samsung software at all to worry about. That also takes care of the update issue since I don't have to wait for the carrier to update.

Yep, the best version will be the ATT version. As far as the updates go, it'll be getting the 4.3 update around mid-late November per all the leaks. Otherwise you can root it and flash a ROM that has no bloatware.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

[Q] Samsung NOTE 3 (T-MOBILE version) experience???

Hello guys
I'm from Europe,but I'm planning to get Samsung galaxy NOTE 3 from USA.I have been reading a little bit on the forum on USA models.I have come to the conclusion that T-MOBILE'S version of NOTE 3 is best version for me to use in Europe.It has unlocked boot loader,not too late updates and I can use it here in Europe with European SIM card.Other carriers have NOTE 3 (like VERIZON and AT&T) but with locked boot loader,and from I have read,VERIZON makes updates last on their phones....
Can you please tell me your personal experience with T-MOBILE'S version of NOTE 3,so I can decide whether to get it or look elsewhere?
And if you are asking why do I want to buy SAMSUNG NOTE 3 from USA and not from Europe,the answer is because I have someone over there ,who can get it much cheaper for me
Thank you in advance

I'm with AT&T, and I recently bought the T-Mobile version of the Note 3 for just those exact reasons that you have listed.
It's an amazing device with exceptional dev support. It has the most beautiful display of any mobile device that I've ever seen. It has remarkable battery life, and it's blazingly fast with any task I set before it!
Personally, I couldn't be happier with my choice to purchase this phone.

I got mine a month ago, and I could not be more impressed. I am a flashaholic. Anyways,Go for it MAYNE!:good:

I'm glad that you like your NOTE 3.But my main question is ,should I go with T-MOBILE's NOTE 3 or some other US carrier?For the reasons I mentioned before,Europe,unlocked boot loader.....and will I be able to use everything that NOTE 3 offers here in Europe,including 4G LTE ?

I wouldn't recommend any other carrier's model, as (as far as I know) they all have locked bootloaders or are not GSM compatible.
It's hard to say if that's best for you in your particular situation as there are quite a few variables.
As far as functionality, you'll need to find out what frequencies your carrier uses for their different bands and make sure that the T-Mobile Note 3 has those frequencies as well. I can't imagine anything other than that being an issue as far as "use(ing) everything that Note 3 offers".