Okay, so I'm going to buy an m8, but I'm on At&t but they are selling verizon. It's a really good deal so i wanna buy it. How much does unlocking a phone cost and where is a a safe place to do it?
gainstatom said:
Okay, so I'm going to buy an m8, but I'm on At&t but they are selling verizon. It's a really good deal so i wanna buy it. How much does unlocking a phone cost and where is a a safe place to do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bad idea buying a Verizon phone to use on AT&T. The two carrier use totally different technology for both phone service and Data
At&t is GSM and Verizon is CDMA so it won't work
jball said:
At&t is GSM and Verizon is CDMA so it won't work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon variant actually supports GSM and CDMA bands. Its also not SIM locked (the only US variant I know of, that is not SIM locked). So it will work on AT&T on GSM and HSPA (it has the required 850 and 1900 MHz ands), but only some of the bands required for LTE on AT&T. So depending on what band AT&T is using in the OP's area, they may or may not get LTE.
I agree, if the OP wants a phone that works out-of-the-box on AT&T, then its best to get the AT&T variant or alternately, the US Dev Edition, US unlocked, or US GPE. All of these are intended to be used on AT&T.
And OP is better of getting just about any GSM variant over the CDMA variants (Sprint or Verizon) due to possible hardware differences. Any GSM M8 should be able to be converted to AT&T bands, although s-off is required. Just getting the AT&T version is safest/easiest.
@redpoint73
Thank you again sir.
I'm sure the OP will appreciate as much as I do the detailed information you've posted.
Related
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/
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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?
Looked around and not sure if this is even possible. Could I get a H/K M8, unlock it and use on T-Mobile's network to receive LTE? Thanks!
Is there a reason why you are looking at the Sprint version?
Its been argued whether the CDMA versions of the M8 are any different in hardware, but I haven't seen anything definitive either way. I'd err on the side of caution, assume the CDMA version is different hardware, and stay away from it. Buy any GSM version and you can convert it to work on T-Mobile (after s-off, unlocking the bootloader, etc.), no question there.
quailallstar said:
Looked around and not sure if this is even possible. Could I get a H/K M8, unlock it and use on T-Mobile's network to receive LTE? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, Sprint version got some weird **** to it...
redpoint73 said:
Is there a reason why you are looking at the Sprint version?
Its been argued whether the CDMA versions of the M8 are any different in hardware, but I haven't seen anything definitive either way. I'd err on the side of caution, assume the CDMA version is different hardware, and stay away from it. Buy any GSM version and you can convert it to work on T-Mobile (after s-off, unlocking the bootloader, etc.), no question there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason I'm looking for the Sprint version is because of the look. I like the dark back metal and gold upfront a lot. Sucks its an exclusive look only to Sprint. I read that you can flash the other non H/K models to have the same software so that is confirmed and all good.
Now I need to find someone who is using this Sprint model and can confirm it has the needed GSM radio(s) for TMO LTE.
quailallstar said:
The only reason I'm looking for the Sprint version is because of the look. I like the dark back metal and gold upfront a lot. Sucks its an exclusive look only to Sprint. I read that you can flash the other non H/K models to have the same software so that is confirmed and all good.
Now I need to find someone who is using this Sprint model and can confirm it has the needed GSM radio(s) for TMO LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure that Sprint models are CDMA only. You can't use their phones on GSM networks. I don't think what you are trying to do will work. I may be wrong here, but I really doubt I am.
xunholyx said:
I'm pretty sure that Sprint models are CDMA only. You can't use their phones on GSM networks. I don't think what you are trying to do will work. I may be wrong here, but I really doubt I am.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is incorrect (that the Sprint variant does not work on GSM). Both the Verizon and Sprint variants support GSM and CDMA. Folk on here (including myself) tend to refer to them as "CDMA" for simplicity; but they are in fact also compatible with GSM, as well as HSPA, LTE.
http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_(m8)_cdma-6233.php
Now the question is whether the difference between the GSM and "CDMA" variants are purely in software, or there is an actual hardware difference. Its been argued both way, and I haven't seen any proof either way (although my gut tells me the latter is the case). And the question relevant to the OP is whether the T-Mobile LTE bands can be "added" to the Sprint device by software.
I used a verizon LG g2 on T-mobile a few and the phone im writing on now is a verizon iPhone full lte but i dont know aboit the sprint versions
Hey, I plan to buy my Galaxy so from Samsung rather than my carrier (ATT). I have a couple questions. Will I just be able to add the Sim currently in my Galaxy say or will I need a new one? Also, will I have to take it into the store?
Just put your existing soon card in and away you go. No need for anything else. It's what I did when I got my Note 8 from Samsung.
If you buy it from Samsung, the phone it's unlocked, so you can use any valid SIM (including the one you are currently using now).
Samsung has an unlocked model available on their website along with carrier specific models. I would think the carrier specific models are the same as the phones you would get at a AT&T or Verizon store. Correct me if I'm wrong.
dmb219 said:
Samsung has an unlocked model available on their website along with carrier specific models. I would think the carrier specific models are the same as the phones you would get at a AT&T or Verizon store. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to know this as I would like an unlocked bootloader but.... I would like the Carrier version for some additional features like VoLTE/VoWifi.
Right now I'm torn between just going to Best Buy (since in the states) or just getting it directly from Samsung.
The carrier versions will have the standard carrier bloat pre-installed.
I can't find the exact band specifications of each of the models... Does anyone know if the hardware/antenna chips will be the same on T-Mobile vs. unlocked from Samsung? I am assuming there are certain bands missing from the unlocked version if you plan on using T-mobile's network, but I can't confirm this....
Best Buy's doing a $100 off if you preorder on Friday just heads up.
StykerB said:
Best Buy's doing a $100 off if you preorder on Friday just heads up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And if you have an s8 or other qualifying phone you can get a total of $450 off I believe on Friday from Best Buy.
Nightwind Hawk said:
I can't find the exact band specifications of each of the models... Does anyone know if the hardware/antenna chips will be the same on T-Mobile vs. unlocked from Samsung? I am assuming there are certain bands missing from the unlocked version if you plan on using T-mobile's network, but I can't confirm this....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too had the same questions and this is what I found. I don't know how accurate it is.
https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/Ar9mx/samsung-sm-g965u-galaxy-s9-td-lte-samsung-star-2
uzupan said:
I too had the same questions and this is what I found. I don't know how accurate it is.
https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/Ar9mx/samsung-sm-g965u-galaxy-s9-td-lte-samsung-star-2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like the answer to our question is on this page: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-s9-sm-g960-g965-model-number-differences/
The T-Mobile version seems to be missing the following, in comparison to the unlocked US version:
4G FDD LTE B71 (600 mhz) - This is T-Mobile's new spectrum... this seems important to have (just google t-mobile 600mhz)
2G CDMA and 3G CDMA - I don't believe this matters to us
3G TD-SCDMA B34 and B39 (2010 and 1880mhz) - I assume these will be missed if outside LTE coverage?
But in general, the unlocked version seems to support more bands than the Tmo version
So, it seems if one is on the T-Mobile network and plans to stay there, they really should get the T-Mobile version of the phone.... someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Deathman20 said:
I'd like to know this as I would like an unlocked bootloader but.... I would like the Carrier version for some additional features like VoLTE/VoWifi.
Right now I'm torn between just going to Best Buy (since in the states) or just getting it directly from Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do know that unlocked isn't meaning unlocked bootloader right? It's meaning unlocked bands
Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk
I'm with AT&T and I'm pretty sure there will be no wifi calling on any phone other than the AT&T version. That's a feature I want. If it doesn't matter to you an unlocked phone may be for you. I don't know for a fact that wifi calling won't work on an unlocked S9 but if it does, it will be the first. I don't want the extra carrier apps but they aren't going to cause me any grief on a beast like this phone. I'd rather have the services the carrier provides if I'm going to use them. If It turns out that wifi calling works on the unlocked S9, I may revise my plan but I doubt that will happen. I'm pretty much done with the rooting/modding stuff so that isn't an issue. Even the master hackers are going with stock phones d/t the features and security.
I've really enjoyed my S7 and want to upgrade to the S9. Later in the year I'll be overseas for almost a year, so I want something that will work with all Verizon bands of LTE, but also not have a firmware lock that would cause it to not work on other bands of LTE overseas. (planning to just use prepaid dataplan sim cards overseas)
I think my two options are to either get a US 'unlocked' version or wait for the 'international' version. My understanding is the primary differences between the unlocked and international version is the 2G/3G coverage for CDMA and possibly slightly different hardware. I'd rather have a phone with CDMA backwards capability, but my prime concern lacking full access to all LTE bands available wherever I am.
I'm not really interested in going any route that would require me to root the phone if there is a way to do it without.
Well the only way to get VZW compatibility is the VZW phone or a US unlocked model. So you're looking at the US Unlocked model at this point.
A listing of all the different model numbers available (per country and carrier) is available here: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-s9-sm-g960-g965-model-number-differences/
You will probably want to get the phone that works with your primary location the most. I am not sure which countries use which frequencies for LTE in Europe; you will need to research that to see what you may be missing out on.
With my T-Mobile S7, I haven't had any issues when traveling in Europe or Asia. It connects to LTE usually.
So I just did a deep dive of that list:
It looks like the Verizon and Unlocked versions are almost identical (the unlocked US version has B46(5200) 4G TDD LTE, but I'm not sure anyone who uses it)
Looking at 4G FDD LTE it looks like a Verizon or US unlocked phone will have almost complete coverage around the world, notable gaps are B30(2300) in China/Canada/US AT&T, B32(1500) in UK and B71(600) (US Tmobile). I thought that was a bit confusing as you'd expect a US Unlocked phone to service all LTE bands available in the US yet it lacks AT&T and Tmobile bands.
So based on all that information looks like I should just get an unlocked US phone to be totally safe, and I'd likely also be fine getting a Verizon version also.
StykerB said:
Well the only way to get VZW compatibility is the VZW phone or a US unlocked model. So you're looking at the US Unlocked model at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Relcan said:
So I just did a deep dive of that list:
It looks like the Verizon and Unlocked versions are almost identical (the unlocked US version has B46(5200) 4G TDD LTE, but I'm not sure anyone who uses it)
Looking at 4G FDD LTE it looks like a Verizon or US unlocked phone will have almost complete coverage around the world, notable gaps are B30(2300) in China/Canada/US AT&T, B32(1500) in UK and B71(600) (US Tmobile). I thought that was a bit confusing as you'd expect a US Unlocked phone to service all LTE bands available in the US yet it lacks AT&T and Tmobile bands.
So based on all that information looks like I should just get an unlocked US phone to be totally safe, and I'd likely also be fine getting a Verizon version also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm new to Android but i use Verizon prepaid. Will I lose anything by going with the unlocked version or should i stick with a Verizon S9?
I don't use video calling. All i do is text and talk but I've heard that people on Verizon prepaid have issues with unlocked Android phones.
Thanks
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
testinguser said:
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious about that also
testinguser said:
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Throwinrocks said:
Curious about that also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did a cursory review of the wifi-calling FAQ on their website. They don't mention anything about compatibility with Unlocked versions of phones (that I saw). I'd call tech support to ask, but I'd expect there to be a 50% chance of getting the wrong answer from the tech based on my interactions with their support.
There might be some good experience based anecdotes in the Galaxy S8 forum, if it works on an unlocked S8 its a safe bet it will work on an unlocked S9
I think I'll ask in the Verizon subreddit, it seems like they normally have really good information as well.
I'm mostly curious about the LTE TDD Band 46 (5200) - its the only band an unlocked US phone has that a Verizon phone doesn't. 5200 is in the U-NII frequency range, no cellphone service providers use it, but I wonder if it may be used for local LTE networks in the near future. The other advantage is avoiding all the verizon bloat wear, but that may be what allows the Wifi Calling to work!
All this has me thinking I might have to add the extra $80 and just buy the Verizon version. I don't get phones on contract and I've always just paid full price. (Page 2 404 error?)
Apparently the Nov/Dec Samsung s8 firmware update added an option for BYOD carrier provisioning for unlocked s8. Given the similarity, I'd imagine the same to be true for s9. Can someone who has an unlocked s8 confirm?
Well after a little more research I see that if you use Verizon prepaid you lose visual voicemail and WiFi calling even if you use a Verizon phone so there's no need in me paying extra for a Verizon S9. Unlocked it is.
Throwinrocks said:
Well after a little more research I see that if you use Verizon prepaid you lose visual voicemail and WiFi calling even if you use a Verizon phone so there's no need in me paying extra for a Verizon S9. Unlocked it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might wanna check this as Verizon is starting to implement network locks on some devices as to deter thefts more
Dont know when or what devices but it was a statement Verizon made
So, you're saying the prepaid SIM might not work in an unlocked S9?
I don't think Verizon is keeping Verizon prepaid SIMS from working in unlocked phones they are just locking their phones like Sprint and AT&T still do.
I had no problems with my unlocked Pixel 2 XL that I purchased from Google and my Verizon prepaid, just no visual voicemail.
Hello, I have been with Verizon the last few years and I'm in the market for a new phone. I see on SlickDeals that there is a deal for the Verizon Samsung S10/S10+, but after reading through some of the posts, it seems you can't root the Verizon S10/S10+.
Since I don't need the latest and greatest phone from Verizon, are there any 'older', new in-store models that can be rooted so that I can install a custom ROM, etc?
Thanks in advance!
Your best bet is to get another phone that's not Verizon branded and just activate it on Verizon. You'd be going back a few years to get a Verizon phone that's rootable.
Thank you for this information... a couple of things getting another phone that is not Verizon branded:
- Previously, one would need to make sure they get a 'CDMA' (vs GSM) phone, but is there any technology, etc I need to look for when trying to find a non-Verizon phone?
- I assume if I get a 'non' branded Verizon phone, that some of the Verizon specific features may not work, e.g. WiFi calling, etc?
gil_happy said:
Thank you for this information... a couple of things getting another phone that is not Verizon branded:
- Previously, one would need to make sure they get a 'CDMA' (vs GSM) phone, but is there any technology, etc I need to look for when trying to find a non-Verizon phone?
- I assume if I get a 'non' branded Verizon phone, that some of the Verizon specific features may not work, e.g. WiFi calling, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can only answer the 2nd part of your question. Once you activate it on a Vzw sim you can flash Vzw firmware and get all the same features
Cyclone Emperor said:
I can only answer the 2nd part of your question. Once you activate it on a Vzw sim you can flash Vzw firmware and get all the same features
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this... that makes sense. The only other things is regarding the Verizon frequency bands - I'm guessing some phones may not have or support all of the Verizon frequency bands.
gil_happy said:
Thanks for this... that makes sense. The only other things is regarding the Verizon frequency bands - I'm guessing some phones may not have or support all of the Verizon frequency bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the international unlocked model of the s10+ U1 version on Verizon and yes maybe one or two LTE bands aren't supported but i get 82Mbps down and 12Mbps up depending on location