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Hi, sorry i just want to know why a lot people like Note 2 US version? And they're waiting AT&T or T-Mobile version. So they want to sacrifice high money monthly bill to get LTE? Or something else? I'm apologize i dont mean to offend you guys, i just recommend using STRAIGHT TALK, it works because StraightTalk using AT&T network. Right now i'm using Note 1 with Straight Talk. Only $45 per month (clear without any taxes, by OnLine payment). If you buy 6 month/1 year package will be cheaper(total each month). Remember Straight Talk is NOT LTE/4G, but for me as long we can play smoothly HQ high quality YouTube then that's will be enough. So you guys can save money, instead HIGH monthly bill from AT&T. So we may get Note 2 International version using Straight Talk. Sorry my English is not perfectly. Peace out, dude.
There are a few reasons:
1) straight talk coverage isn't nearly as large as the coverage of AT&T
2) You don't want the AT&T network. There are plenty of areas where service X is better than AT&T.
I happen to live in an AT&T dead zone. And the international network basically only works on AT&T (unless you give up 3g for t-mobile)
3) Some people do do a lot of streaming and want LTE
4) AT&T doesn't give you a discount on plans if you are off contract,
So if you are going to be on AT&T anyway, you might as well have them help pay for the phone.
5) If you want repair/warranty work, it's much less hassle to buy it in a local store.
6) Local stores may let you try out a phone for 30 days, if you aren't sure.
7) Many people don't even know about straight talk
T-mobile has pay as you go plans which are cheaper than on-contract plans. Unfortunately the international note doesn't work on those plans.
If I didn't live in a dead zone, I would do simply mobile for sure. But I do, so I'm going to buy the t-mobile phone (in full),
and get the cheap monthly 4g plan. It's my cheapest option by far.
- Frank
I'm waiting for the T-Mobile version because from what I've read it is in the international version. I guess we'll have more details once the phones are actually out there.
LOL, I alone pay $35 a month on AT&T under a family plan. Which only includes the stupid 2GB Data allowance and unlimited text. With very little shared minutes (I don't talk to much unless the recipient is on AT&T and or on a mobile phone. And weekends is free on voice.).
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium
Im poor until tax time
Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk 2
L.T.E. (It's worth the wait, even throttled.)
bongbongcong said:
Hi, sorry i just want to know why a lot people like Note 2 US version? And they're waiting AT&T or T-Mobile version. So they want to sacrifice high money monthly bill to get LTE? Or something else? I'm apologize i dont mean to offend you guys, i just recommend using STRAIGHT TALK, it works because StraightTalk using AT&T network. Right now i'm using Note 1 with Straight Talk. Only $45 per month (clear without any taxes, by OnLine payment). If you buy 6 month/1 year package will be cheaper(total each month). Remember Straight Talk is NOT LTE/4G, but for me as long we can play smoothly HQ high quality YouTube then that's will be enough. So you guys can save money, instead HIGH monthly bill from AT&T. So we may get Note 2 International version using Straight Talk. Sorry my English is not perfectly. Peace out, dude.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gsm is crap. we need cdma. otherwise there's nothing! just a phone and never any signals.
bongbongcong said:
Hi, sorry i just want to know why a lot people like Note 2 US version? And they're waiting AT&T or T-Mobile version. So they want to sacrifice high money monthly bill to get LTE? Or something else? I'm apologize i dont mean to offend you guys, i just recommend using STRAIGHT TALK, it works because StraightTalk using AT&T network. Right now i'm using Note 1 with Straight Talk. Only $45 per month (clear without any taxes, by OnLine payment). If you buy 6 month/1 year package will be cheaper(total each month). Remember Straight Talk is NOT LTE/4G, but for me as long we can play smoothly HQ high quality YouTube then that's will be enough. So you guys can save money, instead HIGH monthly bill from AT&T. So we may get Note 2 International version using Straight Talk. Sorry my English is not perfectly. Peace out, dude.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am thinking of going to straight Talk myself. So I was going to buy a gsm phone and buy there sim card. I guess I am confused on which version of the note 2 I should get it know at&tt just opened new 4G in my area but I am sick of contracts and high prices. I am willing to pay 4-5 hundred usd and still save money over a two year period.
So does the note2 international version get released before the USA version?
Sent from my vivow using xda premium
Have too
I have too for now.
I am on Verizons network
and dont pull in a whole lot of change monthly,so its a wait for me for bigred to announce,I figure monday or tuesday they will,they had to wait till apple got the opening sales out of the way,..
I'm on Sprint SERO-P plan. $50+tax a month for 500mins, unlimited text, data(3g &4g), night&weekend, data roaming. Sure I will get suck with another 2years contract but I'm not sure if there is a better plan?
Im switching from sprint and I plan on getting the S4 and using it on the $30 prepaid plan. I looked around and it appears the cheapest place to buy a T-mobile or unlocked S4 is from T-mobile for $630. Of course I tried to order it online and they want me to attach a plan.. I know theres a thread where most people bought it and then cancelled the plan immediately, but can I just go to a T-mobile store and buy it from them without signing up for a plan?
Thank you!
test878 said:
Im switching from sprint and I plan on getting the S4 and using it on the $30 prepaid plan. I looked around and it appears the cheapest place to buy a T-mobile or unlocked S4 is from T-mobile for $630. Of course I tried to order it online and they want me to attach a plan.. I know theres a thread where most people bought it and then cancelled the plan immediately, but can I just go to a T-mobile store and buy it from them without signing up for a plan?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought my online.
most store don't have it in store yet.
None of store near me has they said they wil get it by 15 yes u can buy from store but they will still try to attach u with 50$ plan so might as well just order online next day free shipping and cancel plan. Or never activate sim lol
That's what I did.
maxshah912 said:
I just bought my online.
most store don't have it in store yet.
None of store near me has they said they wil get it by 15 yes u can buy from store but they will still try to attach u with 50$ plan so might as well just order online next day free shipping and cancel plan. Or never activate sim lol
That's what I did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the SIM that comes with the phone is already pre-activated. I don't know if not using it will stop service.
GG2012 said:
I thought the SIM that comes with the phone is already pre-activated. I don't know if not using it will stop service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO MINE did not came pre activated they send me activation card and stuff.
If it comes pre activated it is still cancel it
Back!
been a long time since I left XDA developers... purchased the i-phone 4 three years ago, and now own the Samsung Galaxy IV phone..
somehow, I knew that I would be pulled back into this forum..
I purchased my SGIV on release date Monday with t-mobile, surprised me the next day it arrived. Everything pre-loaded, sim, you name it
no hassle.
Honestly, I think T-mobile is the best out there right now then the other big three AT&T,Sprint, and Verizon is offering. Especially, not having to deal with a contract to break free from T-mobile.
Best bet is to purchase it on-line because many major metro areas will carry it vs. smaller cities..
Thats my .2
tvos
I'm on the $30 prepaid plan. Can I just walk into a Tmobile store, give them my current number, pay cash for the phone, and start using it with the prepaid plan, or do I have to go through the "get a new plan and cancel" routine?
productivity ighlking
I never succeeded in buying the phone outright, not even from their website. Got mine from Newegg, shipped to my door in less than 24 hours.
$695.99 + $9.99 next day shipping, didn't even charge me tax in CA.
Yup, I know from experience.
Ugh, that doesn't sound good. The models listed on Newegg do NOT sound like they support Tmobile 4g.
Maybe I'll get the Google version. Sigh....
RobertR3750 said:
I'm on the $30 prepaid plan. Can I just walk into a Tmobile store, give them my current number, pay cash for the phone, and start using it with the prepaid plan, or do I have to go through the "get a new plan and cancel" routine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile, as of now, won't sell an S4 unless you get a new plan.
The only way to get an S4 from a T-Mobile store is as follows:
Get the $50 plan and pay for the phone fully up front.
A day or two after, cancel the plan.
Go to a T-Mobile store and buy a new SIM activation kit for $10.
Activate the new SIM card on their website and select the $30 plan.
IMMEDIATELY, call T-Mobile and get them to combine your old account(the one with your phone #, not the one you just canceled) with the new one and make sure they keep your old number, the new plan, and change nothing else.
If you port your # to Google Voice, or don't care about losing your old number, then you don't need to do the last step.
thehelios said:
T-Mobile, as of now, won't sell an S4 unless you get a new plan.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on prepaid - not even the $30/month prepaid but the 10 cents/minute prepaid. Of course, I don't get data but wifi is avail. most of the places I go - and if I really need data I pony up for the $3/day plan. Then switch back to 10 cents/minute plan before midnight. I really enjoy paying only ~$150/year for service. Anyway.
I Walked into the local T-Mobile store on May 15th, told them I was prepaid and wanted to buy it outright. They first rung it up for $659, but I reminded them they quoted me a price of $629 a few weeks before. They also went over to the display model - and sure enough it says $629 - so they changed it. I bought a D30 screen protector and case. They said I could get any other accessory of equal or or less value for free. They transferred my account to the micro-sim card for free and I was out the door. No hassles.
I had a similar experience buying the S3 last year in another local T-Mobile store. They both seemed happy to take my money and help me with a sim transfer even though I was prepaid.
I don't see why they wouldn't allow you to buy the GS4 full price and put it on prepaid. that is what I am planning on doing
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
bthurber said:
I'm on prepaid - not even the $30/month prepaid but the 10 cents/minute prepaid. Of course, I don't get data but wifi is avail. most of the places I go - and if I really need data I pony up for the $3/day plan. Then switch back to 10 cents/minute plan before midnight. I really enjoy paying only ~$150/year for service. Anyway.
I Walked into the local T-Mobile store on May 15th, told them I was prepaid and wanted to buy it outright. They first rung it up for $659, but I reminded them they quoted me a price of $629 a few weeks before. They also went over to the display model - and sure enough it says $629 - so they changed it. I bought a D30 screen protector and case. They said I could get any other accessory of equal or or less value for free. They transferred my account to the micro-sim card for free and I was out the door. No hassles.
I had a similar experience buying the S3 last year in another local T-Mobile store. They both seemed happy to take my money and help me with a sim transfer even though I was prepaid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing your experience. It seems the best strategy will be to attempt what you did (perhaps at more than one store) and resort to getting a new line as a backup plan.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda app-developers app
RobertR3750 said:
Ugh, that doesn't sound good. The models listed on Newegg do NOT sound like they support Tmobile 4g.
Maybe I'll get the Google version. Sigh....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, they do, I just bought one days ago. You select T-Mobile and pick your phone.
jkuczy16 said:
I don't see why they wouldn't allow you to buy the GS4 full price and put it on prepaid. that is what I am planning on doing
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish I knew. I called 6 of the nearest T-Mobile stores in my area and called in to customer service and they all said they couldn't sell me an S4 unless I got it with one of their post-paid plans. For y'all who were able to do it w/o getting a post-paid plan, you lucky dogs! It makes the process of getting an S4 so much easier.
thehelios said:
I wish I knew. I called 6 of the nearest T-Mobile stores in my area and called in to customer service and they all said they couldn't sell me an S4 unless I got it with one of their post-paid plans. For y'all who were able to do it w/o getting a post-paid plan, you lucky dogs! It makes the process of getting an S4 so much easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get one here: http://wireless.newegg.com/eCommerce/SpecialOffer.aspx?cid=35159_80ed17d885e9458f9c935fbee930efc4 and select "replacement device" or buy one on ebay. Then you grab a t-mobile micro sim from their prepaid website for $10 and activate it on the $30 plan boom you got a GS4 on T-Mobile's Prepaid $30.
jrccomputer said:
You get one here: http://wireless.newegg.com/eCommerce/SpecialOffer.aspx?cid=35159_80ed17d885e9458f9c935fbee930efc4 and select "replacement device" or buy one on ebay. Then you grab a t-mobile micro sim from their prepaid website for $10 and activate it on the $30 plan boom you got a GS4 on T-Mobile's Prepaid $30.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that certainly sounds hassle-free. Since I'm already on the $30 plan, can I safely assume I could simply put my current sim in the phone and be good to go?
RobertR3750 said:
Thanks, that certainly sounds hassle-free. Since I'm already on the $30 plan, can I safely assume I could simply put my current sim in the phone and be good to go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What phone do you have now? The gs4 uses a micro sim which might be different then your current sim. If you have a micro sim your good to go.
Sent from my SPH-L300 using Tapatalk 2
jrccomputer said:
What phone do you have now? The gs4 uses a micro sim which might be different then your current sim. If you have a micro sim your good to go.
Sent from my SPH-L300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking I could use a micro sim cutter to cut my current sim down to micro size, but maybe it would be easier and safer to just get a new micro sim. Only cumbersome part would be having to call Tmobile to cancel the old sim and transfer my current number to the new sim, presumably.
RobertR3750 said:
I was thinking I could use a micro sim cutter to cut my current sim down to micro size, but maybe it would be easier and safer to just get a new micro sim. Only cumbersome part would be having to call Tmobile to cancel the old sim and transfer my current number to the new sim, presumably.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, thats a good idea just pick a sim cutter up off amazon. They are safe and work very well.
Sent from my SPH-L300 using Tapatalk 2
This one looks nice and sturdy.
http://dx.com/p/micro-sim-card-cutter-black-126906
Yes. I would grab that one. Should work just fine.
Sent from my SPH-L300 using Tapatalk 2
ive bought the phone outright the day the order page went up. i even choose one of the new plans on the site. got it next day, threw out the sim card that came with it and put in my prepaid sim. ive been on the prepaid 30$ plan since i go the phone and have had absolutely no problems.
the best way to get it onto the prepaid plan is to do it all online, because the service reps have no clue what they are talking about 90 percent of the time
At one of T-Mo stores in my area they said I could get it for $690 + tax without a postpaid plan. At another store, they didn't have it in stock but told me it would be around $660.00 + tax. So I just went to Walmart and purchased the one they sell for the Family Mobile Plan for $629.99 + tax. Since that Family Mobile Walmart plan is powered by T-Mobile, my prepaid microsim worked right away. I did have to buy the $25.00 starter kit buy I returned it the next day.
pilot_xphile said:
At one of T-Mo stores in my area they said I could get it for $690 + tax without a postpaid plan. At another store, they didn't have it in stock but told me it would be around $660.00 + tax. So I just went to Walmart and purchased the one they sell for the Family Mobile Plan for $629.99 + tax. Since that Family Mobile Walmart plan is powered by T-Mobile, my prepaid microsim worked right away. I did have to buy the $25.00 starter kit buy I returned it the next day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fascinating way to get around the Tmobile nonsense! Thanks! BTW, can you check to see if LTE works?
Has anyone had any luck pre-ordering an S6 Edge from T-Mobile USA on a pre-paid plan?
There doesn't seem to be any way to do this on their website. I went to 2 different stores and they both said I would have to wait until a couple months (!) after launch before I could get one on a prepaid plan. I complained about this on twitter and a t-mo rep said that I should be able to get one on launch day so I guess we'll see about that.
I don't care about financing (I'd actually prefer to buy it outright) so I figured there must be a way to get one, but it doesn't look like it.
I put in a pre-order at gsmnation.com but I don't have a ton of faith anything will come of that.
Other options I've considered:
1. Signing up for a post-paid plan and then cancelling it right away. Kind of a pain, plus it means paying $50 for the first month of service and $15 for the sim card (I can't believe they actually charge you for the sim card when you're signing up for a plan. Total rip).
2. Buying one from AT&T and then getting them to unlock it immediately (they say they'll do it - https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/). The AT&T price is $35 more than T-Mo and it doesn't include the "free" year of Netflix that T-Mobile is offering.
I might end up doing one of those two but I just feel like I'm getting ripped off. Anyone have any better suggestions?
I went the tmobile route. Paid the 870 plus the 50 and the 15 and the 62 for tax. Bought it outright to use with cricket wireless. Just waiting on the unlock code to be delivered hopefully sometime soon. Will likely not be able to get a prepaid one unless you get the metro pcs or the cricket wireless s6
Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk
I tried this very thing. I called TMO and they would not budge on it. The only option i can find is to do what @osmosizzz suggested.
smaskell said:
Has anyone had any luck pre-ordering an S6 Edge from T-Mobile USA on a pre-paid plan?
There doesn't seem to be any way to do this on their website. I went to 2 different stores and they both said I would have to wait until a couple months (!) after launch before I could get one on a prepaid plan. I complained about this on twitter and a t-mo rep said that I should be able to get one on launch day so I guess we'll see about that.
I don't care about financing (I'd actually prefer to buy it outright) so I figured there must be a way to get one, but it doesn't look like it.
I put in a pre-order at gsmnation.com but I don't have a ton of faith anything will come of that.
Other options I've considered:
1. Signing up for a post-paid plan and then cancelling it right away. Kind of a pain, plus it means paying $50 for the first month of service and $15 for the sim card (I can't believe they actually charge you for the sim card when you're signing up for a plan. Total rip).
2. Buying one from AT&T and then getting them to unlock it immediately (they say they'll do it - https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/). The AT&T price is $35 more than T-Mo and it doesn't include the "free" year of Netflix that T-Mobile is offering.
I might end up doing one of those two but I just feel like I'm getting ripped off. Anyone have any better suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will AT&T unlock it right away? What's with the part under prepaid that says it must be active for 60 days before unlocking? I'm also T-Mo prepaid ($30 plan) but am unable to buy it at full retail price without buying a simple choice plan. In the end the extra $35.00 would be cheaper than the $50.00 deposit plus $15.00 sim card with the simple choice contact-free plan. But I wouldn't want to use it for 2 months on AT&T lol.
DanRyb said:
Will AT&T unlock it right away? What's with the part under prepaid that says it must be active for 60 days before unlocking? I'm also T-Mo prepaid ($30 plan) but am unable to buy it at full retail price without buying a simple choice plan. In the end the extra $35.00 would be cheaper than the $50.00 deposit plus $15.00 sim card with the simple choice contact-free plan. But I wouldn't want to use it for 2 months on AT&T lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T's site says this
Non-AT&T Mobility Customers
You’ve never had an AT&T wireless account and you meet the General Requirements for unlock requests.
Not sure how that works if you previously had an account that you cancelled but that doesn't apply to me. You should be able to just buy the phone outright and then get it unlocked immediately. The 60 day thing only applies to current AT&T customers.
Oh I didn't even see that! I just tried to buy it for retail price but even AT&T's website won't let me purchase just the phone. They want me to select a plan. Did you try or are you just going the T-Mobile route?
DanRyb said:
Oh I didn't even see that! I just tried to buy it for retail price but even AT&T's website won't let me purchase just the phone. They want me to select a plan. Did you try or are you just going the T-Mobile route?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, that sucks. I haven't decided what I want to do yet. Probably going to wait until the 10th and see if anything changes.
Mine came with an app called device unlock from tmobile and I just tapped unlock and it unlocked for my phone. No unlock codes needed.
Sent from my SM-G920T using XDA Free mobile app
iPathik said:
Mine came with an app called device unlock from tmobile and I just tapped unlock and it unlocked for my phone. No unlock codes needed.
Sent from my SM-G920T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tested it at&t sim card? and did you purchase it at full price as a t-mobile customer?
Be Careful with Unlocked Flagship Phones on Different Carriers
On Tmobile Flagships you will have VoLTE and WiFi calling.
IF you get an AT&T Device and unlock it - and use on Tmobile or another Carrier you may not have VoLTE so phone will drop to 3G on calls and may interrupt temporarily your Internet Data and Connection..
Your speed on a fast Network like Tmo may be slower with a non carrier optimized Device.
Your speed and performance on a Flagship Device on ANY Network is unlikely to be equal to a Device Software Optimized for that Network.
If you are buying a Powerhouse Phone for a specific Carrier - you need the Carrier Software to get ALL the features and speed.
The exceptions to this are rare.
All the info about BYOD and all the Internet Articles about Bands and Towers and etc. do NOT mention this.
For example is there ANY DEVICE that has VoLTE across multiple Carriers ?
Or even VoLTE on AT&T and Tmobile ?
robertkoa said:
On Tmobile Flagships you will have VoLTE and WiFi calling.
IF you get an AT&T Device and unlock it - and use on Tmobile or another Carrier you may not have VoLTE so phone will drop to 3G on calls and may interrupt temporarily your Internet Data and Connection..
Your speed on a fast Network like Tmo may be slower with a non carrier optimized Device.
Your speed and performance on a Flagship Device on ANY Network is unlikely to be equal to a Device Software Optimized for that Network.
If you are buying a Powerhouse Phone for a specific Carrier - you need the Carrier Software to get ALL the features and speed.
The exceptions to this are rare.
All the info about BYOD and all the Internet Articles about Bands and Towers and etc. do NOT mention this.
For example is there ANY DEVICE that has VoLTE across multiple Carriers ?
Or even VoLTE on AT&T and Tmobile ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good info, but I'm doubting most people who are doing this care about carrier optimizations. Most are buying T-mobile devices for the unlocked bootloader so they can run custom ROMs that likely wouldn't have this software anyways.
I went to a T-mobile store this morning and they refused to sell me one. They said I could order one from Samsung but that's just not true. This is so annoying.
smaskell said:
I went to a T-mobile store this morning and they refused to sell me one. They said I could order one from Samsung but that's just not true. This is so annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Went to another store after work and they sold me one. I don't know what the deal is here but I'm happy I got one.
I was looking to get it from Samsung. com and wanted to make sure if it will work fine (all the bands) on T-Mobile. I checked with Verizon and they said I wouldn't have to unlock it and it should be already unlocked.
My verizon version arrived today and I want to use it on Cricket. Fist boot looks positive showing LTE and 3 bars, but halfway through initial setup LTE disappears and prompt shows that alternate SIMS cannot be used at this time. From the little I have researched looks like since a few months ago Verizon phones no longer come unlocked out of box and require you to activate on their network. Upon activation the phone should automatically be unlocked within 48 hours.
I jumped on xda to see if there was an unlocked firmware i can flash to avoid that, and if I find something... if i dont update it means I never did and probably asked a family member whose on Verizon to use my phone for a few days until its unlocked.
*update/edit*
Just to clarify, my first boot had an alternate sim in(Mint mobile). Next boot I tried with the provided Verizon sim, and got through the initial setup screens choosing to skip the Verizon account setup. Then tried switching the sims, which prompted me to restart. Upon restart I again see LTE and 3 bars while booting. Once booting is complete I see the gray antenna mark with the "x" again. So still no good. Havent seen a release of an unlocked firmware yet, except for one paid service ($4). Not willing to pay for something that should be free... yet. SO I will keep looking
Similar issue, did you ever find a solution? Third party unlocks via ebay also do not support the Verizon or Sprint version it seems.
Ended up biting the bullet and paying for a month, but its prorated so I figure should get 90% of the money back -$20 fee for opening the line. Also rakuten has $75 cashback for opening a new verizon line. So not too bad. Might even make money in the end.
Anyway here is my process:
1. Get a plan - $55 single device plan is the cheapest you can get
2. Stick sim in and it will activate fairly quickly (less than 10 minutes, likely less that 5)
3. Wait 12-24 hours. Might not be necessary but I did this anyway
3. Create Verizon online account and login
4. Chat with agent and ask them to unlock the phone (do not call, it takes longer and they are worthless)
I did this, and immediately swapped out the sim and put it in another Verizon A50 bought from samsung and it quickly activated, Waited 12 hours and chatted with another agent. Now I have two unlocked, and if I get that $75 cashback the cost will be under $15.
($55 + $20 activation fee + tax = ~$90) - $75 cashback = $15 + prorated return on the $55
Thanks, may try that if flashing to the canadian version A-505W fails. Usually Canadian and US samsung phones are the same hardware and firmware compatible. This seems more like a software lock on Verizon firmware than a true SIM lock as those would not register any signal from a different provider for any length of time (which these do) and ask for an unlock code which in the case of these is no where to be found or entered.
Would activating on a prepaid Verizon plan works or does it have to be post pay?
moku160 said:
My verizon version arrived today and I want to use it on Cricket. Fist boot looks positive showing LTE and 3 bars, but halfway through initial setup LTE disappears and prompt shows that alternate SIMS cannot be used at this time. From the little I have researched looks like since a few months ago Verizon phones no longer come unlocked out of box and require you to activate on their network. Upon activation the phone should automatically be unlocked within 48 hours.
I jumped on xda to see if there was an unlocked firmware i can flash to avoid that, and if I find something... if i dont update it means I never did and probably asked a family member whose on Verizon to use my phone for a few days until its unlocked.
*update/edit*
Just to clarify, my first boot had an alternate sim in(Mint mobile). Next boot I tried with the provided Verizon sim, and got through the initial setup screens choosing to skip the Verizon account setup. Then tried switching the sims, which prompted me to restart. Upon restart I again see LTE and 3 bars while booting. Once booting is complete I see the gray antenna mark with the "x" again. So still no good. Havent seen a release of an unlocked firmware yet, except for one paid service ($4). Not willing to pay for something that should be free... yet. SO I will keep looking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol i dont think u will get an "unlocked" firmware on the A50 since it is a exynos chipset and the "unlocked" firmware you speak of assuming you mean U1 firmware ive only ever seen on qualcomm..
to add, it sounds like ur device is probably unlocked but u need to set the apns and network mode.. vzw typically uses LTE/CDMA/UMTS or something rather whereas tmo uses GSM n other modes..
on my A10e from tmo it works with vzw and tmo and spr etc etc but usually i need to play with the modes and apns to get it just right..
to add, if it was still locked itd tell you.. usually something about using a non vzw sim or simply say the device is locked etc etc
undertaker2k14 said:
Thanks, may try that if flashing to the canadian version A-505W fails. Usually Canadian and US samsung phones are the same hardware and firmware compatible. This seems more like a software lock on Verizon firmware than a true SIM lock as those would not register any signal from a different provider for any length of time (which these do) and ask for an unlock code which in the case of these is no where to be found or entered.
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correct.. wat ppl r describing in here seems to me the devices r unlocked lol.. wat i noticed on my tmo a10e is that it seems the carrier configs are not switching over properly at times so it might seem like its locked but it isnt..
then again my tmo a10e is sim/carrier locked.. chimera tool is pretty good.. they have a paid feature they recently added called carrier relock.. instead of unlocking the sim they lock the device to up to 64 carriers which works the same as a sim unlock without actually sim unlocking lol.. quite clever i must say..
i get a vzw a50 tomorrow and will b testing it out on tmo and will try to remember to report back here..
romeo0119 said:
Would activating on a prepaid Verizon plan works or does it have to be post pay?
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id research that if i were u.. go to vzw site and view the device unlock policy.. sometimes prepaid has different policies.. if its purchased for vzw postpaid then might need to b activated on postpaid.. prepaid might require a longer timeframe possibly as most prepaid carriers have a time frame such as 50 days or somethin
elliwigy said:
id research that if i were u.. go to vzw site and view the device unlock policy.. sometimes prepaid has different policies.. if its purchased for vzw postpaid then might need to b activated on postpaid.. prepaid might require a longer timeframe possibly as most prepaid carriers have a time frame such as 50 days or somethin
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Yea seems like it’s 60 days for prepaid, I might just open a line and cancel after a month.
romeo0119 said:
Yea seems like it’s 60 days for prepaid, I might just open a line and cancel after a month.
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I asked the question about unlocking at my local Xfnity store. They said they want to see it activated for 60-90 days (she wasn't sure exactly how long) on the Xfinity mobile plan (postpaid only available) before they will entertain any unlock requests. They only sell the phone if you bundle it with some sort of plan. I believe the US carriers with the A50 (Sprint, Verizon, Xfinity) will want you to activate it on their network first for a specific length of time before they will unlock it. She said it will work on any US carrier after unlocking, but she was unsure whether the phone will automatically rebrand like the higher end Samsung phones.
As far as I can tell the only out-of-the-box unlocked phones available in the USA are grey market. Their specs are not identical to the multi-CSC A505U version that is sold in the US that support the domestic carrier bands (and features like wifi calling.)
I asked Verizon and they said 60 days, doesn’t matter post or prepaid. I think it will depend on the rep. I activated mine on the cheapest prepaid plan, will try to chat in a few days and ask them to unlock the phone. I don’t think it will be a problem.
Why Switch...
occams-razor said:
I asked the question about unlocking at my local Xfnity store. They said they want to see it activated for 60-90 day on the Xfinity mobile plan before they will entertain any unlock requests.. She said it will work on any US carrier after unlocking, but she was unsure whether the phone will automatically rebrand like the higher end Samsung phones.
As far as I can tell the only out-of-the-box unlocked phones available in the USA are grey market. specs are not identical to the multi-CSC A505U version that is sold in the US
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I just sent back an Overpriced (IMO) Galaxy S9+ ($600.00) after tax (Amazon..) after using it for 14 days once I seen this deal at Xfinity for the Galaxy A50..
How The Hell can you beat $385.00 (Out The Door) with a $250.00 rebate after 3-4 Months using the service.. ?
$0.00 down.. and after making four $14.58 payments and applying the $250.00 rebate to the balance.. you throw $75.00 on top of that and your done.. for only $135.00 out of your pocket.. :angel:
And to top it off... Xfinity still has the cheapest Unlimited Plan That I see in the U.S.A. @ $45.00 a month.. Hell I was paying $50.00 on MetroPCS for the same thing.. and get better and faster coverage with Xfinity using Verizon's Towers.. :good:
The coverage may not be as good as using other carrier's for some of you.. I get that.. but, the price is consistent across the U.S.
This device is equal to the S9+ I just sent back minus the stereo speakers.. battery is superior.
For a Brand New device that has Samsung Pay and only cost the buyer $135.00 bucks.. This is a STEAL.
RaiderWill said:
I just sent back an Overpriced (IMO) Galaxy S9+ ($600.00) after tax (Amazon..) after using it for 14 days once I seen this deal at Xfinity for the Galaxy A50..
How The Hell can you beat $385.00 (Out The Door) with a $250.00 rebate after 3-4 Months using the service.. ?
$0.00 down.. and after making four $14.58 payments and applying the $250.00 rebate to the balance.. you throw $75.00 on top of that and your done.. for only $135.00 out of your pocket.. :angel:
And to top it off... Xfinity still has the cheapest Unlimited Plan That I see in the U.S.A. @ $45.00 a month.. Hell I was paying $50.00 on MetroPCS for the same thing.. and get better and faster coverage with Xfinity using Verizon's Towers.. :good:
The coverage may not be as good as using other carrier's for some of you.. I get that.. but, the price is consistent across the U.S.
This device is equal to the S9+ I just sent back minus the stereo speakers.. battery is superior.
For a Brand New device that has Samsung Pay and only cost the buyer $135.00 bucks.. This is a STEAL.
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It was even a bigger steal before August 1st. You could buy the phone outright from XFinity with their "free" unlimited calling and text plan and not use any mobile data (it was $12/gig rounded up if you used it). Leave the plan after a couple of months and then you have an unlocked phone and $250. As of August 1st, the minimum charge per month changed to $12 after Xfinity realized what was going on. Only issue for some was the need to be an xfinity internet customer. So outright robbery is now just theft.
I Mean.. Really...
occams-razor said:
It was even a bigger steal before August 1st. You could buy the phone outright from XFinity with their "free" unlimited calling and text plan and not use any mobile data (it was $12/gig rounded up if you used it). Leave the plan after a couple of months and then you have an unlocked phone and $250. As of August 1st, the minimum charge per month changed to $12 after Xfinity realized what was going on. Only issue for some was the need to be an xfinity internet customer. So outright robbery is now just theft.
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What You Are Stating Is Not Entirely Correct..
You still can NOT use Data.. and just pay the Sir-Charges..
These A50's ( Verizon's Sprint's and Xfinity's ) all released at: $349.00 + Tax..
In what State did someone sell you one for only $250.00 + Tax ???
Even with NOT using data.... and only using Wi-Fi for your connection to the Internet.. ( Which Most People Cannot Do.. ) you still have Sir-Charges of a few dollars a Month.
Finally... Please Tell Us....
What United States "U-Version" A50 Do You Have That Came With A "Carrier Unlocked Bootloader" ..
Every version I've seen does not even have the option in Developer Settings... So, you're saying you just Pop In any old Sim and it works for "You" ? :victory:
If Xfinity sold you a GSM / CDMA "Unlocked" version of this device ( ) AND you only paid $250.00 for it.. AND you can use it on any CDMA / GSM Carrier.. Then *Bully!* for you.
RaiderWill said:
What You Are Stating Is Not Entirely Correct..
You still can NOT use Data.. and just pay the Sir-Charges..
These A50's ( Verizon's Sprint's and Xfinity's ) all released at: $349.00 + Tax..
In what State did someone sell you one for only $250.00 + Tax ???
Even with NOT using data.... and only using Wi-Fi for your connection to the Internet.. ( Which Most People Cannot Do.. ) you still have Sir-Charges of a few dollars a Month.
Finally... Please Tell Us....
What United States "U-Version" A50 Do You Have That Came With A "Carrier Unlocked Bootloader" ..
Every version I've seen does not even have the option in Developer Settings... So, you're saying you just Pop In any old Sim and it works for "You" ? :victory:
If Xfinity sold you a GSM / CDMA "Unlocked" version of this device ( ) AND you only paid $250.00 for it.. AND you can use it on any CDMA / GSM Carrier.. Then *Bully!* for you.
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You completely misunderstood me. The phone was $349 + local sales tax at Xfinity. The $250 is the gift card they give you back after you port your number, activate the phone, and stay on the plan for a few months. Before August 1st you could get away without being charged the minimum $12 per month for being on the "by-the-gig" plan. Use no data and you just pay the telecom taxes and fees if you bought the phone before August 1st (effectively a free plan). After you meet the minimum requirements for being on the Xfinity mobile plan, the phone is yours and unlocked + the $250 dollar visa gift card or whatever it is. This deal is still available but the cheapest "by-the-gig" plan now is $12 +taxes because they don't want you getting a free plan.
Since only xfinity internet have access to this deal, any decently populated area should have enough access to their hotspots so lack of mobile data is not a deal killer for many. Kids, grandmas, and the like will probably be ok with this if all they need is a way to call and text mom and dad from the mall or school.
And I did not participate in this deal since I already have the verizon version.
Time To Close This Out..
occams-razor said:
You completely misunderstood me. The phone was $349 + local sales tax at Xfinity. The $250 is the gift card they give you back after you port your number, activate the phone, and stay on the plan for a few months. Before August 1st you could get away without being charged the minimum $12 per month for being on the "by-the-gig" plan. Use no data and you just pay the telecom taxes and fees if you bought the phone before August 1st (effectively a free plan). After you meet the minimum requirements for being on the Xfinity mobile plan, the phone is yours and unlocked + the $250 dollar visa gift card or whatever it is. This deal is still available but the cheapest "by-the-gig" plan now is $12 +taxes because they don't want you getting a free plan.
Since only xfinity internet have access to this deal, any decently populated area should have enough access to their hotspots so lack of mobile data is not a deal killer for many. Kids, grandmas, and the like will probably be ok with this if all they need is a way to call and text mom and dad from the mall or school.
And I did not participate in this deal since I already have the verizon version.
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A Lot To Unpack Here...
AS I AM A BUYER WHO "DID PURCHASE THE DEVICE UNDER THIS PROMO".... Let me explain the FACTS to you. :angel:
FACT 1 ) Xfinity Gives You * 100 mb of data* FOR FREE.. If One Can Use That To Quickly Check Their Mail, Tweets.. Whatever.. And Somehow Stay Strictly on Wi-Fi.. Then Their Bill Is NOT A MINIMUM OF $12.00...
It Will Consist Of Regulatory / 911 / Misc Fees.. Totaling Less Than $5.00 A Month.
August 1st Had Nothing To Do With Changing That.. That's All Day Every Day.. Standard Fare With Xfinity. :victory:
FACT 2 ) You're Thinking Of Yourself... Maybe All You Do Is Call Mommy & Daddy... But, Most Of Us Adults Need And Want Internet Access *When We Want It* And Are Not Going To Drive / Walk / Bus Or Bike Their Way Around Towns Looking For A Wi-Fi Connection.
If You Have The Funds / Credit To Purchase A $350.00 Phone.... Then You Have The Means To Pay A Monthly Cellular Bill.. :victory:
Fact 3 ) The A50 Through Xfinity Will Cost $100.00 + Tax @ Whatever A Person's County Tax Rate Is... PERIOD.. After The $250.00 Rebate Which Indeed Comes Around The 4th Month Of Service.
And Finally,
So... You Think Your CDMA Verizon A50 ( Or Xfinity's And / Or Sprint's ) Has All The Bands.. And Is Ready For You To Unlock It And Run It On ANY Carrier's Network You Choose?
I'd Like To See That...
By All Means.. Hit Me Up.. with A Pic Showing Your Verizon A50 Running On T-Mo , Cricket, MetroPCS Or AT&T..
You'd Certainly Be The 1st To Do So..... :victory:
I got one from Verizon and it is GSM unlocked.
Hi,
Has anyone found a solution to use the Verizon A50 on other carriers. Some where I read that the device can be used on international Sim, but when I tried the international Sim, it's not working
Any suggestions?
Thanks
As of today after unlocking from xfinity, an Xfinity a50 works on the T-Mobile mvno mint and att postpaid plans. I tried various flavors of gsm Sims including FreedomPop and they are all working. Only issue is sprint and their mvnos. Sprint still uses their IMEI whitelist and the Xfinity branded phones are not in their database. Maybe a corporate cs can add it if you beg.