Develop Bugs

Wifi or wait for LTE?

I'm pretty set on getting the 10.5 S. I'm currently running an ATT LTE Note 8.0 but the lack of updates is way past annoying, especially with the input freezing bug. I like having LTE, I certainly don't want to be completely without it. I'm also still locked in a contract on the Note for another year, the good news is it only costs $10/month so its a minimal issue. So my plan at the his point is to buy the wifi only 10.5 S and keep my note 8 and basically use it as a hot spot. To purchase a hotspot would cost me $20/month so it does make sense to just keep it and use it that way. That can certainly cut down on some portability but I really only use my tablet on LTE in my truck during work so keeping the Note there for for hotspot use is no biggie. And if I do want to take a tablet with me I can always just take the Note 8. Oh, and I cannot use my phone as a hotspot because its a work phone and is locked from doing so.
I guess my point in all of this is that I dont want to enter into another LTE tablet with potential problems that will never be fixed by the cell provider and be handcuffed with a locked bootloader in the community. Atleast when you go wifi only you know Samsung is going to take care of issues and you will stay closer to the front of the line of Android development.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I467 using Tapatalk 2

kmeleon77 said:
I'm pretty set on getting the 10.5 S. I'm currently running an ATT LTE Note 8.0 but the lack of updates is way past annoying, especially with the input freezing bug. I like having LTE, I certainly don't want to be completely without it. I'm also still locked in a contract on the Note for another year, the good news is it only costs $10/month so its a minimal issue. So my plan at the his point is to buy the wifi only 10.5 S and keep my note 8 and basically use it as a hot spot. To purchase a hotspot would cost me $20/month so it does make sense to just keep it and use it that way. That can certainly cut down on some portability but I really only use my tablet on LTE in my truck during work so keeping the Note there for for hotspot use is no biggie. And if I do want to take a tablet with me I can always just take the Note 8. Oh, and I cannot use my phone as a hotspot because its a work phone and is locked from doing so.
I guess my point in all of this is that I dont want to enter into another LTE tablet with potential problems that will never be fixed by the cell provider and be handcuffed with a locked bootloader in the community. Atleast when you go wifi only you know Samsung is going to take care of issues and you will stay closer to the front of the line of Android development.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I467 using Tapatalk 2
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Personally I'm just going to get the wifi version since there will be wifi at the places I mainly go to and in worst case scenario I can tether using my S4. I really don't see a need to get the LTE version and pay more monthly (unless when the devs here find a way to make calls with this and you want to make calls and stuff?)

Why not just tether it to your phone? Tethering to another android device usually doesn't count against a tethering limit.

It has tended to be the case in my Samsung tablet experience that there tends to be more options when it comes to rooting and custom ROMs with the wifi varients vs. carrier tied lte variants. A personal example: I first got an lte AT&T Note 8 due to a promotion that they had at the time. That tablet ended up getting stolen, and I replaced it with the wifi version. Looking back, while it sucked shelling out extra cash for a replacement tablet, my experience with the Note 8 was MUCH better due to the ability to easily root it and a couple of really nice custom ROMs that are immeasurably better than the stock ROM, while I don't think there even are any ROMs that can be flashed to the AT&T locked-down version. I think it's rootable, but that's a relatively recent development for a device that's been out as long as the Note 8 (I think, there's a thread on the subject but I haven't looked at it).
Of course, the my take on the matter is really only relevant if you plan on rooting / modifying the device, or at least having the ability to do so, the wifi variant (or international lte version, I guess) seems to generally be the way to go.
I'm lusting hard after the Tab S 8.4, but I'm going to wait a while and keep an eye on this subforum mostly to see how development goes, and a price drop or sale would be nice when that starts to happen for these. If I end up getting this tablet (seems likely, the specs are pretty much exactly what I was hoping for in the TabPro 8.4), I anticipate that I'll end up getting the wifi version, even if I have the opportunity to get the lte version for the same price (I'm on T-mobile now and they had a promotion where they were selling the lte variants of the Samsung tablets that they had (which sucked when I checked it out) for the same price as the wifi variant with 2 GB free data or something, but not sure if that's perpetual). I now have a Note 3 and Note 8, and I really only use the tablet at home, but if I wanted to use it elsewhere I would just tether it to my phone with unlimited data, and all is right with the world
tl;dr IMO the wifi variant is the way to go so that your device isn't tied to any carrier and likely more modifiable, if you care about that. If this was a major decision that you were making that I completely solved and/or you're ridiculously generous, PM me for my address for pre-ordering purposes

I'd wait to see if the devices are rootable. I imagine that if the specs are close enough, I'd go with a Nexus 8 for the dev support. Failing that, go for the GPE version of Galaxy S.

bigbrown said:
I'd wait to see if the devices are rootable. I imagine that if the specs are close enough, I'd go with a Nexus 8 for the dev support. Failing that, go for the GPE version of Galaxy S.
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I would love to see a GPE version of the Galaxy Tab S LTE. I don't know why it's so hard to find an Android tablet with LTE that isn't owned by the carriers so I can get decent updates. All the international versions never support the proper LTE bands. The Nexus 7 LTE is the exception. I also have the AT&T Note 8.0 and the lack of updates is more than annoying.

Can you use the Tab S as a phone?

Can the Tab S be used as a stand alone mobile phone if I get the LTE model? If it can then I will sell my Note II and buy the Tab S 8.4.
I do not want to carry around two devices.

kuromusha38 said:
Can the Tab S be used as a stand alone mobile phone if I get the LTE model? If it can then I will sell my Note II and buy the Tab S 8.4.
I do not want to carry around two devices.
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Yes, The LTE version of the Tab S can make and receive calls, SMS and MMS.

Are you sure about that? All the other sources I read says you can only control your phone via an SideSync app.
Which means you will not be able to make any phone calls without the phone.

kuromusha38 said:
Are you sure about that? All the other sources I read says you can only control your phone via an SideSync app.
Which means you will not be able to make any phone calls without the phone.
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I am 100000000000% sure that you can make and receive calls/texts as I own the Lte version of galaxy tab s 8.4 and it's the same as the bigger one... that side sync app is for wifi version as it has no sim support

H786 said:
I am 100000000000% sure that you can make and receive calls/texts as I own the Lte version of galaxy tab s 8.4 and it's the same as the bigger one... that side sync app is for wifi version as it has no sim support
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Sidesync is available in lte version too. It needs wifi network to work, though.

H786 said:
I am 100000000000% sure that you can make and receive calls/texts as I own the Lte version of galaxy tab s 8.4 and it's the same as the bigger one... that side sync app is for wifi version as it has no sim support
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can you hold it up to your face or do you have to use a bluetooth device?

kuromusha38 said:
can you hold it up to your face or do you have to use a bluetooth device?
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different strokes for different folks, though you might look stupid putting one to your ears... Bluetooth device or hands free will do fine.

fanistic said:
different strokes for different folks, though you might look stupid putting one to your ears... Bluetooth device or hands free will do fine.
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Whether it look stupid or not, that's my stroke as you said. But the Tab S make phone calls without bluetooth or handsfree?

If you google for Galaxy Tab S 8.4 LTE, you can see, on the picture, the top of the device is an earpiece speaker. If you put your phone SIM card in, you can use it as a phone, putting it against the side of your face and all. Or you can use Bluetooth headset.
I have the 8.4 LTE, although I have not I have not used it as a phone yet (soon), I can see the icons for making calls and SMS Messaging.
Now for the 10.5 LTE, I do not see the earpiece speaker. Maybe you can still use it as a phone but sound will come out as a loudspeaker.

Samsung already phoned it in with Touchwiz so proof it works

The calling function for the LTE version makes the SGTS an all round Device. BIG is definitely Better.

If I were to use the Tab S 8.4 as a phone, how portable is it? Does it fit into pockets?

Internationally, with the exception of Turkey, all Samsung's 3G and LTE tablets support MMS and phone functions regardless of size (yes, the Pro 12.2 3G/LTE is a phone). They can all be used as speaker phones as well as with wired and BT headsets. The U.S. carriers always disable MMS and the dialer in the tablets they sell which is why U.S. XDA members assume those tablets don't have phone features.

kuromusha38 said:
If I were to use the Tab S 8.4 as a phone, how portable is it? Does it fit into pockets?
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just walk up into a store and feel the size in your hands or you rather get a ruler and cut out 8.4 inches on a cardboard to know how big the tabs can be. if you wear skinny jeans i doubt u can put a tab into your pocket.

kuromusha38 said:
Does it fit into pockets?
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Sure.

too big to be used as a phone!
Wish Samsung would make a 6.5 to 7 inch Note 4.

I'm really considering the international LTE/3G model (SM-T705) and using it to replace my GN3 on T-Mobile. Just concerned about being limited to the 1900MHz band, which is available in my area, just not all that speedy (or widely available elsewhere). I might even jump over to AT&T if it'll work better.
But with the right holster/pouch, I think it's quite doable. I already use a seidio holster (don't like things in my pockets). And I've been rather interested in Mighty Pouch, which looks like a pretty good way to carry around a large tablet while remaining portable and accessible. Already contacted them and they can pretty much make a custom pouch that'll attach to your belt, for just about anything. And probably wouldn't look entirely ridiculous like some solutions I've seen.
We'll see... my GN3 does get the job done. I just like trying different things. Heck, I might even keep both and just switch sim cards depending on where I'm going.

There are three things that's will not make the Tab S inferior to the Note 3.
1. The size is just not portable.
2. The battery is not removable. The Tab S will not have the battery life of the Note and it is not removable meaning you're dead when the battery runs out.
3. No stylus.

Uhm, OK? This is a 7" tablet being used as a phone.

BarryH_GEG said:
Uhm, OK? This is a 7" tablet being used as a phone.
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So Tab S 8.4 will cover his face and require two hands to hold?

[Q] Trying to decide on which SM-T807

Tablet wise, I am coming from an iPad 3 AT&T LTE, but my phone is a T-Mobile Note 4 (and I have had the Note 3 and S3 and S4 previously). I am tired of constantly having to jailbreak my iPad to customize my tablet the way I want, and I think the Tab S 10.5 is the way to go (unless there is an even newer 2015 version coming out). I mostly use the iPad to read Reddit, web browse, read books and comics, listen to music, view my photography, and watch movies. The Tab S 10.5 should be able to handle all that nicely... plus have the added benefit of being able to run all the stuff on my phone.
Since I have an AT&T grandfathered tablet account, I have unlimited data for $30 a month. I can get their tablet http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab/SM-T807AHAAATT and use it with or without wifi.
On the other hand, since I have a T-Mobile phone, I can get a 5GB a month data plan from T-Mobile for only $10 a month http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab/SM-T807TTSATMB and then just make sure I pop on wifi when I am home (or use wireless tether on my phone).
So my question are:
1.) Are there any differences between the AT&T and the T-Mobile 8707 tablets? Both the carrier sites say they are Snapdragon chips (which I prefer), but after reading on the threads here, I think they are both Exynos.
2.) I have read on here that the AT&T is not rooted. Is that the same for T-Mobile version? Is there any chance of a root happening? I really want to root for backup purposes and to put a ROM in.
In my opinion, Samsung and the carriers have messed up the selling of these tablets. Samsung has too many version (Pro, Note 10.1, and Tab S 10.5) with different processors, confusing buyers. And the carriers having the wrong specs on their site doesn't help.

EvanWasHere said:
Tablet wise, I am coming from an iPad 3 AT&T LTE, but my phone is a T-Mobile Note 4 (and I have had the Note 3 and S3 and S4 previously). I am tired of constantly having to jailbreak my iPad to customize my tablet the way I want, and I think the Tab S 10.5 is the way to go (unless there is an even newer 2015 version coming out). I mostly use the iPad to read Reddit, web browse, read books and comics, listen to music, view my photography, and watch movies. The Tab S 10.5 should be able to handle all that nicely... plus have the added benefit of being able to run all the stuff on my phone.
Since I have an AT&T grandfathered tablet account, I have unlimited data for $30 a month. I can get their tablet http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab/SM-T807AHAAATT and use it with or without wifi.
On the other hand, since I have a T-Mobile phone, I can get a 5GB a month data plan from T-Mobile for only $10 a month http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab/SM-T807TTSATMB and then just make sure I pop on wifi when I am home (or use wireless tether on my phone).
So my question are:
1.) Are there any differences between the AT&T and the T-Mobile 8707 tablets? Both the carrier sites say they are Snapdragon chips (which I prefer), but after reading on the threads here, I think they are both Exynos.
2.) I have read on here that the AT&T is not rooted. Is that the same for T-Mobile version? Is there any chance of a root happening? I really want to root for backup purposes and to put a ROM in.
In my opinion, Samsung and the carriers have messed up the selling of these tablets. Samsung has too many version (Pro, Note 10.1, and Tab S 10.5) confusing buyers. And the carriers having the wrong specs on their site doesn't help.
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1.) I know that the AT&T has a locked bootloader so no root but I'm unsure about the T-Mobile version.
2.) If I were you I would buy the SM-T800 (WiFi Only) or SM-T805 (LTE) as they are rootable and there are ROMs for those two

Kahun said:
1.) I know that the AT&T has a locked bootloader so no root but I'm unsure about the T-Mobile version.
2.) If I were you I would buy the SM-T800 (WiFi Only) or SM-T805 (LTE) as they are rootable and there are ROMs for those two
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My only options are the T800 or the T807. From what I understand T805 won't work on AT&T or T-Mobile.
But if I go with the T800, every time I want to go online with my tablet away from home, I will have to turn on tether mode on my phone, which sounds like a pain in my a$$.

Stick with Apple, Samsung quality control is just bad
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[Q] Which carrier version should I buy?

I would like the maximum possibility of custom firmwares, etc. Which carrier's version has unlockable/exploitable bootloader, and so on, such that I can reasonably expect to be able to install custom firmware for a long as the device is supported by devs? I've looked through a bunch of threads and nothing is really giving me this info, as a person shopping. It looks like Sprint has the lowest (subsidized) price, though T-Mobile tends to have the most "open" devices. That said, I have a Verizon account already.
Which carrier's version should I buy? I don't want to be stuck with something like Safestrap (no offense to Hashcode, his work is awesome!). Is there even an option that answers this question the way I want?
Related.... if anyone knows, how do the sizes compare? I have been using a Nook HD+, which is supposedly 8.9 inches. Is the 8.4 going to be most similar to that? It appears to be narrower from pictures, but I don't want to jump up TOO much in size, either. Anyone who's used both, is the 10.5" too much tablet?

Stay away from Verizon and AT&T both have locked bootloaders.

Can't you buy an international lte model and see if you can use a Verizon Sim card on it? Idk . As ash said don't buy any tab s directly from Verizon or att. The 10.5 would be to big for a tablet IMO. I own a 10.5 and it's sometime hard to put it/hold it while traveling. 8.4 should do fine.
Try and see if you can use a verizon or att Sim on the international model. As for sprint, their bands might be different in which if you buy directly from sprint, ROM support is really low since it uses a different chips. Hope this helps!
-DUHA

Honestly, I don't even really care about carriers, as I normally only use my tablet on WiFi. I only ask because I'm trying to subsidize the cost (yes, I know it costs more in the long run). but what I DO care about is custom ROMs. Thanks for the info regarding the 10.5", that was my feeling as well, even as a guy with large hands it seemed like a lot.
Maybe I will just end up buying an international model outright, that's a good idea.

cixelsyddyslexic said:
Honestly, I don't even really care about carriers, as I normally only use my tablet on WiFi. I only ask because I'm trying to subsidize the cost (yes, I know it costs more in the long run). but what I DO care about is custom ROMs. Thanks for the info regarding the 10.5", that was my feeling as well, even as a guy with large hands it seemed like a lot.
Maybe I will just end up buying an international model outright, that's a good idea.
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As for custom roms, very few as more devs own the WiFi models. Like the 8.4 lte does have cyanogenmod 12 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=59398782
But few things are broken.
-DUHA

Verizon has snapdraghon soc

LoVeRice said:
Verizon has snapdraghon soc
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Is that a plus or a minus in terms of my question? I have no idea which chipset is more supported, that's what I'm trying to find out

cixelsyddyslexic said:
Is that a plus or a minus in terms of my question? I have no idea which chipset is more supported, that's what I'm trying to find out
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Exynos is more supported. Very few have snapdragon
-DUHA

I've purchased an 8.4" WiFi version with Exynos (refurb from Walmart.com, $249!). Thanks for the help, guys!

cixelsyddyslexic said:
I've purchased an 8.4" WiFi version with Exynos (refurb from Walmart.com, $249!). Thanks for the help, guys!
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WiFi version ehh? Enjoy your CM12 Nightlies Great deal BTW!
-DUHA

Can I install hardware on my Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 T700 to make it compatible with

Can I install hardware on my Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 T700 to make it compatible with LTE 4G?

Highly doubtful unless you can source the correct parts, have the equipment and ability to deal with surface mount devices and have the full schematic then somehow force an update to the bootloader so it's compatible with the new hardware.
Alternative 1 - Use a 3g dongle, mifi, or tether to mobile device.
Alternative 2 - sell yours buy a T705.

They don't manufacture Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 T705 anymore that is the trouble.
They don't manufacture Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 T705 anymore that is the trouble.

Tedted1969 said:
They don't manufacture Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 T705 anymore that is the trouble.
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Doesn't need to be new does it? You could upgrade to Tab S2.

so I just did a swap from regular 700 wifi to a 707a , it had a busted screen but everything went perfect. freaking ATT even gave me the unlock code and sent it to me in like 4 minutes! Then.....tmobile wants to be super hella lame and tell me it wont work without a mobile things plan or some hot garbage like that EVEN THOUGH it fully is 100 capable and is even connected , I have an old grandfathered inplan and I do get it and would "understand" if it wernt for so many many other things I use on that sim . But ya.. look for 705 as I can't find any type of mods for this thing. I may try and root with Kingo , switch it to super SU make my backups of course and maybe possibly play with fire and safestrap but ya go with a 705 OR actually don't buy any find a different tablet like I may go with a Surface LTE even though its so inferior spec wise it would still do way way more and finally get me use of the SIM......maybe......it better......hmmmm. better check hah.