Hello,
I'm in a dilemma where I have personal T-Mobile service, and AT&T service with my work. I want to purchase the variant of the S4 that will have the best compatibility with both networks (including HSPA, HSPA+, LTE). T-Mobile LTE has also already gone live in my market.
It seems the international i9505 support's T-Mobile's LTE bands (AWS 1700 / 2100 MHz LTE)
However, AT&T's variant (SGH-i337) supports AT&T's LTE (LTE 700 MHz Class 17) and possibly the additional T-Mobile bands.
Can anyone confirm if the international model also supports AT&T's LTE 700 MHz Class 17 Network?
Thanks!
The T-Mobile version is pentaband. I cannot confirm LTE, but it should pick up AT&T bands. T-Mobile does use 850/1900 in some areas, primarily to support older iPhones, and you should be able to roam on their frequencies. The AT&T version does not support T-Mobile bands (AWS, also used by some Canadian carriers).
The T-Mobile version supports all of atts bands (including LTE) but adds support for AWS HSPA and LTE.
If you use an att S4 on T-Mobile, you will be locked to 1900 PCS only. No LTE, EDGE in most places, HSPA in refarm markets (but not DC-HSPA+ which means you will average 3-7 down)
It is much more advantageous to get the T-Mobile version than the att version as they are identical otherwise.
Sent from my SGH-T999
EtherealRemnant said:
It is much more advantageous to get the T-Mobile version than the att version as they are identical otherwise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Save the critical bootloader difference.
Adam's teardown shows that the AT&T and T-Mobile versions are literally the same hardware. So it should be possible to unlock AWS on AT&T's model (might be as simple as flashing the T-Mo modem/firmware, as on the Note 2).
Thanks for all the responses. I bought the T-Mobile S4 and was happy to learn it is the pentaband variant. Since I travel abroad and also own an AT&T SIM through work.. it looks like I made the right choice!
ker0zene said:
Thanks for all the responses. I bought the T-Mobile S4 and was happy to learn it is the pentaband variant. Since I travel abroad and also own an AT&T SIM through work.. it looks like I made the right choice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
Did it work with AT&T SIM? I'm assuming that the sim is locked but I was am wondering if T-Mobile (If you buy at full prize) makes the device SIM unlocked or not?
If this is the case, TMo would be a smarter choice right now to use in AT&T to avoid that bootloader BS.
keplenk said:
Hi!
Did it work with AT&T SIM? I'm assuming that the sim is locked but I was am wondering if T-Mobile (If you buy at full prize) makes the device SIM unlocked or not?
If this is the case, TMo would be a smarter choice right now to use in AT&T to avoid that bootloader BS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a T-Mobile S4 and I can confirm it does get LTE on AT&T. I got a SIM unlock pin from an online site and then the device accepted my AT&T SIM. The only thing I had to do after that was change the APN to use "phone" instead of "wap.cingular" and LTE is working great!
intrepresentation said:
I have a T-Mobile S4 and I can confirm it does get LTE on AT&T. I got a SIM unlock pin from an online site and then the device accepted my AT&T SIM. The only thing I had to do after that was change the APN to use "phone" instead of "wap.cingular" and LTE is working great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whelp... looks like I'm getting the tmobile variant after all
keplenk said:
Hi!
Did it work with AT&T SIM? I'm assuming that the sim is locked but I was am wondering if T-Mobile (If you buy at full prize) makes the device SIM unlocked or not?
If this is the case, TMo would be a smarter choice right now to use in AT&T to avoid that bootloader BS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah tmobile phones are network locked, and if you are doing the monthly pay plan, tmobile wont give you the unlock code until it is paid off.
im the kind of person who likes to unlock my phone regardless of me leaving or staying with a specific network or not.
i chatted with tmobile and they wouldn't give me my code, so i went to cellunlocker (dot) net and got my code in ~7 hours.
(im not affiliated with cellunlocker in any way)
intrepresentation said:
I have a T-Mobile S4 and I can confirm it does get LTE on AT&T. I got a SIM unlock pin from an online site and then the device accepted my AT&T SIM. The only thing I had to do after that was change the APN to use "phone" instead of "wap.cingular" and LTE is working great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The question I have is that if you plan to use the phone on AT&T's network all of the time, will AT&T add the T-Mobile's phone IMEI to your AT&T account so it reflects the correct device on your line for account and possible insurance purposes?
scott14719 said:
The question I have is that if you plan to use the phone on AT&T's network all of the time, will AT&T add the T-Mobile's phone IMEI to your AT&T account so it reflects the correct device on your line for account and possible insurance purposes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not a native at&t device so you won't get any help from at&t or Asurion. Its not even worth keeping the device insurance if you arent using an at&t branded device. Huge waste of money.
Sent from my SGH-T999
My plan is to just purchase Tmobile version of S4 (no contract), then purchase unlock code, then purchase squaretrade warranty ... Then use an AT&T sim.
My only question is, one you purchase the sim unlock code from a different company, will you purchase again if you (for example) flash CM, AOSP Roms - that includes modem firmware updates?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
If you are buying off contract, they should go ahead and give you unlock code or it may already be unlocked.
bookmonke said:
If you are buying off contract, they should go ahead and give you unlock code or it may already be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'd be surprised. There is apparently some confusion with T-Mobile as to what exactly their unlocking policies are. I purchased my S4 from T-Mobile's website at full retail price. According to their website (support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588) if you purchase the phone at full retail price, they will unlock it provided only that you have an account in good standing.
However, when I tried to get it unlocked yesterday the rep I was chatting with online said I had to have service active for at least 40 days (I am switching over to T-Mobile from Sprint) so she wouldn't even submit an unlock request. I went to the store and while they submitted an unlock request but were told on the phone that the 40 day period may apply (even though it does not say that on their website).
I am supposed to find out by Monday if they will unlock it or not. If they don't I will just buy an unlock code from one of the unlocking websites. Kind of crazy T-Mobile makes you jump through these hoops when you can just buy a code for $25.
What T-Mobile's Sim Unlock Department answered to my request..
BillBurn said:
You'd be surprised. There is apparently some confusion with T-Mobile as to what exactly their unlocking policies are. I purchased my S4 from T-Mobile's website at full retail price. According to their website (support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588) if you purchase the phone at full retail price, they will unlock it provided only that you have an account in good standing.
However, when I tried to get it unlocked yesterday the rep I was chatting with online said I had to have service active for at least 40 days (I am switching over to T-Mobile from Sprint) so she wouldn't even submit an unlock request. I went to the store and while they submitted an unlock request but were told on the phone that the 40 day period may apply (even though it does not say that on their website).
I am supposed to find out by Monday if they will unlock it or not. If they don't I will just buy an unlock code from one of the unlocking websites. Kind of crazy T-Mobile makes you jump through these hoops when you can just buy a code for $25.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I paid for the phone in full, and requested the unlocked code by phone. They told me it could take from 24 hours to 14 days.
This is the response they sent me thrue email yesterday"
"T-Mobile Sim Unlock Request
Sim Unlock Reference: *******
IMEI: **********************
Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide the unlock code at this time. After review of the account we have determined that the device is not in use with the corresponding mobile number. T-Mobile policies and procedures state that the device must be in use on the mobile number requesting the unlock code. If this is a new device please allow 3-4 business days prior to submitting a new request to allow your usage to update in our system.
Thank you,
SIM Unlock Department
Thank You,
Sim Unlock Department
T-Mobile USA, Inc."
scott14719 said:
The question I have is that if you plan to use the phone on AT&T's network all of the time, will AT&T add the T-Mobile's phone IMEI to your AT&T account so it reflects the correct device on your line for account and possible insurance purposes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Asurion (the company most USA cellular networks go thur) is too expensive...you should look into squaretrade, ensquared, or buy it thru BestBuy and get BestBuy's warranty
wavrunrx said:
yeah tmobile phones are network locked, and if you are doing the monthly pay plan, tmobile wont give you the unlock code until it is paid off.
im the kind of person who likes to unlock my phone regardless of me leaving or staying with a specific network or not.
i chatted with tmobile and they wouldn't give me my code, so i went to cellunlocker (dot) net and got my code in ~7 hours.
(im not affiliated with cellunlocker in any way)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
intrepresentation said:
I have a T-Mobile S4 and I can confirm it does get LTE on AT&T. I got a SIM unlock pin from an online site and then the device accepted my AT&T SIM. The only thing I had to do after that was change the APN to use "phone" instead of "wap.cingular" and LTE is working great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how'd you manage to add the APN? i'm in the same situation and cannot add the APN. i'm trying to use an AT&T iPhone5 SIM in my T-Mo unlocked Galaxy S4 ... getting phone service, but no data. am confused.
jerzyboy2421 said:
how'd you manage to add the APN? i'm in the same situation and cannot add the APN. i'm trying to use an AT&T iPhone5 SIM in my T-Mo unlocked Galaxy S4 ... getting phone service, but no data. am confused.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on the stock Galaxy S4, you just open apps drawer, go to <SETTINGS> <CONNECTIONS><MORE NETWORKS><MOBILE NETWORKS><ACCESS POINT NAMES> then hit the "menu button" on your phone and choose "New APN" type in your data and hit the "menu button" again and choose "Save"
I want to get this phone but might want to switch carriers soon. I was planning on doing the Sprint EasyPay for it and paying off the rest of the phone if or when I decide to switch carriers. After I pay it off in full and unlock it, would I be able to use it on T-mobile, AT&T, Verizon, or any of their MVNO's? Basically what I am asking is does the Sprint S6 support the necessary bands that the other networks operate on, and if so, would calling or texting still work? I have heard of some phones that have a SIM card slot for the LTE SIM on Sprint, but voice and text don't work once unlocked and used on another carrier.
Thanks,
Kyle
I would really like to know the answer to this as well. I have been searching without a definitive result.
Specifically, can unlocked Sprint phone be used on Verizon?
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.
I am on TMO but I got a great deal on a Sprint S4. Given the proposed merger between Sprint and TMO I was wondering if the Sprint version will work on a TMO data plan. If not, will Sprint unlock a non blacklisted IMEI to allow its use on TMO?
Thanks
I believe Sprint is CDMA and TMobile is GSM so I don't believe you can use it on TMobile today. You'll have to call TMobile to confirm. If they do merge most likely they'll quickly have SIMs to support the tablet. So I'd hold onto the tablet.
aspexil said:
I believe Sprint is CDMA and TMobile is GSM so I don't believe you can use it on TMobile today. You'll have to call TMobile to confirm. If they do merge most likely they'll quickly have SIMs to support the tablet. So I'd hold onto the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doing some additional research, LTE is based upon GSM, not CDMA. The Sprint version has a sim card slot. If I can get it unlocked it should work fine on any other LTE carrier using the same frequencies. There's a store in town that charges a fee to unlock devices. I'll stop by and see if they can unlock my S4. It is also interesting that the Sprint version does not have the word "Sprint" printed on the back. I wonder if the Sprint version is the same as the international version locked to Sprint.
I'm on a T-mobile MVNO and want to make sure I at least get T-mobile USA calling features such as VoLTE and VoWifi. I was thinking the obvious option is the native T-mobile version. But, I'm realizing now that I'd never be able to unlock it if I get a locked one and I'd be stuck if I ever switch carriers, not to mention I've also heard the t-mobile version is the only one with a locked bootloader.
Is there another version I should get that will still give me access to all the necessary T-mobile bands and features?