Related
There are a small amount of phones that have band 12 support through updates. Their respective specifications usually don't include band 12 support, though looking around states band 12 support can be enabled via an update.
way t
Currently, the zenfone 2 states no band 12 support. Is there any way of looking into the phone itself to see if it has band 12 capabilities? Crossing my fingers for this, as this phone is super slick and powerful for an awesome price, and as a T-mobile user, lack of band 12 support is the only thing holding this phone back from purchase. most current band 12 capable phones are either lackluster in features, or too expensive.
unvaluablespace said:
There are a small amount of phones that have band 12 support through updates. Their respective specifications usually don't include band 12 support, though looking around states band 12 support can be enabled via an update.
way t
Currently, the zenfone 2 states no band 12 support. Is there any way of looking into the phone itself to see if it has band 12 capabilities? Crossing my fingers for this, as this phone is super slick and powerful for an awesome price, and as a T-mobile user, lack of band 12 support is the only thing holding this phone back from purchase. most current band 12 capable phones are either lackluster in features, or too expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey! Are you in an area that doesn't support T-Mobile 1700/2100 MHz AWS (band 4)?
I think i read somewhere on the tmobile forum, they use main band 4 and 2 being implemented.
Zenfone 2 supports both, I just got mine US version today and the LTE is working for me.
Please see the ZenFone 2 support band list - http://www.asus.com/us/support/FAQ/1011352/
USA T-MOBILE FREQUENCY: BAND 2 (1900MHZ), BAND 4 (1700/2100 MHZ), BAND 12 (700 MHZ)
USA T-MOBILE NETWORK FAQS - https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-4988
USA T-MOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE - 877-746-0909
ZenFone Quick Service - http://www.asus.com/us/support/self-service/11/
FAQ: http://www.asus.com/us/Phones/ZenFone_2_ZE551ML/HelpDesk_knowledge/
Sincerely,
ASUS_USA
cocopwr said:
Hey! Are you in an area that doesn't support T-Mobile 1700/2100 MHz AWS (band 4)?
I think i read somewhere on the tmobile forum, they use main band 4 and 2 being implemented.
Zenfone 2 supports both, I just got mine US version today and the LTE is working for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i live and travel between stockton, CA; Sacramento, CA; and Tracy, CA. signal is OK for the most part, though in some areas it leaves a bit to be desired. Currently using a Nexus 5. Through the LTE discovery app I know my phone typically picks up band 4. not sure about band 2. There are some indoor areas like buildings that aren't all that great on tmobile in my area. my local best buy for instance instantly drops to low signal the second i step in the store, even though right outside is full bars. driving along the freeway in certain areas deem little to now signal sometimes as well.
I'm not here to complain about my tmobile service. Just trying to ensure future proofing of my phone purchase hoping that band 12 would improve those situations.
Asus_USA said:
Please see the ZenFone 2 support band list - http://www.asus.com/us/support/FAQ/1011352/
USA T-MOBILE FREQUENCY: BAND 2 (1900MHZ), BAND 4 (1700/2100 MHZ), BAND 12 (700 MHZ)
USA T-MOBILE NETWORK FAQS - https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-4988
USA T-MOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE - 877-746-0909
ZenFone Quick Service - http://www.asus.com/us/support/self-service/11/
FAQ: http://www.asus.com/us/Phones/ZenFone_2_ZE551ML/HelpDesk_knowledge/
Sincerely,
ASUS_USA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your a legitimate Asus rep, then that is a bummer the lack of band 12 support. I've already been to those pages and checked again. I just wanted to see if band 12 was possibly hidden somehow, as it seemed to be the case with a 2-3 other handsets since theyre only activated via software updates.
Thanks for the replying.
I am confused, it looks like the USA version does do Band 12
see below bolded:
USA T-MOBILE FREQUENCY: BAND 2 (1900MHZ), BAND 4 (1700/2100 MHZ), BAND 12 (700 MHZ)
bhoth said:
I am confused, it looks like the USA version does do Band 12
see below bolded:
USA T-MOBILE FREQUENCY: BAND 2 (1900MHZ), BAND 4 (1700/2100 MHZ), BAND 12 (700 MHZ)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah man, he/she is just stating those are the frequencies T-Mobile operate on, not frequencies of Zenfone 2 itself. See the link right above it for the zenfone 2 supported band list.
That would be nice though. I've already read several sites stating that it does not support band 12. The point of my post was to find out if there was any way to find out on the device itself (via owners of a Zenfone 2) to see if it was somehow hidden in there. Specs for the Galaxy Avant, Xperia X3, and the ZTE Zmax I don't think initially listed band 12 support in their specs, but now supposedly they will have it enabled via their respective software updates. I was crossing my fingers hoping a similar thing would happen with the Zenfone 2.
unvaluablespace said:
The point of my post was to find out if there was any way to find out on the device itself (via owners of a Zenfone 2) to see if it was somehow hidden in there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clearly the phone itself supports the 700 freq (Band 17) which is also where Band 12 operates. Does that require a hardware change? I dunno.
http://www.tmonews.com/2015/03/t-mobile-could-gain-from-atts-band-17-and-band-12-lte-network-interoperating/
US variant of ZE551ML does support Band 12. The LTE Discovery app revealed I was on Band 12 while using the T-Mobile service in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Going east from there, I was on Band 4 or 2, but then again, T-Mobile's rollout is just starting in Southern California.
That's really interesting Armchair. Band 12 is NOT listed anywhere in Asus' specs. I wonder if the latest OTA update kicked it in? Do you know what firmware you're running? B12 support is the only thing holding me back from the Zfone.
RealSkier said:
That's really interesting Armchair. Band 12 is NOT listed anywhere in Asus' specs. I wonder if the latest OTA update kicked it in? Do you know what firmware you're running? B12 support is the only thing holding me back from the Zfone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's really great news either ways, the last 551 update was mostly US stuff.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD
RealSkier said:
That's really interesting Armchair. Band 12 is NOT listed anywhere in Asus' specs. I wonder if the latest OTA update kicked it in? Do you know what firmware you're running? B12 support is the only thing holding me back from the Zfone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I bought the phone from Amazon on June 25, 2015, Band 12 was listed in the US spec. Otherwise I would not have bought it at all because I wanted that availability. Now that I go back to the Amazon product page to get a screenshot, I see the entry has been altered to remove Band 12. However, today I'll make a trip to Rancho Cucamonga (not far from me, really), and screenshot the LTE Discovery screen when it shows the phone connecting to Band 12. (Pics or GTFO, right? )
Box Codes:
ZE551ML, BLACK, LTE,D
INTEL MRF Z3580(2.3Ghz),4G,64GB EMMC
ANDROID US,5.5" 5M/13M,N/A
Other notes of reference: When the phone arrived, the firmware was WW 2.18.40.12. I OTA updated to 2.19.40.18 then rooted (using Method 3) and unlocked the bootloader. Did not remove any system apps nor install any custom recovery. I have OTA updated twice since then, keeping root and unlocked bootloader. Currently at WW 2.19.40.22, under which I can connect to Band 12 towers. Did not tinker with the telephony settings or make any other unauthorized changes other than rooting and unlocking the bootloader.
So Asus snuck in support for Band 12 in a firmware update? Very nice Asus. Very nice indeed.
ArmchairWizard said:
When I bought the phone from Amazon on June 25, 2015, Band 12 was listed in the US spec. Otherwise I would not have bought it at all because I wanted that availability. Now that I go back to the Amazon product page to get a screenshot, I see the entry has been altered to remove Band 12. However, today I'll make a trip to Rancho Cucamonga (not far from me, really), and screenshot the LTE Discovery screen when it shows the phone connecting to Band 12. (Pics or GTFO, right? )
Box Codes:
ZE551ML, BLACK, LTE,D
INTEL MRF Z3580(2.3Ghz),4G,64GB EMMC
ANDROID US,5.5" 5M/13M,N/A
Other notes of reference: When the phone arrived, the firmware was WW 2.18.40.12. I OTA updated to 2.19.40.18 then rooted (using Method 3) and unlocked the bootloader. Did not remove any system apps nor install any custom recovery. I have OTA updated twice since then, keeping root and unlocked bootloader. Currently at WW 2.19.40.22, under which I can connect to Band 12 towers. Did not tinker with the telephony settings or make any other unauthorized changes other than rooting and unlocking the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Screenshot taken near the intersection of Foothill Blvd & I-15 in California. LTE Discovery app showing connected to T-Mobile on a Band 12 tower using the ZenFone 2 (ASUS_Z00AD).
I've asked both TMO & Asus for confirmation. TMO basically said since it's not "native" it's not something they can confirm as working or not. Asus has yet to respond to my query period.
UPDATE: Got a reply from Asus. AsusUSA support on Twitter said they are unable to find any substantial data to verify Band 12 support for TMO.
UPDATE -- Official reply from ASUS
Sammaul said:
So Asus snuck in support for Band 12 in a firmware update? Very nice Asus. Very nice indeed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for contacting ASUS Customer Loyalty. Currently there is no support for this band and no confirmation if it will be added in the future.
I believe it is limited in the hardware. Unfortunately it's not supported.
So looks no Zenfone 2 for me any time soon. What an OTA unsupported update can give, it can also take away.
ArmchairWizard said:
Screenshot taken near the intersection of Foothill Blvd & I-15 in California. LTE Discovery app showing connected to T-Mobile on a Band 12 tower using the ZenFone 2 (ASUS_Z00AD).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you still able to connect on band 12 with newer firmware? I haven't seen a single one yet and have definitely been in known-deployed areas.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00A using Tapatalk
ziddey said:
Are you still able to connect on band 12 with newer firmware? I haven't seen a single one yet and have definitely been in known-deployed areas.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On .90 I was able to connect to B12 in the same spot as before as well as other locations around Rancho Cucamonga but I didn't take a screenshot of the LTE Discovery app for proof as a few threads here and in other forums have made it clear that T-Mobile will not support B12 on non-branded (read: noncustomized firmware) phones. Since then, the display has developed the infamous lines and fading issues as recorded by others and I have RMA'd the phone. Using a branded burner phone until all is resolved.
Damn looks like the issue is lack of support for volte.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00A using Tapatalk
ziddey said:
Damn looks like the issue is lack of support for volte.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the repaired phone has returned to me and I've regained my stride. (Physical part was replaced and not a word about the unlocked bootloader.) Went back to that intersection today and took a screenshot of LTE Discovery just for you.
Firmware: WW 2.20.40.97
Rooted & bootloader unlocked.
No other modifications.
I am wondering if signal/reception really is better with the T-Mobile with band 12 or really not much difference from International H815 version without band 12, has anyone checked both yet and compared.
You should receive "better" LTE services on the T-Mobile version of the phone. However, T-Mobile uses many different bands for LTE, so you'll still get it on the H815. I haven't been able to compare the two, but each phone has its benefits. In terms of calls and general signal, I've had 0 problems with the H815. I live in NYC.
H815 is better for international use and dev support from the xda forums since it's the international version. T-Mobile version is good since it has WiFi calling and the added USA LTE band support.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using Tapatalk
Arctic Prodigy said:
I am wondering if signal/reception really is better with the T-Mobile with band 12 or really not much difference from International H815 version without band 12, has anyone checked both yet and compared.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the H815 EU version unlocked on TMOUS and there is not difference, except for the loss of band 12. I pick up band 4 at work and band 2 at home just like I did with the H811. Not too sure if band 12 is even available in my area.
The loss of WiFi Calling would be a huge problem, especially since it ALSO does not have LTE Band 12, which is what T-Mobile is deploying to penetrate into buildings and basements (Bands 4 and 2 usually crap out indoors and the phone drops to HSPA).
Arctic Prodigy said:
I am wondering if signal/reception really is better with the T-Mobile with band 12 or really not much difference from International H815 version without band 12, has anyone checked both yet and compared.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really depends if Band 12 is deployed in your area.
I also got the international version and used it on T-Mobile. I picked up their Band 4 LTE just fine, but the signal was too weak at my house, so I switched to AT&T (since this phone has more support for AT&T's bands, 2,4,5,17) and reception is somewhat improved.
How can you find out which bands you are using? I am using LTE Discovery but that is just for LTE only, just wonder which other bands I am getting?
Arctic Prodigy said:
How can you find out which bands you are using? I am using LTE Discovery but that is just for LTE only, just wonder which other bands I am getting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE Discovery also shows you the GSM bands you are using. See attached.
I am in Minneapolis and band 12 is completely ruled out so its way better
Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:19 PM ----------
aaronc_98 said:
I am in Minneapolis and band 12 is completely roled out so its way better
Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk
barcodelinux said:
LTE Discovery also shows you the GSM bands you are using. See attached.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see that it does detect GSM, but never shows which bands you are using unless you have a sheet to translate the frequency.
Band 12 has a significant difference in terms of distance and in-building LTE coverage, I'd personally not get a phone without it if you plan on being with T-Mobile for a while.
I personally not going to get the phone until the end of August, I am hoping all the bugs are worked out by then and it can be unlocked too, I will also get a replacement plan as well.
Yes it will be the T-Mobile variant because of the band 12, I currently get band 4 LTE, but it tends to cycle on and off in my apartment, I live in a hard to get signal area, I see most people having to walk outside just to talk on phone, my LG G2 doesn't have that problem but data with LTE has been a problem only.
So I have verizon in michigan.. instead of it saying verizon in the top left corner is says 31000... any ideas on that ? or how to change it?
The 5t is not compatible with VZW as it has no band 13. It may work but I think you'll have problems with that missing band.
Mike02z said:
The 5t is not compatible with VZW as it has no band 13. It may work but I think you'll have problems with that missing band.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know that 13 band does?
Band 13 is the primary LTE band for Verizon. It also uses 14 and 2 but 13 is the primary band and you're going to have major problems without 13 on VZW or Sprint. See below...
https://www.phonearena.com/news/Che...on-T-Mobile-and-Sprint-use-in-the-USA_id77933
Mike02z said:
Band 13 is the primary LTE band for Verizon. It also uses 14 and 2 but 13 is the primary band and you're going to have major problems without 13 on VZW or Sprint. See below...
https://www.phonearena.com/news/Che...on-T-Mobile-and-Sprint-use-in-the-USA_id77933
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ballllllllllllz.. stupid verizon needs to drop CDMA...
Yeah I have had the same issue with Oneplus in the past. Also, the UTC 11 didn't have band 13. Service was very spotty and LTE didn't work often. Sucks for us Michigan (at least Detroit metro) peeps because Tmobs and AT&T suck around here. VZW is so solid, but being limited to phones really hurts!!!!
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
No band 13 means???
Mike02z said:
The 5t is not compatible with VZW as it has no band 13. It may work but I think you'll have problems with that missing band.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Help a dummy out. Does the CDMA support mean the 5t can make phone calls and the lack of band 13 mean LTE performance will suffer?
If so, that sounds like my VZN supported phone.. It may not be a downgrade in service.
anySmarterIdRunLinux said:
Help a dummy out. Does the CDMA support mean the 5t can make phone calls and the lack of band 13 mean LTE performance will suffer?
If so, that sounds like my VZN supported phone.. It may not be a downgrade in service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Verizon Wireless was the first to arrive to the 4G LTE race and it has also built its nationwide network based on 700 MHz spectrum, but the primary band for Verizon is band 13. Bands 2 and 4 are used to strengthen the signal in the densely populated urban areas. One important thing to note about Verizon Wireless is that many phones are built specifically for the carrier, including its 4G LTE bands. In other words, the common case is that you will not be able to use an AT&T device on Verizon's 4G LTE network."
I've never tried my OnePlus 5t on VZW as the posts I've read said the phone is basically useless on VZW.
Hello, I'm looking at the Global version of the Redmi Note 5 (Basically the pro. Referred to as the AI Dual camera on GSM arena) and I'll be using it in the US on Mint Mobile. Mint is a T-Mobile MVNO and I'm not sure how LTE support will be on this. If anyone has any info on this that would be great. I believe Mint mainly uses B4 and B12 but I could be wrong. I've been looking around and found mixed responses of it having good carrier support stateside and others saying it won't work.
ZenPowerBuilder said:
Hello, I'm looking at the Global version of the Redmi Note 5 (Basically the pro. Referred to as the AI Dual camera on GSM arena) and I'll be using it in the US on Mint Mobile. Mint is a T-Mobile MVNO and I'm not sure how LTE support will be on this. If anyone has any info on this that would be great. I believe Mint mainly uses B4 and B12 but I could be wrong. I've been looking around and found mixed responses of it having good carrier support stateside and others saying it won't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that the phone will WORK on B4 (1700mHz/2100mHz) and B5 if you live in the greater Myrtle Beach area. (Acquired from SunCom back in the late 2000's). I don't know if your area has B5. On your existing phone, get LTE Discovery from the Play Store and sample your most common areas first to see what bands are most prominent. Being where I live, the phone mostly uses Band 5 over 4 because of the lower freq; able to reach tougher places where the higher freq B4 can't reach.
pross8002 said:
I can confirm that the phone will WORK on B4 (1700mHz/2100mHz) and B5 if you live in the greater Myrtle Beach area. (Acquired from SunCom back in the late 2000's). I don't know if your area has B5. On your existing phone, get LTE Discovery from the Play Store and sample your most common areas first to see what bands are most prominent. Being where I live, the phone mostly uses Band 5 over 4 because of the lower freq; able to reach tougher places where the higher freq B4 can't reach.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the reply. I'll give that a download and travel around. Since posting I did discover my current phone supports the same bands. So I'm less worried. :good:
Lte works on band 4, but not band 12 on T-Mobile. But, for me band 4 is enough, if I don't get lte the device will switch to 2g. 3g straight up does not work for me on T-Mobile, although I've heard that T-Mobile does not use 3g anymore in the first place.
All in all, for me lte works just as well as my previous phone (zte zmax pro)
m666p said:
Lte works on band 4, but not band 12 on T-Mobile. But, for me band 4 is enough, if I don't get lte the device will switch to 2g. 3g straight up does not work for me on T-Mobile, although I've heard that T-Mobile does not use 3g anymore in the first place.
All in all, for me lte works just as well as my previous phone (zte zmax pro)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see that. When B4 and B5 don't work the phone just switches to 2G but without internet so basic voice and sms still works. about 70% of the time after it switches to 2G it'll tap onto HSPA+ (3.5G, coined 4G) and I got that for a while until LTE reconnects. Rinse and repeat until I have to leave to go somewhere.
Hey Everyone,
Currently have a Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 on AT&T, but recently got the notification that AT&T is shutting down their 3G network and my phone will not be usable. Looking at switching to another carrier/MVNO and was considering between the POCO F3 and RealMe GT 5G.
Can anyone recommend carriers/MVNOs where these phones would possibly work on. I know frequency checker/Kimovil provide the compatible bands. But considering both phones don't have Band 71, I just wanted to check if anyone has been able to use these phones on US carriers and if so how did you go about getting the phones activated with the carriers.
Thanks
Rankone21 said:
Hey Everyone,
Currently have a Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 on AT&T, but recently got the notification that AT&T is shutting down their 3G network and my phone will not be usable. Looking at switching to another carrier/MVNO and was considering between the POCO F3 and RealMe GT 5G.
Can anyone recommend carriers/MVNOs where these phones would possibly work on. I know frequency checker/Kimovil provide the compatible bands. But considering both phones don't have Band 71, I just wanted to check if anyone has been able to use these phones on US carriers and if so how did you go about getting the phones activated with the carriers.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm Att and I just ordered the Poco f3 a couple of hours ago. So by next week I'll be able to tell you. I was going to go with the real me gt but didn't because the global model can't be bootloader unlocked and that to me means a no go. If I can't root it I don't want it. It's only a little bit better with specs it has the 888 and 65 watt charging which makes me a little jealous but I have to have viper4 android on my phone so I went Poco f3.
What band do you use for 4g lte? I use band 4 and it's never been a issue. I don't plan on 5g because I barely get 4g where I live
Techguy777 said:
Well I'm Att and I just ordered the Poco f3 a couple of hours ago. So by next week I'll be able to tell you. I was going to go with the real me gt but didn't because the global model can't be bootloader unlocked and that to me means a no go. If I can't root it I don't want it. It's only a little bit better with specs it has the 888 and 65 watt charging which makes me a little jealous but I have to have viper4 android on my phone so I went Poco f3.
What band do you use for 4g lte? I use band 4 and it's never been a issue. I don't plan on 5g because I barely get 4g where I live
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response Techguy, I would be interested in knowing how it works out for you.
Considering that the Redmi Note 5 Global version only has Bands 4 & 5 for 4G, and Bands 2 & 5 for 3G, I believe it is running on HSPA+ on AT&T Prepaid mostly, as I only get the 4G symbol, not 4G LTE.
I did see for the RealMe and Poco F3, most of the 4G bands are supported on GoogleFI, just no 5G.
Rankone21 said:
Thanks for the response Techguy, I would be interested in knowing how it works out for you.
Considering that the Redmi Note 5 Global version only has Bands 4 & 5 for 4G, and Bands 2 & 5 for 3G, I believe it is running on HSPA+ on AT&T Prepaid mostly, as I only get the 4G symbol, not 4G LTE.
I did see for the RealMe and Poco F3, most of the 4G bands are supported on GoogleFI, just no 5G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What 5g band do you need? It has n1,n3, n5, n8, n20 and n28, n41, n77, n78
Techguy777 said:
What 5g band do you need? It has n1,n3, n5, n8, n20 and n28, n41, n77, n78
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I just meant for GoogleFI, I don't think they have 5G currently not sure, as kimovil says Not Available. For AT&T and T-Mobile, it was 1 of the 3(AT&T) and 1 of the 4(T-Mobile) in terms of 5G bands.
However I'd be interested in knowing how you go about getting this activated on AT&T since it isn't on their Whitelist of phones that they are trying to limit users to.
Rankone21 said:
Oh I just meant for GoogleFI, I don't think they have 5G currently not sure, as kimovil says Not Available. For AT&T and T-Mobile, it was 1 of the 3(AT&T) and 1 of the 4(T-Mobile) in terms of 5G bands.
However I'd be interested in knowing how you go about getting this activated on AT&T since it isn't on their Whitelist of phones that they are trying to limit users to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im actually getting a free sim card from the government phone through SafeLink but SafeLink is a smaller part of ATT as that's what my sim reads as 4g band Att and I always buy unlocked phones with band 4 and put it in and it works. Nexus 6, S10lite international, moto G4, S7 and S7 edge both all of them same card just insert.
You don't understand they don't whitelist phones they are just saying these ones they know will work with volte and others will to they won't look at every phone. They won't say Poco f3 or realme because they want to sell Samsung and apple not Poco f3. It's money but if it has the band it'll work
Techguy777 said:
You don't understand they don't whitelist phones they are just saying these ones they know will work with volte and others will to they won't look at every phone. They won't say Poco f3 or realme because they want to sell Samsung and apple not Poco f3. It's money but if it has the band it'll work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that part, but the above is not entirely true, hence the post. AT&T for example are activating devices based on the IMEI, even if it has the necessary bands they are saying it is not compatible. Some folks have been able to get around this and get them to activate the phone, but some haven't been able to
I don't know how true, but they told me if I were to take the SIM out of my Redmi Note 5, they will not be able to re-activate my phone. I haven't tried this so I can't say if this is actually the case.
It sounds like SafeLink may technically be a MVNO to Tracfone/AT&T, I do know outside of Cricket Wireless, a lot of the MVNOs aren't enforcing what AT&T is doing with their direct account holders. But technically since they are under AT&T's network, this will eventually trickle down, but it is yet to be seen how this will be handled by MVNO operators.
Rankone21 said:
I understand that part, but the above is not entirely true, hence the post. AT&T for example are activating devices based on the IMEI, even if it has the necessary bands they are saying it is not compatible. Some folks have been able to get around this and get them to activate the phone, but some haven't been able to
I don't know how true, but they told me if I were to take the SIM out of my Redmi Note 5, they will not be able to re-activate my phone. I haven't tried this so I can't say if this is actually the case.
It sounds like SafeLink may technically be a MVNO to Tracfone/AT&T, I do know outside of Cricket Wireless, a lot of the MVNOs aren't enforcing what AT&T is doing with their direct account holders. But technically since they are under AT&T's network, this will eventually trickle down, but it is yet to be seen how this will be handled by MVNO operators.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I am under SafeLink/TracFone which is subsidies of AT&T. But if AT&T shuts off their 3g network I don't think they will leave it on for the SafeLink people. AT&T doesn't have to activate your phone in America their GSM you might have them tell you that like my brother brought the nexus 6 to Walmart for a straight talk card and the lady said it's Verizon we can't activate it. Well they should have stuck a sim card inside because it works on all 4 carries except sprint and Verizon are CDMA which means your phone does have to be put into their system to work but not with GSM networks like AT&T. Just try it once you have a sim card in the us I don't know if your in the US. They will tell you anything to sell you another phone from them.
Rankone21 said:
I understand that part, but the above is not entirely true, hence the post. AT&T for example are activating devices based on the IMEI, even if it has the necessary bands they are saying it is not compatible. Some folks have been able to get around this and get them to activate the phone, but some haven't been able to
I don't know how true, but they told me if I were to take the SIM out of my Redmi Note 5, they will not be able to re-activate my phone. I haven't tried this so I can't say if this is actually the case.
It sounds like SafeLink may technically be a MVNO to Tracfone/AT&T, I do know outside of Cricket Wireless, a lot of the MVNOs aren't enforcing what AT&T is doing with their direct account holders. But technically since they are under AT&T's network, this will eventually trickle down, but it is yet to be seen how this will be handled by MVNO operators.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got my Poco f3 and it works fine on ATT/SafeLink band 4. I don't have 5G so I don't know but it did show the 5g in the upper right hand on display but I checked the speed and it was the same as before so I didn't notice anything 30 to 50 mbps is usual. It's a great phone for the money bench of almost 700k on AnTuTu
Techguy777 said:
I just got my Poco f3 and it works fine on ATT/SafeLink band 4. I don't have 5G so I don't know but it did show the 5g in the upper right hand on display but I checked the speed and it was the same as before so I didn't notice anything 30 to 50 mbps is usual. It's a great phone for the money bench of almost 700k on AnTuTu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for confirming. How are you liking the phone so far?
I had an interesting conversation with AT&T yesterday on the whole topic. Their device compatibility system is really cracking on International Phones although as mentioned earlier, this isn't the case with a lot of MVNOs. The Global version of POCO F3 I think supports 6 of the 9 AT&T 4G Bands. But it's good that it's working for you nevertheless.
I think the POCO F3 is fully compatible with T-Mobile's network as well at least it is as per their online device compatibility tool, so that's another good option depending on the area.
Got some time to decide what I'm going to do, but it's good to know that the phone does work on US carriers.
Rankone21 said:
Thanks for confirming. How are you liking the phone so far?
I had an interesting conversation with AT&T yesterday on the whole topic. Their device compatibility system is really cracking on International Phones although as mentioned earlier, this isn't the case with a lot of MVNOs. The Global version of POCO F3 I think supports 6 of the 9 AT&T 4G Bands. But it's good that it's working for you nevertheless.
I think the POCO F3 is fully compatible with T-Mobile's network as well at least it is as per their online device compatibility tool, so that's another good option depending on the area.
Got some time to decide what I'm going to do, but it's good to know that the phone does work on US carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well so far so good, I didn't get it til 3pm today and I think I have Covid or the flu so I have been under the weather. But I ran bench scores and it's flagship level power. It charges faster than I was expecting, 5400mA on ampere when my S10 lite is 4500mA on a 45 watt charger so they make more use of less watts. I love it so far I doubt you'll notice a major difference between the Poco f3 and realme gt 5g. I love flashing custom roms and rooting my devices so if realme won't unlock the bootloader and release source codes to build on that makes the Poco f3 more for me.
I think if you buy a snapdragon 870 device if has the same bands as all snapdragon 870 devices and 888 has the same bands as all 888 because the modem is inside the CPU. I could be wrong I'm going to look into it but I think so.
It's a sweet phone the only difference from a flag ship is it's 1080p screen instead of 1440p and it doesn't have a mega good camera.
Techguy777 said:
Well so far so good, I didn't get it til 3pm today and I think I have Covid or the flu so I have been under the weather. But I ran bench scores and it's flagship level power. It charges faster than I was expecting, 5400mA on ampere when my S10 lite is 4500mA on a 45 watt charger so they make more use of less watts. I love it so far I doubt you'll notice a major difference between the Poco f3 and realme gt 5g. I love flashing custom roms and rooting my devices so if realme won't unlock the bootloader and release source codes to build on that makes the Poco f3 more for me.
I think if you buy a snapdragon 870 device if has the same bands as all snapdragon 870 devices and 888 has the same bands as all 888 because the modem is inside the CPU. I could be wrong I'm going to look into it but I think so.
It's a sweet phone the only difference from a flag ship is it's 1080p screen instead of 1440p and it doesn't have a mega good camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's some good info. Yeah can't be too picky with a budget phone, for a budget phone outside of the camera it has a lot of close to flagship features.
How are you finding call quality so far? That's one thing that wasn't that great with the xiaomi redmi note 5, but attaching a headset resolves the issue.
Hope you start feeling better while enjoying your new phone. Feel better.
Rankone21 said:
That's some good info. Yeah can't be too picky with a budget phone, for a budget phone outside of the camera it has a lot of close to flagship features.
How are you finding call quality so far? That's one thing that wasn't that great with the xiaomi redmi note 5, but attaching a headset resolves the issue.
Hope you start feeling better while enjoying your new phone. Feel better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will have to get back with you on call quality because I do use headphones now. I have the master and dynamics MW08 and there awesome for calls. It's to late tonight to call anyone I'll let you know tomorrow. I can't stand the wait to unlock the bootloader. It takes 168 hours after you start the unlock process so 7 days than I can root and install viper4android