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ChazzMatt said:
You mean like an Octopus box?
I mentioned it in this post:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76325684&postcount=42
Just remember that post was written back in April 2018, when we were still figuring out the Frankenstein method. But these "boxes" were allowing online sellers and online unlockers to convert V30 phones to OTHER variants seemingly willy nilly. We found LS998 V30+ which had been converted to Canadian H933 V30+. Canada H933 doesn't officially have a V30+! Just like there's no VS996 V30+! But you can make one.
Once we figured out the PC based Frankenstein system with dev patched LGUP, then we could do almost the same thing ourselves. Since then, I even bought two mint LS998 V30+ myself and converted them to US998 V30+.
But when I made that post I expressed severe reservations about buying LS998 in the first place -- since they were SIM card locked to Sprint. Like I said, we didn't know everything we know now, and I've changed my mind on the topic.
Whether one of these boxes could help you or not. My understanding is it basically does what dev patched LGUP does. Maybe it does it more automatically and there's less chance for error? I don't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, ChazzMatt, you started something... I just thought I'd share these details with you guys in hopes that it gets the ball rolling on something big.
But these "boxes" were allowing online sellers and online unlockers to convert V30 phones to OTHER variants seemingly willy nilly.
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Click to collapse
I remember these boxes... My first experience with them was back in the days when Nokia was a huge name in phones. I had a Bell locked Nokia RM-579, which was the NA market 2730. Used BB5 SL3 security. Made it almost impossible to remove the USIM lock too... But from playing around with some of the software, uncovering factory service manuals, and playing with Nokia Diego, I found out that (at least, the Nokia factory boxes) those boxes interface with the phone in ways i only dream of. For all of Nokia's phones, they make special jig's that connect with contacts found on the PCB, typically under the SIM/USIM tray. To use them, you also need the special power adapter tool as well since the battery typically needs to be removed. I would guess that these boxes converted a standard serial port or USB port from serial signaling, to something similar (I think) to TTL or Transisitor-Transistor logic. Those boxes would allow you to make that phone your... you know what. You could repair any issues that had anything to do with software... Somehow obliterated the firmware? Fixed! Accidently flashed the wrong baseband and bricked your modem? No Problem! Need to reprogram baseband parameters? Piece of cake!
With the ushering in of the non removable battery, I assumed they'd go by the wayside... But apparently not... How they interface with the phone, I can only imagine... For TTL to work, you only need three pins... Your Tx, Rx and Ground. You could have the phone wired so that pin 4 of your micro USB port is hooked up to the Rx on the serial port of the CPU, then use pin 3 as your Tx and 5 is already your ground... Just saying. With USB-C there are a multitude of pins to choose from, and you only need three. Apparently they're doing something like this with those boxes because of the Franken-phones that have been reported... Which makes me wonder how those boxes worked...
I personally assume that those boxes also rewrite the security keys that tell the phone the software is valid. And at least in my mind, so long as the V30 you're flashing has the same hardware as another in terms of baseband and radio frequency support, then theoretically speaking you can reflash any portion, such as the modem firmware and paramaters as well as the system partition, you could theoretically speaking make a Canadian V30+ variant, or any other variant out there.
Now, the other thought I had comes from my days with HTC.... Ingenious people really... My last phone prior to the V30 was an HTC 10. Quick rundown on how it worked... HTC allowed unlocking the bootloader on all their phones except Verizon ones (for the 10 at least). Using their unlock would allow you to flash unsigned images to the System, User, and Recovery partitions for a custom firmware... This however left S-On, or Security On. The Sunshine team figured out how to set S-Off. This allowed you to flash whatever to wherever and change whatever you wanted. This meant you could change your general North American variant to a European or Asian variant and then back again if you so desired. You would change the model ID, then run the HTC firmware recovery executible on your PC, or boot into download mode on your phone with the firmware on your SD card, and presto, your phone would become that model as though it was that from day one. No signal issues, no battery drain issues, perfect software operation. I can vouch for this, as I converted my 2PS6500 (the NA variant), to a 2PS6200 (the EU variant) which worked flawlessly. I then realized I made it a European model and converted back to a North American one but needless to say, there were no problems at all... I don't know why the HTC 10 can be converted between variants with no baseband issues at all... I personally would think that when flashing a North American phone with European firmware it would cause the baseband to crash and cease working at all. That's what it does with all other phones I've accidently done it to...
I hope this helps to spur some of the brilliant minds on this forum to figure out if this is possible with the LG V30, or to help figure out the deeper darker secrets of this phone.
For.anyone wanting to dig further, I'm not familiar with the octobox but this sounds like a JTAG interface.
Sent from my LG-US998 using Tapatalk
atirox said:
HTC allowed unlocking the bootloader on all their phones except Verizon ones (for the 10 at least). Using their unlock would allow you to flash unsigned images to the System, User, and Recovery partitions for a custom firmware... This however left S-On, or Security On. The Sunshine team figured out how to set S-Off. This allowed you to flash whatever to wherever and change whatever you wanted. This meant you could change your general North American variant to a European or Asian variant and then back again if you so desired. You would change the model ID, then run the HTC firmware recovery executable on your PC, or boot into download mode on your phone with the firmware on your SD card, and presto, your phone would become that model as though it was that from day one. No signal issues, no battery drain issues, perfect software operation. I can vouch for this, as I converted my 2PS6500 (the NA variant), to a 2PS6200 (the EU variant) which worked flawlessly. I then realized I made it a European model and converted back to a North American one but needless to say, there were no problems at all... I don't know why the HTC 10 can be converted between variants with no baseband issues at all... I personally would think that when flashing a North American phone with European firmware it would cause the baseband to crash and cease working at all. That's what it does with all other phones I've accidently done it to...
I hope this helps to spur some of the brilliant minds on this forum to figure out if this is possible with the LG V30, or to help figure out the deeper darker secrets of this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some manufacturers basically create one "global" phone with all bands activated, then lock down bands via firmware to create their "regional" or "carrier" models. This is their business model. If they created and sold a "global" model, then you would import the cheapest phone you could find from some developing country and Verizon/AT&T wouldn't make any money on hardware sales.
IF you Google: "unlock Qualcomm LTE bands", you will see a few years ago people figured this out, and started unlocking extra LTE bands which were present originally on their phone but firmware locked down to become a carrier model. You could turn your phone into a "global" phone. Caveat: Using this method, you could not activate bands out of thin air, they had to be there already, and the hardware (like antenna) had to support them. But similar to the the "hidden menu" stuff, you use this method to activate ALL the bands listed and they would work.
Most times you also needed root to do this. Also more recently this doesn't work much any more as OEMs have taken steps to thwart this freedom.
But in the same way, the North American V30/V30+ (except the T-mobile H932, due to different RSA encryption) seem to all be the same phone except for firmware. The carrier unlocked US998 is the closest to a "universal" North American V30 -- but it's missing some Sprint bands (found on the LS998), some minor AT&T bands (found on the H931), and the new T-mobile band 71 (while the H932 has that). I'm sure somewhere in an LG vault, there's a "super" US998 that has ALL those bands. Maybe even a "Master" V30 with every GSM/CDMA/HSPA/LTE band -- but LG won't sell that because it would make the carriers mad.
This is why they put different RSA encryption on different models.
ChazzMatt said:
Some manufacturers basically create one "global" phone with all bands activated, then lock down bands via firmware to create their "regional" or "carrier" models. This is their business model. If they created and sold a "global" model, then you would import the cheapest phone you could find from some developing country and Verizon/AT&T wouldn't make any money on hardware sales.
IF you Google: "unlock Qualcomm LTE bands", you will see a few years ago people figured this out, and started unlocking extra LTE bands which were present originally on their phone but firmware locked down to become a carrier model. You could turn your phone into a "global" phone. Caveat: Using this method, you could not activate bands out of thin air, they had to be there already, and the hardware (like antenna) had to support them. But similar to the the "hidden menu" stuff, you use this method to activate ALL the bands listed and they would work.
Most times you also needed root to do this. Also more recently this doesn't work much any more as OEMs have taken steps to thwart this freedom.
But in the same way, the North American V30/V30+ (except the T-mobile H932, due to different RSA encryption) seem to all be the same phone except for firmware. The carrier unlocked US998 is the closest to a "universal" North American V30 -- but it's missing some Sprint bands (found on the LS998), some minor AT&T bands (found on the H931), and the new T-mobile band 71 (while the H932 has that). I'm sure somewhere in an LG vault, there's a "super" US998 that has ALL those bands. Maybe even a "Master" V30 with every GSM/CDMA/HSPA/LTE band -- but LG won't sell that because it would make the carriers mad.
This is why they put different RSA encryption on different models.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyone is talking about the band , I did not understand if there is any benefit to add more band ,Is it an improvement to lte. and Does Korea model v300s need more lte band or this is unnecessary?
Please I just want to know. I am from Algeria and my networks are "Djezzy" and "Mobilis".
the signal is good and lte work great no problem.
seloka180 said:
I am from Algeria and my networks are "Djezzy" and "Mobilis".
the signal is good and lte work great no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you probably don't need any additional LTE bands.
Korea variants are hard to mess with. You risk losing the mobile signal, if you convert to another variant.
I ordered a LG GM710ULM from a well-reviewed seller on eBay. It was listed as new condition.
I received it yesterday and on the box, the model says LM710ULMBLTPL. I think the "PL" is for the Platinum. When I booted it up, the model number is the LM-710ULM, the serial number is populated, and the software version is the 11g and security patch is November 2018. When I tried to "Check for updates" , it said there were no updates available. There's no SIM card in it, so I'm not sure if that affects the ability to check updates. I don't see any signs of any carrier apps. All
When I looked up the IMEI on one of the free checkers, it comes back with the model as LMG710ULM, but the network is listed as "ABC Brightpoint" and Location is "N". As I've poked around, it looks like this is some sort of regional variant, but still from the U.S. But I can't find any cell provider named "Brightpoint".
When I checked the IMEI on T-Mobile's website, it gave me an error. But when I used the chat support feature, the rep was able to look it up and confirm it's not blacklisted and should be able to be activated on T-mobile. When I ran the IMEI through Verizon's online checker, it told me it wasn't compatible with Verizon's network. Which is a bit unsettling since the unlocked version should be able to be activated on any network.
Can anyone offer some insight on what the Brightpoint version is and how it may be different from the plain vanilla 710ULM ? Willl it be covered by the LG manufacturer warranty and get updates? Is there any way to be sure it's not refurb or flashed?
Thanks!
The fact that you have a populated serial number is a good sign. Brightpoint has released legitimate firmware for the ULM model, but I still no nothing about them as a company (might be worth a search of the forms... I think I remember someone talking about them as an LG partner). As seen here, I think the 11g update was the last update they released, but it should be possible to switch over to GFI or LG's vanilla USA firmware (this will likely require the use of LGUP), both of which are the same as far as I can tell, however there are different contact and dialer apps that get used depending on which network you are on, as well a Google Fi app that is either enabled or disabled by default.
Regardless of what the VZW website said, you should have access to all 4 major carriers in the US. I don't know if you have a specific provider in mind or a solution that uses multiple carriers such as Google Fi or Straight Talk, but you should be good to go (although I would recommend flashing to the latest "USA" kdz, which sadly is still not Pie!)
This is exactly what happened to me. What did you find out? What did you end up doing? I was expecting the ULM.AUSAPL model but got the ULM.BPTPL. Apparently Brightpoint is a CDMA company. Does this mean not all GSM bands will be accessible on this BPT firmware? Ya, seems their latest update is still from 12/2018 (11g) instead of USA firmware from 3/2019 (10j). Trying not to have to flash/root. Odd that Verizon said not compatible when it too is CDMA? Really having trouble finding the TRUE factory unlocked ULM.AUSA version. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Any info? Really would like to know what you found out. Did you keep the phone? Encounter any problems? ANY info would be greatly appreciated. DeeBG: maybe you can answer this: (BrightPoint is CDMA "provider" for all those tiny regional carriers) Since this "factory unlocked" ULM version is BPT does this mean that some or all of the GSM frequency bands are "disabled" for this model? And the USA version (GSM according to LG) has the CDMA bands "disabled"? And the GFI has all bands "enabled"? (for Fi auto switching) Is this how it works or what? Very confusing. Please help clarify this. Thanks.
I got one of the ULM versions off the bay too recently....it would not work on VZN...they denied activating it. I believe it does not have some bands needed. No pie for it either....so sent it back and got the VM version for vzn.
TRW1 said:
Any info? Really would like to know what you found out. Did you keep the phone? Encounter any problems? ANY info would be greatly appreciated. DeeBG: maybe you can answer this: (BrightPoint is CDMA "provider" for all those tiny regional carriers) Since this "factory unlocked" ULM version is BPT does this mean that some or all of the GSM frequency bands are "disabled" for this model? And the USA version (GSM according to LG) has the CDMA bands "disabled"? And the GFI has all bands "enabled"? (for Fi auto switching) Is this how it works or what? Very confusing. Please help clarify this. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly the confusion + lack of information is rampant for this phone, and this is down to one major reason. The chipset used in all LG G7 phones is the same (Qualcomm Snapdragon 845), however due to carrier subsidies and other sketchy reasons, the active bands are dictated by whoever sold the phone.
There are two providers in the US that I'm aware of that make use of all four major networks (those being Google Fi and Straight Talk). There are multiple free and ad-supported apps in the Google Play store that claim to be able to tell you which bands are supported by your phone (I only know of their existence and so cannot recommend one that's more accurate than another).
Thanks for responding! Boy..............."lack of information for this phone" is the understatement of the year! You aren't kidding! I've been trying to find out more for days but seem to get either very basic answers or different answers from different sources. So frustrating! Even LG is very vague in their answers. Just want to know if I will encounter any problems trying to use this on GSM networks when this is technically on CDMA firmware? And just cross-flashing this to the USA firmware will NOT "enable" all the GSM bands, right? RR125: A bunch of reflashed G7's have been being sold online, making my search for true answers even more frustrating. Did it come factory sealed? Meaning clear round stickers on both the sides? If not, then you may have received one of the models being reflashed to make it look like it is a ULM model. Which is bait and switch and illegal.
I'm in the same boat. I signed up for Google Fi and purchased my G710ULM from Amazon a couple months ago. I experienced issues immediately. WiFi calling didn't work; every time it was enabled I could see ER081 up top. After 1.5 months of terrible service, I downloaded Signal Spy and came to the realization that I was only ever connecting to T-Mobile. If I attempted to manually switch to the Sprint network, I'd get a message like "configuring mobile data". After about a couple minutes, my SIM card would lock and it told me to reboot my phone. If I attempted to switch to U.S. Cellular's network, I would get phone and data, but my phone number changed to a Nebraska number (note, I live in Missouri).
At about that time, I started researching the different firmware versions (with great difficulty) and found that I had a Brightpoint-specific firmware (11g). I've since used LGUP to flash to firmware 10j (Google Fi's latest G710ULM firmware). This has improved but not fixed my situation. I can now make WiFi calls, I can connect to T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular and keep my phone number on U.S. Cellular. However, when I attempt to connect to Sprint, I still get that "configuring mobile data" message and the SIM card locks. I ordered a new SIM card from Google Fi a couple days back and intend to test this phone with the updated card, but I've got a feeling that something else is at play here preventing me from connecting to Sprint.
Similar to other people, I did an IMEI lookup and while it comes up on the free IMEI checker sites, most of the main networks' checkers (ATT, TMobile, Verizon, Sprint) tell me that the phone is either incompatible with their network or they can't find it in their DB.
Potential SIM card issues aside, does anyone have any other ideas why I may not be able to connect to Sprint?
-Nick
It could always be a hardware issue but it sounds like the phone is not getting provisioned to work on Sprint. Can you verify SprintDM.apk is installed? You will likely need to install a third party app such as system app safe remover from Play store.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/h...ribute-LG-Wireless-Devices-Accessories-United
Brightpoint sells both cdma & gsm LG phones and are distributors nowadays who sell to other carriers.
The bands on the phone are locked and not capable of being used unless you unlock them via qpst or cdma workshop.
But these firmwares provided have them directly locked in the kernel.
loonycgb2 said:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/h...ribute-LG-Wireless-Devices-Accessories-United
Brightpoint sells both cdma & gsm LG phones and are distributors nowadays who sell to other carriers.
The bands on the phone are locked and not capable of being used unless you unlock them via qpst or cdma workshop.
But these firmwares provided have them directly locked in the kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if a Brightpoint ULM model was flashed with GFI ULM kdz why should it be GSM only unless they are different hardware version like TM? ULM hardware devices should support CDMA LTE bands.
mr3p said:
So if a Brightpoint ULM model was flashed with GFI ULM kdz why should it be GSM only unless they are different hardware version TM? ULM hardware devices should support CDMA LTE bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Snapdragon 845 no matter what phone will come with the same qualcomm modem as no manufacturer/carrier will take the extra cost to modify design.
But since the bands are locked via nvram, its upto the manufacturer and/or the distributer that loads the software to choose what will be locked or unlocked.
Bands can be locked via android kernel, but operators do nvram to protect phones from being used out of what they need or want.
I'm curious as to what doesn't work when you purchase an unlocked version vs Tmobile branded? Im told you may have issues with wifi calling/rcs/video calling/and visual voice mail....
2. How easy would it be once you get the unlocked version to flash the carrier software to make everything work and then flash back to original if needed to be for resale or warranty
The reason im asking is that samsung is giving a bigger refund on the unlocked version...
antawnm26 said:
I'm curious as to what doesn't work when you purchase an unlocked version vs Tmobile branded? Im told you may have issues with wifi calling/rcs/video calling/and visual voice mail....
2. How easy would it be once you get the unlocked version to flash the carrier software to make everything work and then flash back to original if needed to be for resale or warranty
The reason im asking is that samsung is giving a bigger refund on the unlocked version...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you live in the US I think the unlocked version is just a SIM unlock. I think it is still the snapdragon version. Which means it will not be bootloader unlocked. I think you have to get the exynos version from an online retailer.
antawnm26 said:
I'm curious as to what doesn't work when you purchase an unlocked version vs Tmobile branded? Im told you may have issues with wifi calling/rcs/video calling/and visual voice mail....
2. How easy would it be once you get the unlocked version to flash the carrier software to make everything work and then flash back to original if needed to be for resale or warranty
The reason im asking is that samsung is giving a bigger refund on the unlocked version...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note 9 was able to do this and I did it. I don't see a reason why you shouldn't be able o do it in Note 10+ once carrier firmware become available to be downloaded.
I pre-ordered the unlocked version myself and I have AT&T so it should be as easy as waiting for the carrier firmwares to become available on SamMobile and flashing with Odin. My interest is now with DeX supported with microsoft if Odin is even neccessary to flash firmwares anymore?
from what i can see on sprint i think they are using the qualcomm chip, i could be wrong, its labeled as SDM 855 Octa-Core SDR8150 and when searching that in google qualcomm documentation on the 855 pops up
Very curious about this myself. I preordered the unlocked version because that gave me more value for my trade in. I'm curious if I get the unlocked version and flash TMobile carrier software. Will I then get tmobile updates ota?
It's been the same for years now, hardware wise phones are the same, you'll need princey odin to flash unlocked/carrier firmwares. I buy unlocked and flash the carrier unlocked firmware. No bloat but it has the carrier specific radio. I prefer the native caller Id, no bloat, and the RTT over the carrier bloat and video calling. Google duo is better anyway
black96ss said:
It's been the same for years now, hardware wise phones are the same, you'll need princey odin to flash unlocked/carrier firmwares. I buy unlocked and flash the carrier unlocked firmware. No bloat but it has the carrier specific radio. I prefer the native caller Id, no bloat, and the RTT over the carrier bloat and video calling. Google duo is better anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you TMO or ATT? I have accounts with both.
I know WiFi Calling, which is what I really need as far as carrier goes, is usually more difficult with ATT.
If you are TMO can you get WFC to work without flashing carrier?
How long do you usually have to wait for the carrier firmware to come out?
jcrompton said:
Are you TMO or ATT? I have accounts with both.
I know WiFi Calling, which is what I really need as far as carrier goes, is usually more difficult with ATT.
If you are TMO can you get WFC to work without flashing carrier?
How long do you usually have to wait for the carrier firmware to come out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wifi calling has no issues on unlocked firmware with tmo. At&t I'm not sure but if you flash the att csc and and cp files, I do believe that's all it takes. I believe you need to flash the at&T AP file.
My Note 9 is unlocked. Using on T-MOBILE with no issues with WiFi calling. I am not able to use the stock visual voicemail though which I would prefer. With T-MOBILE I'm forced to use their visual voicemail which really sucks. Does anyone else know if they're is a way to use the stock visual voicemail on T-Mobile?
MrAwesome75 said:
My Note 9 is unlocked. Using on T-MOBILE with no issues with WiFi calling. I am not able to use the stock visual voicemail though which I would prefer. With T-MOBILE I'm forced to use their visual voicemail which really sucks. Does anyone else know if they're is a way to use the stock visual voicemail on T-Mobile?
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I saw posts that allow you to do that if you flash carrier firmware
I just use Google Voice and forward unanswered calls to there
jcrompton said:
I saw posts that allow you to do that if you flash carrier firmware
I just use Google Voice and forward unanswered calls to there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I inserted my SIM it appeared to automatically install the T-Mo firmware, but that's the problem.; it forces me to use the T-Mo VM (which absolutely sucks) and not able to use the Samsung VM which is pretty nice. I had previously used the Note 9 on Verizon with my work SIM and I was able to use the stock VM. When I switched to T-Mo it forced me to use the T-Mo VM. I can't see a way to get back to the stock VM unless I'm missing something...
MrAwesome75 said:
When I inserted my SIM it appeared to automatically install the T-Mo firmware, but that's the problem.; it forces me to use the T-Mo VM (which absolutely sucks) and not able to use the Samsung VM which is pretty nice. I had previously used the Note 9 on Verizon with my work SIM and I was able to use the stock VM. When I switched to T-Mo it forced me to use the T-Mo VM. I can't see a way to get back to the stock VM unless I'm missing something...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I go into the phone app call or SIM settings and find the call forwarding settings:
Then I do they conditional forwarding to my Google Voice number (I then, after setting up Google Voice, turn on Do Not Disturb for Google Voice, so I don't get there phone ringing twice)
Then GV serves as my VM
freebee269 said:
If you live in the US I think the unlocked version is just a SIM unlock. I think it is still the snapdragon version. Which means it will not be bootloader unlocked. I think you have to get the exynos version from an online retailer.
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Click to collapse
^^ What he said. Do not make the mistakes I, and many others made in the past - do NOT buy a US version from T-Mo, or from Samsung USA website, unlocked or otherwise. All USA versions are snapdragon based, and will have permanently locked bootloader - no rom flashing of any kind, no custom recoveries or improved radios. What you need is SM-N975F/DS Exynos version (unless you use CDMA carrier like Verizon or Sprint). It will have the same bands supported as Snapdragon one, with the exception of band 71, which you dont really need. T-Mo's B12 serves the same function as B71 (extended range LTE), and T-Mo made the tech available only in limited number of cities anyway. In all likelihood, by the time they roll it out in your city - you're gonna be thinking about buying Note 12 or 13.
Don't worry about software features like voice calling or any other - with all the custom roms and development available for Exynos version you'll be able to find yourself a rom that has any features you like and then some.
Apo11on said:
^^ What he said. Do not make the mistakes I, and many others made in the past - do NOT buy a US version from T-Mo, or from Samsung USA website, unlocked or otherwise. All USA versions are snapdragon based, and will have permanently locked bootloader - no rom flashing of any kind, no custom recoveries or improved radios. What you need is SM-N975F/DS Exynos version (unless you use CDMA carrier like Verizon or Sprint). It will have the same bands supported as Snapdragon one, with the exception of band 71, which you dont really need. T-Mo's B12 serves the same function as B71 (extended range LTE), and T-Mo made the tech available only in limited number of cities anyway. In all likelihood, by the time they roll it out in your city - you're gonna be thinking about buying Note 12 or 13.
Don't worry about software features like voice calling or any other - with all the custom roms and development available for Exynos version you'll be able to find yourself a rom that has any features you like and then some.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is great advice ..... IF ..... you are looking to root and/ or do custom ROMs. But having done every release S9+/Note9/S10+ with Exynos it's NOT always that easy to get the CSC stuff right and working (and the development is often done by people who could care less about NA CSC because they don't live there).
Root / Unlocked bootloader = the Exynos device, like you said.
So what appears to be the answer (for the thread, assuming no root) after looking at all the answers in this and a couple of other threads is that the Unlocked US Samsung device is the same (or can, in worst case scenario, by Odin flashing carrier firmware, be made to do) device functionally as the carrier devices --- calling features, etc.
For me, the difference was going to be $300 bigger discount.
Apo11on said:
^^ What he said. Do not make the mistakes I, and many others made in the past - do NOT buy a US version from T-Mo, or from Samsung USA website, unlocked or otherwise. All USA versions are snapdragon based, and will have permanently locked bootloader - no rom flashing of any kind, no custom recoveries or improved radios. What you need is SM-N975F/DS Exynos version (unless you use CDMA carrier like Verizon or Sprint). It will have the same bands supported as Snapdragon one, with the exception of band 71, which you dont really need. T-Mo's B12 serves the same function as B71 (extended range LTE), and T-Mo made the tech available only in limited number of cities anyway. In all likelihood, by the time they roll it out in your city - you're gonna be thinking about buying Note 12 or 13.
Don't worry about software features like voice calling or any other - with all the custom roms and development available for Exynos version you'll be able to find yourself a rom that has any features you like and then some.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's only true if you want to unlock the bootloader and root. The OP was merely asking about flashing carrier firmware on the US Unlocked version, which does not require root or an unlocked bootloader.
jcrompton said:
This is great advice ..... IF ..... you are looking to root and/ or do custom ROMs. But having done every release S9+/Note9/S10+ with Exynos it's NOT always that easy to get the CSC stuff right and working (and the development is often done by people who could care less about NA CSC because they don't live there).
Root / Unlocked bootloader = the Exynos device, like you said.
So what appears to be the answer (for the thread, assuming no root) after looking at all the answers in this and a couple of other threads is that the Unlocked US Samsung device is the same (or can, in worst case scenario, by Odin flashing carrier firmware, be made to do) device functionally as the carrier devices --- calling features, etc.
For me, the difference was going to be $300 bigger discount.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the bigger trade in value was a deciding factor as well for me...Well we weill see how it goes on the 23rd
I want to be able to root and flash TWRP on my Note 10+, but when i did this on my Note 8 i bought the N950N which was the korean exynos version and CRC support for t-mobile sucked ass, i want to make sure
A) what model do i buy for
- Rooting and stuff
- and best t-mobile network compatibility without going through all the dumb stuff
antawnm26 said:
the bigger trade in value was a deciding factor as well for me...Well we weill see how it goes on the 23rd
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Same here. When Samsung stopped hobbling the OS, and added more features I didn't need root anymore. The extra $300 was my deciding factor. I have the unlocked Note 9. The only thing I have noticed aside from slower updates is that the camera sound can't be turned off independent of the global phone sound. Everything else works fine and I haven't noticed anything useful missing.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
That's only true if you want to unlock the bootloader and root. The OP was merely asking about flashing carrier firmware on the US Unlocked version, which does not require root or an unlocked bootloader.
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I was actually giving advice to all folk, considering purchasing, not just the OP....Also, just curious - how do you Samsung's locked bootloader on the unlocked Note (I hope you know 'unlocked' means SIM unlocked only) will accept firmware, signed by T-Mobile? It's not a given Samsung original bootloader, untainted by carrier branded modifications, accepts carrier signed ROMs. You may need to be using T-Mobile version of the bootloader, for it to accept T-Mobile signed images.
I *will* root it (lots of experience with other manufacturers devices), and flash whatever (firmware, etc.) in order to get it to work on an MVNO (currently using USMobile for old phone).
* Would like it to work on a Verizon-capable MVNO.
* T-Mobile is a distant second choice, but still acceptable in my location.
I see that these are available, but with flashing I know that many limitations can be avoided (of course the hardware/radio/frequency bands dictate).
A nice comparison (brief below) from gsmarena.com with the EM, ULM, and VLM variants selected https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.ph...ne2=9115&idPhone3=9115#g710em,g710ulm,g710vmp
G710EM - Global market
G710EMW - China, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong
G710EAW - Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore
G710ULM - USA, unlocked model
G710VMP - Verizon
G710PM - Sprint
G710AWM - Canada
The ULM and the VMP variants show no differences in frequency bands, and the EM one shows more frequency bands.
I've spent a *lot* of time trying to figure this out (hours and hours, maybe I'm too thick? or can't see the forest for the trees), but am still confused.
Any help is much appreciated.
TiTiB said:
I *will* root it (lots of experience with other manufacturers devices), and flash whatever (firmware, etc.) in order to get it to work on an MVNO (currently using USMobile for old phone).
* Would like it to work on a Verizon-capable MVNO.
* T-Mobile is a distant second choice, but still acceptable in my location.
I see that these are available, but with flashing I know that many limitations can be avoided (of course the hardware/radio/frequency bands dictate).
A nice comparison (brief below) from gsmarena.com with the EM, ULM, and VLM variants selected https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.ph...ne2=9115&idPhone3=9115#g710em,g710ulm,g710vmp
G710EM - Global market
G710EMW - China, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong
G710EAW - Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore
G710ULM - USA, unlocked model
G710VMP - Verizon
G710PM - Sprint
G710AWM - Canada
The ULM and the VMP variants show no differences in frequency bands, and the EM one shows more frequency bands.
I've spent a *lot* of time trying to figure this out (hours and hours, maybe I'm too thick? or can't see the forest for the trees), but am still confused.
Any help is much appreciated.
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If you want to root your phone, then you should steer clear of the T-Mobile variant. Till this day they still haven't unlocked the phones bootloader. You can buy any variant you want, just not the T-Mobile version.
billclintonwong said:
If you want to root your phone, then you should steer clear of the T-Mobile variant. Till this day they still haven't unlocked the phones bootloader. You can buy any variant you want, just not the T-Mobile version.
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Great info, thanks! For clarity, do you mean the ULM model? iirc it's the one with the T-Mobile bands; not sure of the ones for the Asian markets, but I'm pretty sure they don't have compatible radios for the U.S.
I'm actually going with the Samsung A70; mostly for screen size, partly because of my familiarity with Samsung devices—both good and bad. Unfortunately, it seems I'm passing on a great phone in the G7 ThinQ, but will be back if the A70 thing doesn't work out.
Thanks again
billclintonwong said:
If you want to root your phone, then you should steer clear of the T-Mobile variant. Till this day they still haven't unlocked the phones bootloader. You can buy any variant you want, just not the T-Mobile version.
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Click to collapse
How do you unlock the Canadian one? I see no info on that one anywhere. All guides refer to the European one.
Noboty said:
How do you unlock the Canadian one? I see no info on that one anywhere. All guides refer to the European one.
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You can't, LG only allows limited number of specific models to be bootloader unlocked, see list here:
https://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev?categoryId=CTULRS0703
Hi,
im on the same boat as to which version to buy and whats suitable for the UK carriers.
What is the difference between the ULM/TM versions as it seems these are the only ones on fleabay that i have an option to buy! Do we stay away from the both versions or can we buy the ULM?
cheers
LG G7 ThinQ G710ULM or LG G7 ThinQ Verizon G710VMP or LG G7 ThinQ G710PM...the latter being the cheapest out of the 3 options.
Which one is best to buy for Virgin UK carrier?
Also, which phone would you choose between the LG G7 and the LG v30+???
Cheers
Anyone?
no one?
do i need to create my own thread?
Nenhuma.
billclintonwong said:
If you want to root your phone, then you should steer clear of the T-Mobile variant. Till this day they still haven't unlocked the phones bootloader. You can buy any variant you want, just not the T-Mobile version.
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Click to collapse
That stinks, I'm on T-mobile and want VoLTE and VoWifi as options, and as I understand it these will only work on LGs with carrier branded firmware that supports it. I've heard some variants can be flashed to others. Can, say, a VZ or AT&T variant be flashed with T-mobile's firmware and work properly?
Dishe said:
That stinks, I'm on T-mobile and want VoLTE and VoWifi as options, and as I understand it these will only work on LGs with carrier branded firmware that supports it. I've heard some variants can be flashed to others. Can, say, a VZ or AT&T variant be flashed with T-mobile's firmware and work properly?
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Click to collapse
No not with t mobile firmware you would never want to do that. There is almost 100% some way to do it with root
antintin said:
No not with t mobile firmware you would never want to do that. There is almost 100% some way to do it with root
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Click to collapse
What do you mean? Make volte and vowifi work with a different carrier firmware using root? I'm under the impression that's not possible, or at least it hasn't been with other phones.
Hello, I have been with Verizon the last few years and I'm in the market for a new phone. I see on SlickDeals that there is a deal for the Verizon Samsung S10/S10+, but after reading through some of the posts, it seems you can't root the Verizon S10/S10+.
Since I don't need the latest and greatest phone from Verizon, are there any 'older', new in-store models that can be rooted so that I can install a custom ROM, etc?
Thanks in advance!
Your best bet is to get another phone that's not Verizon branded and just activate it on Verizon. You'd be going back a few years to get a Verizon phone that's rootable.
Thank you for this information... a couple of things getting another phone that is not Verizon branded:
- Previously, one would need to make sure they get a 'CDMA' (vs GSM) phone, but is there any technology, etc I need to look for when trying to find a non-Verizon phone?
- I assume if I get a 'non' branded Verizon phone, that some of the Verizon specific features may not work, e.g. WiFi calling, etc?
gil_happy said:
Thank you for this information... a couple of things getting another phone that is not Verizon branded:
- Previously, one would need to make sure they get a 'CDMA' (vs GSM) phone, but is there any technology, etc I need to look for when trying to find a non-Verizon phone?
- I assume if I get a 'non' branded Verizon phone, that some of the Verizon specific features may not work, e.g. WiFi calling, etc?
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Click to collapse
I can only answer the 2nd part of your question. Once you activate it on a Vzw sim you can flash Vzw firmware and get all the same features
Cyclone Emperor said:
I can only answer the 2nd part of your question. Once you activate it on a Vzw sim you can flash Vzw firmware and get all the same features
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Thanks for this... that makes sense. The only other things is regarding the Verizon frequency bands - I'm guessing some phones may not have or support all of the Verizon frequency bands.
gil_happy said:
Thanks for this... that makes sense. The only other things is regarding the Verizon frequency bands - I'm guessing some phones may not have or support all of the Verizon frequency bands.
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I have the international unlocked model of the s10+ U1 version on Verizon and yes maybe one or two LTE bands aren't supported but i get 82Mbps down and 12Mbps up depending on location