Hello,
given that:
(i) where I live the LTE version has similar or significantly lower prices than that Wi-Fi version, since it goes more often on sale
(ii) I do not plan to use LTE at all, I would be fine with a Wi-Fi only tablet;
(iii) I am not interested in replacing the stock ROM during the first one or two years of use;
(iv) I am a bit worried about the inferior custom ROM compatibility and support for the LTE version;
would it be justified to spend more for the Wi-Fi version only to gain a better custom ROM compatibility in the future?
Also I do not understand if T800 ROMs will work on the T805 apart from the LTE functionality.
I am quite undecided so I hope to get some advice.
Thank you in advance
Most custom t800 roms work just fine on the t805.
There are plenty of t805 roms available anyway.
I don't really understand what people want when they say custom rom or what they are actually expecting.
The stock rom can be modified and tweaked to suit most.
Custom roms are really not that necessary, I usually have more problems with them than anything else. Your main focus should be xposed compatibility and unlocked bootloaders. For example, if you're going to get a LTE version you need to make sure you get it from a known carrier that does not lock bootloader (such as t-mobile). Since you have no plans to use the LTE, make the smart decision of buying one that isn't locked.
Also, the LTE version uses Qualcomm processors, which means in theory it would have the best compatibility in applications because a significant chunk of Android uses Qualcomm in other brands.
Personally I went with the wifi only, because it was cheaper and it was only slightly slower than the LTE version.
Most LTE devices are Exynos not Snapdragon, in fact I'm not sure any of the 8.4 LTE models use Snapdragon.
Only the Sprint LTE model uses Snapdragon and that doesn't have a locked bootloader.
Related
I'm in the US and most of the US tablets have the cellphone functions disabled. I'm on AT&T Currently with a Huawei Mediapad X1 (LTE doesn't work, but HSPA+ seems decent enough)
It seems that if I get an international version the phone stuff is enabled, but then LTE probably won't work in the US?
Just looking for some direction as I'm only planning on buying the Tab S 8.4 if I can use it as my phone as well, I have no need to carry 2 devices.
I'm also finding it hard to tell which versions have the Snapdragon CPU. From what I can tell the CPU performance between Exynos and Snapdragon seems about the same, but the GPU performance of the Snapdragon seems much better. I do play a fair amount of games.
Thanks!
I am not great on the version numbers but T705 is the standard exynos 4G version.
I would say go for one where you can get a firmware for the UK or somewhere else.
My T805 (10.5" exynos 4G) has all the phone functions.
lynxblaine said:
I am not great on the version numbers but T705 is the standard exynos 4G version.
I would say go for one where you can get a firmware for the UK or somewhere else.
My T805 (10.5" exynos 4G) has all the phone functions.
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Click to collapse
Is your T805 a US model?
So if I pickup a US LTE version can I just root it and add back the dialer app to make it work as a phone? Or do they lock out the phone functions some other way in the US?
Mine is a UK T805, but if it is actually that model, so a T705. It will be Exynos 4G. You got a few websites you are looking on that I can look at the models for you?
lynxblaine said:
Mine is a UK T805, but if it is actually that model, so a T705. It will be Exynos 4G. You got a few websites you are looking on that I can look at the models for you?
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Click to collapse
If I get an international one from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LVUUM6A/ref=gno_cart_title_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1QPS08K9FKKNF
That should work fine as a phone and the LTE ones should be snapdragon 800 equipped.
The issue is these international ones won't work with LTE bands in the US
So that's why i'm wondering if I get a US one (LTE bands will work in the US of course) can I somehow get the software on it to be able to use as a phone (As the US disables phone capability somehow)
My current phone is a Chinese LTE phone, the LTE does not work in the US, but I do get HSPA+ which is decent enough, It would just be nice to have US LTE and Phone working...
What network are you using, can check what Bands they are using?
lynxblaine said:
What network are you using, can check what Bands they are using?
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I'm on AT&T, I already know the international LTE phones won't work on the AT&T LTE Bands. I'll just have to live with HSPA+
So you would be getting a T707A if you got the AT&T specific one. or a T705 for the international.
There are no T707A custom ROMs, only for rooting. I guess it will not have phone software Regardless of the version of software on samfirmware.
T705 will do 3G nicely, where I live I get HSPA+ and its quick - only get 4G in town.
lynxblaine said:
So you would be getting a T707A if you got the AT&T specific one. or a T705 for the international.
There are no T707A custom ROMs, only for rooting. I guess it will not have phone software Regardless of the version of software on samfirmware.
T705 will do 3G nicely, where I live I get HSPA+ and its quick - only get 4G in town.
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Click to collapse
Pretty much what I figured, I will just get the T705 international one and just live with HSPA+
From what I can tell all the T705 are snapdragon 800's, That Amazon link doesn't say what CPU it has. I'm pretty sure i'd rather have the snapdragon over the Exynos as the GPU appears to be way faster.
I think you will find the T705 is an exynos. Dont be fooled as with the intel modem they put exynos in their 4G versions.
lynxblaine said:
I think you will find the T705 is an exynos. Dont be fooled as with the intel modem they put exynos in their 4G versions.
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Hmmm, Exynos CPU seems fast enough, its the GPU I keep hearing is severely lacking with such a high resolution.....
I haven't had issues myself - I have found it fast. Especially if you disable any crap that comes with it you don't need.
lynxblaine said:
I haven't had issues myself - I have found it fast. Especially if you disable any crap that comes with it you don't need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, good to hear. It will get rooted pretty quickly and I will remove as much junk as I can...
Hi XDA Friends,
First post in a very long time.
Just ordered a used SM-T807R4 from ebay, this is the US Cellular branded Galaxy Tab S 10.5. Got a killer price and did not want pass up.
I have absolutely no intention to ever use cellular data and will never use the cellular radio on in this tablet. Wi-fi is all I need and want.
Anyhow as this is a US device that has cellular capabilities and thus I am 99.9% sure this has the Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU. Can't confirm this right now with CPU-Z but will do that one I get this thing.
I wanted to ask if anyone has thoughts on if this may work with the Nougat 7.0 ROM posted by Schischu based on the fact I don't need cellular.
I had intended to root per:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/help/root-method-t807r4-10-5-t3326827
Then I'd use the T-805 ROM build (aosp-7.0.0-latest-chagalllte.zip)
Again I don't need or care about cellular (just want wifi), and yes my device almost surely has Snapdragon CPU (and not Samsung Exynos).
It is not clear to me if the Nougat or MM ROMs from Schischu are only designed for Exynos based tablets or not.
Yeah I have the same model and it has a snapdragon processor. I am 99.9% sure nougat work because I asked Schischu he said it won't work on snapdragon processer tablet which is really depressing so I haven't installed 7.0. I am waiting for offical marshmallow to come to the tablet but us cellular is really slow. Also did you get the tablet for 169.99 usd.I got mine but had to 40 in fees since I'm in Canada.
dksohum7 said:
Yeah I have the same model and it has a snapdragon processor. I am 99.9% sure nougat work because I asked Schischu he said it won't work on snapdragon processer tablet which is really depressing so I haven't installed 7.0. I am waiting for offical marshmallow to come to the tablet but us cellular is really slow. Also did you get the tablet for 169.99 usd.I got mine but had to 40 in fees since I'm in Canada.
Click to expand...
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So basically it's clear that the only way to get ROM updates for Snapdragon based tablets is via the US carriers? That is quite disappointing. All recent Samsung Tab S ROMs (MM/Nougat) on XDA are only for Exynos chipsets?
Yea I got the Tab s for that price, and about $10 shipping to CA where I live.
Based on what I read about US Cellular they are in last place with updates, I would not hold my breath for even Marshmallow. I should have paid a bit extra and gotten a Samsung Exynos based unit. Oh well...
Since all the other US carriers (T-Mobile/ATT/Verizon) have released MM (and they too carry Snapdragon units) I would imagine that someone will port this over for US Cellular, but appears to me that XDA is heavily focused on global community where Exynos is the sole chipset.
Has anyone here successfully loaded MM on a US Cellular SM-T807R4 (Snapdragon based) unit????
AOSP is CPU Agnostic, that is to say it does not matter which processor is used.
steamrollerpark said:
AOSP is CPU Agnostic, that is to say it does not matter which processor is used.
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Click to collapse
Thanks steamrollerpark, so then we are making some progress here.
Let's move on to next requirement:
Both of Schischu's MM and Nougat ROMs state that TWRP of 2.8.6.2 or higher is required.
Are the TWRP's also specific to Exynos/Snapdragon?
I can see that Ashyx made v2.8.5.0 specifically for Snapdragon:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...rp-twrp-2-8-5-0-recovery-snapdragon-t3055758/
So build number of this TWRP is too low for Schischu's ROMs.
I was hoping to use: TWRP-3.0.2-1-T805/T807 listed on this page:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...p-2-8-6-1-unofficial-sm-t800-805-807-t3074633
My device in a T807, but it's specifically a T807R4 that is Snapdragon. I know a few T807x devices that are Exynos I don't know if I can use any T807x based TWRP on my T807R4.
Even the website TWRP.me has: https://twrp.me/devices/samsunggalaxytabs105lte.html
"TWRP for Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 LTE"
But I can't tell if that can be used for Snapdragon based devices.
Update: Gave up on this.
Returned the SM-T807R4 and got a SM-T800 (Wifi-only). Looking forward to Nougat!
I'm leaning towards a new phone after one of my beloved S6 edge logic board went bad all of a sudden. I have a backup S6 edge but I'm concerned this one will one day give out too. This is not a root debate I want to keep root for various reasons.
Question is for those who are using an unlocked and rooted international version 960F on ATT, what features are not working, lack radio bands (i believe 30 and maybe more depending on source) missing is affecting your daily usage. Wifi Calling/Video calling. etc
Bands S9 missing more than S8 according to site below but other sites contradict
https://www.frequencycheck.com/carr...axy-s9-td-lte-samsung-star/at-t-united-states
https://www.clove.co.uk/samsung-galaxy-s9
http://www.samsung.com/uk/smartphones/galaxy-s9/specs/
Looking for user feedback and experience.
Thanks
If for some reason the S9 Exynos doesn't have the correct radio bands like all the previous one have you could look into the Latin American Variant with unlock-able bootloader.
I have not, I looked at Clove b/c it seems like a reliable source to purchase and they are aware of Region lock.
That said based on the specs only Band 30 is missing which is not a deal breaker i checked a few different sites and Band 30 is not even in my area.
I would still like feedback on other issues with using Exynos out here in the USA on ATT network.
bump
Hey, I *almost* pressed 'buy it now' to pick up an exynos S9+ to use here in the US on Verizon. Then something caught my eye about another listing saying "GSM Only". SO.... I surfed around a bit and found out the obvious: Int'l versions are GSM only, and Verizon's current voice network is CDMA. HOWEVER....I think I've also learned that VZ is phasing out CDMA in favor of using LTE for voice. In fact, they are hoping to have CDMA totally gone by 2019. In another thread on the S8., someone speculates they would have no qualms using a Int'l S8 on verizon since '98%' of their voice network is now LTE.
To complicate matters, this is a work-paid phone plan, so I can't install any custom ROMs- has to be stock.
So- is this doable or should I give up hope? (The reason I'm hot on getting the Exynos model is to use the dual-band GPS when the feature is unlocked, presumably in a future firmware release).
Thanks!
I don't know the time frame but they are certainly moving to GSM. I suspect that a large part is now GSM since they initially started in Canada and Mexico some time ago.
[email protected] said:
HOWEVER....I think I've also learned that VZ is phasing out CDMA in favor of using LTE for voice. In fact, they are hoping to have CDMA totally gone by 2019. In another thread on the S8., someone speculates they would have no qualms using a Int'l S8 on verizon since '98%' of their voice network is now LTE.
To complicate matters, this is a work-paid phone plan, so I can't install any custom ROMs- has to be stock.
So- is this doable or should I give up hope? (The reason I'm hot on getting the Exynos model is to use the dual-band GPS when the feature is unlocked, presumably in a future firmware release).
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The exynos s9 may work on verizon LTE data, but not on calls. Currently Verizon has CDMA which doesn't work on the exynos s9. If Verizon switches to only LTE then the exynos s9 will most likely have to support Verizon's VoLTE, and VoLTE on the exynos s9 doesn't officially work on stock software with any US Carrier without hacks that would make the phone non-stock. So far the only working modded CSC is on T-Mobile and there is development on an ATT CSC. The snapdragon s9 has significantly better battery life and better performance than the exynos s9. The Dual-band GPS is something that Samsung might not enable. If you aren't going to use custom roms or unlock the bootloader because the snapdragon s9 doesn't have an unlockable bootloader, but the exynos s9 does then the snapdragon will probably work better in the US.
Thanks guys. Looks like I'll be stuck for now in my quest for <10cm GPS
Just got the G960U here in USA and its great.
But that fact that its my first bootloader locked Samsung is bugging me and im pretty sure i'll return it.
I use UltraMobile mvno -T-mobile sim with Wifi calling enabled.
Both the bootloaders on these models are unlocked correct? They are both Exynos? If there another model that has unlocked bootloader?
Is one more desirable than the other?
Any major drawbacks/differences with these models if i were to use in USA?
for example, do devs create more custom roms for one or the other?
Or would one model be more likely to be able to get wifi calling better like if i flashed the right CSC?
Thanks
Hey I'm thinking about buying a G960FD as well for use in the US. I have G930FD's and G950FD's currently. The F models don't have LTE bands 30 (AT&T) or 71 (T-Mobile) - frequencycheck.com is a great site to look up phone/carrier compatibility. The lack of these frequencies in the radio is not a deal breaker because these are just for extra capacity at this point, though band 71 with T-Mobile offers additional outdoor range being low frequency. You will need to root to in order to get VoLTE in the US, and this will be necessary for T-Mobile since T-Mobile only has 4G coverage and some crappy 2G coverage outside of large cities. So without 3G coverage calls WILL fail outside of large cities if you don't root to enable VoLTE since the phone will not be able to place a call on 4G LTE bands without VoLTE. AT&T doesn't typically allow non AT&T unlocked phone IMEI's to use VoLTE, and AT&T will be shutting down 3g in a few years. At that point, their IMEI whitelisting may go away and they'll start allowing an phone to use VoLTE, otherwise they'll start losing customers. If they don't change their attitude though, your phone will also not work on AT&T in a couple years (they don't have 2G enabled anywhere anymore). Verizon is also shutting down their 3G network in a couple of years.
I actually came searching XDA to see if anyone had a SM-G960F or SM-G965F working with VoLTE (and specifically dual VoLTE on the FD since it's supported) on any US carriers. I haven't come across anyone yet. On the Exynos S7 and S8, if you don't need WiFI calling, it's actually pretty easy to get VoLTE working without having to install an bunch of crap. There's just 4 files you need to edit or overwrite in /system/csc and one additional VoLTE settings file you have to place there as well. I'm thinking it would be the same with the Exynos S9. I just need someone with an S9 to confirm. Since you need WiFi calling, it's going to be a bit more work. You can look at the CSC selection tool easily found by searching here on XDA for the Exynos S7/S8 to see what you'll need to get WiFi calling to work (it's not that bad to go through the code and files in the zip installer). You may end up having to extract the US Qualcomm S9 T-Mobile firmware to get the required files out of it, or you might even be able to get away with simply flashing edited portions of the S8 CSC selection tool files to your G960F to get VoLTE and T-Mobile WiFi calling to work. (If you flash the CSC selection tool to directly to the stock ROM, it will break a lot of things due to the permissions XML file). I would plan on spending a few weekends to get VoLTE and WiFi calling working on it though.
If anyone has any additional experience, please chime in here!!
Also, one thing to pay attention to whenever you flash stock firmware using ODIN is Samsung's stupid e-fuses that prevent you from downgrading to a different bootloader level which will lock you out of downgrading stock firmware. It's the first number in the firmware descriptor. For example, if you blindly flash a U3 or S3 firmware, you can NEVER go back to a U2 or S2 firmware outside of a custom ROM. And even with a custom ROM, you may end up with compatibility issues with the new bootloader.
Another thing is when you root Samsung phones, it trips another permanent e-fuse that not only voids your warranty, but prevents apps like Knox and Samsung Pay from working ever again on the device.
To answer your questions:
The FD is just dual SIM - no other advantages. There's actually a hack for the Exynos S7's that will convert them to dual SIM since it's the same hardware. I'm not sure if it's like that with the Exynos S9.
Yes, the Exynos international versions have an unlocked bootloader (just have to go to enable developer options in the OS then go into developer options and enable OEM unlocking)
Yes, having an unlocked bootloader means there will be MUCH more custom ROMS and development out there.
It looks like the SM-G9600 or SM-G9650 (Chinese/Latin American) are the versions to get. They have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, is bootloader unlocked, and apparently even working on Verizon and T-Mobile (see the thread below). They don't have bands 30 or 71, but that's not the end of the world since most older phones as of a few years ago don't have those bands. I'm still wondering if dual VoLTE is working on these.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9/how-to/guide-sm-g9600-sm-g9650-verizon-t3890695