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Hello,
I am potentially new to the LG brand having spent most of the last several years with HTC devices and wondered if the longtime LG folks could help with a couple of questions:
Does LG only release carrier branded devices or do they release GSM unlocked versions as well in the US? I'll be changing to T-Mobile but I am vehemently opposed to carrier branded/locked devices and prefer to purchase direct w/o carrier specific junk.
While I know folks probably don't know about the G4 just yet but how has unlocking the bootloader worked in the past with LG. Can it be unlocked, can you buy unlocked versions, etc?
With many devices (coming from HTC) hotspot is able to be modified so that it can be used fairly easily without carrier interference. Not trying to start a debate on the value of this or if it is stealing from the carrier, etc. For me I've looked at it as I am paying for a specific amount of data, how I choose to use it should be up to me. Has it been accomplished in the past with LG devices to fairly easily use hotspot without carrier headaches?
Again thanks, just trying to nail down some details for my own knowledge to decide if this will be the best device for me. I watched the launch this morning and I am very positive coming out of that but wanted to get some feedback on some specific items that are important to me.
Thanks,
ThePhoneGeek said:
Hello,
I am potentially new to the LG brand having spent most of the last several years with HTC devices and wondered if the longtime LG folks could help with a couple of questions:
Does LG only release carrier branded devices or do they release GSM unlocked versions as well in the US? I'll be changing to T-Mobile but I am vehemently opposed to carrier branded/locked devices and prefer to purchase direct w/o carrier specific junk.
While I know folks probably don't know about the G4 just yet but how has unlocking the bootloader worked in the past with LG. Can it be unlocked, can you buy unlocked versions, etc?
With many devices (coming from HTC) hotspot is able to be modified so that it can be used fairly easily without carrier interference. Not trying to start a debate on the value of this or if it is stealing from the carrier, etc. For me I've looked at it as I am paying for a specific amount of data, how I choose to use it should be up to me. Has it been accomplished in the past with LG devices to fairly easily use hotspot without carrier headaches?
Again thanks, just trying to nail down some details for my own knowledge to decide if this will be the best device for me. I watched the launch this morning and I am very positive coming out of that but wanted to get some feedback on some specific items that are important to me.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. They have versions for specific US carriers, and an International version of the G3 that works internationally (Obviously) but yes, you can get unlocked international versions of the G3, or versions specific to your US carrier. You can also get version specific for countries.
2. Bootloader hasn't been unlocked for the G3. LG is ridiculously strict about this, so because the bootloader is locked, with the G3 we've had to "Bump" the custom ROMs (Sign them with legit tags) so that the bootloader will actually boot the phone with a custom ROM.
3. As for the hotspot, I've never used it on my phone so I couldn't tell you about that.
The G2 and G3 have had modded hotspot for those of us with unlimited data plans. Some models you can simply modify a file while others require a flashable ZIP. I'm hoping we get custom recovery and root for this, we've gotten it for the G2 and G3 so far.
It sounds like LG isn't as developer friendly as HTC but IMO is making a superior device. Nice thing about HTC is they sell unlocked and developer edition devices that work with either AT&T or T-Mobile and are sim unlocked and the dev ed comes with bootloader unlocked as well.
I am sure the dev community can make it functional root, etc. Hope so because I really don't want to buy an M9 and the G4 checks off so many boxes on my list of needs...
Thanks all for the info!
ThePhoneGeek said:
It sounds like LG isn't as developer friendly as HTC but IMO is making a superior device. Nice thing about HTC is they sell unlocked and developer edition devices that work with either AT&T or T-Mobile and are sim unlocked and the dev ed comes with bootloader unlocked as well.
I am sure the dev community can make it functional root, etc. Hope so because I really don't want to buy an M9 and the G4 checks off so many boxes on my list of needs...
Thanks all for the info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I've been waiting for the perfect replacement for my ATT S3. so, rootable, removable back/battery, solid dev community, etc. this one looks just about perfect, only the root status for the ATT model is the unknown. so, let the real waiting begin. i guess the M9 is an ok option, but there's just a few things i can't love about the M9 like the camera.
VR32 said:
yeah I've been waiting for the perfect replacement for my ATT S3. so, rootable, removable back/battery, solid dev community, etc. this one looks just about perfect, only the root status for the ATT model is the unknown. so, let the real waiting begin. i guess the M9 is an ok option, but there's just a few things i can't love about the M9 like the camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I have the M8 and the camera is horrid. The design was great in March of 2014 but HTC really lost me with the fact that this years design offers almost nothing new and the so called camera improvements are still not good.
I am really hoping this works out well for LG because there is so much I like about the device.
ThePhoneGeek said:
yeah I have the M8 and the camera is horrid. The design was great in March of 2014 but HTC really lost me with the fact that this years design offers almost nothing new and the so called camera improvements are still not good.
I am really hoping this works out well for LG because there is so much I like about the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
This may be kinda long but please read, I really need some actual help. I can offer a little amount of cash (Paypal) for someone to really help me to get what I want and need.
A few days ago I upgraded from a dumb flip phone that I've used for years. So the logical choice would be the new LG G4, the best phone out there as of now. So I've had it for a few days and I've noticed a few things that are really annoying me, but I'd like to focus on my main issue.
The main issue I've had is, bloatware. Now I am a computer person that if I buy a new PC / laptop, etc. I don't even use it until I reinstall Windows. I HATE bloatware more than anything, and I knew that the phone would have some bloatware that I figured I could uninstall and such. I know nothing about phones so I've been reading up and I came across the Debloater program that disables apps, which is nice but not what I want. What I want is 100% no bloat, I want the OS and drivers for the phone on the main features such as Camera, Messener+, Keyboard, etc. I don't want any extra space or ram or even the battery being used by anything besides my
regular apps.
I've tried task managers and such but even having them auto kill apps it seems that it eats my battery just as much if not worse.
I found out about rooting and ROMs in my research and from what I can tell. I need to install a custom ROM, and I believe the one that will give me what I want is CyanogenMod? I'm told its the Android OS and NOTHING more. This is what I want, but I wanna be able to still install Android updates from my phone and not having to reinstall the new version of the ROM, so I'm not sure how updating works.
I'm not sure if my phone needs to be unlocked and / or rooted to install a custom ROM? If I need to be I need someone to help me through these also.
So is there anyway that someone could lead me step by step in installing CyanogenMod? I've saw some tutorials and such but since the G4 is new everything I find on it seems kinda sketchy or really confusing, so if anyone is willing to help me on FB Chat, Team Viewer, Steam, any other messenger, PLEASE PM me ASAP. I rather not try and follow a tutorial on something this pricy, I can't buy another phone. And they never work for me it seems. Plus live person to ask questions to is something I'll need.
NOTE: I have the VS98611a model of the G4, and I have Verison right now, but I'm going to switch to Cricket since Verison removed my features like FM Radio, Themes, etc. Not way to get those back?
To do what you're asking is to require a unlocked bootloader. You're on the verizon model, and it currently doesn't have an unlocked bootloader. You'd need the h815 or the T-Mobile (I believe) models as they have unlocked bootloaders right now.
I believe cyanogen is on their final 5.1 build. As in no more updates or nightly revisions for stability. Unless I'm mistaken.
I haven't heard of an aosp Rom direct from Google being offered on anything aside from the nexus line, but I could be mistaken.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
megamanfre said:
To do what you're asking is to require a unlocked bootloader. You're on the verizon model, and it currently doesn't have an unlocked bootloader. You'd need the h815 or the T-Mobile (I believe) models as they have unlocked bootloaders right now.
I believe cyanogen is on their final 5.1 build. As in no more updates or nightly revisions for stability. Unless I'm mistaken.
I haven't heard of an aosp Rom direct from Google being offered on anything aside from the nexus line, but I could be mistaken.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm ready to leave Verizon now so when I leave them it will be unlocked. So then that will take care of that, right? I really wanna get this done...
Either way there is a way to unlock them without having that model, yes? I've heard of people unlocking phones for years.
Anyway to check if mine is unlocked?
Your boot loader is locked. You can root the phone and remove most bloat. That is all you can do at this time.
There is no way to unlock the boot loader on your model.
Until a workaround is found, you have no other options. Enjoy the phone as is. It's a great phone
tdevaughn said:
Your boot loader is locked. You can root the phone and remove most bloat. That is all you can do at this time.
There is no way to unlock the boot loader on your model.
Until a workaround is found, you have no other options. Enjoy the phone as is. It's a great phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure Verizon will do it for me when I leave them or I can't use it for any other carrier. I could return it and buy the unlocked version. But is it really worth it?
Whats the difference between the models and which is better anyways? I think I'm going to buy the unlocked version from offline.
Broth3rz said:
I'm sure Verizon will do it for me when I leave them or I can't use it for any other carrier. I could return it and buy the unlocked version. But is it really worth it?
Whats the difference between the models and which is better anyways? I think I'm going to buy the unlocked version from offline.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I check if its unlocked? Because I was just told that it IS INFACT unlocked. HOW DO I CHECK? Thanks.
Verizon will not care at all. They will not unlock the bootloader.
Carrier unlock is completely different.
The 815 Euro model only can be unlocked from LG. T mobile does not lock their bootloaders
tdevaughn said:
Verizon will not care at all. They will not unlock the bootloader.
Carrier unlock is completely different.
The 815 Euro model only can be unlocked from LG. T mobile does not lock their bootloaders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I get my disabled features back? The FM Radio, Themes, etc. Guess Verizon got rid of them. If I leave Verison will I get them back? Or since it's a Verison phone... I don't get them?
Basically it's a Verizon phone. You don't get them.
What are all the G4 models and their carrier?
Which models are unlocked?
Which models come with ALL features?Clearly the VS986 Verizon doesn't.
The H815 is the International version?? I hear its a bloat free version and its unlocked? Does it work with carriers in the US? Cricket, Verizon, Sprint?
I don't know what to do, so many models, no one has any information.
Broth3rz said:
What are all the G4 models and their carrier?
Which models are unlocked?
Which models come with ALL features?Clearly the VS986 Verizon doesn't.
The H815 is the International version?? I hear its a bloat free version and its unlocked? Does it work with carriers in the US? Cricket, Verizon, Sprint?
I don't know what to do, so many models, no one has any information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The International H815 can be unlocked and will work on GSM carriers such as ATT or T-mobile only. Basically, if your carrier uses a SIM card, it should work.
tabp0le said:
The International H815 can be unlocked and will work on GSM carriers such as ATT or T-mobile only. Basically, if your carrier uses a SIM card, it should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want all my features, no bloat, unlocked, and works with Verizon and Cricket.
Which do I need to get for this?
You can change the Network mode on the Phone, from Global, to LTE/CDMA to LTE/GSM/UMTS, so as long as the H815 has those same options, you should be able to use it with ANY carrier, Cricket, Verizon, ATT, etc. Right? Just tell me what model I need to get what my first line asks.
H815 does not work at all with CDMA, (aka Verizon/Cricket/Sprint/Boost) You're best bet is going to be rooting your phone or waiting for a bootloader unlock. (bootloader unlock might or might not ever happen) Rooting your phone will allow you to remove most of the bloatware.
Honestly, you're freaking out over nothing.
Disable any apps you don't want to see, and they'll go away forever. At this point in time, bloat is only a concern for power users who want to fine tune their phones, as a first time smart phone user you should focus only on the great new features your phone will have.
chrisrozon said:
Honestly, you're freaking out over nothing.
Disable any apps you don't want to see, and they'll go away forever. At this point in time, bloat is only a concern for power users who want to fine tune their phones, as a first time smart phone user you should focus only on the great new features your phone will have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Verizon got rid of some of my features I'd like to use. I won't EVER be able to get this back since it's a Verizon phone.
2. I need to move to Cricket since Verizon did the above and cost more.
I'm told I can switch, but I won't know until I cancel and go to Cricket. So I wanna know what version to get and go straight to Cricket.
Just because it's my first phone doesn't mean anything. I fine tune my PC like crazy and it runs amazing. I've turned everything off on this phone and yet it's down 11% not being used while I slept. That's bad.
Seems like the G4 sucks a little because only 1 is unlocked?
tabp0le said:
H815 does not work at all with CDMA, (aka Verizon/Sprint/Boost)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cricket is NOT CDMA anymore. Hasn't been for almost a year since AT&T bought them and converted to GSM.
OP, get the H815. It will work on cricket bands and the bootloader is unlocked. It's exactly what I will be doing soon since I'm officially sick of Samsung (Sammy fangirl here, or used to be) and them turning their phones into crapple. I have cricket service as well. Good luck.
pre4speed said:
Cricket is NOT CDMA anymore. Hasn't been for almost a year since AT&T bought them and converted to GSM.
OP, get the H815. It will work on cricket bands and the bootloader is unlocked. It's exactly what I will be doing soon since I'm officially sick of Samsung (Sammy fangirl here, or used to be) and them turning their phones into crapple. I have cricket service as well. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I made a new thread since I"m focused solely on the H815. There are many versions of it though. I will be buying it Monday I hope.
Broth3rz said:
Thanks for the reply. I made a new thread since I"m focused solely on the H815. There are many versions of it though. I will be buying it Monday I hope.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be interested in what you wind up with. What do you mean many variants? If I pick one up, I want to make sure I get the correct one (sim unlocked as well as manufacturer unlockable bootloader) that is compatible with cricket. TIA.
I bought a G4 from Verizon and ended up returning it just now because of the missing features and bloatware.
I'd like a G4 that has no carrier bloatware (Carrier unlocked?) have all my features that the phone SHOULD come with and has the boot loader unlocked.
There is this listing which I'm thinking on buying (Grey one).
So what I need to know is..
Is there ANY model of the G4 that has it's boot loader unlocked?
If so, which ones?
If not, are we able to unlock them manually yet?
Which carrier disable features, just Verizon?
Do all carriers have their own bloatware on the G4 or just Verizon?
Whats different from the US to the International version or the H815?
I plan on using Cricket and the H815 on that Amazon link should work with Cricket, doesn't have any carrier bloatware and has all the G4 features. Unless I'm seeing this wrong?
So which model is best to go with? Should I snatch up this H815? I heard the H811 is good? What model should I get?
Once this thread helps me choose which one to buy, I'm going to buy it like now. Just wanting to buy the best one. Thanks!!
Just to clarify, you do not intend to use this on Verizon correct? I see that you said you will use it on Cricket, but I'm confused why you bought a Verizon model in the first place.
Well I had a dumb old flip phone from Verizon. I wanted the G4, Verizon had it, Cricket didn't. I heard about missing features, but I thought they were just disabled, so I could re-enable them. I found out this clearly wasn't the case. But I figured I'd buy the phone from Verizon since Cricket doesn't have it and I was already signed up with Verizon, and go to Cricket with it afterwards. But... I saw all the bloatware, missing features, etc. So I just took it back.
After today's research I'm down to the T-Mobile H811 version or the H815 since both of those models have the boot loader unlocked. The problem with T-Mobile is I'd have to have service with them for 45 days before they would carrier unlock the phone. So I'd have to wait 45 days to see if it works at Cricket and get it switched over. Or I can buy the H815 which has the boot loader unlocked and is carrier unlocked, so I don't know if it will have carrier bloat since its carrier unlocked? Some people selling the H815 told me they got it from ATT, Verizon, etc. So not sure how that works.... since Verizon's model is VS986...
Anyways, it seems my best bet is the H815 because I can buy it and take it straight to Cricket when I get it. The issue now is there are many versions or the H815, I hear there is a International and a US version, not sure the difference. I hear there are many other models like the H815T, etc. Guess these are for other counties or something?
I believe all G4's should work with Cricket, the G4's seem to have the correct bands and Frequencies, unless I'm wrong. I know Cricket uses ATT service / towers now. I know we can change the APN and Network Mode to get them working if there is an issue. I without a doubt want to use Cricket.
So I need to know which H815 to buy and if there are US and International versions and the difference between them and I guess which is best to buy with unlocked boot loader, no bloat and works with Cricket.
Get yourself an H815 international version and ditch Verizon. The suckers do mess up bootloaders and AOSP really bad and they corporate readily and heavily with the NSA. Worst carrier ever.
Sent from outer space using telepathy
You need to be careful, look at the bands you need as well. The Verizon G4 lacks many bands that ATT/Cricket uses.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Verizon model has unlocked GSM bands too. You can throw a GSM sim in there and enjoy.
What missing features are you referring to? Themes from the stock launcher? Stock themes are just icon packs. Use a 3rd party launcher that is better supported.
All models are have locked bootloaders except specific international models. But if you unlock, you'll be giving up access to DRM content and such. It is not desirable at this point to unlock normally.
All models can root now. The phone is still like 2 months old, development is active. Root was just achieved a couple weeks ago. Custom recoveries and stuff are still in the works.
Nice to see someone else from Cincinnati. Anyways, they take out:
LG SmartWorld
Smart Settings
Multi-user accounts
FM Radio
Themes
Custom lock screen
Then the bloatware, so I jsut got fed up. What will I be missing out with DRM content? I was going to buy the H815. If anything the H811. These both have unlocked boot loaders.
I just called and the rep was very kind. She put me on hold and asked a tech person, then gave a detailed explanation (even referring to Verizon versions "bloatware") saying mobile hotspot might not work.
I'd like to think I could use Pdanet/Foxfi, but Verizon has continually taken steps to block that.
Any thought? Trying to decide between unlocked and Verizon version.
Least in my perspective with between going unlocked and locked... If you really want to use the carriers features, fully (VoLTE/VoWifi/Hotspot/etc) you probably should go with the carrier version. Just disable the crap you don't want. After looking into more and more it is easier to get the carrier version since I want to reliably use the features the network provides.
Deathman20 said:
Least in my perspective with between going unlocked and locked... If you really want to use the carriers features, fully (VoLTE/VoWifi/Hotspot/etc) you probably should go with the carrier version. Just disable the crap you don't want. After looking into more and more it is easier to get the carrier version since I want to reliably use the features the network provides.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing is, I'd prefer to use Pdanet/Foxfi for hotspot, but I don't know what the chances are that Verizon could disable it on an unlocked (non-rooted) phone.
I am going to buy LG G820TM. I have a couple of questions about this.
I plan to use the phone in Ukraine. What may not work, what works in the US?
How to know if it is unlocked?
Is it difficult to unlock it?
What are the disadvantages if it is not unlocked, does it fully work not in the USA?
Is it T-Mobile?
How much worse is the fps and slows down the phone from android 12? Which is better for Android 11 or 12 performance?
should I buy it?
ArmagedFoxer said:
I am going to buy LG G820TM. I have a couple of questions about this.
I plan to use the phone in Ukraine. What may not work, what works in the US?
How to know if it is unlocked?
Is it difficult to unlock it?
What are the disadvantages if it is not unlocked, does it fully work not in the USA?
Is it T-Mobile?
How much worse is the fps and slows down the phone from android 12? Which is better for Android 11 or 12 performance?
should I buy it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To know if it is unlocked is simple; put in a sim card from any carrier but t-mobile, if it connects, it's unlocked, if it doesn't, it's locked.
To unlock it you would have to use a remote service and pay $. Oddly, the one I used is in the country you plan to use it.
The G8 is capable of doing VoLTE and VoWifi, but your carrier has to support them also, and the rom will have to have the needed configuration for that carrier.
Sorry don't know anything about the fps re 12 vs 11.
Should you buy it? I'd suggest no. I think you'd be better off with a phone like a Sammy, which will definitely have a rom specific for that area, which means it would have all the specific requirements for the local carriers. Additionally, it would be pretty easy to get a rom on a Sammy (patched Odin) if the phone you buy isn't for your area. Getting a rom on a G8 isn't anywhere near as easy.
Good luck with it, and all the best to the people of Ukraine! Cheers
Thanks a lot! You helped me a lot. But my budget allows me to buy only these phones, which are quite powerful.
I have already noticed to buy LG G8 G820TM but suddenly I noticed one detail...
I read that there is a temporary unlock on t-mobile, which can end 30 days after purchase (some people write that even after half a year)
Will there be such problems with the phone on Verizon?
There are no temporary unlocks like this on Verizon?
Which is better then to take, Verizon or T-Mobile?
(there are no other options in my market)
I really need your help in this matter..