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Hey, I plan to buy my Galaxy so from Samsung rather than my carrier (ATT). I have a couple questions. Will I just be able to add the Sim currently in my Galaxy say or will I need a new one? Also, will I have to take it into the store?
Just put your existing soon card in and away you go. No need for anything else. It's what I did when I got my Note 8 from Samsung.
If you buy it from Samsung, the phone it's unlocked, so you can use any valid SIM (including the one you are currently using now).
Samsung has an unlocked model available on their website along with carrier specific models. I would think the carrier specific models are the same as the phones you would get at a AT&T or Verizon store. Correct me if I'm wrong.
dmb219 said:
Samsung has an unlocked model available on their website along with carrier specific models. I would think the carrier specific models are the same as the phones you would get at a AT&T or Verizon store. Correct me if I'm wrong.
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I'd like to know this as I would like an unlocked bootloader but.... I would like the Carrier version for some additional features like VoLTE/VoWifi.
Right now I'm torn between just going to Best Buy (since in the states) or just getting it directly from Samsung.
The carrier versions will have the standard carrier bloat pre-installed.
I can't find the exact band specifications of each of the models... Does anyone know if the hardware/antenna chips will be the same on T-Mobile vs. unlocked from Samsung? I am assuming there are certain bands missing from the unlocked version if you plan on using T-mobile's network, but I can't confirm this....
Best Buy's doing a $100 off if you preorder on Friday just heads up.
StykerB said:
Best Buy's doing a $100 off if you preorder on Friday just heads up.
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And if you have an s8 or other qualifying phone you can get a total of $450 off I believe on Friday from Best Buy.
Nightwind Hawk said:
I can't find the exact band specifications of each of the models... Does anyone know if the hardware/antenna chips will be the same on T-Mobile vs. unlocked from Samsung? I am assuming there are certain bands missing from the unlocked version if you plan on using T-mobile's network, but I can't confirm this....
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I too had the same questions and this is what I found. I don't know how accurate it is.
https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/Ar9mx/samsung-sm-g965u-galaxy-s9-td-lte-samsung-star-2
uzupan said:
I too had the same questions and this is what I found. I don't know how accurate it is.
https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/Ar9mx/samsung-sm-g965u-galaxy-s9-td-lte-samsung-star-2
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It looks like the answer to our question is on this page: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-s9-sm-g960-g965-model-number-differences/
The T-Mobile version seems to be missing the following, in comparison to the unlocked US version:
4G FDD LTE B71 (600 mhz) - This is T-Mobile's new spectrum... this seems important to have (just google t-mobile 600mhz)
2G CDMA and 3G CDMA - I don't believe this matters to us
3G TD-SCDMA B34 and B39 (2010 and 1880mhz) - I assume these will be missed if outside LTE coverage?
But in general, the unlocked version seems to support more bands than the Tmo version
So, it seems if one is on the T-Mobile network and plans to stay there, they really should get the T-Mobile version of the phone.... someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Deathman20 said:
I'd like to know this as I would like an unlocked bootloader but.... I would like the Carrier version for some additional features like VoLTE/VoWifi.
Right now I'm torn between just going to Best Buy (since in the states) or just getting it directly from Samsung.
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You do know that unlocked isn't meaning unlocked bootloader right? It's meaning unlocked bands
Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk
I'm with AT&T and I'm pretty sure there will be no wifi calling on any phone other than the AT&T version. That's a feature I want. If it doesn't matter to you an unlocked phone may be for you. I don't know for a fact that wifi calling won't work on an unlocked S9 but if it does, it will be the first. I don't want the extra carrier apps but they aren't going to cause me any grief on a beast like this phone. I'd rather have the services the carrier provides if I'm going to use them. If It turns out that wifi calling works on the unlocked S9, I may revise my plan but I doubt that will happen. I'm pretty much done with the rooting/modding stuff so that isn't an issue. Even the master hackers are going with stock phones d/t the features and security.
I've really enjoyed my S7 and want to upgrade to the S9. Later in the year I'll be overseas for almost a year, so I want something that will work with all Verizon bands of LTE, but also not have a firmware lock that would cause it to not work on other bands of LTE overseas. (planning to just use prepaid dataplan sim cards overseas)
I think my two options are to either get a US 'unlocked' version or wait for the 'international' version. My understanding is the primary differences between the unlocked and international version is the 2G/3G coverage for CDMA and possibly slightly different hardware. I'd rather have a phone with CDMA backwards capability, but my prime concern lacking full access to all LTE bands available wherever I am.
I'm not really interested in going any route that would require me to root the phone if there is a way to do it without.
Well the only way to get VZW compatibility is the VZW phone or a US unlocked model. So you're looking at the US Unlocked model at this point.
A listing of all the different model numbers available (per country and carrier) is available here: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-s9-sm-g960-g965-model-number-differences/
You will probably want to get the phone that works with your primary location the most. I am not sure which countries use which frequencies for LTE in Europe; you will need to research that to see what you may be missing out on.
With my T-Mobile S7, I haven't had any issues when traveling in Europe or Asia. It connects to LTE usually.
So I just did a deep dive of that list:
It looks like the Verizon and Unlocked versions are almost identical (the unlocked US version has B46(5200) 4G TDD LTE, but I'm not sure anyone who uses it)
Looking at 4G FDD LTE it looks like a Verizon or US unlocked phone will have almost complete coverage around the world, notable gaps are B30(2300) in China/Canada/US AT&T, B32(1500) in UK and B71(600) (US Tmobile). I thought that was a bit confusing as you'd expect a US Unlocked phone to service all LTE bands available in the US yet it lacks AT&T and Tmobile bands.
So based on all that information looks like I should just get an unlocked US phone to be totally safe, and I'd likely also be fine getting a Verizon version also.
StykerB said:
Well the only way to get VZW compatibility is the VZW phone or a US unlocked model. So you're looking at the US Unlocked model at this point.
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Relcan said:
So I just did a deep dive of that list:
It looks like the Verizon and Unlocked versions are almost identical (the unlocked US version has B46(5200) 4G TDD LTE, but I'm not sure anyone who uses it)
Looking at 4G FDD LTE it looks like a Verizon or US unlocked phone will have almost complete coverage around the world, notable gaps are B30(2300) in China/Canada/US AT&T, B32(1500) in UK and B71(600) (US Tmobile). I thought that was a bit confusing as you'd expect a US Unlocked phone to service all LTE bands available in the US yet it lacks AT&T and Tmobile bands.
So based on all that information looks like I should just get an unlocked US phone to be totally safe, and I'd likely also be fine getting a Verizon version also.
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So I'm new to Android but i use Verizon prepaid. Will I lose anything by going with the unlocked version or should i stick with a Verizon S9?
I don't use video calling. All i do is text and talk but I've heard that people on Verizon prepaid have issues with unlocked Android phones.
Thanks
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
testinguser said:
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
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Curious about that also
testinguser said:
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
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Throwinrocks said:
Curious about that also
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I did a cursory review of the wifi-calling FAQ on their website. They don't mention anything about compatibility with Unlocked versions of phones (that I saw). I'd call tech support to ask, but I'd expect there to be a 50% chance of getting the wrong answer from the tech based on my interactions with their support.
There might be some good experience based anecdotes in the Galaxy S8 forum, if it works on an unlocked S8 its a safe bet it will work on an unlocked S9
I think I'll ask in the Verizon subreddit, it seems like they normally have really good information as well.
I'm mostly curious about the LTE TDD Band 46 (5200) - its the only band an unlocked US phone has that a Verizon phone doesn't. 5200 is in the U-NII frequency range, no cellphone service providers use it, but I wonder if it may be used for local LTE networks in the near future. The other advantage is avoiding all the verizon bloat wear, but that may be what allows the Wifi Calling to work!
All this has me thinking I might have to add the extra $80 and just buy the Verizon version. I don't get phones on contract and I've always just paid full price. (Page 2 404 error?)
Apparently the Nov/Dec Samsung s8 firmware update added an option for BYOD carrier provisioning for unlocked s8. Given the similarity, I'd imagine the same to be true for s9. Can someone who has an unlocked s8 confirm?
Well after a little more research I see that if you use Verizon prepaid you lose visual voicemail and WiFi calling even if you use a Verizon phone so there's no need in me paying extra for a Verizon S9. Unlocked it is.
Throwinrocks said:
Well after a little more research I see that if you use Verizon prepaid you lose visual voicemail and WiFi calling even if you use a Verizon phone so there's no need in me paying extra for a Verizon S9. Unlocked it is.
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You might wanna check this as Verizon is starting to implement network locks on some devices as to deter thefts more
Dont know when or what devices but it was a statement Verizon made
So, you're saying the prepaid SIM might not work in an unlocked S9?
I don't think Verizon is keeping Verizon prepaid SIMS from working in unlocked phones they are just locking their phones like Sprint and AT&T still do.
I had no problems with my unlocked Pixel 2 XL that I purchased from Google and my Verizon prepaid, just no visual voicemail.
soon im gonna move to canada and was wondering if my indian 5t would work with the carriers found there? or will i have to buy a new phone there
Op5T has only one model for all regions (A5010), which supports almost all LTE bands out there. So yes, you can use normally
(unless you travel to the US and use Verizon or Sprint)
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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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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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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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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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.
I am considering purchasing the OnePlus 9 or 9 Pro. As a longtime T-Mobile customer I want to know if the International version of the phone is 100% compatible with T-Mobile. I have read on some web sites that there are frequency bands missing on the International version that are supported on the T-Mobile version. I would prefer to buy the International version because updates would come sooner. Does anyone have any information on this? Thanks!
Yes, my last 2 Global OnePlus's works great with tmobile usa including 5g...
I used 3T, 5, 6T, 7Pro and 8Pro international version with TMO sim and no issues. All works great (in my area) including 5G. (not sure about the SA band on OnePlus though, only recently updated my sim card and 5G SA works on my international S21 Ultra).
You'll have to make sure you get a model with the right bands when it comes out.
I always buy from the manufacture. The mobile cell providers always have to add their crummy annoying software tweaks.
I do not case which one as long as custom recovery and custom rom are available
I'm also a long time T-Mobile customer, and I will always buy from the manufacturer going forward. T-Mobile puts too much crapware on the phones. I also like to root and mod my device, and it's a real pain to do that on a T-Mobile device.
Been on TMo for ages. Still will alway sbuy the unlocked international version.