Related
I am interested in getting the Verizon model for how cheap it is. Is it possible to sim unlock the Verizon model to use on T-mobile?
I know someone is offering a boot unlocks and regular sim unlocks with GSM models. Not sure if it will work with the CDMA model.
Insights?
He said he can unlock Verizon locked Plays as well.
He just said on the 12th page post of his unlocking forum that the GSM baseband isnt supported.
"Originally Posted by mightytharos
Hello,
I am still wondering if the root process allows the XPERIA PLAY from Verizon (cdma version) to be used as a World phone (by putting a sim card in the slot). I'd appreciate if you guys can tell me if this is possible.
Thank you
I think @netorino is right, baseband doesnt allow gsm networks."
I am just asking and double making sure cause I kept seeing people using the word "unlocked". And I know unlocked has multiple meanings. (boot, sim,ect)
I come from HD2 XDA.
joeminati said:
I am interested in getting the Verizon model for how cheap it is. Is it possible to sim unlock the Verizon model to use on T-mobile?
I know someone is offering a boot unlocks and regular sim unlocks with GSM models. Not sure if it will work with the CDMA model.
Insights?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't quote me...but I think you would be better off getting the AT&T play as its gsm as is T-mob, while Verizon is cdma.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
joeminati said:
I am interested in getting the Verizon model for how cheap it is. Is it possible to sim unlock the Verizon model to use on T-mobile?
I know someone is offering a boot unlocks and regular sim unlocks with GSM models. Not sure if it will work with the CDMA model.
Insights?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick answer? NO, absolutely not.
Longer answer?
Basically the SIM Slot seems to be physically uncoupled from the chassis. Further, the chipset that would be running the GSM is replaced with one for the CDMA. Whether it can function as both is a question, but the chip is actually different (from my teardown to look, the chip numbering is different from the tech/repair manuals).
I would, in general, assume that no phone that is on Verizon (unless it specifically says "World phone" or "World Edition") can be used on T-Mobile. CDMA vs GSM silliness. Different frequencies, different methods, different technologies.
So while the bootloader unlcok could work for the CDMA model, the SIM-unlock wouldn't.
Interestingly enough, there are still traces of the GSM code in the phone's diagnostic menus though.
i have a friend that has a phone repair shop in my hometown. i called him when i found a play that is cdma thru verizon. it is a world phone and has a sim card slot. he said that as long as its a world phone version it can be unlocked for gsm use in the united states. idk im getting one tonight and im gonna tinker with it and once i get it all going i will let everyone know on here if it can in fact be unlocked for gsm use in the US.
Well???
darkkarny717 said:
i have a friend that has a phone repair shop in my hometown. i called him when i found a play that is cdma thru verizon. it is a world phone and has a sim card slot. he said that as long as its a world phone version it can be unlocked for gsm use in the united states. idk im getting one tonight and im gonna tinker with it and once i get it all going i will let everyone know on here if it can in fact be unlocked for gsm use in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well did your tinkering work?
starboi4eva said:
Well did your tinkering work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well turns out that the phone ended up not having a sim card slot and the person that i was supposed to purchase it from had no clue about anything. i did not end up buying this device. sorry!!!!
This was stated years ago, the R800x has a sim card slot but it is turned off on a hardware level. It is a non-functioning sim slot.
Is it possible to activate a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini (or regular S4) on US Cellular's network, specifically for their pre-paid service (which is now, thankfully, allowing 4G phones)? How about the S4 international edition? I've done a lot of searching and I haven't found anything definitive, though some people have mentioned something about the LTE bands being different and therefore incompatible hardware-wise. But considering that (as far as I know) US Cellular phones can roam on Verizon's network, I'm not understanding why it wouldn't be possible. Could it be as easy as inserting a US Cellular SIM, or are the radios or other hardware different?
craichead said:
Is it possible to activate a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini (or regular S4) on US Cellular's network, specifically for their pre-paid service (which is now, thankfully, allowing 4G phones)? How about the S4 international edition? I've done a lot of searching and I haven't found anything definitive, though some people have mentioned something about the LTE bands being different and therefore incompatible hardware-wise. But considering that (as far as I know) US Cellular phones can roam on Verizon's network, I'm not understanding why it wouldn't be possible. Could it be as easy as inserting a US Cellular SIM, or are the radios or other hardware different?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your best bet is to find a us cellular edition i think its the r model
verizon wont let you unless you get the unlock codes from them'
its not as simple as a sim swap with verizon devices for the most part,
phone needs to have been unlocked for it to work
justlovejoy said:
your best bet is to find a us cellular edition i think its the r model
verizon wont let you unless you get the unlock codes from them'
its not as simple as a sim swap with verizon devices for the most part,
phone needs to have been unlocked for it to work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that the phone would need to be unlocked, but I also think that Verizon will unlock any phone that is out of contract, if I'm understanding the following correctly: http://goo.gl/vz2Jxn
craichead said:
I understand that the phone would need to be unlocked, but I also think that Verizon will unlock any phone that is out of contract, if I'm understanding the following correctly: http://goo.gl/vz2Jxn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats correct.
although there are some simple stipulations so go for it
justlovejoy said:
Thats correct.
although there are some simple stipulations so go for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'm not going to go and buy a Verizon phone in the hopes that it will work on US Cellular; that's why I posted on here for confirmation to see if anyone has been able to verify this before I actually purchase anything.
is it any different going the other way? can I port a US Cellular S4 to verizon?
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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 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.
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?
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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