Develop Bugs

[Q]Will unlocked Verizon LG G3 work on T-Mobile?

I have an S5 that I'm about to trade for the LG G3, however, the guy is using it on ATT and claims it's originally from Verizon and is unlocked, hence, why it's working on ATT.
My question is, will this device work on TMobile? I live in Miami, FL if it matters.

I would recommend sell S5 and buy T-Mobile branded G3, or trade for one. You can do either on swappa.com.

iCaptivate said:
I have an S5 that I'm about to trade for the LG G3, however, the guy is using it on ATT and claims it's originally from Verizon and is unlocked, hence, why it's working on ATT.
My question is, will this device work on TMobile? I live in Miami, FL if it matters.
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If its Verizon branded then it should be unlocked in which case yes any GSM carrier. I'm pretty sure all new Verizon smartphones are global these days.

All LTE Verizon phones released in the last few years are gsm capable and can work on tmob and at. The S5 can also. Just need to switch to global and for data add the correct APN settings
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

Unlocked TMobile on Verizon?

Sorry if this has been discussed, couldn't find it in search. There are a couple unlocked tmo phones available locally for a bit of a discount, and I'm wondering if there are any significant issues with using one of these phones on Verizon?

dopepope said:
Sorry if this has been discussed, couldn't find it in search. There are a couple unlocked tmo phones available locally for a bit of a discount, and I'm wondering if there are any significant issues with using one of these phones on Verizon?
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I've always used a carrier model, but there's been times I've used Verizon on T-Mobile. They were primarily iPhones.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Carrier Switching Guide posted in guides ....

I have an network unlocked At&t Note 8 that i just configured for VZW using its APN settings and it did not work. The At&t models have the same if not more radio bands than VZW so im not sure what the problem is.

The At&t Note 8 need to have CDMA radio inside in order to work on Verizon.

New galaxy's have a universal modem but will have parts turned off. If the phone is unlocked you can flash the correct modem or the unlocked forward and it should work.

AT&T Note on VZW
kendotelie said:
I have an network unlocked At&t Note 8 that i just configured for VZW using its APN settings and it did not work. The At&t models have the same if not more radio bands than VZW so im not sure what the problem is.
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Hi did you ever get your AT&T Note 8 to work on VZW?

https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=74087340&postcount=1

Buying from Samsung instead of carrier

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.

[Q] Best way to get a phone that will work with Verizon and all LTE bands overseas

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.

Carrier aggregation/LTE-A CAT11 Verizon model in EU

Heya,
Anyone here achieved CA with a Verizon model in Europe?
While the bands are all supported, I have a feeling the US version of the phone has a hard time knowing which bands to aggregate in Europe. What are your experiences running the Verizon version on LTE-A?

I have a Google version (not international, not Verizon) and Verizon service. I was told by Verizon I would only get 3g speeds in Europe but that my wife's Verizon S7 would get 4g. Not sure if that helps you any, we have a European trip planned for later and I was asking Verizon rep, that's how I know. I was a little confused since my understanding was that the Pixel XL was able to get all the bands which is why I could take it to any carrier.
Sent from my BTV-W09 using Tapatalk

ahent said:
I have a Google version (not international, not Verizon) and Verizon service. I was told by Verizon I would only get 3g speeds in Europe but that my wife's Verizon S7 would get 4g. Not sure if that helps you any, we have a European trip planned for later and I was asking Verizon rep, that's how I know. I was a little confused since my understanding was that the Pixel XL was able to get all the bands which is why I could take it to any carrier.
Sent from my BTV-W09 using Tapatalk
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It should support B3, B7 and B20 which are used in Europe. As of that LTE will work as expected but the LTE-A band combinations differ and as of that CA may not trigger in europe (thats my theory.). I've been trying to modify some files to get a control over the band combinations, but I've only managed to enable 256QAM at the current moment.

tauio111 said:
but I've only managed to enable 256QAM at the current moment.
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How?
Sent from my Google Pixel XL using XDA Labs

mr-tical said:
How?
Sent from my Google Pixel XL using XDA Labs
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256QAM is only supported on the Australian Telstra config.
/firmware/radio/modem_pr/mcfg/configs/mcfg_sw/generic/aus/telstra/volte/mcfg_sw.mbn used to replace other mcfg_sw.mbn's that you phone uses in the /firmware/radio/modem_pr/mcfg/configs/mcfg_sw/generic/ directory.