I'm heavily considering moving to the Nexus 7 as my full time exclusive device, and utilizing a VOIP such as Google Voice for calls (I'll still have a phone around for lengthy calls if need be). Going this route I'm looking at the LTE supported model. I noticed on Google's site, they list an AT&T, T-Mobile, and non carrier specific option. Are there actually any differences in these as they are all listed as unlocked?
I couldn't find any differences. There is a non-4G Nexus, a US-4G Nexus and an international 4G Nexus. Those 3 models.
I think that there are really just two versions of the Nexus 7 with cellular radios; one for North America and Japan, and one for "the rest of the world." https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/3248332?hl=en
I believe that the options for T-Mobile and AT&T listed in the Google Play store are so that you can buy the Nexus with a SIM card pre-installed from either T-Mobile or AT&T, but both have the same radios. The only difference between the two LTE models seems to be that the North American model connects to bands 13 and 17 (Verizon and AT&T, respectively) whereas the other model (I'm assuming that's the "unlocked" model) connects to 7 and 20.
The rest of the bands that each support can be matched up with their respective carriers by looking at these tables:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Throwinrocks said:
Curious about that also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Hi,
If I take a AT&T S9, Unlock the bootloader (if possible), root it, and flash a custom rom on it will I then be able to use it on Verizon?
Thank you in Advance.
Kc0r8y said:
Hi,
If I take a AT&T S9, Unlock the bootloader (if possible), root it, and flash a custom rom on it will I then be able to use it on Verizon?
Thank you in Advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ATz&T is GSM Verizon is CDMA incompatible
Perhaps @sw1173 is a dinosaur or a forum troll?
Verizon 4G LTE is not CDMA. It's 4G LTE and fully compatible with 4G LTE used by other carriers around the globe. Verizon 2g and 3g is CDMA, and only still exists to support older cellular data and IoT devices and some dinosaurs using ancients relics for devices. Verizon announced they were planning on completely shutting down their CDMA network the end of 2019, but just recently decided to postpone the shutdown for up to another year. Verizon has been permitting activation of an ever expanding list of unlocked phones for some time now, including devices like the OnePlus 6T that has no CDMA support, just 4G LTE. If you already have a 4G LTE device activated, you can swap the SIM into another 4G LTE device and as long as it has radio band support for Verizon's spectrum (use frequencycheck.com) as well as software support for Verizon's VoLTE settings, you're good to go. They don't seem to have a VoLTE whitelist like AT&T.
Sadly, the bootloader on the US Snapdragon S9 can not be unlocked at this point (no hacks) like the foreign SM-G960F(D)/965F(D) (Exynos with unlocked bootloader) or the SM-G9600/9650 (Snapdragon with unlocked bootloader) in order to install custom ROMs. I suggest everyone avoid US Samsung phones, period, because of this, and be sure to share your discontent with Samsung. Personally, if I were you, I would get the SM-G9600 or SM-G9650 (China / Latin America Version), root it (easy), and flash the files here to get Verizon support:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9/how-to/guide-sm-g9600-sm-g9650-verizon-t3890695
If you buy or have a carrier unlocked US S9, including from AT&T, you can use it with any US carrier, including Verizon. You'll probably want to flash the Verizon firmware on it to get Verizon features including WiFi calling though:
https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyS9/comments/85ci7c/convert_atttmosprint_to_unlocked_s9_guide/
Presently you can't unlock the boot loader on the n960u therefore you can't flash Verizon's firmware. Call Verizon and you will be told they are CDMA and are not changing but are adding capability for 5G after 1/1/2020, which will allow the use of various GSM devices to use their CDMA network.. I just spoke with Verizon sales and their technical support.
sw1173 said:
ATz&T is GSM Verizon is CDMA incompatible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
incorrect, this has been incorrect since the S8 when Sammy decided to not make different models for the US market. All S9's built for the US market are physically identical
mobileanimal said:
Perhaps @sw1173 is a dinosaur or a forum troll?
Verizon 4G LTE is not CDMA. It's 4G LTE and fully compatible with 4G LTE used by other carriers around the globe. Verizon 2g and 3g is CDMA, and only still exists to support older cellular data and IoT devices and some dinosaurs using ancients relics for devices. Verizon announced they were planning on completely shutting down their CDMA network the end of 2019, but just recently decided to postpone the shutdown for up to another year. Verizon has been permitting activation of an ever expanding list of unlocked phones for some time now, including devices like the OnePlus 6T that has no CDMA support, just 4G LTE. If you already have a 4G LTE device activated, you can swap the SIM into another 4G LTE device and as long as it has radio band support for Verizon's spectrum (use frequencycheck.com) as well as software support for Verizon's VoLTE settings, you're good to go. They don't seem to have a VoLTE whitelist like AT&T.
Sadly, the bootloader on the US Snapdragon S9 can not be unlocked at this point (no hacks) like the foreign SM-G960F(D)/965F(D) (Exynos with unlocked bootloader) or the SM-G9600/9650 (Snapdragon with unlocked bootloader) in order to install custom ROMs. I suggest everyone avoid US Samsung phones, period, because of this, and be sure to share your discontent with Samsung. Personally, if I were you, I would get the SM-G9600 or SM-G9650 (China / Latin America Version), root it (easy), and flash the files here to get Verizon support:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9/how-to/guide-sm-g9600-sm-g9650-verizon-t3890695
If you buy or have a carrier unlocked US S9, including from AT&T, you can use it with any US carrier, including Verizon. You'll probably want to flash the Verizon firmware on it to get Verizon features including WiFi calling though:
https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyS9/comments/85ci7c/convert_atttmosprint_to_unlocked_s9_guide/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in addition to this correct information, id like to add that phones can be debranded by flashing the U1 firmware, but will require a modded Odin in order to get around the write protections put in place meant to stop us from doing that
sw1173 said:
Presently you can't unlock the boot loader on the n960u therefore you can't flash Verizon's firmware. Call Verizon and you will be told they are CDMA and are not changing but are adding capability for 5G after 1/1/2020, which will allow the use of various GSM devices to use their CDMA network.. I just spoke with Verizon sales and their technical support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
incorrect. Well, youre right in saying that it cant currently be unlocked or rooted, but you CAN flash verizons firmware. Verizon hasnt been a cdma carrier strictly speaking for a decade. LTE has always been GSM, and ever since vzw jumped on board, theyve been a hybrid at best. On top of that, with VoLTE becoming more and more popular, their cdma transceivers have been getting less and less usage every day. 5G isnt going to be the splash a lot of folks think it will either. New handsets to support a new communication method that just isnt needed in most places. And finally, most handsets produced in the last few years are hybrids, especially those sold in several countries. The biggest exception to that rule is the chinese phones that dont even have cdma radios in them.
Where can the Note 10+ Global Exynos variant be purchased? Can it be purchased on the Samsung website like the US variants can?
Trying to grab the Exynos variant since it’s going to have the development potential.
TheForceUnleashed said:
Where can the Note 10+ Global Exynos variant be purchased? Can it be purchased on the Samsung website like the US variants can?
Trying to grab the Exynos variant since it’s going to have the development potential.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have purchased Exynos Variants for a bunch of different Samsung phones over the years. the "F" variant, N975F will work on ATT and or TMobile with no issues. (or N975F/DS)
If you want to buy, I have used two different places to buy in the past - both offer the Note 10 now -
Clove UK
or EBAY
Clove is an excellent source, fast shipping - good customer service and the major sellers on EBAY are also very good. I have used "Never MSRP" and I have heard that there are several others that I have heard are very good and reliable.
Whatever you choose, good luck
What version of the Note 10+ w/ an unlocked bootloader would be the best choice to use for Verizon?
igemon said:
What version of the Note 10+ w/ an unlocked bootloader would be the best choice to use for Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon is cdma and the exynos variants are usually gsm only (AT&T and T-Mobile).
I doubt you'll be able to find what you're looking for.
yeah if you wan't an international version they will always be GSM where some of the US still uses CDMA. so whatever you bought you would need to check it supports the signal on network you want to use it on. also using an international phone you generally need to use a SIM from the local market for a set amount of time, my UK unlocked Note 9 actually has a disclaimer on the box it needed 5 minutes of calls with a european SIM before it would accept an international one, so that is also something you will have to watch out for or you end up having to pay to get an international sim and a several minute call at international rates to unlock the device for a US SIM.
I also use dual sim (F/DS) varieties of Samsung phones, they generally work fine on ATT in the US but they do miss some bands, specifically band30 which means that sometimes I have low speed or no data at all. Also, you won't get VoLTE unless enabled by your carrier. It's a trade-off. Of course you also won't get 5G until there's a dual SIM 5G variant.
enginuity2 said:
Verizon is cdma and the exynos variants are usually gsm only (AT&T and T-Mobile).
I doubt you'll be able to find what you're looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon is ending CDMA support at end of this year. So it doesn't matter with Verizon anymore.
It should be noted that with Exynos F models, USA Carrier Aggregation does not work properly.
While the phone will function properly, it will not have the same network speeds as an equivalent USA model.
For example, I had in my possession a N960F and did a speed test next to a N920T (Note 5) and I was getting like 70-90Mbps down on the Note 5 and was only getting 15-30Mbps on the N960F in the exact same spots.
I've tested this many times and actually also with the N950F before that.
I'm only posting about this just to make people aware. I'm, sure there are some that will take the trade-off of slower speeds to gain the ability of root and development, but there are also some out there that prefer that their speeds not be gimped.
This has been discussed on many XDA threads in the Note 8, S9, Note 9, S10 forums for a couple of years now and can be duplicated exactly as mentioned.
If anyone has figured out a way to get proper USA CA on F model phones I'm one of the first that would love to hear about it.
I'm sure @iunlock would also.
DeeXii said:
It should be noted that with Exynos F models, USA Carrier Aggregation does not work properly.
While the phone will function properly, it will not have the same network speeds as an equivalent USA model.
For example, I had in my possession a N960F and did a speed test next to a N920T (Note 5) and I was getting like 70-90Mbps down on the Note 5 and was only getting 15-30Mbps on the N960F in the exact same spots.
I've tested this many times and actually also with the N950F before that.
I'm only posting about this just to make people aware. I'm, sure there are some that will take the trade-off of slower speeds to gain the ability of root and development, but there are also some out there that prefer that their speeds not be gimped.
This has been discussed on many XDA threads in the Note 8, S9, Note 9, S10 forums for a couple of years now and can be duplicated exactly as mentioned.
If anyone has figured out a way to get proper USA CA on F model phones I'm one of the first that would love to hear about it.
I'm sure @iunlock would also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes indeed.
Along with @DeeXii around the same time I had the F variant of the Note 8 along side my T-Mobile Note 8 and ran numerous tests.
TL;DR, in areas with a lot of cell towers (in the city etc...) you won't notice a big difference (IF) your within a strong range (close) from a tower. When this happens you're connected to a single strong frequency.
While travelling on the road with both devices at the time it was very apparent that the F model was not handing off well (tower to tower), while the TM variant as expected did just fine.
It is in my opinion that those who have claimed that CA works on international variants are being tricked by getting real good speeds due to being connected to a strong signal from a near by tower / area. It's convincing I know...
We're convinced unless proven otherwise that CA is an issue with the international Exynos variants, whether it's the F or Korean N models. Yes, I'm aware of some N models showing icons that may say otherwise, however, it is yet to be seen if the CA is truly working as most people who have the international variants, often don't have the US variants handy to be able to compare them side by side under different conditions.
Believe me... I want to see CA to work lol.... I really really do, because I'd rather have an Exynos variant 100% over a locked down US variant.
As I wait for my Note 10+ to arrive tomorrow, as excited as I am for a new device, since it can not be rooted there's still an uncertainty in the back of my mind that doesn't bring me much assurance that I'll be 100% sold rocking a non rooted phone due to my apps that require root, tweaks that I do etc...
Engineering leak, oh if you're out there please show yourself.... :silly:
iunlock said:
Yes indeed.
Along with @DeeXii around the same time I had the F variant of the Note 8 along side my T-Mobile Note 8 and ran numerous tests.
TL;DR, in areas with a lot of cell towers (in the city etc...) you won't notice a big difference (IF) your within a strong range (close) from a tower. When this happens you're connected to a single strong frequency.
While travelling on the road with both devices at the time it was very apparent that the F model was not handing off well (tower to tower), while the TM variant as expected did just fine.
It is in my opinion that those who have claimed that CA works on international variants are being tricked by getting real good speeds due to being connected to a strong signal from a near by tower / area. It's convincing I know...
We're convinced unless proven otherwise that CA is an issue with the international Exynos variants, whether it's the F or Korean N models. Yes, I'm aware of some N models showing icons that may say otherwise, however, it is yet to be seen if the CA is truly working as most people who have the international variants, often don't have the US variants handy to be able to compare them side by side under different conditions.
Believe me... I want to see CA to work lol.... I really really do, because I'd rather have an Exynos variant 100% over a locked down US variant.
As I wait for my Note 10+ to arrive tomorrow, as excited as I am for a new device, since it can not be rooted there's still an uncertainty in the back of my mind that doesn't bring me much assurance that I'll be 100% sold rocking a non rooted phone due to my apps that require root, tweaks that I do etc...
Engineering leak, oh if you're out there please show yourself.... :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not accurate at all.
The Galaxy S10+ F model did 100% work with at least 2 bands carrier aggregation when used on T-Mobile and AT&T. Bands 4+2 on T-Mobile and 12/17+2 on At&t were aggregated. SOME models that were running a European CSC code from European countries did NO indeed have CA enabled in the US. Phones with Asias CSC codes had 2 band CA enabled in the US. It never supported more other bands CA in the US.
I experimented with this myself by flashing the main OXM ROM and then using a local country SIM immediately after flashing to change the CSC code of the firmware to one that SIM region. Every time it was a European CSC, CA would not longer work.
It's important to note that Wifi calling and VOLTE both worked on T-Mobile with the F model out of the box. This started with the S10 and i expect the same to be with the note 10.
clubtech said:
That's not accurate at all.
The Galaxy S10+ F model did 100% work with at least 2 bands carrier aggregation when used on T-Mobile and AT&T. Bands 4+2 on T-Mobile and 12/17+2 on At&t were aggregated. SOME models that were running a European CSC code from European countries did NO indeed have CA enabled in the US. Phones with Asias CSC codes had 2 band CA enabled in the US. It never supported more other bands CA in the US.
I experimented with this myself by flashing the main OXM ROM and then using a local country SIM immediately after flashing to change the CSC code of the firmware to one that SIM region. Every time it was a European CSC, CA would not longer work.
It's important to note that Wifi calling and VOLTE both worked on T-Mobile with the F model out of the box. This started with the S10 and i expect the same to be with the note 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent. Please provide us some more info then showing your claims.
What I have stated is indeed accurate as it was based on my own tests with the Note 8 lol...many have done the same as well. This issue regarding CA has been hashed to pieces in several threads with a lot of folks involved in showing concrete proof that it did not work with the phones we've tested it with at the time.
Show us with screen shots, detailed description where the phones were tested etc... that CA works on the F variant and we'll throw a party....
You have to remember that there are several of us that really want CA to work... it's not like we're against it.
Again, we've seen this claim before and it was due to the user not factoring in that they were in a "good signal area near a tower," where they were connected to a strong signal that made it seem like CA was working in respect to the bands the international phone supported... I'm not saying this is the case with what you have experienced, but until we can see proof.... with this situation it's all heresay unless proven otherwise... therefore...
What you've said is not accurate at all, because we have no proof... so please provide proof.
@DeeXii I'll tag you as I'm sure you're just as curious...
Looking forward to hearing back... :highfive:
Well, just received the N975FD Dual SIM model and i'm testing it with AT&T and Project FI in the US (which uses T-Mobile).
This unit rung the Singapore firmware. As i stated in my last reply, Carrier aggregation DOES work with BOTH networks.
Here are some observations for those are interested in getting the international version and use it in the US:
AT&T:
Surprisingly, VOLTE works out of the box with AT&T. This is a first for the international unlocked model. My AT&T SIM already had this feature provisioned on my account and it just worked when I placed the SIM into the Note 10+.
HD calling works as well (tested a call to another AT&T customer and a Verizon customer).
The device can do 2xCA with bands 2 + 12 and bands 2 + 4.
Speed is almost the same as the US model when using these frequencies.
No WiFi calling
Project Fi (T-Mobile).
VOLTE works.
HD calling just between T-Mobile customers.
The device can do 2xCA with bands 2 + 4. I have not seen it do 4+12 or 2+12 yet.
No WiFi calling (but that's normal to any phone that's not a pixel with Fi).
Verizon:
To be tested still
Like I mentioned before, if your international version comes from a European country, for some reason carrier aggregation no longer works. If you then flash an Asian firmware, have an Asian country SIM inside the phone when you flash the firmware and do a factory reset after you flash, carrier aggregation will start working with a US SIM afterward.
DeeXii said:
It should be noted that with Exynos F models, USA Carrier Aggregation does not work properly.
While the phone will function properly, it will not have the same network speeds as an equivalent USA model.
For example, I had in my possession a N960F and did a speed test next to a N920T (Note 5) and I was getting like 70-90Mbps down on the Note 5 and was only getting 15-30Mbps on the N960F in the exact same spots.
I've tested this many times and actually also with the N950F before that.
I'm only posting about this just to make people aware. I'm, sure there are some that will take the trade-off of slower speeds to gain the ability of root and development, but there are also some out there that prefer that their speeds not be gimped.
This has been discussed on many XDA threads in the Note 8, S9, Note 9, S10 forums for a couple of years now and can be duplicated exactly as mentioned.
If anyone has figured out a way to get proper USA CA on F model phones I'm one of the first that would love to hear about it.
I'm sure @iunlock would also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not the model that causes this - it's your lack of the correct CSC. If it has a compatible CSC, it works just fine.
I'm currently debating rooting my new Note 10+ 5g to port over the T-Mobile CSC from a T-Mobile model like I did with the Note 8.
Kalm_Traveler said:
It's not the model that causes this - it's your lack of the correct CSC. If it has a compatible CSC, it works just fine.
I'm currently debating rooting my new Note 10+ 5g to port over the T-Mobile CSC from a T-Mobile model like I did with the Note 8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is 100% incorrect.
While flashing the CSC is a must on any locked or F model Samsung phone to enable all carrier features like video calling and VoLTE. It does not give the CA tables that are in the snap dragon's baseband to an Exynos device.
There for if you are on a US carrier and have a N975U/U1 next to a N975F, the speeds on the N975F will be significantly less than the N975U/U1. I'm surprised you have entered this debate again with these views considering your experience in the matter. Once again we have obtained an F model and tested against US variants and have concluded that as of now, simply flashing the CSC from T-Mobile or any US variant does not enable USA Carrier Aggregation on Exynos models. I am not trying to be mean or agumentitive here, but when you have people ordering from overseas potentially running into situations where they cannot return a device, it is very important to have 100% accurate information.
It should be noted that while on 5G it may be different because I do not think 5G uses the MIMO type actions of carrier aggregation. But also with that said. 5G phones do not use 5G 100% of the time. (See how 5G works for more info)
TLR - Yes unlocked international models "work" on US carriers. However their speeds will be much slower than on a US variant because international variants cannot do the Carrier Aggregation that US carriers need for full data speeds.
DeeXii said:
That is 100% incorrect.
While flashing the CSC is a must on any locked or F model Samsung phone to enable all carrier features like video calling and VoLTE. It does not give the CA tables that are in the snap dragon's baseband to an Exynos device.
There for if you are on a US carrier and have a N975U/U1 next to a N975F, the speeds on the N975F will be significantly less than the N975U/U1. I'm surprised you have entered this debate again with these views considering your experience in the matter. Once again we have obtained an F model and tested against US variants and have concluded that as of now, simply flashing the CSC from T-Mobile or any US variant does not enable USA Carrier Aggregation on Exynos models. I am not trying to be mean or agumentitive here, but when you have people ordering from overseas potentially running into situations where they cannot return a device, it is very important to have 100% accurate information.
It should be noted that while on 5G it may be different because I do not think 5G uses the MIMO type actions of carrier aggregation. But also with that said. 5G phones do not use 5G 100% of the time. (See how 5G works for more info)
TLR - Yes unlocked international models "work" on US carriers. However their speeds will be much slower than on a US variant because international variants cannot do the Carrier Aggregation that US carriers need for full data speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure where you got that information, but quite a few of us posted screenshots in the Note 8 days showing the CA tables on our N and F variants. I believe the CA combo info is within the keystrings.dat file but don't quote me on that.
Also - nobody should root their phone (needed to flash USA CSCs on N and F variant Samsung phones) and expect to be able to return the device afterwards. We are taking the risk anyway by ordering an overseas model phone.
Kalm_Traveler said:
I'm not sure where you got that information, but quite a few of us posted screenshots in the Note 8 days showing the CA tables on our N and F variants. I believe the CA combo info is within the keystrings.dat file but don't quote me on that.
Also - nobody should root their phone (needed to flash USA CSCs on N and F variant Samsung phones) and expect to be able to return the device afterward. We are taking the risk anyway by ordering an overseas model phone.
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Click to collapse
I'm getting my info from several tests done by myself and several others.
The tests on our Note 10 devices match exactly the tests we have done on Note8 and Note 9 international Exynos F models that people have been testing for years that simply do not do US Carrier Aggregation, even with the US CSC.
We have had two Note 10 F models, an unlocked US model, and a T-Mobile US Model. At the same exact location, my old Note 5 N920T pulls higher download speeds (because of Carrier Aggregation) than my brother in law's N975F.
Go find a T-Mobile N975U and see for yourself, however, I am not sure where you are located. I am sure there are some places in the country that might produce the same speeds on their phones simply because the towers in that area are older and do not have all of the bands some major markets have.
In those locations, you will probably see average download speeds anyways. In this situation, an Exynos model is acceptable as the speeds will be the same. However, when traveling the data will still be gimped obviously.
Bottom line is that if a person in a major market gets an N975F and flashes the T-Mobile CSC they will still have gimped data speeds when compared to a US snapdragon variant, period.
Believe me, there is no one more than myself and @iunlock that want CA to work 100% 1:1 with the N975U model but it's just not the case. It is what it is.
Also, it should be noted that CA does not just affect download speeds. It can also affect signal reliability in certain situations.
DeeXii said:
I'm getting my info from several tests done by myself and several others.
The tests on our Note 10 devices match exactly the tests we have done on Note8 and Note 9 international Exynos F models that people have been testing for years that simply do not do US Carrier Aggregation, even with the US CSC.
We have had two Note 10 F models, an unlocked US model, and a T-Mobile US Model. At the same exact location, my old Note 5 N920T pulls higher download speeds (because of Carrier Aggregation) than my brother in law's N975F.
Go find a T-Mobile N975U and see for yourself, however, I am not sure where you are located. I am sure there are some places in the country that might produce the same speeds on their phones simply because the towers in that area are older and do not have all of the bands some major markets have.
In those locations, you will probably see average download speeds anyways. In this situation, an Exynos model is acceptable as the speeds will be the same. However, when traveling the data will still be gimped obviously.
Bottom line is that if a person in a major market gets an N975F and flashes the T-Mobile CSC they will still have gimped data speeds when compared to a US snapdragon variant, period.
Believe me, there is no one more than myself and @iunlock that want CA to work 100% 1:1 with the N975U model but it's just not the case. It is what it is.
Also, it should be noted that CA does not just affect download speeds. It can also affect signal reliability in certain situations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I take this as a challenge, my friend
Hold my beer...
Would flashing a different CSC get rid of the current carrier boot and shutdown animation? And, to flash a Tmo CSC on a rooted sm-n975f be as simple as flashing the new CSC in Odin?
Kalm_Traveler said:
. . . . port over the T-Mobile CSC from a T-Mobile model like I did with the Note 8.
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Hey Kalm_Traveler. Long time no chat.
Please do that. I just picked up a SM-N975F/DS and would love to see that happen. I remember your old N8 thread well.
To update my earlier reply, just tested the FD model with Verizon.
VOLTE works out of the box.
HD voice works.
I've seen 2 x CA with bands 4 and 2 and then 5 and 2.
So while we are both going to see 3 x CA or 4 x CA, it can def do 2 x CA on the 3 carriers I tested.
What surprised me that VOLTE works out of the box for all 3 carriers.View attachment 4819270
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