I'm looking to upgrade to the S9+ and looking for advice on whether or not to get the US carrier unlock version or the T-Mobile version. So those of you who went with the US carrier unlocked S8+, What are the Pros and Cons of it please?
You need to get an Exynos S9+, better performance and bootloader unlocking
I would check and make sure the international version supports bands 66 and 71 first (600 mhz). I've looked all over but I can't find that info anywhere yet.
If you are financing I'd buy unlocked from Samsung.com, If paying full price buy it directly from T-Mobile directly. If you plan to have it SIM unlocked T-Mobile branded phones from Samsung.com are harder (not impossible, but not instant when you are eligible through the Unlock App). If the S9 is like the S8 you should be able to switch to each carriers firmware automatically after it's unlocked. I found the carrier bloat to be very light on the S8, and doesn't prevent you from using most features compared to the factory unlocked model (Verizon excluded).
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Anyone know what the release timeframe is for an unlocked version of this phone, or whether I can just buy a Rogers version and unlock it via a code purchased online? Does the Rogers version support all the same bands that the Verizon one does (specifically B4 and B7 LTE, 850/1900 3g for Virgin Canada)?
The phone seems to be available for purchase right now, but I don't really want to rush into anything without knowing it'll work for sure.
I understand you want to use the Z Play on Virgin Mobile Canada. In that case, Rogers has it retail $650 CAD. Verizon Wireless is CDMA, meaning your worst option for LTE on other carriers. Watch for a promo on Koodo. Was $360 on subsidy during the holidays. Retail US for ~$605 CAD if you buy the unlocked version in the states. Not big savings as unlock codes are $3 on eBay.
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.
I know that the XT1952-4 is the unlocked version for CDMA and GSM and technically has all the bands for all the carriers.
I am seeing XT1952-1 & XT1952-2 listed as global/international models but can not find any definitive documentation detailing the differences between the 2.
I am going to be getting one of these for my wife. We use Cricket (AT&T) currently. If we were to switch, it would likely be another AT&T MVNO, but we wouldn't rule out T-Mobile (or their MVNOs). CDMA (Verizon/Sprint) likely wouldn't be considered, so I don't need to get the XT-1952-4 version. I can save about $30 going for the XT1952-1 or XT1952-2. The question is...which one? What are the differences? Single/dual sim? Bands?
Any clarity?
Thanks!
mn1968 said:
I know that the XT1952-4 is the unlocked version for CDMA and GSM and technically has all the bands for all the carriers.
I am seeing XT1952-1 & XT1952-2 listed as global/international models but can not find any definitive documentation detailing the differences between the 2.
I am going to be getting one of these for my wife. We use Cricket (AT&T) currently. If we were to switch, it would likely be another AT&T MVNO, but we wouldn't rule out T-Mobile (or their MVNOs). CDMA (Verizon/Sprint) likely wouldn't be considered, so I don't need to get the XT-1952-4 version. I can save about $30 going for the XT1952-1 or XT1952-2. The question is...which one? What are the differences? Single/dual sim? Bands?
Any clarity?
Thanks!
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You will definitely want to go with the US model (XT1952-4), and not any of the international models. The US model has the necessary compatibility for US carriers, while the international models will not have those bands (for example, the US model supports T-Mobile's new 600MHz signal, which is not present on the international models). Additionally, international models will not have many carrier-specific features, such as VoLTE support and RCS, that you will only get with the US model.
Thanks for the advice!
I've come across am XT1952-4 for a good price, however, it is advertised for Sprint only. How could this be if it is truly an XT1952-4? False ad or misinformed seller???
Thoughts?
mn1968 said:
I've come across am XT1952-4 for a good price, however, it is advertised for Sprint only. How could this be if it is truly an XT1952-4? False ad or misinformed seller???
Thoughts?
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If you are in the US purchase from a reputable retailer such as B&H that posts accurate info on phone models and capabilities while providing a solid return policy. Amazon, eBay, Walmart, etc are crap shoots...never really know what you're getting.
mn1968 said:
I've come across am XT1952-4 for a good price, however, it is advertised for Sprint only. How could this be if it is truly an XT1952-4? False ad or misinformed seller???
Thoughts?
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It's probably a model purchased from Sprint/a Sprint-related MVNO, and is locked to the Sprint network.
xtermmin said:
It's probably a model purchased from Sprint/a Sprint-related MVNO, and is locked to the Sprint network.
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That is correct. I own a Boost Mobile (Sprint subsidiary) xt1952-4 which is locked to the Sprint network out of the box. The Sprint variant xt1952-4 is supported for bootloader unlocking via Motorola's official unlocking portal.
Viva La Android said:
That is correct. I own a Boost Mobile (Sprint subsidiary) xt1952-4 which is locked to the Sprint network out of the box. The Sprint variant xt1952-4 is supported for bootloader unlocking via Motorola's official unlocking portal.
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Bootloader unlock is cool. But is it possible to sim unlock for other networks, or are there hoops to jump through?
mn1968 said:
Bootloader unlock is cool. But is it possible to sim unlock for other networks, or are there hoops to jump through?
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That's a great question. Traditionally, Sprint doesn't make it simple for its branded devices to gain network/SIM unlocking or full GSM support and operability. They resort to encryption embedded partitions to network lock their devices. For example, the Sprint compatible Moto E (2nd Gen) from 2015 has yet to be exploited for GSM support. But, the Moto E4 (xt1766) was recently exploited for GSM functionality (but only if the device was never upgraded beyond a certain firmware build). On the xt1952-4, I've yet to hear of anybody network unlocking it, but again I have not researched it much.
For anyone that's interested, as of today (12/6/19), eBay and direct from Motorola have the XT1952-4 fully unlocked (all network compatible model) on sale for $129. Don't know how long the sale will last.
The model you want is the XT-1952-4 PAE80008US. The QA section on BH Photo confirms that PAE80008US is the unlocked Retail US model
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1455105-REG/moto_pae80008us_g7_play_32gb_smartphone.html/qa
there seems to be three versions that are the most accessible in my price range, sprint, tmobile and unlocked variants. on paper, it seems like the unlocked variant actually has the least amount of att bands but i just wanted to know overall which variant would be the best for att service