Hey, I *almost* pressed 'buy it now' to pick up an exynos S9+ to use here in the US on Verizon. Then something caught my eye about another listing saying "GSM Only". SO.... I surfed around a bit and found out the obvious: Int'l versions are GSM only, and Verizon's current voice network is CDMA. HOWEVER....I think I've also learned that VZ is phasing out CDMA in favor of using LTE for voice. In fact, they are hoping to have CDMA totally gone by 2019. In another thread on the S8., someone speculates they would have no qualms using a Int'l S8 on verizon since '98%' of their voice network is now LTE.
To complicate matters, this is a work-paid phone plan, so I can't install any custom ROMs- has to be stock.
So- is this doable or should I give up hope? (The reason I'm hot on getting the Exynos model is to use the dual-band GPS when the feature is unlocked, presumably in a future firmware release).
Thanks!
I don't know the time frame but they are certainly moving to GSM. I suspect that a large part is now GSM since they initially started in Canada and Mexico some time ago.
[email protected] said:
HOWEVER....I think I've also learned that VZ is phasing out CDMA in favor of using LTE for voice. In fact, they are hoping to have CDMA totally gone by 2019. In another thread on the S8., someone speculates they would have no qualms using a Int'l S8 on verizon since '98%' of their voice network is now LTE.
To complicate matters, this is a work-paid phone plan, so I can't install any custom ROMs- has to be stock.
So- is this doable or should I give up hope? (The reason I'm hot on getting the Exynos model is to use the dual-band GPS when the feature is unlocked, presumably in a future firmware release).
Thanks!
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The exynos s9 may work on verizon LTE data, but not on calls. Currently Verizon has CDMA which doesn't work on the exynos s9. If Verizon switches to only LTE then the exynos s9 will most likely have to support Verizon's VoLTE, and VoLTE on the exynos s9 doesn't officially work on stock software with any US Carrier without hacks that would make the phone non-stock. So far the only working modded CSC is on T-Mobile and there is development on an ATT CSC. The snapdragon s9 has significantly better battery life and better performance than the exynos s9. The Dual-band GPS is something that Samsung might not enable. If you aren't going to use custom roms or unlock the bootloader because the snapdragon s9 doesn't have an unlockable bootloader, but the exynos s9 does then the snapdragon will probably work better in the US.
Thanks guys. Looks like I'll be stuck for now in my quest for <10cm GPS
Related
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've been reading about firmware and how users flashed the T-Mobile Firmware on their S8's to gain some services. Am I missing anything with my S9 and keeping it on the unlocked firmware? I've searched these forums and the web but there are no sound conclusions if I am hurting my service by not flashing the firmware.
Thanks for the help
chferg said:
I've been reading about firmware and how users flashed the T-Mobile Firmware on their S8's to gain some services. Am I missing anything with my S9 and keeping it on the unlocked firmware? I've searched these forums and the web but there are no sound conclusions if I am hurting my service by not flashing the firmware.
Thanks for the help
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No. ALL TMobile features work with the US unlocked version. I'm using one myself on tmobile.
The only "feature" you'll be missing is the 600mhz/B71 band on T-Mobile, which is new an somewhat "upcoming" anyways. I think the S9 Tmo is one of the first phones (if not the only phone) to support this band.
Nightwind Hawk said:
The only "feature" you'll be missing is the 600mhz/B71 band on T-Mobile, which is new an somewhat "upcoming" anyways. I think the S9 Tmo is one of the first phones (if not the only phone) to support this band.
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No, sorry. The US unlocked version has TMobiles new band 71.
Nightwind Hawk said:
The only "feature" you'll be missing is the 600mhz/B71 band on T-Mobile, which is new an somewhat "upcoming" anyways. I think the S9 Tmo is one of the first phones (if not the only phone) to support this band.
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The first phone carried by a US carrier to support the 600MHz was actually the LG V30. Since then the Moto Z2 Force, S9, S9+, Note 8, and S8 active all support 600MHz. Last week LG launched the first budget phone to support 600MHz, and that's the LG K30 at $225.
Edit: All, if not almost all of the phones I listed have native support for 600MHz (assuming Snapdragon versions), so all carriers phones if unlocked will be able to take advantage of the 600MHz on T-mobiles network.
Multi line (digits) doesn't appear to work in the unlocked version. The app still functions though, however the experience is so much better when it's baked into the firmware.
I'm on a sm-g960w on Rogers and they have a 2600mhz band that's nice when nobody's on it lol.
I recently flashed over to ARC6 (tmb I think) and then sideloaded an update up to ARDA (may update). My device reads sm-g960u now and I'm wondering if I'll still be able to get on that band.
Thanks in advance if anyone knows, the way I usually measure isn't working and I don't have root.
thephunk said:
Multi line (digits) doesn't appear to work in the unlocked version. The app still functions though, however the experience is so much better when it's baked into the firmware.
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Digits works just fine on my unlocked S9. All u gotta do is download the tmobile digits app in the app store. Never had an issue
ChongoDroid said:
I'm on a sm-g960w on Rogers and they have a 2600mhz band that's nice when nobody's on it lol.
I recently flashed over to ARC6 (tmb I think) and then sideloaded an update up to ARDA (may update). My device reads sm-g960u now and I'm wondering if I'll still be able to get on that band.
Thanks in advance if anyone knows, the way I usually measure isn't working and I don't have root.
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If you dial *#2263# do you also see US bands enabled like band 28, 71, 14???
If so I'd be willing to take my chances and would flash the U1/U baseband/firmware
I'm leaning towards a new phone after one of my beloved S6 edge logic board went bad all of a sudden. I have a backup S6 edge but I'm concerned this one will one day give out too. This is not a root debate I want to keep root for various reasons.
Question is for those who are using an unlocked and rooted international version 960F on ATT, what features are not working, lack radio bands (i believe 30 and maybe more depending on source) missing is affecting your daily usage. Wifi Calling/Video calling. etc
Bands S9 missing more than S8 according to site below but other sites contradict
https://www.frequencycheck.com/carr...axy-s9-td-lte-samsung-star/at-t-united-states
https://www.clove.co.uk/samsung-galaxy-s9
http://www.samsung.com/uk/smartphones/galaxy-s9/specs/
Looking for user feedback and experience.
Thanks
If for some reason the S9 Exynos doesn't have the correct radio bands like all the previous one have you could look into the Latin American Variant with unlock-able bootloader.
I have not, I looked at Clove b/c it seems like a reliable source to purchase and they are aware of Region lock.
That said based on the specs only Band 30 is missing which is not a deal breaker i checked a few different sites and Band 30 is not even in my area.
I would still like feedback on other issues with using Exynos out here in the USA on ATT network.
bump
Hey, a strange turn of events...I recently asked if I could use this on Verizon, and the answer was "no". But I just learned I'll be switching (against my will) to AT&T very soon.
So if I get an Exynos S9 in hopeful anticipation of dual-freq GPS being unlocked at some point, will it work on AT&T in the US? It's gotta be a stock ROM, as it's a work-managed phone...
Thanks again!
Yes, it will work but no VoLTE, WiFi Calling and carrier aggregation.
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.
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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
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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/
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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.
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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.