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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.
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
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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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.
Will the unlocked S20 Ultra work with Tmobile Wifi calling?
Hi,
Not sure but here's my history:
Bought an unlocked S9Plus from Samsung, had issues with WiFi calling on tmobile, never got it working.
So when S10 Plus came out I bought the Tmobile version from Samsung, everything works great.
So I just ordered the s20Plus from Samsung but the Tmobile version to make sure all is well with WiFi
and Tmobile's 5G systems. After a month or so I call Tmobile and get it unlocked, so no problem there.
Just safer to get all the Tmobile crap on there to be safe, also no issues with voicemail to text app either.
Ken
steelersmb said:
Will the unlocked S20 Ultra work with Tmobile Wifi calling?
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WIFI calling may not work I've been told. I just ordered a S20 + unlocked that I plan to use on Verizon. I would have gotten the carrier specific except I am buying it out right and would only get $300 trade in on my S10+ unless I used Verizon financing.
I refuse to do that so I went with the unlocked and got my $600 trade in. If I have bad problems I can always send it back and get the branded one.
My concern wasn't WIFI calling or VoLTE I had to make sure Mobile hotspot and MMS will work and I have been told they will.
I don't use the other features, so they don't matter to me.
So I have the unlocked S10 I use on TMobile work's beautiful and the s20 should as well I can even use wifi calling like you questioned which I hope carries over as well but I'm assuming it should I'll know in about 4-5 days
yeah every unlocked phone I have used on Tmobile wifi Volte has always worked, that`s why I stick with Tmobile, ATT sucked for unlocked phones....... except for the pixels, anything else wifi calling and VOLTE would`nt work.
As soon as I put my t-mobile sim in my U1 it re-starts and installs wifi calling feature. Just confirming it does work
steelersmb said:
Will the unlocked S20 Ultra work with Tmobile Wifi calling?
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Working fine on my S20+
Wi-Fi calling usually works on the unlocked Samsung phones, it's the in-dialer video calling that doesn't. Also, T-Mobile's implementation of RCS in the messages app doesn't work with the unlocked phones. It's usually very easy to flash the T-Mobile firmware using Odin on the unlocked model. That way you get all the carrier specific features. Make sure to boot your phone on the unlocked firmware (with the TMO SIM inserted) before you flash over to the carrier specific firmware. It's known to cause issues if you don't.
effortless said:
Wi-Fi calling usually works on the unlocked Samsung phones, it's the in-dialer video calling that doesn't. Also, T-Mobile's implementation of RCS in the messages app doesn't work with the unlocked phones. It's usually very easy to flash the T-Mobile firmware using Odin on the unlocked model. That way you get all the carrier specific features. Make sure to boot your phone on the unlocked firmware (with the TMO SIM inserted) before you flash over to the carrier specific firmware. It's known to cause issues if you don't.
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Do you know if the same thing works for Verizon? In other words, can an unlocked Galaxy S20 be flashed with Verizon firmware in order to enjoy any Verizon specific features, but still enjoy being bootloader unlocked and rooted?
cognitivedissonance said:
Do you know if the same thing works for Verizon? In other words, can an unlocked Galaxy S20 be flashed with Verizon firmware in order to enjoy any Verizon specific features, but still enjoy being bootloader unlocked and rooted?
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You can't be bootloader unlocked and rooted since Samsung does not allow you to unlock the bootloader in the US for any carrier. If you're referring to Exynos phones, you can't flash those with the US (unlocked or carrier) firmware. For US phones, you can only flash the US unlocked to any of the US carrier firmware or the carrier phones to the US unlocked firmware.
You can find the firmware here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...g986u-g986u1-firmware-links-flashing-t4054629
effortless said:
Wi-Fi calling usually works on the unlocked Samsung phones, it's the in-dialer video calling that doesn't. Also, T-Mobile's implementation of RCS in the messages app doesn't work with the unlocked phones. It's usually very easy to flash the T-Mobile firmware using Odin on the unlocked model. That way you get all the carrier specific features. Make sure to boot your phone on the unlocked firmware (with the TMO SIM inserted) before you flash over to the carrier specific firmware. It's known to cause issues if you don't.
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I heard about this was thinking if I could flash T-Mobile on the unlocked version will it remain unlocked? Or should I just use Google messages RCS
Franzferdinan51 said:
I heard about this was thinking if I could flash T-Mobile on the unlocked version will it remain unlocked? Or should I just use Google messages RCS
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It's a very easy process and it will not "lock" your phone. You can flash back and forth with no issues.
T-Mobile RCS shows users who are on with a blue dot next to the contact name. It is also different than the Google RCS. If you want to use Google RCS, then everyone you message also needs to use Google Messages in order to take advantage of it. It's up to you if you choose to do it, but if you use T-Mobile and your friends and family do too, it might be worth it.
EDIT: Also if your phone is carrier SIM locked, flashing an unlocked firmware will not unlock it for use on other carriers.
Anyone running AT&T-branded G8 on T-mobile (and/or the US unlocked LMG820QM7 version)
I've had a week and a half long headache wrestingly with two Sprint-branded (LM-G820UM) handsets and I've had enough.
(Quick explanation... No wi-fi call support which I could live with, but no VoLTE was a deal breaker only because in my house for some reason UTMS 3G is either spotty or the radio just doesn't switch back and forth effectively. The Sprint baked ROM is a pain.)
At any rate, I'm looking at unlocked T-Mo, AT&T and general US unlocked (LMG820QM7) units around the web and just wondering what the experiences are with those. VoLTE would fix my problem. Wi-fi calling successful provisioning would be gravy (actually that would solve the problem as well in my house, but suspect the latter would likely come hand-in-hand with the former).
Cheers in advance. I needs a working phone order asap!