Related
I had my phone unlocked through tmobile. I ended up leaving tmobile and they aren't working with me to pay off the phone. I currently have it working on att but I'm worried that in a couple months it's going to lose service bc they blacklisted it. I'm on att prepaid. Does anyone have a personal experiance with a bad imei tmobile phone working on att prepaid or even another prepaid service like straight talk or even verizon?
I had an issue with Verizon once with a note 3. It was a Verizon phone and I flashed a Beanstown rom and this tool called Casual by Adam Outler and it removed the lock bootloader and installed a patch to stop the update from we very coming through its been a couple of years ago but search like that. But in most cases if they unlocked it your fine. I'm still with them and have been for 6 years.
I am just wondering if anyone who ordered from ATT or direct from Google, have recieved their phones yet. I had been told that the Google direct ones wont have some of the ATT features working? The ATT rep that told me that is a friend and was under the impression the Google version wouldnt do tethering and some other features.
jpinks said:
I am just wondering if anyone who ordered from ATT or direct from Google, have recieved their phones yet. I had been told that the Google direct ones wont have some of the ATT features working? The ATT rep that told me that is a friend and was under the impression the Google version wouldnt do tethering and some other features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no AT&T version of this phone, you can only get it from the Google Store or Verizon, if you are a subscriber.
With that said, I have one on AT&T and WiFi Calling and HD Voice do not work at this time.
I was tethering earlier. I haven't bought a phone from ATT in 4-5 years. I wouldn't know what wifi and HD is. :/
jpinks said:
I am just wondering if anyone who ordered from ATT or direct from Google, have recieved their phones yet. I had been told that the Google direct ones wont have some of the ATT features working? The ATT rep that told me that is a friend and was under the impression the Google version wouldnt do tethering and some other features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have mine google store version on at&T managed to hard / soft brick by being unlocked with custom kernel then re locking and rebooting with oem unlock off. might have to get mine replaced or returned but works well on at&t at&t is supposed to get pixel in november
I keep asking around and I keep getting different answers.
I have a grandfathered UDP. Some people say I should keep it because the new UDP has limitations. Some people say I should switch to the new UDP.
I wish I could still use PDANet/FoxFi (only a few times a year when travelling etc.). Some people say I can just pay $1/day for Verizon mobile hotspot. Some people say I should switch my plan.
I use Samsung Pay and GearVR, and I'd rather not root my phone. I use between 10-20GB/month.
Some people say that "unlocked" doesn't matter anymore - that the carrier SIM will make it a Verizon device no matter where I buy the phone. Is that true?
I'm ready to upgrade from my S6 to the S9 or S9+ (I want to keep my S6). Should I purchase through Samsung, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy? Does it matter, or should I just go with the cheapest deal I can find?
I plan on going straight through Samsung on a monthly payment plan. They should offer some type of a device trade in program so I can trade in my sons Moto Z and maybe get a couple hundred knocked off. My son can have my Pixel XL and I'll get the 9+.
ergalthema said:
I keep asking around and I keep getting different answers.
I have a grandfathered UDP. Some people say I should keep it because the new UDP has limitations. Some people say I should switch to the new UDP.
I wish I could still use PDANet/FoxFi (only a few times a year when travelling etc.). Some people say I can just pay $1/day for Verizon mobile hotspot. Some people say I should switch my plan.
I use Samsung Pay and GearVR, and I'd rather not root my phone. I use between 10-20GB/month.
Some people say that "unlocked" doesn't matter anymore - that the carrier SIM will make it a Verizon device no matter where I buy the phone. Is that true?
I'm ready to upgrade from my S6 to the S9 or S9+ (I want to keep my S6). Should I purchase through Samsung, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy? Does it matter, or should I just go with the cheapest deal I can find?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.
Bxrider117 said:
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know thats a good point! I was originally looking maybe at an unlocked version but... having WiFi calling when out of the states is nice feature without spending $$$ on a separate international plan at the time.
Bxrider117 said:
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a good point - glad you mentioned it. However, I am rarely out of the country, so I'm wondering if it's still in my best interest to have an unlocked phone.
Deathman20 said:
You know thats a good point! I was originally looking maybe at an unlocked version but... having WiFi calling when out of the states is nice feature without spending $$$ on a separate international plan at the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this was the case with the S8+. I'm going to make sure that I confirm it with Samsung and Verizon. The unlocked version is cheaper than getting from Verizon.
You can also now reservthe unlocked version on Samsung's website
https://www.samsung.com/us/
It only lets you reserve the unlocked version right now.
Bxrider117 said:
I know this was the case with the S8+. I'm going to make sure that I confirm it with Samsung and Verizon. The unlocked version is cheaper than getting from Verizon.
You can also now reservthe unlocked version on Samsung's website
https://www.samsung.com/us/
It only lets you reserve the unlocked version right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you pre-order it on Friday from Best Buy I think it matches or beats Samsung's price by $10 and includes unlocked version too!
Course its early so curious if anything will change.
Side note is there any additional pre-order perks that we can get?
Deathman20 said:
If you pre-order it on Friday from Best Buy I think it matches or beats Samsung's price by $10 and includes unlocked version too!
Course its early so curious if anything will change.
Side note is there any additional pre-order perks that we can get?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I see at Samsung is the $840 (S9+), but Best Buy says it will be $100 off that, no?
ergalthema said:
All I see at Samsung is the $840 (S9+), but Best Buy says it will be $100 off that, no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung is reading right. Though from Verizon/AT&T they have the higher price at $930/915 respectfully. So that being said it would potentially bring it lower than Samsung.
Best Buy says to get their discount there needs to be a qualified activation. Not sure but that sounds like you need to start a new line of service with the carrier. I have a plan already, don't need another. I'm with AT&T and am going to go with the carrier's model of the phone. HD calling or volte might or might not work with an unlocked model depending on whether or not they decide to activate it for you but WiFi calling won't work unless you have the AT&T model. WiFi calling is nice for out of country use, my family also spends some time in an area without cell service but WiFi is available. When I realized my wife had wifi calling on her iphone I was jealous. My Pixel didn't work. I like the features, security of the new phones. I think I'm done worrying about carrier apps, bootloaders and root. It's been quite a while since I modded a phone and improved on the stock configuration. I know, this is XDA but it's getting pretty hard to improve on this year's phones. My P2XL is still stock & I'm very happy with it like that.
dmb219 said:
Best Buy says to get their discount there needs to be a qualified activation. Not sure but that sounds like you need to start a new line of service with the carrier. I have a plan already, don't need another. I'm with AT&T and am going to go with the carrier's model of the phone. HD calling or volte might or might not work with an unlocked model depending on whether or not they decide to activate it for you but WiFi calling won't work unless you have the AT&T model. WiFi calling is nice for out of country use, my family also spends some time in an area without cell service but WiFi is available. When I realized my wife had wifi calling on her iphone I was jealous. My Pixel didn't work. I like the features, security of the new phones. I think I'm done worrying about carrier apps, bootloaders and root. It's been quite a while since I modded a phone and improved on the stock configuration. I know, this is XDA but it's getting pretty hard to improve on this year's phones. My P2XL is still stock & I'm very happy with it like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Talking with BB reps so far, their qualified activation doesn't seem to be like anything. Can be a new line or current at least thats what I've been told so far and that is what they are expecting.
For the BB pricing though found this out and might only still refer to the Pre-Order period. S9+ will be $100 off still after the 2nd, and S9 will be $50 off after the 2nd. No clue how long it lasts after that though but its what I was able to get out of the rep today. Also talking around no luck at getting at least Verizon to honor the BB discount so... well really its not to much tough luck for them since they still get money.
I just spoke to a vz rep, and this was her answer to the question...
Verizon: Thank you for contacting the Verizon Wireless Chat Team regarding your account. How can we help you today?
You: hi
You: what is the difference between the verizon S9 and the version of the S9 straight from samsung?
Meghann: Hello!
Meghann: There is no difference between the phones.
You: all features will work on both versions?
Meghann: Correct.
You: wifi calling, etc? We will just get software updates straight from samsung as oppose to from vz?
You: Please pardon my confusion here, but i was wondering what made the samsung version $80 cheaper!
Meghann: We do not make the phone, the difference is that Samsung sells us the phone and then we sell it to you. If you buy it straight from Samsung, you can use it on any carrier.
You: yes i am aware of that!
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.
droideris1 said:
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of all the confusing possibilities I've heard, I have not heard anyone say that an unlocked phone will have wifi calling on Verizon - basically everyone says wifi calling does not work on an unlocked phone...
ergalthema said:
Of all the confusing possibilities I've heard, I have not heard anyone say that an unlocked phone will have wifi calling on Verizon - basically everyone says wifi calling does not work on an unlocked phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true on AT&T phones. You won't get wifi calling unless you have an AT&T phone. Can't speak for Verizon. Can't speak for the S9 at all since we don't have any user feedback but I doubt the carrier bonus features will change.
The unlocked version will not get visual voice mail on Verizon. That is a no go for me. All one has to do is look at the status of the unlocked S8 on verizon for confirmation. Nothing is different here. In fact Verizon has recently stated it will temporarily stop selling it's own branded phones unlocked. The Verizon price of the phones are almost $100 over what the Samsung retail is and also the most of any carrier. lucky us. I don't need a new activation so I don't get the $100 off best Buy deal. So I pay the inflated rate at no discount and no offers. nada. Basically stuck. Oh well.. such is life.
xgman said:
I don't need a new activation so I don't get the $100 off best Buy deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't need to start a new line. I'm trading in my S8+ for the S9+ with Best Buy and I got the $100 off. I'm not starting a new line, just upgrading my current. They just make you activate it in the store.
Call up the cancelation department and threaten to cancel to ATT. When they ask if they can do anything for you let them know they can offer you the phone and keep your GUDP. Worked for me.
@ergalthema
What did you decide to do? It's cheaper through the Samsung website itself.
I'm in the same boat as you - I don't really need Wifi calling and don't use VVM.
wolfgrrl said:
@ergalthema
What did you decide to do? It's cheaper through the Samsung website itself.
I'm in the same boat as you - I don't really need Wifi calling and don't use VVM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went with the unlocked from Samsung. So far, any issues I have would probably exist on the Verizon version as well (mainly minor quirks that I have to find workarounds for).
For some reason, it has been more difficult to force the camera shutter to silent. I have a Tasker task that always worked with S6 - when camera is opened, silence all audio. But with the S9, sometimes the "System Volume" will be stuck at full. It's grayed-out and I cant' change it. Not sure what's causing that. If I reboot, I can adjust everything again. At first, I thought maybe the unlocked version couldn't silence the camera shutter, but that's not the case. I can silence it sometimes. Gotta figure out why it gets stuck at full volume sometimes, though.
Yeah, I think that's the route I'm going to do as well. Plus they'll give me $200 for my current phone
ergalthema said:
I went with the unlocked from Samsung. So far, any issues I have would probably exist on the Verizon version as well (mainly minor quirks that I have to find workarounds for).
For some reason, it has been more difficult to force the camera shutter to silent. I have a Tasker task that always worked with S6 - when camera is opened, silence all audio. But with the S9, sometimes the "System Volume" will be stuck at full. It's grayed-out and I cant' change it. Not sure what's causing that. If I reboot, I can adjust everything again. At first, I thought maybe the unlocked version couldn't silence the camera shutter, but that's not the case. I can silence it sometimes. Gotta figure out why it gets stuck at full volume sometimes, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trying to figure out why the Verizon S9 is $80 more than the unlocked one. I used to have the unlocked S7 on Verizon and I understand that some carrier features such as VVM and VoLTE will not work. You also lose some of the Verizon specific apps that are preinstalled. I'm trying to find out if the unlocked phone will support all frequency bands used by Verizon for the best speed and coverage. I tried contacting Samsung through thier web site and here is my conversation:
Murtuza MD, SAMSUNG Care Pro
Them - Please excuse us for the long hold. We have had an unusually high volume of chats coming in. I would be happy to assist you with any questions you have about our products.
Me - What are the drawbacks to buying the unlocked S9 to use on Verizon. I understand that VVM will not work but will the phone support all of the bands used by Verizon to get the best call reception and data speeds?
Them - Please give me a few minutes to review the information you have shared.
Them - I see that the Unlocked S9 phone will be compatible with all the carrier's including Verizon.
Me - I understand that it will be compatible but will it perform the same as the Verizon branded S9? Why is the Verizon S9 $80 more expensive? What does the additional $80 buy for me?
Them - It will get you the Verizon specific feature's and applications that will be Pre installed on the phone.
Them - Please let me know if you have any more questions or queries for me.
Me - So the unlocked S9 will support all available Verizon radio bands?
Them - Yes, you are right.
Me - OK Thank you.
So it appears that the unlocked phone will work properly. Do anyone else find it ridiculous that the carrier locked phone would cost more? I would expect it to cost less unless there is some advantage to the carrier branded phone I am missing. Can anyone think of any other drawbacks to buying the unlocked phone? I could also note that the updates for the unlocked S7 were actually slower than the Verizon branded S7's updates.
unlocked bootloader is the must as well as aosp !!
usa and Canada will get the worst version again !!
I used a prepaid Verizon SIM on an Verizon S8 and lost VVM and WiFi calling but had HD Calling and I then purchased the unlocked Unlocked Pixel 2 XL directly from Google and it worked with with the Verizon prepaid SIM with the same downfalls of no VVM or WiFi calling but again I had HD calling. Not sure if this info helps but I WILL be buying the unlocked version S9 because I don't gain anything due to me using my prepaid SIM.
I don't think we can find such details early on. On websites like GSMarena and Phonearena the S9 doesn't have yet the model specific features (such as for Verizon and Unlocked version) so you should wait a bit more.
For those that had HD calling still usable with the unlocked versions of other devices, were you able to take calls and browse the web at the same time? I used an unlocked S7 with Verizon service for a while, but every time I was on a call I was not able to browse the web at the same time. Unfortunately for the kind of work I do I need to be able to do both.
That may be a drawback from not having the Verizon version of the S9 on their network.
So if you order the unlocked S9 on samsung you don't get visual voicemail ? Even if I use a sim from a verizon S8 model?
xgman said:
So if you order the unlocked S9 on samsung you don't get visual voicemail ? Even if I use a sim from a verizon S8 model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is a Verizon postpaid (contract) SIM? Yes
If it is a Verizon prepaid SIM? NO
Everything I have seen on the web indicates that no matter what sim or contract (full here) that you simply can't get the visual voicemail app with an unlocked Galaxy. That is so unreasonable so they get the extra $100 and you are stuck with the bloatware. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is the case.
xgman said:
Everything I have seen on the web indicates that no matter what sim or contract (full here) that you simply can't get the visual voicemail app with an unlocked Galaxy. That is so unreasonable so they get the extra $100 and you are stuck with the bloatware. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think this is the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Sir. A Verizon prepaid SIM on a Verizon S8 will not allow use of VVM
Throwinrocks said:
No Sir. A Verizon prepaid SIM on a Verizon S8 will not allow use of VVM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not a pre paid sim. It is a contract sim, but it won't make any difference. VVM won't work on a locked Verizon phone since the actual app won't even be on the phone and can't even be downloaded from the app store apparently.
When you put that post paid SIM into a Verizon S8 the VVM will appear on that phone along with 2 or 3 other apps plus Verizon phones aren't locked. My Verizon S8 had the VVM icon on my phone but it would not let me use it because I have a prepaid SIM. I have that icon on my phone.
There are two levels of VVM one is free with postpaid and the other is premium that cost $2.99 a month
Try this. Log in:
My Verizon>My Plans and Services>Blocks>Block Services>Block Visual Voice Mail>ON
Reboot and try a test call
I have the premium. I have not heard of anyone with premium or otherwise being able to get the visual voicemail with the slider etc working on an unlocked phone. I can't try the test because I don't have an unlocked phone to test it on yet plus it's on a work acct which I don't have admin access to. I don't know why they make it so difficult for such a mainstream feature.
xgman said:
I have the premium. I have not heard of anyone with premium or otherwise being able to get the visual voicemail with the slider etc working on an unlocked phone. I can't try the test because I don't have an unlocked phone to test it on yet plus it's on a work acct which I don't have admin access to. I don't know why they make it so difficult for such a mainstream feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. You'd think no matter if it's locked or unlocked phone or a post paid or prepaid SIM they would want to keep you as a customer and allow us to have a simple feature. I still remember when you had to buy text messaging like minutes. LOL
---------- Post added at 12:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:59 AM ----------
RossTeagan said:
I don't think we can find such details early on. On websites like GSMarena and Phonearena the S9 doesn't have yet the model specific features (such as for Verizon and Unlocked version) so you should wait a bit more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait for what? What details and specific features are you talking about?
I talked to Verizon tech support regarding the differences between the unlocked S9 and the Verizon branded S9. She seemed to be very knowledgeable on the subject and confirmed to me that you will not be able to use VVM on the unlocked phone just like I expected. She went as far as to say that since Verizon doesn't control the software updates that there is no guarantee that the phone would continue to work on their network. We all know that Samsung would never send out an update that would break the Verizon service but I could possibly see future software related network speed improvements not getting passed on to this phone. I'm really tossed up on which phone to buy. Are the Verizon tweaks and VVM worth $80?
skiddingus said:
I talked to Verizon tech support regarding the differences between the unlocked S9 and the Verizon branded S9. She seemed to be very knowledgeable on the subject and confirmed to me that you will not be able to use VVM on the unlocked phone just like I expected. She went as far as to say that since Verizon doesn't control the software updates that there is no guarantee that the phone would continue to work on their network. We all know that Samsung would never send out an update that would break the Verizon service but I could possibly see future software related network speed improvements not getting passed on to this phone. I'm really tossed up on which phone to buy. Are the Verizon tweaks and VVM worth $80?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon are a bunch of liars and crooks. Verizon tweaks nothing. They just make sure all their products and services work with the phone, that is all. I wouldn't pay $100 more for a phone that only has bloatware from Verizon. Not to mention Verizon phones are locked from factory now
Josh LaCelle said:
Verizon are a bunch of liars and crooks. Verizon tweaks nothing. They just make sure all their products and services work with the phone, that is all. I wouldn't pay $100 more for a phone that only has bloatware from Verizon. Not to mention Verizon phones are locked from factory now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I'm hearing Verizon hasn't started locking them yet but what difference does it make? AT&T and Sprint have been doing it for years. Once you activate the phone you can unlock it and in some cases they unlock once activated. They are locking them so when people steal them they're unable to use them. There's a ton of articles explaing why and I can't understand why everyone gets upset about it.
Now I take everything samsung says with a grain of salt and some hot sauce but the lady I just talked to (I recorded it) said that the snapdragon verizon s9+ had a unlockable bootloader (but she highly recommended against it). Has anyone else called samsung and asked them?
I can't say how true this actually is, but a vz rep just confirmed that all features will work exactly the same on both versions... see below for convo
Verizon: Thank you for contacting the Verizon Wireless Chat Team regarding your account. How can we help you today?
You: hi
You: what is the difference between the verizon S9 and the version of the S9 straight from samsung?
Meghann: Hello!
Meghann: There is no difference between the phones.
You: all features will work on both versions?
Meghann: Correct.
You: wifi calling, etc? We will just get software updates straight from samsung as oppose to from vz?
You: Please pardon my confusion here, but i was wondering what made the samsung version $80 cheaper!
Meghann: We do not make the phone, the difference is that Samsung sells us the phone and then we sell it to you. If you buy it straight from Samsung, you can use it on any carrier.
You: yes i am aware of that!
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.
You: ok perfect!!
You: thanks for your help!
droideris1 said:
I can't say how true this actually is, but a vz rep just confirmed that all features will work exactly the same on both versions... see below for convo
Verizon: Thank you for contacting the Verizon Wireless Chat Team regarding your account. How can we help you today?
You: hi
You: what is the difference between the verizon S9 and the version of the S9 straight from samsung?
Meghann: Hello!
Meghann: There is no difference between the phones.
You: all features will work on both versions?
Meghann: Correct.
You: wifi calling, etc? We will just get software updates straight from samsung as oppose to from vz?
You: Please pardon my confusion here, but i was wondering what made the samsung version $80 cheaper!
Meghann: We do not make the phone, the difference is that Samsung sells us the phone and then we sell it to you. If you buy it straight from Samsung, you can use it on any carrier.
You: yes i am aware of that!
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.
You: ok perfect!!
You: thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was told something similar by the first person I talked to at Verizon. When I started to ask specific questions, they transferred me to tech support and then I was told the opposite. The tech confirmed that VVM will not be available on the unlocked version. I guess we will find out for sure in a couple weeks.
Find me one person with an unlocked S8 on Verizon that has normal visual voice mail? S9 is no different. I need the VVM for my business, don't need or want a new activation, so I have no choice but to pay the ransom.
Can someone help in this arena would be good to know the difference. Sammy is giving $600 trade-in on my Note 9 if I go to unlocked or I can get the same with Bestbuy carrier locked to ATT. Why I would like to go Samsung route is that it would give me time to move all my 2FA.
So if anyone has a list of carrier difference and issues pleas let me know
buffalosolja42 said:
Can someone help in this arena would be good to know the difference. Sammy is giving $600 trade-in on my Note 9 if I go to unlocked or I can get the same with Bestbuy carrier locked to ATT. Why I would like to go Samsung route is that it would give me time to move all my 2FA.
So if anyone has a list of carrier difference and issues pleas let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are the same phones and can run the same firmware.
I would go with whatever the best deal you can get.
I thought things like video calling and wifi phone calls don't work. Hmm well that's good news then.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
buffalosolja42 said:
I thought things like video calling and wifi phone calls don't work. Hmm well that's good news then.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who is your carrier?
---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 AM ----------
buffalosolja42 said:
Can someone help in this arena would be good to know the difference. Sammy is giving $600 trade-in on my Note 9 if I go to unlocked or I can get the same with Bestbuy carrier locked to ATT. Why I would like to go Samsung route is that it would give me time to move all my 2FA.
So if anyone has a list of carrier difference and issues pleas let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can actually just go research any of this in the Galaxy S8, Note 8, Galaxy S9, Note 9, or Galaxy S10 forums. They all work the same way.
Same hardware across each of the variants, but the software and the carrier will determine which features work. If you're on ATT and you want WiFi calling and VoLTE, you'll need to buy an ATT device. They check your IMEI and if it isn't on their whitelist, those features won't work, even if you flash the ATT firmware.
All the other carriers you can just flash their carrier firmware.
T-Mobile is the easiest. The only thing that won't work on TMO with unlocked firmware is video calling and RCS texting. WiFi calling and VoLTE work right out of the box.
That is what i figured searched the forums a bit but needed something concise appreciate the info!!
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Mr. Orange 645 said:
Who is your carrier?
---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 AM ----------
You can actually just go research any of this in the Galaxy S8, Note 8, Galaxy S9, Note 9, or Galaxy S10 forums. They all work the same way.
Same hardware across each of the variants, but the software and the carrier will determine which features work. If you're on ATT and you want WiFi calling and VoLTE, you'll need to buy an ATT device. They check your IMEI and if it isn't on their whitelist, those features won't work, even if you flash the ATT firmware.
All the other carriers you can just flash their carrier firmware.
T-Mobile is the easiest. The only thing that won't work on TMO with unlocked firmware is video calling and RCS texting. WiFi calling and VoLTE work right out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using ATT prepaid and I bought the S10 plus last year. I flashed it with the ATT firmware and I got wifi calling working. I plan to do the same for my Note 10 plus.
beethoven1854 said:
I am using ATT prepaid and I bought the S10 plus last year. I flashed it with the ATT firmware and I got wifi calling working. I plan to do the same for my Note 10 plus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool! Someone just said that doesn't work on ATT anymore, because they now strictly check your IMEI. I use TMO so I didn't do anymore research, just figured ATT changed their system.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
Cool! Someone just said that doesn't work on ATT anymore, because they now strictly check your IMEI. I use TMO so I didn't do anymore research, just figured ATT changed their system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using it just fine. I will do it on my Note 10 plus and report back my result.
Well there you go, OP. I guess flashing ATT firmware to your unlocked device still works to activate carrier features. Everything else I said is still accurate.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
Cool! Someone just said that doesn't work on ATT anymore, because they now strictly check your IMEI. I use TMO so I didn't do anymore research, just figured ATT changed their system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So right now ATT wifi calling doesn't work with Note 10 Plus but it does work for S10 Plus (and previous models). I am pretty sure this is because the Note 10 is still very new and their system needs some update. I will wait a couple weeks and see what happens.
I called ATT. They told me Note 10 is not on their list yet.
Wow thanks so everything works when flashing the firmware that's great. My wife and I use thr video calling this is great news.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
buffalosolja42 said:
Wow thanks so everything works when flashing the firmware that's great. My wife and I use thr video calling this is great news.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats the first time I heard of anyone actually using it!
ekerbuddyeker said:
thats the first time I heard of anyone actually using it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Work in IT daily and easier for wife as it pops up in call.
I would use it, but I use a Google Voice number as my primary number. We used to do Hangouts video calls all the time, but not so much anymore. I guess the romance is dead.
If you flash carrier firmware to the unlocked phone, don't you basically just end up with a carrier phone? If the answer is yes, then what's the point of buying the unlocked phone?
Corruption Inc said:
If you flash carrier firmware to the unlocked phone, don't you basically just end up with a carrier phone? If the answer is yes, then what's the point of buying the unlocked phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a pre-order deal from Samsung that is between 6-700 can't remember at the moment.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
I always use unlocked devices whether it be Samsung unlocked or Google pixels unlocked but all work like a charm on verizon and get basically free unchecked hotspot
beethoven1854 said:
So right now ATT wifi calling doesn't work with Note 10 Plus but it does work for S10 Plus (and previous models). I am pretty sure this is because the Note 10 is still very new and their system needs some update. I will wait a couple weeks and see what happens.
I called ATT. They told me Note 10 is not on their list yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buffalosolja42 said:
Wow thanks so everything works when flashing the firmware that's great. My wife and I use thr video calling this is great news.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So interestingly, there's another thread and people who are flashing ATT firmware to the unlocked version can no longer get WFC to work. They said it works for a few minutes if they give ATT an old IMEI number, but the system will automatically update to the new IMEI and WFC will no longer work. Read page four of the thread to see what I'm talking about.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-10+/how-to/unlocked-samsung-att-tmo-t3956698
Corruption Inc said:
If you flash carrier firmware to the unlocked phone, don't you basically just end up with a carrier phone? If the answer is yes, then what's the point of buying the unlocked phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a few reasons:
1. This year the Note 9 is worth $600 towards an unlocked model, but only $300 towards carrier models.
2. The U1 models generally maintain their value a little better than the carrier branded models. Even though it's the same exact device, that little "1" makes a difference for some reason.
3. It's factory unlocked. T-Mo, Sprint, ATT, and now Verizon all come carrier locked. Verizon stays locked for 60 days then automatically unlocks. T-Mo you have to pay it off, or pay cash up front, then wait 40 days with it active on your account before it can be unlocked. ATT again has to be paid off or paid in full up front and then you have to request an unkock and wait for the code. I believe Sprint automatically unlocks it once it's paid off.
4. I've heard conflicting stories, but at least in the past, Sprint was weird about their BYOD program. You could only bring devices with whitelisted IMEIs. That was Sprint devices and factory unlocked devices. If you just got your ATT Galaxy S8+ unlocked and brought it to Sprint, it wouldn't activate, even though it was the same exact device hardwarewise. The IMEI wasn't in their database. So the Unlocked version is more flexible.
5. That ugly ATT box. For some reason ATT will often take the phone out of the nice Samsung box and throw it in a cheap ATT box. See the USA Pre-order thread on here. There's already people complaining about that box. And I'm a packaging guy.
So you might as well get the device that's cheaper up front and holds it's value the best and is the most flexible carrier wise. If you want carrier features and firmware, you can still have them, and no worries ever about a SIM lock. Well except with ATT apparently. If you need ATT WiFi calling and VoLTE, you may be stuck getting the ATT model, from what I'm reading.
Now that said, if you don't have a trade in device, and your carrier is offering a better deal on their model...then by all means get that one.
Resurrecting and old thread rather than starting a new one.
I'm on T-Mobile and looking at either an unlocked Note 10+ which is $200 off right now from Samsung and Amazon or the Note 10+ 5G from T-Mobile. I know this is a bit of an apples to oranges thing, but what I'm wondering about is data roaming. I've heard, but have not been able to confirm is that an unlocked model will not data roam on partner networks, while a T-Mobile version will data roam. I do know that my current phone, an unlocked Essential PH-1 does not data roam, but is this true for all factory unlocked vs. carrier phones? Or at least T-Mobile phones?
akrein62 said:
Resurrecting and old thread rather than starting a new one.
I'm on T-Mobile and looking at either an unlocked Note 10+ which is $200 off right now from Samsung and Amazon or the Note 10+ 5G from T-Mobile. I know this is a bit of an apples to oranges thing, but what I'm wondering about is data roaming. I've heard, but have not been able to confirm is that an unlocked model will not data roam on partner networks, while a T-Mobile version will data roam. I do know that my current phone, an unlocked Essential PH-1 does not data roam, but is this true for all factory unlocked vs. carrier phones? Or at least T-Mobile phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile customer here. I had an unlocked S7 Edge that would roam just fine on partner networks, in the US and internationally. Haven't had the opportunity to test roaming yet with my brand new unlocked Note 10+ but I suspect my results would be the same as with my S7 Edge.