Related
I would like to know if all the N900T are LTE enabled or if there is a 3G only model and a LTE model, and if there is how to differentiate them.
I'm looking to buy a N900T in ebay but only a couple listing actually mention LTE capabilities, while a lot of the listings mention 3G capabilities, so I'm a bit confused here.
I can't find any info on different versions of the N900T, and all the info I've found points to all N900T being one model with LTE capabilities. is this correct?
thanks
Vinny
jvloyola said:
I would like to know if all the N900T are LTE enabled or if there is a 3G only model and a LTE model, and if there is how to differentiate them.
I'm looking to buy a N900T in ebay but only a couple listing actually mention LTE capabilities, while a lot of the listings mention 3G capabilities, so I'm a bit confused here.
I can't find any info on different versions of the N900T, and all the info I've found points to all N900T being one model with LTE capabilities. is this correct?
thanks
Vinny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the N900T is the Tmobile Variant, but yes all Note 3's are LTE Capable
MasterSe7en said:
the N900T is the Tmobile Variant, but yes all Note 3's are LTE Capable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I'm aware that the N900T is the t-mo version, and that is the one I am interested in as I'm looking for bands 4 & 7 for use in Mexico with Movistar (B7); and Telcel (B4).
So if I read your response correctly ALL note 3 have support for LTE, Bands depending on specific model?
thanks
Vinny
jvloyola said:
Yes I'm aware that the N900T is the t-mo version, and that is the one I am interested in as I'm looking for bands 4 & 7 for use in Mexico with Movistar (B7); and Telcel (B4).
So if I read your response correctly ALL note 3 have support for LTE, Bands depending on specific model?
thanks
Vinny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yessir, all LTE Capable
jvloyola said:
Yes I'm aware that the N900T is the t-mo version, and that is the one I am interested in as I'm looking for bands 4 & 7 for use in Mexico with Movistar (B7); and Telcel (B4).
So if I read your response correctly ALL note 3 have support for LTE, Bands depending on specific model?
thanks
Vinny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For Telcel - you would be better getting the N900w8 Canadian/Mexican version -- This version also has the ability to root without tripping KNOX and upgrade/downgrade to/from 4.4.2/4.3 - Which is nice -- Check out @polish_pat's guide over on the international Note 3 forum if you decide to opt for this model :good:
EDIT: Side note, not ALL note's support LTE - N900 Exynos do not support LTE as they have a different CPU.
MasterSe7en said:
the N900T is the Tmobile Variant, but yes all Note 3's are LTE Capable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
radicalisto said:
For Telcel - you would be better getting the N900w8 Canadian/Mexican version -- This version also has the ability to root without tripping KNOX and upgrade/downgrade to/from 4.4.2/4.3 - Which is nice -- Check out @polish_pat's guide over on the international Note 3 forum if you decide to opt for this model :good:
EDIT: Side note, not ALL note's support LTE - N900 Exynos do not support LTE as they have a different CPU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion, but besides the point that N900W are much harder to find, my main carrier is Movistar, Telcel is my "backup" mainly for my mifi liberate hotspot. I also travel frequently to the usa so I have a prepaid T Mobile SIM I also use, so for my scenario I think the N900T is the best option.
thanks
Vinny
jvloyola said:
I would like to know if all the N900T are LTE enabled or if there is a 3G only model and a LTE model, and if there is how to differentiate them.
I'm looking to buy a N900T in ebay but only a couple listing actually mention LTE capabilities, while a lot of the listings mention 3G capabilities, so I'm a bit confused here.
I can't find any info on different versions of the N900T, and all the info I've found points to all N900T being one model with LTE capabilities. is this correct?
thanks
Vinny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This might help:
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_3-5665.php
radicalisto said:
For Telcel - you would be better getting the N900w8 Canadian/Mexican version -- This version also has the ability to root without tripping KNOX and upgrade/downgrade to/from 4.4.2/4.3 - Which is nice -- Check out @polish_pat's guide over on the international Note 3 forum if you decide to opt for this model :good:
EDIT: Side note, not ALL note's support LTE - N900 Exynos do not support LTE as they have a different CPU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OooOo i didnt know that, thats news to me thx for the info, i wonder why they would make a new technology phone without LTE?
MasterSe7en said:
OooOo i didnt know that, thats news to me thx for the info, i wonder why they would make a new technology phone without LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some countries don't use it I guess - Samsung introduced the Exynos on the S4 I think, and done a Qualcomm model also which we know as Snapdragon 800 with LTE
jvloyola said:
Thanks for the suggestion, but besides the point that N900W are much harder to find, my main carrier is Movistar, Telcel is my "backup" mainly for my mifi liberate hotspot. I also travel frequently to the usa so I have a prepaid T Mobile SIM I also use, so for my scenario I think the N900T is the best option.
thanks
Vinny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use my T-Mo unlocked Note 3 in Mexico on both T-Mobile and Telcel with no issues. I get LTE speeds with Telcel. I wasn't aware Movistar had LTE yet, but I only use them if I need a throwaway phone, which given my lack of illegal activity is never.
edit - I'll post a video on Youtube later of my Note 3 on Telcel's LTE using speedtest.net
how about n900t in asia? i buy this model when i was studying in canada and when i bring it to asia i can't get the lte because mainly it use b3 and b8 band, anyone can help me?
mirzaogre said:
how about n900t in asia? i buy this model when i was studying in canada and when i bring it to asia i can't get the lte because mainly it use b3 and b8 band, anyone can help me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SM-N900T Note 3 supports bands 1(2100), 3(1800), 5(850), 7(2600), and 8(900)
The B series LTE bands supported are B4 (1700/2100) and B17 (700)
It doesn't look like there is much of anything you can do since the SM-N900T doesn't support the LTE bands that are used in Asia.
Wasn't aware that Sprint had GSM phones.
So is this the perfect inexpensive (<$300) phone for 3G & 4G LTE in China?
From the specs, it appears to have Band I (2100MHz) 3G and Bands 25, 26 & notably 41 (2500MHz) LTE. Can someone confirm that this is indeed a GSM phone with those bands and would thus be the perfect phone to use in China?
ther00kie16 said:
Wasn't aware that Sprint had GSM phones.
So is this the perfect inexpensive (<$300) phone for 3G & 4G LTE in China?
From the specs, it appears to have Band I (2100MHz) 3G and Bands 25, 26 & notably 41 (2500MHz) LTE. Can someone confirm that this is indeed a GSM phone with those bands and would thus be the perfect phone to use in China?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can use the Sprint G2 with gsm, there is an unlock method on Xda to perm unlock it, or you could flash CloudyG2. I only have 3G in my country and it works perfectly. Not sure if 4G would work, you'd have to check if the bands used on your network are the same as the ones the phone has. *sigh* Bought mine for the same purpose, used for a week then hard bricked it
Kevovaz said:
Yes, you can use the Sprint G2 with gsm, there is an unlock method on Xda to perm unlock it, or you could flash CloudyG2. I only have 3G in my country and it works perfectly. Not sure if 4G would work, you'd have to check if the bands used on your network are the same as the ones the phone has. *sigh* Bought mine for the same purpose, used for a week then hard bricked it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. I'm mostly skeptical because I always thought Sprint was CDMA only and this still appears to be a hybrid device so I'm curious if all the bands listed are indeed GSM based and not CDMA.
ther00kie16 said:
Thanks for the response. I'm mostly skeptical because I always thought Sprint was CDMA only and this still appears to be a hybrid device so I'm curious if all the bands listed are indeed GSM based and not CDMA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GSM and CDMA bands are listed seperately I believe. Most global phones made for US networks have all the bands to support global GSM use, just not US GSM use. I've owned 4 of such carrier locked phones and have had no problems. So in China I think you'll be fine.
Because I hate the idea of having a neutered AT&T Note 5, I bought an international variant (N920i). It appears the LTE bands are all compatible between the two. I will let everyone know how it turns out. If you already have experience with this, let me know.
EDIT: Yes, N920i works without any modification on AT&T
When does it arrive?
Thats very interesting.
from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA Free mobile app
First half of this week hopefully!
Please keep us posted.
@alaskajoel Le us know if you have any signal issues.
The T Mobile S6 Edge on AT&T network gave me some issues. Calls would take 30 seconds to dial out and phone did not ring a bunch.
martinezma99 said:
@alaskajoel Le us know if you have any signal issues.
The T Mobile S6 Edge on AT&T network gave me some issues. Calls would take 30 seconds to dial out and phone did not ring a bunch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do. Should be in my hands tomorrow.
Here goes. N920i 64GB
EDIT:
LTE Working with attnextgenphone APN. Made a few phone calls, received one, and so far no odd problems.
I don't see the LTE on the signal bar are you sure it's on LTE?
---------- Post added at 05:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:48 PM ----------
May I ask where you purchased this version?
eroracing said:
I don't see the LTE on the signal bar are you sure it's on LTE?
---------- Post added at 05:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:48 PM ----------
May I ask where you purchased this version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE showing up on the signal bar is a Domestic device visual. International versions Show E (edge) 3G, H+ (Faux G) and 4G for LTE.
If you are still unconvinced, my service mode presently shows I am on LTE Band 4. Download speeds at 40mbps this evening. No carrier aggregation unfortunately, but I also didn't have it on my Nexus 6 or the GS6.
I purchased the phone from a seller in Hong Kong via Ebay.
Awesome! Enjoy!
Yep, just like the International S6 G920I that supported AT&T LTE
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
This is excellent news. How much did you pay for that bad boy? Please go to dev settings and see if "allow OEM unlock" is in the options. Thank you.
seh6183 said:
This is excellent news. How much did you pay for that bad boy? Please go to dev settings and see if "allow OEM unlock" is in the options. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
~$900 USD. OEM Unlock is an available option in Developer Options.
I thought I'd give this thread a small bump as I'm about to pull the trigger on an international N920I as well.
My question stems from simply being new to importing phones and having to pay attention to bands. I have bene following this thread closely, and it seems as though the N920I performs well on the AT&T network, but is it the same as if I had bought one from AT&T? I ask only because it was just mentioned that this phone does not have Carrier Aggregation.
I'm not certain what carrier aggregation is (I looked it up on google but couldn't find much to answer my question). Does this mean that it will perform more slowly on US networks?
Also a final question, if anyone is willing to answer it. What is the region-locking situation on this phone? I have read mixed reports about people being stuck with phones that they cannot use because it was not activated with a compatible SIM, and some people that say they have had no problem. I don't want to drop $900 on this device and not be able to use it.
Diraan said:
I thought I'd give this thread a small bump as I'm about to pull the trigger on an international N920I as well.
My question stems from simply being new to importing phones and having to pay attention to bands. I have bene following this thread closely, and it seems as though the N920I performs well on the AT&T network, but is it the same as if I had bought one from AT&T? I ask only because it was just mentioned that this phone does not have Carrier Aggregation.
I'm not certain what carrier aggregation is (I looked it up on google but couldn't find much to answer my question). Does this mean that it will perform more slowly on US networks?
Also a final question, if anyone is willing to answer it. What is the region-locking situation on this phone? I have read mixed reports about people being stuck with phones that they cannot use because it was not activated with a compatible SIM, and some people that say they have had no problem. I don't want to drop $900 on this device and not be able to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My data speeds and reception have been the same as my nexus 6 and girlfriend's GS6 (purchased from AT&T.) Carrier aggregation allows for next generation LTE, but I have yet to own a phone, AT&T branded or otherwise, that supports it in my area. It might just be that there is no support for it in my city, but I'll be in Chicago In a few weeks and will try to investigate it there.
I can't speak to the region locking. All I know is my phone was completely sealed and worked 100% right out of the box with only putting in an AT&T SIM card.
alaskajoel said:
My data speeds and reception have been the same as my nexus 6 and girlfriend's GS6 (purchased from AT&T.) Carrier aggregation allows for next generation LTE, but I have yet to own a phone, AT&T branded or otherwise, that supports it in my area. It might just be that there is no support for it in my city, but I'll be in Chicago In a few weeks and will try to investigate it there.
I can't speak to the region locking. All I know is my phone was completely sealed and worked 100% right out of the box with only putting in an AT&T SIM card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the quick reply. I think I'll put in an order right now.
Samsung Pay
I'm glad to hear that the N920I works on AT&T on the LTE band. I considered getting the International version. However, there is something else that I am concerned about...and that is Samsung Pay that will be coming late September. I believe carriers have to allow (or configure) Samsung Pay to work. For example, Verizon may not be supporting it, at least that's what's traveling around the net. Also when I had the International Galaxy S3 on AT&T, Google Wallet didn't work, it only worked on AT&T versions at that time. Unfortunately, we won't know until Samsung Pay is available, but I wonder if it will work on the N920I?
Awesome news. can you please tell me if VOLTE works on AT&T or if you even had the option for HD calling? Settings should be found under data options.
Thanks in advance.
For those wondering, if you use an N920I on AT&T, there are a few things you should know.
1. Since this is an international model, the signal indicators are different than what we're used to seeing in the US. The SM-N920I shows the following indicators for mobile data:
E - This means you have a 2G/EDGE connection
3G - This means you have a UMTS connection with no HSPA
H+ - This means you have an HSPA+/Faux 4G connection
4G - This means you have an LTE connection
2. Phone calls will not work over LTE (VoLTE), and, by extension, HD Voice doesn't work either. The VoLTE and HD Voice components are proprietary software that is only built into the AT&T-specific ROM on the SM-N920A.
3. The phone DOES support carrier aggregation (otherwise known as LTE-Advanced), but not on AT&T's bands. Considering that the SM-N920I is intended for retail in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, the baseband firmware is tweaked to do carrier aggregation on band pairs that are common among carriers in that part of the world.
So, what does this all mean? If you want a phone that has support for all the bleeding-edge technologies on AT&T's network (VoLTE, HD Voice, LTE-A), then you have no other choice but to buy an AT&T-branded SM-N920A. However, if you want faster updates, no carrier bloat, no carrier branding, an unlockable bootloader, and don't mind sacrificing the whiz-bang stuff on the network side of things, then an SM-N920I will work just fine. Put your SIM card in, you'll get LTE data on all of AT&T's available bands, and you'll be able to make and receive calls over the HSPA+ network. You're just not going to have all the latest carrier-marketed bells and whistles that you'd get if you bought a proper AT&T-branded SM-N920A.
At this point, I *should* rant about how stupid it is that Samsung refuses to sell SIM-free, unlocked versions of their phones via US retail channels. That's what forces us to go through these 3rd party importers to get the international models that aren't really tweaked for the US carriers. Alas, I'm not going to go down that road, though. It's a tempest in a teapot.
oldblue910 said:
1. Since this is an international model, the signal indicators are different than what we're used to seeing in the US. The SM-N920I shows the following indicators for mobile data:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Translation: On the 920i/c, the signal indicators follow the international standard of "4G" being "LTE", and not the AT&T/TMO marketing fiction of "4G" being what everyone else calls "3.5G".
As for the rest of your points, I have to wonder how well deployed VoLTE is on AT&T (and I don't think AT&T has even started LTE-A yet, have they?)
I live in a somewhat rural area, and I'm just thrilled I have LTE.. which beats the "no signal" I get with other carriers. I don't know that I've ever experienced VoLTE. (Then again, I can't remember the last time I actually had a voice conversation with my phone.)
oldblue910 said:
At this point, I *should* rant about how stupid it is that Samsung refuses to sell SIM-free, unlocked versions of their phones via US retail channels. That's what forces us to go through these 3rd party importers to get the international models that aren't really tweaked for the US carriers. Alas, I'm not going to go down that road, though. It's a tempest in a teapot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, but why not?! We really need some more activity in the AT&T Note5 section.
I've really enjoyed my S7 and want to upgrade to the S9. Later in the year I'll be overseas for almost a year, so I want something that will work with all Verizon bands of LTE, but also not have a firmware lock that would cause it to not work on other bands of LTE overseas. (planning to just use prepaid dataplan sim cards overseas)
I think my two options are to either get a US 'unlocked' version or wait for the 'international' version. My understanding is the primary differences between the unlocked and international version is the 2G/3G coverage for CDMA and possibly slightly different hardware. I'd rather have a phone with CDMA backwards capability, but my prime concern lacking full access to all LTE bands available wherever I am.
I'm not really interested in going any route that would require me to root the phone if there is a way to do it without.
Well the only way to get VZW compatibility is the VZW phone or a US unlocked model. So you're looking at the US Unlocked model at this point.
A listing of all the different model numbers available (per country and carrier) is available here: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-s9-sm-g960-g965-model-number-differences/
You will probably want to get the phone that works with your primary location the most. I am not sure which countries use which frequencies for LTE in Europe; you will need to research that to see what you may be missing out on.
With my T-Mobile S7, I haven't had any issues when traveling in Europe or Asia. It connects to LTE usually.
So I just did a deep dive of that list:
It looks like the Verizon and Unlocked versions are almost identical (the unlocked US version has B46(5200) 4G TDD LTE, but I'm not sure anyone who uses it)
Looking at 4G FDD LTE it looks like a Verizon or US unlocked phone will have almost complete coverage around the world, notable gaps are B30(2300) in China/Canada/US AT&T, B32(1500) in UK and B71(600) (US Tmobile). I thought that was a bit confusing as you'd expect a US Unlocked phone to service all LTE bands available in the US yet it lacks AT&T and Tmobile bands.
So based on all that information looks like I should just get an unlocked US phone to be totally safe, and I'd likely also be fine getting a Verizon version also.
StykerB said:
Well the only way to get VZW compatibility is the VZW phone or a US unlocked model. So you're looking at the US Unlocked model at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Relcan said:
So I just did a deep dive of that list:
It looks like the Verizon and Unlocked versions are almost identical (the unlocked US version has B46(5200) 4G TDD LTE, but I'm not sure anyone who uses it)
Looking at 4G FDD LTE it looks like a Verizon or US unlocked phone will have almost complete coverage around the world, notable gaps are B30(2300) in China/Canada/US AT&T, B32(1500) in UK and B71(600) (US Tmobile). I thought that was a bit confusing as you'd expect a US Unlocked phone to service all LTE bands available in the US yet it lacks AT&T and Tmobile bands.
So based on all that information looks like I should just get an unlocked US phone to be totally safe, and I'd likely also be fine getting a Verizon version also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm new to Android but i use Verizon prepaid. Will I lose anything by going with the unlocked version or should i stick with a Verizon S9?
I don't use video calling. All i do is text and talk but I've heard that people on Verizon prepaid have issues with unlocked Android phones.
Thanks
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
testinguser said:
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious about that also
testinguser said:
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Throwinrocks said:
Curious about that also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did a cursory review of the wifi-calling FAQ on their website. They don't mention anything about compatibility with Unlocked versions of phones (that I saw). I'd call tech support to ask, but I'd expect there to be a 50% chance of getting the wrong answer from the tech based on my interactions with their support.
There might be some good experience based anecdotes in the Galaxy S8 forum, if it works on an unlocked S8 its a safe bet it will work on an unlocked S9
I think I'll ask in the Verizon subreddit, it seems like they normally have really good information as well.
I'm mostly curious about the LTE TDD Band 46 (5200) - its the only band an unlocked US phone has that a Verizon phone doesn't. 5200 is in the U-NII frequency range, no cellphone service providers use it, but I wonder if it may be used for local LTE networks in the near future. The other advantage is avoiding all the verizon bloat wear, but that may be what allows the Wifi Calling to work!
All this has me thinking I might have to add the extra $80 and just buy the Verizon version. I don't get phones on contract and I've always just paid full price. (Page 2 404 error?)
Apparently the Nov/Dec Samsung s8 firmware update added an option for BYOD carrier provisioning for unlocked s8. Given the similarity, I'd imagine the same to be true for s9. Can someone who has an unlocked s8 confirm?
Well after a little more research I see that if you use Verizon prepaid you lose visual voicemail and WiFi calling even if you use a Verizon phone so there's no need in me paying extra for a Verizon S9. Unlocked it is.
Throwinrocks said:
Well after a little more research I see that if you use Verizon prepaid you lose visual voicemail and WiFi calling even if you use a Verizon phone so there's no need in me paying extra for a Verizon S9. Unlocked it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might wanna check this as Verizon is starting to implement network locks on some devices as to deter thefts more
Dont know when or what devices but it was a statement Verizon made
So, you're saying the prepaid SIM might not work in an unlocked S9?
I don't think Verizon is keeping Verizon prepaid SIMS from working in unlocked phones they are just locking their phones like Sprint and AT&T still do.
I had no problems with my unlocked Pixel 2 XL that I purchased from Google and my Verizon prepaid, just no visual voicemail.
So I was looking to buy various HTC phones in different colors. I saw some places online selling the HTC M8 in about 6 different colors: Blue, Gold , Gray, Pink, Red, and Silver. The problem is that as far as I have seen, this phone only comes officially in Gold, Gray, and Silver (at least in the USA). And I've see reviews of others buying in the other three colors stating that the phones were knockoffs or fake. Does anyone know if there is a legitimate GSM version of this phone in Red for the USA? If so, where can I purchase it?
Thanks.
If you mean, a GSM version intended for US (AT&T or T-Mobile) than no, there were no red version ever released (only red Verizon M8 variant). There was a red version released in UK, which would be GSM. But you would probably need to s-off the device, change CID and firmware in order to have correct band support on either of the two US networks. And doing this can be problematic (you may not have LTE support). May not be worthwhile effort, just to get a red casing.
redpoint73 said:
If you mean, a GSM version intended for US (AT&T or T-Mobile) than no, there were no red version ever released (only red Verizon M8 variant). There was a red version released in UK, which would be GSM. But you would probably need to s-off the device, change CID and firmware in order to have correct band support on either of the two US networks. And doing this can be problematic (you may not have LTE support). May not be worthwhile effort, just to get a red casing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I figured but wasn't completely sure since sometimes different variants get released and are not so well known. So there is a UK version in red that is legitamate? And yeah, that's a lot of work, but if it does work I'm willing to do it.
The5thSurvivor said:
So there is a UK version in red that is legitamate? And yeah, that's a lot of work, but if it does work I'm willing to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's legitimate: https://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_m8_now_available_in_red_and_pink_color_options-news-9132.php
But it seems like a weird tradeoff to (most likely) lose LTE just for a red phone. I usually get a case for my phone anyway (although I know lots of folks don't), so a red case is a much easier solution!
redpoint73 said:
Yes, it's legitimate: https://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_m8_now_available_in_red_and_pink_color_options-news-9132.php
But it seems like a weird tradeoff to (most likely) lose LTE just for a red phone. I usually get a case for my phone anyway (although I know lots of folks don't), so a red case is a much easier solution!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the confirmation.
Hmmm, what about an actual shell replacement in different colors? Do those exist? Haven't seen them for sale anywhere.
The5thSurvivor said:
Hmmm, what about an actual shell replacement in different colors? Do those exist? Haven't seen them for sale anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard of folks swapping the back covers (and the front pieces are just inserts, so they seem easy to remove/replace). So I think replacement certainly exist, but I don't know about red ones. Especially since the red version is a pretty obscure variant, to begin with.
Following website has a full teardown of the M8. Obviously, you aren't doing all that, but it does show how to remove the back cover and front pieces: https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/HTC+One+(M8)+Teardown/23615
Personally, I try to stay away from taking apart these devices. I've had a bad history of taking apart electronic devices, going back to iPod days. You'll see some folks around these forums swear it's easy (taking these phones apart). But even though I'm an engineer, and a generally careful person; something always seems to go wrong and I end up making the device worse than it started! Scratched up casing on the devices, is one problem I always seem to get. Although if you are replacing the casing anyway, maybe this is a moot point. I also see a lot of reports of folks taking apart these phones, and then one thing or another not working properly when they re-assemble (breaking the ribbon cables is common). You may have better luck, but just wanted to throw that out there.
redpoint73 said:
But you would probably need to s-off the device, change CID and firmware in order to have correct band support on either of the two US networks. And doing this can be problematic (you may not have LTE support).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So doing this can definitely allow per se, the European version of a phone to work in the USA at least with H or H+ and possibly LTE?
I ask because I had purchased a blue M7 and it was the European international version. Out of the box it was already with S-Off, Super CID, but couldn't get 3G or 4G, just 2G with T-Mobile and no signal with AT&T. I didn't change the firmware though.
The5thSurvivor said:
So doing this can definitely allow per se, the European version of a phone to work in the USA at least with H or H+ and possibly LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing firmware (and therefore radio baseband) should get you 3G. I hesitate to say "definitely" since that is somewhat of a dangerous word when working with these devices! But I am pretty confident that 3G would not be a problem.
LTE is another story. Lots of folks on this forum have had problems getting LTE service after "converting" to the proper radio (which support the LTE bands used by their local carrier). So I'm pretty skeptical on LTE, and I wouldn't count on getting it. Get the M8 version intended for your carrier, to guarantee LTE connectivity.
The5thSurvivor said:
I ask because I had purchased a blue M7 and it was the European international version. Out of the box it was already with S-Off, Super CID, but couldn't get 3G or 4G, just 2G with T-Mobile and no signal with AT&T. I didn't change the firmware though.
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T-Mobile uses Bands 2 (1900) and 4 (AWS or 1700/2100) for 3G. From what I can tell, the Euro version M7 should support 3G band 2 (although I don't know much about that device, never owned it) and from what I understand, T-Mobile migrated 3G service to Band 2 in most areas. But if your area is still using AWS when you tried the M7, it would explain why 3G didn't work (Euro M7 doesn't support AWS band on 3G).
AT&T uses bands 850, 1900 and 2100 for 3G. All of which should be supported on the Euro M7, from what I can tell. And even if you didn't have 3G, you should at least have gotten 2G and voice service. So I think something else was going wrong there, besides band support.
redpoint73 said:
Changing firmware (and therefore radio baseband) should get you 3G. I hesitate to say "definitely" since that is somewhat of a dangerous word when working with these devices! But I am pretty confident that 3G would not be a problem.
LTE is another story. Lots of folks on this forum have had problems getting LTE service after "converting" to the proper radio (which support the LTE bands used by their local carrier). So I'm pretty skeptical on LTE, and I wouldn't count on getting it. Get the M8 version intended for your carrier, to guarantee LTE connectivity.
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Click to collapse
I see. I wish every region would just use the same bands everywhere. It sucks to have the phone you want but can't get LTE even though the device has support for LTE. I've been looking where to get the specific HTC phones that I want new, but the only people selling them new still are all overseas with either the European, Australian, or Asian variants. I'd love to buy an M7, M8, and M9 for the USA brand new.
redpoint73 said:
T-Mobile uses Bands 2 (1900) and 4 (AWS or 1700/2100) for 3G. From what I can tell, the Euro version M7 should support 3G band 2 (although I don't know much about that device, never owned it) and from what I understand, T-Mobile migrated 3G service to Band 2 in most areas. But if your area is still using AWS when you tried the M7, it would explain why 3G didn't work (Euro M7 doesn't support AWS band on 3G
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I'm in NYC. Out of the box, my Euro M7 only gets EDGE with T-Mobile. Just came came across this. It pretty much explains what you said as to why 3G didn't work.
redpoint73 said:
AT&T uses bands 850, 1900 and 2100 for 3G. All of which should be supported on the Euro M7, from what I can tell. And even if you didn't have 3G, you should at least have gotten 2G and voice service. So I think something else was going wrong there, besides band support.
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Click to collapse
With AT&T, my Euro M7 gets no signal. 2G doesn't work since AT&T shut down their 2G. I was very surprised that 3G didn't work with AT&T at all. But as you mentioned, perhaps changing firmware will get 3G working hopefully.
The5thSurvivor said:
I see. I wish every region would just use the same bands everywhere. It sucks to have the phone you want but can't get LTE even though the device has support for LTE.
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It's massively complicated, since frequencies are divided up by every type of radio transmitter used by mankind. Many of which existing before cell phones were invented. Add to that, the fact that the US carriers compete with each other for purchase of said bands, instead of just all using the same ones (which happens in many other countries) and yes, you have a huge mess.
The5thSurvivor said:
With AT&T, my Euro M7 gets no signal. 2G doesn't work since AT&T shut down their 2G.
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Wow, AT&T is my carrier, and I didn't even realize that happened! I've taken it for granted for so long, that I can just throw my SIM in any phone (as long as it is unlocked) and at least have voice and 2G work.
I learned something today!
Yeah, that is a huge mess. And I found out earlier this year myself that AT&T had discontinued their 2G January of last year. T-Mobile will follow suit next year and then Verizon the year after.