ChazzMatt said:
You mean like an Octopus box?
I mentioned it in this post:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76325684&postcount=42
Just remember that post was written back in April 2018, when we were still figuring out the Frankenstein method. But these "boxes" were allowing online sellers and online unlockers to convert V30 phones to OTHER variants seemingly willy nilly. We found LS998 V30+ which had been converted to Canadian H933 V30+. Canada H933 doesn't officially have a V30+! Just like there's no VS996 V30+! But you can make one.
Once we figured out the PC based Frankenstein system with dev patched LGUP, then we could do almost the same thing ourselves. Since then, I even bought two mint LS998 V30+ myself and converted them to US998 V30+.
But when I made that post I expressed severe reservations about buying LS998 in the first place -- since they were SIM card locked to Sprint. Like I said, we didn't know everything we know now, and I've changed my mind on the topic.
Whether one of these boxes could help you or not. My understanding is it basically does what dev patched LGUP does. Maybe it does it more automatically and there's less chance for error? I don't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, ChazzMatt, you started something... I just thought I'd share these details with you guys in hopes that it gets the ball rolling on something big.
But these "boxes" were allowing online sellers and online unlockers to convert V30 phones to OTHER variants seemingly willy nilly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I remember these boxes... My first experience with them was back in the days when Nokia was a huge name in phones. I had a Bell locked Nokia RM-579, which was the NA market 2730. Used BB5 SL3 security. Made it almost impossible to remove the USIM lock too... But from playing around with some of the software, uncovering factory service manuals, and playing with Nokia Diego, I found out that (at least, the Nokia factory boxes) those boxes interface with the phone in ways i only dream of. For all of Nokia's phones, they make special jig's that connect with contacts found on the PCB, typically under the SIM/USIM tray. To use them, you also need the special power adapter tool as well since the battery typically needs to be removed. I would guess that these boxes converted a standard serial port or USB port from serial signaling, to something similar (I think) to TTL or Transisitor-Transistor logic. Those boxes would allow you to make that phone your... you know what. You could repair any issues that had anything to do with software... Somehow obliterated the firmware? Fixed! Accidently flashed the wrong baseband and bricked your modem? No Problem! Need to reprogram baseband parameters? Piece of cake!
With the ushering in of the non removable battery, I assumed they'd go by the wayside... But apparently not... How they interface with the phone, I can only imagine... For TTL to work, you only need three pins... Your Tx, Rx and Ground. You could have the phone wired so that pin 4 of your micro USB port is hooked up to the Rx on the serial port of the CPU, then use pin 3 as your Tx and 5 is already your ground... Just saying. With USB-C there are a multitude of pins to choose from, and you only need three. Apparently they're doing something like this with those boxes because of the Franken-phones that have been reported... Which makes me wonder how those boxes worked...
I personally assume that those boxes also rewrite the security keys that tell the phone the software is valid. And at least in my mind, so long as the V30 you're flashing has the same hardware as another in terms of baseband and radio frequency support, then theoretically speaking you can reflash any portion, such as the modem firmware and paramaters as well as the system partition, you could theoretically speaking make a Canadian V30+ variant, or any other variant out there.
Now, the other thought I had comes from my days with HTC.... Ingenious people really... My last phone prior to the V30 was an HTC 10. Quick rundown on how it worked... HTC allowed unlocking the bootloader on all their phones except Verizon ones (for the 10 at least). Using their unlock would allow you to flash unsigned images to the System, User, and Recovery partitions for a custom firmware... This however left S-On, or Security On. The Sunshine team figured out how to set S-Off. This allowed you to flash whatever to wherever and change whatever you wanted. This meant you could change your general North American variant to a European or Asian variant and then back again if you so desired. You would change the model ID, then run the HTC firmware recovery executible on your PC, or boot into download mode on your phone with the firmware on your SD card, and presto, your phone would become that model as though it was that from day one. No signal issues, no battery drain issues, perfect software operation. I can vouch for this, as I converted my 2PS6500 (the NA variant), to a 2PS6200 (the EU variant) which worked flawlessly. I then realized I made it a European model and converted back to a North American one but needless to say, there were no problems at all... I don't know why the HTC 10 can be converted between variants with no baseband issues at all... I personally would think that when flashing a North American phone with European firmware it would cause the baseband to crash and cease working at all. That's what it does with all other phones I've accidently done it to...
I hope this helps to spur some of the brilliant minds on this forum to figure out if this is possible with the LG V30, or to help figure out the deeper darker secrets of this phone.
For.anyone wanting to dig further, I'm not familiar with the octobox but this sounds like a JTAG interface.
Sent from my LG-US998 using Tapatalk
atirox said:
HTC allowed unlocking the bootloader on all their phones except Verizon ones (for the 10 at least). Using their unlock would allow you to flash unsigned images to the System, User, and Recovery partitions for a custom firmware... This however left S-On, or Security On. The Sunshine team figured out how to set S-Off. This allowed you to flash whatever to wherever and change whatever you wanted. This meant you could change your general North American variant to a European or Asian variant and then back again if you so desired. You would change the model ID, then run the HTC firmware recovery executable on your PC, or boot into download mode on your phone with the firmware on your SD card, and presto, your phone would become that model as though it was that from day one. No signal issues, no battery drain issues, perfect software operation. I can vouch for this, as I converted my 2PS6500 (the NA variant), to a 2PS6200 (the EU variant) which worked flawlessly. I then realized I made it a European model and converted back to a North American one but needless to say, there were no problems at all... I don't know why the HTC 10 can be converted between variants with no baseband issues at all... I personally would think that when flashing a North American phone with European firmware it would cause the baseband to crash and cease working at all. That's what it does with all other phones I've accidently done it to...
I hope this helps to spur some of the brilliant minds on this forum to figure out if this is possible with the LG V30, or to help figure out the deeper darker secrets of this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some manufacturers basically create one "global" phone with all bands activated, then lock down bands via firmware to create their "regional" or "carrier" models. This is their business model. If they created and sold a "global" model, then you would import the cheapest phone you could find from some developing country and Verizon/AT&T wouldn't make any money on hardware sales.
IF you Google: "unlock Qualcomm LTE bands", you will see a few years ago people figured this out, and started unlocking extra LTE bands which were present originally on their phone but firmware locked down to become a carrier model. You could turn your phone into a "global" phone. Caveat: Using this method, you could not activate bands out of thin air, they had to be there already, and the hardware (like antenna) had to support them. But similar to the the "hidden menu" stuff, you use this method to activate ALL the bands listed and they would work.
Most times you also needed root to do this. Also more recently this doesn't work much any more as OEMs have taken steps to thwart this freedom.
But in the same way, the North American V30/V30+ (except the T-mobile H932, due to different RSA encryption) seem to all be the same phone except for firmware. The carrier unlocked US998 is the closest to a "universal" North American V30 -- but it's missing some Sprint bands (found on the LS998), some minor AT&T bands (found on the H931), and the new T-mobile band 71 (while the H932 has that). I'm sure somewhere in an LG vault, there's a "super" US998 that has ALL those bands. Maybe even a "Master" V30 with every GSM/CDMA/HSPA/LTE band -- but LG won't sell that because it would make the carriers mad.
This is why they put different RSA encryption on different models.
ChazzMatt said:
Some manufacturers basically create one "global" phone with all bands activated, then lock down bands via firmware to create their "regional" or "carrier" models. This is their business model. If they created and sold a "global" model, then you would import the cheapest phone you could find from some developing country and Verizon/AT&T wouldn't make any money on hardware sales.
IF you Google: "unlock Qualcomm LTE bands", you will see a few years ago people figured this out, and started unlocking extra LTE bands which were present originally on their phone but firmware locked down to become a carrier model. You could turn your phone into a "global" phone. Caveat: Using this method, you could not activate bands out of thin air, they had to be there already, and the hardware (like antenna) had to support them. But similar to the the "hidden menu" stuff, you use this method to activate ALL the bands listed and they would work.
Most times you also needed root to do this. Also more recently this doesn't work much any more as OEMs have taken steps to thwart this freedom.
But in the same way, the North American V30/V30+ (except the T-mobile H932, due to different RSA encryption) seem to all be the same phone except for firmware. The carrier unlocked US998 is the closest to a "universal" North American V30 -- but it's missing some Sprint bands (found on the LS998), some minor AT&T bands (found on the H931), and the new T-mobile band 71 (while the H932 has that). I'm sure somewhere in an LG vault, there's a "super" US998 that has ALL those bands. Maybe even a "Master" V30 with every GSM/CDMA/HSPA/LTE band -- but LG won't sell that because it would make the carriers mad.
This is why they put different RSA encryption on different models.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyone is talking about the band , I did not understand if there is any benefit to add more band ,Is it an improvement to lte. and Does Korea model v300s need more lte band or this is unnecessary?
Please I just want to know. I am from Algeria and my networks are "Djezzy" and "Mobilis".
the signal is good and lte work great no problem.
seloka180 said:
I am from Algeria and my networks are "Djezzy" and "Mobilis".
the signal is good and lte work great no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you probably don't need any additional LTE bands.
Korea variants are hard to mess with. You risk losing the mobile signal, if you convert to another variant.
Related
Was thinking on buying the H815. Wanted to know a few things before I do since I have till Monday to research it..
1. I hear there is the US and a International version? What's the difference? Which is 'better'?
2. I take it that the H815T and so forth are versions for other countries?
3a.. From what I've learned each carrier has their own version of the G4, but it seems that a lot of sellers selling the H815 have bought them from AT&T, Verizon, etc. How does this work when the VS986 is the Verizon version, etc.
3b. It seems that these H815 versions have bloat even though they are carrier unlocked?
4. Do all H815 phones have the boot loader unlocked or just the International version or?
5. I also heard someone say that I will lose out on DRM with the International version? what exactly will I miss out on?
6. I heard that the International version gives better performance, faster updates, etc. Is this correct, what other benefits are there? Do I lose anything from the International version?
7. Regular G4 question: I hear a lot of the phones do CDMA, some only do GSM, with the options to change the Network mode and APN settings, it seems that the G4 would work with any US carrier, am I wrong? With those settings that can be changed it seems so. I know some versions do certain bands and such but as long as your G4 does the bands your carrier does, all should be good, yes?
8. Additional question: How does one check to see if the boot loader is unlocked?
Thanks!
I'm surprised no one knows these answers. Hmm..
Hi all,
I am going on a long trip to the UK and Middle East, and want to take my LG G4 with me and use foreign service providers. I am planning on flashing the H815T (Similar to H815 International Version but supports more bands) KDZ file onto my existing LG H812 (Bell Canada) hardware, so I can have support for those frequency bands in the UK and Middle East.
According to my understanding, the H815T rom is compatible with the H812 hardware, as both the Bell Canada and International Versions have the same underlying hardware, but I would gladly appreciate if someone can confirm this. I have attached the phone details below.
Thanks and all the best!
The risk is not worth it ...
BIG_BADASS said:
Hi all,
I am going on a long trip to the UK and Middle East, and want to take my LG G4 with me and use foreign service providers. I am planning on flashing the H815T (Similar to H815 International Version but supports more bands) KDZ file onto my existing LG H812 (Bell Canada) hardware, so I can have support for those frequency bands in the UK and Middle East.
According to my understanding, the H815T rom is compatible with the H812 hardware, as both the Bell Canada and International Versions have the same underlying hardware, but I would gladly appreciate if someone can confirm this. I have attached the phone details below.
Thanks and all the best!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The risk is not worth it ... It is a lot cheaper to carrier unlock your phone so that you can put any foreign service provider's SIM card in rather than having to buy a new phone when you (hard?) brick it, i.e. ~ $20.00 vs $700.00 (or ~$150.00 on ebay for a used one).
But if you insist ... carry on.
S.
sdembiske said:
The risk is not worth it ... It is a lot cheaper to carrier unlock your phone so that you can put any foreign service provider's SIM card in rather than having to buy a new phone when you (hard?) brick it, i.e. ~ $20.00 vs $700.00 (or ~$150.00 on ebay for a used one).
But if you insist ... carry on.
S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done so previously with Samsung Galaxy S4 (all had different model numbers), I used to flash different carriers firmware regularly, as I travel quite often. Just wondering whether the same is true for LG.
Thanks!
Unfortunately ...
BIG_BADASS said:
I have done so previously with Samsung Galaxy S4 (all had different model numbers), I used to flash different carriers firmware regularly, as I travel quite often. Just wondering whether the same is true for LG.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately ... because you cannot unlock the H812's bootloader (at this point in time, any way), you cannot safely flash different firmware in the same way you did with your Samsung. Unlocking your carrier so you can replace your SIM card with foreign providers and if you wish, installing steadfasterX's TWRP-in-FisH to have a custom recovery is about it for now. If and when steadfasterX completes his efidroid port to LG G4 locked devices (he's working on it now for unlocked devices), then you may be able to install different firmwares.
All of us H812 owners as well as many others are in the same boat.
Safe travels,
S.
BIG_BADASS said:
Hi all,
I am going on a long trip to the UK and Middle East, and want to take my LG G4 with me and use foreign service providers. I am planning on flashing the H815T (Similar to H815 International Version but supports more bands) KDZ file onto my existing LG H812 (Bell Canada) hardware, so I can have support for those frequency bands in the UK and Middle East.
According to my understanding, the H815T rom is compatible with the H812 hardware, as both the Bell Canada and International Versions have the same underlying hardware, but I would gladly appreciate if someone can confirm this. I have attached the phone details below.
Thanks and all the best!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read so much of bands because of Xiaomi phones. I don't think it would work. You need hardware for bands
yener90 said:
I read so much of bands because of Xiaomi phones. I don't think it would work. You need hardware for bands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you confirm that frequency bands are hardware based?
BIG_BADASS said:
Can you confirm that frequency bands are hardware based?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For Xiaomi yes: they unlocked the bands, still couldn't get running. I can't tell for LG, maybe every LG uses same antenna or they using different antennas. Check out, if your phone requires special antenna, then you now for sure. Just check that out, before you spend your time on this.
yener90 said:
For Xiaomi yes: they unlocked the bands, still couldn't get running. I can't tell for LG, maybe every LG uses same antenna or they using different antennas. Check out, if your phone requires special antenna, then you now for sure. Just check that out, before you spend your time on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if they are hardware based, then howcome when you unlock the phone, it suddenly supports all the bands? Also by antenna, do you mean the GSM transmitter and receiver?
BIG_BADASS said:
Hi all,
I am going on a long trip to the UK and Middle East, and want to take my LG G4 with me and use foreign service providers. I am planning on flashing the H815T (Similar to H815 International Version but supports more bands) KDZ file onto my existing LG H812 (Bell Canada) hardware, so I can have support for those frequency bands in the UK and Middle East.
According to my understanding, the H815T rom is compatible with the H812 hardware, as both the Bell Canada and International Versions have the same underlying hardware, but I would gladly appreciate if someone can confirm this. I have attached the phone details below.
Thanks and all the best!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did u make it
I ordered a LG GM710ULM from a well-reviewed seller on eBay. It was listed as new condition.
I received it yesterday and on the box, the model says LM710ULMBLTPL. I think the "PL" is for the Platinum. When I booted it up, the model number is the LM-710ULM, the serial number is populated, and the software version is the 11g and security patch is November 2018. When I tried to "Check for updates" , it said there were no updates available. There's no SIM card in it, so I'm not sure if that affects the ability to check updates. I don't see any signs of any carrier apps. All
When I looked up the IMEI on one of the free checkers, it comes back with the model as LMG710ULM, but the network is listed as "ABC Brightpoint" and Location is "N". As I've poked around, it looks like this is some sort of regional variant, but still from the U.S. But I can't find any cell provider named "Brightpoint".
When I checked the IMEI on T-Mobile's website, it gave me an error. But when I used the chat support feature, the rep was able to look it up and confirm it's not blacklisted and should be able to be activated on T-mobile. When I ran the IMEI through Verizon's online checker, it told me it wasn't compatible with Verizon's network. Which is a bit unsettling since the unlocked version should be able to be activated on any network.
Can anyone offer some insight on what the Brightpoint version is and how it may be different from the plain vanilla 710ULM ? Willl it be covered by the LG manufacturer warranty and get updates? Is there any way to be sure it's not refurb or flashed?
Thanks!
The fact that you have a populated serial number is a good sign. Brightpoint has released legitimate firmware for the ULM model, but I still no nothing about them as a company (might be worth a search of the forms... I think I remember someone talking about them as an LG partner). As seen here, I think the 11g update was the last update they released, but it should be possible to switch over to GFI or LG's vanilla USA firmware (this will likely require the use of LGUP), both of which are the same as far as I can tell, however there are different contact and dialer apps that get used depending on which network you are on, as well a Google Fi app that is either enabled or disabled by default.
Regardless of what the VZW website said, you should have access to all 4 major carriers in the US. I don't know if you have a specific provider in mind or a solution that uses multiple carriers such as Google Fi or Straight Talk, but you should be good to go (although I would recommend flashing to the latest "USA" kdz, which sadly is still not Pie!)
This is exactly what happened to me. What did you find out? What did you end up doing? I was expecting the ULM.AUSAPL model but got the ULM.BPTPL. Apparently Brightpoint is a CDMA company. Does this mean not all GSM bands will be accessible on this BPT firmware? Ya, seems their latest update is still from 12/2018 (11g) instead of USA firmware from 3/2019 (10j). Trying not to have to flash/root. Odd that Verizon said not compatible when it too is CDMA? Really having trouble finding the TRUE factory unlocked ULM.AUSA version. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Any info? Really would like to know what you found out. Did you keep the phone? Encounter any problems? ANY info would be greatly appreciated. DeeBG: maybe you can answer this: (BrightPoint is CDMA "provider" for all those tiny regional carriers) Since this "factory unlocked" ULM version is BPT does this mean that some or all of the GSM frequency bands are "disabled" for this model? And the USA version (GSM according to LG) has the CDMA bands "disabled"? And the GFI has all bands "enabled"? (for Fi auto switching) Is this how it works or what? Very confusing. Please help clarify this. Thanks.
I got one of the ULM versions off the bay too recently....it would not work on VZN...they denied activating it. I believe it does not have some bands needed. No pie for it either....so sent it back and got the VM version for vzn.
TRW1 said:
Any info? Really would like to know what you found out. Did you keep the phone? Encounter any problems? ANY info would be greatly appreciated. DeeBG: maybe you can answer this: (BrightPoint is CDMA "provider" for all those tiny regional carriers) Since this "factory unlocked" ULM version is BPT does this mean that some or all of the GSM frequency bands are "disabled" for this model? And the USA version (GSM according to LG) has the CDMA bands "disabled"? And the GFI has all bands "enabled"? (for Fi auto switching) Is this how it works or what? Very confusing. Please help clarify this. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly the confusion + lack of information is rampant for this phone, and this is down to one major reason. The chipset used in all LG G7 phones is the same (Qualcomm Snapdragon 845), however due to carrier subsidies and other sketchy reasons, the active bands are dictated by whoever sold the phone.
There are two providers in the US that I'm aware of that make use of all four major networks (those being Google Fi and Straight Talk). There are multiple free and ad-supported apps in the Google Play store that claim to be able to tell you which bands are supported by your phone (I only know of their existence and so cannot recommend one that's more accurate than another).
Thanks for responding! Boy..............."lack of information for this phone" is the understatement of the year! You aren't kidding! I've been trying to find out more for days but seem to get either very basic answers or different answers from different sources. So frustrating! Even LG is very vague in their answers. Just want to know if I will encounter any problems trying to use this on GSM networks when this is technically on CDMA firmware? And just cross-flashing this to the USA firmware will NOT "enable" all the GSM bands, right? RR125: A bunch of reflashed G7's have been being sold online, making my search for true answers even more frustrating. Did it come factory sealed? Meaning clear round stickers on both the sides? If not, then you may have received one of the models being reflashed to make it look like it is a ULM model. Which is bait and switch and illegal.
I'm in the same boat. I signed up for Google Fi and purchased my G710ULM from Amazon a couple months ago. I experienced issues immediately. WiFi calling didn't work; every time it was enabled I could see ER081 up top. After 1.5 months of terrible service, I downloaded Signal Spy and came to the realization that I was only ever connecting to T-Mobile. If I attempted to manually switch to the Sprint network, I'd get a message like "configuring mobile data". After about a couple minutes, my SIM card would lock and it told me to reboot my phone. If I attempted to switch to U.S. Cellular's network, I would get phone and data, but my phone number changed to a Nebraska number (note, I live in Missouri).
At about that time, I started researching the different firmware versions (with great difficulty) and found that I had a Brightpoint-specific firmware (11g). I've since used LGUP to flash to firmware 10j (Google Fi's latest G710ULM firmware). This has improved but not fixed my situation. I can now make WiFi calls, I can connect to T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular and keep my phone number on U.S. Cellular. However, when I attempt to connect to Sprint, I still get that "configuring mobile data" message and the SIM card locks. I ordered a new SIM card from Google Fi a couple days back and intend to test this phone with the updated card, but I've got a feeling that something else is at play here preventing me from connecting to Sprint.
Similar to other people, I did an IMEI lookup and while it comes up on the free IMEI checker sites, most of the main networks' checkers (ATT, TMobile, Verizon, Sprint) tell me that the phone is either incompatible with their network or they can't find it in their DB.
Potential SIM card issues aside, does anyone have any other ideas why I may not be able to connect to Sprint?
-Nick
It could always be a hardware issue but it sounds like the phone is not getting provisioned to work on Sprint. Can you verify SprintDM.apk is installed? You will likely need to install a third party app such as system app safe remover from Play store.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/h...ribute-LG-Wireless-Devices-Accessories-United
Brightpoint sells both cdma & gsm LG phones and are distributors nowadays who sell to other carriers.
The bands on the phone are locked and not capable of being used unless you unlock them via qpst or cdma workshop.
But these firmwares provided have them directly locked in the kernel.
loonycgb2 said:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/h...ribute-LG-Wireless-Devices-Accessories-United
Brightpoint sells both cdma & gsm LG phones and are distributors nowadays who sell to other carriers.
The bands on the phone are locked and not capable of being used unless you unlock them via qpst or cdma workshop.
But these firmwares provided have them directly locked in the kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if a Brightpoint ULM model was flashed with GFI ULM kdz why should it be GSM only unless they are different hardware version like TM? ULM hardware devices should support CDMA LTE bands.
mr3p said:
So if a Brightpoint ULM model was flashed with GFI ULM kdz why should it be GSM only unless they are different hardware version TM? ULM hardware devices should support CDMA LTE bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Snapdragon 845 no matter what phone will come with the same qualcomm modem as no manufacturer/carrier will take the extra cost to modify design.
But since the bands are locked via nvram, its upto the manufacturer and/or the distributer that loads the software to choose what will be locked or unlocked.
Bands can be locked via android kernel, but operators do nvram to protect phones from being used out of what they need or want.
I've been toying with crossflashing a G710PM (Sprint) to various firmwares to find which ones support VoLTE and WiFi calling on T-Mobile USA. I started with the Sprint firmware (didn't seem to support either VoLTE or WiFi calling on TMUSA), then I crossflashed to the European Pie release (didn't seem to support either VoLTE or WiFi calling on TMUSA either), then the Verizon Pie release (this one at least had an option for WiFi calling, but it appeared to be disabled), and finally the G710ULM10j GFI release (VoLTE and WiFi calling working fine so far).
Does anyone know if any other firmwares besides the G710ULM can do VoLTE and WiFi calling on T-Mobile and can be crossflashed?
Does crossflashing actually "enable" certain Hardware related features? Including "enabling" all frequency bands for GSM on a currently CDMA firmware? I didn;t think this was possible. I think I read somewhere that Tmo WiFi Calling feature is disabled even on factory unlocked versions.
TRW1 said:
Does crossflashing actually "enable" certain Hardware related features? Including "enabling" all frequency bands for GSM on a currently CDMA firmware? I didn;t think this was possible. I think I read somewhere that Tmo WiFi Calling feature is disabled even on factory unlocked versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cross flashed a G710PM (Sprint model) to G710ULM (Unlocked Google Fi firmware) and so far VoLTE and WiFi calling work fine. Network Cell Info reported Band 66 for one location I checked (which the G710PM model doesn't support but the ULM model does according to their respective spec sheets), but LTE Discovery reported it as Band 4. I'm not sure which is right, but it seems that a misreport as Band 4 would be more likely than a misreport as Band 66 since Band 66 is a superset of Band 4. So I think possibly it actually enables the other bands, but I can't say with 100% certainty.
Interestingly, the bands listed for enable / disable in the engineering menu don't match either the PM or ULM models.
Edit: Forgot to mention, ULM and PM both support both GSM and CDMA. I think maybe only difference in specs is which LTE bands are supported.
AH! I've been trying to get to the bottom of this whole "what bands enabled/disabled for what firmware/carrier" thing for weeks now. Even LG is vague in their answers. Yes, you are correct, I'm finding alot of discrepency in the actual bands supported for which version all over the place. No one has a difinitive spec sheet. Where is this "engineering menu" you speak of? I'm getting really frustrated finding answers. Ya, i think the reason WiFi Calling/VoLTE are working on the GFI firmware is because TMO is one of the carriers Google Fi uses, so it has to work. Otherwise, Google Fi users would be upset a key feature is disabled. I bet if you were using the USA firmware it would be disabled. The key to my whole frustration is, like you mentioned, "WHICH" bands are supported. I have ULM.BPT firmware and am concerned if I use it with GSM carrier not all bands will be "enabled". Is this correct?
TRW1 said:
AH! I've been trying to get to the bottom of this whole "what bands enabled/disabled for what firmware/carrier" thing for weeks now. Even LG is vague in their answers. Yes, you are correct, I'm finding alot of discrepency in the actual bands supported for which version all over the place. No one has a difinitive spec sheet. Where is this "engineering menu" you speak of? I'm getting really frustrated finding answers. Ya, i think the reason WiFi Calling/VoLTE are working on the GFI firmware is because TMO is one of the carriers Google Fi uses, so it has to work. Otherwise, Google Fi users would be upset a key feature is disabled. I bet if you were using the USA firmware it would be disabled. The key to my whole frustration is, like you mentioned, "WHICH" bands are supported. I have ULM.BPT firmware and am concerned if I use it with GSM carrier not all bands will be "enabled". Is this correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, when I downloaded the firmware I don't think I even knew enough about the regions to know there was a difference between GFI and USA. In fact, how do I check which one is installed? I looked in the version information in Settings and there's nothing there to tell me the region. It must be tucked in there somewhere? Maybe the BPT, USA, and GFI firmwares are all the same? I just downloaded both the GFI and USA releases from the LG-Firmwares website and the files appear to be identical. Maybe BPT is identical too?
Regarding the bands, I honestly don't know if every model supports every band or what the deal is. I've been happy with my cross-flashed Sprint on T-Mobile thus far, but I certainly can't say for sure if there are hardware differences that make other models not work with every band (or even if mine works with every band it's supposed to or it just happens to work well enough for my area). Most people seem confident the T-Mobile model is different, at least, but I think it's more of a mystery regarding all the others.
You can get to the engineering menu by using the built-in dialer and typing *#546368#*710# Then under Field Test -> Modem Settings -> LTE Band Selection there's a list of selectable LTE bands. I suspect, though, that everyone's has the same list (1,2,3,4,5,7,8,12,13,17,20,25,28,29,30,38,40), because that's the list I got on mine and it doesn't match either the PM or ULM model. I'm curious if yours is any different.
neverremembermyusername said:
Honestly, when I downloaded the firmware I don't think I even knew enough about the regions to know there was a difference between GFI and USA. In fact, how do I check which one is installed? I looked in the version information in Settings and there's nothing there to tell me the region. It must be tucked in there somewhere? Maybe the BPT, USA, and GFI firmwares are all the same? I just downloaded both the GFI and USA releases from the LG-Firmwares website and the files appear to be identical. Maybe BPT is identical too?
Regarding the bands, I honestly don't know if every model supports every band or what the deal is. I've been happy with my cross-flashed Sprint on T-Mobile thus far, but I certainly can't say for sure if there are hardware differences that make other models not work with every band (or even if mine works with every band it's supposed to or it just happens to work well enough for my area). Most people seem confident the T-Mobile model is different, at least, but I think it's more of a mystery regarding all the others.
You can get to the engineering menu by using the built-in dialer and typing *#546368#*710# Then under Field Test -> Modem Settings -> LTE Band Selection there's a list of selectable LTE bands. I suspect, though, that everyone's has the same list (1,2,3,4,5,7,8,12,13,17,20,25,28,29,30,38,40), because that's the list I got on mine and it doesn't match either the PM or ULM model. I'm curious if yours is any different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha! Thats my point! What IS the difference? Why have 4 versions if there is no difference in the firmware? Notice the updates are same for GFI & USA, so what IS the difference? Only thing I can think of is the Auto Switching software for Fi. But AFAIK when u put Fi SIM in it tells you to download the special software for that feature. Then notice the BPT & BPS have same updates. So, again, what exactly IS the diff? Notice it also specifically lists the "Product Type" as either GSM or CDMA. This is why I'm getting so frustrated trying to get to the bottom of this once and for all. All 4 are listed as ULM versions. Does this mean the 2 CDMA (BPT&BPS) will NOT have all the GSM bands 'enabled'? And vice versa. I'm going by this BTW:
https://www.mylgphones.com/unlocked-lg-g7-thinq-lmg710ulm-firmware-update.html
Above in your list of bands: where is Band 66? thought that was a major TMO band? Ya, funny how the list doesn't match PM or ULM, huh? Again, my frustration. I bet you're not accessing all the TMO bands, only the ones shared with Sprint. (or the ones "enabled" by Sprint firmware) Like you said, maybe just lucky to live in area with good TMO coverage, so it never searches for other bands. U live in large populated area? Heard about the PM models being flashed to look like ULM? They seem to be sold on Ebay, Amazon, etc. Breed was company name. In my research, came across alot of buyers who were duped by this. Most saying they were having all sorts of connection/signal issues. Which proves just reflashing firmware doesn't "enable" more bands. I could be wrong. Your saying no problems at all. Also came across alot of VZN users saying problem with activating the ULM on their network. Which doesn't make sense either! Again, so frustrating getting to the bottom of this. I KNOW i read somewhere about the specifically TMO WiFi Calling being disabled almost everywhere except on TMO branded phones. (which would explain why it is working on your Fi firmware)
---------- Post added 27th July 2019 at 12:08 AM ---------- Previous post was 26th July 2019 at 11:55 PM ----------
Also, read this thread and tell me what you think.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g7-thinq/help/lg-g710tm-unlocked-t-mobile-verizon-t3947096
TRW1 said:
Ha! Thats my point! What IS the difference? Why have 4 versions if there is no difference in the firmware? Notice the updates are same for GFI & USA, so what IS the difference? Only thing I can think of is the Auto Switching software for Fi. But AFAIK when u put Fi SIM in it tells you to download the special software for that feature. Then notice the BPT & BPS have same updates. So, again, what exactly IS the diff? Notice it also specifically lists the "Product Type" as either GSM or CDMA. This is why I'm getting so frustrated trying to get to the bottom of this once and for all. All 4 are listed as ULM versions. Does this mean the 2 CDMA (BPT&BPS) will NOT have all the GSM bands 'enabled'? And vice versa. I'm going by this BTW:
https://www.mylgphones.com/unlocked-lg-g7-thinq-lmg710ulm-firmware-update.html
Above in your list of bands: where is Band 66? thought that was a major TMO band? Ya, funny how the list doesn't match PM or ULM, huh? Again, my frustration. I bet you're not accessing all the TMO bands, only the ones shared with Sprint. (or the ones "enabled" by Sprint firmware) Like you said, maybe just lucky to live in area with good TMO coverage, so it never searches for other bands. U live in large populated area? Heard about the PM models being flashed to look like ULM? They seem to be sold on Ebay, Amazon, etc. Breed was company name. In my research, came across alot of buyers who were duped by this. Most saying they were having all sorts of connection/signal issues. Which proves just reflashing firmware doesn't "enable" more bands. I could be wrong. Your saying no problems at all. Also came across alot of VZN users saying problem with activating the ULM on their network. Which doesn't make sense either! Again, so frustrating getting to the bottom of this. I KNOW i read somewhere about the specifically TMO WiFi Calling being disabled almost everywhere except on TMO branded phones. (which would explain why it is working on your Fi firmware)
---------- Post added 27th July 2019 at 12:08 AM ---------- Previous post was 26th July 2019 at 11:55 PM ----------
Also, read this thread and tell me what you think.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g7-thinq/help/lg-g710tm-unlocked-t-mobile-verizon-t3947096
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just as confused as you are. As I mentioned, Network Cell Info says my phone was connected to band 66, which isn't available on the Sprint model. At the same time, B66 isn't listed in that menu. But then, B41 isn't listed in that menu, either, and that's supported to be supported on the Sprint model. So bands listed in that menu don't match any model that I'm aware of. Unfortunately the engineering menu code doesn't work on the Sprint firmware, so I wasn't able to check if the listed bands changed when I flashed over to ULM.
I've previously read the thread about the TM differences. I do know from looking at the FCC filing that the TM model has a different FCC certification number than ULM, so it's plausible that it is physically different from the others. However, PM shares a certification with VM and ULM, so I *think* they're the same hardware. That's why I'm wondering if *every* LG G7 lists the same bands in the engineering menu. Maybe that menu isn't actually listing all the supported bands for the specific phone?
In any case, the PM model supports bands 2, 4, 5, and 12, which is most of T-Mobile. Band 66 is just a superset of band 4, so most any B66 tower will offer B4 (though possibly at a reduced speed). So even if I don't get real B66, and instead just get the Sprint bands, that covers pretty much everything . Only thing missing is B71, which seems to be limited to TM model (which, interestingly, shares FCC certification with the Canadian model).
I *will* root it (lots of experience with other manufacturers devices), and flash whatever (firmware, etc.) in order to get it to work on an MVNO (currently using USMobile for old phone).
* Would like it to work on a Verizon-capable MVNO.
* T-Mobile is a distant second choice, but still acceptable in my location.
I see that these are available, but with flashing I know that many limitations can be avoided (of course the hardware/radio/frequency bands dictate).
A nice comparison (brief below) from gsmarena.com with the EM, ULM, and VLM variants selected https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.ph...ne2=9115&idPhone3=9115#g710em,g710ulm,g710vmp
G710EM - Global market
G710EMW - China, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong
G710EAW - Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore
G710ULM - USA, unlocked model
G710VMP - Verizon
G710PM - Sprint
G710AWM - Canada
The ULM and the VMP variants show no differences in frequency bands, and the EM one shows more frequency bands.
I've spent a *lot* of time trying to figure this out (hours and hours, maybe I'm too thick? or can't see the forest for the trees), but am still confused.
Any help is much appreciated.
TiTiB said:
I *will* root it (lots of experience with other manufacturers devices), and flash whatever (firmware, etc.) in order to get it to work on an MVNO (currently using USMobile for old phone).
* Would like it to work on a Verizon-capable MVNO.
* T-Mobile is a distant second choice, but still acceptable in my location.
I see that these are available, but with flashing I know that many limitations can be avoided (of course the hardware/radio/frequency bands dictate).
A nice comparison (brief below) from gsmarena.com with the EM, ULM, and VLM variants selected https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.ph...ne2=9115&idPhone3=9115#g710em,g710ulm,g710vmp
G710EM - Global market
G710EMW - China, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong
G710EAW - Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore
G710ULM - USA, unlocked model
G710VMP - Verizon
G710PM - Sprint
G710AWM - Canada
The ULM and the VMP variants show no differences in frequency bands, and the EM one shows more frequency bands.
I've spent a *lot* of time trying to figure this out (hours and hours, maybe I'm too thick? or can't see the forest for the trees), but am still confused.
Any help is much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to root your phone, then you should steer clear of the T-Mobile variant. Till this day they still haven't unlocked the phones bootloader. You can buy any variant you want, just not the T-Mobile version.
billclintonwong said:
If you want to root your phone, then you should steer clear of the T-Mobile variant. Till this day they still haven't unlocked the phones bootloader. You can buy any variant you want, just not the T-Mobile version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great info, thanks! For clarity, do you mean the ULM model? iirc it's the one with the T-Mobile bands; not sure of the ones for the Asian markets, but I'm pretty sure they don't have compatible radios for the U.S.
I'm actually going with the Samsung A70; mostly for screen size, partly because of my familiarity with Samsung devices—both good and bad. Unfortunately, it seems I'm passing on a great phone in the G7 ThinQ, but will be back if the A70 thing doesn't work out.
Thanks again
billclintonwong said:
If you want to root your phone, then you should steer clear of the T-Mobile variant. Till this day they still haven't unlocked the phones bootloader. You can buy any variant you want, just not the T-Mobile version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you unlock the Canadian one? I see no info on that one anywhere. All guides refer to the European one.
Noboty said:
How do you unlock the Canadian one? I see no info on that one anywhere. All guides refer to the European one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't, LG only allows limited number of specific models to be bootloader unlocked, see list here:
https://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev?categoryId=CTULRS0703
Hi,
im on the same boat as to which version to buy and whats suitable for the UK carriers.
What is the difference between the ULM/TM versions as it seems these are the only ones on fleabay that i have an option to buy! Do we stay away from the both versions or can we buy the ULM?
cheers
LG G7 ThinQ G710ULM or LG G7 ThinQ Verizon G710VMP or LG G7 ThinQ G710PM...the latter being the cheapest out of the 3 options.
Which one is best to buy for Virgin UK carrier?
Also, which phone would you choose between the LG G7 and the LG v30+???
Cheers
Anyone?
no one?
do i need to create my own thread?
Nenhuma.
billclintonwong said:
If you want to root your phone, then you should steer clear of the T-Mobile variant. Till this day they still haven't unlocked the phones bootloader. You can buy any variant you want, just not the T-Mobile version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That stinks, I'm on T-mobile and want VoLTE and VoWifi as options, and as I understand it these will only work on LGs with carrier branded firmware that supports it. I've heard some variants can be flashed to others. Can, say, a VZ or AT&T variant be flashed with T-mobile's firmware and work properly?
Dishe said:
That stinks, I'm on T-mobile and want VoLTE and VoWifi as options, and as I understand it these will only work on LGs with carrier branded firmware that supports it. I've heard some variants can be flashed to others. Can, say, a VZ or AT&T variant be flashed with T-mobile's firmware and work properly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No not with t mobile firmware you would never want to do that. There is almost 100% some way to do it with root
antintin said:
No not with t mobile firmware you would never want to do that. There is almost 100% some way to do it with root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean? Make volte and vowifi work with a different carrier firmware using root? I'm under the impression that's not possible, or at least it hasn't been with other phones.