I am looking to get this phone and needed some advice. I haven't bought a cellular branded phone for a long while. I usually go with the USA Factory unlocked version. On this phone is the cellular named stamped on the back of the phone? I know the model for the USA Unlocked version is G820QM (with a 7 at the end at times) but it is honestly harder to find. What does everyone recommend on this phone in regards to getting the cellular branded one or should I keep trying to find the USA Unlocked version? What about bloatware with the different cellular branded ones? How is that? Can you get rid of the bloatware? I also like what I call the LG Branded ones as they get the updates faster do they not? Please help me. I am looking for a phone and this one stuck out at me unless someone suggests a different phone with similar specs to this one? Thanks so much! :good:
alias4ever said:
I am looking to get this phone and needed some advice. I haven't bought a cellular branded phone for a long while. I usually go with the USA Factory unlocked version. On this phone is the cellular named stamped on the back of the phone? I know the model for the USA Unlocked version is G820QM (with a 7 at the end at times) but it is honestly harder to find. What does everyone recommend on this phone in regards to getting the cellular branded one or should I keep trying to find the USA Unlocked version? What about bloatware with the different cellular branded ones? How is that? Can you get rid of the bloatware? I also like what I call the LG Branded ones as they get the updates faster do they not? Please help me. I am looking for a phone and this one stuck out at me unless someone suggests a different phone with similar specs to this one? Thanks so much! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unsure where you're from, but stay away from the AT&T unlocked model (my model G820UM), I'm from the UK and ordered one, big mistake, AT&T does not send any update to their phones if they are not using an AT&T SIM card in the US, some users have been successful in updating they're OS, by just using a AT&T SIM card outside of the US, some haven't and I haven't tried it, because I don't want to waste more money on a SIM card when the results are not 100% guaranteed.
There is no way of cross flashing a different ROM, so you will be stuck without updates, until someone finds a way of cross flashing a ROM from an unlocked model. I'm checking this forum regularly hoping some has found a solution, but nothing so far
If you are in the US and on AT&T then it will fine, bloatware (which is a lot) can be removed/disabled easily
Honestly, for the price I paid (£280), I think the Xiaomi Mi9 would have been a better option, similar specs, updates every 2 months and you're able to unlock bootloader, not the best process to unlock the bootloader, but still possible (just need to wait for permission from Xiaomi which could take a few weeks), you'll be missing out on the best headphone jack, better cameras (not by much) and better battery life, for a similar price I think this is the best deal for snapdragon 855 phone.
If you don't mind paying a bit more and want the same features as the G8, go for the Samsung S10.
hugoprh said:
Unsure where you're from, but stay away from the AT&T unlocked model (my model G820UM), I'm from the UK and ordered one, big mistake, AT&T does not send any update to their phones if they are not using an AT&T SIM card in the US, some users have been successful in updating they're OS, by just using a AT&T SIM card outside of the US, some haven't and I haven't tried it, because I don't want to waste more money on a SIM card when the results are not 100% guaranteed.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried updating after taking out the SIM card?
ChrisAG said:
Have you tried updating after taking out the SIM card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep no luck, I've sold the phone, I was wasting too much time trying to find a solution, so just sold it and claimed my sanity back xD
Going back to the trusty Xperia 5, timely updates and great software and they are going for around £260 so easily recommended.
That's too bad, AT&T must be interfering, because I just purchased an unlocked G8 in Canada, and it updated to 10 over WiFi, before I inserted a SIM from my carrier (Bell Mobility). Phone was not on Bell originally.
ChrisAG said:
That's too bad, AT&T must be interfering, because I just purchased an unlocked G8 in Canada, and it updated to 10 over WiFi, before I inserted a SIM from my carrier (Bell Mobility). Phone was not on Bell originally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, this a AT&T "feature", want updates? Buy at AT&T SIM card and use it in the US, guess they don't want anyone outside the US to use their products, unsure why, but it is what it is...
hugoprh said:
Unsure where you're from, but stay away from the AT&T unlocked model (my model G820UM), I'm from the UK and ordered one, big mistake, AT&T does not send any update to their phones if they are not using an AT&T SIM card in the US, some users have been successful in updating they're OS, by just using a AT&T SIM card outside of the US, some haven't and I haven't tried it, because I don't want to waste more money on a SIM card when the results are not 100% guaranteed.
There is no way of cross flashing a different ROM, so you will be stuck without updates, until someone finds a way of cross flashing a ROM from an unlocked model. I'm checking this forum regularly hoping some has found a solution, but nothing so far
If you are in the US and on AT&T then it will fine, bloatware (which is a lot) can be removed/disabled easily
Honestly, for the price I paid (£280), I think the Xiaomi Mi9 would have been a better option, similar specs, updates every 2 months and you're able to unlock bootloader, not the best process to unlock the bootloader, but still possible (just need to wait for permission from Xiaomi which could take a few weeks), you'll be missing out on the best headphone jack, better cameras (not by much) and better battery life, for a similar price I think this is the best deal for snapdragon 855 phone.
If you don't mind paying a bit more and want the same features as the G8, go for the Samsung S10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is 10 really that big a deal from 9? I have 9 on my phone i could care less if it gets 10 and I am pretty sure it wont , lol
I feel like if we have temp root then it's only a matter of time before we get TWRP and roms. I just picked up an AT&T model for $178. Not sure if it's unlocked, but fairly easy through AT&T. Just worried if we have an exploit, updating to 10 might invalidate it.
I come from PS3/xbox 360 hacking, haha.
Related
From this Wikipedia list...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S_III
...it appears that both Rogers and Bell in Canada are offering a SGH-I747 Samsung GS3 which is listed as the same variant as AT&T. However, they are offering internal 32GB models and AT&T is not, and that's what I want. I'm current using an iPhone 4S 64GB and I want to be able to swap sim cards back and forth between phones. Yes, I know I can get a 64GB microSD card but I want 96Gb on the phone (I don't want to argue this point).
So I have a few questions:
1) If I get a Rogers or Bell phone without contract and manage to unlock it, will it be fully compatable with the AT&T network just by swapping sims cards with the iPhone?
2) Will it work with AT&T LTE as well as 3G / Edge, both cell and data?
3) Does unlocking companies like cellunlocker.net actually WORK? Is this legal?
Thanks in advance for any info anyone can provide.
Tony
(Sorry for the double post. I put this in the wrong section initially)
Tones2 said:
From this Wikipedia list...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S_III
...it appears that both Rogers and Bell in Canada are offering a SGH-I747 Samsung GS3 which is listed as the same variant as AT&T. However, they are offering internal 32GB models and AT&T is not, and that's what I want. I'm current using an iPhone 4S 64GB and I want to be able to swap sim cards back and forth between phones. Yes, I know I can get a 64GB microSD card but I want 96Gb on the phone (I don't want to argue this point).
So I have a few questions:
1) If I get a Rogers or Bell phone without contract and manage to unlock it, will it be fully compatable with the AT&T network just by swapping sims cards with the iPhone?
2) Will it work with AT&T LTE as well as 3G / Edge, both cell and data?
3) Does unlocking companies like cellunlocker.net actually WORK? Is this legal?
Thanks in advance for any info anyone can provide.
Tony
(Sorry for the double post. I put this in the wrong section initially)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 yes as long as the Sim is the newer smaller type.
2 yes
3 yes and legal. No warranty void
Lost of post like this please take the time to read the forum post.
Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk 2
Thanks.
Sorry, I DID do a search but I could not find anything specifically related to the Canada variants of the Samsung SGS3 running on the AT&T network
Just as a follow-up if I may - How would I then get O/S updates? Will I be able to install updates (like Jelly Bean 4.1 when it comes) from AT&T?
Tony
good question, you will probably get updates through kies regardless, probably end up getting the canadian version (only speaking from experience with the skyrocket) They usually ad an extra letter to the model number to signify carrier, and it will prevent you from flashing an OTA from someone else.
With that said, when an update gets release, it will end up here as well, and you can then choose to flash the AT&T version that way. But thats way down the line.
y2whisper said:
good question, you will probably get updates through kies regardless, probably end up getting the canadian version (only speaking from experience with the skyrocket) They usually ad an extra letter to the model number to signify carrier, and it will prevent you from flashing an OTA from someone else.
With that said, when an update gets release, it will end up here as well, and you can then choose to flash the AT&T version that way. But thats way down the line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. But I'm not quite sure I follow.
What is "kies" and "the skyrocket"? And per your last paragraph, is it possible to flash an AT&T version of the O/S on a Bell / Rogers phone?
BTW - Do you work for Bell Canada? If so, is there any issues with unlocking the phone with a 3rd party unlocker? I don't want to to anything illegal - I just want a 32GB phone that works on an AT&T LTE network.
Thanks,
Tony
From what I've seen and heard, I am confident that the big 3's version is fully compatible with AT&T network.
The model is all the same as I747M. Spec are all the same, so.... I am not worried.
In fact, Rogers uses the exact same network technology to AT&T. All the phone works on Rogers will works perfectly on AT&T as well! As long as it's unlocked.
Prior to my purchase of Rogers' SGS3, I was tempted to buy the AT&T version as it's cheaper.....
The point is probably moot since I cannot get either Rogers or Bell to sell me a phone at full price without a plan and ship it to the USA. They won't do this.
So I probably have to wait until one of these phone is offered from a Canadian customer via another source, like eBay. Any suggestions from anyone on how to get a Rogers or Bell phone shipped to the USA?
Jeez...If only AT&T offered a friggin' 32GB phone!! I wonder when those 128GB microSD cards are coming out.
Tony
You can buy the phone outright directly from rogers but yes, you will need a friend's address in Canada to ship it to. Then have that friend ship it to you in the US. Your other option is to come up - many dealers will sell it to you outright.
If you look around xda, the current methods of rooting and unlocking the phone are not so simple or pretty. In addition to that, the risks you'll have to take and extra costs likely isn't worth the extra 16GB.
m77m7 said:
You can buy the phone outright directly from rogers but yes, you will need a friend's address in Canada to ship it to. Then have that friend ship it to you in the US. Your other option is to come up - many dealers will sell it to you outright.
If you look around xda, the current methods of rooting and unlocking the phone are not so simple or pretty. In addition to that, the risks you'll have to take and extra costs likely isn't worth the extra 16GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the simple method of unlocking as described on cellunlocker.net with just the input of a code doesn't work?
Tones2 said:
So the simple method of unlocking as described on cellunlocker.net with just the input of a code doesn't work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No that works for sim unlocking. (unlocking to use on another network
Tones2 said:
Thanks. But I'm not quite sure I follow.
What is "kies" and "the skyrocket"? And per your last paragraph, is it possible to flash an AT&T version of the O/S on a Bell / Rogers phone?
BTW - Do you work for Bell Canada? If so, is there any issues with unlocking the phone with a 3rd party unlocker? I don't want to to anything illegal - I just want a 32GB phone that works on an AT&T LTE network.
Thanks,
Tony
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kies is the desktop software that samsung uses to backup your device as well as deliver updates
Now can you use this method to flash an AT&T rom on a rogers device. is unknown. in the past with the skyrocket (otherwise known as the Samsung Galaxy S2 LTE) the only difference is the hardcoded model number was I727R while at&t was I727 so flashing which would prevent that.
At the same time, this is xda there are fantastic people that would make a method for you to do that. The key, if you are game to do so is to do a lot of reading, and do nothing without feeling confident in what you are doing.
No I don't work for bell, but if they're here and in need of someone in the Marketing Dept..... However no issues with unlocking on a legal front
Tones2 said:
So the simple method of unlocking as described on cellunlocker.net with just the input of a code doesn't work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assumed you wanted the free unlocking method. Of course if you're willing to pay for the unlock codes, I stand corrected.
Oh there's a free method? Knew there was for the s1 and s2 but didn't have it for the lte version of the s2.
I would look for the free method usually doesn't involve too many steps.
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda premium
This may be kinda long but please read, I really need some actual help. I can offer a little amount of cash (Paypal) for someone to really help me to get what I want and need.
A few days ago I upgraded from a dumb flip phone that I've used for years. So the logical choice would be the new LG G4, the best phone out there as of now. So I've had it for a few days and I've noticed a few things that are really annoying me, but I'd like to focus on my main issue.
The main issue I've had is, bloatware. Now I am a computer person that if I buy a new PC / laptop, etc. I don't even use it until I reinstall Windows. I HATE bloatware more than anything, and I knew that the phone would have some bloatware that I figured I could uninstall and such. I know nothing about phones so I've been reading up and I came across the Debloater program that disables apps, which is nice but not what I want. What I want is 100% no bloat, I want the OS and drivers for the phone on the main features such as Camera, Messener+, Keyboard, etc. I don't want any extra space or ram or even the battery being used by anything besides my
regular apps.
I've tried task managers and such but even having them auto kill apps it seems that it eats my battery just as much if not worse.
I found out about rooting and ROMs in my research and from what I can tell. I need to install a custom ROM, and I believe the one that will give me what I want is CyanogenMod? I'm told its the Android OS and NOTHING more. This is what I want, but I wanna be able to still install Android updates from my phone and not having to reinstall the new version of the ROM, so I'm not sure how updating works.
I'm not sure if my phone needs to be unlocked and / or rooted to install a custom ROM? If I need to be I need someone to help me through these also.
So is there anyway that someone could lead me step by step in installing CyanogenMod? I've saw some tutorials and such but since the G4 is new everything I find on it seems kinda sketchy or really confusing, so if anyone is willing to help me on FB Chat, Team Viewer, Steam, any other messenger, PLEASE PM me ASAP. I rather not try and follow a tutorial on something this pricy, I can't buy another phone. And they never work for me it seems. Plus live person to ask questions to is something I'll need.
NOTE: I have the VS98611a model of the G4, and I have Verison right now, but I'm going to switch to Cricket since Verison removed my features like FM Radio, Themes, etc. Not way to get those back?
To do what you're asking is to require a unlocked bootloader. You're on the verizon model, and it currently doesn't have an unlocked bootloader. You'd need the h815 or the T-Mobile (I believe) models as they have unlocked bootloaders right now.
I believe cyanogen is on their final 5.1 build. As in no more updates or nightly revisions for stability. Unless I'm mistaken.
I haven't heard of an aosp Rom direct from Google being offered on anything aside from the nexus line, but I could be mistaken.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
megamanfre said:
To do what you're asking is to require a unlocked bootloader. You're on the verizon model, and it currently doesn't have an unlocked bootloader. You'd need the h815 or the T-Mobile (I believe) models as they have unlocked bootloaders right now.
I believe cyanogen is on their final 5.1 build. As in no more updates or nightly revisions for stability. Unless I'm mistaken.
I haven't heard of an aosp Rom direct from Google being offered on anything aside from the nexus line, but I could be mistaken.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm ready to leave Verizon now so when I leave them it will be unlocked. So then that will take care of that, right? I really wanna get this done...
Either way there is a way to unlock them without having that model, yes? I've heard of people unlocking phones for years.
Anyway to check if mine is unlocked?
Your boot loader is locked. You can root the phone and remove most bloat. That is all you can do at this time.
There is no way to unlock the boot loader on your model.
Until a workaround is found, you have no other options. Enjoy the phone as is. It's a great phone
tdevaughn said:
Your boot loader is locked. You can root the phone and remove most bloat. That is all you can do at this time.
There is no way to unlock the boot loader on your model.
Until a workaround is found, you have no other options. Enjoy the phone as is. It's a great phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure Verizon will do it for me when I leave them or I can't use it for any other carrier. I could return it and buy the unlocked version. But is it really worth it?
Whats the difference between the models and which is better anyways? I think I'm going to buy the unlocked version from offline.
Broth3rz said:
I'm sure Verizon will do it for me when I leave them or I can't use it for any other carrier. I could return it and buy the unlocked version. But is it really worth it?
Whats the difference between the models and which is better anyways? I think I'm going to buy the unlocked version from offline.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I check if its unlocked? Because I was just told that it IS INFACT unlocked. HOW DO I CHECK? Thanks.
Verizon will not care at all. They will not unlock the bootloader.
Carrier unlock is completely different.
The 815 Euro model only can be unlocked from LG. T mobile does not lock their bootloaders
tdevaughn said:
Verizon will not care at all. They will not unlock the bootloader.
Carrier unlock is completely different.
The 815 Euro model only can be unlocked from LG. T mobile does not lock their bootloaders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I get my disabled features back? The FM Radio, Themes, etc. Guess Verizon got rid of them. If I leave Verison will I get them back? Or since it's a Verison phone... I don't get them?
Basically it's a Verizon phone. You don't get them.
What are all the G4 models and their carrier?
Which models are unlocked?
Which models come with ALL features?Clearly the VS986 Verizon doesn't.
The H815 is the International version?? I hear its a bloat free version and its unlocked? Does it work with carriers in the US? Cricket, Verizon, Sprint?
I don't know what to do, so many models, no one has any information.
Broth3rz said:
What are all the G4 models and their carrier?
Which models are unlocked?
Which models come with ALL features?Clearly the VS986 Verizon doesn't.
The H815 is the International version?? I hear its a bloat free version and its unlocked? Does it work with carriers in the US? Cricket, Verizon, Sprint?
I don't know what to do, so many models, no one has any information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The International H815 can be unlocked and will work on GSM carriers such as ATT or T-mobile only. Basically, if your carrier uses a SIM card, it should work.
tabp0le said:
The International H815 can be unlocked and will work on GSM carriers such as ATT or T-mobile only. Basically, if your carrier uses a SIM card, it should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want all my features, no bloat, unlocked, and works with Verizon and Cricket.
Which do I need to get for this?
You can change the Network mode on the Phone, from Global, to LTE/CDMA to LTE/GSM/UMTS, so as long as the H815 has those same options, you should be able to use it with ANY carrier, Cricket, Verizon, ATT, etc. Right? Just tell me what model I need to get what my first line asks.
H815 does not work at all with CDMA, (aka Verizon/Cricket/Sprint/Boost) You're best bet is going to be rooting your phone or waiting for a bootloader unlock. (bootloader unlock might or might not ever happen) Rooting your phone will allow you to remove most of the bloatware.
Honestly, you're freaking out over nothing.
Disable any apps you don't want to see, and they'll go away forever. At this point in time, bloat is only a concern for power users who want to fine tune their phones, as a first time smart phone user you should focus only on the great new features your phone will have.
chrisrozon said:
Honestly, you're freaking out over nothing.
Disable any apps you don't want to see, and they'll go away forever. At this point in time, bloat is only a concern for power users who want to fine tune their phones, as a first time smart phone user you should focus only on the great new features your phone will have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Verizon got rid of some of my features I'd like to use. I won't EVER be able to get this back since it's a Verizon phone.
2. I need to move to Cricket since Verizon did the above and cost more.
I'm told I can switch, but I won't know until I cancel and go to Cricket. So I wanna know what version to get and go straight to Cricket.
Just because it's my first phone doesn't mean anything. I fine tune my PC like crazy and it runs amazing. I've turned everything off on this phone and yet it's down 11% not being used while I slept. That's bad.
Seems like the G4 sucks a little because only 1 is unlocked?
tabp0le said:
H815 does not work at all with CDMA, (aka Verizon/Sprint/Boost)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cricket is NOT CDMA anymore. Hasn't been for almost a year since AT&T bought them and converted to GSM.
OP, get the H815. It will work on cricket bands and the bootloader is unlocked. It's exactly what I will be doing soon since I'm officially sick of Samsung (Sammy fangirl here, or used to be) and them turning their phones into crapple. I have cricket service as well. Good luck.
pre4speed said:
Cricket is NOT CDMA anymore. Hasn't been for almost a year since AT&T bought them and converted to GSM.
OP, get the H815. It will work on cricket bands and the bootloader is unlocked. It's exactly what I will be doing soon since I'm officially sick of Samsung (Sammy fangirl here, or used to be) and them turning their phones into crapple. I have cricket service as well. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I made a new thread since I"m focused solely on the H815. There are many versions of it though. I will be buying it Monday I hope.
Broth3rz said:
Thanks for the reply. I made a new thread since I"m focused solely on the H815. There are many versions of it though. I will be buying it Monday I hope.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be interested in what you wind up with. What do you mean many variants? If I pick one up, I want to make sure I get the correct one (sim unlocked as well as manufacturer unlockable bootloader) that is compatible with cricket. TIA.
Hi there,
Sorry if this is an obvious question - I'm a big mobile enthusiast, but probably not as technically minded as some of you folks
I'm in the UK right now but am moving to the US permanently in a few weeks. I'm getting the Note 7 and am torn between what to do - buy it here or there.
Here's my thinking: If I buy here, it will be free of all that yucky bloatware you get over there since I gather that even if I purchase from BestBuy, there's nothing quite like a sim-free unlocked phone of the type we would get here. And that carrier bloatware scares me. I don't want to have to be rooting my phone and messing about with it to make it run at an acceptable speed when it inevitably starts to slow down, down the line. Plus, I just hate the thought of having all of that rubbish on my phone. If I'm spending $900 or so, I want it to be pure as the driven snow!
I'm not sure which network I'm going to be going for in the US (as an 'Alien' new to the US with no credit history, it's not easy to get a contract) but what I'm looking at is either T-Mobile or AT&T (possibly Cricket, if not main AT&T.) Although I hear T-Mobile signal can be patchy. I'll be in Los Angeles, so I imagine signal should be good.
So what I'm wondering is - will it all work OK there? I'm assuming the GSM version we get in the UK will be compatible with those two networks, though not Verizon. Although I doubt I'll go with Verizon because their packages don't really look good for what I need and also I hear their bloatware in particular is immense!
I know we have a different processor in the Exynos edition (or is that the one you guys have and we have Snapdragon? Anyway, you know what I mean..) But would that processor make any actual difference in day to day use? Does the processor just run the software or does it have an influence on how the phone actually works with the network as a phone and data device? Am I likely to run into problems?
Also, you probably can't answer this - but worth a try.. I assume that Samsung's warranties are not international? Right now, I am on an iPhone and I know that if it breaks in the US, I can just take it to an Apple store in the US. My gut tells me if I buy in the UK and it starts playing up, I'll be on my own, unless you know different? But hey - it's a trade off. Bloatware vs warranty.
Anyway, any thoughts or advice would be gratefully received.
Thanks all.
Phil :good:
Definitely buy the Exynos International version of the phone. I live near Los Angeles and plan to purchase the international version as well because it has no bloatware. It will be my first purchase of an international unlocked phone. I'm on AT&T but my understanding is that T-mobile rocks in Los Angeles. You can't go wrong with AT&T or T-Mobile, but I would lean toward T-Mobile if I were you, they are really kicking butt right now.
The exynos version of the phone will have better battery life by just a bit and it will be only slightly faster. They both have trade-offs, but in the end, it doesn't make a big difference, just get the international version, which is what all of us Americans want. I don't know about the warranty, you might have to ship the phone off for that.
if you buy one in the UK, make sure you make a few phone calls before you move.
European Samsung phones usually refuse to accept US SIM cards unless you make a phone call for a few minutes using a European SIM.
thedicemaster said:
if you buy one in the UK, make sure you make a few phone calls before you move.
European Samsung phones usually refuse to accept US SIM cards unless you make a phone call for a few minutes using a European SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a very good point! I remember reading about this with my old Galaxy when it said that it locked it to the country where the first phone call was made.
But would this possibly present problems? If I made a few calls with my Vodafone sim, would that then mean that it locks it to UK networks and makes a T-Mobile USA or AT&T sim incompatible?
And bands-wise, they're all good to go, right? There's no reason a local US sim wouldn't work 100% in that model? And the processor doesn't make a difference? Just wondering why they bother to put two different processor types in the phone otherwise?
DuffmasterFresh said:
Definitely buy the Exynos International version of the phone. I live near Los Angeles and plan to purchase the international version as well because it has no bloatware. It will be my first purchase of an international unlocked phone. I'm on AT&T but my understanding is that T-mobile rocks in Los Angeles. You can't go wrong with AT&T or T-Mobile, but I would lean toward T-Mobile if I were you, they are really kicking butt right now.
The exynos version of the phone will have better battery life by just a bit and it will be only slightly faster. They both have trade-offs, but in the end, it doesn't make a big difference, just get the international version, which is what all of us Americans want. I don't know about the warranty, you might have to ship the phone off for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - this is really helpful. Good to know TM are good there as had heard a few stories about bad coverage.
it's the opposite.
unless they changed it just for the note 7, you have to use the phone in the UK before you can use it in the US.
here's a quote from an article regarding the region lock in the S7 and S7 edge:
its box will be sealed with a sticker reading "European SIM card only."
The tab below this sticker explains how and why, albeit in tiny and rather verbose script. Essentially, in order for your unlocked European GS7 to be fully unlocked, you first need to make a total of five minutes worth of phone calls using a European SIM. If you don't do this, and try to use it with a SIM from outside of Europe, it won't connect to the network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is to prevent shops from selling European phones in the US.
the unlocking method is so that people moving outside Europe after buying a phone can continue to use it.
thedicemaster said:
it's the opposite.
unless they changed it just for the note 7, you have to use the phone in the UK before you can use it in the US.
here's a quote from an article regarding the region lock in the S7 and S7 edge:
this is to prevent shops from selling European phones in the US.
the unlocking method is so that people moving outside Europe after buying a phone can continue to use it.
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Click to collapse
Got it - just been reading up on it. Thanks for this.
Well, that all looks simple enough. Shouldn't be an issue.
In fact, my only fear is warranty now. If I smash or crack it (which I will try not to obvs, but heaven forbid, it happens), I may be spannered.
I doubt my insurance will cover it if it is an international model and Samsung look like they don't do international warranties.
That's the only thing stopping me sitting here pressing 'order' when I'm on the verge of it.
Also, I wonder if Samsung Pay will be affected, If maybe, somehow, that's region specific.
It's a big risk.. Eeek!
Screw it, I've ordered.
So just to clarify - the bands on the international (UK) unlocked version will be compatible with ATT/Cricket and T-Mobile?
I have a Note 10 Plus N975U1 that was sold as a Consumer Cellular device through Target. The phone came with the N975U1 unlocked ROM installed on the phone and there is no carrier apps or Consumer Cellular identification anywhere. The only reason I know it's Consumer Cellular is because of a message that popped up for something, can't recall what now.
Anyway, the phone acts just like an unlocked model. Put in various sim cards and the phone reboots through the blue recovery screen to update carrier software for the sim you are using. APN settings are available and can be edited. Everything is just like an unlocked model.
Except, it connects to the network for a couple minutes or so and then stops working. It acts like the Verizon versions do before they are unlocked by Verizon. Except the Verizon versions give you a little pop up stating the phone can't be used on another network. This model has no message.
I am guessing that they are locked using the same mechanism that Verizon uses for locking their devices now except they just are not showing anything to let you know.
Is anybody aware of exactly how this is done and any third party who can unlock it? I have tried a couple different unlocked ROM s as well as an AT&T and Verizon just to see what happens. Same problem.
Thanks
Have a link from the target site to the phone you bought?
I have a feeling that the phone is not actually unlocked or it may not be as what it appears exactly. You can run the IMEI number using swappa and see if the phone is indeed an U1 variant or just the normal carrier N975U.
It maybe possible (not sure how exactly) that your using an international variant that was flashed and configured to look like a N975U1. For example the phone listed here is an international variant that is compatible with US LTE, but I have some serious doubts with how compatible it really is. From past experiences with a local store that sells unlocked Note 10+ units for Net10, I discovered they are not actually US models and are really international models. They were flashed and configured in a weird way (best I can describe it) that it would work for the most part, work with Net10, but it would not work with the other providers here locally. It would at first appear to work but then fail all together.. It wasn't until I started digging into the IMEI number and what it belonged too that I discovered the truth of what the model actually is, and I then promptly returned the phone to the store I bought it from.
If the phone is just network locked and a genuine N975U1 model it would just seem that you only have to use the phone with the service for a certain period of time before they will unlock it. Consumer Cellular would be the best place to go to get (and ask about getting) the phone unlocked.
https://www.consumercellular.com/Help/phones-and-services/5
I resell used phones and specifically phones from Consumer Cellular. All the previous Samsung models used to come unlocked, but about the time the S10 was released, all their Samsung phones came with this unusual lock. I've tried working with countless unlockers and no one has been able to remove it. Once it connects to the internet, it downloads some google update and the phone loses voice/data service. I've wondered how they do this too. A few other models I have that have the same lock are the A10e A20 J7 S10/+ S20/+ Note 10/+. Really really frustrating as I've been searching for a long time now. If anyone knows anything, please let me know. I have hundreds of these that need to be unlocked. Also to clarify, yes they are all the U1 factory unlocked models.
Edit: Apparently when a carrier locked device is flashed to U1 firmware BEFORE unlocking, there is no software prompt to unlock the device. It probably was a carrier locked N975U originally. Maybe on Consumer Cellular firmware, there would be a prompt to unlock it?
These are the guys but they only do commercial work. I am pretty sure they never fail unlock.
https://www.swiftunlocks.us/
Guyinlaca said:
Edit: Apparently when a carrier locked device is flashed to U1 firmware BEFORE unlocking, there is no software prompt to unlock the device. It probably was a carrier locked N975U originally. Maybe on Consumer Cellular firmware, there would be a prompt to unlock it?
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These are not the U versions. I've sold CC phones for years and they are and have always been U1 models. Not only does it say it in the software, but even on the back glass. They are locking these things with an update somehow.
I'll reach out to swiftunlocks, but I would put a big bet up that they can't unlock it either. I'm connected with some of the top unlockers in the world as this is my business and no one has any idea. If anyone is reading this and wants a phone to test, I'll even send you one if you think you can unlock it. It's worth a lot of money to me to find a solution. The worst part is that these phones are all paid off and eligible to unlock through the carrier, but since "I'm not the original owner" they won't help me.
Shatter65 said:
These are not the U versions. I've sold CC phones for years and they are and have always been U1 models. Not only does it say it in the software, but even on the back glass. They are locking these things with an update somehow.
I'll reach out to swiftunlocks, but I would put a big bet up that they can't unlock it either. I'm connected with some of the top unlockers in the world as this is my business and no one has any idea. If anyone is reading this and wants a phone to test, I'll even send you one if you think you can unlock it. It's worth a lot of money to me to find a solution. The worst part is that these phones are all paid off and eligible to unlock through the carrier, but since "I'm not the original owner" they won't help me.
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My friend, did you finally find a solution to unlock samsung phones locked to consumer cellular, i have a few phones locked to them and i would like to know if theres a way to unlock them
seth81 said:
My friend, did you finally find a solution to unlock samsung phones locked to consumer cellular, i have a few phones locked to them and i would like to know if theres a way to unlock them
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I personally use samkey.org
Will international version still work when AT&T drops 3G in Feb. 2022?
Yes. The WWE version supports LTE. All M8 versions support it afaik
I'm struggling with this. Tried researching it. I know the M8's all have LTE capabilities...the problem is AT&T in the US doesn't cover the same bands or frequencies to support 4G LTE that they do in Europe. So my international version doesn't get LTE. The most I get is HSPA+. I also couldn't find any info on HD Voice which I'm guessing is the same thing as VoLTE or LTE. Which is what is going to be required in order for the phone to work in any fashion on the AT&T network. Or any network for that matter when they decide to drop 3G. I know for a FACT that the US version of the M8 is on the list of phones that WILL work when they make the change. It shows the M8 on the list but it doesn't distinguish between domestic or international versions.
slidextreme said:
I'm struggling with this. Tried researching it. I know the M8's all have LTE capabilities...the problem is AT&T in the US doesn't cover the same bands or frequencies to support 4G LTE that they do in Europe. So my international version doesn't get LTE. The most I get is HSPA+. I also couldn't find any info on HD Voice which I'm guessing is the same thing as VoLTE or LTE. Which is what is going to be required in order for the phone to work in any fashion on the AT&T network. Or any network for that matter when they decide to drop 3G. I know for a FACT that the US version of the M8 is on the list of phones that WILL work when they make the change. It shows the M8 on the list but it doesn't distinguish between domestic or international versions.
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What does it say in your bootloader menu?
Locked or unlocked?
Security on or off?
MID/Modelid?
CID?
You may be able to flash the latest AT&T RUU to get AT&T firmware on your phone.
I can tell you with that information, and give you a link to the RUU and instructions on how to flash it.
I've never accessed the boot loader menu. Never had a reason to. Thought about flashing phones before but didn't want to risk bricking it. And never really needed to change stock version for my needs.
That being said I imagine it's locked with security on. The numbers you're asking for should be standard for international version so I don't think they are relevant. I have a prepaid account through AT&T for at least 10 years. Just been flipping sim card to newer unlocked phones. Got this through Amazon. Previously had US version but after time had battery issues. But I already have access to the AT&T network. And it wouldn't matter if I switched networks. None of the US companies use the bands and frequencies that Europe does for LTE.
. My understanding of it from my research is that it's not firmware that decides that but the hardware and antenna capabilities. The phone literally won't look for those bands or frequencies. At least that's my understanding.
. Thanks for your help though. Ultimately I'm probably going to have to get a new phone. Which sucks because I love this phone. Will miss how great it sounds. Best phone I've ever had. I guess I could just turn it into a music player.
slidextreme said:
I've never accessed the boot loader menu. Never had a reason to. Thought about flashing phones before but didn't want to risk bricking it. And never really needed to change stock version for my needs.
That being said I imagine it's locked with security on. The numbers you're asking for should be standard for international version so I don't think they are relevant. I have a prepaid account through AT&T for at least 10 years. Just been flipping sim card to newer unlocked phones. Got this through Amazon. Previously had US version but after time had battery issues. But I already have access to the AT&T network. And it wouldn't matter if I switched networks. None of the US companies use the bands and frequencies that Europe does for LTE.
. My understanding of it from my research is that it's not firmware that decides that but the hardware and antenna capabilities. The phone literally won't look for those bands or frequencies. At least that's my understanding.
. Thanks for your help though. Ultimately I'm probably going to have to get a new phone. Which sucks because I love this phone. Will miss how great it sounds. Best phone I've ever had. I guess I could just turn it into a music player.
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You bought it second hand? It might be S-Off. Bootloader might be locked, but with S-Off (security off) it shouldn't matter.
As far as firmware not deciding the bands, that's not entirely true. Changing the MID to AT&T's and changing the CID to either that or SuperCID would fix it. That would be a part of flashing the RUU. You'll need the AT&T or SuperCID to flash it in the first place, but the MID changes after the RUU flash iirc.
As far as getting S-Off, you can get that for $25. If you want that I can walk you through everything. I don't mind giving FULL instructions although I try to let users do a little searching of their own.
Feel free to PM me if you want to try. Flashing the RUU itself is super easy. Changing CID/MID will take you using fastboot commands from your PC
Thanks. I'll take that into consideration. I appreciate your help. I'll let you know if I'm up for that challenge...lol. I'm running on marshmallow right now. And as such am unable to access certain apps through the Play store. It's probably a good idea to upgrade anyway. I know there are flashes for that too...just makes more sense to upgrade. The phone is 7 years old.
slidextreme said:
Thanks. I'll take that into consideration. I appreciate your help. I'll let you know if I'm up for that challenge...lol. I'm running on marshmallow right now. And as such am unable to access certain apps through the Play store. It's probably a good idea to upgrade anyway. I know there are flashes for that too...just makes more sense to upgrade. The phone is 7 years old.
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Yep. 7yrs ago one of the best phones came out. I loved my M8. It's bricked now though. The screen got screwed and charging was taking forever and I tried taking it apart to fix it and I failed. lol. Doing hardware repairs isn't in my nature. No patience for that. Too small and fragile. But I still use my HTC 10 during weekdays for an mp3 player at work
Yup...Boomsound! Can't beat it. Otherwise I wouldn't have this dilemma in the first place. Thought about changing my old battery but realized how complicated it was and no guarantee it would work. And paying to get it fixed...may as well apply those funds to a new phone. Expensive! Tried to get the HTC 10 new. Wound up with the international version (Amazon...lol)with problems from the start. Had to return it before I could even hear how good it sounded. I wanted to cry. Now I'm stuck trying to find high quality sound on a reasonably priced phone that still has the damn headphone jack. Ugh.
slidextreme said:
Yup...Boomsound! Can't beat it. Otherwise I wouldn't have this dilemma in the first place. Thought about changing my old battery but realized how complicated it was and no guarantee it would work. And paying to get it fixed...may as well apply those funds to a new phone. Expensive! Tried to get the HTC 10 new. Wound up with the international version (Amazon...lol)with problems from the start. Had to return it before I could even hear how good it sounded. I wanted to cry. Now I'm stuck trying to find high quality sound on a reasonably priced phone that still has the damn headphone jack. Ugh.
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That's why I'm still rocking the 10 although I have a Pixel 2XL and Pixel 5 in full working order. 3.5mm jack AND premium audio AND expandable storage to boot.
xunholyx said:
That's why I'm still rocking the 10 although I have a Pixel 2XL and Pixel 5 in full working order. 3.5mm jack AND premium audio AND expandable storage to boot.
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Hey xunholyx,
I was thinking about checking out the pixels. I heard they have decent sound. I'm going to try and get my US version M8 battery replaced for $75 and hope that's the only problem with it. On top of looking for a new phone. Just can't seem to let it go...lol. Should have done this a year ago. It will give me more time and ultimately be a music player for my car.
But I'm really contacting you about the international version. I found something and would like your opinion. It's about changing the bands.
You'll need to watch it on YouTube or rather read the description or instructions the video gives below it. The video is hard to follow. And I don't know if I need special software to do it this way.