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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
Click to expand...
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 keep asking around and I keep getting different answers.
I have a grandfathered UDP. Some people say I should keep it because the new UDP has limitations. Some people say I should switch to the new UDP.
I wish I could still use PDANet/FoxFi (only a few times a year when travelling etc.). Some people say I can just pay $1/day for Verizon mobile hotspot. Some people say I should switch my plan.
I use Samsung Pay and GearVR, and I'd rather not root my phone. I use between 10-20GB/month.
Some people say that "unlocked" doesn't matter anymore - that the carrier SIM will make it a Verizon device no matter where I buy the phone. Is that true?
I'm ready to upgrade from my S6 to the S9 or S9+ (I want to keep my S6). Should I purchase through Samsung, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy? Does it matter, or should I just go with the cheapest deal I can find?
I plan on going straight through Samsung on a monthly payment plan. They should offer some type of a device trade in program so I can trade in my sons Moto Z and maybe get a couple hundred knocked off. My son can have my Pixel XL and I'll get the 9+.
ergalthema said:
I keep asking around and I keep getting different answers.
I have a grandfathered UDP. Some people say I should keep it because the new UDP has limitations. Some people say I should switch to the new UDP.
I wish I could still use PDANet/FoxFi (only a few times a year when travelling etc.). Some people say I can just pay $1/day for Verizon mobile hotspot. Some people say I should switch my plan.
I use Samsung Pay and GearVR, and I'd rather not root my phone. I use between 10-20GB/month.
Some people say that "unlocked" doesn't matter anymore - that the carrier SIM will make it a Verizon device no matter where I buy the phone. Is that true?
I'm ready to upgrade from my S6 to the S9 or S9+ (I want to keep my S6). Should I purchase through Samsung, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy? Does it matter, or should I just go with the cheapest deal I can find?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.
Bxrider117 said:
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know thats a good point! I was originally looking maybe at an unlocked version but... having WiFi calling when out of the states is nice feature without spending $$$ on a separate international plan at the time.
Bxrider117 said:
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a good point - glad you mentioned it. However, I am rarely out of the country, so I'm wondering if it's still in my best interest to have an unlocked phone.
Deathman20 said:
You know thats a good point! I was originally looking maybe at an unlocked version but... having WiFi calling when out of the states is nice feature without spending $$$ on a separate international plan at the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this was the case with the S8+. I'm going to make sure that I confirm it with Samsung and Verizon. The unlocked version is cheaper than getting from Verizon.
You can also now reservthe unlocked version on Samsung's website
https://www.samsung.com/us/
It only lets you reserve the unlocked version right now.
Bxrider117 said:
I know this was the case with the S8+. I'm going to make sure that I confirm it with Samsung and Verizon. The unlocked version is cheaper than getting from Verizon.
You can also now reservthe unlocked version on Samsung's website
https://www.samsung.com/us/
It only lets you reserve the unlocked version right now.
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Click to collapse
If you pre-order it on Friday from Best Buy I think it matches or beats Samsung's price by $10 and includes unlocked version too!
Course its early so curious if anything will change.
Side note is there any additional pre-order perks that we can get?
Deathman20 said:
If you pre-order it on Friday from Best Buy I think it matches or beats Samsung's price by $10 and includes unlocked version too!
Course its early so curious if anything will change.
Side note is there any additional pre-order perks that we can get?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I see at Samsung is the $840 (S9+), but Best Buy says it will be $100 off that, no?
ergalthema said:
All I see at Samsung is the $840 (S9+), but Best Buy says it will be $100 off that, no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung is reading right. Though from Verizon/AT&T they have the higher price at $930/915 respectfully. So that being said it would potentially bring it lower than Samsung.
Best Buy says to get their discount there needs to be a qualified activation. Not sure but that sounds like you need to start a new line of service with the carrier. I have a plan already, don't need another. I'm with AT&T and am going to go with the carrier's model of the phone. HD calling or volte might or might not work with an unlocked model depending on whether or not they decide to activate it for you but WiFi calling won't work unless you have the AT&T model. WiFi calling is nice for out of country use, my family also spends some time in an area without cell service but WiFi is available. When I realized my wife had wifi calling on her iphone I was jealous. My Pixel didn't work. I like the features, security of the new phones. I think I'm done worrying about carrier apps, bootloaders and root. It's been quite a while since I modded a phone and improved on the stock configuration. I know, this is XDA but it's getting pretty hard to improve on this year's phones. My P2XL is still stock & I'm very happy with it like that.
dmb219 said:
Best Buy says to get their discount there needs to be a qualified activation. Not sure but that sounds like you need to start a new line of service with the carrier. I have a plan already, don't need another. I'm with AT&T and am going to go with the carrier's model of the phone. HD calling or volte might or might not work with an unlocked model depending on whether or not they decide to activate it for you but WiFi calling won't work unless you have the AT&T model. WiFi calling is nice for out of country use, my family also spends some time in an area without cell service but WiFi is available. When I realized my wife had wifi calling on her iphone I was jealous. My Pixel didn't work. I like the features, security of the new phones. I think I'm done worrying about carrier apps, bootloaders and root. It's been quite a while since I modded a phone and improved on the stock configuration. I know, this is XDA but it's getting pretty hard to improve on this year's phones. My P2XL is still stock & I'm very happy with it like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Talking with BB reps so far, their qualified activation doesn't seem to be like anything. Can be a new line or current at least thats what I've been told so far and that is what they are expecting.
For the BB pricing though found this out and might only still refer to the Pre-Order period. S9+ will be $100 off still after the 2nd, and S9 will be $50 off after the 2nd. No clue how long it lasts after that though but its what I was able to get out of the rep today. Also talking around no luck at getting at least Verizon to honor the BB discount so... well really its not to much tough luck for them since they still get money.
I just spoke to a vz rep, and this was her answer to the question...
Verizon: Thank you for contacting the Verizon Wireless Chat Team regarding your account. How can we help you today?
You: hi
You: what is the difference between the verizon S9 and the version of the S9 straight from samsung?
Meghann: Hello!
Meghann: There is no difference between the phones.
You: all features will work on both versions?
Meghann: Correct.
You: wifi calling, etc? We will just get software updates straight from samsung as oppose to from vz?
You: Please pardon my confusion here, but i was wondering what made the samsung version $80 cheaper!
Meghann: We do not make the phone, the difference is that Samsung sells us the phone and then we sell it to you. If you buy it straight from Samsung, you can use it on any carrier.
You: yes i am aware of that!
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.
droideris1 said:
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of all the confusing possibilities I've heard, I have not heard anyone say that an unlocked phone will have wifi calling on Verizon - basically everyone says wifi calling does not work on an unlocked phone...
ergalthema said:
Of all the confusing possibilities I've heard, I have not heard anyone say that an unlocked phone will have wifi calling on Verizon - basically everyone says wifi calling does not work on an unlocked phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true on AT&T phones. You won't get wifi calling unless you have an AT&T phone. Can't speak for Verizon. Can't speak for the S9 at all since we don't have any user feedback but I doubt the carrier bonus features will change.
The unlocked version will not get visual voice mail on Verizon. That is a no go for me. All one has to do is look at the status of the unlocked S8 on verizon for confirmation. Nothing is different here. In fact Verizon has recently stated it will temporarily stop selling it's own branded phones unlocked. The Verizon price of the phones are almost $100 over what the Samsung retail is and also the most of any carrier. lucky us. I don't need a new activation so I don't get the $100 off best Buy deal. So I pay the inflated rate at no discount and no offers. nada. Basically stuck. Oh well.. such is life.
xgman said:
I don't need a new activation so I don't get the $100 off best Buy deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't need to start a new line. I'm trading in my S8+ for the S9+ with Best Buy and I got the $100 off. I'm not starting a new line, just upgrading my current. They just make you activate it in the store.
Call up the cancelation department and threaten to cancel to ATT. When they ask if they can do anything for you let them know they can offer you the phone and keep your GUDP. Worked for me.
@ergalthema
What did you decide to do? It's cheaper through the Samsung website itself.
I'm in the same boat as you - I don't really need Wifi calling and don't use VVM.
wolfgrrl said:
@ergalthema
What did you decide to do? It's cheaper through the Samsung website itself.
I'm in the same boat as you - I don't really need Wifi calling and don't use VVM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went with the unlocked from Samsung. So far, any issues I have would probably exist on the Verizon version as well (mainly minor quirks that I have to find workarounds for).
For some reason, it has been more difficult to force the camera shutter to silent. I have a Tasker task that always worked with S6 - when camera is opened, silence all audio. But with the S9, sometimes the "System Volume" will be stuck at full. It's grayed-out and I cant' change it. Not sure what's causing that. If I reboot, I can adjust everything again. At first, I thought maybe the unlocked version couldn't silence the camera shutter, but that's not the case. I can silence it sometimes. Gotta figure out why it gets stuck at full volume sometimes, though.
Yeah, I think that's the route I'm going to do as well. Plus they'll give me $200 for my current phone
ergalthema said:
I went with the unlocked from Samsung. So far, any issues I have would probably exist on the Verizon version as well (mainly minor quirks that I have to find workarounds for).
For some reason, it has been more difficult to force the camera shutter to silent. I have a Tasker task that always worked with S6 - when camera is opened, silence all audio. But with the S9, sometimes the "System Volume" will be stuck at full. It's grayed-out and I cant' change it. Not sure what's causing that. If I reboot, I can adjust everything again. At first, I thought maybe the unlocked version couldn't silence the camera shutter, but that's not the case. I can silence it sometimes. Gotta figure out why it gets stuck at full volume sometimes, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been using Moto X (2013) for 6 years, finally decided to upgrade. As a fan of smaller phones instantly fell in love with this on amazon. Does anyone know if I can unlock it to work with a local carrier (in Azerbaijan)? Looking at question and answers on Amazon got me really confused.
Edit: Also, how much would it cost to unlock it?
Edit2: After "researching" what unlocked means (haven't used carrier plan phones ever), seems like it can get locked after an update. Does anyone have experience with the phone I linked? Also, I found this which says "T-Mobile GSM Unlocked". Wth does that mean? Is it usable worldwide/any carrier, or only with T-Mobile, or is unlocked by T-Mobile officially and is somehow more reliable or something? Sorry but I'm completely uneducated in this matter. Hope I'll get some help before it runs out of stock.
Thanks!
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:
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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.
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Have you tried updating after taking out the SIM card?
ChrisAG said:
Have you tried updating after taking out the SIM card?
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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.
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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.
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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.