This is more of a general question and not really expecting a true answer from any mobile companies. But why do they insist in either locking their handsets, or preventing them from getting the latest firmware upgrades from the phone manufacturers?
Take the S3 on T-Mobile for example, why have they disabled he update feature? They have put on their own version of the firmware that does nothing different from the official except for disabled updates, no splash screen, no extra apps or other branding, just no official updates? Why?
Why prevent the phone from getting the latest updates from the actual people that made them?
To control content. When you control content, you control the all mighty dollar.
Plus, unless there is a bug that just flat out cripples the device, frequent updates are a bad thing for carriers. Risk of a bad flash, returned merchandise/warranty returns, all hits their bottom line. In other words, they have zero skin in the game to get you the latest/greatest/fastest/most stable ROM. Plus, it's not like they're in the mobile phone branding business, they could care less if your device is a bit slower than a competing carrier's.
For them, a "good enough," bloated/branded ROM with very little updates fits the bill.
eon_designs said:
This is more of a general question and not really expecting a true answer from any mobile companies. But why do they insist in either locking their handsets, or preventing them from getting the latest firmware upgrades from the phone manufacturers?
Take the S3 on T-Mobile for example, why have they disabled he update feature? They have put on their own version of the firmware that does nothing different from the official except for disabled updates, no splash screen, no extra apps or other branding, just no official updates? Why?
Why prevent the phone from getting the latest updates from the actual people that made them?
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Click to collapse
Actually, branded handsets can receive their own official updates. Samsung will distribute them for the carrier. Much of the issue is that people just see a message and accept an OTA update without really thinking about it. I saw a lot of people have to get warranty repairs on HTC desires due to dodgy flashes etc. It probably cost the carriers loads of money with the logisitics of that issue.
Unbranded updates wouldnt work on branded software. Only the correct branded update, modified and created by the carrier would work on the device. Removing the option to check for updates is not stopping you get any updates. The fact that T-mobile aren't sending you any updates is stopping it. The missing option is pretty much a cosmetic issue.
Two seperate questions really.
As for locking the device, like CMD512 said, a lot of it is control. And while pushing their content vs. other or OEM choices is part of the reason, support is the biggest. Returns, exchanges, and contact center support (phone, e-mail, chat, tiered-escalations) eats up profits. The last stat I heard was about 5-7%. Locking the device so the user can't change it reduces returns and exchanges and simplifies support.
Carriers could care less about updates and what happens to a device after they sell it. You're locked in to a 2-year contract whether they update it or not. They all do eventually but it's not a priority. They also skip what they consider minor updates to avoid the hassle and expense all the support contacts updates create.
Well its a known fact that carrier branded phones are destined to get slow updates with added nuisance of preloaded junk along with alteration in FW just to make the phone more carrier obedient.However if someone is having issue with that then there is an alternative known as unlocked international version, buy it and receive prompt OTA's.
*Bites tongue* This is tricky.
.However if someone is having issue with that then there is an alternative known as unlocked international version, buy it and receive prompt OTA's.
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Click to collapse
The carrier-branded phones have the hardware-id i9300 too and often enough have no network lock. So by all definitions they are unlocked international versions but with carrier branding.
Since these are hardware-version including OTA updates.
d4fseeker said:
The carrier-branded phones have the hardware-id i9300 too and often enough have no network lock. So by all definitions they are unlocked international versions but with carrier branding.
Since these are hardware-version including OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't it also possible to just call your carrier and get a code so that your device is no longer locked to that carrier? Wouldn't that solve the problem?
maggot_ff said:
Isn't it also possible to just call your carrier and get a code so that your device is no longer locked to that carrier? Wouldn't that solve the problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm thinking the OP is talking about locked bootloader preventing the flashing of custom ROMs and not carrier locking.
Afaik noone except Verizon (surprise, surprise) locks the S3's bootloader. And Verizon-devices got their own forum.
The only issue with the international S3 is that carriers often delay updates or refuse to deliver them which can be circumvented with Odin as described above.
d4fseeker said:
Afaik noone except Verizon (surprise, surprise) locks the S3's bootloader. And Verizon-devices got their own forum.
The only issue with the international S3 is that carriers often delay updates or refuse to deliver them which can be circumvented with Odin as described above.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But they don't delay them if you just get the code to unlock your phone. No need for Odin. or am i totally off? I usually buy unbranded phones, so not really an issue for me. Just wondering if i got it right or what.
You're talking about network locking, meaning that only the carrier's SIM card will work with the device.
This is about carrier-branded ROM's which has nothing to do with network lock. Basically it's the carrier getting their hands on the ROM and modifying it so it fits their needs (which usually consist of adding the most possible bloatware)
Sometimes they remove the ability for OTA-updates completely during their processing of the ROM, but usually they only cause huge delays and skipped versions due to quality control (testing, ...) and/or laziness (costs)
To get a non-carrier-branded ROM on the phone you'll have to use Odin. Sometimes Kies mistakes the ROM too and flashs a Samsung-provided ROM but that's not a reliable method. Plus depending on your regional location it still takes long until release.
Thanks for all the replies, very interesting. I know of the Odin approach, very scary and not sure I am up to that task, but really we should not have to do that.
I can understand the carrier wanting to control the firmware release when they stick loads of extra bloat ware on it, bit in the case of the S3 there does not seem to be any?
Seems like a waste of time to the carrier IMHO
d4fseeker said:
You're talking about network locking, meaning that only the carrier's SIM card will work with the device.
This is about carrier-branded ROM's which has nothing to do with network lock. Basically it's the carrier getting their hands on the ROM and modifying it so it fits their needs (which usually consist of adding the most possible bloatware)
Sometimes they remove the ability for OTA-updates completely during their processing of the ROM, but usually they only cause huge delays and skipped versions due to quality control (testing, ...) and/or laziness (costs)
To get a non-carrier-branded ROM on the phone you'll have to use Odin. Sometimes Kies mistakes the ROM too and flashs a Samsung-provided ROM but that's not a reliable method. Plus depending on your regional location it still takes long until release.
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Click to collapse
Ahhh.. Ok Thanks a lot. And how exactly would one go about to do that? Just flash a different firmware with odin? I think my GF's S3 is has a carrier branded rom, as my phone got official updates a lot sooner than hers. I have no clue about all this stock stuff. I just always root and update when i feel like it. She doesn't want me to rooth hers, but she wants to get updates quickly, so if you could just send me a link to a guide or quckly explain in PM i would appreciate it. Sorry for going off-topic.
d4fseeker said:
Basically it's the carrier getting their hands on the ROM and modifying it so it fits their needs (which usually consist of adding the most possible bloatware)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's also different between the U.S. carriers and the rest of the world. In the U.S. the phones get specific model numbers, have their physical radios configured differently, have OEM features omitted (h/w and s/w), and are tweaked to perform differently. Elsewhere it's usually a carrier splash screen and some fairly harmless carrier apps. The SGS3 is the closest to unmolested of any phone offered to date by the U.S. carriers. Other than the swap of Exynos for S4 of course. And Verizon locking the bootloader.
Related
I'm probably jumping the gun by asking this question now, before the US998 is available, but I'm chomping at the bit to know...
I'd like to buy the unlocked version of the V30, but I understand from the other forums that I may be giving up:
- Verizon HD calling
- Verizon video calling
- wifi calling
- visual voice mail
In trade I'd be getting:
- potentially 128GB internal storage
- no VZW bloat or branding
- all of LG's backgrounds (a reviewer says big red disables many)
- maybe a working FM reciever (?)
Some of these are important to me, some not or can be replaced.
Can you think of any other differences I should be aware of?
Nay Tyzon said:
I'm probably jumping the gun by asking this question now, before the US998 is available, but I'm chomping at the bit to know...
I'd like to buy the unlocked version of the V30, but I understand from the other forums that I may be giving up:
- Verizon HD calling
- Verizon video calling
- wifi calling
- visual voice mail
In trade I'd be getting:
- potentially 128GB internal storage
- no VZW bloat or branding
- all of LG's backgrounds (a reviewer says big red disables many)
- maybe a working FM reciever (?)
Some of these are important to me, some not or can be replaced.
Can you think of any other differences I should be aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll get Verizon VoLTE -- but not Wi-Fi nor video calling.
Yes, you can have Verizon voicemail.
Those answers are based on the carrier unlocked LG G6 US997 released earlier this year, from people who have it and use Verizon. You should go over there and ask some questions. That will be the best predictor of the LG V30 US998.
I pasted some of the answers from actual users below.
jiggyman said:
I received mine and activated it yesterday. VoLTE works perfectly. No Video/WiFi Calling though. I love this phone! No bloatware!
Sent from my LGUS997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VOICEMAIL
gillim74 said:
How do you get verizon vm working on the us997 everytuing else works but vm
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Click to collapse
htcnext said:
Getting unlocked phones working on Verizon is still more difficult than it should be. Hypothesis: reps at the local stores don't get a commission on unlocked activations and do get commissions on carrier phones. If you want to avoid technical stuff suggest calling Verizon and threatening to switch to T-Mobile if they can't get it to work, do not go to local stores.
Regarding voicemail, I went with youmail from the play store. You might also be able to get the Verizon voicemail app working, I did not try that since I do not want any lame carrier apps on the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gillim74 said:
Thanks for the response.got it working after calling verizon!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
duke69111 said:
What did you have to do to get the VVM working on VZW? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gillim74 said:
Had to call them and have them reset the network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nay Tyzon said:
I'm probably jumping the gun by asking this question now, before the US998 is available, but I'm chomping at the bit to know...
I'd like to buy the unlocked version of the V30, but I understand from the other forums that I may be giving up:
- Verizon HD calling
- Verizon video calling
- wifi calling
- visual voice mail
In trade I'd be getting:
- potentially 128GB internal storage
- no VZW bloat or branding
- all of LG's backgrounds (a reviewer says big red disables many)
- maybe a working FM reciever (?)
Some of these are important to me, some not or can be replaced.
Can you think of any other differences I should be aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding the fm radio. My Verizon branded G6 has the fm radio enabled, you just need to plug in headphones. It works with NextRadio and the LG radio app that I know of. The Verizon version needed files pulled and edited from xda forums to get LG's app working as it does not come with it preinstalled. It wasn't hard to install. An install of NextRadio from the play store just worked. The unlocked version probably includes the LG fm app. NextRadio is pretty snazzy, while the LG App is pretty bland and basic.
I've worked my mind around most things rooted vs unrooted and the biggest problem I have right now is not being able to turn on hotspot on my unlimited VZ plan. this could cause me to return the VZ version if root is impossible which it appears to be. although rooting a phone and playing with it will wipe out the battery prematurely. I've noticed this over and over. not sure I can live without the hotspot option. will absolutely not pay more to VZ to use my own existing plan.
johnp357 said:
I've worked my mind around most things rooted vs unrooted and the biggest problem I have right now is not being able to turn on hotspot on my unlimited VZ plan. this could cause me to return the VZ version if root is impossible which it appears to be. although rooting a phone and playing with it will wipe out the battery prematurely. I've noticed this over and over. not sure I can live without the hotspot option. will absolutely not pay more to VZ to use my own existing plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting a phone has nothing to do with battery life. It's just becoming admin of your own phone. The owner of the phone.
Rooting a phone will let you use your hotspot without carrier's permission.
If you mean custom kernels might favor performance over conserving battery vs stock kernel, you have a point. Which might make you have to charge battery more frequently. Thus shorter battery life over a several years period..
However, that is changing! Newer CPU governors like Alucard do a very good job of balancing performance and battery.
One thing you could do is root and run stock firmware, with an xposed module or app that will let you have your hotspot. Again, root by itself does not affect battery life.
ChazzMatt said:
Rooting a phone has nothing to do with battery life. It's just becoming admin of your own phone. The owner of the phone.
Rooting a phone will let you use your hotspot without carrier's permission.
If you mean custom kernels might favor performance over conserving battery vs stock kernel, you have a point. Which might make you have to charge battery more frequently. Thus shorter battery life over a several years period..
However, that is changing! Newer CPU governors like Alucard do a very good job of balancing performance and battery.
One thing you could do is root and run stock firmware, with an xposed module or app that will let you have your hotspot. Again, root by itself does not affect battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL.... trust me. viper4android, hotspots, trying all sorts of mods, and yes messing with kernels, changing OS every other week... battery life will get shot... every time, so yes it will... just comes with the territory.
regardless of how you try to fine tune the kernel to conserve. but I'm ok with all of it. I will just be bummed not to get the $200 card and the VR thing. So I guess I have to decide in the next 6 days how important hotspot is vs $300 worth of stuff.
johnp357 said:
I've worked my mind around most things rooted vs unrooted and the biggest problem I have right now is not being able to turn on hotspot on my unlimited VZ plan. this could cause me to return the VZ version if root is impossible which it appears to be. although rooting a phone and playing with it will wipe out the battery prematurely. I've noticed this over and over. not sure I can live without the hotspot option. will absolutely not pay more to VZ to use my own existing plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get this phone? Did hotspot work out of the box with unlimited grandfathered Verizon plan or will we have to get root?
wonderrx said:
Did you get this phone? Did hotspot work out of the box with unlimited grandfathered Verizon plan or will we have to get root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no. it did not. I'm jimmy rigging it by using the wifi extender to trick the hotspot to working but it requires that you connect to a wifi first. data isn't needed on the connect. it's hokey but works almost all the time. so I am now content. LG disabler squashed everything else so the phone is pretty snappy.
Nay Tyzon said:
I'm probably jumping the gun by asking this question now, before the US998 is available, but I'm chomping at the bit to know...
I'd like to buy the unlocked version of the V30, but I understand from the other forums that I may be giving up:
- Verizon HD calling
- Verizon video calling
- wifi calling
- visual voice mail
In trade I'd be getting:
- potentially 128GB internal storage
- no VZW bloat or branding
- all of LG's backgrounds (a reviewer says big red disables many)
- maybe a working FM reciever (?)
Some of these are important to me, some not or can be replaced.
Can you think of any other differences I should be aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having only used rooted phones for the past 10 years or so, I had a similar quandary, although some of the particulars were different. The arguments in favor of the VZ branded phone were earlier release date, wifi calling, $200.00 discount, and EARLIER RELEASE DATE (I have a thing for immediate gratification). The arguments in favor of the US998 were choice of handset colors and the most important factor: ability to root.
I opted for the VZ LG V30 and have been very hapy so far. As far as the OP's concerns, I can say that the ability to insert a micro SD card eliminates that need for internal storage in excess of 64gb, which is plenty anyway. Also, the LG package disabler (https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/guide-make-v30-faster-smoother-t3693083) and the FM Radio apk (https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/themes/lg-fm-radio-app-download-verizon-v30-t3689294) resolve the bloatware issue and FM receiver issue respectively.
As far as my concerns, the LG package disabler also accomplishes some of the same goals that for which I would want to root my phone. One of the main reasons that I root my phones is too be able to block ads, and I have accomplished that by disabling Chrome and installing Samsung internet beta, as well as by supporting developers by purchasing ad free versions of the apps which I use frequently or finding ad free versions of apps when they are available.
I've mostly gotten over the fact that my phone is silver, especially since it's always in a case anyway.
al4d said:
Having only used rooted phones for the past 10 years or so, I had a similar quandary, although some of the particulars were different. The arguments in favor of the VZ branded phone were earlier release date, wifi calling, $200.00 discount, and EARLIER RELEASE DATE (I have a thing for immediate gratification). The arguments in favor of the US998 were choice of handset colors and the most important factor: ability to root.
I opted for the VZ LG V30 and have been very hapy so far. As far as the OP's concerns, I can say that the ability to insert a micro SD card eliminates that need for internal storage in excess of 64gb, which is plenty anyway. Also, the LG package disabler (https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/guide-make-v30-faster-smoother-t3693083) and the FM Radio apk (https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/themes/lg-fm-radio-app-download-verizon-v30-t3689294) resolve the bloatware issue and FM receiver issue respectively.
As far as my concerns, the LG package disabler also accomplishes some of the same goals that for which I would want to root my phone. One of the main reasons that I root my phones is too be able to block ads, and I have accomplished that by disabling Chrome and installing Samsung internet beta, as well as by supporting developers by purchasing ad free versions of the apps which I use frequently or finding ad free versions of apps when they are available.
I've mostly gotten over the fact that my phone is silver, especially since it's always in a case anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have friends who are required to have carrier-branded phones and who cannot root. That's a well written post I'll share with them.
As for color choice I'm hoping LG will sell us the "open market" US988 in black V30+ configuration (or V30+ at all), but I'm becoming skeptical.
Interesting counterpoint, al4d.
There's also the matter of OS update timeliness. And security updates -- do they ever come from the the manufacturer? It seems like only carrier-specific releases get the media buzz.
Lastly, I'm sort of holding out for the Oreo release, just to ensure LG put all their best efforts into it. It would be a shame if 8.0 lands and it's a half-baked mess full of bugs.
Hey @ChazzMatt
Recently I've noticed that I have petty crappy signal and trouble with getting a GPS lock. I remember from the turbo having to flash a modem.
I'm running Stock LG at the moment purely for the camera, is there anything you recommend doing? Ive noticed I cant even change the apn settings.
When I hacked from US998 to VS996, I saw there were more "bars" being shown. Note, however, that "bars" can be changed to reflect different signal levels, so it may not actually be getting more/less signal. If I were careful, I would have looked at the numeric signal, but I missed checking that.
I'm running VS996 on our phones now, partly because of the VoLTE support as well... and all of that is working, so that's good.
I don't think you can flash just a "modem"... but I am interested to hear if this can be done...
Diego1751 said:
Hey @ChazzMatt
Recently I've noticed that I have petty crappy signal and trouble with getting a GPS lock. I remember from the turbo having to flash a modem.
I'm running Stock LG at the moment purely for the camera, is there anything you recommend doing? Ive noticed I cant even change the apn settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oreo now locks you out of APN settings (it knows what best, supposedly) but you can use an app Shortcut Master or Shortcut Master Lite to manually edit APN settings. Here's how to edit APN using that app. Of course that is NOT the V30 -- but it's still the same technique, and you would want to populate with your own APN information, not what they are using for their carrier. Here are instructions for Verizon on LG V30, at least for MMS.
As for modems, I know there are AT&T and Sprint TWRP flashable modems posted, but not sure about Verizon. You can fire up LGUP and manually flash VS996 modem partitions via DL Partition method, if you want to try that modem. Just UNcheck all partitions except for modems.
Hey everybody,
So recently i bought this international unlocked Galaxy S9+ (SM-965F/DS Exynos processor) off Amazon and it's great, everything is fine with the one major exception being that at home my signal is pretty poor and i get extremely delayed text messages coming in and calls taking forever to dial out or failing to connect. Not a problem, i'll turn on Wi-Fi calling, right? Wrong, option isn't available, some detail: I'm in the US on T-Mobile, updated to the latest Pie OS update, i'm very tech-capable and used to do tier 2 tech support for Verizon. Long story short, I've tried everything in the book including FDR and fresh setup as well as clearing system cache etc. and it's looking like the ONLY solution to get Wi-Fi calling (and subsequently VoLTE that i didn't realize wasn't enabled until researching and checking myself) enabled is to flash the ROM with a T-Mobile OS. Unfortunately i'm coming up negative trying to find the firmware for this phone. Plenty of resources out there for the SM-965U(Snapdragon), but none for the SM-965F(Exynos) as of yet as far as i can tell (and before any ignorance jumps in here as i've seen on other threads, NO the SM-965U software will NOT work on this model phone as it runs a different processor, non-Snapdragon Exynos chipset)
So, that all being said, is anyone out there working on a fix for this, is it likely i'll ever get a fix for this, and/or is the fix already available and I've just completely missed it? Any information or help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration.
bahruuk said:
Hey everybody,
So recently i bought this international unlocked Galaxy S9+ (SM-965F/DS Exynos processor) off Amazon and it's great, everything is fine with the one major exception being that at home my signal is pretty poor and i get extremely delayed text messages coming in and calls taking forever to dial out or failing to connect. Not a problem, i'll turn on Wi-Fi calling, right? Wrong, option isn't available, some detail: I'm in the US on T-Mobile, updated to the latest Pie OS update, i'm very tech-capable and used to do tier 2 tech support for Verizon. Long story short, I've tried everything in the book including FDR and fresh setup as well as clearing system cache etc. and it's looking like the ONLY solution to get Wi-Fi calling (and subsequently VoLTE that i didn't realize wasn't enabled until researching and checking myself) enabled is to flash the ROM with a T-Mobile OS. Unfortunately i'm coming up negative trying to find the firmware for this phone. Plenty of resources out there for the SM-965U(Snapdragon), but none for the SM-965F(Exynos) as of yet as far as i can tell (and before any ignorance jumps in here as i've seen on other threads, NO the SM-965U software will NOT work on this model phone as it runs a different processor, non-Snapdragon Exynos chipset)
So, that all being said, is anyone out there working on a fix for this, is it likely i'll ever get a fix for this, and/or is the fix already available and I've just completely missed it? Any information or help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm currently researching the very same issue... So far i hypothesize , with no knowledge, that if it is rooted, you can then change the csc settings and configure it for TMO, thus enabling WiFi calling. If someone can confirm, that'd be great, otherwise i'm trudging slowly to verify.
Root and use tekhd detonator.
CynicalHeight00 said:
Root and use tekhd detonator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well i looked at this and it looks like a non-stock rom i'm sure wrought with problems that unfortunately is not helpful. My goal here is to have my phone work and continue to get standard updates with original and licensed (more or less) software and have it actually work. I'm not interested in a full OS replacement pre-loaded with a bunch of adblockers and other crap the designer thought would be useful, just want my standard features enabled and nothing else to change if at all possible. Also, if you believe my statement here is in error please explain, your one line really isn't very helpful, and nowhere on their website is there any description as to what tekhd detonator does / is supposed to do / what it will break. I'm certainly not risking bricking my phone when their own website says under all of its S9+ related material that it's for Snapdragon which the variant i have again doesn't use Snapdragon.
bahruuk said:
Well i looked at this and it looks like a non-stock rom i'm sure wrought with problems that unfortunately is not helpful. My goal here is to have my phone work and continue to get standard updates with original and licensed (more or less) software and have it actually work. I'm not interested in a full OS replacement pre-loaded with a bunch of adblockers and other crap the designer thought would be useful, just want my standard features enabled and nothing else to change if at all possible. Also, if you believe my statement here is in error please explain, your one line really isn't very helpful, and nowhere on their website is there any description as to what tekhd detonator does / is supposed to do / what it will break. I'm certainly not risking bricking my phone when their own website says under all of its S9+ related material that it's for Snapdragon which the variant i have again doesn't use Snapdragon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is going to be a hassle trust me. even with the Snapdragon models from different CSCs VoLTE and Wifi Calling do not carry over. An ATT 965U would have to be reflashed with the TMobile CSC and USERDATA files to get access to TMobile features. U are trying to do this with an Exynos model. I think you would have to root and install a custom firmware that has the TMobile USERDATA embedded.
Good luck.
can the U1 be flashed to the verizon u firmware? i thought i read someone tried this, but suspected it didn't work because he had previously used the phone with verizon with the unlocked firmware...
methcat said:
can the U1 be flashed to the verizon u firmware? i thought i read someone tried this, but suspected it didn't work because he had previously used the phone with verizon with the unlocked firmware...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash the G965U onto the G965U1 and vice versa. It's been well documented that this will let us go from one carrier firmware to another as well as let us have the unbranded carrier firmware. The only catch to this is the bootloader version of the firmware your wanting to flash. The firmware one wishes to flash must have a bootloader version equal too (or greater then) what is currently on the phone.
If your trying to ask about flashing the U1 onto an exynos variant then the answer is definitely no. You can't flash firmware from a different model onto a different model.
My wife (God, I LOVE that lady!) bought me, totally by surprise, the LTE version of the Tab S6 for Christmas. I thought that by putting a T-Mobile SIM in, I would be getting software updates via TMB, but I think I misapprehended that. When I look under settings > software version, I have a CSC that is XEO/XEO/, not the expected TMB and whatnot. I think that's the Polish version, but I don't really know for sure. The whole CSC code thing is not something I'm really familiar with and haven't had to deal with.
Can anyone tell me if I need to go to the TMB version and, if so, point me in the right direction? I am NOT interested in rooting this device. I played the root/ROM in the past and had a good time doing it but I am way too busy now and don't have the time nor the inclination to get involved in it again. Plus, frankly, this thing is flawless as far as I'm concerned and will only get better with the OneUI 2.1 update that's supposedly coming this way.
And one other thing....
I used to be able to designate what bands were used by my device. I have searched all over the place for instructions for this one and nothing works. Or, I haven't been able to make anything work (could be user error, I know). I am really disappointed with the reception that I get on this - it is newer and larger than my Note9 but gets much worse reception. That was NOT the case when I compared my Note4 to my Tab S2 - the S2 had MUCH better reception and I was able to use Google Voice to make calls with my Tab S2 in places where my N4 simply didn't see any service at all.
Any help is appreciated!
TIA!
I'm no expert, but a quick Google shows me XEO/XEO is indeed the Polish model and that it is unbranded - So, you'll just get regular OTA updates direct from Samsung over WIFI - It doesn't matter which SIM you're using, all T-Mobile will provide is service reception. So, no need to change CSC unless there are specific carrier services you need/want to access. The only difference I can imagine you'll experience between an XEO and something like a BTU version is that the default language offered when you set up your Tab may be Polish instead of, in this example English - Rectifying that would be as simple as selecting English from the drop down menu.
I guess worst case scenario if you don't receive updates automatically from Samsung is to download them manually and flash with Odin.
I grabbed this phone (free) from Metro about 7 months ago. I was able to use their app to "unlock" the phone after 6 months. I'm unclear about what the official "unlock" will actually allow me to do with the phone. I haven't bothered to try to load a ROM or even root it yet--is this possible? The toggle to unlock the bootloader now seems to work, but I haven't bothered (yet). FWIW, I've rooted all my Nexus, Pixel, and OnePlus devices for the past decade (as well as loaded ROMs), but this is the first phone I've purchased that was carrier locked and I don't know what all that entailed. I honestly don't even know if the Metro variant is the same (as in bands, etc.) as the vanilla North American version or not. Hell, I don't even know what other carriers it might work with. I know I sound like an idiot newbie, and I guess I am with this phone. I've actually google'd quite a bit, but I just can't find much information regarding the Metro version of the phone.
Erm... what do you WANT to do with it?
Backup gets easier as root. Some don't care and real-time stream to the cloud.
Some are paranoid of what certain large companies *cough* Google *cough* might install on your phone in the middle of the night without telling you... unlocked bootloader lets you go to an OS build from AOSP or its ilk that allow you to see source code (if you are really, really, bored enough to check it all).
Some want to kill bloat (rather than just disable it).
Some may want to keep their phones for well after they are supported officially, with an OS like Lineage, or eOS (this not so much for Nord with a fixed battery, although I suppose you can replace it if you are determined enough).
Likewise, I have old phones I've turned into MP3 players for the kids- strip all the "phone" stuff and prevent connections to Internet/cell (eliminates the security threat of an old OS) and simply sideload AIMP, VLC, or whatever your favorite player is.
GSMArena has a very easily navigable feature list, that will show for some phones the different bands each supports- and you can compare to what your preferred carrier uses. USUALLY - but not always- there is an "international" version and a "US" Version. Verizon sometimes gets their own model with/for CDMA bands, but most support all the GSM Carriers and their resellers. If you are sim unlocked, you should be able to use them on any carrier, YMMV.
T-Mobile and Metro usually don't screw around with the cellular bands of the phones they sell, so the Metro/T-Mobile N10 does support the same bands as the factory unlocked version.
And you can start off by flashing the unbranded firmware onto the phone if you don't want the Metro junk and boot animation.
Hi,
I would like to buy a V60 and use it in Europe.
But reading about it makes me wonder if it is such a good idea to buy this phone.
Could you help me out, I'm a bit of a newbie to Roms, rooting and fixing phones so they work.
I was reading something general about importing a unlocked carrier phone and it stated that I can buy an unlocked T-mobile or other carrier and use an european sim. There it stated that it will come a time when you need the us carrier sim card to perform things and I will be unable to do those things without the correct sim card. I do not remember what those things where. Perhaps it was If I need to update it. Is it true that you have to have the carriers sim card even if it is unlocked?
Is there any other problems one might face. e.g.
This was the latest LG phone so perhaps they will not care about customer service so much:
perhaps LG will stop posting security updates:
From what I understand there are two parts of the software of a phone: the firmware and android. The firmware is LG specific and I will not be able to get updates on that. But for android which is on top of the firmware there should be a way to get updates even if LG stops posting them, or?
If not, can I switch to an other rom to have them?
Can I update to a later android version even if LG does not post one for the phone?
Can I root the phone and be rid of all the us carrier stuff, get a phone that is not associated with any carrier?
yes you can root the phone and flash EA firmware. instructions available here and works perfect for ATT unlocked phones. also you can buy a Verizon version, use it 60 days in the Verizon network, after it will work anywhere and get updates. the problem is that no new LG V60 devices left in the stores.