Sony Xperia Z2 (unlocked) and LTE-A - Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello everyone. Just have a question about the Z2.
So say someone bought an UNLOCKED Sony Xperia Z2 and used it on T-Mobile's network. T-Mobile does NOT sell the Z2 officially (previous models were like the Z1S, but not the Z2). The Z2 is from what I've read capable of LTE-A. T-Mobile just started deploying updates to its official customers (ppl who bought phones from them) which included the enabling of LTE-A. Some phones like mine (T-Mobile HTC One M8) have LTE-A, but it's not enabled until I get that update, which will be very soon. But what about the Z2? Will the unlocked version have LTE-A already enabled?? How does it work?
I would really appreciate a clear and detailed answer. I'm curious how that all works. I almost bought the Z2 but b/c of the big delay in it reaching the states officially (a week ago lol) I got the M8 instead, which I love now, esp after rooting it. lol I'm wondering what I would've done if I'd gotten the unlocked Z2 instead.
Thanks,
RockStar2005

Note quite. First, NOBODY in the US has LTE-A, or currently has publicly announced plans to rollout LTE-A
The unlocked Z2 supports all current T-mobile, 2G, 3G, and LTE bands.
T-Mobile is currently in the middle of deploying 2 different LTE related technologies. The first is VoLTE, which places calls over the LTE network instead of the normal GSM (GSM, EDGE, HSPA) network. The second thing they are doing is rolling out 15x15 and 20x20 LTE, which is increased data speeds.
With that said, the Z2 should take full advantage of the 15x15 and 20x20 LTE rollouts. I'm not sure about VoLTE however, although it seems unlikely to support it. The rollout you were referencing (HTC update to enable a feature) is VoLTE. I spend a lot more time on data than on voice so for me it's much less of a concern.

se1000 said:
Note quite. First, NOBODY in the US has LTE-A, or currently has publicly announced plans to rollout LTE-A
. . . I'm not sure about VoLTE however, although it seems unlikely to support it. The rollout you were referencing (HTC update to enable a feature) is VoLTE. I spend a lot more time on data than on voice so for me it's much less of a concern.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Snapdragon processor in the Z2 CAN do VoLTE, but Qualcomm says that the operator has to certify the phone (and radio chipset) for VoLTE first. Then, Sony has to provide a firmware update to enable VoLTE for the network, T-Mobile in this case. Don't hold your breath, this could take some time.

Related

C5 Ultra NA 3G and 4G/LTE?

Hey guys.
I just made this account because I have a major phone crisis. I was thinking of buying a C5 Ultra to replace my broken phone.
But I'm not sure if the 3G and 4G LTE will work with it? I'm not particularly tech saavy. I asked five different representatives from my phone company and they said yes. I've also talked to two Sony reps and they weren't very helpful.
But I'm still unsure. My phone carrier is Claro (Puerto Rico). This is the info they've provided me with:
3G Operable: 850MHZ, 1900MHZ
4G Operable: 850MHZ-1900MHZ, B4 AWS (1700-2100), B17 (700MHZ), B12 (700MHZ)
Which left me still slightly confused. My band knowledge is basically squat. And I've been pulling my hair trying to make heads or tails of the different statements the reps have told me. They all say it'll work and yet I don't want to spend money on the equipment only to find out it doesn't work.
Anyways if anyone could help me out with this I'd be super grateful.
According to this Wikipedia list (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks) your operator seems to be using LTE Band 17.
And according to Xperia C5 Ultra specification white paper from Sony website (http://www-support-downloads.sonymobile.com/e5553/whitepaper_EN_e5553_e5506_xperia_c5_ultra.pdf) the only model that supports LTE Band 17 is the E5506 (Single SIM, none of the Dual SIM variants support the LTE Band 17).
When I bought mine the model number was printed on a sticker on the bottom of the box.
Also, I would suggest you double check with your operator whether they’re actually using LTE Band 17.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
malih16 said:
According to this Wikipedia...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They use Band 4, 12 and 17. I've actually asked them extensively about it. My only option would be the E5506, but I've no idea where to buy that -specific- model. I've been searching for almost a month. Sending e-mails and posting on forums, ect. No dice.
Looking at the Wikipedia list it seems that Band 4, 12, and 17 are mostly used in the countries around Northern America.
Based on past releases, Sony has always prioritize the Asian and Europe market first. Northern America model is almost always released last. I guess you'll have to wait.
Of course this is just a guess, I could be wrong.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Just wanted to update this thread with new info. I'm now in possession of a C5 ultra E5506. I saw it come up on B&H photo and video and immediately bought it. It seems to work with 4G and 3G just fine.
So yes, its out there now. It just took a while.

RS988 unlocked version, full network features? (VoLTE, wifi calling)

Supposed to have GSM+CDMA + LTE bands for the big 3 (Tmobile, Verizon, ATT : 2/4/5/12/13/17, pentaband 3G)
ATT likes to whitelist phones for LTE/HD Voice (if this phone isn't on their whitelist, you need to jump through hoops to get LTE access, and very difficult get HD Voice/VoLTE to work properly)
Sprint has some issues too(5X/6P doesn't have wifi calling on Sprint), and you kinda want 2xCA/3xCA no sprint, so pointless to talk about them
Verizon - they are required to allow band 13 devices if device passes technical certificate. (points to HTC One A9 and them cancelling Verizon VoLTE support)
T-mobile - They want devices to pass their VoLTE technical cert process. Otherwise they demand manufacturers to disable band 12 (due to concerns of no 911 if you only have band 12 LTE data, and phone doesn't drop to another carrier for 911). Similar issues with Wifi calling (Moto X Pure doesn't have wifi calling)
B&H lists phone to be release in April/May, can't find any FCC docs yet
EDIT
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1239314-REG/lg_lgrs988_ausasv_g5_h850_32gb_smartphone.html
Under Q&A, Steve (staff at B&H) says there is band 12 VoLTE support, but do you trust him?
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-RS988-Silver-g5
LG actually has it on the website.
I still wouldn't trust B&H nor LG until someone has a RS988 model on hand to confirm it.
The "R" signifies LTE in Rural America, a joint effort between Verizon and various small CDMA operators to improve coverage. Basically, Verizon let these smaller operators set up shop on Band 13, in exchange for on-network roaming (both for Verizon customers on the LRA network, and LRA customers on Verizon's network). Some of these operators also have their own networks on other LTE bands, such as Bluegrass Cellular on Band 12 (in addition to Band 13), and some have roaming agreements with other carriers (Sprint). This is why the LRA model is chock full o' bands.
I wonder if the LRA model is bootloader unlockable like the T-Mobile model...
b&h said the phone is expected to be released by may 11th, i wander if anyone else is going to sale it?
xtermmin said:
Some of these operators also have their own networks on other LTE bands, such as Bluegrass Cellular on Band 12 (in addition to Band 13), and some have roaming agreements with other carriers (Sprint). This is why the LRA model is chock full o' bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
except that this model doesn't support Sprint (missing band 26/41)... oh well
paperWastage said:
except that this model doesn't support Sprint (missing band 26/41)... oh well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bands 26 and 41 are only needed for tri-band LTE Plus / Spark connectivity. Band 25 (which this LRA model has) is Sprint's primary LTE band. I suspect that either one of the LRA carriers has its own Band 25 network, or has a roaming agreement with Sprint but only has roaming access to Band 25.
For Sprint customers, the bigger issue is whether Sprint will allow it on their network. I recall that when the Moto X Pure was first released, people had to request Sprint to add the device's IMEI to the approved device database in order to use it on Sprint. I suspect that reps won't as easily add another carrier's variant of the G5 to their approved database, when Sprint is selling its own model.
xtermmin said:
The "R" signifies LTE in Rural America, a joint effort between Verizon and various small CDMA operators to improve coverage. Basically, Verizon let these smaller operators set up shop on Band 13, in exchange for on-network roaming (both for Verizon customers on the LRA network, and LRA customers on Verizon's network). Some of these operators also have their own networks on other LTE bands, such as Bluegrass Cellular on Band 12 (in addition to Band 13), and some have roaming agreements with other carriers (Sprint). This is why the LRA model is chock full o' bands.
I wonder if the LRA model is bootloader unlockable like the T-Mobile model...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a bunch for this information
I knew for a while something was off with the R and figured it signified something else since the name is so drastically different than the other phones in this lineup.
I went to see the phone in person, it's pretty nice, I like the Titan color, the gold is too light
B&H bootloader
I emailed B&H last week with questions, one concerning bootloader; It took 5 days for an answer but a tech support guy named Adam replied that it was unlocked; I emailed him back, asking if he knew the difference between unlocked sims and bootloader and he replied back and confirmed he did and bootloader was unlocked; This info is likely unreliable but the fact B&H doesn't have a vested interest in carriers and this would give them an edge on sales, we can still have hope. I won't be able to buy one until May when their stock come in though
Wow, it's going to be available on Amazon starting May 1
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DJE22C2...olid=K5RKTG1CO0AE&coliid=I1T763APP0P7E3&psc=1
Guess others will be getting it as well.
Amazon now listed for rs988 G5
thanks for info - looks like the only difference is the color, both same price, free shipping - one more reason to hope LG will allow unlocking bootloader - we will now see how serious is their claim to be "developer friendly" from what I'm hearing lately doesn't seem like US models are included for bootloader unlocking but still hoping.
B&H is silver (last 2 letters of model I'm guessing)
Amazon is titan (dark gray)
also check out the lte bands to be sure they are supported by the carrier you intend to use (mostly look good but a few specialty bands aren't there - there is another xda link to that but I can't remember the thread
The good thing about Shipped and Sold by Amazon.com these devices go on sale quick. For example, the Xperia Z5 went on sale at $599.99 and in about two weeks fell to $539.99.
$600 on Sale would be a nice sweet spot for this phone.
jrhlaser said:
thanks for info - looks like the only difference is the color, both same price, free shipping - one more reason to hope LG will allow unlocking bootloader - we will now see how serious is their claim to be "developer friendly" from what I'm hearing lately doesn't seem like US models are included for bootloader unlocking but still hoping.
B&H is silver (last 2 letters of model I'm guessing)
Amazon is titan (dark gray)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can buy the Titan G5 from B&H, that's what I pre-ordered and it arrived yesterday. I'm using it on AT&T and everything seems to be working fine (no HD Voice, of course, but that's expected when using an unlocked device).
excellent, thanks - so it appears you can get both silver and titan from B&H (probably from Amazon also) Did you see if bootloader was locked (I figured it would be and the salesman who twice told me it was unlocked and that he knew what the bootloader meant, was yanking my chain....
There is an option to OEM Unlock in the developers settings. How to verify bootloader is unlocked?
---------- Post added at 12:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:34 PM ----------
sm partition disk:179,0 private worked to make the SD adoptable - migrated data, all looks fine.
---------- Post added at 12:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:35 PM ----------
adb reboot bootloader doesn't put it into fastboot mode, adb reboot recovery gives the dead droid logo
The bootloader question would better be answered by the Guru's as it was first thought that the T-Mobile variant was unlocked but turned out not to actually be truly unlocked - I suspect it will be the same as the T-Mobile version - unlockable but not actually unlocked (If LG gives us the codes) I have sent several emails to LG concerning this and basically told them that, if they are truly "developer friendly" now is the time to prove it.... (diplomatically of course) I fear that the idea of modular phones won't take off if they keep the software locked down and don't follow through with the promises.
jeffreytz said:
You can buy the Titan G5 from B&H, that's what I pre-ordered and it arrived yesterday. I'm using it on AT&T and everything seems to be working fine (no HD Voice, of course, but that's expected when using an unlocked device).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So did you get my issue with the phone like the reviewers point out? Also did you get headphones in the box?
snaketooth2007 said:
So did you get my issue with the phone like the reviewers point out? Also did you get headphones in the box?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No headphones in the box, just the QuickCharge 3.0 charger and cable. What issue are you referring to?
jeffreytz said:
No headphones in the box, just the QuickCharge 3.0 charger and cable. What issue are you referring to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awe I was expecting headphones oh well. Issues like screen warp,light bleed , and chin alignment.
snaketooth2007 said:
Awe I was expecting headphones oh well. Issues like screen warp,light bleed , and chin alignment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought this from B&H and I'm not sure about the light bleed (I consider it a fringe issue), but the chin alignment is pretty good and the screen warp is still an issue
Anyone have any luck with getting volte to work on tmobile i have been trying and not having any luck

Moto Z Carrier Possibilities?

Hey all,
I noticed that the moto z was a Verizon exclusive unless you bought the gsm unlocked version from Motorola. As for the Verizon version, if it's unlocked but still a Verizon phone would it work with TPO (the people's operator)? I believe TPO is an umbrella of T-Mobile. I read from multiple places that it depends on the phone to see whether or not a Verizon unlocked will work on another carrier. Some eBay listings I've seen have said Verizon models will work with others while others said it wouldn't. I haven't been to find any moto z specific info regarding this on the internet. If someone could give me some insight that would be much appreciated.
Thanks
hockeymonday10 said:
Hey all,
I noticed that the moto z was a Verizon exclusive unless you bought the gsm unlocked version from Motorola. As for the Verizon version, if it's unlocked but still a Verizon phone would it work with TPO (the people's operator)? I believe TPO is an umbrella of T-Mobile. I read from multiple places that it depends on the phone to see whether or not a Verizon unlocked will work on another carrier. Some eBay listings I've seen have said Verizon models will work with others while others said it wouldn't. I haven't been to find any moto z specific info regarding this on the internet. If someone could give me some insight that would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem which you face there is with the LTE bands. Now a days GSM and 3G bands are standard and most phones support all the 3G and 2G bands for universal use. But the same is not the case for LTE bands. The Verizon unit may not have the LTE bands needed for T-Mobile and other US GSM carriers so you will be better off buying the unlocked version.

Does the Sony Xperia XZ1 get VoLTE on T-Mobile??

If you're answering this thread, you should have 1) The Sony Xperia XZ1 (please mention also if it's the int'l model or U.S. one) 2) T-Mobile as your network carrier.
Some online publications state the XZ1 will be VoLTE-certified with T-Mobile, while others don't. T-Mobile REQUIRES VoLTE-certification in order utilize the newer Band 12 on their network, so this is pretty important as this band is becoming more and more prominent. It has a much farther range than their other bands (2 & 4), and also is 4 times better at penetrating buildings.
Thanks!
Ok, I guess the answer is no.................................
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=73970458&postcount=45

Question Sony Xperia 1 iv compatible with T-Mobile USA ?

Hi,
has anyone experience with this Phone in the US ?
I having a -Mobile (USA) card in it and have mostly no Cell service, and if a Cell service than only 2 G
Thanks for your feedback
looking at
Sony Xperia 1 IV - Full phone specifications
www.gsmarena.com
T-Mobile network
Learn about coverage and technologies of the T-Mobile network, including a 5G and 4G LTE Coverage map, device compatibility, and more.
www.t-mobile.com
Cheat sheet: which 4G LTE bands do AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint use in the USA?
What are the 4G LTE bands supported by AT&T in 2019? Do they differ from the 4G LTE bands that T-Mobile uses? And what about Verizon Wireless massive 4G LTE network and its supported frequency bands? And where is Sprint left in the 4G LTE picture? What Verizon bands are currently in use? What...
www.phonearena.com
most of the things should work
I did look on this specs first, after I got it seems like there is something additional. There is one spot I get a super connection but 90% of the time weak or no Service at all. I have tried many phones before but none of them even had such bad reception. And there supposed to be even the Tmobile 5G 71 Band. It looks to me someone sold a restricted fu.... Asia version without mentioning it
go to settings and all the way down you should see your model number. Considering that USA specific is not out yet you most likely have asian one which is XQ-CT72. EU one is CT54.
But those should work on t-mobile network, most of the bands are there. And those are low bands, so longer range.
​
It runs at limited feature support. Sony disables VoWIfi for US models and many other features including Bluetooth features such as Bluetooth meta data.
Sony blames T-Mobile for limited feature set. you will need to root your phone to hack up the build to enable VoWifi and other features.
This feud between Sony and T-Mobile has been going on for the past 10 years and Sony still playing ignorant to US market.
if you don't care about such limited feature set, Xperia 1 IV should still work on TMO
I just got my phone yesterday and realized the same thing happened to me, I didn't have service where I used to but I managed to get it working by: going to settings, then network and internet, then Sims, scroll down to access point names. And two options should pop up, I changed mine to T-mobile US LTE.. And restart, which worked for me.
hnt20 said:
It runs at limited feature support. Sony disables VoWIfi for US models and many other features including Bluetooth features such as Bluetooth meta data.
Sony blames T-Mobile for limited feature set. you will need to root your phone to hack up the build to enable VoWifi and other features.
This feud between Sony and T-Mobile has been going on for the past 10 years and Sony still playing ignorant to US market.
if you don't care about such limited feature set, Xperia 1 IV should still work on TMO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying the the imported version of the Xperia 1 iv does support VoWifi or neither one will on any USA carrier
kuau said:
Are you saying the the imported version of the Xperia 1 iv does support VoWifi or neither one will on any USA carrier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is correct, the issue is more related to Sony software rather than just the region. the only way to get VoWifi is to root your phone and disable sony software limitations
hnt20 said:
that is correct, the issue is more related to Sony software rather than just the region. the only way to get VoWifi is to root your phone and disable sony software limitations
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a guide for this? Not having wifi calling is the main thing holding me back from pre-ordering
Kylewolf said:
Is there a guide for this? Not having wifi calling is the main thing holding me back from pre-ordering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah this guide should work, its for the Xperia 1 III, I would think it would work for the IV, I just switched to goggleFI to get Wifi calling with out having to do anything.
Getting VoLTE and VoWiFi on unlisted carriers by flashing mbn file
I live in Canada and I have a BC72 (Asian version). I am struggling to get VoLTE and VoWiFi working. I know that mbn file is the key to getting IMS support and sony seems to block some carrier mbn files (only mbn in sales areas are available). So...
forum.xda-developers.com
I have been using the XQ-CT72 here in michigan on GoogleFi, which is basically t-mobile, in my town where I live, I get 5G without doing anything to the phone, but with that said, I work 20 miles out in rural area and apparently from my research tmobile use band 71 for 5G in rural areas, I can get LTE+ but no 5g at work, my Pixel 6 pro can get 5g but its like 1 to 2 bars that`s it, but with my sony I get full bars of better signal on LTE+ with my Sony, since the Sony is missing the n71 band for 5G, but I`m fine with what I get, since at work I` m on wifi anyways, I`m happy with my purchase, I originally had the US model on pre-order and the release date was pushed back to Sept. 22-23, so I cancelled my pre-order and bought a new one on ebay for 1069.00 compared to sony wanted 1599.00 for US mode
EDIT: I ended up send it back to seller, the 5g icon was not really 5g, if you're in the USA I would wait and buy the USA version, which I pre-ordered from Sony website, expected ship date is 22-23
moving to GoogleFI is the best option to use this phone in the USA. it will utilize Tmobile USA and have all feature enables.
Can anyone comment on Verizon compatibility with this device?
If really like to save some money and not buy the bootloader locked na version (if locked is still a thing)
Thanks
svntsvn said:
Can anyone comment on Verizon compatibility with this device?
If really like to save some money and not buy the bootloader locked na version (if locked is still a thing)
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only way to know for sure it to just buy it and try it for your usecases. Just buy it somewhere with a good return policy. I bought mine on Ebay with a 30-day return policy and so far it works fine on AT&T. Just make sure you do the trick where you disable dual-sim. (Google the details, it's somewhere here on XDA or on Reddit).
I bought my USA variant phone a week ago, and everything on T-Mobile works with the exception of Wi-Fi calling. The only alternative we have is to stop using T-Mobile and switch over to Google fi which does support Wi-Fi calling. Other than that my phone is flying super smooth and with fast performance like I've never believed compared to my old LG v30 Plus. I'm definitely impressed with this phone.
svntsvn said:
Can anyone comment on Verizon compatibility with this device?
If really like to save some money and not buy the bootloader locked na version (if locked is still a thing)
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using mine (XQ-CT62) in the Verizon network. Reception is not the best in the area where I'm but it works with no problem
Is that a coverage thing most likely, or the device itself? Rural area?
svntsvn said:
Is that a coverage thing most likely, or the device itself? Rural area?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From a technical point of view, the phone should work on all carriers in the USA without issues, (with the exception of the Sony/T-Mobile Wi-Fi Calling issue that forces those who want Wi-Fi calling to switch to Google Fi, Mint Mobile, and other MVNOs).
Whatever service is in the area should work. Verizon will provision your phone to work with it's network. CDMA based carriers are supported per Sony's phone settings, so I would just go for it.

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