Related
First off, it's great to see so many familiar faces here in the Note section. I am wanting to upgrade from my Telus Desire HD to a Samsung Note. I am on ATT here in the USA, although I prefer non-ATT phones for personal reasons. I prefer rooted unbranded stock ROMs. Are there any advantages or disadvantages between the Telus, Rogers, and Bell versions? If my understanding is correct, the Bell version comes unbranded and sim unlocked? Any advice before I take the plunge?
Agoattamer said:
First off, it's great to see so many familiar faces here in the Note section. I am wanting to upgrade from my Telus Desire HD to a Samsung Note. I am on ATT here in the USA, although I prefer non-ATT phones for personal reasons. I prefer rooted unbranded stock ROMs. Are there any advantages or disadvantages between the Telus, Rogers, and Bell versions? If my understanding is correct, the Bell version comes unbranded and sim unlocked? Any advice before I take the plunge?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Bell version is full of bloatware and sim-locked. I don't think there's any difference between each version of the device exept maybe the bloatwares and the modem.
Thanks for the reply. I have been doing some heavy searching and have been getting mixed results. One person says Bell has no carrier branding and another claims Telus while another claims Rogers. I would like to keep the options available on the Canadian ROM versions. I don't see any rooted unbranded Canadian carrier ROMs on XDA and would like the easiest approach while I get used to Samsung.
DaGr8 is a well know developers on the GNote and he owns the i717R (Rogers). As far as I know, right now he's working on a i717 (AT&T) leak of ics with this device and I also flashed the leak without any trouble. Every LTE Galaxy Note seems to share the same specs, so don't worry about that.
I use my i717R on Fido (Rogers sub-brand) and I didn't had to sim-unlock it even if Fido don't sell this phone. Still, I've been told that the phone is still locked to Rogers network.
Also Rogers and AT&T share nearly the same network technologies since the beginning, yes Rogers just like AT&T were the first to have the iPhone in Canada. That's something to concider.
Hi Agoattamer. I know you from the Inspire\HD threads. I too am making the change to Note. I was simply planning on getting the ATT version just because it was the cheapest way to go. Now your post is making me wonder if I should consider other options. I can't really offer a lot of info to answer your question of which way to go. Just wanted to say hi. (We are both fellow Pennsylvanians, too.)
Rooted is easy, as I am sure you know.
Unbranded, stock ROMs is also not an issue. There are several ROMs already in the Dev thread and more are coming all the time. Most, if not all, seem to be ICS so I hope that is to your liking.
As of now unlocking is going to cost you. Only the paid services option is available, so far. I saw an option that unlocks other Samsung phones but so far I haven't been able to get anyone to try it for me so it is one of the things I plan to do once I get my new Note.
Get the AT&T version
Get the AT&T version I'm trying to get WildChild to this also but he really likrs HTC
Don't want the ATT version.
Actually we are from the same town kimtyson. I don't want to give up my dumbphone unlimited plan. Not sure if we will get LTE here in the next 2 years. And the money I will save by paying $10 a month for trully unlimited internet will overshadow the around $500 price tag.nd won't be stuck in a 2 year contract in case something great does come up. I am guessing I can get any of the three to suit my needs.
Maybe I am blind but I haven't seen any stock unbranded and bloatfree ROMs available. Do they exist?
Ordered a Roger's version. Can't wait to play with it.
Hello Everyone, I'm new here to the forums, and I have a quick question that I haven't seen directly answered in the forums since the release of the Galaxy S3.
My mom is ending our 5-line plan with Verizon next month, and I believe 3 of the 5 lines will be switching to Straight Talk with prepaid monthly plans.
I was looking into getting an unlocked S3 with a plan like this, say T-Mobile, AT&T, or Straight Talk.
How should I go about doing this?
My options, I believe, would be :
Buy S3 International Version (Unlocked) and then get a SIM card with StraightTalk or similar. How will my DATA coverage be? I don't really need speeds that fast.
Buy S3 US Carrier Version for full price, pay to have it unlocked, and then get a SIM card from AT&T/T-Mobile. If I get the AT&T version and get it unlocked, will 4G LTE work, but again that's not my main priority.
I just want the cheapest and best way to get the best version of the phone to work decently with a prepaid monthly plan like Straight Talk/T-Mobile or similar.
Thanks a million!
Cheapest way would to be getting one from AT&T for 549.99 or 599.99 compared to the 650+ of the int SGS3. If you get Straight Talk (ST), you don't need to get the AT&T unlocked since they have SIMs for either TMO or AT&T.
The reason I suggested ATT is because I don't know what TMO plans to charge.
I don't believe ST supports LTE but I could be wrong but you should be able to get 3G if using the ATT w/ ST. People with ST probably can answer better than I could.
I realize your main interest is the cheapest price, but a few things to keep in mind:
-Buying from a North American carrier will mean you're getting a dual-core, as opposed to the international quad-core
-Software updates and third-party ROM options are almost always worse with the carrier version
leppo said:
I realize your main interest is the cheapest price, but a few things to keep in mind:
-Buying from a North American carrier will mean you're getting a dual-core, as opposed to the international quad-core
-Software updates and third-party ROM optionsare almost always worse with the carrier version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with your first comment but disagree with your 3rd Party ROMs almost always worst comment. While there might be not as many as Int version in the beginning but "almost always worst" isn't true. Both Int & carrier version have quality ROMs & you just have to be more patient with carrier versions.
RMXO said:
I agree with your first comment but disagree with your 3rd Party ROMs almost always worst comment. While there might be not as many as Int version in the beginning but "almost always worst" isn't true. Both Int & carrier version have quality ROMs & you just have to be more patient with carrier versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By "options" I meant "breadth of selection" -- not the quality of individual roms. Hinting at speed of official updates as well. I definitely see how my initial posting was lacking.
melemed said:
Hello Everyone, I'm new here to the forums, and I have a quick question that I haven't seen directly answered in the forums since the release of the Galaxy S3.
My mom is ending our 5-line plan with Verizon next month, and I believe 3 of the 5 lines will be switching to Straight Talk with prepaid monthly plans.
I was looking into getting an unlocked S3 with a plan like this, say T-Mobile, AT&T, or Straight Talk.
How should I go about doing this?
My options, I believe, would be :
Buy S3 International Version (Unlocked) and then get a SIM card with StraightTalk or similar. How will my DATA coverage be? I don't really need speeds that fast.
Buy S3 US Carrier Version for full price, pay to have it unlocked, and then get a SIM card from AT&T/T-Mobile. If I get the AT&T version and get it unlocked, will 4G LTE work, but again that's not my main priority.
I just want the cheapest and best way to get the best version of the phone to work decently with a prepaid monthly plan like Straight Talk/T-Mobile or similar.
Thanks a million!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thus is somewhat a duplicate thread. You really need to check out the post in my signature. That will help you make a decision.
Edit: This is the post actually
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1696025
Sent from Rooted debloated stock Galaxy S3 OG I9300
Hello,
I plan to buy (from ebay) a Sprint G3 and use it on GSM with a SIM card.
Is it possible ? Is it locked ot unlocked ? Is it possible to bypass sprint activation screen ?
Thanks.
hakkan said:
Hello,
I plan to buy (from ebay) a Sprint G3 and use it on GSM with a SIM card.
Is it possible ? Is it locked ot unlocked ? Is it possible to bypass sprint activation screen ?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
locked and no way that i know of changing it as sprint version doesnt have root yet.
From Sprint's unlock policy:
I am a former Sprint customer or was never a Sprint customer but have purchased a Sprint device from a third party other than Sprint. Can I get the MSL code?
For individuals owners who can provide the telephone number last associated with the device, Sprint may be able to provide the applicable MSL Code if the account associated with the device is in good standing (service or installment contract fulfilled, payments are current, no write-off balance, not associated with a phone sent to collections, phone not reported lost or stolen, etc.).
hakkan said:
Hello,
I plan to buy (from ebay) a Sprint G3 and use it on GSM with a SIM card.
Is it possible ? Is it locked ot unlocked ? Is it possible to bypass sprint activation screen ?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Important thing here is where are you located;
In US - Most probably not, until someone finds a hack for it. Sprint certainly doesn't want you to use their phone on GSM in US.
Outside US - You may get the SIM card slot unlocked from Sprint (done via OTA, not thru code) if some conditions are met like account should be in good standing, shouldn't be a bad ESN & phone should be 90 days old on the account (some people in past have been able to get past this requirement).
Apart from these, you also need to make sure that GSM/UMTS/LTE bands your carrier use are supported by Sprint G3.
I am in the same boat as you, looking to buy a Sprint G3 & use on GSM. Since I'm not in US, I can definitely use it once unlocked but the problem is how to ask Sprint for the unlock when you are not a customer & don't have an account with them.
---------- Post added at 09:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 AM ----------
BretonGirl said:
From Sprint's unlock policy:
I am a former Sprint customer or was never a Sprint customer but have purchased a Sprint device from a third party other than Sprint. Can I get the MSL code?
For individuals owners who can provide the telephone number last associated with the device, Sprint may be able to provide the applicable MSL Code if the account associated with the device is in good standing (service or installment contract fulfilled, payments are current, no write-off balance, not associated with a phone sent to collections, phone not reported lost or stolen, etc.).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP is talking about GSM unlock, MSL is not going to help.
jainanshal said:
I
OP is talking about GSM unlock, MSL is not going to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um, yes it is. You have to get the MSL from Sprint in order to unlock their phones for usage on GSM networks. It's all explained in their Unlock Policy on Sprint.com.
BretonGirl said:
Um, yes it is. You have to get the MSL from Sprint in order to unlock their phones for usage on GSM networks. It's all explained in their Unlock Policy on Sprint.com.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I say it again.. MSL has to do nothing with GSM slot unlocking for Int'l networks. For this, Sprint pushes an OTA to the phone which unlocks the SIM slot.
If you still think its explained in a different way (involving MSL) on the Sprint website, plz post the link.
Just wait until we have root and I will see if I can unlock it for everyone.
Sent from my LGLS990 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
jainanshal said:
Well, I say it again.. MSL has to do nothing with GSM slot unlocking for Int'l networks. For this, Sprint pushes an OTA to the phone which unlocks the SIM slot.
If you still think its explained in a different way (involving MSL) on the Sprint website, plz post the link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm talking about unlocking it for use on AT&T, T-Mobile, etc, here in the U.S. For that unlocking you need the MSL code.
Here's their unlock policy.
http://www.sprint.com/legal/unlocking_policy.html
Seriously though, why do people buy a phone designed for one carrier wanting to use it on another? It's ridiculous. Just buy what your carrier offers, simple.
BretonGirl said:
Here's their unlock policy.
http://www.sprint.com/legal/unlocking_policy.html
Seriously though, why do people buy a phone designed for one carrier wanting to use it on another? It's ridiculous. Just buy what your carrier offers, simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You tired of giving that link yet?
I think hidden key/hidden menu unlocking
BretonGirl said:
Here's their unlock policy.
http://www.sprint.com/legal/unlocking_policy.html
Seriously though, why do people buy a phone designed for one carrier wanting to use it on another? It's ridiculous. Just buy what your carrier offers, simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply because Sprint phones are much cheaper than any other carrier if bought slightly used or from sites like swappa and ebay. However due to strict unlocking policies of sprint it is near impossible to unlock their devices if you are not a customer. Heck even if you are a customer they give you a hard time. Hence phones on Sprint tend to have much lower resale value for this very reason and hence the reason for people attracted to these devices because they do have the hardware capability of using gsm networks it's only sprint/software that's holding these phones back.
As of now i would hold off on buying a Sprint lg g3 if you plan to use on another network. The phone doesn't even have root yet for sim unlocking hacks to even be attempted. Check out the Sprint HTC m8 sim unlock hack is out for that phone and very capable device with much more development.
I get that I should buy a phone for a given carrier - However, if I were to buy a Sprint LG G3 that WAS unlocked, would I be able to use it on T-Mobile would I be able to have some reasonable expectation to have UTMS+/LTE connectivity?
(if I can buy an unlocked sprint phone for ~ $275 vs ~ $450 for a t-mobile version...)
scifan said:
I get that I should buy a phone for a given carrier - However, if I were to buy a Sprint LG G3 that WAS unlocked, would I be able to use it on T-Mobile would I be able to have some reasonable expectation to have UTMS+/LTE connectivity?
(if I can buy an unlocked sprint phone for ~ $275 vs ~ $450 for a t-mobile version...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will not get lte on it bands are not there.....
BretonGirl said:
Here's their unlock policy.
http://www.sprint.com/legal/unlocking_policy.html
Seriously though, why do people buy a phone designed for one carrier wanting to use it on another? It's ridiculous. Just buy what your carrier offers, simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Though this is old ill comment my idea of why. The very reason is , i believe anyway is that sprint phones' resale value is the cheapest overall ...why? Because of the sprint reputation as well as the old days it would not connect to gsm period. However today its global capabilities has began a big buy spree on this model mainly for price ..This is why you might see as example on craigslist, s4 175 as opposed to verizon 250 or T-Mobile etc. Sprint has always had cheaper or lower resale value. Not sure how much longer but ive bought many sprint devices for this reason ..also since sprint sells to more lower to no credit with the spending limit option they are more prone to blacklisted phones and or risk. Lol. So to me i believe this is why you see lots more sprint phones today trying to get on gsm or any. Peace.
Sent from rotary technology Phone
Most phones after 2012 using LTE have to have a Sim card slot.
Verizon had to unlock their phones because of the LTE bands they use.
Prior to that Sprint was using Clear as thier 4G provider using WiMAx. When they built up their network their network they had to use sim card slots
Just like Boost, Virgin, they lock down the sim using UCC.
By locking down the sim and the modem you cant access the service menus to take the lock off.
Currently the HTC One, One MAX, and M8 for Sprint are capable of gsm but man is it a pain.
There may be a way hopefully since yes Sprint phones are very cheap in resale value. I got a HTC One MAX for $150. Took me 3 days to unlock, s-off and figure out the instructions on the internet so I can use it on T-Mobile.
I came here to see if the LG G3 can be done as well...so far looks like a no go.
So far the Note 3, Mega and other Samsung phones can be unlocked.
I think it's a steal to get a 5.9" 1080p Quad Core phone for $150. Cheaper than the Desire 820 GSM which is only 720p for $350.
The sim can be unlocked ..... All you have to do is read.
jamesb85 said:
The sim can be unlocked ..... All you have to do is read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please explain or point us in the right direction? Thanks.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using XDA Free mobile app
bypaass activation
blane73 said:
Can you please explain or point us in the right direction? Thanks.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i used that way with no problems sa far http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-lg-g3/general/unlock-sim-gsm-how-to-t2853594
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-lg-g3/orig-development/how-to-gsm-unlock-t2961099 check and this!
for disable activation go to system priv apps and find LgStartUpWizzard.apk and rename it to .bak save it, and you get rid of activation process
Hi,
I've always been a Samsung guy but the LG G5 has sparked my interest since it has a removable battery and SD slot. I see that some versions of the G4 have an unlocked bootloader. I was wondering if there was any information on the G5 having an unlocked bootloader for the US version? I've tried looking around but couldn't find anything about it. If they haven't announced anything yet are they likely to have it unlocked? Having root is crucial for me but being able to use different ROMs is even better. Thanks!
It's not going to be unlocked out of the box, so no one will know until they come out and people start to get them. Looking at the past, going from the G2 > G3 > G4, the ability to unlock and root has gone down hill, especially with carrier versions. I've seen significantly less dev support for each phone, and I'd expect the G5 to be even more locked down.
W1nks said:
Hi,
I've always been a Samsung guy but the LG G5 has sparked my interest since it has a removable battery and SD slot. I see that some versions of the G4 have an unlocked bootloader. I was wondering if there was any information on the G5 having an unlocked bootloader for the US version? I've tried looking around but couldn't find anything about it. If they haven't announced anything yet are they likely to have it unlocked? Having root is crucial for me but being able to use different ROMs is even better. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Out of the box" there are no devices that come with the bootloader unlocked (any more). You need to go through steps to unlock. LG has been no different.
In terms of US BL unlockable, the only carrier quick to offer this has always been T-Mo. G2,3 & 4. That said, we won't know prior to release
TonyStark said:
"Out of the box" there are no devices that come with the bootloader unlocked (any more). You need to go through steps to unlock. LG has been no different.
In terms of US BL unlockable, the only carrier quick to offer this has always been T-Mo. G2,3 & 4. That said, we won't know prior to release
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. Tmo generally DGAF about bootloaders being unlocked, so hopefully that continues here. I'm interested in this device but no Root would suck.
I also hope this device will have an unlocked bootloader. It seems like a pretty sick little phone. I am still on a S4 with AT&T, which was my first phone with a locked bootloader. I know you can load other ROMS on it via SafeStrap, but that just seems like such a gimpy way to go. My previous S2 (international version) was unlocked, and I loaded all sorts of ROMS. I hate the concept of a manufacturer locking down a phone you purchase.
Have the previous LG G phones been unlocked, or at least rooted? I know I could do the research, but I am feeling a bit lazy right now.
Thanks
G2 and G3 where unlockable. G4 was rootable but not unlockable. V10 was sealed up tight.
I want the G5 but if I can't at least root it on Verizon it's a no go for me. I'll give up new phones like the G5 and S7 and stick with my totally unlocked Moto X Pure until another manufacture makes something with a sd card and a unlockable bootloader with CDMA bands.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
That's so frustrating. I'd be furious if any computer I purchased was like that. I want to do what I want to the **** I own. Maybe I will just have to rethink my hesitations about the 6P's size.
yugotprblms said:
That's so frustrating. I'd be furious if any computer I purchased was like that. I want to do what I want to the **** I own. Maybe I will just have to rethink my hesitations about the 6P's size.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 6 p is the best phone I've ever owned. Had most samsung HTC and lg phones. I have a g4 that I gave to my son because the lack of unlock on the Sprint version. If there's a version of the g5 which is unlock able with Sprint radio capability I'll try one out. Looks really cool.
Mahapederdon said:
The 6 p is the best phone I've ever owned. Had most samsung HTC and lg phones. I have a g4 that I gave to my son because the lack of unlock on the Sprint version. If there's a version of the g5 which is unlock able with Sprint radio capability I'll try one out. Looks really cool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really do want the 6p, but it is just such a large phone. That is my only hang up, and it is such a bummer.
I hope there will be a way around it. And being on Verizon doesn't help. I might have to skip it and go for something along the lines of joshw0000.
joshw0000 said:
G2 and G3 where unlockable. G4 was rootable but not unlockable. V10 was sealed up tight.
I want the G5 but if I can't at least root it on Verizon it's a no go for me. I'll give up new phones like the G5 and S7 and stick with my totally unlocked Moto D Pure until another manufacture makes something with a sd card and a unlockable bootloader with CDMA bands.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The V10 bootloader is fully unlockable - not sure what you are talking about.
ShermCraig said:
The V10 bootloader is fully unlockable - not sure what you are talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not Verizon. XDA for the Verizon V10 is almost empty.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
Not Verizon. XDA for the Verizon V10 is almost empty.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People still get phones from telcos? Never do that. Its a loss loss loss, no matter where you look at it from.
devsk said:
People still get phones from telcos? Never do that. Its a loss loss loss, no matter where you look at it from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know anything about Verizon? Or phones in general? I'll give you a hint. Google "CDMA".
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
Do you know anything about Verizon? Or phones in general? I'll give you a hint. Google "CDMA".
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL...there are a plenty good phones which work with CDMA. I can vouch for MXPE. Try it. Always buy unlocked outright, man!
PS: G4 unlocked works with CDMA. You can buy it from B&H. I can get you a link if you want. BTW, welcome to 2016....
devsk said:
LOL...there are a plenty good phones which work with CDMA. I can vouch for MXPE. Try it. Always buy unlocked outright, man!
PS: G4 unlocked works with CDMA. You can buy it from B&H. I can get you a link if you want. BTW, welcome to 2016....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, look at my signature. I'm on a MXPE. That's basically the newest unlockable bootloader phone that can be used on Verizon. I had a VZW M9 that I sent to a developer to be unlocked but got bored with it. The VZW G4 doesn't have an unlockable bootloader and an "unlocked" G4 will not work on Verizon. With exception to the Nexus line, that's it but I have to have an sd card. I've used the N6, N5X, and N6P. They're not for me.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
devsk said:
LOL...there are a plenty good phones which work with CDMA. I can vouch for MXPE. Try it. Always buy unlocked outright, man!
PS: G4 unlocked works with CDMA. You can buy it from B&H. I can get you a link if you want. BTW, welcome to 2016....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, 2016 is the year of locked down carrier restrictions. Unless you are on T-Mobile or AT&T, it's difficult to do what you're saying. I am considering jumping off Verizon when my contract ends in June so I can get something global.
xocomaox said:
Yes, 2016 is the year of locked down carrier restrictions. Unless you are on T-Mobile or AT&T, it's difficult to do what you're saying. I am considering jumping off Verizon when my contract ends in June so I can get something global.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My father has verizon and I have talked with multiple verizon reps and it seems like most of then are pushy any not really intereted in the devices themselves. The latest rep I spoke with said that the s7 didn't have a good camera which seems to be completely off since the s7 has an amazing camera (tested it in stores as well as reputable reviews). I agree with you and was going to switch to Verizon but might not anymore, because of their restrictions and other limited information,
Let's quickly set the record straight on the G4: NONE of the carrier variants allowed for bootloader unlocking--only the H815 "international" model had this as an officially supported option (which btw, is not the model sold by t mobile--that was h815t and isn't the same). I agree with others here that NOT buying the carrier versions is always the best option. They're carrier unlocked out of the box and provide the greatest flexibility if you travel between countries. They also typically provide a few more cellular frequencies. However, while they may be compatible with AT&T's network, that doesn't mean they have all of the frequencies that AT&T uses (as was the case for the G4). Also for those who may be confused, carrier unlocked has no relation to bootloader unlocking.
Anyway, I would also like to know if there will be a G5 variant with official bootloader unlock support. I wish they would announce this soon!
devsk said:
People still get phones from telcos? Never do that. Its a loss loss loss, no matter where you look at it from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question: what about carrier-specific features like T-Mobile's Wi-Fi calling? The MXPE didn't support that, but the Nexus 6P and 5X do. Could an unlocked/unbranded LG G5 hypothetically do the same?
(I would use Unlocked version on Tmobile) No bloat with Unlocked version and T mobile folks said tether will work fine etc. i.e. Tmobile software not needed. Looking for suggestions for either phone. Thx in advance.
the b&h version doesnt come out until may 11th just fyi.
svengalis said:
the b&h version doesnt come out until may 11th just fyi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
B&H site now says May 1st. I called LG but was unable to get any scoop.
It would be great to get feedback from the forum on whether it would make sense to wait for the unlocked version or just get the T mobile verison now.
Thx
The RS988 would work just fine on T-Mobile. It will most likely receive less updates than the T-Mobile variant. For example the US991 Unbranded G4 that B&H sells still doesn't have Marshmallow. I'd assume the trend to continue.
RS988 comes SIM unlocked out of the box.. while the T-Mobile version does not but depending on if you buy it outright or are in good standing sometimes T-Mobile will unlock the SIM.
Bootloader on the RS988 will be locked. I'd expect T-Mobiles version to have a better shot at bootloader unlock... but maybe not. RS988 certainly has no edge over the T-Mobile version here tho. Both are locked at the moment. T-Mobil's may eventually get unlocked officially from T-Mobil update in the future... RS988 has no shot at that and it will take a bootloader exploit to unlock.
You can't really lose either way in my opinion... though you get more free perks with the T-Mobile version. Free 360 camera for those who buy tmo model until April 5th (tomorrow).. on top of the battery.
autoprime said:
The RS988 would work just fine on T-Mobile. It will most likely receive less updates than the T-Mobile variant. For example the US991 Unbranded G4 that B&H sells still doesn't have Marshmallow. I'd assume the trend to continue.
RS988 comes SIM unlocked out of the box.. while the T-Mobile version does not but depending on if you buy it outright or are in good standing sometimes T-Mobile will unlock the SIM.
Bootloader on the RS988 will be locked. I'd expect T-Mobiles version to have a better shot at bootloader unlock... but maybe not. RS988 certainly has no edge over the T-Mobile version here tho. Both are locked at the moment. T-Mobil's may eventually get unlocked officially from T-Mobil update in the future... RS988 has no shot at that and it will take a bootloader exploit to unlock.
You can't really lose either way in my opinion... though you get more free perks with the T-Mobile version. Free 360 camera for those who buy tmo model until April 5th (tomorrow).. on top of the battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, just the feedback I was looking for. I'll grab the T-mobile version and report back. Don't laugh...I'm transitioning from WebOs. I look forward to educating myself about the G5 and Android with the help of this site. Thanks again!
autoprime said:
The RS988 would work just fine on T-Mobile. It will most likely receive less updates than the T-Mobile variant. For example the US991 Unbranded G4 that B&H sells still doesn't have Marshmallow. I'd assume the trend to continue.
RS988 comes SIM unlocked out of the box.. while the T-Mobile version does not but depending on if you buy it outright or are in good standing sometimes T-Mobile will unlock the SIM.
Bootloader on the RS988 will be locked. I'd expect T-Mobiles version to have a better shot at bootloader unlock... but maybe not. RS988 certainly has no edge over the T-Mobile version here tho. Both are locked at the moment. T-Mobil's may eventually get unlocked officially from T-Mobil update in the future... RS988 has no shot at that and it will take a bootloader exploit to unlock.
You can't really lose either way in my opinion... though you get more free perks with the T-Mobile version. Free 360 camera for those who buy tmo model until April 5th (tomorrow).. on top of the battery.
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well damn that sucks. i want the unlocked version cause im not sure which carrier i want to choose.
B&H Photo email about bootloader
svengalis said:
well damn that sucks. i want the unlocked version cause im not sure which carrier i want to choose.
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I can't say this is reliable yet as B&H model isn't actually available yet but I emailed them last week about this , tech support guy named Adam emailed back this week saying the bootloader is unlocked, I emailed back asking if he knew the difference between sims unlocked and bootloader unlocked, he said yes and confirmed bootloader also unlocked- I am a skeptic until I see it but, imho I do think it would give them an edge in sales and they have no vested interest in the carriers so I'm waiting to see (I also want it now but...) I also wonder if software will have less bloat. I'm thinking that all US models will all be locked but LG will give the unlock codes out for international models as they are claiming to be friendly to developers, and B&H has a good chance to be in that same boat. Still have hope for this
Only one bloat app on tmobile are T mobile acct app....evrythig else you can delete
Sent from my LG-H830 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Another thing that has me scratching my head, is how come they're the only ones that are selling this model?
I tried looking elsewhere online and don't see any major retailer selling it.
B&H model thoughts
I am still waiting to see what B&H model looks like (mostly because the money is short this month) but after reading more on this thread, I am leaning more towards the T-Mobile version, mainly because I would probably get better product support should the phone have problems in the beginning, also willing to wait for unlock when/if it comes. mail orders are risky and no one knows what this variant will be like until they get one and then they would probably have to deal with LG for problems after 30 days - while B&H doesn't have a vested interest in carriers, they also don't have an interest in getting the bootloader unlocked (if locked, and this sounds likely despite what I was told).
T-Mobile also has EVS out of the box
Another reason to consider the T-Mobile version is it has Enhanced Voice Services (EVS) enabled out of the box where as the unlocked version may never get it. Might not be a big deal but if your on T-Mobile already, why not go with it.
PDXG5 said:
Awesome, just the feedback I was looking for. I'll grab the T-mobile version and report back. Don't laugh...I'm transitioning from WebOs. I look forward to educating myself about the G5 and Android with the help of this site. Thanks again!
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My wife's G4 was purchased from B&H four months ago and received the marshmallow update two weeks after we got it.
update on B&H vs T-Mobile version bands
I just found a post here at xda forums about the variant lg g5 models - what I've been waiting for to make a decision on T-Mobile vs B&H choice. this may or may not matter to everyone. I notice a slight difference in the bands among variants, might be important to allow full range of carriers before deciding. I would look at this link to see if the missing bands are important (T-Mobile is not very good in my area so having more available bands in the B&H model would be important to me if these stats are accurate.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g5/how-to/info-autos-g5-thread-t3350648
here is another link on variant LTE bands:
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Chea...on-T-Mobile-and-Sprint-use-in-the-USA_id77933