Best International Variant for Use with AT&T - Galaxy S6 Edge Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I was searching eBay and saw a G9250 and G925I that seem very similar. There's also a G925F. All support all AT&T bands as far as I can tell. I'm looking for SIM unlocked, boot loader unlocked and updates not tied to a carrier. Most importantly I want one that will likely see the most development here. What do you guys suggest?

I have G920I and have no problem with LTE or connectivity. However I'm thinking about switching to edge and I'm considering G9250 which hands down supports the most LTE bands than any other variant. It's just too pricey yet let me know how much you end up spending on which variant

mehdi_s82 said:
I have G920I and have no problem with LTE or connectivity. However I'm thinking about switching to edge and I'm considering G9250 which hands down supports the most LTE bands than any other variant. It's just too pricey yet let me know how much you end up spending on which variant
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Agree I think the G9250 has the most LTE Bands. USA and Asia for the most part not sure about Europe but probably would maybe....

primod808 said:
Agree I think the G9250 has the most LTE Bands. USA and Asia for the most part not sure about Europe but probably would maybe....
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Click to collapse
mehdi_s82 said:
I have G920I and have no problem with LTE or connectivity. However I'm thinking about switching to edge and I'm considering G9250 which hands down supports the most LTE bands than any other variant. It's just too pricey yet let me know how much you end up spending on which variant
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Click to collapse
Thank you both. I was also leaning towards the 9250. Prices are not that different between the I, F, and 0 variants. However, I have not committed to one yet. It looks like the 9250 also has the CDMA radios but I noticed more 3G CDMA radios then 3G GSM ones listed. I know mostly all I need is the LTE but I just want to be sure.
I will let you guys know once I get it.

hamzer11 said:
Thank you both. I was also leaning towards the 9250. Prices are not that different between the I, F, and 0 variants. However, I have not committed to one yet. It looks like the 9250 also has the CDMA radios but I noticed more 3G CDMA radios then 3G GSM ones listed. I know mostly all I need is the LTE but I just want to be sure.
I will let you guys know once I get it.
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Great! I just ordered my 9250 through never-msrp website (its $30 cheaper than their ebay posting). Here are the bands supported on G9250 from Samsung's HK website:
Here are the bands supported by G9250:
LTE B1, B2, B3, B4(AWS), B5, B7, B8, B12, B17, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28, B29
TD-LTE B38, B41, B40, B39
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
CDMA 800
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
3G CDMA BC0(800)
3G TD-CDMA B34(2010), B39(1880)

mehdi_s82 said:
Great! I just ordered my 9250 through never-msrp website (its $30 cheaper than their ebay posting). Here are the bands supported on G9250 from Samsung's HK website:
Here are the bands supported by G9250:
LTE B1, B2, B3, B4(AWS), B5, B7, B8, B12, B17, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28, B29
TD-LTE B38, B41, B40, B39
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
CDMA 800
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
3G CDMA BC0(800)
3G TD-CDMA B34(2010), B39(1880)
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Click to collapse
Link please. Can you add a squaretrade warranty if purchased direct? That's one reason I was thinking of going through ebay.

hamzer11 said:
Link please. Can you add a squaretrade warranty if purchased direct? That's one reason I was thinking of going through ebay.
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Click to collapse
Here is the link. I think you can still buy SquareTrade warranty through their site directly. Go to http://www.squaretrade.com/get-warranty and put in 221744575898 which is the item number for the same item from the same seller. Later you can forward your purchase receipt from never-msrp to SquareTrade.
I personally prefer to buy their insurance which imo is better coverage. If a Samsung phone works fine within the first 14 days(return period for seller), I don't think you'd need warranty later on.

mehdi_s82 said:
Here is the link. I think you can still buy SquareTrade warranty through their site directly. Go to http://www.squaretrade.com/get-warranty and put in 221744575898 which is the item number for the same item from the same seller. Later you can forward your purchase receipt from never-msrp to SquareTrade.
I personally prefer to buy their insurance which imo is better coverage. If a Samsung phone works fine within the first 14 days(return period for seller), I don't think you'd need warranty later on.
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Click to collapse
You mean you prefer to buy ATT insurance? Not sure if that's what you meant. Unfortunately, I don't see the 9250 in 64gb on their site. I might have to wait a bit.

hamzer11 said:
You mean you prefer to buy ATT insurance? Not sure if that's what you meant. Unfortunately, I don't see the 9250 in 64gb on their site. I might have to wait a bit.
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I meant buy Squaretrade Insurance instead of Squaretrade warranty.

I'm cancelling out Sprint and going with Cricket, and was curious about this as well. I currently have an S3 that I've had since the release. Time for an upgrade and I am a bit torn between the s6's. I was originally going to wait for a G4, but the Flex 2 and the G3 was uncomfortable in my hands when compared to the S6. And I'll have a case on it, so it would be much more uncomfortable. Custom roms have made my life with my S3 a much more bearable one as I'm currently running Lollipop. I'll be getting two of whatever I decide on, but I need lte, no bloatware, and a lot of rom development so I can explore!

ghostyroasty said:
I'm cancelling out Sprint and going with Cricket, and was curious about this as well. I currently have an S3 that I've had since the release. Time for an upgrade and I am a bit torn between the s6's. I was originally going to wait for a G4, but the Flex 2 and the G3 was uncomfortable in my hands when compared to the S6. And I'll have a case on it, so it would be much more uncomfortable. Custom roms have made my life with my S3 a much more bearable one as I'm currently running Lollipop. I'll be getting two of whatever I decide on, but I need lte, no bloatware, and a lot of rom development so I can explore!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think things have changed in development scene quite a bit since S3. I personally was a flashoholic and used to flash new roms/kernels daily. But as android evolved, I felt the need to try custom roms less and less. IMO there will be less number of custom roms as we move to each new generation of Android phones. If you really want tens of custom roms and kernel, go with a Nexus. Right now I have an S6 (coming from a Nexus) and waiting for my G9250 to arrive. I have not had any need to flash a custom rom. Having root is nice though.
Overall, IMHO If you want more roms, go with G925F/G920F. Otherwise G9250 has the most comprehensive network bands support. Root is available on pretty much all variants.

I ordered the 9250 w/64gb storage from Never MSRP but via their ebay listing. The most expensive phone I've every purchased, hopefully I can get some good life out of it. Should be arriving Monday. I compared all the bands and I think this was the way to go. I too am no longer flash happy with my phones. Although CM12 has been great on my OnePlus. I just want to be able to root the phone for simple things and more control. Still undecided about the Squaretrade insurance. I will decide within the month they give you.

I bought the g925i edge...I live in cali and using cricket, does that mean I won't get as many bands? I'm just worried about 4g speeds + call/text signal strength because I use it during school and work.

I finally received my 9250. To be clear, I had 920i for a few weeks on at&t. Before that, I had 925A. I feel data on 9250 is slightly faster than my 920i Attached is a series of speed test result in downtown Philadelphia which is a pretty congested area. My 925A speed tests in same area, had similar results so I do not think 9250 is any slower.

mehdi_s82 said:
I finally received my 9250. To be clear, I had 920i for a few weeks on at&t. Before that, I had 925A. I feel data on 9250 is slightly faster than my 920i Attached is a series of speed test result in downtown Philadelphia which is a pretty congested area. My 925A speed tests in same area, had similar results so I do not think 9250 is any slower.
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I also received my 9250 today. But for some reason the version I got G9250ZTU1AOCI isn't supported by ping pong root yet. I couldn't find the firmware on Sam mobile either. Any suggestions?

hamzer11 said:
I also received my 9250 today. But for some reason the version I got G9250ZTU1AOCI isn't supported by ping pong root yet. I couldn't find the firmware on Sam mobile either. Any suggestions?
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After an OTA, I'm on AOE4 and rooted using ping pong. Did you try to software update?

mehdi_s82 said:
After an OTA, I'm on AOE4 and rooted using ping pong. Did you try to software update?
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Will try it when I get home. Was your firmware version the same as I posted above before the update?

hamzer11 said:
Will try it when I get home. Was your firmware version the same as I posted above before the update?
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Yup!

mehdi_s82 said:
Yup!
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You have been incredibly helpful and if this works you have brightened my day! Did you try the bootloader unlock app (CROM) from the samsung app store? I did and it gave me a message that my bootloader is unlocked and I can install a custom ROM. Status is still official.

hamzer11 said:
You have been incredibly helpful and if this works you have brightened my day! Did you try the bootloader unlock app (CROM) from the samsung app store? I did and it gave me a message that my bootloader is unlocked and I can install a custom ROM. Status is still official.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I just rooted using Ping Pong. I'm getting old for roming these days
Let me know how far you can keep knox warranty not voided.

Related

Will HERO work in the US

If I get then phone overseas, and bring it back to the US, will it work here?
Yes, but you won't be able to use 3G.
evilxhwnd said:
Yes, but you won't be able to use 3G.
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Click to collapse
Wow! i was thinking of getting the Hero but now that i know i cant use 3g. i dont want it n more...
I have a question though! im getting rid of my g1 and getting an htc magic from ebay!
Spec For Magic:
rom: 512mb
Ram: 288MB
Specs For G1:
Ram: 192MB
i want to have the Hero port on it. i currently have it on my g1 but its still a bit laggy and i dont have any widgets... whats the point???
so if i get the magic which has the same specs as the HTC Hero will the rom run fast with no lag at all cosidering it has 90Mb+ more ram than the g1???
minogue said:
Wow! i was thinking of getting the Hero but now that i know i cant use 3g. i dont want it n more...
I have a question though! im getting rid of my g1 and getting an htc magic from ebay!
Spec For Magic:
rom: 512mb
Ram: 288MB
Specs For G1:
Ram: 192MB
i want to have the Hero port on it. i currently have it on my g1 but its still a bit laggy and i dont have any widgets... whats the point???
so if i get the magic which has the same specs as the HTC Hero will the rom run fast with no lag at all cosidering it has 90Mb+ more ram than the g1???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you could but it cant be the vodafone one as that has 192mb ram like the G1, it would have to be the full HTC one
cire253 said:
If I get then phone overseas, and bring it back to the US, will it work here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy from T-mobile in UK, it should work in the US. I was told they use the same 1700/2100 bands that we do. Only Hero 100 has the 1700 band built in, so the regular Hero will not work for US 3G.
not quite.
All UK networks use the 2100 band. None of them use the 1700.
You'll have to wait and see if the american version out later in the year supports the ridiculous t-mob US bands.
UPDATE: HAve checked, and yes, the Hero100 IS the european version, cos thats what the one i have in my hand is. it has 900/2100 3G bands. NO 1700 at all.
The US version is the hero 130, which will have the 850 and 1900 that everyone GSM but T-mobile uses. again, no 1700.
evilxhwnd said:
Yes, but you won't be able to use 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's sad is that I would rather use the Hero, relying on EDGE and Wi-Fi than to resort to using the iPhone... LOL
rhedgehog said:
not quite.
All UK networks use the 2100 band. None of them use the 1700.
You'll have to wait and see if the american version out later in the year supports the ridiculous t-mob US bands.
UPDATE: HAve checked, and yes, the Hero100 IS the european version, cos thats what the one i have in my hand is. it has 900/2100 3G bands. NO 1700 at all.
The US version is the hero 130, which will have the 850 and 1900 that everyone GSM but T-mobile uses. again, no 1700.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct...... about UK networks. no 1700.
T-mobile is getting the Hero next year so will it go to AT&T or other operators first?
To the OP... the Magic that you are getting off ebay.... well that will be the same thing.... 3G won't work in the US unless you wait till Sept./Oct. when T-Mo US releases it.
I don't care much for 3G, it's a battery killer and I'm usually near wifi.
EDGE ftw!
As others have noted, Hero will only work on edge until the north american version with the 850/1900 3g bands are added.
Also, tmobile has recently said as of right now they have no future plans to release the hero.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/No-Hero-for-T-Mobile-USA-Customers-116241.shtml
jim_0068 said:
Also, tmobile has recently said as of right now they have no future plans to release the hero.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/No-Hero-for-T-Mobile-USA-Customers-116241.shtml
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That's something so stupid I cannot understand. Hero is awesome! It's like they want to sell less phones and have less customers. I would definitely buy one.. instead, I might have to get an unlocked UK one since I don't plan to change my carrier even if it comes to At&t US or Sprint.
tee aiy emm said:
That's something so stupid I cannot understand. Hero is awesome! It's like they want to sell less phones and have less customers. I would definitely buy one.. instead, I might have to get an unlocked UK one since I don't plan to change my carrier even if it comes to At&t US or Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't there be an unlocked US version when it's released here?
sorry
rhedgehog said:
not quite.
All UK networks use the 2100 band. None of them use the 1700.
You'll have to wait and see if the american version out later in the year supports the ridiculous t-mob US bands.
UPDATE: HAve checked, and yes, the Hero100 IS the european version, cos thats what the one i have in my hand is. it has 900/2100 3G bands. NO 1700 at all.
The US version is the hero 130, which will have the 850 and 1900 that everyone GSM but T-mobile uses. again, no 1700.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, since I was misinformed by T-Mo, I have a question of my own:
Will you be able to add the 1700 band with a software update, or does that require a hardware update through the mfg?
T-mobile AWS 3G using 1700 band will need hardware in the Hero to receive 1700 band. T-mo is making a big mistake here, they should go to hTc and get them to make a version of the HERO that would work with the T-mo 3G.
angr1112 said:
T-mobile AWS 3G using 1700 band will need hardware in the Hero to receive 1700 band. T-mo is making a big mistake here, they should go to hTc and get them to make a version of the HERO that would work with the T-mo 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So then T-Mobile would have both the Hero and the nearly feature-identical Magic at the same time? As much as I would have wished T-Mo to carry the Hero (very), the FCC passed the Hero with the AT&T 3G bands anyway.
jim_0068 said:
As others have noted, Hero will only work on edge until the north american version with the 850/1900 3g bands are added.
Also, tmobile has recently said as of right now they have no future plans to release the hero.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/No-Hero-for-T-Mobile-USA-Customers-116241.shtml
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so when is this going to be out... is anyone going to carry the Hero in the US in the next 6mo...? I want android phone really bad but I dont want to get locked in contract with a carrier that isnt doing to carry it.
zambezy said:
so when is this going to be out... is anyone going to carry the Hero in the US in the next 6mo...? I want android phone really bad but I dont want to get locked in contract with a carrier that isnt doing to carry it.
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You can buy the Canadian one and get 3G on AT&T.
evilxhwnd said:
You can buy the Canadian one and get 3G on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I was going to recommend, its $500 cad and $20 to unlock it. You just need someone from Canada to buy and ship it.

t-mobile?

Will this work on T-mobile?
Is galaxy nexus best phone on t-mobile now?
Only BC of ICS. THE GS2 is better except screen Res.....I was disappointed in my gnex.....I think even my rezound is better
Edit: the unlocked works on T-Mo.....
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
ksizzle9 said:
Only BC of ICS. THE GS2 is better except screen Res.....I was disappointed in my gnex.....I think even my rezound is better
Edit: the unlocked works on T-Mo.....
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Relivent much i don't think so .. it couldci know.some.cdma work on gsm
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
*snip*
dlb92 said:
Will this work on T-mobile?
Is galaxy nexus best phone on t-mobile now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check back on November 2012, they always release new (old flagship international quad band model of the same phone as) AWS 1700 phone at that time of the year
Does the phone have both the 1700 and 2100 bands, cant find a real spec list.
Thanks
trilaxx said:
Does the phone have both the 1700 and 2100 bands, cant find a real spec list.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are some websites. I was looking for the same thing.
http://gdgt.com/samsung/galaxy/s/iii/specs/
https://negrielectronics.com/samsun...nlocked-pebble-blue.html#.T6Ldklc6aUs.twitter
Ya i saw both those sites, not that i dont trust them just they may be worng.
The UNPACKED app says:
3g (hspa+ 21mbpa): 850/900/1900/2100
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Click to collapse
Which contradicts many websites which say 1700 will be included. Really hope Samsung's app is wrong...
saltmine said:
The UNPACKED app says:
Which contradicts many websites which say 1700 will be included. Really hope Samsung's app is wrong...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm really hoping that is wrong as well. Would love to use this beast on Tmobile!
Excuse the noobish question, but to make sure I have this right - You need both 1700 and 2100 bands for the 3g or 4g to work at all, correct? Was looking into buying it once its released but that may be a deal breaker if no speedy internet.
Twisted Tom said:
I'm really hoping that is wrong as well. Would love to use this beast on Tmobile!
Excuse the noobish question, but to make sure I have this right - You need both 1700 and 2100 bands for the 3g or 4g to work at all, correct? Was looking into buying it once its released but that may be a deal breaker if no speedy internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you need both, or you will be stuck using EDGE if you are on T-Mobile US.
I want to know the same, if the intentional version will surely work on Tmobile.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using xda premium
I'd like to know about that as well
I think everyone here just wants to know when the hell it'll be coming out to our own carriers. I need a new phone but I'm not waiting until Fall for one.
Doesn't t-mobile uses the 1700/2100 for 3G and 2100 for 4G? so it would be EDGE and 4G.
So your implying that 4g will in fact work? I thought you needed both bands for 4g to work.
I'm in the Philadelphia area and really need to know if this will work or not.
If I can get 4g, ill be preordering the phone asap. If not.... I'm still undecided.
nope, im asking if thats the case. i need to ask the dude that know, since he is the manager at the t-mo store if thats rite. but t-mo one should be coming out in month or two.
What T-Mobile calls 4G is really their 3G HPSA network. They have not yet rolled out LTE. So for you to get the T-Mo 3G, you need the phone to support 1700/2100 band, which I am not sure the international SIII model does, but I'm almost certain it does not. Therefore, you will only get 2G (EDGE) speed, which is around 10-15kilobytes per second download, good enough for web browsing and loading Google Maps, it's about 3 times faster than 56k modem.
The T-Mobile-locked model will support the HPSA+ 42Mbps speed and AT&T version will have LTE of course. Now whether if when this phone get released for T-Mobile and somehow it will preemptively support their future LTE service (launch in 2013), then that would be interesting (which inherently the hardware does support LTE due to the Qualcomm S4 chip to be used in American models). What I predict they will do is like with the Galaxy Vibrant -> Galaxy S 4G, so first release the HSPA+ only version, then release a slightly modified version that support LTE.
http://www.samsungmobilepress.com/2012/05/04/GALAXY-S-III
If this doesn't confirm lack of 1700, nothing does.
So basically, count on the international version not being usable (besides EDGE) on T-mobile. You'll have to wait for them to up with their own version.
thebobp said:
http://www.samsungmobilepress.com/2012/05/04/GALAXY-S-III
If this doesn't confirm lack of 1700, nothing does.
So basically, count on the international version not being usable (besides EDGE) on T-mobile. You'll have to wait for them to up with their own version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dammit why does T-mobile use such obscure frequencies!

Unlocked or get the Tmobile version?

I have the unlocked version sitting on my desk right now.
The only difference seems to be that the radios are not the same?
But I've been reading that the radio might be flashable so it can accept Tmobile frequencies.
One question though, can ROMs from the unlocked version be used on the Tmobile version? Thanks
teatime0315 said:
I have the unlocked version sitting on my desk right now.
The only difference seems to be that the radios are not the same?
But I've been reading that the radio might be flashable so it can accept Tmobile frequencies.
One question though, can ROMs from the unlocked version be used on the Tmobile version? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I have read, the T-Mobile H1 can flash any ROM.
The radio flashing is an open question. So far attempts to get the AWS working on the dev / unlocked models have not worked. HTC says they have different radio hardware, but at this point it is anyone's guess if we will ever get AWS working on dev.
If you use the unlocked / dev on TMO, you will get 21 Mb on the 1900 refarmed band, and eventually LTE if you live in an area that has it. Right now there are maybe three areas with LTE.
If you got the 32 Gb unlocked, in my opinion it has no advantage over the T-Mobile model. The Dev edition has 64 gb of storage.
stevedebi said:
From what I have read, the T-Mobile H1 can flash any ROM.
The radio flashing is an open question. So far attempts to get the AWS working on the dev / unlocked models have not worked. HTC says they have different radio hardware, but at this point it is anyone's guess if we will ever get AWS working on dev.
If you use the unlocked / dev on TMO, you will get 21 Mb on the 1900 refarmed band, and eventually LTE if you live in an area that has it. Right now there are maybe three areas with LTE.
If you got the 32 Gb unlocked, in my opinion it has no advantage over the T-Mobile model. The Dev edition has 64 gb of storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The tmobile version flashed to the unlocked ROM should retain AWS on HSPA+, correct? That's the route I will probably be taking. The additional LTE bands are inconsequential for me - mainly south america and Philippines.
zaos said:
The tmobile version flashed to the unlocked ROM should retain AWS on HSPA+, correct? That's the route I will probably be taking. The additional LTE bands are inconsequential for me - mainly south america and Philippines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think anyone has tried that yet. I suspect AWS wouldn't work without some modification because the ROM would not support AWS. But I don't think it would hurt anything either.
zaos said:
The tmobile version flashed to the unlocked ROM should retain AWS on HSPA+, correct? That's the route I will probably be taking. The additional LTE bands are inconsequential for me - mainly south america and Philippines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, flashing ROMs doesn't affect frequency compatibility. All GSM One variants have the same hardware and ROMs/kernels are cross-compatible (international HSPA-only, and EMEA/AT&T/T-moblie LTE). ROMs don't include radio software, and so far at least, radio software hasn't affected available frequency bands.
teiglin said:
Yes, flashing ROMs doesn't affect frequency compatibility. All GSM One variants have the same hardware and ROMs/kernels are cross-compatible (international HSPA-only, and EMEA/AT&T/T-moblie LTE). ROMs don't include radio software, and so far at least, radio software hasn't affected available frequency bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If flashing ROMs (not radios) to/from intl, US, EMEA models don't affect supported bands, I don't see why it would affect tmobile -> unlocked. Advantages would be no tmobile bloat, no hacks to please the tmobile overloads, etc.
zaos said:
If flashing ROMs (not radios) to/from intl, US, EMEA models don't affect supported bands, I don't see why it would affect tmobile -> unlocked. Advantages would be no tmobile bloat, no hacks to please the tmobile overloads, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you're disagreeing with me or something, but yes, flashing an international ROM on tmo One is great because it gets rid of bloat, can edit APNs to enable tethering, and always based on latest firmware rather than waiting for tmo to push an update. Only downside I know of is no wifi calling. I'm running TrickDroid on mine and it works great.
teiglin said:
It sounds like you're disagreeing with me or something, but yes, flashing an international ROM on tmo One is great because it gets rid of bloat, can edit APNs to enable tethering, and always based on latest firmware rather than waiting for tmo to push an update. Only downside I know of is no wifi calling. I'm running TrickDroid on mine and it works great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, that was more directed at stevedebi's comment. Wifi calling can be replaced with SIP calling so that should be fine.
Warranty problems?
One potential issue with getting the T-Mobile version could have to do with the warranty. U.S. carriers seem squeamish about people modding their phones and threaten to void the warranty for unlocking bootloaders, rooting, etc. That said, I don't have specific info at hand that HTC unlocked phones are much more lenient but seems worth looking into.
zaos said:
Sorry, that was more directed at stevedebi's comment. Wifi calling can be replaced with SIP calling so that should be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, most of the new T-Mobile plans come with unlimited hotspot and WiFi calling. I'm not planning to unlock mine. My One is performing fine on the stock ROM, and TMO will update the software (eventually).
As noted above, I'm not sure that T-Mobile looks kindly on having TAMPERED show up on a phone. They might well deny a warranty claim.
For me get the T-Mobile HTC one I had the 64gb edition got tired of the stupid refarm 1900mhz frequency my icon was switching from H to 3G. Now with my original T-Mobile HTC one I get steady 4g icon and good speeds
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
stevedebi said:
Well, most of the new T-Mobile plans come with unlimited hotspot and WiFi calling. I'm not planning to unlock mine. My One is performing fine on the stock ROM, and TMO will update the software (eventually).
As noted above, I'm not sure that T-Mobile looks kindly on having TAMPERED show up on a phone. They might well deny a warranty claim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here mine is stock Rom with no root or unlocked bootloader only have about 5 T-Mobile apps that don't worry me.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
ahernandez4110 said:
For me get the T-Mobile HTC one I had the 64gb edition got tired of the stupid refarm 1900mhz frequency my icon was switching from H to 3G. Now with my original T-Mobile HTC one I get steady 4g icon and good speeds
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Switching from H to 3G is just what the radio does; it's how the interface is supposed to work. The T-Mobile version works exactly the same way--and you can see this if you flash an international ROM on your tmo One--but tmo assumes Americans are idiots who a. don't know what HSPA+ is, and b. get confused if the radio idles at "3G" when they expect to have "4G" coverage. So stock tmo ROM just shows 4G all the time, but it is just themed connection icons really. Seems like they're right to do this, which is a bit sad.
Of course, that doesn't mean that you would be getting the same speeds with the dev edition, since even in refarmed areas, you could well get better UMTS coverage over AWS than PCS.
teiglin said:
Switching from H to 3G is just what the radio does; it's how the interface is supposed to work. The T-Mobile version works exactly the same way--and you can see this if you flash an international ROM on your tmo One--but tmo assumes Americans are idiots who a. don't know what HSPA+ is, and b. get confused if the radio idles at "3G" when they expect to have "4G" coverage. So stock tmo ROM just shows 4G all the time, but it is just themed connection icons really. Seems like they're right to do this, which is a bit sad.
Of course, that doesn't mean that you would be getting the same speeds with the dev edition, since even in refarmed areas, you could well get better UMTS coverage over AWS than PCS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to mention that in many cases you get EDGE on 1900 even in refarmed markets.
yeah I was thinking of getting the DE because its 64gb but then I realize that with wifi everywhere, I can just upload pictures or videos to you box account, then delete them to make room, and keep installing apps I want and delete those you dont.
After dealing with 16gb in a Gnexus, you learn how to manage to space
teiglin said:
Switching from H to 3G is just what the radio does; it's how the interface is supposed to work. The T-Mobile version works exactly the same way--and you can see this if you flash an international ROM on your tmo One--but tmo assumes Americans are idiots who a. don't know what HSPA+ is, and b. get confused if the radio idles at "3G" when they expect to have "4G" coverage. So stock tmo ROM just shows 4G all the time, but it is just themed connection icons really. Seems like they're right to do this, which is a bit sad.
Of course, that doesn't mean that you would be getting the same speeds with the dev edition, since even in refarmed areas, you could well get better UMTS coverage over AWS than PCS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right if you go to phone settings-about- network you could see UMTS and HSPS+ it swicthes between UMTS 3g and 4g HSPS+ and my 4g icon stays the same, this also happen to my old HTC one 64gb developer edition but it never showed the 4g icon like T-Mobile HTC one all it showed was 3g and H icons this happens in a 1900mhz refarm area. Look at T-Mobile HTC One as example thank god it has 1700mhz built-in that's why I got ridoff my developer Edition
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
zaos said:
The tmobile version flashed to the unlocked ROM should retain AWS on HSPA+, correct? That's the route I will probably be taking. The additional LTE bands are inconsequential for me - mainly south america and Philippines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes flashing the TMO version on an unlocked rom will allow you to retain the AWS bands tmobile uses for 3g/HSDPA/HSPAP(HSDPA+)
i bought the TMO HTC one and am now using ordroid 4.2.0 on se7en kernel and i have AWS signal. and not just refarmed signal also umts signal as well.

I want to export a cheap Moto E from the US. Where to buy? Is Cricket safe?

I have this US friend who could buy this phone for me in the US, then export. I want to root it, install custom ROMs and all. It cost $100+ unlocked, but many report how happy they are with their $20 purchase from Cricket wireless. Some are not happy, though. The Cricket site says the phone cost $20 with activation. It would be easier if my friend wouldn't have to activate it (though I'm not sure what does that exactly means to Cricket), just pay the $20 and export the phone. Or even a little more than $20 to some other vendor, but certainly less than $20. I just want a nice, cheap toy, which can also make phone calls on overseas networks, install ROMs, etc. If you have another, better recommendation than the Moto E, I'm open to other suggestions as well. Though it seems the Moto E is the default choice for many. Or, maybe Amazon's $50-60 Blu phone is a better choice?
magicphone said:
I have this US friend who could buy this phone for me in the US, then export. I want to root it, install custom ROMs and all. It cost $100+ unlocked, but many report how happy they are with their $20 purchase from Cricket wireless. Some are not happy, though. The Cricket site says the phone cost $20 with activation. It would be easier if my friend wouldn't have to activate it (though I'm not sure what does that exactly means to Cricket), just pay the $20 and export the phone. Or even a little more than $20 to some other vendor, but certainly less than $20. I just want a nice, cheap toy, which can also make phone calls on overseas networks, install ROMs, etc. If you have another, better recommendation than the Moto E, I'm open to other suggestions as well. Though it seems the Moto E is the default choice for many. Or, maybe Amazon's $50-60 Blu phone is a better choice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Cricket model cannot be bootloader unlocked for root / custom ROMs. It's also SIM locked to Cricket, you'll have to buy an unlock code online.
Additionally, the US models only have the 3G and LTE bands used in the US. If you're outside of North America, you'll most likely be stuck on 2G.
The Blu R1 HD does have LTE Band 7 and HSPA Band 1, so it's better suited for abroad, but not better than getting a phone that was designed for use in your country.
Thanks, helpful reply! but I can still use the $20 Cricket Moto E as a toy, to install apps, like an iPod Touch, right? For 10th the price.
xtermmin said:
The Blu R1 HD does have LTE Band 7 and HSPA Band 1, so it's better suited for abroad, but not better than getting a phone that was designed for use in your country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Besides, I thought we live in a world where most modern phones work in most regions in the world, if not all. And what about people who ever step out (I'm not sure step out is the correct expression) of their home countries to travel?
magicphone said:
Thanks, helpful reply! but I can still use the $20 Cricket Moto E as a toy, to install apps, like an iPod Touch, right? For 10th the price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you can use it as a WiFi-only device to play around with fine (be sure to remove any pre-installed SIM card during setup). As long as none of your apps require root, you're good.
magicphone said:
Besides, I thought we live in a world where most modern phones work in most regions in the world, if not all. And what about people who ever step out (I'm not sure step out is the correct expression) of their home countries to travel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the US, the Moto E is sold as a budget, prepaid device. Prepaid operators here don't have any sort of international roaming options (outside of Mexico/Canada roaming on a few providers, but US/CA/MX pretty much use the same bands), so having international capabilities wasn't a high priority for them.
Modern mid-range and high-tier devices do tend to have at least the 2G, 3G, and sometimes LTE bands for world use, but it really depends on the manufacturer and even the region. For example, while most US mid-to-high-tier devices have the bands needed for use internationally, the same cannot be said for international models. Phones sold internationally (Europe, Asia, etc) almost always lack the low-band LTE bands used by US carriers, and totally lack CDMA compatibility (used by 3 of the 5 big cellular networks in the US).
Intl. 2G, EDGE would suffice for me, that usually is 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz.
magicphone said:
Intl. 2G, EDGE would suffice for me, that usually is 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Moto E LTE models have quadband EDGE, so you'll be able to use the Cricket model on EDGE, but you'll need to get it SIM unlocked via a 3rd party unlocking service.
xtermmin said:
All Moto E LTE models have quadband EDGE, so you'll be able to use the Cricket model on EDGE, but you'll need to get it SIM unlocked via a 3rd party unlocking service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't he be better off with a sprint/boost xt1526? It was my impression that they were good to go on international GSM, Just no joy on domestic. Then at least he'd have bootloader unlock /root.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
dandrumheller said:
Wouldn't he be better off with a sprint/boost xt1526? It was my impression that they were good to go on international GSM, Just no joy on domestic. Then at least he'd have bootloader unlock /root.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that would work too, but I don't know if stores are selling the Boost model for $20.
xtermmin said:
Yeah, that would work too, but I don't know if stores are selling the Boost model for $20.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They sell them for $30 on boost. You don't even need to activate it for that price.
Sent from my Moto E using XDA Labs

Should I Buy Exynos or Snapdragon?

So I'm going to buy the s9 in about a month after a couple paychecks so I have a lot to think about. First off, I would LOVE to be able to unlock the bootloader. I know qualcomm bootloaders are super locked down these days for some reason even though android is supposed to be an open platform but I'm considering getting the international version. The only problem is I'm on verizon . Do these phones work with CDMA yet? I'm 99% sure they don't but if anyone has given it a try let me know. If I switch to t-mobile can I use it in America? Or do you guys think the bootloader unlock isn't worth it and maybe JUST MAYBE someone will find an exploit? Let me know your thoughts guys, I'm really just trying to consider my options here. Maybe it's time to say "screw you" to verizon, or maybe I should just give up on root and buy a tablet or something to play with. Let me know what y'all think!
Exynos version will not work on your Verizon network. Buy the us unlocked version. But remember verizon wifi calling will not work
I would switch carrier if I were you and go with T-mobile if you they have acceptable coverage in your area. If you really value root and want good adblocker,best sound mod,ability to backup all your apps properly,custom battery icons,bypass stupid manufacturer restrictions and enjoy your device the fullest, go with Exynos.
If Samsung pay, VoLTE and WiFi calling matters a lot to you, go with Snapdragon. But I would still switch to Tmobile in that case.
I had just posted something about the perks of why I went with the SD variant (T-Mobile) S9+ ...here's the link.
Exynos does have their advantages with better Dev support etc, however it is still unclear if the Exynos variant will suffer from carrier aggregation on the US network.
This was a known issue on the Exynos Note 8 having trouble with the LTE, where it could cling onto one strong signal, however it wasn't able to handle the protocol of being able to connect to several signals at the same time.
Check out this post where I went into explaining it a little more...
I am waiting for a confirmation to see if the Exynos S9+ will work 100% on T-Mobile...
Oh and I'd definitely switch to T-Mobile as well. I have one Verizon line left, but the rest is now on TM so I can tell you that in places where I barely had bars with TM, I now have full LTE... TM has the newest infrastructure and they are expanding like crazy... the coverage and speed nowadays are are excellent. You can check out the carrier coverage map here.
Hope that helps...
A very good argument in SD variant's favor! I have S8+ Exynos currently and I do not get over 20Mbps on Tmobile in limited areas I have tested so far(I should say I do not have great coverage where I live, but it is not terrible by any means). I hope S9+ Exynos will not have this issue but I feel it may suffer in same way.
As long as I have WiFi calling and VoLTE, it doesn't bother me too much that the LTE speeds are "capped" for lack of better term on the Exynos version. I considered getting Chinese G9650 with unlockable SD bootloader but looking at the g9550, it doesnt have much support here on XDA and there is not even Oreo out for it still!! The dual SIM is helpful when I travel internationally, so really hoping Exynos gets VoLTE, WiFi calling and good LTE speeds on T-mobile!
I am interesting in buying an Exynos S9+ for use on Verizon. I dont see band 13 listed as supported. Isn't B13 one of the more popular ones for Verizon?
LTE Bands: FDD: B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B17(700), B20(800), B28(700), B32(1500), B66(AWS- 3) | TDD: B38(2600), B39(1900), B40(2300), B41(2500)
iunlock said:
I had just posted something about the perks of why I went with the SD variant (T-Mobile) S9+ ...here's the link.
Exynos does have their advantages with better Dev support etc, however it is still unclear if the Exynos variant will suffer from carrier aggregation on the US network.
This was a known issue on the Exynos Note 8 having trouble with the LTE, where it could cling onto one strong signal, however it wasn't able to handle the protocol of being able to connect to several signals at the same time.
Check out this post where I went into explaining it a little more...
I am waiting for a confirmation to see if the Exynos S9+ will work 100% on T-Mobile...
Oh and I'd definitely switch to T-Mobile as well. I have one Verizon line left, but the rest is now on TM so I can tell you that in places where I barely had bars with TM, I now have full LTE... TM has the newest infrastructure and they are expanding like crazy... the coverage and speed nowadays are are excellent. You can check out the carrier coverage map here.
Hope that helps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the detailed reply and sources! That helps me a lot. I'll probably switch to T-Mobile sometime for sure. I think I'll just go with the US unlocked since Samsung will probably get root anyways, and I played with the s9 a bit and like the ROM enough. The bands we use in US are a bit different and people have reported a lot of problems, so since I spend 95% of my time doing normal stuff on my phone I'll not ruin that 95% for the sake of the 5% of the time I'm tinkering.
Also on the T-Mobile coverage you're right! Seems like they've really been expanding their coverage. A couple years ago me and my brother rode from NC to MS and he had a Galaxy tab on T-Mobile LTE and it was blistering fast the whole ride there. Pretty stout if I do say so myself!
I like you would prefer the unlocked international version for the unlocked bootloader and potential to mod. I don't even have the CDMA network restriction as I'm on AT&T. Even still I went with the US unlocked. I got it super cheap with student discount. I think I paid 700 for a brand new phone, epic these days considering so many are costing over 1000. Anyway back to the point, I got the US snap variant and I have no issues at all. This thing is absolutely awesome, I don't have one single complaint about it and with Nova launcher is feels even nicer imo. US unlocked is a good choice even if you didn't have to get it for the CDMA compatibly
Sent from my SM-G965U1 using Tapatalk
There are pros and cons to owning both variants...
Do your due diligence and consider your own use cases for your phone.
Do you use Samsung Pay?
Do you care about having a warranty?
Do you like to run custom ROMs?
Do you want fast LTE speeds?
Based on these answers and many more, you can determine which model is best for you!
Good luck!
Nathamio said:
So I'm going to buy the s9 in about a month after a couple paychecks so I have a lot to think about. First off, I would LOVE to be able to unlock the bootloader. I know qualcomm bootloaders are super locked down these days for some reason even though android is supposed to be an open platform but I'm considering getting the international version. The only problem is I'm on verizon . Do these phones work with CDMA yet? I'm 99% sure they don't but if anyone has given it a try let me know. If I switch to t-mobile can I use it in America? Or do you guys think the bootloader unlock isn't worth it and maybe JUST MAYBE someone will find an exploit? Let me know your thoughts guys, I'm really just trying to consider my options here. Maybe it's time to say "screw you" to verizon, or maybe I should just give up on root and buy a tablet or something to play with. Let me know what y'all think!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SM-G9650 Hong Kong variant has the Snapdragon 945 Chipset with an unlocked bootloader. It looks to be compatible with Verizon 4G LTE Bands 2, 4 and 13. I know Samsung Pay works in the US but not sure yet if it will support voLTE or WiFi Calling, that would also depend on your carrier. Here's the band compatibility for that particular model.
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands LTE 2100 (B1), 1900 (B2), 1800 (B3), 1700/2100 (B4), 850 (B5), 2600 (B7), 900 (B8), 700 (B12), 700 (B13), 700 (B17), 800 (B18), 800 (B19), 800 (B20), 1900 (B25), 850 (B26), 700 (B28), 1700/2100 (B66) TD-LTE 2000 (B34), TD-LTE 2600 (B38), TD-LTE1900 (B39), TD-LTE2300 (B40), TD-LTE2500 (B41)
HNIC215 said:
There are pros and cons to owning both variants...
Do your due diligence and consider your own use cases for your phone.
Do you use Samsung Pay?
Do you care about having a warranty?
Do you like to run custom ROMs?
Do you want fast LTE speeds?
Based on these answers and many more, you can determine which model is best for you!
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on where you buy from, you can get warranty support for Exynos.
I can confirm that Band 71(the newest band that Tmobile is flooding the USA with) works great on the US unlocked version. If you are even thinking about going with T-Mobile, get the Snapdragon. Although I can't personally confirm this, I've heard that Band 71 will not work with the Exynos phone. If someone could confirm this, that would be great.
sireniankyle said:
Depending on where you buy from, you can get warranty support for Exynos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True...
If I'm not mistaken though, you would still have to ship it overseas for repairs.
Is there a US Store that offers domestic warranty coverage for international Samsung phones?
No domestic stores in US offer warranty on Exynos versions. And I am 99.99% sure Exynos does not have band 71 for T-mobile (600MHz).
Band 12,2, and 4 should be sufficient for most people I think until 600MHz is widely available.
FYI clove.uk just updated their S9+ buying options, you can now get the dual SIM Exynos model for an additional ~$20, but I think it comes with an EU plug so you'll probably have to buy another adapter.
HNIC215 said:
True...
If I'm not mistaken though, you would still have to ship it overseas for repairs.
Is there a US Store that offers domestic warranty coverage for international Samsung phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you would most likely have to ship to them. IDK if there are any domestic options.
Pay
varcor said:
The SM-G9650 Hong Kong variant has the Snapdragon 945 Chipset with an unlocked bootloader. It looks to be compatible with Verizon 4G LTE Bands 2, 4 and 13. I know Samsung Pay works in the US but not sure yet if it will support voLTE or WiFi Calling, that would also depend on your carrier. Here's the band compatibility for that particular model.
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands LTE 2100 (B1), 1900 (B2), 1800 (B3), 1700/2100 (B4), 850 (B5), 2600 (B7), 900 (B8), 700 (B12), 700 (B13), 700 (B17), 800 (B18), 800 (B19), 800 (B20), 1900 (B25), 850 (B26), 700 (B28), 1700/2100 (B66) TD-LTE 2000 (B34), TD-LTE 2600 (B38), TD-LTE1900 (B39), TD-LTE2300 (B40), TD-LTE2500 (B41)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have this model, sm-g9650, and can confirm it works on both verizon and tmobile dual sim, though it is a bit tricky to get it to initially connect to both at the same time and verizon NEEDS to be in slot 1 for both to connect (idk). but how are you getting samsung pay to work? when i had verizon in slot 1 it wouldnt even open the app, i put tmobile in slot 1 and was able to setup the app but when i go to add a card, it just continuously loads after i enter card number.
Have you confirmed your bank accepts payments through Samsung Pay? Before my bank accepted Samsung Pay I had the same setup problem your experiencing. Also make sure you have the most recent Samsung Pay update - 66 Mb.
varcor said:
Have you confirmed your bank accepts payments through Samsung Pay? Before my bank accepted Samsung Pay I had the same setup problem your experiencing. Also make sure you have the most recent Samsung Pay update - 66 Mb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i made sure to redownload it to be sure, and im positive my bank does, i had all the same cards on samsung pay on my g965U US model working perfect.
You stated the app wouldn't load with your Verizon SIM in slot 1. I don't see how any SIM or Slot # is relevant to accessing or downloading the Samsung Pay app. I would try the following.
1 Uninstall Samsung Pay
2 Remove SIM cards
3 Connect via Wifi
4 Download Samsung Pay via Wifi
5 Reinstall app
I just reinstalled the app with no glitches. I uninstalled it a few months back because I found Debit Card transactions are less hassle than NFC transactions. To me the only situation where NFC makes sense is if I wasn't carrying a Debit Card, which isn't very often. Hope this works for you!
---------- Post added at 11:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 PM ----------
I'm guessing your device has the Exynos Chipset. Mine is the Hong Kong variant with Snapdragon. If that's the case you're not alone, I've read other posts where Exynos and Samsung Pay have compatibility issues.

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