LG's website lists the US998 (supposedly the unlocked carrier free version) on their website as "LG V30™ U.S. Cellular"
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Silver-lg-v30
No band 71 listed in the Tech Specs.
Is this the unlocked version or a "U.S. Cellular" carrier version?
The "where to buy" button doesn't lead anywhere useful so it could be a placeholder.
Support Page for US998
http://www.lg.com/us/support-mobile/lg-LGUS998#
What's band71?
railmaster7 said:
LG's website lists the US998 (supposedly the unlocked carrier free version) on their website as "LG V30™ U.S. Cellular"
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Silver-lg-v30
No band 71 listed in the Tech Specs.
Is this the unlocked version or a "U.S. Cellular" carrier version?
The "where to buy" button doesn't lead anywhere useful so it could be a placeholder.
Support Page for US998
http://www.lg.com/us/support-mobile/lg-LGUS998#
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has all been discussed in other threads, but it's good it's now a separate topic so we'll discuss it again.
The official carrier unlocked US998 , which will probably be announced end of October. The official carrier unlocked version will be sold directly by LG themselves as well as by retailers like B&H, Best Buy and Amazon. Go to the LG G6 US997 page to see how it will eventually work.
However, right now U.S. Cellular is selling this same model (US998) -- but locked to them -- as their carrier model. If you pay in full, they will unlock so it will work on ALL other U.S/Canada carriers. Other than the "temporary" carrier lock, there's no other difference RIGHT NOW between the U.S. Cellular LG V30/V30+ and the official unlocked carrier model which is coming in about 3 weeks. (EDIT: in another forum, someone said the U.S. Cellular model my not be eligible for official bootloader unlock, even though it's the same model number.)
Your other questions about T-mobile LTE band 71 on the US998 are answered below, which I copied and pasted from other thread.
rduong said:
If I buy the v30+ from us cellular, do you think I can use it for t mobile network with the same coverage as if I bought it from T-Mobile themselves?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AliLaPointe said:
It seems to have the same bands as the T-Mobile version minus band 71.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, what U.S. Cellular is selling does not have LTE band 71. But while this is the US998, it's not the official carrier unlocked US998. (When you buy this phone from U.S. Cellualr, pay in full, upon request U.S. Cellular will unlock it for you to use on other carriers.)
The official carrier unlocked version has not been "announced" by LG yet -- even though it's listed on B&H website, and we all know it's coming. When it's announced and released (probably end of October, according to B&H website), we are hoping
LG will have filed an FCC amendment to enable LTE band 71 on the US998. An amendment can be filed less than 2 weeks from actual release.
Or that with root, we can enable that band by flashing T-mobile radio over it.
The official carrier unlocked version will not need to have a carrier unlock it, of course. It will be unlocked out of the box. After that, then LG will add that model to the official bootloader unlock list. (EDIT: in another forum, someone said the U.S. Cellular model my not be eligible for official bootloader unlock, even though it's the same model number.)
If you buy this phone from U.S. Cellular right now, pay for it in full, get it carrier unlocked, you would still need to wait for LG to add the US998 to the official bootloader unlock list, to be able to root. Earlier this year it took them SIX WEEKS after the LG G6 US997 was released to be add that phone to their bootloader unlock list.
So, while we know this U.S. Cellular US998 right now does not have LTE band 71, it's possible the official unlocked US998 will have it -- or it can be enabled after root. Exciting times right now, with lots of stuff happening!
To get really specific, here you go:
If you buy this phone right now from U.S. Cellular -- and get unlock code from U.S. Cellular -- it will work on all U.S./Canadian carriers including T-mobile. However, right now it will not have T-mobile's LTE band 71 (600 MHz) which T-mobile has installed in a very few places. (It does have the T-mobile band 66 which is something else.)
If you buy this phone right now from U.S. Cellular, you will have the LG V30+ with 128GB internal storage + microSD card. Will T-mobile eventually sell the V30+ version of this phone, maybe in November, December? Possibly.
If you buy this phone right now from U.S. Cellular, YES you will have a phone that will EVENTUALLY have bootloader unlock and root. You will just have to wait for it a few more weeks, for LG to add it to the official bootloader unlock list. (EDIT: in another forum, someone said the U.S. Cellular model my not be eligible for official bootloader unlock, even though it's the same model number.)
Will T-mobile LG V30 ever have root? Probably not, unless LG/T-mobile has changed their minds since the T-mobile LG G6 was released.
If you buy this phone right now from U.S. Cellular, will you EVER have LTE band 71? Right now, we don't know. Before release, LG can file an FCC amendment to add LTE band 71 to the official carrier unlocked US998 or it possibly LTE band 71 can be enabled on US998 via root. Since this U.S. Cellular US998 and the official carrier unlocked US998 are the same hardware, you can flash any firmware meant for one over the other. IF the official carrier unlocked US998 ever gets LTE band 71, one way or the other, then YES so will this U.S. Cellular phone. (EDIT: in another forum, someone said the U.S. Cellular model my not be eligible for official bootloader unlock, even though it's the same model number.)
I just purchased the US998 from US Cellular for use on T-Mobile. It was carrier unlocked out of the box and works perfectly on T-Mobile. I definitely want band 71 so I'm wondering how long it will take to know if this model can be boot loader unlocked and rooted..and also if band 71 can be enabled.
sprke said:
I just purchased the US998 from US Cellular for use on T-Mobile. It was carrier unlocked out of the box and works perfectly on T-Mobile. I definitely want band 71 so I'm wondering how long it will take to know if this model can be boot loader unlocked and rooted..and also if band 71 can be enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you see my blue edits made a few hours ago to my post above? I'm hoping that's not correct information, but I had to pass it on.
We know the official carrier unlocked version will get bootloader unlock, but some day the U.S. Cellular version may not, even though it's the same model number? Seems strange, but I don't know. Not an expert on that.
ChazzMatt said:
Did you see my blue edits made a few hours ago to my post above? I'm hoping that's not correct information, but I had to pass it on.
We know the official carrier unlocked version will get bootloader unlock, but some day the U.S. Cellular version may not, even though it's the same model number? Seems strange, but I don't know. Not an expert on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I seen. I have a 15 day return window, I'll probably just use it and return it. I doubt we'll find out if the bootloader can be unlocked by then.
Why don't you just order it from T-Mobile if you're worried about getting Band 71 support? I ordered mine on Thursday (the 5th), paid for overnight shipping, and had it by noon on Friday.
So you can use this method to get the +, so long as you don’t care about band 71 you are good to go with your own carrier, so long as you pay in full?
Thanks for all the info!
Ipadlazy said:
So you can use this method to get the +, so long as you don’t care about band 71 you are good to go with your own carrier, so long as you pay in full?
Thanks for all the info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this version of the LG V30+ has all the U.S./Canada bands except for new T-Mobile LTE band 71. And as long as you pay in full, is carrier unlocked.
Just be aware it may not qualify for LG's bootloader unlock code, even though it's the exact same model number as the upcoming official carrier unlocked version.
ChazzMatt said:
Just be aware it may not qualify for LG's bootloader unlock code
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A little confused here on that. I don't plan to root or flash over it's original setup. Though I'd like any security updates, and Android 8 when it's available. (especially since it will get security updates too)
Is the bootloader just something you'd need if you're going to run another rom on the hardware? thanks!
Ipadlazy said:
A little confused here on that. I don't plan to root or flash over it's original setup. Though I'd like any security updates, and Android 8 when it's available. (especially since it will get security updates too)
Is the bootloader just something you'd need if you're going to run another rom on the hardware? thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, without root you would still get all the security updates, and firmware updates (like to Oreo).
But I prefer root because it lets me really OWN my phone. I can uninstall or install whatever I wish, I don't need carrier or manufacturer permission. With root, I can use Adaway to block ads (I'm aware there's a fairly good non-root method of blocking ads, but I prefer Adaway).
Many devs not only create custom ROMs with lots of extra features, but some devs even make "stock" firmware-based ROMs that are debloated and tweaked -- and always come with the latest security patches.
Or even keeping "stock" (factory) firmware, with root and Xposed framework installed (which works on Nougat now), you can use "Gravity Box"; it's a "module" that pretty much simulates a custom ROM. You can tweak the look of the status bar, you can change how the "recent" apps interface looks -- lots of stuff that makes the phone YOUR phone. Or you add single-purpose modules to add or tweak specific stuff.
Yes, you can download apps to do a few cool things, but without root apps don't have "system" access the way that is needed sometimes. "Root" is the same thing as being "administrator" of your PC. Without admin rights, you are just a "user", you don't really "own" it. You don't really control it.
XDA excels in dev work, and I like to take advantage of that.
bwilborn said:
Why don't you just order it from T-Mobile if you're worried about getting Band 71 support? I ordered mine on Thursday (the 5th), paid for overnight shipping, and had it by noon on Friday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because the carrier locked version will not have root or bootloader unlock. see this reply from @ChazzMatt:
ChazzMatt said:
Root has come to the U.S. version of the LG G6, if you buy the U.S. carrier unlocked version, which is also eligible for bootloader unlock. LG G6 US997. Don't buy carrier branded versions.
Here's the OFFICIAL LG bootloader unlock list:
http://developer.lge.com/resource/mobile/RetrieveBootloader.dev?categoryId=CTULRS0703
See the U.S. LG G6 US997?
Here's even a custom ROM specifically for the LG G6 U.S. carrier unlocked version:
[ROM][UNOFFICIAL][7.1.2]Dirty Unicorns 11.6[US997]
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g6/development/rom-dirty-unicorns-11-6-t3659943
So, same deal with the LG V30. Wait for the carrier unlocked version, which comes a few weeks after the carrier stores fleece the suckers.
I'm predicting mid-November.
Whenever it's released (carrier unlocked version), it will also be on that bootloader unlock list and can be rooted.
Apparently the carrier unlocked U.S. version which is bootloader unlock eligible will be LG V30 US998.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1357369-REG/lg_lgus998_ausasv_lg_v30_us998_64gb.html?email=
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sprke said:
I just purchased the US998 from US Cellular for use on T-Mobile. It was carrier unlocked out of the box and works perfectly on T-Mobile. I definitely want band 71 so I'm wondering how long it will take to know if this model can be boot loader unlocked and rooted..and also if band 71 can be enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if the T-Mobile version has the Sprint bands. The T-Mobile spec page is missing 25 & 26. Sounds like there's a merger coming.
My question is since LG announced bootloader unlock, with that can't we just flash the tmobile radio to the US998 and Band 71 becomes usable? or does boatloder unlock not free all the partitions like on HTC phones, with the S-on situation?
Also doesn bootloader unlock void warranty? my assumption is yes.
Thanks,
drago10029 said:
My question is since LG announced bootloader unlock, with that can't we just flash the tmobile radio to the US998 and Band 71 becomes usable? or does boatloder unlock not free all the partitions like on HTC phones, with the S-on situation?
Also doesn bootloader unlock void warranty? my assumption is yes.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With root you probably can. When we get bootloader unlock. We'll know then.
Sent from my official carrier unlocked LG V30+ US998
ChazzMatt said:
With root you probably can. When we get bootloader unlock. We'll know then.
Sent from my official carrier unlocked LG V30+ US998
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah lol i going back and forth between writing questions and researching phone info. forgot to remove that one lol
Related
I'm interested in the straight up, non-carrier version of the North American model of the LG G5. Not the carrier version, that will surely come pre-loaded with useless carrier apps. I made that mistake with the Galaxy S6 last year, and yeah I got my free year of Netflix, at the cost of my sanity dealing with invasive pre-loaded apps.
This year I want to buy a LG G5 in it's simplified glory, unlocked.
Does anyone know specifically where I can buy what I'm looking for? I don't want to buy a random G5 on eBay, and then have it turn out to be like a T mobile version or something.
B&H is advertising an unlocked North America LG G5 (model: RS988) on their site: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1239314-REG/lg_lgrs988_ausasv_g5_h850_32gb_smartphone.html
One caveat, they state that the phone's hardware supports North American carriers' GSM and CDMA networks, but they also state that its up to the carrier to allow activation of the device on their networks. Just because it supports Verizon's LTE bands and CDMA, doesn't mean they will let you use it.
Also, it's too early to tell whether or not the bootloader will be unlockable, which is a requirement to get root on Android 6.0/Marshmallow.
Canadian Model H831
LG website shows Canadian model: LGH831
Att us - h820
this is one thing I hate about LG, there is so many different models. Why cant they just slim the models?
billybob275 said:
B&H is advertising an unlocked North America LG G5 (model: RS988) on their site: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1239314-REG/lg_lgrs988_ausasv_g5_h850_32gb_smartphone.html
One caveat, they state that the phone's hardware supports North American carriers' GSM and CDMA networks, but they also state that its up to the carrier to allow activation of the device on their networks. Just because it supports Verizon's LTE bands and CDMA, doesn't mean they will let you use it.
Also, it's too early to tell whether or not the bootloader will be unlockable, which is a requirement to get root on Android 6.0/Marshmallow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know what the RS988 price is or if B&H accepts PayPal?
Chocolina said:
Do you know what the RS988 price is or if B&H accepts PayPal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I'm not sure yet. They will probably post it on their site in the next week or so.
billybob275 said:
B&H is advertising an unlocked North America LG G5 (model: RS988) on their site: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1239314-REG/lg_lgrs988_ausasv_g5_h850_32gb_smartphone.html
One caveat, they state that the phone's hardware supports North American carriers' GSM and CDMA networks, but they also state that its up to the carrier to allow activation of the device on their networks. Just because it supports Verizon's LTE bands and CDMA, doesn't mean they will let you use it.
Also, it's too early to tell whether or not the bootloader will be unlockable, which is a requirement to get root on Android 6.0/Marshmallow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i hope i can use on a verizon mvno and i also hope that the boot loader will be unlockable.
anyone know if i will be able to take advantage of the pre order deal if you ordered from them?
Verizon G5 = VS987
PROcede said:
Verizon G5 = VS987
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some models are: F700K/L/S, H820, H830, H831, H850, H860, H868, LS992, US992, RS988 and VS987
Full list of models and bands each phone supports can be found in my "General Thread" here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g5/how-to/info-autos-g5-thread-t3350648
T-Mobile USA is identified as LG-H830.
Does anyone who has a dual SIM version H860 or H860N or any other knows if when using only 1 SIM you have the no SIM icon on top (because of the second SIM empty slot)?
Thanks
gsanches said:
Does anyone who has a dual SIM version H860 or H860N or any other knows if when using only 1 SIM you have the no SIM icon on top (because of the second SIM empty slot)?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the H860N. I only use the SIM1 slot and there's no such empty SIM icon at the top.
Sent from my LG-H860 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Not sure if RS988 is equal to US992.
So In the last few weeks i have tried the Essential nice phone really like it.. but the camera on it sucks.. I purchased a one plus 5t but didnt work on verizon... So there is a bunch of v30s on various sale groups by me for half price but they are for tmobile im guessing from that buy one get one sale going on.. Can it work on verizon and if so what needs to be done to make it work?
thanks in advance.
umx said:
So In the last few weeks i have tried the Essential nice phone really like it.. but the camera on it sucks.. I purchased a one plus 5t but didnt work on verizon... So there is a bunch of v30s on various sale groups by me for half price but they are for tmobile im guessing from that buy one get one sale going on.. Can it work on verizon and if so what needs to be done to make it work?
thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Just like AT&T and T-mobile use HSPA as backup bands when LTE is not available, Verizon uses CDMA. The T-mobile H932 doesn't have CDMA. While you CAN enable Verizon LTE band 13 for instance via the "hidden menu" trick on the T-mobile H932, you can't enable CDMA.
The phone that would work for you is the U.S. Cellular V30 or V30+. It has the CDMA and LTE bands you need for Verizon.
Next week, the "open market" official carrier unlocked LG V30 US998 will be released and that will also have all the Verizon bands you need. It's basically the same model as the U.S. Cellular but will also be eligible for bootloader unlock, root, etc. If you don't care about those things, then go ahead and get the U.S. Cellular model US998. It's the "unofficial" carrier unlocked model, also numbered US998. It has GSM/CDMA/HSPA/LTE.
ChazzMatt said:
No. Just like AT&T and T-mobile use HSPA as backup bands when LTE is not available, Verizon uses CDMA. The T-mobile H932 doesn't have CDMA. While you CAN enable Verizon LTE band 13 for instance via the "hidden menu" trick on the T-mobile H932, you can't enable CDMA.
The phone that would work for you is the U.S. Cellular V30 or V30+. It has the CDMA and LTE bands you need for Verizon.
Next week, the "open market" official carrier unlocked LG V30 US998 will be released and that will also have all the Verizon bands you need. It's basically the same model as the U.S. Cellular but will also be eligible for bootloader unlock, root, etc. If you don't care about those things, then go ahead and get the U.S. Cellular model US998. It's the "unofficial" carrier unlocked model, also numbered US998.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahh dam ok, thanks for your reply.. Ill wait til amazon gets the v30+
So I stumbled upon a link that had supposed band support list for the unlocked v30 and I didn't see 71 on there, I'm really leaning towards the v30 so that once T-Mobile rolls out 600mhz more I can potentially make use of it, I drive truck so more dependability is a major plus, but if the unlocked version doesn't support it then I'll prob get something else until I find a phone that I want that does support it on the unlocked version pops up so all in all does anyone have a clue as to whether or not the unlocked version supports 600mhz band 71
anon3536 said:
So I stumbled upon a link that had supposed band support list for the unlocked v30 and I didn't see 71 on there, I'm really leaning towards the v30 so that once T-Mobile rolls out 600mhz more I can potentially make use of it, I drive truck so more dependability is a major plus, but if the unlocked version doesn't support it then I'll prob get something else until I find a phone that I want that does support it on the unlocked version pops up so all in all does anyone have a clue as to whether or not the unlocked version supports 600mhz band 71
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) There's already a thread to discuss this, started back in September :
T-mobile 600 MHz LTE band 71 on U.S. carrier unlocked LG V30 US998
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/t-mobile-600-mhz-lte-band-71-s-carrier-t3671351
2) There's a hidden menu on the US998 that may have band 71. It even says "T-mobile". The phone just got released yesterday, so no one has had time to mess with it.
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3) Root may enable band 71 by flashing T-mobile radio over it or you may need root to access that T-mobile hidden menu.
_______
Here's the LTE bands it does come with enabled -- but since all the North America LG V30 variants all have the same FCC ID, then that means they all have the same hardware (antennas). (If I'm wrong about them all having the same FCC ID, someone please provide proof. Because I've researched and only saw one instance of ONE phone being submitted to the FCC -- with all carrier variants using that same assigned FCC ID.) This means ALL the carrier variants (including U.S. Cellular US998) all CAN receive LTE band 71, but only T-mobile H932 has it currently enabled via firmware. Root can take care of that. Either through enabling that hidden menu above or through flashing the T-mobile radio over this phone.
ChazzMatt said:
1) There's a hidden menu on the US998 that may have band 71. It even says "T-mobile". The phone just got released yesterday, so no one has had time to mess with it.
2) Root may enable band 71 by flashing T-mobile radio over it or you may need root to access that T-mobile hidden menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the thoughts, I hope it does work out somewhere, hopefully soon cuz I was thinking about getting one as soon as I saw the unlocked go for sale but now if it turns out I won't even get that support I might just get the one plus 5t ( I know it doesn't include it but that was the main thing drawing me to the v30, wouldn't mind trying something else been on my nexus 6 for ages now lol)
anon3536 said:
Thanks for the thoughts, I hope it does work out somewhere, hopefully soon cuz I was thinking about getting one as soon as I saw the unlocked go for sale but now if it turns out I won't even get that support I might just get the one plus 5t ( I know it doesn't include it but that was the main thing drawing me to the v30, wouldn't mind trying something else been on my nexus 6 for ages now lol)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See the screenshot I posted probably after you posted. There's also already a thread to discuss this, started back in September when T-mobile SEEMED to say the unlocked US998 would support band 71, then they backed off.
But we got screenshots of the US998 hidden menu and there's hope.
ChazzMatt said:
...but since all the North America LG V30 variants all have the same FCC ID, then that means they all have the same hardware (antennas). (If I'm wrong about them all having the same FCC ID, someone please provide proof. Because I've researched and only saw one instance of ONE phone being submitted to the FCC -- with all carrier variants using that same assigned FCC ID.) This means ALL the carrier variants (including U.S. Cellular US998) all CAN receive LTE band 71, but only T-mobile H932 has it currently enabled via firmware. Root can take care of that. Either through enabling that hidden menu above or through flashing the T-mobile radio over this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't. Each of the variants have their own FCC filing under LG's mobile division FCC code (ZNF), you can search them up with this page;
VS998 (Verizon)
H932 (T-Mobile)
LS998 (Sprint?)
H930 (Korea)
V30A (US Cellular)
There's also the V300V, not sure what that's all about. There's a user manual here, it's in English and French, which might provide a clue.
There's no separate entry for the unlocked/base handset that I've seen.
Anyway, that's why I've been waiting with bated breath for a class II permissive change to the V30A, to "add" band 71 officially; it hasn't happened.
That's not to say that the hardware isn't the same, but it's disheartening to not see a C2PC filed. It makes no business sense for them to not file, since the unlocked variant would be pure profit for them...unless they were paid a hefty sum by T-Mobile to not do so for a time/at all, thus keeping the band carrier-exclusive.
If it's the latter - just a temporary exclusivity thing - they could claim later to have heard the voice of the people, and release an update that "adds" band 71, reaping the bit of positive publicity that comes with it. A bit scumbaggy, but eh, it's nothing compared to some of the blatantly anti-consumer crap that certain other manufacturers not only get away with, but seem to thrive while doing. I'm looking at you, Samsung.
I would be interested to see what FCCID is listed in the unlocked V30's menu (Settings > General > Regulatory & Safety). It's possible, even probable that it's V30A, same as the US Cellular one...but then the US Cellular handset is at least superficially slightly different (no bootloader unlock and/or likely neutered fastboot). They might have been sneaky and filed the unlocked one's stuff under a non-obvious FCCID.
Septfox said:
They don't. Each of the variants have their own FCC filing under LG's mobile division FCC code (ZNF), you can search them up with this page;
VS998 (Verizon)
H932 (T-Mobile)
LS998 (Sprint?)
H930 (Korea)
V30A (US Cellular)
There's also the V300V, not sure what that's all about. There's a user manual here, it's in English and French, which might provide a clue.
There's no separate entry for the unlocked/base handset that I've seen.
Anyway, that's why I've been waiting with bated breath for a class II permissive change to the V30A, to "add" band 71 officially; it hasn't happened.
That's not to say that the hardware isn't the same, but it's disheartening to not see a C2PC filed. It makes no business sense for them to not file, since the unlocked variant would be pure profit for them...unless they were paid a hefty sum by T-Mobile to not do so for a time/at all, thus keeping the band carrier-exclusive.
If it's the latter - just a temporary exclusivity thing - they could claim later to have heard the voice of the people, and release an update that "adds" band 71, reaping the bit of positive publicity that comes with it. A bit scumbaggy, but eh, it's nothing compared to some of the blatantly anti-consumer crap that certain other manufacturers not only get away with, but seem to thrive while doing. I'm looking at you, Samsung.
I would be interested to see what FCCID is listed in the unlocked V30's menu (Settings > General > Regulatory & Safety). It's possible, even probable that it's V30A, same as the US Cellular one...but then the US Cellular handset is at least superficially slightly different (no bootloader unlock and/or likely neutered fastboot). They might have been sneaky and filed the unlocked one's stuff under a non-obvious FCCID.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Septfox, THANK YOU for the info! Glad to hear your voice on this. You bring a lot of knowledge to the matter.
I searched for the V30 in the FCC files but you've had more skill than me. I only found the original V30A stuff.
By the way, the FCC ID for the unlocked US998 is also ZNFV30A. I do see a batch of "Class II Permissive Change" for that device in September. When I have time I'll have to search through and check the frequencies.
Also, see screenshot a few posts up of "T-mobile network mode" in the hidden menu, but seems to root to access. It's possible the band IS there but waiting to be unveiled by LG at at later date for unrooted users, as you said.
But that identical FCC ID brings up a lot of questions.
Does that mean if you could crack the bootloader of the U.S. Cellular model with an exploit, you would have full ADB flash commands?
Is it identical in every way to the "open market" version with the only difference being eligible IMEI on the LG Developer Bootloader Unlock List?
ChazzMatt said:
By the way, the FCC ID for the unlocked US998 is also ZNFV30A. I do see a batch of "Class II Permissive Change" for that device in September. When I have time I'll have to search through and check the frequencies.
Also, see screenshot a few posts up of "T-mobile network mode" in the hidden menu, but seems to root to access. It's possible the band IS there but waiting to be unveiled by LG at at later date for unrooted users, as you said.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The C2PCs filed so far are for NFC and various frequencies between 699.7mhz and 5825mhz. Looks like SAR rating stuff.
The T-mobile network mode thing is interesting, but I don't see why they would include it now, since it apparently doesn't have permissions to do anything. They would have to distribute an update to fix that, in which case...why not just include it in that update?
Maybe it's an easter egg/teaser that some developer slipped in. It's not like upper management would have noticed or cared about some multi-kilobyte extra package being included.
Alternatively, it could just be leftovers from when they were testing for T-Mobile, that never got removed from the build; I'd imagine the test handset(s) were unlocked and rooted so it had permissions. Could be taken as an indication that the base model had the band from the beginning and they simply never filed for it (to maintain aforementioned carrier exclusivity), who knows. Keeping my hopes hopeful but firmly in check.
ChazzMatt said:
But that identical FCC ID brings up a lot of questions.
Does that mean if you could crack the bootloader of the U.S. Cellular model with an exploit, you would have full ADB flash commands?
Is it identical in every way to the "open market" version with the only difference being eligible IMEI on the LG Developer Bootloader Unlock List?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that being electrically identical necessarily means it's identical in software, too, but...I would guess "yes" all 'round.
If the US Cellular bootloader is key-locked (unlike the other carriers' that were just "locked"), it'd seem to suggest that there's actually something to keep people away from. Unlike the other variants, where they don't have to care because no fastboot commands means no flashing software which means no flashing fastboot to fix the missing fastboot commands
Speaking of which, seems like the only recourse there is to somehow get ahold of a trusted LG update containing a fully-functional version of fastboot, but I'm not even sure carrier updates can touch those partitions, nor do they have any incentive to turn control of the device over.
And yea, I think so. I was under the impression before that LG distributed a tool to unlock phones with, but it sounds like it's the good ol' "send us your IMEI so we can warranty-blacklist it" sort of deal. Entirely up to them as to whether the bootloader is actually unlockable, unless something SunShine-esque is found : \
@ChazzMatt Was there ever a resolution to this? I can't seem to find anyone who positively was able to get to band 71. No matter what I choose from the TMo hidden menu as far as bands are concerned, the LTE Band Selector page never shows anything higher than Band 40, which leads me to believe I might be SOL when it comes to TMo service on 66 or 71. Has anyone successfully flashed the TMo modem onto a US998 (frankenstein'd LS998)?
hellodmo said:
@ChazzMatt Was there ever a resolution to this? I can't seem to find anyone who positively was able to get to band 71. No matter what I choose from the TMo hidden menu as far as bands are concerned, the LTE Band Selector page never shows anything higher than Band 40, which leads me to believe I might be SOL when it comes to TMo service on 66 or 71. Has anyone successfully flashed the TMo modem onto a US998 (frankenstein'd LS998)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have LTE band 66 with US998. However, LTE band 71 indeed appears to be T-Mobile H932 exclusive for 2017 phones.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
I just want to double confirm before my order from B&H ships.... the unlocked V30 fully supports all Verizon bands and I'll have no issues activating, correct?
I live in an area that still heavily swtiches between CDMA bands and LTE bands which is also one of the only reasons I stay with Verizon. I thought I was good to go, but noticed on the Best Buy unlocked V30 sales page they specifically call out support for GSM, but make no mention of Verzion support.
If the unlocked V30 doesn't have all the bands, then I'll need to buy a bloated locked down version from Verizon instead.
thanks for any insight.
yes, it has all the CDMA and Verizon bands.
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Unlocked-v30
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ChazzMatt said:
yes, it has all the CDMA and Verizon bands.
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Unlocked-v30
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're stalking me, lol.
thank you... I read through this entire thread too and it didn't help much.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/lg-lacking-frequency-bands-compared-to-t3704491
That puts my mind at more ease about the order.
teknomedic said:
I think you're stalking me, lol.
thank you... I read through this entire thread too and it didn't help much.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/lg-lacking-frequency-bands-compared-to-t3704491
That puts my mind at more ease about the order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah and the B&H Photo website isn't too helpful either - if you're looking at their carrier specific compatibility columns.
I mean, they're a retailer, not tech support. But their LG V30 page says it supports T-Mobile bands 2 and 4 -- even though in another section it clearly lists EVERY T-Mobile HSPA and LTE band except for LTE band 71 (which possibly be enabled via the hidden menu with root). But someone was complaining this unlocked LG V30 only had LTE T-Mobile bands 2 & 4, when the article they were commenting on (RIGHT ABOVE THEIR COMMENTS) clearly listed ALL the bands I show in that screenshot in the post above.
Somehow they were obsessing over the incomplete "T-Mobile" listing on the B&H Photo website (a link to B&H Photo was in the article), and they had missed not only the bands listed in the article, but even the complete listing of bands on B&H Photo website.
Another guy said "it doesn't even have all the AT&T LTE bands."
YES, it does! They're missing the forest trying to look at the trees.
RE: LG V30 - US998 Model - US Cellular on box
ChazzMatt said:
yes, it has all the CDMA and Verizon bands.
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Unlocked-v30
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to confirm that an LG V30 model US998 (which has US Cellular listed on the box near the IMEI number) will work on Verizon? US Cellular model is same as unlocked version of the V30?
koozer said:
Just wanted to confirm that an LG V30 model US998 (which has US Cellular listed on the box near the IMEI number) will work on Verizon? US Cellular model is same as unlocked version of the V30?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, exact same band specs -- including being carrier unlocked -- except U.S.Cellular model won't be eligible for LG official bootloader unlock.
---------- Post added at 12:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:49 AM ----------
teknomedic said:
I just want to double confirm before my order from B&H ships.... the unlocked V30 fully supports all Verizon bands and I'll have no issues activating, correct?
I live in an area that still heavily swtiches between CDMA bands and LTE bands which is also one of the only reasons I stay with Verizon. I thought I was good to go, but noticed on the Best Buy unlocked V30 sales page they specifically call out support for GSM, but make no mention of Verzion support.
If the unlocked V30 doesn't have all the bands, then I'll need to buy a bloated locked down version from Verizon instead.
thanks for any insight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one thing Verizon gets prickly about is "activating" a non-Verizon branded phone (i.e. giving you a new SIM card). Simple workaround is using an already activated SIM card from current Verizon phone. Everyone does that. THEN, inform Verizon of your new purchase. So, they can update your provisioning.
If it's not the same size SIM card, there's cheap SIM card cutters on eBay that work well. (But every phone for the past three years now use the small nano SIM cards.)
ChazzMatt said:
Yes, exact same band specs -- including being carrier unlocked -- except U.S.Cellular model won't be eligible for LG official bootloader unlock.
---------- Post added at 12:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:49 AM ----------
The one thing Verizon gets prickly about is "activating" a non-Verizon branded phone (i.e. giving you a new SIM card). Simple workaround is using an already activated SIM card from current Verizon phone. Everyone does that. THEN, inform Verizon of your new purchase. So, they can update your provisioning.
If it's not the same size SIM card, there's cheap SIM card cutters on eBay that work well. (But every phone for the past three years now use the small nano SIM cards.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Running a Verizon Droid Turbo and iirc it uses a nano size sim.
Is there any benefit to buying a new sim... like with provisioning or security or faster speeds?
teknomedic said:
Running a Verizon Droid Turbo and iirc it uses a nano size sim.
Is there any benefit to buying a new sim... like with provisioning or security or faster speeds?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I also have a Quark, the Moto XT1225, the "international" version of the Droid Turbo.
A new SIM card won't necessarily give you any benefits, but Verizon knowing what phone you have for provisioning will.
You'll get all the bands, all the speed you're supposed you get. For instance, this phone has a gigabit modem. If Verizon still thinks you have a 2014 Motorola phone, instead of 2017 LG cutting edge phone you may limited.
I know I had to tell AT&T I had a "Nexus 6". I didn't, but it was the closest thing they had in their device database to the Moto Maxx XT1225, and it ensured I got their then-new LTE band 5, which my previous LG Nexus 5 couldn't receive.
I'll do the same with AT&T next week. I'll again have a non AT&T branded phone, and using it on AT&T. But this time they have a V30 in their database.
People who buy from carriers don't have to worry about this, it gets done by the rep when they buy the phone. But when you buy a carrier unlocked version, non carrier branded version, yes.
If I end up with the US Cellular one how would I bring it over to Verizon assuming I have no existing active sim with them?
Nevermind, found your post.
How do I tell the difference between the US Cellular US998 and open market one when buying?
Found that too.
sneak310 said:
If I end up with the US Cellular one how would I bring it over to Verizon assuming I have no existing active sim with them?
Nevermind, found your post.
How do I tell the difference between the US Cellular US998 and open market one when buying?
Found that too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of those was written last January 2018 and is outdated. Now you can easily convert Sprint LS998 to almost any other North America V30 variant, including Verizon VS996 or US998
I've bought two LS998 V30+ and converted them to US998 V30+.
It's best to have an existing Verizon SIM for converted phones, if you see using Verizon.
The WTF INSTRUCTIONS are current.
There's NO difference in US CELLULAR and Open Market US998 -- except eligibility for official LG bootloader unlock, which we do not need. We can unlock our bootloader at will, don't need LG permission.
ChazzMatt said:
One of those was written last January and is outdated. Now you can easily convert LS998 to almost any other North America V30 variant.
I've bought two LS998 V30+ and converted them to US998 V30+.
It's best to have an existing Verizon SIM for converted phones, if you see using Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but they cost more. I was considering this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US998-64GB-GSM-Unlocked-Smartphone-Silver-Mint
Well, there's an LS998 on eBay for $360 which is not bad considering the price of a US998 V30+ but I'm not sure it will be around when I can afford it. Would there be ANY differences at all (besides storage space) by converting an LS998?
Actually considering the space addition I could skip for now or entirely avoid buying an SD by converting the LS998 so for the price difference of $40 that's not bad, considering it would cost $60 for a 256GB Samsung EVO SD. I presume whatever storage is included in the phone is adequate for all forms of video capture since it's a video capture focused phone, but I'm not that concerned about pictures and videos anyway. I just like the phone for it's overall value and power.
I'm currently on ATT with a Nexus 5 and have nobody with a Verizon SIM.
sneak310 said:
Thanks but they cost more. I was considering this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US998-64GB-GSM-Unlocked-Smartphone-Silver-Mint
I'm currently on ATT with a Nexus 5 and have nobody with a Verizon SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on AT&T. You want to switch to Verizon?
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
I'm on AT&T. You want to switch to Verizon?
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering it because 13 years ago I had Verizon and they had nice customer support and service. ATT service seems fine but when there are occasional issues and I do need to contact them to have them resolve it because there's nothing I can do on my end, they could be better. I know historically that Verizon has better coverage than ATT too so I don't see a big deal in at least giving them a shot considering I can go back to ATT whenever I want (using prepaid at ATT and will be using prepaid at Verizon). I dislike Sprint and T-Mobile.
Would there be ANY differences at all (besides storage space) by converting an LS998?
sneak310 said:
Thanks but they cost more. I was considering this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US998-64GB-GSM-Unlocked-Smartphone-Silver-Mint
Well, there's an LS998 on eBay for $360 which is not bad considering the price of a US998 V30+ but I'm not sure it will be around when I can afford it. Would there be ANY differences at all (besides storage space) by converting an LS998?
Actually considering the space addition I could skip for now or entirely avoid buying an SD by converting the LS998 so for the price difference of $40 that's not bad, considering it would cost $60 for a 256GB Samsung EVO SD. I presume whatever storage is included in the phone is adequate for all forms of video capture since it's a video capture focused phone, but I'm not that concerned about pictures and videos anyway. I just like the phone for it's overall value and power.
I'm currently on ATT with a Nexus 5 and have nobody with a Verizon SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most US998 on eBay are converted LS998. Dealers are selling mint LS998/US998 V30+ for less than $300. They often convert them to US998, as those are carrier unlock and more popular.
"New" US998 are often factory refurbished, but after in pristine condition.
I just bought "new" US998 V30+ from online Walmart ($380) -- and it's a former LS998 V30+, now on US998 Nougat. I'm confused, but at least it comes with two year warranty.
---------- Post added at 02:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:33 AM ----------
sneak310 said:
Would there be ANY differences at all (besides storage space) by converting an LS998?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-LS998-128GB-Titan-Black-Sprint-Smartphone-A-Mint-/192609345150
Converting to US998 gives you full US998. I've used these on ATT and others have used on Verizon.
ChazzMatt said:
Most US998 on eBay are converted LS998. Dealers are selling mint LS998/US998 V30+ for less than $300. They often convert them to US998, as those are carrier unlock and more popular.
"New" US998 are often factory refurbished, but after in pristine condition.
I just bought "new" US998 V30+ from online Walmart ($380) -- and it's a former LS998 V30+, now on US998 Nougat. I'm confused, but at least it comes with two year warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not allowed on eBay to sell a refurb as new. If they scam like that, the seller and eBay will both be harassed endlessly until they make up for their scam by, at the very least, providing a full refund and paying for the return shipping.
When you say you bought a US998 "and it's a former LS998 V30+" do you mean that you bought it as an LS998 V30+ and converted it yourself or that it was sold to you as a US998 V30+ which you know was converted before being sold? If the latter, how do you know?
Also, regarding LS998 V30+ and US998 V30, there are none new for under $300. Only used listings exist and don't even come with the official charger. Items listed as new aren't allowed to come with the charger that isn't normally provided, but some sellers are wrongly listing those as "new" instead of "new (other)" as they should be. Even if they came with the charger, the fact that they're used means I'd much rather spend $20-60 more for a US998 V30 or LS998 V30+ if it's going to be new. I expect used products of this price to have more of a discount than $20-60 (which again, is actually less than that since the charger is often not included).
I've only really been checking Amazon and eBay.
Amazon V30+ LS998
Amazon V30 US998
eBay V30+ LS998
eBay V30 US998
ChazzMatt said:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-LS998-128GB-Titan-Black-Sprint-Smartphone-A-Mint-/192609345150
Converting to US998 gives you full US998. I've used these on ATT and others have used on Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I wanted to be sure there aren't any drawbacks.
sneak310 said:
When you say you bought a US998 "and it's a former LS998 V30+" do you mean that you bought it as an LS998 V30+ and converted it yourself or that it was sold to you as a US998 V30+ which you know was converted before being sold? If the latter, how do you know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because the box from Walmart says LS998 on the side, the phone has the same IMEI as on the box, but the firmware on the phone is Nougat US998.
No, I didn't come convert it.
Walmart is selling these as new, carrier unlocked V30+.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/LG-V30-128GB-Unlocked-GSM-4G-LTE-Android-Phone-Aurora-Black/272122892
ChazzMatt said:
Because the box from Walmart says LS998 on the side, the phone has the same IMEI as in the box, but the firmware on the phone is Nougat US998.
No, I didn't come convert it.
Walmart is selling these as new, carrier unlocked V30+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, only seeing it for $399 at Walmart.
sneak310 said:
Yeah, only seeing it for $399 at Walmart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was $380 a couple of weeks ago. They've raised the price back.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
It was $380 a couple of weeks ago. They've raised the price back.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the reason there are missing bands on the LS998 version because they're hidden by the ROM or does the radio actually lack some bands compared to the US998?
sneak310 said:
Is the reason there are missing bands on the LS998 version because they're hidden by the ROM or does the radio actually lack some bands compared to the US998?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The hardware is identical, the firmware is different.
When you convert (Frankenstein) the North America phones to another North America phone, it totally becomes the phone, with all the bands. You gain/lose bands based on the variant you are flashing. For instance, flashing AT&T H931 to US998, you lose a couple minor AT&T bands but gain CDMA bands and unlocked carrier status, as well as fastboot flash commands.
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Unlocked-v30
US998
CDMA: 800 MHz CDMA
2G GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
3G UMTS (HSPA):850/900/1900/2100 MHz
4G LTE Bands: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12(17)/13/20/25/66
If you have"H930" (either actual or converted), you will either have these bands:
2G GSM: 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G (HSPA): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/8/12/17/20/28/38
Flashing LS998 to US998, you lose a couple of Sprint bands but gain others, as well as carrier unlock status, and fastboot flash commands.
Similarly, flashing LS998 to VS996, it becomes VS996 with all VS996 bands. But if you want root, you first have to convert to US998 at least temporarily, to get fastboot flash commands. Then after bootloader unlock and TWRP installation, you can convert to VS996.
But the caveat is Verizon may not accept a former Sprint phone converted to US998 or VS996 for new SIM card activation, as the IMEI database will show the the original status. Whereas, 0tthers have gotten Verizon MNVOs to activate former LS998 just fine. But with Verizon mothership you probably need an already activated SIM card.
Hi,
I'm new here, and honestly know very little of the stuff I'm asking about, but here it goes, hopefully someone will be able to explain it to me. My phone (iPhone 5S) just broke, but I had been looking to buy a new one for some time anyway, and seriously considering the LG V30 or the V35 ThinQ, mostly cause of the headphone jack and Quad DAC + wide angle camera. The problem is, I'm looking to buy a refurbished one on eBay.com (US site), since I've found some really good deals there (unlike on European eBay sites), but I'm afraid of carrier issues I may encounter, specially considering I live in Spain and most of these seem to be "unlocked" phones from the US that were once network connected or something along those lines. I really don't know anything about how these things work, what unlocked / IMEI / GSM / CDMA / whatever means, and we don't usually have carrier exclusive phones over here, so I'm kind of worried about it all. I'm also afraid of how this is going to affect updates, since I know LG is already pretty slow but I've heard US carriers add another layer of complications when it comes to that, though seeing as these are supposed to be unlocked this shouldn't be a problem? No idea really.
For example, right now I'm looking at this LG V35 ThinQ deal on eBay, great price, plus the seller allows returns, has really good reputations and feedback, even on the product itself. However, isn't the V35 supposed to be AT&T exclusive? It says it's unlocked, but I don't know what to make of it. Should I just try and find a deal on the V30 instead? Even some of those seem to be carrier connected somehow though, like I see there's different models of the V30, some are HXXXX, others VOXXXX, etc. I guess if I could choose I'd prefer the V35, but it's not even available on Europe, and that makes me even more wary.
Hopefully some of you can shed some light on this and tell me whether buying from eBay is a good idea in my case, or what I could do instead. Honestly coming from Apple all of these different models for the same phone are making things very confusing, but I really wanna make the switch, since both the LG V30 and the V35 seem to be really great phones (despite how huge they are... hope I can get used to it). And by the way, in case that helps, my network in Spain is Movistar.
Thanks, and have a good one.
ChazzMatt is a wealth of knowledge on these matters, but I will tell you what I think. I did a check here for the US998 (V30) on your carrier in Spain: https://www.frequencycheck.com/carr...SV/lg-us998-v30-td-lte-lg-joan/movistar-spain
From what it says, the US998 will work on your carrier without issue. This means you have the choice of getting many variants (eg LS998, VS996, etc) that Chazz showed on the WTF thread (see post 193 here https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76584629&postcount=193 ), hack that phone to US998 (via Frankenstein method) and it will work great. Note, as noted there, don't get an H932 as it's different... in reality, you may be able to get that to work as well these days, but I found it was easier to get LS998 or US998. That's what I did for our two phones - I got 2 US998s. (I converted mine to VS996 for other reasons - you won't need to.)
V35 by itself doesn't tell us enough - you need to know the model number. Please be careful when talking any phones, as the model number is what's most important! Some V35s are apparently V30+, others are different and won't work with any of the steps here... so again, be careful.
I'd say, stick to US998 or LS998, and you should be fine, but let the expert confirm!
Oh yeah, and congrats for leaving the Crapple world! Needless to say I'm not a fan, for many good/real reasons. Many of my friends have switched when they learned how much better things can be on Android.
JayKiddo said:
Hi,
I'm new here, and honestly know very little of the stuff I'm asking about, but here it goes, hopefully someone will be able to explain it to me. My phone (iPhone 5S) just broke, but I had been looking to buy a new one for some time anyway, and seriously considering the LG V30 or the V35 ThinQ, mostly cause of the headphone jack and Quad DAC + wide angle camera. The problem is, I'm looking to buy a refurbished one on eBay.com (US site), since I've found some really good deals there (unlike on European eBay sites), but I'm afraid of carrier issues I may encounter, specially considering I live in Spain and most of these seem to be "unlocked" phones from the US that were once network connected or something along those lines. I really don't know anything about how these things work, what unlocked / IMEI / GSM / CDMA / whatever means, and we don't usually have carrier exclusive phones over here, so I'm kind of worried about it all. I'm also afraid of how this is going to affect updates, since I know LG is already pretty slow but I've heard US carriers add another layer of complications when it comes to that, though seeing as these are supposed to be unlocked this shouldn't be a problem? No idea really.
For example, right now I'm looking at this LG V35 ThinQ deal on eBay, great price, plus the seller allows returns, has really good reputations and feedback, even on the product itself. However, isn't the V35 supposed to be AT&T exclusive? It says it's unlocked, but I don't know what to make of it. Should I just try and find a deal on the V30 instead? Even some of those seem to be carrier connected somehow though, like I see there's different models of the V30, some are HXXXX, others VOXXXX, etc. I guess if I could choose I'd prefer the V35, but it's not even available on Europe, and that makes me even more wary.
Hopefully some of you can shed some light on this and tell me whether buying from eBay is a good idea in my case, or what I could do instead. Honestly coming from Apple all of these different models for the same phone are making things very confusing, but I really wanna make the switch, since both the LG V30 and the V35 seem to be really great phones (despite how huge they are... hope I can get used to it). And by the way, in case that helps, my network in Spain is Movistar.
Thanks, and have a good one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Spain you will need GSM/HPSA/LTE.
V30
For the V30, the US998 (which is officially carrier unlocked model) it has all those plus CMDA (which you don't need, but doesn't hurt). The US998 was designated to be the "universal" V30/V30+ for North America. I'm going to briefly discuss the others just so you sort of know the difference. Others like U.S T-mobile H932, are locked to T-mobile and have an extra LTE band 71, which only T-mobile uses and would not benefit you whatsoever. Others like Verizon VS996 are already unlocked, but often give you a nag screen when rebooting if a Verizon SIM card is not inserted; as if you didn't know. The Canada H931 is carrier unlocked. The Sprint LS998 is carrier locked to Sprint, and the only way to carrier unlock it is to "Frankenstein" convert it to US998 (or some other carrier unlocked model like Canada H931 or Verizon VS996). AT&T H931 is carrier locked, but can be carrier unlocked by Frankenstein converted to a carrier unlocked model. With Frankenstein, whatever North American V30 phone you are flashing BECOMES the other model. You will see some eBay dealers incorrectly saying the US998 is locked to U.S. Cellular (a carrier here in the U.S.); this comes from them not knowing what they are selling. Yes, SOME US998 were sold by U.S. Cellular, but the US998 was the designated "open market" carrier unlocked model for North America and no US998 is carrier locked whatsoever. LG also sold the US998 through authorized 3rd party retailers like B&H Photo. They were all carrier unlocked, designed to be used with any carrier.
The other caveat is some of these are 64GB (VS996, H931, H933) while others have 128GB available like the US998 V30+ and the LS998 V30+. US998 also comes in 64GB model, but you might as well buy the V30+ (128GB).
The reason I mention "Frankenstein" is because there was a huge glut of Sprint LS998 V30+ on the market, and we found you could buy one and easily convert it to US998 V30+. I bought two and did that. No longer locked to Sprint, has fastboot flash commands and easily rooted (you probably don't care about that), and much less money than "native" US998 V30+ at the time. Dealers quickly figured this out also. In fact, most "new" or "mint" US998 V30+ you see on eBay for very good price are probably former LS998 V30+. That's OK.
So, it's no longer necessary to buy an LS998 V30+ to convert to US998 V30+, as the dealers have probably done it for you (or at least converted to the Nougat stage).
For your purposes, US998 (especially the V30+) is probably what you want of the North America V30 world. I have not mentioned the "European" H930 (64GB) or H930G (128GB) or the dual SIM H930DS (128GB), as importing those to U.S. for eBay sellers here make them more expensive.
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Unlocked-v30
US998 V30/v30+/V30S
CDMA: 800 MHz CDMA
2G GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
3G UMTS (HSPA):850/900/1900/2100 MHz
4G LTE Bands: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12(17)/13/20/25/66
UPDATES
You will probably have to manually update the phone through software known as LGUP. New firmware images called KDZ are posted publicly here and on other websites. Takes 5 minutes, whenever you want, and you simply choose "Upgrade" mode. LG releases updates every 2 or 3 months.
You will also hear about checking for updates via LG Bridge (another piece of LG software), but it's better to just download the KDZ you need and use LGUP than to constantly have to fire up LG Bridge and check.
If you bought a "native" US998 V30+, you possibly would receive OTA updates. However, between the three native US998 V30 & V30+ I own, I've only received ONE OTA update in 1.5 years, and that was early on. So, don't depend on that.
You probably don't care about bootloader unlock and rooting, but for those who do ALL V30/V30+/V30S variants can be bootloader unlocked and rooted. That cannot be said for V35.
________
V35
Basically 2018 updated version of the 2017 V30. Snapdragon 845 vs Snapdragon 835. Has 6GB RAM, while most of the V30 (except for the V30S) has 4GB RAM. However, I've owned several V30/V30+ and none are slow. Downside: comes in 64GB, whereas many V30 have 128GB internal memory. Yes, allegedly there is a V35+ (128GB) but I've only seen it mentioned on websites and can not actually buy one here in the U.S. or even over the internet.
The main U.S. V35 variant is sold by AT&T and is ostensibly locked to AT&T. Meaning that only AT&T network SIM cards will work. However, if the dealer says it's "unlocked", then mean they have entered the code to carrier unlock the phone, which AT&T allows when the phone is paid in full. You can usually buy with confidence these "unlocked" phones. One way or another, they have been unlocked. (Any "carrier unlocked" LS998 V30+ you see online means it's been converted to US998 to be carrier unlocked.)
While AT&T was the first to sell the LG V35, it's also now sold other places as well, like for Google Fi and some Latin American countries. So, it's no longer an AT&T exclusive and never was. AT&T was just the first. Having said that, the ones for the least price will probably be the AT&T V35 models. As long as it's advertised as "unlocked", you are OK.
UPDATES
For AT&T LG V35 (even if carrier unlocked) you can only get updates while connected to AT&T SIM card or through one AT&T-affiliated MVNO called Red Pocket. (If there are other AT&T-affiliated MVNOs that allow updates, it's not been confirmed.) This is the same situation if you buy an AT&T H931 V30. AT&T wants you to be their customer and they do not release KDZ to the general public, nor allow updates to be sent to non-AT&T customers.
However, this is only true if you keep the AT&T firmware (AWM). For V35, you can cross-flash to the OTHER V35 firmware (ULM) and be up to date. This would again use LGUP. I just bought an AT&T V35 and the previous owner (who still uses V30+ as his daily phone and is active in this forum) cross flashed it to non-AT&T firmware to debloat it and to update it. I will continue to use my own (rooted) US998 V30+ as my daily phone, but this V35 looks interesting.
For others who may be reading this, right now (end of March 2019) the only way to bootloader unlock and root the V35 is to buy one from China with that already done. However there is no TWRP yet for V35. @runningnak3d is working on all that.
Here are the frequencies you will get with the LG 35 Google Fi version. I assume if you cross flash the AT&T V35 you will receive all these bands if you don't have all these bands? I'm asking in the V35 forum to confirm this assumption... With the V30, when you cross flash North America variants to Frankenstein them, it converts them totally to the other variant.
LG V35 Google Fi bands
https://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-V350ULM-Google-Fi-v35-thinq
GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz;
UMTS (HSPA): 850/900/1700/2100 MHz;
LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/66
__________
CONCLUSION
I'm more comfortable recommending the US998 V30+ (128GB) to you right now, but an "unlocked" AT&T V35 (64GB) (especially if cross flashed to Google Fi firmware) would work well for you -- if the 64GB storage size (plus microSD card) fits your lifestyle and you don't care about bootloader unlocking/rooting (at least right now).
* With US998, you will have to update via LGUP using "Upgrade" mode once you download the KDZ. That's not hard.
* With AT&T V35, if you want updates, you will have to cross flash to different firmware first, then continue to update via LGUP using "Upgrade" mode. That's not hard either, but it depends on how comfortable you are doing stuff like that.
schwinn8 said:
ChazzMatt is a wealth of knowledge on these matters, but I will tell you what I think. I did a check here for the US998 (V30) on your carrier in Spain: https://www.frequencycheck.com/carr...SV/lg-us998-v30-td-lte-lg-joan/movistar-spain
From what it says, the US998 will work on your carrier without issue. This means you have the choice of getting many variants (eg LS998, VS996, etc) that Chazz showed on the WTF thread (see post 193 here https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76584629&postcount=193 ), hack that phone to US998 (via Frankenstein method) and it will work great. Note, as noted there, don't get an H932 as it's different... in reality, you may be able to get that to work as well these days, but I found it was easier to get LS998 or US998. That's what I did for our two phones - I got 2 US998s. (I converted mine to VS996 for other reasons - you won't need to.)
V35 by itself doesn't tell us enough - you need to know the model number. Please be careful when talking any phones, as the model number is what's most important! Some V35s are apparently V30+, others are different and won't work with any of the steps here... so again, be careful.
I'd say, stick to US998 or LS998, and you should be fine, but let the expert confirm!
Oh yeah, and congrats for leaving the Crapple world! Needless to say I'm not a fan, for many good/real reasons. Many of my friends have switched when they learned how much better things can be on Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the late reply, kinda been busy with things and didn't want to just write a short reply, and thanks a lot for the "Frequency Check" website link, didn't know that was a thing I could use. I do worry about the message below the page though, saying "A matching frequency band does not guarantee coverage. There may be additional network or device software restrictions that prevent a device from connecting on a certain frequency. Additionally, certain bands may only be available regionally within a country." Does that mean I can't really be to sure it'll work even if it's supposed to be compatible? I wouldn't really want to take the risk it if that's the case.
Also, I've checked the LG V35 with my carrier Movistar, since preferably I'd choose it over the V30, and if I'm not selecting the wrong model (the eBay listing I'm looking at says model number is LM-V350A on the title, then V350AWM in the details, guessing that's the LMV350AWMH model from the Frequency Check website? Not one model number matches exactly for some reason), it says it only supports GSM, not UMTS or LTE. I don't know if this is any relevant, but whenever I used data on my old phone, the top side of the screen where you see the network name, Wi-Fi connection, etc. (at least on iOS not sure about Android) usually said LTE (or 3G if there wasn't any 4G connection available), so I'm guessing that means the LG V35 won't work well with my carrier Movistar. Kind of a bummer to be honest. Maybe I'm just getting confused at what all of these things actually mean, but if I understand correctly, if my carrier uses LTE and the V35 doesn't support any of its LTE bands that just means I wouldn't be able to use data, right? I don't really understand why these type of restrictions need to be put in place, if the phone is capable of 4G connection it should just work in every country with whichever carrier.
ChazzMatt said:
In Spain you will need GSM/HPSA/LTE.
V30
For the V30, the US998 (which is officially carrier unlocked model) it has all those plus CMDA (which you don't need, but doesn't hurt). The US998 was designated to be the "universal" V30/V30+ for North America. I'm going to briefly discuss the others just so you sort of know the difference. Others like U.S T-mobile H932, are locked to T-mobile and have an extra LTE band 71, which only T-mobile uses and would not benefit you whatsoever. Others like Verizon VS996 are already unlocked, but often give you a nag screen when rebooting if a Verizon SIM card is not inserted; as if you didn't know. The Canada H931 is carrier unlocked. The Sprint LS998 is carrier locked to Sprint, and the only way to carrier unlock it is to "Frankenstein" convert it to US998 (or some other carrier unlocked model like Canada H931 or Verizon VS996). AT&T H931 is carrier locked, but can be carrier unlocked by Frankenstein converted to a carrier unlocked model. With Frankenstein, whatever North American V30 phone you are flashing BECOMES the other model. You will see some eBay dealers incorrectly saying the US998 is locked to U.S. Cellular (a carrier here in the U.S.); this comes from them not knowing what they are selling. Yes, SOME US998 were sold by U.S. Cellular, but the US998 was the designated "open market" carrier unlocked model for North America and no US998 is carrier locked whatsoever. LG also sold the US998 through authorized 3rd party retailers like B&H Photo. They were all carrier unlocked, designed to be used with any carrier.
The other caveat is some of these are 64GB (VS996, H931, H933) while others have 128GB available like the US998 V30+ and the LS998 V30+. US998 also comes in 64GB model, but you might as well buy the V30+ (128GB).
The reason I mention "Frankenstein" is because there was a huge glut of Sprint LS998 V30+ on the market, and we found you could buy one and easily convert it to US998 V30+. I bought two and did that. No longer locked to Sprint, has fastboot flash commands and easily rooted (you probably don't care about that), and much less money than "native" US998 V30+ at the time. Dealers quickly figured this out also. In fact, most "new" or "mint" US998 V30+ you see on eBay for very good price are probably former LS998 V30+. That's OK.
So, it's no longer necessary to buy an LS998 V30+ to convert to US998 V30+, as the dealers have probably done it for you (or at least converted to the Nougat stage).
For your purposes, US998 (especially the V30+) is probably what you want of the North America V30 world. I have not mentioned the "European" H930 (64GB) or H930G (128GB) or the dual SIM H930DS (128GB), as importing those to U.S. for eBay sellers here make them more expensive.
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Unlocked-v30
US998 V30/v30+/V30S
CDMA: 800 MHz CDMA
2G GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
3G UMTS (HSPA):850/900/1900/2100 MHz
4G LTE Bands: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12(17)/13/20/25/66
UPDATES
You will probably have to manually update the phone through software known as LGUP. New firmware images called KDZ are posted publicly here and on other websites. Takes 5 minutes, whenever you want, and you simply choose "Upgrade" mode. LG releases updates every 2 or 3 months.
You will also hear about checking for updates via LG Bridge (another piece of LG software), but it's better to just download the KDZ you need and use LGUP than to constantly have to fire up LG Bridge and check.
If you bought a "native" US998 V30+, you possibly would receive OTA updates. However, between the three native US998 V30 & V30+ I own, I've only received ONE OTA update in 1.5 years, and that was early on. So, don't depend on that.
You probably don't care about bootloader unlock and rooting, but for those who do ALL V30/V30+/V30S variants can be bootloader unlocked and rooted. That cannot be said for V35.
________
V35
Basically 2018 updated version of the 2017 V30. Snapdragon 845 vs Snapdragon 835. Has 6GB RAM, while most of the V30 (except for the V30S) has 4GB RAM. However, I've owned several V30/V30+ and none are slow. Downside: comes in 64GB, whereas many V30 have 128GB internal memory. Yes, allegedly there is a V35+ (128GB) but I've only seen it mentioned on websites and can not actually buy one here in the U.S. or even over the internet.
The main U.S. V35 variant is sold by AT&T and is ostensibly locked to AT&T. Meaning that only AT&T network SIM cards will work. However, if the dealer says it's "unlocked", then mean they have entered the code to carrier unlock the phone, which AT&T allows when the phone is paid in full. You can usually buy with confidence these "unlocked" phones. One way or another, they have been unlocked. (Any "carrier unlocked" LS998 V30+ you see online means it's been converted to US998 to be carrier unlocked.)
While AT&T was the first to sell the LG V35, it's also now sold other places as well, like for Google Fi and some Latin American countries. So, it's no longer an AT&T exclusive and never was. AT&T was just the first. Having said that, the ones for the least price will probably be the AT&T V35 models. As long as it's advertised as "unlocked", you are OK.
UPDATES
For AT&T LG V35 (even if carrier unlocked) you can only get updates while connected to AT&T SIM card or through one AT&T-affiliated MVNO called Red Pocket. (If there are other AT&T-affiliated MVNOs that allow updates, it's not been confirmed.) This is the same situation if you buy an AT&T H931 V30. AT&T wants you to be their customer and they do not release KDZ to the general public, nor allow updates to be sent to non-AT&T customers.
However, this is only true if you keep the AT&T firmware (AWM). For V35, you can cross-flash to the OTHER V35 firmware (ULM) and be up to date. This would again use LGUP. I just bought an AT&T V35 and the previous owner (who still uses V30+ as his daily phone and is active in this forum) cross flashed it to non-AT&T firmware to debloat it and to update it. I will continue to use my own (rooted) US998 V30+ as my daily phone, but this V35 looks interesting.
For others who may be reading this, right now (end of March 2019) the only way to bootloader unlock and root the V35 is to buy one from China with that already done. However there is no TWRP yet for V35. @runningnak3d is working on all that.
Here are the frequencies you will get with the LG 35 Google Fi version. I assume if you cross flash the AT&T V35 you will receive all these bands if you don't have all these bands? I'm asking in the V35 forum to confirm this assumption... With the V30, when you cross flash North America variants to Frankenstein them, it converts them totally to the other variant.
LG V35 Google Fi bands
https://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-V350ULM-Google-Fi-v35-thinq
GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz;
UMTS (HSPA): 850/900/1700/2100 MHz;
LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/66
__________
CONCLUSION
I'm more comfortable recommending the US998 V30+ (128GB) to you right now, but an "unlocked" AT&T V35 (64GB) (especially if cross flashed to Google Fi firmware) would work well for you -- if the 64GB storage size (plus microSD card) fits your lifestyle and you don't care about bootloader unlocking/rooting (at least right now).
* With US998, you will have to update via LGUP using "Upgrade" mode once you download the KDZ. That's not hard.
* With AT&T V35, if you want updates, you will have to cross flash to different firmware first, then continue to update via LGUP using "Upgrade" mode. That's not hard either, but it depends on how comfortable you are doing stuff like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK wow, you really do know your stuff, sorry for the late reply but I've been busy and there's a lot here to take in, and I've still got more than a few questions if that's OK, not that you haven't explained a lot already but your post arose new questions. First of all, you say if a seller says the phone is unlocked (either carrier or factory unlocked, right? Same thing I'm guessing), then I can buy it confidently, does that mean I don't need to worry about different bands being compatible with the specific model I'm buying, since it's unlocked anyway? Or does that just mean that the phone can work with another carrier's SIM card, but data might not work then? As I've said, if I can choose I'd prefer the V35 over the V30 (don't care about the storage since I can use an SD card anyway, processor and RAM are my priority), but it seems like that one has more issues with compatibility, both in terms of updates and also after having checked the Frequency Check website schwinn8 recommended, though again, I assume if the phone is unlocked none of the bands compatibility issue matter. In any case, I'll send you a private message with a link to the seller page for the V35 deal I'm looking at right now, since I'm new in the forum and it won't let me post links like that on here, and hopefully you could help me figure out if that could work with Movistar's data connection and its LTE bands, if that's not too much to ask. I also need to say that I'm planning on buying the phone while in the US, since I'm taking a long trip there starting next month and was planning of taking advantage of that so I don't have to pay for the massive shipping costs to Spain. However, that means that basically I won't be able to make sure data works using the phone in Spain until I come back, and by then the 30-Day Return period will have ended, so I just need to know for sure that it'll work, that's why I'm asking about the whole unlocked thing and what it actually means.
Apart from that, I kinda need to ask about differences between a few other things you commented on. Basically, I don't understand much about what cross flashing, the Frankenstein method, or bootloader unlocking/rooting consist in. I don't know what the risk associated with each of this processes is or what each is looking to accomplish (I do understand Frankenstein allows you to unlock the V30, and change it so it becomes a US998, so to say, as you well explained, but that's about it), but I do know I wouldn't want to do anything that could brick my phone, I had a friend with a Nexus phone who had that happen to him (think he was rooting, not sure though) and I wouldn't trust myself any more than him to do anything that involves that type of risk, since I'd probably mess it up. So please keep that in mind, I understand you might find these type of things somewhat easy to do since you're way more experienced in them, but I'm quite wary about them. So, that being said, in case I end up buying a V35, I would definitely want to cross flash, since I do wish for updates, is that too difficult or risky? If it is I could just buy the V30, hopefully with the Frankenstein method done to it already, so I don't have to change anything myself.
That's pretty much everything I needed to ask, thanks a lot again for your reply, it's much appreciated, especially given my position as a newbie in the Android world.
JayKiddo said:
First of all, you say if a seller says the phone is unlocked (either carrier or factory unlocked, right? Same thing I'm guessing), then I can buy it confidently, does that mean I don't need to worry about different bands being compatible with the specific model I'm buying, since it's unlocked anyway? Or does that just mean that the phone can work with another carrier's SIM card, but data might not work then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier unlocked/SIM card unlocked/network unlocked all mean the same thing. It means you can stick in some other SIM card from some other carrier and the phone will work, IF the phone has that carrier's bands. Many carriers like Sprint or AT&T lock their phones to their networks. They couldn't care less about people who are not their customers, especially people living in other countries. They are not really making money on hardware sales but on monthly phone bills. Carrier unlock removes that restriction of using it on a specific network, but the phone still has to have the necessary bands for the different carrier.
A V30/V30+ converted to US998 WILL be carrier unlocked and I listed the bands above and should work on Spain Movistar.
A V35 the seller CLAIMS is carrier unlocked should also work on Spain Movistar. (Although I just answered a question from someone who was sold an "unlocked" AT&T V30 phone and apparently it was not carrier unlocked after all. So, they will have to Frankenstein it themselves.)
JayKiddo said:
In any case, I'll send you a private message with a link to the seller page for the V35 deal I'm looking at right now, since I'm new in the forum and it won't let me post links like that on here, and hopefully you could help me figure out if that could work with Movistar's data connection and its LTE bands, if that's not too much to ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This site says Movistar uses LTE bands 1, 3, 7, 20:
https://www.imei.info/carriers/spain/movistar/
IMEI.info: LTE bands
B1 (2100)
B3 (1800+)
B7 (2600)
B20 (800 DD)
So, US998 V30/V30+ and carrier unlocked V35 should all work.
JayKiddo said:
Apart from that, I kinda need to ask about differences between a few other things you commented on. Basically, I don't understand much about what cross flashing, the Frankenstein method, or bootloader unlocking/rooting consist in. I don't know what the risk associated with each of this processes is or what each is looking to accomplish (I do understand Frankenstein allows you to unlock the V30, and change it so it becomes a US998, so to say, as you well explained, but that's about it), but I do know I wouldn't want to do anything that could brick my phone.
So, that being said, in case I end up buying a V35, I would definitely want to cross flash, since I do wish for updates, is that too difficult or risky? If it is I could just buy the V30, hopefully with the Frankenstein method done to it already, so I don't have to change anything myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If a V30/V30+ was already cross flashed to US998, you would not NEED to do anything. It will work. However, to get updates at some point in the future, you would want to learn the simple steps to use "Upgrade" mode in LGUP. It doesn't wipe data, it's like manually flashing an OTA.
The US998 KDZ are posted here in the XDA forum and you can also find them on other websites. No one is quite laying out the instructions or posting KDZ like that for the V35 yet.
For the V35, if carrier unlocked, then you would not NEED to do anything. It should work. However, to get updates at some point in the future, you would want to learn how to cross flash to the Google Fi firmware (which will wipe your data at that step), then learn the simple steps to use "Upgrade" mode in LGUP (which will not wipe your date going forward). You would have to download future Google Fi firmware and flash it.
If you buy the V35 here in the U.S. during your visit, you can check if it is carrier unlocked by using a non-AT&T carrier SIM card.