Question on the unlocked Bestbuy s9+/Microsoft Store s9+ - Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers

Are any of these versions free of carrier branding or bloatware ? I remember a while back purchasing a unlocked samsung phone at bestbuy and they sold me a verizon version stating it was the unlocked version.
Wondering if the bestbuy version or microsoft store version both of which are suppose to be unlocked variants have any carrier branding or bloatware.
As always thank you in advance.

I bought my unlocked one from Bestbuy and I can confirm there is no carrier apps on it whatsoever so you should be okay!!

thank you!

I just got one of these from Best Buy as well. There are some things that I am finding that are missing from the unlocked versus the carrier branded version such as no support for AT&T wifi calling, HD Voice, & Visual voicemail. The only thing I would like to get is native support for visual voicemail and I did find a workaround by side loading the AT&T Visual Voicemail APK since the official version from the play store says it is not compatible with my phone.

I think Samsung has a visual voice mail app included with the phone. I also believe att uses this app but they require the phone be provisioned with them. Basically on their system they need the imei and they make it a smartphone plan, unlike an iphone where they make it an iphone provision for facetime etc. Worth a shot to give them a call. I had to do this when switching from my iphone to my old N8. I wonder if enhanced msging works the same.

r0ck09 said:
I think Samsung has a visual voice mail app included with the phone. I also believe att uses this app but they require the phone be provisioned with them. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would hope, but I've already talked with with AT&T Tech support regarding this. Currently this option is not available on factory unlocked S9/S9+ but is being looked into for a possible future firmware update. Not sure exactly when this will happen but they say it's up to Samsung to update. So how long it will be or even if it will be done is anybody's guess. Perhaps there might be a way to load the Carrier (SM-G965U) firmware to the unlocked (SM-G965U1) model. I've seen it's possible to go the other way but I'm not of the reverse.

Related

Droid Razr on AT&T options?

I like most of the people want a Droid Razr, I also prefer being on AT&T instead of Verizon and know that a global version of this phone is available. Two big things that always seem to stop me from buying an unlocked phone for use on AT&T is that you don't get OTA updates or a manufactures warranty.
Just wondering if anyone has heard of this coming to AT&T like the original Razr's or if there is anyway to receive OTA updates and some type of warranty while using the phone with AT&T.
Anyone else planning on using this in the States on AT&T?
there is a warranty.
if u have bought it in the UK or any other county, and if u found any defects, u can send back ur device to the shop (i think u will need to contact them before doing it) via mail. they will fix it or just replace and send back to u.
but u will have to pay all tranfer fees (round trip)
you will be able to use the Rogers version from Canada. They use the same bands as AT&T. Will just need to get the phone unlocked.
How would I make te purchase from Rogers? Still no OTA though and definitely no warranty if purchased from Rogers right?
It's taking longer than I had hoped for AT&T
I'm coming from an iPhone background, and noticed at least one thing for concern. If you have an extensive music library, you'll notice that your music needs to be streamed from the cloud if it won't fit on the device.
I purchased the unlocked version from Austrailia, which so far, is compatible with AT&T. The only problem I've had is that text messages appear on the iPhone, rather than on the Droid, regardless of where the SIM card is.
This is old so you may have figured out by now, but did you make sure that iMessage is turned off on the iPhone.

[Q] Differences in AT&T model and unlocked/unbranded?

Hi all,
I've decided to bite the bullet and switch carriers just so I can upgrade from my HD7 to the Titan. Keep in mind I will be unlocking the phone for use on Telus in Canada which is compatible with AT&T 3G.
However I am trying to figure out if there is any benefit to getting the AT&T variant over the unlocked, unbranded model.
I see that on the box for the AT&T model it shows 4G compatible which is cool. So I would assume that using it on Telus would also give me 4G speeds. On the specs for the unlocked model it only shows 3G so I'm wondering if that's not entirely true. I also read somewhere HTC may have included Beats technology in the AT&T version but I doubt it since I haven't heard anything else about that.
I think I'd prefer an unbranded model over the AT&T one but also wondering if anything comes bundled as well that might make one better over the other. Also are the hardware specs identical?
Any help on this would be great
should be no difference or
the only difference is it would be sim locked for their network only the unlocked will work on either telus or at&t without trouble, you could work on sim unlocking the at&t version and that might be a little troublesome, I could be wrong but telus and at&t are promoting FAUX G which is still using 3g with increased speed boost if I am getting this right, hspa+
so the hardware is the same with some minor cosmetic differences (carrier branding vs none) the os and ui with msft strict requirements will be pretty much the same and you could easily uninstall carrier bundled apps, since you do live in canada I would just get the unlocked euro one, you will and I do notice that it switches from H to 3G and then E for Edge every now and then, but if you know how to do it get the at&t version and sim unlock it
Well the unlocked unbranded version uses 3G on 850/900/2100 MHz. AT&T uses 850/1900 MHz. It appears to me that I'm getting HSPA on my Titan, but not HSPA+, but I haven't really tested it very much. You'll have to check what Telus uses for HSPA+ to check if that will work.
Holding down the Windows/Start button brings up the Microsoft Tellme voice activated stuff. It works fine, but the lady has a British accent. This isn't a big deal.
The charger that ships with the unlocked version is the British Standards 1363 plug. Mine also had a BS 1363 to NEMA 5 adapter (aka UK to US), but it was separate from the box, so I think the company I purchased from, eXpansys, threw that in for free. Of course it includes a micro USB charging cable, so any computer USB port or USB wall charger would work, even if you can't use the included charger.
and you know what too with that womans british accent i think the phone is programmed to understand english with an accent, my voice to text experience has been less than stellar lately and my british accent is terrible LOL
Thanks everyone for the info!!
However I'm curious as to which model will give me HSPA+... If anyone can confirm that I'd appreciate it
it dont matter IMO, it's so fast already i love it
pistol44 said:
Thanks everyone for the info!!
However I'm curious as to which model will give me HSPA+... If anyone can confirm that I'd appreciate it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the ATT version. The unlocked Euro version will not connect to the same 3G bands. As for 4G don't get your hopes up there is no real 4G yet. Until a standard is set any one can say it has 4g if it. 000001 MB over the Max 3g connection.
Well I took my chances and just bought the ATT version off a seller on eBay. We made the deal for $630US incl. shipping. I don't know what the phone sell for off contract but it's the cheapest one I could find that wasn't already open or used. He also sent in a request for an unlock code for it so I'm hoping we'll be able to get one.
I remember the horror when I couldn't get an unlock code for my HD7 and had to wait a week before the codes were available.
Anyway.. it's being sent by UPS so should have it by Weds next week Now I hope it's not a lemon or I'm screwed!!
pistol44 said:
Well I took my chances and just bought the ATT version off a seller on eBay. We made the deal for $630US incl. shipping. I don't know what the phone sell for off contract but it's the cheapest one I could find that wasn't already open or used. He also sent in a request for an unlock code for it so I'm hoping we'll be able to get one.
I remember the horror when I couldn't get an unlock code for my HD7 and had to wait a week before the codes were available.
Anyway.. it's being sent by UPS so should have it by Weds next week Now I hope it's not a lemon or I'm screwed!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to the Ace hack kit thread for the inspire and read it. Unlocking it is simple as long as you read the manual and have a little common sense.
zelendel said:
Go to the Ace hack kit thread for the inspire and read it. Unlocking it is simple as long as you read the manual and have a little common sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure I understood you correctly. I followed your advice to here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=952352&highlight=Ace+hack+kit
This is for an Android device and it's not clear to me what the purpose of this hack is for and how it's related to the HTC Titan.
pistol44 said:
Not sure I understood you correctly. I followed your advice to here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=952352&highlight=Ace+hack+kit
This is for an Android device and it's not clear to me what the purpose of this hack is for and how it's related to the HTC Titan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops sorry wrong phone. That will teach me to bebppsting in 12 threads at the same time. Lol. Forget I said that
I have the AT&T model that I got at a Windows-Phone inner circle thing, and it is HSPA+, I unlocked mine at cellunlock.net as well.
noelitaux said:
and you know what too with that womans british accent i think the phone is programmed to understand english with an accent, my voice to text experience has been less than stellar lately and my british accent is terrible LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My dead-end problem.
mine come from UK, and yes, the lady inside the phone almost never recognize my English Voice Pattern, even the simplest: IMDB.
It is funny when i am foreign, i was studying British English at home and now only Americans can understand me. LMAO.
I mean, my HD7 T-Mobile almost never have trouble in using the voice to open stuffs, but my UK Titan is a pain in the ass.
By the way, i would recommend double check everything because my turn-by-turn Navigation of Bing maps doesn't work at US for UK version. If you are really need Turn-by-Turn, i would recommend the AT&T version because it is designed for US Road, maybe Canada too. But we also have other alter maps like Nokia Maps is coming out, or navigon... blah.
If not, the Sim-Free Quad-band Unlocked Titan from Europe is also sweet. I can hit home anytime and use any sim without paying $30-$45 for an unlock code and worry about 3G Frequency since it is the world phone.
Strike_Eagle said:
My dead-end problem.
mine come from UK, and yes, the lady inside the phone almost never recognize my English Voice Pattern, even the simplest: IMDB.
It is funny when i am foreign, i was studying British English at home and now only Americans can understand me. LMAO.
I mean, my HD7 T-Mobile almost never have trouble in using the voice to open stuffs, but my UK Titan is a pain in the ass.
By the way, i would recommend double check everything because my turn-by-turn Navigation of Bing maps doesn't work at US for UK version. If you are really need Turn-by-Turn, i would recommend the AT&T version because it is designed for US Road, maybe Canada too. But we also have other alter maps like Nokia Maps is coming out, or navigon... blah.
If not, the Sim-Free Quad-band Unlocked Titan from Europe is also sweet. I can hit home anytime and use any sim without paying $30-$45 for an unlock code and worry about 3G Frequency since it is the world phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
noelitaux said:
and you know what too with that womans british accent i think the phone is programmed to understand english with an accent, my voice to text experience has been less than stellar lately and my british accent is terrible LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true. I have this problem and no solutions exists yet. "Display language" in the Settings has "English" with no US/UK selection. It is UK effectively. Bing Maps will therefore have no voice guidance, and speech accessibility (announcing caller name, etc.) don't work, and you need to have a British accent for it to understand you.
I guess we'll have to wait for an AT&T ROM to flash on our devices.
this is true! i just realized my bing maps doesn't work either, it shows my location and will tell me where something is in relation to it but it cannot give me directions, thank god for the turn by turn navigation app which i use frequently, bing maps cannot provide me directions, and it would be great if my voice to text would work as well, yes we will have to wait for some cooked roms to come our way,
---------- Post added at 05:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:54 PM ----------
my thing is and I don't know if any other us euro titan owners are experiencing this, but i have a great rate and unlimited data plan with at&t because my device is not recognized in their system, if I were to install and at&t rom in the future , would ma bell immediately see my titan and slap a capped data plan on my account?
noelitaux said:
this is true! i just realized my bing maps doesn't work either, it shows my location and will tell me where something is in relation to it but it cannot give me directions, thank god for the turn by turn navigation app which i use frequently, bing maps cannot provide me directions, and it would be great if my voice to text would work as well, yes we will have to wait for some cooked roms to come our way,
---------- Post added at 05:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:54 PM ----------
my thing is and I don't know if any other us euro titan owners are experiencing this, but i have a great rate and unlimited data plan with at&t because my device is not recognized in their system, if I were to install and at&t rom in the future , would ma bell immediately see my titan and slap a capped data plan on my account?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Starting today, they will probably recognize your phone... lol
Doesn't matter which ROM it runs, they can see it as "HTC Titan" and apply any restrictions they wish.
From the ATT site on the Titan specs: *4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul.
Also, ATT sells the Titan new for $549.99 without contract and free shipping.
See attachment
I was in a mall today with 2 outlets for the AT&T Titan: the Microsoft Store and an AT&T store.
I entered the IMEI for both shops' floor models into htcimeiunlock.com, and for both of them the site claimed to have the codes immediately available, for $25. I've had good luck with that site in the past so I believe that at least for the first batch of Titans the codes are readily available for $25 or so.
Contrast that with AT&T, who probably won't have or give the codes for months, if ever.
tai4de2 said:
I was in a mall today with 2 outlets for the AT&T Titan: the Microsoft Store and an AT&T store.
I entered the IMEI for both shops' floor models into htcimeiunlock.com, and for both of them the site claimed to have the codes immediately available, for $25. I've had good luck with that site in the past so I believe that at least for the first batch of Titans the codes are readily available for $25 or so.
Contrast that with AT&T, who probably won't have or give the codes for months, if ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what codes are you referring to? the $25 app cards? everyone is going to get them, i don't see why at&t would take time on this, this is sanctioned by msft, all you have to do is go on the msft's own side enter your imei proof of purchase and voila you get a $25 app card mailed to you i believe
and also at&t is a great network! they 10x better coverage than tmobile, i've had horrible experiences with tmobile letting me down, you can have the bestest shiniest most advanced phone out there and but its a useless paperweight if your carrier lets you down
"Codes" == SIM unlock codes (thought that was obvious from my mention of "htcimeiunlock.com").
Good luck getting them from AT&T any time in the next few months, even for a phone purchased at unsubsidized price.
Not a big deal for some folks, but some of us like to travel abroad with our phones and use them with local SIM cards, which makes unlocking critical. Fortunately, there's a non-AT&T source for the codes for HTC devices... you're SOL if you want to travel with a Samsung Mango phone!

I'm currently an AT&T customer but wanna buy a new phone and switch to Straight Talk.

I'm currently an AT&T customer but wanna buy a new phone and switch to Straight Talk.
Hey XDA,hows everybody's day going so far?
Ok, so I have a LG E980 on AT&T. Phone is showing age and the headphone jack is having a hard time connecting. Time for an upgrade.
So I wanna keep the same number but switch to Straight Talk. How does this work? Do I buy the unlocked one or the AT&T and bring my AT&T phone to Straight Talk?
I hope somebody can help me with this. Does anybody know how long it takes for a phone number to transfer to a different carrier?
Thanks in advance for helping me.
Dcm210 said:
Hey XDA,hows everybody's day going so far?
Ok, so I have a LG E980 on AT&T. Phone is showing age and the headphone jack is having a hard time connecting. Time for an upgrade.
So I wanna keep the same number but switch to Straight Talk. How does this work? Do I buy the unlocked one or the AT&T and bring my AT&T phone to Straight Talk?
I hope somebody can help me with this. Does anybody know how long it takes for a phone number to transfer to a different carrier?
Thanks in advance for helping me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ask straight talk if you can bring your phone to there service, should be able to I think? Yeah it's pretty easy to port number over. When you get service call straight talk customer care number and they will contact old carrier for you.
Dcm210 said:
Hey XDA,hows everybody's day going so far?
Ok, so I have a LG E980 on AT&T. Phone is showing age and the headphone jack is having a hard time connecting. Time for an upgrade.
So I wanna keep the same number but switch to Straight Talk. How does this work? Do I buy the unlocked one or the AT&T and bring my AT&T phone to Straight Talk?
I hope somebody can help me with this. Does anybody know how long it takes for a phone number to transfer to a different carrier?
Thanks in advance for helping me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all chose the phone you want. As for AT&T version or US unlocked version (RS988), it will depend on if root and twrp is important to you or not. If you want TWRP and root, get the RS988 version (I recommend getting it from B&H photo) as it can be bootloader unlocked, rooted and install twrp. It also has all the network bands for AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon. If you don't care about root you could do the AT&T version if you want. As far as transfering your service, it's pretty easy. Go to walmart (or where ever) and buy the Bring your own phone package (you can buy an AT&T sim from straight talk for the BYOP program as well and it's cheaper). Once you do that activate your service using the instructions for your new G5 and chose the option to port your number. Straight talk will need your AT&T account number and account password to transfer your service, but it usually is pretty quick that it transfers, unless you run into a problem.
jeffsga88 said:
First of all chose the phone you want. As for AT&T version or US unlocked version (RS988), it will depend on if root and twrp is important to you or not. If you want TWRP and root, get the RS988 version (I recommend getting it from B&H photo) as it can be bootloader unlocked, rooted and install twrp. It also has all the network bands for AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon. If you don't care about root you could do the AT&T version if you want. As far as transfering your service, it's pretty easy. Go to walmart (or where ever) and buy the Bring your own phone package (you can buy an AT&T sim from straight talk for the BYOP program as well and it's cheaper). Once you do that activate your service using the instructions for your new G5 and chose the option to port your number. Straight talk will need your AT&T account number and account password to transfer your service, but it usually is pretty quick that it transfers, unless you run into a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you,very much for the info.

Sprint-those who ordered the unlocked version from samsung

Are you able to activate it?
So I got my unlocked version from samsung and tried to activate through sprint with the sim card from my s7edge and they are telling me I need to purchase a new sim because this one isn't compatible
What gives?
Had to do the same thing with my S8+ coming from S7 edge. Quick trip to Sprint store with your new phone in hand and they will give you the Sim card and activate it. You probably will not be charged either. I didn't and I bought my S8 from Best buy.
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
jasming917 said:
Had to do the same thing with my S8+ coming from S7 edge. Quick trip to Sprint store with your new phone in hand and they will give you the Sim card and activate it. You probably will not be charged either. I didn't and I bought my S8 from Best buy.
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
corporate store?
Yes.
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
is there any reason to buy the sprint version instead of the unlocked phone? Once you activate the phone on sprint doesn't it just download all the bloatware?..
I had an order from Samsung but I'm about to cancel it since people who ordered after me are already getting their phone and I'm still in preorder status
Is anyone going to flash the sprint stock on their unlocked to get carrier functions? Do we need a special version of Odin like the s8+?
BlueFox721 said:
Is anyone going to flash the sprint stock on their unlocked to get carrier functions? Do we need a special version of Odin like the s8+?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what carrier functions are missing? I could be wrong but locked boot loader means no flashing?
purchasedPhone said:
what carrier functions are missing? I could be wrong but locked boot loader means no flashing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We can flash stock software's just like the S8 and S8+ with odin...they are signed....to mix parts of the software they used a different version of Odin,
I was just seeing if anyone is going to try right away...
So i am in NYC and called /stopped by stores and none have the note 8 or sim cards for it.
Sprint is supposedly overnighting the cards to me. so I have a phone that can't active since no sim .
BlueFox721 said:
We can flash stock software's just like the S8 and S8+ with odin...they are signed....to mix parts of the software they used a different version of Odin,
I was just seeing if anyone is going to try right away...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was genuinely curious I haven't been on android in 4 years and I'm coming back. I have sprint version ordered but like I said I'm about to cancel it... so I can order unlocked version and actually flash firmware later? as long as it's been officially signed?
purchasedPhone said:
I was genuinely curious I haven't been on android in 4 years and I'm coming back. I have sprint version ordered but like I said I'm about to cancel it... so I can order unlocked version and actually flash firmware later? as long as it's been officially signed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what they have been doing with S8+...check out the S8+ forums and see if it something you want to try...
I had the same problem trying to use my s7e sim. Thanks to a user on reddit I found a solution. You need a new sim. The sim fro the s8 and s8+ will work for the Note 8. Here is the sim info.
SKU: CZ4114LWQ
UPC: 854798005125
Part: SIMOLW416Q
Model: ISIM V2
I had to go to 3 different corporate stores before I found one that carried it.
can someone be specific in any of the missing features or functionality of the unlocked phone when using on Sprint's network?..
my carrier phone order from 8/29 is still stuck in pre order. a big reason I had ordered carrier was to not get stuck waiting and because I assumed the unlocked phone would not operate as well as the carrier phone on sprints network. so, how does it work?
I've had unlocked phones on sprint before. The only big thing I've noticed that's missing is the sprint free wifi calling functionality (it doesn't work very well, so I never use it), and their wifi security app. Everything else is good.
I just ordered an unlocked note 8 (note 7 promotion). My reason for unlocked is I find they hold their resale much better then the carrier specific phones.
Unlocked version:
Hotspot - Awesome
Download Booster - Awesome
No Bloat - Awesome
Wi-Fi Calling - working awesomely
Sprint Version:
LTE Calling - I might miss, might be worth flashing Sprint mod when available...
mikeandlara said:
I've had unlocked phones on sprint before. The only big thing I've noticed that's missing is the sprint free wifi calling functionality (it doesn't work very well, so I never use it), and their wifi security app. Everything else is good.
I just ordered an unlocked note 8 (note 7 promotion). My reason for unlocked is I find they hold their resale much better then the carrier specific phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WiFi calling there...and working
Wi-Fi Calling
So if I have Sprint variant is there an unlocked rom lurking around somewhere that I can install?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
brandoncheney05 said:
So if I have Sprint variant is there an unlocked rom lurking around somewhere that I can install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash the unlocked firmware in the guide section using Prince Comsy's firmware...
so what's the real benefit to buying the unlocked version ? is the bootloader is still locked ?

Unlocked Galaxy S9 Question

Hello guys,
I did see 5hat the Galaxy s9 plus is cheaper through Samsung or through Best Buy Friday. The phone that is cheaper is the unlocked version that works with any carrier including Verizon which I get. My question is will the unlocked version work with, or have a way to download Verizon Visual Voicemail, and will it work? Appreciate the feedback.
mdonnelly1127 said:
Hello guys,
I did see 5hat the Galaxy s9 plus is cheaper through Samsung or through Best Buy Friday. The phone that is cheaper is the unlocked version that works with any carrier including Verizon which I get. My question is will the unlocked version work with, or have a way to download Verizon Visual Voicemail, and will it work? Appreciate the feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To piggy back off of this question (since I am in similar boat with AT&T) - Is it possible to flash the phone with the carrier version after purchasing unlocked version? Unfortunately, WiFi calling is a must where I live.
Thanks
I'm also in the same situation with Verizon. I want to get the unlocked version, but will everything work just like the verizon branded device? Also does anyone know if the Samsung trade in offer will work with a Verizon phone that's on payment plan?
Also wondering if sideloading the app will work for this purpose.
LgG2-Ttrain said:
I'm also in the same situation with Verizon. I want to get the unlocked version, but will everything work just like the verizon branded device? Also does anyone know if the Samsung trade in offer will work with a Verizon phone that's on payment plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why they shouldn't take it. I've sold phones on Verizon payment plan and haven't had any problems. The carriers only care that you continue to make payments and fire that they bill you monthly.
Bxrider117 said:
I don't see why they shouldn't take it. I've sold phones on Verizon payment plan and haven't had any problems. The carriers only care that you continue to make payments and fire that they bill you monthly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I just finished reading the fine print in Samsung's trade in offer. So the only phones they will not accept as trade ins are leased phones.
Just went through this at Best Buy on Friday, also.
Was strongly considering the unlocked S9+ and porting it to the VZW network. I inquired with the blue-shirt if there would be any loss of functionality should I make such a choice. The answer was "no".
The Samsung representative was in attendance, so I put the question to him as well. After glazing over while he went into an analogy of how your IMEI and SIM card are like licensing a car - and how they all can drive on the same road - I directed him back to the issue at hand, and his response was "no difference".
Then I called VZW, waited for the obligatory 15 minutes on hold, and asked the representative the same question. The answer was "No. None. Exactly the same."
Did a few searches on the feature I was specifically concerned about - that being Wi-Fi calling - and it appeared, from an historical perspective, there would be the potential for that functionality to be absent unless one purchased the branded device.
The VZW store was across the street, so I brought my question to them. In an experience that is as unique as it was surprising, I was lucky enough to get a salesperson who genuinely seemed to want to know the definitive answer as much as I did. He researched his on-line documentation for a few minutes before calling what he claimed to be their "network engineer".
The answer came back that VoLTE would work but Wi-Fi calling would not, on an unlocked S9+ ROM in the VZW network.
I've subsequently read contradicting indications but, considering the self-assigned importance of that capability, I decided not to chance it and find out the hard way that it would not work - should that be the case.
While this does not address your Visual Voice Mail concern, it does demonstrate exactly how many differing answers one can get from supposedly knowledgeable resources.
So, my solution was to lease the branded device with the understanding that I will need to deal with all of the pre-loaded stuff that I (or for that matter, just about anyone) do not need, want or use.
I have seen this questions asked hundreds of times, and I have seen both answers regarding WiFi calling. I know I have purchased unlocked phones right from Google in the past and never had an issue with any feature on VZW. I guess I will find out soon if anything has changed, as I ordered the 9+ unlocked from Samsung (they offered $100 more in a trade and a cheaper base price = no brainer). Will the confusion ever end?
Having had a unlocked s8+ and a Note 8 with VZ I can say VVM does not work. I've tried various applications and am not a fan of using google voice so I reached out and had standard messaging applied to my account and basic VVM removed. I'll get a notification but have to call in to check my voicemail which is no biggie. Never tried wifi calling but HD Voice does work ok. I preordered an unlocked S9+ so I'm sure it'll be the same boat
Verizon had the demo for the s9 plus in their store today, and the model of the phone is IDENTICAL to the unlocked US model. Also kinda wishing I'd stuck to the purple one I'd ordered by accident and cancelled, as it looks amazing in person.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
With the S7, you could flash the any of the carrier or unlocked firmware on the phone. This would give you access to verizon VVM, WiFI calling, etc if you flashed that firmware. I heard the S8 was the same since the hardware in them are the same between carriers. Here's to hoping that the S9 is the same.
MaddnessX said:
To piggy back off of this question (since I am in similar boat with AT&T) - Is it possible to flash the phone with the carrier version after purchasing unlocked version? Unfortunately, WiFi calling is a must where I live.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want WiFi Calling on Att - you MUST buy an ATT phone. ATT WiFi calling will only work with Branded ATT Phones - NOT unlocked ones. Sorry.
Geekser said:
If you want WiFi Calling on Att - you MUST buy an ATT phone. ATT WiFi calling will only work with Branded ATT Phones - NOT unlocked ones. Sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true. If you want wifi calling (which I do), you need an AT&T phone. You can't flash anything on the phone to make it work. A few extra AT&T apps is not a big deal on a phone like this to get the features they provide. If you pay for their service you should get all the benefits but that's not how it is for now.
dmb219 said:
This is true. If you want wifi calling (which I do), you need an AT&T phone. You can't flash anything on the phone to make it work. A few extra AT&T apps is not a big deal on a phone like this to get the features they provide. If you pay for their service you should get all the benefits but that's not how it is for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that is very unfortunate. I am hoping that one day they will open up WiFi Calling to non carrier phones - but I doubt it will happen any time soon if at all.
Is it the same for tmobile?
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
tcabrino said:
Is it the same for tmobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GS8 Unlocked worked with both VoLTE and Wifi Calling on TMO so there is no reason for the GS9+ unlocked not to support these features.
---------- Post added at 01:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 PM ----------
tcabrino said:
Is it the same for tmobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
raejr78 said:
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem with VZW is support for integrated video calling thru the phone app which is different from the Samsung default. On VZW the unlocked USA version will support VoLTE but not WIfi Calling, VVM, Video Calling.
my 2 cents.
raejr78 said:
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're wrong. I tested a Verizon model in stores, and it's literally the exact same model number as the unlocked one I've got on order from Samsung. But of course they want you to buy the Verizon one, the mark up in the price is pure profit for them, and they probably get a commission for selling it to you.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
raejr78 said:
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget their useless $30+ "activation fee" they charge when you buy a device through them. I shouldn't have to pay $30 to take the SIM out of my old phone and put it in my new phone. I'm going with the unlocked version because I'm considering switching to T-Mobile due to all this type of crap Verizon pulls.
LgG2-Ttrain said:
Yes I just finished reading the fine print in Samsung's trade in offer. So the only phones they will not accept as trade ins are leased phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm curious what happens if you have a leased phone. Do they just not accept it and then charge your card for what you weren't charged at time of checkout?

Categories

Resources