hey guys i am officially done with samsung after a complete circus ride of an s6. would like to buy a g5 but there are so many flippin variants i don't know what to buy. i'm currently on at&t, and i know they are all against unlocking the boot loader, so which do i get? i saw that the european g5 is the only one to get twrp? i found an H860n on ebay for $561. is this the same variant? thanks in advance.
European variant is H850.
I might get a European version myself. It costs the same if I were to buy it outright in Canada. The only thing I have to verify is the frequencies.
jkieffer46 said:
i found an H860n on ebay for $561. is this the same variant? thanks in advance.
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No IT Has to be a H850 from Europe.
H860 is a dualsim LG g5.
leo91919 said:
No IT Has to be a H850 from Europe.
H860 is a dualsim LG g5.
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sooooo all i'm seeing is h850 is a tmobile? is that the same thing? not seeing anything that specifically says european version.
jkieffer46 said:
sooooo all i'm seeing is h850 is a tmobile? is that the same thing? not seeing anything that specifically says european version.
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You have to be sure that the Phone Comes from a European country.
And like mohsinkhan35 mentioned you schuld check the frequencies
Edit: in a Lot of countrys tmobile is a Network Carrier.
I don think that Helps.
Maybe ask the selber.
Amazon just started selling the RS988 model that is supposedly fully unlocked and supports all the US carrier frequency bands. I just ordered one today - $649.99 + tax, free same day delivery (in some areas - I'm in LA).
http://amzn.to/206SH6F
When I get it, I'll let you know if it is actually fully unlocked.
BestBuy also has fully unlocked G5s.
jkieffer46 said:
sooooo all i'm seeing is h850 is a tmobile? is that the same thing? not seeing anything that specifically says european version.
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Clove is where I bought mine... Very reputable seller out of the UK. Myself and some other people on the forums bought their H850 from clove. Got mine via DHL from the UK to Colorado in 2 days!
Verified H850 unlocked, unbranded, and made for UK but listed as EU open. Have had ZERO issues that others report.
Everytime I look at the lg g5 site listing the price goes down.
If u want guaranteed root and twrp go with H850 EU open variant. Do not buy from eBay! Go with Clove or AmazonUK.
Also H850 supports all the band's you'll need unless u decide to join CDMA network. DO not get RS988 , if history has shown us anything about LG, it tells us that variant will only ever be carrier unlocked.
Clove link:
https://m.clove.co.uk/lg-g5
jkieffer46 said:
hey guys i am officially done with samsung after a complete circus ride of an s6. would like to buy a g5 but there are so many flippin variants i don't know what to buy. i'm currently on at&t, and i know they are all against unlocking the boot loader, so which do i get? i saw that the european g5 is the only one to get twrp? i found an H860n on ebay for $561. is this the same variant? thanks in advance.
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Click to collapse
Just a PSA if you get the rs988 do not change or update your imei. Att does not recognize the device in any way and you would be stuck with hspa+ just was on the phone with them had to use my old imei.
Thanks for the clove link. How long does shipping take? Kinda wanting to get one asap.
There's a V30+ on auction right now on eBay. It claims to be brand new and the only picture is an unopened, sealed box. The seller seems to be a regular eBay user, not someone who uses eBay for business, hence that's the only thing on their sell list. Is there anyway to tell if it's a fake from just the box, should I try and snag it?
It's probably not fake, but what variant? Sprint? Is it on the carrier banned list for non-payment? Etc.
ChazzMatt said:
It's probably not fake, but what variant? Sprint? Is it on the carrier banned list for non-payment? Etc.
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According to the seller it's unlocked. No carrier branding on the back of the box so I'm inclined to believe that at least.
chadddd said:
According to the seller it's unlocked. No carrier branding on the back of the box so I'm inclined to believe that at least.
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Then it's probably U.S. Cellular model? U.S.Cellular model US998 V30/V30+ is also carrier unlocked.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
@caseyryback21 opened one of the difficult Q&A format questions yesterday, then asked it be deleted -- but the question itself is valid, so I'm reposting it in a "regular" discussion thread, along with my answer.
caseyryback21 said:
What version of the phone is the ideal model to purchase that it's carrier unlocked, and able to be bl unlocked/root?. The LG V30 seems like just what I'm wanting, but there are so many variants I am simply to afraid to purchase in fear of getting a less than ideal model.
From the reading and searching I've done, it seems that I can buy almost any of the iterations, then just convert it to a us998. I just can't figure out which one I should to get, to ensure that it's carrier unlocked, and able to be bl unlocked, and root.
I'm currently on T-Mobile prepaid and still have the 5gb, ul text,and just 100 minutes for only $30/mo. I have switched to Straight Talk (att mvno) when I've needed more talk time or traveled to certain places where the coverage is a little more reliable.
Lastly, what added to my confusion was that I was looking at a us998 for sale, but the listing indicated it was locked to US Cellular. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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EDITING SOME OF MY REPLIES IN THIS THREAD AS THEY WERE ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN AUGUST 2018. STUFF HAS HAPPENED SINCE THEN.
Any LG V30/V30+/V30S on the planet can be bootloader unlocked and rooted. But some V30/V30+ sold in other parts of the world do not have the bands you need for your carrier. So, for North America carriers with bootloader unlock and root, you want any North America variant.
V30+ (128GB) has more internal storage than V30 (64GB), if that's important to you. The V30S has more RAM (6GB vs 4GB), but right now the V30+ seems to be the sweet spot in price between the three "V30" (code name Joan) series models. For the rest of this discussion, I'm only going to be talking about V30/V30+.
__________
For the WTF bootloader unlock exploit you need Oreo and fastboot flash commands. North America US998 V30/V30+ has fastboot flash commands, while the other North American variants do not.... But there's no need to specifically buy that US998 V30/V30+ variant, if you can easily convert a less expensive carrier variant bought off eBay to that model (except for T-mobile H932). For instance, right now you can get MINT LS998 V30+ (128GB) on eBay for $315. eBay often has flash 10%, 15% off sales you can take advantage of, to lessen the price even more. In 10 minutes time that LS998 V30+ can be converted to US998 V30+ and then you're ready for bootloader unlock and root.
Yes, you can Frankenstein an AT&T H931 V30, Canadian H933 V30, Verizon VS996 V30 and Sprint LS998 V30/V30+, or regional carrier AS998 (any of them) to be carrier unlocked US998. Or you can buy carrier unlocked US998 V30/V30+ to begin with... I've done both: I bought three "original" US998 V30/V30+ (from B&H Photo) and I've since bought two LS998 V30+ off eBay and converted them to US998 V30+.
The US998 is the carrier unlocked model, and it's sold by both US Cellular carrier as well as being sold as official "open market" model by 3rd party retailers on behalf of LG (like B&H Photo). Whoever said it's locked to US Cellular has no clue what they are talking about -- UNLESS it's a specific seller who signed a contract with U.S. Cellular and has not finished paying for that phone. (I doubt that; I think they just don't know what they are talking about.) But any U.S. Cellular US998 fully paid for at purchase are carrier unlocked. Tons of people bought them to use on other carriers before LG released the "official" open market US998 V30/V30+ in December 2018.
Only the official "open market" US998 (sold by authorized 3rd party retailers like B&H Photo) are eligible for LG's Developer website bootloader unlock code (IMEI and DEVICE ID are registered with LG) -- but we don't need LG's permission anymore since @TxanMoe discovered the Oreo WTF bootloader unlock exploit back in May 2018. It's easier, takes less time and you can buy almost any phone you want. LG has tried to patch that exploit with recent "security" updates, but it's very easy to downgrade back to pre-July 2018 firmware for bootloader unlock. Afterwards, you can then update back to latest firmware, once bootloader is unlocked.
US998 can be used on T-mobile, as it's the official carrier unlocked model and works on any North American carrier. The only quibble is you may or may not get T-mobile's new band 71 on US998. Some people with root said they have gotten it, others say they do not. I do not know as I use AT&T. There's various threads where it's been discussed in depth.
Thanks so much for reposting this. I don't make a lot of posts and felt like such an idiot opening up a Q & A. Your info was really great and as a matter of fact I just got my ls998 in the mail this afternoon.
Next step is just to convert it to a us998 then bootloader unlock and root
Another question I was going to ask, but will find out here soon enough, is whether or not a T-Mobile SIM will work in an LS 998 as is. Or must you first convert to a us998 before using it on another carrier?
Thanks so much, your post is full of so much info and definitely helped me make my decision.
caseyryback21 said:
Next step is just to convert it to a us998 then bootloader unlock and root
Another question I was going to ask, but will find out here soon enough, is whether or not a T-Mobile SIM will work in an LS 998 as is. Or must you first convert to a us998 before using it on another carrier?
Thanks so much, your post is full of so much info and definitely helped me make my decision.
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You're welcome for the information.
For the LS998, you'll need to convert to US998. Almost all LS998 are carrier locked to Sprint. Unless the seller guarantees it's carrier unlocked. Still better to convert to US998, even if just for updates. Sprint won't release KDZ for their updates, and US998 KDZ are readily available.
ChazzMatt said:
You're welcome for the information.
For the LS998, you'll need to convert to US998. Almost all LS998 are carrier locked to Sprint. Unless the seller guarantees it's carrier unlocked. Still better to convert to US998, even if just for updates. Sprint won't release KDZ for their updates, and US998 KDZ are readily available.
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Click to collapse
One more thing you might want to add is that not all converted V30s can run AOSP ROMs. This might affect some people on which one to choose. I am not sure which ones, I believe H931 (att) and mine for sure, H932PR can't. But had I known before hand that by going with a different model I could run stock Android, I would have.
poncespr said:
One more thing you might want to add is that not all converted V30s can run AOSP ROMs. This might affect some people on which one to choose. I am not sure which ones, I believe H931 (att) and mine for sure, H932PR can't. But had I known before hand that by going with a different model I could run stock Android, I would have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: all V30/V30/V30S can run AOSP ROMS. But H931/H933 needs extra prep work. If that's too much bother, stick with US998/LS998/VS996 for North American variants.
_______
Original answer:
Yes, I've heard that. But I'm still on stock rooted firmware, so haven't thought about that.
The eBay mint LS998 V30+ ($315) are the best deal, so that's the most popular. I may buy another for a family member.
ChazzMatt said:
Yes, I've heard that. But I'm still on stock rooted firmware, so haven't thought about that.
The mint LS998 V30+ are the best deal, so that's the most popular. I may buy another for a family member.
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Click to collapse
Can those run AOSP roms after conversion? If they can I might get one and flip mine. I'm just worried I get a lemon. Mine is still in pristine condition and no issues with the screen.
I got the us998 model, too bad I upgraded to far so I can't root anymore but I really don't want root. Kind of miss my s7 edge.
patstar5 said:
I got the us998 model, too bad I upgraded to far so I can't root anymore but I really don't want root. Kind of miss my s7 edge.
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Click to collapse
You can still root. Just temporarily downgrade to US998 20B or 20A via dev patched LGUP (it's attached to post #1 of the US998 KDZ thread). Unlock bootloader via WTF bootloader unlock method, then upgrade back to current firmware.
With unlocked bootloader, then install TWRP and root.
poncespr said:
Can those run AOSP roms after conversion? If they can I might get one and flip mine. I'm just worried I get a lemon. Mine is still in pristine condition and no issues with the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: both H931 and H933 can run AOSP/LINEAGE ROMs once additional prep work has been done.
_____
Original answer:
The original AT&T H931 and I believe the original Canada H933 are the only two that have issues with AOSP ROMS once converted to US998. But you can still run stock-based ROMs on those, as well as have just rooted stock firmware.
All the other North America variants are fine. It's not just "original" US998 that are running AOSP ROMs. All the Sprint guys especially are running them. And Verizon, even former LS998 converted to US998, (rooted) then converted sometimes to VS996... Even original VS996 converted to US998 and back to VS996.
@SGCMarkus, can you give some details? I read through the AOSP ROM threads, but you're the dev for all those ROMs.
ChazzMatt said:
The original AT&T H931 and I believe the original Canada H933 are the only two that have issues with AOSP ROMS once converted to US998.
All the other North America variants are fine. It's not just "original" US998 that are running AOSP ROMs. All the Sprint guys especially are running them. And Verizon, even former LS998 converted to US998, (rooted) then converted sometimes to VS996... Even original VS996 converted to US998 and back to VS996.
@SGCMarkus, can you give some details? I read through the AOSP ROM threads, but you're the dev for all those ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
poncespr said:
Can those run AOSP roms after conversion? If they can I might get one and flip mine. I'm just worried I get a lemon. Mine is still in pristine condition and no issues with the screen.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, H931 and H933 (even converted to US998) will bootloop for atm unknown reasons on AOSP :/
I dont think ive heard anyone report anything yet about the H932PR?
On the H930DS (Dual Sim) SIM Cards wont be recognized, and some people reported something similar for the 3 Korean variants (even though other people then said again it worked )
SGCMarkus said:
Yeah, H931 and H933 (even converted to US998) will bootloop for atm unknown reasons on AOSP :/
I dont think ive heard anyone report anything yet about the H932PR?
On the H930DS (Dual Sim) SIM Cards wont be recognized, and some people reported something similar for the 3 Korean variants (even though other people then said again it worked )
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H932PR is from Claro Latin America, specifically for Puerto Rico. While we have three of the four major carries (Att, Sprint and Tmobile), Claro is the fourth major provider, but they actually were Verizon many years ago. They tried to enter the local market some time ago but failed and Claro bought their oprations. The thing is, Claro bring phones different than those on the other carriers. Their Samsung phones for example, are mostly the exynos versions and almost always are bootloader unlocked.
Thanks for the information. Just to be clear, is this the phone you mean when you say the V30S from B&H?
neverfox said:
Thanks for the information. Just to be clear, is this the phone you mean when you say the V30S from B&H?
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EDIT:
Yes. The V30S from B&H Photo is US998R -- it's just another US998. You'll need pre-July security patch KDZ firmware for the V30S to downgrade back to Oreo bootloader unlock exploit.
The people who initially unlocked bootloader on V30S was right after release. LG has since patched the exploit. But V30/V30+/V30S has Oreo KDZ you can temporarily downgrade to using the WTF bootloader unlock instructions. Then upgrade back to latest firmware using TWRP-flashable zips. V30S uses same firmware as the other US998. The B&H Photo US998 V30S official name is US998R (for more RAM).
I know this thread is older and it was a snapshot in time. I was hoping to switch to an ATT MVNO but after more research I'll stick with T-mo in an area that uses band 71. Unbelievably, T-mo is the only big 4 carrier that is native here in the "middle of nowhere" WY where I live as their tower is at the edge of town. I want the H932 for band 71 as well as to have all the T-mo bands when I travel.
On ebay, there are a bunch of sellers from Hong Kong that say their stock is in NJ. Reading some reviews some people call their phones fake others say they are selling used V30s. Anyone here deal the the Hong Kong sellers saying they ship out of NJ? Anyone know of a reputable seller on ebay that has H932 models reasonably priced. I'm leaning new but an open box might be OK if I can ship it back if I don't like it. A V30+ would be even better.
Thanks,
BH
bearhawk said:
I know this thread is older and it was a snapshot in time. I was hoping to switch to an ATT MVNO but after more research I'll stick with T-mo in an area that uses band 71. Unbelievably, T-mo is the only big 4 carrier that is native here in the "middle of nowhere" WY where I live as their tower is at the edge of town. I want the H932 for band 71 as well as to have all the T-mo bands when I travel.
On ebay, there are a bunch of sellers from Hong Kong that say their stock is in NJ. Reading some reviews some people call their phones fake others say they are selling used V30s. Anyone here deal the the Hong Kong sellers saying they ship out of NJ? Anyone know of a reputable seller on ebay that has H932 models reasonably priced. I'm leaning new but an open box might be OK if I can ship it back if I don't like it. A V30+ would be even better.
Thanks,
BH
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Yes, the New Jersey/Hong Kong dealers sell refurbished phones and some are totally fraudulent. I returned mine and got refund because I specifically was paying for new-in-box this time.
* Was 64GB V30 in 128GB V30+ box. I paid for new US998 V30+. Wasn't new, wasn't V30+.
* had previous owner's 128GB SD card still in the phone...
* had "B&O" branded headphones -- which don't come with North America US998. If legit North American V30+, should have come with LG-branded headphones.
Thanks, once again, ChazzMatt for the insight. Reading between the lines, it sounded like they were selling refurbs (many of which appear to have broken issues.).
I got a really good deal on a vs996 this week from ebay for $164 refurbished in "good" condition. I bought the 2 year Square Trade Warranty on top of that for $38.99 in case anything happens. Got phone yesterday and honestly, looks basically new.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-VS9...xWYu7FUH-sak82Q:sc:USPSFirstClass!91351!US!-1
MicroMod777 said:
I got a really good deal on a vs996 this week from ebay for $164 refurbished in "good" condition. I bought the 2 year Square Trade Warranty on top of that for $38.99 in case anything happens. Got phone yesterday and honestly, looks basically new.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-VS9...xWYu7FUH-sak82Q:sc:USPSFirstClass!91351!US!-1
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I bought mine from YYWireless on ebay for 190 ls998 converted to a us998 looks fairly new, literally has one small scratch you cant see with the screen on so I'm happy. Plus no burn in, and finger print scanner still works so probably never been taken apart! https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US9...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 plus I mean if you do not like it they send you a return label already printed out with the phone.
First, I went back and edited some of my answers in this thread as it was first written in August 2018, and some information was outdated. T-mobile H932 was not rooted yet back then and the fix for H931/H933 to run AOSP ROMs was not discovered yet. Ignore any prices mentioned back then, as that was last year.
Second...
Cobra11Murderer said:
I bought mine from YYWireless on ebay for 190 ls998 converted to a us998 looks fairly new, literally has one small scratch you cant see with the screen on so I'm happy. Plus no burn in, and finger print scanner still works so probably never been taken apart! https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US9...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 plus I mean if you do not like it they send you a return label already printed out with the phone.
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Click to collapse
I used that eBay seller several times and have recommended them before in other threads. Their "9/10" listing is the one to look for, like you have. That seller has other others in various quality, like "8/10", "7/10" but with increasing dents, scratches. Two of the 9/10 I got were flawless, while the third had a slight ding on the side below the volume button no one would ever see with a TPU case on it.
From other sellers, there are allegedly still "new" V30/V30+ inventory out there but be very careful. Some are shoddy refurbished being touted as new or outright frauds:
ChazzMatt said:
Yes, the New Jersey/Hong Kong dealers sell refurbished phones and some are totally fraudulent. I returned mine and got refund because I specifically was paying for new-in-box this time.
* Was 64GB V30 in 128GB V30+ box. I paid for new US998 V30+. Wasn't new, wasn't V30+.
* had previous owner's 128GB SD card still in the phone...
* had "B&O" branded headphones -- which don't come with North America US998. If legit North American V30+, should have come with LG-branded headphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ChazzMatt said:
First, I went back and edited some of my answers in this thread as it was first written in August 2018, and some information was outdated. T-mobile H932 was not rooted yet back then and the fix for H931/H933 to run AOSP ROMs was not discovered yet. Ignore any prices mentioned back then, as that was last year.
Second...
I used that eBay seller several times and have recommended them before in other threads. Their "9/10" listing is the one to look for, like you have. That seller has other others in various quality, like "8/10", "7/10" but with increasing dents, scratches. Two of the 9/10 I got were flawless, while the third had a ding on the side below the volume button no one would ever see with a TPU case on it.
From other sellers, there are allegedly still "new" V30/V30+ inventory out there but be very careful. Some are shoddy refurbished being touted as new or outright frauds:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, I figured well if it's that bad I can send it back. But it really is new condition. I've tested everything imaginable now getting ready to upgrade it to 8.0 as I wanted to make sure it was a good phone. Also if you buy the phone while eBay has it's 8% or more back even better deal!.
Hi
My son just broke his LG G6 (my previous phone) so i'm going to buy a brand new H930DS as mine
where can I get one at less than $300 - it seems Hong Kong sellers cannot ship to Europe anymore
Anybody can help?
thanks a lot
BenG7 said:
Hi
My son just broke his LG G6 (my previous phone) so i'm going to buy a brand new H930DS as mine
where can I get one at less than $300 - it seems Hong Kong sellers cannot ship to Europe anymore
Anybody can help?
thanks a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try AliExpress
Though you shouldn't spend more than 150-200$ on a v30 in my opinion now.
eBay and Amazon also have H930DS. Any "new" H930DS claim I would take with grain of salt. It would be "refurbished" at best. Maybe "new" condition but not new from LG factory.
Be very careful with internal memory on these refurbished phones.
Many refurbishers/dealers are re-assembling phones from other parts. For instance, taking B&O branded backs and putting them on US998 V30. B&O branded V30 was sold in Asian countries, not U.S. I got an alleged new US998 V30+ (128GB) that only had 64GB internal memory and had B&O back. I returned it and got a refund. Yes, it looked "new" -- with sticker and was in a V30+ box, but it was obviously a fake.
ChazzMatt said:
eBay and Amazon also have H930DS. Any "new" H930DS claim I would take with grain of salt. It would be "refurbished" at best. Maybe "new" condition but not new from LG factory.
Be very careful with internal memory on these refurbished phones.
Many refurbishers/dealers are re-assembling phones from other parts. For instance, taking B&O branded backs and putting them on US998 V30. B&O branded V30 was sold in Asian countries, not U.S. I got an alleged new US998 V30+ (128GB) that only had 64GB internal memory and had B&O back. I returned it and got a refund. Yes, it looked "new" -- with sticker and was in a V30+ box, but it was obviously a fake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi & tanks ChazzMatt
Hence my question here, I want to be extra cautious and really buy a brand new phone (they are still expensive here in Europe and you cannot find the 128 Go version)
What do you think of these offers:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-SEALED-LG-V30-H930DS-128G-6-0-4G-LTE-GLOBAL-UNLOCKED-Smartphone-Black/143151786694?epid=597187011&hash=item215482eac6:g:K~oAAOSwCXRcd4gY
(told me they cannot ship to Europe because of COVID)
or
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-H930DS-4gb-128gb-Octa-Core-16mp-Fingerprint-Dual-Sim-Android-Smartphone/283601891814?epid=6011467014&hash=item4207fd71e6:m:mImZs9v4Bt42gATIe5GL9YQ
To be honest I was considering my options; my criteria:
1) can run Lineage OS (from 16 )
2) QuadDAC
3) Device memory (128 Go internal and at least 4 Go RAM)
4) SD card slot
I even considered the LG G8 ThinQ for myself and passing my H930DS down to my son but there's no Lineage currently running on the G8 (as I'm posting this I just realised unlock had just been achieved on the G8)
...
Hi guys. I found some good v30 deals on ebay (new sealed in box). From ny understanding the h998 is carrier unlocked( at least in the US) and the 930 model is EU unlocked . my question is weather ill be able to use the H998 In Europe (im on vodafone in Romania), or should i save a few bucks more and grab the h930 just to be sure. The band frequencies seem to match, but are there additional hardware restrictions that might occur?
Ive read ChazzMatt's replies on a similar topic, but still am confused. Any guidance for my newb mind would be much appreciated
Shamwise said:
Hi guys. I found some good v30 deals on ebay (new sealed in box). From ny understanding the h998 is carrier unlocked( at least in the US) and the 930 model is EU unlocked . my question is weather ill be able to use the H998 In Europe (im on vodafone in Romania), or should i save a few bucks more and grab the h930 just to be sure. The band frequencies seem to match, but are there additional hardware restrictions that might occur?
Ive read ChazzMatt's replies on a similar topic, but still am confused. Any guidance for my newb mind would be much appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For V30 models, there's US998 (V30 V30+, V30S), AS998 (not sure how many variants), LS998 (V30+), VS996 (V30), but no "H998". Which one are you asking about?
If one of the US998, yes all US998 are carrier unlocked, but there's no genuinely new in box left. Refurbishers are CALLING it new in box because they are wrapping it in plastic. They are mixing and matching parts from other phones, wrapping in plastic and saying new in box. If they were honest, they should be calling it refurbished, not new.
I ordered alleged new V30+ a year ago, and got a 64GB V30 in a 128GB V30+ box with someone's microSD card still inside and B&O back cover and B&O earbuds. Obvious sham. LG is not allowed to use B&O branding in North America, so it wasn't "new" US998, besides trying to pass off used 64GB V30 (microSD card still inside) as 128GB V30+.
It was a refurbished phone with mix and match parts. I returned it, got my money back.
Recently someone else bought one and it had Sprint LS998 and AT&T H931 parts inside, but was running US998 firmware.
Yes, both mine and this one did LOOK like new, if that's important to you.
If you buy one, it may indeed work just fine. As long as it has US998 firmware, it is indeed a US998 now.
But I prefer to buy the "mint" US998 off eBay. At least they are saying it's used.
As ChazzMatt pointed out, there is no H998. If the phone is listed as H998, then I'd say don't trust that seller.
There's H930 (EU) and US998 (US) both of which are carrier unlocked, so they can be used with any carrier, as long as the bands match.
As far as I can tell, Romania uses LTE bands 1, 3, 8, 20 and maybe 7/38. US998 supports those. It's worth to also ensure GSM and UMTS bands are covered.
But in addition to bands there is the matter of VoLTE and VoWifi configuration, which is specific to each carrier. Phones have built-in tables of carriers for their market, but I doubt US998 has Romanian carriers in its table, while I'd expect H930 to have it.
In coming years, VoLTE will increasingly become the norm, so this could matter.
Both models are easy to root.
Many thanks for your reply. I had no clue they can claim a product is new, while being a refurbished flop. The offer i was looking at is the following(cant link it directly since im a new user on this forum). Mind looking at it and share your wisdom with me?
"New *UNOPENED* LG V30+ AT&T T-MOB US998 128G 6.0" 4G LTE Smartphone/128G/Black "
So a Silver 128GB US998. I don't think such a thing ever came from the factory, although I could be wrong.
Most 128GB US998 are converted from Sprint LS998, but I don't recall them being silver. TMO had a silver H932SV, but it only came in 64GB.
Sounds to me like a patchwork phone, exactly like ChazzMatt described.
Edit: eBay sellers (like 3rd party sellers on Amazon, AliExpress etc) can be anything from awesome and honest and trustworthy down to utter cockroaches, who'll claim anything to make a sale. This one seems to me at the lower end of the scale.
I see, so they can foil wrap something and claim it's brand new. Then i will consider buying a mint one, as i cant get past the fake advertising even if it's fully functional. Thank you guys for your time and effort
Let's see if Chazz has different thoughts on this listing. He has more experience than anybody when it comes to V30 and related models.
TheDannemand said:
Let's see if Chazz has different thoughts on this listing. He has more experience than anybody when it comes to V30 and related models.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To my knowledge all true V30+ are black. LS998, US998, H930G, and even the rare T-mobile H932 V30+ (H932U) are all black. I've never seen a native silver one. But yeah, a refurbisher could put a 128GB V30+ board inside a silver 64GB V30 case. When a glass back is cracked on a used one, they simply swap with whatever else they have. Which is why the one sent me had "B&O" back cover -- which was never part of a real US998 phone.
The one I ordered came from "New Jersey" but was dropped shipped from somewhere in Asia, as they said it would take two weeks to deliver. It doesn't take two weeks to ship anywhere in the United States. It takes two weeks if shipping from Asia to New Jersey, then to where I live.
If it's this seller, which is the one I ordered from -- read his feedback comments:
https://www.ebay.com/fdbk/feedback_...age:RECEIVED_AS_SELLER&_trksid=p2047675.l2560
Like this one: "it turned out second hand"
or this one: "Fake! The product it is not brand new but refrubished and without warranty!"