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Hello,
I have an AT&T i777 rooted running Shostock2 and I am looking to buy the international version for my daughter. Trying to separate from my contract lockup with AT&T.
What exactly is the difference between the different 9100 models (G, T, etc), and is there a better one among them? I want the most reliable one (in case the different processors makes any difference in that regard) and also one that would allow rooting and custom ROMs.
Also, it needs to work with any U.S. carrier at the highest speed that they offer. I saw one on eBay but it says "Will not work with T-Mobile or Simple Mobile 3G/4G speeds" and I am not sure why.
Thanks in advance.
Imo u'd decide to get i9100G as it powered by TI OMAP SoC which mostly being open sourced to support better & early development. But if u want it to come with NFC featured i9100P is.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S_II
I wonder how much of a "deal breaker" should NFC capability be. Looks like it is very difficult to find a P model in the US. I could probably go with T-Mobile one but from what I read it is a bit inferior to the AT&T and International models.
Then again - what if I do want the T-Mobile's 4G speeds....tough decision
sbi1 said:
I wonder how much of a "deal breaker" should NFC capability be. Looks like it is very difficult to find a P model in the US. I could probably go with T-Mobile one but from what I read it is a bit inferior to the AT&T and International models.
Then again - what if I do want the T-Mobile's 4G speeds....tough decision
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NFC=android beam, mobile cc payments, transferring files by tapping.
And maybe speed will also sacrifices power (batt), like 2G vs 3G/H+..
Intl i9100 maybe ur easy deal but maybe 2nd P var.? Ebay?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Adam Hui said:
NFC=android beam, mobile cc payments, transferring files by tapping.
And maybe speed will also sacrifices power (batt), like 2G vs 3G/H+..
Intl i9100 maybe ur easy deal but maybe 2nd P var.? Ebay?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is "2nd P Var.?" I am looking at eBay, almost impossible to find P on eBay for selling/shipping to U.S.
I meant second hand stuff buddy, sorry..
Just forget s2.. why don't u be patience & wait for lg or sony nexus4 as it's next Google golden boy. U'll taste pure aosp & find the updates dancing in ur phone w/o brand or carrier resistance..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Adam Hui said:
I meant second hand stuff buddy, sorry..
Just forget s2.. why don't u be patience & wait for lg or sony nexus4 as it's next Google golden boy. U'll taste pure aosp & find the updates dancing in ur phone w/o brand or carrier resistance..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, first of all, it's for my daughter, not me , she is the one who needs to be patient. But her old phone (Samsung Solstice 2, which is a piece of crap) is dying, it gets stuck all the time, turns off by itself, etc. She needs a new phone.
Second, I am not a big fan of Sony phones and/or LG phones. We had LG before (not a smart phone) and it was too a piece of crap. I am 100% convinced that in recent years, when the Smart Phones started to become so popular and companies started making so much money off of data plans, the manufacturers deliberately made the 'dumb' phones crappy, there is no other explanation for it.
I believe that Samsung and HTC are the best phones in the market these days (Android), not really sure I could like a 'Sony'.
sbi1 said:
Hello,
I have an AT&T i777 rooted running Shostock2 and I am looking to buy the international version for my daughter. Trying to separate from my contract lockup with AT&T.
What exactly is the difference between the different 9100 models (G, T, etc), and is there a better one among them? I want the most reliable one (in case the different processors makes any difference in that regard) and also one that would allow rooting and custom ROMs.
Also, it needs to work with any U.S. carrier at the highest speed that they offer. I saw one on eBay but it says "Will not work with T-Mobile or Simple Mobile 3G/4G speeds" and I am not sure why.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a few options, but just keep in mind that the standard i9100 has the largest userbase, the most external support, and the quickest official updates from Samsung. In fact, these "similar yet different" models of the first Galaxy S were the first to lose official support. The i9100p may sound nice with NFC, but one feature isn't worth potentially losing out on updates. The i9100G uses a lesser version of the SOC found in the Galaxy Nexus. Unless the storage is a concern, the Galaxy Nexus would be a better (and cheaper) option in this case.
So, that leaves you with the vanilla GT-I9100, and it's still a kick-ass phone IMO. Comes in several colors but black and white are the easiest to find. Bonus if you get the black one, it will work on AT&T's medianet plan, which is truly unlimited data, no throttling, and no wifi hotspot restrictions, and it's $15/mo (or $10/mo if you have unlimited text). I've been using this for the past year and change. Added myself to my wfie's family plan and it cost us $9.99/mo for the line, $10/mo for the data, and that was it. I'm on pace to use over 30GB this month and I don't care
sbi1 said:
Well, first of all, it's for my daughter, not me , she is the one who needs to be patient. But her old phone (Samsung Solstice 2, which is a piece of crap) is dying, it gets stuck all the time, turns off by itself, etc. She needs a new phone.
Second, I am not a big fan of Sony phones and/or LG phones. We had LG before (not a smart phone) and it was too a piece of crap. I am 100% convinced that in recent years, when the Smart Phones started to become so popular and companies started making so much money off of data plans, the manufacturers deliberately made the 'dumb' phones crappy, there is no other explanation for it.
I believe that Samsung and HTC are the best phones in the market these days (Android), not really sure I could like a 'Sony'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus=Google phone
Whatever the brands that google has choosen to be a nexus device is android best choice... the only deal breaker is lack of external sdcard supported..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
You could maybe send a PM to a helpful guy called ctomgee.He knows about US phones and could advise you best variant,providers etc.
Once you get a phone,you can then install custom roms etc,which gives the phone a new lease of life.
theunderling said:
You could maybe send a PM to a helpful guy called ctomgee.He knows about US phones and could advise you best variant,providers etc.
Once you get a phone,you can then install custom roms etc,which gives the phone a new lease of life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the endorsement of my knowledge, but please don't PM me, or encourage others to do so.
sbi1 said:
Hello,
I have an AT&T i777 rooted running Shostock2 and I am looking to buy the international version for my daughter. Trying to separate from my contract lockup with AT&T.
What exactly is the difference between the different 9100 models (G, T, etc), and is there a better one among them? I want the most reliable one (in case the different processors makes any difference in that regard) and also one that would allow rooting and custom ROMs.
Also, it needs to work with any U.S. carrier at the highest speed that they offer. I saw one on eBay but it says "Will not work with T-Mobile or Simple Mobile 3G/4G speeds" and I am not sure why.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About phones working or not working with T-Mobile in the US, this is why; T-Mobile (at the moment, for their overall network) uses AWS for high-speed mobile data. AWS requires both 1700 mhz and 2100 mhz to get 3g/4g, as it uses one frequency for uplink, and the other for downlink. If one phone is not capable of receiving one of the frequencies, then the best mobile data speed the device will receive is Edge.
Now, they (T-mobile USA) are currently in the process of repurposing the spectrum of the 1900 mhz band they use now for Edge data and voice, to use it for high speed data instead. This will allow some phones that currently only get Edge speeds on T-mobile USA's network to get their "4g" speeds. That includes many of AT&T's phones (if they're unlocked), and the i9100, which receives high speed mobile data on 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 mhz. (notice the missing 1700 - which is why it won't necessarily get high speed on T-mobile USA's network... unless the market you're in has already had the repurposing of the 1900 mhz band)
However, this repurposing has already only happened in a handful of markets, though the rollout is currently underway.
Hope this makes sense.
EDIT to add:
Also, about the different I9100 variants - there are minor differences between the I9100, and the variants I9100P/T/M.
The P variant includes NFC, the T variant has a slight variance with the SAR values for the radio (so modems specifically for the T model work best for that model), and the M variant is simply a branded regional variant for the Canadian market (as far as I can tell). The CPU/GPU/SoC are all the same for these 4 variants.
The I9100G has a completely different CPU/GPU/SoC chipset, so firmwares, kernels, and ROMs are NOT compatible between this one variant, and the four listed above. But for most users, the performance between this variant and the others are very similar and comparable.
That said, they all have the same antenna/radio hardware, so what I said above regarding data speeds on T-Mobile USA above applies to all of them. This also means they all work just fine for high speed data on AT&T's network.
Ok tom.
I came in here to add to my previous post about which phones (and why) will/will not work on T-Mobile, but Tom beat me to it, so I'll just simply add this:
If you want 2G/3G/4G now and in the future, get the Galaxy Nexus as it's pentaband.
If you're ok with 2G and don't mind waiting on 3G/4G, get any phone, like the i9100, that supports the 1900mhz band. T-Mobile stated that they anticipate their 1900mhz refarm to conclude in mid-2013 and will cover ALL 229 current AWS HSPA+ markets.
jaykresge said:
Bonus if you get the black one, it will work on AT&T's medianet plan, which is truly unlimited data, no throttling, and no wifi hotspot restrictions, and it's $15/mo (or $10/mo if you have unlimited text). I've been using this for the past year and change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, can you elaborate on this a bit? What do you mean by "black" one? Is a black I9100 different from a white one other than color?
Also, are you referring to AT&T's 'non-smart phone unlimited plan'?
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Thank you all.
ctomgee said:
I appreciate the endorsement of my knowledge, but please don't PM me, or encourage others to do so.
About phones working or not working with T-Mobile in the US, this is why; T-Mobile (at the moment, for their overall network) uses AWS for high-speed mobile data. AWS requires both 1700 mhz and 2100 mhz to get 3g/4g, as it uses one frequency for uplink, and the other for downlink. If one phone is not capable of receiving one of the frequencies, then the best mobile data speed the device will receive is Edge.
Now, they (T-mobile USA) are currently in the process of repurposing the spectrum of the 1900 mhz band they use now for Edge data and voice, to use it for high speed data instead. This will allow some phones that currently only get Edge speeds on T-mobile USA's network to get their "4g" speeds. That includes many of AT&T's phones (if they're unlocked), and the i9100, which receives high speed mobile data on 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 mhz. (notice the missing 1700 - which is why it won't necessarily get high speed on T-mobile USA's network... unless the market you're in has already had the repurposing of the 1900 mhz band)
However, this repurposing has already only happened in a handful of markets, though the rollout is currently underway.
Hope this makes sense.
EDIT to add:
Also, about the different I9100 variants - there are minor differences between the I9100, and the variants I9100P/T/M.
The P variant includes NFC, the T variant has a slight variance with the SAR values for the radio (so modems specifically for the T model work best for that model), and the M variant is simply a branded regional variant for the Canadian market (as far as I can tell). The CPU/GPU/SoC are all the same for these 4 variants.
The I9100G has a completely different CPU/GPU/SoC chipset, so firmwares, kernels, and ROMs are NOT compatible between this one variant, and the four listed above. But for most users, the performance between this variant and the others are very similar and comparable.
That said, they all have the same antenna/radio hardware, so what I said above regarding data speeds on T-Mobile USA above applies to all of them. This also means they all work just fine for high speed data on AT&T's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for a broad response. I learned something new!
We don't necessarily want to be on T-Mobile, I mentioned T-Mobile because I want to have options...I don't want to be locked to one carrier and T-Mobile offers a great deal with "bring your own unlocked phone, get a sim card with unlimited text/data". So it was just brought as an option for us to have.
In any case, I did offer a T-Mobile (T989) version to my daughter, she "kindly" refused...she does not want to see any logo on her phone . She also doesn't care much about the NFC, even though this can be 'fixed' through an SD card solution if (as she says) "The government will force you to have NFC..." , so I am now just looking for a good deal on a I9100 version.
BTW - what is the Nexus?! I am not familiar with it at all. Does it also come in branded (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc) as well as unlocked?
Thanks again.
sbi1 said:
what is the Nexus?! I am not familiar with it at all. Does it also come in branded (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc) as well as unlocked?
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus is the 'pure' android phone. Comes with stock android. No OEM bloatware or UI like Samsung's TouchWiz or HTC's SenseUI.
The biggest advantage of nexus phones however, is that they're the first to get any android update.
And yes, you do get it unlocked as well.
Hope it helps.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
sbi1 said:
Thank you all.
Thank you for a broad response. I learned something new!
We don't necessarily want to be on T-Mobile, I mentioned T-Mobile because I want to have options...I don't want to be locked to one carrier and T-Mobile offers a great deal with "bring your own unlocked phone, get a sim card with unlimited text/data". So it was just brought as an option for us to have.
In any case, I did offer a T-Mobile (T989) version to my daughter, she "kindly" refused...she does not want to see any logo on her phone . She also doesn't care much about the NFC, even though this can be 'fixed' through an SD card solution if (as she says) "The government will force you to have NFC..." , so I am now just looking for a good deal on a I9100 version.
BTW - what is the Nexus?! I am not familiar with it at all. Does it also come in branded (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc) as well as unlocked?
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As HAXTREME said above. Plus: http://www.google.com/nexus
sbi1 said:
OK, can you elaborate on this a bit? What do you mean by "black" one? Is a black I9100 different from a white one other than color?
Also, are you referring to AT&T's 'non-smart phone unlimited plan'?
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know why that guy differentiated between the black i9100 and the white i9100. As far as I know, there shouldn't be a difference between them, unless someone can provide us information otherwise.
EDIT: ah. I was curious and did a search on this. Apparently many have reported that their white i9100 gets flagged as a blackberry by AT&T for some reason, causing a bump in their data plan to the 2Gb tiered data plan. I didn't know this. I find that curious.
ctomgee said:
EDIT: ah. I was curious and did a search on this. Apparently many have reported that their white i9100 gets flagged as a blackberry by AT&T for some reason, causing a bump in their data plan to the 2Gb tiered data plan. I didn't know this. I find that curious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. I tried Google for 'difference' between them and didn't see anything. It sounds odd to me, to say the least. Question is - did those who report this issue also had a black one, to compare how AT&T "reads" their phone. Really doesn't make sense, but I am curious too.
Figured I'd come back and answer some questions, but thanks again to Tom for taking care of that To elaborate a bit further:
Whether or not your phone will work on AT&T's medianet plan is determined by whether or not they have loaded the device's IMEI database into their system. If they have, then they can detect your phone and will not allow medianet access. The international SGS3 and the Galaxy Nexus have already been detected. The white i9100 (SGS2) is detected as a Blackberry as it has a different IMEI database than the black or pink models. However, if you do get a device to use with AT&T medianet, understand that they can change this at anytime. Just ask Nexus and SGS3 owners who got caught 2-3 weeks ago
Based on your needs, there are two phones that I would recommend, and here's the links to the recommended purchase places.
Galaxy Nexus ($349)- This is the official Google phone, relatively cheap, always has the latest version of Android. Downside is that is only has 16GB internal storage and no support for MicroSD. 720p screen
Samsung Galaxy SII (black - $470 / white - $530)- The flagship android device from 2011 by most estimates, still a solid phone for today. Comes with 16GB internal, official support for 32GB MicroSD, but will support 64GB MicroSDXC unofficially. , 800x480 screen though. The black one will work on AT&T medianet, white one will not.
If you use on T-Mobile, or a T-Mobile MVNO such as Simple Mobile or Straight Talk w/TMO sim, you will get full 2G/3G/4G access with the Galaxy Nexus (before, during, and after the refarm). As for the SGS2s, you will get full 2G everywhere, but no 3G/4G in areas not yet refarmed. In areas that are refarmed, you will get full 2G/3G/4G. T-Mobile says that the refarming will be complete by mid-2013. You can check the current status of the refarming here:
http://airportal.de/
If you want to get her something top of the line instead of those former-fastest phones, you can look at the SGS3 unlocked, or wait 9 days to see the official unveiling of the new Nexus phone. Who knows, we may even see a $50 price drop on the Galaxy Nexus
I plan to keep updating this XDA forum thread with what I find out about this problem, potential solutions, and hopefully what solves it. Hopefully this will be useful to those with the same or similar problem.
Please excuse typos...
The Solution
The reality is, prevention is the best solution here, do a bunch of research to make sure you don't encounter this problem. Read the rest of the post to better understand.
Original
Thank you in advance for reading this and helping me. (I also posted this in r/LGG8X, and am posting it here because some people don't have accounts with both. The more people that see it, the better, if by chance someone has ideas, wants to help, and has time to post the ideas)
It seems like a lot of people are having this issue, so maybe someone might have an idea.
I bought this phone to replace my Xiaomi Mi 9 (which was on the fritz, turning itself off randomly), about 1.5 weeks ago. I did my research and reasonably concluded that this phone has LTE band 12 and VoLTE; also it would be foolish of LG to not to have that. I could not find the VoLTE or Wifi Calling switches anywhere in the settings app, or in the phone app. I then dialed " *#*#4636#*#* " which opened up the "Testing Settings" (as usual). I click on the "Phone Information" tab, scroll down and find both the VoLTE and Wifi Calling switches, which are, to my dismay, greyed out.
I called Ting and they said, (after getting the IMEI), that this doesn't have LTE band 12, therefore no VoLTE. That confused me, because like I said, my research before buying had already concluded that it has band 12. The Ting rep said that's all he could do for me, so we ended the call. I did another 30 mins of research, again concluded it has band 12 with VoLTE. I also called LG themselves, and the rep there confirmed that this phone has band 12 with VoLTE, they also said "we would be more than happy to verify that the phone works with you carrier through phone conferencing". I asked the rep about about the previously mentioned VoLTE and Wifi Calling switches being greyed out, and they said that's because the phone has those 2 capabilities, but the carrier has to enable them.
I really love this phone, especially in comparison to the Mi 9 (even tho the Mi 9 is a good phone). I love the software better (even with the weird quirks that it has), and the value proposition is quite good. I really don't want to have to get a 3rd new phone in one year. If anyone has any ideas/help that would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
[Edit]: P.S. I think this is partly a problem with LG, and partly with the carriers. I suspect that LG messed up with the IMEI/etc and other important identifiers as to what the device is, what exact version (i.e. LM-G850UM, etc) of a particular model (i.e. LG G8X Thinq Dual Screen, etc). This leads to the cell carrier's infrastructure seeing this phone as incompatible (doesn't see LTE Band 12, when it really is. The cell carriers, (from my own experience with 2 Ting Reps, and from what others have said on other forum threads), can't or won't solve this problem, even tho it may be solvable. From what I have seen on other forums, some got it solved by the cell carrier entering codes on the phone and doing something on their side. If LG and the all the networks would talk to each about this problem and get it solved if possible that would be awesome...
Update - 11/04/2020:
It seems I unintentionally bought a G8X with the Canadian rom LMG850UM20e. I am doubtful, but is the hardware the same or similar enough to flash the USA unlocked rom LMG850QM? Or is there something else I can do to make the Ting network allow VoLTE? As far as I can tell, the Canadian model still supports VoLTE LTE Band 12, but correct me if I'm wrong.
Update - 11/05/2020:
Ting says that my phone has LTE Band 12 and therefore VoLTE, but that will only work on ATT. A bit confusing because (like I said) the particular rom on my phone is Canadian (LMG850UM20e), so why ATT? The explanation for that, it seems is that ATT, (and Sprint), and the unlocked Canadian version have the same sub-model: LMG850UM. The USA unlocked version has a different sub-model (LMG850QM), the rest of the world has yet another sub-model (LMQ850EMW). There are around 15 different versions it seems; see this reddit post on the different models: (can't post the link yet) title: "Hey G8X owner, what is the submodel number and regional code of your unit? And where did you buy it from? I am trying to complete this list, also relating to timing of security updates and Android 10 release." posted in r/LG G8X
It seems like all the versions (LMG850......) have the same hardware, the only difference are the roms, which seem artificially disable certain capabilities of the phone. I am pretty sure my phone would do VoLTE just fine on Ting (or most other carriers). The thing wrong here, I think, is that the IMEI and other specific identifiers of the phone artificially show that the phone does not have the functionality, so the networks don't enable it. It also seems like LG made an agreement or something with ATT as well as Sprint (separately), to release carrier-specific version (as most brands seem to do), and that the phone would fully work on their respective networks and MVNOs, at least the versions in the LMG850UM sub model group, and the USA unlocked sub-model group. LG and T-Mobile seem to have come to no such *official* agreement, unfortunately. I am wondering any of the versions work with T-Mobile and it's MVNOs out of the box, some *modifications* may have to be done in order to get it working on TM towers. There may also be unintentional bugs in some or all roms that are possibly causing, or more likely, adding on to the problem.
Obviously, I am still trying to find my around this problem. I'm considering flashing a USA unlocked rom (LMG850QM sub-model), though not sure if that's possible, or if it'll change what the IMEI and the other specific identifiers tell the cell carrier about compatibility. I also wonder if carriers have the ability to override the artificial restrictions. There is also one report of T-Mobile supposedly fixing the same/similar problem with Sprint for a customer, see u/Veshtarii's comments on this reddit post: (can't post link yet) title: "LG G8X unlocked models having issues with US carriers." Posted in r/LGG8X. Another reddit user used a cheap Tracfone sim card to make his phone work on T-Mobile: (can't post link yet) title: "Tutorial: How to Update eBay Unlocked ATT / AT&T LG G8x" Posted in r/LGG8X. I am unsure if he also has VoLTE working.
Update - 11/06/2020
I'm done with this... It is pretty much impossible. I commented on the "Tutorial: How to Update eBay Unlocked ATT / AT&T LG G8x" post, and the OP responded and said he can't get VoLTE working, even with doing that update. The only thing that could possibly work, is flashing the USA unlocked sub-model onto it. However I probably don't know enough to do it right, but the bigger reason is that it'll probably brick it. I've realized, and should realized when I was doing the research for a new phone, that ATT and TMO's VoLTE/Wifi Calling work differently. They both use propriety coding, which they license to each brand to use in the models they both come to agreement on, and a similar agreement with each MVNO under their towers. LG and TMO seem to have made no such agreement for the G8X, therefore in all practicality, no G8X will work on any of their towers. Also, I called H2O Wireless just to see if my phone works with them, but they said my IMEI is not compatible; so I'm not the Canadian model that I have works in the US at all, that makes me think that not even the versions inside each sub-model aren't even compatible with each other. There is that one situation I mentioned, where the person who was having problems with Sprint before the merger, took it to TMO after the merger and the TMO tech fixed it for him. But I think he must've been having a different problem, because his phone is probably still technically running on Sprint towers. Sprint made the agreement with LG, so VoLTE would work in that instance. Flashing is practically not a solution for most people.
I should've done more research than I did before buying the phone. That is the moral of this story; make sure you do all your "homework" before buying any phone anywhere but the shop of the carrier you are using (or plan to use). That leads me to my number one complaint with phone brands and especially cell carriers as whole: they make it incredibly annoying, often difficult, and confusing to find a compatible phone that isn't on the carrier store. And the problem with that is that everything in any carriers' stores is everything is stupidly overpriced, and then they get you hooked with pricey deals you don't want. If you're reading this, you're most likely like me, you know better than to spend more than you have to on a phone and plan in the carrier store, you know (or at least kinda know) how to get past that. I get that cell carriers want to make money, but I tell you, this is too far. Anyways, the point is, there is no immediate solution, in other words, your only worthwhile solution is prevention, doing a bunch of research. I'm done with this... I'm returning this phone and getting the vanilla G8...
I have the LMG850QM. It has no VOLTE icons while in call even if on band 12. It uses HD+ and that will be shown in dialer during call. Internet does work while in call so believe that it is working. The switches are on like yours but greyed out. Wi-fi calling does work. By turning on airplane mode and then turning back on wifi the dialer will show that calls are being made over Wifi. The OnePlus 6T has VoWifi icons in status bar and this phone doesn't. I will say that this phone gets service in buildings where neither of my 6t's would have service.
I grabbed this phone (free) from Metro about 7 months ago. I was able to use their app to "unlock" the phone after 6 months. I'm unclear about what the official "unlock" will actually allow me to do with the phone. I haven't bothered to try to load a ROM or even root it yet--is this possible? The toggle to unlock the bootloader now seems to work, but I haven't bothered (yet). FWIW, I've rooted all my Nexus, Pixel, and OnePlus devices for the past decade (as well as loaded ROMs), but this is the first phone I've purchased that was carrier locked and I don't know what all that entailed. I honestly don't even know if the Metro variant is the same (as in bands, etc.) as the vanilla North American version or not. Hell, I don't even know what other carriers it might work with. I know I sound like an idiot newbie, and I guess I am with this phone. I've actually google'd quite a bit, but I just can't find much information regarding the Metro version of the phone.
Erm... what do you WANT to do with it?
Backup gets easier as root. Some don't care and real-time stream to the cloud.
Some are paranoid of what certain large companies *cough* Google *cough* might install on your phone in the middle of the night without telling you... unlocked bootloader lets you go to an OS build from AOSP or its ilk that allow you to see source code (if you are really, really, bored enough to check it all).
Some want to kill bloat (rather than just disable it).
Some may want to keep their phones for well after they are supported officially, with an OS like Lineage, or eOS (this not so much for Nord with a fixed battery, although I suppose you can replace it if you are determined enough).
Likewise, I have old phones I've turned into MP3 players for the kids- strip all the "phone" stuff and prevent connections to Internet/cell (eliminates the security threat of an old OS) and simply sideload AIMP, VLC, or whatever your favorite player is.
GSMArena has a very easily navigable feature list, that will show for some phones the different bands each supports- and you can compare to what your preferred carrier uses. USUALLY - but not always- there is an "international" version and a "US" Version. Verizon sometimes gets their own model with/for CDMA bands, but most support all the GSM Carriers and their resellers. If you are sim unlocked, you should be able to use them on any carrier, YMMV.
T-Mobile and Metro usually don't screw around with the cellular bands of the phones they sell, so the Metro/T-Mobile N10 does support the same bands as the factory unlocked version.
And you can start off by flashing the unbranded firmware onto the phone if you don't want the Metro junk and boot animation.
I am looking at getting the Pixel 6 (or possibly the 6 pro) and was checking out the Google store where they sell different versions of the 6/6pro.
I'm on Verizon and my current pixel is a Verizon version which has a locked bootloader. I've bricked my device twice because of failed OTAs and I want my next one to be an unlocked Google version instead of the locked down Verizon version. I want to be able to install TWRP like I used to with my Samsung devices (I left Samsung devices when they started locking them down).
In the fine print, it says the unlocked version does not work with Verizon's mmWave network (5G).
Is this correct? If I get an unlocked version it will not work with the fastest version of 5G? Or is this because it works with any carrier and they all use different 5G bands?
TLDR: I want a version that I can unlock the BL. Will I lose out on 5G if I buy this version? Pardon the question if this has already been answered in some of the other google 5G devices like the pixel 4/5 +5G forums...
gcodori said:
I am looking at getting the Pixel 6 (or possibly the 6 pro) and was checking out the Google store where they sell different versions of the 6/6pro.
I'm on Verizon and my current pixel is a Verizon version which has a locked bootloader. I've bricked my device twice because of failed OTAs and I want my next one to be an unlocked Google version instead of the locked down Verizon version. I want to be able to install TWRP like I used to with my Samsung devices (I left Samsung devices when they started locking them down).
In the fine print, it says the unlocked version does not work with Verizon's mmWave network (5G).
Is this correct? If I get an unlocked version it will not work with the fastest version of 5G? Or is this because it works with any carrier and they all use different 5G bands?
TLDR: I want a version that I can unlock the BL. Will I lose out on 5G if I buy this version? Pardon the question if this has already been answered in some of the other google 5G devices like the pixel 4/5 +5G forums...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlocked version doesn't have the fastest version of 5g for Verizon but Verizon has that so few spots that it's basically worthless at this point. Maybe in 3 years it will be worthwhile but I wouldn't buy a phone based on that spec.
Pixel 6 and 5G: This Should Clear Things Up
Confusion around Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro 5G support has us answering your questions and confirming networks.
www.droid-life.com
Ah cool. So the short answer for Verizon is:
6 Pro - locked or unlocked works on all 5G frequencies, so get the unlocked one.
6 unlocked - does not have mmW. But Verizon mmW sux at the moment (depends where you live) so no big loss...
6 locked - works with Verizon bands but is locked by VZW
gcodori said:
Ah cool. So the short answer for Verizon is:
6 Pro - locked or unlocked works on all 5G frequencies, so get the unlocked one.
6 unlocked - does not have mmW. But Verizon mmW sux at the moment (depends where you live) so no big loss...
6 locked - works with Verizon bands but is locked by VZW
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Click to collapse
Correct. For non-pro Pixel 6, mmW is only available on the Pixel 6 locked version from Verizon.
To be honest, look at the coverage map for mmW to see if you get any use out of it. It is so limited that most won't see a beneift. It does suck Verizon will not offer a lock non-mmW version so people can take advantage of trade-in deals and such.
NavySpark said:
Correct. For non-pro Pixel 6, mmW is only available on the Pixel 6 locked version from Verizon.
To be honest, look at the coverage map for mmW to see if you get any use out of it. It is so limited that most won't see a beneift. It does suck Verizon will not offer a lock non-mmW version so people can take advantage of trade-in deals and such.
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I didn't realize this when I ordered my P6 but I agree it is not a huge deal at this point. I am still getting mostly LTE at home and work on VZW and slower 5g on my Pixel 5 every once in a while right now. I have had two work phones, one on TMobile and the other on AT&T both Galaxy phones and I was getting faster speeds on 5g when I had it. I am tempted to go TMobile as I now get just as good coverage at my house as Verizon.
alershka said:
I didn't realize this when I ordered my P6 but I agree it is not a huge deal at this point. I am still getting mostly LTE at home and work on VZW and slower 5g on my Pixel 5 every once in a while right now. I have had two work phones, one on TMobile and the other on AT&T both Galaxy phones and I was getting faster speeds on 5g when I had it. I am tempted to go TMobile as I now get just as good coverage at my house as Verizon.
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TMobile's 5G still needs a lot of work. For me, it's less stable and speed improvements are negligible most of the time. Their LTE does just fine and I get good enough reception and speed for me.
My main reason to be with TMobile is the price I pay for our 5 lines, can't beat it.
NavySpark said:
TMobile's 5G still needs a lot of work. For me, it's less stable and speed improvements are negligible most of the time. Their LTE does just fine and I get good enough reception and speed for me.
My main reason to be with TMobile is the price I pay for our 5 lines, can't beat it.
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Are you planning to get your Pixel 6 from T-Mobile? If so, have you heard anything about how the monthly updates will work with T-Mobile Pixels vs. Google Pixels? Will it be direct from Google or indirect from T-Mobile?
BTW, I also stay with T-Mobile since my monthly has been under $100 for a decade+ for 3 lines.
phaino00 said:
Are you planning to get your Pixel 6 from T-Mobile? If so, have you heard anything about how the monthly updates will work with T-Mobile Pixels vs. Google Pixels? Will it be direct from Google or indirect from T-Mobile?
BTW, I also stay with T-Mobile since my monthly has been under $100 for a decade+ for 3 lines.
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I bought my Pixel 6 directly from Google this time. I have been exclusively doing unlocked phones for last 3-4. Main reason is the delay in updates and features. I love how Google updates most apps and features separately of the OS update. I find many carrier phones lump upgrades together. Also give me the option to try beta softwares and such.
I usually sell on Swappa but actually doing a trade-in with Google since they offered me $375 for my Pixel 5.
NavySpark said:
I bought my Pixel 6 directly from Google this time. I have been exclusively doing unlocked phones for last 3-4. Main reason is the delay in updates and features. I love how Google updates most apps and features separately of the OS update. I find many carrier phones lump upgrades together. Also give me the option to try beta softwares and such.
I usually sell on Swappa but actually doing a trade-in with Google since they offered me $375 for my Pixel 5.
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I agree with having the direct 'link', so to speak.
I, on the other hand, have a tendency to keep phones a few years, e.g, last 4 were Nexus 5 unlocked, Pixel unlocked, One Plus 6t (T-Mobile MSM converted to international version), and next Thursday the Pixel 6 (probably T-Mobile version).
First after Motorola razor, was My Touch 3g.
phaino00 said:
I agree with having the direct 'link', so to speak.
I, on the other hand, have a tendency to keep phones a few years, e.g, last 4 were Nexus 5 unlocked, Pixel unlocked, One Plus 6t (T-Mobile MSM converted to international version), and next Thursday the Pixel 6 (probably T-Mobile version).
First after Motorola razor, was My Touch 3g.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice. I try to keep phones a whole but prior to this had two unfortunate events where I dropped it had needed to replace them. The Pixel 5 been solid but the features and price of the Pixel 6, coupled with my trade value, I decided to upgrade.
Not to hijack this thread, but I have a similar question. AT&T is not going to whitelist my OnePlus 5T for VoLTE, so I was going to get an unlocked Pixel 6 (GB7N6), but if they don't whitelist the unlocked pixel 6, then I'm out of luck for it working there too, right? I'm not concerned about mmW, but not being able to use the phone as a phone (voice / VoLTE) will be a problem. But I don't want a locked phone.
Can anyone provide some insight?
thanks in advance.
freonchill said:
Not to hijack this thread, but I have a similar question. AT&T is not going to whitelist my OnePlus 5T for VoLTE, so I was going to get an unlocked Pixel 6 (GB7N6), but if they don't whitelist the unlocked pixel 6, then I'm out of luck for it working there too, right? I'm not concerned about mmW, but not being able to use the phone as a phone (voice / VoLTE) will be a problem. But I don't want a locked phone.
Can anyone provide some insight?
thanks in advance.
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You hit the nail on the head, it is up to AT&T to whitelist. They have previously whitelisted Google phones so I think you will be ok.
This is what I found from AT&T concerning unlocked phones. File says updated October 13th 2021.
https://www.att.com/idpassets/images/support/wireless/Service-Capabilities-Unlocked-Devices-ATT-Network.pdf
I knew about the mmWave situation when I purchased my Pixel 6 and was fine with it; I bought the unlocked model for exclusive use on Verizon. I'm in the middle of North Dakota, and I'm just not worried about it. I haven't even looked at a coverage map, but my cellular bandwidth speed isn't ever why I purchase a phone. I also bought the unlocked version if I decide to root the device in the future.
mmWave 5g is currently being installed at large facilities where you will find a high density of people Places like airports and sports arenas.
This is because mmWave technology has a very short range and it generally won't penetrate buildings. I doubt mmWave 5g will EVER be used in a lot of places, but I certainly would not worry about it in this generation of phones. Even if you live in a large city (like LA) where mmWave is "rolled out" it is only going to work at these large facilities like the coliseum and airport. If you live in a medium or small city, you won't have mmWave coverage for years - perhaps ever.
There is no way I would pay $100 more for the Verizon phone with mmWave - even if I lived in a big city.
sic0048 said:
mmWave 5g is currently being installed at large facilities where you will find a high density of people Places like airports and sports arenas.
This is because mmWave technology has a very short range and it generally won't penetrate buildings. I doubt mmWave 5g will EVER be used in a lot of places, but I certainly would not worry about it in this generation of phones. Even if you live in a large city (like LA) where mmWave is "rolled out" it is only going to work at these large facilities like the coliseum and airport. If you live in a medium or small city, you won't have mmWave coverage for years - perhaps ever.
There is no way I would pay $100 more for the Verizon phone with mmWave - even if I lived in a big city.
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Exactly. Similar to the initial Roll Out of 4G an d 5G. Its going to need time to grow.
NavySpark said:
TMobile's 5G still needs a lot of work. For me, it's less stable and speed improvements are negligible most of the time. Their LTE does just fine and I get good enough reception and speed for me.
My main reason to be with TMobile is the price I pay for our 5 lines, can't beat it.
Click to expand...
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I disagreed...in the Baltimore region, when there is traffic jam, 5G would connect, LTE would just stalled.
Vio281 said:
I disagreed...in the Baltimore region, when there is traffic jam, 5G would connect, LTE would just stalled.
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I would agree some areas are always better than others but as a whole I believe it still needs a lot of work. The SA rollout is impressive but I still get a lot of "hang" time on true 5G compared to LTE.
This is in multiple areas of the country during my travels over the last year.
Wouldn't the network on which you wish to operate the device require a set parameter in the OS that allowed signals from the provider to be deciphered? Back in the day we simply called this 'the radio', and if you wanted to switch providers you had to make sure the device could 'talk' to the new network after you installed a new SIM card. You did that by comparing the device specs with what bandwidths the provider was broadcasting on. If the Pixel you buy shows in its specifications list that it works with the band your provider broadcasts on, it's then a case of ensuring the ROM you run on the device can make use of that particular radio band. Pretty simple, tbh...
NavySpark said:
You hit the nail on the head, it is up to AT&T to whitelist. They have previously whitelisted Google phones so I think you will be ok.
This is what I found from AT&T concerning unlocked phones. File says updated October 13th 2021.
https://www.att.com/idpassets/images/support/wireless/Service-Capabilities-Unlocked-Devices-ATT-Network.pdf
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The above link was updated on November 4th and AT&T has indeed whitelisted the Pixel 6 (GB7N6). I ordered that phone from Google last week and still waiting for it to arrive. So I can't verify yet if VoLTE and wifi calling will work yet. I can update this post when I get the phone.
rlstapp said:
The above link was updated on November 4th and AT&T has indeed whitelisted the Pixel 6 (GB7N6). I ordered that phone from Google last week and still waiting for it to arrive. So I can't verify yet if VoLTE and wifi calling will work yet. I can update this post when I get the phone.
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Good stuff, I am sure you will have no issues as long a the provisioning happens properly. My unlocked Pixel 6 had no isse with T-Mobile utilizing an eSim.
Can someone help me with understanding this?....or is AT&T making me buy another phone for no reason? I actually left AT&T and went to Cricket wireless because they use the same towers and no other carrier has reception in my rural area. ANYWAY, they made me buy a Samsung A02s because it will work on the network after dropping 3g. The A02s is so slow and junky! I checked the bands that these phones use and the A21s has better specs. WHY CAN'T I USE THE A21S NOW? Can anyone help me with this? Can rooting help me somehow?
Thanks
Depends on the model number.
AT&T has a white list of all compatible phones.
Been using AT&T for 12 years and generally have very little trouble with the network. Reps can be more challenging however I believe you can never get enough assertiveness training. As such I have on occasions been quit the terror for AT&T. Last 3 years though have been calm.
They value long term customers, a plus and reps are given a wide leeway to issue credits. However you need to stay on top of things especially if changing plans. Some reps aren't up to speed.
The model of the A21s is SM-A217F/DS and the model of the slow junky one is SM-A025AZ. I just can't believe the junky SM-A025AZ is more apt to work.
trektech1701 said:
The model of the A21s is SM-A217F/DS and the model of the slow junky one is SM-A025AZ. I just can't believe the junky SM-A025AZ is more apt to work.
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As per the link I provided in my last post it's because it lacks support for band 14. Therefore it's incompatible with AT&T's network. Not sure if this is the cause but if true there's nothing to be done. AT&T supports most popular unlocked models. They will add more models but those will likely be new releases.
This is the stuff that gives me a headache when buying a phone other than through AT&T. Never 100% sure it will work until you slam the sim card it and boot up. With my unlocked N975U1 it went straight online without needing any configuration changes other than the sim card, good as it gets. Before buying a phone always check AT&T's current white list... stay within those parameters.
The good news is the AT&T 4g VoLTE has better bandwidth than ever, no 5G needed. I can stream vids at any time. The implementation of 5G has opened up 4G bandwidth more so it's a win-win for the 4G users.