Just picked up a Telus "Fascinate", not to be confused with the Verizon Fascinate.
It is actually very much like the T-Mobile Vibrant(model number variant an all), not to be confused with the Bell Vibrant. Confused yet? Me too.
So, it's the T959D, four capacitive buttons, no FFC, has a totally black bezel (instead black chrome). The bezel is, well, identical to the bezel on the Verizon Fascinate, probably the same part. Actually makes the phone look really good. I bought this as replacement for my Bell I9000M that had internal SD card failure, and this looks better thanks to that bezel, I never liked the chrome. Do miss the physical home button already, though.
Rest of the phone is pretty much I9000 standard, backplate and all. And of course, it works on 850/1900 UMTS, not the T-Mobile AWS frequencies.
I do fear for the future of this orphan device's firmware. Mine is 2.1, running TLJJ2 baseband and PDA.
No Telus bloatware at ALL on it. Zip, nada, zilch, this is pure Samsung, not even a copy of Avatar.
Related
So... I was just wondering... would it be possible to disassemble the CDMA Hero and put it's parts inside of a GSM Hero casing? I just don't like the CDMA casing that much... and I like the chin on the GSM version.
Any this is possible, but is worth the extreme amount of time & effort, no.
you would be the only guy with a $1,100 dollar hero
(assuming both phones are retail)
there's the motivation right there, almost makes me want one.
mrinehart93 said:
So... I was just wondering... would it be possible to disassemble the CDMA Hero and put it's parts inside of a GSM Hero casing? I just don't like the CDMA casing that much... and I like the chin on the GSM version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not possible. The form factor is not even close. The track ball placement is about ten miles off. The buttons and the trackball are on a separate pcb in the GSM version that is connected to the primary, the CDMA is all on one board.
I like the chin too, when I heard that we were getting the hero, I prayed that they would not change it. My prayers were not answered
I enjoy both form factors, but I did fall in love with and pray on the chinned version. While I've never played with a GSM Hero, but looks to me like the chinless version's buttons are easier to press... the chinned version's look pretty flush but blah.
I also think the chinless version's build quality (again, never played with chinned version) seems a couple notches above our chinless version. blah. ah well, what can you do?
Just wondering if this T Mobile Vibrant is the same as far as rooting and flashing goes as the version Bell will be launching soon in Canada?
Thanks
Bump, anyone know?
To my knowledge, no it isn't. It seems like it will be the same (or atleast look the same) as the euro galaxy S
biggest consideration is to check what frequencies your carrier uses ie is it GSM or CDMA, and for 3g Data what freqs
the tmobile is GSM and for 3G Tmo uses the AWS IV band, ie 1700/2100, and it has to be both of those if you were bringing a european phone here to the USA to use on tmobile - tmobile europe only uses 2100 for 3G, no 1700
as the 2100 is the download side i figured i could live without 3g upload speed but just before pulling the trigger on a european tmobile HTC Desire i found out that if the phone didn't have both sides, ie both 1700 for upload and 2100 for download, tmo's network would hold the phone to 2G or EDGE data speeds
so best bet is to first identify Bell's freqs - and you can do that on the web -
hope that helps some
Thanks, Bell's network is 850/1900. Same as AT&T but it doesn't look anything like the Captivate. Too many models of the same phone... too confusing...
I wouldn't be concerned with looks, in fact to me (i own a vibrant) i like the captivate case better - that report endgadget.com had on the two (vibrant/captivate) liked the way the captivate's case released in the back
the vibrant you have to pop the caseback with your fingernail - its secure but kind of a chintzy way to do it, especially when the capitvate has a nice pull and release mechanism
and the rear surface has some texture for a little better grip
A Dustman said:
Thanks, Bell's network is 850/1900. Same as AT&T but it doesn't look anything like the Captivate. Too many models of the same phone... too confusing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess is the standard Galaxy S form factor is a little too much like the iPhone for AT&T's taste, so they wanted one that looks different. They don't want to piss off Apple, their goose that lays the golden eggs.
Sent from my Samsung Vibrant
I've got my crystal ball tuned up...
Bell gets a unit that looks exactly like the US T-Mobile Vibrant, otherwise they wouldn't have called it that. With the AWS/2100 replaced with 850/1900, and same as the T-Mo, no FFC. Bell gets the first Canadian unit, so they got that going on for "cool factor". I'm like 95.9% sure of this.
Based on the posters for the launch party, Telus gets an GSM Epic. That makes a lot of sense, especially since they're releasing the LCD Desire very shortly...the thicker, less sleek Epic would not be in the same category, and they wouldn't have went to the expense of getting the Desire if they were getting regular non-keyboard Galaxy S variant, and vice versa. I'm about 75% sure of this.
A Telus Epic would also make a great replacement for the aging Milestone, which is now out of production, with the GSM Milestone 2 probably still months off.
Rogers gets an unknown unit. I'd lean towards them getting the Captivate style, except for the whole AT&T exclusive lock on the unit, September release of the same unit that works on the same bands seems a little soon for AT&T to give up on the exclusivity costs.
But Rogers needs something to bring to the table that's different than Bell or Telus, so they may get a GSM Fascinate (complete with camera flash). The timing matches the Verizon release window as well, and both may be waiting on Samsung to get these into full production. They may also get the Euro model complete with FFC and big home button, Rogers has a history of supporting video calling. Whatever version they release, it will most likely ship with Froyo in the box.
To confuse the Rogers matter more, the rumor in the SIM unlocking circles is that the AT&T Captivate codes won't be available until October. If Rogers ships a Captivate version of it in September, with the same name, then AT&T will start releasing SIM codes to those that ask, because it's no longer exclusivity-locked.
I'm 33% on each of the Rogers options (Captivate, Fascinate, "pure" Galaxy S)
But it's all guesswork.
That's a pretty interesting theory you have there, and it makes sense too.
Has anyone gotten any of these Galaxy S models sim unlocked yet?
Croak said:
I've got my crystal ball tuned up...
Bell gets a unit that looks exactly like the US T-Mobile Vibrant, otherwise they wouldn't have called it that. With the AWS/2100 replaced with 850/1900, and same as the T-Mo, no FFC. Bell gets the first Canadian unit, so they got that going on for "cool factor". I'm like 95.9% sure of this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the only part of your comment that I think I will argue with. I think the bell version will look identical to the european one. Why do I think so? Two reasons my dear watson,
A.) www . youtube.com/watch?=8QSl8FyhjJE&feature=player_embedded
This video which I believe is correct. (and I think I saw another video that was just a hands on in a small room filled with guys in suits and the one reviewer.
B.) The Samsung Canada page for this device: www . samsung.com/ca/consumer/mobile/mobile-phones/all-phones/GT-I9000HKABMC/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail&returnurl=
P.S. I've also heard of rumours of Rogers coming out with a galaxy S device, and Furthermore, supposedly the release date for the Bell Galaxy S will be August 6th
Since I live in Sweden, what is the main difference with the Vibrant, Capacitive and Euro versions of the SGS?
The actual Galaxy S, the i9000, is the version used everywhere except for the U.S. and Canada. Carriers there decided they wanted variations of the device and a removal of some features. Namely the front-facing camera.
The Vibrant for T-Mobile US has no front facing camera, and uses 4 touch sensitive keys at the bottom instead of the home button with two touch keys.
The Captivate for AT&T US has no front facing camera, also uses 4 touch sensitive keys in lieu of the i9000 configuration, but has a different body design.
The Epic 4G for Sprint US is basically the Vibrant with a slide out keyboard and the front-facing camera put back in, plus a 4G radio.
The "Galaxy S Captivate" for Rogers Canada is identical to the AT&T US version.
Bell Wireless Canada released the normal Galaxy S (i9000) but called it the Galaxy S Vibrant for some bizarre reason (even though it is not the T-Mobile US version).
All of the phones run their own firmware for that specific variation (except perhaps the Bell Wireless one as it is the international variation. Not sure though).
Thank you for that detail description. I wonder why some countires do not want the front facing camera. Rediculous, really. Oh well. That means Sweden as a front facing camera. At least I think so. I gotta check it out. I didn't think about it when I ordered it.
because the USA phone networks wants to make another product shine
in this case iphone4
advertized as the revolutionary phone with the only front facing conversation
Revolutionery it is not. Nokia as had this on their phones long before the Iphone.
Confirmed by a VZW spokesperson...
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110825-712899.html
So the T-Mobile version's a Celox in drag and AT&T's will most likely have a keyboard. The only one remotely resembling the original is Sprint's. Looks like the U.S. carriers once again tortured a phone with their customization.
Stupid Verizon... and it looks like I'll pick up an unlocked international version. Stupid US carriers. How retarded can they be?
This is why I plan to use my yearly upgrades on iPhones & re-sale for profit while buying original international models.
Look for the ATT ROAD MAP that was just put out. ATT is getting two sgs2s. One with keyboard and one that is normal touchscreen and basically looks like the one in the video that Samsung just released (like sprints front what I have read). I too think it is pretty dumb of Verizon but all the articles are guessing it is because they will get the Nexus Prime in October. Also coming from an ATT captivate owner I would ALMOST BET on it that Apple has something to do with it. Look how the Captivate (and all the us carriers) dumbed down the sgs1's compared to the SGS international versions. I always figured that since ATT had exclusive rights for the iphony when the captivate came out that it was dumbed down or would have been (is still in my opinion) better than the iphony 3 or whatever it was at the time and possibly bit a bigger chunk out of apple at the time. I am just glad ATT is getting a sgs2 normal looking one. As far as the phones that have been kind of confirmed everyone thought it was not going to T-Mobile since there was 3 versions of it. But since Verizon chose not to does that mean the T-Mobile is actually getting one or just the 4.5" somewhat version of sgs2?
Sent from My KickAss Captivated CM7 OC'd 1.5Ghz/Undervolted
Massively disappointed, looks like I will have to go to the dark side with the Droid Bionic now.
An Interesting surprise unpacking a 'New' SGH-i257M sourced from eBay.
The Box was shrink wrapped, black seal with the 'Do not accept if seal is broken..etc. ' warning intact. The phone for all intents and purposes was new, plastic protective tape around the Aluminum edge band, standard screen & protective covers all new. Now the good part. Sold as unbranded and unlocked, it came with a Telus box, however when powered up it was indeed free of carrier bloatware and no case branding. When I looked into the Apps drawer there was SuperSU. Hmmmm.... Installed a root checker and dang, it was rooted. I powered down the phone, booted into recovery and yep, the latest CWM. Not a single sign of ANY use or even un-boxing, I looked VERY thoroughly.
I did have access to a US carrier's S4 mini and looked inside carefully and it's definitely not counterfeit. Very well repackaged somewhere obviously or someone at Samsung had some fun, (doubt that).
Along with that I got the thing from Canada to Florida the next day FedEx. But price included standard 3 day expedite.
And yes, of course it's 0x1. But it was going to be anyway within 12 hours. Now de-bloated and running on AT&T it works flawlessly.
Sometimes this hobby/obsession can have surprises.
This shouldn't be surprising, really. A great number of "new" and "unlocked" phones devices sold on ebay are formerly locked and branded devices like yours. I hope you got a great deal on it.
Edit
---------------
Beware any unlocked/unbranded 4G tablet with US frequencies sold on ebay.
CafeKampuchia said:
This shouldn't be surprising, really. A great number of "new" and "unlocked" phones devices sold on ebay are formerly locked and branded devices like yours. I hope you got a great deal on it.
Edit
---------------
Beware any unlocked/unbranded 4G tablet with US frequencies sold on ebay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The deal was unremarkable but the free overnight FedEx shipping from Canada to Florida made up for it.
The V1 Arco68 root/CWM is what surprised me, The case is unbranded, no Telus, Bell, Rogers or anything on the case, the same UPC as a non branded phone, same inside, no different from the unbranded & above the standard UPC code is printed TELUS in a different font, I suspect it was intended as a replacement for TELUS Tech and as usual some 'Fell off the truck', or it's 'overstock' China commerce. I am aware of the 'pitfalls' of new Cell purchases, A minefield comes to mind. That is where PayPal comes in very handy if something is not as it should be. Been there, done the dance before. I'm pleased with it and it saved me a small amount of time. It is an unbranded, unused phone, so what the heck. I posted the info since this is a case where something was done right. Unusual.
systwk said:
An Interesting surprise unpacking a 'New' SGH-i257M sourced from eBay.
The Box was shrink wrapped, black seal with the 'Do not accept if seal is broken..etc. ' warning intact. The phone for all intents and purposes was new, plastic protective tape around the Aluminum edge band, standard screen & protective covers all new. Now the good part. Sold as unbranded and unlocked, it came with a Telus box, however when powered up it was indeed free of carrier bloatware and no case branding. When I looked into the Apps drawer there was SuperSU. Hmmmm.... Installed a root checker and dang, it was rooted. I powered down the phone, booted into recovery and yep, the latest CWM. Not a single sign of ANY use or even un-boxing, I looked VERY thoroughly.
I did have access to a US carrier's S4 mini and looked inside carefully and it's definitely not counterfeit. Very well repackaged somewhere obviously or someone at Samsung had some fun, (doubt that).
Along with that I got the thing from Canada to Florida the next day FedEx. But price included standard 3 day expedite.
And yes, of course it's 0x1. But it was going to be anyway within 12 hours. Now de-bloated and running on AT&T it works flawlessly.
Sometimes this hobby/obsession can have surprises.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it get AT&T LTE? Can you confirm whether it has a notification led like the Verizon version?
Sent from my XT1053
phositadc said:
Does it get AT&T LTE? Can you confirm whether it has a notification led like the Verizon version?
Sent from my XT1053
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As to working on AT&T, yes both HSPA+ & LTE work, but it is still the Canadian/NA band phone. No notification LED. The AT&T's from what I have been told will not be out until January. The few phones that have been pre-released earlier may not be the final product. It's a 'wait ans see' situation. I wanted one that will work on T-Mo as well so I have the option of popping in a pre-pay SIM and switching APNs to have access to two networks. An AT&T or T-Mo phone will not do that. I suspect as the user base grows, a BLN compatible Kernel will be available for non AOSP Roms.
Once AT&T rolls out we can extract individual components from the firmware that are unique to AT&T.
systwk said:
As to working on AT&T, yes both HSPA+ & LTE work, but it is still the Canadian/NA band phone. No notification LED. The AT&T's from what I have been told will not be out until January. The few phones that have been pre-released earlier may not be the final product. It's a 'wait ans see' situation. I wanted one that will work on T-Mo as well so I have the option of popping in a pre-pay SIM and switching APNs to have access to two networks. An AT&T or T-Mo phone will not do that. I suspect as the user base grows, a BLN compatible Kernel will be available for non AOSP Roms.
Once AT&T rolls out we can extract individual components from the firmware that are unique to AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how are you getting lte?
I started with a rogers i275m on 4.2.2
I am getting a 4g indication but never an lte indication. I rooted with vroot, flashed twrp with odin, and then unlocked with the regionlock away app. I debloated ALOTof apps, maybe that is why I do not have lte? stock rom, slimkat, and carbon all do not show lte. Im stumped.