Related
Have been dead-set on getting a Tab for a while now, and since Christmas is coming up I'm considering having my family in the states send me a T-Mo Galaxy Tab.
I've been reading over the threads on getting voice unlocked on the T-Mo models. Voice isn't a MASSIVE issue for me, since I use text messaging 99% of the time anyway, but it would be a nice feature to have. I can wait for that though, so it's not a deal-breaker.
The one thing I would really hate to be without would be 3G. My local provider (Vodafone New Zealand) uses UMTS as well, but without AWS. Both T-Mo and VFNZ use 2100Mhz, but T-Mo uses 1700Mhz and VFNZ use 900/1800Mhz. If it's just a matter of ROMs, I'm sure that wouldn't be too much of a problem as eventually the local carrier stores will start selling it, but at the moment the only places I can find it for are importers (and they're charging ~1000USD).
Advice? How likely am I to be without 3G? How likely to be without phone support? And do I have any alternatives that don't involve paying nearly twice what a US model costs?
Your best bet would be At&t's (USA) version of the Galaxy Tab with Quad band GSM.
This is from Samsung's website:
Quad-Band GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz);
Tri-band UMTS (850/1900/2100MHz) & Wi-Fi
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab/SGH-I987ZKAATT-features
There are ways around the voice capability, though it will strictly be over VOIP and not cellular. For example, you can use Skype to call people. As long as you have good wifi coverage, there shouldn't be much difference from cellular.
Your last bet would be to get the totally unlocked and full featured international version of the Galaxy Tab. However, that costs quite a bit more than the carrier locked US versions.
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I have the option of either picking the LG Optimus 7Q - C900 or HTC 7 Trophy. I have looked at both phones, played with both phones and still unsure.
From what I can see these phones are on slightly different networks but not enough for me to be concerned as most of the time I'll be on wifi data (I'll write the specs of phones and network at the end)
The LG has a Keyboard, great if I want the full screen when typing but on the flip side not all applications go to landscape.
The LG feels a more soild phone but with this comes weight.
It seems to have more radio bands, but so what if your country only has 2 main telcos.
I haven't read bad posts (apart bad design keyboard) about this phone.
now for the Trophy
Better user support like a decent group in xda.
Only has a 8gb built in SDcard
Seems to have better Sound options/mixing when listerning to music
Better custom applications
Lighter than the LG
Supplied by the network we will be using
I am concerned about all the issues in posts I have seen, is the phone really that bad?
So can anyone help me out, have you tried both and perfered one over the other, why?
Networks.
In NZ we have 2 main telcos with a couple of smaller company's using their tranmitters. The contract will be with 2degress using Vodafones equipment.
from what I can see here is the specs of both phones
LG
GSM 850; GSM 900; GSM 1800; GSM 1900; Edge; HSDPA 7.2; HSUPA 5.6; UMTS 850; UMTS 1900; UMTS 2100
Trophy
GSM 850; GSM 900; GSM 1800; GSM 1900; WCDMA; HSDPA 7.2; HSDPA 900; HSDPA 2100
It is hard to find true network information about Vodafone in NZ but from what I can tell they use 3G 900 and 2100 for their broadband so I don't see a magor issue here, can anyone else?
Cheers
Well I ordered my trophy yesterday after playing with it extensively in the shop, also had a go at the LG. The main difference to me was the difference in screen quality - the LG's looked really bad compared to the HTC one.
Also, HTC apps are a lot more useful and they've been aggressive with pushing out new software (YouTube, etc) and I don't really need a physical keyboard.
Anyway, I think the trophy would be a great choice, but if my phone turns up with the screen defect then I'll probably think differently
Hi all,
Im thinking of buying this phone but from what i have read there isnt much difference between the Atrix and the Atrix 4g.
How will I be able to tell which is which? specs are almost the same.
Should add that I am buying used. Also, I am in the UK.
Look forward to your replies!
They are the same phone!
I'm also in the UK, really like my atrix, but coming from a modded android to a locked phone is a bit difficult...
streuli999 said:
They are the same phone!
I'm also in the UK, really like my atrix, but coming from a modded android to a locked phone is a bit difficult...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your sure? i read somewhere that the first atrix has 5mp cam which has been upped to 8mp in the new version.
Maybe im mistaken.
Yes ive heard about Moto not playing nice with rooting!
It is the Atrix 4g and the Atrix 2. And the Atrix 4g has a 5 MP camera and the Atrix 2 has a 8 MP camera. The most noticeable thing I saw in the looks of the 2 phones was the Atrix 4g has the speaker on the back at the bottom and the Atrix 2 has the speaker on the front at the top.
blingmaster said:
It is the Atrix 4g and the Atrix 2. And the Atrix 4g has a 5 MP camera and the Atrix 2 has a 8 MP camera. The most noticeable thing I saw in the looks of the 2 phones was the Atrix 4g has the speaker on the back at the bottom and the Atrix 2 has the speaker on the front at the top.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah that's right... looking at the specs on motorola website, seems that's the only difference!
cool, now i know what to look out for!!!
atrix(4g) is not a locked phone, is it? If you follow the guide, you can unlock the bootloader and flash different ROMs on it.
Another difference between atrix(4g) and atrix 2 is the fingerprint scanner. atrix 2 doesn't have it.
Since you are in the UK you will probably want the "Motorola Atrix" since it has the 900MHz UMTS band needed for some UK carriers like Vodafone and O2.
The "Motorola Atrix 4G" is the title used for the Atrix line that is used in North America for carriers like AT&T and Bell.
Look at these two links and you will see that the main difference is the bands used for their 3G networks. AT&T and Bell use 850/1900 and Vodafone and O2 use 900/2100.
http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_atrix-3709.php
http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_atrix_4g-3708.php
I could be wrong but this is what I can gather from your question. Also, you might be able to use the "4G" branded one because it still uses the 2100MHz band (if unlocked) but you might experience reduced coverage (slower speeds).
The difference in cameras is between the Atrix(4G) and Atrix 2.
http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_atrix_2-4199.php
Which also does not use the 900MHz band.
EDIT: I would also like to point out that they do all use the same "Quad-band GSM" but that is for the 2G(EDGE) network, and not 3G(UMTS/HSPA)
jman316 said:
Hi all,
Im thinking of buying this phone but from what i have read there isnt much difference between the Atrix and the Atrix 4g.
How will I be able to tell which is which? specs are almost the same.
Should add that I am buying used. Also, I am in the UK.
Look forward to your replies!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some suggested the only difference between atrix and atrix 4g is the firmware. But I don't know how true it is.
I have a Bell (canadian) atrix 4G, and I am currently in UK on O2. Is there any way to tell if I can use UMTS900 or not?
If there is a way to tell, and I manage to connect to UMTS900, then I will say there is no difference between atrix and atrix4G.
Right, an unlocked Bell/AT&T Atrix will work on almost all of the UK networks but it will be restricted to the 2100MHz band for 3G(HSPA) or quad-band GSM for 2G(EDGE).
You don't need to try "to tell" if your Bell Atrix is using the 900MHz band for 3G(UMTS/HSPA) because it cannot. It's in the specs, it just doesn't have the capability.
http://www.bell.ca/Mobility/Products/Motorola_Atrix_4G/Specifications.tab
Just to clarify, I'm not saying you can't use an unlocked AT&T/Bell Atrix in the UK, all I'm saying is it will not be able to use the 900MHz band for 3G. It will, however, be able to use it on EDGE/2G. I'm fairly certain it's a hardware thing.
ken218 said:
Some suggested the only difference between atrix and atrix 4g is the firmware. But I don't know how true it is.
I have a Bell (canadian) atrix 4G, and I am currently in UK on O2. Is there any way to tell if I can use UMTS900 or not?
If there is a way to tell, and I manage to connect to UMTS900, then I will say there is no difference between atrix and atrix4G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People seems to be either pretty certain it is only a firmware difference, or pretty certain it is a hardware difference. But no one can confirm which one is correct...
I do agree, based on the spec from motorola, US/CA atrix doesn't support UMTS900.
ken218 said:
People seems to be either pretty certain it is only a firmware difference, or pretty certain it is a hardware difference. But no one can confirm which one is correct...
I do agree, based on the spec from motorola, US/CA atrix doesn't support UMTS900.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same result I've had. I've posted a question thread on the modems here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1442350
Its annoying me because if its just a software limitation, what is there to stop us from giving it 900mhz umts support? The "workaround" just needs discovering by a developer (I've been mooching around, but i'm not dev!)
O2 UK has UMTS on 900MHz now, and one local to me so I want to use it without replacing it for a UK atrix lol.
What we need is an international/uk user to be brave and strip their phone down and find out for us!
My gut feeling is its something in the kernel/drivers/boot loader provided for the AT&T Atrix. On samsungs there is a secret menu for turning bands on and off.. but none of those codes will work on the Atrix of course (even the generic test ones built into android don't work!)
If you know anywhere close to London where o2 has UMTS900 coverage, but no UMTS2100 coverage, then I will try it out.
If I can get 3G at that location, then my Bell Atrix with UK baseband works with UMTS900. If not, then it is more than likely to be hardware.
ken218 said:
If you know anywhere close to London where o2 has UMTS900 coverage, but no UMTS2100 coverage, then I will try it out.
If I can get 3G at that location, then my Bell Atrix with UK baseband works with UMTS900. If not, then it is more than likely to be hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can come down to Solent Business Park/Whiteley you'll have it there on 900mhz. They were digging up the road a few weeks ago right by the mast (which is pretty much line of sight with my office), and I took my Nokia N900 (on GiffGaff as its a spare!) which supports UMTS 900 and it had full 3G signal (atrix had full 2g), which it could never get before. The nearest 2100mhz mast is like 2 miles away. The atrix will pick the 2100 mast up rarely down there, and when it does, it has 1 bar if that.
I tried a few different base bands while at work, none seem to provide positive results on my AT&T Atrix.
When it comes to the differences of the Atrix and the Atrix 4G, it is the 900MHz UMTS band. The Intl version has it but the AT&T/Bell version does not.
While the OP (@jman316) was looking for the differences between these two versions, you seem to be trying to figure out how to access that band on the AT&T version, which is not possible.
GSM and UMTS are not compatible. UMTS is an evolution of GSM but they are not the same. So, going back to your dilemma, you have stated in your other thread that you currently have an AT&T version. Based on that, you cannot use the 900MHz band on 3G/UMTS/HSPA. Only 2G/GSM/EDGE.
http://etutorials.org/Mobile+device...eral+Packet+Radio+Service+and+UMTS+PS+Domain/
http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/difference-between-gsm-and-umts/
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_umts_and_gsm
To reiterate, quad-band GSM is not the same thing as UMTS/HSPA The AT&T Atrix can only use the 900MHz band on EDGE/2G, not 3G/UMTS/HSPA.
I apologize if I seem derisive on the matter, I just feel that the facts are right there.
tehrules said:
Same result I've had. I've posted a question thread on the modems here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1442350
Its annoying me because if its just a software limitation, what is there to stop us from giving it 900mhz umts support? The "workaround" just needs discovering by a developer (I've been mooching around, but i'm not dev!)
O2 UK has UMTS on 900MHz now, and one local to me so I want to use it without replacing it for a UK atrix lol.
What we need is an international/uk user to be brave and strip their phone down and find out for us!
My gut feeling is its something in the kernel/drivers/boot loader provided for the AT&T Atrix. On samsungs there is a secret menu for turning bands on and off.. but none of those codes will work on the Atrix of course (even the generic test ones built into android don't work!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
live4nyy said:
When it comes to the differences of the Atrix and the Atrix 4G, it is the 900MHz UMTS band. The Intl version has it but the AT&T/Bell version does not.
While the OP (@jman316) was looking for the differences between these two versions, you seem to be trying to figure out how to access that band on the AT&T version, which is not possible.
GSM and UMTS are not compatible. UMTS is an evolution of GSM but they are not the same. So, going back to your dilemma, you have stated in your other thread that you currently have an AT&T version. Based on that, you cannot use the 900MHz band on 3G/UMTS/HSPA. Only 2G/GSM/EDGE.
http://etutorials.org/Mobile+device...eral+Packet+Radio+Service+and+UMTS+PS+Domain/
http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/difference-between-gsm-and-umts/
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_umts_and_gsm
To reiterate, quad-band GSM is not the same thing as UMTS/HSPA The AT&T Atrix can only use the 900MHz band on EDGE/2G, not 3G/UMTS/HSPA.
I apologize if I seem derisive on the matter, I just feel that the facts are right there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm very aware of the differences in the technology. I don't know where your comparison of GSM/UMTS and the links relevant here. Its a quad band gsm and quad band UTMS/WCDMA/3G phone with one band disabled be it through a hardware modification to the chip or by software.
What we are trying to drill down to is this:
1. Is it the same cellular modem chip used in both AT&T/Bell and the international versions?
If yes then,
2. Why is it not possible to enable the disabled band?
Has anyone really done any research into either of these? No. If had a spare pool of money I'd buy a UK phone, and strip it down, and prove once and for all what difference there is, and we could then say, oh so the chips are different models so that explains that or go, oh its the same chip/part number, lets hack the software a bit.
Also Atrix 2 uses normal tft lcd instead of pentile as in original atrix.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
el_venga said:
Also Atrix 2 uses normal tft lcd instead of pentile as in original atrix.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are not on about the Atrix 2, we are on about Atrix 4G (US) vs Atrix (UK/EU/World)
What I have quoted above about 3G on 900mhz should be possible, here is a little pointer (evidence perhaps?) as to why it should work...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1334674
http://www.option.com/en/products/p...ons/lgamodulegtm601-609/specifications/#start
http://www.m2msearch.com/node/128
http://www.att.com/media/en_US/docs/edo/ATT_Approved_Modules.xls
http://www.scribd.com/doc/54154049/...odem-Device-Specification-Advance-Information
I have done a lot of research into the matter and from what I have gathered the chips/modules responsible for the compatible frequencies can be tailored to specs according to the customer's (AT&T) requests. Which, from my understanding, would be a hardware issue. So, even if they have the same chip, it wouldn't matter, since AT&T can have it custom made to just use the frequencies they approve. Which actually sounds a lot like something AT&T would do, given their track record.
I also found this thread where others are pretty certain it is not possible:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1233097
tehrules said:
I'm very aware of the differences in the technology. I don't know where your comparison of GSM/UMTS and the links relevant here. Its a quad band gsm and quad band UTMS/WCDMA/3G phone with one band disabled be it through a hardware modification to the chip or by software.
What we are trying to drill down to is this:
1. Is it the same cellular modem chip used in both AT&T/Bell and the international versions?
If yes then,
2. Why is it not possible to enable the disabled band?
Has anyone really done any research into either of these? No. If had a spare pool of money I'd buy a UK phone, and strip it down, and prove once and for all what difference there is, and we could then say, oh so the chips are different models so that explains that or go, oh its the same chip/part number, lets hack the software a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok this is all confusing now !
Will i be able to get 3g speeds in the Uk with the Atrix or is it limited to 2G!?
T-Mobile uses the 1700MHz and 2100MHz frequencies for 4G LTE data, and the Galaxy S5 Active supports 1700 and 2100, according to GSMArena.
1) Why then is the phone listed everywhere as "For AT&T"?
2) If I buy an S5 Active without a contract, how will data work on T-Mobile? 3G? 4G? 4G LTE?
dandv said:
how will data work on T-Mobile? 3G? 4G? 4G LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any given S5 model has the hardware capability to operate on all of the GSM and LTE bands. But Samsung can sell more phones, and carriers can deter you from jumping ship too readily by marketing lots of different S5 models that have various incompatibilities.
The S5 Active or SM-G870ADGEATT is a ruggedized variant, exclusive to ATT. So why is it said to be for ATT? Marketing.
As to compatibility with TMobile, assuming that you SIM unlock it, it can operate on most of the TMB bands. But again ATT has put a lot of thought into how to discourage you from moving to a different carrier. To wit, they have omitted support for TMB's 3G 1700 and LTE band 8.
You'd have to find out how widely TMB uses those bands to know if that would be a large impact on data use or not.
.
dandv said:
T-Mobile uses the 1700MHz and 2100MHz frequencies for 4G LTE data, and the Galaxy S5 Active supports 1700 and 2100, according to GSMArena.
1) Why then is the phone listed everywhere as "For AT&T"?
2) If I buy an S5 Active without a contract, how will data work on T-Mobile? 3G? 4G? 4G LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was a rumor posted 2 months ago on the Android Community that a T-Mobile version of the Galaxy S5 Active (model SM-G870T vs the AT&T model SM-G870A) would be out in late July. Here's a link.
http://androidcommunity.com/samsung-galaxy-s5-active-availability-leaks-out-20140529/
Obviously it's late July now and we haven't seen it but I'm wondering if AT&T got an exclusive on the Galaxy S5 Active for a few months and T-Mobile will release it after the exclusivity period expires.
fffft said:
Any given S5 model has the hardware capability to operate on all of the GSM and LTE bands. But Samsung can sell more phones, and carriers can deter you from jumping ship too readily by marketing lots of different S5 models that have various incompatibilities.
The S5 Active or SM-G870ADGEATT is a ruggedized variant, exclusive to ATT. So why is it said to be for ATT? Marketing.
As to compatibility with TMobile, assuming that you SIM unlock it, it can operate on most of the TMB bands. But again ATT has put a lot of thought into how to discourage you from moving to a different carrier. To wit, they have omitted support for TMB's 3G 1700 and LTE band 8.
You'd have to find out how widely TMB uses those bands to know if that would be a large impact on data use or not.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to dredge up an old topic, however you mentioned that the S5 active has the hardware capability to support all TMB bands, 1700 included, but then say "To wit, they have omitted support for TMB'S 3G 1700 and LTE band 8". Does this just mean the stock AT&T ROM is the only limiting factor? So, were I to flash the AT&T stock ROM and install a Tmobile ROM for example I could then utilize ALL of Tmobile ' 3G and LTE bands? (And wifi calling to boot).
Thanks
S5 Active is pretty limited on Tmobile network
"Sorry to dredge up an old topic, however you mentioned that the S5 active has the hardware capability to support all TMB bands, 1700 included, but then say "To wit, they have omitted support for TMB'S 3G 1700 and LTE band 8". Does this just mean the stock AT&T ROM is the only limiting factor? So, were I to flash the AT&T stock ROM and install a Tmobile ROM for example I could then utilize ALL of Tmobile ' 3G and LTE bands? (And wifi calling to boot).
Thanks"
I NEED to do something with my S5 Active to get it working better on Tmobile. I love the S5A... its a perfect phone for me. Not too big, but big enough. Rugged, waterproof, good camera, uSD card, etc. Without WiFi Calling and support for all of Tmo's freq & channels, its severely limiting.
I'd pay someone to help me convert my phone to Tmobiles stock S5 5.1.1 ROM and baseband radio firmware.
Help!
Jim
Also having the same problem with an unlocked S5 Active originally setup for AT&T. It uses the EDGE network only.
Has anyone successfully modified the phone to utilize the TMB 1700 band or the LTE band 8 as mentioned in this post? (either through ROM upgrade or other)?
I love the S5 Active, but using it with T-Mobile is such a hassle. I have the $30/mo. prepaid plan that includes unlimited text and data, so I'm not changing carriers anytime soon, but I have to buy new phones outright. When I bought this for myself last December, I saw it was compatible with T-Mobile so I pulled the trigger - a mistake in retrospect.
I'm from a large metro-area but T-Mobile's 4G signal is nearly impossible to get with this phone. Aside from never being able to connect to the internet when out of my apartment, sending/receiving MMS texts are a chore. I also discovered today that my android OS with this phone hasn't updated itself since I bought it - it's still running 4.4.2 and when I try to check for updates to Android through my device settings, it tells me AT&T has no new available updates at this time (there have in fact been 3 new updates AT&T released during this time).
So while I really love the phone, I'm going to have to sell it and look for a new device that's actually compatible with T-Mobile's network.
The Fix
I would go in the VPN settings and manually reset the ports and frequencies the phone reads and when it reads the T-Mobile sim card that it reads upon boot up.
Now, I'm running similar set up with Samsung Galaxy S4 & S5 (At&T variants), it seems like it works, have tried it on friend's S5 Active and it works perfectly.
The only problem is that you won't get to enjoy the freedom of wifi calling even though u have T-Mobile sim card and service, But at least u will be guaranteed to use T-Mobile 4G LTE speed and signals. Occassionally, T-Mobile will blackout or a region without T-Mobile and automatically the phone will roam with no charge and use AT&T signals for up to 15 minutes or depending to circumstances of the situation.
---------- Post added at 05:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:04 PM ----------
ActiveS5 said:
I love the S5 Active, but using it with T-Mobile is such a hassle. I have the $30/mo. prepaid plan that includes unlimited text and data, so I'm not changing carriers anytime soon, but I have to buy new phones outright. When I bought this for myself last December, I saw it was compatible with T-Mobile so I pulled the trigger - a mistake in retrospect.
I'm from a large metro-area but T-Mobile's 4G signal is nearly impossible to get with this phone. Aside from never being able to connect to the internet when out of my apartment, sending/receiving MMS texts are a chore. I also discovered today that my android OS with this phone hasn't updated itself since I bought it - it's still running 4.4.2 and when I try to check for updates to Android through my device settings, it tells me AT&T has no new available updates at this time (there have in fact been 3 new updates AT&T released during this time).
So while I really love the phone, I'm going to have to sell it and look for a new device that's actually compatible with T-Mobile's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get the At&T updates, I would advise you to go to Ebay and buy a prepaid At&t sim card for the phone and use it temporarily just to update it all the up to 5.1 Android OS and your phone will be running up to date. (cost anywhere from $3.99 to $15.99)
rossionQ!va said:
I would go in the VPN settings and manually reset the ports and frequencies the phone reads and when it reads the T-Mobile sim card that it reads upon boot up.
Now, I'm running similar set up with Samsung Galaxy S4 & S5 (At&T variants), it seems like it works, have tried it on friend's S5 Active and it works perfectly.
The only problem is that you won't get to enjoy the freedom of wifi calling even though u have T-Mobile sim card and service, But at least u will be guaranteed to use T-Mobile 4G LTE speed and signals. Occassionally, T-Mobile will blackout or a region without T-Mobile and automatically the phone will roam with no charge and use AT&T signals for up to 15 minutes or depending to circumstances of the situation.
---------- Post added at 05:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:04 PM ----------
To get the At&T updates, I would advise you to go to Ebay and buy a prepaid At&t sim card for the phone and use it temporarily just to update it all the up to 5.1 Android OS and your phone will be running up to date. (cost anywhere from $3.99 to $15.99)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the AT&T updates by going into a Best Buy where they have a Samsung Experience center, took about 10 minutes but they updated my phone. I'll have to look into the VPN settings and see if there's anything I can do, but after purchasing the phone online I did have the folks at a T-Mobile store set the phone up for me so I would've figured they would have set it up proper.
Thinking of going to TMobile
ActiveS5 said:
I got the AT&T updates by going into a Best Buy where they have a Samsung Experience center, took about 10 minutes but they updated my phone. I'll have to look into the VPN settings and see if there's anything I can do, but after purchasing the phone online I did have the folks at a T-Mobile store set the phone up for me so I would've figured they would have set it up proper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a S5 Active and I was considering making the jump to TMo, but I really would like the functionality of the wi-fi calling and text, since I work in a hospital and can get no reception or texts. Pardon me if this is a dumb question as I have no experience in jumping carriers with rooted phones, but would I get the features if I had the TMo sim, applied the TMo APN's, flashed a TMo stock or custom rom that has the features baked in? Would I just flash the 870a kernel to make it work? Anybody that has any ideas, I would love to hear them. Thanks
I'm on T-Mobile, would it be worth getting the S5 Active? I currently have the S4 Active.
Hi, I've been a S4 user and a very intrigued reader on this website. XDA has taught me many great things about my Sprint S4. I'm now ready to make the leap to the Note 4 and I'm so confused with all of the different models available.
Here's what I want the phone to do:
- I live in the US, and I would like to set up the phone on the Straight Talk or AT&T network and I obviously want to take advantage of the fastest speeds Straight Talk/AT&T offers.
- I am traveling to England in the Summer for a month and I would like the phone to work on one of their networks. (I would like to have 4G, but if 3G is the only compatible band than that's fine, as long as I'm getting some sort of data).
- I travel to Canada on a monthly basis and I would like my Note 4 to be able to run on the Rogers Network and utilize the fast speeds Rogers offers.
Basically, which Note 4 model will satisfy my needs? I just want to take advantage of the fastest bands available in these places. I've been leaning towards the N910H because my understanding is that it is compatible with all of my above requirements. Is this true? If not, which model should I be look at?
Thank you!
stevenrp said:
Hi, I've been a S4 user and a very intrigued reader on this website. XDA has taught me many great things about my Sprint S4. I'm now ready to make the leap to the Note 4 and I'm so confused with all of the different models available.
Here's what I want the phone to do:
- I live in the US, and I would like to set up the phone on the Straight Talk or AT&T network and I obviously want to take advantage of the fastest speeds Straight Talk/AT&T offers.
- I am traveling to England in the Summer for a month and I would like the phone to work on one of their networks. (I would like to have 4G, but if 3G is the only compatible band than that's fine, as long as I'm getting some sort of data).
- I travel to Canada on a monthly basis and I would like my Note 4 to be able to run on the Rogers Network and utilize the fast speeds Rogers offers.
Basically, which Note 4 model will satisfy my needs? I just want to take advantage of the fastest bands available in these places. I've been leaning towards the N910H because my understanding is that it is compatible with all of my above requirements. Is this true? If not, which model should I be look at?
Thank you!
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I can't say for certain about Rogers Canada, but the US T-mobile variant- SM-910T- is what I have, and you should look into it. Maybe someone with Rogers can chime in about that.
It's 100% compatible with AT&T's fastest LTE bands and most 4G GSM bands used in Europe. It has an unlocked bootloader for easy rooting/ROM-flashing. There is an awesome XDA section devoted to it with some great ROMs and other tweaks. Of course, the major benefit is that if you stroll into a T-mobile store any buy one, it will have a warranty and service options if something were to possibly be wrong with it. Now, you'll need to get the phone SIM-unlocked either through T-mobile directly or an online sim-unlocking service (~ $20-30)
If you wanna spend less in the States, the 910T sells on craigslist, swappa, ebay, etc in pretty large numbers and it's very easy to obtain one in mint condition for a lot less than retail. Obviously, make sure that the device has a good IMEI through swappa.com before buying it used.
I find that lots of people buy the Note 4 and decide to sell it after a while- either they prefer something smaller, or an iPhone, or any number of other reasons like wanting extra cash, but there's tons of em on craigslist here in Chicago.
I bought a Sprint Note 4 in perfect condition from a guy for $350 the other week. Not saying you will necessarily have that type of luck, but just something to ponder.
i use 910U on rogers and AT&T gophone. also used it in the UK, most of europe and asia. this is an exynos taiwan variant with LTE. may not give you the fastest speeds everywhere but its awesome.
In the UK we get the Snapdragon 910F, but the 910H looks good according to the bands I've seen online (I don't know if they're correct mind!)
In the UK different networks use different bands (900, 1800, 2100, etc) for 3G; with some of the bands being shared amongst companies these days. Ideally you want a device that supports 900Mhz UTMS, and the 910H supports the band. The 900Mhz band has better indoor coverage than the higher frequencies as well.
Again 4G is on different bands depending on your provider, but the networks share most of the spectrum at the moment to reduce costs. I believe 4G is on 800, 1800, and 2600Mhz
i use 910U on rogers and AT&T gophone. also used it in the UK, most of europe and asia. this is an exynos taiwan variant with LTE. may not give you the fastest speeds everywhere but its awesome.
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IDK about LTE, but phones for China/HK will work on our 3G networks. I've tried a few 3G iphone knockoffs and had no issues.