Database Users

N7100 HSPA+ speed with ATT

Just curious what kind of speed (download and upload) are people getting on AT&T using the N7100?
Screen capture of the speed test would be very appreciated.
Thanks!!

I'm in southern California

Scary!

Ngambek2003 said:
Just curious what kind of speed (download and upload) are people getting on AT&T using the N7100?
Screen capture of the speed test would be very appreciated.
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seems like you have AT&T, you might want to just want the 5 days for the LTE version

Scythe024 said:
seems like you have AT&T, you might want to just want the 5 days for the LTE version
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Click to collapse
This right here is the only reason I'm interested in the AT&T Note 2.

Scythe024 said:
seems like you have AT&T, you might want to just want the 5 days for the LTE version
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Click to collapse
So far there's no sign of the white version for ATT. And updates seem to be much slower getting to ATT phones. I have the ATT Galaxy S3 and no Jelly Bean yet. That's why I'm considering the international version instead. Plus there's a good deal on newegg now for 589.

Ngambek2003 said:
So far there's no sign of the white version for ATT. And updates seem to be much slower getting to ATT phones. I have the ATT Galaxy S3 and no Jelly Bean yet. That's why I'm considering the international version instead. Plus there's a good deal on newegg now for 589.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should read through the link in my post above you...

Jade Eyed Wolf said:
You should read through the link in my post above you...
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Click to collapse
so you CAN run a international rom then just flash a at&t modem?

Anybody else with speed test results?
Thanks!!

Scythe024 said:
so you CAN run a international rom then just flash a at&t modem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure yet. That's why I started that other thread. It's my theory and hope that you can flash international firmware onto (some) of the domestic North American Note 2's (including Canadian versions).
Just as an example, and I think I may have briefly touch on this in the other thread, take a look at the original Galaxy Tab (7 inch).
The international version of that device, available everywhere else around the world, was able to function as a phone out of the box.
The domestic carrier versions of the same device did not offer phone functionality at all, and were basically locked down, pay-as-you-go only, data-only, worthless (but expensive) pieces of crap! Unfortunately, if you had a CDMA version (Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, etc.), you were totally out of luck, because the chipsets were different (or at least the modem firmware), and not compatible with the international firmware. However, the GSM US models were an exception, especially the AT&T version, and here's why:
With the very slight exception of the T-Mobile version (which used a custom UMTS modem for its own 1700mhz AWS band), the North American GSM Galaxy Tab's had -exactly- the same hardware, transistor for transistor. As such, if you bought an AT&T branded Tab (as I did), and you didn't like your carrier dictating to you what features you could or couldn't have on your device (which I didn't), you could give them a big fat middle finger by simply flashing the international firmware in all its unlocked feature-full glory.
With the T-Mobile version, it was slightly different due to the custom modem. If you simply flashed the international firmware and just left it at that, phone functionality would work fine, but you wouldn't have 3G functionality (because the international firmware didn't support 1700mhz AWS), so you'd be stuck on EDGE. However, if you wanted 3G, all you had to do was use Mobile Odin to flash the T-Mobile specific modem.bin, and off you went (minus working phone functionality). You had to flip flop between two modems, depending on your needs, but it was an OK workaround.
So anyway, this all gets me back to the Note 2 of today. As I mention in the other thread, seeing as how the North American Note 2's are almost identical to their international counterparts, with the major exceptions being the radio hardware and modem firmware, shouldn't it then be possible to get international firmware working on a domestic version?
The first step would be to see if you could even flash international firmware onto a domestic Note 2 and get the thing to even boot up.
Assuming that's possible, and say you have limited cellular functionality (if any at all!), with perhaps only WiFi working or something, then the next step would be to extract the modem.bin from the carrier-specific firmware, and then flash that over the international firmware.
Hopefully, theoretically, that should get you up and running!

*bump*. Anyone else care to share their results?
Thanks

San Francisco:

Simi Valley, CA.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Here are mine.

i wont go with the at&t version, becacuse as soon as my contract end early next year im switching to straight talk. i dont want to stuck on another contract again.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

another test i did just now, since all my other tests are early morning.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

What APN settings are you all using for your N7100 on AT&T?

+1 ^^^

Dallas, TX area
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

What's the very best version of the Note 3?

I'm using an ATT Note 2 and I want to upgrade, mainly because of the better RAM and ROM. But I'm confused by the choices and Knox and locking and all that.
I am going too want to root my phone for sure, and unlock to use on different providers.
Not to worried about the cost.
What's the very best version out there, in your opinion?

capite said:
I'm using an ATT Note 2 and I want to upgrade, mainly because of the better RAM and ROM. But I'm confused by the choices and Knox and locking and all that.
I am going to want to root my phone for sure, and unlock to use on different providers.
Not to worried about the cost.
What's the very best version out there, in your opinion?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since the LTE bands tend to be very different from one provider to another the differences are only relevant once you know who is your carrier - so you should probably look / ask in the OTHER Note 3 forums:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-att
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-sprint
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-note-3
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-tmobile
Also see this to get a start on the matter of portability (or almost complete lack thereof) among those:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2464498

Thanks. When I mean I will want to use the phone on 'other providers,' I really just mean the GSM-based ones like ATT/T-mo and overseas carriers. I understand that Tmo and ATT use different LTE bands, just hoping that there's at least one unlocked and rootable model that covers both sets of LTE bands.
xclub_101 said:
Since the LTE bands tend to be very different from one provider to another the differences are only relevant once you know who is your carrier - so you should probably look / ask in the OTHER Note 3 forums:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-att
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-sprint
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-note-3
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-tmobile
Also see this to get a start on the matter of portability (or almost complete lack thereof) among those:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2464498
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

capite said:
Thanks. When I mean I will want to use the phone on 'other providers,' I really just mean the GSM-based ones like ATT/T-mo and overseas carriers. I understand that Tmo and ATT use different LTE bands, just hoping that there's at least one unlocked and rootable model that covers both sets of LTE bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the ATT and TMOBILE gnote3 cover each others LTE bands too. Infact, after unlocking your tmobile gnote3, achieving LTE on ATT should be as easy as popping in a sim card.

I think your choice would be between ATT and Tmo and I believe both can be rooted without tripping Knox. Even thought Tmo supposed to have unlocked bootloader, they use ATT rooted ROMs (since the name delavega root). Personally I would stick with the carrier: Tmo phone will give you Wifi calling, but only on Tmo network, so you can call home for free from anywhere in the world over WiFi. ATT is just beginning to test voice over LTE, no other US carrier has yet. And if you have call issues, are you going to call t-mo complaining their phone doesn't work well on ATT network, or you going to call ATT, that their network signal sucks with T-mo phone? And for example it would be difficult to buy new T-mo phone without at least some temporary t-mo service.

capite said:
Thanks. When I mean I will want to use the phone on 'other providers,' I really just mean the GSM-based ones like ATT/T-mo and overseas carriers. I understand that Tmo and ATT use different LTE bands, just hoping that there's at least one unlocked and rootable model that covers both sets of LTE bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not have a lot of experience on the US market but my last link seems to suggest that the TMo version is 100% compatible with ATT LTE (and the other way around), so generally (given the much bigger bootloader freedom on TMo vs ATT) I would say that TMo Note 3 should be a good choice. It will also work on ATT up to the full 4G and worldwide for voice over normal GSM, maybe 3G in many places. Also that last link suggests that once you unlock it (which is IMHO rather inexpensive and worth it) you will be able to use (almost) any GSM SIM in the world.

TMobile VS International Note 4 (Like Note 3 or S5?)

When the Note 3 was released there was a pretty big difference between the two phones that initially made flashing roms from International on TMobile - wifi wouldn't work intially - internal SD Card was wiped frequently on flashing and a bunch of other issues made flashing International ROMS on TMOBILE phones difficult at first. (this was fixed later but it took a while)
The S5 was a lot different - I am not a technician or Developer by any means - but as a novice looking in - it almost seemed like International and Tmobile mobile note 3's were almost entirely different phones - whereas the S5's were almost identical.
I realize I maybe oversimplifying this - but doing so to make a point. I am very curious about what will happen with the Note 4. I doubt if there is any way to know until both phones are out and Devs start creating roms - but I wonder if the NOTE 4 will be more like it was with the NOTE 3 or will they be more like it was with the S5 ? Samsung will never listen to me but I think you know how I would vote -
looking forward to the NEXT BIG THING....

Not sure if you look at gsmarena or phonescoop, but kind of like the GN3, GS3 etc. The GN4 US variant has Q-com Snapdragon CPU, Int'l has Exynos (sp?) So some hardware is similar.
But T-mo variants vs other,like before T-mo rom has wifi call capability. Others do not.

papabear said:
Not sure if you look at gsmarena or phonescoop, but kind of like the GN3, GS3 etc. The GN4 US variant has Q-com Snapdragon CPU, Int'l has Exynos (sp?) So some hardware is similar.
But T-mo variants vs other,like before T-mo rom has wifi call capability. Others do not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint also has wifi calling

papabear said:
Not sure if you look at gsmarena or phonescoop, but kind of like the GN3, GS3 etc. The GN4 US variant has Q-com Snapdragon CPU, Int'l has Exynos (sp?) So some hardware is similar.
But T-mo variants vs other,like before T-mo rom has wifi call capability. Others do not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I realize that WIFI Calling is a major difference between international and TMOBILE - but I was more interested in the file structure of the phone and how wifi - or data works - not sure the reason, but it originally was difficult to flash International ROMS on the TMOBILE Note 3 - data wifi didn't work - data didn't work - and often the Internal SD card was wiped. When the S5 was released, the phones were so similar none of these problems happened. I was flashing International ROMS in the first day or two that the S5 was released.
I am not a dev so I can't speak to the reasons why it was this way on the NOte 3 - but except for the obvious differences (wifi Calling for example) I am only hoping that the Note 4 is more like it was with the S5 than it was with the note 3.

Lets make sure first that Tmobile keep its bootloader unlocked!

kinda like papabear was saying, i believe the S5 international vs US both had snapdragon, which made them very compatible. the GN3 had exynos/snapdragon, and that made them quite different. exynos didn't have near as much development.
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=6033&idPhone2=6434

The GS4 was really good with cross compatibility. The T-Mo and i9505 variants were very similar, both had the same CPU, etc. You could flash the same ROMs but not radios/modems or bootloaders. My concern is if the International Note 4 will work with T-Mo LTE since it doesn't have the 1700 band.

Dont forget about band 12.

Do we know If the international version N910F supportd Tmobile LTE? I think I saw a video on phonedog and the Josh was using an international version with a tmo sim card.
Any confirmation?

daraj said:
Do we know If the international version N910F supportd Tmobile LTE? I think I saw a video on phonedog and the Josh was using an international version with a tmo sim card.
Any confirmation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Notice how the symbol says 4G and not 4G LTE

Kawaisa said:
Notice how the symbol says 4G and not 4G LTE
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Click to collapse
As far as I know, on the international models it doesnt say 4G LTE . It displays either LTE or 4G next to the reception bars.

mocsab said:
I realize that WIFI Calling is a major difference between international and TMOBILE - but I was more interested in the file structure of the phone and how wifi - or data works - not sure the reason, but it originally was difficult to flash International ROMS on the TMOBILE Note 3 - data wifi didn't work - data didn't work - and often the Internal SD card was wiped. When the S5 was released, the phones were so similar none of these problems happened. I was flashing International ROMS in the first day or two that the S5 was released.
I am not a dev so I can't speak to the reasons why it was this way on the NOte 3 - but except for the obvious differences (wifi Calling for example) I am only hoping that the Note 4 is more like it was with the S5 than it was with the note 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used Samsung phone for a while, but from past experience I'm pretty sure that you only need to flash appropriate radio/kernel to get data and WiFi working again. just my 2 cents.
I've got my eyes on the note 4 and thinking about getting one to play with, I have Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 2013, yeah, I know I'm a Nexus junkie

Lancez said:
I haven't used Samsung phone for a while, but from past experience I'm pretty sure that you only need to flash appropriate radio/kernel to get data and WiFi working again. just my 2 cents.
I've got my eyes on the note 4 and thinking about getting one to play with, I have Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 2013, yeah, I know I'm a Nexus junkie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That actually wasn't true with the NOTE 3 which is the main reason I did this thread in the first place. When the NOTE 3 was released, if you flashed an INTERNATIONAL ROM WIFI and DATA and blue tooth did not work at all. Someone eventually came up with a fix which had to be flashed anytime you flashed an international rom - I don't know why this was necessary - it just was - it was almost as if there was some major difference in file structure and programming on the International version versus the TMOBILE or Canadian Version.
The S5 wasn't like that at all - Virtually every International ROM worked beautifully from the get go on TMOBLILE phones. So - the NOTE 3 must have had something that was done differently on International Versions of the phone compared to TMOBILE and Canadian Versions - and I am hopeful that THE NOTE 4 doesn't do that.
So - I am excited about the Note 4 - can't wait for it to be released - I know all of our questions will be answered then - looking forward to it!

Bubbled said:
kinda like papabear was saying, i believe the S5 international vs US both had snapdragon, which made them very compatible. the GN3 had exynos/snapdragon, and that made them quite different. exynos didn't have near as much development.
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=6033&idPhone2=6434
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exynos doesn't have anything to do this. ALL of these phones come in both versions - Snapdragon and Exnynos - the note 3, S5 and NOte 4 each have both variations.
anyone on a tmobile snapdragon note 3 had problems with wifi and data when trying to flash roms from the international snapdragon phones Note 3.... I honestly don't know why the NOTE 3 had this issue and the S5 didn't - but it doesn't have anything to do with Exynos - but fingers crossed that the NOTE 4 behaves more like the S5 than the Note 3 in this regard - it will make flashing much easier.
(PS - there is no evidence that TMOBILE will lock bootloader. ATT and Verizon will for sure - both have said as much - every phone ATT and VERIZON releases are locked (except the developer version on Verizon) but TMOBILE has not given any indication they will be locking the bootloader - I don't expect they will lock the bootloader on the note 4 - we will find out for sure in a few weeks...

mocsab said:
That actually wasn't true with the NOTE 3 which is the main reason I did this thread in the first place. When the NOTE 3 was released, if you flashed an INTERNATIONAL ROM WIFI and DATA and blue tooth did not work at all. Someone eventually came up with a fix which had to be flashed anytime you flashed an international rom - I don't know why this was necessary - it just was - it was almost as if there was some major difference in file structure and programming on the International version versus the TMOBILE or Canadian Version.
The S5 wasn't like that at all - Virtually every International ROM worked beautifully from the get go on TMOBLILE phones. So - the NOTE 3 must have had something that was done differently on International Versions of the phone compared to TMOBILE and Canadian Versions - and I am hopeful that THE NOTE 4 doesn't do that.
So - I am excited about the Note 4 - can't wait for it to be released - I know all of our questions will be answered then - looking forward to it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If odin is still the tool to flash samsung official ROM, then you should be able to choose what to flash and what not to. well, i might be wrong but thats how i did on AT&T Captivate, Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Nexus. I remember that i've been switching between international and US version ROMs with just ROM without flashing any radios. Samsung may changed ROM structure, that I have no idea. And Sale is still sending all the samsung ROMs to me whenever he made one:victory:

Going to give a international a try.. this will be my first international device. .
This the one to get? Lte will work on usa tmobile right?Samsung Galaxy Note 4 SM-N910 Factory Unlocked International Model by samsung http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N2Y5ALK/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_oUSmub0HH4M79

Lancez said:
If odin is still the tool to flash samsung official ROM, then you should be able to choose what to flash and what not to. well, i might be wrong but thats how i did on AT&T Captivate, Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Nexus. I remember that i've been switching between international and US version ROMs with just ROM without flashing any radios. Samsung may changed ROM structure, that I have no idea. And Sale is still sending all the samsung ROMs to me whenever he made one:victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like you had said, you haven't had sammy devices in a while. Lol, things have changed with the note varients my friend, its not that "easy" anymore. How can you be debating with people who actually own the note 3 and was flashing international roms? lol

mgbotoe said:
Like you had said, you haven't had sammy devices in a while. Lol, things have changed with the note varients my friend, its not that "easy" anymore. How can you be debating with people who actually own the note 3 and was flashing international roms? lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was discussion my friend. and PDA is not the only option in odin.

markysd said:
Going to give a international a try.. this will be my first international device. .
This the one to get? Lte will work on usa tmobile right?Samsung Galaxy Note 4 SM-N910 Factory Unlocked International Model by samsung http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N2Y5ALK/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_oUSmub0HH4M79
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you hope to get by going with an international phone? It certainly won't have the optimum frequencies for tmobile network, it will likely work but they are opening new frequencies that the tmobile note 4 will be the first take advantage of...

p()()pypants said:
What do you hope to get by going with an international phone? It certainly won't have the optimum frequencies for tmobile network, it will likely work but they are opening new frequencies that the tmobile note 4 will be the first take advantage of...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont care much about the frequency. . Lte and 4g is fast my aera. . No need for wifi calling also.. I want the exynos octo

New S4 Recommendations

I'm looking to buy a new phone but don't want/need the latest and greatest. I'm happy with the performance of my HTC One Mini, my work HTC One X/XL and my wife's S4 Active, all AT&T phones used in the U.S. My One Mini just suffered a horrible mountain bike crash which busted the screen up pretty bad, then too, my old eyes are tired of that tiny screen. I've also had bad luck with the built in battery and lack of SD card slot. So I was thinking S4 would be ok by me. Asking on the device forum I've gotten 50-11 answers some of which are conflicting answers. I was thinking the i9505 would be the right phone until someone piped up stating it wouldn't work on LTE here. From all I've seen it looks to me like that senior member don't know what they're talking about. Here's my criteria:
1. 4.5" to 5" screen
2. Unlocked/unlockable and can easily accept custom ROMs
3. Prefer to stick with a Kit Kat Rom as it gets along with my Do Not Disturb app better than Lollipop due to the built-in app on Lollipop
4. Removable battery
5. SD Slot
6. LTE service on AT&T/T-Mobile and Caribbean and South American Countries
7. Custom ROM must allow hotspot w/o AT&T controlling my use (I have unlimited internet on my plan and want to make use of it)
Background: I'm almost green having only installed a custom ROM on my work phone an HTC One X/XL from AT&T. Apparently it's one of the harder phones to unlock the bootloader and permanent Root is impossible I think. I 1st installed CM12.1 on the HTC ONE X and ran into conflicts and buggy operations. After a few weeks of testing I backed it up, wiped it and installed CM11 which I truly like. No experience or much understanding of KNOX, ODIN or ODEX. I only read bits and pieces on those while trying to figure out which S4 variant will fit my need. Lastly, were can I get a new phone off contract? Anybody purchased from www.Cell2Get.com? I was about to buy this phone prior to the member claiming it wouldn't work on AT&T.
http://www.cell2get.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-i9505-16gb-unlocked-gsm-android-cell-phone-p-5122.html

IRBent said:
I'm looking to buy a new phone but don't want/need the latest and greatest. I'm happy with the performance of my HTC One Mini, my work HTC One X/XL and my wife's S4 Active, all AT&T phones used in the U.S. My One Mini just suffered a horrible mountain bike crash which busted the screen up pretty bad, then too, my old eyes are tired of that tiny screen. I've also had bad luck with the built in battery and lack of SD card slot. So I was thinking S4 would be ok by me. Asking on the device forum I've gotten 50-11 answers some of which are conflicting answers. I was thinking the i9505 would be the right phone until someone piped up stating it wouldn't work on LTE here. From all I've seen it looks to me like that senior member don't know what they're talking about. Here's my criteria:
1. 4.5" to 5" screen
2. Unlocked/unlockable and can easily accept custom ROMs
3. Prefer to stick with a Kit Kat Rom as it gets along with my Do Not Disturb app better than Lollipop due to the built-in app on Lollipop
4. Removable battery
5. SD Slot
6. LTE service on AT&T/T-Mobile and Caribbean and South American Countries
7. Custom ROM must allow hotspot w/o AT&T controlling my use (I have unlimited internet on my plan and want to make use of it)
Background: I'm almost green having only installed a custom ROM on my work phone an HTC One X/XL from AT&T. Apparently it's one of the harder phones to unlock the bootloader and permanent Root is impossible I think. I 1st installed CM12.1 on the HTC ONE X and ran into conflicts and buggy operations. After a few weeks of testing I backed it up, wiped it and installed CM11 which I truly like. No experience or much understanding of KNOX, ODIN or ODEX. I only read bits and pieces on those while trying to figure out which S4 variant will fit my need. Lastly, were can I get a new phone off contract? Anybody purchased from www.Cell2Get.com? I was about to buy this phone prior to the member claiming it wouldn't work on AT&T.
http://www.cell2get.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-i9505-16gb-unlocked-gsm-android-cell-phone-p-5122.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- AT&T has it's own variant of the S4. It's called the "SGH-I337".
- The I9505 will not work with LTE on the AT&T network. It support different bands. So the member was correct. You can see it here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S4#Model_variants
- The "SGH-I337" has a locked bootloader and cannot be unlocked. Only some old devices will have an unlocked bootloader because they never upgraded their software. Thus you cannot use custom roms like CM.

Lennyz1988 said:
- AT&T has it's own variant of the S4. It's called the "SGH-I337".
- The I9505 will not work with LTE on the AT&T network. It support different bands. So the member was correct. You can see it here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S4#Model_variants
- The "SGH-I337" has a locked bootloader and cannot be unlocked. Only some old devices will have an unlocked bootloader because they never upgraded their software. Thus you cannot use custom roms like CM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is the GT-I9505G the preferred phone to have and to mod and if so, can I buy new one without getting a fake?
"Google Play Edition
At the Google I/O 2013 keynote, Samsung and Google revealed that an edition of the U.S. S4 would be released on June 26, 2013 through Google Play, initially featuring stock Android 4.2.2, later updated to 4.4.4, with Samsung provided updates; it has an unlockable bootloader (similar to Nexus devices) and supports LTE on AT&T and T-Mobile's networks. The model number is GT-I9505G."

I'm likely "that member", because I have an I9505 (not I9505G) running on Straight Talk, which is a US MVNO that rents bandwidth from all the major US carriers. The I9505 will not work on LTE here in the US because the LTE frequencies used worldwide (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20) are not the frequencies used by the carriers here in the US. The I9505G is a different story. It has the LTE frequencies needed to work here in the US, and does not have Touchwiz as it uses stock Android.
You can't purchase one new because they've been discontinued for some time now. You may want to check out Swappa (link at the top of the page) and see if they have a used one you can purchase.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I'm likely "that member", because I have an I9505 (not I9505G) running on Straight Talk, which is a US MVNO that rents bandwidth from all the major US carriers. The I9505 will not work on LTE here in the US because the LTE frequencies used worldwide (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20) are not the frequencies used by the carriers here in the US. The I9505G is a different story. It has the LTE frequencies needed to work here in the US, and does not have Touchwiz as it uses stock Android.
You can't purchase one new because they've been discontinued for some time now. You may want to check out Swappa (link at the top of the page) and see if they have a used one you can purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really good and interesting reply. Being new to this stuff and having not kept up with cellphone technology, some of the things you guys just know, I'm having to try to understand. At first I assumed all 9505's were the same, but apparently I was wrong there. Then I also thought that since most cellphone review sites showed a plethora of Freq. and bands, with at least on or two being those that AT&T and most other North American GSM carriers use, I assume that meant I could get that model of phone. little did I know that those two lines of freqs and bands were for different versions of that same model, one for here and being a carrier locked phone and the other line being and international phone without the proper band for use here. So now after learning that difference it appears to me that there may be now way possible to purchase a new S4 and turn it into a custom ROM phone. So if I understand you and the carrier stuff correctly, you're using a plain 9505 and piggybacking off AT&T by way of StraightTalk like so many of us do. However since your phone is an international version you don't have LTE, is that right? One last thing I've yet to read or learn about but saw when I was putting CM11 and 12.1 on my HTC One X/XL (AT&T), I kept seeing stuff about "the radio". The way it read made me think they were NOT talking about an FM radio for music, but the freqs the phone itself uses. I think I recall them flashing "radios" which I assume they meant they were able to change the original freqs/bands that the model came with to one more useful here. Is that something that truly exists and can be done even on an S4 variant? My assumption is that it CANNOT be done or else you'd have done so already on your i9505.

IRBent said:
So if I understand you and the carrier stuff correctly, you're using a plain 9505 and piggybacking off AT&T by way of StraightTalk like so many of us do. However since your phone is an international version you don't have LTE, is that right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
IRBent said:
My assumption is that it CANNOT be done or else you'd have done so already on your i9505.
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Again correct. With Samsung, their firmware loading software, Odin, actually checks and makes sure the parts of the firmware match the model of the S4 connected to the PC. If they don't match, Odin will instantly fail. The only way to try and enable LTE on the I9505 is to delve into the low-level firmware for the LTE chip and attempt to rewrite it so it can see the added frequencies. However, I don't recommend it. Not only is it a very intricate process compared to something like rooting, it's also quite possible that you could render the LTE chip non-functional. I tried it, and nearly lost the ability to use my phone at all due to having my phone's SIM lock restored.
If you do decide to get an S4, an I9505G is likely your best bet. Not only does it have the AT&T frequencies, it's also got an unlocked bootloader (unlike the AT&T model) and is also carrier unlocked right out of the box. That last means you can use it on T-Mobile and carriers which use GSM SIM cards. Other choices would be the T-Mobile S4 (SGH-M919) or the North American S4 (SGH-I337M). All these phones include the AT&T frequencies and also have an unlocked bootloader so customization is easier.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
If you do decide to get an S4, an I9505G is likely your best bet. Not only does it have the AT&T frequencies, it's also got an unlocked bootloader (unlike the AT&T model) and is also carrier unlocked right out of the box. That last means you can use it on T-Mobile and carriers which use GSM SIM cards. Other choices would be the T-Mobile S4 (SGH-M919) or the North American S4 (SGH-I337M). All these phones include the AT&T frequencies and also have an unlocked bootloader so customization is easier.
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I thank you so much sir. This answer is direct and explains exactly what I wanted to know. I only wish it were possible to purchase one of those models new so I could ensure years of use void of glitches due to possible abuse by the previous owner. If I can't find one of the above models I will probably be looking for some other make/model, preferably a new phone not used. Do you know if it's possible to get a new phone that meets the criteria below?
1. Unlocked bootloader or one that can be unlocked
2. Removable battery
3. 4.7" - 5" screen
4. SD card
5. Capable of being used as a hotspot ( I have unlimited internet but need to thwart AT&T from controlling my use)
6. Rootable and custom ROM capable
7. Can be used in U.S, South America and Caribbean (I think most of those places all use the same freqs/bands as U.S.)

That is why on Swappa you search for the ones labeled Mint or New. My device was Mint off Swappa, and the main reasons were that it was always in a case, and had a tempered glass screen protector installed.
For a current flagship-level device, looking at your laundry list, I believe you need to adjust your expectations. Not because of the software, but because of the hardware. LG is perhaps the only manufacturer still offering both removable batteries and MicroSD card slots, but their flagship device has a larger screen than you want. Motorola doesn't have removable batteries. Google provides neither, just like Samsung. Sony is an unknown, but their devices are not common here in the US.
Your best option is to go with a larger screen size and get an LG G4. If you absolutely MUST have the smaller screen, then you want a used Galaxy S4 or S5, so long as they aren't AT&T devices.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
For a current flagship-level device, looking at your laundry list, I believe you need to adjust your expectations. Not because of the software, but because of the hardware. LG is perhaps the only manufacturer still offering both removable batteries and MicroSD card slots, but their flagship device has a larger screen than you want. Motorola doesn't have removable batteries. Google provides neither, just like Samsung. Sony is an unknown, but their devices are not common here in the US.
Your best option is to go with a larger screen size and get an LG G4. If you absolutely MUST have the smaller screen, then you want a used Galaxy S4 or S5, so long as they aren't AT&T devices.
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I guess I should have made it clear too that flagships, latest and greatest wasn't necessary. I'm happy with the speeds my older HTC ONE X and HTC ONE Mini supply. But closing in on 50 years old, my eyes and the Mini's screen don't get along so well anymore.

If you have bad eyesight, a bigger screen can be a godsend.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
If you have bad eyesight, a bigger screen can be a godsend.
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Exactly. I need a bigger screen but a smaller phone because my hands can't reach around my HTC ONE Mini. Sometimes it sucks being 5'4". LOL

IRBent said:
Exactly. I need a bigger screen but a smaller phone because my hands can't reach around my HTC ONE Mini. Sometimes it sucks being 5'4". LOL
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I would not recommend someone buying the S4 anymore. It was and still is a great phone, but newer models are just way better. The battery life is to short with the standard battery.
Based on your preferences I would recommend one of the following:
- LG Nexus 5
- Oneplus one
- Motorola X Play
But then again, maybe they are to big for you. The LG is the smallest but doesn't have a sd slot.

Lennyz1988 said:
Based on your preferences I would recommend one of the following:
- LG Nexus 5
- Oneplus one
- Motorola X Play
But then again, maybe they are to big for you. The LG is the smallest but doesn't have a sd slot.
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Amazing discovery by me just now. Yes, I've seen folks here talk about the brand OnePlus but I didn't know who or what OnePlus was until just now. I used to keep up with all things electronics related, reading review sites and forums like this. 10 years ago or so a DVD manufacturer named OPPO was the talk. Excellent brand but unheard of. I just learned that OnePlus is a company started by an OPPO founder. I'm so out of the loop.

AT&T is my provider, should I buy this phone?

Research is a little slow moving. I'm buying a new phone. This seems to be the most complete in terms of features (removable SD and IR blaster which is a small thing but missing from other flagships I've considered.)
My only concern is my carrier AT&T. If I buy the note will I be able to flash twrp? Is there a huge difference in custom ROM/kernel options from sprint or T-Mobile? Is there a certain model I should try to get?-I'm buying it unlocked.
I think most people understand the tedious process of choosing a new phone if you're into flashing Roms. Any info that's helpful is most welcomed. Thanks.

I actually use att service also and just bought a Tmobile Note 4 in January and I have never been happie with any phone I have ever owned.. N910T is best in my opinion if you are big on root because it has way more active developement and it has all the same lte bands that att uses

The tmob variant should work fine but the 910c definitely works and I think the 910f does as well. I'd steer clear of the actual at&t variant itself unless they have solved the root/bootloader issue. I guess the question is of you are buying sim free do you want the exynos or snapdragon variant
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