[UPDATE:] Confirmed to work!
Without going into too much detail here (you can check out the full post in the AT&T Note II dev section here), my theory described below does in fact work as I postulated. However, it doesn't seem to work when using PC Odin (Mobile Odin may be a different story).
The basic process goes something like this though:
1. Download CWM/TWRP flashable stock N7105 firmware here.
2. Download the AT&T/Rogers modem from here.
3. Use custom recovery to flash the N7105 firmware. Confirmed to work with TWRP and CWM.
4. Flash the modem.
5. Profit!
[/UPDATE]
So, correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding of the differences between the international N7100 and the AT&T Note 2 (whatever model number that ends up being), is that the AT&T version has an LTE modem compatible with 700/1700 mhz LTE, but apart from that, the rest of the device is exactly the same as the international version. In other words, they are both Exynos devices with separate LTE chips, unlike the first generation where the international unlocked Note was an Exynos device, and the AT&T version was a Qualcomm device for LTE compatibility.
So, with that in mind, what's the betting that the international firmware is 100% compatible with the AT&T Note 2 (minus the modem)? Kinda like how the original Galaxy Tab 7" international firmware was 100% compatible with AT&T's re-branded Galaxy Tab.
So, what I'm really hoping is possible, is to be able to flash the firmware for the International/Unlocked Note 2 (no AT&T bloatware, plus quicker updates), and then flash the modem.bin from the AT&T firmware (so that LTE will work). Best of all worlds! International firmware AND LTE?
Normally I buy imports, because they're usually better in general. However, if what I mention above is possible, I wouldn't really mind owning an AT&T branded Note 2, while rocking an international/unlocked frankenfirmware.
What do you guys think? Is this a sound theory? Or am I just hoping for the impossible...
Ultimately, I'm just looking forward to the day that OEM's begin making unlocked multi-band LTE devices with compatibility for both Europe and America/Canada (and Asia). But that may never happen...
EDIT: The following is a response from another thread which more clearly illustrates what I hope we can accomplish here.
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 touched 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 GSM phone right 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!
So to break it down, here's what I would plan to do:
WARNING!!! The following is just an idea for an experiment! Unless you know what you are doing, and are curious about testing this for yourself, DO NOT perform these steps unless you want a nice new brick!
I plan to use an AT&T Note 2 due to the fact that it bears the closest hardware resemblance to the international N7105. The only difference between the two, afaik, are the LTE radios and firmware.
1. Obtain firmware image of AT&T Note 2, probably from somewhere like Sammobile.
2. Extract modem.bin from carrier firmware and create CWM flashable .zip
3. Use Odin to flash stock N7105 international firmware.
4. Assuming step 3 works, and you're able to boot up fully, it's likely that most (if not all) wireless connectivity will not be working. WiFi might still work. So, if we make it to this step, the next step would be use the Note 2 Toolkit to root and flash CWM recovery.
5. Once CWM is installed, flash the custom .zip with the AT&T modem.bin inside of it.
6. Assuming this all works, profit! You now have an international N7105 Note 2, with all the development support of the international community, no AT&T bloatware, and working domestic LTE!
At least, that's the hope...
Please, developers, I'd like your input on this if you think this seems legit, or if it's even possible.
Chances are, you will have to root to do that... If you root then why bother? More than likely you will get the updates from here and don't have to worry about it...
Tidbits said:
Chances are, you will have to root to do that... If you root then why bother? More than likely you will get the updates from here and don't have to worry about it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always root. I have never owned an Android device that I haven't rooted.
Besides, going the root method, and then deleting bloat can get messy. I prefer to just start with a clean slate in the first place, hence the int'l firmware flash.
This is what I'm leaning/hoping for as well. I like tbr support of international note better than the att note but the s3 changed it... plus if both get lte I bet the international would be better at turning on/lte when needed
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Above all else, I'm hoping that this will bring the development community together more than anything else. I mean, historically it's been, you have the international (rest of the world) development, and then you have the North American development. Inevitably, the international development has been WAY bigger and received WAY more community support.
With any luck, if the AT&T and international version of the Note 2 differ only in their modem hardware, their firmware (and thus development) should be interchangeable! That would be awesome!
whats the lte situation with gs3? its probably the same with note
---------- Post added at 06:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:53 PM ----------
bobyboby said:
whats the lte situation with gs3? its probably the same with note
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
never mind, the domestic gs3 has dual core snapdragon, just checked
ONLY advantage of getting Itl version to me is I get my grubby hands on it a month or so earlier...depending on when Sprint drops.
Right when I'm about to give up, I find this thread and know that there was a person who's in the same interest as I am.
I started another thread days ago asking about this, but it's not of the major interests in the forum seemingly.
Anyway, with much more info we have now compared to when it was Spet, do we have more or less hope in this possibility? If it is a viable operation, getting T-mobile's Note II is even a better idea because it's more versatile band-wise, given that people believe that T889 supports AT&T's UMTS bands as well as AT&T's LTE bands. Of course, this doesn't matter if you are gonna use AT&T majorly and wants the subsidized price from ATT.
Hopefully we can keep this thread alive and wait to see if anyone's gonna be able to flash N7100 rom on to i-317. Actually, since T889 is on sale now already, someone might be trying to do this on the TMO's version of Note 2!
We need to keep this thread alive very interesting op . I to was wondering if this possible if so thats worth a nice donation to whoever figures it out first.
Apple needs to take 2 take Notes!
Uhhh, the N7100 doesn't even have an LTE antenna...
That's the N7105..
exparanoia said:
Uhhh, the N7100 doesn't even have an LTE antenna...
That's the N7105..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very tasteful perception and insight.
exparanoia said:
Uhhh, the N7100 doesn't even have an LTE antenna...
That's the N7105..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read my OP more carefully... I know/own the N7100 doesn't have LTE, and I know/don't own the N7105 is the one with the LTE hardware.
My whole point with this thread wasn't to see whether flashing N7100 firmware onto a domestic GSM/LTE would work or not.
The point was to see if flashing N7105 firmware was possible, and then separately flashing the proper modem.bin from a domestic GSM/LTE would possibly get it fully functional.
Effectively, theoretically, hopefully, this would be like having an unlocked N7105 with domestic North American GSM/LTE support.
Zero carrier bloat and 100% international dev support.
As far as anyone can really tell at this point (correct me if I'm wrong), all versions of the Note 2, whether GSM/HSPA+, GSM/LTE, or CDMA/LTE, are all identical to each other from a hardware standpoint, with the exceptions of their radios. As such, from a software/firmware standpoint, theoretically all different firmware builds should be interchangeable from one device to another; the only thing that you would have to flash separately as an additional step, is the modem.bin specific to whichever device you happen to have.
I was also told so. But as I dig deeper, I discovered another hardware difference. Looks like domestic (US) note 2's do not have pre-installed wireless charging pins. It might seem to be minor difference but i think it means a lot. Because I assume wireless charging requires software support, and you can see in that wireless charging DIY thread, when you put a modified N7100 onto charger, the OS pops up wireless charging confirmation. If domestic Note 2's do not have this pre-installed pin, it's very likely that they are not natively supporting Wireless Charging feature, and that should require some modification to the OS.
Yes they do have wireless charging pins.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
The att note will have the awful awful carrier logo in the notification bar that the International version thankfully doesn't have. That's reason enough for me.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Tidbits said:
Yes they do have wireless charging pins.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not any of the two Sprint version I've seen so far.
This one does but it's a T-Mobile version.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
LTE needs a LTE chip to be functional. It's not something software can handle.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Leechoonhwee said:
LTE needs a LTE chip to be functional. It's not something software can handle.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I know that. You're missing the point. Read the first post again carefully.
*bump* Anyone with further insights?
I remember reading about the galaxy s4 having only 2 variants. One with the snapdragon 600 and one with the exynos.
Then again, I also remember reading that the GS4 will be compatible with GSM and CDMA carriers for those two variants. I'm not too sure on how true that seems, but if the GS4 does support bands for data that would be even better. Kind of saying there is no international version or US version, but just one device with two different processors.
So my question is, not sure how to word it,
Will the GS4 be released as two devices with GSM and CDMA support for all carriers, or will there be individual phones for each carriers in the US?
Thank You, For Reading.
Cuzuaintme said:
I remember reading about the galaxy s4 having only 2 variants. One with the snapdragon 600 and one with the exynos.
Then again, I also remember reading that the GS4 will be compatible with GSM and CDMA carriers for those two variants. I'm not too sure on how true that seems, but if the GS4 does support bands for data that would be even better. Kind of saying there is no international version or US version, but just one device with two different processors.
So my question is, not sure how to word it,
Will the GS4 be released as two devices with GSM and CDMA support for all carriers, or will there be individual phones for each carriers in the US?
Thank You, For Reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No there will be only two octa non lte and SD600 with lte
Sent from my LT30p using xda app-developers app
Each carrier will have its own model number in the US. At&t will be I-337 and sprint will have SPH-L720. Have not seen any from the other carriers to verify model number yet.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
on sammobile they say the octa core will support lte... to all 20 bands
Does anyone know of a site that shows and talks about any differences between the different carrier versions of the S4? Other than the processor?
There are none. Except for maybe modems or something small like that.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
4G coverage, bloatware, Verizon's locked bootloader (lol)... I would also like to know if there's more to the list.
they havent been released yet so anything out there would only be speculation anyways.
my guess is that the differences will come down to CDMA vs. GSM, the processor obviously, and 16gb/32gb/64gb, the 16gb version being offered on all carriers and the others only offered on some. aside from the non-hardware differences mentioned already.
Since the GS4 hardware is so similar between carriers, would it be safe to assume a ROM developed for a T-Mobile GS4 will work on an AT&T GS4 or vice versa?
I could see this being very convenient for AOSP ROM development.
I'd imagine not, to an extent. It all depends on what differences, if any, exist between the hardware offered by different carriers
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
That's also my question, I mean here in Mexico we have i337 model, carrier Telcel.
So imo should be indexed as 19500 and 19505 then carrier or global sub divisions.
Any one's a clue yet?
Regards :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Probably not directly, I'm sure there will have to be some small changes if one were to say, port an att rom to a Sprint model. But it should be minimal work for devs to port because they're so similar
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
My major cause for concern is whether or not it's possible to debrand an AT&T SGS4 so that I can accept Samsung updates, especially major updates in the future. I'm very disappointed that the i9500, and i9505 doesn't seem to support AT&T's 4G bands... otherwise I would get an i9500/i9505. I'm hesitant to get an AT&T version due to the absolutely horrendous software update windows, whereäs carrier phones receive updates months after the international versions...
Hello -
I'm considering getting a Galaxy S4. I heard and read elsewhere that there are some issues with rooting on the AT&T device (no good recovery procedures, etc.)? This will be my first android device, but I'm fairly technical (and a developer) - I used to be more active on these forums in the windows mobile days. Here are some details regarding what I'm looking for:
Ability to remove all the bloatware from the device, and run a fairly stock Android version, retaining my ability to customize
Ability to use all frequencies on AT&T, including 4G (and not just on one band)
Stability
Would like a ROM that has USB audio support - I have several USB DACs and when I am done using this as a primary phone, I'd like to try using it as a dedicated media player / 4G hotstpot in my car.
Large infrastructure for device compatibilty and accessories
Decent camera/camera software
Good navigation software that works even where data connections are spotty
Choice of colors (probably want a grey/black device - I do not like the white S4)
Expandable memory (or 64GB onboard)
Replaceable / expandable battery support - this one is a nice to have, not a must
It looked like the Google Play edition had all the same bands/antennas as the AT&T version, but I'm not sure. Deal breaker there is the 16GB and white only options. Which version of this phone should I get, assuming this is even the right phone for me? Will the Note 3 be better?
essaudio said:
Hello -
I'm considering getting a Galaxy S4. I heard and read elsewhere that there are some issues with rooting on the AT&T device (no good recovery procedures, etc.)? This will be my first android device, but I'm fairly technical (and a developer) - I used to be more active on these forums in the windows mobile days. Here are some details regarding what I'm looking for:
Ability to remove all the bloatware from the device, and run a fairly stock Android version, retaining my ability to customize
Ability to use all frequencies on AT&T, including 4G (and not just on one band)
Stability
Would like a ROM that has USB audio support - I have several USB DACs and when I am done using this as a primary phone, I'd like to try using it as a dedicated media player / 4G hotstpot in my car.
Large infrastructure for device compatibilty and accessories
Decent camera/camera software
Good navigation software that works even where data connections are spotty
Choice of colors (probably want a grey/black device - I do not like the white S4)
Expandable memory (or 64GB onboard)
Replaceable / expandable battery support - this one is a nice to have, not a must
It looked like the Google Play edition had all the same bands/antennas as the AT&T version, but I'm not sure. Deal breaker there is the 16GB and white only options. Which version of this phone should I get, assuming this is even the right phone for me? Will the Note 3 be better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want a GS4 that works on AT&T, and you want LTE, you have two realistic choices:
1. The SGH-I337 AT&T carrier-branded variant. The pros are that you can get it in 32GB and you have color options. You also get a ton of software features that are built into Touchwiz, including the amazing camera app. The cons are that the most recent firmware has a bootloader that's locked down tighter than a crab's ass. You can root it, but custom recoveries and ROMs are off the table.
2. The GT-I9505G Google Play Edition. The pros are that it's got an unlockable bootloader, it gets Android updates very quickly, and it's not full of carrier and Samsung junk. You can root or flash custom recoveries, kernels, or ROMs very easily a-la Nexus devices. The cons are that it's 16 GB and it only comes in white. Also, you lack some of the cool software features that Touchwiz provides because the phone runs stock Android.
If you want a GS4 that runs on AT&T but don't care about LTE, you can also buy an unlocked GT-I9500 or GT-I9505 from Europe. With either of those devices, you'll get HSPA+ on AT&T, but no LTE.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 4
oldblue910 said:
If you want a GS4 that works on AT&T, and you want LTE, you have two realistic choices:
1. The SGH-I337 AT&T carrier-branded variant. The pros are that you can get it in 32GB and you have color options. You also get a ton of software features that are built into Touchwiz, including the amazing camera app. The cons are that the most recent firmware has a bootloader that's locked down tighter than a crab's ass. You can root it, but custom recoveries and ROMs are off the table.
2. The GT-I9505G Google Play Edition. The pros are that it's got an unlockable bootloader, it gets Android updates very quickly, and it's not full of carrier and Samsung junk. You can root or flash custom recoveries, kernels, or ROMs very easily a-la Nexus devices. The cons are that it's 16 GB and it only comes in white. Also, you lack some of the cool software features that Touchwiz provides because the phone runs stock Android.
If you want a GS4 that runs on AT&T but don't care about LTE, you can also buy an unlocked GT-I9500 or GT-I9505 from Europe. With either of those devices, you'll get HSPA+ on AT&T, but no LTE.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help. If I get an AT&T S4 phone used, is there something I should ask about which firmware it's on, where I still have the ability to root without recovery restrictions?
essaudio said:
Thanks for your help. If I get an AT&T S4 phone used, is there something I should ask about which firmware it's on, where I still have the ability to root without recovery restrictions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. You'll want it on I337UCUAMDL or I337UCUAMDB. If it's on anything else, forget it. haha
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 4
You have another choice.. get the tmobile s4.. works perfeft with att lte.
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 01:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:12 AM ----------
And unlocked bootloader
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
niceppl said:
You have another choice.. get the tmobile s4.. works perfeft with att lte.
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 01:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:12 AM ----------
And unlocked bootloader
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the problem is it's SIM locked to T-Mobile and they have a horrible device unlock policy.
Sent from my Galaxy S4 GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4
oldblue910 said:
Yeah, the problem is it's SIM locked to T-Mobile and they have a horrible device unlock policy.
Sent from my Galaxy S4 GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy an unlock code they are cheap
daraj said:
Buy an unlock code they are cheap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it may or may not work.
Sent from my Galaxy S4 GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4
... go cellunlocker.net my friend is tmobile s4 and it worked...
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
oldblue910 said:
And it may or may not work.
Sent from my Galaxy S4 GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually these services have some sort of a guarantee or refund of the sorts. I, personally never had any problem with codes not working.
cellunlocker is a good site like mentioned above