I'm planning on jumping on to the Note 3 bandwagon, but before that,
I was wondering what the best option would be in order to cover my bases in terms of network coverage?
I've read that the best option for the Note 2, was the T-Mobile Note 2,
because it pretty much supports all the LTE frequencies of the major carriers.
Would that be a fair assessment of the note 3 also?
AssassinsLament said:
I'm planning on jumping on to the Note 3 bandwagon, but before that,
I was wondering what the best option would be in order to cover my bases in terms of network coverage?
I've read that the best option for the Note 2, was the T-Mobile Note 2,
because it pretty much supports all the LTE frequencies of the major carriers.
Would that be a fair assessment of the note 3 also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess it depends upon where you live, but I use Verizon which I think has the best overall coverage. However, Verizon is not offering the 64GB version, only the 32GB. Are you able to find a 64GB version anywhere?
If you are a GMS user, T-Mo or ATT you may be able to find an unlocked unit, try www.mobilecityonline.com they have had unlocked units that work on US networks in the past with US radio's. Can't speak to the GN3 though and LTE since I am on Verizon.
I also knew when Samsung went with 32/64GB option Verizon would NOT sell a 64GB version, and fortunately for us Samsung killed the 16GB otherwise Verizon would be selling ONLY the 16GB.
You still won't explain why Verizon would not sell higher memory note III?
KruseLudsMobile said:
You still won't explain why Verizon would not sell higher memory note III?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it won't budge profit margins, they don't care if customers can get more choices. Just my opinion.
Note3 is currently my top pick. To me memory doesnt really matter as pretty much everything is in "the cloud"..
T-Mobile FTW!!!!!
Dalboz said:
Note3 is currently my top pick. To me memory doesnt really matter as pretty much everything is in "the cloud"..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you've got an unlimited data plan, storage in the "cloud" can really eat into your monthly data limit...Especially if you like video. Personally, I prefer to get the SMALLEST storage option and use a 3rd party upgrade...Which ends up usually being cheaper and faster vs. buying it initially with the larger capacity.
Looking on these sellers specs ATT has more LTE options
AssassinsLament said:
I'm planning on jumping on to the Note 3 bandwagon, but before that,
I was wondering what the best option would be in order to cover my bases in terms of network coverage?
I've read that the best option for the Note 2, was the T-Mobile Note 2,
because it pretty much supports all the LTE frequencies of the major carriers.
Would that be a fair assessment of the note 3 also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking on these sellers specs ATT has more LTE options, see these links and compare the LTE spectrum of both phones:
T-Mobile 4G Network LTE 700 / 1700 / 2100
http://negrielectronics.com/samsung-galaxy-note-3-32gb-lte-t-mobile-unlocked-black.html#.Uj1UvYZ6bkh
ATT 4G Network LTE 700 / 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100
http://negrielectronics.com/samsung-galaxy-note-3-32gb-lte-at-t-unlocked-jet-black.html#.Uj1UvYZ6bkh
That's assuming that the specs these sellers put on their site are correct and if so that the same frequencies will work on both phones... If you find the specs on another site, pls let me know... As I am wondering also what to get!
Posters in this thread have pointed out differences in storage capacity of phones retailed by the carriers. But storage capacity is not variation by carrier.
Variants by carrier per se shouldn't differ except by supported radio frequencies and bands. In that sense, FCC documents are the final authoritative source in tech spec accuracy.
To quote myself on a different thread:
StarTAC Fan said:
In the links to the FCC filings, the documents called "Test Report" lists the following bands and frequencies. It's either on the first page or in the section called EUT Description of the relevant document for each of the carriers.
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/repo...ame=N&application_id=736794&fcc_id=A3LSMN900A
AT&T version (SM-N900A) supports the following (GSM omitted).
WCDMA Band 2 1900 MHz (tx and rx)
WCDMA Band 5 850 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 2 1900 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 4 1700/2100 MHz (tx/rx)
LTE Band 5 850 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 17 700 MHz (tx and rx) This is of course different that Verizon's 700 MHz band.
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/repo...ame=N&application_id=134996&fcc_id=A3LSMN900P
Sprint version (SM-N900P) supports the following (GSM/CDMA omitted).
WCDMA Band 2 1900 MHz (tx and rx)
WCDMA Band 5 850 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 25 1900 MHz (tx and rx)
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/repo...ame=N&application_id=566535&fcc_id=A3LSMN900T
T-Mobile vesion (SM-N900T) supports the following (GSM omitted).
WCDMA Band 2 1900 MHz (tx and rx)
WCDMA Band 4 1700/2100 MHz (tx/rx)
WCDMA Band 5 850 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 2 1900 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 4 1700/2100 MHz (tx/rx)
LTE Band 5 850 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 17 700 MHz (tx and rx) Note this is also the band for AT&T but not Verizon which is band 13 700 MHz.
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/repo...ame=N&application_id=956586&fcc_id=A3LSMN900V
Verizon version (SM-N900V) supports the following (GSM/CDMA omitted).
WCDMA Band 2 1900 MHz (tx and rx)
WCDMA Band 5 850 MHz (tx and rx)
LTE Band 4 1700/2100 MHz (tx/rx)
LTE Band 13 700 MHz (tx and rx) This is of course different that AT&T's 700 MHz band.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the above, the following conclusions can be made.
The 2G (GSM/CDMA) technology is probably no longer relevant to most people hence I omitted their comparison but generally they are all nearly identical for GSM.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are most alike for 3G and 4G. Sprint version is the most isolated.
The T-Mobile version is wholly compatible with both the T-Mobile and AT&T networks. It even supports AT&T's primary LTE band 17, 700 MHz. T-Mobile's only native LTE band is 4, 1700/2100 MHz. AT&T also uses that in part of their network, I believe in high density areas, as an adjunct to their band 17.
But the AT&T version is missing 3G band 4 1700/2100 MHz to be wholly compatible with T-Mobile That said, T-Mobile is reframing part of their 1900 MHz network for 3G in some areas to take congestion away from their band 4 1700/2100 for more LTE, so the AT&T phone will work on part of T-Mobile's 3G network.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are not compatible with Sprint LTE band 25 even though it's the same frequency of 1900 MHz. It's a different band. However, they will be compatible with Sprint's 3G network. On the other hand, Sprint's phone will not be wholly compatible with T-Mobile's 3G network. It will be on AT&T's 3G.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are compatible with Verizon's LTE band 4 1700/2100. But at the present time, Verizon has yet to activate their band 4 network, which even when so will be limited at first.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are not compatible with Version's primary LTE band. Even though the same frequency range around 700 MHz, it's a different band, 13 vs 17 - something to do with "upper" and "lower" frequencies.
All versions, including Verizon, support 3G 850 and 1900 Mhz. Verizon however does not natively have a 3G network at any frequency.
All above said, the T-Mobile version has potential for being the most cross-compatible on other carriers' 3G and 4G networks.
A few other notes:
LTE frequencies and bands by carriers are listed here (to help understand the 'conclusions' above): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks . The 3G list is here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks.
Posters in other threads have noted that T-Mobile, unlike the others, has a history of not locking the boot loader. This will not matter to most consumers.
There may be carrier branding on the case. Verizon is notorious for this. Although cosmetic in nature not affecting end-user features, this may or may not matter to consumers who intend to use their phone carrier-unlocked.
As mentioned at the start of this post, there should not be differences in end-user features between the various carrier versions.
StarTAC Fan said:
Posters in this thread have pointed out differences in storage capacity of phones retailed by the carriers. But storage capacity is not variation by carrier.
Variants by carrier per se shouldn't differ except by supported radio frequencies and bands. In that sense, FCC documents are the final authoritative source in tech spec accuracy.
To quote myself on a different thread:
From the above, the following conclusions can be made.
The 2G (GSM/CDMA) technology is probably no longer relevant to most people hence I omitted their comparison but generally they are all nearly identical for GSM.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are most alike for 3G and 4G. Sprint version is the most isolated.
The T-Mobile version is wholly compatible with both the T-Mobile and AT&T networks. It even supports AT&T's primary LTE band 17, 700 MHz. T-Mobile's only native LTE band is 4, 1700/2100 MHz. AT&T also uses that in part of their network, I believe in high density areas, as an adjunct to their band 17.
But the AT&T version is missing 3G band 4 1700/2100 MHz to be wholly compatible with T-Mobile That said, T-Mobile is reframing part of their 1900 MHz network for 3G in some areas to take congestion away from their band 4 1700/2100 for more LTE, so the AT&T phone will work on part of T-Mobile's 3G network.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are not compatible with Sprint LTE band 25 even though it's the same frequency of 1900 MHz. It's a different band. However, they will be compatible with Sprint's 3G network. On the other hand, Sprint's phone will not be wholly compatible with T-Mobile's 3G network. It will be on AT&T's 3G.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are compatible with Verizon's LTE band 4 1700/2100. But at the present time, Verizon has yet to activate their band 4 network, which even when so will be limited at first.
AT&T and T-Mobile versions are not compatible with Version's primary LTE band. Even though the same frequency range around 700 MHz, it's a different band, 13 vs 17 - something to do with "upper" and "lower" frequencies.
All versions, including Verizon, support 3G 850 and 1900 Mhz. Verizon however does not natively have a 3G network at any frequency.
All above said, the T-Mobile version has potential for being the most cross-compatible on other carriers' 3G and 4G networks.
A few other notes:
LTE frequencies and bands by carriers are listed here (to help understand the 'conclusions' above): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks . The 3G list is here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks.
Posters in other threads have noted that T-Mobile, unlike the others, has a history of not locking the boot loader. This will not matter to most consumers.
There may be carrier branding on the case. Verizon is notorious for this. Although cosmetic in nature not affecting end-user features, this may or may not matter to consumers who intend to use their phone carrier-unlocked.
As mentioned at the start of this post, there should not be differences in end-user features between the various carrier versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would you be kind as to also include GSM/UMTS comparisons? I travel frequently to Europe, and I want to get a version that supports 4G in the us and 3G where I travel to in Europe (3g @ 2100MHZ band). SO would you please advise me on which variant I should be getting based on my needs? In any case, I only want a bootloader unlocked phone. keeping that in mind, should I get a US variant (please tell me which) or the international N9005 version ?
Thanks in advance for your time
sharl1987 said:
would you be kind as to also include GSM/UMTS comparisons? I travel frequently to Europe, and I want to get a version that supports 4G in the us and 3G where I travel to in Europe (3g @ 2100MHZ band). SO would you please advise me on which variant I should be getting based on my needs? In any case, I only want a bootloader unlocked phone. keeping that in mind, should I get a US variant (please tell me which) or the international N9005 version ?
Thanks in advance for your time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to GSM/EDGE, not GSM/UMTS? Or are you saying you want info for GSM (2G) and also info for UMTS (3G)?
Part 1: General Non-4G Support
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/samsung/galaxy-note-3-jet-black.html
2G: 800, 850, 1800, 1900
3G: 850, 1900, 2100
http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/samsung-galaxy-note-3.html
GSM frequencies supported said as being "quad band" without needing to specify what they are, no doubt same as AT&T's 2G
UMTS/HSPA same as AT&T's 3G with addition of 1700 MHz
Verizon and Sprint have not yet posted 2G and 3G frequency specifications, indeed any details of the Galaxy Note 3, on their websites. However, FCC documents show that 2G 850 and 1900 MHz have been tested.
Part 2: 2G
GSM/GPRS/EDGE is 2G and therefore can't really provide usable data speed. So I'm unsure if this is what you want or if you just want to use it for voice (without GPRS and EDGE extensions). However, general rule of thumb, nowadays all GSM capable phones are "quad band" (850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz). Indeed, AT&T and T-Mobile which have posted specs on their website confirm this. 850 and 1900 are frequencies used in North America among other places while 900 and 1800 are used in Europe and other places as you are probably already aware.
Whether they have posted specs on their website or not already, for all 4 major American carriers, the FCC documents show testing was performed only for 2G 850 and 1900 MHz. That's a little misleading because to meet American regulatory requirements, the 900 and 1800 European frequencies don't have to be tested although support for them may be present in the device. That's why carrier and manufacturer specs can claim additional frequencies not of interest to the US FCC - not any of the other regulated frequencies.
Part 3: 3G
Your were concerned about 3G support in Europe. The Band 1 2100 MHz is universal for 3G for all phones, or should be. With insignificant exception, Band 1 is used by all European carriers as well as pretty much the rest of the world for 3G as you seem to be aware (you specifically mentioned looking for Band 1 support). The FCC documents don't specify and don't need to whether 3G Band 1 testing was carried out for transmission and reception. However, 2100 MHz is used as half of the Band 4 supported by the AT&T and T-Mobile models. That said, 3G Band 1 support should be present for both up and downlink.
Indeed the specs posted at AT&T and T-Mobile sites confirm that there is support for 3G Band 1 (implicitly up and down). With Sprint and Verizon, they have not yet confirmed support for 3G Band 1. But if they want their phones roamable on 3G networks elsewhere in the world, they must include Band 1 support at minimum. FCC documents submitted by the manufacturer, Samsung in this case, don't have to indicate support for 3G Band 1 because, again, it doesn't exist in the FCC's jurisdiction.
UMTS (also called WCDMA) is an early form of 3G theoretically capable of up to 384 kb/s. HSDPA and HSUPA were backward compatible improvements (D for downlink and U for uplink, and where HSDPA + HSUPA = HSPA) to which pretty much all the original UMTS carriers have upgraded. A further improvement is HSPA+ to which many HSPA carriers have upgraded. Although not the exact same, UMTS, WCDMA, HSPA and HSPA+ are interchangeably referred to as 3G. Modern phones are HSPA+ capable, therefore automatically backward compatible with UMTS (WCDMA) and HSPA carriers.
Part 4: Other Remarks
We'll know in a few weeks which phones are bootloader locked or unlocked. As mentioned, T-Mobile has historically not locked it.
LTE frequencies throughout the world are fragmented like no other. And we used to think quad band 2G and penta band 3G were excessive. But you're interested in quad band GSM and 3G at 2100 MHz, not universal 4G support - that's good.
I cannot tell you which carrier's GN3 or the International to get or not get particularly for US 4G + at minimum 2G/3G for international travel, only provide information for you to arrive at your own informed decision. That said, here is a summary:
AT&T and T-Mobile have already explicitly published that their Note 3 phones will be 2G quad-band.
AT&T and T-Mobile have published their phones will be 3G Band 1 2100 MHz capable in addition to their native 3G network frequencies.
Sprint and Verizon should also be quad-band 2G and, at minimum, Band 1 3G capable for roaming outside the US. FCC test reports cannot verify this for reason cited. It would be foolish for these 2 carriers to not to support minimal international roaming but we just have to wait.
As long as whatever variant you get has quad 2G and 3G @ 2100, you'll be fine for voice and data pretty much anywhere outside the Americas.
StarTAC Fan said:
Are you referring to GSM/EDGE, not GSM/UMTS? Or are you saying you want info for GSM (2G) and also info for UMTS (3G)?
Part 1: General Non-4G Support
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/samsung/galaxy-note-3-jet-black.html
2G: 800, 850, 1800, 1900
3G: 850, 1900, 2100
http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/samsung-galaxy-note-3.html
GSM frequencies supported said as being "quad band" without needing to specify what they are, no doubt same as AT&T's 2G
UMTS/HSPA same as AT&T's 3G with addition of 1700 MHz
Verizon and Sprint have not yet posted 2G and 3G frequency specifications, indeed any details of the Galaxy Note 3, on their websites. However, FCC documents show that 2G 850 and 1900 MHz have been tested.
Part 2: 2G
GSM/GPRS/EDGE is 2G and therefore can't really provide usable data speed. So I'm unsure if this is what you want or if you just want to use it for voice (without GPRS and EDGE extensions). However, general rule of thumb, nowadays all GSM capable phones are "quad band" (850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz). Indeed, AT&T and T-Mobile which have posted specs on their website confirm this. 850 and 1900 are frequencies used in North America among other places while 900 and 1800 are used in Europe and other places as you are probably already aware.
Whether they have posted specs on their website or not already, for all 4 major American carriers, the FCC documents show testing was performed only for 2G 850 and 1900 MHz. That's a little misleading because to meet American regulatory requirements, the 900 and 1800 European frequencies don't have to be tested although support for them may be present in the device. That's why carrier and manufacturer specs can claim additional frequencies not of interest to the US FCC - not any of the other regulated frequencies.
Part 3: 3G
Your were concerned about 3G support in Europe. The Band 1 2100 MHz is universal for 3G for all phones, or should be. With insignificant exception, Band 1 is used by all European carriers as well as pretty much the rest of the world for 3G as you seem to be aware (you specifically mentioned looking for Band 1 support). The FCC documents don't specify and don't need to whether 3G Band 1 testing was carried out for transmission and reception. However, 2100 MHz is used as half of the Band 4 supported by the AT&T and T-Mobile models. That said, 3G Band 1 support should be present for both up and downlink.
Indeed the specs posted at AT&T and T-Mobile sites confirm that there is support for 3G Band 1 (implicitly up and down). With Sprint and Verizon, they have not yet confirmed support for 3G Band 1. But if they want their phones roamable on 3G networks elsewhere in the world, they must include Band 1 support at minimum. FCC documents submitted by the manufacturer, Samsung in this case, don't have to indicate support for 3G Band 1 because, again, it doesn't exist in the FCC's jurisdiction.
UMTS (also called WCDMA) is an early form of 3G theoretically capable of up to 384 kb/s. HSDPA and HSUPA were backward compatible improvements (D for downlink and U for uplink, and where HSDPA + HSUPA = HSPA) to which pretty much all the original UMTS carriers have upgraded. A further improvement is HSPA+ to which many HSPA carriers have upgraded. Although not the exact same, UMTS, WCDMA, HSPA and HSPA+ are interchangeably referred to as 3G. Modern phones are HSPA+ capable, therefore automatically backward compatible with UMTS (WCDMA) and HSPA carriers.
Part 4: Other Remarks
We'll know in a few weeks which phones are bootloader locked or unlocked. As mentioned, T-Mobile has historically not locked it.
LTE frequencies throughout the world are fragmented like no other. And we used to think quad band 2G and penta band 3G were excessive. But you're interested in quad band GSM and 3G at 2100 MHz, not universal 4G support - that's good.
I cannot tell you which carrier's GN3 or the International to get or not get particularly for US 4G + at minimum 2G/3G for international travel, only provide information for you to arrive at your own informed decision. That said, here is a summary:
AT&T and T-Mobile have already explicitly published that their Note 3 phones will be 2G quad-band.
AT&T and T-Mobile have published their phones will be 3G Band 1 2100 MHz capable in addition to their native 3G network frequencies.
Sprint and Verizon should also be quad-band 2G and, at minimum, Band 1 3G capable for roaming outside the US. FCC test reports cannot verify this for reason cited. It would be foolish for these 2 carriers to not to support minimal international roaming but we just have to wait.
As long as whatever variant you get has quad 2G and 3G @ 2100, you'll be fine for voice and data pretty much anywhere outside the Americas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't thank you enough for your troubles for this complete and well written answer, must have taken you quite some time. Anyhow, the reason I am concerned about UMTS (excuse the error from my previous post) is that my international galaxy S III will only get EDGE on T-mobile, this has confined me to the use of AT&T's network. I know that is because AT&T utilizes the 1900Mhz band for 3G, where TMO has just started doing that and was running on a different band before ( and still is,I think it was the 1700Mhz band). That's why I am trying to make sure I get at least 3G service in Europe and 4G in the states
muqali said:
If it won't budge profit margins, they don't care if customers can get more choices. Just my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it is about the profit margins for the Big Red. Less onboard storage space = more cloud usage = more bandwidth use = profit $$$. They may have forgotten the usd card storage option as it may be a blanket policy they apply to all smartphones not branded Apple.
Coming from 16gb GS3, 32gb is enough for me. I would definitely get the 64gb version if offered, but am more concerned about things like radio quality and overall performance of VZW GN3
sharl1987 said:
hat's why I am trying to make sure I get at least 3G service in Europe and 4G in the states
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems to me that either all carriers will support the Band 1 3G (2100 MHz) whether they have already posted it up on their website or not. To not allow such basic international is...well...just dumb. They should all have 3G Band 1.
Therefore your choice depends on which 4G frequencies you need, ie. on which carrier(s) you intend to use the phone at home in the US. Your decision, again something I cannot make for you, comes down to being that simple.
T-Mobile's Note 3, also Support LTE Band 7 (2600), as detailed spec indcates http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-9056
So the Best US/International Note 3 is the one Sell by T-Mobile, besides AWS 3G/4G, support All AT&T LTE Bands, most European 3G and some European/SouthAmerican LTE (2600).
I'm planning to get the Note3 besides his little older brother Note1 (AT&T version - I717).
I only have a question and it's related to the subject I believe; does the UNLOCKED version can get the AT&T 4G network?
I'm thinking of buying the unlocked version because I'm from middle east and I always came back to my country for visiting, but currently I live in USA
FWIW the best option is probably at&t, if you are ok with shacking up with evil incarnate. The thought process is as follows (based on your request for best network coverage), verizons seems to be monoband even though it passed the fcc as dual band and secondly the eirp is apparently poor for the note 3 so even though you will have access to lte on a sub 1000MHz band, the phone will be the weak link. TMO has nothing sub 1000MHz and their rural coverage isn't as great although I do personally use tmo. Sprint went monoband on the note 3, no sub 1000MHz. The only provider offering sub 1000MHz LTE that doesn't have a crippled radio is at&t.
YMMV but that was pretty much the thought process I went through, digging through fcc docs and then realising screw it, I get decent service on tmo and unlimited plus (limited) tethering without breaking my contract is nice.If you really want coverage more than anything else at&t is probably the best bet, followed by verizon and a wilson sleek 4g booster if there are areas you need coverage that only vzw cover.
richym82 said:
FWIW the best option is probably at&t, if you are ok with shacking up with evil incarnate. The thought process is as follows (based on your request for best network coverage), verizons seems to be monoband even though it passed the fcc as dual band and secondly the eirp is apparently poor for the note 3 so even though you will have access to lte on a sub 1000MHz band, the phone will be the weak link. TMO has nothing sub 1000MHz and their rural coverage isn't as great although I do personally use tmo. Sprint went monoband on the note 3, no sub 1000MHz. The only provider offering sub 1000MHz LTE that doesn't have a crippled radio is at&t.
YMMV but that was pretty much the thought process I went through, digging through fcc docs and then realising screw it, I get decent service on tmo and unlimited plus (limited) tethering without breaking my contract is nice.If you really want coverage more than anything else at&t is probably the best bet, followed by verizon and a wilson sleek 4g booster if there are areas you need coverage that only vzw cover.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you really need ATT, I would get the tmo note 3 and use straight talk which is an ATT MVNO. They use ATT's LTE and are much much cheaper. ATT does not have any plans that strip the subsidies for new phones out. Also, the tmo s4 worked on ATT"s LTE but no one has tested the tmo note 3 yet. I'm still getting the tmo version though because I'm willing to take the chance. Everything so far says it will.
AcostaJA said:
T-Mobile's Note 3, also Support LTE Band 7 (2600), as detailed spec indcates http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-9056
So the Best US/International Note 3 is the one Sell by T-Mobile, besides AWS 3G/4G, support All AT&T LTE Bands, most European 3G and some European/SouthAmerican LTE (2600).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beautiful. That means it will support the ultra fast LTE networks on Rogers and Bell in Canada.
Hello,
I'm trying to make sense of the LTE frequencies, so maybe you can help.
The situation: I'd like to buy the phone and use it on AT&T LTE in the US, but -- very important -- also use it for data when traveling outside the US. Also, I'd like the ability switch providers in the US (that's why I'm not buying a subsidized phone from AT&T).
The question: The Note 4 model SM-N910W8 has more LTE frequencies than the model SM-N910A. I assume it means that the SM-N910W8 is more likely to perform well in foreign countries and on other US carriers. If so, that's a better purchase than AT&T model of the phone (SM-N910A). Is this correct?
The data:
According to GSM Arena, the "North American" model SM-N910W8 supports
LTE 700 / 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 / 2600 (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17)
According to Samsung website, the specialized AT&T version of the phone SM-N910A supports
2G GSM : 850/900/1800/1900;
3G WCDMA : Band I/Band II/Band V;
4G (LTE Cat 4 150/50Mbps) : B2 / B4 / B5 / B12 / B17
(the system won't allow me to provide links to the data sources, but PM me if you'd like them)
I was also confused about all the band stuff. I am on AT&T myself and I just purchased a note 4 sm-n910c. it is the exynos version (some people don't want that) but it supposedly works great with AT&T lte. The phone arrives on Wednesday soo I personally don't know. But I did alot of research before purchasing.
My current att branded note edge (i assume same as note 4) supports
4G FDD LTE: B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B17(700), B20(800);
And the 910c supports:
LTE 800 / 700 / 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 / 2600
(Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 20)
You may also want to look into the sm-n910u
Thanks! So according to the source below, a "band" is simply a range of radio frequencies. That's why there's an overlap between "radio frequencies" and "LTE bands".
radio-electronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/lte-long-term-evolution/lte-frequency-spectrum.php
My impression is that the more frequencies a device has, the better it performs across carriers, when roaming. And of course, any carrier is better off selling a device that's customized to its own network, thereby making switching carriers more difficult. I guess that this is why the AT&T model has fewer frequencies than the non-AT&T model.
By the way, the seller of the SM-N910W8 assured me that the device is capable of the same LTE speeds at a SM-N910A.
Right every carrier uses specific bands of frequency. Some work on multiple carries. For instance the t-mobile note 4 work on ATT network.
I don't know much about the 910w8 but yes the more bands it supports the more universal it will be across carriers. Of course GSM phones will not work on CDMA networks like version and sprint
Craleb said:
Right every carrier uses specific bands of frequency. Some work on multiple carries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right. And my hunch is that carriers limit their branded phones (the subsidized phones they sell). This way, the phone will perform best only on their network. At least in the case of AT&T, I can't find another explantion why their branded phone (SM-N910A) supports fewer bands than a non-AT&T branded phone (like the SM-N910W8).
Does iPhone have these restrictions... Just curious
magichoward said:
Does iPhone have these restrictions... Just curious
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Yes, the iPhone is also frequency restricted. Manufacturers do it to help carriers (which are their big customers, not us retail customers). Carriers use the frequency restrictions to curb cross-border sales and limit your ability to switch to a competitor, even if you paid for your device.
Iphone 6 A1522 (GSM)
LTE (band 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29)
Iphone 6 A1524 (CDMA):
FDD-LTE (band 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29)
TD-LTE (band 38, 39, 40, 41)
(I found the data in "Galaxy Note4 Firmware - All Models")
The version that ends in W8 is the Latin American version. The T-Mobile version is compatible with most bands.
Att has locked boot loader, as well as vzw. If your into rooting and flashing custom Roms, stay away from those phone's.
jaxenroth said:
Att has locked boot loader, as well as vzw
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Thanks! I didn't know that. So now the AT&T version (SM-N910A) is definitely off the table. It's down to two models. Both will support all of AT&T LTE bands, but one adds full support for European LTE and the other adds full support for T-Mobile US.
SM-N910C, which has Exynos CPU and supports 800 Mhz and 4G band 20, which one of the three bands common in Europe.
SM-N910W8, which has Snapdragon CPU and supports 4G band 12, which means full support for T-Mobile 4G.
arjun90 said:
The version that ends in W8 is the Latin American version. The T-Mobile version is compatible with most bands.
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Yes, the T-Mobile version (which I see is the one you one) has the same bands as the 910W8 and the same CPU. The advantage (for me) is that I can buy it from T-Mobile and receive warranty.
The T-Mobile version is the appropriate one for you, especially since you will receive warranty from Samsung USA.
NYCgirl said:
Yes, the T-Mobile version (which I see is the one you one) has the same bands as the 910W8 and the same CPU. The advantage (for me) is that I can buy it from T-Mobile and receive warranty.
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