Advice on buying off ebay... - Galaxy Note 3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey all, I looking to replace my Moto Razr Maxxx -From verzion with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 9005
i'm currently grandfathered in to the Verizon unlimited data so i have to purchase a phone off contract in order to keep it.
Problem is idk if i need to look/purchase a specific model in order for the phone to work after i swap out the sim card?
I'm looking to purchase a used Note 3 9005 of ebay is there anything i need to know or look out for?
thanks
-Mike

mricchio said:
Hey all, I looking to replace my Moto Razr Maxxx -From verzion with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 9005
i'm currently grandfathered in to the Verizon unlimited data so i have to purchase a phone off contract in order to keep it.
Problem is idk if i need to look/purchase a specific model in order for the phone to work after i swap out the sim card?
I'm looking to purchase a used Note 3 9005 of ebay is there anything i need to know or look out for?
thanks
-Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im looking to do the same as you. unlimited data subscriber not giving that up. im on ebay myself and there are a few moderately priced. i was looking into the carrier unlocked ones. now correct me if im wrong, but CARRIER unlocked doesnt mean the same as BOOTLOADER unlocked. as in im not finding a golden opportunity here to get the same as the $700 dev edition for a steal, im just confused.....
even if i am wrong, whats weird is some of the carrier unlocked ones say itll work on any carrier, but then it says it doesnt support 3g....
so does that mean when i venture the country roads im screwed? because there isnt 4g there....

Gotta be careful cause you are on Verizon, they use different bands to the SM-N9005. I believe you guys would require an SM-N900(V?) - eBay is a minefield when it comes to Note 3s currently due to KNOX issues, or just general fakes and scammers.
My advice is buy one direct from a store, cause eBay is risky right now and if you have a knox triggered model. You have no warranty cover
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 07:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:20 AM ----------
[email protected]|ice said:
im looking to do the same as you. unlimited data subscriber not giving that up. im on ebay myself and there are a few moderately priced. i was looking into the carrier unlocked ones. now correct me if im wrong, but CARRIER unlocked doesnt mean the same as BOOTLOADER unlocked. as in im not finding a golden opportunity here to get the same as the $700 dev edition for a steal, im just confused.....
even if i am wrong, whats weird is some of the carrier unlocked ones say itll work on any carrier, but then it says it doesnt support 3g....
so does that mean when i venture the country roads im screwed? because there isnt 4g there....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The N9005 Snapdragon (Qualcomm) will support 3G and 4G,
The N900 Exynos (octa-core) is 3G only
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Hey [email protected]|lice i think i might pick one up from this store-->https://coinsfortech.com/shop/samsung-galaxy-note-3-4g-lte-32gb/
Unlocked just means you can use it on an carrier, the bootloader will still be locked.
plus they accept Bitcoin

mricchio said:
Hey [email protected]|lice i think i might pick one up from this store-->https://coinsfortech.com/shop/samsung-galaxy-note-3-4g-lte-32gb/
Unlocked just means you can use it on an carrier, the bootloader will still be locked.
plus they accept Bitcoin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's pretty good that they take bitcoin... I have a few bitcoin laying around and now I can convert them to cash by buying a few and selling on lol - Only used a couple in the last few months should have cashed them in when they were near on 1000 per coin

Related

Amazon selling unlocked Galaxy Tab (international version with phone capability)

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Unloc...arranty/dp/tech-data/B0041RSF6Y/ref=de_a_smtd
$1000?? that's crazy. I was hoping it would be close to $600...
flo7002 said:
$1000?? that's crazy. I was hoping it would be close to $600...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AND they claim no warranty. Oh sign me up!
That's about what you pay in Europe, u didn't think you could get it cheaper, did you?
Nice and all but the problem is, even if it were $600, you would not get a 3G connection here in the states due to the radio in the device.
they have the US version here.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00480P67K
but they want an arm and two legs for it.
I don't see where it says that it's phone is enabled....
I just checked with Sprint, they wanted $550 without plan. So can this be unlocked?
Vikmal said:
That's about what you pay in Europe, u didn't think you could get it cheaper, did you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
638.546 USD <<< thats what the tab costs unlocked in the UK with 2 year warranty
Edit : Just noticed this thread is old
Will international version make\receive calls in the USA?
I don't want to carry two devices but want a tablet.
this one is supposed to do both...
amazon.com/Samsung-Unlocked-Touchscreen-Memory-International-Warranty/dp/tech-data/B0041RSF6Y/ref=de_a_smtd
What will I be giving up using it in the US?
Thanks in advance
Depending on which US carrier you'll be using, it would be better to buy a carrier-specific Tab and then flash it with a modem/rom that enables voice calling.
rogconnect said:
I just checked with Sprint, they wanted $550 without plan. So can this be unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it could be unlocked.
I bought one from att and unlock it and now is working in mexico using telcel (including 3G)
Sent from my Galaxy Tab

[Q] AT&T S4... Switch to T-mobile S4

I Have the AT&T S4... should I switch to T-mobile S4? (bootloader issues)... I want to make the move before I can no longer return my AT&T S4... any thoughts? I know the AT&T S4 would tend to have more going on in terms of roms and development, but even well known devs are saying stay away from this version... seems like they dont think it's gonna happen soon at all.
From what I read on the T-Mobile forums they are still trying to figure out if the bootloader is locked like ours
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
t2abousa said:
I Have the AT&T S4... should I switch to T-mobile S4? (bootloader issues)... I want to make the move before I can no longer return my AT&T S4... any thoughts? I know the AT&T S4 would tend to have more going on in terms of roms and development, but even well known devs are saying stay away from this version... seems like they dont think it's gonna happen soon at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
right there with you, i've got 13 more days to return-no-questions-asked, just a little butt-hurt i already traded my lovely GS2 in :crying: should have kept that little sucker around until all this washed over. I would go over to HTC One, as it is developer-friendly, but i just can't bring myself to a non-reparable design as these USB ports at the bottom go after time, no swapable batt, and missing micro SD card (love having my pics there in case phone dies, while it's not the ultimate in security, it's at least a small form of backup). Also, the added screen real estate i think is the perfect phone size.
Really hoping the TMob version can be SIM swapped, might not make it to my return date to get confirmation on this....boo
I am thinking of going HTC one. Cant afford to wait a year for potential screw up where Samsung releases an unlock. There will be no unlock for boot loader u less Samsung or somebody working there leaks it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Can anyone link me to the tmobile forum for this phone? Can't seem to find it lol
Questions go in Q&A
Thread moved
Get out while you still can
SENT FROM MY LTEVO
Apparently the t-mobile bootloader is unlocked, read the third paragraph
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/official-and-confirmed-att-galaxy-s-4-is-bootloader-locked/
crt60 said:
Apparently the t-mobile bootloader is unlocked, read the third paragraph
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/official-and-confirmed-att-galaxy-s-4-is-bootloader-locked/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Figures... now to see if I can buy the T-mobile version without having a t-mobile line. At&T and Verizon dont allow it. Anyone know if they will let you?
t2abousa said:
Figures... now to see if I can buy the T-mobile version without having a t-mobile line. At&T and Verizon dont allow it. Anyone know if they will let you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This site claims to have the unlocked US T-Mobile S4 available for pre-order. I have no experience with them, but they are mentioned several times in the S4 forums.
http://negrielectronics.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=s4#.UYDASknD_IU
...and for $70 cheaper than the AT&T unlocked S4!
scott14719 said:
This site claims to have the unlocked US T-Mobile S4 available for pre-order. I have no experience with them, but they are mentioned several times in the S4 forums.
http://negrielectronics.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=s4#.UYDASknD_IU
...and for $70 cheaper than the AT&T unlocked S4!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice, thanks! My concern is that they are probably talking about sim unlock which is possible on At&T already, I wish we had someone who owns a t-mobile S4 and can confirm an unlocked or unlockable bootloader.
EDIT: Looks like according to the t-mobile forum theirs is unlocked bootloader. Im hoping we can just get the bootloader unlocked by then but if not.. plan B!
t2abousa said:
Nice, thanks! My concern is that they are probably talking about sim unlock which is possible on At&T already, I wish we had someone who owns a t-mobile S4 and can confirm an unlocked or unlockable bootloader.
EDIT: Looks like according to the t-mobile forum theirs is unlocked bootloader. Im hoping we can just get the bootloader unlocked by then but if not.. plan B!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wasn't your original question about where to buy a T-Mobile S4 without having a T-Mobile line? If so, that site claims to have them. If you are planning on using the T-Mobile S4 on AT&T networks it will need to be sim unlocked. Otherwise, I'm not sure why you are looking to buy a T-Mobile S4 without having a T-Mobile line. As far as the bootloader goes, AT&T is locked, T-Mobile is not, but that has nothing to do with a T-Mobile phone on an AT&T line? Maybe I am just not understanding what you are looking for?

Can an AT&T or T-Mobile S4 be used on Verizon

I got a Galaxy S4 for AT&T cheap so cheap I just bought to play with. Any way to make it work on my provider verizon? Can I reflash the modem, rom, activate it change the sim or something to make it work? Or should I just turn it in to a small tablet for my son. lol
hunterboy2011 said:
I got a Galaxy S4 for AT&T cheap so cheap I just bought to play with. Any way to make it work on my provider verizon? Can I reflash the modem, rom, activate it change the sim or something to make it work? Or should I just turn it in to a small tablet for my son. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think u can use that as verizon is CDMA and at&t is gsm
That is correct. CDMA phones and GSM phones are not interchangeable. Neither will work on the other network. If there is nothing wrong with the phone, you could always just sell it on eBay or somewhere, and given the going rate for the S4 now, you should be able to get enough money to buy a Verizon one easily. That would be a very expensive "mini-tablet" for your son. :silly:
shuddle13 said:
That is correct. CDMA phones and GSM phones are not interchangeable. Neither will work on the other network. If there is nothing wrong with the phone, you could always just sell it on eBay or somewhere, and given the going rate for the S4 now, you should be able to get enough money to buy a Verizon one easily. That would be a very expensive "mini-tablet" for your son. :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Partially true. You can use a Verizon GS3/Note 2/iPhone 5 on GSM with some simple mods. To the |OP|, I would recommend putting it on swappa.com, XDA's official marketplace. Good, honest members are willing to pay top dollar for a clean phone.
I wasn't aware of that - in regards to the GS3/Note 2/iPhone 5. Thanks for clarifying!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

[Q] Note 4 for straight talk?

Just wondering what will be the easiest way to get a Note 4 that will work with straight talk. I'm sick of paying 100+ dollars a month with US cellular and was thinking of just buying a note 4 when it comes out for full price and setting it up with straight talk.
Do I just buy an unlocked GSM version of the Note 4 or do I need a ATT version? I know I need to change some settings ect to make it work. I obviously would want it to be LTE and have everything work (phone, MMS, etc).
Sorry if this is a newb question.
Thanks for the help!
Straight talk uses GSM and CDMA from various networks, so you have to check where you are located. I'm getting the att version or unlocked and putting a cricket sim in it. Can't beat the new 10gb unlimited talk text plan for 55 with auto pay no taxes or fees. I get good reception since they are att but the data is limited to 8mb downloads which is fine for me.
You need the T-mobile version. If history repeats itself, it will work with both the GSM Straight talk sims (Tmobile/ATT) as the S4, S5, and Note 3 has. The international version won't get all the bands you need and the ATT version removed some bands in the Note 3. ATT is shady like that plus it will be locked down tighter than a drum.
BTW, don't even bother with a CDMA sim. It runs off of sprint most likely and we all know how horrible that is.
So basically I need an unlocked GSM version. My wifes GS2 is GSM because I think straight talk uses ATT towers in this area (Wisconsin).
So would I be better off getting a Tmobile, ATT or just an unlocked GSM version (non international so I can use LTE) if I plan on at least rooting?
And I'm assuming Amazaon will have unlocked GSM versions of the note 4 for sale when it comes out? Also, do need to worry about bands/frequencies or will any US unlocked GSM note 4 work?
Thanks for the input and help guys!
thegipper said:
So basically I need an unlocked GSM version. My wifes GS2 is GSM because I think straight talk uses ATT towers in this area (Wisconsin).
So would I be better off getting a Tmobile, ATT or just an unlocked GSM version (non international so I can use LTE) if I plan on at least rooting?
And I'm assuming Amazaon will have unlocked GSM versions of the note 4 for sale when it comes out? Also, do need to worry about bands/frequencies or will any US unlocked GSM note 4 work?
Thanks for the input and help guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya, the international version is not an option here in the US. The carriers are moving to voice over lte and the international version won't have the correct LTE bands or at least they didn't on the previous samsung devices. The Tmobile version will work on ATT and Tmobile straight talk sims with full LTE compatibility if history repeats itself.
The international versions used to be great here in the US in the Note 1 era but with the introduction of LTE on frequencies not wildly used in Europe, you can't do that anymore. Samsung has never made a "US" unlocked version of the Note so it doesn't exist. Only the international versions.
So I should get a Tmobile note 4. How would I go about getting it unlocked so I can use it with straight talk?
Thanks
Also, how do I go about buying a Tmobile note 4 (when they come out) if I don't have a contract with them? Can I just go in there and buy one for full retail or how does that work?
tmobile doesn't have contracts, and they wont sell you a phone unlocked unless you have been a customer with them for a certain period of time
Does anyone know roughly how much the note 4 will cost? Thanks
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
thegipper said:
Also, how do I go about buying a Tmobile note 4 (when they come out) if I don't have a contract with them? Can I just go in there and buy one for full retail or how does that work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, just go in there and buy one and use cellunlocker.net. If they won't sell you one without knowing someone with tmobile or having an account yourself, keep in mind that there are no contracts, so as with the note 3, you can sign up and cancel it at any time and keep the phone.
Reference this thread if you have questions. A lot of it applies to the Note 4 as well.
---------- Post added at 01:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:06 PM ----------
xda23 said:
Does anyone know roughly how much the note 4 will cost? Thanks
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's reported to be $749.76 or $31.24 a month with 0 interest.
mircury said:
Yup, just go in there and buy one and use cellunlocker.net. If they won't sell you one without knowing someone with tmobile or having an account yourself, keep in mind that there are no contracts, so as with the note 3, you can sign up and cancel it at any time and keep the phone.
Reference this thread if you have questions. A lot of it applies to the Note 4 as well.
---------- Post added at 01:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:06 PM ----------
It's reported to be $749.76 or $31.24 a month with 0 interest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not 2 bad.I payed $712 for my Gs5.t-mobile more than will not carry the 64 Gb model right? Thanks.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
mircury said:
Yup, just go in there and buy one and use cellunlocker.net. If they won't sell you one without knowing someone with tmobile or having an account yourself, keep in mind that there are no contracts, so as with the note 3, you can sign up and cancel it at any time and keep the phone.
Reference this thread if you have questions. A lot of it applies to the Note 4 as well.
---------- Post added at 01:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:06 PM ----------
It's reported to be $749.76 or $31.24 a month with 0 interest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not 2 bad.I payed $712 for my Gs5.t-mobile more than will not carry the 64 Gb model right? Thanks.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
Ordering ATT version this weekend
I am ordering ATT unactivated, unlocked Galaxy Note 4 this weekend. With the One Plus, One, I just exchanged the sim card from Nexus 5 into One Plus, One on StraightTalk.
Ok this is what I'm thinking, please let me know if this will or will not work.
I think I'm going to preorder the note 4 through best buy, a verizon version. If I trade in any working phone I will get a $200 gift card.
My questions are: If I don't have service with Verizon, can I still preorder a note 4 from Bestbuy? If so, will it be locked? If so, will they unlock it for me to use with a different carrier?
I have confirmed that my US cellular note 2 is compatabile with straight talk, because the phone hasn't been released yet, is it wrong to assume that a verizon note 4 should also work with straight talk?
Obviously I need to use a straight talk SIM card and adjust some settings so data and everything work.
Thoughts? Will it work?
You have nothing to fear or be weary of!
thegipper said:
Just wondering what will be the easiest way to get a Note 4 that will work with straight talk. I'm sick of paying 100+ dollars a month with US cellular and was thinking of just buying a note 4 when it comes out for full price and setting it up with straight talk.
Do I just buy an unlocked GSM version of the Note 4 or do I need a ATT version? I know I need to change some settings ect to make it work. I obviously would want it to be LTE and have everything work (phone, MMS, etc).
Sorry if this is a newb question.
Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I'm going to make this very simple for you. I have been with straight talk since the days when having a flip phone were still cool. Besides the rare bad customer service (boo hoo) straight talk is amazing! Ever since I joined the Android phone race (I began with the LG thrill), I have used a straight talk sim. I have only ever used at&t because they're bigger and more reliable in most cases than T-Mobile. All you do is you buy an at&t phone, I did this with my Thrill, then my Galaxy s2 skyrocket and now my recently purchased Galaxy Note 4, which I'm using to type this! I paid it full price from Amazon, got 2 year insurance (accidental included) from Assurant Solutionsavailable at amAmazonccheckout for a total of $923. Then all you do is you go to a walmart and purchasean at&t compatible sstraighttalk sim or you can korder one from straighttalksim.com for like $7. The new straight talk at&t compatible Sims do support 4g LTE, I'm using it now, on speedtest it shows me about 222-25mbps download and 10+ mbps upload. In short, straight talk is great oI'm the unlimited everything plan, I spend $50.16 after taxes, which is automatically debited from your debit card if you choose to enroll in auto refill. Also, the play store has straight talk apps, the My Account app, and the Data Settings app. The data settings app will walk you through the settings you need to change to make it easy on you. Then, all you do is reboot your phone, and viola! You've got unlimited at&t 4g LTE! It's amazing, and you'll feel relieved at the price and saving over $1,200 over 2 years by paying full price and going the straight talk route. Way better than a 2 year contract, ill never do one of those! So yeah, straight talk is perfect for my at&t Galaxy note 4,worked right out of the box, no hassle, no need to unlock the phone, everything works as it should, even MMS! I hope I helped you, and I'm sorry for the long reply but if I was in your shoes, I'd want piece of mind too!
Frenchy91 said:
Okay, I'm going to make this very simple for you. I have been with straight talk since the days when having a flip phone were still cool. Besides the rare bad customer service (boo hoo) straight talk is amazing! Ever since I joined the Android phone race (I began with the LG thrill), I have used a straight talk sim. I have only ever used at&t because they're bigger and more reliable in most cases than T-Mobile. All you do is you buy an at&t phone, I did this with my Thrill, then my Galaxy s2 skyrocket and now my recently purchased Galaxy Note 4, which I'm using to type this! I paid it full price from Amazon, got 2 year insurance (accidental included) from Assurant Solutionsavailable at amAmazonccheckout for a total of $923. Then all you do is you go to a walmart and purchasean at&t compatible sstraighttalk sim or you can korder one from straighttalksim.com for like $7. The new straight talk at&t compatible Sims do support 4g LTE, I'm using it now, on speedtest it shows me about 222-25mbps download and 10+ mbps upload. In short, straight talk is great oI'm the unlimited everything plan, I spend $50.16 after taxes, which is automatically debited from your debit card if you choose to enroll in auto refill. Also, the play store has straight talk apps, the My Account app, and the Data Settings app. The data settings app will walk you through the settings you need to change to make it easy on you. Then, all you do is reboot your phone, and viola! You've got unlimited at&t 4g LTE! It's amazing, and you'll feel relieved at the price and saving over $1,200 over 2 years by paying full price and going the straight talk route. Way better than a 2 year contract, ill never do one of those! So yeah, straight talk is perfect for my at&t Galaxy note 4,worked right out of the box, no hassle, no need to unlock the phone, everything works as it should, even MMS! I hope I helped you, and I'm sorry for the long reply but if I was in your shoes, I'd want piece of mind too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the straight talk unlimited everything plan how many Gigs of data due you actually get monthly? Thanks In advance!!!
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
xda23 said:
On the straight talk unlimited everything plan how many Gigs of data due you actually get monthly? Thanks In advance!!!
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get 3gb unlimited @ lte speeds. If you go over 3gb over 30 days (which I have NEVER done, except for back when they only offered 2gb) the they slow you down to 2g speeds like edge if you use at&t. Don't fearthis llimitation. It offers more data than the bug carriers 2gb and like I said, with everyday use here and there, I barely reach 2gb used, much less 3gb!
Frenchy91 said:
Okay, I'm going to make this very simple for you. I have been with straight talk since the days when having a flip phone were still cool. Besides the rare bad customer service (boo hoo) straight talk is amazing! Ever since I joined the Android phone race (I began with the LG thrill), I have used a straight talk sim. I have only ever used at&t because they're bigger and more reliable in most cases than T-Mobile. All you do is you buy an at&t phone, I did this with my Thrill, then my Galaxy s2 skyrocket and now my recently purchased Galaxy Note 4, which I'm using to type this! I paid it full price from Amazon, got 2 year insurance (accidental included) from Assurant Solutionsavailable at amAmazonccheckout for a total of $923. Then all you do is you go to a walmart and purchasean at&t compatible sstraighttalk sim or you can korder one from straighttalksim.com for like $7. The new straight talk at&t compatible Sims do support 4g LTE, I'm using it now, on speedtest it shows me about 222-25mbps download and 10+ mbps upload. In short, straight talk is great oI'm the unlimited everything plan, I spend $50.16 after taxes, which is automatically debited from your debit card if you choose to enroll in auto refill. Also, the play store has straight talk apps, the My Account app, and the Data Settings app. The data settings app will walk you through the settings you need to change to make it easy on you. Then, all you do is reboot your phone, and viola! You've got unlimited at&t 4g LTE! It's amazing, and you'll feel relieved at the price and saving over $1,200 over 2 years by paying full price and going the straight talk route. Way better than a 2 year contract, ill never do one of those! So yeah, straight talk is perfect for my at&t Galaxy note 4,worked right out of the box, no hassle, no need to unlock the phone, everything works as it should, even MMS! I hope I helped you, and I'm sorry for the long reply but if I was in your shoes, I'd want piece of mind too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you link the exact page from Amazon where you purchased your Galaxy Note 4? I want to make absolute certain that I get the right phone to use with straight talk. I assume it needs to be AT&T factory unlocked? Does it need to be the international model? If you could link the actual phone you got working on straight talk then it would make me feel more comfortable with making sure I get exactly what I am looking for.
Thanks!
/gp/aw/d/B00N532FRU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1417808017&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40
Type amazon.com and then add the rest of the link that Ippasted. This forum doesn't allow me to post links yet.
It is $825.99 and you get free shipping and no tax, and the option to add insurance.
Frenchy91 said:
/gp/aw/d/B00N532FRU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1417808017&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40
Type amazon.com and then add the rest of the link that Ippasted. This forum doesn't allow me to post links yet.
It is $825.99 and you get free shipping and no tax, and the option to add insurance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much, I figured it needed to be factory unlocked to work with Straight talk.

[Q] Best buy "unlocked" galaxy s5: unlocked bootloader?

I've been an iPhone user for 5 years now. 3G and 5 versions. I am tired of iTunes I would also like to tinker a bit with my next phone. . I have used Linux as my main desktop os for a few years.
Anyways, I'm on a grandfathered unlimited data plan on att. My iphone 5 has no working power button, the mic is defective and the battery is worn.
I work in construction so i was considering the s5 for its dust rating and removable battery.
I spoke with tmobile today and they told me that any tmobile device, even if bought for full price new on amazon or best buy would be locked to tmobile service. They informed me I would need service with them in order to unlock. If that's the case it rules out buying a tmobile version for the unlocked bootloader.
Does the unlocked version from bestbuy come with the unlocked boot loader?
To clarify I meant the model listed as "Sam G900"
Sayn3ver said:
To clarify I meant the model listed as "Sam G900"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into settings and in "about device" for the model name. Sam G900 is not a model name.
lingowistico said:
Go into settings and in "about device" for the model name. Sam G900 is not a model name.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure he's just going off what best buy says for the model.
I too am wondering this question. Very disappointed in the new S6, thought it was going to be "the next big thing", turns out they just want to be like apple now.
Side note, where would u recommend buying an unlocked bootloader S5, that has LTE capabilities for att? Or does that not exist in the US? Been searching but coming up empty handed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
I don't have the phone I am referencing. Like mentioned earlier, it's just the model number off of best buys webpage. They have the g900a model and a Sam-g900 for sale. They only sell the tmobile prepaids unlocked at a higher price point.
Is there a reputable online seller of new or refurbished unlocked tmobile versions?
I don't know if I wanna gamble buying used.
fals3illusion said:
I'm pretty sure he's just going off what best buy says for the model.
I too am wondering this question. Very disappointed in the new S6, thought it was going to be "the next big thing", turns out they just want to be like apple now.
Side note, where would u recommend buying an unlocked bootloader S5, that has LTE capabilities for att? Or does that not exist in the US? Been searching but coming up empty handed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
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Buy a 900f from ebay. There are tons of reputable sellers there, just look at their feedback score. All qualcomm models support all lte frequencies, however they're not activated by default. There's a guide in general or q&a which shows how to activate all freqeuncies
lingowistico said:
Buy a 900f from ebay. There are tons of reputable sellers there, just look at their feedback score. All qualcomm models support all lte frequencies, however they're not activated by default. There's a guide in general or q&a which shows how to activate all freqeuncies
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Does the 900f come with unlocked bootloaders? Is there a way you can identify if they have an unlocked bootloader without physically checking the phone just don't want to spend hundreds of dollars and kinda get stuck with a phone that's not what I wanted.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app
I just purchased an unlocked GS5 G900T (Tmobile version) from eBay yesterday, and should have it by the end of the week. I've purchased my last 3 phones from eBay, and all have been true to the ad, and in excellent condition.
You do need to study the photos closely though, and make sure the seller has good feed back, and a lot of feedback (I never buy from sellers who have only a few ratings and/or using a new account).
I got this phone to use with ATT and wanted an unlocked bootloader. Kinda wish I knew that you could activate the frequencies on the 900F though, as it seems like most of the development is for that model. Oh well, as long as I can root and have a few choices of ROMs, I'll be happy.
I'll probably be using some sort of stock based rom on this phone (for a while at least).
fals3illusion said:
Does the 900f come with unlocked bootloaders? Is there a way you can identify if they have an unlocked bootloader without physically checking the phone just don't want to spend hundreds of dollars and kinda get stuck with a phone that's not what I wanted.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app
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Yes, the 900f/klte/international has an unlocked bootloader
lingowistico said:
Yes, the 900f/klte/international has an unlocked bootloader
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ok cool, thanks for all the help!!
I did not know that T-Mobiles Galaxy S5 Came with unlocked bootloaders. I am just going to get one from them since T-Mobile and ATT run on basically the same LTE Basebands and LTE will not be affected as much as the international version when i'm on ATT's network
fals3illusion said:
I'm pretty sure he's just going off what best buy says for the model.
I too am wondering this question. Very disappointed in the new S6, thought it was going to be "the next big thing", turns out they just want to be like apple now.
Side note, where would u recommend buying an unlocked bootloader S5, that has LTE capabilities for att? Or does that not exist in the US? Been searching but coming up empty handed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
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didn't read the rest of the replies but cricket...they sell it with unlocked boot loader, and you can sim unlock after six months...but they are owned wholly by att so you'll have att's reception and reliability. Of course your unlimited data would be history but crickets rates are significantly lower than most other mvno carriers
Edit: the model no is sm-g900az
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
I called bestbuy.com customer service. The customer service agent was no help. No additional info than what's provided on the webpage (actual samsung model # is what I was looking for).
She transferred me to their technical support department. The gentleman spent about 5 minutes or so searching and couldn't come up with anything more.
I was told to call an actual best buy store and speak with their mobile department.
I called later today when best buy opened up. Sat on hold for 8min before an actual human being answered the phone. They too were no help. The conversation went like this...
Me: do you know which model of the g900 the sku 5760005 is referring to. . The listed model number Sam-g900 with that sku# is not an actual samsung model number.
Them: it's a g900.
Me: no you do not understand, g900 should be followed by one more letter. Is it a g900a, g900t, g900v, g900f, g900h, etc?
Them: it's a g900. What provider do you have?
Me: I'm on att but probably going to tmobile soon.
Them: we don't carry tmobile. I have a g900a. It works good. (they have the prepaid tmobile s5 on their website).
Me: nvm. Thanks have a nice day.....click.

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