Related
Does any one know if I can use the tmobile G2 with a canadian wireless plan if its unlocked. I have read about all that tri band stuff but its a little above my head.
Thanks!
T-mobile does not have the same 3G/4G bands as Canadian carriers (Bell, Rogers, etc)
You will only get EDGE. If you want 3G/4G go with an unlocked AT&T phone.
and if ive read correctly, you need to go to a carrier that uses gsm (because tmobile phones use gsm)
Umm, not sure what only getting edge means. Does that just mean no data, just voice and texts?
dwang93 said:
Umm, not sure what only getting edge means. Does that just mean no data, just voice and texts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As of 2011 there are three levels of data speed that are used and the order goes like this:
4G
3G
EDGE
The speed decreases as you go from 4G to 3G, and EDGE being the slowest.
You will receive data, just not at blazing fast speeds.
From what I understand, T-Mobile uses AWS, of which three carriers here provide: Mobilicity, Wind Mobile, and Videotron.
It's not worth trying to get what EDGE you can from Rogers/Telus/Bell.
* Ontario biased *
I would recommend to get an unlocked ATT phone
So after some research, the G2 is a quad band gsm phone, which means it should work on any GSM based carrier. From what I've seen that would be mainly rogers and fido correct? Or are there cheaper alternatives?
Also I looked into the AWS but I'm not sure if my g2 is compatible with AWS. It seems as if tmobile uses both. Does that mean my phone is compatible with GSM and AWS? I'm wondering if you could confirm this Ariel?
Also I will be in the montreal area.
Yes. It will work but the G2 doesn't have the same 3G bands as Rogers. That means you'll only get EDGE which, by personal experience, sucks. I'm not sure about Fido, though.
k, what about an aws service like videotron? That should work as well correct?
Looking at the Specs for the 4 versions and if you live in North America and use GSM the T889 seems to be your best choice. You get all North American HSPA bands and DC-HSPA 42Mbps not just HSPA 21Mbps as well as North American 700/1700 LTE.
Looking at the AT&T variant i317 seems we are getting the shaft. You get quad band HSPA only and 2 extra LTE bands you'd never use unless you travel a lot off the continent. My how quickly AT&T put the failed merger behind them.
There are 4 versions of Note:
1. International (+LTE): SGH-7100 / SGH -7105
2. SGH-i317 : ATT+(Rogers+Bell + Telus): HSPA 850/900/1900/2100, LTE: 700/850/1700/1900
3. SCH-i605 : CDMA + LTE 700
4. SGH-T889 : T-Mobile+Mobilicity+Wind : HSPA: 850/900/1700/1900/2100, LTE: 700, 1700
So why does T-Mobile's get DC-HSPA and not the other 2 GSM variants?
So do you know how to unlock the sim slot on this. i use simple mobile and straight talk but I want the t-mobile version because it has hspa+42 and the others dont which I find to be rather stupid. But Simple said I need to unlock it even though it is a t-mo hone and they use their network. Will T-mo unlock it for me if I call them since I am buying it out right.
mr mystery said:
Looking at the Specs for the 4 versions and if you live in North America and use GSM the T889 seems to be your best choice. You get all North American HSPA bands and DC-HSPA 42Mbps not just HSPA 21Mbps as well as North American 700/1700 LTE.
Looking at the AT&T variant i317 seems we are getting the shaft. You get quad band HSPA only and 2 extra LTE bands you'd never use unless you travel a lot off the continent. My how quickly AT&T put the failed merger behind them.
There are 4 versions of Note:
1. International (+LTE): SGH-7100 / SGH -7105
2. SGH-i317 : ATT+(Rogers+Bell + Telus): HSPA 850/900/1900/2100, LTE: 700/850/1700/1900
3. SCH-i605 : CDMA + LTE 700
4. SGH-T889 : T-Mobile+Mobilicity+Wind : HSPA: 850/900/1700/1900/2100, LTE: 700, 1700
So why does T-Mobile's get DC-HSPA and not the other 2 GSM variants?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
abrcrmdl23 said:
So do you know how to unlock the sim slot on this. i use simple mobile and straight talk but I want the t-mobile version because it has hspa+42 and the others dont which I find to be rather stupid. But Simple said I need to unlock it even though it is a t-mo hone and they use their network. Will T-mo unlock it for me if I call them since I am buying it out right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't help you there friend, I'm in Canada. I know T-Mobile used to be pretty good about unlocking devices bought outright but not sure if policies changed. A T-Mobile member should be able to answer that question though.
I've been out of the phone game for awhile, so i'm a little confused. I'm currently on ATT, and as a matter of course, I would pick up there's, but if it doesn't have LTE in the states (I have ATT LTE in my area), then that's just one more reason to switch to T-mobile.
I'm already considering switching due to the cheaper plan and the ability to pick up the phone on a payment plan, which is VERY attractive to me and my current financial situation.
So,, Explain this to me like i'm five.. what exactly is the problem with the ATT Note 2?
nothing if you have AT&T. The t-mobile one only has an advantage if you use it as an unlocked device on pre-paid carriers like straight talk or simple mobile or solavei. The main difference is that if you use a t-mobile prepaid carrier like simple mobile and get the international note 2 it will be edge/hspa+21 onlyin refarmed, if you get ATT it is edge only unless you live in a 1900 re farmed market then it will only do hsap+21, if you get the t-mobile variant it is hspa+42 and has not active lte for when and if prepaid carriers get access to t-mobile lte when it comes online next year. The other thing is the t-mobile variant is a penta band phone which means it will run at full hspa+ data speed on any carrier. ATT or t-mo.
abrcrmdl23 said:
nothing if you have AT&T. The t-mobile one only has an advantage if you use it as an unlocked device on pre-paid carriers like straight talk or simple mobile or solavei. The main difference is that if you use a t-mobile prepaid carrier like simple mobile and get the international note 2 it will be edge/hspa+21 onlyin refarmed, if you get ATT it is edge only unless you live in a 1900 re farmed market then it will only do hsap+21, if you get the t-mobile variant it is hspa+42 and has not active lte for when and if prepaid carriers get access to t-mobile lte when it comes online next year. The other thing is the t-mobile variant is a penta band phone which means it will run at full hspa+ data speed on any carrier. ATT or t-mo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, so since I have ATT in a LTE area (Phoenix), i'll get LTE (42?) on my phone, and no issues unless I decide I want to switch to a pre-paid carrier? But if I did get the T-mobile version of the phone, I could switch it around and I have more options as far as speed goes. Sound approximately correct?
What if I bought the phone from T-mo and switched it to AT&T? Is that even possible and would it have any pros or cons? (Buying full-price phone from T-mobile on their payment plan, using it on AT&T until my contract was up in Feb, then switching the phone to T-mobile with the cheaper plan?
Kreiger1981 said:
I've been out of the phone game for awhile, so i'm a little confused. I'm currently on ATT, and as a matter of course, I would pick up there's, but if it doesn't have LTE in the states (I have ATT LTE in my area), then that's just one more reason to switch to T-mobile.
I'm already considering switching due to the cheaper plan and the ability to pick up the phone on a payment plan, which is VERY attractive to me and my current financial situation.
So,, Explain this to me like i'm five.. what exactly is the problem with the ATT Note 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has LTE, but the HSPA bands are limited to 21mbps vs the 42 mbps HSPA of the T-Mobile variant (which works with AT&T's network on both LTE and HSPA).
Essentially, a faster HSPA radio, nothing else changes
Does anyone know if there will be modem problems like the Att i717 had when switching to tmobile? We waited a long time for a decent working modem which was a hacked blaze modem that worked the best with limited upload speeds, but great download speeds.
Or will the tmobile variant work like the galaxy nexus pentaband on Att or tmobile OOB? I'm tempted to get the tmobile, but will wait for the price to drop.
Torn due to accessories that now are not compatible with the new noteII.
sashusmom said:
Or will the tmobile variant work like the galaxy nexus pentaband on Att or tmobile OOB? I'm tempted to get the tmobile, but will wait for the price to drop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile variant is Pentaband according to FCC filings
So, If I buy the T-Mobile Note II non-contract price; it will work on AT&T's LTE and HSPA network?
3_D said:
So, If I buy the T-Mobile Note II non-contract price; it will work on AT&T's LTE and HSPA network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't the T-Mobile one have LTE disabled in the firmware?
I am on AT&T. I bought the TMOB Note II and unlocked it on cellunlocker.net. very easy.
I don't get LTE even though the device specs show LTE.
I tried different APNs but it always goes back to the default one on my micro sim.
Any ideas on how to get LTE are welcome!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
ekerbuddyeker said:
I am on AT&T. I bought the TMOB Note II and unlocked it on cellunlocker.net. very easy.
I don't get LTE even though the device specs show LTE.
I tried different APNs but it always goes back to the default one on my micro sim.
Any ideas on how to get LTE are welcome!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I stated above:
http://www.androidauthority.com/t-mobile-galaxy-note-2-lte-125982/
The Galaxy Note II features a Qualcomm 9215M chipset which provides the hardware capability to support both HSPA+42 and LTE. T-Mobile plans to reach more than 200 million Americans with LTE by the end of 2013. The Galaxy Note II will not automatically access T-Mobile’s LTE network. We will share more information on how and when the Galaxy Note II will support T-Mobile’s upcoming LTE network when the network is available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if anyone cares, but I purchased the international version of the Galaxy Note II. I currently am using it on AT&T network and I maintain hspa+ the entire time. I work in Dallas, Texas but live 45 miles away, and I have awesome coverage all the time. The reason I post this is because all of you wanting LTE, should know more facts about it. LTE is nice, but it's a battery hog. Granted 4G speeds are nice, but in practicality, HSPA+ is obviously not as fast, but it's pretty danged fast and my battery life is pretty darned good as well.
If you are going to shell out the money for the phone itself, buy the International version. You can get them for around $660 dollars, and the price is dropping every day. Don't spend the same amount on a Carrier branded, bloatware infested phone. Just buy the unbranded one and you will be quite happy, I guarantee it.
***disclaimer***
My guarantee only offers cookies as reimbursement, and you have to show up in person to receive them.
ekerbuddyeker said:
I am on AT&T. I bought the TMOB Note II and unlocked it on cellunlocker.net. very easy.
I don't get LTE even though the device specs show LTE.
I tried different APNs but it always goes back to the default one on my micro sim.
Any ideas on how to get LTE are welcome!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe have to wait on the AT&T Note II ROM dump. Then flash it to T-Mobile Note II.
tmobile always unlock my phones
abrcrmdl23 said:
So do you know how to unlock the sim slot on this. i use simple mobile and straight talk but I want the t-mobile version because it has hspa+42 and the others dont which I find to be rather stupid. But Simple said I need to unlock it even though it is a t-mo hone and they use their network. Will T-mo unlock it for me if I call them since I am buying it out right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all you have to do is wait like maybe a week or four days, for their system to recognize that you are using the note 2 on their system. then you call them and tell them that you will be going out of the country and they will ask you for your IMEI number and your email. and you will get your unlock code the next day, hope this help you.
ekerbuddyeker said:
I am on AT&T. I bought the TMOB Note II and unlocked it on cellunlocker.net. very easy.
I don't get LTE even though the device specs show LTE.
I tried different APNs but it always goes back to the default one on my micro sim.
Any ideas on how to get LTE are welcome!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try this:
1) With phone on, take off back cover and press your SIM card so it releases from the spring. It won't come all the way out as it's blocked by the battery. This seems fine - I didn't bother trying to force it out as I didn't want to break anything...
2) Once you see the message that the SIM card is removed, go to the dialer and dial *#2263#
3) You should see a menu with band selections. The current setting is "Automatic". If you switch to "GSM All", you will be EDGE (2G). If you switch to "WCDMA All", you will be on HSPA+ (3G, though AT&T and others call it 4G) and you will have lte too
4) Press the SIM card back into place until it clicks. For whatever reason the phone will not recognize it until you reboot. Upon reboot you should see your new setting in effect.
Let me know if this works!
So let's clear all of this up. Will the T-Mobile edition work on T-Mobile AND at&t (hspa+) StraightTalk here in the States? Just seemed a bit confusing and that is what I know is my big question. All help is appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Jordan
jordan123hi said:
So let's clear all of this up. Will the T-Mobile edition work on T-Mobile AND at&t (hspa+) StraightTalk here in the States? Just seemed a bit confusing and that is what I know is my big question. All help is appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Jordan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's my understanding that the T-Mo Note 2 runs on T-Mo's HSPA+42 network while the international runs on ATT's HSPA+21 network but only on T-Mo's 2G network. T-Mo is currently refarming areas of the country so that the international Note 2 will pick up T-Mo's HSPA+ network. I assume they mean T-Mo's HSPA+42 network.
EDIT: This was from a chat session with a T-Mo rep:
Me: So once the 1900Mhz refarming is complete, does that mean I'd have access to your HSPA+42 speeds?
Mary G: Yes, once the process has been complete, you will have the best service about the calls and most especially the data.
Now, we all know how misinformed reps can be but from what I've been reading, this seems to be legit. So my plan is to get the international Note 2. I get HSPA+21 now, an option for T-Mo HSPA+42 later as I know for a fact my area is currently being refarmed, more developer support, and no bloatware.
If I'm wrong about any of this, please someone let me know.
bengadget said:
It's my understanding that the T-Mo Note 2 runs on T-Mo's HSPA+42 network while the international runs on ATT's HSPA+21 network but only on T-Mo's 2G network. T-Mo is currently refarming areas of the country so that the international Note 2 will pick up T-Mo's HSPA+ network. I assume they mean T-Mo's HSPA+42 network.
EDIT: This was from a chat session with a T-Mo rep:
Me: So once the 1900Mhz refarming is complete, does that mean I'd have access to your HSPA+42 speeds?
Mary G: Yes, once the process has been complete, you will have the best service about the calls and most especially the data.
Now, we all know how misinformed reps can be but from what I've been reading, this seems to be legit. So my plan is to get the international Note 2. I get HSPA+21 now, an option for T-Mo HSPA+42 later as I know for a fact my area is currently being refarmed, more developer support, and no bloatware.
If I'm wrong about any of this, please someone let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will you get TMo HSPA+21 or only on AT&T?
I am a little confused about some information I found on Verizon's Note 3 Page. It says that the Note 3 will be a CDMA phone but then lists the following bands:
CDMA Data – 1x and EVDO Rev0/RevA
LTE: B13 (700MHz)
Global Ready (GSM/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900; HSPA/UMTS: 850/900/1900/2100 MHz)
(original link: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/...t&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=7194)
Does it mean that if sim-unlocked, it can be used internationally, and how, if it doesn't take a sim card? If it can be used internationally, I would much rather buy a Verizon (for the US) instead of AT&T. I use AT&T only because it's a GSM carrier.
I don't have the answer but I can recommend you to contact Samsung wireless. They certainly have much more credibility.
Good luck
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
All Verizon 4G LTE devices take SIM cards. They have to, since LTE is based on GSM. Also, historically, Verizon doesn't carrier-lock the LTE/HSPA/GSM part of their 4G LTE phones, so SIM cards from other carriers will work in a Verizon LTE phone out of the box.
incisivekeith said:
I am a little confused about some information I found on Verizon's Note 3 Page. It says that the Note 3 will be a CDMA phone but then lists the following bands:
CDMA Data – 1x and EVDO Rev0/RevA
LTE: B13 (700MHz)
Global Ready (GSM/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900; HSPA/UMTS: 850/900/1900/2100 MHz)
(original link: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/...t&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=7194)
Does it mean that if sim-unlocked, it can be used internationally, and how, if it doesn't take a sim card? If it can be used internationally, I would much rather buy a Verizon (for the US) instead of AT&T. I use AT&T only because it's a GSM carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the answer here, by the Answerer #2. The 4G/Data part of a global ready phone is GSM compatible, and only that part can be locked for data internationally; the calling part will still depend on CDMA in other countries. If that information is accurate, I will stick to an AT&T Note 3.
darkkterror said:
All Verizon 4G LTE devices take SIM cards. They have to, since LTE is based on GSM. Also, historically, Verizon doesn't carrier-lock the LTE/HSPA/GSM part of their 4G LTE phones, so SIM cards from other carriers will work in a Verizon LTE phone out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Truth be told. LTE has more in command with CDMA in terms of radio/air interfaces. It covered within 3GPP standards (GSM then EDGE, the UMTS, HSDPA, etc). Rather than 3GPP2 for CDMA1x and EVDO. That's why Alcatel Lucent had a leg up on LTE since its deployment is more akin (specterally) to CDMA. But they dropped the ball, and except for the US and Some Asian markets, the rest of the world has 3GPP based networks deployed.
the Simple version, is LTE is not directly compatible with any 2G/3G technology, but since its covered in 3GPP, the standards evolved quicker to ensure GSM/EDGE/HSDPA interworking.
And beyond that.. what most people dont know, that interworking doesnt really work that widespread yet. In the US most mobile handsets operate on dual frequencies (especially all VzW models, ATT models are catching up) so they effectively talk CDMA1x and LTE at the same time. iPhones do not support that capability, but GSM has work arounds to allow talk+data.
i'll go back to me hole now
(btw.. anyone with iOS7 and ATT.. what out you've got problems you dont know about when going back forth from 3G to 4G.. I know since at work we talked about how to fix it..
I believe a rumor was that it has the same LTE baseband chip as the iphone 5s so that you could potentially use the Verizon version on AT&T and T-mobile...any truth to that?
incisivekeith said:
I found the answer here, by the Answerer #2. The 4G/Data part of a global ready phone is GSM compatible, and only that part can be locked for data internationally; the calling part will still depend on CDMA in other countries. If that information is accurate, I will stick to an AT&T Note 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, I put a T-Mobile SIM in my Verizon Note 2 and made calls, sent texts, and used data on GPRS, EDGE, and HSPA+.
geoff5093 said:
Not true, I put a T-Mobile SIM in my Verizon Note 2 and made calls, sent texts, and used data on GPRS, EDGE, and HSPA+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have also done it with an ATT sim on my Verizon note 2.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 4
geoff5093 said:
Not true, I put a T-Mobile SIM in my Verizon Note 2 and made calls, sent texts, and used data on GPRS, EDGE, and HSPA+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mchlwvr614 said:
I have also done it with an ATT sim on my Verizon note 2.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice! Was this native to the stock Rom or is a custom one needed that has this ability "unlocked"?
bigwavedave25 said:
Nice! Was this native to the stock Rom or is a custom one needed that has this ability "unlocked"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock rom, rooted to allow apn editing.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 4
Global-ready is basically verizon's way of saying that it has a GSM 3G radio as well as a CDMA radio. That allows the phone to operate in Europe where there is no CDMA service. You can purchase international service from Verizon, or purchase a SIM from a European carrier while overseas. All verizon 4G phones have a GSM 4G radio anyway, because LTE is GSM.
(This means that with an LTE carrier in Europe, any 4G Verizon phone can get data in Europe even if they can't place voice calls (VoIP still possible)).
If I am not wrong with what I am saying, Verizon LTE phones only support LTE BAND: 13, which means that IF you are willing to use 4G with different carrier, they have to support LTE band 13. I have tried to use my Verizon Galaxy Note 2 in South Korea, I was only able to use 3G network via WCDMA, I wasn't able to get LTE service at all. Correct me if I am wrong.
HecAtic said:
If I am not wrong with what I am saying, Verizon LTE phones only support LTE BAND: 13, which means that IF you are willing to use 4G with different carrier, they have to support LTE band 13. I have tried to use my Verizon Galaxy Note 2 in South Korea, I was only able to use 3G network via WCDMA, I wasn't able to get LTE service at all. Correct me if I am wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the different N3 variants due in fact support different LTE bands, so you are correct. Minor point not worth nitpicking from earlier post, GSM is not LTE. they both evolved from the same 3GPP standards body, but portions spread spectrum nature of LTE is more similar to CDMA than GSM.
I went to Korea last October, and they wouldn't allow prepaid 4g LTE. They would only allow 3G for prepaid service.
I had a note 2 rooted and custom rom when I went. I'm a US citizen and you have to wait about 2-3 days before you are allowed to sign up for any plan on what they told me.
Hello guys,
I bought a Galaxy Note 3 (LTE version) from the UAE and am now using it in Canada. However, I am not getting LTE connectivity. My telecom provider (Virgin Mobile) does have LTE connectivity, but my phone only gets H+ or 4G while using data.
I believe this is due to my Note 3 firmware not supporting the LTE bands used in Canada, but again, I'm not sure as I am not very good with these things.
Is there anything I can do (i.e. update firmware) to get LTE support on my device in Canada?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
It's probably correct assuming that your LTE bands are not available to you, not on the device but the actual firmware - AFAIK N9008w is the .ca version, same hardware etc just different software. - dunno if w8 firmware can be flash on to it, doubt it as it can't be done the other way around..
However, there *may* be a radio fix, you'd need to search around.
Are you certain that you are using an LTE capable sim card?
You will only be able to get LTE if your sim card is LTE capable.
Since you are getting HSPA it seems that your APN's are fine
I checked with my mobile provider and I do have a LTE capable SIM card. I guess the LTE bands on my international Note 3 are not supported by Bell Canada.
Also, when go under "About Device" the very last box says "United Arab Emirates" (where it tells the TRA ID and TA). Also, my Baseband version is N9005XXUDMJ7
Not sure if any of this information is helpful, but I would appreciate any assistance in anything I can do to somehow get LTE connectivity on my phone. However, I want to avoid doing anything extreme to my phone.
Thanks
imad604 said:
I checked with my mobile provider and I do have a LTE capable SIM card. I guess the LTE bands on my international Note 3 are not supported by Bell Canada.
Also, when go under "About Device" the very last box says "United Arab Emirates" (where it tells the TRA ID and TA). Also, my Baseband version is N9005XXUDMJ7
Not sure if any of this information is helpful, but I would appreciate any assistance in anything I can do to somehow get LTE connectivity on my phone. However, I want to avoid doing anything extreme to my phone.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your device can only do LTE on 2600MHz on Bell Network...
2600MHz coverage is very limited...
chez this map : http://network.bell.ca/en/coverage
Max 150mbps zones are where you will get the 2600MHz coverage.
zadigre said:
your device can only do LTE on 2600MHz on Bell Network...
2600MHz coverage is very limited...
chez this map : http://network.bell.ca/en/coverage
Max 150mbps zones are where you will get the 2600MHz coverage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I have realized that when I am in the 2600MHz zone I get "4G" connection shown on my phone not "LTE".
A friend of mine got his Note 3 from Bell and his phone shows "LTE" when he is in those zones.
I might have to go with Rogers, but I have had a horrible experience with them.
imad604 said:
Thanks for the reply. I have realized that when I am in the 2600MHz zone I get "4G" connection shown on my phone not "LTE".
A friend of mine got his Note 3 from Bell and his phone shows "LTE" when he is in those zones.
I might have to go with Rogers, but I have had a horrible experience with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On some phones, 4G is LTE... so I think you are fine
Sent from my SM-N900 with Tapatalk
4G is the fourth generation of mobile phone mobile communication technology standards and the common name.
LTE (Long term Evolution) is the Technology term for the actual standard used for 4G in most countries.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Term_Evolution
So if the phone says 4G in Canada that uses LTE then you have the faster connection.
Hi,
So, I'm interested in getting a cheap 4.7" Android phone to use in the United States and sometimes in Canada. I zeroed in on the Galaxy A3 2017. The model that works best in North America is the A320Y, but so far I've only been able to find it online at some store in New Zealand. Since finding the answer to the question, Will shipping the device from NZ to the United States cost customs fees (and if so, how much)? is a question harder to answer than the question, Where is Jimmy Hoffa?, I've begun considering getting one of the models listed in the title of this thread.
But there's a problem. Those models in the title don't work on US LTE. Actually, according to frequencycheck.com, the A320FL has one LTE band (Cricket/AT&T) and the other models have none of the LTE frequency bands. I wonder if frequencycheck.com is accurate. I'm also wondering if there are other differences between those models. I'm also wondering what happens if I put a Cricket SIM inside these phones. Even though frequencycheck.com says I will get no LTE bands, will putting a Cricket SIM inside suddenly activate an LTE band?
The other question I was wondering: Do I even need LTE if I don't care much about download speed? Maybe HSPA+ or whatever it is will be good enough? If I don't have LTE, will I get less reception indoors or outdoors, or will I get the same exact reception/coverage but just be relegated to 3G/4G/HSPA+ service? What is the benefit of LTE besides data speed?
Finally, which one of these models has the most ROM support? Can they all be bootloader unlocked?
I know I'm asking a whole bunch of questions at the same time. Sorry. I appreciate any help I can get with this!
To answer some:
That website appears to be accurate. Doesn't only list AT&T for a320fl once expanded.
As for SIMs activating bands, I haven't seen it on Samsung, only RRC Release, VoLTE, LTE CAT, maybe individual CA combos. The disabled bands are shown as CAL_DEFAULT vs CAL_PASS. Guess it's like Snapdragon.
HSPA+ vs LTE
The range of 3G/4G is close with the same frequency, but 4G performs better at cell edge (low signal).
Speed (anyway)
Well, 3G is usually given its own spectrum at first, then the 2G is refarmed into 3G. Today, 3G gets refarmed to 4G. This leaves 3G with a small amount of spectrum, it becomes prone to interference. It's bit like multiple tv/fm stations on the same channel number. Other 'tv/fm stations' have to be filtered out by the phone, this lowers the speed. 4G gets some too, along with echoed complex signals, but it gets less.
3G supports up to 5MHz per carrier, 4G up to 20MHz. 3G can have carrier aggregation, so 5+5+maybe 5. Expect up to 2 carriers (not every combo) on 4G, unless a specific SIM is detected in specific phone models. Along with that, 4G can have better spectral efficiency.
If you are going with 3G(HSPA, sometimes called '4G') anyway, you should know that there are these states (usually called fast dormancy) to save power.
DCH = Full speed.
FACH = Up to 32kbps. 4kB/s. Maybe RRC Release downgrade is visible (H+ to H).
PCH = No data.
Anything below is further away from data.
For high performance, keep the speed above 4kB/s, at the cost of battery. LTE has a faster start.
Sometimes, the speed is simply constrained by backhaul, the internet access that goes to the tower.
Thanks. So, to your knowledge, the F and F DS variants shouldn't work on LTE in the United States? I was in a live chat session with someone on Samsung's UK website and she said that the F variant would work on LTE in the United States. I then sent them an email to confirm and they replied with:
As per our resources from our technical review, the following Network is available in our Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) for the US.
Network
Band: Quad
GSM 850: YES
GSM 900: YES
GSM 1800: YES
GSM 1900: YES
UMTS 2100: YES
GPRS: YES
4G: YES
HSDPA: YES
Works in the US: YES
I replied to ask them why frequencycheck.com lists no LTE frequencies in common for the F variant on AT&T. I'm so confused.
sm-a320f / sm-a320f/ds
According to every other (not alternating) source the LTE band 2 and band 5 is supported in the US (and the entire spectrum of these bands). So, it supports some bands. Check if the signal of those bands (for your mobile network operator) are available in your location. Ask again, specifically for band 2 LTE(4G).