Related
Anyone who understands this "spectrum" 3g AT&T Tmob issue more than I.... I have a ?
Okay so here it goes....
WTF!!!!!!!!!!!???
So I've been reading all day to understand this and I do get how we ended up screwed on 3g from the rest of the world
Tmob is on "aws" which is sort of a halfway between 2100/1900 of Europe at 2100/1700
AT&T is on 1900/850 or 850... I couldn't find a straight answer on that.
Now everyone says this is "hardware" in the phone that dictates this issue. I've been researching (this is where I could use your help) and I'm missing something. Nexus one is using Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 3G QSD8250.... This AMAZING chip is not only the processor but the 3g chipset as well... (correct?) Yet this same chip is in the LG expo and the LG expo has 850/1900/2100 for it's 3g.
It would seem to me... (a simple man) that Qualcomm would NOT produce separate chips but would use some firmware/software to let the chip determine which frequencies to use. Otherwise they would have to stamp out more than one chip instead of just having one factory.
The other major issue I see is antenna length is a physical characteristic based on the radio wave you are trying to receive/send. So that may have to change too but that's more about being optimum than impossible.
Not that anyone has the cash for this but what would stop someone with REALLY amazing soldering skills from switching the two supposedly identical chipsets? Would that extremely silly idea work?
Just a thought that I thought a few people on this forum may understand more than I do.
First, the radio ROM should be the one to dictate what frequencies are supported if the radio chip can support multiple frequencies, which it does. There is a soft radio chip from Samsung (I think it's Samsung) that can be reprogrammed to change which carrier it's supporting, but I haven't read of it being used yet. I believe that's the future, but currently you get a chip that almost universally supports European 3G and quad-band GSM w/EDGE out of the box, and then *one* set of US/Canadian frequencies. That's it.
WIND (new Canadian carrier) is using the same AWS spectrum as T-Mobile US is, so that should give more "pull" for more AWS support in future handsets, but with T-Mobile moving toward a "dumb pipe" arrangement (no annoying a la carte options, no music services, no stupid "extras" to pay for, just voice/data/text plans) the hope is more devices will be available in the open market that will just work on T-Mobile and support whatever you're paying for. Since your ISP is just "there" and "supports" (ish) whatever you're using, the hope is T-Mobile US will set the trend for that behavior here, and WIND might be going the same way in Canada, and FINALLY bring this mentality to North America.
If that works out, expect to see more soft radio chips and ROMs to come out with these handsets so they can be "flipped" from network to network and still support all the data and voice options. If it doesn't (I think it will to some degree), then expect the long and annoying tradition of vertically integrated handset and carrier support where the handset has to be "made" to support whatever options the carrier chooses (for compatibility and being as cheap as possible to make) and not have full, cross network support for devices.
Softchips aren't common and won't be. You could probably swap the chips directly, but it's going to cause issues.
T-Mobile uses AWS, which is 1700/2100 for down/up stream. It's considered GSM band 4, which is different from Europe, who uses a 900 band and a 2100 band, both of those are full up/downloads on close bands, so some places use 900, some use 2100, some offer both. It's a bit different. The Nexus One supposed 900/AWS/2100, meaning it's 100% Europe and T-Mobile compatible. We're seeing more and more of these chips since it's significantly simpler than making Euro + AT&T chips.
Motorola is developing a chip with AWS + 850/1900, meaning sometime next year, we should be seeing truly "USA" model cell phones, which will support any US GSM carrier. Euro+USA full could come eventually, but the addition of AWS means it'd take a 5-band chip instead of Quad band like EDGE.
T-Mobile 3G Upgrade
FCC cleared radio frequencies about 3 years ago, T-Mobile bid on the majority of them and used it to upgrade its network.
Much lulz were had.
Here is a List of UMTS Networks. Pretty much all of Europe uses 2100.
I'll do more research as to WHY, but most carriers opt for certain frequencies because of hardware compatibility and cost effectiveness for when they were upgrading.
That link makes it appear that AT&T is worthless outside of NA, but that's untrue (AT&T has, for the most part coverage worldwide, or so I think...) so I'll do some more research on my lunch break.
Renarudo said:
T-Mobile 3G Upgrade
FCC cleared radio frequencies about 3 years ago, T-Mobile bid on the majority of them and used it to upgrade its network.
Much lulz were had.
Here is a List of UMTS Networks. Pretty much all of Europe uses 2100.
I'll do more research as to WHY, but most carriers opt for certain frequencies because of hardware compatibility and cost effectiveness for when they were upgrading.
That link makes it appear that AT&T is worthless outside of NA, but that's untrue (AT&T has, for the most part coverage worldwide, or so I think...) so I'll do some more research on my lunch break.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ATT has some coverage (edge once again) everywhere, some places in canada and australia have 1900, but ATT for the most part is using a freq that's not very universal
The issue is the amplifier module.
I have the Rogers G1 running on AT&T 3G. The radio firmware/software is identicle to the T-Mobile/ADP1 phone.
They did a tear down of the G1's and they both use physically different amplifier part numbers. It's not a part from Qualcomm and has nothing to do with their chipsets. Their chipsets do indeed support AT&T's 3G frequencies, if paired with a compatible amplifier.
Now if someone tears down the Nexus One, and gets the part number for the amplifier, and that amplifier can do AT&T frequencies, it may just be an issue of hacking the radio somehow to enable it.
It's quite possible the amplifier on the Nexus One can handle AT&T 3G, but they didn't bother to "certify" it with the FCC because T-Mobile is te launch parter and AT&T is sucking Apples teet.
One can only wait and see. I'm betting it simple doesn't have the correct amplifier for AT&T.
There are amplifiers that work on all frequencies. Why they don't spend the extra dollar or whatever is beyond me. They are literally THAT cheap.
-James
jmacdonald801 said:
The issue is the amplifier module.
I have the Rogers G1 running on AT&T 3G. The radio firmware/software is identicle to the T-Mobile/ADP1 phone.
They did a tear down of the G1's and they both use physically different amplifier part numbers. It's not a part from Qualcomm and has nothing to do with their chipsets. Their chipsets do indeed support AT&T's 3G frequencies, if paired with a compatible amplifier.
Now if someone tears down the Nexus One, and gets the part number for the amplifier, and that amplifier can do AT&T frequencies, it may just be an issue of hacking the radio somehow to enable it.
It's quite possible the amplifier on the Nexus One can handle AT&T 3G, but they didn't bother to "certify" it with the FCC because T-Mobile is te launch parter and AT&T is sucking Apples teet.
One can only wait and see. I'm betting it simple doesn't have the correct amplifier for AT&T.
There are amplifiers that work on all frequencies. Why they don't spend the extra dollar or whatever is beyond me. They are literally THAT cheap.
-James
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or sell two (or more) versions of the phone?
850/1900/2100
900/1900/2100
1700/2100
I would guess ... idiocy.
Even more idiotic ... phone manufacturers building phones with NAM 3G frequencies ... but not selling them.
It seems the Nexus One at least has the hardware to support AT&T 3G, see my post here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=612950
-James
Hi,
I just confirmed my back-order for the I9500 (and the product description is mentioning LTE eu which I believe means Europe). However, I'm a T-mo subscriber.
Does any one know if T-mo will support the European LTE (or in other words - will the I9500 will work with T-mo or AT&T LTE network?)
Thanks,
Gil.
Hi! Us Tmobile User Here!
gilbnx said:
Hi,
I just confirmed my back-order for the I9500 (and the product description is mentioning LTE eu which I believe means Europe). However, I'm a T-mo subscriber.
Does any one know if T-mo will support the European LTE (or in other words - will the I9500 will work with T-mo or AT&T LTE network?)
Thanks,
Gil.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! Us Tmobile User Here! Sadly no. The i9500 does not come equipped with 4g LTE chips. Mainly due to Europe's lack of a reliable network. The i9505(international) on the other hand does support LTE, so does the us version (SGH-M919). But buying one of these phones is somewhat of a waste knowing there could be compatibility issues with your network. In simple terms, stick with you i9500. HSPA+ IS NOT BAD. On paper it has a 42mbits max while LTE IS A WHOPPING 100MBITS. But the problem is paper stats dont translate well into everyday. Many times i find my self enjoying faster speeds on my HSPA+ phone then my LTE friends, variables like network congestion and signal strengrh can all factor into this. So yeah, stick with your I9500, the lack of LTE will only save you battery:laugh:!
sofyanator said:
Hi! Us Tmobile User Here! Sadly no. The i9500 does not come equipped with 4g LTE chips. Mainly due to Europe's lack of a reliable network. The i9505(international) on the other hand does support LTE, so does the us version (SGH-M919). But buying one of these phones is somewhat of a waste knowing there could be compatibility issues with your network. In simple terms, stick with you i9500. HDSPA+ IS NOT BAD. On paper it has a 42mbits max while LTE IS A WHOPPING 100MBITS. But the problem is paper stats dont translate well into everyday. Many times i find my self enjoying faster speeds on my HSPA+ phone then my LTE friends, variables like network congestion and signal strengrh can all factor into this. So yeah, stick with your I9500, the lack of LTE will only save you battery:laugh:!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that the lack of LTE for the i9500 is now updated. This is the spec from the website I've ordered the i9500 from:
Network: 2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz; 3G (HSPA+ 42Mbps): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz; 4G (LTE Cat 3 100/50Mbps) : up to 6 different band sets(Dependent on market)
Display: 5 inch Full HD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) display, 441 ppi
Processor: 1.6 GHz Octa-Core Processor
OS: Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
(they had the rest of the spec, cam, etc. but its not relevant for this thread).
This is the site: http://www.expansys-usa.com/samsung-galaxy-s-4-smartphone-black-mist-16gb-unlocked-247538/
As you can see, it is the 1.6Ghz Octa core and it does support LTE per this spec. The question is - will it work with the US (T-mo and AT&T) bands?
Thanks.
sofyanator said:
Hi! Us Tmobile User Here! Sadly no. The i9500 does not come equipped with 4g LTE chips. Mainly due to Europe's lack of a reliable network. The i9505(international) on the other hand does support LTE, so does the us version (SGH-M919). But buying one of these phones is somewhat of a waste knowing there could be compatibility issues with your network. In simple terms, stick with you i9500. HSPA+ IS NOT BAD. On paper it has a 42mbits max while LTE IS A WHOPPING 100MBITS. But the problem is paper stats dont translate well into everyday. Many times i find my self enjoying faster speeds on my HSPA+ phone then my LTE friends, variables like network congestion and signal strengrh can all factor into this. So yeah, stick with your I9500, the lack of LTE will only save you battery:laugh:!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK there won't be compatibility issues because the GT-I9505 will support all global LTE frequencies and standards. And what you said about LTE in Europe is wrong. There is a "reliable" network in Europe but it works on other frequencies than in US and moreover most countries in Europe will get the GT-I9505 version only. What you said was the case with the SGS3 but now the Exynos version (GT-I9500) will be officially in only few Europe countries.
gilbnx said:
I think that the lack of LTE for the i9500 is now updated. This is the spec from the website I've ordered the i9500 from:
Network: 2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz; 3G (HSPA+ 42Mbps): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz; 4G (LTE Cat 3 100/50Mbps) : up to 6 different band sets(Dependent on market)
Display: 5 inch Full HD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) display, 441 ppi
Processor: 1.6 GHz Octa-Core Processor
OS: Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
(they had the rest of the spec, cam, etc. but its not relevant for this thread).
This is the site: http://www.expansys-usa.com/samsung-galaxy-s-4-smartphone-black-mist-16gb-unlocked-247538/
As you can see, it is the 1.6Ghz Octa core and it does support LTE per this spec. The question is - will it work with the US (T-mo and AT&T) bands?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Negative. I spoke to them and had them look up the exact model with their procurement. The version they are getting is sourced from South America and DOES NOT have LTE despite it saying so on their website. It appears that many websites have made this same mistake because like Expansys they have simply reposted Samsungs description but it does not discern between the Korean version which is an Octa with LTE and the rest of the (announced) Octa variants which do not have LTE.
delete.
International phones are on International Baseband. US phones are on us baseband. If they were the same then there would be no US-International. It would just be one baseband. So i doubt it will but you can still be open to possibilities.
gilbnx said:
Hi,
I just confirmed my back-order for the I9500 (and the product description is mentioning LTE eu which I believe means Europe). However, I'm a T-mo subscriber.
Does any one know if T-mo will support the European LTE (or in other words - will the I9500 will work with T-mo or AT&T LTE network?)
Thanks,
Gil.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I ask, where did you preorder the GT-i9500?
Just remember, buying international phones is a PAIN for warranty. So be careful.
Nephilim-Giant said:
Just remember, buying international phones is a PAIN for warranty. So be careful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Warranty is not really an issue for me, just need to know where I can get the Exynos variant.
Buddy39914 said:
Warranty is not really an issue for me, just need to know where I can get the Exynos variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Negri or expansys
Nephilim-Giant said:
Negri or expansys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen that, but their descriptions are really confusing. Some marked LTE, some marked LTA (not sure what that means), and some are marked just GT-i9500. Those which are marked just GT-i9500 say that they come with a quad-core, which should not be; the GT-i9500 is supposed to be octa-core. GT-i9505 is quad-core.
Which is which? Also, there are 16, 32, 64GB versions on the website; I doubt we will be seeing something higher than the 16GB version for the release.
Also, if I order the octa-core version. When will I get it, approximately?
Hi,
I'm having real trouble finding info on this so I hope you can help.
I have a standard 3uk 3g micro sim card in my international GS3. Can I use this card in an LTE enabled GS3. Is the LTE device backward compatable. I don't expect to get LTE coverage I just need to know if my sim will work as normal in an LTE device.
Yeah it is. If there's no 4G it should revert to whats next available such as 3G
Murdhie said:
Hi,
I'm having real trouble finding info on this so I hope you can help.
I have a standard 3uk 3g micro sim card in my international GS3. Can I use this card in an LTE enabled GS3. Is the LTE device backward compatable. I don't expect to get LTE coverage I just need to know if my sim will work as normal in an LTE device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply. Amazing how hard it is to find info on such a simple question. Called three and the guy couldn't grasp what I meant.
Thanks again.
Hi, Does any know if its all vice versa?
NOTE3 AT&T and T-Mobile NOTE3 using it with a T-Mobile SIM, (vice versa) T-mobile & A&T NOTE3 using AT&T SIM?
(Both NOTE3 is unlocked & using in urban BIG city)
Will there be any difference speed LTE and speed 3G & 4G you receive?
Will the LTE signal not be as strong each other?
Will be any problem each other (vice versa)?
Do you think we can enable AWS on NOTE3 AT&T? (same like Note2 and S4 AT&T)
Which hardware Note3 AT&T or T-Mobile is better having multi-LTE or more compability network each other (freq band spectrum)?
I don't really know much about LTE signals between AT&T and T-Mobile, compatibility, etc. So, I was wondering if you can help me to decide which one are those? How long to get unlock code from the 1st day i purchased with full price NOTE3 AT&T and T-Mobile?
Please...please... help for answer & information. I'm very appreciate and thank you so much for explanation everything. :good::victory:
P.S. Sorry & apologize about my bad english
If S4 history repeats itself the ATT buyers will be stung with crappy locked bootloaders. Meanwhile the TMO device is pentaband and unlocked bootloader. Depending on battery life benchmarks the only sane decision is between TMO Note 3 and the international N3.
I posted a poll about carrier selection last week
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2443383
Regarding your question, I opted for the T-Mobile version. Location will determine network performance...
staryoshi said:
I posted a poll about carrier selection last week
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2443383
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for re-posting again, peace out
CrashTestDroid said:
If S4 history repeats itself the ATT buyers will be stung with crappy locked bootloaders. Meanwhile the TMO device is pentaband and unlocked bootloader. Depending on battery life benchmarks the only sane decision is between TMO Note 3 and the international N3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But am i right?, Note3 International may not be able to use in T-Mobile LTE, right? thanks
Not to hijack the thread but does anyone know which one would be compatible for Wind/Mobilcity (Aws Canadian Market)?
Note 3 from At&Tor T-Mobile... in the past I believe T-Mobile phones are compatible because of 1700 and 2100 frequencies... however due to T-Mobile refarming (I have limited knowledge about it) and new frequencies.... would an At&t note 3 be modified to work on aws
????
bongbongcong said:
But am i right?, Note3 International may not be able to use in T-Mobile LTE, right? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To my knowledge, the international Note 3 does not have LTE radios. It has an octacore instead of quad but thats the trade off.
pewterwest said:
To my knowledge, the international Note 3 does not have LTE radios. It has an octacore instead of quad but thats the trade off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are two models: one is the octa-core with no LTE. The other is Snapdragon 800 with LTE. However, both will only get HSPA+ on AT&T (anywhere) and HSPA+ on T-Mobile (in refarmed areas). The international LTE model won't get US LTE because we don't use the same LTE bands as they do in Europe.
In the US, if you're on a GSM network the best model to get is the T-Mobile model, even if you're on AT&T. It works 100% with AT&T and T-Mobile (refarmed areas or not) and has an unlocked bootloader.
Product F(RED) said:
There are two models: one is the octa-core with no LTE. The other is Snapdragon 800 with LTE. However, both will only get HSPA+ on AT&T (anywhere) and HSPA+ on T-Mobile (in refarmed areas). The international LTE model won't get US LTE because we don't use the same LTE bands as they do in Europe.
In the US, if you're on a GSM network the best model to get is the T-Mobile model, even if you're on AT&T. It works 100% with AT&T and T-Mobile (refarmed areas or not) and has an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I apologize to bring up an old thread, but I figured I'd ask it here as opposed to starting yet another thread.
Do you know if the Tmobile Note 3 is pentaband (i.e., like the Nexus 4/5)? I'm planning to use it outside of the US and just need to know if it can get 3G in European countries.
A poster above mentioned that the Tmobile Note 3 version is pentaband, but googling for the answer to this has yielded no solid results.
Thanks!
Here is the T-mo website:
http://support.t-mobile.com/community/phones_data_devices/android/samsung-galaxy-note-3
here is the frequencies:
Network
3G/4G/LTE Capable
GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900
3G/UMTS: Band I (UMTS 2100), Band II (1900), Band IV (1700/2100/AWS), Band V (850)
LTE: Band 4, Band 17, Band 1(2100), Band 2(1900), 5(850), 7(2600)
PoisonWolf said:
I apologize to bring up an old thread, but I figured I'd ask it here as opposed to starting yet another thread.
Do you know if the Tmobile Note 3 is pentaband (i.e., like the Nexus 4/5)? I'm planning to use it outside of the US and just need to know if it can get 3G in European countries.
A poster above mentioned that the Tmobile Note 3 version is pentaband, but googling for the answer to this has yielded no solid results.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. 850/900/1800/1900 on EDGE, and 850/[900 isn't mentioned but I assume it's there]/1700/1900/2100 for HSPA+. It should work fine.
EDIT: Confirmed 900 MHz is there. Look at the last post here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2536817
Europe uses 900 and 2100 MHz for HSPA+ mainly. Both are supported. The AT&T version would also work fine, but the T-Mobile version is the best one to get because of the unlocked bootloader and additional AWS support (1700 MHz), which T-Mobile uses in the US. To me it's worth paying a little more for the T-Mobile version.
Product F(RED) said:
Yes. 850/900/1800/1900 on EDGE, and 850/[900 isn't mentioned but I assume it's there]/1700/1900/2100 for HSPA+. It should work fine.
EDIT: Confirmed 900 MHz is there. Look at the last post here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2536817
Europe uses 900 and 2100 MHz for HSPA+ mainly. Both are supported. The AT&T version would also work fine, but the T-Mobile version is the best one to get because of the unlocked bootloader and additional AWS support (1700 MHz), which T-Mobile uses in the US. To me it's worth paying a little more for the T-Mobile version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Fred, I knew I could count on you. Cheers mate. Calling T-Mobile is never useful for these types of things. Hopefully my question here can be picked up by google searches so other people can see your link.
PoisonWolf said:
Thanks Fred, I knew I could count on you. Cheers mate. Calling T-Mobile is never useful for these types of things. Hopefully my question here can be picked up by google searches so other people can see your link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what happened for me. It was the top xda result for me.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
I hope I am not duplicating a thread that already exists.
I want to buy a Galaxy S5, but I don't want to buy the AT&T version.
I would prefer to buy an unlocked version that will work with AT&T's LTE.
I know there are various versions on the S5, but I'm just not certain which one is compatible with AT&T's network.
Thanks for any assistance.
I have looked into this a few days back, and it seems the TMobile US version is the best. But if you can wait a little longer, the LG G3 is out which on paper, is better than the S5.
3gb RAM (there is a 2gb RAM version)
Quad HD display (4x than on the S5)
3000mAh battery (user changeable)
Built -in Qi wireless receiver and NFC on the REMOVABLE battery cover (this is by default, unlike crapsung that sells the Qi/NFC enabled battery cover, which makes the phone thicker, and very difficult to find a case that fits)
No Knox to worry about.
Hi, I have the Unlocked SM-G900M (Vodafone version) which works well with AT&T LTE Network (I have Straight Talk). You can root it easily and install most S5 custom ROMs.
I personally has unlocked tmobile version which works fine with at&t lte
I would have to disagree and say that the international Snapdragon LTE version is the model you should get if you are planning to buy unlocked!
Why bother to be bogged down by bloatware and craptacular carrier customizations? Why endure long times for software updates?
On another note, I agree with what another guy mentioned, wait for the LG G3!
No, seriously, wait for the G3. Don't let us down.
mediumsteak said:
I would have to disagree and say that the international Snapdragon LTE version is the model you should get if you are planning to buy unlocked!
Why bother to be bogged down by bloatware and craptacular carrier customizations? Why endure long times for software updates?
On another note, I agree with what another guy mentioned, wait for the LG G3!
No, seriously, wait for the G3. Don't let us down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you would be wrong to go this way since the International LTE (SM-G900F) won't work on AT&T LTE Network. LTE Frequencies are different and would be able to get 3G only. The SM-G900M seems to be a good compromise since it allows both 'european' and AT&T frequencies. This is based on my researches, but it may not be totally true since I only tested the M version and AT&T LTE Network.
LTE 800 / 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 / 2600 - SM-G900F
LTE 700 / 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 / 2600 - SM-G900M
LTE 700 / 850 / 1700 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 / 2600 - SM-G900A
LTE 700/850/900/1700/1800/1900/2100/2600 - SM-G900T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s5-6033.php
AT&T only uses LTE on the 700 MHz (Band 17) and 1700/2100 MHz (Band 4) frequencies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellular_frequencies#United_States
damskyc said:
But you would be wrong to go this way since the International LTE (SM-G900F) won't work on AT&T LTE Network. LTE Frequencies are different and would be able to get 3G only. The SM-G900M seems to be a good compromise since it allows both 'european' and AT&T frequencies. This is based on my researches, but it may not be totally true since I only tested the M version and AT&T LTE Network.
Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s5-6033.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellular_frequencies#United_States
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is why I said the Tmobile variant is the way to go. Look at your chart, it covers what the "M" version has and adds more...
mediumsteak said:
I would have to disagree and say that the international Snapdragon LTE version is the model you should get if you are planning to buy unlocked!
Why bother to be bogged down by bloatware and craptacular carrier customizations? Why endure long times for software updates?
On another note, I agree with what another guy mentioned, wait for the LG G3!
No, seriously, wait for the G3. Don't let us down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious but how do you know the AT&T G3 isn't going to have a locked bootloader? I'd be willing to bet it will have one.
Nice specs though
Sent from my Galaxy S5 using XDA premium 4 mobile app
First Hand Answer
My entire day today was literally spent A)Selling 900A on Craigslist B)Buying 900T on Craigslist. I broke completely even, $500 sold for and bought for.
Anecdotes aside--
The 900T covers all bands (you can look at the Samsung spec pages if you want source) that the 900A does and just sings. I now have a slimmed down lady that just flies.
The 900T is without question the phone to go with, if ANYBODY says on any forums they are having issues it's software or APN configuration they did incorrectly. Mines perfect and rooted with that sexy unlocked boot loader. I think i'll be staying here for a while.
As for the LG G3 comments, definitely nice specs but i'm not able to f with a device without capacitive buttons. I'm not down with losing screen to OSD bottom buttons.
Hi all, I'm wondering if I may trouble you with a quick question.
I recently bought a Galaxy S5 (Galaxy S5 G900F) in the hopes to have it future proof as I move to Canada next year and would like to have a solid phone for about two - three years. I'm based in Ireland at the moment and wondering can the phone be used in Canada without issue?
I was looking at a phone company (Koodo) who offer great rates and once I inputted my IMEI it stated my phone wouldn't work on their network.
Surely the S5 would work on any network throughout the globe? Last year my Note 3 worked perfectly in America and it was an international edition also.
Is this a hardware issue (radios) or software (were a simple flash of a different rom could fix)?
Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
gbyrne2011 said:
Surely the S5 would work on any network throughout the globe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, let me ask you this question. If the S5 should work around the world.. why does Samsung have a dozen S5 variants?
Figured it out yet? Ironically the hardware is capable of supporting all GSM and LTE bands world wide. But Samsung endeavors to sell their phones for higher prices in more affluent countries. And carriers don't want to make it easy for you to jump ship and sign your phone up to another network. So they have artificial restrictions in the firmware and other measures e.g. region locking, SIM locks, to limit what you can do. They have to allow enough compatibility that you could usually roam when traveling. But not complete compatibility or you might buy a cheaper S5 from another country. Or change carriers willy nilly.
Yup, great system.
And so it is for your phone. It will work most of the time in Canada. But it isn't 100% compatible and you may find that it can't operate on the necessary bands in fringe areas or for niche carriers.
Most of the bands are the same between the S5 900F (yours) and the S5 900W8 (Canada)
The differences, I believe are:
2G: same for both
3G: Most bands are the same. But you have B8(900) in place of Canadian band B4(1700 aka AWS)
4G: Most bands are the same. But you have B5(850), B20(800) instead of Canadian bands B4(1700 aka AWS), B17(700)
In the case of Fido, their site says:
Fido said:
Things to Know
Your device must be compatible with the Fido network, which uses GSM, UMTS, HSPA and HSPA+ at 850 MHz and 1900 MHz and LTE at 2100 MHz and 2600 MHz. If you are unsure of how to check the frequencies your device supports, try the manufacturer's official website and search for the specifications for your particular phone/smartphone model;
If your device is currently locked, it needs to be unlocked by the carrier you bought it from;
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Click to collapse
It appears to me that your phone supports all of the Fido bands. And most, but not all of the bands on other Canadian carriers. I don't believe that your phone will work at all on niche carriers Wind or Mobilicity.
.
fffft said:
Okay, let me ask you this question. If the S5 should work around the world.. why does Samsung have a dozen S5 variants?
Figured it out yet? Ironically the hardware is capable of supporting all GSM and LTE bands world wide. But Samsung endeavors to sell their phones for higher prices in more affluent countries. And carriers don't want to make it easy for you to jump ship and sign your phone up to another network. So they have artificial restrictions in the firmware and other measures e.g. region locking, SIM locks, to limit what you can do. They have to allow enough compatibility that you could usually roam when traveling. But not complete compatibility or you might buy a cheaper S5 from another country. Or change carriers willy nilly.
Yup, great system.
And so it is for your phone. It will work most of the time in Canada. But it isn't 100% compatible and you may find that it can't operate on the necessary bands in fringe areas or for niche carriers.
Most of the bands are the same between the S5 900F (yours) and the S5 900W8 (Canada)
The differences, I believe are:
2G: same for both
3G: Most bands are the same. But you have B8(900) in place of Canadian band B4(1700 aka AWS)
4G: Most bands are the same. But you have B5(850), B20(800) instead of Canadian bands B4(1700 aka AWS), B17(700)
In the case of Fido, their site says:
It appears to me that your phone supports all of the Fido bands. And most, but not all of the bands on other Canadian carriers. I don't believe that your phone will work at all on niche carriers Wind or Mobilicity.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your reply. I figured it would be something to do with the radio.. Will check the bands for the network Koodoo, if it falls in ok and I can find a firmware to flash which hopefully should do the trick. Hell I might even just sell before I go, make it easier.
Cheers
gbyrne2011 said:
Will check the bands for the network Koodoo
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Click to collapse
Koodo is a secondary brand of Telus.
They use 3G 850 CLR/1900 PCS
And 4G /LTE 1700/2100 (and possibly 700 in the future)
You are missing their 1700 LTE band, sometimes referred to as AWS. So you will have to find out how extensively they use that band and whether it is a sole frequency in any areas.
.
fffft said:
Koodo is a secondary brand of Telus.
They use 3G 850 CLR/1900 PCS
And 4G /LTE 1700/2100 (and possibly 700 in the future)
You are missing their 1700 LTE band, sometimes referred to as AWS. So you will have to find out how extensively they use that band and whether it is a sole frequency in any areas.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for all your help fffft, it's much appreciated.