Hi guys. I can get my hands on a US Cellular Note 3 for pretty cheap. I'm curious if I would be able to use it in the EU. I'm moving there and want to use a Note 3. Can I somehow unlock it? I was told it was locked to US Cellular. Thanks!
EDIT: Sorry guys I meant to post this at the Q & A. Wasn't aware I was still in this forum...
Hello,
This is has been a very frustrating situation but here is where I am at currently. I use a carrier called "Simple Mobile" and they are an under carrier to TMobile. I want to own and use a Samsung Note 3 but can not get my SIM to work. That is the short introduction. I am providing some more information because this has been a long drawn out process but the bottom line is I want to continue using Simple Mobile AND use a Note 3.
Background: Back in late June 2014, I bought a used Note 3 N900V from ebay after I broke my Note 1. I love my Note 1 and it was the ATT branded model. I had the phone (Note 3)and it worked but had a very poor signal compared to using the same SIM card with my Note 1 (those threads are still available under my username). After many failed attempts to correct the situation and being educated about the phone model and so forth I found it in my best interest to return the phone for a refund and just repair my Note 1.
Currently: I repaired my Note 1 after the fiasco with the N900V model. However, my screen went purple recently and then wouldn't light up at all anymore. So I am where I was last time and looking to replace it. This time, armed with my knowledge from last time, I bought another Note 3 (model N900T this time), thinking it would be more compatible with my Simple Mobile (sub carried by T Mobile) as the N900T is a T-Mobile friendly phone. NOTE: I bought the phone used and through a mistake of the seller, what I have is actually a N900W8. The seller had replaced the screen and did a motherboard swap. The result is a phone with markings that say N900T but after a boot up provides software descriptions showing N900W8.
Why do I want to use Simple Mobile so bad? : Simple mobile charges me 40.00 + tax for Unlimited Data, Calls and Texts domestically + limited international texting to certain countries. For me, that is a great deal and I dont have to do a contract or pay extortionate fees to other providers. Yes, I am a cheap Bas*&^d as evidenced by me buying used phones to save a few hundred $$$'s here and there.
Dilemma: In my bid to purchase a Note 3 that works I looked at the Simple Mobile site. They do indeed sell a new model N900T, Link here: <http://www.mysimplephones.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-III-Simple-Mobile.html> HOWEVER, when you look at another page for compatible phones you will find that the N900T is not even a compatible model for Simple Mobile's 4G LTE service. YOU WILL HOWEVER FIND that there are two models of Note 3 that WILL work. The N900W8 (Canadian Model) and the N900A (ATT). This link shows those compatible 4G LTE phones: <http://simplemobileinfoblast.com/4glte/phones.php>
Interesting note: While I do actually have a 4G LTE compatible phone technically, since the phones software shows it is a N900W8 despite the shell being embossed N900T, it will not work AT ALL on my carrier. All attempts result in "NOT REGISTERED ON NETWORK" messages. My research thus far seems to indicate that the N900W8 Models come unlocked as new so I do not feel that my phone is locked.
Conclusion: My Note 1 is broken and I don't want to repair it so I will sell it as is elsewhere. I have a Note 3 N900W8 that will not work that I am going to return to the seller since it is not even the right model to begin with. It should be noted that the screen on the N900W8 WAS replaced but not very well and there are some annoying defects on the underside of the screen as a result. So after all of this expostition, Can anyone please tell me what model of Note 3 to get that will work with my simple mobile SIM?
It is my sincere hope that someone has gone through this same situation and can help guide me a bit.
Thank you
Wallace Bagwell said:
Hello,
This is has been a very frustrating situation but here is where I am at currently. I use a carrier called "Simple Mobile" and they are an under carrier to TMobile. I want to own and use a Samsung Note 3 but can not get my SIM to work. That is the short introduction. I am providing some more information because this has been a long drawn out process but the bottom line is I want to continue using Simple Mobile AND use a Note 3.
Background: Back in late June 2014, I bought a used Note 3 N900V from ebay after I broke my Note 1. I love my Note 1 and it was the ATT branded model. I had the phone (Note 3)and it worked but had a very poor signal compared to using the same SIM card with my Note 1 (those threads are still available under my username). After many failed attempts to correct the situation and being educated about the phone model and so forth I found it in my best interest to return the phone for a refund and just repair my Note 1.
Currently: I repaired my Note 1 after the fiasco with the N900V model. However, my screen went purple recently and then wouldn't light up at all anymore. So I am where I was last time and looking to replace it. This time, armed with my knowledge from last time, I bought another Note 3 (model N900T this time), thinking it would be more compatible with my Simple Mobile (sub carried by T Mobile) as the N900T is a T-Mobile friendly phone. NOTE: I bought the phone used and through a mistake of the seller, what I have is actually a N900W8. The seller had replaced the screen and did a motherboard swap. The result is a phone with markings that say N900T but after a boot up provides software descriptions showing N900W8.
Why do I want to use Simple Mobile so bad? : Simple mobile charges me 40.00 + tax for Unlimited Data, Calls and Texts domestically + limited international texting to certain countries. For me, that is a great deal and I dont have to do a contract or pay extortionate fees to other providers. Yes, I am a cheap Bas*&^d as evidenced by me buying used phones to save a few hundred $$$'s here and there.
Dilemma: In my bid to purchase a Note 3 that works I looked at the Simple Mobile site. They do indeed sell a new model N900T, Link here: <http://www.mysimplephones.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-III-Simple-Mobile.html> HOWEVER, when you look at another page for compatible phones you will find that the N900T is not even a compatible model for Simple Mobile's 4G LTE service. YOU WILL HOWEVER FIND that there are two models of Note 3 that WILL work. The N900W8 (Canadian Model) and the N900A (ATT). This link shows those compatible 4G LTE phones: <http://simplemobileinfoblast.com/4glte/phones.php>
Interesting note: While I do actually have a 4G LTE compatible phone technically, since the phones software shows it is a N900W8 despite the shell being embossed N900T, it will not work AT ALL on my carrier. All attempts result in "NOT REGISTERED ON NETWORK" messages. My research thus far seems to indicate that the N900W8 Models come unlocked as new so I do not feel that my phone is locked.
Conclusion: My Note 1 is broken and I don't want to repair it so I will sell it as is elsewhere. I have a Note 3 N900W8 that will not work that I am going to return to the seller since it is not even the right model to begin with. It should be noted that the screen on the N900W8 WAS replaced but not very well and there are some annoying defects on the underside of the screen as a result. So after all of this expostition, Can anyone please tell me what model of Note 3 to get that will work with my simple mobile SIM?
It is my sincere hope that someone has gone through this same situation and can help guide me a bit.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so the Note N9005 is the same as the T and w8 models except for the radio differences. From the sounds of it the N3 you pruchased may have been blocked as it's carrying the not registered on network error (which is the common one for this) however. it's possible it's locked down but my understanding is the w8 is quite unrestricted.
IN regards to what model you should/need to use, if your carrier is under the T-Mo umbrella/piggy backs of their network then you need the N900T which is T-Mo's device. - But you may wanna ring T-Mo and ask to be 100% positive.
EDIT You wanna avoid the N900A (ATT) unless you're 100% sure you can get LTE with your provider, there's been a few people who have bough the A model and haven't been able to use it due to it being for ATT only (again, radio issues.)
After re-reading, I think the N900T is the one for sure (especially as Simple sell it (doubt they'll sell a device that isn't LTE compatible?), and I would ring Simple and T-Mo for 100% clarification as obviously, dropping a few hundred $$ on a phone which may not work isn't nice.
radicalisto said:
OK, so the Note N9005 is the same as the T and w8 models except for the radio differences. From the sounds of it the N3 you pruchased may have been blocked as it's carrying the not registered on network error (which is the common one for this) however. it's possible it's locked down but my understanding is the w8 is quite unrestricted.
IN regards to what model you should/need to use, if your carrier is under the T-Mo umbrella/piggy backs of their network then you need the N900T which is T-Mo's device. - But you may wanna ring T-Mo and ask to be 100% positive.
EDIT You wanna avoid the N900A (ATT) unless you're 100% sure you can get LTE with your provider, there's been a few people who have bough the A model and haven't been able to use it due to it being for ATT only (again, radio issues.)
After re-reading, I think the N900T is the one for sure (especially as Simple sell it (doubt they'll sell a device that isn't LTE compatible?), and I would ring Simple and T-Mo for 100% clarification as obviously, dropping a few hundred $$ on a phone which may not work isn't nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for reading and replying...
Im quite torn but what you say makes plenty of sense.
I am under the same thought process as yours thinking that the N900T version they sell in their own shop is the model to get.... but then I read about the compatible devices with "4G LTE" and dont even see it, but instead see the N900W8 and N900A models instead. I had the N900V model Note 3 before and it "worked" on my network but the coverage and signal strength suffered greatly and displayed +H most of the time. So the N900V at least worked with my SIM vs the N900W8 not even using the network (it does show ATT and Simple Mobile networks under the network settings but cant register on either one).
I know they are different phones completely but the ATT branded Note 1 gave me no problems at all with my Simple SIM. My wife has the same model Note 1 as me and her phone actually shows 4G LTE next to the bars whereas mine only shows 4G. I called and spoke to CS a few months ago to figure out the disparity and it would seem that since I bought her SIM card more recently that mine (hers 2014 vs mine 2011) that the SIM itself makes the network 4G LTE more friendly somehow. So with that in mind I have ordered a new micro SIM from Simple thinking that it might solve some issues. The only reason I never ordered a new SIM sooner is because I wasnt really worried about the 4G LTE vs 4G problem as my UL/DL speeds were more than adequate. Hence, I am seriously thinking of trying out the N900A model.
I guess the easiest answer is that I think the N900T model "would work" but the compatible model page shows the other 2 models and not the N900T with regards to 4G LTE coverage and NOT general signal coverage.
I am going to ring T mobile and see if this model is locked down, thanks for that, good advice.
In regards to me being 100% sure about the ATT model being LTE compatible, I am thinking it would be possible (not 100% though) with regards to my wife's N1 and newer SIM (hers is also a branded ATT N1 like my broken ATT N1. with an older SIM).
Any thoughts? Thanks again...
The Note 3, changed a lot in regards to the hardware and radios used. Samsung and the carriers in their infinite wisdom trying to lock people down via either region lock, sim lock and boot loader lock downs.
It is possible that the A model will work, it could be that Simple has a deal with T-Mo and ATT in which it can use both carriers towers for H+ and LTE.
See what T-Mo say, and even give ATT a ring also, no harm in asking them direct.
Also as you've stated the sim may also have something to do with picking up LTE straight of the bat.
Ring T-Mo/ATT see what they say, then that way you know which way to go and at least doing it that way you have the comfort in knowing that the provider themselves have assured you what will and won't work.
Sent from my Spectrum ZX +2
radicalisto said:
The Note 3, changed a lot in regards to the hardware and radios used. Samsung and the carriers in their infinite wisdom trying to lock people down via either region lock, sim lock and boot loader lock downs.
It is possible that the A model will work, it could be that Simple has a deal with T-Mo and ATT in which it can use both carriers towers for H+ and LTE.
See what T-Mo say, and even give ATT a ring also, no harm in asking them direct.
Also as you've stated the sim may also have something to do with picking up LTE straight of the bat.
Ring T-Mo/ATT see what they say, then that way you know which way to go and at least doing it that way you have the comfort in knowing that the provider themselves have assured you what will and won't work.
Sent from my Spectrum ZX +2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking up the contact numbers for T Mobile now and will probably try to look at what ATT has to say/can do.
Simple Mobile, bless their hearts, to keep things so cheap use a calling center in the Philippines and have been of very little help to me trying to figure this out.
I'll keep this thread updated but I'm still torn between the N900V and N900A, only leaning towards the N900A because of the link I shared earlier with regards to 4G LTE compatibility. :/
Thanks again Radicalisto.
Hope you get it sorted, let me know the outcome I'm quite curious now myself. Good luck!
Sent from my Spectrum ZX +2
radicalisto said:
Hope you get it sorted, let me know the outcome I'm quite curious now myself. Good luck!
Sent from my Spectrum ZX +2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I have finally reached a solution.
After all of the hassle and trial and error, I was able to get a Note 3 to work with 4G LTE by using a Note 3 model N900A and an updated Simple Mobile Sim card.
It seemed a little counter intuitive to use an ATT branded phone versus a T Mobile branded phone knowing that Simple is undercarried by T mobile but that is just what it took.
It should be known that I did not try and use my "old" SIM from Simple but ordered a new one and had my number transferred to the new SIM before the phone arrived. The rational behind purchasing a new SIM was based on the experience of my wife and I using our Note 1(s). Both of our Note 1(s) were ATT branded (i717). Though I bought her Simple SIM about 2 years after my own. The result was my phone only showed 4G while hers would should 4G LTE. Strange being they are both the same model phone with the same carrier but that was the fix: updated SIMs, whether it was embedded software or something else.
So for now, I can close this little chapter and enjoy my Note 3.
If anyone else is reading this, please feel free to message me and I will be happy to share anything I may have forgotten to share here.
Thanks to everyone who helped as well, I know I have a few threads on XDA looking for solutions. :/
Wallace
Good stuff, glad you got it sorted
Hi Guys.
First of all, sorry if i am talking about something that has been already asked by someone but i am in a little bit of hurry since i have to tell to a friend from USA that is coming to Europe but he doesnt understand nothing about mobile phones. He wants to buy me a Galaxy note 3 but i dont know if it will work in Portugal. I know that the frequencies are the key, but i dont understand too much to reach any conclusion from what i have searched so far...
i want to put the ebay link but since i am a new user i cannot do it so i will just let the title of the item for you guys to check the phone.
Ebay : New Samsung Galaxy Note 3 III N900a 32GB GSM Unlocked 13.0 MP Cellphone . It will be the first item
Can someone tell me if it will work in Portugal.
Sorry about any inconvenience but i am at work and need to be fast since he will come next week.
Thanks in advance
FalkeN89 said:
Hi Guys.
First of all, sorry if i am talking about something that has been already asked by someone but i am in a little bit of hurry since i have to tell to a friend from USA that is coming to Europe but he doesnt understand nothing about mobile phones. He wants to buy me a Galaxy note 3 but i dont know if it will work in Portugal. I know that the frequencies are the key, but i dont understand too much to reach any conclusion from what i have searched so far...
i want to put the ebay link but since i am a new user i cannot do it so i will just let the title of the item for you guys to check the phone.
Ebay : New Samsung Galaxy Note 3 III N900a 32GB GSM Unlocked 13.0 MP Cellphone . It will be the first item
Can someone tell me if it will work in Portugal.
Sorry about any inconvenience but i am at work and need to be fast since he will come next week.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The device have to be Carrier-unlocked (legal) and may be used with any GSM carrier that uses a frequency or band that this device supports. A SIM card and service plan must be purchased separately. This device's frequencies can be found in the product Specifications under Cellular Network. Your carrier's available frequencies may be found in the links below.
- North American Carriers.
- South American Carriers.
- Worldwide Carriers.
Joki1981 Thank you very much for your answer i will check this today since he need an answer till the end of the day. One More Question. The "Carrier-Unlocked" isnt the same as "Factory Unlocked" or "GSM Unlocked". I am searching and finding several devices that are Factory unlocked and i dont know if it is the same ( Probably not )
FalkeN89 said:
Joki1981 Thank you very much for your answer i will check this today since he need an answer till the end of the day. One More Question. The "Carrier-Unlocked" isnt the same as "Factory Unlocked" or "GSM Unlocked". I am searching and finding several devices that are Factory unlocked and i dont know if it is the same ( Probably not )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a look: HERE.
Thanks for the tips. I concluded that i can buy a factory unlocked phone and it will work in europe without any problem right? The only problem i might have is the 4G connection i think. Still afraid of buying a US phone because when it arrives here, anything might go wrong but the price is so much lower than here.....
Hi everyone,
I noticed just now that Galaxy Note 4 is available again for people who wants to upgrade their current device. I looked at the "spec" listed by Sprint and it shows the current OS as Android 5.0. I don't know when it became available again on Sprint.com but for awhile it was MIA. I am curious if anyone has grabbed the "newer" note 4 yet and whether it has been rooted or sim unlock for international GSM network? Thanks in advance for any response.
Hi fellow android users, its paranoidandroidradio.
I'm new to XDA, and please pardon me if my question is repeated anywhere on this forum somewhere.
I recently got my galaxy 6 edge plus stolen by some moron, and luckily my father gave me his South Korean phone note 4 N910S.
I use T Mobile in california. I wonder if I will be able to access the 4G LTE network provided by T Mobile. I am aware that there is a question similar to mine on this forum, and the only difference it had was that it was asking for ATT network.
Please help:crying