[Q] - Purchase availability of unlocked multimode[?] - both CDMA & GSM - Galaxy Note 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

[Q] - Purchase availability of unlocked multimode[?] - both CDMA & GSM - Galaxy Note 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Is there an unlocked Note 4 with both CDMA & GSM radios (including the wide variety of U.S. 4G/LTE+ frequencies) available for purchase and use in the U.S.? I want to use it on T-mo now and later on Sprint after a move where T-mo is sketchy or unavailable. Samsung sells an unlocked GSM and an international version from their factory outlet store. The only android phone that I know of (with a large screen and state-of-the-art technology) is the Nexus 6, which seems to have this capability. If not, other options would be greatly appreciated.

Related

Should I get the GT-P1000, or are the T-Mo / AT&T versions just as useful?

I'm looking for an inexpensive, quality tablet that I can use with a pay-as-you-go SIM from Lycamobile. I'd prefer android 4.1+, capacitive buttons on the bezel, a decent display, and an SD card slot; The original G Tab seems like the perfect and least-expensive tablet which meets all of these requirements. After searching and reading the forums for a while, I'm still unsure as to whether I should go with the P1000 model or if I can simply unlock an AT&T or T-Mobile model. Are there any pitfalls to the carrier-locked models other than that I'll have to manually unlock them? Can I use any of these models with android 4.1+, data, and voice, all in one working package without bugs or trade-offs?
Thanks for any input!

depends on where you and which network you are with.
for USA AT&T, to get 3G data, you can only use the AT&T model or the equivalent one (Telstra, Canada Bell, or Mexico?)
Same deal witt T-Mo.
P1000 is the safest bet.
A T-Mo one should also work in Europe/Asia. It has extra band but still has the usual bands.
The Android 4.1+ is non Samsung stock. Samsung only has official ROM up to 2.3
Make sure you get the unlocked model. Unlocking via meddling with the EFS is risky and not always working.

priyana said:
depends on where you and which network you are with.
for USA AT&T, to get 3G data, you can only use the AT&T model or the equivalent one (Telstra, Canada Bell, or Mexico?)
Same deal witt T-Mo.
P1000 is the safest bet.
A T-Mo one should also work in Europe/Asia. It has extra band but still has the usual bands.
The Android 4.1+ is non Samsung stock. Samsung only has official ROM up to 2.3
Make sure you get the unlocked model. Unlocking via meddling with the EFS is risky and not always working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll do that then, thank you
Edit:
Have you guys seen the new Dell Venue 8 and 11 Pro models? They're insane! The 8 Pro is a little 8" x86 quad-core tablet and the 11 Pro is a full i5 machine, complete with Transformer-style keyboard dock (with integrated battery). I might just replace my laptop entirely and forget about buying an Android tablet, killing two birds with one stone.

Sprint best GS 7 to buy for most carrier support?

I am leaving post paid service and going pre paid.
I since majority if prepaid US carriers are Sprint, T-Mobile and some AT&T. I want a GS 7 that will support all three carriers with as much bands possible.
Any suggestions or does the Sprint version support (once unlocked) support AT&T and T-Mobile.

Technically, any GSM unlocked phone would work on any GSM network, but that wasn't your question.
I ordered the sprint version to use with cricket (at&t network). What I read, the sprint version will support AT&T better than tmobile. In the end, once rooted, you could add in the band's not supported by default.

Music to my ears!
Will have to get the Sprint version and hope for the best.

S7E's sprint version can't turn off shutter camera. But im still happy with the 50%off promo

Has it been confirmed that the s7 uses sprints LTE advanced signal. I can't find a place where it says for sure like the g5's page .
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

bdsullivan said:
Has it been confirmed that the s7 uses sprints LTE advanced signal. I can't find a place where it says for sure like the g5's page .
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to know this as well. I seem to get better 4G coverage in my area with the advanced signal enabled compared to my friends who don't support it.

Yes, my new s7 uses lte adavanced
Splash screen says so

VandyCWG said:
Yes, my new s7 uses lte adavanced
Splash screen says so
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet. I have the nexus 6 now and considering getting one for the SD card access alone. Is there a noticeable difference in data speeds with the LTE advanced, does it offer data and voice at the same time?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

TehPirate_ said:
I'd like to know this as well. I seem to get better 4G coverage in my area with the advanced signal enabled compared to my friends who don't support it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It just seems that way, or it's because it has a better antenna in general. LTE Plus doesn't get you a stronger signal. The beamforming that helps at the cell edge is a tower-side enhancement. As long as your phone supports band 41, you're able to take advantage of LTE Plus - just not the Carrier Aggregation component.

I am very eager to see what happens in this regard as well. Sprint is notorious about locking down their phones to include very few LTE modes so that the phone is truly only for Sprint. Samsung's CDMA version of the Galaxy phones have been crippled in this way all the way up to the S6.
You can see various phones like the S4, S6, LG G4 and the S7. The S7 CMDA variant does not appear on this comparison chart yet but I'm hoping that it won't need to.
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/compare.php?p=4066,4769,4773,5081,4928
The last phone in that comparison is the iPhone 6s Plus, which is the same no matter which carrier you use worldwide. I really, really hope Samsung does the same thing.
The only other phones with lots of LTE bands like the iPhone on Sprint is the Nexus 5s/6p and Moto X Pure.
PLEASE let LG and Samsung include all the default LTE modes by default on the CDMA versions of their phones!
Edit: nope, Sprint made Samsung get rid of the most important worldwide LTE band, 7, along with 13 and 20. LAME.
More info here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=65825260&postcount=14

I'm thinking of buying the SM-G730P (Sprint) version of the Galaxy S7 even though I was all the years on Verizon and they are for sure the better service and have more coverage, at least here where I live, but the reason I wanna buy Sprint is just because Verizon just makes Samsung phones much more secure, and locks the boot loader, now the question is, First of all does Sprint still lock their LTE phones? And second of all, will an unlocked Sprint phone work on the Verizon network, and will it work overall perfectly when I'm aboard, on the International GSM network? And last of all is there a different in the build of this 2 phones, Verizon S7 and the Sprint S7, besides the bands

YankyA said:
I'm thinking of buying the SM-G730P (Sprint) version of the Galaxy S7 even though I was all the years on Verizon and they are for sure the better service and have more coverage, at least here where I live, but the reason I wanna buy Sprint is just because Verizon just makes Samsung phones much more secure, and locks the boot loader, now the question is, First of all does Sprint still lock their LTE phones? And second of all, will an unlocked Sprint phone work on the Verizon network, and will it work overall perfectly when I'm aboard, on the International GSM network? And last of all is there a different in the build of this 2 phones, Verizon S7 and the Sprint S7, besides the bands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Today's news concludes that all US (Qualcomm) variants of the S7 indeed have a locked bootloader except for a select few apparently. Verizon and AT&T lock the bootloader tighter than others, such as Sprint. Sprint and T-Mobile didn't lock the bootloader themselves but rather Samsung. Samsung locked the bootloader to better add security to their consumers and there's been hints they may release an unlock kit/tool for developers but this hasn't been confirmed.
I got Sprint to unlock my G930P and works perfectly with AT&T. The S7, at a hardware level, is the same phone for all US variants where the only thing that changes is the software. Meaning a Sprint phone on the Verizon network would essentially have the same network performance as if you were to use an actual Verizon variant. Once the device is unlocked, at least for me, it knew my sim was on the AT&T network and switched the bands to AT&T on reboot.
Internationally, I'm not sure. There is an option to enable Global bands in one of the hidden menus in self-service but I'd assume it'll cover enough bands to provide you with what you need minimally. (I've never gone international before so can't say from experience)

TehPirate_ said:
Internationally, I'm not sure. There is an option to enable Global bands in one of the hidden menus in self-service but I'd assume it'll cover enough bands to provide you with what you need minimally. (I've never gone international before so can't say from experience)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GSM will work as expected.
LTE, however, will be crippled depending on the country you go to.
The updated spec list:
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=5081
According to that list, Sprint purposely took out three very important LTE bands: 7/13/20. Why does that matter? Because much of the world uses these three bands, especially band 7 and especially Europe! Sprint purposely crippled the LTE radio modes for this phone and I cannot understand why.
So yes, you'll probably get normal GSM and some LTE if they offer one of the other bands but Sprint purposely disabling or deleting the commonly used international LTE modes abroad is just anti-competitive and backwards.

Will rooting or unlocking this phone allow the use of the bands that were locked by Sprint?
asuh said:
The updated spec list:
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=5081
but Sprint purposely disabling or deleting the commonly used international LTE modes abroad is just anti-competitive and backwards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

gigadigit said:
Will rooting or unlocking this phone allow the use of the bands that were locked by Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059

VandyCWG said:
Yes, my new s7 uses lte adavanced
Splash screen says so
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The splash screen says LTE Plus, not LTE Advanced. LTE Plus is simply the new branding for Sprint SPARK. Was that the OPs question?

LTE Plus is not Sprint Spark , its more in depth. Carrier aggregation by antenna beam forming.

For those interested, Sprint is releasing an unlocked S7 that works on all the carriers and has a full range of US LTE bands:
http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=17870

sm-g935f does it work with verizon ??

Can anyone tell me if this will work on verizon carrier ? Don't want the locked down verison

I'm pretty sure the International (GM935F) version does NOT support Verizon's CDMA.

Verizon and sprint are the only reason USA doesn't have the faster exynos processor.
Sent from my Star-Tac

Use the following site to check
http://willmyphonework.net
according to this site you should get 4g LTE, but does not work on 2G or 3G
full spec of samsung model is here
http://www.samsung.com/uk/business/business-products/smartphones/smartphones/SM-G935FZKABTU
also note the foot note at the bottom of the results from http://willmyphonework.net,
******
"How To Interpret The Results
When performing a search, you will be presented with three networks: 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE.
For the technical savvy, we have included the network frequencies that match between the mobile device and the network carrier. Also, we consider HSPA+ to be 3G.
Note: Will My Phone Work assumes that your device is unlocked or allowed to be run on the desired mobile network. Certain carriers such as Verizon USA have an "approved list" of devices. This means that although the phone is compatible with the carrier's network frequencies, the device is blocked. Also, some carriers make frequencies/bands available only to specific geographical regions."
********

Has anyone confirmed this?
5teve0 said:
Use the following site to check
http://willmyphonework.net
according to this site you should get 4g LTE, but does not work on 2G or 3G
full spec of samsung model is here
http://www.samsung.com/uk/business/business-products/smartphones/smartphones/SM-G935FZKABTU
also note the foot note at the bottom of the results from http://willmyphonework.net,
******
"How To Interpret The Results
When performing a search, you will be presented with three networks: 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE.
For the technical savvy, we have included the network frequencies that match between the mobile device and the network carrier. Also, we consider HSPA+ to be 3G.
Note: Will My Phone Work assumes that your device is unlocked or allowed to be run on the desired mobile network. Certain carriers such as Verizon USA have an "approved list" of devices. This means that although the phone is compatible with the carrier's network frequencies, the device is blocked. Also, some carriers make frequencies/bands available only to specific geographical regions."
********
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I'm also interested in this. I'm thinking of buying a G935F so I can root and have complete control over the recovery and ROMs.
I assumed the international (global) variant would support everything. My Galaxy S5 works everywhere including the US and also drops to 3G if necessary on Verizon. The ultimate question is, if I buy a G935F, can I make/receive calls, texts/mms, and get data using a Verizon SIM card? If I'm in a fringe area and it drops 4G, what will happen? Will it just have no service? I have to think it would support 3G/2G. If a person from Europe comes to the US with the G935F and uses a verizon SIM or is in a verizon only area, they would be screwed.
Again, I would think it should just work, no?

It will not work on Verizon because
1. Verizon relies on using the outdated CDMA standard so you can't connect to their "3G" network.
2. Verizon uses non standard version of the VoLTE IMS (so does T-Mobile it seems), so you can't place calls over LTE even if you flash a VoLTE enabled firmware on your GS7
3. Verizon as a carrier is a control freak that doesn't let its costumers use devices that have not been "approved" by their services, therefore, your devices' IMEI have to be white-listed in order to connect to their network.

mathieulh said:
It will not work on Verizon because
1. Verizon relies on using the outdated CDMA standard so you can't connect to their "3G" network.
2. Verizon uses non standard version of the VoLTE IMS (so does T-Mobile it seems), so you can't place calls over LTE even if you flash a VoLTE enabled firmware on your GS7
3. Verizon as a carrier is a control freak that doesn't let its costumers use devices that have not been "approved" by their services, therefore, your devices' IMEI have to be white-listed in order to connect to their network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already started the process of moving to AT&T...waiting on my work to confirm it. I hope Verizon reads this. It would have been some much simpler if they just unlocked their bootloader and didn't put a ton of crap (bloat) on their stock ROM...then they would have retained this customer.

I was considering the G935FD (dual sim) since my personal phone is AT&T and my work phone is Verizon. I want to consolidate to a single phone. Honestly I only need Verizon for calls and text, not even data, since my AT&T is unlimited. Looks like the international S7 Edge support Verizon's primary LTE band 13 which would technically work for data, but won't connect to their CDMA calling network according to mathieulh.. Now here's the kicker.. the new ZTE Axon 7 is supposedly compatible with Sprint and Verizon, AND it's a dual SIM phone. I know Verizon has to give the final "okay" to have a device activate on their network, but looking at the specs between the Axon 7 and the G935FD (dual sim S7 Edge) on GSMArena, there are essentially NO DIFFERENCES between 2G/3G/4G(LTE) bands between the two devices. The only difference I really see is Cat 6 LTE (300/50Mbps) on the Axon 7 and Cat 9 LTE (450/50Mbps) on the S7 Edge.
Can anyone clear this up? ZTE is literally saying their Axon 7 will work on Verizon, with essentially the same network specs as the S7 Edge international... there MUST be some major defining issue with using the Exynos vs Qualcomm processor when it comes to CDMA connectivity, but I still can't see a spec difference online.

G930f won't work on Verizon
Hey guys so I see this last post is from almost 3 years ago but I like the s7 and I have verizon. I don't like the Verizon variant of the s7 and wanted to try this one, the g930f because it had the same bands for LTE that verizon uses. I thought I could just use Google voice and make calls with data. I've been messing around with it for a few days now and I'm using a pre-registered sim from a Motorola that I bought from Verizon. I cannot get it to register even with data alone. I've tried removing all AP names and then creating several different AP names using Verizon settings. It's a no-go. I'm getting the g930u.
Thank you for reading. Maybe you know a workaround?

Buy International Version, T-Mobile or AT&T Version? (AT&T Member, Paying Full Price)

Buy International Version, T-Mobile or AT&T Version? (AT&T Member, Paying Full Price)
I'm going to be purchasing the Galaxy Note 7 outright, cash, no payment plan. My ATT Galaxy S4 has a locked bootloader to this very day and it sucks. This is the first time I'll be purchasing the phone outright, so I know I have more options. Here is what I want to know:
1. Can I purchase the T-Mobile Version of the phone and use my ATT sim without any issues? Don't they use the same frequencies and GSM network?
2. If I purchase the international version, does it support all carriers, or only those on the GSM network? I will be traveling to Europe about once a year, so the international version of this phone seems like the best way to go. I just don't know the differences are between it and the ATT version. I know once a phone is unlocked, it can be used internationally, like my Galaxy S4, so maybe the international version isn't that important? (Where can I buy the international version?)
3. Is it best to still buy the ATT version so I can use all of their technologies, such as HD voice and wifi-calling? I don't plan on leaving ATT anytime soon. I also heard that the Snapdragon processor is actually better this time around and the GPU as well if you go with the US version of the phone.
Here is how I plan to use this phone. I'm willing to wait for root, but at some point I want it.
1. I plan to root it and use xposed framework.
2. I want to be able to use samsung pay
3. I want to use the fingerprint reader and the iris scanner.
4. I eventually want to flash ROMs when they stop supporting the phone.
5. I must be able to use mobile hotspot no matter what.
So what do you all recommend I do? Thank you very much for your valuable input!

DuffmasterFresh said:
I'm going to be purchasing the Galaxy Note 7 outright, cash, no payment plan. My ATT Galaxy S4 has a locked bootloader to this very day and it sucks. This is the first time I'll be purchasing the phone outright, so I know I have more options. Here is what I want to know:
1. Can I purchase the T-Mobile Version of the phone and use my ATT sim without any issues? Don't they use the same frequencies and GSM network?
2. If I purchase the international version, does it support all carriers, or only those on the GSM network? I will be traveling to Europe about once a year, so the international version of this phone seems like the best way to go. I just don't know the differences are between it and the ATT version. I know once a phone is unlocked, it can be used internationally, like my Galaxy S4, so maybe the international version isn't that important?
3. Is it best to still buy the ATT version so I can use all of their technologies, such as HD voice and wifi-calling? I don't plan on leaving ATT anytime soon. I also heard that the Snapdragon processor is actually better this time around and the GPU as well if you go with the US version of the phone.
Here is how I plan to use this phone. I'm willing to wait for root, but at some point I want it.
1. I plan to root it and use xposed framework.
2. I want to be able to use samsung pay
3. I want to use the fingerprint reader and the iris scanner.
4. I eventually want to flash ROMs when they stop supporting the phone.
5. I must be able to use mobile hotspot no matter what.
So what do you all recommend I do? Thank you very much for your valuable input!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-mobile has many compatible bands, to be very specific
T-Mobile
Quad Band GSM; UMTS: Band I (2100), Band II (1900), Band IV (1700/2100), Band V (850); LTE: 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17
AT&T
4G-LTE Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 20, and 29
3G - UMTS 850/1900/2100MHz
GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900MHz
Wi-Fi connectivity 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/r
So the T-Mobile variant is missing 2 LTE bands that AT&T uses (20 and 29).
The international version will be able to use root, custom firmwares, unlocked bootloaders, and whatever else you want. the att version will be so locked down you'll see a 20k bounty begging someone to unlock it, and it may or may not ever get unlocked. I'm still holding my breath for someone to unlock my att note 4. (and that's unlock for root, we wouldn't even dream of an unlocked bootloader..)
any att features will be bundled with the first wave of custom roms, so don't worry.
the international model offers more color options, faster octacore processor, better battery life, far superior sound quality thanks to the dedicated DAC, and will support �� dolphin emulator, which t-mobile and att will not.
the international version will be the best phone no debate. the only reasons to consider getting the t-mobile or att one is convince of getting it in store, plus best buys sd card bundle.
I'm getting the sexy international gold one myself, uncompromised power, battery life, gonna sound great on my new speakers, finally be able to play some super smash on my phone again, just haven't found a place to buy it from yet.
I encourage more people to chime in on this, good luck!

You should check this link to ensure phone model works on whichever carrier before buying:
http://willmyphonework.net/
I wish I'd known about this link years ago!

So, no sd card bundle with international version? That sd card is the only reason it might be worth paying $900 for a phone...

Where can I get the International version of the phone? I don't need Dual Sims. I looked on Amazon and they only list the Dual Sim model.
I think what I need is the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 N930F. B&H Photo Video has it for preorder with a limited B&H warranty. Does the International Model still have a 1-year warranty from Samsung?

soraxd said:
T-mobile has many compatible bands, to be very specific
T-Mobile
Quad Band GSM; UMTS: Band I (2100), Band II (1900), Band IV (1700/2100), Band V (850); LTE: 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17
AT&T
4G-LTE Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 20, and 29
3G - UMTS 850/1900/2100MHz
GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900MHz
Wi-Fi connectivity 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/r
So the T-Mobile variant is missing 2 LTE bands that AT&T uses (20 and 29).
The international version and the t-mobile versions will both be able to use root, custom firmwares, unlocked bootloaders, and whatever else you want. the att version will be so locked down you'll see a 20k bounty begging someone to unlock it, and it may or may not ever get unlocked. I'm still holding my breath for someone to unlock my att note 4. (and that's unlock for root, we wouldn't even dream of an unlocked bootloader..)
so getting from att is the only wrong choice. any att features will be bundled with the first wave of custom roms, so don't worry.
the international model offers more color options, faster octacore processor, better battery life, far superior sound quality thanks to the dedicated DAC, and will support �� dolphin emulator, which t-mobile and att will not.
the international version will be the best phone no debate. the only reasons to consider getting the t-mobile one is convince of getting it in store, plus best buys sd card bundle.
I'm getting the sexy international gold one myself, uncompromised power, battery life, gonna sound great on my new speakers, finally be able to play some super smash on my phone again, just haven't found a place to buy it from yet.
I encourage more people to chime in on this, good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have proof? The T-Mobile S7 shipped with a locked bootloader. All U.S. S7's did. So the international model is the only viable option for modders.

Does anyone know if the international version will work on Straight Talk? I currently have a ATT note 4 on my Straight Talk Sim? I just want to make sure I don't loose out on any features.
Im looking to buy this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Samsung...hash=item3d21d343c5:m:mv6a3OIYs0V1HNlXutJQbkA

How to enable GSM on GS7 (Smg930v)?

Hi,
I've found someone in Brazil who is selling a Verizon GS7 (smg930v) at a great price but he claims that it's not working here because it won't recognize the Brazilian mobile network (the bought the phone in the US). He says the phone connects to the 4G network but he is not able to navigate or make phone calls. I find this weird as I've read in many places that Verizon's GS7 are unlocked to work on GSM.
Any thoughts on what can be done?

rawfa said:
Hi,
I've found someone in Brazil who is selling a Verizon GS7 (smg930v) at a great price but he claims that it's not working here because it won't recognize the Brazilian mobile network (the bought the phone in the US). He says the phone connects to the 4G network but he is not able to navigate or make phone calls. I find this weird as I've read in many places that Verizon's GS7 are unlocked to work on GSM.
Any thoughts on what can be done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't connect in Brazil because they are GSM-only; whereas VZW is a CDMA-only network. South America is like the EU - mostly,l if not entirely, GSM-only; VZW and Sprint are using different (and not cross-compatible) types of CDMA. Tracfone (and their Safelink lifeline division) is an MVNO that uses T-Mobile and VZW towers for coverage (and thus support both GSM and CDMA phones). Tracfone has both GSM and CDMA SIM kits - however, the SIM kit you purchase must match the target phone. (Some phones, such as the Galaxy Nexus, for example, are available in both sorts - maguro for AT&T Mobility and T-Mobile/Deutsch Telekom, and toro/toroplus for VZW and Sprint; there are even "unified" ROMs (the Tuna versions are neutral in this fashion, and are available from JB to N - PureNexus 7.1.1 for Tuna is my default, and is just one such example). It may be possible to modify the radios to support GSM bands; however, I would not recommend it.

rawfa said:
Hi,
I've found someone in Brazil who is selling a Verizon GS7 (smg930v) at a great price but he claims that it's not working here because it won't recognize the Brazilian mobile network (the bought the phone in the US). He says the phone connects to the 4G network but he is not able to navigate or make phone calls. I find this weird as I've read in many places that Verizon's GS7 are unlocked to work on GSM.
Any thoughts on what can be done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the phone is gsm unlocked out of the box
my s7 is Verizon on att
flash the unlocked firmware to further unlock all the bands but Verizon unlocks out of the box
---------- Post added at 07:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:47 AM ----------
PGHammer said:
It won't connect in Brazil because they are GSM-only; whereas VZW is a CDMA-only network. South America is like the EU - mostly,l if not entirely, GSM-only; VZW and Sprint are using different (and not cross-compatible) types of CDMA. Tracfone (and their Safelink lifeline division) is an MVNO that uses T-Mobile and VZW towers for coverage (and thus support both GSM and CDMA phones). Tracfone has both GSM and CDMA SIM kits - however, the SIM kit you purchase must match the target phone. (Some phones, such as the Galaxy Nexus, for example, are available in both sorts - maguro for AT&T Mobility and T-Mobile/Deutsch Telekom, and toro/toroplus for VZW and Sprint; there are even "unified" ROMs (the Tuna versions are neutral in this fashion, and are available from JB to N - PureNexus 7.1.1 for Tuna is my default, and is just one such example). It may be possible to modify the radios to support GSM bands; however, I would not recommend it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you do know that almost all Verizon phones now are unlocked out of the box no mods needed
the reason is some of the bands that gsm carriers are not supported by verzion
mine is a Verizon on att rite now no mods at all other than root and stuff
---------- Post added at 07:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:49 AM ----------
rawfa said:
Hi,
I've found someone in Brazil who is selling a Verizon GS7 (smg930v) at a great price but he claims that it's not working here because it won't recognize the Brazilian mobile network (the bought the phone in the US). He says the phone connects to the 4G network but he is not able to navigate or make phone calls. I find this weird as I've read in many places that Verizon's GS7 are unlocked to work on GSM.
Any thoughts on what can be done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry for double posting kinda thing here
the reason its connecting to 4g there is the phone supports the 4g band obviously in brazil
but not some of the others I had this issue with my note 5 not supporting atts 4g band so I would get 2g and 3g but no 4g
again flash the g930u firmware and it seems to unlock all the bands
---------- Post added at 08:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:52 AM ----------
rawfa said:
Hi,
I've found someone in Brazil who is selling a Verizon GS7 (smg930v) at a great price but he claims that it's not working here because it won't recognize the Brazilian mobile network (the bought the phone in the US). He says the phone connects to the 4G network but he is not able to navigate or make phone calls. I find this weird as I've read in many places that Verizon's GS7 are unlocked to work on GSM.
Any thoughts on what can be done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u might try in mobile networks to switch it to global instead of anything else

nrage23 said:
You should be able to put in the GSM sim and set the APN to what the carrier recommends and it works. It may not support all of bands that that carrier uses but it should work. You could also flash the Verizon SM-930v to the firmware for the Unlocked SM-930u via Odin and unlock more of the GSM bands. Most like it is just a APN issue
You have no idea what you are talking about. All Verizon phones are sim unlocked and since the HTC Thunderbolt, they all support a lot but not all GSM bands. All newer Verizon phones are world phones and usually just need the proper APN of the Telecom being used. Again they do not support all GSM bands but the do cover a lot of them that are used internationally.
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I will second both of these post in every way. Lol. I was thinking it just tryin to keep to myself

Agreed. You could purchase the phone and flash the U firmware. That's what I have done. I have used my Verizon s7 on Att and TMobile through their mnvos respectively

To wrap up in a nutshell what everyone else was saying...
1) The G930V S7s have both CDMA and GSM radios, so will work on both types of network.
2) Verizon phones are NOT network locked.
3) You need to check the GSM frequencies for your local network. The G930V uses GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for 2G & UMTS 850/900/1900/2100 for 3G. If your local network doesn't use any of these bands, the phone won't work for calls/SMS.
4) Flashing the 'U' firmware will only add UMTS 1700. There used to be a way to get into the radio settings and add/remove frequencies using a service code, but I believe that Samsung have locked down that ability.

Great info
Great info!

Database Users

welcome