Hi, I am going to be buying the G2 in a couple of days. I am in Pakistan and apparently, every G2 variant is available here. I am not a developer but I do like to customize my phones due to the generosity of all the developers creating flashable zips on XDA .
Which G2 Variant is the best for flashing and modding wise and which Variant is just considered the best? Are there any hardware differences between the variants? Any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you
Only major hardware differences I'm aware of is that the Verizon G2 has a different shape back, different (some consider them worse) buttons on the back, and added wireless charging that others do not have.
If I had to say for overall use, the Verizon variant because of the wireless charging capability. The negative aspect of that model is some ROMs have issues with it to some degrees and of course because it's capable of wireless charging that means it's slightly thicker front to back (like 1-2mm) that means you can't use just any old case for it - if it's not a case designed specifically for the Verizon variant to account for that additional thickness, the case just won't fit and there ain't a whole lot of Verizon variant cases available.
Just pointing out the positive and the negative - there is ROM support for the VS980 obviously and those unlock the SIM for use with most any provider (just like the Sprint LS980 variant does too). The button thing on the Verizon variant is a personal preference I suppose: they work exactly the same, they just have a different form factor in how they're laid out because of the addition of the Qi wireless charging antenna inside the battery cover on the Verizon variant.
The International model(s) are nice because they're free of such limitations from the gitgo and SIM unlocked (as I understand them to be).
You'll get arguments about which one ends up being better, I suppose, so the International variants are very popular for those reasons, but with the Verizon model supporting wireless charging (Qi standard) that kinda puts it slightly out front hardware-wise. Of course, some folks don't give a damn about wireless charging just like some don't care about NFC, etc.
Just have to decide for yourself which one might fit your needs and requirements best of all.
br0adband said:
If I had to say for overall use, the Verizon variant because of the wireless charging capability. The negative aspect of that model is some ROMs have issues with it to some degrees and of course because it's capable of wireless charging that means it's slightly thicker front to back (like 1-2mm) that means you can't use just any old case for it - if it's not a case designed specifically for the Verizon variant to account for that additional thickness, the case just won't fit and there ain't a whole lot of Verizon variant cases available.
Just pointing out the positive and the negative - there is ROM support for the VS980 obviously and those unlock the SIM for use with most any provider (just like the Sprint LS980 variant does too). The button thing on the Verizon variant is a personal preference I suppose: they work exactly the same, they just have a different form factor in how they're laid out because of the addition of the Qi wireless charging antenna inside the battery cover on the Verizon variant.
The International model(s) are nice because they're free of such limitations from the gitgo and SIM unlocked (as I understand them to be).
You'll get arguments about which one ends up being better, I suppose, so the International variants are very popular for those reasons, but with the Verizon model supporting wireless charging (Qi standard) that kinda puts it slightly out front hardware-wise. Of course, some folks don't give a damn about wireless charging just like some don't care about NFC, etc.
Just have to decide for yourself which one might fit your needs and requirements best of all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would really like to have the wireless charging feature, I'll be going with Verizon than. Thanks for all the info, greatly appreciate it
p.s just my luck Verizon model is 5-10% cheaper here for some reason
dont buy verizon one, go for D802
mahmoodt said:
I would really like to have the wireless charging feature, I'll be going with Verizon than. Thanks for all the info, greatly appreciate it
p.s just my luck Verizon model is 5-10% cheaper here for some reason
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont buy verizon one, it doesn't have the LTE Band for Pakistan, so there will be no 4G for you, go for LG G2 D802, if you need more details you can inbox me
nothanks91 said:
dont buy verizon one, it doesn't have the LTE Band for Pakistan, so there will be no 4G for you, go for LG G2 D802, if you need more details you can inbox me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People have this misunderstanding about 4G: it's a term, it means the 4th generation of cellular technology, and because of that LTE is just one 4G technology - it's not the only one.
HSPA/HSPA+ is a 4G technology (actually it's a 3.5G technology but whatever) and can be just as fast as LTE in most markets, even faster in some respects because HSPA/HSPA+ allows for deeper building/structure penetration aka you get a stronger signal when you're indoors, your phone doesn't have to waste as much power to maintain it, hence you get better speeds.
Sure would be nice if people would realize all this someday and that LTE is not the end-all-be-all when it comes to 4G... it's just one side of 4G technology, another object under the 4G "umbrella" and HSPA/HSPA+ is more than capable of providing very high speed data just as well if not better.
HSPA/HSPA+ is more widespread than LTE too, at least based on looking at coverage charts worldwide - it's a slightly older technology (which means it's had more time to be put into action around the world) but again, it can be just as fast and even faster than LTE in some markets so, it's not something that should be dismissed outright.
I had a chance to sell my G2 the other day, the person that came to buy it was disappointed because it didn't show "4G LTE" on the status bar and I tried to explain that it was pulling down 38Mbps using HSPA+ and using LTE would be slower (on this phone, it actually is) and it would use more battery power, but he didn't care or didn't even comprehend what I was saying:
All he cared about was seeing "4G LTE" in the status bar so he decided not to buy it. I swear, ignorance is a horrible thing, especially in today's world where the info is right there and it's available and people willfully choose to stay ignorant of it.
Anyway, LTE ain't everything...
dont buy verizon one, go for D802
br0adband said:
People have this misunderstanding about 4G: it's a term, it means the 4th generation of cellular technology, and because of that LTE is just one 4G technology - it's not the only one.
HSPA/HSPA+ is a 4G technology (actually it's a 3.5G technology but whatever) and can be just as fast as LTE in most markets, even faster in some respects because HSPA/HSPA+ allows for deeper building/structure penetration aka you get a stronger signal when you're indoors, your phone doesn't have to waste as much power to maintain it, hence you get better speeds.
Sure would be nice if people would realize all this someday and that LTE is not the end-all-be-all when it comes to 4G... it's just one side of 4G technology, another object under the 4G "umbrella" and HSPA/HSPA+ is more than capable of providing very high speed data just as well if not better.
HSPA/HSPA+ is more widespread than LTE too, at least based on looking at coverage charts worldwide - it's a slightly older technology (which means it's had more time to be put into action around the world) but again, it can be just as fast and even faster than LTE in some markets so, it's not something that should be dismissed outright.
I had a chance to sell my G2 the other day, the person that came to buy it was disappointed because it didn't show "4G LTE" on the status bar and I tried to explain that it was pulling down 38Mbps using HSPA+ and using LTE would be slower (on this phone, it actually is) and it would use more battery power, but he didn't care or didn't even comprehend what I was saying:
All he cared about was seeing "4G LTE" in the status bar so he decided not to buy it. I swear, ignorance is a horrible thing, especially in today's world where the info is right there and it's available and people willfully choose to stay ignorant of it.
Anyway, LTE ain't everything...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just because American Carriers brand HSPA/HSPA+ as 4G doesn't mean that they are actually 4G, hack even LTE is not truly 4G, i was just explaining to the guy that the verizon model doesn't have 1800 MHZ LTE frequency band which is being used by local carriers (Waridtel, Zong) in pakistan, so he wont be able to access LTE which is Branded as 4G in Pakistan, i hope you got my point
br0adband said:
People have this misunderstanding about 4G: it's a term, it means the 4th generation of cellular technology, and because of that LTE is just one 4G technology - it's not the only one.
HSPA/HSPA+ is a 4G technology (actually it's a 3.5G technology but whatever) and can be just as fast as LTE in most markets, even faster in some respects because HSPA/HSPA+ allows for deeper building/structure penetration aka you get a stronger signal when you're indoors, your phone doesn't have to waste as much power to maintain it, hence you get better speeds.
Sure would be nice if people would realize all this someday and that LTE is not the end-all-be-all when it comes to 4G... it's just one side of 4G technology, another object under the 4G "umbrella" and HSPA/HSPA+ is more than capable of providing very high speed data just as well if not better.
HSPA/HSPA+ is more widespread than LTE too, at least based on looking at coverage charts worldwide - it's a slightly older technology (which means it's had more time to be put into action around the world) but again, it can be just as fast and even faster than LTE in some markets so, it's not something that should be dismissed outright.
I had a chance to sell my G2 the other day, the person that came to buy it was disappointed because it didn't show "4G LTE" on the status bar and I tried to explain that it was pulling down 38Mbps using HSPA+ and using LTE would be slower (on this phone, it actually is) and it would use more battery power, but he didn't care or didn't even comprehend what I was saying:
All he cared about was seeing "4G LTE" in the status bar so he decided not to buy it. I swear, ignorance is a horrible thing, especially in today's world where the info is right there and it's available and people willfully choose to stay ignorant of it.
Anyway, LTE ain't everything...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
Was just gonna post my opinion on which variant to choose, LTE is a real thing to consider.
I opted to go with the Verizon variant because of this, in my country (Dominican Republic) this is the only variant that allows me to use LTE here, so I went with this one, and I'm glad I did, I didn't even know about the wireless charging, it was a pleasant surprise to me as fate would have it, my sister got a Nokia Wireless charger as a gift from her carrier (She has an iPhone) she came to me to know if she could sell it, as soon as I saw it, I tried it on my phone and it worked great! Needless to say I took it from her hands instantly.
Anyways, when I finally used LTE I was blown away! 100 Mbits/s was something Id never experienced. no matter how good HSPA+ is, it will never be as fast as LTE, and the battery life is great even if you leave it on all day. I never turn it off, though its good to know that I can if i want to.
If you get the Verizon variant you will need to at least root the phone to enjoy it completely. Because the wifi hotspot doesn't work if you are using a non Verizon SIM, there is a thread here which allows you to bypass it VERY easily, and it works awesomely.
Besides that, everything else is pretty much on par, there are at least 2 "Best Roms" for the G2 and they both work on the Verizon Variant. One of those two best is developed by XDABBEB who is the awesome Dev who brought us the Camera mod which is insanely good! and he also made a ROM specifically for the Verizon Variant which I installed on a friends VS980 and is working great with ART and his camera mod, the G3 UI preinstalled, and other cool things preinstalled.
Its your choice in the end.
Sorry for the long post, just wanted to give you the VS980 perspective from someone who owns and uses it as a daily driver.
If you have any other questions regarding this variant, do not hesitate to ask.
-X
Xer0 WindKey said:
Hello,
Was just gonna post my opinion on which variant to choose, LTE is a real thing to consider.
I opted to go with the Verizon variant because of this, in my country (Dominican Republic) this is the only variant that allows me to use LTE here, so I went with this one, and I'm glad I did, I didn't even know about the wireless charging, it was a pleasant surprise to me as fate would have it, my sister got a Nokia Wireless charger as a gift from her carrier (She has an iPhone) she came to me to know if she could sell it, as soon as I saw it, I tried it on my phone and it worked great! Needless to say I took it from her hands instantly.
Anyways, when I finally used LTE I was blown away! 100 Mbits/s was something Id never experienced. no matter how good HSPA+ is, it will never be as fast as LTE, and the battery life is great even if you leave it on all day. I never turn it off, though its good to know that I can if i want to.
If you get the Verizon variant you will need to at least root the phone to enjoy it completely. Because the wifi hotspot doesn't work if you are using a non Verizon SIM, there is a thread here which allows you to bypass it VERY easily, and it works awesomely.
Besides that, everything else is pretty much on par, there are at least 2 "Best Roms" for the G2 and they both work on the Verizon Variant. One of those two best is developed by XDABBEB who is the awesome Dev who brought us the Camera mod which is insanely good! and he also made a ROM specifically for the Verizon Variant which I installed on a friends VS980 and is working great with ART and his camera mod, the G3 UI preinstalled, and other cool things preinstalled.
Its your choice in the end.
Sorry for the long post, just wanted to give you the VS980 perspective from someone who owns and uses it as a daily driver.
If you have any other questions regarding this variant, do not hesitate to ask.
-X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, Nice to see a fellow Dominican around. The Verizon version as you said has surprisingly excellent support around here (For a LG Phone anyways). Would you mind telling how you got 4g to work? what carrier was it with? Claro,tricom or Orange?
thanks in advance.
elander said:
Hello, Nice to see a fellow Dominican around. The Verizon version as you said has surprisingly excellent support around here (For a LG Phone anyways). Would you mind telling how you got 4g to work? what carrier was it with? Claro,tricom or Orange?
thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, nice to know I'm not the only one!
I didn't do anything special to make it work, I'm on Claro, just popped in my 4G LTE Sim on the phone and it worked automagically.
In the settings menu I have "Global" selected. Then I used xposed to get rid of that annoying invalid Sim notification.
sorry for being off topic but instead making a new thread i just wanna know why my lg g2 it doesn't have the update software option. i have the ls980 version the sprint and not only that but the camera makes blurry photos and videos .
And when i apply some light pressure on the screen i get blotches which it is very weird and ugly
thank you
nothanks91 said:
dont buy verizon one, it doesn't have the LTE Band for Pakistan, so there will be no 4G for you, go for LG G2 D802, if you need more details you can inbox me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right, I went to buy the Verizon variant but LTE was not working on it (My provider is Warid). I ended up checking all the variants except D802 and LTE was not working on any of them. I was unable to find the D802, people were actually selling it, however, they were all frauds, they had ported different models to the D802 rom, so it showed D802 in the Phone Information (so they could charge more). Even after the port none of the phones I tested were able to run Warid LTE. After searching for hours I was unable to find the D802 in the market, so my question now is that if i buy any of the models is there a way to have Warid LTE work on it, I am not in favor of messing with basebands though unless it's completely safe.
You need to do some research and find out specifically which LTE bands that carrier you want to sign on with is using, then find the G2 that matches it. There's a chance you might be out of luck with the actual LTE support because no G2 variant will support it (which is a possibility) so be aware of this.
This chart page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks#Asia
shows WaridTel using Band 3, apparently. On this page:
http://www.waridtel.com/lte/handset-compatibility
it clearly shows they have support for the LG G2 D802 and D802TA (whatever variant that is) so that's what you should be looking for, obviously.
You just might not be able to get LTE support for both reasons: hardware on the G2 not having it as well as your carrier not being a match for whatever G2 variant you happen to be looking for.
Do the research, then you'll be able to figure things out. Warid must be getting their network access from one of the more major providers, you just have to figure out which LTE band(s) are being utilized and go from there. The D802 might just be your ticket, so to speak, now you have to find a real one.
Do not buy Verizon LG G2. I used this model for a month and found it problematic in Pakistan. That's the only reason it is cheaper than other G2 models.
Sent from my Samsung phone using XDA Free mobile app.
br0adband said:
You need to do some research and find out specifically which LTE bands that carrier you want to sign on with is using, then find the G2 that matches it. There's a chance you might be out of luck with the actual LTE support because no G2 variant will support it (which is a possibility) so be aware of this.
it clearly shows they have support for the LG G2 D802 and D802TA (whatever variant that is) so that's what you should be looking for, obviously.
You just might not be able to get LTE support for both reasons: hardware on the G2 not having it as well as your carrier not being a match for whatever G2 variant you happen to be looking for.
Do the research, then you'll be able to figure things out. Warid must be getting their network access from one of the more major providers, you just have to figure out which LTE band(s) are being utilized and go from there. The D802 might just be your ticket, so to speak, now you have to find a real one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went with your suggestion and pinpointed D802 as the variant that would work for me. However, the issue here was that most people had ported D802 ROMs on American or Korean variants and it was really hard finding out if it was the original D802. So, after testing my SIM card and configuring almost 2 dozen sets for LTE, I decided to not buy the G2 . Good news though I ended up buying the G3, LTE working and I am loving it
I had to spend $120 extra, which was a way out of my budget but I don't regret it, G3 is just too good
Thank you so much for taking the time and giving me all the advice, I really appreciate it
You're welcome, and congrats on the choice/purchase, I wish I could afford a G3 myself to be honest but, maybe someday.
I had first D802 16gb with 7 icons in dock but latest android 4.2.2 from UK, next was 32 but from local shop (europe), but only with 6 icons in dock. I prefer UK roms.
Related
According to PhoneArea a Verizon spokeswomen has confirmed that they will be launching the Samsung Galaxy S II sometime next month.
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-S-II-confirmed-for-July-touch-down-at-Verizon_id19421
I'm sure AT&T will probably release it around the same time (if not sooner).
This is shocking...
"Although the phone will not be enabled for the LTE 4G network, it probably won't matter to potential buyers as the device has already proven itself to be speedy over 3G pipelines."
What's the purpose of launching a state-of-the-art phone that doesn't run on your state-of-the-art network? Hell, with EVDO, it'll be the slowest of the three U.S. SGS2 variants assuming it's Wi-Max on Sprint and 4G and/or LTE on AT&T. Why carry the phone at all?
Oh well, I don't even have 4G coverage here. By the time I do, I'll probably already be getting a new phone.
Also while I don't put much stock what an email from a Verizon spokesperson says, at least Verizon acknowledges the phone and it will at least come out eventually. I hope it really does come out in July though.
At least it will work on ATT's fake 4G HSPA+.
To work on Verizon's LTE would require a big redesign.
Meets34 said:
At least it will work on ATT's fake 4G HSPA+.
To work on Verizon's LTE would require a big redesign.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought it was supposed to be AT&T's first LTE phone? I read that online somewhere but can't find it now. AT&T was also supposed to be the first to launch so maybe the hold up is getting the LTE radio working. AT&T's LTE network is supposed to light up in a couple of weeks and they still have nothing that can run on it. Yet they're introducing a slew of high-end devices that work on a network that's outdated. Strange.
P.S. - Now that I think about it, it may be the combination of CDMA and LTE that prompted VZW and Samsung to skip LTE. That will still be strange though if Sprint's variant ends up being CDMA/Wi-Max.
BarryH_GEG said:
I thought it was supposed to be AT&T's first LTE phone? I read that online somewhere but can't find it now. AT&T was also supposed to be the first to launch so maybe the hold up is getting the LTE radio working. AT&T's LTE network is supposed to light up in a couple of weeks and they still have nothing that can run on it. Yet they're introducing a slew of high-end devices that work on a network that's outdated. Strange.
P.S. - Now that I think about it, it may be the combination of CDMA and LTE that prompted VZW and Samsung to skip LTE. That will still be strange though if Sprint's variant ends up being CDMA/Wi-Max.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adding the LTE radio and chipset would probably require redesigning the phone. The current LTE phones are really big and thick.
Meets34 said:
Adding the LTE radio and chipset would probably require redesigning the phone. The current LTE phones are really big and thick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bad for AT&T but good for all of us who imported a non-branded SGS2. I assumed that AT&T's LTE version was going to make our phones (at least in the U.S.) outdated. If it ends of being the same phone with AT&T "enhancements" it makes our decision (and the price) worthwhile.
Excuse my ignorance, but what are the chances of the carriers making the phone better? I don't know how, just asking.
I don't know if i should just wait to see the differences with the ATT version or just buy the unlocked one now
MrLeon said:
Excuse my ignorance, but what are the chances of the carriers making the phone better? I don't know how, just asking.
I don't know if i should just wait to see the differences with the ATT version or just buy the unlocked one now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well there's always the chance you can get a nice cold refreshing glass of lemonade in Hell...
MrLeon said:
Excuse my ignorance, but what are the chances of the carriers making the phone better? I don't know how, just asking.
I don't know if i should just wait to see the differences with the ATT version or just buy the unlocked one now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very close to zero. They will just add bloatware.
The only good thing is the subsidized price.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-said-to-be-verizon-bound-in-july/
damn engadget says they were talking about the New galaxy tab :\
boondoc said:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-said-to-be-verizon-bound-in-july/
damn engadget says they were talking about the New galaxy tab :\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just saw that as well. LAME!!
Yep, can never trust those spokesperson emails. God damn.
Thank goodness it's for the tab I'm not eligible until 9/4/2011
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk
You guys need to realize JUST how hard it is to design and properly tune for LTE bands. I work in antenna design, and I can tell you it takes quite a bit to tune the noise down on the LTE frequencies. Add that to the fact that antenna real estate is already extremely tight in an ultra thin device like the SGSII (especially when taking GSM, WIFI, bluetooth, and GPS into account), the only way to get LTE in would be to have one/several of the other bands to suffer AND/OR make the device much, much thicker.
Until active antenna solutions are more readily available, this will continue to be a problem with passive antenna design, especially with small form factor devices like mobile phones.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Yes, I realize I may get harassed for this, however, I get much better US LTE cvoverage around me than I do the AT&T 3G, therefore, if you pick up a LTE 7.7 from Verizon and are interested in swapping for my 100% perfect condition International 3G version, let me know.
Thanks!
i dont think its out yet.
codeworks said:
Yes, I realize I may get harassed for this, however, I get much better US LTE cvoverage around me than I do the AT&T 3G, therefore, if you pick up a LTE 7.7 from Verizon and are interested in swapping for my 100% perfect condition International 3G version, let me know.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry that you don't have such decent AT&T coverage where you are, but I humbly propose that you are bat$hit crazy for wanting a locked down carrier subsidized device from Verizon... No offense...
I mean, with the VZW 7.7, you're saying goodbye to phone functionality, bigger community support (different internal hardware, different device, separate support). Also you're also saying goodbye to a device free of carrier bloat, lock-downs, and restrictions, just to name a few.
If LTE is all you want, get a VZW LTE hotspot and keep your P6800. Best of both worlds!
Whoever traded with you would give you a locked device, tied to a two year contract.
Is there an easy way to unlock a device under current contract? Seems like you could only use it if you assumed the contract too.
Alternative suggestion: sell your device on here, for maybe $50 less than you paid, and get your own Verizon contract.
Hate to see anyone go to the Dark Side though....
mywingtophone said:
i dont think its out yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Comes out thursday.
Verizon is charging insane prices though.
spridell said:
Comes out thursday.
Verizon is charging insane prices though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much is the no contract price for it?
---------- Post added at 04:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:00 PM ----------
codeworks said:
Yes, I realize I may get harassed for this, however, I get much better US LTE cvoverage around me than I do the AT&T 3G, therefore, if you pick up a LTE 7.7 from Verizon and are interested in swapping for my 100% perfect condition International 3G version, let me know.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any interest on trading for this?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1520529
Asked this in another thread. But do we know if there will ever be an international unlocked LTE version? I want to get one and use it with Rogers LTE in Canada.
charliechocolate said:
Asked this in another thread. But do we know if there will ever be an international unlocked LTE version? I want to get one and use it with Rogers LTE in Canada.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If there will be, you won't get it from Verizon. Theoretically, if AT&T offers one that will have a user-accessible SIM card so you could possibly have the device unlocked and use it with other compatible carriers. But, there's no indication that AT&T will be offering the 7.7 at this point.
mywingtophone said:
How much is the no contract price for it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks to be $699 off contract with Verizon
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
I'm sorry that you don't have such decent AT&T coverage where you are, but I humbly propose that you are bat$hit crazy for wanting a locked down carrier subsidized device from Verizon... No offense...
I mean, with the VZW 7.7, you're saying goodbye to phone functionality, bigger community support (different internal hardware, different device, separate support). Also you're also saying goodbye to a device free of carrier bloat, lock-downs, and restrictions, just to name a few.
If LTE is all you want, get a VZW LTE hotspot and keep your P6800. Best of both worlds!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Internal hardware is the same with the obvious exception of the radios. There's already separate support for the WiFi and 3G models. There will be greater support for the LTE model because of its increased availability vs the international 3G. Both will be eclipsed by WiFi support when its more commercially avaliable, however, as evident in the tab's bigger brothers.
You're trading the ****ty "phone functionality"(find me a review praising this ability, the ones I've read trash the speaker/microphone) for the slightly more useful IR Blaster. Its a tablet and you(general populace) look stupid holding a 7.7" device to your face. I understand the rational of wanting to carry one device to suit all your needs, but... seriously. There only bloatware on the tablet is what Samsung put there as far as I know(I.e. Samsung apps, Peel, etc). Not to mention with the upcoming ICS upgrade, any worries about bloatware go out the window. I'm hard pressed to think of what "lock downs" and "restrictions" you're so worried about.
EDIT: all that being said, I agree with the MiFi solution. Its the path of least resistance.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
unremarked said:
Internal hardware is the same with the obvious exception of the radios. There's already separate support for the WiFi and 3G models. There will be greater support for the LTE model because of its increased availability vs the international 3G. Both will be eclipsed by WiFi support when its more commercially avaliable, however, as evident in the tab's bigger brothers.
You're trading the ****ty "phone functionality"(find me a review praising this ability, the ones I've read trash the speaker/microphone) for the slightly more useful IR Blaster. Its a tablet and you(general populace) look stupid holding a 7.7" device to your face. I understand the rational of wanting to carry one device to suit all your needs, but... seriously. There only bloatware on the tablet is what Samsung put there as far as I know(I.e. Samsung apps, Peel, etc). Not to mention with the upcoming ICS upgrade, any worries about bloatware go out the window. I'm hard pressed to think of what "lock downs" and "restrictions" you're so worried about.
EDIT: all that being said, I agree with the MiFi solution. Its the path of least resistance.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think both of the internals are the same. The International version has an Exynos chip. I believe the LTE Verizon version does not have the Exynos chip. Exynos doesnt play nice with LTE so it must be a different chip.
I have been reading through all the blog posts regarding the Verizon release tomorrow, however, I have yet to see what processor is included within the device.
I have also heard that Exynos processors have issues with LTE radios, so I am guessing we will get the Snapdragon in this one.
Now, if tomorrow were today, Verizon would only be charging $399 for the device since they are knocking off $100 on every 4G LTE device for Leap Day.
The Samsung product website claims that it is Exynos. AFAIK it is the only device on which an Exynos SoC is paired with an LTE baseband (though that site doesn't say what the baseband is).
For whst its worth, according to folks(Anandtech, Engadget, etc) who handled the LTE model at CES, it is Exynos 1.4ghz processor.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 7.7
Samsung must have been able to get their Exynos chip to work with LTE.
This is great news if true. Especially for the upcoming Galaxy SIII.
Is it more compatible/capable with at&t rather than tmobile? For TMob the F would be lacking a 3g band which might affect calling. For atnt the F version would be lacking LTE band 30 which I'm sure nobody is concerned about at the moment.
Trying to figure this out. Looking at the s7 edge F possibly but would rather have the note6 F version if Samsung keeps up this bootloader bs. I'm still on my note4 and have never owned a phone this long. Moto X is probably a no go. They've gone mad. Sony is too expensive and not my style. LG is just weak sauce all around. HTC might get my cash but they need a bigger phone comparable to note series with big battery. Nexus doesn't have microSD support. I'm going mad. Need new phone.
You will lack VOLTE, and band 30 which is hardly anywhere. Everything else is a dream, and, they don't block the built in hotspot feature so unlimited data plans on the F are awesome.
When you make a call you will get H+, which has the same download speed for me as LTE. Upload is much slower though but I don't really care about that when on the phone.
Volte and band 30 are not issues. Just wondering if atnt is a better option for the int'l version. I think 1700 will be missing for tmobile for voice. Or 1900. Forgot. That's an issue because I don't like running 2g. Waste of battery these days.
I use mine on t-mobile and haven't noticed any difference reception wise with t-mobile's own variant (I have both), except wifi calling and volte (which I don't use)
Not worried about reception. Worried about usability. WiFi calling isn't even an issue with hangouts. Do users not miss a beat on T-Mobile or is atnt the better option for int'l version?
Root is essential to my use. Custom Roms aren't. Custom kernels can be but most are junk to me these days and a few devs have burned me so I usually stay stock kernels. But what I'm really getting at I need as much bands available as available. Atnt is a better choice but way oversaturated in Houston and data speeds suffer. Was hoping to see 600mhz bamds supported this generation but looks like probably won't happen til next gen or two. I'd rather stay with tmobile, but if they aren't gonna keep unlocked bootloaders for the minority that need it then I need to change phone variations and carriers.
Sprint sold to T-Mobile and T-Mobile is selling off Sprint bands between now and Q1 2022 requiring a phone change to stay on their network. I like my V20 and am not impressed with the new Android phones on offer. (*)
Are there any US providers with whom a Sprint V20 will still work? Good 4G performance (1-10Mbps) is fine for my needs and I need to have reliable SMS. I don't want 5G, HD video, gaming performance, or anything like that. I've checked the usual AT&T, Verizon, etc. but unless I'm misreading something, their networks will not accept this phone.
(*) I just sent back a Pixel 5a/5g after preferring the V20 in a side-by-side comparison.
Verizon
I checked with the IMEI and Vzn says it is not comaptible?
Which V20 do you have? vs995 is the Verizon model, and will work on Verizon. us996 is the unlocked model, and will work on Verizon (that's what I use on verizon). Other models of the v20 will be tied to their particular carrier.
Mine says LS997 in one of the panels. As mentioned in the original post, I am currently with Sprint. The phone boots with a Sprint splash screen but should be unlocked. Hoping to find a compatible provider.
That is the Spring Model, apparently only compatible with Spring. Sorry. :-(
The Sprint V20 isn't configured to get VoLTE and doesn't pass any whitelist or IMEI compatibility check for the 3 U.S. carriers, so you'll have to switch to one of the other carrier-branded models, either the H918 for T-Mobile, H910 for AT&T, or VS995 for Verizon.
If your LS997 really is SIM-unlocked, and you can change APN settings (Sprint phones are notorious for having that option grayed out, regardless of whether they are SIM-unlocked or not), then you may still be able to get it to work on T-Mobile without VoLTE until they shut down both 3G and 2G networks next year. However, even before their shut downs, T-Mobile may start actively blocking phones at any time like AT&T do, so I wouldn't go with an LS997 as the only phone.
This blows so much in the wrong ways. Still have the ls997, but had get free a71 to keep service for TMobile. Tech waste at its finest. Forced to do unwanted.
Thanks, everyone. Looks like I am out of luck and have to get another phone regardless of cellular provider.
I am interested in recommendations something 2 or more years old that I could get refurbished to work with what's coming so I can trawl eBay. I'll look for other V20s per @C D but options would be good.
What I like about the V20 and would like to carry over in no particular order.
- Replaceable battery (hence older models)
- Notifications are fast (The Pixel 5a/5g I returned had issues)
- Camera with manual settings. Not an expert photographer but the manual mode has come in handy
- Runs the few apps I care about effortlessly (BlueMail, Newpipe, Berlin Philharmonic apps)
- Slot for a memory card
- Second screen
- Rock solid Bluetooth performance
Rich_Palermo said:
Thanks, everyone. Looks like I am out of luck and have to get another phone regardless of cellular provider.
I am interested in recommendations something 2 or more years old that I could get refurbished to work with what's coming so I can trawl eBay. I'll look for other V20s per @C D but options would be good.
What I like about the V20 and would like to carry over in no particular order.
- Replaceable battery (hence older models)
- Notifications are fast (The Pixel 5a/5g I returned had issues)
- Camera with manual settings. Not an expert photographer but the manual mode has come in handy
- Runs the few apps I care about effortlessly (BlueMail, Newpipe, Berlin Philharmonic apps)
- Slot for a memory card
- Second screen
- Rock solid Bluetooth performance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on that, I'd say if you can go with Verizon or its MVNOs, the Verizon LG V50 would fit most of these. It has roughly the same size as the V20 and still has the fingerprint scanner on the back, too. I guess you'd have to test the notifications and Bluetooth performance, but as long as whatever seller you go with has a good return policy, that shouldn't be a problem.
The second screen doesn't really exist in any phone other than the V10 and V20, and a removable battery only exists in phones (Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro and Teracube 2e) that are more of a sidegrade/downgrade to the V20 while missing many of its features.
If you need compatibility with all U.S. carriers and don't mind the bigger size and lower screen resolution, there is a carrier model of the V60 for each of the big 3 carriers.
Another notable older all-rounder that's easy to find renewed/refurbished on eBay would be the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 if you don't mind the curved screen and being stuck on Android 10.
I own both a Sprint V50 and a Note 9 (both rooted), and while they lack the removable battery and second screen, they both have an LED notification light (though the V50 has a weird one on the back that's also the 5G logo) and absolutely blow away the V20 in both performance and battery life. Unfortunately, I can't recommend the Sprint V50 yet since I can't seem to get a signal to stay on T-Mobile, and while it does work perfectly on an AT&T MVNO, AT&T could block it at any point since it's not on their whitelist.
You may be able to find most of these for around $300 or less in mint/refurbished/open box shape, and it's up to you to decide if those are worth over getting a different V20 at likely less than half the price.
I will chase all of these down! The Pixel 5a/5g I tried was Android 12 and I thought it was hard to use compared to prior versions. Lots of UI customization features I don't need/want at the expense of core capabilities. My V20 has Android 8 and it works just fine.
I think Sprint is out of the equation and whatever I get has to be for one or more of the other carriers/their resellers.
Hi guys,
I realize that the main carriers in the US will be dropping the old network protocols in 2022, which means my current V20 will no longer work for voice calls. From what I gather, I'd need to run a stock/stock-based ROM to get VoLTE working, which is a deal breaker for me. I need recent security updates and modern Android releases on my phones.
With that being said, any thoughts on a replacement device this coming year? I will certainly miss the replaceable battery the most. Is there a device you recommend that has a relatively easy battery to replace? Honestly, the phone is used for light browsing, email, etc. Pictures and movies are frequently taken from it, so a good camera is a must. The memory card is paramount today, but unsure how long this can last. A device with an active development history with root access, should it be needed, is required for this replacement.
I've been spoiled with the V20 for years now. I just don't know where to start replacing it. Your opinions are greatly appreciated!
The options in the U.S. for a proper replacement are slim to none, depending on your priorities. I don't know much about how easy it is to replace batteries for newer phones, but I can give you an overview for most of the other stuff:
- Phones with hand-removable batteries: Probably not worth going for at this point. Most have specs that are barely better than the V20 with lower screen resolutions, and spare batteries are much less common to find for them. And half of them are from Europe and therefore have almost zero usable LTE bands in the U.S.
- Phones with non-stock custom ROMs that have VoLTE working in the U.S.: Probably limited to the Google Pixels, Motorola, and OnePlus models. Forget about all LG and Samsung phones here since they both use closed-source proprietary files that makes it pretty much impossible for anyone to figure out how to get VoLTE and other stock features to work on AOSP or LineageOS-type ROMs. And unfortunately, Pixels and the higher end OnePlus phones have no microSD card slots, and Motorola phones haven't been known for top quality cameras in a long time.
- Others: There are also Sony phones, but their higher end models are so expensive that I never bothered looking far into any of them.
So, it looks like you'll have to decide which features are must-haves for you and which are OK to let go in order to widen your options a bit.
C D said:
The options in the U.S. for a proper replacement are slim to none, depending on your priorities. I don't know much about how easy it is to replace batteries for newer phones, but I can give you an overview for most of the other stuff:
- Phones with hand-removable batteries: Probably not worth going for at this point. Most have specs that are barely better than the V20 with lower screen resolutions, and spare batteries are much less common to find for them. And half of them are from Europe and therefore have almost zero usable LTE bands in the U.S.
- Phones with non-stock custom ROMs that have VoLTE working in the U.S.: Probably limited to the Google Pixels, Motorola, and OnePlus models. Forget about all LG and Samsung phones here since they both use closed-source proprietary files that makes it pretty much impossible for anyone to figure out how to get VoLTE and other stock features to work on AOSP or LineageOS-type ROMs. And unfortunately, Pixels and the higher end OnePlus phones have no microSD card slots, and Motorola phones haven't been known for top quality cameras in a long time.
- Others: There are also Sony phones, but their higher end models are so expensive that I never bothered looking far into any of them.
So, it looks like you'll have to decide which features are must-haves for you and which are OK to let go in order to widen your options a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for taking the time. I really appreciate the input. Yeah, this is pretty much what I expected. The reason I am leaving the V20, and also a Samsung Note 4 isn't because they no longer work for me, but because of the VoLTE push. It makes me sad. ;(
I have looked at the removable battery options, and to your point, the specs are horrible. I don't think a truly removable battery will work. However, if there's a phone with a non-removable battery that doesn't take an act of God to change, that would be an option.
I do not want to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars every couple of years for a new device. Custom ROMs have made these devices last years and years. It's also better for the environment. I don't need 20 cores and a TB of RAM in a phone based on my use cases unlike everyone seems to think they do. Without the ability to custom ROM, once the manufacturer ditches the device, it forces one to spend again even though it could last many more years. It seems many aren't really too worried or informed about running a computer in your pocket missing critical security updates. These truths irk the **** out of me!
I wonder if a Pixel would suffice despite the lack of external storage... I know they get updates pretty quickly, are being supported for like 5 years by Google, etc. I think development is pretty active for them too, but I'll have to investigate. The Sony suggestion was a good one to mention, but yeah, ridiculous in price.
I guess I'll start there. If anyone else has other suggestions or advice, I greatly appreciate it. I haven't had to stay up with things because of these wonderful devices and the plethora of options over the years. All good things must come to an end...
I, too, would like to find a more current phone with an easily replaceable battery (pref. without using a heat gun). But it needs to be rootable.
The Galaxy Xcover Pro looked promising (replaceable battery), but isn't rooted.
Wish the Fairphone would come to the states.
Anyone else care to share?
From what I have read, any device that has 3g, phones or other devices - are screwed. All forced upgrade.
Mysticblaze347 said:
From what I have read, any device that has 3g, phones or other devices - are screwed. All forced upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, exactly. So, coming from a V20, and based on my loose requirements above, have you any suggestions for a new device?
DaCHeF36 said:
Yup, exactly. So, coming from a V20, and based on my loose requirements above, have you any suggestions for a new device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish I did. Removable battery and specs is key. Then features. All phones in the US are non removable battery that are 5G able which is required at most if not all carriers. I personally am with Sprint - well now Tmobile. I still have my V20 (out of service). Free downgrade was Samsung A71 5G. It sucks. Decent specs with no OEM Unlock. No current support anywhere to root.
I have been looking but no luck so far.
Mysticblaze347 said:
I wish I did. Removable battery and specs is key. Then features. All phones in the US are non removable battery that are 5G able which is required at most if not all carriers. I personally am with Sprint - well now Tmobile. I still have my V20 (out of service). Free downgrade was Samsung A71 5G. It sucks. Decent specs with no OEM Unlock. No current support anywhere to root.
I have been looking but no luck so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, North American Samsung phones have locked bootloaders. The only current way to get some of them rooted is if they haven't been updated past a certain date due to anti-rollback (Sounds awfully familiar to us LS997 owners, doesn't it?) and then go through a paid service like this one (you can see the supported devices and required software versions – bootloader version numbers are the 5th digit from the right in the baseband version – in the 2nd post).
My understanding is that our phones (V20) will continue to work for now since they have 4g. Yes, we can also access the 3g band, but my phone rarely switches to it. We should be fine for a while on the V20 on 4g.
PS - That's presuming our phones are stock or near-stock and still have functioning VoLTE / HD calls. Stock Android and A_O (Alpha Omega) ROM has this. I believe these phones are safe to use in 2022 and beyond when 3g drops.
baldybill said:
My understanding is that our phones (V20) will continue to work for now since they have 4g. Yes, we can also access the 3g band, but my phone rarely switches to it. We should be fine for a while on the V20 on 4g.
PS - That's presuming our phones are stock or near-stock and still have functioning VoLTE / HD calls. Stock Android and A_O (Alpha Omega) ROM has this. I believe these phones are safe to use in 2022 and beyond when 3g drops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, but it also depends on what the carrier supports as AT&T and Verizon use whitelists.
In the U.S., VoLTE support on the American V20 models goes something like this (and of course stock-based ROMs are a must for this):
- H910 gets VoLTE on AT&T and its MVNOs
- H918 gets VoLTE on T-Mobile and its MVNOs
- VS995 gets VoLTE on Verizon and its MVNOs
- US996 may get VoLTE on some of the above. I've gotten it to work on T-Mobile, 1 out of 2 T-Mobile MVNOs (worked on Tracfone's T-Mobile card but not Liberty Wireless), and an AT&T MVNO (Red Pocket's GSMA).
- LS997 is not configured to have VoLTE out of the box, so any LS997 that has been updated past May 2017 will for sure soon be useless in the U.S. for making and receiving phone calls. For the few of us who still have the older rooted LS997 models, I will soon look into installing Alpha Omega ROMs from the US996 to see if VoLTE can get enabled through there since the hardware is likely present, but I'm not getting my hopes up.
baldybill said:
My understanding is that our phones (V20) will continue to work for now since they have 4g. Yes, we can also access the 3g band, but my phone rarely switches to it. We should be fine for a while on the V20 on 4g.
PS - That's presuming our phones are stock or near-stock and still have functioning VoLTE / HD calls. Stock Android and A_O (Alpha Omega) ROM has this. I believe these phones are safe to use in 2022 and beyond when 3g drops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not 100% sure about the V20, but I know the Note 4 has 4G, but for data only. It requires calls over 3G on non-stock ROMs. I don't run stock LG ROMs because they are way behind on security updates. Just upgraded to LOS 18.1 giving me security updates from 12/2021. It's much safer.
If you mean that VoLTE will work on a stock-base ROM, you are probably correct. However, that's not an option for me, and in reality, it really shouldn't be for others too! Many, many people are either ignorant to or just don't care about security. There are so many vulnerabilities, including RCE ones, addressed constantly. This is a handheld computer, so it's just like leaving unpatched systems on your network. If you're running Windows 7 still, for example, you're asking to get owned. Bad idea.
Thanks for your feedback though. It is appreciated! If you have any replacement recommendations, I am all ears!
I'll be watching this thread to see where others land, as far as their next device.
Both my wife and I have US996's on Verizon. I'm on A-O Oreo with HD calling enabled. Hers is not on A-O Oreo, hd calling is enabled in the account, but I can't get the toggle in the settings to be "un-greyed". Tried the trick to turn it on and off online, but the page errors out everytime. Guess I'll have to make the time to get her phone flashed to see if that fixes it.
All that aside, I too have been facing the same dilemma as the OP. SD card, root, and straight forward disassembly would be my main needs. IR blaster would be nice. I don't mind replacing a non-removable battery, have disassembled many devices requiring heat.
pistacios said:
I'll be watching this thread to see where others land, as far as their next device.
Both my wife and I have US996's on Verizon. I'm on A-O Oreo with HD calling enabled. Hers is not on A-O Oreo, hd calling is enabled in the account, but I can't get the toggle in the settings to be "un-greyed". Tried the trick to turn it on and off online, but the page errors out everytime. Guess I'll have to make the time to get her phone flashed to see if that fixes it.
All that aside, I too have been facing the same dilemma as the OP. SD card, root, and straight forward disassembly would be my main needs. IR blaster would be nice. I don't mind replacing a non-removable battery, have disassembled many devices requiring heat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear you're in the same predicament...
I'm trying to justify my SD requirement these days. Why is it one for you exactly?
DaCHeF36 said:
Sorry to hear you're in the same predicament...
I'm trying to justify my SD requirement these days. Why is it one for you exactly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mainly because if anything happens where I can't access internal phone storage due to hardware failure, at least I know I can salvage data from the SD card externally.
C D said:
Right, but it also depends on what the carrier supports as AT&T and Verizon use whitelists.
In the U.S., VoLTE support on the American V20 models goes something like this (and of course stock-based ROMs are a must for this):
- H910 gets VoLTE on AT&T and its MVNOs
- H918 gets VoLTE on T-Mobile and its MVNOs
- VS995 gets VoLTE on Verizon and its MVNOs
- US996 may get VoLTE on some of the above. I've gotten it to work on T-Mobile, 1 out of 2 T-Mobile MVNOs (worked on Tracfone's T-Mobile card but not Liberty Wireless), and an AT&T MVNO (Red Pocket's GSMA).
- LS997 is not configured to have VoLTE out of the box, so any LS997 that has been updated past May 2017 will for sure soon be useless in the U.S. for making and receiving phone calls. For the few of us who still have the older rooted LS997 models, I will soon look into installing Alpha Omega ROMs from the US996 to see if VoLTE can get enabled through there since the hardware is likely present, but I'm not getting my hopes up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crossing my fingers that my US996 (w/AO Rom) will work with Verizon. So far, I can toggle the "HD Calls" switch in the settings, so I'm hopeful.
If not, I'll prob. use the VS995.
pistacios said:
Mainly because if anything happens where I can't access internal phone storage due to hardware failure, at least I know I can salvage data from the SD card externally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes perfect sense. BTW, pistachios rock! lol..
baldybill said:
Crossing my fingers that my US996 (w/AO Rom) will work with Verizon. So far, I can toggle the "HD Calls" switch in the settings, so I'm hopeful.
If not, I'll prob. use the VS995.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My US996 w/A-O on Verizon has made calls over 4gLTE. The only way I'm able to confirm that is if the recipient of the call is also "HD calling", it will show an "HD" icon in green during the call.
Really wish I could figure out WIFI calling. That would probably take flashing a VS995 ROM, and that still is a gamble.
Another wish would be if LG would have just released the propietary files to make it all work with a Lineage based ROM, since they are no longer in the mobile game and have closed the bootloader unlock service as of late November.
Does anyone share concerns over running stock-based software that hasn't been updated for years to continue using these devices? Are you aware of the critical vulnerabilities released monthly for Android OSes? I just want to make sure everyone understands the risks of such an approach.
pistacios said:
Really wish I could figure out WIFI calling. That would probably take flashing a VS995 ROM, and that still is a gamble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wi-Fi calling is heavily carrier-based, and since there never was a universal all-carrier USA V20 model, you almost certainly have to be on VS995 firmware to get it. Another lesser-known thing to try would be changing your US996's IMEI number to another one that still passes Verizon's IMEI check if you happen to have a phone like that around. I cannot openly discuss the method here since it's illegal in some countries (but not the U.S. – more info here) but it's quite simple to do, and you can message me if you need some pointers. This can be done on my LS997 and US996 but not the H918.
DaCHeF36 said:
Does anyone share concerns over running stock-based software that hasn't been updated for years to continue using these devices? Are you aware of the critical vulnerabilities released monthly for Android OSes? I just want to make sure everyone understands the risks of such an approach.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To me, it mainly depends on what you do on your phone. My usage is likely quite different from yours. You can see my view on this and what my post-V20 daily driver phone has been since September in a similar topic thread on the V20 Subreddit from a few months ago.
And if you want to have a deeper look, you can see most of the stuff of what I've been running on my V20s over here.