[Q] SM-N910A vs SM-N910T - Galaxy Note 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

From looking at the radio specs for both the SM-N910A and SM-N910T, it appears that the 910T is capable of operating on the AT&T network equally as well as the 910A. Meaning, that the 910T's radio covers all the bands the 910A does, and a little bit more. Is my reasoning sound?

Thanks for the help people. I really appreciate it.

Yes, the N910T will work on AT&T. I have been using my N910T on AT&T for 6 months with no issues. I get a better signal with my Note 4 than I got with my AT&T Note 3. You will need to sim unlock it if it isn't already unlocked. You can get a code for $30 from cellunlocker.net.

Thanks for the reply
Face_Plant said:
Yes, the N910T will work on AT&T. I have been using my N910T on AT&T for 6 months with no issues. I get a better signal with my Note 4 than I got with my AT&T Note 3. You will need to sim unlock it if it isn't already unlocked. You can get a code for $30 from cellunlocker.net.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! Glad to hear my analysis was correct. I went ahead and took the plunge on the 12th and bought a used N910T that was already sim unlocked, thus the lateness in my reply as I've been monkeying around with the phone and not paying much attention to my email.
I miss the GUI simplicity of CM11 M12 that I was running on my S4. I am also annoyed that they decided to replace the hardware (built-in software?) menu button with whatever the history button is called. I find myself hitting the history button quite a bit out of long habit of the menu button being in its place. I really think I'm going to have to see if I can do something about changing that button's functionality as I'm quite happy with a double-click of the true hardware button presenting the history.
Other than these trivial bits I'm happy with the phone, and hope I don't get a serious case of Note 5 envy when it comes out. Won't happen if they decide to continue the S6 design changes with the Note 5 (non-replaceable battery and lack of microSD card).
Again, thanks for the info.

Smart move as the N910A is a piece of **** and can't be rom-ed or rooted.

Related

[Q]

Ok,... a NOOB question.. (ok.. three questions) (and yes, I have looked around, and I did not see answers to my question… or i was too dim to understand it….. :/ )
Question 1)
I switched from AT&T to T-Mobile. my Note 3 is is unlocked, and rooted.
This is probably a silly question, but When I look at “ROMS” and “MODS” for my phone, should I be looking for an “AT&T “ phone? or a T-MOBILE” ?? is there any actual HARDWARE difference?
I have a SM-N900A (branded AT&T) … does that mean I can not use ROMS that are for the T-Mobile note 3s? or do I have to only use ROMS that are for the AT&T note 3?
Should I just sell my AT&T note 3, and buy a T-Mobile Note 3 ??
I would like to get rid of the AT&T bloatware… especially since I am no longer on their network.
I am not trying to go over the top with my phone, and I would like to be able keep the s-pen features (but I have to admit, I still need to LEARN how to use it better!)
Question 2)
I just tried to use my hotspot on my Note3, and I am gettingan "invalad sim" error...
I am guessing that I do nto have enough of the AT&T stuff out of it?
Question 3)
Another “feature” that I would like, (maybe a second question/thread?) if about tethering.. I have unlimited data on my phone, but as I understand it, they will only allow 2gigs as a hotspot. I think I read somewhere that some ROMS combine the two…
Thank you for any advice…
Danny
Okay, I can help you with a few of your questions...
Q1. Since your phone (the service provider doesn't matter, the hardware does) is ATT, you will need to get your Roms and such from the ATT area.
ATT, in all their ridiculous glory, locked the bootloader on our phones, and thus we have to SafeStrap in order to use roms.
It's a little wonky, but it's almost as good. Our development is growing and more roms are getting ported over every day.
But if you want more control over your device and can afford it, I would personally recommend to switch to a TMo device.
As for removing bloatware, most of the roms are pre slimmed, and you can fix the rest by freezing apps with TiBu. And you can still do that without losing the TouchWiz and SPen functions.
Q2. The Invalid sim issue is likely because you have a TMo sim card in ATT software. There's a Tether Provisioning app that can be frozen to prevent that.
Q3. I'm not too sure how TMo handles it's Tethering monitoring. You'll have to ask that in the TMo note forum.
I hope I could help you at all. =D
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Ryo Misaki said:
Okay, I can help you with a few of your questions...
Q1. Since your phone (the service provider doesn't matter, the hardware does) is ATT, you will need to get your Roms and such from the ATT area.
ATT, in all their ridiculous glory, locked the bootloader on our phones, and thus we have to SafeStrap in order to use roms.
It's a little wonky, but it's almost as good. Our development is growing and more roms are getting ported over every day.
But if you want more control over your device and can afford it, I would personally recommend to switch to a TMo device.
As for removing bloatware, most of the roms are pre slimmed, and you can fix the rest by freezing apps with TiBu. And you can still do that without losing the TouchWiz and SPen functions.
Q2. The Invalid sim issue is likely because you have a TMo sim card in ATT software. There's a Tether Provisioning app that can be frozen to prevent that.
Q3. I'm not too sure how TMo handles it's Tethering monitoring. You'll have to ask that in the TMo note forum.
I hope I could help you at all. =D
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the help!!
I have decided to buy myself a T-Mobile Note 3, and sell my AT&T version...
I had rooted my (using Kingo) about a month ago, to fix the GPS driver problem... But that was ALL I did, after rooting it... and I think this week, AT&T sent out an update (mandatory... cause I never saw it!)... which not only broke my "root" ... but broke my GPS again as well.
So now I say good bye to my brand new, with the EXTRA insuarance plan from Best Buy phone, and start looking for a used Note 3 that is not bootloader locked
AVOID AT&T
D

TMobile VS International Note 4 (Like Note 3 or S5?)

When the Note 3 was released there was a pretty big difference between the two phones that initially made flashing roms from International on TMobile - wifi wouldn't work intially - internal SD Card was wiped frequently on flashing and a bunch of other issues made flashing International ROMS on TMOBILE phones difficult at first. (this was fixed later but it took a while)
The S5 was a lot different - I am not a technician or Developer by any means - but as a novice looking in - it almost seemed like International and Tmobile mobile note 3's were almost entirely different phones - whereas the S5's were almost identical.
I realize I maybe oversimplifying this - but doing so to make a point. I am very curious about what will happen with the Note 4. I doubt if there is any way to know until both phones are out and Devs start creating roms - but I wonder if the NOTE 4 will be more like it was with the NOTE 3 or will they be more like it was with the S5 ? Samsung will never listen to me but I think you know how I would vote -
looking forward to the NEXT BIG THING....
Not sure if you look at gsmarena or phonescoop, but kind of like the GN3, GS3 etc. The GN4 US variant has Q-com Snapdragon CPU, Int'l has Exynos (sp?) So some hardware is similar.
But T-mo variants vs other,like before T-mo rom has wifi call capability. Others do not.
papabear said:
Not sure if you look at gsmarena or phonescoop, but kind of like the GN3, GS3 etc. The GN4 US variant has Q-com Snapdragon CPU, Int'l has Exynos (sp?) So some hardware is similar.
But T-mo variants vs other,like before T-mo rom has wifi call capability. Others do not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint also has wifi calling
papabear said:
Not sure if you look at gsmarena or phonescoop, but kind of like the GN3, GS3 etc. The GN4 US variant has Q-com Snapdragon CPU, Int'l has Exynos (sp?) So some hardware is similar.
But T-mo variants vs other,like before T-mo rom has wifi call capability. Others do not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I realize that WIFI Calling is a major difference between international and TMOBILE - but I was more interested in the file structure of the phone and how wifi - or data works - not sure the reason, but it originally was difficult to flash International ROMS on the TMOBILE Note 3 - data wifi didn't work - data didn't work - and often the Internal SD card was wiped. When the S5 was released, the phones were so similar none of these problems happened. I was flashing International ROMS in the first day or two that the S5 was released.
I am not a dev so I can't speak to the reasons why it was this way on the NOte 3 - but except for the obvious differences (wifi Calling for example) I am only hoping that the Note 4 is more like it was with the S5 than it was with the note 3.
Lets make sure first that Tmobile keep its bootloader unlocked!
kinda like papabear was saying, i believe the S5 international vs US both had snapdragon, which made them very compatible. the GN3 had exynos/snapdragon, and that made them quite different. exynos didn't have near as much development.
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=6033&idPhone2=6434
The GS4 was really good with cross compatibility. The T-Mo and i9505 variants were very similar, both had the same CPU, etc. You could flash the same ROMs but not radios/modems or bootloaders. My concern is if the International Note 4 will work with T-Mo LTE since it doesn't have the 1700 band.
Dont forget about band 12.
Do we know If the international version N910F supportd Tmobile LTE? I think I saw a video on phonedog and the Josh was using an international version with a tmo sim card.
Any confirmation?
daraj said:
Do we know If the international version N910F supportd Tmobile LTE? I think I saw a video on phonedog and the Josh was using an international version with a tmo sim card.
Any confirmation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Notice how the symbol says 4G and not 4G LTE
Kawaisa said:
Notice how the symbol says 4G and not 4G LTE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, on the international models it doesnt say 4G LTE . It displays either LTE or 4G next to the reception bars.
mocsab said:
I realize that WIFI Calling is a major difference between international and TMOBILE - but I was more interested in the file structure of the phone and how wifi - or data works - not sure the reason, but it originally was difficult to flash International ROMS on the TMOBILE Note 3 - data wifi didn't work - data didn't work - and often the Internal SD card was wiped. When the S5 was released, the phones were so similar none of these problems happened. I was flashing International ROMS in the first day or two that the S5 was released.
I am not a dev so I can't speak to the reasons why it was this way on the NOte 3 - but except for the obvious differences (wifi Calling for example) I am only hoping that the Note 4 is more like it was with the S5 than it was with the note 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used Samsung phone for a while, but from past experience I'm pretty sure that you only need to flash appropriate radio/kernel to get data and WiFi working again. just my 2 cents.
I've got my eyes on the note 4 and thinking about getting one to play with, I have Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 2013, yeah, I know I'm a Nexus junkie
Lancez said:
I haven't used Samsung phone for a while, but from past experience I'm pretty sure that you only need to flash appropriate radio/kernel to get data and WiFi working again. just my 2 cents.
I've got my eyes on the note 4 and thinking about getting one to play with, I have Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 2013, yeah, I know I'm a Nexus junkie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That actually wasn't true with the NOTE 3 which is the main reason I did this thread in the first place. When the NOTE 3 was released, if you flashed an INTERNATIONAL ROM WIFI and DATA and blue tooth did not work at all. Someone eventually came up with a fix which had to be flashed anytime you flashed an international rom - I don't know why this was necessary - it just was - it was almost as if there was some major difference in file structure and programming on the International version versus the TMOBILE or Canadian Version.
The S5 wasn't like that at all - Virtually every International ROM worked beautifully from the get go on TMOBLILE phones. So - the NOTE 3 must have had something that was done differently on International Versions of the phone compared to TMOBILE and Canadian Versions - and I am hopeful that THE NOTE 4 doesn't do that.
So - I am excited about the Note 4 - can't wait for it to be released - I know all of our questions will be answered then - looking forward to it!
Bubbled said:
kinda like papabear was saying, i believe the S5 international vs US both had snapdragon, which made them very compatible. the GN3 had exynos/snapdragon, and that made them quite different. exynos didn't have near as much development.
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=6033&idPhone2=6434
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exynos doesn't have anything to do this. ALL of these phones come in both versions - Snapdragon and Exnynos - the note 3, S5 and NOte 4 each have both variations.
anyone on a tmobile snapdragon note 3 had problems with wifi and data when trying to flash roms from the international snapdragon phones Note 3.... I honestly don't know why the NOTE 3 had this issue and the S5 didn't - but it doesn't have anything to do with Exynos - but fingers crossed that the NOTE 4 behaves more like the S5 than the Note 3 in this regard - it will make flashing much easier.
(PS - there is no evidence that TMOBILE will lock bootloader. ATT and Verizon will for sure - both have said as much - every phone ATT and VERIZON releases are locked (except the developer version on Verizon) but TMOBILE has not given any indication they will be locking the bootloader - I don't expect they will lock the bootloader on the note 4 - we will find out for sure in a few weeks...
mocsab said:
That actually wasn't true with the NOTE 3 which is the main reason I did this thread in the first place. When the NOTE 3 was released, if you flashed an INTERNATIONAL ROM WIFI and DATA and blue tooth did not work at all. Someone eventually came up with a fix which had to be flashed anytime you flashed an international rom - I don't know why this was necessary - it just was - it was almost as if there was some major difference in file structure and programming on the International version versus the TMOBILE or Canadian Version.
The S5 wasn't like that at all - Virtually every International ROM worked beautifully from the get go on TMOBLILE phones. So - the NOTE 3 must have had something that was done differently on International Versions of the phone compared to TMOBILE and Canadian Versions - and I am hopeful that THE NOTE 4 doesn't do that.
So - I am excited about the Note 4 - can't wait for it to be released - I know all of our questions will be answered then - looking forward to it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If odin is still the tool to flash samsung official ROM, then you should be able to choose what to flash and what not to. well, i might be wrong but thats how i did on AT&T Captivate, Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Nexus. I remember that i've been switching between international and US version ROMs with just ROM without flashing any radios. Samsung may changed ROM structure, that I have no idea. And Sale is still sending all the samsung ROMs to me whenever he made one:victory:
Going to give a international a try.. this will be my first international device. .
This the one to get? Lte will work on usa tmobile right?Samsung Galaxy Note 4 SM-N910 Factory Unlocked International Model by samsung http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N2Y5ALK/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_oUSmub0HH4M79
Lancez said:
If odin is still the tool to flash samsung official ROM, then you should be able to choose what to flash and what not to. well, i might be wrong but thats how i did on AT&T Captivate, Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Nexus. I remember that i've been switching between international and US version ROMs with just ROM without flashing any radios. Samsung may changed ROM structure, that I have no idea. And Sale is still sending all the samsung ROMs to me whenever he made one:victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like you had said, you haven't had sammy devices in a while. Lol, things have changed with the note varients my friend, its not that "easy" anymore. How can you be debating with people who actually own the note 3 and was flashing international roms? lol
mgbotoe said:
Like you had said, you haven't had sammy devices in a while. Lol, things have changed with the note varients my friend, its not that "easy" anymore. How can you be debating with people who actually own the note 3 and was flashing international roms? lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was discussion my friend. and PDA is not the only option in odin.
markysd said:
Going to give a international a try.. this will be my first international device. .
This the one to get? Lte will work on usa tmobile right?Samsung Galaxy Note 4 SM-N910 Factory Unlocked International Model by samsung http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N2Y5ALK/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_oUSmub0HH4M79
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you hope to get by going with an international phone? It certainly won't have the optimum frequencies for tmobile network, it will likely work but they are opening new frequencies that the tmobile note 4 will be the first take advantage of...
p()()pypants said:
What do you hope to get by going with an international phone? It certainly won't have the optimum frequencies for tmobile network, it will likely work but they are opening new frequencies that the tmobile note 4 will be the first take advantage of...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont care much about the frequency. . Lte and 4g is fast my aera. . No need for wifi calling also.. I want the exynos octo

[Q] [Q&A] Trying to get Simple Mobile SIM to work on Note 3

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

Downward trend on development with AT&T Galaxy S phones? Share your thoughts

I'm trying to decide if I'm going to own the AT&T galaxy s7 edge. This is just my observation, but it seems that there are fewer root options and less custom user development with each new model of the Samsung Galaxy S phones from AT&T. This seems to be more with with AT&T versions because they seem to be trying to do everything in their power to limit users from rooting their phones. This may go further than AT&T, but that's where my experience is limited to. I'd go with another carrier or buy an unlocked one, but I just can't justify the cost when my job pays for the phone and the bill. Worst case scenario is that I'll just stop rooting my phone rather than buy one somewhere else, but I love the flexibility and options it gives me. There are many custom functions I enjoy on my phone made possible by rooting it.
So my question to the community is this, and please share your thoughts even if you disagree:
Do you too also see a decline in the root options and custom development effort in AT&T Galaxy S phones over the years? Do you think this is going to change? And are there other phones you feel are better to own with comparable functionality to the Galaxy S series that receive much more custom user development support? Thank you all!
There is no question that development has fallen away on ATT phones - primarly because of the locked bootloader that ATT started back with the S4 - is has only gotten worse since then.
I am on ATT and I stopped buying ATT phones after the S4. The flexibility and options that are open to me using a TMobile phone on ATT are worth whatever additional cost to me so I just deal with it. I am fortunate, I have a good job and my wife doesn't bi..ch too much.
Custom Rom Developoment on the S6 and Note 5 for all carriers seemed to be less overall than I remember on the Note 4 and the S5 before that - maybe because Samsung pissed everyone off when they didn't include an External SD Card and they elminated the removal battery. The Exynos Processor probably played a big role too - I hope we see more on the S7 and S7 edge....
It's probably not a good idea if you want to use CM on ATT S7. And I would recommend you to get oneplus or nexus if you want to use CM or other custom ROMs.
Edited: I am also considering getting tmobile S7 for att use. Just don't know if that gonna work.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I have had to stick with ATT since it is the only signal to penetrate the building I am in. My S4 was a T-Mobile model which was all unlocked with good amount of development. My s5 is w8 Canadian model also with pretty good development. I actually considered getting an ATT s7 but I'm sure I would soon be dissatisfied with stock only. Plus 30 months of $26 extra bill for device would be terrible. So I am going to wait and buy another international one when available for less than 6 or 7 hundred bucks.
I left ATT for one of these reasons, got so sick and tired of their Nazi BS crappy way of doing things the past couple of years. I used to LOL at Verizon for being the worst, well ATT has far surpassed them for the worst carrier in the U.S. ( Not talking network )
Back in the day, the ATT Note 2 was AWESOME, and tons of XDA development available for that phone, and then the Note 3 things started to change, and only got worse. The S4 was a disaster, at first it was rootable and had development, then ATT passed an update, and totally locked down that phone.
Plus their billing sucks, my monthly bill was never consistent, even though I was on a good plan. Every month my bill was a little higher, or way higher, but never exactly what it should be.
Fast forward to last Summer, My wife and I moved to T-Mobile at the launch of the Note 5, pick up the T-Mobile Note 5, and both are rooted running a great ROM. And T-Mobile's monthly bill, for seven months straight, been exactly the same, no funny business.
I'm with AT&T for the past two years. Two years ago AT&T kicked T-Mobile off all their cell towers in my area, and my signal became nonexistent. I ordered an S7 Edge through T-Mobile. Once the phone is unlocked, works fine on AT&T network. I won't buy another AT&T phone. I was lucky with my S5. I used the Towel Root exploit, and was lucky to have not updated.....
Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the feedback! Since work will buy the phone, I'm thinking about getting the AT&T S7 Edge, selling it, then getting a T-Mobile version with the money I sell it for maybe make a little or lose a little, but it shouldn't be a huge difference.
It is not only ATT Samsung phones that have seen a decrease in development - pretty much all phones have seen a decrease in development. Reason? Android is much better than it used to be! I had the S6 Edge+ (928G) unlocked and liked it, but eventually sold it. After a month or two I missed it and go a good deal on the ATT version. Man, the battery and signal strength are MUCH better than the 928G I had. There was bloat, but 99% of it can be disabled or uninstalled. I have gotten quite used to Samsung Pay and Android Pay and you can not use those with root.
madgalaxy said:
It is not only ATT Samsung phones that have seen a decrease in development - pretty much all phones have seen a decrease in development. Reason? Android is much better than it used to be! I had the S6 Edge+ (928G) unlocked and liked it, but eventually sold it. After a month or two I missed it and go a good deal on the ATT version. Man, the battery and signal strength are MUCH better than the 928G I had. There was bloat, but 99% of it can be disabled or uninstalled. I have gotten quite used to Samsung Pay and Android Pay and you can not use those with root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I simply cannot use a phone without AdAway, so I must root it. I hate ads/spam more than people hated Hitler.
I haven't felt a desire to unlock and root my phone. I have a Moto X Pure. I did have a Note 4 ATT variant and if it just came with Samsung bloat, I would have been fine but it's that ****ty at&t bloat that made me frustrated.
We went from a Note 3 to a Note Edge... Note 3 wasn't too bad and I did have it rooted with towelroot I think.
Note Edge didn't gain enough popularirty and nobody really cared to do anything with it anyways. We skipped the Note 5 and now going with a S7 Edge. I realized I didn't need to root or load a custom ROM on my Edge and I've been fine... Might stay that way with the S7 Edge we'll see...
that being said, I have a Gear S and that is locked down with ATT too.
Thought about going to T-Mobile, but our service is real good with AT&T so we didn't wanna change... I wouldn't mind trying T-Mobile though.
razorseal said:
We went from a Note 3 to a Note Edge... Note 3 wasn't too bad and I did have it rooted with towelroot I think.
Note Edge didn't gain enough popularirty and nobody really cared to do anything with it anyways. We skipped the Note 5 and now going with a S7 Edge. I realized I didn't need to root or load a custom ROM on my Edge and I've been fine... Might stay that way with the S7 Edge we'll see...
that being said, I have a Gear S and that is locked down with ATT too.
Thought about going to T-Mobile, but our service is real good with AT&T so we didn't wanna change... I wouldn't mind trying T-Mobile though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking about switching to tmobile but I was wondering if there is any way to test for tmobile signal in my building?
Ublock Origin works wonders
schn1tt3r said:
I simply cannot use a phone without AdAway, so I must root it. I hate ads/spam more than people hated Hitler.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ublock Origin > Firefox Mobile
Just adding (maybe not for you) but there are options out there for people that want Android/Samsung Pay and won't have root.
My honest openion, avoid AT&T, get a unlocked varient, You will thank me later.
I wish unlocked variations of phones worked on Verizon because that's what i would do. Verizon has the same issue with development going down the hill and also all the bloat ware, late updates...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
How is development for Verizon galaxy devices?
Does the T-Mobile variant have the same bands as at&t? Can I get the free Samsung gear vr? Can't seem to find the answers to these anywhere.
I also agree that development across all devices has went down allot.
The way I look at it, from Samsung stand point, if u want features like Gear VR and Samsung Pay, it's best not to root anyway since most of the root breaks those features.
Without those features you might as well get a non feature packed Android such as a Nexus.
Now days before making a device purchase, it's pretty obvious which device has the better dev community. If u go dev route and get a Nexus you loose luxury features such as Samsung Pay Gear VR etc....
Android is so powerful now days, the need for root and custom Roms just ain't needed anymore.
The G1 and HTC Evo and Samsung Vibrant (old school devices) days are a different story.
Just a warning for anybody who wants to use a non AT&T phone on their network. They will not allow it to use VoLTE at all.
spankmatic22 said:
I was thinking about switching to tmobile but I was wondering if there is any way to test for tmobile signal in my building?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll be sorry if you switch.... I left T-Mobile two years ago because of signal problems in the financial capital of the world. NYC... and they are still having the same problems two years later since AT&T kicked them off their cell towers.....
http://callingouttmobile.com/
---------- Post added at 12:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:48 PM ----------
lordloki77 said:
Does the T-Mobile variant have the same bands as at&t? Can I get the free Samsung gear vr? Can't seem to find the answers to these anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was with T-Mobile for 15 years up until two years ago when I switched to AT&T.... I had mad signal problems in my house.... I've had no problem since I moved. I order only T-Mobile phones because they are easier to root, and I unlock them.... and use them on AT&T....
---------- Post added at 12:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:51 PM ----------
lordloki77 said:
Does the T-Mobile variant have the same bands as at&t? Can I get the free Samsung gear vr? Can't seem to find the answers to these anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was with T-Mobile for 15 years up until two years ago when I switched to AT&T.... I had mad signal problems in my house.... I've had no problem since I moved. I order only T-Mobile phones because they are easier to root, and I unlock them.... and use them on AT&T....

Which Note 4 Verision to buy?

I plan on buying a Note 4 outright. I don't want the note 5 (no ext memory), nor the note 8 (won't have removable battery). I don't trust LG, and no one else has a removable battery with high end specs. So I am left with the Note 4...but Swappa has a billion versions. Which version do I buy if I want
1. Unlocked Bootloader (custom recovery)
2. Stock Android/CM/AOSP Based Roms (pretty sure Snapdragon models are the only ones that support this)
3. Works on Verizon (All should work on Verizon because LTE is naturally unlocked)
4. Is this phone worth it anyway?
I can answer only your last question because I'm running stock ROM and I'm pretty satisfied. Before Note 4 (Snapdragon) I had Note 1 and I tried almost every ROM I found here on XDA. Only one thing I can tell you. If you need the best battery life, stay with stock. Otherwise depend on your preferences. But this machine is still pretty damn good. Big screen, big resolution, expandable memory, removable battery and of course the S pen. For this money you got better phone than many newer much expensive models. Only thing you should look is a good original battery. Any other from Aliexpress or from other supplier can't beat the original.
georgekg said:
I can answer only your last question because I'm running stock ROM and I'm pretty satisfied. Before Note 4 (Snapdragon) I had Note 1 and I tried almost every ROM I found here on XDA. Only one thing I can tell you. If you need the best battery life, stay with stock. Otherwise depend on your preferences. But this machine is still pretty damn good. Big screen, big resolution, expandable memory, removable battery and of course the S pen. For this money you got better phone than many newer much expensive models. Only thing you should look is a good original battery. Any other from Aliexpress or from other supplier can't beat the original.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for your pretty quick reply.
I just realized how stupid battery life sounds when I can buy a Grade S+ Note 4 battery from a parts website for a little over 8 dollars each. I don't think I can link other websites or not but there is a parts website where I buy all my replacement screens and stuff from.
In any case, does this phone have a good Cyanogenmod Rom? I would prefer CM, though I could live with stock TW. Also, custom recovery? Which Snapdragon model should I buy?
Swappa has these models available:
N910V Verizon
N910P Sprint
N910T T-Mobile
N910A ATT
and US Cellular
Balian67 said:
I just realized how stupid battery life sounds when I can buy a Grade S+ Note 4 battery from a parts website for a little over 8 dollars each.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably you are right, but I personally don't like to carry on pockets full of batteries. My old Note 1 had to be charged 3 times a day with custom ROMs and slightly heavy usage. No games, only gps and gprs/wifi constantly on and some business apps.
As far as I know there is only one Snapdragon model. I'm not in the states so I really don't know the difference. But I think that only difference is in exsynos or snapdragon and carrier's bloatware. Maybe I'm wrong, but that question shoul answer someone from USA who have or had Note 4.
Yeah, if you want a device that works with Verizon then the Note 4 Verizon variant (N910V) is the device for you. As the other international variants both the N910F, N910C and N910U won't operate on Verizon's CDMA LTE/4G bands.
DarkGuyver said:
Yeah, if you want a device that works with Verizon then the Note 4 Verizon variant (N910V) is the device for you. As the other international variants both the N910F, N910C and N910U won't operate on Verizon's CDMA LTE/4G bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please, don't spread this misinformation anymore.
LTE is a governed technology by the Fair Trade Commission (FTC). In order to use LTE as a cell provider you have to do two things.
1. Agree to have phones unlocked for ALL Networks
2. Release the phone from your network once the phone is paid off.
ALL LTE phones will work on every other network that has LTE. The one thing you have to do is check which LTE bands each phone has, and the Note 4 has all the LTE bands from all the networks. So yet it will work.
The one reason why I am scared to buy the verizon variant is because Verizon usually locks down the bootloader (different then a network unlock). Making it hard, next to impossible to mod the bootloader and install a custom recovery. Do you know if the Verizon Model has an unlocked bootloader mod (so I can install custom recovery)?
Balian67 said:
Please, don't spread this misinformation anymore.
LTE is a governed technology by the Fair Trade Commission (FTC). In order to use LTE as a cell provider you have to do two things.
1. Agree to have phones unlocked for ALL Networks
2. Release the phone from your network once the phone is paid off.
ALL LTE phones will work on every other network that has LTE. The one thing you have to do is check which LTE bands each phone has, and the Note 4 has all the LTE bands from all the networks. So yet it will work.
The one reason why I am scared to buy the verizon variant is because Verizon usually locks down the bootloader (different then a network unlock). Making it hard, next to impossible to mod the bootloader and install a custom recovery. Do you know if the Verizon Model has an unlocked bootloader mod (so I can install custom recovery)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually Verizon note 4 comes with locked bootloader. I purchased 2 days ago and unlocked myself it's bootloader by getting some help on XDA any by watching some tutorials on YouTube. But thanks God finally I did it after 4 hours struggle.
abrarakram19 said:
Usually Verizon note 4 comes with locked bootloader. I purchased 2 days ago and unlocked myself it's bootloader by getting some help on XDA any by watching some tutorials on YouTube. But thanks God finally I did it after 4 hours struggle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which model did you buy?
My cousin has a friend who bought the unlocked model. I don't know which model though because there are so many unlocked versions to choose from. None of them are for sale on swappa.com though. So I might have to go to ebay for that.
Balian67 said:
Which model did you buy?
My cousin has a friend who bought the unlocked model. I don't know which model though because there are so many unlocked versions to choose from. None of them are for sale on swappa.com though. So I might have to go to ebay for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon note 4 910V
abrarakram19 said:
Verizon note 4 910V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you can confirm that the Note 4's bootloader is unlockable? Did you need a Java card to do it?
Balian67 said:
So you can confirm that the Note 4's bootloader is unlockable? Did you need a Java card to do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look at this link for comple guide.
---------- Post added at 07:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:10 AM ----------
Balian67 said:
So you can confirm that the Note 4's bootloader is unlockable? Did you need a Java card to do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-verizon/general/note-4-verizon-bootloader-unlock-t3358913
abrarakram19 said:
Have a look at this link for comple guide.
---------- Post added at 07:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:10 AM ----------
https://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-verizon/general/note-4-verizon-bootloader-unlock-t3358913
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much. I won't be worried about what model I buy now. I know that I like AOSP and an Unlocked bootloader and the Verizon one can achieve both. I liked your post.
What I noticed though was there aren't many roms for the (V) variant. Does the verizon phone have AOSP or other ROMS?
Balian67 said:
Thank you so much. I won't be worried about what model I buy now. I know that I like AOSP and an Unlocked bootloader and the Verizon one can achieve both. I liked your post.
What I noticed though was there aren't many roms for the (V) variant. Does the verizon phone have AOSP or other ROMS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.grantbarker.com/samsung-galaxy-note-4.html
---------- Post added at 08:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:25 PM ----------
abrarakram19 said:
https://www.grantbarker.com/samsung-galaxy-note-4.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check above link for all updated roms for all note 4 variants.

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