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Looking at the Specs for the 4 versions and if you live in North America and use GSM the T889 seems to be your best choice. You get all North American HSPA bands and DC-HSPA 42Mbps not just HSPA 21Mbps as well as North American 700/1700 LTE.
Looking at the AT&T variant i317 seems we are getting the shaft. You get quad band HSPA only and 2 extra LTE bands you'd never use unless you travel a lot off the continent. My how quickly AT&T put the failed merger behind them.
There are 4 versions of Note:
1. International (+LTE): SGH-7100 / SGH -7105
2. SGH-i317 : ATT+(Rogers+Bell + Telus): HSPA 850/900/1900/2100, LTE: 700/850/1700/1900
3. SCH-i605 : CDMA + LTE 700
4. SGH-T889 : T-Mobile+Mobilicity+Wind : HSPA: 850/900/1700/1900/2100, LTE: 700, 1700
So why does T-Mobile's get DC-HSPA and not the other 2 GSM variants?
So do you know how to unlock the sim slot on this. i use simple mobile and straight talk but I want the t-mobile version because it has hspa+42 and the others dont which I find to be rather stupid. But Simple said I need to unlock it even though it is a t-mo hone and they use their network. Will T-mo unlock it for me if I call them since I am buying it out right.
mr mystery said:
Looking at the Specs for the 4 versions and if you live in North America and use GSM the T889 seems to be your best choice. You get all North American HSPA bands and DC-HSPA 42Mbps not just HSPA 21Mbps as well as North American 700/1700 LTE.
Looking at the AT&T variant i317 seems we are getting the shaft. You get quad band HSPA only and 2 extra LTE bands you'd never use unless you travel a lot off the continent. My how quickly AT&T put the failed merger behind them.
There are 4 versions of Note:
1. International (+LTE): SGH-7100 / SGH -7105
2. SGH-i317 : ATT+(Rogers+Bell + Telus): HSPA 850/900/1900/2100, LTE: 700/850/1700/1900
3. SCH-i605 : CDMA + LTE 700
4. SGH-T889 : T-Mobile+Mobilicity+Wind : HSPA: 850/900/1700/1900/2100, LTE: 700, 1700
So why does T-Mobile's get DC-HSPA and not the other 2 GSM variants?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
abrcrmdl23 said:
So do you know how to unlock the sim slot on this. i use simple mobile and straight talk but I want the t-mobile version because it has hspa+42 and the others dont which I find to be rather stupid. But Simple said I need to unlock it even though it is a t-mo hone and they use their network. Will T-mo unlock it for me if I call them since I am buying it out right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't help you there friend, I'm in Canada. I know T-Mobile used to be pretty good about unlocking devices bought outright but not sure if policies changed. A T-Mobile member should be able to answer that question though.
I've been out of the phone game for awhile, so i'm a little confused. I'm currently on ATT, and as a matter of course, I would pick up there's, but if it doesn't have LTE in the states (I have ATT LTE in my area), then that's just one more reason to switch to T-mobile.
I'm already considering switching due to the cheaper plan and the ability to pick up the phone on a payment plan, which is VERY attractive to me and my current financial situation.
So,, Explain this to me like i'm five.. what exactly is the problem with the ATT Note 2?
nothing if you have AT&T. The t-mobile one only has an advantage if you use it as an unlocked device on pre-paid carriers like straight talk or simple mobile or solavei. The main difference is that if you use a t-mobile prepaid carrier like simple mobile and get the international note 2 it will be edge/hspa+21 onlyin refarmed, if you get ATT it is edge only unless you live in a 1900 re farmed market then it will only do hsap+21, if you get the t-mobile variant it is hspa+42 and has not active lte for when and if prepaid carriers get access to t-mobile lte when it comes online next year. The other thing is the t-mobile variant is a penta band phone which means it will run at full hspa+ data speed on any carrier. ATT or t-mo.
abrcrmdl23 said:
nothing if you have AT&T. The t-mobile one only has an advantage if you use it as an unlocked device on pre-paid carriers like straight talk or simple mobile or solavei. The main difference is that if you use a t-mobile prepaid carrier like simple mobile and get the international note 2 it will be edge/hspa+21 onlyin refarmed, if you get ATT it is edge only unless you live in a 1900 re farmed market then it will only do hsap+21, if you get the t-mobile variant it is hspa+42 and has not active lte for when and if prepaid carriers get access to t-mobile lte when it comes online next year. The other thing is the t-mobile variant is a penta band phone which means it will run at full hspa+ data speed on any carrier. ATT or t-mo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, so since I have ATT in a LTE area (Phoenix), i'll get LTE (42?) on my phone, and no issues unless I decide I want to switch to a pre-paid carrier? But if I did get the T-mobile version of the phone, I could switch it around and I have more options as far as speed goes. Sound approximately correct?
What if I bought the phone from T-mo and switched it to AT&T? Is that even possible and would it have any pros or cons? (Buying full-price phone from T-mobile on their payment plan, using it on AT&T until my contract was up in Feb, then switching the phone to T-mobile with the cheaper plan?
Kreiger1981 said:
I've been out of the phone game for awhile, so i'm a little confused. I'm currently on ATT, and as a matter of course, I would pick up there's, but if it doesn't have LTE in the states (I have ATT LTE in my area), then that's just one more reason to switch to T-mobile.
I'm already considering switching due to the cheaper plan and the ability to pick up the phone on a payment plan, which is VERY attractive to me and my current financial situation.
So,, Explain this to me like i'm five.. what exactly is the problem with the ATT Note 2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has LTE, but the HSPA bands are limited to 21mbps vs the 42 mbps HSPA of the T-Mobile variant (which works with AT&T's network on both LTE and HSPA).
Essentially, a faster HSPA radio, nothing else changes
Does anyone know if there will be modem problems like the Att i717 had when switching to tmobile? We waited a long time for a decent working modem which was a hacked blaze modem that worked the best with limited upload speeds, but great download speeds.
Or will the tmobile variant work like the galaxy nexus pentaband on Att or tmobile OOB? I'm tempted to get the tmobile, but will wait for the price to drop.
Torn due to accessories that now are not compatible with the new noteII.
sashusmom said:
Or will the tmobile variant work like the galaxy nexus pentaband on Att or tmobile OOB? I'm tempted to get the tmobile, but will wait for the price to drop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile variant is Pentaband according to FCC filings
So, If I buy the T-Mobile Note II non-contract price; it will work on AT&T's LTE and HSPA network?
3_D said:
So, If I buy the T-Mobile Note II non-contract price; it will work on AT&T's LTE and HSPA network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't the T-Mobile one have LTE disabled in the firmware?
I am on AT&T. I bought the TMOB Note II and unlocked it on cellunlocker.net. very easy.
I don't get LTE even though the device specs show LTE.
I tried different APNs but it always goes back to the default one on my micro sim.
Any ideas on how to get LTE are welcome!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
ekerbuddyeker said:
I am on AT&T. I bought the TMOB Note II and unlocked it on cellunlocker.net. very easy.
I don't get LTE even though the device specs show LTE.
I tried different APNs but it always goes back to the default one on my micro sim.
Any ideas on how to get LTE are welcome!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I stated above:
http://www.androidauthority.com/t-mobile-galaxy-note-2-lte-125982/
The Galaxy Note II features a Qualcomm 9215M chipset which provides the hardware capability to support both HSPA+42 and LTE. T-Mobile plans to reach more than 200 million Americans with LTE by the end of 2013. The Galaxy Note II will not automatically access T-Mobile’s LTE network. We will share more information on how and when the Galaxy Note II will support T-Mobile’s upcoming LTE network when the network is available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if anyone cares, but I purchased the international version of the Galaxy Note II. I currently am using it on AT&T network and I maintain hspa+ the entire time. I work in Dallas, Texas but live 45 miles away, and I have awesome coverage all the time. The reason I post this is because all of you wanting LTE, should know more facts about it. LTE is nice, but it's a battery hog. Granted 4G speeds are nice, but in practicality, HSPA+ is obviously not as fast, but it's pretty danged fast and my battery life is pretty darned good as well.
If you are going to shell out the money for the phone itself, buy the International version. You can get them for around $660 dollars, and the price is dropping every day. Don't spend the same amount on a Carrier branded, bloatware infested phone. Just buy the unbranded one and you will be quite happy, I guarantee it.
***disclaimer***
My guarantee only offers cookies as reimbursement, and you have to show up in person to receive them.
ekerbuddyeker said:
I am on AT&T. I bought the TMOB Note II and unlocked it on cellunlocker.net. very easy.
I don't get LTE even though the device specs show LTE.
I tried different APNs but it always goes back to the default one on my micro sim.
Any ideas on how to get LTE are welcome!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe have to wait on the AT&T Note II ROM dump. Then flash it to T-Mobile Note II.
tmobile always unlock my phones
abrcrmdl23 said:
So do you know how to unlock the sim slot on this. i use simple mobile and straight talk but I want the t-mobile version because it has hspa+42 and the others dont which I find to be rather stupid. But Simple said I need to unlock it even though it is a t-mo hone and they use their network. Will T-mo unlock it for me if I call them since I am buying it out right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all you have to do is wait like maybe a week or four days, for their system to recognize that you are using the note 2 on their system. then you call them and tell them that you will be going out of the country and they will ask you for your IMEI number and your email. and you will get your unlock code the next day, hope this help you.
ekerbuddyeker said:
I am on AT&T. I bought the TMOB Note II and unlocked it on cellunlocker.net. very easy.
I don't get LTE even though the device specs show LTE.
I tried different APNs but it always goes back to the default one on my micro sim.
Any ideas on how to get LTE are welcome!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try this:
1) With phone on, take off back cover and press your SIM card so it releases from the spring. It won't come all the way out as it's blocked by the battery. This seems fine - I didn't bother trying to force it out as I didn't want to break anything...
2) Once you see the message that the SIM card is removed, go to the dialer and dial *#2263#
3) You should see a menu with band selections. The current setting is "Automatic". If you switch to "GSM All", you will be EDGE (2G). If you switch to "WCDMA All", you will be on HSPA+ (3G, though AT&T and others call it 4G) and you will have lte too
4) Press the SIM card back into place until it clicks. For whatever reason the phone will not recognize it until you reboot. Upon reboot you should see your new setting in effect.
Let me know if this works!
So let's clear all of this up. Will the T-Mobile edition work on T-Mobile AND at&t (hspa+) StraightTalk here in the States? Just seemed a bit confusing and that is what I know is my big question. All help is appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Jordan
jordan123hi said:
So let's clear all of this up. Will the T-Mobile edition work on T-Mobile AND at&t (hspa+) StraightTalk here in the States? Just seemed a bit confusing and that is what I know is my big question. All help is appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Jordan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's my understanding that the T-Mo Note 2 runs on T-Mo's HSPA+42 network while the international runs on ATT's HSPA+21 network but only on T-Mo's 2G network. T-Mo is currently refarming areas of the country so that the international Note 2 will pick up T-Mo's HSPA+ network. I assume they mean T-Mo's HSPA+42 network.
EDIT: This was from a chat session with a T-Mo rep:
Me: So once the 1900Mhz refarming is complete, does that mean I'd have access to your HSPA+42 speeds?
Mary G: Yes, once the process has been complete, you will have the best service about the calls and most especially the data.
Now, we all know how misinformed reps can be but from what I've been reading, this seems to be legit. So my plan is to get the international Note 2. I get HSPA+21 now, an option for T-Mo HSPA+42 later as I know for a fact my area is currently being refarmed, more developer support, and no bloatware.
If I'm wrong about any of this, please someone let me know.
bengadget said:
It's my understanding that the T-Mo Note 2 runs on T-Mo's HSPA+42 network while the international runs on ATT's HSPA+21 network but only on T-Mo's 2G network. T-Mo is currently refarming areas of the country so that the international Note 2 will pick up T-Mo's HSPA+ network. I assume they mean T-Mo's HSPA+42 network.
EDIT: This was from a chat session with a T-Mo rep:
Me: So once the 1900Mhz refarming is complete, does that mean I'd have access to your HSPA+42 speeds?
Mary G: Yes, once the process has been complete, you will have the best service about the calls and most especially the data.
Now, we all know how misinformed reps can be but from what I've been reading, this seems to be legit. So my plan is to get the international Note 2. I get HSPA+21 now, an option for T-Mo HSPA+42 later as I know for a fact my area is currently being refarmed, more developer support, and no bloatware.
If I'm wrong about any of this, please someone let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will you get TMo HSPA+21 or only on AT&T?
It's probably been asked before, but I couldn't find it with a search, so here goes:
The recent Nexus 7 announcement with LTE capability on Verizon got me thinking about how Verizon treats its LTE since Google forced some open network agreement concerning the LTE bands Verizon is using. I'm assuming that Verizon won't sell the Nexus 7 and that you'll have to buy it from Google, then get an LTE SIM card from Verizon separately.
So, would it work to open a tablet line for LTE data only on Verizon and put the SIM card into a Nexus 4, then flash whatever tweaks are needed to get the LTE up and running? I know how to get VoIP and ToIP, so I really wouldn't need the 2G network.
no because verizon doesnt use the lte band that the nexus 4 can.
paul_viado said:
no because verizon doesnt use the lte band that the nexus 4 can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus 4 supports band 4 LTE (1700 MHz), yes? Verizon purchased 1700 spectrum a while back to use to help expand its LTE network. So, theoretically, when the 1700 MHz Verizon LTE comes out, would it work?
I am a little confused about some information I found on Verizon's Note 3 Page. It says that the Note 3 will be a CDMA phone but then lists the following bands:
CDMA Data – 1x and EVDO Rev0/RevA
LTE: B13 (700MHz)
Global Ready (GSM/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900; HSPA/UMTS: 850/900/1900/2100 MHz)
(original link: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/...t&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=7194)
Does it mean that if sim-unlocked, it can be used internationally, and how, if it doesn't take a sim card? If it can be used internationally, I would much rather buy a Verizon (for the US) instead of AT&T. I use AT&T only because it's a GSM carrier.
I don't have the answer but I can recommend you to contact Samsung wireless. They certainly have much more credibility.
Good luck
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
All Verizon 4G LTE devices take SIM cards. They have to, since LTE is based on GSM. Also, historically, Verizon doesn't carrier-lock the LTE/HSPA/GSM part of their 4G LTE phones, so SIM cards from other carriers will work in a Verizon LTE phone out of the box.
incisivekeith said:
I am a little confused about some information I found on Verizon's Note 3 Page. It says that the Note 3 will be a CDMA phone but then lists the following bands:
CDMA Data – 1x and EVDO Rev0/RevA
LTE: B13 (700MHz)
Global Ready (GSM/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900; HSPA/UMTS: 850/900/1900/2100 MHz)
(original link: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/...t&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=7194)
Does it mean that if sim-unlocked, it can be used internationally, and how, if it doesn't take a sim card? If it can be used internationally, I would much rather buy a Verizon (for the US) instead of AT&T. I use AT&T only because it's a GSM carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the answer here, by the Answerer #2. The 4G/Data part of a global ready phone is GSM compatible, and only that part can be locked for data internationally; the calling part will still depend on CDMA in other countries. If that information is accurate, I will stick to an AT&T Note 3.
darkkterror said:
All Verizon 4G LTE devices take SIM cards. They have to, since LTE is based on GSM. Also, historically, Verizon doesn't carrier-lock the LTE/HSPA/GSM part of their 4G LTE phones, so SIM cards from other carriers will work in a Verizon LTE phone out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Truth be told. LTE has more in command with CDMA in terms of radio/air interfaces. It covered within 3GPP standards (GSM then EDGE, the UMTS, HSDPA, etc). Rather than 3GPP2 for CDMA1x and EVDO. That's why Alcatel Lucent had a leg up on LTE since its deployment is more akin (specterally) to CDMA. But they dropped the ball, and except for the US and Some Asian markets, the rest of the world has 3GPP based networks deployed.
the Simple version, is LTE is not directly compatible with any 2G/3G technology, but since its covered in 3GPP, the standards evolved quicker to ensure GSM/EDGE/HSDPA interworking.
And beyond that.. what most people dont know, that interworking doesnt really work that widespread yet. In the US most mobile handsets operate on dual frequencies (especially all VzW models, ATT models are catching up) so they effectively talk CDMA1x and LTE at the same time. iPhones do not support that capability, but GSM has work arounds to allow talk+data.
i'll go back to me hole now
(btw.. anyone with iOS7 and ATT.. what out you've got problems you dont know about when going back forth from 3G to 4G.. I know since at work we talked about how to fix it..
I believe a rumor was that it has the same LTE baseband chip as the iphone 5s so that you could potentially use the Verizon version on AT&T and T-mobile...any truth to that?
incisivekeith said:
I found the answer here, by the Answerer #2. The 4G/Data part of a global ready phone is GSM compatible, and only that part can be locked for data internationally; the calling part will still depend on CDMA in other countries. If that information is accurate, I will stick to an AT&T Note 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, I put a T-Mobile SIM in my Verizon Note 2 and made calls, sent texts, and used data on GPRS, EDGE, and HSPA+.
geoff5093 said:
Not true, I put a T-Mobile SIM in my Verizon Note 2 and made calls, sent texts, and used data on GPRS, EDGE, and HSPA+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have also done it with an ATT sim on my Verizon note 2.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 4
geoff5093 said:
Not true, I put a T-Mobile SIM in my Verizon Note 2 and made calls, sent texts, and used data on GPRS, EDGE, and HSPA+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mchlwvr614 said:
I have also done it with an ATT sim on my Verizon note 2.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice! Was this native to the stock Rom or is a custom one needed that has this ability "unlocked"?
bigwavedave25 said:
Nice! Was this native to the stock Rom or is a custom one needed that has this ability "unlocked"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock rom, rooted to allow apn editing.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 4
Global-ready is basically verizon's way of saying that it has a GSM 3G radio as well as a CDMA radio. That allows the phone to operate in Europe where there is no CDMA service. You can purchase international service from Verizon, or purchase a SIM from a European carrier while overseas. All verizon 4G phones have a GSM 4G radio anyway, because LTE is GSM.
(This means that with an LTE carrier in Europe, any 4G Verizon phone can get data in Europe even if they can't place voice calls (VoIP still possible)).
If I am not wrong with what I am saying, Verizon LTE phones only support LTE BAND: 13, which means that IF you are willing to use 4G with different carrier, they have to support LTE band 13. I have tried to use my Verizon Galaxy Note 2 in South Korea, I was only able to use 3G network via WCDMA, I wasn't able to get LTE service at all. Correct me if I am wrong.
HecAtic said:
If I am not wrong with what I am saying, Verizon LTE phones only support LTE BAND: 13, which means that IF you are willing to use 4G with different carrier, they have to support LTE band 13. I have tried to use my Verizon Galaxy Note 2 in South Korea, I was only able to use 3G network via WCDMA, I wasn't able to get LTE service at all. Correct me if I am wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the different N3 variants due in fact support different LTE bands, so you are correct. Minor point not worth nitpicking from earlier post, GSM is not LTE. they both evolved from the same 3GPP standards body, but portions spread spectrum nature of LTE is more similar to CDMA than GSM.
I went to Korea last October, and they wouldn't allow prepaid 4g LTE. They would only allow 3G for prepaid service.
I had a note 2 rooted and custom rom when I went. I'm a US citizen and you have to wait about 2-3 days before you are allowed to sign up for any plan on what they told me.
Is there any way to switch the lte bands. Normally I would dial #*#*4636*#*# but the phone information is saying its not available on this device. Both my nexus 6p and my old note 7 got good signal but this phone is horrible as far as signal strength goes.
McQueefus said:
Is there any way to switch the lte bands. Normally I would dial #*#*4636*#*# but the phone information is saying its not available on this device. Both my nexus 6p and my old note 7 got good signal but this phone is horrible as far as signal strength goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is my question as well. AT&T page for V20 lists LTE bands and band 17 is NOT among them. band 17 is supposedly the main ATT LTE band, which basically means you will only be able to get LTE on V20 on ATT on the backup LTE bands where they are available ...
i'm looking for confirmation that this is true, because who knows - maybe some idiot just forgot to type in number 17 on that info page ...
Notes, iPhones and Pixel all have band 17 ...
obviously i won't be getting iPhone and i can't get the Note. i didn't really want to get the Pixel because i feel like it's overpriced ...
but if what you're saying about V20 getting bad signal is true then Pixel may be the only choice ...
i started having my suspicions about V20 when i heard it won't be coming out in UK, which i thought was very odd ... but apparently one difference between Snapdragon 821 in Pixel and 820 in V20 is that 821 has more LTE bands, which would make it better both for ATT and better as a global phone for travel ...
again, i'm looking for confirmation that this is true.
HELP ???
McQueefus said:
Is there any way to switch the lte bands. Normally I would dial #*#*4636*#*# but the phone information is saying its not available on this device. Both my nexus 6p and my old note 7 got good signal but this phone is horrible as far as signal strength goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're talking about being able to choose specific LTE bands, I do that on my Tmobile handset using this dial code (use at your own risk)
*#546368#*918# - for AT&T you need to use 910 or 915 depending on your model # (not sure why AT&T has 2 different model #'s)
So it would be
*#546368#*910# or *#546368#*915#
Then
Go to Field Test
Modem Settings
LTE Band Selection
Choose band
To revert back to auto scanning
Go to Field Test
Modem Settings
Network Mode
Automatic
nest75068 said:
Go to Field Test
Modem Settings
LTE Band Selection
Choose band
To revert back to auto scanning
Go to Field Test
Modem Settings
Network Mode
Automatic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 910 doesn't have those options under modem settings.
g1981c said:
this is my question as well. AT&T page for V20 lists LTE bands and band 17 is NOT among them. band 17 is supposedly the main ATT LTE band, which basically means you will only be able to get LTE on V20 on ATT on the backup LTE bands where they are available ...
i'm looking for confirmation that this is true, because who knows - maybe some idiot just forgot to type in number 17 on that info page ...
Notes, iPhones and Pixel all have band 17 ...
obviously i won't be getting iPhone and i can't get the Note. i didn't really want to get the Pixel because i feel like it's overpriced ...
but if what you're saying about V20 getting bad signal is true then Pixel may be the only choice ...
i started having my suspicions about V20 when i heard it won't be coming out in UK, which i thought was very odd ... but apparently one difference between Snapdragon 821 in Pixel and 820 in V20 is that 821 has more LTE bands, which would make it better both for ATT and better as a global phone for travel ...
again, i'm looking for confirmation that this is true.
HELP ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THAT IS NOT THE DIFFERENCE. Modem and CPU part of the SOC are totally different things. The pixel is and unlocked and more likely to support more bands as unlocked phones tend to be more globally friendly. Chances are that certain bands are on there but T-Mobile has it disabled or LG. T-Mobile is usually more bands friendly but not always, as the HTC M8 was seriously gimped in the LTE bands, didn't even support T-Mobile's band 12. I would look at the unlocked version of the V20 to decipher more info.
And you're welcome for the undeserved thanks. Your comment made no sense. Qualcomm modems for certain phones are usually about 2-5 different sets depending on markets a phone will serve. It is usually 2 or 3 when the phone is released worldwide basically and every carrier and market will have certain bands disabled for whatever reason. It also rare for developers to enable them as it takes specialized hardware or knowledge of the software. Another factor is if the antenna for certain bands are even in the phone. No antenna for a band then no firmware will ever be able to enable it, much less some hijinks tweaking.
@rbiter said:
THAT IS NOT THE DIFFERENCE. Modem and CPU part of the SOC are totally different things. The pixel is and unlocked and more likely to support more bands as unlocked phones tend to be more globally friendly. Chances are that certain bands are on there but T-Mobile has it disabled or LG. T-Mobile is usually more bands friendly but not always, as the HTC M8 was seriously gimped in the LTE bands, didn't even support T-Mobile's band 12. I would look at the unlocked version of the V20 to decipher more info.
And you're welcome for the undeserved thanks. Your comment made no sense. Qualcomm modems for certain phones are usually about 2-5 different sets depending on markets a phone will serve. It is usually 2 or 3 when the phone is released worldwide basically and every carrier and market will have certain bands disabled for whatever reason. It also rare for developers to enable them as it takes specialized hardware or knowledge of the software. Another factor is if the antenna for certain bands are even in the phone. No antenna for a band then no firmware will ever be able to enable it, much less some hijinks tweaking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK i followed your advice and looked up Unlocked V20. i'm not allowed to post links yet but from bhphotovideo page the unlocked US version has LTE bands: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25 which includes the band 17 ...
while the ATT page lists LTE bands: 1, 2 ,3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 20, 29, and 30 which does NOT include band 17 ...
now the question is, assuming that information is correct, why on earth would ATT chose the version of a phone that doesn't have the main ATT band ?
is there any way to find out whether the above information is accurate ?
as an ATT subscriber, would there be any advantage / disadvantage for getting unlocked phone from B&H versus ATT branded phone from ATT ?
should i try to contact some sort of ATT technical support to try and get an answer ?
EDIT:
according to article titled "LG V20 Model Numbers (F800, H910, H918, H990 DS Dual, H990N Dual, H990T, LS997, US996, VS995) Differences" from techwalls dot com the ATT version has bands: 1,2,3,4,5,7,12,17,20,30 which again has the band 17. it has same number of bands but compared to information on ATT page it subtracts band 29 and adds band 17 ...
frankly, this makes far more sense than ATT page info, but for 800 bucks i need to know for sure ...
EDIT:
according to frequencycheck website the ATT version of V20 ( H910 / H915 ) supports all ( 8 out of 8 ) bands used by ATT, all 4 LTE bands as well as both GSM and both UMTS bands used by ATT.
according to LG's own website H910 has: 2/4/5/12/29/30, Roaming 1/3/7/20, and CA ... which is the same was what ATT lists except for "CA" ...
Band 12 replaces band 17
The way I understand it, band 12 and band 17 covers the same frequency range. At&t has achieved (they were forced by FCC) interoperability between band 12 and 17 now. So band 17 is essentially obsolete and only useful if you are on the at&t network. If you have band 12 capability on your phone, you can use any 700mhz at&t tower that formerly may have only supported band 17. Now all those towers support both bands. And you can use smaller carrier towers too if you have band 12 capability.
Hi Folks,
I thought I had found a gold-mine here in the United States in the H870DS because it has the quad-DAC and the bands look to be compatible with AT&T and T-mobile. The seller listed band 2 LTE and sadly, according to the box, it is not supported and this is one of AT&T's main bands in my area in California. It still has band 12/17, so, I figured I'd be okay. I cannot for the life of me get it to connect to any LTE though. I've checked and re-checked the APN settings, the network settings (4G preferred) and am out of ideas. Does anyone have this phone and have you successfully gotten it to connect to LTE in the United States? I don't have a T-mobile SIM anymore to try.
-Collin-
I believe AT&T SIMs have issues with LTE on non-AT&T devices until the device IMEI is added into their system.
I am not an AT&T user so I forget the specifics but people often have to call in and have the device IMEI added to their account.. or sometimes this happens automatically after a few hours.
What bands are listed on the box? The thread on XDA listing all the bands shows your model as having B2 LTE (Possible the thread is not correct though) https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g6/how-to/info-lg-g6-models-bands-t3571221
I have searched some of the AT&T user forums, it is because different areas have different coverage and certain bands are not licensed properly, so you might not get any LTE signals. I do not know if that is true. But my G6 sure does not have LTE whatsoever.
Thanks for the replies guys. Well, I managed to pick up Band 4 when I walked down the street. I still cannot get 17/12 which is weird because it's the primary LTE band for AT&T. The bummer is that now that I know LTE is working, I can 100% confirm that LTE Band 2 is missing. The eBay listings are wrong and the XDA listing is wrong. I've attached a photo of the box. Oh well
-Collin-
I was interested in picking up an 870DS unit myself. I noticed the discrepancy when it comes to band 2. That had me worried, so I did not pick it up. The 870 DS box shows that band 2 is missing. I have to assume that is correct, so I did not buy.
Sorry to hear that i was thinking of picking up the Korean version myself but if I can't get reliable LTE on att no thanks. I wonder if you could return it to the seller since its technically false advertisement
Well this is unfortunate. I just got mine from Ebay today and was wondering why I couldn't get an LTE signal. The seller did list Band 2 so I'm hoping they will refund my purchase or there is a way to edit the radio.
Sorry for the off-topic question but could anyone tell if the H870DS would support 3G simultaneously on both radios (or 4G on one and 3G on the other simultaneously)? If so it would be worth mentioning here as well.
inquisitor said:
Sorry for the off-topic question but could anyone tell if the H870DS would support 3G simultaneously on both radios (or 4G on one and 3G on the other simultaneously)? If so it would be worth mentioning here as well.
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Click to collapse
I am using T-Mobile SIM at SIM 1 and my home country carrier's SIM at SIM2.
It is getting LTE at SIM 1 and UMTS (roaming at AT&T network) at SIM 2.
Fi (T-mobile) is working perfectly for me, full LTE. Cricket (At&t) is hspa+ but no LTE.
For the price I am not unhappy even though I usually use cricket as my primary data sim. It's not what I expected but I knew going in I was shooting craps as there just wasn't a ton of information out for this H870DS variant. It's not a huge upgrade over 3t, just needed to switch it up for a while. I am quite enjoying the screen, camera, and HiFi dac without losing my 2 sim setup.
Edit: Sim one does have full LTE while Sim 2 does not.
The references definitely need to show that there is no B2, B17, or B30 for ATT users though, pretty much a let down there.
solver404 said:
Fi (T-mobile) is working perfectly for me, full LTE. Cricket (At&t) is hspa+ but no LTE.
For the price I am not unhappy even though I usually use cricket as my primary data sim. It's not what I expected but I knew going in I was shooting craps as there just wasn't a ton of information out for this H870DS variant. It's not a huge upgrade over 3t, just needed to switch it up for a while. I am quite enjoying the screen, camera, and HiFi dac without losing my 2 sim setup.
Edit: Sim one does have full LTE while Sim 2 does not.
The references definitely need to show that there is no B2, B17, or B30 for ATT users though, pretty much a let down there.
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I actually got Band 4 to connect on AT&T, but it's pretty sparse and not reliable. I switched that line over to T-Mobile and it works perfectly just as you describe.
I like the phone a lot more than I thought I would. It feels so solidly constructed and the camera I really missed from the V20. I prefer this camera to the one on my S8 9 times out of 10. It's a hair slower to focus, but everything else is better for me.
What's odd is that on AT&T Band 12 is supposed to be compatible with Band 17. On T-Mobile, I connect to Band 12 just fine, but not on Cricket. Oh well, my Cricket line has been canceled anyhow
-Collin-
I'm in San Francisco and unable to get LTE on AT&T or T-Mobile on the H870DS. These LTE bands are listed on the box: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41.
Hi there,
I'm in new Mexico on a at&t go phone plan and on a h870ds.
and I'm defenetly getting LTE.
Does the LG G6 actually reveal the used channel and so the frequency band?
On many Android phones this information will show up after dialing *#*#4636#*#* and tapping "Phone Information" - on the very bottom of this screen you will find a list of available cells including their channel number (called EARFCN for LTE/4G, UARFCN for UMTS/3G and ARFCN for GSM/2G). You can then lookup to which frequency band the EARFCN/UARFCN/ARFCN belongs, e.g. at http://niviuk.free.fr/lte_band.php
Take a look at the 'LTE Discovery' app. The free version will probably have what you need.
pocketfox said:
I'm in San Francisco and unable to get LTE on AT&T or T-Mobile on the H870DS. These LTE bands are listed on the box: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41.
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I can confirm the lack of LTE on T-Mobile in Southern California as well. Very odd as others are reporting success getting LTE on TMO in other geographic locations. :crying:
uid_0 said:
I can confirm the lack of LTE on T-Mobile in Southern California as well. Very odd as others are reporting success getting LTE on TMO in other geographic locations. :crying:
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Doesn't seem odd at all considering that according to frequencycheck.com, some key bands are missing:
T-Mobile LTE Bands
B2 (1900 PCS)
B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1)
B12 (700 ac)
B66
ATT LTE Bands
B2 (1900 PCS)
B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1)
B17 (700 bc)
B30 (2300 WCS)
kurtbird said:
Doesn't seem odd at all considering that according to frequencycheck.com, some key bands are missing:
T-Mobile LT seeE Bands
B2 (1900 PCS)
B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1)
B12 (700 ac)
B66
ATT LTE Bands
B2 (1900 PCS)
B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1)
B17 (700 bc)
B30 (2300 WCS)
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Click to collapse
As noted on the box as well as other first hand accounts, the H870DS does support both B4 and B12 required for T-Mobile. My G3 and my wife's previous 860N both connect(ed) with B4.
On top of this, I now have a solution to the problem via updating the APN settings. The magic change was simply adding ”xcap” to the APN Type setting and setting the Network Mode for SIM1 to GSM/WCDMA/LTE auto radio button.
uid_0 said:
As noted on the box as well as other first hand accounts, the H870DS does support both B4 and B12 required for T-Mobile. My G3 and my wife's previous 860N both connect(ed) with B4.
On top of this, I now have a solution to the problem via updating the APN settings. The magic change was simply adding ”xcap” to the APN Type setting and setting the Network Mode for SIM1 to GSM/WCDMA/LTE auto radio button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible that if you're in an area where only T-Mobile B2 or ATT B30 is available then you wouldn't have LTE.
Was finally able to get 4G LTE in AZ on Band 4. Create a new APN with these settings and make sure network is GSM/CDMA/LTE Auto.
Edit: Also, I had AT&T update their system with the IMEI number of this 870DS that I'm using. That might have something to do with it. It took a couple of weeks too.