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Does any one know if I can use the tmobile G2 with a canadian wireless plan if its unlocked. I have read about all that tri band stuff but its a little above my head.
Thanks!
T-mobile does not have the same 3G/4G bands as Canadian carriers (Bell, Rogers, etc)
You will only get EDGE. If you want 3G/4G go with an unlocked AT&T phone.
and if ive read correctly, you need to go to a carrier that uses gsm (because tmobile phones use gsm)
Umm, not sure what only getting edge means. Does that just mean no data, just voice and texts?
dwang93 said:
Umm, not sure what only getting edge means. Does that just mean no data, just voice and texts?
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As of 2011 there are three levels of data speed that are used and the order goes like this:
4G
3G
EDGE
The speed decreases as you go from 4G to 3G, and EDGE being the slowest.
You will receive data, just not at blazing fast speeds.
From what I understand, T-Mobile uses AWS, of which three carriers here provide: Mobilicity, Wind Mobile, and Videotron.
It's not worth trying to get what EDGE you can from Rogers/Telus/Bell.
* Ontario biased *
I would recommend to get an unlocked ATT phone
So after some research, the G2 is a quad band gsm phone, which means it should work on any GSM based carrier. From what I've seen that would be mainly rogers and fido correct? Or are there cheaper alternatives?
Also I looked into the AWS but I'm not sure if my g2 is compatible with AWS. It seems as if tmobile uses both. Does that mean my phone is compatible with GSM and AWS? I'm wondering if you could confirm this Ariel?
Also I will be in the montreal area.
Yes. It will work but the G2 doesn't have the same 3G bands as Rogers. That means you'll only get EDGE which, by personal experience, sucks. I'm not sure about Fido, though.
k, what about an aws service like videotron? That should work as well correct?
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?
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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?
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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
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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.
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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?
Alright guys I am switching from Verizon to a prepaid GSM ... I have been with Verizon for a long time and Im wanting to get the N4. Im needing to know what is the best prepaid GSM carrier out there. Where I live ATT has the better coverage over Tmo. So with that said, leaning toward an ATT network branded carrier. Such as straight talk...will I be getting HSPA+ with straight talk or just 3G?
magicriggs said:
Alright guys I am switching from Verizon to a prepaid GSM ... I have been with Verizon for a long time and Im wanting to get the N4. Im needing to know what is the best prepaid GSM carrier out there. Where I live ATT has the better coverage over Tmo. So with that said, leaning toward an ATT network branded carrier. Such as straight talk...will I be getting HSPA+ with straight talk or just 3G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HSPA+ also
alnova1 said:
HSPA+ also
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Great! thanks for the reply, so it looks like I'll be getting all the stuff that the big carriers offer (ATT) but be paying less..
Just be aware that without LTE, you will only be getting 21Mbps on AT&T. Tmobile provides 42Mbps where coverage allows. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm a current Verizon customer who will also be switching.
Speaking of HSPA+ im on the website of Straight Talk and it has the option to choose an unlocked sim that runs off 850 and 1900....or i can buy the ATT or Tmo exclusive....Which one should i pick? Im wanting 3G and 4G (hspa+) if possible. And i have been searching online to see what the frequency is for HSPA+ no luck...
They only offer two (well 4 since each comes in two sizes) SIMs.
The T-Mobile version which will work on any unlocked phone or T-Mobile phone and run off T-Mobile Towers; or
AT&T which will work on any unlocked phone or AT&T phone and run on AT&T towers.
If you choice the unlocked device option it will pick the AT&T or T-Mobile SIM based solely on which offers better coverage in your zip code.
I picked AT&T since despite there HSPA+ having half the theoretical throughput of T-Mobile, T-Mobile's availability of HSPA+ in my area is very poor.
The phone determines the frequency that it can run on, not the SIM card, so running an unlocked AT&T phone with a T-Mobile SIM (and vice-versa) can lead you to not get all speeds available on the network. Since the Nexus 4 is compatible with all frequencies your choice is down to who offers the best coverage/speed in your area.
jakejm79 said:
They only offer two (well 4 since each comes in two sizes) SIMs.
The T-Mobile version which will work on any unlocked phone or T-Mobile phone and run off T-Mobile Towers; or
AT&T which will work on any unlocked phone or AT&T phone and run on AT&T towers.
If you choice the unlocked device option it will pick the AT&T or T-Mobile SIM based solely on which offers better coverage in your zip code.
I picked AT&T since despite there HSPA+ having half the theoretical throughput of T-Mobile, T-Mobile's availability of HSPA+ in my area is very poor.
The phone determines the frequency that it can run on, not the SIM card, so running an unlocked AT&T phone with a T-Mobile SIM (and vice-versa) can lead you to not get all speeds available on the network. Since the Nexus 4 is compatible with all frequencies your choice is down to who offers the best coverage/speed in your area.
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Thank you so much for the reply you given me the answer I was looking for. It seems as though what sim card i want to purchase is the ATT one. Cause ATT in my area is much better than TMO. And if i pick the ATT i will get the 3G and 4G (HSPA+) thanks again.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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+.
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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+.
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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
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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.
Im finding out that having an unlocked android phone is better than having a branded one that you are stuck with which is why I plan on getting a Factory unlocked Note 3, but, I have some issues that I cannot seem to figure out. To me, factory unlocked on a device means unlocked for use with any carrier AND no carrier branding on or in the device, which is exactly the kind of Note 3 im looking for, but having a hard time finding it. Dose anyone know what model note 3 is truly factory unlocked, no carrier branding??
1. SM-N9000 3G = International/Made for Travelers: This is the international model. This one has a dual quad core processor running at 1.9 GHz Cortex/1.3 GHz A7. The reason for the processor being change is because this phone is meant to work everywhere their is a GSM signal and kicks threw the different processors to maximize signal strength. The N9000 CAN NOT to 4G speeds of any kind. This is due to most country not having 4G signal and that a lot of county's run on different cell frequencies. By removing the 4G radios this phone can pick up way more cell frequencies then the other models. This phone is not made for people looking for Data speed this is made for travelers whom want a reliable way to have cell service no matter where they are. Don't despair about the data or processing speed this phone still has Wi-Fi connection available and can breeze though 3D games; you shouldn't even notice a speed difference when doing tasks.
2. SM-N9005 4G LTE = European Model/International: This model contains the regular 2.3 GHz Snapdragon Processor. This phone unless unlocked is Region locked to only European SIM cards, after unlocked their is no region lock. Although this phone is an LTE phone it can only get LTE frequencies while in Europe. When you take this phone out of Europe it will get international signals but will not get LTE, when this phone is in the USA is will get H+ (Reference above) signal maximum.
3. SM-N9002 3G = China Model/Select Counties: This model is not LTE or 4G compatible. This was the First generation of the Note 3 released and is considered the Beta. With all the same hardware as the LTE version this phone will still preform flawless tasks.
4. SM-N900W8 4G LTE = China Model/Select Counties: This model will only get LTE in select counties and I advise you check with your service provider to see what signal you will be getting. This model is completely subjective as to what frequencies of LTE you will be about to get. Example: Imagine you are in Europe and you are in a city and get LTE. Then you move to another city and you lose LTE this is because the first city runs on an LTE frequency the the phone can get but the second city although may offer LTE to most cell phone; does not offer LTE on a frequency this phone can't run on.
5. SM-N900A 4G LTE = USA AT&T/Worldwide: This phone is International but you need to consult AT&T to see if you city or county can get LTE service or not. This phone once unlocked will work on Straight Talk, Solavei, T-Mobile, and any other GSM based network. Note: When using T-Moble, Solavei, or other services that piggy-back on the T-Mobile towers you can get LTE service but depending on your area you may not get 3G. If you live in a 3G area consult your carrier to see is the frequencies for 3G match up with this phone. (This review for the AT&T model can change at anytime due to AT&T's bootloader)
6. SM-N900T 4G LTE = USA T-Mobile: This phone when unlocked can get all USA frequencies. Example: You will have no problems using a AT&T SIM card with this phone and even get 4G LTE threw any service whom provides is. The N900T model is the most versatile model out of them all and if you plan on getting one I recommend going to a T-Mobile store and purchasing this model outright. Unlocking this phone is easily done threw calling T-Mobile and even using YouTube for an unlocking video.
micxploed said:
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6. SM-N900T 4G LTE = USA T-Mobile: This phone when unlocked can get all USA frequencies ...
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Just to clarify - N900T can NOT get LTE from Sprint or Verizon.
micxploed said:
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SM-N900W8 4G LTE = China Model/Select Counties
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W8 is mostly used by some major Canadian companies and Telcel in Mexico.
First of all there are more models: Sprint and Verizon come to mind just for US market. Second of all, as far as I know all US models are carrier locked, some are easier to unlock than others but still. Third of all, my t-mobile phone had 18 entries under region lock, so I think it had been region locked at least in some places, easy to fix with region unlock, never the less not really factory unlocked. Only few markets get phones without region lock (China is one of them), but the biggest issue IMO is frequencies. It doesn't matter if your phone is locked or not, if you don't match all frequencies for all the places you'll be using it, it will fail sometimes and since no model has all frequencies, you have to go case by case, there is no best phone for all. For example above mentioned t-mo will not work on Verizon or Sprint at all, where Verizon and Sprint phones will work, at least on some T-mo towers.
Best version for AT&T?
Would then the "best" (allow custom ROMS) version for AT&T be SM-N900A ?
I've decided to jump fully over to Android and would like to get a Note 3.
Really trying not to ask a question that has already been asked, however, I'm having a hard time figuring out which version to purchase.
Thanks!