Nexus 6P: Do any Carriers Sell With Bloatware? - Nexus 6P Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Bloatware on Nexus 6P
Has anyone with a Nexus 6P on a contract (i.e. bought direct from their carrier) had any bloatware on their phone?
I'm trying to workout if carriers are respecting the Nexus ethos of it being a pure Android/Google phone or whether carriers are adding their own apps. In particular, is anyone on EE, having got their phone direct from them? I've not been able to work this out nor get a clear answer from an EE rep. I would prefer a pure Android phone, but probably wouldn't mind carrier (EE) firmware, or waiting longer for OTAs, if the only thing that was different was the addition of wifi calling.
Thanks.

What carrier?

As far as I know (in the U.S. at least), you cannot purchase the Nexus 6P (or 5X) through a wireless carrier. You must buy direct from Google or Huawei. Thus, the only apps on the phone are Google ones!

Here in Canada we can buy them from the Carrier. I got mine via preorder from my Carrier and it had ZERO bloat on it. It's also the first phone I've gotten from a Carrier where they hadn't opened the box and get the phone to mess around with it.

anglerstock said:
What carrier?
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I'm in the UK, so I'm especially interested in UK carriers, in particular EE. But, I'm also wondering if the Nexus is being treated like the iPhone by carriers, which as far as I understand, is left alone by carriers.

BillyTheRatKing said:
As far as I know (in the U.S. at least), you cannot purchase the Nexus 6P (or 5X) through a wireless carrier. You must buy direct from Google or Huawei. Thus, the only apps on the phone are Google ones!
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Thanks. I didn't know that. I wonder why things are different here in the UK?!

UgoyUgoy said:
Thanks. I didn't know that. I wonder why things are different here in the UK?!
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Pretty sure it's the same here as the uk. You can get them through Carriers but they don't have any bloat. There are no CSC packages built into the Nexus factory images. As far as I know. Again mine came from a carrier and no bloat. Just stock.

airwa1kin7 said:
Here in Canada we can buy them from the Carrier. I got mine via preorder from my Carrier and it had ZERO bloat on it. It's also the first phone I've gotten from a Carrier where they hadn't opened the box and get the phone to mess around with it.
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That sounds hopeful! Hope they do the same in the UK.

airwa1kin7 said:
Pretty sure it's the same here as the uk. You can get them through Carriers but they don't have any bloat. There are no CSC packages built into the Nexus factory images. As far as I know. Again mine came from a carrier and no bloat. Just stock.
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I'll soon order a Nexus 6P. If I get one via a carrier, I'll report back on its ROM and if it comes baked with anything.

Related

[All CDMA Carriers] Before Buying a Nexus 6, Consider Where You Buy It

Just wanted to post a public service here for y'all.
If you're buying a Nexus 6 and plan to activate it on Verizon, Sprint, or US Cellular, you should either buy it from your carrier of choice or from Google Play. Unless Google pulled off a miracle (unlikely), all the CDMA carriers will only have IMEI numbers whitelisted for devices sold from Google Play and devices sold by that carrier.
In other words, if you're planning to skip Google Play and instead buy one from T-Mobile at full price, then walk over to a Verizon store and activate it, it's not going to happen.
Further, if you're buying a Nexus 6 and expect to be able to activate it on any of the 5 supported carriers at the drop of a hat, buy it from Google Play and don't even consider buying it from a carrier.
If you want a more in-depth explanation, I made a video on this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cCT_ifWGLs
UPDATE
Now that people are getting their Nexus 6s, we've got some more concrete information. Keep in mind that every Nexus 6 sold in the US supports CDMA. The problem is, unless you buy it from specific places, the carriers' systems won't allow activation.
VERIZON:
Verizon is not officially allowing any Nexus 6 on its network yet, however, that's only through official channels.
If you have an already-active line, you can take your SIM card (cut it down to nano size if necessary), put it into any Nexus 6 (no matter where you bought it), and you're good to go. If you need a new line of service, you'll have to activate using an IMEI number of a display device that takes a nano SIM (I'd recommend an HTC One M8 or a DROID Turbo), then once you get your SIM card, put it in your Nexus 6 and you'll be golden. And no, this is not stealing IMEI numbers. The minute that SIM goes into your Nexus 6, the display model's IMEI number is freed up. There's nothing morally questionable about this method at all.
SPRINT:
Sprint will currently allow devices sold from Google Play, Motorola, Sprint, and AT&T. We aren't sure about devices purchased from T-Mobile, or US Cellular. Since Sprint whitelists devices at network level, your MEID must be in the system in order for your device to actually handshake with the network. The Verizon trick of using an already-activated SIM card won't work for Sprint.
US CELLULAR:
USCC will activate devices that they sell, as well as ones purchased from Google Play. I attempted to activate my AT&T-purchased phone on USCC and the MEID (IMEI minus the last digit) was not in their system, therefore it could not be activated. Since USCC, like Sprint, whitelists devices at a network level, the Verizon trick of using an already-activated SIM card will not work. There is presently no word on whether or not USCC will activate phones purchased from Motorola, but I'd bet the answer is no, at least for now.
Great explanation. Thanks. I'll definitely be buying mine from the Play Store for use on Verizon.
So your implying that one cannot buy a T-Mobile Nexus and then use it on ATT? I would have to say BS in this particular scenario IMO.
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chipstien said:
So your implying that one cannot buy a T-Mobile Nexus and then use it on ATT? I would have to say BS in this particular scenario IMO.
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You fail at understanding "CDMA".
chipstien said:
So your implying that one cannot buy a T-Mobile Nexus and then use it on ATT? I would have to say BS in this particular scenario IMO.
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So you're implying that ATT is now a CDMA network? I would have to say BS in this particular scenario IMO.
Given that they don't know where you bought the device..... and the fact that you can buy a device from Google, that's designed and advertised to work on all carriers..... and the fact that there is only one sku for all NA variants.... and they aren't making you choose a carrier when you order one..... This myth is busted. If I buy one from TMobile and take it to Verizon I can simply say I bought it from Google..... In which case they have to honor it because Google is selling it as compatible with all carriers.... Do you see? There isn't a "verizon" N6. If there was you would have to provide your carrier of choice at checkout. Otherwise the idea that they are comparing IMEIs is bunk.
lets say this is all true and u cant do that......what if i get from motorola site?
neyenlives said:
Given that they don't know where you bought the device..... and the fact that you can buy a device from Google, that's designed and advertised to work on all carriers..... and the fact that there is only one sku for all NA variants.... and they aren't making you choose a carrier when you order one..... This myth is busted. If I buy one from TMobile and take it to Verizon I can simply say I bought it from Google..... In which case they have to honor it because Google is selling it as compatible with all carriers.... Do you see? There isn't a "verizon" N6. If there was you would have to provide your carrier of choice at checkout. Otherwise the idea that they are comparing IMEIs is bunk.
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seems it was the case for the N5. https://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/150262
So it is very likely the same case would happen to the N6.
I planned on buying from the play store anyways.
Thanks for confirming my suspicions.
Honestly, anything at this point is purely speculation. I don't think you can confidently say that buying from t-mobile means your phone won't work on sprint or vzw...
I just hope vzw hasn't done something really dumb and only recognize IMEI numbers sold through THEM (not even google).
oldblue910 said:
Further, if you're buying a Nexus 6 and expect to be able to activate it on any of the 5 supported carriers at the drop of a hat, buy it from Google Play and don't even consider buying it from a carrier.
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elkay said:
You fail at understanding "CDMA".
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f1ip said:
So you're implying that ATT is now a CDMA network? I would have to say BS in this particular scenario IMO.
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Quite the contrary, I understand CDMA well enough to not consider it if it was the last technology left still in use. (Ex Red subscriber). I totally agree that CDMA providers will need to whitelist the imei#. But by the OP's quote that I highlighted he said "any of the 5 supported carriers". Last I checked, 2 of the 5 supported carriers were GSM. (AT&T and T-Mobile in case you didn't know). I specifically was saying that I call BS that a T-Mobile phone would have any issues what-so-ever starting up and working on a AT&T network. So either you'll are misunderstanding me or I am more tired than I thought and have misread the OP in which case my bad...
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Typo? No longer carrying it?
https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/6102470
halon17 said:
Typo? No longer carrying it?
https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/6102470
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I would hope typo....Still showing verizon on here.....https://www.google.com/nexus/6/
funkyboy1281 said:
I would hope typo....Still showing verizon on here.....https://www.google.com/nexus/6/
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Yep. I noticed that. Moto site still has cdma supported also. There better be some clarification later today. I belive VZ also told Kellex at droidlife they were going to offer the NexSix?
halon17 said:
Yep. I noticed that. Moto site still has cdma supported also. There better be some clarification later today. I belive VZ also told Kellex at droidlife they were going to offer the NexSix?
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Yea they sure did. I'll definitely be holding off now until I'm 100% sure it's a go on Verizon.
funkyboy1281 said:
I would hope typo....Still showing verizon on here.....https://www.google.com/nexus/6/
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I'm wondering if the Play Store units are only compatible with TMo and ATT. Look at the way the carriers are listed on that image. TMo and ATT are above the line with the Play Store link. The CDMA carriers are below the line on their own. That can't be an accident.
Alright guys, time out.
Every Nexus 6 sold in the US, no matter where it's purchased from, will technically work on all 5 carriers. The issue is, the CDMA carriers won't have IMEI numbers white listed for stock sold from other carriers. Based on the IMEI number of your phone, I can tell what color it is, how much storage it has, and where it was sold.
You can activate any Nexus 6 purchased anywhere on AT&T or T-Mobile because they're GSM and don't care where it's from.
You cannot buy a device from anywhere and activate it on Verizon, Sprint, or US Cellular, though. You can lie and tell then you bought it from Play but it won't matter. If you purchased your phone anywhere other than Play or the CDMA carrier you're trying to activate with, they won't have your phone's IMEI in their database, thus no activation.
As for devices purchased from Motorola, I'm not going to speculate because I have no history to go on, but I would imagine that those would be OK as well.
T-Mobile and AT&T will take any Nexus 6 sold anywhere.
Verizon will take a Nexus 6 sold from Play or Verizon.
Sprint will take a Nexus 6 sold from Play or Sprint.
US Cellular will take a Nexus 6 sold from Play or US Cellular.
It doesn't matter that your Nexus 6 that you bought at T-Mobile works fine on al the CDMA carriers (and it will). The CDMA carriers will not activate it purely because the phone won't have a whitelisted IMEI number due to the fact that it wasn't purchased from that carrier or Play. It's no more or less complicated than that.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 4 using Tapatalk
neyenlives said:
Given that they don't know where you bought the device..... and the fact that you can buy a device from Google, that's designed and advertised to work on all carriers..... and the fact that there is only one sku for all NA variants.... and they aren't making you choose a carrier when you order one..... This myth is busted. If I buy one from TMobile and take it to Verizon I can simply say I bought it from Google..... In which case they have to honor it because Google is selling it as compatible with all carriers.... Do you see? There isn't a "verizon" N6. If there was you would have to provide your carrier of choice at checkout. Otherwise the idea that they are comparing IMEIs is bunk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds logical, except its not how the cdma carriers work. The iphone 4s (and now the 6 and 6 plus in the US, though sprint has a different model, but verizon uses the same model as att/tmobile) was the same model for cdma and gsm, but it wouldn't work on cdma networks unless originally purchased from a cdma network. Basically they whitelisted imei numbers to only activate iphones that were orignally purchased on cdma networks even though the model was capable of both gsm/cdma.
munkle said:
That sounds logical, except its not how the cdma carriers work. The iphone 4s (and now the 6 and 6 plus in the US, though sprint has a different model, but verizon uses the same model as att/tmobile) was the same model for cdma and gsm, but it wouldn't work on cdma networks unless originally purchased from a cdma network. Basically they whitelisted imei numbers to only activate iphones that were orignally purchased on cdma networks even though the model was capable of both gsm/cdma.
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Click to collapse
I think what a lot of people don't understand is that you can tell by a phones IMEI number where it was purchased, it's color, the storage, and model number. So you're exactly right. The CDMA carriers only whitelist the devices that they sell, and they enforce that via the IMEI number.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 4 using Tapatalk
tsy87 said:
Honestly, anything at this point is purely speculation. I don't think you can confidently say that buying from t-mobile means your phone won't work on sprint or vzw...
I just hope vzw hasn't done something really dumb and only recognize IMEI numbers sold through THEM (not even google).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only time I have ever heard of Verizon allowing a non-Verizon or non-Play Store sold device on their network is by someone having an insider connection and white-listing it. I think it's pretty safe to say that if you buy a device from T-mobile, it will not work on Verizon, unless Verizon changes the policy that is has had in place for years.
chipstien said:
So your implying that one cannot buy a T-Mobile Nexus and then use it on ATT? I would have to say BS in this particular scenario IMO.
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An N6 bought from T-Mobile will work on AT&T and vice-versa. The OP was specifically referring to CDMA carriers.
EDIT: Ninja'd by oldblue910

EE Wifi Calling

Is anyone looking to work on this for the Nexus 6p?
I have one preordered from the play store and as such won't have the "feature" enabled by default (as you have to purchase the device directly from EE so they can load their own stuff on it)
However, seems the guys in this thread came pretty close, some got it working http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s6-edge/help/ee-wifi-calling-t3082364
At first it seemed like a few simple XML changes were all that was needed, i can't in fact make out from the 12 page thread if thats correct or not, some claim it worked with these changes, some said flashing EE's own firmwares etc was needed.
Please post any knowledge on this here, anyone who purchases from EE and is willing to share information/dump firmware would be greatly appreciated i'm sure :highfive:
sg86 said:
Is anyone looking to work on this for the Nexus 6p?
I have one preordered from the play store and as such won't have the "feature" enabled by default (as you have to purchase the device directly from EE so they can load their own stuff on it)
However, seems the guys in this thread came pretty close, some got it working http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s6-edge/help/ee-wifi-calling-t3082364
At first it seemed like a few simple XML changes were all that was needed, i can't in fact make out from the 12 page thread if thats correct or not, some claim it worked with these changes, some said flashing EE's own firmwares etc was needed.
Please post any knowledge on this here, anyone who purchases from EE and is willing to share information/dump firmware would be greatly appreciated i'm sure :highfive:
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Click to collapse
I'll be interested in this as well, I've ordered mine from CPW on EE. I'm sure there'll be no problem enabling it we'll just need to extract the required elements from the EE ROM. I'm sure someone will produce a flashable zip.
Tung_meister said:
I'll be interested in this as well, I've ordered mine from CPW on EE. I'm sure there'll be no problem enabling it we'll just need to extract the required elements from the EE ROM. I'm sure someone will produce a flashable zip.
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Well this is my hope as well, but if you see that thread it's been a whole year and nobody did it!
sg86 said:
Well this is my hope as well, but if you see that thread it's been a whole year and nobody did it!
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I'm sure someone will. This is a nexus device, the owners tend to be more technically inclined so I don't think it'll be an issue.
The EE wifi calling is more than just a change of an xml file (which is Samsung specific) They use a VPN tunnel for the wifi calling which is not an application you can install and is embedded into the EE firmware for the S6/Edge.
Also don't forget that EE only allow wifi calling on phones brought through EE (in store and online) and I do not know if a pure stock android N6P would even be EE branded with wifi calling enabled etc.
I thought all nexus device came with stock android even carrier devices a
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daleski75 said:
The EE wifi calling is more than just a change of an xml file (which is Samsung specific) They use a VPN tunnel for the wifi calling which is not an application you can install and is embedded into the EE firmware for the S6/Edge.
Also don't forget that EE only allow wifi calling on phones brought through EE (in store and online) and I do not know if a pure stock android N6P would even be EE branded with wifi calling enabled etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They only "allow" it because of the embedded firmware you mention, not so much a decision to disallow it.
My hope is that whatever code is embedded could potentially be extracted/applied to stock? I guess we need someone here with an EE nexus to help us out . My other half just received a google store notification that her 5x is being delivered today, so maybe someone with a 5x direct from EE will be around soon :fingers-crossed:
sg86 said:
They only "allow" it because of the embedded firmware you mention, not so much a decision to disallow it.
My hope is that whatever code is embedded could potentially be extracted/applied to stock? I guess we need someone here with an EE nexus to help us out . My other half just received a google store notification that her 5x is being delivered today, so maybe someone with a 5x direct from EE will be around soon :fingers-crossed:
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The chances are pretty much 99.9% that a Nexus brought through EE won't have any EE bloatware added whatsoever and will be pure 100% stock.
I'm hoping it can be extracted/reverse engineered also - but I wouldn't expect it for a little while at least.
The guy who has a 6p that posted a couple days ago showed a wifi calling option. He was on t mobile. I never got to where he replied if it worked.
daleski75 said:
The chances are pretty much 99.9% that a Nexus brought through EE won't have any EE bloatware added whatsoever and will be pure 100% stock.
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I'm really hoping this is the case. I get F&F discount on EE so it makes sense to get my handset through them at serious discount. The only downside is that my previous devices have all had EE firmware, bloatware and SIM lock on them.
If the N6P comes unmolested then that would be perfect. The only thing I can see them adding is SIM lock (although I disagree with this on principle too - I should be able to put whatever SIM in my phone I want....).
I'm struggling to get any useful info on whether the Nexus will be hacked around by EE - I would sincerely hope they are prevented from doing so by Google as the entire premise of Nexus is that it's pure Android and all the benefits that brings...
Because it's a nexus and there is only 1 model number for the international variant there shouldn't be any ee bloat, just the same as the iPhone. And therefore any 6p should work with WiFi calling on ee just like the iPhone. Ee have already advertised the 6p as having WiFi calling so we should all be good to go. The ee representative I spoke to when sorting my new sim only contract assumed that this would be correct.
bidoa said:
Because it's a nexus and there is only 1 model number for the international variant there shouldn't be any ee bloat, just the same as the iPhone. And therefore any 6p should work with WiFi calling on ee just like the iPhone. Ee have already advertised the 6p as having WiFi calling so we should all be good to go. The ee representative I spoke to when sorting my new sim only contract assumed that this would be correct.
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Click to collapse
If that turns out to be the case I'll be very happy, I guess I'll just have to wait until Monday to find out.
I concur. Also waiting to see if they're going to get the 64 and 128 versions in. The lack of SD card is the only fly in the ointment for me so far (I have a 64gb card in my One M8 and wouldn't want any less now).
I bought iPhone 6s Plus directly from Apple and was surprised I could make wifi calling, just Enabled wifi calling under phone settings. I was informed by EE only phones bought directly from them would come with that option.
That'll be interesting then, it suggests there's something proprietary to enable it on EE devices?
combat goofwing said:
I thought all nexus device came with stock android even carrier devices a
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Generally yes. But not always. Look to the US past Nexii to see carriers being allowed to fiddle. Verizon especially.
---------- Post added at 09:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:39 PM ----------
Funkmeister said:
That'll be interesting then, it suggests there's something proprietary to enable it on EE devices?
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Click to collapse
For EE, in this case I believe they are making software changes so the 6P's from them will probably have a different build number. Though I need to find others who appear to have unlocked international versions come from EE (it does happen) who still have different build numbers to people who bought it from agnostic stores.
I don't know why some people are so confident EE will change nothing. They are making firmware changes on all other devices with WiFi calling, nexus willl be no different
Regardless of what people think the answer as some suggest is not to buy from EE direct, I didn't start the thread for that workaround, I don't want a device from a carrier I want it from Google. I don't want it sim locked or touched by anyone else, that's fair right?
My other half received her 5x two days ago so roll on 6p deliveries!
You should test to see if your other half's 5x works with WiFi calling on ee.
bidoa said:
You should test to see if your other half's 5x works with WiFi calling on ee.
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We both purchased direct from the play store so there is no wifi calling option enabled? well not that i can see. I guess devices direct from EE will take a few extra weeks to filter out

What carrier are you on (US)?

Simple poll, for those of us in the US, what carrier are you using your 6P on?
Right now I'm primarily using mine on Verizon, but also have a T-Mobile pre-paid SIM that I swap back and forth for testing.
Other - Project Fi in Southeast Michigan and loving it. Far better than Sprint (by that I mean just Sprint alone).
Carrier Selection
I am on Sprint, and honestly its been pretty smooth sailing. Even getting the phone up and running wasn't particularly hard either. Solid LTE in my neck of the woods.
I'm on Verizon because neither of the new Nexus phones support VoLTE or HD voice on AT&T. I live in a city so any of the four majors were viable options locally. My problem is that I do a lot of traveling to rural Appalachia and so I need one of the big boys if I want to be covered wherever I go.
Also, Verizon has been embracing unlocked devices of late (Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Moto X Pure, non-VZW-purchased Nexus 6, SIM-Free iPhone 6 and 6S bought from Apple). That combined with it not restricting VoLTE and HD voice made Verizon an easy choice.
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oldblue910 said:
I'm on Verizon because neither of the new Nexus phones support VoLTE or HD voice on AT&T. I live in a city so any of the four majors were viable options locally. My problem is that I do a lot of traveling to rural Appalachia and so I need one of the big boys if I want to be covered wherever I go.
Also, Verizon has been embracing unlocked devices of late (Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Moto X Pure, non-VZW-purchased Nexus 6, SIM-Free iPhone 6 and 6S bought from Apple). That combined with it not restricting VoLTE and HD voice made Verizon an easy choice.
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i wouldn't say they've been embracing them. their hand was forced with the implementation of 4G. i haven't seen VZW update their image database with the latest models of carrier unlocked phones, so IMO they're not exactly "embracing" this idea.
on Sprint .. suprisingly connection has been better than it was with previous Note 4. Not getting super speed or anything but seems fast enough for majority of data stuff. Would like to try Project Fi but it would be more expensive going that route since I use too much data
uodii said:
Other - Project Fi in Southeast Michigan and loving it. Far better than Sprint (by that I mean just Sprint alone).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I knew I forgot something...
Can a mod add Project Fi as an option?
T-Mobile... Solid signal quality in my area so I have their unlimited plan. Still annoyed with the lack of band 12 however, especially as I travel to Indy often.
640k said:
i wouldn't say they've been embracing them. their hand was forced with the implementation of 4G. i haven't seen VZW update their image database with the latest models of carrier unlocked phones, so IMO they're not exactly "embracing" this idea.
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Click to collapse
AT&T and T-Mobile don't have images of unlocked phones either, with the odd exception here or there. And my Verizon account does show a picture of an iPhone 6S Plus for my SIM-free one that I bought from Apple (which is a different model and IMEI number set than the one Verizon sells). But, you're right, my Nexus 6P just shows up as "Huawei - H1511" with a generic device picture. A picture isn't what matters, though. What matters is that Verizon added the IMEI numbers for the 6P and 5X within a week or two of launch. That's huge for them. Considering where Verizon was even 2 years ago on the idea of unlocked phones vs. where they are now, they've taken a lot of strides. Even Sprint allows all of the same unlocked devices that Verizon does now. Sure, the FCC rules that Verizon agreed to in order to purchase those C block licenses was key in all this, but that doesn't necessarily make what I said any less true.
In the end, I think what's happening is that Verizon and Sprint are realizing that if the phone works on the network and someone wants to give them their money, they should allow the phone and take the money.
Sammaul said:
T-Mobile... Solid signal quality in my area so I have their unlimited plan. Still annoyed with the lack of band 12 however, especially as I travel to Indy often.
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according to DL, its on the way.
http://www.droid-life.com/2015/11/16/nexus-6p-t-mobile-band-12-lte/
---------- Post added at 11:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:44 AM ----------
oldblue910 said:
AT&T and T-Mobile don't have images of unlocked phones either, with the odd exception here or there. And my Verizon account does show a picture of an iPhone 6S Plus for my SIM-free one that I bought from Apple. But, you're right, my Nexus 6P just shows up as "Huawei - H1511" with a generic device picture. A picture isn't what matters, though. What matters is that Verizon added the IMEI numbers for the 6P and 5X within a week or two of launch. That's huge for them. Considering where Verizon was even 2 years ago on the idea of unlocked phones vs. where they are now, they've taken a lot of strides. Sure, the FCC rules that they agreed to in order to purchase those C block licenses was key in all this, but that doesn't necessarily make what I said any less true.
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Click to collapse
i bought my '13 Moto Xs as carrier devices. one was from Moto Maker and one direct from VZW. even back then, the idea of a carrier unlocked VZW device was few and far between. so happy to be out of the "we'll update your device when we feel like it" type mentality.
heck, i remember people used to choose their carrier based on device availability. the whole carrier exclusive things was a big PITA and i won't miss one bit of it. i can't wait for TV to catch on.
640k said:
according to DL, its on the way.
http://www.droid-life.com/2015/11/16/nexus-6p-t-mobile-band-12-lte/
---------- Post added at 11:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:44 AM ----------
i bought my '13 Moto Xs as carrier devices. one was from Moto Maker and one direct from VZW. even back then, the idea of a carrier unlocked VZW device was few and far between. so happy to be out of the "we'll update your device when we feel like it" type mentality.
heck, i remember people used to choose their carrier based on device availability. the whole carrier exclusive things was a big PITA and i won't miss one bit of it. i can't wait for TV to catch on.
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Click to collapse
Sweet thank you for the link.
oldblue910 said:
In the end, I think what's happening is that Verizon and Sprint are realizing that if the phone works on the network and someone wants to give them their money, they should allow the phone and take the money.
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Click to collapse
go in before the edit.
i think the reality tells a different story. if carriers still had the power to lock you in to their device/contract, they would continue to do so. cable companies lock you in to their own devices by restricting/encrypting the signal. once upon a time, all you needed was a tuner and an internet connection and you could get pretty much everything without paying them to "rent" their boxes.
even vehicle manufacturers are trying to "lock" you in to their infotainment systems by making them non-replaceable with non-standard components.
640k said:
go in before the edit.
i think the reality tells a different story. if carriers still had the power to lock you in to their device/contract, they would continue to do so. cable companies lock you in to their own devices by restricting/encrypting the signal. once upon a time, all you needed was a tuner and an internet connection and you could get pretty much everything without paying them to "rent" their boxes.
even vehicle manufacturers are trying to "lock" you in to their infotainment systems by making them non-replaceable with non-standard components.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, yeah, but again, the fact that they WOULD do it is kind-of immaterial. They're not doing it. They're going the other way. The reasons for it aren't really terribly important. But yes, unchecked, companies will always try to lock you into their products and services. It's been happening for centuries. That's the art of making a profit.

S7 International on AT&T carrier

Anyone using S7 International version on US AT&T carrier?
Care to report any issues? Drawbacks? Limitations, etc?
I'm curious about the this as well
If so, any issues, like with GPS? Also does Samsung pay work?
I don't get why Samsung has made this so complicated: some of us want t faster updates, custom roms etc and are willing to pay for it. And in this particular case a slightly faster more efficient variant.
I just got the 930f, and using it on cricket. So far, I see no drawbacks, but I haven't used it enough. Cricket was auto detected and APN settings already configured. The 930f from ebay was sealed, and no European sim needed.
anywho said:
I just got the 930f, and using it on cricket. So far, I see no drawbacks, but I haven't used it enough. Cricket was auto detected and APN settings already configured. The 930f from ebay was sealed, and no European sim needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Cricket use AT&T towers?
martinezma99 said:
Does Cricket use AT&T towers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, it is att owned mvno.
Anyone else on AT&T?
Been debating if I want to get this variant as well. Anybody know if AT&t LTE work? Online claims that the phone does support it, but would rather have someone verify it before I purchased it.
chungdae said:
Been debating if I want to get this variant as well. Anybody know if AT&t LTE work? Online claims that the phone does support it, but would rather have someone verify it before I purchased it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE works fine, but this is missing band 30. But Band 30 is very new, and I believe it's mainly big city markets that use it.
^great thank you for the info
I got the international S7 Edge (935f) and I am using it on ATT.
The ebay sellers remove the region lock before shipping, which requires a 10 minute call in the originating country. I also had no issues when putting my ATT sim in and didn't have to change APN settings or anything, it all worked immediately. I get 4G LTE and speeds are typical for what I am used to. I could also use my phone as a wireless hotspot right away, which was very important to me, and something ATT does not allow without a separate plan. No band 30 as was mentioned, but I can live without that. Also, no samsung pay (for the time being), and no voice over LTE, which I never used before anyway. You're also on your own for warranty.
Not many disadvantages to taking the international over the carrier brand, and you will get a lower cost, bloat free, and rootable/fully customizable phone as an advantage. Very happy w/ my purchase.
Hisma said:
I got the international S7 Edge (935f) and I am using it on ATT.
The ebay sellers remove the region lock before shipping, which requires a 10 minute call in the originating country. I also had no issues when putting my ATT sim in and didn't have to change APN settings or anything, it all worked immediately. I get 4G LTE and speeds are typical for what I am used to. I could also use my phone as a wireless hotspot right away, which was very important to me, and something ATT does not allow without a separate plan. No band 30 as was mentioned, but I can live without that. Also, no samsung pay (for the time being), and no voice over LTE, which I never used before anyway. You're also on your own for warranty.
Not many disadvantages to taking the international over the carrier brand, and you will get a lower cost, bloat free, and rootable/fully customizable phone as an advantage. Very happy w/ my purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious if the Samsung Pay app is missing or if it's present and just unable to be configured due to the model number. Thanks! Also, I read someone complaining about GPS with their SM-G935F here in the US. Can't imagine why that would be, but have you had any issues in that area?
samsung pay is not even present. It needs to be baked in by the carrier.
As for GPS, it's perfectly fine. I used it earlier today and it locked in & got me where I needed to go without issue. I don't see why people would say GPS would be impacted by an international phone? GPS will be the same in all of these, and it will connect to the same satellites all the other carriers would use. This isn't like a car where it needs to have region-specific maps pre-loaded.
Does VoLTE work?
myphone12345 said:
Does VoLTE work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No
No but I am using an AT&T version G935A in Canada. Works flawlessly!
If I get the international model, will the phone auto update the APN settings on its own?
Capt said:
If I get the international model, will the phone auto update the APN settings on its own?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read my first response.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Isn't samsung pay downloadble from the play store now (and APKMirror)? I'm curious if it works once it's installed on the phone.
Hisma said:
samsung pay is not even present. It needs to be baked in by the carrier.
As for GPS, it's perfectly fine. I used it earlier today and it locked in & got me where I needed to go without issue. I don't see why people would say GPS would be impacted by an international phone? GPS will be the same in all of these, and it will connect to the same satellites all the other carriers would use. This isn't like a car where it needs to have region-specific maps pre-loaded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read up on A-GPS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_GPS
myphone12345 said:
Read up on A-GPS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_GPS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. Wasn't aware that they combine the Internet connection with the GPS in these phones, makes sense though.
Still, I speak from personal experience with the phone, GPS locks instantly and works great with Google maps. Haven't used it with any other 3rd party apps yet though. If others have had issues I'd like to hear their personal accounts.
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

What bands for each of the big 4 providers?

Anyone know for sure what bands each will have? I know the unlocked will have them all. Will every US version have all of the bands as well? Researching online for some reason right now is not giving me any info. The FCC filling for the unlocked U version is all I've found so far after a day of searching online.
http://www.androidguys.com/2017/03/...s-pass-through-the-fcc-supports-all-carriers/
I think I may have finally figured it out. Samsung hopefully did what moto and apple and nexus has done for years and made them all universal. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned this all before but here is what info I'm going off.
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/galaxy-s/s/_/n-10+11+hv1rp+zq1xa/
T-Mobile
SM-G950UZKATMB
Verizon
SM-G950UZKAVZW
Sprint
SM-G950UZKASPR
AT&T
SM-G950UZKAATT
So the carrier versions are all the same just a different bloat package on all 4.
When an unlocked one arrives again the only difference might be less bloat.
This could be really good news for people who don't like contacts like myself.
Maybe faster updates from Samsung? I mean they can't possibly get slower than they already are can they?
They didn't. I have inside info from Samsung that it's the same as the GS7. They just changed the model numbering scheme to be more universally discernible. I was hoping for one phone with carrier customization but nope... they again made it impossible to get all features and bands on a different carrier.
The good news is the Verizon model doesn't have carrier branding any longer. I confirmed that today by unboxing an actual retail model.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
sillyphillie said:
They didn't. I have inside info from Samsung that it's the same as the GS7. They just changed the model numbering scheme to be more universally discernible. I was hoping for one phone with carrier customization but nope... they again made it impossible to get all features and bands on a different carrier.
The good news is the Verizon model doesn't have carrier branding any longer. I confirmed that today by unboxing an actual retail model.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So when do they finally release what bands each carrier model supports? Seems odd that no info exists on the phones releasing in 3 weeks. The unlocked model has all its bands published online but no official release date.
I'm curious to know if the Verizon model is the same as the unlocked one.
954wrecker said:
Anyone know for sure what bands each will have? I know the unlocked will have them all. Will every US version have all of the bands as well? Researching online for some reason right now is not giving me any info. The FCC filling for the unlocked U version is all I've found so far after a day of searching online.
http://www.androidguys.com/2017/03/...s-pass-through-the-fcc-supports-all-carriers/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get it unlocked, insert a different carrier's sim, factory reset and it will boot with the splash screen and preinstalled apps of the carrier. I've seen the Att to Tmobile and verizon to att swap
That's interesting . I will try that when I get it. But I'm not sure that would effect the boot logo? I'm imagining it would stay the same, no?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
954wrecker said:
I think I may have finally figured it out. Samsung hopefully did what moto and apple and nexus has done for years and made them all universal. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned this all before but here is what info I'm going off.
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/galaxy-s/s/_/n-10+11+hv1rp+zq1xa/
T-Mobile
SM-G950UZKATMB
Verizon
SM-G950UZKAVZW
Sprint
SM-G950UZKASPR
AT&T
SM-G950UZKAATT
So the carrier versions are all the same just a different bloat package on all 4.
When an unlocked one arrives again the only difference might be less bloat.
This could be really good news for people who don't like contacts like myself.
Maybe faster updates from Samsung? I mean they can't possibly get slower than they already are can they?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did You check AT&T or T-Mobile have cdma support if they do they you are right if they don't may be carrier are going to release updates
sillyphillie said:
They didn't. I have inside info from Samsung that it's the same as the GS7. They just changed the model numbering scheme to be more universally discernible. I was hoping for one phone with carrier customization but nope... they again made it impossible to get all features and bands on a different carrier.
The good news is the Verizon model doesn't have carrier branding any longer. I confirmed that today by unboxing an actual retail model.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think your wrong. If you go check tmobiles website the software version is G950USQU1AQC9. There is nothing mentioning tmobile specifically there. I think that they will all come with carrier animation BUT be uninstallable.
I would hope so but I received this info from a Samsung Knox Development Manager who is an internal employee. I am crossing my fingers he is full of it.
I've got the bands for the AT&T and Verizon phones. Those companies had the decency to post the info online. Samsung chat was useless and told me some BS as usual about not knowing until the phone was released. Is it possible the T-Mobile bands listed on the website are the only bands it supports? 2,4,5,12?
If the websites are accurate and just considering bands alone it looks like the AT&T one has the best support.
I'm really Curious about exynos working on Verizon and can't find any info. I'm in Korea for another 8 months and was hoping to get the Korea model S8 and take it back to the states and use it on my Verizon network. I have a feeling it won't work just like the S7 did not.
The s8 Will be just like the note 7 was.... Internals are EXACTLY the same, just different SW, and can be flashed with any carrier SW to "make" them that carriers phone.
suzook said:
The s8 Will be just like the note 7 was.... Internals are EXACTLY the same, just different SW, and can be flashed with any carrier SW to "make" them that carriers phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I was thinking based on the 1 and only FCC filing with just the 'U' and no other carrier letters.
Bad news all 4 carriers support slightly different bands just like always
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=71771523
954wrecker said:
Bad news all 4 carriers support slightly different bands just like always
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=71771523
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's bs...Trust me. Note 7 on Samsung website showed the same. A simple flash of carrier FW makes it whatever FW is on it.
suzook said:
It's bs...Trust me. Note 7 on Samsung website showed the same. A simple flash of carrier FW makes it whatever FW is on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that mean that if say I pre-order the AT&T S8+ from Best Buy because I have in store credit and place a T-Mobile sim, it can possibly work?
nexus.knightly said:
Does that mean that if say I pre-order the AT&T S8+ from Best Buy because I have in store credit and place a T-Mobile sim, it can possibly work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash it with TMO SW, and it will be a "TMO" phone.
suzook said:
Flash it with TMO SW, and it will be a "TMO" phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. I think the best course of action for me would be to wait for the Unlocked version of the S8 to arrive in May, hopefully.

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