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I know there's a T-Mobile announcement on Oct 9 where the Z3 is likely to be revealed. Do these announcements usually follow the sale of the device the next day? I'm debating on either getting the international version or waiting for the T-Mobile announcement. I'm just not a fan of the carrier branding. I'm hoping Sony sells the device on their US site to buy directly rather than through T-Mobile. Anyone have any input? Then again, maybe I'll wait for the Nexus 6/X or whatever. I hate so many choices!
Sent from my MI 4W
If there's branding it will be on the back, unlike Verizon who brands their phones like there's no tomorrow.
Jfree3000 said:
If there's branding it will be on the back, unlike Verizon who brands their phones like there's no tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true
Sent from my MI 4W
I'm using an international Z3 on T-Mobile (the Dual-SIM version) - works as expected, though no WiFi Calling.
Is that hardware limitation though? Any way to get an unlocked z3 that has tmobile wifi calling?
Nope only t-mobile phones are capable of this.
This is the press picture for T-Mobile
http://www.static.xperiablog.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/T-Mobile-Xperia-Z3_1-640x433.jpg
Also if you search the web, there is a video of unboxing for Z3 T-Mobile and it shows everything of it.
It is a software restriction, but ever since the BB Curve 8330 people have been trying to port it to non-Tmobile phones. As far as I know, none have been successful. It relies on heavy modifications to the telephony stack.
jonshipman said:
It is a software restriction, but ever since the BB Curve 8330 people have been trying to port it to non-Tmobile phones. As far as I know, none have been successful. It relies on heavy modifications to the telephony stack.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if the stars align and a USA T-mobile Z3 ROM can be flashed onto a regular Z3 without problems, maybe
(Nexus 5 has the same modem firmware between USA and Int'l model... so if all Z3 models share the same modem firmware... probably not going to happen)
paperWastage said:
if the stars align and a USA T-mobile Z3 ROM can be flashed onto a regular Z3 without problems, maybe
(Nexus 5 has the same modem firmware between USA and Int'l model... so if all Z3 models share the same modem firmware... probably not going to happen)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably not going to happen, THOUGH, T-mobile's implementation is being adopted into the standard... sooooo maybe¿ That's how WIFI calling is coming to the iPhone in 2015 on ATT. And I think Verizon is in on the mix. E.g. if Android L or M supports this wifi calling it will eventually be carried over the the Z line. But that's a but if/maybe/assumptions being made.
If WIFI calling is vital - then buy the carrier version. But in my experience, if you have internet fast enough for VOiP, you're likely in a T-Mobile coverage area anyway. If you're underground, you have Hangouts which Google just rolled voice into for Free.
paulcbetts said:
I'm using an international Z3 on T-Mobile (the Dual-SIM version) - works as expected, though no WiFi Calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So to verify, you're using the D6633? Any benefit to it being dual sim? Is it missing any bands for functionality with TMo? Also, where did you get it from?
Don't mean to bug you with all the questions, just want to make sure I'm getting the best version of the Z3 possible (don't like the info that the carrier branded version is missing lots of bands).
Raeglatem said:
So to verify, you're using the D6633? Any benefit to it being dual sim? Is it missing any bands for functionality with TMo? Also, where did you get it from?
Don't mean to bug you with all the questions, just want to make sure I'm getting the best version of the Z3 possible (don't like the info that the carrier branded version is missing lots of bands).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a huge advantage of going with the T-Mobile version when it comes to radio. AWS HSPA+ and Band 12 (700 Mhz A Block) LTE.
AWS HSPA+ support is necessary for areas without 4G LTE so you're not stuck at 2G speeds.
Band 12 LTE support is going to be critical in the coming years, as its going to be T-Mobile's savior when it comes to covering large areas and getting inside of hard-to-reach locations such as office buildings.
mattlgroff said:
There is a huge advantage of going with the T-Mobile version when it comes to radio. AWS HSPA+ and Band 12 (700 Mhz A Block) LTE.
AWS HSPA+ support is necessary for areas without 4G LTE so you're not stuck at 2G speeds.
Band 12 LTE support is going to be critical in the coming years, as its going to be T-Mobile's savior when it comes to covering large areas and getting inside of hard-to-reach locations such as office buildings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I was just reading about Band 12 and didn't realize that all the other models don't support. that sweet 700Mhz spectrum should cover huge areas and penetrate buildings well. Really excited for the possibilities with that one.
Didn't realize the lack of AWS HSPA+ support as well.
Looks like I will stick to the Tmobile variant then and just keep my fingers crossed on colors lol.
mattlgroff said:
There is a huge advantage of going with the T-Mobile version when it comes to radio. AWS HSPA+ and Band 12 (700 Mhz A Block) LTE.
AWS HSPA+ support is necessary for areas without 4G LTE so you're not stuck at 2G speeds.
Band 12 LTE support is going to be critical in the coming years, as its going to be T-Mobile's savior when it comes to covering large areas and getting inside of hard-to-reach locations such as office buildings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The D6603 supports AWS (1700) HSPA
The biggest things you lose with the international (D6603) on T-mobile is:
- WiFi calling
- Band 12 LTE
- 16GB vs 32GB System memory
- possibly VoLTE (not 100% sure)
Tech Spec differences aside, do we have word yet on if the T-Mo version will have the plastic body ala the Z1s? The press images look like all the ports and covers stay the same between the D6603 and the D6616, and the White Paper doesn't seem to indicate a difference, but I feel like one can never tell with T-Mo these days ...
Raeglatem said:
Yeah I was just reading about Band 12 and didn't realize that all the other models don't support. that sweet 700Mhz spectrum should cover huge areas and penetrate buildings well. Really excited for the possibilities with that one.
Didn't realize the lack of AWS HSPA+ support as well.
Looks like I will stick to the Tmobile variant then and just keep my fingers crossed on colors lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far, only black... Maybe later more colors?
se1000 said:
The D6603 supports AWS (1700) HSPA
The biggest things you lose with the international (D6603) on T-mobile is:
- WiFi calling
- Band 12 LTE
- 16GB vs 32GB System memory
- possibly VoLTE (not 100% sure)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. Out of those, the only one that I put weight on is the Band 12 LTE since it is supposed to reach within buildings and the like. Really do not care for the rest. And, I will add, the fact that the updates from Android might take longer for the T-Mobile branded Z3 than the regular non-carrier version. I really hope that Sony sells a US non-carrier here like they did with the Z2.
Cheers.
GoyoNeuff said:
True. Out of those, the only one that I put weight on is the Band 12 LTE since it is supposed to reach within buildings and the like. Really do not care for the rest. And, I will add, the fact that the updates from Android might take longer for the T-Mobile branded Z3 than the regular non-carrier version. I really hope that Sony sells a US non-carrier here like they did with the Z2.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the fact that it would be Tmobile branded is what has me worried with updates. Finger crossed on an official one direct from Sony.
GoyoNeuff said:
So far, only black... Maybe later more colors?
True. Out of those, the only one that I put weight on is the Band 12 LTE since it is supposed to reach within buildings and the like. Really do not care for the rest. And, I will add, the fact that the updates from Android might take longer for the T-Mobile branded Z3 than the regular non-carrier version. I really hope that Sony sells a US non-carrier here like they did with the Z2.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isnt the Band 12 (700mhz) on tmobile the same as band 17 on at&t. if so then D6603 does have support for it.
Edit: Apparently they are not the same. the Band Class 17 standard allows LTE operations in only the Lower 700 MHz B and C blocks using a specific signaling protocol that would filter out all other frequencies. Although Band Class 17 operates on two of the three blocks common to Band Class 12, Band Class 17 devices use "more narrow filters," which have the effect of permitting a smaller range of frequencies to "pass through" the filter. In addition, Band Class 12 and Band Class 17 signaling protocols are not compatible
GoyoNeuff said:
So far, only black... Maybe later more colors?
True. Out of those, the only one that I put weight on is the Band 12 LTE since it is supposed to reach within buildings and the like. Really do not care for the rest. And, I will add, the fact that the updates from Android might take longer for the T-Mobile branded Z3 than the regular non-carrier version. I really hope that Sony sells a US non-carrier here like they did with the Z2.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think they'll sell the D6603 as an unlocked version in the US, it has all the bands for both T-Mobile (except Band 12) and AT&T.
For me, WiFi calling will be a nice to have, I've had it before and it's certainly gotten me out of a few pinches. The partnership with GoGo to allow free in-flight text messages through the feature also adds value to me. Not a deal maker or breaker, but nice to have.
Personally, I think minor Android releases are getting less and less important. I mean, can you point out off the top of your head one thing 4.4.4 brings you that 4.4.2 is missing? Of course Android L will be a huge step forward, especially with the introduction of ART, but it can be said that maybe some of us will hold off on jumping right into the release due to things like incompatibility with apps such as xposed as well. Just my take on it.
se1000 said:
I think they'll sell the D6603 as an unlocked version in the US, it has all the bands for both T-Mobile (except Band 12) and AT&T.
For me, WiFi calling will be a nice to have, I've had it before and it's certainly gotten me out of a few pinches. The partnership with GoGo to allow free in-flight text messages through the feature also adds value to me. Not a deal maker or breaker, but nice to have.
Personally, I think minor Android releases are getting less and less important. I mean, can you point out off the top of your head one thing 4.4.4 brings you that 4.4.2 is missing? Of course Android L will be a huge step forward, especially with the introduction of ART, but it can be said that maybe some of us will hold off on jumping right into the release due to things like incompatibility with apps such as xposed as well. Just my take on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good points...
In fact, one reason I kind of like the Z3 is that Sony does not modify as much the interface as others. Not completely stock like my wife's Nexus 5, but close enough. We will see... I am anxiously waiting for this week event !
Thinking of getting this BOGO s7 special from t mobile and switching to verizon at a later date. Would the s7 work on Verizon?
No. They generally do not.
Sent from my E6683 using Tapatalk
Tmobile phones only has GSM radios and not CDMA radios which is what Verizon uses. It might work if you put your sim card in there but it probably won't connect at full speed with Verizon's LTE since they have different frequencies.
Thanks guys.
I think the difference here is that the T-Mobile S7 says it supports LTE bands 4 and 13, so I wonder if it could be used as an LTE only device if you just swap SIMs.
phillthedrill said:
Tmobile phones only has GSM radios and not CDMA radios which is what Verizon uses.
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Holy crap its 2016 and people still post this?!
AkumaX said:
Holy crap its 2016 and people still post this?!
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Click to collapse
It's 2016?
People post things?
What's the point of your comment? Sounds like your surprised CDMA and GSM still exists, or that people know they still exist.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
_Dennis_ said:
It's 2016?
People post things?
What's the point of your comment? Sounds like your surprised CDMA and GSM still exists, or that people know they still exist.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually mixed it around and thought he asked if Verizon's S7 would work on T-Mobile (which it would)
And of course, the T-Mobile S7 wouldn't work on VZW (because of the missing CDMA radios, of course)
That doesn't exclude all T-Mobile phones -- T-Mobile capable phones such as the iPhone 6/6S, Nexus 5X/6/6P, and Moto X/X2 will work on both T-Mobile and Verizon.
T-mobile s7 will only work as data device. Only band 2 and 4 are supported on T-mobile version and no VoLte support.
Volte is nice but shouldn't be a deal breaker. Verizon didn't update their z3 with volte support until a year after its release.
JediDru said:
Volte is nice but shouldn't be a deal breaker. Verizon didn't update their z3 with volte support until a year after its release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But without VoLTE or CDMA you won't get any calls or SMS.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
So i saw the G4 went down to 299 on Amazon.com and decided to buy it for my parents.
http://www.amazon.com/LG-G4-Unlocked-Leather-Warranty/dp/B01774WPQ8
After purchasing and it was too late to cancel, I noticed a lot of people complaining they were having sporadic issues with the US991 model.
This model was manufactured by LG for US Cellular. They are a CDMA based USA Cellular Provider.
When I Googled the mode, I found a page for this specific model directly on LG's website.
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US991-Genuine-Leather-Black-g4
Specifications
Type Smart Phone
Form Factor Bar
OS Android™ 5.1 (Lollipop)
Technology GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE*
Processor Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 808 with (integrated) 1.8 GHz 64-bit Hexa-Core CPU
RAM 3 GB
Network Hepta Band/Dual Mode*
Frequencies LTE Bands 2/4/5/12/13/17/25, CDMA 800, 1900 MHz, WCDMA 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz*
From what I can tell, WCDMA is just another name for UMTS which is the basis for HSPA/HSPA+ Which means that this phone should be compatible with jut about any GSM carrier providing H+ 3.5g data services as well as typical Voice and Messaging services. What this should mean overall, is this will work as an unlocked international GSM compatible phone.
Data Transmission EVDO, EVDO Rev.A, 1xRTT, LTE*
Dimensions 5.86" (H) x 3.00" (W) x 0.38" (D)
Weight 5.46 oz
Display 5.5" (2560 x 1440) with 538 ppi and 500 nit
Touch Screen Yes
Battery Capacity 3,000 mAh
Talk Time Up to 18.5 hours**
Total Internal Memory 32 GB (21.9 GB usable)
microSD™ Memory Slot Supports card up to 2 TB***
Also, based on US Cellular's unlocking policy page for unlocked carrier locked phones,
http://www.uscellular.com/site/legal/mobile-wireless-device-unlocking.html
The US991 G4 comes carrier unlocked from US Cellular so if there are OS updates and such there shouldn't be any cases of carrier relocking (YMMV).
All in all if you are purchasing it just for general cellphone purposes it seems fine. Rooting and ROMing is another issue entirely.
If anyone can add some additional information to this I would be glad.
I hope this helps someone out there.
We're using one on T-Mobile, and everything is working just fine...no issues so far.
buydig had it for $290 on its eBay store (it went up now) with both black and red leather backs.
LTE bands are OK for AT&T (2,4,12,17) and T-Mobile (2,4,12) in the US.
It's missing LTE bands 1,3,7 which are used in Europe.
WCDMA doesn't have the 1700/2100 band that T-Mobile was using but has refarmed to 1900 in most areas now.
My friend bought the same buydig/ebay deal as above, is using it on Verizon. He just popped his sim out of his dead razr m and it works ok, except it being an unregistered device. His is listed as US99110A for software version, Kernel 3.10.40. It won't do a software update with the sim in (obviously) nor without the sim in it. I guess flashing the US Cellular KDZ over would work, but then it includes all their bloat and there's no way to get back to it's current unbranded status. Would be awesome if it could be updated.
G4 US991 on T-Mobile
GeodudeFFP said:
We're using one on T-Mobile, and everything is working just fine...no issues so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I just received mine, also using on T-Mobile. Works fine, but a couple issues, and possibly a deal breaker:
(1) After upgrading to Marshmallow and signing onto Google to synchonize apps, LG Backup no longer works. Icon still there, but no response when clicked.
(2) Upgrading, from G3, happy to report that Facebook app no longer crashes with Acore error -- not sure if that's because (a) settings changed, (b) upgraded from G3 to G4, or (c) Marshmallow cured it
(3) Cannot find wifi calling, which is necessary for using free text on GoGoInflight-equipped airliners.
I like the $275 price, but #3 may be a deal breaker. If can't make it work within budget, must choose between NEW G4 without wifi-calling, or used G4 with it.
Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated!
skatsinas said:
Hi, I just received mine, also using on T-Mobile. Works fine, but a couple issues, and possibly a deal breaker:
(1) After upgrading to Marshmallow and signing onto Google to synchonize apps, LG Backup no longer works. Icon still there, but no response when clicked.
(2) Upgrading, from G3, happy to report that Facebook app no longer crashes with Acore error -- not sure if that's because (a) settings changed, (b) upgraded from G3 to G4, or (c) Marshmallow cured it
(3) Cannot find wifi calling, which is necessary for using free text on GoGoInflight-equipped airliners.
I like the $275 price, but #3 may be a deal breaker. If can't make it work within budget, must choose between NEW G4 without wifi-calling, or used G4 with it.
Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think wifi calling is available as-is with US991 on T-Mobile, but you may be able to use an app for it. Check out "Hangouts Dialer - Call Phones" app.
can any of you guys confirm whether 3g on T-mobile works? I can see that 2g and 4g LTE are fine, just not sure about 3g since my provider has 3g crossed out for this phone.
StraightTalk won't activate it on one of their Verizon SIMs even though it will work on Verizon. I sent mine back and bought a used Verizon model.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
YoColdRain said:
can any of you guys confirm whether 3g on T-mobile works? I can see that 2g and 4g LTE are fine, just not sure about 3g since my provider has 3g crossed out for this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I previously wrote
WCDMA doesn't have the 1700/2100 band that T-Mobile was using but has refarmed to 1900 in most areas now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, if you are in an area that T-Mobile refarmed their 3G from the 1700/2100 band to the 1900 band, then you should get 3G. My understanding is that they have done so in most if not all areas.
Just to confirm, will the US991 will get 4g on both verizon and gsm carriers? I have to switch my vzw sim back to a micro sim before I can try. I'm also going to switch to an mvno in a couple of months, just want to make sure it'll work.
royalflush5 said:
Just to confirm, will the US991 will get 4g on both verizon and gsm carriers? I have to switch my vzw sim back to a micro sim before I can try. I'm also going to switch to an mvno in a couple of months, just want to make sure it'll work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should work on Verizon LTE since it has all 3 LTE bands verizon uses.
Sent from my LGUS991 using XDA-Developers mobile app
dennis5pia said:
It should work on Verizon LTE since it has all 3 LTE bands verizon uses.
Sent from my LGUS991 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Would you happen to know about GSM compatibility? I'd like to keep my options open when my contract with big red ends
royalflush5 said:
Thanks! Would you happen to know about GSM compatibility? I'd like to keep my options open when my contract with big red ends
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course, as far as the phone supports the LTE band the GSM carrier work with and the phone is set to Global.
It supports LTE Band 2/4/5/12/13/17/25. I'm using it on GSM carriers with LTE band 2 and 4.
Sent from my LGUS991 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Just bought a new G4 on eBay with extra battery, battery charger cradle, and extra leather cover for $289 shipped. Brand new. Box says manufacture month was 03/16. Its working great so far. Its on MM out of the box. Threw an Unlimited T-Mobile SIM in it and its working pretty good. Nice.
Hi. I'm wondering if I can get some help with this device. I purchased this device unlocked from my local Rent a Center in New York. Since its unlocked, I am using with my servicer provider Metropcs. Here's where im having some issues. Metropcs offers WiFi Calling on all their devices [ have a LG K7 ] as does T-mobile since they own metro. I noticed that the feature is MIA on my G4. I did some research and found out from LG that the phone itself was originally a US Cellular device. I then called US Celluar. I spoke with their techs and was informed that they don't offer WiFi calling at all with their service, but it doesnt mean the phone doesnt support it. Believe it or not, the tech told me that its more or less a software thing. I went through the stage to upgrade the device to Marshmallow, but apparently its not available. I noticed that all US Cellular LG G4's have Marshmallow. Im wondering if theres a root method that might fix my issues. I looked around and didnt see one for this LG G4 US99111a. I only see them for US99110. Can anyone here at XDA possibly help? Any and all info will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
mrrock79 said:
Hi. I'm wondering if I can get some help with this device. I purchased this device unlocked from my local Rent a Center in New York. Since its unlocked, I am using with my servicer provider Metropcs. Here's where im having some issues. Metropcs offers WiFi Calling on all their devices [ have a LG K7 ] as does T-mobile since they own metro. I noticed that the feature is MIA on my G4. I did some research and found out from LG that the phone itself was originally a US Cellular device. I then called US Celluar. I spoke with their techs and was informed that they don't offer WiFi calling at all with their service, but it doesnt mean the phone doesnt support it. Believe it or not, the tech told me that its more or less a software thing. I went through the stage to upgrade the device to Marshmallow, but apparently its not available. I noticed that all US Cellular LG G4's have Marshmallow. Im wondering if theres a root method that might fix my issues. I looked around and didnt see one for this LG G4 US99111a. I only see them for US99110. Can anyone here at XDA possibly help? Any and all info will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is not root method yet. Since wifi calling is a metropcs/t-mobile feature you can't get it in a device is not from them, unless someone port a metropcs/t-mobile ROM to other carrier devices.
Sent from my LGUS991 using XDA-Developers mobile app
I kinda figured this was the case, but was hoping. Im wondering though that if and when US Cellular does support WiFi Calling, will an update from LG activate the feature. Either way, its a great phone. No complaints. Just wondering what marshmallow is like on it.
Not sure if the wifi calling feature from one carrier works in any other carrier.
Sent from my LGUS991 using XDA-Developers mobile app
It does with other phones I have had. I owned an Iphone 6 Plus from Verizon. The phone is factory unlocked, and I used it on Tmobile/ATT/Sprint before moving to metro. Verizon initially didnt offer Wifi calling. The feature was active in the phone once I left verizon for the others. So its possible. Hence my confusion as to why its not active with the G4, and why I believe the tech at US Cellular told me that its more or less a software issue.
Iphone is kind of different. But I hope it works with Android
Sent from my LGUS991 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Hi guys.
Will I have any band issues if I get the phone unlocked from LG?
Does it have all of the LTE bands for AT&T?
What about getting a t mobile V20 and using it on AT&T?
Thank you.
Probably. I am using a verizon v20 on my tmo sim and it never gets LTE. Just H+. Its a crap phone in that regard.
borisb said:
Hi guys.
Will I have any band issues if I get the phone unlocked from LG?
Does it have all of the LTE bands for AT&T?
What about getting a t mobile V20 and using it on AT&T?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://willmyphonework.net
Use this. I recently discovered the site and it has helped me a ton.
Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk
The unlocked V20 (US996) will work on ATT, even though it does not have ALL the bands. I have one on ATT right now and don't have any issues. The missing bands are for newer frequencies being added to support capacity. I live in a metropolitan area so I have good base support. Check this link for details. https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/AzWoD/lg-us996-v20-lte-a
papashex said:
The unlocked V20 (US996) will work on ATT, even though it does not have ALL the bands. I have one on ATT right now and don't have any issues. The missing bands are for newer frequencies being added to support capacity. I live in a metropolitan area so I have good base support. Check this link for details. https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/AzWoD/lg-us996-v20-lte-a
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I see. I think I will stay away from the unlocked version.
borisb said:
OK I see. I think I will stay away from the unlocked version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To each his/her own. Reading papashex's words is what finally convinced me to get this particular version.
It has the same bands as my S4. US996 is missing Band 33 I believe, well so is my S4. I think I'll be fine.
So I am looking to buy an international (or Latin) version of either the S10+ or the Note 10+.
I am on T-Mobile in the U.S.
1. How "bad" will it be if the phone has 3 out of T-Mobile's main bands? It only lacks 71, so what's the impact will be if I don't have band 71 on this phone with T-Mobile?
2. I read in the forum about flashing T-Mobile firmware on unlocked phones. How necessary is it? I prefer not to mess with flashing anything; done it in the past, I am not 'afraid' of it, but I just don't feel like going that route. Will I be missing anything from the T-Mobile network and services if I keep the phone in its stock ROM?
For example: Wifi Calling (important to me), VoLTE, etc. Will I have access to these features if I don't flash the carrier's firmware?
Thank you.
Band 71 is used only in rural areas where cell towers are very far apart . My phones have never used band 71. If you don't know what bands your phone typically is using you can download a free signal app from the Play Store that will show what band your phone is connected to. Unless you live in a very rural area or frequently find yourself in rural areas it's unlikely you need band 71.
Flashing T-Mobile firmware shouldn't be necessary. I don't have the international S10+ but rather the US unlocked model and I get both WiFi Calling and Volte fine without T-Mobile firmware.
I've used many different models of international unlocked phones from Xiaomi and Huawei on T-Mobile and always got both WiFi Calling and Volte to work with only one exception--the Mate 20 Pro. I had to get rid of that phone even though I really liked it because calls kept going to voicemail without the phone ever ringing first.
It turns out that on T-Mobile if your phone supports band 12 it also needs to support Volte or calls go straight to voicemail without ringing if the caller is using Volte . I never had that problem previously because in 5 years of using international unlocked phones the M20P was the first where Volte didn't work on T-Mobile.
There were lots of posts from T-Mobile customers in the XDA M20P threads about calls going straight to voicemail. I haven't read a single post about that issue with the S10+ so it's pretty safe to assume that the international S10+ works fine with Volte on T-Mobile.
Until the S8 Samsung didn't even sell a US unlocked model--everyone in the US with unlocked Samsung phones were using the international models with the Exynos chip and those phones always worked perfectly with T-Mobile which is very BYOP friendly (unlike AT&T).
The only thing you would be missing on the vanilla Samsung firmware is Visual Voicemail but last I checked you could just download the official T-Mobile Visual Voicemail app from the Play Store.
You would also receive your OTA updates from Samsung rather than T-Mobile but that's actually a plus because the unlocked Exynos models receive updates much more quickly than all of the US models including the unlocked Snapdragon models.
Sorry for the very long answer but I wanted to be thorough.
You should be fine with an international unlocked S10+ on T-Mobile. This is a much better phone than unlocked models from Google Pixel and One Plus so I would recommend going for it.
No manual flashing on your part will be necessary.
@jhs39 - Thank you for your extensive response. It is greatly appreciated!
OK, so I mostly use Band 4 with my current phone, which is one of TMB's main bands, so it seems like that indeed the lack of 71 won't be an issue.
However, how do I know if the Int. version will support VoLTE on the TMB network? I can't see anywhere any information about this phone even supports VoLTE (other than the carrier's model of course).
What about Video Calling?
Thanks again.
sbi1 said:
@jhs39 - Thank you for your extensive response. It is greatly appreciated!
OK, so I mostly use Band 4 with my current phone, which is one of TMB's main bands, so it seems like that indeed the lack of 71 won't be an issue.
However, how do I know if the Int. version will support VoLTE on the TMB network? I can't see anywhere any information about this phone even supports VoLTE (other than the carrier's model of course).
What about Video Calling?
Thanks again.
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If the international model didn't support Volte on T-Mobile there would be posts on XDA complaining about calls going straight to voicemail without the phone ringing. There were multiple threads about that issue in the M20P section but I haven't seen a single complaint about that happening with the S10+.
This phone has been out since early Spring so if there was a problem using the international model with T-Mobile somebody would have reported it by now.
I don’t know anything about video calling though because I use T-Mobile's network via an MVNO and my carrier doesn't offer video calling.
jhs39 said:
Band 71 is used only in rural areas where cell towers are very far apart . My phones have never used band 71. If you don't know what bands your phone typically is using you can download a free signal app from the Play Store that will show what band your phone is connected to. Unless you live in a very rural area or frequently find yourself in rural areas it's unlikely you need band 71.
Flashing T-Mobile firmware shouldn't be necessary. I don't have the international S10+ but rather the US unlocked model and I get both WiFi Calling and Volte fine without T-Mobile firmware.
I've used many different models of international unlocked phones from Xiaomi and Huawei on T-Mobile and always got both WiFi Calling and Volte to work with only one exception--the Mate 20 Pro. I had to get rid of that phone even though I really liked it because calls kept going to voicemail without the phone ever ringing first.
It turns out that on T-Mobile if your phone supports band 12 it also needs to support Volte or calls go straight to voicemail without ringing if the caller is using Volte . I never had that problem previously because in 5 years of using international unlocked phones the M20P was the first where Volte didn't work on T-Mobile.
There were lots of posts from T-Mobile customers in the XDA M20P threads about calls going straight to voicemail. I haven't read a single post about that issue with the S10+ so it's pretty safe to assume that the international S10+ works fine with Volte on T-Mobile.
Until the S8 Samsung didn't even sell a US unlocked model--everyone in the US with unlocked Samsung phones were using the international models with the Exynos chip and those phones always worked perfectly with T-Mobile which is very BYOP friendly (unlike AT&T).
The only thing you would be missing on the vanilla Samsung firmware is Visual Voicemail but last I checked you could just download the official T-Mobile Visual Voicemail app from the Play Store.
You would also receive your OTA updates from Samsung rather than T-Mobile but that's actually a plus because the unlocked Exynos models receive updates much more quickly than all of the US models including the unlocked Snapdragon models.
Sorry for the very long answer but I wanted to be thorough.
You should be fine with an international unlocked S10+ on T-Mobile. This is a much better phone than unlocked models from Google Pixel and One Plus so I would recommend going for it.
No manual flashing on your part will be necessary.
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That's odd. I'm using a mate 20X and the although it lacks bands 66 and 71 I don't get calls going to voicemail. In fact when viewing my historical phone signal via gsam app, it shows that I always receive a better signal than even the S10+ that I'm currently using. Both devices on T-Mobile USA.
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
sbi1 said:
So I am looking to buy an international (or Latin) version of either the S10+ or the Note 10+.
I am on T-Mobile in the U.S.
1. How "bad" will it be if the phone has 3 out of T-Mobile's main bands? It only lacks 71, so what's the impact will be if I don't have band 71 on this phone with T-Mobile?
2. I read in the forum about flashing T-Mobile firmware on unlocked phones. How necessary is it? I prefer not to mess with flashing anything; done it in the past, I am not 'afraid' of it, but I just don't feel like going that route. Will I be missing anything from the T-Mobile network and services if I keep the phone in its stock ROM?
For example: Wifi Calling (important to me), VoLTE, etc. Will I have access to these features if I don't flash the carrier's firmware?
Thank you.[/QUOTE
I have the Hong Kong variant SM-G975 with T-Mobile. No issues with bands, VoLTE. Wifi Calling or 4G, no impact. You won't need to flash the device.
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varcor said:
I have the Hong Kong variant SM-G975 with T-Mobile. No issues with bands, VoLTE. Wifi Calling or 4G, no impact. You won't need to flash the device.
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Thanks @varcor . What about Video calling?
BTW - is it 975F or something else?
I use Skype for Video Calling, it works fine. Mine is an SM-G9750, the best price I've seen is on Ebay. The only issue is when you first get the device you'll need to change the language since it's setup in Mandarin. A bit challenging but not a big deal. The Ebay vendor is in Houston which is where the device ships from, only takes a few days.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...im-FACTORY-UNLOCKED-6-4-8GB-RAM-/192846270776
varcor said:
I use Skype for Video Calling, it works fine. Mine is an SM-G9750, the best I've seen is on Ebay. The only issue is when you first get the device you'll need to change the language since it's setup in Mandarin. A bit challenging but not a big deal. The Ebay vendor is in Houston which is where the device ships from, only takes a few days.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...im-FACTORY-UNLOCKED-6-4-8GB-RAM-/192846270776
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Oh yeah, the legendary Never MSRP.
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
Yep, I've bought a number of devices from them, won't use anyone else. Lowest prices, great customer service as well.
varcor said:
I use Skype for Video Calling, it works fine. Mine is an SM-G9750, the best price I've seen is on Ebay. The only issue is when you first get the device you'll need to change the language since it's setup in Mandarin. A bit challenging but not a big deal. The Ebay vendor is in Houston which is where the device ships from, only takes a few days.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...im-FACTORY-UNLOCKED-6-4-8GB-RAM-/192846270776
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I must the F model. I travel to Israel with a local SIM and they use the F model, and it's the only possibility I have to use their WiFi calling while there. I am not 100% sure it'll work because of firmware but better chances with F model.
Thanks.
Limeybastard said:
That's odd. I'm using a mate 20X and the although it lacks bands 66 and 71 I don't get calls going to voicemail. In fact when viewing my historical phone signal via gsam app, it shows that I always receive a better signal than even the S10+ that I'm currently using. Both devices on T-Mobile USA.
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Not having bands 66 & 71 don't cause the problem with T-Mobile calls going straight to voicemail--if band 12 is supported on a phone T-Mobile assumes the phone also supports Volte and if it doesn't then you get calls going straight to voicemail.
I'm not familiar with the Mate 20X but before the M20P I had a P20 Pro, Mate 10 Pro and P10 Pro and none of those phones had an issue because T-Mobile Volte worked with all of them.
It's also possible the problem with the P20 Pro was fixed after I got rid of the phone since it was a firmware issue that was fixable in a software update . I kept mine for 6 months before throwing in the towel. The only workaround was to turn off 4G in the network settings. With 4G off you would receive all calls since Volte is a 4G function.
I personally love Huawei phones. Hopefully after Trump is gone all of the nonsense with Huawei being barred from using Google apps and bullied out of the US market will go away but they might decide selling their products here isn't worth the aggravation.
I've also used a bunch of unlocked Xiaomi phones on T-Mobile with no issues. A nice feature in MIUI is that if Volte doesn't work out of the box there's a dial code you can enter to manually enable it.
Band 66 is an offload for band 4 when band 4 traffic is high but if a phone doesn't have band 66 it just stays on 4 so not having 66 on an unlocked phone has never caused any problems for me.
Band 71 is only live in parts of the country and is relatively new. It can transmit a signal over unusually long distances and is used to provide cell coverage in rural areas where it would cost too much to build a full network of cell towers.
jhs39 said:
Not having bands 66 & 71 don't cause the problem with T-Mobile calls going straight to voicemail--if band 12 is supported on a phone T-Mobile assumes the phone also supports Volte and if it doesn't then you get calls going straight to voicemail.
I'm not familiar with the Mate 20X but before the M20P I had a P20 Pro, Mate 10 Pro and P10 Pro and none of those phones had an issue because T-Mobile Volte worked with all of them.
It's also possible the problem with the P20 Pro was fixed after I got rid of the phone since it was a firmware issue that was fixable in a software update . I kept mine for 6 months before throwing in the towel. The only workaround was to turn off 4G in the network settings. With 4G off you would receive all calls since Volte is a 4G function.
I personally love Huawei phones. Hopefully after Trump is gone all of the nonsense with Huawei being barred from using Google apps and bullied out of the US market will go away but they might decide selling their products here isn't worth the aggravation.
I've also used a bunch of unlocked Xiaomi phones on T-Mobile with no issues. A nice feature in MIUI is that if Volte doesn't work out of the box there's a dial code you can enter to manually enable it.
Band 66 is an offload for band 4 when band 4 traffic is high but if a phone doesn't have band 66 it just stays on 4 so not having 66 on an unlocked phone has never caused any problems for me.
Band 71 is only live in parts of the country and is relatively new. It can transmit a signal over unusually long distances and is used to provide cell coverage in rural areas where it would cost too much to build a full network of cell towers.
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P20 pro was certified and worked fully on T-Mobile , most devices after that were not.
I don't think my mate 20x connected to band 12, but if it did, then yes it'll probably go straight to voicemail.
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sbi1 said:
I must the F model. I travel to Israel with a local SIM and they use the F model, and it's the only possibility I have to use their WiFi calling while there. I am not 100% sure it'll work because of firmware but better chances with F model.
Thanks.
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The SM-G975F is the Exynos SoC variant for Europe. The SM-G9750 has the Snapdragon SoC and dual SIM's as well. Wifi Calling will work on both devices in any region, including Israel as long as the service provider offers it. The only thing I would recommend is you do some research on Exynos vs Snapdragon SoC's in the S10. Good luck!
varcor said:
The SM-G975F is the Exynos SoC variant for Europe. The SM-G9750 has the Snapdragon SoC and dual SIM's as well. Wifi Calling will work on both devices in any region, including Israel as long as the service provider offers it. The only thing I would recommend is you do some research on Exynos vs Snapdragon SoC's in the S10. Good luck!
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I am aware of the differences between the two chips.
In regards to WiFi Calling - I am a bit skeptical. This provider does have WiFi calling services, however they have a list of devices that are supported. Clearly they list devices and firmwares that they sell, not BYOD phones, and they sell the F version. I currently use ZTE Axon 7, I have WiFi calling on T-Mobile but it does not work on the Israeli network and when I try to 'register' it for this service through their app, it clearly says that the device is not supported.
That being said - I can't tell you if my phone doesn't work on their WF calling because it's not even sold in Israel. It could very well be that any version of Galaxy S10+ will be supported regardless of firmware. simply because it is sold there. Clearly there is no way to know this beforehand. I asked them, they of course can only guarantee phones that are sold by them and are on the list.
BTW - the Israeli version of the 975F is single SIM, they don't have the D/S, although I can't imagine this should have any impact of phone supporting or not supporting WF calling.
What's the difference between the F and the O, other than the region they are sold in?
Thanks.
Limeybastard said:
P20 pro was certified and worked fully on T-Mobile , most devices after that were not.
I don't think my mate 20x connected to band 12, but if it did, then yes it'll probably go straight to voicemail.
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Devices don't need to be certified by T-Mobile to work with Volte. All of my recent Xiaomi phones worked with Volte--none of the models were officially sold in the US or certified by T-Mobile. The P20 Pro was not sold in the US so there was zero reason for it to be certified by T-Mobile. The last Huawei phone officially sold here was the Mate 10 Pro. AT&T and Verizon require that devices be certified by them to work with Volte on their networks but T-Mobile does not. T-Mobile is very BYOP friendly.
jhs39 said:
Devices don't need to be certified by T-Mobile to work with Volte. All of my recent Xiaomi phones worked with Volte--none of the models were officially sold in the US or certified by T-Mobile. The P20 Pro was not sold in the US so there was zero reason for it to be certified by T-Mobile. The last Huawei phone officially sold here was the Mate 10 Pro. AT&T and Verizon require that devices be certified by them to work with Volte on their networks but T-Mobile does not. T-Mobile is very BYOP friendly.
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Thanks for the clarification. So why is it then that same device , but using different sim card would show the Volte toggle or hide it from the user menu? Example, mate 20 does have Volte capabilities yet its missing the Volte toggle switch. I know on the Xioami devices one can enter a #*code to force it show that option. I think what makes it even more convulsing is that Huawei global versions have various region firmware via their Cust codes. Each one I noticed behaves slighly different using same T-Mobile SIM card. Cheers
You mentioned all calls went to VM on up 20pro, why do you think that was the case, you mentioned earlier that you thought possibly it may have been firmware related amongst other things.
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sbi1 said:
I am aware of the differences between the two chips.
In regards to WiFi Calling - I am a bit skeptical. This provider does have WiFi calling services, however they have a list of devices that are supported. Clearly they list devices and firmwares that they sell, not BYOD phones, and they sell the F version. I currently use ZTE Axon 7, I have WiFi calling on T-Mobile but it does not work on the Israeli network and when I try to 'register' it for this service through their app, it clearly says that the device is not supported.
That being said - I can't tell you if my phone doesn't work on their WF calling because it's not even sold in Israel. It could very well be that any version of Galaxy S10+ will be supported regardless of firmware. simply because it is sold there. Clearly there is no way to know this beforehand. I asked them, they of course can only guarantee phones that are sold by them and are on the list.
BTW - the Israeli version of the 975F is single SIM, they don't have the D/S, although I can't imagine this should have any impact of phone supporting or not supporting WF calling.
What's the difference between the F and the O, other than the region they are sold in?
Thanks.
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You're correct regarding Single SIM for the SM-G975F, the Dual SIM option is available in the SM-G975F/DS. I personally wouldn't consider obtaining a device in Israel if the majority of the time I'm the US. The major differences are SoC's, a minor difference in CPU Clock Speed and Cores. The SM-G975F has no FM Radio and offers fewer Primary Network capabilities. You can view a back-to-back comparison here.
https://www.phonemore.com/compare/p...gb-vs-galaxy-s10-plus-sm-g9750-128gb/10134260
This is quite different than your original question but with that being stated I would be confident enough in the SM-G9750's compatibility with the Israeli network for Wifi Calling. The worst case is not having Wifi Calling in Israel, which isn't an absolute necessity however you'll have the Snapdragon SoC which is a far better chipset with fewer bugs. For me it's the obvious choice if I were faced with your considerations.
You're most welcome
varcor said:
You're correct regarding Single SIM for the SM-G975F, the Dual SIM option is available in the SM-G975F/DS. I personally wouldn't consider obtaining a device in Israel if the majority of the time I'm the US. The major differences are SoC's, a minor difference in CPU Clock Speed and Cores. The SM-G975F has no FM Radio and offers fewer Primary Network capabilities. You can view a back-to-back comparison here.
https://www.phonemore.com/compare/p...gb-vs-galaxy-s10-plus-sm-g9750-128gb/10134260
This is quite different than your original question but with that being stated I would be confident enough in the SM-G9750's compatibility with the Israeli network for Wifi Calling. The worst case is not having Wifi Calling in Israel, which isn't an absolute necessity however you'll have the Snapdragon SoC which is a far better chipset with fewer bugs. For me it's the obvious choice if I were faced with your considerations.
You're most welcome
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SoC, meaning the chip?
You see, your definition of "worst case not having Wifi calling" is important to me , simply because where I usually stay in Israel there is almost no reception at all (inside the house I am staying in), that's the main reason I want a device that will be able to use their Wifi calling.
Also, I looked at the eBay seller that you mention and I don't even think he carries the O model any more, all I see is the F model, unless of course I am missing something.
Thanks.
sbi1 said:
SoC, meaning the chip?
You see, your definition of "worst case not having Wifi calling" is important to me , simply because where I usually stay in Israel there is almost no reception at all (inside the house I am staying in), that's the main reason I want a device that will be able to use their Wifi calling.
Also, I looked at the eBay seller that you mention and I don't even think he carries the O model any more, all I see is the F model, unless of course I am missing something.
Thanks.
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SoC is System on Chip, same as Chipset. If Wifi calling is a top priority buy the Exynos device to be certain but be advised there are numerous concerns over the chipset on XDA and other sites, plus Network Aggrigaton for Exynos in the US has issues with some T-Mobile clients. You may lose Wifi Calling or VoLTE in the US.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/s10-plus/help/exynos-att-t-mobile-t3920491
They still offer the SM-G9750, the link I shared is correct, not sure you missed something. The also sell the SM-G975F and SM-G975F/DS.