I plan for vacation in South Korea next month and I assume the device will be available there and I plan to buy it there.
But I heard issues that smartphone bought in South Korea cannot be used in other country. Is that true?
Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk
simorangkir_dcs said:
But I heard issues that smartphone bought in South Korea cannot be used in other country. Is that true?
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Click to collapse
I don't know about that, but here are some things to consider:
1) Make sure that it has all the bands for your other country carrier
2) At least in the USA, the V20 is expected to be available only through the carriers (E.g. T-Mobile, AT&T) and without a general unlocked version that works with all the supported carriers. That means that a Korean phone may not have specific software for USA such as VoLTE and VoWiFi.
I would recommend getting the V20 version from/for the carrier you plan to use it on unless you can verify all the other carrier's features are supported using the Korean version.
haris163 said:
I don't know about that, but here are some things to consider:
1) Make sure that it has all the bands for your other country carrier
2) At least in the USA, the V20 is expected to be available only through the carriers (E.g. T-Mobile, AT&T) and without a general unlocked version that works with all the supported carriers. That means that a Korean phone may not have specific software for USA such as VoLTE and VoWiFi.
I would recommend getting the V20 version from/for the carrier you plan to use it on unless you can verify all the other carrier's features are supported using the Korean version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
B&H Photo/Video typically sells unlocked flagship phones that work with US GSM Networks (AT&T/T-Mobile & the MVNO's that operate on their networks).
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/smartphones/ci/24039/N/3955685938
I wouldn't rule out the possibility,unless you're using VZW or Sprint as your service provider.
all Korean phones are unlocked internationally, just locked region. if you buy kt you cant use it on sk or LG U+. i made sure when i bought the lg v20 because ill be in the Philippines for vacation. KT phones seem to always work with AT&T
Related
I'd like to buy this and use on AT&T.
What hoops do I have to jump through to make this happen?
The frequencies are supported (don't care about LTE).
For example if I buy unsubsidized on Amazon, do I have to call Verizon up and get a code from them that will let me use it on AT&T and other GSM carriers?
It's locked for US GSM bands, as far as I know. P3Droid has said that they're working on getting it unlocked. I'm sure we'll hear about it when it happens.
I bought my RAZR M at Amazon (Verizon, without contract) and i use it in Germany with O2 Provider.
No Problem, nothing needed. It´s not locked.
Sam_11 said:
It´s not locked for international GSM bands.
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Click to collapse
Fixed that for you.
freak4dell said:
Fixed that for you.
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Click to collapse
Correctamundo (sp). In further searching it looks like they block the MNC for at&t and t-mobile inside the radio firmware NV settings. Also there is a pesky "unknown sim" or something that pops up every bootup.
Working in India/Asia ?
Hi,
I'm planning to buy one in my visit to US next week. I intend to use it with GSM India.
Has anyone used the phone with GSM provider in India or other asian countries? I was told that GSM capabilities works only in european countries , so wanted to make sure of it before I buy it.
Thanks
Just check and make sure the bands that your network uses are supported. It supports all the standard GSM bands, so I don't see why it wouldn't work.
Hey I have an opportunity to grab a Korean S4 (SHV-E300K/S). I am wondering if there will be any issues to using this phone in HK? The LTE bands appear to be compatible. I was wondering if the phone will be locked or if there is something that just won't work? I've never been to Korea so I don't know how phones are sold there so any insight will be appreciated.
Thanks in Advance!
Did some digging around and apparently KT telecom, (1 of the 2 large operators in South Korea) did not lock the previous release of the S3.
Also including the article which mentions the LTE bands just in case anyone's interested.
http://www.sammobile.com/2013/04/02/galaxy-s4s-korean-variant-shv-e300sk-to-feature-exynos-5-octa-clocked-at-1-8ghz-confirmed-by-fcc/
Still hoping to get some input before pulling the trigger. Thanks
I'm very interested in this, and I've been trying to do some research. I have a best friend who's brother lives in Korea and works at Samsung, and she told me that if I wanted the Korean version, he'd do his best to ship one to my specifications.
Long story short, I want the Exynos + LTE, but the information online is few and in between.
Sent from my Xperia ion LT28i using xda premium
Well if you can find out anything from that person who works for Samsung that would be much appreciated. I'm willing to pull the trigger if:
a) they sell phones outright off contract in Korea,
b) the phone is carrier unlocked, and
c) I can set English menus.
I am willing to Gamble with the LTE bands and the software compatibility quirks that I may experience.
Perhaps someone from Korea can shed some light?
Thanks.
pygo said:
Well if you can find out anything from that person who works for Samsung that would be much appreciated. I'm willing to pull the trigger if:
a) they sell phones outright off contract in Korea,
b) the phone is carrier unlocked, and
c) I can set English menus.
I am willing to Gamble with the LTE bands and the software compatibility quirks that I may experience.
Perhaps someone from Korea can shed some light?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer your questions,
Phones are available in English menu and you only need to worry about the LTE bands as they are not carrier locked in Korea. You might need to set some settings to work in your country and chances should be high as I heard the Octa supports 20 bands of LTE.
I'm not sure what you meant by outright but you can walk into any shop and buy it if that's what you meant. Alternatively, if you know anyone in Korea they should be able to get it for you but not in the next few days because right now it seems that it's all on contract until stock are more abundant.
Sent from my IM-A860K using xda premium
It would be really cool if the Korean GS4 could work with USA LTE. But the price~! Right now, it's being sold for around $1,100 USD~!
What's special about Korean models? Don't other countries have octa too?
tuxonhtc said:
What's special about Korean models? Don't other countries have octa too?
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Click to collapse
They have octa + LTE.
Sent from my IM-A860K using xda premium
Okay, so I'm very confused. I too have the opportunity to grab a Korean version, but instead of the OP, I reside in the US, would I run into ANY problems if I got this version? LTE I understand might possibly work/might not, but is there anything else to be concerned with?
All galaxy korean version has following problems.
1. All operator too many customizing ==> it will cause unstable, because all known that they request too many modify frameworks also.
2. Too many have bloat apps.(operator apps, avg 10 + apps exist, some apps are not support uninstall, yeah rooting will delete that apps, but it make an another error)
3. UMTS band are only 1900/2100 (official), previous galaxy have only UMTS 2100 (SKT/KT model only, LGU+ model using CDMA 1800(that frequncy only exist in korea over the world)
4. LTE band are only 850/1800. (SKT 850/1800 , KT 1800 / LG U+ 850)
5. Maybe Firmare not compatible with Global version (I930X / N710X )
6. you may not use USSD code (korean all operator doesn't support USSD code, so korean localizing version remove USSD function)
I lived in korea, but i don't use our korean galaxy models. This time I also ordered galaxy s4 on UK. Because UK model is always Europe open model and it has nearly Samsung reference model. (Doesn't have or 1~2 bloat app exist)
i'm very hate too many localizing. it will always phone make unstable.
Pulverizer, thank you for the info! I think I'll be going for the i9500 now.
Thank You to all who took the time to reply!
I'm likely going to get a local machine now to reduce the need to tinker.
This is also a very informative link from an shv-e300 user for any of those who are still fence sitters! Very good information is given at the bottom of page 3!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2253148&page=3
I to was tempted for Korean
This information will keep me to in the US/UK LTE version.
Hey Guys,
I am from the auK but travelling in the USA for a couple months and then living in Canada for a year from July, I want to pick up a sim free S4 to use that will work in the USA, Canada and the UK... From what I understand the Walmart versions are the AT&T which is the same as the Canadian ones so should work, but will this model accept sims from UK carriers also?
In the USA ill be using a Walmart family t mobile sim (not worried about data speeds here as its just for emergencies/emails)
in Canada ill probably go with The cheapest sim only rolling contract and speed will be important
in the UK ill probably go with Vodafone or EE
So, if I go get a sim free version in Walmart will I have any issues and do those S4s have any physical/software branding on them?
Cheers
No you should not have sim issues with them.
Yes, walmart phones may have Software (bloatware) on them. You can flash a generic rom to remove the software issues
As to physical branding it depends on where walmart gets its supply from.
That's good news so the LTE version and bands will be fine for Canada... Phew
Now do I buy or not!
AT&T verson Canada capiable with LTE
Tmobile version not compatible with Rogers but will work on wind and some other providers.
Cool so long as its the AT&T version it's good for Canada and any provider?
The attached indicates that LG will make available a carrier unlocked version that will work with all USA carriers. Seems like a good option
http://www.droid-life.com/2016/03/18/unlocked-lg-g5-gsm-cdma/
Here it the link to the B&H ad that shows they will be selling the phone although not too many details and it isn't available yet. The model is apparently RS988.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=lg+g5&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=
What would the development potential be for this phone? I would be interested in getting this model if it would be more easily supported for development that the carrier versions.
Wow this is amazing news.
Wonder what the pricing will be? The LG G5 on AT&T Locked is almost $700 I wonder if it will be the same or less?
B&H updated updated their page, and it looks like there's a CYA clause in there, hinting that not all US carriers will allow activation of the device.
This device is Carrier-unlocked and can be used on GSM and CDMA networks. It will work on any GSM carrier that utilizes cellular frequencies or bands that this device supports. It is also compatible with select CDMA carriers. However, activation may not be supported on all compatible CDMA networks. If you plan to use a CDMA carrier, please confirm that this device can be activated on their network prior to purchase. A SIM card and service plan must be purchased separately. This device's frequencies can be found in the product Specifications under Cellular Network. Your carrier's available frequencies may be found in the links below.
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Click to collapse
Verizon and Sprint are not found anywhere on their North America carrier lists on the site. It looks like the hardware can support Verizon and Sprint CDMA networks, but it's still not determined whether the carriers will allow activation. I guess we will have to wait and see.
Another wrinkle will be if Straight Talk or other MVNO's will be able to activate them. Since BYOD lose OTA access on ST (and I think other MVNO's) it would be great to have an unlocked phone that can do OTA's directly from the manufacturer.
afidel said:
Another wrinkle will be if Straight Talk or other MVNO's will be able to activate them. Since BYOD lose OTA access on ST (and I think other MVNO's) it would be great to have an unlocked phone that can do OTA's directly from the manufacturer.
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Click to collapse
Can't you just use LG's update tool via your computer to get the LG updates and not have to deal with the carrier BS?
MN_Bug said:
Can't you just use LG's update tool via your computer to get the LG updates and not have to deal with the carrier BS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not for carrier branded devices. Using any kdz besides the carrier specific one will brick the phone.
billybob275 said:
Not for carrier branded devices. Using any kdz besides the carrier specific one will brick the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My comment was in reference to the carrier unlocked version as referenced in this thread. If you purchase the carrier unlock NA variant "how do you install updates" and my answer was, via the LG's online update tool.
MN_Bug said:
My comment was in reference to the carrier unlocked version as referenced in this thread. If you purchase the carrier unlock NA variant "how do you install updates" and my answer was, via the LG's online update tool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My mistake. Yes the non carrier version should be able to update this way, unless the carriers have struck a deal with LG.
I have the unlocked lg g5, tried taking it to verizon and they wouldnt let me activate it on their carrier. Its unlocked, yes, but their system doesnt allow it apparently. Great phone though, very sexy.
Kaminarijinro said:
I have the unlocked lg g5, tried taking it to verizon and they wouldnt let me activate it on their carrier. Its unlocked, yes, but their system doesnt allow it apparently. Great phone though, very sexy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.google.com/amp/s/forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g5/help/rs988-verizon-t3598135/amp/
Here ya go
I bought a Verizon SM-G950UZKAVZW direct from Samsung. I thought that I was buying a phone that I could take to any carrier. I'm hearing that might not be true. Does anyone have definitive, confirmed specs ie supported radio bands on all of the carrier variants as well as the upcoming intl version? Also I heard other reports that the hardware is identical and it's firmware that is limiting the phones. Not sure if that is true either. Samsung was absolutely not helpful.
Bottom line I need to know:
1 if I keep the SM-G950UZKAVZW, will I be able to use it with other carrier networks?
2 if I can use the SM-G950UZKAVZW with other carriers, what actions (if any) would I need to take to do that? (Other than swapping a sim card)
3 would the phone I currently possess be limited in any way if I were to use it with other carriers? (Limited is defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how would it be limited?
4 if I were to purchase an unlocked international model once it becomes available, would that phone be limited in any way when used on any US carrier? (Limited is again defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how?
If you aren't sure, please don't reply. There's plenty of people documenting their best guess already. I'm looking for the straight story.
Thanks for reading!
All of Verizon phones are Sim card unlocked and since there is really only 1 version of the S8/S8+ in the US (with different model #'s corresponding to the different carriers) using the phone on another carriers network is not going to be an issue. All you need to do is insert the sim card in.
http://www.gottabemobile.com/how-to-unlock-the-galaxy-s8/
As a quick note, if you have a Verizon Galaxy S8 congratulations. Your phone is already unlocked. Verizon Wireless no longer locks phones, regardless of what you might hear from friends or family. Simply drop a T-Mobile or AT&T SIM card in a Verizon model and it works. It may require manually configuring the APN settings though, so keep that in mind.
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Click to collapse
The ONLY exception that might be would be Sprint since they are CDMA as well, but who really wants to go from Verizon to Sprint?????
All 4 Major US(and subsequent sub carriers) are receiving the same version of the phone(meaning same internals). From my understanding, inserting the carriers Sim card into the verizon phone just means you start going at that point and have access to all the carriers bands
If you got an international version, it most likely would be powered by an Exynos CPU vs the Snapdragon 835 so there would be some performance differences (typically Exynos models perform marginally better based on previous history)
If you're looking for a US unlocked model - wait until next month
http://www.theverge.com/circuitbrea...-unlocked-galaxy-s8-plus-pricing-release-date
I appreciate your clear response! Would it be accurate to say that I will have just as much freedom to hop from one carrier to another using the phone I have, as opposed to purchasing the upcoming US unlocked variant?
Also, I have heard the same thing about the hardware, that all of the carrier variants are the same physical model. But some folks, including the Samsung tech support rep I spoke to (unfortunately that probably doesn't mean a whole lot) seem to think that the carrier firmware is limiting the radio bands. Do you know this to be false?
I have the Verizon version and works fine on Tmo out of the box. Have to use Verizon update software through Windows though. OTA's will never come through.
I am using Verizon GS8 on att, it works but I only get HSPA mostly. No LTE, so band is definitely capped by firmware.
I didn't have any issue receiving ota with att sim in vzw gs8
I saw a review that said the s8 gets locked to the first carrier sim it accepts. Can someone confirm swapping sims of different carriers works?
Whanksta said:
I am using Verizon GS8 on att, it works but I only get HSPA mostly. No LTE, so band is definitely capped by firmware.
I didn't have any issue receiving ota with att sim in vzw gs8
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Click to collapse
Have you tried going into the network band menu and locking it to one of the AT&T LTE bands?
This still works on the S8 (found this on the S7 and used it to lock my S7 to band 4 for Tmobile)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tm...ng-network-t3331555/post65722081#post65722081
ElBeaner said:
Have you tried going into the network band menu and locking it to one of the AT&T LTE bands?
This still works on the S8 (found this on the S7 and used it to lock my S7 to band 4 for Tmobile)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tm...ng-network-t3331555/post65722081#post65722081
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Click to collapse
I am unable to access the service menu via the S7 method
Whanksta said:
I am unable to access the service menu via the S7 method
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Click to collapse
Ok forgot you were Verizon - you have to edit a setting because they block you from that access
Try this if you're daring enough
https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s6/general/enabling-using-servicemode-t3109579
EDIT Damn, looks like you have to be rooted first
---------- Post added at 12:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 AM ----------
Whanksta said:
I am unable to access the service menu via the S7 method
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll need to wait unti the official AT&T rom is available from Smasung and then you should be able to flash it via ODIN onto the phone and get all the AT&T carrier bands
mredamon said:
I bought a Verizon SM-G950UZKAVZW direct from Samsung. I thought that I was buying a phone that I could take to any carrier. I'm hearing that might not be true. Does anyone have definitive, confirmed specs ie supported radio bands on all of the carrier variants as well as the upcoming intl version? Also I heard other reports that the hardware is identical and it's firmware that is limiting the phones. Not sure if that is true either. Samsung was absolutely not helpful.
Bottom line I need to know:
4 if I were to purchase an unlocked international model once it becomes available, would that phone be limited in any way when used on any US carrier? (Limited is again defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once it becomes available? You can buy Exynos right now from other countries. Clove in UK will region unlock the phone before shipping to you in the U.S. What needs to become available?
Don't confuse the "unlocked" S8 Samsung will sell here in the U.S. in a month or so with the Exynos international variant. The "unlocked" S8 coming to the U.S. is still the bootloader locked Snapdragon version, just without carrier branding. It will be carrier unlocked but not bootloader unlocked. If you care about rooting, TWRP, ROMs, etc Exynos is what you want.
would that (Exynos international variant) phone be limited in any way when used on any US carrier?
(Limited is again defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO, except if you are on CDMA-handicapped Sprint or Verizon. If you use Sprint or Verizon be aware Exynos doesn't have 3G CDMA bands to fall back on if you can't get LTE. For AT&T or T-Mobile, YES it has all the LTE/HSPA/GSM bands.
The "international" Exynos variant can be bootloader unlocked, rooted, etc. so tons of advantages. While it has Verizon LTE bands, there's no CDMA. This means you really need Verizon VoLTE to work and I don't have the answer to that. And if you can't get LTE signal on mobile network, you won't have any signal due to no CDMA fallback. Again, only an issue because of CDMA if you stay on Verizon instead of using AT&T or T-mobile (or their network affiliates). You seem like you want to switch to another carrier? So, go ahead and do so!
EXYNOS VARIANTS LTE BANDS:
LTE Bands: FDD: B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B12(700), B13(700), B17(700), B18(800), B19(800), B20(800), B25(1900), B26(800), B28(700), B32(1500), B66(AWS- 3) | TDD: B38(2600), B39(1900), B40(2300), B41(2500)
GSM/GPRS
850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
3G/HSPA
850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz
ChazzMatt said:
Once it becomes available? You can buy Exynos right now from other countries. Clove in UK will region unlock the phone before shipping to you in the U.S. What needs to become available?
Don't confuse the "unlocked" S8 Samsung will sell here in the U.S. in a month or so with the Exynos international variant. The "unlocked" S8 coming to the U.S. is still the bootloader locked Snapdragon version, just without carrier branding. It will be carrier unlocked but not bootloader unlocked. If you care about rooting, TWRP, ROMs, etc Exynos is what you want. /QUOTE]
Yeah I screwed up. I did confuse them.
I'm not interested in all that rooting stuff I just want a phone that pretty much works anywhere I want to take it and if it's slower on one network than another I wanna know what I'm getting myself into.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whanksta said:
I am using Verizon GS8 on att, it works but I only get HSPA mostly. No LTE, so band is definitely capped by firmware.
I didn't have any issue receiving ota with att sim in vzw gs8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey guys
I'm from Brazil and I wanna buy the Verizon's S8 but I'm afraid about the 4G.
I saw that this model has the Brazil LTE frequencies, but I read here that Verizon capped the band from the firmware.
Somebody knows if I could flash via ODIN the unlocked rom that will come with the unlocked version in USA and so get the LTE free to use in any place?
I don't want to assume the risk to have a top mobile phone but don't be able to use 4G.
Thank you very much guys
Hey mredamon. Did you ever get a clear response here or somewhere else about this?