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So I am going to buy a probably used Galaxy S5, most likely from Swappa.com and I am going to activate it with Metro PCS, which is a GSM carrier, so I know I need a GSM carrier GS5, like from AT&T or T-Mobile. I did a bit of googling and I only ended up with more questions... Are the AT&T and T Mobile versions of the GS5 carrier locked? From what I read online, the ATT is locked and the Tmobile is unlocked, but I cant be certain from the couple forum posts I could only find. If the phone is already unlocked, I can just bring it into the Metro PCS store and activate it, right?
Now, what if it is locked? Can I carrier unlock it myself? How do I do that? Do I really need to buy an unlock code online? Seems kinda sketchy to buy these codes from random unlocking sites, but if I have to...? Also, can I have it unlocked by Metro PCS or T-Mobile or ATT?
Next part of my question is about the bootloader. Again, I did some research, but found only one relatively... relevant forum post. So I come here for direct help. I was chatting with AT&T tech support on their site asking about the bootloader.
Anyways, ATT told me the bootloader on their GS5's are encrypted locked. What about TMobiles version? Supposedly if they are encrypted, there is near to no chance of really getting that unlocked. Although, if they are not encrypted, would they be able to be unlocked? I have no idea about T-Mobile having a locked bootloader or not.
Lastly, has the bootlader been unlocked already for any GS5? I ask because ive seen some GS5's with custom ROM's and launchers and stuff, but last I heard, they were still locked.
You didn't do much "research" via Google or searching this forum or you'd already have the answers your are looking for. These questions have been asked and answered innumerable times.
Very few carriers other than ATT and Verizon lock bootloaders. TMB's bootloader is not locked. Generally speaking, TMB model has the most GSM bands and is arguably the most desirable model but you need to check whether those include the bands you need with the carrier you plan to use. Do that by checking and comparing the bands that both carriers use or simply find out what S5 model your carrier uses itself.
Most phones, incuding TMB, ATT, et al are SIM locked. But you can easily get a third party vendor to provide an unlock code for about $20 and thereafter use it on another carrier.
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fffft said:
You didn't do much "research" via Google or searching this forum or you'd already have the answers your are looking for. These questions have been asked and answered innumerable times.
Very few carriers other than ATT and Verizon lock bootloaders. TMB's bootloader is not locked. Generally speaking, TMB model has the most GSM bands and is arguably the most desirable model but you need to check whether those include the bands you need with the carrier you plan to use. Do that by checking and comparing the bands that both carriers use or simply find out what S5 model your carrier uses itself.
Most phones, incuding TMB, ATT, et al are SIM locked. But you can easily get a third party vendor to provide an unlock code for about $20 and thereafter use it on another carrier.
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Sorry, this is just totally new to me. Ive never had an android device other than a Nexus 7 I was gifted that i hardly use. Ive never even had a smartphone, so Ive had to find and absorb all this info about rooting, bootloaders, unlocking. Its been kinda mind boggling. So in the meantime after I posted this I pieced together this info.. I hope I am corrrect:
-AT&T and Verizon have been locking their bootloaders for a while and everyone hates them for that
-Any GSM carrier phone can be unlocked to work with any other GSM carrier
-CDMA cannot be unlocked at all
Kinda iffy on this one, not 100% sure... -Rooting is the same as unlocking the bootloader. If the bootloader is not encrypted, the phone can be rooted and custom ROM's/recoveries can be installed.
-Supposedly Verizon and AT&T GS5's can now be rooted... (cant link to outisde links, but just search "How to Root ANY Samsung Galaxy S5 Variant (Even AT&T & Verizon) in 20 Seconds Flat" and its the first link.
Based off this new info I have gathered... I want a T-Mobile GS5 (or AT&T if they can in fact be rooted and have custom ROM's installed on them). I will have to carrier unlock it myself unless it is already unlocked (someone on Swappa.com says they are selling a "factory unlocked" T-Mobile GS5 for $480, so I guess T-Mobile also sells carrier unlocked versions). I will unlock it using a code from theunlockingcompany website for $40 (seems like a steep price, but supposedly its the best site to use). I will then unlock it with the code which should take a couple minutes after I get the code, code taking up to 5 hours to arrive in my email. I will then have to take it in store to Metro PCS (hopefully I can do it online too if I order the SIM card online to ship to me for $10) to have it activated with them and get service. Then it should be activated, have my phone number, have cell and data service, paid/pay $40 a month. All is well in the world.
Is that info I discovered above true, what about the steps I should go through in the last section, above?
DannyDee15 said:
Is that info I discovered above true
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I wouldn't know where to begin. Yes, a TMB phone is ideal IMO for ATT because it covers all of the ATT frequencies and then some, plus has an unlocked bootloader. Most of the rest you have wrong.
Any GSM carrier phone can be unlocked to work with any other GSM carrier
No. You can unlock phones, but models will seldom work well on a different carriers frequency allotment.
CDMA cannot be unlocked at all
Not true.
Rooting is the same as unlocking the bootloader.
They are not the same thing.
If the bootloader is not encrypted, the phone can be rooted
Not correct. You can root phones with locked (encrypted) bootloaders.
Supposedly Verizon and AT&T GS5's can now be rooted
Almost any Android with a pre-June6th firmware build can be rooted.
so I guess T-Mobile also sells carrier unlocked versions
Nope.
I don't know how you managed to adopt so much misinformation. I can only assume that you haven't done much reading yet and /or made a lot of assumptions. You should read some of the sticky posts to get a better general understanding of how everything fits together. Then you can pose more informed questions.
It has nothing to do with being new to smartphones. You just thought that it was easier to ask than to do a proper search or puzzle out a few confusing points. It would be in your own best interests to do some reading, but whether you do or not is entirely up to you.
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I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 on Verizon (SCH-i545) running Android 5.0.1. I cannot find a way to root after searching and searching threads and online! Please help!! Would love to root this phone.
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Did you look in the Verizon S4 forums? That is where you want to go for answers to your questions, as this is the international S4 forum, and we don't have a locked bootloader to prevent root.
Looked there, but didn't find anything. Maybe will post this there, thanks for your help. Can you explain locked bootloader or send me a link of a thread that does? I don't understand the difference of the international.
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Actually I see that someone moved this thread to this category... I posted it elsewhere, what should I do? Noob, sorry!
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Go back to your opening post and report it to the mods. In the text box that appears simply tell them it needs to be moved to the Galaxy S4 Verizon forums. They'll take care of it.
With a locked (i.e. encrypted) bootloader, rooting cannot be performed and custom ROMs cannot be installed. AT&T and Verizon are the largest of the carriers that do this, and they claim to do this in order to ensure consistent performance of the device on their networks. The reality is that they simply don't want you getting rid of their bloatware or working around their other restrictions by rooting and installing custom ROMs. International devices don't come with locked bootloaders, and customization is easy. However, an international phone in the US doesn't get LTE due to the international device not supporting the frequencies used in the United States.
In the US, if LTE is important, a T-Mobile device is the best option even though the device never received an upgrade to Android 5.x. But if you take it abroad, LTE will not function due to it not supporting international LTE frequencies. To the best of my knowledge, phones that support both sets of frequencies have yet to be released.
Thanks for your helpful reply! So... My provider is Verizon, if I get a "T-mobile phone" will it still work on Verizon's network and he rootable? There is some difference in Verizon and AT&T I know because Verizon and Sprint are CDMA and AT&T and others are GSM networks right? I'm not sure what all those mean, but I didn't think they were interchangeable. I thought T-mobile was GSM, but maybe I'm wrong...
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You'd have to leave Verizon if you want a phone you can modify. Verizon and Sprint are CDMA networks, while AT&T and T-Mobile are GSM networks. GSM is the global standard. A CDMA device won't work on a GSM network and vice versa.
Hello everyone,
I am looking to upgrade from my S4 to an S7 over the next few days, and I have been trying to decide which is the better option between the Verizon model and the unlocked model. I will be using this phone on a Verizon network for now, and was leaning to the unlocked model to get rid of the Verizon bloatware. There is a chance I will be living in a different country in another year or so, so I figured the unlocked model would also give me more flexibility with my next carrier, as I had heard the Verizon model does not support all carrier frequencies. Are there any distinct advantages to going with the Verizon model over the unlocked model, or are there any other important differences I'm overlooking between these two options?
Thanks!
Unlocked how? Boot loader unlocked or carrier network (SIMM) unlocked? Verizon phones are carrier unlocked. Meaning, you can already take an AT&T SIMM and put it into the Verizon S7 and it will work.
As for removing verizon bloatware, that's only possible if you root. Unlocked is specific to the carrier only, not an unlocked bootloader. None have an unlocked bootloader that I know of.
The carrier unlocked phones also receive updates much slower than the normal ones.
https://plus.google.com/+DroidLife/posts/ENv2fH9zD7e
If you want carrier unlocked phones that get updates faster than the generic carrier unlocked phones, get the Verizon phone. As per this article, it's already carrier unlocked and it's already updated to Nougat. Might be some hoops to jump through, but it works:
http://www.androidcentral.com/yes-verizon-galaxy-s7-and-s7-edge-are-sim-unlocked
The generic unlocked ones are still on Marshmallow and there is no word on if/when they'll get Nougat. Also, the Verizon one is cheaper than the generic carrier unlocked phones. Expecially if you can find a sale going on for it.
There is a hybrid rom that is debloated and works great for all models, it is posted in the vzw amd tmo s7 forums. I'm using it on two phones myself.
The U firmware has no bloat, and has all bands available for use. The main downside is that nougat still isn't out for it, and certain apps won't work if you're from Verizon such as their voicemail app.
On the plus side you get some features that Verizon charges extra for, such as caller ID built in for free.
Regardless you can flash any firmware to any S7 so long as it's the snapdragon variant.
cadcamaro said:
The U firmware has no bloat, and has all bands available for use. The main downside is that nougat still isn't out for it, and certain apps won't work if you're from Verizon such as their voicemail app.
On the plus side you get some features that Verizon charges extra for, such as caller ID built in for free.
Regardless you can flash any firmware to any S7 so long as it's the snapdragon variant.
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I've been curious about the G-930U also. If you know, please tell me if these working assumptions are correct or not: The "U" has no carrier branding on it and it has no carrier "bloat" in it (although maybe some Samsung stuff). The "U" CANNOT be bootloader unlocked because it has the Snapdragon processor and at present none of the Snapdragon variations can have their bootloaders unlocked (how I hope this isn't true!). The "U" can be flashed to carrier-specific firmware, although I don't know what the advantage would be.
I'm still mostly using an XT1575, the Motorola X Play Edition 2015. It too had no carrier contamination but it's bootloader was easy to unlock. All I had to do to get it to work with Verizon was insert my nano SIM card. Do any phones still work like that?
Looking online I see numerous different model numbers for the e4. Plus, I'm seeing there's a "plus" model, a prime model, some with finger print readers and some without. What's the deal with them having so many different crazy variants of this handset?
That's another thing that confused me too was I was told via both a review online and an in store rep the e4 has a finger print reader but I learned after opening the box it didn't and come to find out the Sprint (boost/virgin) models don't. I'm so confused.
cameroncr95 said:
Looking online I see numerous different model numbers for the e4. Plus, I'm seeing there's a "plus" model, a prime model, some with finger print readers and some without. What's the deal with them having so many different crazy variants of this handset?
That's another thing that confused me too was I was told via both a review online and an in store rep the e4 has a finger print reader but I learned after opening the box it didn't and come to find out the Sprint (boost/virgin) models don't. I'm so confused.
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Yeah, some carriers had made their own version of the phone. Like Boost mobile has a version, Verizon has a version. Some have a finger print scanner and some don't. If you want the Moto E4 with a fingerprint scanner and unlockable bootloader, go on Amazon and there should be one for about 130$. That version (XT1768) Should work with most carriers.
codyalan said:
Yeah, some carriers had made their own version of the phone. Like Boost mobile has a version, Verizon has a version. Some have a finger print scanner and some don't. If you want the Moto E4 with a fingerprint scanner and unlockable bootloader, go on Amazon and there should be one for about 130$. That version (XT1768) Should work with most carriers.
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Aren't all of the bootloader's aside the VZW variant able to be unlocked? I'm reading up on it now because I'm planning to try and root this device. I'm currently using the XT1766 model with boost.
While I feel slightly annoyed I was ripped of a finger print reader it's not a terrible deal as long as I can uninstall all this crazy bloatware.
cameroncr95 said:
Aren't all of the bootloader's aside the VZW variant able to be unlocked? I'm reading up on it now because I'm planning to try and root this device. I'm currently using the XT1766 model with boost.
While I feel slightly annoyed I was ripped of a finger print reader it's not a terrible deal as long as I can uninstall all this crazy bloatware.
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The Verizon variant has a permanent locked bootloader, so far nobody can unlock it. And all of the other variants except for the Amazon prime model should have unlocked bootloader's. You should be able to uninstall some bloatware on stock if you properly root.
Hi, not wanting to create a new topic, so I'll just pop my question here.
I have a mediatek e4, xt1760.
Are the roms in the dev section to specific xt176x or as long as it's in the mediatek section I need not be concern with the variant version?
I apologies if this question has been asked.
#Fear said:
Hi, not wanting to create a new topic, so I'll just pop my question here.
I have a mediatek e4, xt1760.
Are the roms in the dev section to specific xt176x or as long as it's in the mediatek section I need not be concern with the variant version?
I apologies if this question has been asked.
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If it doesn't mention it in the op for a particular rom, I'm sure it's fine to ask in that thread. Someone will likely answer. Of course you might get a good answer here too.
It seems that the Verizon version is XT1767 while the unlocked version is XT1768. According to frequencycheck.com, the XT1767 has less frequencies supported than the XT1768.
nookin said:
It seems that the Verizon version is XT1767 while the unlocked version is XT1768. According to frequencycheck.com, the XT1767 has less frequencies supported than the XT1768.
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Correct.
I think most of the variants are just different radios for connecting to various types of towers. To cut costs, some carriers like Verizon only include radio support for their own towers and only basic support for roaming, meaning that while the device might be able to be unlocked and used on other networks, it might not be able to use the other network's towers fully because it doesn't support their frequencies.
In addition, the firmware on different variants could be different, for example the hardware of the Sprint Moto E4 and Boost Mobile Moto E4 are almost identical, but the firmware image has apps specific to that carrier that wouldn't work on other carriers.
Some variants have an entirely different internal structure, using the Mediatek or Qualcomm chipsets, which is sometimes because the radio chipsets needed for US carriers aren't as compatible with non-Qualcomm chipsets.
chuman72486 said:
I think most of the variants are just different radios for connecting to various types of towers. To cut costs, some carriers like Verizon only include radio support for their own towers and only basic support for roaming, meaning that while the device might be able to be unlocked and used on other networks, it might not be able to use the other network's towers fully because it doesn't support their frequencies.
In addition, the firmware on different variants could be different, for example the hardware of the Sprint Moto E4 and Boost Mobile Moto E4 are almost identical, but the firmware image has apps specific to that carrier that wouldn't work on other carriers.
Some variants have an entirely different internal structure, using the Mediatek or Qualcomm chipsets, which is sometimes because the radio chipsets needed for US carriers aren't as compatible with non-Qualcomm chipsets.
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The Sprint and boost versions are completely identical (sprint owns boost) and they provision upon activation and any carrier specific apps are loaded from the oem partition. Same for the virgin mobile version.
Recently bought an S7 Edge, G935F. Lots of stuff on here about rooting/flashing custom ROMs, and I successfully did but am now under the impression it won't work on the Verizon network due to different basebands, something or other. Someone in another thread mentioned that it *will* work with a nano SIM card but Verizon's online checker thing says it won't work on their network for whatever reason.
Can anyone confirm it would? Or .. wouldn't? Again, G935F.
Also, are there any other S7 Edge (or newer Galaxy models) otherwise that have an unlockable bootloader that WILL work on Verizon?
Kudos in advance!
The "V" variant is Verizon Wireless one. These ones are GSM. I think LTE is interoperable, but lower standards are different.
https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-s7-edge-verizon/specs/SM-G935V/
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KEHT said:
The "V" variant is Verizon Wireless one. These ones are GSM. I think LTE is interoperable, but lower standards are different.
https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-s7-edge-verizon/specs/SM-G935V/
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Lower standards being 2g and 3g?
ProoN said:
Lower standards being 2g and 3g?
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Yes, but don't quote me on it. I think you can't just pop a sim card in and have service, you would need to call VW and have it attached to your account. And if the system doesn't like your ESN, you're SOL.[emoji2373]
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Are there any other S7 Edge (or newer Galaxy models) otherwise that have an unlockable bootloader that WILL work on Verizon? Or any Verizon variants that do? I love these edge models and have Verizon service but really, really don't want to use stock-anything if possible.
ProoN said:
Are there any other S7 Edge (or newer Galaxy models) otherwise that have an unlockable bootloader that WILL work on Verizon? Or any Verizon variants that do? I love these edge models and have Verizon service but really, really don't want to use stock-anything if possible.
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No, if you want to have custom ROM, switch to GSM provider (T-mobile, AT&T wireless...)
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ProoN said:
Recently bought an S7 Edge, G935F. Lots of stuff on here about rooting/flashing custom ROMs, and I successfully did but am now under the impression it won't work on the Verizon network due to different basebands, something or other. Someone in another thread mentioned that it *will* work with a nano SIM card but Verizon's online checker thing says it won't work on their network for whatever reason.
Can anyone confirm it would? Or .. wouldn't? Again, G935F.
Also, are there any other S7 Edge (or newer Galaxy models) otherwise that have an unlockable bootloader that WILL work on Verizon?
Kudos in advance!
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Click to collapse
Verizon wireless is a CDMA carrier. CDMA carriers require CDMA specific devices and the only Galaxy devices made CDMA are for the American market (all bootloader locked). If I were you I'd switch to T-Mobile or At&t (both GSM carriers i.e. fully compatible with international unlockable variants).
Rehvix said:
Verizon wireless is a CDMA carrier. CDMA carriers require CDMA specific devices and the only Galaxy devices made CDMA are for the American market (all bootloader locked). If I were you I'd switch to T-Mobile or At&t (both GSM carriers i.e. fully compatible with international unlockable variants).
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Yeah, I've gathered that there's really only a handful of Verizon variants with unlockable bootloaders. Currently looking for a new Verizon variant I can flash a custom ROM on. Google Pixel models look decent, but I'm going to look around a bit more.