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As you may know, whenever Apple releases an iOS update, all the iPhone around the world get the same update at the same time. There is no need to go through individual carriers. How come Samsung releases ICS to different countries at different time? Also, why the Samsung in each country makes some modifications and release their own version to their local customers?
Apple releases it at the same time cause its the same hardware. Every single note from a different carrier doesn't have the exact same hardware.
ah was about to ask the same question, but Tjsherod could have answered this, good point
Thanks. Why Samsung does not centralize and perhaps also make the same hardware for different carriers? It may be easier to manage that way. An unlocked iPhone works in different countries regardless of which carrier to use.
Because samsung had to use chips not made by them to be able to sell at the us for compatability of Lte. Since in Europe they make everything themselves its a better option. That's why there's different versions. They do it for a reason. Not just because.
I'm looking to buy a new phone but don't want/need the latest and greatest. I'm happy with the performance of my HTC One Mini, my work HTC One X/XL and my wife's S4 Active, all AT&T phones used in the U.S. My One Mini just suffered a horrible mountain bike crash which busted the screen up pretty bad, then too, my old eyes are tired of that tiny screen. I've also had bad luck with the built in battery and lack of SD card slot. So I was thinking S4 would be ok by me. Asking on the device forum I've gotten 50-11 answers some of which are conflicting answers. I was thinking the i9505 would be the right phone until someone piped up stating it wouldn't work on LTE here. From all I've seen it looks to me like that senior member don't know what they're talking about. Here's my criteria:
1. 4.5" to 5" screen
2. Unlocked/unlockable and can easily accept custom ROMs
3. Prefer to stick with a Kit Kat Rom as it gets along with my Do Not Disturb app better than Lollipop due to the built-in app on Lollipop
4. Removable battery
5. SD Slot
6. LTE service on AT&T/T-Mobile and Caribbean and South American Countries
7. Custom ROM must allow hotspot w/o AT&T controlling my use (I have unlimited internet on my plan and want to make use of it)
Background: I'm almost green having only installed a custom ROM on my work phone an HTC One X/XL from AT&T. Apparently it's one of the harder phones to unlock the bootloader and permanent Root is impossible I think. I 1st installed CM12.1 on the HTC ONE X and ran into conflicts and buggy operations. After a few weeks of testing I backed it up, wiped it and installed CM11 which I truly like. No experience or much understanding of KNOX, ODIN or ODEX. I only read bits and pieces on those while trying to figure out which S4 variant will fit my need. Lastly, were can I get a new phone off contract? Anybody purchased from www.Cell2Get.com? I was about to buy this phone prior to the member claiming it wouldn't work on AT&T.
http://www.cell2get.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-i9505-16gb-unlocked-gsm-android-cell-phone-p-5122.html
IRBent said:
I'm looking to buy a new phone but don't want/need the latest and greatest. I'm happy with the performance of my HTC One Mini, my work HTC One X/XL and my wife's S4 Active, all AT&T phones used in the U.S. My One Mini just suffered a horrible mountain bike crash which busted the screen up pretty bad, then too, my old eyes are tired of that tiny screen. I've also had bad luck with the built in battery and lack of SD card slot. So I was thinking S4 would be ok by me. Asking on the device forum I've gotten 50-11 answers some of which are conflicting answers. I was thinking the i9505 would be the right phone until someone piped up stating it wouldn't work on LTE here. From all I've seen it looks to me like that senior member don't know what they're talking about. Here's my criteria:
1. 4.5" to 5" screen
2. Unlocked/unlockable and can easily accept custom ROMs
3. Prefer to stick with a Kit Kat Rom as it gets along with my Do Not Disturb app better than Lollipop due to the built-in app on Lollipop
4. Removable battery
5. SD Slot
6. LTE service on AT&T/T-Mobile and Caribbean and South American Countries
7. Custom ROM must allow hotspot w/o AT&T controlling my use (I have unlimited internet on my plan and want to make use of it)
Background: I'm almost green having only installed a custom ROM on my work phone an HTC One X/XL from AT&T. Apparently it's one of the harder phones to unlock the bootloader and permanent Root is impossible I think. I 1st installed CM12.1 on the HTC ONE X and ran into conflicts and buggy operations. After a few weeks of testing I backed it up, wiped it and installed CM11 which I truly like. No experience or much understanding of KNOX, ODIN or ODEX. I only read bits and pieces on those while trying to figure out which S4 variant will fit my need. Lastly, were can I get a new phone off contract? Anybody purchased from www.Cell2Get.com? I was about to buy this phone prior to the member claiming it wouldn't work on AT&T.
http://www.cell2get.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-i9505-16gb-unlocked-gsm-android-cell-phone-p-5122.html
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- AT&T has it's own variant of the S4. It's called the "SGH-I337".
- The I9505 will not work with LTE on the AT&T network. It support different bands. So the member was correct. You can see it here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S4#Model_variants
- The "SGH-I337" has a locked bootloader and cannot be unlocked. Only some old devices will have an unlocked bootloader because they never upgraded their software. Thus you cannot use custom roms like CM.
Lennyz1988 said:
- AT&T has it's own variant of the S4. It's called the "SGH-I337".
- The I9505 will not work with LTE on the AT&T network. It support different bands. So the member was correct. You can see it here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S4#Model_variants
- The "SGH-I337" has a locked bootloader and cannot be unlocked. Only some old devices will have an unlocked bootloader because they never upgraded their software. Thus you cannot use custom roms like CM.
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So is the GT-I9505G the preferred phone to have and to mod and if so, can I buy new one without getting a fake?
"Google Play Edition
At the Google I/O 2013 keynote, Samsung and Google revealed that an edition of the U.S. S4 would be released on June 26, 2013 through Google Play, initially featuring stock Android 4.2.2, later updated to 4.4.4, with Samsung provided updates; it has an unlockable bootloader (similar to Nexus devices) and supports LTE on AT&T and T-Mobile's networks. The model number is GT-I9505G."
I'm likely "that member", because I have an I9505 (not I9505G) running on Straight Talk, which is a US MVNO that rents bandwidth from all the major US carriers. The I9505 will not work on LTE here in the US because the LTE frequencies used worldwide (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20) are not the frequencies used by the carriers here in the US. The I9505G is a different story. It has the LTE frequencies needed to work here in the US, and does not have Touchwiz as it uses stock Android.
You can't purchase one new because they've been discontinued for some time now. You may want to check out Swappa (link at the top of the page) and see if they have a used one you can purchase.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I'm likely "that member", because I have an I9505 (not I9505G) running on Straight Talk, which is a US MVNO that rents bandwidth from all the major US carriers. The I9505 will not work on LTE here in the US because the LTE frequencies used worldwide (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20) are not the frequencies used by the carriers here in the US. The I9505G is a different story. It has the LTE frequencies needed to work here in the US, and does not have Touchwiz as it uses stock Android.
You can't purchase one new because they've been discontinued for some time now. You may want to check out Swappa (link at the top of the page) and see if they have a used one you can purchase.
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Really good and interesting reply. Being new to this stuff and having not kept up with cellphone technology, some of the things you guys just know, I'm having to try to understand. At first I assumed all 9505's were the same, but apparently I was wrong there. Then I also thought that since most cellphone review sites showed a plethora of Freq. and bands, with at least on or two being those that AT&T and most other North American GSM carriers use, I assume that meant I could get that model of phone. little did I know that those two lines of freqs and bands were for different versions of that same model, one for here and being a carrier locked phone and the other line being and international phone without the proper band for use here. So now after learning that difference it appears to me that there may be now way possible to purchase a new S4 and turn it into a custom ROM phone. So if I understand you and the carrier stuff correctly, you're using a plain 9505 and piggybacking off AT&T by way of StraightTalk like so many of us do. However since your phone is an international version you don't have LTE, is that right? One last thing I've yet to read or learn about but saw when I was putting CM11 and 12.1 on my HTC One X/XL (AT&T), I kept seeing stuff about "the radio". The way it read made me think they were NOT talking about an FM radio for music, but the freqs the phone itself uses. I think I recall them flashing "radios" which I assume they meant they were able to change the original freqs/bands that the model came with to one more useful here. Is that something that truly exists and can be done even on an S4 variant? My assumption is that it CANNOT be done or else you'd have done so already on your i9505.
IRBent said:
So if I understand you and the carrier stuff correctly, you're using a plain 9505 and piggybacking off AT&T by way of StraightTalk like so many of us do. However since your phone is an international version you don't have LTE, is that right?
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Correct.
IRBent said:
My assumption is that it CANNOT be done or else you'd have done so already on your i9505.
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Again correct. With Samsung, their firmware loading software, Odin, actually checks and makes sure the parts of the firmware match the model of the S4 connected to the PC. If they don't match, Odin will instantly fail. The only way to try and enable LTE on the I9505 is to delve into the low-level firmware for the LTE chip and attempt to rewrite it so it can see the added frequencies. However, I don't recommend it. Not only is it a very intricate process compared to something like rooting, it's also quite possible that you could render the LTE chip non-functional. I tried it, and nearly lost the ability to use my phone at all due to having my phone's SIM lock restored.
If you do decide to get an S4, an I9505G is likely your best bet. Not only does it have the AT&T frequencies, it's also got an unlocked bootloader (unlike the AT&T model) and is also carrier unlocked right out of the box. That last means you can use it on T-Mobile and carriers which use GSM SIM cards. Other choices would be the T-Mobile S4 (SGH-M919) or the North American S4 (SGH-I337M). All these phones include the AT&T frequencies and also have an unlocked bootloader so customization is easier.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
If you do decide to get an S4, an I9505G is likely your best bet. Not only does it have the AT&T frequencies, it's also got an unlocked bootloader (unlike the AT&T model) and is also carrier unlocked right out of the box. That last means you can use it on T-Mobile and carriers which use GSM SIM cards. Other choices would be the T-Mobile S4 (SGH-M919) or the North American S4 (SGH-I337M). All these phones include the AT&T frequencies and also have an unlocked bootloader so customization is easier.
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I thank you so much sir. This answer is direct and explains exactly what I wanted to know. I only wish it were possible to purchase one of those models new so I could ensure years of use void of glitches due to possible abuse by the previous owner. If I can't find one of the above models I will probably be looking for some other make/model, preferably a new phone not used. Do you know if it's possible to get a new phone that meets the criteria below?
1. Unlocked bootloader or one that can be unlocked
2. Removable battery
3. 4.7" - 5" screen
4. SD card
5. Capable of being used as a hotspot ( I have unlimited internet but need to thwart AT&T from controlling my use)
6. Rootable and custom ROM capable
7. Can be used in U.S, South America and Caribbean (I think most of those places all use the same freqs/bands as U.S.)
That is why on Swappa you search for the ones labeled Mint or New. My device was Mint off Swappa, and the main reasons were that it was always in a case, and had a tempered glass screen protector installed.
For a current flagship-level device, looking at your laundry list, I believe you need to adjust your expectations. Not because of the software, but because of the hardware. LG is perhaps the only manufacturer still offering both removable batteries and MicroSD card slots, but their flagship device has a larger screen than you want. Motorola doesn't have removable batteries. Google provides neither, just like Samsung. Sony is an unknown, but their devices are not common here in the US.
Your best option is to go with a larger screen size and get an LG G4. If you absolutely MUST have the smaller screen, then you want a used Galaxy S4 or S5, so long as they aren't AT&T devices.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
For a current flagship-level device, looking at your laundry list, I believe you need to adjust your expectations. Not because of the software, but because of the hardware. LG is perhaps the only manufacturer still offering both removable batteries and MicroSD card slots, but their flagship device has a larger screen than you want. Motorola doesn't have removable batteries. Google provides neither, just like Samsung. Sony is an unknown, but their devices are not common here in the US.
Your best option is to go with a larger screen size and get an LG G4. If you absolutely MUST have the smaller screen, then you want a used Galaxy S4 or S5, so long as they aren't AT&T devices.
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I guess I should have made it clear too that flagships, latest and greatest wasn't necessary. I'm happy with the speeds my older HTC ONE X and HTC ONE Mini supply. But closing in on 50 years old, my eyes and the Mini's screen don't get along so well anymore.
If you have bad eyesight, a bigger screen can be a godsend.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
If you have bad eyesight, a bigger screen can be a godsend.
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Exactly. I need a bigger screen but a smaller phone because my hands can't reach around my HTC ONE Mini. Sometimes it sucks being 5'4". LOL
IRBent said:
Exactly. I need a bigger screen but a smaller phone because my hands can't reach around my HTC ONE Mini. Sometimes it sucks being 5'4". LOL
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I would not recommend someone buying the S4 anymore. It was and still is a great phone, but newer models are just way better. The battery life is to short with the standard battery.
Based on your preferences I would recommend one of the following:
- LG Nexus 5
- Oneplus one
- Motorola X Play
But then again, maybe they are to big for you. The LG is the smallest but doesn't have a sd slot.
Lennyz1988 said:
Based on your preferences I would recommend one of the following:
- LG Nexus 5
- Oneplus one
- Motorola X Play
But then again, maybe they are to big for you. The LG is the smallest but doesn't have a sd slot.
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Amazing discovery by me just now. Yes, I've seen folks here talk about the brand OnePlus but I didn't know who or what OnePlus was until just now. I used to keep up with all things electronics related, reading review sites and forums like this. 10 years ago or so a DVD manufacturer named OPPO was the talk. Excellent brand but unheard of. I just learned that OnePlus is a company started by an OPPO founder. I'm so out of the loop.
Looking at the FCC docs for what appears to be the S7, it seems like Samsung will finally make just a single hardware variant for the US, FCC ID A3LSMG935US, with the different carrier models' features and bands being enabled/disabled solely in software or firmware.
Assuming this observation is correct, this will mark a sea change in Samsung's approach which in the past meant creating a plethora of hardware variants for the US market.
This may also mean that at some point we might see an unlocked model with broad support for multiple US carriers.
FINALLY! A single hardware variant for all US carriers
myphone12345 said:
Looking at the FCC docs for what appears to be the S7, it seems like Samsung will finally make just a single hardware variant for the US, FCC ID A3LSMG935US, with the different carrier models' features and bands being enabled/disabled solely in software or firmware.
Assuming this observation is correct, this will mark a sea change in Samsung's approach which in the past meant creating a plethora of hardware variants for the US market.
This may also mean that at some point we might see an unlocked model with broad support for multiple US carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope this will come true
haldi15 said:
GayT&T and Verizon will still lock the bootloaders on their versions
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Probably true but since most of us will have to buy the phone outright now due to no carrier subsidies, couldn't we just buy a T-Mobile version and active whatever bands are needed for lets say Verizon? I have always heard that T-Mobile phones are easier to deal with as far as a Sammy BL goes. I may be way off on my thinking but it was my thought as this was a way around Verizon and AT&T locking down the equipment that we own.
t_house said:
Probably true but since most of us will have to buy the phone outright now due to no carrier subsidies, couldn't we just buy a T-Mobile version and active whatever bands are needed for lets say Verizon? I have always heard that T-Mobile phones are easier to deal with as far as a Sammy BL goes. I may be way off on my thinking but it was my thought as this was a way around Verizon and AT&T locking down the equipment that we own.
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correct both US and canadian users already do this, you can either hex edit the modem or just flash a modem that carries the support already as many users have done.
t_house said:
Probably true but since most of us will have to buy the phone outright now due to no carrier subsidies, couldn't we just buy a T-Mobile version and active whatever bands are needed for lets say Verizon? I have always heard that T-Mobile phones are easier to deal with as far as a Sammy BL goes. I may be way off on my thinking but it was my thought as this was a way around Verizon and AT&T locking down the equipment that we own.
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Been using TMOBILE Phones on ATT Network for 5 years. S4- S5-Note 3, 4 and 5, S6 - etc.
Perhaps this coincides with the rumored Samsung leasing program and one unlocked phone for all carriers.
Only recently has Verizon started activating unlocked phones ie Nexus.
My 2 cents
Solace50 said:
correct both US and canadian users already do this, you can either hex edit the modem or just flash a modem that carries the support already as many users have done.
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Is it really expected to be that easy to use a T-Mobile S7 on Verizon? T-Mobile leaves them unlocked so you can flash Verizon radios and are good to go?
Redflea said:
Is it really expected to be that easy to use a T-Mobile S7 on Verizon? T-Mobile leaves them unlocked so you can flash Verizon radios and are good to go?
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I know in the past you could always take a Verizon S7 and use it on T-Mobile or AT&T, but the problem has been a lack of band support since Verizon only seems to include at most bands 2, 4, 5, and 13. Here's hoping the S7 changes this.
geoff5093 said:
I know in the past you could always take a Verizon S7 and use it on T-Mobile or AT&T, but the problem has been a lack of band support since Verizon only seems to include at most bands 2, 4, 5, and 13. Here's hoping the S7 changes this.
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I'm more interested in the other direction, T-Mobile S7 Edge on Verizon. If that's doable, that would be nice.
Redflea said:
I'm more interested in the other direction, T-Mobile S7 Edge on Verizon. If that's doable, that would be nice.
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I really hope so. In the past only the Verizon model could work on Verizon, but I think it's about time Samsung changes this and follows the route of the Nexus, iPhone, and Moto direction of one phone that works on all carriers.
I have a Verizon S5 and I can easily activate any band I need by changing settings in the IOT Hidden Menu and/or Service Mode. It's been a minute since I last played around with my phone in that capacity but I know I can do it. Obviously root access is a must to do any of this so I guess we will see if Sammy bastardizes the S7 like they did the S6 Edge and Edge+ with no options at all for root. That really is a deal breaker for me. I'll keep my S5 and see what the 2016 versions of the Nexus phones are like.
t_house said:
I have a Verizon S5 and I can easily activate any band I need by changing settings in the IOT Hidden Menu and/or Service Mode. It's been a minute since I last played around with my phone in that capacity but I know I can do it. Obviously root access is a must to do any of this so I guess we will see if Sammy bastardizes the S7 like they did the S6 Edge and Edge+ with no options at all for root. That really is a deal breaker for me. I'll keep my S5 and see what the 2016 versions of the Nexus phones are like.
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No, you can't activate any band you need. You may be able to activate certain unlocked bands, but it still lacks many of the bands that are in use today by other carriers.
It has come to my attention that the Straight Talk version of the Galaxy S5 comes with an unlocked bootloader and is practically identical to the Verizon version. Cyanogenmod and TWRP can be loaded on to it. You would treat it as a developer model S5.
Sent from my rooted SM-G900V
t_house said:
It has come to my attention that the Straight Talk version of the Galaxy S5 comes with an unlocked bootloader and is practically identical to the Verizon version. Cyanogenmod and TWRP can be loaded on to it. You would treat it as a developer model S5.
Sent from my rooted SM-G900V
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That's awesome if true. Have you actually done this yourself? Or do you have a source?
Apparently AT&T will be offering an off-contract phone but still unsure if it will be unlocked or not. Does anyone have experience with AT&T and their off-contract phones.
Redflea said:
Is it really expected to be that easy to use a T-Mobile S7 on Verizon? T-Mobile leaves them unlocked so you can flash Verizon radios and are good to go?
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That seems to be what OP is implying, though I'm not as optimistic. If that's confirmed true then I'll be getting an S7 on day one.
Unlimited data keeps us on Verizon, but I'm so sick and tired of their locked down devices.
myphone12345 said:
Looking at the FCC docs for what appears to be the S7, it seems like Samsung will finally make just a single hardware variant for the US, FCC ID A3LSMG935US, with the different carrier models' features and bands being enabled/disabled solely in software or firmware.
Assuming this observation is correct, this will mark a sea change in Samsung's approach which in the past meant creating a plethora of hardware variants for the US market.
This may also mean that at some point we might see an unlocked model with broad support for multiple US carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently not:
G930F (Global); G930A (AT&T, Cricket); G930P (Sprint, Boost, Virgin Mobile); G930V (Verizon); G930T (T-Mobile, Metro PCS); G930R (US Cellular)
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Source
I think OP was referring to this image. Notice the middle model.
jal3223 said:
I think OP was referring to this image. Notice the middle model.
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Very interesting. But...
No VoLTE on that model means no simultaneous voice and data on Verizon, as voice will always be CDMA (assuming they don't try and pitch a hissy fit about activating on their network in the first place). Also no wifi calling on that model.
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
So the T-Mobile site says it supports LTE band 13. I wonder if it could be used on Verizon, even if only in LTE mode?
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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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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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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https://www.google.com/amp/s/forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g5/help/rs988-verizon-t3598135/amp/
Here ya go
Hi all,
I lived in the US but recently came back to the UK. I got an unlocked S8 (SM-G950UZBAXAA) and I was wondering if I can change the CSC to BTU from XAA, since I haven´t got Spay to work
Cheers
august_ said:
Hi all,
I lived in the US but recently came back to the UK. I got an unlocked S8 (SM-G950UZBAXAA) and I was wondering if I can change the CSC to BTU from XAA, since I haven´t got Spay to work
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the guides section there is a huge thread on how to carrier switch
wildermjs8 said:
In the guides section there is a huge thread on how to carrier switch
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Click to collapse
Cheers mate. Looks like I cannot switch my carrier due to the different radio...
august_ said:
Cheers mate. Looks like I cannot switch my carrier due to the different radio...
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What do you mean?
The SD Galaxy s8s radios support every single band they use in the uk....
wildermjs8 said:
What do you mean?
The SD Galaxy s8s radios support every single band they use in the uk....
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oh, maybe I got the name wrong. I mean that since my phone is G950U I can only use CSCs that are available for that model. THE BTU or XEU is only available for model G950F, so I cannot get them on my phone. Is that right?
august_ said:
oh, maybe I got the name wrong. I mean that since my phone is G950U I can only use CSCs that are available for that model. THE BTU or XEU is only available for model G950F, so I cannot get them on my phone. Is that right?
Click to expand...
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So that may be true (although I'm not completely positive you couldn't ) that they do not make CSCs for you device on those networks, but a CSC is not necessary to use an unlocked phone on a different network. I have been travelling overseas with tri and quad and phones for years and the phone works just fine with a local sim in it. The CSC just makes your phone have local BRANDING and some configurations that the carrier wants. The radios all work everywhere. This may mean that you will have to do extra work to get custom carrier specific apps and stuff (like Verizon in the us has a visual voicemail app that many people who rooted have worked hard to get back) but the phone will make and receive calls just fine.
Think of it this way, many people in the carrier switch thread have made their us snapdragon devices XAA CSC which is unbranded us generic, and they all can make and receive calls just fine. The point of sim unlocked phones is that they can be used anywhere the radios can pick up signal, and yours supports every uk 3g utms and lte signal your country uses.
Maybe someday I will prove this completely by flashing an exynos CSC on my g950u and show it doesn't brick or even fail. Might put this misinformation to bed.
wildermjs8 said:
So that may be true (although I'm not completely positive you couldn't ) that they do not make CSCs for you device on those networks, but a CSC is not necessary to use an unlocked phone on a different network. I have been travelling overseas with tri and quad and phones for years and the phone works just fine with a local sim in it. The CSC just makes your phone have local BRANDING and some configurations that the carrier wants. The radios all work everywhere. This may mean that you will have to do extra work to get custom carrier specific apps and stuff (like Verizon in the us has a visual voicemail app that many people who rooted have worked hard to get back) but the phone will make and receive calls just fine.
Think of it this way, many people in the carrier switch thread have made their us snapdragon devices XAA CSC which is unbranded us generic, and they all can make and receive calls just fine. The point of sim unlocked phones is that they can be used anywhere the radios can pick up signal, and yours supports every uk 3g utms and lte signal your country uses.
Maybe someday I will prove this completely by flashing an exynos CSC on my g950u and show it doesn't brick or even fail. Might put this misinformation to bed.
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Thanks for your post, quite informative. The reason why I want to change the CSC is mainly for samsung pay, which seems to be limited to us cards on this phone. Other than that, everything works great, and it is not a big concern, I think I will just forget about samsung pay and use android pay instead (althoug it would be good to be able to get some of the promotions available, so I may pop up to a samsung store and ask if it is possible to switch)
august_ said:
Thanks for your post, quite informative. The reason why I want to change the CSC is mainly for samsung pay, which seems to be limited to us cards on this phone. Other than that, everything works great, and it is not a big concern, I think I will just forget about samsung pay and use android pay instead (althoug it would be good to be able to get some of the promotions available, so I may pop up to a samsung store and ask if it is possible to switch)
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If you are staying not rooted and stock there may be a way to do that without CSC change I don't know I haven't looked into it
I'll stick to the "official" set up for now, but I'll keep an eye in case it can be done in the future. Too much information for me! Maybe when root is finally achieved it will be possible, who knows