Does our Axon 7 support AMR-WB (HD Voice)? - ZTE Axon 7 Questions & Answers

Does our Axon 7 support AMR-WB (HD Voice)? I know it supports VoLTE but what about AMR-WB?
Here is some definitions for who does not know what that is: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptive_Multi-Rate_Wideband
Did not see any discussions on this, let me know your thoughts.

I can say that when I talk to another T-Mobile customer when on LTE the call has got to be in HD because I can tell a big difference. I did not reference your link in the wiki so I am unaware if there is different types of HD calling. Maybe this helps you some!

VoLTE is a connectivity standard with a broadcast method. AMR-WB is a codec. They can exist exclusively, not depending on each other, especially since AMR-WB scales itself through a range of data rates.
Both are reportedly supported on this device. Whether it is actually used depends on the way the network you are on handles it.
Sources:
https://blog.wirelessmoves.com/2016/03/volte-some-thoughts-on-codec-negotiation.html
http://www.devicespecifications.com/en/model/fb3d3c3c

neo4uo said:
I can say that when I talk to another T-Mobile customer when on LTE the call has got to be in HD because I can tell a big difference. I did not reference your link in the wiki so I am unaware if there is different types of HD calling. Maybe this helps you some!
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Yeah, that would be VoLTE or Voice over LTE.
AMR-WB is a HD codec over the 3G network not LTE . My network does not support VoLTE, so AMR-WB would be the next best thing. There are many devices supporting the codec. For example I had previously HTC M8 and the quality if the other phone supported it (Note 4) was very good, thus meaning that AMR-WB was in play as the M8 did not support VoLTE. So the network supports AMR-WB, Axon should support it also...

Related

(Q) HD Voice

I have an unlocked ATT G2 and am using it on T-Mobile, is there Stewart to get the HD Voice activated on this phone?
Besides flashing the t-mobile software, I'm not sure. I checked the build.prop from some ROMS and the line for HD voice is not on any so it may be built into the audio files somewhere else. Not sure if a t-mobile firmware will work on the att g2
Sent from my unknown using Tapatalk
I don't think you'll be able to use HD Voice. From what I can tell it requires the 1700 mhz band, which hd voice works off of on tmobile and the AT&T version of the G2 is lacking that band.
Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk
Casey060492 said:
I don't think you'll be able to use HD Voice. From what I can tell it requires the 1700 mhz band, which hd voice works off of on tmobile and the AT&T version of the G2 is lacking that band.
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That's not the case. T-Mobile's HD Voice (or AMR-WB) is simply another codec that's supported in the radio. Even though it's bitrate is fairly modest, T-Mobile only supports it when the user is on HSPA/HSPA+ -- regardless of its RF band used (ie: no EDGE/GPRS, despite that it would technically work).
Now -- whether something needs to be tweaked to get the radio to cough up the codec -- that I don't know. I do know that unbranded, non AWS (pre T-Mobile) iPhone 5's support HD Voice without any modification, so there isn't anything proprietary that T-Mobile needs to do to a handset to provide support.
Interestingly, a T-Mobile branded G2 will clearly display a yellow "HD-Voice" icon in the upper left corner of the display while in a call. To the OP -- have you called another known T-Mobile user that has an HD Voice handset, while you're both on the T-Mobile network and both on (at least) 3G?
also, don't use a Bluetooth headset while trying HD Voice out. You need an HFP 1.6 headset to get HD Voice via BT. While the handset will still negotiate AMR-WB properly, older BT headsets munge the bandwidth to the point that it sounds like a non-HD call.

VoLTE?

Does anyone know if the the Pure edition is going to support VoLTE on T-Mobile?
Would love to see confirmation on this as well as the other T-Mobile special features like wifi calling and advanced text messaging. If it's missing all of these carrier features it's definitely less appealing.
Sent from my SM-N910T
thegreatone3 said:
Would love to see confirmation on this as well as the other T-Mobile special features like wifi calling and advanced text messaging. If it's missing all of these carrier features it's definitely less appealing.
Sent from my SM-N910T
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WiFi calling will come via Android M.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk
Welp, this has suddenly become a more important question than anybody previously thought.
T-Mobile has, uh, gently persuaded Motorola to remove Band 12 support on the Moto E and G models because they don't support VoLTE. So if you're planning on using the X Pure on T-Mo in an area where they make extensive or exclusive use of Band 12, it's going to matter a whole lot whether it can do VoLTE or not--and from what Moto is saying off the record, getting T-Mo's certification for VoLTE is neither easy nor cheap.
The ball is sort of in Motorola's court now, but they're not talking...
oh and I asked same question didn't see your thread, I would love to know if volte advanced calling will work with VZW. I enjoy it a lot.
I just made a comment regarding this in someone else's thread as well.
I've posed the question directly to Motorola (as well as a couple of reviewer sites) a couple of times myself and received no response yet, which is leading me to believe it will not.
For me, this is a deal breaker, as my purpose of getting this phone was the freedom to move to any carrier/uncarrier. Having test driven T-Mobile just before they opened up the 700mhz band 12 spectrum, I already know the building penetrating alone is poor enough in Kansas City without it that it's not practical for me to make that transition. Then there's the semi spotty service in the more outlying areas, which a lot of will be resolved by the 700mhz spectrum.
John Legere made a comment on Twitter which also leads me to believe that this device will not support FULL VoLTE on the 700mhz spectrum.
The only possibility that keeps me hopeful, is that Motorola MAY have decided to pay T-Mobile for certification for this to get the proprietary info required for true, Full VoLTE on their network.
Sent from my 831C using Tapatalk
I'm thinking that it should be possible to enable band 12 through NV editing (assuming it doesn't work out of the box). Wifi calling is coming natively through the M update. If Moto is smart, they'll roll their 12/volte update in with it, or sooner than that. Either way, I don't think it should be too difficult to get it going.
Aaaaaand, here's the answer: Out of the box, the Pure will not support VoLTE, and Band 12 (700 MHz) is being disabled for T-Mobile. They "expect" to support those things in the future, which is not the same as promising to support them.
AnalogXDA said:
Aaaaaand, here's the answer: Out of the box, the Pure will not support VoLTE, and Band 12 (700 MHz) is being disabled for T-Mobile. They "expect" to support those things in the future, which is not the same as promising to support them.
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Just curious, what's your source of this info?
I'm on US Cellular which also uses Band 12 LTE for rural coverage, so this is kind of a big deal to me. They can't just block it on TMO, as there aren't carrier-specific variants, and we are the only other US carrier affected.
borxnx said:
Just curious, what's your source of this info?
I'm on US Cellular which also uses Band 12 LTE for rural coverage, so this is kind of a big deal to me. They can't just block it on TMO, as there aren't carrier-specific variants, and we are the only other US carrier affected.
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Source for T-Mobile Band 12 support via update:
https://forums.motorola.com/posts/cab8687a11?commentId=977403#977403
Also, you may be interested in this:
https://forums.motorola.com/posts/e570e4be47?commentId=978408#978408
YankInDaSouth said:
Source for T-Mobile Band 12 support via update:
https://forums.motorola.com/posts/cab8687a11?commentId=977403#977403
Also, you may be interested in this:
https://forums.motorola.com/posts/e570e4be47?commentId=978408#978408
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the info! This is a sticking point for many USCC users, and is often debated. They will allow Nexus 6 devices and iPhones purchased as unlocked devices to be used on their network. This is a very new policy, and communication has not been very efficient. It seems only some reps know about this.
I believe they are confusing "unlocked" with the previous paradigm of "GSM-only unlocked/international", because they are activating the N6 and iPhones left and right. Sometimes you just have to call back and get a different person who is willing to punch in the IMEI. They are often surprised themselves when it works.
Everything I have read has pointed to the answer that yes, they will activate this device. Employees, radio specifications, press releases, and this recent shift in their policy are all strong indicators. But we'll see, I know a few people who have ordered the device already to use on USCC's network, so I will report back when we know for sure.

Does the Xperia X Compact support band 12 and VOLTE on TMobile (with latest update)?

I have spent the better part of an hour searching for a specific answer to these questions. So far, I have found two sources that claim band 12 works on Tmo. However I have only seen one review on Amazon from a couple weeks back that claim the phone does not support volte on Tmo. If it doesn't, that's a deal breaker for me. Can anyone, with the latest update, confirm or deny whether B12 and VOLTE on Tmo is working or not. Thanks very much in advance.
At *#*#4636#*#* testing menu there is band selector for United States and Japan
For sure at Tmo US if there is certification for this handset, VoLTE should be supported
regards,
mx597turbo said:
I have spent the better part of an hour searching for a specific answer to these questions. So far, I have found two sources that claim band 12 works on Tmo. However I have only seen one review on Amazon from a couple weeks back that claim the phone does not support volte on Tmo. If it doesn't, that's a deal breaker for me. Can anyone, with the latest update, confirm or deny whether B12 and VOLTE on Tmo is working or not. Thanks very much in advance.
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To the best of my knowledge band 12 works. Multiple people here have even posted screenshots with the phone operating on Band 12. Sadly I live in the Chicago area and we are the the last major city to get Band 12. So I cannot personally verify it since it isn't up and running here yet. As for VoLTE that is a two way street. Lately Sony has been working with various providers to get it enabled. Basically it's all good on their end to a degree but for a phone to operate on VoLTE the carrier provider (in this case Tmo) must also flip a switch on their end as well. So in the end yes it probably can but no clue if we will ever get it here in the states. The following is to a link that explains the current situation. http://www.xperiablog.net/2016/11/30/sony-to-add-volte-support-to-xperia-x-concept-shortly/
P.S. Side note the phone info does have a switch for enabling VoLTE provisioning. However for now it does nothing (simply switches back to default radio when exiting the screen).
Oddly enough the switch got turned on for Band 12 in the Chicago area today. And yes it works and it works on UK firmware too.
Halftrack said:
Oddly enough the switch got turned on for Band 12 in the Chicago area today. And yes it works and it works on UK firmware too.
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If you could answer couple of questions that would make things easier for me to get this phone.
1) So when your phone is on band 12 and you make a call, does it stay on that band or goes to band 4?
2) VoLTE is working properly?
3) Any word about having WiFi calling available?
Band 12 works fine. No volte. Other than that it's been flawless on tmobile!
davwman said:
Band 12 works fine. No volte. Other than that it's been flawless on tmobile!
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I didn't know that it is possible to make a call on Band 12 when phone doesn't support VoLTE.

Mi note 2 with Verizon

Yeah, I know it's been asked before but I don't feel confident enough to pull the trigger on it to test. I am on Verizon, I have a SIM card I could use in it that's already activated ( currently in a iPhone 6 Plus ) I see it does support CDMA and LTE bands, So does it really work fully with no drawbacks?
Thanks
Verizon/Mi Note 2 GLOBAL EDITION
2G: cdmaOne (IS-95)
3G: CDMA2000 (IMT‑MC), 1xEV-DO
4G: Band 2 (1900MHz), Band 4 (AWS), Band 13 (700MHz)
Verizon also offers LTE on
If you presently have any friends or family living/near where you would use the phone day-to-day with an Android phone on Verizon, I think this works best if you've rooted it, download the LTE Discovery app from the Play Store and use it to determine which 4G bands you are encountering primarily "in the wild" during your day. According to Wikipedia, Verizon only offers LTE on Bands 2, 4, and 13 in the US. So in theory the Mi Note 2 GLOBAL EDITION supports all of VZW's bands.
juchmis said:
Verizon/Mi Note 2 GLOBAL EDITION
2G: cdmaOne (IS-95)
3G: CDMA2000 (IMT‑MC), 1xEV-DO
4G: Band 2 (1900MHz), Band 4 (AWS), Band 13 (700MHz)
Verizon also offers LTE on
If you presently have any friends or family living/near where you would use the phone day-to-day with an Android phone on Verizon, I think this works best if you've rooted it, download the LTE Discovery app from the Play Store and use it to determine which 4G bands you are encountering primarily "in the wild" during your day. According to Wikipedia, Verizon only offers LTE on Bands 2, 4, and 13 in the US. So in theory the Mi Note 2 GLOBAL EDITION supports all of VZW's bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently I have a iPhone 6 plus and established I use band 4 at my home and work, Global version supports all LTE bands I read. So yeah it should work right? Just pop my current sim in. I talked to another guy on this forum who posted a screen shot of it working on a pre paid Verizon sim and he said it's worked fine. There's just so little info on this phone working on Verizon and it make me nervous.
AtsuiPanda said:
Currently I have a iPhone 6 plus and established I use band 4 at my home and work, Global version supports all LTE bands I read. So yeah it should work right? Just pop my current sim in. I talked to another guy on this forum who posted a screen shot of it working on a pre paid Verizon sim and he said it's worked fine. There's just so little info on this phone working on Verizon and it make me nervous.
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There are no reasons why it would not work. It supports all 4G LTE bands which Verizon uses, which means it should get the fastest 4G signal anywhere that Verizon's spectrum reaches. That represents the best case, as in phones sold by Verizon for use on their network can only be at most on par with it for 4G support.
It also appears to support all 3G protocols and voice protocols which Verizon uses.
Hard to say whether it will work immediately upon having your present SIM inserted. You may be required to make some kind of contact with Verizon to establish a change of handset, which may be as simple as having the phone's unique IMEI read to them over the phone (or even dialed in after phoning an automated system).
There's no need for any contact with Verizon. Just put the active SIM in and it works fine. I have my Mi Note 2 Global working just fine on Verizon including VoLTE. This required no contact with Verizon nor any inputs in the device info pages on my Verizon account online. In fact I would probably *not* provide an IMEI to Verizon as they will almost surely not allow activation with the Mi's IMEI...though I don't think they'd block it or anything.
I'm the "guy" the OP is referring to above...I've confirmed that all LTE bands including 2, 4, and 13...and CDMA 1X calls and EvDO data all work fine on this phone...not sure if it's CDMA BC0 or 1 in my area (I think it's 0) but both should work. VoLTE is also confirmed working perfectly right out of the box.
To the OP - what additional information are you looking for to determine whether or not this phone is right for you? I'm happy to help but I'm not understanding what else you might need to know as pretty much everything has been revealed vis-a-vis Verizon and the Mi Note 2 Global and it definitely works fine...if you're nervous about it I probably would suggest a different handset unless you really need the dual SIM functionality with Verizon...in which case it's either this phone or the ZTE Axon 7 that you'll be limited to...the Axon 7 is a better phone all in all IMO but is more finicky software-wise in my experience and takes a little more user tweaking to get Verizon to work as well as it should (some people have really struggled with the Axon 7 on Verizon but I had smooth sailing except that I had to use a GSM SIM for initial setup and also after OTAs to sort of "clear" the radio out). The Xiaomi Mi Note 2, on the other hand, has much better connectivity and has given me zero problems on Verizon...I'm actually really impressed with it in this respect.
But at the same time I find the screen on the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 to be grossly inferior to that of the ZTE...the speakers too. And MIUI is kind of meh but I know some people love it...but I guess that's kinda off topic!
flyer_andy said:
There's no need for any contact with Verizon. Just put the active SIM in and it works fine. I have my Mi Note 2 Global working just fine on Verizon including VoLTE. This required no contact with Verizon nor any inputs in the device info pages on my Verizon account online. In fact I would probably *not* provide an IMEI to Verizon as they will almost surely not allow activation with the Mi's IMEI...though I don't think they'd block it or anything.
I'm the "guy" the OP is referring to above...I've confirmed that all LTE bands including 2, 4, and 13...and CDMA 1X calls and EvDO data all work fine on this phone...not sure if it's CDMA BC0 or 1 in my area (I think it's 0) but both should work. VoLTE is also confirmed working perfectly right out of the box.
To the OP - what additional information are you looking for to determine whether or not this phone is right for you? I'm happy to help but I'm not understanding what else you might need to know as pretty much everything has been revealed vis-a-vis Verizon and the Mi Note 2 Global and it definitely works fine...if you're nervous about it I probably would suggest a different handset unless you really need the dual SIM functionality with Verizon...in which case it's either this phone or the ZTE Axon 7 that you'll be limited to...the Axon 7 is a better phone all in all IMO but is more finicky software-wise in my experience and takes a little more user tweaking to get Verizon to work as well as it should (some people have really struggled with the Axon 7 on Verizon but I had smooth sailing except that I had to use a GSM SIM for initial setup and also after OTAs to sort of "clear" the radio out). The Xiaomi Mi Note 2, on the other hand, has much better connectivity and has given me zero problems on Verizon...I'm actually really impressed with it in this respect.
But at the same time I find the screen on the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 to be grossly inferior to that of the ZTE...the speakers too. And MIUI is kind of meh but I know some people love it...but I guess that's kinda off topic!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol you have been most helpful, I made this thread before I contacted you is all I will be ordering the note 2 soon. But if I have any questions after and if I do run into problems I'd PM ya. Thanks again, man.
flyer_andy said:
There's no need for any contact with Verizon. Just put the active SIM in and it works fine. I have my Mi Note 2 Global working just fine on Verizon including VoLTE. This required no contact with Verizon nor any inputs in the device info pages on my Verizon account online. In fact I would probably *not* provide an IMEI to Verizon as they will almost surely not allow activation with the Mi's IMEI...though I don't think they'd block it or anything.
I'm the "guy" the OP is referring to above...I've confirmed that all LTE bands including 2, 4, and 13...and CDMA 1X calls and EvDO data all work fine on this phone...not sure if it's CDMA BC0 or 1 in my area (I think it's 0) but both should work. VoLTE is also confirmed working perfectly right out of the box.
To the OP - what additional information are you looking for to determine whether or not this phone is right for you? I'm happy to help but I'm not understanding what else you might need to know as pretty much everything has been revealed vis-a-vis Verizon and the Mi Note 2 Global and it definitely works fine...if you're nervous about it I probably would suggest a different handset unless you really need the dual SIM functionality with Verizon...in which case it's either this phone or the ZTE Axon 7 that you'll be limited to...the Axon 7 is a better phone all in all IMO but is more finicky software-wise in my experience and takes a little more user tweaking to get Verizon to work as well as it should (some people have really struggled with the Axon 7 on Verizon but I had smooth sailing except that I had to use a GSM SIM for initial setup and also after OTAs to sort of "clear" the radio out). The Xiaomi Mi Note 2, on the other hand, has much better connectivity and has given me zero problems on Verizon...I'm actually really impressed with it in this respect.
But at the same time I find the screen on the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 to be grossly inferior to that of the ZTE...the speakers too. And MIUI is kind of meh but I know some people love it...but I guess that's kinda off topic!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do wanna ask you something though, What's the point of using two SIMs? also whats vis a vis?
AtsuiPanda said:
I do wanna ask you something though, What's the point of using two SIMs? also whats vis a vis?
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In my case it's to improve data coverage but for most people it's because they travel internationally and need a second operator in the other country or they do it so they can have a work-related phone number and personal number in the same device.
"Vis-a-vis" just means "in relation to" for all practical purposes.

Questions Re: International (or Latin) unlocked S10+ or Note10+ / T-Mobile

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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.
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.

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