Database Users

[Q] Prospective buyer, ?'s on the variant options

Hi everyone -
Have been on here quite frequently for my SGSIIE4GT, but it's been a while since I've posted. I'm in the market for a new phone, and I think I will be going with the Note 3. However, boy am I confused on which model is the right fit for me. I could really use some help and a little insight, as the reps at AT&T, TMO, VZN, and Samsung Live Chat haven't been able to answer my questions.
I'm currently with Sprint, and looking to leave. I would be using the Note 3 near San Francisco 90-95% of the time, but I do travel 6-7x/yr to Asia, Canada, UK, and South America. I'm pretty sure I will buy the phone on no contract and use with TMO, AT&T, Straight Talk, or AIO. I've been reading some issues with "region locks" though that scare me a bit, not sure if this is still an issue with the models sold in the US.
From what I can see, ATT, TMO, VZN, and Sprint all have their own "versions" of the phone. ATT and TMO obviously use the same cell tech (GSM), so I don't understand why they have different versions. The VZN and Sprint versions would run on CDMA, which as I understand, won't do me any good if I travel overseas due to no CDMA elsewhere. Then there's the int'l unlocked versions, and the Developer edition. But then I heard just yesterday that the VZN Note 3 works on GSM (somehow, haven't figured that out though).....is there a SIM card slot in that version? After all that, I guess what I'm looking for is this which I could use some insight on:
Want to use the phone:
-with LTE using ATT/TMO/ST/AIO/VZN here in the U.S.
-want to buy off contract
-do not want bloatware...so do I need to buy unlocked?
-need to have it functional still if I go out of the country and purchase a local SIM card (some people ask me exactly which service I use overseas, and I don't have an answer b/c I haven't done this yet, my Sprint phone didn't even give me the option)
Which model is appropriate for that type of use? I read on Amazon that TMO's version is the best one out there b/c the ATT model doesn't work on TMO, but TMO's works on TMO and ATT.....
Thanks so much for your time. Samsung has really confused me with this phone, and could really just use some suggestions. Thanks again!
Chris

chrisingrassia said:
Hi everyone -
Have been on here quite frequently for my SGSIIE4GT, but it's been a while since I've posted. I'm in the market for a new phone, and I think I will be going with the Note 3. However, boy am I confused on which model is the right fit for me. I could really use some help and a little insight, as the reps at AT&T, TMO, VZN, and Samsung Live Chat haven't been able to answer my questions.
I'm currently with Sprint, and looking to leave. I would be using the Note 3 near San Francisco 90-95% of the time, but I do travel 6-7x/yr to Asia, Canada, UK, and South America. I'm pretty sure I will buy the phone on no contract and use with TMO, AT&T, Straight Talk, or AIO. I've been reading some issues with "region locks" though that scare me a bit, not sure if this is still an issue with the models sold in the US.
From what I can see, ATT, TMO, VZN, and Sprint all have their own "versions" of the phone. ATT and TMO obviously use the same cell tech (GSM), so I don't understand why they have different versions. The VZN and Sprint versions would run on CDMA, which as I understand, won't do me any good if I travel overseas due to no CDMA elsewhere. Then there's the int'l unlocked versions, and the Developer edition. But then I heard just yesterday that the VZN Note 3 works on GSM (somehow, haven't figured that out though).....is there a SIM card slot in that version? After all that, I guess what I'm looking for is this which I could use some insight on:
Want to use the phone:
-with LTE using ATT/TMO/ST/AIO/VZN here in the U.S.
-want to buy off contract
-do not want bloatware...so do I need to buy unlocked?
-need to have it functional still if I go out of the country and purchase a local SIM card (some people ask me exactly which service I use overseas, and I don't have an answer b/c I haven't done this yet, my Sprint phone didn't even give me the option)
Which model is appropriate for that type of use? I read on Amazon that TMO's version is the best one out there b/c the ATT model doesn't work on TMO, but TMO's works on TMO and ATT.....
Thanks so much for your time. Samsung has really confused me with this phone, and could really just use some suggestions. Thanks again!
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would think international n9005 would be the one for you i know it will cover all Europe and i know it works on u.s t mobile, so have a look into that one
Hope that helps a bit

The 9005 will work in all other countries pretty much.
In the US it might work on tmobile as stated above but I'm not sure about the others.

jaythenut said:
I would think international n9005 would be the one for you i know it will cover all Europe and i know it works on u.s t mobile, so have a look into that one
Hope that helps a bit
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Click to collapse
Skander1998 said:
The 9005 will work in all other countries pretty much.
In the US it might work on tmobile as stated above but I'm not sure about the others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys. I have seen the N9005 tossed around a few times as well. I think the constant question I keep having is I see this phone made with the SD800 or the Exynos chip....but not which models have which chipset. I found the 9005 on Negiri in 32gb and the SD800....but if it works on tmobile why wouldn't it work on ATT? I thought they run the exact same tech.....no?

chrisingrassia said:
Thanks guys. I have seen the N9005 tossed around a few times as well. I think the constant question I keep having is I see this phone made with the SD800 or the Exynos chip....but not which models have which chipset. I found the 9005 on Negiri in 32gb and the SD800....but if it works on tmobile why wouldn't it work on ATT? I thought they run the exact same tech.....no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
International has a snapdragon 800 and lte

jaythenut said:
International has a snapdragon 800 and lte
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome news, thanks.
Do you know if the Note 3 Developer Edition for Verizon, which works on their LTE network, comes with a SIM card slot that I can utilize if I go overseas? Boy, that would be ideal. I checked out the manual (http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/co...ual_MI9_F5.pdf) and it shows a SIM slot for the phone, no?
I was told by one of the writers at Droid Life that the Verizon N3 can be used on GSM. I thought that was impossible.
I seriously apologize if these are elementary questions, I truly do appreciate any insight. Just don't want to make a huge financial mistake.

Does anyone knows how to activate ltr on my note 3 ?? It is on by default and cannot access it from the settings thank you
---------- Post added at 12:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:23 AM ----------
]Does anyone knows how to activate ltr on my note 3 ?? It is on by default and cannot access it from the settings thank you

N900T. That's if your in the USA 90% of time .
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

Thanks for the input guys/gals. Really appreciate it. I went to Best Buy after work last night and talked with the Samsung tech rep. Turns out, the VZN Note 3 comes factory unlocked (per FCC law), and it has a sim card slot so I can use it on GSM if I travel overseas. One and done. I already put my name on the backorder list for the developer edition from Samsung so I can be sure to have functionality to remove bloatware. Wouldn't it be cool if the Note 3 could just come with 4.3 and Samsung's additions, but not any of Verizon's garbage??? I know, pipe dream.

chrisingrassia said:
Thanks for the input guys/gals. Really appreciate it. I went to Best Buy after work last night and talked with the Samsung tech rep. Turns out, the VZN Note 3 comes factory unlocked (per FCC law), and it has a sim card slot so I can use it on GSM if I travel overseas. One and done. I already put my name on the backorder list for the developer edition from Samsung so I can be sure to have functionality to remove bloatware. Wouldn't it be cool if the Note 3 could just come with 4.3 and Samsung's additions, but not any of Verizon's garbage??? I know, pipe dream.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoa, so it's a good thing I didn't buy the DE Note 3 yet and just on backorder. Just read - Verizon doesn't allow 4G phones to go prepaid? That makes no sense, because then the DE Note 3 would then be nothing but a paperweight since it must be purchased at full price (meaning, you could only then use it prepaid, no?). I do value Verizon's network, but their prices are just absurd compared to competitors.
Is there any difference whatsoever between the TMO and AT&T variants of the Note 3? I can't seem to spot a single difference.

Where can I pre-order a factory unlocked Samsung Galaxy S5?

I tried searching everywhere, but all that are being sold are from contract carriers like AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. Also, all search results that appear on Google are from the UK, not the USA.

BlazingSoul said:
I tried searching everywhere, but all that are being sold are from contract carriers like AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. Also, all search results that appear on Google are from the UK, not the USA.
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+1. I want an unlocked 32GB fully compatible with AT&T
Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk

I've seen some on ebay. What I'd like is a model matrix so I know them apart.

mk262 said:
I've seen some on ebay. What I'd like is a model matrix so I know them apart.
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Click to collapse
Same here. I'm planning to get an unlocked version the moment they hit NY but I want to make sure it's fully compatible with AT&T LTE.
If someone has more info please post. Thanks

http://sam.factoryoutletstore.com/
I called customer service there and they said their devices are fully compatible with ATT and that includes LTE - unlocked phones can be bought right now for $799 - a bit more than you will pay if you wait for the official release. The only problem I see is that they don't tell you what model number beyond it being the SM G900 - They don't give the letter after the G900 -- and as we don't know how cross compatible the devices are going to be you run a big risk of buying a phone that won't have much dev support -
That is my take on it anyway - when I called and asked they said you could buy now and they ship immediately.
Good Luck -

mocsab said:
http://sam.factoryoutletstore.com/
I called customer service there and they said their devices are fully compatible with ATT and that includes LTE - unlocked phones can be bought right now for $799 - a bit more than you will pay if you wait for the official release. The only problem I see is that they don't tell you what model number beyond it being the SM G900 - They don't give the letter after the G900 -- and as we don't know how cross compatible the devices are going to be you run a big risk of buying a phone that won't have much dev support -
That is my take on it anyway - when I called and asked they said you could buy now and they ship immediately.
Good Luck -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honest question: What makes this better than this at $680?
Also, dev support? The intl version will have plenty of that...

mk262 said:
Honest question: What makes this better than this at $680?
Also, dev support? The intl version will have plenty of that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never said it was better - but the difference between the two - is the link you sent is pre-order - shipping on April 11th - the link I sent - they say they have the phones in stock now and they will ship immediately. So I guess for anyone who doesn't want to wait - they can - but they will have to pay more. And like I said, they don't give the model numbers - might be 900f I really don't know

mocsab said:
I never said it was better - but the difference between the two - is the link you sent is pre-order - shipping on April 11th - the link I sent - they say they have the phones in stock now and they will ship immediately. So I guess for anyone who doesn't want to wait - they can - but they will have to pay more. And like I said, they don't give the model numbers - might be 900f I really don't know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone know where to get a 32GB unlocked version? (of course, not on ebay for ~$1100...)
Thanks!
Carlos

The international model WILL NOT get AT&T LTE. it's missing bands 2, 4, and 17. You will only get 3G (HSPA+)

MattMJB0188 said:
The international model WILL NOT get AT&T LTE. it's missing bands 2, 4, and 17. You will only get 3G (HSPA+)
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Click to collapse
So does that mean that our only hope for an LTE compatible S5 is the AT&T version? I thought for previous galaxy models people were able to import unlocked models that were compatible with AT&T LTE. Has that changed?

tdx said:
So does that mean that our only hope for an LTE compatible S5 is the AT&T version? I thought for previous galaxy models people were able to import unlocked models that were compatible with AT&T LTE. Has that changed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the T-Mobile version can get LTE if Sim unlocked.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

barondebxl said:
I believe the T-Mobile version can get LTE if Sim unlocked.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Got it. But then it comes with T-Mo bloatware and my goal is to order a model with no carrier bloat. Ideally a Samsung-original LTE compatible version would be perfect but not sure if it exists.

Get the Vodafone one! I read it's compatible with AT&T, has little to no bloat, and can be unlocked from Vodafone's site. I still don't get why Samsung won't just give us an unlocked phone for the US though...
Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk

Google Play edition smartphones and tablets are carrier unlocked and unbranded. So, wait for S5 Google edition.

hemander said:
Google Play edition smartphones and tablets are carrier unlocked and unbranded. So, wait for S5 Google edition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I have no desire to wait for an unknown amount of time until its release though.
Rumor is it'll be on the play store when the phone is released on the 11th.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Q] Best buy "unlocked" galaxy s5: unlocked bootloader?

I've been an iPhone user for 5 years now. 3G and 5 versions. I am tired of iTunes I would also like to tinker a bit with my next phone. . I have used Linux as my main desktop os for a few years.
Anyways, I'm on a grandfathered unlimited data plan on att. My iphone 5 has no working power button, the mic is defective and the battery is worn.
I work in construction so i was considering the s5 for its dust rating and removable battery.
I spoke with tmobile today and they told me that any tmobile device, even if bought for full price new on amazon or best buy would be locked to tmobile service. They informed me I would need service with them in order to unlock. If that's the case it rules out buying a tmobile version for the unlocked bootloader.
Does the unlocked version from bestbuy come with the unlocked boot loader?

To clarify I meant the model listed as "Sam G900"

Sayn3ver said:
To clarify I meant the model listed as "Sam G900"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into settings and in "about device" for the model name. Sam G900 is not a model name.

lingowistico said:
Go into settings and in "about device" for the model name. Sam G900 is not a model name.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure he's just going off what best buy says for the model.
I too am wondering this question. Very disappointed in the new S6, thought it was going to be "the next big thing", turns out they just want to be like apple now.
Side note, where would u recommend buying an unlocked bootloader S5, that has LTE capabilities for att? Or does that not exist in the US? Been searching but coming up empty handed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337

I don't have the phone I am referencing. Like mentioned earlier, it's just the model number off of best buys webpage. They have the g900a model and a Sam-g900 for sale. They only sell the tmobile prepaids unlocked at a higher price point.
Is there a reputable online seller of new or refurbished unlocked tmobile versions?
I don't know if I wanna gamble buying used.

fals3illusion said:
I'm pretty sure he's just going off what best buy says for the model.
I too am wondering this question. Very disappointed in the new S6, thought it was going to be "the next big thing", turns out they just want to be like apple now.
Side note, where would u recommend buying an unlocked bootloader S5, that has LTE capabilities for att? Or does that not exist in the US? Been searching but coming up empty handed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy a 900f from ebay. There are tons of reputable sellers there, just look at their feedback score. All qualcomm models support all lte frequencies, however they're not activated by default. There's a guide in general or q&a which shows how to activate all freqeuncies

lingowistico said:
Buy a 900f from ebay. There are tons of reputable sellers there, just look at their feedback score. All qualcomm models support all lte frequencies, however they're not activated by default. There's a guide in general or q&a which shows how to activate all freqeuncies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the 900f come with unlocked bootloaders? Is there a way you can identify if they have an unlocked bootloader without physically checking the phone just don't want to spend hundreds of dollars and kinda get stuck with a phone that's not what I wanted.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

I just purchased an unlocked GS5 G900T (Tmobile version) from eBay yesterday, and should have it by the end of the week. I've purchased my last 3 phones from eBay, and all have been true to the ad, and in excellent condition.
You do need to study the photos closely though, and make sure the seller has good feed back, and a lot of feedback (I never buy from sellers who have only a few ratings and/or using a new account).
I got this phone to use with ATT and wanted an unlocked bootloader. Kinda wish I knew that you could activate the frequencies on the 900F though, as it seems like most of the development is for that model. Oh well, as long as I can root and have a few choices of ROMs, I'll be happy.
I'll probably be using some sort of stock based rom on this phone (for a while at least).

fals3illusion said:
Does the 900f come with unlocked bootloaders? Is there a way you can identify if they have an unlocked bootloader without physically checking the phone just don't want to spend hundreds of dollars and kinda get stuck with a phone that's not what I wanted.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the 900f/klte/international has an unlocked bootloader

lingowistico said:
Yes, the 900f/klte/international has an unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok cool, thanks for all the help!!
I did not know that T-Mobiles Galaxy S5 Came with unlocked bootloaders. I am just going to get one from them since T-Mobile and ATT run on basically the same LTE Basebands and LTE will not be affected as much as the international version when i'm on ATT's network

fals3illusion said:
I'm pretty sure he's just going off what best buy says for the model.
I too am wondering this question. Very disappointed in the new S6, thought it was going to be "the next big thing", turns out they just want to be like apple now.
Side note, where would u recommend buying an unlocked bootloader S5, that has LTE capabilities for att? Or does that not exist in the US? Been searching but coming up empty handed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
didn't read the rest of the replies but cricket...they sell it with unlocked boot loader, and you can sim unlock after six months...but they are owned wholly by att so you'll have att's reception and reliability. Of course your unlimited data would be history but crickets rates are significantly lower than most other mvno carriers
Edit: the model no is sm-g900az
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

I called bestbuy.com customer service. The customer service agent was no help. No additional info than what's provided on the webpage (actual samsung model # is what I was looking for).
She transferred me to their technical support department. The gentleman spent about 5 minutes or so searching and couldn't come up with anything more.
I was told to call an actual best buy store and speak with their mobile department.
I called later today when best buy opened up. Sat on hold for 8min before an actual human being answered the phone. They too were no help. The conversation went like this...
Me: do you know which model of the g900 the sku 5760005 is referring to. . The listed model number Sam-g900 with that sku# is not an actual samsung model number.
Them: it's a g900.
Me: no you do not understand, g900 should be followed by one more letter. Is it a g900a, g900t, g900v, g900f, g900h, etc?
Them: it's a g900. What provider do you have?
Me: I'm on att but probably going to tmobile soon.
Them: we don't carry tmobile. I have a g900a. It works good. (they have the prepaid tmobile s5 on their website).
Me: nvm. Thanks have a nice day.....click.

FINALLY! A single hardware variant for all US carriers.

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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?

Unlocked/International Version for use with US/GSM Carrier

I would definitely prefer an unbranded phone, usually that means 'International' model? Any suggestions on where I should be looking to buy one?
Here on "pre-order launch" day, the only offers I see are for carrier branded phones.
In case I've made an error in logic, I'll note what I'm trying to do: I use a MVNO GSM carrier with an unlimited data plan, so I'm looking for a "GSM" S7-EDGE that is carrier unlocked. I'll check the LTE bands and all... the question is, where to buy one of these?

Not sure on international models however you'll want to check out tmobile. There always unbranded and I believe I read somewhere it has all 4 bands except cmda? Can't confirm the cmda one. Also the bootloader are unlocked.

Expansys and eBay are your best bets when the time comes
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Shoulon said:
Not sure on international models however you'll want to check out tmobile. There always unbranded and I believe I read somewhere it has all 4 bands except cmda? Can't confirm the cmda one. Also the bootloader are unlocked.
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TMOBILE phones are not Unbranded at all - they include a bunch of bloat and their branding is all over the software in their phones - I don't think they put the name TMOBILE on the phone itself, but I thnk Unbranded means much more than just that. I am not meaning to criticize, just pointing out the fact that I don't think TMOBILE Phones could be considered unbranded.
Having said that, they do work beautifully on other compatible networks.

Just preordered my Samsung Galaxy S7 (930T). Hopefully this T-Mobile phone will get rooted quick. I'm done with AT&T phones.... paid outright, and will unlock through T-Mobile....

mocsab said:
TMOBILE phones are not Unbranded at all - they include a bunch of bloat and their branding is all over the software in their phones - I don't think they put the name TMOBILE on the phone itself, but I thnk Unbranded means much more than just that. I am not meaning to criticize, just pointing out the fact that I don't think TMOBILE Phones could be considered unbranded.
Having said that, they do work beautifully on other compatible networks.
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He might be talking about the international versions and not the US version.
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Tidbits said:
He might be talking about the international versions and not the US version.
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My Bad... thanks for the heads up

Here's an unlocked probably European phone from Expansys
http://www.expansys-usa.com/samsung-galaxy-s7-unlocked-32gb-black-onyx-288135/
I think it's the European because it's listed as an Octa core (Processor: Octa-Core / 2.3 GHz Quad + 1.6 GHz Quad) if I'm not mistaken the SD820 isn't Octa but the Exynos is and Europe is supposed to be getting Exynos.

If those bands are correct that is very limiting. I'd still hold out and wait to see the full support listing.
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Isn't that you can just use qualcomm's QXDM,QPST and DFS to unlock all the band? Just need have root first.

maybe, but you should rely on it. Let's just say for example Samsung changes how things are in this version or we can't find an exploit for 6 months to a 1 year? That's just me though. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

So I was planning to get the international version (Exynos) Galaxy S7 Edge, but After using the Live Chat on Samsung website, they told me as of today the International Version of S7 DOESN"T support the Samsung Pay yet.... any ideas?

I am trying to unlock one for my family member from t mobile. Anyway to unlock it for international use without paying a fortune?
---------- Post added at 04:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:16 AM ----------
Is it true what they are saying that when you first put the sim in the phone and turn it on it locks itself to that carrier?? SO IF I PUT IN att sim in tmobile phone it will be locked to att ?

UnixSlayer said:
Just preordered my Samsung Galaxy S7 (930T). Hopefully this T-Mobile phone will get rooted quick. I'm done with AT&T phones.... paid outright, and will unlock through T-Mobile....
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Sorry to break it to you but the bootloader on the TMO S7 Edge is locked down now like ATT and Verizon without root available
"And on that bombshell!"
Sent from my Smokin G935A

Check out the Canadian version sm-g935w8. It has exynos, supports samsung pay and can be rooted. The specs say it supports all the north American lte bands. If you buy one from a Canadian samsung experience store, it comes with factory unlock codes
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I'm getting an Exynos S7 Edge and am thinking of installing an unbranded Rom from Sammobile, any idea which?
I'm in Australia, so no Samsung Pay yet, but it could be handy.
I'm sure certain European Roms get updates sooner too.

Ok, checked Sammobile again and this looks safe. Looks to be an unbranded Australian rom.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/67083/G935FXXU1APAW_G935FXSA1APAW_XSA/