Database Users

Issues importing US Note?

Dear readers,
I'm on holiday in the US, and tempted to buy the Note 3 (or 4) to replace my trusted S2.
Are there any unfixable issues I'll run into when I want to use the phone in the Netherlands? I've read about the region lock issues that can be fixed by rooting and using Chainfire's Regionlock Away, but are there any hardware incompatibilities? Different types of sim than available in Europe, or antenna band frequencies that I should take into account?
Thanks for helping me out!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Free mobile app

Netherlands uses Note 3 N9005 versions (International). The issue you might run into, is the 2G/3G/4G bands used, as they vary by countries.
Not sure, how easy it is to get N9005 in the US though.

Samdien said:
Dear readers,
I'm on holiday in the US, and tempted to buy the Note 3 (or 4) to replace my trusted S2.
Are there any unfixable issues I'll run into when I want to use the phone in the Netherlands? I've read about the region lock issues that can be fixed by rooting and using Chainfire's Regionlock Away, but are there any hardware incompatibilities? Different types of sim than available in Europe, or antenna band frequencies that I should take into account?
Thanks for helping me out!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would stay away from it to avoid region lock as you mentioned but there is away around it i believe, Not sure if through root or not.

Samdien said:
Dear readers,
I'm on holiday in the US, and tempted to buy the Note 3 (or 4) to replace my trusted S2.
Are there any unfixable issues I'll run into when I want to use the phone in the Netherlands? I've read about the region lock issues that can be fixed by rooting and using Chainfire's Regionlock Away, but are there any hardware incompatibilities? Different types of sim than available in Europe, or antenna band frequencies that I should take into account?
Thanks for helping me out!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The frequency bands are incompatible.
2G will work without issue.
3G is a maybe depending on your provider and that of the phone. But mostly no. (And before anyone asks, getting a T-Mobile US phone does not mean it can run on T-Mobile NL networks. It won't. Yes I've had that question pop up before. Repeatedly.)
4G is an absolute NO.
Simcards are the same (MicroSIM).
RegionLock Away will take care of the Region lock (Yes it requires Root). But it won't solve the frequency issue, and you can't force N9005 firmware onto the USA devices.
Also, be sure to use it at least once, charge it before your flight and don't try to bring it through customs in the box or they will charge you the import and export fees.
You're better off buying one in Germany, Austria, Belgium or another EU country. (Fun note: The Note 4 will cost 806 euro's in the Netherlands. (With Media Tax). It's going to be 699 in Germany. (With Media Tax.))

I'm not sure Chainfire's region lock works on KitKat, actually I think it doesn't but I would like to be proven wrong. Also most carrier phones (like ATT or T-mobile) will be SIM locked as well and yeah, as already stated, some frequencies will not work.

Thanks for clarifying this guys, especially ShadowLea. I'll just get the phone back home
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Free mobile app

SM-N910K stuck on 3G in Brazil

Ok, so i ordered a SM-N910U from 28mobile.com, and they sent me a carrier branded SM-n910K, which by its specifications should work with Brazilian LTE (band 7 - 2600). However I am stuck on 3g. I was wondering if maybe the whole internet is wrong and this device doesnt support this band, or maybe its some sort of carrier lock. Also, how do i disable the awful branding, will flash a different firmware work and which do i flash?
Thanks

repl0id said:
Ok, so i ordered a SM-N910U from 28mobile.com, and they sent me a carrier branded SM-n910K, which by its specifications should work with Brazilian LTE (band 7 - 2600). However I am stuck on 3g. I was wondering if maybe the whole internet is wrong and this device doesnt support this band, or maybe its some sort of carrier lock. Also, how do i disable the awful branding, will flash a different firmware work and which do i flash?Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) check frequencies that U model supports @ samsung website (its asian/hong kong, right? those miss some frequencieos)
2) check which frequencies are used for 4g by your brazilian telco.
3) compare.
if frequencies match, you might want to try:
1) getting a new sim that is surely 4g-capable
2) getting an iphone nano-sim. this is crazy, but for many users in russian forums that has solved 4g connectivity issues with one telco.
3) making sure your plan supports 4g
4) ensure you have 4g coverage.

lisbon2004 said:
1) check frequencies that U model supports @ samsung website (its asian/hong kong, right? those miss some frequencieos)
2) check which frequencies are used for 4g by your brazilian telco.
3) compare.
if frequencies match, you might want to try:
1) getting a new sim that is surely 4g-capable
2) getting an iphone nano-sim. this is crazy, but for many users in russian forums that has solved 4g connectivity issues with one telco.
3) making sure your plan supports 4g
4) ensure you have 4g coverage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Sim is 4g
2)will try
3) IT does
4) I do
Is the SM-N910U the same as the SM-N910K as far as LTE bands go? I dont get it, they are both supposed to support Band 7 - 2600MHZ, which is the one we have over here. What about flashing a different firmware? I've been trying with odin, to no success.

They do support that frequency so it's probably something to do with your sim card or carrier?
And 28mobile told me I was receiving one model only to get the k model like you. Wasn't happy. The updates for firmwares are slow

lawtq said:
They do support that frequency so it's probably something to do with your sim card or carrier?
And 28mobile told me I was receiving one model only to get the k model like you. Wasn't happy. The updates for firmwares are slow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I am on a LTE plan, tried 3 different sims already, they are all stuck on 3G...And all our carriers have the same band, which is 7...So it's not the sim or the carrier...its the phone. I bet that there's some sort of lock going on, since all roaming options are grayed out (the phone is not stuck on roaming, however). I am trying to flash any other model's firmware, like U, C and even S, but odin always fails when trying.

repl0id said:
Ok, so i ordered a SM-N910U from 28mobile.com, and they sent me a carrier branded SM-n910K, which by its specifications should work with Brazilian LTE (band 7 - 2600). However I am stuck on 3g. I was wondering if maybe the whole internet is wrong and this device doesnt support this band, or maybe its some sort of carrier lock. Also, how do i disable the awful branding, will flash a different firmware work and which do i flash?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you ordered the "U"-model, and got a branded "K"-model, I would complain to the shop you bought it and demand a swap to the model you ordered!

Would a U.S. G6 work in the U.K.?

I'm assuming it would work without problems, but just wanted to double check. Wireless charging is a big deal for me, but, being in the U.K., I'm pretty sure we won't get that.
Also, if anyone has any tips on how to import a U.S. version, that'd be gratefully received.

It depends on the radios. You would need to match the bands of the radio to your service provider there. Remember US has multiple providers who all use different technologies that aren't even compatible with other networks in US. On top of that you would have to buy an unlocked version, or be able to unlock a branded version.
Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk

Quick charging would work too if you had a charging pad. They voltage from the power adapter to the charging pad is the same regardless of the voltage going to the power adapter; 220 or 110.

skyfox99 said:
It depends on the radios. You would need to match the bands of the radio to your service provider there. Remember US has multiple providers who all use different technologies that aren't even compatible with other networks in US. On top of that you would have to buy an unlocked version, or be able to unlock a branded version.
Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But, presumably, if I bought a GSM version then it'd be fine. I'm 99% sure all UK networks are GSM...

phunni said:
But, presumably, if I bought a GSM version then it'd be fine. I'm 99% sure all UK networks are GSM...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are different GSM bands as well. I'm not knowledgeable enough to know specifics any further, but it used to be you'd have to buy a world phone in the States to work with in European locations. I would check the radio bands on Phone Arena and I'm sure they'll have that information.
Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk

phunni said:
I'm assuming it would work without problems, but just wanted to double check. Wireless charging is a big deal for me, but, being in the U.K., I'm pretty sure we won't get that.
Also, if anyone has any tips on how to import a U.S. version, that'd be gratefully received.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2G and 3G bands works normally.
4G depends on the version, choose the version of AT&T or T-Mobile (see the differences on phonemore website)
Regards!

H872 work in UK?
phunni said:
I'm assuming it would work without problems, but just wanted to double check. Wireless charging is a big deal for me, but, being in the U.K., I'm pretty sure we won't get that.
Also, if anyone has any tips on how to import a U.S. version, that'd be gratefully received.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am about to buy the US version. Does it work in uk? I'm buying the LGG6 H872 and I live in UK.
Cheers, john

My H872 works in Serbia and Italy so I would say yes.

patruns said:
My H872 works in Serbia and Italy so I would say yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks pat. I'm looking forward to getting it. Does the wireless charge work on this model? Does it have FM radio?
cheers

snufftruff said:
thanks pat. I'm looking forward to getting it. Does the wireless charge work on this model? Does it have FM radio?
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I almost only use wireless charging. It has FM, but you have to connect headphones for the app to work as they also act as an antenna.

US phone in the UK - CSC change

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

Shall I switch A2107G to USA bands?

Hi there. I live in Canada and use A2017G. How to switch it to USA bands and is it safe to do? Or should I wait for Oreo (seems like November)?
Thanks

I think you are stuck with whatever bands that are hardcoded into the G. Probably has something to do with the baseband/radio/modem. I did find an article on XDA awhile back that claims you can add bands to your phone, but it seemed mostly suited toward Samsung. In any case, it doesn't really matter, a G model should still receive a minimum of 4G with most US carriers, but maybe not LTE. I'd imagine Canadian carriers are similar. But I do have to wonder, you live in North America, so why buy a G. The U is the variant that is designed for this region. And U has better support, ROMs, etc.

Maybe you can just flash the A2017U modem

ttkian said:
Maybe you can just flash the A2017U modem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you can avoid suggesting things you clearly have no idea about.
While you're at it, why don't you flash a modem from another phone?
---------- Post added at 05:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:51 AM ----------
evilKabab said:
Hi there. I live in Canada and use A2017G. How to switch it to USA bands and is it safe to do? Or should I wait for Oreo (seems like November)?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't add bands that the phone doesn't have. By changing the daughterboard of an A2017U to an A2017's, a guy simply lost all connectivity, plain and simple. Antenna stuff is hardware stuff.
Oreo won't really add bands either

@Choose an username...: I have read other topics on XDA that say you can use QPST/QFIL to add basebands, on almost any device that has a Qualcomm CPU. But I havent tried this myself. It may just be a matter of placebo, or people wanting to believe that it works, when really nothing may be changing. You could also brick your phone during the attempt, which is part of the reason I havent tried yet.
I think that all A7s have nearly the same hardware, including the same (hardware) modem/radio, but with different basebands enabled/disabled depending on which model you have. But I have no proof of this. I will leave this to people that are willing to deeply dissect the hardware.
And then there are the modem files you can flash, which vary according to your model. I am not sure what would happen if you attempt to flash a A2017G/A2017 modem on a A2017U (or any other combo). I think the worst you will face is a loss of Internet/text/phone calls.
When I first bought my A7 I was going to get the Chinese version from AliExpress, because it has more RAM, storage, and ForceTouch. But then I realized that it doesn't have most of the basebands that my carrier (T-Mobile) supports. And you never know where most of the AE sellers get the hardware, they could be stolen, preowned, whatever. I have bought numerous 'new' items there before, but they ranged in quality, ranging from brand new to fair condition. So I thought better of it and bought a new A2017U from NewEgg, complete with ZTE's Passport warranty and 3 years SquareTrade insurance. And I'm glad I did, since a few months ago I had to make use of that warranty to get my A7 unbricked from DFU, before the tool was available.

I think only differences between A7 models are in processor i.e. bands. There are variants in SD 820.

AnonVendetta said:
... But then I realized that it doesn't have most of the basebands that my carrier (T-Mobile) supports.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We're in the same boat... My carrier using AWS bands just like T-MO. A2017G was working perfectly fine maybe missing just one band on LTE. And recently new band was introduced - LTE band 13 (700mhz), which supposed to improve indoor reception - big issue for Axon 7 and AWS. They call it 'Extended Rabge LTE.
So A2017U has that band, but A2017G doesnt. My assumption was that both phones are sharing the same hardware and bands available are controlled by software.
I clicked some numbers and got into some engineering menu where I see choices: USA Bands, Cellular 800. So I picked USA and restarted.
EPIC FAIL!
I lost 3g AWS on SIM1! Only 4G present, which is actually working fine. Just imagine phone with perfect 4G connectivity internet is flying, but you cannot place a phone call... (My carrier - Freedom Mobile doesnt have 2G GSM). I tried to switch it back - no luck
Solution - I use SIM2.

Oreo
Just installed it no OTA had to use sd card. That actually fixed SIM1 band problem. It doesnt seem I have band 13 (that is what I wanted), but connectivity seems better and switching between 3g and 4g is very fast...