Purchase advice - AT&T LG G6 Questions & Answers

I'm looking into a G6 for my next phone for us on Cricket Wireless (AT&T mvno). Can anybody weigh in as to whether I should go with the AT&T H871, or the unlocked US997? Any specific advantages or disadvantages to either? Thanks in advance for your opinions!

Get the unlocked version that way you'll be able to get on custom roms with Android 9 when it's released next fall. No advantage to getting the at&t locked version unless it's significant price difference

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Does the International Version have LTE (that will work with AT&T)

Hey Guys,
Does the International Exynos-Ocat based S4 comes out with LTE?
I'm on AT&T and as I read, the bootloader is locked in our version.
I know it can be unlocked someday but I just don't want to deal with that kind of thing.
Besides that, if I'm going to spend money anyway since I will pay full price anyway (contract not yet up), I would rather get the Octa.
I just need to know if there would be an LTE radio and if it will work in AT&T. I just to set my expectations.
Thanks!

Verizon options/versions?

What are the differences in my options for purchasing a Verizon compatible LG V20? Direct from VZW, Best Buy, US996 version from Newegg/B&H.
What are the differences in the versions available from these vendors? Do we know yet? Thanks.
The Verizon model is VS995, it is the same model if you buy it from Verizon directly or Best Buy.
The US996 is carrier unlocked and will work on most US carriers, including Verizon. But the hope is that the US996 will have its bootloader unlocked like on the Tmobile model, which could lead to possible root.
indeed. the US has a few more frequencies and bands than the Verizon one. I believe Verizon has 17 and US has 21. seems the unlocked won't be shipping until November for B and h and Newegg and who knows if best buy is going to get it. I think my plan is to get the unlocked version when available and use it with Verizon. I'm not dealing with Verizon's crap, I'd much rather have an unlocked phone again.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 using Tapatalk

SM-G950UZSATMB - What!? Bootloader unlocked?

I see this BOGO offer direct on Samsung's website for Galaxy S8's. In the past, all Galaxy S phones were SM-G920T (T for T-Mobile) SM-G920V (V for Verizon, etc) and then Best Buy sold that piece of crap SIM unlocked SM-G920U that was bootloader LOCKED and couldn't do anything with it.
I'm trying to find out here if the Bootloader is locked on any variant of the Snapdragon 835 S8's, and which version I should get. T-Mobile has the same BOGO offer on the S8 in the form of a rebate as well, but I can't confirm anywhere the specific model number. I'm so jaded by the fact that T-Mobile left the bootloader locked on their S7 that I can't imagine them leaving it unlocked.
The G6 is also BOGO right now as well, but I don't know if that bootloader is unlocked like all my previous LG phones from T-Mo we're.
I'd really appreciate any kind of confirmed answers you might have!
Cheers!
joesee said:
I see this BOGO offer direct on Samsung's website for Galaxy S8's. In the past, all Galaxy S phones were SM-G920T (T for T-Mobile) SM-G920V (V for Verizon, etc) and then Best Buy sold that piece of crap SIM unlocked SM-G920U that was bootloader LOCKED and couldn't do anything with it.
I'm trying to find out here if the Bootloader is locked on any variant of the Snapdragon 835 S8's, and which version I should get. T-Mobile has the same BOGO offer on the S8 in the form of a rebate as well, but I can't confirm anywhere the specific model number. I'm so jaded by the fact that T-Mobile left the bootloader locked on their S7 that I can't imagine them leaving it unlocked.
The G6 is also BOGO right now as well, but I don't know if that bootloader is unlocked like all my previous LG phones from T-Mo we're.
I'd really appreciate any kind of confirmed answers you might have!
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the carriers have "U" devices in the U.S. this year. The SIM you initialize the phone with is what carrier's features are added. A "U" from Samsung apparently doesn't take on the carrier whose SIM is used features and remains virgin. So "U" could be considered "universal" or "U.S." It's still a S-835 device which means "U" definitely doesn't mean unlocked bootloader.
I'm not an expert at all but I really doubt that ANY Samsung bootloader will ever be unlocked again. Pretty much after 2013 all bootloaders were locked [AFAIK] at least for the Galaxy series. I really like Samsung devices but my Galaxy Tab S (late 2014) isn't even going to get the Nougat upgrade - this actually pisses me off greatly.
When you see 'unlocked' concerning a phone/device it means CARRIER unlocked, not the bootloader. The 'unlocked' means that you can use it with any carrier that the device supports - so just about most of the carriers/providers in the entire world. Still not sure about this concerning CDMA (Verizon/Sprint) as some things may not work (different bands). Tried using GSM phones on CDMA a few years back and wasn't able to use 4G/LTE & also MMS.
Good luck.
EDIT:
Was typing this as BarryH_GEG replied to your question. Yes the letter following the model corresponds to the various carriers (Verizon, Cricket, Sprint, etc) and are also different for international versions.
EDIT2:
On another note I own a Galaxy S7 Edge (international) that has the Exynos processor that is unlocked. At the same time this is the only device I've never rooted because it works so well for me, no carrier bloatware. Also the only device I've ever purchased without a removable battery. Until the latest updates I was able to go 2 days without charging (not anymore unfortunately). The international S8/S8+ also use the Exynos processor so you might consider this option. However the cost will be high as it was for me when I purchased my GS7edge as you'll need to purchase it directly without any US discounts or such. I paid out just over $700 for my GS7edge directly, though at the same time my AT&T bill is much lower because of this.
I've researched the GS8+ international and it's looking to be around $800. Compared to trading in my GS7edge international for an unlocked US version I can get for $375 (with trade-in) if I do this within a month or so... I can probably get $400 for my GS7edge (since it's international) but how long will this take? If I only get $300 for it for a quick sale I'll still spend $500 for the new 8+ so is this worth it?
Only stating these issues so that you understand my thinking concerning an unlocked bootloader. These are [mostly, still SS stuff] bloatware free, have incredible power, etc, etc. I miss rooting my device but is it really worth it for the cost? I really want the international/Exynos S8+ but still not sure.
Let me know your thoughts, later.

Does H990DS have better audio?

I have always owned either Nexus (non-LG versions) or Samsung so I'm not really familiar with LG products. I'm going to get a V20 and the question now is which one? Is there any difference in the DAC in the H990DS version vs the North American versions? I've heard that the H990DS is the official B&O version and the North American ones are "tuned by B&O". The quad DAC is one of the reasons why I want this phone so if there is a significant difference I may consider it. If not, I'll probably go with the US996 unlocked version or the AT&T version.
The US996 will cost me slightly more but the unlockable bootloader may be worth it. I'm in Canada and the AT&T bands are close to ours and generally work well with our carriers. so the H910A will be OK. AFAIK the second SIM in the H990DS only supports 2G so that will be useless to me since 2 out of 3 of our largest carriers were originally CDMA and never supported 2G. Both of the North American versions do come with a warranty, which is a bonus. The AT&T is the cheapest of the three but I have heard that their bootloader is a pain.
An unlockable bootloader and the ability to root is the most important. I'm going to keep it until it dies. Music quality and warranty is next. I do love music and I plan to invest in a good set of new headphones once I get the V20. I want to take it with me and test several so I don't have anything in particular in mind at this time.
I appreciate any help and guidance that anyone can give me. I have spent a lot of time trying to find out about the DACs and I really can't find any information. Thank you!

Flashing T-mobile firmware on Unlocked variant

Hello, I am well aware of the fact that you can flash the international firmware on a T-mobile branded device. However, is it possible to flash the t-mobile firmware on the international version of the phone? If it is indeed possible are there any benefits to doing this? Such as RCS, or USCC roaming? Maybe even better reception? Any help would be great. I am genuinely just curious. Thank you.
From what I can see, there would only be disadvantages. TMo has suffered another data breach, see here, and they are at least 1 month behind the general releases for non TMo OP devices (I really only looked at the 6T for that evidence)
I recommend saving your time and not researching that further, but if you wanna, go for it.

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