Database Users

Which S5 to go with for AT&T?

http://www.expansys-usa.com/samsung-galaxy-s5-usa-lte-unlocked-16gb-black-260522/
I didn't think the Exynos version supported USA LTE? Expansys also says is has an Exynos processor and a Qualcomm chip? Can anyone clarify this phone? I am interested in purchasing it, I just want to know if supports AT&T LTE?
Which phone do you guys recommend for AT&T? Returned my AT&T S5 today after coming to the conclusion that $700 isn't worth it for a carrier locked down phone.

Qualcomm chips would support US LTE bands.
Stick to Qualcomm version.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

the one you want is a tmobile phone. G900T. it will work with ATT LTE, doesn't have a locked bootloader.
the problem is if you walk into a Tmobile store and buy one, they will make you wait 40 days before they give you the unlock code.
you could buy the sim unlock at swiftunlock, but now you are up over $800 for the phone; Tmo wants $690 plus this and that, and tax = $765. Plus $25 to unlock = $790.
$800 was to much for me to pull the trigger.
But you can then have an unlocked, flashable, LTE capable phone.
The last thing you might need would be region away from @Chainfire if you intend to travel abroad and use local sim cards upon arrival.
This last step is the one I'm waiting on; the region away. not sure if we'll see it. i hate to be a bother and ask.. i think he said he was on vacation for a month or something

wdkingery said:
the one you want is a tmobile phone. G900T. it will work with ATT LTE, doesn't have a locked bootloader.
the problem is if you walk into a Tmobile store and buy one, they will make you wait 40 days before they give you the unlock code.
you could buy the sim unlock at swiftunlock, but now you are up over $800 for the phone; Tmo wants $690 plus this and that, and tax = $765. Plus $25 to unlock = $790.
$800 was to much for me to pull the trigger.
But you can then have an unlocked, flashable, LTE capable phone.
The last thing you might need would be region away from @Chainfire if you intend to travel abroad and use local sim cards upon arrival.
This last step is the one I'm waiting on; the region away. not sure if we'll see it. i hate to be a bother and ask.. i think he said he was on vacation for a month or something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate your input. I'm actually considering just switching to T-Mobile. The galaxy phones play much more nicely with their service compared to iPhones. AT&T's system switched me off my grandfathered data plan yesterday, so I'm not exactly liking them at the moment.

(Historically) Which are the preferred carriers to purchase from?

CDMA - Verizon (not), Sprint?, U.S. Cellular?
GSM - AT&T?, T-Mobile?
As with a lot of other people on this site, I'm wondering which carrier will be best to pre-order from? I use Verizon but HATE the fact that most of the times it's one of the last carriers to be able to root the phone. I would also hate for this to turn into another Verizon Samsung Note 4 issue. Too bad the rumors where Samsung was going to start making phones that were both CDMA & GSM/UTMS were not true (as far as I am aware of).
This way since I'm now paying outright for my phones (roughly $800 bucks for 7 Edge), I could use it if I moved between carriers. After reading some other posts, now I'm wondering If I'm paying full price (paid in full), Will it be unlocked? I can't be the only one that feels RIPPED OFF when I pay $800 for a device and can't have root = have my own admin access. Can you imagine buying a laptop and not being able to install/change your own OS? not having admin rights/root?
I feel it's a MAJOR excuse for a carrier to even say - if we give you root & you change the ROM, then it makes it more difficult to help you. Guess what?!? I have not ever asked for help and nor would I... Besides, why couldn't they ask for the ROM version your using... if it matches theirs, they assist... if it doesn't, they tell you before they can assist you, you must put their ROM back on? Yes - there will always be that one person... but hey - if they were able to gain root and swap the ROM, they should be able to swap it back or pay to have it swapped back. OR at least pay for insurance and "accidentally drop it" and have it replaced.
It really bites that I (along with so many other people) want to pre-order the phone for several reasons (the free VR and games along with getting the phone first) but don't want to be SCREWED by one specific carrier and not be able to unlock the phone, root and replace the ROM.
So after all that - which carrier (historically) is the best to purchase from?
CDMA - Verizon (not), Sprint?, U.S. Cellular?
GSM - AT&T?, T-Mobile?
Additional INFO - I'm also about to call Verizon to confirm - But I read 2-3 months ago that Verizon will now allow another carrier's phone on their network (if it is CDMA). If that's true, then why not purchase the phone thru Sprint or US Cellular if historically those phones have been rooted easier than Verizon? I've been on Verizon for so long, that I'm really not sure...
Comments? suggestions?

What I'm going to do is pre-order from eBay.
The phones have a hell of a mark-up (+$200/$300), but there are unlocked Qualcomms that are usually rooted much more quickly with better support for AOSP.
I hate paying that much, but I'm going to have this phone for years, and the hassle from carrier-branded phones just isn't worth it.
Edit: You should still be able to add insurance and such through your carrier too, depending on their policies.
Didn't have an issue insuring previous phones with AT&T even though they were bought off-plan through other retailers.

It is slightly cheaper when buying it from Best Buy, $779 vs $792. I saw the T-mobile version supports band 13 LTE, but I didn't see anything about CDMA support.

I also did follow up with Verizon about placing a phone on their network that was not purchased from Verizon. They said it is currently limited to 2 phones - I don't have the names because I didn't care much......they couldn't tell me the S7 would be added to the list. So does that mean people on Verizon are STUCK purchasing from Verizon?

For my s6 edge I much preferred the unlocked UK version over the US AT&T version. (Which is why I asked in another thread when we can expect to see unlocked international versions).
AT&T not only added crazy bloat but removed really cool features from the phone. Just took em right out. They also removed Samsung deals/bundles from the phone (there was a MS suite and a free TB of storage or something removed). And in exchange for screwing with the phone they had crazy delays on updates (because they had to re-remove and re-screw the phone).
Coming from iPhone I just can't deal with carrier customizations. Unlocked for life. (crazy that Apple is unlocked now and Android isn't -- bizarro world).

JustWannaRom said:
I also did follow up with Verizon about placing a phone on their network that was not purchased from Verizon. They said it is currently limited to 2 phones - I don't have the names because I didn't care much......they couldn't tell me the S7 would be added to the list. So does that mean people on Verizon are STUCK purchasing from Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus devices are the exception (6, 5X and 6P). The problem with VZW and Sprint is that they use proprietary CDMA technology for voice communication. You can bring just about any device to their networks and have data but you won't be able to make voice calls in most cases.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

JustWannaRom said:
CDMA - Verizon (not), Sprint?, U.S. Cellular?
GSM - AT&T?, T-Mobile?
As with a lot of other people on this site, I'm wondering which carrier will be best to pre-order from? I use Verizon but HATE the fact that most of the times it's one of the last carriers to be able to root the phone. I would also hate for this to turn into another Verizon Samsung Note 4 issue. Too bad the rumors where Samsung was going to start making phones that were both CDMA & GSM/UTMS were not true (as far as I am aware of).
This way since I'm now paying outright for my phones (roughly $800 bucks for 7 Edge), I could use it if I moved between carriers. After reading some other posts, now I'm wondering If I'm paying full price (paid in full), Will it be unlocked? I can't be the only one that feels RIPPED OFF when I pay $800 for a device and can't have root = have my own admin access. Can you imagine buying a laptop and not being able to install/change your own OS? not having admin rights/root?
I feel it's a MAJOR excuse for a carrier to even say - if we give you root & you change the ROM, then it makes it more difficult to help you. Guess what?!? I have not ever asked for help and nor would I... Besides, why couldn't they ask for the ROM version your using... if it matches theirs, they assist... if it doesn't, they tell you before they can assist you, you must put their ROM back on? Yes - there will always be that one person... but hey - if they were able to gain root and swap the ROM, they should be able to swap it back or pay to have it swapped back. OR at least pay for insurance and "accidentally drop it" and have it replaced.
It really bites that I (along with so many other people) want to pre-order the phone for several reasons (the free VR and games along with getting the phone first) but don't want to be SCREWED by one specific carrier and not be able to unlock the phone, root and replace the ROM.
So after all that - which carrier (historically) is the best to purchase from?
CDMA - Verizon (not), Sprint?, U.S. Cellular?
GSM - AT&T?, T-Mobile?
Additional INFO - I'm also about to call Verizon to confirm - But I read 2-3 months ago that Verizon will now allow another carrier's phone on their network (if it is CDMA). If that's true, then why not purchase the phone thru Sprint or US Cellular if historically those phones have been rooted easier than Verizon? I've been on Verizon for so long, that I'm really not sure...
Comments? suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmobile period, not going to lock the boot loader you'll be able to root (provided the community finds a way, but it's a snap dragon and unlocked bootloader so they will most likely before it even releases. ) second if you don't want tmo service you can still root it and use am at&t sim so there's that.

Different versions of 6t?

I was wondering if there are different version of the OnePlus 6t. I have seen some called "global", "international", or "T-Mobile" version. I am moving from a LG V20, of which there were 5 or 6 different versions depending on carriers. Are all of the 6t's the same? Can I download the updates and not have to worry about messing up my phone? Thank you!

Downloading an update directly from Android UI will not break your phone (unless you have modified system partition)
Just take the global/international version (a6013) from oneplus.com and you'll be fine

There's two versions, international, and T-Mobile.
International and global are names for the same thing. It's the phone directly from OnePlus. It gets updates the quickest and has dual SIM support out of the box. You can get all the hardware versions (6/8gb ram, 128gb/256gb storage).
TMobile version is only 8gb/128gb. Only in mirror black. It comes with single Sim support out of the box. It has a locked bootloader that can only be unlocked if you get TMobile to SIM unlock the phone (typically once the device is paid off, but people have got it done sooner). So far it's only gotten one update and seems to be a few weeks behind the international version. It *might* have software optimizations for T-Mobiles network. (Dual SIM can be done with an unlocked bootloader and running the international software. You can't take OTA updates and must flash manually)
Sales and monthly payments can possibly make the TMobile version a better deal. If you're paying outright and full price. Get the phone directly from OnePlus. The only advantages the T-Mobile version has is the possible network optimizations (not proven, but assumed), and the fact that you can swipe left on the home screen and access Google feed. You can't do this with the default launcher on the International version. But this is a minor issue. There's trade offs with the TMobile version, but it's possible to be cheap enough to make up for the trade offs. You can look at the (Don't buy the TMobile, and Do buy the T-Mobile) threads in the discussion subforum.

Thank you.
My 6t is on order and I plan to use it with Verizon. Thank you for the information.

wakko222 said:
My 6t is on order and I plan to use it with Verizon. Thank you for the information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works great on Verizon.
Use chat to get them to configure CDMA_LESS or LTE only mode. Took about two minutes for me. Otherwise SMS won't be received.

VZW bootloader IS unlockable (not grayed out and switchable)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/UV2u66UVF7PWUuYD8

Weird, its grayed out for me
Were you able to root it?

A little off topic, but why do people buy the Verizon version when you can buy the Unlocked version for the same price and 0% interest financed?

ackliph said:
A little off topic, but why do people buy the Verizon version when you can buy the Unlocked version for the same price and 0% interest financed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people don't know, some people have weird trust issues, sometimes the Verizon one is much cheaper.

I wish there were confirmation on this- local Verizon stores have stock while WorstBuy requires shipping or store stock next week.

Nope, picked up a 3a from a Verizon corporate store (asked for clearly white, turns out it slightly purple) and no joy on OEM unlock. Toggle is grayed out and states "Unavailable on carrier-locked devices". Going back tomorrow and hopefully won't get dinged $50 on the return since they gave me the wrong color but I don't think that will play out.

lattosimbaste said:
Nope, picked up a 3a from a Verizon corporate store (asked for clearly white, turns out it slightly purple) and no joy on OEM unlock. Toggle is grayed out and states "Unavailable on carrier-locked devices". Going back tomorrow and hopefully won't get dinged $50 on the return since they gave me the wrong color but I don't think that will play out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the bootloader definitely cannot be unlocked if the carrier has it sim carded locked. Carrier issued phone are generally sim card locked by default and the user has to usually request for the device to be sim card unlocked. I still don't believe the Verizon edition will be bootloader unlockable, but seeing that particular message does not confirm one way or another as it appears on every carrier sim card locked device - even those that can be bootloader unlocked once the phone is sim card unlocked.

I can confirm this true, at least in the bestbuy I bought my pixel 3a.
Like I say bought on bestbuy unlocked, when I get home turn on without a sim card and no WiFi, then turn on developer option and there was the beautiful oem unlock available, immediate I turn on and go to fastboot and do the fastboot flashing oem unlock and successful, now I rooted with magisk and button remapper with the active edge remapped.
P.s it was in the latest firmware

i wonder if the method for the orig pixel would work. would be funny if it did. for those wondering https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030 i doubt it will, but might be worth trying

So, stupid question, but the Google Store site wasn't completely clear on this...if I buy the unlocked Pixel 3a from Google's site, will it work 100% with Verizon's network? Will it have all of the same LTE bands, for example, or will I see reduced performance compared to the Verizon-locked version? I'm used to the old days where I had to buy one version of a phone for VZW and a different version for AT&T...

Yes, the unlocked 3a works fully on Verizon's LTE bands as well as calling over WiFi and VoLTE. 100% compatible and none of the preinstalled crap.

sn00gan said:
So, stupid question, but the Google Store site wasn't completely clear on this...if I buy the unlocked Pixel 3a from Google's site, will it work 100% with Verizon's network? Will it have all of the same LTE bands, for example, or will I see reduced performance compared to the Verizon-locked version? I'm used to the old days where I had to buy one version of a phone for VZW and a different version for AT&T...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the same only the differences are that one it's unlockable bootloader(Google) and the other not(verizon).
Both have the same bands and processor, etc.
If you want to make this phone more great and you knowledge about flashing and that stuff buy from Google but if you don't care about that buy the one from verizon and I don't sure but on verizon have very good discounts like 100 bucks more cheap with activation.

pbanj said:
i wonder if the method for the orig pixel would work. would be funny if it did. for those wondering https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030 i doubt it will, but might be worth trying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried it yesterday....lol. no go, cant uninstall the phone apk. Could be named differently I guess.

sd_N said:
Tried it yesterday....lol. no go, cant uninstall the phone apk. Could be named differently I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shame lol. I just checked and the name still seems to be the same

pbanj said:
Shame lol. I just checked and the name still seems to be the same
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cant remember what exactly it said when I tried uninstalling the phone apk. Something about the user 0 not found

sn00gan said:
So, stupid question, but the Google Store site wasn't completely clear on this...if I buy the unlocked Pixel 3a from Google's site, will it work 100% with Verizon's network? Will it have all of the same LTE bands, for example, or will I see reduced performance compared to the Verizon-locked version? I'm used to the old days where I had to buy one version of a phone for VZW and a different version for AT&T...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ALUCARD4DEAD said:
It's the same only the differences are that one it's unlockable bootloader(Google) and the other not(verizon).
Both have the same bands and processor, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the Google Store version and Verizon version are NOT the same. Almost, but not "just the same with one sim locked". They don't have exactly the same model name and LTE bands.
Verizon Pixel 3a model: G020E
Google Store Pixel 3a model : G020G
The Verizon model miss some LTE bands (14, 29, 30, 71) and miss e-sim support. Maybe Verizon LTE network doesn't use the missing bands and there is no difference with the LTE coverage, but they are not the same.
Source: https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7158570?hl=en&ref_topic=7530176

I know this is almost a 2 year old thread but just bought a used Verizon 3a because my Pixel died. I have to have a Verizon version because those are the only phones that Page Plus will activate. Anyone know which OTA version they were able to unlock on? Have my doubts any of them will actually work but wanted to know before I update too far. Currently on QQ3A.200605.002.

I know I did not get a response before and have upgrade to the latest April 2021 patch with no success at unlocking. Wondering if anyone has tried using a AT&T sim to try and unlock bootloader? Not sure how the phone knows it is a Verizon phone. The OTAs are for all versions. Wonder if there is something in the code that could be tweaked before install.

Activate Band 71 by Firmware Switch?

Hi there, I'm looking at buying an S10+ on eBay, and I see quite a few from AT&T (unlocked) that don't support Band 71. I'm on T-Mobile, and was wondering if I can install the T-Mobile firmware, since all of the G975U models supposedly support all the US firmwares, correct? If I do install the T-Mobile firmware on one of the AT&T unlocked models, will it activate Band 71? I live in a city and don't really need Band 71, but I do travel frequently and was just recently in an area of Band 71 coverage that my current phone LG G6 couldn't support, so I'm curious.
I'm using the following page for reference on which firmwares/phone models support which bands:
https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-s10-plus-model-number-sm-g975-differences/
Thanks!

gwbyrd said:
Hi there, I'm looking at buying an S10+ on eBay, and I see quite a few from AT&T (unlocked) that don't support Band 71. I'm on T-Mobile, and was wondering if I can install the T-Mobile firmware, since all of the G975U models supposedly support all the US firmwares, correct? If I do install the T-Mobile firmware on one of the AT&T unlocked models, will it activate Band 71? I live in a city and don't really need Band 71, but I do travel frequently and was just recently in an area of Band 71 coverage that my current phone LG G6 couldn't support, so I'm curious.
I'm using the following page for reference on which firmwares/phone models support which bands:
https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-s10-plus-model-number-sm-g975-differences/
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'f you flash to t.mobile firmware then you should be good to go.
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Thanks, LimeyBastard. So just to confirm I understand this correctly, all of the Snapdragon/US based models have the exact same hardware, which supports Band 71, but only Tmobile and US Cellular activate Band 71 support in the firmware? Therefore, simply flashing the tmobile firmware onto any G975U unit will result in a phone that can use Band 71?
The ATT phones for sale seem considerably cheaper than the tmobile ones for some reason, so this seems like a good way to save money.

gwbyrd said:
Thanks, LimeyBastard. So just to confirm I understand this correctly, all of the Snapdragon/US based models have the exact same hardware, which supports Band 71, but only Tmobile and US Cellular activate Band 71 support in the firmware? Therefore, simply flashing the tmobile firmware onto any G975U unit will result in a phone that can use Band 71?
The ATT phones for sale seem considerably cheaper than the tmobile ones for some reason, so this seems like a good way to save money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Excellent, thank you! As it turns out, there's also a flamingo pink phone that is only sold by AT&T. I'd love to use that on T-Mobile. Of course, I can without Band 71, but now if I find myself stuck somewhere in the country, I might be able to have a pink phone to ward off the wolves! Haha. Now I just have to see if it's easy to unlock an AT&T carrier locked phone.

gwbyrd said:
Excellent, thank you! As it turns out, there's also a flamingo pink phone that is only sold by AT&T. I'd love to use that on T-Mobile. Of course, I can without Band 71, but now if I find myself stuck somewhere in the country, I might be able to have a pink phone to ward off the wolves! Haha. Now I just have to see if it's easy to unlock an AT&T carrier locked phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You remind me of me, likes to go unique colors if possible [emoji106]
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

gwbyrd said:
Excellent, thank you! As it turns out, there's also a flamingo pink phone that is only sold by AT&T. I'd love to use that on T-Mobile. Of course, I can without Band 71, but now if I find myself stuck somewhere in the country, I might be able to have a pink phone to ward off the wolves! Haha. Now I just have to see if it's easy to unlock an AT&T carrier locked phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The U1 S10s have B71. Why do you want to bother with the ATT variant?

Ace42 said:
The U1 S10s have B71. Why do you want to bother with the ATT variant?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He or she said its because they can get hold of this variant at a better price.
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Ace42 said:
The U1 S10s have B71. Why do you want to bother with the ATT variant?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Ace42! I don't need the ATT variant, it just so happened the cheapest model I found on eBay was an ATT variant, so I thought I could save money that way. I'd be perfectly happy if I could find a U1 variant, or at this stage any of the unlocked carrier variants. It seems unlocking these phones isn't a guaranteed thing yet? There are some really cheap ones from Sprint.

On this subject, does anyone know if these 3rd party unlock services are reliable/safe? I hate to spend money to unlock my phone, but if it costs $25 and I can use my phone on another network, I suppose it's worth it. I believe I can request an unlock from the carrier in many cases, but if they turn me down, I don't want to spend money on a phone I can't use, as there isn't currently a DIY method to unlock the G975U, correct?

gwbyrd said:
On this subject, does anyone know if these 3rd party unlock services are reliable/safe? I hate to spend money to unlock my phone, but if it costs $25 and I can use my phone on another network, I suppose it's worth it. I believe I can request an unlock from the carrier in many cases, but if they turn me down, I don't want to spend money on a phone I can't use, as there isn't currently a DIY method to unlock the G975U, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can only go by who I've used in the past. Cellunlocker net. Used them twice.
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Limeybastard said:
He or she said its because they can get hold of this variant at a better price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, makes sense! SIM unlocking ATT phones is the annoying bit so I generally keep my distance.
gwbyrd said:
Hi Ace42! I don't need the ATT variant, it just so happened the cheapest model I found on eBay was an ATT variant, so I thought I could save money that way. I'd be perfectly happy if I could find a U1 variant, or at this stage any of the unlocked carrier variants. It seems unlocking these phones isn't a guaranteed thing yet? There are some really cheap ones from Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used ATT's device unlock multiple times in the past. The only issue is that requests are denied for no reason, which means resubmitting your request. You don't have to be an ATT subscriber (T-Mobile user).
https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/

I know this is an old thread, but were you ever successful in enabling band 71 on the S10?
I am curious as to doing the same thing on an S10e - which also has a US and an international version. My main reason for wanting to do it is not cost, but the fact that the S10e comes with dual-SIM support, whereas for some insane reason, the US version does not. It seems to be that many of Samsung's US phones drop 2-SIM support.