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What are the advantages and disadvantages of Verizon S7 vs. Unlocked S7?

Hello everyone,
I am looking to upgrade from my S4 to an S7 over the next few days, and I have been trying to decide which is the better option between the Verizon model and the unlocked model. I will be using this phone on a Verizon network for now, and was leaning to the unlocked model to get rid of the Verizon bloatware. There is a chance I will be living in a different country in another year or so, so I figured the unlocked model would also give me more flexibility with my next carrier, as I had heard the Verizon model does not support all carrier frequencies. Are there any distinct advantages to going with the Verizon model over the unlocked model, or are there any other important differences I'm overlooking between these two options?
Thanks!

Unlocked how? Boot loader unlocked or carrier network (SIMM) unlocked? Verizon phones are carrier unlocked. Meaning, you can already take an AT&T SIMM and put it into the Verizon S7 and it will work.
As for removing verizon bloatware, that's only possible if you root. Unlocked is specific to the carrier only, not an unlocked bootloader. None have an unlocked bootloader that I know of.
The carrier unlocked phones also receive updates much slower than the normal ones.
https://plus.google.com/+DroidLife/posts/ENv2fH9zD7e
If you want carrier unlocked phones that get updates faster than the generic carrier unlocked phones, get the Verizon phone. As per this article, it's already carrier unlocked and it's already updated to Nougat. Might be some hoops to jump through, but it works:
http://www.androidcentral.com/yes-verizon-galaxy-s7-and-s7-edge-are-sim-unlocked
The generic unlocked ones are still on Marshmallow and there is no word on if/when they'll get Nougat. Also, the Verizon one is cheaper than the generic carrier unlocked phones. Expecially if you can find a sale going on for it.

There is a hybrid rom that is debloated and works great for all models, it is posted in the vzw amd tmo s7 forums. I'm using it on two phones myself.

The U firmware has no bloat, and has all bands available for use. The main downside is that nougat still isn't out for it, and certain apps won't work if you're from Verizon such as their voicemail app.
On the plus side you get some features that Verizon charges extra for, such as caller ID built in for free.
Regardless you can flash any firmware to any S7 so long as it's the snapdragon variant.

cadcamaro said:
The U firmware has no bloat, and has all bands available for use. The main downside is that nougat still isn't out for it, and certain apps won't work if you're from Verizon such as their voicemail app.
On the plus side you get some features that Verizon charges extra for, such as caller ID built in for free.
Regardless you can flash any firmware to any S7 so long as it's the snapdragon variant.
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I've been curious about the G-930U also. If you know, please tell me if these working assumptions are correct or not: The "U" has no carrier branding on it and it has no carrier "bloat" in it (although maybe some Samsung stuff). The "U" CANNOT be bootloader unlocked because it has the Snapdragon processor and at present none of the Snapdragon variations can have their bootloaders unlocked (how I hope this isn't true!). The "U" can be flashed to carrier-specific firmware, although I don't know what the advantage would be.
I'm still mostly using an XT1575, the Motorola X Play Edition 2015. It too had no carrier contamination but it's bootloader was easy to unlock. All I had to do to get it to work with Verizon was insert my nano SIM card. Do any phones still work like 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.
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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.

Factory unlocked vs T-mobile version

So I ordered a oneplus 6t factory unlocked on ebay. What I got was a T-mobile locked device, that when I tried to unlock actually did.
My question though is are there annoyances with using the t-mobile version on another carrier (t-mobile apps or any radio differences) that would warrant me to return it or should I just give them a low rating.
thanks!

Uh. Not sure. I have an International Variant but I've heard that there is the usual T-MOBILE Bloatware. But you can easily convert it to Global Variant by following the Guide in the Guides Forum. Just search T-MOBILE to International Conversion OnePlus 6T

th3drow said:
So I ordered a oneplus 6t factory unlocked on ebay. What I got was a T-mobile locked device, that when I tried to unlock actually did.
My question though is are there annoyances with using the t-mobile version on another carrier (t-mobile apps or any radio differences) that would warrant me to return it or should I just give them a low rating.
thanks!
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That's on the seller to provide as MUCH information he can provide before he lists. I'd say if it works out for you in the end, it's fine. But....I would message him and see if he does know the difference between T-Mo and Int'l.
I would take the T-mo and flash Int'l, honestly. T-Mo is slow to update, and there's an Int'l Beta release almost every month. I think the official T-mo is 4 or 5 months behind.
Let us know!

The TMobile version is not the international version in my opinion. On top of not getting regular updates like the unbranded version. They have been trying to do things in newer software versions to prevent people from flashing it to international versions by adding extra checks, not that it has worked so far. The international version is also dual SIM and has two IMEI, the TMobile version only has one. I guess it depends what you paid for it, but I would not accept a TMobile version personally.

OhioYJ said:
The TMobile version is not the international version in my opinion. On top of not getting regular updates like the unbranded version. They have been trying to do things in newer software versions to prevent people from flashing it to international versions by adding extra checks, not that it has worked so far. The international version is also dual SIM and has two IMEI, the TMobile version only has one. I guess it depends what you paid for it, but I would not accept a TMobile version personally.
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I agree completely.

Honestly, it doesn't really matter considering you can very simply convert a T-Mobile version into an International version.
The T-Mobile version by default is a few updates behind and doesn't support dual sim iirc. Like I said though, you can easily convert it and buy a sim card tray that supports dual sim if that's your thing.

Can I use a new tmobile op6t with att after I sim unlock and flash intl version?

I use AT&T for my carrier.
I'm trying to understand if I can use a brand new OP6T T-mobile version - https://www.oneplus.com/oneplus-6t-tmo?from=6t - on ATT. I had presumed if I follow the guides here to SIM unlock and flash the international version, that would allow me to use ATT (without ever using, talking to, or becoming a customer of Tmobile). Is that the case?
If not, can it be done at all (dual sim tray? 2nd imei?)?
Thanks.
b

If it is Sim unlocked, it should work fine, but why buy a T-Mo phone if you won't be using it there? Instead buy the global version.
I routinely see posts here from folks using the T-Mo version on other carriers and having issues, or troubles from flashing the international OS version.
Also if there is an issue with the unlock and you aren't a TMo customer who knows what the resolution path would be.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

Frankenscript said:
If it is Sim unlocked, it should work fine, but why buy a T-Mo phone if you won't be using it there? Instead buy the global version.
I routinely see posts here from folks using the T-Mo version on other carriers and having issues, or troubles from flashing the international OS version.
Also if there is an issue with the unlock and you aren't a TMo customer who knows what the resolution path would be.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
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T-Mobile OP6T phone is currently on sale on the one plus website for ~$350. I don't believe new global versions are that cheap though I haven't looked yet (was about to). Thanks for your reply.

Trust me. Spend a bit more for the global phone. There are all these issues with converted phone's not passing safety net, Netflix not showing, Google Pay not working depending on what OS version you are on... It isn't worth the savings you might get.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

Thanks! I saw commentary on those types of issues and was trying to understand that very concern.

brady747 said:
If not, can it be done at all (dual sim tray? 2nd imei?)?
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TMobile versions don't have a 2nd IMEI, they only have one. The second sim slot has the same IMEI as the first one.

AT&T Specific Stock ROM

I noticed yesterday when I went to download the March OTA image that there was one specific for AT&T. Anyone know why the Pixel 4 has a specific image for AT&T?

spielnicht said:
I noticed yesterday when I went to download the March OTA image that there was one specific for AT&T. Anyone know why the Pixel 4 has a specific image for AT&T?
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No. But it was pulled because it failed certification and was not passing Safety Net. So, right now, there's only the other build available.

Thanks for that. I just rant into an article on Android Police that it's coming back soon. I'm still curious as to how this differs from the standard ROM. My curiosity is driven by the fact that I'm on AT&T and haven't been able to enable Wifi Calling or Number Sync. I was told by the AT&T reps that it's because the phone doesn't support VoLTE, which is BS. While AT&T generally blocks non-AT&T purchased phones (unlocked or not), the Pixel line is exempt and supports all of their services. I had no issues with the Pixel 3.
EVR_PR said:
No. But it was pulled because it failed certification and was not passing Safety Net. So, right now, there's only the other build available.
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spielnicht said:
Thanks for that. I just rant into an article on Android Police that it's coming back soon. I'm still curious as to how this differs from the standard ROM. My curiosity is driven by the fact that I'm on AT&T and haven't been able to enable Wifi Calling or Number Sync. I was told by the AT&T reps that it's because the phone doesn't support VoLTE, which is BS. While AT&T generally blocks non-AT&T purchased phones (unlocked or not), the Pixel line is exempt and supports all of their services. I had no issues with the Pixel 3.
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That exemption was for the Pixel 2 and 3, which AT&T didn't sell. Now that they sell the 4/XL, they are uncertifying unlocked Pixel 4s. Only AT&T bought models are authorized by their servers to have VoLTE and WiFi Calling. Without VoLTE, you won't have access to WiFi Calling.

I didn't even know AT&T sold the Pixel 4. One of the primary reasons I bought another Pixel was because of AT&T support of unlocked Pixels. I guess not anymore.
EVR_PR said:
That exemption was for the Pixel 2 and 3, which AT&T didn't sell. Now that they sell the 4/XL, they are uncertifying unlocked Pixel 4s. Only AT&T bought models are authorized by their servers to have VoLTE and WiFi Calling. Without VoLTE, you won't have access to WiFi Calling.
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Delete post. Wrong forum.... ;(

EVR_PR said:
That exemption was for the Pixel 2 and 3, which AT&T didn't sell. Now that they sell the 4/XL, they are uncertifying unlocked Pixel 4s. Only AT&T bought models are authorized by their servers to have VoLTE and WiFi Calling. Without VoLTE, you won't have access to WiFi Calling.
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I had an at&t pixel 4 from November. Had to do warranty and received a Google pixel 4 in return. I have wifi calling.
Btw, yes I unlocked the bootloader immediately lol

bmwh0r3 said:
I had an at&t pixel 4 from November. Had to do warranty and received a Google pixel 4 in return. I have wifi calling.
Btw, yes I unlocked the bootloader immediately lol
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It's a different case because you already had a registered AT&T Pixel 4 IMEI before you switched to an unlocked model. AT&Ts servers will still read your phone as an authorized model. Try getting an unlocked Pixel 4a or 5 (or whatever model comes next, for example) instead of a branded AT&T model and you will have the same issue as I.

EVR_PR said:
It's a different case because you already had a registered AT&T Pixel 4 IMEI before you switched to an unlocked model. AT&Ts servers will still read your phone as an authorized model. Try getting an unlocked Pixel 4a or 5 (or whatever model comes next, for example) instead of a branded AT&T model and you will have the same issue as I.
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I had the 3a, 2, 1 and nexus devices before. The 4 was my first "at&t" phone.

EVR_PR said:
That exemption was for the Pixel 2 and 3, which AT&T didn't sell. Now that they sell the 4/XL, they are uncertifying unlocked Pixel 4s. Only AT&T bought models are authorized by their servers to have VoLTE and WiFi Calling. Without VoLTE, you won't have access to WiFi Calling.
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So, i know it is a pain and it's because they want you to buy their "branded" crap. However, for a workaround, find an at & t branded iphone that has volte vowifi capability and put your sim in there. Then call AT & T or use their live chat support. Tell them you are trying to activate your sim with volte and vowifi for your sim. They will activate it for the that sim card. Once you verified the iphone shows volte and vowifi take your sim out and put it in android phone of choice. I found this out since my sister (sadly) is an apple user and i use all android phones. Once the sim is unlocked for volte and vowifi i haven't had any issues on my pixel or my op 6 or op 7 pro.
Good luck. Might be a pain if you don't have access to an i phone, but swappa is fairly reasonable for a 7 that you can use and then sell to a friend or something . Good luck.