Database Users

[Q] How to use SIM from phone in tab 7.7

I have the SGNexus from verizon with LTE and the phone has a uSIM card in it. I just picked up the SGTab 7.7 last night but did not activate (bought outright).
So, I may wish to use the uSIM card in the tab but am aware that there are things the carriers look for to prevent this and I'd like to prevent them from screwing me. Again, I don't expect to do this much but would like the OPTION of doing so.
What do I need to do and not do to use the uSIM from my SGNexus in my SGTab 7.7?
Thanks,
Brian

So this is the VZW Tab 7.7? I was assuming they would bake the SIM into the tab to prevent exactly what you want to do, but I haven't actually seen one yet. In the P6800, there is a SIM slot along the same side as the microSD slot--does your tab have a SIM slot? If not, you won't be able to switch for sure. If there is a full-size SIM slot, you just need an adapter, which is easy to get or make (can probably get one for like $1 on ebay).
Also, I wouldn't expect VZW to allow your phone SIM to work on a tablet in any case. Even if you could put the SIM in, VZW will know from the IMEI that you are using a tablet and (I assume) force you to change plans or whatever.

teiglin said:
So this is the VZW Tab 7.7? I was assuming they would bake the SIM into the tab to prevent exactly what you want to do, but I haven't actually seen one yet. In the P6800, there is a SIM slot along the same side as the microSD slot--does your tab have a SIM slot? If not, you won't be able to switch for sure. If there is a full-size SIM slot, you just need an adapter, which is easy to get or make (can probably get one for like $1 on ebay).
Also, I wouldn't expect VZW to allow your phone SIM to work on a tablet in any case. Even if you could put the SIM in, VZW will know from the IMEI that you are using a tablet and (I assume) force you to change plans or whatever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At 5:10 of this silly unboxing video the SIM slot is in view.
http://www.androidauthority.com/verizon-samsung-galaxy-tab-7-7-lte-unboxing-59081/
I didn't think they would have an open SIM slot on the Verizon unit either, but maybe it has the capability of being unlocked?

burhanistan said:
At 5:10 of this silly unboxing video the SIM slot is in view.
http://www.androidauthority.com/verizon-samsung-galaxy-tab-7-7-lte-unboxing-59081/
I didn't think they would have an open SIM slot on the Verizon unit either, but maybe it has the capability of being unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. So yeah, OP: go get a SIM adapter, plug in your SIM, and see what Verizon says to you! Good luck.

Before I go that route I'd like to make sure I avoid anything that would give me away. I'm not sure that's possible but since there are a lot of smart folks on this board I'll wait a bit to give it a shot.
I think the thing I'd most likely use it for is in-car navigation on the longer trips. I have the Verizon SGNexus with LTE and I have the hotspot option so I could use it in that mode to drive the navigation on the tab so maybe swapping in the SIM wouldn't be that big a deal.
Still, it would be nice to have the option...
Brian

Raptor1956 said:
Before I go that route I'd like to make sure I avoid anything that would give me away. I'm not sure that's possible but since there are a lot of smart folks on this board I'll wait a bit to give it a shot.
I think the thing I'd most likely use it for is in-car navigation on the longer trips. I have the Verizon SGNexus with LTE and I have the hotspot option so I could use it in that mode to drive the navigation on the tab so maybe swapping in the SIM wouldn't be that big a deal.
Still, it would be nice to have the option...
Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not possible to hide the fact that you're using a tab 7.7 from Verizon unless you're willing to try to change your IMEI (and messing with /efs is pretty dangerous). I'm not saying it's totally impossible, but it'd be difficult at the very least. As you say, there are a lot of smart people here, so maybe someone will work out a way--but I wouldn't hold my breath. Still, no way to know if it'll work unless you try it.
Personally, I bought the wifi version because tethering to a phone is easy and a lot cheaper--save $100 at the start, plus no second data plan at absurd US carriers' prices. I think many of the people who bought the international 3G version were thinking the same as you--they can swap their phone SIM in if they want. However, the unlocked version identifies on the network just like any phone, unlike the Verzion version, which is locked down by Verizon and doesn't even ship with phone software.

I toyed with the idea of importing a wifi only version but decided I didn't want to lose the next door support if I have a problem so I went with Verizon and so far as I can tell they will only offer the LTE version. If putting my phone SIM in it is not going to work or work for long then it will be just a wifi only version albeit about $100 more expensive. I think I could reclaim some of the difference on resell though...
I really hope ICS is coming soon as I don't much like HC...
Brian

Forgive my ignorance guys but what is this verizon with LTE?
I am not in the U.S., for me the P6800 model works with a normal GSM SIM or 3G SIM out of the box.

temiatwork said:
Forgive my ignorance guys but what is this verizon with LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon is a US carrier that does not use GSM. The Verizon version of the GT7.7 has different hardware then the standard GT7.7 and it is unclear if you can just swap the Verizon LTE sim from one Verizon device to their GT7.7 and have full functionality.

Paten said:
Verizon is a US carrier that does not use GSM. The Verizon version of the GT7.7 has different hardware then the standard GT7.7 and it is unclear if you can just swap the Verizon LTE sim from one Verizon device to their GT7.7 and have full functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE is the reason why a simcard is utilized. I'm pretty certain that rest of the cdma/evd0 doesn't utilize the simcard

[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
Click to expand...
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.

New S4 Recommendations

I'm looking to buy a new phone but don't want/need the latest and greatest. I'm happy with the performance of my HTC One Mini, my work HTC One X/XL and my wife's S4 Active, all AT&T phones used in the U.S. My One Mini just suffered a horrible mountain bike crash which busted the screen up pretty bad, then too, my old eyes are tired of that tiny screen. I've also had bad luck with the built in battery and lack of SD card slot. So I was thinking S4 would be ok by me. Asking on the device forum I've gotten 50-11 answers some of which are conflicting answers. I was thinking the i9505 would be the right phone until someone piped up stating it wouldn't work on LTE here. From all I've seen it looks to me like that senior member don't know what they're talking about. Here's my criteria:
1. 4.5" to 5" screen
2. Unlocked/unlockable and can easily accept custom ROMs
3. Prefer to stick with a Kit Kat Rom as it gets along with my Do Not Disturb app better than Lollipop due to the built-in app on Lollipop
4. Removable battery
5. SD Slot
6. LTE service on AT&T/T-Mobile and Caribbean and South American Countries
7. Custom ROM must allow hotspot w/o AT&T controlling my use (I have unlimited internet on my plan and want to make use of it)
Background: I'm almost green having only installed a custom ROM on my work phone an HTC One X/XL from AT&T. Apparently it's one of the harder phones to unlock the bootloader and permanent Root is impossible I think. I 1st installed CM12.1 on the HTC ONE X and ran into conflicts and buggy operations. After a few weeks of testing I backed it up, wiped it and installed CM11 which I truly like. No experience or much understanding of KNOX, ODIN or ODEX. I only read bits and pieces on those while trying to figure out which S4 variant will fit my need. Lastly, were can I get a new phone off contract? Anybody purchased from www.Cell2Get.com? I was about to buy this phone prior to the member claiming it wouldn't work on AT&T.
http://www.cell2get.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-i9505-16gb-unlocked-gsm-android-cell-phone-p-5122.html

IRBent said:
I'm looking to buy a new phone but don't want/need the latest and greatest. I'm happy with the performance of my HTC One Mini, my work HTC One X/XL and my wife's S4 Active, all AT&T phones used in the U.S. My One Mini just suffered a horrible mountain bike crash which busted the screen up pretty bad, then too, my old eyes are tired of that tiny screen. I've also had bad luck with the built in battery and lack of SD card slot. So I was thinking S4 would be ok by me. Asking on the device forum I've gotten 50-11 answers some of which are conflicting answers. I was thinking the i9505 would be the right phone until someone piped up stating it wouldn't work on LTE here. From all I've seen it looks to me like that senior member don't know what they're talking about. Here's my criteria:
1. 4.5" to 5" screen
2. Unlocked/unlockable and can easily accept custom ROMs
3. Prefer to stick with a Kit Kat Rom as it gets along with my Do Not Disturb app better than Lollipop due to the built-in app on Lollipop
4. Removable battery
5. SD Slot
6. LTE service on AT&T/T-Mobile and Caribbean and South American Countries
7. Custom ROM must allow hotspot w/o AT&T controlling my use (I have unlimited internet on my plan and want to make use of it)
Background: I'm almost green having only installed a custom ROM on my work phone an HTC One X/XL from AT&T. Apparently it's one of the harder phones to unlock the bootloader and permanent Root is impossible I think. I 1st installed CM12.1 on the HTC ONE X and ran into conflicts and buggy operations. After a few weeks of testing I backed it up, wiped it and installed CM11 which I truly like. No experience or much understanding of KNOX, ODIN or ODEX. I only read bits and pieces on those while trying to figure out which S4 variant will fit my need. Lastly, were can I get a new phone off contract? Anybody purchased from www.Cell2Get.com? I was about to buy this phone prior to the member claiming it wouldn't work on AT&T.
http://www.cell2get.com/samsung-galaxy-s4-i9505-16gb-unlocked-gsm-android-cell-phone-p-5122.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- AT&T has it's own variant of the S4. It's called the "SGH-I337".
- The I9505 will not work with LTE on the AT&T network. It support different bands. So the member was correct. You can see it here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S4#Model_variants
- The "SGH-I337" has a locked bootloader and cannot be unlocked. Only some old devices will have an unlocked bootloader because they never upgraded their software. Thus you cannot use custom roms like CM.

Lennyz1988 said:
- AT&T has it's own variant of the S4. It's called the "SGH-I337".
- The I9505 will not work with LTE on the AT&T network. It support different bands. So the member was correct. You can see it here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S4#Model_variants
- The "SGH-I337" has a locked bootloader and cannot be unlocked. Only some old devices will have an unlocked bootloader because they never upgraded their software. Thus you cannot use custom roms like CM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is the GT-I9505G the preferred phone to have and to mod and if so, can I buy new one without getting a fake?
"Google Play Edition
At the Google I/O 2013 keynote, Samsung and Google revealed that an edition of the U.S. S4 would be released on June 26, 2013 through Google Play, initially featuring stock Android 4.2.2, later updated to 4.4.4, with Samsung provided updates; it has an unlockable bootloader (similar to Nexus devices) and supports LTE on AT&T and T-Mobile's networks. The model number is GT-I9505G."

I'm likely "that member", because I have an I9505 (not I9505G) running on Straight Talk, which is a US MVNO that rents bandwidth from all the major US carriers. The I9505 will not work on LTE here in the US because the LTE frequencies used worldwide (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20) are not the frequencies used by the carriers here in the US. The I9505G is a different story. It has the LTE frequencies needed to work here in the US, and does not have Touchwiz as it uses stock Android.
You can't purchase one new because they've been discontinued for some time now. You may want to check out Swappa (link at the top of the page) and see if they have a used one you can purchase.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I'm likely "that member", because I have an I9505 (not I9505G) running on Straight Talk, which is a US MVNO that rents bandwidth from all the major US carriers. The I9505 will not work on LTE here in the US because the LTE frequencies used worldwide (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20) are not the frequencies used by the carriers here in the US. The I9505G is a different story. It has the LTE frequencies needed to work here in the US, and does not have Touchwiz as it uses stock Android.
You can't purchase one new because they've been discontinued for some time now. You may want to check out Swappa (link at the top of the page) and see if they have a used one you can purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really good and interesting reply. Being new to this stuff and having not kept up with cellphone technology, some of the things you guys just know, I'm having to try to understand. At first I assumed all 9505's were the same, but apparently I was wrong there. Then I also thought that since most cellphone review sites showed a plethora of Freq. and bands, with at least on or two being those that AT&T and most other North American GSM carriers use, I assume that meant I could get that model of phone. little did I know that those two lines of freqs and bands were for different versions of that same model, one for here and being a carrier locked phone and the other line being and international phone without the proper band for use here. So now after learning that difference it appears to me that there may be now way possible to purchase a new S4 and turn it into a custom ROM phone. So if I understand you and the carrier stuff correctly, you're using a plain 9505 and piggybacking off AT&T by way of StraightTalk like so many of us do. However since your phone is an international version you don't have LTE, is that right? One last thing I've yet to read or learn about but saw when I was putting CM11 and 12.1 on my HTC One X/XL (AT&T), I kept seeing stuff about "the radio". The way it read made me think they were NOT talking about an FM radio for music, but the freqs the phone itself uses. I think I recall them flashing "radios" which I assume they meant they were able to change the original freqs/bands that the model came with to one more useful here. Is that something that truly exists and can be done even on an S4 variant? My assumption is that it CANNOT be done or else you'd have done so already on your i9505.

IRBent said:
So if I understand you and the carrier stuff correctly, you're using a plain 9505 and piggybacking off AT&T by way of StraightTalk like so many of us do. However since your phone is an international version you don't have LTE, is that right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
IRBent said:
My assumption is that it CANNOT be done or else you'd have done so already on your i9505.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again correct. With Samsung, their firmware loading software, Odin, actually checks and makes sure the parts of the firmware match the model of the S4 connected to the PC. If they don't match, Odin will instantly fail. The only way to try and enable LTE on the I9505 is to delve into the low-level firmware for the LTE chip and attempt to rewrite it so it can see the added frequencies. However, I don't recommend it. Not only is it a very intricate process compared to something like rooting, it's also quite possible that you could render the LTE chip non-functional. I tried it, and nearly lost the ability to use my phone at all due to having my phone's SIM lock restored.
If you do decide to get an S4, an I9505G is likely your best bet. Not only does it have the AT&T frequencies, it's also got an unlocked bootloader (unlike the AT&T model) and is also carrier unlocked right out of the box. That last means you can use it on T-Mobile and carriers which use GSM SIM cards. Other choices would be the T-Mobile S4 (SGH-M919) or the North American S4 (SGH-I337M). All these phones include the AT&T frequencies and also have an unlocked bootloader so customization is easier.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
If you do decide to get an S4, an I9505G is likely your best bet. Not only does it have the AT&T frequencies, it's also got an unlocked bootloader (unlike the AT&T model) and is also carrier unlocked right out of the box. That last means you can use it on T-Mobile and carriers which use GSM SIM cards. Other choices would be the T-Mobile S4 (SGH-M919) or the North American S4 (SGH-I337M). All these phones include the AT&T frequencies and also have an unlocked bootloader so customization is easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thank you so much sir. This answer is direct and explains exactly what I wanted to know. I only wish it were possible to purchase one of those models new so I could ensure years of use void of glitches due to possible abuse by the previous owner. If I can't find one of the above models I will probably be looking for some other make/model, preferably a new phone not used. Do you know if it's possible to get a new phone that meets the criteria below?
1. Unlocked bootloader or one that can be unlocked
2. Removable battery
3. 4.7" - 5" screen
4. SD card
5. Capable of being used as a hotspot ( I have unlimited internet but need to thwart AT&T from controlling my use)
6. Rootable and custom ROM capable
7. Can be used in U.S, South America and Caribbean (I think most of those places all use the same freqs/bands as U.S.)

That is why on Swappa you search for the ones labeled Mint or New. My device was Mint off Swappa, and the main reasons were that it was always in a case, and had a tempered glass screen protector installed.
For a current flagship-level device, looking at your laundry list, I believe you need to adjust your expectations. Not because of the software, but because of the hardware. LG is perhaps the only manufacturer still offering both removable batteries and MicroSD card slots, but their flagship device has a larger screen than you want. Motorola doesn't have removable batteries. Google provides neither, just like Samsung. Sony is an unknown, but their devices are not common here in the US.
Your best option is to go with a larger screen size and get an LG G4. If you absolutely MUST have the smaller screen, then you want a used Galaxy S4 or S5, so long as they aren't AT&T devices.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
For a current flagship-level device, looking at your laundry list, I believe you need to adjust your expectations. Not because of the software, but because of the hardware. LG is perhaps the only manufacturer still offering both removable batteries and MicroSD card slots, but their flagship device has a larger screen than you want. Motorola doesn't have removable batteries. Google provides neither, just like Samsung. Sony is an unknown, but their devices are not common here in the US.
Your best option is to go with a larger screen size and get an LG G4. If you absolutely MUST have the smaller screen, then you want a used Galaxy S4 or S5, so long as they aren't AT&T devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I should have made it clear too that flagships, latest and greatest wasn't necessary. I'm happy with the speeds my older HTC ONE X and HTC ONE Mini supply. But closing in on 50 years old, my eyes and the Mini's screen don't get along so well anymore.

If you have bad eyesight, a bigger screen can be a godsend.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
If you have bad eyesight, a bigger screen can be a godsend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. I need a bigger screen but a smaller phone because my hands can't reach around my HTC ONE Mini. Sometimes it sucks being 5'4". LOL

IRBent said:
Exactly. I need a bigger screen but a smaller phone because my hands can't reach around my HTC ONE Mini. Sometimes it sucks being 5'4". LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would not recommend someone buying the S4 anymore. It was and still is a great phone, but newer models are just way better. The battery life is to short with the standard battery.
Based on your preferences I would recommend one of the following:
- LG Nexus 5
- Oneplus one
- Motorola X Play
But then again, maybe they are to big for you. The LG is the smallest but doesn't have a sd slot.

Lennyz1988 said:
Based on your preferences I would recommend one of the following:
- LG Nexus 5
- Oneplus one
- Motorola X Play
But then again, maybe they are to big for you. The LG is the smallest but doesn't have a sd slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazing discovery by me just now. Yes, I've seen folks here talk about the brand OnePlus but I didn't know who or what OnePlus was until just now. I used to keep up with all things electronics related, reading review sites and forums like this. 10 years ago or so a DVD manufacturer named OPPO was the talk. Excellent brand but unheard of. I just learned that OnePlus is a company started by an OPPO founder. I'm so out of the loop.

Two part question about buying an unlocked Samsung S5 , help please

Ok, I hope this isn't a totally stupid question, but here goes. My trusty old Galaxy S Blaze is, well, getting old, and I've decided after much research that I want a Galaxy S5. I'm also thinking to switch my carrier from Tmobile to Straight Talk, but would like to piggyback off the Verizon network as I've heard many good things about them. Tmobile is driving me nuts with dropped calls, coverage that sucks, etc.
Soooo....
Part One: can I use my Blaze's sim card in an new unlocked Verizon S5 that I may buy through ebay?
Part Two: Can I then take said new phone and hook up with Straight Talk? I'm just unsure because of the whole GSM/CDMA thing.
Thank you in advance!
-uesay

[USA] Best Note 4 model to get in 2020 (N910T, N910C, or other)?

TL;DR: Specifically looking for a Note 4 that satisfies the following:
- GSM Unlocked 4G LTE and works in the US*
- Has an unlocked bootloader (is rootable, custom ROM-able, etc.)
- Is exempt from, or at least has the fewest reported instances of, the infamous eMMC failure, if possible
*I don't have much knowledge on carrier frequency bands - if it does calls, SMS, and 4G LTE data at reasonable speeds for a 6 year old phone (can stream a video at 480p), that's fine
I have a N910A (the AT&T one) and it's by far and wide the best phone I've ever had. It has an unparalleled set of hardware features that no phone on the market today has beat (IR, S-Pen, user-removable battery, user-servicable internal electronics to an extent, 16MP camera with focus, stabilization and 1080p60 recording, SD card slot, and headphone jack, all in one package). But sadly it fell victim to the eMMC issue earlier this year. So far the cardboard fix combined with wakelock has kept it usable, but it still runs slow, overheats, and randomly freezes doing simple tasks.
However I refuse to give up on the 4 just yet. I have a bunch of spare batteries, plus all my chargers are still micro USB, and the phone still does everything I need it to and more; had it not been for the eMMC issue it would still be going strong.
I'm leaning toward either the N910T (Snapdragon, T-Mobile) for its great software modding potential, or the N910C (Exynos) because I've heard the Exynos one may be less prone to the eMMC failure (?) and has better performance (?), but this is speculation. Plus the Exynos one is more expensive and harder to find. I had thought about just getting a motherboard of one of those two models to put in my AT&T shell, but with that comes the hassles of possibly needing to swap the cameras too, coming across other incompatibilities like carrier frequencies, and worst of all getting one with a bad ESN.
If I'm right that N910T or N910C is the way to go, I'm hoping for some input to steer me in the right direction by addressing a few questions I have that I couldn't find clear answers to:
1. Is it true that the Exynos one isn't prone to eMMC failures, or is every Note 4 susceptible all the same? If the latter is true that pretty much confirms I would go for N910T.
2. Is the Exynos version more or less equivalent to the Snapdragon one in terms of usability when used in the US?
3. Does one or the other have greater custom ROM support?
4. Would I run into any other issues using the Exynos one in the US that the T-Mobile one wouldn't have?
Any input is appreciated, but please be aware I'm really looking for input based on my question. If you're only here to recommend a new phone outside of the Note series, it will take some hard convincing
My carrier is TracFone. Let me know if you need any more info. Thanks for your help!

It's hard to say really, but what you need to know first is.. Which carriers had the most eMMC failure, then go from there.. If your here in the states, then either ATT again, or T-Mobile. I have had 3 Note4 1 with Verizon, and 2 Sprint.. Neither one had failures.. I sold the one from Verizon when I went back to Sprint.. The first Sprint I had for less than 6 months, as I got bored, and wanted something new.. But with the phones being locked down, and me not happy with phones I have had including my Pixel 3a Xl which is being kept in it's box only as a spare.. I went back to this phone, because of root, removable battery, S-pen, really decent camera that came in the custom rom etc. And believe it or not, with a little tweaking, it is just as smooth as my Pixel.

Seeing as you live in the US. It would be more beneficial for you to get a US variant of the Note 4. As both the international variants won't receive LTE from US Cell Providers with the exception of T-Mobile, I believe