Database Users

Which model to buy for full freedom

I am on ATT but I am tired of ATT BS and locked bootloaders and ROM work arounds. I want to be able to use international ROMs. Plus I want to have my ATT LTE.
I want freedom to have me device my way and with any carrier sim. With this said money is not the issue. So what do I buy. If I am reading things right the answer is a T-Mobile Version and then cancel the contract and put my ATT SIM in the Note 3.
Can anyone confirm or advise?

Want your cake (international version) and eat it too (non-international LTE) AND complain because getting both requires a bit of work? LOL
No carrier is going to let you have full freedom w/o you going behind their back (i.e. unlocking bootloaders and custom ROMs)

weirdingway said:
Want your cake (international version) and eat it too (non-international LTE) AND complain because getting both requires a bit of work? LOL
No carrier is going to let you have full freedom w/o you going behind their back (i.e. unlocking bootloaders and custom ROMs)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile appears to have an unlocked Bootloader and unlocked if paid in full. So that sounds like a clean unit to me. That I am free to load Intonational ROM's etc...

If you don't mind 32GB only of internal storage, which effectively translates into ~24GB of user available space - T-Mobile GN3 is your best bet. Pay in full, to get it unlocked and put your AT&T sim into it. Then you will have unlocked bootloader, no carrier network lock, no regional lock and it will work with AT&T LTE. You will be able to use international roms as well, as long as they're not for the octa-core version. You will also be able to flash AT&T modem to it, if you wish.

I just got the T-Mobile Note 3 from Negri (unlocked) It is $689 with no tax here in CA

boilerkim said:
I just got the T-Mobile Note 3 from Negri (unlocked) It is $689 with no tax here in CA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, how did you get yours already?

Apo11on said:
If you don't mind 32GB only of internal storage, which effectively translates into ~24GB of user available space - T-Mobile GN3 is your best bet. Pay in full, to get it unlocked and put your AT&T sim into it. Then you will have unlocked bootloader, no carrier network lock, no regional lock and it will work with AT&T LTE. You will be able to use international roms as well, as long as they're not for the octa-core version. You will also be able to flash AT&T modem to it, if you wish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to order a Note 3 from Negri to use it with AIO. I would like to have the unlocked bootloader but I'm worry about something I read in another thread here (Note 3 Carrier Selection):
"The main difference between the 1700 band being used by AT&T or TMO device is that AT&T version will use that 1700 for LTE signals where as Tmobile variant will use the 1700 for their HSPA signals."
What if ATT is using 1700 in my area for LTE? I will have the unlocked bootloader and no LTE? Where can I find what frequencies ATT is using in what areas? I made some searches without luck.
Any help will be appreciated.

T-Mobile note3 bootloader appears to be locked. Can't flash CWM

jmarquesh said:
I want to order a Note 3 from Negri to use it with AIO. I would like to have the unlocked bootloader but I'm worry about something I read in another thread here (Note 3 Carrier Selection):
"The main difference between the 1700 band being used by AT&T or TMO device is that AT&T version will use that 1700 for LTE signals where as Tmobile variant will use the 1700 for their HSPA signals."
What if ATT is using 1700 in my area for LTE? I will have the unlocked bootloader and no LTE? Where can I find what frequencies ATT is using in what areas? I made some searches without luck.
Any help will be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some search without luck? You've got to be kidding me! I have personally posted AT&T's LTE frequencies in at least 3 threads in Note 3 forums. It takes about 2 seconds to google a wiki page with LTE frequencies by carrier worldwide...FYI AT&T operates it's LTE network on both bands 4 and 17 in most areas. However, I don't understand why do you think there is a problem with AT&T & T-Mo using the same frequency in a certain area. There are 2 absolutely independent carriers, each with their own towers and your phone will get service from a carrier, based on whatever SIM you put in. What difference do these overlapping frequencies make to you?

eclipxe said:
T-Mobile note3 bootloader appears to be locked. Can't flash CWM
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Click to collapse
Do you have a source for this?
serialtoon said:
Wait, how did you get yours already?
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Click to collapse
I didn't, just ordered it

Apo11on said:
Some search without luck? You've got to be kidding me! I have personally posted AT&T's LTE frequencies in at least 3 threads in Note 3 forums. It takes about 2 seconds to google a wiki page with LTE frequencies by carrier worldwide...FYI AT&T operates it's LTE network on both bands 4 and 17 in most areas. However, I don't understand why do you think there is a problem with AT&T & T-Mo using the same frequency in a certain area. There are 2 absolutely independent carriers, each with their own towers and your phone will get service from a carrier, based on whatever SIM you put in. What difference do these overlapping frequencies make to you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did find information about the frequencies used by each carrier. What I was looking for is what frequency is used in a given area, say near my house. Maybe that is not the right question since I'm new to all this problem.
In another thread (Note 3 Carrier Selection) people is recommending to buy the TMobile version over the ATT version even if you want to use it with ATT (AIO). Because the bootloader in TMo may be unlocked. But then cheols46 posted this:
The main difference between the 1700 band being used by AT&T or TMO device is that AT&T version will use that 1700 for LTE signals where as Tmobile variant will use the 1700 for their HSPA signals.
I have 2 HTC One from each carrier and while AT&T version will pick up LTE at my house with the AT&T sim card in it, while T-mobile version only picks up HSPA+ with the AT&T sim card. It really depends on the tower frequency you use in your area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to know if that will happen to me if I buy the TMo version to use it with AIO.
Thanks in advance for any help you may provide.

That guy is getting only HSPA with AT&T SIM card because his APN for AT&T LTE is not configured correctly on the T-Mo phone. He probably didnt change the APN settings, or maybe T-Mo stock firmware doesnt even have those settings, since the network didnt support LTE when that phone was bought?
If your phone is configured correctly, and you use AT&T SIM you should get LTE service.

Apo11on said:
That guy is getting only HSPA with AT&T SIM card because his APN for AT&T LTE is not configured correctly on the T-Mo phone. He probably didnt change the APN settings, or maybe T-Mo stock firmware doesnt even have those settings, since the network didnt support LTE when that phone was bought?
If your phone is configured correctly, and you use AT&T SIM you should get LTE service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will you advice to buy the sim unlocked TMo version instead of the ATT version, because of the unlocked bootloader and the support for TMo bands (again this is just something I read)? I'm planning to use it with AIO but after spending all that money it will be good to know that I could use it with TMo if I wanted.

jmarquesh said:
Will you advice to buy the sim unlocked TMo version instead of the ATT version, because of the unlocked bootloader and the support for TMo bands (again this is just something I read)? I'm planning to use it with AIO but after spending all that money it will be good to know that I could use it with TMo if I wanted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If i were you I'd wait a week or two, until other people do it, and you can find enough feedback on how well things work. The question, you should be asking yourself is not a choice between T-Mo vs AT&T version, but T-Mo vs international LTE version with unlocked bootloader, because getting AT&T one with locked bootloader will severely cripple what you can do with your phone. Keep in mind if you have any LTE version with unlocked bootloader you should be able to flash AT&T modem onto it, once it becomes available, regardless of what LTE bands it currently supports.

Apo11on said:
If i were you I'd wait a week or two, until other people do it, and you can find enough feedback on how well things work. The question, you should be asking yourself is not a choice between T-Mo vs AT&T version, but T-Mo vs international LTE version with unlocked bootloader, because getting AT&T one with locked bootloader will severely cripple what you can do with your phone. Keep in mind if you have any LTE version with unlocked bootloader you should be able to flash AT&T modem onto it, once it becomes available, regardless of what LTE bands it currently supports.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sort of forced to get an AT&T version (have unlimited data) but considering taking chance that someone will figure out N3 bootloader unlock for future versions of AT&T roms. Is that wise?

sonicthoughts said:
I'm sort of forced to get an AT&T version (have unlimited data) but considering taking chance that someone will figure out N3 bootloader unlock for future versions of AT&T roms. Is that wise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give you a hint: http://www.androidoverload.com/bootloader-bounty-exceeds-5k-verizonatt-samsung-galaxy-s4/

boilerkim said:
I just got the T-Mobile Note 3 from Negri (unlocked) It is $689 with no tax here in CA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Negri still shows preorder, did they start to ship phones?
And by the way it's 669.5 with code ne20offcart

[Q] Which s5 model suits my needs?

I'm looking to get an s5 for use in north america. My sim card is using AT&T towers. I want a bootloader that allows unlocking using "fastboot oem unlock" or a similar command; no workarounds like loki. I will be buying outright, not carrier subsidizing for 2 years. Given these criteria, which model numbers should I be considering?
I've heard that the t-mobile one has the unlockable bootloader. Does it support all the bands to use AT&T towers?
I've seen more than one model number for international units. Are all the bootloaders unlockable? What's the deal with the region-locking? Will some of them work better for me than the others?

gianptune said:
I'm looking to get an s5 for use in north america. My sim card is using AT&T towers. I want a bootloader that allows unlocking using "fastboot oem unlock" or a similar command; no workarounds like loki. I will be buying outright, not carrier subsidizing for 2 years. Given these criteria, which model numbers should I be considering?
I've heard that the t-mobile one has the unlockable bootloader. Does it support all the bands to use AT&T towers?
I've seen more than one model number for international units. Are all the bootloaders unlockable? What's the deal with the region-locking? Will some of them work better for me than the others?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no unlocking of bootloaders. It's either unlocked, or locked from the factory.
To answer your question, get the G900T (the tmobile version). You can get this at costco, best buy, target, .... and of course a tmobile store itself. It supports all of AT&T's bands and more.

aooga said:
There is no unlocking of bootloaders. It's either unlocked, or locked from the factory.
To answer your question, get the G900T (the tmobile version). You can get this at costco, best buy, target, .... and of course a tmobile store itself. It supports all of AT&T's bands and more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best Buy doesn't carry T Mobile phones except I prepaid, so they can't buy it there.

joshua.justice said:
Best Buy doesn't carry T Mobile phones except I prepaid, so they can't buy it there.
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Click to collapse
I bought the g900t and have been using it on att networks. I bought the phone unlocked but new beside that on ebay. I did have to play with some different apns to get it to take on different towers. I had some issues while traveling in different cities that I wouldn't get data. But I think I got the issue fixed. Just took the 133mb ota, hoping that it doesn't mess with the cell unlock or keep me from rooting. Well so far it hasn't messed with the carrier unlock

joshua.justice said:
Best Buy doesn't carry T Mobile phones except I prepaid, so they can't buy it there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird. Mine did. Just buy it at Costco or a tmo store. I just bought it from a tmobile store. Went through really easily.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

aooga said:
Weird. Mine did. Just buy it at Costco or a tmo store. I just bought it from a tmobile store. Went through really easily.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the tmobile store told me that they would not unlock a new phone like this for at least 6 months even if you buy it outright. So if you do that plan on unlocking it with one of the many websites that do it

aklbeach said:
the tmobile store told me that they would not unlock a new phone like this for at least 6 months even if you buy it outright. So if you do that plan on unlocking it with one of the many websites that do it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well i'm on tmobile so I didn't need them to unlock anything, but you're right, they won't unlock it so the OP will need to use some unlocking site to use it on ATT.

FINALLY! A single hardware variant for all US carriers.

Looking at the FCC docs for what appears to be the S7, it seems like Samsung will finally make just a single hardware variant for the US, FCC ID A3LSMG935US, with the different carrier models' features and bands being enabled/disabled solely in software or firmware.
Assuming this observation is correct, this will mark a sea change in Samsung's approach which in the past meant creating a plethora of hardware variants for the US market.
This may also mean that at some point we might see an unlocked model with broad support for multiple US carriers.

FINALLY! A single hardware variant for all US carriers
myphone12345 said:
Looking at the FCC docs for what appears to be the S7, it seems like Samsung will finally make just a single hardware variant for the US, FCC ID A3LSMG935US, with the different carrier models' features and bands being enabled/disabled solely in software or firmware.
Assuming this observation is correct, this will mark a sea change in Samsung's approach which in the past meant creating a plethora of hardware variants for the US market.
This may also mean that at some point we might see an unlocked model with broad support for multiple US carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope this will come true

haldi15 said:
GayT&T and Verizon will still lock the bootloaders on their versions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably true but since most of us will have to buy the phone outright now due to no carrier subsidies, couldn't we just buy a T-Mobile version and active whatever bands are needed for lets say Verizon? I have always heard that T-Mobile phones are easier to deal with as far as a Sammy BL goes. I may be way off on my thinking but it was my thought as this was a way around Verizon and AT&T locking down the equipment that we own.

t_house said:
Probably true but since most of us will have to buy the phone outright now due to no carrier subsidies, couldn't we just buy a T-Mobile version and active whatever bands are needed for lets say Verizon? I have always heard that T-Mobile phones are easier to deal with as far as a Sammy BL goes. I may be way off on my thinking but it was my thought as this was a way around Verizon and AT&T locking down the equipment that we own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
correct both US and canadian users already do this, you can either hex edit the modem or just flash a modem that carries the support already as many users have done.

t_house said:
Probably true but since most of us will have to buy the phone outright now due to no carrier subsidies, couldn't we just buy a T-Mobile version and active whatever bands are needed for lets say Verizon? I have always heard that T-Mobile phones are easier to deal with as far as a Sammy BL goes. I may be way off on my thinking but it was my thought as this was a way around Verizon and AT&T locking down the equipment that we own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been using TMOBILE Phones on ATT Network for 5 years. S4- S5-Note 3, 4 and 5, S6 - etc.

Perhaps this coincides with the rumored Samsung leasing program and one unlocked phone for all carriers.
Only recently has Verizon started activating unlocked phones ie Nexus.
My 2 cents

Solace50 said:
correct both US and canadian users already do this, you can either hex edit the modem or just flash a modem that carries the support already as many users have done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it really expected to be that easy to use a T-Mobile S7 on Verizon? T-Mobile leaves them unlocked so you can flash Verizon radios and are good to go?

Redflea said:
Is it really expected to be that easy to use a T-Mobile S7 on Verizon? T-Mobile leaves them unlocked so you can flash Verizon radios and are good to go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know in the past you could always take a Verizon S7 and use it on T-Mobile or AT&T, but the problem has been a lack of band support since Verizon only seems to include at most bands 2, 4, 5, and 13. Here's hoping the S7 changes this.

geoff5093 said:
I know in the past you could always take a Verizon S7 and use it on T-Mobile or AT&T, but the problem has been a lack of band support since Verizon only seems to include at most bands 2, 4, 5, and 13. Here's hoping the S7 changes this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm more interested in the other direction, T-Mobile S7 Edge on Verizon. If that's doable, that would be nice.

Redflea said:
I'm more interested in the other direction, T-Mobile S7 Edge on Verizon. If that's doable, that would be nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really hope so. In the past only the Verizon model could work on Verizon, but I think it's about time Samsung changes this and follows the route of the Nexus, iPhone, and Moto direction of one phone that works on all carriers.

I have a Verizon S5 and I can easily activate any band I need by changing settings in the IOT Hidden Menu and/or Service Mode. It's been a minute since I last played around with my phone in that capacity but I know I can do it. Obviously root access is a must to do any of this so I guess we will see if Sammy bastardizes the S7 like they did the S6 Edge and Edge+ with no options at all for root. That really is a deal breaker for me. I'll keep my S5 and see what the 2016 versions of the Nexus phones are like.

t_house said:
I have a Verizon S5 and I can easily activate any band I need by changing settings in the IOT Hidden Menu and/or Service Mode. It's been a minute since I last played around with my phone in that capacity but I know I can do it. Obviously root access is a must to do any of this so I guess we will see if Sammy bastardizes the S7 like they did the S6 Edge and Edge+ with no options at all for root. That really is a deal breaker for me. I'll keep my S5 and see what the 2016 versions of the Nexus phones are like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you can't activate any band you need. You may be able to activate certain unlocked bands, but it still lacks many of the bands that are in use today by other carriers.

It has come to my attention that the Straight Talk version of the Galaxy S5 comes with an unlocked bootloader and is practically identical to the Verizon version. Cyanogenmod and TWRP can be loaded on to it. You would treat it as a developer model S5.
Sent from my rooted SM-G900V

t_house said:
It has come to my attention that the Straight Talk version of the Galaxy S5 comes with an unlocked bootloader and is practically identical to the Verizon version. Cyanogenmod and TWRP can be loaded on to it. You would treat it as a developer model S5.
Sent from my rooted SM-G900V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's awesome if true. Have you actually done this yourself? Or do you have a source?

Apparently AT&T will be offering an off-contract phone but still unsure if it will be unlocked or not. Does anyone have experience with AT&T and their off-contract phones.

Redflea said:
Is it really expected to be that easy to use a T-Mobile S7 on Verizon? T-Mobile leaves them unlocked so you can flash Verizon radios and are good to go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That seems to be what OP is implying, though I'm not as optimistic. If that's confirmed true then I'll be getting an S7 on day one.
Unlimited data keeps us on Verizon, but I'm so sick and tired of their locked down devices.

myphone12345 said:
Looking at the FCC docs for what appears to be the S7, it seems like Samsung will finally make just a single hardware variant for the US, FCC ID A3LSMG935US, with the different carrier models' features and bands being enabled/disabled solely in software or firmware.
Assuming this observation is correct, this will mark a sea change in Samsung's approach which in the past meant creating a plethora of hardware variants for the US market.
This may also mean that at some point we might see an unlocked model with broad support for multiple US carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently not:
G930F (Global); G930A (AT&T, Cricket); G930P (Sprint, Boost, Virgin Mobile); G930V (Verizon); G930T (T-Mobile, Metro PCS); G930R (US Cellular)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source

I think OP was referring to this image. Notice the middle model.

jal3223 said:
I think OP was referring to this image. Notice the middle model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very interesting. But...
No VoLTE on that model means no simultaneous voice and data on Verizon, as voice will always be CDMA (assuming they don't try and pitch a hissy fit about activating on their network in the first place). Also no wifi calling on that model.
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

So the T-Mobile site says it supports LTE band 13. I wonder if it could be used on Verizon, even if only in LTE mode?

Unlock Sprint GS 7 for use on ATT/T-Mobile

I want to purchase a Sprint GS 7 and sim unlock to use on GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile.
What is the process official and other options for sim unlock.
Never had Sprint service before, thanks for your assistance.

First step is to not stick a sprint sim card in the phone. I played around with mine without a sim card and to get the stupid vr game promo i stuck the card in and next thing it did was install all the carrier garbage bloatware automatically and it changes the boot screen and to my understanding it sim locks to the carrier that the sim card uses. Complete bullsh!t I am irate and stuck with all of this garbage bloat courtesy of sprint and the locked bootloader thanks to samsung. Im returning mine

I bought my sprint s7 full price through best buy.
First thing I did was swap the sprint Sim with my AT&T Sim (testing first Sim inserted). Prompted with invalid Sim error.
Appears the sprint phones come with activation software pre-installed that locks it to their network. You need them to unlock it from their end, no unlock codes.
When I put the sprint Sim back in, it didn't install all the bloat. It installs everything if you activate the phone; unactivated Sim, no account.
According to sprint, the phone needs to be activated on the network for 50 days and paid in full to be unlocked. They unlocked mine without meeting those standard because of poor support from a rep before I bought it.

After you get it unlocked, you can just insert any sim (gsm/cdma) after?
I don't see any settings to change the network mode.

I'd like to know the same. I'm traveling over seas in less than two week and would like to use while over seas with the local carrier. Not so much concerned with using it with other carriers domestically though.
I'm also curious if the phone can be used for data on other carries once unlocked. I wonder because with my current Sprint GS5, Sprint unlocked it, but it does not work with data when over seas. Come to find out after a lot of research, there is no solution and everybody with unlocked Sprint GS5s also cannot get data to work without wifi.
OP, you may want to keep that in mind and do your research. If Sprint's GS7 is like their GS5, you will not be able to get data on the phone with other carriers even if unlocked, unless connected to wifi.

Yes, any Sim CDMA or GSM will work. And data works perfectly for me. The s7 is the same device for every carrier where the only thing that changes is the software.
Here's a screenshot of my sprint phone on cricket with data.

noreboy said:
I'd like to know the same. I'm traveling over seas in less than two week and would like to use while over seas with the local carrier. Not so much concerned with using it with other carriers domestically though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the Sprint model, there will be LTE issues overseas depending on where you go and which carrier you use.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=65825260&postcount=14
noreboy said:
I'm also curious if the phone can be used for data on other carries once unlocked. I wonder because with my current Sprint GS5, Sprint unlocked it, but it does not work with data when over seas. Come to find out after a lot of research, there is no solution and everybody with unlocked Sprint GS5s also cannot get data to work without wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to UK in 2013, had my S4 with me and was able to get data. I was not, however, able to get fast LTE speeds. Sprint cripples their LTE bands on purpose for some reason so that they become less useful on many international carriers.
---------- Post added at 11:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:13 AM ----------
TehPirate_ said:
The s7 is the same device for every carrier where the only thing that changes is the software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main difference between models on each carrier are bloatware they add and LTE bands they add and delete. Sprint always gets rid of useful LTE bands like LTE 7 which is a popular worldwide band.

asuh said:
The main difference between models on each carrier are bloatware they add and LTE bands they add and delete. Sprint always gets rid of useful LTE bands like LTE 7 which is a popular worldwide band.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE 7 is enabled for me.

TehPirate_ said:
LTE 7 is enabled for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. Cricket is owned by AT&T, a carrier who did not get rid of band 7, despite the fact that they use Sprint's 3G network as well as CDMA. Do you have bands 25 and 26 as well? If so, that would be great!

asuh said:
Correct. Cricket is owned by AT&T, a carrier who did not get rid of band 7, despite the fact that they use Sprint's 3G network as well as CDMA. Do you have bands 25 and 26 as well? If so, that would be great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're also correct but this is a Sprint S7 network unlocked. And yes, I do. 25 and 26 are the first priority for me.

TehPirate_ said:
You're also correct but this is a Sprint S7 network unlocked. And yes, I do. 25 and 26 are the first priority for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. Okay, so do you *also* have LTE 29/30/40 that AT&T has been adding to their phones?

asuh said:
Interesting. Okay, so do you *also* have LTE 29/30/40 that AT&T has been adding to their phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't actually. Knowing this I'm going to focus on attempting to add these bands (toggle them). Trying to get a hold of Sprint currently to get my MSL code.

The Galaxy S7 is DUC meaning it can be unlocked for domestic use, and it will automatically unlock tru a programming update sent OTA after the device has been active on the account(in good standing) for more than 50 days.

TehPirate_ said:
LTE 7 is enabled for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can I get to see which bands are enabled on my phone?

YankyA said:
Where can I get to see which bands are enabled on my phone?
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Click to collapse
Bands available i believe

For those not in good standing, or who don't feel like waiting, find somebody with a Z3X-box, like myself, on craigslist. $45 (or usually in that area,) takes us 5-10 minutes, don't need root, and doesn't need to be clean. =]

sml2004 said:
Bands available i believe
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Click to collapse
Yup. how do I get to this menu?

YankyA said:
Yup. how do I get to this menu?
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Click to collapse
##3282#

Just bought a sprint s7 yesterday since it was cheaper for me and had it unlock from an ebay listing for about $15. It was quick like 2 minutes and easy. Its done remotely on the person's end with your phone connected to computer. I'm using it on Tmobile and is working great. I get lte speeds and call quailty is great. Getting to the service menu above ##3282# you can edit the band priorities so you can have the wanted bands 1st, 2nd, and so forth. Just need the MSL# which they can get you.
If this is against the rules sorry, but just thought I give my experience with unlocking the sprint s7.

I'm trying to find detailed specs without luck, can someone please clarify which LTE bands the Sprint variant of the S7 has?
Please list all that are physically on the radio, and specify if they are actually available for use or blocked.

definitive FACTS on all s8 variants

I bought a Verizon SM-G950UZKAVZW direct from Samsung. I thought that I was buying a phone that I could take to any carrier. I'm hearing that might not be true. Does anyone have definitive, confirmed specs ie supported radio bands on all of the carrier variants as well as the upcoming intl version? Also I heard other reports that the hardware is identical and it's firmware that is limiting the phones. Not sure if that is true either. Samsung was absolutely not helpful.
Bottom line I need to know:
1 if I keep the SM-G950UZKAVZW, will I be able to use it with other carrier networks?
2 if I can use the SM-G950UZKAVZW with other carriers, what actions (if any) would I need to take to do that? (Other than swapping a sim card)
3 would the phone I currently possess be limited in any way if I were to use it with other carriers? (Limited is defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how would it be limited?
4 if I were to purchase an unlocked international model once it becomes available, would that phone be limited in any way when used on any US carrier? (Limited is again defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how?
If you aren't sure, please don't reply. There's plenty of people documenting their best guess already. I'm looking for the straight story.
Thanks for reading!

All of Verizon phones are Sim card unlocked and since there is really only 1 version of the S8/S8+ in the US (with different model #'s corresponding to the different carriers) using the phone on another carriers network is not going to be an issue. All you need to do is insert the sim card in.
http://www.gottabemobile.com/how-to-unlock-the-galaxy-s8/
As a quick note, if you have a Verizon Galaxy S8 congratulations. Your phone is already unlocked. Verizon Wireless no longer locks phones, regardless of what you might hear from friends or family. Simply drop a T-Mobile or AT&T SIM card in a Verizon model and it works. It may require manually configuring the APN settings though, so keep that in mind.
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The ONLY exception that might be would be Sprint since they are CDMA as well, but who really wants to go from Verizon to Sprint?????
All 4 Major US(and subsequent sub carriers) are receiving the same version of the phone(meaning same internals). From my understanding, inserting the carriers Sim card into the verizon phone just means you start going at that point and have access to all the carriers bands
If you got an international version, it most likely would be powered by an Exynos CPU vs the Snapdragon 835 so there would be some performance differences (typically Exynos models perform marginally better based on previous history)
If you're looking for a US unlocked model - wait until next month
http://www.theverge.com/circuitbrea...-unlocked-galaxy-s8-plus-pricing-release-date

I appreciate your clear response! Would it be accurate to say that I will have just as much freedom to hop from one carrier to another using the phone I have, as opposed to purchasing the upcoming US unlocked variant?
Also, I have heard the same thing about the hardware, that all of the carrier variants are the same physical model. But some folks, including the Samsung tech support rep I spoke to (unfortunately that probably doesn't mean a whole lot) seem to think that the carrier firmware is limiting the radio bands. Do you know this to be false?

I have the Verizon version and works fine on Tmo out of the box. Have to use Verizon update software through Windows though. OTA's will never come through.

I am using Verizon GS8 on att, it works but I only get HSPA mostly. No LTE, so band is definitely capped by firmware.
I didn't have any issue receiving ota with att sim in vzw gs8

I saw a review that said the s8 gets locked to the first carrier sim it accepts. Can someone confirm swapping sims of different carriers works?

Whanksta said:
I am using Verizon GS8 on att, it works but I only get HSPA mostly. No LTE, so band is definitely capped by firmware.
I didn't have any issue receiving ota with att sim in vzw gs8
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Have you tried going into the network band menu and locking it to one of the AT&T LTE bands?
This still works on the S8 (found this on the S7 and used it to lock my S7 to band 4 for Tmobile)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tm...ng-network-t3331555/post65722081#post65722081

ElBeaner said:
Have you tried going into the network band menu and locking it to one of the AT&T LTE bands?
This still works on the S8 (found this on the S7 and used it to lock my S7 to band 4 for Tmobile)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tm...ng-network-t3331555/post65722081#post65722081
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I am unable to access the service menu via the S7 method

Whanksta said:
I am unable to access the service menu via the S7 method
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Ok forgot you were Verizon - you have to edit a setting because they block you from that access
Try this if you're daring enough
https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s6/general/enabling-using-servicemode-t3109579
EDIT Damn, looks like you have to be rooted first
---------- Post added at 12:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 AM ----------
Whanksta said:
I am unable to access the service menu via the S7 method
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You'll need to wait unti the official AT&T rom is available from Smasung and then you should be able to flash it via ODIN onto the phone and get all the AT&T carrier bands

mredamon said:
I bought a Verizon SM-G950UZKAVZW direct from Samsung. I thought that I was buying a phone that I could take to any carrier. I'm hearing that might not be true. Does anyone have definitive, confirmed specs ie supported radio bands on all of the carrier variants as well as the upcoming intl version? Also I heard other reports that the hardware is identical and it's firmware that is limiting the phones. Not sure if that is true either. Samsung was absolutely not helpful.
Bottom line I need to know:
4 if I were to purchase an unlocked international model once it becomes available, would that phone be limited in any way when used on any US carrier? (Limited is again defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how?
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Once it becomes available? You can buy Exynos right now from other countries. Clove in UK will region unlock the phone before shipping to you in the U.S. What needs to become available?
Don't confuse the "unlocked" S8 Samsung will sell here in the U.S. in a month or so with the Exynos international variant. The "unlocked" S8 coming to the U.S. is still the bootloader locked Snapdragon version, just without carrier branding. It will be carrier unlocked but not bootloader unlocked. If you care about rooting, TWRP, ROMs, etc Exynos is what you want.
would that (Exynos international variant) phone be limited in any way when used on any US carrier?
(Limited is again defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how?
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NO, except if you are on CDMA-handicapped Sprint or Verizon. If you use Sprint or Verizon be aware Exynos doesn't have 3G CDMA bands to fall back on if you can't get LTE. For AT&T or T-Mobile, YES it has all the LTE/HSPA/GSM bands.
The "international" Exynos variant can be bootloader unlocked, rooted, etc. so tons of advantages. While it has Verizon LTE bands, there's no CDMA. This means you really need Verizon VoLTE to work and I don't have the answer to that. And if you can't get LTE signal on mobile network, you won't have any signal due to no CDMA fallback. Again, only an issue because of CDMA if you stay on Verizon instead of using AT&T or T-mobile (or their network affiliates). You seem like you want to switch to another carrier? So, go ahead and do so!
EXYNOS VARIANTS LTE BANDS:
LTE Bands: FDD: B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B12(700), B13(700), B17(700), B18(800), B19(800), B20(800), B25(1900), B26(800), B28(700), B32(1500), B66(AWS- 3) | TDD: B38(2600), B39(1900), B40(2300), B41(2500)
GSM/GPRS
850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
3G/HSPA
850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz

ChazzMatt said:
Once it becomes available? You can buy Exynos right now from other countries. Clove in UK will region unlock the phone before shipping to you in the U.S. What needs to become available?
Don't confuse the "unlocked" S8 Samsung will sell here in the U.S. in a month or so with the Exynos international variant. The "unlocked" S8 coming to the U.S. is still the bootloader locked Snapdragon version, just without carrier branding. It will be carrier unlocked but not bootloader unlocked. If you care about rooting, TWRP, ROMs, etc Exynos is what you want. /QUOTE]
Yeah I screwed up. I did confuse them.
I'm not interested in all that rooting stuff I just want a phone that pretty much works anywhere I want to take it and if it's slower on one network than another I wanna know what I'm getting myself into.
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Whanksta said:
I am using Verizon GS8 on att, it works but I only get HSPA mostly. No LTE, so band is definitely capped by firmware.
I didn't have any issue receiving ota with att sim in vzw gs8
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Hey guys
I'm from Brazil and I wanna buy the Verizon's S8 but I'm afraid about the 4G.
I saw that this model has the Brazil LTE frequencies, but I read here that Verizon capped the band from the firmware.
Somebody knows if I could flash via ODIN the unlocked rom that will come with the unlocked version in USA and so get the LTE free to use in any place?
I don't want to assume the risk to have a top mobile phone but don't be able to use 4G.
Thank you very much guys

Hey mredamon. Did you ever get a clear response here or somewhere else about this?