Related
I'm looking at the Phone right now and it doen NOT have any slot to insert a SIM card..
I guess is not an International version.
You can call while international on GSM...I believe it is $0.02 a minute for UK to US
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Jcossack88 said:
You can call while international on GSM...I believe it is $0.02 a minute for UK to US
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm talking about to been able to use your phone overseas with a GSM carrier. Not only in UK ..
The GSM SIM is embedded and not user accessible. If you want to travel and use the phone you are stuck getting screwed by Sprints roaming rates. The iphone 5 and Photon Q are the same way. It's bullsh*t to call them world phones at this point. You could take the phone apart and access the SIM, but then you'd still have to get it unlocked.
I think part of the reason is so many were buying world phones on contract, billing it to the account and selling them overseas and not paying a dime on the account. With all the fraud, I think they took the most drastic route possible. Still BS to screw its traveling customers. People will still find a way if they want to commit fraud. They always do. And we pay for it one way or the other.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
Is this only missing in the Sprint Version? Verizon? I imagine the US GSM variants don't have this issue. Anyone know for sure?
It's purely a Sprint thing. Verizon, by law, can't lock their LTE phones, not even locally. Hence the iphone 5 on Verizon can be used on Tmo and AT&T as well as overseas with other SIMs.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
I got mine from Hong Kong which came with the SIM slot. can not image those locked to a carrier with an embedded SIM... Would those be much cheaper than the generic ones?
welcome to the world of CDMA carriers, ie. Verizon and Sprint. That was the general rule of thumb. You're locked into one or the other when in the US, but if you travel overseas, you were generally free to pop in a local SIM for cheap service. I think the Verizon version will allow it as well as being unlocked for local service due to the FCC. This is a first for international CDMA phones. Sprint, using different bandwidth for their LTE doesn't have that restriction so to speak. And embedding the GSM SIM is new for them. It hasn't been their MO up until the new LTE phones hit.
wow great stuff, thxxx
dbpaddler said:
welcome to the world of CDMA carriers, ie. Verizon and Sprint. That was the general rule of thumb. You're locked into one or the other when in the US, but if you travel overseas, you were generally free to pop in a local SIM for cheap service. I think the Verizon version will allow it as well as being unlocked for local service due to the FCC. This is a first for international CDMA phones. Sprint, using different bandwidth for their LTE doesn't have that restriction so to speak. And embedding the GSM SIM is new for them. It hasn't been their MO up until the new LTE phones hit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes unfortunately this seems to be a Sprint trend on all new international phones. A move which I am not pleased with. What I wasn't sure of is if Verizon was following suit. Can anyone confirm embedded Simms in any of Verizons new international phones? I'd like to see Sprint reverse this policy but it probably won't happen until a lawsuit our FCC ruling against them.
Sent from my MB855 using xda app-developers app
Hey guys.
So I have a Bell Note 2 that I bought in full from my carriers store and they were from the first batch shipment to western Canada.
I've been poking around looking into how they might of setup the locks on the phone and what dialer codes work to do what. I decided to pop in a Telus sim card to check on the lock status of my phone and to my surprise the thing is already Factory Unlocked!
I'm curious if this was on purpose with Bell's Note 2's or did I somehow luck out with a factory unlocked one?
When searching around I've found that NCIX.com is planning on selling Bell Note 2's in Full and they have told me they are also Factory Unlocked as well.
Anyone else with a Bell phone can tell me if theirs is unlocked as well and also anyone with a Rogers and Telus ones too. I'm curious about this as its not like a carrier to sell you phones that are not locked to their network.
Even though Canadian carriers don't do this. I feel that if you buy a phone out in full they should offer you a free unlock code just as AT&T does in the states.
If this is legit and Bell has actually decided to sell their phones no longer locked to their network when buy in full this is a big Plus in my book with them and customer service towards people that pay full price for their phones.
dbzgod said:
Hey guys.
So I have a Bell Note 2 that I bought in full from my carriers store and they were from the first batch shipment to western Canada.
I've been poking around looking into how they might of setup the locks on the phone and what dialer codes work to do what. I decided to pop in a Telus sim card to check on the lock status of my phone and to my surprise the thing is already Factory Unlocked!
I'm curious if this was on purpose with Bell's Note 2's or did I somehow luck out with a factory unlocked one?
When searching around I've found that NCIX.com is planning on selling Bell Note 2's in Full and they have told me they are also Factory Unlocked as well.
Anyone else with a Bell phone can tell me if theirs is unlocked as well and also anyone with a Rogers and Telus ones too. I'm curious about this as its not like a carrier to sell you phones that are not locked to their network.
Even though Canadian carriers don't do this. I feel that if you buy a phone out in full they should offer you a free unlock code just as AT&T does in the states.
If this is legit and Bell has actually decided to sell their phones no longer locked to their network when buy in full this is a big Plus in my book with them and customer service towards people that pay full price for their phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, I`d like to test my Bell unit now but I don`t have another carriers Micro SIM to test.
dbzgod said:
Hey guys.
So I have a Bell Note 2 that I bought in full from my carriers store and they were from the first batch shipment to western Canada.
I've been poking around looking into how they might of setup the locks on the phone and what dialer codes work to do what. I decided to pop in a Telus sim card to check on the lock status of my phone and to my surprise the thing is already Factory Unlocked!
I'm curious if this was on purpose with Bell's Note 2's or did I somehow luck out with a factory unlocked one?
When searching around I've found that NCIX.com is planning on selling Bell Note 2's in Full and they have told me they are also Factory Unlocked as well.
Anyone else with a Bell phone can tell me if theirs is unlocked as well and also anyone with a Rogers and Telus ones too. I'm curious about this as its not like a carrier to sell you phones that are not locked to their network.
Even though Canadian carriers don't do this. I feel that if you buy a phone out in full they should offer you a free unlock code just as AT&T does in the states.
If this is legit and Bell has actually decided to sell their phones no longer locked to their network when buy in full this is a big Plus in my book with them and customer service towards people that pay full price for their phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should've checked mine before unlocking (USB service) it this afternoon.
My rogers note 2 was unlocked as well from what I have been told this was an oversight with the first batch. Not gonna complain though
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda premium
my rogers one has sim lock
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Does anyone know of an easy way to check and see if your phone is unlocked. ( I don't have a foreign SIM to use to check). Is there a dial pad code you can type to see? My Note 2 box does not have any indication on it that says it is for Roger so I am wondering if it came unlocked? For my S3 I can type *#7465625# and it will tell me the lock status but it won't work on the Note 2.
To the original poster, my rogers phone was locked when trying a Tmobile Sim.
Could be that Telus and Bell using same network so might work.
Same is true between rogers Fido
Canadoc said:
To the original poster, my rogers phone was locked when trying a Tmobile Sim.
Could be that Telus and Bell using same network so might work.
Same is true between rogers Fido
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, they do NOT use the same network, they only share towers. Each have their own MNC's. Telus/ Koodo share a network, Bell/Virgin share a network. Also check post 4, Rogers user with an unlocked unit.
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda premium
Sword Fish said:
Does anyone know of an easy way to check and see if your phone is unlocked. ( I don't have a foreign SIM to use to check). Is there a dial pad code you can type to see? My Note 2 box does not have any indication on it that says it is for Roger so I am wondering if it came unlocked? For my S3 I can type *#7465625# and it will tell me the lock status but it won't work on the Note 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was hoping those codes to check on the lock status were going to work too, seeing as how the NA Note II is running the same Exynos Processor as the international one and built the same. But it appears that since we are using the Qualcomm modem for our LTE support they have once again modified what codes work for our custom NA models :/
Looks like the only way to check on the lock status is by just inserting a Micro Sim from another carrier.
Anyone with a Telus Note II that has theirs factory unlocked as well? still curious about this.
slegrand said:
My rogers note 2 was unlocked as well from what I have been told this was an oversight with the first batch. Not gonna complain though
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mr mystery said:
No, they do NOT use the same network, they only share towers. Each have their own MNC's. Telus/ Koodo share a network, Bell/Virgin share a network. Also check post 4, Rogers user with an unlocked unit.
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stand somewhat corrected but Virgin/Bell
Rogers/Fido have often worked despite being locked because they operate on same network. thought maybe since Telus shares infrastructure for 3g with Bell that maybe that would explain it too.
I got one of first batch of Rogers and it certainly was locked
Canadoc said:
I stand somewhat corrected but Virgin/Bell
Rogers/Fido have often worked despite being locked because they operate on same network. thought maybe since Telus shares infrastructure for 3g with Bell that maybe that would explain it too.
I got one of first batch of Rogers and it certainly was locked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya doesnt really seem to be a patterm to it, just some lucked out. Some didnt.
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda premium
Sword Fish said:
Does anyone know of an easy way to check and see if your phone is unlocked. ( I don't have a foreign SIM to use to check). Is there a dial pad code you can type to see? My Note 2 box does not have any indication on it that says it is for Roger so I am wondering if it came unlocked? For my S3 I can type *#7465625# and it will tell me the lock status but it won't work on the Note 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I agree with you. I'd like to find a way to check the lock status as well as i don't have another micro sim card either and that code doesnt work for me.)
Anyone else?
Sent from my SGH-I317M using Tapatalk 2
Would like to know as well. Just got my Note 2 but I travel a lol. FYI if you travel a lot, look into a company called roam for US sim.
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda premium
Darn it, just paid $24.99 before checking!
No working code for the Canadian Note 2? I'm really considering picking up one from TELUS, but I would want/need to unlock it for all of my US work travel.
kevink15 said:
Would like to know as well. Just got my Note 2 but I travel a lol. FYI if you travel a lot, look into a company called roam for US sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looked them up. I think T-Mobile prepaid is still a better deal. $3/day for unlimited everything, and the first 200 MB/day at 4G (42 Mbps HSPA+) but still unlimited after that only at 2G speeds. Roam would be $4.95 for similar service (not unlimited data either, only 100 MB per day). The only bonus is if you SMS back to Canada a lot, as that seems free/included. Looking at their coverage map, it looks identical to T-Mobile, and given the max of 42 Mbps, I'd wager they are really just an MVNO on top of T-Mo to begin with. Personal preference, but I think you might as well go right to T-Mo instead.
I picked up a Bell Note II on a hardware upgrade in Vancouver on Monday. All Bell stores were sold out of the first batch but I managed to get one from The Source. Mine was definitely locked, both a British and Spanish SIM I use for travel gave an unauthorized SIM message. Bought an unlock code last night and now all is good.
everythingsablur said:
No working code for the Canadian Note 2? I'm really considering picking up one from TELUS, but I would want/need to unlock it for all of my US work travel.
Looked them up. I think T-Mobile prepaid is still a better deal. $3/day for unlimited everything, and the first 200 MB/day at 4G (42 Mbps HSPA+) but still unlimited after that only at 2G speeds. Roam would be $4.95 for similar service (not unlimited data either, only 100 MB per day). The only bonus is if you SMS back to Canada a lot, as that seems free/included. Looking at their coverage map, it looks identical to T-Mobile, and given the max of 42 Mbps, I'd wager they are really just an MVNO on top of T-Mo to begin with. Personal preference, but I think you might as well go right to T-Mo instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did unlock my phone with an unlock code from 1 of the online providers. So that Avenue does work for unlocking it. I was recently in Florida using a T mobile sim card on the prepaid. A word of warning the thing will work on edge data speeds but does not work on the 4g network there. There are very few 4g cell towers on the T Mobile network in the US that are compatible with Rogers phones. They work on a different frequency. The LTE bands would work in theory, however they have not yet been activated on the T Mobile network in the US.
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda app-developers app
Hello,
I'm in a dilemma where I have personal T-Mobile service, and AT&T service with my work. I want to purchase the variant of the S4 that will have the best compatibility with both networks (including HSPA, HSPA+, LTE). T-Mobile LTE has also already gone live in my market.
It seems the international i9505 support's T-Mobile's LTE bands (AWS 1700 / 2100 MHz LTE)
However, AT&T's variant (SGH-i337) supports AT&T's LTE (LTE 700 MHz Class 17) and possibly the additional T-Mobile bands.
Can anyone confirm if the international model also supports AT&T's LTE 700 MHz Class 17 Network?
Thanks!
The T-Mobile version is pentaband. I cannot confirm LTE, but it should pick up AT&T bands. T-Mobile does use 850/1900 in some areas, primarily to support older iPhones, and you should be able to roam on their frequencies. The AT&T version does not support T-Mobile bands (AWS, also used by some Canadian carriers).
The T-Mobile version supports all of atts bands (including LTE) but adds support for AWS HSPA and LTE.
If you use an att S4 on T-Mobile, you will be locked to 1900 PCS only. No LTE, EDGE in most places, HSPA in refarm markets (but not DC-HSPA+ which means you will average 3-7 down)
It is much more advantageous to get the T-Mobile version than the att version as they are identical otherwise.
Sent from my SGH-T999
EtherealRemnant said:
It is much more advantageous to get the T-Mobile version than the att version as they are identical otherwise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Save the critical bootloader difference.
Adam's teardown shows that the AT&T and T-Mobile versions are literally the same hardware. So it should be possible to unlock AWS on AT&T's model (might be as simple as flashing the T-Mo modem/firmware, as on the Note 2).
Thanks for all the responses. I bought the T-Mobile S4 and was happy to learn it is the pentaband variant. Since I travel abroad and also own an AT&T SIM through work.. it looks like I made the right choice!
ker0zene said:
Thanks for all the responses. I bought the T-Mobile S4 and was happy to learn it is the pentaband variant. Since I travel abroad and also own an AT&T SIM through work.. it looks like I made the right choice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
Did it work with AT&T SIM? I'm assuming that the sim is locked but I was am wondering if T-Mobile (If you buy at full prize) makes the device SIM unlocked or not?
If this is the case, TMo would be a smarter choice right now to use in AT&T to avoid that bootloader BS.
keplenk said:
Hi!
Did it work with AT&T SIM? I'm assuming that the sim is locked but I was am wondering if T-Mobile (If you buy at full prize) makes the device SIM unlocked or not?
If this is the case, TMo would be a smarter choice right now to use in AT&T to avoid that bootloader BS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a T-Mobile S4 and I can confirm it does get LTE on AT&T. I got a SIM unlock pin from an online site and then the device accepted my AT&T SIM. The only thing I had to do after that was change the APN to use "phone" instead of "wap.cingular" and LTE is working great!
intrepresentation said:
I have a T-Mobile S4 and I can confirm it does get LTE on AT&T. I got a SIM unlock pin from an online site and then the device accepted my AT&T SIM. The only thing I had to do after that was change the APN to use "phone" instead of "wap.cingular" and LTE is working great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whelp... looks like I'm getting the tmobile variant after all
keplenk said:
Hi!
Did it work with AT&T SIM? I'm assuming that the sim is locked but I was am wondering if T-Mobile (If you buy at full prize) makes the device SIM unlocked or not?
If this is the case, TMo would be a smarter choice right now to use in AT&T to avoid that bootloader BS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah tmobile phones are network locked, and if you are doing the monthly pay plan, tmobile wont give you the unlock code until it is paid off.
im the kind of person who likes to unlock my phone regardless of me leaving or staying with a specific network or not.
i chatted with tmobile and they wouldn't give me my code, so i went to cellunlocker (dot) net and got my code in ~7 hours.
(im not affiliated with cellunlocker in any way)
intrepresentation said:
I have a T-Mobile S4 and I can confirm it does get LTE on AT&T. I got a SIM unlock pin from an online site and then the device accepted my AT&T SIM. The only thing I had to do after that was change the APN to use "phone" instead of "wap.cingular" and LTE is working great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The question I have is that if you plan to use the phone on AT&T's network all of the time, will AT&T add the T-Mobile's phone IMEI to your AT&T account so it reflects the correct device on your line for account and possible insurance purposes?
scott14719 said:
The question I have is that if you plan to use the phone on AT&T's network all of the time, will AT&T add the T-Mobile's phone IMEI to your AT&T account so it reflects the correct device on your line for account and possible insurance purposes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not a native at&t device so you won't get any help from at&t or Asurion. Its not even worth keeping the device insurance if you arent using an at&t branded device. Huge waste of money.
Sent from my SGH-T999
My plan is to just purchase Tmobile version of S4 (no contract), then purchase unlock code, then purchase squaretrade warranty ... Then use an AT&T sim.
My only question is, one you purchase the sim unlock code from a different company, will you purchase again if you (for example) flash CM, AOSP Roms - that includes modem firmware updates?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
If you are buying off contract, they should go ahead and give you unlock code or it may already be unlocked.
bookmonke said:
If you are buying off contract, they should go ahead and give you unlock code or it may already be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'd be surprised. There is apparently some confusion with T-Mobile as to what exactly their unlocking policies are. I purchased my S4 from T-Mobile's website at full retail price. According to their website (support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588) if you purchase the phone at full retail price, they will unlock it provided only that you have an account in good standing.
However, when I tried to get it unlocked yesterday the rep I was chatting with online said I had to have service active for at least 40 days (I am switching over to T-Mobile from Sprint) so she wouldn't even submit an unlock request. I went to the store and while they submitted an unlock request but were told on the phone that the 40 day period may apply (even though it does not say that on their website).
I am supposed to find out by Monday if they will unlock it or not. If they don't I will just buy an unlock code from one of the unlocking websites. Kind of crazy T-Mobile makes you jump through these hoops when you can just buy a code for $25.
What T-Mobile's Sim Unlock Department answered to my request..
BillBurn said:
You'd be surprised. There is apparently some confusion with T-Mobile as to what exactly their unlocking policies are. I purchased my S4 from T-Mobile's website at full retail price. According to their website (support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588) if you purchase the phone at full retail price, they will unlock it provided only that you have an account in good standing.
However, when I tried to get it unlocked yesterday the rep I was chatting with online said I had to have service active for at least 40 days (I am switching over to T-Mobile from Sprint) so she wouldn't even submit an unlock request. I went to the store and while they submitted an unlock request but were told on the phone that the 40 day period may apply (even though it does not say that on their website).
I am supposed to find out by Monday if they will unlock it or not. If they don't I will just buy an unlock code from one of the unlocking websites. Kind of crazy T-Mobile makes you jump through these hoops when you can just buy a code for $25.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I paid for the phone in full, and requested the unlocked code by phone. They told me it could take from 24 hours to 14 days.
This is the response they sent me thrue email yesterday"
"T-Mobile Sim Unlock Request
Sim Unlock Reference: *******
IMEI: **********************
Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide the unlock code at this time. After review of the account we have determined that the device is not in use with the corresponding mobile number. T-Mobile policies and procedures state that the device must be in use on the mobile number requesting the unlock code. If this is a new device please allow 3-4 business days prior to submitting a new request to allow your usage to update in our system.
Thank you,
SIM Unlock Department
Thank You,
Sim Unlock Department
T-Mobile USA, Inc."
scott14719 said:
The question I have is that if you plan to use the phone on AT&T's network all of the time, will AT&T add the T-Mobile's phone IMEI to your AT&T account so it reflects the correct device on your line for account and possible insurance purposes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Asurion (the company most USA cellular networks go thur) is too expensive...you should look into squaretrade, ensquared, or buy it thru BestBuy and get BestBuy's warranty
wavrunrx said:
yeah tmobile phones are network locked, and if you are doing the monthly pay plan, tmobile wont give you the unlock code until it is paid off.
im the kind of person who likes to unlock my phone regardless of me leaving or staying with a specific network or not.
i chatted with tmobile and they wouldn't give me my code, so i went to cellunlocker (dot) net and got my code in ~7 hours.
(im not affiliated with cellunlocker in any way)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
intrepresentation said:
I have a T-Mobile S4 and I can confirm it does get LTE on AT&T. I got a SIM unlock pin from an online site and then the device accepted my AT&T SIM. The only thing I had to do after that was change the APN to use "phone" instead of "wap.cingular" and LTE is working great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how'd you manage to add the APN? i'm in the same situation and cannot add the APN. i'm trying to use an AT&T iPhone5 SIM in my T-Mo unlocked Galaxy S4 ... getting phone service, but no data. am confused.
jerzyboy2421 said:
how'd you manage to add the APN? i'm in the same situation and cannot add the APN. i'm trying to use an AT&T iPhone5 SIM in my T-Mo unlocked Galaxy S4 ... getting phone service, but no data. am confused.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on the stock Galaxy S4, you just open apps drawer, go to <SETTINGS> <CONNECTIONS><MORE NETWORKS><MOBILE NETWORKS><ACCESS POINT NAMES> then hit the "menu button" on your phone and choose "New APN" type in your data and hit the "menu button" again and choose "Save"
Because I hate the idea of having a neutered AT&T Note 5, I bought an international variant (N920i). It appears the LTE bands are all compatible between the two. I will let everyone know how it turns out. If you already have experience with this, let me know.
EDIT: Yes, N920i works without any modification on AT&T
When does it arrive?
Thats very interesting.
from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using XDA Free mobile app
First half of this week hopefully!
Please keep us posted.
@alaskajoel Le us know if you have any signal issues.
The T Mobile S6 Edge on AT&T network gave me some issues. Calls would take 30 seconds to dial out and phone did not ring a bunch.
martinezma99 said:
@alaskajoel Le us know if you have any signal issues.
The T Mobile S6 Edge on AT&T network gave me some issues. Calls would take 30 seconds to dial out and phone did not ring a bunch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do. Should be in my hands tomorrow.
Here goes. N920i 64GB
EDIT:
LTE Working with attnextgenphone APN. Made a few phone calls, received one, and so far no odd problems.
I don't see the LTE on the signal bar are you sure it's on LTE?
---------- Post added at 05:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:48 PM ----------
May I ask where you purchased this version?
eroracing said:
I don't see the LTE on the signal bar are you sure it's on LTE?
---------- Post added at 05:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:48 PM ----------
May I ask where you purchased this version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE showing up on the signal bar is a Domestic device visual. International versions Show E (edge) 3G, H+ (Faux G) and 4G for LTE.
If you are still unconvinced, my service mode presently shows I am on LTE Band 4. Download speeds at 40mbps this evening. No carrier aggregation unfortunately, but I also didn't have it on my Nexus 6 or the GS6.
I purchased the phone from a seller in Hong Kong via Ebay.
Awesome! Enjoy!
Yep, just like the International S6 G920I that supported AT&T LTE
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
This is excellent news. How much did you pay for that bad boy? Please go to dev settings and see if "allow OEM unlock" is in the options. Thank you.
seh6183 said:
This is excellent news. How much did you pay for that bad boy? Please go to dev settings and see if "allow OEM unlock" is in the options. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
~$900 USD. OEM Unlock is an available option in Developer Options.
I thought I'd give this thread a small bump as I'm about to pull the trigger on an international N920I as well.
My question stems from simply being new to importing phones and having to pay attention to bands. I have bene following this thread closely, and it seems as though the N920I performs well on the AT&T network, but is it the same as if I had bought one from AT&T? I ask only because it was just mentioned that this phone does not have Carrier Aggregation.
I'm not certain what carrier aggregation is (I looked it up on google but couldn't find much to answer my question). Does this mean that it will perform more slowly on US networks?
Also a final question, if anyone is willing to answer it. What is the region-locking situation on this phone? I have read mixed reports about people being stuck with phones that they cannot use because it was not activated with a compatible SIM, and some people that say they have had no problem. I don't want to drop $900 on this device and not be able to use it.
Diraan said:
I thought I'd give this thread a small bump as I'm about to pull the trigger on an international N920I as well.
My question stems from simply being new to importing phones and having to pay attention to bands. I have bene following this thread closely, and it seems as though the N920I performs well on the AT&T network, but is it the same as if I had bought one from AT&T? I ask only because it was just mentioned that this phone does not have Carrier Aggregation.
I'm not certain what carrier aggregation is (I looked it up on google but couldn't find much to answer my question). Does this mean that it will perform more slowly on US networks?
Also a final question, if anyone is willing to answer it. What is the region-locking situation on this phone? I have read mixed reports about people being stuck with phones that they cannot use because it was not activated with a compatible SIM, and some people that say they have had no problem. I don't want to drop $900 on this device and not be able to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My data speeds and reception have been the same as my nexus 6 and girlfriend's GS6 (purchased from AT&T.) Carrier aggregation allows for next generation LTE, but I have yet to own a phone, AT&T branded or otherwise, that supports it in my area. It might just be that there is no support for it in my city, but I'll be in Chicago In a few weeks and will try to investigate it there.
I can't speak to the region locking. All I know is my phone was completely sealed and worked 100% right out of the box with only putting in an AT&T SIM card.
alaskajoel said:
My data speeds and reception have been the same as my nexus 6 and girlfriend's GS6 (purchased from AT&T.) Carrier aggregation allows for next generation LTE, but I have yet to own a phone, AT&T branded or otherwise, that supports it in my area. It might just be that there is no support for it in my city, but I'll be in Chicago In a few weeks and will try to investigate it there.
I can't speak to the region locking. All I know is my phone was completely sealed and worked 100% right out of the box with only putting in an AT&T SIM card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the quick reply. I think I'll put in an order right now.
Samsung Pay
I'm glad to hear that the N920I works on AT&T on the LTE band. I considered getting the International version. However, there is something else that I am concerned about...and that is Samsung Pay that will be coming late September. I believe carriers have to allow (or configure) Samsung Pay to work. For example, Verizon may not be supporting it, at least that's what's traveling around the net. Also when I had the International Galaxy S3 on AT&T, Google Wallet didn't work, it only worked on AT&T versions at that time. Unfortunately, we won't know until Samsung Pay is available, but I wonder if it will work on the N920I?
Awesome news. can you please tell me if VOLTE works on AT&T or if you even had the option for HD calling? Settings should be found under data options.
Thanks in advance.
For those wondering, if you use an N920I on AT&T, there are a few things you should know.
1. Since this is an international model, the signal indicators are different than what we're used to seeing in the US. The SM-N920I shows the following indicators for mobile data:
E - This means you have a 2G/EDGE connection
3G - This means you have a UMTS connection with no HSPA
H+ - This means you have an HSPA+/Faux 4G connection
4G - This means you have an LTE connection
2. Phone calls will not work over LTE (VoLTE), and, by extension, HD Voice doesn't work either. The VoLTE and HD Voice components are proprietary software that is only built into the AT&T-specific ROM on the SM-N920A.
3. The phone DOES support carrier aggregation (otherwise known as LTE-Advanced), but not on AT&T's bands. Considering that the SM-N920I is intended for retail in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, the baseband firmware is tweaked to do carrier aggregation on band pairs that are common among carriers in that part of the world.
So, what does this all mean? If you want a phone that has support for all the bleeding-edge technologies on AT&T's network (VoLTE, HD Voice, LTE-A), then you have no other choice but to buy an AT&T-branded SM-N920A. However, if you want faster updates, no carrier bloat, no carrier branding, an unlockable bootloader, and don't mind sacrificing the whiz-bang stuff on the network side of things, then an SM-N920I will work just fine. Put your SIM card in, you'll get LTE data on all of AT&T's available bands, and you'll be able to make and receive calls over the HSPA+ network. You're just not going to have all the latest carrier-marketed bells and whistles that you'd get if you bought a proper AT&T-branded SM-N920A.
At this point, I *should* rant about how stupid it is that Samsung refuses to sell SIM-free, unlocked versions of their phones via US retail channels. That's what forces us to go through these 3rd party importers to get the international models that aren't really tweaked for the US carriers. Alas, I'm not going to go down that road, though. It's a tempest in a teapot.
oldblue910 said:
1. Since this is an international model, the signal indicators are different than what we're used to seeing in the US. The SM-N920I shows the following indicators for mobile data:
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Translation: On the 920i/c, the signal indicators follow the international standard of "4G" being "LTE", and not the AT&T/TMO marketing fiction of "4G" being what everyone else calls "3.5G".
As for the rest of your points, I have to wonder how well deployed VoLTE is on AT&T (and I don't think AT&T has even started LTE-A yet, have they?)
I live in a somewhat rural area, and I'm just thrilled I have LTE.. which beats the "no signal" I get with other carriers. I don't know that I've ever experienced VoLTE. (Then again, I can't remember the last time I actually had a voice conversation with my phone.)
oldblue910 said:
At this point, I *should* rant about how stupid it is that Samsung refuses to sell SIM-free, unlocked versions of their phones via US retail channels. That's what forces us to go through these 3rd party importers to get the international models that aren't really tweaked for the US carriers. Alas, I'm not going to go down that road, though. It's a tempest in a teapot.
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Oh, but why not?! We really need some more activity in the AT&T Note5 section.
Hey, I plan to buy my Galaxy so from Samsung rather than my carrier (ATT). I have a couple questions. Will I just be able to add the Sim currently in my Galaxy say or will I need a new one? Also, will I have to take it into the store?
Just put your existing soon card in and away you go. No need for anything else. It's what I did when I got my Note 8 from Samsung.
If you buy it from Samsung, the phone it's unlocked, so you can use any valid SIM (including the one you are currently using now).
Samsung has an unlocked model available on their website along with carrier specific models. I would think the carrier specific models are the same as the phones you would get at a AT&T or Verizon store. Correct me if I'm wrong.
dmb219 said:
Samsung has an unlocked model available on their website along with carrier specific models. I would think the carrier specific models are the same as the phones you would get at a AT&T or Verizon store. Correct me if I'm wrong.
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I'd like to know this as I would like an unlocked bootloader but.... I would like the Carrier version for some additional features like VoLTE/VoWifi.
Right now I'm torn between just going to Best Buy (since in the states) or just getting it directly from Samsung.
The carrier versions will have the standard carrier bloat pre-installed.
I can't find the exact band specifications of each of the models... Does anyone know if the hardware/antenna chips will be the same on T-Mobile vs. unlocked from Samsung? I am assuming there are certain bands missing from the unlocked version if you plan on using T-mobile's network, but I can't confirm this....
Best Buy's doing a $100 off if you preorder on Friday just heads up.
StykerB said:
Best Buy's doing a $100 off if you preorder on Friday just heads up.
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And if you have an s8 or other qualifying phone you can get a total of $450 off I believe on Friday from Best Buy.
Nightwind Hawk said:
I can't find the exact band specifications of each of the models... Does anyone know if the hardware/antenna chips will be the same on T-Mobile vs. unlocked from Samsung? I am assuming there are certain bands missing from the unlocked version if you plan on using T-mobile's network, but I can't confirm this....
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I too had the same questions and this is what I found. I don't know how accurate it is.
https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/Ar9mx/samsung-sm-g965u-galaxy-s9-td-lte-samsung-star-2
uzupan said:
I too had the same questions and this is what I found. I don't know how accurate it is.
https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/Ar9mx/samsung-sm-g965u-galaxy-s9-td-lte-samsung-star-2
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It looks like the answer to our question is on this page: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-s9-sm-g960-g965-model-number-differences/
The T-Mobile version seems to be missing the following, in comparison to the unlocked US version:
4G FDD LTE B71 (600 mhz) - This is T-Mobile's new spectrum... this seems important to have (just google t-mobile 600mhz)
2G CDMA and 3G CDMA - I don't believe this matters to us
3G TD-SCDMA B34 and B39 (2010 and 1880mhz) - I assume these will be missed if outside LTE coverage?
But in general, the unlocked version seems to support more bands than the Tmo version
So, it seems if one is on the T-Mobile network and plans to stay there, they really should get the T-Mobile version of the phone.... someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Deathman20 said:
I'd like to know this as I would like an unlocked bootloader but.... I would like the Carrier version for some additional features like VoLTE/VoWifi.
Right now I'm torn between just going to Best Buy (since in the states) or just getting it directly from Samsung.
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You do know that unlocked isn't meaning unlocked bootloader right? It's meaning unlocked bands
Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk
I'm with AT&T and I'm pretty sure there will be no wifi calling on any phone other than the AT&T version. That's a feature I want. If it doesn't matter to you an unlocked phone may be for you. I don't know for a fact that wifi calling won't work on an unlocked S9 but if it does, it will be the first. I don't want the extra carrier apps but they aren't going to cause me any grief on a beast like this phone. I'd rather have the services the carrier provides if I'm going to use them. If It turns out that wifi calling works on the unlocked S9, I may revise my plan but I doubt that will happen. I'm pretty much done with the rooting/modding stuff so that isn't an issue. Even the master hackers are going with stock phones d/t the features and security.