Verizon Galaxy S4 Mini on US Cellular? - Galaxy S 4 Mini Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Is it possible to activate a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini (or regular S4) on US Cellular's network, specifically for their pre-paid service (which is now, thankfully, allowing 4G phones)? How about the S4 international edition? I've done a lot of searching and I haven't found anything definitive, though some people have mentioned something about the LTE bands being different and therefore incompatible hardware-wise. But considering that (as far as I know) US Cellular phones can roam on Verizon's network, I'm not understanding why it wouldn't be possible. Could it be as easy as inserting a US Cellular SIM, or are the radios or other hardware different?

craichead said:
Is it possible to activate a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini (or regular S4) on US Cellular's network, specifically for their pre-paid service (which is now, thankfully, allowing 4G phones)? How about the S4 international edition? I've done a lot of searching and I haven't found anything definitive, though some people have mentioned something about the LTE bands being different and therefore incompatible hardware-wise. But considering that (as far as I know) US Cellular phones can roam on Verizon's network, I'm not understanding why it wouldn't be possible. Could it be as easy as inserting a US Cellular SIM, or are the radios or other hardware different?
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Click to collapse
your best bet is to find a us cellular edition i think its the r model
verizon wont let you unless you get the unlock codes from them'
its not as simple as a sim swap with verizon devices for the most part,
phone needs to have been unlocked for it to work

justlovejoy said:
your best bet is to find a us cellular edition i think its the r model
verizon wont let you unless you get the unlock codes from them'
its not as simple as a sim swap with verizon devices for the most part,
phone needs to have been unlocked for it to work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that the phone would need to be unlocked, but I also think that Verizon will unlock any phone that is out of contract, if I'm understanding the following correctly: http://goo.gl/vz2Jxn

craichead said:
I understand that the phone would need to be unlocked, but I also think that Verizon will unlock any phone that is out of contract, if I'm understanding the following correctly: http://goo.gl/vz2Jxn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats correct.
although there are some simple stipulations so go for it

justlovejoy said:
Thats correct.
although there are some simple stipulations so go for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'm not going to go and buy a Verizon phone in the hopes that it will work on US Cellular; that's why I posted on here for confirmation to see if anyone has been able to verify this before I actually purchase anything.

is it any different going the other way? can I port a US Cellular S4 to verizon?

Related

Can I use the H/K Sprint M8 on T-Mobile and get LTE?

Looked around and not sure if this is even possible. Could I get a H/K M8, unlock it and use on T-Mobile's network to receive LTE? Thanks!
Is there a reason why you are looking at the Sprint version?
Its been argued whether the CDMA versions of the M8 are any different in hardware, but I haven't seen anything definitive either way. I'd err on the side of caution, assume the CDMA version is different hardware, and stay away from it. Buy any GSM version and you can convert it to work on T-Mobile (after s-off, unlocking the bootloader, etc.), no question there.
quailallstar said:
Looked around and not sure if this is even possible. Could I get a H/K M8, unlock it and use on T-Mobile's network to receive LTE? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, Sprint version got some weird **** to it...
redpoint73 said:
Is there a reason why you are looking at the Sprint version?
Its been argued whether the CDMA versions of the M8 are any different in hardware, but I haven't seen anything definitive either way. I'd err on the side of caution, assume the CDMA version is different hardware, and stay away from it. Buy any GSM version and you can convert it to work on T-Mobile (after s-off, unlocking the bootloader, etc.), no question there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason I'm looking for the Sprint version is because of the look. I like the dark back metal and gold upfront a lot. Sucks its an exclusive look only to Sprint. I read that you can flash the other non H/K models to have the same software so that is confirmed and all good.
Now I need to find someone who is using this Sprint model and can confirm it has the needed GSM radio(s) for TMO LTE.
quailallstar said:
The only reason I'm looking for the Sprint version is because of the look. I like the dark back metal and gold upfront a lot. Sucks its an exclusive look only to Sprint. I read that you can flash the other non H/K models to have the same software so that is confirmed and all good.
Now I need to find someone who is using this Sprint model and can confirm it has the needed GSM radio(s) for TMO LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure that Sprint models are CDMA only. You can't use their phones on GSM networks. I don't think what you are trying to do will work. I may be wrong here, but I really doubt I am.
xunholyx said:
I'm pretty sure that Sprint models are CDMA only. You can't use their phones on GSM networks. I don't think what you are trying to do will work. I may be wrong here, but I really doubt I am.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is incorrect (that the Sprint variant does not work on GSM). Both the Verizon and Sprint variants support GSM and CDMA. Folk on here (including myself) tend to refer to them as "CDMA" for simplicity; but they are in fact also compatible with GSM, as well as HSPA, LTE.
http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_(m8)_cdma-6233.php
Now the question is whether the difference between the GSM and "CDMA" variants are purely in software, or there is an actual hardware difference. Its been argued both way, and I haven't seen any proof either way (although my gut tells me the latter is the case). And the question relevant to the OP is whether the T-Mobile LTE bands can be "added" to the Sprint device by software.
I used a verizon LG g2 on T-mobile a few and the phone im writing on now is a verizon iPhone full lte but i dont know aboit the sprint versions

Tmobile S4, Verizon sim

Has anyone accomplished this? Running a Verizon sim in a unlocked Tmobile S4?
i am curious about this as well. i dont think the lte bands are the same though
Verizon is LTE 18. Not worried about that too much. I believe 3g will be all it will get
While a Verizon S4 will work with T-Mobile, I don't think a Verizon S4 will work with T-Mobile. Unless you can somehow enable CDMA radios, which technically don't exist in the gsm variants.
serio22 said:
While a Verizon S4 will work with T-Mobile, I don't think a Verizon S4 will work with T-Mobile. Unless you can somehow enable CDMA radios, which technically don't exist in the gsm variants.
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Click to collapse
All S4's are actually gsm, including Sprint and Verizon. Both are unlock able and able to use on other carriers, so CDMA isn't really necessary
ShinySide said:
All S4's are actually gsm, including Sprint and Verizon. Both are unlock able and able to use on other carriers, so CDMA isn't really necessary
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Yes I know many Sprint and Verizon smartphones are world phones, but Verizon still uses CDMA. So wouldn't you will still need a CDMA capable device if you plan to use it with Verizon? If it was the other way around, that's a different story
serio22 said:
Yes I know many Sprint and Verizon smartphones are world phones, but Verizon still uses CDMA. So wouldn't you will still need a CDMA capable device if you plan to use it with Verizon? If it was the other way around, that's a different story
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but that's why I was telling you.... if a Verizon S4 is gsm and not CDMA, why wouldn't a gsm work on Verizon if the same phone is gsm?
It's probably completely possible. Device wise.... the big problem would be getting Verizon to allow it on the network if it did
Well, i can't unlock the damn thing anyways. Tried 3 times to avail.
Just as soon as I Odin back the NH7 modem i loose the unlock. Very weird.
ShinySide said:
Yeah but that's why I was telling you.... if a Verizon S4 is gsm and not CDMA, why wouldn't a gsm work on Verizon if the same phone is gsm?
It's probably completely possible. Device wise.... the big problem would be getting Verizon to allow it on the network if it did
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's because it has both gsm and CDMA radios, while T-Mobile's does not. At least as far as we know. I think the gsm portion is there for when you travel for edge and HSPA connectivity and of course also for the use of LTE. If you insert a gsm sim card into a Verizon 'global' gsm/CDMA device, it will display a message "switching to Global mode," enabling full gsm mode. You still need a CDMA capable phone for activation on their network AFAIK.
The Sickness said:
Well, i can't unlock the damn thing anyways. Tried 3 times to avail.
Just as soon as I Odin back the NH7 modem i loose the unlock. Very weird.
Click to expand...
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I would give it a shot but don't have a different sim card to test
Don't sweat it. Im keeping it.
I tried my unlocked S4 with my girlfriend's Verizon SIM from her S5 and couldn't get it to connect to anything. I tried every different network mode I had available and couldn't get it to see any sort of a signal. I'm pretty sure I also tried to manually search for a network and saw Verizon as an option, but didn't end up getting anything out of it.
Punkamonk said:
I tried my unlocked S4 with my girlfriend's Verizon SIM from her S5 and couldn't get it to connect to anything. I tried every different network mode I had available and couldn't get it to see any sort of a signal. I'm pretty sure I also tried to manually search for a network and saw Verizon as an option, but didn't end up getting anything out of it.
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It probably picked up the LTE signal, since it is gsm

This seems to be the root for S8+

Has anyone here tried the new root file for Verizon S8+
https://download.chainfire.eu/1080/...to-Root-dream2qltesq-dream2qltesq-smg955u.zip
It will only work with an unlocked bootloader. Since all US Snapdragon based S8's have a locked bootloader it useless.
So why has Chainfire made this at all if it does not work or will brick your phone? I should ask him but not sure he will answer.
photolarry said:
So why has Chainfire made this at all if it does not work or will brick your phone? I should ask him but not sure he will answer.
Click to expand...
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[emoji19] smh
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
photolarry said:
So why has Chainfire made this at all if it does not work or will brick your phone? I should ask him but not sure he will answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He clearly states that it only works with an unlocked bootloader. If the snapdragon versions of the S8/S8+ had an unlocked bootloader it would work. Not sure why you could have an issue with him.
nrage23 said:
He clearly states that it only works with an unlocked bootloader. If the snapdragon versions of the S8/S8+ had an unlocked bootloader it would work. Not sure why you could have an issue with him.
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Click to collapse
The U version isn't ever unlocked. Not with him. I'm just confused why it seems this would work on that model but it doesn't
If the bootloader ever gets unlocked by any means, it will work.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
VoxBox101 said:
If the bootloader ever gets unlocked by any means, it will work.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You missed my point and question to him. Which is "U" model is LOCKED because it is all phones inside the USA that are distributed by all 4 major carriers. So there is no such thing as SM-G955U which is unlocked. Does not exist. Thus I wanna know why there is even a zip file which chainfire created since it cannot be used on any of these phones. And why would it "get unlocked"....it is done at the factory. Only way to "unlock" it is to use a root method like was done on S7, where it basically involves flashing an engineering boot image/kernel that has root. At some point, this probably will be made and then using same modified ODIN (PrinceComsy) would potentially be the solution.
photolarry said:
You missed my point and question to him. Which is "U" model is LOCKED because it is all phones inside the USA that are distributed by all 4 major carriers. So there is no such thing as SM-G955U which is unlocked. Does not exist. Thus I wanna know why there is even a zip file which chainfire created since it cannot be used on any of these phones. And why would it "get unlocked"....it is done at the factory. Only way to "unlock" it is to use a root method like was done on S7, where it basically involves flashing an engineering boot image/kernel that has root. At some point, this probably will be made and then using same modified ODIN (PrinceComsy) would potentially be the solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try and clear up some confusion. All US snapdragon versions of the S8+ have the same model number SM-G955U. There is an "unlocked" SM-G955U version of the S8+ in the US. It is carrier unlocked not bootloader unlocked. Apparently the CSC file carries the carrier information in the firmware. Also the S7 was rooted but never bootloader unlocked. So you could use most root apps but you could not modify any system files. The root was achieved with an engineering kernel and was not very useful.(ie bad battery life, phone getting hot and unstable). You could however flash any US S7 to any carrier or even the Unlocked firmware.
But if you cannot flash even the csc, how do you gain root access when Odin basically does nothing. That's my question and point. Seems that if I stick with Galaxy phones that I'm never going to attain root again. Probably because they don't want risks of pay apps being misused. I have one app that refuses to even run if I have usb debugging on. Vendors are getting smarter about locking things down.
It's not Samsung's fault...it is Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. I can't even take my Verizon phone and change it to T-Mobile. That's ridiculous!
If LG lets it's consumers unlock there bootloader then why don't samsung? I'm selling my ccarrier unlocked s8+ and buying a unlocked g6. Screw this crap. I hope samsung goes bankrupt! SAMSUNG ALLOW US TO UNLOCK OUR BOOTLOADERS.
I wish my S8+ was rooted?
kbatrph said:
It's not Samsung's fault...it is Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. I can't even take my Verizon phone and change it to T-Mobile. That's ridiculous!
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The reason you can't do this is the bands are different (I believe). Or, at least Verizon is CDMA while T-Mobile is GSM. I don't know much about the differences between CDMA & GSM, but I know that CDMA phones won't work on GSM networks & vice versa. That's why Verizon phones won't work on T-Mobile. Hopefully that (kinda) cleared it up for you.
mybabyloves said:
The reason you can't do this is the bands are different (I believe). Or, at least Verizon is CDMA while T-Mobile is GSM. I don't know much about the differences between CDMA & GSM, but I know that CDMA phones won't work on GSM networks & vice versa. That's why Verizon phones won't work on T-Mobile. Hopefully that (kinda) cleared it up for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My goodness you could not be any more wrong..... That is no longer the case anymore. Verizon phones work on T-Mobile and all GSM carriers. I should know since I was with Verizon and I switched a while back but am now back on Verizon. Some phones from T-mobile won't work with Verizon but some do. It just depends on the phone and what bands it has. Like the S8 from T-Mobile will work on Verizon but an iPhone 7 from T-Mobile won't because it doesn't have CDMA bands. It's simple research
blackra1n said:
My goodness you could not be any more wrong..... That is no longer the case anymore. Verizon phones work on T-Mobile and all GSM carriers. I should know since I was with Verizon and I switched a while back but am now back on Verizon. Some phones from T-mobile won't work with Verizon but some do. It just depends on the phone and what bands it has. Like the S8 from T-Mobile will work on Verizon but an iPhone 7 from T-Mobile won't because it doesn't have CDMA bands. It's simple research
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really?? Man, I feel so stupid about that, sorry =/ I've been researching it, but all of what I've read pointed to what I said... thank you very much for correcting me ? it'll def help me in my journey to become a phone repair specialist! ? sorry people I might've confused.... I'm just an idiot - don't listen to me
mybabyloves said:
Really?? Man, I feel so stupid about that, sorry =/ I've been researching it, but all of what I've read pointed to what I said... thank you very much for correcting me it'll def help me in my journey to become a phone repair specialist! sorry people I might've confused.... I'm just an idiot - don't listen to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CDMA is only for 3G. With 4G, Verizon is using LTE GSM (same with AT&T, T-Mobile).
Verizon LTE covers over 98% of their network, but there are still some remote places where there is only CDMA coverage.
Verizon is moving away from CDMA and it will be retired by 2018.
So as long as you don't mind not having CDMA in a few places, any LTE GSM phone with Band 13 would work with Verizon.
Look at HTC U11, it doesn't have CDMA, but it's still advertised as "Verizon certified".
Sadly, the Internationals versions of S8/S8+ don't have band 13. But fortunately, all US versions have both bands 13 and CDMA support. That's why you can switch to any carrier as long as it's a US version.
mybabyloves said:
Really?? Man, I feel so stupid about that, sorry =/ I've been researching it, but all of what I've read pointed to what I said... thank you very much for correcting me it'll def help me in my journey to become a phone repair specialist! sorry people I might've confused.... I'm just an idiot - don't listen to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries mate. Just wanted to put that out there in case anyone become confused. I meant no disrespect
---------- Post added at 06:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:25 PM ----------
neozen21 said:
CDMA is only for 3G. With 4G, Verizon is using LTE GSM (same with AT&T, T-Mobile).
Verizon LTE covers over 98% of their network, but there are still some remote places where there is only CDMA coverage.
Verizon is moving away from CDMA and it will be retired by 2018.
So as long as you don't mind not having CDMA in a few places, any LTE GSM phone with Band 13 would work with Verizon.
Look at HTC U11, it doesn't have CDMA, but it's still advertised as "Verizon certified".
Sadly, the Internationals versions of S8/S8+ don't have band 13. But fortunately, all US versions have both bands 13 and CDMA support. That's why you can switch to any carrier as long as it's a US version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My point exactly about the S8's. US variants are all the same no matter what carrier. All Google phones after the Nexus 6 are the same way. The Nexus 6 worked on all US carriers no matter where you got it from and it's like that all the way to the new Pixel phones. Where as iPhone's, just as an example, have different bands when it comes to different carriers. Unlocked, Verizon, and Sprint iPhone's have all bands both CDMA and GSM where as the GSM ones like those bought straight from T-Mobile or AT&T only have the GSM bands.
mybabyloves said:
Really?? Man, I feel so stupid about that, sorry =/ I've been researching it, but all of what I've read pointed to what I said... thank you very much for correcting me ? it'll def help me in my journey to become a phone repair specialist! ? sorry people I might've confused.... I'm just an idiot - don't listen to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're NOT stupid! I had no idea either. I know that I tried to switch my Verizon S8+ to T-Mobile but it wouldn't recognize my IMEI so I just figured the two networks were different
I have a unlocked verizon(xfinity mobile) s8plus on tmobile right now.. The phone had no issues on setup to go on the tmobile network..
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...root-g955u-g955u1-snapdragon-sampwnd-t3658911
So this has changed?

Buying from Samsung instead of carrier

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.

[Q] Best way to get a phone that will work with Verizon and all LTE bands overseas

I've really enjoyed my S7 and want to upgrade to the S9. Later in the year I'll be overseas for almost a year, so I want something that will work with all Verizon bands of LTE, but also not have a firmware lock that would cause it to not work on other bands of LTE overseas. (planning to just use prepaid dataplan sim cards overseas)
I think my two options are to either get a US 'unlocked' version or wait for the 'international' version. My understanding is the primary differences between the unlocked and international version is the 2G/3G coverage for CDMA and possibly slightly different hardware. I'd rather have a phone with CDMA backwards capability, but my prime concern lacking full access to all LTE bands available wherever I am.
I'm not really interested in going any route that would require me to root the phone if there is a way to do it without.
Well the only way to get VZW compatibility is the VZW phone or a US unlocked model. So you're looking at the US Unlocked model at this point.
A listing of all the different model numbers available (per country and carrier) is available here: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-s9-sm-g960-g965-model-number-differences/
You will probably want to get the phone that works with your primary location the most. I am not sure which countries use which frequencies for LTE in Europe; you will need to research that to see what you may be missing out on.
With my T-Mobile S7, I haven't had any issues when traveling in Europe or Asia. It connects to LTE usually.
So I just did a deep dive of that list:
It looks like the Verizon and Unlocked versions are almost identical (the unlocked US version has B46(5200) 4G TDD LTE, but I'm not sure anyone who uses it)
Looking at 4G FDD LTE it looks like a Verizon or US unlocked phone will have almost complete coverage around the world, notable gaps are B30(2300) in China/Canada/US AT&T, B32(1500) in UK and B71(600) (US Tmobile). I thought that was a bit confusing as you'd expect a US Unlocked phone to service all LTE bands available in the US yet it lacks AT&T and Tmobile bands.
So based on all that information looks like I should just get an unlocked US phone to be totally safe, and I'd likely also be fine getting a Verizon version also.
StykerB said:
Well the only way to get VZW compatibility is the VZW phone or a US unlocked model. So you're looking at the US Unlocked model at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Relcan said:
So I just did a deep dive of that list:
It looks like the Verizon and Unlocked versions are almost identical (the unlocked US version has B46(5200) 4G TDD LTE, but I'm not sure anyone who uses it)
Looking at 4G FDD LTE it looks like a Verizon or US unlocked phone will have almost complete coverage around the world, notable gaps are B30(2300) in China/Canada/US AT&T, B32(1500) in UK and B71(600) (US Tmobile). I thought that was a bit confusing as you'd expect a US Unlocked phone to service all LTE bands available in the US yet it lacks AT&T and Tmobile bands.
So based on all that information looks like I should just get an unlocked US phone to be totally safe, and I'd likely also be fine getting a Verizon version also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm new to Android but i use Verizon prepaid. Will I lose anything by going with the unlocked version or should i stick with a Verizon S9?
I don't use video calling. All i do is text and talk but I've heard that people on Verizon prepaid have issues with unlocked Android phones.
Thanks
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
testinguser said:
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious about that also
testinguser said:
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Throwinrocks said:
Curious about that also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did a cursory review of the wifi-calling FAQ on their website. They don't mention anything about compatibility with Unlocked versions of phones (that I saw). I'd call tech support to ask, but I'd expect there to be a 50% chance of getting the wrong answer from the tech based on my interactions with their support.
There might be some good experience based anecdotes in the Galaxy S8 forum, if it works on an unlocked S8 its a safe bet it will work on an unlocked S9
I think I'll ask in the Verizon subreddit, it seems like they normally have really good information as well.
I'm mostly curious about the LTE TDD Band 46 (5200) - its the only band an unlocked US phone has that a Verizon phone doesn't. 5200 is in the U-NII frequency range, no cellphone service providers use it, but I wonder if it may be used for local LTE networks in the near future. The other advantage is avoiding all the verizon bloat wear, but that may be what allows the Wifi Calling to work!
All this has me thinking I might have to add the extra $80 and just buy the Verizon version. I don't get phones on contract and I've always just paid full price. (Page 2 404 error?)
Apparently the Nov/Dec Samsung s8 firmware update added an option for BYOD carrier provisioning for unlocked s8. Given the similarity, I'd imagine the same to be true for s9. Can someone who has an unlocked s8 confirm?
Well after a little more research I see that if you use Verizon prepaid you lose visual voicemail and WiFi calling even if you use a Verizon phone so there's no need in me paying extra for a Verizon S9. Unlocked it is.
Throwinrocks said:
Well after a little more research I see that if you use Verizon prepaid you lose visual voicemail and WiFi calling even if you use a Verizon phone so there's no need in me paying extra for a Verizon S9. Unlocked it is.
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You might wanna check this as Verizon is starting to implement network locks on some devices as to deter thefts more
Dont know when or what devices but it was a statement Verizon made
So, you're saying the prepaid SIM might not work in an unlocked S9?
I don't think Verizon is keeping Verizon prepaid SIMS from working in unlocked phones they are just locking their phones like Sprint and AT&T still do.
I had no problems with my unlocked Pixel 2 XL that I purchased from Google and my Verizon prepaid, just no visual voicemail.

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