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
Related
I am going to switch to T-Mobile in 2 months so was wondering if it will work with T-Mobile's HSPA + Network.
AFAIK It won't, but the frequenceies are listed on both carrier's sites so you can have a look at that.
No.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/0...nt-4g-hspa-phone-will-not-be-covered-by-both/
Couldn't we just flash the t-mobile radio like with the t-mobile sgs2 and the skyrocket from at&t?
It should be possible. Check out the specs of the two: http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=4804&idPhone2=4803
This is EXACTLY the same as Tmobile S2 and ATT S2 LTE: http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=4129&idPhone2=4303
Some awesome dev needs to do some radio hacking to make the two phones interchangeable as they did for the S2/S2 LTE.
pvc_ said:
No.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/0...nt-4g-hspa-phone-will-not-be-covered-by-both/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that article is over a year old. there are many devices that work on both carriers via 4g. looking at the frequencies on att version it should work with a radio flash.
There's hope then
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57460125-94/t-mobiles-pricier-samsung-galaxy-s3-will-not-get-lte/
same hardware in all US S3's so theoretically even a sprint or verizon one can be flashed if its just going to be software limitations
tspx23 said:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57460125-94/t-mobiles-pricier-samsung-galaxy-s3-will-not-get-lte/
same hardware in all US S3's so theoretically even a sprint or verizon one can be flashed if its just going to be software limitations
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The CDMA and TDMA versions are different and not compatible. A sprint or Verizon model will not work on GSM networks due to the different protocols used. AFAIK no phone is universally portable amongst US carriers.
Verizon/Sprint/US Cellular phones are 100% different in terms of radio hardware and software.
It is possible the T-Mobile/AT&T ones will likely work together, but why? Also something to consider is the AT&T Note on T-Mobile gets HORRIBLE battery life.
malaeum said:
The CDMA and TDMA versions are different and not compatible. A sprint or Verizon model will not work on GSM networks due to the different protocols used. AFAIK no phone is universally portable amongst US carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sure about this? Verizon model will have a sim card and has GSM support. Verizon will probably block T-Mobile and ATT with all of their GSM/devices.
tspx23 said:
You sure about this? Verizon model will have a sim card and has GSM support. Verizon will probably block T-Mobile and ATT with all of their GSM/devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SIM card is for LTE. The only way to get 3G on a CDMA device would be through CDMA.
joshnichols189 said:
The SIM card is for LTE. The only way to get 3G on a CDMA device would be through CDMA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly true... After a "hack" to my VZW Moto Bionic and dropping in an ATT sim from a demo Galaxy Note, we got working H+ on the Bionic.
Even after hack, the Bionic doesn't appear to support T-Mobile's 1700mhz so I get EDGE only when I use the T-Mo SIM out of my Galaxy S2.
But I wont have a Verizon Galaxy S3 to play with to see how that works.
KidJoe said:
Not exactly true... After a "hack" to my VZW Moto Bionic and dropping in an ATT sim from a demo Galaxy Note, we got working H+ on the Bionic.
Even after hack, the Bionic doesn't appear to support T-Mobile's 1700mhz so I get EDGE only when I use the T-Mo SIM out of my Galaxy S2.
But I wont have a Verizon Galaxy S3 to play with to see how that works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, have not heard of that one but I will take your word for it. Either way, most phones do not have AWS bands for T-Mobile unless they are T-Mobile phones.
Assuming the Verizon version has GSM 3G radios in it (what they call a "Global" phone) I don't see why even it could be flashed if someone could get the radio hacked.
For example, my current phone, the Droid 2 Global, normally runs on Verizon's CMDA bands. Being a global phone, it has GSM radios in it which can be activated if you get an unlock code from Verizon (not difficult).
Here's the catch- the baseband locks the phone so that it does not work on AT&T and T-Mobile's frequency bands! However, some clever hackers at TeamBlackHat were able to hack the baseband to allow it to work on US carriers as well.
tl;dr if the CDMA versions have GSM radios it should be feasible to make them work on AT&T and T-Mobile.
ExodusC said:
Assuming the Verizon version has GSM 3G radios in it (what they call a "Global" phone) I don't see why even it could be flashed if someone could get the radio hacked.
For example, my current phone, the Droid 2 Global, normally runs on Verizon's CMDA bands. Being a global phone, it has GSM radios in it which can be activated if you get an unlock code from Verizon (not difficult).
Here's the catch- the baseband locks the phone so that it does not work on AT&T and T-Mobile's frequency bands! However, some clever hackers at TeamBlackHat were able to hack the baseband to allow it to work on US carriers as well.
tl;dr if the CDMA versions have GSM radios it should be feasible to make them work on AT&T and T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically, all world phones can literally be made into world phones? Nice!
SaHiLzZ said:
It should be possible. Check out the specs of the two: gsmarena /compare.php3?idPhone1=4804&idPhone2=4803
This is EXACTLY the same as Tmobile S2 and ATT S2 LTE: gsmarena /compare.php3?idPhone1=4129&idPhone2=4303
Some awesome dev needs to do some radio hacking to make the two phones interchangeable as they did for the S2/S2 LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You raise a really good point.
joshnichols189 said:
Verizon/Sprint/US Cellular phones are 100% different in terms of radio hardware and software.
It is possible the T-Mobile/AT&T ones will likely work together, but why? Also something to consider is the AT&T Note on T-Mobile gets HORRIBLE battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the S2 and S2 LTE (skyrocket) succumb to bad battery life like the note does when their networks are interchanged?
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?
Click to expand...
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?
Is there a patch to make my vzw M8 work like it was a native Tmo M8?
No. Hardware is different.
Verizon has CDMA chipset and the TMO verison is a GSM chipset.
IAmSixNine said:
No. Hardware is different.
Verizon has CDMA chipset and the TMO verison is a GSM chipset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not true...
My phone is Fully unlocked and gets everything from Edge to Legit LTE.
My phone works. I just need it to work a bit better.
And the reason you want it to work better is because its not the correct version for the carrier you want it to work on.
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=6233&idPhone2=6074
The bands are almost identical with the Verizon unit missing 1700mhz on the HSDPA side.
Either way if you want it to work like its supposed to get the branded one. Unlocking will work but in most cases something is always missing.
could be specific software, or the way the device works with the network, or an entire band or what ever.
Bottom line is ditch the unlocked verizon and go with a branded tmobile unit.
ericerk said:
That's not true...
My phone is Fully unlocked and gets everything from Edge to Legit LTE.
My phone works. I just need it to work a bit better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you seem to already know the answer then go ahead and flash a tmobile or any other gsm rom to your phone and see how fast you brick it.
IAmSixNine said:
And the reason you want it to work better is because its not the correct version for the carrier you want it to work on.
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=6233&idPhone2=6074
The bands are almost identical with the Verizon unit missing 1700mhz on the HSDPA side.
Either way if you want it to work like its supposed to get the branded one. Unlocking will work but in most cases something is always missing.
could be specific software, or the way the device works with the network, or an entire band or what ever.
Bottom line is ditch the unlocked verizon and go with a branded tmobile unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that makes sense.
What a bummer.
Using CyanogenMod M9 with Verizon M8 on Tmobile
I have found that this works pretty well for me. CyanogenMod 11 M9 (I cant link to it, forum wont allow me to)
I have not had any issues with that build using a Verizon M8 on the Tmobile network.
Okay, so I'm going to buy an m8, but I'm on At&t but they are selling verizon. It's a really good deal so i wanna buy it. How much does unlocking a phone cost and where is a a safe place to do it?
gainstatom said:
Okay, so I'm going to buy an m8, but I'm on At&t but they are selling verizon. It's a really good deal so i wanna buy it. How much does unlocking a phone cost and where is a a safe place to do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bad idea buying a Verizon phone to use on AT&T. The two carrier use totally different technology for both phone service and Data
At&t is GSM and Verizon is CDMA so it won't work
jball said:
At&t is GSM and Verizon is CDMA so it won't work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon variant actually supports GSM and CDMA bands. Its also not SIM locked (the only US variant I know of, that is not SIM locked). So it will work on AT&T on GSM and HSPA (it has the required 850 and 1900 MHz ands), but only some of the bands required for LTE on AT&T. So depending on what band AT&T is using in the OP's area, they may or may not get LTE.
I agree, if the OP wants a phone that works out-of-the-box on AT&T, then its best to get the AT&T variant or alternately, the US Dev Edition, US unlocked, or US GPE. All of these are intended to be used on AT&T.
And OP is better of getting just about any GSM variant over the CDMA variants (Sprint or Verizon) due to possible hardware differences. Any GSM M8 should be able to be converted to AT&T bands, although s-off is required. Just getting the AT&T version is safest/easiest.
@redpoint73
Thank you again sir.
I'm sure the OP will appreciate as much as I do the detailed information you've posted.
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...
Click to collapse
[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.
Click to expand...
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!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?