Develop Bugs

[Q] Non-carrier firmware vs carrier firmware

Hello all,
I'm just wondering, do you guys notice or know of any real difference b/t the unlocked/non-carrier firmware that's out there and the carrier-specific firmware from T-Mobile for the M8? Is one considered better than the other?
Please share your thoughts with us!
Thank You,
RockStar2005

RockStar2005 said:
Hello all,
I'm just wondering, do you guys notice or know of any real difference b/t the unlocked/non-carrier firmware that's out there and the carrier-specific firmware from T-Mobile for the M8? Is one considered better than the other?
Please share your thoughts with us!
Thank You,
RockStar2005
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Non carrier get updates faster (wwe) and carrier specific tend to need to wait sometime for the lastest update. Correct me if I'm wrong haha. But carrier specific usually comes with bloatware .
Sent from my HTC ONE M8 HK

Steven How said:
Non carrier get updates faster (wwe) and carrier specific tend to need to wait sometime for the lastest update. Correct me if I'm wrong haha. But carrier specific usually comes with bloatware .
Sent from my HTC ONE M8 HK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct. In case of the TMOB M8 (as I got this) the EPSM was missing even after the OTA to 1.70.111.x. so I decided to change CID/MID to WWE and reverted my M8 to the WWE variant using a stock backup as well as the FW of 2.22.401.4. Now all is fine and lately I even received the OTA "2.22.401.4 > 2.22.401.5" containing a GPS fix.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

RockStar2005 said:
Hello all,
I'm just wondering, do you guys notice or know of any real difference b/t the unlocked/non-carrier firmware that's out there and the carrier-specific firmware from T-Mobile for the M8? Is one considered better than the other?
Please share your thoughts with us!
Thank You,
RockStar2005
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are talking about Firmware as in files in firmware.zip
ie
hboot
radio.img
modem_st1.img
rcdata.img
rconfig.img
rpm.img
etc......
then
radio is different for every major carrier which enables or disables specific radio bands.
true for US region.

Steven How said:
Non carrier get updates faster (wwe) and carrier specific tend to need to wait sometime for the lastest update. Correct me if I'm wrong haha. But carrier specific usually comes with bloatware .
Sent from my HTC ONE M8 HK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see.
Well I know the phones come with bloatware vs unlocked/international ones......... but the firmware comes with it too? lol
RockStar2005

HTCNerdYoda said:
That's correct. In case of the TMOB M8 (as I got this) the EPSM was missing even after the OTA to 1.70.111.x. so I decided to change CID/MID to WWE and reverted my M8 to the WWE variant using a stock backup as well as the FW of 2.22.401.4. Now all is fine and lately I even received the OTA "2.22.401.4 > 2.22.401.5" containing a GPS fix.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello again HTC,
What's EPSM? And WWE?
Wow really?? The T-Mobile OTA was actually missing stuff the non-carrier one wasn't?? That's crazy. And here I was asking this cuz I was worried that by downloading the non-carrier variant of the firmware that I was perhaps missing things my phone would need to work at optimal level. Sounds like it's actually the opposite! lol I use the ViperOne M8 rom by Team Venom and they're VERY good about including all the important M8 updates for my phone (and some nice extras, like letting notif light still blink while charging for new msgs, turning off annoying high volume warning, etc), and they seem to have them out before T-Mobile does (see below). Yeah the newest firmware I got (not from Venon, but from here: http://www.renovate-themes.de/index.php?s=firmware) was necessary for Venom's OTA to work, but I did notice that when I finally got Venom's OTA that it mentioned a GPS fix too, so they got that in there as well.
I just wish T-Mobile would hurry up and get VoLTE activated for the M8. I know it's capable of VoLTE, but an OTA will be needed to activate it. Once it's activated, and ur in a VoLTE-activated area/city, the calls won't revert back to 4G but instead will stay at 4G LTE, and will be better quality and less likely to drop.
ViperOne prob beat T-Mo by 2 days on that GPS fix, but in reality, from what u said, I dunno if T-Mo's even has it yet or not(?) as it's not mentioned in their super vague description:
ViperOneM8 2.2.0 (August 19)
ADDED full T-Mobile carrier support
FIXED T-Mobile WIFI calling
FIXED Locked IPV4/6 Settings
FIXED AOSP incoming call workaround not working
ViperOneM8 2.1.0 (August 16)
Merged with HTC OTA 2.22.401.5
Added new stock kernel from OTA (Only full ROM)
GPS improvements and fixes from HTC
Workaround white gap in dialer when having custom stock navbar size
Fixed Notification icon color
Added longpress power custom actions
vs. T-Mobile:
Beginning August 18, the HTC One (M8) received a software update 2.22.531.5 (or firmware 2.22.401.4 or .5?).
Software version
Android version 4.4.3/ Software 2.22.531.5- Current version
Version
Android version 4.4.3/Software 2.22.531.5
Approved 08/18/14
Features
User experience improvements
Prerequisites
Device software is not rooted
50% battery life
Wi-Fi connection
And I can't even confirm if T-Mobile actually deployed it to my area on the 18th or not as I've been on ViperOne for weeks now, and so because of that, I wouldn't get the OTA notification anymore.
RockStar2005

smokin901 said:
If you are talking about Firmware as in files in firmware.zip
ie
hboot
radio.img
modem_st1.img
rcdata.img
rconfig.img
rpm.img
etc......
then
radio is different for every major carrier which enables or disables specific radio bands.
true for US region.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Smokin,
Ok. I'm just trying to pinpoint the pros and cons of downloading firmware or even regular OTA updates on a T-Mobile M8 vs a non-carrier specific M8. I def get that the radio bands will differ from one carrier to the next, but is there any gain or loss of quality etc in downloading a carrier-specific firmware or OTA, or no difference at all? The posts so far have suggested a difference in favor of the non-carrier versions.
RockStar2005

RockStar2005 said:
Hello again HTC,
What's EPSM? And WWE?
Wow really?? The T-Mobile OTA was actually missing stuff the non-carrier one wasn't?? That's crazy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I think it is very sad that those things were still missing, when I debranded mine, as all non-carrier devices got the EPSM with the day one update to give an example.
RockStar2005 said:
T-Mobile:
Beginning August 18, the HTC One (M8) received a software update 2.22.531.5 (or firmware 2.22.401.4 or .5?).
Software version
Android version 4.4.3/ Software 2.22.531.5- Current version
Version
Android version 4.4.3/Software 2.22.531.5
Approved 08/18/14
Features
User experience improvements
Prerequisites
Device software is not rooted
50% battery life
Wi-Fi connection
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And reading the quote above I wouldn't put my ass on the line that the GPS fix realy is inclueded.
But maybe some T-MOB101 users could tell if this update finally got the EPSM, as well as the GPS fix!?

HTCNerdYoda said:
Actually I think it is very sad that those things were still missing, when I debranded mine, as all non-carrier devices got the EPSM with the day one update to give an example.
And reading the quote above I wouldn't put my ass on the line that the GPS fix realy is inclueded.
But maybe some T-MOB101 users could tell if this update finally got the EPSM, as well as the GPS fix!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. But what's EPSM though? And WWE? Not sure I'm following on the "day one update"......do u mean the non-carrier devices got EPSM on the same day it was set to be released?
Yeah........ I mean, the carriers deploy the updates by regions over a set period of time. And note that it was APPROVED on August 18th by T-Mobile. I don't know if that was the same date they started deploying or not too. And since their description is so vague, I again can't say if that GPS fix was included or not. To me, the GPS on phones still aren't 100% perfect, so ANY fix that a company (phone maker or even carrier) can put out there that improves GPS quality is important. Just 2 weeks ago my GPS SLIGHTLY took me off course until I reset my phone, then all was fine. Wasted about 10 minutes of my time because of it. Not a big deal, but still relevant. Maybe had I already had that fix back then that wouldn't have happened? I mean, u still should reset your phone once or twice a week anyway I think, but these fixes help increase the chance of success w/o HAVING to reboot.
RockStar2005

RockStar2005 said:
I see. But what's EPSM though? And WWE? Not sure I'm following on the "day one update"......do u mean the non-carrier devices got EPSM on the same day it was set to be released?
Yeah........ I mean, the carriers deploy the updates by regions over a set period of time. And note that it was APPROVED on August 18th by T-Mobile. I don't know if that was the same date they started deploying or not too. And since their description is so vague, I again can't say if that GPS fix was included or not. To me, the GPS on phones still aren't 100% perfect, so ANY fix that a company (phone maker or even carrier) can put out there that improves GPS quality is important. Just 2 weeks ago my GPS SLIGHTLY took me off course until I reset my phone, then all was fine. Wasted about 10 minutes of my time because of it. Not a big deal, but still relevant. Maybe had I already had that fix back then that wouldn't have happened? I mean, u still should reset your phone once or twice a week anyway I think, but these fixes help increase the chance of success w/o HAVING to reboot.
RockStar2005
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EPSM is the ExtremePowerSavingMode introduced by HTC and yes the update came out on the day the One M8 got released. At least it did for the WWE (World Wide English) variants of the HTC - which are the official HTC variants without any - if just like here - software branding by the providers.
In my opinion that's what leeds to long period between HTC own OTAs and carrier OTAs of any smartphone. The carriers - be it T-Mobile, Vodafone or some others - try to integrate their own bloatware into those updates. T-Mob e.g. says there are still issues with the EPSM, but asking me those problems are likely to be triggered by T-Mobiles own bloatware.
And well fixes for e.g. GPS just arrive much later on carrier-branded devices ....

RockStar2005 said:
Smokin,
is there any gain or loss of quality etc in downloading a carrier-specific firmware or OTA, or no difference at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quality of what? It seems like a very subjective question. Fixes and other updates are almost always going to come out sooner on the "international" unbranded version. That much is "better". But some folks like carrier-specific features. For example, doesn't T-Mob have WiFi calling? Some AT&T folks like Visual Voicemail and ISIS (payment system), while I (just personally) can care less for such things.
As far as band support, having your carrier's radio (or one that is at least compatible with your carrier) plus the custom ROM of your choice should take care of any band compatibility issues.

HTCNerdYoda said:
EPSM is the ExtremePowerSavingMode introduced by HTC and yes the update came out on the day the One M8 got released. At least it did for the WWE (World Wide English) variants of the HTC - which are the official HTC variants without any - if just like here - software branding by the providers.
In my opinion that's what leeds to long period between HTC own OTAs and carrier OTAs of any smartphone. The carriers - be it T-Mobile, Vodafone or some others - try to integrate their own bloatware into those updates. T-Mob e.g. says there are still issues with the EPSM, but asking me those problems are likely to be triggered by T-Mobiles own bloatware.
And well fixes for e.g. GPS just arrive much later on carrier-branded devices ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yoda,
Oh yeah........ ok, EPSM. Got it. Yeah that came out weeks later on T-Mobile, but ok that's cool that HTC released it the same day the M8 was released. Yeah, I guess that makes sense b/c they're adding more into it, but not anything important. But I'm still not getting how bloatware fits in to the firmware? I understand bloatware like all the T-Mobile-specific apps that come with the phone, but what bloatware comes in the updates??
Yeah that's definitely a possibility........... like perhaps certain parts of their "firmware bloatware" are interfering or not compatible with the EPSM.
Well that's not good. Those fixes should be deployed before anything else. Google Maps is only as good as the phone's GPS capabilities.
Thanks,
RockStar2005

RockStar2005 said:
Yoda,
Oh yeah........ ok, EPSM. Got it. Yeah that came out weeks later on T-Mobile, but ok that's cool that HTC released it the same day the M8 was released. Yeah, I guess that makes sense b/c they're adding more into it, but not anything important. But I'm still not getting how bloatware fits in to the firmware? I understand bloatware like all the T-Mobile-specific apps that come with the phone, but what bloatware comes in the updates??
Yeah that's definitely a possibility........... like perhaps certain parts of their "firmware bloatware" are interfering or not compatible with the EPSM.
Well that's not good. Those fixes should be deployed before anything else. Google Maps is only as good as the phone's GPS capabilities.
Thanks,
RockStar2005
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome RockStar!
Firmware (such as ICS, Jelly Bean, KitKat) on your phone is the core system. The ROM IS just the OS on top of it. But the OS is configured to perform with a specific core, meaning that a carrier OS version is programmed to work with a specially designed firmware. Thus firmware for e.g. a T-Mobile ROM (OS) is a little bit altered compared to the one for a pure HTC ROM, as it has to fit the ROM altered by T-Mobile.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

HTCNerdYoda said:
You're welcome RockStar!
Firmware (such as ICS, Jelly Bean, KitKat) on your phone is the core system. The ROM IS just the OS on top of it. But the OS is configured to perform with a specific core, meaning that a carrier OS version is programmed to work with a specially designed firmware. Thus firmware for e.g. a T-Mobile ROM (OS) is a little bit altered compared to the one for a pure HTC ROM, as it has to fit the ROM altered by T-Mobile.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yoda,
I see. Well right now I use ViperOne M8, and although the last firmware was from T-Mo, the one I just got (2.22) was not carrier-specific (http://www.renovate-themes.de/index.php?s=firmware). Though I believe ViperOne M8 is designed to be compatible with all variants?
I see what you're saying better now, but I don't know if I'd call the T-Mobile firmware & ROM "bloatware". But I guess to really know how to refer to it, I'd have to ask: What kind of changes do they make to the carrier one?
Thanks,
RockStar2005

RockStar2005 said:
Yoda,
I see. Well right now I use ViperOne M8, and although the last firmware was from T-Mo, the one I just got (2.22) was not carrier-specific (http://www.renovate-themes.de/index.php?s=firmware). Though I believe ViperOne M8 is designed to be compatible with all variants?
I see what you're saying better now, but I don't know if I'd call the T-Mobile firmware & ROM "bloatware". But I guess to really know how to refer to it, I'd have to ask: What kind of changes do they make to the carrier one?
Thanks,
RockStar2005
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the one you got is the WWE firmware. And yes again, ViperOne works with most 2.22.xxx.x firmwares, but is build upon 2.22.401.5.
Changes are as @redpoint73 already said e.g. Wifi calling in case of the T-Mobile firmware.

redpoint73 said:
Quality of what? It seems like a very subjective question. Fixes and other updates are almost always going to come out sooner on the "international" unbranded version. That much is "better". But some folks like carrier-specific features. For example, doesn't T-Mob have WiFi calling? Some AT&T folks like Visual Voicemail and ISIS (payment system), while I (just personally) can care less for such things.
As far as band support, having your carrier's radio (or one that is at least compatible with your carrier) plus the custom ROM of your choice should take care of any band compatibility issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Red,
I just meant quality of how the phone interacts with the network, etc.
Yes that is true. Though ROMs like the one I have, ViperOne M8, have managed to include things like Wi-Fi Calling in their options. Since ViperOne is fully compatible with T-Mobile M8s, and they have been good about offering the same things T-Mo does, then it seems to be all good. I think Six was just saying it's really only an issue when you use one carrier's phone on another carrier's network.
Thanks,
RockStar2005

HTCNerdYoda said:
Yes, the one you got is the WWE firmware. And yes again, ViperOne works with most 2.22.xxx.x firmwares, but is build upon 2.22.401.5.
Changes are as @redpoint73 already said e.g. Wifi calling in case of the T-Mobile firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yoda,
Ok. I just said int'l, but I guess WWE is the same thing. Good to know.
Yeah. ViperOne didn't have Wi-Fi Calling for a lil while but as of last week the most recent update re-enabled it on my M8. I never use it though b/c it totally blocks incoming/outgoing MMS (though not regular SMS) messages. Even one customer service rep lady at T-Mobile told me she has the same issue, and has for years. I would only use it if I was in another country and wanted to make a free call and had access to Wi-Fi. But I'd shut it off the second I was done with that call. lol
Thanks,
RockStar2005

RockStar2005 said:
Red,
I just meant quality of how the phone interacts with the network, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not normally a function of the ROM. As long as you are on a T-Mob compatible radio, it shouldn't matter what ROM you are on.
Although there is the other complication that has been mentioned: with any 2.xx based custom ROM (ViperOne included) you need to be using updated firmware (not to be confused with the ROM). So you will want a firmware that plays well with the 2.xx ROM, and one that plays well with T-Mobile's network.
---------- Post added at 03:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:26 PM ----------
RockStar2005 said:
the one I just got (2.22) was not carrier-specific (http://www.renovate-themes.de/index.php?s=firmware). Though I believe ViperOne M8 is designed to be compatible with all variants?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2.22.401 firmware is for the unbranded "international" variant. Its not specifically designed for use in the US, and at least for AT&T, it has caused reception issues from dodgy reception, to no service whatsoever (solution was to flash 2.22.1540 firmware). So not sure how this will play out on the T-Mob network.
Best bet would be to flash the firmware from the new T-Mob OTA rolling out, but I don't think its been posted here yet.

Yeah, though I was referring more to the firmware than the ROM.
Yes..... true. Yeah the firmware is just the various data and ROM is like the interface. I believe the 2.22.401.5 firmware is fully compatible. If you believe it's not, please let me know.
---------- Post added at 03:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:26 PM ----------
[/COLOR]
2.22.401 firmware is for the unbranded "international" variant. Its not specifically designed for use in the US, and at least for AT&T, it has caused reception issues from dodgy reception, to no service whatsoever (solution was to flash 2.22.1540 firmware). So not sure how this will play out on the T-Mob network.
Best bet would be to flash the firmware from the new T-Mob OTA rolling out, but I don't think its been posted here yet.[/QUOTE]
The firmware I have is 2.22.401.5. And ViperOne M8 offers (using 2.22.401.5 as a base) full T-Mo functionality:
ViperOneM8 2.2.0 (August 19)
ADDED full T-Mobile carrier support
FIXED T-Mobile WIFI calling
FIXED Locked IPV4/6 Settings
FIXED AOSP incoming call workaround not working
ViperOneM8 2.1.0 (August 16)
Merged with HTC OTA 2.22.401.5
Added new stock kernel from OTA (Only full ROM)
GPS improvements and fixes from HTC
Workaround white gap in dialer when having custom stock navbar size
Fixed Notification icon color
Added longpress power custom actions
So after reading that, would you say I'm at the equivalent of T-Mo's OTA, or T-Mo's is still better? I just hate waiting on T-Mo, esp if their OTAs are not perfect either (see Yoda's posts in this thread). Team Venom (who makes ViperOne) has told me they base their updates on T-Mobile's, but tweak them to work better with ViperOne. So I guess their's aren't pure HTC either. lol
Thank You,
RockStar2005

Will it be safe to buy the Verizon variant over the google store?

I haven't completely thought this through, so I'm not sure if this will make sense or not, so bear with me.
I've been looking around the internet and getting mixed responses about the verizon variant of the pixel. I want to be able to have an unlocked BL (which I'm pretty sure is possible with depixel8) and root. I normally would be all for the Google model, but they're out of stock and I could get the verizon model within a few hours rather than waiting for a restock. My main concern is if the verizon model will cause some annoyances in the future, because Verizon might pull something out of nowhere that would make having the verizon model dreadful. Basically, does anyone think that there will be any issues (especially in the future) if I just got the verizon model and unlocked the bootloader and just flashed the stock software, sort of de-verizoning it, or would I honestly just be better off waiting for Google to get more stock

Epsilon827 said:
I haven't completely thought this through, so I'm not sure if this will make sense or not, so bear with me.
I've been looking around the internet and getting mixed responses about the verizon variant of the pixel. I want to be able to have an unlocked BL (which I'm pretty sure is possible with depixel8) and root. I normally would be all for the Google model, but they're out of stock and I could get the verizon model within a few hours rather than waiting for a restock. My main concern is if the verizon model will cause some annoyances in the future, because Verizon might pull something out of nowhere that would make having the verizon model dreadful. Basically, does anyone think that there will be any issues (especially in the future) if I just got the verizon model and unlocked the bootloader and just flashed the stock software, sort of de-verizoning it, or would I honestly just be better off waiting for Google to get more stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, no, no. Patience is your friend.

Epsilon827 said:
I haven't completely thought this through, so I'm not sure if this will make sense or not, so bear with me.
I've been looking around the internet and getting mixed responses about the verizon variant of the pixel. I want to be able to have an unlocked BL (which I'm pretty sure is possible with depixel8) and root. I normally would be all for the Google model, but they're out of stock and I could get the verizon model within a few hours rather than waiting for a restock. My main concern is if the verizon model will cause some annoyances in the future, because Verizon might pull something out of nowhere that would make having the verizon model dreadful. Basically, does anyone think that there will be any issues (especially in the future) if I just got the verizon model and unlocked the bootloader and just flashed the stock software, sort of de-verizoning it, or would I honestly just be better off waiting for Google to get more stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do get it from Verizon, unlock the bootloader immediately, and NEVER re-lock it. You can't really "de-verizon" it. Once you boot with a Verizon sim, the next update will push you to the Verizon version of the firmware, which is not a big deal, just different radios optimized to Verizons network. Any Verizon apps can be uninstalled.
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA Premium HD app

I was in the same boat as you. I went with the verizon version. Unlocked the bootloader, and popped my sim in. It downloaded the latest non verizion ota. I say go for it.

Project Fi had all variants in stock as of a few days ago. My XL is due next week from them. I'm already a Fi customer and expect to be for the foreseeable future, so their finance option at zero interest was an easy sell. You could probably start service and cancel it after you receive your phone if you have another carrier.

Dude, I bought mine from Google store and vzw still pushed 63X on mine :crying:
Good thing I unlocked it before taking in the update.

n3far1us said:
Dude, I bought mine from Google store and vzw still pushed 63X on mine :crying:
Good thing I unlocked it before taking in the update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait you should still be able to unlock no matter what update they push correct? It is just radios not a new bootloader
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

anyone looking into the at&t and T-Mobile variations of the TAB S4 yet?

Just a quick question, but i have yet to see any discussion on rooting or roming and of the gsm versions of the tablet, Verizon has had the tablet the longest, but they are a no go with bootloader unlocks so its probably pointless, but i have some small amount of hope for TMobile and and a lesser amount for at&t version. thanks for answering, i bought the tablet anyways because it is literally the last good Android tablet left, root or no root so ill make it work either way, and themes will fix most of my issues anyhow

jaykoerner said:
Just a quick question, but i have yet to see any discussion on rooting or roming and of the gsm versions of the tablet, Verizon has had the tablet the longest, but they are a no go with bootloader unlocks so its probably pointless, but i have some small amount of hope for TMobile and and a lesser amount for at&t version. thanks for answering, i bought the tablet anyways because it is literally the last good Android tablet left, root or no root so ill make it work either way, and themes will fix most of my issues anyhow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the T-Mobile and Verizon variants of this tablet and neither has "OEM Unlock" for the bootloader so rooting is not possible right now and most likely will require an exploit to be found to allow this. The community is small with these tablets from what I have seen so far.
Also, neither had the latest version of Firmware so Linux on DeX does not work on them yet. This could change any day when an update is rolled out but you will need to wait on the carrier to roll that out.
That said it is a Great Tablet!

fine to know i guess, all i need is a normal Android tab, might mess with the dex stuff but not why i getting it, i would only have rooted it when Samsung gave up on the tablet anyhow, as they always seem to do with the tablets in my experience

I bought the Verizon model not realizing it couldn't be rooted. I returned it.
Another big reason not to buy a carrier branded tablet is that it will be throttled data if using a voice line on TMobile.
However if you buy the Korean model, you can root, use your voice sim for full data speed voice and text apps, and get 6GB of ram.
This is the one I got shipped to the US. No issues whatsoever : https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...-LTE-Unlocked-4K-Record-SM-T835-/253816928507

Did you have to pay any customs/duty fees? Thx.

graysooner said:
Did you have to pay any customs/duty fees? Thx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, no fees. The item description warned of that but I didn't pay anything outside of eBay
I'm very happy and would do it again

philow said:
I had the T-Mobile and Verizon variants of this tablet and neither has "OEM Unlock" for the bootloader so rooting is not possible right now and most likely will require an exploit to be found to allow this. The community is small with these tablets from what I have seen so far.
Also, neither had the latest version of Firmware so Linux on DeX does not work on them yet. This could change any day when an update is rolled out but you will need to wait on the carrier to roll that out.
That said it is a Great Tablet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it should work on arj3 correct? i am going to try tonight.. theres a sprint arj3 firmware floating around the internet.. maybe ill upload but not many users on here..
and yes, the usa carrier variants can b cross flashed.. ive flashed sprint firmware onto my vzw tablet no problem

elliwigy said:
it should work on arj3 correct? i am going to try tonight.. theres a sprint arj3 firmware floating around the internet.. maybe ill upload but not many users on here..
and yes, the usa carrier variants can b cross flashed.. ive flashed sprint firmware onto my vzw tablet no problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile build was ARJ3 but it was the September Security Patch and a U1 bootoader. Linux on DeX looks like it needs at least the October Security Patch. Good Luck!

AT&T version Unlocked-No Updates

As the headline states, I bought a Fold on launch day here in the U.S. My only option was the AT&T version as best buy was allocated only 6 units for the entire state on launch date and they were all AT&T models. Well, I am a T-Mobile user so I got the phone unlocked by a third party. Cost me $55 and had to hook it up to my PC but the phone was unlocked in less than three minutes. Phone is awesome in every aspect and although I still have bloatware and the AT&T logo on startup, the phone is amazing.
Problem: I see articles and postings about updates to the phone. Security patches, firmware updates that happened in October and now November yet my phone get none of them. Did some research and read a lot of back and forth over whether it was Samsung or AT&T or T-Mobile as to who would provide updates. Well, T-mobile doesn't carry the phone, AT&T will not update an unlocked phone of theirs and Samsung smart switch also does not work with AT&T branded, unlocked phones.
So here I sit with August 2019 security software and old firmware. with no way to get these updates. It's been ages since I rooted (or Jailbroke) a phone but it seems like this might be my only option unless you guys can suggest a way for me to get these updates. I would prefer to find a simple easy way to get this done over rooting but I don't even know if there is such a thing.
Any help or insight appreciated, thanks in advance for your time and efforts.

AtlanticFalcon said:
As the headline states, I bought a Fold on launch day here in the U.S. My only option was the AT&T version as best buy was allocated only 6 units for the entire state on launch date and they were all AT&T models. Well, I am a T-Mobile user so I got the phone unlocked by a third party. Cost me $55 and had to hook it up to my PC but the phone was unlocked in less than three minutes. Phone is awesome in every aspect and although I still have bloatware and the AT&T logo on startup, the phone is amazing.
Problem: I see articles and postings about updates to the phone. Security patches, firmware updates that happened in October and now November yet my phone get none of them. Did some research and read a lot of back and forth over whether it was Samsung or AT&T or T-Mobile as to who would provide updates. Well, T-mobile doesn't carry the phone, AT&T will not update an unlocked phone of theirs and Samsung smart switch also does not work with AT&T branded, unlocked phones.
So here I sit with August 2019 security software and old firmware. with no way to get these updates. It's been ages since I rooted (or Jailbroke) a phone but it seems like this might be my only option unless you guys can suggest a way for me to get these updates. I would prefer to find a simple easy way to get this done over rooting but I don't even know if there is such a thing.
Any help or insight appreciated, thanks in advance for your time and efforts.
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Click to collapse
Change the s/w from AT&T ("U") to unlocked ("U1"). There's a thread in this forum with the files you need to download and instructions elsewhere on XDA. I changed my AT&T-branded Fold from U to U1 the day I set it up and have received two updates directly from Samsung. I'm currently on SK1 with the November security update. Leaving the phone running AT&T s/w prevents you from running call and messaging continuity and Hiya for caller ID and spam protection which are both pretty cool.

BarryH_GEG said:
Change the s/w from AT&T ("U") to unlocked ("U1"). There's a thread in this forum with the files you need to download and instructions elsewhere on XDA. I changed my AT&T-branded Fold from U to U1 the day I set it up and have received two updates directly from Samsung. I'm currently on SK1 with the November security update. Leaving the phone running AT&T s/w prevents you from running call and messaging continuity and Hiya for caller ID and spam protection which are both pretty cool.
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Click to collapse
Thanks very much for the insight. I gave it a try and obviously didn't do something right but at least I know the solution. Now I just have to put all the pieces together. Thanks very much!

BarryH_GEG said:
Change the s/w from AT&T ("U") to unlocked ("U1"). There's a thread in this forum with the files you need to download and instructions elsewhere on XDA. I changed my AT&T-branded Fold from U to U1 the day I set it up and have received two updates directly from Samsung. I'm currently on SK1 with the November security update. Leaving the phone running AT&T s/w prevents you from running call and messaging continuity and Hiya for caller ID and spam protection which are both pretty cool.
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Click to collapse
Did you do ASHA build of U1? I went with that and it says my phone is up to date...

bogdi1988 said:
Did you do ASHA build of U1? I went with that and it says my phone is up to date...
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Click to collapse
I downloaded U1 from this thread in this forum.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-fold/how-to/f900u-f900u1-firmware-links-t3922870

BarryH_GEG said:
I downloaded U1 from this thread in this forum.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-fold/how-to/f900u-f900u1-firmware-links-t3922870
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Click to collapse
Thanks neighbor I manually updated to the latest. Hopefully I will get the next updates normally.

I successfully flashed U1 ASHA......no updates as of yet. Says I'm up to date but security patch is still August. Fingers crossed I catch the next one.

Do guys know if I do the flash to U1 unlocked. Does VZW wifi calling/texting work?
Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk

Ok, I read every page of this very long thread and am more confused than when I looked at the initial page. It has been several years since I have used odin to flash a phone. Would someone be kind enough to put a link to the latest U1 firmware and Odin download so I can get off to the right start?
I have AT&T Fold unlocked on the original firmware as I never received any OTA updates. Can I go straight to the latest one or do I need to do it in steps?
Much appreciated!
Edit: Just realized this was not posted on the long thread I was referring to, but still valid questions. There was another thread that was 14 pages long which I have been posting on as well.
I am having trouble getting the flash to work. Any assistance would be appreciated.

EmilyJLV said:
Ok, I read every page of this very long thread and am more confused than when I looked at the initial page. It has been several years since I have used odin to flash a phone. Would someone be kind enough to put a link to the latest U1 firmware and Odin download so I can get off to the right start?
I have AT&T Fold unlocked on the original firmware as I never received any OTA updates. Can I go straight to the latest one or do I need to do it in steps?
Much appreciated!
Edit: Just realized this was not posted on the long thread I was referring to, but still valid questions. There was another thread that was 14 pages long which I have been posting on as well.
I am having trouble getting the flash to work. Any assistance would be appreciated.
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i can help you. like you, reading 20 pages is crazy and it is for a pro. not like us. I am lucky to flash my ATT yesterday.

still available to help?
Chuotchi said:
i can help you. like you, reading 20 pages is crazy and it is for a pro. not like us. I am lucky to flash my ATT yesterday.
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Click to collapse
still available to give some help? im having the exact same issue. if i could be walked through this it would be amazing as i havent flashed anything onto a phone since the droid bionic days!!!

LM-G820UM on AT&T - Android 10 Firmware

I recently purchased a LG G8 (LM-G820UM) from China. It is an AT&T branded phone, but works perfectly with my current UK SIM. It is running Android 9 (Software Version: G820UM10m), but when I try to update to Android 10 it says, "Current software is up to date."
I am used to updating the firmware on Samsung tablets and didn't realise the firmware would be tied to AT&T, so when I tried to install the firmware from another carrier using LGUP, I was surprised to find it just wouldn't work and always gave up before it hit 10%. (I tried using the LG Flash Tool, but couldn't get it to work on my Windows 10 PC.)
Reading through the forum, I appreciate buying a pre-paid AT&T SIM might - only might - work, but I'd much prefer to source an AT&T Android 10 image or else use software that will let me install an Android 10 image from another carrier.
Given that an AT&T Android 10 firmware does exist, I'm surprised it is not available to download from somewhere. Or that I can't just install a non-AT&T firmware.
Does anyone know of any further avenues I might be able to explore?

pfhastie said:
I recently purchased a LG G8 (LM-G820UM) from China. It is an AT&T branded phone, but works perfectly with my current UK SIM. It is running Android 9 (Software Version: G820UM10m), but when I try to update to Android 10 it says, "Current software is up to date."
I am used to updating the firmware on Samsung tablets and didn't realise the firmware would be tied to AT&T, so when I tried to install the firmware from another carrier using LGUP, I was surprised to find it just wouldn't work and always gave up before it hit 10%. (I tried using the LG Flash Tool, but couldn't get it to work on my Windows 10 PC.)
Reading through the forum, I appreciate buying a pre-paid AT&T SIM might - only might - work, but I'd much prefer to source an AT&T Android 10 image or else use software that will let me install an Android 10 image from another carrier.
Given that an AT&T Android 10 firmware does exist, I'm surprised it is not available to download from somewhere. Or that I can't just install a non-AT&T firmware.
Does anyone know of any further avenues I might be able to explore?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw on here if you remove your Sim card, then factory reset and don't connect to anything including wifi, so skip everything to get to the home screen. Then connect to WiFi and check for updates it works. I did it and boom, I had to go through about 5 updates, but it all worked. Not sure if it will work outside of the US, but it's worth a shot.

That sounds interesting. I'll give it a go and let you know. I am in the UK, but perhaps a US VPN might do the trick if it doesn't work for me.

pfhastie said:
That sounds interesting. I'll give it a go and let you know. I am in the UK, but perhaps a US VPN might do the trick if it doesn't work for me.
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Click to collapse
Good luck, it seems there some issue when it has a connection and it looks for updates during the setup and it breaks updates afterwards. So this is a workaround. I did all the updates consecutively, then rebooted and inserted my sim.

Gave it a good go. Full reset, skipped the intro pages, connected WiFi, but Software Update said I was up to date. Installed ThunderVPN (for apps & browsers), set it to USA and tried again, but same story. Then tried the whole thing again from scratch this time making sure I was on a US VPN prior to initiating the Software Update, but it was still the same ("Current software is up to date").
It is so disappointing not being able to bring this otherwise near-perfect phone up to the latest Android version, but I'm too short of cash to spend £10 on a SIM that only has a small chance of working in the UK. I'll just get on with my life and check back every now and then to see if one of the resident geniuses has come up with a fix.

pfhastie said:
Gave it a good go. Full reset, skipped the intro pages, connected WiFi, but Software Update said I was up to date. Installed ThunderVPN (for apps & browsers), set it to USA and tried again, but same story. Then tried the whole thing again from scratch this time making sure I was on a US VPN prior to initiating the Software Update, but it was still the same ("Current software is up to date").
It is so disappointing not being able to bring this otherwise near-perfect phone up to the latest Android version, but I'm too short of cash to spend £10 on a SIM that only has a small chance of working in the UK. I'll just get on with my life and check back every now and then to see if one of the resident geniuses has come up with a fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever got the update to Android 10 and if yes, how?

hugoprh said:
Did you ever got the update to Android 10 and if yes, how?
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Click to collapse
No, I never did. Planning on checking back every few months or so to see if there is firmware available, but I rather doubt there will as AT&T seem to have the phone tied down pretty well. On the plus side, coming from an Xperia Z5, Android 9 is excellent, especially battery life, and although Android 10 adds a desktop mode, I've heard of some people having problems, so I'm not worried I'm missing all that much. So many tech issues, so little time.

update lg g8 ATT
pfhastie said:
No, I never did. Planning on checking back every few months or so to see if there is firmware available, but I rather doubt there will as AT&T seem to have the phone tied down pretty well. On the plus side, coming from an Xperia Z5, Android 9 is excellent, especially battery life, and although Android 10 adds a desktop mode, I've heard of some people having problems, so I'm not worried I'm missing all that much. So many tech issues, so little time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
133/5000
You could find a solution, I have the same problem and I don't know how to update, I don't know if it would work if I bought the sim card

Likewise, got a deal on eBay and starting to feel I should've found out about the AT&T update troubles before purchasing smh

Did anyone ever figure this out? I'm in the same boat

BWA_Dallas said:
Did anyone ever figure this out? I'm in the same boat
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Click to collapse
I'd suggest looking in the 'guides' forum and following the 'how to cross flash' guide. Essentially, if you're using an at&t rom outside the us, then it's almost certain you're missing a few of the bands needed for you to have full coverage. It might be working, but there are probably some bands you're not getting.
So, the software / rom for your region is always the better one. If you successfully cross flash to that rom, you'll be better off.