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Has anyone used the SGH-I257M on US AT&T?
As I understand, it has the bands for multiple networks. The reason for asking is AT&T is dragging their feet.
Info I got from AT&T was that it has enough roll outs for Christmas and are not going to bring out the S4 Mini until January. My contract is up, S3 & S4 are too big for a pocket, I ditched my S3, I'm using an S2 clocked at 1.7 and gutted, nice phone, but time for a new toy to play with. I'm tired of waiting on the 'Mini', but flashable US Basebands will be unavailable for some time so I'm hoping someone has done this. More specifically meaning the 'non branded' SGH i257M and a functional LTE band 17. TIA
systwk said:
Has anyone used the SGH-I257M on US AT&T?
As I understand, it has the bands for multiple networks. The reason for asking is AT&T is dragging their feet.
Info I got from AT&T was that it has enough roll outs for Christmas and are not going to bring out the S4 Mini until January. My contract is up, S3 & S4 are too big for a pocket, I ditched my S3, I'm using an S2 clocked at 1.7 and gutted, nice phone, but time for a new toy to play with. I'm tired of waiting on the 'Mini', but flashable US Basebands will be unavailable for some time so I'm hoping someone has done this. More specifically meaning the 'non branded' SGH i257M and a functional LTE band 17. TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get an unlocked SGH-I257M from Canada it will work for AT&T with LTE. I got one as an early Christmas gift for my girlfriend and it works no problem. I just put her 4G microSIM from her old phone (Pantech Burst) and set it up. The only thing I had to do was add the APN for AT&T 4G. Also, I believe it was the ChatON app that would not work in the US but it wasn't important.
EDIT: Also, a question I was thinking of as well is, if when the AT&T version comes out (or the firmware at least) could the AT&T I257 firmware be flashed on an I257M? That would minimize any issues from the phone's software..
wiisixtyfour said:
If you get an unlocked SGH-I257M from Canada it will work for AT&T with LTE. I got one as an early Christmas gift for my girlfriend and it works no problem. I just put her 4G microSIM from her old phone (Pantech Burst) and set it up. The only thing I had to do was add the APN for AT&T 4G. Also, I believe it was the ChatON app that would not work in the US but it wasn't important.
EDIT: Also, a question I was thinking of as well is, if when the AT&T version comes out (or the firmware at least) could the AT&T I257 firmware be flashed on an I257M? That would minimize any issues from the phone's software..
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Click to collapse
I appreciate the reply. That is good to know. Yeah, ChatON is of no interest. As for flashing, There are multiple reports that the 9195 ROM flashes OK on the M's, 9195 also adds the FM radio that is not given functionality in the M's but restored with the 9195 OS so I would assume the AT&T version should be no problem provided AT&T isn't pulling another non standard hardware version as they have in the past with some phones. (FCC filings don't indicate that) AT&T seems to have developed a phobia in recent years about their phones being retrofitted with new OS's. Also likely they are waiting for 4.3 or a Knox implementation in the deluded belief that it is secure. Thanks again for the heads up on function, looks like the price from Canada isn't too bad right now.
wiisixtyfour said:
If you get an unlocked SGH-I257M from Canada it will work for AT&T with LTE. I got one as an early Christmas gift for my girlfriend and it works no problem. I just put her 4G microSIM from her old phone (Pantech Burst) and set it up. The only thing I had to do was add the APN for AT&T 4G. Also, I believe it was the ChatON app that would not work in the US but it wasn't important.
EDIT: Also, a question I was thinking of as well is, if when the AT&T version comes out (or the firmware at least) could the AT&T I257 firmware be flashed on an I257M? That would minimize any issues from the phone's software..
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Click to collapse
Hi. Thank you for sharing this. I actually just bought a Canadian i257M as well and now I'm waiting for it to get shipped to me. Question; do the samsung media apps work while in the US? For example, media hub, video hub and music hub? I ask because i used to own a GS4 from att and I purchased a lot of media on those apps and would like to continue using them if possible on the GS4 mini if possible.
Much appreciated!
Eltahur said:
Hi. Thank you for sharing this. I actually just bought a Canadian i257M as well and now I'm waiting for it to get shipped to me. Question; do the samsung media apps work while in the US? For example, media hub, video hub and music hub? I ask because i used to own a GS4 from att and I purchased a lot of media on those apps and would like to continue using them if possible on the GS4 mini if possible.
Much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may have some disappointment, Samsung has switched to 'Samsung Hub' on the new phones, replacing the older Media hubs and interoperability suffers a lot. T-Mobile offers a Media Hub for their new phones, AT&T may as well since the Sammy app's leave so much behind. It's going to be a wait and see I suspect. With luck AT&T will have Media Hub apps instead of the newer Samsung replacements and all you will have to do is wait. It seems quite a few people have money tied up in the old system and that may keep it alive.
But other than that, all you need to get on line is write your carrier APN. The phone is turn-key as it is. I just got an 'M' and after gutting the OS, dropping in an APN and editing the Build Prop a little (not needed) it works great on US AT&T.
There are more and more of the i257M's turning up recently in the States and hopefully someone will be able to clarify the Media Hub issue more for you better than this.
Where are you guys getting unlocked 257Ms? I can't find anything on ebay and the internet suggests canadagsm may not be reputable.
Hi...wondering if you can help given you are on AT&T 4G LTE. My i257M arrived today from canadagsm and it appears rooted. Surprise, but maybe good. BTW...canadagsm handled this order ok, not great and not responsive, but they did deliver. Anyway so far so good, but I am also on AT&T 4G LTE and wondering how to edit the APN? Why? Right now I am only getting H+ connectivity. So wondering if there is a way to do this voa the hardware or only via software? Also, can you post the Build Prop? Lastly, due to rooted phones being disallowed on my company network I can only use a stock ROM.
Lastly, as I write this I ended up going into the boot ROM and which is not CWM and for the last 30 minutes and selecting install the volume up, the screen shows DOWNLOADING, DO NOT TURN OFF TARGET!! However, I am not aware I am downloading anything and seeing this screen is a bit scary. I may mess with this a little more by the time anyone gets a chance to respond, so we will see.
Thanks in advance, malloy0
systwk said:
You may have some disappointment, Samsung has switched to 'Samsung Hub' on the new phones, replacing the older Media hubs and interoperability suffers a lot. T-Mobile offers a Media Hub for their new phones, AT&T may as well since the Sammy app's leave so much behind. It's going to be a wait and see I suspect. With luck AT&T will have Media Hub apps instead of the newer Samsung replacements and all you will have to do is wait. It seems quite a few people have money tied up in the old system and that may keep it alive.
But other than that, all you need to get on line is write your carrier APN. The phone is turn-key as it is. I just got an 'M' and after gutting the OS, dropping in an APN and editing the Build Prop a little (not needed) it works great on US AT&T.
There are more and more of the i257M's turning up recently in the States and hopefully someone will be able to clarify the Media Hub issue more for you better than this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
malloy0 said:
Hi...wondering if you can help given you are on AT&T 4G LTE. My i257M arrived today from canadagsm and it appears rooted. Surprise, but maybe good. BTW...canadagsm handled this order ok, not great and not responsive, but they did deliver. Anyway so far so good, but I am also on AT&T 4G LTE and wondering how to edit the APN? Why? Right now I am only getting H+ connectivity. So wondering if there is a way to do this voa the hardware or only via software? Also, can you post the Build Prop? Lastly, due to rooted phones being disallowed on my company network I can only use a stock ROM.
Lastly, as I write this I ended up going into the boot ROM and which is not CWM and for the last 30 minutes and selecting install the volume up, the screen shows DOWNLOADING, DO NOT TURN OFF TARGET!! However, I am not aware I am downloading anything and seeing this screen is a bit scary. I may mess with this a little more by the time anyone gets a chance to respond, so we will see.
Thanks in advance, malloy0
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Click to collapse
I just made a thread abouu this. Just picked up a i257m and on every kind of combination of rom I'm stuck at only h+. I spent a few hours on the phone with cs to figure out why after googling a few other cases similar to ours. Turns out att doesn't support unlocked phones so the account isn't setup to push lte. What others have done, and what I'm going to try to do tomorrow is pop the sim into an att phone thss can do LTE and set it up and switch back and it should follow.
Att were assholes and wouldn't setup a device on my sim temporarily to prove to me LTE worked on my account. We popped my dim into a display g2 that was getting LTE, and got only h+. So I told him to pop the display sim in mine to see if I can get LTE, it only triggered the LTE option in the settings but never popped up saying it was getting any.. Hmm
Edit: got lte working with a new sim! All works perfect on att!
voilsb said:
Where are you guys getting unlocked 257Ms? I can't find anything on ebay and the internet suggests canadagsm may not be reputable.
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Click to collapse
Just wanted to throw in an update, I took the risk and ordered a 257M from CanadaGSM. Minor hiccup with the webpage didn't forward my address to their credit card processor, but they sent me an e-mail and a paypal invoice, and shipped out the phone the same day I paid. Quick customer service response time via e-mail, too (as in within a few minutes). It works great on Straight Talk, but I don't live in an LTE area so I can't test that till this weekend.
It rooted easily, and now it's running PAC.
Edited to add some information.
voilsb said:
Just wanted to throw in an update, I took the risk and ordered a 257M from CanadaGSM. Minor hiccup with the webpage didn't forward my address to their credit card processor, but they sent me an e-mail and a paypal invoice, and shipped out the phone the same day I paid. Quick customer service response time via e-mail, too (as in within a few minutes). It works great on Straight Talk, but I don't live in an LTE area so I can't test that till this weekend.
It rooted easily, and now it's running PAC.
Edited to add some information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good news for CanadaGSM...I too was leery, but after a few emails and phone calls they stepped it up big time. For now I have retired the S5 mini in favor of a Nokia Lumia 520 for $65!! Woo-eeee!! It's a super smooth phone. Apps are a little limited, but still have found everything I need except "stay awake" with charging. as for the S4 mini on LTE? No luck at all and expect one of two things...1) it's a locked Rogers phone and I am on AT&T, thus they will not allow LTE or the phone is not truly LTE capable.
voilsb said:
... ordered a 257M ... It rooted easily ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you post some detail about the rooting procedure that you used? I have not yet seen a complete procedure for the SGH-I257M.
malloy0 said:
Good news for CanadaGSM...I too was leery, but after a few emails and phone calls they stepped it up big time. For now I have retired the S5 mini in favor of a Nokia Lumia 520 for $65!! Woo-eeee!! It's a super smooth phone. Apps are a little limited, but still have found everything I need except "stay awake" with charging. as for the S4 mini on LTE? No luck at all and expect one of two things...1) it's a locked Rogers phone and I am on AT&T, thus they will not allow LTE or the phone is not truly LTE capable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running the i257m on att with lte,only hiccup I had was they gave a 3g sim instead of an lte one and it took three weeks to prove it to them!
---------- Post added at 01:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:58 AM ----------
mdawdy said:
Can you post some detail about the rooting procedure that you used? I have not yet seen a complete procedure for the SGH-I257M.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the 9195 root method and 9195 roms, same phone just different lte bands.
What I did was use Odin to flash recovery then flashed the root kit then used the unlock app from the play store to be able to run att. Then I flashed my liquidsmooth and havent looked back!
I used Odin to flash philz touch recovery, then flashed the PAC nightly. Only issues so far are ROM related, like launcher preference and battery drain
Sent from my GT-I9195 using xda app-developers app
My previous phone was the galaxy s4 sgh-i337. Thanks to you guy's I was able to root, and install ss. I was under the impression that all ATT phones where boot locked, but I have seen some htc m8 say unlocked.
I am confused. I recently changed over to T-Mobile, due to data overages, and locked boot.
My question is can I buy any of the variants and be safe? or should I stick with a T-Mobile branded version.
All versions of the M8 are bootloader locked (with exception of Developer's Edition), but can be easily unlocked via official means through HTC's website HTCDev.com. Once bootloader unlocked you can flash custom recovery, root, flash custom ROMs, and lots of other things. Not nearly as locked down as recent Samsung devices on AT&T.
If you are on T-Mobile, you should probably get the T-Mobile branded version if you want a phone that is compatible with T-Mobile's bands, out of the box.
You can flash the T-Mob radio to an AT&t version, but S-off is required ($25 via sunshine). Not worth having to mod the phone to get it fully running on T-Mob, if you can just buy the T-Mob version. There really isn't any benefit to getting the AT&T variant.
Awesome thanks for the reply. I looked again at some phones, and noticed the nexus 6. It looks good too. I know its more expensive, but is there a reason to choose the htc over the nexus 6?
TireIron431 said:
I know its more expensive, but is there a reason to choose the htc over the nexus 6?
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Click to collapse
N6 is a very nice looking phone, and Nexus OS updates is certainly a nice perk. And some reviews compare the front-facing speakers on the N6 as being comparable ("almost" as good) to the impressive BoomSound speakers on the M8.
On the other hand, the N6 is really big, so you might want to make sure you are okay with that before buying. And while still very nice, the N6's back is plastic, so you may want to compare it in hand to the gorgeous metal M8.
The camera on the N6 is described as "average"; although the M8's camera is pretty divisive, as well.
All in all, I don't think you can go wrong either way. Both are excellent phones. Aside from sheer size difference, it comes down to some pretty subtle, and rather preferential differences.
redpoint73 said:
N6 is a very nice looking phone, and Nexus OS updates is certainly a nice perk. And some reviews compare the front-facing speakers on the N6 as being comparable ("almost" as good) to the impressive BoomSound speakers on the M8.
On the other hand, the N6 is really big, so you might want to make sure you are okay with that before buying. And while still very nice, the N6's back is plastic, so you may want to compare it in hand to the gorgeous metal M8.
The camera on the N6 is described as "average"; although the M8's camera is pretty divisive, as well.
All in all, I don't think you can go wrong either way. Both are excellent phones. Aside from sheer size difference, it comes down to some pretty subtle, and rather preferential differences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once again thank you. I will check them out in person. I may still go for the m8. Don't know if I really want to drop 6-700 on a phone.
Is there anything special about the Harmon kardon edition other than the headphones?
TireIron431 said:
Is there anything special about the Harmon kardon edition other than the headphones?
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Click to collapse
Yes. The audio libs and ADSP are different than stock BoomSound. If you get S-Off you can convert to H/K and back to BoomSound again, so if you have nice headphones already, the standard model should do. But the H/K headphones are a pretty good deal for the small markup in price.
I'm finding some better deals on the HK edition, than I am the regular htc. I like the look and feel of the grey standard one. Is it possible to turn a regular one into the HK edition? I plan on custom installs and everything. I don't have a good pair of headphones. The ones that come with the hk edition are good from what I can tell. I am on T-Mobile, so I would have to flash it to T-Mobile. Is this a problem? I'm just trying to get all the answers before I buy.
Thanks again.
TireIron431 said:
I'm finding some better deals on the HK edition, than I am the regular htc. I like the look and feel of the grey standard one. Is it possible to turn a regular one into the HK edition? I plan on custom installs and everything. I don't have a good pair of headphones. The ones that come with the hk edition are good from what I can tell. I am on T-Mobile, so I would have to flash it to T-Mobile. Is this a problem? I'm just trying to get all the answers before I buy.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are rooting, then yes you can flash the H/K mod. You will need to be S-Off to do it, and that costs $25 from Sunshine (it's the only way now). It's totally worth it though to pay for. Besides getting the H/K sound, you will always be able to stay on top of the latest firmware. Otherwise to update it you have to flash a stock backup, a stock recovery, take the OTA (when it comes available), then go through the rooting process again. With S-Off, you just flash a firmware.zip and you are done.
TireIron431 said:
I'm finding some better deals on the HK edition, than I am the regular htc. I like the look and feel of the grey standard one. Is it possible to turn a regular one into the HK edition? I plan on custom installs and everything. I don't have a good pair of headphones. The ones that come with the hk edition are good from what I can tell. I am on T-Mobile, so I would have to flash it to T-Mobile. Is this a problem? I'm just trying to get all the answers before I buy.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't recommend getting a Sprint phone if you have T-mobile
So $25 from Sunshine is the only way to fully unlock an HTC now? It seems the more I find out about root, custom roms, and anything else we want to do with our phones is becoming more and more ridiculous to do.
I got off ATT because I was tired of knox, and have been researching that them and Verizon were the ones you didn't want because of the encrypted bootloaders. I got T-Mobile because from what I read they do not encrypt their bootloaders.
I was real excited to be able to customize my phone however I wanted. Im still new to all of this. The only phone I have ever modded was the sgh-i337.
Am I going to have spend 25 bucks every time I want to customize or reload something?
Sorry if i'm coming across as ungrateful or something. It's just that with the experience with the i337 I thought I was past that stuff.
You can root and unlock without s-off. You're just slightly limited to android version, for example. Once htc update to lollipop that particular problem will end. The cost is unfortunate but justified.
TireIron431 said:
So $25 from Sunshine is the only way to fully unlock an HTC now? It seems the more I find out about root, custom roms, and anything else we want to do with our phones is becoming more and more ridiculous to do.
I got off ATT because I was tired of knox, and have been researching that them and Verizon were the ones you didn't want because of the encrypted bootloaders. I got T-Mobile because from what I read they do not encrypt their bootloaders.
I was real excited to be able to customize my phone however I wanted. Im still new to all of this. The only phone I have ever modded was the sgh-i337.
Am I going to have spend 25 bucks every time I want to customize or reload something?
Sorry if i'm coming across as ungrateful or something. It's just that with the experience with the i337 I thought I was past that stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung is the one with "locked bootloaders" All the recent HTC Phones have bootloader unlock Via HTCDEV.com you just have to create an account and go through a few steps to unlock. Unlocked Sim is totally different and has nothing to do with htc. All the carriers have some forum of Sim lock so their no advantage of one over the other. Whats important to note is the 2 different Radio technologies used by the different carriers. GSM = T-mobile / AT&T / International / Developer Edition / Rogers / Vodaphone and/or CDMA = Verizon / Sprint / Boost / Virgin Mobile
The Sim Unlocked GSM One is the most desirable. And if Wifi calling is important to you only the T-mobile model will support it out of the box.
As For the S-Off that all depends on how you use the phone. I don't recommend everyone get s-off. But at some point if you need to return the phone to Stock for warranty proposes S-Off will be necessary.
S-Off is only done to a Device One time, their is no need to ever turn it back to s-on
S-Off allows you to change your CID / MID and firmware that you can't normally use / Do
This allows you to say convert your AT&T phone into a GPe or a Developer Edition and receive OTA updates the same as they do. I hope this clears some things up for you.
I will probly s-off anyway. I just thought there was another way to do it.
@clsA thanks for the clarification. So to make sure I got this right...
I only need s-off if I plan on converting the phone to developer or such. without s-off I will still be able to root, install custom recovery such s philz, or twrp correct?
Aswell as any custom rom.
TireIron431 said:
I will probly s-off anyway. I just thought there was another way to do it.
@clsA thanks for the clarification. So to make sure I got this right...
I only need s-off if I plan on converting the phone to developer or such. without s-off I will still be able to root, install custom recovery such s philz, or twrp correct?
Aswell as any custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can still use Sunshine to unlock and s-off if that's what you choose. but not needed to just flash roms
TireIron431 said:
I will probly s-off anyway. I just thought there was another way to do it.
@clsA thanks for the clarification. So to make sure I got this right...
I only need s-off if I plan on converting the phone to developer or such. without s-off I will still be able to root, install custom recovery such s philz, or twrp correct?
Aswell as any custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will also be able to flash the newest versions of firmware way before your carrier updates, and therefore run the newest versions of ROMs without worrying a out not getting wifi and connection issues.
Awesome thanks for the assist guys.
another question. I was looking at the E8, and noticed they are very similar except the E8 has a way better camera. Would I be able to use it, or am I barking up the wrong tree?
Also I like the look and feel of the gun grey m8, could I buy an m8 body casing and just switch it out? or is it to much trouble and not worth my time?
I'd get the AT&T branded M8 as it has more bands and should support T-Mobile LTE in your area (atleast mine does).
The extra bands may be beneficial if you switch carriers down the road.
Will I be able to use wifi calling with the ATT version?
TireIron431 said:
Will I be able to use wifi calling with the ATT version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No its only on the t-mobile software
Hi there,
Sorry if this is an obvious question - I'm a big mobile enthusiast, but probably not as technically minded as some of you folks
I'm in the UK right now but am moving to the US permanently in a few weeks. I'm getting the Note 7 and am torn between what to do - buy it here or there.
Here's my thinking: If I buy here, it will be free of all that yucky bloatware you get over there since I gather that even if I purchase from BestBuy, there's nothing quite like a sim-free unlocked phone of the type we would get here. And that carrier bloatware scares me. I don't want to have to be rooting my phone and messing about with it to make it run at an acceptable speed when it inevitably starts to slow down, down the line. Plus, I just hate the thought of having all of that rubbish on my phone. If I'm spending $900 or so, I want it to be pure as the driven snow!
I'm not sure which network I'm going to be going for in the US (as an 'Alien' new to the US with no credit history, it's not easy to get a contract) but what I'm looking at is either T-Mobile or AT&T (possibly Cricket, if not main AT&T.) Although I hear T-Mobile signal can be patchy. I'll be in Los Angeles, so I imagine signal should be good.
So what I'm wondering is - will it all work OK there? I'm assuming the GSM version we get in the UK will be compatible with those two networks, though not Verizon. Although I doubt I'll go with Verizon because their packages don't really look good for what I need and also I hear their bloatware in particular is immense!
I know we have a different processor in the Exynos edition (or is that the one you guys have and we have Snapdragon? Anyway, you know what I mean..) But would that processor make any actual difference in day to day use? Does the processor just run the software or does it have an influence on how the phone actually works with the network as a phone and data device? Am I likely to run into problems?
Also, you probably can't answer this - but worth a try.. I assume that Samsung's warranties are not international? Right now, I am on an iPhone and I know that if it breaks in the US, I can just take it to an Apple store in the US. My gut tells me if I buy in the UK and it starts playing up, I'll be on my own, unless you know different? But hey - it's a trade off. Bloatware vs warranty.
Anyway, any thoughts or advice would be gratefully received.
Thanks all.
Phil :good:
Definitely buy the Exynos International version of the phone. I live near Los Angeles and plan to purchase the international version as well because it has no bloatware. It will be my first purchase of an international unlocked phone. I'm on AT&T but my understanding is that T-mobile rocks in Los Angeles. You can't go wrong with AT&T or T-Mobile, but I would lean toward T-Mobile if I were you, they are really kicking butt right now.
The exynos version of the phone will have better battery life by just a bit and it will be only slightly faster. They both have trade-offs, but in the end, it doesn't make a big difference, just get the international version, which is what all of us Americans want. I don't know about the warranty, you might have to ship the phone off for that.
if you buy one in the UK, make sure you make a few phone calls before you move.
European Samsung phones usually refuse to accept US SIM cards unless you make a phone call for a few minutes using a European SIM.
thedicemaster said:
if you buy one in the UK, make sure you make a few phone calls before you move.
European Samsung phones usually refuse to accept US SIM cards unless you make a phone call for a few minutes using a European SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a very good point! I remember reading about this with my old Galaxy when it said that it locked it to the country where the first phone call was made.
But would this possibly present problems? If I made a few calls with my Vodafone sim, would that then mean that it locks it to UK networks and makes a T-Mobile USA or AT&T sim incompatible?
And bands-wise, they're all good to go, right? There's no reason a local US sim wouldn't work 100% in that model? And the processor doesn't make a difference? Just wondering why they bother to put two different processor types in the phone otherwise?
DuffmasterFresh said:
Definitely buy the Exynos International version of the phone. I live near Los Angeles and plan to purchase the international version as well because it has no bloatware. It will be my first purchase of an international unlocked phone. I'm on AT&T but my understanding is that T-mobile rocks in Los Angeles. You can't go wrong with AT&T or T-Mobile, but I would lean toward T-Mobile if I were you, they are really kicking butt right now.
The exynos version of the phone will have better battery life by just a bit and it will be only slightly faster. They both have trade-offs, but in the end, it doesn't make a big difference, just get the international version, which is what all of us Americans want. I don't know about the warranty, you might have to ship the phone off for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - this is really helpful. Good to know TM are good there as had heard a few stories about bad coverage.
it's the opposite.
unless they changed it just for the note 7, you have to use the phone in the UK before you can use it in the US.
here's a quote from an article regarding the region lock in the S7 and S7 edge:
its box will be sealed with a sticker reading "European SIM card only."
The tab below this sticker explains how and why, albeit in tiny and rather verbose script. Essentially, in order for your unlocked European GS7 to be fully unlocked, you first need to make a total of five minutes worth of phone calls using a European SIM. If you don't do this, and try to use it with a SIM from outside of Europe, it won't connect to the network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is to prevent shops from selling European phones in the US.
the unlocking method is so that people moving outside Europe after buying a phone can continue to use it.
thedicemaster said:
it's the opposite.
unless they changed it just for the note 7, you have to use the phone in the UK before you can use it in the US.
here's a quote from an article regarding the region lock in the S7 and S7 edge:
this is to prevent shops from selling European phones in the US.
the unlocking method is so that people moving outside Europe after buying a phone can continue to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it - just been reading up on it. Thanks for this.
Well, that all looks simple enough. Shouldn't be an issue.
In fact, my only fear is warranty now. If I smash or crack it (which I will try not to obvs, but heaven forbid, it happens), I may be spannered.
I doubt my insurance will cover it if it is an international model and Samsung look like they don't do international warranties.
That's the only thing stopping me sitting here pressing 'order' when I'm on the verge of it.
Also, I wonder if Samsung Pay will be affected, If maybe, somehow, that's region specific.
It's a big risk.. Eeek!
Screw it, I've ordered.
So just to clarify - the bands on the international (UK) unlocked version will be compatible with ATT/Cricket and T-Mobile?
I am looking to get this phone and needed some advice. I haven't bought a cellular branded phone for a long while. I usually go with the USA Factory unlocked version. On this phone is the cellular named stamped on the back of the phone? I know the model for the USA Unlocked version is G820QM (with a 7 at the end at times) but it is honestly harder to find. What does everyone recommend on this phone in regards to getting the cellular branded one or should I keep trying to find the USA Unlocked version? What about bloatware with the different cellular branded ones? How is that? Can you get rid of the bloatware? I also like what I call the LG Branded ones as they get the updates faster do they not? Please help me. I am looking for a phone and this one stuck out at me unless someone suggests a different phone with similar specs to this one? Thanks so much! :good:
alias4ever said:
I am looking to get this phone and needed some advice. I haven't bought a cellular branded phone for a long while. I usually go with the USA Factory unlocked version. On this phone is the cellular named stamped on the back of the phone? I know the model for the USA Unlocked version is G820QM (with a 7 at the end at times) but it is honestly harder to find. What does everyone recommend on this phone in regards to getting the cellular branded one or should I keep trying to find the USA Unlocked version? What about bloatware with the different cellular branded ones? How is that? Can you get rid of the bloatware? I also like what I call the LG Branded ones as they get the updates faster do they not? Please help me. I am looking for a phone and this one stuck out at me unless someone suggests a different phone with similar specs to this one? Thanks so much! :good:
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Click to collapse
Unsure where you're from, but stay away from the AT&T unlocked model (my model G820UM), I'm from the UK and ordered one, big mistake, AT&T does not send any update to their phones if they are not using an AT&T SIM card in the US, some users have been successful in updating they're OS, by just using a AT&T SIM card outside of the US, some haven't and I haven't tried it, because I don't want to waste more money on a SIM card when the results are not 100% guaranteed.
There is no way of cross flashing a different ROM, so you will be stuck without updates, until someone finds a way of cross flashing a ROM from an unlocked model. I'm checking this forum regularly hoping some has found a solution, but nothing so far
If you are in the US and on AT&T then it will fine, bloatware (which is a lot) can be removed/disabled easily
Honestly, for the price I paid (£280), I think the Xiaomi Mi9 would have been a better option, similar specs, updates every 2 months and you're able to unlock bootloader, not the best process to unlock the bootloader, but still possible (just need to wait for permission from Xiaomi which could take a few weeks), you'll be missing out on the best headphone jack, better cameras (not by much) and better battery life, for a similar price I think this is the best deal for snapdragon 855 phone.
If you don't mind paying a bit more and want the same features as the G8, go for the Samsung S10.
hugoprh said:
Unsure where you're from, but stay away from the AT&T unlocked model (my model G820UM), I'm from the UK and ordered one, big mistake, AT&T does not send any update to their phones if they are not using an AT&T SIM card in the US, some users have been successful in updating they're OS, by just using a AT&T SIM card outside of the US, some haven't and I haven't tried it, because I don't want to waste more money on a SIM card when the results are not 100% guaranteed.
.
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Have you tried updating after taking out the SIM card?
ChrisAG said:
Have you tried updating after taking out the SIM card?
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Yep no luck, I've sold the phone, I was wasting too much time trying to find a solution, so just sold it and claimed my sanity back xD
Going back to the trusty Xperia 5, timely updates and great software and they are going for around £260 so easily recommended.
That's too bad, AT&T must be interfering, because I just purchased an unlocked G8 in Canada, and it updated to 10 over WiFi, before I inserted a SIM from my carrier (Bell Mobility). Phone was not on Bell originally.
ChrisAG said:
That's too bad, AT&T must be interfering, because I just purchased an unlocked G8 in Canada, and it updated to 10 over WiFi, before I inserted a SIM from my carrier (Bell Mobility). Phone was not on Bell originally.
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Click to collapse
Yep, this a AT&T "feature", want updates? Buy at AT&T SIM card and use it in the US, guess they don't want anyone outside the US to use their products, unsure why, but it is what it is...
hugoprh said:
Unsure where you're from, but stay away from the AT&T unlocked model (my model G820UM), I'm from the UK and ordered one, big mistake, AT&T does not send any update to their phones if they are not using an AT&T SIM card in the US, some users have been successful in updating they're OS, by just using a AT&T SIM card outside of the US, some haven't and I haven't tried it, because I don't want to waste more money on a SIM card when the results are not 100% guaranteed.
There is no way of cross flashing a different ROM, so you will be stuck without updates, until someone finds a way of cross flashing a ROM from an unlocked model. I'm checking this forum regularly hoping some has found a solution, but nothing so far
If you are in the US and on AT&T then it will fine, bloatware (which is a lot) can be removed/disabled easily
Honestly, for the price I paid (£280), I think the Xiaomi Mi9 would have been a better option, similar specs, updates every 2 months and you're able to unlock bootloader, not the best process to unlock the bootloader, but still possible (just need to wait for permission from Xiaomi which could take a few weeks), you'll be missing out on the best headphone jack, better cameras (not by much) and better battery life, for a similar price I think this is the best deal for snapdragon 855 phone.
If you don't mind paying a bit more and want the same features as the G8, go for the Samsung S10.
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Is 10 really that big a deal from 9? I have 9 on my phone i could care less if it gets 10 and I am pretty sure it wont , lol
I feel like if we have temp root then it's only a matter of time before we get TWRP and roms. I just picked up an AT&T model for $178. Not sure if it's unlocked, but fairly easy through AT&T. Just worried if we have an exploit, updating to 10 might invalidate it.
I come from PS3/xbox 360 hacking, haha.
Are all U.S. Note 10+ phones, regardless of carrier or variant exactly the same phone/hardware and the firmware determines the difference? Correct? If I flash an unlocked Verizon Note10+ with UI XAA firmware, will I get the all of the bands that were missing with the Verizon firmware? Thanks.
wgraz said:
Are all U.S. Note 10+ phones, regardless of carrier or variant exactly the same phone/hardware and the firmware determines the difference? Correct? If I flash an unlocked Verizon Note10+ with UI XAA firmware, will I get the all of the bands that were missing with the Verizon firmware? Thanks.
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AFAIK the hardware is the same ... as long as it's also SM-N976x.
Usually the branded US versions have unlocked bootloader. So flashing another firmware manually may not work.
wgraz said:
Are all U.S. Note 10+ phones, regardless of carrier or variant exactly the same phone/hardware and the firmware determines the difference? Correct? If I flash an unlocked Verizon Note10+ with UI XAA firmware, will I get the all of the bands that were missing with the Verizon firmware? Thanks.
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Click to collapse
I just learned over the past 2 days that an unlocked phone is different from a carrier locked phone. I am on the hunt to find how I can unlock my Verizon Note 10+. I have been consumed with spoof calls and telemarketers as of late. So bad I want to smash my phone. My number is listed on the National Do Not Call list. It has been for 20 years. I've had the same number for 20 years. That's why I don't want to change it. Why should I have to? This leads me to how I know about the difference in phones. I have been on a mission to locate a spam call blocker for my phone. One that genuinely works. That's when I learned of the Samsung Smart Call app. You know, the one Samsung installs on all their smart phones since the S7 in their war agains spam calling and ID protection. Don't know anything about it? Well, of course you don't!! That's because all US cell phone providers remove the app to force consumers to PURCHASE that's right SPEND MONEY on a service that Samsung built into your phone for FREE. So, NO THE UNLOCKED VERSION OF A PHONE IS NOT THE SAME AS A LOCKED VERSION. Please never tell someone that. An unlocked version also does not come with all the carrier bloatware that the locked version does. If you flash your unlocked phone, flash it with the firmware that's on it. That's my suggestion. Otherwise, you may regret it.
I take a personal interest in anyone who mucks with me on my phone. I go nuts with them.
Every now and then I get one fired, a bonus.
I generally have very little trouble... enjoy the morons fool enough to contact you
When it was once in a while, no big deal. When it became every day, day after day. Some times twice a day during work? Now I have to turn off my ringer. My parents are both elderly and not in the best of health. I've already missed 2 calls. I finally got pissed and decided to answer one of those spoof calls to tell them where to go. When it's a recording of a man's voice physically threatening me to return the call, you better believe I'm in rare form now. I'm studying cyber intelligence. I want these SOBs with every fiber of my being. It makes my blood boil every time I thing of that call and every person that might receive one like it. That sh$%*t has to stop.
That's another reason why I want to unlock my Note 10+ and install the Samsung version of my software instead of the Verizon version.
HyperChick said:
When it was once in a while, no big deal. When it became every day, day after day. Some times twice a day during work? Now I have to turn off my ringer. My parents are both elderly and not in the best of health. I've already missed 2 calls. I finally got pissed and decided to answer one of those spoof calls to tell them where to go. When it's a recording of a man's voice physically threatening me to return the call, you better believe I'm in rare form now. I'm studying cyber intelligence. I want these SOBs with every fiber of my being. It makes my blood boil every time I thing of that call and every person that might receive one like it. That sh$%*t has to stop.
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Click to collapse
You need to get under their skin. Different things work on different people. Get to know them by feeling them out... then pounce.
When you hit their last nerve it's priceless.
No need to be polite or fair... great when you're really in a foul mood.
I had a bill collector husband/wife team from India hounding me for months. Nothing worked.
Finally I pretended like the husband was my long my long lost bf (not). He was a lot homophobic. That was the end of him. His wife still persisted until I used a similar Looney Toons spin with her.
A double KO. Be creative and have fun
OP, confirm new the PCB P/N matches with the original. Order using the original P/N.
Otherwise expect shenanigans on boot up
Thanks so much. Sorry I didn't follow up. I was looking into getting a ATT Note 10 and flashing unlocked XAA, but I bought an unlocked one instead. Thanks.
wgraz said:
Thanks so much. Sorry I didn't follow up. I was looking into getting a ATT Note 10 and flashing unlocked XAA, but I bought an unlocked one instead. Thanks.
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It's a great Note. I would keep it running on Pie though.
Thanks. I'm already on 11. I guess I can go back any time. Just need to download the latest PIE XAA, right?
Do I leave my SIM in the phone when I flash? Or does it matter
wgraz said:
Thanks. I'm already on 11. I guess I can go back any time. Just need to download the latest PIE XAA, right?
Do I leave my SIM in the phone when I flash? Or does it matter
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I'm not sure. Never have flashed my stock 10+, I just disabled updates.
Play with it first, see what you think.
You lose apps that use overlays and things like the Karma Firewall's valuble logging feature.
Worse CPU cycle robbing scope storage.
SD card functionality is likely boned too.
It will not be possible to downgrade to Pie from Android 11, as the bootloader cannot be downgraded to the one part to stock Pie has...
OnnoJ said:
It will not be possible to downgrade to Pie from Android 11, as the bootloader cannot be downgraded to the one part to stock Pie has...
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Same goes for Android 10? Every time you get a major upgrade, the bootloader version goes up? Thx
Latest android 9 version has BL version 2. If you are on Android 10, you should be able to downgrade to 9/Pie, provided it also has BL version 2.
Ever figure out if it can be unlocked?