Question AT&T and International/EU 9 Pro - OnePlus 9 Pro

So, I have been watching the 9 Pro as my next phone (upgrading from HTC U12+), but am really disappointed in a couple of things: (1) it appears there is no plan to certify the US version for AT&T 5G, and (2) no Astral Black for the US.
Since the 5G aspect is unlikely to change anytime soon, and AT&T 5G isn't really all that great anyway from what I hear, is there any downside to buying an EU Astral Black model and using it in the US? I'm still researching all the bands, but it appears the EU model is only missing two LTE bands in use by AT&T (Bands 29 and 30). To be fair, the US version is also missing Band 29 for the 700MHz spectrum, but does contain support for Band 30 at 2300MHz.
I'm going to log which bands are being used where I live and work but, if I will be limited to 4G/LTE anyway, I'm not seeing a downside to buying the EU version. Am I overlooking something? Any thoughts, suggestions, or input is greatly appreciated.

EU has additional options that neither the TMO or US int models have. At&t is behind on 5g deployments anyway so you shouldn't miss out on much, Verizon and TMO would've been better for that. As far as general reqs go, I don't see why not.

mawoods75 said:
So, I have been watching the 9 Pro as my next phone (upgrading from HTC U12+), but am really disappointed in a couple of things: (1) it appears there is no plan to certify the US version for AT&T 5G, and (2) no Astral Black for the US.
Since the 5G aspect is unlikely to change anytime soon, and AT&T 5G isn't really all that great anyway from what I hear, is there any downside to buying an EU Astral Black model and using it in the US? I'm still researching all the bands, but it appears the EU model is only missing two LTE bands in use by AT&T (Bands 29 and 30). To be fair, the US version is also missing Band 29 for the 700MHz spectrum, but does contain support for Band 30 at 2300MHz.
I'm going to log which bands are being used where I live and work but, if I will be limited to 4G/LTE anyway, I'm not seeing a downside to buying the EU version. Am I overlooking something? Any thoughts, suggestions, or input is greatly appreciated.
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As far as I know, no models work with att 5g.

toolhas4degrees said:
As far as I know, no models work with att 5g.
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I believe that is true - I just want to make sure I'm not inadvertently limiting myself with 4G/LTE coverage by buying the EU version. I don't really care around home/work, as there is usually wifi available. My bigger concern would be coverage in my home area that might get dropped now due to the EU version missing a band that is available on the US version. Or, perhaps when traveling if the EU version is missing bands that other networks (roaming) may use.

mawoods75 said:
I believe that is true - I just want to make sure I'm not inadvertently limiting myself with 4G/LTE coverage by buying the EU version. I don't really care around home/work, as there is usually wifi available. My bigger concern would be coverage in my home area that might get dropped now due to the EU version missing a band that is available on the US version. Or, perhaps when traveling if the EU version is missing bands that other networks (roaming) may use.
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I have dual sims, straight talk att sim and t mobile sim. Att sim works fine no drop but no 5g, simple mobile -TMobile 5g,4g, I have the Chinese varient with eu firmware

toolhas4degrees said:
As far as I know, no models work with att 5g.
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Click to collapse
You are correct. I call ATT about once a week asking if they're going to certify/whitelist OnePlus devices. I figure the more complaints they get, the more they'll be inclined to investigate it.
To add to this, most people I speak to have never even heard of OnePlus, which makes the conversation troublesome. Be completely prepared for ATT employees to feed you bad information, say your device isn't compatible (does not have the required hardware), is inferior to Samsung/Motorola/iPhone, and try to sell you a new phone or sent you a new SIM card.
I've posted before about calling ATT. I feel everyone who has their service should call on a regular basis. Squeaky wheel gets the grease.

phr0zen said:
You are correct. I call ATT about once a week asking if they're going to certify/whitelist OnePlus devices. I figure the more complaints they get, the more they'll be inclined to investigate it.
To add to this, most people I speak to have never even heard of OnePlus, which makes the conversation troublesome. Be completely prepared for ATT employees to feed you bad information, say your device isn't compatible (does not have the required hardware), is inferior to Samsung/Motorola/iPhone, and try to sell you a new phone or sent you a new SIM card.
I've posted before about calling ATT. I feel everyone who has their service should call on a regular basis. Squeaky wheel gets the grease.
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Click to collapse
And the strange part is they have the 9 and 9 Pro listed on their list of devices that will still work on their network (VoLTE) after they shutdown their 3G service next year. Gives me hope they will certify at some point.

I run this phone on AT&T, and while I don't get 5G speeds, I get very fast LTE+ speeds of around 200mbps.

Thanks all for the input. After some more thought, I believe I have decided on the pine green US version. It's going to be in a case anyway, and I've had very few cases that aren't black. So, if it will be black anyway due to the case, I might as well get the US version. Plus, I think the black case and green camera bump will look sharp.

Reviving an old thread, rather starting anew:
I want to get the 9 pro for T-mobile use in US. I need dual sims and want custom roms...
I saw that "toolhas4degrees" said they had a Chinese model with EU firmware. I don't know if he changed the firmware himself or what... A bit out of my capabilities.
Simply put: What would I need to do (if anything) to get the EU (LE2123) OnePlus 9 Pro to work with T-mobile?
Thanks!

Related

Which Model/Where to Buy Cheapest for AT&T?

So I want to buy this phone straight out. AT&T is charging more than other carriers, should I just buy the T-Mobile version? Do I have any other options for where to buy or which model to buy?
The T-Mobile version will be locked to T-Mobile, and AFAIK, unless you have a T-Mobile account, they won't unlock it for you.
Plus, it looks like the the T-Mobile phone lacks at least two LTE bands that AT&T runs (and vice versa).
I am in the same boat, and for now I see the choice as between buying the AT&T phone (leather) through BestBuy and collecting their $100 gift card for the final cost of $669-100=569, or buying the unlocked international version at ebay (currently $605) or amazon ($655), which has all the advantages of not being a carrier version, but also lacks one of AT&T's bands (30). Plus, there are risks associated with buying a $600+ phone from companies you don't know.
Quite a few people from here have ordered their phones from ebay, so I'm hoping they have a good experience, so I can jump on the bandwagon.
Makster said:
The T-Mobile version will be locked to T-Mobile, and AFAIK, unless you have a T-Mobile account, they won't unlock it for you.
Plus, it looks like the the T-Mobile phone lacks at least two LTE bands that AT&T runs (and vice versa).
I am in the same boat, and for now I see the choice as between buying the AT&T phone (leather) through BestBuy and collecting their $100 gift card for the final cost of $669-100=569, or buying the unlocked international version at ebay (currently $605) or amazon ($655), which has all the advantages of not being a carrier version, but also lacks one of AT&T's bands (30). Plus, there are risks associated with buying a $600+ phone from companies you don't know.
Quite a few people from here have ordered their phones from ebay, so I'm hoping they have a good experience, so I can jump on the bandwagon.
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Good to know I'm not in this boat alone lol. How much do you know about the band its lacking and how that may affect signal?
I wanted T-Mobile for that brown leather.... But it makes sense that you'd need an account lol.
I just looked at specs for the two models:
AT&T Model H810, bands 2,4,5,7,17,30.
T-Mobile Model 811, bands 2,4,5,7,12
International Model H815, bands 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,17,20,28
So, the TMO model lacks AT&T's bands 17&30, and the International one only lacks 30. I really have no idea how wide-spread those bands are, and how much we would lose by not having them.
Makster said:
I just looked at specs for the two models:
AT&T Model H810, bands 2,4,5,7,17,30.
T-Mobile Model 811, bands 2,4,5,7,12
International Model H815, bands 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,17,20,28
So, the TMO model lacks AT&T's bands 17&30, and the International one only lacks 30. I really have no idea how wide-spread those bands are, and how much we would lose by not having them.
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Appreciate you looking that up. That's some good info. I was gonna research when I got a chance later tonight lol. I did read earlier that if you get the tablet from ATT you can get an LG tablet with 2 yr contract for $0.99... That's kinda cool? I don't have a tablet so it'd be neat to have one haha.
HaVoK C89 said:
Appreciate you looking that up. That's some good info. I was gonna research when I got a chance later tonight lol. I did read earlier that if you get the tablet from ATT you can get an LG tablet with 2 yr contract for $0.99... That's kinda cool? I don't have a tablet so it'd be neat to have one haha.
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The small print on that tablet is that you have to put it on that 2 yr contract for $10/mo.
I don't need an LTE-enabled tablet bad enough to pay $240.99 for it. It might be a good tablet, but I doubt it's that good.
Plus, I am going to pay full price for the phone mostly to be free. Why would I tie myself to a contract for a tablet?
I'm in the same boat, sort of. I'd like to avoid a carrier version and was set on the International but now don't know how that one missing band will affect service.
Question though, if I have a carrier model and get it unlocked to use with another carrier, I'm guessing I'm still stuck with the previous carrier's bloat and start up screen, correct?
Makster said:
The small print on that tablet is that you have to put it on that 2 yr contract for $10/mo.
I don't need an LTE-enabled tablet bad enough to pay $240.99 for it. It might be a good tablet, but I doubt it's that good.
Plus, I am going to pay full price for the phone mostly to be free. Why would I tie myself to a contract for a tablet?
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Haha you make a good point!
Well I can't be 100% sure on the info I'm reading.... But it looks like Band 30 is either a 3g band or a lower mhz LTE band. I can't find much, or I may not be using the right "key words".
Sammae7 said:
Question though, if I have a carrier model and get it unlocked to use with another carrier, I'm guessing I'm still stuck with the previous carrier's bloat and start up screen, correct?
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Yep.
Unless you root and debloat it, but that very ability is more likely to come to non-carrier versions, which are not bloated in the first place.
Sammae7 said:
I'm in the same boat, sort of. I'd like to avoid a carrier version and was set on the International but now don't know how that one missing band will affect service.
Question though, if I have a carrier model and get it unlocked to use with another carrier, I'm guessing I'm still stuck with the previous carrier's bloat and start up screen, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct on that. At least till you root/ROM it!
I think I'll stay away from rooting and romming for a bit. I bricked my three month old LG G3 romming it and had to rebuy a new one last month. So when I get the G4, I'll have two G3's which look brand new but one is a paperweight.
Sammae7 said:
I think I'll stay away from rooting and romming for a bit. I bricked my three month old LG G3 romming it and had to rebuy a new one last month. So when I get the G4, I'll have two G3's which look brand new but one is a paperweight.
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Lol I understand. That's a pretty cool looking paperweight! But yea, international versions don't come with much bloat at all.
That's my main attraction to it. I'm picky about my phones and hate branding and bloat. Looks like the International model lacks bands with both my current carrier (AT&T) and the carrier I may be jumping to (Verizon).
Now I'm stuck between two rocks and a hard place. I can either chance it with the International, go for the AT&T model knowing I may be dropping them in a few months, or just wait it out until I switch carriers.
HaVoK C89 said:
So I want to buy this phone straight out. AT&T is charging more than other carriers, should I just buy the T-Mobile version? Do I have any other options for where to buy or which model to buy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makster said:
I just looked at specs for the two models:
AT&T Model H810, bands 2,4,5,7,17,30.
T-Mobile Model 811, bands 2,4,5,7,12
International Model H815, bands 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,17,20,28
So, the TMO model lacks AT&T's bands 17&30, and the International one only lacks 30. I really have no idea how wide-spread those bands are, and how much we would lose by not having them.
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Click to collapse
LTE band 30 is upcoming, and not yet deployed. Chances are good that unless you live in the downtown area of a major city you probably will be moved onto the next device by the time you need band 30. Also, band 17 is AT&T's primary LTE band, so you probably don't want to get a device for AT&T without band 17. Stick with the AT&T version or the international. You can probably find the brown leather backplate by itself without buying a T-Mobile G4 that's missing the most important LTE band.
http://www.rvmobileinternet.com/atts-summer-lte-expansions-plans-2-3-ghz-wcs-lte-band-30-is-coming/
stl-soldier said:
LTE band 30 is upcoming, and not yet deployed. Chances are good that unless you live in the downtown area of a major city you probably will be moved onto the next device by the time you need band 30. Also, band 17 is AT&T's primary LTE band, so you probably don't want to get a device for AT&T without band 17. Stick with the AT&T version or the international. You can probably find the brown leather backplate by itself without buying a T-Mobile G4 that's missing the most important LTE band.
http://www.rvmobileinternet.com/atts-summer-lte-expansions-plans-2-3-ghz-wcs-lte-band-30-is-coming/
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Click to collapse
Awesome info! Thank you do much! Band 30 sounds like the real deal when it comes to speed lol. Might be worth it to stick with a more expensive ATT model... I love me some fast Internetz...
HaVoK C89 said:
Awesome info! Thank you do much! Band 30 sounds like the real deal when it comes to speed lol. Might be worth it to stick with a more expensive ATT model... I love me some fast Internetz...
Click to expand...
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If you happen to be in an area that gets band 30, you should have incredible speeds until more devices are released that support it. It's just part of the consideration. I figure my speeds are fast enough for now, and it could be a year or more before band 30 is even up in my home area. I'm on AT&T and have the international version. I'd rather have the guaranteed unlocked/rooted international version than pay a lot more for the AT&T variant which might be locked for months. Whatever you do, just don't get the T-Mobile. Other than that, you can't really go wrong.
Sammae7 said:
That's my main attraction to it. I'm picky about my phones and hate branding and bloat. Looks like the International model lacks bands with both my current carrier (AT&T) and the carrier I may be jumping to (Verizon).
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Actually, if you are planning on going to Verizon, you don't really have a choice: You need to get the Verizon version.
Both AT&T and international G4's are GSM-only phones and will not work with Verizon.

One version for US and Rest-of-World this year?

We know 1st gen Pixel has two version: NA and RoW(Rest of world) , but i found UK and AU store website which should be the "RoW version" has exactly the same radio band support as as US store version .
So this year Pixel 2 seems only have one version for all ? or is it just wrong info on the spec page? I'm confused.
It's the same version sold worldwide.
its good if it is, as then everyone gets all the bands so you can travel anywhere with the phone. seems only difference will be project-fi in the US using an esim.
It's cheaper for the to make only one version for everyone
Sent from my Nexus 9 using Tapatalk
Yes, of course it's cheaper to make only one version, but so far no company managed to integrate support for 21 LTE bands and all possible carrier aggregation combinations used in US/EU/Asia.
Not even Apple (who like to save cost more than any other company I have dealt with).
It all results in extra antennas and radio front-end components that need extra space and cost extra money.
Congratulations to Google/Qualcomm/LG/HTC if they actually managed it this time
Last year I bought the US version which didn't work well with my China Telecom... I'm glad this year they only make one model to fit all...
Yep, one stop international device shopping is the best way to go...
okgnew said:
Yes, of course it's cheaper to make only one version, but so far no company managed to integrate support for 21 LTE bands and all possible carrier aggregation combinations used in US/EU/Asia.
Not even Apple (who like to save cost more than any other company I have dealt with).
It all results in extra antennas and radio front-end components that need extra space and cost extra money.
Congratulations to Google/Qualcomm/LG/HTC if they actually managed it this time
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The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 has 43 International LTE bands including all the US ones
The OnePlus 5 does too
FMXP said:
The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 has 43 International LTE bands including all the US ones
The OnePlus 5 does too
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Does it also support all possible carrier aggregation band pairings?
kEvinErd said:
Does it also support all possible carrier aggregation band pairings?
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Click to collapse
okgnew said:
Yes, of course it's cheaper to make only one version, but so far no company managed to integrate support for 21 LTE bands and all possible carrier aggregation combinations used in US/EU/Asia.
Not even Apple (who like to save cost more than any other company I have dealt with).
It all results in extra antennas and radio front-end components that need extra space and cost extra money.
Congratulations to Google/Qualcomm/LG/HTC if they actually managed it this time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Pixel 2 XL supports 4G pretty much anywhere in the world.
Carrier-aggregation might be another story though, the USA and EU models might differ in what bands they can combine.
Google hasn't mentioned what bands are supported for C-A so we don't know yet. If anyone was thinking about getting the phone in the USA I'd hold of for just a bit until it's been clarified.
I live in Japan and was waiting for Pixel 2 for ages, was super disappointed that they are not only failing to sell this here, but didn't include the appropriate bands for Japan. Bands 1/3 will work and you'll just have **** coverage if you're in a basement or out in the country, which is good enough I guess for a tourist. I ended up buying last year's Pixel after waiting a year for the 2.
I just came across this today after digging for info on the Pixel v1 I just got. Not sure if I'll be more or less annoyed if I find out the Pixel 2 really does secretly support other bands.
Edit: Bands 19 & 21 are what I need to full coverage.
discoltk said:
I live in Japan and was waiting for Pixel 2 for ages, was super disappointed that they are not only failing to sell this here, but didn't include the appropriate bands for Japan. Bands 1/3 will work and you'll just have **** coverage if you're in a basement or out in the country, which is good enough I guess for a tourist. I ended up buying last year's Pixel after waiting a year for the 2.
I just came across this today after digging for info on the Pixel v1 I just got. Not sure if I'll be more or less annoyed if I find out the Pixel 2 really does secretly support other bands.
Edit: Bands 19 & 21 are what I need to full coverage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually I use this website to check for phone's coverage: http://willmyphonework.net/
jerryhou85 said:
Usually I use this website to check for phone's coverage: http://willmyphonework.net/
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Thanks - but I know what bands I need and I know what the Google reports the phone as having.
The issue is there's a dependency between what GCF reports and what Google claims.
discoltk said:
Thanks - but I know what bands I need and I know what the Google reports the phone as having.
The issue is there's a dependency between what GCF reports and what Google claims.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean possibly Google has disabled some bands?
jerryhou85 said:
You mean possibly Google has disabled some bands?
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Click to collapse
Yes that seems to be a possibility. So, they may be able to be enabled with a different modem firmware if so, though I don't want to get back into the constantly fighting to keep my phone updated with unsupported software.
Sadly,they drop the LTE band39 support this year, Living in China , and this is one of the bands China Mobile use in my city. B3/B38/B40/B41 are the other bands China Mobile using. So it should be some coverage problem especially in tunnel or subway.

Is there a legitimate GSM version of this phone in Red for the USA?

So I was looking to buy various HTC phones in different colors. I saw some places online selling the HTC M8 in about 6 different colors: Blue, Gold , Gray, Pink, Red, and Silver. The problem is that as far as I have seen, this phone only comes officially in Gold, Gray, and Silver (at least in the USA). And I've see reviews of others buying in the other three colors stating that the phones were knockoffs or fake. Does anyone know if there is a legitimate GSM version of this phone in Red for the USA? If so, where can I purchase it?
Thanks.
If you mean, a GSM version intended for US (AT&T or T-Mobile) than no, there were no red version ever released (only red Verizon M8 variant). There was a red version released in UK, which would be GSM. But you would probably need to s-off the device, change CID and firmware in order to have correct band support on either of the two US networks. And doing this can be problematic (you may not have LTE support). May not be worthwhile effort, just to get a red casing.
redpoint73 said:
If you mean, a GSM version intended for US (AT&T or T-Mobile) than no, there were no red version ever released (only red Verizon M8 variant). There was a red version released in UK, which would be GSM. But you would probably need to s-off the device, change CID and firmware in order to have correct band support on either of the two US networks. And doing this can be problematic (you may not have LTE support). May not be worthwhile effort, just to get a red casing.
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Click to collapse
That's what I figured but wasn't completely sure since sometimes different variants get released and are not so well known. So there is a UK version in red that is legitamate? And yeah, that's a lot of work, but if it does work I'm willing to do it.
The5thSurvivor said:
So there is a UK version in red that is legitamate? And yeah, that's a lot of work, but if it does work I'm willing to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's legitimate: https://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_m8_now_available_in_red_and_pink_color_options-news-9132.php
But it seems like a weird tradeoff to (most likely) lose LTE just for a red phone. I usually get a case for my phone anyway (although I know lots of folks don't), so a red case is a much easier solution!
redpoint73 said:
Yes, it's legitimate: https://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_m8_now_available_in_red_and_pink_color_options-news-9132.php
But it seems like a weird tradeoff to (most likely) lose LTE just for a red phone. I usually get a case for my phone anyway (although I know lots of folks don't), so a red case is a much easier solution!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the confirmation.
Hmmm, what about an actual shell replacement in different colors? Do those exist? Haven't seen them for sale anywhere.
The5thSurvivor said:
Hmmm, what about an actual shell replacement in different colors? Do those exist? Haven't seen them for sale anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard of folks swapping the back covers (and the front pieces are just inserts, so they seem easy to remove/replace). So I think replacement certainly exist, but I don't know about red ones. Especially since the red version is a pretty obscure variant, to begin with.
Following website has a full teardown of the M8. Obviously, you aren't doing all that, but it does show how to remove the back cover and front pieces: https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/HTC+One+(M8)+Teardown/23615
Personally, I try to stay away from taking apart these devices. I've had a bad history of taking apart electronic devices, going back to iPod days. You'll see some folks around these forums swear it's easy (taking these phones apart). But even though I'm an engineer, and a generally careful person; something always seems to go wrong and I end up making the device worse than it started! Scratched up casing on the devices, is one problem I always seem to get. Although if you are replacing the casing anyway, maybe this is a moot point. I also see a lot of reports of folks taking apart these phones, and then one thing or another not working properly when they re-assemble (breaking the ribbon cables is common). You may have better luck, but just wanted to throw that out there.
redpoint73 said:
But you would probably need to s-off the device, change CID and firmware in order to have correct band support on either of the two US networks. And doing this can be problematic (you may not have LTE support).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So doing this can definitely allow per se, the European version of a phone to work in the USA at least with H or H+ and possibly LTE?
I ask because I had purchased a blue M7 and it was the European international version. Out of the box it was already with S-Off, Super CID, but couldn't get 3G or 4G, just 2G with T-Mobile and no signal with AT&T. I didn't change the firmware though.
The5thSurvivor said:
So doing this can definitely allow per se, the European version of a phone to work in the USA at least with H or H+ and possibly LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing firmware (and therefore radio baseband) should get you 3G. I hesitate to say "definitely" since that is somewhat of a dangerous word when working with these devices! But I am pretty confident that 3G would not be a problem.
LTE is another story. Lots of folks on this forum have had problems getting LTE service after "converting" to the proper radio (which support the LTE bands used by their local carrier). So I'm pretty skeptical on LTE, and I wouldn't count on getting it. Get the M8 version intended for your carrier, to guarantee LTE connectivity.
The5thSurvivor said:
I ask because I had purchased a blue M7 and it was the European international version. Out of the box it was already with S-Off, Super CID, but couldn't get 3G or 4G, just 2G with T-Mobile and no signal with AT&T. I didn't change the firmware though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile uses Bands 2 (1900) and 4 (AWS or 1700/2100) for 3G. From what I can tell, the Euro version M7 should support 3G band 2 (although I don't know much about that device, never owned it) and from what I understand, T-Mobile migrated 3G service to Band 2 in most areas. But if your area is still using AWS when you tried the M7, it would explain why 3G didn't work (Euro M7 doesn't support AWS band on 3G).
AT&T uses bands 850, 1900 and 2100 for 3G. All of which should be supported on the Euro M7, from what I can tell. And even if you didn't have 3G, you should at least have gotten 2G and voice service. So I think something else was going wrong there, besides band support.
redpoint73 said:
Changing firmware (and therefore radio baseband) should get you 3G. I hesitate to say "definitely" since that is somewhat of a dangerous word when working with these devices! But I am pretty confident that 3G would not be a problem.
LTE is another story. Lots of folks on this forum have had problems getting LTE service after "converting" to the proper radio (which support the LTE bands used by their local carrier). So I'm pretty skeptical on LTE, and I wouldn't count on getting it. Get the M8 version intended for your carrier, to guarantee LTE connectivity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. I wish every region would just use the same bands everywhere. It sucks to have the phone you want but can't get LTE even though the device has support for LTE. I've been looking where to get the specific HTC phones that I want new, but the only people selling them new still are all overseas with either the European, Australian, or Asian variants. I'd love to buy an M7, M8, and M9 for the USA brand new.
redpoint73 said:
T-Mobile uses Bands 2 (1900) and 4 (AWS or 1700/2100) for 3G. From what I can tell, the Euro version M7 should support 3G band 2 (although I don't know much about that device, never owned it) and from what I understand, T-Mobile migrated 3G service to Band 2 in most areas. But if your area is still using AWS when you tried the M7, it would explain why 3G didn't work (Euro M7 doesn't support AWS band on 3G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in NYC. Out of the box, my Euro M7 only gets EDGE with T-Mobile. Just came came across this. It pretty much explains what you said as to why 3G didn't work.
redpoint73 said:
AT&T uses bands 850, 1900 and 2100 for 3G. All of which should be supported on the Euro M7, from what I can tell. And even if you didn't have 3G, you should at least have gotten 2G and voice service. So I think something else was going wrong there, besides band support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With AT&T, my Euro M7 gets no signal. 2G doesn't work since AT&T shut down their 2G. I was very surprised that 3G didn't work with AT&T at all. But as you mentioned, perhaps changing firmware will get 3G working hopefully.
The5thSurvivor said:
I see. I wish every region would just use the same bands everywhere. It sucks to have the phone you want but can't get LTE even though the device has support for LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's massively complicated, since frequencies are divided up by every type of radio transmitter used by mankind. Many of which existing before cell phones were invented. Add to that, the fact that the US carriers compete with each other for purchase of said bands, instead of just all using the same ones (which happens in many other countries) and yes, you have a huge mess.
The5thSurvivor said:
With AT&T, my Euro M7 gets no signal. 2G doesn't work since AT&T shut down their 2G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, AT&T is my carrier, and I didn't even realize that happened! I've taken it for granted for so long, that I can just throw my SIM in any phone (as long as it is unlocked) and at least have voice and 2G work.
I learned something today!
Yeah, that is a huge mess. And I found out earlier this year myself that AT&T had discontinued their 2G January of last year. T-Mobile will follow suit next year and then Verizon the year after.

SM-N976V Note 10 plus 5G portability (carrier switch)

I'm looking to spend on Note 10 plus 5G, currently on Verizon but the biggest question that I couldn't find the answer is if in the future, I will have to stay with Verizon forever if I want to use 5G on this phone.
Samsung released different snapdragon models for each carrier, but what if I want to switch to Tmobile or AT&T with this phone? Is there a workaround to make these phones work with different carriers, especially with 5G?
S10 5G is out for many months, but I couldn't find a thread showing portability. Although selling the phone for a discounted price and buying other one that works on different carrier is an option, looking to find if it is practical to use 5G when we switch carrier.
Thank you
Cashreedhar said:
I'm looking to spend on Note 10 plus 5G, currently on Verizon but the biggest question that I couldn't find the answer is if in the future, I will have to stay with Verizon forever if I want to use 5G on this phone.
Samsung released different snapdragon models for each carrier, but what if I want to switch to Tmobile or AT&T with this phone? Is there a workaround to make these phones work with different carriers, especially with 5G?
S10 5G is out for many months, but I couldn't find a thread showing portability. Although selling the phone for a discounted price and buying other one that works on different carrier is an option, looking to find if it is practical to use 5G when we switch carrier.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
once its sim unlicked it will workbwith other carriers.. ive tried it on multiole sims from dif carriers
The lte radios should be the same, the 5g will never work across carriers for now considering theyre taping into different spectrum. Modems and antenna designs are different between the different 5g methodology each carrier adopted.
elliwigy said:
once its sim unlicked it will workbwith other carriers.. ive tried it on multiole sims from dif carriers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is very nice to hear. Does the phone work with other carriers once sim unlocked without changing the phone software? Does 5G work on other carriers too, if the bandwidths match? Thanks
coilbio said:
The lte radios should be the same, the 5g will never work across carriers for now considering theyre taping into different spectrum. Modems and antenna designs are different between the different 5g methodology each carrier adopted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may not understand much details of these modems, however my understanding is that there are some 5G bands common between carriers.
Verizon holds 76% of total available 28GHz spectrum bands and and 48% 39GHz 5g spectrum bands.
At&T holds 40% of 39GHz bands and Tmobile holds 12% of 28GHz bands. If I'm not mistaken the modem in Note 10 5G model supports 600MHz which is new Tmobile band. So, if Note 10 modem supports those 2 5G bands on verizon, technically it should work on at&t and t-mobile too? Although these may work in different cities as of now
Yes and no, I don't know if it has the right antennas, they matter to match the signal length and the obvious is how locked the radio is.
You forget Verizon are evil about keeping their phones there.
It could be the phone is capable but will never be able because it's a Verizon phone and they nerfed something.
coilbio said:
Yes and no, I don't know if it has the right antennas, they matter to match the signal length and the obvious is how locked the radio is.
You forget Verizon are evil about keeping their phones there.
It could be the phone is capable but will never be able because it's a Verizon phone and they nerfed something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the past we were able to unlock blocked antenna bands using Qualcomm QPST tool and hope there will be possibilities in the future. It's not that Verizon is evil, it applies to all carriers. There has been court ruled regulations that enabled users to take their device to other networks, but blocking 5G would be inconvenience to users, as we all know 5G is the future. I'm going to grab a Note 10 plus 5G for now
Cashreedhar said:
In the past we were able to unlock blocked antenna bands using Qualcomm QPST tool and hope there will be possibilities in the future. It's not that Verizon is evil, it applies to all carriers. There has been court ruled regulations that enabled users to take their device to other networks, but blocking 5G would be inconvenience to users, as we all know 5G is the future. I'm going to grab a Note 10 plus 5G for now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
technically they wouldnt be blocking anything if they just dont include the antennae/functionailt.. its then up to the user to research and purchase if it suits their needs.
Follow up:
After Verizon unlocked the phone, surprisingly 5G works with Tmobile without any modification. Of course not all the bands. Haven't had 5G signal so far and suddenly when I'm standing near a 5G antenna in downtown Manhattan, I had full signal
I have the same phone. I was not able to see 5G with TMobile or AT&T. I am also not able to get the Verizon hardware off my phone. ( boot logo, etc.) Any work arounds?
Odd. I have the 5G on VZW thats unlocked. My phone works fine with my TM SIM but does not pickup 5G even though my OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren gets 5G.
Milyenair said:
I have the same phone. I was not able to see 5G with TMobile or AT&T. I am also not able to get the Verizon hardware off my phone. ( boot logo, etc.) Any work arounds?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope.
the n976v only has vzw and gcf csc codes on it which both use the vzw sales code n network code.. changing carriers should work but on network as the csc should recognize this and load the correct apns n such but the bootani n vzw stuff is there to stay..
Mike02z said:
Odd. I have the 5G on VZW thats unlocked. My phone works fine with my TM SIM but does not pickup 5G even though my OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren gets 5G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not odd.. its a vzw branded 5g device.. its hit or miss on other 5g networks.. they typically use different bands and frequencies and 5g variants dont contain full csc for other carriers like the non 5g devices
So I'm having an issue, I'm trying to get my phone to work with Total Wireless but for some reason I cannot adjust the APN and they can't send me an update to my sim card. I can get the calls and text to work and it shows 4g but no data due to the incorrect APN. Its all grayed out with no way to add or configure it. The IMEI also says its not compatible with Total Wireless which is weird since all other verizon phones have worked before except this Note 10+ 5g.
CamachoDjr said:
So I'm having an issue, I'm trying to get my phone to work with Total Wireless but for some reason I cannot adjust the APN and they can't send me an update to my sim card. I can get the calls and text to work and it shows 4g but no data due to the incorrect APN. Its all grayed out with no way to add or configure it. The IMEI also says its not compatible with Total Wireless which is weird since all other verizon phones have worked before except this Note 10+ 5g.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
probably need root
CamachoDjr said:
So I'm having an issue, I'm trying to get my phone to work with Total Wireless but for some reason I cannot adjust the APN and they can't send me an update to my sim card. I can get the calls and text to work and it shows 4g but no data due to the incorrect APN. Its all grayed out with no way to add or configure it. The IMEI also says its not compatible with Total Wireless which is weird since all other verizon phones have worked before except this Note 10+ 5g.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you buy this phone? I had the same issue, when I changed the code to GCF from VZW. I had to send the phone back to Samsung, as the local samsung experience store couldn't even understand the problem. GCF is for Samsung diagnostic purposes only and they had to change the motherboard board on the phone in order to fix the issue. If your carrier 5g mmwave band is one of the band used by Verizon, you'll be able to use 5G with this phone. I was able to use 5G in NYC with TMOBILE, but not when I moved to a different state.
Mike02z said:
Odd. I have the 5G on VZW thats unlocked. My phone works fine with my TM SIM but does not pickup 5G even though my OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren gets 5G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can relate the issue you're facing. I was using this phone with TMobile 5G in NYC, but when I moved to different state, I can't get the 5G reception. In order to understand this further, you need to understand the frequencies supported by TMobile and frequencies owned by Verizon. TMobile shares one of Verizon's mmwave band (only around 25%) and these antennas are limited to only few metro cities. Even if you live in one of those big cities, you need to stand close to the 5G antenna in order to get the 5G signal. I remember that I had to stand within 50ft from the antenna in order to get 5G signal (downtown Manhattan near Meridian Lane and Water st).
So I'm new to this. Ive got a Note10+ 5G from Verizon (SM-N976V). Ported over from Verizon to At&t. Works fine accept its on 4G LTE (no 5G... the Samsung S9+ went over to 5G no issues). I am told if I flash the phone to the unlocked firmware it should get rid of the Verizon "lock" and work. I have tried this as per help form Android Central however having no success flashing... I am not exactly that savvy with this stuff... Please help
elliwigy said:
once its sim unlicked it will workbwith other carriers.. ive tried it on multiole sims from dif carriers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
elliwigy, please let me know how you got your SM-N976V to work on other carriers. I've been trying to get mine to work on Visible and I can not change the APN settings.
mbmallette said:
elliwigy, please let me know how you got your SM-N976V to work on other carriers. I've been trying to get mine to work on Visible and I can not change the APN settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can network unlock it pretty easily even if the phone isn't paid off yet. Download setedit by 4a from the play store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.paphonb.systemuituner
and change the setting "vzw_network_lock" from a 1 to a 0. You'll have to buy the expansion pack from 4a to have a foreground guardian that'll prevent it from going back to a 1.
(
https://imgur.com/qaZl4d9
)

Question US carriers that will support POCO F3 or RealMe GT 5G

Hey Everyone,
Currently have a Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 on AT&T, but recently got the notification that AT&T is shutting down their 3G network and my phone will not be usable. Looking at switching to another carrier/MVNO and was considering between the POCO F3 and RealMe GT 5G.
Can anyone recommend carriers/MVNOs where these phones would possibly work on. I know frequency checker/Kimovil provide the compatible bands. But considering both phones don't have Band 71, I just wanted to check if anyone has been able to use these phones on US carriers and if so how did you go about getting the phones activated with the carriers.
Thanks
Rankone21 said:
Hey Everyone,
Currently have a Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 on AT&T, but recently got the notification that AT&T is shutting down their 3G network and my phone will not be usable. Looking at switching to another carrier/MVNO and was considering between the POCO F3 and RealMe GT 5G.
Can anyone recommend carriers/MVNOs where these phones would possibly work on. I know frequency checker/Kimovil provide the compatible bands. But considering both phones don't have Band 71, I just wanted to check if anyone has been able to use these phones on US carriers and if so how did you go about getting the phones activated with the carriers.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm Att and I just ordered the Poco f3 a couple of hours ago. So by next week I'll be able to tell you. I was going to go with the real me gt but didn't because the global model can't be bootloader unlocked and that to me means a no go. If I can't root it I don't want it. It's only a little bit better with specs it has the 888 and 65 watt charging which makes me a little jealous but I have to have viper4 android on my phone so I went Poco f3.
What band do you use for 4g lte? I use band 4 and it's never been a issue. I don't plan on 5g because I barely get 4g where I live
Techguy777 said:
Well I'm Att and I just ordered the Poco f3 a couple of hours ago. So by next week I'll be able to tell you. I was going to go with the real me gt but didn't because the global model can't be bootloader unlocked and that to me means a no go. If I can't root it I don't want it. It's only a little bit better with specs it has the 888 and 65 watt charging which makes me a little jealous but I have to have viper4 android on my phone so I went Poco f3.
What band do you use for 4g lte? I use band 4 and it's never been a issue. I don't plan on 5g because I barely get 4g where I live
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response Techguy, I would be interested in knowing how it works out for you.
Considering that the Redmi Note 5 Global version only has Bands 4 & 5 for 4G, and Bands 2 & 5 for 3G, I believe it is running on HSPA+ on AT&T Prepaid mostly, as I only get the 4G symbol, not 4G LTE.
I did see for the RealMe and Poco F3, most of the 4G bands are supported on GoogleFI, just no 5G.
Rankone21 said:
Thanks for the response Techguy, I would be interested in knowing how it works out for you.
Considering that the Redmi Note 5 Global version only has Bands 4 & 5 for 4G, and Bands 2 & 5 for 3G, I believe it is running on HSPA+ on AT&T Prepaid mostly, as I only get the 4G symbol, not 4G LTE.
I did see for the RealMe and Poco F3, most of the 4G bands are supported on GoogleFI, just no 5G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What 5g band do you need? It has n1,n3, n5, n8, n20 and n28, n41, n77, n78
Techguy777 said:
What 5g band do you need? It has n1,n3, n5, n8, n20 and n28, n41, n77, n78
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I just meant for GoogleFI, I don't think they have 5G currently not sure, as kimovil says Not Available. For AT&T and T-Mobile, it was 1 of the 3(AT&T) and 1 of the 4(T-Mobile) in terms of 5G bands.
However I'd be interested in knowing how you go about getting this activated on AT&T since it isn't on their Whitelist of phones that they are trying to limit users to.
Rankone21 said:
Oh I just meant for GoogleFI, I don't think they have 5G currently not sure, as kimovil says Not Available. For AT&T and T-Mobile, it was 1 of the 3(AT&T) and 1 of the 4(T-Mobile) in terms of 5G bands.
However I'd be interested in knowing how you go about getting this activated on AT&T since it isn't on their Whitelist of phones that they are trying to limit users to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im actually getting a free sim card from the government phone through SafeLink but SafeLink is a smaller part of ATT as that's what my sim reads as 4g band Att and I always buy unlocked phones with band 4 and put it in and it works. Nexus 6, S10lite international, moto G4, S7 and S7 edge both all of them same card just insert.
You don't understand they don't whitelist phones they are just saying these ones they know will work with volte and others will to they won't look at every phone. They won't say Poco f3 or realme because they want to sell Samsung and apple not Poco f3. It's money but if it has the band it'll work
Techguy777 said:
You don't understand they don't whitelist phones they are just saying these ones they know will work with volte and others will to they won't look at every phone. They won't say Poco f3 or realme because they want to sell Samsung and apple not Poco f3. It's money but if it has the band it'll work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that part, but the above is not entirely true, hence the post. AT&T for example are activating devices based on the IMEI, even if it has the necessary bands they are saying it is not compatible. Some folks have been able to get around this and get them to activate the phone, but some haven't been able to
I don't know how true, but they told me if I were to take the SIM out of my Redmi Note 5, they will not be able to re-activate my phone. I haven't tried this so I can't say if this is actually the case.
It sounds like SafeLink may technically be a MVNO to Tracfone/AT&T, I do know outside of Cricket Wireless, a lot of the MVNOs aren't enforcing what AT&T is doing with their direct account holders. But technically since they are under AT&T's network, this will eventually trickle down, but it is yet to be seen how this will be handled by MVNO operators.
Rankone21 said:
I understand that part, but the above is not entirely true, hence the post. AT&T for example are activating devices based on the IMEI, even if it has the necessary bands they are saying it is not compatible. Some folks have been able to get around this and get them to activate the phone, but some haven't been able to
I don't know how true, but they told me if I were to take the SIM out of my Redmi Note 5, they will not be able to re-activate my phone. I haven't tried this so I can't say if this is actually the case.
It sounds like SafeLink may technically be a MVNO to Tracfone/AT&T, I do know outside of Cricket Wireless, a lot of the MVNOs aren't enforcing what AT&T is doing with their direct account holders. But technically since they are under AT&T's network, this will eventually trickle down, but it is yet to be seen how this will be handled by MVNO operators.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I am under SafeLink/TracFone which is subsidies of AT&T. But if AT&T shuts off their 3g network I don't think they will leave it on for the SafeLink people. AT&T doesn't have to activate your phone in America their GSM you might have them tell you that like my brother brought the nexus 6 to Walmart for a straight talk card and the lady said it's Verizon we can't activate it. Well they should have stuck a sim card inside because it works on all 4 carries except sprint and Verizon are CDMA which means your phone does have to be put into their system to work but not with GSM networks like AT&T. Just try it once you have a sim card in the us I don't know if your in the US. They will tell you anything to sell you another phone from them.
Rankone21 said:
I understand that part, but the above is not entirely true, hence the post. AT&T for example are activating devices based on the IMEI, even if it has the necessary bands they are saying it is not compatible. Some folks have been able to get around this and get them to activate the phone, but some haven't been able to
I don't know how true, but they told me if I were to take the SIM out of my Redmi Note 5, they will not be able to re-activate my phone. I haven't tried this so I can't say if this is actually the case.
It sounds like SafeLink may technically be a MVNO to Tracfone/AT&T, I do know outside of Cricket Wireless, a lot of the MVNOs aren't enforcing what AT&T is doing with their direct account holders. But technically since they are under AT&T's network, this will eventually trickle down, but it is yet to be seen how this will be handled by MVNO operators.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got my Poco f3 and it works fine on ATT/SafeLink band 4. I don't have 5G so I don't know but it did show the 5g in the upper right hand on display but I checked the speed and it was the same as before so I didn't notice anything 30 to 50 mbps is usual. It's a great phone for the money bench of almost 700k on AnTuTu
Techguy777 said:
I just got my Poco f3 and it works fine on ATT/SafeLink band 4. I don't have 5G so I don't know but it did show the 5g in the upper right hand on display but I checked the speed and it was the same as before so I didn't notice anything 30 to 50 mbps is usual. It's a great phone for the money bench of almost 700k on AnTuTu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for confirming. How are you liking the phone so far?
I had an interesting conversation with AT&T yesterday on the whole topic. Their device compatibility system is really cracking on International Phones although as mentioned earlier, this isn't the case with a lot of MVNOs. The Global version of POCO F3 I think supports 6 of the 9 AT&T 4G Bands. But it's good that it's working for you nevertheless.
I think the POCO F3 is fully compatible with T-Mobile's network as well at least it is as per their online device compatibility tool, so that's another good option depending on the area.
Got some time to decide what I'm going to do, but it's good to know that the phone does work on US carriers.
Rankone21 said:
Thanks for confirming. How are you liking the phone so far?
I had an interesting conversation with AT&T yesterday on the whole topic. Their device compatibility system is really cracking on International Phones although as mentioned earlier, this isn't the case with a lot of MVNOs. The Global version of POCO F3 I think supports 6 of the 9 AT&T 4G Bands. But it's good that it's working for you nevertheless.
I think the POCO F3 is fully compatible with T-Mobile's network as well at least it is as per their online device compatibility tool, so that's another good option depending on the area.
Got some time to decide what I'm going to do, but it's good to know that the phone does work on US carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well so far so good, I didn't get it til 3pm today and I think I have Covid or the flu so I have been under the weather. But I ran bench scores and it's flagship level power. It charges faster than I was expecting, 5400mA on ampere when my S10 lite is 4500mA on a 45 watt charger so they make more use of less watts. I love it so far I doubt you'll notice a major difference between the Poco f3 and realme gt 5g. I love flashing custom roms and rooting my devices so if realme won't unlock the bootloader and release source codes to build on that makes the Poco f3 more for me.
I think if you buy a snapdragon 870 device if has the same bands as all snapdragon 870 devices and 888 has the same bands as all 888 because the modem is inside the CPU. I could be wrong I'm going to look into it but I think so.
It's a sweet phone the only difference from a flag ship is it's 1080p screen instead of 1440p and it doesn't have a mega good camera.
Techguy777 said:
Well so far so good, I didn't get it til 3pm today and I think I have Covid or the flu so I have been under the weather. But I ran bench scores and it's flagship level power. It charges faster than I was expecting, 5400mA on ampere when my S10 lite is 4500mA on a 45 watt charger so they make more use of less watts. I love it so far I doubt you'll notice a major difference between the Poco f3 and realme gt 5g. I love flashing custom roms and rooting my devices so if realme won't unlock the bootloader and release source codes to build on that makes the Poco f3 more for me.
I think if you buy a snapdragon 870 device if has the same bands as all snapdragon 870 devices and 888 has the same bands as all 888 because the modem is inside the CPU. I could be wrong I'm going to look into it but I think so.
It's a sweet phone the only difference from a flag ship is it's 1080p screen instead of 1440p and it doesn't have a mega good camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's some good info. Yeah can't be too picky with a budget phone, for a budget phone outside of the camera it has a lot of close to flagship features.
How are you finding call quality so far? That's one thing that wasn't that great with the xiaomi redmi note 5, but attaching a headset resolves the issue.
Hope you start feeling better while enjoying your new phone. Feel better.
Rankone21 said:
That's some good info. Yeah can't be too picky with a budget phone, for a budget phone outside of the camera it has a lot of close to flagship features.
How are you finding call quality so far? That's one thing that wasn't that great with the xiaomi redmi note 5, but attaching a headset resolves the issue.
Hope you start feeling better while enjoying your new phone. Feel better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will have to get back with you on call quality because I do use headphones now. I have the master and dynamics MW08 and there awesome for calls. It's to late tonight to call anyone I'll let you know tomorrow. I can't stand the wait to unlock the bootloader. It takes 168 hours after you start the unlock process so 7 days than I can root and install viper4android

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