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I've really enjoyed my S7 and want to upgrade to the S9. Later in the year I'll be overseas for almost a year, so I want something that will work with all Verizon bands of LTE, but also not have a firmware lock that would cause it to not work on other bands of LTE overseas. (planning to just use prepaid dataplan sim cards overseas)
I think my two options are to either get a US 'unlocked' version or wait for the 'international' version. My understanding is the primary differences between the unlocked and international version is the 2G/3G coverage for CDMA and possibly slightly different hardware. I'd rather have a phone with CDMA backwards capability, but my prime concern lacking full access to all LTE bands available wherever I am.
I'm not really interested in going any route that would require me to root the phone if there is a way to do it without.
Well the only way to get VZW compatibility is the VZW phone or a US unlocked model. So you're looking at the US Unlocked model at this point.
A listing of all the different model numbers available (per country and carrier) is available here: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-s9-sm-g960-g965-model-number-differences/
You will probably want to get the phone that works with your primary location the most. I am not sure which countries use which frequencies for LTE in Europe; you will need to research that to see what you may be missing out on.
With my T-Mobile S7, I haven't had any issues when traveling in Europe or Asia. It connects to LTE usually.
So I just did a deep dive of that list:
It looks like the Verizon and Unlocked versions are almost identical (the unlocked US version has B46(5200) 4G TDD LTE, but I'm not sure anyone who uses it)
Looking at 4G FDD LTE it looks like a Verizon or US unlocked phone will have almost complete coverage around the world, notable gaps are B30(2300) in China/Canada/US AT&T, B32(1500) in UK and B71(600) (US Tmobile). I thought that was a bit confusing as you'd expect a US Unlocked phone to service all LTE bands available in the US yet it lacks AT&T and Tmobile bands.
So based on all that information looks like I should just get an unlocked US phone to be totally safe, and I'd likely also be fine getting a Verizon version also.
StykerB said:
Well the only way to get VZW compatibility is the VZW phone or a US unlocked model. So you're looking at the US Unlocked model at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Relcan said:
So I just did a deep dive of that list:
It looks like the Verizon and Unlocked versions are almost identical (the unlocked US version has B46(5200) 4G TDD LTE, but I'm not sure anyone who uses it)
Looking at 4G FDD LTE it looks like a Verizon or US unlocked phone will have almost complete coverage around the world, notable gaps are B30(2300) in China/Canada/US AT&T, B32(1500) in UK and B71(600) (US Tmobile). I thought that was a bit confusing as you'd expect a US Unlocked phone to service all LTE bands available in the US yet it lacks AT&T and Tmobile bands.
So based on all that information looks like I should just get an unlocked US phone to be totally safe, and I'd likely also be fine getting a Verizon version also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm new to Android but i use Verizon prepaid. Will I lose anything by going with the unlocked version or should i stick with a Verizon S9?
I don't use video calling. All i do is text and talk but I've heard that people on Verizon prepaid have issues with unlocked Android phones.
Thanks
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
testinguser said:
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
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Click to collapse
Curious about that also
testinguser said:
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Throwinrocks said:
Curious about that also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did a cursory review of the wifi-calling FAQ on their website. They don't mention anything about compatibility with Unlocked versions of phones (that I saw). I'd call tech support to ask, but I'd expect there to be a 50% chance of getting the wrong answer from the tech based on my interactions with their support.
There might be some good experience based anecdotes in the Galaxy S8 forum, if it works on an unlocked S8 its a safe bet it will work on an unlocked S9
I think I'll ask in the Verizon subreddit, it seems like they normally have really good information as well.
I'm mostly curious about the LTE TDD Band 46 (5200) - its the only band an unlocked US phone has that a Verizon phone doesn't. 5200 is in the U-NII frequency range, no cellphone service providers use it, but I wonder if it may be used for local LTE networks in the near future. The other advantage is avoiding all the verizon bloat wear, but that may be what allows the Wifi Calling to work!
All this has me thinking I might have to add the extra $80 and just buy the Verizon version. I don't get phones on contract and I've always just paid full price. (Page 2 404 error?)
Apparently the Nov/Dec Samsung s8 firmware update added an option for BYOD carrier provisioning for unlocked s8. Given the similarity, I'd imagine the same to be true for s9. Can someone who has an unlocked s8 confirm?
Well after a little more research I see that if you use Verizon prepaid you lose visual voicemail and WiFi calling even if you use a Verizon phone so there's no need in me paying extra for a Verizon S9. Unlocked it is.
Throwinrocks said:
Well after a little more research I see that if you use Verizon prepaid you lose visual voicemail and WiFi calling even if you use a Verizon phone so there's no need in me paying extra for a Verizon S9. Unlocked it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might wanna check this as Verizon is starting to implement network locks on some devices as to deter thefts more
Dont know when or what devices but it was a statement Verizon made
So, you're saying the prepaid SIM might not work in an unlocked S9?
I don't think Verizon is keeping Verizon prepaid SIMS from working in unlocked phones they are just locking their phones like Sprint and AT&T still do.
I had no problems with my unlocked Pixel 2 XL that I purchased from Google and my Verizon prepaid, just no visual voicemail.
Where can the Note 10+ Global Exynos variant be purchased? Can it be purchased on the Samsung website like the US variants can?
Trying to grab the Exynos variant since it’s going to have the development potential.
TheForceUnleashed said:
Where can the Note 10+ Global Exynos variant be purchased? Can it be purchased on the Samsung website like the US variants can?
Trying to grab the Exynos variant since it’s going to have the development potential.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have purchased Exynos Variants for a bunch of different Samsung phones over the years. the "F" variant, N975F will work on ATT and or TMobile with no issues. (or N975F/DS)
If you want to buy, I have used two different places to buy in the past - both offer the Note 10 now -
Clove UK
or EBAY
Clove is an excellent source, fast shipping - good customer service and the major sellers on EBAY are also very good. I have used "Never MSRP" and I have heard that there are several others that I have heard are very good and reliable.
Whatever you choose, good luck
What version of the Note 10+ w/ an unlocked bootloader would be the best choice to use for Verizon?
igemon said:
What version of the Note 10+ w/ an unlocked bootloader would be the best choice to use for Verizon?
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Click to collapse
Verizon is cdma and the exynos variants are usually gsm only (AT&T and T-Mobile).
I doubt you'll be able to find what you're looking for.
yeah if you wan't an international version they will always be GSM where some of the US still uses CDMA. so whatever you bought you would need to check it supports the signal on network you want to use it on. also using an international phone you generally need to use a SIM from the local market for a set amount of time, my UK unlocked Note 9 actually has a disclaimer on the box it needed 5 minutes of calls with a european SIM before it would accept an international one, so that is also something you will have to watch out for or you end up having to pay to get an international sim and a several minute call at international rates to unlock the device for a US SIM.
I also use dual sim (F/DS) varieties of Samsung phones, they generally work fine on ATT in the US but they do miss some bands, specifically band30 which means that sometimes I have low speed or no data at all. Also, you won't get VoLTE unless enabled by your carrier. It's a trade-off. Of course you also won't get 5G until there's a dual SIM 5G variant.
enginuity2 said:
Verizon is cdma and the exynos variants are usually gsm only (AT&T and T-Mobile).
I doubt you'll be able to find what you're looking for.
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Click to collapse
Verizon is ending CDMA support at end of this year. So it doesn't matter with Verizon anymore.
It should be noted that with Exynos F models, USA Carrier Aggregation does not work properly.
While the phone will function properly, it will not have the same network speeds as an equivalent USA model.
For example, I had in my possession a N960F and did a speed test next to a N920T (Note 5) and I was getting like 70-90Mbps down on the Note 5 and was only getting 15-30Mbps on the N960F in the exact same spots.
I've tested this many times and actually also with the N950F before that.
I'm only posting about this just to make people aware. I'm, sure there are some that will take the trade-off of slower speeds to gain the ability of root and development, but there are also some out there that prefer that their speeds not be gimped.
This has been discussed on many XDA threads in the Note 8, S9, Note 9, S10 forums for a couple of years now and can be duplicated exactly as mentioned.
If anyone has figured out a way to get proper USA CA on F model phones I'm one of the first that would love to hear about it.
I'm sure @iunlock would also.
DeeXii said:
It should be noted that with Exynos F models, USA Carrier Aggregation does not work properly.
While the phone will function properly, it will not have the same network speeds as an equivalent USA model.
For example, I had in my possession a N960F and did a speed test next to a N920T (Note 5) and I was getting like 70-90Mbps down on the Note 5 and was only getting 15-30Mbps on the N960F in the exact same spots.
I've tested this many times and actually also with the N950F before that.
I'm only posting about this just to make people aware. I'm, sure there are some that will take the trade-off of slower speeds to gain the ability of root and development, but there are also some out there that prefer that their speeds not be gimped.
This has been discussed on many XDA threads in the Note 8, S9, Note 9, S10 forums for a couple of years now and can be duplicated exactly as mentioned.
If anyone has figured out a way to get proper USA CA on F model phones I'm one of the first that would love to hear about it.
I'm sure @iunlock would also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes indeed.
Along with @DeeXii around the same time I had the F variant of the Note 8 along side my T-Mobile Note 8 and ran numerous tests.
TL;DR, in areas with a lot of cell towers (in the city etc...) you won't notice a big difference (IF) your within a strong range (close) from a tower. When this happens you're connected to a single strong frequency.
While travelling on the road with both devices at the time it was very apparent that the F model was not handing off well (tower to tower), while the TM variant as expected did just fine.
It is in my opinion that those who have claimed that CA works on international variants are being tricked by getting real good speeds due to being connected to a strong signal from a near by tower / area. It's convincing I know...
We're convinced unless proven otherwise that CA is an issue with the international Exynos variants, whether it's the F or Korean N models. Yes, I'm aware of some N models showing icons that may say otherwise, however, it is yet to be seen if the CA is truly working as most people who have the international variants, often don't have the US variants handy to be able to compare them side by side under different conditions.
Believe me... I want to see CA to work lol.... I really really do, because I'd rather have an Exynos variant 100% over a locked down US variant.
As I wait for my Note 10+ to arrive tomorrow, as excited as I am for a new device, since it can not be rooted there's still an uncertainty in the back of my mind that doesn't bring me much assurance that I'll be 100% sold rocking a non rooted phone due to my apps that require root, tweaks that I do etc...
Engineering leak, oh if you're out there please show yourself.... :silly:
iunlock said:
Yes indeed.
Along with @DeeXii around the same time I had the F variant of the Note 8 along side my T-Mobile Note 8 and ran numerous tests.
TL;DR, in areas with a lot of cell towers (in the city etc...) you won't notice a big difference (IF) your within a strong range (close) from a tower. When this happens you're connected to a single strong frequency.
While travelling on the road with both devices at the time it was very apparent that the F model was not handing off well (tower to tower), while the TM variant as expected did just fine.
It is in my opinion that those who have claimed that CA works on international variants are being tricked by getting real good speeds due to being connected to a strong signal from a near by tower / area. It's convincing I know...
We're convinced unless proven otherwise that CA is an issue with the international Exynos variants, whether it's the F or Korean N models. Yes, I'm aware of some N models showing icons that may say otherwise, however, it is yet to be seen if the CA is truly working as most people who have the international variants, often don't have the US variants handy to be able to compare them side by side under different conditions.
Believe me... I want to see CA to work lol.... I really really do, because I'd rather have an Exynos variant 100% over a locked down US variant.
As I wait for my Note 10+ to arrive tomorrow, as excited as I am for a new device, since it can not be rooted there's still an uncertainty in the back of my mind that doesn't bring me much assurance that I'll be 100% sold rocking a non rooted phone due to my apps that require root, tweaks that I do etc...
Engineering leak, oh if you're out there please show yourself.... :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not accurate at all.
The Galaxy S10+ F model did 100% work with at least 2 bands carrier aggregation when used on T-Mobile and AT&T. Bands 4+2 on T-Mobile and 12/17+2 on At&t were aggregated. SOME models that were running a European CSC code from European countries did NO indeed have CA enabled in the US. Phones with Asias CSC codes had 2 band CA enabled in the US. It never supported more other bands CA in the US.
I experimented with this myself by flashing the main OXM ROM and then using a local country SIM immediately after flashing to change the CSC code of the firmware to one that SIM region. Every time it was a European CSC, CA would not longer work.
It's important to note that Wifi calling and VOLTE both worked on T-Mobile with the F model out of the box. This started with the S10 and i expect the same to be with the note 10.
clubtech said:
That's not accurate at all.
The Galaxy S10+ F model did 100% work with at least 2 bands carrier aggregation when used on T-Mobile and AT&T. Bands 4+2 on T-Mobile and 12/17+2 on At&t were aggregated. SOME models that were running a European CSC code from European countries did NO indeed have CA enabled in the US. Phones with Asias CSC codes had 2 band CA enabled in the US. It never supported more other bands CA in the US.
I experimented with this myself by flashing the main OXM ROM and then using a local country SIM immediately after flashing to change the CSC code of the firmware to one that SIM region. Every time it was a European CSC, CA would not longer work.
It's important to note that Wifi calling and VOLTE both worked on T-Mobile with the F model out of the box. This started with the S10 and i expect the same to be with the note 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent. Please provide us some more info then showing your claims.
What I have stated is indeed accurate as it was based on my own tests with the Note 8 lol...many have done the same as well. This issue regarding CA has been hashed to pieces in several threads with a lot of folks involved in showing concrete proof that it did not work with the phones we've tested it with at the time.
Show us with screen shots, detailed description where the phones were tested etc... that CA works on the F variant and we'll throw a party....
You have to remember that there are several of us that really want CA to work... it's not like we're against it.
Again, we've seen this claim before and it was due to the user not factoring in that they were in a "good signal area near a tower," where they were connected to a strong signal that made it seem like CA was working in respect to the bands the international phone supported... I'm not saying this is the case with what you have experienced, but until we can see proof.... with this situation it's all heresay unless proven otherwise... therefore...
What you've said is not accurate at all, because we have no proof... so please provide proof.
@DeeXii I'll tag you as I'm sure you're just as curious...
Looking forward to hearing back... :highfive:
Well, just received the N975FD Dual SIM model and i'm testing it with AT&T and Project FI in the US (which uses T-Mobile).
This unit rung the Singapore firmware. As i stated in my last reply, Carrier aggregation DOES work with BOTH networks.
Here are some observations for those are interested in getting the international version and use it in the US:
AT&T:
Surprisingly, VOLTE works out of the box with AT&T. This is a first for the international unlocked model. My AT&T SIM already had this feature provisioned on my account and it just worked when I placed the SIM into the Note 10+.
HD calling works as well (tested a call to another AT&T customer and a Verizon customer).
The device can do 2xCA with bands 2 + 12 and bands 2 + 4.
Speed is almost the same as the US model when using these frequencies.
No WiFi calling
Project Fi (T-Mobile).
VOLTE works.
HD calling just between T-Mobile customers.
The device can do 2xCA with bands 2 + 4. I have not seen it do 4+12 or 2+12 yet.
No WiFi calling (but that's normal to any phone that's not a pixel with Fi).
Verizon:
To be tested still
Like I mentioned before, if your international version comes from a European country, for some reason carrier aggregation no longer works. If you then flash an Asian firmware, have an Asian country SIM inside the phone when you flash the firmware and do a factory reset after you flash, carrier aggregation will start working with a US SIM afterward.
DeeXii said:
It should be noted that with Exynos F models, USA Carrier Aggregation does not work properly.
While the phone will function properly, it will not have the same network speeds as an equivalent USA model.
For example, I had in my possession a N960F and did a speed test next to a N920T (Note 5) and I was getting like 70-90Mbps down on the Note 5 and was only getting 15-30Mbps on the N960F in the exact same spots.
I've tested this many times and actually also with the N950F before that.
I'm only posting about this just to make people aware. I'm, sure there are some that will take the trade-off of slower speeds to gain the ability of root and development, but there are also some out there that prefer that their speeds not be gimped.
This has been discussed on many XDA threads in the Note 8, S9, Note 9, S10 forums for a couple of years now and can be duplicated exactly as mentioned.
If anyone has figured out a way to get proper USA CA on F model phones I'm one of the first that would love to hear about it.
I'm sure @iunlock would also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not the model that causes this - it's your lack of the correct CSC. If it has a compatible CSC, it works just fine.
I'm currently debating rooting my new Note 10+ 5g to port over the T-Mobile CSC from a T-Mobile model like I did with the Note 8.
Kalm_Traveler said:
It's not the model that causes this - it's your lack of the correct CSC. If it has a compatible CSC, it works just fine.
I'm currently debating rooting my new Note 10+ 5g to port over the T-Mobile CSC from a T-Mobile model like I did with the Note 8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is 100% incorrect.
While flashing the CSC is a must on any locked or F model Samsung phone to enable all carrier features like video calling and VoLTE. It does not give the CA tables that are in the snap dragon's baseband to an Exynos device.
There for if you are on a US carrier and have a N975U/U1 next to a N975F, the speeds on the N975F will be significantly less than the N975U/U1. I'm surprised you have entered this debate again with these views considering your experience in the matter. Once again we have obtained an F model and tested against US variants and have concluded that as of now, simply flashing the CSC from T-Mobile or any US variant does not enable USA Carrier Aggregation on Exynos models. I am not trying to be mean or agumentitive here, but when you have people ordering from overseas potentially running into situations where they cannot return a device, it is very important to have 100% accurate information.
It should be noted that while on 5G it may be different because I do not think 5G uses the MIMO type actions of carrier aggregation. But also with that said. 5G phones do not use 5G 100% of the time. (See how 5G works for more info)
TLR - Yes unlocked international models "work" on US carriers. However their speeds will be much slower than on a US variant because international variants cannot do the Carrier Aggregation that US carriers need for full data speeds.
DeeXii said:
That is 100% incorrect.
While flashing the CSC is a must on any locked or F model Samsung phone to enable all carrier features like video calling and VoLTE. It does not give the CA tables that are in the snap dragon's baseband to an Exynos device.
There for if you are on a US carrier and have a N975U/U1 next to a N975F, the speeds on the N975F will be significantly less than the N975U/U1. I'm surprised you have entered this debate again with these views considering your experience in the matter. Once again we have obtained an F model and tested against US variants and have concluded that as of now, simply flashing the CSC from T-Mobile or any US variant does not enable USA Carrier Aggregation on Exynos models. I am not trying to be mean or agumentitive here, but when you have people ordering from overseas potentially running into situations where they cannot return a device, it is very important to have 100% accurate information.
It should be noted that while on 5G it may be different because I do not think 5G uses the MIMO type actions of carrier aggregation. But also with that said. 5G phones do not use 5G 100% of the time. (See how 5G works for more info)
TLR - Yes unlocked international models "work" on US carriers. However their speeds will be much slower than on a US variant because international variants cannot do the Carrier Aggregation that US carriers need for full data speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure where you got that information, but quite a few of us posted screenshots in the Note 8 days showing the CA tables on our N and F variants. I believe the CA combo info is within the keystrings.dat file but don't quote me on that.
Also - nobody should root their phone (needed to flash USA CSCs on N and F variant Samsung phones) and expect to be able to return the device afterwards. We are taking the risk anyway by ordering an overseas model phone.
Kalm_Traveler said:
I'm not sure where you got that information, but quite a few of us posted screenshots in the Note 8 days showing the CA tables on our N and F variants. I believe the CA combo info is within the keystrings.dat file but don't quote me on that.
Also - nobody should root their phone (needed to flash USA CSCs on N and F variant Samsung phones) and expect to be able to return the device afterward. We are taking the risk anyway by ordering an overseas model phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm getting my info from several tests done by myself and several others.
The tests on our Note 10 devices match exactly the tests we have done on Note8 and Note 9 international Exynos F models that people have been testing for years that simply do not do US Carrier Aggregation, even with the US CSC.
We have had two Note 10 F models, an unlocked US model, and a T-Mobile US Model. At the same exact location, my old Note 5 N920T pulls higher download speeds (because of Carrier Aggregation) than my brother in law's N975F.
Go find a T-Mobile N975U and see for yourself, however, I am not sure where you are located. I am sure there are some places in the country that might produce the same speeds on their phones simply because the towers in that area are older and do not have all of the bands some major markets have.
In those locations, you will probably see average download speeds anyways. In this situation, an Exynos model is acceptable as the speeds will be the same. However, when traveling the data will still be gimped obviously.
Bottom line is that if a person in a major market gets an N975F and flashes the T-Mobile CSC they will still have gimped data speeds when compared to a US snapdragon variant, period.
Believe me, there is no one more than myself and @iunlock that want CA to work 100% 1:1 with the N975U model but it's just not the case. It is what it is.
Also, it should be noted that CA does not just affect download speeds. It can also affect signal reliability in certain situations.
DeeXii said:
I'm getting my info from several tests done by myself and several others.
The tests on our Note 10 devices match exactly the tests we have done on Note8 and Note 9 international Exynos F models that people have been testing for years that simply do not do US Carrier Aggregation, even with the US CSC.
We have had two Note 10 F models, an unlocked US model, and a T-Mobile US Model. At the same exact location, my old Note 5 N920T pulls higher download speeds (because of Carrier Aggregation) than my brother in law's N975F.
Go find a T-Mobile N975U and see for yourself, however, I am not sure where you are located. I am sure there are some places in the country that might produce the same speeds on their phones simply because the towers in that area are older and do not have all of the bands some major markets have.
In those locations, you will probably see average download speeds anyways. In this situation, an Exynos model is acceptable as the speeds will be the same. However, when traveling the data will still be gimped obviously.
Bottom line is that if a person in a major market gets an N975F and flashes the T-Mobile CSC they will still have gimped data speeds when compared to a US snapdragon variant, period.
Believe me, there is no one more than myself and @iunlock that want CA to work 100% 1:1 with the N975U model but it's just not the case. It is what it is.
Also, it should be noted that CA does not just affect download speeds. It can also affect signal reliability in certain situations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I take this as a challenge, my friend
Hold my beer...
Would flashing a different CSC get rid of the current carrier boot and shutdown animation? And, to flash a Tmo CSC on a rooted sm-n975f be as simple as flashing the new CSC in Odin?
Kalm_Traveler said:
. . . . port over the T-Mobile CSC from a T-Mobile model like I did with the Note 8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Kalm_Traveler. Long time no chat.
Please do that. I just picked up a SM-N975F/DS and would love to see that happen. I remember your old N8 thread well.
To update my earlier reply, just tested the FD model with Verizon.
VOLTE works out of the box.
HD voice works.
I've seen 2 x CA with bands 4 and 2 and then 5 and 2.
So while we are both going to see 3 x CA or 4 x CA, it can def do 2 x CA on the 3 carriers I tested.
What surprised me that VOLTE works out of the box for all 3 carriers.View attachment 4819270
Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk
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.
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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
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
)
I have the Samsung Factory Unlocked version of the S20+ (model SG-M986U1).* This means the phone is not carrier-specific, it works on all carriers (CDMA, GSM) and supports both millimeter wave (Verizon 5G Ultra Wide UW) AND lower frequency band 5G (usually called Sub 6).* The 5G UW super fast network is typically only available in highly populated areas (cities) because it that frequency signal doesn't travel very far and is easily blocked by buildings.* However you will notce the Verizon 5G coverage map shows 5G as being pretty widespread across the country.* Most of that is their Sub 6 5G Network which was launched in mid October 2020.* The 5G Sub 6 network, to my understanding, is using some of the same frequency bands as 4G so essentially it's really an amped up 4G signal using what is called Dynamic Signal Sharing (DSS)*(A lot of people don't understand all this.)*
I'm curious if there's anyone on the forums with a factory unlocked version of the S20 (typically the model number I think has a U at the end instead of VZW) can confirm if their phone shows a 5G icon when you are in sub 6 5G or does it show "LTE+"* I read somewhere the unlocked phones show LTE+ because technically that is what Sub 6 band 5G using DSS really is and 5G in that case is more of a marketing term.* Because different carriers use different terms for different networks, the factory unlocked phones can connect to all the different 5G networks but they can't accomodate all the different marketing terms.* I'd also be curious if when connected to the millimeter wave 5G in the cities if these factory unlocked phones show the "UW" designation which is bascially a Verizon marketing term, or if the phone just shows "5G".
There was also an article that talked about these phones needing a software update to use 5G and supposedly the updates were pushed out right after Verizon announced their Sub 6 5G network launch in mid October. But the author wasn't sure if the Factory Unlocked non-carrier specific models would receive the necessary update. Considering Verizon and Samsung just signed a 6.5 Billion Dollar agreement for SAMSUNG to further build out their 5G network, I would be very surprised if it were the case the factory unlocked models didn't get the update.
My S20+ model SG-M986U1 is showing Service Provider SW Ver. SAOMC_SM-G986U1_OYN-VZQ_QQ_0027 wondering if that's the 5G compatible version?
The other thing is a lot of people just swap SIM cards when they get a new phone. With 5G in most cases, if your SIM card was issued may months ago, you need to go into the carrier store and have them give you a new 5G compatible SIM card. I honestly can't remember if my phone was showing LTE or LTE+ before and after SIM card change. I tested the bandwidth after the change and in a strong signal area got 60mbit download but I didn't have a pre-SIM swap test in that area to compare to unfortunately.
Well I feel like I'm going in circles but now found a Reddit thread that confirms what I originally suspected.
The Factory Unlocked (model ending in U1) S20 phones apparently have not got the update from Samsung yet to allow sub 6 5G connection. But there is a hack in that you can change the carrier network code to ATT even though you are on Verizon and it enabled the N5 band which is what Verizon uses for their "Nationwide 5G" To do this you dial *#272*your IMEI number# Then select ATT and Install and change network code only. Phone will reboot and now you will see 5G UW symbol.
I tried the CSC change on my factory unlocked S20+. I ran three successive bandwidth tests on bandwidthplace.com before and after the change so 3 times on VZW and 3 times on ATT. As others have alluded to the LTE DSS Sub 6 Flavor of Verizon 5G is on average about the same speed as 4G LTE+. So I just turned it back to VZW and will wait for the update from Samsung. I'm surprised a month and a half later it still hasn't got the update to allow N5 band on Verizon.
I'm also wondering is the S20 always show 5G UW when connected to any 5G including sub 6 5G and not actual millimeter wave ultra wide 5G? Or is that just a side effect of "spoofing" the ATT carrier code when actually on a Verizon network IMEI?
Hello Jazee, this is my first response to anyone on xda, and I know that by now you probably have your answer I notice this is an old post. I have an unlocked Samsung s20 5g. And depending on where I am, it says 4g let, and when I'm closer to the city, or hold my leg right(I live in the country), my phone shows 5g. It's shown lte+ before. I think it depends on your carrier. Some I've noticed share 4 and 5g lte simultaneously depending on the current speed. As you mentioned earlier, 5g signal doesn't put up a big fight when it sees a tree or building. Anyways, that's my 2 bits worth, hope this helped. BTW, lte+, when I get that, it is pitiful. Nothing like either 4g lte or 5g lte.
I was about to pull the trigger on the S22 Ultra but came across the X80 pro and did a lot of research - I'm now convinced it's the best camera phone currently on the market.
I noticed it's available on Amazon UK for £1200, but would prefer a decent contract. Has it not been officially released in the UK or why are none of the mobile companies offering them? Also saw it cheaper here, but it's from Hong Kong so worried about service in case there is an issue with the phone (got screwed by eGlobal some years ago):
Vivo X80 Pro 5G (Global Version) Dual SIM 12GB/256GB
Global version. 12GB Ram / 256GB 2nd batch pre order : Available to ship out 4th July, 2022
www.wondamobile.com
Its unlikely any of operators in the UK will offer the device (most providers will stock Oppo or Oneplus but never Vivo) and Amazon is your best bet or wait a few months for a discount
Odd. Best camera phone ever made, released for European market, and operators decide to skip. Samsung must be happy. Oh well, at least I will have something unique
I'm not sure about the policy of carriers in the UK with respect to provisioning VoLTE services for this phone. The Voice Over LTE (4G) toggle only appears in settings if the carrier's SIM enables the option. Without VoLTE switched on, you can connect on 4G and 5G for downloads, streaming, etc., but all voice calls will drop to 3G. Carriers around the world are beginning to shut down their 3G networks. They have all been decommissioned in the United States, and Canada is following suit in two years. T-Mobile in the US will provision VoLTE for this phone, but other American carriers won't. None of the Canadian carriers will provision VoLTE for this device. Without local 3G networks, if VoLTE is not enabled the phone will try to drop the call to a non-existent network and it won't go through. You may want to enquire with your UK carrier before ordering the phone.
I bought this phone last week from Amazon. I can confirm that VoLTE is available using the EE network.