Can I use a Tmobile Note 4 on AT&T and vice versa? - Galaxy Note 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Can I use a Tmobile Note 4 on AT&T and vice versa and have it work with LTE?
In other words, is the Note 4 interchangeable with both Tmobile and AT&T LTE service?

Neo3D said:
Can I use a Tmobile Note 4 on AT&T and vice versa and have it work with LTE?
In other words, is the Note 4 interchangeable with both Tmobile and AT&T LTE service?
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yes

Potentially, yes. You could do the reverse, so I can't see why it wouldn't work.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using XDA Free mobile app

You guys are positive that LTE will still work on both networks?

Neo3D said:
You guys are positive that LTE will still work on both networks?
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Click to collapse
It's showing the same bands to it should work, no one will know until they actually test it. The Note 3 also had the same bands, but some anecdotal reports stated the reception was a bit worse and it didn't hang onto LTE as well. Nothing scientific, just users reporting this so make of it what you will. Personally my business can't take the chance of reception issues so I just bit the bullet and got the ATT version knowing I am saying goodbye to root. Once again this is unsubstantiated, it's just what I got from hours of looking at all the forum posts about using the Tmo Note 3 on ATT.

How about a Verizon Note 4 on AT&T? Verizon is charging almost $150 less for an off contract phone, however I have a mobile share plan with other AT&T phones on contract so I'd need to stay on AT&T if possible...

Is it possible to "unlock" (or whatever the term is) an AT&T phone to use with Tmobile?
I want to use AT&T mainly but when I'm traveling internationally, I want to be able to switch to Tmobile.

Neo3D said:
Is it possible to "unlock" (or whatever the term is) an AT&T phone to use with Tmobile?
I want to use AT&T mainly but when I'm traveling internationally, I want to be able to switch to Tmobile.
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Click to collapse
Yes you can and the term is "unlock". Just make sure the bands are compatible on your at&t phone with the Tmobile network.

daraj said:
Yes you can and the term is "unlock". Just make sure the bands are compatible on your at&t phone with the Tmobile network.
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Click to collapse
Thanks!
Well, that's what I want to know. Will LTE work on both networks with either or both Tmobile and at&t versions?

danmanca said:
How about a Verizon Note 4 on AT&T? Verizon is charging almost $150 less for an off contract phone, however I have a mobile share plan with other AT&T phones on contract so I'd need to stay on AT&T if possible...
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I know you can use TMOBILE PHONES on ATT - I assume you can do the reverse -but I don't think you can run TMOBILE PHONES on Verizon - or Verizon PHones on TMOBILE - I say this because the roms created for Verizon were really never very compatible for Tmobile phones ( at least not for me on any of the roms I tried to flash - data didn't work - wifi didn't work - ) so I htink they have different kinds of radios - but I am not a developer so that is only a guess -
USE TMOBILE phone on ATT and you are fine
---------- Post added at 03:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:57 PM ----------
Neo3D said:
Is it possible to "unlock" (or whatever the term is) an AT&T phone to use with Tmobile?
I want to use AT&T mainly but when I'm traveling internationally, I want to be able to switch to Tmobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes - as long as you manually add the APNS - but keep in mind the ATT PHONE will have a locked bootloader and it will probably be a while until someone finds a way to root the ATT PHONE - I say this based on what happened with the Note3 and S5 - I assume the same will be the case for ATT NOte 4s

If somebody takes an AT&T phone to T-Mobile, it will get fully functional LTE (as they both use band 4 aws). However, T-Mobile has built most of its 3G network on Band 4 UMTS / HSPA (AWS 1700/2100) which AT&T phones to not support. This coverage footprint is bigger than their current LTE network. The AT&T phone will get Band 2 (1900) UMTS / HSPA in the areas T-Mobile has refarmed.
A T-Mobile phone is fully compatible with AT&T. All T-Mobile phones support bands 2 and 5 for 3G (H+). T-Mobile phones also support AT&T's Band 17 for roaming reasons.
Be advised that if your using a T-Mobile device on AT&T (preferably an LTE device) it may not get the best reception, as AT&T optimizes their modems for their lower frequencies. Last year my T-Mobile Note 3 LTE reception was awful on AT&T. The T-Mobile S5 on AT&T was improved, but not as good as AT&T's own S5's reception.

MattMJB0188 said:
If somebody takes an AT&T phone to T-Mobile, it will get fully functional LTE (as they both use band 4 aws). However, T-Mobile has built most of its 3G network on Band 4 UMTS / HSPA (AWS 1700/2100) which AT&T phones to not support. This coverage footprint is bigger than their current LTE network. The AT&T phone will get Band 2 (1900) UMTS / HSPA in the areas T-Mobile has refarmed.
A T-Mobile phone is fully compatible with AT&T. All T-Mobile phones support bands 2 and 5 for 3G (H+). T-Mobile phones also support AT&T's Band 17 for roaming reasons.
Be advised that if your using a T-Mobile device on AT&T (preferably an LTE device) it may not get the best reception, as AT&T optimizes their modems for their lower frequencies. Last year my T-Mobile Note 3 LTE reception was awful on AT&T. The T-Mobile S5 on AT&T was improved, but not as good as AT&T's own S5's reception.
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I am pretty sure I know the answer to this - but if the ATT modem is better for att users - if someone does have a TOMBILE PHONE - why is that we can't flash an ATT Modem on the TOMBILE Phone?
I realize there is a chance of 'brcking" but if the phones are so close to each other anyway - why can't you flash an ATT Modem on a TMOBILE phone? Anyone?.

mocsab said:
I am pretty sure I know the answer to this - but if the ATT modem is better for att users - if someone does have a TOMBILE PHONE - why is that we can't flash an ATT Modem on the TOMBILE Phone?
I realize there is a chance of 'brcking" but if the phones are so close to each other anyway - why can't you flash an ATT Modem on a TMOBILE phone? Anyone?.
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Click to collapse
I'm not sure. But a few years ago there was a guy from Canada using a Rogers device ( I think the S3?) anyway AT&T had just released an update for their S3 and it drastically improved signal strength and data speeds. He took it upon himself to flash only the modem from CWM. The phone rebooted and he had no IMEI number. Therefore his phone couldn't even connect to the network. I'm not sure how or if he resolved it. But that lesson right there made me never flash any carrier's modem on my device.

MattMJB0188 said:
I'm not sure. But a few years ago there was a guy from Canada using a Rogers device ( I think the S3?) anyway AT&T had just released an update for their S3 and it drastically improved signal strength and data speeds. He took it upon himself to flash only the modem from CWM. The phone rebooted and he had no IMEI number. Therefore his phone couldn't even connect to the network. I'm not sure how or if he resolved it. But that lesson right there made me never flash any carrier's modem on my device.
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Click to collapse
That would keep me away too - but it's too bad - as much a like as the variants are - it is too bad they are not more interchangeable

Related

Tmobile Version has AT&T LTE support, and unlocked bootloader?

So far it looks like the Tmobile S4 has LTE/HSPA+ support for AT&T, and no real signs of a locked bootloader. Anyone else plan on buying that version and unlocking it if the bootloader is in fact unlocked?
Does anyone know of any apps that would test the LTE/HSPA+ bands the phone is capable of? I want to go into a Tmobile and use a test unit to see if I can get service with my LTE AT&T SIM.
https://explore.t-mobile.com/samsung-galaxy-s4
Edit: Well, it looks like I'll be getting the Tmobile variant unsubsidized and use it on AT&T. Tmobile will unlock the phone if you pay the total cost up front. I just need to find a replacement back cover to rid myself of the stupid Tmobile logo on the back... lol.
xxhorseriderxxx said:
So far it looks like the Tmobile S4 has LTE/HSPA+ support for AT&T, and no real signs of a locked bootloader. Anyone else plan on buying that version and unlocking it if the bootloader is in fact unlocked?
Does anyone know of any apps that would test the LTE/HSPA+ bands the phone is capable of? I want to go into a Tmobile and use a test unit to see if I can get service with my LTE AT&T SIM.
https://explore.t-mobile.com/samsung-galaxy-s4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I had the money to buy the S4 outright for full price, I would just get an i9505.
EDIT: Spoke too soon. The i9505 doesn't support AT&T's LTE bands.
Can you post info on the source? I was also curious about this but i was thinking if we changed the radios like they did in the past that maybe we could get something working?
XsMagical said:
Can you post info on the source? I was also curious about this but i was thinking if we changed the radios like they did in the past that maybe we could get something working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I put the info in the OP that I have so far; the LTE/3G radios are reported to support all of AT&T's bands. The bootloader, I'm going off of a guess since I don't think that Tmobile could afford to bribe Samsung to lock their bootloaders for them.
HMM, ok thanks for the info so far. I might have to go out and pick one up and test it.
Looks like the T-Mobile version has all the same bands and some extra ones added in. For instance the at&t only has lte bands 4&17. The tmobile version has LTE bands 1,2,4,5,7&17. Will T-Mobile unlock their phones for u??
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
I dnot know t mobile has att lte but i am using att phone with t mobile sim in it and i am getting 12-15 Mbps speed.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=40888195&postcount=46
T-Mobile:
HSPA+ Bands: I (UMTS 2100), II (1900), IV (1700/2100/AWS), V (850)
LTE Bands: Band 1 (2100), 2 (1900), 4 (1700/2100), 5(850), 7 (2600) & 17
GSM Bands: 850, 900, 1800, 1900
Rogers - Applies for Bell and Telus:
GSM Bands:850/900/1800/1900
HSPA+/HSPA Bands:850/1900/2100
LTE Bands:2100/2600
AT&T:
4G-LTE Band 4 and 17
3G - UMTS 850/1900/2100MHz
GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900MHz
T-Mobile Bootloader Locked or Unlocked ?
xxhorseriderxxx said:
So far it looks like the Tmobile S4 has LTE/HSPA+ support for AT&T, and no real signs of a locked bootloader. Anyone else plan on buying that version and unlocking it if the bootloader is in fact unlocked?
Does anyone know of any apps that would test the LTE/HSPA+ bands the phone is capable of? I want to go into a Tmobile and use a test unit to see if I can get service with my LTE AT&T SIM.
https://explore.t-mobile.com/samsung-galaxy-s4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm feeling like a newbie today cause I have my new T-Mobile Galaxy S4 in front of me & still playing with new features after 3 hours.
Tell me how to check to see if bootloader is unlocked and I'll do it.
Also trying to remember where we go to unlock the developer tools. Only remember that it must be clicked 7 times?
Just remembered, Settings.About Device>Build Number <Click Build Number 7 times, back out and Developer options magically appears.
Now i can go into it and toggle USB debugging. Now I only feel 95% newbie.
Glenn
So .. How do I get TMoble 4G on my HTC One X
What do I have to do get off Edge and onto Tmobile 3g/4g. I have the unlocked HTC One X ... What apps are there, and what steps needs to be followed.
trvlpoet said:
What do I have to do get off Edge and onto Tmobile 3g/4g. I have the unlocked HTC One X ... What apps are there, and what steps needs to be followed.
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Click to collapse
Do you realize you are in the S4 forum?
weltwon said:
I'm feeling like a newbie today cause I have my new T-Mobile Galaxy S4 in front of me & still playing with new features after 3 hours.
Tell me how to check to see if bootloader is unlocked and I'll do it.
Also trying to remember where we go to unlock the developer tools. Only remember that it must be clicked 7 times?
Just remembered, Settings.About Device>Build Number <Click Build Number 7 times, back out and Developer options magically appears.
Now i can go into it and toggle USB debugging. Now I only feel 95% newbie.
Glenn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you don't have to worry about checking the bootloader, it has already been confirmed to be unlocked
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2258476
I love this thread, i cant wait to get the Tmo version of the S4 and return this locked down model.
Stroked from my Dirty Nocturnal'd Galaxy S4
scott14719 said:
Do you realize you are in the S4 forum?
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Click to collapse
Oh ... thanx... fustration!!!!
Has anybody tried their T-Mobile phone on AT&T yet?
If so, I have a couple of questions.
1. Can you use the T-Mobile phone to wireless tether (become a wifi hotspot) on AT&T's network? The AT&T version can be used to tether (with a simple hack). I was just wondering if a different .APK would be needed to do the same with the T-Mobile phone on AT&T's network or if the T-Mobile phone already has an APK installed that works on AT&T's network?
2. I realize an existing AT&T sim card can just simply be placed into the sim unlocked T-Mobile phone for it to work, but how would I go about changing the imei and other phone info that AT&T has in their system about the phone? In other words, would AT&T cause problems with anyone using a T-Mobile phone on their network even if the person paid full price for the phone and it is unlocked? Would it be better to have them change the system information at a store versus over the telephone?
3. It is reported that the T-Mobile phone works fine on AT&T's LTE network, has anyone verified this and does the phone show LTE when on AT&T's LTE network?
Thank you for any replies. Hopefully this information can help people decide if they want to buy the T-Mobile S4 to use on AT&T or not.
scott14719 said:
Has anybody tried their T-Mobile phone on AT&T yet?
If so, I have a couple of questions.
1. Can you use the T-Mobile phone to wireless tether (become a wifi hotspot) on AT&T's network? The AT&T version can be used to tether (with a simple hack). I was just wondering if a different .APK would be needed to do the same with the T-Mobile phone on AT&T's network or if the T-Mobile phone already has an APK installed that works on AT&T's network?
2. I realize an existing AT&T sim card can just simply be placed into the sim unlocked T-Mobile phone for it to work, but how would I go about changing the imei and other phone info that AT&T has in their system about the phone? In other words, would AT&T cause problems with anyone using a T-Mobile phone on their network even if the person paid full price for the phone and it is unlocked? Would it be better to have them change the system information at a store versus over the telephone?
3. It is reported that the T-Mobile phone works fine on AT&T's LTE network, has anyone verified this and does the phone show LTE when on AT&T's LTE network?
Thank you for any replies. Hopefully this information can help people decide if they want to buy the T-Mobile S4 to use on AT&T or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can, for now, use PDAnet for tethering.
As far as changing the phone to appear as "unknown" to AT&T's system, don't do it without a backup of your /efs folder. I don't recommend doing it either because it's not really worth changing things around to hide that you're on a Tmobile phone, because for the most part, they don't care as long as you're paying them your monthly bill. I personally know a friend who has used her unlocked HTC Amaze on AT&T without issue (she was stuck to 2G speeds). The only way for you to have an "unknown" phone on your account is to use an international model phone such as the HTC one or the i9500 (unconfirmed that the i9300/i9500 model is entered into AT&T's system, I only hèard a rumour that AT&T has the IMEI of those phones in its system). My i9100 currently shows up as "unknown" in my bill statement.
I took a screenshot, but I don't have a link of the LTE working conformation (attached). I won't be getting my phone until I am on holiday in New Hampshire so that I can avoid the sales tax on purchasing the Tmobile variant. I would ask my parents to buy it for me, and I send them the money, but they have no technological skills whatsoëver close to asking/knowing what to ask for at the Tmobile store. Sorry guys, lol.
my t mobile m919 stock mdl rooted..tetheting works out of the box SN at&t and on their system it doesn't know what kind of phone I have...
Sent from my SGS 4

Which model to buy for full freedom

I am on ATT but I am tired of ATT BS and locked bootloaders and ROM work arounds. I want to be able to use international ROMs. Plus I want to have my ATT LTE.
I want freedom to have me device my way and with any carrier sim. With this said money is not the issue. So what do I buy. If I am reading things right the answer is a T-Mobile Version and then cancel the contract and put my ATT SIM in the Note 3.
Can anyone confirm or advise?
Want your cake (international version) and eat it too (non-international LTE) AND complain because getting both requires a bit of work? LOL
No carrier is going to let you have full freedom w/o you going behind their back (i.e. unlocking bootloaders and custom ROMs)
weirdingway said:
Want your cake (international version) and eat it too (non-international LTE) AND complain because getting both requires a bit of work? LOL
No carrier is going to let you have full freedom w/o you going behind their back (i.e. unlocking bootloaders and custom ROMs)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile appears to have an unlocked Bootloader and unlocked if paid in full. So that sounds like a clean unit to me. That I am free to load Intonational ROM's etc...
If you don't mind 32GB only of internal storage, which effectively translates into ~24GB of user available space - T-Mobile GN3 is your best bet. Pay in full, to get it unlocked and put your AT&T sim into it. Then you will have unlocked bootloader, no carrier network lock, no regional lock and it will work with AT&T LTE. You will be able to use international roms as well, as long as they're not for the octa-core version. You will also be able to flash AT&T modem to it, if you wish.
I just got the T-Mobile Note 3 from Negri (unlocked) It is $689 with no tax here in CA
boilerkim said:
I just got the T-Mobile Note 3 from Negri (unlocked) It is $689 with no tax here in CA
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Click to collapse
Wait, how did you get yours already?
Apo11on said:
If you don't mind 32GB only of internal storage, which effectively translates into ~24GB of user available space - T-Mobile GN3 is your best bet. Pay in full, to get it unlocked and put your AT&T sim into it. Then you will have unlocked bootloader, no carrier network lock, no regional lock and it will work with AT&T LTE. You will be able to use international roms as well, as long as they're not for the octa-core version. You will also be able to flash AT&T modem to it, if you wish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to order a Note 3 from Negri to use it with AIO. I would like to have the unlocked bootloader but I'm worry about something I read in another thread here (Note 3 Carrier Selection):
"The main difference between the 1700 band being used by AT&T or TMO device is that AT&T version will use that 1700 for LTE signals where as Tmobile variant will use the 1700 for their HSPA signals."
What if ATT is using 1700 in my area for LTE? I will have the unlocked bootloader and no LTE? Where can I find what frequencies ATT is using in what areas? I made some searches without luck.
Any help will be appreciated.
T-Mobile note3 bootloader appears to be locked. Can't flash CWM
jmarquesh said:
I want to order a Note 3 from Negri to use it with AIO. I would like to have the unlocked bootloader but I'm worry about something I read in another thread here (Note 3 Carrier Selection):
"The main difference between the 1700 band being used by AT&T or TMO device is that AT&T version will use that 1700 for LTE signals where as Tmobile variant will use the 1700 for their HSPA signals."
What if ATT is using 1700 in my area for LTE? I will have the unlocked bootloader and no LTE? Where can I find what frequencies ATT is using in what areas? I made some searches without luck.
Any help will be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some search without luck? You've got to be kidding me! I have personally posted AT&T's LTE frequencies in at least 3 threads in Note 3 forums. It takes about 2 seconds to google a wiki page with LTE frequencies by carrier worldwide...FYI AT&T operates it's LTE network on both bands 4 and 17 in most areas. However, I don't understand why do you think there is a problem with AT&T & T-Mo using the same frequency in a certain area. There are 2 absolutely independent carriers, each with their own towers and your phone will get service from a carrier, based on whatever SIM you put in. What difference do these overlapping frequencies make to you?
eclipxe said:
T-Mobile note3 bootloader appears to be locked. Can't flash CWM
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Do you have a source for this?
serialtoon said:
Wait, how did you get yours already?
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Click to collapse
I didn't, just ordered it
Apo11on said:
Some search without luck? You've got to be kidding me! I have personally posted AT&T's LTE frequencies in at least 3 threads in Note 3 forums. It takes about 2 seconds to google a wiki page with LTE frequencies by carrier worldwide...FYI AT&T operates it's LTE network on both bands 4 and 17 in most areas. However, I don't understand why do you think there is a problem with AT&T & T-Mo using the same frequency in a certain area. There are 2 absolutely independent carriers, each with their own towers and your phone will get service from a carrier, based on whatever SIM you put in. What difference do these overlapping frequencies make to you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did find information about the frequencies used by each carrier. What I was looking for is what frequency is used in a given area, say near my house. Maybe that is not the right question since I'm new to all this problem.
In another thread (Note 3 Carrier Selection) people is recommending to buy the TMobile version over the ATT version even if you want to use it with ATT (AIO). Because the bootloader in TMo may be unlocked. But then cheols46 posted this:
The main difference between the 1700 band being used by AT&T or TMO device is that AT&T version will use that 1700 for LTE signals where as Tmobile variant will use the 1700 for their HSPA signals.
I have 2 HTC One from each carrier and while AT&T version will pick up LTE at my house with the AT&T sim card in it, while T-mobile version only picks up HSPA+ with the AT&T sim card. It really depends on the tower frequency you use in your area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to know if that will happen to me if I buy the TMo version to use it with AIO.
Thanks in advance for any help you may provide.
That guy is getting only HSPA with AT&T SIM card because his APN for AT&T LTE is not configured correctly on the T-Mo phone. He probably didnt change the APN settings, or maybe T-Mo stock firmware doesnt even have those settings, since the network didnt support LTE when that phone was bought?
If your phone is configured correctly, and you use AT&T SIM you should get LTE service.
Apo11on said:
That guy is getting only HSPA with AT&T SIM card because his APN for AT&T LTE is not configured correctly on the T-Mo phone. He probably didnt change the APN settings, or maybe T-Mo stock firmware doesnt even have those settings, since the network didnt support LTE when that phone was bought?
If your phone is configured correctly, and you use AT&T SIM you should get LTE service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will you advice to buy the sim unlocked TMo version instead of the ATT version, because of the unlocked bootloader and the support for TMo bands (again this is just something I read)? I'm planning to use it with AIO but after spending all that money it will be good to know that I could use it with TMo if I wanted.
jmarquesh said:
Will you advice to buy the sim unlocked TMo version instead of the ATT version, because of the unlocked bootloader and the support for TMo bands (again this is just something I read)? I'm planning to use it with AIO but after spending all that money it will be good to know that I could use it with TMo if I wanted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If i were you I'd wait a week or two, until other people do it, and you can find enough feedback on how well things work. The question, you should be asking yourself is not a choice between T-Mo vs AT&T version, but T-Mo vs international LTE version with unlocked bootloader, because getting AT&T one with locked bootloader will severely cripple what you can do with your phone. Keep in mind if you have any LTE version with unlocked bootloader you should be able to flash AT&T modem onto it, once it becomes available, regardless of what LTE bands it currently supports.
Apo11on said:
If i were you I'd wait a week or two, until other people do it, and you can find enough feedback on how well things work. The question, you should be asking yourself is not a choice between T-Mo vs AT&T version, but T-Mo vs international LTE version with unlocked bootloader, because getting AT&T one with locked bootloader will severely cripple what you can do with your phone. Keep in mind if you have any LTE version with unlocked bootloader you should be able to flash AT&T modem onto it, once it becomes available, regardless of what LTE bands it currently supports.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sort of forced to get an AT&T version (have unlimited data) but considering taking chance that someone will figure out N3 bootloader unlock for future versions of AT&T roms. Is that wise?
sonicthoughts said:
I'm sort of forced to get an AT&T version (have unlimited data) but considering taking chance that someone will figure out N3 bootloader unlock for future versions of AT&T roms. Is that wise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give you a hint: http://www.androidoverload.com/bootloader-bounty-exceeds-5k-verizonatt-samsung-galaxy-s4/
boilerkim said:
I just got the T-Mobile Note 3 from Negri (unlocked) It is $689 with no tax here in CA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Negri still shows preorder, did they start to ship phones?
And by the way it's 669.5 with code ne20offcart

[Q] Galaxy S5 Active on T-Mobile

T-Mobile uses the 1700MHz and 2100MHz frequencies for 4G LTE data, and the Galaxy S5 Active supports 1700 and 2100, according to GSMArena.
1) Why then is the phone listed everywhere as "For AT&T"?
2) If I buy an S5 Active without a contract, how will data work on T-Mobile? 3G? 4G? 4G LTE?
dandv said:
how will data work on T-Mobile? 3G? 4G? 4G LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any given S5 model has the hardware capability to operate on all of the GSM and LTE bands. But Samsung can sell more phones, and carriers can deter you from jumping ship too readily by marketing lots of different S5 models that have various incompatibilities.
The S5 Active or SM-G870ADGEATT is a ruggedized variant, exclusive to ATT. So why is it said to be for ATT? Marketing.
As to compatibility with TMobile, assuming that you SIM unlock it, it can operate on most of the TMB bands. But again ATT has put a lot of thought into how to discourage you from moving to a different carrier. To wit, they have omitted support for TMB's 3G 1700 and LTE band 8.
You'd have to find out how widely TMB uses those bands to know if that would be a large impact on data use or not.
.
dandv said:
T-Mobile uses the 1700MHz and 2100MHz frequencies for 4G LTE data, and the Galaxy S5 Active supports 1700 and 2100, according to GSMArena.
1) Why then is the phone listed everywhere as "For AT&T"?
2) If I buy an S5 Active without a contract, how will data work on T-Mobile? 3G? 4G? 4G LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was a rumor posted 2 months ago on the Android Community that a T-Mobile version of the Galaxy S5 Active (model SM-G870T vs the AT&T model SM-G870A) would be out in late July. Here's a link.
http://androidcommunity.com/samsung-galaxy-s5-active-availability-leaks-out-20140529/
Obviously it's late July now and we haven't seen it but I'm wondering if AT&T got an exclusive on the Galaxy S5 Active for a few months and T-Mobile will release it after the exclusivity period expires.
fffft said:
Any given S5 model has the hardware capability to operate on all of the GSM and LTE bands. But Samsung can sell more phones, and carriers can deter you from jumping ship too readily by marketing lots of different S5 models that have various incompatibilities.
The S5 Active or SM-G870ADGEATT is a ruggedized variant, exclusive to ATT. So why is it said to be for ATT? Marketing.
As to compatibility with TMobile, assuming that you SIM unlock it, it can operate on most of the TMB bands. But again ATT has put a lot of thought into how to discourage you from moving to a different carrier. To wit, they have omitted support for TMB's 3G 1700 and LTE band 8.
You'd have to find out how widely TMB uses those bands to know if that would be a large impact on data use or not.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to dredge up an old topic, however you mentioned that the S5 active has the hardware capability to support all TMB bands, 1700 included, but then say "To wit, they have omitted support for TMB'S 3G 1700 and LTE band 8". Does this just mean the stock AT&T ROM is the only limiting factor? So, were I to flash the AT&T stock ROM and install a Tmobile ROM for example I could then utilize ALL of Tmobile ' 3G and LTE bands? (And wifi calling to boot).
Thanks
S5 Active is pretty limited on Tmobile network
"Sorry to dredge up an old topic, however you mentioned that the S5 active has the hardware capability to support all TMB bands, 1700 included, but then say "To wit, they have omitted support for TMB'S 3G 1700 and LTE band 8". Does this just mean the stock AT&T ROM is the only limiting factor? So, were I to flash the AT&T stock ROM and install a Tmobile ROM for example I could then utilize ALL of Tmobile ' 3G and LTE bands? (And wifi calling to boot).
Thanks"
I NEED to do something with my S5 Active to get it working better on Tmobile. I love the S5A... its a perfect phone for me. Not too big, but big enough. Rugged, waterproof, good camera, uSD card, etc. Without WiFi Calling and support for all of Tmo's freq & channels, its severely limiting.
I'd pay someone to help me convert my phone to Tmobiles stock S5 5.1.1 ROM and baseband radio firmware.
Help!
Jim
Also having the same problem with an unlocked S5 Active originally setup for AT&T. It uses the EDGE network only.
Has anyone successfully modified the phone to utilize the TMB 1700 band or the LTE band 8 as mentioned in this post? (either through ROM upgrade or other)?
I love the S5 Active, but using it with T-Mobile is such a hassle. I have the $30/mo. prepaid plan that includes unlimited text and data, so I'm not changing carriers anytime soon, but I have to buy new phones outright. When I bought this for myself last December, I saw it was compatible with T-Mobile so I pulled the trigger - a mistake in retrospect.
I'm from a large metro-area but T-Mobile's 4G signal is nearly impossible to get with this phone. Aside from never being able to connect to the internet when out of my apartment, sending/receiving MMS texts are a chore. I also discovered today that my android OS with this phone hasn't updated itself since I bought it - it's still running 4.4.2 and when I try to check for updates to Android through my device settings, it tells me AT&T has no new available updates at this time (there have in fact been 3 new updates AT&T released during this time).
So while I really love the phone, I'm going to have to sell it and look for a new device that's actually compatible with T-Mobile's network.
The Fix
I would go in the VPN settings and manually reset the ports and frequencies the phone reads and when it reads the T-Mobile sim card that it reads upon boot up.
Now, I'm running similar set up with Samsung Galaxy S4 & S5 (At&T variants), it seems like it works, have tried it on friend's S5 Active and it works perfectly.
The only problem is that you won't get to enjoy the freedom of wifi calling even though u have T-Mobile sim card and service, But at least u will be guaranteed to use T-Mobile 4G LTE speed and signals. Occassionally, T-Mobile will blackout or a region without T-Mobile and automatically the phone will roam with no charge and use AT&T signals for up to 15 minutes or depending to circumstances of the situation.
---------- Post added at 05:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:04 PM ----------
ActiveS5 said:
I love the S5 Active, but using it with T-Mobile is such a hassle. I have the $30/mo. prepaid plan that includes unlimited text and data, so I'm not changing carriers anytime soon, but I have to buy new phones outright. When I bought this for myself last December, I saw it was compatible with T-Mobile so I pulled the trigger - a mistake in retrospect.
I'm from a large metro-area but T-Mobile's 4G signal is nearly impossible to get with this phone. Aside from never being able to connect to the internet when out of my apartment, sending/receiving MMS texts are a chore. I also discovered today that my android OS with this phone hasn't updated itself since I bought it - it's still running 4.4.2 and when I try to check for updates to Android through my device settings, it tells me AT&T has no new available updates at this time (there have in fact been 3 new updates AT&T released during this time).
So while I really love the phone, I'm going to have to sell it and look for a new device that's actually compatible with T-Mobile's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get the At&T updates, I would advise you to go to Ebay and buy a prepaid At&t sim card for the phone and use it temporarily just to update it all the up to 5.1 Android OS and your phone will be running up to date. (cost anywhere from $3.99 to $15.99)
rossionQ!va said:
I would go in the VPN settings and manually reset the ports and frequencies the phone reads and when it reads the T-Mobile sim card that it reads upon boot up.
Now, I'm running similar set up with Samsung Galaxy S4 & S5 (At&T variants), it seems like it works, have tried it on friend's S5 Active and it works perfectly.
The only problem is that you won't get to enjoy the freedom of wifi calling even though u have T-Mobile sim card and service, But at least u will be guaranteed to use T-Mobile 4G LTE speed and signals. Occassionally, T-Mobile will blackout or a region without T-Mobile and automatically the phone will roam with no charge and use AT&T signals for up to 15 minutes or depending to circumstances of the situation.
---------- Post added at 05:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:04 PM ----------
To get the At&T updates, I would advise you to go to Ebay and buy a prepaid At&t sim card for the phone and use it temporarily just to update it all the up to 5.1 Android OS and your phone will be running up to date. (cost anywhere from $3.99 to $15.99)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the AT&T updates by going into a Best Buy where they have a Samsung Experience center, took about 10 minutes but they updated my phone. I'll have to look into the VPN settings and see if there's anything I can do, but after purchasing the phone online I did have the folks at a T-Mobile store set the phone up for me so I would've figured they would have set it up proper.
Thinking of going to TMobile
ActiveS5 said:
I got the AT&T updates by going into a Best Buy where they have a Samsung Experience center, took about 10 minutes but they updated my phone. I'll have to look into the VPN settings and see if there's anything I can do, but after purchasing the phone online I did have the folks at a T-Mobile store set the phone up for me so I would've figured they would have set it up proper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a S5 Active and I was considering making the jump to TMo, but I really would like the functionality of the wi-fi calling and text, since I work in a hospital and can get no reception or texts. Pardon me if this is a dumb question as I have no experience in jumping carriers with rooted phones, but would I get the features if I had the TMo sim, applied the TMo APN's, flashed a TMo stock or custom rom that has the features baked in? Would I just flash the 870a kernel to make it work? Anybody that has any ideas, I would love to hear them. Thanks
I'm on T-Mobile, would it be worth getting the S5 Active? I currently have the S4 Active.

T-mobile S7 Edge on ATT network

Anyone happen to know if the T-Mobile version of the S7 Edge will work perfect on ATT network? I have a current pre-order for the ATT variant but remembering that my Note 4 on ATT was never completely root-able because ATT sucks about those things... I thought maybe I should/could buy the TMobile version and just use it on ATT .... Thoughts?
aaronv20 said:
Anyone happen to know if the T-Mobile version of the S7 Edge will work perfect on ATT network? I have a current pre-order for the ATT variant but remembering that my Note 4 on ATT was never completely root-able because ATT sucks about those things... I thought maybe I should/could buy the TMobile version and just use it on ATT .... Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has the radio bands to support it but AT&T will not allow non AT&T branded devices to use VoLTE.
THEGAMEPLAY94 said:
It has the radio bands to support it but AT&T will not allow non AT&T branded devices to use VoLTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I buy the T-Mobile variant it will work on AT&T network just not able to use the VoLTE capability of AT&T or T-Mobile (In my area AT&T has the best coverage so I can't switch networks)?
aaronv20 said:
So if I buy the T-Mobile variant it will work on AT&T network just not able to use the VoLTE capability of AT&T or T-Mobile (In my area AT&T has the best coverage so I can't switch networks)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I've read is that physically the phone supports all 4 major US carriers but each carrier version is firmware locked to that carrier so maybe not.
I personally used u firmware on my att but I really need the WiFi calling that's why I decided to come back to att firmware, but someone said that the t-mobile firmware can be flashed as well since both fw are on same BL now , I did flashed the t-mobile fw for some reason on this firmware I get full LTE bars in most of the places for example in my house with att I got only 1-2bars LTE the speed 4-7mb per second, and with t-mobile I get full 5 bars speed up to 60mb per second now I don't even need the WiFi calling anymore since I have signal in most places and the battery last around one hour longer a day
THEGAMEPLAY94 said:
It has the radio bands to support it but AT&T will not allow non AT&T branded devices to use VoLTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aaronv20 said:
So if I buy the T-Mobile variant it will work on AT&T network just not able to use the VoLTE capability of AT&T or T-Mobile (In my area AT&T has the best coverage so I can't switch networks)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the AT&T service on a tmobile phone. It works great. If you want you can flash the AT&T firmware on it as well. I actually prefer the Tmobile firmware, it's faster and gets better battery life.
On the Tmobile firmware the only thing you lose is WifiCalling. VOLTE works great and I actually get better data speeds on this device than my AT&T devices.

Sprint best GS 7 to buy for most carrier support?

I am leaving post paid service and going pre paid.
I since majority if prepaid US carriers are Sprint, T-Mobile and some AT&T. I want a GS 7 that will support all three carriers with as much bands possible.
Any suggestions or does the Sprint version support (once unlocked) support AT&T and T-Mobile.
Technically, any GSM unlocked phone would work on any GSM network, but that wasn't your question.
I ordered the sprint version to use with cricket (at&t network). What I read, the sprint version will support AT&T better than tmobile. In the end, once rooted, you could add in the band's not supported by default.
Music to my ears!
Will have to get the Sprint version and hope for the best.
S7E's sprint version can't turn off shutter camera. But im still happy with the 50%off promo
Has it been confirmed that the s7 uses sprints LTE advanced signal. I can't find a place where it says for sure like the g5's page .
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
bdsullivan said:
Has it been confirmed that the s7 uses sprints LTE advanced signal. I can't find a place where it says for sure like the g5's page .
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to know this as well. I seem to get better 4G coverage in my area with the advanced signal enabled compared to my friends who don't support it.
Yes, my new s7 uses lte adavanced
Splash screen says so
VandyCWG said:
Yes, my new s7 uses lte adavanced
Splash screen says so
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet. I have the nexus 6 now and considering getting one for the SD card access alone. Is there a noticeable difference in data speeds with the LTE advanced, does it offer data and voice at the same time?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
TehPirate_ said:
I'd like to know this as well. I seem to get better 4G coverage in my area with the advanced signal enabled compared to my friends who don't support it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It just seems that way, or it's because it has a better antenna in general. LTE Plus doesn't get you a stronger signal. The beamforming that helps at the cell edge is a tower-side enhancement. As long as your phone supports band 41, you're able to take advantage of LTE Plus - just not the Carrier Aggregation component.
I am very eager to see what happens in this regard as well. Sprint is notorious about locking down their phones to include very few LTE modes so that the phone is truly only for Sprint. Samsung's CDMA version of the Galaxy phones have been crippled in this way all the way up to the S6.
You can see various phones like the S4, S6, LG G4 and the S7. The S7 CMDA variant does not appear on this comparison chart yet but I'm hoping that it won't need to.
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/compare.php?p=4066,4769,4773,5081,4928
The last phone in that comparison is the iPhone 6s Plus, which is the same no matter which carrier you use worldwide. I really, really hope Samsung does the same thing.
The only other phones with lots of LTE bands like the iPhone on Sprint is the Nexus 5s/6p and Moto X Pure.
PLEASE let LG and Samsung include all the default LTE modes by default on the CDMA versions of their phones!
Edit: nope, Sprint made Samsung get rid of the most important worldwide LTE band, 7, along with 13 and 20. LAME.
More info here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=65825260&postcount=14
I'm thinking of buying the SM-G730P (Sprint) version of the Galaxy S7 even though I was all the years on Verizon and they are for sure the better service and have more coverage, at least here where I live, but the reason I wanna buy Sprint is just because Verizon just makes Samsung phones much more secure, and locks the boot loader, now the question is, First of all does Sprint still lock their LTE phones? And second of all, will an unlocked Sprint phone work on the Verizon network, and will it work overall perfectly when I'm aboard, on the International GSM network? And last of all is there a different in the build of this 2 phones, Verizon S7 and the Sprint S7, besides the bands
YankyA said:
I'm thinking of buying the SM-G730P (Sprint) version of the Galaxy S7 even though I was all the years on Verizon and they are for sure the better service and have more coverage, at least here where I live, but the reason I wanna buy Sprint is just because Verizon just makes Samsung phones much more secure, and locks the boot loader, now the question is, First of all does Sprint still lock their LTE phones? And second of all, will an unlocked Sprint phone work on the Verizon network, and will it work overall perfectly when I'm aboard, on the International GSM network? And last of all is there a different in the build of this 2 phones, Verizon S7 and the Sprint S7, besides the bands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Today's news concludes that all US (Qualcomm) variants of the S7 indeed have a locked bootloader except for a select few apparently. Verizon and AT&T lock the bootloader tighter than others, such as Sprint. Sprint and T-Mobile didn't lock the bootloader themselves but rather Samsung. Samsung locked the bootloader to better add security to their consumers and there's been hints they may release an unlock kit/tool for developers but this hasn't been confirmed.
I got Sprint to unlock my G930P and works perfectly with AT&T. The S7, at a hardware level, is the same phone for all US variants where the only thing that changes is the software. Meaning a Sprint phone on the Verizon network would essentially have the same network performance as if you were to use an actual Verizon variant. Once the device is unlocked, at least for me, it knew my sim was on the AT&T network and switched the bands to AT&T on reboot.
Internationally, I'm not sure. There is an option to enable Global bands in one of the hidden menus in self-service but I'd assume it'll cover enough bands to provide you with what you need minimally. (I've never gone international before so can't say from experience)
TehPirate_ said:
Internationally, I'm not sure. There is an option to enable Global bands in one of the hidden menus in self-service but I'd assume it'll cover enough bands to provide you with what you need minimally. (I've never gone international before so can't say from experience)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GSM will work as expected.
LTE, however, will be crippled depending on the country you go to.
The updated spec list:
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=5081
According to that list, Sprint purposely took out three very important LTE bands: 7/13/20. Why does that matter? Because much of the world uses these three bands, especially band 7 and especially Europe! Sprint purposely crippled the LTE radio modes for this phone and I cannot understand why.
So yes, you'll probably get normal GSM and some LTE if they offer one of the other bands but Sprint purposely disabling or deleting the commonly used international LTE modes abroad is just anti-competitive and backwards.
Will rooting or unlocking this phone allow the use of the bands that were locked by Sprint?
asuh said:
The updated spec list:
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=5081
but Sprint purposely disabling or deleting the commonly used international LTE modes abroad is just anti-competitive and backwards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gigadigit said:
Will rooting or unlocking this phone allow the use of the bands that were locked by Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059
VandyCWG said:
Yes, my new s7 uses lte adavanced
Splash screen says so
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The splash screen says LTE Plus, not LTE Advanced. LTE Plus is simply the new branding for Sprint SPARK. Was that the OPs question?
LTE Plus is not Sprint Spark , its more in depth. Carrier aggregation by antenna beam forming.
For those interested, Sprint is releasing an unlocked S7 that works on all the carriers and has a full range of US LTE bands:
http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/article.php?a=17870

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