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I've been hunting for an answer to this semi-simple question everywhere, and have found about 4 answers (all different ones - somehow :silly: ) So I'll try asking here.... I'm going to study abroad in Spain this semester, and I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S4 from Verizon (it was an upgrade contract, not full price). When I asked the sales rep he said that the SIM card would have to be unlocked. However, when I talked to Verizon "technical support" they said, no, they're already unlocked and ready for international use. What I've seen in other forums is that people say it seemingly takes SIM cards but won't pick the network up. Does anybody here have experience with the Verizon S4 being used internationally? Can it be done? Do I need to unlock it? Thanks for any insights!
BelowAverage355 said:
I've been hunting for an answer to this semi-simple question everywhere, and have found about 4 answers (all different ones - somehow :silly: ) So I'll try asking here.... I'm going to study abroad in Spain this semester, and I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S4 from Verizon (it was an upgrade contract, not full price). When I asked the sales rep he said that the SIM card would have to be unlocked. However, when I talked to Verizon "technical support" they said, no, they're already unlocked and ready for international use. What I've seen in other forums is that people say it seemingly takes SIM cards but won't pick the network up. Does anybody here have experience with the Verizon S4 being used internationally? Can it be done? Do I need to unlock it? Thanks for any insights!
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As a Verizon phone uses a CDMA signal, I don't think it is going to work anywhere in Europe where they use GSM signals. Sorry.
bsam55 said:
As a Verizon phone uses a CDMA signal, I don't think it is going to work anywhere in Europe where they use GSM signals. Sorry.
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The S4 is equipped with a GSM radio, I checked on that much at least.
Yes
I went ahead and just bit the bullet and bought a SIM card here, and good news: it works :good:
HOWEVER, I believe the problem that others who tried to use it globally were having is that it defaults to Global mode, which doesn't really seem to work (No clue what Global mode is, but I got a signal with no data connection). For anyone who wants to use it internationally, you will have to manually switch to GSM/UMTS by going to Settings>Connections>More networks>Mobile networks>Network mode>GSM/UMTS
Hi everyone -
Have been on here quite frequently for my SGSIIE4GT, but it's been a while since I've posted. I'm in the market for a new phone, and I think I will be going with the Note 3. However, boy am I confused on which model is the right fit for me. I could really use some help and a little insight, as the reps at AT&T, TMO, VZN, and Samsung Live Chat haven't been able to answer my questions.
I'm currently with Sprint, and looking to leave. I would be using the Note 3 near San Francisco 90-95% of the time, but I do travel 6-7x/yr to Asia, Canada, UK, and South America. I'm pretty sure I will buy the phone on no contract and use with TMO, AT&T, Straight Talk, or AIO. I've been reading some issues with "region locks" though that scare me a bit, not sure if this is still an issue with the models sold in the US.
From what I can see, ATT, TMO, VZN, and Sprint all have their own "versions" of the phone. ATT and TMO obviously use the same cell tech (GSM), so I don't understand why they have different versions. The VZN and Sprint versions would run on CDMA, which as I understand, won't do me any good if I travel overseas due to no CDMA elsewhere. Then there's the int'l unlocked versions, and the Developer edition. But then I heard just yesterday that the VZN Note 3 works on GSM (somehow, haven't figured that out though).....is there a SIM card slot in that version? After all that, I guess what I'm looking for is this which I could use some insight on:
Want to use the phone:
-with LTE using ATT/TMO/ST/AIO/VZN here in the U.S.
-want to buy off contract
-do not want bloatware...so do I need to buy unlocked?
-need to have it functional still if I go out of the country and purchase a local SIM card (some people ask me exactly which service I use overseas, and I don't have an answer b/c I haven't done this yet, my Sprint phone didn't even give me the option)
Which model is appropriate for that type of use? I read on Amazon that TMO's version is the best one out there b/c the ATT model doesn't work on TMO, but TMO's works on TMO and ATT.....
Thanks so much for your time. Samsung has really confused me with this phone, and could really just use some suggestions. Thanks again!
Chris
chrisingrassia said:
Hi everyone -
Have been on here quite frequently for my SGSIIE4GT, but it's been a while since I've posted. I'm in the market for a new phone, and I think I will be going with the Note 3. However, boy am I confused on which model is the right fit for me. I could really use some help and a little insight, as the reps at AT&T, TMO, VZN, and Samsung Live Chat haven't been able to answer my questions.
I'm currently with Sprint, and looking to leave. I would be using the Note 3 near San Francisco 90-95% of the time, but I do travel 6-7x/yr to Asia, Canada, UK, and South America. I'm pretty sure I will buy the phone on no contract and use with TMO, AT&T, Straight Talk, or AIO. I've been reading some issues with "region locks" though that scare me a bit, not sure if this is still an issue with the models sold in the US.
From what I can see, ATT, TMO, VZN, and Sprint all have their own "versions" of the phone. ATT and TMO obviously use the same cell tech (GSM), so I don't understand why they have different versions. The VZN and Sprint versions would run on CDMA, which as I understand, won't do me any good if I travel overseas due to no CDMA elsewhere. Then there's the int'l unlocked versions, and the Developer edition. But then I heard just yesterday that the VZN Note 3 works on GSM (somehow, haven't figured that out though).....is there a SIM card slot in that version? After all that, I guess what I'm looking for is this which I could use some insight on:
Want to use the phone:
-with LTE using ATT/TMO/ST/AIO/VZN here in the U.S.
-want to buy off contract
-do not want bloatware...so do I need to buy unlocked?
-need to have it functional still if I go out of the country and purchase a local SIM card (some people ask me exactly which service I use overseas, and I don't have an answer b/c I haven't done this yet, my Sprint phone didn't even give me the option)
Which model is appropriate for that type of use? I read on Amazon that TMO's version is the best one out there b/c the ATT model doesn't work on TMO, but TMO's works on TMO and ATT.....
Thanks so much for your time. Samsung has really confused me with this phone, and could really just use some suggestions. Thanks again!
Chris
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I would think international n9005 would be the one for you i know it will cover all Europe and i know it works on u.s t mobile, so have a look into that one
Hope that helps a bit
The 9005 will work in all other countries pretty much.
In the US it might work on tmobile as stated above but I'm not sure about the others.
jaythenut said:
I would think international n9005 would be the one for you i know it will cover all Europe and i know it works on u.s t mobile, so have a look into that one
Hope that helps a bit
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Skander1998 said:
The 9005 will work in all other countries pretty much.
In the US it might work on tmobile as stated above but I'm not sure about the others.
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Click to collapse
Thanks guys. I have seen the N9005 tossed around a few times as well. I think the constant question I keep having is I see this phone made with the SD800 or the Exynos chip....but not which models have which chipset. I found the 9005 on Negiri in 32gb and the SD800....but if it works on tmobile why wouldn't it work on ATT? I thought they run the exact same tech.....no?
chrisingrassia said:
Thanks guys. I have seen the N9005 tossed around a few times as well. I think the constant question I keep having is I see this phone made with the SD800 or the Exynos chip....but not which models have which chipset. I found the 9005 on Negiri in 32gb and the SD800....but if it works on tmobile why wouldn't it work on ATT? I thought they run the exact same tech.....no?
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International has a snapdragon 800 and lte
jaythenut said:
International has a snapdragon 800 and lte
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Awesome news, thanks.
Do you know if the Note 3 Developer Edition for Verizon, which works on their LTE network, comes with a SIM card slot that I can utilize if I go overseas? Boy, that would be ideal. I checked out the manual (http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/co...ual_MI9_F5.pdf) and it shows a SIM slot for the phone, no?
I was told by one of the writers at Droid Life that the Verizon N3 can be used on GSM. I thought that was impossible.
I seriously apologize if these are elementary questions, I truly do appreciate any insight. Just don't want to make a huge financial mistake.
Does anyone knows how to activate ltr on my note 3 ?? It is on by default and cannot access it from the settings thank you
---------- Post added at 12:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:23 AM ----------
]Does anyone knows how to activate ltr on my note 3 ?? It is on by default and cannot access it from the settings thank you
N900T. That's if your in the USA 90% of time .
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Thanks for the input guys/gals. Really appreciate it. I went to Best Buy after work last night and talked with the Samsung tech rep. Turns out, the VZN Note 3 comes factory unlocked (per FCC law), and it has a sim card slot so I can use it on GSM if I travel overseas. One and done. I already put my name on the backorder list for the developer edition from Samsung so I can be sure to have functionality to remove bloatware. Wouldn't it be cool if the Note 3 could just come with 4.3 and Samsung's additions, but not any of Verizon's garbage??? I know, pipe dream.
chrisingrassia said:
Thanks for the input guys/gals. Really appreciate it. I went to Best Buy after work last night and talked with the Samsung tech rep. Turns out, the VZN Note 3 comes factory unlocked (per FCC law), and it has a sim card slot so I can use it on GSM if I travel overseas. One and done. I already put my name on the backorder list for the developer edition from Samsung so I can be sure to have functionality to remove bloatware. Wouldn't it be cool if the Note 3 could just come with 4.3 and Samsung's additions, but not any of Verizon's garbage??? I know, pipe dream.
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Whoa, so it's a good thing I didn't buy the DE Note 3 yet and just on backorder. Just read - Verizon doesn't allow 4G phones to go prepaid? That makes no sense, because then the DE Note 3 would then be nothing but a paperweight since it must be purchased at full price (meaning, you could only then use it prepaid, no?). I do value Verizon's network, but their prices are just absurd compared to competitors.
Is there any difference whatsoever between the TMO and AT&T variants of the Note 3? I can't seem to spot a single difference.
I live in The Middle East and will be going to the USA very soon for a few months. My cousin works at a mobile phone repair shop(USA) and said he could get me a good offer (new or used). With all the different model numbers I'm confused about where to buy it from. I want the all around the world option where it works on all carriers wherever I go, even if I have to pay more. I would prefer the 8-core one but not sure what exactly I'm trading off or even if it's better. Also the Continent lock and the Knox thing....ugh my noobish brain can't handle this. Btw I am upgrading from a Galaxy Ace which is one **** of a phone.
abukh86 said:
I live in The Middle East and will be going to the USA very soon for a few months. My cousin works at a mobile phone repair shop(USA) and said he could get me a good offer (new or used). With all the different model numbers I'm confused about where to buy it from. I want the all around the world option where it works on all carriers wherever I go, even if I have to pay more. I would prefer the 8-core one but not sure what exactly I'm trading off or even if it's better. Also the Continent lock and the Knox thing....ugh my noobish brain can't handle this. Btw I am upgrading from a Galaxy Ace which is one **** of a phone.
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Im in Dubai
& its best to buy from the city your living in cos of Warranty
if u buy here it will be unlocked phone & usa if u get from Att or T mobile or etc it will be locked phone
they say international warranty but its always a problem
get the 4g LTE quad core cos it better to have fast net than a 8core phone
USA models always have lot of built in company software which u wont need here
rest is up to you
ilordvader said:
Im in Dubai
& its best to buy from the city your living in cos of Warranty
if u buy here it will be unlocked phone & usa if u get from Att or T mobile or etc it will be locked phone
they say international warranty but its always a problem
get the 4g LTE quad core cos it better to have fast net than a 8core phone
USA models always have lot of built in company software which u wont need here
rest is up to you
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Just a few more quick questions please.
1) So when I go to buy the phone I actually have the option of 8-core/4-core? I was under the impression it was all 8-core since it's international.
2) In terms of rooting and Roms here on XDA, is one more XDA friendly than the other? Is there a model I should avoid?
abukh86 said:
Thanks for the reply. Just a few more quick questions please.
1) So when I go to buy the phone I actually have the option of 8-core/4-core? I was under the impression it was all 8-core since it's international.
2) In terms of rooting and Roms here on XDA, is one more XDA friendly than the other? Is there a model I should avoid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
both can be rooted
4 cores is 4g LTE which I think is better cos aster net speed
8 cores is 3g only
the way Samsung 8 cores work ATM is, that you can only have 4 fast ones or 4 slow ones working, depending on load, but never all 8 at the same time. There was talk about software fix for this, but who knows how that will turn out. The risk of buying US phone are frequencies: for example T-mobile originated phone has some frequencies different than ATT etc, so you would really need to check to see if they match your home towers. I'm not sure if US phones are region locked, my T-Mobile Note 3 has 18 network lock entries, not 64 and they don't look anything like the codes posted on this forum by other users. Mine look like this "network lock 310200, 310210, 310310 etc. so I don't even know what they mean. US phones are usually carrier locked, but could be easily unlocked especially if paid COD. But if your cousin works in phone repair shop, not only he should know about frequencies, carrier/region locks and technical differences between Samsung and Qualcom CPU, he could probably get you great price. I would talk to him more.
Negri Electronics sell the N9005 and they told me it is not lock, not branded and will work everywhere.
http://negrielectronics.com/samsung-n9005-galaxy-note-3-32gb-lte-unlocked-black.html#.Uso7rkDQv4X
---------- Post added at 07:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:21 AM ----------
Negri Electronics sell the N9005 and they told me it is not lock, not branded and will work everywhere.
http://negrielectronics.com/samsung-n9005-galaxy-note-3-32gb-lte-unlocked-black.html#.Uso7rkDQv4X
i bought the 4g n9005 from Saudi Arabia cheaper than USA
abukh86 said:
I live in The Middle East and will be going to the USA very soon for a few months. My cousin works at a mobile phone repair shop(USA) and said he could get me a good offer (new or used). With all the different model numbers I'm confused about where to buy it from. I want the all around the world option where it works on all carriers wherever I go, even if I have to pay more. I would prefer the 8-core one but not sure what exactly I'm trading off or even if it's better. Also the Continent lock and the Knox thing....ugh my noobish brain can't handle this. Btw I am upgrading from a Galaxy Ace which is one **** of a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to find the N9005ZKEXSI which is the UAE version of the phone thats fully compatible with "My Number, My Identity" initiative. They are basically all the same except for basebands. I would stick to N9005 model due to developer support, snapdragon is better simply & exynos hasn't reached its potential & there is no word as of late on HMP to utilize all 8 cores.
Just remember, even though the N9005 is international there are still variants per country, which means the market they came from if you break it...is where it has to be repaired so buying a local N9005 model is the very best route to go which is the N9000ZKEXSG (Jordans version of Exynos) otherwise, you need to grab one from another closer market that does have the LTE model... aka UAE.
Get it from the country you spend the most time living in.
Isn't the USA one region locked?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
refinition said:
Isn't the USA one region locked?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most carriers release it if fully paid so its a yes/no answer.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
nxneko said:
You should be able to find the N9005ZKEXSI which is the UAE version of the phone thats fully compatible with "My Number, My Identity" initiative. They are basically all the same except for basebands. I would stick to N9005 model due to developer support, snapdragon is better simply & exynos hasn't reached its potential & there is no word as of late on HMP to utilize all 8 cores.
Just remember, even though the N9005 is international there are still variants per country, which means the market they came from if you break it...is where it has to be repaired so buying a local N9005 model is the very best route to go which is the N9000ZKEXSG (Jordans version of Exynos) otherwise, you need to grab one from another closer market that does have the LTE model... aka UAE.
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Click to collapse
I have same product code as you mention N9005ZKEXSI ,like to know more about "My Number, My Identity" What it mean, I am also from U.A.E.
Thanks
jdomadia said:
I have same product code as you mention N9005ZKEXSI ,like to know more about "My Number, My Identity" What it mean, I am also from U.A.E.
Thanks
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Some special registration thing from TRA called TRA:ID each device has one if you look in about device with stock rom or KEXSI csc. There will be two codes I am guessing you end up registering somewhere.
I cant really say as im using the kexsi 9005 in the states, its just something I saw while looking to see which country my note came from.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
nxneko said:
Some special registration thing from TRA called TRA:ID each device has one if you look in about device with stock rom or KEXSI csc. There will be two codes I am guessing you end up registering somewhere.
I cant really say as im using the kexsi 9005 in the states, its just something I saw while looking to see which country my note came from.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
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Oh Okay TRA:ID & TA:00000 something like this is there, may u r saying about that, one more thing I notice is My mobile number is also appearing in status, I don't know for others also it's Same.
nxneko said:
Some special registration thing from TRA called TRA:ID each device has one if you look in about device with stock rom or KEXSI csc. There will be two codes I am guessing you end up registering somewhere.
I cant really say as im using the kexsi 9005 in the states, its just something I saw while looking to see which country my note came from.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Mat One more question,you bought this phone in US & activate also in US? Its working after any modification in US or with stock rom without any problem, I am asking if I am traveling than I need to install custom ROM or it will work as it is with Stock ROM.
Thanks
jdomadia said:
Mat One more question,you bought this phone in US & activate also in US? Its working after any modification in US or with stock rom without any problem, I am asking if I am traveling than I need to install custom ROM or it will work as it is with Stock ROM.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its completely unlocked and has been working phone on 3G services on tmobile for me.
Hi guys, I've searched the threads, and the only one that seems to talk about region lock is this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2729956
I want to buy a SM-900F (international version) and I want to bring it to my country (South America). How will region lock affect me? I know it's SIM unlocked, but I don´t think I´ll be able to get ahold of a sim card of another country to be able to activate it... If that's a requirement, though, is it possible to bypass? Any other thing I should know about region lock?
Thanks
jorge_moran_jams said:
Hi guys, I've searched the threads, and the only one that seems to talk about region lock is this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2729956
I want to buy a SM-900F (international version) and I want to bring it to my country (South America). How will region lock affect me? I know it's SIM unlocked, but I don´t think I´ll be able to get ahold of a sim card of another country to be able to activate it... If that's a requirement, though, is it possible to bypass? Any other thing I should know about region lock?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't comment on capability to bypass it. Can you not get the SM-G900M which is the unlocked version for North and South America? Yes, it's also the branded one down there, but G900M is the "Americas unlocked version". I got mine from Expansys, and they have a Brazilian site.
On a random side note, aren't questions supposed to go in the Q&A section?
xtechx said:
I can't comment on capability to bypass it. Can you not get the SM-G900M which is the unlocked version for North and South America? Yes, it's also the branded one down there, but G900M is the "Americas unlocked version". I got mine from Expansys, and they have a Brazilian site.
On a random side note, aren't questions supposed to go in the Q&A section?
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Click to collapse
I'm really sorry, I didn't even realize I was in general, the thing I'm worried about is the hardware, I know for a fact the F version will have lots of support from the community because it's Qualcomm, but as it was the case with the GS4, the Exynos version almost certainly won't get much love... I'm not sure which hardware the G900M has, but I don't think I'll be able to get one in USA... That's why I was planning on buying the F, it's way easier to get ahold of.
jorge_moran_jams said:
I'm really sorry, I didn't even realize I was in general, the thing I'm worried about is the hardware, I know for a fact the F version will have lots of support from the community because it's Qualcomm, but as it was the case with the GS4, the Exynos version almost certainly won't get much love... I'm not sure which hardware the G900M has, but I don't think I'll be able to get one in USA... That's why I was planning on buying the F, it's way easier to get ahold of.
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Click to collapse
No worries, I was just bugging heh.
I have the G900M. It's Qualcomm. I'm running kernel and ROM for G900F as we speak, and it's perfectly fine. Expansys has many sites around the world, including the USA. I wasn't sure what country you were in. You mentioned South America which is why I pointed out they have a site native to Brazil.
ADDITION
nvm, I can't read. I see you're in Ecuador, so a Brazilian site may not help. The G900M would pass with your SIM card though.
maybe someone else can comment on the region lock itself.
You can unlock it by calling the samsung hotline or going to a samsung service center,pls try next time to google your issue before spamming xda, http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_on_region_lock_you_need_5_min_of_voice_calls-news-7184.php
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
atilla88 said:
You can unlock it by calling the samsung hotline or going to a samsung service center,pls try next time to google your issue before spamming xda, http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_on_region_lock_you_need_5_min_of_voice_calls-news-7184.php
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Click to collapse
Did you even read your link? That info is regarding the Note 3... In my original post I included a link to another thread in which someone says the region lock works differently for the GS5
jorge_moran_jams said:
Did you even read your link? That info is regarding the Note 3... In my original post I included a link to another thread in which someone says the region lock works differently for the GS5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think that sammy has different region lock policies for their smartphones,you should really just call the sammy service center,this takes 5 minutes and is much faster then waiting on xda
Hello,
This is has been a very frustrating situation but here is where I am at currently. I use a carrier called "Simple Mobile" and they are an under carrier to TMobile. I want to own and use a Samsung Note 3 but can not get my SIM to work. That is the short introduction. I am providing some more information because this has been a long drawn out process but the bottom line is I want to continue using Simple Mobile AND use a Note 3.
Background: Back in late June 2014, I bought a used Note 3 N900V from ebay after I broke my Note 1. I love my Note 1 and it was the ATT branded model. I had the phone (Note 3)and it worked but had a very poor signal compared to using the same SIM card with my Note 1 (those threads are still available under my username). After many failed attempts to correct the situation and being educated about the phone model and so forth I found it in my best interest to return the phone for a refund and just repair my Note 1.
Currently: I repaired my Note 1 after the fiasco with the N900V model. However, my screen went purple recently and then wouldn't light up at all anymore. So I am where I was last time and looking to replace it. This time, armed with my knowledge from last time, I bought another Note 3 (model N900T this time), thinking it would be more compatible with my Simple Mobile (sub carried by T Mobile) as the N900T is a T-Mobile friendly phone. NOTE: I bought the phone used and through a mistake of the seller, what I have is actually a N900W8. The seller had replaced the screen and did a motherboard swap. The result is a phone with markings that say N900T but after a boot up provides software descriptions showing N900W8.
Why do I want to use Simple Mobile so bad? : Simple mobile charges me 40.00 + tax for Unlimited Data, Calls and Texts domestically + limited international texting to certain countries. For me, that is a great deal and I dont have to do a contract or pay extortionate fees to other providers. Yes, I am a cheap Bas*&^d as evidenced by me buying used phones to save a few hundred $$$'s here and there.
Dilemma: In my bid to purchase a Note 3 that works I looked at the Simple Mobile site. They do indeed sell a new model N900T, Link here: <http://www.mysimplephones.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-III-Simple-Mobile.html> HOWEVER, when you look at another page for compatible phones you will find that the N900T is not even a compatible model for Simple Mobile's 4G LTE service. YOU WILL HOWEVER FIND that there are two models of Note 3 that WILL work. The N900W8 (Canadian Model) and the N900A (ATT). This link shows those compatible 4G LTE phones: <http://simplemobileinfoblast.com/4glte/phones.php>
Interesting note: While I do actually have a 4G LTE compatible phone technically, since the phones software shows it is a N900W8 despite the shell being embossed N900T, it will not work AT ALL on my carrier. All attempts result in "NOT REGISTERED ON NETWORK" messages. My research thus far seems to indicate that the N900W8 Models come unlocked as new so I do not feel that my phone is locked.
Conclusion: My Note 1 is broken and I don't want to repair it so I will sell it as is elsewhere. I have a Note 3 N900W8 that will not work that I am going to return to the seller since it is not even the right model to begin with. It should be noted that the screen on the N900W8 WAS replaced but not very well and there are some annoying defects on the underside of the screen as a result. So after all of this expostition, Can anyone please tell me what model of Note 3 to get that will work with my simple mobile SIM?
It is my sincere hope that someone has gone through this same situation and can help guide me a bit.
Thank you
Wallace Bagwell said:
Hello,
This is has been a very frustrating situation but here is where I am at currently. I use a carrier called "Simple Mobile" and they are an under carrier to TMobile. I want to own and use a Samsung Note 3 but can not get my SIM to work. That is the short introduction. I am providing some more information because this has been a long drawn out process but the bottom line is I want to continue using Simple Mobile AND use a Note 3.
Background: Back in late June 2014, I bought a used Note 3 N900V from ebay after I broke my Note 1. I love my Note 1 and it was the ATT branded model. I had the phone (Note 3)and it worked but had a very poor signal compared to using the same SIM card with my Note 1 (those threads are still available under my username). After many failed attempts to correct the situation and being educated about the phone model and so forth I found it in my best interest to return the phone for a refund and just repair my Note 1.
Currently: I repaired my Note 1 after the fiasco with the N900V model. However, my screen went purple recently and then wouldn't light up at all anymore. So I am where I was last time and looking to replace it. This time, armed with my knowledge from last time, I bought another Note 3 (model N900T this time), thinking it would be more compatible with my Simple Mobile (sub carried by T Mobile) as the N900T is a T-Mobile friendly phone. NOTE: I bought the phone used and through a mistake of the seller, what I have is actually a N900W8. The seller had replaced the screen and did a motherboard swap. The result is a phone with markings that say N900T but after a boot up provides software descriptions showing N900W8.
Why do I want to use Simple Mobile so bad? : Simple mobile charges me 40.00 + tax for Unlimited Data, Calls and Texts domestically + limited international texting to certain countries. For me, that is a great deal and I dont have to do a contract or pay extortionate fees to other providers. Yes, I am a cheap Bas*&^d as evidenced by me buying used phones to save a few hundred $$$'s here and there.
Dilemma: In my bid to purchase a Note 3 that works I looked at the Simple Mobile site. They do indeed sell a new model N900T, Link here: <http://www.mysimplephones.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-III-Simple-Mobile.html> HOWEVER, when you look at another page for compatible phones you will find that the N900T is not even a compatible model for Simple Mobile's 4G LTE service. YOU WILL HOWEVER FIND that there are two models of Note 3 that WILL work. The N900W8 (Canadian Model) and the N900A (ATT). This link shows those compatible 4G LTE phones: <http://simplemobileinfoblast.com/4glte/phones.php>
Interesting note: While I do actually have a 4G LTE compatible phone technically, since the phones software shows it is a N900W8 despite the shell being embossed N900T, it will not work AT ALL on my carrier. All attempts result in "NOT REGISTERED ON NETWORK" messages. My research thus far seems to indicate that the N900W8 Models come unlocked as new so I do not feel that my phone is locked.
Conclusion: My Note 1 is broken and I don't want to repair it so I will sell it as is elsewhere. I have a Note 3 N900W8 that will not work that I am going to return to the seller since it is not even the right model to begin with. It should be noted that the screen on the N900W8 WAS replaced but not very well and there are some annoying defects on the underside of the screen as a result. So after all of this expostition, Can anyone please tell me what model of Note 3 to get that will work with my simple mobile SIM?
It is my sincere hope that someone has gone through this same situation and can help guide me a bit.
Thank you
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OK, so the Note N9005 is the same as the T and w8 models except for the radio differences. From the sounds of it the N3 you pruchased may have been blocked as it's carrying the not registered on network error (which is the common one for this) however. it's possible it's locked down but my understanding is the w8 is quite unrestricted.
IN regards to what model you should/need to use, if your carrier is under the T-Mo umbrella/piggy backs of their network then you need the N900T which is T-Mo's device. - But you may wanna ring T-Mo and ask to be 100% positive.
EDIT You wanna avoid the N900A (ATT) unless you're 100% sure you can get LTE with your provider, there's been a few people who have bough the A model and haven't been able to use it due to it being for ATT only (again, radio issues.)
After re-reading, I think the N900T is the one for sure (especially as Simple sell it (doubt they'll sell a device that isn't LTE compatible?), and I would ring Simple and T-Mo for 100% clarification as obviously, dropping a few hundred $$ on a phone which may not work isn't nice.
radicalisto said:
OK, so the Note N9005 is the same as the T and w8 models except for the radio differences. From the sounds of it the N3 you pruchased may have been blocked as it's carrying the not registered on network error (which is the common one for this) however. it's possible it's locked down but my understanding is the w8 is quite unrestricted.
IN regards to what model you should/need to use, if your carrier is under the T-Mo umbrella/piggy backs of their network then you need the N900T which is T-Mo's device. - But you may wanna ring T-Mo and ask to be 100% positive.
EDIT You wanna avoid the N900A (ATT) unless you're 100% sure you can get LTE with your provider, there's been a few people who have bough the A model and haven't been able to use it due to it being for ATT only (again, radio issues.)
After re-reading, I think the N900T is the one for sure (especially as Simple sell it (doubt they'll sell a device that isn't LTE compatible?), and I would ring Simple and T-Mo for 100% clarification as obviously, dropping a few hundred $$ on a phone which may not work isn't nice.
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Thank you for reading and replying...
Im quite torn but what you say makes plenty of sense.
I am under the same thought process as yours thinking that the N900T version they sell in their own shop is the model to get.... but then I read about the compatible devices with "4G LTE" and dont even see it, but instead see the N900W8 and N900A models instead. I had the N900V model Note 3 before and it "worked" on my network but the coverage and signal strength suffered greatly and displayed +H most of the time. So the N900V at least worked with my SIM vs the N900W8 not even using the network (it does show ATT and Simple Mobile networks under the network settings but cant register on either one).
I know they are different phones completely but the ATT branded Note 1 gave me no problems at all with my Simple SIM. My wife has the same model Note 1 as me and her phone actually shows 4G LTE next to the bars whereas mine only shows 4G. I called and spoke to CS a few months ago to figure out the disparity and it would seem that since I bought her SIM card more recently that mine (hers 2014 vs mine 2011) that the SIM itself makes the network 4G LTE more friendly somehow. So with that in mind I have ordered a new micro SIM from Simple thinking that it might solve some issues. The only reason I never ordered a new SIM sooner is because I wasnt really worried about the 4G LTE vs 4G problem as my UL/DL speeds were more than adequate. Hence, I am seriously thinking of trying out the N900A model.
I guess the easiest answer is that I think the N900T model "would work" but the compatible model page shows the other 2 models and not the N900T with regards to 4G LTE coverage and NOT general signal coverage.
I am going to ring T mobile and see if this model is locked down, thanks for that, good advice.
In regards to me being 100% sure about the ATT model being LTE compatible, I am thinking it would be possible (not 100% though) with regards to my wife's N1 and newer SIM (hers is also a branded ATT N1 like my broken ATT N1. with an older SIM).
Any thoughts? Thanks again...
The Note 3, changed a lot in regards to the hardware and radios used. Samsung and the carriers in their infinite wisdom trying to lock people down via either region lock, sim lock and boot loader lock downs.
It is possible that the A model will work, it could be that Simple has a deal with T-Mo and ATT in which it can use both carriers towers for H+ and LTE.
See what T-Mo say, and even give ATT a ring also, no harm in asking them direct.
Also as you've stated the sim may also have something to do with picking up LTE straight of the bat.
Ring T-Mo/ATT see what they say, then that way you know which way to go and at least doing it that way you have the comfort in knowing that the provider themselves have assured you what will and won't work.
Sent from my Spectrum ZX +2
radicalisto said:
The Note 3, changed a lot in regards to the hardware and radios used. Samsung and the carriers in their infinite wisdom trying to lock people down via either region lock, sim lock and boot loader lock downs.
It is possible that the A model will work, it could be that Simple has a deal with T-Mo and ATT in which it can use both carriers towers for H+ and LTE.
See what T-Mo say, and even give ATT a ring also, no harm in asking them direct.
Also as you've stated the sim may also have something to do with picking up LTE straight of the bat.
Ring T-Mo/ATT see what they say, then that way you know which way to go and at least doing it that way you have the comfort in knowing that the provider themselves have assured you what will and won't work.
Sent from my Spectrum ZX +2
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I'm looking up the contact numbers for T Mobile now and will probably try to look at what ATT has to say/can do.
Simple Mobile, bless their hearts, to keep things so cheap use a calling center in the Philippines and have been of very little help to me trying to figure this out.
I'll keep this thread updated but I'm still torn between the N900V and N900A, only leaning towards the N900A because of the link I shared earlier with regards to 4G LTE compatibility. :/
Thanks again Radicalisto.
Hope you get it sorted, let me know the outcome I'm quite curious now myself. Good luck!
Sent from my Spectrum ZX +2
radicalisto said:
Hope you get it sorted, let me know the outcome I'm quite curious now myself. Good luck!
Sent from my Spectrum ZX +2
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So I have finally reached a solution.
After all of the hassle and trial and error, I was able to get a Note 3 to work with 4G LTE by using a Note 3 model N900A and an updated Simple Mobile Sim card.
It seemed a little counter intuitive to use an ATT branded phone versus a T Mobile branded phone knowing that Simple is undercarried by T mobile but that is just what it took.
It should be known that I did not try and use my "old" SIM from Simple but ordered a new one and had my number transferred to the new SIM before the phone arrived. The rational behind purchasing a new SIM was based on the experience of my wife and I using our Note 1(s). Both of our Note 1(s) were ATT branded (i717). Though I bought her Simple SIM about 2 years after my own. The result was my phone only showed 4G while hers would should 4G LTE. Strange being they are both the same model phone with the same carrier but that was the fix: updated SIMs, whether it was embedded software or something else.
So for now, I can close this little chapter and enjoy my Note 3.
If anyone else is reading this, please feel free to message me and I will be happy to share anything I may have forgotten to share here.
Thanks to everyone who helped as well, I know I have a few threads on XDA looking for solutions. :/
Wallace
Good stuff, glad you got it sorted