should I buy international or carrier specific? - Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I will travel to the US shortly and want to buy an S5 to bring it back with me on my way home (Mexico). I think both the AT&T 'A' and the international 'M' version should cover my frequency needs ('M' has an extra band), but I would like to get some insight on which one might be a better choice in terms of Rom development and official updates (pushed out sooner). Thanks in advance to everyone.

AT&T have a locked bootloader so you can only use AT&T branded firmwares on a 900A.......
If you find yourself in an area/country that uses a different radio/modem band to AT&T, this could be a problem........
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg

keithross39 said:
AT&T have a locked bootloader so you can only use AT&T branded firmwares on a 900A.......
If you find yourself in an area/country that uses a different radio/modem band to AT&T, this could be a problem........
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much. Mexico (on my carrier) uses the same bands as in AT&T but seems like the international 'M' version might be a better choice isn't it?

sensei22 said:
Thank you so much. Mexico (on my carrier) uses the same bands as in AT&T but seems like the international 'M' version might be a better choice isn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say probably so.......
I believe the AT&T's locked bootloader makes it harder to root as well, and because only carrier specific OS can be loaded, I'm sure that's had an effect on the custom rom development for the device too......
I personally would choose a device with as few restrictions as possible.....
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg

Related

decision to buy htc one developer edition

hey guys .i just pre-ordered htc one developer edition.what do you think i get the benefits purchasing the developer edition instead of at&t version.
do you think it works with at&t and t-mobile lte networks ?
will i get the software upgrades first like the international version ?
normally the at&t version device get upgrades very late compared to the international version devices.i always wanted to buy a device which works on every kind of gsm networks(hspa+,4g and lte ) in usa and internationally(3g,4g and lte).and which gets the software upgrades right on time .i thought this would be the one .
someone clarify me the choice i made was right
:fingers-crossed:
sush143555 said:
hey guys .i just pre-ordered htc one developer edition.what do you think i get the benefits purchasing the developer edition instead of at&t version.
do you think it works with at&t and t-mobile lte networks ?
will i get the software upgrades first like the international version ?
normally the at&t version device get upgrades very late compared to the international version devices.i always wanted to buy a device which works on every kind of gsm networks(hspa+,4g and lte ) in usa and internationally(3g,4g and lte).and which gets the software upgrades right on time .i thought this would be the one .
someone clarify me the choice i made was right
:fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want non bloated att software, possibly faster updates, and bootloader unlockable.
Lte will work for both networks.
Updates will probably be quicker due to the fact that there is NO carrier testing. So updates should be fast as the international version.
Sure why not!
There is an entire thread dedicated to this. The dev edition had an unlocked bootloader and SIM. It will only function on AT&T correctly at the moment, but later this year tmobile should have enough of their lte and refarmed hspa network up for it to work properly on there.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
sush143555 said:
hey guys .i just pre-ordered htc one developer edition.what do you think i get the benefits purchasing the developer edition instead of at&t version.
do you think it works with at&t and t-mobile lte networks ?
will i get the software upgrades first like the international version ?
normally the at&t version device get upgrades very late compared to the international version devices.i always wanted to buy a device which works on every kind of gsm networks(hspa+,4g and lte ) in usa and internationally(3g,4g and lte).and which gets the software upgrades right on time .i thought this would be the one .
someone clarify me the choice i made was right
:fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The benefit of the Developer Edition is the unlocked bootloader (allows you to use custom ROM), and the unlocked sim (which ATT won't unlock for you even if you buy outright).
Since it is a non-branded handset, it should allow you to upgrade your software like the international version, although this is not as important if you use custom ROMs (since Custom ROMs usually updates as new software is released).
The Developer Edition will work perfectly with AT&T for HSPA and LTE as it is identical besides the branding and unlocked status. It will likely work with T-Mobile's LTE when it's ready but will not work with the 1700mhz HSPA+ network. It may however work in areas where T-Mobile uses 850/1900 frequency (Not everywhere at the moment)
So in terms of advantage over ATT version, the Developer Edition is much much better as it allows you to use customs ROMs (since you are here asking the question, I would assume custom ROM is something you would like to use). SIM unlock is not important to everyone as most will stay with the network anyways, but the lack of custom ROM ability flat out makes it the less desired version.
dizzyraider said:
The benefit of the Developer Edition is the unlocked bootloader (allows you to use custom ROM), and the unlocked sim (which ATT won't unlock for you even if you buy outright).
Since it is a non-branded handset, it should allow you to upgrade your software like the international version, although this is not as important if you use custom ROMs (since Custom ROMs usually updates as new software is released).
The Developer Edition will work perfectly with AT&T for HSPA and LTE as it is identical besides the branding and unlocked status. It will likely work with T-Mobile's LTE when it's ready but will not work with the 1700mhz HSPA+ network. It may however work in areas where T-Mobile uses 850/1900 frequency (Not everywhere at the moment)
So in terms of advantage over ATT version, the Developer Edition is much much better as it allows you to use customs ROMs (since you are here asking the question, I would assume custom ROM is something you would like to use). SIM unlock is not important to everyone as most will stay with the network anyways, but the lack of custom ROM ability flat out makes it the less desired version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya am not much into the custom rom thing .am just looking for the option to use it on at&t and t-mobile and faster updates .
sush143555 said:
ya am not much into the custom rom thing .am just looking for the option to use it on at&t and t-mobile and faster updates .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you asked the questions and I answered them for you (the differences should be black and white for you). Whether or not if it's the right decision is up to you.
32gb or 64GB? Worth the extra cash?
dizzyraider said:
The benefit of the Developer Edition is the unlocked bootloader (allows you to use custom ROM), and the unlocked sim (which ATT won't unlock for you even if you buy outright).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi:
I know this thread is about the dev edition but I was wondering if there's any other difference between the 32gb and 64gb dev edition? I know the dev edition has unlocked bootloader, but couldn't we achieve the same thing on the 32gb unlocked edition using this method (htcdev), or am I wrong? Thanks for your help :fingers-crossed:
gaps07 said:
Hi:
I know this thread is about the dev edition but I was wondering if there's any other difference between the 32gb and 64gb dev edition? I know the dev edition has unlocked bootloader, but couldn't we achieve the same thing on the 32gb unlocked edition using this method (htcdev), or am I wrong? Thanks for your help :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it can be unlocked via HTC Dev. Only the AT&T branded devices will be blocked.
Edit: according to your post title, you're asking if dev edition is worth the extra money? YES. Not even $100 more for double the storage.
You can unlock yes. Your getting a extra 32 GB basically
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
dizzyraider said:
The benefit of the Developer Edition is the unlocked bootloader (allows you to use custom ROM), and the unlocked sim (which ATT won't unlock for you even if you buy outright).
Since it is a non-branded handset, it should allow you to upgrade your software like the international version, although this is not as important if you use custom ROMs (since Custom ROMs usually updates as new software is released).
The Developer Edition will work perfectly with AT&T for HSPA and LTE as it is identical besides the branding and unlocked status. It will likely work with T-Mobile's LTE when it's ready but will not work with the 1700mhz HSPA+ network. It may however work in areas where T-Mobile uses 850/1900 frequency (Not everywhere at the moment)
So in terms of advantage over ATT version, the Developer Edition is much much better as it allows you to use customs ROMs (since you are here asking the question, I would assume custom ROM is something you would like to use). SIM unlock is not important to everyone as most will stay with the network anyways, but the lack of custom ROM ability flat out makes it the less desired version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the dev version doesn't have custom roms, or very little custom roms? If so why would that be? I love flashing roms, but this would be a real bummer.
Nevermind...I read it incorrectly. The Dev version does have custom roms. How are the custom roms different on a dev phone than lets say the sprint version?
saco274 said:
So the dev version doesn't have custom roms, or very little custom roms? If so why would that be? I love flashing roms, but this would be a real bummer.
Nevermind...I read it incorrectly. The Dev version does have custom roms. How are the custom roms different on a dev phone than lets say the sprint version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Sprint version of the phone has different hardware as it is a CDMA phone, not a GSM phone. You could potentially brick your phone by flashing ROMS that aren't for your specific device. Stick to this forum for your mods and ROMS/kernels.
Make sure that you install a recovery (CWM or TWRP, both located in the Original Android Development section), which is necessary before you begin to flash anything. Again, ONLY FLASH MODS FOR OUR DEVICE FROM THIS FORUM
this might not the right place to ask this, but does anyone know if HTC will be releasing a developer edition in black?

I9505 on T-Mobile USA

Hello
I'm thinking of buying the international Galaxy S4 i9505 and use it on T-Mobile here in the USA (rather than the T-Mobile m919 variant) ...I am aware that i9505 doesn't have HSPA on AWS band and that's fine because most of my area has T-Mobile LTE which works on the 1700/2100 MHz band (band 4)...
Does anyone from the USA use i9505 on T-Mobile and get LTE ?
Another thing, is it possible to flash m919 radio on the international i9505 to have the lacking LTE bands if any ?
A note : according to gsm arena,i9505 has APQ8064T but couldn't find what chipset the T-Mobile m919 has...If they use the same chipset it would be likely possible to interchange radios between the 2 I suppose...
Any ideas are welcomed..
Thanks
I am in same situation.
We need answer about this From the user or developer who has Experience with this case.
Best Regard to all
any help???
I9500 is the international version, i9505 is the US version
2ndammendment said:
I9500 is the international version, i9505 is the US version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The is not what we want to know.
Will m919 modem work on i9505 ?
It is not wise to flash another carriers modem, but yes, you can.
TheAxman said:
It is not wise to flash another carriers modem, but yes, you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the GT-I 9505 will work with T-Mobile LTE Band 4 after flash m919 modem ??????
If yes, how can i do that?? by Oden or By Fastboot or by recovery??
Best Regard
redbike said:
Is the GT-I 9505 will work with T-Mobile LTE Band 4 after flash m919 modem ??????
If yes, how can i do that?? by Oden or By Fastboot or by recovery??
Best Regard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Recovery, go get the modem you want from tmo forum. and flash it, I do not think it is a good idea, but if you feel it is needed. So be it.
Thanks for the Thanks.
DO NOT flash modems. Flashing modems to enable frequencies has NOT worked on S3, Note2, S4 i337. Don't do it.
"You don't think" doesn't mean "it's not possible" or "a disaster will happen"
I used my skyrocket on T-Mobile after flashing a T-Mobile radio from Hercules (very closely related device to skyrocket... both are s2 variants)....
So please stop the useless advice of not recommended, or not advisor or such... It's xda not Facebook..
If 2 devices has the same chipset and/or the same hardware platform it could be very likely that the only difference between then is the radio software and the commercial name,. Unfortunately I couldn't find enough detailed (deep hardware details) info on the T-Mobile S4...
The main purpose here from this thread is that did anybody here try it and connected to T-Mobile LTE in USA successfully ?
Any update??
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
I would also like to know if the i9505 can connect to T-Mobile's LTE in refarmed areas. I'm holding out on the purchase right now but if it does work then I'll go ahead and buy 1.
As I understand it, I don't believe that the I9505 can connect to Tmo's LTE frequencies but it should probably get unto the refarmed (1900 mhz) 3g areas if you're in one of the big cities (ie; NYC, LA).
It looks from the specification that out of the box it will not work..It doesn't have the 1700mhz LTE band(which T-Mobile USA uses for the LTE uplink)..
For sure it'll need some"modding" or radio flash to work...
We need a guinea pig big-time here lol..Probably somebody buys it, flash the S4 M919 radio on it and report back...If it doesn't, ship it back to seller for a refund...
PS: it is useless if it won't connect to T-Mobile LTE(i.e. just 3G)..Pretty much everywhere will get LTE eventually...
We are still waiting for real Solution.............
so is it mainly coming down to the radio thats built into the chipset and not the software side of things, I wanted to flash the modem but I dont know if it will brick, blow up, or turn into optimus prime.... any ideas lads,
cheers
djordje_rosic said:
so is it mainly coming down to the radio thats built into the chipset and not the software side of things, I wanted to flash the modem but I dont know if it will brick, blow up, or turn into optimus prime.... any ideas lads,
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have I9505 ? Are you on t mobile ? Do you have a good return policy for the device ? And in the return period ?
If so and you're brave enough, look for a flashable m919(T-Mobile S4) radio zip and flash it using any custom recovery ...Beware that this action might corrupt its imei or might cause a big problem that can't be corrected easily... So you're responsible for that ... But if successful you'll be able to use T-Mobile LTE and do the community a great service...,
Please let us know if you have any updates.

[Q] international galaxy firmware on T-mobile

so, I've surfed the forum looking for answers, I did find many conflicting answers but no firm ones. I am considering the TMO variant so I'll have 4G connectivity in the US and 3G where I travel frequently to in Europe. Assuming the TMO note 3 is SIM AND bootloader unlocked, can I flash international firmware on it while keeping TMO's modem settings ? I will only consider the TMO variant if this can be done, otherwise I think i'll sacrifice the 4G connection and get an international variant as usual.
sharl1987 said:
so, I've surfed the forum looking for answers, I did find many conflicting answers but no firm ones. I am considering the TMO variant so I'll have 4G connectivity in the US and 3G where I travel frequently to in Europe. Assuming the TMO note 3 is SIM AND bootloader unlocked, can I flash international firmware on it while keeping TMO's modem settings ? I will only consider the TMO variant if this can be done, otherwise I think i'll sacrifice the 4G connection and get an international variant as usual.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
another option would be to get the TMO note 3 from negri... it is sim unlocked ( i think)
neederishelp said:
another option would be to get the TMO note 3 from negri... it is sim unlocked ( i think)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are paying the full price for the phone, it wouldn't matter where you get it from, it WILL be sim unlocked. my question is, knowing that the phone is SIM unlocked, and assuming it will be bootloader unlocked, can I flash any international firmware on it ?
sharl1987 said:
If you are paying the full price for the phone, it wouldn't matter where you get it from, it WILL be sim unlocked. my question is, knowing that the phone is SIM unlocked, and assuming it will be bootloader unlocked, can I flash any international firmware on it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why not since Tmobile/ATT version is identical to the Euro S800 version, as long as you keep the Tmobile modem. My at&t S4 is identical to the euro version and I can flash any euro ROM. Just hope it will be bootloader unlocked .
sharl1987 said:
If you are paying the full price for the phone, it wouldn't matter where you get it from, it WILL be sim unlocked. my question is, knowing that the phone is SIM unlocked, and assuming it will be bootloader unlocked, can I flash any international firmware on it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
umm negative. Apparently our carriers suck like that. For example, t-mobile which is generally more lax than ATT will not unlock your phone until you've been with them for 40 days (or is it 4 months?) but yeah. No immediate unlock even if you purchase outright. I think you'll have to purchase it from someone else that explicitly states it is sim unlocked. Negrielectronics was a good example.

unlocked us s8 to tmobile.

I've been searching and can't find a definitive way of flashing TMobile firmware to the unlocked s8.
davwman said:
I've been searching and can't find a definitive way of flashing TMobile firmware to the unlocked s8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume you have US Unlocked S8....
Normally you don't need to flash it with T-Mobile firmware because most of features are supported such as: VoLTE, Band 12 and WiFi Calling. If you do decide to flash here is the tread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/snap-guide-flashing-standard-fw-carrier-t3625817
Yes US unlocked. The TMobile radios are better and utilize the new tech that TMobile uses. I'm assuming I can use just the radios, but there aren't any definite answers.
I am trying to get figure out the same answer.
I also have the G950U1 and would like to flash the T-Mobile firmware to obtain the 256qam and 4x4 radio.
I'm still searching for an answer.
There is also T-Mobile firmware that doesn't have bloatware, but I don't know if it is missing any feature that you guys are looking for. I do have an unlocked S8, but haven't flashed it yet.
I've attempted using both Odin, and the modified PriceComsy Odin to flash the T-Mobile G950u firmware onto the Unlocked G950U1, and it results in FAIL! (DeviceInfo).
Ended up just flashing the modem. Just need to see how this thing works now
In case anyone wanted to know how the T-Mobile modems work on the unlocked variant, I'd say quite well with all TMobile features working
davwman said:
In case anyone wanted to know how the T-Mobile modems work on the unlocked variant, I'd say quite well with all TMobile features working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But what kind of speeds did you have before that?
I am going to go off the limb and suggest that flashing the 950u T-Mobile Firmware doesn't give us the 4x4 MiMo Radio and 256QAM. I've not seen a difference in call quality, data speed, or signal strength. Can anyone let the community know what the three TMB/TMB/XAA mean?
This should be a big decision differentiator when selecting between the S8 unlocked and S8 T-Mobile branded device on the T-Mobile network.
zone23 said:
But what kind of speeds did you have before that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The fastest speed that is in the screen shot, half of that. Also I've noticed I don't get random lte to H drops anymore where I normally would in weak TMobile areas.

Sammobile Firmware for the US

Is this possible? Since it's a G935F I imagine there is no US version. I find it odd Sammobile doesn't have anything for the US on their site it seems. The rest of the world gets all of the cool stuff Does anyone know the PDA/CSC # of the US version what would match if it even exists? Or what "Countries" firmware I can/should be using on a G935F in the USA?
I'd like to stay rooted and switch between the newest Oreo from Samsung stock firmware and be able to try out a few other different ROMS, but want to be able to go back to stock by flashing through TWRP so as to not lose ROOT/TWRP.
Thanks in advance!
The F was never released for the US because the US uses a different code. The F does not have all the required bands for the US, nor does it have thr CDMA antennae you need for Sprint and Verizon.
Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
cumminspowered said:
Is this possible? Since it's a G935F I imagine there is no US version. I find it odd Sammobile doesn't have anything for the US on their site it seems. The rest of the world gets all of the cool stuff Does anyone know the PDA/CSC # of the US version what would match if it even exists? Or what "Countries" firmware I can/should be using on a G935F in the USA?
I'd like to stay rooted and switch between the newest Oreo from Samsung stock firmware and be able to try out a few other different ROMS, but want to be able to go back to stock by flashing through TWRP so as to not lose ROOT/TWRP.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indian firmware should work with no probs. Mine's a G935FD and it's written on the back too. D must be a reference to dual sim
chanchan05 said:
The F was never released for the US because the US uses a different code. The F does not have all the required bands for the US, nor does it have thr CDMA antennae you need for Sprint and Verizon.
Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, its a GSM only phone, so CDMA carries like sprint, vzw, usc cellular, rogers, virgin etc etc etc wont work. But at&t and t-mob (along with all their MVNOs such as cricket, h2o and tons of others) would work fine as long as you get good reception from those carriers in your area

Categories

Resources