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Unlock S5 From Sprint To Tmobile?

I recently got the S5 on sprint and im beyond disappointed with sprints new spark and lte network out here in NY. Im considering going to Tmobile since there lte speeds are crazy good and connection is steady out here. My question is can i get my phone unlocked and bring my sprint version phone over to Tmobile? I was told by a Tmobile rep that my phone would go down to 2g speeds and its not guaranteed to even get lte. Which i find hard to believe since since my phone has the option to also go on GSM/UMTS. Whats your guys thoughts on this?

darknatas said:
I recently got the S5 on sprint and im beyond disappointed with sprints new spark and lte network out here in NY. Im considering going to Tmobile since there lte speeds are crazy good and connection is steady out here. My question is can i get my phone unlocked and bring my sprint version phone over to Tmobile? I was told by a Tmobile rep that my phone would go down to 2g speeds and its not guaranteed to even get lte. Which i find hard to believe since since my phone has the option to also go on GSM/UMTS. Whats your guys thoughts on this?
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darknatas said:
Bump
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Sprint phones cant work with T-Mobile, Sprint blocks other US GSM carriers from using their phone.
Sprint phones can only be used outside of the states

Vlade12 said:
Sprint phones cant work with T-Mobile, Sprint blocks other US GSM carriers from using their phone.
Sprint phones can only be used outside of the states
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So even if i get the phone unlocked i wont be able to use it on tmobile?

darknatas said:
So even if i get the phone unlocked i wont be able to use it on tmobile?
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Correct. Sprint uses different frequency ranges, so unlocked or not it's just not going to communicate.
ATT and T-Mobile work due to the overlap. In fact, for a while there ATT was going to purchase T-Mobile before the FCC put a halt to that.
Glad too as T-Mobile is now shaking up the market and forcing (encouraging?) Verzion and ATT to try and adopt similar measures in order to maintain customer base.

Vlade12 said:
Sprint phones cant work with T-Mobile, Sprint blocks other US GSM carriers from using their phone.
Sprint phones can only be used outside of the states
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Click to collapse
I dont think this is correct. Albeit S5 is a different phone, but I unlocked 4 SPH-L720 S4's from Sprint to Tmobile no problem using the following thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2530610
If S5 could use the same methods, you would get 3G and HSPA+ on the Sprint S5 using a TMobile SIM.
I was able to get LTE using a TMobile SIM on a Sprint S4 by using DFS to edit the NV to enable AWS 1700 LTE Band in NV items, then flashing the TMobile HOS and MODEM bin files - along with copying the *ril*.so libraries to the system/lib directory. This ultimately allowed me to select the LTE/WCDMA/GSM option in Mobile Networks.
Not many people know about this but I found it in an i337 thread on how to unlock AWS on a S4.

bcas9472 said:
I dont think this is correct. Albeit S5 is a different phone, but I unlocked 4 SPH-L720 S4's from Sprint to Tmobile no problem using the following thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2530610
If S5 could use the same methods, you would get 3G and HSPA+ on the Sprint S5 using a TMobile SIM.
I was able to get LTE using a TMobile SIM on a Sprint S4 by using DFS to edit the NV to enable AWS 1700 LTE Band in NV items, then flashing the TMobile HOS and MODEM bin files - along with copying the *ril*.so libraries to the system/lib directory. This ultimately allowed me to select the LTE/WCDMA/GSM option in Mobile Networks.
Not many people know about this but I found it in an i337 thread on how to unlock AWS on a S4.
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Click to collapse
So you can get full speeds on gsm networks with the sprint version? in the US or out?
Is that right?

bcas9472 said:
I dont think this is correct. Albeit S5 is a different phone, but I unlocked 4 SPH-L720 S4's from Sprint to Tmobile no problem using the following thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2530610
If S5 could use the same methods, you would get 3G and HSPA+ on the Sprint S5 using a TMobile SIM.
I was able to get LTE using a TMobile SIM on a Sprint S4 by using DFS to edit the NV to enable AWS 1700 LTE Band in NV items, then flashing the TMobile HOS and MODEM bin files - along with copying the *ril*.so libraries to the system/lib directory. This ultimately allowed me to select the LTE/WCDMA/GSM option in Mobile Networks.
Not many people know about this but I found it in an i337 thread on how to unlock AWS on a S4.
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Has anyone comfermed this? To my knowledge the Sprint/Verizon phones are not cross compatable with AT&T and T-mobile. Some verizon phones are the exception but basicily its a no go from CDMA phone to GSM tech.

confirm
i can confirm the sprint s4 does work on tmobile with a bit of editing and following the gsm domestic tutorial on xda, however this part about the modem.bin and hlos isnt confirmed and i have done this and ended up hard bricking my devices and had to jtag to repair them. ive tried many times and always bricked so i say no go.
this forum is for the sprint s5 and i would hope we can find a loophole to get it gsm unlocked. any ideas? ive tried a few things but no luck

Theres alot of incorrect information here. The latest Sprint phones using sim cards ARE ABLE to use T-Mobile and AT&T as long as GSM is in the hardware. I dont own the S5 but for those blinding others with frequency talk I'm tired of seeing, read it and weep:
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=4408
Sprint S5 supports GSM. Now of course no LTE on T-Mobile due to the lack of the 1700 frequency,
but your 4G will be fine. Depending on where you live, you may not even care about LTE over 4G.
Sure, Sprint locks the darn thing up to avoid it getting into the hands of other domestic carriers, but
just as the Sprint Note 3 and my Sprint LG G2, a workaround has been invented. For the G2 it was as
"borrowing" the stock T-Mobile LG G2 firmware and tweaking it to boot up on our LS980. We have
about 3 different tastes of working unlocked roms, not only sticking to T-Mobile, but other carriers
reported working such as Metro PCS and AT&T. So my guess is that the S5 may need a similar
treatment, nobody wants Sprint honestly. The first 14 days (brought in my own LG Optimus G LS970)
I was with them service was glorious here in NYC. But after the 14 day "trial period" ended I was
DAMNED into horrible service, constant 3G instead of 4G, etc. Thanks to refusing to make payments
due to the disgusting service, my GS4's IMEI is basically crap, so I sold it in the same week I got it.
I should have never swapped it out for the LG OG...
Honestly, I'll thank every OP I see that "unlocks" the Sprint version of any phone for domestic GSM
use. Their silly Sprint Spark is useless, why introduce something new when they dont even have full
4G coverage here in the USA? And their agents sound like "AI" controlled cyborgs: "Oh we're sorry to
hear that, your zone is scheduled to be recieving 4G soon." Yeah right. I feel sorry for those who suffer
in other states.
ANYWAYS sorry for drifting off topic. The recap here is that the Sprint S5 IS capable of domestic GSM with some modding.
And also that I hate Sprint.

Any Updates on this
Does anyone have any news on this? I have a S5 from sprint and want to use it with tmobile or other gsm carrier. any1 have any updates on the UCCI deal i read about somewhere? I have the spc phone is rooted what do i need to do? cant bring up the service menu to change things there.. kind a lost pls help

..

lease has anyone found a solution for enabling aws bands on galaxy s5? i have the at&t active version unlocked and rooted using on tmobile but i get only edge :/

What is the verdict? Is there anyone who knows you can use it on any network? I am getting mine tomorrow and am unlocking it. Is there a way to test if they will work on any network? I have many sim cards from diff carriers.

..

unlock sprint

fffft said:
There have been a lot of threads about this, so clearly few are even bothering to search the forum for existing threads and the wealth of information in them.
Sprint is a CDMA system like Verizon & USC. CDMA per se is incompatible with GSM, which is what most of the world uses. The Sprint S5 only supports some of the most common GSM frequency bands and moreover will have a locked bootloader and SIM.
Sprint will not unlock the SIM (actually SPC code) to allow using it with other domestic carriers. You can find third party vendors that will "SPC unlock" your Sprint phone. But then you will find that Sprint's S5 won't support any of the LTE bands on other CDMA or GSM carriers and misses some GSM bands too.
Nor can you use custom ROMs, kernels or recoveries in the normal manner due to the locked bootloader. You could probably use the Verizon Safestrap method to emulate a limited palette of custom ROMs, but you would have to do your due dilligence there and look into the details.
In short, if you jump through enough hoops, you can use a Sprint S5 on another carrier like TMobile. But it will always be marginal. You won't get LTE data speeds, you will see more congestion than those using native handsets, due to your reduced number of bands. And you may have no coverage at all in some fringe areas served by a TMB band that your handset doesn't have.
.
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The limitation of what "bands" the radio will cover are software defined. if you look around. you can find a way to modify those defined rules.
to allow it to use 1700 LTE. although the legality may be questionable as the FCC approval for that model was not tested with the LTE. The baseband chip/radio still supports the band with the software changes

..

impossible

fffft said:
There have been a lot of threads about this, so clearly few are even bothering to search the forum for existing threads and the wealth of information in them.
Sprint is a CDMA system like Verizon & USC. CDMA per se is incompatible with GSM, which is what most of the world uses. The Sprint S5 only supports some of the most common GSM frequency bands and moreover will have a locked bootloader and SIM.
Sprint will not unlock the SIM (actually SPC code) to allow using it with other domestic carriers. You can find third party vendors that will "SPC unlock" your Sprint phone. But then you will find that Sprint's S5 won't support any of the LTE bands on other CDMA or GSM carriers and misses some GSM bands too.
Nor can you use custom ROMs, kernels or recoveries in the normal manner due to the locked bootloader. You could probably use the Verizon Safestrap method to emulate a limited palette of custom ROMs, but you would have to do your due dilligence there and look into the details.
In short, if you jump through enough hoops, you can use a Sprint S5 on another carrier like TMobile. But it will always be marginal. You won't get LTE data speeds, you will see more congestion than those using native handsets, due to your reduced number of bands. And you may have no coverage at all in some fringe areas served by a TMB band that your handset doesn't have.
.
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What in the heck? Who fed you this bologna? Do you work for Sprint? Cause I have various complaints for you if you do. My SPRINT G2 running a T-Mobile G2 stock rom which is unlocked DOMESTICALLY works perfectly fine with T-Mobile's 4G. I don't think many people care about LTE, getting off of Sprint alone is a huge leap for mankind (in this case G900P owners). And as it was mentioned, there are ways to get that nice LTE band for various devices with simple mods, problem is that it is NOT widely recognized yet and very few people know that the possibility exists because of various misleading posts that "its all in the hardware" and fingers being pointed at Qualcomm's techniques. Yes there is a possibility for a domestic unlock, sure there might not be LTE for it, but most people will be content with the fact that they can use their expensive locked down phone with another carrier. Honesty Sprint devices would be better off being sold for less than carriers that actually DO allow domestic unlocks. Why do we pay over half a "K" for a phone that in reality we do not completely have full rights over? Why do other carriers alow domestic unlocks and Sprint wants to be greedy and lock in all of their customers with shady contracts and decieving bills?
Thats why many of us including myself would be beyond grateful if we even get some 3G with another carrier. We have CDMA capabilities, we have GSM capabilities, all we need is some sort of domestic unlock.
There is NO third party unlock code of any sorts that will unlock a phone that is unlocked OTA. Check around for many posts from various foreign users who have gotten stuck with a useless Galaxy S5 that can only be used with wifi thanks to Sprint. Is it their fault? No. It is purely Sprint's fault for being so damn greedy. Thankfully I am hearing news that by February of 2015 all devices will be GSM and have the capabilities to be unlocked for domestic use.
Custom roms, honestly most of us are just unsatisfied with the average and like to go to the unique side. But is Cyanogenmod going to allow us to use Air Gestures and all the other cool features of the S5? Not really. Custom kernels would be nice, but many people only seek then in order to overclock their device, which this device is in particular really doesn't need any more added power (or battery drain) than it already has. Optimization tweaks might be worth it but I dont see it helping. If someone could fix the delayed multitasking transitions (switching from one app to the other at times is delayed a second or two) or the crashing browser without custom roms or kernels, then it is best not to waste time on the development of such things. But then again there are those who prefer stock android in combination with other features such as the AMOLED screen technology, but it is best to look for another device.

Can I use a Tmobile Note 4 on AT&T and vice versa?

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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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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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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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.
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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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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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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

FINALLY! A single hardware variant for all US carriers.

Looking at the FCC docs for what appears to be the S7, it seems like Samsung will finally make just a single hardware variant for the US, FCC ID A3LSMG935US, with the different carrier models' features and bands being enabled/disabled solely in software or firmware.
Assuming this observation is correct, this will mark a sea change in Samsung's approach which in the past meant creating a plethora of hardware variants for the US market.
This may also mean that at some point we might see an unlocked model with broad support for multiple US carriers.

FINALLY! A single hardware variant for all US carriers
myphone12345 said:
Looking at the FCC docs for what appears to be the S7, it seems like Samsung will finally make just a single hardware variant for the US, FCC ID A3LSMG935US, with the different carrier models' features and bands being enabled/disabled solely in software or firmware.
Assuming this observation is correct, this will mark a sea change in Samsung's approach which in the past meant creating a plethora of hardware variants for the US market.
This may also mean that at some point we might see an unlocked model with broad support for multiple US carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope this will come true

haldi15 said:
GayT&T and Verizon will still lock the bootloaders on their versions
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Probably true but since most of us will have to buy the phone outright now due to no carrier subsidies, couldn't we just buy a T-Mobile version and active whatever bands are needed for lets say Verizon? I have always heard that T-Mobile phones are easier to deal with as far as a Sammy BL goes. I may be way off on my thinking but it was my thought as this was a way around Verizon and AT&T locking down the equipment that we own.

t_house said:
Probably true but since most of us will have to buy the phone outright now due to no carrier subsidies, couldn't we just buy a T-Mobile version and active whatever bands are needed for lets say Verizon? I have always heard that T-Mobile phones are easier to deal with as far as a Sammy BL goes. I may be way off on my thinking but it was my thought as this was a way around Verizon and AT&T locking down the equipment that we own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
correct both US and canadian users already do this, you can either hex edit the modem or just flash a modem that carries the support already as many users have done.

t_house said:
Probably true but since most of us will have to buy the phone outright now due to no carrier subsidies, couldn't we just buy a T-Mobile version and active whatever bands are needed for lets say Verizon? I have always heard that T-Mobile phones are easier to deal with as far as a Sammy BL goes. I may be way off on my thinking but it was my thought as this was a way around Verizon and AT&T locking down the equipment that we own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been using TMOBILE Phones on ATT Network for 5 years. S4- S5-Note 3, 4 and 5, S6 - etc.

Perhaps this coincides with the rumored Samsung leasing program and one unlocked phone for all carriers.
Only recently has Verizon started activating unlocked phones ie Nexus.
My 2 cents

Solace50 said:
correct both US and canadian users already do this, you can either hex edit the modem or just flash a modem that carries the support already as many users have done.
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Click to collapse
Is it really expected to be that easy to use a T-Mobile S7 on Verizon? T-Mobile leaves them unlocked so you can flash Verizon radios and are good to go?

Redflea said:
Is it really expected to be that easy to use a T-Mobile S7 on Verizon? T-Mobile leaves them unlocked so you can flash Verizon radios and are good to go?
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Click to collapse
I know in the past you could always take a Verizon S7 and use it on T-Mobile or AT&T, but the problem has been a lack of band support since Verizon only seems to include at most bands 2, 4, 5, and 13. Here's hoping the S7 changes this.

geoff5093 said:
I know in the past you could always take a Verizon S7 and use it on T-Mobile or AT&T, but the problem has been a lack of band support since Verizon only seems to include at most bands 2, 4, 5, and 13. Here's hoping the S7 changes this.
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Click to collapse
I'm more interested in the other direction, T-Mobile S7 Edge on Verizon. If that's doable, that would be nice.

Redflea said:
I'm more interested in the other direction, T-Mobile S7 Edge on Verizon. If that's doable, that would be nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really hope so. In the past only the Verizon model could work on Verizon, but I think it's about time Samsung changes this and follows the route of the Nexus, iPhone, and Moto direction of one phone that works on all carriers.

I have a Verizon S5 and I can easily activate any band I need by changing settings in the IOT Hidden Menu and/or Service Mode. It's been a minute since I last played around with my phone in that capacity but I know I can do it. Obviously root access is a must to do any of this so I guess we will see if Sammy bastardizes the S7 like they did the S6 Edge and Edge+ with no options at all for root. That really is a deal breaker for me. I'll keep my S5 and see what the 2016 versions of the Nexus phones are like.

t_house said:
I have a Verizon S5 and I can easily activate any band I need by changing settings in the IOT Hidden Menu and/or Service Mode. It's been a minute since I last played around with my phone in that capacity but I know I can do it. Obviously root access is a must to do any of this so I guess we will see if Sammy bastardizes the S7 like they did the S6 Edge and Edge+ with no options at all for root. That really is a deal breaker for me. I'll keep my S5 and see what the 2016 versions of the Nexus phones are like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you can't activate any band you need. You may be able to activate certain unlocked bands, but it still lacks many of the bands that are in use today by other carriers.

It has come to my attention that the Straight Talk version of the Galaxy S5 comes with an unlocked bootloader and is practically identical to the Verizon version. Cyanogenmod and TWRP can be loaded on to it. You would treat it as a developer model S5.
Sent from my rooted SM-G900V

t_house said:
It has come to my attention that the Straight Talk version of the Galaxy S5 comes with an unlocked bootloader and is practically identical to the Verizon version. Cyanogenmod and TWRP can be loaded on to it. You would treat it as a developer model S5.
Sent from my rooted SM-G900V
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Click to collapse
That's awesome if true. Have you actually done this yourself? Or do you have a source?

Apparently AT&T will be offering an off-contract phone but still unsure if it will be unlocked or not. Does anyone have experience with AT&T and their off-contract phones.

Redflea said:
Is it really expected to be that easy to use a T-Mobile S7 on Verizon? T-Mobile leaves them unlocked so you can flash Verizon radios and are good to go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That seems to be what OP is implying, though I'm not as optimistic. If that's confirmed true then I'll be getting an S7 on day one.
Unlimited data keeps us on Verizon, but I'm so sick and tired of their locked down devices.

myphone12345 said:
Looking at the FCC docs for what appears to be the S7, it seems like Samsung will finally make just a single hardware variant for the US, FCC ID A3LSMG935US, with the different carrier models' features and bands being enabled/disabled solely in software or firmware.
Assuming this observation is correct, this will mark a sea change in Samsung's approach which in the past meant creating a plethora of hardware variants for the US market.
This may also mean that at some point we might see an unlocked model with broad support for multiple US carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently not:
G930F (Global); G930A (AT&T, Cricket); G930P (Sprint, Boost, Virgin Mobile); G930V (Verizon); G930T (T-Mobile, Metro PCS); G930R (US Cellular)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source

I think OP was referring to this image. Notice the middle model.

jal3223 said:
I think OP was referring to this image. Notice the middle model.
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Click to collapse
Very interesting. But...
No VoLTE on that model means no simultaneous voice and data on Verizon, as voice will always be CDMA (assuming they don't try and pitch a hissy fit about activating on their network in the first place). Also no wifi calling on that model.
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

So the T-Mobile site says it supports LTE band 13. I wonder if it could be used on Verizon, even if only in LTE mode?

sm-g935f does it work with verizon ??

Can anyone tell me if this will work on verizon carrier ? Don't want the locked down verison

I'm pretty sure the International (GM935F) version does NOT support Verizon's CDMA.

Verizon and sprint are the only reason USA doesn't have the faster exynos processor.
Sent from my Star-Tac

Use the following site to check
http://willmyphonework.net
according to this site you should get 4g LTE, but does not work on 2G or 3G
full spec of samsung model is here
http://www.samsung.com/uk/business/business-products/smartphones/smartphones/SM-G935FZKABTU
also note the foot note at the bottom of the results from http://willmyphonework.net,
******
"How To Interpret The Results
When performing a search, you will be presented with three networks: 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE.
For the technical savvy, we have included the network frequencies that match between the mobile device and the network carrier. Also, we consider HSPA+ to be 3G.
Note: Will My Phone Work assumes that your device is unlocked or allowed to be run on the desired mobile network. Certain carriers such as Verizon USA have an "approved list" of devices. This means that although the phone is compatible with the carrier's network frequencies, the device is blocked. Also, some carriers make frequencies/bands available only to specific geographical regions."
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Has anyone confirmed this?
5teve0 said:
Use the following site to check
http://willmyphonework.net
according to this site you should get 4g LTE, but does not work on 2G or 3G
full spec of samsung model is here
http://www.samsung.com/uk/business/business-products/smartphones/smartphones/SM-G935FZKABTU
also note the foot note at the bottom of the results from http://willmyphonework.net,
******
"How To Interpret The Results
When performing a search, you will be presented with three networks: 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE.
For the technical savvy, we have included the network frequencies that match between the mobile device and the network carrier. Also, we consider HSPA+ to be 3G.
Note: Will My Phone Work assumes that your device is unlocked or allowed to be run on the desired mobile network. Certain carriers such as Verizon USA have an "approved list" of devices. This means that although the phone is compatible with the carrier's network frequencies, the device is blocked. Also, some carriers make frequencies/bands available only to specific geographical regions."
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I'm also interested in this. I'm thinking of buying a G935F so I can root and have complete control over the recovery and ROMs.
I assumed the international (global) variant would support everything. My Galaxy S5 works everywhere including the US and also drops to 3G if necessary on Verizon. The ultimate question is, if I buy a G935F, can I make/receive calls, texts/mms, and get data using a Verizon SIM card? If I'm in a fringe area and it drops 4G, what will happen? Will it just have no service? I have to think it would support 3G/2G. If a person from Europe comes to the US with the G935F and uses a verizon SIM or is in a verizon only area, they would be screwed.
Again, I would think it should just work, no?

It will not work on Verizon because
1. Verizon relies on using the outdated CDMA standard so you can't connect to their "3G" network.
2. Verizon uses non standard version of the VoLTE IMS (so does T-Mobile it seems), so you can't place calls over LTE even if you flash a VoLTE enabled firmware on your GS7
3. Verizon as a carrier is a control freak that doesn't let its costumers use devices that have not been "approved" by their services, therefore, your devices' IMEI have to be white-listed in order to connect to their network.

mathieulh said:
It will not work on Verizon because
1. Verizon relies on using the outdated CDMA standard so you can't connect to their "3G" network.
2. Verizon uses non standard version of the VoLTE IMS (so does T-Mobile it seems), so you can't place calls over LTE even if you flash a VoLTE enabled firmware on your GS7
3. Verizon as a carrier is a control freak that doesn't let its costumers use devices that have not been "approved" by their services, therefore, your devices' IMEI have to be white-listed in order to connect to their network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already started the process of moving to AT&T...waiting on my work to confirm it. I hope Verizon reads this. It would have been some much simpler if they just unlocked their bootloader and didn't put a ton of crap (bloat) on their stock ROM...then they would have retained this customer.

I was considering the G935FD (dual sim) since my personal phone is AT&T and my work phone is Verizon. I want to consolidate to a single phone. Honestly I only need Verizon for calls and text, not even data, since my AT&T is unlimited. Looks like the international S7 Edge support Verizon's primary LTE band 13 which would technically work for data, but won't connect to their CDMA calling network according to mathieulh.. Now here's the kicker.. the new ZTE Axon 7 is supposedly compatible with Sprint and Verizon, AND it's a dual SIM phone. I know Verizon has to give the final "okay" to have a device activate on their network, but looking at the specs between the Axon 7 and the G935FD (dual sim S7 Edge) on GSMArena, there are essentially NO DIFFERENCES between 2G/3G/4G(LTE) bands between the two devices. The only difference I really see is Cat 6 LTE (300/50Mbps) on the Axon 7 and Cat 9 LTE (450/50Mbps) on the S7 Edge.
Can anyone clear this up? ZTE is literally saying their Axon 7 will work on Verizon, with essentially the same network specs as the S7 Edge international... there MUST be some major defining issue with using the Exynos vs Qualcomm processor when it comes to CDMA connectivity, but I still can't see a spec difference online.

G930f won't work on Verizon
Hey guys so I see this last post is from almost 3 years ago but I like the s7 and I have verizon. I don't like the Verizon variant of the s7 and wanted to try this one, the g930f because it had the same bands for LTE that verizon uses. I thought I could just use Google voice and make calls with data. I've been messing around with it for a few days now and I'm using a pre-registered sim from a Motorola that I bought from Verizon. I cannot get it to register even with data alone. I've tried removing all AP names and then creating several different AP names using Verizon settings. It's a no-go. I'm getting the g930u.
Thank you for reading. Maybe you know a workaround?

definitive FACTS on all s8 variants

I bought a Verizon SM-G950UZKAVZW direct from Samsung. I thought that I was buying a phone that I could take to any carrier. I'm hearing that might not be true. Does anyone have definitive, confirmed specs ie supported radio bands on all of the carrier variants as well as the upcoming intl version? Also I heard other reports that the hardware is identical and it's firmware that is limiting the phones. Not sure if that is true either. Samsung was absolutely not helpful.
Bottom line I need to know:
1 if I keep the SM-G950UZKAVZW, will I be able to use it with other carrier networks?
2 if I can use the SM-G950UZKAVZW with other carriers, what actions (if any) would I need to take to do that? (Other than swapping a sim card)
3 would the phone I currently possess be limited in any way if I were to use it with other carriers? (Limited is defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how would it be limited?
4 if I were to purchase an unlocked international model once it becomes available, would that phone be limited in any way when used on any US carrier? (Limited is again defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how?
If you aren't sure, please don't reply. There's plenty of people documenting their best guess already. I'm looking for the straight story.
Thanks for reading!

All of Verizon phones are Sim card unlocked and since there is really only 1 version of the S8/S8+ in the US (with different model #'s corresponding to the different carriers) using the phone on another carriers network is not going to be an issue. All you need to do is insert the sim card in.
http://www.gottabemobile.com/how-to-unlock-the-galaxy-s8/
As a quick note, if you have a Verizon Galaxy S8 congratulations. Your phone is already unlocked. Verizon Wireless no longer locks phones, regardless of what you might hear from friends or family. Simply drop a T-Mobile or AT&T SIM card in a Verizon model and it works. It may require manually configuring the APN settings though, so keep that in mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ONLY exception that might be would be Sprint since they are CDMA as well, but who really wants to go from Verizon to Sprint?????
All 4 Major US(and subsequent sub carriers) are receiving the same version of the phone(meaning same internals). From my understanding, inserting the carriers Sim card into the verizon phone just means you start going at that point and have access to all the carriers bands
If you got an international version, it most likely would be powered by an Exynos CPU vs the Snapdragon 835 so there would be some performance differences (typically Exynos models perform marginally better based on previous history)
If you're looking for a US unlocked model - wait until next month
http://www.theverge.com/circuitbrea...-unlocked-galaxy-s8-plus-pricing-release-date

I appreciate your clear response! Would it be accurate to say that I will have just as much freedom to hop from one carrier to another using the phone I have, as opposed to purchasing the upcoming US unlocked variant?
Also, I have heard the same thing about the hardware, that all of the carrier variants are the same physical model. But some folks, including the Samsung tech support rep I spoke to (unfortunately that probably doesn't mean a whole lot) seem to think that the carrier firmware is limiting the radio bands. Do you know this to be false?

I have the Verizon version and works fine on Tmo out of the box. Have to use Verizon update software through Windows though. OTA's will never come through.

I am using Verizon GS8 on att, it works but I only get HSPA mostly. No LTE, so band is definitely capped by firmware.
I didn't have any issue receiving ota with att sim in vzw gs8

I saw a review that said the s8 gets locked to the first carrier sim it accepts. Can someone confirm swapping sims of different carriers works?

Whanksta said:
I am using Verizon GS8 on att, it works but I only get HSPA mostly. No LTE, so band is definitely capped by firmware.
I didn't have any issue receiving ota with att sim in vzw gs8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried going into the network band menu and locking it to one of the AT&T LTE bands?
This still works on the S8 (found this on the S7 and used it to lock my S7 to band 4 for Tmobile)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tm...ng-network-t3331555/post65722081#post65722081

ElBeaner said:
Have you tried going into the network band menu and locking it to one of the AT&T LTE bands?
This still works on the S8 (found this on the S7 and used it to lock my S7 to band 4 for Tmobile)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tm...ng-network-t3331555/post65722081#post65722081
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am unable to access the service menu via the S7 method

Whanksta said:
I am unable to access the service menu via the S7 method
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok forgot you were Verizon - you have to edit a setting because they block you from that access
Try this if you're daring enough
https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s6/general/enabling-using-servicemode-t3109579
EDIT Damn, looks like you have to be rooted first
---------- Post added at 12:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 AM ----------
Whanksta said:
I am unable to access the service menu via the S7 method
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll need to wait unti the official AT&T rom is available from Smasung and then you should be able to flash it via ODIN onto the phone and get all the AT&T carrier bands

mredamon said:
I bought a Verizon SM-G950UZKAVZW direct from Samsung. I thought that I was buying a phone that I could take to any carrier. I'm hearing that might not be true. Does anyone have definitive, confirmed specs ie supported radio bands on all of the carrier variants as well as the upcoming intl version? Also I heard other reports that the hardware is identical and it's firmware that is limiting the phones. Not sure if that is true either. Samsung was absolutely not helpful.
Bottom line I need to know:
4 if I were to purchase an unlocked international model once it becomes available, would that phone be limited in any way when used on any US carrier? (Limited is again defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once it becomes available? You can buy Exynos right now from other countries. Clove in UK will region unlock the phone before shipping to you in the U.S. What needs to become available?
Don't confuse the "unlocked" S8 Samsung will sell here in the U.S. in a month or so with the Exynos international variant. The "unlocked" S8 coming to the U.S. is still the bootloader locked Snapdragon version, just without carrier branding. It will be carrier unlocked but not bootloader unlocked. If you care about rooting, TWRP, ROMs, etc Exynos is what you want.
would that (Exynos international variant) phone be limited in any way when used on any US carrier?
(Limited is again defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO, except if you are on CDMA-handicapped Sprint or Verizon. If you use Sprint or Verizon be aware Exynos doesn't have 3G CDMA bands to fall back on if you can't get LTE. For AT&T or T-Mobile, YES it has all the LTE/HSPA/GSM bands.
The "international" Exynos variant can be bootloader unlocked, rooted, etc. so tons of advantages. While it has Verizon LTE bands, there's no CDMA. This means you really need Verizon VoLTE to work and I don't have the answer to that. And if you can't get LTE signal on mobile network, you won't have any signal due to no CDMA fallback. Again, only an issue because of CDMA if you stay on Verizon instead of using AT&T or T-mobile (or their network affiliates). You seem like you want to switch to another carrier? So, go ahead and do so!
EXYNOS VARIANTS LTE BANDS:
LTE Bands: FDD: B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B12(700), B13(700), B17(700), B18(800), B19(800), B20(800), B25(1900), B26(800), B28(700), B32(1500), B66(AWS- 3) | TDD: B38(2600), B39(1900), B40(2300), B41(2500)
GSM/GPRS
850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
3G/HSPA
850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz

ChazzMatt said:
Once it becomes available? You can buy Exynos right now from other countries. Clove in UK will region unlock the phone before shipping to you in the U.S. What needs to become available?
Don't confuse the "unlocked" S8 Samsung will sell here in the U.S. in a month or so with the Exynos international variant. The "unlocked" S8 coming to the U.S. is still the bootloader locked Snapdragon version, just without carrier branding. It will be carrier unlocked but not bootloader unlocked. If you care about rooting, TWRP, ROMs, etc Exynos is what you want. /QUOTE]
Yeah I screwed up. I did confuse them.
I'm not interested in all that rooting stuff I just want a phone that pretty much works anywhere I want to take it and if it's slower on one network than another I wanna know what I'm getting myself into.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Whanksta said:
I am using Verizon GS8 on att, it works but I only get HSPA mostly. No LTE, so band is definitely capped by firmware.
I didn't have any issue receiving ota with att sim in vzw gs8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey guys
I'm from Brazil and I wanna buy the Verizon's S8 but I'm afraid about the 4G.
I saw that this model has the Brazil LTE frequencies, but I read here that Verizon capped the band from the firmware.
Somebody knows if I could flash via ODIN the unlocked rom that will come with the unlocked version in USA and so get the LTE free to use in any place?
I don't want to assume the risk to have a top mobile phone but don't be able to use 4G.
Thank you very much guys

Hey mredamon. Did you ever get a clear response here or somewhere else about this?