Do NOT buy this phone in the US unless Sony gets its phones approved to work with T-Mobile & AT&T
Sadly Sony is the only phone maker that offers a NORMAL sized phone with the Compact series.
Please show me ANY other options for an Android phone with a 4.6"-4.8" screen with a good camera. THERE ARE NONE! The battery life is also beyond incredible. I easily get 1+ (up to 2) days battery life with heavy usage. Standby time (screen off) is easily 7 days (no greenify or any of that crap needed).
I have a Sony Xperia X Compact and it is the BEST ANDROID PHONE I have ever had.
Despite that I have to say that NOBODY SHOULD BUY ANY SONY PHONES.
The phone is awesome and supports pretty much any 3G and 4G band out there but Sony refuses to get these phones approved by AT&T and T-Mobile for VoLTE.
That means (for T-Mobile as an example) that the Xperia X Compact technically supports T-Mobile's super-duper Band 12 LTE which has almost better coverage than Verizon, BUT because the phone is not approved for VoLTE, Sony phones will almost immediately get disconnected from that T-Mobile tower. You may be standing next to someone with an approved phone that has 100% coverage, yet the Sony Xperia phones will show NO RECEPTION.
Sony phones should be able to at least connect to Band 12 for data but they don't. It may technically have the ability to connect to Band 12 and even use VoLTE, but the tower refusal to keep the connection. Sony then apparently also screwed up the band prioritization, because Sony phones even have issues connecting to non VoLTE networks (eg Band 4).
As a result, ALL SONY PHONES ARE PRETTY MUCH UNUSABLE on T-Mobile and AT&T AS A PHONE.
Do NOT buy any Sony phones if you want to use them on T-Mobile and AT&T, though I can tell you that they are the BEST phones otherwise - just not as a phone.
This is pathetic and there is no response from Sony.
But the press releases say these 2 phones will work with t-mobile VOLTE and WiFi Calling.
lobo4806 said:
But the press releases say these 2 phones will work with t-mobile VOLTE and WiFi Calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea it will.
https://www.androidheadlines.com/20...z1-compact-support-t-mobile-wifi-calling.html
Lol yes first compact phone they certified I think. If someone figures out how to retain the volte functions and gain fingerprint sensor, I'm in.
I've had several Sony phones (Z1C, Z3, Z5C, all international single-SIM versions) and since at least the Z3, they all supported LTE on AT&T. I'm not sure anything changed since the Z5 era, so I'm hoping the XZ1C works fine on AT&T.
Can someone confirm this phone will work on at&t in the us? God I want it to do bad.
texaslegend said:
Can someone confirm this phone will work on at&t in the us? God I want it to do bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unproven rumors that it will be voLTE certified. NO CONFIRMATION FROM SONY OR T-MOBILE.
Even so, you won't be able to use the fingerprint sensor, since the international ROM won't support it.
Do NOT buy!!!!
Cool story but I'll be buying. Can't wait!
Btw, it also not confirmed that it WON'T work. Don't you think it would be a good idea to wait and see.
Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk
It seems you have some sort of personal agenda against Sony and/or this particular phone. An idealistic preference for what network(s) should be supported.
I don't know that I care if VoLTE is possible. I want to know if I can make/receive calls, text, access data for app and internet use.
The fingerprint scanner is irrelevant for me, it's there or not.
So simply said, will this work on US networks although some features may not be compatible.
Sent from my SM-G930V using XDA Free mobile app
Should be fine like every other Sony Compact I've had. Best Buy and Amazon will be selling it here shortly so one would logically assume they would be US carrier compatible in terms of calling/ data. I could give a crap about VoLTE.
From what I understand T-Mobile was sued a few years ago when someone couldn't make a 911 call in an area where there was only Band 12 LTE (since Band 12 goes through walls better than the 1900 MHz 2G and 1700 MHz 3G that T-Mo uses, apparently legally you are better off with no cell service than with only data service), because of that lawsuit T-Mobile asked phone makers to disable Band 12 on US devices that do not have VoLTE. (I can't post a source because I'm a new member but you can google this). It looks like the Band 12 blocking is done at the phone firmware level, not from T-Mobiles end, so there is a decent chance that the European firmware will not have Band 12 disabled. Though it will most likely also not support VoLTE on T-Mobile. You should still get good LTE data, you just might have to drop back to 3G or 2G for calls.
That said, this would need to be tested. It would be a shame if you had to choose between band 12 coverage without the fingerprint sensor, or a fingerprint sensor with band 12 coverage.
Either way I'm pretty psyched for this phone. I wish there was more competition in this space, but since Sony is the only game in town when it comes to non-phablet smartphones we really don't have much of a choice do we?
Phones re in and ... I am sadly correct.
Maybe if people spent more time to complain to T-Mobile, Sony, the FCC, the FTC and their Senator/congressman we would not have this issue.
Cell phone networks were supposed to let unlocked phones on ... VoLTE violates that.
Currently using my phone on tmobile just fine.
Getting LTE for data and no voice disconnects.
Could care less about volte; most people don't use their phones to talk anymore, myself included. Normal voice works fine for my needs. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
christogold said:
That said, this would need to be tested. It would be a shame if you had to choose between band 12 coverage without the fingerprint sensor, or a fingerprint sensor with band 12 coverage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly, some of us do.
theplasmastorm said:
Currently using my phone on tmobile just fine.
Getting LTE for data and no voice disconnects.
Could care less about volte; most people don't use their phones to talk anymore, myself included. Normal voice works fine for my needs. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont assume too much. Since band 12 is much better than bands 2 and 4 in many ways, t-mobile is often not only adding band 12 but using it to replace bands 2 and 4 (kinda makes sense, why would you upkeep obsolete bands). I have had T-Mobile for about a year with an older unlocked phone and they recently switched to a lot of band 12 all over my area/region and now I have lots of total deadzones (including my house). I need to be able to make/receive phone calls, as I'm sure many do. But, for your point, I do still have data, sometimes, it seems to be much weaker a lot of the time compared to what it used to though, but maybe that's just me. I recall coming across a list of cities/places where t-mobile plans to switch things to band 12 and the timeline.
Edit: I am not sure this was the exact article I originally viewed, but here's a link < http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2017/07/tmo-lte-spectrum-update.html?m=1 >.
theplasmastorm said:
Currently using my phone on tmobile just fine.
Getting LTE for data and no voice disconnects.
Could care less about volte; most people don't use their phones to talk anymore, myself included. Normal voice works fine for my needs. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So to clarify, if it doesn’t have VoLTE, it just drops to LTE?
So if I flash UK firmware to get the fingerprint scanner (with AT&T) I just get LTE?
I don’t see why this is such a huge issue then, at least for me where I live I’ve never seen anyone with anything more than LTE anyway, it’ll be just business as usual. I also don’t make many phone calls so this doesn’t seem like anything that will hurt me with this phone one bit.
kobold98 said:
So to clarify, if it doesn’t have VoLTE, it just drops to LTE?
So if I flash UK firmware to get the fingerprint scanner (with AT&T) I just get LTE?
I don’t see why this is such a huge issue then, at least for me where I live I’ve never seen anyone with anything more than LTE anyway, it’ll be just business as usual. I also don’t make many phone calls so this doesn’t seem like anything that will hurt me with this phone one bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To clarify,
On AT&T, with US firmware, you can:
1] You get LTE data.
2] You can make calls over GSM or UMTS, but not over LTE. This will also drop your data rate to 3G if you are using voice and data simultaneously.
3] You get no fingerprint reader.
On AT&T, with European firmware, you can:
1] You get LTE data.
2] You can make calls over GSM or UMTS, but not over LTE. This will also drop your data rate to 3G if you are using voice and data simultaneously.
3] You get a working fingerprint reader.
The VoLTE certification and modem configurations are only for T-Mobile on US firmware and other operators on specific, non-US firmware variants.
pbarrette said:
To clarify,
On AT&T, with US firmware, you can:
1] You get LTE data.
2] You can make calls over GSM or UMTS, but not over LTE. This will also drop your data rate to 3G if you are using voice and data simultaneously.
3] You get no fingerprint reader.
On AT&T, with European firmware, you can:
1] You get LTE data.
2] You can make calls over GSM or UMTS, but not over LTE. This will also drop your data rate to 3G if you are using voice and data simultaneously.
3] You get a working fingerprint reader.
The VoLTE certification and modem configurations are only for T-Mobile on US firmware and other operators on specific, non-US firmware variants.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much, it’s been hard to find a totally clear picture of this. As someone who doesn’t make a lot of phone calls (but does rely on LTE data) and never uses data during phone calls it sounds like I’ll be good to go with European firmware.
Thank you, that is a good summary for a fellow AT&T user. But one thing I am curious about. Does AT&T have VoLTE at all? Or is tmo the only one with that ability? Basically, if I bought a totally different phone specifically for AT&T would I get VoLTE?
Frontier3 said:
Thank you, that is a good summary for a fellow AT&T user. But one thing I am curious about. Does AT&T have VoLTE at all? Or is tmo the only one with that ability? Basically, if I bought a totally different phone specifically for AT&T would I get VoLTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T only offers VoLTE (they brand it: HD Voice) via their own branded handsets (ones bought through them) or any iPhone 6 or newer (as i recall).
andTab said:
Phones re in and ... I am sadly correct.
Maybe if people spent more time to complain to T-Mobile, Sony, the FCC, the FTC and their Senator/congressman we would not have this issue.
Cell phone networks were supposed to let unlocked phones on ... VoLTE violates that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you?
Related
I got my N6 (CW 46Gb) from Moto last Friday. I was amazed and exciting at the beginning. However, now I started noticing things that I am not sure if all Nexuses are like that or just mine. FYI, N6 rooted and unlocked bootloader on stock.
1. WiFi will not connect very quick. It will keep trying with "Authentication Problem" couple of times until it connects. It will take a while until it connects.
2. I can't use data mobile while I am on a phone call. I am with Verizon and I do have LTE in my area. I know for fact that I can do that because I used to do it my Galaxy Nexus and S4. (screenshot attached from N6)
3. call sound: the other end sound like "muffle" or "hollow" I don't know how to describe it, but it is not normal and not pure.
Any feedback or inputs would be helpful.
Thanks,
1. i personally dont have an issue
2. first off, you cant use both data and phone calls on verizon, its a cdma carrier. now the possibility exists to use data and voice on verizon, with lte, and only if they rolled out Volte into your area. if not, you can not have both voice and data on verizon.
3. sounds perfect here, and especially awesome when im connected via tmobiles hd calling.
simms22 said:
1. i personally dont have an issue
2. first off, you cant use both data and phone calls on verizon, its a cdma carrier. now the possibility exists to use data and voice on verizon, with lte, and only if they rolled out Volte into your area. if not, you can not have both voice and data on verizon.
3. sounds perfect here, and especially awesome when im connected via tmobiles hd calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply.
1. OK, mine might be defective unit. I will wait see other users what they say about it.
2. Yes I can use both with LTE device only! I am sure because as I said I used to do it on my previous Nexus on Verizon and Galaxy S4.
3. I try it for several days to make sure before I call it in.
bassil2022 said:
Thanks for your reply.
1. OK, mine might be defective unit. I will wait see other users what they say about it.
2. Yes I can use both with LTE device only! I am sure because as I said I used to do it on my previous Nexus on Verizon and Galaxy S4.
3. I try it for several days to make sure before I call it in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
only if verizon rolled out volte in your area. and they just started at the end of this summer. without volte, its impossible to have voice and data on lte, for any network. if using a lte phone on tmobile or att(gsm networks), when you make a phone call when on lte, the signal drops to hspa or 3g automatically. as voice calls cant go through lte when not on volte. there is one exception, if you are making an internet phonecall(that doesnt need a phone line).
simms22 said:
only if verizon rolled out volte in your area. and they just started at the end of this summer. without volte, its impossible to have voice and data on lte, for any network. if using a lte phone on tmobile or att(gsm networks), when you make a phone call when on lte, the signal drops to hspa or 3g automatically. as voice calls cant go through lte when not on volte. there is one exception, if you are making an internet phonecall(that doesnt need a phone line).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, look at pic attached. Using my wife's Galaxy S4 on Verizon proving that we can do it on LTE networks. I want to do it with my N6. I should be doing it like any LTE phone. I have an old 3G phone that doesn't do it.
There are only some phones that can use voice and data on Verizon without volte and only because those phones have 2 radios, I can use voice and data on my note 4 but my wife cannot use it on her turbo. The nexus cannot use voice and data without volte.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
molson8045 said:
There are only some phones that can use voice and data on Verizon without volte and only because those phones have 2 radios, I can use voice and data on my note 4 but my wife cannot use it on her turbo. The nexus cannot use voice and data without volte.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yours makes more since. Now, have you tried N6 on Verizon LTE and didn't work like Turbo?
Edit: never mind, from Reddit "This was known. Droid Life's test showed no data while on call. There will be an update that will enable VoLTE on carriers that support it, when that goes out, LTE will work while on call on supported towers."
So, it is a matter of time.
Mine has the Authentication problem since updating to 5.0.1
I have to reenter my password
HipKat said:
Mine has the Authentication problem since updating to 5.0.1
I have to reenter my password
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read somewhere here 5.0.1 fixes that! I was going to manually update mine to 5.0.1
simms22 said:
1. i personally dont have an issue
2. first off, you cant use both data and phone calls on verizon, its a cdma carrier. now the possibility exists to use data and voice on verizon, with lte, and only if they rolled out Volte into your area. if not, you can not have both voice and data on verizon.
3. sounds perfect here, and especially awesome when im connected via tmobiles hd calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use data and voice on Verizon. I've done it many times.
bassil2022 said:
I read somewhere here 5.0.1 fixes that! I was going to manually update mine to 5.0.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just the opposite for me. 5.0.1 seems to have caused it, plus connecting to data at boot up seems to take a lot longer
OK so, I don't understand. From Motorola's page:
Americas Model (XT1103)
GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
CDMA (800, 1900, secondary 800 MHz)
WCDMA (1, 2, 4, 5, 8)
LTE (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 29, 41)
CA DL (B2-B13, B2-B17, B2-29, B4-B5, B4-B13, B4-B17, B4-B29)
It says "secondary 800MHz". I know I have the 1103 model, I have the box. Why on earth can the device not use the "secondary 800MHz" to make the call??
Usually the carriers roll out an update to your phone which will allow you to use data while calling. At least that is my impression of big red. I haven't had Verizon in a while so I don't remember exactly but I think it has to do with the volte update that should be pushed out to the N6 for carries that support that and WiFi calling.
HipKat said:
Just the opposite for me. 5.0.1 seems to have caused it, plus connecting to data at boot up seems to take a lot longer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WiFi issue fixed. I talked custom recovery and Resurrection Remix Lollipop Rom. I loved that rom! Extra optional customizations that makes my N6 fly and special ?
I need to wait for the update to enable using voice and data at same time.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
My gnex does voice and data simultaneously. CDMA for voice and LTE for data.
The Nexus 6 does NOT do simultaneous voice and data on Verizon, yet.
The phone isn't even officially supported by Verizon. Give it some time.
anaphora68 said:
The Nexus 6 does NOT do simultaneous voice and data on Verizon, yet.
The phone isn't even officially supported by Verizon. Give it some time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Larzzzz82 said:
My gnex does voice and data simultaneously. CDMA for voice and LTE for data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As mentioned earlier in this thread, the Galaxy Nexus has two radios. Two radios = two connections.
I don't understand how this is still a question. Lol. It has been stated in this forum that the Nexus 6 is still handicapped on Verizon until Verizon rolls out the VoLTE update for it. Until then, the one radio in the Nexus 6 will only use voice OR data at one time, not both. Older phones on Verizon usually always had two radios for simultaneous voice and data. Newer phones will now usually only have one radio, which I personally think is kind of silly.
Can't say whether the muffled and hollow call quality is a bad unit though. Mine sounds clear.
@ataris_kid... I am well aware that the gnex has 2 radios. My comment was made to drive the point home to someone posting in this thread that it wasn't possible; when in fact it is. Just not with the N6 at this point in time. I just hope that volte on vzw doesn't go the way of the pogo pins on this toro gnex with the N6.
ASUS has just announced that it’s bringing the affordable ZenFone 2 Laser to the United States starting today. First announced back in early August 2015, this new device features similar specs to those of the ZenFone 2 proper, and comes with a few additional features.
It sports a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution and Gorilla Glass 4, an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor, 16 or 32GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB and a removable 3000mAh battery. Unlike the ZenFone 2 which features different amounts of RAM for each storage variant, the ZenFone 2 Laser comes with 3GB of RAM no matter which variant you choose. It also features a 5MP front-facing camera and a 13MP rear camera with laser autofocus. There’s no quick charging capabilities on this new device, and both of its Micro SIM card slots now support 4G LTE connectivity.
The U.S. variant of the ZenFone 2 Laser with 16GB of storage will be available starting today from the ASUS Store, Amazon, Newegg and B&H for $199, with the 32GB model going for $249.
Model 551KL. The international version of zenfone2 laser is model 550KL, which has 720p screen.
The octacore snap dragon makes this very tempting but no fast charge... Home on asus
Love the dual active dual LTE on both sims.. That is what a true dual sim phone is about. Does it have NFC?
No quick charge though as the previous poster stated. Like the processor is a Qualcomm, but the 600 series..???
Looked for it on Asus store and Amazon not available..... ???????
It looks like LTE is not dual-active. "Note
IMPORTANT: Both micro SIM card slots support 3G
WCDMA/ 4G LTE network band. But only one micro
SIM card can connect to 3G WCDMA/ 4G LTE service
at a time."
Also no LTE band 12 if you're on Tmo in the US
https://www.asus.com/Phone/ZenFone-2-Laser-ZE551KL/specifications/
yomuppet said:
It looks like LTE is not dual-active. "Note
IMPORTANT: Both micro SIM card slots support 3G
WCDMA/ 4G LTE network band. But only one micro
SIM card can connect to 3G WCDMA/ 4G LTE service
at a time."
Also no LTE band 12 if you're on Tmo in the US
https://www.asus.com/Phone/ZenFone-2-Laser-ZE551KL/specifications/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any dual sim phone that has LTE on both sims can only access LTE data one sim at a time. But I get what you are saying, does this also mean they software blocked it to only get 4G on one sim at a time even with voice/text? If so that is a very odd and strange thing to do.
What I noticed in the specs though it says in their "brochure" that it is dual active dual sim LTE
but when you read the specs it says secondary sim : 2G/3G so which is it? Is it up to 4G LTE on both sims or not.
Dual micro-SIM
- Primary SIM - 2G/3G/4G
- Secondary SIM - 2G/3G
This will still work on Tmobile. I have a zenfone 2 and it connects to Tmobile either through bands 2 or 4.
floridaman said:
Looked for it on Asus store and Amazon not available..... ???????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.amazon.com/ZenFone-Laser...e=UTF8&qid=1446504600&sr=8-2&keywords=ZE551KL
mrmathematica said:
http://www.amazon.com/ZenFone-Laser...e=UTF8&qid=1446504600&sr=8-2&keywords=ZE551KL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and it states it is out of stock for both models.
Both sims support LTE. LTE data connectivity is switchable via the settings panel.
Tuanies said:
Both sims support LTE. LTE data connectivity is switchable via the settings panel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very confused because another Asus rep on your own website stated that only 1 sim can run LTE which is a contradiction to what you are saying in your advertisement and what you are saying in your post as both sims run LTE. He said the following:
"Hey there – great question! The specs do say 2G/3G for the 2nd SIM because when both SIMs are being used, and the 1st SIM is used for LTE, hardware limitations set the 2nd SIM to only 3G – meaning LTE can’t run concurrently. "
I'm not understanding how this would be a hardware issue since dual active runs with 2 separate modems, therefore LTE should be available for voice/text on both sims at all times. Data however can only be on 1 sim at a time. But he is saying only 1 sim can operate as LTE and the other is 2/3G for voice/text. This seems more like a firmware issue that is blocking 4G LTE on the other sim not a hardware issue.
I'm very much looking at this phone to ditch my Zenfone 2 due to it's poor performance with the sim2 being on 2G. So would really like to have some clarification on this.
Also noticed no quick charge and no NFC on this model. I can possibly understand the quick charge, but really no NFC. NFC cost so very little anymore, I am not really seeing a reason for leaving this out. Just raise the price of the phone the $1.00 it cost.
It seems Asus almost gets there but then either leaves things out or uses bad hardware under the guise of "pricing". Putting a quick charge and NFC would have raised the phone pricing minimal and I would gladly pay another $20-30 for this. Additionally since you are coming out with this the other rep wouldn't state whether or not it would get an upgrade to M when released. You guys really need to do much much better in this area.
floridaman said:
Yes and it states it is out of stock for both models.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Newegg has both models in stock in Silver.
floridaman said:
Very confused because another Asus rep on your own website stated that only 1 sim can run LTE which is a contradiction to what you are saying in your advertisement and what you are saying in your post as both sims run LTE. He said the following:
"Hey there – great question! The specs do say 2G/3G for the 2nd SIM because when both SIMs are being used, and the 1st SIM is used for LTE, hardware limitations set the 2nd SIM to only 3G – meaning LTE can’t run concurrently. "
I'm not understanding how this would be a hardware issue since dual active runs with 2 separate modems, therefore LTE should be available for voice/text on both sims at all times. Data however can only be on 1 sim at a time. But he is saying only 1 sim can operate as LTE and the other is 2/3G for voice/text. This seems more like a firmware issue that is blocking 4G LTE on the other sim not a hardware issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE is data only, and as this is an unlocked device, it is not compatible with TMO/AT&T VoLTE. Therefore, all calls/texts will ride on 2G EDGE or 3G HSPA+ networks no matter what. So no point in having dual active LTE, as it just serves to eat up more battery life.
Most other phones tend to have 1 slot that can do 2G/3G/4G and a second slot for 2G/3G only, which means if you want to use SIM2 on 4G, you have to power off the phone and switch the SIM cards around physically. On the ZE551KL, both slots are 2G/3G/4G compatible, and 2G/3G remains active on both at all times, while the 4G data connection is switchable via Android software. No need to turn off and move SIMs around to change which one you want to use for your data connection.
Whenever an application starts a data session (opening a web browser, email auto-sync, etc), the application asks Android for details regarding the connection. Since this is a dual-SIM device, you can select which SIM card you want the data connection to occur on in the dual-SIM settings. If there was no option, Android might randomly select a SIM that has a small data plan and eat up your data usage.
Sucks that there's no Band 12, but all the other radio decisions they've made sound right.
xtermmin said:
Newegg has both models in stock in Silver.
LTE is data only, and as this is an unlocked device, it is not compatible with TMO/AT&T VoLTE. Therefore, all calls/texts will ride on 2G EDGE or 3G HSPA+ networks no matter what. So no point in having dual active LTE, as it just serves to eat up more battery life.
Most other phones tend to have 1 slot that can do 2G/3G/4G and a second slot for 2G/3G only, which means if you want to use SIM2 on 4G, you have to power off the phone and switch the SIM cards around physically. On the ZE551KL, both slots are 2G/3G/4G compatible, and 2G/3G remains active on both at all times, while the 4G data connection is switchable via Android software. No need to turn off and move SIMs around to change which one you want to use for your data connection.
Whenever an application starts a data session (opening a web browser, email auto-sync, etc), the application asks Android for details regarding the connection. Since this is a dual-SIM device, you can select which SIM card you want the data connection to occur on in the dual-SIM settings. If there was no option, Android might randomly select a SIM that has a small data plan and eat up your data usage.
Sucks that there's no Band 12, but all the other radio decisions they've made sound right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what having an unlocked phone has anything to do with VoLTE, whether the phone is locked or unlocked it can still be capable of VoLTE and there are plenty of unlocked phones out there that are. Eventually all phones will have to be VoLTE capable whether they want to or not, locked or unlocked.
In order to use TMobile's band 12 the phone must be VoLTE and E911 enabled certified by TMobile. TMobile issued a release on the already back in the summer. This phone will still work the TMobile system just fine as I'm using the Zenfone on both AT&T and TMobile and never had an issue hitting TMobile at all as it has the other bands TMobile uses.
I'm also aware as I stated above in my previous post that the phone can only use 1 sim at a time for data, however there are already dual sim phones that do not downgrade the second sim to 2/3G for voice/text it keeps it at 4G LTE with very little noticeable battery loss at all. Those phones and I had a Siswoo, was the same exact way in the OS that you tell it which sim you wish to use for data, this is not something new and has been around for quite some time. A lot of battery loss as to do with how well a company keeps up their firmware and OS on the phone to make sure the patches are done. To say nothing of how the actual end user uses the device itself.
The problem with downgrading the second sim to 2G would amount to the same issue I'm running into now with the Zenfone, it's completely useless as a dual sim phone as 2G is being shut down.
Thank you for your response but it still doesn't answer any of the conflicting responses from Asus.
floridaman said:
I'm not sure what having an unlocked phone has anything to do with VoLTE, whether the phone is locked or unlocked it can still be capable of VoLTE and there are plenty of unlocked phones out there that are. Eventually all phones will have to be VoLTE capable whether they want to or not, locked or unlocked.
In order to use TMobile's band 12 the phone must be VoLTE and E911 enabled certified by TMobile. TMobile issued a release on the already back in the summer. This phone will still work the TMobile system just fine as I'm using the Zenfone on both AT&T and TMobile and never had an issue hitting TMobile at all as it has the other bands TMobile uses.
I'm also aware as I stated above in my previous post that the phone can only use 1 sim at a time for data, however there are already dual sim phones that do not downgrade the second sim to 2/3G for voice/text it keeps it at 4G LTE with very little noticeable battery loss at all. Those phones and I had a Siswoo, was the same exact way in the OS that you tell it which sim you wish to use for data, this is not something new and has been around for quite some time. A lot of battery loss as to do with how well a company keeps up their firmware and OS on the phone to make sure the patches are done. To say nothing of how the actual end user uses the device itself.
The problem with downgrading the second sim to 2G would amount to the same issue I'm running into now with the Zenfone, it's completely useless as a dual sim phone as 2G is being shut down.
Thank you for your response but it still doesn't answer any of the conflicting responses from Asus.
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Unlocked devices typically do not go through carrier VoLTE certification, the exception being the Nexus 6 that was offered by carriers directly (and Apple devices but that's an entirely different beast), which is why it has Band 12 enabled. The new set of Nexus' and the Moto X Pure, which are not sold by carriers, have not gone through carrier VoLTE certification yet, so despite their hardware supporting Band 12, it's currently disabled. However, VoLTE is not a requirement yet, as no networks are planning on shutting down both their 2G and 3G signals anytime soon. Considering this phone will probably never be certified for VoLTE by AT&T/TMO (none of ASUS' other US devices have VoLTE certifications), there is no reason for both SIM slots to have 4G access at the same time. Since both slots support simultaneous 2G/3G, when AT&T/TMO get around to shutting down their 2G networks, the second SIM will continue to function normally and do calls/texts over the 3G network.
I don't know if only 1 SIM being able to access LTE is a hardware or software issue/limitation, but since carriers won't VoLTE certify it, it's a non-issue. The only difference is that MMS on the second SIM might take a second longer to download over 3G vs 4G.
xtermmin said:
Unlocked devices typically do not go through carrier VoLTE certification, the exception being the Nexus 6 that was offered by carriers directly (and Apple devices but that's an entirely different beast), which is why it has Band 12 enabled. The new set of Nexus' and the Moto X Pure, which are not sold by carriers, have not gone through carrier VoLTE certification yet, so despite their hardware supporting Band 12, it's currently disabled. However, VoLTE is not a requirement yet, as no networks are planning on shutting down both their 2G and 3G signals anytime soon. Considering this phone will probably never be certified for VoLTE by AT&T/TMO (none of ASUS' other US devices have VoLTE certifications), there is no reason for both SIM slots to have 4G access at the same time. Since both slots support simultaneous 2G/3G, when AT&T/TMO get around to shutting down their 2G networks, the second SIM will continue to function normally and do calls/texts over the 3G network.
I don't know if only 1 SIM being able to access LTE is a hardware or software issue/limitation, but since carriers won't VoLTE certify it, it's a non-issue. The only difference is that MMS on the second SIM might take a second longer to download over 3G vs 4G.
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TMobile is the only carrier I think requiring certification, AT&T doesn't require anything. If your phone is equipped with VoLTE all you have to do is turn it on inside your phone with AT&T, TMobile requires you to call them and have it added to your account. Either way a phone still could be VoLTE whether unlocked or locked. certified or uncertified. AT&T rolled out VoLTE 2 years ago and TMobile is still in the beginning stages of a rollout. You're comparing Walmart with Macy's here, which is one of the reasons I ditched TMobile years ago. So I really don't care what TMobile does or doesn't do since they are not my main provider, AT&T is, so the fact band 12 isn't there has zero affect on my use. Regardless VoLTE has zero bearing on the what Asus is doing with the 2 sim modems in this phone. Since a dual active phone has 2 modems, my guess it is a software issue not a hardware issue.
AT&T has already started shutting down 2G in different areas and has stated by the end of 2016 all 2G will be shut down across the U.S. I'm in Florida and 2G is already down in certain areas. So yes, they have started shutting down 2G already. In fact my other sim from Three UK doesn't even offer 2G signal when in the UK, they don't have it at all on their spectrum.
Once again though, I still have conflicting information from 2 different Asus reps and nothing is being stated by them as to why and which one is the correct one.
This highlights the poor performance SIM 2 issue I went through on the ZF2 because of the 2G slot. It proved out because I have a new dual SIM phone now that gets LTE in both slots. I went through a terrible time unable to get calls in my house on the ZF2's second SIM. I'm able to on my new phone. I thought I was going to have issues at first, but my reception and SIM 2 availability have been consistent now. I can make and receive calls in my house just fine. I had minor issues at first, and it's fine now. My phone is provisioned to my new phone with my carrier on both slots. So that's what Asus needs to guarantee it can provide in that second slot; call reception that works! Too late for me. I found another product.
Sent from my PURE XL using XDA Free mobile app
babsk said:
This highlights the poor performance SIM 2 issue I went through on the ZF2 because of the 2G slot. It proved out because I have a new dual SIM phone now that gets LTE in both slots. I went through a terrible time unable to get calls in my house on the ZF2's second SIM. I'm able to on my new phone. I thought I was going to have issues at first, but my reception and SIM 2 availability have been consistent now. I can make and receive calls in my house just fine. I had minor issues at first, and it's fine now. My phone is provisioned to my new phone with my carrier on both slots. So that's what Asus needs to guarantee it can provide in that second slot; call reception that works! Too late for me. I found another product.
Sent from my PURE XL using XDA Free mobile app
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Exactly Babsk. 2 days now and still no response as to what is the correct information from Asus. The rep on their own forum said he didn't know if an update to M would even be available, they're still working Lollipop. Really? Still working on Lollipop 5.0. I wish I could get that phone you got, but not enough bands for me are turned on.
floridaman said:
Exactly Babsk. 2 days now and still no response as to what is the correct information from Asus. The rep on their own forum said he didn't know if an update to M would even be available, they're still working Lollipop. Really? Still working on Lollipop 5.0. I wish I could get that phone you got, but not enough bands for me are turned on.
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floridaman: That's truly a shame. I had to research the bands thing too. I have AT&T and fortunately the missing LTE Band 5 is not a concern. My area is using Band 17 all the time and the Pure XL picks it up just fine. I did an LTE band check before I got this phone and then figured I would also test it after purchase. My speed tests show I get LTE and my display says it too.
I hope you can get an answer from Asus. It would be great if the Laser could work out for you.
Sent from my PURE XL using Tapatalk
Frankenberrie said:
The octacore snap dragon makes this very tempting but no fast charge... Home on asus
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I have the octacore snapdragon and it supports fast charge
heywheelie said:
I have the octacore snapdragon and it supports fast charge
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I noticed that as well in the specs on Qualcomm website's that this processor does have quickcharge. It's becoming clear that Asus goes in and firmware blocks things, for what reason is anyones guess.
If this phone had fast charge I would buy it and keep my zen2 as a backup
I'm looking into buying this since my ZE551ML has broken LCD. But, I'm confused with what the CS told me and what is advertised. CS told me that sim2 is only 2G/3G and not 2G/3G/4G as advertised.
Also, no root yet.
Posted using my phone.
I have an up to date verizon note 9 although still paying for it I had it on their service for over 6 months so legally allowed to use on another service currently using it on cricket with no issues other than no VOlte which I've never had with cricket no matter what phone because I won't use the phones they have because I don't like them but that's another story....Since I can't get volte on my Verizon model note 9 that's fully updated for US I was wanting to switch to tmobile...I was set up with a sim card on their magenta plus plan worked great till I got to my home which is in a more rural area but did show verified coverage at driveway on their map I had no signal so I went to settings searched for mobile networks found tmobile listed registered and it connected like 2 bars LTE but within min lost service did it again lost service again while I had lte I was able to call and use data...so my question is could this be me using a verizon phone for it not latching on by itself or holding the signal I know note 9 has the 600mhz band but was wandering if I went ahead and got a tmobile phone if it would actually latch on and hold the signal that Verizon's addons and changing is playing well with tmobile...UNLESS someone can tell me how to get VOlte on cricket with this note 9 then I wouldn't need tmobile then 3g calling has went to crap over a year....thankyou for any input
Terasman210 said:
I have an up to date verizon note 9 although still paying for it I had it on their service for over 6 months so legally allowed to use on another service currently using it on cricket with no issues other than no VOlte which I've never had with cricket no matter what phone because I won't use the phones they have because I don't like them but that's another story....Since I can't get volte on my Verizon model note 9 that's fully updated for US I was wanting to switch to tmobile...I was set up with a sim card on their magenta plus plan worked great till I got to my home which is in a more rural area but did show verified coverage at driveway on their map I had no signal so I went to settings searched for mobile networks found tmobile listed registered and it connected like 2 bars LTE but within min lost service did it again lost service again while I had lte I was able to call and use data...so my question is could this be me using a verizon phone for it not latching on by itself or holding the signal I know note 9 has the 600mhz band but was wandering if I went ahead and got a tmobile phone if it would actually latch on and hold the signal that Verizon's addons and changing is playing well with tmobile...UNLESS someone can tell me how to get VOlte on cricket with this note 9 then I wouldn't need tmobile then 3g calling has went to crap over a year....thankyou for any input
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Click to collapse
All N960U and N960U1 devices are EXACTLY the same. The only difference between the devices is software.
Flash the software for the carrier your running including the Userdata for you Note 9. It should work for all features especially on T-Mobile. T-Movile fully allows unlocked devices on their network whereas Verizon doesn't. I'm pretty sure at&t is like Verizon through when it comes to unlocked devices, and they own cricket so that rule probably trickles down to them as well.
You can get all carrier version of software for your Note 9 on samfirm or sammobile
Jammol said:
All N960U and N960U1 devices are EXACTLY the same. The only difference between the devices is software.
Flash the software for the carrier your running including the Userdata for you Note 9. It should work for all features especially on T-Mobile. T-Movile fully allows unlocked devices on their network whereas Verizon doesn't. I'm pretty sure at&t is like Verizon through when it comes to unlocked devices, and they own cricket so that rule probably trickles down to them as well.
You can get all carrier version of software for your Note 9 on samfirm or sammobile
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But my question would be would my phone latch on to tmobile towers using tmobile firmware better than my current state using verizon firmware I'm excluding wifi calling and volte just trying to determine if I would have a difference in service availability picking up towers and holding them with stronger lte signal or if it's just poor coverage both ways and will be no different than you for your advice as well
Terasman210 said:
But my question would be would my phone latch on to tmobile towers using tmobile firmware better than my current state using verizon firmware I'm excluding wifi calling and volte just trying to determine if I would have a difference in service availability picking up towers and holding them with stronger lte signal or if it's just poor coverage both ways and will be no different than you for your advice as well
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You will not have a difference in coverage. T-Mobile did the same thing with where I live and listed it on their map as being fully covered. I barely get LTE at my house or anywhere in my neighborhood.
Jammol said:
You will not have a difference in coverage. T-Mobile did the same thing with where I live and listed it on their map as being fully covered. I barely get LTE at my house or anywhere in my neighborhood.
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Okay thank you for saving me the trouble of doing firmware swap or just buying a phone from them just to try and have same result and have to return....man I wish cricket would sell the note 10 or 9 where I could get the volte...but thankyou for your time
Terasman210 said:
Okay thank you for saving me the trouble of doing firmware swap or just buying a phone from them just to try and have same result and have to return....man I wish cricket would sell the note 10 or 9 where I could get the volte...but thankyou for your time
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You will never know until you try it, so why not try it and find out? Make it an SM-N960U1. Debloated and ready to go with any sim you install. Flash the unbranded firmware that can work on any of the US providers. That's what I have, and when I loaded a T-Mobile sim, I got VoLTE and wifi calling. I've run a lot of custom firmwares in the past, but this is the best phone and firmware combo I've ever had. And it's pure stock.
Also, this stock One UI with dark mode is very slick. VERY! No Substratum, no themes, no fuss. Just clean and black.
gruuvin said:
You will never know until you try it, so why not try it and find out? Make it an SM-N960U1. Debloated and ready to go with any sim you install. Flash the unbranded firmware that can work on any of the US providers. That's what I have, and when I loaded a T-Mobile sim, I got VoLTE and wifi calling. I've run a lot of custom firmwares in the past, but this is the best phone and firmware combo I've ever had. And it's pure stock.
Also, this stock One UI with dark mode is very slick. VERY! No Substratum, no themes, no fuss. Just clean and black.
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His goal is better service reception.
Only the carrier can fix that by actually providing the coverage they put on their maps.
Jammol said:
His goal is better service reception.
Only the carrier can fix that by actually providing the coverage they put on their maps.
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Lots of people have reported better or worse quality service, all other things equal except for firmware/software: different radios enabled/disabled; different optimizations. I just read another thread where someone got better tmobile reception at his house after flashing tmobile software over US unlocked software. There are more variables than just the carrier side of things.
gruuvin said:
Lots of people have reported better or worse quality service, all other things equal except for firmware/software: different radios enabled/disabled; different optimizations. I just read another thread where someone got better tmobile reception at his house after flashing tmobile software over US unlocked software. There are more variables than just the carrier side of things.
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Thankyou then that kinda answers my question that although phones are equal between verizon version and unlocked internally and firmware being the difference that using a tmobile phone with their firmware I'd stand the best chance of service and since my area uses extended range area I would probably have a better experience than on my note 9 verizon...thankyou again
Terasman210 said:
Thankyou then that kinda answers my question that although phones are equal between verizon version and unlocked internally and firmware being the difference that using a tmobile phone with their firmware I'd stand the best chance of service and since my area uses extended range area I would probably have a better experience than on my note 9 verizon...thankyou again
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Yes. I think it may make no difference at all, or it might (much to gain, but nothing to lose), but most of the evidence in these forums, when it comes to connection quality, is extremely variable and anecdotal. Nobody can know an answer to this kind of question, unless they test it out for themselves. Good luck!
Wanted to ask if anyone with a USA model rog 2 tried att Sim card and did it work with att? We already know t-mobile doesn't list those options. This way we can all go search for phones that will suit our needs.
My US model will be delivered either Saturday or Monday and I use AT&T. Will post my results then.
I just talked to support again, and they said no VoLTE or VoWifi on Tmobile, Verizon, or AT&T, or any American carrier. They have no plans to enable it. The suggestion was that I leave them a complaint, so I did so via their form on Asus.com as well as Facebook.
The problem is AT&T is shutting down their 3G service this year so if VoLTE isn't enabled we can't make voice calls.
TawkinTrash said:
The problem is AT&T is shutting down their 3G service this year so if VoLTE isn't enabled we can't make voice calls.
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As is TMobile, from what I understand. You should be able to make calls, but it will default to EDGE, IIRC.
Cellendril said:
As is TMobile, from what I understand. You should be able to make calls, but it will default to EDGE, IIRC.
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Click to collapse
Ok I just tried to confirm and got info they're not shutting down 3G just yet. We still have a few more years.
I guess that's good we'll still have calls but isn't good because there's no reason for VoLTE.
Thanks to ryououki for the offer, we will await your testing and we will be here if u need any help
I seriously don't understand a U.S model, yet no volte? That's just dumb. Wtf?
I can tell you right now it wont work, Its a sick phone but I'm sending it back because of this. Asus screwed up with no VoLTE, no VoWiFi, and only a 1080p screen IMO. Maybe next time they will get it right. I hope the OnePlus 7T and the 7T Pro has it... Crazy!
Just read this for T-Mobile:
Due to lack of VoLTE support you won't be able to place and receive calls including 911 calls in some buildings and some outdoor areas where 2G GSM and 3G HSPA+ signal (marketed by T-Mobile as "4G") is too weak or non-existent while LTE band 12 is available
Great info so far , just need someone to try it with att sim for confirmation.
So far we know,
Tmobile no go on volte or wifi call
Verizon works on data only no calls or txt just like rog one. Cdmaless option unclear at this moment .
Att no test yet
I have a US model on AT&T and can't get VoLTE yet.
I talked to AT&T support and they said there's no compatibility yet.
The IMEI doesn't come up in their system as a known device.
I have at&t and a USA version of the phone, I can confirm as well that the phone drops to 3g when making voice calls.
This is really really bad because at&t plans to shut down their 3g in 2021, that means no voice calls after that. Asus USA knowingly selling a $900 phone that cant make a call in 2 years is borderline fraudulent.
yok3 said:
I have at&t and a USA version of the phone, I can confirm as well that the phone drops to 3g when making voice calls.
This is really really bad because at&t plans to shut down their 3g in 2021, that means no voice calls after that. Asus USA knowingly selling a $900 phone that cant make a call in 2 years is borderline fraudulent.
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I have to agree. Its just dumb.
Someone needs to see if something like this can work.....
https://forum.xda-developers.com/Mi-9/how-to/wifi-calling-volte-mi-9-t3917887
There has to be options somewhere we can atleast get VOLTE working. Yes root will be mandatory, but i am ok with that. I might order one from amazon. Whats the return policy for phones on amazon? Anyone know?
I believe there were reports that VoLTE was working on Tencent models?
We really need to look into making a custom rom for our phones for the US carriers.
Did you try dialer codes *#*#VOWIFI#*#* and *#*#VOLTE#*#*
How ridiculous. This is how you ruin a near perfect phone.
stealthj said:
I believe there were reports that VoLTE was working on Tencent models?
We really need to look into making a custom rom for our phones for the US carriers.
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I did more research, it seems to be more on the AT&T side than on the Asus side of things. Barring a few well-know phones like the Pixel 3, most BYOD Android devices on AT&T in general don't get VoLTE, including unlocked versions of Samsung Galaxy devices that are not purchased through AT&T. It looks like AT&T does not enable VoLTE for device models with IMEIs that it does not recognize (i.e. doesn't have AT&T certified ROMs), because they are afraid of getting fined by FCC for non-E911 compliance which requires the carrier to certify E911 support on all handset/firmware when on VoLTE. My guess the Tencent models with VoLTE working are somehow whitelisted by AT&T ad-hoc or they are working on Non-U.S. carriers. So it is more of an AT&T problem than an Asus/ROM issue. (though there may be ROM hacks to ask the handset to force VoLTE even if AT&T doesn't advertise the capability during protocol handshake).
Since this is a much bigger issue than just the ROG II phone, hopefully they have a plan to white list all BYOD Android devices for VoLTE when they sunset 3G. Otherwise AT&T would stand to lose a good chunk of revenue from those who migrate over from other carriers with BYOD phones, say a Galaxy phone with a T-Mobile ROM. You simply can't even offer a BYOD plan if you don't have voice call working for most of the BYOD Android devices.
suzook said:
I have to agree. Its just dumb.
Someone needs to see if something like this can work.....
https://forum.xda-developers.com/Mi-9/how-to/wifi-calling-volte-mi-9-t3917887
There has to be options somewhere we can atleast get VOLTE working. Yes root will be mandatory, but i am ok with that. I might order one from amazon. Whats the return policy for phones on amazon? Anyone know?
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I'm pretty sure their return policy for phones is the same as all other goods. I bought and returned the original ROG phone last year through Amazon, considering doing the same with ROG II unless there's a breakthrough on providers and features with custom ROMS/etc.
Yea that's pretty dirty to whitelist the Tencent version but not the US model.
This phone sounds amazing, but theres some conflicting information i've heard on it from multiple different sources.
1. Does the phone work on verizon? My current phone plan is on verizon, and it would be so much easier to just change out phones rather than move my entire wireless company to get this phone. I've heard that it does and it doesn't. Is it the chinese versions that don't? I'm american, so do the versions sold in America work with verizon? I went to my local verizon store, and they said it wouldn't, but the lady had to look it up on her phone but the article she saw might have been talking about the tencent version or something.
2. If it doesn't work on verizon, what other network would work better? I've heard that T-Mobile wouldn't work well for this phone, so maybe AT&T? Again, I would greatly prefer to just stick with Verizon.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE answer my questions, I've asked these questions in multiple places but no one has answered a reliable answer in any of them.
JegusChrist said:
This phone sounds amazing, but theres some conflicting information i've heard on it from multiple different sources.
1. Does the phone work on verizon? My current phone plan is on verizon, and it would be so much easier to just change out phones rather than move my entire wireless company to get this phone. I've heard that it does and it doesn't. Is it the chinese versions that don't? I'm american, so do the versions sold in America work with verizon? I went to my local verizon store, and they said it wouldn't, but the lady had to look it up on her phone but the article she saw might have been talking about the tencent version or something.
2. If it doesn't work on verizon, what other network would work better? I've heard that T-Mobile wouldn't work well for this phone, so maybe AT&T? Again, I would greatly prefer to just stick with Verizon.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE answer my questions, I've asked these questions in multiple places but no one has answered a reliable answer in any of them.
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Click to collapse
No on Verizon. Yes to tmobile and att. Chinese and international versions have different lte band support. Talk to your local tmobile and att reps to see which bands you need and verify on the Asus site for rog phone 2.
A few users here say they got it working on Verizon as a data only device, and it does support their LTE bands. For calls, they mostly use Google Voice but one buys a cheap subscription on an AT&T MVNO for calls.
It doesn't have band 71 support for TMO, which could make coverage an issue. AT&T has the best support from what I've seen.
Something else to note is this is not VoLTE certified in the U.S. It can only make calls on the GSM networks, and those will be shutting over the next few years. If you plan to keep the phone long term, expect to lose the ability to make any phone calls. You could move to Google Voice at that point, but you'd still be left with no 911 access. Asus has so far indicated they have no plans to certify it for VoLTE in the U.S. (even other region versions that do have VoLTE wouldn't be able to use it here).
Mr_Mooncatt said:
A few users here say they got it working on Verizon as a data only device, and it does support their LTE bands. For calls, they mostly use Google Voice but one buys a cheap subscription on an AT&T MVNO for calls.
It doesn't have band 71 support for TMO, which could make coverage an issue. AT&T has the best support from what I've seen.
Something else to note is this is not VoLTE certified in the U.S. It can only make calls on the GSM networks, and those will be shutting over the next few years. If you plan to keep the phone long term, expect to lose the ability to make any phone calls. You could move to Google Voice at that point, but you'd still be left with no 911 access. Asus has so far indicated they have no plans to certify it for VoLTE in the U.S. (even other region versions that do have VoLTE wouldn't be able to use it here).
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I'm not exactly the best at phone lingo, i just stumbled across this website while looking up things about the phone.
That being said, can you tell me whether or not the phone is worth it? It seems like theres wayy too many disadvantages to this phone, and that kinda bugs me. I've been wanting this phone for a while, so I'd much rather get this than anything else.
If it's not really worth it, can you mention any other phones that are similar? mainly one that can emulate games just as good if not better than the ROG 2?
"Is it worth it?"
That is such a loaded question if you're in the U.S. That's something you'll have to decide for yourself based on your needs. If it had VoLTE here, then it would be worth every penny. All I can say is that for me, it isn't worth it. Yes, you get a ton of value for the phone. I'm on Verizon and would've been ok switching calls and texts to Google Voice. I also planned to keep it long term, likely after the GSM network shutdowns. I also drive for a living, hauling hazardous materials. So in my case, the inability to make a 911 call once those networks shut down is a very big concern. For me, that one reason alone is why I've decided to hold off on it.
On the flip side, if you don't have a problem with the 911 issue, or plan to switch phones in a year or two anyway, then this may very well be worth it in your case.
As for other options, I think the Nubia Red Magic 3s is likely the closest in terms of features and performance. It's not quite as bleeding edge as the ROG 2, but it's also a lot cheaper and has VoLTE calling. The Razer Phone 2 is another known option, but it's a generation older too and support may be questionable (rumor has it there may not be a Razer 3). I don't know a ton about either phone other than what I've read on their specs.