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Hi everyone,
For anyone out there that won't be trading in a phone and paying full price, it looks like B&H has the best deal on the Note 9 that's compatible with T-Mobile U.S.A. They are throwing the new QI wireless charger duo, a dex dock and the AKG headphones (although via rebate )
My question: How's Samsung's software updates for their unlocked phones? I know they caught some heat in the past for doing quarterly security updates instead of monthly which they have now fixed but is that true for their major OS updates? I don't want to be stuck on 8.0 till this time next year when 9.0 is starting to roll out now..
Anything else I would be losing by going the unlocked route? I have TMobile here in the U.S and the specs sheet pretty much covers everything including bands 66 and 71.. I'm assuming wifi calling is a given although it doesn't say so..
No tax and the additional freebies have me lingering on the preorder click button.. What say you?
Avoid T-Mobile since it would come with a locked bootloader. I am still rocking a Note-4 on TMO since the bootloader was unlocked. It is probably better to get an international model of the phone.
I'm on the fence as the OP as well. Has band 71 been totally confirmed for the US unlocked version!?
It is my understanding that the international version will have full band support for the US-Based GSM carriers (AT&T and T-Mo) but not for CDMA (Verizon and Shint).
If I'm not mistaken, Carrier versions get the update from Samsung, after Samsung does their tweaks, and then the carrier puts their little changes, and then the update rolls out. Unlocked versions should get updates sooner since there's no carrier involved right?
---------- Post added at 12:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:57 PM ----------
mike2518 said:
I'm on the fence as the OP as well. Has band 71 been totally confirmed for the US unlocked version!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to BestBuy.com
LTE Band 1, LTE Band 12, LTE Band 13, LTE Band 17, LTE Band 18, LTE Band 19, LTE Band 2, LTE Band 20, LTE Band 25, LTE Band 26, LTE Band 28, LTE Band 29, LTE Band 3, LTE Band 30, LTE Band 38, LTE Band 39, LTE Band 4, LTE Band 40, LTE Band 41, LTE Band 5, LTE Band 7, LTE Band 8
As far as wifi calling it should work on a unlocked Note 9. I have the unlocked Note 8 and wifi calling works on tmobile.
I am not sure about the bands support as phone arena also says that it does t have B71 support.
But if the US unlocked S9 can be used as an example, it has b71 support. So I wouldn't see why Samsung would drop b71 support on the US unlocked Note 9.
jayr04 said:
If I'm not mistaken, Carrier versions get the update from Samsung, after Samsung does their tweaks, and then the carrier puts their little changes, and then the update rolls out. Unlocked versions should get updates sooner since there's no carrier involved right?
You would think it works that way but no. All carriers are satisfied first before unlocked units. My unlocked note 8 always received updates well after carriers. I guess unlocked users represent a smaller percentage and thus lower priority.
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Click to collapse
PC Mag review has confirmed that tmobile wifi calling works on the unlocked Note 9 but not for any of the other carriers. Still don't know about band 71 coverage though b&h has it listed on their website.
FYI Oreo on tmobile note 8 was released April 1st while Oreo on unlocked version was released April 4th.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Tmobile band 71
Does anyone know if an unlocked Sprint Note 9 is compatible with TMobiles band 71?
I bought on Ebay a note 9 that was listed as a factory US unlocked SM-N960u1. Based on the imei number, it turns out that it is a sprint carrier unlocked note 9 that someone flashed the U1 firmware onto it. I talked to Samsung support and tmobile tech support who do Not know if this phone will work with band 71.
Sorry if I'm asking in the wrong location.
Appreciate the input.
Yes it should be compatible I think. You can try dialing *#2263# then go to band selection then LTE then look for listed bands, it should say 71 in there.
sl5400 said:
Does anyone know if an unlocked Sprint Note 9 is compatible with TMobiles band 71?
I bought on Ebay a note 9 that was listed as a factory US unlocked SM-N960u1. Based on the imei number, it turns out that it is a sprint carrier unlocked note 9 that someone flashed the U1 firmware onto it. I talked to Samsung support and tmobile tech support who do Not know if this phone will work with band 71.
Sorry if I'm asking in the wrong location.
Appreciate the input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. All the US Note 9s are the same exact hardware. There's no difference at all between the carrier models or the U1 model. It will be 100% compatible and has band 71 support. If you want video calling and rcs texting, just flash the T-Mo firmware. WiFi calling and VoLTE both work on the U1 firmware on T-Mo.
I've had a T-Mobile branded Note 9, an actual factory unlocked U1, and most recently an ATT brandes Note 9 flashed with the U1 firmware on T-Mobile. No difference whatsoever in signal strength and speed.
Just put your TMB SIM card in it and enjoy!
You also have one distinct advantage: ONLY Sprint branded phones and the factory unlocked U1s work on Sprint. So when you sell that one, you can say it's truly unlocked for all carriers.
EDIT: Added a screen shot from the *#2263# menue on my ATT Note 9 running the U1 unlocked firmware. I circled all the LTE bands it supports. Again running on T-Mobile.
So great to hear that. Thanks so much for your thorough reply. Can I leave it as is or will I need to flash the sprint firmware back to use the warranty ever. The knox counter remains at 0×0.
Thank you
sl5400 said:
So great to hear that. Thanks so much for your thorough reply. Can I leave it as is or will I need to flash the sprint firmware back to use the warranty ever. The knox counter remains at 0×0.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can leave it as is. It's running official Samsung firmware.
I understand that the tmobile variant has a locked Bootloader as well.
My last note was the note 4 which I loved because I could carry spare batteries. Since that phone, I've been on the huawei mate 8,9 and 10. Great UI and 4000 mah batteries that I easily could get more than a days usage. Most recently, I sold my mate 10 and bought a Nova 3 because I wanted a better selfie cam than 8mp. The Nova has a 24mp and a 2mp selfie.
Compared to my new note, the selfies are appreciably sharper. I want to take advantage of band 71. My wife has a s9 plus and she gets double the download speeds I ever got with huawei. Guess I'm looking for the best of all worlds. I've missed the note. I'm glad samsung finally put in a big enough battery. Personally, I still think the user replaceable battery was always the best and distinguished android from Apple by having expandable memory too.
My main complaint with this note is that I am unable to tweak the settings for better battery.
I think I've tried everything even tweaked the developer settings. Maybe the s pen is a drain even when not in use.
Best regards and thanks again!
sl5400 said:
I understand that the tmobile variant has a locked Bootloader as well.
My last note was the note 4 which I loved because I could carry spare batteries. Since that phone, I've been on the huawei mate 8,9 and 10. Great UI and 4000 mah batteries that I easily could get more than a days usage. Most recently, I sold my mate 10 and bought a Nova 3 because I wanted a better selfie cam than 8mp. The Nova has a 24mp and a 2mp selfie.
Compared to my new note, the selfies are appreciably sharper. I want to take advantage of band 71. My wife has a s9 plus and she gets double the download speeds I ever got with huawei. Guess I'm looking for the best of all worlds. I've missed the note. I'm glad samsung finally put in a big enough battery. Personally, I still think the user replaceable battery was always the best and distinguished android from Apple by having expandable memory too.
My main complaint with this note is that I am unable to tweak the settings for better battery.
I think I've tried everything even tweaked the developer settings. Maybe the s pen is a drain even when not in use.
Best regards and thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ALL the US models have locked bootloaders. If you want to unlock and root, you need an international model, but you'll lose band 71.
No the SPen won't drain your battery.
What kind of battery life are you getting?
Averaging 14 to 18 hours. I've put all but 2 apps to sleep and am allowing no more than 1 app to run in the background. I also go into device maintenance frequently and optimize everything. My Huawei Nova 3 with it's 3750 battery lasts at least 25% longer.
Am I missing anything?
Thank you
sl5400 said:
Averaging 14 to 18 hours. I've put all but 2 apps to sleep and am allowing no more than 1 app to run in the background. I also go into device maintenance frequently and optimize everything. My Huawei Nova 3 with it's 3750 battery lasts at least 25% longer.
Am I missing anything?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't really tell me anything. How much screen on time do you have? How much of that 14 to 18 hours is the phone being used?
Screen on time about 4 hrs, talk time 2 1/2 hrs
DarkManX4lf said:
As far as wifi calling it should work on a unlocked Note 9. I have the unlocked Note 8 and wifi calling works on tmobile.
I am not sure about the bands support as phone arena also says that it does t have B71 support.
But if the US unlocked S9 can be used as an example, it has b71 support. So I wouldn't see why Samsung would drop b71 support on the US unlocked Note 9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that WiFi calling works on unlocked USA note 9. Carrier T-Mobile.
Wondering how the reception is on the Chinese version in the U.S like on T-Mobile? Can anyone share their experiences? Any dropped calls, how's the 5g and 4g lte? The Chinese version says tencent on the back of the phone.
For 5g, it only has band 41 2.5GHz. It's missing band 71 600 MHz and the other 260 and 261 bands for 5G high speed mmwave.
For 4G LTE, it's missing bands 66, 12, and 71.
There's also a guide here showing you how to enable voLTE. Maybe someone can try that and share.
I'm trying to decide between global or tencent but the tencent is like $200-$300 cheaper because of the missing bands and you can get it in lower storage capacities than the global one. Wondering how it actually performs in the U.S
Sugaaa said:
Wondering how the reception is on the Chinese version in the U.S like on T-Mobile? Can anyone share their experiences? Any dropped calls, how's the 5g and 4g lte? The Chinese version says tencent on the back of the phone.
For 5g, it only has band 41 2.5GHz. It's missing band 71 600 MHz and the other 260 and 261 bands for 5G high speed mmwave.
For 4G LTE, it's missing bands 66, 12, and 71.
There's also a guide here showing you how to enable voLTE. Maybe someone can try that and share.
I'm trying to decide between global or tencent but the tencent is like $200-$300 cheaper because of the missing bands. Wondering how it actually performs in the U.S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My buddy has the tencent version and has no signal at times, when I do on my a version. Stop being cheap, and spend the $ for the a version. No band 12,66, and 71 is a deal breaker imo.
bs3pro said:
Stop being cheap, and spend the $ for the a version. No band 12,66, and 71 is a deal breaker imo.
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Click to collapse
512gb is overkill for me. I'd be fine with 128gb. I'd only pay $1000+ for iPhone 12 pro. imo, Android over $1000 isn't worth it due to its faster depreciation. Trying to see how the Chinese one actually performs.
I'm curious what bands the lenovo legion phone is going to have on its unreleased global variant too. If that comes with volte support, and priced significantly less than than the version a rog, I'll probably go with that.
Sugaaa said:
512gb is overkill for me. I'd be fine with 128gb. I'd only pay $1000+ for iPhone 12 pro. imo, Android over $1000 isn't worth it due to its faster depreciation. Trying to see how the Chinese one actually performs.
I'm curious what bands the lenovo legion phone is going to have on its unreleased global variant too. If that comes with volte support, and priced significantly less than than the version a rog, I'll probably go with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Move along then. My buddy is sending his tencent rog back. It works terrible. That legion is terrible. Sounds like you should just but an apple.
bs3pro said:
Move along then. My buddy is sending his tencent rog back. It works terrible. That legion is terrible. Sounds like you should just but an apple.
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Click to collapse
You seem pretty experienced with the rog phones. Have you owned the first or second model because I'm mostly wondering how they perform after 2-3 years. I'm trying to get a new phone that will last me around 3 years without getting buggy and slow. If you have had one of the older ones, how are they after like 2 years with the updates? I read that asus also stops updating after the first year so does that affect overall performance after 2-3 years
Sugaaa said:
You seem pretty experienced with the rog phones. Have you owned the first or second model because I'm mostly wondering how they perform after 2-3 years. I'm trying to get a new phone that will last me around 3 years without getting buggy and slow. If you have had one of the older ones, how are they after like 2 years with the updates? I read that asus also stops updating after the first year so does that affect overall performance after 2-3 years
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the rog2, but get new phones every few months. Sorry, cant help there. Like i said, just buy an apple, very good HW, and SW is very reliable with plenty of updates.
bs3pro said:
I had the rog2, but get new phones every few months. Sorry, cant help there. Like i said, just buy an apple, very good HW, and SW is very reliable with plenty of updates.
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Click to collapse
The only reason I'm considering the rog 3 is because of the amazing Emulator support on 3ds,psp, and ps2 which iphone lacks. Just wish there was more info out there on this phone.
Sugaaa said:
The only reason I'm considering the rog 3 is because of the amazing Emulator support on 3ds,psp, and ps2 which iphone lacks. Just wish there was more info out there on this phone.
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Click to collapse
INFO? Like what? I just gave you the answers. This i why i deleted the other thread. People dont like the answers they get, so they assume its BS. The tencent is not worth the savings IF you live in the US. Plain and simple.
bs3pro said:
INFO? Like what? I just gave you the answers. This i why i deleted the other thread. People dont like the answers they get, so they assume its BS. The tencent is not worth the savings IF you live in the US. Plain and simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand how there's only a 512gb variant in the global version. On their global website, it says upto 512gb so their should be 256gb and 128gb variants too but there are none for sale.
If there was the other variants, the price would match their Chinese version and I would buy it on the spot.
What also bothers me is no definite release date in the u.s. so I don't know when to look forward to when they release the smaller storage size, I grow impatient easily
Sugaaa said:
I don't understand how there's only a 512gb variant in the global version. On their global website, it says upto 512gb so their should be 256gb and 128gb variants too but there are none for sale.
If there was the other variants, the price would match their Chinese version and I would buy it on the spot.
What also bothers me is no definite release date in the u.s. so I don't know when to look forward to when they release the smaller storage size, I grow impatient easily
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, I just told you. 12gb, 512 IS the smallest in usa. Whatever, I'm done repeating myself
Sugaaa said:
I don't understand how there's only a 512gb variant in the global version. On their global website, it says upto 512gb so their should be 256gb and 128gb variants too but there are none for sale.
If there was the other variants, the price would match their Chinese version and I would buy it on the spot.
What also bothers me is no definite release date in the u.s. so I don't know when to look forward to when they release the smaller storage size, I grow impatient easily
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bs3pro is right in this case. First and foremost, your money your choice, but you can only buy what is available on the market. At present the only A Version (which is the expected version to be made available in the US) specs are 12 GB + 512GB or 16GB + 512GB and are imported model. That said an A Version from wherever and an A Version from the US are both still A Versions with the same internal modem for T Mobile bands. It still remains to be seen when and if a 128 GB or 256 GB models are released with the A Version modem.
However, it is ill advised to purchase a model that is severely lacking band coverage as both the Tencent and B Version modems do not have support for LTE bands 66 and 71 which are important to T Mobile in particular. Honestly what is going to save you more money, buy a phone missing crucial bands because it's cheaper, and then having to get a new phone due to lack of coverage and performance, or wait and see your options and then decide.
If you are truly in dire need of a new phone you may just want to consider a different brand and shop around a little because impatience won't do any good for you or your wallet.
EDIT: To try and put this to rest, Asus Taiwan is the only country who produces and sells A Versions phones, here is the ROG phone 3 store page. These are the only models currently for sale that support T Mobile here in the States link for posterity, sorry if it's not allowed:
store.asus.com/tw/category/D5913
TehAdventurer said:
bs3pro is right in this case. First and foremost, your money your choice, but you can only buy what is available on the market. At present the only A Version (which is the expected version to be made available in the US) specs are 12 GB + 512GB or 16GB + 512GB and are imported model. That said an A Version from wherever and an A Version from the US are both still A Versions with the same internal modem for T Mobile bands. It still remains to be seen when and if a 128 GB or 256 GB models are released with the A Version modem.
However, it is ill advised to purchase a model that is severely lacking band coverage as both the Tencent and B Version modems do not have support for LTE bands 66 and 71 which are important to T Mobile in particular. Honestly what is going to save you more money, buy a phone missing crucial bands because it's cheaper, and then having to get a new phone due to lack of coverage and performance, or wait and see your options and then decide.
If you are truly in dire need of a new phone you may just want to consider a different brand and shop around a little because impatience won't do any good for you or your wallet.
EDIT: To try and put this to rest, Asus Taiwan is the only country who produces and sells A Versions phones, here is the ROG phone 3 store page. These are the only models currently for sale that support T Mobile here in the States link for posterity, sorry if it's not allowed:
store.asus.com/tw/category/D5913
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong. The Hong Kong version is a also. It's the one I have. There's also Germany A version
Thanks for the clarification but I still think the point stands for the actual specs as opposed to the region of production
bs3pro said:
Wrong. The Hong Kong version is a also. It's the one I have. There's also Germany A version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you put a link to the chinese version a you bought on ebay for 1000 if it's even still available. I'm only seeing global version a 12gb 512gb for 1200
TehAdventurer said:
bs3pro is right in this case. First and foremost, your money your choice, but you can only buy what is available on the market. At present the only A Version (which is the expected version to be made available in the US) specs are 12 GB + 512GB or 16GB + 512GB and are imported model. That said an A Version from wherever and an A Version from the US are both still A Versions with the same internal modem for T Mobile bands. It still remains to be seen when and if a 128 GB or 256 GB models are released with the A Version modem.
However, it is ill advised to purchase a model that is severely lacking band coverage as both the Tencent and B Version modems do not have support for LTE bands 66 and 71 which are important to T Mobile in particular. Honestly what is going to save you more money, buy a phone missing crucial bands because it's cheaper, and then having to get a new phone due to lack of coverage and performance, or wait and see your options and then decide.
If you are truly in dire need of a new phone you may just want to consider a different brand and shop around a little because impatience won't do any good for you or your wallet.
EDIT: To try and put this to rest, Asus Taiwan is the only country who produces and sells A Versions phones, here is the ROG phone 3 store page. These are the only models currently for sale that support T Mobile here in the States link for posterity, sorry if it's not allowed:
store.asus.com/tw/category/D5913
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. That was some solid advice. I found the taiwan version online for around $1250 with tax which was the lowest. I was going to get that and the asus kunai 3 gamepad for $200-$300 but I ended up ordering the oneplus 8 pro 12gb 256gb for $820 with tax and I'll just pick up the razer kishi gamepad for $100. I find it suits my needs better after finding out the oneplus 8 pro runs all the same games in the emulators and it's ip68 water resistant. Plus, I save $500-$600 and it has all the same tmobile bands. Just gonna miss out on that 6000mah battery.
I couldn't even find a decent case for the rog 3 let alone a water resistant one. It's a must for working out.
Sugaaa said:
Thanks. That was some solid advice. I found the taiwan version online for around $1250 with tax which was the lowest. I was going to get that and the asus kunai 3 gamepad for $200-$300 but I ended up ordering the oneplus 8 pro 12gb 256gb for $820 with tax and I'll just pick up the razer kishi gamepad for $100. I find it suits my needs better after finding out the oneplus 8 pro runs all the same games in the emulators and it's ip68 water resistant. Plus, I save $500-$600 and it has all the same tmobile bands. Just gonna miss out on that 6000mah battery.
I couldn't even find a decent case for the rog 3 let alone a water resistant one. It's a must for working out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's honestly was I was trying to get at. There's no reason to try and force yourself to like a phone that doesn't check every box for you, especially at it's price point. It's much better to get something that makes you happy and functions well than something that you forced yourself to like. Glad I could help!
Never purchased a non-US compatible device and had a question:
The China variant seems to have most T-Mobile bands (both do not have B71) as the global variant WITH THE EXCEPTION OF B66. Does anyone know whether this will be an issue?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
i get my china variant Mi 11 Ultra on Monday, im on T-mobile and i live in NYC. i can report back to you then.
flacogp23 said:
i get my china variant Mi 11 Ultra on Monday, im on T-mobile and i live in NYC. i can report back to you then.
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Click to collapse
Lucky you! Yes please let me know how the reception turns out. I don't really care about 5G since it's not that widespread, but wondering how 4G LTE will be like.
If you have any opinions on the China variant as you begin to use it, please post as well! Also considering it since there is a cheaper variant (8G+256GB).
Any updates how CN version working in NY with T-Mobile?
interesting to see speed test on 4G. Is actually supporting one 5G band.
avetny said:
Any updates how CN version working in NY with T-Mobile?
interesting to see speed test on 4G. Is actually supporting one 5G band.
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Click to collapse
when i ran speed test i get 10Mbps here in Queens at my house. but the real test for me will be at my job, since i dont get any WiFi there.
I also did a factory reset (a habit i always do) and playstore disappeared, i looked on youtube for easy video to re-install. This is my 1st Xiaomi phone, so im getting use to MIUI. but hardware, much better than my Note 20 Ultra. the display is better and the frame rate i see it faster on mi 11. I plan to flash global ROM, but stuck waiting 168 hours for unlock to go thru. this is only my 2nd day with the mi 11 and i like it already. going out later to take some pics.
Don't buy China version because it doesn't support well Carrier Aggregation combinations used by TMUS so you don't get good speed from network. Also it missing B71 and B66 bands - common in US networks. 5G only works with n41 SA when available theory.
Here is list of supported bands and Carrier Aggregation combinations: https://cacombos.com/device/M2102K1C
olkitu said:
Don't buy China version because it doesn't support well Carrier Aggregation combinations used by TMUS so you don't get good speed from network. Also it missing B71 and B66 bands - common in US networks. 5G only works with n41 SA when available theory.
Here is list of supported bands and Carrier Aggregation combinations: https://cacombos.com/device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea global version is definitely better choice. A specially when is about to be available with B66
flacogp23 said:
when i ran speed test i get 10Mbps here in Queens at my house. but the real test for me will be at my job, since i dont get any WiFi there.
I also did a factory reset (a habit i always do) and playstore disappeared, i looked on youtube for easy video to re-install. This is my 1st Xiaomi phone, so im getting use to MIUI. but hardware, much better than my Note 20 Ultra. the display is better and the frame rate i see it faster on mi 11. I plan to flash global ROM, but stuck waiting 168 hours for unlock to go thru. this is only my 2nd day with the mi 11 and i like it already. going out later to take some pics.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disappointed to hear you are only getting 10Mbps in a city like Queens. Do update is on what your down speed is like at work!
Thank you and good luck with flashing to global!
Is there somewhere I can view a map of which T-Mobile bands are used throughout the US?
daonei said:
Disappointed to hear you are only getting 10Mbps in a city like Queens. Do update is on what your down speed is like at work!
Thank you and good luck with flashing to global!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tested at work...70Mbps! so glad i have wifi at home
I've used Chinese version phones without B66 for years, with t-mobile / google fi. Never had any issue with it. My wife uses an iPhone US version, I have stronger signal than her sometimes.
linnil said:
I've used Chinese version phones without B66 for years, with t-mobile / google fi. Never had any issue with it. My wife uses an iPhone US version, I have stronger signal than her sometimes.
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Click to collapse
Do you ever use the phones in rural/sparsely populated areas?
lhubbard0 said:
Do you ever use the phones in rural/sparsely populated areas?
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Click to collapse
yes. the coverage in those areas are bad either with the US iphone or Chinese android phones with tmobile, imho. i only travelled to those places so i am not authoritive on this assessment.
flacogp23 said:
tested at work...70Mbps! so glad i have wifi at home
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow why the difference? What kind of speeds were you getting with other phones at home? Was it about the same?
My mi11 in China can work 280Mbps by 5G. Although the band is a little less, it is not affected in China
Is there any difference between the snapdragon 4g only version of the phone compared to the 5g version? Other than the 5g connectivity obviously.
Want to buy the phone but don't have the 5g version available in my country, only 4g exynos and snapdragon. There will also be no 5g coverage any time soon here so that's not an important factor.
Thanks all for any replies.
The 5G chipset(s) can suck battery. The 4G chipset(s) may be better integrated and likely more efficient.
Even were 5G is available so far its performance isn't that much faster (+20%) in most cases.
I would go with the better device/hardware and not worry about 5G especially on the early crossover phones where it tends to be a disaster.
I'm looking at getting a 2nd Note 10+ 4G Snapdragon... that's how important I think 5G and how disappointing the Samsung flagships since the 10+ have been.
blackhawk said:
The 5G chipset(s) can suck battery. The 4G chipset(s) may be better integrated and likely more efficient.
Even were 5G is available so far its performance isn't that much faster (+20%) in most cases.
I would go with the better device/hardware and not worry about 5G especially on the early crossover phones where it tends to be a disaster.
I'm looking at getting a 2nd Note 10+ 4G Snapdragon... that's how important I think 5G and how disappointing the Samsung flagships since the 10+ have been.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having 5g is the least of my priorities on a phone. I was more interested in knowing if there are any other hardware changes between them, or if one version could potentially have better software support.
Petrit Ziu said:
Having 5g is the least of my priorities on a phone. I was more interested in knowing if there are any other hardware changes between them, or if one version could potentially have better software support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pie is still my preferred weapon, no cpu cycle robbing scoped storage.
A used Samsung in excellent condition running on Pie be good. My Note 10+ current load is over a year old, still fast and stable. I can tell you the Note 10+ 512gb Snapdragon variant is a fast running rock solid stable platform. It's fun to use. Once optimized, zero issues.
The biggest change and question is how the 5G is implemented. Is it integrated into the main chipset or does it have its own chipset (which will likely eat more battery). Can you completely turn off 5G? Tear downs may yield clues.
It a long research project and a pain. Make sure the review is about the chipset you want and not it's evil twin. I think Samsung deliberately uses 2 chipsets per model and plays off the better chipsets reviews. They've been doing this for many years. Reviewers even carriers get the specs mixed up. Fun times
they should be identical with the exception of the 4G not having a modem added on in an inefficient way.
that said it sounds like the 4G version needs a few firmware updates from Samsung to hit it's stride.
3mel said:
they should be identical with the exception of the 4G not having a modem added on in an inefficient way.
that said it sounds like the 4G version needs a few firmware updates from Samsung to hit it's stride.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4G is the primary bandwidth, right?
5G is the tack on because it can't be relied on as a primary bandwidth.
I haven't been looking at the hardware architecture on the newer phones.
I'm not getting a 5G phone to avoid these conflicts. Android has too many battery hogs already.
the SD 865 was designed before 5G phones rolled out. it doesn't have an integrated 5G modem so it's not that good at handovers etc. some people mentioned their batteries taking a hit using 5G.
3mel said:
the SD 865 was designed before 5G phones rolled out. it doesn't have an integrated 5G modem so it's not that good at handovers etc. some people mentioned their batteries taking a hit using 5G.
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I thinks that's probably true.
Having the phone flip flopping between 4 and 5G vs just 4G probably isn't good for battery life in the latest generation.
I'm still not sold on 5G. Wonder if that's a 5G enabled cell tower I'm looking at
when coverage is complete and phones are on a 2nd or 3rd generation with it, it'll probably be way better.
3mel said:
when coverage is complete and phones are on a 2nd or 3rd generation with it, it'll probably be way better.
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5G may never replace 4G except in urban centers. 5G lacks range.
There are many placeswhere even a 4 G signal is climb on a hill and hope iffy.
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well they're killing off 2 and 3G so they'll need to pull their fingers out.
3mel said:
well they're killing off 2 and 3G so they'll need to pull their fingers out.
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Heartache to those with ancient devices but those where just plain doggy bandwidths
3mel said:
the SD 865 was designed before 5G phones rolled out. it doesn't have an integrated 5G modem so it's not that good at handovers etc. some people mentioned their batteries taking a hit using 5G.
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Are you sure 865 don't have 5G modem? Specs shows otherwise: https://www.qualcomm.com/products/snapdragon-865-5g-mobile-platform
AFAIK Sony has to disable 5G from chipset in Xperia 5II(XQ-AS62) in US for it to make it non 5G phone.
PPGX5II said:
Are you sure 865 don't have 5G modem? Specs shows otherwise: https://www.qualcomm.com/products/snapdragon-865-5g-mobile-platform
AFAIK Sony has to disable 5G from chipset in Xperia 5II(XQ-AS62) in US for it to make it non 5G phone.
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integrated... the phone has a 5G modem but it's an add-on chip, it's not part of the 865 SoC like with 4G etc
3mel said:
integrated... the phone has a 5G modem but it's an add-on chip, it's not part of the 865 SoC like with 4G etc
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Specs clearly show it has Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ X55 5G Modem-RF system. Where it is mentioned that it's separate add on chip? Integrated means onboard, right?
PPGX5II said:
Specs clearly show it has Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ X55 5G Modem-RF system. Where it is mentioned that it's separate add on chip? Integrated means onboard, right?
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Why there's no integrated 5G modem in the Snapdragon 865
The Snapdragon 865 is missing an integrated 5G modem, a feature offered by Qualcomm's SoC rivals. Here's the explanation and what it means.
www.androidauthority.com
I was wrong in thinking it was a 5g modem exclusively but...
3mel said:
Why there's no integrated 5G modem in the Snapdragon 865
The Snapdragon 865 is missing an integrated 5G modem, a feature offered by Qualcomm's SoC rivals. Here's the explanation and what it means.
www.androidauthority.com
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Hmm... The article itself starts with 865 not having integrated 5G modem and then mentions that instead of internal it has external 5G modem X55. Then it mentions that it's a dual mode modem with 4G and 5G supports.
Conflicting information on Android Authority if I look at Qualcomm's specs sheet.
I still think that it has onboard 5G X55 modem which is external(not add-on) instead of integrated(internal).
That's why Sony had to disable it's 5G mode before launching Xperia 5II in US(delayed launch only in US).
Edit: Read through some articles and looks like X55 is external to 865 but is part of bundle and although manufacturers can replace it with other modem if they need, I don't think anyone has done this. This explains why Sony delayed Xperia 5 II in US as they had to disable 5G in XQ-AS62.
Biggest issue with 5G implementation aside is it's range limits and need for better line of sight than 4G. Can't change physics.
A stable transmission range is more important than huge bandwidth.
Expecting a fast update...
S21 Ultra 5G supports 5G from the beginning, independent of software updates
Reaper1337 said:
S21 Ultra 5G supports 5G from the beginning, independent of software updates
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Check this
You can use Airtel 5G as of now as well, but for 5G Plus need OTA, I'm using Airtel 5G on my S21U SM-G9980 Where ever m getting 5G signals in Mumbai.
deeplyyoung said:
You can use Airtel 5G as of now as well, but for 5G Plus need OTA, I'm using Airtel 5G on my S21U SM-G9980 Where ever m getting 5G signals in Mumbai.
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SM-G9980 is Hong-kong version.SM-G998B(INU) is Indian version.Maybe you are using a imported device...correct me if I am wrong.
tharunXDA said:
SM-G9980 is Hong-kong version.SM-G998B(INU) is Indian version.Maybe you are using a imported device...correct me if I am wrong.
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Agreed I'm using imported device and getting same screen like you shared with Airtel, but still used Airtel 5G and to use Airtel 5G plus we need OTA.
deeplyyoung said:
Agreed I'm using imported device and getting same screen like you shared with Airtel, but still used Airtel 5G and to use Airtel 5G plus we need OTA.
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Patience is key although pestering on Samsung members might help
FWIW, 5G is all but gimmicky. I had 5g enabled for a few days and then came to realize what's the use of having 5g to get emails and whatsapp messages. 5G makes sense if you download a lot of stuff/ if you watch 8k videos on youtube or you'd like to see crazy download speeds in the speed test app... I hit 1200mbps download once on the app... Anything else, 5g is only going to drain your battery and trust me you will revert to 4g once the vanity wears off.
amirage said:
Patience is key although pestering on Samsung members might help
FWIW, 5G is all but gimmicky. I had 5g enabled for a few days and then came to realize what's the use of having 5g to get emails and whatsapp messages. 5G makes sense if you download a lot of stuff/ if you watch 8k videos on youtube or you'd like to see crazy download speeds in the speed test app... I hit 1200mbps download once on the app... Anything else, 5g is only going to drain your battery and trust me you will revert to 4g once the vanity wears off.
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Agreed, it's not only drain battery fast but it will consume the data like hell, for sure after a while I'll also going to switch back-forth to 4G-5G
I guess they will have to update the modem config. so maybe soon. This is similar to my country, it take quite a while for samsung to enable N28 SA band and 5G CA despite that the phone hardware is capable of N28 SA (but actually 5G CA is a surprise for me because I don't think that the hardware will be capable of)