I've purchased the new Galaxy Tab A 8.4 2020 directly from Samsung. There are only carrier-locked versions, but as Google Fi user, I picked the T-Mobile version as likely the 'most compatible' with Fi, which uses T-Mobile/Sprint for most of its connectivity.
As I don't want to pay for another Fi account, I ordered (for free) a data-only SIM from Google - it works perfectly. Normally, I run off of wifi only, turning Airplane Mode on first, then turning on wifi. I've traveled with it outside the house once, and used the data SIM very nicely. As a Fi user, I can also make calls from it, over data, wifi or LTE.
Some notes on the tablet:
Good:
1. It is fast enough for all my needs, and with a micro SD in addition to the SIM, set as additional storage, I have plenty of room for my needs. NOTE: I don't play games, so I can't comment on game performance.
2. Face recognition works well as long as there is enough light - in dim light, you will have to use PIN/Password, as there is no fingerprint reader.
3. I was able to source a case via Amazon, there are a number of choices.
4. USB C
Not So Good:
1. No fingerprint reader.
2. No ambient light sensor, so you will be adjusting lighting manually. There are apps which use the camera for this, but then you will lose face recognition unlocking.
3. Samsung's Usual Bloatware: I use virtually none of it, not even Touchwiz, as I prefer Nova.
4. Although the case has magnets, they won't turn off the screen when the cover is closed, you will have to turn it off manually or wait for it to timeout.
5. Running Android 9, and nothing available as to when, if ever, it will get an upgrade.
6. Security patch is Feb 1, 2020 and no idea if/when it will get another.
Using the XDA app.. it identifies as an AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note 3 !
All in all, I judge this to be an 'OK' but not great effort from Samsung for $264. For a few more bucks, it could have been a lot better. If the Lenovo new M8 had not been out of stock, I might have bought it instead and saved $130.
You can find the T-Mobile version at: https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/t...-8-4-2020-32gb-mocha-t-mobile-sm-t307uznatmb/
regards, John
Did some Geekbench 5 testing, comparing it against my Huawei Mediapad M3 running an in-process version of Lineage 15.
The M3 runs Kirin 950, 4 cores @ 1.8 and 4 cores @ 2.3 The Tab A runs an ARMv8, 6 cores @ 1.59 and 2 cores @ 1.77
The M3 won the CPU test, single core 351 multi core 1267, with the Tab A at single core 271 and multi core 965
The M3 has a Mali T880, and the Tab A has a newer Mali G71 graphics engine.
Trying to run the Compute test (Vucan), the M3 failed to run a number of tests, giving it a very low 105, while the Tab A got a 774
However, until the M3 started failing to run tests, and having started both at the same time, they were literally neck-in-neck for speed. The supposed advantage of the G71 is 20% reduction in power use.
I will run the Huawei numbers again after the Lineage ROM is more stable.
Update Received! 6/15/2020
Received update this morning - I was hoping for update to Android 10, but this one was to May Security update, May kernel update. New build number is PPR1.180610.011.T307USQS2ATE3
I am happy to see an indication that this tablet is going to get updates!
I'm not yet noting any differences from before the update.
At&T Samsung Tab A 8.4 SM-T307U
I wanted to buy unlock version of this tablet from samsung but unfortunately they only sell carrier version.
I have a T-Mobile free line that wasn't in use so thought i should buy this tablet use it in my car for music, GPS, OBDII etc. I didn't buy the T-mobile version because the free line that i have is for cellphone and If i would buy T-mobile version of this tablet, they would ask me to change the line to data only and wouldn't be unlimited anymore. So i went with AT&T version and was cheaper also, AT&T unlocked it for me in about 48hrs after request.
It works fine with T-mobile and was hoping it would switch the firmware to T-mobile once i put the sim like it does with Samsung phone that it initializes the sim and reboots with that carrier software but the Tablet doesn't do that. I even flash T-Mobile Firmware, it flashes successfully but still AT&T stuff is on the tablet. I was able to uninstall/disable most of the At&t bloat but not all. So came to XDA to find root or custom firmware but unfortunately nothing yet.
Update - Occasional Freezing
I use the Brave browser, and on this Tab A, I occasionally run into the screen freezing for no apparent reason. It eventually unfreeze, but is disconcerting.
OP, how did you manage to get the SIM card to authenticate on your Google Fi account? I purchased this tablet to use for work as I am an Uber driver and tried to authenticate the device with a data-only SIM card. The device manages to use 3g and technically works without authentication through the Fi app but is worthlessly slow this way. I can't rely on a 3g connection for the Uber driver application. When I try to authenticate the device using the Fi app, it takes awhile before stating the device isn't compatible with Fi.
Did you authenticate the app with a different device and then insert it into the tab A 8.4 2020? Just to confirm ahead of time, I too have the T-Mobile version of the tablet.
Thank you if you get this and have the time to explain how you managed to make the device work!
HateToConform said:
OP, how did you manage to get the SIM card to authenticate on your Google Fi account? I purchased this tablet to use for work as I am an Uber driver and tried to authenticate the device with a data-only SIM card. The device manages to use 3g and technically works without authentication through the Fi app but is worthlessly slow this way. I can't rely on a 3g connection for the Uber driver application. When I try to authenticate the device using the Fi app, it takes awhile before stating the device isn't compatible with Fi.
Did you authenticate the app with a different device and then insert it into the tab A 8.4 2020? Just to confirm ahead of time, I too have the T-Mobile version of the tablet.
Thank you if you get this and have the time to explain how you managed to make the device work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually use it for news, reading etc. I have not tried to make Fi calls over 3g/LTE - just tried to do so, did not work, but I will try it again. It has worked fine for data over LTE. You can now have both Fi and Google Voice numbers, maybe get a Google Voice number and try calling over 3G with that?
friedsonjm said:
I actually use it for news, reading etc. I have not tried to make Fi calls over 3g/LTE - just tried to do so, did not work, but I will try it again. It has worked fine for data over LTE. You can now have both Fi and Google Voice numbers, maybe get a Google Voice number and try calling over 3G with that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not too worried about the ability to make/receive calls and my tablet states that my device is on LTE but I can be sure by the incredibly slow speeds I'm getting that it is locked to 3g. It takes minutes to load simple web pages. When you go to the Fi app does it state that your device is authenticated with the SIM associated to a tab A 8.4?
I just want LTE to use for Uber so I don't have my main phone pinned at maximum brightness all the time as this can cause burn in issues with the OLED display.
Edit: I was able to solve the issue with the help of tech support. The solution is to activate the SIM manually through the Fi website (fi.google.com/data) and restart the device with the SIM inserted (also the support rep had me delete the Fi app before restarting). Hope this helps anyone who finds this thread in the same way I did!
HateToConform said:
I'm not too worried about the ability to make/receive calls and my tablet states that my device is on LTE but I can be sure by the incredibly slow speeds I'm getting that it is locked to 3g. It takes minutes to load simple web pages. When you go to the Fi app does it state that your device is authenticated with the SIM associated to a tab A 8.4?
I just want LTE to use for Uber so I don't have my main phone pinned at maximum brightness all the time as this can cause burn in issues with the OLED display.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using a full Fi voice/data SIM, or just data? I'm using just a data SIM...
Updated today, 108MB download, security patch level 1 July 2020. Kernel 4.4.177-18047720 Jul 8. Seems like a large patch for just security, but no other major changes observable. Still Android 9. Unable to find any public information on if/when upgrade to Android 10 will occur.
I'm surprised that a 2020 device doesn't even have any public info when it's going to catch up with present time's Android 10 (while there are already plans in the industry for Android 11). Very disappointing...
Update to Android 10 has been published by Samsung, and apparently is being sent out by Verizon. Nothing from T-Mobile yet... https://doc.samsungmobile.com/sm-t307u/glw/doc.html
T-Mobile Upgrading to 10 Today
Updated to Android 10, so far without issue. Security patch level Sept 1, 2020
I have sadly figured out that my old Huewei Mediapad 3 running a custom ROM https://forum.xda-developers.com/mediapad-m3/development/rom-t4085115/page58 has much better wifi reception that my new Galaxy Tab 8.4 2020
Unexpected update received today; still on Android 10, One UI 2.1, kernel 4.4.177-19484886, Build QP1A.190711.020.T307USQS3BTJ1
Security patch level Oct-2020 Release 1
This is the first time I've seen security patch levels updated two months in a row. The lack of an update to Android 11 is still very disappointing.
I have one too. How did you remove all the bloatware? Is possible to root it?
dr.dido89 said:
I have one too. How did you remove all the bloatware? Is possible to root it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not removed bloatware, and it is not rooted. Mine is still not even unlocked, as I refuse to pay T-Mobile for 6 months of service I don't need.
I have Google Fi data chip in it, which works fine, and I use Nova launcher on all my phones and tablets so as to have a consistent interface.
As far as I know, no developer is working on unlocking/rooting or custom ROM.
dr.dido89 said:
I have one too. How did you remove all the bloatware? Is possible to root it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed Canadian Samsung tab A 8.4 Firmware (XAC)which is unlocked LTE version of this tablet. Not a single bloat and is faster than At&t firmware. I'm able to send/receive sms and mms, Hotspot but no call. So my t-mobile phone sim works in this unlocked At&t tablet with unlimited data.
XAA USA unlocked
XAC CANADA Unlocked.
mha1021 said:
I flashed Canadian Samsung tab A 8.4 Firmware (XAC)which is unlocked LTE version of this tablet. Not a single bloat and is faster than At&t firmware. I'm able to send/receive sms and mms, Hotspot but no call. So my t-mobile phone sim works in this unlocked At&t tablet with unlimited data.
XAA USA unlocked
XAC CANADA Unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My problem is, I don't believe I can flash any firmware until I can unlock the tablet - which I can't do without T-Mobile. Or am I missing something?
Updated today to Android 10, One UI 2.1, Jan 1 Security patch. I thought that the One UI 3.0 came with Android 10, but that's not what sys info says. I use Nova so I don't much care.
Running Geekbench 5, results are Single Core, 271 and multi-core, 998 virtually the same as day 1.
I'm still using my N9600 device on AT&T (since the last year) and woke up today to realize the device is NOT registering on AT&T's network. I spoke to customer service & they're NOT sure what happened...
After speaking with the "advanced technical team" at 866-344-6217, guy mentioned it is the end of the road & the device cannot be re-activated on the network. Anyone else facing this issue?
Although I didn't swap/remove the SIM from this device, the customer representative said AT&T's system kicked the device OUT & replacing the SIM won't resolve this issue. Is AT&T trying to force people to move onto a 5G device deliberately?
I popped the (same) SIM into an A71 (T-Mobile version) that I had, everything started working... FYI
They started doing this months ago. And you can't whitelist imei either.
Just Google Phones that will work on At&t network. They have a list of devices they support
So its pretty much if its International devices and model number ends in F or G they will suspend your account if you put sim in phone and you have to call to have it activated again. You can't just put it back in device and your sim provisions...trust me I spent $400 on a Note 10 lite had it for 2months and this happened. Still have several International phones that no longer work. Most United States carriers will probably do this in the future
Sucks that they're doing this since a few months, sounds like I got lucky for more time than others have.
Is there any dual-sim 5G phone (Note-20 Ultra N9860 perhaps?) that is still expected to work with AT&T? I need to maintain 2 phone numbers (1 international number) due to work/business & hate carrying 2 different devices to accomplish this, this was the whole reason behind holding on to my N9600 for such a long time... Don't like iPhones, have been using Samsung for almost a decade now.
Any suggestions? Help appreciated...
Thanks
Anyone else with network problems in some areas after Android 12? . In certain areas I my network drops, sometimes show me a good strength but when a call someone he answer and we can't hear each other. For calls works when he wants. Tried everything including Hard reset, Network reset, Clear cache, switching 5g/4g/3g/2g fresh install of official Samsung Rom via ODIN. Also did optimisation applications and nothing helps. I'm using s21 ultra, Exynos.I used my old iPhone Xs two days and works without any network issues. I go yesterday to my seller ( Saturn - A big technology shop) and they refuse to take me phone for repair/return because "They own the model too, they change the SIM card operator and nothing helps and it's a problem from this model, so they can't do anything" Can someone give me advice or some tips to try? I'm using the latest January update and can't go back to Android 11 rom because of new bootloader software...
I have it too. I have a good signal in big cities, but the village is a disaster. My past xiaomi was a good signal
ZPetrov said:
Anyone else with network problems in some areas after Android 12? . In certain areas I my network drops, sometimes show me a good strength but when a call someone he answer and we can't hear each other. For calls works when he wants. Tried everything including Hard reset, Network reset, Clear cache, switching 5g/4g/3g/2g fresh install of official Samsung Rom via ODIN. Also did optimisation applications and nothing helps. I'm using s21 ultra, Exynos.I used my old iPhone Xs two days and works without any network issues. I go yesterday to my seller ( Saturn - A big technology shop) and they refuse to take me phone for repair/return because "They own the model too, they change the SIM card operator and nothing helps and it's a problem from this model, so they can't do anything" Can someone give me advice or some tips to try? I'm using the latest January update and can't go back to Android 11 rom because of new bootloader software...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's how Samsung phones have it. I compared it to an older Samsug and it was exactly the same
Ive got issues after installing BULF. It seems samsung messed up some security patch somewhere. Certain websites will not load on 5G or 4G+ Data, while it works on wifi and on tether to other devices. Funny thing is, if I switch it to 3G data, site loads fine.... Tried my sim on Note 10+ 5g running A11...Sites load & Works perfectly. Ive even factory reset to no avail, thinking it was some kind of glitch or somthing...
I have this in Ireland as well. Didn't have the phone on android 11 for long but the network signal now on 12 is definitely not good. Actual phone signal is bad not to mind 4g/5g. Any fixes?
Hi all,
I have tried so far two brand new Pixel 7s. I am from Slovakia (unsupported country), moved from Pixel 6 to Pixel 7.
Once I get the phone, it runs on TD1A.220804.009.A2
It offers me straight away December update. When I accept, phone restarts and then I cant receive phone calls, time to time people try to call me but my phone behaves like its turned off.
I have returned the PIXEL 7 and got a new one. Now I didnt accept December update, and thinngs are OK. Anyone having the same issues?
I have turned off now automatic updates via developer options and trying to survive without December update
As long as the version you have has the one huge hole in Android 12 patched you should do fine without updates. This N10+ in my hand hasn't been updated for 3 years. Current load is almost 2.5 yo. Security simply isn't an issue in its current configuration.
Updates/upgrades can and do break things. Just don't do stupid things; almost all malware is installed or downloaded by the user.
noodles222 said:
Hi all,
I have tried so far two brand new Pixel 7s. I am from Slovakia (unsupported country), moved from Pixel 6 to Pixel 7.
Once I get the phone, it runs on TD1A.220804.009.A2
It offers me straight away December update. When I accept, phone restarts and then I cant receive phone calls, time to time people try to call me but my phone behaves like its turned off.
I have returned the PIXEL 7 and got a new one. Now I didnt accept December update, and thinngs are OK. Anyone having the same issues?
I have turned off now automatic updates via developer options and trying to survive without December update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also from Slovakia, I use dualsim - Telekom + Orange (esim) and I don't have any problems. Try asking the operator for a new Sim
efkosk said:
I'm also from Slovakia, I use dualsim - Telekom + Orange (esim) and I don't have any problems. Try asking the operator for a new Sim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is very possible the phone is at fault, if it keeps doing it send it back, I sent mine back for dropping cell signal and finger print issue
hammered58 said:
It is very possible the phone is at fault, if it keeps doing it send it back, I sent mine back for dropping cell signal and finger print issue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also returned my first one. Also a problem with the fingerprint and the signal. But at the same time I requested a new sim card from the operator.
noodles222 said:
Hi all,
I have tried so far two brand new Pixel 7s. I am from Slovakia (unsupported country), moved from Pixel 6 to Pixel 7.
Once I get the phone, it runs on TD1A.220804.009.A2
It offers me straight away December update. When I accept, phone restarts and then I cant receive phone calls, time to time people try to call me but my phone behaves like its turned off.
I have returned the PIXEL 7 and got a new one. Now I didnt accept December update, and thinngs are OK. Anyone having the same issues?
I have turned off now automatic updates via developer options and trying to survive without December update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You live in an unsupported country too, without VoLTE and 3G towers around You, You won't be able to use the Pixel 7 as a phone. You have to root and install VoLTE fix or unlock the bootloader and use the Cleanslate kernel.
corsaair said:
You live in an unsupported country too, without VoLTE and 3G towers around You, You won't be able to use the Pixel 7 as a phone. You have to root and install VoLTE fix or unlock the bootloader and use the Cleanslate kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats Good to know I have already returned the Pixel 7, but retailers should know this I guess, otherwise they will have plenty of returned phones.
noodles222 said:
Thats Good to know I have already returned the Pixel 7, but retailers should know this I guess, otherwise they will have plenty of returned phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, they should know, but they don't care (?). Just look at Alza.sk (or .cz, .hu): you can buy Pixel with 5G support. These countries are unsupported by Google, so officially the 5G network can't be used... As a Vodafone user in Hungary, I had to root the phone and install VoLTE fix; in this part of the country where I live 3G network is shut down, I was unable to make phone calls. Just Telekom users can make phone calls without issues (they have VoLTE enabled but not 5G); where the other carriers have 3G, the phone is usable (at least, now).