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I am trying to figure out if I should buy the GS6 from AT&T or buy a factory unlocked phone from GSM Nation: http://www.gsmnation.com/samsung-galaxy-s6-unlocked.html or Expansys: http://www.expansys-usa.com/samsung-galaxy-s6-smartphone-unlocked-32gb-black-275005/
From what I've been reading if I buy a carrier unlocked S6 I will for sure lose out on VOLTE and HDvoice but I dont get those things now with my Nexus 5 so I dont think I will miss them. The question on I have is am I missing anything? Is there anything else I need to take into consideration when buying unlocked vs at&t branded? Yes, I'm aware it will cost a little more and I wont get support from AT&T if something goes wrong with it but is there anything else I should know?
Well since the modem is probably the same across most North American / European / Australia varients hopefully the unlocked version is just packed with LTE bands!
It makes sense to buy it if you're buying it outright and your countries bands are included... Does anyone know the Bands / model name for the Unlocked ver?
jimmiekain said:
I am trying to figure out if I should buy the GS6 from AT&T or buy a factory unlocked phone from GSM Nation: http://www.gsmnation.com/samsung-galaxy-s6-unlocked.html or Expansys: http://www.expansys-usa.com/samsung-galaxy-s6-smartphone-unlocked-32gb-black-275005/
From what I've been reading if I buy a carrier unlocked S6 I will for sure lose out on VOLTE and HDvoice but I dont get those things now with my Nexus 5 so I dont think I will miss them. The question on I have is am I missing anything? Is there anything else I need to take into consideration when buying unlocked vs at&t branded? Yes, I'm aware it will cost a little more and I wont get support from AT&T if something goes wrong with it but is there anything else I should know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what its worth, I'm buying the 32GB Verizon S6 that is already unlocked for $599. Its cheaper than the AT&T. I won't get LTE if I stick with Cricket (which use AT&T towers) but thats fine. HSPA is fine and I can switch to Verizon prepaid if I so desire. Just an option I would throw out there.
@Class said:
Well since the modem is probably the same across most North American / European / Australia varients hopefully the unlocked version is just packed with LTE bands!
It makes sense to buy it if you're buying it outright and your countries bands are included... Does anyone know the Bands / model name for the Unlocked ver?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alnova1 said:
For what its worth, I'm buying the 32GB Verizon S6 that is already unlocked for $599. Its cheaper than the AT&T. I won't get LTE if I stick with Cricket (which use AT&T towers) but thats fine. HSPA is fine and I can switch to Verizon prepaid if I so desire. Just an option I would throw out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahhh forget it, I think im just gonna have to bite the bullet and get the at&t one.
@alnova1 i thought about getting the verizon one too but my whole reason for not buying the att one is to avoid having to wait for updates and to get around all the carrier bloatware. If I get the verizon one I will miss out on LTE and I will have to wait for updates. Its a lose lose situation.
see...
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@@Class
yeah the unlocked one they sell at gsm nation will work on att.
Yeah but AT&T = Locked bootloader so no rooting etc. Have fun with that.
So I've been spoiled by the nexus 4/5 and haven't really paid attention to Samsung phones... If I got an S6 w/ an unlocked bootloader and rooted, would I still be able to use Samsung Pay (I've heard of something called Knox, i guess would rooting cause it to be tripped?)
chasx003 said:
So I've been spoiled by the nexus 4/5 and haven't really paid attention to Samsung phones... If I got an S6 w/ an unlocked bootloader and rooted, would I still be able to use Samsung Pay (I've heard of something called Knox, i guess would rooting cause it to be tripped?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question. I forgot about Samsung pay. I definitely don't wanna those that. Gonna have to do more research.
chasx003 said:
So I've been spoiled by the nexus 4/5 and haven't really paid attention to Samsung phones... If I got an S6 w/ an unlocked bootloader and rooted, would I still be able to use Samsung Pay (I've heard of something called Knox, i guess would rooting cause it to be tripped?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
depending on the root method, the current root requires the unlock bl and will trip knox, which means you lose functionality of any features associated with knox...reason it trips knox is the way the SU binary is pushed to the phone is by temporarily injecting a recovery based on stock but with custom code if i recall.. you can google CF Auto to see how it works in detail.
Well crap. I was hoping one device would work across all carriers, like the Nexus 6 and iPhone 6 does. Oh well.
Do we know if the AT&T version is crippled in any way? Possible pain points:
Wireless charging limited to PMA only (AT&T has a history of pushing PMA at the expense of Qi)
Unremovable AT&T bloatware (AT&T Navigator, AT&T Family Map, AT&T Smart WiFi, etc)
Removal of certain software features (On my LG G3, it's missing a few minor features like Quick Tips for no discernable reason)
Locked bootloader (I actually assume this one is a given)
Of course we know it'll get slower software updates and still has the ugly AT&T logo on the back.
sturmen said:
Do we know if the AT&T version is crippled in any way? Possible pain points:
Wireless charging limited to PMA only (AT&T has a history of pushing PMA at the expense of Qi)
Unremovable AT&T bloatware (AT&T Navigator, AT&T Family Map, AT&T Smart WiFi, etc)
Removal of certain software features (On my LG G3, it's missing a few minor features like Quick Tips for no discernable reason)
Locked bootloader (I actually assume this one is a given)
Of course we know it'll get slower software updates and still has the ugly AT&T logo on the back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well the s6 is suppose to include support for both PMA and Qi, as far as the bloat, if its like the nexus lp release those bloatware apps are sim related and can be removed as they don't reside on the /system as for the locked BL i think everyone has pretty much assumed that it will be shipped locked.
sturmen said:
Do we know if the AT&T version is crippled in any way? Possible pain points:
Wireless charging limited to PMA only (AT&T has a history of pushing PMA at the expense of Qi)
Unremovable AT&T bloatware (AT&T Navigator, AT&T Family Map, AT&T Smart WiFi, etc)
Removal of certain software features (On my LG G3, it's missing a few minor features like Quick Tips for no discernable reason)
Locked bootloader (I actually assume this one is a given)
Of course we know it'll get slower software updates and still has the ugly AT&T logo on the back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea about the pma or qi wireless charging. I dont think they would mess with it but it wouldn't surprise me.
I assume we'll have to root to get rid of all the bloat.
I hope they dont remove features but as we know, they got rid of download booster on the GS5 so again, this wouldn't surprise me.
I too assume the boot loader will be locked but so was the GS5 and there are ways around it.
good questions, a lot to think about. I almost wanna just say ahhh forget it and just the att branded one to make sure I get HD Voice and VoLte but then every time I look at my wifes GS5 on AT&T and see that shes still got Kitkat I so NOPE!!!
Locked bootloader?
Shoot i guess i have been spoiled by the nexus :/ I jumped on the hype and bought a s6 (preordered really) because my n5 was getting old and the metal band and the curved display. Still kindof frightened of how it would look when watching a movie, bad experience with gamma curve on note 1 for the att note. I look forward to flash cm 12.1 on the edge and develop some apps or xposed modules to use that sexy edge
Yes.
I have my first ever factory unlocked phone and first Samsung phone ever
Galaxy Alpha 850M on MetroPCS/Tmobile Network.
It is a sleek phone, great Audio, no lag and has ALL the Bands for Tmobile( even 1700 UMTS not listed in it's specs).
BUT- the phone is NOT software optimized for Metro/Tmobile so no
VoLTE- which we have had on Metro since 2012 .
So make a call and instantly you lose LTE and drop to 3G and sometimes the
" hand off " back to LTE after the call takes a minute or so...
Sometimes Data is interrupted temporarily when on Internet and I get a call though I have voice and Data almost all the time.
These are not things I was warned about on Articles about BYOD.
I have no problems with Texts , MMS, Multiple Email Accounts and different Notifications for them all though- that is very good-often people have some problems , glitches with unlocked phones.
Because VoLTE is becoming more common it may eventually become more universal but we are not there yet so even an advanced phone like Alpha and probably S6 needs specific Carrier Software to enable the VoLTE for the specific Carrier.
So you won't stay on LTE during Calls .
Not sure if the Band switching wastes energy or not- the Battery is going to be the Achilles Heel on S6 IMO for heavy users- .
So that's the problem IMO with Factory Unlocked Phones- I also suspect the Software Optimized and precisely Band Optimized Carrier Devices are faster with better reception generally than similar Model Factory Unlocked Devices but no proof and it's probably complicated....lol.
I'm also on the fence about getting an AT&T Version of the S6 or not. Having a locked bootloader could be a deal breaker and from the last 2 Galaxy Units they had it should be locked too. Until someone gets a unit and lets us know, we'll be in limbo until then. I currently have a AT&T HTC M8, unlocked, s-off, the works, and i can pretty much do anything to this phone. I do keep my phone close to stock, but all the bloat removed and option to flash any type of ROM is a big plus.
Hopefully we can get a definitive answer on the Bootloader asap.
We me I just want to know if I buy the S6 from Verizon to use on At&t will Verizon be able to track my Porn website cookies even if I'm on At&t?
dligon said:
We me I just want to know if I buy the S6 from Verizon to use on At&t will Verizon be able to track my Porn website cookies even if I'm on At&t?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[emoji2] [emoji2] [emoji2] [emoji2] [emoji2] [emoji2] [emoji2]
Too funny.
This is why I love forums.
dligon said:
We me I just want to know if I buy the S6 from Verizon to use on At&t will Verizon be able to track my Porn website cookies even if I'm on At&t?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I have discovered at least 4 companies we can buy an unlocked S6 from in the US. Handtec, clove, expansys-usa, and gsmnation.
I ended up placing a pre-order from handtec.co.uk. Total came to $737 including shipping for a regular S6 32GB. Don't forget to add / request the Samsung activation / region unlock if you order from handtec or clove. Expansys and gsmnation should handle that for you even if you don't request it I think.
I just can't deal with the AT&T version. So glad my device will have no carrier bloat and get updates much sooner than the AT&T version.
gtg465x said:
So I have discovered at least 4 companies we can buy an unlocked S6 from in the US. Handtec, clove, expansys-usa, and gsmnation.
I ended up placing a pre-order from handtec.co.uk. Total came to $737 including shipping for a regular S6 32GB. Don't forget to add / request the Samsung activation / region unlock if you order from handtec or clove. Expansys and gsmnation should handle that for you even if you don't request it I think.
I just can't deal with the AT&T version. So glad my device will have no carrier bloat and get updates much sooner than the AT&T version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for more options! I've been corresponding with the fine folks at GSMNation, and they don't seem to be understanding what I'm asking.
I'm curious about what model I will be getting. Will it be the Vodaphone version? I want to know so I can determine how long I'll be waiting for updates. T-Mo wasn't the worst, and I have been able to do a lot with it.
Last year I brought my T-Mobile S5 to AT&T...I'm wondering if I can just go buy one at T-Mobile, but activate it on AT&T. Unlocking shouldn't be an issue. Whatever I do, I must be able to root that beast!:laugh:
gtg465x said:
So I have discovered at least 4 companies we can buy an unlocked S6 from in the US. Handtec, clove, expansys-usa, and gsmnation.
I ended up placing a pre-order from handtec.co.uk. Total came to $737 including shipping for a regular S6 32GB. Don't forget to add / request the Samsung activation / region unlock if you order from handtec or clove. Expansys and gsmnation should handle that for you even if you don't request it I think.
I just can't deal with the AT&T version. So glad my device will have no carrier bloat and get updates much sooner than the AT&T version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which AT&T bands does the phone support?
Anyone know if the exynos version would work on verizon? I assume that that it would but the 1x and 3g would not. lol, i would be ok with that if i also go root and TWRP.
My follow up question is where could we order it? It would be nice to get it right from samsung, but i don't see that option.
I have the same question
Gigatopiloto said:
I have the same question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think this is the place to buy it. Since they will open it up and use one of their sims to make 5 minutes of calls before sending it to us, so it doesn't lock up once we get it.
Has anyone used 4g exclusively on verizon, what are the drawbacks?
I know where to buy it here in the US. I could actually buy it today. Just want to know if it will work on Verizon
Gigatopiloto said:
I know where to buy it here in the US. I could actually buy it today. Just want to know if it will work on Verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think you will be able to use it to make phone calls or msg because verizon use a CDMA network for this and the exynos version doesnt have this. Just my guess.
Samsung's soc never supports cdma (big Q owns the patents) so that's why the rest of the world who aren't on cdma gets the exynos versions
gqukyo said:
Samsung's soc never supports cdma (big Q owns the patents) so that's why the rest of the world who aren't on cdma gets the exynos versions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not true at all, my Galaxy Tab S2 is an Exynos and runs on Verizon LTE., and the galaxy S6 was an Exynos 7420 on Verizon.
Oh I stand corrected. I knew the tablets were supported but figured since you don't make calls from them, it wouldn't need cdma. In either case, unless it's made for Verizon, the exynos versions won't natively support Verizon.
The FCC filing shows it support the Verizon LTE bands, but no CDMA bands.
It would probably work for data but I am not sure if it would work for calls, unless they implement VOLTE on the international version for Verizon.
Guys it's best to wait for the North American unlocked version (Qualcomm chip) to become available in a couple of weeks or so.
It will definitely work on both Verizon and Sprint and their MVNOs.
I can see bhphotovideo taking preorders for it already, and the page is setup on bestbuy. This is the S8 version I'm gonna go for. Downside is it will cost you a little more, but it is worth it to me to know I can use it on all US carriers.
Edit: looks like bhphoto added the model numbers for their preorders as "SM-G950F" and "SM-G955F", which is the same as the European/global GSM version. So that is Exynos chipset powered, and it's a no go for CDMA guys.
The plus on this model is it gets the software updates more quickly than the US unlocked model. (This is still speculation based on Samsung not updating SM-G930U to Android 7 for months while the SM-G930F and the US carrier models already received their updates.)
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Commodore 64 said:
Guys it's best to wait for the North American unlocked version (Qualcomm chip) to become available in a couple of weeks or so.
It will definitely work on both Verizon and Sprint and their MVNOs.
I can see bhphotovideo taking preorders for it already, and the page is setup on bestbuy. This is the S8 version I'm gonna go for. Downside is it will cost you a little more, but it is worth it to me to know I can use it on all US carriers.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlocked as in unlocked BOOTLOADER? Or just for use on any carrier?
JAYNO20 said:
unlocked as in unlocked BOOTLOADER? Or just for use on any carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked as in "unlocked for all carriers" (or "sim free" is what Samsung UK calls their SM-G95*F versions). But I wouldn't be surprised if the bootloader is also unlocked.
My guess, even with the unlocked (unencrypted) bootloader, is once you flash a custom ROM/recovery it will still trip the Samsung Knox binary counter and void the warranty. This is just speculation based on Samsung's devices in the past. We have to wait until someone gets their hand on the US unlocked version.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Commodore 64 said:
Unlocked as in "unlocked for all carriers" (or "sim free" is what Samsung UK calls their SM-G95*F versions). But I wouldn't be surprised if the bootloader is also unlocked.
My guess, even with the unlocked (unencrypted) bootloader, is once you flash a custom ROM/recovery it will still trip the Samsung Knox binary counter and void the warranty. This is just speculation based on Samsung's devices in the past. We have to wait until someone gets their hand on the US unlocked version.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sim unlocked at best buy will be out may 9th priced at 725/825
i buy international versions all the time...
don't listen to all these people who just make things up but never used it.
supported bands according to this site just an example:
http://www.china-prices.com/phone/bands/7922/samsung-galaxy-s8-exynos
I have the exynos s7 i bought from B&H in US. on verizon CDMA won't connect, but if you are in a region with VOLTE and you don't travel within US, it should be fine.
all the international versions have much better support if you are on ATT/Tmobile where GSM is the "3g/crippled 4g" I left verizon for Tmobile just to get better support for Exynos.
now... i didn't check validity of the site above, but it gives u an idea. i just wanted to chime in.
Exynos has much better power management IMO. my wife's phone is S7 tmobile variant, and when i was using s7 Exynos, my battery life was BETTER AND i use the phone way more than her throughout the day.
going to, i actually bought s8 TMobile this time... just so i can use samsung pay... samsung pay will work if you modify the CSC and install spay/framework, but guess i'm getting old and getting lazy
exynos will likely get rooted FIRST, and the first root type will likely trip Knox, and without Knox, no samsung pay...
TLDR. Exynos will work on vzw but not all the bands. if you think it's too risky, don't get it.
2 upsides that actually matter IMO when it comes to Exynos versions.
1. less bloat, I say less, because Exynos versions come with all kinds of CSCs from all over the world. and depending on where it came from... you'll see it installing regional specific apps on your initial boot. 1 year i had a phone with Arab CSC and it installed bunch of apps made for Arabs... on another phone i had a UK CSC and it installed all kinds of UK news apps.
2. better battery
3. faster updates from sammobile
jucytec said:
i buy international versions all the time...
don't listen to all these people who just make things up but never used it.
supported bands according to this site just an example:
http://www.china-prices.com/phone/bands/7922/samsung-galaxy-s8-exynos
I have the exynos s7 i bought from B&H in US. on verizon CDMA won't connect, but if you are in a region with VOLTE and you don't travel within US, it should be fine.
all the international versions have much better support if you are on ATT/Tmobile where GSM is the "3g/crippled 4g" I left verizon for Tmobile just to get better support for Exynos.
now... i didn't check validity of the site above, but it gives u an idea. i just wanted to chime in.
Exynos has much better power management IMO. my wife's phone is S7 tmobile variant, and when i was using s7 Exynos, my battery life was BETTER AND i use the phone way more than her throughout the day.
going to, i actually bought s8 TMobile this time... just so i can use samsung pay... samsung pay will work if you modify the CSC and install spay/framework, but guess i'm getting old and getting lazy
exynos will likely get rooted FIRST, and the first root type will likely trip Knox, and without Knox, no samsung pay...
TLDR. Exynos will work on vzw but not all the bands. if you think it's too risky, don't get it.
2 upsides that actually matter IMO when it comes to Exynos versions.
1. less bloat, I say less, because Exynos versions come with all kinds of CSCs from all over the world. and depending on where it came from... you'll see it installing regional specific apps on your initial boot. 1 year i had a phone with Arab CSC and it installed bunch of apps made for Arabs... on another phone i had a UK CSC and it installed all kinds of UK news apps.
2. better battery
3. faster updates from sammobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you gloss over the fact that regular phone calls wont work on the international Exynos version using a Verizon sim?
954wrecker said:
Did you gloss over the fact that regular phone calls wont work on the international Exynos version using a Verizon sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes... hence i said if you are in an area with VOLTE and you don't travel. that is the reason why i went tmobile.
http://www.phonemore.com/compare/ph...m-g950v-vs-samsung-galaxy-s8-sm-g950u/5341523
look at 2g/3g difference OP
jucytec said:
yes... hence i said if you are in an area with VOLTE and you don't travel. that is the reason why i went tmobile.
http://www.phonemore.com/compare/ph...m-g950v-vs-samsung-galaxy-s8-sm-g950u/5341523
look at 2g/3g difference OP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read it I just think its a dumb GSM phone for people that have a dumb CDMA phone provider. LTE only is not a solution Verizon people simply need Verizon phones. Just like Sprint people need Sprint phones. Getting international GSM phones for use on CDMA service providers is stupid. Thats one reason CDMA is crap compared to GSM. Unlocked phones like some apple and moto and rare samsung are the best solution. Best Buy will have the unlocked snapdragon available in 2 weeks for $725/$825
---------- Post added at 07:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:04 AM ----------
jonno95 said:
Anyone know if the exynos version would work on verizon? I assume that that it would but the 1x and 3g would not. lol, i would be ok with that if i also go root and TWRP.
My follow up question is where could we order it? It would be nice to get it right from samsung, but i don't see that option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dont need regular calls? You are going LTE only and hoping you dont miss any calls? If you are using hangouts for calls and don't need cellular phone calls then go get one. Ebay, amazon, they have them for sale, forget warranty unless you want a huge hassle.
954wrecker said:
I read it I just think its a dumb GSM phone for people that have a dumb CDMA phone provider. LTE only is not a solution Verizon people simply need Verizon phones. Just like Sprint people need Sprint phones. Getting international GSM phones for use on CDMA service providers is stupid. Thats one reason CDMA is crap compared to GSM. Unlocked phones like some apple and moto and rare samsung are the best solution. Best Buy will have the unlocked snapdragon available in 2 weeks for $725/$825
---------- Post added at 07:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:04 AM ----------
You dont need regular calls? You are going LTE only and hoping you dont miss any calls? If you are using hangouts for calls and don't need cellular phone calls then go get one. Ebay, amazon, they have them for sale, forget warranty unless you want a huge hassle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand everything. I was wondering who has done it in the past. Everyone in my company with the latest update from Verizon has seen their CDMA coverage disappear. Where they once had CDMA service, they now have none. Verizon seem to really be pushing the VoLTE. I've had phones where i have disabled all non 4g bands, because i didn't like it switching, and it actually worked better for me. The main reason i ask is because the international version has root and TWRP. Hopefully the US version will get root, but i don't think we'll every get an unlocked bootloader. The verizon version is already sim unlocked, so i'm not looking for more sim unlocked phones that don't have root.
jonno95 said:
I understand everything. I was wondering who has done it in the past. Everyone in my company with the latest update from Verizon has seen their CDMA coverage disappear. Where they once had CDMA service, they now have none. Verizon seem to really be pushing the VoLTE. I've had phones where i have disabled all non 4g bands, because i didn't like it switching, and it actually worked better for me. The main reason i ask is because the international version has root and TWRP. Hopefully the US version will get root, but i don't think we'll every get an unlocked bootloader. The verizon version is already sim unlocked, so i'm not looking for more sim unlocked phones that don't have root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I undersrand now. Go exynos based on what you just mentioned
954wrecker said:
I undersrand now. Go exynos based on what you just mentioned
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help and concern. haha, i still don't want to be the first. I'm going to see what happens here before i get too serious about getting it. The risk in waiting is that the current unlocked bootloader method for the exynos may get patched. idk
I'm going to take advantage of the Note 7 promotion. I'm currently on Sprint. From what I understand, there are no hardware differences between the carrier unlocked version and the Sprint version (per Samsung chat). The only major differences are in carrier software, I think? Also, it looks like software updates may be extremely slow? I would have expected the opposite since it's coming straight from Samsung.
From what I can tell, I can always flash the carrier ROM on the unlocked version, but I think this would trip Knox and I would lose Samsung Pay, right? Conversely, if I go with the carrier version, I can unlock it because I'll own it outright, correct?
I'm really stuck on which one to preorder. I always figured carrier unlocked was better, but perhaps not? Any guiding thoughts for me?
Wonder about this too.
Is the cellular bands listed on this site accurate?
https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-note-8-sm-n950-model-number-differences/
If it is, the unlocked may not have all the bands for, for example, T-mobile. So if sticking with one carrier and not planning to change, will getting the carrier one, though with more bloatware, be better for coverage?
Here is a screen capture for the Carrier Unlocked Note 8 from Best Buys Website.
just take this with a pinch of salt but carrier lock is way better than the other.
Someone Local to me is selling a note 8. It's supposed to be unlocked. Will it work on Sprint or no?
powerstroke said:
Someone Local to me is selling a note 8. It's supposed to be unlocked. Will it work on Sprint or no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before I'd buy,I'd visit T-Mobile with the seller & phone in-hand,to ensure the phone is free & clear of any financial obligations.
Otherwise,you risk the possibility of it being blacklisted if any remaining balances are unpaid.
Not sure about compatibility,but,if the T-Mobile S8+ is any indication,it's only compatible with LTE,probably won't get voice/calls:
https://willmyphonework.net/
Regardless,with it being a new phone,you're in uncharted territory,no one can know for sure at this point,less a visit to Sprint & the mentioned visit to T-Mobile.
powerstroke said:
Someone Local to me is selling a note 8. It's supposed to be unlocked. Will it work on Sprint or no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, probably not. Sprint is very strict with the phones it allows under it's BYOD program, it'll only allow activation of Sprint and Unlocked models. It knows when phones are carrier versions as Samsung provides Sprint with the IMEIs of the Sprint and Unlocked models.
Sprint is the only major carrier that still uses a database whitelist for phones that can be activated on their network. Bit of a **** policy, but there's not much you can do about it.
Source: Just tried the same thing with my T-Mobile S8+. Even when I flashed the unlocked firmware on it(something you'd need to do anyway to enable the CDMA radio on the Note8, T-Mobile firmware has it disabled), still wouldn't work. Found out it was because of Sprint's stupid policy.
Just wanted to chime in on this in the hopes that no one wastes their time and money trying to activate AT&T/T-Mobile branded Note 8's with Sprint.
Flashed my AT&T device with unlocked firmware to enable CDMA features (MEID HEX/DEC)
Bought a Sprint BYOD SIM
Gave Sprint technicians device information in an attempt to add it to their inventory (HEC/DEX)
They kept getting random incompatibility errors, kind of silly given all US Note 8's have identical hardware.
Case closed, looking for a Sprint or Samsung official unlocked device now..
If I get a Verizon note 9 can I just pop an Att sim into it and it will work. I know there may be differences between voice and data but Basically is the Verizon NOTE9 GSM unlocked like past Galaxy phones were?
I read a Verizon forum where the Verizon rep said that the note 9 is GSM unlocked but she said AFTER it has been activated on Verizon.
To make matters more confusing she linked to a Verizon page that basically said all Verizon's post pay phones are GSM 4G unlocked (nothing about activation first).
Anyone can help me here? Thinking of getting a cheap one of eBay to use mainly overseas and ATT or wherever else.
Yes. The Verizon models are unlocked. And it's the same exact hardware as the ATT version. My recommendation is to flash either the U1 or the ATT firmware though. Otherwise you'll get the Verizon boot animation and Verizon bloatware.
The ATT firmware will allow you to use WiFi calling and VOLTE.
The unlocked U1 firmware will be clean and have no carrier bloat.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
Yes. The Verizon models are unlocked. And it's the same exact hardware as the ATT version. My recommendation is to flash either the U1 or the ATT firmware though. Otherwise you'll get the Verizon boot animation and Verizon bloatware.
The ATT firmware will allow you to use WiFi calling and VOLTE.
The unlocked U1 firmware will be clean and have no carrier bloat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer. I will have to read up more on the Flashing and U1 firmware!
I see now that on ebay that some say verizon unlocked and some say verizon locked and some of the verizons up for sale dont specify (but in the item detail it says locked or contract)... This makes things more confusing.
I have always bought verizon phones for the unlocked gsm. I did read that verizon was going to stop having them unlocked....this is my main fear.
So what you're saying, is that the verizon note 9 is 100% gsm unlocked? sorry to ask again.
Henhen59 said:
Thanks for your answer. I will have to read up more on the Flashing and U1 firmware!
I see now that on ebay that some say verizon unlocked and some say verizon locked and some of the verizons up for sale dont specify (but in the item detail it says locked or contract)... This makes things more confusing.
I have always bought verizon phones for the unlocked gsm. I did read that verizon was going to stop having them unlocked....this is my main fear.
So what you're saying, is that the verizon note 9 is 100% gsm unlocked? sorry to ask again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also looking for that definitive answer as I want to get the Verizon Note 9 for overseas use. I read that it will be unlocked after activation as they were having armed robberies at stores and other inventory locations. I was going to buy the Sprint model but it cost almost $150 to unlock.
Henhen59 said:
Thanks for your answer. I will have to read up more on the Flashing and U1 firmware!
I see now that on ebay that some say verizon unlocked and some say verizon locked and some of the verizons up for sale dont specify (but in the item detail it says locked or contract)... This makes things more confusing.
I have always bought verizon phones for the unlocked gsm. I did read that verizon was going to stop having them unlocked....this is my main fear.
So what you're saying, is that the verizon note 9 is 100% gsm unlocked? sorry to ask again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
djohne said:
I'm also looking for that definitive answer as I want to get the Verizon Note 9 for overseas use. I read that it will be unlocked after activation as they were having armed robberies at stores and other inventory locations. I was going to buy the Sprint model but it cost almost $150 to unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon started that with the Pixel 3, after the Note 9. The Note 9's from Verizon are unlocked. Even with the Pixel 3, once it was activated with a Verizon SIM, it was then automatically carrier unlocked. So if you buy a used VZW Note 9 from eBay, its already been activated on Verizon, so no worries.
Just be careful buying off eBay. If its still under contract and the seller stops making payments, it will be blacklisted.
Why buy a Verizon version to use on AT&T?
What is the advantage over getting an AT&T or carrier unlocked version?
pizza_pablo said:
Why buy a Verizon version to use on AT&T?
What is the advantage over getting an AT&T or carrier unlocked version?
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Click to collapse
They buy on Verizon because Verizon offers better deals. Then they want to use the devices on other networks. But since Note only has A firmware, not B, it's an annoying process for those who haven't flashed before.
AS to your second question: ATT doesn't allow Wi-Fi Calling nor voice over LTE on unlocked devices. So many ending putting up with their bloat in order to get those features.
CrazyApe18 said:
They buy on Verizon because Verizon offers better deals. Then they want to use the devices on other networks. But since Note only has A firmware, not B, it's an annoying process for those who haven't flashed before.
AS to your second question: ATT doesn't allow Wi-Fi Calling nor voice over LTE on unlocked devices. So many ending putting up with their bloat in order to get those features.
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Click to collapse
Huh, I would think any Verizon deal would require using Verizon service.
Thanks!
pizza_pablo said:
Huh, I would think any Verizon deal would require using Verizon service.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, they do require service. But people either don't read or think they've found some way around it.
CrazyApe18 said:
Oh, they do require service. But people either don't read or think they've found some way around it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh ha! Hard to outsmart big red.
pizza_pablo said:
oh ha! Hard to outsmart big red.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It used to be easier. Verizon would often offer buy one get one free on Samsung and LG devices. You had to sign up for new service and put the phones on a payment plan. But the second phone uses to actually be free, not just bill credits. And you could pay off the first one and cancel your service.
I one time bought four Galaxy S7s when they were brand new, started four lines of service with Verizon, then paid off the phones and cancelled the service. Then I sold all four phones and netted about a thousand dollar profit off the deal.
Did the same thing with the LG G4 with Verizon when they offered $600 prepaid gift cards for each phone you bought.
Now Verizon, like all other carriers, lock you in with bill credits.
As they say, all good things must come to an end.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
Verizon started that with the Pixel 3, after the Note 9. The Note 9's from Verizon are unlocked. Even with the Pixel 3, once it was activated with a Verizon SIM, it was then automatically carrier unlocked. So if you buy a used VZW Note 9 from eBay, its already been activated on Verizon, so no worries.
Just be careful buying off eBay. If its still under contract and the seller stops making payments, it will be blacklisted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wanted them for overseas use, actually ended up getting a great deal on 2 ATT note 9s, under $500 each n paid $18 to unlock
Verizon note 9 on AT&T
I'm using an unlocked Verizon note 9 512gb 8gb ram on AT&T and amazingly everything works. Wifi calling, video calling, volte. Even went to UbreakIfix and they installed Android 10 onto the phone. When I put the Sim card into the phone it loaded all the AT&T software on the phone and I was good. The great thing about Verizon unlocked phones are that they have the full CDMA and GSM capabilities so you can use them on any carrier. It wasn't a hassle at all to do.