Any ideas where this phone is? I am dying of boredom ova here. I also don't really want to buy the phone without a contract... as that is a lota dosh.
Edit: Yeah I realized I doubt posted
I've seen online stores selling em unlocked and was wondering if they were AT&T friendly.
androidpixar said:
I've seen online stores selling em unlocked and was wondering if they were AT&T friendly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SGS II works 100% with AT&T. Bought mine from Clove and right when I got it, I popped in my At&t SIM card and it was working right away.
Hope this helps.
im using mine on att, got from clove.co.uk
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
How long did it take to get your SGS2s from Clove
1. How long did it take for you guys to get your SGS2s from Clove after you got a confirmation that your card was shipped? Was the SGS2 box sealed?
2. Yes, androidpixar. The SGS2 has the exact matching GSM radio bands for AT&T.
AC
insurance ??
if I buy the SGS II in the web clove.co.uk, can I put a insurance?
tantan1892 said:
if I buy the SGS II in the web clove.co.uk, can I put a insurance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung provides their warranty for the phone for 2 years (correct me if I'm wrong).
What about insurance from Squaretrade?
Anyone try to get their SGS2 insured from Squaretrade? I notice that they offer insurance in the UK where the SGS2 is currently outselling the iPhone 4.
Yeah, I thought that I heard that the Samsung warranty was an international warranty.
Insurance information regarding Squaretrade
I just got off the phone with Squaretrade Insurance. They tell me that since I am in the US, that they will not cover cell phones purchased outside of the US. They also mentioned that the phone must have a US warranty. Although, the SGS2 may be applicable, since it has an supposed international warranty.
I wonder if renters insurance has a similar policy?
Thanks for the 411, guys! Just got the wife the Samsung Infuse and now am envious of it, hence the interest in the Galaxy S II.
3G, right?
Just to clarify and be certain, the unlocked international Galaxy S2 models work on the United States AT&T 3G network? I know this has probably been asked before, but I'm just looking for the hard yes or no.
Those of you using the SGS2 in the United States, you get 3G connection on AT&T's network?
rkaplan2 said:
Just to clarify and be certain, the unlocked international Galaxy S2 models work on the United States AT&T 3G network? I know this has probably been asked before, but I'm just looking for the hard yes or no.
Those of you using the SGS2 in the United States, you get 3G connection on AT&T's network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, it does. I'm using one and I am getting the same 3G speeds as I did on my Atrix
Thank you! How is the wifi btw? I was reading about any problems that the SGS2 has and it seems that the wifi is the consistent let-down. I'm really looking into getting this phone without since our own country's carriers are taking forever to release it. I'm a Captivate user now and it's got a GPS that tells me I'm over 3,000 meters away from where I actually am (considering if it even gets a lock at all sometimes) and it has some force-close issues, which seem to be fixed by CM7 anyway.
Anything I should know about the SGS2's improvements over the SGS after owning a Captivate, and what I should consider before buying?
rkaplan2 said:
Thank you! How is the wifi btw? I was reading about any problems that the SGS2 has and it seems that the wifi is the consistent let-down. I'm really looking into getting this phone without since our own country's carriers are taking forever to release it. I'm a Captivate user now and it's got a GPS that tells me I'm over 3,000 meters away from where I actually am (considering if it even gets a lock at all sometimes) and it has some force-close issues, which seem to be fixed by CM7 anyway.
Anything I should know about the SGS2's improvements over the SGS after owning a Captivate, and what I should consider before buying?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS and wifi are flawless for me (note: it appears some handsets have issues and others don't). I only really use wifi at home and I get fine reception and great speeds all over my house... even in the basement at the opposite end of the house from the router. It may depend on one's router, but I haven't had any issues.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
OK? but, the Samsung warranty don't give me a new phone if I lose it, or if the screen breaks.. I mean a insurance like at&t.. that I pay $3.99 per moth & if I lose my phone I pay like $125 and they give me a new phone..
Related
What CSCs are you generally getting from resellers? Latest European?
Anyone buy from NewEgg? (30 day exchange for issue laden device)
What are the pitfalls if any with using International Versions on ATT. I can see the advantages.
Flashing methods seem to be the same from what I am reading. Even A TiBu restore may work from a saved folder from the Captivate. Have not read of any differences there in apps or TiBu.
VPN settings work?
Been looking to get this handset but not sure about about a few processes. I am guessing MobileTech can unbrick one of these should I have an issue as they did one of my Captivates. I have not read of any US repair support expected.
USA Buyer
I have a SGII here in US, bought from onthegosolutions.com, works well on AT&T sim card. No setup issues, nothing to complain about but the problems with the native email app and activesync exchange server, that is supposed to be fixed in KE7 if I can ever get it.
The phone is the standard EU version XWKE2
I got mine from Amazon and the CSC was from Chile. Flashed the generic European ROM soon after to update the build to KE7. Everything has been working fine before and after flashing and rooting.
THanks for the replies. Being a "noob" to non branded Android Galaxy (always bought Nokia before and had to set up VPN was the only difference.
The two branded Captivates which were complete turds initially have been very nicely polished by developers. (hence my support of donations to them and this site.) I believe in supporting the helpful developers with my wallet for ROMS and paid Apps.
I don't use either Exchange or the stock Email app. I like Gmail and K9. I will root for TiBi and root Explorer. Probably run Cog at first since DG was a force on the SGS I and still is. When I get comfortable with the flashing processes I will try other ROMs
I guess most processes are similar to the S1. I did notice two rooting methods. I even read somewhere SuperOneclick may work.
OF hundreds of flashes I bricked once (recently) but $50 late MobileTech and the JTAG had me like new. Small price to pay to save a few hundred dollar phone. IM guessing Josh cna do the same with the SGS II.
Does anyone know when it will be available for AT&T?
I bought mine from New Egg and received it Thursday and I must say it is a great phone. Mine came with KE2. I just flashed Cognition on it a couple of hours ago and its even smoother and faster.
I read on Android Central the other day that Samsung was having issues with the carriers in the US on getting them to pick up this phone. I don't know why since its an awesome phone and they already have phones on all the major carriers. I'm glad I bought it outright instead of waiting for ATT to officially carry it.
astarling10 said:
I read on Android Central the other day that Samsung was having issues with the carriers in the US on getting them to pick up this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The source of all those stories was a Korean writer with no facts talking out of his ass. A dev just found AT&T LTE code in the 2.3.4 leak along with PNG logos unique to their network.
Here's a link to the story that started it all. You judge if its credible.
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/...070701109.html
astarling10 said:
I bought mine from New Egg and received it Thursday and I must say it is a great phone. Mine came with KE2. I just flashed Cognition on it a couple of hours ago and its even smoother and faster.
I read on Android Central the other day that Samsung was having issues with the carriers in the US on getting them to pick up this phone. I don't know why since its an awesome phone and they already have phones on all the major carriers. I'm glad I bought it outright instead of waiting for ATT to officially carry it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah IM over Carrier branded handsets. I was glad ATT never carried the N82/N95/N97 Nokias...... I could not care if ATT never gets the SGS 2. Probably get an SGS 3 instead to compete with ifad 5
Bought one here from the Market place with KE7....Hasn't arrived yet.
tbong777 said:
Yeah IM over Carrier branded handsets. I was glad ATT never carried the N82/N95/N97 Nokias...... I could not care if ATT never gets the SGS 2. Probably get an SGS 3 instead to compete with ifad 5
Bought one here from the Market place with KE7....Hasn't arrived yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too..no att crap ware..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Hey guys
I just bought the international version of the note N7000 a month ago and now they are available here in Toronto. Rogers and Bell has them and they seem to be the AT&T i717 version. I went to purchase the Flip Cover for the note but the AT&T cover does not fit the international one. So in order to do so I was planning on selling my International Version to get the Bell version.
Anyone got any suggestions or comments in the difference between N7000 and i717? Also can i unlock the phone to use another sim card?
or if someone has the international cover black and lives close to markham,toronto msg me too!
You should be able to find a flip cover for the international fairly easy online.
However, there are pros and cons to either version. The main differences are:
International has the Exynos processor, i717 has the Snapdragon. Either processor is adequate, however people seem to have more love for the Exynos.
International will recieve ICS sooner, as it is scheduled to be released within a month I'm pretty sure. Hoever, the i717 will receive it this year most likely, and being as you are in Canada, your i717 will likely receive it before the US version.
i717 has LTE, international only has HSPA+. However, if you are going to unlock it for another carrier, it is unlikely that you will be able to use LTE on the i717. Also, if you are not in an LTE area, it doesn't make any difference until your area has LTE.
You cannot use international ROMs on the i717, and vice versa. The i717 will still have a great community once things ramp up though, so you will likely be happy ether way.
If you choose the i717, you will have warranty through your carrier.
Either way, both phones are great, but you will be able to get the subsidized pricing on the i717 through your carrier with an upgrade, so it will be slightly cheaper, though you will be locked into a new plan.
From what I have heard, there is various success with which carriers you can use your device on if you carrier unlock it. Best to do some research into which other phone service you are wanting to use, just to make sure it is possible before buying. I suggest contacting the other carrier and asking if they will support the unlocked i717.
FM Radio not enabled on North American i717 version:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1521016
Wait.. you want to switch phones because you can't use the flip cover on your version..?
joshnichols189 said:
Wait.. you want to switch phones because you can't use the flip cover on your version..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right lol!!
To each his own
Sent from a rock on fire in the middle of the sea
I had the i717 and sold it and bought an N7000. LTE in Vancouver is so hit or miss that it wasn't worth having the phone set on searching for LTE and wasting battery when it wasn't available. For me, HSPA is fine in terms of data speed, and the bigger dev community was the icing on the cake. They're both excellent devices, but the N7000 satisfied my needs more than the i717.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
International devices will always be better than the US version. Because it has to go through the hands of AT$T first before it reaches the consumer. Only advantage the AT$T Note has is LTE.
My opinion, yes. Hands on experience, yes too.
Edit: Perfect example, since there so much talk about it.
International version: http://www.htc.com/www/smartphones/htc-one-x/#specs
AT$T version: http://www.htc.com/us/products/htconex-att#tech-specs
Xstop said:
International devices will always be better than the US version. Because it has to go through the hands of AT$T first before it reaches the consumer. Only advantage the AT$T Note has is LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which yields the capability to run with an AWS provider like Wind Mobile Canada.
If I were the OP i'd be selling it too, since the i717 has much more potential now that AWS 1700 can be flashed on demand
while the international version can only do NAM bands
so the switching the phone due the cover thing... that's a ver weak excuse
it's so cheap and easy to find international note covers or accessories on ebay with free shipping or even any of the local shops in the malls
Xstop said:
International devices will always be better than the US version. Because it has to go through the hands of AT$T first before it reaches the consumer. Only advantage the AT$T Note has is LTE.
My opinion, yes. Hands on experience, yes too.
Edit: Perfect example, since there so much talk about it.
International version: http://www.htc.com/www/smartphones/htc-one-x/#specs
AT$T version: http://www.htc.com/us/products/htconex-att#tech-specs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be wrong, but the International version doesn't have NFC built in at all, while the AT&T version has it, just disabled. So there's that as another advantage. BTW, love the redirection.
Dacian said:
I could be wrong, but the International version doesn't have NFC built in at all, while the AT&T version has it, just disabled. So there's that as another advantage. BTW, love the redirection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Advantage? AT&T disabled it. How is that an advantage? Is yours enabled? Why cripple the phone when it is clearly capable of doing it.
Edit: Not trying to start anything, but my point is that ATT tends to cripple the phone one way or another. Yes you have NFC, but why disable it? If the phone came with it, don't prevent the end user to use it. Or at least give you the option to enable or disable it. It's your phone.
When I first got the Galaxy S Captivate, I was wondering how to turn on the front facing camera. But it's just two holes that looks cool there
Xstop said:
Advantage? AT&T disabled it. How is that an advantage? Is yours enabled? Why cripple the phone when it is clearly capable of doing it.
Edit: Not trying to start anything, but my point is that ATT tends to cripple the phone one way or another. Yes you have NFC, but why disable it? If the phone came with it, don't prevent the end user to use it. Or at least give you the option to enable or disable it. It's your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it can be enabled. Have fun with that on the international version.
johnus said:
Because it can be enabled. Have fun with that on the international version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, huge deal breaker. And NFC is so much fun.
BTW, I have both. So don't know why you guys are getting so defensive. I'm just saying... Which is an opinion from my experience.
It already has been...the mod with the .xml files for the I717 already available and working!
No NFC is moot.
Sent from a phone suffering from an identity crisis!
erad1 said:
It already has been...the mood to enable the.xml files is already available!
Sent from a phone suffering from an identity crisis!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but I have no reason to enable it. It's not a deal breaker for me like I said, I'm just saying ATT shouldn't of disable it in the first place.
You guys need to relax. So quick to defend.
Xstop said:
Yes but I have no reason to enable it. It's not a deal breaker for me like I said, I'm just saying ATT shouldn't of disable it in the first place.
You guys need to relax. So quick to defend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree...just wanted to share about the mod for those who didn't already know about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
nfc is something i dont really care bout. same with lte..
And atm the dont really care to root etc.
So those 3 things are what made me sell my att note, and get the int note.
int for me
better battery life
home button
no lag
everyone is diff and has diff tastes and needs..but that doesnt mean one note is better than the other. lol
spiritcrusher33 said:
nfc is something i dont really care bout. same with lte..
And atm the dont really care to root etc.
So those 3 things are what made me sell my att note, and get the int note.
int for me
better battery life
home button
no lag
everyone is diff and has diff tastes and needs..but that doesnt mean one note is better than the other. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what haven't you heard the news? now that the at&t note can do tmobile fast data which covers 1000 people or so haha
now the at&t note is the bestest!!
who cares people...buy phone+play with phone=happy
Hey guys, I got t-mobile and it's time to upgrade. Now I already have an HD2 and loved it since launch but I think it's time to move on, and this seems to be the most updated phone they are offering. So how is it?
Does this phone have any os options like the leo or anything neat about it?
About os options we have boot2geko(very pre-alpha),blacktrack 5,android ofcourse(ics and gb)
sahibunlimited said:
About os options we have boot2geko(very pre-alpha),blacktrack 5,android ofcourse(ics and gb)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay so I have to give up all the openess of the Leo then? Which I guess is fine, I only really used android. Was fun to test all the other ones and see them work.
If you are into development then go for galaxy nexus
But if you want the beast then buy sgs2
But make sure you are buying i9100 and not other i9100G or i777 or some other
You can also wait for sgs3 or other new phones
sahibunlimited said:
If you are into development then go for galaxy nexus
But if you want the beast then buy sgs2
But make sure you are buying i9100 and not other i9100G or i777 or some other
You can also wait for sgs3 or other new phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the Leo since launch, I am kind of tired of it. It's showing it's age lately with newer stuff and it's starting to have hardware issues from massive use. Why that model number?
I "wanted" one of those samsung notes but tmob doesn't get them.
RiffyDivine said:
I've had the Leo since launch, I am kind of tired of it. It's showing it's age lately with newer stuff and it's starting to have hardware issues from massive use. Why that model number?
I "wanted" one of those samsung notes but tmob doesn't get them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get t-mobile one then you won't have international sgs2
i9100 is international one
So get this unlocked international one
sahibunlimited said:
If you get t-mobile one then you won't have international sgs2
i9100 is international one
So get this unlocked international one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he plans on staying with T-Mobile USA as his carrier, than if he gets the I9100, he will only be able to get Edge data speeds on T-Mobile's network.
OP, you should probably be aware of that. This is the reason T-Mobile USA has their own variant of the Galaxy S II, which is the SGH-T989. (which, incidentally, has a separate forum)
I switched from HD2 to SGS2 and i love it... My Sgs2 run perfect only what i miss are the many customs roms... But indie and rgui make perfect roms...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Kaffee4Eck said:
I switched from HD2 to SGS2 and i love it... My Sgs2 run perfect only what i miss are the many customs roms... But indie and rgui make perfect roms...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to see someone else made the change, I feel bad since it's been a bad ass phone but it's just getting old.
ctomgee said:
If he plans on staying with T-Mobile USA as his carrier, than if he gets the I9100, he will only be able to get Edge data speeds on T-Mobile's network.
OP, you should probably be aware of that. This is the reason T-Mobile USA has their own variant of the Galaxy S II, which is the SGH-T989. (which, incidentally, has a separate forum)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I plan to stay with them because as it is I pay I think 60ish a month for unlimited everything. So I am happy with that setup. I still laugh when verizon trys to sell me because we get a discount with them, for the same deal on there network it's 130 dollars a month after the discount. WTF.
Yes being stuck on just edge would kill me, I use my phone for skype A LOT.
RiffyDivine said:
Yes I plan to stay with them because as it is I pay I think 60ish a month for unlimited everything. So I am happy with that setup. I still laugh when verizon trys to sell me because we get a discount with them, for the same deal on there network it's 130 dollars a month after the discount. WTF.
Yes being stuck on just edge would kill me, I use my phone for skype A LOT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't want to be stuck on edge, then you DON'T want this phone. (GT-I9100) This phone simply doesn't have the hardware to get the right frequencies to get a faster mobile data connection on T-Mobile USA's network. You are probably looking at getting the T-Mobile USA Galaxy S II variant. (SGH-T989)
While many general questions about the phone may apply to both models, you really should be asking your questions in the SGH-T989 forum. I linked it above.
EDIT to add: You may ask why I'm referring you to that forum... well, the hardware on the two phones are COMPLETELY different. They receive different frequencies, and they have different SoC/chipset/GPU. So firmwares, kernels, rooting methods - all different.
Since yesterday I switched too,from HTC HD2 to SGSII.I bought the ceramic white version of GT-I9100 and it looks awesome,I`m very happy with it.The HD2 is still working fine(it has hundreds of flashes I guess..haha),but its getting old.Now I coming with a question,where I can find a tutorial of rooting,installing custom ROMS procedure for SGSII.The HD2 forums has tutorials to start from zero.
gabilondo said:
Since yesterday I switched too,from HTC HD2 to SGSII.I bought the ceramic white version of GT-I9100 and it looks awesome,I`m very happy with it.The HD2 is still working fine(it has hundreds of flashes I guess..haha),but its getting old.Now I coming with a question,where I can find a tutorial of rooting,installing custom ROMS procedure for SGSII.The HD2 forums has tutorials to start from zero.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the stickies in the General section. There are tons of links in a roll up sticky post.
I think you shouldn't buy the T-mo variant as there is a lot less development on those variants as most of the devs have the international variant which is the I9100.
But then again that's what I think.
Make you'r decision carefully.
frankimm said:
I think you shouldn't buy the T-mo variant as there is a lot less development on those variants as most of the devs have the international variant which is the I9100.
But then again that's what I think.
Make you'r decision carefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the dude said he is staying with T-Mobile. So AGAIN, if he buys the I9100, he will be stuck with Edge speeds on T-Mobile. Which he also said he doesn't want. So if he wants a Galaxy S II that works with high speed on T-Mobile USA's network, he HAS to get the T-Mobile USA variant.
Edit to add: OR I've heard he could get an unlocked AT&T Galaxy S II Skyrocket and flash T-Mobile's modems to it. But why the heck would you want to do that? Those two phones are essentially the same (hardware-wise) anyways. And it's still not the I9100.
I completely get you'r point, but if he is a flashaholic then going for the T-Mo one wouldn't be a very good choice.
Perhaps not. But it's up to him. We can only give him the facts.
RiffyDivine said:
Hey guys, I got t-mobile and it's time to upgrade. Now I already have an HD2 and loved it since launch but I think it's time to move on, and this seems to be the most updated phone they are offering. So how is it?
Does this phone have any os options like the leo or anything neat about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not recommend you sgs2. I want to sell mine and buy galaxy nexus instead. For sgs2 there isn't fully working aosp ROM and it seems it never will be. I think pure Android nexuses are best choice and not by touchwiz destroyed phones like sgs2. It's my personnal opinion, someone may have different
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA
But if you want the beast then buy sgs2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SG2 is the beast !
Am looking to upgrade my phone (DroidX right now). As with many pieces of technology buying the next generation down often makes a lot of sense. Usually.
In lieu of the SIII, (and yes, I know VZW did not "officially" sell the SII) would there be any reason buying an unlocked SII "not" work on the Verizon network?
Oh and also, if given the chance, would you buy the SII again? Knowing what you know now.
Just curious.
Thanks all.
skeeterpro said:
Am looking to upgrade my phone (DroidX right now). As with many pieces of technology buying the next generation down often makes a lot of sense. Usually.
In lieu of the SIII, (and yes, I know VZW did not "officially" sell the SII) would there be any reason buying an unlocked SII "not" work on the Verizon network?
Oh and also, if given the chance, would you buy the SII again? Knowing what you know now.
Just curious.
Thanks all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This forum is for the i9100, a GSM phone. Verizon is a CDMA network. Try as you might, this phone will never get voice service oh Verizon's network.
I've heard rumors about people being able to unlock the US Cellular (SCH-R760) or Sprint (SPH-D710) Galaxy S2 variants to work on Verizon, but nothing actually substantiated with evidence.
Hello guys,
I did see 5hat the Galaxy s9 plus is cheaper through Samsung or through Best Buy Friday. The phone that is cheaper is the unlocked version that works with any carrier including Verizon which I get. My question is will the unlocked version work with, or have a way to download Verizon Visual Voicemail, and will it work? Appreciate the feedback.
mdonnelly1127 said:
Hello guys,
I did see 5hat the Galaxy s9 plus is cheaper through Samsung or through Best Buy Friday. The phone that is cheaper is the unlocked version that works with any carrier including Verizon which I get. My question is will the unlocked version work with, or have a way to download Verizon Visual Voicemail, and will it work? Appreciate the feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To piggy back off of this question (since I am in similar boat with AT&T) - Is it possible to flash the phone with the carrier version after purchasing unlocked version? Unfortunately, WiFi calling is a must where I live.
Thanks
I'm also in the same situation with Verizon. I want to get the unlocked version, but will everything work just like the verizon branded device? Also does anyone know if the Samsung trade in offer will work with a Verizon phone that's on payment plan?
Also wondering if sideloading the app will work for this purpose.
LgG2-Ttrain said:
I'm also in the same situation with Verizon. I want to get the unlocked version, but will everything work just like the verizon branded device? Also does anyone know if the Samsung trade in offer will work with a Verizon phone that's on payment plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why they shouldn't take it. I've sold phones on Verizon payment plan and haven't had any problems. The carriers only care that you continue to make payments and fire that they bill you monthly.
Bxrider117 said:
I don't see why they shouldn't take it. I've sold phones on Verizon payment plan and haven't had any problems. The carriers only care that you continue to make payments and fire that they bill you monthly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I just finished reading the fine print in Samsung's trade in offer. So the only phones they will not accept as trade ins are leased phones.
Just went through this at Best Buy on Friday, also.
Was strongly considering the unlocked S9+ and porting it to the VZW network. I inquired with the blue-shirt if there would be any loss of functionality should I make such a choice. The answer was "no".
The Samsung representative was in attendance, so I put the question to him as well. After glazing over while he went into an analogy of how your IMEI and SIM card are like licensing a car - and how they all can drive on the same road - I directed him back to the issue at hand, and his response was "no difference".
Then I called VZW, waited for the obligatory 15 minutes on hold, and asked the representative the same question. The answer was "No. None. Exactly the same."
Did a few searches on the feature I was specifically concerned about - that being Wi-Fi calling - and it appeared, from an historical perspective, there would be the potential for that functionality to be absent unless one purchased the branded device.
The VZW store was across the street, so I brought my question to them. In an experience that is as unique as it was surprising, I was lucky enough to get a salesperson who genuinely seemed to want to know the definitive answer as much as I did. He researched his on-line documentation for a few minutes before calling what he claimed to be their "network engineer".
The answer came back that VoLTE would work but Wi-Fi calling would not, on an unlocked S9+ ROM in the VZW network.
I've subsequently read contradicting indications but, considering the self-assigned importance of that capability, I decided not to chance it and find out the hard way that it would not work - should that be the case.
While this does not address your Visual Voice Mail concern, it does demonstrate exactly how many differing answers one can get from supposedly knowledgeable resources.
So, my solution was to lease the branded device with the understanding that I will need to deal with all of the pre-loaded stuff that I (or for that matter, just about anyone) do not need, want or use.
I have seen this questions asked hundreds of times, and I have seen both answers regarding WiFi calling. I know I have purchased unlocked phones right from Google in the past and never had an issue with any feature on VZW. I guess I will find out soon if anything has changed, as I ordered the 9+ unlocked from Samsung (they offered $100 more in a trade and a cheaper base price = no brainer). Will the confusion ever end?
Having had a unlocked s8+ and a Note 8 with VZ I can say VVM does not work. I've tried various applications and am not a fan of using google voice so I reached out and had standard messaging applied to my account and basic VVM removed. I'll get a notification but have to call in to check my voicemail which is no biggie. Never tried wifi calling but HD Voice does work ok. I preordered an unlocked S9+ so I'm sure it'll be the same boat
Verizon had the demo for the s9 plus in their store today, and the model of the phone is IDENTICAL to the unlocked US model. Also kinda wishing I'd stuck to the purple one I'd ordered by accident and cancelled, as it looks amazing in person.
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With the S7, you could flash the any of the carrier or unlocked firmware on the phone. This would give you access to verizon VVM, WiFI calling, etc if you flashed that firmware. I heard the S8 was the same since the hardware in them are the same between carriers. Here's to hoping that the S9 is the same.
MaddnessX said:
To piggy back off of this question (since I am in similar boat with AT&T) - Is it possible to flash the phone with the carrier version after purchasing unlocked version? Unfortunately, WiFi calling is a must where I live.
Thanks
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If you want WiFi Calling on Att - you MUST buy an ATT phone. ATT WiFi calling will only work with Branded ATT Phones - NOT unlocked ones. Sorry.
Geekser said:
If you want WiFi Calling on Att - you MUST buy an ATT phone. ATT WiFi calling will only work with Branded ATT Phones - NOT unlocked ones. Sorry.
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This is true. If you want wifi calling (which I do), you need an AT&T phone. You can't flash anything on the phone to make it work. A few extra AT&T apps is not a big deal on a phone like this to get the features they provide. If you pay for their service you should get all the benefits but that's not how it is for now.
dmb219 said:
This is true. If you want wifi calling (which I do), you need an AT&T phone. You can't flash anything on the phone to make it work. A few extra AT&T apps is not a big deal on a phone like this to get the features they provide. If you pay for their service you should get all the benefits but that's not how it is for now.
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And that is very unfortunate. I am hoping that one day they will open up WiFi Calling to non carrier phones - but I doubt it will happen any time soon if at all.
Is it the same for tmobile?
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
tcabrino said:
Is it the same for tmobile?
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GS8 Unlocked worked with both VoLTE and Wifi Calling on TMO so there is no reason for the GS9+ unlocked not to support these features.
---------- Post added at 01:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 PM ----------
tcabrino said:
Is it the same for tmobile?
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raejr78 said:
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
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Problem with VZW is support for integrated video calling thru the phone app which is different from the Samsung default. On VZW the unlocked USA version will support VoLTE but not WIfi Calling, VVM, Video Calling.
my 2 cents.
raejr78 said:
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
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They're wrong. I tested a Verizon model in stores, and it's literally the exact same model number as the unlocked one I've got on order from Samsung. But of course they want you to buy the Verizon one, the mark up in the price is pure profit for them, and they probably get a commission for selling it to you.
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raejr78 said:
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
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Don't forget their useless $30+ "activation fee" they charge when you buy a device through them. I shouldn't have to pay $30 to take the SIM out of my old phone and put it in my new phone. I'm going with the unlocked version because I'm considering switching to T-Mobile due to all this type of crap Verizon pulls.
LgG2-Ttrain said:
Yes I just finished reading the fine print in Samsung's trade in offer. So the only phones they will not accept as trade ins are leased phones.
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So I'm curious what happens if you have a leased phone. Do they just not accept it and then charge your card for what you weren't charged at time of checkout?