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can i use an unlocked at&t atrix in the philippines?
and can it be upgraded to GB in the philippines?
im new here.. tnx..
Yes, it will makes calls.
No, 3G will not work. Edge however, should.
Yes, you will be able to update it manually using motorola's update guide.
mvolkhart said:
Yes, it will makes calls.
No, 3G will not work. Edge however, should.
Yes, you will be able to update it manually using motorola's update guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks man! appreciate it.. i know that the atrix have quadband for gsm which supports 900/1800 here in the phils and for the 3G, the band here is 2100, why it wont work? ... and other than updating manually, can i update it via wi-fi?
The 2100 band is the problem. AT&T Atrix doesn't support that band.
I don't think the OTA works using wifi but you can download the stock update using wifi and apply it.
CORRECTION: it does support the 2100 3G frequency. I didn't understand the whole WCDMA vs GSM thing correctly
i have read some old reviews when it is still in Froyo and there are a lot of complaints about the laggy pinch to zoom of Atrix.. how is the pinch to zoom of pictures in Atrix GB?
I have not experienced any problems. The zoom is very responsive
well i just hope someone who bought an unlocked at&t Atrix from the US and used it here in the Philippines would post their experience about the phone. i have read from different sites and forums that they have complaints about Atrix connectivity like wi-fi and bluetooth in different countries.
it's just too bad only few people here in the Philippines use Atrix.
I used my phone in the philippines. I was able to get internet on it. Not sure it was 3g but it was the h+ symbol on both smart and globe. I went to their offices to help set it up. Just remember, most places won't have 3g yet especially those place that don't support smartbro or globe broadband which uses the 3g signal I believe. Just ask for help there.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
pilboyz said:
i have read from different sites and forums that they have complaints about Atrix connectivity like wi-fi and bluetooth in different countries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth use the same standards around the world. I wouldn't pay too much attention to those complaints.
The issue with GSM coverage is that the phone must support the frequency bands for the local carrier's equipment, and the carrier must support the specific GSM standards (GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSUPA, LTE, etc.) that the phone is capable of. The Atrix 4G does indeed support 2100 MHz but as other folks have noted in this thread, the main carriers in the Phils (Smart and Globe) don't support HSPA+.
https://developer.motorola.com/products/atrix-mb860/
https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/List_of_Deployed_HSUPA_networks
im quite confused about that 3G thing.. your post was right.. Philippines do not belong to the list of HSUPA networks.. but when I viewed the list of HSDPA networks, Philippines was there.. (i could not share the link for the meantime, 3 more posts needed).. this got me really confused.. im afraid i cannot use internet services by ISP.. maybe wi-fi only..
thank you guys for helping.. i really appreciate it.
mamoranto said:
I used my phone in the philippines. I was able to get internet on it. Not sure it was 3g but it was the h+ symbol on both smart and globe. I went to their offices to help set it up. Just remember, most places won't have 3g yet especially those place that don't support smartbro or globe broadband which uses the 3g signal I believe. Just ask for help there.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks man.. i felt a little relieved..
can i ask something? after the GB update, i have read that it does not offer settings in the SMS regarding its delivery reports? and when u send messages, does it have sent items?
im sorry for such inquisitions and being a noob..
i just want to know more about this phone before buying so that i wont have regrets..
thanks again..
pilboyz said:
your post was right.. Philippines do not belong to the list of HSUPA networks.. but when I viewed the list of HSDPA networks, Philippines was there.. (i could not share the link for the meantime, 3 more posts needed)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be interested to see your link, but if it came from the same site as the one where folks think that wi-fi and BT won't work in the Phils. then again, I wouldn't put much stock in that claim. HSPA upgrades aren't cheap and with 1 Peso per minute calling plans I don't think the carriers there have much of an upgrade budget. (My wife is a Filipina and has had GSM phones here in the states ever since AT&T has been selling them.)
pilboyz said:
after the GB update, i have read that it does not offer settings in the SMS regarding its delivery reports? and when u send messages, does it have sent items?
im sorry for such inquisitions and being a noob..
i just want to know more about this phone before buying so that i wont have regrets..
thanks again..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem with the questions.
I don't recall if my Atrix had an option for SMS delivery reports prior to me applying the OTA update to GB. I don't see that option now, but maybe I'm looking in the wrong place. In any event that sounds like a feature of the Android OS (if it actually exists). So if it's lacking (or present ) on other Android phones then I would expect the same for the Atrix.
thanks andy for the informative replies. Im quite relieved now after i have read the previous post by mamoranto.
because i have have had 5 GSM phones from the states which came from different carriers and i have no idea on their specific details (because mostly are gifts), out of the 5 phones only 2 phones are used for "all around, daily purposes" because here in the philippines, texting is the number purpose of a phone. does the Atrix have sent items/messages stored after you send an sms?
sorry for my noobish questions.
AndyPhreak said:
HSPA upgrades aren't cheap and with 1 Peso per minute calling plans I don't think the carriers there have much of an upgrade budget. (My wife is a Filipina and has had GSM phones here in the states ever since AT&T has been selling them.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I stand corrected.
The "Globe Telecom" page on Wikipedia claims both 3G and HSDPA support on their networks. Apparently they've just begun rolling out WiMAX in Metro Manila and points south as well. This page reads like marketing copy, so I assume this info comes straight from Globe.
Dang...wish I was in the Philippines again!
oooppss sorry for the previous post... it was answered.
pilboyz said:
because i have have had 5 GSM phones from the states which came from different carriers and i have no idea on their specific details (because mostly are gifts), out of the 5 phones only 2 phones are used for "all around, daily purposes" because here in the philippines, texting is the number purpose of a phone. does the Atrix have sent items/messages stored after you send an sms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think *every* phone in the Phils originally came from the states, LOL. Or at least that's the way with my wife's family. My sis-in-law just got my daughter's barely-used iPhone 3Gs, and my niece there just got my wife's BlackBerry Curve (wife and daughter had to get new iPhone 4).
Are you gonna buy this Atrix new there? You must be rich...
P.S. The Atrix does keep copies of sent and received SMS messages. It shows them in threads/conversations like iPhone, or Chikka.
It uses the Text Messaging app which I think is part of the Android OS. Motorola also throws in their own messaging widget if you want you want to use that.
My dinner break is over and I need to quit this thread for now...
Mabuhay!
Hello,
I have an AT&T i777 rooted running Shostock2 and I am looking to buy the international version for my daughter. Trying to separate from my contract lockup with AT&T.
What exactly is the difference between the different 9100 models (G, T, etc), and is there a better one among them? I want the most reliable one (in case the different processors makes any difference in that regard) and also one that would allow rooting and custom ROMs.
Also, it needs to work with any U.S. carrier at the highest speed that they offer. I saw one on eBay but it says "Will not work with T-Mobile or Simple Mobile 3G/4G speeds" and I am not sure why.
Thanks in advance.
Imo u'd decide to get i9100G as it powered by TI OMAP SoC which mostly being open sourced to support better & early development. But if u want it to come with NFC featured i9100P is.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S_II
I wonder how much of a "deal breaker" should NFC capability be. Looks like it is very difficult to find a P model in the US. I could probably go with T-Mobile one but from what I read it is a bit inferior to the AT&T and International models.
Then again - what if I do want the T-Mobile's 4G speeds....tough decision
sbi1 said:
I wonder how much of a "deal breaker" should NFC capability be. Looks like it is very difficult to find a P model in the US. I could probably go with T-Mobile one but from what I read it is a bit inferior to the AT&T and International models.
Then again - what if I do want the T-Mobile's 4G speeds....tough decision
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NFC=android beam, mobile cc payments, transferring files by tapping.
And maybe speed will also sacrifices power (batt), like 2G vs 3G/H+..
Intl i9100 maybe ur easy deal but maybe 2nd P var.? Ebay?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Adam Hui said:
NFC=android beam, mobile cc payments, transferring files by tapping.
And maybe speed will also sacrifices power (batt), like 2G vs 3G/H+..
Intl i9100 maybe ur easy deal but maybe 2nd P var.? Ebay?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is "2nd P Var.?" I am looking at eBay, almost impossible to find P on eBay for selling/shipping to U.S.
I meant second hand stuff buddy, sorry..
Just forget s2.. why don't u be patience & wait for lg or sony nexus4 as it's next Google golden boy. U'll taste pure aosp & find the updates dancing in ur phone w/o brand or carrier resistance..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Adam Hui said:
I meant second hand stuff buddy, sorry..
Just forget s2.. why don't u be patience & wait for lg or sony nexus4 as it's next Google golden boy. U'll taste pure aosp & find the updates dancing in ur phone w/o brand or carrier resistance..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, first of all, it's for my daughter, not me , she is the one who needs to be patient. But her old phone (Samsung Solstice 2, which is a piece of crap) is dying, it gets stuck all the time, turns off by itself, etc. She needs a new phone.
Second, I am not a big fan of Sony phones and/or LG phones. We had LG before (not a smart phone) and it was too a piece of crap. I am 100% convinced that in recent years, when the Smart Phones started to become so popular and companies started making so much money off of data plans, the manufacturers deliberately made the 'dumb' phones crappy, there is no other explanation for it.
I believe that Samsung and HTC are the best phones in the market these days (Android), not really sure I could like a 'Sony'.
sbi1 said:
Hello,
I have an AT&T i777 rooted running Shostock2 and I am looking to buy the international version for my daughter. Trying to separate from my contract lockup with AT&T.
What exactly is the difference between the different 9100 models (G, T, etc), and is there a better one among them? I want the most reliable one (in case the different processors makes any difference in that regard) and also one that would allow rooting and custom ROMs.
Also, it needs to work with any U.S. carrier at the highest speed that they offer. I saw one on eBay but it says "Will not work with T-Mobile or Simple Mobile 3G/4G speeds" and I am not sure why.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a few options, but just keep in mind that the standard i9100 has the largest userbase, the most external support, and the quickest official updates from Samsung. In fact, these "similar yet different" models of the first Galaxy S were the first to lose official support. The i9100p may sound nice with NFC, but one feature isn't worth potentially losing out on updates. The i9100G uses a lesser version of the SOC found in the Galaxy Nexus. Unless the storage is a concern, the Galaxy Nexus would be a better (and cheaper) option in this case.
So, that leaves you with the vanilla GT-I9100, and it's still a kick-ass phone IMO. Comes in several colors but black and white are the easiest to find. Bonus if you get the black one, it will work on AT&T's medianet plan, which is truly unlimited data, no throttling, and no wifi hotspot restrictions, and it's $15/mo (or $10/mo if you have unlimited text). I've been using this for the past year and change. Added myself to my wfie's family plan and it cost us $9.99/mo for the line, $10/mo for the data, and that was it. I'm on pace to use over 30GB this month and I don't care
sbi1 said:
Well, first of all, it's for my daughter, not me , she is the one who needs to be patient. But her old phone (Samsung Solstice 2, which is a piece of crap) is dying, it gets stuck all the time, turns off by itself, etc. She needs a new phone.
Second, I am not a big fan of Sony phones and/or LG phones. We had LG before (not a smart phone) and it was too a piece of crap. I am 100% convinced that in recent years, when the Smart Phones started to become so popular and companies started making so much money off of data plans, the manufacturers deliberately made the 'dumb' phones crappy, there is no other explanation for it.
I believe that Samsung and HTC are the best phones in the market these days (Android), not really sure I could like a 'Sony'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus=Google phone
Whatever the brands that google has choosen to be a nexus device is android best choice... the only deal breaker is lack of external sdcard supported..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
You could maybe send a PM to a helpful guy called ctomgee.He knows about US phones and could advise you best variant,providers etc.
Once you get a phone,you can then install custom roms etc,which gives the phone a new lease of life.
theunderling said:
You could maybe send a PM to a helpful guy called ctomgee.He knows about US phones and could advise you best variant,providers etc.
Once you get a phone,you can then install custom roms etc,which gives the phone a new lease of life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the endorsement of my knowledge, but please don't PM me, or encourage others to do so.
sbi1 said:
Hello,
I have an AT&T i777 rooted running Shostock2 and I am looking to buy the international version for my daughter. Trying to separate from my contract lockup with AT&T.
What exactly is the difference between the different 9100 models (G, T, etc), and is there a better one among them? I want the most reliable one (in case the different processors makes any difference in that regard) and also one that would allow rooting and custom ROMs.
Also, it needs to work with any U.S. carrier at the highest speed that they offer. I saw one on eBay but it says "Will not work with T-Mobile or Simple Mobile 3G/4G speeds" and I am not sure why.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About phones working or not working with T-Mobile in the US, this is why; T-Mobile (at the moment, for their overall network) uses AWS for high-speed mobile data. AWS requires both 1700 mhz and 2100 mhz to get 3g/4g, as it uses one frequency for uplink, and the other for downlink. If one phone is not capable of receiving one of the frequencies, then the best mobile data speed the device will receive is Edge.
Now, they (T-mobile USA) are currently in the process of repurposing the spectrum of the 1900 mhz band they use now for Edge data and voice, to use it for high speed data instead. This will allow some phones that currently only get Edge speeds on T-mobile USA's network to get their "4g" speeds. That includes many of AT&T's phones (if they're unlocked), and the i9100, which receives high speed mobile data on 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 mhz. (notice the missing 1700 - which is why it won't necessarily get high speed on T-mobile USA's network... unless the market you're in has already had the repurposing of the 1900 mhz band)
However, this repurposing has already only happened in a handful of markets, though the rollout is currently underway.
Hope this makes sense.
EDIT to add:
Also, about the different I9100 variants - there are minor differences between the I9100, and the variants I9100P/T/M.
The P variant includes NFC, the T variant has a slight variance with the SAR values for the radio (so modems specifically for the T model work best for that model), and the M variant is simply a branded regional variant for the Canadian market (as far as I can tell). The CPU/GPU/SoC are all the same for these 4 variants.
The I9100G has a completely different CPU/GPU/SoC chipset, so firmwares, kernels, and ROMs are NOT compatible between this one variant, and the four listed above. But for most users, the performance between this variant and the others are very similar and comparable.
That said, they all have the same antenna/radio hardware, so what I said above regarding data speeds on T-Mobile USA above applies to all of them. This also means they all work just fine for high speed data on AT&T's network.
Ok tom.
I came in here to add to my previous post about which phones (and why) will/will not work on T-Mobile, but Tom beat me to it, so I'll just simply add this:
If you want 2G/3G/4G now and in the future, get the Galaxy Nexus as it's pentaband.
If you're ok with 2G and don't mind waiting on 3G/4G, get any phone, like the i9100, that supports the 1900mhz band. T-Mobile stated that they anticipate their 1900mhz refarm to conclude in mid-2013 and will cover ALL 229 current AWS HSPA+ markets.
jaykresge said:
Bonus if you get the black one, it will work on AT&T's medianet plan, which is truly unlimited data, no throttling, and no wifi hotspot restrictions, and it's $15/mo (or $10/mo if you have unlimited text). I've been using this for the past year and change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, can you elaborate on this a bit? What do you mean by "black" one? Is a black I9100 different from a white one other than color?
Also, are you referring to AT&T's 'non-smart phone unlimited plan'?
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Thank you all.
ctomgee said:
I appreciate the endorsement of my knowledge, but please don't PM me, or encourage others to do so.
About phones working or not working with T-Mobile in the US, this is why; T-Mobile (at the moment, for their overall network) uses AWS for high-speed mobile data. AWS requires both 1700 mhz and 2100 mhz to get 3g/4g, as it uses one frequency for uplink, and the other for downlink. If one phone is not capable of receiving one of the frequencies, then the best mobile data speed the device will receive is Edge.
Now, they (T-mobile USA) are currently in the process of repurposing the spectrum of the 1900 mhz band they use now for Edge data and voice, to use it for high speed data instead. This will allow some phones that currently only get Edge speeds on T-mobile USA's network to get their "4g" speeds. That includes many of AT&T's phones (if they're unlocked), and the i9100, which receives high speed mobile data on 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 mhz. (notice the missing 1700 - which is why it won't necessarily get high speed on T-mobile USA's network... unless the market you're in has already had the repurposing of the 1900 mhz band)
However, this repurposing has already only happened in a handful of markets, though the rollout is currently underway.
Hope this makes sense.
EDIT to add:
Also, about the different I9100 variants - there are minor differences between the I9100, and the variants I9100P/T/M.
The P variant includes NFC, the T variant has a slight variance with the SAR values for the radio (so modems specifically for the T model work best for that model), and the M variant is simply a branded regional variant for the Canadian market (as far as I can tell). The CPU/GPU/SoC are all the same for these 4 variants.
The I9100G has a completely different CPU/GPU/SoC chipset, so firmwares, kernels, and ROMs are NOT compatible between this one variant, and the four listed above. But for most users, the performance between this variant and the others are very similar and comparable.
That said, they all have the same antenna/radio hardware, so what I said above regarding data speeds on T-Mobile USA above applies to all of them. This also means they all work just fine for high speed data on AT&T's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for a broad response. I learned something new!
We don't necessarily want to be on T-Mobile, I mentioned T-Mobile because I want to have options...I don't want to be locked to one carrier and T-Mobile offers a great deal with "bring your own unlocked phone, get a sim card with unlimited text/data". So it was just brought as an option for us to have.
In any case, I did offer a T-Mobile (T989) version to my daughter, she "kindly" refused...she does not want to see any logo on her phone . She also doesn't care much about the NFC, even though this can be 'fixed' through an SD card solution if (as she says) "The government will force you to have NFC..." , so I am now just looking for a good deal on a I9100 version.
BTW - what is the Nexus?! I am not familiar with it at all. Does it also come in branded (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc) as well as unlocked?
Thanks again.
sbi1 said:
what is the Nexus?! I am not familiar with it at all. Does it also come in branded (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc) as well as unlocked?
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus is the 'pure' android phone. Comes with stock android. No OEM bloatware or UI like Samsung's TouchWiz or HTC's SenseUI.
The biggest advantage of nexus phones however, is that they're the first to get any android update.
And yes, you do get it unlocked as well.
Hope it helps.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
sbi1 said:
Thank you all.
Thank you for a broad response. I learned something new!
We don't necessarily want to be on T-Mobile, I mentioned T-Mobile because I want to have options...I don't want to be locked to one carrier and T-Mobile offers a great deal with "bring your own unlocked phone, get a sim card with unlimited text/data". So it was just brought as an option for us to have.
In any case, I did offer a T-Mobile (T989) version to my daughter, she "kindly" refused...she does not want to see any logo on her phone . She also doesn't care much about the NFC, even though this can be 'fixed' through an SD card solution if (as she says) "The government will force you to have NFC..." , so I am now just looking for a good deal on a I9100 version.
BTW - what is the Nexus?! I am not familiar with it at all. Does it also come in branded (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc) as well as unlocked?
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As HAXTREME said above. Plus: http://www.google.com/nexus
sbi1 said:
OK, can you elaborate on this a bit? What do you mean by "black" one? Is a black I9100 different from a white one other than color?
Also, are you referring to AT&T's 'non-smart phone unlimited plan'?
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know why that guy differentiated between the black i9100 and the white i9100. As far as I know, there shouldn't be a difference between them, unless someone can provide us information otherwise.
EDIT: ah. I was curious and did a search on this. Apparently many have reported that their white i9100 gets flagged as a blackberry by AT&T for some reason, causing a bump in their data plan to the 2Gb tiered data plan. I didn't know this. I find that curious.
ctomgee said:
EDIT: ah. I was curious and did a search on this. Apparently many have reported that their white i9100 gets flagged as a blackberry by AT&T for some reason, causing a bump in their data plan to the 2Gb tiered data plan. I didn't know this. I find that curious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. I tried Google for 'difference' between them and didn't see anything. It sounds odd to me, to say the least. Question is - did those who report this issue also had a black one, to compare how AT&T "reads" their phone. Really doesn't make sense, but I am curious too.
Figured I'd come back and answer some questions, but thanks again to Tom for taking care of that To elaborate a bit further:
Whether or not your phone will work on AT&T's medianet plan is determined by whether or not they have loaded the device's IMEI database into their system. If they have, then they can detect your phone and will not allow medianet access. The international SGS3 and the Galaxy Nexus have already been detected. The white i9100 (SGS2) is detected as a Blackberry as it has a different IMEI database than the black or pink models. However, if you do get a device to use with AT&T medianet, understand that they can change this at anytime. Just ask Nexus and SGS3 owners who got caught 2-3 weeks ago
Based on your needs, there are two phones that I would recommend, and here's the links to the recommended purchase places.
Galaxy Nexus ($349)- This is the official Google phone, relatively cheap, always has the latest version of Android. Downside is that is only has 16GB internal storage and no support for MicroSD. 720p screen
Samsung Galaxy SII (black - $470 / white - $530)- The flagship android device from 2011 by most estimates, still a solid phone for today. Comes with 16GB internal, official support for 32GB MicroSD, but will support 64GB MicroSDXC unofficially. , 800x480 screen though. The black one will work on AT&T medianet, white one will not.
If you use on T-Mobile, or a T-Mobile MVNO such as Simple Mobile or Straight Talk w/TMO sim, you will get full 2G/3G/4G access with the Galaxy Nexus (before, during, and after the refarm). As for the SGS2s, you will get full 2G everywhere, but no 3G/4G in areas not yet refarmed. In areas that are refarmed, you will get full 2G/3G/4G. T-Mobile says that the refarming will be complete by mid-2013. You can check the current status of the refarming here:
http://airportal.de/
If you want to get her something top of the line instead of those former-fastest phones, you can look at the SGS3 unlocked, or wait 9 days to see the official unveiling of the new Nexus phone. Who knows, we may even see a $50 price drop on the Galaxy Nexus
Does this tablet work on the Tmobile network in USA? Model #SGP351/B. Wondering cause of the free data for life thing Tmobile is promoting right now. Some say it does, others say no and that it is AT&T only. So if anyone that has used it on Tmobile's network please let me know before I commit to the LTE model otherwise I'd just get the wifi model. Thanks! Oh and is it worth getting the Sony dock for it?
Just went out to T-Mobile and their system rings up this tablet as a phone.. Lol doesn't qualify. Goodbye LTE model hello WiFi. ;(
xAjCx said:
Just went out to T-Mobile and their system rings up this tablet as a phone.. Lol doesn't qualify. Goodbye LTE model hello WiFi. ;(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES
this model does work with T-mobile LTE.
I have the same unit and the LTE icon shows up and I get LTE speeds. Now i am using a pre paid data plan so I dont know if it qualifies for the free 200mb
However, the only downside is its still running on 4.1.2 with no timetable if or when it will get 4.2.2
spridell said:
YES
this model does work with T-mobile LTE.
I have the same unit and the LTE icon shows up and I get LTE speeds. Now i am using a pre paid data plan so I dont know if it qualifies for the free 200mb
However, the only downside is its still running on 4.1.2 with no timetable if or when it will get 4.2.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's weird. Oh wells, I'm happy with getting the wifi model nonetheless. I have it on 4.1.2 as well. I could flash a ROM on it but from what I've seen there isn't support for the Bravia Engine in most of them.
Is LTE a feature on all of the XTZ's, or just specially marked?
Vol4Ever said:
Is LTE a feature on all of the XTZ's, or just specially marked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE is only on specific ones that says 4G LTE. Otherwise its just a WiFi model
Can i just put in my T-mobile phone sim into my Xperia Z LTE and have it working ? I tried to, and it takes me to some ConnectMe T-mobile upsell page, anyone know a workaround so i can use my existing sim on it? (sim fits, is lte)
Can this be done? I ask because I am using the T-Mobile version on AT&T. LTE reception is not bad, it just can be better, especially in low signal areas? Does anyone have any information flashing the G900A modem for T-Mobile? I have searched and can't seem to find anything on this.
Radio and antenna wise, I believe they are the same device specs, so not like a number of years ago where there were antenna differences between them. T-Mobile radio supports all of T-Mobile and AT&T, AT&T radio however only partially supports T-Mobile (NO 4G AWS band, more limited LTE)
There are a number of people that have compared the two variants and no significant reception differences have been found
MattMJB0188 said:
Can this be done? I ask because I am using the T-Mobile version on AT&T. LTE reception is not bad, it just can be better, especially in low signal areas? Does anyone have any information flashing the G900A modem for T-Mobile? I have searched and can't seem to find anything on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
risestar2 said:
Radio and antenna wise, I believe they are the same device specs, so not like a number of years ago where there were antenna differences between them. T-Mobile radio supports all of T-Mobile and AT&T, AT&T radio however only partially supports T-Mobile (NO 4G AWS band, more limited LTE)
There are a number of people that have compared the two variants and no significant reception differences have been found
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. I understand that. But what I was asking if we could extract the AT&T modem from the G900A (AT&T Branded S5) and flash it on the T-Mobile S5 (G900T). That way the frequencies would be better optimized.
Now my T-Mobile S5 did pick up Band 4 LTE on AT&T and reception was excellent. This is mostly due to the fact that T-Mobile natively uses band 4 for LTE.
MattMJB0188 said:
Right. I understand that. But what I was asking if we could extract the AT&T modem from the G900A (AT&T Branded S5) and flash it on the T-Mobile S5 (G900T). That way the frequencies would be better optimized.
Now my T-Mobile S5 did pick up Band 4 LTE on AT&T and reception was excellent. This is mostly due to the fact that T-Mobile natively uses band 4 for LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt that has any effect at all. Frequencies don't get optimized at least not on your end. I think the phone does have a priority list for which bands to use but it automatically switches when one is better than the other.
Sent from my One using Tapatalk
luigi311 said:
I doubt that has any effect at all. Frequencies don't get optimized at least not on your end. I think the phone does have a priority list for which bands to use but it automatically switches when one is better than the other.
Sent from my One using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about that. Perhaps it is not "optimizing" but carriers definitely do something to their modems on smartphones to make them work best with their networks. While the T-Mobile S5 works almost flawlessly on AT&T, the AT&T S5 still gets better reception. Perhaps the difference is negligible, but its there.
MattMJB0188 said:
I don't know about that. Perhaps it is not "optimizing" but carriers definitely do something to their modems on smartphones to make them work best with their networks. While the T-Mobile S5 works almost flawlessly on AT&T, the AT&T S5 still gets better reception. Perhaps the difference is negligible, but its there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you compared both side by side?
kawaiichi said:
have you compared both side by side?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am comparing my signal with the T-Mobile S5 from what I experienced on the AT&T S5. While signal difference in good reception areas is not noticeable, signal in lower reception areas is much weaker. The AT&T S5 would send texts messages almost 95% of the time at my work. With the T-Mobile S5, I am getting about a 10% success rate on text messages being sent.
slimc84 said:
I am comparing my signal with the T-Mobile S5 from what I experienced on the AT&T S5. While signal difference in good reception areas is not noticeable, signal in lower reception areas is much weaker. The AT&T S5 would send texts messages almost 95% of the time at my work. With the T-Mobile S5, I am getting about a 10% success rate on text messages being sent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's what I mean. But nonetheless, I still love the phone and this really isn't an issue the majority of the time. Hopefully soon, we can flash an AT&T modem.
MattMJB0188 said:
Yeah that's what I mean. But nonetheless, I still love the phone and this really isn't an issue the majority of the time. Hopefully soon, we can flash an AT&T modem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way I have been able to increase texts going through successfully is by toggling airplane mode. I guess we will have to use that as a work around.
Having an AT&T modem on the Tmobile variant will make the device better handle connecting to LTE/HSPA networks and the phone will switch between frequencies them more efficiently. Now, I don't know if that's possible without bricking the phone.
daraj said:
Having an AT&T modem on the Tmobile variant will make the device better handle connecting to LTE/HSPA networks and the phone will switch between frequencies them more efficiently. Now, I don't know if that's possible without bricking the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think some guy did it with the Note 3. But thing is, the AT&T modem on the S5 has not been extracted.
MattMJB0188 said:
I think some guy did it with the Note 3. But thing is, the AT&T modem on the S5 has not been extracted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Extracting the AT&T modem is not a problem I can get it quickly using the stock firmware file. But, still i think it will brick your tmobile s5.
daraj said:
Extracting the AT&T modem is not a problem I can get it quickly using the stock firmware file. But, still i think it will brick your tmobile s5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How so? Would it be the same as flashing a T-Mobile modem?
slimc84 said:
I am comparing my signal with the T-Mobile S5 from what I experienced on the AT&T S5. While signal difference in good reception areas is not noticeable, signal in lower reception areas is much weaker. The AT&T S5 would send texts messages almost 95% of the time at my work. With the T-Mobile S5, I am getting about a 10% success rate on text messages being sent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's your answer right there. T-Mobile released a patch today to deal with poor SMS/MMS or texting issues. Doubt it has anything to do with signal.
Flash the latest T-Mobile update and then see it perform as you'd expect.
SeaFractor said:
There's your answer right there. T-Mobile released a patch today to deal with poor SMS/MMS or texting issues. Doubt it has anything to do with signal.
Flash the latest T-Mobile update and then see it perform as you'd expect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MattMJB0188 said:
How so? Would it be the same as flashing a T-Mobile modem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well i was looking to this this with my t mobile s5 with no luck. like another guy said, in good signal areas signal doesnt change but i am in a bad signal area a lot and my phone jst doesnt switch frequecies like it should. I been using att on t mobile phones for a while and installing the att modem but with this one im having some trouble. i have the att modem.bin but when flashing it i get a bootloader response error
You're lucky to get an error and the bin file didn't flash! Please read and search more. There are many threads on xda about similar attempt types. Device-specific modem files cannot and should not be flashed on other devices. They are hardware specific and will cause your phone to stop working if you manage to get it to flash.
Setting up ATT APN settings will suffice for those using att Sim in a sm-g900t.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
Commodore 64 said:
You're lucky to get an error and the bin file didn't flash! Please read and search more. There are many threads on xda about similar attempt types. Device-specific modem files cannot and should not be flashed on other devices. They are hardware specific and will cause your phone to stop working if you manage to get it to flash.
Setting up ATT APN settings will suffice for those using att Sim in a sm-g900t.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i realize the risk, and I'm actually not too worried about them. I don't at all think the phone will stop working, however I still can't get the modem on here anyway. I have tried the tar, and bin with no luck. If anybody is willing to put something together I'm willing to test it out. Fortunately in my line of work, it wouldn't be a big deal to get another S5.
---------- Post added at 08:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:03 AM ----------
Jtrain88 said:
Yes i realize the risk, and I'm actually not too worried about them. I don't at all think the phone will stop working, however I still can't get the modem on here anyway. I have tried the tar, and bin with no luck. If anybody is willing to put something together I'm willing to test it out. Fortunately in my line of work, it wouldn't be a big deal to get another S5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Commodore 64 said:
You're lucky to get an error and the bin file didn't flash! Please read and search more. There are many threads on xda about similar attempt types. Device-specific modem files cannot and should not be flashed on other devices. They are hardware specific and will cause your phone to stop working if you manage to get it to flash.
Setting up ATT APN settings will suffice for those using att Sim in a sm-g900t.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have made all the proper backups. Not to mention I'm not a noob to this, having built a few Roms myself.
Jtrain88 said:
Yes i realize the risk, and I'm actually not too worried about them. I don't at all think the phone will stop working, however I still can't get the modem on here anyway. I have tried the tar, and bin with no luck. If anybody is willing to put something together I'm willing to test it out. Fortunately in my line of work, it wouldn't be a big deal to get another S5.
---------- Post added at 08:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:03 AM ----------
have made all the proper backups. Not to mention I'm not a noob to this, having built a few Roms myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's not taking in Odin, then I really don't think its going to work. Odin is like the master of all things Samsung for end users. The S5 has a lot of tampering prevention measurements made by Samsung. It wouldn't surprise me if the bootloader is doing a reference check with the modem to see if the modem matches the bootloader.
Also, I wouldn't go about flashing full ATT tar files to the T-Mobile S5. The partition tables are now different in the Galaxy S5 variants when in previous models they were the same. So flashing the ATT full tar could lead to your download mode being wiped.
What exactly is your problem? When you say "not switching frequencies" what exactly do you mean? Like going from LTE to HSPA+ or HSPA+ to LTE etc.
I have created an xposed module for myself that allows me to quickly switch my network preference at ease using a widget. I may share that once I tidy it up a bit. If your issue is being able to switch between HSPA+ LTE 2G etc then the widget should help you. I only use it to force 4G when in a low 4G environment or to force LTE when in low LTE environment.
BTW: What line of work do you do that you can simply get another S5? I'm jealous
elesbb said:
If it's not taking in Odin, then I really don't think its going to work. Odin is like the master of all things Samsung for end users. The S5 has a lot of tampering prevention measurements made by Samsung. It wouldn't surprise me if the bootloader is doing a reference check with the modem to see if the modem matches the bootloader.
Also, I wouldn't go about flashing full ATT tar files to the T-Mobile S5. The partition tables are now different in the Galaxy S5 variants when in previous models they were the same. So flashing the ATT full tar could lead to your download mode being wiped.
What exactly is your problem? When you say "not switching frequencies" what exactly do you mean? Like going from LTE to HSPA+ or HSPA+ to LTE etc.
I have created an xposed module for myself that allows me to quickly switch my network preference at ease using a widget. I may share that once I tidy it up a bit. If your issue is being able to switch between HSPA+ LTE 2G etc then the widget should help you. I only use it to force 4G when in a low 4G environment or to force LTE when in low LTE environment.
BTW: What line of work do you do that you can simply get another S5? I'm jealous
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I definitely wouldn't go as far as flashing att tar.... And sometimes when I lose signal it takes a heck of a lot longer to gain it back ad t mobile basebands as opposed to art ones. I get another phone about every month and a half to two months so I've definitely tested around on and and also yes when it switches from lte to hspa+ etc it doesn't switch it like any att phone I've had. Takes longer.
And as far as my line of work goes I just mean that I would be able to afford another one if this one broke.
Jtrain88 said:
Yes I definitely wouldn't go as far as flashing att tar.... And sometimes when I lose signal it takes a heck of a lot longer to gain it back ad t mobile basebands as opposed to art ones. I get another phone about every month and a half to two months so I've definitely tested around on and and also yes when it switches from lte to hspa+ etc it doesn't switch it like any att phone I've had. Takes longer.
And as far as my line of work goes I just mean that I would be able to afford another one if this one broke.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might be taking longer due to the different radios. Weird though cause if it has an ATT sim and ATT APN configuration, it shouldn't have any delay and function like an ATT phone.
And yeah I'm jealous you can afford a new one if you broke this one takes me a year to save up in order to buy my next upgrade.
Well I have 2 unopened Samsung Alphas sitting in front of me.
1. SM-G850F (International from Germany)
2. SM-G850M (Unknown Origin)
I have Many sim cards that i am using. But the main one i want to use is the T-mobile USA.
What i have gathered reading is the F has the custom recovery where as the rest A,W(QuadCore) Y(Asia ?) do not.
All of them seem to have Root.
Version A is tuned for AT&T
Version W is tuned for T-Mobile USA LTE (But is a Quad)
etc etc
But the info on the M Bands is very vague, as in the Band listing on the website is always different listed for the M.
So what are my advantage of picking one over the other (M of F) for T-Mobile USA ?
As far as i know every other version than the A has exynos chipset with the octa core cpu and the A has qualcomm with quad core cpu and thats why almost every other version has root and the A dont.
Sent from my SM-G850F
Why the hell are they doing this ...
So how different is the M from F ?
I cant find any info regarding the M having custom recovery also.
Germanese said:
Why the hell are they doing this ...
So how different is the M from F ?
I cant find any info regarding the M having custom recovery also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Havent really looked into it.
Sent from my SM-G850F
Well i just took a bite xD
SM-G850M on Tmobile USA
I have 4G Stable aka LTE
Very happy with my outdated discontinued phone hahahahahah
I agree the Bands Info on 850 M is vague or conflicting .
But it seems that you should have the
1700/ 2100 LTE Bands for Tmobile 4G LTE and the 1900 band for 3G
needed with the M Version.
Are you getting full performance on 3G , 4 G and LTE on your Alpha ? ?
Yes i am getting all bands 2g 3g 4g H+ LTE depending where i am at sometimes E. Though during a call i only get lte or h if non of those my data doeent work during a call
SM-G850M (Vodafone) = Branded
SM-G850F (Europe) = Non Branded
cqdiep said:
I upgraded to 5.02, then did factory reset. That fixed it and I'm getting LTE on ATT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell me if the G850M is carrier-branded in any way? I know the G850F isn't, and I was wondering if the same is true for the G850M. Basically, I would like to receive Android updates directly from Samsung without carriers getting in the way, and I would like free use of the Portable WiFi Hotspot/Tethering feature (even without having it as part of your plan). I know Nexus phones allow you to do this.
Thanks!
unif said:
Can you tell me if the G850M is carrier-branded in any way? I know the G850F isn't, and I was wondering if the same is true for the G850M. Basically, I would like to receive Android updates directly from Samsung without carriers getting in the way, and I would like free use of the Portable WiFi Hotspot/Tethering feature (even without having it as part of your plan). I know Nexus phones allow you to do this.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
850M is not carrier-branded...it's unlocked and sold by Vodafone. I rooted mine, so can't get updates through Samsung anymore.
I did use it to create a Wi-Fi hotspot to tether my laptop. It works well, and I do not pay extra for this feature on ATT.
cqdiep said:
850M is not carrier-branded...it's unlocked and sold by Vodafone. I rooted mine, so can't get updates through Samsung anymore.
I did use it to create a Wi-Fi hotspot to tether my laptop. It works well, and I do not pay extra for this feature on ATT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for your responses! I greatly appreciate it.
I found a 850M on eBay for $89.99 couldn't believe it, excellent condition like new. I rooted it, installed another XDA members 4.4.4 ROM but couldn't notice any difference from stock, works fine on Cricket (At&t) prepaid, 4G same speeds as my previous S5 Mini At&t version phone, around 8mbps down, 4mbps up, half that when on a call. I cannot find many 850M's on the market, it's amazing. I want to buy at least 1-2 more, these are one of the best phones Samsung produced, especially one of the last good phones with removable battery! There are more 850F's on eBay but may not have as fast data with At&t as they are EU version. After my experience with S5 mini on 5.1.1 ROM I noticed much faster battery drain and prefer 4.4.4 performance. Hope my post helps someone=) -Aje
ROM
newaje said:
I found a 850M on eBay for $89.99 couldn't believe it, excellent condition like new. I rooted it, installed another XDA members 4.4.4 ROM but couldn't notice any difference from stock, works fine on Cricket (At&t) prepaid, 4G same speeds as my previous S5 Mini At&t version phone, around 8mbps down, 4mbps up, half that when on a call. I cannot find many 850M's on the market, it's amazing. I want to buy at least 1-2 more, these are one of the best phones Samsung produced, especially one of the last good phones with removable battery! There are more 850F's on eBay but may not have as fast data with At&t as they are EU version. After my experience with S5 mini on 5.1.1 ROM I noticed much faster battery drain and prefer 4.4.4 performance. Hope my post helps someone=) -Aje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you provide a link to the ROM you installed and instructions? Thanks!
---------- Post added at 06:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:16 AM ----------
Can you provide a link to the ROM you installed and instructions? Thanks!
Here is the link to the ROM.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...m-rom-lukrangelo-v1-brazil-zto-4-4-4-t3116098
However I didn't notice any difference from the stock ROM, was surprised to see the same original games included which I consider bloatware. Anyway the phone works great after rooting and uninstalling a lot of things, although it did suddenly crash and restart yesterday while on a phone call, first and only time in about a week I've had it. I love this phone and the size is perfect.
Really wanted to try this ROM but DL link is no longer working and no one is replying lately.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...m-kf-rom-kk-v1-1-18-04-2015-sm-g850m-t3086594
CM for 850F works on other 850?
Probably not as they have different radio's and frequencies, I wouldn't try it. Still trying to get someone to share the slim rom for 850M.
newaje said:
Probably not as they have different radio's and frequencies, I wouldn't try it. Still trying to get someone to share the slim rom for 850M.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works! http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-alpha/general/unified-exynos-g850f-m-thread-t3515138