Hey whats up erybody?
Im new to the forum as well as the android flashing/modding scene as i've always had an iPhone but recently gave in to this Galaxy sII as it looks and performs amazing. The only issue I have currently is I own an ATT Galaxy sII that is unlocked and I am using for T-Mobile but cannot get any 3G/4G network at all.
This phone is rooted and running cyanogen mod on ICS 4.0.4. I have read online about people flashing there ATT Note's radio to force your phone to accept 3G/4G for T-Mobile and I was just wondering if this is possible for the Galaxy SII? I tried using the same method but no luck, can anyone possibly point me to the right modem to install if one is available? This phone is great but I cant stand this slow ass EDGE signal.
Thanks :cyclops:
wexpac said:
Hey whats up erybody?
Im new to the forum as well as the android flashing/modding scene as i've always had an iPhone but recently gave in to this Galaxy sII as it looks and performs amazing. The only issue I have currently is I own an ATT Galaxy sII that is unlocked and I am using for T-Mobile but cannot get any 3G/4G network at all.
This phone is rooted and running cyanogen mod on ICS 4.0.4. I have read online about people flashing there ATT Note's radio to force your phone to accept 3G/4G for T-Mobile and I was just wondering if this is possible for the Galaxy SII? I tried using the same method but no luck, can anyone possibly point me to the right modem to install if one is available? This phone is great but I cant stand this slow ass EDGE signal.
Thanks :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, you're in the wrong forum for your device.
This is the forum for the i9100, the international Galaxy S2.
You say you have the AT&T Galaxy S2... Which is the SGH-I777.
Second, since ATT and T-mobile use different frequencies for high speed mobile data, most devices for ATT will only get Edge on T-mobile. Vice versa, most devices for T-mobile, if unlocked for ATT, will only get Edge on ATT's network. SOME devices you can flash a different modem, because they have the requisite antenna hardware to get the necessary frequencies.
Unfortunately for you, the SGH-I777 isn't one of them.
Unless, you actually have the Skyrocket, which is the SGH-I727. (check the label under the battery to get the exact model number) That phone, you CAN flash a T-mobile modem to it and get high speed on T-mobile's network.
Ahhh I see. When I power on the phone it displays the international model however in the menu settings it does say SGH-I777 which is why I was a little confused since there are so many differen't models aparently.
Looks like im screwd until later this year when/if T-Mobile does go good on there word that they will be acquiring new towers to promote the other frequencies for ATT devices. Thanks for the reply.
wexpac said:
Ahhh I see. When I power on the phone it displays the international model however in the menu settings it does say SGH-I777 which is why I was a little confused since there are so many differen't models aparently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The boot screen and indeed, the about phone screen can change depending on what is flashed to the phone. So if you flash an i9100 firmware to an i777, it will then display the wrong model when booting. Which is why I said to check the label under the battery to be sure.
wexpac said:
Looks like im screwd until later this year when/if T-Mobile does go good on there word that they will be acquiring new towers to promote the other frequencies for ATT devices. Thanks for the reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't hold my breath for this to help you.
ctomgee said:
First off, you're in the wrong forum for your device.
This is the forum for the i9100, the international Galaxy S2.
You say you have the AT&T Galaxy S2... Which is the SGH-I777.
Second, since ATT and T-mobile use different frequencies for high speed mobile data, most devices for ATT will only get Edge on T-mobile. Vice versa, most devices for T-mobile, if unlocked for ATT, will only get Edge on ATT's network. SOME devices you can flash a different modem, because they have the requisite antenna hardware to get the necessary frequencies.
Unfortunately for you, the SGH-I777 isn't one of them.
Unless, you actually have the Skyrocket, which is the SGH-I727. (check the label under the battery to get the exact model number) That phone, you CAN flash a T-mobile modem to it and get high speed on T-mobile's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CTOMGEE,
I have the i9100 International Galaxy S2 and am wondering if I can access 3G speeds on T-Mobile? I know the phone is not 4G compatible, so unfortunately I won't be able to access those speeds, but I am wondering if I will be forced to use the EDGE network.
ellewms said:
CTOMGEE,
I have the i9100 International Galaxy S2 and am wondering if I can access 3G speeds on T-Mobile? I know the phone is not 4G compatible, so unfortunately I won't be able to access those speeds, but I am wondering if I will be forced to use the EDGE network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check your thread
Swyped from my Samsung Galaxy SII
Supercharged ParanoidAndroid 2.12
Dorimanx kernel 5.76B
GT I9100
Next phone: Galaxy NOTE II
ellewms said:
CTOMGEE,
I have the i9100 International Galaxy S2 and am wondering if I can access 3G speeds on T-Mobile? I know the phone is not 4G compatible, so unfortunately I won't be able to access those speeds, but I am wondering if I will be forced to use the EDGE network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not as of now. T-Mobile in the US uses AWS currently for 3g and "4g". This band requires both 1700 & 2100 mhz for data to get these speeds. The phone doesn't get 1700, do it won't get higher than Edge.
There are rumors T-Mobile will be re-purposing 1900 mhz (which the phone DOES get) for data, so if and when that happens, the phone will probably get high speed mobile data. But until then, you're out of luck for T-Mobile with this phone, and will have to use ATT to get high speed data.
Ananda
Hi ctomgee and others, I'm using a Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 that was bought unlocked. I'm also getting only 2G speeds on T-mobile. Could you tell me what is flashing the T-mobile modem and how it is done? Can I try to do this so that I can get 3G speeds? If this is not possible, would I get 3G speeds if I buy a S2 from T-mobile?
On the sidelines: What do they do to the phone that the phones bought from T-mobile would work but the others won't? Is it something done to the hardware or the software? If the change is in the software, can't we try to do it ourselves - are there any online tutorials on this?
ctomgee said:
Not as of now. T-Mobile in the US uses AWS currently for 3g and "4g". This band requires both 1700 & 2100 mhz for data to get these speeds. The phone doesn't get 1700, do it won't get higher than Edge.
There are rumors T-Mobile will be re-purposing 1900 mhz (which the phone DOES get) for data, so if and when that happens, the phone will probably get high speed mobile data. But until then, you're out of luck for T-Mobile with this phone, and will have to use ATT to get high speed data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ananda.b said:
Hi ctomgee and others, I'm using a Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 that was bought unlocked. I'm also getting only 2G speeds on T-mobile. Could you tell me what is flashing the T-mobile modem and how it is done? Can I try to do this so that I can get 3G speeds? If this is not possible, would I get 3G speeds if I buy a S2 from T-mobile?
On the sidelines: What do they do to the phone that the phones bought from T-mobile would work but the others won't? Is it something done to the hardware or the software? If the change is in the software, can't we try to do it ourselves - are there any online tutorials on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing a modem is essentially changing the software drivers for your antenna. This does not, however, change what frequencies your phone is capable of receiving. This is a hardware limitation.
The T-mobile USA Galaxy S2 is model number SGH-T989 - a totally different model than the GT-I9100. The hardware is completely different. The size itself, the CPU/GPU/SoC, the antenna hardware - all different. This isn't something you can fix with flashing a modem.
If you are patient, as I stated above, T-mobile USA is in the process of re-purposing a frequency the I9100 DOES get so it will get 3/4g on T-mobile. When that happens in the market you are in is up to T-mobile.
ctomgee said:
First off, you're in the wrong forum for your device.
This is the forum for the i9100, the international Galaxy S2.
You say you have the AT&T Galaxy S2... Which is the SGH-I777.
Second, since ATT and T-mobile use different frequencies for high speed mobile data, most devices for ATT will only get Edge on T-mobile. Vice versa, most devices for T-mobile, if unlocked for ATT, will only get Edge on ATT's network. SOME devices you can flash a different modem, because they have the requisite antenna hardware to get the necessary frequencies.
Unfortunately for you, the SGH-I777 isn't one of them.
Unless, you actually have the Skyrocket, which is the SGH-I727. (check the label under the battery to get the exact model number) That phone, you CAN flash a T-mobile modem to it and get high speed on T-mobile's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I spent hours online chatting with support trying to get this information and they couldn't provide it. 10 minutes of internet searching and you said EXACTLY what I needed to know. Thank you sir!! Helped me a ton.
Also, just a heads up. At the end of this year (2012) T-Mobile is going to launch their 1900 mhz band towers (see: newsroom.t-mobile(d0t)com/articles/4GNetworkEvolutionVendorsSelected) so AT&T phones that use that 4G band will work with T-Mobile once unlocked and moved over.
Thanks again!
Roelith said:
I spent hours online chatting with support trying to get this information and they couldn't provide it. 10 minutes of internet searching and you said EXACTLY what I needed to know. Thank you sir!! Helped me a ton.
Also, just a heads up. At the end of this year (2012) T-Mobile is going to launch their 1900 mhz band towers (see: newsroom.t-mobile(d0t)com/articles/4GNetworkEvolutionVendorsSelected) so AT&T phones that use that 4G band will work with T-Mobile once unlocked and moved over.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like i occasionally get the 4G speeds on tmobile on my i9100, but it switches between Edge and 4G quite frequently. Anyone know how to force a 4G?
mok86 said:
Looks like i occasionally get the 4G speeds on tmobile on my i9100, but it switches between Edge and 4G quite frequently. Anyone know how to force a 4G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can set the network mode to WCDMA only... but I think there's a problem with that. If you wander into an area where T-mobile doesn't have "4G" coverage on 1900mhz, then I don't think you'll have any signal at all. When it is set to GSM/WCDMA (Auto mode), it switches automatically to Edge if you don't get the "4G" signal.
Wrong forum, this is for the international i9100 not Skyrocket.
TheATHEiST said:
Wrong forum, this is for the international i9100 not Skyrocket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OP is from July. The guy above me today was asking a general question, and ATT sells TWO variants of the GS2 - the SGH-I777, which is their branded regular Galaxy SII, and the SGH-I727, which is the "Skyrocket" - which is the variant that has LTE.
I'm confused
Sent from my Zanpakuto using Getsuga Tensho!
Nick281051 said:
I'm confused
Sent from my Zanpakuto using Getsuga Tensho!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guy posted in i9100 forums because he tripped the flash counter causing his phone to say i9100 so he was confused and posted there. Asked about TMO only getting 2g and was already answered,
ctomgee said:
You can set the network mode to WCDMA only... but I think there's a problem with that. If you wander into an area where T-mobile doesn't have "4G" coverage on 1900mhz, then I don't think you'll have any signal at all. When it is set to GSM/WCDMA (Auto mode), it switches automatically to Edge if you don't get the "4G" signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem , get mostly Edge and Very less 4G with my International 9100 in T Mobile. Was wondering if a modem change will fix the problem . I am currently on Slimbean Rom. Any suggestions guys ?
nikunj_cal said:
Same problem , get mostly Edge and Very less 4G with my International 9100 in T Mobile. Was wondering if a modem change will fix the problem . I am currently on Slimbean Rom. Any suggestions guys ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Its a hardware thing. Not that complicated to understand really.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Pirateghost said:
No. Its a hardware thing. Not that complicated to understand really.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed since we are missing 1700mhz here but I was wondering whether its possible to capitalize on the 1900 mhz freq.
nikunj_cal said:
Agreed since we are missing 1700mhz here but I was wondering whether its possible to capitalize on the 1900 mhz freq.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello every one I was wondering I have the i9100 and I have metropcs on it and I also flashed omni rom on it but I was thinking that I need to flash the us radios on it because I got it from Japan and as I can make calles they drop alot and the network is so slow so is this something where I would need to flash that ? and if so can someone post a link for the file's?
Related
Galaxy S2 support T-Mobile 3G?? EDGE only??
Use the f-in search feature.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
wootek76 said:
Galaxy S2 support T-Mobile 3G?? EDGE only??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer your question the SGS II only works on Edge and not 3g for T-mobile.
brandenk0 said:
To answer your question the SGS II only works on Edge and not 3g for T-mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works fine on 3g for me!
I am also using T-Mobile with 3G (or Orange T-Mobile as it is now called in the UK).
I assume the guys that can't get it working are in the States?
Getting 3g and h here on my tmobile, pretty fast to
shrubbery said:
I am also using T-Mobile with 3G (or Orange T-Mobile as it is now called in the UK).
I assume the guys that can't get it working are in the States?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. We would only get Edge here.
*Edit*
Just saw your name was shrubbery... oh man I love Monty Python!
Dirky said:
Works fine on 3g for me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too..
No problems here
the thread starter needs to title his thread "tmobile USA" because obviously this phone does not work with tmobile usa 3g. of course tmobile in europe will work fine.
Should have written my answer with more detail :/ The SGS II works for Orange in the UK but with T-mobile US it only works on Edge.
Perhaps You Can Help with T-M 3G?
vimto25 said:
Getting 3g and h here on my tmobile, pretty fast to
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello. I have a GSII from UK, on T-Mobile. Tried to work with a guy at T-Mobile to figure out how to get 3G (only Edge now). My unit is rooted. I would love (and would pay!) to get 3G working on my phone. Can you help out?
RobertCBoston said:
Hello. I have a GSII from UK, on T-Mobile. Tried to work with a guy at T-Mobile to figure out how to get 3G (only Edge now). My unit is rooted. I would love (and would pay!) to get 3G working on my phone. Can you help out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your on T-Mobile US, you can never get anything but EDGE.
Thanks for quick reply...
...not to be a pest, but does the phone I got (UK GSII) just totally lack the hardware capability to do 3G, or is it a software/firmware issue that may some day have a solution?
RobertCBoston said:
...not to be a pest, but does the phone I got (UK GSII) just totally lack the hardware capability to do 3G, or is it a software/firmware issue that may some day have a solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The UK GS2 lacks the current bands to run on T-mobile US network, since they use different bands compared to T-Mobile UK. If you want 3g/4g, you have to wait for T-mobile to release their variant in the states or otherwise change to AT&T.
RobertCBoston said:
...not to be a pest, but does the phone I got (UK GSII) just totally lack the hardware capability to do 3G, or is it a software/firmware issue that may some day have a solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey BostonBob... you might what to take a look at this thread. It explains the situation in a little more detail: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=16356271
Short answer... it appears one-half (the upload half) of the TMobile USA 3G signal is at the wrong frequency (meaning this phone won't support it.)
I looked around to see if there's a software hack to reprogram the frequency or a hardware thing. Best I can tell...
1) The SGS2 supports a VERY wide range of frequencies. The i9100 service manual shows it clearly supports service in the 1700 MHz range... but not specifically AWS (Advanced Wireless Service) that TMobile USA uses.
2) The service manual actually shows you how to go in and 'fine tune' the frequencies if you have superhuman soldering skills.
3) Bad news, even if you hit the right frequency, I'd assume the antenna firmware would have to be changed (well outside of my area of expertise.)
I keep hoping that someone with some knowledge of programming one of these antennas will chime it, but no luck yet.
Now that TMobile USA is releasing their bastardized version of the SGS2, maybe we'll get lucky and the telephony portion of the hardware will be interchangeable (though I highly doubt it.)
If it's any consolation, I'm in the same boat.
Hey Everyone,
I just picked up an unlocked/unbranded GTI-9100 and am only picking up the Edge network for T-Mobile USA. Is there a certain Modem or Kernel I need? The 9100 is on 2.3.3, so I guess I should root it and flash upgraded ROM/Kernel package? I am fimilar with ODIN as I have a Vibrant and a T-Mobile GS2.
Thanks in advance for your help.
I think you should double check your network settings and APNs
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
ionious said:
I think you should double check your network settings and APNs
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My APN is the same as on my other T-Mobile phones?? HELP Please
Guess im just gonna ODIN the speedmod Kernel for root and Clockwork. Can an american get some help with his international phone?? Dang!!
You might get some help if you wait until someone with an answer reads your post .Thats assuming from the tile they pick up is a Yankee with an international version ..
If modem and kernel you have now dont work i cannot see why others would .
jje
vabeach454 said:
Hey Everyone,
I just picked up an unlocked/unbranded GTI-9100 and am only picking up the Edge network for T-Mobile USA. Is there a certain Modem or Kernel I need? The 9100 is on 2.3.3, so I guess I should root it and flash upgraded ROM/Kernel package? I am fimilar with ODIN as I have a Vibrant and a T-Mobile GS2.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the GT-I9100, you'll ONLY ever get Edge on T-Mobile USA. Doesn't matter what you flash. The phone simply doesn't have the hardware to receive 1700mhz UMTS, which is one of two necessary bands (the other being 2100mhz UMTS) for 3g/4g on T-Mobile USA's network.
The GT-I9100 will only ever get HSPA/HSPA+ on AT&T's network in the US. I'm sure of this - I have an I9100, and am on AT&T.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
ctomgee said:
With the GT-I9100, you'll ONLY ever get Edge on T-Mobile USA. Doesn't matter what you flash. The phone simply doesn't have the hardware to receive 1700mhz UMTS, which is one of two necessary bands (the other being 2100mhz UMTS) for 3g/4g on T-Mobile USA's network.
The GT-I9100 will only ever get HSPA/HSPA+ on AT&T's network in the US. I'm sure of this - I have an I9100, and am on AT&T.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks ^^^ That kinda sucks, but sounds like nothing I can do.
vabeach454 said:
Thanks ^^^ That kinda sucks, but sounds like nothing I can do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Not short of getting an AT&T account just for that phone, anyway.
...
(sorry, here comes some snark)
Unless you're comfortable cracking open the phone, ripping out the antenna, replacing it with one that will receive 1700/2100 mhz UMTS, decompiling the OS, tweaking it to recognize the new frequencies, and recompiling.
ctomgee said:
Nope. Not short of getting an AT&T account just for that phone, anyway.
...
(sorry, here comes some snark)
Unless you're comfortable cracking open the phone, ripping out the antenna, replacing it with one that will receive 1700/2100 mhz UMTS, decompiling the OS, tweaking it to recognize the new frequencies, and recompiling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks... Looks like I can sell it for GOOD money to AT&T people for a good profit. I traded my wifes MyTouch 4G for it , so I am still in the good.
maybe flash KI3 modem... most stable one atm in my opinion!
omgitsniklas said:
maybe flash KI3 modem... most stable one atm in my opinion!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Extremely stupid answer please read post 6.
jje
omgitsniklas said:
maybe flash KI3 modem... most stable one atm in my opinion!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really??? *facepalm*
vabeach454 said:
Hey Everyone,
I just picked up an unlocked/unbranded GTI-9100 and am only picking up the Edge network for T-Mobile USA. Is there a certain Modem or Kernel I need? The 9100 is on 2.3.3, so I guess I should root it and flash upgraded ROM/Kernel package? I am fimilar with ODIN as I have a Vibrant and a T-Mobile GS2.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im also in the US on t-mobile got this phone, and had no idea id only get edge. Edge does suck but I love this phone, ill keep this phone for awhile
How do I get the exclamation point off at bootup? Another Kernel??
vabeach454 said:
How do I get the exclamation point off at bootup? Another Kernel??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can either get a USB jig or flash a stock kernel back. Try a search. This has been asked a CRAPTON of times.
ctomgee said:
You can either get a USB jig or flash a stock kernel back. Try a search. This has been asked a CRAPTON of times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK... Thanks.
Ok I used my jig and cleared binary, but its still in DL mode. Can i restart the phone or do I have to use odin now?
EDIT: Nevermind I got it. lol
Remove battery .
jje
Just found this forum... have the exact same issue. I have the GT-I9100 Intl version from Australia and now in the USA for a couple of weeks using T Mobile.
The dude behind the counter asked if my phone was unlocked, which it is. I told him that it supports Quad Band UMTS 850, 900, 1800 and 2100mhz and he said I'd get full HSPA+ reception on the 2100mhz band...
Sure enough, it's only Edge. I THINK there might be a setting in the Device Config (on keypad * # * # 197328640 # * # *) and possibly change something to use the US 2100mhz or something like that...
I can live with using Edge, but just interesting whether it's just a config setting that needs to be changed in the handset itself to pickup a different connection type for US 2100mhz bands?
Whip Cracker said:
Just found this forum... have the exact same issue. I have the GT-I9100 Intl version from Australia and now in the USA for a couple of weeks using T Mobile.
The dude behind the counter asked if my phone was unlocked, which it is. I told him that it supports Quad Band UMTS 850, 900, 1800 and 2100mhz and he said I'd get full HSPA+ reception on the 2100mhz band...
Sure enough, it's only Edge. I THINK there might be a setting in the Device Config (on keypad * # * # 197328640 # * # *) and possibly change something to use the US 2100mhz or something like that...
I can live with using Edge, but just interesting whether it's just a config setting that needs to be changed in the handset itself to pickup a different connection type for US 2100mhz bands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I9100 only gets Edge on T-mobile USA because it doesn't receive 1700 WCDMA. If you want 3g/"4g" you'll have to go to ATT or another carrier that uses the same frequencies...
T-mobile USA uses AWS for high speed mobile internet, which REQUIRES BOTH 1700 & 2100mhz WCDMA. One is used for uplink, the other for downlink. Only receiving one of them won't work, which is why you're only getting Edge.
Dude behind the counter is wrong and doesn't seem to know how AWS works.
EDIT: BTW, UMTS and WCDMA are somewhat interchangeable in this instance.
I just dont know which one. Its for my girl. These will be tmobile phones in this decision which will be on simple mobile.
Right now i have the lg g2x which is unlocked/rooted/running hellfire 2.2 Rom GB 2.3.3 and i love it, battery life sucks though.
What do you guys think about htc 1s vs galaxy s2? Or should we get galaxy s3?
TheKid1 said:
I just dont know which one. Its for my girl. These will be tmobile phones in this decision which will be on simple mobile.
Right now i have the lg g2x which is unlocked/rooted/running hellfire 2.2 Rom GB 2.3.3 and i love it, battery life sucks though.
What do you guys think about htc 1s vs galaxy s2? Or should we get galaxy s3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you're asking for a comparison to the HTC One S, seems you're asking about phones for T-mobile USA?
This particular model of Galaxy S2 is not the model for T-mobile USA, and will only get Edge mobile data speeds on that network.
I'm guessing you want to know about the SGH-T989 .
ctomgee said:
Since you're asking for a comparison to the HTC One S, seems you're asking about phones for T-mobile USA?
This particular model of Galaxy S2 is not the model for T-mobile USA, and will only get Edge mobile data speeds on that network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The galaxy s2 that i am referring to is in fact a tmobile phone. Im not sure why you are saying i will only get edge? Please explain, or can someone else confirm this?
TheKid1 said:
The galaxy s2 that i am referring to is in fact a tmobile phone. Im not sure why you are saying i will only get edge? Please explain, or can someone else confirm this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, the T-mobile USA Galaxy S2 is a different model. I linked the forum for that model above.
See wikipedia.
The i9100 (which this is the forum for: look at the top of the page) doesn't have the required antenna hardware to receive 1700 mhz UTMS, which is a required band for AWS. (the other frequency bring 2100mhz) T-mobile USA uses AWS for high speed mobile data.
So, the i9100 will only get Edge on T-mobile USA's network.
But if you don't believe me, just type "i9100 t-mobile edge" into google.
ctomgee said:
As I said, the T-mobile USA Galaxy S2 is a different model. I linked the forum for that model above.
See wikipedia.
The i9100 (which this is the forum for: look at the top of the page) doesn't have the required antenna hardware to receive 1700 mhz UTMS, which is a required band for AWS. (the other frequency bring 2100mhz) T-mobile USA uses AWS for high speed mobile data.
So, the i9100 will only get Edge on T-mobile USA's network.
But if you don't believe me, just type "i9100 t-mobile edge" into google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok i get what you are saying now. You scared me for a second there. I thought you meant "this model" as in the one i was referring to. Ok well while we are on the subject, isnt there something that can be done to the phones to switch the antennas like installing a new radio or something, or is it an actual physical piece of hardware that runs off different mhz to get 2g/3g/or 4g?
TheKid1 said:
Ok i get what you are saying now. You scared me for a second there. I thought you meant "this model" as in the one i was referring to. Ok well while we are on the subject, isnt there something that can be done to the phones to switch the antennas like installing a new radio or something, or is it an actual physical piece of hardware that runs off different mhz to get 2g/3g/or 4g?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's hardware. There is nothing you or anyone can do to the i9100 to get high speed on the T-mobile USA network with that phone.
If you want a Galaxy S2 model that gets high speed on T-mobile USA's network, you want the SGH-T989. I linked the forum for it above.
And back to your original question......
Get one S
Or S3..
do make sure one S is the Qualcomm S4 not the S3 with 1.7 GHz model.
HTC making one S with older processor after S4 shortage.
Do these two phones have identical hardware but different firmware, so that flashing for example the CM9 mod would make them identical, or do their hardware differs from each other, considering different band support and lack of LTE on T-Mobile?
Thank you.
For the most part hardware seems yo be same... you may have to switch the modems though. Expect a common Cm9 base and then a zip flash for each service provider.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Hopefully there will be some good collaboration between the ATT/Tmo (and possibly some parts from Sprint/Verizon) devs since the hardware is so similar.
It opens up the possibilities for a lot more ROMs!
Actually my question was more about the possibility to use the devices across the networks using custom mods (e.g. to use the I747 on the T-Mobile network).
Thank you.
mikhailmv said:
Actually my question was more about the possibility to use the devices across the networks using custom mods (e.g. to use the I747 on the T-Mobile network).
Thank you.
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Click to collapse
You can do this without mods but you won't have access to the 3g band on TMo just like TMo won't have access to the LTE 4g ATT Band...flashing a diff modem/radio won't give you the missing bands unless the hardware actually supports them and its just locked out...which currently isnt known.
djkinetic said:
You can do this without mods but you won't have access to the 3g band on TMo just like TMo won't have access to the LTE 4g ATT Band...flashing a diff modem/radio won't give you the missing bands unless the hardware actually supports them and its just locked out...which currently isnt known.
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That is what my question was about. So the answer is unknown.
Thank you.
mikhailmv said:
That is what my question was about. So the answer is unknown.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a very valid question… the AT&T Galaxy S III is $550 out of contract; the T-Mobile version, $630.
If you're paying out of pocket, $80 less for what amounts to the same device (arguably, the AT&T one is better since it has an LTE radio) is nothing to sneeze at.
I am having the same question as well.
The situation here is the same to what I have as Rogers/Bell/Telus vs Wind/Mobilicity
I'd like the flexibility to use the phone across the network since the new carriers charge way cheaper than the big 3....
I suppose the hardware between the two model are identical. All support the same band 850 900 1700 2100 (AWS/LTE). Only the AWS version has the LTE radio disabled and HSPA 42 enabled???
It should work, the phone is locked to att thou. You will have to have it unlocked. But the skyrocket and the hercules were interchangeable between networks. But the international will not work on lte or Hspa.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Micronads said:
It should work, the phone is locked to att thou. You will have to have it unlocked. But the skyrocket and the hercules were interchangeable between networks. But the international will not work on lte or Hspa.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
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So you are saying that that radio modules of these two phones are identical. Meaning that T989 supports LTE, and I747 supports the 1700 band (they just have to be unlocked).
I'm gettin mine unlocked and using it on straight talk t mobile. I need to get that hspa 42 workin. It's just software. From what I gather, once t mobile rolls out their LTE they may just release a firmware update enabling LTE on the t mobile galaxy sIII's. This phone is a seven band monster world phone. To such an extent that carriers are turning features off.
---------- Post added at 09:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:43 PM ----------
mikhailmv said:
So you are saying that that radio modules of these two phones are identical. Meaning that T989 supports LTE, and I747 supports the 1700 band (they just have to be unlocked).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the radio modules on this phone are integrated in the S4 processor. And the processor is identical. One would have to conclude, that yes, that is the case.
From a strictly electrical background the modem is software running on transistors which can handle being pushed to the frequencies T-mobile requires, so I would think that it would be doable with the right software. When a transistor has the ability to handle the current and frequency the rest would be a matter of software, I assume.
As for LTE I have no knowledge as to the hardware or if there its something missing in non LTEs.
noahattic said:
I am having the same question as well.
The situation here is the same to what I have as Rogers/Bell/Telus vs Wind/Mobilicity
I'd like the flexibility to use the phone across the network since the new carriers charge way cheaper than the big 3....
I suppose the hardware between the two model are identical. All support the same band 850 900 1700 2100 (AWS/LTE). Only the AWS version has the LTE radio disabled and HSPA 42 enabled???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have unlocked (Sim Unlocked) my SGSIII I747 from Bell and it works with Rogers and all... however i do not have a micro sim from Wind or Mobilcity to test it... however i wiill go to a few stores to test it out... if it works... which i assume it should.... but there are so many factors that it might not....
However, if someone like tomin.... i cant rememebr his id can provide an interchangable flashable modem for the two phones i747 could be used on aws 1700 using the radio from t999.
See the chart on Wikipedia
Samsung Galaxy S III Model variants
I've looked at the specs sheet from samsung.com and it's the same thing.
Weve been arguing in the other thread about how t999 has msm8260 instead of a msm8960Sent from my cm_tenderloin using Tapatalk 2
Unlocked as in correect combination of software loaded on the phone to correspond with the carrier, not simply unlocking the phone. More like unleashing its potential.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
It is interesting as its normally a possibility with Galaxy devices. This is a bit different since they have used slightly different models. We won't know until we get flashable radios and someone is brave enough to try to flash it on their device. I know with the Skyrocket I was able to flash a T-Mobile radio and get a 3G signal on wind (same type of network but in canada). The only limit was that you couldn't take a t-mobile version, flash at&t's radio and get LTE.
y2whisper said:
It is interesting as its normally a possibility with Galaxy devices. This is a bit different since they have used slightly different models. We won't know until we get flashable radios and someone is brave enough to try to flash it on their device. I know with the Skyrocket I was able to flash a T-Mobile radio and get a 3G signal on wind (same type of network but in canada). The only limit was that you couldn't take a t-mobile version, flash at&t's radio and get LTE.
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Click to collapse
It would be great if we ca use the same technique to make i747 work with Wind & Mobilcity and make it just like T999
Any Luck>>>
it's good finally there's not that big of a difference in hardware and looks vs the Galaxy s2. too many variants makes it difficult to buy any accessories
I was thinking about buying the International unlocked Galaxy SIII GT I9300 and saw how it would be cheaper in the long run, but my main motivation was being able to move from carrier to carrier if I wanted to and not having a contract. I seem to be reading though that the international version is only compatible with AT&T and T-mobile at 3G and is not capable of 4G speeds at all. Also, that even American versions are not always compatible with eachother. So am I correct in thinking that if I get an international version I'll be stuck between T-Mobile and Sprint at 3Gs. And that nothing can be done to the phone to allow an International phone to work with Sprint or even an American Sprint to work on a T-Mobile network? I'm starting to think it might be easier to just get an American phone and jailbreak it.
The international one will never work with sprint or Verizon, the AT&T and t-mobile versions will never work with sprint or Verizon.
The difference is hardware, Verizon and sprint are cdma, the rest are gsm.
The international one will work with AT&T with 3g and 4g(actually its hspa+ which is technically 3.5g) and will work on T-Mobile only in 2g for now, in a few months it will work on 3g and 4g when they refarm their 1900 or 1700mhz (can't remember which) band to 3g.
No matter what you do to either the international or US gsm versions they will NEVER EVER WORK ON SPRINT OR VERIZON.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
I see, that's what I was afraid of. The AT&T and T-Mobile option still seem attractive, but in your opinion will the Verizon/Sprint with a jailbreak route be better in the long term since the LTE is by far the superior option(from what I've read)? I've seen AT&T has LTE but the International version wouldn't be able to work on a LTE network anyway, would it??? I plan to download most things on my laptop and move them to the phone anyway, the only important thing to me internet speed would affect and my main concern would be live video chat, would the 3G or HSPA+ be sufficient for that? Other than talk and text the phone will be mainly used for games, movies, music and the superior GPU in the International version I think would be better for that? Are there any other phones comparative to the Galaxy III you know of that might have both the CDMA and the GSM, the "world phones" as I've seen them called?
Matt45045 said:
I see, that's what I was afraid of. The AT&T and T-Mobile option still seem attractive, but in your opinion will the Verizon/Sprint with a jailbreak route be better in the long term since the LTE is by far the superior option(from what I've read)? I've seen AT&T has LTE but the International version wouldn't be able to work on a LTE network anyway, would it??? I plan to download most things on my laptop and move them to the phone anyway, the only important thing to me internet speed would affect and my main concern would be live video chat, would the 3G or HSPA+ be sufficient for that? Other than talk and text the phone will be mainly used for games, movies, music and the superior GPU in the International version I think would be better for that? Are there any other phones comparative to the Galaxy III you know of that might have both the CDMA and the GSM, the "world phones" as I've seen them called?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't/don't jailbreak Android phones. Hard to even know what you are talking bout trying to accomplish? It's very simple.
1. Buy a phone from a carrier and use it on that carrier. That's the easiest option.
2. Buy an International GS3 and use it on AT&T 3G or 2G.
3. Buy an International GS3 and use it on T-Mobile 2G.
If you try any other options you are just going to confuse yourself.
Definitely don't get the sprint or Verizon ones, you are stuck on cdma then. The at&t one has LTE and the T-Mobile one has dc hspa+ (theoretically up to 42mbps) the international one has standard hspa+ (up to 21mbps) and I regularly get between 5-8mbps down and 2-3mbps up and I live in the country.
The gpu and cpu on the international one are better too.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
I have a bad habit of using the words root and jailbreak interchangeably, I meant root the phone. I guess I have to decide how important LTE is to me. It'll either be AT&T or the International version. The superior GPU and CPU are attractive, but so are the LTE speeds. But I guess with the limited data maybe not. But thanks for your help, this clarified a lot for me.
Frequency Concern
I have the exact same problem!
I am planning to buy a Galaxy Nexus, which works for UMTS (850/900/1700/1900/2100MHz) and GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz). I read from wikipedia that the 3G and 4G networks from Tmobile are carried on the frequency of both 1700MHz and 2100 MHz. Does that mean Galaxy Nexus can use 3G and 4G on Tmobile network?
playmaker1 said:
I have the exact same problem!
I am planning to buy a Galaxy Nexus, which works for UMTS (850/900/1700/1900/2100MHz) and GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz). I read from wikipedia that the 3G and 4G networks from Tmobile are carried on the frequency of both 1700MHz and 2100 MHz. Does that mean Galaxy Nexus can use 3G and 4G on Tmobile network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the galaxy nexus will work fine on tmo, its pentaband.
I brought my Irish one to america and used it on tmo no problem.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
nodstuff said:
Yes, the galaxy nexus will work fine on tmo, its pentaband.
I brought my Irish one to america and used it on tmo no problem.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really?! Then I should sell my international version of Galaxy S II for a Galaxy Nexus. S II doesnt receive 1700MHz. I read from Wikipeida: This band (Tmobile 3G and 4G) was an area of wireless spectrum, half in the 1700 MHz (1.7 GHz) and half in the 2100 MHz (2.1 GHz) frequencies. SO I was thinking: Hey, how about getting a phone with both 1700 and 2100MHz to work on Tmobile 3G and 4G.
So you can actually use 3G? or even 4G on Tmobile? Is it so slow or weak that makes you want to change carrier?
I9300
nodstuff said:
The international one will never work with sprint or Verizon, the AT&T and t-mobile versions will never work with sprint or Verizon.
The difference is hardware, Verizon and sprint are cdma, the rest are gsm.
The international one will work with AT&T with 3g and 4g(actually its hspa+ which is technically 3.5g) and will work on T-Mobile only in 2g for now, in a few months it will work on 3g and 4g when they refarm their 1900 or 1700mhz (can't remember which) band to 3g.
No matter what you do to either the international or US gsm versions they will NEVER EVER WORK ON SPRINT OR VERIZON.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Help, I have an I9300 and I can't configure it to recieve data I am on the AT&T GO $60 data plan and AT&T says it is my phones problem. I've tried a lot of different settings and it still shows up as disconnected under the mobile network state. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
---------- Post added at 01:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:56 PM ----------
nodstuff said:
Definitely don't get the sprint or Verizon ones, you are stuck on cdma then. The at&t one has LTE and the T-Mobile one has dc hspa+ (theoretically up to 42mbps) the international one has standard hspa+ (up to 21mbps) and I regularly get between 5-8mbps down and 2-3mbps up and I live in the country.
The gpu and cpu on the international one are better too.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Help, I have an I9300 and I have tried for a week to get AT&T GO set up for data. I can talk and text fine, but no luck with data AT&T says it is my phone. Under mobile network state it says disconnected. any help would be greatly appreciated. It is an unlocked international GSM phone.
I have a Samsung GT-I9300 unlocked Gsm phone. I have started AT&T GO $60 data plan. I have tried for a week now to get data with no luck. I can talk & text fine, and it works great off of WI-FI. AT&T has tried everything they can do and says it is a problem with my phone. I was previously on Straight Talk but was stuck with EDGE speeds and not good coverage. Any help would be greatly appreciated.